BAGGO!!!

Don't forget All Stars and Super Novas.....BAGGO on Tuesday from 1-3pm at church. Don't have anything going on? Bring your friends and a BAG full of stuff!! (need directions.....let me know!) Looking forward to hearing from all of you!! Next group is January 13.....can't wait to see you all again!

GETTING READY......

pictures taken......tables being arranged......Emily's itinerary being finalized......we're almost ready for the Spotlight Event! 2 more weeks before we celebrate Seth's 3rd Heaven Birthday!!!

Kids helping Kids!

Kudos goes out to Fellowship Reformed Church and Ridgewood Church's Vacation Bible schools. Each had Starlight Ministries as their charity of choice. Thank you so much for thinking of Starlight in this way! Fellowship made fleece blankets and cards for our participants and Ridgewood collected craft supplies for our craft room. They both raised money to go towards programming as well. God has blessed us so much by partnering with both of these churches. Thanks Shelley, Rachel, and Jen!!! (coordinators of their respective vbs)

FACILITATOR TRAINING

If you have a passion to help out children and teens, to spread a message of HOPE, and are wanting to help them during a time of loss.....please consider becoming a facilitator for Starlight Ministries.

What does a facilitator at Starlight do? They provide a safe Christian environment for children and teens to share their heart and feelings with one another about the death loss of a family member or friend. They provide a place where they can help children through their grief journeys.

If you are feeling called to become involved in Starlight in this way, training begins August 2 from 6-9pm at Ridgewood Church in Jenison, Mi. If you would like more information about Starlight, please visit our website at www.starlightmin.org or call 616-212-1999.

STEPPIN' IN THE LIGHT 2010

We are so excited for our first walkathon! Saturday, May 22 from 9-10:30am we will be meeting at Unity Christian High School's 48th street athletic fields. We will begin with a balloon release - remembering and honoring our loved ones and then we'll start walking.....and walking.....and walking! :) We pray for good weather and for Starlight's mission to support children and teens in their time of grief to be spread.

If you are interested in participating: register at www.starlightmin.org!

POWER OF PRAYER

So we've had our 1st 2 Starlight sessions. To actually watch a dream become a reality is something! We had 15 participants for both sessions and are waiting to hear from a few more families. We've had some wonderful responses not only from the participants and their families, but also from the facilitators. Being there for a child in one of the most difficult times in their lives is very rewarding they say. One participant handed a note to a facilitator that read in part "thanks for letting me talk about my dad without being so sad!" WOW! I'm so very proud of our facilitators....it takes courage, patience, and a great capacity of love to help these children and teens through their grief journeys.

Just fyi....we will be having our 1st annual run/walk event coming up on May 22. It will happen at Unity Christian High School's athletic fields on 48th street in Hudsonville. Time and details will be determined soon....just wanted to get the date reserved for anyone who wants to participate. More information will be coming on our website (www.starlightmin.org)

Thank you for continuing to pray for us, for this ministry, and for these families......we are truly experiencing the power of prayer!

SESSIONS STARTNG

New beginnings....new decade.....new year.....new month..... As with all years, I wonder what God has in store for me and my family....this year is no different except the fact that I KNOW what this year is for us - a new beginning... a new ministry...a new start. A years worth of praying and planning is going to culminate with the sessions for Starlight Ministries beginning next week. Our first session will be Thursday, January 14. We have an optional meal from 5:15-6pm with group starting at 6pm and going until 7:45. The facilitators are ready....the set up and take down teams are set.....and we're all praying for this new chapter - not only in our life, but hopefully in the lives of many chidlren and teens. Please pray for these families. So much hurt, so much pain....but I pray so much hope. If anyone is interested in what Starlight Ministries is all about or are interested in registering your child(ren) please visit our website at starlightmin.org.