Our church is growing and expanding! Sunday school classes are full. Sunday first and second services are full almost all the time. We seem to be running out of space for every need.

We realize there is a need to expand but before we do that we need to retire our current debt. Our goal is that by Thanksgiving 1998, we as a church would raise $150,000. The $100,000 would retire all current debt. The $50,000 would allow us to pave the existing road (22nd Street) and build a second road on the north end of the church’s property.

Prayerfully consider what you can contribute to the Expansion Goal. Please designate on your contribution “Expansion Goal”. Together we can reach this goal!

Deacon Todd Johnson gave us his favorite verse and the story behind it.

"Phillipians 4:6-7. My dad shared it with me in 8th grade when I left my French horn in the wrestling locker room after wrestling practices one evening. I had band tryouts the next day and I didn't have my horn. My dad shared the Living translation and told me not to worry, pray about it and thank God (in advance) for his answer.

So my dad went early with me to school the next morning to try and find someone with a key to the locker room. We found out that only two people in the school had a key - the janitor and the principal. As I recall, the janitor was out sick and my dad just happened to know the principal and just happened to run into him that morning. He opened the locker room and I found my French horn.

Ever since, I've always taken that verse to heart - making sure that I thank Him for his provisions."

If you want to share your favorite verse and why it is special to you, contact the church office. We’d like to hear it!

AWANA Club is gearing up for the Spring semester with several activities being planned.

Currently, the Clubbers are working toward competing in the AWANA Bible Quiz to be held in Tulsa on February 21. This is an event in which Countryside’s AWANA Clubbers will compete with other churches in the area in Bible drills and competitions. Last year, the Pioneers and Pals came home with third place ribbons and Spencer Hellman and Joseph Hanson earned the “Grand Champion Quizzer” award for their respective groups for having perfect scores.

We are also considering participating in the Spark-A-Rama and AWANA Olympics to be held in March either in Tulsa or Oklahoma City. This is a time for the Sparks and Clubbers to compete with other area churches playing the AWANA games.

The AWANA Club at Countryside continues to expand. Currently, there are approximately 90 children involved in the program. The ages range from three years old through sixth grade. In order to keep the program running smoothly for this many children, many adults are needed. Jobs include being Leaders, Directors, Listeners, Game Directors, Refreshment Coordinators, Song Leader, Secretaries and others. Currently, there are about 35 adults faithfully working with the children.

AWANA meets on Sunday nights from 5:45 - 7:15 pm during the school year. Any child interested in becoming involved is invited to join at any time.

The youth ministry experienced significant growth in 1997. Much of this growth was due to students reaching out to their friends. It has been exciting to see how God is using our youth ministry in the lives of people. We are hoping and praying that this momentum will carry on into 1998.

We have two key dates coming up for 1998. The first is “Youth Christians Weekend” at Silver Dollar City. The dates are April 3rd through 5th. This is an annual event for Junior High and High School. Also, Frontline Ministries Summer Camp in Wichita Falls, TX will be the first week in June. Last year was our first time at this camp. We are looking forward to returning. Registration deadline is February 8th ($15.00 deposit needed).