December 16, 2014

The weekly homework club at Maple Leaf has taken on a whole new look this month as we celebrate the Christmas season with them.

On Saturday, Dec. 6th many of us participated in a two-part Christmas party inside the clubhouse. With decorations and Christmas tree in place we invited all the children from the community to join us for an afternoon of games, crafts and desserts!

Our first party, for the middle school and high school students, included a beautiful mason jar craft that they got to take home as a gift, decorating and eating a giant Christmas cookie, and a fun game involving throwing marshmallows through a wreath [and at Jerry!]. A Christmas letter was read that explained the true meaning of Christmas and a gift bag was handed to each student on their way out, blessing them with a yearly Bible devotion. This group enjoyed an added surprise as Officer Kelly and one of his partners from the K9 unit came inside to do a demonstration with Max. While the kids were a little nervous at first, they soon realized that Max was well controlled and learned more about how the K9 unit works here in Brick.

The younger kids showed up early, of course, and had to wait patiently outside until it was their turn. They heard the Legend of the Candy Cane and then participated in ‘Pin the Star on the Tree’ as well as making a Christmas ornament that gave the Gospel message. Around the Christmas tree they all had the opportunity to participate in handing an ornament on the tree as they heard the message of Jesus’ birth and they also decorated and ate a giant Christmas cookie. They too were given a gift bag with a yearly Bible devotion after enjoying some desserts and hot chocolate.

On Friday, Dec. 12th the homework club had their first bus trip to Grace Bible Church. Twenty-eight families, a total of 70 children, enjoyed watching ‘Christmas on Silver Pond’ put on by the Agape FaithWorks Homeschool Co-op. What a wonderful evenings for the families as they not only saw a beautiful play, but also enjoyed many great desserts and then received huge gift bags filled with presents [that their parents had signed up for]. The mom’s also received a gift bag filled with gift cards that they can spend at local establishments.

God is at work in the Maple Leaf community and we have so much to celebrate this Christmas season!! Thank you for your prayers and participation!!