Conspire Children's Ministry Conference

I just got back a week or so ago from Chicago where I attended the Willow Creek Association Conspire Children's Ministry Conference. The conference got its name by combining the words 'connect' and 'inspire'. It lived up to its name. There was lots of time for visiting with folks from all over the country which was interesting. Even though they talk funny, they face many of the same issues we face. (For some reason they thought I talked funny! What's up with that?!?) I got to experience some great worship and hear a variety of speakers. Some of the speakers included a Disney animator and a Disney voice talent director as well as Phil Vischer, who created Veggie Tales. The editor of "Children's Ministry Magazine" gave an inspiration talk. It was a lot to absorb in just 2.5 days. I came back with a few new ideas and refreshed energy, but I also came back with the belief that we are doing lots of things right. I'd love to tell you more about my trip. When you have a minute (or twenty), ask me about it.

Notes from Children's Ministries!

What a spring! The year is flying by, but I can't complain. I am counting the days until school is out almost as much as my children are! Summer is going to be great! You don't want to miss Beach Party VBS and Upward Sports Basketball and Cheerleading camps! They are both in July this year. Check out Noel's calendar frequently. Stuff is happening all the time!

Summertime at Noel!

Hey guys! We promise we haven't forgotten about you! Things are really busy these days at Noel. We are gearing up for one great summer. Mary is busy working on plans for another excellent VBS and Upward Sports Camp. Jonathan and the youth are planning on this year's Weekend of the Cross. Debbie is getting ready for the Ladybug's Women's Retreat. And not to mention Brian and the musical delights our choirs will be bringing us in the coming weeks! There might still be a chill in the air but summer is just around the corner and we're ready for ya! So come join us!

Also don't forget! We will be dedicating the Trickett Memorial Garden during all 3 worship services this Sunday, May 4. You can see photos of it by clicking the link in my post below.

Trickett Memorial Garden Photos

I have added photos of the Trickett Memorial Garden at Noel to the photo gallery. The garden will be dedicated on May 4, 2008. Click here to go to the gallery.

YOUTH - - - Weekend of the Cross

Weekend of the Cross is coming soon! If you are interested in the best local mission outreach available here in Shreveport, sign up now! Youth and adults welcome.

• Registration fee before May 1st -- $130
• Registration fee after May 1st --$150

Information and registration forms available at http://www.noelumc.org/connected/youth.html.

Spring Showers

I have updated the photo gallery with photos from the Spring Showers women's ministry event held on March 31. Click here to go to our gallery to see these photos and ones from the Easter Meal Celebration.

Spring Break Lock-in!!

Another successful Youth lock-in! Man, I'm getting too old for this!!
Thanks to all the volunteers but especially Erin and Brian Middleton for their outstanding commitment - ten hours to be exact. Let's do it again.......(in six months or so!)

Blessings,

Jonathan

For more information about Noel Youth ministries contact:
Jonathan Andrews
Director of Youth Ministries
520 Herndon Street
Shreveport, LA 71104
318-221-5207
jandrews@noelumc.org

New Feature: Photo Gallery

A photo gallery has now been added to our website. You will find the link to it on our home page under quick links. I have posted photos from the Easter Meal Celebration this month. You can check them out by going here.

Mexico Mission Trip 2008

Our team of 28 from Noel and other churches went to Juarez, Mexico during the week of Feb. 17-22. We had a great group ready to serve God through the ministry of Proyecto Abrigo. We built 3 houses for 3 families that week, and also helped start the building of the new dorm for teams. We had perfect weather (except for 1 sandstorm!), awesome teamwork and a true spirit of serving and fellowship that week. Check out some of the pictures of our trip below!!

Palm Sunday is here!

Hey, folks! I can't believe Palm Sunday is this week! We will have our annual Palm Parade in both worship services. And the Children's Choir will sing in both services! Any child, infant through 5th grade, is welcome to participate in the parade. Of course, moms and dads who need to assist their infants or toddlers are more than welcome to join in! We'll meet in the Children's Building downstairs at 10:15 to line up for the Traditional service. After we process and sing in that service, we will go back to the Children's Building for a quick snack. Then it's off to process and sing again in the N.O.W. service! It's a fun and exciting day at Noel!

WHAT WE DO....

Folks seem to think, sometimes, that we staffers don't do much except on Sundays. Well... here's proof that they're just wrong. Turn on your sound, for your enjoyment.

Answers to Wesleyan Hymn Study Questions

Well, I had about four responses to the questions posted a couple of weeks ago. Only one of them, Ben Green, actually attempted to look up the answers! Thank you, Ben. Anyway, here are the answers. I hope you find it interesting!

Pictured above are those attending the class. Mrs. Haacker was absent when the picture was taken.

1. When did Charles Wesley Live?

1707-1788

2. How Many Hymns & Sacred Poems did he write?

Over 6,000. Some sources say there could have even been as many as 9,000.

3. Did Charles write the text, music, or both?

Only the text. In fact, there isn't really any evidence that he had any real musical training at all. He had some sort of organ in his home (probably a reed pump organ), so it is assumed that he must have played it, and he played the flute a little. If you look in our hymnal, you will see at the bottom of the page that most of the tunes we sing these texts to were written about 100 years after Wesley wrote them. Most of them are fairly easy to set to existing tunes since he used common poetic meters, including iambic pentameter.

4. Did brother John write any hymns?

This one is sort of a trick question. You may notice that there are several hymns attributed to John in our hymnal. However, he did not actually write any of the texts. John simply took existing texts and either translated or altered them to fit a tune.

SNOW!

Check out the snow at the church! It was beautiful for a while this morning. It has stopped now, but hopefully we're not done. Despite the snow, the World Day of Prayer Service, being held in our chapel by the Church Women United and our United Methodist Women, is going on right now, and is well-attended.

Hope you enjoyed this beautiful Spring blessing!

Hello from Debbie with Women's Ministry

Hello ladies! I wanted to thank everybody for your prayers! I feel God's strength daily walking through the rubble of my home. I was able to save my puppies and myself and the firefighters saved some pictures for me. Thank the next firefighter you see they do an amazing ministry!!!

Ladies, Spring Showers is a few weeks away and it is about Blessings! Sign up today or call with your questions. It is about celebrating our blessings and we all need a celebration! Call 221-5207 and sign up now or go to our website and sign up! www.noelumc.org

Again, keep Kenny and myself in your prayers! We need them right now more than ever!!!

Blessings,
Debbie

New Photos Uploaded

I have added some more photos that have been sent to me. There are several from previous mission trips on our missions page. Also there are really good ones from the Highland Parade last month posted here.

TheDEEP in Israel, March 9th & 16th

Don't miss the visit!

I got a chuckle with this sign showing the way to Lazarus Tomb. Sort of takes a little away from "the holiness" of the sight.

Just wanted to give you a teaser of some of the pictures we'll be showing, as mentioned in Sue's note below. We will be sharing our pictures and stories and reflections from our journey. On the 9th, we'll focus on the Sea of Galilee and surrounding areas, and on the 16th, we'll focus on Jerusalem and surrounding areas.

Look at these photos. The one on the left is a photo from the 30's, when a group from England purchased "The Garden Tomb". This is how the rock appeared then... the rock is supposedly the site known as Golgotha. You see the eyes and mouth in this shot. The picture below is one I took from atop the Jerusalem wall, overlooking the bus terminal that now covers the nose and mouth of Golgatha. See the eyes?

Eerie, huh?

There are tombs atop this rock, where Jesus may have been crucified.

Come see more this Sunday evening at 5:00 p.m. A nursery will be provided and we will finish promptly at 6:30.

Cya there!

-Rev. Beth

Holy Land trip

That was an amazing trip - to walk where Jesus walked, to see places He saw, to touch the water of the Sea of Galilee, to have our baptism vows renewed at the Jordan River, to walk the Via Dolorosa, to take communion near the Garden Tomb - those experiences were so powerful. There were so many other places we went that I have not mentioned. I encourage you to come the next two Sunday evenings to see the pictures and hear Marjorie, Todd, Rachel, Sondra, Rev. Beth, Rev. Sione and me share our experiences in the Holy Land.

In Christ,
Sue

Class Acts Pottery

Check out Paul Brown and Ben Green enjoying pottery during Class Acts. These creations of fish plates were just wonderful! Can't wait to see the final product. I'm thinking this should be an ongoing ministry here at Noel. Folks of all ages can enjoy using their hands to create masterpieces! This is just one of the classes you've missed if you've not been here on Tuesday nights. Anyone interested in making this a permanent ministry? Got other ideas for new ministries at Noel? Let us know! Now's the time!

Charles Wesley & Expressing Faith Through Song

We are having a great time and learning some interesting things in the Wesleyan Hymn Study. Here are a few questions to get you thinking:
1. When did Charles Wesley live?
2. How many hymns and sacred poems did he write?
3. Did Charles write the text, music, or both?
4. Did brother John write any hymns?

See if you can answer any of these questions. If you know them, email me or tell me at church......this will let me know how many people are reading this!

I'll post the answers in a couple of weeks.

Bryan

Wow, another Monday! Ladies, tonight is Sister Chicks at 6:00 p.m. in Fellowship hall. We would love for you to come and share in Bible study and laughter! Yes, we have a good time while we study. We have all generations involved with fun and food! Childcare is provided we have everything you need to enjoy an evening out with your friends. We look forward to you joining us this evening! Call 221-5207, with any questions!