Jesus said, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel…"  Some people wonder if kids can really accomplish this task or if they should wait until they are older to begin doing what Jesus asked us to do. However, I believe that when Jesus  said this, he meant it for all believers–that includes kids. 

We have a great group of very talented and eager kids.  Every week  at our Kid’s In Training class (KIT Team) on Sunday night they are taught about evangelism.  They are being trained in drama, puppets, worship and in sharing their personal testimony.  They are also being trained to pray, read their Bibles and journal in a daily quiet time with the Lord.  Statistics tell us that kids who have this type of training and are able use their gifts and talents for the Lord in ministry tend to stay strong and vital in their Christian walk. They also tend to stay plugged into their church.  As a Children’s Pastor, this is one of my highest goals for the children I serve.

We are very excited to announce that in May we are taking our Kids In Training (KIT) Team on a mission’s trip.  We will be going to Valdez, Alaska, to partner with Pastors’ Carl and Lucia Hedman to conduct a children’s outreach for the children of Valdez .  This will give us an opportunity to put into practice all that we have been learning and we pray that many children will come to Lord as a result.  Please pray for our KIT team and our leaders as we get ready to "Go into all the world and preach the Gospel…"

Racing fans get ready!  It’s pinewood derby time again.  The kits are available here at MCA for just $6 (this covers registration for the MCA event and your car kit).   Commander Chuck Niemann has them and they can be picked up here on Wed. night or on Sunday.  This is a great project for kids and their dads or moms.  Commander Chuck has also informed me that if you need help cutting your car out he has all the equipment needed to do just that.  Please contact him if you need help (chuxn@alaska.net or call 330-2108).

One of the questions that is frequently asked is:  Can girls be a part of the pinewood derby also?  YES!   It is not exclusively for Royal Rangers.  So, you go girls and pick up your kit today Let’s get creative and get those cars ready for speed!

The MCA race will be held on Friday evening, March 6th, with registration at 6:00 pm. and racing at 7:00 pm.  On Saturday, March 7th, the Alaska District race will be held with registration starting at 9:00 am and races beginning at 10:00 am.  On Saturday there is an additional $6 registration fee to participate in the race.  If you have any questions you can call 330-2108 or email me at pamhodges@mcaonline.org.

Hey guys Winter Escape is just around the corner.  We’re really excited because this we’ve add a new element to our event, Alyeska.  That’s right, we’re going snow boarding! You can download the WE registration form and all the event information at www.akyouthministries.com.

When:  March 20-22nd

Where:  Little Beaver Camp & Alyeska

Cost:  $70.00 (Does not include Lift ticket & Equipment Rental)

Speaker:  Mark Zweifel | Alaska District Youth Director

Contact Billy at:  907.382.9976  |   billywelch@mcaonline.org

Most people love dogs, especially children.  Dogs are fun to watch and have many different characteristics, some good and some bad.  In KidZone we have been studying relationships and dogs.  What do those two subjects have to do with each other?  In this fun study, we are learning about certain breeds of dogs who have characteristics that demonstrate the relationship skill we are studying. For example, patience.  The Great Dane is one of the most patient breeds of dog often playing with puppies and kittens who are much smaller in size.  We learned that we must be patient with others and even sometimes "Put on muzzle on it" when we are tempted to say something we shouldn’t.         

1 Corinthians 13 has our guideline for the way we should relate to each other–in love.  We all need help getting along with the people in our lives whether family or friends or strangers.  We are memorizing 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 to help us always remember the way we should treat people.

We are having so much fun each week with special appearances by our cast of exciting characters, DC, our loveable dogcatcher, Dr. Shotts,  veteranarian extraordinnaire, Francine the Dog Groomer and our loveable new puppet, Muttley.  I would like to invite your children to come each week.  We have services at 9:15 am and 11:15 pm.  Come and join the fun!

Are you a football fan?  If so, you know that the Super Bowl is only days away.  I am sure that the scenario at your house is somewhat like this:  invite some friends over, put the game on the big screen, and chow down on some great food!  If that is your plan, let me suggest a great way to enjoy the game and help missions.  Our kids are selling Super Bowl subs.  We have a choice of ham, turkey and a combo with cheese and all the extras.  They are very economical and tasty too! 

If you want to help our kids raise money for missions but don’t need the subs, you can buy them and donate toward Bread Ministry which provides food for the homeless.  Just tell your little salesperson that you would like to donate your sub to Bread Ministry!  What a wonderful way to bless someone less fortunate.

All the proceeds of our sales go to our children’s missions fund to help with expenses for future missions trips.  The deadline for purchasing the subs is Monday, January 26th.  Our kids are having a contest to see who can sell the most subs.  There will be some great prizes awarded for the top sellers! So, don’t forget to purchase your Super Bowl Sub soon!

It’s only a few more days until Superbowl Sunday, that hallowed day that all football fans yearn to see.  However, there is also something very important happening on that same day!  It is Quarterback Sunday in Kid’s Church.  It’s the day when we give our quarters back to be used by our missionaries around the world!  It is amazing what just a little bit of change can do to help people around the world learn about the good news that Jesus loves them and gave His life so that theirs could be changed forever. 

So, encourage the boys and girls  to bring their quarters back to Jesus on February 1st, BGMC Sunday.   Thanks for your support.

Hey everybody, this Friday (January 23rd) is Winter ROCKFEST at Wasilla Assembly of God with Pastor Nathan and Nameless Youth Ministry.  Several of you have expressed interest in MCA Youth attending and we are very excited to partner with other Youth Ministries in the area to see the Youth of Alaska reached.

We plan on meeting here at the church at 3:30 pm.  ROCKFEST will start at 5, ends at Midnight and there is a $20 admission fee (if you are writing a check, make it out to Wasilla Assembly of God, NOT MCA).  Students, you will need to be at MCA between 3:30 and 4:00 pm with your parents to sign permission slips if you plan on going.  The bus will be leaving at 4:00 pm.  Parents, we plan on leaving to come home a little early and will be back at MCA by 12:30 am. If you could be at the MCA to pick your student up that would be greatly appreciated.

If you have any questions or concerns please give me a call at #330-2111!

Blessings! Pastor Billy

On Sunday night, January 18th, our Sunday Evening Program, Tool Time, is starting again.  Tool Time is designed to help kids develop the gifts, talents and abilities that God has placed within them.  Statistics say that kids who serve and are plugged into meaningful opportunities to minister remain solid in their Christian walk.  They also become the movers and shakers of the church. 

Here is a list of opportunities being offered each Sunday evening.

K.I.T. - Kid’s In Training.  This class is designed for kids 3rd-5th grade and focuses on ministry gifts such as puppets, drama, worship and sharing your testimony.  The children are expected to journal and have personal devotional time each week. 

JBQ - Junior Bible Quiz.  This class teaches basic Bible Foundations in a kid friendly way.  It uses games, puzzles and competition to develop memory skills.  It is a great way to get your child immersed in God’s Word.

Art - This class is for those who may be gifted or just interested in art.  It will have fun projects and encouragement for children to develop in this area.  It will help your child understand that the creative arts can be used in ministry.

Preschool - We also offer our preschool class that is designed for kids ages 3-5.  This is a perfect time for them to run, play and use their imaginations. 

Helpers Needed.  We have wonderful teachers for all of our classes but do need some extra adults to be secondary workers in each class.  Please contact Pastor Pam @ 330-2108 if you are available to help out. 

Here at MCA we are blessed to have a wonderful event coming up.  The Holy Spirit Conference will be held January 11 - 14.  We will not only have wonderful services for the adults, we will have special services each night for our kids. 

Do children need to be empowered by the Holy Spirit?  Absolutely.  They need the Spirit working and moving in their lives just as much as any adult.  Many adults wonder if kids really understand the working and moving of the Holy Spirit.  I can tell you that they are able to understand some things and there are some aspects they don’t always understand.  I can say that for myself too.  However, I have watched many children over the years respond to the gentle nudging of the Holy Spirit.  I have observed them as they feel the presence of the Lord and are touched and filled with all that God has for them.  It is one of the most exciting times in their spiritual lives!  The Holy Spirit loves to minister to everyone that opens his heart, including children.

I hope that you will attend the conference and bring your children.  Sunday night our MCA team will minister to the children.  Monday and Tuesday evenings we will have special guests that will minister.  Wednesday night we will have our Mpact and Royal Ranger programs as usual.  Each evening we will have nursery and preschool also.  Make it a priority for your family to start out the year spiritually uplifted and empowered.