Let the Fire Fall!

In case you haven't heard, Colonial Woods is having an on-going series by Pastor Phil entitled "Let the Fire Fall!"  Our hope and prayer is that revival will take place in the hearts and lives of those who call CWMC their home church.  Please be in prayer as we seek God's heart and will.

Here is a note from Pastor Phil:

"We’ve been on an interesting journey over these past few weeks at C.W.  I believe God is moving, and I believe he is doing a new work.   We never know exactly how much, but just like the Lord is faithful to thaw the winter’s ice and snow to bring in the warmth of spring…there need to be times of thawing for the warmth of God’s Spirit to move."

You can listen to the messages (about 1 week after they are originally preached) by clicking HERE.  

At the time of sacrifice, the prophet Elijah stepped forward and prayed: “LORD, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be known today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command. Answer me, LORD, answer me, so these people will know that you, LORD, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again.”    - 1 Kings 18:36-37

Visionary Parenting Conference

I cannot fully express how excited I am to announce (again) of an exciting opportunity for parents to attend a conference next February!  Dr. Rob Rienow is a gifted communicator and loving husband & father - you won't want to miss this!  Here is a brochure with all the information on it:

Visionary Parenting Seminar Brochure

Be on the lookout for more information as the time approaches!

Fun in The Sun

Lots of Great things happening this summer in and around Port Huron.  Come enjoy time with your families during our Wednesday night programs.  Check out the brochure below:
Summer Fun 2010

Volunteering @ VOX

As VOX Church begins their preview services over the next several months, there is a strong desire to begin seeing kids have a safe and fun place to engage Christ on their own level.  As part of our on-going partnership with them, we would like to see several volunteers from CW to assist them in their children’s ministry programming.  


Volunteers are needed to help with Infants, Toddlers and Elementary kids three Sunday nights in April – 11^th, 18^th and 25^th.  Would you consider making an impact with this “daughter church” as they begin to make a difference in the lives of young families?  If you are interested, contact either Dean Butterfield,  Matt Woodburn or Kate Mayer.


Kate will be working towards developing safe and fun environments that foster spiritual growth for the children who come to VOX Church. She will be putting programs and strategies in place to disciple children at VOX as well as equipping parents to disciple their children at home. Along with this, Kate will organize and train the volunteers who want to be involved in the ministry. We are excited to see what God will do through Kate's love and passion for children and their spiritual well-being. Please pray that God provides Kate with children's leaders and volunteers with a heart to see children grow in their love of Jesus. Also, pray for the children who will be coming to VOX and that they will see just how much they matter to God through the words and actions of our team..  


If you are interested in helping more long term with VOX Church, I'm sure Matt would love to talk with you more.

Annual Family Journey in Faith Report

This year I decided to do an Annual Report for our Family Ministry as well - Family Journey in Faith.  Catch up on what's happening with FJIF!
_________________________________________________

Purpose of FJIF

Family Journey in Faith was started a little over 3 years ago as a ministry to families to encourage, inspire and equip parents to intentionally disciple their children in the home – not just at church!

Take-It Home Events

The primary way we attempt to accomplish that goal is through monthly Take-It Home events.  These events bring together kids of a specific age/grade and their parents to practice one way to pass along faith to their children.  Usually, a resource is given to the kids to help them take the Take [the practice] Home.  You can see the complete schedule online colonialwoodsmc.com.

The Journey Newsletter

I am also excited to announce that the FJIF team also recently released the 1^st issue of The Journey newsletter to encourage parents to keep up fighting the fight in passing on their faith.  This unique blend of resources, encouragement and advice from church leaders and parents is available on the CWMC website.  We are even using pictures of some of our own Colonial Woods’ kids, so check it out!

Mark Holmen Event

Another event I am excited about, coming May 1^st & 2^nd, is in partnership with the Missionary Church’s Michigan District’s Family And Children Team (F.A.C.T.), Mark Holmen and Focus on the Family, called Faith @ Home Church Seminar.  There will be a time of training for church leaders and pastors on Saturday AND a parenting workshop on Sunday, May 2^nd, from 5-7 PM.  This will be a great opportunity for parents to gain valuable insight on how to pass their faith onto their children.  Be on the lookout for details.

Visionary Parenting Conference

Another exciting opportunity I am excited to introduce to you is a weekend Conference FJIF is sponsoring February 18^th & 19^th, 2011 called Visionary Parenting.  This conference will be for all parents of Colonial Woods – infants through high schoolers – who wish to take the first step, continue, or rise up a level in the discipleship of your children.  

Dr. Rob Rienow from Wheaton Bible Church in Wheaton, IL will be our featured speaker.  He will be presenting 5 Visions for how we can create a God-centered Home as we seek to make disciples of our kids.  There will also be times of connections with other parents over desert (Friday evening) and lunch (Saturday afternoon).  Check out the brochures at the information booth or contact the Children’s Ministry office for details.

Calendar of Events

April 18^th          Kindergarten Take-It Home Event

May 1 & 2       Faith @ Home Church Seminar

May 16^th          2^nd Grade Take-It Home Event

June 6^th            Elevate Family Worship Event

Sept 19^th          3^rd Grade Take-It Home Event

Oct 17^th           1^st Grade Take-It Home Event

Nov 21^st           3 Year Old Take-It Home Event

Dec 5^th             Elevate Family Worship Event

Feb 18 & 19    Visionary Parenting Conference

Future Vision

The possibilities for Family Journey in Faith are virtually endless as CW strives to be a church that encourages, inspires and equips parents to carry out their Biblical role of discipling their children.  Our hope is to see FJIF continue to expand into areas such as a Family Mission Trip, continued Family Worship opportunities, Parent-on-Parent mentoring, and so on.  Watch and see what God does!!!

In His Service,

Dean L. Butterfield

Director of Children’s Ministries

Faith @ Home

Parents and Church Leaders, this is a GREAT SITE to check out if you are interested in getting for information about how to disciple children in the home.  Mark Holmen was the Senior Pastor at Ventura Missionary Church until he left to pursue full-time missionary work in the Faith @ Home movement.

Again, with details coming shortly, Mark will be coming May 1st and 2nd to present a Faith @ Home workshop.  Saturday the seminar will be for Church leaders (Pastors, Directors, Lay Leaders).  On Sunday evening, from 5-7 PM, Mark and a representative from Focus on the Family will be presenting a workshop for parents of ALL ages who desire to continue, start or ramp up their discipleship of their kids at home.  Children's Ministry and Childcare WILL be provided - they will even get to eat!!!!

What's up with Prayer?

That's the title of our next Family Journey in Faith Take-It Home Event on February 28th during the 10:45 service in the gym at Colonial Woods Missionary Church.  This event will bring 4th & 5th Graders and their parents together to see what it means to be praying daily to God.  We have a couple of speakers lined up to come and inspire both the parents and kids as well as a resource to give to each child who attends.  There is also a possibility that Pastor Phil will come and kick off the morning for us as well.....???


During these Take-It Home events, the kids will separated from their regular Children's Church programming in order to participate.  Children's Ministry still happens for all other ages/grades.  FJIF is a ministry designed to encourage, inspire and equip parents to carry about our Biblical responsibility to disciple our children to be like Christ.  It helps us as parents carry out the Deuteronomy 6 mandate to "Impress [the Commands of God] on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.  Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates."


If you have a 4th or 5th grader, you won't want to miss this special time to connect in worship with your kids.

Focus on the Family & Colonial Woods

It's too soon to give all the details, but coming very soon Colonial Woods will be hosting a Faith @ Home Church Seminar the weekend of May 1st & 2nd with the Missionary Church's own Mark Holmen.  This event is being sponsored by the Michigan District of the Missionary Church.

There will be several components to the weekend - some for church leaders from across the Blue Water and Thumb of Michigan AND for parents who wish to take the next step in discipleship of their kids.  You can find out about how FOTF and Faith @ Home are partnering by going to their WEBSITE.

So stay tuned to find out more details as they become available.

Get Ready to Blast Off!!!

Ladies & Gentlemen, Boys & Girls of all ages:  I introduce to you, the next adventure of Vacation Bible School for Colonial Woods:

Cadets:  You can begin your training by clicking HERE!

Parents:  Save these dates - July 18th - 22nd from 6:00 to 8:30 PM!!!!

Marriage Retreat @ CWMC

Husbands and Wives - do you need a little inspiration and encouragement?  Then I encourage you to check out this event next month:


Marriage Retreat:
“Men are Like Waffles, Women are Like Spaghetti”

February 19 & 20, 2010 Speakers:  Bill & Pam Farrel On February 19 & 20, 2010 we will be hosting a Marriage Retreat for our married and soon-to-be married couples. We welcome Bill and Pam Farrel, the authors of Men are Like Waffles, Women are Like Spaghetti. Tickets are on sale in the church office or at the table in the foyer. The cost is $49.00 per couple before February 8. After February 8 the ticket price will go up to $59.00. Schedule Friday, February 19, 2010 7:00 PM—9:00 PM Session #1 followed by a Sweet Treats Afterglow Saturday, February 20, 2010 8:00 AM—9:00 AM Continental Breakfast 9:00 AM—10:30 AM Session #2 10:30 AM–11:00 AM Break 11:00 AM-12:00 PM Session #3 For more information, contact Melissa at 810-984-5571.

Clothing Giveaway - October 10th

Coming up next month is the annual Clothing Giveaway at Colonial Woods. On October 10th, from 9-11 AM, the church will be full of families looking through tons of clothes donated to give away. IT'S ALL FREE!!!!!!!!!

Again this year we will be providing some Children's Ministry opportunities to the families coming through to look for clothes. This is a time to speak into and love on kids and their parents in a tangible way. I am looking to line up several volunteers for the 2 rooms:

• 4 Volunteers in the Infant through 3's
• 5 Volunteers in the 4's through 5th Grade room

If you are interested in helping others in this one time opportunity, please get in contact with me by EMAIL.

A couple of Activities

This week kicks off the summer programming at Colonial Woods with sooooooo much going on for kids, youth and families. If you never caught it, check out the previous post on Summer Wednesday night activities: http://anchorchildrensministry.blogspot.com/2009/05/summer-fun-in-port-huron.html.

This week we have Roller Skating at Skate Port 2 on Wadhams Rd. on Wednesday, June 10 from 6:00 - 8:00 PM. It costs $5 per person (you actually will pay me, not the Skate staff) with skate rental costing extra. You can bring your own skates or blades too, if you have them.

Then coming up this Sunday, June 14th, is our last Family Journey in Faith event for the school year for parents of 2 year olds. This event will be held in the gym of Colonial Woods Missionary Church at 10:45 AM. We will be enjoying a time of connecting with other parents of 2 year olds and our kids seeking to continue to tell our kids the Foundational Stories of God's Word. You will also get a great resrouce to take home that your family will LOVE!

Summer Fun in Port Huron

In case you are interested, you can check out this brochure from the City's Parks & Recreation Department about what is happening this summer.  Lot of free activities (I know how much we love free!!!) or low cost activities.

Speaking of summer, this year we are doing some special Wednesday night activities starting June 10th.  There will be more information coming in the form of a flyer, but here is a quick run down:

• June 10th   SkatePort2 Skating
  
• June 17th   Sanborn Park Swimming
  
• June 24th   Goodells Park & Splash Pad
  
• July 1st    Glacier Pointe Ice Skating
  
• July 8th   Pioneer Days @ CWMC
  
• July 15th Parade Night (Anchor Children's Ministry will have a float you could be part of if interested.)
  
• July 22nd Vacation Bible School
• July 29th Nothing (Whew!  We actually get a break!)
• August 5th Brown City Family Camp
• August 12th Brown City Family Camp
• August 19th Children's Ministry Equip Night
• August 26th Movie Night @ CWMC
• Sept. 2nd Back to School Bash

WOW!!!!  Will that ever keep you busy, I thought summer was supposed to slow down???  Not in Children's Ministry.

Also, keep in mind 

• June 22-26 Happy Time Children's Camp  for completed 3rd to 6th Graders.
• July 10 Cruise Night on the front lawn of CWMC
• July 19-22 Vacation Bible School 
• July 23 Family Night on the Black River & 10th   
• July 30 - Aug. 9th Brown City Family Camp

Get ready for a great summer.

Helping your kids become Spiritual Champions

The D6 Conference is coming this September 23-25 in Dallas, TX and looks like it is going to be an amazing time of setting the record straight for Church leaders on what their priority should be - that is partnering with parents to bring about the spiritual formation of children and youth.  Check out this video:

If at all possible, I highly recommend checking it out.  I would love to be able to attend, but have used up my conference budget and time for the year.  You can check out for information about them at www.d6conference.com.  You can also follow them on Facebook.  

Dean

THE Most Important Thing!

Homer Hickam, and nearly every other boy in town, had only one destination in life – to become miners just like their fathers.  Only one problem:  Homer did not want to become a miner.  He had seen what it had done to his father and family – sickness, poverty and even seeing men killed.  He had a bigger dream and vision, one that every fiber of his being longed to follow. 

 

But for his father, the most important thing was seeing his son carry on the Hickam tradition of being the Foreman in the mines and providing for your family. 

 

 So what is our most important thing?  What is the most important thing we should pass on down to our children?

Come May 17th at 6 PM in the Chapel of Colonial Woods Missionary Church to hear the rest of the Story.

Equip Meeting

Just a last minute reminder again of our upcoming Equip Meeting this Sunday evening at 6 PM at Colonial Woods Missionary Church.  We will have a time of food and fellowship as well as a time of Q & A with me.  Virtually nothing is off limits, except for questions from Tim, Joann and Jeff.  :)

Come and enjoy a fun time.  I will also be giving out some gifts and resources I rently picked up from some conferences I attended.

See you there,

Dean

Sharing The Journey

One of the messages of God's Word is the importance of raising up Godly disciples for Christ in the next generation.  No better place for that to happen than with our own kids.  The "Sharing Your Journey" event will be aimed at getting kids and parents to begin talking about how God has impacted them in their lives.  This is going to be like no other event we have done to date.

On February 22nd will be our next Family Journey in Faith Take-It Home event to help up start on that journey together.  This one will be for 4th & 5th Graders and thier parent(s) and will be held in the gym.  Be sure to stop by to see how you can take you and your child's spiritual development to the next level.

Anchor CM Equip Meeting

Are you interested in knowing what is happening in the lives of our kids? Do you wonder what is the best way we can encourage and teach kids to become disciples of Christ? Then our next Equip meeting is just for you!

It is coming up this Sunday, January 18th at 6 PM @ Colonial Woods. We will be looking into current trends and isseus related to culture, technology, families, kids and of course children's and family ministry.

Of course, as always, we have a great meal that you won't want to miss!

See you then.

Take It Home Event - 4 & 5 Year Olds

Have you ever thought that you would like to memorize some Bible verses but cannot seem to find the time? Well, we have an idea!

Coming January 25th is another fantastic Take it Home Event for 4 & 5 Year Olds and their parents. We are going to be talking about Bible Memorization and how to implement some ideas in your families on memorizing God's word. It will be held at Colonial Woods Missionary Church in the gym during the 10:45 AM service.

You will be given a great resource to take home that I think your kids will find very exciting and may even get your toes tapping as well.

Here's a little taste:

Coming Soon - SVL Kids

Stay Tuned for futher details! You won't want to miss this!