Day 504: Get ready for summer....

Friday will have VBS planning in full swing! This year, we'll be using Standard Publishing's Main Street cirrculum.
It's inside out. It's upside down. But must importantly, it is "where Jesus makes a difference every day!"

What I like best about it:
-Jesus+Every day people.
-Tells kids that knowing Christ can change a life.
-It is so cute!
-Gratitude.
-Compassion.
-Forgiveness.
-Grace.
-Faithfulness.
-Cooper can come.
-Biblical truth is woven into every activity and station.
-It. Is. Fun.

Show me your ways, LORD, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. - Psalm 25:4-5

Watch more here->

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Day 432: Miracle on Main Street

"You are invited to our Christmas Show!"
Wendesday Night 6:30 at 2nd Pres!
Holiday dinner at 5:30.
Our kids have worked for months and months and it is a wonderful, wonderful production that we are excited to share!
So excited, so Christmas!

Day 425: Snow!!

The only thing I like about cold...is snow!
It's the fist snow fall of the season and definitely worth a blog post.
And the only things better than a snowy day as I am leaving the house...is getting to share the news of the snow with 25 preschools!
Love my life.

Day 393: Trunk or Treat Fall Festival

Words can't do it justice. But what a fun night with families at 2nd Pres! Thanks Michele Andreck Photography for the AMAZING pics!

Day 394: Big Brothers, Big Sisters

Last Thursday was my first day as a mentor at Westview Elementary. I was so excited to finally meet my "Little Sis!" We got to know one another, talked about our families, and her school.
Then, it happened.

She asked me a question I never like to hear.

A question I dread.

A question that often leads to my extreme embarrassment.

She said,
"Do you want to play basketball?"

Woah.

Basketball?

Me?

But we did.

And she lowered the goal.

And I did alright.

I pray that by the end of the year, that we really get to know one another...and that I get a little better at basketball!
So excited for next week!

Learn more about being a "Big" with Big Brothers/Big Sisters through 2nd Pres's investment and partnership with Westview.

Photo Credit

Day 382: First Look

Here is a look at "First Look." This is the curriculum we have implemented this fall at 2nd Pres. Our children, birth through age 5, have their own special rooms, called "The Park," "The Zoo," and "The Crosswalk." They are getting their "First Look" at the precious truths of the Bible and discovering their God. They spend time each week with Mrs. Sabina, Mrs. Judy, Mrs. Laura, Mrs. Kathy, and Mr. Bob, along with our loving weekly volunteers. At home, their are simple activities for families to continue to teach these basic truths:

· God made me

· God loves me.

· Jesus wants to be my friend forever.

We are having so much fun discovering Christ with Kids!

Day ???: Kids Crossing

"If Jesus walked through the door and you could ask Him anything, what would it be?"

"Can I please have a minute to win it!?"

"Raffle. Raffle. Raffle."

"Dear God, thank you for this day and hank you for my church and thank you for my friends."

Wednesday is my new favorite day of the week. We have kicked off the fall at 2nd Pres. Everything start with a great meal, then our kids head up to choir, and adults and youth make their way to meetings. Mid-evening, when choir is over, we head into Kid's Crossing. It is a little loud, a lot of silliness, and so much fun. Then, we sit down for the every-popular raffle and more games. Then, the evening wraps up with a talk, about Jesus and what he has to say about life and time for "M&Ms." "M&Ms" are our small groups, were kids answer questions based on the M&M they choose.
We love Wednesday nights at 2nd Pres! Check it out!

Day 258: Junior League Community Projects 2010-2011

Wednesday morning was the Contract Signing Breakfast Reception honoring the 2010-2011 community projects for the Junior League of Knoxville. These community agencies will received trained volunteers from the league to equip them and their mission.

Here is the 2010-2011 Slate of Projects

Character Counts
This program works to provide education and training to parents in various parts of Knoxville and Knox County on how they can reinforce the Six Pillars of Character at home, how to deal with discipline and the importance of building good character as life skills.

Child Health and Wellness Grants
JLK, in partnership with Mercy Hospital Foundation, First Tennessee Foundation, and Shults Pediatrics provides health grants to non-profit agencies based on critical health needs of children and families in our community.

Done in a Day
JLK volunteers work with many non-profit organizations throughout the year with projects that are completed in a single day.

East Tennessee Children's Hospital Rehabilitation Center
Volunteers assist pediatric specialists and work with special needs children and their families.

Knox Heritage
JLK and Knox Heritage work together to preserve the rich architectural history of Knoxville through the historical marker system.

Leadership Knoxville
A year-long course developed to enlighten present and emerging leaders about community issues and to broaden the base of leadership in the Knoxville community.

Mini-Grants
JLK and Belk partner to award mini-grants in the amount of $50 to $500 on a competitive basis to teachers for innovative classroom projects.

The Parenting Center
JLK and the Florence Crittenton Center are working together to provide parenting and life skills to the community to enhance family preservation.

Tennessee Advocacy and Public Awareness
A state level coalition formed by the Junior Leagues of Tennessee facilitate networking, coordinate information and research, promote awareness, and advocate on issues of shared interest.

Kids In The Kitchen
The goal of the Junior Leagues' Kids in the Kitchen initiative, which is supported by The Association of Junior Leagues International Inc. and its member Leagues, is to empower youth to make healthy lifestyle choices and help reverse the growth of childhood obesity and its associated health issues.

Learn more at www.jlknoxville.org

I am so excited to be co-chairing the Community Research and Project Development Committee, as we look forward to a great year and exciting projects for 2011-2012!

Day 218: 2nd Pres Preschool

Wednesday was a wonderful celebration and silent auction all for 2nd Pres's PreSchool. Then Thursday, I got to learn more about this mission in their board meeting. And I am looking forward to being a part of their chapel!
This passionate team has a mission, "to provide quality child-care to the community that fosters the development of the whole child to his or her full potential as a child of God."

Learn more about 2nd Pres PreSchool->


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Day 216: West View Elementary

It's Teacher Appreciation Day at West View Elementary. 2nd Pres has adopted West View, so I got to join the fabulous Brittany this morning to serve breakfast to this committed staff. This little school really is one of the happiest places in Knoxville and I look forward to lots of more opportunities to serve there!
Photo Credit