28 JAN- Honeycutt/ Fascinate-U

Hi! We had a great trip to the Outer Banks last week. we're back in town now and look forward to seeing you this Friday. If it's above 50 Friday morning, we'll meet at 10 am at Honeycutt Park (352 Devers Street- close to the YMCA and FTCC off Fort Bragg road beside Kiwani's recreation center. I plan on packing a picnic and staying for lunch.

If it's cold or rainy out, we'll go to Fascinate-U at 10 am. I'll post a message Thursday night if we're going indoors.

This Sunday night is My Manna Connection Night at Manna at Cliffdale. From 6:30 - 8:30 pm in the worship center. Childcare is provided and refreshments will be served. This is a great chance to learn about some of the many small groups this spring.

Our clothing swap is coming up soon- this has turned out to be a wonderful event. Start getting your items together- don't forget the great hint to pin outfits together so they stay together. I'll send out the date in the next few days- probably first week in March.

7 January Monkey Joe's

Hello everyone! I pray everyone had a wonderful Christmas season. I look forward to seeing you again. This Friday we'll meet at Monkey Joe's at 10 am in Westwood Shopping Center. $8 per child, $5 per child 2 & under. There is a military discount about 10% off. It's not cheap but the kids love it and burn off lots of energy. I hope to see you!

I haven't mailed our gift to the missionaries- the Sgro family- yet. If you would like to donate for a special offering to bless the Sgro family, I will have a container Friday. If you would like to contribute but can't come Friday, please let me know how much you'll like to contribute and I'll put money in the pot and you can give it to me later.

http://www.goministries.info/

The Sgro family is a wonderful large (13 children) family from Manna who are serving as missionaries in Guatemala. This website tells so much more about their ministry. On the 13th I will make a paypal donation from Fun Fridays as a Christmas blessing for their family. If you feel led, you may give me cash or checks towards our group donation or contribute on your own. I'll be at Monkey Joe's Friday & the homeschool meeting Tuesday night. hope to see you!

Kristen Lewis

Lewis Family

Races

It's almost New Year's Resolution Time. How about a running goal? Here are the races Faithful Feet are planning on doing next year. I hope you'll join us. Email me for more info

5 FEB Spring Lake 10K (they also have 5K- $20)

26 Mar Cherry Point 1/2 $25
15 Oct Baltimore Marathon

Great resources

Free books for families' with deployed Dad from No Greater Joy- apply here.

Online clothes' swap

Happy Birthday Jesus

I saw this on a website- we haven't done it before but it sounded great so I thought I'd share:

To celebrate the TRUE meaning of Christmas, my children and I have a Happy Birthday Jesus Party. We invite lots of kids and we start off by having the kids decorate for Jesus. We get red and green balloons and streamers along with making a huge banner that says Happy Birthday Jesus! I let the kids color the banner and then hang the balloons and streamers. We play games...last year we played Place baby Jesus in the Manger (like pin the tail). This year we will play No room at the inn musical chairs. We have each child bring an ornament to exchange. Last year we did it like a white elephant exchange. This year we are doing it with a right/left story that I wrote...

Jesus Right/Left gift exchange

Jesus was here, and the wise men were looking for the RIGHT way to go. King Herod told the wise men, "Once you find the RIGHT way and see Jesus let me know so I can see the baby too." King Herod was lying to the RIGHT-eous wise men. He wanted Jesus killed and be the only king LEFT. The wise men had to find just the RIGHT star, the Star of Bethlehem, and LEFT on their long journey. They followed the star day and night until it stopped RIGHT over the house where Jesus was. The wise men went RIGHT inside and saw Mary and baby Jesus. RIGHT away they bowed down to worship Him and gave him precious gifts. After that the wise men LEFT. That night God sent a warning not to return to King Herod. The wise men LEFT to go home and went a different way. The RIGHT way that God had told them.

We then will read the Christmas Story from a children's Bible and pray. Afterwards we have refreshments, beginnning with decorating cupcakes and singing Happy Birthday to Jesus.

I make a goodie bag for each guest which this year will include a candy cane with the candy cane story, a tract to pass out to one of their friends, a homemade treat-cookie, a homemade ornament, and some candy-probably Hersey's kisses.

Ice Skating Party 10 DEC

Come skate with friends and enjoy a yummy potluck lunch. All are welcome. GRACE will provide paper goods- plates, cups, napkins, ... Bring a favorite dish or dessert to share. Don't forget to wear tall socks, warm clothes to include gloves, something to cover ears, or other cold weather wear.

You do not have to be military to skate. $3 per skater includes . $1 per skater 5 & under. non-skaters free. walkers available to rent for $2 for younger skaters.

Please RSVP with what you're bringing so we don't have all cupcakes :)

call or email me with any ?s jaklew@aol.com

Cold Friday- Fascinate-U

Since tomorrow is going to be cold, we're going to go to Fascinate-U Children's Museum on Green Street at 10 am. Hope to see you there.