IT'S A BOY!

One day after Laura's birthday (January 27th), we welcomed our new baby son to the family January 28th at 12:09am!
Luke Gordon William Halek made a triumphant entrance into the world and stole our hearts right away. He weighed in at 10 lbs even (though he looks really small) and 23 inches long!

Holding Luke "the Duke"

Yesterday we took it easy as all the other kids were at my in-laws since Sunday morning. When they arrived, they couldn't wait to meet him and hold him! Benjamin is really excited to have a "baby Luke" as his little brother.
Laura is doing well, after delivering him at home. We have been blessed to have all 4 of our children born at home. Even my oldest daughter, Eternity, seemed to "like him" And she has been a great big help too!

Well, now to our club. Tonight is summer fun night. So come prepared to do some summer type activities and games. And of course come dressed like it's the middle of July!
See you all tonight!!!

SUMMER FUN NIGHT POSTPONED

Summer fun night is postponed to next Tuesday night. There are too many leaders and directors away this week to run this event properly. I hope you all understand and we'll make sure we have a great time enjoying all things summer during this cold snap next week.

In the mean time, alot of clubbers have been flying through their handbooks. I am really impressed and proud of you all. If you are struggling with your handbooks, remember there is an audio cd with the Sparks handbooks that are a great aid in memorizing the verses. As for the older clubbers, ask your parents to help you out, it makes a great time hanging out together!
Also, just a reminder, with alot of clubbers wearing their winter boots, please remember to bring a pair of running shoes for game time.
See you all tomorrow night and bundle up, I hear it's going to be cold this week!

LAST NIGHT FOR MRS. LAURA

Tonight marks the last night that Mrs. Laura (Sparks Director) will be at club for the next little while. As most of you have noticed, we are expecting another blessing from God, a son, who is due to be born any time now. And with the pregnancy near it's end, Mrs. Laura wants to stay home and get as much rest as she can now, as much as a home with 4 kids already in it allows.
Come out and say bye for now to her. Mrs. Wiley will be filling in until Mrs. Laura returns some time in late February or early March.
As for club, next week we had summer fun night scheduled, however, a number of our leaders are away over the next two weeks, so we will reschedule summer fun night to January 29th in stead of the 22nd.
See you all tonight!

AWANA RETURNS TONIGHT!

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas season remembering the great news of Jesus birth. We had a great time reflecting on Him around our Christmas tree, remembering Him as the greatest gift ever given.
Now it's time to get things back to "normal", whatever that is! Awana is back tonight beginning at 6:30 pm, but please arrive early because 6:30 is the time we actually start. So we'll see you then. And if you have a uniform, please wear it to club, and don't forget your handbooks!
We all missed you and are excited to see all you clubbers tonight.
Blessings

CHRISTMAS CONCERT TOMORROW!

Well, tomorrow marks the end of the first half of our Awana year. We'll end it in style with our annual Christmas concert. There are alot of great performances planned, getting us all into the Christmas spirit (if you aren't already!).
Parents, please have your children at the chapel by 6:15pm. The concert will begin as soon as every clubber has arrived, which we are hoping is 6:30pm. The concert should last one hour with snacks and refreshments afterward in the gym.
It has been great watching the clubbers rehearse their songs and plays and I know it will be a blessing to you all. Invite everyone you know to come out and enjoy the sights and sounds of this precious time of year where we celebrate the birth of our Savior.
We will also be announcing the weight total of our food drive for this year....so be prepared for that as well.
See you tomorrow night!

PARADE TOMORROW

LAST YEARS GROUP AT THE PARADE

The gang from Ridgeville Bible chapel and it's Awana club is marching tomorrow in the Pelham Christmas parade. If you have sent in your permission slips, thank you. If you haven't yet, no worries, I will have a number on hand at the parade for you to sign. We are really excited and if you haven't participated in the past, it is a wonderful experience. For those of you who have been involved in the past, you know the great fun we have!
Please be at Christian Reform Church on Balfor St. no later than 12:15pm. The street will be blocked off, so a leader will be waiting for clubbers to lead them to our group. Cubbies are expected to be accompanied by their parents. And we will have a van pulling a trailer for anyone who gets tired.
Pick up for all clubbers will be at Centennial park, where there are a number of activites for families to participate in afterwards, as well as refreshments.
So see you all tomorrow, rain or shine (or snow, but I highly doubt that!)