a project to raise funds

for the purchase of a water holding tank

for migrant workers in the Dominican Republic.

3rd - 6th Graders

Sunday, March 25

The Louisiana Preschool and Children’s Ministers Association Annual Retreat was recently held at Tall Timbers. 
   I have always enjoyed the opportunity to spend time with other Preschool and/or Children’s Ministers from around the state.

What gives something value?
According to Dictionary.com,  value is the “relative worth, merit, or importance” of
something. 
   As humans, we assign worth to items and people, whether we realize it or not. Some things increase in value over time, while others decrease (a new car once it’s off the lot), but it’s all according to “how” you look at it and “who” looks at it.
   Between moving into a new house last spring, and moving my mom out of her apartment into a nursing home last month, I have been overwhelmed.
   I’ve not only been burdened by the amount of stuff we have sorted through, but by the task of deciding what I value enough to keep and what goes to
someone else who may benefit from it more.
   During all of this I’ve been reminded that one person’s garage sale is another’s treasure chest. As I’ve absorbed that phrase, I began to think of all that I treasure in my life.
   I value a good night’s sleep, because without it I don’t
function very well – I get
emotional and cranky.
   I value the photos and trinkets of family and friends, because they spark memories of our time together.
   I value the quiet time in my car when I’m alone, because there isn’t always silence with two teenagers and a preschooler at home.
   I value being able to hear my mother say, “I love you.” I value time spent with my husband at an unplanned lunch.
   I value the warmth of a hug from friends and loved ones.

The latest Christian buzz words “being the presence of Christ” are stuck in my head.
   I’ve heard them on Wednesday nights in discussions with Pastor Chris. I’ve read them in Sunday school literature.
   As a child, I remember
learning a verse in Sunday school that we still use today in Mission Friends, as well as the GA and RA groups: “Jesus went about doing good.”
   Yes, I know that verse along with the latest buzz words. And while I may minister to fellow Christians with casseroles, prayer lists, cards or visits, I often find myself stuck like a guinea pig on an exercise wheel. 
   I seem to keep doing the same thing with people that are much like me.
   I’ve often wondered how to  break out of our small Christian cliques to be among others who may not know Him.
   Recently, about ten people from Emmanuel, including myself, went to Main Street Baptist Mission to provide services to the people in downtown Pineville. Many of them are homeless.  
   We gave out hygiene items, bags of food for families, and snack packs for the homeless. We sorted donated clothing and served a hot meal for lunch. It was an adventure in service that all of us enjoyed.
   On Wednesday, February 29, Emmanuel will hold a Community Services Fair.

Compassion and action began in the heart of God. The
scriptures are filled with acts of service to persons in need.
   Last Sunday, we installed ten deacons to our Deacon Council. This group of 30 men and women are servant models for our congregation and
community. They will continue to shape how we understand and practice the extended hands of Christ to people.
   The leadership elected by the deacons include Mickey White as the new chair. Tom Robinson is vice-chairperson and Daphne Robinson is secretary for the Council.
   There are five Deacon
Ministry teams which will expand our ministry throughout the congregation. If you need assistance in any of these areas or would like to volunteer to work alongside a deacon team, let the leaders know.
   The Tool Box Ministry provides basic home repairs for church members. If you have a project, let these deacons know so they can coordinate with you and your schedule.
   Our Hospital Visitation group offers spiritual and emotional support for church members and their families dealing with illness and/or hospitalization.  Members of the team will visit at least once a week.
   We continue to have new members join our fellowship. The New Member Assimilation team contacts new members and seeks to make a meaningful transition into the life of
Emmanuel.

to benefit Emmanuel's Youth

Feb. 12, Sunday

Noon

Weems Hall

$8 per person OR $24 max per family