AREA MOTHER IN NEED

The following note is from Nancy Graham, of Laurel Advocacy Referral Services

We have a LARS client who is staying in a local hotel until we can move her into one of our transitional housing apartment this coming Monday (2/11). She is a young woman with four very young children, including a 9 month girl, 21 month old boy, 6 year old boy, and a 7 year old girl. This young parent has no family in the area, and no friends. She pretty much has the clothes on their backs and little else. I have donated a toddler bed and mattress (crib size) for the 21 month old (and will gather some clothes for the 9 month old and 21 month old this weekend), but can you help?

We need:

A crib with a mattress;

Crib size sheets and blankets for 2 beds;

Two twin mattresses and box springs with bed frames;

Sheets and bedding for the two twin beds;

A bed for Mom and the bedding (depending on the size of the bed we can get for her);

Kitchen table and chairs;

Plates, silverware, pots and pans, glasses, cooking utensils;

Sofa;

Coffee and end tables;

Lamps;

Nightstands;

Dressers;

Bookcase;

Decorations;

Anything to make it feel like a home…

This family would also benefit from gift card to Target, Wal Mart (for clothing and household needs) or Giant. I say Giant specifically because they do not have transportation, and although it is a bit of a walk, the closest grocery store to where they will live is a Giant.

I regret that LARS does not have a vehicle that can be used to move furniture (we all just have our personal vehicles). Donations of the big household items would have to include delivery. We may be able to coordinate with another volunteer to do the delivery/pick-up, but not in the time frame of the need.

If you think you can help, please email or call the LARS transitional housing case manager, Lori Timlin. She can be reached at (301) 776-9170 or ltimlin@laureladvocacy.org.

We are very thankful for the support you provide to us. It makes a significant difference in the community.

With Thanks,

Nancy Graham, LCSW-C, Executive Director

Laurel Advocacy and Referral Services, Inc.

311 Laurel Avenue

Laurel, MD 20707

(301) 776-0442

www.laureladvocacy.org

MOTHER'S GROUP IS READING

You might be surprised to learn that a group of young New Hope mothers and a man who thinks Christianity is “a dangerous term” that he tries to avoid are traveling on the same spiritual journey. However, that is just what has been happening as the New Hope mothers’ book club reads Donald Miller’s Searching for God Knows What in an effort to intensify their pursuit of the Divine. Primarily an individual quest until now, the book club is planning a weekend of activities meant to enhance the concepts attained from the book and explore the ideas Miller presents. Through discussion of the book, the group effort will broaden ideas that Miller has coerced into substantial growth from that of mainstream Christian perspectives.

Miller’s point of view on Christianity is gaining popularity with many and angering many as well. These opposing viewpoints serve for dialogue that is both relevant and valuable. Recognized by The Washington Post on January 19, Kelli Kennedy writes that “Supporters say Miller’s authentic, graceful approach to God has given a voice to their brand of Christianity” and that he “emphasizes the individual’s faith experience and varied worship styles…” However, “Critics call Miller’s works casual and glib and say that he strays from biblical truths when he downplays homosexuality and other sins.” The controversy amongst Christians, caused by Miller’s views, is good in the sense that it forces people to re-evaluate what and why they believe the way they do. It certainly has caused me to re-think some of my own perspectives and I am looking forward to a weekend where others can share their own experience as well. ~ By Katina Chappell

MOTHER'S GROUP BOOK CLUB

A NOTE FROM KATINA

I hope all of you who picked up a copy of Searching for God Knows What are having a chance to enjoy it. I just wanted to invite everyone to a weekend retreat discussing the book and engaging in some fellowship and fun with one another the weekend of February 8-10. We have been offered a 2 bedroom condo in Ocean City for our rendezvous. If we squeeze, we can fit 8-10 women. If enough people are interested, I can look into the possibility of acquiring another place to stay as well. If you would like to just come down on Sabbath and spend the day, that would be great as well. Think it over, talk it over, and let me know if you have any questions!

Love and Blessings!

Katina
katinac5@MSN.COM

MOZAMBIQUE MISSION TRIP DEADLINES

The SOS mission trip to Mozambique is having a special meeting for any participants interested in going on the mission trip on Saturday, January 19. Listed below are some deadlines for the trip.


1. Moz. Update Meeting/Fundraising kickoff 1/19/08

2. Registration Cut off date $1000 deposit 3/1/08

3. $1000 deposit Due Date 3/15/08

4. Airline Ticketing deadline
3/27/08

5. Deadline for second $1000.00 deposit 6/1/08

6. Deadline for group fundraising goal $1000/person 6/1/08

7. Passport Deadline 3-6 week process 6/1/08

8. VBS Material Planning deadline 6/1/08

9. Medical team scope of effort deadline 5/1/08

10. Water Well Drilling Scope of effort deadline 5/1/08

11. Begin Visa Process for South Africa and Moz. 6/1/08

12. Dedication Service at New Hope Church 7/12/08

13. Departure Washington Dulles 7/13/08

14. Return to Washington Dulles 7/29/08

There will be at least 3 or 4 more all team update meetings. The dates will be announced at least 1 month in advance of meeting. Tentative dates are as follows: 2/9/08, 3/22/08, 4/12/08, 5/31/08.

For more details, contact Dave Wooster, SOS director at newhopesos@comcast.net.

GET TO KNOW ME - DIANE TAYLOR

Dianne Taylor is the leader of our Toddler Sabbath school class for children ages 18-36 months old. She has been attending New Hope Church with her husband, Ben and 2 year old son, Mason for 2 years. During the week, she works as a practice manager of a doctor’s office. She is also working on her Masters in Health Care Administration from UM. When she has extra time, she like to go to the gym and read. She loves to eat anything Italian. Her favorite thing about Sabbath school is seeing the children smile and have fun.

Pastor Newman will be starting a new teaching series called, "A Complete Idiots Guide to the Bible" on January 12. He will be covering a wide range of topics about the unique message the Bible has for today.

You won't want to miss this riveting series of talks every Saturday at 10:30am and 12:15pm. Bring a friend!

Click here to view his sermon topics.

GROWTH GROUPS SEMINAR

"Growth Groups" is a four part seminar designed for those who are interested in leading, co-leading, or hosting a small group. Upon completion participants will be equipped to launch their own small group. No prior small group experience is needed.

What to expect? This very practical seminar covers:
• How to invite people to join your group;
• Using Bible based curriculum;
• How to stay outwardly focused;
• What to do if divisive doctrinal issues come up;
• How to get 'buy in' for basic ground rules.
• Each participant will receive an executive summary workbook with notes for future reference including outlines for their first eleven group meetings.

Click here to register