October 2011

UPWARD Basketball and Cheerleading Registration

Now – Nov. 25

Bear Creek UMC

16000 Rippling Water Dr.

Houston, TX 77084

281-463-2330

Registration for kids in Grades K – 8 for the 2011-2012 season of UPWARD Basketball and Cheerleading. The cost for UPWARD Basketball is $75.00. UPWARD Cheerleading is $80.00. For more information, visit www.hnwcc.org or call Larry Tyree at 281-463-2330.

i9 Sports Winter Leagues Registration

www.i9sports.com

281-398-7529

Registration is now open for winter leagues!  Choose from Flag Football, Soccer, Basketball or Cheerleading.  Practices and games are conveniently scheduled back-to-back on Saturdays.  Programs are for boys and girls ages 3-14, and all skill levels are welcome. Participants can expect professional management of all program details, certified officials at every game, around the clock access to league information, standings, and team news on the website, and most importantly, a program that places greater value on fun than the score.  Sign up early to save $10!  Please visit www.i9sports.com or call (281) 398-PLAY (7529) for complete program details.

Gulf Coast Regional Blood Drive

Oct. 12 | 9:00 a.m.

Faith West Academy

2225 Porter Rd.

Katy, TX 77493

The National Honor Society will host a blood drive in conjunction with the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center.  Reservations can be made by contacting Sandye Reed at 281-391-5683 or by email sreed@faithwest.org.

Look What I’ve Found!

A concert presented by the Lone Star Symphonic Band

Oct. 16 | 4:00 p.m.

Crosspoint Community Church

700 S. Westgreen

Katy, TX

The concert will begin at 4:00 pm in the main auditorium. Tickets are $5.00 each if purchased on the band’s website, and will be $10 at the door the day of the concert.

Katy Fire & EMS Association Fundraiser

Oct. 18 | 5:00 p.m.

Katy VFW Hall

Join us for a chicken fried steak dinner and auction to benefit the Katy Fire and EMS Association. Adults $10, Children $5, Age 65 and older $5, Ages 5 and under Free. Take out is also available.

Raffle tickets may also be purchased for $1 each. First prize: Sony 55” 3D LED TV. Second Prize: $500 VISA card. Third prize: $250 Cinco Ranch Spa Package. Need not be present to win raffle drawings.

Tickets can be purchased in advance at Katy Fire Department, 1417 Ave. D or by calling 281-391-3500 to arrange for ticket delivery. Auction items, door prizes and monetary donations are always welcome. Any individual or business that wishes to donate can call 281-391-3500 to arrange for a firefighter to pick up your donation.

Fun Family Movie Night

Oct. 21st | 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Mission Bend Christian Academy

3710 Highway 6 S.

Houston, TX  77082

Concessions and children’s games begin at 6:00 p.m. – Movie begins at 7:30 p.m. Bring your lawn chairs! Contact the school for more information at 281-497-4057. Suggested donation of $5.00 per family.

Vineyard Abortion Recovery Weekend Retreat

Oct. 21 – 23

Pregnancy Help Center of West Houston (Katy)

1450 E. Summitry Circle

Katy, TX 77449

Our next Rachel’s Vineyard Abortion Recovery week end  retreat for both men and women is October 21-23, 2011. All calls and inquiries are confidential. For additional information, visit phckaty.org or call 281-578-0078.

Girls Night Out

Oct. 26 | 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Memorial Hermann Katy

23900 Katy Freeway

Conference Center

Grab your girlfriends for a fun evening to learn about a variety of women’s health concerns, including breast and gynecological cancer care, from a panel of physicians affiliated with Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital. We’ll also have tips for early detection, prevention and proper screening techniques. Enjoy gourmet light bites, wine and free heel-bone density test. To register call 713.222.CARE. To schedule a mammogram call 877.704.8700.

Howl-A-Ween at the Dog Park

City of Katy

Oct. 27 | 6:00 p.m.

Tricks and treats with your for-legged goblin. Costume contents. Admission: One bag of dog food per pet will be donated to the local shelter. For more information, contact Katy Parts & Recreation at 281-391-4840.

Fall Fest

Oct. 28 | 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

CrossPoint Community Church – Westgreen

700 S. Westgreen Blvd.

Katy, TX 77450

Free family fun event, Huge Maze and Trick or Treat Alley. For additional information, visit crosspt.org and click on TheCity Plaza or call 281-398-6464.

Katy Triathlon at Firehorne

Oct. 30 | 7:30 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Firethorne will host the 19h Annual Katy Triathlon at Firethorne Sunday, October 30. The USA Triathlon-sanctioned race, the third largest co-ed triathlon in Texas, will be positioned in and around the 1,400-acre Firethorne residential community on FM 1463, near the crossroads of the I-10 West corridor, Westpark Tollway and Grand Parkway in Katy/Fulshear. The Rotary Club of Katy donates event proceeds to the Katy Rotary Fund, which supports local charities for their work in providing essential health, recreation and educational services to children in Katy ISD. For additional information or to register, visit  Katy Triathlon katytriathlon.com.

Wild Dreams Overnight

Oct. 29 – 30 | 8:00 p.m. – 9:00 a.m.

Downtown Aquarium

410 Bagby St.

Houston, Texas 77002

We welcome families to enjoy a once in a lifetime opportunity to learn about and sleep near our beautiful White Tigers! $59.95 plus tax per child (ages 6 to 14). For more information email bnewton@ldry.com or visit downtownaquarium.com.

November 2011

Fall Fest

Oct. 29 | 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

CrossPoint Community Church – EightTen

1106 Witte Rd.

Houston, TX 77055

Free family fun event, Huge Maze and Trick or Treat Alley. For additional information, visit crosspt.org and click on TheCity Plaza or call 281-398-6464.

Inspire Women Presents Anita Carman’s New Book

Making Sense of Your Life: Breakthroughs To Finish The Dream

Nov. 4 | Time 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Christ Evangelical Presbyterian Church

8300 Katy Freeway

Houston, TX 77024

Registration: $15 includes the book! To register, visit inspirewomen.org, email registration@inspirewomen.org or call 713.521.0469.

Marine Biologist for a Day

Nov. 5 | 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Downtown Aquarium

410 Bagby St.

Houston, Texas 77002

Explore the world of the ocean! $49.95 plus tax per child (ages 6 to 12). For more information email bnewton@ldry.com or visit downtownaquarium.com.

Outdoor Market

Nov. 5 | 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

CrossPoint Community Church – Westgreen

700 S. Westgreen Blvd.

Katy, TX 77450

Come and enjoy early holiday shopping at the Outdoor Market. For additional information, visit crosspt.org and click on TheCity Plaza or call 281-398-6464.

Fall Fest

Nov. 5 | 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

CrossPoint Community Church – SevenLakes

9251 S. Fry Rd.

Katy, TX 77494

Partnering with Seven Meadows, enjoy a free family fun event. For additional information, visit crosspt.org and click on TheCity Plaza or call 281-398-6464.

Grand Opening Celebration

Nov. 6 | 10:00 a.m.

CrossPoint Community Church – EightTen

1106 Witte Rd.

Houston, TX 77055

Join us this Sunday in celebrating our Grand Opening of our third campus. For additional information, visit crosspt.org and click on TheCity Plaza or call 281-398-6464.

The Glory & The Fire

Nov. 6 – 9 | 7:00 p.m.

All Around Cowboy Church

5812 Crosstree Lane

Sealy, TX  77474

979-885-1155

The Glory and the Fire is a powerful dramatic presentation about life after death. Since its inception in 1994, over 500,000 people have made decisions for Jesus Christ. They have toured extensively throughout the United States, Canada and South Africa. Don’t miss this riveting and moving dramatic event.

The Glory and the Fire drama play will be in our area for four incredible nights at All Around Cowboy Church in Sealy, TX. This presentation will give you a glimpse of life after death. From the moment it starts you will be on the edge of your seat. The scenes will take you on a roller coaster ride into eternity. This drama is an event you will never forget!

Zoologist for a Day

Nov. 19 | 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Downtown Aquarium

410 Bagby St.

Houston, Texas 77002

Learn the ins and outs of caring for animals! $49.95 plus tax per child (ages 6 to 12). For more information email bnewton@ldry.com or visit downtownaquarium.com.

15th Annual Christians In Action Trade Show and Conference

Nov. 18 – 19

The Westin Galleria

5060 West Alabama St.

Houston, TX.

Over 200 exhibitors and 5,000 participants from various states and countries are expected to participate in the show.  The event attracts a high caliber and diversity of businesses and ministries including Banks, Radio & TV Stations, Home Improvements, Hotel & Resort Industry, Churches & Church Suppliers, Interior Decorators, Clothing, Gifts, Financial & Estate Planning, Health Products & Services, Publishers, Bible Colleges, Arts/Crafts and more.

Highlights include choirs, dancers, praise and worship, and free balloon animals for children. The show is open to the public from 2:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Friday and 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Saturday. Admission is $10 at the door. For additional information, visit christiantradeshows.com or call (832) 799-0150.

Honor For Life Awards Gala

Nov. 20 | 5:30 p.m.

Humble Civic Center

Real lives. Real heros. Real love. Join us to honor women who saved their  rape conceived children from society’s death sentence. Tickets are $35 in advance. A full steak and chicken dinner will be served. For more information visit choices4life.org or call (281) 451-8460.

Katy YMCA Turkey Dash

Nov. 24

Katy Family YMCA

22807 Westheimer Parkway

Katy, TX 77494

5K, 1 Mile Kids Race & 1 Mile Family Walk.  Awards, post race party with live band, refreshments, door prizes, kids fun zone and more!  Kick off your Holiday season at the Turkey Dash!  For more information, visit ymcaturkeydash.org or call 281-392-5055.

Lights of Tejas

Nov. 26 – Dec. 23

Thursday – Sunday | 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Camp Tejas

1038 Private Road 2191

Giddings, TX 78942

camptejas.org/lights-of-tejas

979-366-2422

Camp Tejas will hold its second annual Lights of Tejas on select evenings from Nov. 26 through Dec. 23. Experience over 1,000,000 lights on trees and buildings around the camp; a 30-minute orchestrated light show of over 150,000 lights to music and narration at one of the lakes on the property; and hayrides, zip lines, a climbing wall, food, a hay bale maze, and inflatables. Tickets are $8 per person and children 2 years and under will receive free admissions. Ask our our family price of $25 or group rates. For more information, visit camptejas.org/lights-of-tejas/, call 979-366-2422, or email dave@camptejas.org.

Faith West Open House

Nov. 29 | 7:00 p.m.

Faith West Academy

2225 Porter Rd.

Katy, TX 77493

Join us for a Community Open House on Tuesday, November 29, 2011  at 7:00 p.m. For addiontal information, please contact FWA at 281-391-5683 x229 or visit faithwest.org.

Sr. High Drama presents Harvey

Dec. 2 – 3 | 7:00 p.m.

Faith West Academy

2225 Porter Rd.

Katy, TX 77493

Come witness for yourself the magic and mystery behind this 1945 classic. Showing will be on Friday and Saturday, December 2-3, 2011 starting at 7:00 PM.  Tickets are $5 each and can be purchased on campus ahead of time!  For additional information, please contact FWA at 281-391-5683 x229 or visit faithwest.org

Neighborhood Christmas Block Party

Dec. 4 | 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Walmart Neighborhood Market

4810 Highway 6 North

Houston, TX

281-463-2330

Event features hot dogs, crafts, and free photos with Santa.

3rd Annual Mustang Family Fun Night

Jan. 21

Taylor High School

Help support Taylor High School Athletes. Join us for a night of fun. There will be bingo, concessions, a silent and live Auction, door prizes and a grand prize. For more information, email mustangfamilyfunnight@yahoo.com.

Recurring Events

PreSchool Playhouse

Mondays | 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Chick-fil-A – Mason Road

369 S Mason Rd

Katy, TX 77450

cfarestaurant.com/masonroad

Join us for arts & crafts, singing, dancing, story time, and play dough each week. Complimentary coffee while your little ones play. It’s Fun for Kids, Fellowship for Mom!

KidzConnection

Wednesdays | 6:30 p.m.

Faith West Academy

2225 Porter Rd.

Katy, TX 77493

KidzConnection is an evening that includes worship, games, live characters, object lessons, and tons of fun for children in Kindergarten through 5th grade.  Pizza provided for a $3 charge.  Contact Allen Strickland at astrickland@faithwest.org for more information or visit www.fwakidzconnection.blogspot.com.

Family Fun Night

Wednesdays | 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Chick-fil-A – Mason Road

369 S Mason Rd

Katy, TX 77450

cfarestaurant.com/masonroad

Join us for a night of family fun at Chik-fil-A on Mason Rd.

Fellowship Friday

Second Friday of each month

Bear Creek UMC

16000 Rippling Water Dr.

Houston, TX 77084

281-463-2330

Social activities and lunch provided for persons who require daily care due to Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or other disabilities, while giving their caregivers some time off. No charge. For details, call Dot McLaren at 713-466-1898 or Sue Edwards at 281-463-7894.

Hour of Prayer

Third Friday of each month

Bear Creek UMC

16000 Rippling Water Dr.

Houston, TX 77084

281-463-2330

Hosted by the Prayer and Care Team the third Friday of each month, this event offers a time for reflection and meditation through prayer, scripture and music.

West Houston Women’s Bible Study

Tuesdays | 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

BridgePoint Bible Church

13277 Katy Freeway • Houston

Please join the women at BridgePoint Bible Church as we study God’s Word on Tuesday mornings. Our purpose and desire is: Teaching the Word of God. Reaching the community for Christ. Uniting together in a loving and supportive environment.

Old Testament I

Wednesdays | 6:30 p.m. – 8:15 p.m.

Sept. 7 – Dec. 7

Grace Fellowship UMC

www.whatisgrace.org

A study of the books from Genesis to Judges. We will follow the history of God’s relationship with his people with a focus on the Abrahamic and Mosaic Covenants. This class will demonstrate to the student the importance of knowing the Old Testament in order to comprehend Jesus and the New Testament. Cost: $199 for adults; $50 for students.

Holy Spirit Services

Saturdays | 7 p.m.

New Destiny Christian Fellowship Church

6830 North Eldridge Pkwy #107

Houston, TX 77041

www.annott.org

In His Presence Ministries is holding weekly Holy Spirit worship and miracle services every Saturday night at 7 pm.  Meetings are located at New Destiny Christian Fellowship Church. Prophetic, dream interpretation and healing teams will be ministering at each service. Come and get a touch from God. Service will be broadcast live on the web at www.annott.org.

Feature Your Event in Katy Christian Magazine

To feature your community calendar listings in Katy

Christian Magazine, email your event information to joseph@houstonchristianmagazine.com.

Please keep all listings to under 50 words and include date, cost, times, location, etc.

Camp Tejas is a Christian Camp and Retreat Center just south of Giddings and north of La Grange on U.S. Hwy. 77. The camp is owned and operated by Tejas Ministries, Inc. Over 18,000 guests visited the camp last year. Most of them were from Christian churches and organizations in central Texas, including the Houston metro area. During the summer months, the camp is full of children and youth enjoying multiple sessions of summer camp. In the fall and spring, the camp functions as a retreat center and guests usually stay over the weekends.

The purpose of Camp Tejas is to be a discipleship extension of the local churches of central Texas. They provide a place for training and discipleship to happen as well as participate in discipleship with their staff. Their goal is to help pass on truth to the next generation as described in Deuteronomy 6.

The month of December has always been a slow time at Camp Tejas as churches do not typically organize retreats between Thanksgiving and Christmas. About four years ago, the camp began seriously exploring the idea of decorating the facility for Christmas and opening it up to the general public for a special Christmas event. They were encouraged by a camp in the Seattle area that has been holding a similar event for the past 15 years with great success. “Warm Beach Camp in Washington is very similar to us in size and function. Their ideas helped us create our own. We learned from their advice and adapted what they do to fit our vision. They have been a great assistance to us,” says David Jones, the Executive Director and CEO of Tejas Ministries. Warm Beach now has an annual attendance of over 45,000 people for their Lights of Christmas event.

Families are always looking for fun things to do around Christmas and there’s no greater favorite than looking at Christmas lights. The Lights of Tejas will not only provide the lights, but several extras as well.

The highlight will be two light show venues where hundreds of thousands of lights will be orchestrated to music and Scripture narration. One of the other anticipated features of the event is the food. There will be plenty of options available for a full dinner or just a fun holiday snack. A variety of items will be on the menu such as Mexican food, a Cuban sandwich, pancakes, hamburgers, and mini-donuts. Open outdoor fires will be available for hotdogs and s’mores. Other activities will include hayrides, a 50’ climbing wall with two zip lines, inflatables, a hay bale maze, and face painting.

Entrance fees will be $8 per person and $25 per family. Food, gifts, and some of the activities will cost extra. For more information and ticket sales, go to www.LightsOfTejas.com.

LOS ANGELES – A young man loses his way but through the power of his family’s prayers finds the path to redemption and rediscovers the love of his father in BREAKING THE PRESS, going for the gold on DVD September 20 from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment.

A recent recipient of the Dove Foundation’s “Family-Approved” seal for all audiences over the age of twelve, this inspiring Biblical parable stars Drew Waters (“Friday Night Lights”) as Joe Conahey, a small-town high school basketball coach whose Christian faith is tested by an unsuccessful season and the intense pressure that results.  The family’s two star sons—the older, diligently hardworking brother Matt (Chad Halbrook, Brotherhood) and the younger, naturally-gifted Josh (Tom Maden, “According to Jim”)—are separated when Josh selfishly transfers to a powerhouse school hundreds of miles away. His previous team’s top player, Josh finds difficulty adjusting to the big-city program, tempted as he is by girls, drugs, alcohol and stardom – and is subsequently expelled. Only through the power of prayer and forgiveness can the troubled ”Prodigal Son” make his way back into the arms of his loving father and find redemption for his family and his team.

BREAKING THE PRESS includes a behind-the-scenes featurette on the making of the film and will be available on single-disc DVD in the U.S. and Canada.  Pre-book is August 10.

“Much like Facing the Giants, with better acting and better production value.”
Dr. Ted Baehr – MovieGuide

About Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment

Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment, LLC (TCFHE) is a recognized global industry leader and a subsidiary of Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, a News Corporation company. Representing 75 years of innovative and award-winning filmmaking from Twentieth Century Fox, TCFHE is the worldwide marketing, sales and distribution company for all Fox film and television programming, acquisitions and original productions on DVD, Blu-ray Disc Digital Copy, Video On Demand and Digital Download. The company also releases all products globally for MGM Home Entertainment. Each year TCFHE introduces hundreds of new and newly enhanced products, which it services to retail outlets from mass merchants and warehouse clubs to specialty stores and e-commerce throughout the world.

With 3 races to choose from, there’s something for everyone; a Kids Race beginning at 7:20am, 5K at 8:00am and a Family Walk/Run at 9:15am.  All races start and finish at the Katy YMCA located at the corner of Westheimer Parkway and Peek Rd, one block off the Grand Parkway in Cinco Ranch.

The event was the brainchild of leaders from the Y and the church wishing to organize an activity to bring the community together.  Now the Turkey Dash is a well recognized, community Holiday kick off celebration which attracts participants from all parts of West Houston.

Race day highlights include awards in age categories for the Kids Race and 5K.  Live music will play during the post race party which features door prizes, complimentary snacks and games as well as a Kids Fun Zone complete with a rockwall, moonwalks, Turkey Mascot, Santa and more!

Beth Strand, race coordinator says, “We have seen family participation grow over the past few years. Families creating memories is really what the Turkey Dash is all about.” Signature Sponsor is Reliant Energy. Title sponsors include Grand Vision, DSS and Dr. Bruscia’s Family Foot & Ankle Wellness Center.

Interested in registering or volunteering?  Check out details at www.ymcaturkeydash.org or call the Katy YMCA at 281-392-5055.

The clergy members who offered interfaith blessings included Rabbi Roy A. Walter, Congregation Emanu El; Imam Hamed Ghazaly, Ph.D., Houston Quran Academy; Father Eugene Cagoco, Catholic Chaplain Corps and Rev. Dr. Paul Clines, First United Methodist, Westchase Campus. Following their blessings, Texas Children’s chaplains offered prayers on behalf of children who submitted their requests and intentions on prayer cards.

The interfaith chapel is located in the atrium that connects the outpatient and inpatient wings at West Campus. A quiet place where patients, staff and visitors of all faiths can go to pray, meditate and reflect in a calming and peaceful environment, the chapel design incorporates soothing colors and stained glass windows embossed with circles that reflect the circular design themes and child-like elements appearing throughout the pediatric hospital.

Please go to Talking Back to God and visit the events page to find biographies on these leaders and their ministries. May God bless you, strengthen you, encourage you and direct you. Please note that nights are free and men are invited to join the women on Saturday night the 10th to hear “The Man’s Perspective on a Strong Woman” with speakers Richard Allison, Saleim Kahleh, Michael O’Brien, Rich Nickel, Keith Miller, Craig Reiners and Fernando Ruata.

Register and pay at www.talkingbacktogod.com.

This Advance takes place September 9-10 at Encourager Church in Houston Texas. You can call Donna Reiners at 281-948-5642 for group rates on the conference. Also, you can find special rates at the Four Points Sheraton at City Center for Advance2022 Out of the Cave – shuttle can take groups from hotel to the Encourager Church.

Alex was born in Houston and has lived all her life in Katy.  She attended Hayes Elementary, Cardinal Newman Catholic School and Exley Elementary. Alex spent her 6th, 7th and 8th grades at McMeans Jr. High and will enter Taylor High this school year.

Alex played volleyball, basketball, and ran track at McMeans.  Alex enjoys and excels at volleyball and is spending some of her summer participating in volleyball camps including a freshman camp at the high school. She is also spending her summer training with the Taylor cross country team, running daily since June to get ready for the 2011 season which begins the Saturday before the first day of school. They run anywhere from 3 to 8 miles a day and will have their big 10 mile run in August.

Alex is a parishioner at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Pattison, Texas where she is an Altar Server and helps with fundraising functions and prepares and serves snacks every Sunday after mass. She helps with feeding and clothing the homeless in the downtown Houston area every month.  Alex’s favorite Bible verse is Hosea 14:4 “Israel, you have rejected me, but my anger is gone; I will heal you and love you without limit.”

Nadia Chervnsik
Classification: 1st Grade
Exley Elementary

Nadia Chervnsik is a six-year-old who graduated from kindergarten at Exley Elementary and is looking forward to first grade.

Nadia was diagnosed with a rare condition, PFAPA, and missed 30 days of school due to cyclic high fevers.  However, after receiving an Easter gift – a Maltipoo puppy named Fiona – she has not had a single episode or missed another day at school!  Her parents and doctors cannot explain this phenomenon other than to say it is an answer to many prayers.  Fiona is now a cherished member of the household and Nadia’s favorite furry companion.

Nadia is kind and understands how important it is to help others.  She loves to volunteer at the Katy Christian Ministries Garden. She has fun pulling weeds, looking at bugs, picking produce, and collecting it in a basket for the food pantry. She has shopped for children in need at Christmas and raised funds for Texas Eqqusearch.  Her favorite place to go on vacation is Florida, where her extended family lives.

Nadia attends Second Baptist in Katy along with her friends in the neighborhood. She is just discovering the Bible and learned that the shortest verse has just two words and is found in John 11:35 -  “Jesus wept.”

Edward Sanchez
Classification: Master’s Student

Edward Sanchez is 53 year-old man from Katy who has recently earned his BBA degree.

Ed has been married for 22 years and has two young boys.  Ed is also a former United States Marine and is dedicated to God, Family and Country.

Years ago, Ed set out on a venture to finish his degree.  He initially thought that he was too old to step back into a classroom, but God opened the door for me.  “I knew that if God was for me, who dare stand against me!  I took the step, graduated with my BBA with honors from Belhaven University and now I am in my Masters program,” Ed said.

“The Lord is Great.  I encourage you, ‘Today is your day.”’Set aside everything that’s holding you back so you can jump into what God has for you.  It will take courage, strength and faith to keep your desire alive in your heart. I assure you that God will provide for you and answer your heart’s desire,” Ed encouraged.

Ed’s favorite bible verse is, “In Him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in His Holy name.” Psalm 33:21

Two local businessmen have pledged $300,000 to match new gifts given to WorkFaith Connection. The nonprofit helps Houston’s most challenged job seekers gain employment. The gift of Terry Looper, CEO of Texon, and J.C. (Rusty) Walter, III, CEO of Walter Oil & Gas, will allow the organization to operate their second facility at full capacity and to train hundreds more men and women on how to overcome the barriers of their past so they can return to the workforce, stabilizing themselves and their families.

Despite recent job growth, The WorkFaith Connection has been experiencing an unprecedented number of job seekers signing up for their comprehensive job readiness workshop. Participants encounter added challenges applying for jobs when transitioning out of prison, homelessness, addiction or unstable life patterns; many have families to support and financial obligations to meet.

“Due to our high success rates, there is a high demand for our services” said Sandy Schultz, WorkFaith Connection’s president and CEO. “The outcome of our program trickles down to families being restored, lives transformed and children reaping the benefits of seeing their parents go to work with a sense of pride and dignity.”

The WorkFaith Connection, founded in 2006, does not receive any government funding. When hired, graduates of its job readiness training return to ring a bell and share their accomplishments. To date, 78 percent of the 1,300 graduates have found employment. Many of the men and women who lived in transitional housing when they started the eight-day job readiness workshop are now working, living independently and contributing to our economy’s growth as tax-paying citizens.

For information, to donate or to volunteer, call 713-984-9611 or visit www.workfaithconnection.org

The First Day

You will probably see some kids you played with over the summer and others you may not have seen for a while.  Make a point to say hello and also to kids you don’t know.  Go ahead, make the first move. You and your new friend will both be glad you did!

Most teachers start the school year by introducing themselves and going over all of the things you will be doing that year.  They might ask you to tell the class about something you did over the summer.  Be ready just in case.

On the first day, teachers will go over the classroom rules so you will know what is and is not allowed.  Be sure and pay close attention so you will know what to do.

Get Oriented

The first day of school is your chance to find your way around a new school, or learn the pathways to new classes in your old school.  It is a lot to learn in one day, so don’t be surprised if you need a reminder or two.

Maybe make a few notes to yourself, so you will remember the important stuff, like you locker combination and when lunch starts.  It will not take long before your finger will fly as you open your locker and you can trash those notes you made.

A Bad Start

What if you hate school by the end of the first day?  Give things so a little time to sort themselves out.  Once you get adjusted to a new routine, you know your way around the building and your classes you will probably feel better.  If not, talk to your parents, teacher or school counselor.

Get a Positive Start

Make the first day a good one by seeing friends you have not seen for a while.  You can make the day special by wearing an outfit you like or a T-shirt from a summer vacation.  If you were a uniform, you could were a favorite watch, or piece of jewelry to show your style.

Be prepared!  Make sure you have all of your school supplies.  The schools usually have a list of supplies on their school website or a supply packet you can buy on an open house night.  Once you have covered the basics, it is always a good idea to carry a little extra money just in case.

Backpack stuffing is very important.  Make sure the night before you put what you will need for the next day in your backpack.  This will prevent morning panic when things like your lunch or homework seem to go missing.  Whether it is the first day or the middle of the term, your lunch is something else that can make you feel good at school.  Spend a little time with your parents the night before and help pack your lunch if you don’t want what is on the menu from the school cafeteria.  Try and get in a variety of foods.

Final Tips

• Get enough sleep.

• Eat a healthy breakfast.

• Try your best.

• Write down your assignments in an agenda planner.

• For heaven sake, turn in your homework on time.  Points off or a 0 on homework will cost you 1 to 2 letter grades.

• Take your time with school work.  If you don’t understand ask a teacher.

• Keep a sense of humor.  Have fun and laugh a little.