On Sunday, April 9, the Kids’ Choir will be presenting their musical, “The Tale of Three Trees”, based on a great picture story book. The musical relates the dreams of three special trees in the forest. The first tree wants to hold great treasure; the second tree wants to be the M. of a mighty sailing ship. The third tree desires not to be chopped down, but to stay in the forest and be the tallest tree pointing to God.

Eventually the three trees are cut down and their dreams come true--but not in the way they want, but as God had planned for them. We learn that we all have dreams, but as the theme song states:

“Dreams, we all have dreams,
What we can be, what we can do.
Lord, with all we are, we pray
That our dreams will lead us to you.”

We’ve had wonderful opportunities to discuss with the children that God has a special plan for each of them, even if its not exactly what they had planned. What a wonderful message for each of us, as we all need to grown in our trust in God’s will for us.

We hope that all are spiritually touched by the musical and that God will speak to everyone through it. To enjoy the book with your family, check the church library for its soon arrival.

Alyce C.

Story Hour is still a very busy place on Wednesday mornings. Our enrollment has officially hit the 40 mark. Each week there are about 28 children arriving ready to hear another Bible story.  The five-year-old group has numbered 12 or more several times since the New Year!

Thank you for allowing Coffee Break/ Story Hour Sunday to be a part of your worship time. The kids did a great job at their singing, then were able to attend walkout worship. Thank you to the walk out worship leaders for making them feel welcome.

We’ve already covered the amazing story of the resurrection of Jesus at Story Hour. The kids heard about the rooster crowing and the empty tomb. We had a special storyteller (Pastor O) tell the kids about Pentecost.

When Story Hour resumes in April the remaining lessons will focus on how Jesus’ friends spread the good news of God’s love for us. The children will hear about Ruth and Naomi, Cornelius and Dorcas. We will also continue to celebrate birthdays and give each child a chance to take home “prayer bear”. The leaders welcome and appreciate your support and prayers. Mrs. Jan, Mrs. Wilma, Mrs. Deb, Mrs. Nancy, Mrs. Karen and Mrs. Doris help make Story Hour successful. Special thanks to them and their families for all the work and preparation involved in this ministry.

EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS

WHERE: Meet at church Tuesday, April 18 at 8:15 to ride to Palos Heights CRC

WHEN: Tour begins with Praise Songs and Worship, led by Rev. Sam H. and Trinity Team.

ITINERARY: First Stop is the Nigerian Field, with Timothy Christian School alumnus Mike VDD. Once an aviation mechanic, Mike, with wife Victoria O., serves the Mission Board of the Christian Reformed Church of Nigeria (CRCN). Together they supervise 30 CRCN national missionaries, and encourage the church to evangelize unreached people in its area and in new geographic areas. Victoria produces Bible Study materials for young people, and together they prepare courses on evangelism, including witness to Muslims and on church development.

Our Offerings, followed by Coffee Hour. Opportunities to share with others from our bounty, then greet our special guests and spend time with friends with a common purpose.

Stop over with Rev. John W. and Beth in Oswego, Illinois. The newest of our tour guides, John will show us some base camps that together form Peak Ministries. All of us interested in how small groups can be led to help each member understand the gift and assignment God has called him/her to, will gain from this stop-over. The challenge given is to move outside of the ”base camp” to serve the immediate and broader community.

A Different Perspective. Another seasoned tour guide will take over now, and comment on our church’s role as well as his own among people who scramble for basic subsistence. Darryl M. learned that his studies in agriculture at University of California, Davis, would serve him as a Peace Corps. volunteer in Thailand, as a teacher in California, as a farmer and farm advisor in Guam, and as a CRWRC consultant in Honduras. Since obtaining his doctorate in agricultural education and development, he and wife Donna Jean have served in Sierra Leone, Mexico, and, since 1996, in Nicaragua, directing the work and teaching.

Tour ends at 12:00 with a Praise Song to the Lord who is willing to use us in His Kingdom. As you pray for these workers, look ahead to next Morning for Missions Tour in October!