Middle School News

from Carter Potts

In the midst of all the Christmas bustle, our
middle schoolers have been taking the time to have some fun and relax with their friends.  At the beginning of December, we went to Pacific Edge Climbing Gym for some recreation and to challenge our minds and bodies. We sincerely thank Francis Honey, and son Jeremy, who
met us there to belay our group and give us lots of tips and good advice.  In our group we had Andrew Olivier, Kristen Petersen, Becky
Johnston, Claire Potts, Simon Evans, Kevin Bagley, and myself climbing.  Francis, Jeremy, and another staff member showed us the ropes and kept us safe.
More recently, our Middle Schoolers had a fun Christmas party at the Potts House. We played Bigger and Better through the neighborhood, knocking on doors and trading silly items for something bigger and better.  Later, we played a game in the basement involving a ball and a rolling office chair, that was pretty loud.  Many thanks to one of our Sunday School teachers, Bruce Clift, who ran the games with patience and good humor.  We also loved seeing his wonderful wife, Karin and their way cute baby Rachel. After that we had a pancake dinner and a gift exchange.  In attendance were Michael Powers, Stephanie Dodds, Claire Potts, Simon Evans, Andrew

Yabroff, Andrew Olivier, Serena Ellis, Becky Johnston and Kristen Petersen.
We've done lessons this month on Stereotyping and Prejudice,(which they could have easily discussed for another hour.) We've learned about the lectionary, and briefly discussed John the Baptist in the dark, due to power outage.  Lucky for us the donut shop was open across the street. Judy Jones was such a sweetie, digging into her purse so all the kids could buy a treat.
We're still looking for another Sunday School Teacher to work one Sunday per month, with a partner. If you think you'd like to spend time with these wonderful kids and get to know them, help them develop in their spirituality, see me. We've got a great team!

from Nancy Jackson

Thank you to everyone who donated items to this project! Everything was delivered to the church on the day after Christmas, and was there waiting for the ladies when they arrived that evening. My daughter, Elizabeth, was a BIG help in organizing all the donations and dividing everything up. We put each person's request in a large Christmas bag, but didn't wrap them.
In addition to all of the wonderful donations of new and used clothing, I was able to purchase almost everything else that was needed with  almost $160 in cash donations. We also received a lot of travel-size shampoos, soaps, etc. and enough tooth brushes and large tubes of toothpaste for everyone! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!
Unfortunately, the group of ladies that came on Dec. 26, was a different group than we spoke with - apparently they rotate. However, the Monitors were going to deliver our gifts to them. And, the ladies that were there were able to choose items from the extras, so everyone was happy.
If you have items during the year you think these ladies might be able to use, please drop them off at Church and we will see that they get them.     Thanks Again!!