Broadway Comes to Castro Valley

For over forty years, a special Broadway style production has been produced every December at the Neighborhood Church in Castro Valley. Many people don't know how magnificent this show really is. Complete with a full sized stage, costumes, make-up, a complete orchestra, live animals and even dry ice, you and your family are in for a marvelous Holiday treat. Between the cast and the orchestra, about one hundred and fifty people are involved. The backstage crew directed by Pat Brandon is top of the line. The sets are beautiful and the lighting design is always breathtaking. Musical conductor Kevin Ledbetter, begins preparing the music in September. Artistic Faith Blevens spends countless hours casting and directing the show along with teaching all the numerous dance numbers. This year, the types of dancing will include waltz, swing, Rennaissance, celtic and jazz. Many people who have never seen this production come away amazed it is so glorious and professional. It is the desire of everyone involved to give a gift to the community representing the true Biblical meaning of Christmas. Pastor Larry Vold gives a wrap-up sermon at the end which is guarenteed to inspire you. This year's schedule will include back-to-back double performances on Sat and Sun Dec 18 and 10 at 2:30pm and 7:30pm. The other shows will be Dec 22, 23 at 7:30 and a special Christmas Eve production at 9pm. Free tickets are required for this event and can be obtained by calling the church office at 537-4690 or online at www.3crosses.org.

My Favorite Thanksgiving Memory

My favorite Thanksgiving memory is of an outing our family had with my nephew before he passed away. He was about eighteen and my children were a bit younger. The seven of us piled into two cars and went to a Thanksgiving Dinner held at our church. While in the building, someone came over to our car, broke the window and took my purse out of the back seat! I never leave my purse in the car, but this time I just happened to do that. We had to call the police and waited quite a long time. In the meantime, my nephew and my oldest son left in his car and returned a while later with seven bowls of ice cream!! I thought is was so funny! I asked him why he didn't just bring something easy like ice cream sandwiches. He said he knew we were experiencing a difficult time and he wanted to cheer us up!! It was his unique way of showing us he loved us. We all laughed and joked, but most of all, we shared a special Holiday memory. About two years later, Elijah passed away and he is no longer at our Holiday gatherings, but his love for us and his spirit remain.

I Can See

I work at a Recreation Center with four blind students. I am really enjoying getting to know them. They are teaching me so much. The folks accept you as you are, no questions asked. I love that I don't have to worry if my hair or clothing are a little out of style. I appreciate how they struggle to make it through each day and just like me, they have their frustrations. I see so much beauty that God has placed into their hearts.

Little Ones Praise Him

One day I stopped into Children's Church to watch my son play the drums. A little girl I know was raising her hands and singing praises to the Lord. I stood in awe and watched, mesmerized with the innocent display of humble worship. I gasped. I could barely breathe as I realized this was the first time I had ever seen this child worship the Lord! At the end of the song, I greeted her and my heart smiled. It was one of those special moments when I realized her faith had been caught by her parents and grandparents. It was real. It was special. It was a moments to be remembered. His Angels watch over His children.

Lord show your mercy

There are times when we can not figure out why something has happened or why someone has been placed in a difficult situation. I was parking downtown today, ready to get out of the car, when I looked up and saw a lady with a deformed face walk right passed me. I immediately burst into tears and tried not to ask the question, "Why?" I looked at her for a moment and prayed, "Oh Lord, have mercy on this lady." I wondered what her life must be like. I prayed for her and tried to focus on God's Amazing greatness and power. He can do anything in that precious woman's life. He can transform her and her family and bring beauty out of ashes. Still, something in my heart was breaking for her loss. I just know that He can make all things new for her and that is what I am praying for. All our hope is in Him a lone.