(Left) Noel's 2011 High School Graduates were honored at a Church Reception and later with a Luau at the home of Don and Wendy Rucker (right).

On Thursday, May 19th, students from the five Adult Renewal Academies came to Noel for their end of year celebration.  Nine students were honored for receiving their GED's, and four of these were from our center here at Noel which continues to be the largest of the five centers. It was an inspiring evening where all the students were recognized individually, encouraged by several speakers, and several received special awards.  Our partnership with Community Renewal continues to be a great collaboration in meeting the needs of adults in our community.  Volunteers in the Adult Learning Center are always needed.  Their classes are Tues.-Thurs., 9:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. If interested, please contact Rachel Scott at 797-8721 or scottrl@bellsouth.net.

(Left) Noel's Children's Center 2011 Graduates and (right) Children's Center Director, Mary Bond, presents a diploma and a Bible as teacher Tunisia Stokeslooks on.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL - GOD'S BIG BACKYARD, Monday, June 13-Friday, June 17, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.  God's Big Backyard is a fun-filled week of activities, including crafts, recreation, music, Bible stories, and snacks.  Meet new friends like Cooper the dog and Nick the squirrel.  For children age 3 years old through completed 5^th grade, it is a great place to explore serving God and each other.  It's going to be a blast!!!  Register on Noel's website at www.noelumc.org/vbs.

NOEL COMMUNITY ARTS PROGRAM-ART SHOW, now through Tuesday, July 5, Lilah's Deli & Bakery, 440 Olive St., Shreveport.  Enjoy the collection of artist Candace Orange , entitled "Take Me There."  Come see wonderful art and enjoy some of Lilah's delicious food! A special reception will be held at Lilah's on Saturday, June 18, 1:00-3:00 p.m.

PICNIC & PRAISE - A WOMEN'S EVENT, Monday,July 18, Noel Church.  Come enjoy an evening of fellowship as Annette Fortuna delivers a message on the miracle of the five loaves and two fish.  Everyone will bring their own sack lunch and a can of tuna and a loaf of bread to donate to those in need.  Sign-up sheets are in the Sunday School packets or call the church office at 221-5207 to register.  A nursery will be available. 

MISSION POSSIBLE KIDS SUMMER CAMP, Monday, July 25-Friday, July 29, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., Noel Church. How would you like to spend a full week changing the world?  You can do that, one mission at a time, at Mission Possible Kids Camp.  With a variety of missions, some on-site and some out in the community, there's always something to interest any "agent."  It's also a great opportunity to rack up missions and advance in rank quickly!  This camp is for kids who have completed grades 3, 4, or 5, and there is a $10 fee.

NOEL COMMUNITY ARTS PROGRAM VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!  Volunteers are needed to help with the Summer Music & Art Camp as well as individual summer classes that are available.   There are a variety of volunteer areas and age groups to work with, so if you're interested, please contact Erin Fort at (318) 573-5913.

NOEL COMMUNITY ARTS SUMMER MUSIC & ART CAMP, Monday, July 18-Friday, July 22, 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.  Children 6-11 years old are invited to join us as we explore the music and art of "The Wizard of Oz" culminating in an end of the week performance.  The cost is $50.00 per child; snacks included.  Partial and full scholarships are available based on need.  Limited spaces available.  To register, print the form at www.noelumc.org/NCAP and mail it with your check.  For questions, please call Erin Fort at (318) 573-5913.

NOEL COMMUNITY ARTS CLASSES

METAL & WIRE SCULPTURE CLASS Mondays, June 6-27, 6:00-8:00 p.m. Learn to create a 3D sculpture with a metal frame using wire and more.  4 weeks. 

Cost is $50/student.  Ages-15-Adult.

KID'S METAL & WIRE SCULPTURE CLASSES, "Little Wire Men", Saturday, June 25, 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. or 2:00-3:30 p.m. Create a 3D figurine to take home using wire. 

Cost is $12/student.  Ages 6-11 - 10:30 a.m. class, Ages 12-14 - 2:00 p.m. class.

JEWELRY MAKING CLASS Mondays, June 20 - July 11, 5:30-7:00 p.m. or Thursdays, June 23-July 14, 1:00-2:30 p.m., 4 weeks.  Make your own jewelry to keep or sell using a beading and wire technique.  Cost is $25/student.  Ages-12-Adult.

SOMETHING'S FISHY, Saturday, July 9, 10:00-10:45 a.m.  Create a 3D fish & fish prints. 

Cost is $20/student.  Ages 2-3 accompanied by a parent or caregiver.

SUMMER SURFING, Saturday, July 16, 10:00-11:30 a.m.  Sculpt ocean creatures and make a collage.   Cost is $20/student.  Ages 4-6.

ICKY, SLIMY, GOOEY, Saturday, July 23, 10:00-11:30 a.m.  Create a 3D bug from imagination and illustration.  Cost is $20/student.  Ages 7-9.

ABSTRACT VS. REALISM, Saturday, July 30, 10:00-11:30 a.m.  Explore two different art styles and create your own piece.  Cost is $20/student.  Ages 10-12.

If you are looking for a new way to serve at Noel, here are a couple of areas you might consider:

NEIGHBORHOOD MINISTRIES - FOOD PANTRY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED, Saturday volunteers are needed for the Food Pantry to either assist clients or sack food.  Volunteer one Saturday a month, either shift: 10:00-11:30 a.m. or 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.  This is a great opportunity for families with children to work together! 

HOPE HOUSE MEALS - VOLUNTEERS NEEDED, Volunteers are needed to make sandwiches each month for sack meals for Hope House - each person or family makes 10 or more sandwiches the 2nd Tuesday of the month.  These meals are then assembled that same day at 3:00 p.m. in Noel's Ark.  Meals are then delivered and handed out at Hope House.  Volunteers can meet to help assemble meals and/or assist in handing them out.  Total time involved:  Meal assembly-3:00-4:00 p.m., meal assembly & delivery-3:00-4:30 p.m.  Hope House is a drop-in center for homeless people to receive assistance.

If interested in these serving opportunities, contact Rachel Scott at 797-8721 or scottrl@bellsouth.net.