The Word Newsletter May 2008

KFC March 2008 Birthdays May 1st  Hayden C. May 4th George P. May 6th Nelson B. May 8th Ciara A. May 16th Brenda G. May 23rd Allison S. May 31st Annie C. Let Us “Bee” Thankful We hope you enjoyed this issue of The Word! Would you like to submit an article, tell us about a special event, or otherwise contribute an item to the newsletter? Place the item in the kids news mailbox in the office or email

Ponder This: A Different Perspective One day, the father of a very wealthy family took his son on a trip to the country with the express purpose of showing him how poor people live. They spent a couple of days and nights on the farm of what would be considered a very poor family. On their return from their trip, the father asked his son, "How was the trip?" "It was great, Dad." "Did you see how poor people live?" the father asked. "Oh yeah, " said the son. "So tell me, what did you learn from the trip?" asked the father. The son answered: "I saw that we have one dog and they had four. We have a pool that reaches to the middle of our garden and they have a creek that has no end. We have imported lanterns in our garden and they have the stars at night. Our patio reaches to the front yard and they have the whole horizon. We have a small piece of land to live on and they have fields that go beyond our sight. We have servants who serve us , but they serve others. We buy our food, but they grow theirs. We have walls around our property to protect us , they have friends to protect them." The boy's father was speechless. Then his son added, "Thanks Dad for showing me how poor we are." Isn't perspective a wonderful thing? Makes you wonder what would happen if we all gave thanks for everything we have, instead of worrying about what we don't have.

UPCOMING EVENTS FOR KFC May 4th BIG Wednesday May 14th Last BIG Wednesday Family Night begins at 6:00 in the Family Ministries Center May 18th Confirmation Sunday in 10:45 A.M. Worship May 18th Children participate in Celebration Service May 21st B.I.G. Adults Thank-You Dinner

Heads Up: The Story of One Quarter, by Molly Schaar Idle Aggie’s family faces a financial setback, and one quarter becomes their symbol of faith. Whenever someone in the family ventures out, the quarter goes along so they can always call home if they need each other. When Aggie sees a special doll she wants for her own, she has to decide what is more important– the doll or keeping her family together. Whether your family is in financial distress or not, this book can help teach children important lessons about faith, the strength of family, and the promise of God to meet our needs. Hey kids, do you have a favorite book you think other people might like to read? We’d like to hear about it in your own words. Write about it and email it to the address listed in the award section– or drop it in the children’s news box at the church office		“But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today.” Hebrews 3:13 What do you do when you are in the midst of adversity? Do you plan a party? Do you say “Hooray!” I don’t know about you, but I don’t much feel like celebrating when my world seems to be falling apart. In the book of Romans, however, this is exactly what Paul tells us we should be doing, rejoicing in adversity, “because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” I don’t really think Paul is suggesting we go have a party when life storms are raging, but I do think Paul’s words encourage us to keep faith and hope afloat until the storm subsides, and we get a glimpse of the rainbow God is waiting to show us. Like the cross bearer in the drama the children performed, we often look for ways to make our suffering easier to bear, cutting off piece after piece until it is comfortable. When we do this, we may find that the very suffering we despised is the only thing that can bridge the gap between where we are and where we want to be. When you face suffering, think about what difficulty your cross may be preparing you to handle. In God’s Love, Kim Whipkey

The Connection
Can you believe it’s May already? School is almost over and Summer is poised and ready to begin. Our B.I.G. idea for May is from 2 Corinthians 5:17—”see, everything has become new.” Can there be a more appropriate verse for us this May? God has and is working in and through us in new and wonderful ways. There will be many new and fun things happening here at the church this Summer. For our pre-school age children we will have Vacation Bible School in July as well as a Day Camp put on by First Kids (also in July). Our children entering grades 1-5 will have the opportunity to participate in B.I.G. Summer Fun Days each Wednesday (beginning June 4 and ending July 16th) in addition to Vacation Bible School. Our L.I.N.C.ers (entering grades 5 and 6) will have fun activities as well as some mission projects. All children entering grades 5 and up are eligible to attend Summer Camp at Lakeview. We cannot accomplish any of this without YOU! Call me if you are interested in helping with any or all of our programs—at the church or at home or on my cell—903-736-3958. E-mail is wonderful as well—jolstrong@aol.com. For us in the Children’s Department, NEW means our Next Event will be Wonderful!!! New Summer Fun Days. New Day Camp. New VBS. New Camp. New. New. New. See! Everything has become NEW! Wonderful! So, when you have time call me 903-736-3958 or e-mail me  or just drop by. I’ll look forward to it!
KFC Awards & Recognitions A special thanks to all who helped with The Cross drama. Thanks to our young actors and actresses for their hard work and dedication. Thanks to John Whipkey, Matt Krohn, Kristen Hilliard, Debi Phillips, Bonnie Andersen, Nancy Flowers, and all of you who pitched in to make the drama a reality. Thanks, Mr. Johnny, for restoring the sanctuary and moving the backdrop poles.	Hey, What’s The B.I.G. Idea? May’s BIG Idea: We believe God’s presence in our lives can completely change us. Bible Verse: See, everything has become new. * (2 Corinthians 5:17) Theme: It’s Time for a Change May 4th Zacchaeus May 18th Paul May 11th Peter at Pentecost May 25th Lydia Tips For Calming A Crying Baby… Run a vacuum cleaner within hearing range of the baby. Play soft music, sing or hum. Take the baby for a ride in the car (in child safety seat). Place the baby in the crib for a few minutes– they may calm down on their own

Across 1 Not to be put under a bushel. (6) 3 Let yours shine before men! (5) 7 Moth and rust will do this to your earthly store. (7) 8 If you do this, you will find. (4) 10 These should not be done in view of men. (4) 13 The eight sayings by Christ at the beginning of his sermon. (10) 15 They sound trumpets in the streets when they are being charitable. (10) 18 The peacemakers will be called this. (8,2,3) 20 They were with Jesus when he gave the sermon. (9) 22 You can't serve God and this. (6) 23 Fellow believers. (8) 24 The earth is this to God. (9) Down 2 Jesus gave this as example of how to communicate with God. (5,6) 4 Don't lay these upon the earth. (9) 5 Whoever says this to his brother shall be in danger of the council. (4) 6 Those who are given happiness and good fortune. (7) 9 When engaging in this, you should enter into your closet and shut the door. (6) 11 Where the sermon was given. (8) 12 You should search for this first, before worrying about food and clothing. (13) 14 What you should do to your eye if it offends. (5) 16 They which do this shall be filled. (6) 17 The hypocrites disfigured their faces while doing this. 19 If you are forced to go a mile with someone, this is how far you should go. (5) 21 The foolish man built his house on this. (4)	Family Devotion Time Discover: Freedom Diving Into the Word: Read Philippians 4: 11-13 Come up with a definition of contentment. Discuss the secret to finding contentment and what determines whether we are content. Read Isaiah 58: 11 Discuss the difference between wants and needs. How can we tell the difference? How does God meet our needs? Read Matthew 6:25-34 What should we seek first in our lives? How will our hearts and our lives be different if we seek God’s kingdom first? Living the Word: Choose one or more ideas. As a family, watch the Veggie Tales movie Madam Blueberry. Discuss how having too much stuff can keep us from being truly happy. Start a savings plan for a large purchase, such as a family vacation. Determine how much money the purchase or trip will require, and track your progress in saving. Have family members take turns choosing ideas for a no-cost (or low cost) family outing or get-together. Ideas include a picnic in the park, a hiking trip, time at the beach or lake, or even a family game night. Praying the Word: Father, thank you for all you have given us. Help us to seek the contentment that comes, not from the world, but from seeking you first, and obeying you. Help us to trust in you for all of our needs. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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