Children's Ministry Blog

God Has Bigger Plans than We Know

It is with great joy and expectation, but also with some sadness, that I share with you what God has done in my life. In answer to an eight-and-a-half year prayer, He is releasing me into my lifelong desire and call to witness to the light and love of Jesus Christ to those in the horse world.

On June 15th (my birthday), I will start my dream job in North Carolina. There I will manage a private, family horse farm in Southern Pines, ride and train the horses, nanny and care for a young girl entering the 9th grade, and work two mornings a week at the family’s marketing company in town. This will place me in the heart of horse country and position me in such a way that I can pursue my God-given dream – and make it a reality for His glory.

With this said, my last Sunday at St. Peter’s will be June 10th. This is a hard decision and move for me. I love my Church family, and the youth of St. Peter’s hold a particularly special place in my heart. This Church and the youth are a gift from God to me; each has brought joy and love into my life. The youth have taught me so much and I have loved being a part of the fruit that God is cultivating in their lives. Make no mistake that God is up to marvelous things in the lives of those here at St. Peter’s, and it has been an honor to be a part of it.

Now for the better news: God is not done with the youth at St. Peter’s! He has wonderful plans for them, for you and for your families. While good-byes are hard and sad, He is still on the move. He promises to be faithful, and since it is He who started the good work, He will be sure to see it through to completion. St. Peter’s Student Ministry has never been a one- or a two-man show. First and foremost, it is God’s, and taking our orders from Him, He has given us an amazing team of people who are committed to seeing the lives of our youth transformed and the Gospel shared and fulfilled. These people are committed to stepping up into a greater role and filling the void of my absence. Plus, just as God has so perfectly opened the door for me to walk through into the horse world, He will also open doors for the Student Ministry. He does not miss a detail and will not let things fall by the wayside. This is His ministry, for His glory, and He will do the work.

I have urged the youth to “trust and believe” and then to sit back in awe and wonder at our amazing and marvelous God. I urge you to do the same. This is not goodbye. I will be here for another six weeks and I will be back often. This is my home and church family, and I will only be four hours away.

I love you all and cannot thank you enough for the privilege of working alongside you in the Gospel.

In His Joy,
Atlee <><

Daily “Doing” During Lent

For centuries, Christians have observed a forty-day period of preparation prior to Easter Sunday. They have used this period to focus on what our Lord Jesus did and taught during his last days on Earth. St. Peters Church and the Children’s Ministry continue to build on that tradition with our Lenten Series teachings.

Many of us were raised in various churches, and I, for one, was raised in a church that didn’t ask us to “give up something for Lent”. As a child, I was always relieved that I didn’t go to the same church where my friends went. I thought how horrible it must be to give up something you love like soda, chocolate, candy, etc. As I’ve matured in my Christian walk, I find it intriguing and powerful, and a small way to try to fully grasp the sacrifice Jesus made for us.

In the Children’s Ministry, we’re talking about how Lent can be honored by not only “giving up something”, but also by “taking on something extra” daily. Something we don’t really want to do but it would be nice if we did….and we need to do it every day for 40 days. During those times when we crave what we gave up or don’t feel like doing the service we took on (i.e. making our siblings bed everyday), it serves as a reminder of the sacrifice Jesus made for us and of how much he loves us. During our reflection of this, during this 40 day journey, it is our opportunity to explore His love for us and rejoice in the victory He has won for us!

In Children’s Ministry we asked the kids to think of things they could do for people they love each day to symbolize this. They made coupons to give to parents, siblings, grandparens, or friends. I was so impressed with the thought they put into this and with some of the things they committed to doing. Make sure you get your coupons and talk with you children about how important it is to actually do what they said they were going to do. And, when they don’t feel like doing it, remind them to think of how much Jesus sacrificed for us. I know they are in for an incredible journey.

May our Savior fill you with awe and wonder as you walk closely with Him in the weeks ahead.

Children’s Ministry Volunteer Coordinator,
Shari Sebuck

Giving Thanks for God’s Love

This week we celebrate Valentine’s Day. When I asked the kids in Children’s Ministry what Valentine’s Day is all about, even our youngest know it’s all about LOVE! When we think about how generous God’s love is for us and toward us, it’s overwhelming. And, often, that love is taken for granted or unappreciated. Not intentionally, mind you, but God does small things for us every day, and often large things, that we are happy about…..and then we just go on our way. We’re busy. We have schedules, deadlines, to-do lists and commitments that go well beyond what our calendars will hold.

We do things for people we love because we want to show them our love in a way we think will make them happy. It makes us feel good to see them happy, to see them smile, jump up and down with joy, or to see their eyes shine with delight. We often do things without expecting anything in return. It is a gift. But, what if that person doesn’t show any appreciation? What if they don’t say, “Thank you,” or if they seem just simply ungrateful – like they deserved it anyway? That “attitude” might make us angry. Sure, maybe it shouldn’t. Who are we to judge, right? But let’s face it, some times a lack of appreciation just doesn’t sit well, so we might decide next time to do less, spend less or do nothing at all. I mean, with that attitude they don’t deserve it, right?

Not God. He doesn’t hold grudges or remind us that he shouldn’t do this for us this time because we were not so grateful last time. No. He just blesses us time and time again, day after day, making every day Valentine’s Day in His love. So, let’s stop for a moment. Stop to thank God and give praise to all the wonderful things he does for us every day – from the green light you made in traffic so you wouldn’t be late to soccer practice to the finances he provided for you in times of need. Nothing is too “insignificant” to thank him for and give him praise. His love is deliberate. Our love should be as deliberate to Him and to all of our “neighbors”. And just as our human spirit delights in someone showing gratitude or appreciation for our act of love, so does the Holy Spirit, and the Son of God, and our Father in Heaven. So this Valentine’s Day, I’ll extend the same challenge to our readers that I did to the kids in Children’s Ministry. Let’s make this Valentine’s Day not only about love, but also about being thankful for that love and showing our gratitude and appreciation.

I’ll start by saying THANK YOU to the many volunteers in the Children’s Ministry. I appreciate you! Happy Valentine’s Day every day to all in our St. Peter’s Church community!

Abundant Blessings, Shari

New Volunteer Policy for 2012

There is a new policy rolling out for the new year. We are asking every parent whose children are ages birth to 5th grade to volunteer at least 8 times a year. If you are visiting the church please know we will not ask you to volunteer until after your child has enjoyed the Children’s Ministry on Sunday mornings 4 times. This policy is in line with what other churches our size ask of their members. The aim is to include more families in the care of our young children for two reasons. First, we currently do not have the amount of volunteers we need each week to continue to offer quality and safe care of the increasing number of children each week. Secondly, our goal is to have parents share in a common ministry which will help develop our feeling of community as well as our own faith and service to the Lord. If you have questions or concerns regarding this policy please call the church office, refer to our website, or talk to one of the staff. We are thankful for the opportunity to help each child grow in their faith and their experience of a Christ centered community here at St. Peter’s Church.

Blessings,

Jimmy Kaiser

Pastoral Staff

BLAST Off Sunday, January 8th!

As we begin a New Year of life together, it’s time to get reconnected. This Sunday at 5:30 p.m., individuals from all areas of our church – volunteers, staff, stewards, Life Group members and others throughout our Church family – will come together as we continue our efforts to Build Leadership at St. Peter’s.

Sunday’s BLAST Off is an important starting point for this new season in the life of our Church. After dinner, I will speak briefly about the opportunities and focus of our Church in the year ahead. The purpose of this is to keep everyone informed and headed in the same direction. After my talk, there will be an opportunity for you to learn about a number of ministries that are essential to the mission of our Church and how you can support them.

I strongly encourage you to attend this gathering, because it is in gatherings such as this one that friendships are made, ministry encouraged, and our Church family is strengthened.

I hope to see you there,
+TJ
Lead Pastor
St. Peter’s Church

Fear Not

There are two kinds of fear — rational and irrational. I’m not sure if we can tell the difference sometimes. Certainly there are things that we could rationally fear. While lightning, snakes and sharks may seem rational to some, my biggest fear is a fear of paper cuts, called pulpuslaceratapohobia according to UrbanDictionary.com. Now before you laugh at me and my seemingly irrational fear, let me remind you of how painful a substantial paper cut can be in a strategic place on the hand or finger. I don’t even lick envelopes because I’m afraid of cutting my tongue. That fear makes good sense to me. I guess in the long run, what is a rational fear to one person is an irrational fear to another.

If you are parent, there are lots of things to fear regarding your children. The steaks are high and the culture is toxic. I don’t think it has ever been harder to be a good parent and raise a child the way most would want to with regard to values, morals and worldview. The culture attacks from every angle and to top it all off, as parents, we are moving at a break-neck pace, so we sometimes miss the little things that eventually turn into big things. Our fears regarding our children can be rational no matter how irrational they might appear to be on the surface. Again, I’ll remind you, the steaks are high and the love we have for our children is deep.

Thankfully, we have a good God who doesn’t deal with rational or irrational fear any different. In fact, he’s not a big fan of fear altogether. He tells us in the Bible, “Do not be afraid,” more than he tells us anything else. I think He knows how much we tend to fear and that He will need to remind us that He is in control. If we deceive ourselves with regard to our children and somehow think that we can “control” their behavior or their environment all together then we are missing the mark as parents. Obviously we should do our best to hold our children accountable in their actions and behavior. Certainly we can do our best to try to rearrange our children’s environments so that they have a fighting chance. However, I want us all to take a step back and admit that we are ultimately not in control of our children. That is where trust comes into play.

Can you imagine Mary as she was told that she was pregnant? She knows that she biologically couldn’t be. However, she trusts the angel of the Lord and chooses not to fear. Miraculous conceptions aside, don’t you think she had some rational fears regarding parenthood in general or about her new born son? Sure she did. She pondered the things all parents do regarding our children’s friends, education, behavior, health and general well being. I do believe Mary thought the stakes were pretty high regarding her parenting. After all, she was attempting to parent and nurture the Son of God! Mary did not fear. She knew something we easily forget. She knew that her baby came from God. She knew that God had chosen her above all others. She knew that she was highly favored by God. I’d be willing to bet, that knowing these things helped keep her irrational fears at bay. I’d bet, too, that knowing these things kept even her rational fears to a minimum. She knew that she wasn’t in control of the destiny of Jesus. In fact, if she was in control, I’m sure she would have tried to steer things in a different direction, especially considering how Jesus’ life was to end.

This Advent and Christmas season, I want to remind us all that we are not in control. God wants to remind us to not be afraid. He is in control. He wants more from our children than we could even hope or imagine for. They are His… He is their creator. In the end our fears are not helpful. Our fears will not make any positive difference. Only our trust in Him, our faith that he is a good and holy God can make a difference in their lives. Mary trusted God. She knew that God the Father was in control of her son Jesus. Can we learn to do the same with our children? Can we give our fears about our children to God and know that He is sovereign over our lives as well as our children’s lives? Do not fear parents… even when those fears seem rational. Do not fear. God is near. God is good. God’s love for your children is greater than your love for your children; hard to believe, but true. Do not be afraid.

Always In His Name,
Jimmy
Pastoral Staff

A Thanksgiving Lesson in Sharing God’s Love

My son just participated in a school activity that made me reflect on one of the great lessons we’ve learned through our Native American heritage. Each class in the first grade made a vest out of pillowcases and decorated it with drawings to tell whatever story they desired – lots of bow and arrows for war, people, animals, plants and teepees for general life, and hearts.

I asked my son what the heart was for and he looked at me blankly, and said, “Mom, hearts are for love.” Every student then made two of the same gifts – one to keep and one to trade. My son’s class chose to make necklaces, others instruments, some totem poles, but each class made something different. The Monday before Thanksgiving, all the first graders, dressed in decorated vests and construction paper head dresses, went out onto the playground and learned about our Native Americans and their way of life before and with the Pilgrims. Then, they traded their gifts with each other. They kept one of what they made, and gave the other to someone else. This was considered an eternal pact in friendship.

What a fantastic educational exercise! And then I realized, we can all learn from that and continue that tradition every single day, not just at Thanksgiving, but in sharing the love of Jesus! We have the gift of His love to keep everyday for ourselves and the gift of His love to trade with someone else every single day! What a blessing. The true blessing, though, only comes if we’re willing to “trade” it. We may give someone eternal life through Christ, and we may gain an eternal brother or sister in Christ. Now, that’s a fair trade and a true Thanksgiving. Pass it on!

In Christ,
Shari Sebuck
Children’s Ministry Administrator

A New Look for Children’s Ministry

This fall, the Children’s Ministry team has continued to make little changes here and there to hopefully serve the kids and the families of St. Peter’s better. Our latest creative change is that we have some new logos that will hopefully help visitors to the church and to our website get an idea of what we are all about.

Logos can say a lot about what you are trying to communicate. Think of your favorite logo. What is it trying to communicate to you? We want our children, parents and visitors to know that we take excellence in our children ministry very seriously. We also want them to know that we value play and growth. You’ll also notice that we wanted to reflect a common theme that we have been blessed with on our church property. See if you can guess it. It’s pretty obvious.

There are three logos:

The first reflects and represents our ministry to our littlest ones — those we call Sprout (birth to pre-K children)

We have a second one to reflect and represent our ministry to the students in our Kids’ Club (K – 5th grade).

Our final logo (pictured at top) combines the two practically and in theme. This one will be the one we use most often when referring to the Children’s Ministry in general.

Hopefully you can see the playfulness in the logos and our desire to see the kids grow in their faith from a small sprout into something bigger and stronger. As the Lord has blessed us with a church property with lots of beautiful strong live oak trees, we pray that our children will grow to know their own strengths, but more importantly that they will know God’s bigness and steadfast strength and love. They are His! We get to enjoy and serve them.

Speaking of serving the little ones… we want to always say thank you to all of you who have served as volunteer leaders for the Children’s Ministry! If you haven’t had the opportunity to serve yet, please contact me as soon as you can. We are actually short for volunteers in December. It would be a joy to add a few more willing folks to our already impressive list of volunteers!

Blessings,
Jimmy Kaiser

These Photos Are a Real Treat!

Hundreds of kids visited our “trunks” at this year’s Trunk or Treat event sponsored by Chick-fil-A. If your Jolly Rancher was one of them, click here to see if he or she made the Wanted list and to view pics from this fun-filled community event.

Trunk or Treating in the Community

Last Thursday night, St. Peter’s friends and family put on their jeans, boots, hats, and headed west to Chick-fil-A’s 3rd Annual Trunk of Treat event. We found ourselves settled into several hundred people, surrounded by other organizations, schools and churches that all do life around us on a day to day basis. We made s’mores, worked on a community-wide art project, and had a “photo booth” set up for those little rangers dressed in any outfit to stop and pose for a moment. Other stations were set up by the other businesses and groups, as well. People were coming in from everywhere, and cars were parked even across busy Highway 17 so that anyone could come have fun, receive and connect with others.

I was talking with John Wrenn, who stated that this event is so much bigger than all these people and all the chicken sandwiches sold. It is about COMMUNITY. Whether you are a part of a church or not, this word holds value. At St. Peter’s, we have been praying that we would be a community of people where “Faith Intersects Life.” Last night at Trunk or Treat was a prime example of this. Families came out together,kids and adults dressed up in costumes, friendships were made, and people connected.

Thank you to those that participated and prepared for the event! I hope we will have opportunities such as this more often where we can connect with people that do life around us. If we are a church that desires to intersect faith and life, then we must be outside the walls of the building and in the community around us. It is then we are able to see God work in our lives and those we are surrounded by day in and day out.