With Dan Blakely 

     Children’s Pastor

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What a Friend We Have in Jesus…

In reflecting on the messages we have been sharing in Kids Church this month as well as my  personal experiences, the old hymn, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” comes to mind.    I googled the lyrics and have included them in this month’s letter below:

 What a friend we have in Jesus,

all our sins and griefs to bear!

What a privilege to carry

everything to God in prayer!

O what peace we often forfeit,

O what needless pain we bear,

all because we do not carry

everything to God in prayer.

Have we trials and temptations?

Is there trouble anywhere?

We should never be discouraged;

take it to the Lord in prayer.

Can we find a friend so faithful

who will all our sorrows share?

Jesus knows our every weakness;

take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy laden,

cumbered with a load of care?

Precious Savior, still our refuge;

take it to the Lord in prayer.

Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?

Take it to the Lord in prayer!

In his arms he'll take and shield thee;

thou wilt find a solace there.

"What a Friend We Have in Jesus" was written by Joseph M. Scriven as a poem to comfort his mother who was living in Ireland while he was in Canada in1855.   Joseph Scriven had experienced great loss in his life.  It is said that Scriven was a modest man of God who devoted his life to serve Him.  

With Christ we enjoy a personal relationship with Him.  In life, we need a friend that has our best intentions in mind; One who loves us without ceasing despite our shortcomings.   Not only is God our Creator, King, Savior, Redeemer, He is our Friend.   He is the One whom we can take all things to in prayer.   This month, it is my hope that each of us will reflect on the words penned by Joseph Scriven many years ago, words that reveal eternal truths about our Lord and His Love.       

Take Five With High Five…

During the month of February we will be focusing on the following truths from God’s Word in High Five Ministries.:   

God Wants Us to Depend On Him.

Jesus Takes Care of Us.

God is a forgiving God.

God Is Merciful.

Each Sunday we will be sending home our Take Five with High Five Notes.   Take Five Notes highlight the focus for the week and will provide children and families with opportunities to share.   It is our hope that Take Five Notes will keep parents up to date on future activities and events.  

Volunteers Opportunities

Little Treasures Nursery

Due to the growing attendance of children in the Nursery we are asking for all parents who have been attending Grace for 6 months time or longer and have children attending the nursery to volunteer either one time per month or quarter.   Thanks to several parents, we currently have enough volunteers to cover a one month rotation for first and second service times.   However we would like to stretch this out to share the responsibility/opportunity further.   More families participating will provide a bigger rotation window.  

 The general roles of a volunteer include:  

• Greeting families as they are dropping off or picking up their children;
• Providing general supervision during large and small group times;
• Participation in general recreational activities (i.e. games, reading);

• Supporting staff with children/parent registration.

Parent/Guardians may volunteer in their child’s area when their time is scheduled.   This effort to meet a tangible need will result in stronger ties with families and enhance the types of support provided within our Little Treasures Nursery.  

Grandparents & Empty-Nesters Needed!

 If you are a grandparent or parent whose kids have left the nest, we have a job for you.    We are modifying our nursery schedule to include more instructional time for children.   This will involve story time, reading books, etc.    Your help will provide more opportunities for children to have structured recreational time.