Christian Lighthouse Church 335 Union Ave New Philadelphia

CHRISTIAN LIGHTHOUSE CHURCH

335 UNION AVE

NEW PHILADELPHIA, OH 44663

(330) 343-7258

Friends 4 Life is bringing people together
By Teri Stein
of The Bargain Hunter

There is no need for work-at-home moms and area newcomers to feel stuck at home. The Friends 4 Life group, established three years ago by Grace Fry of Tuscarawas, was designed just for them.

Fry noticed there was a need for the group after taking her children to eat and play at an area restaurant.

"I kept meeting moms at McDonald's who said they needed friends," said Fry. "I wanted to reach out to the community to bring people together who don't know anyone and I wanted to meet other moms."

The group meets twice a month, on the first and third Thursday, at the Christian Lighthouse Church in New Philadelphia. One of the most attractive features the group has to offer to mothers is a break from their children.

"If you're a mom and you're with your kids all day, it's nice because your kids go over there," said Fry, pointing to the door leading to the day care area. The group is also for moms who home school, to be able to relax and have a good time.

Amy McNutt of New Philadelphia, a certified day care worker, takes charge of the children during the meetings.

Friends 4 Life has approximately 20 members and you do not have to be a mother to attend, just someone looking for friends and fun. New members are always welcome.

"We have a variety of people in the group. No matter who you are you fit," said Fry.

At Friends 4 Life meetings they cover different topics and have activities including crafts, health and nutrition, decorating ideas, ways to pamper yourself, and cooking.

Friends 4 Life also has many outings during the year, including trips to Tuscora Park, The Farm at Walnut Creek, The Tuscarawas County Fair, and The Wilderness Center.

Once a month they hold a girl's night out, without their children. Members car pool to eat at some of their favorite restaurants, including the Olive Garden in Canton or a buffet.

Sarah Barkan of New Philadelphia has been a member of the group for a year and a half. She learned about Friends 4 Life from a friend of her husband before moving to the area from Canton. As the mother of two children, Morgan, 3, and Nollan, eight months, she finds the time spent visiting with other mothers very beneficial.

"It's awesome. You learn so much about parenting," said Barkan.
She especially enjoys the fellowship. "Everyone is so encouraging and they have good advice. If you're down, they'll cheer you up," she said.

Lunch is also served at each meeting, with members taking turns to bring in snacks.
The members of the group have become close. "They are friends for life. I can call on them at anytime," said Fry.
For some meetings, the group goes back to their roots. "Sometimes we go to McDonald's so the kids can all play
together and the moms can be together," said Karen Hall of New Philadelphia.

Friends 4 Life try to keep their meeting expenses low so that everyone can afford to participate. Once a year they have a yard sale of donated items to help fund the group, although ten percent of the proceeds are donated to the Christian Lighthouse Church building fund.

The church is now located at 335 Union Avenue in New Philadelphia. The members of the church will celebrate 20 years in that building this year, but they won't be staying for long. A new church, scheduled to be finished by November, is being built in the Schoenbrunn area.

Pastor Kermit Hall founded the church in 1982 with 17 members; the congregation has now grown to 150.

As the Christian Lighthouse Church grows, Friend 4 Life hopes to grow with it and continue their mission to bring others together.

For more information on the Friends 4 Life group, call Grace Fry at 740-922-0320. For more information in the girl's night out activities, call Mary Stevenson at 740-254-4888. Visit the church Web Site at www.christianlighthousechurch.com.

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