BY STORMIE PERRY
Family traditions are important, especially around the holidays. Every family has something traditional or has a specific meal or an order of opening presents that they do every year. Even if its "normal" its still different within every family.
My family "tradition" is traveling up to Kentucky every year for Christmas. Most of my family lives in Kentucky, and Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas unless I am surrounded by family. A tradition we have is eating squirrel and rabbit for either Thanksgiving and Christmas or both!
Christmas Eve is always fun because we get to open some presents. On Christmas Eve. my parents and I go visit all of my dad’s family and have lunch and open presents from them. We also visit all of my mom’s family and do the same thing. In the evening for Christmas Eve, after dinner, my grandparents, my uncle’s family, and my family will open presents that are only for and from my uncle’s family because they go back to their home for Christmas morning. We always open presents from youngest to oldest, starting with my younger cousin to my older cousin to me to my mom, all the way to my grandparents. After my uncle and his family leave and some movies are watched through the night, it’s time for bed. Always a restless sleep awaiting the thrills and joy of Christmas morning.
The morning finally comes, the sun is shining, and I wake up full of sleepiness but also the Christmas spirit fills me. It’s time for presents! I get to see my family’s faces as they open their gifts, and I get to see what I got which, of course, is always fun. My family and grandparents open our gifts and are joyful and thankful.
Those are my family traditions. They are not different from a lot of other family's holiday traditions, but my family makes our "traditions" unique and fun.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
A Holiday Tradition
BY HUNTER SADLER
My personal favorite Christmas tradition was going up to my grandfather’s land and cutting down a Christmas tree from his fields. We always cut down a cedar tree, because that is the only kind of Christmas tree on the land. It was always fun getting in his truck and going out and finding just the right tree, and then getting a chance to cut it down. My brother and I would take turns using the saw.
After we got it back to my grandfather's house, we would put it in a tree stand that used to be an old pump stand and was way too small for the trunk of the tree, so we would have to shave off a lot of the trunk. After that, we would spend time decorating the tree with old lights and ornaments that he had for several decades.
Though my grandfather has passed away since last Christmas, the memory is still alive.
My personal favorite Christmas tradition was going up to my grandfather’s land and cutting down a Christmas tree from his fields. We always cut down a cedar tree, because that is the only kind of Christmas tree on the land. It was always fun getting in his truck and going out and finding just the right tree, and then getting a chance to cut it down. My brother and I would take turns using the saw.
After we got it back to my grandfather's house, we would put it in a tree stand that used to be an old pump stand and was way too small for the trunk of the tree, so we would have to shave off a lot of the trunk. After that, we would spend time decorating the tree with old lights and ornaments that he had for several decades.
Though my grandfather has passed away since last Christmas, the memory is still alive.
Cookies, Carols, and Candlelight
BY AMY DANFORTH
Sometimes the anticipation of a good thing is just as fun as the thing itself. This certainly holds true for me regarding the biggest holiday of the year, Christmas. The weeks leading up to December 25th are filled with fun and exciting traditions that are often just as enjoyable as Christmas day itself.
The traditions start the day after Christmas with the baking of gingerbread cookies. I love cutting stars, Christmas trees, and angels out of the dough as the rich smell of spices fills the air. Another tradition is our church's Christmas Cantata, which usually takes place around the middle of December. This concert always puts me in the Christmas spirit with its repertoire of Christmas carols, both old and new. Decorating the tree while listening to Christmas songs is another fun tradition. On the same night, we put up our icicle lights and our big lighted star.
In the days right beforethe big day, we cook up a storm. More gingerbread, pies, rolls, and whatever else we can think of. At some point, we also go light-looking, and drive to the Capitol and elsewhere to see the light displays.
Finally, on Christmas Eve, we attend our church's Candlelight Service, where we sing carols by candlelight to prepare us for the wonderful day to come.
Sometimes the anticipation of a good thing is just as fun as the thing itself. This certainly holds true for me regarding the biggest holiday of the year, Christmas. The weeks leading up to December 25th are filled with fun and exciting traditions that are often just as enjoyable as Christmas day itself.
The traditions start the day after Christmas with the baking of gingerbread cookies. I love cutting stars, Christmas trees, and angels out of the dough as the rich smell of spices fills the air. Another tradition is our church's Christmas Cantata, which usually takes place around the middle of December. This concert always puts me in the Christmas spirit with its repertoire of Christmas carols, both old and new. Decorating the tree while listening to Christmas songs is another fun tradition. On the same night, we put up our icicle lights and our big lighted star.
In the days right beforethe big day, we cook up a storm. More gingerbread, pies, rolls, and whatever else we can think of. At some point, we also go light-looking, and drive to the Capitol and elsewhere to see the light displays.
Finally, on Christmas Eve, we attend our church's Candlelight Service, where we sing carols by candlelight to prepare us for the wonderful day to come.
Family Time
BY JAKE SADLER
One of my favorite family traditions around Christmas time is our family coming together to celebrate the holidays. Even family from out of town comes, like my aunt from Georgia, and my grandfather from Hagarville. Our aunt usually comes into town about a week before Christmas, and our grandfather comes in a day or two beforehand.
On Christmas morning, everybody comes to my house and we all look in our stockings to see what Santa brought us, then we open our presents. After we pick up all the wrappings and ribbons, we all get together for a morning brunch. Normally, we have things like bacon, eggs, gravy, biscuits and pancakes.
Later in the day, we usually go to my grandmother’s house. There, we talk for most of the day and have lunch or dinner. The lunch normally varies, but one constant is these glasses our grandmother only uses on Christmas. They are made of red crystal.
Sometimes we also visit our family in Alma, and spend the night up there. On the way back, we usually get ice cream from Brahm’s, easily the best ice cream anywhere nearby.
One of my favorite family traditions around Christmas time is our family coming together to celebrate the holidays. Even family from out of town comes, like my aunt from Georgia, and my grandfather from Hagarville. Our aunt usually comes into town about a week before Christmas, and our grandfather comes in a day or two beforehand.
On Christmas morning, everybody comes to my house and we all look in our stockings to see what Santa brought us, then we open our presents. After we pick up all the wrappings and ribbons, we all get together for a morning brunch. Normally, we have things like bacon, eggs, gravy, biscuits and pancakes.
Later in the day, we usually go to my grandmother’s house. There, we talk for most of the day and have lunch or dinner. The lunch normally varies, but one constant is these glasses our grandmother only uses on Christmas. They are made of red crystal.
Sometimes we also visit our family in Alma, and spend the night up there. On the way back, we usually get ice cream from Brahm’s, easily the best ice cream anywhere nearby.
My Family's Christmas Tradition
BY KURT KAMPHAUSEN
It has been called the most wonderful time of the year, and for good reason. The joy of eating lots of food, hanging up lights, shopping, and watching those great Alltel commercials made from claymation is too wonderful to pass up. On the other side of the spectrum, however, are the things that aren't so obvious. Special things we all do called "traditions."
Every year on the day after Thanksgiving--or on Thanksgiving--my family gathers around the television set, snuggling in our blankets to watch "The Muppet Christmas Carol." The joy we get when watching Michael Caine sing with Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, and all the other characters is one we share every year. When watching the movie, you get a feeling that you are apart of it in some funny way and you can't help but smile when hearing their joyful voices.
Although this Christmas tradition may not seem like a typical one, it suits us well and we love it….each and every year.
It has been called the most wonderful time of the year, and for good reason. The joy of eating lots of food, hanging up lights, shopping, and watching those great Alltel commercials made from claymation is too wonderful to pass up. On the other side of the spectrum, however, are the things that aren't so obvious. Special things we all do called "traditions."
Every year on the day after Thanksgiving--or on Thanksgiving--my family gathers around the television set, snuggling in our blankets to watch "The Muppet Christmas Carol." The joy we get when watching Michael Caine sing with Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, and all the other characters is one we share every year. When watching the movie, you get a feeling that you are apart of it in some funny way and you can't help but smile when hearing their joyful voices.
Although this Christmas tradition may not seem like a typical one, it suits us well and we love it….each and every year.
Christmas Traditions
BY BEN DANFORTH
Our family has, over the years, developed many colorful and interesting traditions on Christmas day. On Christmas, we all awaken at approximately nine o’ clock and start off the festivities by eating a scrumptious breakfast of cinnamon rolls. Then, we all gather around and read the Christmas story from the Bible in the book of Luke. Once we finish, we proceed to the exchanging of presents. My dad dispenses the gifts one by one to the family--all nine of us. This goes on for an hour or two, as we are in no particular hurry.
When we finish, we set off to enjoy our various presents. At 11:30, we pile up in at least two cars and head over to my grandma’s house. There we eat a delicious lunch of ham, turkey, hash browns, banana pudding, stuffing, cookies, brownies, and all sorts of other delicacies. After the meal, we have yet another batch of gifts. We sit around visiting and enjoying each other for a while then, after snapping a few family photos, we drive over to my mom’s parents’ house.
Throughout the evening we both play and watch football and other games outside. We eat another amazing meal and have one last round of gift giving.
Christmas is a wonderful time of year-- my favorite-- and I look forward to it all eleven months.
Our family has, over the years, developed many colorful and interesting traditions on Christmas day. On Christmas, we all awaken at approximately nine o’ clock and start off the festivities by eating a scrumptious breakfast of cinnamon rolls. Then, we all gather around and read the Christmas story from the Bible in the book of Luke. Once we finish, we proceed to the exchanging of presents. My dad dispenses the gifts one by one to the family--all nine of us. This goes on for an hour or two, as we are in no particular hurry.
When we finish, we set off to enjoy our various presents. At 11:30, we pile up in at least two cars and head over to my grandma’s house. There we eat a delicious lunch of ham, turkey, hash browns, banana pudding, stuffing, cookies, brownies, and all sorts of other delicacies. After the meal, we have yet another batch of gifts. We sit around visiting and enjoying each other for a while then, after snapping a few family photos, we drive over to my mom’s parents’ house.
Throughout the evening we both play and watch football and other games outside. We eat another amazing meal and have one last round of gift giving.
Christmas is a wonderful time of year-- my favorite-- and I look forward to it all eleven months.
Christmas with Gloria and her Mom
BY GLORIA HARRIS
On Christmas, my mother and I always wake up early in the morning to open up presents, even thought the last couple of years I open one present a day the week before Christmas.
After we get dressed, we go to my grandma's house. My mother is the cook over there--talk about scrumptious! Most of my family on my mother's side of the go over to my grandma's house for the occasion. We all talk about what happend during the year and our expectations for the next one while the food is cooking. When the cooking is done, we all gather around the table to bless the food. My grandaddy isalways the one who blesses the food. Then, of course, we eat. About an hour later, when the majority of people are finished eating, we open up our presents. The youngest are always the first to open theirs, then the older people. When that's all done, the kids clean up the wrapping paper while the grown-ups clean up the other areas.
After we leave my grandma's house, we visit my papa and his wife. By that time, I would need something else to fill my tummy, so I fix a plate to eat and another one to take home. Once we finish eating, we open and share our gifts, then we clean up. We watch a movie or two until we get restless, then my mother and I head home to rest for a while. After that, we go back out to get and give our family members and friends their gifts.
My family doesn't have many traditions, but this one we do have is wonderful in many ways!
On Christmas, my mother and I always wake up early in the morning to open up presents, even thought the last couple of years I open one present a day the week before Christmas.
After we get dressed, we go to my grandma's house. My mother is the cook over there--talk about scrumptious! Most of my family on my mother's side of the go over to my grandma's house for the occasion. We all talk about what happend during the year and our expectations for the next one while the food is cooking. When the cooking is done, we all gather around the table to bless the food. My grandaddy isalways the one who blesses the food. Then, of course, we eat. About an hour later, when the majority of people are finished eating, we open up our presents. The youngest are always the first to open theirs, then the older people. When that's all done, the kids clean up the wrapping paper while the grown-ups clean up the other areas.
After we leave my grandma's house, we visit my papa and his wife. By that time, I would need something else to fill my tummy, so I fix a plate to eat and another one to take home. Once we finish eating, we open and share our gifts, then we clean up. We watch a movie or two until we get restless, then my mother and I head home to rest for a while. After that, we go back out to get and give our family members and friends their gifts.
My family doesn't have many traditions, but this one we do have is wonderful in many ways!
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Thanksgiving Day
BY STORMIE PERRY
"Thanksgiving like the Fourth of July should be considered a national festival and observed by all our people."-Sarah Josepha Hale. Thanksgiving is a time for feasting, being with family, and giving thanks to God. The Bible says in Psalms 100:4, "Enter into His gates with thanksgiving. And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name." This is why we celebrate and set aside a day or even a couple of days of feasting, is to give thanks and glory to God. But how did a day of thanksgiving come into being? And how did it evolve into the holiday that we observe today?
Aboard a ship called the Mayflower in the year 1620, traveling from England to the New World, was a group of people known as the Pilgrims. Men, women, and children of God looking for a land to where they could freely worship God. They arrived in America in 1620, but were ill prepared for the winter at their new home of Plymouth Plantation. It was a harsh time for the Pilgrims and many died that winter. When spring came around they were greeting by the local Native Indians who taught them how to grow crops and cultivate. In the fall of the year of 1621, the Pilgrims wanted to thank God for providing for them, and had a great feast for three days. Indian chief, Massassoit, Squanto, Samoset, and ninety of their men joined the Pilgrims in their festival of thanksgiving. This is considered the first Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving became a regular celebration all throughout the colonies in the 1700's. During the Revolutionary War, George Washington set aside days of thanksgiving to thank God for victories that had been won. Once Washington became the first President, he made a proclamation that was issued on November 26, 1789, to set aside a day of thanksgiving. It was the first national government observance of the day of Thanksgiving. Even though Washington had made a proclamation for thanksgiving, there was no regular observance of the day nor was it a holiday. In the mid 1800's, a lady named Sarah Josepha Hale, who was a writer and editor for a very prominent magazine, Godey’s Lady’s Book, advocated for Thanksgiving to become a national holiday. She had said this about Thanksgiving, "There is a deep moral influence in these periodical seasons of rejoicing, in which whole communities participate. They bring out the best sympathies in our natures."
Lincoln became President, and sadly our nation was torn by war. Sarah continued to urge President Lincoln to recognize Thanksgiving as a national holiday. In 1863, Lincoln granted Sarah’s wish to make Thanksgiving a national holiday. In 1863, Lincoln brought forth the Thanksgiving Proclamation, making Thanksgiving Day a national holiday as the last Thursday of November. Lincoln had said about Thanksgiving Day, "a day of thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father."
Thanksgiving Day, being the last Thursday of November, did not give businesses much time in between Thanksgiving and Christmas. To avert this problem in 1939, President Roosevelt made Thanksgiving Day one week earlier.
In 1941, Congress finally passed that the fourth Thursday of the month of November would be set aside as a national legal holiday of Thanksgiving Day. "No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently, and gratefully acknowledged, as with one heart and one voice, by the whole American people. I do therefore invite my fellow-citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next as a day of thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens." These are words from the document that made Thanksgiving Day a national holiday, the Thanksgiving Proclamation.
Thank God and all the men and women who made Thanksgiving Day a day of celebration and remembrance. Remember to thank God, especially on Thanksgiving Day, because the Pilgrims’ desire was to give thanksgiving to God. The meaning of Thanksgiving still stands, and it does remind everyone how truly blessed they really are. "I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make its boast in the Lord; the humble shall hear of it and be glad. Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together."-Psalms 34:1-3.
"Thanksgiving like the Fourth of July should be considered a national festival and observed by all our people."-Sarah Josepha Hale. Thanksgiving is a time for feasting, being with family, and giving thanks to God. The Bible says in Psalms 100:4, "Enter into His gates with thanksgiving. And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name." This is why we celebrate and set aside a day or even a couple of days of feasting, is to give thanks and glory to God. But how did a day of thanksgiving come into being? And how did it evolve into the holiday that we observe today?
Aboard a ship called the Mayflower in the year 1620, traveling from England to the New World, was a group of people known as the Pilgrims. Men, women, and children of God looking for a land to where they could freely worship God. They arrived in America in 1620, but were ill prepared for the winter at their new home of Plymouth Plantation. It was a harsh time for the Pilgrims and many died that winter. When spring came around they were greeting by the local Native Indians who taught them how to grow crops and cultivate. In the fall of the year of 1621, the Pilgrims wanted to thank God for providing for them, and had a great feast for three days. Indian chief, Massassoit, Squanto, Samoset, and ninety of their men joined the Pilgrims in their festival of thanksgiving. This is considered the first Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving became a regular celebration all throughout the colonies in the 1700's. During the Revolutionary War, George Washington set aside days of thanksgiving to thank God for victories that had been won. Once Washington became the first President, he made a proclamation that was issued on November 26, 1789, to set aside a day of thanksgiving. It was the first national government observance of the day of Thanksgiving. Even though Washington had made a proclamation for thanksgiving, there was no regular observance of the day nor was it a holiday. In the mid 1800's, a lady named Sarah Josepha Hale, who was a writer and editor for a very prominent magazine, Godey’s Lady’s Book, advocated for Thanksgiving to become a national holiday. She had said this about Thanksgiving, "There is a deep moral influence in these periodical seasons of rejoicing, in which whole communities participate. They bring out the best sympathies in our natures."
Lincoln became President, and sadly our nation was torn by war. Sarah continued to urge President Lincoln to recognize Thanksgiving as a national holiday. In 1863, Lincoln granted Sarah’s wish to make Thanksgiving a national holiday. In 1863, Lincoln brought forth the Thanksgiving Proclamation, making Thanksgiving Day a national holiday as the last Thursday of November. Lincoln had said about Thanksgiving Day, "a day of thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father."
Thanksgiving Day, being the last Thursday of November, did not give businesses much time in between Thanksgiving and Christmas. To avert this problem in 1939, President Roosevelt made Thanksgiving Day one week earlier.
In 1941, Congress finally passed that the fourth Thursday of the month of November would be set aside as a national legal holiday of Thanksgiving Day. "No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently, and gratefully acknowledged, as with one heart and one voice, by the whole American people. I do therefore invite my fellow-citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next as a day of thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens." These are words from the document that made Thanksgiving Day a national holiday, the Thanksgiving Proclamation.
Thank God and all the men and women who made Thanksgiving Day a day of celebration and remembrance. Remember to thank God, especially on Thanksgiving Day, because the Pilgrims’ desire was to give thanksgiving to God. The meaning of Thanksgiving still stands, and it does remind everyone how truly blessed they really are. "I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make its boast in the Lord; the humble shall hear of it and be glad. Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together."-Psalms 34:1-3.
Important Senior Information
BY KURT KAMPHAUSEN
For those who are interested in graduating this May with HomeEd or in being involvedc in senior class activities, here is a little information for you.
First of all, there was a cookout at the home of the Eggers on November 1 which was very fun. Approximately 20 students attended the event and they roasted hot dogs and marshmallows along with playing games like Rock Band, Dance Dance Revolution, and Kajabi Kan-Kan. They also discussed where they would like to have the senior trip this year, class speaker for graduation, and the class representative. All of those issues will be brought up at a later meeting for final votes.
Another thing of note is the Christmas party coming up on December 6. For any seniors interested in attending, they ask that you dress up a little more than casual and that you bring a gift (a gag gift or normal) in the price range of about $8. If you have any questions, you can contact Dana Stearns or check the November HomeEd newsletter. Also remember to send in a baby photo, senior photo, and a write-up for yearbook and send it to Terri Oxner. Homecoming is also coming up shortly. Be sure to sign up as quickly as possible, since it is in less than two months!
This year is going great so far, so don't miss out on the fun to come!
For those who are interested in graduating this May with HomeEd or in being involvedc in senior class activities, here is a little information for you.
First of all, there was a cookout at the home of the Eggers on November 1 which was very fun. Approximately 20 students attended the event and they roasted hot dogs and marshmallows along with playing games like Rock Band, Dance Dance Revolution, and Kajabi Kan-Kan. They also discussed where they would like to have the senior trip this year, class speaker for graduation, and the class representative. All of those issues will be brought up at a later meeting for final votes.
Another thing of note is the Christmas party coming up on December 6. For any seniors interested in attending, they ask that you dress up a little more than casual and that you bring a gift (a gag gift or normal) in the price range of about $8. If you have any questions, you can contact Dana Stearns or check the November HomeEd newsletter. Also remember to send in a baby photo, senior photo, and a write-up for yearbook and send it to Terri Oxner. Homecoming is also coming up shortly. Be sure to sign up as quickly as possible, since it is in less than two months!
This year is going great so far, so don't miss out on the fun to come!
Junior Class Meeting
BY JAKE SADLER
Twenty-five members of the junior class met again recently at the Wenneker house on the 7th of November to further discuss plans for the prom. A location and date have been determined, but are still being kept under close guard.
Also, congratulations and good job to all the juniors who turned out for the car washes, as we made $500 towards the prom! Approximately 20 students came out to help with the washing.
At the last meeting, in addition to discussing the prom, there were also social activities such as a bonfire and s’mores. The next class meeting will be on January 13th. As always, juniors only!
About mid-late January, we will also be collecting old cell phones as part of a recycling program to raise more money for the prom. If you would like to get involved with the junior class or the planning process, contact Mrs. Wenneker for more information.
Twenty-five members of the junior class met again recently at the Wenneker house on the 7th of November to further discuss plans for the prom. A location and date have been determined, but are still being kept under close guard.
Also, congratulations and good job to all the juniors who turned out for the car washes, as we made $500 towards the prom! Approximately 20 students came out to help with the washing.
At the last meeting, in addition to discussing the prom, there were also social activities such as a bonfire and s’mores. The next class meeting will be on January 13th. As always, juniors only!
About mid-late January, we will also be collecting old cell phones as part of a recycling program to raise more money for the prom. If you would like to get involved with the junior class or the planning process, contact Mrs. Wenneker for more information.
ShareFest
BY STORMIE PERRY
This year counts as the tenth annual of ShareFest, an event put on by many churches in Central Arkansas in order to make a difference in their communities. There are a couple of different activities that are done within ShareFest, including a day of prayer walks, a food and coat and blood drive, a Love Offering, and a day of service. There are about one hundred churches that come together to make these events possible.
The day of prayer walks is decided on by each church participating. They are days set aside for a group of people to come and pray. Some things that were prayed for in the prayer walks were for our leaders, families, schools, neighborhoods, and that God would be glorified in our city. ShareFest also has a food and coat drive for three weeks. There is one more week for anyone to donate food and/or coats, which can be dropped off at local churches involved in ShareFest or at Fellowship Church. The food and coats that have been donated will go to people in the community who need them. ShareFest has partnered with two organizations for these two drives for the past six years. For the food drive, ShareFest has partnered with "Hereʼs Life Inner City." For the coat drive, ShareFest has partnered with the Salvation Army. There was also a blood drive, which was November 16th. This was a day to give people the chance to donate their blood for a good cause.
ShareFest also has a Love Offering, which is a special offering that is taken up by ShareFest Church Celebration on November the 23rd. This activity gives people the chance to give their money to people who need it.
There is one more activity that ShareFest puts on, which is a day of service. The day of service is a day where many volunteers take a day to help their community. There are several projects that the churches involved with ShareFest do, such as cleaning up yards and neighborhoods, working on homes and schools, and helping out in the community. Some of the school projects that Fellowship Church are involved on this year are Franklin Elementary, Stephens, Robinson Middle School, Wilson Elementary, Otter Creek Elementary, Arkansas Baptist College, and Academic Plus Charter School. These projects were done on November the 22nd.
Anyone can get signed up to help serve their community at their local church that is involved with ShareFest. This is a great opportunity for anyone to make a difference in other peopleʼs lives in their community. Many of the ShareFest projects are over for this year, but if you are interested in getting involved or getting your church involved next year, contact ShareFest office at (501) 225-0070, or you can get a group together and create your own project to serve someone in your community. For more information go to "fellowshiponline.com"
This year counts as the tenth annual of ShareFest, an event put on by many churches in Central Arkansas in order to make a difference in their communities. There are a couple of different activities that are done within ShareFest, including a day of prayer walks, a food and coat and blood drive, a Love Offering, and a day of service. There are about one hundred churches that come together to make these events possible.
The day of prayer walks is decided on by each church participating. They are days set aside for a group of people to come and pray. Some things that were prayed for in the prayer walks were for our leaders, families, schools, neighborhoods, and that God would be glorified in our city. ShareFest also has a food and coat drive for three weeks. There is one more week for anyone to donate food and/or coats, which can be dropped off at local churches involved in ShareFest or at Fellowship Church. The food and coats that have been donated will go to people in the community who need them. ShareFest has partnered with two organizations for these two drives for the past six years. For the food drive, ShareFest has partnered with "Hereʼs Life Inner City." For the coat drive, ShareFest has partnered with the Salvation Army. There was also a blood drive, which was November 16th. This was a day to give people the chance to donate their blood for a good cause.
ShareFest also has a Love Offering, which is a special offering that is taken up by ShareFest Church Celebration on November the 23rd. This activity gives people the chance to give their money to people who need it.
There is one more activity that ShareFest puts on, which is a day of service. The day of service is a day where many volunteers take a day to help their community. There are several projects that the churches involved with ShareFest do, such as cleaning up yards and neighborhoods, working on homes and schools, and helping out in the community. Some of the school projects that Fellowship Church are involved on this year are Franklin Elementary, Stephens, Robinson Middle School, Wilson Elementary, Otter Creek Elementary, Arkansas Baptist College, and Academic Plus Charter School. These projects were done on November the 22nd.
Anyone can get signed up to help serve their community at their local church that is involved with ShareFest. This is a great opportunity for anyone to make a difference in other peopleʼs lives in their community. Many of the ShareFest projects are over for this year, but if you are interested in getting involved or getting your church involved next year, contact ShareFest office at (501) 225-0070, or you can get a group together and create your own project to serve someone in your community. For more information go to "fellowshiponline.com"
Festival Feeds Needy
BY HUNTER SADLER
The Mosaic Church of Central Arkansas’ Thanksgiving Festival has fed the hungry and needy on Thanksgiving for the past three years. This year it will be from 11 A.M. to 1 P.M. in the parking lot of Mosaic Church of Central Arkansas, located at 6420 Col. Glenn Rd.
Every year the number of served has grown, up to last years' 500. They also open up their clothes closet on Thanksgiving and give clothes to the homeless and needy. Not all of the festival is food and clothes. There are also inflatable carnival games and moon bounces for children to play on. This year, the African Children’s Choir will be performing at the lunch.
For more information on the festival and lunch, contact Mosaic Church at (501) 562-3336
The Mosaic Church of Central Arkansas’ Thanksgiving Festival has fed the hungry and needy on Thanksgiving for the past three years. This year it will be from 11 A.M. to 1 P.M. in the parking lot of Mosaic Church of Central Arkansas, located at 6420 Col. Glenn Rd.
Every year the number of served has grown, up to last years' 500. They also open up their clothes closet on Thanksgiving and give clothes to the homeless and needy. Not all of the festival is food and clothes. There are also inflatable carnival games and moon bounces for children to play on. This year, the African Children’s Choir will be performing at the lunch.
For more information on the festival and lunch, contact Mosaic Church at (501) 562-3336
Talent on Display
BY BEN DANFORTH
Arkansas homeschoolers from all over the state showed up at Harding University on Saturday, November 8th, at 6:30 p.m. to participate in the Education Alliance’s annual talent show. The show was held in the administrative office at Harding. It was categorized into two divisions: instrumental and entertainment. Besides that, there were subdivisions such as juniors, seven to nine year olds; preteens, ten to twelve year olds; teens, thirteen to fifteen year olds; and older teens, sixteen to eighteen year olds.
Last year there were twenty-four contestants; this year there were eighteen. Students arrived from as far away as Whitehall, Garfield, Russellville, Clotter, Bradford, and Maumelle. The winners are as follows: Zachary Hudspeth, Ashlynn Andreg, Kimberly Bowman, Rebekah Richardson, Claire and Mitchell Freer, Jacob Irwin, Daniel, Grace and Luke Thomason, Olivia Wolfe, and Jeanie Burnett. The Master of Ceremonies was Nick Keith, who has a career in doing school fundraisers. Along with the emcee, there were five judges, two of whom were teachers, and three of whom were students at Harding University.
There was a wide range of acts with performances such as Italian opera, bluegrass, classical piano, violin, tap-dancing, and singing.
This is the second consecutive year the Education Alliance has put on the talent show and they are planning to do it next year. For more information on when and how to sign up, visit www.arkansashomeschool.org.
Arkansas homeschoolers from all over the state showed up at Harding University on Saturday, November 8th, at 6:30 p.m. to participate in the Education Alliance’s annual talent show. The show was held in the administrative office at Harding. It was categorized into two divisions: instrumental and entertainment. Besides that, there were subdivisions such as juniors, seven to nine year olds; preteens, ten to twelve year olds; teens, thirteen to fifteen year olds; and older teens, sixteen to eighteen year olds.
Last year there were twenty-four contestants; this year there were eighteen. Students arrived from as far away as Whitehall, Garfield, Russellville, Clotter, Bradford, and Maumelle. The winners are as follows: Zachary Hudspeth, Ashlynn Andreg, Kimberly Bowman, Rebekah Richardson, Claire and Mitchell Freer, Jacob Irwin, Daniel, Grace and Luke Thomason, Olivia Wolfe, and Jeanie Burnett. The Master of Ceremonies was Nick Keith, who has a career in doing school fundraisers. Along with the emcee, there were five judges, two of whom were teachers, and three of whom were students at Harding University.
There was a wide range of acts with performances such as Italian opera, bluegrass, classical piano, violin, tap-dancing, and singing.
This is the second consecutive year the Education Alliance has put on the talent show and they are planning to do it next year. For more information on when and how to sign up, visit www.arkansashomeschool.org.
Be Creative,Be Be Creative!
BY GLORIA HARRIS
"Presentaion Day" for North Little Rock Homeschoolers was sensational. Even though only five people signed up, there was piano playing, prayers presented in the Latin language, two written and performed compositions, a written book read by the author, and a written newspaper article. There was all kinds of amazing talent in the atmoshere. This "Presentation Day" was held at Sanders Library in Sherwood, Arkansas.
This was Jean Howdensen's first year coordinating this program, but this is not the first year for the program. This was the third year homeschooled students had the opportunity to "show their stuff" to other homeschoolers. There will be other such programs in the future and the hope is that they will have more paticipation.
For more information on this wonderful opportunity, or to start your own "Presentation Day" at other central Arkansas locactions, contact Jean Howdensen at (501)-835-5310.
"Presentaion Day" for North Little Rock Homeschoolers was sensational. Even though only five people signed up, there was piano playing, prayers presented in the Latin language, two written and performed compositions, a written book read by the author, and a written newspaper article. There was all kinds of amazing talent in the atmoshere. This "Presentation Day" was held at Sanders Library in Sherwood, Arkansas.
This was Jean Howdensen's first year coordinating this program, but this is not the first year for the program. This was the third year homeschooled students had the opportunity to "show their stuff" to other homeschoolers. There will be other such programs in the future and the hope is that they will have more paticipation.
For more information on this wonderful opportunity, or to start your own "Presentation Day" at other central Arkansas locactions, contact Jean Howdensen at (501)-835-5310.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Celebrate, Little Rock
BY: AMY DORSEY
Don't know how to celebrate this holiday season? With events like, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play, Moscow Ballet's "Great Russian Nutcracker" and a Yuletide Spectacular all you have to do is choose! There are many ways to celebrate the holiday season with the whole family, and just a sleigh ride away.
During turkey month, the Rep, Arkansas Arts Center, and Robinson Center Music Hall have some festive shows and a sale. "If You Sing It They Will Come: Songs from the Silver Screen" at the Repertory Theatre with the Young Arkansas Artists runs November 5-16. The Robinson Center Music Hall brings us Moscow Ballet's "Great Russian Nutcracker" on November 28. The Arkansas Arts Center's Christmas play will be "The Toymaker's Apprentice," creating magic November 28 through December 21. The Arkansas Arts Center Museum School facility and students will sell their original works on November 22.
As we await Santa's coming, major venues around the city know how to get ready for every child's favorite night. Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus tumbles into the Alltel Arena December 4-7. "Radio City Music Hall's Christmas Spectacular" kicks across the arena's stage on December 17 and 18. Then, Trans-Siberian Orchestra will rock the roof off Alltel on December 26. "It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play" at the Rep will show us the true value of life December 5-28.
CARTI Auxiliary Festival of Trees will light up the State House Convention Center December 4-6. Also at the Convention Center, the Sugar Plum Ball on December 4, Breakfast with Santa on December 6, and the Christmas Showcase December 5-7.
Robinson Center Music Hall will dance and play for us with Ballet Arkansas' "The Nutcracker" December 6-7, Mannheim Steamroller: Christmas on December 10, and the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra's annual Yuletide Spectacular December 19-20.
With all these events and more, you'll never be able to say you couldn't find a way to celebrate the holidays in Little Rock this year. For more information on these events go to the calendar page at www.alltelarena.com, www.therep.org, www.arkarts.com, and www.littlerock.com.
Don't know how to celebrate this holiday season? With events like, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play, Moscow Ballet's "Great Russian Nutcracker" and a Yuletide Spectacular all you have to do is choose! There are many ways to celebrate the holiday season with the whole family, and just a sleigh ride away.
During turkey month, the Rep, Arkansas Arts Center, and Robinson Center Music Hall have some festive shows and a sale. "If You Sing It They Will Come: Songs from the Silver Screen" at the Repertory Theatre with the Young Arkansas Artists runs November 5-16. The Robinson Center Music Hall brings us Moscow Ballet's "Great Russian Nutcracker" on November 28. The Arkansas Arts Center's Christmas play will be "The Toymaker's Apprentice," creating magic November 28 through December 21. The Arkansas Arts Center Museum School facility and students will sell their original works on November 22.
As we await Santa's coming, major venues around the city know how to get ready for every child's favorite night. Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus tumbles into the Alltel Arena December 4-7. "Radio City Music Hall's Christmas Spectacular" kicks across the arena's stage on December 17 and 18. Then, Trans-Siberian Orchestra will rock the roof off Alltel on December 26. "It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play" at the Rep will show us the true value of life December 5-28.
CARTI Auxiliary Festival of Trees will light up the State House Convention Center December 4-6. Also at the Convention Center, the Sugar Plum Ball on December 4, Breakfast with Santa on December 6, and the Christmas Showcase December 5-7.
Robinson Center Music Hall will dance and play for us with Ballet Arkansas' "The Nutcracker" December 6-7, Mannheim Steamroller: Christmas on December 10, and the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra's annual Yuletide Spectacular December 19-20.
With all these events and more, you'll never be able to say you couldn't find a way to celebrate the holidays in Little Rock this year. For more information on these events go to the calendar page at www.alltelarena.com, www.therep.org, www.arkarts.com, and www.littlerock.com.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)