Be a part of a GREAT team

I'm all for people serving in their area of giftedness so I want to give you 5 reasons why you should consider using your gift to serve somewhere in your church's Children's Ministry (specially if you are a Creeker).

1.  The Mission is Great
Consider that there is no other ministry in your church that serves more people who haven't committed their life to Jesus.  That's right your Children's Ministry is full of people who have not trusted Jesus as their Savior.  They are the little children who come every week.  They are the one's who need the Word of our loving Savior the most.  Every week your Children's Ministry is knocking itself out to help lost people discover and embrace a relationship with Jesus.  The mission of your Children's Ministry is a Great one.  You should be a part of it.
2.  The Need is Great
There is no other ministry in your church that needs more volunteers.  I'm sure there are exceptions out there but for most churches there isn't a close second to the Great Need for volunteers in the Children's Ministry.  It takes 150 volunteers every week just to service the "regular" Children's Ministry at my church (Spring Creek Church).  I work very hard to reduce the quantity of volunteers needed by increasing the frequency at which they serve. This results in a better quality of ministry to our children, less stress on the church for resources (volunteers), and a smaller volunteer base. However, many of these volunteers still serve one time per month meaning the total number of volunteers needed to service our regular ministry year around is closer to 200.  I'm confident that the leadership in your Children's Ministry is feeling the pressure of this Great Need and if you're church isn't stepping up to meet it I am confident your children are suffering for it.
3.  The People are Great
Some of the most Godly people in your church are serving in your Children's Ministry.  Every once in awhile you come across a person who, if you didn't know better, you would think is sinless.  I've come to know several people like that.  Now I know better but I have been so blessed and encouraged by the people I serve with in Children's Ministry.  Many (who are definitely not sinless!) I will count as close friends forever.  Many have caused me to grow in my walk with Jesus because they influenced me with their life and words as we served side by side.  My point is not to suggest that you have to be an Angel to work with children.  Rather, the Children's Ministry is a place where you will grow and a place where you can find Great Christian friends to encourage and challenge you.
4.  The Reward is Great
I can't promise you that you will get much attention from your church for serving in your Children's Ministry.  In fact, most people won't even know who you are.  If you are looking for praise, your church's Children's Ministry is not the place for you.  However, if the love and adoration of a beautiful child warms your heart then you've found a home.  Let me tell you about my reward.  I know that God will bless me in eternity for things I've done for Him.  Trust me - I'm counting on that!  But He blesses me even now every time I'm reminded that I'm making a difference in a child's life.  Molly's mom told me the other day that Molly adores me and is writing me notes that she is going to give me.  Noah did a cart wheel coming out of the upward tunnel on Saturday because he saw me doing it the game prior.  Curtis's dad told me how much the kids love it when I give them attention.  Carrie's daughter invited me to join her at school for a special breakfast.  I have a splattered piece of artwork hanging in my office that Isaac made just for me.  Eli bugged his parents until they bought him a special Bible because I told him it was a good idea.  Lilly blesses me with the biggest, most angelic smile every time I see her.  I could go on forever -really.  There is Great Reward in knowing that you've made a difference.  There is Great Reward in being known by the right person.  If you would just take a little time to invest in the life of a handful of children your Reward will be Great too.
5.  The Opportunity is Great
There are so very many people in your community right now who are thinking about finding a church.  You don't know who they but I can tell you one way to get them to your church.  Do your part to make your Children's Ministry Great!  There are a couple times in a person's life when church seems like a really good idea.  Church is a good idea when I'm in crisis or when I start having kids.  Sometimes those are one in the same.  Seriously though, almost every young parent is motivated to set their child on a path that will help them in life.  Most people consider the church to be helpful and they check it out when they have little ones.  Even people with no church background will check out church just for their kids.  If they didn't they wish they had when their children become teenagers!  So, if they find that your church knocks itself out to serve their kids they are much more likely to come back.  Again, there are probably more children in your church than any other age group and there are probably more children in your community than any other age group.  The Opportunity is Great!  Why wouldn't you join the team!

And if you are a Spring Creeker and you'd like to be a part of making KidsCreek Great please email me.  I'm looking forward to helping you make a difference.

3 routines to help your child develop self control

Here are three things that you can start today that will help your child's tomorrow.  I must say that all three are simple but they take determination and discipline on your part as the parent.  You must make them routines in your life to gain maximum result.  There are few to no guarantees with parenting but these three routines will provide your child with the tools needed to develop self control.

Though I believe that self control is a fruit of the Spirit I also believe that the Spirit uses natural tendencies and skills developed in everyday life to reach His ends.  Here are a few things you can do now to help your child's future.

Structured Time

• Structured time can help your child learn self control because it enables them to focus on a task for a defined period of time.  For younger children the tasks are simpler (coloring, play dough, puzzles, etc) and shorter.  As children get older the tasks become more complex (reading, writing, drawing, building, etc) and the duration longer.  For some children this will come more naturally than others.  My suggestion is to begin this as early as you can.  The longer you wait to begin structured time the harder it will be for your child.  Many children don't get real structure in their lives until they are in preschool or even kindergarten.  By then they are way behind.  Give your child the task and the time frame and do your part to help them follow through.  Working with your children is a good way to get them started but eventually you want them to learn to work alone.  If they are dependant upon you for structured time it will drive you crazy.  If you are a Mom (which I am not by the way) you know what I mean.

Delayed Gratification

• The simple lesson here is that your child needs to learn to wait.  Patience helps me control myself.  If he's always getting what he wants when he wants it he will lack the control to wait when the time comes.  Again, the earlier you start this training the earlier they get it.  I'm not going to win this debate but it is for this reason that I am in favor of working your infant into a scheduled feeding sooner rather than later.  What do I know though, right?  I'm sitting at work while the baby is screaming at home.  You're right.  But it just makes sense to me.  As a parent you have to take the initiative to TRAIN your child to wait because the opposite comes naturally.  Remember the burger chain Hot and Now.  They knew what we like.  "I want it HOT and I want it NOW!"  Children are no different and if we allow it their appetite for NOW will grow.  So, if you want your child to develop some self control make her wait - regularly.  I'm not talking about starving the kid.  I'm talking about helping her learn that she doesn't need it now.  She can wait.  Have her wait until everyone is finished before leaving the table.  Have her wait for dessert until everyone else is ready.  Make your child wait until a certain time before getting out of bed.  When little Johnny asks for a snack have him wait 15 minutes or better yet have scheduled snack times.  When your preschooler wants his friend's toy the answer is ALWAYS not until Timmy is done.  When your 1st grader repeatedly asks you to play the Wii NOW after you have already given him a specific time when he can play, he suffers the consequence of no Wii for the rest of the day (or some other consequence).  As your child begins to demonstrate patience in these times you then reward them with additional "just because" benefits.  You give them an extra 5 minutes of Wii time or an additional play date with a friend.  In time they learn (with your help) that there are natural benefits to waiting.  The impatience appetite isn't fed.  Self control grows.

Earned Income

• Your child can develop a measure of self control through receiving "payment" for completing assigned tasks.  There are many lessons here but specifically I want my child to learn to complete things and that benefits are earned not deserved.  I want my kids to learn there is great personal satisfaction in starting and completing a job (even if I don't get paid).  On the negative side, I don't want them to grow up assuming they get things for doing nothing.  Certainly there are going to be benefits to being my kid.  They don't have to earn food at my table or covers on their bed.  But I do want to give them regular opportunities to work and to earn.  What children earn for their efforts depends upon what motivates them.  My 15 year old daughter is not motivated by a trip to Toys R Us but she does enjoy some extra spending cash.  On the other hand, while my 2nd grader likes cash, an earned trip to Monkey Joe's is much more motivating.  Over time the kids learn that if I'm going to get something I really want it is going to take a little time and effort to get it.  A good work ethic is learned and the virtue of self control gained.

I'm anxious to hear your ideas for each of these routines.  Certainly you have some more great examples of what you are doing now that you're betting will pay of in your child's future.

The Story of Hope 2012 & Children

http://www.springcreekonline.com/

2012 is going to be a very memorable year for Spring Creek Church.  Click on the website to see all that's going on.

Though the The Story of Hope series is primarily for our adults I want parents to take their children along on the adventure.  Here are some ways to do just that.

During the year I'll be posting and providing weekly family guides to spark family conversations about the weekly messages.  Mom and Dad, you will hear the message in "big" church and in your Life Group and then take that message home and relay it to your children.  The family guides will be designed to help you follow up what you heard with conversations at home.

I've also prepared a resource list of books, Bibles, and websites that you should consider using with your children.  Here they are:

• Infants & toddlers:  Lulla Bible: Baby’s First Bible Stories & Songs by Stephen Elkins (includes Lullaby CD)
• Preschool & young elementary:  The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd Jones
• Preschool & young elementary:  Read ‘n’ See DVD Bible by Stephen Elkins (includes DVD)
• Mid to upper elementary: NIV (NIRV) Adventure Bible by Zonderkidz
• Upper elementary: The Action Bible by David C. Cook
• Elementary: What the Bible is All About Handbook for Kids by Blankenbaker & Mears
• Bible Stories for Kids & more:  http://essex1.com/people/paul/bible.html
• Bible Stories for Kids: http://biblestudy.pppst.com/bible-stories-for-kids.html

The books & Bibles can be purchased online at www.amazon.com or www.christianbook.com.

We will continue our normal Sunday structure and lessons in KidsCreek and continue to provide Parent Cue's for family talks at home.  As always the more we combine our efforts and energy the more we'll accomplish.  It's going to be a great year and I hope you're all in!

Longest Post Ever - KidsCreek 252 in ReWind

KidsCreek 252 2011

As a Children’s Pastor I am thrilled at what our children are learning and how they are being influenced at Spring Creek Church.  I am thankful that our church leadership is supportive and that we have great leaders that are totally on board with our vision.  I know that what we’re doing is making an eternal difference and that God is pleased.

When I boil it down to the simplest idea my real desire is that our kids will embrace Jesus as their Savior and His church as their home.  I love it that kids want to come to church and that they’re hearing the consistent message of God’s Word about Jesus.  I want them to grow up having committed their lives to Him and knowing that they have a role to play in His church.  All we do with kids revolves around this simple idea.

It’s with great pleasure to review just how the children were influenced this past year.  It has been a great year.

January

            We started off the year with focus and DETERMINATION.  Our direction for the month was God’s instruction, “Let us keep running the race marked out for us” in Hebrews 12:1.  Israel’s experience with the plagues and days spent in the wilderness helped us to see that God can be trusted no matter what and it’s always worth it finish what you’ve started.  We concluded the month with a look at Paul’s determination to finish his “race” no matter the cost.  Scriptures: Exodus 3; 5; 7-11; 12, Numbers 14:1-39, 1 Corinthians 10:6, 11-13, 2 Corinthians 11:23-27, Acts 20:24, 2 Timothy 3:16-17

February

            In the second month of this year we looked closely at Jesus’ teaching to “Do to others as you would have them do to you” in Luke 6:31.  This consistent theme threads itself throughout all of our lessons in the year because it impacts all of our relationships.  We saw that not only did Jesus teach this lesson but he modeled it in his KINDNESS to all people.  We learned that we show others their value by how we treat them and that we should treat even our enemies with KINDNESS because they too have value and are created by God.  Scriptures: Luke 6:17-20, 27-36; Mark 10:13-16; Matthew 25:35-40; Acts 9:26-30

March

            In March our lessons revolved around David’s statement in Psalm 56:3, “When I am afraid, I will trust in you”.  Four of the greatest demonstrations of COURAGE are found in the stories of David and Goliath, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, Esther, and Daniel in the lion’s den.  In each of these stories we saw that God is always with us and that we can be brave enough to trust Him and do what we should do even when we’re afraid.  Scriptures: 1 Samuel 17:1-50; Daniel 3; Esther 4, 5:1-8, 7:1-16, 8:3-8; Daniel 6:1-23

April

            The challenging statement of Paul in Philippians 2:3 that we should “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves” gave us a lot to talk about in April. Jesus not only taught the disciples to live this way but Jesus gave us the ultimate example of HUMILITY in his life and death.  We saw how Jesus gave up what he deserved for us because putting God first was his first priority.  In this month we learned to put others first by giving up what we think we deserve like Jesus did for us in his life, burial, and resurrection.  Scriptures: John 13:1-17; Luke 22:39-44, John 18:2-11; Mark 14:53,55-65; 15:1-20,22-33,37-39; Matthew 28:1-10,16-20

May

            In May we were blessed to consider Colossians 3:13 “Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”  FORGIVENESS is hard because it means that someone who has wronged you doesn’t have to pay.  We learned that when we choose to forgive instead of holding a grudge or repaying in kind that we are acting like God and pleasing Him.  We also learned that our acts of forgiveness can actually help to change the people we’re forgiving.  The stories of Zacchaeus and Joseph gave us prime examples of lives changed by forgiveness.  Jesus’ parable of the unmerciful servant and teaching regarding reconciliation rounded out the month of learning what it means to forgive.  Scriptures: Matthew 18:21-35; Luke 19:1-9; Genesis 45:1-15; Matthew 5:1-2,23-24; Philippians 4:6-7

We pulled out an additional play for families in May by offering our first ever 252 FamilyX.  This fun and fast-paced presentation for the whole family on Forgiveness provided parents with ideas and tools for further conversation at home.

June

            FAITH was our monthly theme to kick of the summer and Hebrews 11:1 gave us clear direction for our lessons.  “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”  Our Bible lessons from Hebrews this month demonstrated that God’s creation shows us a lot about who He is, that He can be trusted because He always keeps His promises, and He can be trusted even in hard times.  Lessons included the stories of Joseph, Abraham, Creation, and the crossing of the Red Sea.  We also learned that it is by faith in Jesus Christ we are saved.  Scriptures: Hebrews 10:32-35, 11:1-3,8-12,22,27-29; Exodus 14:5-31

July

            Our look into the book for Hebrews carried over into July.  In particular the idea of PERSEVERANCE from Isaiah 40:31 was the prominent lesson.  “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will walk and not be faint.”  We were reminded how God was faithful in bringing others through difficult times and that we too can refuse to give up when life gets hard.  Keeping our eyes on Jesus and remembering that God disciplines us to grow us helped us to see how to carry on in hard times.  Another clear presentation of what it means to be saved and how to trust Jesus as savior was given to the children this month.  Scriptures: Hebrews 10:32-36; 11:32-40; 12:1-3,7,9-15; Matthew 28:20

We took a side journey at the end of the month to talk about the faith skill of navigating the Bible.  The Bereans modeled a diligent study of the scripture in Acts 17 and the kids were taught that they too can read and study the Bible for themselves.

August

            Ephesians 2:8 says “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God” and in August we learned that by God’s GRACE we are getting something great that we don’t deserve.  The parables that Jesus told about the lost sheep, coin, and son helped the kids to see that everyone needs to be rescued from their sins and that’s why Jesus came.  We also learned that God will always love me more than I can imagine and that we should offer grace to others as God has to us.  Children were challenged to embrace Jesus as their Savior and accept God’s gracious provision for forgiveness.  Scriptures: Luke 15:1-32; John 3:16

September

            We began the school year by seeing how “Jesus grew in wisdom and in stature, and in favor with God and man” from Luke 2:52.  We learned that KNOWLEDGE is important and that it helps us to be better at whatever we do.  Specifically as we learn what God says and obey Him it helps us to trust Him more.  And when we discover what God says, it can make us grow wiser and teach us how God wants us to treat others.  Four events in the life of Jesus guided our study; Jesus in the Temple, Jesus baptized, Jesus tempted, and Jesus in the synagogue.  Scriptures: Luke 2:41-52; Luke 3:21-23; Luke 4:1-30.

We offered our second installment of 252 FamilyX and focused once again on the theme for the month.  Families enjoyed the zany presentation regarding Jesus in the Temple and were given more ideas and resources to continue these spiritual lessons at home.

October

            In October we learned that CREATIVITY comes from God and is a valuable tool in making a mark for Him in life.  We saw in Ephesians 2:10 that “We are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Like David we can do more good when we make use of the gifts that God has given each of us and that great things could happen if we all used our gifts together.  Scriptures: Genesis 1:1-2:1; Exodus 1:22-2:10; 2 Samuel 23:1-2; Matthew 5:14-16; Acts 2:42-47

November

            November was a terrific month because of our focus on 1 Thessalonians 5:18 that tell us to “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus”.  The kids were reminded that there is always something to be thankful for and there are many times in life where we just need to take some time to adjust our attitude and express our GRATITUDE.  The parable of the vineyard workers and the healing of the 10 lepers gave us vivid examples of what God thinks our attitude should be.  We also took a close look at the Last Supper and how taking time to celebrate what God has done by remembering Jesus’ sacrifice will help us to maintain the right attitude of gratitude.  Scriptures: 1 Thessalonians 5:13; Matthew 20:1-15; Luke 17:11-19; Luke 22:14-20

December

            We’re concluding the year with lessons on GENEROSITY.  In 1 Timothy 6:18 Paul told Timothy to “Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share” and we’ve set out to help our children know and obey this command.  The children were influenced by the idea that we can make someone’s day when we’re willing to give something away.  We also saw how we must be careful so that stuff doesn’t get in our way of loving Jesus.  The ultimate gift of Jesus provided the capstone of our teaching and the primary example of what it means to be generous.  Scriptures: Luke 12:13-21; Luke 18:18-25; John 3:16-17; Luke 2:1-18

I think I’m most pleased that children are putting these lessons into action.  I hear from parents almost every month how their kids talk about these lessons and put them into practice at home and school.  We’ve made thank you cards, packed shoe boxes, made cookies, visited shut-ins, wrote notes, and did various other activities to help cement these life lessons in the hearts of our children.  When you add on all the verses and lessons that the children are learning in AWANA you end up with a full and fulfilling year.  We’ve done all these things and more in the hope that our children will discover and embrace a growing relationship with Jesus Christ.

Looking Ahead in KidsCreek

Quick review and forecast for KidsCreek.

Review:

·         In KidsCreek 252 we spent the month of November focusing on what God says about Gratitude.  The Operation Christmas Child project gave many families a wonderful opportunity to put these lessons into practice with a tangible demonstration of Gratitude.

·         On Sunday November 27^th we finished up our focus on Gratitude.  On this day we did something that I have never done with 200 children before.  We didn’t actually have a communion service but we did show the kids how we remember the Lord’s sacrifice.  After teaching the children about the Passover Feast and the Lord’s last supper with his disciples we gave each child a small cup of juice and a small cracker.  We drank the juice and ate the crackers together just like the Lord did with his disciples and just like we do every month in the communion service.  It was a very cool and I think memorable experience for the children.  That day we learned to take “time to celebrate what God has done” for us.  We learned Gratitude.

·         Yesterday we were blessed by the Children’s Choir and the Little One’s in their Christmas presentations.  These special days are very memorable for the children and leave a lasting impression upon their hearts.  I couldn’t be more pleased with the joy and delight I saw on the faces of our children.

·        

Forecast:

·         In December First Look pre-school children will learn that God has given us His Son and that “Jesus wants to be our friend forever”!  What a great lesson to focus on at Christmas!  First Look (2 years through 5 years) will NOT meet on Christmas day.

·         Our virtue for the month in KidsCreek 252 is Generosity.  Instead of getting all “Wrapped Up” in the trappings of Christmas greed children will be challenged by God’s generous gift of Jesus and the idea of “Making someone’s day by giving something away”.  KidsCreek 252 will NOT meet on Christmas day.

·         We WILL have nursery for children 24 months old and below for the Christmas Eve and Christmas services.

I’m very excited about the conclusion of 2011 in KidsCreek and I believe 2012 is going to be even better!  Stay tuned.

Why a Children's Christmas Program?

As a Children's Pastor I have not always done/approved a special Children's Christmas Program.  So, why do we do them here at Spring Creek Church?

I would include 5 reasons why I think we have one and why it "works".

1) It is a high value to our Senior Pastor.  The program works because it has the endorsement of our Senior Leader.  He encourages it, promotes it, and enables ways to make it happen.  He believes it is good for our children and that it reaches people for Jesus.
2) It is a high value of the congregation.  I think it is fair to say that the congregation expects and looks forward to the program because it is well done and very enjoyable.  The great response each year is demonstrated by a terrific attendance.
3) It isn't hard to get the kids interested.  This year there are almost 80 children participating in our program.
4) It is a benefit to the overall purpose of the children's ministry.  The program is fun for the kids who participate and it gives them an opportunity to learn, develop, and use their gifts.
5) It is lead by a gifted and passionate leader and volunteer team.  This is perhaps the most important reason for the program's success.  The leader and her team (all volunteers) believe there is great value in what they are doing and are willing to put in the time and energy to make it happen.

Each reason plays an important role and I think all of them combined are why it works here.

Children's Christmas

This year the Spring Creek Church Children's Christmas program, The Mystery of the Manger, will be performed by our 2nd though 5th graders on December 4th during both of the morning services.

At the beginning of each service the 3, 4, and 5 year old children will sing "Twinkle, Twinkle Christmas Star" and "The Cows in the Barn" followed by the kindergarten and first grade children singing "The Angel Band" and the chorus for "Go Tell it on the Mountain".  These songs and lyrics are available on the Spring Creek Church website for parents to practice with their children.  You may click on the link below to access the songs.  Scroll down the page to find the songs.

http://tinyurl.com/cz2u8yp

Dress rehearsal for the preschool and K1 groups is Saturday December 3rd from 12:00 -1:00 pm in the Sanctuary.  Please plan to stay during the rehearsal.  Dress is casual for the rehearsal.

Please plan to arrive 10 minutes early on December 4th so that the teachers have time to organize the children for their performance.  We don't want your children to miss out on the program.