February JAM Kids - Journey to MEXICO

As we "Journey With Jesus" to different parts of the world this year, we are learning about the people and culture of other countries. In February, the JAM Kids were in Mexico. Our scripture focus for the evening was from Romans 12:10. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.

Sloane and Emily make "paper people" when they arrive.

Allison helps Zachary read from "Pyramids and Pig Tails."

Millie shared some Mexican children's stories with Nathan and Madeline.

Erica greeted the children in Spanish and helped them to learn some Spanish words.

Mary learned that her Spanish name would be "Maria."

Erica spent a month in Mexico and showed us some of the things that she brought back to Iowa with her. The beautiful cloths were made by her "host mother" and are used to keep the tortillas warm.

When we went downstairs for supper, guess what we had? Tacos!

Good things were wrapped up in the tortillas.

Grant enjoys his dinner.

Emily takes a bite.

It was Allison's 10th birthday, and we sang "Feliz Cumpleanos" to her.

Gym Time! We had some great running games.

Now which way should Molly run?

What a good group!
After playing in the gym, we all made Valentines before campfire.

Singing with Lisa is a great way to end the evening! Lots of parents enjoy singing, too.

JAM Kids travel to China in January

January 14, 2009. There was no school today because of a blizzard,
but by evening, the roads were clear
and the JAM Kids gathered at the church for a trip to China.
Cold temperatures outside
didn't take away from the fun that we had inside!

Our "paper people" were dressed in traditional Chinese costumes. We made paper lanterns and bookmarks. Each person got a dragon to take home to do with their parents.

The group heard stories from a book
that was written in Chinese and in English.

Susan showed us how to hold chopsticks
so we could eat Chinese food for dinner.

Jack did a good job, and so did Lily!

We love to play games in the gym.

Our evening ends with songs around the campfire. Here we are all being elephants.

"One elephant went out to play, on a spider's web one day.
He had such enormous fun that he called for another elephant to come."

It was another wonderful evening at JAM Kids!

December 14, The Third Sunday of Advent - Peace

Welcome to Community of Christ in Coralville, Iowa.

We had a busy Sunday on Dec. 14!
The following photos will give a glimpse of what happened that day.

We started with our "Christmas Cafe" and a wonderful chance to visit.


The 10:30 worship service was focused on scripture, song, and visual images
of the first Christmas.

After the service, Gabe looked at the Nativity Scene.

Carolyn, Shelby and Jenna rehearse for "What Child Is This?"

Jack greeted people at the door and handed out programs.

Before the worship service, we had a great breakfast!

Irene visits with friends during breakfast.

The tables were festive and there was so much good food!

After church, we prepared the bags for the city's annual luminaria event.

The morning weather was mild and sunny. By the time we had finished putting sand into white paper sacks for the evening "Aisle of Lights," a cold front had moved through, and rain was beginning. And by 5 p.m., the time we were supposed to meet at Coralville City Hall to provide music, the streets were covered with ice, and wind prevented many of the candles around the city from shining brightly in the night.

Sleet and freezing temperatures did not keep everyone away from City Hall, where the Community of Christ and friends provided music for the evening.
After the carols, Ivan (7 weeks old) got to meet Charlie (7 months.)

Kim, Martin, Charlie and Lydia led the group in
"Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer."
Coralville City Hall.

Scenes from the drama

Singing crazy songs at campfire at the end of the evening.
"Choo choo cha cha, choo choo cha cha."

Allison and Jack as Mary and Joseph

Lily and Rachel were the readers.

Nathan was the youngest shepherd.

Mary, Molly, Grant and Emily were very angelic.

Ryan, Sam and Gavin were kings.

The angel Gabriel appeared to Mary.

Grace was a very good shepherd.

Emily carried the star that led people to the stable.

JAM Kids December Drama Troupe

The JAM Kids journeyed to Bethlehem
on December 10th.

They did a great job portraying the first Christmas.

Here is a photo of the cast. Check back at a later date to see more photos.

Working Together in December

On Saturday afternoon, December 6th, we gathered at the church to decorate the Fireside Room, entry, foyer, and sanctuary for the Christmas season. First, the cross was carried to a store room and all of the big bins of Christmas decorations were brought in from the garage.



Judy and Jennifer had fun in the
Fireside Room, trying to find a spot for everything.

Ivan supervised the upstairs workers when he wasn't sleeping.

Ron must have sneaked away before we got together for a group photo.

The poinsettias are beautiful and our newest upstairs Christmas tree has 1300 lights! Just ask Lee how much fun it was to find all of the plugs.

It was evident that this is dirty work, so Lisa got out the vacuum just as Sam arrived to do the weekend cleaning. Obviously, it "takes a village" to create such a wonderful space.