Two Worlds

Yesterday I had the pleasure of being in KidzBlast. We played a fun game, worshipped with gusto, talked about Haiti; especially about the kids in Haiti, watched a cool object lesson, took an offering for Convoy of Hope, and prayed. I was amazed by the interest our kids had in just talking about this country and the tragedy that has occurred there. I can't remember a Sunday that they were so captivated by what was going on up on the stage and seriously - all I did was stand up there and talk. I talked about what it means to have Hope; hope that one day our relationship with Jesus means that we will spend forever with Him. It was a very profound service. One that reminded me how deep and impressionable kids can be at times. Before we broke up into small groups to learn more about the customs of Haiti, we broke into small groups to pray. In my group of 2nd graders, I had a first time visitor lead out in prayer for the people who are hurting and need food and water. I felt privileged to stand in that prayer circle.

Last night late, I gained a niece. My big brother and his wife are housing a little girl from Haiti for medical treatment. I'm not sure what the future holds for Jason, Jennie, the boys and their sweet Bernie, but God does. This morning as I was looking at pictures of Bernie for the first time, the reality of her situation hit me. She was in Haiti and experienced the earthquake and now she is being held in Jennie's arms...a world away. She is one of those children that my kids here at Bethel lifted up in prayer yesterday morning. We prayed that God would provide for children like Bernie, heal them, and make a way for them to meet Jesus. God is good...even though I haven't hugged my new little niece yet, I feel His goodness so strongly as these two worlds collided last night in our family.

Haiti: Learning, Praying and Giving

Parents, this Sunday January 24th we will pausing from our previously scheduled lesson to take some time to learn more about, pray for, and take a special offering that will go through BGMC to help Haiti. I will also be taking some time to talk about the earthquake with the kids. When global tragedy happens, it is not uncommon for kids to wonder why God would allow something like that to happen. I am going to speak to that, helping our kids understand what God's Word has to say about it. We will also specifically target some areas to pray for; including prayer for our Assemblies of God missionaries that are currently working there, and Convey of Hope; another AG work that is in the heart of this disaster working hard to meet needs.

You can help me out in this endeavor by preparing your kids for the special offering that we will take. Our kids have been doing a great job tithing and bringing in their Buddy Barrels for BGMC. Let them know this week that we have a special project to give to, and that Buddy needs to be extra full!

Please spread the word about this special Sunday!

The latest

I have to admit, that even though I'm not a proponent of getting sucked into Holiday busy-ness, it happened to some degree in my life this year around. Part of that was the fact that my family and I moved a week before Christmas. Just across town, mind you, but still - I do not recommend this! We threw our tree up and a couple of sparse decorations on the 20th amidst unpacked boxes and clutter. Then one week later took off for St. Louis, MO to spend a week with my family. We had a great time, but the consequence? The tree is still up in my living room as I write. I'm hoping to get it all put away tonight, and put the final touches on decorating our house with pictures and such to finish making our house into a home.

Enough about the Peters! What I'm really excited about is that there is some great things going on in our Children's Ministry. On January 1st we launched a Bible Reading Plan for all children birth - 6th grade. By December 31st 2010, as a Children's Ministry Family we will have read through the New Testament. Today is January 7th. If you haven't started with us, it's not too late! It's roughly one chapter a day, with some chapters split up. My hope is that you will take this time as a family to read the Word together. Pick up a copy with instructions at the Info Center next time you are at church.

Another exciting thing that we rolled out this week was our new BethelGirls Club. We had a great group of girls last night Kindergarten through 4th grade. We rotated through groups learning Scripture, eating snacks, participating in fun activities and crafts. The girls seemed to really enjoy it; and I think the adults had fun too!

On Sunday in KidzBlast we are starting a new unit to usher in the Winter Olympics called "Winter Extreme." Your kids won't want to miss it. And in Club56 we will begin walking through some very important foundations of our church's doctrine - in a fun way, of course!

I'm looking forward to all that God is doing in our Kid's already this year.

Elyse Decks the Halls

I love Christmas Carols. The last couple of years we were in Eureka California and I had the privilege of leading a kid's choir for a special event. We had our share of funny moments...a 3 year old somersaulting off the 3rd stair of the platform, girls sitting not so lady like, one of them putting their fingers in their ears while someone sang a solo right next to them. All priceless moments!

Elyse has been giving us some laughs in her rendition of carols. Here's the latest:

Deck the halls with bows of holly fa la la la la la la la la

Twos the season to be jolly fa la la la la la la la la

Join the ni ni two be carol fa la la la la la la la la

deck the halls with bows of holly fa la la la la la la la la la

Enjoy your kids this Christmas season and make sure you write

down some of the funny stuff. I know I will be!

Bible Marathon

Back in October I posted a blog about Bible reading, and making it a part of our kids lives. Over the last week or so I have been developing a Bible reading plan for our Children's Ministry. Here's the idea:

• All kids who attend Bethel are going to be encouraged to make reading God's Word part of their daily lives.
• We, together, are going to read the New Testament all the way through from January to December, 2010.
• Parents of kids that aren't able to read yet are encouraged to read TO their children, allowing the kids to still follow the plan. Even if your kids are babies and toddlers, read to them!
• All of our kids can earn rewards every 2 months for bringing in their completed Bible reading plans. I'm saving a really awesome reward for those who stick to it all the way until December!

As I have been going through the New Testament, preparing this plan, I realized, once again, that there is some things weaved throughout God's Word that are hard for kids to grasp. There are things that will provoke conversations with your kids and move you out of your comfort zone a little. Even if your kids aren't understanding every word, imagine the impact reading God's Word every single day will have in their lives!

Over the next two weeks, I am going to be talking about this plan to your kids at church. It will make it's debut on December 20th, and will be available throughout the year. I do want to encourage you to grab a copy before January 1st so you can start with the group. I imagine the starting line of a marathon; we are all there ready to take on this challenge. Remember that it's not a sprint. It will take endurance and encouragement.

I believe by our kids reading or hearing the Word every single day, it will begin to transform their lives. Our Bethel kids are going to be growing in their relationships with Christ in exciting ways.

What do you say? Will you and your kids meet me at the starting line?

It's that time again...

December. My most favorite month. I grew up in a house where traditions are revered, Santa is real, and Jesus is first. My Dad loves Christmas more than any other person I know. Growing up, as a steadfast rule, we didn't start Christmas until after Thanksgiving. Decorating the tree was a family activity (some of my childhood creations still make an appearance on my parents tree!) My childhood memories of Christmas are precious to me.

It seems like every year Christmas is commercialized more and more. One thing that we have tried to instill in our own children is that Christmas is not about what we get. It seems to be a message that lays heavy on my heart each Christmas season. Jason and I have taken a couple of years and tried to simplify Christmas; buy less for ourselves and give cheerfully, to the fullest. Parents, that is the message that your kids will be bringing home this Christmas season from church. We will be answering some questions: Why do we give? What should we give? How can we give?

I want to encourage you as a family this month, not to get caught up in the "busy-ness" of the season. Take some time to enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of Christmas. Enjoy your family traditions. If you are a young family and don't have traditions yet, start some. Don't let this month fly by. Don't buy into the idea that you have to experience "Holiday Stress." This might just be the year to simply your family Christmas.

Wishing you a wonderful Christmas Season....

Thanksgiving

Today after church we are leaving for Colorado to spend the week with Jason's family. We are super excited. The last time we took a family vacation, JJ was a brand new baby. If you do the math, it's been nearly 2 years since then!

In just a little bit, I'll be with the kids in KidzBlast to talk about how we can serve, give and be thankful. Jason will be with CLUB56 talking about the same thing. I'm excited to be able to share these things with our kids.

In a few short days, the fall decor will change to Christmas, and our focus will be on other things. I'm glad that this week at least, the focus is on being thankful. What am I most thankful for? My amazing family, health, our new place in the family at Bethel, friends...and most of all, Jesus.

Happy Thanksgiving.