Spiritual Growth and Faith Formation News

     Yet another busy meeting, even if "slightly" confused.
 
     We have decided to change curriculum and use "Witness" this next year.  The feeling was that this program was more appropriate for the children who attend our Sunday School.  Akaloo is a good program, but it was underused by the kids and is very expensive.  We also discussed some of the responses to the survey and are working on presenting programs and lectures tied into the interests of the congregation.  More on that in the coming months!
 
     One thing the team would like to see are some new Christmas decorations.  How about using a thematic approach to decorating this year?  I have probably every crochet pattern for snowflakes ever created if anyone is interested.  But don't just stop there.  There are a lot of possible themes.  Put your suggestions in the SGFF box or the office.  Then we'll have a big "make and deco" party!
 
     We are still looking at confirmation curriculum.  Augsburg has a good one and is a possibility but there are others out there.  If you know a good program, let us know so we can check it out.
 
     Our campers came home tired and then had to go help out with Vacation Bible School.  Kept them busy.  VBS went really well (except for being soooo HOT).    We had about 90 kids enrolled.  Ten kids from New Spirit attended and we had three of our youth helping.  Lots of New Spirit folks showed up on the Saturday to help decorate the sanctuary at Immanuel.  Just ask Marilyn and Marlene how to build a tree.  They're experts!  We had folks from Abounding Grace helping also.  They are doing the Rainforrest Adventure this month and we're sharing decorations.  So, three churches working together to bring a VBS experience to all of our kids and the neighborhood kids.  That's the Spirit working the way God wants it to.
 
     Pat Kelly and others are working on a Health Education.  They are very pumped up about it and are hoping that the congregation will fling ideas and needs their way. 
 
     Prayer shawls are growing, kids are growing, I think the Spirit is moving big time through this church!!