Happy New Year!

The New Year came creeping in quietly at the Andrews' home. Johnny's breathing was steady long before midnight. I continued my quest of undecorating the house. The quest continues... and gives me plenty of time to ponder...

Earlier today (actually, yesterday, now), I was at the office choosing a color page for our precious little ones to use during the worship service. I chose a drawing of baby Jesus. The Bible verse written at the bottom of the page is from Isaiah 9:6
     "For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given, and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His     name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

He is surely the Wonderful Counselor; He will see us through every difficult, hurting, confusing time in this new year, guiding our every step if we look to Him in His Word. He is the Mighty God; even the wind and waves obey His voice; He can be trusted to carry us through our most treacherous, heart-wrenching journey. He is the Everlasting Father; He has loved us with an everlasting love, from eternity past through eternity before us, that cannot be broken, ever drawing us closer to Himself. He is the Prince of Peace; though our world will be rocked by uncertainty, doubt, and broken worldly promises, we have the promise of peace that transcends our understanding when we lift our brokeness to Him in prayer. The government is on His shoulders. Not ours. He is the One in charge. He alone has the qualifications.

Because of the Child born to us, we have Hope for today. Hope for 2012. Real Hope. Happy New Year.

Cookie Swap

Cookie Swap

&

Cookie Decorating Party

For moms and children. All ages!!

at the Church Office

On Saturday, December 3

at 4:00

After all the parades!!

Moms, bring 4 dozen Christmas cookies or goodies. We will eat 1 dozen at the party and "swap" the other 3. Everyone will go home with 3 dozen goodies. (You'll need a container in which to put your new selections.) Also, please bring the recipe for the goodies that you bring - enough copies for several people. Cookies and all decorating accessories will be provided for the children.

Questions? sherlie@madisonheightschurch.com

As always,

Invite guests to come with you!





Christmas or Holidays?

Don't you just love the holidays? People are more chatty and friendly. Traffic lights and headlights suddenly become part of the Christmas glow. Pantries fill up with ingredients just waiting to be turned into goodies to be enjoyed by family and friends. Children, grandchildren, parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins reunite. Memories are made and remembered. I love it all!

I particularly treasure the word "holidays." It is a combination of "holy" and "days." Holydays. There is much to-do about taking Christ out of Christmas. About calling the Christmas season "the holidays." About saying, "Happy Holidays" instead of, "Merry Christmas." But how can one really take Christ out of Christmas? Out of the Holy-days? We can take our focus off of Him, but He is still and will forever be among His people. Immanuel. God with us. He was here long before we were. He's here to stay. He lives within us. He lives in the Holy realm of Heaven. He is everywhere. Forever.

So Merry Christmas!! Happy Holydays!! Enjoy celebrating the time that our loving, gracious, compassionate, forgiving Heavenly Father sent His son, Immanuel, to redeem us.

New Heart

"Create in my a clean hear, O God, and restore a right spirit within me."


I love this verse from Psalm 51. It is a frequent prayer to my Father Who loves me with the steadfast, binding, committed love that only He can have. I am truly thankful that nothing I can do can break that bond or tear me from His hand. What a tender, compassionate God we have.

I pray for you, parents of Madison Heights, that God will give you tender hearts as you lead and guide your young ones in the paths of Righteousness. Not a righteousness of our own, but the Righteousness that is ours as Covenant heirs, given to us by a sinless Christ.

May you blessed with a deeper love and longing for all that is Good.

Pumpkin Patch

It's that time!! And I LOVE it!! We are going to the "Punkin Patch" on Friday, Oct 7, at 9:30. Rebecca Day has all the info. Be sure she has your money and permission form before you arrive at Nichols-Boyd Pumkin Patch in Brandon. If you want to ride together or caravan, meet at the church office at 8:45.

The Advent Jesse Tree informational meeting is this Sunday, Oct 9, immediately following the morning worship service. This is a great memory-building opportunity you will want to take advantage of. It's something your children or grandchildren will enjoy for years to come!

Best Kids

You know, we have really great kids at Madison Heights Church. In fact, they are the best. Yep. Absolutely. The best. Their parents are great, too. I love being part of the Madison Heights body of Christ. I am thankful that I can call them my family.

If you haven't heard about the Advent Jesse Tree, plan on meeting with Emily Kines and Faith on Sunday, Oct 9 to learn how to jump in that fun adventure. It's a great new Christmas tradition you can start with your family.

A fun-fellowship opportunity is happening Friday, October 7. We're going to Nichols-Boyd Pumpkin Patch in Brandon. Want more info? Email me at sherlie@madisonheightschurch.com or Rebecca at rebaj33@hotmail.com. We need you money and forms by Monday, Oct 3.

Thanks so much!!

That time of year

It is definitely "that time of year." And we're already gearing up for exciting and meaningful activities!

Sept 18- Christmal Celebration Kick-off
October 7 - Trip to Nichols-Boyd Pumpkin Patch (your money and permission form must be received  by Monday, Oct 3.Contact Rebecca Day for info.)
October 9 - informational meeting to learn how you and your children can be involved in the Advent Jesse Tree
October 2 & 16 -  Christmas Celebration rehearsal
October 30 - Fall Festival
November 6(?) & 20 - Christmas Celebration rehearsal (rehearsal dates may change)
November 18 - Appreciation party for all adults involved with Children's Ministry
December 4 - Christmas Celebration rehearsal
December 17 - Christmas Celebration dress rehearsal; Christmas Party
December 18 (evening)- Christmas Celebration

With all those dates, the part I am most excited about is the Christmas Celebration. This will include both children and adults. The children will wear shepherd costumes. It is going to be a glorious celebration of the birth of our Savior through music and narration. It is one of those occasions that you will be immeasurably blessed by being part of. Please, please join us. We need you!!

I'm also excited about The Advent Jesse Tree. Holiday traditions are greatly enjoyed (and often strictly adhered to) by Andrews' family. This will be a new Christmas tradition that I know we will soon cherish. I'm sure you will, too.

Now I have a favor... If you read this blog, will you please let me know? I'm wondering if it does, in fact, get read... Thanks!

Come on and join us!!

Calling all moms and your boys: tomorrow, September 16, at the church office beginning at 4:00 we're going to have a blast!!

CAMOS, WATERGUNS, & FOOTBALLS

is finally here!!

Let me know if you're planning to join us. sherlie@madisonheightschurch.com

Churchy Banks

Hope you are all settling in to this new school year and it's routines. Getting up early is always hard if you enjoyed sleeping in over the summer. By the end of this week, things should be running much more smoothly.

In a few Sundays, the children will have another opportunity to bring their "Churchy Banks" to the front of the auditorium during the service. I have had several parents ask when we would do it again. What an encouragement to know that your children are still collecting money and filling up their banks for our new building. We will definitely need a playground! If your children have not been collecting money, there's no time like the present to start back. Tell them to lift up those sofa cushions, check under seats in the car, and do some odd jobs for change!

Happy Tuesday!
Sherlie

Sunday School 2011-2012

Wow! I cannot believe it is already time for a new Sunday School year. Which means it is also time for a new school year. It is truly amazing to me how quickly time goes by. It makes me consider how I used my days in the last seven  months... did I use them for things that have eternal value? (Not nearly as often as I would like to think I did.) Did I worry about useless stuff? (Of course I did!!) Did my quickness of anger serve any purpose other than destruction? (Does it ever?) Is God's grace great enough to cover my waste of time, feelings I hurt, hours spent in sinful worry? Absolutely!! Thank God for His longsuffering, loving kindness, and patient guidance. I pray this Sunday School year will yield more fruit and that our hunger and thirst after Righteousness will grow to a point that we can do no other than seek to know more of Him through His Word, causing us to deeply and visually love with our neighbors!

Happy 2011-2012!!

Beat The Heat!

There's one way to beat the heat tomorrow... END OF SUMMER/BACK TO SCHOOL POOL PARTY!!! It's from 5:00-8:00 at Lake Hathaway Subdivision, tomorrow, August 4. Come join the fun!! It's only $3, and you get pizza, drinks, and can splash all you want!!!
RSVP 'cause I need a head count! Thanks!

True Love

The tea cups are all washed and put away. Cinderella has gone back to her castle. The fourteen little princesses are winding down from all the excitement of the afternoon (and abundance of consumed sugar.) As they finally snuggle into their covers, I pray God will remind them that they are indeed Princesses. They are His. The apple of His eye. They are protected by the Most High because of His abundant love and faithfulness. I pray they will drift off to sleep with His words echoing in their little ears: "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving kindness."

Our King is much grander than that of fairy tales. There is no need for glass slippers, though we live in a world of wicked step-sisters. His faithfulness is new every morning. His covenant is everlasting. He is ever present. He is our God.

Tea Party and Pool Party

Girls and Moms: Don't forget our Dresses and Hats Tea Party tomorrow afternoon at the church office beginning at 4:00. Please feel free to bring a friend with you. I'd love to know how many to prepare for, so if you get a minute, please let me know. Don't forget to bring your aprons!

EVERYBODY: Remember, make plans to come to the End of Summer, Back to School Party at Hathaway Lake Subdivision pool on Thursday from 5-8pm. We will have pizza and drinks. Bring friends and snacks, if you like. I just need to have a head count by Wednesday at 5:00 so I'll know how much pizza to buy. The cost for this is $3 per person over the age of 2.

Thanks so much!
Sherlie
sherlie@madisonheightschurch.com

Rain, rain, go away...

Lightning, thunder, and heavy rain = no Camo's, Water Guns, and Footballs. Boo Hoo. Guys, looks like we'll have to reschedule. I'll let you know the new date soon. I'm very sorry!!

Camos, Water Guns, and Footballs

This afternoon at 4:00!! All boys and their moms (or dads)!! Please let me know if your planning to join us. Thanks!
Sherlie

Fun!

The next two weeks are busy for everyone. Kids have two more weeks before school starts to get as much playing in as possible. Parents have two weeks before school starts to get kids ready to start school! We want to help by offering the kids and parents time to take a breather and play!

• Thursday, July 28, at 4:00 all boys & moms (dads may come, too!) are invited to the church office for Camos, Water Guns, and Footballs. We will get wet, so please dress accordingly. Snacks and drinks are provided. Friends are welcome!
• Tuesday, August 2, at 4:00 girls and moms are invited to the church office for a Dresses and Hats Tea Party. The girls will decorate a cupcake, so you might want to bring aprons. We will have pink lemonade and finger sandwiches. Friends are welcome!
• Thursday, August 4, at 5:00 EVERYBODY is invited to the pool at Hathaway Lake subdivision for some family playtime at our Back To School Party. Pizza and drinks are provided. The cost is $3.00 per person. Friends are welcome!

I sure hope you can make it to these fun activities. Please let me know if you are coming- sherlie@madisonheightschurch.com. Thanks so much!!
Sherlie

Lots of Fun!

We had the best time at the new family worship time tonight. It was an informal gathering where the children and youth were as much a part of the service as the adults. What a blessing to be part of a church family where our leadership appreciates every age! The children participated in songs, in the Bible lesson, in prayer requests, and in prayer time. I was greatly encouraged, and I know those who were present were blessed, too. How wonderful to know that our children will grow up recognizing that they are an intregal part of the family of God. Thank you, MHC pastors and elders!

Scavenger Hunt

Scavenger Hunt is tonight at 6:00. Meet at the church office and be ready for fun!

I need some moms and/or dads to be drivers. Please let me know if you are available. Thanks!

THANK YOU!!

THANK YOU!! Those two words seem hardly adequate to express my appreciation to all who put so much time, energy, sweat, and love into making Arts & Sports Camp the HUGE success that it was. Several people have said to me, "You did a great job!" My response to all is, "I didn't do it alone." There were so many who helped make it happen. The ASC Team worked extremely hard for weeks leading up to Arts & Sports Camp - and worked overtime during the event. The Children's Ministry Development Team worked hard, too. (Several people are on both teams.) The week of camp, there were about 60 people that made it run smoothly. It took every person involved to make it happen. I greatly appreciate each one of you and all you did. I was blessed many times a day by your smiles, encouragement, and expressions of Christ's love to the many children who came to ASC. It was hotter than blue blazes, as my mom would say, but you stayed the course and persevered. The Gospel was presented many times over in many different ways. Seeds were planted in many little hearts. God was and continues to be truly at work through you. Thank you for joining me in Madison Heights first ever Arts & Sports Camp. You're the best!! 

PS Once again I had trouble accessing the blog. I wanted to write this last week!! :)

Thank You

This morning I was awakened early. Reeeeeal early. For those of you who know me well, anything before 7:00 is early. I was awake at 4:00. And of course, I couldn't go back to sleep.

My early rousings happen from time to time. When I'm convinced sleep is no where in sight, I begin praying for those God brings to my mind. It's actually a sweet time with Him. I really should do it more often. On purpose.

This morning I was once again reminded of how blessed I am to be part of Madison Heights. That I am actually the Children's Ministry Director still blows my mind. I am so awed by God's goodness and so thankful. I have decided I have the best job in the world. Every Sunday I am surrounded by little children who love me. I get more hugs than anybody else! Those "babies" don't care what I'm wearing or how it fits. They don't care that I really need to buy some new shoes. They don't care if I'm having a good hair day or a bad one. And if I'm having an all around bad day, I soon forget it. I love "my" children of Madison Heights. I feel like I have a hundred and twenty-five grandchildren. It's the best ever! I love each of them as though they are my own.

I also love their parents. I am supported and encouraged each week, often on a daily basis, by the parents... and grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins... of Madison Heights. I don't know if you realize I need new shoes or a do-over in the hair department, but you sure don't let on if you do. So many of you work diligently week after week, manifesting your desire to see our young ones grow in the faith and knowledge or our Lord Jesus Christ. You are a gift. All of you, a blessing.

Our church is truly a family. As with all families, we are a work in progress. We are learning how to be more honest. How to think the best of each other instead of the worst. How to genuinely love one another as Christ loves us.  Paul didn't call this life a fight for nothing. It's hard work, but let's keep staying the course. And remembering we are all God's work in progress. He who began this good work in us is faithful to complete it in us. So don't get too caught up in the work! :)

Thank you, Madison Heights for loving me. Supporting me. Encouraging me. Working hard alongside me. Thank you, my sweet Covenant children for showing your love so freely with your little hearts, hands, and kisses. With Paul I say, I thank my God every time I remember you.

Fabulous!

We had a great time at the Beach Party!! And a good turn-out, too! The kids had a blast playing in the water. Some of the more daring little ones kept the grown-ups on our toes! The parents enjoyed visiting and and getting aquainted with those they hadn't met. It ended with far too many cookies and brownies being enjoyed. But that was great by me! I had a LOT of help unloading, setting up, breaking it down, and reloading. Thank you to all you came! Your participation is always an ecouragement to me. Thank you to EVERYONE who helped!! I literally couldn't have done it without you!!

Can't wait for our next outing!! Tuesday - 10:00 at Sweet Tree Yogurt in Ridgeland, then off to Friendship Park till our energy runs out! Great preparation for a nice long nap afterwards!!

BEACH PARTY!!!

Tomorrow, June 2. 5:00-8:00 at Reunion Beach.
We're going to definitely need swimsuits and plenty of cold drinks!
Hope to see you there!!

Remember!!

Children's Ministry Summer Fun Kick-off

BEACH PARTY at Reunion Beach
           Thursday, June 2
              from 5:00-8:00

What to bring:

• picnic supper
• drinks
• towels
• chairs
• friends

You don't want to miss it!!

Finally!!

The "blogger" has been down for over a week! Sorry you haven't been receiving any posts. Hopefully, all issues have been resolved now.

    Make plans to come to the...
SUMMER KICK-OFF
BEACH PARTY!!
At Reunion Beach
June 2, 5:00-8:00 P.M.
All children and parents are welcome!
What to bring? Picnic supper &
Drinks for your family; Towels & chairs; Friends!
Dessert will be provided.

ASC

Arts & Sports Camp
"Arts & Sports Camp." You’re going to be hearing a lot of that in the next several weeks. Get used to hearing it. "Arts & Sports Camp." And begin praying how God will use you in it. It is the biggest event the Children’s Ministry has undertaken to date. "Arts & Sports Camp." The theme this year is
                                                      treasure!

We will focus on the Truth that our real treasure is found only in Jesus.

Look on the Arts & Sports Camp website
madisonheightsasc.wordpress.com
to find:Registration Form, Medical Release Form, and ASC Worker/Nursery Registration Form.
and other great information.

Please make as many cop-ies as you need. Registration dead-line is June 12. *You must submit Registration and Medical Release forms for every child that plans to participate in Arts & Sports Camp.* Early registration is encouraged for your child to be able to participate in the activities of his/her choice. They will be assigned on a first come/first served basis. You will also notice there is a $5 fee for each t-shirt ordered. *Payment must be received for your t-shirt to be ordered.* Remember to invite your friends and give them the necessary forms!

We still have several "slots" available in which you may help. Don't hesitate to ask me!sherlie@madisonheightschurch.com or 601.605.9929.


.

Lies Women Believe...

Lies Women Believe and the Truth that Sets Them Free by Nancy Leigh DeMoss. Great book!! Here are a few of the lies we believe that are relevant to all ages...

• "I'm not worth anything."
• the Truth:
• My value is not determined by what others think of me or what I think of myself. My value is determined by how God views me. Ps139:1-18, Eph 1:3-8, 1Pe 2:4
• To God my soul is worth more than the price of the whole world. John 3:16, Ro 5:6-8
• If I am a child of God, I am God's cherished possession and treasure. Ro 8:1-2, 13, 15-17, 1Pe 2:9
• "I can't help the way that I am."
• the Truth:
• If I am a child of God, I can choose to obey God. Ro 6:1-14, 8:1-2
• I am responsible for my own choices. Deut 30:19, Josh 24:15
• I can be changed throught the power of God's Spirit. Gal 5:16, Phil 2:13
• "I need to learn to love myself."
• the Truth:
• By faith, I need to receive God's love for me. Gal 2:20, Heb 11
• I already love myself. I need to deny myself and let God love others through me. Mt 16:24-26, Jn 15:12, Eph 5:29

Lies Women Believe and the Truth that Sets Them Free is a book I recommend for all parents to read. Women are not the only ones to believe the lies, but we are most vulnerable to them. Men, you will understand your wives better, and together you will be better prepared to teach your daughters the Truth to counteract these sneaky lies.

National Foster Care Prayer Vigil

I am reposting a page from Cry of the Orphans. Please join the JOY ministry this month as we pray for Foster Care, including the children, foster children, social workers, churches, and our responsibility as given by Christ.

Learn about the issue What Happens to the waiting children Learn Why Promote Care Videos Other Resources Overview Location Map Register your Vigil Downloads Download the Prayer Guide 2011 National Foster Care Prayer Vigil May 2011 Many kids in foster care feel like they don't have a prayer...let's change that. The National Foster Care Prayer Vigil is calling followers of Christ together across the country during the month of May (which is National Foster Care Month) to cry out to God on behalf of children and youth in our nation's foster care system, their families, their workers, and the church as it responds to the needs of those involved in the foster care system. A prayer vigil can take on many forms. It can be a formal, church-wide event, or it can be an informal gathering with your family after dinner. In fact, the possibilities are endless. Consider asking your small group pastor to include it as part of the curriculum for all groups, or maybe during Sunday school classes all throughout the church. Take time in whatever groups you are part of to encourage people to pray for kids in foster care. Download the Prayer Guide here Register your Prayer Vigil here The important thing is not what the vigil looks like or how well it's planned, but rather that believers come together to pray for those in need. Is God calling you to be the voice for your city? See the map for a listing of vigils already scheduled. And once you have your vigil scheduled, be sure to add it so we can see the prayer happening all around the country. Gather together. Pray for the kids. Watch God work. Home|About Us|Radio / Media|Contact Us © 2010 Focus on the Family. Cry of the Orphan is a collaboration between Focus on the Family, Hope for Orphans (a ministry of FamilyLife), and Show Hope.

Happy Mother's Day

I am so thankful for all of you mothers. Your job is is so crucial and so often taken for granted. You work late many nights, and sometimes pull all-nighters. Many of you go to a daytime job after that. You juggle meals, work, school, soccer, ballet, music lessons, baseball, cheerleading, in-laws, children's friends, personal friends (occasionally), try to love your husbands well, pray, read Scripture, go to church, go to Bible study - pick any five of those, and you have an overwhelmingly full day!! (I hope you included your husband in the five you chose!) Moms are the busiest people and best jugglers of anyone out there!! I applaud you. I appreciate you. I admire you. Thank you for being spent for the good of others. Thank you for holding the next generation of adults and leaders in such high esteem that you give everything you have to love them, guide them, teach them. May God continue to strengthen you, encourage you, and bless you with grace and wisdom as you seek Him in guiding those little ones He entrusted to your care.

Below are some Scripture passages that guided through many difficult days of parenting (and wifing):
"Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you; when you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior." Is 43:1-4
"Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint." Is 40:30-31
"He will tend His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs in His arms; He will carry them in His bosom, and gently lead those that have young." Is 40:11
"Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins." 1Pe 4:8

We won't love perfectly in this world, but we can love earnestly. And we do. Most of the time. When it gets so difficult that you are ready to throw in the towel; when you are so confused and frustrated, you don't know which way is up, much less which decision is right, stop and run to the Savoir who gently leads and carries you and your little ones. Rest in Him. Don't trade time with Him for the busyness of life. He alone gives rest. And peace. And wisdom. And strength. He is a good Shepherd.

Lots of love and prayers,
Sherlie

As a side note:
The children, ages 3 though 4th grade, will be rehearsing during the Sunday School hour. The children will go to their rooms as usual. Their Sunday School teachers will take them to the auditorium for practice.

Emily's post... or most of it...

I love reading Emily Kines' posts on her blog. I was so touched by this one, I decided to post most of it on this blog. I'm sure Emily doesn't mind. Besides, it's already on the web for the world to see...

Too many flowers? emilykines | May 1, 2011 at 8:19 pm | Categories: Children | URL: http://wp.me/p1reqv-3h

"It's nice to have a baby around the house."

This is what Anne Elise said to me this morning and my soul soared. Yes, it's so nice. There's nothing better. There is nothing better! Even with the sleepless nights. It reminds me of my favorite Mother Teresa quote, "How can there be too many children? It's like saying there are too many flowers?" I couldn't agree more. Maybe my favorite quote ever. I love flowers, but I love babies more. And you can't have enough of either.

It is our responsibility to instill in our children a love for children.We have never brought a new baby home and not had him or her completely loved and embraced by all of the family members - even the two year old. Even with the incessant screaming that always accompanies our little bundles of joy. I think this has to be our lifestyle. There's a Biblical mandate to love children. Jesus loved children. He even tells us that we must become like them. He told the disciples to let them come. What an awesome picture! Can you imagine children running to Him? Grabbing His legs? Climbing in His lap? God made flesh with children on His knee...

It's an amazing thought that we have the privilege of that kind of relationship with God. He created the universe with a word and He has adopted us. Ephesians chapter 1 says, "For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding."

We have redemption because He chose to adopt us.

He chose to adopt us.

He chose to adopt us.

Josh and I have said for a long time that we want lots of children. They ask us for a number and we say "at least 7" and they think we're joking - or crazy. We are. And we're lying. We really want at least a dozen. Unless I die of sleep deprivation before then. And that seems more and more possible everyday.

I blogged a while ago that I have a fussy baby. The fourth one. That's four out of four. Some friends have asked if I still want more children. The answer is YES! Lord willing. I certainly am not saying that everyone should have lots of children. I'm not even saying that everyone should have children. I am saying that we should all love children. We should see them for what they are - blessings. They are always blessings. God's Word tells us so.

Am I saying all of this because I got a full night's sleep last night for the first time in six weeks? Yes. No. Maybe. It doesn't matter. If we believe God's Word to be infallible. Inherent. Then we believe Psalms 127 when it says, "Children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate. "

So go have babies. Lots of them. Or adopt a whole bunch. Or both! And don't ever sleep again. Ever. Sleep is overrated anyway.

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May 1

Sunday is May 1. What happened to April?? Time is flying by!! May 15 will be here in two weeks. That's when our Preschool and 1st-4th Grade Choirs will be singing in the morning service. They will practice this Sunday, May 1, in Kids Khoir for the last time. If you have not brought your children to Kids Khoir, take the plunge and bring 'em on! We meet on the children's Sunday School hall (the 500 building) immediately following supper. Peyton Hutchinson, leader of the preschoolers, has CDs of the songs they will sing. The graded choir will sing the first and last verses of "Fairest Lord Jesus."Both choirs will  run through the songs on stage in the auditorium during Sunday School on the morning of May 8.

Check out the brand new ASC website!!-

We have a website for Arts & Sports Camp!! You can visit it and Get lots of information. Even download and copy the necessary registration and medical release forms!! Go to
madisonheightsasc.wordpress.com. Please let me know what you think! I'd love some feedback!!
Thanks,
Sherlie

Kids Khoir

I am looking forward to our Preschool and 1st-4th grade Children's Choirs singing in Worship on May 15th. It will be a blessing for all of us. If your child has not been coming to Kids Khoir on the 1st &3rd Sunday nights after supper, please bring them. This Sunday night is the last Kids Khoir before they sing. They will practice in Sunday School on the 1st and 8th, also. But they will need all three practices, especially if they haven't rehearsed with the others at all.

I got an email from Westminster Bookstore about a great new book on prayer for children. And it's on sale!! Here's the info:

50% Off Two New Books For Children
info@wtsbooks.com

Arts & Sports Camp

I have been working on ARTS & SPORTS CAMP "stuff" all day. I am SO EXCITED!!! It's going to be great! God is answering prayer and opening doors. Many of you are committing to working, and you are excited, too!! Yay!!! God is going to give us tremendous week (three days)!!! Remember to mark your calendar for JUNE 27-29, from 8:30-11:45. And be expecting a call from me, if you haven't heard from me already. Go ahead and be thinking about the area you would like to serve in! :)

Happy Easter!

What a blessed Easter weekend we had! It began with an encouraging and meaningful service on Friday evening. We had a fun time talking about the importance of Easter, fellowshiping, and finding eggs at the Easter Egg Hunt Saturday morning. And it culminated in a very worshipful service with a great message this morning. God is so very good... and merciful... and gracious... and abounding in love... and so much more! to us, His elect. Thank you, God, that you planned before man even had opportunity to sin to save us through your precious Son. Thank you, Jesus, for willingly giving your life in place of ours. How awesomely wonderful that the gates of hell cannot prevail against you!! Thank you, Holy Spirit, that you guide and protect us, leading us safely to our eternal home, where we will worship the Three-In-One forever!!