Constantly in pursuit of lost souls
Verse for the Week
Psalm 37 23-24
(23) The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, And He delights in his way. (24) though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down’ For the Lord upholds him with His hand.
Thought for the Week
A chill is in the air, the days are getting shorter, there are more pencil crayons on my table then shells, the boat is still in service but the dry suits are definitely out and our running shoes have replaced all the cute sandals. Where did the lazy days of summer go?
Fall is definitely here and as leaves signal the change in season, they also promote many (including me) to review their year and make adjustment for the future. Our year at kidZvillage has been full of excitement, connecting with new and old friends as we learn from one another and begin to feel more like a family of children’s pastors in the WOD. There have been big changes in the lives of some as babies have been born, some have gotten married or become grandparents, and others have experienced the sting of death. Through it all God has remained faithful and true. He has remained the one true God that never changes, that is always the same, yesterday, today and forever. My world, like yours is constantly in flux, as the reality of my potentially tragic accident sets in, the recognition that our days are numbered, as my family and work give me both joys and challenges I cling to the knowledge that no matter what changes for me in my life that God, His love, His care, His provision will always remain the same.
We sing a song at our church that always stirs my heart as I reminisce on all the ways that God has been faithful to me in my life… Faithful one, so amazing. Ageless one, you’re my rock of peace, Lord of all I depend on you… You are my rock, in times of trouble. You lift me up, when I fall down. All through the storm, your love is, the answer… my hope is in you alone.
My prayer is that we all rely on the faithfulness of Almighty God through all our up’s and down’s this year. That His plan and purpose, His vision would shine through all our ministry… that all we do and each road we travel would give glory and honor to him. I’m really excited about all that is planned for the coming months ahead. I’m looking so forward to getting into your section in the fall and meeting with you at our volunteer conferences, or at Time Out (our youth and children’s pastors get away) in the winter, or Blown Away in the spring…
It’s going to be a great year of sharing and experiencing God’s faithfulness to us and our ministry as we constantly pursue, harvest and nurture lost souls for Him.
Resource Idea for the Week
Okay I’m not really big on gimmick things that companies have however I’m not sure if you have checked out the group ‘jabber ball’ not the mat… it’s a ball. I used it with HUGE success for our VBS (jr. high) then at all the camps, as well I lent one too a lady at the church who runs a back yard VBS is a variety of ages. She said she only intended on using it for the first day but the kids loved it so much they were asking for it every day. It’s full of questions, some silly, some serious, and some for ‘get to know you’ purposes… Check it out, or make your own maybe to review a specific theme or story that you have been covering. I did for camp by getting a list of questions off the internet, or making up my own and using sharpie markers on a regular beach ball. (When storing it remember to put napkins or tissue around it or it will stick together). You can certainly use it for any age that can read, and I found that it works best in groups from 3 or 4 to a max of 15 kids in each circle.
Media Tidbit
After more than 20 years of TV episodes, The Simpsons creator Matt Groening finally decided the time was right to put Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, Maggie and the rest of the town of Springfield onto the big screen via The Simpsons Movie. The result? A movie that parents will probably take kids to and be quite shocked at just how far the writers were willing to push the envelope. To read the entire review head on line to www.kidology.org (It’s on the main page, just scroll down)
What’s Going on…
Check out the new edition of kidZvillage newZ on your desks the first week of September. It’s full of great articles from children’s pastors in our district and information on upcoming events & resources…
Meet me on the PHONE - Dial in on Friday September 7th from 9 – 10am and connect with other children’s, youth, and sr. pastors, as we unite in prayer for our children beginning a new year of school. Connect from anywhere, just dial 1-800-808-0861 password 898153 and join in, dedicate the whole hour or just a few minutes, feel free to dial in and excuse yourself when you need to. I’ll be beginning each 15 minute segment with an opening prayer then leaving the line open for all to join in and hold up our children to the Lord.
LIFT Volunteer Conferences – I’m so excited to meet each of you as I travel to the various sections of the district. I have attached the pdf of dates and locations, plan to attend one of them with your volunteers. A registration form and detailed information of each date/location will be out next week. Workshop choices will be made available for you and your volunteers to choose on the date of the event. Plan to protect training will be included as an open session to assist you in this church insurance requirement.
You are always in my prayers…
Pam