"The Churches of Christ Salute You!"

ABOUT CINDY COLLEY

2010-10-02T23:42:00.004-04:00

(Ladies, please join us for our Ladies' Fellowship Day on October 9th, 2010. You'll be in for a real treat as our Guest Speaker this year is Cindy Colley!)

Cindy Colley grew up in Birmingham, Alabama. She graduated from Freed Hardeman College/University with a B.A. degree in Communication. She is a member of the West Huntsville Church of Christ in Huntsville, Alabama where her husband Glenn serves as both an elder and the pulpit minister. Cindy is a member of the Huntsville Chapter of Associated Women for Freed Hardeman University. Cindy and Glenn have also been active in many missions. She and Glenn home educated both of their children, Caleb and Hannah.

Cindy enjoys speaking to ladies’ groups on a regular basis in addition to teaching classes for ladies and children in her home congregation. She has also authored various poems, articles, and lessons for ladies in addition to her books for ladies, Women of the Genesis, Women of Deliverance, and the new Women of Troubled Times. She has co-authored a book about Christian parenting and a book about Christian marriage with her husband. They are entitled Your Mama Don’t Dance and You’re Singing My Song, respectively. She has also co-authored ladies’ books including My Sister’s Keeper, We Bow Down and How Shall I Be Remembered? Her day planner for ladies, Poems and Prayers and Promises is now available. She and her daughter Hannah have also written and produced a DVD study series for teen girls called Pure On Purpose. Her family has produced four recordings of Bible verses set to music, Hannah’s Hundred I, II, III and IV. Cindy and Glenn also enjoy speaking to ladies and men, respectively, at marriage and parenting retreats. Cindy has developed and taught a weekly community bible study for ladies.

Cindy’s hobbies include sewing and embroidery for her home and family, admiring and collecting antiques, and reading. She also likes to travel to various congregations to hear Caleb, her son, as he preaches in various pulpits. She enjoys traveling with Hannah as well, who also speaks often for ladies’ groups. Cindy and Hannah do lots of teen girls’ and ladies’ programs together. They have spoken in many areas of the continental United States as well as Alaska, New Zealand, Jamaica, Colombia, Ukraine and Argentina.

Cindy can be reached at cindycolley@hotmail.com or visit her website at http://www.colleybooks.westhuntsville.org/. Her blog is called Bless Your Heart and you can subscribe to it at http://www.cindycolley.blogspot.com/.

LADIES' FELLOWSHIP DAY 2010

2010-09-07T00:43:00.003-04:00

SPRING HAS SPRUNG!!!

2010-04-21T10:05:00.000-04:00

Sweethearts Dinner 2010

2010-04-21T09:40:00.003-04:00

JANUARY KIDS' GET-TOGETHER

2010-02-11T12:48:00.008-05:00

This month's kids' get-together was at the home of the Mathenys who live beside our church building and have access to the perfect size hill for sled riding for most of the kids in our congregation. The older boys were nowhere to be seen however as this particular hill wasn't challenging enough for them; therefore, there aren't many pictures of them either, lol.

First off was a devotional with a lesson from Randy M. and some singing! Below we have some of the children singing.

And these would be the older boys spoken about earlier, lolAnd then the kids went outside for some sled riding fun and even a few of the adults got all bundled up and braved the frigid cold as in the picture with Roger and his daughter Ciara.Randy and Vickie survey the hill.Logan and the first wipe out of the day, lolLeyna preparing Julianna for the ride downHey, adults can have fun, too! Go, Vickie!!Jeff and Scott deep in discussion.Our littlest sledder CiaraAnd down goes Collin...And Julianna...And Selvie...And Nicholas....And Dryden...And Graham...And finally Josh's turnThe girls getting ready for another run downLogan, Julianna, Aubrey and Kara - snow buddiesAubrey and CiaraWeeeeeeeeee Then everyone found their way back inside for some sloppy joes, lots of snacks (way too many snacks, lol) and some of Pam's homemade hot chocolate.

Here in this picture we all meet Scoob, the Mathenys' pet rabbit.What a funny face, Jordie!Randy and Roger actually stayed outside after the kids came in and "played" some more in the snow, lol. Here is Randy finally coming in and calling it quits.This is where the ladies spent most of their time, lol, inside where it was nice and warm

You can tell Leyna just came inside from her rosey cheeks!We are a very blessed congregation to have all these great kids.

HAITI DISASTER RELIEF

2010-01-14T09:05:00.003-05:00

If you've been wondering how you can help bring some measure of relief and be of assistance to those suffering from the devastation brought on by the earthquake that rocked millions of people in Haiti this week, please take the time to click on the icon to the right of this post for information on how you can help.

(Galatians 6:10)

"...as we have opportunity, let us do good to...all...especially to those of the household of faith."

2010-01-01T14:17:00.003-05:00

Happy New Year!

It's hard to believe that another year is past, and a new one has begun. It was great to sing and pray in the New Year with a few beloved brothers and sisters in Christ, and a few guests as well! One of the things that has always made our congregation special is our love for fellowship, and that makes the passing of time more joyful, though it seems sometime to make it pass more quickly.

Our attendance was unusually low for our New Year's Eve fellowship because of weather, sickness, injury, and other reasons, but everyone who was able to attend was blessed, and everyone who was not able to come was prayed for and very much missed! We had a great time and for those that attended we hope you did, too! We just want everyone to know that as the New Year begins we're thinking about you, praying for you, and are thankful to be part of such a wonderful church family! Our prayer is that God will bless each of you, and all your family, and that your New Year will be Great! God willing, we very much look forward to another year of faith, fellowship, friendship and service with you!

2010-01-01T10:56:00.000-05:00

2009-12-30T00:41:00.002-05:00

So we're going to try to fill you all in one post at a time on what our congregation has been doing since the last post in September. We'll start with our annual Fall Fellowship which this year was hosted by Bruce and Bev Roberts at their home in Bradford, PA. It turned out to be a beautiful fall afternoon with lots of folks in attendance from several of our local congregations: Warren, PA; Jamestown, NY; Clarion, PA; Bradford, PA; and I'm sure there are others I've missed.

After eating a feast fit for kings and queens, the kids next got to participate in a scavenger hunt. Divided into two teams they hunted for various items and one of the teams of course was victorious over the other. After that the children next were treated to Bradford's version of a hay ride which you'll see in the photos below, lol.

Lastly the afternoon finished with singing praises down in Bruce and Bev's basement to Our God and King. It was just a great day as the pictures will demonstrate!

SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS!

2009-09-29T16:15:00.004-04:00

Happy Birthday to all of those who celebrated birthdays in September!!!

September 8th - Bev Dietrich

September 12th - Jeffrey Geer

September 13th - Chris Arford

September 24th - Christopher Arford

September 30th - Graham Haight

And Happy Anniversary to Scott and Cathy Pearson - September 13th.

WELCOME HOME, CIARA!

2009-09-28T08:27:00.009-04:00

In May of 2007, Roger and Jackie Sherwood announced to the congregation that they were starting the process to adopt a little girl from China. Moving ahead 2 1/2 years later, on August 26th, 2009 Jackie and her mom travel to China and finally met Ciara Rae-MinWen Sherwood for the first time on August 31st. They arrived home on September 10th where Ciara then met her Papa, her big sister Leyna and her niece/sister Logan.

Ciara made her debut to the Warren congregation on Sunday morning, September 13th, and the following week was formally welcomed home with a potluck/shower that the congregation threw for her. Everyone has been waiting anxiously to meet her and the congregation has fallen just as easily in love with her as the rest of her family has. Now that she's here, Ciara has adjusted fabulously and is now running around with the rest of the pack! lol Here are some highlights from the party!

Ciara and her PapaCiara with her Pappap (Jackie's dad)Ciara with her Granny (Jackie's mom)Being silly!Jackie and Roger opening Ciara's gifts surrounded by all the excited children, lolOh, she likes this one!Some photos of Ciara's new church family Roger and Jackie's granddaughter Logan getting in on some of the action Ciara and her Mama

"...children are a heritage from the Lord..."

Playing with her new friend Julianna while Randy looks on.One happy girl!Thank you, Father!

PENNSYLVANIA CHRISTIAN CAMP 2009

2009-08-18T01:59:00.004-04:00

From July 25th through August 1st, eight of us from our congregation (Three adult staff, one junior staff and four campers) attended Junior Week at Pennsylvania Christian Camp in the beautiful mountains of Blue Knob State Park in Blue Knob, PA. This was Pam's first year at PCC and she tackled the difficult job of being a counselor to 3rd, 4th and 5th grade girls. Sandy and Jackie, who have been attending PCC for many years, were once again part of the kitchen staff. Evan was a member of the junior staff as a junior boys' counselor, and our four campers were Collin, McKayla, Josh and Jake. There were 60 plus campers total this year, which was almost double the attendance from last year, and around 30 staff members.

Below are some photos taken from a great week at PCC.

The group of us from Warren Church of Christ.From Talent Night, this was a re-enactment of the parable of the Good Samaritan. Evan (right) with a new friend, Justin. Evan as a junior staff member.Jake and Collin at the amphitheatre.McKayla relaxing in the lodge.McKayla and Josh in one of their classes. McKayla is sitting on the barrel and Josh is sitting off to the right.Josh ringing the PCC gong.Jake posing for this shot while his brother Josh pays attention to the speaker, lol.Sitting around the campfire.Pam and Jackie after a rainy day.Jackie's office for the week.Sandy trying to work in the kitchen while being heckled by the pirate (Gary) to the left, lolAll staff and campers.

IT'S FAIR WEEK!

2009-08-13T18:41:00.004-04:00

Beginning Monday, 8-10, through Saturday, 8-15, is the week of the Warren County Fair, and our congregation for the last several years has had a display set up in the Commercial Building, for the most part following up on our theme from VBS in June. This year the display features one of our rooms from VBS which was Noah and the Ark. Once again, Sandy Arford did a terrific job of getting the display ready and setting it up, and in fact, in 2007, our display won 1st place for best display at the fair. We'll have to wait and see how we do in the competition this year!

As part of our efforts at the fair to spread the Gospel of Christ in our community, we give away all sorts of crafts that the ladies of our church make throughout the year, toys for the children, pencils, fans, bookmarks, candy, et cetera. We encourage those willing participants to Test Their Bible Knowledge by taking a short quiz we have prepared. We offer free Bible Correspondence Courses and have a variety of free material that we hand out about The Church and specifically our congregation. We also have available to hand out all kinds of free tracts and DVD's on various subjects important in today's environment. If you are going to be in our neck of the woods, stop down at the fair and come see us. We'd love to see you!

Our display for 2009!Sandy working at the booth.

INDEPENDENCE DAY!

2009-07-07T23:24:00.008-04:00

Well, we didn't actually have our little Independence Day get-together on the 4th, it was actually on the 5th after our first Sunday of the month singing service. We had quite a number show up this year and the vast collection of fireworks was quite a treat. The kids seemed to enjoy it, and from the pictures you'll see that the adults did, too! We really have a great congregation and so much to be thankful for, not the least of which are the freedoms we still have to enjoy in the USA.

This is how the boys reacted when they saw me get my camera out and just knew I was taking pictures for our Fellowship Blog, lolPam with her oldest son Evan and her youngest son John.Bev kindly posing for this shot.Kara and Bev horsing around.Sandy and her baby boy Chris.I just knew I'd find them in the building gabbing!Dot and Bev chillin' before the fun begins outside.Randy giving some pre-sparkler safety instructions Lighting those Sparklers!Kara sparkling.And her brother Graham and their mom Vickie can sparkle, too!Don is getting into the spirit!Looks like Roger is having a good time!It's finally dark and the show has begun.What a crowdOoooooo!Ahhhhhhhh!Ohhhhhhh!Wow!Randy H., Randy M. and Don checking on the supplies.The kids were enjoying the show!Some more than others, lol.Jake and Evan hamming it up.And the grand finale!

VBS FRIDAY NIGHT PICNIC

2009-06-19T22:14:00.006-04:00

Another VBS has come and gone and we had a great time with what we think was a very successful week! The kids loved everything they saw and heard, all the crafts they made, and everyone had a great time at the picnic afterwards. Below are just a few of the many shots taken this evening. Besides looking at the picnickers, check out the view in a lot of these pictures, it is spectacular up here in western Pennsylvania.

VBS 2009 - AFTER THE GARDEN (GENESIS 3-11)

2009-06-18T21:11:00.013-04:00

Our Vacation Bible School for 2009 is well underway with a theme this year of "After the Garden." The teachers really go all out decorating their rooms for the kids. Showing the rooms in their Biblical order, and not necessarily the order all the students saw them as they go to a different room each night, we have the Garden of Eden starting with Adam and Eve's sin and their expulsion from the garden.Next we have the story of Cain and Abel up to and including Cain's banishment.Moving to the next room, the students are learning all about the pre-flood world, dinosaurs and all!Our fourth room tells the students all about Noah's commission from God to build the ark, the flood, and then the promises and commands God gave to Noah and his family after they were back on dry land.And our final classroom deals with the Tower of Babel and God's creation of the different languages and His scattering of the people.
This is a group picture taken tonight of all the kids in attendance. We've averaged about 30 kids a night and 20 adults, which we think is just fantastic as only 19 of the children are from our own congregation, the rest are visitors.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JANET!!

2009-05-29T02:02:00.004-04:00

A big Happy Birthday goes out to Janet Brewer. She turned 70 something on Wednesday. Yippee, Janet!!! Happy Birthday!!!

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL 2009

2009-05-29T01:47:00.003-04:00

We invite everyone from newborn and up to attend the

Warren Church of Christ's Vacation Bible School

located at 2194 Scandia Road, Warren, PA

June 15th through June 19th, 6:00-8:00 PM

This year's theme is

"AFTER THE GARDEN"!

MEMORIAL DAY PICNIC 2009

2009-05-26T00:42:00.009-04:00

This afternoon some in our congregation (27 in all) gathered up at the church building grounds for our Annual Memorial Day Picnic. Of course, once again, there was lots of food, just like always, lol, and a lot of good fellowship. Here are some highlights from the day.

2,000 YEARS

2009-05-22T01:39:00.000-04:00

IN MEMORY OF...

2009-05-08T00:41:00.005-04:00

William E. Brewer, 76, of 265 Butternut Court, Warren, Pa., died on Sunday, May 3, 2009 at the Warren Manor, following a lengthy illness.

Mr. Brewer was born July 2, 1932 in Marienville, Va., the son of the late Edward and Encilee Blevens Brewer. He was employed as a thread laster. He also worked for International Mold and was employed in maintenance with G.G. Greene, from which he retired.

He was a member of the Church of Christ, was a Golden Glove boxer, enjoyed fishing, his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, home maintenance and remodeling.

He is survived by his wife, Janet Lindeman Brewer, whom he married on July 26, 1959 in Manheim, Pa.; three sons, William E. Brewer Jr. and his fiance' Sue Pizer, Cochranton, Edward Brewer and his wife Sherry, Warren, and David Brewer and his fiance' Brenda Turner, Warren; two daughters, Kathie Brewer Lockett, Morgantown, W.V., and Wendy Jones and her husband Wayne, Pooler, Ga.; three brothers, Colonel J. Brewer and his wife Helen, Edgewood, Md., Roger Brewer and his wife Agnes, Colora, Md., and Larry Barker, Pa.; two sisters, Carol Siglow and her husband James, Conowingo, Md., and Shirley Evans and her husband Arthur, Bel Air, Md.; 13 grandchildren, nine great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four brothers, Dorman Brewer, Edward (Jimmy) Brewer, Arthur Brewer, and Marcy Brewer, in infancy; and a sister Janice Jordon.

Friends may call at the Peterson Blick Funeral Home, Inc., 1003 Penn Ave. E., Warren, on Wednesday, May 6, 2009 from 6-8 p.m. and for one hour prior to a funeral service to be held there on Thursday at 11 a.m., with Mr. Randall F. Matheny, evangelist, Church of Christ, officiating. Burial will be in Warren County Memorial Park.

Memorial contributions may be made to Church of Christ, 1720 Scandia Rd., Warren, PA 16365.

OUR GOAL HERE

2009-05-02T01:10:00.000-04:00

RANDOM PHOTOS OF THE CONGREGATION

2009-04-13T01:36:00.000-04:00

These pictures were all taken yesterday Easter Sunday before and after our worship service. I tried to get a picture of everyone, but I missed a few people who were present.

WHAT'S GOING ON IN OUR KIDS' CLASSROOMS

2009-04-13T00:33:00.000-04:00

I was requested a while back from a prior long time member of our congregation who moved away to post some pictures of our building and the different classrooms. In this first set of photos I wanted to show you all what our children's classes have been up to and of course I also tried to take pictures of the kids. I did miss two from our nursery class, and that was Hannah & Jordie, but I'm sure there will be plenty of pictures of those two cuties in the future.

The first two pictures are from the 3 year olds to Kindergarten class. They have started memorizing the Ten Commandments. And, folks, if you think this age is too young for children to start memorizing lists and facts, you're wrong. These kids are like little sponges. They can already sing all the books of the Bible, the 12 Apostles, the Judges, the sons of Jacob, and much more.Next are photos from the 1st through 3rd grade classroom, and as you can see, these are participation necessary classrooms loaded with drills and starting to get into some higher level Biblical concepts. The children do a fabulous job, and really do make it easy to teach them.Now, we're moving onto our five seasoned veterans' classrooms, lol, who have been memorizing and learning about God's plan for them since they were all in the nursery, all designed to equip them to be able to have an instant recall and give an account when necessary for the reason for their faith. As I said before, these kids have done a fabulous job and continue to impress and amaze our whole ocngregation with their Biblical knowledge.All I got a picture of from our two youngest Bible class students is their door, lol. Sandy Arford made all the signs for all the class doors.Our liveliest class is our 3 year olds through kindergarten class. Going around the table starting on the left is Logan, Christopher, Graham & Selvie, better known as three bunnies and a chick.This is our 1st thru 3rd grade class, and as you can see, Pam was the only teacher brave enough to get her picture taken, along with Jake, Aubrey & Kara from left to right.Below are our 4th thru 6th graders. Starting on the left going clockwise we have Collin, McKayla, Josh & John.And being the oldest student and only teenager in our group of kids is Evan, who gets the teacher all to himself.

FOR IN JESUS

2009-04-09T21:41:00.000-04:00

THREE WORDS YOU MUST KNOW

2009-04-06T20:41:00.000-04:00

Three words:

1. Comments - LEAVE 'EM.

2. Guestbook - SIGN OURS.

3. Follower - BECOME ONE.

In Him

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, RANDY M.!

2009-03-31T15:21:00.000-04:00

On April 3rd, Randy Matheny will be turning...ahem...a number certainly over the age of 40 years old, lol

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, RANDY!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, WARREN!

2009-03-31T15:16:00.001-04:00

Warren Benson celebrates a birthday on April 2nd.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, WARREN!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

2009-03-28T00:28:00.000-04:00

A VERY HAPPY WEDDING ANNIVERSARY GOES OUT TO
WARREN & SARAH BENSON

WHO WERE MARRIED ON MARCH 27TH!!

TEACHERS' APPRECIATION DAY AND BIBLE BOWL

2009-03-28T00:16:00.000-04:00

Everyone please plan ahead to stay after morning worship on April 19th for a pot-luck meal to show appreciation for our Bible class teachers and the excellent work that they do on behalf of our congregation, and for our children and the great job they have done in progressing in their classes! We plan to have our 2nd Annual Bible Bowl for our young people after the meal.

LADIES' CLASS PLANNING MEETING

2009-03-26T01:21:00.001-04:00

The ladies held their planning meeting Tuesday night for our ladies' bible class and we had a great turnout. There were 11 in attendance which is double what we normally have for our monthly classes. There are a lot of exciting things happening for the congregation and Pam's lesson before all the "planning" took place focused on being thankful for what the Lord has done and is doing for the Church here at Warren. We've had three baptisms this month, and several families expressing their desire to place membership here at Warren. Pam also spoke about the unity of purpose we have here at Warren in our desire to be obedient to God's word, how we have all come together in striving to do His will, and that in all that we do our goal is to glorify Him. It was a very good night, an encouraging night, with a call to celebrate and to attempt to let others not only hear about the joy we have in Christ, but to see it in our lives. There was of course, as always, lots of good food and some great fellowship. We stayed together longer than we intended, but I think all of the ladies left uplifted and ready and excited to get to work for the coming year.

MARCH KIDS' DEVOTIONAL AND GET-TOGETHER

2009-03-21T20:55:00.001-04:00

This month's kids' get-together took place today at 5 PM at the home of Roger and Jackie Sherwood. After everyone arrived, the kids sat themselves down at the two picnic tables outside and since planting season is soon upon us, they started planting the seed. And as you probably already guessed, Randy taught the kids a lesson on the Parable of the Sower. Each child was given one clay pot, a small baggie of potting soil, a plastic spoon, and a pack of seeds. It was also explained to them that from one little seed, if fed and watered and nurtured, a beautiful much larger flower would grow, much like themselves. Afterwards there was enormous amounts of food to eat, which we did eagerly, and then young and old alike just "played." Those in attendance were, in no particular order, Randy M., Evan, Collin, John, Michael, Randy H., Vickie, Kara, Graham, Scott, Cathy, Aubrey, Selvie, Hannah, Jordie, Chris, Amanda, McKayla, Christopher, Sandy, Joann, Paul, Leyna, Logan, Roger and Jackie. 26 in all, what a great turnout!!

These first two are pictures taken before everyone arrived today.Some of the kids playing frisbee outside while waiting for others to arrive. Roger, Scott & son Jordie, and Paul staying warm by the fire.

Joann and the boys filling their pots. Randy overseeing some of the planting.

Selvie, Christopher and KaraSelvie and Christopher

McKayla walking to get the frisbee.Okay, these two (Roger and Chris) look up to something.Michael, Evan and CollinMcKayla, Logan and SelvieAubrey and CollinThe hensLogan and GrahamChristopherLogan's tent and playroom before all the kids started playing in it And after...lol

Jordie taking matters into his own hands.Hannah and the dollhouse.

GOD BLESS AMERICA!

2009-03-19T17:03:00.000-04:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BARRY!

2009-03-15T23:22:00.000-04:00

On March 16th, 19?? BARRY PFAFF was born, lol. We'd like to wish him a very Happy Birthday tomorrow.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BARRY!

SUNDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY

2009-03-15T22:47:00.001-04:00

These are just some random shots taken before and after our Bible Study tonight.

Bruce, Bev and Chris

Betty and Sandy on the left, and Pam and Don on the right.

Evan, McKayla, John and Collin posing for a photo.

Evan and Don deep in conversation.

Graham and Jordie didn't make it the whole

way through tonight, lol

Kara and Selvie horsing around.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LEYNA!

2009-03-05T00:34:00.000-05:00

Our third birthday wish this month goes out to

LEYNA GROVE.

She celebrates her 25th birthday today.

Happy Birthday, Leyna!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, RANDY H.!

2009-03-04T10:10:00.000-05:00

Ding, ding, ding.....we have another birthday! And today's birthday goes to RANDY HAIGHT!

Happy...ahem...44th birthday today, Randy!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DON!

2009-03-02T14:39:00.000-05:00

One of our Snow Birds down in Florida is celebrating a birthday today! Shhh, we won't mention his age! Here's a big birthday wish to Don Tudor!!

JUST A THOUGHT

2009-03-01T00:37:00.000-05:00

NO GREATER LOVE

2009-02-25T12:20:00.000-05:00

2009-02-21T11:09:00.000-05:00

BROTHERLY/SISTERLY LOVE

2009-02-21T00:10:00.000-05:00

SWEETHEART DINNER 2009

2009-02-14T00:14:00.000-05:00

Once again the men (and younger men) of our congregation gave the women the evening off with our annual Sweetheart Dinner. The idea of the dinner is that the men do all the planning, preparing, decorating, serving and cleanup for the dinner, giving the women a break for evening. They did an outstanding job by serving the ladies salad, and then the main course of ham, scalloped potatoes, green beans & mushrooms, with a dinner roll, followed by two delicious desserts that you couldn't resist trying both. Dinner was also served with a very yummy punch that they also made. Everything was fantastic, and speaking for the women it made for a very relaxing evening and was very much appreciated, and we thank you all very much. WE LOVE YOU GUYS!!

JUST A FEW REMINDERS

2009-02-10T16:25:00.000-05:00

I thought I would remind everyone who visits this blog that there are three things you should do before you leave.

No. 1: If this is your first time at the site, we sure would like it if you signed our Guestbook at the bottom of this page. That entails writing a short note (you can do it if you really try) and then we'd love to see you so please upload a photo for us. I know you're saying "but I don't know how!" Well, you clickity click on the bottom of the guestbook where it says "Sign This Guestbook" and follow the instructions. If you're male, this may be an issue, but just pretend you do it all the time (I'm sorry, I just had to get that in there, lol).

No. 2: If you'd like to automatically receive updated posts (instead of constantly visiting the site waiting for a post), then you can subscribe to this site, which again, is pretty easy. If you look over to the left (no, your other left), you should see where it says "Subscribe to." Then once again, just follow the instructions.

No. 3: Please, please comment about the posts. Besides the fact that it lets us know that people are actually viewing the site, lol, it's just plain nice to get some feedback from you all. If you're new to blogging, to leave a comment you go to the end of the post you want to comment on and just click on the word "Comments." If you're a veteran, then you really should know better and should have commented already!

AND FINALLY...(I know I said there were only three things to do; didn't I)

No.4: If you have a blog of your own and you would like us to feature it on ours, you got to give us the info. Of course, like most things, it will be left up to our discretion as to whether or not to honor your request 'cause there's a lot of weird and crazy and downright nasty stuff in the bloggy world and our goal here is to glorify Our Father, so.....you get the picture.

Okay, enough said, THE END.

January Kids Devotional and Get-together

2009-02-05T20:25:00.000-05:00

The first Kids Devotional and Get-together for 2009 was held on 1-31 up at the church building. After a cold but fun afternoon of sled riding down the little hill in front of the building, everyone went inside the Matheny house to get warm, have some snacks, and then Randy led the devotional, "The Church - What It Takes To Make It Work." After going through a few scriptures from God's plan, to Christ building and governing the Church, to our faithful participation, and after giving a little True/False quiz to the children, he then gave each of the kids a piece of two separate jigsaw puzzles, holding back some pieces, and asked them to put the puzzles together. The pieces represented church members, some present and some missing, showing how every member is different but equally important to the work of the Church, and then how missing pieces affect the whole picture. Randy says the kids got ahold of the message well and that he was very proud of them all.

Below are a few pictures of the day's activity. Those in attendance were as follows: Randy, Pam and their three boys, Evan, Collin & John; Randy, Vickie and their two children, Kara and Graham; Scott and his kids, Aubrey, Selvie, Hannah and Jordy; and brothers, Josh and Jake.

Vickie is in the background pulling Graham on the sled while Randy and Kara survey the hill.

John, Josh & Evan watch on while Aubrey & Jake carry on in the snow.

John stands guard while, once again, Jake is laying in the snow, lol

Aubrey getting ready for another run down the hill.

Princess Kara waving to the crowd as she's being pulled up the hill.

This picture reminds me of someone (Randy) walking to meet their fate, lol

Evan and Collin while laying on John going down the hill pushing Selvie.

Selvie completely bundled up and ready for the bitter cold

Selvie, Collin and John practicing another winter sport, ice wrestling!

Most of those that braved the cold pose for a shot in front of Don and JoAnn's home. From left to right: Evan, Collin, Josh, John, standing is Vickie, then in front of her is Jake, then Kara, Aubrey, Selvie, Graham and Randy.

Kara enjoying the warmth inside with the bunny.

Aubrey caught stuffing her face with cheese puffs, a crowd favorite.

Hannah relaxing in her own way, with a good bottle.

Something funny got Selvie and Evan giggling.

Jordy wondering if anyone is going to see him snatch that bunny away from Kara.

Aubrey and John getting some quiet time away from the crowd.

Could Hannah's little hand grabbing Randy's neck be the cause of the look on his face?

Collin serenading the crowd. Jordy seems to like it. Or could he just be wondering if anyone is going to see him grab what's on the coffee table?

4TH, 5TH AND 6TH GRADE BIBLE CLASS GOES TO THE MOVIES

2009-01-20T00:20:00.000-05:00

On 1-5-09 I took my Sunday morning bible class of four 4th, 5th and 6th graders to the movies to see "Marley and Me" as a reward for memorizing 12 Bible verses in 12 weeks, all about Jesus. These four kids, one girl (McKayla) and three boys (Collin, Josh & John), do a terrific job memorizing bible verses, facts, lists and just about anything else that we can throw at them about the Bible. It is amazing to me the vast knowledge at their age that they have about the Bible, about God's plan for them, and even the knowledge they have about things most adults just don't seem to get. Here is a picture of the four little angels enjoying some popcorn and other snacks before the movie. The five of us were the only ones at the theater that Monday evening.