Colonial Woods Kid's Choir

Perhaps you have heard about this already, but Sunday, February 3rd, we are starting the CWMC Children’s Choir (we still have yet to come up with a fun, creative name). This group of kids, in Grades 2nd through 5th, will be practicing during the 10:45 Service getting ready for the Spring Musical on April 27th at 6:00 PM. In the future, this group will also perform at various times on Sunday mornings in the Sanctuary (similar to what the hand bell groups do currently) and also put on the Christmas Musical near the end of the year.

Leading this group will be Lori Butterfield assisted by Ann Aschauer for the Spring Musical. If your child enjoys singing or performing drama, this is the group for them! Have them attend their class as usual, they will sing the worship songs with all the other 1st through 5th Graders, then break off for their practice. For now, the kids will be practicing in the 3rd Grade room upstairs, so be sure to tell them where to meet you after the service is completed.

Hopefully we will see them there.....

Dean

Lest you think I am just crazy......which is true

I am not the only person who think that Children's Ministry is where EVERYONE should invest their time. Check out what this blogger (Gina gets a lot more hits that I do) has to say:

"If you want a place to cast nets that strain from the weight when you pull in your catch, march your evangelistic hind parts into your elementary age experience and share Jesus with the same amount of passion as you do to adults."

Gina goes on to say that she is not usally this intense, but is "just ruthlessly passionate that my 8-year old son is a walking Temple filled with the Holy Spirit. That he received power when the Holy Spirit came upon him and he is a witness to Jesus. That because he believes in Jesus, the works that Jesus did, he will do also; and greater works than these because of the Holy Spirit that dwells within him today."

Children's Ministry is more than just child care! It is more than just giving parents the opportunity to worship. It is even more than just "preparing them for the future." They can and should be making an impact RIGHT NOW. When you are interacting with them, help them to understand that God has given them power to impact the world around them - however little it may be.

His, Dean

Danger is Always Lurking!

Perhaps you heard about Jose de Jesus, a man in Miami, FL who is claiming to be the 2nd Coming of Jesus. He believes he is Jesus because of a vision he had several years ago. What is worse is just how many millions of people are believing him.

Of course we know that he is a one of the false teachers talked about in Matthew 24, but is scary to know that these dangerous influences are always lurking around the corner. As children's workers we have a tremendous opportunity and responsibility to be an influence in the lives of kids. You are part of the influences that kids will lean on when tests come into thier lives.

So what type of influence are you in the lives of kids, your own other someone else's? What will keep our kids on solid foundation when trials and negative influences come? Do you want to be a part of that? There is NO BETTER time to influence the lives of people (even into adulthood) than when they are children! We should be as blessed to be able to have this opportunity.

God Bless, Dean

I'm Excited...

This coming Sunday evening (January 27th @ 6 PM) I get to preach my first sermon here at Colonial Woods. You should come and enjoy a time of getting to know a little more of my heart and hear from God's Word. In preparation, if you are interested, you could read Mark 12:28-31 and Deuteronomy 6:4-9.

I am also excited because of our next Family Journey in Faith Take-It Home Event. February 10th, during the 2nd Service in the Gym, we will be inviting 4th & 5th Graders AND their parents to join us for a family experience in prayer. These events are part of what the Family Journey ministry is all about - partnering with you to bring about the spiritual discipleship of our kids.

Be sure to put both of these events on your calender and hope to see you there.

-Dean

I'm back...And so is American Idol!

It has truly been a long time since I last posted anything, but things have been absolutely crazy (not to mention I took nearly 2 weeks of vacation). But we are starting a fresh with new, bold topics to talk about. How about.....American Idol!

I absolutely love this show. Last night was the start of its 7th Season with its first round of auditions (taped in the City of Brotherly Love) with two hours of some of the worst auditions yet. I'll be honest, I watch it both because of the good singers AND the bad ones. What is with some people who think they can sing when CLEARLY they cannot! Now, not everyone needs to sing, but if you are going to try out on International Television, shouldn't you have some clue?

So why am I writing about this? Most of the people who have appeared on this show have gone on to become famous musicians, singers and actors; but I'll bet many of them have their "Idol" position reserved for the wrong person. We all have things that, at times, we have placed in front of God - Money, Fame, Prestige, Pride, Possessions. What is your Idol? What do your kids see as the most important thing if your family's life? In Mark 10, Jesus says that the most important thing should should be to love God with everything we have. That goes for our families and kids as well.

So, who or what is your Idol?

It has been a while!

Well, we made it through the crazy time of the Holidays! It has been over a month since I last posted anything (or even signed in for that matter). But, it is time to get back on track! First up is a reminder of our equip meeting this coming Sunday evening @ 6:00 PM. We will be meeting in the Fireside Room at CWMC.

We will be talking a little about "The Power of a Praying Child," but it also has a lot of carry over into other areas as well. As always, come hungry and expecting great things. Hope to see you there!

Also, since it is a new year - are there particular topics you would like to discuss as part of our blogging experience? Post a comment and let me know!

God Bless, Dean