Children's Ministry Matters

But Jesus called the children to him and said,“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.  Luke 18:15

My interest and heart for children's ministry still leads me to reading and researching the newest ideas and trends on the topic.  I was recently asked consider serving once again in children's ministry.  Though it is a volunteer position, it sparked serious, prayerful consideration on my part.  This request also sparked a renewed interest in reading up on children's ministry...getting other's perspective on such a CRITICAL and IMPORTANT ministry of the church.  It is my deepest belief that one only has to look to the children's/youth ministry to gauge the health of the church.  Although it is the primary repsonsibility for parents to teach their children of spiritual things, quality age level ministries is just as important.  Healthy children's and youth ministries attract families - and those families become excited and invite other families, thus creating new opportunities for outreach, evangelism, and discipleship. 

"Making children's ministry an investment priority is good — no, great — for the primary goal of every church: growth. Halcomb can't be emphatic enough when he says, "Churches obsessively talk about growth, growth, growth…well you'll have church growth if you do this part right." Fridsma agrees. "Many churches have experienced dynamic growth through a new, exciting children's ministry area. When an environment is created that children pull toward, they'll run ahead of their parents. They'll want to be there!" And they'll want to come back, bringing their parents with them. (Then they'll bring their friends…and their friends' parents…) "Most churches should reconsider spending $20 million on a state-of-the-art sanctuary if they can't also afford quality children's environments," Fridsma concludes. It's about reaching the children effectively that matters. "They're open to the message," he says, "with willing hearts and minds."


Children's ministry must be more than an afterthought. And the teaching must entail more than putting kids on the receiving end of the message. Children must be the investment priority — in structure, design, and format. And church for them must be an interactive experience that lets them hear, understand and apply the Truth.

(Kid Ministry Matters: Creating children's ministry spaces that make a difference.  Jan/Feb 2007)

http://www.worshipfacilities.com/go.php/editorial/4409

Children's Ministry Matters...it's not a babysitting service...it's not for the faint at heart...it's a REAL ministry, reaching REAL people with the GOSPEL of JESUS CHRIST!!! The importance of reaching children and youth is ETERNAL!!!

In His Love, Cathy

Confessions of a Children's Pastor: Mistakes & Lessons Learned (Part III)

As a children's pastor, I learned that next to God, people were a key ingredient to accomplishing Kingdom work.  Therefore, it is CRITICAL that ministry leaders don't take people for granted. 

1.  Value People People like to feel valued and validated.  As a leader, you are in the position to instill value in those who serve.  People who feel unvalued or invalidated will not stick, whether they are in a volunteer role or paid staff role. I'm not saying leaders should stroke egos or give undue praise.  What I'm saying is to show genuine concern for those who serve in your ministry area.  Value their opinions, listen to them, appreciate them, and have their back.  Call and check up on them when they are sick.  Visit them in the hospital.  Ask them how they are doing and help those you can.  Don't just dote on those who serve in more visible roles, show each and every person in your minitry you care.  I used to feel as though I didn't have adequate time to do this.  Even though I couldn't hang out with everyone, I at least tried to keep in touch with every volunteer in the ministry.  If I missed someone for a week or two, I would email, call, or seek them out at church to catch up with how they were doing.  Of all the things you can do in ministry, this is so critical in keeping healthy relationships among your team.  In other words, love people like Jesus loves them!   Otherwise, they'll move on to another ministry (or church) where they will feel valued and loved.

2.  Listen to Those Who Serve Even though you are a leader over a ministry area doesn't mean you know it all.  Therefore, another key ingredient to making a ministry successful in Kingdom work is to listen to those who serve in the ministry along with you.  Serving as children's pastor in a church plant had it's challenges.  We were writing the rules as we went.  I often received 'great suggestions' as to how to run the ministry.  However, I learned within the first two years that I couldn't please everyone.  Therefore, I learned to listen to those who had buy-in to the ministry - volunteers who served faithfully.  As a leader, you will be pulled in all different directions.  You may not be aware of the details for specific roles, responsibilities, processes, or functions.  Therefore it is critical to listen to those who ACTUALLY SERVE in these areas.  This doesn't mean you have to do what others think you should do.  However, it's wise to listen when staff or volunteers have an idea or note a way to prevent/improve/solve problems.  Do not discount what anyone says no matter how small their role is in the overall scheme of things.  God can and often does use those the world considers weak and foolish to accomplish great things for His Kingdom - afterall, look at me!  So LISTEN to what those who serve in your ministry say.  Even complaints may have an ounce of truth behind them.  Sometimes, what others say has merit.  Other times, there may not be any merit but simply negative criticism.  Whatever the case, truly listen.  Then prayerfully consider what others have to say and discern how God would have you to respond.  Value their opinion, but if God doesn't lead you to respond in their favor, explain to them why.  Ultimately, you aren't here to please people.  You are here to please God!   

3.  Who Can You Count On?  When I first got started in children's ministry at PCC, I was blown away by the number of volunteers God sent our way.  In the first months of the ministry under my leadership, we had about 40 volunteers!  I remember the first leadership conference I went to.  The other children's pastors were amazed at the number of volunteers who served in our church's children's ministry - though we were still meeting at the High School!  God certainly provided!  The original intention was that if enough people volunteered, volunteers would only have to teach once every 6 to 8 weeks.  This worked for the first month or two.  But not soon after, volunteers started not showing up on Sunday mornings.  Even though I wasn't scheduled to teach, I found myself teaching as a sub every single Sunday.  There were times that we had to combine two classes into one.  Often, people wouldn't even call ahead of time to let me know or they would send word through someone who passed it on to me 10 minutes before the start of children's church!  Irresponsible, yes!  As I became more experienced in children's ministry I realized a few things: 

• It is better to have a small, faithful, committed volunteer base that is manageable versus a large, inconsistent volunteer base.
• Requiring a higher level of commitment may reduce the number of volunteers, but it increases the stability and faithfulness of volunteers who sign on.  You know without a doubt you can count on them.
• People will commit to things they value - communicate the value of ministry in accomplishing Kingdom work, testifying to the works He has accomplished and IS accomplishing in the ministry!
• God is always faithful to send the right volunteers at the right time, even if it is at the last minute-which seemed to happen especially for key events such as Easter and VBS!

The bottom line is this, loving the people who serve and are served by your ministry is not only critical to carry out the ministry of Christ, it is mandated by Christ himself!

 "I give you a new commandment:  love one another. Just as I have loved you, you much also love one another." (John 13:34)

Praying that you love as you lead!

In His Love, Cathy

Confessions of a Children's Pastor: Leadership Mistakes (Part II)

Leadership in the church is an awesome responsibility.  In my 6 years as Children's Pastor, as well as 18 years of service in the church as either a volunteer or youth director, I've learned quite a bit about church leadership.  My prayer is to pass along what I've learned to those in leadership. 

1. Seeking God First  This should go without saying, however, sadly there are church leaders and pastors who do not seek God daily.  They don't pray, read the Bible, or incorporate Him into the fabric of their lives.  If you are to not only survive ministry, but succeed at it, God needs to be the #1 person in your life.  Your life should be centered on Him!  I read an article about a Presbyterian Senior Elder who, after 20 years of service, finally admitted that he had never believed in God.  In fact, he stated he had been an atheist all of his life!  Church and ministry leaders, first and foremost, should be men and women of God.  We must live what we preach and teach, otherwise we are liars and our efforts  will not be met with success!

2.  Whoa!  Not so fast!  Another issue that church and ministry leaders deal with is in determining when to plug in new people are eager to get involved with the church.  If they are talented in a particular area of ministry, we are quick to plug them in without hesitation - this is especially true if the church is hurting for people with a particular gift or calling.  Before plugging new people into ministry, we need to do what any employer would do.  First, we need to interview them.  Seek out what brought them to our church.  If their answer reflects that they had unresolved issues at another church, then we need to put on the brakes.  If they are wanting to become involved in a critical, sensitive, or highly visible area, we may need to take a formal application, call references, and even do background checks - especially if they are desiring to work with children.  The best rule of thumb is not to plug new people into a critical or visible role until they have attended church for at least 6 months to a year.  There needs to be a time of observation - a time for them to get to know the church and it's culture - and a time for you to get to know them and their character.  In children's ministry, I'd have new people always wanting to get involved.  In order to get to know them, I'd enlist their help on noncritical tasks first, such as decorating the classrooms or hallways.  I'd work along side of them to get to know them.  I'd interview them in these informal moments.  I'd seek out their level of interest and their commitment level by asking them to help in small ways.  If they agreed and showed faithful commitment, this indicated their willingness to serve.  If they called up time after time, with some excuse as to why they couldn't keep their commitment, they got struck off my list.  Three strikes, and they were out!  I have a saying, "If you want to test the commitment and character of a person seeking to lead in the church, send them to children's ministry!"  If you are faithful in the small things....

I recall one young mother, new to our church, who was so very eager to serve in the preschool ministry.  I could tell she had one of those dynamic personalities and was so energetic - she would be awesome in the classroom.  However, I didn't know her.  She was new and had just moved into our area.  I had learned, from prior mistakes, that plugging someone new into ministry too quickly, without a time of observation is a bad idea.   I needed to get to know her.  She needed to get to know me and our church culture.  Thankfully, she was patient with me and we were so blessed to have her as a preschool teacher.  And when I 'retired' from children's ministry, this wonderful young mother stepped right into the role without missing a beat!  In fact, I knew from the beginning that God had sent my replacement when I met her three years ago!

3.  Catering to the Few and the New  As ministry leaders, we need to be careful of catering to the few and the new.  When I became involved in our church, it was a fairly new church, a church plant only about 5 years old.  In the early days of my ministry, people came and people went.  New people were always showing up.  Often, they would ask us about our children's ministry programs - if we had this program or that program, if we would consider allowing their 3 year old to join the kindergarten class because they were smart for their age and bored in the PRK class, if I would start a children's choir because their son had such an angelic voice and they wanted him to perform in front of the church...and the list goes on and on.  I found myself trying to cater to these requests.  I felt that if I didn't, these new people would take their church business elsewhere.  There were also times where current members wanted to implement specific activities for their children.  So, I'd start a program or schedule the event they requested, and guess what?  Not only did those who made the request NOT help with the event, the children of those very people NEVER even showed up!  After a couple of years of this, I realized that I was chasing my tail trying to please people.  I determined at that point that I was going about it all wrong.  I needed to seek God's guidance.  With this new perspective, I saw that the top priority was to provide ROCK SOLID Bible teachings, teaching the Good News of Jesus Christ - reaching children with the news of Salvation -was first and foremost.  All other events and activities were secondary to this.

4.  Delegate!  Let me clarify this, delegate, but delegate to reliable, responsible people!  I learned that the key to leadership is not trying to do it all myself.  Although I knew I needed to delegate, there were times in ministry that I delegated to the WRONG people.  They were eager to help, but just didn't follow through.  Make sure the people you delegate to are go getters, people you can count on to get the job done.  Your side of the responsibility is to follow up in a timely manner, to ensure they are accomplishing the task.  If you see that nothing is being accomplished, take action.  Either give the responsibility to someone who will get the job done, or cancel it altogether - depending on what it is.  An aside to this is people who come up with great ideas for events or activities, they volunteer to lead it and take care of it from start to finish, but then back out the VERY DAY of the event! Beware of this type of situation - make sure there is a backup plan for EVERY event and activity with a back up person (who is in the know) as the point of contact - otherwise, you'll be that backup person every time!  Oh, how I know this too well!

Praying that God will grant you the wisdom to lead and lead well!  Grace and peace, friends!

In His Love, Cathy

Confessions of a Children's Pastor: Leadership Mistakes (Part I)

Leadership is not for the faint in heart.  Leadership is not a gift that everyone has.  Those desiring to lead in ministry must have the calling of God.  Leadership is tough, it's challenging, yet it can be very rewarding.  I've served and continue to serve in a variety of leadership positions, both in the church and in the secular world, at varying levels ever since high school.  I am hoping to pass on the lessons learned.

1.   Not Knowing Your Leadership Style  Knowing your leadership style is CRITICAL.  If you don't understand how you operate as a leader, what your own talents, gifts, and abilities are as a leader, then how are you going to lead?  Take an honest assessment of yourself as a leader.  Write down your talents, gifts, and abilities.  Then take an honest look at your weaknesses as a leader.  How have you addressed these weaknesses?  Do you have personnel, staff, or volunteers who are gifted in your weak areas shoring up the gap?  If not, why not?  If you don't know what your leadership style is, there are a plethera of books and online resources to help you.

2.  Not Saying No  If you are a leader, expect to be bombarded with requests - requests for your time, requests for money, requests for support of a project or plan.  Though many of these requests have good intentions, they are not always good for the whole.  As a leader, you must discern when to say yes and when to say no.  Don't just flippantly say yes - prayerfully consider the cost, seek the Lord's leading on the matter. And don't just say no without consideration either.  And above all, don't say maybe  - your maybe may mean 'no' but for the other person, it can be misconstrued as a 'yes' - and OH the heartache that can cause when they forge ahead anyway and you have to bring it to a stop!   Jesus said, "Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one." (Matthew 5:37)  If you aren't sure, say so - ensuring the person that you'll give it prayerful consideration before making a decision.


3.  Not Following Through  One of the biggest mistakes I've observed leaders make, myself included, is not following through on a promise or project.  If we say that we will do something, then we need to do it.  If, after further evaluation, we see that our original statement or plan is not the best course of action, then we need to fess up and tell all who are involved as to why we are not able to follow through. Leaving people in the dark as to why a project or planned event never happened can come back to bite you later.  A leader who frequently does not follow through on their words or actions will soon loose the trust of those they lead.  Once lost, trust is very difficult to regain.  Lost trust in a leader creates dissatisfaction among the personnel.  Morale goes down, stifling excitement for the vision and halting any forward momentum of the organization or group. 

4.  Making a 180 Degree Turn  I've witnessed leaders make a 180 degree turn - for the bad.  Politicians are well known for this.  A leader who does this often will, again, lose the trust of those who serve under him.    Though there are legitimate times that a leader should change his stance,one who does so often is perceived as wishy washy or untrustworthy.  However, when it is truly necessary to change one's stance, effectively explain to those involved as to why. People will understand when their is a logical explanation.  For example, one year we had to completely call off VBS.  We were still meeting at the school and were anxiously awaiting the completion of our building.  The builder kept moving back the completion date further and further into the summer.  Once it became clear that the building would not be ready until later in the fall, our options were limited.  We did not have use of the school that summer due to school related activities and events.  Once I realized the futile situation we were in, I called off VBS until the next summer.  Everyone was disappointed but completely understood.  The timing was simply not right.  We had such a huge jumpstart on VBS the next year - it was just AWESOME and all in God's timing! 

5.  Lack of Communication/Inadequate Communication  Communication is one of the most important gifts required of leaders.  After all, how can one lead if they don't communicate?  In my own experiences, I often find that great leaders are also great communicators.  They can translate the vision to others in such a way that it takes hold.  The mistake often made by leaders is inadequate or lack of communication - whether deliberate or not.  Communication can make or break your team.  Never assume that people are in the know.  Make sure they know. 

6.  Don't Play Favorites  As a leader it is CRITICAL that we don't play favorites.  Sure, there are people that we will naturally like more than others.  But playing favorites can hurt our leadership - especially in the ministry setting.  Favoritism can make or break our ability to reach out to others in the Name of Christ.   People notice favoritism.  Adults notice.  Teens notice.  Kids notice.  The difference is that kids will call you out on it (which I know from experience) while adults and teens may keep silent, quietly disappearing from the church's radar screen.  Favoritism in the church hurts hearts, stirs up jealousy, and can cause some to turn away from the faith.  James writes, "`My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don't show favoritism.....9But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers." (James 2:1,9)  So do all that is within your power to keep favoritism out!

7.  Lack of Appreciation/Overappreciation  Saying thank you to those who work under your direction is so critically important to the ongoing success of your ministry or organization.  It goes without saying that underappreciating those under your leadership is never a smart thing to do.  Surprisingly, there are leaders who do forget.  But on the other end of the spectrum, overappreciation is also dangerous.  Overappreciation can potentially grow pride in the receiver of such attnetion and may stir up jealousy among team members- thus leading to problems.  And should the leader ever cut back on the attention given to the overappreciated worker, watch out!  They may think the leader has an issue with them and may react negatively.  If so, there will be trouble!  Bottom line, use wisdom.  It doesn't matter how much you prefer some people over others, you are the leader and you must be fair to all.  There is a time and place to recognize greatness among your team, doing so is perfectly valid if it is truly deserved - but do so tastefully and in fairness to all.  Remember, once you put someone on a pedastal, it's hard to take them back down, especially if problems arise. There is a healthy balance to showing appreciation and validating those who are serving along side of you.  So be sure to remember EVERYONE and what they have done.  Success takes everyone on the team - from the person running the copying machine up to the executive in the plush leather chair! 

As you lead others, whether it be in the ministry, in business, in education, or in your own home, keep in mind that you will make mistakes - even great leaders make mistakes. It's bound to happen. So when you do, fess up, get up, knock the dirt off your knees, and try again!

Lead well in Christ, friends!  Grace and peace!

In His Love, Cathy

It Is Time

For everything there is a season,
a time for every activity under heaven.
Ecclesiastes 3:1

It is time. Effective August 31, I will be stepping down as PCC's children's ministry director/children's pastor of PCC. I know this may come as a big surprise to so many but it is time. God has shown me that my time for serving in this capacity at PCC is up. Plain and simple. My family and I love our church. We love our church family. We are staying and will continue attending PCC and serving Christ through PCC. We will continue to GIVE to PCC to support it's mission. My husband Scott plans to continue in his role as a youth leader and teacher. We're not going anywhere.

Though I am passionate about children's ministry and I LOVE the children, it has become increasingly apparent over the last several months that my time serving in this capacity was coming to a close. This was not a decision that was arrived at lightly. We as a family prayed over this decision and all of us felt God's peace over it. There were many factors that lead to us prayerfully considering this option. Having a full time secular job on top of leading a growing ministry for the past six years has become increasingly more difficult. To be totally transparent, my family has sacrificed the most in this. The Holy Spirit has convicted me that it is now time for me to focus my attention on my family. He is calling me to support my husband in what He is about to do through him. He is calling me to make more time for my husband and children, to prepare them for the future He has called them to.

In addition, I know without a shadow of a doubt that God is leading me in a different direction in ministry. He has impressed upon me that it is time to pull back, take a Sabbatical, clear my overwhelmingly busy schedule, clear my head, and seek His new direction for me. He has made it very clear to me that it is time for change. At one point in my life children's ministry was what He had called me to do. That calling was crystal clear. It was a calling I thought would last a lifetime. Now God is calling for me to give it up. This calling is just as crystal clear as the call into children's ministry. He has called me to stop, pull back, and listen. He has something else for me to do. He needs my full attention to prepare me. However, I will continue writing/blogging because believe this will be one of the forums he uses to prepare me for what He has planned next.

Serving as PCC's Children's Ministry Director/Pastor has been one of the biggest honors and blessings in my life. My family and I grew so much through serving in this ministry. This ministry blessed us in so many ways. We were not only blessed spiritually, but we were also blessed with dear friendships made through the ministry, blessed through the children, and even received financial blessings. I was blessed to serve with an incredible church staff and team of volunteers. I will miss the comraderie we shared as we were elbow deep working for the Lord in this way. I wish to thank everyone who supported, volunteered, prayed, and served in children's ministry during the six years I was 'in office.' I couldn't have been blessed to work alongside of any better people. Everyone had such a servant's heart and willingly gave of their time, money, and efforts to accomplish God's work of reaching the children for Jesus Christ. I will forever cherish the friends I have made in this ministry and the people who helped make it happen. It was not my efforts but the efforts of God Himself along with each and every single one of you who made this ministry thrive. I love you all dearly.

I will cherish the children and always be thankful for those who gave their lives to Christ as a result of this ministry. To me, there is no higher calling than to lead these young ones to Jesus Christ! God worked through this ministry to change lives. It was such a blessing to be a part of it.

But now it is time for me to step down so that someone else may step in and receive these blessings and be a blessing in return. I am thankful what God accomplished in children's ministry during my years of service. I now look forward to the great things God will accomplish in the future through PCC's Children's Ministry. He has brought the right new leadership and the right mix of volunteers to keep this ministry strong and vibrant. PCC Children's Ministry will continue in the tradition of excellence in reaching children for Christ. Changed lives and hearts will always be the goal of this ministry. Please continue support the new children's ministry leadership, volunteers, and the children whose lives are impacted for Christ through PCC Kids Ministry. My heart and passion is still for these precious little ones! Your prayers and support are greatly appreciated and necessary as we transistion to even greater things.

I've heard it said that as one door closes, God opens another. I'm excited to see what that next door holds for both PCC's children and for our family! I am forever in your service as your sister in Jesus Christ. Blessings friends!

In His Love, Cathy In His Love, Cathy

PCC Summer Children's Ministry Update

SUMMER IS HERE! Along with summer comes summer vacations, family trips, and fun activities. With this in mind, we are consolidating our resources on Sunday mornings in children's ministry. We are taking a break from 2nd service Kids Church this summer. Kids church will be offered to PK, KG - 4th grade during 1st Service only but NOT second service. Then we'll kick it off again both services in the fall.

ENJOY your summer but don't miss out on the exciting things going on at PCC!

THIS WEEK: UNITE PICNIC, Wednesday, July 1
Bring something to grill and something to share.
Grills hot at 6 p.m.BTW...Did I mention the SNO CONE truck would be there?

PROMOTION SUNDAY, Aug 16

• Incoming 5th GRADE STUDENTS - will be promoted to 5/6. Students will go with their family to Service and be dismissed from there to youth group.
• Incoming KG children - will report to Kids Church in Room 2 at arrival.
• Incoming PK Children - MUST be 3 years old AS OF SEPTEMBER 1 and COMPLETELY POTTY TRAINED. We do not promote during the year when a child has a birthday but once a year at the beginning of school. This ensures all children are developmentally ready for the PK experience.

In His Love, Cathy

It is Time

For everything there is a season,

a time for every activity under heaven.

Ecclesiastes 3:1

It is time. Effective August 31, I will be stepping down as PCC's children's ministry director/children's pastor of PCC. I know this may come as a big surprise to so many but it is time. God has shown me that my time for serving in this capacity at PCC is up. Plain and simple. My family and I love our church. We love our church family. We are staying and will continue attending PCC and serving Christ through PCC. We will continue to GIVE to PCC to support it's mission. My husband Scott plans to continue in his role as a youth leader and teacher. We're not going anywhere.

Though I am passionate about children's ministry and I LOVE the children, it has become increasingly apparent over the last several months that my time serving in this capacity was coming to a close. This was not a decision that was arrived at lightly. We as a family prayed over this decision and all of us felt God's peace over it.

There were many factors that lead to us prayerfully considering this option. Having a full time secular job on top of leading a growing ministry for the past six years has become increasingly more difficult. To be totally transparent, my family has sacrificed the most in this. The Holy Spirit has convicted me that it is now time for me to focus my attention on my family. He is calling me to support my husband in what He is about to do through him. He is calling me to make more time for my husband and children, to prepare them for the future He has called them to.

In addition, I know without a shadow of a doubt that God is leading me in a different direction in ministry. He has impressed upon me that it is time to pull back, take a Sabbatical, clear my overwhelmingly busy schedule, clear my head, and seek His new direction for me. He has made it very clear to me that it is time for change. At one point in my life children's ministry was what He had called me to do. That calling was crystal clear. It was a calling I thought would last a lifetime. Now God is calling for me to give it up. This calling is just as crystal clear as the call into children's ministry. He has called me to stop, pull back, and listen. He has something else for me to do. He needs my full attention to prepare me. However, I will continue blogging because believe this will be one of the forums he uses to prepare me for what He has planned next.

Serving as PCC's Children's Ministry Director/Pastor has been one of the biggest honors and blessings in my life. My family and I grew so much through serving in this ministry. This ministry blessed us in so many ways. We were not only blessed spiritually, but we were also blessed with dear friendships made through the ministry, blessed through the children, and even received financial blessings. I was blessed to serve with an incredible church staff and team of volunteers. I will miss the comraderie we shared as we were elbow deep working for the Lord in this way.

I wish to thank everyone who supported, volunteered, prayed, and served in children's ministry during the six years I was 'in office.' I couldn't have been blessed to work alongside of any better people. Everyone had such a servant's heart and willingly gave of their time, money, and efforts to accomplish God's work of reaching the children for Jesus Christ. I will forever cherish the friends I have made in this ministry and the people who helped make it happen. It was not my efforts but the efforts of God Himself along with each and every single one of you who made this ministry thrive. I love you all dearly.

I will cherish the children and always be thankful for those who gave their lives to Christ as a result of this ministry. To me, there is no higher calling than to lead these young ones to Jesus Christ! God worked through this ministry to change lives. It was such a blessing to be a part of it.

But now it is time for me to step down so that someone else may step in and receive these blessings. I am thankful what God accomplished in children's ministry during my years of service. I now look forward to the great things God will accomplish in the future through PCC's Children's Ministry. He has brought the right new leadership and the right mix of volunteers to keep this ministry strong and vibrant. PCC Children's Ministry will continue in the tradition of excellence in reaching children for Christ. Changed lives and hearts will always be the goal of this ministry. Please continue support the new children's ministry leadership, volunteers, and the children whose lives are impacted for Christ through PCC Kids Ministry. My heart and passion is still for these precious little ones! Your prayers and support are greatly appreciated and necessary as we transistion to even greater things.

I've heard it said that as one door closes, God opens another. I'm excited to see what that next door holds for both PCC's children and for our family! I am forever in your service as your sister in Jesus Christ. Blessings friends!

In His Love, Cathy

The Last Night of VBS - Devotion: Obey Him

I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

"Today’s verse probably took on a whole new meaning this morning when you were getting out of bed! VBS is one of the most powerful tools for bringing children into church to hear God’s Word. It is also equallyphysically exhausting for all those helping in the process.

The story of Peter’s release from jail is powerful. Can you imagine how Peter must have felt, walking out of prison? I would have loved to have seen the servant girl’s face when she recognized who was standing at that door!

Have you ever asked God for something, then been surprised when He delivered? The people were praying for Peter’s release, and it happened. They trusted God. What are you praying for currently? Are you trying to do something yourself, when you really should hand it over to God? Better yet, have you prayed for God to exceed your expectations?

Today you have an opportunity to watch God work in the hearts of children. Have you asked enough of God? Are you ready to watch Him do more than you ever thought possible? Thank God for listening, and be ready to be amazed."

©2008, LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention, VBS 2009, Published in the United States of America OK to Copy

In His Love, Cathy

Another Awesome Night at VBS!

Some of you may be tired of hearing about VBS but God is doing some pretty amazing things! Thank you all for your prayers over last night's VBS. It was a very important night where we shared the ABC's of becoming a Christian with the children. I led the children in prayer at the end of the night. I explained that if they really wanted to ask Jesus to be their Lord and Savior, they could pray with me, but that they had to mean it and believe it with their whole heart. They were told they could say quietly in their head or out loud, if they were ready to follow Jesus. Usually, children choose to say it quietly to themselves, which is fine. However, as we prayed last night, little voices all over the building were praying for Jesus to be their Lord and Savior. My heart REJOICED ! Some understood what they were doing, others may not have. But the seeds have been planted. Children were given a decision card and asked to talk about it with their parents. Please pray for these children as the Lord works in their heart and for the parents as they talk with their children about their decision. This is what VBS is all about!

Continue to pray for our VBS volunteers. We are approaching Night #4. We are running on adrenaline, others are on fumes, and some are running on CAFFEINE. But we're all running on the strength of the LORD! We could use prayers for energy, strength, and endurance to finish strong!

Again, I leave you with a devotion related to tonight's lesson:

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us
from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9


"Have you ever gotten the wrong thing in the drive thru at a fast food restaurant? It happened to me last week. I ordered a kid’s meal for my son. When I opened it up, instead of chicken nuggets, there were tater tots! I was quite surprised, but I wasn’t angry. You know why? People make mistakes. (Don’t worry, I’m not always quite so understanding, but I am trying to work on it!)

No one, besides Jesus, is perfect. Truthfully, it is not a matter of if we mess up, it’s when and how bad will it be? God knows this, thank goodness. He also asks that when we do sin, we confess it, ask forgiveness, and try not to repeat it.

No child you have in VBS this week will be perfect. In fact, you can probably name a few less-than-perfect children right now. Remember there’s a reason patience is called a virtue.
Pray for opportunities to share God’s ability to love people, no matter what they’ve done. Thank God for giving you second and seventh chances!"
©2008, LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention, VBS 2009, Published in the United States of America OK to copy

In His Love, Cathy

AMAZING VBS Stories, PRAYER FOR TONIGHT!

God is doing some pretty amazing stuff in VBS. Many people don't realize just what goes on in VBS and how God can move even among the children. Here are a few observations of God's work among us this week.

God is working through the young ladies on the worship team. This group of girls are such a joy to work with and are doing such a fantastic job. But there is more to the story. One young lady in particular is very gifted in signing and dance. She not only has been to just about every VBS practice for the last several months but she is also practicing at home. God used Kaylee's desire to practice hard to prepare her for a very special job at VBS, even though she didn't know it at the time. The motions to our songs are American sign language. For the first time this year, we have a young man who is completely deaf at VBS. We had no idea that he was coming as his family have not started attending with us yet. He was assigned to the 2nd/3rd grade group so that he could be with his brother. This group sits right in front of Kaylee. As we sang the songs last night and worshipped God through voice and sign language, God's amazing plan unfolded. As this young man's mother began to sign the words of the music to him, he told her to stop. He understood everything Kaylee was signing to him. His mom said Kaylee signed so well that she could be understood. Kaylee and the other young ladies on the team have worked so hard practicing. Up until now, these young ladies may not have understood the importance of their hard work, thinking it was just something cool to do. After last night, they did. It wasn't a coincidence that this young man ended up in a group in front of Kaylee. It was God's plan! Hats off to Kaylee and all of the young ladies of the worship team who have practiced hard for VBS!

Another amazing story is about several young ladies on the team who decided it was more important to help the PRK children learn the motions instead of being front and center on stage. Amelia, Lexi, and Leilani all focused their efforts last night into helping the 25 PrK children learn the motions. These young ladies learned a very important lesson...leading worship is not about them! It's not about who gets to be front and center stage! Their humility was a shining example of how we are to set aside our own pride and ego, thinking of others first, and serving Christ! Praise God for impressing this upon them at such an early age!

Yet another amazing thing that is happening is what God is doing with the young people coming to VBS who have special needs. Not only is there a deaf young man attending, but we have several children who are autistic. What's really neat is to see all of the children at VBS accepting these special needs children. They are laughing together, talking, looking out one for another. They are all BONDING! These children are kids and loving being with other kids! One autistic young man has been attending with us both on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights. Yesterday, he began talking and laughing with the other children. At the end of the evening, he even came down to the stage to dance and sing, along with a huge number of other children in front of everyone! What's neat is that when his mother was told this, she was very excited. He has an appointment today with the neurologist and she couldn't wait to tell him about this very important development in him! God, YOU ARE AMAZING!

There there is the 4th/5th grade group. They already have the reputation of being the rowdiest, loudest, and, ummm, 'most anticipated' group among VBS. But they also have some of the BIGGEST HEARTS. You see, each night we have a spirit competition between each of the groups. The 4th/5th grade group won the very first night. They were, hands down, the LOUDEST group, and still are. The PK group was not. Tried as they might the first night, they just weren't that loud. So the 4th/5th graders hatched a plan. They planned to sneak over to the PRK side one night and shout with the PK group. They planned to help them win. Isn't that the neatest thing you ever heard? But you know what? They never got a chance to do that. The PRK group won the competition on their own last night. Once they got the hang of it, they were good to go! But what a testimony to our 4th/5th graders!

There are so many other untold stories that are happening. We may not know the many ways God is using this VBS to impact children and their families. But HE knows! There are single mothers who work long hours but are making sure their children make it to VBS. There are families who are working around their busy schedules to get their children to church every night! They know the spiritual impact God can do through VBS! There are children who travelled from another state to attend VBS and visit their PCC family. There are so many children here this week being spiritually fed and transformed. There are volunteers who e worked long hours, sacrificing time with their families and even jobs to make sure God's work is done! There is the joy of seeing the little PK children's hands raised in worship! God is doing a great work at VBS!

Please PRAY FOR TONIGHT! Tonight the children will be learning the ABC's of becoming a Christian. It is the MOST IMPORTANT NIGHT of the week. Pray for the outpouring of God's Holy Spirit upon us! Pray for the teachers, the workers, and for me as we lay the groundwork. Pray for the children's hearts to be moved. Pray for a large attendance so that we can reach AS MANY CHILDREN AS POSSIBLE with the love of Christ! Pray for an abundant harvest!

Thank you friends! I leave you with a devotion related to tonights lesson. God bless!


For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 6:23


"I love gifts, but we’ve all opened gifts that we were not excited about. Maybe you have a friend who loves buying you things she likes, but you don’t care for at all. There’s always the obligatory gift given to you that is either way more expensive than you care to spend or the very opposite!

Exchanging gifts can be tricky business. However, there’s one gift we will never be able to match. We deserve death for our actions, but God has given us eternal life. The word “eternal” just jumps out at me. Think about it. It’s the gift that keeps on giving, and you will never want to return it! No amount of money in the world could ever purchase it.

Today you might be tired or feel unappreciated for all the work you have put into VBS. Pray for energy and thank God for giving you the best gift ever. Ask God to help you share the gift with children who might not know that God’s gift is waiting for them. "

©2008, LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention, VBS 2009, Published in the United States of America OK to copy

In His Love, Cathy

VBS Praise Report and Devotion for Day 2

WOW! What can I say? VBS started off last night with a BANG! Approximately 93 children and 30-40 volunteers had a blast on our first night. Praise GOD!

God is doing a great work this year answering some very specific prayers over VBS. First, just like last year, our VBS ads were not run in some of the local papers, even though they were submitted in time and even though we received confirmation that they would be. So others and I prayed that God would send a harvest despite this and HE DID! Secondly, I woke up with a serious migraine yesterday and had friends praying over me for that. By yesterday afternoon it was COMPLETELY GONE! That is a miracle in itself if you know what a difficult time I have with them, even with the help of meds. Third, God sent an AMAZING TEAM of volunteers. Each and every one of them are truly a gift from God! We have a couple of team members who couldn't serve at the last minute due to medical emergencies, but God sent additional workers who stepped right in. Last and most importantly, God poured out His Spirit last night upon VBS. During one amazing worship song, I saw both big hands and little hands raised in worship. It was such an awesome thing to see. It touched my heart so much that I choked up during the song. Thank You, LORD!

Please continue to pray for God's hand upon VBS. Pray that even more children will come and hear the Gospel. CONTINUE to invite children you know and BRING them. Pray for our many volunteers as they faithfully serve this week. Pray for those who experienced medical problems and could not be with us. They touched my heart with their concern for VBS. Pray that little lives will be changed this week. Especially pray for this Wednesday night. It is the night that the children will hear the ABC's of becoming a Christian. It is the MOST IMPORTANT night this week.

Thank you for your prayers. They are being answered before our very eyes!

Now I will leave you with a wonderful devotion related to tonight's VBS lesson. I hope it is a blessing to you.


These are written so that you may believe Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and by
believing you may have life in His name. John 20:31


"The minutes ticked by. I began to pray. Years of anticipation, struggle, and heartache led up to this moment, and she was late. I was praying for the clock to be wrong. Maybe it was all a dream; this wasn’t really happening.

Doubt. It can surprise you at any moment. Waiting for our guide to pick us up that day, doubt once again crept into my being. Prayer was the only way I knew to fight it. I can recall the feelings I experienced even now. Suddenly, the doors opened and our guide was standing there, apologizing for being late; traffic was to blame. The next thing I knew we were in her car, on our way to pick up my son from his foster home.

The two hour car ride was filled with emotions, as I thanked God for bringing our precious son to us. In that moment, God and I were having one of the most amazing times of worship and praise I have ever experienced!

Sometimes life does not go as we planned. Life always goes as God planned, though. God does not ask us to tell the future, make promises He can’t keep, or make irrational demands. He simply asks us to believe in Him. What an incredible God worthy of all our worship!

Today, you might encounter childen who have never believed in Jesus Christ. Remember, God does not expect you to perform a miracle, but He does want you to have faith in Him. Pray for those who need to believe in Him to erase any doubt in their minds."

©2008, LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention, VBS 2009, Published in the United States of America OK to copy

In His Love, Cathy

VBS Boomerang Express Starts TONIGHT

VBS THIS WEEK

June 15-19

6:00 to 8:30 p.m.

PK (3 years & completely potty trained through 5th Grade)

ACCEPTING NEW CHILDREN EVERY NIGHT!

Not registered yet? No PROBLEM!

Just arrive a few minutes early and register in the atrium.

JOIN US for an AWESOME WEEK!

In His Love, Cathy

VBS Devotion for Volunteers - Day 1 Follow Him

As the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you. Remain in My love. John 15:9

"Do you remember those times when you stood on the sideline waiting to be picked for the team? Hoping that you would not be chosen last. Wishing that just this one time someone would pick you first. Orperhaps more recently, the times you waited to be chosen for a job or promotion. Hoping the phone would ring and you would be the person chosen for the job.

Isn’t it wonderful to know that Jesus chooses you first and wants a relationship with you? You never have to wait on the sidelines or worry that the call will never come. Jesus chooses us to follow Him, to come intoa relationship with Him, and to live through Him.

When Jesus calls, how will you answer? Will you like Peter, put aside your own desires and leave everything you know to follow? Or will you hesitate and wait until you have everything in order?

You have been called to teach VBS this week and lead children to know that Jesus wants a relationship with Him. He has already chosen you, all you need to do is follow.

Today you will be given the opportunity to help children learn how they can follow Jesus. Pray for the children and the families you meet this week. Ask Jesus to help them know that He loves them just as the Father loves Him."
©2008, LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention, VBS 2009, Published in the United States of America. Okay to copy.

Whatever role you are serving in this week, remember that YOU are following God's calling. Every member of the VBS team are here to help Children hear the GOOD NEWS. No matter who you are or how you are serving, you are making the difference in eternity for children. Let us follow Christ in showing love to the children and the families VBS will touch. Pray for them. Love them. And be ready to give a quick answer for you never know when a little hand will tug at your shirt, asking you how they can make Jesus their Lord and Savior!

Thank you friends! For those who are not serving in VBS, cover us in your prayers. Pray for a HUGE harvest and that lives will be forever changed!

In His Love, Cathy

ROCK SOLID: What Your Child Learned in Church Today, June 14

Bible Lesson: Noah's Enduring Faith (Genesis 6:11-22)

Memory Verse: "You too, be paitient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near." James 5:8

What we learned:Today, we learned the importance of having patience and perseverance, especially when it comes to doing the will of God. We examined the patience demonstrated by Noah, when asked to build an ark, carried out God's instructions despite the mockery of the people around him. It would have been easy for Noah to give up. What a tremendous task. But with faith and perseverance, he received what God had promised him. Christians with real faith do not give up because something is hard or takes a long time. Even children can be patient and work hard in doing the will of God to receive what He has promised.

TRAIN UP A CHILD HOMEWORK:

1. Memory Verse: Practice this verse several times with your child during the week. This will not only help them remember the verse, it will also help to reinforce what they learned during class.

2. Suggested Parent/Child Activity:This week, come up with a list of chores your child can do. Discuss what type of blessing or sense of accomplishment finishing each chore can bring. Which ones bring the most blessing or rewards, the hardest or the easiest chores? Challenge your child this week to complete each chore on the list, and promise them a special reward the end.

3. Suggested Daily Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to be patient and stand firm to do your will. Although the task may be difficult, boring, or messy, help me to not complain or become impatient. Let me be like your servant Noah, who did not give up, but carried on day and night through faith. Amen

In His Love, Cathy

VBS T Shirts Are IN - Plus Other VBS Stuff

VBS T-Shirts and CD's are in! If you want to pick yours up before Sunday, I'll be at the church on Wednesday, June 10 from 9 a.m. until around 3 p.m. If you want to pick it up between 11 and 1, please call me first to make sure I am not out to lunch. I will only be at the church on Wednesday. If you can't make it up there on Wednesday, then you can still pick your order up on Sunday morning. If you have not paid for your order, please bring payment with you at the time you pick up your shirts/CDs.

HELP NEEDED on WEDNESDAY: There are a few things that need to be done by Sunday. MANY of these can be taken home and worked on and returned on Sunday for VBS.
1. NAME TAGS: There are name tags that need to be cut out and yarn for lanyards cut. There are 120 that need to be done.
2. DOOR KNOB VBS INVITATIONS: There are about 100 doorknob hanger invitations ts hat came in today. They need to be filled in and distributed to neighboorhoods in our community. If 10 people will take 10 each then that can be done in no time flat.
3. NAME TAG LAMINATION: Help needed in laminating and stringing name tags for VBS. This will need to be done Sunday afternoon or Monday morning.
4. LEADER BAGS PUT TOGETHER: Help needed in putting together group leader supply -bags. Items needed in each bag: 30 pencils, crayons, 20 nametags/lanyards, permanent marker, rotation schedule. This will need to be put together SUNDAY once the lanyards are made.
5. FINAL DECORATING on Sunday from 2 until ??? Everyone welcome to help!
6. T-SHIRT Order Help: Help needed in passing out VBS tshirts on Sunday morning.

In His Love, Cathy

Trading in My Cape

Please, allow me to vent. I have come to the realization that I can not be Superwoman, so, I'm trading in my cape. I in no way can do everything for everybody. I in no way can make everyone happy. Let's face it, I'm only human!

What has prompted this little epiphany of mine? Well, it goes all the way back to my New Year's Resolution to simplify my life. That resolution has now become a necessity for both health and family reasons. Quite frankly, I have deviated from my resolution over the past couple of months and took to working on Saturdays and Sundays again, with no time for my family, friends, or time to relax. Even at home I was spending most moments grading papers, planning lessons, or mostly doing church work. It was to the point that I was so utterly burned out that I even considering stepping down from ministry. But don't worry, God set me straight and made it very clear that wasn't His Will. The burn out was from my own lack of prioritizing and overextension of myself. So I'm fessing up to you, my friends, to help me be accountable.

I did finally take the last two Saturdays off to enjoy with my family. It was a much needed break. Although I wasn't able to get as much done as I usually do, the ministry is still going. Nothing has crashed and burned like I feared. I realize part of my problem is EXPECTATIONS. Others expect so much out of me, and I expect a lot out of myself. For years, I felt I had to respond to others on their timeline. But in doing so, I ran myself ragged and wasn't there for my family like I needed to be. So, I'm trying to 'train' others and myself to understand that their priorities are not necessarily the priorities of the ministry. That I must attend to the most pressing issues first and then from there prioritize what is most important - what is absolutely necessary. There is so much that goes on in ministry that people don't even see. You see, there are policies to write, worker background checks, security cards, paperwork, curriculum, VBS plans, Easter plans, special activities, lesson planning, volunteer recruiting, teacher training, emails to volunteers/families, phone calls, future planning, curriculum evalutaions, copying, meetings, budgeting, supply orders, thsirt orders, planning, and the list goes on. In addition, we often receive calls on the weekends, usually from someone in need, who is sick, or calling to tell me they can't teach. So even when I'm home, I am usually working. You see, between my full time job and ministry, I usually put in an average of 60-65 hours per week. Lately, it's been 70 - 75. Usually in the weeks before Easter through VBS, I end up putting in a minimum of 80 hours per week. But I have purposely stepped back a little this year. So, if I didn't get something to you in a time frame you felt you needed, please tell me. The ministry priorities are much different than that you might have. I will do my best to get you what you need when you need it and that is the best that I can do. But I ask the same of you as well.

I apologize if I sound whiney. I'm just being transparent with you, my friends, so you know where I am coming from. I am VERY HONORED to be in ministry. God has blessed this ministry with some wonderful people and families. Even so, God does not want me neglecting my relationship with Him nor my family for ANY REASON...not even ministry! He doesn't want that of ANYONE, not even you!

So what I am asking for here is understanding. Please understand that I've traded in my cape. There are things that I am releasing, that I just can not do or will do at a later time, that are way down on the list of priorities. If that affects you, then I apologize. Please understand that with my being bi-vocational, my time is very, very, very valuable. I have less time to be with my family so when I give my time for things, those things must be worthwhile. My children will only be young once, and I don't intend to miss it! Also, please understand that I LOVE doing ministry and though I may feel 'burned out' at times, it more from my overbooking my already full schedule and my allowing others instead of God to dictate what I do, not from a lack of love for the ministry. If you are serving in this ministry, please understand that I will support you and help you. However, it's not going to be completely perfect, but you will have what is needed when needed.

Bottom line...my priorities are God, Family, and Job (ministry)...just in that order. So, I'm not Superwoman. Big deal! I always wanted to be Wonder Woman anyway!

Thank you for letting me vent, friends! Have a blessed week!

In His Love, Cathy

Rock Solid: What Your Child Learned in Church Today, June 7

Bible Lesson: The Story of Noah (Genesis 6:1-10)

Memory Verse: "Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him." (1 John 2:15 NIV)

Main Point: I will follow God's ways and not the world's ways!


What we learned: Today, we learned how important it is to live a godly and righteous life, instead of conforming to a sinful world. We examined the lives of the people living during the time of Noah, and compare their unrighteous, sinful, wicked life to that of Noah, who was living according to God's will. Further, we learned that pride, love of money, dishonesty, craving pleasures and greed were wrong in God's eyes, and instead children should be compassionate, kind, humble, honest and patient. Like Noah.

TRAINING UP A CHILD HOMEWORK:
1. Memory Verse Practice 1 John 2:15 several times with your child during the week. This will not only help them remember the verse, it will also help to reinforce what they learned during class.

2. Suggested Parent/Child Activity: Spend some time with your child watching the local news, or reading the newspaper. Ask your child to indicate if the story or article is something that shows godliness, or wickedness. For example, a story about rescue or helping people who suffered in a disaster could represent godliness, where as a story about murder or theft could represent wickedness. You can make this into a game by seeing who can identify the type of story first, and then awarding points.

3. Suggested Daily Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to live my life according to your will. Let me be like your servant Noah, who lived in this world, but did not conform to this world. Help me to know the difference between what is right and wrong, and choose what is pleasing to you. Amen.

In His Love, Cathy

This Week in PCC Children's Ministry: June 1 - 7

VBS COUNTDOWN!!!

VBS 2009: Boomerang Express

Where it all comes back to Jesus!

June 15-19, from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m.

PICK UP A VBS YARD SIGN TODAY

AND HELP US REACH CHILDREN IN OUR COMMUNITY FOR CHRIST!

VBS Worship Team Practice

Sundays from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.

VBS FINAL DECORATING

JUNE 14 from 2 'til...

EXTRA HELP NEEDED TO GET FINAL DECOR UP ALL OVER THE CHURCH

SUMMER TEACHERS NEEDED

Sign up to help one Sunday this summer.

Openings available.

Contact me at pcckidzministry@aol.com

In His Love, Cathy

Rock Solid: What Your Child Learned in Church Today, May 31

Bible Lesson: The Beatitudes (5:10-12)

Memory Verse: "Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes." Ephesians 6:11

Main Point: I will be faithful!


What we learned: Today, the children continued exploring the Beatitudes. In this last lesson, the children discovered that they can be faithful and strong in what they believe, even when being persecuted and mocked by those who do not believe. This strength and hope to stand against evil is one of God's greatest gifts. Children talked about the importance of being a good friend to others and what a good friend should do in standing up for a friend who is being bullied or made fun of. Then they saw that in order to be a good friend for Jesus, we need to do the same for Him. How appropriate this lesson is in light of recent local events and the enemy's attack on student prayer in schools! Glory to God!

TRAIN UP A CHILD HOMEWORK
1. Memory Verse: Help your child memorize Ephesians 6:11. Practice this verse several times with your child during the week. This will not only help them remember the verse, it will also help to reinforce what they learned during class.

2. Suggested Parent/Child Activity: Pick one nice day this week and go to the park with your child to collect leaves. See how many different leaves you can find, and press them between pages of a big book. Later, you can even mount them in a photo album. Talk about how there are many things in this world that will not last. Things like toys, cars, houses, even some friends will all leave someday. They are like leaves that fall from a tree when the growing season is over. But Jesus will never leave, he will always be right there with us. Whenever your child shows his or her leaf collection to someone, they can also share this truth about Jesus.

3. Daily Prayer: Dear God, your love is everlasting, and nothing can take that away from us. Help us to stand firm to what we believe, even in the midst of insults and persecution. They will not last forever, but your love will, and your promised gift of Heaven. Amen.

4. Bible Readings: This week reread Matthew 5:1-12. Remind your children of what they have learned the past several weeks about the Beatitudes - or "BE ATTITUDES." Help them to understand how important it is to show God our love through our obedience and remaining faithful to Him no matter what.


In His Love, Cathy

PCC Children's Ministry Events - Week of May 25- 31

VBS 2009: Boomerang Express

Where it all comes back to Jesus!

June 15-19 from 6 to 8:30 p.m.

Registration for VBS going on NOW!

TShirts $11 preorder by THIS SUNDAY MAY 31.

VBS MUSIC CD $2 DVD 24.99

VBS WORSHIP TEAM PRACTICE and DECORATING

Sundays from 2 to 4 p.m.

VBS VOLUNTEER MEETING RIGHT AFTER SECOND SERVICE THIS SUNDAY, MAY 31.

EXTRA HELP NEEDED to lead groups of children from station to station. Email me to volunteer at pcckidzministry@aol.com.

In His Love, Cathy