2012 National Scrapbooking Month: Dotty for You

          Available April 17th! Contact me to get yours or visit my web site!

Still here!

Wow. It's been a long time. I know I really need to get back to updating our blog. Honestly I didn't really think anyone was reading it and facebook updates are easier but also tell a lot less. So I will make an attempt at resurrecting our blog, for those of you who care :) (I know...the picture needs to be updated, it's 4 years old. LOL)

It's hard to believe the first three months of 2012 are nearly over. It has flown by. Butch and I continue to busy ourselves with life and ministry in Glenwood. We love life in our little town and have tried very hard to be a part of the community. Butch is in the process of applying to be on the volunteer fire department. He was approached a few weeks ago and decided to give it a shot.

I ran for the School Board last fall and was elected so I began serving in that position in January. I have also been subbing a lot at the school the past couple of months. It is such a joy to be able to invest in the lives of children, even if it's only a day here and there.

The church here in Glenwood is doing well. We are seeing growth in the body of believers. It is an exciting thing to watch God work in the lives of others! Pray for those in our community though who are ill or fighting cancer and for those who have lost loved ones.

We are praising the Lord for His provision for our family. He has provided us not just one but two vehicles that our kids can drive, free! Well, the vehicles were free, it will cost the kids to drive them :) He has also provided consistent subbing hours for me which has helped us meet our budget. We lost some financial support as we entered the new year and the hours I have received subbing have made up for it.

Please pray for Grady as he finishes his first year of college. Pray that he would finish strong and also that God would provide the funds needed for his second year. Pray for Spencer as he finishes his Senior year, to also finish strong and for God's direction for his future. Pray for Becca as she prepares for her trip to Panama this summer. The trip is 100% funded! PRAISE THE LORD! She will still need a little bit of additional funds for clothing, spending money and other essentials, but that amount is small.

Thank you so much for hanging with us as we have been on this journey that God has set before us. We appreciate your prayers. I never would have dreamed that we would be where we are today, but God's plan is much greater than ours. It was hard for us to leave Nevada but we know beyond the shadow of a doubt that it was all part of God's plan. He is an amazing God and puts right where we need to be for however long we need to be there.

Serving Him,
The Hallenbeck's

Creative Night Out

Are you ready for a Creative Night Out?

Whether you are new to the art of scrapbooking and card making or have been doing this for a long time, this is your chance to check out some fabulous new products!

August 18
6:30-8:30
at Glenwood Community Church

Choose to create cards and/or a scrapbook layout.
Each item you create costs just $2.
Or create for free when you place an order.

This is your chance to get your feet wet, learn some new techniques, win some prizes, learn how to get free supplies, and enjoy a fun evening out with your friends.

***Get an extra chance for the door prize when you RSVP!

Jennifer Hallenbeck

Independent Close to My Heart Consultant

Pray for Camp

We had a great mini vacation last week. We went camping at Forlorn Lakes, just west of Trout Lake. It was cold and damp but we had a relaxing time with friends. Then Butch and I made a quick turn around and headed north where we attended a Celebration of Life for his great aunt. It was a nice service and a chance to meet a lot of the family I had never met before.

Sunday was a fun day. We drove to McCleary for church for a surprise visit with friends and fellow Village Missionaries, Joe and Karla Beard. While we missed the chance to visit with our Lake Tapps family, it was nice to visit with Joe and Karla. We had lunch at the Rusty Tractor in Elma, it's probably been 30+ years since I've eaten there J Butch was brave and tried a Yak burger; I was not so brave and had a French Dip!

This week we have been gearing up for camp. I pretty much have all the planning finished for the kitchen, so we will be well fed! We are short on staff so please pray with us that the staffing needs would be met. We are trusting God to supply the staff we need for a memorable camp that will impact the lives of the kids who come. We are taking 17 Junior campers and 12 Teen campers. I continue to be in awe of how God is working in the lives of the kids and families in Glenwood. First He brought 41 kids to VBS, and now we are taking 29 to camp. Yay God!

As we finish our camp prep, please pray for the staffing needs. Also pray for the kids who will attend, that God would reach them where they are at and that we can effectively share the love of Jesus with them.

We thank God for each of you. "Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now." Philippians 1:3-5

If you would like to know how to partner with us financially please visit www.village-missions.org, or contact us directly.

Serving Him Together,

Pastor Butch & Jennifer, Grady, Spencer and Becca

July Update

July 2011

Greetings Family and friends

It is hard to believe that our summer is nearly half over. Time has been flying by for us here in Glenwood. 2011 has been a year of milestones for us with Grady graduating this past June, Becca moving up to high school, and Spencer getting ready to begin his Senior year. Grady will attend George Fox University in Newberg, OR this fall.

As the school year ended, we were preparing for Vacation Bible School. God brought 41 kids to VBS this year, about 80 % of those were from Glenwood! God is good. The week after Vacation Bible School we had a group from Lake Tapps Community Church near Tacoma, WA, come and do some work projects. They remodeled the bathrooms in the church and built a patio in our backyard. They also picked up garbage along the highway and did some work for some members of the community. Many of the youth who came were among the last of those whom we worked with while at Lake Tapps. It's great to see how God is working in their lives.

We get a short breather in July and plan to do some camping next week. Then it's full-on for camp which will be the first week of August. Every year we take several kids from Glenwood to Columbia River Bible Camp, held at Camp Morrow near Wamac, OR. It is our prayer that we would be able to invest in the lives of the kids who come and that God would draw them to Himself.

Praises & Prayers:

• Praise that the Lord allowed us the opportunity to purchase a more economical vehicle, allowing us to save a bundle on gas!
  


• Pray for our finances as we send Grady off to college. This will put a strain on our budget, however we are trusting in God's faithfulness as He continues to provide for us.
  


• Pray that God would move in the hearts of the kids we take to camp and that we would be able to continue to build relationships with them after camp.
  


• Pray for the 41 kids who came to VBS, that they would want to know more about Jesus and that we would be able to connect with them through the school year.
  


• Pray for our family, that we would find time for rest and togetherness in the midst of the busyness of ministry.
  


• Praise the Lord for bringing us to Glenwood. We are so blessed to be able to serve our great God in this beautiful place.
  

Serving Him together,

Pastor Butch & Jennifer Hallenbeck, Grady, Spencer, & Becca

December News

December 2010

Greetings Family and Friends

It's Christmas Eve so I decided I had better stop putting off writing the Christmas letter! This is our second Christmas in Glenwood. Hard to believe, time has flown by.

This past year has found us quite busy with life and ministry. The church in Glenwood continues to grow strong as people seek to deepen their relationship with the Lord. We are continually seeking ways to challenge people and help them to grow, not only through Bible study, but opportunities for fellowship as well.

This past spring Butch and I went back to school, taking classes through Summit Bible College online. Our goal through this is to be better equipped for the ministry God has called us to. It has been challenging at times, especially in the busier months.

The kids are all doing well. Grady has just been accepted to George Fox University and plans to attend next Fall. He is being challenged through Running Start and will graduate high school with his AA degree. Spencer has been helping out with the basketball team and loves working with young children. Becca played volleyball in the fall and is playing basketball now. She continues to enjoy band and has begun playing the Alto Sax this year. She continues to play her Oboe as well.

As we enter 2011, please pray for us in the following areas:

• Our finances – between car repairs and dental needs, we are finding our budget severely stretched!
  
• Our ministry – pray for unity in the church and for opportunities to share our faith with everyone we meet. Pray that people would have a strong desire to "know and grow" in the Lord.
  
• Our family – pray that we would keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and the purpose He has for us, and not get distracted by the little things.
  
• Praise the Lord for the work He is doing in Glenwood and pray that we would continue to have opportunities to build relationships with those in our community.
  

We thank God for each of you and the role you have in our ministry. We could not continue to serve the Lord full time without the many people who continue to pray for us and support us. We pray that each of you will be truly blessed this Christmas season.

Serving Him Together,

Pastor Butch and Jennifer Hallenbeck, Grady, Spencer and Becca

Opening Day!

Today was opening day of deer season and guess what...Grady got his first deer. Awesome. It's a nice sized 4 point. This will certainly get some meat in the freezer :) Way to go Grady!

Family Picture Time!

Last Friday we went out to take some family pictures. There is a great little park in Lyle, WA along the Klickitat River. I've posted them on our facebook page. Go here to see them.

Fall News from the Hallenbeck’s

October 2010

Greetings Family & Friends

Fall is definitely upon us. We have had freezing temperatures the last few nights then it warms up during the day into the 70's. It is time to clean out the flower beds for another season.

Life and ministry in Glenwood continue to move forward at an amazing pace! We continue to see growth in several individuals who have recently begun to seek in earnest a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. Coming up is our Fall Women's Retreat in Corbett, OR. We are currently taking 23 ladies. Please pray that the ladies will be blessed as they explore what God's Word has to say about friendship.

Other ministries that have begun again with the arrival of fall are Men's and Women's Bible Studies and Youth Group. The Bible Studies have been well attended. As is usually the case in small churches, there are few workers to do all that needs to be done. Please pray that God would raise up individuals to help lead youth group, teach Sunday school and Children's Church, and be involved in music, women's ministry and various other areas of ministry.

There are many work projects needing completion around the church. Perhaps you would like to serve the Lord by coming out to help complete some of these projects. The youth from Lake Tapps came out last summer and built us a storage shed, (which we have worked diligently to fill up!). They also did a fantastic job rebuilding the white picket fence around the Parsonage. Currently the Parsonage is being re-sided and will be painted soon.

On a personal note, we are continuing to take classes from Summit Bible College. The kids are doing well at school for the most part. Spencer and Becca are struggling a little bit in Math, both are in Algebra 2 (together), but with a little extra time on homework they are getting it. Grady is beginning the process of college applications. George Fox and Whitworth are his first 2 choices. He plans to go to Baja Bible School in Tijuana, Mexico after college.

Prayer requests:

• An economical vehicle: this is our most pressing need. We would like to purchase a Suzuki Sidekick. Cost will be about $3000. We also need tires for the Yukon before the snow arrives.
  
• Praise the Lord for those who have helped us out with Grady's dental work. He had to have a root canal done by a specialist and needs to have a cap put on. Pray that God would provide the rest of the finances for this.
  
• Pray for each of the kids and their schooling. Pray that Grady would finish strong and complete his AA through Running Start. Pray that Spencer would apply himself more to the difficult classes, mainly Algebra 2. And pray that Becca would not get discouraged when she has to work harder than she is used to, mainly Algebra 2.
  
• Pray that each of us would be a witness for Christ through our daily lives and the choices we make, especially our children.
  
• Pray for Village Missions. There are several fields awaiting leadership.
  

We thank God for each of you. We know that you are praying for us as we continue on this journey that God has set us on. Without you we could not continue to serve the Lord here in Glenwood. Lately our financial support has been a little low. If you would like to know how to support us financially, please contact us or Village Missions. www,village-missons.org. We are praying for you as well.

Serving Him Together,
Pastor Butch & Jennifer Hallenbeck, Grady, Spencer, & Becca

Yummy Goodness

Well, the women's ministry is sponsoring a Fall Bazaar to offset the cost of our Women's Retreat and we are selling Chili in bread bowls and Cinnamon Rolls. So today I decided I'd better get busy and start making those cinnamon rolls! 2 batches done, 4 more to go!

Trust in the Lord with all your heart...

lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

I am reminding myself of this often. It seems unexpected expenses keep piling up. We don't know how we will take care of these needs but we do know that God knows. He is in control and will provide all that we need and more.

So we are asking that you pray for us. The three most urgent needs are, Grady needs extensive work done on one of his teeth, we need a more economical vehicle, and wisdom and finances to get the Yukon running before winter.

Otherwise, life is moving right along at it's usual rapid pace! Guitar lessons started again today. I love teaching kids how to play! Butch and I start classes again in a couple of weeks. Becca's first Volleyball game of the season is in a couple of weeks as well and then we'll have two games a week for awhile.

In the midst of everything we are diligent in taking time out for ourselves. Mondays are our day so last Monday we headed up to get more Huckleberries. They were more ripe this time but still on the small side. We're going one more time on Monday to see if we can get some more. Butch got a bear last week. It was a young one. We've already enjoyed one roast and some burger from it. I've been carving out time to scrapbook and make some cards. My goal is to get Grady's life scrapbooked before he graduates. We'll see how far I actually get!

So that is the latest from the Hallenbeck's. (I was waiting for Becca to finish homework and figured a quick update was in order) :D

Until next time...

The End of Summer

The end of summer is upon us and today at least, it most definitely feels like fall. Overcast, rainy, not very warm...so I'm trying a new meal in my crockpot. Potatoes, zucchini, carrots, onion, green pepper, sausage, and some broth. We'll see how it tastes in a little while :)

School started last week. Part of me was excited, but part of me wanted my kids home just a little longer. It seems as though we finally hit a point in our summer where we weren't running in all directions, and then the kids have to return to school. On the flip side, they'll be out June 3, 2011!

The end of summer also brings Huckleberries! We went out last week to "our spot" but the berries weren't ripe enough yet. We are trying to wait patiently to go back out and pick some, but that is so hard! Perhaps next Monday.

I want to try and make some Huckleberry jam this year, but that will depend on how much we can pick. It takes a lot of Huckleberries to make jam! I have been rationing the last of last year's berries so we don't run out before we can get some more.

The end of summer also means the beginning of new ministries at church. I am excited for that. Bible study always seems fresh when we've had the summer off, youth group does too! We are starting a new Youth Bible Study on Sunday mornings during the Sunday School hour. Hopefully the kids will grow deeper in their relationship with Jesus Christ through our study. Women's Ministries are getting ready to kick it into high gear as well.

I am praying that this will be a fruitful year in Glenwood!

Busy Summer

It's hard to believe it's the end of July already!. We have had a busy summer so far.

Father's Day Weekend in Glenwood is Rodeo weekend! Complete with Cowboy Church and a Parade. The church sponsored a Concert and BBQ in the private park in town that was well attended. The week after the Rodeo we had VBS.

We do our VBS in the afternoon, which is awesome! The kids have summer school in the morning, then come to the church and we feed them lunch (whether they attended summer school or not) and then we have VBS.

This year's theme was High Seas Expedition. We were praying for 40 kids and God brought 48! 3 of those prayed to receive Christ, that we know of. We serve an awesome God.

The week of VBS we also had an awesome group of teens from Lake Tapps. A few helped with VBS, but the majority built us a storage shed (no more bikes in the wood shed and camping stuff in the garage) and they also rebuilt our fence, which was falling over because the posts were rotting out. They got the fence painted too! They pulled weeds around the church and did some painting over there as well.

The next week was spent getting caught up on sleep!!!!!!

Butch and Spencer went on a trip to the Redwoods with Gear Up, a program at school to get kids ready for college. 2 other students and 2 staff went also. Grady, Becca and I went on some adventures of our own and celebrated Grady's 17th birthday.

We had our church camp out at Bird Creek with a few other families from church. The weather was beautiful, sunny and warm! Much better than last year when it poured down rain and I couldn't wait to get home!

We've been getting ready for our youth camps that are next week. It looks like we're taking about 15 kids to Junior camp and 8 to Teen camp. (3 of those are attending both camps) Pretty good for our little town! Butch is the speaker for teen camp and I am working in the kitchen.

After that we may get a little rest before we get our Fall ministries going again.

Out Exploring

We enjoyed a fairly busy week last week, but not as busy as the week before! Baccalaeureate was Tuesday. We have 8 graduates this year and a packed church at the service. Most in attendance do not come to church. We are praying that the message Butch shared will draw them to the Father.

We didn't do much for Memorial Weekend. No big camping trip like we used to do or even a BBQ. It was just another ordinary weekend except with the kids to tag along with us on our Monday off. We went geocaching up at the Natural Bridges and Peterson Prairie. Just out of Trout Lake.

We found all 3 we were looking for this time. Sometimes we are not always so lucky! It is a fun hobby that gets us outdoors and into some places we might not otherwise find.

After we found the third one we went back down the road a ways to the Ice Caves. We only had 2 lights and it was pretty slick in a lot of places so we didn't go clear through. Next time, maybe. We might just take our lantern next time, we saw some other people do that. Head lamps would be nice, we need a couple more anyway!!!

Then instead of heading home we drove west until we got the to snow. Not far... the Yukon was making a funny noise so we had to investigate, discovered the front fender is cracked. WE then decided it has been this way for a long time but the big hole Butch hit must have broke a little piece off which now allows the fender to move more, thus the reason we are hearing more noise.

We headed down a road towards Willard, had never been that way before and decided to check it out. We came upon a place called South Prairie which is a meadow when it is dry, but right now it is most definately more like a lake! I guess in the spring the rain and snow pool up in the meadow, flowing through lava tubes. Then as the weather warms, the ice plug in the lava tube melts and it drains like a bath tub! Will have to venture back up that way once it warms up a bit more.

We decided to call it a day after that and headed for home.

We had an impromptu game last night because the TV blew up. Literally! It has been acting up for quite a while, with lines across the top. We figured out yesterday morning that we could wiggle the cable in the back and it seemed to work fine, for a brief time. Well, Butch had it working momentarily last night, Grady came out and was going to watch something on History channel and the TV just shut off. When we got close to it we could smell it. Bummer.

With no money for a new one, we hooked up our old projector to the Dish Net box so we can at least watch the news and movies but that is only temporary. It won't be a bad thing to be limited on TV watching this summer, but it is still a bummer. I wonder how long the projector bulb will last? We used it in the church for 2 years in Nevada and the for the first several months here. I don't think it will have much life left :)

Well, that is a glimpse into our lives this past week. I'll post pictures once we get them downloaded! Have a blessed week.

Jackpot June

Jackpot June means daily deals on my Close to My Heart web site!

You won't want to miss out on this one!Everyday will be new deals for you, while supplies last. Goodie boxes containing tons of product at a super discounted price. Plus, some days will feature secret jackpot items, when you order a jackpot item you will receive free product with your order. How cool is that!

So check everyday at 8 AM to see what the deal is for that day. Then don't wait to order because when they're gone, that's it!

Happy Scrappin'

It's Been Awhile!

OK, so I haven't done a very good job of keeping the blog up to date. Most of you have probably given up on me, thinking I'm done with blogging.

Well, I'm not. It just hasn't been big on the priority list. To be honest, I can't even say that it's because I haven't had the time because I have. I just haven't felt much like blogging :)

We all get like that sometimes right? So since my birthday (haha) we've done quite a bit.

Butch and I got to go to a STEPS Ministry conference for Pastors (and their wives) in April. that was real nice. We felt refreshed and excited for ministry when we came home. We were challenged in some areas while were there and that has really energized us to minister here in Glenwood.

We've also gone back to school. We are taking classes from a Bible college in California, online of course, that would be a long commute! Butch is working on his Bachelors and looking ahead to possibly his Masters and I am completing my Associates degree and Bachelors at the same time. We both felt that God was leading us to do this and know that it will help us in our ministry here.

The kids are looking forward to school ending. 2 weeks for Spencer and Becca and three for Grady. We are looking forward to summer and being able to do things together as a family on our days off.

We have been Geocaching quite a bit and really enjoy it. We have been to some areas we might have missed if it weren't for geocaching. The kids are looking forward to doing more of that with us this summer.

Here are a few things you can pray for us:

• We need a more economical vehicle. Pray that God would provide the finances to purchase one.
• Grady needs braces and Becca is ready for the next phase of her treatment so we need God to provide a way for that to happen as well.
• We are always thankful for the people God has given us to share the gospel and pray for opportunities to continue to share.
• We are also thankful for all of those who support us and pray for us. We thank God for you.

Have a blessed week.

New Year's Goals

So it's 2010. Today is my birthday, number 38. I guess my birthday being so close to New Year's has me reflecting a bit on the past year and the year to come.

A few years ago I decided that it was no good to make New Year's Resolutions because they are easily broken or forgotten. Within a few months we go right back to where we were and feel like a total failure. So I started setting goals at New Year's. With goals you generally set acheivable steps to reach your goal. Ultimately you will set a time line to reach your goal but mine tend to be a bit more open ended, life goals I guess.

As I reflect on the goals I set for myself last year, I can see areas where I definitely need to continue to focus on, and other areas that went very well. In general my goal is to please God. (2 Cor. 5:9) If I focus on pleasing Him then I will attain all my other goals because that one encompasses all.

So when I think about the many different roles in my life, mom, wife, mentor and friend, I know that if in each area I strive to please God, then I will do well at each one.

So how do I do that? I need to make sure that God consumes my thoughts (Phil 4:8). I need to spend time in prayer and Bible study, and also spend time with fellow believers (Acts 2:42). When I put Jesus first in my life then the way I live my life will be a reflection of Him. In doing this I will acheive the goal of pleasing God.

Of course I still want to focus on eating healthier, exercising more, taking more pictures , spending time with my family, and blogging more often, but these are second to my relationship with God.

So have you set goals for the new year? Why not sit down right now and make a plan to please God in 2010.

Close to My Heart Clearance Sale

Get all your holiday shopping done in one spot this year with our online clearance sale! Many items are 50% off, with some discounted as much as 80% off regular retail. The selection is incredible, too! Shopping begins Wednesday, December 2, at 9 a.m. and continues through Thursday, December 17 (11:59 p.m. MT) or while product supplies last! There is a deal on shipping, too! For orders of more than $100 US/ $150 CAN and non-continental US shipping is only $5 US/ $10 CAN and non-continental.

Check it out on MYCTMH web Site

Still here...

As I was sitting here, catching up with old friends on Facebook, I realized it's been a whole month since I posted anything here on our blog. That's way too long. So I'm going to rectify that right now.

I have no excuses, it isn't because nothing has been happening or that we have been too busy. I just haven't done it. Sorry!

So in the last month what have we done? Hmmm...

Butch has spent a lot of time in the woods. It has been hunting season for what seems like FOREVER! First it was bear and deer season. (Grady hunted with him) But the deer were very elusive, at least the ones he could shoot at! And of course the bear we saw was before bear season opened. Then it was Elk season, bear season was still open. (And Grady hunted again) The Elk were more elusive than the deer. Then there was a short reprieve (1 week) and it was Elk season again for Muzzleloading. (Spencer hunted this time) The Elk are not so elusive, today they even showed themselves. BUT...other hunters spooked the herd that Butch and Spencer were watching and they couldn't get a shot at one. (Sigh) They have one last chance Monday.

But that means I get to go grocery shopping alone. It's been a long, long, long time since that has happened. And I must say that I am looking forward to it:) I must get to making my list and make sure I get everyhting I need for the coming whirlwind of holiday baking. (Cookie Exchange Thursday)

We have had some snow but it is mostly gone now. The last 2 days have been absolutely beautiful. The temps were in the low 40's but if you were sitting inside where it is roasty toasty it was easy to convince yourself that it was in the 70's! Today the mountain finally showed itself and it is such a breathtaking sight with all that fresh snow. So breathtaking I didn't even take a picture. I guess you will have to come see it for yourself:)

Things are going very well with church. We have seen some new families coming recently and numbers have been up on Sunday morning and bible studies have had consistent attendance. We have been having Sweet Thursday once a month (which is just a fancy way to say let's get together for dessert) and are seeing new ladies come to that. We are excited about what God is getting ready to do in Glenwood and pray that our church family is ready!

I have been helping out with the band at school and loving it. I still need to dust off my clarinet and actually play it, but helping new students learn to play has been inspiring. I miss giving guitar lessons and hope to start up after the first of the year. Seeing a child's eyes light up when they have mastered a new song gets me fired up!

I'm looking forward to a busy December. This next week will find me making a quick trip to Bonney Lake to hold a Close to My Heart Workshop. I have missed holding workshops and hope that this will get my business going again. It'll be nice to get the creative juices flowing again. I realized recently that I have barely scrapbooked at all this entire year. I must change that!

Well, that is probably enough of my ramblings for one evening. Consider yourself updated on the exciting lives of the Hallenbeck family.

October News

October 2009

Greetings Family and Friends,

As we enter into fall we are reminded of the many blessings of God. We see in His word that He blessed those who were faithful. As we have followed God, He has blessed us as well. We have whole-heartedly followed Him as He has led us on this journey with Village Missions. When he first called us to follow Him late in 2001, when he sent us to serve Him in Round Mountain, NV in 2006; and now in Glenwood, WA. God is providing for us, taking care of us, and helping us reach people through relationships.

In September Butch had the privilege to baptize 4 people, one of them being Grady. We were able to hold this service at the pool of a man in the community who does not come to church. As we prepared for this service, we have come to realize there are many within the church who have not been baptized. We pray that they will come to understand the need to obey God in this simple act of obedience.

September also began new ministries. Jennifer gathered a team of women to begin developing Women’s Ministry. In October they held their first event, Sweet Thursday. Sweet Thursday is “women’s socials on a shoestring…tied to a generous God.” 13 ladies attended and enjoyed a sweet dessert and a short devotion by Jennifer with lots of fun and fellowship sprinkled in. Please pray that this ministry would grow and that women who don’t attend church would be reached.

Shortly after school started, Youth Group began. We average 6-10 kids every week. Please pray that we would reach our goal of 15 kids every week. Also pray for one more female leader. We are also beginning to have a presence at the school. Jennifer is helping out with band one day each week, we volunteer to go on field trips, help out with special days, and attend any special events the school has, from fundraiser dinners to sporting events. Pray that kids would get to know us, accept us, and trust us and that through them we would be able to get to know their parents.

There are many projects that need to be tackled on our church building. The men have recently been working on some roof repair over the breeze-way to help with the snow load. The back door needed to be replaced and a new porch built as well. Pray that the projects would get completed in a timely manner. If you feel led to bring a group to help out with any of our building projects, we would be glad to have you!

The men have also begun meeting for a monthly men’s breakfast at the local restaurant. They average 5-6 each time. Pray that this would build unity among the men of the church and that others would be reached through this time of fellowship.

Both men’s and women’s bible studies are in full swing. The men are just beginning a study in the book of James. The ladies are in the middle of a Kay Arthur study on the Names of God. Please pray for those leading the study and for more to get involved in Bible Study.

As we move along towards 2010 we are praying for God’s direction in ministry for our little church. There is a strong desire to reach the community. We are developing a plan of action to equip the church body to share their faith and reach out beyond the 4 walls of the church. We are striving to be people focused, not program based. Please pray that God would give us creative ways to reach the people here in Glenwood and that the walls would be broken down between church and community.

On a personal note, we are doing well. Our kids have blossomed since we have moved here, especially Becca. She is always willing to try new things. She just finished Volleyball, which to some extent has filled the void left by not being able to continue with swimming. All 3 kids have been accepted at school which is no easy feat in a small town. Our biggest struggle has been the lack of challenging classes and electives for them to participate in. We have recently discovered the Internet Academy which will allow for some electives, plus Grady is taking Running Start, college classes for dual credit. He should graduate High School with his AA degree.

There is much to be explored here and our days off will often find us out in the woods, discovering trails and looking for wildlife and places to photograph. The fall colors are absolutely spectacular right now and there is no shortage of photo opportunities. We are in the midst of hunting season and Butch and the boys have been spending as much time chasing deer as they can. Soon it will be Elk season and we have been told our little town becomes quite populated with hunters during Elk season. We are looking forward to opportunities to minister to the hunters.

As you pray for us please remember:
· Praise the Lord for the opportunities He has given us thus far to be involved at school, to help out those in need in the community, and building relationships.
· Leadership Development –
· VBS 2010 – last year we reached 32 kids during VBS. We are praying for 35 this next year, which is nearly all of the 4 year old – 5th grade population here in Glenwood. We may need help from an outside group to reach this many so pray that God would provide for that need.
· Grady needs braces and Becca is nearing time for phase 2 of her ortho treatment. We do not have enough in our current budget to cover these expenses.
· We are also in need of a more economical vehicle. Ideally it would be 4-wheel-drive and have some ground clearance. We have been told we get “feet” of snow, not just “inches”.
· We both desire to get some more schooling. Butch has found an online Bible College out of California that with his enrollment, Jennifer could attend for free, however, finances just won’t allow for that expense right now. We are patiently waiting for the Lord to provide.
· Pray that God would continue to open doors for us to build relationships in the community and give us opportunities to witness.

We thank God for each of you. Knowing you are praying for us and support us in this ministry is an encouragement to us. We could not serve the Lord in this place without your partnership. Though there are times we may feel discouraged, we are reminded that God is El-Shaddai, God Almighty, All Sufficient One. He is everything we need, our Provider, our Comforter, our Lord. Through each difficulty, he makes us stronger. We need only to keep our eyes fixed on Him.

Serving Him Together,
Pastor Butch and Jennifer Hallenbeck
Grady, Spencer and Becca