1st Explorers After-School Ministry Update

Carson Woodard displays his balance creation during Mrs. Emily's science lesson.

1st Explorers learned about the 10 Commandments beginning with Chapel on Monday where Cheryl Beck discussed the first 2 Commandments. Curtis Collins from the Health Department tied in the 9th and 10th Commandments with his lesson on Thursday and then led the students and staff in a rendition of the “soul train line” while sharing positive affirmations with each other.

Emily Taylor’s science activities on Tuesdays are always fun. This week, the students and staff were intrigued to learn the science behind how things balance. 

RAs and GAs were also lots of fun this week. The GAs learned about missions in St. Louis, Missouri and enjoyed St. Louis style pizza provided by leader Sandi Allen. The GAs were excited to learn that their efforts at Greening Up the Mountains had netted $1000.00 for our sister church in Holquin, Cuba. RAs played a loud but really exciting game of felt darts in the RA room. 

Another highlight of the week was having Lee Lallance share his knowledge of the piano and play a “mini concert” for the 1st Explorers. Everyone was in awe of his musical abilities. At the end, he had everyone up and dancing to a unique hokey pokey!

The children continue to enjoy their time with Diane Shallock and the ORFF instruments. They are sounding good!

The staff’s Bible study led by Sandi Allen ended on Tuesday. We thank Sandi for her commitment to the staff this spring.

Lee Lallance enthralled the 1st Explorers with his piano skills at a “mini concert” last week.

Hurray for Our Nursery Workers of the Week!

A big round of applause for Ally Lima, Beth Moore, and Lucie Moore for working
in the nursery on May 7.  Thank you for your willingness to be flexible!

On May 14, Melanie Joiner will be in charge of the nursery. 
Thank you, Melanie!

Help is needed in the nursery on May 28. 
Please let Cheryl Beck know if you can work that day

There is still room on the schedule to serve “the least of these”
on Sunday mornings.  It is a blessing to see their smiles and enthusiasm as you spend
time with our infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. 
Please contact Cheryl Beck (cabeck@ncsu.edu) if you would like to help.

Pen Pal Event Planned for June 7

Pen pals—adult and children—please continue writing to your friends. Both groups love receiving mail from their pen pals.

On June 7, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., there will be a Wonderful Water Day to celebrate the Pen Pal Project. This takes the place of the carnival we have had for the last 2 years. You will be hearing more about it, but in the meantime, get your water clothes together for a fun-filled afternoon!

Freezer-Friendly Mini Frittatas

Minis frittatas with spinach are one of the best healthy, fast, and portable breakfasts!  This make-ahead frittata recipe is super freezer friendly.  Just grab one out of the freezer on a busy morning, and you’re set!  These are gluten free and low carb.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil or oil of choice

1 1/2 cups thinly sliced onions or shallots

2 x 10-ounce boxes frozen spinach,
     defrosted and drained, then roughly chopped

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon coarse-ground black pepper

1/2 cup shredded cheese or finely chopped bacon, optional

1 dozen beaten eggs or egg beaters, about 2 1/4 cups total, or a combination

Instructions

1.  Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.  Generously spray or grease a 12-cup standard        

     muffin tin and set it aside.

2.  In a large skillet, preheat the oil, then reduce the heat to medium, add the onions and

     let them slowly cook until softened and translucent.

3.  Add the spinach to the skillet, and season it with salt and pepper.

4.  Toss a few times to combine, and let it continue to simmer (you might have to increase

     the heat slightly) for another 2-3 minutes.  Remove from heat.

5.  Divide the onion and spinach mixture among the 12 prepared muffin pans.  If you are using
      cheese or crumbled bacon, sprinkle it into each compartment on top of the spinach mixture.

6.  Finally, add the eggs.  If you’re particular, you can individually beat each egg and add it

     to each compartment.  In the interest of time, I beat all the eggs together and simply

     divide the mixture 12 ways.

7.  Bake for 28-30 minutes until the mini frittatas are domed and firm to the touch.

8.  Remove from the oven and allow to cool before serving or storing.

Note:  Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.  If you plan to eat them one at a time, store them in individual baggies.

–Provided by Mary Anne Roos

Freezer-Friendly Mini-Frittatas

Click here to download a printable version.

Provided by Mary Anne Roos