CHILDREN'S MINISTRY

The season of giving is fast approaching.  Have you ever noticed how a child gives?  Each gives in a special way.  Sometimes it’s a smile, sometimes it’s a giggle.  If you are lucky you may receive a high-five or a big hug.  Our family is blessed with gifts of these children.

Our kids want to remind you, don’t forget your inner child.  We often think of ourselves as adults with serious responsibilities, but we have a Father in heaven, and we are His children.  Our children hear stories about David, Joseph, Noah, Esther and Abraham...Bible stories of men and women who let God take care of them. If our children understand that God watches over the little ones, then He will watch over the big ones, too.

We are always God’s little ones no matter how big we get, so bring out the kid within.  You don’t have to slide down slides in the play yard, even though, secretly, some of you wish you could.  How can you do this?  Give a smile or a hug.  Give a little giggle or share a silly joke.

Remember when life gives you lemons, a child would simply say, "Let’s make lemonade."

Nov. 21st we will make gifts to be added to the Food Baskets.  All babies and children are encouraged to attend.

In Him for the Children,
Karen & Kathy

There is an Education Committee meeting today at 3:30 in the Small Auditorium.

Notice! Due to limited garage space, Florence Henderson will not be collecting cans after the first of the year.  But bring all you have this month and next month.

CONGRATULATIONS to Janine Watson and Elijah Godfrey on their engagement.  The wedding date is set for May 14, 2004.

Ladies, watch for news of the Winter Retreat the last weekend of January!

We’re looking forward to Wednesday, Dec. 3, when a representative from Medina Children’s Home will make a report.

FOOD DRIVE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
Help is still needed for picking up food on Friday evening and delivering the boxes on Sunday afternoon.  Sign up in the foyer or see Julie Hilty or Shane Copher.

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LORD, WE PAUSE TO THANK YOU

For quiet brooks and roaring rivers,
For ice cold water that makes us shiver,
For sunny days and gentle rains,
For cloudy skies and fields of grain,
Lord, we pause to thank You.

For many things we understand,
For many others from Your hand,
For doctors, nurses, teachers and such,
For healings when science can't do much,
Lord, we pause to thank You.

For crops of vegetables and fruit,
For material things we might consider "loot",
For food and clothes, home and heat,
For all things we call "neat",
Lord, we pause to thank You.

For listening to us in our despair,
For coming down our lives to share,
For showing love beyond compare,
For giving us a God who cares,
Lord, we pause to thank You.

For family and friends through thick and thin,
For redeeming us from our sins,
For giving us a life to live,
For giving to us that we might give,
Lord, we pause to thank You.

And now, O Lord, accept our thanks,
And fill our hearts, like receptive tanks,
With love for others and for You,
So we might do as You would do.
Yes, dear Lord, we thank you.

STATISTICS FOR NOVEMBER 9, 2003