Our founding fathers recognized that their freedom was a gift. And they made
it a regular practice to HONOR GOD in their thoughts, words and deeds. More
than two centuries later, it's still an essential part of our daily lives.
But if we as a nation hope to enjoy His continued freedom, guidance and
deliverance, then we as a nation must revere God in faith and humility.
This year's National Day of Prayer theme is HONOR GOD. On Thursday, May 2,
1996, millions of Americans will join us in giving thanks to God for the
bounty, beauty and blessings of our country - from sea to shining sea - on
this 45th consecutive National Day of Prayer.
Once again, Christians across the nation will meet at their local City Hall
on May 2nd from 12:20 to 12:40 pm to pray. If you can't join those meeting
at City Hall, Pray where you are! Whether at home, or at work, stop at 12:00
noon, and pray for America!
by: Brenda Street
Saturday, May 4th, at 7:00 pm, the Youth Group will be putting on a dessert
theatre (we're down-sizing from last year's dinner theatre).
There will be one
One Act Play - No Compromise , by James Mullholland.
Ranging from serious to funny,
the play deals with the issue of obeying God and what it means to be a
follower of Christ. After the play, coffee and pie will be served in a
French cafe' setting, by the Youth Group. Entertainment during dessert will
be provided by the band "The Way." Other members of the Youth Group will
also be providing special music.
A free-will offering will be taken to cover our cost and also to raise money
for our scholarship fund to help defray the cost of various trips the youth
group will be taking this summer. In July, we'll be going to Sonshine, a
Christian music festival. In August, the youth group will
be returning to Chicago for a missions trip; the kids get a chance to serve
and to grow in their Christian faith.
We won't be selling tickets this year, but we do need your help providing
PIES. If you haven't signed up to bring one and would like to, please talk
to Kari. To make things easier, we're keeping the selection to apple or
cherry. We'd like to have the pies at church by Friday evening if possible;
that way, we'll know if we need to get more.
So please come, bring a friend, and enjoy an evening out. Child care will be
provided for kids aged six and under. We'll provide juice and cookies for them.
Hope to see you there.
Polly Sharp is one of the new CVBC members in the class of January, 1996.
Better known as "Grandma Polly," she has been involved in Awanas and
Vacation Bible School programs for over fifteen years.
Polly grew up in Minneapolis, and moved to Chippewa Falls in 1949. She and
her late husband have three grown children (including fellow new member Al),
and she proudly counts seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren (with
another on the way) among her flock.
When asked about her interests, she laments that she has "so many hobbies
that her house is full!" With the help of her family and church friends, she
recently moved into a 3-bedroom house on Harding in Chippewa Falls and
reportedly had trouble fitting everything in!
Her number one hobby is kids, of course. But she also enjoys painting,
artwork, sewing, cooking, and gardening. And she loves animals; she just got
a very smart dog of the "Whippet" model. She often has spent winters in sunny
Florida, but didn't make that trip this year. Either the weather was just
too nice up here this winter, or maybe she was just plain too busy!
by Lynn Laybourne
Imagine replacing white sand with white snow; and warm, gentle trade winds
with icy gales and blizzards. That's what Mel and Sarah Richards, along with
their two sons, Greg and Josh, experienced as they moved from Hawaii to
Chippewa Falls. But, the Lord was gracious in finding a warm spot in a
frigid location for this delightful family. That place was Chippewa Valley
Bible Church.
Sarah began attending CVBC in August, 1994, one month after she and her two
sons moved here. Now, Sarah is a Deaconess, a helper in AWANA, and a nursery
worker. She has been a homemaker during most of her 20-year marriage to Mel.
She's had quite a lot of homes to reestablish from their many moves
including Okinawa, Arizona, California, and Virginia. Now, she works as a
data collector for Information Resources in Eau Claire. She enjoys cooking,
baking, and watching the boys' sports and other activities. She also enjoys
walking and camping.
Mel, who moved here in December, 1994, is now a church Elder, a helper in
AWANA, and has helped coach and judge at the AWANA Olympics and Bible
Quizzing. He is now retired from the Marine Corps which he served in for 20
years. He works in Eau Claire for the National Business Institute as the
print shop supervisor. He enjoys all sports and is a die-hard Packers fan.
Greg, their 18 year old son, who is a senior at McDonnell High School, is now
actively involved in CVBC's Youth Group. He has been a star actor in the
group's various plays and other drama productions. Greg has a witty sense of
humor that has captivated CVBC audiences over the last 1 1/2 yrs that he has
been here. He's also involved with a sketch comedy team called "SOUP"
through his high school.
Josh, Mel and Sarah's 16 yr. old son, who is a sophomore at McDonnell High
School, is also very much involved with CVBC's Youth Group, where he has done
some acting with the drama group. Josh is a talented guitarist and an avid
track enthusiast.
CVBC has been blessed with this talented family. They are one of the many
families that help to keep the warmth and friendliness of our church body
aglow.
by Lynn Mayhew
If you are a mother OR a daughter OR both (this includes ALL ladies that God
has created), you are invited to attend the Mother-Daughter Luncheon on
Saturday, May 11 at 12:00 noon. Please bring your favorite salad to
share, a hobby or collection to show and a friend! See you there!
If there are any GENTLEMEN that read this article, you must confess it and
call Lynn Mayhew at 726-2173 to find out what your consequences are and
to "serve time" in the kitchen or nursery!
