Thursday, February 6, 2025

ANNOUNCEMENTS!

This Sunday, February 9, we will be in "big church" during the offering portion of the service. This is such an important aspect of our worship towards God and we will spend time in Children's Church looking at what God's Word tells us about giving. This is where you come in! I'm asking that kids who would like to participate please bring ANY amount of money to put in the offering plate Sunday morning. I will have a small amount of money available for those who aren't able to bring their own so that all may have the experience of giving back to God, our chuch, and our mission.

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At the beginning of last year, our elementary kids spent a few weeks creating and sharing "All About Me" bags. We have MANY new faces in our ministry, both kids and adults, and as we are learning about how we are made in God's image, it seems like the perfect time to again focus on and share some of the unique traits, gifts, and talents God has given to each of us. Any child or adult volunteer who would like to participate can simply fill a brown paper bag with some items you would like to share...think pictures, a talent you have, your favorite book, activity, Bible verse/story, etc. Simply bring the bag with you on a Sunday morning or Wednesday evening and we will share a few at a time.

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If you have any questions about either of these items please get in touch with me. Thanks for all you do to support your child's walk with Christ, both here and at home!

FIRST YEAR REFLECTIONS!

As I look back on my first year in ministry and on staff at Perdido Bay, I am overcome by God's supreme goodness and faithfulness. I pray I will be blessed with many more years in ministry for Him, but as I only get to do my first year once, it seems appropriate to take a moment to reflect on the experiences I've shared with these remarkable children of God!

Recently, as we were discussing ways we can worship God, I asked the kids who God is and what He has done for us. A young girl raised her hand and most simply answered, "He is indescribable and He has done everything for us." It was PERFECT! And an example of the moments that Children's Ministry lends itself to over and over.

I continue to be humbled by the fully unique journey into the heart of God that is only accessible through loving, teaching, and serving children. Or perhaps even more so, by allowing them to love and teach you. Being amongst these kids will inspire you to seek, find, and see God in ways that you simply couldn't experience outside of their presence. You’ll get to witness the Kingdom at play when they play. You’ll feel God smile as they sing out to Him with their tiny voices and huge hearts that hold such mighty love for their Savior. You’ll listen to them and you will hear God's wisdom come pouring out. They’ll ask you to pray with them and you will feel the holy presence of God with you. They will tell you their story in such a matter-of-fact way that you will see Jesus again and again. You’ll love them with such recklessness that you know your heart will need to grieve when it’s time to let them go. You’ll experience moments that you are so completely in awe of them that you just stop to take it all in. And for a brief moment, you’ll be still enough to open yourself up to the ways their childlike faith reveals and reminds you of your own value and identity in Christ.

Ministry can be hard and heavy work, but it is ever so worth it to watch God transform lives - both theirs and mine. It is the honor of my lifetime to be called to minister to and with these children and to grow in God's love alongside them. Thank you families for your support, for sharing your children with me, and for raising them in homes where it is evident that Christ is central! Year one was more than I ever could have asked for or imagined and I'm eager to jump into year two, growing in our love for eachother and for our good, good God...together!

Peace and Abundant Blessings,

Ms. Rachel

FEBRUARY THEME!

Welcome to a new month of stories and scripture designed help us discover who God created us to be and what He wants us to know about ourselves! We were all MADE to use our gifts and talents to show others who God is. We'll start with learning about how we are all created in God's image and that He made us, knows us, and loves us.

And as we begin to understand that we are uniquely created by God, we'll see how that can allow us to be there for those around us, just like God is there for us. We'll look at how God created us to make a difference and that He equips us with gifts and talents to bring Him glory. And we'll continue to discover that no matter our age, we can make a difference - right here and right now.

Week 2 Family Devotionals

MONTHLY VIRTUE!

MEMORY VERSE!

A NOTE FROM MS. JEANNE!

Dear Children and Parents,

It has been an absolute pleasure to serve in the nursery and watch your children grow and learn about Jesus over the past eight years. Seeing their curious faces, hearing their laughter, reciting Bible verses and sharing Bible stories with them has brought me immense joy. Their cards, drawings and gifts are adorable and appreciated. Thank you for entrusting me with your precious little ones, and for allowing me to be a part of their early faith journey.

Love, Hugs, and Blessings,

Mrs. Jeanne

kidCONNECT!

Connecting kids with Christ, their church, and each other through music, games, and play!

The next kidCONNECT! (gym day) is scheduled for February 16^th Please have your child dress comfortably for gym play.

Procedures for the morning:

If you are attending the 9:00am service please have your child checked-in at The Hub in the Education Building no later than 8:55am. We will travel as a group to the Sanctuary for worship music and prayer before going to the gym. Check-in and check-out at any other point in the morning will take place in the Activities Center. Note that your child is welcome to stay for the entirety of the morning!

We will be completing a service project during the Sunday School hour. If your child doesn't already stay or you have yet to find a spiritual development class for yourself this would be the perfect opportunity to do so!