Starting in June, we will be hosting a Volleyball night each Wednesday at 6 p.m. Our Volleyball nights are open to all age groups and skill levels, and it will be an opportunity for exercise and fellowship for our congregation. Join us on June 2 at 6:00 p.m. to get the ball rolling as we look forward to a summer of fun together in the Family Life Center.

This morning I saw a commercial while I was trying to get ready for the day.  I wasn’t watching very intently, but it caught my eye.  It started with a little boy, maybe 6 years old, who was making his lunch with Jif Peanut Butter.  The commercial goes on to show his mom’s surprise when she learned he made his own lunch.  (Don’t worry…the tears haven’t started yet!)  The little guy’s mom tells him that she was proud of him for making his lunch on his own…it was obvious that she didn’t realize what he had been doing.  Then, as he walks out the door, he hands a lunch to his mom that he had made for her.  It is in a brown bag that he has decorated for her.  (Flood gates are now opened…)  I know, I know…this wouldn’t cause the same reaction in just everyone.  I put myself in that situation along with my little guy, and it tugged at my heart.  Then I started thinking about when we tug at God’s heartstrings.  He knows what we are going to do, but I can’t help but think that he has to smile when we do “unexpected” acts that help others.  It seems that there are so many opportunities this time of year to help others out…but there are many opportunities that we pass up every single day.  I’m trying to think about each moment and if my actions are making Him smile.  What about you?  All this from a PB commercial.  Thanks Jif!

December 2, 2009

After the 30 Hour Famine last year, we were fortunate enough to have some people from Invisible Children come through Evansville and stop at Central.  While they were here we learned a bit more about the Invisible Children movement while watching a video, talked with the team, and was given the opportunity to purchase merchandise.  Many of us purchased t-shirts as well as videos and books.  I have worn my t-shirt a number of times, but I’ve never had anyone ask me about it…until yesterday.  While I was at Wal-mart with my 2 year old, we went to the deli to get some meat and cheese for youth group last night.  The lady behind the counter made a comment about “Invisible Children” and wanted to know how many I had.  She kind of laughed and I smiled, but I didn’t go into it.  Then while we were paying, the cashier commented on it as well.  She wanted to know how she could make her children invisible.  In the midst of keeping Ellen under wraps from all of the “temptations” in the checkout lane, I again just smiled…a little more irritated this time.  Then after eating lunch with my family, I went to the counter to pay.  The man behind the counter made a comment about it as well.  I finally felt like I had a chance to share with him as well as another girl who was nearby a little bit about what’s going on in Northern Uganda with the child soldiers who are kidnapped and forced to fight in “God’s Army”…which is no reflection of the God I know.  Here is a little bit of their story…

“In the spring of 2003, three young filmmakers traveled to Africa in search of a story. What started out as a filmmaking adventure transformed into much more when these boys from Southern California discovered a tragedy that disgusted and inspired them, a tragedy where children are both the weapons and the victims.

As a non-profit we work to transform apathy into activism. By documenting the lives of those living in regions of conflict and injustice, we hope to educate and inspire individuals in the Western world to use their unique voice for change. Our media creates an opportunity for people to become part of a grassroots movement that intelligently responds to what.s happening in the world.

But our work extends beyond our borders. In war-affected regions we focus on long-term development, working directly with individuals and institutions that are eager to realize their full potential. Through education and innovative economic opportunities, we partner with affected communities and strive to improve the quality of life for individuals living in conflict and post-conflict regions.”

While sharing this story with the youth last night, one of our volunteers made a comment that I feel is oh so true.  He said, “I think God was nudging you until you finally answered his call.”  Holy cow!  How right you are my friend!

So I ask you, what are you doing today when God is nudging you?  I pray that you aren’t as slow as I was…but thank goodness God didn’t give up on me!

November 19, 2009

On Sunday we went to see Signature School’s production of “Putnam County’s 25th Annual Spelling Bee”.  HILARIOUS!  We loved it!  Tyler White, an active member of our youth group, did an outstanding job as not one-but two characters.  During the show 5 people from the audience were pulled up to be a part of the cast…and our very own Dekajuan Halbig was one of them!  Although I think I would have been frightened to no end, Dekajuan just went along with the show.  At more than one point, he had to dance around with the other cast members.  Several of us told him that we would have been terrified to be called up there at the age of 13 (let alone now!), but he did great!  Way to go Speller #4!

Our two stars!

November 2, 2009

It seems like everyone I talk to is just so stinking busy all the time.  Sometimes I think even if we aren’t, we have to act like we are!  Wednesday nights at youth are no exception…we get to see many of our youth, but there is always someone who is over committed and can’t come.  We miss them, but we have all been there and understand!  The Daugherty Family, however, is taking a new outlook on life.  Not only are we learning to say the dreaded word…NO…but we are also learning to make better use of our time.   We are always trying to find different ways to work in family time and be patient when we ask so much of our little guys.  Lots and lots of prayer has gone into coming to this place in our lives…and many more prayers will be said!  Join with us in this “new revolution”!  I really think you will be so happy that you did!

October 29, 2009

Youth Group is the place to be on Wednesday nights!  From 6-7:30, the youth can often be found in the youth room playing games and being silly along with trying to figure out who they are in Christ.  Dinner is provided at 5:30 in an effort to make it easier on families to get the youth to youth group.  Dinner is free and you don’t even have to RSVP!  Just show up…we would love to have you!

Each Sunday at 9:30, you can find middle and high school students in the youth room for Sunday School.  Under the Direction of David White, they are currently doing a Student Life Bible Study.

A variety of camps are offered each summer for middle and high school students to attend.  Many of our students go to Santa Claus Camp, a Methodist camp in nearby Santa Claus, IN.  Others attend Camp Indi-co-so that offers camps directed at sports as well as a variety of other options.  Most camps last one week and seem to help our youth see Christ’s face in a way that they have never experienced

In addition to our learning experiences, the youth get together for social times as well.  We often meet for dinner, support each other in sporting events and performances, and attend lots of concerts.  Although most of the youth attend different schools, they can often be found together outside of formal youth sponsored events.

In an effort to serve as well as have a “reality check”, a mission opportunity away from Evansville is offered each the summer.  This past summer, the youth traveled to Lexington, KY to serve in a community much like the neighborhood in which Central is located.  As a result of our trip, the youth came back and hosted a neighborhood block party and hope to again start a neighborhood garden.