It was a picturesque fall afternoon. With strong winds and billowing clouds, the threat of rain loomed upon the cheerful preteens. The chance of rain wouldn’t stop the tenacious preteens and their families from enjoying a fun filled day at the Foster’s Farm corn maze in South Windsor. The preteens, with maps in hand, put their heads together as they meandered their way through the giant size maze formed in the shape of a dolphin. For a moment, a few of us, without naming names, questioned our sense of direction getting lost a few times before realizing we entered through the exit. Sooner or later we were on a roll counting our lefts and rights with precision. It was definitely a fun filled afternoon with friends and families. Thanks to Mr. Espejo for planning the event and everyone who attended to make it a great afternoon and a great memory. Don’t miss the Preteen Game Night on Friday, November 14th at 7pm at the building. See you there!

“Offer hospitality . . . . 
Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others.”  I Peter 4:9-10

A new, married family group formed at the beginning of September, 2008.  It has only four couples in it – Augusto and Suzanne Russell, Bob and Barbara Oberle, Ron and Bonnie Smith and Jimmy and Anita Allen.  The group wants to grow spiritually, and so we have monthly groups to promote that.  But the novel idea which has most taken root in this group is the idea to focus on having people into our homes from our neighborhoods.

The idea shouldn’t seem that revolutionary.  However, in a world where hardly anyone knows people on the block, it is very different.  And after only two months, it has been a whole lot of fun.

The group decided to have a monthly event specifically focused on the neighborhood.  Event number one was handed off to the Smiths and their plan was a wild one.  In fact, their idea was so radical it almost made us want to stop the neighborhood focus before it even began.  The Smiths planned an adult, costume party on Halloween night.  Because we had already committed to the principle, it was essential that we all show up.  But beyond our eight, God sent several incredible neighbors from the Farmington area.  One young school teacher and his wife had literally moved into the neighborhood only two weeks before, and then Ron and Bonnie came knocking on their door.  A Rotarian and friend of Augusto’s came with his wife as Joe the Plumber and Sarah Palin.  The party was a rousing success with great food, hilarious costumes and high impact.  Bob and Barb even won a cool prize for dressing as Thurston Howell III and Lovie from Gilligan’s Island.

There seemed no way to take this plan higher, but if anyone was up for the challenge – it was to be the Oberles.  The Oberles are old pros at neighborhood parties.  It springs from who they are naturally.  Over 40 neighbors attended the November 9 soup dinner.  Adults and children were everywhere scattered throughout the New Britain residence. Several of these friends have already been to church services or family group midweeks.

Enjoy some of the pictures below from these events.  But mostly – let’s all catch the heart!  God has us all living in a neighborhood, working at a specific spot or attending a selected school.  Who will you befriend?  Who is your neighbor?

On October 24, about 240 women flooded the West Hartford Town Hall for a fantastic evening of food, entertainment, decoupage and spiritual refreshment.  The sisters of the Greater Hartford Church of Christ united as one to put on an amazing evening, and it all began with a focus on excellence and detail.

Early on the much-anticipated Friday morning, a handful of women gathered to set-up and decorate for the night.  Centerpieces, decor and, finally, the food filled the hall.  It was so beautiful that the Town Hall manager came in to take pictures so she could show other groups that visit the ambiance which can be set for a great event.

The night began with a welcome from women's ministry leader, Anita Allen.  Following her, the teens sang "Pocket Full of Sunshine," which includes the focused-on lyrics from the chorus - "Take Me Away!"  To further break the ice and get the crowd interactive, a game called "Have You Ever?" was played.  Each table tabulated points for places visited or refreshing activities taken part in.

One of the most-spoken about parts of the program was the decoupage time, when each attendee created a beautiful candle-holder to take home.  Many of the glass pieces included a favorite scripture.

Then it was time for another performance song.  Jenny Coe, accompanied by Jenna Allen and Asia Stevens, sang "Let It Go."  Jenny's natural power and distinctive voice always touches the crowd, and this was no exception.

Finally it was handed over to the keynote speaker from the Southern Connecticut Church of Christ, Florence Schachinger.  She taught from Luke 13 - the story of the crippled woman.  She shared about areas that cripple the lives of women.  After her speech, many signed response cards saying they would love to study the Bible, visit an upcoming church service and/or future women's events.

Samenthur Blake closed out the evening and door prizes were awarded to several fortunate women.  Anita Allen shared, "The women always come together to do their part and pull off a great event."  And so another women's night is in the books.  However, its impact - the sisters believe - will be felt for an eternity.