Today's News, Prayers, and, uh, Pumpkin Patch--Are you Kidding Me?!

Friends:

Good afternoon, all! Well, it looks as though summer has returned, at least for a few more weeks. The good news is that the grass is finally slowing down. Hallelujah! I'm moving to cutting every other week at the Null home.

Let's start off by saying a big welcome to Jennifer and Dan Martinsen. They visited our class this morning. Great to have you guys, Jennifer and Dan! We hope you will come back and see again next Sunday. We'll be looking for you. As long as someone sends me nominations, I promise the jokes will be good!

Next, us Nulls brought the goodies today, so, good for us! Next week, Brian and Jill VanZee are in charge (in fact, it's just Jill; Brian will be hunting bambi). Thanks VanZees!

PRAYERS AND PRAISES

Let's get down to business.

Jennifer Fadal has asked that we continue to pray for her sister. She only has about 4 weeks of pregnancy left. She remains on bed rest. Pray for health for Mommy and baby. Pray for strength for Jennifer's sister during these last few weeks.

On that note, let's keep up our prayers for the Ramsdells. I believe they will be able to find out the gender of this little baby soon. Pray for continued health and strength for Beth and the baby. We're praying for you, Beth!

Teresa Sullivan would like for us to keep praying for the student of hers who had a miscarriage last week. Pray for everyone who has been affected by this difficult situation.

Also with the Sullivans, Ben is headed back to work on Tuesday morning. Pray for his safe travel and for his health while on the job.

The Mays have asked us to pray for Ty Richardson, one of Ben's football teammates. Ty broke his leg last week during a game. Pray for his quick and complete recovery.

Several people in class brought up the fact that we need to pray for Susan Wehmeyer. She is battling cancer and badly needs a bone marrow transplant. Pray that a donor will be found and Susan will get the treatments she needs. Pray, also, that Susan will have the family and friends around her that she needs at this time.

Jennifer May would like for us to pray for one of her students who is now being home-schooled. His parents are trying to learn how best to handle his autism. Pray that the parents will find the best situation for this little Kindergartener.

Ben Sullivan brought good news that his grandmother's tests went well last week. She does not have dementia or Alzheimer's. She has been given some treatments that should help her. Let's pray that Ben's grandma has better days very soon.

Greg Hudson mentioned that we need to pray for the family of the teacher who was killed in Tyler this past week. Pray for strength for the family and everyone else who is mourning this tragic loss.

Several people in class also mentioned that we need to keep praying for Allison Brown and the Brown family. Allison's husband died last week. Please pray for everyone who is struggling to deal with this reality. Pray, especially, for the children. Pray that they will have the support, strength, and courage they need.

Brian and Breeley VanZee are headed to San Angelo next weekend for a little Daddy-daughter hunting adventure. Pray that they will have a good time and will be safe. Let's pray that Breeley will fall in love with hunting with Daddy!

Finally, I leave town on Thursday for a short two-day conference trip to Washington. I'd appreciate your prayers for my safe travel. I will be back late Saturday night. I may need two Dr. Peppers on Sunday morning!

PUMPKIN PATCH IS COMING UP!!!

Get this, folks. We just finished the Block Party and Pumpkin Patch has already arrived. Are you kidding me?! Is Halloween already here?! I don't believe it. Before we know it, we will be celebrating spring and the end of the school year (okay, okay; I know that's a bit much). This is a great event for the kids, full of lots of games, arts & crafts, and related Halloween activities. It will take place on Sunday, October 25th, from 4:00-5:30 in the Family Life Center. Be sure to bring the kids! Pumpkin Patch is great fun every year.

Our class will more than likely be working the "Tumbling Towers", which is the ping-pong drop game (show up to understand completely!). We already have the shifts covered. Here's the sign-up list. Thanks so much to everyone who volunteered to work! You guys are terrific!

4:00-4:45

Greg Hudson

Kirsten Escobar

4:45-5:30

Jeff Fadal

Brian VanZee

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I think that takes care of everything for this week. I think we're off to a good start with our study of Luke. Next week, things will get a bit more interesting when we look specifically at how Luke makes sense of the birth of Christ.

Have a great week, everyone! We look forward to seeing you again next Sunday.

Wes

Message from Cindy Abbott

Friends:

How about this wonderful message from Cindy Abbott! Praise God for Cindy's decision. We look forward to seeing her next week!

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Wes, will you please forward this to the class?

I want to say thank you to everyone for your prayers. I just had an eye-opener during the church sermon. It really hit me that I have commitment issues stemming from my divorce a year ago as well as problems with the church I used to attend in Florida. I have been a visitor at FUMC all summer long. I have been afraid to re-commit my life to God. I knew that if I joined a church, then commitment to the Lord was part of the deal. I wasn't sure I was ready to take that step. But, I am ready now and will be joining the church next Sunday. (I am going to visit the new class they are starting downstairs afterward so I won't be in class with you guys that day.) I wanted to share my decision with you all because you have made me feel so welcome, and I believe that your prayers have helped give me the courage to step away from the things that were preventing me from having the relationship God that I need to have.

Thank you and may God bless you all this week!

Cindy

Good Block Party, Cooler Weather, and Halloween Stuff at Wal-Mart?

Friends:

Good evening, all! Hope everyone is doing well. We had a great discussion this morning in class. I have some thank yous to get out of the way tonight right away. First off, thank you to everyone who helped at the Block Party! We do appreciate it! I'm sure the consensus is that everyone had a great time. Beautiful weather, too! I think this means that fall is completely underway at our church. There are many great options for Wednesday nights, so be sure and look into the possibilities!

I also want to thank the Sullivans for bringing our snacks this morning. Delicious muffins, everyone! For those who weren't there, you missed out. Next Sunday, us Nulls are in charge of snacks. That means donut holes for the kids on the way to church! That should make for some happy youngsters!

PRAYERS AND PRAISES

Let's get to our prayers and praises. Nick and Ben Sanchez have asked that we pray for Nicki's Mom. She is getting remarried in just a few weeks. Please pray for a good ceremony and a great start to this marriage.

Vince E. has asked that we keep praying for the Meneker family. Pray that things will turn out well for these two boys. Pray for God's guidance for everyone who is making decisions.

Jennifer Fadal would like for us to pray for her sister, Susan. She is in the last few weeks of her pregnancy. Pray for a successful delivery and a healthy baby.

The Mays brought several prayers this morning. First and foremost, Steve would like the Cowboys to win tonight (that's a joke, kind of). Second (and much more importantly; seriously), Steve's Dad recently made a decision to recommit himself to his life in the church. His rededication was today. Praise God for this great decision for Steve's Dad. Jennifer would like for us to keep praying for her school. They will be interviewing candidates for the new pre-k teacher this week. Pray that everything will go well and that they will find the best person possible. Big Ben "The Rock" May turns 13 this week. Can you believe it?! Pray that God will bless Ben on his special day. Also, Jennifer would like for us to pray for her friend Victor who is going through some difficult times right now.

Jennifer also had a pray that others knew about in class today as well. There was a tragic suicide this weekend in Waco. We need to pray for Allison Brown, who lost her husband. She has a 7 year old, a 4 year old, and is due with their third baby in two weeks. This is a terribly sad and tragic situation. Please pray for strength and comfort for Allison and her family. They need all of the help we can give them.

We need to pray for Shannon Smith. She has been under the weather lately. Pray that she will feel better very soon.

Vince brought a praise this morning that his 82 year old Mother recently had a good trip to St. Louis and back. She's still driving and doing very well! Pray that everything will continue to go well for Vince's Mom. (My apologies for getting mixed up and saying grandmother this morning, Vince!).

We need to pray for Ben Sullivan. He leaves tomorrow to pick up his grandmother and take her to the doctor. Pray that the trip will go safely and that the doctor's visit will go well.

Teresa Sullivan would like for us to pray for one of her high school students who recently found out she was pregnant. Pray for wisdom, strength, and good decision making for everyone involved.

We need to pray for Shawn Buhner's Mom and the entire Buhner family. Shawn's Mom is very sick and not doing well. Pray that things will improve very soon. We're praying for you, Shawn! Hang in there!

Brian VanZee reports that we need to keep up our prayers for his aunt and uncle. They are the ones who had the major motorcycle accident a few weeks ago. They have been through additional reconstructive surgeries. They need our continued prayers for health and recovery.

Last but not least, Cindy Abbott would like for us to pray for her and some of the challenges she faces this week. We're praying for you, Cindy!

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As you can see, we have lots of people who need our prayers and support this week. Thanks for supporting all of these people in any way that you can.

NEW STUDY NEXT WEEK--LUKE

Well, the time has come to transition to a new study. We will take a look at the book of Luke. The study is a series by Woodrow Kroll. I think it is very good. Here's the link. Pick up a copy if you can! As usual, I will make copies to bring to class:

http://www.amazon.com/Luke-Glory-Highest-Bible-Guides/dp/143350667X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1253502666&sr=8-1

I hope all of you can be with us next week to begin!

Have a great week, everyone. We look forward to seeing you again next Sunday morning.

Wes

P.S.--Did I really see Halloween stuff at Wal-mart?

Rain, This Week's Stuff, and the Block Party is Here!

Friends:

Good evening, folks! Hope you've enjoyed this rainy weekend. Nice change of pace, eh?!

Thanks, Hudsons, for bringing our donuts this morning! Next week, Ben and Teresa will take care of it. From what I understand, Ben will be back from the oil patch by then.

DON'T FORGET THE BLOCK PARTY ON WEDNESDAY

The Block Party will begin this Wednesday at 5:30. Our class is in charge of the "Combo Obstacle Course". See the sign-up sheet (on the blog) for who is scheduled to work when. Thanks to everyone for signing up! This event is always a great deal of fun for everyone, especially the kids, so be sure and make it!

PRAYERS, NEWS, ETC.

Let's jump right to our prayers and praises for this week. Vince E. would like us to keep praying for his friends, the Menakers. They have been dealing with a custody battle for two foster children for about four years. The latest is that the case may be heard by the Oklahoma Supreme Court. Pray that everything will be resolved soon and that the best situation for these two boys will be the result.

Jill VanZee would like for us to pray for their neighbor, Tara. She is battling breast cancer and will begin another round of chemotherapy this week. This round is supposed to be much more invasive than the others, so pray that everything will go well.

Mary Erickson begins her new job with Early Childhood Intervention tomorrow. Pray that everything will get off to a great start for Mary.

Also with Mary, she would like for us to pray for a young man she works with who is having lots of trouble right now. Pray that his home situation will improve soon.

Jennifer would like for us to pray for her school as they search for a new Pre-K teacher. They now have enough students to justify a new teacher. Pray that they will find someone good who will fit in with the rest of the Pre-K teachers.

Christina G. brought good news this morning that she's made some progress with her personal finances. Pray that everything will continue in the right direction for Christina.

Last but not least, Jennifer May reports that Ben had a great first football game this past week. Let's continue to pray for Ben's safety and enjoyment while playing football. On that note, the Cowboys won today, so everything should be peaceful at the May home tonight. : )

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I think that's all for now, folks. For those of you who could make it, I think we all enjoyed our "From Anger to Meekness" discussion based on 1 Samuel 25: 18-35 this morning. Next week, we will take a look at a lesson called "From Despair to Hope" based on Psalm 18: 1-6, 16-19, and 46-50.

Have a great week, folks. We look forward to seeing you on Wednesday at the Block Party and then next Sunday morning!

Wes

H1N1, Da Bears, News, and Prayers

Friends:

Good evening, all! Hope you're enjoying this great 3 day weekend. I've just returned from a little run around the 'hood. Usain Bolt keeps texting me with a challenge to line up beside him next time he runs the 100 meter dash. He heard a rumor that I'm the only man left who can beat him. I figure I should train at least a little bit, but not too much. Don't want to hurt his feelings. : )

How about a big thanks to Rod and Shannon Smith! They supplied us with donuts this morning. Thanks for coming through for us, Rod and Shannon. Next week, rumor has it that the Hudson clan is on tap to bring us goodies. The only problem is that 3 out of 4 Hudsons are home sick with the flu. Only bring 'em if you guys are healthy, Courtney and Greg! If you can't do it, just let me know and us Nulls will take care of bidness. By the way, the fact that the Hudsons have come down with the flu before us is somewhat gratifying. If a physician's kids get sick, is there any hope for the rest of us?!

How 'bout dem Bears?! Undefeated, eh?! I'm glad to see that the, ahem, roughly $50 million dollars we've spent recently on a practice facility and related items has translated into at least one victory. Any chance we can get $50 million for library renovations now?! Congratulations, Bears!

PRAYERS AND PRAISES

Let's get to our prayers and praises for this Sunday.

Gabe Dominguez had an emergency appendectomy this past week. From what I understand, he is doing just fine, but we need to keep up our prayers for Gabe as he recovers.

Also with the Dominguez family, we need to pray for Maria, Gabe's daughter. She has been having seizures, the source of which nobody really knows. Please pray for seizure free days for Maria and overall good health.

As I mentioned above, the Hudsons are dealing with the flu. Pray that everything will get back to full health soon in their home.

I haven't heard of this week's sickness at the Nicholson home, but let's keep praying for their health anyway. God knows what they're facing this week. : )

Christina G. would like for us to pray for her parents. They are returning home from vacation this weekend. She also has asked us to pray for her friend Michelle. She had a puppy die this week.

Let's say a praise that Brian VanZee had a good conference and has now arrived home safely. You made it, Jill!

The Sanchez family is in San Antonio visiting family this weekend. Pray for a good visit and a safe trip home for them.

Mary Erickson injured her back this past week. Pray that her treatments will do the trick and she will get back to feeling normal again very soon.

We have three items to mention for the Mays this week. Benjamin has his first football game on Thursday. Pray that everything goes well. Jaret will play his guitar on Friday at a talent show. Let's pray that Jaret enjoys himself and does well. Steve, I convinced Jennifer this morning that Jaret should play a tune by Rascal Flatts. I'll get you the sheet music tomorrow (for those of you who don't know the inside joke here, Steve and I have a difference of opinion when it comes to the terrific music of Rascal Flatts!). As for Steve, let's say a big praise that he had a great 42nd birthday this past week. Good Lord, Steve, you're getting old!

Last but not least, let's pray for everyone who is dealing with the flu this week, H1N1 or not. This stuff seems to be spreading more quickly than hand sanitizer at a hypochondriacs' convention (that's the best I can do, folks; sorry!). Let's pray that all of us will make it through this fall flu season in complete health.

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I think that's all for now, folks. If you would like to volunteer to work at the Block Party, take a look at the schedule below (on the blog) and let me know what slot you would like. I appreciate all of the help we can get.

LESSON FOR NEXT WEEK

For those of you who would like to read ahead, our lesson for next week will come from 1 Samuel 25: 18-35 and will be called "From Anger to Meekness".

Have a great week, everyone! We look forward to seeing you again Sunday morning.

Wes

P.S.--Just ask anyone who was there, this morning's jokes were world class. If you weren't there, you certainly missed out! Maybe we should begin a podcast?! : )