OpenDoorsTN.com

dates:Aug 29th fishing day, sept. KARAOKE AND BINGO NIGHT sept. APPRECIATION DAY FOR THOSE WITH DISABILITIES and more!!
News and upcoming events from Joni and Friends
East TN

I hope all of you have survived promotion Sunday, the Back To School events, and all the other transitions this time of year brings. This was an exceptionally busy Summer for me, and I feel a little out of the loop! But I am excited about touching base with all of you again!

With that in mind, I want to let you know that our next scheduled ROUNDTABLE MEETING will be held Tuesday, September 14th at 7:00 p.m. It is really important that everyone plan to be here as we kick off another school year and plan our events for the next few months. I hope that you will put it on your calendar right now and make it a priority to be here. Remember that you are welcomed to bring guests from your church as well as other churches that might be interested.

I also want to make sure you are aware of some upcoming events so that you can plan to join us, as well as spread the word to those in your church.

FISHING WITH FRIENDS DAY Joni and Friends will be hosting this event on Sunday, Aug. 29th from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at The Point Resort Marina in Dandridge, TN. It is a free fishing event for individuals and their families who are affected by disabilities. Helping with the fishing will be Doug and LeAnn Goddard from Florida. They have been a very big part of our fishing program the past few years at our Family Retreat and will bring their expertise to our area for this day. All of the fishing gear will be waiting for you at the sight. Those will disabilities will not need a fishing license, however all others over 16 years of age will need to purchase their license before coming. They can be purchased at Walmart. There will be plenty of fishing and food, but we need to know that you are coming. For more information, or to register for this event, please contact LeeAnn Goddard at 214-893-9056. You wont want to miss this event!

KARAOKE AND BINGO NIGHT is being hosted at First Baptist Concord in their Fireside Room on Friday, September 10th from 6:30 8:30 p.m. This is a family event with plenty of music, Bingo games, prizes and food. If your group would like to participate, please let us know by calling us at 540-3860 (JAF office) so that we can know how many to prepare for. This is not only a great event for your ministry, but a great opportunity to invite friends.

APPRECIATION DAY FOR THOSE WITH DISABILITIES (residents of Blount County only) is being hosted by Fairview United Methodist Church, First Baptist Alcoa, and Dotson Memorial Baptist in Maryville. This is an event for the entire family being held at Dotson Memorial Baptist church from 10 a.m. -1 p.m. on Saturday, September 11th. This well planned event is FREE to our families who are facing disabilities, and will offer a host of entertainment, food and games. If your group, or any family, would like to attend, they can register for this event on the Dotson Memorial Baptist website under Appreciation Day.WORKSHOP TRAINING Christ Covenant Church will be hosting the JAF Workshop Working with those with Autism In Your Church on Saturday, October 2nd from 10 a.m. to Noon.

Two special guests will be helping you learn more about working with those who have Autism in your church. You will have the opportunity to ask questions as well as tour the Christ Covenant classroom arrangements for their very successful autism program. To sign up to attend this workshop, please call me at 540-3860. This is a great opportunity to bring your teachers and staff to learn about this growing need in our church ministries.

JONI AND FRIENDS LUNCHEON We are looking for ministry leaders/staff members from different churches who would be willing to fill a table at our Luncheon with members from their congregation who would be interested in learning more about Joni and Friends. There is no cost to host a table, and all that we ask is that you bring church leaders and lay people who might be interested in helping out the ministry in your church, as well as the ministry of Joni and Friends Knoxville. If you would consider hosting one of our tables, please let us know by calling 540-3860. The luncheon is October 19th. If you would like to attend, please sign up by calling us!

At the Roundtable I will be asking for churches to consider hosting one our monthly events for those with special needsa Fall party, a Halloween event, a Christmas party, etc. Our special friends are really enjoying the friendships they share at these events with others from different congregations! Please continue to make these available for them! We appreciate your help!

CONGRATULATIONS TO MISS CHRISTI OLIVER who will be inducted into the Blount County Sports Hall of Fame on November 2nd. What a great honor to have her named to this!

Also, a big thanks to OPEN DOORS TN for all they are doing for those with Special Needs. I just attended Zoo Camp for Special Needs Individuals at the Knoxville Zoo, sponsored by Open Doors TN. It was fantastic. Be sure to go to their website often (www.opendoorstn.com) to keep up with the latest on information of things going on in our disability community. You will be amazed at the information there! Thank you, Steve and Kelly Johnson, for this wonderful organization! Make sure that all of the families dealing with disabilities in your church have this website.

May each of you be blessed as we start this new school year. Call if we can help you in any way! And dont forget about the ROUNDTABLE. We need your input!
Blessings,
Rhoni Standefer