Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Heart to Heart Restart

One of our ministries for women is Heart to Heart. More than 10 years ago this began as a Bible study for women on Thursday Mornings. Three years ago we added an evening session for the growing number of working women in our church and community. Along the way we have added practical components to the mix while keeping our intention of providing a safe place for women to learn, laugh a lot, cry a little, and pray with and for each other.

This fall I am trying out a new format in response to the continually changing schedules and needs of East Hills women. As more women have entered and re-entered the work force our attendance at the Thursday evening session has grown to surpass the morning session. So I am going to try a session of Thursday Evening only Heart to Heart. From September 11th to November 20th we will hold Heart to Heart Thursday evenings only, 6:00-7:30, with refreshments and childcare provided. I hope all the "morning ladies" will give the evening sessions a try this semester.

Our fall series is called "10 Things Every Woman Needs To Know". Each week will have a practical topic such as what to do about a bad hair day, and a spiritual topic such as how to have a vibrant prayer life. Guest presenters will jump on board for some of the topics. Besides attending each week, there are several ways to be involved in supporting the women of East Hills and the community; I am hoping for someone to organize the arrangements for refreshments, and someone to do childcare for these 10 weeks.

I am so excited to get back to Heart to Heart; it is truly a unique place for women, and I love being part of it. If you have any questions about this new fall format or how you can be involved, see me at any weekend service, or just call the office at 423-0521. ~Ann

Kidville Season Beginning

Planning for Kidville is underway. A new season begins September 15/16 and will incorporate a new format. We are always thinking about ways to change and improve our children's programs, and I am excited to have our kids and their friends discover what is new for this season.

The classes for 3-year olds through 5th grade will be divided into three sections and be on a three week rotation. Each child will have a week of Bible story, a week of crafts, and a week of large motor skill activities; then back through the rotation again. Park & Ride Nursery care for infants through 2-years old will remain in it's current location.That is a pretty brief explanation of hours and hours of planning, thinking, praying, and researching.

A couple of the reasons for this format change are that it allows us to divide the elementary age kids into two smaller groups, and it allows people who do not necessarily want to teach in the traditional way a wonderful opportunity to have contact with our East Hills kids. For instance, if you feel awkward managing a traditional classroom setting, but you love to do crafts or lead games, this new set up allows you a perfect match for your God-given abilities.

For each of the three semesters we have places for sixteen lead volunteers, plus helpers and specialists. It is my hope that all who have considered ministering to our church families through Kidville will boldly step forward to give this new format a try. There are many ways to be involved. Will you consider using your time and talent this year as Kidville On The Move gets going. You can truly make a difference in the life of a child.

Check out the available sign-up spots in the Welcome Center; I would love to answer any questions you have about how East Hills plans to impact kids and their families this year. ~Ann