Hello Agape,
Wow! It's been a while since I have been to class :). However, I have really enjoyed teaching those 4 year-olds. What a great group of kids. Michele Blankenship is taking over the 4 year-old class so that I can join back with Agape and help with programming. Thank you Michele! I'm very excited to see everyone again. Before I give the schedule of speakers for January, let me map out a few important dates for the next few weeks:
December 18th - no class, all church breakfast with trains downstairs. Just bring a breakfast dish and let the kids watch the amazing display of running trains. Super cool!
December 24th - 5:00 PM Children at the Manger - If you have not signed your child up to participate in the service, please let me know. Your child must be 5 years old AND in Kindergarten to participate in the actual Christmas Eve service. However, all ages are welcome to "prepare the manger" at the beginning of the service. At the end of the service, everyone holds a lit candle while the church congregation sings "Silent Night". Super cool!
December 25th - no class - church building opens at 10:00 AM! However, because Christmas falls on a Sunday this year, I am sure it will be a well-attended service!
January 1st - no class - church building opens at 10:00 AM!
January 8th - Let's start the new year with an Agape potluck during class. I will send out a sign-up sheet in the next week. Also, Brian Owens will be showing his documentary titled "Take me to the Water" and tell us a little bit about the amazing community in Pin Point, Georgia where religion is the center of their lives.
January 15th - Gretchen Combs - "Simple Discipline"
January 22nd - Sydney Fiedler - "Family Traditions"
January 29th - Rachel Cabal - "Radical Hospitality"
That's all for now! I want to thank Sarah for all that she has done as far as programming for the Fall. She did an amazing job. I have big shoes to fill :).
Also, Ann Smith graciously offered to help me with costumes for the Children at the Manger service, but I need 4 more people to volunteer please! I just need help getting kids in their costumes from 4-5 PM on Christmas Eve before the Children at the Manger service.
Merry Christmas to all of you!
Best,
Hollis Owens