Student Life for Kids Camp 2013!

I don't know a theme yet.

I don't know what color squad we'll be on.

I DO know some stuff... every 3rd-6th grader alive should go to this camp. It's fun, and it's a great way to get in the habit of doing a personal quiet time. It's a good place to get away from the world and all it's yucky worldliness. It's at Shocco Springs! And it's an opportunity for your child to make his faith his own. (or her own, as the case may be!)

Basic info you need to know:

www.studentlife.com

You can read about the camp and see pictures if you'd like more information.

While we're at camp, you can find pictures of us on the website, as well as join in for a live webcast of worship one night while we're there!

FBC Selma is going to camp July 25-28!

If your child has completed 3rd, 4th, 5th or 6th grade, he or she can come along!

The listed camp cost is over $250. With scholarship money we have available, we are working on lowering that cost for everyone! We also have scholarships available to FBC Selma families who want to send a child to camp but need help with some or all of the cost. Financial details are confidential, so please don't hesitate to ask me or Elaine about a scholarship. I promise we want your child to go to camp more than we want you to pay for it. :)

Included in camp cost: t-shirt, camp Bible study notebook, all meals except two lunches while we travel, all camp activities!

This year, we'll worship with the SL4K Band, and the camp pastor is Chris Poe.

'
SL4K BAND beside the lake at Shocco Springs

The SL4K Band is comprised of a team of worship leaders who specialize in kids' worship. Moreover, they have a genuine desire to help teach kids about worshiping God, how we worship, and why we worship Him. Unlike years past, the SL4K Band is a part of the Student Life For Kids staff and spends the entire summer traveling and leading worship at kids camp. The band members are all very accessible and available at camp, and they love spending time with kids in the cafeteria, at recreation, or anywhere in between. The band is produced by Chris Orr, a long time friend of Student Life For Kids.  He currently serves as Pastor of Worship and Arts at Riverbend Baptist Church in Gainesville, GA. Chris has produced two albums, "Just Becuz You Asked 4 it" and "Children of God". One of his albums, "Children of God" was produced last summer for Student Life for Kids. You can find this kids album here. Chris auditions, trains, and mentors the band members before and throughout the summer.




For years, Chad has been speaking biblical truth into kids' lives. Chad preaches God's Word through story telling, media, and visual experience, which we believe is a great way to teach the Gospel to children. As someone not simply called to speak, Chad believes in the importance of relationship and seeks to get to know people when he is away from the stage. Ultimately, Chad hopes to see students and kids moved into a deeper relationship with Christ. In turn, those kids will live lives of action that impact their community and world. Chad is married to Hope and they have two sons, Shepherd and Charlie. To find out more about Chad and his ministry, visit http://www.chadpoe.com.www.chadpoe.com.

Operation Christmas Child progress update!

Well FBC, we're working toward our goal of packing a record number of shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child, and after sorting items today, I believe we have enough donated items to pack at least 50 complete boxes already! We have lots of school supplies, and need more toys, clothing items and chapstick to add. I think we have enough school supplies to pack 150 boxes! I would love to see a bunch of really exhausted GAs packing 150 shoeboxes. Think we can do it? I believe 150 is a completely reasonable goal that we can blow away, if we work together!

All monetary donations should be delivered to the church office or dropped in the offering plate, specifically marked for Operation Christmas Child. It costs $7/box, and we'll make our monetary donation online. By doing this through the Samaritan's Purse website, we can print our box labels with a unique bar code. Every box we send will have the same bar code, and THEN we can track all the shoeboxes we send across the globe, online! How fun is that?! I'm excited about this missions opportunity for the GAs and RAs and Mission Friends, and can't wait to give them reports on where these boxes will be headed. Thank you, church family, for participating in this children's ministry opportunity which is impacting our own children as well as children around the world.


Please keep an eye on this blog, the children's ministry facebook page, as well as all of our paper communications (Mid-Week Messenger, Worship Guide, Evangel) in order to help with items we need more of to fill in boxes as we approach our deadline!

Who's Ready for Fall?

Churchwide effort toward Operation Christmas Child:

We will begin September 2nd!

Collection buckets will be located by the elevators in both educational buildings for dropping off items!

The whole church is asked to bring specific items for the shoeboxes, rather than a completely packed shoebox, over the course of a few weeks as follows:

Sept 2-15: Please bring personal hygiene items!
Sept 16-29: Please bring school supplies!

Sept 30-Oct 13: Please bring small toys!

Oct 14-27: Please bring shoeboxes, and monetary donations to mail the boxes!

GA's will pack the boxes!

Church members can still bring their own complete boxes, but this is one way the church can work together to accomplish an important missions opportunity, and the kids can participate in a churchwide effort.

Fall Festival: October 31st:

5pm-7pm - this will be a special Wednesday night! Supper still served at FBC as usual.

STILL TO COME... Auburn vs. Alabama Food Drive, Christmas events, etc!

Mark your calendars now: 

Children's Christmas Program (Choirs, Missions and Bible Drills presentations): December 9th

Kids Disciple Now: February 2nd - 3rd

Preschool Easter Egg Hunt: March 24th

DANCE YOUR SHOES OFF! April 17th

Children's Spring Program (Choirs, Missions, and Bible Drills presentations): April 24th

God is oh so good!

There are no words to describe the faith that Bryant and Whitney are displaying right this moment, and for the duration of her pregnancy. Sweet Henley is 5 days old now! After reading Whitney's blog I feel like I know her, although I think I've only met her once... you'll understand what I mean if you take the time to read it as well, and I promise you will be challenged. This precious young couple is in my prayers nonstop, and they are my new favorite heroes. Please join me in praying for Bryant and Whitney, and their little blessing Henley. Her life is a result of God's grace and wonderful, godly parents and supportive family!

bryantandwhitney.blogspot.com

Surprise Terrific Tuesday. Ha.

What a day... I woke up at 5am to rumbling, rolling thunder and lightning. Blah. Great morning to stay in bed, but I needed to get going! Grace was heading out on a youth trip and we needed to drop her off at 6am. So according to my plan, I dragged myself, Ruth and George out of bed, and we joined Grace (the Stevens' family morning-person) in getting up and getting ready! Off we went to the church, and although we were a few minutes late, we sent the youth off with Janie and Beth! I was planning on going to Jacks for breakfast with the little ones, and then going back to the church, but Nancy invited us to her house, so I enjoyed drinking (YUM) coffee, and talking with her and fielding questions from all the mamas who had signed their kiddos up for Terrific Tuesday. "Yep. We're still going. I think the weather may blow on through." It rained harder, and there was more lightning and thunder...
When I arrived at the church, some of the kids were already there, and everyone arrived on time. Two of our kids prayed for us before we pulled out, and off we went. Half way to Montgomery, (still raining and lightning) Justin called me from Camp Chandler (our mystery destination) and suggested we reschedule...okay...so we decided we'd run by Lifeway to kill a little time and pick up some CDs, then just go bowling, then have lunch at Chick-fil-A, and go have dessert at Nancy's Italian Ice- all in Montgomery. Seemed like a back-up plan, right?

ha.

Back in March or April, when I planned all the summer events, God knew exactly what we were supposed to be doing today. He sent the rain. He had a plan for us all along. The kids ALL had great attitudes about the change of plans. There was just a sweet spirit among the group today. I randomly picked up a few packs of stickers for Children's Church at Lifeway while we spent 30 minutes or so looking around, listening to music, and watching Veggie Tales until the bowling alley opened.

randomly picked up stickers. ha again.

We arrived at the bowling alley a few minutes before it opened, so I talked to the kids about the rainy day being like a hard time in life. We talked about how we can still have joy even when we're sad or disappointed, because our joy isn't based on our circumstances, but in Christ. Then I gave them each a sunshine sticker that said "Let Love Shine" on it, and told them we were making our own sunshine today.

We went into the bowling alley, got shoes, and started bowling. The folks working there were happy to play our CDs that we'd picked up at Lifeway. There were lots of strikes and spares and smiles and cheers for each other.

 We had a great time! We had three lanes. When the boys and I were finished, because ya know, they're dudes. They get down to business. We bowled fast! The girls were enjoying celebrating every moment, socializing with each other, playing tag around a column, ya know, being girls. I love it. :) Anyway- the boys were waiting on the girls to finish, so I asked them if they wanted to go give a few people a sticker, and tell them Jesus loved them. They were a little hesitant at first, but I guess it was a better idea than sitting at a table waiting on girls to finish their games, so... off they went. George (almost 6), Andrew (8), Wiley (5) and Allen Michael (7). Four stair-step boys, Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, 3rd graders. Walking around a great big bowling alley, telling people "Jesus loves you! want a sticker?" Yeah. They did it. It was so sweet, watching people's faces as they listened to these guys. It was even sweeter watching them go from hesitant to literally sprinting toward people, eager to tell them the good news, and share a sticker!

When we felt like we'd sufficiently spread stickers and Jesus throughout the bowling alley, we headed back toward the girls, where I found Sarah Gresham helping an older lady pick up her walker. I guess it had fallen or slipped/tipped over. Another sweet moment!

The girls thought it was awesome that they boys had talked to so many people, so a few of them passed out some more stickers. When we got to Chick-fil-A, McCann, Bailey and Margaret (all three going into 2nd grade) passed out 120 stickers- smiling and saying Jesus loves you! - just the three of them!

While I thought I had planned a surprise trip for the kids, God had a surprise trip planned for me, for all of us! I don't know how the people who were touched by our kids today were affected, but I know at least 250 people heard "Jesus loves you!" from children today, and we didn't do one thing to plan on that happening. God never ceases to amaze me! I just had to share with y'all how precious this group of children is, and what a wonderful day we were a part of today!!! I'll leave you with this, from Psalm 77:11-20...

I shall remember the deeds of the Lord;
Surely I will remember Your wonders of old.
¹² I will meditate on all Your work
And muse on Your deeds.
¹³ Your way, O God, is holy;
What god is great like our God?
¹⁴ You are the God who works wonders;
You have made known Your strength among the peoples.
¹⁵ You have by Your power redeemed Your people,
The sons of Jacob and Joseph. Selah.

¹⁶ The waters saw You, O God;
The waters saw You, they were in anguish;
The deeps also trembled.
¹⁷ The clouds poured out water;
The skies gave forth a sound;
Your arrows ^[k]flashed here and there.
¹⁸ The sound of Your thunder was in the whirlwind;
The lightnings lit up the world;
The earth trembled and shook.
¹⁹ Your way was in the sea
And Your paths in the mighty waters,
And Your footprints may not be known.
²⁰ You led Your people like a flock
By the hand of Moses and Aaron.

God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.

Psalm 46:1. Have you memorized it? I know this verse well, but I don't always remember it when I'm stressing over whatever issue is plaguing me at the moment... Tonight, the kids who come to W.o.W. are going to hear the story of King Nebuchadnezzar's dreams, and his impossible command to his wise men: Tell me what I dreamed, and then tell me what the dreams mean. Nobody could answer that, even if their lives depended on it! Turns out, their lives did depend on their answer, and a lot of "wise men" lost their lives because of the king's indignant response to their inability to answer him! Now that I think about it, "wise men" is an oxymoron Dr. Light can add to his list! If I asked you to tell me what I dreamed last night, you'd look at me like I was bonkers...
However, Daniel didn't balk at the command, or whine that it was impossible; he just asked for some time. Put yourself in his spot- you've asked for time before you have to answer an impossible question. What would you do? Run away? Cry? Hide under your bed? I can imagine doing all of those things. But Daniel gathered his friends together, and they prayed earnestly, requesting "compassion from the God of heaven concerning this mystery, so that Daniel and his friends would not be destroyed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon." (Dan 2:18)
God revealed the mystery to Daniel, in a "night vision," and Daniel responded by praising God! Sometimes when we pray, we don't even realize God answered our prayers. How often do we accept credit for answered prayers, or just ignore the fact that we even prayed about the situation at all? Do we stop to thank God for answering our prayers? Check out Daniel's praise in Daniel 2:20-23:

Then Daniel praised the God of heaven ²⁰ and said:

“Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; 
    wisdom and power are his.
²¹ He changes times and seasons; 
    he deposes kings and raises up others. 
He gives wisdom to the wise
    and knowledge to the discerning. 
²² He reveals deep and hidden things; 
    he knows what lies in darkness, 
    and light dwells with him.
²³ I thank and praise you, God of my ancestors: 
    You have given me wisdom and power,
you have made known to me what we asked of you,
    you have made known to us the dream of the king. ”

Daniel goes to see the king, and tells him that there is no man on earth who could tell him his dream and then interpret it, but "there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries," and Daniel tells the king what he dreamed and then interprets it. Daniel knew he should seek God before he attempted to do the impossible. Daniel gave credit to God before he answered the king. Then Daniel was given gifts and promoted to "ruler over the whole province of Babylon." Daniel remembered his friends who had been through so much alongside him, including praying with him about this pressing matter, and requested that the king promote them as well, and the king did.

We have to remember that when we face something tough, our hiding place isn't under our beds, but in our relationship with God! He is always, always, always there ready to help us when we face troubles of any kind. When (NOT IF) he answers, we need to remember to thank Him, and give God the glory!

Pray for me tonight as I attempt to share a pretty long chapter of Scripture that is pretty complex, with our kids, preschool - 6th grade. I love the simple structure of summer Wednesday nights, and the community that develops between kids of different ages in the church. It's not always easy to span the wide age range, but I am confident in the truth of Isaiah 55:11, reminding us that God's Word "will not return to Me empty, without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it." Whatever purpose God has for Daniel 2 tonight, I know the living word of God will accomplish it! It's a relief to know I don't have to worry about that. :) Grateful for my BIG GOD.

http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2008/06/fresh-green-beans-one-way/

Yum. Great, simple way to cook fresh green beans! (a nice deviation from the standard boiling or bundling)

We're having baked marinated chicken (lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, grated lemon rind, fresh rosemary) for supper, with corn on the cob and green beans! I love summertime and all the fresh veggies that Chris works so hard to provide for our family.

Happy 4th of July to you and yours; hope you're enjoying your family as much as we are tonight!

Amazing Wonders Aviation has been the sweetest VBS I can remember. I had the opportunity to teach recreation for two of the four days, and it was such a joy to get out there and interact with the kids! The weather was incredibly nice- especially Wednesday- this wonderful breeze blew almost continually and none of us could remember ever enjoying such a cool, comfortable VBS. A child who has been intensely angry and hateful warmed up and showed affection and love to some of us. This felt like a great victory!
We had an average of 75 children present- a small VBS relative to years past, when we generally averaged 100 and reached about 120 total kids. However, when Dr. Light shared the Gospel and gave the invitation, the entire front pew was filled with little ones who wanted to talk more about the most important message they had ever heard. Counselors spoke with about 12-15 kids, and of that number one child was assured of her last year's decision to accept God's gift of salvation and is preparing to join the church for baptism; another child prayed to accept Christ and is ready to join the church and be baptized; still another child prayed to receive Christ and will go home and talk to his parents and pastor (he's a grandson of one of our members); a little girl who lives locally and whose family occasionally attends another church was led to Christ by one of our own seventh graders. Her grandmother expressed an interest in visiting FBC, and was especially intrigued to hear about our children's programs! Three more children wanted to discuss the plan of salvation, and while they weren't quite ready to make that decision- they are tracking in the right direction! One of those kids- one of our own FBC little boys- spoke to one of our college students. Ironically, that college student was led to Christ at VBS years ago by the little boy's mother!
This year we had more of our own FBC kids come forward than I remember in previous years, which just added to the sweetness! It is always an exciting experience to share the Gospel and be a part of someone's salvation experience. Being used by God is our purpose as Christians! There's something really special about leading a child to Christ, however, that you know you'll have the opportunity to disciple!
Another sweet moment was receiving word that the students at Teen Challenge have been praying together for our VBS nightly. What a blessing to know they haven't just been attending worship services this month, but have been lifting up our kids and teachers in prayer. Some of the youth capitalized on the opportunity to encourage the Teen Challenge students by attending (and cheering maniacally) the Teen Challenge vs. UAB Selma Family Medicine doctors softball game on Wednesday night. Everyone had a great time, and the game was really close and exciting! Teen Challenge won, and all proceeds from admission and concessions went to Teen Challenge as well. Our youth enjoyed encouraging the team and showing them that FBC loves them! Just one more moment of sweetness this week.
Tonight, we'll gather together for FAMILY NIGHT~ a time of celebrating VBS week. Dr. Light will be teaching the Day 5 Bible study material. We'll enjoy a meal together, view a slideshow of pictures from the week, and see the kids' crafts on display! We hope you'll join us for a fun evening of fellowship. Be in prayer that the activities this evening glorify God and further the kingdom work we've begun this week in VBS. Pray also for the teachers and leaders to be committed to following up with all of the children who attended VBS this week. We have begun relationships with children in the name of Jesus, and we hope to see fruit in each of their lives to his glory!

1 Timothy 1:1-2

So I'm studying the Pastoral Letters this summer- 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus. We focused for a long time this past week on 1 Timothy 1:1-2. That's right- just the greeting. You wouldn't believe how much is packed into just those two little verses that you and I both probably skim through quickly to get to the good stuff.
The part I want to focus on in this blog post is not even a whole verse. Nope. Paul addresses his letter "To Timothy my true son in the faith:" That sentence fragment has a lot going on. I knew Timothy had a Jewish mom and a Greek dad. What I didn't understand until this week was the weight of that situation in Timothy's life. See, here he was in Ephesus, left there by Paul to minister to the church on his own, and his heritage resulted in people seeing him as an illegitimate child. He was biracial. The Jewish people haven't been too crazy about that situation either!
So Paul was confirming to Timothy and whoever else would be reading or hearing this letter, that while Timothy's earthly parents weren't what the Jews would consider legitimate, Paul was his father spiritually speaking. And let's face it, that give Timothy a ton of credibility- don't you think?!
Anyway- I love learning little things like this, and then reading the book over again with a new understanding. Just peeling back another layer!
Of course this brings me to 2012. I think we all sometimes feel like we aren't worthy, or we don't have the right background to teach and preach and share the Gospel, much less correct people in love who are saying something that isn't true... but this is a great reminder that no matter what our background or our family situations may be, God is our FATHER. Whatever he wants us to do for Him, He equips us to do. We should have no insecurities or fears, and we should turn to Him when we're too exhausted to go on, or fight anymore. Just like Paul bolstered Timothy in this letter, especially in addressing his fleshly "illegitimacy," when we bury our faces in the Word, God encourages us to go on and "fight the good fight" for the kingdom! :)
May you go on to do great things today for our Father!

Summer Fun at FBC (amended DATES!)

 

:) PLEASE NOTE: All Terrific Tuesday and 

Preschool Playdates require you to sign your 

child up at least TWO WEEKS before the 

actual event. Please don't let deadlines 

pass you by!!!

May 2012

29th: Terrific Tuesday: GO: Love God, Love Others at the Birmingham Zoo!
We will LEAVE FBC PARKING LOT at 7:45AM!!!
Cost: $20.00 (make check or cash payment to FBC in order to reserve your spot!)
This includes admission, educational program, feeding the lorikeets, carousel and train rides, and lunch!
Please send your child wearing sneakers and play clothes. We'll be doing a lot of walking and playing! Please no FLIP FLOPS or CROCS!
Send a dry change of clothes, because we are planning on playing in the fountains! Send your child with a snack and a drink for the ride home.
LABEL EVERYTHING!


June 2012

June 7th: Preschool Playdate goes to C.H.O.M!
Cost: TBA (We need 10 to receive the group rate!)
We will leave the FBC Parking Lot at 9am!
This Children's Hands On Museum has been a treat for years in Tuscaloosa!
On this trip we'll explore the Hospital, the Beaver's Bend, the Art Studio, Grandma's Attic (dress up clothes), and we'll make clay pots in the Indian Village!
Because most little ones are still riding in car seats, we'll take cars, and will need plenty of parents to chaperone!
Contact Tracy Stevens @ 412-5543 to volunteer!

June 12th: Terrific Tuesday: GO: Love God, Love Others at Lake Lurleen Park!
We will LEAVE FBC PARKING LOT at 8:30AM!!!
Cost: $5.00 (make check or cash payment to FBC in order to reserve your spot!)
This includes admission, paddleboats, hiking, playground, and beach/swimming!
There is a store where they sell candy, chips and drinks. We'll provide sandwiches!
Lifejackets are provided for boating.
There are showers available on the beach, so you can send shower items- we'll gladly give kids time to get clean!
Please send your child wearing a bathing suit under his or her clothes and sneakers. We'll hike when we first get there, THEN swim!
Send a dry change of clothes, towel, sunscreen, and money for snacks and drinks. We will also stop for a snow cone at SUMMER SNOW in Tuscaloosa!
Your child should be able to get one bag of chips, one drink and one candy item plus a snow cone for around $10.

June 18-22: Amazing Wonders Aviation Vacation Bible School
No Wednesday Night activities on June 20th! (VBS WEEK)


June 27th: W.o.W. kickoff party! 5:30-7pm

July 2012

July 16-19: Student Life for Kids Camp (registration is closed)

July 26th: Preschool Playdate goes to Valley Grande Walking Trail & Playground!
Cost: $3.00/person to offset pavilion rental (make check or cash payment to FBC in order to reserve your spot!)
Bring your bike! We'll meet at the Valley Grande Walking Trail (Head north on AL Hwy 22. Turn left onto Co. Rd. 16 by Valley Grande Baptist Church.)
12noon-2pm (Pack a picnic lunch!)
*We'll have a water cooler, popsicles, and a sprinkler to keep cool!
Drop your child off at noon, and pick up at 2pm - both at the park, not the church!

July 31st: Terrific Tuesday: GO: Love God, Love Others Surprise Trip!
Cost: $20
More info TBA...but only to the parents! ;)

August 2012

August 9th: Preschool Playdate
(info TBA)

August 29th: Goodbye Summer Party! 5:30pm-7pm

you. guyyyyyys. are. so. busted.

Ha! I'm on to you, men. Today, while I was cutting grass I realized that you secretly love cutting grass because it's nice and loud. That zero turn mower drowns out the rest of the world and I got to just think. As a busy homeschooling mama, college student and children's director I don't get a lot of really nice loud thinking time...most of my time is spent answering questions, talking and listening! SO today, while I was cutting grass I thought about stuff.

I thought about how much I like cutting grass. I like it, despite the fact that I am allergic to outside. So I sneeze my head off while I ride around (resulting in funny wiggles in my mowing pattern) but that's okay. I think what I like most about it is that my cutting grass means Chris has more time for gardening, and I know he loves the garden. Chris doesn't have a whole lot of free time, so if there are some things I can do to free him up to do something he loves, then that makes me happy. :) I can't go to work and do his job, but I can do some of the things he'd normally do around the house.

I thought about the laps I was making around the yard. Then I thought about how each lap affects the next lap. Then I thought about generations in families, and how each generation is kind of like a lap around the yard. Sometimes I cut the front yard separately from the back yard, but today I cut the whole yard in a great big giant lap. I started mowing against the trees and tall grass that are the largest lap around the entire yard. So the little turns and curves in the first lap become bigger and more defined with each new lap. Just like the yard, each little quirk or action in my life may become a more defined and pronounced habit or characteristic in my child's or grandchild's life... See, each new generation has the example of their parents and grandparents to pattern their lap around this "yard" we call life. So the lap you're making affects the laps of generations to come! That's kind of a big thing for me to think, and try to grasp, and it just gets bigger...because those family members who made their own laps before me shaped me, too! Their influence goes on through my life and my children's lives.

You know- if we have one lap to make a difference in this world, and just that one lap, how can we live it in any manner except one that brings glory to God? Just this week I had an opportunity to encourage someone with Colossians 3. I'd like to pass it on to you now (um, if anybody out there is reading this blog?) in closing my thoughts on the zero turn today. :) This is my prayer as I'm working on my lap around this yard...

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." Colossians 3:15-17

VBS workers... we're almost THERE!

I love this church.

Sunday I mentioned that we still need workers for VBS. Two days later, I'm happy to report that there are just three teaching positions still vacant! I've attached the list here, so you can take a look and see where you'd like to help, and also so you can peruse over the list of incredible volunteers! I love that our VBS workers range in age from kids barely in double digit ages up to ladies in their 70s! (Shh, we won't tell who...)

Like I said, I love this church. Mention a need, and this body of believers jumps on it. Thank you for making this a really great Tuesday!

VBS 2012 : Amazing Wonders Aviation!

JUNE 18-22, 2012 (9am-Noon)

Bible Study:
(8:50am- assemble kids in parking lot, 9am- worship rally, TEACH 9:30-10am, walk kids to each rotation, 11:30am- worship rally)

preK: ______________________________(Judy Reed Thurs only)
Kindergarten: _Nancy Creech            _(helper: Hunter Webster)________
1^st Grade: ____Gail Browning                          
2^nd Grade: Tory Jones & Kerri Chappelle__________________________
3^rd Grade: Annette Chittom & Meredith Johnson_____________
4^th/5^th Grade: Claire Ralston & Jean Pearson______________________
6^th Grade: Janie Mothershed__________

Missions:
(Two age groups; teacher for younger kids will teach two 20-minute sessions; teacher for older kids will teach four 20-minute sessions)

preK & Kindergarten: __________________________________
1^st-4^th/5^th Grades:  Suzanne Smith               

Music:
(Two age groups; teacher for younger kids will teach two 20-minute sessions; teacher for older kids will teach four 20-minute sessions)

preK & Kindergarten: Rosemary Trawick & Kitty Cosby (helper: Hannah Creech)_
1^st-4^th/5^th Grades: Rebecca Hastings & (helpers: Annie Speed &______________)_

Recreation:
(Two age groups; teacher for younger kids will teach two 20-minute sessions; teacher for older kids will teach four 20-minute sessions)

preK & Kindergarten: Ashley Moore (helpers: Olivia Watts, Haylee Grace Bone, Grace Robbins & Kamryn Chappelle)
1^st-4^th/5^th Grades: Tracy Stevens (Mon/Wed) & Dori Norris (Tues/Thurs) (helpers: Mac Beers & Ryan Stokes!)

Crafts:
(Two age groups; teacher for younger kids will teach two 20-minute sessions; teacher for older kids will teach four 20-minute sessions)

preK & Kindergarten: ____________    (helper: Anna Claire McMillan)
1^st-4^th/5^th Grades: __________________(helper: Lauren Thomas)

Worship Rally: Catherine Thomas_______________________________________
Worship Team: Hannah Creech,______________________________

Nursery:
Eloise Anderson, Helen Neighbors______________________________________

Friday Night Team:
(Decorating, Preparing food, Organizing volunteers)
Debbie Welch, Peggy Coffee, Marion Frasier _____________________________

***Harriett Teel has volunteered; just hasn't been placed yet***

Snacks:
(All day, Monday-Thursday; Friday evening)

Joan Seibel, Sybil Mott, (one of Sybil’s friends?), Jo Hise, Liz Jones

VBS COMMITTEE:
Tracy Stevens, Nancy Creech, Catherine Thomas

Hannah Creech, Bethany Keel, Haylee Grace Bone, Olivia Watts, Hunter Webster, & Jerry Light, Jr.

If time is money, we oughta be crawling with volunteers!

As the VBS committee attempts to find volunteers for this summer's "Amazing Wonders Aviation" I'm reflecting on all the times I've asked people to help with different things over the years. In just the past two years, First Baptist Church of Selma has provided Bibles for a group of third grade public school kids none of us knew... paid off the entire loan amount to renovate a building that desperately needed serious help...provided my family with a beautiful place to live for three months when our house burned...pressed money into my hands and my husband's hands in that time of need...gave scholarships to children and youth who wanted to participate in camps and special weekends...gave generously to Annie Armstrong and Lottie Moon offerings...provided snacks, meals and housing for speakers and bands for different children's ministry and youth ministry events...and many more things and times and situations that I don't know anything about, because that's just how this precious church works. We are a giving body of Christ.
The phrase "time is money" is often credited to Benjamin Franklin, as he wrote in Advice to a Young Tradesman in 1748, "Remember that time is money. He that idly loses five shillings' worth of time loses five shillings, and might as prudently throw five shillings into the sea." However, the phrase was used decades earlier, in a periodical called "The Free Thinker" "I remember to have heard of a notable Woman, who was thoroughly sensible of the intrinsick Value of Time: Her Husband was a Shoe-maker, and an excellent Craftsman; but never minded how the minutes passed. In vain did his Wife inculcate to him, That Time is Money: He had too much Wit to apprehend her; and he cursed the Parish-Clock, every Night; which at last brough him to his Ruin;"
Regardless of where the phrase originated, IF time is money, then our church should be crawling with volunteers, right? ........then why is it so difficult for us to fill the remaining spots for VBS teachers? I know a lot of the reason is many women who previously stayed at home, even if only during the summer, have taken on part-time or full-time jobs. Maybe another reason is that those who have taught VBS for a zillion years are just tired, okay, exhausted and burned out? Maybe some people just don't see the value in Vacation Bible School, and feel like it's a waste of time and money? Maybe you didn't know we still didn't have enough workers? Maybe some people would just rather stay home that week...
Whatever the reason, we're playing with the idea that maybe we need to move VBS to evenings in order to accomodate working mamas and daddies so we'd have more workers, but I sure hate to do that. Maybe I'm old fashioned, but I just love rounding the kids up in the parking lot in the mornings and being finished by lunchtime every day! My family loves going to the pool every day after VBS, and that's a tradition we'd really miss if we end up having to move it to evenings... We have planned to have a family night on Friday, so if you're one of those people who would love to help, but have to work during the day, there's an opportunity for you to serve!
Now don't get me wrong- we have some incredible volunteers! I'm so thankful for our nursery workers, Sunday school teachers, regular Disciple Now host homes, children's church teachers, etc! One sweet lady takes a WEEK off of work just to help with VBS! Not only that, she even found her own helper, talked to her about working together, and then let me know. I could KISS her! :) Then there are Claire Ralston and Jean Pearson- grandmamas who team teach happily every year. I'm grateful for those who "give with a cheerful heart" of their time, just as so many cheerfully give their money when a need arises.
Below you'll see our teaching team, and the spots that are still vacant. Please take a look, and if you feel led to fill in one of those empty spaces, please let me know! I know we'll have all of our workers for VBS. Teaching kids the truth of the gospel is a vital opportunity to impact our community and our own children. We average over 100 kids every year. Vacation Bible School is the largest evangelistic effort our church undertakes in the course of a year! If you feel like I do, that it is a blessing to share the Truth this summer with precious children, I know you'll volunteer to join the team!

Amazing Wonders Aviation: "Our Lord is great, vast in power; His understanding is infinite." Psalm 147:5

Bible Study Teachers:
preK
Kindergarten
1st Grade
2nd Grade: Tory Jones & Kerri Chappelle
3rd Grade: Annette Chittom & Meredith Johnson
4th/5th Grade: Jean Pearson & Claire Ralston
6th Grade: Janie Mothershed

Missions:
preK-Kindergarten
1st-5th Grade

Music:
preK-Kindergarten: Rosemary Traywick & Kitty Cosby
1st-5th Grade: Rebecca Hastings

Crafts:
preK-Kindergarten
1st-5th Grade

Recreation:
preK-Kindergarten: Ashley Moore (with helpers Grace Robbins & Kamryn Chappelle)
1st-5th Grade: Dori Norris & Tracy Stevens

Snacks:
Joan Seibel, Carrie Colvin, Jo Hise, Nancy Creech

Worship Rally coordinator:
Catherine Thomas

Friday Night Team:

Resurrection cookies!

This is my family's favorite annual tradition. Over the years, we've tried lots of stuff once- but this one stuck. It's been sweet as the kids grow up to have them begin to read the corresponding Scripture with each step of the recipe, and to take over a lot of the process of actually making the cookies. We enjoy resurrection cookies for breakfast every Easter, and I don't know what we'd do without them anymore!
This fantastic way to discuss and experience the Easter story is sure to become a favorite in your home as well!!

http://www.kintera.org/atf/cf/%7B8E975F2E-4C1C-4315-AAFF-34A97EB367B5%7D/Resurrection_Cookies.pdf

Suppertime...as it should be!

Tonight was one of those rare, but perfect supper times in the Stevens household. We're just like every other family, racing around in a million different directions, getting our kids to all of their extracurricular activities, because we're making sure they're well-rounded (maybe we should toss them out in the yard to play in the dirt...I kinda think so every year about this time!) and feeling exhausted and forever short on time... (okay, so if that's not your family, you don't have to tell me and make me feel bad!)
But tonight, time stood still and Chris and I cooked supper together while the girls finished up their schoolwork for the day. Chris cut up a beautiful salad for us, and I worked on our main course. Grace read six chapters of I, Juan while Ruth worked on her spelling and grammar lessons. George was bugging the stew out of both of them until I finally thought to ask for his help. Now George is 5 years old, and he does a great job taking out the trash and feeding the dogs. Okay, sometimes he feeds the dogs... But you see, George has two big sisters who hover over him, especially Ruth. He doesn't do much without the luxury of lots and lots of "help" at every turn. So when I asked him to help me cook, wash the dirty dishes, and straighten up the kitchen (who knew we had so many pairs of shoes...could there be another family of five secretly living here and leaving their shoes everywhere???), George just lit right up. He pulled off his shirt, and stood on the step-stool over the sink for a really long time, making sure every dish was perfectly clean. It was all Ruth could do to finish her schoolwork. She wanted to get out of her chair so badly to help George she couldn't stand it! But everyone, with a great attitude (no really, this time I'm not being sarcastic), was doing just fine and I explained to Ruth that she couldn't help him with everything, and if we helped him all the time he wouldn't be able to do anything! She relaxed and finished her work, so I sent her upstairs to swap over the laundry (you know, dry stuff out of the dryer, wet stuff in the dryer, dirty stuff in the washing machine- yes, I make the girls do laundry. They're still alive, too! Even George does some swapping, but we don't let him start the washing machine just yet...can't you see George and a huge container of liquid laundry detergent...but I digress.) When I finished up the spaghetti (yes, that's our go-to meal...pretty sure we eat it once a week!) and started to dish up the plates, I put Ruth in charge of applying sauce on top of noodles. She couldn't believe it, and was thrilled with her new responsibility. George proudly carried bowls to the table, and Ruth helped me fix everyone's drink. (Grace was still reading at this point, and we eventually convinced her to join us.) As we took each other's hands, and Chris said the blessing, I thought about how many moms feel like they have to do it all alone. Ladies, listen up- even the littlest one can be a HUGE help during mealtime, and the confidence oozing from your child as you bestow upon them the highest of responsibilities is a beautiful thing! Lord, help me to remember tonight when I consider shooing the kids out of the kitchen so I can do things "my way"... After dinner, everyone helped to clear the table, Grace finished her reading, Ruth skipped off to finish math with Daddy, and I cleaned the counters while George jumped back on his step-stool to make sure no dish was left dirty, no not one.
I'm sitting here in my kitchen now, so thankful for my precious family, and for this wonderful evening we spent together while time stood still.

Good clean fun

Mercy me. Hilarious. Thank you Rivers Brunson for sharing this gem on Facebook!!

Everyone must go to YouTube. Search "cover tune grab bag" and I promise you won't be disappointed. :)

Summer Fun at FBC!

I had a whole morning all by myself yesterday, so I planned our summer children's ministry events! I love being outside (even in the hot hot sun) with kids. I love enjoying God's beautiful creation with them! I'm as guilty as the next mom of having my kids cooped up in the house way too much, allowing them to watch tv and play video games, etc. Every kid I know has a cell phone, and I'm as bad as they are about staring at it, communicating with people who aren't with me, when there are people God has put physically in my presence that I'm ignoring! Ugh! So let's all make a pact- let's kick all our kids, and even ourselves sometimes, OUTSIDE! Let's make them play outside and dig in the dirt and get absolutely filthy, and then hose them off. Let's push them out the door to play in the yard with a stick, and just be kids, so we can actually get the house clean...and then let's calmly decide not to get mad when they track all that fun back inside on the floors we just mopped. Let's just let our kids be kids this summer. I hope you're looking forward to the fun stuff we've got going on for your sweet babies at FBC; I know I am! When they're not getting dirty playing outside with me, shove them in the back yard. Love y'all!


tracy


 

:)






May 2012

29th: Terrific Tuesday: GO: Love God, Love Others at the Birmingham Zoo!
We will LEAVE FBC PARKING LOT at 7:45AM!!!
Cost: $20.00 (make check or cash payment to FBC in order to reserve your spot!)
This includes admission, educational program, feeding the lorikeets, carousel and train rides, and lunch!
Please send your child wearing sneakers and play clothes. We'll be doing a lot of walking and playing! Please no FLIP FLOPS or CROCS!
Send a dry change of clothes, because we are planning on playing in the fountains! Send your child with a snack and a drink for the ride home.
LABEL EVERYTHING!

June 2012
No Wednesday Night activities on June 20th!

June 7th: Preschool Playdate goes to C.H.O.M!
detailed information TBA
This Children's Hands On Museum has been a treat for years in Tuscaloosa!
Because most little ones are still riding in car seats, we'll take cars, and will need plenty of parents to chaperone!
Contact Tracy Stevens @ 412-5543 to volunteer!

June 18-22: Amazing Wonders Aviation Vacation Bible School

June 26th: Terrific Tuesday: GO: Love God, Love Others at Lake Lurleen Park!
We will LEAVE FBC PARKING LOT at 8:30AM!!!
Cost: $5.00 (make check or cash payment to FBC in order to reserve your spot!)
This includes admission, paddleboats, hiking, playground, and beach/swimming!
There is a store where they sell candy, chips and drinks. We'll provide sandwiches!
Lifejackets are provided for boating.
There are showers available on the beach, so you can send shower items- we'll gladly give kids time to get clean!
Please send your child wearing a bathing suit under his or her clothes and sneakers. We'll hike when we first get there, THEN swim!
Send a dry change of clothes, towel, sunscreen, and money for snacks and drinks. We will also stop for a snow cone at SUMMER SNOW in Tuscaloosa!
Your child should be able to get one bag of chips, one drink and one candy item plus a snow cone for around $10.

June 27th: W.o.W. kickoff party! 5:30-7pm

July 2012

July 16-19: Student Life for Kids Camp (there are still some spots left! parent volunteers needed to chaperone!)

July 26th: Preschool Playdate goes to Valley Grande Walking Trail & Playground!
Cost: $3.00/person to offset pavilion rental (make check or cash payment to FBC in order to reserve your spot!)
Bring your bike! We'll meet at the Valley Grande Walking Trail (Head north on AL Hwy 22. Turn left onto Co. Rd. 16 by Valley Grande Baptist Church.)
12noon-2pm (Pack a picnic lunch!)
*We'll have a water cooler, popsicles, and a sprinkler to keep cool!
Drop your child off at noon, and pick up at 2pm - both at the park, not the church!

July 31st: Terrific Tuesday: GO: Love God, Love Others Surprise Trip!
Cost: $20
More info TBA...

August 2012

August 9th: Preschool Playdate
(info TBA)

August 29th: Goodbye Summer Party! 5:30pm-7pm

Oh, Accountability, How I Love You...

Okay, Spivey has officially thrown my blog out there on the Children's Ministry website, so I feel like I need to blog more often. Ha.

Blog blog blog...

I feel I should share this blog with you, in case mine are too boring- you can be entertained by Bethany! hiiambethany.wordpress.com

Summer planning is really heating up, so keep your eyes peeled for events for your preschoolers and children AND YOUTH this summer at FBC!

Student Life for Kids Camp (BIG)
Terrific Tuesdays
Preschool Playdates
Vacation Bible School (Amazing Wonders Aviation!)
Wednesday Nights (Babylon- Daniel's Courage in Captivity)
and more...

Science & Scripture

This week, Grace started a Science project using a "TOPS" book. Teachers, you may be familiar with this series of Science books. If you're not, you might want to be! There are great, simple illustrations and easy to follow "comic strip style" step by step instructions. There is a teacher's page right alongside the child's page that goes into more depth. We are growing radishes all over our kitchen table, in a variety of experimental conditions.
There are radish seeds in our makeshift greenhouse (a cardboard milk carton, slit on the side, with a damp paper towel as a bed. We've watched little packages of energy go from closed seed coat to sprouts! Sprouts are beautiful little creations, beginning with the radicle peeking through, and emerging with root tips, cotyledons, hypocotyls and root hairs! The sprouts have been moved from their little greenhouse into several different environments: soil inside airtight, darkened containers- allowing no light or fresh oxygen inside; containers that expose the sprouts to light, air, and warmth; containers with tight living conditions, and some with plenty of room to spare.
There are seeds that bypassed the gentle environment of the greenhouse, and were plunged underwater. Some are clinging perilously to the side of a damp paper towel. Some are lying in a dry jar lid. Others are safely sealed inside plastic wrap, snuggled against a moist paper towel. Still other seeds are waiting their turn patiently in the bowl, wondering when they'll have their chance to sprout.
All of this sprouting and changing up of environments made me think of the Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13) and how the Word of God will take root in our hearts, given the right environment. Everyone has a soul, sealed up and packed with potential, like the little seeds waiting in the bowl. Once exposed to warmth, oxygen and water, a radicle bursts out of each little seed coat. Given the right environment, the seeds grow quickly and develop at their own pace. When transplanted from the comfortable safety of the greenhouse, some sprouts will fare well, while others wither and die.
We contain our own little seeds in the greenhouse for a little while, and it is vital that we provide them with necessary components to see them sprout! Our childrens' spirits need Truth and Love and Discipleship, just like seeds need Oxygen, Warmth and Water. The greenhouse of home and the church must provide sound Biblical teaching (Truth), an overabundance of Love, and relationships with more mature believers (Discipleship) in order to ensure that our little sprouts go out into the world and thrive, spreading the Gospel and creating their own greenhouses for their own little seeds in time!

Father,
Please guide us as parents in our homes, and as teachers in our churches, to provide the necessary components for each little seed You have entrusted to our care! Lord, I want to see them sprout and grow and become strong enough to cling perilously to YOU in the face of this world. I pray for this generation, and for the generations to come, that they would honor and glorify You, and that their deepest sense of purpose comes from the desire to lift high the Name of Jesus! Help us to be gentle with our little seeds and sprouts in the greenhouse, and to fill them to the brim with your Truth, your Love, and Discipleship. I love You, Lord! Amen.