November 2004

Hello All,
What a great year it has been so far. Time is just flashing by. Guess that it just fits into the old saying "time flies when you are having fun." So far this year we have begun to find out what it is truly like to be servant hearted. We are continuing to serve meals at First Presbyterian Church every other month. They have enjoyed having us there so much that we are now on standby if they are short handed.
On October 13th we did a version of the "Dart Test." We had everyone draw a picture of someone that they either did not get along with, or that they were fighting with, or that they had some kind of problem with. We then pinned the pictures on to a white piece of paper pinned to a bulletin board. Then, if the kids chose to, they used a pin to poke holes in their picture. Some of them did this and others chose not to. Not everyone got to finish as we were running short of time so we stopped. When everyone had sat back down we removed the white piece of paper from the bulletin board to reveal a picture of Jesus. Before anyone said a word I read Matthew 25:40 (RSV), "And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.'" Not a word was said at first, they looked at each other, and a few of us cried as it was realized what had just happened. The point had been made, as we do to others, we also do to Jesus. It is better to pray for those people that the kids drew pictures of than to do any harm. What is even better is that we can turn this passage around and for each good thing we do for others we also do for Jesus. A message that, no matter which way we look at it, we can all learn from.
On October 20th we had a guest speaker from Mission of Hope here in Cedar Rapids. The Assistant Director, Lesa, came and talked to the kids. She gave us her witness and also talked about the mission and what people can do to help. It was pretty much unanimous that the kids want to help with this outreach. Their Mission Statement is:
The purpose of Mission of Hope is to "Be the Church" as it provides food, clothing, worship services, Bible studies, emotional support, and spiritual direction to those who have been previously incarcerated.
But as Lesa told us, this is not just about the adults, it is also about the kids. Many of those that come to Mission of Hope have children and for some, this is their first exposure to God. Unlike other missions, Mission of Hope is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week because "People have needs after 5:00 P.M. for food, clothing, shelter, emotional support, and prayer." They are always in need of volunteers to help with the food pantry and with the clothing that is donated. We have also been invited to attend a childrens worship service. Information in regards to volunteering and attending their worship service was sent home with the kids on October 27th. If anyone is in need of this information please let us know. With the upcoming holidays we may not be able to get to this project until after the first of next year.
Another way to serve is to rake leaves. Many in the congregation have asked if the youth group would be raking leaves this fall. We should have dates that we will be doing this soon and will announce it in church so those that would like to have this done can sign up. Unlike the $50 that one person was told it would cost to have their leaves raked, we will be doing this for a free will offering that will go towards activities for the youth group.
We also have received approval to start making the Youth Room the kids' room. We are going to start by painting the walls. One wall will be "Neutral Sage" and the other three will be "Blue Hall." The colors are described in the brochures we picked from as "relaxing" and "restful." If anyone has any painting supplies that they could let us use, it would be greatly appreciated. This past week we put together a crew to measure the walls so we would know how much paint to by. Now that we know how much the walls will need, we just need to figure out how much the kids will end up wearing. As this project will start after the first of the year, more information will be coming out later this year.
Each week we are still praying for Bangladesh, China, Colombia, Cuba, Ethiopia, Oman, India, Libya, Nepal, and Saudi Arabia. As we receive updates on these countries we share them with the kids so they get to know more about what it is like to live in those countries. As we find out about the Christians in those countries and what is happening to them we pray for them and for those that are doing them harm. We think that is it very important that we know what it is like to be a Christian in these countries. It helps us to realize what a wonderful thing it is to be able to openly worship as we can here in the United States and how precious it is that we strive to keep it that way.
Last, but not least, we talked about the origins of Halloween. The kids took home a handout from www.discovery.com that gave the ancient origins, the modern traditions, and the evolution of the holiday. We also read an article from this week's Penny Saver written by Christine Doty entitled, "Halloween... Now and Then." What was found to be most interesting is that what we currently know as Halloween started as a pagan ritual. Then in the 800's Pope Boniface IV began what eventually turned in to a Christian observance by declaring Nov. 1st All Saints Day. As time has past Halloween has become a secular holiday that has children dressing up in costumes and going trick or treating. Next up, Thanksgiving. I can already taste the turkey, and the sweet potatoes.
Because of Him,

Terry and Diane

A Servant's Heart
Heavenly Father, as we go out into the world may each moment of every day be for your glory. Wherever we are let us not forget what you have taught and what you continue to teach us. Guide us in everything that we do. Be with all those that are yelled at, beaten, or even killed for their faith in You. And be with those that are doing the yelling, the beating, and the killing. Soften their hearts so they will be able to hear Your word and come to You. In Your Son, Jesus Christ's heavenly and holy name we pray. Amen.

"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you." (Psalms 32:8 NIV)