God is the Nursery

Yesterday I spoke to one of my former summer students, Alison, as she served up my Starbucks order. I smiled as she chatted to her co-worker happily about how we used to work together at the church. It got me thinking later that day about all that went on that summer. We had wonderful Sunday morning celebrations and outreaches which our summer students planned, but the one thing that has stuck in my mind was a sign Alison made and laminated to hang on our nursery wall. She wasn’t asked to do it. It wasn’t even an idea she decided to run by me. Instead, she called me into the nursery and pointed to the wall where she had taped up a sign and picture. I looked at it and it simply said, “God is in the nursery.” I loved that poster because it challenged my thinking when I read it, along with anyone else who was in there.

Do we believe that “God is in the nursery?” Of course we believe God is Omnipresent, meaning He’s everywhere and all at once. However when it comes to Sunday morning, how much do we believe this statement is true? When worship music is blaring in the sanctuary, a children’s church leader is pouring his heart out in the kids’ auditorium, and the preschool class is shouting “God loves me!”…what do we believe about the space where we have a cushioned nursery floor? Do we believe the Presence of God is equally present there?

We have an elder in the church who goes into each room prior to anyone arriving Sunday mornings. He prays over our children’s ministries. I’ve never asked him to, but I know he includes the nursery in his prayer walk. We have a Preschool Coordinator who diligently prints out lesson themes each month for our preschool leaders and, if you were to walk into the baby room, you’ll see an activity sheet for this month specifically for our nursery. Why? Because we believe that God is in the nursery on Sunday mornings.

“Connecting kids to the life-changing presence of Jesus” is our mission. Believing we have opportunity to fulfill that mandate each and every Sunday…is up to the individual heart.

God IS in the nursery.

Amen.

Originally posted on www.sundaystaffroom.blogspot.com
 

Chase Away the Boredom of Summer Waits

As summer is quickly approaching, it's not a bad idea to stock up on some vacation travel tips.
Here's a great link for parents of some fun activities appropriate for airports, waterpark lines, road trips and grocery shopping adventures!

http://www.cozi.com/live-simply/waiting-games-super-simple-activities-pass-time-kids



If you want to add some spiritual strengthening activities during the wait times here are a few more ideas/adaptations:

Scripture Alphabet:

Start with the letter "A" and have someone recite a bible verse that begins with that letter. For example "A"-"All things work together for good to those who love the Lord" Romans 8:28. Continue through the alphabet and if you get stuck on a letter use your bible or smart phone bible app to learn a new verse.

 Attributes Alphabet:

Similar to the previous game, but instead of reciting Scripture you talk about the attributes of God that come to mind when you say a letter of the alphabet. Once you say as many characteristics/attributes you can think of from one letter you move onto the next.

Prophetic Encouragement:

A heard someone once say that the New Testament gift of prophecy is divine-inspired encouragement for one another. Take the opportunity to encourage one another through prophecy as a family. Be sure to pray first and ask God to reveal to each person a word or image that will be an encouragement to someone in the family. Encourage your family members that as long as a word is encouraging, they don't have to be afraid to speak it out when it comes to mind!  Exercise those spiritual gifts and watch car ride arguments come to a hault.

Do you have any other games or strategies that encourage spiritual growth and natural "God moments" for families? Please share!

Cafe Starts Up Again for Spring

When Kids Really GET Christmas

This week I got an email about one of our very own Lakemount families whose daughter came up with her own way to  GIVE back this Christmas season.  Inspired by a cookie exchange, ten year old Kenwyn F. decided to raise money for our own missionary Liz Marshall in Africa.  Kenwyn invited some friends to bring cookies to an exchange party with the purpose of then selling those cookies all week to raise funds for a worthy cause.   We are pleased to say that Kenwyn has raised just over $100 for the work Liz is doing in Zambia.  Congratulations Kenwyn!  It's always wonderful when our children understand that at Christmas we give generously to others, because God gave His Son Jesus so freely to us.

If you would like to contribute to Kenwyn's project, please contact Pastor Michelle at the church office.

Merry Christmas.

Great Opportunities for Families to be Families at Christmas

Make sure you check out the Children's Ministries Magazine blog for some great ideas for this Christmas Season.

Here's a few samples from CM consultant Bobbie Bower about taking time out of the hustle and bustle of Christmas to have a regular family night over the holidays.

• Look at a photo album of family memories. 
• Or watch clips from homemade family videos. 
• Begin conversations with "Remember when..." Tape-record a good memory and send it to the person who was part of it.
• Buy a new game as a family gift for Christmas. Open it early and play it together.
• Work on a jigsaw puzzle. Play Christmas carols in the background.
• Each family night, read aloud a few chapters from A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens until it's finished.
• Have each family member choose a Christmas carol, read one verse, and tell why it has special meaning.
• Make special cards for grandparents. Together, write a message on each card.

For more ideas visit: http://www.childrensministry.com/articles/20-family-friendly-holiday-ideas

Have a very Merry Family-Filled Christmas everybody!

Pastor Michelle
Lakemount Worship Centre

What's up with Lakemount Preschoolers?

Check out what our volunteers are saying about your preschoolers on Sunday mornings at their blog:
http://sundaystaffroom.blogspot.com/2011/10/can-i-get-witness.html

The Quest for Family

Just google the definition of family and you'll find a variety of descriptions and philosophy.  That's because the family unit has morphed and changed it's look significantly in the last several decades.  With extended families, blended families, single-parent and adoptive families we recognize that our dinner tables may not all look the same.  But at the heart of family we see a desire for connectiveness, belonging and responsibility to one another.

At Lakemount we want to partner with families on their spiritual journey, ultimately connecting them to the life changing Presence of Jesus Christ and making an impact on generations to come.


Our goal is to partner through:
FAM-TIME
We encourage and support regular family time that not only develops relationships but builds godly character and is intentional regarding spiritual matters.  We offer resources for families that corresponds with our 252 basics and First Look curriculums.  We also provide opportunities in corporate worship for both children and parents to worship together.

FAM-GROW
Throughout the year, Lakemount offers parenting seminars and workshops that will help strengthen the family unit. Seminars cover areas such as spiritual growth, practical parenting, and hands-on workshops.  We also have opportunities for parents to connect through small group ministries and parenting forums.

FAM-FUN
Just ask your child what they remember most fondly from time spent with family and I'm sure they'll mention a special event/moment where 'fun' was involved.  We have a great vision team of volunteers who create exciting seasonal events providing opportunity for families to simply have fun together and connect with other young families. Whether it's bowling or nature hikes we want to provide moments that become memories for a lifetime.

FAM-SERVE
Lastly, it is our belief that passion is caught, more than it's taught. We want to give families opportunity to serve their community, church, and abroad.  Let us know what your family is doing for others and we'll spread the word, offering creative ideas and inspiration for parents and children alike.