Jane Forrest, Administrative Assistant
janeforrest@gmail.com

Born and raised in the Buckeye state I am! Many years came and went before I married a Hoosier, named Butch, via visits at Grace (College). Once free from Uncle Sam full-time, we married. He was a sailor who never set foot on sea but in the dental field during his Navy years. He now is in partnership with his own dental company. God has blessed our marriage with Brian, Christy, (an infant whom we will one day meet!) and Jonathan!

Our next blessings... another daughter, Bobbi, and a third son, Jim, chosen by our very own!
We need yet a daughter... any hints or suggestions?

Yet more blessings abound! Our first grandchild... Sara (I was ecstatic with ruffles and lace, though now nare a ruffle nor piece of lace, more like mufflers and mace with her auto at race! Please note we are very young grandparents!

Still even more blessings rain down....Ryan, Preston, Camden, and Grayson. Not quite done, a daughter on order, one day to behold~ God's blessings abound!

In the fall of 1986 I began working in the office at East Side Grace Brethren Church with Millie, Pastors Chip, Jay, and Randy (for you oldies who remember). I wasn't even sure I could type anymore, being gone from the office for 18 years to stay home as a full-time mom! Well, it all came back and more!

Church work is uniquely different than any other office work I've done. I can honestly and very sincerely say I enjoy our staff 100%. God certainly has blessed us with many, many talented and caring pastoral and office staff. I am not saying our past was not great, it surely was! We could not be where we are today without our previous leaders. God is now pouring blessings on us with much talent, wisdom, care, and leadership!

One of the most enjoyment I receive comes as I give time and attention to our church children! When I was single, taught 5 year olds in Mansfield, then after I was married, SMM girls at Worthington, then Sunday School in Trotwood (Dayton burb) 2nd graders, 4 & 5's in Johnstown, West Chester (Cincinnati burb) many nurseries & VBS. Adult activities included home Bible-coffee's, WMC (GBC ladies), SS, Bible Studies and home groups as well as cook, chauffeur, maid, musician, driver instructor, laundromat, seamstress, teacher, disciplinarian, nurse, clown, mother and wife. Let's see, what did I forget??

Currently I teach 3 year olds and have for more than a dozen years here at East Side. It is a lot of work but I thoroughly enjoy the kids. I must be honest and say occasionally I wanted to swiftly move a child or two out the door but God has given me (through much trial and error) enlightenment to draw the hardest (and most likely neediest & lonely) children to me. They are just coming out of the toddler age and excited to learn and be independent. Just last Sunday we were learning about Moses as a baby when the princess found him in the water and he got to go back to his house for his very own mother to care for him until time for school. After the Bible story was over one of the little boys raised his hand and asked if he could come to my house. Then another child asked, and another! That was a first. I must admit I was startled at first but we may have to have a Sunday School party in Pickerington one of these days!

I might share with those afraid to teach, or whom might say "I can't do that"! We have so many wonderful, dedicated teachers who need a "helper" even with registering children, potty breaks, aiding with crafts or snacks and activities. Come give it a trial. We need you and God might just lead you with rewards you won't expect!

Blessings as "we" serve together from probably the most "mileage" in a Grace Brethren Church in our current congregation (notice I didn't say "oldest")!

Because of God's Grace, Jane

ps....THANK YOU for your prayers for Butch through his "surgery saga" (longest journey of our lives since January 4th) for my best, closest and dearest friend during our 40 years we celebrated together on May 18th! We would or could not be where we are today without you!

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