The Newest Gummerman Grand-Baby

The Gummermans

Congratulations to Gary & Lisa Gummerman on their newest edition, Ella Elisabeth! For those who may not know, Gary is Gail's brother.

Ella was born at 11:50pm on 3/2/06. She weighed 6 pounds 7 oz. Though I have a hospital picture of the three together, I will spare Lisa from the widespread fame that may incur as a result of being featured on my internationally infamous blog. While not off the hook completely, I have included a few shots from our recent visit to Mankato, MN. We love you, Gary, Lisa, Ella, and, lest we forget, Wrigley (The Dog)!!

Ella Elisabeth GummermanGrandpa & Ella

Grandma and Ella

Gary's Baby, Wrigley!

2006 Fine Arts Festival

Whole In One is in full swing with the Illinois District Fine Arts Festival. Fine Arts will be hosted by Maranatha Assembly of God in Decatur, IL on April 28-29. Over a thousand people converge to see young people from all over Illinois share their gifts and talents. Through a process of evaluation by our judges, students hone and use their gifts for the Lord. From Drama to short stories to art to music, they use their talents with the hopes of representing the Illinois District at the National Fine Arts Festival in August in Orlando, FL. Gail and I will again be judges this year at the national festival. For more information on Fine Arts, check out their website at www.faf.ag.org

Judges to gather, preparations to be made, registrations to process, schedules to be tweaked-----Gotta RUN!!

Beware the Ides of March!

You know, it's really hard to believe that it is March already. Grandma has always said, 'Time flies whether you're having fun or not!' I am more convinced today, that perhaps this is a voice of experience versus the philosophic musings of an aging woman who always has something to say. (LOL, Grandma!!)

I suppose this is a reckoning with the fact that I am getting older. While still in my twenties for another 11 months (AND 8 days), it seems that the years begin to fly by in a blur of moments only refocused by the indelible milestones of a two year old named Anthony. Our son, Anthony, allows us to place markers along this hastily traveled road of life.

Anthony continues to grow in wisdom and stature. With an inquisitive mind, he is gathering quite the vocabulary and an acute sense of humor! These moments of humor and creativity bring great joy to our hearts. We are beginning to shop for his first 'real' violin as he has shown great improvement with his cardboard starter violin. He started 'fiddling' around at 18 months old. It is amazing to see the capacy to learn that exists in the mind of a toddler.

Anthony will soon be joined by our little girl, due May 24th. We humbly stand in awe of the responsibility that God has entrusted to us as parents. We are immeasurably grateful for our extended team--our families--who have been loving and supportive.

It is true. Whole In One is now back to 4 members: Joel, Gail, Anthony, and ____________ VanBriggle. Wouldn't you like know!?!?!?

L to R: (Cousins) Lily & Raina, Anthony & Kayla

GO STEELERS!!

This Just In: Yankees Sing Southern Gospel

No, Not the New York Yankees! Whole In One~Joel & Gail ~ these northerners designed a service for the great folks at Hartford Assembly of God in Hartford, IL. Pastor Ed Eaton invited us to come and share in ministry on March 12. Having pastored just 10 miles up the road, I knew what would really put a smile on the faces of those attending our service. With a full line-up of southern gospel numbers and a handful of hymns, we helped remind everyone of the blessed hope we have in Christ. Life on this earth is a vapor, and those who have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ have the hope of Heaven! While we always enjoy interjecting humor into our services, we were wondering if our 'heaven-focused' service would have the last laugh as our region was blitzed with dozens of tornadoes. Thankfully, Hartford was spared from any devastating weather. This was not the only miracle that occurred...a young lady gave heart to the Lord! Thank you, Lord for your matchless, amazing grace!

Pastor Eaton & Joel (Sorry for the blur!)
Pastor Rob ~ Youth & Worship Pastor (Fellow CBC Alumni!)

Candid Camera at the Whole In One Promo Table Thanks, Ladies!!!