Several of you have been asking about and praying over Scott's reuniting with his biological family. Thank you for praying for him and them. Scott has been on an emotional roller coaster since he first made contact with his birth family. He's escatic to have possibly found them, but he also has times in which he's experiencing emotions that he himself doesn't understand. He says that these are feelings that only someone who is adopted would know. He's also needed me to stick close to home lately. He never knows when the next phone call will come, what it will bring, or what an email will say. I think it's overwhelming for him at times, but in a good way. Please continue to pray for him, his adoptive parents, and his birth family as they navigate through the emotions and feelings they are experiencing.
As of today, Scott has been able to speak to three of his four sisters on the phone. He's also emailed them and his father's wife. They are such a sweet family. Their mother is an incredible lady. Again, Scott's birth father passed away in 2005, so Scott is still struggling with the regret and grief of not ever knowing him. Scott and his sister sent in their DNA samples yesterday. The lab received it today. Please pray that the DNA test shows a match, that both Scott and his birth family will finally find closure after years of searching. Also pray for Scott's parents. They have always been supportive of Scott finding his birth family, however, his Dad (adoptive) is having a difficult time with the news. Because of his situation, we've decided it best not to mention it to him again. So please, if you know them, do not bring this up for discussion. We are keeping Scott's Mom informed. She can then determine if she should share any further news with his Dad.
Thank you for your prayers. We are praying for you as well.
In His Love, Cathy
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
My New Email Address
In an effort to separate my personal life from my church and work life, I've established a new church email address that I will be able to access anytime and anywhere! It will be this email address that I will begin sending out church related information. Please be sure to update your spam blocker and address book for my new church email.
instead. SAME aumathchick....DIFFERENT EXTENSION on the END.
Thanks, ya'll! I just wanted to make sure I received your emails:-) Have a blessed day!
In His Love, Cathy
PLEASE NOTE: The EMAIL address of aumathchick@AOL.COM is NO LONGER in service and has been out of use for ONE YEAR this month. I sent out emails last year to this effect. I know some of you have mentioned sending emails to me that I have never received. I'm concerned that it might have been sent to the old address and not the MOST CURRENT PERSONAL email address. Be sure to use the
instead. SAME aumathchick....DIFFERENT EXTENSION on the END.
Thanks, ya'll! I just wanted to make sure I received your emails:-) Have a blessed day!
In His Love, Cathy
Monday, March 23, 2009
Sweet Stories to Make Your Day
Story #1: Change of Plans
Jessica is a sweet hearted child, smart, and always tries to do what is right. My Mom has intervened in her and her sister's lives to ensure they have a good spiritual upbringing, a solid foundation to build their lives upon. Her coming to salvation is a BIG ANSWER to years of prayer!
Her story is a story of encouragement for those who have a 'Jessica' in their own family or neighborhood. Don't give up on bringing your children, grandchildren, neices, nephews, neighbor's child, or children of friends to church! Keep inviting lost family members, lost friends, and coworkers to church. Even when it seems as though nothing is happening, seeds are being planted! God is faithful to do His part, don't give up on doing your part to reach children, youth, and adults for Christ! Keep inviting them! Keep bringing them! Keep praying for them! Keep up the 'good' work!
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9
In His Love, Cathy
Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19:21
Last Wednesday Night I had the joy and the privilege to teach the PK class. (Now remember, PK is NOT my area of gifting, but I did so anyway because there was a NEED.) Robin, our regular PK teacher was unable to teach. Though she left a message, my cell phone was DEAD and I had not been home to check my voicemail. Thank goodnes she came by that Wednesday night to let me know.
Now, I usually teach the elementary age children. I don't usually teach PK and don't believe I have taught a PK class in years. The irony is that for the first time since we started Wednesday night children's Bible Study a year ago, I had absolutely NOTHING prepared for the usual Elementary age class I teach. I was so BOOKED UP and busy from FCAT testing the week before, school/church work, and QUARTER EXAMS that week that I had NO TIME to prepare a lesson. In fact, I was so panicked that I was trying to quickly piece together a lesson for the elementary kids right up to 6 p.m. that Wednesday. So, you can realize just how panicked I was to not only NOT have an elementary lesson prepared, but also to discover that the PK needed a lesson and teacher as well. But God already had it all worked out. Jodi had already planned to practice with the children who were participating in the Berryhill Manor outreach. (Thank you Jodi! You are awesome!) Thank goodness, there weren't any elementary children who were doing the Bible Study instead of practice! But there was still the problem of what to do with the PK class. I wasn't an experienced PK teacher!
But like I said, God had it all worked out. As I desperately searched the PK supply cabinets for something to do, I discovered a large container of bubbles. That's it! That day had been a gorgeous day. The late afternoon was budding with the signs of spring. I'd take the children outside and we'd blow bubbles. And that's exaclty what we did - for 45 minutes those little ones had a BLAST blowing bubbles and chasing them in the wind. Their laughter filled the air. It was so PRECIOUS and so SWEET! It was THE MOST FUN I'd had teaching in a long time. We talked about what made the bubbles move through the air - the wind. We talked about how we can't see the wind but it's there. Then we talked about how we can't see God (The Holy Spirit), but He's there. Even though we can't see Him, we can see the works of His Hands. I think they got the concept. Then we took a nature walk around the church grounds, looking for the things God created. They had a BALL and I enjoyed every minute of it, too. They minded, they did exactly what they were asked to do, and they had fun! I couldn't have asked for a better class! I have to give a SHOUT OUT to GOD for the wonderful lesson and the children that night. Like I said, PK is not my gifting so it had to be ALL GOD!
God reminded me that night that my plans, or the lack thereof, are not always His plans. And that His Plans are ALWAYS the BEST! All of that worry and fretting over planning the Elementary Bible Lesson was for naught, because that wasn't what He had planned for the evening. That's why everything seemed worked against me preparing the elementary lesson. God had planned something uniquely different that night, something even more wonderful. I should have known He was 'up to something.' :-) It was a blessing to teach those little ones for a change! Their pureness, innocence, and excitement over the littlest things thrilled my soul!
Yes, I love those times where we get off the beaten path, yet we are exactly where God wants us to be! Thank you, parents, for sharing your children with us each Wednesday and Sunday. We are blessed to be a part of their lives.
Sweet Story #2: An Encouragement for Doing Good
Jessica is a sweet hearted child, smart, and always tries to do what is right. My Mom has intervened in her and her sister's lives to ensure they have a good spiritual upbringing, a solid foundation to build their lives upon. Her coming to salvation is a BIG ANSWER to years of prayer!
Her story is a story of encouragement for those who have a 'Jessica' in their own family or neighborhood. Don't give up on bringing your children, grandchildren, neices, nephews, neighbor's child, or children of friends to church! Keep inviting lost family members, lost friends, and coworkers to church. Even when it seems as though nothing is happening, seeds are being planted! God is faithful to do His part, don't give up on doing your part to reach children, youth, and adults for Christ! Keep inviting them! Keep bringing them! Keep praying for them! Keep up the 'good' work!
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9
In His Love, Cathy
Sunday, March 22, 2009
This Week in PCC Children's Minsitry -Spring Break
I guess you noticed no "What Your Child Learned in Church Today" Posting. I've been a bit under the weather last night and today with a little stomach bug. Not the way I planned to start up spring break!
THIS WEEK'S EVENTS:
THIS WEEK'S EVENTS:
UNITE
Churchwide Picnic
This Wednesday night
Grills hot at 6 p.m.
NO CHILDREN'S BIBLE STUDY THIS WEDNESDAY!
OTHER NEWS:
EASTER EGG HUNT & COOKOUT - April 11th. Hunt begins at 11:30 a.m.
EASTER SUNDAY -
We are expecting a BIG CROWD.
WE NEED EVERYONE TO PLUG IN AND HELP DURING ONE SERVICE.
Sign up - email me at aumathchick@mchsi.com!
VBS is June 15-19. We still have the following positions that MUST be filled in order to offer VBS:
- KG through 2nd Grade Bible Lesson Station Leader/teacher.
- 3rd through 5th Grade Bible Lesson Station Leader/teacher.
- Group Leaders (leads groups of children from station to station - no teaching involved)
- Registration Help
- Station Assistants (Bible Lesson, Arts & Crafts, PK, Recreation)
- Decorating/Set Up
- Public Relations helpers
Wednesday Nights are Changing:
- 6:30 p.m. Dinner (Donations toward meal requested)
- 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. PK/KG Bible Lesson
- 7:00 to 8:0 0 p.m. Beryhill Outreach Practices through April 1st / VBS Practices through June 10th
There will be no Children's Bible Study on Wednesday Nights for the remainder of the school year. We will be focusing our efforts on preparing for Easter and VBS. We ask that only those elementary age children interested in singing for the Easter Outreach and participate on stage for VBS attend these Wednesday night practices. Thank you for your understanding. Children who are participating are expected to be on the best of behavior at practices and on stage.
Have a wonderful SPRING BREAK!
In His Love, Cathy
Friday, March 20, 2009
"Who is the King of glory?
The LORD, strong and mighty;
the LORD, invincible in battle.
Open up, ancient gates!
Open up, ancient doors,
and let the King of glory enter.
Who is the King of glory?
The LORD of Heaven's Armies—
he is the King of glory"—Psalm 24:8–10
Read this to your child. Then ask them where they've heard this before. This is the opening verse to one of our worship songs this month!
What a glorious, mighty God we serve! He is the King of glory!
In His Love, Cathy
The LORD, strong and mighty;
the LORD, invincible in battle.
Open up, ancient gates!
Open up, ancient doors,
and let the King of glory enter.
Who is the King of glory?
The LORD of Heaven's Armies—
he is the King of glory"—Psalm 24:8–10
Read this to your child. Then ask them where they've heard this before. This is the opening verse to one of our worship songs this month!
What a glorious, mighty God we serve! He is the King of glory!
In His Love, Cathy
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Parents + PCC Children's Ministry = Doing Children's Ministry Together
This is my sixth year serving as Children's Pastor at PCC. I served for about 8 months as a volunteer in PCC's children's ministry prior to that, so you could say that I'm in my seventh year here. I love teaching and working with children. But it wasn't always that way. My degree is actually in math. I have a B.S. in Mathematics (Troy University) and a Masters of Science Degree in Mathematics (Auburn University). I've even published a technical mathematical paper in an international journal. ("A Focal Boundary Value Problem for Difference Equations", THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR MATHEMATICS AND MATHEMATICAL SCIENCES, 1993. You can look it up on the internet.) I spent the first ten years of my career as a computer programmer. NO WHERE in my makeup was I wired to work with children. Though I loved teaching and did switch careers 8 years ago to teach high school math, I steered clear of children who were 14 or younger. Sure, I helped at church as a volunteer, but only out of duty because of my children. I didn't mind working with youth. They were easy! Nope, younglings were not my cup of tea! But then God did something amazing. He called me to minister to children - the very ones I tried to avoid!
When God first prompted my heart with the calling to minister to children at PCC, I RESISTED! I had NO INTEREST in LEADING a children's ministry. That wasn't my gifting, I argued! It was a HUGE responsibility and who was I to do so? I had NO TIME to do so. It was like God had to THUMP me on my BIG OLD FAT HEAD to get my attention. God answered each of my excuses, tit for tat. He placed an URGENT PASSION for reaching CHILDREN for CHRIST in me that I had never possessed before. He showed me that even though it was a HUGE responsibility, I could RELY on HIM and...I was the one He called to do so. And as for not having the time for children's ministry, God's reply to me was just as audible as a live person speaking to me today, "I don't call the lazy to do my work. I call people who are busy to do my work because I know they will do it!" I remember exactly what I was doing when God said those words to me. I was sitting in my car, waiting on our oldest son to get off the bus in the high school parking lot. After months of resistance, I finally said 'Yes' to God on the matter.
I stepped out on faith, even though I questioned my own abilities and lack of gifting in the area of children. I was out on a limb. God was stretching me, molding me, creating things in me that had never existed before. I was being formed into something brand new! And I LOVE what He had made me into. I also LOVE the children He sends into our ministry!
One of the number one problems I face as a children's pastor is getting parents involved in the children's ministry that their children benefit from. One of the number one reasons parents tell me they can't volunteer is that they aren't 'gifted' in working with children. They are uncomfortable, are intimidated, or just plain don't like teaching kids. Well, sadly, that was me many years ago. Now look at what God has done!
Our excuses are flimsy when it comes to the LIFE CHANGING power of God. So what? You aren't 'gifted' with working with kids. God can change that! Besides, kids don't care whether you're a 'gifted'or not! THEY JUST NEED GODLY PEOPLE IN THEIR LIVES TO LOVE THEM AND LISTEN TO THEM!!! You know, at some point, we parents and church members have got to quit making excuses and step out in faith! These children are too precious to not even try! THEIR ETERNAL LIVES DEPEND ON US! They are our responsibility as a church! We - Parents, Teachers, Church Members - WE the BODY are to "train them up in the way they should go!" It's ALL OF US. So, please don't tell me you are not called or gifted to work with children. I assure you, that claim will fall on deaf ears - I was the least talented of ALL and look at what God has done! If you have children, YOU HAVE BEEN CALLED! (Check it out...it's all over the Bible!) If your children attend with us, YOU HAVE BEEN CALLED! I'm calling you right now! Do you hear your cell phone ringing? That's me! (Oh, you put it on vibrate, my bad.) We have opportunities of service that just about anyone of just about any 'gift' can do.
LISTEN UP: As long as we stay in our COMFORT ZONE, we'll never grow up spiritually! It's only when we STEP IT UP and STEP IT OUT to the point we NO LONGER rely on ourselves, but instead rely on the HOLY SPIRIT that TRUE SPIRITUAL GROWTH takes place! So don't let the thought of working with children intimidate you! Man up! Pray up! Step up!
Let me share with you one last, IMPORTANT, observation. Over the last 7 years, I've noticed a POWERFUL trend. Most of the children whose parents served consistently in children's ministry have GROWN THE MOST SPIRITUALLY when compared to other children whose parents did not. Many of these children are NOW spiritual leaders both in youth group and among their peers at school. They are now bearing fruit, bringing others to the foot of the cross! They are NOW teaching the little ones who have followed them here at PCC. Many are now teenagers, STILL following and maturing in Christ because their family is ENGRAINED in the BODY! What parent wouldn't want these things for their child? Your involvement in serving in church, in children's ministry, in youth ministry, or any other of God's work has a big time spiritual impact for not only you, but your family as well. I've seen it in other families. I can testify about it for my own family. Please understand that serving in and of itself does not guarantee this outcome. These parents are dedicated and faithful followers of Christ, training their children at home and involved in the ministries of the church. I was simply noting a trend that seemed to strengthen the spiritual upbringing of these children.
My deepest desire is for each and every child to have the most wonderful lifelong, growing relationship with Christ! I know that the only way that is possible is for parents and the church to partner in the spiritual training of the child. We want to offer your child programs that are not just fun, but more importantly SPIRITULLY TRANSFORMING. To provide these programs, we must have parental involvement. Ideally, every parent should be involved to some degree in the children's ministry. This is our expectation! Our ministry isn't a babysitting service. We aren't here to give parents a break or just to entertain children with arts and crafts. We are a REAL MINISTRY called of GOD, ministering to CHILDREN! We have an awesome team of people who are great to serve with. We can't wait for you to plug in! So, where can we sign you up?
PARENTS + PCC CHILDREN'S MINISTRY = DOING CHILDREN'S MINISTRY TOGETHER
In His Love, Cathy
When God first prompted my heart with the calling to minister to children at PCC, I RESISTED! I had NO INTEREST in LEADING a children's ministry. That wasn't my gifting, I argued! It was a HUGE responsibility and who was I to do so? I had NO TIME to do so. It was like God had to THUMP me on my BIG OLD FAT HEAD to get my attention. God answered each of my excuses, tit for tat. He placed an URGENT PASSION for reaching CHILDREN for CHRIST in me that I had never possessed before. He showed me that even though it was a HUGE responsibility, I could RELY on HIM and...I was the one He called to do so. And as for not having the time for children's ministry, God's reply to me was just as audible as a live person speaking to me today, "I don't call the lazy to do my work. I call people who are busy to do my work because I know they will do it!" I remember exactly what I was doing when God said those words to me. I was sitting in my car, waiting on our oldest son to get off the bus in the high school parking lot. After months of resistance, I finally said 'Yes' to God on the matter.
I stepped out on faith, even though I questioned my own abilities and lack of gifting in the area of children. I was out on a limb. God was stretching me, molding me, creating things in me that had never existed before. I was being formed into something brand new! And I LOVE what He had made me into. I also LOVE the children He sends into our ministry!
One of the number one problems I face as a children's pastor is getting parents involved in the children's ministry that their children benefit from. One of the number one reasons parents tell me they can't volunteer is that they aren't 'gifted' in working with children. They are uncomfortable, are intimidated, or just plain don't like teaching kids. Well, sadly, that was me many years ago. Now look at what God has done!
Our excuses are flimsy when it comes to the LIFE CHANGING power of God. So what? You aren't 'gifted' with working with kids. God can change that! Besides, kids don't care whether you're a 'gifted'or not! THEY JUST NEED GODLY PEOPLE IN THEIR LIVES TO LOVE THEM AND LISTEN TO THEM!!! You know, at some point, we parents and church members have got to quit making excuses and step out in faith! These children are too precious to not even try! THEIR ETERNAL LIVES DEPEND ON US! They are our responsibility as a church! We - Parents, Teachers, Church Members - WE the BODY are to "train them up in the way they should go!" It's ALL OF US. So, please don't tell me you are not called or gifted to work with children. I assure you, that claim will fall on deaf ears - I was the least talented of ALL and look at what God has done! If you have children, YOU HAVE BEEN CALLED! (Check it out...it's all over the Bible!) If your children attend with us, YOU HAVE BEEN CALLED! I'm calling you right now! Do you hear your cell phone ringing? That's me! (Oh, you put it on vibrate, my bad.) We have opportunities of service that just about anyone of just about any 'gift' can do.
LISTEN UP: As long as we stay in our COMFORT ZONE, we'll never grow up spiritually! It's only when we STEP IT UP and STEP IT OUT to the point we NO LONGER rely on ourselves, but instead rely on the HOLY SPIRIT that TRUE SPIRITUAL GROWTH takes place! So don't let the thought of working with children intimidate you! Man up! Pray up! Step up!
Let me share with you one last, IMPORTANT, observation. Over the last 7 years, I've noticed a POWERFUL trend. Most of the children whose parents served consistently in children's ministry have GROWN THE MOST SPIRITUALLY when compared to other children whose parents did not. Many of these children are NOW spiritual leaders both in youth group and among their peers at school. They are now bearing fruit, bringing others to the foot of the cross! They are NOW teaching the little ones who have followed them here at PCC. Many are now teenagers, STILL following and maturing in Christ because their family is ENGRAINED in the BODY! What parent wouldn't want these things for their child? Your involvement in serving in church, in children's ministry, in youth ministry, or any other of God's work has a big time spiritual impact for not only you, but your family as well. I've seen it in other families. I can testify about it for my own family. Please understand that serving in and of itself does not guarantee this outcome. These parents are dedicated and faithful followers of Christ, training their children at home and involved in the ministries of the church. I was simply noting a trend that seemed to strengthen the spiritual upbringing of these children.
My deepest desire is for each and every child to have the most wonderful lifelong, growing relationship with Christ! I know that the only way that is possible is for parents and the church to partner in the spiritual training of the child. We want to offer your child programs that are not just fun, but more importantly SPIRITULLY TRANSFORMING. To provide these programs, we must have parental involvement. Ideally, every parent should be involved to some degree in the children's ministry. This is our expectation! Our ministry isn't a babysitting service. We aren't here to give parents a break or just to entertain children with arts and crafts. We are a REAL MINISTRY called of GOD, ministering to CHILDREN! We have an awesome team of people who are great to serve with. We can't wait for you to plug in! So, where can we sign you up?
PARENTS + PCC CHILDREN'S MINISTRY = DOING CHILDREN'S MINISTRY TOGETHER
In His Love, Cathy
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