Family Centered Kidmin

So I just purchased the curriculum that we will be using in DIG for the next three years, and I have to say, I am just thrilled about all of it. We decided to go with Tru by David C. Cook. Though initially I was bummed because I really wanted to finish my own curriculum coincidentally called TrueStory, that would also go through the Bible in three years, I realize after going through all of the materials that Tru offers, that they are beyond what I could get done on my own! So for the next few posts I will be sharing with you my excitement about this coming fall here at Christ-UMC.

One of the big pushes for the fall is to encourage families to worship together. The reasoning behind this is to build a faith bond as a family and it will also help children to understand what it looks like to worship God corporately. I am not really all that interested in whether or not the kids sit quietly next to mom and dad reciting the creeds, sitting, and standing when deemed appropriately or... whether they run down the aisle, doodle with all the hearts, or giggle throughout the whole service. It is not necessarily about whether we are teaching our kids how to be "good" Christians, but about teaching them what it looks like to be a part of the Body of Christ. Some of my best memories as a child include sitting next to my mom at church singing and clapping along to southern gospel hymns. That time in the service, learning what it means to be in community, is formational.

Even more so, is the kids time at home. This curriculum, Tru, puts a huge emphasis on the bring it home side of children's ministry. It focuses on empowering families to grow together in their faith. It equips parents to encourage implementing a family devotion time as well as building relationships through everyday situations. Every month each family will be receiving a newsletter which will include some amazing write-ups, family activities, devotions, and so much more. They can access a weekly newsletter from their ipod or iphone with Tru's Homefront app. This fall I am excited to start a journey with the families here at Christ UMC. I am excited to see how God will work through each individual family to grow them together in their faith, as well as seeing how many different families will be able to partner together to encourage each other in faith, empower each believer in relationship, and glorify God through worship!

Pushing Pause

Last week VBS was a great hit not only with the amount of kids being reached for Christ, but seeing them learn and grow throughout the week was very exciting. Though the week was an extremely busy one, it was definitely worth it.

To follow the week and kick off the holiday weekend, I and nine new friends went canoeing 14 miles on the Colorado River. I sometimes forget just how much I enjoy spending time outside. We started the trip off at a small taco stand sitting next to a gas station...skeptical? You shouldn't be, because those breakfast tacos were delicious. After fueling up, we "dropped in." The next few hours were full of paddling, laughter, and a hot sun (we did stop for a nice swim and lunch).

Being in nature feeling light and free was just what we all needed. After canoeing we stopped at a "Fievel Goes West" looking hamburger joint. While the ten of us crammed around a round wooden table, and a cowboy's tunes played behind me, I couldn't help but feel filled.

Ya know those moments where you are just completely and utterly exhausted? Your muscles ache, your nose is a little burnt, your eyes feel like they could give way to the much needed sleep any second, and you can't think past that moment... Those times when you look around and with a deep sigh and a content heart you realize that for just this short moment time seems to have stopped. Around that table with the sun setting in the background and a much needed cheeseburger and milkshake, I (and hypothetically- you) are given a chance pause and get ready for the next leg of the race...

Though I am completely and utterly thrilled to be running full speed in the race that God has placed me in, I am appreciative of the times that He pushes a pause button in my life. I am grateful that I serve a God who rested on day 7 and asks us to do the same.

Communion, Y'all, and VBS

So my first month here in College Station has been quite eventful! One of my first Sunday's here I was given the opportunity to lead in communion during the children's eleven o'clock service. This was one of those firsts that you just won't forget. If ever I doubted whether kids should participate in taking the Lord's supper, it has disappeared now. I did my best to tell the story of that last supper with the kids while staying true to the words which were spoken (thank you Constance Cherry). Then, one by one, the kids came up tore and with the help of youth volunteers dipped their bread into the cup. As I watched them, some serious, some giggly, some bouncy, I almost teared up. It was so innocent and pure and just beautiful. What a great welcoming.

This week is Christ UMC's VBS week! It has been such an adventure so far! I am so thankful for all of the volunteers, it would not be possible without them. I have loved getting to know the kids a little more as well as the parents. I can't believe we only have two days left! I'll have to give a recap next week sometime!

That's all for now. "Y'all" check back sometime next week for my next post!

South is headin' South

In a few short days I will be heading to "Aggieland" aka College Station/Bryan, Texas.

This past month I wrote several papers, read a few books, took some tests, said goodbye to my best friends and mentors and was handed my diploma...well technically they sent it to me the next week in the mail, but you get it, I graduated.

After sorting through my closets, my turtle collection, and countless birthday cards, my stuff is on its way to Texas. Along with being an "Aggie" I have excepted a position at Christ UMC as the Children's Director. I am so excited to be starting a new journey and getting to know the people Christ UMC.

Check it out - http://www.christ-umc.org/