Have a Little Faith

Possible book for our class to read in the new year??

Albom’s first nonfiction book since Tuesdays with Morrie, Have A Little Faith begins with an unusual request: an 82-year-old rabbi from Albom’s old hometown asks him to deliver his eulogy.

Feeling unworthy, Albom insists on understanding the man better, which throws him back into a world of faith he’d left years ago. Meanwhile, closer to his current home, Albom becomes involved with a Detroit pastor – a reformed drug dealer and convict – who preaches to the poor and homeless in a decaying church with a hole in its roof.

Moving between their worlds, Christian and Jewish, African-American and white, impoverished and well-to-do, Mitch observes how these very different men employ faith similarly in fighting for survival: the older, suburban rabbi, embracing it as death approaches; the younger, inner-city pastor relying on it to keep himself and his church afloat.

As America struggles with hard times and people turn more to their beliefs, Mitch and the two men of God explore issues that perplex modern man: how to endure when difficult things happen; what heaven is; intermarriage; forgiveness; doubting God; and the importance of faith in trying times. Although the texts, prayers and histories are different, Albom begins to realize a striking unity between the two worlds - and indeed, between beliefs everywhere.

In the end, as the rabbi nears death and a harsh winter threatens the pastor’s wobbly church, Albom sadly fulfills the last request and writes the eulogy. And he finally understands what both men had been teaching all along: the profound comfort of believing in something bigger than yourself.

Have a Little Faith is a book about a life’s purpose; about losing belief and finding it again; about the divine spark inside us all. It is one man’s journey, but it is everyone’s story.

SUCCESS

Our first attempt at a joint delivery of Christmas gifts and food baskets was a bit rock at times (we're already planning on how to better coordinate efforts), but we did it! We owe a debt of gratitude to the Pairs and Spares Class (plus Randy and Charlotte Liebelt and Steve and Jody Barker) for ALL the work they did to make this possible.

We also wish to thank everyone who donated gifts, money, or offered other support. Trena, our secretary, also deserves commendation for the work she did organizing this event, and we must not forgot to thank our Santa, Jeremy Hazen, who brightened the Christmas of many a boy and girl when he delivered their gifts.

We are a giving church, and there is no better time to share the love of Jesus than at Christmas.

Christmas Giving Reminders

The final deadline for the angel tree gifts is Sunday, December 12.

We will distribute these gifts on Wednesday, December 15. Please plan to meet in the fellowship hall to sort and organize gifts, to create food baskets, and to help make deliveries.

Rumor has it that Santa will be there. We hope you will be, too.

Thoughts on Emmaus House

For some time, we have considered doing a mission project for the Emmaus House in Garden City. A recent article in the Garden City Telegram revealed that the Emmaus House is struggling financially. This article was followed by an editorial in the paper a day later, which was followed by an anonymous online comment disparaging the work of the Emmaus House. The following editorial was written by a member of the Emmaus House board of directors. It is worth reading. I have changed the portions that I believe speak to our own philosophy of giving so that they appear in red. It is refreshing to hear that others have the same values as we.

Consider support for Emmaus House

Published 11/27/2010 in Commentary : Letters to the Editor

First of all, we would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the matter-of-fact article about Emmaus House that appeared in the Nov. 16 issue of The Telegram. Even more, thank you so very much for the editorial that appeared in the Nov. 17 issue. Your support and your very gracious words about our mission are most appreciated. We could not have expressed any better what Emmaus House is about, or the importance of what we do.

The anonymous online comment that followed the editorial does, however, demand a response. We at Emmaus House honestly do not concern ourselves about tobacco use or similar habits on the part of the people that we provide for. Very simply put, we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. It is not our place to judge or to criticize others for whatever failings we may perceive in them, or in the way that the poor choose to utilize their meager resources. Also, we choose not to look cross-eyed at those who drive nice vehicles to our facility. We do not have any way of knowing what that person's situation may be, in particular, whether or not that person recently lost a job or otherwise has suffered a financial setback and is unable to change vehicles to a "more appropriate" one for a person in poverty.

That having been said, Emmaus House does make a good faith effort to be a good steward of the funds that are entrusted to us to meet the needs of this community. Any person who shows up at our front door seeking asylum, a place to stay on a temporary basis, must first secure clearance from local law enforcement showing that that person is not a wanted fugitive. Any person or family seeking food assistance is required to fill out an application which is then screened by the executive director or house manager. We do enforce guidelines for those who seek help in this way, similar or comparable to the federal poverty guidelines. These safeguards are by no means perfect. Without doubt we are on occasion fooled into providing help to individuals or families who do not qualify and should not be receiving our help at all. We try to be good stewards, but we are willing to be fooled occasionally rather than turn away those who are truly in need.

As a board of directors -- which also includes Vern Peifer, Von Hunn, Charlie Barker, Laurie Gerber, Ron Major, Alan Cheatum, Gary Fuller and Boyd Funk -- we have decided to respond to the present funding crisis with a campaign asking individuals or families who do not support us now to consider making regular donations of $10 per month to Emmaus House. Please consider a regular donation of $10 per month as a minimal level of support for a vital local organization that continues to meet needs as those present themselves in Garden City and in southwest Kansas, in the name and love of Jesus Christ.

Sincerely,

RICHARD HODSON,

Lakin

Hodson is a member of the Board of Directors of Emmaus House, Inc.

Candy Sales/Angel Tree

We cleared $84.00 this morning on candy sales. Items that did not sell were stored in the kitchen fridge and will be offered for sale next Sunday. Leanne hopes to make toffee for next Sunday, and others are encouraged to make their favorites as well. There are boxes in our room on the table if you need containers, and you may charge ingredients to our account at the store should you not want to donate them.

We still have several angels left, but our deadline of December 12 is later than usual, so we are hoping to move several more next week. In an effort to expedite the process, Ryan has asked Rolf to run a community note asking people outside of our congregation to participate. In the worst case scenario, Ryan will make a shopping run to cover those gifts not covered by our sweatshirt project. Brent will write Rachel a check for the sweatshirts we've already purchased.

Remember, we will organize and distribute our gifts on December 15 beginning at 5:00 p.m. The Pairs and Spares, who are doing the Christmas baskets, will be working alongside us this year so that we can make one delivery per household. Your help is always appreciated!

Let the Christmas season begin!

Thank you!

Thank you for your donation of $25.00. Your support of the tiny-k program is greatly appreciated.

Elizabeth Young
FTF Volunteer
Russell Child Development

Notes from Sunday, November 21, 2010

(Please note that I have bold-faced upcoming events for those you of whose schedules have gone from mildly crazy to certifiably insane.)

It's time to kick-off our holiday sweet shop!

Karen will make items for next Sunday, November 28. We'll need more items for the following Sundays:

December 5
December 12
December 19.

Please look at these dates and see what you can provide and when you can provide it.

At some point, schedules permitting, Ryan's mother will come over and give a peanut brittle-making workshop in the new kitchen. Ryan will take care of the details and will you keep you all posted as plans solidify.

We have also set a date for angel-tree distribution. We will join the Pairs-and-Spares class (who are doing the Christmas food baskets this year) on December 15 @ 5:00 p.m. for a joint distribution. Jeremy will be visiting homes as Santa, but only those who have young children residing in them. Please plan to attend this event!

We are also looking at plans for spring 2011 . . .

Blake and Nicole have suggested that we hosted a teen dance in February at the Community Building, perhaps on Feb. 12, with a $5.00 admission charge for area students in grades 7-12. Blake would provide the music, and the class would provide refreshments, decorations, and security. The suggested admission fee would be $5.00 per person for the 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. event.We'll need to check this date against the school calendar and check for the availability of the Community Building to even see if any of this is possible.

Ryan continues to do long-range planning on a second literacy fair to be held at the church this spring; no dates have been explored, but it was discussed that the event would not necessarily have to be on a weekend. In addition to a grand book giveaway to all children in attendance, we'd like to set up craft tables (as opposed to game tables) for the children to enjoy in advance of the performance of a storyteller, who could very well be Cheri Williams who could entertain the little ones while their parents listened to a presentation by a literacy expert. The literacy expert would likely be someone from Russell Child Development where Stephanie Frank is our contact.

MISCELLANEOUS THOUGHTS and OTHER ITEMS THAT DON'T FIT ELSEWHERE INCLUDE

• the need to organize the MAM room again. The weight of donations is starting to take a toll on our organization;
  
• the need for a thank you note to be written to Sharon Kisker for her very, very generous donation to our group;
  
• and the possibility that we might want to purchase the cotton candy machine from the hardware's rental department.
  

Thank you!

Dear class,

Saying "thank you" seems very shallow when it comes to showing gratitude for your tremendous support for the 7th-9th grade Book Share and pizza party last Friday. As you are well aware of, any kind of party takes, time, energy, and money. I can safely say that with 16 students attending; five book shares; four GCCC football players with strong and stern challenges for the students, good food, fun and games--I could spell SUCCESS! If you haven't been on our library's Facebook page, there are 18 pictures that tell the whole story--as well the newspaper.

Once again, a heartfelt "Thank You" for your support.

Most sincerely,

Lennet Froelich

P.S. It's truly heartening to see a group like yours, always working for the good of the community.

Carry Your Candle . . .

Notes from Sunday, November 7

After some discussion with the Pairs and Spares, it was decided that Christmas gift distribution from the Christmas Angel project will be coordinated with the distribution of the Christmas food baskets. We are looking at Wednesday, December 15 for gift/food distribution. A time has not been set, but we need to be aware that the youth will be meeting that night at 6:00 p.m.

Rachel has completed all the work needed for the Angel Tree project. The ornaments will be available for pick-up at the UMW Bazaar on Wednesday, November 10. Once again, we will be purchasing hooded Satanta sweatshirts for young people in junior high and high school. Those interested in contributing to the project without shopping may choose to donate $30.00 toward the purchase of one of these sweatshirts. Karen will make sure that a table holding the ornaments for this project is set up at the bazaar.

We also recently contributed to the following projects:

$25.00 to Satanta High School journalism to help defray the cost of attending a journalism conference in KC this fall.

$25.00 to Russell Child Development in support of its Fantasy Tree Festival.

$100.00 to the Dudley Township Library to purchase pizza for the library's middle-level book share and pizza party.

This means that our account balance has shrunk dramatically to just $409.00. In order to generate some additional funds, we plan to sell baked goods and candies at a Sweet Shoppe in the narthex beginning November 28 with a special emphasis on December 11 when Mendy hopes to have her Relay for Life Team host a food and craft show. The only remaining issue there is finding a location.

In the meantime, please prayerfully consider diverting your offering to the 21st Time to help us with expenses related to our Christmas Angel project.

Never Mind

Lori Stalker has graciously offered to put away the non-perishables that were gathered by the Kayettes Tuesday during the day, so we won't need to meet at 5:00 tomorrow after all. Thank you, Lori!

MAM Room Organization: The Job That Truly Never Ends

The Satanta High School Kayettes have once again graciously donated items from their annual Trick-or-Treat-So-Others-Can-Eat campaign, so it's time to put away those items . . . all 500 of them. Leanne has suggested that we meet at 5:00 on Tuesday, November 2 with pizza to follow for those who are interested in giving a hand.

A Job Well Done

Our benefit to help the family of Kristy Ball
raised over $2,500!

Benefit Plans (October 31st @ noon)

Reminder: We're helping DISCO serve a benefit meal for Kristy Ball (at which we hope to serve around 150 people) on Sunday, October 31.

Here's what we've planned thus far:

Trena--chicken and noodles
Ryan and Karen--mashed potatoes
Leanne--rolls
Mark and Mendy--green beans (3 large cans)
Stacey and Stephanie--one large relish tray each

Chris and Cathy--dessert (to supplement what the DISCO kids are bringing)
Blake and Nicole----dessert (to supplement what the DISCO kids are bringing)

If you do not wish to donate your items, please charge your ingredients at the grocery store (account 3416) and save your receipts. We'll be donating the net proceeds to the family, which means we'll be able to cover our own expenses.

The Satanta United Methodist Church's Food Pantry and Clothing Closet Is Now Officially Open (Again)

Kristy Ball Benefit Luncheon

Please join us on Sunday, October 31 from noon to 1:00 p.m. as DISCO and the 21st Time team up to host a chicken-and-noodle benefit dinner for the family of Kristy Ball, mother of three, who recently suffered a stroke. The event will be held in the newly renovated fellowship hall at the Satanta United Methodist Church, and all proceeds will go to help the family defray medical expenses. A minimum donation of $6.00 per meal is suggested.

Minute to Win It

Pictures from DISCO last Wednesday.

Serving Others

Order Has Been Restored

The MAM room will be ready for the Open House on October 17 if just a few more things can be done between now and then.

With any luck, the table, the desk, chair, and the rack holding hangers will be moved back into the room on Wednesday afternoon when church volunteers place the Sunday school rooms back in order following the cleaning of the carpet. We'll want to check to see that this gets done. Then we can hang the pants and jeans on the bottom racks that were installed by Jim Shearman. Leanne suggested that this could be done following DISCO on Wednesday evening.

When it's all done, we can post some pictures of the finished project!

Thank You!

Dear 21st Time Class,

I can't tell you the surprise and thrill of Leanne's delivery to the library. I absolutely love my job, and times like these are so encouraging to me--just think of it--seven brand new books, tied with beautiful ribbon and a note of encouragement to boot! Surely you are the working hands and feet of Jesus, 21st Time Class. Thank you SO much.

Most sincerely,

Lennet (Dudley Township Librarian)

Notes from Sunday, October 3, 2010

Rachel has agreed to organize the Christmas Angel project--if possible, by November 10, which the date of the UMW Bazaar. The DISCO kids would like to take six of these angels as a service project.

Brent and/or Ryan will contact Jim Shearman to let him know that we would be willing to help him move items back into the MAM room on Sunday, October 10 at 5:00 p.m. as the painting will be done and (hopefully) he will have found time to install the new clothing rods and whatnot. Mendy offered to purchase some food items to re-stock the MAM food pantry as this week the grocery store is having its ShurSavings sale. This items will be charged to the 21st Time account.

Brent (our new treasurer) will check into transferring the money that we have in our checking account into a CD or signing us up for Rewards Checking at Centera, whichever is the best option for our class.

REMINDER: We are down to serve DISCO again Oct. 13. Mendy will make sloppy joes. Karen will provide dessert. Nicole will make a pasta salad. Stacey will provide chips. Stephanie agreed to purchase buns. Cathy will furnish beverages. Cathy and Leanne will organize a "Minute-to-Win-It" game for the kids. Ryan will purchase paper goods. WE WILL MEET AT THE COMMUNITY BUILDING at 5:00 so that the kids can eat at 6:00.

We discussed the music portion of our open-house event, which is to follow the open house (3:00 to 5:30 with Ryan and Leanne manning the MAM room) and a 5:30 potluck dinner. No one has come forth to organize this yet, but here's what we came up with . . . The performances (totaling 30-45 minutes) should include the following: Chancel Choir (Nancy Anton) Bell Choir (Julie Smith) Praise Band (Brent Howie) Congregational Hymn Singing (Kelvin Heitmann)

Finally, we discussed our long-term goal of hosting another literacy night. We are looking at April 2011, which means that we have plenty of time to work out the details. In the meantime, we can begin to gather books. Nicole suggested ordering two sets of the 50 books for $50 (one for each of the two age-levels that are offered) from Scholastic. This will get us some more great books while we help classroom teachers can free items for their classrooms. When the next book order forms come out, Brent can write checks for this project.

Class Notes from Sunday, September 19

The DISCO kids' meal went well on Wednesday, but it has become clear that we need to make a concerted effort to get some of those kids involved in our Sunday school program and perhaps even church. Ryan will contact Trena to see if he can get a list of those kids who have attended, and we will go from there.

A thank you for Jim Shearman's work on the MAM room is needed. Karen is considering whether to bake him cookies or make him a chocolate cake. Ryan will write a thank you card.

We still plan to meet on Sunday, October 3 at 5:00 p.m. to paint the MAM room. We will need to secure the supplies needed for this project. The paint that matches the rest of the interior colors is called egg shell and is available at Sherwin Williams. Hopefully, Brent will be able to pick this up along with some rollers (for textured walls), some drop cloths, and some paint trays. He is the new keeper of the checkbook, but his name is currently not on the account at the bank. This needs to be done soon. Otherwise, Ryan will get Brent the class debit card to make these purchases.

Karen and Nicole will take the kids to the Plogers' where will eat pizza (hopefully, from the bowling alley) after the painting is done.

Then we will contact Jim Shearman and ask that he install the permanent shelving in the room and inquire as to when we can help him move the items that he placed in storage at Jean Allen's. This could be done at our Oct. 10 work night, which will (again) be at 5:00 p.m. The only hitch in this plan might be that we'll need to any shopping necessary to re-stock the MAM room before the store closes that afternoon. Again, we'll then eat, something that we are all good at.

With these jobs done, we can move beyond the grand re-opening and focus on our Christmas angel project. Hopefully, Rachel will still be in charge of this organization of this project. Naturally, this will require the expenditure of more funds, but Mendy has suggested that we offer Sweet Shoppe items at a Relay for Life craft and food show that she organizing on December 4 in Sublette. This could be a great opportunity to raise some funds in advance of Christmas and our spring literacy event.

On a final note, Ryan plans to contact Teresa Anthony and inquire about whether the PTO group would be willing to partner with us on the literacy event.

Another Thank You

21st Time Class,

Thank you for the gift of $50.00. It has been put to good use.

Thanks,

Simply Good Preschool

A Thank You

Thank you for the donation [of the Halloween and fall books] to the grade school library. I'm sure the students will enjoy the new books! It is truly appreciated!

Thanks,

Rita Shogren (USD 507 Media Specialist)

The Loaves and the Fishes II

We did it. We fed 33 heaping portions of spaghetti with all the fixins, scraping the bottom of the bowl to find enough. If you've signed up to feed the kids, plan for 30 and then double it.

DISCO on Wednesday

Please plan to meet at the Community Building on Wednesday at 5:00 p.m. to prepare the meal for the DISCO kids. We will eat at 6:00 p.m.

Thank You, Jim Shearman

Jim has graciously offered to help us clear out the MAM room in advance of our two work nights. With the room clean, and items stored at Jean Allen's, we can removed the old room divider and chalk board and re-paint the room, if the contractors don't beat us to it. Paint may be an issue, but Brent and Leanne will likely be able to supply some neutral paint if need be.

We're still planning on holding the two MAM work nights in advance of the grand re-opening of the building at this point, keeping in mind that on one of those two Sundays, we'll need to hit the grocery store before 5:00 when they close.

Our Condolences to the Family of Marie Lee

Marie Lee (grandmother of Matt Lee) passed away this morning at the Satanta Long Term Care Unit. Please join us over the next few days as we extend our condolences to the Lee/Lambert family.

Bowling Night?

When you read about all the work in the two posts that follow this one, you may start thinking, "We need a reward night." How about a night at the bowling alley? We'll need a date in late October or November. Let's discuss.

Work Nights for October

Sunday, October 3 @ 5:00 p.m.

Sunday, October 10 @ 5:00 p.m.

Mission: Clean, organize, and re-stock MAM room so that it can be a part of the tour of the building on October 17

Incentive: Pizza (from Mama Mo's or the bowling alley) will be served.

Feeding the DISCO Flock

The 21st Time class will feed the DISCO kids twice this fall. They eat at 6:00, so we'll need to decide when to meet on each of those days. We'll also want to check with Trena concerning numbers, but we'll definitely need enough to feed 30-35, especially if we all stay and eat, which is encouraged!

Here are the plans that we have laid out:

Wednesday, September 15 (youth house)

Leanne--spaghetti sauce
Stacey--french bread (4-5 loaves, sliced, buttered, and warmed)
Mendy--salad
Stephanie--4-5 large packages of spaghetti noodles (We'll boil them on site)
Cathy--drinks
Karen and Nicole--desserts
Ryan--lesson/entertainment (introducing our class and what we do, etc.)

The class will provide all the necessary paper goods. Ryan will purchase.

Wednesday, October 13 (fellowship hall)

Mendy--sloppy joes
Karen--dessert
Nicole--pasta salad
Stacey--chips
Cathy--Entertainment: Minute to Win It??

The class will provide all the necessary paper goods. Ryan will purchase.

Looking for bargain books for your literacy event?

We've already begun the process of purchasing books for our 2011 literacy event, and this got me wondering if all of you knew of the great places to purchase bargain books that we have utilized?

The first is called First Book, and organization that "provides new books to children in need addressing one of the most important factors affecting literacy – access to books.

First Book works through existing community programs and literacy efforts to provide a steady stream of new free or low cost books to elevate educational programming and improve access to reading materials.

First Book grants unprecedented access to new books to programs serving children in need"

Another is The Reading Warehouse, which offers boxes of 100 books for readers in varying grades for $150 along with many individual titles for as little as $1.00 per copy.

We have also consider purchasing books from the Scholastic fliers that come home from school with the kiddos simply because purchases here also support the classroom teacher in whose class the order is placed. Again, each month, at least one title is offered at $1.00.

No matter what their source, we know that reading is powerful, powerful enough to change a child, powerful enough to change the world. And we can bring that power to the children we serve with change in our pockets.

Supporting Our Youth

We have volunteered to feed (and possibly entertain) the youth in our church (DISCO) on September 15 @ 6:00 p.m. More details will follow, but Ryan is thinking more than just feeding and retreating.

A Thank You from USD 507 Superintendent Ardith Dunn

21st Time Sunday School Class,

Thank you for all the school supplies! I have heard endless comments on how wonderful it is to have a supportive community in difficult financial times. I'm sure the students will benefit from your generosity.

Thanks again!

Ardith

On the Agenda

We've now narrowed our focus. Here's what's coming . . .

September: Order from First Book to stock MAM room and for Learn and Play

October: Call for donations of clothing and food for MAM room

October 3: Evening of cleaning/organizing MAM room

October 10: Evening of re-stocking the MAM room with food and clothing

October 17: All-church open house, afternoon; potluck and music, evening

November: Plan Christmas Angel Project

December: Christmas Angel Project/Holiday Sweet Shop fundraiser

Spring: Literacy Event with crafts and guest speaker

In the meantime, Ryan plans to take a course on Ruby Payne's Understanding the Framework of Poverty. Perhaps this could provide the backbone of a fall class discussion/reading series. Another Payne title that might be worth looking into is called Research-Based Strategies Narrowing the Achievement Gap for Under-Resourced Students.

Revision to To-do List?

Karen will meet tonight with those on the Open House Committee to determine what our class's role will be when the building addition project is complete. We will certainly want to have the MAM room in order for this event, and we should take the opportunity to give out information (a pamphlet perhaps?) on what we accept as donations, the services we provide, etc.

This made us begin to wonder if a separate meal would be needed for the MAM room's re-opening, especially in light of the fact that we recently learned that our school district did not make AYP overall when the ESL subgroups from the elementary and JH/HS were combined. This fact could well mean that our time and money would be better spent in organizing another literacy event once the building re-opens. Stephanie has some ideas about presenters. This will be our topic of our discussion next week.

Hope to see you there!

Thank You

During a time like this, we realize how much our friends and family really mean to us. Your expression of sympathy will always be remembered.

Gary, Darlene, and Dean Hawley (family of Shaun Bauer)

What church was a verb?

New Projects on the Horizon

The youth are looking into replacing the roof on Irma Laredo's house. Jim Shearman and Bill Anton are looking into the cost of materials with an eye on getting one of the large roofing companies that has been working in town to donate some (if not all) of what will be needed. Our class has been asked to pitch in by providing the labor necessary to strip the roof of its old materials and (perhaps) to pitch in on the overall cost of the project. More details later . . .

We are also in the beginning stages of planning a MAM room grand re-opening to follow the open house that will present the new addition to the church. We will have a meal as part of this grand re-opening. Although, sloppy joes were suggested, Karen and Leanne feel that soup might be a better option as we will really have no real way of knowing how many guests to expect.

Then there's the Christmas Sweet Shop. We think we should do this again . . . if for nothing else t0 get more of Nicole's caramels!

With all this, it was decided that having an auction or a food booth at Harvest Fest might be too much.

Update for Sunday, August 8

The school supply campaign is nearing completion as four more generous donations came in during service this morning, which is an interesting story: During Sunday school, we decided to set the overflowing containers of school supplies out for display (which will do again next Sunday, with delivery slated for the week school begins) in the narthex. During service, much to our surprise and delight, the scripture lesson from Romans 5: 1-5 included these words: "By entering through faith . . . we're never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary--we can't round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit."

These words expressed perfectly our sentiments as we exceeded $600, the amount we had spent on supplies. Thanks to all who generously supported this project. It is our hope and prayer that these materials will help ease the discomfort of poverty in our community.

School Supply Campaign Ahead of Schedule

Having spent nearly $600.00, the 21st Time Class is pleased to announce that (even as donations keep rolling in) the shopping for and sorting of the items to be donated to teachers in the USD 507 school system is complete. Next step: distribution.

We are so thankful to all the members of the Satanta community who donated cash and/or items to this project, but let's be clear: We've spent more than we have raised. In spite of this fact, we press forward in faith, faith in the goodness of God and the generosity of our neighbors, and we pray that this community-wide project (involving multiple churches and numerous individuals) is the first of many interdenominational projects focused on reducing poverty in Satanta.

Learn and Play Group to Meet August 5

The Satanta Learn and Play Group will meet Thursday, August 5 at the city park across the street from the United Methodist Church at 6:30 p.m. before embarking on a field trip to the Dudley Township Library, which stays open on Thursdays until 8:00 p.m. Parents and their children (birth to age five) are invited to attend.

Our Condolences to the Family of Shaun Bauer

As you all probably know, Shaun was recently killed in a car accident. As a way of showing our support to his family, as a class, we've donated funds to them to help defray the cost of his funeral. Rachel also took food items over to the family earlier this week in our name. Please remember Shaun's family in your prayers as they face this difficult time.

School Supply Campaign Continues

The Satanta United Methodist Church’s 21st Time Class invites you help Erase Poverty in Satanta by contributing to the class’s school supply campaign, which will give classroom teachers in the USD 507 school district access to totes filled with supplies for use in their classrooms. The items in these totes will serve students who don’t have the supplies necessary for success in school. Monetary donations in any amount will be accepted, but for your convenience the class is providing pencil bookmark reminders that request a $10 donation. These reminders will be posted in the narthex of the Satanta United Methodist Church as well as in other churches around the community. Donations can be mailed to the Satanta United Methodist Church, 21st Time Class, PO Box 157, Satanta, KS 67870 or dropped by the church office during regular hours Monday through Friday 9:00 to noon. If you donate by check, please write Erase Poverty in the memo line so that your donation can be directed to the school supply program.

Information Regarding the Satanta Learn and Play Group

The Satanta Learn and Play Group (which meets the first Thursday and the third Saturday of each month at 6:30 p.m. and 10:00 a.m., respectively) focuses on early-childhood education for children birth to age five. The program is unique in that it encourages parents to learn alongside their children with a group of individuals who include early-childhood specialists and elementary school educators. At each meeting, the children—and their parents—are encouraged to participate in academically stimulating activities, to enjoy a snack, and to take home information on a healthy, happy childhood. Each child is also given a prize of some sort for being in attendance.

All of this was made possible by a Smart Start grant in the amount of $5,000 that was secured by Stacey King (USD 507 Kindergarten teacher) and Stephanie Frank (Russell Child Development early interventionist) who head up each of the monthly meetings. Additional funding in the form of a required matching grant of $1,500 was provided by the Satanta United Methodist Church’s 21^st Time Class as a part of the class’s efforts to eradicate poverty in our area through education.

Anyone who resides in Haskell County and is interested in attending the group can do so by simply attending one of the meetings and enrolling at that time. There is no charge for any of the activities, and an interpreter is provided for the convenience of Spanish-speaking families. The next meeting of the group has been scheduled for Thursday, August 5 at 6:30 p.m. in the park across the street from the Satanta United Methodist Church. For further information, please contact Stacey King at 649-3598 or Stephanie Frank at 649-2912.

A Thank You

Dear 21st Time Class,

Thank you for the Literacy Grant money that allowed me to purchase forty-nine board books for my 4-yr.-old At-Risk pre-school classroom. I wish you could have experienced the excitement in their faces when we would have our daily "library-time" checkout. Thanks again for the grant opportunity and allowing young children the opportunity to love reading!

Sincerely,

Ardis Alexander
USD #507 4-yr.-old At-Risk Teacher

School Supply Campaign

The Satanta United Methodist Church’s 21st Time Class invites you help Erase Poverty in Satanta by contributing to the class’s school supply campaign, which will give classroom teachers in the USD 507 school district access to totes filled with supplies for use in their classrooms. The items in these totes will serve students who don’t have the supplies necessary for success in school. Monetary donations in any amount will be accepted, but for your convenience the class is providing pencil bookmark reminders that request a $10 donation. These reminders will be posted in the narthex of the Satanta United Methodist Church as well as other locations around the community. Donations can be mailed to the Satanta United Methodist Church, 21st Time Class, PO Box 157, Satanta, KS 67870 or dropped by the church office during regular hours Monday through Friday 9:00 to noon. If you donate by check, please write Erase Poverty in the memo line so that your donation can be directed to the school supply program.

A Mission Statement in Song

SWIM PARTY REMINDER

Our swim party will be held at the Satanta City Pool on Saturday, July 10 from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Bring a snack and/or a beverage to share.