Annual Report of the the Loving Hearts Learning Place Board
December, 2009

This year has been one of amazing progress. We have seen our plans, hopes, and expectations fulfilled with the opening of Loving Hearts Learning Place.

After names were submitted by members of the congregation, the name of our new child care facility was chosen. Debbie Rocky designed our logo. Advertisement began with a large banner in front of the church, ads in the local papers, fliers, information on the Southminster web site and yard signs for area neighborhoods. Administrative and financial policies were developed.

Our co-directors, Sarah Maple and Starla Hilgert worked to develop parent and staff handbooks, application forms for staff, and registration forms for students. They also planned, ordered, and collected the equipment needed to furnish each of our classrooms. There are many regulations and requirements of the state that need to be met to become a licensed ministry and our directors were key to completing that process. We are so grateful to Sarah and Starla for their hard work and dedication that made Loving Hearts Learning Place become a reality.

Many of the members of Southminster were generous with their time, talents, and donations to supply the many needs that we had in order to provide a safe and inviting facility for the children who come to Loving Hearts. Thank you for the many hours and gifts that you have given.

The Board provided a lunch for the staff on August 6 and enjoyed meeting everyone. The staff was dedicated during the Sunday service on August 9 and an open house was was held that afternoon for the children and families to come and meet the teachers and see their rooms. Loving Hearts opened on August 10, 2009. On September 20, a dedication of our new facility was held.

The Board of Loving Hearts Learning Place serves as an advisory committee and resource to Loving Hearts Learning Place. Members are appointed by the Session for three year terms, renewable. The current members are:

Kathy Walter, Chair
Gary Straber
Dennis Pitts
Ethel Pfendler
Claire Coons
Gayle Burton
Janet Ingle (Director of Children's Ministries and Christian Education)

We are blessed to have wonderful children and such a caring and loving staff at Loving Hearts. Pray with us that God will continue to send children and their families to us and that they will learn and grow and feel God's love at Loving Hearts Learning Place. You are always welcome to stop in and see what a busy and happy place Southminster is from Monday through Friday.

Submitted by Kathy Walter