Ann Holland reads scripture during a house dedication.  |
MEXICO-WHY I GO
Why did I go to Mexico? This is not an easy question to answer. The first time Dave Fortuna took Noel to Juarez, I think I thought it would give me something to be "proud" of-and it was, but it brought humbleness to me instead of pride! I thought the Mexican families would really be grateful-and they were, but not as grateful as I was to have met those wonderful people. This has been true every year!
Originally, I think deep down inside I thought the trip would be a "look at me and the sacrifice I have made"-nothing but selfish! As it turned out, this experience was one of the greatest religious events in my life. God has a terrific sense of humor so He probably had a good laugh at my change of attitude. I wonder if He had anything to do with this change?
Even though few of us Missionaries could speak Spanish, there was an abundance of communication with our Mexican families. The children were eager to see us each day, adored the little trinkets we brought (especially Mardi Gras beads), and loved us as only children can!
The work was hard-cinder blocks that weighed a couple of pounds on Monday, weighed a couple hundred pounds by week's end. Shoveling gravel for cement on Monday was much easier than it was by Wednesday or Thursday! Through the years, with age (?), we've all had to take more breaks, with them being closer together! But what a blessing it was to have parts of your body hurt-parts you didn't even know you had!
Devotionals, fellowship at meals, notes from fellow missionaries, and good-ole-fashioned competition between the teams was amazing to me! The teams are your "family" while in Juarez as you spend all day carrying, shoveling, making volcanoes, mixing, hauling, and writing your next "blessing" with them.
Blessings continue!
Ann building a house in Juarez, Mexico. |
At the end of that first trip, I was so emotional I couldn't talk about all of these wonderful things until much time had passed. I've been every year since that first one, but age has caught up with me. Some of you younger folks need to step forward and take my place!!!
Our God is an awesome God who will provide whatever you might need-is it a baby sitter? Call me, it can't be as grueling as cinder blocks!!!
Ann Holland
The 2011 Mexico Mission Trip is:
Saturday, February 19 through Saturday, February 26
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If I ... I Will
By Debbie Sutton Covington
These may be simple words, but few people ever move past the 'ifs' in their lives in order to achieve their goals. Within the pages of Debbie Sutton Covington's If I...I Will, readers are given an insightful look at Jesus' healing of the suffering woman in Mark 5. And just like that suffering woman, Debbie says that everyone must learn to step past their suffering, their own thoughts, and the crowds around them in order to reach for Jesus and receive healing. This book will encourage people to do just that-reach forward and step out in faith to Jesus.
If you would like a copy of Debbie's book, If I...I Will, which retails for $10.99, please call her at 423-9000. All proceeds go to Journey of Sisters Ministry to help women in the Shreveport-Bossier area. |
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NOEL COMMUNITY ARTS PROGRAM UPCOMING CLASSES:
Treat yourself to one of the exciting classes offered by NCAP. Needs-based scholarships are available. For detailed information on available classes, you can call Erin Fort at 573-5913, or visit the website at www.noelumc.org/ncap.
Digital Photography 2 - Saturdays, 10:00am-12:00pm, October 9-30, $40/student (4-weeks)
Taught by Tony Reans, High School-Adult ages, You must have your own digital camera & have taken Digital Photography 1.
Jewelry Making - Wednesdays, 6:00-8:00pm, taught in 1-month sessions on-going, $10 per month.
Taught by Connie Stephens, Geared to Teens-Adults
The Art of Basic Carpentry - Wednesdays, 6:00-8:00pm, October 6-27, $35/student (4-weeks)
Taught by Dave Fortuna, Older Youth-Adult ages
Hand Building Pottery - Saturdays, 10:00am-12:00pm, October 16 - November 20, $50/student
Taught by Brenda Snider, Youth-Adult ages
Family Music Gymboree - Sundays, 4:30-5:30pm, October 3-24, $40/1 child, $45/2, $50/3,
Children ages 1-5, Must have an adult to participate with them in the class.
Music Teachers are currently taking new students in Piano, Drums, Guitar, Violin, Drums, and Organ so call today to find out more. |
 NCAP CLASSES GOING STRONG! Lindsay Buffington (right) stirs up baked ziti with homemade marinara sauce before it goes in the oven. The menu for the September 11 Cooking Class also included Italian Antipasto Salad with Vinaigrette and Tiramisu. Yum!
 Serious students (right) took in the Digital Photography I class taught by Tony Reans.
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"Life in the fast lane"
Topics for teens & Adults
If ur a teenager, why is it that ur parents just don't get it? If ur a parent, what's the one piece of wisdom u want ur teens to take with them? Is ur schedule so packed that u don't know whether ur coming or going? How can u really talk 2 each other when texting is the norm? And if ur a parent, how can ur teen understand the difference between long-term goals and short-term fun?
In this current series of sermons, Rev. Flint Shea offers some practical and biblical insights on topics that teens and parents wrestle with every day.
September 12: "From Texting to Talking"
September 19: "Dad, I Need Some Money"
September 26: "Hindsight is 20/20: What Parents Wish Their Kids Knew"
October 3: "I'm Not You: What Kids Wish Their Parents Understood"
A CD of the entire sermon series will be available in the church office when the series is complete. Call 221-5207. |
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OUR LIFE IN CHRIST
New Member: James McGraw joined September 12 as an associate member.
Hospital: Billie Haacker, Lolly Sibley, Russ Ballinger (Karen Mitchell's dad), and Bill Falbaum (Missy O'Neill's dad)
This Week's Prayer Concerns: Ray Anderson (Frankie Norton's dad), Gina Armstrong, Joanna Ballard, Orville Bynog, Brian Cain, Natali Calhoon (Hattie Burton's great-niece), Milton Causey (Steve Causey's brother), Mike Collier (Julie Kueker's brother), Colleen Collins (Lucille Collins' granddaughter), Sherri Connel, Danny Cook and David Cook (Terry Cook's brothers-in-law), Lorraine Courtney, Darla Crite, Sandy Dunham, Larry Fulton (Sylvia Busey's brother), Rev. Dale Hensarling, Louanne Quinn Hickson (Brenda St. Andre's cousin), David Jones, Robert Kemp (Billy Jean Reasor's son), Lara Latham (Janis & Gordon Latham's daughter-in-law), Mike LeBlanc (Susan Harrison's son-in-law), Nell McQueen, Noel's Homebound Members, Darrel Norberg, Art Reasor, Carol Rust (Mark Rust's sister), Rachel Scott, Brian & Brandi St. Andre (Brenda St. Andre's son & daughter-in-law), Those in the Military, Don Trussell, Gina Vogt and family, and Mike Wainwright. |
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NEXT @ NOEL
WESLEYAN SERVICE, Sunday, October 3, 10:30 a.m., Lane Chapel. Experience the historic liturgy of the Wesleyan tradition every first Sunday of the month. Beautiful words, music, and communion make this an experience to remember.
STARTING POINT, Sunday, October 3, 12:15 p.m., Worship Center (Fellowship Hall). New to Noel? Come join us for an overview of our mission and strategy as we help you determine your best next step. Complimentary lunch provided. For more information and reservations, call the Church Office at 221-5207.
CORN MAZE, Sunday, October 10, 5:00-8:00 p.m. Come join the Noel Youth, 6-12 grade, as we load up and head out to the Corn Maze to kick off the Fall season.
THE 2010 SAMARITAN OF THE YEAR AWARD BANQUET, Thursday, October 14, East Ridge Country Club. Come support our own Dr. Donald A. Webb as he is awarded the 2010 Samaritan of the Year Award. Individual tickets are $100.00. For ticket and sponsorship information, contact the Samaritan Center at 221-6121.
STAYCATION ON THE RED, Tuesday, October 26, 9:00 a.m., Noel Parking Lot. Meet at Noel for a fun-filled adventure with others from First Baptist Church and Broadmoor UMC. A Red River Coach bus will take participants to the Red River Boat Launch for a tour down the Red River, followed by a guided tour of the J. Bennett Johnston Visitor Center. Lunch at Artspace will follow. Cost for the day is $35.00, with 20-50 seats available. Make your reservations by calling the Church Office at 221-5207.
GREATER GIFT MARKET, Saturday October 30, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. This is a great opportunity to get a head start on the holiday season and to buy gifts that help support sustainable, fair-trade markets both in our community and around the world. Noel's Gym will be transformed into a one-stop gift shop featuring a variety of fair trade merchandise. These artisans have been paid a fair price to produce their goods, and each purchase helps them to become more self-sufficient. We will feature a large selection of beautiful high-quality jewelry, purses, needlework, bath and body items, toys, holiday ornaments, and other handcrafts, as well as coffees, teas, and chocolates from Ten Thousand Villages, SERRV and Bead For Life. In addition, there will be art and jewelry available from local artists in our community and alternative gift items from our own Food Pantry. Volunteers are needed to help the day of the market, the day before market for inventory and set-up, and the day after for inventory and clean-up.
NCAP FALL/WINTER MUSIC RECITAL, Thursday, November 11, 6:30 p.m., Worship Center (Fellowship Hall). Come celebrate all the hard work of the students from the Noel Community Arts Program. |
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