November Newsletter Page One

November 2000

Greetings:

Given my love for ice cream I particularly appreciated the following story which was e-mailed to me. It is entitled, Ice Cream for the Soul.

Last week I took my children to a restaurant. My six year old son asked if he could say grace. As we bowed our heads he said, "God is good. God is great. Thank you for the food, and I would even thank you more if Mom gets us ice cream for dessert. Amen!"

Some of the customers, within hearing distance, chuckled at my son’s prayer. There was one exception. One woman remarked, loud enough for most to hear, "That’s what is wrong with this country! Kids today don’t know how to pray! Asking God for ice cream! Why, I never!"

Hearing this, my son burst into tears and asked, "Did I do something wrong? Is God mad at me?"

As I held him and assured him that he had done a terrific job and God was certainly not mad at him, an elderly man approached the table. He winked at my son and said, "I happen to know that God thought that was a great prayer."

"Really?" my son asked. "Cross my heart," he said.

Then in a theatrical whisper he added, "Too bad she never asks God for ice cream. A little ice cream is good for the soul."

Naturally I bought my kid’s ice cream at the end of the meal. When the ice cream was served, my son stared at his for a moment and then did something I will remember for the rest of my life. He picked up his sundae and without a word walked over and placed it in front of the woman. With a big smile he told her, "Here this is for you. Ice cream is sometimes good for the soul."

May this story remind us big and small, to thank God for the big and small things, the big people and small people in our lives. May this story also remind us that the best way of giving thanks is not just through prayer, but through sharing what we do have, it is good for their soul and our own.

Happy Thanks Giving.

PS. Please keep me in your prayers as I visit with Greg in Jerusalem - 10/22 to 11/5.

In Christ,

Throughout history there have been men and women who have demonstrated that it takes not a spiritual "superstar" to accomplish great acts for the Kingdom of God, but humble, believing people - like you - who are willing to take God at His Word, sacrifice their own personal desires, discipline themselves to "watch and pray," and leave the rest up to God. YOU are invited to be one of those people and participate in a faith filled 30 minutes of prayers every Thursday mornings at 9:30 A.M. in the sanctuary.

November brings us to the end of the New Testament letters. We start with the Letter of James, a letter written to expose the hypocritical practices of Christians. Then we have Peters letters of encouragement and warnings, followed by the reassuring Letters of John and we end it with the Letter of Jude which reminds us to keep strong in the faith.
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*Nov 1 - James 1*	*Nov 10 - 1 Peter 3*	*Nov 22 - 1 John 3*
*Nov 2 - James 2*	*Nov 13 - 1 Peter 4*	*Nov 23 - 1 John 4*
*Nov 3 - James 3*	*Nov 14 - 1 Peter 5*	*Nov 24 - 1 John 5*
*Nov 6 - James 4*	*Nov 15 - 2 Peter 1*	*Nov 27 - 2 John 1*
*Nov 7 - James 5*	*Nov 16 - 2 Peter 2*	*Nov 28 - 2 John 2*
*Nov 8 - 1 Peter 1*	*Nov 17 - 2 Peter 3*	*Nov 29 - 3 John 1*
*Nov 9 - 1 Peter 2*	*Nov 20 - 1 John 1*	*Nov 30 - Jude 1*
	*Nov 21 - 1 John 2*

On Dec 3rd, from 12 noon to 6 p.m.

the Senior Youth Group will provide an exciting afternoon of crafts, movies, songs, and Christmas activities for children two years and older. A perfect time for parents to do their Christmas shopping.

Please print out and complete the form below
and return to the church office by November 26th.

1. An Attitude of Service - family members helping each other.

2. Intimacy between Spouses - gives children a loving model.

3. Parents Who Teach and Train - guiding children must be a team effort.

4. Husbands Who ARE Loving Leaders - leads family in a loving way and lives his spiritual and moral values.

5. Children Who Obey and Honor Parents - learning to live by rules is good.