Happy Sunday!

Hello and good Sunday evening to each of you. Many thanks to those who welcomed me tonight. I appreciate your hugs and words of cheer and greeting. It means a lot. Yes, I have been away for quite some time. I started out not feeling well and then caught a bad case of the LAZY disease. Unfortunately, it happens. We shouldn't let it. It's always nice being in God's House with His people!

I wanted to take a few minutes and give you some updates. From the looks of things, there is a lot going on in the coming weeks. Be sure to mark the dates on your calendar so you don't miss out!

We are starting the week out with Memorial Day tomorrow. Let's take the time to remember those who have fought and continue to fight for our freedom. We have lost numerous men and women over the years and please don't let their efforts be in vain. Let's also remember their families. For without their support, our men and women couldn't do the jobs they do. A friend of mine was expecting her husband home a couple of days ago....only to be delayed. He (from what I understand) finally made it home today and just in time for his daughter's birthday party. He was supposed to be the daughter's gift (she was going to unwrap him today). Instead, it seems like the children and their mother got a surprise. All things work out best according to the plan God has. I do not know why there was a delay, but I have to believe that it was all part of God's plan.

He will be heading back overseas in 14 days. I have another friend whose husband will be leaving in August to go overseas. Please keep all of our troops and their families in your prayers.

Vacation Bible School: the theme for VBS this year is "The Game Day Central: where heroes are made". It is being held the week of June 3rd-7th from 6-8:30pm. Dinner will be served nightly. Classes are available for all ages from birth to adult. We will see that true heroes are ordinary people like you and me, who follow God's plan for life. Everyone in the community is invited and encouraged to attend!

There will be a youth pool party June 7th from 4-5:30pm at the Martin residence. Please refer to the note in your bulletin, or email me for more informatioin (nricha4903@hotmail.com).

If you wish to take part in the Children's Good News Bible Club, applications are available in the vestibule. Please fill them out and return them to our pastor or Minister of Students. The cost of processing the application is $5.00, which should be provided by the applicant.

Practice for preschool/children's choir for ages 3 and up is being held on Sunday evenings immediately after Discipleship Training (DT is at 5pm) in the educational building.

Youth choir practice is held on Monday eveing at 6pm in the sanctuary. Come and make a joyful noise!

Staff meetings are being held on Wednesdays from 9-10:30am. This allows the church staff to communicate and plan, in order to better serve the FBC family.

There will be a deacon's meeting Sunday, June 3rd in the conference room.

Ladies: don't forget craft night on Tuesday evenings. It is being held from 6:30-8:30pm. Please contact the church office or me for more information. Work continues on the crafts being made for the bazaar this year. Proceeds go toward the purchase of a new church bus/van.

Men: Don't forget about prayer group on Friday mornings. I realize that some have been out of town, but all men are invited and encouraged to attend. The group normally meets in the prayer garden at 7am. The group will move to the sanctuary in case of bad weather.

There will a special recognition ceremony for our graduates Sunday, June 3rd. If you are aware of any graduates, please call the church office no later than Sunday, May 27th (t0day).

Also, a remember about Wednesday night suppers and prayer meeting. The normal organizational meetings that are held each Wednesday begin right after supper. All are invited and encouraged to attend!

I hope everyone will have a blessed week. Take care and God bless!

Love in Christ,

Tina :-)

P.S. The church office will be closed Tuesday, May 29th. There will be no adult choir practice Sunday, June 3rd due to VBS.

Hello and good Saturday evening to each of you. I hope all is well with you and yours. I wanted to take a few minutes to update you on the activities taking place this week.

Men's breakfast will be held tomorrow morning at 8am in the fellowship hall. All the men are invited to attend.

There will be a Chilren's Committee meeting tomorrow afternoon (May 20th) at 4pm in the gym.

Ladies: don't forget about craft night this Tuesday, May 22nd. It is being held in the trailer beside Culler-McAlhany funeral home from 6:30-8:30pm. All ladies are invited to attend. Work continues on the crafts being made for the Christmas bazaar in December.

Vacation Bible School is right around the corner. It is being held the week of June 3rd-6th from 6-8:30 (I believe I have the times right. If not, I will update them later). There are classes available for folks of all ages. Plan on joining in the fun and fellowship and bring a friend or two along!

The youth are planning their retreat to SummerSalt. They will be attending this camp the week of June 25th-29th. Please be in prayer for them as they prepare for their trip and that they will have a safe trip there and back and will allow God to work through them during this time.

Everyone is encourage to attend Wednesday night suppers and prayer meeting. Supper begins at 6pm and prayer meeting at 7pm. Supper and prayer meeting are held in the fellowship hall. Mission Friends, GA's and RA's are held in their regular classrooms.

Men: a quick reminder about the meeting time on Friday mornings for Men's prayer time. All men are invited and encouraged to attend. If it is raining, etc. the group will meet inside the church sanctuary. If weather permits, the group normally meets in the prayer garden outside the sanctuary. This special time begins at 7am on Friday mornings.

There will be a Music Committee meeting next Sunday, May 27th. It will be held in the choir room at 4pm.

Let's not forget Memorial Day next Monday, May 28th. A time to remember those who have fought and continue to fight for this country. Tis a difficult job these men and women have protecting our country and allowing us to keep the rights and freedoms we so often take for granted. We don't deserve all that we have been blessed with. And if we aren't smart about it, it can be taken away from us. It would be sad for a country as prosperous as America to lose its freedoms. We need to be thankful each and every day that we have men and women willing to fight for those freedoms and not belittle the job that they do. It makes me angry when people balk at the men and women who have served and continue to serve this country. I hope and pray that one day you will truly value the freedoms you have in this country and not take it for granted. Many have died protecting your rights and many will continue to die doing the same. Let it not be in vain. There is an email that circulates quite frequently that states toward the end....only 2 have died for your freedom, the American GI and Jesus Christ. Look how each of them are repaid. We should be ashamed. I will get off my soapbox now. I know that there are people who do appreciate the job our military does for us and I do know that there are people who remember them in prayer. I thank God for those people!

I hope that you have a wonderful Saturday evening. Take care and God bless!

Love in Christ,

Tina :-)

Hello and good Monday evening to each of you. I hope everyone is doing well. I wanted to take a few minutes and update you on the activities for the week.

Ladies: don't forget craft night is tomorrow night (May 15th) from 6:30-8:30. It is being held at the trailer beside Culler-McAlhany funeral home. All ladies are encourage/invited to attend. Work continues on the crafts being made for the Christmas bazaar.

If you are interested in being a part of the Drama Ministry, please see the pastor's wife for more information.

The newsletter deadline is Tuesday, May 15th. Be sure to let the church office know of any upcoming events.

The deposit for youth summer camp is due Wed., May 16th. A request has been made to let the Minister of Students know if you want to attend or is special arrangements are needed. The deposit is $40.00 per person.

The Children's Committee will meet very briefly for a few minutes during Wed. night supper May 16th. Supper begins at 6.

Children's Comittee will also meet on Sunday, May 20th at 4pm in the gym.

Children & youth: there will be an open gym Sat., 19th. It is an Hawaiian theme. The time for the children (ages preschool - 5) is 1-3pm. The youth will have their open gym from 7-10pm.

Women on Mission meet Wed., May 16th immediately following supper. All ladies are invited and encouraged to attend. The meeting will be held in the choir room.

Men's breakfast is next Sunday, May 20th. All men are invited and encouraged to attend. Breakfast is being served in the fellowship hall at 8am.

That is all I have for now. Until next time, take care and God bless!

Love in Christ,

Tina :-)

Mothers

Mother's Day is just around the corner. A time to let that special lady know how much she means to you. Mothers have a hard job. It consists of long hours, no vacations, no paid sick leave, no raises or promotions. Even with all of that, they continue with their job of being a mother.

She takes the time to listen to your problems. Kisses the boo-boos when you scrape your knee. Checks your temperature and tucks you in all nice and cozy when you are sick. Hurts when you hurt, cries when you cry and loves you to the ends of the earth and back again.

I had the privilege of being a mother to a child for a short while. She and I recently gained the opportunity to reconnect after her father and I went our separate ways. He and I were engaged for 5 year and together for 6. A time that will not be forgotten. His daughter came to mean a great deal to me. So you can imagine how wonderful it is for me to be able to communicate with her again. I love her as if she were my own child. I am thankful to have the opportunity to be a part of her life and to have her in mine.

A mother is person who loves you no matter what. She picks you up when you are down. I don't know what I do without my own mother. You can understand a small part of what God feels toward us (His children). A love beyond all measure. It is the greatest gift indeed.

I apologize for not writing in this blog in a while. Things have been a little crazy. I was recently promoted at work and have been working on various things at home. God blessed me with the chance to serve my work place as Office Manager. I hope I do not fail.

We have several things going on in our church. If you are interested in being a part of the drama ministry, please see the pastor's wife for more information.

Ladies: don't forget craft night on Tuesday evenings from 6:30-8:30pm. I haven't been able to attend any of the gatherings, but I hear they are a lot of fun.

Children and youth: there will be an open gym on Saturday, May 19th. It will be a Hawaiian theme. The time for the children on that day is 1-3pm (for preschool-5th grade). The youth time is 7-10pm.

Vacation Bible School is right around the corner. There are classes available for all ages. It wil be held June 3rd-6th. Come out and bring a friend!

SummerSalt is June 25th-29th. If you are still planning to attend or are thinking about going, the deposit is $40.00. The money is due Sunday, May 20th. If you change your mind and wish not to go, please let the Minister of Youth and Children know so he can ask for a refund.

There will be a Children's Committee meeting Sunday, May 20th. The meeting will begin at 4pm in the gym.

Also in light of Mother's Day on Sunday......there will be a special time for moms that morning. A time for moms to enjoy each other's company while enjoying some light refreshments. Childcare will be provided in the educational building. The gathering is being held in the fellowship hall from 9-9:30am and is being sponsored by the Brotherhood of FBC.

Men's breakfast is Sunday, May 20th. All men are invited to attend. Breakfast is served at 8am in the fellowship hall.

The newsletter deadline is Tuesday, May 15th. Make sure you have your annoucements, etc submitted on or before May 15th.

Women on Mission will be meeting Wed., May 16th in the choir room right after supper. Supper begins at 6pm.

There will be a Music Committee meeting Sunday, May 27th.

I understand revival was very good. I hate I missed the services. We all need a nudge every now and then to keep us on track!

I believe that covers everything I have for now. Take care and God bless! And Happy Mother's Day to all the moms! :-)

Love in Christ,

Tina :-)