The Joy of Giving!

The Peace Place had our Christmas party last Friday and boy was it fun! Through the whole month of December during out worship time each week we learned Christmas carols and learned about the Christmas story. And when I say LEARNED, I mean LEARNED. I got some funny answers on the first week when I asked what Christmas was about and what the kids knew about Jesus' birth... and I definitely sang Christmas carols by myself for a while because the only ones the kids knew were "Rudolf" and "Jingle Bells" and we wanted to sing carols about Christ. However, the great thing about kids is that they love to learn and learn quickly. By the third week I was hanging out with one child outside of the Peace Place and they were telling me all about how Christmas is really about Jesus birth and how "some people" don't even know that! And while hanging out with another child I heard them singing Silent Night. How beautiful! Since we had been learning that at Christmas we celebrate the gift God gave us, I wanted to teach the kids to be givers like God, instead of greedy at Christmas. With the help of ideas from my pastor and Mr.Bill I think we were able to do that. On the last Monday that we met the kids made and wrapped different little gifts to give away to family and friends and they also put together toiletry baskets to take to the Twin City Mission, a homeless shelter in Bryan. On Friday during our party we went to the Mission to deliver the toiletries and sang Christmas Carols with the residents. I wasn't sure how this was going to turn out, but thought no matter what happened it would be a good learning experience. Well, it was a hit- both with the residents and our kids. When we were leaving I heard all kinds of things such as: "If I had lots of money, I would buy all of those people houses" (from a girl who lives with her grandma), "We did a good job- they liked us!" (from a shy little girl), "When I grow up, I'm going to be a singer" (from a tough 3rd grade boy), "Some of the people in the back looked sad before I would give them a hug, but then when I hugged them it would make them smile- we made them happy"..... What a joy to learn to be a blessing to other people! Other highlights of our party included pizza, The Christmas story, a gift exchange, wrestling like crazy people, Jesus' Birthday cookie, and spinning around under the giant Christmas light tree at Central Park. It was a blast!

Pizza
Driving to Central Park to see the lights
Crazy wrestling
More crazy wrestling
Jesus' birthday cake
Gift exchange
Christmas Story
Singing at Twin City Mission

Our first Camping Trip

Peace Place kids and mentors joined my community group out at lake Sommerville this weekend for a really fun camping trip complete with tents, canoes, hobo dinners, s'mores, lake swimming, hiking, fire time, and lots of playing. It was a first for the kids and I'm pretty sure they want to do it again.

Slideshow

PUMPKINS

SO MUCH FUN!

Blessed

We've been busy this last month - sorry I haven't updated

There have been so many blessings.

The blessing of God using His body to provide supplies.

The blessing of God bringing mentors totally apart from any of my efforts.

The blessing of finally being started, for this thing to be a reality.

The blessing of children laughing, learning, playing, worshiping...

The blessing of having Godly adults to give kids individual attention.

Thank you Lord for your faithfulness :o)

Upcoming evening of Dedication and Prayer

You are invited to participate in a dedication and prayer time plus a "pounding"for The Peace Place on Wednesday September 9 from 6:30 to 8:00 pm. The dedication will start around 6:45. Afterward, people can walk around and pray for the center. Anyone can leave as they need. No requirements to stay until 8:00. Refreshments will be served. Come see where we are and pray for what God is doing and will continue to do.

Oh! "What is a pounding," you say? Glad you asked. An old fashioned pounding was a party or gathering to honor, usually a new to be bride, with a pound of this and a pound of that to fill her pantry. In this case, The Peace Place needs a wide variety of specific items and we would love for you to bring something to help bless the beginning of this ministry.

Possible Items to Bring:
Non-perishable foods:
Frozen 100% Juice
Lemonade Mix
Mashed Potato Flakes
Mac N. Cheese
Rice
Large Cans of canned fruit
Large Cans of canned veggies
Snack foods: Animal crackers, peanut butter crackers, cookies, pretzels, popcorn, raisins, goldfish, Graham crackers, etc.

Paper Goods and Cleaning Items:
Toilet Paper
Paper Towels
Kleenex
Napkins
Baby Wipes
Clorox Wipes
Clorox Cleanup Spray
Cleaning rags
Toilet Tabs to keep toilet clean
Kitchen Size Trash Bags
Dish Soap
Hand soap
Band-aids

Kids Items:
20 plastic sport top water bottles
20 plastic children’s drink cups
Chalk
Bubbles
Balls
Coloring Books

Craft Supplies:
Lined Paper
Computer paper
Construction Paper
Watercolors
Crayons
Markers
Stickers
Colored Pencils

Back To School Party

Last week was our last "Monday Merriment" since school begins this week. We had a big back to school party complete with snowcones, lots of balloons, a school supply gift exchange, and a fun school craft. It seemed like the children just kept coming - lots of kids for one little building. But we had a lot of adult helpers this week too (thank you!) and of course, a ton of fun.

WANTED: Mentors

We will be starting our on-location Christian mentoring program at Jordan Loop at the begining of September and there are lots of children that want to be a part of it.....however, we will only accept as many kids as we have MENTORS.
We are looking for Christian men and women to love and lead elementary aged children. Being a mentor involves hanging out at The Peace Place doing schoolwork, eating dinner together, teaching different skills, and most importantly modeling a life that follows and worships Jesus. Mentors need to be available either every Monday or ever Wednesday from apx. 4:30-7:30. Will you step up and lead a child who desperately needs a Godly adult to follow? Be blessed by giving out of the abundance of what Christ has given you.You will be changed!

If you are interested in becoming a mentor this fall, you can download this application to fill out and turn in.
Mentor Application
Please e-mail me with any questions - becky@blackmon.org