My Story By Connie Wilson I was not raised in a Christian home. There was not much that was positive about my growing up years. I met my husband Jeff in 1982 just before I left for the military. I served in the Army for 2 years and when I left the service in 1984 Jeff came back into my life. We were married 6 months later. He came from a Christian background and he brought Christianity into our home. We had a daughter and a son, and began attending LAKE TAPPS Christian Church in 1992. We began attending church because I wanted my kids to have what I didn’t have growing up. I missed so much not having a background in the church and not knowing God. It’s a healthy environment for kids. Today’s times are so dark and discouraging that it’s good to surround them with a positive influence, and a foundation of knowing God’s love. Jeff baptized me, and both of our kids, Heather and Nathaniel, at LAKE TAPPS. Our church home became our family. The church was a vital part of who we are – they were there for us through good times and bad. I began teaching 3 year olds at LAKE TAPPS Christian Preschool in 1999. Teaching is my passion and I love being a part of watching children learn. In 2001, Nancy Whitehair retired and I became the director. When I became director there were 40 students and 4 teachers. Now we have grown to 120 students and 8 teachers. Seven years ago we added a Kindergarten program. God has certainly brought us a long way! STAY IN TOUCH @ LAKE TAPPS Sunday service: 10:30 am Pastor: Steve Wilhite [email protected] (253) 230-5717 Office Laurie Tormamen Administrator: offi[email protected] (253) 863-8787 Director of Stephanie French Student Ministries: [email protected] (253) 376-4900 Faith TREK Lynne Tifft Directors: (360) 893-0275 [email protected] Janie Ingroum (253) 863-0082 [email protected] Office Hours: Tuesday-Friday 9:30 - 3:00 PM Mailing Address: P.O. Box 8252 Bonney Lake, WA 98391 Location: 7605 Myers Road E. Bonney Lake, WA 98391 Website: www.ltcc.org Volume 3 | No. 1 November 2010 SERVICE REPORT NEW TO LTCC Welcome to LAKE TAPPS. It is good to have you with us. Our mission is to HONOR GOD, FOLLOW CHRIST AND SERVE PEOPLE. We sing to God and read from His book because He’s good. We show commitment to Jesus through communion because He saved us from sin. And we do it all in a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. Money: Members of LAKE TAPPS have committed to financial giving. As our guest, we do not expect you to give your money, instead we have a response card you may fill-out and place in the offering tray; jot down a prayer request, sign up for an event, it helps us serve you better. Communion: All Christians are invited to remember the death and to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Please come forward, take the bread and dip it into the goblet of juice. You have freedom to come alone, with your spouse, friend, even invite your kids to get a closer look. It is a time to repent, confess and pray to Jesus. Children: Our preschool class is located directly across from the nursery. Kindergarten through 5th grade children attend Faith TREK classes upstairs. Drop your children off in their classroom before entering the service. They’ll play, sing, and learn in a Christ-centered environment. Because family is important to us, children in K-5th grade will join you for worship at the end of service. WELCOME TO LAKE TAPPS a message from Pastor Steve It’s clear by reading God’s Word that God wants His people to be connected to a church family. The word for church is used over seventy times in the New Testament but only four times does it refer to the universal church—in every other instance it’s describing followers committed to a specific church family. Being committed to a church family is important to God. Today you have a wide variety of churches to choose from in Bonney Lake. Chances are if you’re reading this article, you’ve committed to Lake Tapps as your church family, but thanks to a growing Preschool and Kindergarten you may also be visiting today because you’re celebrating the life of your child. This month we’re featuring Preschool and Kindergarten Sunday, where three classes will participate in our Sunday Service. I’m thrilled to have family & friends here that may not have a church home, but I’m even more pleased that half of these students are committed to another church. I love Lake Tapps, I love it a lot. But God’s Kingdom is bigger and greater than this church; it includes all followers of Jesus. We don’t have a monopoly on God. It’s not a competition; it’s not about cross town rivals. This isn’t McDonalds vs. BK, or Lowes vs. Home Depot, or UPS vs. Fed Ex; this is the body of Christ. We’re on the same team, we work together, and we support one another. If you’ve got a church home, thanks for sharing your time with us this morning. We pray for you and with you. May your church prosper, may you be blessed by God, and may your influence spread as Jesus is lifted up. If you don’t have a church home, I encourage you to continue to check us out and see if Lake Tapps might be the church for you. My family has broken the cycle negative upbringing and started a new environment founded on the love Christ. Community Groups Sundays: The Hradil Group Mondays: The Mock Group Tuesdays: The Hopkins Group Tuesdays: The Tifft Group Wednesdays: Student Community Groups (6-12 th grade) Fridays: The Wilhite Group If you are interested in joining an existing group, or forming a new group, please contact the church office at [email protected] or (253) 863-8787. Adult Sunday School Sundays 9:00 am | upstairs at LAKE TAPPS All adults are welcome to attend as we study the Bible each week. Childcare is available for children through 5th grade during this hour. SUNDAY NIGHTS (FOR 6-12 GRADE) Sundays 7:30-9:00 PM | LAKE TAPPS Each Sunday students will encounter God through acoustic worship, imaginative listening, reflective journaling, individualized response and prayer. Ladies’ Bunco Friday, November 5 6:00-9:00 pm | LAKE TAPPS All ladies are invited – it’s an easy game to learn! Please bring a snack to share. The cost is $5 for prizes. Contact Laurie at [email protected] to sign up. Men’s Retreat: Guarding and Protecting Your Home November 12-13 Buck Creek in Greenwater Every warrior needs a battle plan – come learn more at our Men’s retreat. See Event Highlight below for more information. Girls Only Overnighter Friday, November 12 7:30 pm | LAKE TAPPS Let’s get ready for some girl time! Girls in 6-12th grade should plan to be at the church for lots of fun activities! For information, contact Stephanie at [email protected] or (253) 376-4900. Merge Class (Membership class) Sunday, November 21 12:00 PM | LAKE TAPPS MERGE class is your next step to aligning yourself with God and LAKE T APPS. If you’re interested in becoming a member at Lake Tapps, or just want to find out what we’re about, sign up for MERGE. Lunch and childcare are provided. Contact Laurie at [email protected] November at Lake Tapps Men’s Retreat The first recorded attack of Satan was upon the family, and he is still attacking families today. Though his ultimate defeat is assured, and his power over the Christian is limited, he can still influence followers of Jesus toward sin. Men are responsible for protecting their families. Every warrior needs a battle plan – come learn more at our Men’s Retreat. Friday and Saturday, November 12-13 5:00 pm Friday through 4:00 pm Saturday Buck Creek Camp: 67404 State Route 410 East, Greenwater, WA 98022 Cost: $65 and includes all meals and lodging (scholarships may be available) No need to bring a sleeping bag. To register, email Laurie at offi[email protected] or sign up on your response card. LAKE TAPPS CHRISTIAN CHURCH Story continued inside Event Highlight