Orange You Glad?....

I am. Glad that is. Glad that we took the few days & attended what was probably the best conference I've ever attended. For so many different reasons.
It was refreshing... the team you see above has given so much these last 9+ mos. Given to be sure that kids not only learn about Jesus, but learn in the best ways & environment possible.
So, three days just for us to receive, be refreshed, & have new ideas poured into.

Not only that, but we got to have our photo taken in this car which is hands-down, the COOLEST vehicle I have ever sat in.

Bathing Beauties

Alternately Titled: Our Church Rocks

These are some photos of my two beauts. But also, nearly as cute, are the boats they made in each of their classes (Gabe is in the 3-yr old preschool class at church & Flynn is in the 4-5-K class at church).

I love that they aren't put in a room with a movie. Or given crappy coloring sheets to color.
They're taught God's word, in a very real & relevant way, that makes sense to a child --- and that's not a whole group I'm referring to. I mean, Gabe's class is taught different than even Flynn's class.
They sing praise & worship. They are told a lesson, sometimes through drama or puppets. And sometimes play instruments. Their learning is then extended through a project...and play, of course.

And that's what we did when we came home from church. That evening, at bath time, we floated the boats we made at church. And Flynn told the story.

And that is what church is about.

The Day of.... Rest?

Today, marked the beginning of the new KidsPoint service.

Last night, 6+ hours of prep took place.
But look there at the fruits of our labors.
This is 'Plugged In', the area where the elementary students go as soon as they're checked in.
Activities are available there, led by Plugged Inners, to be done with the students & their crew leaders.
Eventually, the service begins.Drama.

Music (I lost my voice).

Story & lesson-telling.

And small groups, each in a tent.

I'm worn out. Spending so many hours with such great people....it'll wear you out.

Right Flynn?

PS Yah cold weather, bring on the leg warmers.

The UNChurch

Man alive, I wish I could be an elementary student at our church.

In NINE days, we launch our own service, KidsPoint, which will include high-energy worship, dramas, & stories.

This has been what I've spent my evenings on this week:

O yes, that IS an orange refrigerator in that panel. With a soon-to-be smiley-face cookie jar atop.

I'm one of the luckiest children's directors around. With a team of EXTREMELY talented peeps, who have a HUGE heart for Jesus & the kids we serve.

Monday, a crew cut wood, made all the panels.

Tuesday, we finished the panels & covered each with muslin (enter, killing my knees).

Wednesday, we began projecting the sketches & started to paint (did I mention the orange fridge?)

Thursday, we painted some more (by the way, at 10:30 last night, I grocery shopped at Dierbergs with green paint on my face. no one said a thing).

Tonight, will we finish?

Lotsa work & lotsa worth it. These kids are going to see how fun church can be. If they weren't into it before, they will be now. The word will be presented to them in a whole new way... that I'm sure they'll remember.

AND

I get to wear a wireless mic, like Garth Brooks.

Angels Rejoicing...

...that THREE kiddos today, in our elementary program, made the decision to follow Christ.

That's something to celebrate!

Tonight

was smooth sailing.

kids singing.

wave bottle - making.

learning 'bout the blind man who was healed.

pudding eating.

having fun.

VBS Night #1

included dry ice...
a white lab coat adding 10 (or 100) pounds...

and my little darling LOVING her evening filled with new songs, yummy snacks, a fun craft, & learning even more about Jesus.

VBS Starts Tonight

Why I'm So Busy

Getting this ready.