Spring Lake Wesleyan Kids Church

Last Day

2010-06-03T09:30:00.002-04:00

June 6 is that last Sunday of school year programming before children are promoted to the next grade's classroom. This is always a bittersweet day for us as staff and volunteers as we say goodbye to the children we've spent the past year with.

Since many of our regular volunteer staff take time off over the summer to refresh and prepare for the next school year, the summer months are an especially critical time new volunteers to step up and help.

Volunteer schedules are posted outside each classroom. Please look at your calendar and on Sunday, consider pitching in to help once a month. Once a month - that's one hour dedicated to your child's spiritual growth. When I think of it in those terms, saying yes seems like a no-brainer.

Why serve? Is it easy? Check out these videos.

Summer Recruiting

2010-05-19T10:03:00.011-04:00

How blessed we are to have a dedicated group of teachers that serve faithfully every Sunday throughout the school year. I am so glad our kids get the chance to form deep, trusting relationships with these leaders.

As we look to the summer months, many of our teachers take time off to refresh for the following school year. This is when we look to others to make a short term commitment to serve in Children's Ministry.

There are opportunities to serve:

in every age group (birth through 4th grade)
at 9am and 11am
at varying degrees of commitment (weekly to once a month)

Not sure you're equipped to do it? Watch the video's below.

Why Robin & Gerritt serve in Children's Ministry from SLWC Kids on Vimeo.

Why John and family serve in Children's Ministry from SLWC Kids on Vimeo.

GDO- Girls Day Out- a Mother/ Daughter Event

2010-03-10T11:46:00.001-05:00

So we have this great event planned for our BFF's out there- a mother/ daughter event coming up March 20. We’ve been planning this one for a few months now and we are super excited! Just when we think we can't top last year’s event, we just might have done it!

From 10a- 1p the girls will gather for great food, some fitness and style tips, and figure out what 'fills their bag'. And to capture the day, we have a photo booth set up! I know I'm being slightly coy about the rest of the morning, but we don't want to spill ALL the secrets!

We hope you are able to join us! Mark the calendar, and call your girlfriends! Saturday March 20 from 10a- 1p @ Spring Lake Wesleyan Church.
$10 per girl (moms- you’re FREE!)
RSVP on line today- because you know you don't want to miss this!

First in Focus

2010-03-09T11:01:00.002-05:00

There is a great article in Children's Ministry magazine I wanted to share with you all! It pits two theories about Children's and Family Ministry against eachother with the question being- Is ministry to families more effective when it's focused first on the home- or the child?

Jay Hostetler from Central Wesleyan offers his viewpoint of a child- centered ministry.

It's a great read- so dive in and let us know what your thoughts are!

http://www.childrensministry.com/backissues/detail.asp?ID=6944

Girls Day Out- A Mother/ Daughter Event

2010-02-03T14:33:00.002-05:00

Totally cool. Totally fun. Totally a Girls Day Out! Come 'shop' with us, have brunch, make a cool craft together and get fit together. And what girls day out wouldn't be complete with out a stop at the SPA! From 10a- 1p, we'll mingle and relax as we check off our To-Do list, and learn about 'filling your bag'- why what is on the inside is more important than the outside! Cost is $10 per girl. Check out www.slwc.org for more information and to register today!

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-23T09:05:00.001-05:00

From the Children's Ministry team, we want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas!

To Change the World, Start Simple

2009-12-08T14:48:00.002-05:00

Here is an amazing article written by Scott Staal, the son of David Staal who heads up Kids Hope! The note below is written by his dad and precedes the article. We encourage you to take a moment to read it!

Note: Today's Christian youth possess passion that might surprise you. Too often, though, they receive little opportunity to express their hearts' desires. This column is the first of two that come to us from high school-aged students. Their messages focus on ministry to children; their motivation comes from zeal to serve God. Enjoy!(David Staal, Senior Editor)

http://www.christianitytoday.com/childrensministry/cupothoughts/changeworldstartsimple.html?start=1&sms_ss=email

Going Green

2009-12-08T10:31:00.003-05:00

As a ministry, we are always looking for fun, creative ways to bring God's word to life. We know that in the beginning, GOD created the world and everything in it (Genesis 1). But what many of us forget is that he has also entrusted us to care for it. Not just the people in it, or the animals, but eveything! We have become a society of throw away. Including ourselves. We began to question what we can do as a ministry to not only keep things simplified, but also to be resourceful. That is why beginning January 3, 2010, we will be selling reusable tote bags for only .75c! Every child from 2 years- 4th grade are encouraged to buy a bag, personalize it and bring it to church each week. A great way to remember bibles, take home sheets and craft projects for little ones, the tote will become a living lesson each week of how we are taking care of what GOD has entrusted with!

Save the Dates!

2009-11-10T09:54:00.004-05:00

There are some great events coming up and we want to make sure you are in the loop!

Sunday January 31, 2010 is PJ Day here in Children's! By far the most favorite day of our kids and leaders! Just roll out of bed in those jammies and head to church!
Also on Sunday January 31 is our Family Event. This year we are partnering with Youth Ministries to bring an event the whole family will enjoy! Held at the Spring Lake Aquatic Center, both pools will be open, as well as the gym! There may even be some friendly family competitions!
July 25- 29, 2010 is Kids Camp! Though a theme has not been choosen, you can bet it will be another great week of games, worship, and FUN!

So mark your calendars and spread the word!

First Response Boys Event- CANCELLED

2009-10-29T10:32:00.002-04:00

Due to unprecedented low response, Children's Ministry has cancelled the First Response Boys Event for October 30, 2009. If you have preregistered and paid, we will be reimbursing the fee next week.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Serving HIM,
Jennifer Kilbry
Children's Ministry Director

'First Response' Boys Event

2009-10-06T09:08:00.006-04:00

So, we have this crazy event coming up October 30 just for boys- calling it 'First Response' with the whole EMT, Fire, cop theme! It is gonna rock this year! Pizza dinner, cool dude stuff, and capping it off with s'mores by the bon fire! Come on, what can be cooler than that?! $7 bucks a boy, but there dad/ guest is free! So go to http://www.slwc.org/pages/page.asp?page_id=78169 and click on First Response to register today! Even better, if you want to help, let us know that to. Can't wait to see ya'all!

Kids Camp deemed a success

2009-08-06T11:18:00.003-04:00

With over 420 different kids coming throughout the week, over 200 volunteers, and over 30 new commitments, Kids Camp 2009 proved it just keeps getting better! With the boys pitted against the girls, things looked favorable for the girls to win our food donation challenge... but the boys pulled it together taking the last 2 nights away from the girls! A tie! We always ask ourselves 'Can it get better'? We think so! We are already thinking about Kids Camp 2010!

Kids Camp Night 3

2009-07-21T21:02:00.000-04:00

What an incredible night! 385 kids, over 600 cans of Spaghetti- O's, and a crazy time of worship wiht our All- Stars and band! The kids flocked to the stage to praise God, and get high fives from our team! The kids are all having a blast, learning incredible things about Jesus and themselves, and having FUN doing it! Thanks to all the parents who bring their kids every night, and to every one of our over 200 volunteers who make everynight possible! GAME ON!

Kids Camp Days 1 & 2

2009-07-21T14:04:00.001-04:00

WOW! So many families came out to our Family Launch Night Sunday! The kids had a blast bouncing, eating ice cream, getting their face painted, and running around! After the games, the families were entertained by our WONDERFUL drama team as they did a game show on how well kids and parents knew eachother- it got pretty interesting as kids werew able to pie their parent when they got an answer wrong! We ended the night with a Wii raffle- Congrats to the Smith family! Looks like the Children's Team will be over for some friendly competition!

Monday night we launched GAME ON! with a live band for Elementary, great games, Anne R. Gizer and her wild science team in snacks, our Craft station was a hit as always, and the little ones did great playing Pooh in the pants, having a snack at Candy Land, and making neat little frisbees for home!

We had 395 kids here Monday night, and collected over 500 boxes of Mac and cheese for our local food pantry! GAME ON was brought big last night! I bet, however, that the boys and girls will bring it even bigger tonight with Spagetti O's!

It's not to late to bring YOUR kids! 530p- 805p for Preschool- Kindergarten, and 530p- 830p for Elementary 1st- 4th grade! $10 for the week, AND we feed them dinner!

GAME ON! Music

2009-06-18T09:18:00.001-04:00

You're kids will be singing them, and soon you will be humming along! Want to know where to get our catchy toons? Here is our compilation of songs for you!
Preschool:
1) Energizing Music Mix: #5- Get up and Dance
2) Deliberate Kids: #3- Know you Better
3) Deliberate Kids: #7-Boom Chaka Laka
4) Dance Shout and Sing: #12- Dance Shout and Sing
5) Last Year Kids Camp CD: #5- Jump Up and Down

Elementary"
1) “Speak To Me” by Citikidz, Saturate CD
2) “Scream It” by Citikidz, Saturate CD
3) “Bonkers” by Citikidz, Saturate CD
4) “On the Move” by Ricky B. On the Move CD
5) “Purpose” by Ricky B. On the Move CD
6) “Rise Up” Doug Horley, Flabbergasted CD
7) “Everyday” by Lincoln Brewster, Let the Praises Ring CD
8) “Falling On Me Now” by Spin Club J, Spin Club J CD
9) “You’ve Made Me Glad” by Spin Club J, Spin Club J CD
10) “Get Up And Dance” by Hillsong, Jesus is my SuperHero CD
11) “I’m Not Ashamed” by Hillsong Kids, Tell the World CD

Also new this year is our LIVE band, lead by our own Evan Kosters!

GAME ON! Kids Camp 2009

2009-06-18T09:12:00.001-04:00

Looking for something FUN for you kids to do this summer? Bring them to this year's Kids Camp at Spring Lake Wesleyan Church July 20-23 for GAME ON! An action packed week of games, Mad Gab stories, and great music are a few of the reasons your kids will want to come! Check out our web page for all the specifics, from registering online, getting the week's menu, to hearing about our FREE family fun activity night Sunday July 19! Everyone's going to want to be a part of Kids Camp this year! See you then!

www.slwc.org/kidscamp

Royal Princess Breakfast

2009-02-03T14:53:00.000-05:00

Hear Ye, Hear Ye! Calling all Princesses- you are invited to a Royle Princess Breakfast Saturday April 18, 2009 from 10a- noon. You will dine on some yummy breakfast treats, enjoy a royal princess craft, and enjoy some royal cake. Come dressed in your favorite princess outfit, and learn what it means to be a Princess to the King of Kings!

Moms, don't feel left out! You are invited to escort your daughter to the Royal Princess Breakfast! Details are coming together, but save the date! Open to girls ages 4 years old- 4th grade.

We are also looking for ladies to 'set' a royal table with tea cups, tea pot, fine dishes. If you would like to donate some items to set the tables, please let us know! It really is going to be a grand event!

Family Night

2009-01-06T13:29:00.000-05:00

Have you heard? It's been RESCHEDULED! SLWC's Family night is at the NEW Spring Lake Aquatic Center! Join the Children's Team February 15 from 5:30p- 7p as we swim away the winter blahs! Bring your suit and towel, and jump in! The kids are going to love it, and I think you will too! Cost is only $5 per person, and snacks will be provided. So log in to http://www.slwc.org/ to register your family today. And don't forget to invite your neighbor, friends, and family!

See you all there!

Christmas Gifts

2008-11-14T13:53:00.000-05:00

Dear Parents,
As the Christmas season approaches and we begin to focus deeply on the gift that God gave us through His Son Jesus, I am reminded again of the blessing it is to be a part of watching your children grow in their love for Him. Over the last several months in Children’s Ministry we have been digging in to scripture like never before. What a blast it is to see your kids discovering their bible in new ways, looking up scripture together in their small groups, and discussing scripture with their leaders. In doing so, we have noticed that many children are struggling to find their verses due to the type of bible they have. Story bibles are very common among young children and easy to read, yet they are not complete with scripture reference and study guides.
This Christmas as you shop for your children I wanted to let you know that a new bible would make a perfect gift. The kids love checking out each others new bibles and they have been so faithful at bringing them in. What great affirmation for them to receive a new bible of their very own that they can actually study from, highlight passages, connect Old Testament prophesy to fulfilled prophesy in the New Testament, and look up their verses. I have listed a couple bibles below that are very kid-friendly and practical for study. I am happy to answer any questions you have regarding bible choices as well.

The Superheroes Bible/NIrV $19.97

The Kids Study Bible/NIrV $19.97-27.00

The Adventure Bible/NIV $26.99

The New Adventure Bible/NIV $19.97

God’s Word for Girls/ GWT $19.97
God’s Word for Boys

*These are just a few of the many available and they can all be found at Hages or most any Christian Book Store.

The bibles listed above are geared for ages 8-12.
*Prices were taken from Hages.

Again, it is such a blessing to be a part of the life change happening in our Children’s Ministry.
This Christmas, may you experience all of the awe, wonder and joy of Christ’s birth and the blessing of the life He offers us.

Serving Him and His Children,
Jennifer Kilbry
Director of Children’s Ministry
Spring Lake Wesleyan Church

Fall Events

2008-09-24T13:17:00.000-04:00

We are well underway for fall, and I must say, it was the best start! We have an incredible group of commited leaders, energetic and entertaining Dramatic Arts Team, and the kids are already getting into their Bibles and learning what God's word says!

Coming October 19, we are inviting all grandparents (or special person) to come downstairs and experience Kids Church. You will love the way the kids learn, and how they worship. Don't be afraid of getting into the music and using our hand motions- it's just another level of how we can worship God!

Thank you for partnering with us in the development of your child's spirituality.

Kids Camp Music another hit!

2008-08-15T09:33:00.000-04:00

With fan favorites like 'Superhero' and 'Get Up and Dance' causing great commotion again this year, we also welcomed 2 new favorites- 'Rise Up' and 'Flabbergasted'. Seeing a mass of children charge the stage to get a high five from the Pit Crew to hoping they get picked to dance with them on stage, it was really an amazing sight!

Every year we get requests for our music- and you are getting it here today! Below is a list of ElementaryCD's from this year's Kids Camp- 'Custom Garage'!

Elementary CD's:
'Flabbergasted'- Doug Horley (Flabbergasted and Rise Up)
'Fandanbidozzie'- Doug Horley
'Supernatural'- Hillsong
'Tell the World'- Hillsong
'Superhero'- Hillsong

So rock on, and we'll see you all next year!

Spiritual and Faith Development

2008-06-10T11:37:00.000-04:00

I am often reminded of what it is like to have faith like a child, to be innocent of the world around us, and to be accepting of all people. As Pete has laid his vision for accepting those who enter our doors, to show them love and grace, I think we need to look back at a child's perception. Their simplicity in believing is how I want to to believe. That a 5 year olds knows who Jesus is and recalls scripture, a 4 year old accepting Jesus as her forever friend because of the joy her parents have for Him, and for a 4th grader to know their spiritual gifts and use them- how exciting for the us, and how blessed is the Kingdom!

I found this great article I wanted to share with you. How awesome we get to be an impact to our children!

http://www.childrensministry.co.uk/primary/understanding-5-9s/article_index.php?id=73

Praying for your Children

2008-05-29T12:06:00.000-04:00

Praying for our children is one of the best things we can do for them. Lifting them up on a daily basis, asking God to protect them, to help them make the right choices, and thanking Him for the blessing they truly are. Below is a link that will lead you to a great tool on how to pray for your kids- to become spiritually involved in their daily lives, sometimes with out their knowing!

http://www.christianitytoday.com/cpt/2002/003/3.34.html

Thanking you for sharing your kids with us on Sundays!

Upcoming Events

2008-05-15T18:54:00.000-04:00

We have some great upcoming events in Children's Ministry that we want to share with you! First up is our Kids Camp Launch Meeting on May 28 at 6:30! We have offically launched our Kids Camp web site- www.slwc.org/kidscamp08. Check it out!

Next up we have our End of Year Celebration. If you have served in Children's in the nursery, as a small group leader, helped with drama or worship, or in any other capacity- we can't wait to treat you to a cookput and some fabulous prizes. Bring the whole family Monday June 2 at 6:30p. This is also open to our Summer teachers and nursery volunteers!

Not neccesarily an event, but a CPR class is being offered on Saturday June 14 from 12:30p- 5p. Call the office to register!

Serving His Children Together!

First Blog

2008-05-05T15:17:00.000-04:00

Hello SLWCers! Welcome to the Children's Ministry Blog! We are excited to be out and about in our community! On this blog you will have current event updates, praises from our Kids Church, links to help you communicate with your kids at home about Jesus, and the goings on of your Children's team. We would love to hear from you, so post your ideas, thoughts, and praises!