WOODLAWN INVOLVEMENT MINISTRY

THANK YOU!!!
This year’s Thanksgiving Food Drive was bigger and better than ever.  Together, we collected over 2,617 lbs. of food and $1,115.00 in financial donations.  And...for the first time, we added a new component to our Thanksgiving Food Drive by collecting 52 coats, 22 blankets, and 18 pairs of socks.

What did this all go to?  Together, we were able to assemble 75 boxes of food for people at Woodlawn and in the community - meaning that we distributed food to approximately 277 individuals!

This kind of enormous results can only leave us standing in awe of the present and powerful God that we serve.  As a faith community, we must stand in amazement of Jesus and proclaim "Praise God" for using us to touch the lives of people receiving a food box this year.

THANK YOU for lifting up prayers, donating food, making financial contributions, sorting & distributing food, and just being a part of this service to others in the name of Jesus.  You are blessing to those around you and your gracious love is a demonstration of the power of Jesus working in your life.

Because of Calvary,
Dwayne

The elders thank you for your cooperation in continuing to sit in the front half of the auditorium for our assemblies.

There will be a Leadership Meeting next Sunday, Dec. 7, at 3 p.m. in the elders office.  Those to attend are deacons, elders, ministry leaders and staff.

Congratulations to Tammy and James Rose (and big sister, Tori) on the birth of Shelby Brooke Rose on Tuesday, Nov. 25. She weighed 7 lb. 10 oz. and was 19 1/2 inches long.  The whole Tharp clan is excited, especially Grandmother Gracie.

Caring With Food for December Jaylene Crisman - 673-1779

Welcome Baskets Barbara Stelding - 673-6776

Most members of the Woodlawn church family are familiar with the elders, deacons, staff members and probably know most of their names.  But how much do we really know about what is seen or experienced in this church family?  What is known about the activities that make Woodlawn hum?

There was a popular song of a generation ago entitled "The Sound of Silence."  The words are not needed here; instead, the title is the delightful focus of this report.

Sounds of silence can be heard all around and throughout the workings of Woodlawn.  Most are not even aware of them, but unconsciously just expect them ... and not only so, many times request them.  Examples are many, but check out the following: food preparation to facilitate meeting needs of the recipients - be it potluck Sunday luncheon, Monday Night for the Master, funeral family meals, receptions for youth groups, weddings, etc.  Or how about communion preparation, phone calling, card writing, committee work, flower arrangements, songbook and card rack maintenance?  Listen to the encouraging words, feel the hugs, and soak up the warm smiles!  How about those attending to children’s needs -- Bible hour, class instruction, and necessary transportation for young and old.  When serious illness comes, the silence of servants caring for those needs reverberates in the hearts of those served.

On and on … this silence increases to a thunderous roar.  And how beautiful it is to observe this generosity of self in service to others.  Were it not for Woodlawn’s silent warriors, how uncommunicative this church would be.  But thanks be to God who blesses the entire church with the grandeur of your silence.

We know scripture addresses various gender roles in worship activities, but scripture negates silence in service to others -- and you Woodlawn ladies are the epitome of such servants.

So to all you Silent Warriors of the Woodlawn church, a heartfelt and grateful thanks.  You have given a whole new meaning to "The Sounds of Silence."

Your Elders

STATISTICS FOR NOVEMBER 23, 2003