My New Friends....

You may have thought it impossible....


You probably thought it would never happen.....


But it did. I'd never lie about it. Preacher's wives aren't allowed to lie.


I made a new friend. In fact, I made 3 new friends. 


There names are Russ, Kelly, and London. 


Beginning with the first Sunday in 2011, JCN hired a part-time worship leader. Russ is fabulous and he is helping us worship in ways we haven't before. Russ is helping us create a worshipful atmosphere that prepares our hearts and minds to hear the word of God speak. We sing hymns, choruses, and newer songs all in a way that helps us focus our attention on God. He and his family are such a blessing and we are so grateful that they have been able to join our church family. 


Russ and Kelly are also starting a new Nazarene church in Ooltewah, Tennessee (Chattanooga suburb) called "The Cross Church at Ooltewah." They are currently working to build a congregation by loving on their local community, and have graciously partnered with JCN in the meantime to help us with worship on Sunday mornings. Russ and Kelly also have a little boy named London who turns 1 in a couple of weeks. (Yes, I'm sure our number of Nursery volunteers has suddenly, suspiciously doubled!) He is adorable and he rocks a sweater vest every week when he comes to church. For that reason alone, Pastor Kevin thinks he's a pretty cool kid. 


You can check out my new friends and their growing ministry in Ooltewah at http://www.crosschurch.cc/about/about-russ/ 


If you know anyone in the Ooltewah area who needs a great church family send them their way!


Mandy

Happy Birthday Jesus and Jacie

This year not only did we celebrate the coming of Baby Jesus, we celebrated Jacie's sixth birthday. Jesus' party was pretty traditional...red and green decor and a Christmas tree. On the other hand, Jacie's party had an "ocean adventure theme" and she loved it!

From left: Jacie, my nephews and nieces - Ethan, Peyton, Jenna, Sydney, and Landon

 

 Jacie slamming the candy out of her birthday pinata...this was her first experience with the childhood paradox of being allowed to smack something only to be rewarded with candy and toys. 

Yes, that is a dolphin on her cake.... 

 My brother in law Rob managing Christmas present opening chaos. The kids did great! Excited does not even begin to describe their reaction. 

We could have wrapped up gravel from the driveway and they would have jumped for joy. They were very excited, but very thankful and sweet too. 

I hope you got to see your family for Christmas too!

Mandy