In this episode of Coffee with the Superintendent, we turn to 1 Samuel 5 and reflect on the downfall of Dagon before the ark of the Lord. The devotion reminds us that no idol can stand before the living God, and in Christ we see the ultimate victory over the powers of darkness. In The Second Pour, we celebrate Matthias in the 11th grade on his birthday, share today’s lunch of burritos and nachos, and look ahead to a full day of athletics—Junior Varsity and Varsity Volleyball against Trinity Christian, Varsity Soccer against Grace Christian, and Middle School Soccer taking on the Homeschool Team. It’s a B-Day in the Upper School, so get ready for a great day of both academics and athletics.

In this episode of Coffee with the Superintendent, we open God’s Word to 1 Samuel 4:12–22 and reflect on the sobering moment when Israel cried out, “The glory has departed.” From Eli’s fall to the naming of Ichabod, we see how the old covenant points us toward the surpassing glory revealed in Christ. What Israel mourned as loss, God was preparing to restore in fullness through Emmanuel, “God with us.” Alongside this devotion, we catch up on alumni, faculty, and student birthdays from August 21st through August 25th, celebrate today’s events including Varsity Girls Golf, Parent Nights, and Varsity Football, and of course share what’s for lunch—chicken nuggets and green beans. It’s a reminder that even in the ordinary rhythms of life, God’s glory remains present in Christ.

In this episode of Coffee with the Superintendent, we celebrate birthdays for David Shannon (Alumni), Cameron (8th grade), and Tobenna (Preschool), share a classic lunch of cheeseburgers and fries, and spotlight a day of exciting growth across our campus. While our 7th–10th graders dive into Get Acquainted Days to strengthen friendships and unity, our juniors and seniors head to Camp Anchorage for Spiritual Leadership Camp, where they’ll be challenged to lead with courage and Christlike character. Join us as we reflect on how everyday moments—whether a meal, a birthday, or a camp retreat—can shape discipleship and build the next generation of leaders.

In this episode of Coffee with the Superintendent, we look at the calling of Samuel in 1 Samuel 3 and how his response, “Speak, Lord, for your servant hears,” points us to Christ, the true and final Prophet. From the silence of Israel to the Word made flesh, we’ll explore what it means for believers today to listen and obey God’s voice under the New Covenant. In the Second Pour, we celebrate birthdays for Jion Lee, Eryn, and Pastor Sean Harris, enjoy the news of breakfast-for-lunch, and highlight a packed calendar of athletic games and practices. The Upper School will also be on a modified schedule as we prepare for Get Acquainted Days and Spiritual Leadership Camp later this week.

In this episode of Coffee with the Superintendent, we step into 1 Samuel 2:27–36 where God confronts Eli and his family’s corruption in the priesthood. We’ll see how this passage, though filled with judgment, points us forward to the perfect and faithful High Priest—Jesus Christ. Together, we’ll explore the Jewish understanding of priesthood, God’s call to holiness, and how Christ fulfills what the priesthood could never accomplish on its own. Then, in The Second Pour, we’ll catch up on a long list of birthdays, including several alumni, students, and even one of our beloved faculty members. Join us for encouragement, truth, and celebration as we begin another week together.

In today’s Coffee with the Superintendent, we open the First Pour with 1 Samuel 2:22–26, exploring the sobering contrast between the corruption of Eli’s sons and the steadfast faithfulness of young Samuel. We’ll step into the Jewish mindset of the priesthood’s sacred calling, see how this moment foreshadows our need for the perfect High Priest, and uncover the grace that flows through the New Covenant in Christ. In the Second Pour, we pause to celebrate the birthday of Bulldog alumnus Jensen Sherrill Birkholz. Join us for encouragement to live faithfully, shine brightly, and trust in God’s work even when the world around us grows dark.

In this episode of “Coffee with the Superintendent,” we look at 1 Samuel 2:12–21, where the corruption of Eli’s sons stands in sharp contrast to the faithful service of young Samuel. We’ll explore the Old Covenant priesthood through the lens of the Jewish mindset, see how its failures foreshadow the perfect priesthood of Jesus Christ, and learn what it means for modern believers to live and worship with integrity. In “The Second Pour,” we celebrate the birthday of Joo Kim, praying for a year filled with God’s grace, joy, and guidance.

In today’s Coffee with the Superintendent, we open the First Pour with a powerful devotional from 1 Samuel 2:1–11, where Hannah’s prayer overflows with praise to the God who reverses human circumstances, humbles the proud, and exalts His anointed. We explore the Jewish mindset of covenant faith, the New Covenant foreshadowing of Christ’s kingdom, and the call for modern believers to live with joy rooted in salvation, humility before God’s holiness, and confidence in His sovereign reversals.

In the Second Pour, we celebrate birthdays from this past weekend and today—honoring alumni and current students alike. Saturday, August 9th, we celebrated alumni Jessica Pruitt, Frank Ziwei, and Heather Little. On Sunday, August 10th, we honored alumni Daniel Murphy, Paige Knight, and Lucas Vogt, along with Noah in the 8th grade and Calum in preschool. Today, Monday, August 11th, we celebrate alumni Ga Baeg and Mei-Lani Austin, and Bryan in the 9th grade.

We close with a look ahead to this Saturday’s Back to School Festival, featuring the Bulldog Classic Volleyball and Soccer Invitational starting Friday at 3 p.m. Join us for a weekend of fellowship, fun, and Bulldog pride.

In today’s First Pour, we look at 1 Samuel 1:21–28 and witness Hannah fulfilling the vow she made to the Lord. Rooted in the Jewish customs of vows and sacrificial worship, her act of dedicating Samuel to lifelong service foreshadows the Father’s giving of His Son, Jesus Christ, for our salvation. This devotion draws out the New Covenant truths that our lives, blessings, and commitments ultimately belong to God. Just as Hannah brought costly offerings alongside her obedience, we too are called to live as living sacrifices, daily surrendering to the will of God with open hands and trusting hearts.

In the Second Pour, we celebrate two Berean alumni birthdays: Melissa St. Clair Barrows and Andrea Charity. We pray your year ahead is marked by joy, peace, and the strength that comes from walking closely with Christ. Your time at Berean helped shape your foundation, and your continued faithfulness is an encouragement to the generations that follow.

In this episode of Coffee with the Superintendent, we journey through the story of Hannah in 1 Samuel 1:1–20, exploring the depths of sorrow, the power of prayer, and the promises fulfilled through Christ. Through a New Covenant lens, we contrast the Jewish customs and expectations of the Old Covenant with the freedom, access, and fulfillment believers now have in Jesus. Hannah's barren state, her vow, and the miraculous birth of Samuel become symbols that point to Christ, our ultimate High Priest and the giver of spiritual life.

We consider what it means today to pour out our souls before the Lord—not in ritual, but in relational faith. Whether in grief or hope, the New Covenant invites us to approach God boldly, with the assurance that He hears, sees, and responds with grace.