As a mom, sometimes I stop for just a second to think. Sometimes. Meaning really rarely... and this is an important step in parenting we need to incorporate into our days more often than we do! We're all busy, and it's so easy to get caught in the rut of getting up, getting busy, driving the mom-taxi, getting home, feeding people, and crashing, isn't it? Sleep (less than we ought to), get up, repeat!
Today, I have been pondering what I am putting into my kids, not just what I am putting my kids into. Sure they attend church, piano lessons and voice lessons, gymnastics, dance, various sports; those are things we put our kids into. But what am I putting INTO my kids. What am I speaking into their hearts and heads, and what am I putting into them through my actions?
Scripture tells us that as we are going, we should be constantly teaching our children about the word of God. I'm not sure why that's one of the easier things to put on the back burner in this world we live in, but it's definitely something that will fall out of the daily grind if we aren't focused on purposefully sharing truth with our children daily!
Our Sunday school class is studying a book on marriage, and Douglas Wilson points out that the marriage is the center of the family; when we care for our marriage, the family is healthier. Similarly, when we care for our bodies, our health flourishes. In this same pattern, when I as a Christian spend time in the Word of God alone, my parenting is much more effective!
Today, I'm praying that you as a parent are spending purposeful time in the Word, and that it is carrying over into your parenting. I am praying that you avoid the trap of seeing the world as the standard, and choose holiness as the standard for your family. I'm praying that you are sharing the truth of God's Word as you are going along throughout the day with your children. Mostly, I am praying all these things over my family and myself as well, because these are the struggles we have too.
Father, help me make my time with you a priority, even when there are a million things tugging at my mind and children tugging at my shirt. Remind me daily- even moment by moment- that sharing your truth with my children is more important than anything else I might have planned. Lord, help us to look to Jesus as our standard and not the world. Help us to open our eyes to the sin around us and the sin we are choosing to live in, and convict us so we may repent. We love you Lord, and we want to honor you in all we do and say and with all we are! Thank you for the mercy and grace You extended to us when You sent your only Son Jesus to die on the cross so that we might be restored to you in a relationship of love! I pray this for moms and dads and families across Selma, Alabama, the United States and this whole big world of yours, and I pray this for my own little family and for me. In Jesus' Name I pray, amen.
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Monday, July 15, 2013
What does it mean when you say you're a "Baptist"?
Today I picked up a book for $10. The title is something like "Religions in 30 seconds" and the basic premise is the book is full of explanations that will take you 30 seconds to read. So all these religions are described in the book. Here are a few things that surprised me:
1. There wasn't just a page for Christianity. There are like...20. Because they divided it all up. I guess I thought that was kinda weird, but I suppose we have brought that on ourselves by dividing ourselves into a gazillion denominations...
2. The page about Baptist Christians said we only allow adults to be baptized. What?
3.They did kinda get the whole "believer's baptism" explanation right. Almost. There were definitely a few discrepancies.
Now, ordinarily, I wouldn't have bought the book. But it made me think... if they didn't get Baptist Christians right, I really don't trust the book to have any other religion descriptions right either. I just bought it to use it for a children's sermon sometime. :)
How many people around you have you spoken to about your faith? Would they say they have a good understanding of the Baptist faith, because they're your friends and you have clearly shared with them about your faith and why you chose to attend a Baptist church? For that matter, do you have a good understanding of the Baptist Faith and Message, our doctrinal statement of what we believe as a denomination? Perhaps it isn't really that important to you. I know it wasn't to me until I started taking classes like Baptist History! I am more and more thankful for our organizational committees and our foundational statement of faith as I grow older each year. There is definitely not a perfect church ANYWHERE. And there won't be until Jesus returns! We don't have to strive to be perfect either- the best things we can do as a church is to first love Go, then love each other and our community!
God bless you as you go about your business this week. I am praying for our church family this week, and for those around us. God open our eyes and help us to minister to those in our paths. Help us to open our mouths and share the gospel in love. We love you, Lord, and are so very thankful for Jesus!
tracy
1. There wasn't just a page for Christianity. There are like...20. Because they divided it all up. I guess I thought that was kinda weird, but I suppose we have brought that on ourselves by dividing ourselves into a gazillion denominations...
2. The page about Baptist Christians said we only allow adults to be baptized. What?
3.They did kinda get the whole "believer's baptism" explanation right. Almost. There were definitely a few discrepancies.
Now, ordinarily, I wouldn't have bought the book. But it made me think... if they didn't get Baptist Christians right, I really don't trust the book to have any other religion descriptions right either. I just bought it to use it for a children's sermon sometime. :)
How many people around you have you spoken to about your faith? Would they say they have a good understanding of the Baptist faith, because they're your friends and you have clearly shared with them about your faith and why you chose to attend a Baptist church? For that matter, do you have a good understanding of the Baptist Faith and Message, our doctrinal statement of what we believe as a denomination? Perhaps it isn't really that important to you. I know it wasn't to me until I started taking classes like Baptist History! I am more and more thankful for our organizational committees and our foundational statement of faith as I grow older each year. There is definitely not a perfect church ANYWHERE. And there won't be until Jesus returns! We don't have to strive to be perfect either- the best things we can do as a church is to first love Go, then love each other and our community!
God bless you as you go about your business this week. I am praying for our church family this week, and for those around us. God open our eyes and help us to minister to those in our paths. Help us to open our mouths and share the gospel in love. We love you, Lord, and are so very thankful for Jesus!
tracy
Friday, May 3, 2013
May 2nd, 2013
While I should definitely be writing papers and wrapping up school assignments, I just have to share this first... tonight I watched as the Holy Spirit spoke to the heart of a precious young man, and held his hand as he accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior! Tonight, I witnessed parents sharing the testimony of their own stories of accepting Christ with their son. Tonight, I watched one of our Bible drillers flip effortlessly to passages in the Bible because he has worked hard to learn where to find the books of the Bible. Tonight, the last passage I asked him to find, he opened right to the exact page where the verses he was asked to read were located. THAT was cool.
This family's story will be shared when they're ready, and this young man will be the one to tell you that he has committed his life to the Lord. So don't ask. I'm not telling. :) You won't have to wait long! But I am reflecting on a really special evening, and wanted to encourage every family with little ones to follow this family's lead on a few things:
1. Bring your kids to church.
This child knows a lot about the Bible, his Savior, and God's love. This is due of course to his parents' faith and the discussions in their homes, cars and around the table. But this is a family that is faithful to attend church and ensure that their kids are participating. The world is throwing enough garbage at our kids, and we need all the help we can get. Let's encourage each other to get our kids in church and keep them there. Let's also encourage each other by teaching, loving and directing each other's kids to the Truth. Will you join me in pointing our church family's children to the Word of God?
2. Pray with and for your kids.
As soon as we said AMEN, this young man's daddy was wrapping him in a bear hug, and reminding his son that he has been praying for this day, this decision, this most important moment! This family prays together around the dinner table, for the meal and for those around them who need a healing touch from the Lord. I bet if you attend our church and have been sick or hurting, they have lifted you up in prayer! Teaching your children to pray is so important! We are teaching children how to communicate with our awesome God, and we are teaching them that prayer works, that God answers prayer, and that He loves us and listens to us!
3. Share the gospel, and don't quit ever!
Accepting Christ is something we all want for our kids, but it isn't the end. It's the beginning! Now that this young man has dedicated his life to serving Jesus, it is our job to surround him with discipleship, prayer, love and support! Each child who accepts Christ (and adult too!) needs continued discipleship, and as a church family, we should provide it! The gospel isn't something we learn to be saved and move on. The gospel is IT. We never move on from the gospel and we should never tire of hearing about it! If you haven't shared the gospel with someone lately, look no further than home! Tell it to your kids, have them tell it back to you! We should know it so well, it slides seamlessly into conversations so we are able to lead others to Christ! This family has had repeated conversations with their son over the past year especially, since he started expressing an interest in the gospel and how it related directly to his life.
Chris shared the gospel from his heart on Sunday morning during the children's sermon. He wasn't supposed to do it that morning, and he had a completely different object lesson and message prepared, but he was obedient to the Lord and just shared the gospel. I have a cd now of my sweet husband sharing the gospel, and I can't think of anything in the world more valuable! Listening to it today brought me to tears and I am thankful that my children can cherish their daddy's voice speaking the most important message EVER long after we are gone! Can you think of anything better than that?!
4. Support each other.
Parenting is hard, scary, and wonderful all at the same time! We all need encouragement. We all need to hold somebody's hand sometimes and reassure them that it's going to be alright. We all need to be the recipient of that encouragement from time to time too! Find a way to encourage another mom or dad (maybe your spouse!) in love and in friendship. Do you have a friend you can call and pray with over the phone? I am so grateful for friends that will pray with and for me and with and for my kids! BE that friend. I'm thankful for this family, and for their role in my life in adjusting when we moved to Selma, welcoming us to First Baptist Church, and loving me like family. When I pulled up today at their house, their kids were having a great time outside and all waved to us like they hadn't seen us in forever! The love in this family is contagious and sweet. Teach your kids to love others like family, too!I am so proud to know this family that puts an emphasis on prayer, church and family! I know you will be too! Welcome to the Family, little brother!
*On that note, I would like to invite you ALL to our couples Sunday school class. This isn't a scary Bible drill kind of class. Nobody is going to quiz you on your Bible knowledge. This is a group of moms, dads, husbands, wives, and friends who genuinely love each other! You don't have to come as a pair, and several of us attend on our own. It's no big deal! Chris does a pretty good job teaching us, if I do say so myself. He is open to discussion but never puts anyone on the spot, and the mood in class is laid back. There is always coffee, which of course I love. :) Please join us Sunday mornings in room 217 in the building across from the sanctuary! We are supposed to start around 9:30 but we all understand running crazy on a Sunday morning trying to get kids to church, and don't usually get going until closer to 9:45 or even 10 some days!
This family's story will be shared when they're ready, and this young man will be the one to tell you that he has committed his life to the Lord. So don't ask. I'm not telling. :) You won't have to wait long! But I am reflecting on a really special evening, and wanted to encourage every family with little ones to follow this family's lead on a few things:
1. Bring your kids to church.
This child knows a lot about the Bible, his Savior, and God's love. This is due of course to his parents' faith and the discussions in their homes, cars and around the table. But this is a family that is faithful to attend church and ensure that their kids are participating. The world is throwing enough garbage at our kids, and we need all the help we can get. Let's encourage each other to get our kids in church and keep them there. Let's also encourage each other by teaching, loving and directing each other's kids to the Truth. Will you join me in pointing our church family's children to the Word of God?
2. Pray with and for your kids.
As soon as we said AMEN, this young man's daddy was wrapping him in a bear hug, and reminding his son that he has been praying for this day, this decision, this most important moment! This family prays together around the dinner table, for the meal and for those around them who need a healing touch from the Lord. I bet if you attend our church and have been sick or hurting, they have lifted you up in prayer! Teaching your children to pray is so important! We are teaching children how to communicate with our awesome God, and we are teaching them that prayer works, that God answers prayer, and that He loves us and listens to us!
3. Share the gospel, and don't quit ever!
Accepting Christ is something we all want for our kids, but it isn't the end. It's the beginning! Now that this young man has dedicated his life to serving Jesus, it is our job to surround him with discipleship, prayer, love and support! Each child who accepts Christ (and adult too!) needs continued discipleship, and as a church family, we should provide it! The gospel isn't something we learn to be saved and move on. The gospel is IT. We never move on from the gospel and we should never tire of hearing about it! If you haven't shared the gospel with someone lately, look no further than home! Tell it to your kids, have them tell it back to you! We should know it so well, it slides seamlessly into conversations so we are able to lead others to Christ! This family has had repeated conversations with their son over the past year especially, since he started expressing an interest in the gospel and how it related directly to his life.
Chris shared the gospel from his heart on Sunday morning during the children's sermon. He wasn't supposed to do it that morning, and he had a completely different object lesson and message prepared, but he was obedient to the Lord and just shared the gospel. I have a cd now of my sweet husband sharing the gospel, and I can't think of anything in the world more valuable! Listening to it today brought me to tears and I am thankful that my children can cherish their daddy's voice speaking the most important message EVER long after we are gone! Can you think of anything better than that?!
4. Support each other.
Parenting is hard, scary, and wonderful all at the same time! We all need encouragement. We all need to hold somebody's hand sometimes and reassure them that it's going to be alright. We all need to be the recipient of that encouragement from time to time too! Find a way to encourage another mom or dad (maybe your spouse!) in love and in friendship. Do you have a friend you can call and pray with over the phone? I am so grateful for friends that will pray with and for me and with and for my kids! BE that friend. I'm thankful for this family, and for their role in my life in adjusting when we moved to Selma, welcoming us to First Baptist Church, and loving me like family. When I pulled up today at their house, their kids were having a great time outside and all waved to us like they hadn't seen us in forever! The love in this family is contagious and sweet. Teach your kids to love others like family, too!I am so proud to know this family that puts an emphasis on prayer, church and family! I know you will be too! Welcome to the Family, little brother!
*On that note, I would like to invite you ALL to our couples Sunday school class. This isn't a scary Bible drill kind of class. Nobody is going to quiz you on your Bible knowledge. This is a group of moms, dads, husbands, wives, and friends who genuinely love each other! You don't have to come as a pair, and several of us attend on our own. It's no big deal! Chris does a pretty good job teaching us, if I do say so myself. He is open to discussion but never puts anyone on the spot, and the mood in class is laid back. There is always coffee, which of course I love. :) Please join us Sunday mornings in room 217 in the building across from the sanctuary! We are supposed to start around 9:30 but we all understand running crazy on a Sunday morning trying to get kids to church, and don't usually get going until closer to 9:45 or even 10 some days!
Thursday, March 7, 2013
parenting articles
Hi!
Here are a couple articles I read tonight. Thought I'd share. What do you think?
The first one is about "reality parenting" and I like the idea of letting kids realize the consequences of their actions and decisions.
http://www.focusonthefamily.com/parenting/effective_biblical_discipline/why_kids_misbehave/the_wonders_of_reality_discipline.aspx
The second article hits close to home, because it's about the issue of an "over connected" family. We all have cell phones, and have easy access to social networking, text messages and phone calls. It's a good reminder that we need to set limits and set aside protected family time!
http://www.focusonthefamily.com/parenting/effective_biblical_discipline/why_kids_misbehave/the_wonders_of_reality_discipline.aspx
Here are a couple articles I read tonight. Thought I'd share. What do you think?
The first one is about "reality parenting" and I like the idea of letting kids realize the consequences of their actions and decisions.
http://www.focusonthefamily.com/parenting/effective_biblical_discipline/why_kids_misbehave/the_wonders_of_reality_discipline.aspx
The second article hits close to home, because it's about the issue of an "over connected" family. We all have cell phones, and have easy access to social networking, text messages and phone calls. It's a good reminder that we need to set limits and set aside protected family time!
http://www.focusonthefamily.com/parenting/effective_biblical_discipline/why_kids_misbehave/the_wonders_of_reality_discipline.aspx
Two Terrific Tuesdays
Okay folks!
There will be only TWO Terrific Tuesdays this summer! Terrific Tuesdays are for kids who will complete Kindergarten this May through kids completing 4th grade this May. Cast your votes for where we should go! So far I'm planning a Tuscaloosa trip (Children's Hands On Museum, the park with sprinklers, and of course Summer Snow for a snow cone!). Where else do y'all wanna go???
There will be only TWO Terrific Tuesdays this summer! Terrific Tuesdays are for kids who will complete Kindergarten this May through kids completing 4th grade this May. Cast your votes for where we should go! So far I'm planning a Tuscaloosa trip (Children's Hands On Museum, the park with sprinklers, and of course Summer Snow for a snow cone!). Where else do y'all wanna go???
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
DANCE YOUR SHOES OFF SELMA!
I am ridiculously excited about this upcoming event! If you want to know why, go to youtube, and type in "second baptist church houston dance your shoes off" and watch the video. Wow.
Now...imagine it all happening like that at Bloch Park, inside the walking trail. Then, get excited, because it's GONNA HAPPEN at Bloch Park on April 17th, at 6pm. Even more exciting- YOU are gonna be one of those dancers! :)
We are dancing our shoes off, and donating them to Soles 4 Souls and Pine Glen Ministries. This donation is two-fold because we want to have a local impact as well as a global impact, for Christ! But this is bigger than just donating shoes, because we're also spending an evening together as a community, enjoying each other and glorifying our awesome Savior, Jesus Christ! There are already about 8 churches involved, and several other organizations in the community. Any individual is invited to come too, and we want you to invite your churches, schools, businesses, clubs, etc!
Stuff we still need: lots of photographers and videographers, bottled water, shoes, dancers!
Please visit www.danceyourshoesoffselma.com and also our facebook page: Dance Your Shoes Off Selma for more information. You can also register online.
T-shirts are available for order as well! The proceeds from the sale of shirts go directly to Pine Glen Ministries! Download and print your order form right from the website!
Now...imagine it all happening like that at Bloch Park, inside the walking trail. Then, get excited, because it's GONNA HAPPEN at Bloch Park on April 17th, at 6pm. Even more exciting- YOU are gonna be one of those dancers! :)
We are dancing our shoes off, and donating them to Soles 4 Souls and Pine Glen Ministries. This donation is two-fold because we want to have a local impact as well as a global impact, for Christ! But this is bigger than just donating shoes, because we're also spending an evening together as a community, enjoying each other and glorifying our awesome Savior, Jesus Christ! There are already about 8 churches involved, and several other organizations in the community. Any individual is invited to come too, and we want you to invite your churches, schools, businesses, clubs, etc!
Stuff we still need: lots of photographers and videographers, bottled water, shoes, dancers!
Please visit www.danceyourshoesoffselma.com and also our facebook page: Dance Your Shoes Off Selma for more information. You can also register online.
T-shirts are available for order as well! The proceeds from the sale of shirts go directly to Pine Glen Ministries! Download and print your order form right from the website!
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Luke 2. It's not Christmasy now, I promise.
Whoa.
I just read Luke 2, in February. Anybody else? I'm really loving reading Luke. It's a nice organized account of the gospel, and according to Luke, it's the story directly from eyewitnesses who saw it all unfold while Jesus was on the earth. That's pretty cool. He also tells his buddy, that he's written it so he would have a chronological account that is the EXACT TRUTH of what he's been told. I like it.
But that's all Luke 1. On to Luke 2.
So Jesus is born, and then angels appear (BAM!) in the sky to some shepherds. Just regular guys at work. They aren't at church, or church camp, or VBS. They're at work. The angels tell the shepherds what's up- that they have to go to Bethlehem, and find this baby. and then (WAY BIGGER BAM!) there are TONS of angels singing praises to God in the sky!
Then it's all gone. (bam.)
Well the shepherds who are still conscious somehow, look at each other, and are like, dude- let's GO! So they take off in a hurry for Bethlehem! They find Jesus, and tell Mary and Joseph what all the angels told them about the baby.
Then they leave, go back to work, and are praising God for all they had heard and seen and what had been told to them.
Okay. I know it's not Christmas, guys, but do you see what I see here?
1. Angels tell Shepherds about Jesus.
***WE are supposed to tell others about Jesus!***
2. The shepherds weren't intentionally seeking God. They were just at work!
***We don't have to choose to minister to only those who are sitting in a pew, on a van to camp or dropped off at Vacation Bible School. We are called to tell people "as we go along" through life!***
3. Shepherds, after hearing about Jesus, book it to go see him!
***The appropriate response, after hearing about Jesus, is to RUN to him!***
4. When faced with Jesus, the shepherds immediately confessed who He is.
***When we realize who Jesus is, it's important that we tell him we know who he is! Just look at Romans 10:9-10. Kind of an important step in choosing to follow Him!***
5. After meeting Jesus, the shepherds were changed. They went away praising God and talking about what they had learned!
***Are you a Christian? Is it because somebody said you are, or because you have encountered the incredible, awesome love of Jesus??? It is far too easy to be a complacent Christian, and sit back and feel secure in our salvation. Folks, we need a fire under us that causes us to PRAISE GOD for our salvation, and talk about what He has done in our lives! We need to grab a hold of everyone around us, and bring them with us to see Jesus. I don't just mean invite people to church. I mean put our NOSES in the Bible, and then share the truth that we see in it's pages with those around us. God has put you RIGHT where you are, with people around you who NEED the Gospel! Won't you give it to them? Father help me open this hole in my face known as my MOUTH and use it to glorify you, and share the truth of the gospel with those around me!***
I just read Luke 2, in February. Anybody else? I'm really loving reading Luke. It's a nice organized account of the gospel, and according to Luke, it's the story directly from eyewitnesses who saw it all unfold while Jesus was on the earth. That's pretty cool. He also tells his buddy, that he's written it so he would have a chronological account that is the EXACT TRUTH of what he's been told. I like it.
But that's all Luke 1. On to Luke 2.
So Jesus is born, and then angels appear (BAM!) in the sky to some shepherds. Just regular guys at work. They aren't at church, or church camp, or VBS. They're at work. The angels tell the shepherds what's up- that they have to go to Bethlehem, and find this baby. and then (WAY BIGGER BAM!) there are TONS of angels singing praises to God in the sky!
Then it's all gone. (bam.)
Well the shepherds who are still conscious somehow, look at each other, and are like, dude- let's GO! So they take off in a hurry for Bethlehem! They find Jesus, and tell Mary and Joseph what all the angels told them about the baby.
Then they leave, go back to work, and are praising God for all they had heard and seen and what had been told to them.
Okay. I know it's not Christmas, guys, but do you see what I see here?
1. Angels tell Shepherds about Jesus.
***WE are supposed to tell others about Jesus!***
2. The shepherds weren't intentionally seeking God. They were just at work!
***We don't have to choose to minister to only those who are sitting in a pew, on a van to camp or dropped off at Vacation Bible School. We are called to tell people "as we go along" through life!***
3. Shepherds, after hearing about Jesus, book it to go see him!
***The appropriate response, after hearing about Jesus, is to RUN to him!***
4. When faced with Jesus, the shepherds immediately confessed who He is.
***When we realize who Jesus is, it's important that we tell him we know who he is! Just look at Romans 10:9-10. Kind of an important step in choosing to follow Him!***
5. After meeting Jesus, the shepherds were changed. They went away praising God and talking about what they had learned!
***Are you a Christian? Is it because somebody said you are, or because you have encountered the incredible, awesome love of Jesus??? It is far too easy to be a complacent Christian, and sit back and feel secure in our salvation. Folks, we need a fire under us that causes us to PRAISE GOD for our salvation, and talk about what He has done in our lives! We need to grab a hold of everyone around us, and bring them with us to see Jesus. I don't just mean invite people to church. I mean put our NOSES in the Bible, and then share the truth that we see in it's pages with those around us. God has put you RIGHT where you are, with people around you who NEED the Gospel! Won't you give it to them? Father help me open this hole in my face known as my MOUTH and use it to glorify you, and share the truth of the gospel with those around me!***
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Random questions that require an answer...
Test...test...is anybody reading this blog?
Do you think Cait Welch should open a cupcakery in Selma? Comment on this post and tell me why or why not!
What noise does a deer make?
How in the world do you get rid of ladybugs in your house? Yuck!
Do you think Cait Welch should open a cupcakery in Selma? Comment on this post and tell me why or why not!
What noise does a deer make?
How in the world do you get rid of ladybugs in your house? Yuck!
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Kids Disciple Now 2013
It's time for Kids Disciple Now!
I'm so excited about our guest pastor Wes Patterson, who along with his family, has stepped out in faith to do something God called him to, whether or not it seemed like the safe, sensible option. So proud of my friends! I hope they'll get to share with you some of what they are doing now.
House57 is coming to lead worship, and they're already in preparation for the weekend, practicing and more importantly praying over our kids and our time together. Sweet brothers in Christ are so encouraging!
Our youth leadership, children's committee and others in our community are working hard to put a great weekend together. Now we just need the KIDS. So please go to www.fbcselma.org/d-now and download the release form. Fill it out and drop it by the church with $35 to register your child for D Now. This is the last form I'll make you fill out for children's ministry events all year (unless you go to camp, and those are camp forms, not mine!) so take a few minutes and register your child for D Now today!
DEADLINE to register is January 20th! I can't guarantee I can squeeze your kiddo in after the deadline, although I will always try. :) But shirts and materials and host homes require a little time for us to prepare, so please try to get signed up by January 20th.
We'll be studying the Fruit of the Spirit, and I really love the materials our leadership will be using to disciple your children. I hope your child will come away with a fuller understanding of what it is to walk in the Spirit, as well as a deeper love for the Gospel! Above all, I am praying that this is a weekend that glorifies God, and that everything we do points to Him, and points others to Him!
Galatians 5:22-23 says, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control; against such things there is no law." As I have been studying the materials, and typing and re-typing these verses, I have meditated on the fruit of the Spirit, and praying it is exhibited in my own life. I can certainly tell you that I have an easier time with some aspects than others! Please be in prayer for this special weekend!
Here's a basic framework of the weekend:
Friday: This is new! From 5-7pm, we ask that parents and kids come together for a time of worship with Wes Patterson and House57. We'll handle all the check-in details so that Saturday morning runs smoothly. You can even drop off your child's luggage if you like! Kids go back home with you at 7pm. Don't forget them! (FBC Youth Center)
Saturday: Drop your child off at the youth center at 10am. We'll stay at the church all day, besides leaving campus for recreation. Lunch will be provided at the church, and the kids will be involved in several worship sessions and small group Bible studies. At 6pm, we'll ship them off to their host homes, for supper, free time, showers and hopefully at least a little sleep!
Sunday: Kids will come to the church for breakfast, worship, one last small group and church. Our Kids D Now group always sings and leads us in our call to worship, and my full heart always makes my eyes leak... please join us for the morning worship service. It begins at 10:45am. Wes Patterson will sing during the service, House57 will lead the kids in the call to worship, and Dr. Jerry Light will bring the message. When we are dismissed from worship, please collect your child and his or her belongings, which will be located in the youth center building.
I'm so excited about our guest pastor Wes Patterson, who along with his family, has stepped out in faith to do something God called him to, whether or not it seemed like the safe, sensible option. So proud of my friends! I hope they'll get to share with you some of what they are doing now.
House57 is coming to lead worship, and they're already in preparation for the weekend, practicing and more importantly praying over our kids and our time together. Sweet brothers in Christ are so encouraging!
Our youth leadership, children's committee and others in our community are working hard to put a great weekend together. Now we just need the KIDS. So please go to www.fbcselma.org/d-now and download the release form. Fill it out and drop it by the church with $35 to register your child for D Now. This is the last form I'll make you fill out for children's ministry events all year (unless you go to camp, and those are camp forms, not mine!) so take a few minutes and register your child for D Now today!
DEADLINE to register is January 20th! I can't guarantee I can squeeze your kiddo in after the deadline, although I will always try. :) But shirts and materials and host homes require a little time for us to prepare, so please try to get signed up by January 20th.
We'll be studying the Fruit of the Spirit, and I really love the materials our leadership will be using to disciple your children. I hope your child will come away with a fuller understanding of what it is to walk in the Spirit, as well as a deeper love for the Gospel! Above all, I am praying that this is a weekend that glorifies God, and that everything we do points to Him, and points others to Him!
Galatians 5:22-23 says, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control; against such things there is no law." As I have been studying the materials, and typing and re-typing these verses, I have meditated on the fruit of the Spirit, and praying it is exhibited in my own life. I can certainly tell you that I have an easier time with some aspects than others! Please be in prayer for this special weekend!
Here's a basic framework of the weekend:
Friday: This is new! From 5-7pm, we ask that parents and kids come together for a time of worship with Wes Patterson and House57. We'll handle all the check-in details so that Saturday morning runs smoothly. You can even drop off your child's luggage if you like! Kids go back home with you at 7pm. Don't forget them! (FBC Youth Center)
Saturday: Drop your child off at the youth center at 10am. We'll stay at the church all day, besides leaving campus for recreation. Lunch will be provided at the church, and the kids will be involved in several worship sessions and small group Bible studies. At 6pm, we'll ship them off to their host homes, for supper, free time, showers and hopefully at least a little sleep!
Sunday: Kids will come to the church for breakfast, worship, one last small group and church. Our Kids D Now group always sings and leads us in our call to worship, and my full heart always makes my eyes leak... please join us for the morning worship service. It begins at 10:45am. Wes Patterson will sing during the service, House57 will lead the kids in the call to worship, and Dr. Jerry Light will bring the message. When we are dismissed from worship, please collect your child and his or her belongings, which will be located in the youth center building.
Packing list:
A snack to share with his or her small group (This will go to the host home with luggage)
Sneakers
Shorts and t-shirt for recreation on Saturday afternoon
A Bible, pen, and a great attitude!
A small bag to carry these items in, as well as the materials they'll receive (small backpack or purse)
A small bag to carry these items in, as well as the materials they'll receive (small backpack or purse)
Pajamas, underwear, toiletry items, bath towel and wash cloth
Sleeping bag and a pillow
Jeans for church on Sunday
Socks
*We will provide your child with a long-sleeved shirt with the above design on it to wear Sunday.
PLEASE LABEL EVERYTHING WITH NAME!
Remember to check lost and found before you leave Sunday!
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