Summer's half over

Yes, it is about midway through summer. Maybe not technically, but about halfway through the "no school" time. Crocodile Dock was fun and challenging. I am thankful for leaders who stepped it up a level when we had more children than was expected and made adjustments as needed. I am thankful for each child that came, their innocence and their willingness to trust. The kids learned about the power of God that leads us to trust. Fear not!

Many of those children are now participating in Fun in the Son on Wednesdays. Again the attendance is higher than last year. I share this with you because each number represents another child/family that is being touched by FBC, relationships are being built, connections are being made, God's love is being shared, seeds of faith are being sown, and leaders are growing.

The planning team for Fun in the Son 2009 included Lynne Baker, Ryan Manning, Pat Monroe, Diane Pfost, Becky Rickerd, & Deb Wilson. We determined to be intentional about involving our young people in leadership this summer. For each week a team of adults & youth plan together and then the responsibility to lead each activity is assigned. At Fun in the Son, youth are giving the instructions and then leading the activities whenever possible. Even though you have done relays all your life it is not easy to get a group of 20-30 energetic, excited, curious children to listen for instructions.

It has been a summer of fun and growth. We are so blessed at FBC to have the prayer support of our church family and the resources to minister to the children in our community in a fun and purposeful way.

Summer Fun

Children look forward to being out of school. But most children look forward to Bible School. Check out our website, www.fbcchar.org, to see what is happening each day of the week, June 15-19. Then visit it during Crocodile Dock week and see photos of the day. Please preregister your child so we can be fully prepared.

Don't forget that Wednesdays, June 24 - August 12, will also be for kids, Fun in the Son, 12 noon - 3:30 p.m. More details on the web. You can even go into the blog archive on this site and view pix and videos from last summer.

The Lighthouse Fire Station

This past Sunday the KidzChoir presented a mini-musical, The Lighthouse Fire Station by Celeste Clydesdale. The children did very well so it was an enjoyable experience for all. But even more importantly they learned songs that will stick with them as they grow older.
Fireman Fred (Scott Blakeney) talked about the importance of protecting yourself with the right equipment, the armor of God. I am strong, so strong when I put on the armor of God. I can fight the fight when I put on the armor of God. When the fiery darts of Satan are headed my way. I'll follow Jesus. I'll draw my sword and bravely say....
He advised them to start each day right with prayer. You must get down, you gotta' get down,down on your knees, your knees... and ask the Father, the Father of lights to shine on you...
Fireman Fred emphasized knowing what you believe. I believe in God the Father, I believe in God the Son, I believe in God the Spirit, Trinity the three in one. I believe Christ is my Savior, I believe He's King of kings, I believe He's born of Mary and His life changed everything. I know, I know what I stand for. I know, I know what I believe. God's holy word will always be my light, and I don't want my heart to be deceived.

Easter with children

Eggs, bunnies, chickens, springtime. Easter is a great time with children. But don't forget to teach the real story of Easter. There are a number of tools that will help you do that. Resurrection Eggs can be purchased but you can also make your own. When my girls were young we did that. The following website gives you suggestions for what you put in each plastic egg. http://www.creativebiblestudy.com/resurrection-eggs.html

Or tyr this recipe from The Encyclopedia of Bible Crafts for Children, p.118, Group Publishing, Inc. 2002.


Supplies: oven, crescent roll dough, cinnamon, sugar, large marshmallows, melted butter, baking sheet, spatula, wax paper, small plates, napkins

Preparation Place: Put the melted butter and cinnamon sugar in bowls. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Give each child a workspace that has a sheet of wax paper on it. On the wax paper, place one crescent roll unrolled and one large marshmallow.


1. Just like the women went to put spices on Jesus’ body, dip your marshmallow in butter, and then put spices on your marshmallow by rolling it in the cinnamon and sugar mixture.
2. Put your marshmallow on the dough. Roll the dough around the marshmallow and seal it up tight. (Be sure the dough ends are tightly pinched together.) Remember how the guards sealed Jesus’ tomb?
3. Place your roll on the cookie sheet and teacher bake it in a 350 degree oven for 15 to 20 minutes.

After baking the rolls will be puffed up just like they were when you placed them in the oven. When you bite into them, they will be empty inside.

Talk with your children.
What happened to the marshmallow?
How do you think the women felt when they saw the empty tomb?
What would you do if you went to visit Jesus' tomb and he wasn't there?
Imagine their surprise.

Help children celebrate the Risen Savior.

New on Wednesday Nights

We have begun DiscipleLand and CLUB 56 for the fall season. There are some new "twists" that we pray will be beneficial longterm.

1. Memory Verses - Children have been encouraged to memorize verses but this year there will be fewer verses. Why? Children do not retain a new verse every week. Repetition will aid retention. So we started with a verse last night that will be repeated each week for the first unit. Then with the new unit a new verse will be added but they will continue to say the former verse. This will continue throughout the year, but the verses they "learn" will stick with them.

2. Bible Reading - Each child is given a bookmark with scripture reading for 5 days of the week. They are encouraged to make a daily habit of reading the Bible. Parents, consider doing this together as a family. Bring the bookmark back next Wednesday.

Why are we emphasizing these habits? I believe it is biblical.
I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
Psalm 119:11

Why we do UPWARD?

It is time to register for cheerleading and basketball. The season actually begins January 5th and concludes with the Award Night on March 8th. Evaluation nights are Oct. 20, 21 & 23. After that, we will know the total number of players, the preferred division of teams, and the number of coaches needed. Coaches and referees are trained, schedules set, and uniforms and supplies are ordered. It takes a lot of time and many, many volunteers. Why do we do this? Why?

UPWARD is a tool to share Christ with many children and families. It is a vehicle for volunteers to share their faith in a non-threatening environment. Where else does someone that loves Jesus, loves children and loves sports have such an opportunity for ministry? When these all come together ministry takes place in a very exciting way.

UPWARD provides a positive experience for all. The children develop skills without fear of an irate coach, referee or spectator. Everyone gets to play regardless of their skill level with the opportunity for improvement. Coaches and referees share Christ in a very casual manner while establishing a relationship with each child and family. Concession workers provide a service while observing children having a fun time.

UPWARD allows for growth and development. The most obvious is the improved skills of players and cheerleaders. But also is the leadership development that is taking place as our young and more experienced coaches and referees work together. Others have the experience of sharing devotional thoughts or testimonies during halftime. That preparation and experience in itself is growth.

UPWARD forces us to trust God. A ministry of this size is God-size and cannot be done on our own. Prayer partners that fulfill their commitment to pray daily bring the power of God to the human effort.

Why do we do UPWARD? These are some of the benefits I have witnessed. Perhaps you are aware of something else. I look forward to your comments.

Olympics

The last Fun in the Son of 2008 is over. Ryan did a great job of planning events for 3 different venues. The children selected a country, created a flag, and marched in the "opening ceremony". Every child receive a "gold medal" at the closing ceremony of the Olympics. Parents, grandparents and siblings came to share the last hour with their children. What a joy to talk with them!

It was also my joy throughout the summer to see our volunteers take hold of this opportunity. Adults and teenagers were excited to help and interact with the children. In addition they did the setup for the day - making lemonade, gathering supplies, filling water balloons, creating boundaries, carrying cones, balls, bubbles, games, pools, water hoses, tables and buckets. Whatever was needed. They also cleaned up - putting equipment back, picking up trash,etc. They were very aware that ministries like Fun in the Son do not just happen but require preparation before and after the actual event. Many hands do make light work and for the willing hands I am very grateful.