St. Paul's Lutheran Young Disciples - Children's Ministry

Awana Leaders Meeting Scheduled

2010-02-24T08:46:00.002-06:00

Awana Leaders Meeting - April 17th at 9:30 a.m. at St. Paul's, in the FLC. Bring a breakfast dish to share. Awards night prep.

VBS Registration on line

2010-02-24T06:51:00.001-06:00

Vacation Bible School registration can be picked up/copied off and sent in. Pick up at www.splcomaha.org click on downloads and 2010 VBS. There ya go.

Maybe a repeat..

2010-02-22T07:36:00.001-06:00

Awana will be from 7 - 8:05. If you and your family plan to attend services, please have your child go directly to their classrooms. If you plan to not attend services you child may check in with you at 6:50 near the Family Life Center. Please stick around the Amen Cafe or come help listen to verses, play games. We are in the final weeks...

No Awana on 2/17 - Ash Wednesday but...

2010-02-14T18:22:00.002-06:00

There is service starting at 6:30 with dinner before from 5:15 - 6:15. See you on Feb 24th. Just 8 weeks left.

Lenten Schedule for the next 6 weeks. Service starts at 6:30 - 7 p.m. Awana for those attending service starts right after service. For those who do not plan to attend, clubbers may check in at 6:50 in the Family Life Center.

Thank you.

Just in - 7 Christian Bands - One Night for $10 per person

2010-02-02T11:38:00.001-06:00

The Rock and Worship Road Show
Mar 20, 2010 (Sat) 6:00 PM
Arena
The Rock and Worship Road Show features MercyMe, David Crowder*Band, Family Force 5, Francesca Battistelli, Fee, Remedy Drive and Sidewalk Prophets.

Last year, the Rock and Worship Roadshow drew more than 170,000 fans to major cities across the U.S. and this year hopes to continue to attract people by the thousands providing them the best entertainment along with a meaningful message.

In addition to bringing a night of exciting performances, the tour is also dedicated to a much greater purpose: helping children with juvenile diabetes via "Imagine A Cure," a non-profit organization geared to raise awareness and to support research that will lead to a cure along with Compassion International, a Christian child advocacy ministry that releases children from spiritual, economic, social and physical poverty and enables them to become responsible, fulfilled Christian adults.
Tickets
General Admission: $10 at the door

For more information, please visit or call the Mid-America Center Box Office at 712.326.2295.

The Box Office is open Monday thru Friday from Noon to 5:00 p.m.
Additional Information
For Club Party Room or Luxury Suite rental inquiries, please call Kim at 712.326.2293.

Doors open at 4:30 p.m.

THERE IS NO RE-ENTRY

The Mid-America Center is a smoke-free facility in accordance with the Iowa Smokefree Air Act. For more information visit www.iowasmokefreeair.gov.

Lots of things coming up. Please read

2010-02-02T08:16:00.014-06:00

First Communion -
February 28th - March 28th 12:30 - 1:40 in the Sanctuary or Chapel (depending on the size of the group). For children who are ready to partake of the Sacraments. We believe parents should be the spiritual leader of the home and we are the guides. If you have taught your child why you partake and they have a brief understanding, we invite you to call the church at 895-3366 and be apart of this wonderful class with us.

Vacation Bible School
June 7 - 11 9-11:30 a.m.
June 6 - 10 6-8:30 p.m.

Ages 4 and up. St. Paul's. We are going to Egypt to visit Joseph. His brothers threw him in a well and left him, he was taken to Egypt, he was thrown into prison, still followed the LORD, God gave him favor, he went to the Palace to be in charge of the food and supplies and fed a nation in the famine.
Cost: Early Registration - Feb 1st -April 30th $14 per child/$25 per family
Regular Registration - May 1st and after $25 per child/$45 per family
Full Week Ministry Partners (workers) $11 per child/$20 per family

Pick up registration at the church or email and I will email it to you.

2nd Annual Fam Camp
July 9, 10, 11
Two Rivers State Park
Cost: $25 per tent for two nights
All Families invited
Shared meals on Sat and Sun. morning
Dutch oven/Fire pit cook off Sat night.
Dinner provided on Friday night.
Call the church to secure your spot!
Only 4 trailer/camper sites, 12-14 tent sites available.

Friday Family Movie Night
Feb. 12 - 6-8:30 in the chapel
Dinner from 6:6:25 p.m. Chicken Nuggets, Fries, fruit
Great Men of God - Eric Liddell, William Tyndale, Glays Aylward, and John Bunyan
Cost: Free Will offering

Awana will not participate in the Games this year due to lack of interest. Hopefully next year we will have full teams going.

Kingdom Quest
Usually Kingdom Quest takes the summer and does something more laid back. NOT THIS YEAR!
This year - we will be teaching how to get into our Bibles, how to study them, really study them, how to grow deeper as disciples. You can come as a family or send your child. DON'T even think about missing out!
This class will start June 6th and go until August 1st.

Kingdom Quest 5th graders will start a Bible Busters class on Feb. 14. What is Bible Busters you ask? Bible Busters is an in-depth Bible Study. Our first study will be Dare to Be a Daniel (D2BD). You can look it up at www.daretobeadaniel.com
Your child can use an interactive website to complete their homework. We will have 12 sessions and finish by the end of May. We will then go into the Bible Study, How to Study your Bible. Leslie Nelson will be the lead teacher with Kaite Hossner as the aide for the girls. Janette and Steve Sanne will lead the boys.

Rotations coming up? Easter/Holy Week Feb. 14th - 21 Mar. Philippians and then The Disciples.

Did you know, we have another new room! Our 2 yo by Aug. 15th - 3.5 yo will be in their very own room. Our new teachers are Mary Boerchet and Angela MacDonald. Susie Stieren and her parents will be in the 3.5 yo - 5 yo room. Susie coordinates all of it. Thanks Susie!

Are your kids really learning...

2010-01-18T09:13:00.003-06:00

Hi there,

Did you know, that God has given you the authority to teach your children about Him?

Did you know that in Deuteronomy 6:5-9 it is one of the greatest treasures God entrusts to any man or woman a child. And no one can really replace a parent in the life of a child. What are you doing to help your child to know God and His Word?

There are endless opportunities to teach God's truths to your child every day! In Deuteronomy, God commands parents to incorporate His Word into your daily lives, when they speak, when they are thinking, and living; from sun up to bedtime.

It really is easy. Marvel at God's creation when you take a walk, when the ice crystals are on the trees and it makes everything beautifully magnificient! Let children see your responses to day-to-day happenings - a dented fender (oh little mouth watch what you say), a financial crisis or a surprise, a job promotion or a serious illness.

Remember, as you answer the multitude of questions they ask every days, as you talk to them about the days events, as you show them how to behave at home, school or play, you are teaching them patterns of thinking, speaking and acting. Pray that your teaching will always be according to the Word of God.

Plan structured times for teaching the Family the Bible. Yes, you can do this, simply open up God's Word.

Choose a time that suits everyone, sometimes the best time is right after the nightly bath, right before bed, or as they grow older, right after family dinner time. Some of you are so busy that this doesn't happen, without my judgement, it really should happen. This is really a time to connect with each other.
Whatever time you choose, schedule it regularly and ask God to help you keep that time.

Keep your Bible time age appropriate. For the little ones, even highchair tots can listen to God's Word as they eat their snack. For older ones, a 20 min. lecture really isn't needed. Stick in the Word and you will see a huge growth in your walk.

Encourage your child to read and take part. They may just teach you a thing or two.

Find a great worship CD and sing together, it can be simple Sunday school songs. Sing soft or loud, whispers or shouts, but sing unto the Lord a new song!

Use the Bible, selecting passages children can easily understand. You could use Bible story books or devotionals as your jumping off spot and than dig into the scripture to back it up.

Equip your child to face difficulties. The world has a different view than Christianity does, stick to your faith and help your child stand strong.

Share prayer requests, pray for others and yourself as a family.

Read together missionary stories and talk about what God did in their lives and what do you think He wants in your life.

Sunday school and Awana, the teachers/leaders are your guides to help your children, but as a guide we help to train and show the ways. You are their leader/equipper and we are here to help you.

We want to do that well but we need your help. In every area of children's and youth ministry, we need your prayers, we need sometimes your hands and feet, but mostly, we need you to take the lead in teaching your children those fruits that are ever so important to their lives.

What are your kids learning in Sunday school and Awana

2010-01-08T06:50:00.006-06:00

Your kids are so blessed! We have incredible teachers/leaders in our area.

This month - Jan, Sunday school is discovering the beauty of Galatians and 2 Peter. The Fruit of the Holy Spirit. God wants us to have them and we need them to live a life worthy of His calling. So what are they? Love, Peace, longsuffering (aka patience), kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.

Galatains 5:19- 26 says "Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleaness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkeness, revelries and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is Love, Peace, longsuffering (aka patience), kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control against such there is no law. And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another."

2 Peter 1:5 says "But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness love. For is these things are yours and abound, you will neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins."

Maybe you think this is too deep for your child, it's not. When a child knows Jesus and the expectations of living a life pleasing to God, through the grace by faith, he will grow to be a wonderful person who loves others.

In Awana T&T 3-6th gr. we will be reading and studying Colossians for the next 4 weeks maybe a little longer. Four leaders will take a week and teach this. It is so exciting that we will have fresh eyes and fresh teaching.

In Kids' Church - we are studying Acts 1 - 8 for the next 7 weeks. God has provided more teachers. Sharla, Rick, Elizabeth and Robin along with myself.

On Feb. 14th - the 9:30 5th graders will be moving into a new room. Bible Busters at one time or about 4 years ago that existed but was moved out. Well, we will reinstate the room with a new focus. To go deep, to teach to be able to stand strong in middle school through learning to share their faith, to understand others, to make disciples to make disciples (yep, took that from Ken). We will most likely keep the 6th graders next year as well, instead of moving them to the youth. They will be able to grow and know each other, they will have a place just for them to talk in small groups, learn as a team and to develop in their faith journey.

My hope is as we continue to build on the foundation that you have started, it will be strong and secure. However, we need to work together, homework sent home is to strengthen this foundation, it isn't because I think they need more to do, some of them are so busy they don't have time. But I believe when they get into their Bible every single day for 5-10 min. it builds them up in their most holy faith. It guides their steps and helps the decisions that they make on a daily basis better.

I know as a mom, I wanted my children to stand strong and be bold in their faith. I wanted them to shine the light of Jesus. That was a long time ago. They are adults with families of their own and they are teaching their children about Jesus.

Growing disciples isn't easy, there is a lot out there to take the focus of Jesus.
But when you as a parent are the leader in your faith life at home, your children follow you. Me and My team are the guides, we guide your children to God's Word, we teach, but we send home stuff for you to teach as well.

Please help us by raising Spiritual Champions!

Blessings!

Archive - FamilyLife.com

2010-01-05T11:37:00.001-06:00

Archive - FamilyLife.com

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Happy New Year!

2009-12-30T11:17:00.004-06:00

My hope is you have had a very Mary Christ-mas and you were greatly blessed!
After much, okay, too much snow, we have survived Christ-mas 2009 Blizzard!

Sunday school is Jan. 3 and after lots of asking from several kids, the powerpoints are just about done for the singing of Spin and a few other songs.

Hope to see you here on the 3rd and Awana on the 6th of Jan.

Here is what is in store for your kids.

Sunday school K-5th is studying the Fruit of the Holy Spirit for the next 5 weeks at 9:25

Awana 3rd - 6th graders will be studying Colossians. Wed. nights

Kids Church is going through the Acts Church and disciples. 11 a.m. Sundays

So don't sleep in, come see the Lord is good and His truth endures for ever. So what are you waiting for?

The Glories of Christ

2009-12-25T12:21:00.003-06:00

One of the great tenets of Scripture is the claim that Jesus Christ is completely sufficient for all matters of life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3,4)! He is sufficient for creation (Col. 1:16,17), salvation (Heb. 10:10-12), santification (Eph. 5:26, 27), and glorification (Romans 8:30). So pure is He that there is no blemish, stain, spot of sin, defilement, lying, deception, corruption, error, or imperfection (1 Peter 1:18-20).
So complete is He that there is not other God besides Him (Is.45:5); He is the only begotten Son (John 1:14,18); all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are in Him (Colossians 2:3); the fullness of the Godhead dwells bodily in Him (Col. 2:9); He is heir of all things (Heb.1:2); He created all things and all things were made by Him, through Him, and for Him (Col. 1:16; He upholds al things by the word of His power (Col. 1:17; Heb 1:3); He is the first born of all creation (Col 1:15); He is the exact representation of God (Heb 1:3).
He is the only Mediator between God and man; He is the Sun that enlightens; the Physician that heals; the Wall of Fire that defends; the Friend that comforts; the Pearl that enriches; the Ark that supports; and the Rock to sustain under the heaviest of pressures; He is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty on High (Heb. 1:3; 8:1); He is better than the angels (Heb. 1:4-14); better than Moses; better than Aaron; better than Joshua; better than Melchizedek; better than all the prophets; greater than Satan (Luke 4:1-4; and stronger than death (1 Corin. 15:55).
He has no beginning and no end (Rev.1:17,18); He is the spotless Lamb of God; He is our Peace (Eph.2:14; He is our Hope (1 Tim1:1); He is our Life (Col. 3:4); He is the living and true Way (John 14:6); He is the Strength of Israel (1Sam 15:29); He is the Root and Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star (Rev. 22:16); He is Faithful and True (Rev. 19:11); He is the Author and Finisher of our faith (Heb. 12:1,2); He is the Captain of our Salvation (Heb. 2:10; He is the Champion; He is the Elect One (Is. 42:1); He is the Apostle and High-Priest of our confession (Heb 3L1); He is the Righteous Servant (Is 53:11)
He is the LOrd of Hosts, the Redeemer - the Holy One of Israel, the God of the whole earth (Is. 54:5); He is the Man of Sorrows (Is. 53:3); He is the Light; He is the Son of Man (Matt. 20:28); He is the Vine; He is the Bread of Life; He is the Door; He is the Lord (Phil. 2:10-13); He is Prophet, Priest and King (Heb.1:1-3); He is our Sabbath rest (Heb. 4:9); He is our Righteousness (Jer.23:6); He is the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace (Is 9:6); He is the Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4); He is the Lord God of hosts; He is the Lord of the nations; He is the Lion of Judah; the Living Word; the Rock of Salvation; the Eternal Spirit; He is the Ancient of Days; Creator and Comforter; Messiah; and He is the great I AM (John 8:58)!

Borrowed from my MacArthur Study Bible

Wonderful cold and Christmassy weather

2009-12-17T06:35:00.003-06:00

Thank you for all the donations that came in. I was praying for loaves and fishes, 2 loaves and five fishes to come in to feed the 5000! Last week when I put the tables of stuff out, we did not have a lot. So I started praying, the calls and stuff came in and we had a lot of donations coming in. What a blessing!

So, Awana is off for the next two weeks and Sunday school is off on the 27th of Dec.

Here is the new St. Paul's Website
http://www.splcomaha.org/

Check it out!

Until we meet again...
Have a blessed Christmas and a Happy Holy Spirit New Year

AWANA canceled for 12/9

2009-12-09T08:39:00.003-06:00

Awana will not meet tonight due to the snowy conditions, closed MPS and not sure what the roads will be like.

Store night will be next week.

The C.H.R.I.S.T. Challenge!

2009-12-08T12:32:00.003-06:00

The C.H.R.I.S.T. Challenge!
By Dr. Richard J. Krejcir

Allow Christ to Challenge you to live for the faith!

Commit-myself to a relationship with CHRIST with trust and obedience; through prayer, His word, my actions, and relationships! Matthew 22:36-38

Honor-Christ with all my life with morals and values; through, thoughts, words, and deeds! 1 Timothy 4:12
Respect-my parents and authorities, with love and honor! Ephesians 6:1-3, Romans 3:1

Involve-myself with other Christians with love and encouragement! Hebrews 10:24-25

Seek-God through prayer...relating to Him with all our needs and desires...asking that He bring my friends, work and/or school to spiritual renewal! 2 Chronicles 7:14 If you are a parent, pray this for your children too!

Take-the initiative with bringing Christ’s message to your school or work; with care by prayer. Do not fear, or allow others to miss out on life’s greatest gift and adventure! Acts 1:8

Discussion Questions:

1. Where are you going in your life, what is your direction and source of inspiration?

2. Have you ever dreamed of living like your favorite TV or movie Star?

3. Read John 14: 1-7 concentrate on verses 5 & 6 How is this like a map?

4. Do you think you can receive satisfaction in material things, why or why not?

5. What is your most urgent need?

6. What do you count on?

7. What does God’s Word say, how can you obey?

What would your life be like if you took this challenge seriously?

Awana, Sunday school and the snow!

2009-12-07T11:52:00.005-06:00

Hi there,

Hopefully we are reaching the masses here, if you find something out on here send it to your friends or leaders and let them know too.

No Awana on Wed. night!
Sunday school was incredible this last week! We had over 80 kids in chapel and 11 in preschool and 11 in nursery. It was INCREDIBLE! We talked about the 12 days after Christmas and what the song meant. We had Ella W. read scripture in the front and everyone read along and then we lit the advent candles. Work on the homework please.

Kids Church is wonderfully delightful with 17 kids yesterday (thanks Emma M for helping in the nursery, I really appreciated it greatly!). Kids church has homework too.

See ya!

Nov 30th! Lots!

2009-11-16T07:09:00.007-06:00

Welcome back, hope you had a wonderful weekend.
Kingdom Quest Sunday school elementary is discovering Christmas in a whole new way! What does God want for Christmas? He wants all of you, not just a few minutes or a few seconds but HE wants ALL of YOU all the time. How? In the morning, say Here I am God, what are we going to accomplish today? Spend time with Him in His Word. Get up just a few min. earlier, drink your coffee or soda with Him. Take Him to the gym as you exercize and read about Him. Give Him the first minutes of your day, rather than the last of your hope or day. You will see a world of difference in all that you are trying to do.

---------------------------------------------

Dinner is served from 5:15-6 p.m.
Cost $3.00 12 and up and Adults
$2.50 for children 11 and under

Parents, Please do not drop your children off, this is a family meal time. No one is here to provide babysitting services. Our leaders spend time with their families too. Club Check in is at 6:15 p.m.

Awana Games Competition

Last year we chose not to go because of Spring Break, well this year, Praise God, it is not on Spring Break, so we will pay our fee and go. Let me be completely honest, it cost us $50 per team to participate, plus we pay for our own shirts that we reuse year after year - we need those shirts back so we can keep our costs low. Our club provides your child with water and a snack.

It will be March 27, 2010
10:30 - Sparks
1:30 - T&T

Cost will be $5.00 per child to play.

Sparks team has 12-17 clubbers on it.
T&T is divided boys and girls
Both teams can have 18 kids max!

We will have 1 Sparks team - unless we have you signed up before Jan 1st.
and 1 Girls and 1 Boys team - unless we have you signed up before Jan. 1st.

If you absolutely do not have this, find Eric - the Game guy or Me- Janette Sanne and let us know.

Awana Bible Quizzing for T&T clubbers. Must be through Discovery or Challenge 4 by January 30. If this is something you would like to do, let the leader know.

Beautiful Fall

2009-11-02T12:44:00.003-06:00

It's tremendously beautiful out!

Well, it's official! We are in the new building, however, for Awana we will stay put in our little areas for Sparks and T&T at least for handbook time and for Flags for everyone.

The floor guy is "suppose to here" today to lay the plastic film over the entire Family Life Center floor.

If you have planned on coming on Friday Novemeber 20th for Friday Family Movie Night "Everybody's Hero" from 6-8:30 and Friday Dec. 11th for the Friday Family Movie Night "The Nativity". The movie will start at 6:00, in the Family Life Center, Please let me know if you are planning on coming - Janette.

2009-10-20T08:25:00.004-05:00

As I was looking for the definition of a leader, Character was the overwhelming theme of a great leader. So as I was digging more, I thought maybe you would love to see what the definitions of leadership and other qualities we should have.

Definitions of Character Traits.

TRUTHFULNESS vs. Deception
Earning future trust by
accurately reporting past facts
Ephesians 4:25

ALERTNESS vs. Unawareness
Being aware of that which is
taking place around me so that
I can have the right responses
Mark 14:38

SELF-CONTROL vs. self-indulgence
Instant obedience to the initial
promptings of God’s Spirit
Galatians 5:24-25

WISDOM vs. Natural Inclinations
Seeing and responding to life
situations from God’s frame of
reference Proverbs 9:10

RESOURCEFULNESS vs. Wastefulness
Wise use of that which others
would normally overlook or discard
Luke 16:10

ORDERLINESS vs. Disorganization
Preparing myself and my surroundings so that I will
achieve the greatest efficiency
1 Corinthians 14:40

ATTENTIVENESS vs. Unconcern
Showing the worth of a person
by giving undivided attention
to his words and emotions
Hebrews 2:1

OBEDIENCE vs. Willfulness
Freedom to be creative under
the protection of divinely appointed authority
II Corinthians 10:5

HOSPITALITY vs. Loneliness
Cheerfully sharing food, shelter, and spiritual
refreshment with those God brings into my life
Hebrews 13:2

REVERENCE vs. Disrespect
Awareness of how God is
working through the people
and events in my life to
produce the character of Christ
in me
Proverbs 23: 17-18

DISCERNMENT vs. Judgment
The God-given ability to
understand why things happen
I Samuel 16:7

THRIFTINESS vs. Extravagance
Not letting myself or others spend that which is not
necessary
Luke 16:11

INITIATIVE vs. Unresponsiveness
Recognizing and doing what
needs to be done before I am
asked to do it
Romans 12:21

SENSITIVITY vs. Callousness
Exercising my senses so that I can perceive the true spirit and
emotions of those around me
Romans 12:15

SINCERITY vs. Hypocrisy
Eagerness to do what is right
with transparent motives
1 Peter 1:22

GENEROSITY vs. Stinginess
Realizing that all I have
belongs to God and using it for
His purposes
II Corinthians 9:6

DILIGENCE vs. Slothfulness
Visualizing each task as a
special assignment from the
Lord and using all my energies
to accomplish it
Colossians 3:23

FAITH vs. Presumption
Visualizing what God intends
to do in a given situation and
acting in harmony with it
Hebrews 11:1

CONTENTMENT vs. Covetousness
Realizing that God has provided everything that I
need for my present happiness
I Timothy 6:8

RESPONSIBILITY vs. Unreliability
Knowing and doing what both God and others are expecting
me to do
Romans 14:12

JUSTICE vs. Fairness
Personal responsibility to God’s unchanging laws
Micah 6:8

VIRTUE vs. Impurity
The moral excellence and purity of spirit that radiate
from my life as I obey God’s word
II Peter 1:5

JOYFULNESS vs. Self-pity
The spontaneous enthusiasm of my spirit when my soul is in
fellowship with the Lord
Psalm 16:11

THOROUGHNESS vs. Incompleteness
Knowing what factors will diminish the effectiveness of
my work or words if neglected
Proverbs 18:15

DISCRETION vs. Simple-mindedness
The ability to avoid words, actions, and attitudes which
could result in undesirable consequences
Proverbs 22:3

PUNCTUALITY vs. Tardiness
Showing high esteem for other people and their time
Ecclesiastes 3:1

HUMILITY vs. Pride
Recognizing that God and others are actually responsible
for the achievements in my life
James 4:6

COMPASSION vs. Indifference
Investingwhatever is necessary to heal the hurts of
others
I John 3:17

BOLDNESS vs. Fearfulness
Confidence that what I have to
say or do is true and right and
just in the sight of God
Acts 4:29

FLEXIBILITY vs. Resistance
Not setting my affections on
ideas or plans which could be
changed by God or others
Colossians 3:2

DEPENDABILITY vs. Inconsistency
Fulfilling what I consented to do even if it means
unexpected sacrifice
Psalm 15:4

LOVE vs. Selfishness
Giving to others basic needs
without having as my motive
personal reward
I Corinthians 13:3

TOLERANCE vs. Prejudice
Acceptance of others as unique expressions of specific
character qualities in varying degrees of maturity
Philippians 2:2

DECISIVENESS vs. Double-mindedness
The ability to finalize difficult
decisions based on the will
and ways of God
James 1:5

GENTLENESS vs. Harshness
Showing personal care and concern in meeting the needs
of others
I Thessalonians 2:7

FORGIVENESS vs. Rejection
Clearing the record of those
who have wronged me and
allowing God to love them
through me
Ephesians 4:32

AVAILABILITY vs. Self-centeredness
Making my own schedule and
priorities secondary to wishes
of those I am serving
Philippians 2:20-21

SECURITY vs. Anxiety
Structuring my life around that
which is eternal and cannot be
destroyed or taken away
John 6:27

CREATIVITY vs. Under-achievement
Approaching a need, a task, an idea from a new perspective
Romans 12:2

CAUTIOUSNESS vs. Rashness
Knowing how important right timing is in accomplishing
right actions
Proverbs 19:2

DETERMINATION vs. Faint-heartedness
Purposing to Accomplish God’s goals in God’s timing
regardless of the opposition
II Timothy 4:7-8

DEFERENCE vs. Rudeness
Limiting my freedom in order not to offend the tastes of
those God has called me to serve
Romans 14:21

PERSUASIVENESS vs. Contentiousness
Guiding vital truth around another’s mental roadblocks
II Timothy 2:24

ENDURANCE vs. Giving-up
The inward strength to withstand stress to accomplish
God’s best
Galatians 6:9

PATIENCE vs. Restlessness
Accepting a difficult situation
from God without giving Him
a deadline to remove it
Romans 5:3-4

ENTHUSIASM vs. Apathy
Expressing with my spirit the
joy of my soul
I Thessalonians 5:16,19

GRATEFULNESS vs. Unthankfulness
Making known to God and others in what ways they have
benefited my life
I Corinthians 4:7

LOYALTY vs. Unfaithfulness
Using difficult times to
demonstrate my commitment
to God and to those whom He
has called me to serve
John 15:13

MEEKNESS vs. Anger
Yielding my personal rights
and expectations to God
Psalm 62:5

Why do we not celebrate the way we use to at St. Paul's.

2009-10-12T08:47:00.002-05:00

I have been here now 5 teaching years, just celebrated my 4th anniversary. Along those years, a few things have changed.
I am not against fun and folly. It may seem like it at times but Halloween is not fun and folly. It is prancing on the darkside and if you live for Christ than ... well you shouldn't be playing on that side of the gate.

Scripture says

John 8:12 and For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Ephesians 6:12And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Romans 12:2 and then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

I know many of you believe that you can have both, that Janette is just a crazy Christian who is trying to change everyone into her way of thinking. I am crazy for Jesus, no doubt about that. I have chosen to rise above the status quo and not conform to the ways of the world.

Here is an article that was written just a few years ago that is important to share.

Very long

A CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE ON HALLOWEEN

HALLOWED OR HARMFUL?

Hundreds of years before the birth of Christ, the Celts, inhabitants of Britain and Ireland, observed a festival on October 31st. Unlike modern-day Halloween, theirs was no children's holiday. The Celts and their priests, the Druids, celebrated Samhain, a festival that marked the eve of the Celtic New Year, which began on Nov 1.

The fall harvest was complete and winter loomed ahead. The Celts believed the power of the sun was fading. For the next several months, darkness would prevail.

The Celts believed that during Samhain the veil separating the living from the dead was at its thinnest. They believed that on the evening of October 31, evil spirits and the souls of the dead passed through the barrier and entered the world of the living. Departed family members would revisit their earthly homes.

The thought was frightening -- and exciting! The Celts believed these spirits and dead souls could torment the living. Crops might be destroyed, babies stolen, farm animals killed. But this was also an opportunity to commune with the spirits and divine the future. The Devil, the lord of darkness, was ordinarily feared, but during Samhain, his power would be called on to foretell the future.

TRICK OR TREAT

The Druids were charged with appeasing the goblins and preventing harm to the people. Huge Samhain bonfires were lit to guide the way of the spirits. Various sacrifices -- including human -- were performed to assure a good year. Several ancient authors commented on the gory religious rites of the Druids.

It is believed that, like many pagan cultures around the world, the Celts left out food for the spirits, hoping that a "treat" would prevent an evil "trick."

Centuries later, descendants of the Celts continued to observe the Samhain festival by dressing as evil spirits. They roamed from house to house demanding food in exchange for the "spirits" leaving the home unharmed. They carved demon faces in hollowed-out turnips and lighted them with candles. That night they also practiced many customs designed to divine the future. Young people roasted nuts in Samhain fires to see which would crack first and tell them who they would marry. The person who retrieved an apple with his mouth from a tub of water assured himself of a lucky year. Obviously some of these customs (like "apple-bobbing") have remained with us, strictly as amusement.

ALL HALLOWS' EVE

When Christianity began to spread through Europe in the third and fourth centuries, the pagan temples were torn down. But pagan worship never completely disappeared. The festival of Samhain remained a primary pagan festival. Belief in spirits may have waned, but many of the old Samhain traditions continued to be practiced especially by the children. Primarily in Ireland, children dressed as spirits went from house to house demanding a treat. If they received none, they performed an unwelcomed trick. They were play-acting the part of evil spirits that had to be appeased, just as in the old Samhain festival the people believe they really did have to appease spirits.

In the 700s AD the Church decided to combat this festival by replacing it with a celebration of the Lord of life. Instead of honoring evil spirits and the souls of the dead, the church chose to recognize the saints or hallowed ones who had lived godly lives. The Church seemed to be saying, "All right, if you must have a day to celebrate the dead, then celebrate those who died in the Lord."

So November 1 came to be called All Saints' Day, also called All Hallows' Day. The evening before was called All Hallows' Evening. From that we get the modern name of Halloween.

But pagan customs continued. And with the growth of witchcraft in the Middle Ages, additional symbols became associated with Halloween - black cats, witches, bats, and skulls.

HALLOWEEN IN AMERICA

Irish immigrants in the mid-1800s brought to America the Halloween customs we're familiar with -- costumes, trick-or-treat, carved Jack-o-lanterns, etc. (The Jack-o-lantern is simply an American version of the hollowed-out turnip, mentioned earlier. The pumpkin did not grow in Ireland and Britain.) Unfortunately, they also brought "tricks" with them which often involved breaking windows and over-turning sheds and outhouses.

Even though the practice of actually performing a trick if no treat is given has faded, the custom of children going "trick-or-treating" has become an established American tradition. Only in recent years have parents hesitated to send their children into the streets because of the increased danger of accidents, poisoned food, and menacing strangers.

Nonetheless, despite the dangers associated with trick-or-treating, Halloween is celebrated more than ever. In fact, the night is the second most popular party night of the year (after December 31) for "baby-boomer" adults. Many adults look at it as the one night of the year they can dress up and act foolish.

But while children and adults innocently imitate ancient Celtic customs, darker practices persist. Witches and Satanists still consider Halloween to be one of the strongest times during the year to cast a spell. On Halloween most witchcraft practitioners participate in a ritual called "drawing down the moon." In this the chief witch of the coven (group of witches) becomes, they believe, a channel for the moon goddess. During this ritual the participants, both male and female, are 'sky-clad" -- that is , naked. Stonehenge, the mysterious ancient stone formation in England, is often the site for bizarre gatherings of occultists, some of who believe they are modern-day Druids. (Many people believe that Stonehenge was a Druid religious site.) And evidence persists that some Satanist and voodoo groups offer sacrifices usually animals, but, possibly, human babies.

THE BIBLICAL RESPONSE TO HALLOWEEN

Witches and Satanists are, of course, a small minority. Few people who celebrate Halloween these days ever think about the darkness that underlies most Halloween practices.

A beaming child dressed in a black pointed hat and matching gown with a wart carefully drawn on her nose and a trick-or-treat bag held tightly in her hand is hardly thinking of death or the spirits of departed relatives. Nor should she be.

She's thinking of candy and fun. She's glowing because of her delight in her special costume. And she's anticipating the adventure of her house-to-house pilgrimage.

Merchants also look forward to October 31. The sale of candy, costumes, decorations, and party goods make Halloween one of the major retail seasons of the year.

Surely, no one can deny children or adults all the Halloween fun simply because of its unsavory history. Can there really be anything wrong with this light-hearted revelry?

DOES THE BIBLE HAVE ANYTHING TO SAY ABOUT CELEBRATING HALLOWEEN?

In Corinth, meat that had been sacrificed to idols was sold in the market. People who bought it then ate it in honor of that particular pagan god. Speaking of his freedom to eat food that a pagan had dedicated to an idol, the apostle Paul said, "Everything is permissible" (I Corinthians 10:23). After all, he didn't believe the pagan gods really existed.

If we apply Paul's statement to the celebration of Halloween, then one could argue that Christians can dress in ghostly costumes and practice the traditions that have been passed down from the ancient Celts. After all, the supernatural powers they tried to appease don't have power over those who belong to Christ.

The Bible says that Jesus destroyed the power of death when He went to the cross. By Jesus' death and resurrection, anyone who gives his or her life to Jesus doesn't need to fear evil. But Paul didn't stop with a statement of his freedom. He said, "'Everything is permissible' but not everything is beneficial." It is in this light that Christians need to examine how to observe Halloween.

THREE REASONS TO EXAMINE HOW YOU CELEBRATE HALLOWEEN

1. What may not hurt you may hurt others.

Paul said that it wouldn't harm a Christian to eat meat sacrificed to an idol. After all, the pagan gods that the meat had been sacrificed to weren't real gods. In the same light, he probably would say that Christians are not prohibited from dressing in costumes and going trick-or-treating or attending Halloween parties. After all, "We know that an idol is nothing at all in the world and that there is no God but one" (I Corinthians 8:4).

But Paul went on to say that by doing what the believer was free in the Lord to do, the believer may be distressing another believer who doesn't realize he has this freedom. "Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak" (I Corinthians 8:9). The weak ones would be those who still had problems with the idea of eating the food sacrificed to idols.

During Halloween, little children in particular are the weak ones. On TV, in movies, in school, and with their playmates, many children today are exposed to occult influences. We may be opening our children to these influences if we approve of these things in Halloween fun. We adults may be fully aware that we are only spoofing witches and ghosts, but the young many not be so sure.

If we have given our lives to Jesus Christ, then our eternal destiny is safe in the hands of Almighty God. But that's not true of most of the people around us. There is a valid reason for most people to fear a "lord of death" even if they don't take him seriously on Halloween. We who have found life in Jesus should be careful that our freedom doesn't keep others from finding that same eternal life.

2. Some permissible things may hinder your Christian growth.

The Bible encourages us to "throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus" (Hebrews 12:1-2). This one night of the year, most eyes are not fixed on Jesus but on a darker image. The Christian's "race of faith" leads him to eternal life, to a joy that has no shadow. Should we really be focussing on the devil, witches and other dark beings, even for one night?

3. God says, "Don't imitate evil!"

"When you enter the land the Lord your God is giving you, do not learn to imitate the detestable ways of the nations there. Let no one be found among you who...practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium, or spiritist or who consults the dead (Deuteronomy 18:9-11).

If our children dress as witches and sorcerers, if we hang cardboard ghosts in our windows, if we entertain with tales of ghouls and haunted houses what are we doing but imitating that which is evil? We need to make it clear as Christians that witches and evil spirits are not funny and are not harmless, even if the people in witch costumes are only play-acting.

As Halloween comes again – think about the best way you can live out your life of faith.

ARE THERE ALTERNATIVES?

As Christians, we have plenty of reason to celebrate. While the world around us focuses on activities honouring fear and death, we can celebrate the One who brings life.

The following ideas might help you celebrate October 31 in a way that's joyful for you and your family:

1. [Reflect on how God has led you and others in the Past]

Protestants shy away from honoring saints. Their reluctance generally is based on a fear that the honor will cross the line into worship or prayer to saints. We are to worship and pray to no one but God. However, there is a good biblical basis for looking to those who have faithfully followed God in the past: Hebrews 11 has a roll call of believers who have set examples for us. But in his Letters to the Corinthians, Paul makes it abundantly clear that he and other saints are only servants men and women like ourselves who are following God. And it is God and God alone to whom we look in our worship and prayers.

But with nearly 2000 years of church history, we can well remember many faithful believers whose lives can encourage us in our walk with the Lord. That can include not only famous figures from the church's history, but also the saints we have known personally people in our own family and in our own church who are now [dead]. While the Celts trembled at the thought of their departed kin returning on Samhain, we can celebrate by joyfully recalling our own departed saints. (Christians from many Protestant traditions may want to recall that October 31 is also Reformation Day, celebrating Martin Luther's beginning the Reformation by posting his "Ninety-five Theses" on the church door.)

2. Hold a Bible study on what God says about the occult and witchcraft.

This might be especially good for teenagers, since they are probably coming into frequent contact with influences of this type. This may sound farfetched to you, but in recent years there has been an amazing growth of witchcraft and Satanism in the U.S. Some New Age cultists are attracted to many aspects of witchcraft, especially the ideas of tapping the "powers of the universe" and of controlling our own destinies.

3. Use trick-or-treating as an opportunity to tell others about the love of Jesus.

Most Christian bookstores carry small pamphlets about the Lord designed especially for children on Halloween. These could be taped to candy and dropped into each trick-or-treat's bag.

4. Gather for a prayer and praise meeting.

During this night when Satanists and witches covens meet to cast their spells and perform grotesque rituals, it seems appropriate for believers to gather to praise the one and only God.

Praise God for His victory over death, Satan, hell and all evil. (Recall Paul's words in Romans 16:20: "The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.") And pray for all the people who don't know that Jesus Christ wants to give them peace with God and eternal life. Pray for all the people who don't know that Jesus Christ wants to give them peace with God and eternal life. Pray that Jesus will reveal Himself to their minds and spirits.

Whatever you do on Halloween, use this biblical guidelines as you make your plans: "Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God" (I Corinthians 10:31).

WHAT ABOUT THE LORD OF LIFE?

Halloween's earliest origins reflect a fear of a lord of death that was common among ancient pagan cultures. However, despite man's advances in science and philosophy, death remains for many a troubling event that they cannot avoid. The Bible says that we have a spirit that, unlike our physical body, endures beyond the grave. However, the Bible also says our spirit is subject to death as well. But God offers us eternal life for our spirits. How do we get it?

First, we must understand that we all will be held accountable for the choices we make. If we choose to ignore God, we'll face eternal separation death from Him (Romans 6:23, Hebrews 9:27).

The Dark Side Of Halloween

Excited children masquerading as witches, pirates, devils, ghosts, Dracula and other creatures bounding through the neighborhood, going from door to door shouting, "Trick or Treat" the party at school or a friend’s house where they tell ghost stories, bob for apples or tell fortunes the visit to the community "haunted house" and homes decorated with witches, skeletons and eerie looking grinning Jack O Lanterns...IT MUST BE HALLOWEEN! Sounds like harmless fun, doesn’t it? But there is THE DARK SIDE TO HALLOWEEN YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT, a side that I never liked because it was associated with evil, the devil, fear, death and violence. That side of Halloween always gave me "the creeps." And after a thorough study of Halloween I know why I felt that way because BENEATH HALLOWEEN’S CANDY COATING IS A HISTORY OF DIABOLICAL EVIL. In a moment I will share with you some of my findings relating to THE DARK SIDE OF HALLOWEEN. I will share with you briefly three things. 1) The History Of Halloween 2) The Heroes Of Halloween 3) The Harm Of Halloween.

The History Of Halloween
Halloween is a "religious day" but it is NOT a Christian day. Tom Sanguinet, former high priest in the Celtic tradition of Wicca (witchcraft) said "The modern holiday we call Halloween has its origins in the full moon closest to November 1, the witches’ New Year. It was a time when the "spirits" (demons) were supposed to be at their peak power and revisiting the earth planet." He went on to say, "Halloween is purely and absolutely evil, and there is nothing we ever have or will do that would make it acceptable to the Lord Jesus."

What is the man talking about, you might be asking yourself? Let me explain. The origin of Halloween is the Celtic Festival of Samhain, lord of death and evil spirits. Long before Christ (at least 2000 years), Druids in Britain, Ireland, Scotland, France, Germany and other Celtic countries observed the end of summer by making sacrifices to Samhain. The Celts considered November 1st as being the day of death because the leaves were falling, it was getting darker sooner and temperatures were dropping. They believed Muck Olla, their sun god was losing strength and Samhain, lord of death, was overpowering him. Further, they believed that on October 31st Samhain assembled the spirits of all who had died during the previous year. These spirits had been confined to inhabit animals’ bodies for the past year, as punishment for their evil deeds. They were allowed to return to their former home to visit the lving on the eve (Oct. 31) of the Feast of Samhain. Druid priests led the people in diabolical worship ceremonies in which horses, cats, black sheep, oxen, human beings and other offerings were rounded up, stuffed into wicker cages and burned to death. This was done to appease Samhain and keep spirits from harming them. It is clear to see that HALLOWEEN HAS ALWAYS BEEN A CELEBRATION OF DEATH.

Which brings me to my next point. How were these sacrifices obtained? Druid priests and people would go from house to house asking for fatted calves, black sheep, and human beings. Those who gave were promised prosperity and those who refused to give were cursed and threatened. In addition, it was likely that all of the "wandering spirits" would get hungry. If you set out a treat for them, they would not trick or curse you. Hence we have THE ORIGIN OF TRICK OR TREAT. "Trick or Treat is a reenactment of the Druidic practices. The candy has replaced the human sacrifices of old, but it is still an appeasement of those deceptive evil spirits. The traditional response to those who do not treat is to have a trick played on the. When you give out Halloween candy, you are, in essence providing a sacrifice to false gods. You are participating in idolatry" says the former high priest of Wicca, Tom Sanguinet.

Did you know that even the Jack-O-Lantern has its origin with these pagan practices? In the book Occult Conceit the author says on page 190, "The candlelit pumpkin or skull served as a signal to mark those farms and homes that were sympathetic to the Satanists and thus deserving of mercy when the terror ("trick or treat") of the night began." Further, an old edition of The World Book Encyclopedia says "The apparently harmless lighted pumpkin face of the Jack-O-Lantern is an ancient symbol of a damned soul."

What about COSTUMES? They originated with these terrible Druid death rites also. As people and animals were screeching in agony while being burned to death the observers would dress in costumes made of animal skins and heads. They would dance, chant and jump through the flames in hope warding off the evil spirits.

It is obvious that Halloween is a pagan day rooted in the worst kind of pagan rituals and worship. The Bible urges Christians to "Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness" (Ephesians 5:!1). Through Halloween is diluted somewhat there is obviously nothing Christ honoring about the day. It is a pagan sacrifice day and the Bible warns Christians "the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that you should have fellowship with devils." (1 Corinthians 10:20). Halloween is the devil’s day!

The Heros Of Halloween

You could not celebrate Halloween without the WITCH. The oldest known illustration of a witch dates back to the pre-Columbian era. He drawing shows the pagan goddess Tlazolteolf naked, wearing a pointed hat and riding a broomstick. Where you find witchcraft you will find nudity, divination, gross immorality and occultic practices just to name a few. According to the Old Testament of the Bible witchcraft and the whole spectrum of the occult were capital crimes, punishable by death. In the New Testament, in Galatians 5:20, witchcraft is listed among those things that are to be renounced by believers. In fact, Acts 19:18-19 records how that those who became Christians renounced all dealings with the occult and burned any occultic material they had. Popular west coast Bible teacher Dr. John MacArthur expresses it clearly enough when he says, "Dressing up like witches, ghosts, or goblins is incompatible with a Christian’s testimony. Furthermore, many of the customs of Halloween are associated with the worst kind of pagan ceremonies; they are usually centered on the sinister things such as demons, witchcraft, and superstition."

The other heroes of Halloween aren’t any better. Consider Dracula. Did you know he was a real person? He live from 1431 to 1476. During his six year reign this demented maniac massacred 100,000 men, women and children in the most hideous ways. He devised a plan to rid his country of the burden of beggars, handicapped, sick and aged. He invited them to a feast at one of his palaces. He fed them well and got them drunk. Then he asked them, "Do you want to be without cares, lacking nothing in this world?" They yelled "YES!" Dracula then ordered the palace boarded up and set it on fire. No one escaped. This tragic event was the original House of Horror.

The overwhelming majority of Halloween Heroes are evil, demented or demonic. That should not surprise us. Halloween is the devil’s day! But there is something else that concerns me even more

The Harm Of Halloween

Halloween is a dangerous day and here are the reasons why...

HALLOWEEN IS FOCUSED ON VIOLENCE

In January of 1988 I stopped at a restaurant to pick up a bite to eat before my next appointment. I picked up a paper on the way in. As I was eating I came across Ann Landers’ column entitled "Parents must tackle violence." The parent wrote "I heard something today that made my hair stand on end...Last October, the teacher of a fourth-grade class asked her students to write a short essay on what they would like to do most to celebrate Halloween. Eighty percent of her 9 year-olds expressed the wish to "kill somebody." Where do children get such ideas?" she asked.

The answer is a simple one. Halloween accentuates mutilation, murder, blood, guts and gore. It even glorifies it! I well remember seeing the large picture in the newspaper of a mutilated corpse in a blood stained bathtub. It was utterly repulsive. The accompanying article lauded a community organization’s youth work using this "haunted house."

The truth is, millions of people, and likely your kids will be exposed to some of the almost endless string f TV programs, videos, community and church activities that GLORIFY MUTILATION, TORTURE, and BIZARRE MURDERS this Halloween. Now before you say "it won’t hurt them, it’s only fantasy," perhaps you should consider what a horrified mother discovered in her teenage son’s diary. She read "Last year I stole a car at Halloween and ran over a kid and killed him for the Devil. I plan on doing it again this year." The boy is now incarcerated.

HALLOWEEN IS HARMFULL BECAUSE OF ITS FOCUS ON VIOLENCE. Don’t you see the paradox? When we read of a violent murder any other time we gasp. But we laugh, tease, call it fun and glorify the same things when Halloween comes. Halloween’s focus on VIOLENCE breaks down the inhibitions of our children toward murder. They have difficulty separating between fantasy and fact. And that is taking its toll on our society. There is another reason Halloween is harmful...

HALLOWEEN IS HARMFUL BECAUSE OF THE EMPHASIS ON FEAR

I read an article in The Milwaukee Journal entitled "Haunted house fun: It could become nightmare for kids." It started out "IT’S JUST FOR FUN, you know that. But to a young child, a trip through a "haunted house" created for Halloween could be a nightmare." Fear is no joke. Fear is a powerful and often damaging emotion. The writer of the article quoted developmental psychologist Marvin Berkowitz of Marquette University. Berkowitz said "Some haunted houses can frighten an adult." Children must "go in with the right mental set. Make sure they know it’s going to be a fun scare, not a real scare." The article went on to say, "even the most careful parents can misjudge their child’s reaction. If the child is horrified, if the kid’s traumatized and shrieking, you hold him and comfort him. Give him physical security." The question is, why expose your child to such traumatizing influences? They serve no useful purpose. In fact long lasting emotional problems can develop as a result of the frightening experiences that are encountered at Halloween activities, such as going through a "haunted house."

But there is another aspect I want to share with you relating to fear. Dr. Grace Katterman M.D. says in her book, You and Your Child’s Problems: How to Understand and Solve Them "a tragic by-product of fear in the lives of children as early as pre-adolescence is the interest and involvement in supernatural occult phenomena." Which leads me to the next point.

HALLOWEEN IS HARMFUL BECAUSE OF ITS FOCUS ON THE OCCULT

The two most frequent ways children are introduced into the occult are through rock music and Halloween. I was introduced to the occult at a Halloween party. Tragically, more an more children are being introduced to the occult by teachers in the public schools. And unfortunately, Halloween is one of the two Holidays that public schools celebrate. They choose Halloween (and Valentine’s Day) because supposedly there is no "religious" significance. How wrong they are about Halloween. To be sure, there is no Christian significance to Halloween but it is obviously a religious day.

Our forefathers recognized Halloween’s association with the occult. The Pilgrims banned celebrating Halloween in America. The ban lasted until 1845. At that time multiplied thousands of Irish emigrants flooded into New York because of the Irish Potato Famine of 1845-46. They brought Halloween with them and gradually it spread throughout the rest of the country.

Alternatives
An increasing number of people are seeing the dangers associated with celebrating Halloween. Christians, when exposed to the dark side of the day, are deciding that celebrating it is not pleasing to the Lord Jesus Christ. Wise parents are replacing Halloween with family night activities. Others are having "Glory Gatherings" where all references to Halloween are removed and wholesome games are played, Christian songs are sung and Christian videos are shown. Others are using Halloween as a night to pass out Gospel literature. Whatever you do, "Be not overcome of evil, but over come evil with good." Romans 12:21

I hope you will carefully consider this information and decide NOT to celebrate Halloween.

Should Christians participate in Halloween?

The October 31st holiday that we today know as Halloween has strong roots in paganism and is closely connected with worship of the Enemy of this world, Satan. It is a holiday that generally glorifies the dark things of this world, rather than the light of Jesus Christ, The Truth.

Have you noticed how costumes and masks are getting generally more bloody, gory, and depraved each year? Unfortunately, the gruesome and grotesque and the occult are increasingly glorified in American society, not only on Halloween, but throughout the year in horror movies and in television programs.

My family does not celebrate it or participate in it. We do not believe that our children are "missing out," and neither do they. Other days are used for costumes and parties. Happily, all of our children have accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. We have found that Halloween provides an excellent time to remind our children that, as Christians, we are different, and not of this world (Heb. 11:13-16; 1 Pet. 2:11).

What about church "Harvest Festivals" held on October 31? Although we understand the rational and good intentions behind them, we don't think they are the best approach. Our family tends to agree with the author of an article called "Are 'Harvest Parties' for Christians?" (written by a self-avowed former witch and now active Christian). Harvest parties on October 31 tend to assume that "our children need something to take the place of Halloween, since they won't be participating in the secular and pagan celebrations. It suggests our kids are missing out on something. And indeed they are, if we allow them to spend Halloween in celebration." There are better things to do on Halloween than partying.

Also, we need to teach our children that "the fight isn't against occultists, non-Christians, Christians who feel differently than we about Halloween, or institutions that promote Halloween, but" "against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places" (Ephesians 6:12, NKJV).

Relevant scripture on the issue of Halloween and Christians:

1 Thessalonians 5:21-22 ("Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil.")

James 1:27 ("keep oneself from being polluted by the world")

3 John 11 ("do not imitate what is evil")

Romans 12:9 ("abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good.")

Deuteronomy 18:9-14 (do not learn to imitate detestable ways, including spiritists, sorcerers and witchcraft)

Ephesians 5:11-12 ("Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness" / "live as children of light")

1 Timothy 4:1 (don't "follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons")

1 Corinthians 10:21

2 Corinthians 6:14-17 ("what fellowship can light have with darkness?")

Philippians 4:8 (think about pure, lovely, noble things)

1 Corinthians 11:1 ("follow the example of Christ")

1 Corinthians 10:31 ("whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God")

James 4:7-8 (submit yourselves to God / resist the devil / purify your hearts)

Ezekiel 44:23 ("...teach my people... to distinguish between the unclean and the clean.")

Proverbs 22:6 ("train a child in the way he should go")

Matthew 18:6 ("if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin...")

Hosea 4:6 ("My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.")

John 3:19-20 (people love darkness instead of light)

Romans 13:12 ("put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.")

Ephesians 6:11-18 ("take your stand against the devil's schemes.")

1 John 5:19

2 Chronicles 7:14

They're here!

2009-09-27T07:10:00.003-05:00

The cars for the Children's Ministry Grand Prix!

What? - November 8th, 1-5 p.m. we will be inviting all the children from Children's Ministry ages 5 and up to participate in racing a 5 oz car down a very, very long track!

Why? - Because it is fun to fellowship with other believers and watch how inventive kids are

When? - November 8th from 1-5 p.m. on a Sunday after church!

Cost? - Purchase your car kit on Wednesday nights before or after Awana or on Sundays after church, for $6.00, design and paint it at home, bring them back ready to race.

Who? Everyone of the kids, wouldn't it be fun to see tons of kids enjoying a Sunday afternoon eating their fill of popcorn and hotdogs and racing cars?

Cars will go on sale next month.

What in the World is goin on!

2009-09-22T13:23:00.004-05:00

Upside down and sideways seems to be the going on in some lives, oh but not here!

Here we are moving forward rapidly and at a great pace!

All of our events and ministries start on time, we are always on time to honor God.
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We are excited about the opportunity to have a MOPS (Mothers of Pre Schoolers) group start at St. Pauls Lutheran Fall 2010. MOPS is for anyone with a child between ages birth-Kindergarten. It is a Christian based program where mother’s of little ones comes together for friendships, fun and fulfillment. We now have the space for a great program—now all we need is YOU and your KIDS!
In order to get this awesome program up and running we need your help! Here is what we need to make this program the success I know it can be.

1) Individuals willing to step up and help get this program going. Maybe lead a small discussion group during the meetings, be a craft organizer, help organize child care, be in charge of the financial aspects, or maybe write up an occasional news letter.
2) Caring Individuals who are willing to take care of infants-preschool age kids once or twice a month while their mommies receive a much needed break.
3) Mentor Moms—Are you a seasoned mom? Have you been through the terrible twos, the trying teen years or seen the joy of grandbabies. We need your expertise!
4) Lastly we need you MOMS to JOIN and to spread the word to other moms who may not be a part of St. Paul or have a church home at all. We want to be as accommodating to moms’ schedules as possible so we would like to ask you a few questions.

Please call or email Kit Swier with any questions or if you are interested in helping in any way. 393-0895 or kitswier@hotmail.com

1) I would be interested in joining a MOPS program at St. Paul’s
Next Fall 2010__________ or in the future ___________
2) These days would work for me Mon. Tues. Wed. Thurs. Fri.
3) I would prefer these times.
9:15-11:15 a.m. 6:00-8:00 p.m.
4) I would like to meet 1x per month 2x per month

Also Going ON!

2009

AWANA Groups

KGBI and KCRO have partnered with

Vala’s Pumpkin Patch to offer AWANA Night

on Monday, October 12th, 2009! 6-9 p.m. –
Janette & Steve (your Awana Commanders) will be there too!

Celebrate the Fall Season at Vala’s Pumpkin Patch on

AWANA Day, Monday, October 12th!

Any Child wearing their AWANA uniform will Receive FREE Admission!

Other Family Members receive Vala’s Discount Admission of $9.00 per person,including tax.

Open 9a-9p Daily through October 31st, 2009

Over 38 Attractions& 3 Live Shows!!
See the Great Pumpkin Jump
and the Apple Education Barn!

Vala’s hopes to see you and your AWANA Group during this harvest season!

Also Going On

4th annual Harvest Party - Oct 31st, 6:30 – 9 p.m.

Movie, popcorn, hotdogs and games! Cost 1 bag of candy per family. No spooky costumes.

And Finally, but not last!

Family Friday Movie Nights- 6:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Cost: Free will offering
Popcorn and a movie, oh yeah!
November 20th, Everyone’s Hero
December 11th, The Nativity
January 8th, Great Men of God Night – The William Tyndale Story, The Eric Liddell Story, and John Bunyan.
February 12, TBA
March 12th TBA
Please no drop offs, come enjoy show.

Monday...

2009-09-14T08:38:00.002-05:00

I love Mondays! Most don't but let me tell you why? Because after teaching on Sundays, I get to really think about what worked and what didn't and grow from there.

Sunday Elementary school starts reading on Elijah and Elisha in 1 and 2 Kings. Sundays at 9:25

3rd Grade Bible has begun, Sundays at 12:30

Kids Church is looking at Jesus' last week, very kewl! 11:00 a.m.

Awana T&T are taking a peek inside Pilgrims Progress.

What are you doing on Sunday morning? Come join us as we learn some valuable insights to life.

Sept 1!

2009-09-01T09:09:00.003-05:00

Can you believe we marched through the summer to a different beat?! How was your summer? Did you do exactly what you wanted? Did your kids?

We didn't do everything we wanted but we did some. I took time to really listen to what God wanted for ministry too.

God wants your children to KNOW HIS WORD by heart! In every area of children's ministry! Sunday school, Awana, Kids' Church, He wants your children's hearts for Himself! Afterall, he did create them!

So, here's the happenings this week -

Wednesday Night - Husker Red Night - or black if you have to. Puggles, Cubbies, (Puggies and Cubbles) and Sparks have great teaching times as does T&T. I heard that T&T is studying Pilgrims Progress.

This week- hit the school supplies for School Supply night -
These will help the WELCA church ladies make lots of school bags to be sent overseas and with the extra, they will take them to the local area schools.

Sunday Morning Sept. 6th - Family Worship Day - what does this mean? It means you get to train your child in the service. There will be lots of children's bulletins available. But this is your opportunity to show your child what "Big Church" is all about. You can come visit "Sunday school" anytime to see what "Kids' Church and Worship" is all about.

Have a great week! Hug your husband, your kids and your parents!

2nd week of Sunday School and 1st week of Awana

2009-08-24T08:12:00.002-05:00

What a wonderful week! We sure hope your child/ren have enjoyed it so far! There is so much more to come!

In Sunday school, we have two more weeks of the Anointing of David, but we see how David who was/is a shepherd and his heart was one of a shepherd. This week we will look how Saul totally lost it and how David tries hard to help Saul.
We have a fantastic teaching crew this rotation, however, next rotation looks a little lean!

Preschool Sunday school is on a great adventure to know Jesus! Every week they rotate within their room to different areas, but they do need a few more parents to help with those areas.

Awana, WOW! If you aren't here, we are still waiting for you! All of our clubs have wonderful kids in each and the leaders are charged with the knowledge and love of Jesus to teach your children! So what are you waiting for?

Don't ya just love fall!?

Can't wait to see you.

Oh yeah, third grade Bible starts Sept 13th, did you remember to sign up? Call the church and let me know real soon.

Janette

2009-08-19T06:48:00.002-05:00

Tonight is the start of Awana!

If you have already signed up and received the Theme Night sheet. It says we are having a "Welcome Family Pizza Party"

SCRATCH THAT! With all the rain expected, we WON'T BE doing that!

So, with that said, we WILL HAVE CHECK IN between 6:10 and 6:25.

We will start with Flags at 6:25 and a few announcements.

One of our announcements is this year's theme ----

Shhhh, we are using inside library voices this year. We want to see how quiet we can be this year, like the church mice that we don't see. Do you think we can? I bet we can!

Next weeks theme is Hawaiian Night! Aloha!

Sunday school has started too! Did your child bring home homework? Yes, from Sunday school?

What's the big idea?

In everything in Children's Ministry, we want to partner with parents.
Our hope is that your family grows well in your faith journey, so we are asking that the children bring their Sunday school homework back for a chance at a drawing when they enter their homework in the bucket. We will draw one blessed winner and they will come home with a prize.

What's more fun than....

2009-08-11T12:30:00.013-05:00

Sunday School?Awana? Kid's Bible Study/Church?

God's Word for us this year, "Teach them MY WORD". So we will be teaching His Word, through reading, songs, lessons, walking and talking HIS Word!

Have you been gone all summer sleepin in, playing DS or PS or MP10?

While you have been gone, Janette's been Super Dooper Busy planning for the school year!

Here's what's happening in our neck of the woods!

Sunday School starts on Sunday August 16th at 9:25 a.m. Sunday with "David: God's Chosen King" 1 Samuel 16:1-13. We will take a look at how God chooses, prepares and uses leaders. We see God faithfully working in God's own time through his chosen people. Samuel was a powerful prophet, priest, and the last of the judges of Israel.

What will your child learn out of this rotation?
David, a man after God’s own heart, was chosen by God to be the King of Israel.

The students of this rotation will:

* Appreciate that God is in charge, working steadfastly according to God’s own plan and timetable.

* Learn that the shepherd boy David will become Israel’s greatest king, and, more importantly, an ancestor of the Messiah. David’s idealized kingdom points ultimately to the coming Kingdom of God.

* Learn that God sees things that people do not. Even God’s most trusted and most faithful followers sometimes fail to follow God’s instructions, taking charge themselves and relying wrongly on themselves. We recognize ourselves in their struggles to understand and to do God’s will.

* See that when God calls people to do something, God prepares them and provides all they need to do God’s work. We also can rely on the Holy Spirit’s presence and support in our own lives.

We start with check in, gather together to pray in and sing worship songs and a small teaching with scripture look up and then release kids to class. Parents pick up at 10:45 a.m.

Kid's Church/Bible Study at 11 a.m. on Sundays is studying Jesus for 10 more weeks.

For: Ages 4 years to 6th grade.

Here is how we do Kid's Bible Study - kids go to service with parents and sing praise and worship. Gene releases the kids and we go downstairs into the KQ Story Room. The tables are set up and the preschool - 1st grade are at one table and the older kids are at the other.
We use to have the older help the younger but they weren't really getting the lesson, either group.
We have a few helpers too. We each read some of the reading.

Preschoolers - 1st have someone who reads in their ear and they repeat it loudly so others can hear. They usually read just one verse. The older kids read up to 5 verses. We ask questions and they are given a worksheet that has the storyboard on it in cartoon fashion.
We are also learning the names of God, these can be seen on the wall downstairs.

Children are brought back up to the Sanctuary most of the time. Sometimes we run over and have not completed everything so parents need to pick up.

Awana Starts August 19th at 6:15 at St. Paul's! We will start in the Sanctuary. This year our goal is to see how quiet we can be. We will be using inside quiet Library voices during our night. Puggles, Cubbies, Sparks and T&T are up and ready to see all of you! We are so excited to begin again!
When you come in the doors Sparks and T&T will check in at St. Paul's. The Cubbies and Puggles will begin at Hearts and Hands Preschool, Sparks and T&T will be awaiting their arrival and start promptly at 6:25 p.m. Games will be in the Preschool Parking Lot until the opening of the new building. We have weather contigency plans in place.

Sparks handbook time will be in the commons and T&T's handbook time will be in the Sanctuary. Both groups will practice those inside quiet Library voices. Both of our big group times will be in a room downstairs where we hold Sunday school. P/U for Sparks will be downstairs and P/U for T&T this year will be at their table in the Commons. The T&Ters will be sitting with their leaders awaiting their parents.
Cubbies and Puggles will be in the Preschool area most of the evening, p/u will be at their rooms.

As the T&T director, we will be studying a few new topics. Our first one is Pilgrim's Progress, by John Bunyan. Here is a link to a copy, but not the one we are using. Use this to talk with your 3-6th grader. We will be studying this for 8 weeks.
http://www.whatsaiththescripture.com/Stories/Bunyan.Pilgrims.Progress.html

Cost for Awana New to Clubs: Puggles $20, Cubbies $39, Sparks $40, T&T $43. What does this pay for? Puggles Shirt and Weekly Cards, Cubbies - dues, book, vest. Sparks - dues, book, vest. T&T - dues, shirt, badge, and book.

Returning Dues for those who have their vests/shirt/uncompleted book for Sparks or T&T. Cubbies - T&T $25, Puggles cards $11, Cubbies Book $9, Sparks Book $8, T&T book $9, Badge $3.

Did you know for less than $1.50 a week, your child will learn God's Word forever? For just that small amount your child has a leader who believes in them, believes in God's Word, gives their time with no pay and really enjoys your child's company. That's priceless!

3rd Grade Bible If you have a new 3rd grader and you are apart of St. Paul's we invite you to step into our Bible Class for 3rd graders starting Sept 13th - 30th from 12:30- 2ish. This is a family class for the whole family. You will walk from Genesis to Revelation with your pencil, your words and God's Word. On Oct. 4th at 9:30 we will be presenting you and your family to the congregation.

Parents this year we want to partner with you in your child's faith journey. How can we help? What can we do for you to help you be the best you can be? What tools would be helpful for you in this journey? Please let us know or drop Janette an email or call her and let her know.

We look forward to serving a Mighty God this year.

Awana and Kingdom Quest Sunday School Sign ups and CARNIVAL

2009-07-06T10:35:00.002-05:00

Are you thinking Fall yet? Boy am I!

Did you forget to sign up for Awana in April? Well, here's your time, August 9th and 16th!

Don't forget to sign your young ones up for Kingdom Quest too! August 9th! We have some fantastic learning opportunities on the way! We will be learning about Gideon, David, Isaiah, Joseph's thoughts of "what's happening", The Fruits of the Spirit, Palm Sunday and Passover, Last Week of Jesus/Holy Week, Peter.

We will begin our year at St. Paul's, maybe a bit tight, but ever learning and loving Jesus. Sunday School begins August 16th at 9:25 and Awana begins August 19th from 6:15 - 8:05 p.m.

This year we will need leaders in Awana and teachers in KQ who are ready to learn and teach God's Word. If you know you have the teaching gift, come on, what are you waiting for? If you think you may have it but it needs to be refined in some way, we can help!

I believe there is a place for you in any of our ministries. I could use check in people at both ministry tables.

OUR CARNIVAL IS GONNA BE FUN!

August 9th - 12:30-4 p.m. Cost $4 per person or $10 per family, bring a side dish and enjoy the day!

Sunday School, Camping Retreat, new building

2009-06-26T06:42:00.004-05:00

Wow, loads this time, are you ready?

Sunday school- what a blessing to have incredible teachers who are right on. The Summer team of teachers are incredible! If you haven't been to Sunday school or Kids Bible Study, man oh man, are you missing out! We are doing Summer Kingdom Quest with Story Keepers! IT's fun! It's fantastic! We start at 9:25 with Praise and Worship - this is a moving experience! We have a short teaching about what the Bible story is, then the video - exciting! Then a short teaching again, and a fun craft that goes along with the story! Last week, I wonder whose house was built on a strong foundation or sinking sand? When the wind came up, did the house blow away? We were able to talk about the hurricanes and what happened to the houses built on the beach? Kaite, Leslie and Jodie are working this weekend.

Our Kids' Church Bible Study? We are looking at Jesus' ministry and what he did. Stephanie is a wonderful Bible teacher and working this weekend.

Camp Retreat! 18 families, about 40 people, plus some wonderful people coming to visit. It's gonna be fun! There is so much going on in Omaha this weekend too!
There are a few kids crafts but mostly, it is a time of fellowship and enjoying the view of relaxing. If your bored, your real close to allowing yourself to relax.

The New Building, very kewl! The walls are going up, the space is good size and the planning for furniture is in the works. Looking at the murals to be done. Need to go get pics from other spaces to see what we want. I have a pretty great idea of what we need.

Working on the teaching for the fall.

Until next time, enjoy the summer and come join us at church, we will be looking for you.

Carnival - August 9th from 12:30-4 p.m. Cost $4 per person or $10 per family plus a side dish to share. We will provide the meat.

Sign up for Awana August 9th too! Sign up for Sunday school too on August 9th.

Summer

2009-06-22T10:41:00.002-05:00

What are you doing this summer? What has been your most favorite thing so far? Have you done what you really wanted yet?

Sure do miss all those beautiful children! God is really working on my heart this summer for the fall teaching. I am so excited about fall starting, okay, I know, we have to go through and enjoy the rest of the summer!

What about?

2009-06-10T14:07:00.002-05:00

What about Paul? Has he been unjailed, let go, free yet? Not yet, but Brutus, his guard is coming around and it looks as though Brutus may or may not worship rocks any longer.

We have had a funtastic time during VBS! We rode Chariots today! It was so much fun!

We found out we are heading out again but this time to another really kewl place. A place that's known for it's pyamids and mummys. The story? Joseph - from prison to palace! Humm, I wonder what on earth we will encounter, besides knowing that God loves us so much! I wonder what the songs will be? I wonder what we will eat? I wonder...

Next years dates are....

June 6th - 11th Morning and Evening. Ages 4 and up.

The excitement, the challenge, the ahhhhs, the teachers, the leaders, the oh it's just too much, I just can't wait!

Registration will start in February, so mark your calendars now!

Vacation Bible School

2009-06-03T07:25:00.002-05:00

Rome 64 A.D. Picture this...

Paul thown in house arrest and not the stockades because he was a Roman citizen. His guard was chained to him at all times. His house, very small. The world around him still kept going on. The Carpenters still made children's toys and furniture, the metal shop forged iron and metals for beautiful or not so beautiful things. The food shop, contained rat and mice cooked just the way you like it. The people, some were against this Jesus and some loved Jesus. Some had to go into the underground church and hide to worship the one true God. Those that knew Jesus would come together and pray and sing His praises. They would gather as families and talk about Jesus. The whole Rome was in arms about all that was happening.

VBS and KQ Summer is on the road to learn and live Bible times. Are you ready? We have some great staff who love children, love Jesus and can't wait to share the Good News with you! So come, stay awhile, sit and listen to Paul and what changed him from Saul to Paul.

VBS has night openings, days are full. June 7-12th 6-8:30 p.m. with a carnival on June 12th 6:30-8:30 (cost for carnival - $4 each or $10 per family), VBS $20 per child or $45 per family.

Come join us to step into Bible times and be surrounded with knowledge.

Travel the Road Missionaries

2009-05-20T10:06:00.003-05:00

Here is a link to the Missionaries Awana helped to support this year through a great fund raising effort.

We raised $110 through coin collections this year. We had some left over from the year before, but most of it was raised this year. Good Job Awana!

http://traveltheroad.wordpress.com/

Cut and paste to view this Month's travelogue.

As I read His Word and Pray, He gives direction, as I follow Him each and every day!

2009-05-07T09:17:00.002-05:00

I have been more hungry for God's Word right now and in the last few days, than I have been for a time. I read and study His Word daily and listen to His voice when I can quiet my own down long enough to hear Him. Sometimes that takes place at night, when it is all quiet on the front line and the peace of God comes over me.

So in my getting understanding better, I have come across many a children's ministry websites.
First, I was not a perfect parent. I struggled for a long time to grow my own little disciples. It really hit me when they were in 3rd and 6th grades that we needed more. It took many rough starts to get comfortable with each other to start really reading and understanding God's Word. We prayed together all the time, taught the values and visions and dreams but didn't really get into God's Word. When we did it together, the world opened up. We started attending conferences and understanding together. Our circle of friends, trusted friends, got together. As my children grew, so did their faith. Are they strong now as adults, in many ways. They are on their own and no one tells them what to do now.

So, as I am reading the websites here are a few tools to stick in your parent tool bag that I hope you find useful. These are a bit long, but definately worth the time.
Check out the website.

This is from www.DiscipleBlog.com
-------------------------------------
Whatever we allow to fill our minds will strongly influence how we feel and what we do. The sobering reality is our behaviors, repeated often enough, actually shape our destinies. That’s the message the Holy Spirit communicates to us in these words, “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” (Proverbs 4:23).

All of our “outside” actions originate from within. Inside we reason, develop attitudes and experience emotions which result in behavior. “For from within,” Jesus said, “out of men’s hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. All these evils come from inside and make a man ‘unclean’ ” (Mark 7:21-23).

What’s happening in our hearts will eventually work its way out into our lives. No wonder the Apostle Paul wrote, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:2).

The renewal of the mind is key and it is done by stripping out the bad stuff by filling it up with the good stuff. Jesus put it this way, “The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him” (Matthew 12:35).

So then, what’s the good stuff? The good stuff is tested, enduring, and certified true, it’s God’s Word. His Word has the greatest transformational effect when it is “fixed” within our hearts. That has been and is still God’s intention:

“These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children . . .” Deuteronomy 6:6,7

“Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds . . .” Deuteronomy 11:18

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly . . .” Colossians 3:16

The good stuff is the Bible. Fixing its truth deep in our hearts is God’s clearly revealed will and it is so potent for mind and life transformation.

For this reason, those of us who seek to disciple boys and girls to become life-long followers of Christ have to take a good look at how we approach Bible memory in our children’s ministries. In my evaluation, it is one of the weakest areas in children’s ministries. I’m very interested in hearing responses to this from those who are acquainted with children’s Bible curricula and Bible programs with a Bible memory component. I believe we must do better and I believe we can.

Here is another one that struck me.

What Happened to the Bible? www.DiscipleBlog.com

Let me ask you a few questions related to children at your church, and the Bible. After each, please pause and reflect on the answer.

RE: Children and the Bible

Do your children bring their Bibles to church?
Do your children USE their Bibles at church?
Are Bibles needed by your children during your programs?
Do you have Bibles available for children who don’t bring or have one?
Are there a bunch of battered, torn, and coverless Bibles laying around your church?
When is the last time you saw a child reading their Bible on their own?
When is the last time you saw a child reading the Bible?
Do your lower elementary children know the books of the Bible by memory?
Can your upper elementary children look up a Bible verse without help or the table of contents?
Do you have any children who have marked up, underlined and well worn (from use) Bibles?
RE: YOU and the Bible

Do you read your Bible often? (outside of lesson preparation)
Do you use a real Bible when you teach? (other than as a prop you hold up)
Are your lessons birthed out of the Word, or out of a box or disc?
If all Bibles in America were banned and confiscated, but any electronic version or use was still allowed, would there be any noticeable change in your lessons and/or program?
Do you have a marked up, underlined and well worn (from use) Bible?
These questions are meant to stimulate thought, not guilt - though my asking gives away a serious concern I have with what I would call the growing Bibleless Trend in Children’s Ministry.

I travel to many churches as a guest speaker or trainer and am very often stunned by how little need there is for Bibles in most children’s ministries. I consider teaching with and out of a Bible to be the FUNDAMENTAL BASIS of my teaching. I use puppets, object lessons, media clips, illusions and you-name-it, I’ve used it, to creatively teach and engage children, but never as a replacement or substitute for teaching with and out of a Bible. ONLY THE BIBLE HAS GOD’S PROMISE OF EFFECTIVENESS. And yet, the Bible is a rare object in perhaps most children’s ministries today. This is a tragedy!

I have seen churches where none of the kids had Bibles, and when I tried to find some to pass out, or at least to use with 5-6 kids on stage for a Sword Drill - NONE COULD BE FOUND to use. Not in the well-equipped resource room, not in the library PACKED with books ABOUT the Bible, not even battered shameful looking Bibles on shelves in the back of the room. And this has happened over and over in churches around America.

Yes, the Bible is quoted in the PowerPoints, illustrated in the videos, taught through object lessons, acted out in puppet shows… but the Bible itself is mysteriously MIA in many churches! (Missing IN ACTION!)

I don’t care how attractive your ministry facility is, how innovative your program, how creative your teaching - if you are neglecting to teach kids the value of God’s Word by example (teaching with and from it) you ARE TEACHING THEM A LESSON: that the Bible really isn’t that important.

Kids learn by what they SEE - they need to see you teaching with and from an ACTUAL Bible. And the learn by what they DO - reading in and from an ACTUAL Bible.

If the only Bible they see are PowerPoint slides and cartoon re-enactments it is no wonder when they outgrow children’s ministry they outgrow the Bible too.

STEPS FOR ACTION: (If you are feeling even slightly convicted)

Start reading your own Bible regularly, outside of lesson prep. (If you don’t already) As it impacts your own life, you will have a passion to share its wisdom and insights and power with those you teach!
Teach with and from a Bible when you teach. You can even print your lesson plan on a half sheet and keep in the Bible so the children constantly see you picking up and looking into the Bible. Even if you are reading notes, the visual message is that the Bible is guiding your lesson.
Encourage kids to bring their Bible to church. Reward occasionally with a treat - not every week - but occasionally so they know that bringing the Bible is important.
HAVE KIDS USE THEIR BIBLES as part of your teaching. Don’t put every verse on the screen, just the reference or first half of the verse. Have them look it up. The awkward silence or pause in your “momentum” is worth it!
Have kids stand up and read passages for you. Have someone there with a microphone if you have a large group.
Do Sword Drills on the topic of your lesson. If you have a very large group, choose 8-10 kids to come on stage to participate. This not only gives them practical experience looking up verses it shows them that the Bible has a lot to say on the topic. You can give 4-5 sentence teaching moments after each verse read.
Give Bibles to visitors or any child who doesn’t own one. Personalize it with a message from you about the importance of this book.
Talk about things God taught you through the Word in your quiet time.
Encourage kids to ask you questions about the Bible as they read.
Provide reading plans or bookmarks to the children, reward progress as they read.
Make the Bible something you and the children USE, not something you talk ABOUT.
PRAY and ask God to give you creative ideas on how you can make the Bible more central to your teaching and programming.
If you have neglected the Bible in your passion to better reach and teach kids, don’t feel bad - but do something about it

As the rain and the snow
come down from heaven,
and do not return to it
without watering the earth
and making it bud and flourish,
so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,

So is my word that goes out from my mouth:
It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

Isaiah 55:10-11

The best way to get God into the hearts of kids, is to get His Word into their hearts!

Is not my word like fire,” declares the LORD, “and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces? Jeremiah 23:29

If you truly wants God power in your teaching - don’t just quote His Word - USE His Word!

For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

We live in a day and age when there is no end to the new and innovative resources for children’s ministry (and that’s a good thing!) but it may just be the next best thing for your children’s ministry is to return to an emphasis on the Word of God - in practice - not just in word.

An apology for Awana

2009-05-07T08:38:00.004-05:00

Dear Awana Parents and Leaders;

I humble myself before you and ask for your forgiveness. The Awards night is what I had prayed for, I delivered the message I believe God had for me to deliver. I know it made several uncomfortable and wondering what on earth is she doing? My focus should have been more child centered, but I knew that God wanted me to speak to the parents. I must be obedient to Him who loves all of us.

I did not mean to set fear in anyone, what I described was my own wonderings. That scripture in Luke 13:22 makes many wonder.

I know I am going to heaven, and I said "what if". Yes, we are saved by grace, but we are sanctified as well. In our sanctification we must have that relationship with Jesus too. It isn't are we good enough to get to heaven, it is the relationship with Him, do we know Him who saved us? Do we know that He loves us no matter what we have done and no matter what we have said?

I did not mean to make anyone uncomfortable, in any way mean to harm you or anyone else. My intent was to do what God had asked of me.

I love Jesus more than my own life, he has in over 24 years showed me a great deal and has opened His Word and teaching for me and my life. I have been called to teach your children. Did I always know I would do this, no. I was obedient in the things He has asked of me in my life and He gives us the desires of our hearts.

You can be sure that your child is taught well, they know their Bibles and they are learning scripture.

Have you ever...

2009-05-05T07:30:00.003-05:00

Have you ever wondered what it would be like without love in our lives?

Have you ever wondered what it might possibly have been like to be a disciple or to be a missionary in a place that doesn't really want you but you knew that God placed you there for a reason?

Have you ever been persecuted for what you believe? At work or at school?

Have you ever wondered what it must be like to be in a place that wants to know Jesus but something gets in the way?

Have you ever been lonely and felt like the whole world was against just you?

That no matter what you have done in the past that was good never was good enough or maybe not one person said, man you have messed up?

Have you ever known a love so deep that it makes your insides ache because you desire more of that feeling of being loved?

Have you ever been to the bottom of the pit and couldn't see a way up?

I have...

I have been to the bottom of the pit only to see Jesus' hand to bring me out. I remembered a memory verse I had learned, "I am fearfully and wonderfully made, before my mom even knew me, I was created for God." (some of this I added but most is scripture)
I have known a love so deep that it ached, when I gave my life to Jesus, I was so on fire for the Lord that I wanted more, I wanted to know more and to grow more.

A song that comes to my mind many times is by FFH (Far From Home)"Lord move or move me - I can't find the words to pray ... Can you hear me anyway... move in the way that I have never seen before, there's a mountain in the way and a lock on the door, Lord move in the way that I've never seen before. Lord I know the only way is through this, Lord I need you to help me through this. Lord move in the way that I have never seen before, I am moving away, the waves are crashing on the door. So move or move me. Out of this place of complacency, Lord I am weak and you are so strong.

You can find this on YouTube. This is a song that comes to my mind many times when I face challenges that I know I can't work in on my own.

My hopes and my dreams for the children's ministry is so vast but it isn't on my own that I work. God moves, my teachers are awesome too! They do such a fantastic job teaching God's Word and teaching the lesson. I have stepped into their shoes and have found that I appreciate them so much more. Our Awana leaders, man, you could not ask for more dedicated, loving, wonderfully committed leaders! We have been truly blessed by what God is doing here.
So, Lord Move in the Way that I have never seen before.

It's almost May

2009-04-24T08:31:00.002-05:00

Wow! Can you believe that this year went so fast? Just months ago, the children started school, some Sunday school and Awana.

Awana is coming to a close this year! We celebrate Wednesday night April 29th, at 6 p.m. We do have childcare available for those younger than 2. If you need to bring coloring books and crayons, please do to keep your little one busy. This night will be a celebration for what Jesus has done in your children and in this ministry. I have a celebration surprise for the parents, so come and join us at St. Paul's.

Goodbye Faith Westwood, we have enjoyed our stay.

Kingdom Quest is studying Paul's missions. We are enjoying two rooms that we hadn't had for a short time. We have an incredible summer planned for the kids!

We have a daytime summer bible study, 3 days a week, 2 hours a day; we have a wonderful Sunday school planned, we have a Family Campout in June (look below, all the information for these things are on here). AMEN Grill will be meeting on Wednesday nights during the summer. We have vacation Bible School June 7-12. If you sign up before April 30 it is much less than if you wait until afterwards.

Be faithful in the big and little things you have in your life. If you are committed to a place, stay there until God moves you. The blessings are on the otherside of your obedience. While there, don't condemn those around you, accept those that are not like you and love them anyway. Jesus went to everyone, he didn't stay with those that thought they knew the law, he went to everyone everywhere. The Bible says, "let no weapon formed against us prosper, all that rise up against us shall fall". In Timothy, he says let no one despise your youth. It doesn't matter that you can sit in church and pew sit, it matters that you have a relationship with Jesus. The gate is wide but narrow is the way, we can think that if we are a good person, if we do everything we are suppose to for the church,(that's the wide way) but we don't have a true, fruit bearing relationship with Jesus, that is the narrow way. That's the reason we press on, through the good, the bad, and the ugly and we know Jesus as our savior, we have survived and are not the victims.

See ya soon, have a blessed day!

Happy Easter

2009-04-09T09:47:00.003-05:00

What an incredible God we serve!

To lay His son before us as a babe, to grow up and teach us how to love Him and how to be dedicated to God again. Let our hearts and minds remember the reason God sent His only begotten son, that WHOEVER believes in HIM shall not perish but have eternal life. Jesus paid the price on Calvary for us, to take the punishment for our sins.
Would you give your child to God to do whatever He desires? He did just that just for you and for me. The price of a life for us. He was spat on, he was beat, he bore our sickness and disease, he hung on that cross and cried out to the father on behalf of the one who was beside him, he cried out, they know not what they do. He died and rose again on the third day, he appeared to many, gave us the Holy Spirit to teach us, and went to heaven.

As you celebrate this day with family, let the power of the cross not be far from your mind. Jesus loves you so very much and wants you to know the power of His love. Live for Him and not for the world.

Happy Resurrection Day!

Summer Bible Study for Kids - Diggin Deep, that's the way

2009-04-01T07:10:00.007-05:00

Would you consider Summer Bible classes for your children? Could you bring them during the day? Should you do this really?

If we offered Bible classes on Tuesday - Thursday mornings, would this be something you would be interested in? It could be a continuation of Awana teaching, it could be considered deeper than Sunday school or Kids' Church.

Ages: New 2nd graders - 6th.

Curriculum: A fun, educational blend, but really digging deep for knowing and growing in Jesus. Kay Arthur's How to Study the Bible for Kids!

When: 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. After Vacation Bible School (June 7-12), starting June 16- July 9th, break for a week, July 21 - August 5th. 7 weeks total. Those dates would be 6/16,6/17,6/23,6/24, 6/30, 7/1, 7/7, 7/8, 7/21, 7/22, 7/28,7/29, 8/4,8/5
Cost: $15.00, includes new Bible and Book for study.

Where: Basement classrooms

Why: To walk as a disciple of Jesus to grow in our faith.

It would keep your kids growing, it would give them a sense of community, and you could have 2 hours of bliss unless you chose to help out.

We are teaming with Healthy Living Ministry to do an exercise and nutrition program. Laura Cushing is our Senior's excercise coach. She is a young mom with two children of her own, married to a very nice guy. Her sister has written a curriculum to teach children how to love and care for their bodies. Her class will be on Wednesday after we complete our lessons for the day. It will be about 45 min. long.

Let me know by calling me here at the church or emailing me if this is something you would consider for your child.

AWANA NOW!

2009-03-18T12:40:00.004-05:00

Dear Awana Parents!
Can you believe we are almost done with this year!? WOW! It has gone so very fast, like a Speeding Train!

Many things on the horizon for you to ponder in your heart.

1. Awards Night – will your child be rewarded for their perseverance this year? Have they completed one or more books? Puggles – T&T will be honored in one way or another at our Annual Awards Ceremony. Calendar this date: April 29th 6-8 p.m.

We will be taking up two offerings this night

o One will be for Faith Westwood as a Thank offering for allowing us to use their space.

o One will be for scholarships to allow children who can not afford to attend Awana on their own.

Please pray about what God will have you give and lead with your heart.

2. We are off for Millard Spring Break – April 8th.

3. Store Night – Last club night too – is April 22nd.

4. Vacation Bible School June 7th - 12th– until April 30 the cost is $14 per child or $25 per family. M-F 9-12 or Sun – Thurs 6-8:30 p.m. If this is something you would like your children to be apart of and can not afford it, we do have a lower fee if you are willing to work. Please let Janette know, 895-3366. The price does go up to $20 per child or $45 per family May 1st. We are heading to the underground church in 65 A.D. The Apostle Paul will be visiting us during this week too! Your children will have a great time. If they are 5th grade or older and Janette knows them, they can work in VBS.

5. Camping Retreat – June 26-28 – For the whole family! Cost: $20 for the whole weekend to camp! Look below for more information!

6. Please consider where God would have you serve in Awana next year. Maybe He desires your heart to just listen, or maybe to take a Bible study class similar to Awana 101. Maybe it’s to help with just check in or maybe to put tables up. Maybe it’s to give a child a ride that wouldn’t have one. Maybe it’s sharing the benefits you see in your own child to another parent who desires to have their child know, love, and serve Jesus through Awana. Maybe he would have you become a leader next year?! Wherever He desires your heart, you will soon follow and stay.

7. Next fall, we will host our first ever Awana Grand Prix. It is a pinewood derby car race for kids ages Puggles – T&T. The Puggles and Cubbies will use match box cars and Sparks and T&T will build their cars. We will set the date later. The cost: about $7 per car.

Thank you for making our year Fantastic by sharing your children with us! St. Paul’s Awana

The next is a Fam Camp-out retreat June 26-28 at Two Rivers State Park.
If you have never camped before and have stuff, come, we have a lot of people that can help you put a tent up.

We have reserved enough space for 19 tents and 7 RV's. Each RV site has electricity and a picnic table.

The Cost is $20 per tent for the weekend. Call Janette at the church to reserve your spot today!

Bring your Bibles, water jugs, your regular camping gear, warm clothes, towels, etc.

- Arrive Friday night - check in is a 4 p.m. - Tent Set ups, mingle.

6 p.m. Dinner - we will provide the hotdogs, hamburgers and buns, you bring salad, chips and your own drink along with your s'more supplies.

8 p.m. campfire devotions and prayer

Sat. morning - 7 a.m. Coffee's brewing

8 a.m. Breakfast - stone soup style - everyone brings something to put in the pot. Breakfast Burritos on the menu -

9-11 - Work Project for the campground

11-4 on your own - sit back and enjoy the view or swim in the river, or ride your bikes or fish!

4 p.m. DUTCH OVEN COOK OFF and SCOUT SHOW-OFF (What have you learned in boy or girl scouts- Cook and show)

5:15 - Dinner - Pot blessing (potluck), if not cooking with a dutch oven, please bring any of the following: meat dish, rolls, salad chips, fruit, side or dessert.

6:30 - Bible Study - we have a really neat one that goes with this retreat. Bring your Bibles too!

7:00 - Game - ummmm....

8:00 - Campfire stories

Sunday Morning -

7 a.m. Coffee's brewin

8 a.m. Breakfast - stone soup style - (potblessing)

9 a.m. - Campfire Sunday service

Stick around - visit with your neighbors.

2 p.m. - Check out

If you are interested in camping with us, it is first come basis and it is already filling. So mark your calendars and save the date!There are bathrooms with showers located near the tent sites.

If you don't want to camp but want to be there, come, enjoy, be...

Awana Games and Russian Awana Club

2009-03-16T08:11:00.005-05:00

We have decided to not participate in the Awana Games this year. Our numbers are very low for participation due to Spring Break. For Sparks Games, we had 4 girls and 2 boys signed up and needed 16. For T&T, we had 5 girls and 5 boys signed up. For each we needed 16. We could play with another church but from a coaching perspective, this is a difficult task. Eric and I talked and it was a difficult decision to come to on Friday the 13th of March. If you have signed up and have paid, I will pay you back on Wednesday. Last year, we had a full team and more waiting to come. Our prayer is next year, it will be scheduled when we don't have Spring Break.

Awana is off on April 8th.

This is the link to our Russian Awana Club that we adopted last year, we need your help to finish raising the money for the club this next week. We are just $90 short of our expected giving. Can you help?

http://www.awana.org/international/europe/default.aspx?id=366

Awards night

2009-03-09T07:38:00.005-05:00

Awards night is coming up. Your child really needs your help to succeed in getting their verses learned! The leaders have them for 40 min. a week, that's not enough time to really sink these verses in. So, please help them!

Spin by Lincoln Brewster - This is one of the fav. songs.

2009-03-04T09:07:00.002-06:00

This is the other fav. song!

“What I dream for Children’s Ministry and What I want for every child”

2009-02-25T10:06:00.002-06:00

What I dream for Children’s ministry? This question has been thought about, prayed about, wondered about and so here it is. Just in case you wanted to know but please don’t burst my bubble. I have dreamt of Children’s ministry since before I began at St. Paul’s and even before I became an Awana Commander in the Azores. I want every child to know that Jesus loves them, no matter what! I want every child to learn about the depth and the breadth of Jesus and His Father and of the Holy Spirit. I want every child to be able to stand straight and true, strong and brave with Jesus and to be able to stand against the devil and his schemes. I want every child to be able to pray for anyone at anytime and be confident that Jesus hears them. I want every child to be hungry for the knowledge and the love of Jesus. I want every child who walks through St. Paul’s doors to never want to leave because they are learning so much about Jesus; on the other hand, I want them to leave to go spread the Good News of Jesus Christ to the Nation. I want them comfortable enough to share Jesus at school and the neighborhood, to someone they don’t know.

I have always wanted more, not more stuff, more learning and more depth in what I learn. That wasn’t the case when I was in school as a child. I struggled, but as I became an adult, I have learned to work through the struggle and I decided to go back to school last year. I wanted to know more so I could teach your children better, so they too could learn more. I have completed my first year and did well. I will be awarded a diploma in Theology for completing this year. I have just a few short years left, with a lot of studying!

We have also changed some of the format of Elementary Kingdom Quest. We have gone a little bit deeper than we were before and will continue to go deeper. I felt like we were just covering the surface without any depth. This is what our Sunday morning looks like at 9:20 a.m.: Children are welcomed and check in, they receive their Bible buck and a ticket for the drawing. They come have a seat on the floor and visit with their buddies for a few minutes. We start at 9:25 with prayer and Praise and Worship. It isn’t like what you have in the Sanctuary, oh no! It is moving and grooving to the Lord Jesus. After all, we were made to Worship! We sing a few songs, than we have a Big Group teaching time, using their Bibles, about the subject we are learning during the month, this lasts about 10 minutes. We then draw tickets for bringing their Bibles, the winners receive yummy candy. We then release the children to their classrooms where they experience the lesson in many ways. The children are released from class at 10:45 a.m.

Preschool Kingdom Quest has a Large Group time to hear the story of the day and then break off into three small groups to rotate through different areas. The children enjoy learning about Jesus.

In Awana- each club has their own flavor. Most start with the Pledges to the Flags: American, Christian and the Bible along with our club songs and worship make up Flag Time. Puggles (age 2) do not start with flags. They have a Large Group time to listen to the story and sing the song, they play with playdough or make a craft, they play with each other and learn about the world around them. Cubbies (ages 3-5) start out in Flag time with the big dogs and then go to their classrooms. They have a big group puppet show, where the puppets help tell the story (great puppeteers too!). They have a book time where they say their scripture verses they memorized to their leaders. They have a story time along with a craft time. Both these clubs go to game time. Sparks (K-2) and Truth and Training (3rd-6th) have three sections. Handbook time – they learn or say their memorized Bible verses to their leaders, Big Group teaching time and Game Time.

In my dream, we have over 1,000 children praising Jesus and learning to be His disciples and we have committed leaders who desire to walk this journey with the children. Right now we have 250 children in total and IN every area of children’s ministry, we have incredible loving, Jesus’ loving leaders. They are committed, they desire to be involved and they are wonderfully dedicated. In my dream, this is what Children’s ministry should look like. It should look like more; more Jesus, more serving, more loving, more learning, digging deeper inside us and in the Bible and less of the outside influences, more of giving and offering to others our Jesus.
MY DESIRE IS TO SEE THE CHILDREN AND LEADERS HAVE ZEAL FOR JESUS! To know HIM with out reservations.
Thank you to all my leaders and teachers. This wouldn’t be possible without you!

This is wonderful and a great reminder

2009-02-19T07:56:00.003-06:00

Her First Car
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 2, by Os Hillman
02-19-2009
"Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD: The word of the LORD had not yet been revealed to him" (1 Samuel 3:7).
Charis, my sixteen-year-old daughter at the time, was now driving age. She had saved her hard-earned money to match her father's contribution to buy her first car. It was time to begin the hunt. I told her that we needed to pray for God to lead us to that perfect car. She was excited about the possibilities.
I began combing the newspaper and internet to find the right car. We prayed we would find the right car, even in the gray or silver color and model that she wanted. Finally, after several weeks, she got discouraged and began to tear up, "We will never find a car for this price." I told her the car was out there, but it was not God's time yet. We had to be patient to allow God to provide in His time, not ours. This didn't go over well with a teenager.
Finally, one day I came upon a car that seemed like it fit our criteria. I called the owner. The parents of the boy who owned it answered the call and gave me more information. I liked the parents right away. They had a nice "spirit" about them. We drove over to the house and there in the front yard was a silver sports car - the model she had been looking for, complete with a fantastic stereo and speaker system. We noticed a small fish symbol on the back bumper, which indicated the owner may have been a Christian. "These people appear to be believers!" I exclaimed to my daughter.
We met them and talked about price. It was a little higher than our budget. We asked if they could meet our price. They did. My daughter had her new car with a personal imprint from God to show my daughter that He was the source of the new car.
One of the most important roles you and I have as parents is to transfer our faith to our children. There comes a time when our children need to take ownership of their own faith in the Lord, rather than living off mom or dad's faith. Today, consider how to pass your faith to your children.

**** As I read this, it reminded me of a story. When we moved from Hawaii to Omaha, we sold our car. I knew exactly the car I wanted, it was a green mini van, with quad captian seats, electric panel, tan interior, low miles and in wonderful condition. I began to pray. We looked at many lots when we arrived in Omaha. We stopped at Woodhouse and they had the van that I wanted at a price we could afford. It was the best! I loved that van! It took many road trips with our basketball teams, it held many basketballs, water bottles, duffle bags and more. When I moved to the Azores, I had to sell it, I cried. This was a prayer answered and now it was gone. But than he showed Himself again when we moved from the Azores to a podunk town, Norfolk with 4 suitcases, 2 fat cats, an 18 yo who needed to learn to trust Jesus with the faith that really sticks. We had no jobs, no home, nothing but a great savings. We stayed in a hotel where I celebrated my birthday. We had an apt. in two days, bought new furniture after sleeping on the floor a few nights. We put in at least 30 applications but nothing! Christy began to loose hope and faith that something would come through. We prayed again and she got the first job! I got mine right after and then got another one and quit the first one. God was providing, he was showing himself strong.
Teach your children to stand in faith by praying and believing for that.

Blessings, Janette

Travel the Road Missionaries

2009-02-17T10:21:00.003-06:00

For the first two years of Awana T&T, we watched these missionaries. Tim Scott and Will Decker are amazing. They have given everything up to follow Jesus! They are young and go wherever God leads them. You can visit their website at www.traveltheroad.com You will be amazed and your children will love it! Here is the website of their history. http://www.traveltheroad.com/inspiration/history4.html

CNN News Interview from Travel the Road on Vimeo.

2009-02-04T08:19:00.003-06:00

(borrowed from www.christianwomentoday.com/parenting)
One of the many topics we will cover during Lent at Awana and Sunday school. 3 Articles

Teach Your Children to Study the Bible
by Karen Sue Hale
Article #1

Simply by opening the pages of a good book, we may enjoy places we could never afford to cruise to, explore uncharted lands, and live many experiences vicariously. What book can take us farther than the Bible? It carries us back in history to the very birth of the earth and forward to the magnificent throne of God. It’s a shame to neglect such a marvelous, true adventure. We must make time to share it with our children.

After teaching elementary school for fifteen years, I certainly know the importance of reading to children. Without the pleasure of sitting on someone’s lap and looking on as a story unfolds from the pages, they are less likely to become good readers them selves. As you seek fun, interesting, and edifying material for your child to read, do not forget to encourage time with the best book. The Bible contains adventure, humor, and romance. Written in both prose and poetry, it is a source of history, wisdom, and prophecy. More importantly, the Bible is the very word of God, and we are admonished to “hide it in our hearts” (Psalm 119:11). What better start toward a deep relationship with our Savior could you give your child than reading God’s word with him?

Begin when they're young
Parents begin “reading” board books with pictures of pets, toys, and shapes when their babies are still crawling. Why not read the excellent Bible story board books that are available as well. For the pre-schooler, children’s Bibles colorfully illustrate simplified stories about Abraham, Moses, Noah, and Jesus. As your child grows, allow her to read stories from an easy-read Bible to you. Occasionally, read the longer version to your young child from a modern translation. I really enjoy the New International Version because it is readily understandable. Keep art supplies available; and encourage your child to illustrate what you’ve read. Send the pictures to Great Aunt Melba or give them away at a nursing home.

When your child is in the second or third grade (earlier if a natural reader), purchase an NIV or other modern translation Bible for him. Take turns reading some of the stories he hears in Sunday School. Let him read some verses. Then you read a few. Stop to discuss the actions of the characters and their relationships to God. If you have several children, you may be able to help them act out a story. They could perform their play for their grandparents or neighborhood friends. In this way, you would be encouraging them to share their faith from an early age.

Connecting with pre-teens
As your child matures, it is often difficult to keep him reading at all, and the Bible could gather dust. Then it is time to leave the well-known stories and dig out adventures fascinating to a fifth grade boy, such as Ehud sinking his knife completely into the evil king and the fat covering the handle. If you have a sixth grade girl, don’t miss the story of Esther preparing for an entire year for the ultimate beauty contest. If you find a few of these “gems”, you may be able to sneak in a few pearls of wisdom such as “How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word,” (Psalm 119:9) and “Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but the woman who fears the Lord shall be praised” (Proverbs 31:30).

Begin teaching your pre-teens to use the concordance and other study helps in their Bibles. You may also wish to purchase a Bible handbook and Bible atlas. These tools can help to bring new life to scripture study by giving a clearer understanding of the times and places where events took place. There are multi-volume sets that look similar to encyclopedias but contain a wealth of information, illustrations, and maps to enhance your comprehension of the Word. They are expensive; but so are the computer games, videos, and even cell phones children receive as gifts. Would you rather invest money in your child’s temporary amusement or the renewing of the mind? (Romans 12:2)

Children learn what they live
If you have made family Bible reading time a habit in your child’s life, the door will open to discuss God’s Word with your teenager. One of the biggest thrills was when my son would bound into the apartment and ask where to find something in the Bible or say, “I know what I believe about this, but I need you to help me look in the concordance and find where the verses are to share it with my friend.” Together we would search the Word for answers to the problems encountered during those tough years between childhood and adulthood. I gave him a True Love Waits Bible for Christmas one year. The study helps and candid articles opened up topics I trembled to tackle. However, talking about purity with him was much easier in the context of scripture discussion.

Reading the Bible with your children, will show them that God’s Word is important to you. “Children learn what they live,” one poem states. Therefore, live reading the Bible with your children; and they will learn to live according to God’s word. Travel through the ages as you turn the pages of the Bible with your child and watch as God makes an eternal difference in not only his life, but yours.

Karen Hale has a Master of Education degree from Texas Woman’s University. The Lord fulfilled the desire of Karen’s heart when he brought two teenagers into her life who “adopted” her. Esther is now working her way through college. Thomas is a 2nd lieutenant in the army. He and his wife, Christan, recently brought new joy into Karen’s life when they gave her a granddaughter, Mayah Grace.

Article #2

Make Your Child Thirsty... for God
by Brenda Nixon

When asked, "What's God like?" one lad quipped, "He buys His clothes at Big and Tall."

Over Sunday dinner, Mom asked her young son what he learned in Sunday school. Confidently, he replied, "We learned about God, Moses, and Batman."

When my daughter Lynsey was eight years old, she wondered aloud, "What does God do on His day off?"

Children are spiritual beings. That means they, like us, seek to know their Creator. They will ask naive questions or give confused answers in their quest to know Him. Their questions, misunderstandings, and doubts are not stumbling blocks, but invitations to spiritual growth.

As the parent of a young, impressionable child, you have multiple occasions to teach your tot about God. Did you know that from birth to 18 years old, when he graduates, 85 percent of his waking, learning hours are spent, not in the classroom, but in your home? Your living room is his primary class and you are his first and most important teacher. The scholar and theologian, William Barclay counseled, "There are no teachers so effective for good or evil as parents." The Bible recognizes that parents are tremendously influential teachers. The sixth chapter of Deuteronomy commands parents to instruct their child when they walk, lay down, and get up. Summed up this means to consciously and daily work at being your child's Christian educator.

Rest assured, you do not have to be perfect to be your child's spiritual equipper. Many parents have shared their self-doubts with me. They felt they might "mess up" or not give the correct answer. It is natural to want your child to have the right guidance. But if we do our best God will do the rest. Wisely, one mother recognized that she didn't always have to "quench the thirst" of her son's spiritual needs but she must "create the thirst." To be effective in creating your child's thirst, practice these suggestions.

Seize any occasion to speak of God. Each morning I wake my daughter Laura for school with, "This is the day the Lord has made...", although, Laura's not always ready to "rejoice and be glad." One mother told me she helps her son with verse memorization. "It is amazing what my four-year-old will learn to the tune of 'Mary Had a Little Lamb' or 'Row, Row, Row Your Boat,'" she said. I applaud parents who teach their child Bible verses, because it is "putting on the armor of God" for life's battles.

Weave spiritual lessons into your daily conversations. With the warm weather we've enjoyed recently, Laura and I did some gardening on our daffodils and day lillies. As we knelt in the dirt, I explained the importance of clearing away old leaves and debris from the emerging plants. This will allow them fresh air and sun for growth. "It's like that in our lives, too" I went on. "We must clear away attitudes and behaviors that keep us from growing toward God."

Around your home, place visible reminders that testify to your faith in God. I remember the bronze cast of praying hands Mom and Dad had for years in our living room. The well-read family Bible remains on their coffee table today. Now, as a parent, I tape up Bible verses on mirrors, the refrigerator, and even on my car visor. The ones in the car humbly remind me that my children are watching my attitudes towards other drivers.

Children are visual learners. That means what they see has more impact than what they hear. Our beliefs about God must be lived out rather than just told to them. If we want our children to accept the Father's forgiveness, we must forgive. If we want our children to know that He is long-suffering, we must be patient even with the neighbor's cat that digs in our garden. If we want our children to understand charity, we must give, even if it's only used clothing to a shelter. One father testified that for him, this means going the speed limit to model obeying the law. Another said he lets his child put the offering envelope in the passing plate to teach about giving to God's work.

Your participation in church can create a thirst for God. Often the Sunday school lesson, music, or pastor's sermon creates interesting questions. I want my children to see that we cultivate friendships with those who are like-minded in spiritual matters. I want them to develop relationships with teachers, leaders, and mature Christians who can help when they have doubts. Belonging to a community of believers often supports the Christian education we do at home.
Everyday - in every way, you can create a spiritual thirst in your child. A thirst to know Our Father, to enjoy His forgiveness, and to benefit from His love. You will enable your child to grow up knowing he is not alone in the universe. And your child will never lack a moral compass to guide his way.

As a speaker and writer, Brenda Nixon helps build stronger families through parent empowerment. She is the author of Parenting Power in the Early Years: Raising Your Child - Birth to Age Five, a contributing author to several more books, a graduate of Nazarene Theological Seminary, and a mother of two girls. For information on Brenda's book, speaking topics and scheduling information go to BrendaNixon.com.

Article #3

Teaching Our Children to Pray
by Christine Crowley

"Now I lay me down to sleep" and "God is great, God is good, let us thank Him for this food." Unfortunately, all too often those two simple children’s prayers are the extent of our teaching our children how to pray. Then as they grow older we find ourselves wondering why prayer is not a vital part of our children’s lives.

Children imitate what they see modeled, and we need to be an example of praying adults for our children. If they are to become children, and later men and women, who know the importance of prayer and make prayer a daily practice in their lives, then as their parents and grandparents we need to be setting the example. How can we do this?

Let our children see us praying. Children learn by example. Our children and grandchildren need to see us starting our day off with prayer and reading the Bible.

Our children also need to see us praying when a crisis arises or decisions need to be made. We also need to make pray a part of our children’s daily life by praying with and for them. Praying with our children needs to be more than a quick prayer said at meal and bedtimes.

Send your children off with a prayer. We have an opportunity to make a difference in our children’s day by sitting down with them before they head to school and praying for them individually. We need to be pray for guidance and protection for our children while they are away from us. Then we need to give each child the opportunity to pray for their activities of the day, and any special concerns they may have for the day. At first we may have to pray for their activities, but as they become more comfortable with this time of prayer and praying in general, they will begin praying for their own needs and the needs of the brothers and sisters as well.

Make a prayer box and write on slips of paper the names of extended family members, church leaders, close friends, and special needs of those in the church. Then at breakfast or during your family devotions, have each child draws a slip of paper and have them pray for the person whose name they drew throughout the day.

Pray over problems. When our children come to us with problems, such as problems with a classmate, upcoming test, we need to not only listen to them, and advise them, but also pray with them. Like us, our children may become discourage with prayer when they don’t see their prayers being answered right away. Just as we need to occasionally be reminded of the prayers God has answered for us, so do our children.

Make a "Thank You, God" box for answered prayers. As prayers are answered, write them down and place them in the "Thank You, God" box. Then once a week have each member of the family draw out a thank you slip and praise God for the answered prayer.

Encourage older children to keep a prayer journal. The prayer journal can consist of not only their prayer request and answers to prayer, but a place to write their prayers out.
We need to remember that our children and grandchildren will not become prayer warriors overnight, but prayer can becomes a vital part of their lives. Don’t try to put all these tips into practice at once, but start with one or two. Also don’t get discouraged if you miss a day or two of praying with your children. Just pick up and start again. Remember, start with prayer. Pray and ask God which prayer practice He would have you and your children start with and watch how God will bless not only the lives of your children and grandchildren, but your life as well.

Christine Crowley is a freelance writer and speaker who makes her home in Arizona. She teaches women's Bible studies, and serves on the women's council and missions committee in her local church.

Family Activities

2009-01-27T07:50:00.003-06:00

In the midst of our busy lives, we must refresh our outlook and our time spent.
How's your busy life? Do you have time away just to read that book you have been wanting to get to but can't? What about just simple family time?

We have two things coming in. March 1st Roller Skating at Skate Daze, cost is $10 per kid and $7 per adult if you skate. It is from 2-4 p.m.

The next is a Fam Camp-out retreat June 26-28 at Two Rivers State Park.

If you have never camped before and have stuff, come, we have a lot of people that can help you put a tent up.

We have reserved enough space for 19 tents and 7 RV's. Each RV site has electricity and a picnic table.

The Cost is $20 per tent for the weekend. Call Janette at the church to reserve your spot today!

Bring your Bibles, water jugs, your regular camping gear, warm clothes, towels, etc.

- Arrive Friday night - check in is a 4 p.m. - Tent Set ups, mingle.

6 p.m. Dinner - we will provide the hotdogs, hamburgers and buns, you bring salad, chips and your own drink along with your s'more supplies.

8 p.m. campfire devotions and prayer

Sat. morning - 7 a.m. Coffee's brewing

8 a.m. Breakfast - stone soup style - everyone brings something to put in the pot. Breakfast Burritos on the menu -

9-11 - Work Project for the campground

11-4 on your own - sit back and enjoy the view or swim in the river, or ride your bikes or fish!

4 p.m. DUTCH OVEN COOK OFF and SCOUT SHOW-OFF (What have you learned in boy or girl scouts- Cook and show)

5:15 - Dinner - Pot blessing (potluck), if not cooking with a dutch oven, please bring any of the following: meat dish, rolls, salad chips, fruit, side or dessert.

6:30 - Bible Study - we have a really neat one that goes with this retreat. Bring your Bibles too!

7:00 - Game - ummmm....

8:00 - Campfire stories

Sunday Morning -

7 a.m. Coffee's brewin

8 a.m. Breakfast - stone soup style - (potblessing)

9 a.m. - Campfire Sunday service

Stick around - visit with your neighbors.

2 p.m. - Check out

If you are interested in camping with us, it is first come basis and it is already filling. So mark your calendars and save the date!There are bathrooms with showers located near the tent sites.

If you don't want to camp but want to be there, come, enjoy, be...

This is for you.

2009-01-22T07:12:00.003-06:00

We are confirmed for Sunday, February 22 for 6:30 PM with Pastor Mike Foss – author of Real Faith for Real Life. This book is the heart of our Lenten Emphasis this year. The leaders who have read Real Faith for Real Life are finding it challenging, deep, and inspirational.

This will be sort of a 40 Days of Discipleship. Everyone will be reading the book – Real Faith for Real Life. Pastor Lou is writing a series of weekend messages to communicate the book content. We’re also designing a series of midweek services (to be held at both St. Paul’s and at Faith Westwood) where the book content will be examined in more depth. We are using the questions at the end of each section in the book to develop a small group resource and we’re asking all of our small groups to meet weekly during Lenten.

During this midweek service at Faith Westwood. As a club, we invite the parents of the clubbers to come and learn. Check in is only from 6:15-6:25. We ask that you and your child will be here for this very important teaching. This book is about getting real. About getting real with yourself and getting real with your relationship with Jesus. If you don't know Jesus, as your personal real friend for life, please ask him into your life. There is not one single only way to do it. It's basically like this - Lord Jesus, I know you desire me to walk with you, I haven't or I have backslidden, I am sorry. I know I am a sinner, I know you died on the cross for me, you rose and are seated at the right hand of the father. I desire more than anything to walk in your love and to learn more. Lord, I want to live for you. I am yours, Thank you Lord Jesus, Amen, that's it, it isn't hard, but the work that follows will be. That's why we are doing Real Faith for Real Life. Come learn. The weeks will be WK 1 - Daily Prayer, WK 2 - Weekly Worship, WK 3 Daily Bible Reading, WK 4 -Serving in and beyond the congregation, WK 5 -Nurturing Relationships and WK 6- Giving tithe and beyond (doesn't mean we are asking for money, but God puts this on your heart to be obedient to Him.- this will be at St. Paul's as we will be on Spring Break. Tithes aren't about the church, they are about your obedience to God. It goes to the ministries in which God has given to advance the Kingdom of God. (This was not part of Pastor Lou's letter, but from me, Janette)

On Sunday February 22nd at 6:30 is the kickoff – the keynote – Pastor Mike will set the tone for our Lenten Journey. He’ll so a presentation with questions & answers – maybe 60 minutes. Hors d'oeuvre Reception and Book Signing to follow. We’re hoping for 150 to 200 people, maybe more. ( Please make it a point to come, child care will be provided, please call Janette now if you plan on needing childcare for your 5 year old or younger)

This will help focus our eyes and hearts on discipleship – raise participation levels – and invite passionate response from our people – for the 40 Days and beyond.

Pastor Lou

Travel the Road

2009-01-06T09:56:00.002-06:00

For a few years, T&T has watched this video series of two men who are young and have taken to the road to preach the good news. Here is the website to see what Tim Scott and Will are up to.

http://traveltheroad.wordpress.com/
Here is their website: http://www.traveltheroad.com/index.html

Hope you and your children enjoy watching and learning about these mordern day missionaries who are young and love Jesus.

Back - School started, Awana Starts, Sunday School started...

2009-01-05T07:25:00.007-06:00

And what have you started? Did you make a New Years Resolution? Is it attainable or impossible to attain?

I found this card in my old Bible case a while back and I would like to share it with you.

Blessings for your New Year -
Purpose: As you complete your daily tasks, may you understand how they contribute to the larger purpose of your life. May you experience deep satisfaction as you discover and carry out your unique role.

Fullfilling work: May you take pleasure in all your work. May every task you undertake succeed, and may you enjoy the good things your labor supplies.

Your Health: May you and those you love remain strong in body and free from disease. May those who suffer from injury or illness recover quickly and completely.

Peace of Mind: May your mind and heart always be at rest. May graditude and peace replace every anxious, fearful thought.

Laughter: May you laugh long and often. May each day be filled with gladness so that even your sorrows turn into joy.

Read your Bible daily: Prepare your heart for Bible study. John 17:17 says "Sanctify them by Your truth. Your Word is Truth." Ask and it shall be given. Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you today. To show you where He desires you to be in His Word today. Just open your Bible, no particular place, just ask what He would desire from you today. Than Read a Chapter, Ask the Holy Spirit to explain it to you, than reread it again. Opening the eyes of your heart so that you may see Him. After this is complete, open your heart to pray. Affirm Jesus, you can start like this... I love you Jesus, I adore you Jesus, I love you, thank you for loving me, thank you for my salvation, thank you for waiting for me for so long. Thank you for my children, for my husband, for my wife, thank you Lord for the blessings they are, for the people you created them to be. Thank you Lord for you, for dying on the cross for me, for being the sacrificial lamb of God. For all that I have from you. For my job, for my home, for everything, Hallelujah Jesus... Than you can ask whatever you need from him. Than start praying for others asking in His name, In the Name of Jesus I pray for... In the Name of Jesus... I ask for .... Start praying in Jesus name, the name above all names.

Than sit quietly for a few minutes, if your mind wonders, bring it back to a quiet place, and continue. Jesus wants to speak to you, he desires this quiet time with you. He desires your heart and your mind and your soul and all your strength.

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Awana Starts with Parents Night. We would like to have a Parents Meeting at 6:00 to explain how the books work, and The Awana Games.
Awana Games coming up on Sat. April 4th. We can take 15 - 18 Sparks, T&T Girls - 18 and Boys 18. So sign ups will start very soon. The cost is $5 per child to play. This pays for our registration. If you have a child in Sparks and T&T please plan to bring your lunch. The day is long. Sparks play at 10:30 and T&T at 1:30. If your child signs up, they need to be there 1 hour prior to playing. It is very confusing and very harried if you come after this. We need to make sure every child who is playing has a shirt, we have to check in as a church 20 min. before we have to be on the floor. The Games will be held at Papillion LaVista Highschool on 90th St. and Hwy 370.

Awana Bible Quizzing - I would love it if you took the time to go watch this, Sparks 2nd graders and all of T&T. It is held in Omaha, Nebraska - February 14 / 9:00 am & 1:00 pm Evangelical Bible Church - 7820 Fort St

Next year, we will be taking a team 12 boys and 12 girls. I encourage everyone to go and watch this year so we can see what we need to do for next year. Parents and Leaders and Clubbers, please be a part of watching this.

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Sunday school is back in full swing. We can't wait to see you again!

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Are you looking for some part-time work? The Children's room is hiring, age 16 or older. Hours vary, and pay is adequate. We need a Weekend Custodian who can work 8-10 hours a week, who is a self-starter and dependable, pay is adequate. Call Janette at the church if you are interested.

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His Peace Always, Janette

A few days before the New Year! Are you ready?

2008-12-30T06:58:00.004-06:00

Are you ready for the new year? Do we have a choice? Not really!

As I have been studying about Biblical finances during this class, I thought the class would be different than what it is really. God has placed a lot of things on my heart during this class. I don't know about you, but I try very hard to be obedient to the Lord Jesus. However, I do fall short many times.

One thing I have learned though is about tithing. Have you ever thought about what it means? We are to bring our firstfruits to the Lord. Tithe is greek for "a tenth" of our first fruits. It seems when you look at your budget, your incoming and outgoing, it doesn't seem possible to even give a bit. But in our obedience to Jesus, we give because it is asked of us. This is the hugest act of Worship to the Lord. It is to the Lord even though it goes to man, it helps to carry on Jesus to others who wouldn't otherwise hear it. The blessings that come from your obedience and from your giving are incredible. There are many scriptures to back up the reason to tithe, but it should be out of the abundance of your heart and your love and obedience towards Jesus.

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Sunday school will start back for Preschool and Elementary this Sunday, Jan. 4th. Elementary will be studying the Holy Spirit for the next 4 weeks. If you have a 5th grader who has not been attending for various reasons, I implore you to start bringing them. The next 4 rotations will be very important for them taking their first communion classes.

Awana will start again Jan. 7th.

Why is it important for your children to attend Sunday school or Awana? It helps them to have a faith foundation for their future, what will give them their strength when all crumbles around them?

When you put sports or music above God, that becomes your God- your idol. When your child learns what is important first, the rest will come. You can have games or practices on Sunday or Wed. but don't let it interfere with the possibilites God has for your children's life during this time. There is a blessing on the other side of your obedience.

Thursday, Dec. 18th

2008-12-18T08:15:00.004-06:00

We sing this one often.

We sang this one during this season.

Why is it important to participate in worship when we don't in the regular church service? Well, worship is between you and Jesus. When the songs start, they are to draw your heart towards Jesus and grow your heart towards Him, it's okay to raise your hands. It is you surrending to Jesus, it isn't a show, its your inward heart coming to the surface to surrendering to Jesus wholly.

But when you decide to read the announcements instead of paying attention to the heart issues, you have shut Jesus out. He stands there waiting for you to glorify Him only.

If you do this during the week that is incredible! Jesus desires all of you, that is what He desires for everyday! He desires you to know Him more and more. He calls us His Own! He calls us to follow Him wholeheartedly. Are you? Have you laid down your life for Him?

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Sunday our 6th graders will graduate from the Children's Ministry and head into the Youth Ministry. Several are ready for this move and some are not. I have truly struggled with this move this year, last year wasn't so hard but it was difficult too. Every year I think it will be hard, because the relationship with each class is so unique and wonderful! So as we say tootleloo to this group of fantastic kids, we say hello to the new opportunities to grow in God's Word.

Growing your children for Jesus is at the top of my priorities, as it should be yours too. I can't do it alone, I have to have your help.

Soon we will see the 5th graders go through their 1st Communion class, but as they do, if they haven't been connected to Jesus, this is a foreign road that is a bit scary and a bit different. We will be studying along with the 5th graders about the Passover and the Last Supper, in Sunday School, so get to church and allow your 5th graders and anyone else elementary age experience this lesson in the Arts, in the Story, in the Theater, in the Drama, in the Kitchen, in the Bible Class, let them breathe it in and live it for 5 weeks. Let your child come to the saving knowledge of Jesus.

Tuesday

2008-12-16T07:34:00.007-06:00

Wednesday Night Awana is Dress as a Present! How? Well, how would you dress for Jesus? He cares about your heart and not your appearance. He deals with the heart. He is loving and kind.

In my long journey of being a Christian, I have tried my best to be sinless, however, my humaness gets in the way too many times. Is that the same with you? Did you start your journey with Jesus and find that it was easy? or hard? Did you start your journey with Jesus yet? If you haven't yet, are you waiting until you are clean and your life is right?

Shh... here's a secret, your life is right, right now for Jesus! You don't have to have it all in order to give your life to him. He will love you right where you are and right now! You just have to ask Him!

Okay, so you have had Jesus in your life for a long time, but somethings missing, your not sure what exactly it is, but you hunger for more in your journey with Jesus. Your Bible contains the answers. Sometimes it seems we can't understand the Bible, but the when you give or gave your life to Jesus, the Holy Spirit indwells Himself in you as your teacher/guide. He will help you understand but you have to ask. The Trinity is a gentleman and will never come in without being invited. There is a two step process to the Holy Spirit, He does enter when you have given your life to Jesus, but He also will enter when you ask for the Power that He has, it is the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. That Power makes things clearer, heals, can speak in other tongues, believes greater, loves more, and helps define your walk, the Bible says it, and I believe it!

More later...

Kingdom Quest Sunday School will graduate their 6th graders Sunday Dec. 21st from the Elementary side of Sunday School to the Youth side of Sunday school. The 6th graders will continue in Awana until April 29th.

Christmas eve services are 4 p.m. - Family Service with children, 6 p.m. and 11 pm. No Christmas day services.

Have a Mary Christ-mas (Messiahmas)

2008-12-10T08:29:00.001-06:00

What an incredible video.

Are you keeping up?

2008-12-08T07:58:00.004-06:00

Are you keeping up with all the things that make you busy? Is your plate full or too full? Do you need a platter now because you have too much to put on your plate? If you get the platter will there be spaces between the busyness so you can have time with God?
I know what you're going through in your busyness. I use to be way too busy! I was on an education board that required my time, I was a director of 3 basketball teams, taught classes, involved with church and more, and schooling my children!

I remember being very busy, but one thing that focused me was that time I gave to Jesus in the morning. I spent at least 15 minutes in the morning in the Word and then prayed for the needs around me. As a family, we also studied our Bibles first thing in the morning together. I wanted my children focused for the day. It meant getting up earlier in the morning and starting our day by 7 a.m. But it grew us in God's Word and in our relationship with Jesus.

What does your relationship with Jesus look like? Are you acquantances? Are you friends who pass each other? Are you friends who talk frequently? Are you best friends? Are you bosom buddies? In order to move through these, you must invest in the relationship, you must give time to know Jesus. If you don't know how, let me show you. Do you have a Bible? If you don't, Walmart sells them reasonably priced. Open your Bible to John or in Ephesians. John gives you a glimpse of Jesus and Ephesians is written by Paul and tells you how you should be as a Christian. Read for 10 miniutes a day for 5 days. See what you have learned at the end of those five days. Did you learn anything new?

Here are some happenings at St. Paul's this week...

Awana Store Night and Dress in Red and Green!

Saturday night: Date your Mate! Childcare available for $10 per family. 5:30-9 p.m. The Children's room will be open for preschool and below and Janette and Steve Sanne will have K and up at the church, for a movie and crafts. Please call Linda or Jason Richards to sign up or call Janette at the church - 895-3366. It must be done in advance.

Sunday night: 4 p.m. Church Recital for kids 1st - 12th grade.
5 p.m. "It's a Boy!" Christmas Children's Play
Christian Kids' Choir will be singing as well.

Lastly, if you have a 6th grader, I would love to see them for the next two Sunday mornings! The 6th graders will graduate on Dec. 21st from Sunday school only. They will not be leaving Awana until the year is completed. WE LOVE our 6th graders!

It's lovely outside don't you agree?!

2008-12-01T10:34:00.002-06:00

Okay, so maybe it is a bit cold, but it is crisp and clear and beautiful! Maybe scraping your windows in the early morning isn't so fun or the fact that your seats are cold when you get in, but the weather! Oh the Weather! It is magnificent!

We were off on Sunday and last Wednesday, did you enjoy the time off or did you miss something? Did you attend Sunday school or tried but went to church as a Family because we didn't have Sunday school? My hope is that you find sitting in service with your children rewarding. Training begins in the pew and goes into the home and everything you do.

It seems that when we became parents that there was an awful lot of responsibility that came with it. You have a lack of sleep, diapers to change/smell, bottles or nursing every two hours, and caring for your spouse or other children! Whew, it's enough to make you tired just thinking or remembering that!

This little child you held, so helpless and so new soon grew. As a little creeper, you never thought you would have to say no, or maybe you dreaded the day you would have to stop them from hurting themselves or others. When they began to toddle around, you hoped they wouldn't fall too hard and bruise themselves or they wouldn't topple into something else. You watched with the love that beats so hard and tried hard not to cry as they began their first step of Independence, but with that Independence came disobedience in the littlest of things. You knew you had to curb it then or it would grow and fester into bigger things.

That's the way God is with us. He desires us to know and grow in him. He desires us to learn as we toddle through this faith journey, as we grow, we know more, and can become very obedient to Him. When we have fallen and hurt ourselves or others, we hurt God as well. His heart beats for us as ours does with our own children. He loves it when we do what we are suppose to do and gives us great things when we are obedient. He cries for us when we have messed up. He yearns to have us back in His arms and in his loving care.

As we move into the Christ-mas season, what is the gift we can give to Jesus this year? He doesn't need money, although He would love it if you gave out of the abundance of your heart to a place or person in great need. He doesn't need clothes, although, there are organizations that could use them. He needs and wants YOU for Christ-mas. He wants all of you, your heart, mind, soul and strength for His Christ-mas present. What can I give Him, poor as I am, what can I give Him? I can give Him all of me!

Awana meets Wednesday for Soap and Shampoo Night! This will go to the Lutheran Ladies who will take it to the Food Pantry. Last year, the pantry was truly blessed by all that was given!

Sunday school meets on Sunday as we study Mary Did you know?

I remember having 3 babies in 3.5 years and being a single parent! My sons were 3 and 2 when my daughter was born. My oldest was a handful and my second was multi-handicapped and lots of appointments. My daughter was born and quit breathing many times. My youngest son was in the hospital the same time my daughter was born, she stayed for an extra five days to see if we could stablize her breathing. Like I said, I was single at that time. I had become a Christian when I was 6 weeks pregnant, so I was learning that God provided and He met my every need. I remember the discipline of my oldest from the time he was about 1 on. He was hard-headed, defiant and a goofball! He was a tough one.

I remember when my oldest was about 6. I was sleeping until 7 a.m. afterall it was a Saturday morning, he was up and had gotten the other two out of their cribs, was "making breakfast" and thought he would surprise me.

Oh He did! I woke up to find the house in smoke, the frying pan on the counter with a large burn spot under it! and his brother with broken glass on and in his feet and my oldest trying to handle it. My daugther was about 2 year old and crying. What a mess! I wasn't sure what to do first! I picked the glass out, turned the oven off, wiped the tears, and then talked to my oldest. "But mom, I wanted to surprise you!" How can you be upset with that statement? I sent him next door to get the babysitter's mom (She was a nurse) to help fix the cut feet). You see, because my youngest son had many issues, my oldest helped take care of his needs. He was just doing what he could to help. He desired to please me and show me he was old enough!

I believe we try to do that with God too. Instead of waiting on God, we try to do the stuff ourselves, we try to takeover and help, but it isn't always the kind of help He needs from us. We need to learn the patience that it requires to watch Him care for us. He has a hard time watching us grow in that too, he is gentle but firm, loving yet harsh at times when we have taken it on ourselves. When is the last time you gave everything to the Lord and didn't take it back to work on yourself?

Until next week, may your days be blessed by the power of God in your daily walk. May the healing power of Jesus, heal your every need! May His love be wrapped around you like a warm fuzzy blanket and may you know and show the love of Jesus to all. Healing comes from your faith that God can do what He says He can do!

Off Thanksgiving eve for Awana - read more

2008-11-19T14:00:00.003-06:00

You read that right, we are off Nov. 26th from Awana.

Now on for the exciting news!

We are planning some very special days, one in March 2009, one this summer and one in Sept. 2009. Along with a wonderful trip to Rome!

In March we will be going somewhere very kewl! In fact, I grew up doing this every weekend, I taught my friends too! I have been doing this since I was two years old! I have my very own too! Take a guess and let me know what you think it is.

In Sept., we will sit outside and wear our coats, sing songs and play games. Where do you think this will be?

During the summer we will have an all family fun time! It will be near a creekbed, with some turtles and you and your family can see the starry night. You can eat your favorite meal, dress down, completely comfortably down - no makeup down, and have a blast too! Where do you think this is?

June 7th - 12th we will go together into the Underground Church. We will visit Rome with our friend Paul. We will eat some wonderful tasty meat and try some other wonderful things. Join us as we tour and sing our way through Rome. We will have plenty of guide to show us around.

These are not just for Awana or Sunday school, this is for EVERY PERSON who attends Children's Ministry fun!

The Awana Store is Dec. 10th, items are coming in and they are wonderfully thought out. It will be a treasure trove. My prayed is we will have enough items for all the clubs. Puggles and Cubbies do not attend the store night, but will receive a bag full of goodies. Sparks and T&T will need a paper bag with their name on it and their bucks counted. If they have lost their bucks, they won't be replaced. We certainly hope they understand.

But this one is for Awana - Awana games for Sparks and T&T is April 4th - Spring Break, in Papillion! Sparks team will compete with 17 kids, at least 5 boys and 5 girls. T&T will have two teams, Boys team of 16 and girls team of 16. The games are competitive and they are fun!

All these items will cost your pocketbook. Some a little and some a lot. Please plan now so you have the opportunity to have the fun and fellowship with others. Meet new people, they may be just like you!

Monday Nov. 17 - KQ/Awana and more

2008-11-17T08:29:00.003-06:00

Kingdom Quest
This past weekend KQ elementary completed Isaiah. If you child has been here, what have they learned from it? What have their comments been? Have they enjoyed it? I know our teachers worked very hard in the classrooms preparing and teaching about what Isaiah prophecied about Jesus. Do you know? Take a peek at Isaiah 9:6. What are the names Isaiah called Jesus? Some of you have received beautiful chains in which to use for Christmas to help you and your family remember the reason for Christmas. It isn't our birthdays so why so many gifts?

This question came up at a conference and as I look at the boxes of gifts we are sending to our grandchildren, I asked myself this - "Who's birthday is it" and "Why am I sending so many gifts"? I know it is Jesus birthday and we are sending so many because we only get to see them once a year or once every other year! It is so very hard to be away from them, watching them grow only through pictures is hard for this Oma and Opa!

Our next rotation is "Mary Did you Know?". Nov. 23rd - Dec. 21st. What must have she felt? What must have she thought? We will take a peek at her life as much as we can! So, join us on Sunday mornings at 9:25. We start with Prayer, Praise and Worship and some Christmas songs and if your child brings their Bible, they get a chance to win one of 3 prizes! They are then released to their class. They are in class until 10:45. If the Sanctuary releases at 10:30, we ask that you, the parents, would hang out and meet someone new you haven't met yet.

HEART2HEART MARRIAGE MINISTRY -DATE NIGHT - DECEMBER 13TH - Cost for child care $10 per family. Preschool children will be in the Children's room with Cheryl and her wonderful women and Elementary children will be in the Commons at the Church with Janette and Steve Sanne. We have surprises for the parents and movies for the kids. Come to service at 5:30 as a family and then take your cue and deliver your children to the right places and pick them up at 9 pm.

Awana
Did you know we have been only going 11 weeks so far? You may be wondering what "Thankful Night is" Well, I want your clubber to let us know what they are thankful for at Check in. Why are they thankful for what it is?

We do not have club next week, Nov. 26th!
Enjoy preparing for Thanksgiving and feasting with your family.

What are you Thankful for?

I am thankful for the place God has given me to teach His Word to your children. I am thankful for the roof over my head and the food in my belly and the clothes that fit over this body. I am thankful for you the parents who allow your children to attend Sunday school and/or Awana. I am thankful for a wonderful boss who allows Jesus to work in me everyday so I can lead like Jesus. I am thankful for a loving and wonderful husband who knows that Jesus loves him and finds him wonderful too! I am thankful for our children and their spouse and grandchilden and our parents. I am thankful for the Power of God's Word that it is the Rock in which we stand!

So until next time... Stand on the Word of God for your life, you will be blessed beyond the measure of anything you ever saw.

For the Parents

2008-11-10T07:33:00.004-06:00

Yesterday as I was enjoying my morning off at my in-laws, the Lord awoke me at 5:30 a.m. to tell me we have to figure out a solution to the lack of understanding in our Bible reading. Afterall, we work with the children to try to encourage them to read the Word of God. So, after climbing out of my nice,warm bed and tiptoeing downstairs to make coffee about as quietly as possible without waking a human being, God and I sat down to write this out.

I am blessed to work in a position I absolutely love and I do love it. I love all of my parents but I see something lacking that I can only speculate and have only God's insight without the judgement.

This is a heart tug, from my heart to yours.

How well do you know your Bible? A) Not well at all, B) Okay but I need more, C) I can find my way around, or D) I have memorized some scripture and know God's Word?

How do you feel about God's Word? A) Comfortable, B)Uncomfortable, or C) Was told that I wasn't allowed to read or understand it without a Pastor?

We attended a conference last week and it seems that many churches and mainline denominations are having the same discussions, how do we bring parents and others into the Word of God?
(side note)I didn't start reading my Bible until I gave my life to Jesus, I was old, 25! prayed a simple prayer to give my life back to Jesus and it opened the Bible and the ease of reading it to my brain. Have I read it cover to cover many times? I have read the places God has put forth when I needed them. I have read the Old Testament a few times and the New, but not cover to cover. I ask "Where do you want me today" and open and there I sit. To teach the children, I do pray specifics. I pray about where we have been and where He desires them to be. Right now we are in Ephesians on Wed. nights and then off to Romans.

I want your children to stand firm on God's Word, I want them to stand straight and true and strong and know without a doubt they are a child of the King of Kings. But I have them for three hours if I have them both Sunday and Wednesdays and one hour on Sundays. You have them the rest of the time.

I want more than that, I want you, the parents, to stand straight, strong and true in and on God's Word, that no weapon formed against you will prosper and all that rise against you would fall. I want you to lean not on your own understanding but in ALL His ways, He will make your path straight.

But in order to stand against those weapons you must know the Word of God, because it is the sword, it will cut through anything. It is the shield that will block all those cuts.

How can we help you dig into the Word? We don't want to make you feel like you know nothing, you do know something, you want your children to stand rooted and grounded in the Word, so let us get you there too.

For the next few days, I would like you to dig into Ephesians. Start with Chapter one. Use your child's Bible, in fact, you could all do this! It would be powerful for your children to see you read their Bible. So start with Ephesians 1:1-14. Look at the blessings Jesus says you are! Read it a few times throughout the next few days, then continue to read, take small bite size pieces and chew on them. Discuss them with your family. Post your comments here and let me know what you have found doing this.

Please pray with me...
Lord Jesus, I want to know your Word. I want to show my children that your Word is important to this family and needed for every day life. Lord Jesus, teach my children and me to be passionate about you, to be hungry to know you, to love you, to serve you and to follow you, we desire to be the ones that cling to you. Help us to open our Bibles, to learn your Word and to read them as a family so we grow to know you in a wonderful relationship. In Your precious name Jesus, Amen.

Lastly, God calls us to Godly living, He calls every believer into a Godly live. Those who desire to live a Godly life will face conflict with the world. We can not compromise our convictions, we must deal with the world but stand strong.
So, we must fill our minds with the Word of God, focus on positive, righteous and holy things - including friends and entertainment. Apply Biblical truth to our hearts, by asking the Lord all day to show us how to put into practice the principles of His Word. and lastly, practice the presence of the Lord. God is always with us. Ask him to make you more sensitive to His presence. Allow the Holy Spirit to live through you, He will enable you to withstand temptation and help you become more Christlike. Renewing your mind everyday in His Word will allow you to resist the world. (last paragraph -parts taken from Charles Stanley)

Awana, The Nursery, Kingdom Quest and more

2008-11-05T06:58:00.002-06:00

Tonight's Awana theme is Orange! It could mean orange socks, orange hair, orange shirt, orange hat, anything worn orange!

Next week's theme - Canned Food Night - a buck a can or box of food.

A note will be set home tonight about the Thanksgiving feast items needed. This can be used for the canned food night.

Some happenings in Childen's Ministry at St. Paul's.
We are forming a team together to ensure the strength of the ministry and what God has called us to do get's accomplished. Every area of this ministry will be looked at. Awana is a very strong ministry with committed leadership. Kingdom Quest Sunday School has a pretty good teacher base and is growing. We have many other areas to look at.

Did you know... The Children's Room a.k.a. The Nursery in any church as an important mission? This is taken from an article from Children's Ministry online.
Where is God on Sunday mornings? Of course, God is everywhere. We know that God is enthroned in the praises of his people, in their prayers, when the word is preached, loved and obeyed. He is everywhere! But did you know God is back in the church nursery? Our church nursery has a loving staff who care for your children and want to help you to enjoy service or Wed. nights.
The Bible studies are starting tonight and we have wonderful staff who will care for your child at no cost. They do have a piggy bank that they put out for donations. Your donations help offset the cost of snacks, craft items, and more.

Kingdom Quest Sunday school is from 9:25 - 10:45 here. We are currently studying Isaiah the Prophet and how he foretold about Jesus. Each week the children attend a different room. It could be the movie theater, story, kitchen, games, or art. This rotation ends on Nov. 16th.
Our next rotation will be Mary Did you know? Nov. 23rd - Dec. 21st.
Dec. 21st, our Sunday school 6th graders will graduate from elementary Sunday school to Middle School Sunday school.

However, our AWANA 6th graders will remain in Awana until the end of the year.
If your child is in 6th grade and will not be attending confirmation classes at St. Paul's or elsewhere, we invite them to stay with us for the next couple of years until there is a middle school group they fit into. They can continue their book, we can pray in a teen leader who will lead them into the Journey with "Trek" an Awana series or they can become Leaders' in training. My hope is to not lose any child.

Our Christmas play has been practicing hard, they work two days a week to learn their lines and learn more. We could still use some stage hands!

Thursday - Check up from the neck up

2008-10-30T07:03:00.003-05:00

Warning! If I could put a red siren on this WARNING, I may have done it!

Okay, you may not like this! It may taste as bad as bad medicine, but after giving it to the Truth and Training group in Awana I have to!

One of the questions asked to the T&Ters(3-6th grade) last night was
"Why do you do homework?" Answers were varied, but mainly because "I get graded on it" and "I want to get into a good college". So I asked "What if I graded you on your handbook, what would your grade be?" I called out the A-F grade list and many fell into a D, some fared better.

Then I asked "If I graded you on your Bible reading, what would your grade be?" One or two B's, some D's, most were F's.

Spurgeon said "I think I now see the Spirit of God grieving, when you are sitting down to read a novel and there is your Bible unread. Perhaps you take down a book on "witchcraft", and you forget that you have a more precious book of the Acts of Apostles, and in the story of your Lord and Master. You have no time for prayer, but the Spirit sees you very active about worldly things like sports or music, and having many hours to spare for relaxation and amusement. And then he is grieved because he sees that you love worldly things better than you love him." He goes on to say "Sin everywhere must be displeasing to the Spirit of holiness, but sin in his own people is grievous to him in the highest degree. He will not hate his people but he does hate their sins, and hates them all the more because they nestle in his children's bosoms." Tell me that isn't powerful!

In Ephesians 4 25-32 it says ..."and do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption...

I know it is hard to make time for every single thing in your life. I have been there, am there and will always be, yet there is a part of me that yearns to know Jesus and to really know Him. The only way to know Him is to read about Him.

If you struggle even finding the time, use the time you have in the "library"(bathroom)to open up the Word. (A bible teacher told me this years ago)

If reading the Bible is foreign land to you and getting into the Word is hard, try Ephesians or John, both are for the brand new believers/readers. Once you get those, who would you like to know more about? There are so many great reads in just one book! Don't be afraid of it, make time for it.

We were born to worship that is why God created us. Lift your hands and say Praise you Jesus and thank him for your life.

Until next time!

Monday Oct. 27th

2008-10-27T07:19:00.003-05:00

What a busy weekend here at St. Paul's.

The quilting ladies made over 170 quilts this year to warm the hearts of others in need, the sanctuary looked fabulous with the quilts on each pew! They will be sent to Lutheran World Relief who distribute them to those who are in need. The school bag ladies have been very busy as well. They are hoping for 70 school bags to send along.

The Thanksgiving outreach has done wonderfully well. There are still some needs to be met, like veggies and gravies that they need purchased. The board is in the commons at St. Paul's if you are interested in obtaining any of the needs.

The Christian Kids' Choir sang in two of the services and was a blessing to all. Kay works very well with the children and it is never too late to start singing for the Lord!

We started Isaiah yesterday and it was well received. It smelled so wonderful in the Kitchen as the 1st and 2nd graders made cookies! The art room made Advent Chains to share with their families and the Story and Game room talked about what a Prophet was and the story of Jesus. The Movie Theater watched The Messiah, it is a wonderful movie about how one Jewish man followed Jesus and how he knew it was told from years back and he believed that Jesus was the Messiah now.

Play practice has started too! Trish has written the play and it is wonderful. The Play will be Dec. 14th with a talent show (recital) at 4 p.m. and the play at 5 p.m. Mark your calendar! Can't wait to see you!

Awana theme - Christian T-Shirt Night

T&T will continue on the journey of Ephesians 4.

Check back later today or tomorrow, Cubbies verses will be published.

Kingdom Quest Rotation Rooms for Oct. 26 - Nov. 23rd

2008-10-21T13:22:00.003-05:00

Kingdom Quest Sunday elementary school will start their new rotation Sunday Oct. 26th. The children will be studying Isaiah the Prophet.

A little background for you...
This was an ENORMOUS event at the time, because Jesus announced to the congregation that he, himself, was the Messiah whom Isaiah had predicted. Some were relieved and believed him; some were skeptical and were amazed at the boldness of this lowly carpenter. And the prophet whom Jesus quoted was none other than Isaiah! (Isaiah 62:1-2).

There are many prophecies of Isaiah which come true in the New Testament. Given the fact we're discussing the Christmas story, we will highlight his prophecies about the coming of Christ. The first, of course, is our theme verse, Isaiah 9:6: "For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon his shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace". The other prophecies regarding Jesus' birth are:

Isaiah 9:7-8: "Of the increase of His government and peace, There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom." Prophecy is that Messiah shall come from the house of David.

Isaiah 7-14: "Therefore, the Lord Himself will give you a sign; Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call his name Immanuel." Prophecy is that He shall be born of a virgin, and His name shall be Immanuel.

The rooms will be:
Week 1 - 26 Oct
K - Story
1st and 2nd - Kitchen
3rd Theater
4th Games
5/6th - Art

Week 2 - 2 Nov
K - Art
1st/2nd - Story
3rd - Games
4th - theater
5/6th - Kitchen

Week 3 - 9 Nov
K - Games
1st/2nd - Art
3rd - Story
4th - Kitchen
5/6th - Theater

Week 4 - 16 Nov
K - Kitchen
1st/2nd Theater
3rd - Art
4th - Story
5th/6th - Games

Teachers and Shepherds
Diane Peterson, Kathy Juma, Eric Sanders, Kaite Hossner, Steve and Amy Oberdin, Trish Cody, Ginny Irvine, Scott Schubert, Laura Gibbons, Leslie Nelson, Kendra Anderson.

If you are a Preschool Sunday school parent, please take a Sunday and work. Susie and Marcia have been working so hard and they would love to be able to go to church with their families, but can't because they are caring and teaching your kids.

Monday Oct. 20th

2008-10-20T09:09:00.002-05:00

Oct. 22 - Awana meets again with B.A.R.F. night as the theme. Bring A Real Friend night.

Awana is from 6:15 - 8:05

The next 5 weeks of themes are:
10/29 Christian T-shirt Night
11/5 Orange Night- wear orange anywhere seeable
11/12 Canned Food Night - 1 buck a can or box, paper products - This will go to the Open Door Mission or to Afresh Annointing church in N. O.

Whatever is not used for these ministries will be donated to our Food Pantry at First Lutheran Church Omaha

11/19 Thankfulness night - asked at check in time

11/26 - off for Thanksgiving eve

Dinners for 10/22 is Subwana's
10/29 Pizza

We would ask that Awana parents consider a small donation for Faith Westwood that we can deliver to them for whatever they choose. We will do this twice this Awana year to say thank you for the use of their building.
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Christian Kids' Choir with Kay is from 5:45 - 6:20 p.m.

They have a schedule of times they will perform at church in the big house -

Sunday, October 26, 8:00 and 9:30 "All God's Critters"
Saturday, November 8, 5:30 p.m.
Sunday, December 14, 9:30 a.m.
Sunday, December 14 at 4 p.m. for the Kingdom Quest Christmas Program
Christmas Eve - 4:00 p.m.

Christian Kids' Choir is open for all children 6th grade and under.

No rehearsals Nov. 26 or Dec. 31st. Director is Kay Johnson.
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Oct. 26th - Kingdom Quest Sunday school is starting a new rotation - Isaiah the Prophet. We will look at the prophecy of Jesus' birth. This rotation will run 4 Sundays for Kindergarten - 6th grade. Each month of leader rotation sign ups is posted on the board next to the office.

Preschool Sunday school is studying "My God and Me" and has currently just two teachers. The sign up sheet for teachers is also next to the office.

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Happenings here at the church...

Services:
Sat. 5:30 p.m.
Sun. 8:00, 9:30, 11:00
Sunday school 9:25 and Kids' Church at 11 a.m.
6th - high school - Sword and Spirit 6-7:30 Sundays.

Wednesday evenings 6:15 - 7:45 Nov. 5th - Dec. 17th
3 Bible study classes

Call 895-3366 - Jan or Angie - to sign up for classes, and let them know if you need childcare for the evening. Day Classes do not have childcare.

O'Come O'Come Immanuel Advent Bible Study with Pastor Lou Forney no cost

Holiday Stress in Marriage with Heart2Heart Marriage no cost

Reclaiming the "L" Word with Pastor Mary Fastcost $10 for book

Tuesday morning
Bible study Nov. 4 - Dec. 16th10-11:30 a.m.
Reclaiming the "L" Word with Pastor Mary Fast cost $10 for book

Wednesday morning
Bible Study Nov 5th - Dec. 17th 10-11:30 a.m.

O'Come O'Come Immanuel with Pastor Lou Forney no cost
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Oct. 31st - 3rd annual Harvest Party 6-8 p.m. at St. Paul's

Chili Cook-off Contest, Games Galore, SMORE Roast, and SUPER FUN!
Costumes: No scary or evil costumes please.

Words of Wisdom: Let the Words of your mouth and the meditations of your heart be acceptable to Jesus.

Jesus loves you so much that He was sent for you!St. Paul's Lutheran Church website is http://www.crossandheart.org/His Peace,Janette

Kingdom Quest and Awana

2008-10-16T09:25:00.000-05:00

Welcome to St. Paul's Lutheran Church Young Disciples blog. We hope that the information you find here will be helpful. Please add your comments if you desire or email me personally.

The reason for the blog is to keep an open communication with our parents. We strive to do the absolute best for Jesus and for your children. Sometimes we fall short and we don't always measure up, but we know that Jesus will forgive us, will you if we mess up?
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Millard Fall break is taking place this week, so Awana and Sunday School are off for the week too.
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Oct. 26th - Kingdom Quest Sunday school is starting a new rotation - Isaiah the Prophet. We will look at the prophecy of Jesus' birth. This rotation will run 4 Sundays for Kindergarten - 6th grade. Each month of leader rotation sign ups is posted on the board next to the office.

Preschool Sunday school is studying "My God and Me" and has currently just two teachers. The sign up sheet for teachers is also next to the office.
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Christian Kids' Choir with Kay is from 5:45 - 6:25

They have a schedule of times they will perform at church in the big house -
Sunday, October 26, 8:00 and 9:30
Saturday, November 8, 5:30
Sunday, December 14, 9:30
Sunday, December 14 at Kingdom Quest Program
Christmas Eve - earliest service

Christian Kids' Choir is open for all children 6th grade and under.
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Oct. 22 - Awana meets again with B.A.R.F. night as the theme. Bring A Real Friend night.
Awana is from 6:15 - 8:05

The next 4 weeks of themes are:
10/29 Christian T-shirt Night
11/5 Orange Night- wear orange anywhere seeable
11/12 Canned Food Night - 1 buck a can or box, paper products - This will go to the Open Door Mission or to Afresh Annointing church in N. O. Whatever is not used for these ministries will be donated to our Food Pantry at First Lutheran Church Omaha
11/19 Thankfulness night - asked at check in time
11/26 - off for Thanksgiving eve

Dinners for 10/22 is Subwana's
10/29 Pizza

We would ask that Awana parents consider a small donation for Faith Westwood that we can deliver to them for whatever they choose. We will do this twice this Awana year to say thank you for the use of their building.

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Happenings here at the church you may want to know about

Wednesday evenings 6:15 - 7:45 Nov. 5th - Dec. 17th

3 Bible study classes

Call 895-3366 - Jan or Angie - to sign up for classes, and let them know if you need childcare for the evening. Day Classes do not have childcare.

O'Come O'Come Immanuel Advent Bible Study
with Pastor Lou Forney
no cost

Holiday Stress in Marriage
with Heart2Heart Marriage
no cost

Reclaiming the "L" Word
with Pastor Mary Fast
cost $10 for book

Tuesday morning Bible study
Nov. 4 - Dec. 16th
10-11:30 a.m.
Reclaiming the "L" Word
with Pastor Mary Fast
cost $10 for book

Wednesday morning Bible Study
Nov 5th - Dec. 17th
10-11:30 a.m.
O'Come O'Come Immanuel
with Pastor Lou Forney
no cost

3rd annual Harvest Party OCT 31st 6-8 p.m. at St. Paul's

Chili Cook-off Contest, Games Galore, SMORE Roast, and SUPER FUN!

Costumes: No scary or evil costumes please.

Words of Wisdom

Time:
Control it or it will control you. That sounds straight forward and simple enough. But in reality it is demanding and complex. Is it really possible to control your time with 24 hours in a day, you may sleep 8 of those hours and 9 of those hours or so are spent at work, that leaves you not a whole lot of investment time for your family. Spending the time with your family is your greatest investment, it is never forgotten. Children remember the lack of, not the most of. They remember the bad times and not always the great times.
Where can you spend your time this week? A great way to spend time is to open the Word of God, the Bible with your children, read about Ruth - it is a short book about 4 chapters long, and discover the time Naomi and Ruth spent together. Or read one one of the smaller letters to the churches, they have a lot of instruction in them that is useful for knowing what is true. The Christian Book store has some great family devotionals. Sit after dinner or in the car before you arrive at your destination and listen to your children, they are pretty incredible!

Jesus loves you so much that He was sent for you!

St. Paul's Lutheran Church website is http://www.crossandheart.org/

His Peace,
Janette