You're Invited...

to a New Year's Eve Party!

When: Wednesday, December 31st, 2008

Time: 8:00pm to Midnight (of course!)      

Where: Jon and Kristin Steelman's House  

What: Food, Fun and Games                     

Bring your favorite appetizer or dessert and join us for an evening of fun! Hope to see everyone there!

PRAISE THE LORD!

Jacob passed his test!

Thank you all for your prayers and support. We are so grateful for all of you.

Sunday Morning Breakfast-YUM!

I just wanted to let everyone know that this Sunday morning, Ginger will be preparing breakfast for all of us! Since we have completed our study, we are going to eat breakfast and enjoy some fellowship time. Come prepared to eat, visit and relax! Also, we will discuss our New Year's Eve class party. See you all on Sunday!

Praise!

Here's an e-mail from Laura Haywood's dad. He has been battling cancer and it sounds like he's winning! Here it is:

Hola Amigos,

I can hardly type this good news through the tears. My pet scan is completely negative. There is no evidence of disease. All my lab counts are within normal limits and I am getting treatment # 6 of 12. Half way home. I am overwhelmed.

This is a direct result of the power of prayer from an army of God's people.

Thank you for everything,

General Norris

God is so good!

Happy Birthday, John Paul!

Football Game

Hey SS Class. Katy and I are planning on going to Nick Hill's football game on Saturday. His team is in the championship and we are going to support Des Arc. The game starts at 6:30 and is at War Memorial Stadium. Give us a call if you want to meet somewhere.

Pray for the MacEntyres

This week, Mac MacEntyre will be deploying to Iraq for four months. Melissa is going back to Virginia with the kids while he's gone, so please be in prayer for their family. Here are some specifics:

• Witnessing opportunities and a group of Christian mentors for Mac.
• Mac's safety
• Traveling mercies for him, and also Melissa and the kids as they drive back to Virginia
• Grace and mercy for the kids as they adjust
• Peace of mind for Melissa

Father, we thank you for this Christian couple that we have gotten to know, and we present these petitions before you. We ask that you put a hedge of protection around all of them and bring them all back home safely. You have the MacEntyres in your hands, and we will claim their victories for your glory. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Thanksgiving Gathering and Cabot Open House Excursion

This past Sunday, we all gathered at Calvin and Ginger's house to celebrate an early Thanksgiving. We all have so much to be thankful for - especially Ginger's brisket! YUM!

After lunch, the girls piled up in the church van and we hit the town to see who had the best Christmas stuff. It was so much fun! We're even thinking that a bigger trip to Memphis is in store for the future. We'll keep everybody posted on that.

Paige and Michelle...one of them is shy. Jake loves his mommy's cake.

Just don't know what to say about these two...

Tre, Mac, and Mya....we will miss you guys over the next few months!

Jacob and Owen about to watch football and take a nap.

Here are the shoppers! Brittany, Kristen, Laura, Katy, Ginger, Kari, and Nancy (Kari's Mom). Ginger did a wonderful job of driving the van!

Apparently getting in the van was a site to see. I think they may have been laughing at us.

Mya was the only girl there. We missed you Allie Grace and Annie!

Melissa getting the kids strapped back in.

ANNIE IS HERE!

Whew...let's all say a prayer for Holly and John Paul-today was a long day for them! Thankfully, Annie arrived safely around 9:30pm and, as Kristin already said, weighed a healthy 8 pounds, 6 ounces.

Congratulations, John Paul, Holly and Allie!
We can't wait to meet Annie!

UPDATED Make Plans for Sunday Lunch Now!

So after driving by Emily's today while running errands, I discovered that they are CLOSED! (Not just closed for the afternoon, but for good). I am so sad for them, but it's not surprising in this economy. We are evaluating other options and nothing is set yet, but just know that we will go to lunch somewhere after church. The girls will be rolling in a church van with Ginger as our chauffeur to all of the open houses, so that will be something you don't want to miss!

Afterward, the girls are going to hit up the Open Houses in town - possibly all together, so leave a comment if you can come on Sunday afternoon so we will have enough spots for everybody.

UPDATE: Getting Ready for Annie

Well, the time has just about come for Miss Annie Marie Rhodes to join us. I wanted to go ahead and get meals set up before everyone is busy with the Thanksgiving Holiday. Holly plans to have her in-laws through the weekend and then I will take her a meal either Monday or Tuesday of next week. Of course, then they will be with family over Thanksgiving. If anyone will be around on Saturday or Sunday, the 29th or 30th, to take a meal that would be good but if not we will just start on Monday, the 1st. Here are some dates...let me know which one you would like!! Thanks so much and I know Holly greatly appreciates it!

-Kristin Steelman
Saturday, Nov. 29th: Katy Hill

Monday, Dec. 1st: The Haywood's

Wednesday, Dec. 3rd: Katie Laney

Friday, Dec. 5th: Amanda Rowe

Sunday, Dec. 7th: Kristin Steelman

Tuesday, Dec. 9th: The Tate's

Thursday, Dec. 11th: Ginger Aldridge

Saturday, Dec. 13th: Michelle Burke

Monday, Dec. 15th: Bridgette Cardona
Wednesday, Dec. 17th: The Webb's
Friday, Dec. 19th:

Let's start with that. As people sign up, we will keep the taken dates listed.

Prayer Requests - November 16

It seems every year Thanksgiving gets more and more forgotten about as a holiday. It's only something we do right before we go Christmas shopping. Take a few moments to reflect this week on what are you thankful for (leave a comment if you'd like to share). How will you celebrate Thanksgiving?

While you're thanking God for our many blessings, petition Him for the the following requests:

• Annie Marie Rhodes will be here on Thursday! John Paul, Holly, and Allie Grace are so excited for her to be here. Let's pray that she gets here healthy and that Holly recovers quickly. You should have received a sign-up list from Kristen Steelman to bring food to them beginning the first week of December. If you didn't, email me and I'll forward you the list).
• Mac is working long hours in preparation for his deployment, and Melissa is at home with two sick kiddos. Pray that they will get better soon.
• Luke Abbott has another ear infection and Makayla Rowe had tubes put in her ears - pray for both of them and their parents as they recover.
• My dad goes back for another treatment today. He had to take a week off because his white blood count was too low, but this past week was really good for him. God has been so good to supply every need. Pray that he stays on schedule for the next month so that he will feel good on Thanksgiving and Christmas.
• Also, my sister's father-in-law, Tom Farmer, is having exploratory abdominal surgery on Thursday to see what is causing some stomach/liver pain. Pray for the surgeons and that everything turns out OK.
• Remember to pray and be aware of those around us who are lost and need to hear what the Good News is all about.

Father, we are so very thankful that we have the freedom to talk with you and ask for your guidance in our lives. Please help everyone who is sick to get well and keep those who are well from getting sick. You are the Great Physician and we praise you for all you do. In Your Son's Name we pray, Amen.

A Few More Prayer Requests...

Please remember John Paul, Holly, Allie and Annie as they patiently wait for news about John Paul's job. Pray that God would comfort them in this time of transition. We know that God is our provider and we trust that He will take care of all their needs.

Please remember the Rowe family on Friday. Makayla is having tubes put in her ears and they are hopeful this will relieve her chronic ear infections. Pray that everything goes perfectly for Miss Makayla.

Thank you all!

Save the Dates

Sunday after next, November 23, we will all go to Emily's Restaurant after church for lunch. They have a great homemade buffet lunch that costs about $8.00 per person (not sure about kids). Emily's is on Hwy 89 right across the street from the Methodist church.

Celebration and Praise Choirs will be presenting the "First Gift" program on Saturday, December 6. There will be singing, drama, art, and more singing. It's going to be at the Cabot High School auditorium, and will be a neat presentation of God's Gift to us.

Prayer Requests from Sunday: Remember Elisa's friend who is having marital problems, Katy Hill's dad's salvation, and for Annie Marie to get here soon! Sorry for the shortened version of requests, but we should get back into full swing this coming Sunday. (When I say "we," I mean "me").

I am praying that you all have a great week. Love ya'll!

Special Prayer Request

If everyone could please pray for John Paul and I --we need it big time. On Wed. at 7 pm we found out that the company (milage masters) that he sub-contracts for got bought out by southern tire mart. This is terrible for John Paul and Jason (the other guy he sub-contracts with) because Southern Tire Mart does not and will not use sub-contractors. We don't know really any details and will probably not know any until Monday,that is when everything goes into effect. So, please pray that on Monday when Southern Tire Mart shows up that they don't tell Jason and John Paul to go home. We know that we are going to have to figure something out, but would like to have more time than monday. As you all know i'm about to have a baby, and the holidays are coming so this is like the WORST possible time anything like this could happen. It's never a good time but this is very stressful. Just please pray. We do know that Southern Tire Mart kind of does "dirty business" so we are not real assured by their past track record of bad decisions. We know that God is in this and are taking it a day at a time. that is all we can do. just please pray for us.thank you!
-Holly Rhodes

Happy Birthday (yesterday), Ginger!

I know it was a good one because you were able to spend it with your sweet family and new grandson!

Prayer Requests - October 26th

We had several praises this week regarding jobs. It's great to see God answering prayer, and we give him the praise!

• Jessie got his foot in the door for the opportunity at Tampa AFB. Pray that the process won't take 6 months to a year to complete, and that Jesse and Amy will continue to see God's will in this situation.
• Jacob feels really good about his test on Friday. It will be another few months before the results are out, so pray that he will have a peace about passing.
• Mac has a big test today! Pray that he will have confidence and peace when taking it.
• Brent is rolling out new software to Alltel customers today - pray that nothing gets glitched and the process goes smoothly.
• Amy's dad has a new job, and pray that he will not feel obligated to fit in with the guys and follow their worldly ways.
• My dad goes for his third treatment today. He's handling all of this really well, but is staying fatigued. Pray for strength, stamina, and patience for both he and my mom.
• Annie Marie will be here soon - continue to pray for Holly, John Paul, and Allie Grace.
• Pray for Honduras. They are experiencing flooding equal to the devestation of Hurricane Mitch 10 years ago. This country holds a special place in my heart - I've been 6 times on medical mission trips, and I'll be going back in January.

Father, we give you the glory for answered prayer, knowing that without You, nothing is possible. Thank you for evidence of You in our lives and continue to help us to follow your will. Give us patience, peace and understanding in all situations here. Help us to have a good week and give us opportunities to share our faith with the lost around us. In Your Name, Amen.

Birthday

Happy Belated Birthday Laura

Meet Samuel

Calvin and Ginger have a new grandson! Ryan, Amanda and Sophia welcomed their new baby boy this afternoon. I don't know all his stats, yet, but it sounds like everything went well. To see a few more pictures or get the latest information you can visit Ryan's Blog.

Diaper Shower for Holly - This Coming Sunday

Prayer Requests - October 19

When you pray this week, remember these requests:

• Jacob's big test is on Friday. Pray that God will give him wisdom and confidence to pass it!
• Holly's parents are traveling to see Nathan graduate from officer school, and her mom isn't feeling well. Pray for her to feel better and for the Wagnons to have traveling mercies.
• Annie Rhodes will be here soon! Pray that she will arrive healthy and that the adjustments are easily made for Holly, John Paul, and Allie Grace.
• My dad has his third chemo treatment next Monday. Pray for some good days to make the bad ones not so tough. Only 9 more treatments to go.
• Also remember those who do not know Christ - they could be your co-workers, friends, and family. Pray for each other that we will be bold in our sharing of our faith. Check out The Way of the Master to learn more about evangelism training.

Father, You are Almighty and Awesome. Thank you for our many blessings, and especially for friends and family who encourage us to seek You. We ask you to answer these requests according to your will, and we will claim the victory in your name. Help us to have a great week and bring us all back to your house next Sunday. In Your Name, Amen.

Picnic Party Pictures

This weekend, we all met at the park on Kerr Station Road to have a picnic. It was fabulous weather, and the kids had a lot of fun playing together on the playground. We are so thankful to God for his many blessings - including fall weather and good friends!

The boys playing ball.

This picture is too funny not to post.
While trying to get a cute family picture, Jake decided to go digging!

Gabe

Playing Laddergolf

Allie Grace

Our class mascot Gus was there! He got so much attention.

Tre about to go down the steep slide.

Playing Bocciball

So Far...

I just wanted to update everyone on what people have signed up to bring for the picnic so far.

Haywood's, Steelman's, and Hill's: BBQ and buns
Hooper's: Chips
McEntire's: Drinks
Aldridge's: Dessert
Tate's: Side dish
Rhodes: Dessert

We could use a couple more side items and another dessert. Let us know what you'll be bringing by leaving a comment on this post or on the box on the side of the page. You don't have to have an account to leave a comment. Thanks!

Click on weather to see the FABULOUS forecast! Can't wait to see you guys!

Directions to the Party

The party on October 18th will be at the park located here. Follow the link to see another map.


View Larger Map

Prayer Requests-October 12

Praise:

• Mac's physical went well and he passed his hearing test.

Prayer Requests:

• Mac has to take a lie detector test in the next few weeks as part of his application process. Pray that he will have peace and stay calm through this process.
• Jacob takes his PE Test on Friday, October 24. Pray he will be able to remember the material he has been studying.
• Jon Steelman's niece, Ava, is having surgery to repair a hole in her heart. Pray the surgery is successful and she recovers quickly.
• Laura Haywood's friend, Smiley Garcia, was killed in an accident last week. Pray that God would comfort his wife, Kathy, and the rest of his family.
  
• Calvin and Ginger's daughter, Amanda, is RH negative and is concerned because she has not yet gotten her shot. Pray she will get her shot and that Samuel will arrive with no complications.

Lord, we thank you for hearing and answering our prayers. We praise you for your sovereignty. We lift up those in our class who are struggling to find peace in stressful circumstances-please fill them with a peace that passes all understanding. We pray for those who are sick and ask that you would heal them. We love you, Father, and are so thankful for your love. In your name we pray these things, amen.

Remember that we are having our picnic at the park this weekend (Saturday, October 18th) at 4pm. The location has been changed to the park on Kerr Station Road. If you have any questions about how to get there, send us a note. We will be bringing bar-b-que from The Mean Pig and we still need people to sign up for all the fixin's! We look forward to seeing everyone there!

Happy Birthday to...

Jon Steelman!!

Hope you have a great day!!!

Save the Date! Fall Picnic - Oct. 18

Leave a comment to let us know if you can come and what you can bring. We will need to get a head count by next Monday (October 13) for the BBQ.

Prayer Requests - October 5

Remember the following requests when you pray this week:

• Holly's grandmother is in the hospital with complications from Alzheimer's. Pray for her, and also for Holly's mom as she takes care of her.
• Mac's job interview is continuing and his deployment overseas is coming up. Pray for Melissa and the kids as they prepare for his 4-month departure.
• Jacob takes his engineering test on October 24th!
• Elisa's father is the superintendent at a school in Kenya. Continue to pray for their ministry in Africa.
• My dad is doing some better, but has been extremely fatigued and a little sick during his first round of chemo. Pray that the next round he will experience less nausea. The next treatment is on Monday, October 13th.

The Dave Ramsey seminar that was held on Sunday afternoon was great! If you've never heard anything about him, check his website out - www.daveramsey.com. He's really blunt and tells it like it is, but really challenges you to change your way of thinking about money and our culture. If you missed this one, don't worry. There will be a live one in February, so stay tuned.

We are starting our next series on how to share your faith. Calvin challenged us to not only watch the Fireproof movie, but to also write out your own personal testimony of how Jesus came into your life. Some of us will be sharing our testimonies in class, so ask the Lord if you should tell yours too.

Father, Thank you for this group of people who cares so deeply for You and each other. We ask for healing and comfort for the sick, and will be sure to give you the praise on all accounts. Please be with those who are seeking your guidiance and ask that you give clear direction as to what way they should go. Give us a good week and be with us each day. In Your Name, Amen.

Getting to Know...Ginger!

1.What is your full name?
-Ginger Leigh Jordan Aldridge
2. When were you born?
-October 28, 1956
3. Where were you born?
-Crossett, AR
4. How many brothers or sisters do you have?
-1 older sister, Judy and 1 older brother, Wayne
5. How did Calvin propose to you?
-He had me reach in his coat pocket while he held it open and much to my glee there was a ring in there! It was in the box, of course.
6. What is your favorite thing about Calvin?
-He's true blue to me and God and he makes me feel safe.
7. What qualities in your children make you the most proud?
-That they both love and serve Jesus and that they have great empathy & compassion for others.
8. What is your favorite memory of Sophia?
-Oh my, where do I begin! The day she was born was life changing for me. A good time was plopping her in the middle of a table at Andy's in Little Rock and handing her a big ole ice cream cone. You can imagine the rest!
9.What are you most looking forward to about having a grand baby boy?
-Him being cuddly and to smell him-there's nothing on earth like that new baby smell!
10. If you could only have one food to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be?
-Chips and Calvin's homemade salsa.
11. What three things would you like to learn how to do?
-Quilt, play the piano, crochet
12. If you had the ability to participate in the Olympics, which event would you choose?
-Well, beach volleyball, of course!

Prayer Requests - Week of September 28

We had a great class this past Sunday. It was so good to see everybody there! We're going to start a new series next week, so stay tuned to what it will be exactly.

Prayer Requests:

• Bridgette Cardona's aunt, Peggy Spakes, is having surgery on Thursday to remove part of her vocal cords. She is still having trouble with her heart and breathing, and will be hoarse from now on. Pray for a smooth surgery and quick recovery so she can get back to her three children.
• Paige Burke (Michelle & Austin) saw the GI doctor last week and they think she had a parasite. Fortunately it has run its course, and has recovered. Praise God!
• My dad is starting chemo treatments today. Please pray that there will be little side effects from the drugs and he will not get discouraged. We are so thankful for all of your prayers this far, but still have some more praying to do.
• Mac will have a physical this week for this new job he's interviewing for. Pray that God will continue to open doors if this is the direction he needs to go.
• On October 24, Jacob takes his big engineering test. Pray that he will do good and will pass with flying colors!
• Holly's brother Nathan is graduating from officer school soon so continue to pray for him as he serves our country in the military.

Father, we present these requests to you and ask that you be involved with each one of them. We ask that you give us the ability to know your will, and also give us the peace to accept it. You are an awesome God and we are so thankful for your many blessings. In Your Son's Name, Amen.

OTHER NEWS: Get your calendars out. October 18th will be a fall picnic for our class and families, and on October 26th, we'll have a diapers/wipes shower for Holly and John Paul. There will be more about this later, but just wanted you to save those dates.

Class News...

Brandon and Brittany found out yesterday that they are expecting a boy! Baby Webb will arrive in February. We can't wait to meet him! Congratulations, Brandon and Brittany!

Getting to Know...Calvin!

1. What is your full name? -Calvin Kemp Aldridge
2. When were you born? -May 12, 1952
3. Where were you born? -Yazoo City, Mississippi
4. How many brothers and/or sisters do you have?

-I have three brothers (one is deceased).

5. What is your favorite thing about your wife?
-Ginger loves God and she loves people.
6. Do you have any children?
-Andrew Jordan and Amanda Sue
7. Do you have any grandchildren?
-Sophia (To see a picture, click here.)
8. Do you have any pets?

-We have a golden doodle named Gus. (To see a picture, click here.)

9. Where is the most interesting place you have visited? -Lima, Peru
10. If you had the ability to compete in the Olympics, which event would you choose? -High jump
11. If you could only have one food to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be? -Homemade biscuits and milk gravy
12. What three things would you like to learn how to do?
-(1) Speak Spanish (2) Play guitar (3) Use an SLR camera

Prayer Requests and SS News

When you pray this week, lift up the following requests:

• Mac had a job interview and it went well. Melissa and the kids are sick, so pray they will recover quickly.
• Kari had an unspoken request for her parents.
• Brent's dad is doing physical therapy to help recover from bypass surgery. He is doing much better, but is not in good health.
• Jon Steelman's dad had hip replacement surgery last week. Pray for a quick recovery for him, and also for his mother who will be taking care of him.
• Paige Burke goes to the doctor this week - pray that they will find what is causing her stomach issues.

Father, We lift up these requests to you today, and ask that you give healing and comfort where needed. We know you are in control of everything, and help us to put our faith and trust in you. In Jesus Name, Amen.

SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS: We are wrapping up our series on roles in marriage, and will begin another series within the next few weeks. This is a great time to invite someone to visit our class or to tell those who haven't been there in a while that we've missed them.

Bro. Greg's sermons have been focused on marriage as well. The Fireproofing series is based on the new movie that is coming out on Friday. Click here to see the movie trailer. If anybody would like to see it this coming weekend, leave a comment and we can get a group together and go see it.

I hope you guys have a great week! If there is any news you'd like to put on the blog, send me or Katy an email and we'll get the word out! Love ya'll!

Happy Birthday, Holly!

Party Pictures!

Sunday School News

Prayer Requests:

• Austin and Michelle B. - daughter, Paige, is having health issues and is seeing a specialist this week

• Jon S. - dad, Charles, having hip replacement surgery on Tuesday; sister's home was damaged in storm

New Study:

We discussed options for our new study that will begin when we conclude 'Rocking the Roles.' If you have any suggestions please feel free to leave a comment or e-mail Calvin.

We're STILL Having a Party!

The Razorback game has been postponed due to 'Ike', but the party will go on! The Haywoods sent an e-mail to let everyone know we will still have food and fellowship as we play Wii (bowling, tennis and Guitar Hero). By the way, if you haven't already, please e-mail Laura (lhaywood@spp.org) to let her know you are coming and what food you would like to bring. Looking forward to seeing everyone!

We're Having a Party!