Back to Bethlehem!

On Sunday, the CrewKIDs once again blesssed us in song.  This time, donning costumes reflecting Jesus' birth, we were treated to beautiful Christmas lullabies. 

Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus!

An angel, whose halo fell just in the right place to hide the eyes of a sleepy shepherd!

Besides glorifying God, a few of the angels enjoyed a few minutes to ham it up for the camera.

The shepherd in the background has an amazing voice.  And this little angel is rarely caught smiling.  A precious moment indeed.

Another angel with a truly angelic voice.  And our little smiley angel, back to standard form :)

An angel and a wise man who really got into the spirit of things with loud voices, and amazing attitudes.

Worship in Song!

On Sunday the CrewKIDs sang songs of praise and Thanksgiving.  Thank you Mary F., and Melinda W. for encouraging the children to be an active part of worship.

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."  Matthew 19:14.

Living the Great Commission!

  

Missions is alive and well at Driscoll Baptist Church.  Three youth, all sisters, have regularly been involved in ongoing missions projects both here and abroad.  Within the last few months, LisaDawn R., and Kelly R., have prepared, organized and maintained a missions board.  Each month when the board changes to reflect different aspects of  missions work, missionaries, and how the gospel is being spread in the United States and throughout the world, the youth spend time praying for the missionaries.  The missions board can be seen in the youth room and is definitely worth the time to check it out.

Most recently, LisaDawn R., and her other sister Katy R., took the opportunity to lead the Wednesday night CrewKID program so LisaDawn could get some practical, hands-on experience working with children before she leaves for the Philippines in July, to share the gospel with children there.

LisaDawn and Katy presented action songs the students loved, and watching these 'cool' youth sing and act out motions encouraged the students to really get involved.  LisaDawn opened her Bible, and shared with them about Elijah and the prophets of Baal, and played games to reinforce the Bible story.  The students had a great time and one child shared that she wanted them to teach every week!

Collectively, LisaDawn and Katy have been to Ukraine, Costa Rica, and South Korea sharing the love of Jesus by leading VBS, facilitating Bible Studies and witnessing to the children one on one.  They are missionaries, at home and throughout the world, and they have taken literally Jesus' commandment in Matthew 28:19-20, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Taste of Italy!

This afternoon, our youth treated us to a taste of Italy.  Everything from the music, to the table decor, to the menu provided just the right ambiance for an Italian experience.  Our students were the picture of Christ with their servants' hearts and exemplary attitudes.  It made for a perfect Sunday afternoon.

Thank you to our youth and everyone involved in the planning, organizing and implementing of this incredible dinner.

Menu and table decor!

Donna, Gayle and Karen enjoying the Caesar salad!

Autumn and Emily - always willing to smile for the camera!

Landon, Luke, Daniel, James & Anthony!  Are you guys ready?  In the next couple of years you'll all be doing the serving!

Welcome back Tony, we've missed you!  Dave, Janice and Marty!

Miss Linda!

Melinda, Lucy and Lisa - amazing kitchen staff!

Lisa Dawn, Hannah, Kelly and Sophie - so busy it was difficult to get them to stand still long enough to take a picture!

This little angel shows up in nearly every blog because, well.....look at her.  Too cute not to feature :)

A Singing, an Auction & a Meeting!

Sunday always brings opportunities for worship, and this past Sunday was no exception.  Our CrewKIDs entered the morning worship service waving palm branches and blessed us in song.  Thanks to Mary F. for selecting some beautiful hymns to honor our Lord and congregation on Palm Sunday.  The solid words of such favorites as, "At the Cross", "Were You There", and "Come Christians Join to Sing" brought back sweet memories to those who grew up singing hymns, and introduced a new generation to some beloved, traditional favorites.

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After worship, everyone was encouraged to join us for a light lunch and Youth Auction.  Special thanks to Lisa R. and Nikki R. for coordinating and organizing a wide array of gift baskets, tempting desserts and hand made gifts which were auctioned off for this summer's youth events.  Our youth offered up their honest work ethic in exchange for money to be put toward camp and various youth group activities.  Thank you to our congregation for your benevolence and impact in helping the youth to earn nearly $1300 toward their expenses.  Our youth are going to have a great summer, and we're praying God will bless and enrich them at each of their outings.

Table of donations to be auctioned off for youth summer expenses.

John, Kelly, Coralyn, Zack and Pastor Dan.

Family Game Night gift basket filled with treats!

Hand crafted magnets, stuffed animals and hair bows were all generously donated.

Cheesecake samples, local honey and hand made country chic tulips were donated and duly appreciated by the winning bidders!

Autumn, Mark and Cayla.....future youth to be auctioned off :)

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Thursday saw our 2011 VBS meeting in full swing, and what an attendance.  Nearly every teacher, worker and youth helper was there to begin gearing up for another amazing year of Vacation Bible School.

Big Apple Adventure kick-off meeting display.

John and Pastor Dan, all smiles as they ready their hearts and minds for another amazing VBS.

Karen (crafts), Jenny (Kindergarten leader) and Sandy (kitchen).

Julie and Bailey, excited to lead this year's 3rd grade class!

Nikki and Kelly, the first graders won't know what hit them :)

Bob (recreation), Kristie (Kindergarten) and Holly (3rd grade), checking out the handbook and already making preparations for a wonderful Vacation Bible School.


Your prayers are welcomed and appreciated as preparations get underway for VBS 2011. It is our prayer that hearts be opened to Jesus and that our staff emulate Christ in every word and action.

An Honor!

On Sunday, we had the distinct privilege of honoring a group of people who have loved the church through the years, who have weathered storms, added insight, wisdom, spiritual counsel, and advice that only comes with the maturity of living a full life and having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Thank you, senior adults, for going before us and setting the example.  You are appreciated, respected and very deeply loved.

Certainly not everyone was available for the picture Sunday, but we did have an amazing group show up with smiles!

Dwayne and Sandy.  Devoted, talented and incredibly photogenic.

Miss Lola and Miss Donna.  It's hard to call them seniors due to the amount of energy, spirit and love they pour into the church body.

Miss Norma.  Try finding someone with more humorous stories than a professional comedienne.  I dare ya!

Miss Viola.  A sweet, quiet spirit, who is always faithful.

Ummmm Dave and Jim....what are you guys doing here?

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I took the liberty of compiling a few quotes.  Read, absorb, enjoy!

Thoughts on aging:

  "Old age should make us look forward with joyous anticipation to eternity."  ~Billy Graham

"Senior adults get a lot more discounts." ~Donna Neighbour

"I have found it to be true that the older I've become the better my life has become."

~Rush Limbaugh

"Live so that when the final summons comes you will leave something more behind you than an epitaph on a tombstone or an obituary in a newspaper."  ~Billy Sunday

"As a senior adult, you’ve had enough time spiritually to realize that your relationship with Jesus Christ is the only important thing in life."  ~Donna Neighbour

 "Do not regret growing older.  It is a privilege denied to many."  ~Author Unknown

“Rise in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the Lord.” Leviticus 19:32

“The silver-haired head is a crown of glory,
If it is found in the way of righteousness.” Proverbs 16:31

Ancient Words

We sang this song on Sunday, and though I've heard it many times before, it had new meaning. For centuries people have tried to destroy the Word of God, but it always remains, just as God promised it would.

The grass withers, the flower fades,
but the word of our God will stand forever. Isaiah 40:8