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…"

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!

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.

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. 

We have been enjoying the Holy Spirit Conference this week here at MCA.  Both the children and the adults have been able to participate in this wonderful event. It has been a great time for learning more about the Holy Spirit and for spending time in the presence of the Lord.  The last two nights our kids have joined with the adults during altar time to seek the Lord.  Many have been filled with the Holy Spirit and experienced God’s presence so powerfully. 

If you and your children haven’t been able to attend yet, make it a priority to come and be involved.  You won’t regret it.

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. 

2008 is almost history.  As the last few hours wind down I am reminded that almost nothing ever stays the same.  2008 has been a year of many changes.  We have watched our economy fall, we have elected a new leader, we have seen our global family go through times of war, famine and disaster.  If we just look at the circumstances in our world, we could be worried and anxious about what 2009 will bring.  However, because we are in the hands of our loving Father, we can be sure that He has everything in control.  He is a God that will always give us strength to face whatever is ahead.  That is why I know that 2009 is gonna be one great year!

Isaiah 40:29-31 - He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.  Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall.  But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles.  They will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

This month my son will turn 30.  I can’t believe it.  I can’t be old enough to have a child of that age!  But, it’s true.  As I reflect on being a parent (and now a grandparent of 5 adorable children) I realize that I don’t remember all the presents I gave my kids at Christmas over the years.  Just a few are memorable but for the most part they are long gone.  However, there are some gifts that I have given that continue to keep on giving.   They aren’t the latest computers, video games, dolls or bicycles.  These gifts cannot be bought with money and will never break or get old.  That is why I am recommending these 3 gifts to give your child this Christmas and throughout the year.

1.  The first gift is time.  In kid language love is spelled T-I-M-E.  Make sure that you take time to connect with your child each day.  Give him/her your undivided attention, without any distractions, for even just a few minutes each day.  It could be awkward at first but as you start communicating, it will become easier and it will pave the way for good communication during those rocky teenage years.

2.  The second gift is prayer.  Pray for your child each day.  Pray for him/her and with him/her.  Let your child see that the answers to life’s questions and problems lie with the Lord. This will prepare him for facing problems in adulthood. A great way to pray for your child is to pray the scriptures. Ask the Lord to give you specific scripture to pray and to hold on to during difficult times.  3 of my favorite scriptures to pray are:

Psalm 1:3 - He (put your child’s name in there) will be like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields it’s fruit in season and who leaf does not wither.  Whatever (he/she) does prospers.

Philippians 1:6 - He who began a good work in (your child’s name) is faithful to complete it.

Isaiah 44:3 - For I will pour water on the thirsty land and streams on the dry ground.  I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendents.

3.  The third gift is to make it a priority to see that your child receives good spiritual training.  No responsible parent would feed their child only occasionally when it fits into the schedule.  No responsible parent would keep their child out of school.  A responsible parent will do whatever it takes to make sure his/her child is healthy and happy.  We are three part beings.  We have a physical body, emotions and a spirit.   Most parents do their best to take care of the first two parts.  But, many parents neglect or even ignore their child’s spiritual needs.  Statistics say that most people receive Jesus as their Savior when they are very young, under age 14.  So, make it a priority to bring your children to church, send them to camp, talk with them about spiritual things, have a devotional time with them and be a living testimony of what it means to be a follower of Jesus.

You can’t buy these gifts, but they will cost you something.  You will be so glad you invested.  These gifts will last for an eternity!

Last night our MCA kids presented their Christmas Production, All I Want for Christmas!  It was a smashing success and fun for all.  Our kids are some of the cutest ever and they are extremely talented.  Of course, I’m prejudiced, I love each and every one!

I want to say thanks again for all those who made it possible.  Thank you Teresa Kress, Lisa Meier, Mari Nordby and all of our wonderful tech crew.  You are blessing! Thanks to all the parents who spent lots of hours bringing their children to practice and listening to their lines and songs over and over again.  Your support of Children’s Ministries means a lot to me. 

Enjoy these lovely photos of a memorable night!