Local Church Updates

• Phoenix Preteens Perform Play on Miracles
• Houston North Sponsors Parenting Class
• Louisville Makes New Home
• Preteens From 14 States Gather at Camp Tomahawk
• 95-Year-Young Member Polkas at Party
• Young Houston Musician Honored
• Tacoma and Olympia Teens and Young Adults Camp Out

Phoenix Preteens Perform Play on Miracles

On a hot and happy Sabbath June 16, the Phoenix, Arizona, Northwest congregation witnessed the reenactment of four amazing miracles! The congregation's preschoolers, Sabbath school group and teen helpers, a total of about 20 young people, performed a play titled "The Miracles of Christ," written and produced by Gale Maranville.

The children, excited to show what they learned throughout the year about the life of Jesus Christ, performed four different acts depicting Christ's miracles of water into wine, loaves and fishes, the 10 lepers healed and Lazarus being raised from the dead.

Randy Schreiber, pastor of the congregation, felt the play was important for the children and adults alike. "We wanted to have the children close out the Sabbath school year by doing something to help them internalize the lessons through active participation and to show the congregation what they were learning," he said. "I believe that this type of activity brings the whole church together."

Parents and teachers of the Sabbath school children directed each act, and the play participants spent several months in preparation for the performance. Lissa Chambers created elaborate costumes for the event, while teens and parents created the sets, which gave a genuine feel to the performance.

Sydney Bose, a performer who played major roles of Mary and the disciple Andrew, said, "The costumes were my favorite part of the play because they were so cool looking." Several teens and young adults also participated in the performance, either in a narrating role or as backstage directors.

At the end of the four acts, several of the children recited a poem containing the New Testament books of the Bible. Cassie Chambers, who played Martha in one act and the disciple Philip in another, said, "The poem was my favorite part of the play because it was so fun." Her brother Coleton, who played various roles, commented that the poem was one of the main things he will remember from being in the play.

Both the play participants and the audience enjoyed the experience. Pat Paisley, a longtime member and great-grandmother of one of the performers, commented: "It's wonderful to see that the children are learning so much in Sabbath school, and that they are so excited to learn and know about God's ways and be a part of this Church. I really enjoyed it."

The children learned important lessons from enacting the stories. When asked what they learned, a few actors responded: "God can heal many people." "We should help people when they need something or are sick." "God can do anything." "Be thankful, and pray."

— Tina Fogelson

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Houston North Sponsors Parenting Class

From fall 2006 to spring 2007 the Houston, Texas, North congregation sponsored a parenting class that used the highly acclaimed program "Along the Virtuous Way." This program is an 18-week, progressive study format including a weekly video presentation, individual homework and classroom discussion. The material primarily centers its focus on toddler through grade-school-aged children, but includes principles that apply to all ages.

A total of 44 individuals, most of them couples with children, attended one of two classes offered. Pastor Jim Servidio conducted the class on Friday evening, and John Perry held the Sabbath morning session. Both were held at the Houston North church building. Because we were able to use our own facility, the cost of the program was only $20 per student, which covered the cost of the workbook.

Weekly lessons included such topics as How to Raise a Moral Child; Touchpoints of Love; Your Child's Conscience; Respect for Peers, Property and Nature; Character Development; Building a Healthy Family, etc. Those in the class found it extremely helpful and educational.

Friday nights the class lesson began about 7:30 after snacks. After prayer, we started by reviewing the lesson from the previous week and answering homework questions from the workbook. Parents shared circumstances or events that illustrated how that lesson was put into practice and how their children responded.

After the review, a 45-minute DVD presentation expounded that evening's lesson. After the DVD lesson we took a 15-minute break. Often this meant dessert or at least a cup of coffee. Following the break was another discussion period giving the class an opportunity to reflect on the DVD. They could ask questions or share their experiences, either as a child years ago or as a parent now. We normally finished by 9 p.m. The 10 a.m. Sabbath morning class had the same format, only they enjoyed a lunch after class and prior to the start of church services.

Everyone felt the material and lessons were well worth the time and effort. Many wanted to go through the teen program next. Specific plans to offer the teen program or repeat this class have not been determined. But judging by the interest and the number of children being born, I think there will be parenting education scheduled periodically for years to come.

— Jim Servidio

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Louisville Makes New Home

The Louisville, Kentucky, congregation had an extra air of excitement the Sabbath of July 14, as it opened the doors of its newly remodeled church hall to both the local congregation and many visitors.

The project—transforming the home of a printing company into a church hall—spanned more than two months time and required hundreds of volunteer hours by local members. Major renovations included recarpeting, painting walls and floors, tiling bathroom floors, landscaping outside the hall, building a stage with a curtain backdrop and installing new toilets, sinks, mirrors, doors, light fixtures, cabinets, stoves, refrigerators and windows.

The Sabbath of the hall's debut was made even more special when Mark Winner, local pastor, ordained Helen Sutherland as a deaconess and thanked her for her many years of faithful service. High school graduates Anna Zimmerman and Gordon Pennington were also recognized for their accomplishments, receiving gifts from the congregation.

Hors d'oeuvres were served before and after the service, and members were able to walk around and enjoy the nearly-finished hall. Many members had volunteered at various stages of the remodeling, but for most, it was the first chance to view the nearly completed work.

"The first day was exciting because the project was one we all worked on together, and we now have a home we can live in together," said Jerry Rehor, a deacon who served in a role similar to a general contractor for the project. "A lot of people contributed, and I really feel God was involved because we had the right people with the right tools volunteering at the right times."

— Melissa Fergen

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Preteens From 14 States Gather at Camp Tomahawk

Camp Tomahawk 2007, in Eva, Tennessee, filled to maximum capacity this year with 64 smiling preteen campers and 62 enthusiastic staff members, representing 14 different states in all!

"Staying on the Narrow Path" was our Christian Living theme this year. Courses in masculine and feminine leadership were held for the older campers. Our younger girl campers enjoyed a presentation on Esther as it relates to their role as "future princesses," including a tea party just for them. The younger boys participated in an "Architects of the Future" geocaching expedition, where they used a GPS to uncover tools such as compasses and flashlights. These tools were then used to direct them to the ultimate handbook, a Bible for each of them.

In addition, many activities were offered, such as a visit from a local naturalist Safari Greg, who brought along several snakes and a giant monitor lizard.

Of course, all the old familiar favorites were available again this year, such as swimming, speedaway, Olympic challenge, arts and crafts classes, the owl prowl, hayride, Bible baseball, inner tubing on the lazy river ride and slipping down the water slide.

Campers and staff agreed that each year just gets better and better, and we all left with exciting memories and new friendships made.

— Shari Fooshe

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95-Year-Young Member Polkas at Party

Family and friends gathered on July 22 at the River Rail Banquet Hall in Shiacton, Wisconsin, to celebrate Ed Jurek's 95th birthday. A family-style chicken dinner was served to 180 guests followed by dancing to favorite polka music. Mr. Jurek was the first one on the dance floor with his charming partner showing their best polka steps with energy and enthusiasm!

Mr. Jurek is looking forward to his 100th birthday party! He attends the Oshkosh, Wisconsin, congregation.

— Donna D. Myers

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Young Houston Musician Honored

Michele Mitchell, 16, who attends the Houston, Texas, North congregation, was featured in an article in the Winter 2007 Piano Guild Notes magazine showcasing young musicians' achievements.

The article pointed out that Michele has been playing piano since she was 8 and is a "Five-Year National Winner in the Guild auditions held in Houston." It mentioned that "she has also had some vocal training and performs special music at her church." It reported on her sporting activities, her interest in arts and crafts and her community service projects such as helping the elderly at a nursing home by sewing for them and entertaining them, and helping provide clothing so "the indigent could be buried with dignity." Her future plans are "to be an architect or interior designer."

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Tacoma and Olympia Teens and Young Adults Camp Out

On July 14 and 15 the Tacoma and Olympia, Washington, congregations had a campout for teens and young adults. It was hosted on a 200-acre ranch owned by members near Mt. Rainier, Washington. The setting was on a beautiful, wooded hillside overlooking Alder Lake. The weather was great, and there were 68 people in attendance.

On Sabbath morning we enjoyed a big community breakfast, including the now-famous cream of wheat dish, with chocolate and walnuts! Fred Reeves gave a Bible study, and Howard Davis gave the sermon. Dinner was another community affair, with barbecued salmon, baked potatoes and corn on the cob.

Sunday morning everyone headed up the hill for some skeet shooting and target practice. After lunch some went to Alder Lake for waterskiing and swimming.

— Cheryl Reeves

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