Family-oriented churches that welcome children and include them in their worship and programming are always faster growing and more vibrant. For pastors and teachers whose time is limited, these children's messages are ready to use with little or no preparation. Simply Wonderful is self-descriptive. Julia Bland brings all of her experience as a mother, teacher, faithful church member, and loving Christian together to provide Advent sermons and activities for children of the faith. Julia's book will be a wonderful aid to pastors and other church leaders as they work in the area of Christian Education. Rev. Elsie Crickard, Pastor Pleasant Valley United Methodist Church Wichita, Kansas former Concordia District Superintendent of Kansas West Conference During her 46 years as a pastor's wife, Julia Bland taught church groups of all ages while raising her family of six children. She has been active in United Methodist Women and served as district chairperson of Global Concerns as well as Publicity and Public Relations. Her award-winning artwork in oils, watercolors, and pen and ink drawings have appeared in both private and public collections.