Interested in ramping up your Children's ministry skills?

I ran across this site that has some college level, ready-made children's ministry trainings free and available for any and all to see. They look like a great opportunity to enhance your already amazing CM skills as you seek to make a difference in the lives and families of kids. Check them out HERE.

They have one on Creative Pre-school Story Tellling, Creavtive Children's Sermons, learning about ADHD and Learning Disabilities, and more. They are offered by Children's Ministries University Online thorugh Valley Forge Christian College and looked like they might be valuable for Children's ministry volunteers.

For those who attend CW, let me know if you take the time to listen and watch one; perhaps I can pass along a little gift.

God Bless, Dean

When sadness strikes!

Dealing with the death of my father was one of the most difficult times in my life. No matter how much one "prepares" for it, it is simply not easy. I cannot even imagine, though, loosing one of my children. There are not words to express how that must feel.

One of our Pastors at CW, jonathan Seller, has a brother, Josh, who recently sang at the funeral of an infant baby who died immediatly after being born. He wrote a song (in less than a week) to sing at Owen's funeral, and I thought I would post it here for you to listen to as well:

Let's remember Owen's parents, and others who have lost children, in our prayers.

His, Dean

PS - You can get a copy of the words and guitar chords HERE.

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:

Saturday Venue Kids!

We are excited to announce a new venture for Venue Live Children’s Ministry called “Saturday Venue Live Kids.” Starting January 24, 2008, we will be expanding our programming to include all kids Birth to 5th Grade and adjusting the rooms to break down as follows:

• Birth - 2 Year Olds in One Year Old Room
• 3's - Kindergarten in Kindergarten Room
• 1st - 5th Graders in Room 205

1st - 5th Graders in Room 205
The Elementary SNL Kids program will focus on discipling kids in a large group setting with worship, fun games, stories and hands-on activities. Dean and Lori Butterfield will be running the program for kids each week and exploring God’s Word and His plan for their lives.

Birth - 2 Year Olds & 3’s - Kindergarten
We are also creating a Kid’s Ministry team of 36 workers who will agree to volunteer ONCE EVERY 6 WEEKS (no including special Musical weekends) in one of the pre-school children’s ministry rooms on Saturday night. Your commitment would be for one year with the option of continuing at the end of that year. We will also send out reminder post cards, emails or phone calls when it is your turn. It would, however, be your responsibility to show up or switch with someone if, for any reason, you cannot be there.

This will be THE place to be on Saturday night for kids!

Let me know if you are interested in signing up for this limited time (and minimal committment) opportunity.

Dean

You might be a Tech Geek!

Just a little something for you to read. If you have ever seen or heard of Jeff Foxworthy's "You might be a red neck," listen to these adding "...you might be a tech geek" to them.

· If you understand the phrase “OMG, MYOB” or “IDK, my BFF,” …
· If you know that Wii is spelled “W-I-I” and not W-E, …
· If you rotate your wallpaper more than your tires, …
· If you’ve ever worked on a PowerPoint, while riding in a MiniVan, …
· If you have more toys than your kids, …
· If your Facebook status is more up to date than your own family, …
· If your entire music collection can fit in your pocket, …
· If your favorite writing utensil is a stylus, …
· If you know that BlackBerry is not a fruit, …
· If you can remember your passwords but not your anniversary, …

Happy New Year!

Dean

A note for you!

Love All of You!

Remember...

Merry Christmas!

Coming Soon - SVL Kids

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

The Purpose of Christmas

Well, it's closing in on us again - Christmas. This time of year brings about many emotions for people depenging on where one is in their life. Rick Warren of Saddleback Church and of "Purpose Driven Life" fame was recently on The Today Show.

He has also recently released a book "The Purpose of Christmas." Thought you might be interested in these.

Dean