September in KidQuest

For the first couple of weeks in September we will be learning about the virtue of Wisdom which you can read more about below and watch the introduction video. However on September 20, the entire church will be beginning 40 Days of Love. The children's ministry will be no exception. Your children will be hearing lessons on the same things that Kendall will be preaching on in "Big Church." We are looking forward to seeing your family grow together during those 40 days.

What's more precious than jewels but available to all who seek it? Screams to get your attention but eludes you if you ignore it? Has a definite starting point but knows no end? Here's a hint:



YES! It's wisdom, which is finding out what you should do and doing it. God says if you accept His words and store up His commands inside you, tune your ear to wisdom and apply your heart to understanding, call out for insight and search for it as you would for hidden treasure, then you will find out how to know Him. He is the one who gives wisdom, knowledge, and understanding, the one who stores up success for His followers, the one who shields them from harm, guards their paths, and leads them in the right direction. (See Proverbs 2:1-11. In fact, see all of Proverbs for a whole trove of the treasures of wisdom.) Put that way, who in his right mind wouldn't dig wisdom? Dig for wisdom? Dig and dig for wisdom?

So in September, we'll be on the hunt for gems of wisdom, helping kids understand that God wants to give you wisdom. Wisdom is worth searching for. If you want to be wise, hang out with wise people. And wisdom is knowing AND doing.

So get your shovel out and let's go dig for wisdom. It's worth it.

To see the Wisdom virtue video click here and choose one of the three virtue videos.

Sorry

Sorry, I did not post this past week's Take Home Stuff, I am having some technical difficulties. I will have them up as soon as I can!

Back to School Fun

Well the Back to School Tailgate yesterday was fun and interesting. Just after we finished getting everything set up, the wind started blowing and the storm clouds started rolling in. What a bummer.

However at the same time the rain started, kids started coming. So I jumped in the dunk tank to get as much use out of it as possible and if you have never sat on a lightning rod also known as a dunk tank in the rain with storm clouds coming, you don't know what you are missing. The kids has a blast dunking me and getting wet themselves.

As soon as the thunder cam we all went inside for a foam noodle "javelin" throwing contest. That was fun. Those kids thought they were going to be able to throw that thing all the way across the auditorium, but to no avail.

Then we started a game of foam noodle wiffle ball. Who would have known that could be so much fun. Well the girls knew. The number of girls that were playing quickly diminished to where there were very few left. Actually there were very few that actually started too.

After 2 innings we were back outside and Joe and I were on the dunk tank getting wet again!

The rain was a let down, but what can you do? We still had fun!

Back to School Tailgate Party

We know that you are not ready for school to start (the kids at least), but...

Are you ready for water balloon volleyball...
Are you ready for a parent vs. kids kickball game...
Are you ready to dunk Matt in a dunk tank...
Are you ready for pizza...
Are you ready for carnival games...
Are you ready for FUN?

WCC is getting ready to host its Back to School Tailgate Party on August 16 from 3:30 to 6:00. We are ready, are you? We hope you are and we hope you will join us for an afternoon of fun and friends!

SuperStart Theme

This year's theme for SuperStart (October 9, 10) is "Created To Do Good Works."

This year to help WCC preteens and their parents get ready for SuperStart, we will be hosting a Preteen Parent Round Table Discussion on August 30. So if you are a parent of a 4th, 5th, or 6th grader, be sure to attend the discussion on August 30 at 2:30.

There will be more info about SuperStart to come!

This Past Week in KidQuest and FirstLook

Yesterday was a pretty neat day in KidQuest and FirstLook.

We had our normal large group teaching time and worship, but instead of doing our small group activities that reinforce the teaching time, we did something very special.

This past week, we found out that one of our kindergarten girls was diagnosed with Leukemia. So instead of doing our activities, we were able to have a special time of prayer for a girl in our church family. Not were we able to have a time of prayer, but we were able to make some cards for her and her family. Tonight when I go see her, I am going to be taking her a huge stack of cards that our KidQuest and FirstLook kids made for her.

We gave the idea to our elementary kids and they ran with it. Their cards are very heart felt and include things like "get well soon," "we love you and miss you," "can't wait to see you back at church with us," and various other notes of encouragement.

Our kids are great kids. I know some of them are out there this week thinking about ways they can help the family even more than just write them some cards.

If you are interested in their story, go to www.caringbridge.org/visit/makaylam

On another note, here are the take home materials for July 26.

FirstLook and Nursery Small Talk Cards


KidQuest GodTime Cards


KidQuest Fridge Door Card

August

KidQuest

In KidQuest during the month of August, we will be talking about forgiveness. What a great virtue for us to talk about. Forgiveness is something we all need to have in our lives because people hurt us all the time.

Forgiveness is deciding that someone who has wronged you doesn't have to pay.

We'll start off with Jesus' parable of the unmerciful servant (Matthew 18): since God forgives you, you should forgive others.

Week 2 is all about Jesus and Zacchaeus (Luke 19) and the fact that when people are forgiven, it can change them.

In week 3 we'll be talking about getting even God's way and what Joseph did when faced with the opportunity for revenge (Genesis 45). When you want to get even, do the opposite.

And we'll end the month with "go first," what Jesus said about forgiveness in Matthew 5: don't wait to start making things right with others.

Watch this video to learn even more about the virtue of forgiveness and what it means in our life.




FirstLook

In FirstLook we will having a very fun filled month of famous Bible stories. The Bible says in Psalm 18:30: "God's way is perfect," (NIrV). Wow! It's perfect. That means God's way is the best way. What a powerful truth. What a hard thing to internalize when you are in the midst of something you don't understand. No matter how turbulent a time you are experiencing, you can always know that God has a plan for you. That is something we as adults need to remember, and we need to show our preschoolers that we can trust Him even when we don't understand His plan.

This month, preschoolers will learn that God made them the way they are and has a plan for them through the story of Esther. God made Esther and placed her where He did for a specific reason. She did not understand why she became Queen, but trusted God, and He used her for an amazing purpose.

Preschoolers will also hear the story of Jonah. Now, here is a story with which we can all resonate. God gave Jonah specific directions, but he ignored them with intense consequences. In the belly of the big fish, Jonah realized that he still could and needed to follow God's directions. By doing as God asked, Jonah saved many lives. The story of Jonah is a favorite of preschoolers and is such an amazing way to teach them that God's way is the best way.

In my reading

I have been doing a lot of reading lately about family, and making our church better at ministering to them. While I was reading "Think Orange" by Reggie Joiner (which is available in the WCC library) I came across this passage about parenting. I wanted to share it with you because I truly feel that I am here to support the family and their efforts to grow children in Christ.

"Kids already have a front-row seat to their parents' lives; the question is, what are thy watching? Is it just show? Or is it a real-life adventure where they see courage and passion to overcome personal obstacles? Parents must show them what it is like to pursue a better relationship with God. Show them what a committed, loving marriage looks like. Show them how it looks to prioritize Jesus above anthing else. Show them what it is like to reject the materialism and consumerism of this world. If parents want their children to have it in them, they have to see it demonstrated.

Kids need to see their parents
struggle with answers,
face their weaknesses,
deal with real problems,
admit when they are wrong,
fight for their marriage,
resolve personal conflict.

Children need to see their parents make relational, emotional, and spiritual growth a priority. If parents don't make it personal, it may never be personal for their kids."

2 Pieces of Exciting News

The FirstLook Room

We will begin remodelling for the FirstLook room very soon!!!!! Quite possibly next week. When the construction begins, we will temporally be moving our preschoolers to a different room until the new environment is complete.

I am very excited that our preschoolers will be getting a space of their own. I can't wait to show it off to the kids and you, their parents.

In case you are curious, we will be knocking down a wall to make our space bigger as well as adding some cool touches to make sure the kids know that this new space is theirs. I can't tell you what those are yet, but it will be GREAT!!!


New Website

The church is in the design phase of a new website. Not only does this mean great things for the church, but that the children's ministry part of the website will be greatly enhanced as well. So be looking of info about the new website launch.

Children's Ministry

As I continue to unpack children's ministry and how important kids are to the future, I continue to be amazed at what I find and how truly important kids are not only to God but to the church and the future.

Look at this list to see how kids matter to God.

• Children are a gift from God -- Deut 7:13; Ps 127:3
• Adults receive special blessings through their children -- Num 5:28; Deut 28:4,11; Lam 4:2
• Children are desirable -- Gen 9:7; Deut 6:3; LUke 1:24-25
• Children need to be taught how to think and act in relation to God and His ways -- Ex 12:26, 37; Deut 4:9-10; 6:1-7; 31:12-13; Ps 78:4-6; Prob 22:6
• To haver a fruitful relationship with God, children must be taught to obey him -- Prob 8:32; 19:26; Jer 2:30; 3:22; Eph 6:1; Col 3:20
• God wants to have a genuine relationship with His children -- Ps 8:2, 34:11; 103:13; Mal 2:15; Matt 21:15; Mark 10:13-16

Prayer

I know this is normally what I write on here....but could you join us this week in these prayer areas.

1. Starrett Family -- 3 of 4 girls have been sick this week and they have made 2 hospital visits.
2. A Volunteer -- A KidQuest volunteer spent last night in the hospital and the docs said she has Gastronitis
3. This weekend, I am kinda bummed it falls on a holiday weekend, but I am teaching about the Prodigal Son and how God is always there to welcome us regardless of the choices we make.
   

Luke 12

This past week in KidQuest, we talked about the parable of the Rich Fool in Luke 12:13-21.

Luke 12:13-21 (New International Version)

The Parable of the Rich Fool

¹³Someone in the crowd said to him, "Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me."

¹⁴Jesus replied, "Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you?" ¹⁵Then he said to them, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions."

¹⁶And he told them this parable: "The ground of a certain rich man produced a good crop. ¹⁷He thought to himself, 'What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.'

¹⁸"Then he said, 'This is what I'll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. ¹⁹And I'll say to myself, "You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry." '

²⁰"But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?'

²¹"This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God."

As I was looking at this passage and even talking to the kids about it I was reminded of that all the "stuff" that I have is worthless unless I am using it to worship God. We try everyday to make ourselves better by having the "cooler" things in life, but how are we trying to make the kingdom of God better everyday.

Are we helping the poor?

Assisting the widows?

Caring for the orphans?

Helping our hurting family?

Praying for people we may or may not know?

So I challenged the kids that this week they go out and they help at least one person. Then also to bring in an offering to help us help Mya, the Haitian girl that KidQuest sponosors through Haitian Island Ministries.

Here are a couple of pictures of Mya.

June 28 Take Home Stuff

Here are the take home materials for KidQuest and FirstLook for June 28. You can download these things by right clicking on the picture and choosing "Save As."

KidQuest Fridge Door Cards (Parents) -- The Fridge Door Card is a summary of what we talked about in KidQuest. It shows the Bottom Line for the week, memory verse for the summer, questions for parents and kids, and the Bible reference for the story we discussed. Enjoy.

FirstLook Small Talk Cards (Parents) -- This is a tool for our FirstLook families that shows the monthly memory verse, monthly key question, weekly bottom line, Bible story reference, and some practical points for you to be able to expand the learning at home.



KidQuest God Time Cards (Kids) -- God Time cards are a tool your kids can use during the week to spend some time with God. Each week we give them 4 devotions to do at home. Each devotion includes a Bible verse or verse to read as well as a short activity to do that will enhance the verse they read. If your child brings this card back and puts it in the offering plate, they have a chance of winning a prize and getting to sit in a special section in our KidQuest room.

Take it In and Live it Out

This summer in KidQuest we have been looking at the parables of Jesus and trying to TAKE THEM IN and then LIVE THEM OUT. Here is a clip of what we have been learning about.



So far this summer we have explored these these parables.

• Wise and Foolish Builders
• Good Samaritan
• Unmerciful Servant

We are looking forward to what Jesus has to tell us in the coming weeks in these parables.

• Rich Fool
• Prodigal Son
• Greatest Commandment
• The Sower
• Brothers in the Vineyard
  

June 21

Here are the take home materials for June 21

KidQuest

• Fridge Door
• God Time Card

FirstLook

• Small Talk Card

New Strategy for KidQuest and Upcoming Family Fun Event

I sent this in an email, but I wanted to make it available to all!!!

Dear WCC Family,

I want to introduce you to the new strategy for KidQuest and Student Ministry.

The concepts and principles that are now going to drive KidQuest and the Student ministry can be best describes as a color -- ORANGE!. Orange represents the idea that two forces working together will have an exponentially more influence than either entity alone. For us, that means parents (RED) and church leaders (yellow) working together to make a difference in the loves of children so that we can do more together than we do alone.

As we transition more an more into this strategy, you will see how we the church want to extend ourselves to make what you do at home even better and vice versa. We have already made available Small Talk Cards (preschool) and Fridge Door cards (elementary) that help you take home a an idea of what the kids learned about every Sunday morning. They also give you some talking points that help you at home to reinforce the Bible story and principles that are being taught every single week in FirstLook and KidQuest. If you have not seen these, be sure to look on the information tables in the different rooms.

One other way we want to help you the family is by connecting your family with other WCC families outside of the church. We want to simply provide you with times where we can all hang out together and just have some simple fun. The first of these such times will be on July 8 at 6pm. We are going to meet at Progress Park in Wentzville for an evening at the park. We hope you will come and just hang out with other families from WCC. The church will not be providing food or drinks, you will need to bring your own. Also, this is a family event, so you child/children must have their own adult supervision. You do not have to be there, but you have to make arrangements for another adult to supervise your child. We hope to see your entire family there!!!

Other Upcoming Events
-- July 12 -- Church Picnic and Pool Party
-- July 26 -- Family Fun Event at Pool
-- August 8 -- Car Show and Child Safety Fair
-- August 16 -- Back to School Tailgate
-- August 30 -- PreTeen Parent Round Table
-- September 13 -- WCC Fall Picnic
-- September 18 -- Drive-in Movie Night
-- October 9,10 -- SuperStart (4th, 5th, and 6th graders)
-- October 31 -- Trunk or Treat
-- November 15 -- Child Dedication Day

Thats a Wrap

VBS is over! Here is a summary of what transpired.

I am going to start with the things that in my mind are the least
important, but still great, and most to the greatest things. (With the
attendance, I can't find the Friday cards so I can't get you 100%
accurate numbers)

1. We had 172 different elementary kids walk through our doors and 33 preschoolers. I also do not have numbers for the middle school yet, but from what I have heard they averaged about 20 each night. So that takes our total kids to approximately 220!!!
   
2. Wednesday was our largest night with 158. God sure is great. The night we present the gospel message is the night we have the most kids. How amazing!
3. Our kids received a great dose of being Godly servants and following him with your entire life.
4. The total amount the elementary and preschool offering was $2290.The junior highers added $311 on Sunday for a total of $2601. Our goal was $2600. That is awesome and there is rumor that more from the middle schoolers might come next Sunday. Because of our kids serving, kids in Haiti will be able to eat for an entire year!!!!!!!!
5. On Sunday we baptized 3 kids Fionna, Jordan, and Cameron. And 1 more wants to get baptized but wants to wait for his brother to get back. God surely is a great God. What more could you ask for. Children saying YES to God and making him their personal Lord and Savior!!!
   

VBS is Going Strong!

I would like to start off by thanking all of the VBS volunteers. You guys have made this year great so far. Keep up the great week.

So far this week we have learned how Gideon was called to Go Lead. I think the kids really saw how powerful God is if he can take an army of 300 and defeat another army without anyone even getting hurt.

Yesterday our kids saw how Esther was called to Go Risk. She risked her life to save her people. I pray that they see that there is no need to fear if you are doing what God needs you to do.

Today is a big night. The kids are going to learn that God has called them. First to follow him and second to Go Tell others. Pray fro Kris has he presents the message to our kids.

The Blog is Back

Oh man, I forgot about the blog. I also wanted to see if people actually came here to read about KidQuest, FirstLook, and WCC. Come to find out, they do. So with VBS now planned and ready to go, its back to the blog for me starting next week.

Sunday night is the first night of VBS. I am excited, I hope you are as well. See you at 6pm. If you still have any questions about times or general information, visit www.vacationbibleschool.com/wentzvillecc


We are starting a new series in KidQuest called Live It Out. We are going to be looking at the parables of Jesus and taking in what he taught and then doing our best to LIVE IT OUT. I can't wait to see how our kids start changing Wentzville.

Our preschoolers sang Gulp in "big church" this past weekend. Here is a picture from each of the services.

Well my time has run out. See you next week!

Is this Worth It?

I am wondering if having this blog and keeping it updated is worth it.

If you read this on a regular basis, could you please let me know by leaving a comment.

Thanks

Summer Volunteers

Parents --

We need your help. We would like to give our regular volunteers a summer break. If you would like to find out how you can help, please watch this video.

This Past Week in KidQuest and FirstLook

KidQuest

When you stand for what’s right, you can know God is with you. That’s a good thing—a great thing, actually—but the truth is, we often want more. (Or “less,” in a sense.) We want ease, an instant reward for our efforts, for people to like us, or to make everyone happy. We certainly don’t want to pay dearly for our convictions—not like Stephen did. Come on; who does? We don’t, and kids don’t either.

So how can we ask these kids we teach to stand up when we know the cost can be great? The fact is, in elementary school, standing up for what is right probably looks more like telling an adult the truth when others are telling them to lie, or standing up for a friend who’s being made fun of. These early attempts at standing for what is right are important to who these kids will be in the future.

Conviction is standing for what is right even when others don’t.

God is the source of our convictions and the one who sustains us when we are striving to stand for them.

God wants us to stand for what is right because when we do, good is done (despite the bad that may happen in the interim), regardless of whether we see it.

When those around us watch us readily standing for what is right because we know God is with us, change WILL happen.

When you stand for what’s right, you can know God is with you. That’s no consolation prize; that’s hitting the jackpot!

FirstLook

Jesus told His disciple to "Go! -- Go and make disciples of men," and He wants us to do this too. There is nothing more exciting than sharign our friend Jesus. Give your preschooler some crayons and paper and have him or her draw two people they would like to tell about their friend Jesus. Or they can make a card for them to tell them about Jesus. Share these cards with friends over the coming week. It may even lead you into a coversaition that will help you tell your co-workers about Jesus.

Be sure to pray with your preschooler asking for help telling others about Jesus.

May Virtue

Here is the video for the May virtue of Obedience.

Easter Review

It has taken me 4 days to get caught up with a regular week after Easter Sunday. Finally all our left over supplies are put away, extra check-in computers are back in the closet and my body is not tired anymore.

With all of that done, I thought I would review you on how our Easter Services went across the KidQuest spectrum.

Nursery

Leading into the weekend we had some volunteer who were not going to be able to serve. That made things stressful. However our volunteers came through and filled the empty holes and were able to provide our precious little ones with an amazing time to learn about how Jesus rose from the dead.

After it was all said and done, we had extra volunteers which made things very easy on our team and our children. Thank you to all who worked in the nursery this weekend!

FirstLook (Preschool)

We have working very hard to try and get some of you parents to make the switch to the first service so we could even out our numbers a little better. I think having the 9:30 service did that perfectly this weekend. With more even numbers we were better able to help our kids learn about their loving heavenly father.

If you are a parent of a preschooler, ask your child about the three parts of the Easter story and look at the following Small Talk card for more info about the specifics to what your child learned.


KidQuest (Elementary)

Once again the 9:30 and 11:00 service times for KidQuest created an almost equal spllit in the numbers of kids we had.

Our KidQuest large group time looked a little different than normal this week. Instead of worshiping through song and then listening to the lesson, we mixed the two together. Sometimes music can tell the stroy so much better than a teacher can.

We were able to look at how devastated the followers of Jesus must have been when he died ("Even When"), how happy there day must have been when he rose from the grave ("Happy Day"), how the people must have reacted as they began to believe that Jesus was the son of God ("I Believe") and that we have a reason to celebrate because we have been given a gift that allows us to spend eternity in heaven with God ("Celebrate Medley").

Check out the Fridge Door Card for more info.



All in all it was a great weekend to share the message of Christ with over 120 kids!!!

Easter Sunday!!!

The fact that Jesus is alive is good news! It’s really, really good news! Today, of all days, are you giddy with the thought of it? Is it bubbling from your soul to the extent that you can hardly contain yourself?

THAT’S what Easter is all about: A new kind of life we can have because the greatest Man who ever walked this earth stood in our place, taking the punishment for our sin, to give us life more abundant and free (John 10:10)!

Conviction is standing for what is right even when others don’t—just like Jesus did.

He is the ultimate example of conviction.

He wants us to stand for what’s right. In fact, we can stand for what is right because He is alive!

Why? Because God wants all of us to know Him and join Him in heaven. He wants us to blaze a trail for others that leads to Jesus. So today let it all hang out. Let your kids see you worshipping—really worshipping.

He’s alive!

April Virtue Video -- Conviction

This is the video that helps explain what we will be talking about for the whole month of April.

Take Home Stuff for March 29

Here are the take home resources for KidQuest, FirstLook and the Nursery for March 29

Nursery and FirstLook
Small Talk Card

Kid Quest
God Time
Fridge Door

Nursery Meeting

If you missed the nursery team meeting yesterday, be looking for an email this week to get you up to date on the future of the KidQuest Nursery!

No Challenge

Due to Spring Break, we do not have The Challenge this week! Have fun with your families. We will see you on April 1 for Expedition Party v.2

Take Home Resources for March 22

KidQuest
GodTime Card
Fridge Door Card
FirstLook and Nursery
Small Talk Card

VBS Introduction

It's time to announce the 2009 VBS

Studio Go Game Show

Check out this video to check out what its all about! The game show begins airing of June 7!

Made My Day

This past Sunday was really crazy across the entire children's ministry. Tons of kids, too few workers and 1 baptism.

When I got to work on Monday I had an email from one of my volunteers that showed me the great things that my volunteers are doing in the life of her kids. It made my week. Check out this video to see what I am talking about.

http://nylasnest.blogspot.com/2009/03/oh-jesus-loves-me-all-time.html

Recent Baptisms

Over the past 2 weeks, KidQuest has had the great honor of baptizing 2 young men and 1 young woman into the family of Christ.

Caleb A., 5th grader, was baptized on March 8 right after the 8:30 service.
Jacob R., 5th grader, was baptized on March 8 right after Caleb.
Sydney H., 4th grader, was baptized on March 15 during the 11:00 service.

The KidQuest team is so excited that these 3 young people have decided to make Christ their savior. It was exciting for us to witness this amazing and life-changing event.

Please pray for these 3 as they continue to grow clsoer to Christ and impact their families, schools, and friends for Him!

Yesterday, Jacob's mom told me a story about him that made her so happy and I thought I would share part of it with you as well. She was recently in a car accident where the other person involved lied to try and blame Jacob's mom. When she was telling Jacob of this event, his mind went immediately to thinking about this woman and why she would be lying. He started asking, "Why did she lie?" and "Doesn't she know that God is listening to her?" and even "Does she know that God punishes people who don't follow him?" Jacob's mom was so greatful that her son, who has only been a Christian for one week is already thinking about the spiritual condition of people within his world. She was able to see what we have been trying to teach the kids this month -- Hope is believing that something good can come out of something bad. Her good was the chance to see her son growing in Christ and she was able to think of the accident as great thing and not a bad situation.

SuperStart Video

Here it is everyone the video of our trip to SuperStart!

Last Points Week in Challenge Season 1

This Wednesday is the last week your child has the opportunity to gain points for his or her team. So make sure they complete their lesson about making wise choices based on King David passing his throne onto Solomon. You can also make sure they are able to recite as many of the memory verses as possible.

Take Home Stuff from March 8

FirstLook -- Small Talk Card

KidQuest -- Fridge Door Card

KidQuest -- God Time Card

SuperStart!

What a GREAT weekend we had at SuperStart! We learned that TRUE friends love at all times no matter the circumstances. Our three main topics were...

1. Putting others first
2. Standing by your friends
3. Forgiving your friends

I will soon be adding a video that shows just how much fun we had on our trip, so check back later this week to see the video! But here is just a taste of the great worship time lead by Yancy (www.yancynotnancy.com) and one of our students being on stage!

SuperStart

Are you excited about SuperStart yet? Well you should be, we leave tomorrow. I am so excited about the opportunity for 20 of our students to go to a conference that is designed just for them and helps them in their quest to develop Godly relationships with their friends.

Please pray for us as we travel, as the kids learn about Godly relationships and that they can experience God in a whole new way.

A new Resource for you and Your Child!

I was listening to the radio the other day and heard an interview with the creator of Veggie Tales. He was advertising his newest project. JellyTelly.

Today I went and checked out the website and I recommend that you do the same. If you allow your children on the internet, I think this will be a great place for your kids to go and surf the net and experience God at the same time.

Here is their home page. http://www.jellytelly.com/index.php/

Also, make sure you watch the What is JellyTelly? video for more information... http://www.jellytelly.com/index.php/grownups

I'm not going to give you any more information because I want you go to straight to the source. www.jellytelly.com

March 1 in FirstLook

What a great adventure we had yesterday in FirstLook! How great is it when you can have a Bible story that involves using spit to make mud and then using that mud to heal a blind man? Anytime yesterday when spit was mentioned you could see those eyes get bigger in anticipation as to what was going to happen next. So let me clue you in on what the little guys were so excited about.

One day, Jesus was walking along the road with his friends, they cam across a man who couldn't see.

We then closed our eyes and imagined what it must have been like for that man. It sure must have been hard to live a life when you couldn't see what was happening around you.

This is the fun part. The Bible tells us (see below for exact reference) that Jesus stopped to help when the blind man asked him to. So Jesus knelt down along the road and spit. There must have been a lot of spit there in order to make enough mud to cover the blind man's eyes. The kids thought that one was pretty gross, but the storyteller sure had their attention to see what was going to happen next.

So why don't you go ask your child what happened next in the story.

Here are a few tips as to what your child should have learned yesterday.

Basic Truth -- Jesus wants to be my friend forever.
Key Question -- Who will help you?
Bottom Line -- Jesus will help me.
Memory Verse -- 1 Peter 5:7 -- He cares for you.
Bible Story Focus -- We Need Jesus to Help Us! -- Jesus Heals the Blind Man -- John 9:1-7

March 1 in KidQuest

With the turn of the month, it also means we are going to be learning about a brand new virtue.

March

Virtue -- HOPE -- believing that something good can come out of something bad.

Memory Verse -- Romans 8:28 -- "We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him."

Bible Story -- Shipwrecked! -- Acts 27:1-44; 28:1-11

Bottom Line -- Whatever happens, remember God has a plan!

This world seems hopeless at times—for us as well as for kids. They see the stuff on TV about wars and violence. They listen to their parents quarrel. They have misunderstandings with friends and fights with siblings. They have a hard time learning something at school or living up to expectations in a sport. When one of these things (or worse) happens, particularly when something else bad is happening, things can seem pretty hopeless. That’s when we most need hope, which is believing that something good can come out of something bad.

God is our source of hope. In fact, He is hope personified, via Jesus Christ. God wants us to be filled with the hope that comes from knowing Jesus—knowing that He loves us and has a plan for all the good and bad things that happen in our lives. If there was anyone who truly grasped the hope God offers, it was Paul. How else could he have endured what he did and still “know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him”? When you know God, you’ll know—not just wish—that He will work things for your good. And like Paul, when we hang on to God, believing that He will bring good out of bad, He’ll use our lives to give hope to others.

Take Home Resources for March 1

Here are the take home resources for March 1.

KidQuest GodTime Card

KidQuest Fridge Door Card

FirstLook and Nursery Small Talk Card

March Virtue

Its that time. March is upon us.

The virtue for March is Hope. Watch this video to see what your children will be learning about this month in KidQuest.

The Challenge

Can you believe we are three weeks away from the end of the first season of The Challenge? We have been learning through Old Testament stories that GOD HAS A PURPOSE FOR YOUR LIFE! I really feel that our kids are starting to see that God has a plan for them if they are willing to accept it and trust that he knows what he is doing.

Last night we looked at the story of Esther. What a great story of going up against adversity and facing it with courage, boldness, strength, and confidence. Esther was willing to lay down her life for her people – out of sheer love for them and God. Her stand required courage, strength, boldness, and confidence. No matter what you face in life, God stands ready to give you the courage, strength, boldness, and confidence you need to stand for him.

Here are the questions I gave to the kids to think about, maybe you can talk to your kids and see their very cool perspective on the story of Esther.

• What kind of person do you think Esther was?
• Why would she risk her life for her people like this?
• What would you have done in her situation?
• Tell us of a time when you had to choose whether or not to take a tough stand for your beliefs, stand up for someone who had been wronged, or stand up to an enemy?
• What can we learn from Esther’s stand?

February 22 Take Home Stuff

FirstLook Small Talk Card


KidQuest God Time Card
KidQuest Fridge Door Card

Yesterday in KidQuest

(From 252 Basics Leader Summary)

Before this month, has it ever struck you how fair God is to everyone, and as a result, how fair Christianity is?

Unlike other religions that require people to keep stringent laws, Christianity is the fairest because God offers His gift of salvation to all, requiring only that we believe in His Son, accepting Him as our Savior. God loved and gave; we believe and receive (John 3:16). God doesn’t discriminate when it comes to whom He wants to spend eternity with. He sent His Son to die for everyone. He forgives everyone who asks for forgiveness. And if we believe in His Son, Jesus, we are going to spend forever with Him—no matter who we are or what we’ve done.

Is that not truly amazing? Fairness is making sure that everyone is treated respectfully. God exhibits fairness and respect for us in the highest measure. None of us deserve His gift of salvation, and yet it is freely offered to any who believe. We weren’t standing with the disciples when Jesus gave His final words before ascending into heaven. We didn’t look into His eyes or feel His hand on our shoulders as He said, “Spread the word.” But when we entered into a relationship with God through faith in Christ, we signed up to be missionaries. When we treat everyone with fairness, telling and showing everyone the way to Jesus, imagine how God can use us to bring others to Him for eternity!

Yesterday in FirstLook

This week we again talked about how much God loves us and how he used stories such as the parable of the Prodigal Son to show us this love.

Bible Story Focus -- Jesus wants me to know that God is a loving Father. The Prodigal Son. Luke 15:19-24
Key Question -- Why did Jesus tell these stories?
Bottom Line -- Jesus wants me to know what God is like.
Memory Verse -- "The Son wants to tell others about the Father." Luke 10:22, CEV

This Week's Take Home Stuff

Here are the take home materials for February Week 3 (Feb. 15) Download by using the right-click button and Save As.

GodTime Card (KidQuest)
Fridge Door Card (KidQuest)
Small Talk Card (FirstLook)

What a Weekend

I am so excited about some of the things that happened yesterday in the children's ministry.

We were able to share the salvation message with over 50 elementary students.

The preschoolers learned the first half of the story of the prodigal son and will continue next week when they learn that the Father is really God and he wants to welcome everyone to his house, Heaven.

The first edition of the KidQuest Space Report was circulated. If you didn't receive one, make sure you pick up a copy next time you are at the church.

KidQuest Space Report

The first ever KidQuest Space Report has been published. Be sure to pick up your copy this Sunday!!!

SmallTalk Card

This is an image of what we call the SmallTalk card. This is a card that is for you the FirstLook parent. As you can see it shows the key question, bottom line, what every kids needs to know, Bible story reference and teachable moments. Teachable moments is a section to help you talk about the Bible story at home with your preschooler.

You can pick up these cards as you exit the FirstLook room. You can also download it by right clicking on the image, choosing Save As and then saving it on your computer.

GodTime Cards

It has come to my attention that some of our great kids are a little confused about GodTime cards. So I wanted to clear up some of the confusion with you the responsible parents.

What is a GodTime Card?

A GodTime card is a tool we make available every week to your elementary student. The GodTime card is a weekly devotional card that we pray your child will use to establish a regular devotion time with God. As your child exits the KidQuest room each week, they can pick up their GodTime card copy.

Here is where the confusion lies. Each week, I encourage the kids to take their GodTime cards home and do the 4 devotions over the course of the week. If they bring back their GodTime card the following week, they are entered into a drawing. Before KidQuest really gets under way, the Host will draw 4 or 5 GodTime cards from those turned in. Those 4 or 5 students then recieve a priveldged seat on couches located in the back of the room during the Large Group teaching time. At random, we decided to also give away prizes and snacks to those who have won the drawing. For example, this past week, we drew 4 GodTime cards. Those students got to enjoy a quick snack as they sat on the couches and listened to the Bible story. One of those 4 also received another special prize; A virtue poster.

I hope this helps you understand what the kids are talking about every week.

If your child is unable to come to KidQuest or loses their copy of the GodTime card, you will be able to come to the blog at any time and download the latest one. All you have to do is right click on the image and choose Save As. Then save the image anywhere on your computer that you wish.

Here is a copy of the February 8 GodTime card.

This is an image of what we call the Fridge Door Card. This is a card that is for you the parent. As you can see it shows the virtue of the month, bottom line for the week, memory verse, virtue definition, and things you can talk about with your student.

Just like the GodTime cards, you can pick up one of these as you exit the KidQuest room. You can also download these to print them off and put on your Fridge.



For more material that you can purchase that goes along with KidQuest, check out the links for FamilyTime Virtue Packs and the ReThink Group Store!

This Coming Sunday in KidQuest is IMPORTANT!

I just wanted everyone to know that this weekend in KidQuest is what it is all about. We will be presenting the message of salvation to all our elementary kids. So as you enter the weekend, continue to pray for the hearts of our kids who have never heard the message before and even the kids who have heard it but never accepted it too.

Here is the lesson summary written by 252 Basics.

"Have you ever had an enemy?
Maybe it was someone who betrayed you, rejected you, intentionally hurt you, or maybe he or she caused you pain without thinking, and --zing-- suddenly, you had an enemy. Or maybe you're the one who did the betraying, rejecting, or hurting, intentionally or not.

If so, you can probably understand the temptation to treat that person differently from the way you treat a friend.

This weekend's lesson challenges us to do something unnatural. It isn't natural to treat everyone with fairness, especially and enemy. Thankfully though, even when we were God's enemies (yes, its true; read Romans 5:10), He treated us with ultimate fairness by offering every one of us the gift of forgiveness and a fresh start.

Just look at what He did through Saul/Paul: Saul, who persecuted Jesus through hateful treatment of His followers, ultimately became Paul, the zealous missionary, preacher, and writer of 13 New Testament books.

God wants to work through us like that too. He wants us to allow Him to display His attitude of fairness to those who, to our way of thinking, don't deserve it. When we do, it creates a powerful example of His all-encompassing love and takes a huge step toward turning an enemy into a friend."

(for more information about 252 Basics, check out the link to their website on the right)

February Virtue Video

This video explains what we are teaching in KidQuest this month about Fairness.
It was created by the ReThink Group. For a link to their resources and store, please click on the link on the right.