Is the church ready for this ?

The Guardian reported more schools closing now

Government is weighing up closing schools in the fall when an epidemic could come when the flu season begins.


I know in Toronto after the SARS scare some churches responded by developing Emergency Response Plans in case there is a similar crisis. (Anglicans in Toronto) What could churches do here ? What could Children and Youth Pastors/workers do ?

Why do Children's Ministry?

You don't need to look any further than Psalm 78. Wayne Stocks finds 8 good reasons there.




thanks to David Wakerly.

Introuction to Children's Ministry

This is a good introduction to children's ministry - thanks to Henry Zonio
Children's Ministry Intro

Teaching Sunday School like Jesus would

In teaching Sunday school what am I trying to do ? This is a question I think about often as I help out in Sunday school at Kingsland.
I think there are various benefits from Sunday school like - having someone responsible watch the children while the parents are able to receive teaching or worship in the "main" service. Teaching the children to live good lives and even passing on information about the person called Jesus.
But for me it has to be more than that.
Pastor Karl addresses this well in his blog on the subject here.
I want the kids to know Jesus, not just know about him. They say that that 7 inches is the longest distance, the distance from the mind to the heart. And that's what I think its about I want to introduce them to Him or encourage them in their relationship with him.
I can't do it but my prayer is that God will use me and other sunday school teachers and their christian peers to do it!

Day camp comes to a close

Day Camp Rocked !

Not just because we were blessed with over 60 kids over the five weeks,

or we had an amazing team of interns(thank you federal govenerment), LITs and volunteers,

or because we had amazing trips to the Science Centre, Kidstown, Toronto Zoo,

or because we had some amazing worship times,

or because we had a couple of amazing actors performing the skits,

or because we had an amzing Bible Story teller,

or because we had amazing MCs,

or because we had an awesome camp director.

BUT because God was in our midst - answering prayer, planting seeds of faith in children's hearts and bringing 2 children to know him. PRAISE GOD !

Another kid said YES to Jesus

On Sunday in KIDSZONE another child said yes to Jesus - It's exciting when a new life is born in His Kingdom. It's what we're about in KIDSZONE partnering with parents to raise Spiritual Champions - It's something we can't do apart from God moving and using us.
This child has started on his road to be a Spiritual Champion, now we have to play our part to help him grow and partner with his parents help him grow.

2 Funerals

Over this weekend we've had two funerals at FAC. One Marjorie was the wife of the previous Senior Pastor here at First. We celebrated her life - a life full of fruit for God's Kingdom.
The other Kavar, a seventeen year old allegedly shot by a fourteen year old for defending his aunt.
It's a stark reminder that as individuals we don't know how much time God allows us to live on earth. But in that time God gives us to share the hope that we have we need to redeem the time - make it count for Him. There are so many people that won't come to church for us to tell or show them.
So it seems obvious that we have to go because we are vessels of that Hope in Christ Jesus. How can we keep it toourselves when we have been given it freely and abundantly ?
Join me and let's go !

Winter Family Fest what's to come ...

Still two days to go - we've got parent's night out tonight - we'll take care of your kids if you've already attended one of the workshops this week.
AND THE our Finale with Toronto City Mission Kids choir leading our Family Praise Party.
Invite your friends it will be a balst on Frigay Jan 5.

Winter Fest Post cards gone to printers

Winter Fest is getting closer - It's going to be a great week. I'm delighted to have another Warden Church on board. The New Life Christian Church just down Warden from us is hosting the first night. January 2 when Laird Crump from Focus on the Family Canada will be leading a seminar on Family Harmony, followed by family activity based on the seminar.

Winter Family Fest - Jan 2 - Family Harmony

As part of our "We Love Families" Winter FAmily Festival - Family Harmony is the focus of the first night of our "We Love Families" Winter Family Festival,

It will be about understanding and celebrating the differences in our families. Laird, our workshop leader says:-

Everyone appears to be hardwired with a certain temperament. Usually within each family several temperament types are present. Why is it that some family members get along better than others? Why is it that some family members are messy while others are neat freaks?
Why are some family members driven while others like to go with the flow?
When a family takes the time to understand temperamental differences it allows them the opportunity to minimize frustration and maximize the possibility of everyone reaching their full potential. Using key diagnostic tools, this seminar helps a family get in touch with how each one is wired. Learn how to champion strengths, compliment weaknesses and communicate the differences in your family!

Tweens 8yr -12olds

Although this is US based it still can inform us:-

Barna recently shared the following research about the life of tweens (children ages 8 to 12):
94% said they have good friends whom they can trust.
91% get punished by their parents if they are caught using bad language.
79% feel safe when they are at home.
74% said their parents enforce a strict curfew.
69% say their family eats dinner together at least five nights a week.
64% say they feel they can always trust their parents to do what is right for the child.
67% noted that the amount of television they are allowed to watch is limited by their parents.
57% contend that they look forward to spending free time with their family.
56% believe that they will have a great life.
43% rejected the notion that they would rather be popular than do what is morally right.
38% said that churches have made a positive difference in their life.
35% said they find it easy to talk to their parents about everything that is happening in their life these days.
34% said that prayer is very important to them.
31% are bothered by bullies who threaten or scare them.
Young people who get mostly “A’s” in their schoolwork tended to have a much more positive experience and outlook.
Having both parents in their home also makes a big difference.
Born again Christians were also much more likely than non-born again tweens to possess an upbeat life perspective and experience.

Barna concludes that:
Parents must take the lead in establishing the centrality of faith experiences and practices for their children. That begins with parents modeling the significance of faith in their lives. It also highlights the importance of families taking the lead in the spiritual development process, rather than expecting or waiting for a church to produce spiritual growth in adolescents.

At the same time, it is essential that children’s ministers strive to create an environment where students will not only grow deeper in their spiritual development but have fun and actually look forward to going to church. Fun environments enhance the learning experience.