Inspired by the elegant showers hosted for us years ago, we have hosted countless showers ourselves. After years of accumulating decorations and supplies, our collection became overwhelming, especially after four of our five children got married! We decided to tackle the mess and organize for future church events.

Step 1: Gather and Sort

We brought all of our shower decor tubs from their various places (home, church closet, storage) to an empty classroom and sorted items into categories like table runners, votives, serving pieces, vases, centerpieces, etc.

Step 2: Create a Storage Space

We repurposed some unused shelves to create a designated storage area. Everything found a home in either a tub or on a shelf. Lastly, we assembled items like tiered trays that were difficult to see when stored in boxes.

Step 3: Inventory

We took photos of each item and created a detailed inventory in Google Drive accessible by both of us. Even our tablecloths! And yes, that did seem to take forever! We measured and labeled each tablecloth round/rectangle with the dimensions.

Bible Hour (previously called Bible Adventures) is a fun program designed to teach God's Word to children in an engaging and interactive way. Classes resume Sunday, September 11th at 5:00 PM at Whitehouse Church of Christ.

What to expect:

• Each session is based on a specific Bible story or topic.

• Activities include puppet skits, role-play, songs, games, audience participation, memorization, videos, flip charts, narrative storytelling, and much more!

• A great opportunity for children to learn and grow in their faith.

Hosting a girls' retreat is a wonderful opportunity to connect with the young women in your congregation. Here are some tips for a successful retreat:

1. Pick a theme: This will help guide your planning and create a cohesive atmosphere.

2. Pick a location: Choose a space that is comfortable and conducive to your planned activities.

3. Have good food: Delicious snacks and meals are essential for keeping everyone energized and happy.

4. Make a tentative schedule: Plan out activities and allow for some free time for socializing.

5. Most importantly, have fun!

We had a blast helping with VBS this year, which had the theme "Digging Deep into God's Word." After much deliberation, we chose Esther as our favorite Bible character and had a wonderful time preparing for the activities. Despite God's name not being explicitly mentioned in the book of Esther, we see the story of Esther unfold and witness the power of God over the plans of men.  We started by letting each child decorate their crown to wear during the storytelling. We gathered around a banquet table and enjoyed a feast of grapes, crackers, and cheese at the appropriate point in the narrative. Towards the end, each child received a signet ring like the King's, along with a piece of clay to make their own seals, just as the King issued a new decree. We also used

Betty Luken's felt figures

This super easy fruit salad is the perfect complement to any main course, adding a burst of color and freshness. It's a versatile dish that pairs well with ham, chicken salad sandwiches, or any potluck lunch.. Here's the recipe:

Back-to-school season is here, and that means busy mornings! My dad always made sure we had a hot breakfast before heading out, so I'm carrying on that tradition. One of my kids' favorites is sausage balls - they're quick, easy, and perfect for hectic mornings. I like to prepare several batches in advance and freeze them in individual servings for a grab-and-go breakfast option. Here's the recipe: