St. James Kids
July
@Home edition
Values are timeless. Innovations are temporary.
Nothing can stifle innovation or opportunity any faster than a culture that discourages looking for new ways to improve. As a leader, it’s my job to challenge that corrosive “We’ve always done it that way” mindset and create an environment that rewards new ideas and risk-taking. Otherwise, we risk adopting and accelerating changes essential for growing our ministry to the next level.

I certainly understand how easy it is to slip into this mindset and get comfortable with it. In fact, it's rare not to have this issue rear its ugly head every now and then.

I actively try to spot this threat in its early stages and discern how to prevent it from spreading and harming other aspects of the ministry. 

If an adaptation or adoption is a solid idea, it can deliver a big impact. Perhaps in a ministry's efficiencies, productivity, or even in its reach?

We’re on our way back to the 1st school year since we’re “back to before.” We are re-evaluating how ministry is done, but not why.

Innovations are temporary.
Values are timeless.

Values are our concepts that will always exist, but our innovations - how we do ministry - will change. I want to clarify what is timeless.

  • Leadership will always be essential. 
  • A timeless message will always matter.
  • Parents will always have more influence in the everyday life of theirs kids. 
  • Community will always be a core need of every person. 
  • Service will always have the potential to inspire faith and help someone understand their significance.  

These values are timeless. 

How we innovate around these values may change according to the stage and phase of families, when there is a crisis, or as culture shifts, but how we change should actually highlight the things that never change. 

However, if we refuse to change, we may actually risk the ability to be relevant and hand what is timeless to a generation because we didn’t connect it to their everyday life. 

That’s why churches disappear. It’s not because things change, but because they didn’t change. They didn’t adapt to highlight what is timeless. Because they thought they could transition gradually, they actually lost the ability to influence the culture of their community. 

I would like to hear your thoughts on how we do ministry in the next...
Sean Dunbar



Message me, should you need anything.
Looking to get involved?
These ministries will be reviving in September.
Message me for more info...
On the horizon...
  • Celebrating Freedom – Sunday July 4th.
 
No Children's Sunday School.
 
There will be one worship service at 11:00 AM in the sanctuary. Rev. Greg Schick and Kira Keating, Director of Music, Worship & the Arts are putting together a special service that will honor our freedom as a country and the freedom that we receive from Jesus Christ. There will special music, prayers, and maybe a few surprises. Please register to attend on the church website or by calling the church office at 217-6700. Don’t forget you participate in the service from anywhere in the world (even the lake) by joining the livestream on the website or watching it on Facebook.
  • MEET our newest Pastors - Sunday, July 11th 
We will welcome our new Senior Pastor, Rev. Ben Crismon and our new Sr. Associate Pastor, Rev. Jessica Durand. The worship schedule for the Sunday will be 8:30 Traditional, 9:30 Contemporary, and 11:00 Traditional. Reservations are required and can be made on the church website or by calling the church office at 217-6700.
 
Following the 11:00 service, there will be a welcome reception in the Great Hall. We will have some favorite summertime treats at the reception such as sno-cones, cotton candy, popcorn, and more. It will be fun for the whole family. 
 
You will have the opportunity to meet the entire Crismon Family and some of Jessica’s children as well. If you would like to send words of welcome to Ben or Jessica you can email them at [email protected] or [email protected].
  • Blessing of the Backpacks - Sunday, August 15 th
  • 3rd Grade Bible Gifting - Sunday, August 22nd
After having done ministry for a few years now, I know that I know there are two crucial ingredients to a successful event. First, the event leader has to “Know in their heart” this event was meant to happen because when the time of the event draws near you have to step up and lead in a convincing way. Secondly, I believe 90% of ministry is just showing up and letting God do His work. 

I would like to "just show up" in your neighborhood for a couple hours with you, your kids and your friends and use snow cones to share joy. And well pour the syrup on extra, just like God’s extravagant love and generous grace

I will be scheduling trips on Tuesday and Thursday this summer starting after VBS. Message me and lets "just show up" and let God do his thing!
JULY SUNDAY SCHOOL
ELEMENTARY THEME Vision Casting
When it comes to confidence, we might try and base it on what we do well or what a teacher or parent might say about us. But true confidence should be built on something that lasts forever. We think that’s found in understanding how God sees us. God created us, and God loves us. Nowhere is this more evident than in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. And, when you put your confidence in Jesus, you can truly see yourself how God sees you.
JULY SUNDAY SCHOOL
PRESCHOOL THEME Vision Casting
We don’t want trusting God to be hard for our preschoolers. God has done so much to show us that we can trust Him. That is why we are going to continue teaching our preschoolers that they can Press Play and trust God with everything. The music, the dancing, and the instruments continue this month. And, most importantly, we have more true stories from the Bible of people who show us why we can trust God.

We want preschoolers to trust that God is always with them. We want them to look to Jesus so He can show them they can trust God. We want them to put on the armor of God and trust Him to use it to make them strong. And, we want them to trust that nothing can ever separate them from God’s love. It is our prayer that they will always remember all of the reasons why they can trust God.

Register at www.stjameslr.org
in the menu bar at top of page


VIRTUAL SUNDAY SCHOOL

The Parent Cue App cues you to have simple and meaningful faith-moments with your kid that will fit seamlessly into the daily rhythm of your life. 
The secret to being the parent you want to be is to pay attention to your daily and weekly rhythm. Chances are, your family has a rhythm that’s entirely your own. Maybe you sing in the morning. Maybe no one speaks before 11am. Every family is unique! Each week, the parent cue app will send “cues” to help you make the most of some of your typical family moments: Like morning time, drive time, meal time, or bedtime. It’s okay if one of these times isn’t a good fit for you. Simply use whatever works in your family routine, and then use it . . . routinely.
We are here for you and with you.

Peace be with you!

Sean Dunbar
Director of Children’s Ministry
St. James UMC
321 Pleasant Valley Dr.
Little Rock, AR 72212
(o) 501.217.6744
(c) 501.351.1496
Facebook: stjameslrkids
Instagram: @stjameskids