Rooted in Design: Middle School Launches House System

On the front lawn at Hillcrest, a circle of middle school students bent low around Mr. Carter. Their eyes were fixed on a simple leaf. But what they saw was more than green veins and ribbing. They were led to see order, design, and a reflection of the God who made all things with specific uniqueness and purpose.

That scene on the front lawn transitioned across campus for the Middle School, where students fanned out across campus to collect leaves from a variety of trees. They gathered inside the Student Union, pressing leaves they collected from their hike on campus under paper, shading carefully with crayons to study the designs in a different way. A picture formed of individual leaves, unique and varied, brought together to form one name, one community, to spell out “Comets.”

Students considered how the Bible tells us that leaves give life through photosynthesis, turning sunlight into oxygen and food. In the same way, God gives us life through His Word: “He Himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything” (Acts 17:25).

Trees also show strength and rootedness, their deep roots drawing water so they can stand tall. Scripture paints this same picture of those who are rooted in Christ: “Blessed is the man… he is like a tree planted by streams of water” (Psalm 1:3).

And as the changing colors of fall remind us of God’s glory in creation, so too does the House System remind students of the beauty of God’s design for community. “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands” (Psalm 19:1).

In the House System at Hillcrest, students are learning to name and celebrate the design of each other, their character, habits, strengths, and stories. Today, they discovered that God’s creation is full of clues pointing to His order, His strength, and His beauty, and how they can reflect that by recognizing, celebrating, and promoting his work in their hearts and in the community of Hillcrest.