Various Issues

Be sure to check out our Family Journey In Faith blog in case you do not do so on a regular basis. With the popularity of the upcoming movie, The Golden Compass, it is worth your while to take a look.

Remember that on Sunday, December 16th we are having the kids sing in the morning services. This will be a special time of celebration of kids, families and Christmas. If you have any issues or questions, let me know.

Dean

The Golden Compass

Most likely you are aware of the movie being released December 7th, The Golden Compass. If not, you should be, for there is much to be concerned about. In short, this movie is the antithesis of the Chronicles of Narnia series by C.S. Lewis. Now, the movie by itself is I am sure high quality and will be phenomenal at the box office; but that is only half the story.

This movie is based on the first book of a triology of children's books called "His Dark Materials" written by Philip Pullman. For an extensive review of these books and their symbolism you can check out Focus on the Family's Plugged-In Online. What is most disconcerting to me is that Mr. Pullman simply refuses to seek out or understand ANYTHING spiritual -

"Our home is not somewhere else. There is no elsewhere. This is a physical universe and we are physical beings made of material stuff. This is where we live." (Taken from this website.)

As you read quotes from him, you can see just how lost he is, even Islam would admit to that. This world is MUCH more than what we experience with our 5 senses, despite what Mr. Pullman would have us think. And even though he acknowledges Morality should be taught, it is short-lived and purposeless if is based only on the physical world.

What's more is that he knows the truth, as he was taught it as a young child, but "as I grew up and began to look around and see how other people thought about things, and read books and so on, naturally I began to question this, as people do. And I eventually came – after a lot of swinging this way and that, and trying things out – to the position I hold now." (Source)

Parents, be aware of this movie as your kids see and hear about it. Get informed of what it is all about. I am hoping to actually see it to judge for myself, so let me know if you want to go with sometime and perhaps can go out for a Coke to discuss it.

Dean

Take It Home Event

This coming Sunday is another round of our Take-It-Home Events at Colonial Woods. The 3 Year olds and their parents will be joining us this time learning about how to start devotions with their children. It will be held in the gym during the 2nd Service, 10:45 am.

Each participant will be given a great resource - either "My Very First Devotional Bible" or "The One Year Book of Devotions for Preschoolers." This will be a great resource for you to use as parents as you seek to instill the value of reading the Bible and developing a habit of devotions in your kids.

I will also have other resources available for purchase that are aimed at helping parents carry out the command in Deuteronomy 6:6-9:

"These commandments that I give

you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them 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 door frames of your houses and on your gates. "

Here are two pics of what I will have available for you to purchase if you want to take your kids and families to the next level of discipleship. Click on the picture to get more information or to purchase them.

Dean

Let It Out

As I sat through my classes last week at Bethel (http://www.bethel.edu/) we were learning about the person and ministry of the Holy Spirit. Just what does He do? What is His purpose? We discussed the important of living in community (koinonia) and that the Christian life should not be lived in isolation. It is designed, the the unity of the Holy Spirit, to be lived in community with one another. Then I saw this commercial:



When was the last time you laughed so hard you were in pain? When was the last time you cried uncontrollably? Though I cannot remember when I cried the last time, I can remember when I laughed that hard. (Earlier this year at a play called Triple Espresso in Minneapolis, MN. (http://www.tripleespresso.com/) A night I will never forget!

If these people will show this kind of feeling and pain to a stranger simply because he is willing to listen, what should we do?

That is just a quick glimpse of what we should be TO one another. Someone to talk to, cry or laugh with, and love at all costs. I don't think we get that in this culture of the West. Our lives are broken up and separated from each other. Jesus calls us to be a vine branches (John 15), which exist only by intertwining and supporting each other.

A few things to think about.

Come One, Come All!

On November 10th there is an amazing one-day seminar coming to Troy, MI for help you further your passion and abilities in your ministry to kids and families. Children's Ministry Magazine Live will be a great time-out for you to further your investment in the lives of kids as you seek to impact them with the love of Christ.

It will be an all-day Saturday event (we will meet at the church at 7:00 AM if you wish to carpool) will be free of charge to you and include lunch. It will be located at Woodside Bible Church in Troy, MI in case you just want to meet us there. If you would like to attend, please contact Julie Weber in the church office by email or phone (810-984-5571) no later than Monday, October 22nd.

Dean

Do you want to know what your kids really think?

Or better yet - do you want to know what other parents are struggling with or thinking about? New Spring Church in Anderson, South Carolina has created a website called ParentsAreClueless.com where kids and parents alike can go and type in their secret and anonymous thoughts. This is in conjunction with a Parenting series they are starting called "The Perfect Kid." Check out the promo video here.

As I read through several of the Bubbles on either side of the page, I was struck with just how deep some hurts can go. I was also struck with how, apparently, parents and kids don't feel like they can talk to each other. Now, I do not have teenagers yet, though my time is coming, but as parents we must take the lead on talking with our parents. If you can find the time, sit down and write out some of your own secret thoughts about you fears, your kids and your spouse then take the step to share them with someone.

What do you have to loose if you do it? What do you have to loose if you don't?

Dean

Notice anything?

These pictures are from a protest in Indonesia and Pakistan on "Al-Quds Day" — Al-Quds is the Arabic name for Jerusalem. They are protesting the Jewish control of Jerusalem along with the Western support (namely the US) of Israel.

What do you notice in these pictures beside the guns, sign and the model of the Dome of the Rock? These are KIDS! Boys most likely 8-12 years old. Why use them in their protests? Because they are THE MOST INFLUENTIAL people on the planet! Before age 13, their ideas, values and beliefs are still being formed. If you can get this this young, you will have them for life. You can bet those guns are real!

It's been said, apparently by hundreds of people, that "the Church is only one-generation away from extinction." Muslims understand that. Hitler understood it. (Click here for more on Hitler's Youth.) I think Christians are missing it. We are also missing the point that, according to the most correct information I can find, Islam seems to be the fastest growing religion in the world - NOT Christianity. This is likely not only because of converts but due to the number of children Islamic families are having.

We need to be out there influencing children UNDER the ages of 12, and it starts with our own!

Dean

All Kinds of Events...

In case you were not aware, there are numerous events happening this month that you should be aware of -

• October 14th - Equip Training for ALL Children's Ministry volunteers.
• October 20th - Clothing Giveaway for the people of Port Huron. (We need a few volunteers for the children's programming we are providing.)
• October 27th - Make A Difference Day. Check out for information about it here.
• October 31st - Trunk or Treat.

I blogged about the last three events at the Family Journey in Faith blog for you to check out. Also, I will be going to school once again from October 21st through November 2nd (I will only miss one Sunday, the 28th).

If you have not already done so, make room on your calender for the October 14th Equip, "Who is my Neighbor and What do I do with Them?" We will have fun, food and fellowship. What more could you want?

God Bless, Dean

On a mysterious, dark night...

We will be shining a 1 billion candelight power beacon on the city of Port Huron! But have no fear, because Trunk or Treat is here. This event is a way to bring light into what is tradtionally thought of as a dark, disturbing evening. It is a night of fun, entertainment and food. It will once again be hosted in the parking lot with over 2000 people in attendance.

There are lots of ways you can get involved with your family:

• You can donate candy to be handed out.


• You can decorate your trunk and hand out candy to others.


• You can volunteer at the concessian stand selling great food.


• You can help with parking safety.

You do NOT want to miss this event. It is likely the best one we do all year! You can check out for info at the church's website or call by emailing Pastor Dwight.

God Bless, Dean

Clothing Giveaway

Also coming up this month is another annual event, Clothing Giveaway. The Clothing Giveaway on October 20th is simply a way to bless the people of Port Huron with much needed clothes, shoes and coats to those who cannot afford it. If you have never participated, you should really consider it. You can still drop off your gently used articles of clothing until October 14th (there is a huge box in the lobby of the church).

Also this year, we have added a puppet ministry for kids to watch where they will be presented with the message of the gospel. (We do need some volunteers to play and just watch kids from 9-11 that Saturday.) No pressure, just showing the love and light of Christ to kids. Hope to see you there.

Dean