Cherry's Comments from Sunday's "Bring Your Parents to Celebration"

Yesterday in Celebration a wonderful thing happened. God met the PARENTS there!
As we were singing songs, I really felt like the Lord wanted me to say why we do motions, so at announcement time, I simply said (which is remarkable for me...I like to ramble on) that we believe in the verse "Let all that is within me bless His holy name" and that the motions were made up by kids so that we could worship with all that is within us. Then we moved on with announcements and back into worship. The adults were so actively involved I was amazed. When we got to the song Inside Out, I looked out and saw one mom with tears rolling down her cheeks. You could tell she was totally touched by what the Lord was doing in Celebration. I couldn't watch her while we sang, because I would have joined her in the tears. It was beautiful to see.
I remember when Tim and I first visited Celebration in the old building.
Those were my feelings then as well. I was amazed that the Lord was doing such great things in children's worship. I was amazed that the kids took it so seriously and I was amazed that Westwood children's staff and volunteers were able to get God's message across so well. I am continually touched working with these kids. It is easy, however, to get so wrapped up in service that we forget to look and see what God is doing. (We know He is doing things, but it is nice to stop and look for a little bit.) God is so good!

I also heard another parent went down to work in preschool after Celebration and told Bruce Martin what a great experience he had had in Celebration and he was amazed at what the Lord does in children's worship. He went on and on about the worship that occured during singing time and the message that was given and how the kids responded. He said that he had no idea what to expect, but "They really had a worship service!" He said that every adult (whether they have kids or not) should experience Celebration. Wow! Once again, God is so good!

From a Mama of a Second Grader After Visiting in Celebration Today

"I just wanted to say “THANK YOU” for taking such great care of our children in Celebration! Today was the first time we’ve been able to stay and worship with our girls. I am completely impressed by your commitment to God and to our children and to make sure they see His work and love through not only the teaching and songs but by your love of them. (This includes all the adult workers.) I know they are in God-fearing, loving, and capable hands! Thanks again for all you do to help us raise them the way God wants us to!"

From a Parent to a Shepherd

One of Mr. Rick's (8:00 5th grade shepherd angels is getting baptized on Sunday! Here is the note from the parents:
"Thank you so much for being a good role model for him. Also, thank youfor the compliment. Sometimes as parents we lose sight of the bigger picture. Gavin really enjoys your class on Sundays and is very excited about being Baptized. See you on Sunday."

From Janna Morrison about Slime Night

I had a blast and somehow managed to escape unscathed! I have a praise report from my group that I wanted to share. This year I have a wonderful group of girls andthey are all on my heart daily. I want desperately to make sure they truly hide God's word in their hearts so they're prepared for the challenges they will surely face in life. This year Sydney had quite a time with the 23rd Psalm, as would any second grader, but she pushed through. It took three weeks for her to be able to memorize the entire Psalm in succession. When we got to the bonus question last night, they all looked at one another puzzled, when I caught Sydney's eye, I said,"You know this one." She started it and the others joined in helping one another through. When they would get to a tough part to remember, Sydney knew it and would bridge the gap to the next verse. Oh ME of little faith!

Slime!

"Tonight was the best night ever!"... to quote one of our Sparks. Tonight was "Wow It is Almost Summer Night" in Awana. This was Stuart's brainchild! Each team was given 10 questions and if they answered 5 right they had the opportunity to pour slime, dump water, or put a pie in the face of a volunteer. It was a blast!

Many thanks to our dedicated volunteers who put up with being icky (and cold!) to make our kids' nights.

Stu's goal was to see if they had actually learned something this year. Many have. Matt Haines shared with staff on Sunday about 2 kids in his neighborhood who are crazy about Awana and are working hard to learn their verses and are thrilled to be there each week. These 2 kids do not go to church.

That is what it is all about... kids having a fun environment where they can learn God's Word and kids who don't know Jesus having the opportunity to meet Him.

That is why we do what we do... even when it involves slime!

4 Baptisms in 1 Day!

Four kids were baptized yesterday! God is so good! And all of you played some small part in that happening. Thank you for letting God use you!

I also want to brag for a minute on Mr. Travis (8:00 younger kids art & Sparks game leader). Travis's wife had to work this weekend so he was daddy all weekend. I have to tell you that many guys would find it tough to teach their 8:00 am class under such circumstances. But Travis was there, baby in tow, ready to hot glue some sheep sock puppets! That is commitment! Thank you, Travis, for being faithful even when it is not easy.

"This Place is Cool!"

Steve Phillips shared with me about a little boy who has been visiting and Steve overheard him saying how he "liked this church, this place is cool."

Westwood certainly is a cool place and I am reminded each week what a blessing it is to serve here. A few highlights...

- Weekly conversations with kiddos ready for baptism. That never gets old.
- Brian Woodall, 11:00 Gentleness shepherd is currently "living on mission" in Venezuela.
- Did you see the video in big church from the student mission trip to Mexico? If you missed it, you can see it at the Area 51 blog by clicking here: http://westwoodstudents.blogspot.com/2008/03/mexico-mission-trip-video.html You will get to see our very own Steven Stone (11:00 Younger Kids Art assistant) as well as shots of several others who serve in our ministry or who grew up in our ministry. Remember, as these kids move on and God continues to move in their lives - YOU had a hand in that.