Halfway Through No-Shave November - Check Out These Fuzzy Faces

Rock Star Joey and Tyler

Speedy (Celebration)

Mr. Vince (Awana)

Scott (Journey - Older Kids Art)

Check back tomorrow for more pics!

Post Election

I have heard of many of our kiddos being frightened about the outcome of the election. Some even told their Awana leader that their dad may lose his job and they'll lose their house because of the new president. That is alot for a third grader to be worrying about.

This Sunday, let's be on our guard to share with the kids the God who is in control of all things. He knows the future and He has a plan for every kid.

Beth Moore had an incredible post about our role now as the body of Christ. Click here to read it.

What are you hearing kids saying? comments?

"No Shave November" Phenomenon Begins in the Kid Zone

On Sunday afternoon in our Celebration team meeting, I began to hear rumors of Joey and Tim declaring a "No Shave November" and Tim was even polling the kids to determine good punishments for whoever shaved first. Stuart was non-committal, but they said that Speedy was possibly going to participate.

I had no idea what would happen today.

Apparently Speedy convinced the whole Rick and Bubba show, who then encouraged all of their listeners, to participate in "No Shave November". Go to www.rickandbubba.com to see it for yourself.

Any other Kid Zone male volunteers want to jump in? Comment here if you are participating.

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.