Children's Ministry Blog

Children’s Ministry News May 2016

by Jennifer Snook, Director of Children’s Ministry

“The prayer of the righteous accomplishes much.”              ~James 5:16”

Praying for children is a powerful way to show them that they are important, loved and worthy. Additionally, as adults pray for children, this is an important way the adults can connect with God on a personal level.

If you are eloquent with words and the Bible is like a second language to you, then this is an easy task.  But, if you are like most of us, consistent, daily, out-loud prayer can be difficult to maintain.

Busy lives call for rushed meals and harried bed-time routines. Yet, it is precisely in these ill-equipped, weary moments, when God shows up and shows us that He loves your children, and He loves that you are praying for them. Be encouraged and pray often over your children. The psalms are a great place to start if you need a place for inspiration.

Children are important at Grace, and our Vacation Bible School team is already working on a fun and exciting week for children ages pre-K – 5th grade. This year we surf into God’s amazing love June 20-24.

There are many ways you can be involved: crew leaders (adults who walk a group of children from station to station), decorators to help stage VBS, and folks  to help tear down after VBS is over. See the bulletin board by the coffee bar if you would like to sign up to help or email Jennifer Snook.

 

From the Pastor's Desk

From the Pastor’s Desk

Dear Grace Community,

It’s wonderful to be back with you.  I am grateful for the time I had during my maternity leave. The eight weeks gave me a chance to start to get my bearings when it comes to motherhood, and it gave me and John time to begin getting to know this interesting and beautiful baby God entrusted to us.

April 17 was my first Sunday back in worship, and it was a joy to see you, worship with you, and to start reconnecting.  April 17 was also Alice’s first day in the church nursery and John’s first time getting her ready for church on his own.  (They did well!)

As my maternity leave drew to a close, I found myself thinking more and more about the upcoming months at Grace. I’m excited about the possibilities and plans before us. Since my return, I’ve tried to catch up on all that I’ve missed.  Some of you have experienced big life events, good and bad. It’s possible that I am not aware of what’s happening with you, and if you need or want a visit please reach out and let me know.

The church staff did an incredible job of making sure things went smoothly while I was gone, and I am grateful to them.  Our congregation is blessed with gifted and passionate people who see working here as serving God. I am thankful for these people.

My weekly schedule varies some, but in general I work Sunday thru Wednesday and Friday. I take Thursday as my day off. You can generally find me in the office on the days when I work, but I do have off-site meetings, so while dropping by usually means you can catch me, appointments are good too.

In Christ,
Catherine

Laundry Love - College Town Laundry

Laundry Love: May 8

It’s time for our monthly Laundry Love! This is when we go to College Town Laundry at 3223 E 17th St, by the WSU Campus, and pay for laundry for people. This is a mission of our evangelism team, and we’d love for you to join us. We’ll be there from 2:30 – 5:30 pm on Sunday, May 8.  Want to know more?  Contact Catherine Neelly Burton in the church office, 684-5215.

Youth in Prayer

By Kirk Anderson, Director of Student Ministries

Prayer is such a personal thing, yet something that we do in private and in community. Prayer is our opportunity to be with God in direct communication.

Over the past couple of weeks the youth have looked at Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians (Ephesians 1:15-23). We looked at Paul’s example as a way to remind us to put God first in prayer. Too often I catch myself being one-sided in my prayers. Help ME!   I forget who put me here in the first place, and that He is worthy of my worship, praise and thanksgiving.

During our look at Ephesians, youth wrote prayers that I found very powerful in their truth and honesty – a great example for me to follow and use. Some are written below. Please take a moment and lift God up in prayer in your own words or maybe use the words of some of our amazing youth.

  • “Dear God; I know I do not deserve your mercy, but please bless me with your Glory!  I love you so much…but You are perfect and I am not.  You bring me joy and sunlight in the darkness. Help me find grace where there is none.  Amen.”
  • “Dear God; I have done wrong things. I ask for your forgiveness. You are the mighty God, the King of all kings.  You sent your only Son to die on the cross for our sins. You are the light of the world. You are the glorious God. Amen.”
  • “Let me forgive all of those who I have yet to forgive, let all of those who need hope receive it, and help all of those in times of troubles overcome them.  Let me accept the love that I know I deserve.  Amen.”
  • “I’m praying to you oh mighty God to bestow your love and mercy to my family members that need it and for you to show them the light.”
  • “God I thank you for your wisdom.  Thank you for your powerful strength.  Each and every day I will spread your love through Jesus Christ our Savior. Thank you glorious Lord.  Amen.”

 

youth

May 2016 Youth Schedules

If you would like to get on the Student Ministry email list for either IGNITE or INSPIRE/WYLDlife, please contact Kirk Anderson.

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Youth Worship: Wednesday, May 11 

IGNITE (All High School aged youth)

  • Sunday discussion (10 am – 10:50 am) Every Sunday but May 29.
  • Graduation Sunday May 15
  • Tuesday Chess Club (3:30 – 4:30 pm) in Room 101 led by Ann Graham and Gary Hart.
  • Wednesday Fellowship (5:30 – 7:15 pm) Every Wednesday but May 25.

INSPIRE (All Middle High aged youth)

  • Sunday discussion (10 am – 10:50 am) Every Sunday but May 29.
  • Mondays Bible Study at Robinson during the lunch periods.
  • Tuesday Chess Club (3:30-4:30 pm) in Room 101 led by Ann Graham and Gary Hart.
  • Wednesday Fellowship (3:30 – 4:45 pm) Every Wednesday but May 25.
  • WYLDlife Club: May 6 – Final Club of the Year!

YaYa’s (College aged youth)

  • We meet on Sunday evening at various homes and venues discussing God’s purpose in one’s life during the college aged years. Call Kirk or Sean Foster for locations and more information.

 Westminster Woods Summer camp dates

  • WMW Summer Camp 2016 Family Camp:  May 27-29
  • 3rd & 4th Grade Camp: May 31st-June 3
  • 5th & 6th Grade Camp: June 6-10
  • 7th & 8th Grade Camp: June 13-17
  • High School Camp:  June 20 –26

For Westminster Woods Camp info and registration:

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Save the Dates 2016

  • IGNITE Mission Trip Car Wash is June 26
  • IGNITE Mission Trip – July 8 – 17