Orange is not just a fall colour…….. October 27, 2009

I had the pleasure of attending a really great conference last week. We are currently using a curriculum called 252 Basics which is put out by the Rethink Group. There is a book that has been written by Reggie Joiner of Rethink called “Orange”. I am currently reading it, and it is a great book on family ministry. The concept is that the forces of two things combined produces a greater impact then when on their own (like red and yellow together – make orange).  How churches and parents partner together in the faith journey of their children. I have read many books about family ministry – this one has really captured my attention. In my role as a children’s pastor – I need to be thinking of innovative, creative and intentional ways to partner with parents in our ministry. I can say that I am TRYING to do that. However, we are not there yet and I know that we are just scratching the surface with the power that can happen when the church and family effectively partner. It’s the #1 thing on my radar and I think about it constantly. This conference was a great refocus day for me, and has gotten me thinking even more strategically…….

One thing exciting that we have for families this week is our Big Top Bash on Sat, October 31st. I am excited about this night! I love big events and seeing people come together to serve – It makes me very happy! I also love facilitating opportunities like this where we can invite friends and neighbours to attend. It’s a great bridge from community to church, and allows us to just show love through serving and blessing families. It’s a fun night, but it is also a night with purpose. I will admit that I like to have fun, and I make no apologies for that. Our walk with Jesus is one that is filled with joy and excitement as we love and serve him! God’s truths remain steadfast and constant, but as his children – we can have fun in his presence celebrating him and the hope he has given to us!  On Saturday I pray that we will see many happy children having a great time in a safe and loving environment!

So, have a great week…..think about Orange and see you at the Big Top Bash!

Shelly

Vine and the Branches October 19, 2009

I love living in the Niagara Escarpment. We live in a little town called Beamsville, and it is right in the heart of fruit country. Can you say Yummy? Right now, one of my favourite sights to look at is all the vineyards in the area. As we were driving through the lovely fall country yesterday, I loved seeing the rows and rows of  vines heavy with grapes…such a beautiful site. It makes me want to be a vineyard owner and just walk among the vines everyday! (in a long flowing white dress…..)

The sight of the vines also spoke to my heart as I was reminded of something that Jesus said in the Bible.

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5

Jesus uses the imagery so beautifully here to describe us as fruit bearing. The key is that we need to stay close to Jesus – us and him, working together, remaining together. Without him, we can do nothing. With him, we bear fruit. It’s a powerful picture in my mind.

Yesterday I saw much fruit being grown here at CP. Walking through classes and hallways, I was blessed to see children excited about Jesus and seeing leaders serving with excellence. This month we are talking about Individuality and how God has made each one of us special. Yesterday the focus was, “If you use what you have, you can make a difference.”  Looking out into a sea of children’s faces, it is powerful to think that each of them has been created uniquely, with special gifts, gifts that can be used for God’s glory. Gifts that we can have a part in discovering and nurturing. 

We have many young lives with great fruit-bearing potential. With Jesus at the centre of their lives, nothing is impossible and with him as their true vine there are many great things ahead! I look forward to seeing the harvest!!

Yikes, it’s the middle of October! October 13, 2009

Hi Everyone!

I hope that you had a really wonderful Thanksgiving weekend, and that you had some great time with family and friends. This year, I overcame my fear of being lost forever in a really giant corn maze, and I also had my once a year candy apple, and freshly popped kettle corn. Life is good!

So I feel like Thanksgiving is like the start of a race for me. It’s like the day after, I am at the starting gate and then it’s “READY, SET, GO!!!”   The starter gun goes off and then I run a really fast marathon until December!  But that’s cool – bring it on! I will admit I had a slight moment of panic this past weekend thinking that Main Street Christmas is 9 weeks away. But it’s ok. I can do everything through him who gives me strength (not to mention a great team, super volunteers and lots of coffee!!)

So, here is the scoop – First Things First!

 

Big Top Bash – October 31st – a great night for the family!  6:30-8:30pm, for ages 12 and under, must be accompanied by an adult. Inflatables, pony rides, face painting, carnival games, train, candy, popcorn, maze – and lots more!! Come for a great time. Costumes welcome, no scary ones please!! Free Admission! We are accepting candy donations all month – your support is appreciated!

 

Main Street Christmas – Dec 3-6th. Come visit Main Street – a wonderful winter weekend!! Children will start rehearsals this week for the musical, Meet me at the Manger – it’s going to be a TON of FUN!

 

Stay tuned for more info – and as always – there are so many places where you can serve!

So, have a super duper week.

Take some time for Jesus, it’s all about him!

Shelly

Thankful for a BIG God October 8, 2009

As we enter a weekend of focussing on thankfulness, I know that we have so much to be thankful for. I have overwhelming gratitude for my family and my friends, a wonderful place to minister in, food on my table – all the blessings we have in our everyday life. But most of all, above everything in my life – I am so thankful for JESUS. Without him, my life would be empty and I would not know the comfort of his presence and the peace that comes with serving him. I would not have salvation, I would not have a hope in the future, and a hope for those around me that are hurting and lost. 

So this weekend, among the turkey and the fun family time – I know that I will take time to be thankful for Jesus – it’s all about him.

Shelly