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

The Results Are In!

Saturday evening saw a fierce, yet loving, competition between six guys who made some pretty amazing and delicious chili at the Fifth Annual Men's Chili Cook-off!  Everyone in attendance had a great night, with Driscoll family and a number of visitors voting on which chili they liked the best!  With all the votes in, the numbers were close.  Ultimately though, it was Pastor Mike who reclaimed his crown, winning first place for the best chili of the evening.  Runner up was Dave H., and third place went to Andrew L.


A heart felt thanks to the other contestants, Bob L., Bob H. and Grant C. for their enthusiastic participation and fantastic chili.  If you weren't able to attend this year, make plans now to be there next year.  And guys, you've got an entire year to perfect your chili making, so pull out the crock pot and get busy cooking!


Thanks to Kristol C. for the photo and details of the story!

Spring Cleaning!

With Easter fast approaching, we want to get the church cleaned up, inside and out.  Bring your yard tools, cleaning supplies and a 'can-do' attitude for a little spring cleaning.

Saturday, March 26th

8am - 12pm

Light lunch provided

Valentine Dinner!

The Valentine Dinner, sponsored by the youth as a fundraiser, turned out to be a fabulous evening, enjoyed by all who attended.  The 4 course dinner, complete with appetizer and dessert, was spectacular and received rave reviews.

Simple, yet elegant tables were adorned with single roses, candles and chocolates, while festive ice breaker game sheets kept early arrivals entertained.

There was something for everyone, even our four-footed friends, on the auction table, where six donated baskets were silently auctioned off to the highest bidder.

And last, but certainly not least, Rob Riverbanks made a guest appearance as the emcee for the "Honey I Can't Remember Your Name" game where four married couples competed for a prize in a hilarious rendition of the "The Newlywed Game."

It was truly an uplifting evening for all who bought tickets.  The service was impeccable, the food incredible, and the fellowship was glorifying to our Lord and Savior.

Thanks to Dan, Lisa, Melinda, Carolann and the youth for participating in and providing a most memorable evening.

Celia, Val and Anna

6 Valentine baskets were donated for auction and brought in around $160 for the students to put toward their summer camp fees.

Centerpieces were elegant, simple and delicious (Hershey's kisses).

Jeff and Rob.  Don't fill up on bread guys, there's amazing chicken yet to come :)

Remnants of the fire, accidentally started when Rachel set the bread basket a little too close to the votive.  Special thanks to Jim (the Fire Chief) who calmly continued to enjoy his dinner while Julie played firefighter by throwing her lemonade on the flames, thereby saving the fellowship hall!  

Committed servers...Davis, Coralyn, Mikela and Bailey!

Always gorgeous....Coralyn, Mikela and Kelly!

Logan and Davis, working hard!

Dedicated kitchen staff Melinda and Lucy.  Not pictured, but certainly worth their weight in gold are Becky and Linda.

Parmesan Chicken Recipe
(courtesy of Melinda)

3/4 C. Bisquick
1/2 C. Parmesan cheese
4-6 chicken breasts
1/2 cup butter (1 stick), melted
1 can evaporated milk

Mix the Bisquick and Parmesan cheese together and add a sprinkle of paprika.
Dip chicken breasts in evaporated milk and roll in cheese mixture.
Place in 9x13 baking dish sprayed with non-stick cooking spray and pour melted butter over chicken.
Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour
Enjoy!