Preschool P.A.L.s

Wednesdays nights is a time for little ones and their parents. This summer we have learned about creation, got in the boat with Noah, and learned that Moses obeyed God when he was near the bush that did not burn. We have played with bubbles, balloons and in water. Only one week left. We will not meet during August but will be prepared for the children to attend DiscipleLand starting September 10.

UPWARD Camp

26 boys and girls are arriving at 8 A.M. every morning this week. Terry Isham and coaches are encouraging them with games, drills, and scrimmages. The kids are having a great time but they are very, very tired by noon.

Micah 6:8 is the verse we are focusing on this week. Robin and I alternate days with the group and challenge them to follow the instructions of the verse.

Volunteers make this camp possible. Some are taking vacation time to be here. When you see them be sure to ask them about their week: Ron Wilson, Shanna Sommers, Mike Colegrove, Justin Steward, Jason Weaver, Heather Harris, Logan Lindsay, Terry Isham. Our teenagers are increasing their leadership skills as they help and coach.

UPWARD Camp is another way to sow the seed of the gospel and an opportunity for our teenagers and adults to grow as they minister.

Late August the registrations for the 2009 season will be available. March 8, 2009 will be our Awards Night with Robyn Rodgers as our entertainer. She was with us our very first year of UPWARD and some feel was the "best". How many balls did she spin at one time?

American Idol

The story of Moses, Aaron and the Golden Calf was presented by our teenagers via puppets. Some children had molded idols from play-do. At one point, tennis balls were launched by slingshots to knock down idols (old trophies).


The American Idol theme was carried out with lights, stage and action. Children who sang, danced, and improvised in front of the crowd were "critiqued" and scored by 3 qualified judges, Laura Pfost, Kim Rickerd and Ryan Manning. All the kids did a great job, sometimes even with technical difficulties. Emcee Patti Weicht did a great job encouraging and keeping the show moving! The audience was positive and attentive.


Have you made ice cream in a bag? The kids did! As their hands thawed they topped it off with M&Ms.


Puppets were made and another little bag of craft supplies minus instructions became jumper cables, microphones, etc.


Street hockey was the new active game of the week. Others tried to enclose themselves in a bubble. Well, they got to about waist high before the bubble burst.


Diane Pfost was the mastermind behind this day. Thanks, Diane.


We could not have asked for better weather.


What's next Tuesday? NASCAR. Think we will be racing?

July 15 Fun in the Son

What a fun day! Bubbles, tether ball, sack races, three-legged races, tug-of-war, pingpong ball blow, volleyball, frisbees and that wonderful water slide! We divided into teams and created a team name and poster. Some were really creative! We had plenty of help even with some of our regulars gone on the mission trip. God provides.

The devotional thought reminded us that our actions tell alot about us. The actions of the young boy that shared his lunch with Jesus and the 5,000 told us he was kind, willing to share, thankful and prepared.

What a wonderful way to spend a hot, summer afternoon. With 45 kids! That's living!

Carnival

Neither the threat of rain or the Eaton County Fair kept the children away from Fun in the Son. More than 50 children came and participated in the carnival. Games were set up throughout the children's wings. The "Cookie Walk" was a big hit! Red Light, Green Light, dodge ball, balloon stomp, parachutes, popcorn and of course the water slide were all enjoyed. And do you know what fun sidewalk chalk can be? Often the simplest thing is what is enjoyed most.

Next Tuesday is a sports theme. Kids should wear shirts or jerseys of teams they have been on or college or professional teams.

Star-Spangled Day

Bikes were everywhere. Sixty children decorated and then rode bikes in a parade. Only a few needed band-aids. I was reminded that many children do not play outdoors much so what we are offering is special to them. Approximately 4 hours in the sun. No video games or television. What fun!

Today they learned about freedom. It is the 4th of July week. John 8:32 reminds us that Jesus can set us free.

Many of the children attending do not attend FBC. I don't know how many attend church anywhere but all are learning that FBC is a place that is fun, where they are safe, and people truly care about them. Pray that God's love will be overflowing in our lives.

Adults and teenagers are helping each week. Some do not have a specific "job" but just roam and connect with kids. That's what Fun in the Son is all about. Building relationships.

And how about the weather? The first two Tuesdays have been beautiful days for Fun in the Son.

Can't wait for next Tuesday! Carnival is the theme.