by Mrs. Donna

Fall is here! Cool crisp temperatures will be coming soon. October is the beginning of some busy months ahead - like November and December ... The stores are telling us to get ready ... The Bible also tells us to get ready - ready for the second coming of our Savior. We are reminded that no matter how busy we get Jesus is always with us. Sometimes, however, we need to slow down and listen to His word and see what He has planned for us. We need to remember not to get so busy that we forget HIM, His love and forgiveness.

I want to thank those who came to the Back to School Night in September. I enjoyed seeing new and old families and friends. It was nice to see families getting to know each other. Tumbleweeds and Ninja's were here to keep the children busy. We had so many families we had to hold our meeting in the sanctuary. God has certainly blessed our Center & Kindergarten. We have 128 students enrolled compared to 96 last year. We have 2 more 4 year old classes and our expanded kindergarten (16 students). We have 84 on our waiting list and 27 on our waiting list for next year's kindergarten.

I encourage all of you to look at the childcare bulletin board to see the fun activities that are planned ...

We're excited to recognize the following Baptism "Birthdays" for September & October:

Knight:
• Joseph - Sept. 2006
Monkey:
• Jackson - Oct. 17, 2009
• Sydney - Oct. 25, 2009
• Adelyn - Oct. 27, 2009

If you would like more information regarding baptism and what is means, please sign-up on the sheet in the lobby or see Ms. Donna or your child's teacher. We would be happy to share that information with you or get you in touch with Pastor Jim.

Parade: 9:45am

The staff is asking that the children dress in western attire on that day. We are combining Nevada Day and Halloween activities. Dress up will be Western theme. Wear your Halloween Costumes at the Harvest Festival on Saturday, October 29 at 2pm. We will have our regular Halloween activities like our parade, pumpkin decorating, face painting, pot luck lunch, and arts and crafts.

Remember, if this isn't your regular scheduled day you can come with your child and join in the festivities from 9:15am until 12:00-noon without charge.

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Grace, mercy, and peace are yours through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

A few years ago while on vacation my wife, Mary, and I stayed next to the hole in the ground that was formerly the World Trade Center Towers. It was evident that the tragedy was still very fresh in the minds of those whose lives were so greatly impacted. The bell captain who showed us to our room almost wept as he related the events of that infamous day. Fortunately the staff and all the guests of this Hilton Hotel had been evacuated five minutes before the collapse of the first tower.

Last month "we remembered" the ten year anniversary of that terrible attack on the United States of America. The remembering brought back vivid memories for me of seeing on the television screen first one airplane then another airplane destroy the World Trade Center Towers. I mourned once again the senseless death and destruction of many innocent lives. I feared once again the destruction of our wonderful country by an enemy that is ruthless and evil ...

The cool weather will be upon us in no time, so remember to dress your child in layers for cool fall mornings and warmer afternoons. And be sure to label all those layers: coat, long-sleeve shirts worn over T's, gloves, hat, etc., to ensure that if an items lands on the floor it ends up back on your child's hook. (Also, remember to take a periodic glance in the Lost and Found.)

Be sure to leave an extra change of clothes in your child's backpack or cubby - accidents come in all kinds of form. Water play, paint, potty, lunch spills, etc ...

Please bring in your lightly used book for the Book Faire. There is a box in the lobby to put your donations in. Thank you for your support. Date and time to be announced soon!

Thank you Mrs. Shannon Albert (Andrew & Alyssa's mom) and Mrs. Cathy Davis (Gavin and Morgan's mom) for coordinating this project!

Remember to pack an extra snack for your child to eat at 2:15 quiet time. Most of the children have plenty to eat from extras in their lunchbox. Your child's teacher will let you know if they need more, especially if they are going through a growing spurt. In addition, we are providing a beverage at that time.

The only day that seems to be an issue is Wednesdays, when the children are having hot lunch. On those days if your child forgets a snack we will give them a cup of dry cereal or pretzels to hold them over until they are picked up.

Everyone is invited to join us for Chapel on Wednesdays at 9:40am or 4:00pm.

Something new during chapel: on the first Wednesday of the month we will celebrate baptism birthdays for that month as well as give out "Shining Light Awards", which will go to those who are shining examples of Jesus' love. The teachers will fill them out and Pastor Jim will give them to the children during chapel.

Church Services & Sunday School

I thank those who joined us for our church picnic in September. Now, I'd like to invite you to join us for Sunday School at 9:30am. The adults are studying the book of John and the children are busy with songs, snack and story time. Our services are 8:00am and 10:45am on Sunday; our Praise Service is on Saturdays at 4:30pm. Babysitting is available at all services.

At the October 15 Praise Service, our Kindergarten Knights class will sing a song. Please plan to join us there at 4:30pm!

Enjoy an afternoon of food, games, music and of course, plenty of candy! This event open to all in the community, so bring your friends and family! Come dressed in costume and ready to have fun!

Many of you have expressed interest in participating in a parent volunteer group. We are in the process of getting the group organized - laying the groundwork and the goals/outcomes for this group.

Watch for more information very soon regarding the group's first meeting. We thank Nicolle Larson (Addie and Emmie's mom) and Melinda DesJardins (Brady and Jace's mom) for helping us get this group going.

• Have you wondered what the Lutheran church teaches?
• Do you have questions about the Bible, baptism or faith?

Now you have a chance to come and find out. Pastor Jim Beilstein is inviting everyone to join him for an informal discussion concerning these topics and more. You can also ask all your questions.

Mark your calendar for Saturday, November 5 from 9am-3pm. Lunch provided. Call to reserve a spot, and bring a friend or family member. If you need childcare let Mrs. Donna know.