From The Director, Kathy Irvin:

May 2008

I began the year sharing with teachers and parents the story of the village in England and their beloved but war-damaged statue of Jesus. Unable to reproduce the shattered hands, the village had engraved the words, "He has no hands but ours" on the base of the statue. My hope for this school year was to recognize the power of these six words and their meaning for our community.

And now it is May. As I look back over the eight months we have shared together, I am profoundly grateful for all the ways you have fulfilled this hope. You have all been his hands; have been Jesus in our time. The cookies and the salads and the chicken have filled tummies. The notes and the calls and the hugs have filled empty places. The laughter and "hellos", the tears and the prayers have carried others through their days. The visible offerings and the quiet sharings have been gifts beyond measure. Where we have fallen down, others have stepped up to offer comfort. Is this not the definition of community? Not perfect, certainly fragile, but striving to be what we are called to be. Not ego but other in the name of Another who calls us to reach out. Thank you, thank you for your time, energy and contributions to the A Joyful Noise community.

News from Our Kenilworth Neighbors.

The Nash family lives in the house just east of the church. Denise Nash recently informed me of several issues that may concern our families. First, they are in the process of moving their invisible electronic dog fence back from the sidewalk. When all is complete and the dogs are retrained, the dogs will be able to sit on the front steps and play in the back yard. But, the dogs are protective of their home and may bite. Children should avoid running into their front yard to greet the dogs. Second, during the beginning of May, the Nash's driveway will be torn out and rebuilt. This could take two weeks and will impact our drop-off as trucks come and go from their driveway. Third, please watch your children as they run from you in front of their driveway. The Nash's have a "new" teenage driver in their home. And, unfortunately, people are still using their driveway to turn around in a very dangerous intersection. DO NOT TURN AROUND IN THE DRIVEWAY. And as always, please watch your children! Thanks for helping us to be good neighbors.