FAITH
in the eye www.christianvoicemonthly.com www.christianvoicemonthly.com of the storm BBrraannddoonn •• VaVallrriiccoo •• LLiitthhiiaa •• SSeeffffnneerr •• RRiivveerrvviieeww •• PPllaanntt CCiittyy •• AAppoolllloo BBeeaacchh Volume 21, Issue 9
A Inc. Observer Inc. Osprey Observer from Osprey Publication from Free Publication A Free
September 2017
LifeCare Network Annual Fundraising Gala Helps Keep Community Services Available By Amanda Boston
Inside:
Fundraiser For Bikes & Bibles Page 3
“In Hillsborough County alone, approximately 7,000 babies are being aborted each year. And 43% of women have had at least one abortion. We stand firm on the truth from God’s Word that life is created in His image and every life matters,” said Kristen Mosley, the Executive Director of the LifeCare Network in Brandon. The LifeCare Network exists to lead those they From left to right, Kristen Mosley, curserve to know Christ, protect rent Executive Director, Karen Brooks, the sanctity of human life and former Executive Director and Jessica Rickenbach, Development Director promote biblically based sexwomen to choose life for uality according to God’s plan empower themselves and their babies. for marriage. The nonprofit down as the Executive ministry provides about 60 pregnancy Director, but she contintests per month and educates families ues to bless and assist facing an unplanned pregnancy. the organization as a Women are rendered services and Life Coach. As LifeCare support throughout their pregnancy turns 30, it likewise with continued assistance for a year rejoices in the thouafter the birth. LifeCare also assists sands of lives that have women who have had past abortions been transformed through its life-givand are trying to heal from emotional ing ministry. wounds. All services are free and On Thursday, October 19, confidential. LifeCare will celebrate its years of In 1987, the LifeCare Network ministry and express gratitude to its was born through the labors of generous donors and volunteers durCookie Gray. Gray remained the ing its annual Fundraising Dinner Executive Director until 2011 before Gala. The evening will also pay tribute abdicating her position to Karen to Gray and Brooks for their excepBrooks. Last year, Brooks stepped tional leadership and devotion. Other
festivities will include personal testimonies from women who have benefited from LifeCare’s services and special guest speaker Scott Klusendorf, the founder of the Life Training Institute and author of The Case for Life and Stand for Life. “The Lord has provided for His ministry for the past 30 years, and we are trusting him to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine at this year's Gala," said Jessica Rickenbach, the Development Director of LifeCare Network in Brandon. The event is by invitation only and is at no cost. However, at the end of the evening, there will be an appeal for a financial gift. Rickenbach said, “We hope you will consider praying about attending or hosting a table of friends who have the capacity to give to change lives in our community.” The Gala will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Hilton Tampa Downtown, which is located at 211 N. Tampa St. in Tampa. For more information or to host a table, visit www.LifeCareNetwork.net or contact Jessica Rickenbach at Jessica@LifeCareNetwork.net or 6540491.
Nativity Catholic School Kicks Off Its New School Year By Introducing New Principal Mary Myers Disney On Ice Page 4
Homeschool Connection Pages 10-11
Columns: GraceNotes
Page 4
Hooked On Books
Page 12
Newswire
Page 15
Faith & Footprints
Page 16
Nativity Catholic School in Brandon was established through the efforts of four Sisters from the Most Holy Trinity. With humble beginnings in 1961, the school’s first year consisted of 95 students in grades one through six and employed portable buildings for its classrooms. Today, the highly esteemed school has long outgrown its temporary structures as it serves about 650 students in grades pre-kindergarten through grade eight. This year, Nativity Catholic School welcomes Mary Myers as its new principal. Myers said, “As my dream was always to live in Florida, I found my dream job at Nativity Catholic School where I plan to be for the remainder of my career.” Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, Myers began her teaching career in the Catholic school system. However, after four years, Myers had a calling to work with underprivileged students and families in the Cleveland Municipal School District. She remained in that school district as an elementary teacher and principal for more than 20 years before retiring her 30-year teaching career in a suburb of Cleveland. However, Myers was not settled in her retirement. "After I retired, I wanted to move to an area where there was sun-
By Amanda Boston
dents benefit from a full education—one that enriches both the mind and the soul. This adds a layer of spiritual growth to our students in allowing them to pray and learn the gospel teachings while encouraging each student to accept the challenges God has set forth to be a better person in tomorrow’s world,” she explained. Along with her enthusiasm for warmer weather, Myers brings 36 years of experience as a teacher and principal to the Sunshine shine, warmth State. Myers is complimentary and beachof Nativity’s competent staff es. I felt comand the school’s well-known pelled to academic achievements. She return to my work in the also looks forward to forming a Catholic schools, which is partnership with the parents where I began my education and parish community. career 30 years previous,” said Myers said, “Our annual Myers. Novemberfest is just around From 2012 to 2017, Myers the corner, and plans are Mary Myers joins was the principal at St. Mark already in the works to make Nativity Catholic School Catholic School in Wilmington, this another hugely successful as its new principal. North Carolina. Without a hitch, event through the collaboraMyers has transitioned back into the tion of our entire school and parish comCatholic education system. “I love that in munity.” the Catholic schools you can reach out For information, visit nativitycatholicand relate to the students and families not school.org or call 689-3395. The school is only on an academic and social level, but located at 705 E. Brandon Blvd. in also on a spiritual level as well. Our stuBrandon.