I’m glad you asked!! Simply this: Through each month there are over 100 ministry opportunities in the childrens’ department. (That’s the smile.) As it happens there are just a few “gaps” in our smile from time to time…..(missing teeth). It’s not a crisis by any means, thanks to our faithful team of gifted and dedicated “regulars.” So if that smiley face bothers you, please consider “filling in the gap” by volunteering to work in Children’s Ministries. Our staff will provide more specific information on how you might fit...

In our ongoing effort to save paper and busy work,  our Wednesday night programs for children will register both boys and girls on the same night in the gym.  WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1st, 6:30 pm.  Government officials have called the effort “heroic” and “sustainable,” using various other important sounding words to impress voters of every possible precinct. Royal Rangers Outpost #13 begins another season training our boys in the Bible, camping, nature, hobby, and other “boy friendly” subjects.   Our Girls Ministries re-convene with their extra-ordinary mix...

…and NOT mainly because its my birthday…. Ranger Kids Field Day will be held once again out at Sunstream Retreat Center. If history repeats itself, this will be a wonderful day of creative & fun activities for our youngest Rangers. Commander Thomas Clarkson will be our designated leader for this event. Please make contact with Tom to secure your registration and plan for transportation. Pictures of last year’s event are available upon request. 

….because the lobby is CLOSED FOR RE-SURFACING. No one, except the Lord, may inhabit the lobby space tonight. We will all have the joy of celebrating a NEW FLOOR on SUNDAY! Oh boy! Follow this link for more info:     www.desmoinesfirst.org/lobbyclosed

Pictures don’t lie, but headlines can be misleading. As you will see, whatever was broken, kicked, thrown, or punched was all in the name of good fun and sportsmanship. 120 campers enjoyed training in five sports, small group fellowship, snacks, singing, and a daily message about becoming STARS in God’s universe. More pictures are availabe on request. REMINDER: Creation Camp is just around the corner! July 26 - 30th. Space is limited, so inquire about it soon!

In an unexpected turn of events, STARS campers were flattened like “road-kill” this morning by a huge red ball. On the scene reporters told of excessive laughter, giggling, and general merriment as the ball passed by. Campers did not seem traumatized, although many were heard to complain when the game stopped. In other action, campers were enthused by the report of the USA victory in World Cup Soccer against Algeria. Sports Camp finishes up this week with a special presentatoin by all the campers. It is not known at this time if the big red ball will return.

Wednesdays beginning June 2, 2010 6:30 Programs BEGIN TONIGHT!! 6:30 PM will be the time to show up for Wednesday night programs from now on. Why?  So we can all get home a bit earlier that’s why.  This schedule change will stay in effect when school begins again in the Fall.  By the way, our Summer Children’s Ministry on Wednesday nights will be based on the town of Mayberry!  We hope to re-inforce some of the good-old, down-home character traits that are time-less and Godly.  One bonus will be learning to judge what we view in media and draw helpful conclusions.  So whistle...

Repeat this phrase several times without pause. Now close your eyes and say it. Does it sound like “Sunday School?” I would hope & pray that you and your children feel the same way I do about Sundays… COOL! It’s my favorite day of the week because I get to be with my “peeps” the KIDS! Not to mention the aspect of teaching & preaching the unchangeable inerrant Word of God. Our “Sunday School” offerings will be “Sundays Cool” this summer as we shift to a mixed grade format, beginning June 6.  First & Second graders (Primarys)...

Wednesdays beginning June 2, 2010 No, this is not another Daylight Savings Time adjustment.  This is an ADVANCE NOTICE of the EARLIER TIME on WEDNESDAY EVENINGS beginning on JUNE 2nd.     6:30 PM will be the time to show up for Wednesday night programs from June 2nd until…….Jesus returns…….we hope.  Why?  So we can all get home a bit earlier that’s why.  This schedule change will stay in effect when school begins again in the Fall.   By the way, our Summer Children’s Ministry on Wednesday nights will be based on the town of Mayberry!  We hope to re-inforce...

Here’s a worthy quote from F.B. Meyer: “If only the will of God were done on earth, as it is done in heaven, there would be peace between the nations, and love and happiness in all our homes. Love would cement the union of all men in a city of blessedness. The fact of the world’s present condition is no argument against the beneficence and blessedness of the will of God. It is because men will not do the will of God that things are as they are!” Take a moment to consider His will in your life, and the life of your family. Is anything “out of line” with His will?...