Merry Christmas!

"Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying":

"'Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.'"

Luke 2:25-32

For all who accept God's son, Jesus, as Lord of their life, they see their salvation just as Simeon. Some see their salvation as children but some don't until they are long since aged. I was reminded this Christmas of the great joy to have seen my salvation and to live my life knowing him. Just as Simeon said 'a light for revelation to the Gentiles' has broken through my darkness and transformed my life.

You don't have to wait as Simeon. Jesus comes to you today not as a baby but as a Risen Saviour who will deliver you from your sins and shine a bright light into your darkness. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" John 3:16.

Blessings,

Lisa

"Glory to God in the Highest!"

Bethel Christmas Dinner

As members of Mom's Connection, you are invited to join us for Bethel's Christmas Dinner themed "Christmas in New York" on Wednesday, December 21 at 7 PM in the gym of Bethel Assembly of God.

There's something about Christmas that brings cheer like no other time--the lights, the carols, the treats, the gifts...and the Savior being born. Join us for a time to celebrate the wonder of the season.

Ham, rolls, and beverages will be provided. Your family is asked to bring a side dish if your last name begins with A-H and a dessert if it begins with an I-Z.

Everyone Is Welcome!!

Recognition and Special Thanks to Janine

During our topic meeting on Tuesday, November 22, Janine was recognized for her faithful service as our much needed Childcare Director because she is stepping down from this role. Janine has taken on a much larger role as Director of Nursery Ministries at Bethel Assembly of God.

This is how she was honored:

"I would like to take a few minutes and recognize Janine DiGiovanni who has served as our Childcare Director for four years. There are no words to adequately express my deep appreciation for all she has done for Mom’s Connection.

She has handled every task and every obstacle that has come her way making it possible to always provide good childcare for all our meetings. But more than succeeding as our Childcare Director, she has been an invaluable resource during every decision making process and has always been found full of great ideas, honest with her opinions, and trustworthy to keep it confidential.

Janine, thank you for being willing to step up and tackle our childcare issues with a smile on your face, and a loving, caring heart towards moms and their children. I have thanked God for you more times than you will ever know."

Lisa Fraley- Director

Presented to Janine were flowers, card of thanks, and gift card.

Janine will be staying on as part of our leadership for Mom’s Connection as our Finance Coordinator. This is a role she has been fulfilling without the title or recognition.

The Children's Closet

Mission: The Children's Closet is a ministry anwering God's call to support the smallest among us by providing them with basic necessities.

Vision: Our desire is that all families have the ability to ensure that the children of the community have what they need.

First started out of Marci Faro's home, The Children's Closet is a place where families can come and shop for free! You will find available maternity clothes, baby items, children's clothes, and toys.

We are located at Bethel Assembly of God in Martinsburg, WV behind the Mace building. Our room hours are every 2nd and 4th Tuesday from Noon - 1pm and every Wednesday evening from 6 - 6:45 pm. We will be open for business this Tuesday, November 22, 2011.

You may donate your gently used clothes, baby equipment, maternity clothes, baby and children's clothes up to size 18. We are accepting winter clothes only.

A Mother's Prayer - Rachel Aldous

Many of us viewed this video at our Mother's Day Breakfast. It was so beautiful. Enjoy!

Introducing Oliver Michael Larry Allgeier

Congratulations to Mike and Jenn Allgeier on the birth of their baby boy. Ollie came into the world at 9:35 pm on May 6, 2011 weighing 7 pounds, 10.8 oz. and 19 1/4 inches long. Mother and baby are doing great.

Our Lovely Speaker...

Thank you to Pastor Rebecca Johnston for the wonderful message to all of us moms! God is the God that sees each of us! Praise the Lord!

Our Lovely Breakfast...

All of you looked so beautiful! Your real beauty shows in your kindness and love to one another! Thank you for coming!

Blessings,

Lisa

Happy Mother's Day!!!

Before I was a Mom...

I made and ate hot meals. I had unstained clothing. I had quiet conversations on the phone.

Before I was a Mom... I slept as late as I wanted and never worried about how late I got into bed. I brushed my hair and my teeth everyday.

Before I was a Mom... I cleaned my house each day. I never tripped over toys or forgot words to lullabies.

Before I was a Mom... I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous. I never thought about Immunizations.

Before I was a Mom... I had never been puked on, pooped on, spit on, chewed on, peed on or pinched by tiny fingers. I had complete control of my mind, my thoughts, and my body. I slept all night.

Before I was a Mom... I never held down a screaming child so that doctors could do tests or give shots. I never looked into teary eyes and cried. I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin. I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.

Before I was a Mom... I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put it down. I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt. I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much. I never knew that I could love someone so much. I never knew I would love being a Mom.

Before I was a Mom... I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body. I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby. I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child. I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important.

Before I was a Mom... I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay. I had never known the warmth, the joy, the love, the heartache, the wonderment, or the satisfaction of being a Mom. I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much before I was a Mom.
Author Unknown

Introducing Gabriella Christine

Congratulations to Eric and Yina on the birth of their baby girl, Gabriella Christine. Gabriella came into the world on Thursday, April 14, 2011 weighing 7 lbs 10 oz, 20 1/2 inches long. Mother and baby are doing well.

Yina and Jenn's Baby Shower

Thank you to everyone who made this a great baby shower for Yina and Jenn! We are looking forward to meeting these two new babies!!!

Mother's Day Breakfast

Our Annual Mother's Day Breakfast is Tuesday, May 10 from 9:45-11:45 AM at the Purple Iris in Martinsburg, WV. Join us to honor you as a mother! Let's enjoy this time together among friends with a delicious breakfast, special prizes, and guest speaker, Pastor Rebecca Johnston. Our meal will include the following: Scrambled Eggs with Fresh Herbs, Herb and Onion Potatoes, Bacon, Sausage, French Toast, Assorted Breakfast Pastries, and Fresh Fruits, Assorted Juices, Coffee, Teas, and Water. Tickets will be on sale for $10 per person. This is a great time to invite your mother or a friend. Childcare will be provided at Bethel Assembly of God from 9:30-12:00 Noon. All children must be registered by the time of the event. For tickets or any additional information, contact Lisa Fraley at momsrgreat@comcast.net. You can check out the Purple Iris at http://www.thepurpleirisathartwood.com/.

WV Birth to Three

For our opening this morning, we had a guest speaker, Dawn Heatwole, a Parent Partner from the WV Birth to Three program. She spoke on the free services provided through the WV Department of Health and Human Resources.

Children who are suspected of having or being at significant risk of developmental delay receive a multi-disciplinary evaluation to determine eligibility for the WV Birth to Three Program. With participation of the family, an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) is developed for each child's family based upon the strength and abilities of the child and shaped by the concerns and priorities of the family. Services and supports listed on the plan are targeted to promote the child's development as well as to support the ability of the family and other care givers to address the special needs of their child.

If you are interested in these services or have any questions, contact the Regional Administrative Unit, RESA VIII in Martinsburg, WV at 304-267-3595 or toll free
at 1-866-681-4957.

A special thank you to Dawn for coming today and speaking with us. Also thank you for sharing your personal testimony of how God has blessed you and your family.
Lisa

In case of bad weather, our group will follow the local school cancellations in Berkeley County, WV. In case of a two hour delay, the meeting will be cancelled.

Happy New Year!

Let's look forward to 2011!

"Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:13-14

Merry Christmas!

"An angel of the Lord appeared to them,

and the glory of the Lord shone around them,

and they were terrified. But the angel said to them,

'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy

that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David

a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.

This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped

in cloths and lying in a manger.'" Luke 2:9-12

A Must See....

Wouldn't this be awesome in our mall?

Happy Birtheday, Lee-Min!!! Have a blessed day!

Welcoming Isaiah Michael...

Congratulations to Steve and Melyssa Speck on the birth of their baby boy, Isaiah Michael, born on Saturday, November 13, 2010 at 6:54 PM. He weighed 8 lbs. and 20 1/2 inches long. Both mother and baby are doing well.

Welcoming Sofia Isabella...

Congratulations to Amanda and Lino on the birth of their baby girl, Sofia Isabella. Sofia came into the world on Thursday, November 11, 2010 at 3:59 AM, weighing 8 lbs. 1 1/2 oz., 20 inches long. What a beautiful baby!