This is going to be a stranger request than David asking for toilets, but the Kids Under Construction program is in need of your old throw pillows.  The kids use these to lie on or sit on when watching movies.  We could also use an old trunk or chest to store them in when they are not in use.  If you have any to donate, please contact Nanette at the church office.  Thanks for all of your help and support to this vital ministry of our church!

The Kids Under Construction after school program will offer its services to kids during the upcoming summer months beginning the first week in June.  We will change the day and times of the program to be Tuesday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.  It will remain offered only to kids from Kindergarten through Third grade.  The format will remain the same with bible stories, crafts, games, music and lots and lots of fun and play.  Kids are asked to bring a sack lunch.  Snacks will be provided throughout the day.  We are planning a number of field trips to some very interesting and fun places.  Please come and join us!  Registration forms are available in the church office at 315 East Elm Street or can be filled out online on the Kids Under Construction webpage on this website.  We will also be charging $10.00 per day per child.  Payment is requested at the end of each week.  The Kids Under Construction regular after school program will commence on the first day of school.  We look forward to seeing you!  Come and have a blast with us at First United Methodist Church!!

I just wanted to say a great big THANK YOU for the money that all of you gave to support the Children’s Ministries here at First United Methodist Church!  I, of course, can’t speak for the others, but I can speak for all of the kids in the Kids Under Construction program who will greatly benefit from your Extravagant Generosity and Radical Hospitality!  This generous gift will allow us to continue the program for a long time.  Once again, thank you so very much!  I promise to post more updates on events that are happening with the kids in Kids Under Construction.  Till then………

Nanette

Kids Under Construction, better known as KUC, is an after school program for a maximum of 25 elementary students which provides care, entertainment, and education on Monday through Friday afternoons during the regular school session.  On Wednesday, April 1, the class had 3 special visitors: bunnies Susie, Molly, and Polly.  Miss Nannette and all the students enjoyed petting the rabbits and learning about their care.  They also made bunny baskets as their special activity for the day.

By the time you read this, it may well be Thanksgiving. Besides the Fourth of July, it is a remarkably unique day in our nation. It is a day to simply remember to be ever thankful for all that we have and all we have been given by God.

 We all know some version of the first Thanksgiving. I am not really going over the story again but to remind you of it. Why I am going to do is list some things to be thankful for this year.

Despite the economy, most of us should be thankful for the homes we have, the food we enjoy and the life we live. Many in our nation and most in the world would give anything to enjoy what we have.

Be thankful for our nation. We have these wonderful freedoms and can celebrate as we choose on Thursday. We may do so in a small gathering or a large feast but we all can pray as we choose and talk freely about whatever we so choose.

 Thank God for life. Remember if you can celebrate, you are alive and given a wonderful present called today. Rejoice and be glad in it.

 Be thankful for your family. Yes, they may seem an odd lot and may even drive you up the wall a little but at least they are willing to live you as you drive them up the same wall. (It is always a matter of perspective.)

Finally, thank our ancestors who paid a dear price for all we have and all we celebrate. Without the pilgrims, we might not be here or have this nation as she exists. Without the sacrifice of our fore fathers, we might not be the United States. We might be a collection of “states” under different flags. Without those who sacrificed, we mght have lost any number of wars and be a conquered people. Without those who serve us today, me might live in mortal fear from those who seek to destroy us.

 So with that, not just peace and grace but God bless you on Thanksgiving day.  Reed

Greetings from your new Kids Under Construction after school program director!  I am so very excited to begin the first year of this program as your new director.  Please allow me to introduce myself.  My name is Nanette Keelin Wyatt.  I am the sister of the one who brings you the very lovely music in the Traditional Worship service on Sunday morning.  I recently joined the church again after having been away for a number of years serving in ministry.  I am very familiar with Hillsboro having moved here in 1969 and recently moving back.  I have some very exciting things planned when the year begins.  School will begin on August 25th, however the first day of Kids Under Construction will be Tuesday, September 2nd beginning at 3:30 p.m.  This year we have expanded the program to five days a week (Monday through Friday) and have begun to charge a fee of $25.00 per week per child.  If anyone is interested in volunteering to help with this program, please let me know.  You may call the church and leave a message for me, call my cell phone at (254) 295-3453, or leave me a post on this website.  I look forward to an exciting year!  Stay tuned for more news and information about the program, its activities, weekly schedule and monthly newsletter called “Blueprints” which will be posted on the Kids Under Construction page when I get it up and going soon!