Family Christmas Services

December 18 - Last Sunday School of 2011

(we return Jan. 8)

December 24 - 5:00pm, Family Nativity Service, sanctuary (arrive closer to 4)

December 25 - 11:00am, Family Friendly Worship, sanctuary

(Dr. Renwick gives a "15 minute children's sermon" with kids up front to tell the Christmas story- dress casual if you want!)

Emmanuel: God With Us

Christmas can be confusing... one brave guy (er.. puppet) starts asking his questions and the answers are illuminating. Suddenly all of his Christmas celebrations seem much more meaningful.

I've not seen all of this DVD, but I've seen a few clips that I like, like this one (2.5 minutes long):

Click Here to see what we mean when we say "Emmanuel: God With Us" and why its the most important thing about Christmas.

Children's Program at Advent Vespers

update 12/1: Kids had a ton of fun acting out the angel's good news to Mary, and had a good conversation about the strength of God's Promises - that we can trust God to do what he says he will do even when he seems to be quiet.

coming up: join us next wednesday when we learn about the angel's message to Joseph, and why GOD's plans are the BEST plans.

Advent Vespers

Worship and Communion

Wednesday Nights at 7pm

Theme: Letting Christ Come Again

Patrick Willson - Nov. 30 (his last day at NPC)

David Renwick - Dec. 7, 14, 21

Children at Vespers

Begin in Sanctuary at 7pm

Children's Dismissal to Church Room 106

Children's Themes:

Jesus is the Promised Savior,

God's Plans are Perfect,

Jesus Comes to Save the World

We Can Worship Jesus

Christmas Gift Tree Project

Give To A Friend In Need

Come to the Jones Hall gym  before Sunday School chapel to take a tag from the Christmas Gift Tree. Your tag will show a picture of a child from the Unique Learning Center and provide a list of gifts you can provide for him/her. For about $30 you can meet tangible needs for children in our city and involve your family in practicing giving together. 

There are tags for 40 children and the gifts need to be prepared by Dec. 4.

Come choose a tag this Sunday before 9:15,

 so that your kids will be on time and so that you won't distract from chapel.

on mud pies, faith, kids, and our view of God

There's a famous quote from C.S. Lewis' Weight of Glory.
He writes, "We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased."

I believe this is true and I also believe we are far too easily pleased with our view of who God is. We allow God to appear much smaller than he is. Even my typing that sentence seems like a vast understatement.

And I think this is where children can often see more than us. Blessed with their sense of wonder, and imagination, and minds unrestricted by facts and rules they've yet to learn, they can easily accept the greatness of God--his power and his love.

Let's not think we've got God figured out. Let's not limit God when we come to him in prayer. Let's continually search scripture, and look for him all around us. Let's see what we might learn from the children around us.

Calendar Updates

You can access the 2011- 2012 Children's Ministry Calendar using the page tabs above. The calendar has been updated as of 11/2/11.

One Major Change: 1st Grade Milestone will now be on January 8.

Wednesday Nights in Advent (Nov. 30, Dec. 7, 14, 21): 
Worship in the Chapel at 7pm,  while your K - 5th Graders attend the children's program. Kids will learn the biblical Christmas story through scripture, prayer, songs, crafts, and games. Come any or all nights!

Sign Up for Advent Workshop

Advent will be here soon (11/27) and so will our Advent Workshop Family Event.
See the above flier for details. Please sign up online, via your e-vite, or by clicking the link above.

ABCs of Scripture

Last week I posted a link to a Children's Ministry Magazine article about whether the idea of memorizing scripture (or anything else, really) is an outdated and unnecessary task since everything can be Googled in an instant from our every present iPads.

Some information is the kind we may be content to simply reference online, or pull out of a mental file folder. Other information goes deeper - it impresses upon us and becomes a part of who we are. It rises to the surface of our hearts before our minds think to retrieve it.

Maybe certain scripture passages have been that way for you?  Maybe you want to pass that on to your kids?

A friend of mine posted a link to this cute idea for memorizing scripture with your kids, using each letter of the alphabet. Even making the project together is a way to let the verses sink in.

And my suggestion - don't just use the cards. As you learn the verses, learn how to look the verses up in your Bibles - the paper kind. "Not that there's anything wrong with" Bible apps (I love them!), but I do find comfort in flipping through the pages to familiar places where God has spoken to me before.

I Have Hidden Your Word in My Heart

On the way back from the amazing KidMin Conference this weekend, I read an interesting article from Children's Ministry Magazine. You can read it here. It was the last line of the introduction that caught my attention and kept me reading. After recognizing that here in the internet/iPad age the Bible is always just a click away and therefore kids may not "see the point" in memorzing verses, the last line read, "To be blunt, is learning Bible verses for the sake of biblical literacy a futile and outdated idea?"

Yikes.

Well of course the answer boils down to this: we don't memorize Bible verses to merely retain that knowledge in our heads; we do it to "hide God's word in our hearts" where it counts!

Read the article for from practical advice on how to help kids read the Bible for their hearts, not just their heads.

Teachable Moment: Canned Food Drive, 10/16

<sup>1 John 3:16-18a

16</sup> We know what love is because Jesus Christ gave his life for us. So we should give our lives for our brothers and sisters.

¹⁷ Suppose someone sees a brother or sister in need and is able to help them. If he doesn't take pity on them, how can the love of God be in him?

¹⁸ Dear children, don't just talk about love. Put your love into action.

---

October 16 (not this Sunday, but the next) is World Food Day, which will be highlighted in worship.

Kids are invited to participate in recognizing World Food Day (10/16) by bringing in canned food items worship services and Sunday School.

The food will be donated to Martha's Table. If your child is attending any of the three worship services, have them hold on to their donations until called to bring them forward. If your child is attending Sunday School, have them bring their donations to the gym for chapel (there will be a drop off cart at the sign-in table).

---

This week, spend a few minutes with your kids, searching the pantry or grocery store shelves for food you can donate.

Let your kids pick out cereals and pastas, and (canned) fruits and vegetables they think others would find tasty and nutritious.

Pray together over the food before you bring it in on the 16th, that it would fill hungry bellies and strengthen tired hearts.

Ask your kids what other needs they think people might have - how else can they (/you/we) show love through serving their community, friends, or family.

---

Let us love one another.

Family Prayer Journals

Last week I encouraged you to check out the Sunday School Online Resources at rio.davidccook.com/rio/family.aspx.

This week I'm going to link you to the featured blog post on that website.
Click here to read about one mom's new family tradition - keeping a prayer journal together. This might be a good way for your family to do devotions or bedtime prayers together. Its always neat to be able to look back (days or weeks or years later) and see how God answers our prayers (often in surprising ways!)

---
Outreach Opportunities your family can participate in! Read Friday's weekly email to learn about 2 family-friendly service projects coming in October.

Online Family Resources

Did you know our Sunday School curriculum has easy-to-access online resources for your family?

Click here to get there!
(The web address is rio.davidccook.com/rio/family.aspx anytime you need to get to it.)


Highlighted This Month:

• click on "Newsletters" in the left-hand column, then "September" just to the right. Here's what you'll find:
• guidance on worshiping and praying together as a family, and discussing tough topics like "why do bad things happen" and forgiveness
• recipes, craft/organization ideas
• this month's Sunday School memory verses, lesson themes, and conversation prompts!

Choir Begins!

You've been waiting for it, and now its here! NPC choirs for grades K-5 begin this Sunday, September 18. Here's all you need to know:

K & 1

• TIME:  10:25-10:55
• LOCATION:  school gym
• GETTING THERE: Let us know to take your child from Sun. School to choir, by checking that box when you sign in at chapel
• PICKING UP: Pick your child up from choir in the gym at 10:55
• SIGN UP: There's a choir sign up sheet. Add your name to it as you sign in at chapel, or pick up from choir

2nd - 5th

• TIME:  10:25-10:55
• LOCATION: school music room
• GETTING THERE: Let us know to take your child from Sun. School to choir, by checking that box when you sign in at chapel (2nd Grade), or telling your child/his teacher (3rd-5th)  
• PICKING UP: Pick your child up from choir in the gym at 10:55 (unless 3rd-5th parents indicated on their enrollment form that your child can leave on his own)
• SIGNING UP: There's a choir sign up sheet. Add your name to it as you drop off for chapel, or pick up from choir

Questions? Comment. I'll do my best to answer.
Choir flyers will be available on Sunday and your child's choir leader will contact you with all relevant info once you've signed up.

renewing the covenant

I'm big on new beginnings. I love the idea of starting fresh. A clean sheet of paper makes me happy; so much potential, no mistakes... yet. New beginnings are only new for so long, and no matter how sincere we are in our commitments we know we aren't perfect and mistakes are inevitable.

Thank goodness that God's mercy is new every morning! In fact, His mercy and forgivness is never-ending and doesn't only come at the start of a new season or new day, but whenever we need it. It actually preceeds us!

The start of a new day or season is a great time to renew vows and commitments we have made, but rest in the fact that it is God's faithfulness that counts. (He is the one who makes us faithful.)

Before the Israelites renewed their covenant to God in Joshua 24 (a covenant they did not keep) they recounted the story of God's faithfulness to them. God had been with them all along, opening every door and illuminating every step, and He would continue that always.

Joshua 24:13-15

New International Version (NIV)

¹³ So I gave you a land on which you did not toil and cities you did not build; and you live in them and eat from vineyards and olive groves that you did not plant.’
 ¹⁴ “Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your ancestors worshiped beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. ¹⁵ But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”

Colossians 1:9-12

 ⁹ So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. ¹⁰ Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better. ¹¹ We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy,^{[a] 12} always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light.

 

New Living Translation

 

 

Come to Stone Hall this Sunday between services to see all we have planned for Grow Ministries this year-- children, youth, and adults! You can also meet our new pastor for Grow Ministries, Dr. Quinn Fox.

Sunday, August 28- Special Activities

As you know, NPC has a new senior pastor, Dr. David Renwick, who begins his time preaching with us THIS SUNDAY, August 28. He looks forward to introducing himself to children and families, and will give the children's sermon at both worship services, so bring your kids!

If you are with your kids at the 11:00 service, after the children's sermon, they will be dismissed to the gym for a special banner making project for this year's Sunday School chapels.

family prompts

For several weeks in summer Sunday School we have been and will be talking about prayer. We've learned that we can pray anywhere at anytime, we've learned to trust when God answers our prayers differently than expected or doesn't seem to be answering at all. Last week we learned that our hearts should be humble when we come before our big God in prayer; we learned to confess our sins and that God always forgives!

Whether you've been to Sunday School recently or not, you can follow up on these lessons at home.

Next time you're in the car, practice "Popcorn Prayer."

Begin by saying "God I praise you because you are..." and let kids shout out their praises

("Holy!" "Awesome!" "The Creator!").

Then you might say, "God thank you for..."

("My Family!" "The sunshine!" "Summertime!").

Or, "God please be with..."

("Grandma," "my friend so-and-so," "our new pastors," etc.)

This school year, you'll be able to find "Family Prompts" to follow up with each week's Sunday School lesson at http://rio.davidccook.com/Rio/Family/FamilyPrompts.aspx. I'll link to them on this blog as well.

For example, if we had just learned about Jeremiah in Sunday School, you'd find this family prompt:

Lesson 8		God Assures His Messenger
Memory Verse:	But in your great mercy you did not put an end to them or abandon them, for you are a gracious and merciful God. Nehemiah 9:31
Read: Jeremiah 1		Discussion Prompt: Why do you think God told Jeremiah about choosing him before he was born? What does that show you about God?

This is one way we seek to partner with family when it comes to growing in faith and connecting with Christ.

updates

Hi everyone.

Click the buttons at the top of the page (leadership, calendars, etc.) to see new information for the fall.

Particularly take a look at the calendar. You'll see milestone dates, and big events already listed. I encourage you to print the calendar (or wait until we have copies for you at church, starting August 28) and keep it handy. We may add fun things during the year, or make slight changes under the leadership of our new pastors.

Go ahead and fill out the Sunday School enrollment form for the 2011-12 school year too. You can find a link to it in your weekly children's ministry emails, or you can find copies of it at the Sunday School desk starting this Sunday, August 14.

Have a great weekend!

triangles, toothpaste, and the trinity

Every church-going kid knows that 99% of the time the answer to the question is "Jesus." Or is it "God?"  Wait-- Jesus is God, right? But sometimes isn't the answer specifically Jesus and not God? Because there are some specific things Jesus does... or does that mean God is doing those things too? And if Jesus is God and God is dying on the cross, then how is God saying things to God like, "forgive them," and "why have you forsaken me?" and all that stuff?

Confusing right? Kids and adults have these kinds of questions. A similar question came up during VBS, and though it caught the teacher off guard, she answered it very well. Sometimes its hard to explain things to kids that we don't think they can "get" yet, or that we don't quite get ourselves. But its important to know the truth about these things and to be able to tell the truth accurately. Some things we may never fully understand in this lifetime, but God faithfully reveals what we do need to know.

Next time you see a rainbow (or, aquafresh toothpaste), think of the Trinity. Three distinct colors, but you cannot seperate the three. The colors are three, but the rainbow is one. The three are equal; the three are one.

Here's another explanation, from Phil Vischer's "Whats In The Bible" series. Tell me what you think!

Click Here: What's In The Bible on the Trinity

remember

{found on friend's website}

pandamania: looking back

This past week at VBS we learned stories from scripture about God's faithfulness. We learned about creation in Genesis, Elijah and the false god Baal in 2 Kings, Jonah and the Ninevites in Jonah, Peter's denial in the gospels, and Hannah and Samuel and 1 Samuel.

And you know what? New stories were created that also tell of God's faithfulness. Let me tell you a few.

Children named things such as trees and friends as "God Sightings." They began to think of God when they saw these things, seeing them as God's creation that he loves. God made us. Thank you, God!

The "Blue Monkeys" and their Crew Leader, Clyde Taylor ready to go play

One boy heard that when we sing to God, we're praying to him. Its comforting to know that God hears us, whether we are whispering, shouting, weeping, or singing. God listens to us. Thank you, God!

Kids and adults singing "God Is Wild About Us!"

Another boy shared how God healed him from being very sick. He knew that God was watching over him. God watches over us. Thank you, God!

Kids got to share their "God Sightings" everyday. Where have you seen God today?

Another boy was comforted by this phrase: "When God closes a door, he opens a window." Sometimes God's plans for us are a surprise and he has to say no to something for us to say yes to something better. We trust that God knows best and that he's watching over us. Thank you, God!

You can see rainbow after rainbow through our "giggle goggles." It reminds us that God is watching over us.

When Peter showed up, distraught over denying Jesus, one girl reminded him of something she had heard earlier that day--"Jesus will be your forever friend." Another boy added that Jesus will forgive you and he loves you no matter what. Thank you, God!

Snack time is a great time to share stories with our crews.

Many kids were thrilled to receive their first Bible at the end of the week, and to look up Psalm 139, where the week's Bible Points can be found. God gives good gifts. Thank you, God!

We gave gifts too! Kids colored these backpacks, and the youth filled them with school supplies to give to kids in West Virginia on their mission trip this week.

We know that God's best gifts for us are his death, resurrection, and continued presence with us. Kids now know that even when they are at home watching a movie, God is there. As we learned from one of our new favorite songs, "He knows us, he hears us, God is right here with us." Thank you, God!

Preschoolers know that God is Wild About Them, too!

pandamania: looking forward

Thanks to everyone who has contributed in any way to this year's VBS!

The fun begins this Monday, July 11.

All are welcome to help decorate the church building PandaMania style this Sunday, July 10, beginning at noon. Just come to room 105, and ask how to help. 

PandaMania VBS will look something like this...

"party time sing and play stage" at my mom's church in arkansas

kids at "bamboo blast games," photo from Group resources




girls at PandaMania, photo from Group resources



...and it will sound like the songs that will be stuck in our heads for weeks to come.

I hope the other things that stick in our heads (and our hearts) are the truths we learn and remember about God, from Psalm 139:

God Made You

God Listens to You

God Watches Over You

God Loves You No Matter What

God Gives Good Gifts
&
God is WILD About You





a new freedom

Christians around the world must have different ideas about the word "freedom," likely influenced by the politics of their country. American Christians tend to think of freedom as a right, or often times as permission to pursue happiness in whatever way you might choose.

The freedom Christ gives is something different. Eugene Peterson translates Galatians 5:16-17 this way: "Live freely, animated and motivated by God's Spirit. Then you won't feed the compulsions of selfishness. For there is a root of sinful self-interest in us that is at odds with a free spirit, just as the free spirit is incompatible with selfishness."

I found that interesting, so I looked it up in my trusty NIV, which says: " So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. ¹⁷ For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.

Both versions bring us back to a basic (the basic?) truth of Christianity, one which we usually choose to ignore: people are prone to sin. But that is what makes the freedom that Christ gives so amazing. 

As a teenager in the Bible belt, Christianity was primarily about "don't do this," or more accurately, "we don't do this [and so we're better than you].

Now I know that 1) we failed to recognize the problem of sin in ourselves and in the world. We are not better than anyone. 2) we failed to move past the do not's and move in to the do's. Left to our own nature, we will inevitably choose the wrong thing; we'll fall short. But with the freedom Christ gives, we now have the capacity for love, kindness, faithfulness, and joy, in all circumstances.

Freedom in Christ is not about being able to do whatever you want, (and its also not merely about abstaining from things). Freedom in Christ is not about being able to do whatever you want; it is the new ability to do things far greater than you ever dreamed of wanting.

new question

"How can I get our little boy to church more regularly when we live so far away?"


This question is a little tricky because if I could, I would just put the family on a lightning bolt so they could get to church in a flash, saving time and avoiding traffic. But if distance is the biggest problem, that's something I can't change. A few thoughts do come to mind though. The first ideas have to do with getting you to church and the others, with getting the church to you.


Disclaimer: I don't claim to be any kind of expert when I answer these types of questions. I take from what I've heard, add in my own experiences, and ask for everyone to join in the discussion. I hope that these questions will help everyone to share the things they've learned and strengthen our NPC/Children Ministry community.


First of all, pray. Since this is a challenge, it will take motivation, commitment, and maybe some creativity. Ask God to show you what you need to do. Ask that he would give you what is needed--from a motivated and joyful attitude, to the time you'll need to get ready, get going, and get here, to whatever else it is you need to overcome the obstacle.


1. Remember why it is important to you. Generally, I find that when something is really important (or mandatory) people make every effort to include the important thing in their life. You obviously see church as important, but ask youself HOW important is this to me? WHY do I think its so important? Eugene Peterson wrote that "Worship does not satisfy our hunger for God--it whets our appetite." (To me that is why church is important. Sometimes on the one hand, I only see church as my job, and on the other hand I want one hour in a special place to be the answer all my problems. But whetting my appetite... for if I have no appetite for God, then I'm starving without realizing it. And then what?)


But think it through for yourself and maybe you can write that down and place it somewhere you'll see it, as extra encouragement. The reminder may also make it seem like less of a task, and more of a joy, inspiring a "we can do it" attitude. 


2. Reinforce to your son why it is important to you. I'm not sure how old your son is, but it can't hurt to fill him in on your committment to church. Maybe you have taught your child why to hold your hand while crossing the street, or why to say "please" and "thank you." Make him a part of the team committed to church, by explaining why you find it important. This also helps reinforce your own positive language about getting to church and making it work.


3. Change your routine. What is it specifically that makes the distance a big challenge? Is it early mornings? Is there too much to do before you can get out the door? Is it closed bridges? When Dr. Robbie Castleman was here two Januarys ago, speaking from her book Parenting in the Pew, she mentioned the idea of beginning Sunday worship on Saturday evening. Slow down the pace, get to bed early, anticipate the next morning, get clothes and breakfast as prepared as possible before you fall asleep. I know this is easier said than done, but practice makes perfect(?), and worship takes commitment. Talk with other parents about what works for them.


4. Don't give up when you can't make it. Every other summer when I was kid, my family and all my aunts, uncles, and cousins would go to the beach together. It was basically the only time I ever missed church (we were that family), but even on those weeks when we weren't at the church, we worshipped together. On the Sundays when you just can't make it, wake up and gather with your family anyway--even if its just two of you there. Sing, pray, read scripture, reflect on how God is at work in your life, marvel at God's creation. Keep Sunday--even just an hour on Sunday--a special time set apart for God, whereever you happen to be.


5. Find a nearby mid-week program for your son and a friend. Unfortunately, we don't have any mid-week program for kids at NPC. Maybe someday we can get that going someday, but it still might not solve your problem of making it all the way here. But maybe you could get to a church close by you on a Wednesday evening, easier than you could get here on a Sunday morning (don't get me wrong--we want you hear on Sundays too!!!). Maybe your son has a friend at school who attends a nearby church, and the two could grow in their friendship and their knowledge of God together during the week.


6. Talk to your deacons about local gatherings. I am positive you are not the only one who finds it a challenge to get to church regularly when you live far away. I am positive you are not the only one with a child who finds it a challenage to get to church regularly when you live far away. Talk to your deacons about getting together with other families in your parish or in nearby parishes, to worship, serve, or just hang out other.


7. Remind children's ministry to get outside our building. Oops. Children's Ministry basically only happens here on campus. We can get to where you are too. Talk to Jill and the children's committee about brainstorming ways for getting beyond our walls.

Parents, join the discussion! What other thoughts or answers do you have regarding this question?

church as a mission

syncing The Jesus Film

Some of you will remember the Church-as-a-Mission Potluck event earlier this year. The congregation had a chance to hear from those in our congregation who are serving (or who have served, or who will serve)overseas, specifically by translating The Jesus Film into new languages so that more people can hear God's story.

The kids who came to the event heard from a Wycliffe missionary about her family's experience in the communities they worked with. Our kids also made cards and bookmarks telling of God's love, to send with NPC's Keith Patman as he traveled to Central Africa to do this work.

tiny toads

Here's the note and pictures I received back from Keith recently.

I got back from Central Africa last week. The Church as a Mission potluck seems like a long time ago, but since it was just last week that I gave the translators the bookmarks the kids made, I thought I'd send you a follow-up and some photos. 

translation team

After spending the first 2 weeks checking Bible translation in 2 languages in Chad, I went to Bangui, Central African Republic to lead The Jesus Film workshop. Teams from 8 languages completed work on synchronizing their scripts with the action on the screen. They also produced Scripture-based booklets in their languages.

materials in 8 languages and npc gifts

Last Wednesday we had a closing ceremony. Each of the 8 teams received a stack of the materials they'd published in their languages during the workshop, and on top of each pile were 2 envelopes from the NPC kids. The translators appreciated this gesture and were also very glad to receive the additional video players that the adults at the potluck provided through their contributions.



favorite things

Last Sunday

I asked a few kids

"What was the best thing

about Sunday School/your Sunday School teachers

this year?"

...

"Chapel is probably my favorite."

"I like when we get to act in the plays."

"Our teachers are like...very tolerant of us. They're very patient."

...
Thank you parents and Sunday School teachers for making this year great!

Hear more answers to kids favorite things, and get a chance to thank teachers at our special chapel this Sunday, June 12. Remember, its a "reversed" schedule- so parents, meet with Jill at 9:15 in the gym while kids go to Sunday School; we'll meet back together for chapel at 9:50.

col 3:12

roses

You know that kid that intentionally avoids eye contact when she knows the teacher is looking to call on someone? I was that kid. You know the teacher that always calls on the kid who avoids eye contact. Doug [Learned] was that teacher.

Anyway, here's what I was asked to read. It has stuck with me.

"Any good gardener knows that beautiful roses require careful pruning. Pieces of living plant have to die. It cannot just  grow wild. We cannot simply "celebrate growth." It is more than to be regretted, it is tragic that we seem to have lost the insight that growth in Christ requires careful pruning. Pieces of us by our intentional action need to die if we are to become the person that is in God's vision. We are not cutting away a cancerous growth, but making room for intended growth. Mortification refers to that intentional action of pruning of life that better life might grow by God's grace--just as better roses grow by God's grace." 

--From Spirituality for Ministry by Urban T. Holmes III

As one staff member pointed out, God is the gardener; we are not. Our job is to accept his pruning. In light of the scripture passage paired with this reading, we focused our discussion on the pruning of sin from our life-- attitudes and actions that must be cut off so that good fruit might grow. I also thought, though, about activities--things on our schedules that could be trimmed down in order to make room for hearing and seeing God, and then growing in his likeness.

So while Holmes' words are simmering in my own heart and mind, I'll let them do the same out in the blog-o-sphere.... What do you think?

summer reading

In case you are looking for a good [Christian-y] book to add to your summer reading list... here are my suggestions.

parenting in the pew, castleman

In January 2010, Dr. Robbie Castleman came to visit us at NPC. She shared insights from her book, mentioned above. I will always encourage children's ministry parents and volunteers to read this. Even if you don't think bringing your kids to the sanctuary is for you, read this for its theology of worship. Trust me.

creation regained, wolters

This one is recommended by my husband, Craig. I asked him why and he said something about how it shows humanity as our sinful selves, God as the lover who won't take no for an answer, and creation as it growns for redemption. And it shows you how you fit into all of that as you walk around this world. (He also said I should probably re-read it.)

living the message daily devo, peterson

A friend gave me this devotional in December 2009. Each day's reading presents a message that leave me saying, "Gee, I never thought of that before." And I am inspired to reflect in new ways, on my relationship with God and the world.

patched together, manning

Admittedly, I've not read this one. But I have read other books by Manning, and I even had ice cream with him once (peanut butter is his favorite!) In many ways it is a retelling of Manning's own story, through the fictional character Willie Juan.

spiritual parenting, anthony

While we're promoting David C. Cook books (not cook books), let me mention this one. I would love to hear a Christian parent's perspective on this book--what rings true; what helped you; what new questions does it raise?

the big god story, anthony

Finally-- one for the kids! This is like the Jesus Storybook Bible you can read in one sitting. The story that shapes our lives in a couple dozen pages. (I just made up that subtitle.)

What book are your kids loving right now?
(They don't to be as Christian-y as these :)

And don't forget about our church library's "satellite campus" just outside stone hall, complete with children's table and chairs.

inspiration

For years I've been fascinated reading dozens of different kinds of blogs written by all different kinds of people. But now I have a good reason--inspiration.

Most of you only found out about this blog last week. I have been hesitant to "reveal" it because I'm still not sure what direction to go with it. And mostly because I haven't gotten used to devoting time to it. That's the real reason. But I would like to, because I see some potential here. (Again, I'm just not quite sure what it is...)

Are you interested in this blog? What would you like to see here? Help inspire me.

restless until

Jesus wants more from you than a thought of Sunday morning or a prayer before bed. He wants to make His home in you, as you make your home in Him. "Remain in Me, as I also remain in you" He says in John 15:4. He wants your heart and His heart to beat to the same rhythym. He made you to be with Him.

This is what I am reminded of, having re-read Robert Boyd Munger's My Heart- Christ's Home.

As much as I try to read scripture and pray daily, including confessing my sins, I have recently felt that I am not being a good host to my guest, Jesus. I'm not a terrible host, I'm just not as attentive anymore. He's been here for so long and sometimes I simply have other things to worry about, other things to do. We do say hello and goodnight, and maybe even have a cup of coffee after lunch or dinner. Still, the house is getting messy and I know it is rude not to keep it clean for my guest, I know, but there are other things that are more important to me; and at least I acknowledge it and apologize.

This is the state of my heart.

Then finally it hit me. All this time I've been treating Jesus as a guest in my home/heart, when He has actually come to be in charge. (That's exactly the way it works in Munger's story too.) Making that switch in my brain and in my will is all the difference, though its something I need to be reminded of constantly.

"Almighty God, You have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You."  -St. Augustine, Confessions

snooze button

On my sixteenth birthday I received a digital camera and I could not stop using it. I took pictures of everything, including the snooze button on my alarm clock. That picture became a favorite and I blew it up to an 8x10, framed it, and hung it on my wall. It's actually on my wall in my apartment today.

Hitting the snooze button is part of my morning routine, but from now until Easter I will not be using it. Yes, I'm giving up the snooze button for Lent.

The act of "giving something up" is one thing that some Christians do to refocus, repent, and reflect during Lent and to prepare to Easter. In the early days of Christianity people spent the Lenten season preparing for Easter baptism and publicly repenting of sins. Over time, Christians began abstaining from certain events, foods, or indulgences during Lent, and many present-day Christians have retained this practice in small, personal ways.

While I don't always give something up for Lent, two reasons compel me to take a snooze button fast this year. My practical reason for this is to give up "my time" in the morning--those extra minutes spent sleeping--and use it to actually sit down in the morning, pray, read the Bible, reflect, meditate instead of rushing to get ready, get my coffee, and get out the door. My metaphorical reason for this is to keep me from "snoozing" through Lent another year. The discipline of getting up the first time the alarm goes off is a way to intentionally make time that is 100% dedicated to God, to heighten my awareness of His work in the world and in my life, to remember The Story.

My encouragment to you is to join me in not snoozing through Lent this year. Lent is a time of REs. We look forward to Easter, celebrating redemption and reconciliation by recalling the story, repenting of sin, renewing commitment to Christ, reflecting on Christ's suffering and sacrifice, resolving to eliminate or add a habit of some sort. How will you resist the snooze and RE this season?

*These are all my own original thoughts and sentences, but I did read Channing-Bete's "What You Should Know About Lent" booklet before writing this, and some of their information (early church stuff) and phrasing (most of the RE words) definitely influenced this post. Thanks, Channing-Bete!

PS, Fish Banks and Family Calendars (find these at church) are another way for your family to walk through the Lenten season together this year.

reasons

As I type this, I am currently the only one who knows about this blog. I hope that if I can make this site look good and function well it can be a helpful resource for families.

The process of setting this up has been fun--choosing the layout and everything. I probably spent more time than I should have choosing a background. There were so many great looks to choose from-- "cute" ones, "cool" ones, "artistic" ones, "funny" ones, but I chose this simple background picture for two reasons... well three.

1) The white space in the background is nice. It makes everything clear and easy to read. But more importantly,

2) The image reminds me of LIFE and GROWTH. Christ gives life, and enables growth. The Christian life is (should be) marked by constant growth and... well, life. Life eternal, life abundant, life uniquely set apart, obedient to the Father. My hope is that  these words are central to NPC's Children's Ministry too.

3) The image also reminds me of the John 15 passage, a favorite:

⁴Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. ⁵I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. ⁹ As the Father has loved me^, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.