green pastures

Digging in.

2011-08-30T09:47:00.000-07:00

Recently, I sat among our small group's moms and girls. During the course of a discussion about mom/girl things, someone posed the question, "who do you think you could go to if you had a real problem and needed advice from a friend?" In other words, who are the trustworthy, truth-telling, there-for-you people you know? The girls thought for a minute and then pointed to each other as go-to friends.

To understand why I'd consider this even worth mentioning, you should know a bit about these girls. The girls range from 7th to 9th grade. None attend school together. No shrinking violets among them. Each has friends (many) outside this particular group, and participates in plenty of the usual extracurricular activities. And yet each is connected to the other in a way that prompted the answer above. Why?

I've known these girls and their families for some time now, a few for many years, both as a parent and in my Ministry role. So I'm watching their deepening understanding of the Gospel from a unique vantage point. Here's what I see --

It did not happen overnight.  Understanding developed in their families and within our church community in daily, weekly, year-after-year sorts of ways. Sunday School. Worship. Serving. Gathering. Milestones.  Among teachers and leaders and peers who've walked alongside with a consistency and care that fostered relationship in a trusted learning environment. And they've shared this experience, for the most part.

It has not been conflict-free. They are real, growing girls, for heaven's sake. They and we have worked through conflict in a we're-not-leaving-for-something-better context.  Knowing and loving these people who have known and loved us...over time. The girls have observed folks who keep showing up and living life together. People who mess up, and who seek God's grace and (most of the time) the best for each other. And they've shared this experience too.

They do not spend every minute in our church, but the are regularly present. I observe (pretty up close) that they receive teaching, are encouraged and challenged, prayed for and held accountable...better equipped for the very full teenager lives they live outside our building. Better friends. Better (not perfect!) perspective on their teenager worlds, hopefully becoming more discerning in response to the mixed messages that girls receive daily. And they've shared this experience.

I hope at this point, you are with me in learning from them a valuable lesson about a community in Christ. Shared experience of God's grace over time, in living, learning, serving, forgiving, showing up even when people mess up, grows us in a place of trust.  It connects us to share life, young and not-so-young, in awesome, full of laughter times and in painful times where we need to know someone is there for us.  It equips us to love and serve all kinds of people for Christ's glory, and gives us freedom to risk and welcome all comers in His name.

It doesn't happen overnight. It doesn't happen once a quarter and on the holidays. In my own life as a big-girl, I've seen God's faithfulness in building a community around me well before I really needed it and that has grown and equipped me for the places I live and breathe. And I've seen it in my kids' lives. And I'm grateful. And I'm writing all this because I don't want you to miss it. Dig in, and watch what God does all around you.

in pursuit.

2011-07-23T18:14:00.000-07:00

Recently, I sat down to talk with a friend about work, family, responsibilities that lay ahead, significant concerns about all of the above. I was just finishing a week of VBS, which I completely love, for all kinds of reasons. But VBS means high energy over many hours, so I was pretty well spent and planning to take some days off following. As we talked, the friend looked me in the eye and said, "I am challenging you to courageously pursue rest."
I don't think I said anything, but I understood what he meant. Maybe because I understand the absence of rest and how hard it is to come by. Don't get me wrong, I take the 20 minute nap on occasion (ask my kids). I say no to things. I feel no compulsion to take on a task to improve my reputation. But that is more akin to survival than actual rest, at least for me. It doesn't stop my brain spinning possibilities, or the looking over list of responsibilities I've fallen short on.
So, last week, I went in pursuit. It certainly helped to be in a perfectly lovely setting, with a perfectly lovely friend to talk to and laugh with. Abandoning a schedule is a plus. Sleep is a real bonus. But getting quiet...inside my own head...setting aside the lists and the spinning was the toughest, and of course, most restful. Taking in and enjoying the rest found in God's beautiful creation was fuller and more relaxing, with more openness to His word. I could have stayed longer, frankly, but the rehab was enough to reengage, I think. And hopefully, I've returned more willing to find ways in my everyday world to rest in Christ. Feel free to remind me of these words; no doubt I'll need it. For now, I challenge you to your own courageous pursuit. Rest.

Back to School - Sunday School!

2010-08-24T11:09:00.000-07:00

Sunday School provides a unique learning and Gospel community-building opportunity for kids and one specific expression of the promise we all make to support families in the spiritual formation of children. Each week, we study Scripture within the context of God’s big story of redemption; God is the hero of every story! We learn together in a safe environment that invites questions and conversation between peers and caring adults. We start with big concepts in our Toddler class and continue through 5th grade on a path to better understanding the Gospel narrative, and who we are individually and in community as a result. We serve together, offering children regular opportunities to serve and lead in this environment. Soon, our 5th graders will lead our Shoebox collection for Samaritan’s Purse.

Just as adults find connection, support and growth in small group time, our children develop Gospel community during this hour. As a parent, I’ve watched this in my own children and am grateful for the relationships fostered with both peers and teachers. -- And as a teacher, I can tell you that learning goes both ways. In the weeks I am preparing to teach, I am learning the most, not to mention the insight I gain from the words and actions of our children.

Cynthia Veerman, who has taught children and teens at Northwest for several years, serves because it combines her love for God’s Word with the love she has seeing children become active members of the church. “Sunday School is a time of discovery and fellowship,” she says. “It has been a joy to see how God changes the hearts of young children and makes them a vibrant part of His community.”

Join us, beginning September 12 at 9:00am.
For more information regarding individual classes, curriculum or teaching opportunities, contact Elizabeth Deakin at edeakin@npc-dublin.org

Headline: Moms Defeat Sons in Capture the Flag!

2010-05-10T10:00:00.000-07:00

Ok, so the headline was from me as mom-participant, reporting from our annual Moms and Sons game night. Nice to know we can still catch those growing boys...especially the ones who've grown bigger than we are. My children's ministry director self always enjoys this event, as I observe not only moms and sons spending time together, but also the collection of boys (aged 4 to 17 years this time) playing hard and making time for each other. Also nice to see moms relaxed and connecting with each other in this laid-back setting. One mom told me once, "it's just nice to have a couple of hours and a place where I don't have to say no." So it was yes to pizza, yes to ice cream, and yes to running-around good times, whatever your speed and ability. Can't wait to do it again.

Did I mention that we won capture the flag?

Children's Worship in May

2010-05-03T11:33:00.000-07:00

K-2
Bible Memory:
May 2: “Hear O Israel: the LORD our God, the LORD is one.” Deuteronomy 6:4
May 9: “Hear O Israel: the LORD our God, the LORD is one. You shall love the LORD our God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.” Deut. 6:4-5
May 16: “Hear O Israel: the LORD our God, the LORD is one. You shall love the LORD our God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words I command you today shall be on your heart. ” Deut. 6:4-6
May 23: review Deuteronomy 6:4-6
May 7 30: say them for a reward!

The Message: “Who is God? What is He like? How Should I Act Toward God?” We continue to study the character, greatness and worth of God. In May, our messages will covering the following:

God is Trinity—God is three persons in one, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
God is Love—Love is the overflow of the joy God has in Himself.
God is Omnipresent — God knows everything.
God is Refuge—God is a place of safety and protection for His people.
God is Unchanging—God never changes

PreK:
We will spend the month of May equipping our preschoolers with the knowledge that God made them. Because He made them, they are special. They are special not because they can jump the farthest or run the fastest. They are special because God made them and loves them!

Moms and Sons Game Night! -- MAY 7

2010-04-22T10:05:00.000-07:00

Got Game?
Moms and Sons, join us for an evening to hang out and have fun at your own pace, indoors and out. We'll provide dinner and some gaming options. Take time to enjoy each other and to get to know other moms and sons.
Friday, May 7
6:30pm
@NPC
Cost for moms: $5.00, Cost for sons: Free!
Register in the NPC lobby

Children's Worship in April

2010-04-22T09:58:00.000-07:00

The Message: We continue to study the character, greatness and worth of God. We’re also celebrating Easter and have invited some guests in to talk about their roles in worship. This is what we’re up to in April:

EASTER!—God is Victorious—God always wins, even over Satan, sin and death.
Learning about worship from our special guests — Pastor Dave and Jessica Robson. Pastor Dave answers kids’ questions about the sermon and all kinds of things. Jessica shares how kids worship in Malawi. Very cool. You can check out Jonathan and Jessica Robson’s blog at
http://www.robsonsinmalawi.blogspot.com/
God is Attentive — God is constantly watching and acting in the world.
God is Faithful — God always does what He says He will do.

Bible Memory: “The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are attentive to their cry. Psalm 34:15

Children's Worship in March

2010-03-08T08:35:00.000-08:00

K-2:
Bible Memory: Acts 17:24-25 (starting at the end and adding on in reverse)

March 7: “Because He himself gives all men life and breath and everything else.” (25b)
March 14: “And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because He himself gives all men life and breath and everything else. (25)
March 21: “the God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built with hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because He himself gives all men life and breath and everything else.” (24-25)
March 28: say them for a reward!

The Message: “Who is God? What is He like? How Should I Act Toward God?” In March, our messages will covering the following:

God is Provider—God meets the needs of His creation.
God is Self-sufficient—God doesn’t need anything.
God is Understanding — God keeps in mind that we are weak.
Palm Sunday and Holy Week

What about worship? this month we'll begin to talk about words and parts of worship that we hear and practice as we prepare for Easter.

PreK:
This month we will share stories that show how Jesus loved while He was here on earth. Jesus took time to talk to the woman at the well who had no friends, and He loved her. He chose to spend time with those considered not worthy of His love like Zacchaeus. Jesus asked us to spread this love. He asked us to tell others that He loves everyone. The Bible says in John 15:12, "Love each other as I have loved you," (NIV). Jesus is our very best friend.

We end this month with Palm Sunday. Easter comes early this year--get ready! Palm Sunday we will celebrate Jesus and His love for us. How amazing it is that Jesus came for us, for each and every one of us. He came to love us and show us how to love. He loved us so much He was willing to die for us. What an awesome truth.

Dads and Daughters: Hearts, Flowers and SNOW!

2010-02-22T12:00:00.000-08:00

Well, the blizzard came Friday afternoon and made for a memorable Saturday morning Valentine Breakfast (aka Dads and Daughters Snow Battle). We had fun, indoors and out. Take a look:

Children's Worship in February: k-2

2010-02-22T11:20:00.000-08:00

Here's an overview of what we're doing with our Kindergarten through 2nd graders this month...

Bible Memory:
Feb 7: “the Heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.”
Feb 14: “How many are your works, O LORD! In wisdom you make them all” Psalm 104:24a
Feb 21: “O Great and powerful God, whose name is the LORD almighty, great are your purposes and mighty are your deeds.” Jeremiah 32:18b-19a
Feb 28: say them for a reward!

The Message: “Who is God? What is He like? How Should I Act Toward God?” This month, we continue to study the character, greatness and worth of God. We plan to spend the year getting to know better a God who is definitely worthy of our worship. In February, our messages will covering the following:

God is Glorious—God shows us His greatness and worth.

God is Wise — God causes everything to work out perfectly.

God is Almighty — God is all powerful.

God is Sovereign — God has the right, the wisdom, and the power to do all that He pleases.

What about Worship? : We’ve been talking about the what, how and why of worship. For example, why do we pray together? What is a “call to worship”? What do the words in our familiar worship songs mean? How do we honor God and declare His worth in the different parts of a worship service? We’ll keep you updated as we go!

Valentine Breakfast....coming February 6th.

2010-01-06T09:18:00.000-08:00

Hey, dads, grandads, uncles, big brothers...and daughters, granddaughters, nieces, little sisters...join us for our 3rd annual Valentine Breakfast. We'll be meeting at 9:30am at NPC. Enjoying time together is the purpose of the day. There will be plenty of pink and frilly to go around. $5.00/guy. Look for more details soon.

children's worship moves to a new spot!

2010-01-06T08:43:00.000-08:00

Actual conversation: CW participant: "Miss Elizabeth, how long do we stay in the Stillwater Room [for Children's Worship]?" Me: "This is it! We're stayin'. Not moving anymore. Ok with you?" CW participant: "Really? yay! Cool."
It is cool. and yay. and something new for us all. We're one month in, and still glad to be on this new path. We're singing and learning about the different parts of worship and memorizing Scripture and most importantly, learning more about who God is, what He's like, and how we respond to Him. I think we'll discover He's worthy of our worship.
Thanks so, so much to the really awesome Children's Worship leaders who've made this transition something I've actually enjoyed. Great adult leaders and great youth leaders, all of them.
Here's the need to know info if you've got children aged 4 years - 2nd grade, plus our January parent page for K-2. Any questions? Let me know!

Children's Worship in January: k-2
Bible Memory:
Jan 3: “I am God and there is no other; I am God and there is none like me.” Isaiah 46:9b
Jan 10: “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been His counselor?” Romans 11:34
Jan 17: “I am the LORD, who has made all things, who alone stretched out the heavens, who spread out the earth by myself.” Isaiah 44:24b
Jan 24: “Before the mountains were born or You brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting, you are God.” Psalm 90:2
Jan 31: say them for a reward!

The Message: “Who is God? What is He like? How Should I Act Toward God?” This month, our K-2 kids will begin to study the character, greatness and worth of God, based on a curriculum from Children Desiring God. We plan to spend the year getting to know better a God who is definitely worthy of our worship. In January, our messages will covering the following:

Who is God? What is He like? — Questions have answers.
God is Incomprehensible — He is more that we can fully understand.
Creator — God made everything!
Eternal — God has no beginning or end.
YHWH (Lord) — God desires to make His name known.

Practical Info for Children’s Worship:
Check-in: Same, for now.
Where your kids go after check-in: different...Stillwater room! Everyone, PreK-2nd grade.

Pick-up: Parents pick up PreK children in room 209-211 (where they have been for CW) Parent pick up K-2nd grade children in the Stillwater room.

We have an order of worship that looks a bit like yours! Here’s what we’ll be doing:
Countdown video until we all arrive
Music and welcome
Offering (your children will take turns collecting)
Preschoolers leave for their lesson time
Bible memory
The Message
What about Worship? Answering questions about how and why we worship
Prayer requests and closing
Postlude...more music to wait for our parents by.

On the music...Paul Vertucci and I have selected music that kids will hear and learn both in worship with you, and in Children’s Worship. Who knows...our young worshippers may come lead you in worship!

If you’d like a peek at what they’ll be seeing and hearing, view clips at http://www.godskidsworship.com/ . If you'd like to view PreK curriculum, go to http://www.myfirstlook.org/

Note: our order of worship is timed to end about the same time as worship in the worship center. Children’s Worship leaders are most appreciative when you are able to pick up children promptly, and then enjoy good fellowship with our church family.

Fall Kickoff.

2009-09-12T19:40:00.000-07:00

End of summer. Back to school. Fall Sports. Music lessons. After-school activities. and oh yeah, good stuff happening on Post Road too. New classes, reconnecting in community, growing in grace. Join us.
Step one is really easy...
Children's Ministry Registration Form

Soaring good times.

2009-07-16T17:12:00.000-07:00

Well, we've taken off, we've learned how to really fly high, and now we're about to land. Here's a peek at the journey.

Getting prepared for takeoff...

2009-07-11T05:18:00.000-07:00

VBS.
2 days to departure. The flight crew has been hard at work. I wish I could tell you more, but I can't. Just that I'm excited. Watch this space next week for evidence of our high-flying adventure.

See you on the runway!

Welcome to green pastures...

2009-06-30T15:43:00.001-07:00

Green pastures? Note I didn't write "greener pastures, " as in "the grass is always greener..." Just green. Like from Psalm 23. The green place of rest God provides, where He invites us to lie down and breathe in. Families need these places, no matter what a family looks like, in whatever form. Places to be loved and supported and restored, so that each member is able to grow in grace and truth. We hope to walk alongside parents in providing such a place for your children, and to be that kind of community for families.

There's more to the Psalm 23 connection, actually. When kids move on from the area we call children's ministry, they most often become involved in our student ministry, Stillwater...also from Psalm 23. Our kids don't cease to need green pastures and still water at a certain age. I love that my own children, now becoming more independent of me, are finding their own way to these places of restoration. It seemed fitting that the blog should bear a name connected to this excellent student ministry. (check it out - http://www.npcpsalm23.blogspot.com/ )

Finally, this green-ness brings me back to a verse I hope is reflective of what we do in children's ministry --
"Let my teaching fall like rain and my words descend like dew, like showers on new grass, like abundant rain on tender plants. " Deuteronomy 32.2
These young people I love so much are green and new and growing all the time. They need the refreshing waters of grace to grow into beautiful full-grown plantings. To become green pastures for the folks around them.

I'm so glad I get to do what I do. I hope you'll join us sometime. In the meantime, get the news here. We'll do our best to keep up with the important stuff. Hmmm....like VBS. that's coming soon. check back with us soon.