Dear friends and families of West Michigan Christian Schools,
A bounded set is a term in math used to describe a set of numbers of finite size. This set of numbers has a clear boundary. In order to fit into the set, the number must fit the definition of the set. There is also something called a centered set. These sets are not defined by a boundary, but by a direction. It is a collection of things moving toward a well-defined center.
What are we? What are you?
When applying these definitions to people, we could make boundaries based on geography, politics, socioeconomics, ethnicity, or even whether we like Chevy or Ford. We can then determine to protect our boundaries – or at least make an effort to make sure they are recognized and respected by others. Living as a bounded set could make us feel secure as we only let in those who are also part of the set, and therefore, “like us.” It can also make us feel safe in that we are working to protect what is ours.
But what if we thought of ourselves as a Centered set?
When we instead center ourselves on Jesus Christ, our “set” includes all those who share that center. Our work is to grow the set to include all of those around us.
With a shared center we can:
• Tear down the borders that restrict our association
• Gracefully support more people and be encouraged
(not threatened) by them
Working with our West Michigan Christian Schools collaborative group helps us move from bounded sets to a center. By breaking down the boundaries, we have been able to help each other improve. We have been able to encourage our colleagues and be more effective in our daily work and in advancing the cause of Christian education, which is the cause of Christ.
By breaking down the boundaries, we have been able to help each other improve. We have been able to encourage our colleagues and be more effective in our daily work and in advancing the cause of Christian education, which is the cause of Christ.
The collaborative staff works hard and smart (READ MORE about the WMCS Collaborative Staff) to benefit all schools while glorifying Him. Personally, I have been enriched by the time spent with the other WMCS principals. Our relationship has provided invaluable opportunities to share ideas, ask for advice, laugh (a lot), and occasionally vent.
The collaborative staff works hard and smart to benefit all schools while glorifying Him.
If you are reading this, you likely have been supportive of one or more of our Christian schools. Thank you so much for your encouragement and participation in this audacious project. For well over one hundred years we have, by the grace of God, been able to build and sustain these schools for the sake of training children to make Christ the center of their lives.
For well over one hundred years we have, by the grace of God, been able to build and sustain these schools for the sake of training children to make Christ the center of their lives.
Please keep us in your prayers as together we grow as a centered set!
Better together,
Dan DeKam, WMCS Collaborative Director
