Thankful & Thriving!

Happy Tuesday everyone! I hope you had a great holiday weekend and you are refreshed for the week! I am starting my week with coffee and a favorite scripture in Psalms 145:1-2.

I will exalt you, my God and King, and praise your name forever and ever.

I will praise you every day; yes, I will praise you forever.

Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise!

No one can measure His greatness.

I find great strength in giving God praise, and being thankful! It effects my attitude, and mood for the day. Try it! It’s contagious!

Last Saturday, I was asked to speak at an event for an organization called “Ten Million for Christ”.  It was a ladies luncheon in a beautiful outdoor setting. Their passion is to share the love of Jesus, and see people come to full salvation! Ornate, our pre-professional team at Cavod, set the stage by leading us into the presence of Jesus by dancing to the songs, Hallelujah, 1,000 Names, and Miracles.  There is nothing like the peace and presence of Jesus! The theme was “Fragrant Faith”.  Women were touched and inspired as the gospel was shared, and we were empowered to share the Good News of Jesus!!! I am so thankful for this opportunity.

Fast forward to this weekend…We had a huge Labor Day weekend with family. There are 14 brothers & sisters in my hubby’s family.  3 are deceased, and 8 were there. Below is a picture of the siblings, Dave is the 3^rd, left to right.

Of course, we had to get a picture with the spouses as well!

This is a tradition that started 25 years ago.  There are  115 + in  attendance each day, and that is not everyone! We had corn hole & quoit  tournaments, a water slide, bounce house, cotton candy, a root beer keg, Fox Meadows ice cream on Sunday, and Lickity Split ice cream truck on Monday, with lots of great food and fellowship! It is like a mini festival!! The Dienners are very competitive which makes it so much fun, with trophies for the winners and all! LOL! It is so great to see the next generation, making this an important family event!

We have been thriving at Cavod as our classes started for the new school year on August 22nd! The first day of classes, a beautiful double rainbow was arched over Cavod.  Simply amazing!

We have reached a new record of 866 enrollments and climbing! So much joy & happiness around here as the Cavod Family is back together after a busy summer. We are excited to welcome new families and many new faces.  We have added a few new teachers to this amazing staff, to offer over 100 classes, just in New Holland, and 18 classes weekly in Manheim!  The love and acceptance that is felt in this place is magnetic. The café is serving lots of smoothies, snacks and sandwiches, as families hang out in this God-centered environment! The Lord is so good!

This year there is more opportunity than ever, to support students and families that are underprivileged.  About 3 years ago, I started a program, called “Adopt a Student”, where folks can choose a student they are drawn to, and sponsor them financially. The students and families are so grateful, send thank you notes and give updates on their progress to their sponsor. It has been extremely effective. This year, we have 42 students who are waiting to be “adopted”. Would you consider helping out in this way? Please email me at connie@cavod.org for more information, and students with their stories that need sponsored. THANK YOU! THANK YOU, in advance!!

At Cavod Theatre, our stellar cast of  “A Tale of Two Cities”  is in rehearsals on the weekends. This show will open with our FIRST EVER DINNER THEATRE, on Friday, October 14^th!  I will have more information coming soon! Mark your calendars. You won’t want to miss this show!! In the meantime, auditions were held for “Wonder” our Christmas Ballet that goes up the beginning of December, with 47 beautiful dancers in the cast!

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As you can imagine, the theatre and the performing arts buildings here at Cavod are very seldom dark, with classes during the week, and rehearsals and shows on the weekends. It truly has become a hub for the arts where we “Create with Purpose”!   Thank you for being part of our mission!

Prayer – “Dear Lord, help us to have thankful hearts in every season of our lives. May we take the time to rest and enjoy the little things in life.  Thank you for what you are doing at Cavod and for adding more families, sponsors and prayer warriors to this great community! We give you all of the glory! In Jesus Name, Amen!

Have a wonderful, thankful week!

Much love,

Connie Dienner

Executive Director