Join the Adventure! July 28, 2008

So, I have some really interesting and crazy children’s ministry stories. My favourite one is the time that I was deep into Christmas Musical Productions. I was in the home stretch, one last choir practice. I had almost made it through. One little guy put his hand up. “Miss Shelly, did you know that you are wearing 2 different shoes?” Huh? I thought he was crazy until I looked down and saw that indeed he was right. The very sad part was that one shoe had a heel, the other did not. Yes, that is right. Me in all my glory, walking around the church all lopsided…..I did not even notice! There was also the time I lost my keys in a GIANT tote full of balloons which were locked inside a locked cupboard. I was at church late that night. Or the time when I had ladies in the church make rice krispie squares for VBS, only to have a volunteer put them all on napkins. Which led to a fusion relationship between the rice krispie and the napkin. 200 children. All crying and upset because there were paper napkins stuck on their snack! A VBS nightmare. Thank goodness for popsicles! I’ll save my stories of ice cream meltdown, bouncy house accidents, fire alarms, and curb driving for another time…..

All that to say, ministering to kids in an adventure! I mean, who wants a boring dull life anyway? I would much rather be walking around with 2 different shoes, looking for my keys, eating paper rice krispies. It’s way more fun!

So, If you need a little fun in your life – you need to look no further! I hate to say this, but summer will soon be a past memory – but we have a KICKING Fall Adventure beginning at Compass Point Kidz – and we would love you to be part of our team. I know you have amazing gifts! I know you want to walk into all that God has for your life! So, why not join our adventure as we love children, partner with families and reach our community together for Jesus!

I can’t really think of anything better!

Shelly

Intern Opportunity July 23, 2008

The Compass Point Children’s and Family Ministry Department is seeking an intern for the upcoming 2008-2009 academic year. We are looking for an individual who is pursuing post secondary education in teaching, early childhood education or a ministry related field.  The internship will provide a hands-on ministry environment with a broad range of experience, training and mentoring. Commitment will be 10 hours per week. If interested, please email your resume to shelly@compasspointonline.ca

Family Ministry July 21, 2008

Hi Compass Point!

I hope that you all had a great weekend! I am really enjoying “Summer Sundays” and getting to meet many of you! Thanks to those who are volunteering over July and August – you are a blessing!

So, I thought this would be a good blog to introduce the whole focus of Family Ministry. I have been asked a few times, to define exactly what “Family Ministry” is. A few years ago, a new shift or focus took place in Children’s Ministry, and the new buzz word of the time was “Family Ministry”. Well, it turned out to be more than just the phrase of the day, and Family Ministry is now becoming a well known focus in growing churches. 

To me, Family Ministry is all about partnership. If you look in the Bible, there are so many commands and instructions to parents about instilling and teaching their children about the TRUTHS of God.  Go to www.biblegateway.com and in the search bar – enter key words like parents, family, generation, children – and you will see what I mean. God’s word gives many instructions to parents in the raising up and leading of their children. It is a great calling, and a huge responsibility all in one.

So, I see the church as coming alongside parents in this journey.  We can work as a team together! As a busy mom of two active children, I know that parenting is hard work. I have my days of greatness where I feel like super mom. And then I have days, where I feel overwhelmed and I need to go and take a long walk by myself and refocus my thoughts! We all need a helping hand. We need a place that we can get support – and a place also where we can celebrate together. That is what family ministry is all about. Partnering together in our children’s faith journey – raising children who love and serve Jesus! Being there for each other and growing together. Celebrating milestones in the lives of our children. Speaking blessing into them at different stages.   It’s pretty exciting that we can work on this together! 

Speaking of milestone events – we have our first one planned! On August 28th, we will be hosting our first annual – “Going into Grade One” party! This event is to celebrate this milestone event for children as they begin school full time. Stay tuned for more details and if you have a child at this stage – they won’t want to miss this fun event!

I think “Family Ministry” has so much potential and I am really excited to see this aspect of our Children’s Minsitry grow strong.  I’d love to hear your thoughts as well as to what we can do at Compass Point Kidz to partner with your family. Drop me an email or give me a call!

In the meantime, have a great week and we’ll talk more soon!

Shelly

Welcome to Compass Point Kidz! July 16, 2008

Hey Compass Point Friends! Welcome to the very first blog for Compass Point Kidz! This blog will be a place where volunteers and parents can check in to get lots of great information about the Children and Family Ministries news at Compass Point Bible Church. Mark this page in your favourites and visit often!

If you have not met me yet, my name is Shelly Calcagno. I am the new director of Children and Family Ministries at CP, and I am so excited to be here. I have always loved to be involved in ministry to children and families, and I believe that God has some great things ahead for us as we partner together. My heart’s desire is to see a strong generation of children raised up that love and serve Jesus – and in turn, share his love with others! Lets dream together! We serve a BIG God! I am available anytime to chat, pray with you, share ideas, drink coffee, shop, skydive, etc..

My office door is always open, and you can reach me by phone or email at the contact info below! I work at the Kerns Campus Mon, Tues and Thurs and at the Eaglesfield Campus on Weds.

Nice meeting with you via Blog! It’s kinda fun!

Have a blessed day, and we’ll talk soon,

 Shelly

 

email – shelly@compasspointonline.ca

phone – 905.336.0500 ext 323