MKS News June 2020
Living the Life, The Golden Rule & Voice of the King
HOW I SEE GOD MOVING IN OUR MIDST
"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10
I do not consider it a coincidence that our theme was "Living the Life" during a time when death, or the possibility of death, came to the forefront of our lives. God is the giver of life, the sustainer and healer, and even in the face of death, offers life. We spent this past school year focused on what it means to:
Love
Pray
Be in the Word
Honor Others
Serve
Grow
Forgive
Endure
and we wrapped up our time in May encouraging our students to
Love God & Love Others
in Matthew 22:37-39. Our purpose in this life is built on a foundation of LOVE. I see that God has been preparing us.
"For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow." James 1:3
As we transition from the 2019-20 season focused on "Living the Life" to the Summer Session, it is amazing to watch God's perfect plans unfold. One example was when I turned the calendar from March to April and saw Endure and James 1:3.
In light of the current focus on social injustice, it was just as amazing for me to flip the calendar to July to see that we will be learning about the Golden Rule in Luke 6:31 this summer as we dance. Now, I was the one to put those verses in the calendar in the first place, but I did that last summer. I always feel God's leading when preparing for the year ahead, and I have to walk in faith and pray that what I am putting on the calendar is what God is prompting. To be honest, last summer I was puzzled about this summer's verse. What a difference a year makes.
"Do to others as you would have them do to you." Luke 6:31
The Golden Rule as stated in Luke 6:31 is a quick and easy way to remember how to live a life honoring others for God's glory. Again, the underlying motivation is LOVE. Although I have shed many tears grieving the absence of my "normal," nothing compares to the grief of those who have not had the opportunity to experience "normal" in this society as a safe place. I am thankful for this break from my "normal" which makes space and time to hear the stories and see those in our society who have been silenced and ignored for so long. I am hopeful that the new "normal" for all who have been oppressed will be LOVE, compassion, acceptance, understanding, equity, safety, and much more that is good and right.
He says, "Be still, and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10a
I do not consider it a coincidence that our theme for next year (determined in the Fall of 2019) is "Voice of the King." At the start of the shutdown back in March, many noticed and commented on the opportunities to slow down and have time to truly connect with those closest to us. Now that the school year has ended for us, I am finally experiencing that. When we hear and heed God when He admonishes us to rest and to "be still, and know I am God," there is time and space to hear Him. I believe He is preparing us to listen and to hear His voice. If we believe the greatest command is to LOVE God and others, and God asks us to be still to know Him, it follows that if we are still and listen to the voice of others, we will come to know them too.
"Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him." Colossians 3:10
We are living in this fallen world where there is a battle between light and dark. And I am not referring to skin color. This has gone on since the Garden of Eden. But God woos us to be justified and then calls us to a life of sanctification, living as redeemed people. May we be forgiven for our transgressions against our brothers and sisters. There is healing and hope in redemption, humility, and forgiveness.
"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed." Proverbs 31:8
Even when we do not know what to say, may we echo God's voice of LOVE. I am humbled and excited to see what more God has in store for us in the year ahead. It may not be easy, but I know we will learn and grow in amazing ways. I pray that MKS will be a place of conversation, connection, compassion, and LOVE as we listen to one another and to the voice of our King.
If you would like to comment or share with us any ways that we can better serve you, please reach out to us at 636-98-3321 or my_king_studio@hotmail.com. We want to hear your voice!
2020 Summer & 2020-21 School Year Enrollment Details
2020 Summer Session
Join us this Summer! Classes run June 30 - July 30, Tuesday through Thursday each week. All class sizes are limited to 8, and we have prepared the studios to allow for students to each have their own square in which to safely move and stay socially distanced. More information to be sent out soon as well! Click here to see the schedule or enroll - https://mykingstudio.com/summer-dance-classes/
2020-21 School Year
Enroll now - 9/15 and enjoy $15 off your family's registration fee! We will be offering classes in person and virtually as needed. We look forward to a great dance and tumbling year ahead!
https://mykingstudio.com/class-schedules-o-fallon-missouri-dance-class/
Photo Information from Edward Crim at Studio 858
There is still an opportunity for great photos of your dancers at Studio 858 in Saint Ann! Our studio is far from the madding crowd and our MKS special not only gets you several poses on two different backgrounds, but you get to select the ones you want! We also have the dance recital background that was this year’s theme if you would like to include it.
Photos can be taken at Studio 858 at any time, but the special pricing for MKS Students & Families extends through June 30!
Schedule your appointment today by calling us or by going to our on-line scheduling tool here:
2020-21 Kingdom Dancer Ministry Season Cancelled
After much prayer and consideration, we have decided to cancel our season for just this year. Looking at our typical venues, there is little chance that we would have the opportunity to go into the nursing homes and assisted living facilities once winter hits. Additionally, attempting to bring a group of 30 dancers along with instructors, wardrobe mistresses, and family members into any space may pose challenges.
We are heartbroken at the thought, as so many who we serve are already lonely during the best of times. These people need love and connection, and we are trusting God's purposes even though it may not make sense right now. The way in which we typically connect is not the best avenue for us to minister at this time.
A Parent Asks - Are Online Dance Classes Really Worth It?
Dance Teacher Publication
By: Jenny Ouellette
Q: In this period of economic uncertainty, my family is looking at our budget from every angle. Summer enrollment at the dance studio is now—but no one is sure when we'll actually be able to head into the studio. I want to support small businesses like our dance studio, but I also can't help but wonder: Are virtual classes worth it?
A: No doubt about it, virtual dance classes attempted in your living room are not the same as classes in the studio—and we, as parents, along with our dancing kids, need to reset our expectations. For one, says clinical psychologist Christina Donaldson, who specializes in adolescence and serves on the advisory board of Youth Protection Advocates in Dance, dance classes in any form are about more than learning technique—they offer community. "And now, during quarantine, when kids aren't able to see their friends, community becomes paramount," she says. "Kids are actually getting more from these classes on a mental and emotional level."
To read the full article:
MKS Family Feedback Survey - Technology
Please take 2 minutes or less to complete the following Technology survey -
https://forms.gle/VPphgbVYdeL77DJE9
Thanks so much!
MKS Important Dates
2020 SUMMER SESSION
June 30 - July 30
SUMMER WATCH WEEK*
July 21-23 & July 28-30
*We typically have 1 Watch Week for all families of Summer Session dancers, but this year we are going to have 2 weeks of Watch Weeks to allow for social distancing in the lobby. Please have only 1-2 Family members come, and please only come 1 WEEK. Thank you so much!
NOW - 9/15
$15 off the 2020-21 registration fee for families!
FRI 8/28 - THURS 9/3
First Week of 2020-21 Classes
About MKS
Email: my_king_studio@hotmail.com
Website: https://mykingstudio.com
Location: 2140 Bryan Valley Commercial Drive, O'Fallon, MO, USA
Phone: (636) 978-3321
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mykingstudio/