DIDO

DIDO to Mrs. Jenny's post.
I am always amazed by the families that serve and the adults that come with just as much enthusiasm as our kids. I get the chance to serve in AWANA, Journey and VBS. Each part of these Children's Ministries are dear to my heart for different reasons. But I would like to share a story to let you readers know what goes on in our world. I teach 3rd grade girls in AWANA. I have been with this group since they were in first grade. I LOVE MY GIRLS. I can't tell you how many times I almost cry (for those that know me, know it doesn't take much!) each week as they share prayer request, recite verses or tell me what it means to believe in CHRIST. One week as we were all in the celebration room for opening ceremonies, I turned around to see a little girl being pushed in the room by her mom. In a very clear voice, I heard God tell me, "she is yours." I walked towards her and I asked her what grade and she said 3rd. (Oh course she was in 3rd grade. He just told me!) All night, I felt the holy spirit telling me to fill her up. I was able to give her lots of attention that night. AWANA provided the material to teach her about Jesus and even have her recite the Word of God. She left that night and I gave her a big hug. I never saw her again. I sent her post cards, left phone messages but she has never returned and never come back to my knowledge. At first, I was discouraged but God taught me a very important lesson. Every week in AWANA or Journey or Celebration we are allowed opportunities to FILL up HIS children. To TELL HIS children about HIM. To SHOW HIS children LOVE. We may only get one hour. We may only get one chance. But by HIS grace we get the CHANCE. So thank you parents, for the CHANCE.

Greatest Team in the World

I just had to say today that I am continually amazed by the incredible team that we have serving our kids week in and week out. Thank you for having an impact on our kids and on the kingdom of God. You are great. Keep growing. Keep serving. Keep loving our kids.

Yay from a Visiting Family

This was turned in on a visitor card in big church:

"We could not get our 8 year old to join in the children's ministry at our previous church. He is our primary concern in selecting a church home. Many of his friends from school attend here and he is happy in your children's programs. Thanks!"

Friends, kids have to connect to be happy. They have to be happy to stay. They have to stay to learn about Jesus. Great job in connecting this child. Keep it up!

Celebration Tears

Okay, today was the day for my tears in Celebration. Jenny asked for volunteers to pray for the offering and when I heard the name she called, I froze. First, I couldn't believe he had volunteered. Second, I wondered- What will he say? This child has been in an inpatient program where he was taken off all meds and they have started from scratch. He has been away from home for several weeks and has only been able to have limited contact with his family. When he started praying... he prayed and prayed and prayed. I couldn't understand everything he said, but that didn't matter- I knew God heard him and understood it all. It was one of the most precious moments I've experienced in Celebration.

Random Ramblings

We have already begun our new year in Journey and Celebration and a new year kicked off tonight in Awana's. I have some random ramblings.


I really like our "new" format for Celebration, this allows us to gear the message more appropriately for the different ages and really connect with the kids on their level. I always look forward to each Sunday and seeing the way God works in the lives of the kids, it is truly a blessing. I'm also blessed to see our friends interact with kids and really build relationships with them, relationships that truly last. The impact on the kids you all are making cannot be measured. Also, to our 11:00 6th graders, in addition to the above statements, I want to add; you "guys" are AWESOME!!! A quick side note, Mrs. Kristi, you're still the same, full of energy an


Awana's started back tonight, wow, thank you leaders, listeners and secretaries. It is cool to see you guys dive right in, especially all of you that are new to Awana's. I must admit I was blown away with how quick you all were able to have your kids into HT and learning God's word. Game guys, it was loud and the kids were laughing, awesome. Council Time, Mr. Tim and a gavel, I really wish I knew the story to that.


The biggest highlight tonight that I am aware of; Joey meeting with a child that is ready to be baptized!!!!!



Coolest statement I heard from one of our kids tonight, a Mom told her son that he had Mr. Jeff as his leader, the boy was visibly excited and said something to the effect, "I got Mr. Jeff again, he's the best", may not be an exact quote, because the boy took off running to Mr. Jeff right when his Mom told him who his leader was going to be.


Lastly, Mrs. Kristi, - cheese grits!

Promotion Sunday

Okay. We needed a new post and Jenny is very, very, busy. Promotion Sunday is THIS Sunday. New little first graders (my sweet boy) and I am sure lots of new faces will be bouncing down the halls and singing in Celebration. We have lots of new volunteers to Journey and some returning faces. The children will no longer be fruits of the spirit but colors. Don't forget to wear your team color on Sunday. Dress your children in their Journey color and wear comfortable shoes! I can't wait to see what God has in store for this new year. Thanks for serving and post your stories so others can see what God is doing at Westwood.

Crosspoint Thank You

What a great week we just finished up at Crosspoint. The kids and adults played hard, laughed hard and more importantly, we prayed for each other, we prayed for others, we prayed to, sang praises to and worshipped our God. We did this throughout the day and night. I may write more about Crosspoint week itself, but, today I want to say thanks.

Thank you parents for entrusting us with your kids for the week. I cannot tell you how many times I have said it this week, but, we have a great bunch of kids. It was really rewarding to see the kids of Westwood interact with other kids, to see "our" kids show God's love to others, to see "our" kids put others before themselves, to hear them pray for others, to see them actively participate in worship, taking notes in worship and actually going back to those notes and looking up the verses that were mentioned in the service and just to see them laugh and have fun. Parents, again thank you for giving us these blessings.

Thank you adult campers (yes, Michael, technically you are an adult), wow, I do have photos of how you acted. Seriously, you all are the greatest. You all were encouraging and comforting to the kids when the day got long and the kids were tired or just when things did not go exactly to plan. You all had a hug, a smile and sometimes you just had your ears to listen to the kids. You prayed for and with the kids. You were coaches, umpires, you were in OMC with shaving cream and toothpaste, you shined the light of God's love to the kids. You did all of this and much more, WITHOUT COFFEE!!! In all, this was an awesome week with a great time had by all.