While we learn much about God from our fathers, I truly believe we learn more about God’s nurturing and redemptive love, as well as how to completely trust in Him, from our mothers. I believe the following story illustrates this well.

When Robert Ingersoll, the notorious skeptic, was in his heyday, two college students went to hear him lecture. As they walked down the street after the lecture, one said to the other, "Well, I guess he knocked the props out from under Christianity, didn't he?" The other said, "No, I don't think he did. Ingersoll did not explain my mother's life, and until he can explain my mother's life, I will stand by my mother's God."

Blessings, Pastor Ed Taylor

XTREME BELIEVERS (YOUTH GROUP)

Xtreme Believers’ new meeting time on Wednesday evenings is from 7-8 p.m. We hang out, play games, chat and snack for about 45 minutes and close with prayer and a devotion.

Xtreme Believers anxiously await the arrival of Rachel Partridge, our Summer Youth Ministry Leader. Rachel is a talented musician, singer, and athlete. She writes, "God has placed in my heart a passion for youth." In the fall of 2005, Rachel joined YouthQuest, a Liberty-based ministry team that travels on weekends to youth groups, where they hold rallies and work in small group discipleship. She is majoring in Kinesiology with a focus on teaching Physical Education. Rachel also plays the keyboard and sings - and enjoys drama, short-film-making, and basketball! Wow! This promises to be a fun summer for Xtreme Believers!

We are looking forward to and preparing for our Church Plant Mission Trip to Cleveland in June. This will be a stretch activity for all of us. The group is really looking forward to visiting the Creation Museum; located south of Cincinnati, on the final day of our journey. There are six spots left for the trip and $50 secures your child’s seat on the bus. First come, first serve! Please enroll before May 1.

Wes and Charlotte Mills

AWANA News

We’re closing another year of AWANA on May 4th. During Morning Worship, you are cordially invited to listen to our children & youth as they share their knowledge and experiences by reciting verses and recounting significant events from throughout the year. Come and hear the Gospel as spoken from the mouths of babes! Some of these young children have not yet learned to read, but have memorized and are reciting multiple passages of scripture! We’ll also be sharing some of the songs we sing each week.

The Sparks enjoyed an outing to the home of Thornton and Iva Lam where they had an indoor picnic (rainy day) and visited with Sierra’s many animals. Check out the pictures in the vestibule! Thanks to Thornton, Iva, David and Stacy Lam for hosting this trip.

The JV& Varsity Class continues to plan the summer mission trip and all of the classes are diligently working through their books. You’ll hear more about all of this on Sunday morning, May 4th.

The AWANA Finale will be held the evening of May 4th. We’ll serve hot dogs, chips and sodas. Also, the AWANA store will be open - with a final opportunity (this year) for young people to spend their AWANA dollars. For those moving up to another group, visiting new classes is part of the fun this evening. Oh, I almost forgot! We’re planning a Kick ball Game – ‘Young’ vs ‘Young at Heart.’ Come, eat a snack, visit teachers and have a super time at games! Hope to see you on May 4th!

We praise God as He continues to open our eyes and hearts to needs in and around our community. One such place is The Royal Haven Rest Home, now home to our own Bill Potter, where the demand for personal care items is high. In order to follow the command of our Lord Jesus Christ in Matthew 25: 34-46 to help meet the needs of those around us, for the months of May and June, we are asking you to contribute the items listed below to Royal Haven. A collection box will be placed in the foyer of the church for your convenience. The items requested include, combs, Dove Soap for Sensitive Skin, toothpaste & toothbrushes, mouthwash, facial tissues, disposable razors (snap-in type), shaving cream, and candy & sugar-free candy (for diabetics).