Westwinds Kids

Why did my mom not keep me?

2011-09-28T19:22:00.002-05:00

It's hard to believe it's been 6 years since we were in China. Allie, is the oldest of the Tongling 12 and she turned 8 on September 20. Tomorrow, Sept 29, is the day that she was found. I think about her birth mom a lot this time of year.

We have had some interesting conversations about our family. One day Allie asked questions about her older siblings (age 31 and 27). She asked, "what is a step sister?" I explained that she and her older sister, Sarah, have the same dad but a different mom. Allie was quiet than asked, "Do I have a step-mom in China?" I replied, "No, you have a biological mom in China." We talked about how Jeff, our 11 year son, grew in my tummy; but Allie do not grow in my tummy.

Then she asked the kicker. . . "Why did my mom not keep me?" WOW

I paused and said, "I don't know...I believe that she loved you very much, but maybe she couldn't take care of you." Then I told her story about another mom who loved her baby boy very much, but the government was trying to hurt the little boy. The mom, and the boy's bigger sister did what they could to protect the little guy, but the mom eventually let another family raise and care for her son, so that he was safe. That little boy was named Moses.

My husband does a lot of teasing inn our family. One day, Allie teasingly called me, "My not real mom." I laughed at her and responded back, "yes, my real daughter!"

She's beginning to grasp the concept of adoption. Just interesting conversations that often leave me "pondering things in my heart!"

Prayer Walk - Teaching our kids

2011-05-11T04:18:00.002-05:00

Often when we come to church and our kids go one way and moms and dads go another. Seldom are we together to learn what it means to “shadow God and heal the world.” We believe kids learn best through example and know that parents are actually the most important influence in a kid’s spiritual life, so here is a great opportunity for you and your kids to be together.

Sunday, May 15 - 1-4 pm. You can come any time between these hours to walk. My family and I will be at Queens school at 1p to walk, if anyone wants to join us. Drop me a line if you plan to join me and my family at 1p. (lori.tate@westwinds.org )

What do you do on a prayer walk? Families are asked to come and prayer as you walk around the designated blocks. I would suggest as you walk, that you simply notice the neighborhood. You can say aloud for your kids to hear (not shouting!), “God, I pray that there is laughter and love in this home.” “Thank you God for a safe place to live,” “We pray for people who are sick or hurting, help them know that you love them God,” “God, please keep the kids safe in this neighborhood.” etc.

WHERE: Our “city block” is Morrell (south); West St. (east); Franklin (north); and Higby (west). You can walk around the perimeter “city block” as well as along the internal streets. You can park along the road or perhaps at Queens school/church. This walk will be approximately 15-25 minutes, depending upon how fast you walk! When you are done walking, you leave.

WHY:This prayer walk is a great way for a family to participate in helping “heal the world and shadow God.” Jesus cares about Jackson and our prayers make a difference.

WILL this be weird? No, only if you dress up weird and run down the street acting weird. There will be no large signs/banners or drums beating! If you act weird, I may not acknowledge that I know you! Just kidding!

Final QUESTIONS? contact me at lori.tate@westwinds.org. OR watch FB -
“westwinds kids journey” for more details.

wwKids Nursery: Separating infants & toddlers

2011-03-02T19:45:00.001-06:00

As our wwKids ministry grows we feel the need to divide the nursery into infants and toddlers. The front area of the nursery will be for infants, birth to walking. Once the kids are steady on their feet, they will move into the toddler area where they will have their own space to play and explore.
We will immediately begin to divide the kids into infants and toddlers. All kids will be dropped off at the front nursery area, but toddlers will be PICKED UP via the door by the main restrooms and vending machines. Beginning Sunday, April 3, we transition so that toddlers will be dropped off and picked up at the same side door location.
Whether you are a first time parent and a veteran with several kids, we want you and your child to feel welcomed and comfortable while you are at Westwinds. If you have any other questions about the nursery or Westwinds, please don’t hesitate to ask. You may contact me via e-mail: parkergirl777@hotmail.com.
Have a blessed day! Amber Parker

iCreate

2011-02-24T13:45:00.002-06:00

The next Taylor Swift or Justin Bieber is here in Jackson waiting to be discovered. Paragon students and wwKids have participated in a poetry and art contest.

Ten students will have their poem made into an original song performed by local artists. Overall there will be 24 winners in the art and poetry area; 12 kids will receive scholarships to attend local art classes through Essa Arts.

Mark your calendars and come. Wednesday, March 9, 6:30-8p at Westwinds Church, located at 1000 Robinson Rd., Jackson, MI.

wwKids Christmas

2010-12-21T08:20:00.002-06:00

This year wwKids has done some amazing things, and to finish the year out with a bang we celebrated Christmas in a new, but old school way. For the month of December, we asked families to come in and create a new family tradition by assembling Advent Wreaths out of trash, which created a new family treasure.

This event was truly wonderful. It was easy to see that these families were having a magnificent time working together to create something that was uniquely them. Plus in this process they were able to see the birth of Jesus in a new light, which was that Advent is a time of preparation for the kings birth. Not just a physical preparation, but an emotional preparation also. His birth was so extraordinary, that to fully grasp the magnitude, we need to prepare ourselves. This is what the advent wreath helps us do. There is a candle lit every Sunday during advent, to build up until the day of Christ's birth.

So overall, the magic of the season, can be seen through many different things, but we were able to bring some of that feeling to these families as they were able to work together to create a new family treasure. Which was a wonderful thing that we were able to do as a finish for this truly remarkable year.

hearts in the right place

2010-11-19T09:34:00.002-06:00

now that we are gearing up for the holiday season in wwKids and in the personal lives of many, it makes me wonder how much of that gearing up is actually for the hustle and bustle, and how much is actually the preparation for the birth of Jesus. When it is thought about, many acknowledge the fact that Jesus' birth is celebrated at Christmas, but its easy to forget that ina ll of the crazy activity of December. To fully understand that, we need to prepare ourselves mentally to fully understand what really happened that night.

It was not just any baby being born, it was the king of creation and all of us in the form of a man. It was not necessarily the most sanitary place or the best of circumstances, but it was a gift to us all, and that is something that needs to be remembered and thought about so that we can fully be ready to realize what Christmas is all about.

Halloween

2010-11-05T13:29:00.002-05:00

this past weekend, wwKids were privileged to get to take part in the Halloween activities of Westwind's. This was a spectacular event that was able to create many memories for these children that will be remembered. Along with the visual excitement the kids also learned about fear. this made me wonder, what are we afraid of? Not just in our own lives but also when it comes to how we influence these kids. It is very easy to think we are not good enough to play a part in making a difference in these kids lives as a rolemodel, but what it comes down to is that no matter how much interaction there may be, children see you and learn from what you do in every circumstance.

So why be afraid of the inevitable. These kids learn from us so we need to realize that who we are is perfectly designed by God and that God uses us in the state we are in to help these kids, even all the way down to a simple smile. So next time you see a kids maybe just a little conversation will change a child's day for the better and help them see God through you.

P.S. thank you to all the amazing volunteers who helped with Halloween on Sunday. It was truly spectacular and that was because of everyone involved. So thanks.

making a difference

2010-10-22T13:46:00.000-05:00

One of the great things about being around kids is that you don’t even realize it when you make a difference. Kids learn a lot in the beginning stages of their life. The main way that they are able to do this is by observing others who are older then them, and how those people function. Because of this, programs for kids such as wwKids are vital in their lives. The teachers and the shepherds are making a difference in these kids lives even when we don’t realize it. It can even be the same way with parents. So the next time you feel discouraged that the kids are not listening, remember what you do and say can make a huge difference even on the children who seem distant.

hidden treasures

2010-10-15T10:10:00.000-05:00

This week wwKids was a great place to be in general. Every studio had something great going on that helped the kids learn more about God and Biblical stories. Being able to see this each week has made me wonder, do we realize how unique this wonderful program this is. There are many different churches within the area of Jackson but not nearly as many church that have a similar program to ours. We try to reach these kids at the level they already are and help them grow in their strengths, which is a great idea. So next time you think about wwKids, let’s remember that this program is truly remarkable and one of Jacksons great secrets, so let’s try to make it known.

A day of rest

2010-10-08T20:41:00.000-05:00

Something that the Bible prescribed for us long ago, is something that can be easily forgotten or pushed aside. This week in wwKids we got to talk about the Ten Commandments, and one of those is to respect the Sabbath day. This is an idea that has been carried through the Bible, but has been so easily forgotten. When was the last time you or I had a day of rest? Its something to thnk about when we consider what we are teaching kids in our lives. Rest can help renew the soul and help us become more focused on God instead of the earthly stresses that surround us. So next time you being your week, think about how you can incorporate some time of rest. IT can help you and your kids. After all, ts something that God even did and suggests for us.

2010-10-01T13:20:00.001-05:00

This week has been such a great one in wwKids. It was the last week for our lesson on Joseph and the hard times he went through. Reflecting back on the lesson, it was great to remember the kids interaction with such a fundamental story and lesson for Christianity. Joseph went through a very hard time but was willing to rely n and believe in God through it all. This is such a good lesson to keep bringing up to the kids and build off of, because there will always be hard times, and it is how we deal with them that makes a difference. Adults (including myself) need to remember this sometimes also. It is easy to get upset and blame God for the things we see as bad in our lives, but it is those moments that God can use to help us grow the most and it is those moments we remember as defining moments of faith. So the lesson of Joseph can be very helpful and it was a great thing to get to see the kids hear this and embrace the lesson.

Baptism

2010-09-24T14:04:00.000-05:00

This week it was absolutely wonderful to get to see some of our very own wwKids make the choice to become baptized! It was amazing to get to see Chase, Andi, Olivia, and Caleb make their decision to follow Christ and publicly announce it to their church family. They have made the most important decision of their life, so we want to congratulate them as their loving family and help them along in their journey.

2010-09-17T14:40:00.001-05:00

This past week wwKids had our kick-off into the new school year. With this school year there were some changes that took place in wwKids but in the end we still have the main goal that we started with, which is to teach these wonderful kids more about God and be able to reach them in new creative ways so that they would understand better. This was really emphasized this past week with the story of Joseph that was taught. The kids got to learn about how changes happen in peoples lives (even sometimes bad changes) but God can work through them all. This was really a great lesson to kick off the fall with because it is a time of change for many of these kids with a new school year and it may seem hard but God is still there. That’s the way wwKids is set up also. Change happens but God is still present and working in these kid’s lives.

Change

2010-09-10T09:00:00.001-05:00

For many kids around Jackson, this is a week of change, the beginning of a new school year being the main cause. But on top of this, wwKids also has some great changes going on for the school years’ kick-off like a new room for three year olds and new rotations for the experience studios.

After being involved in this, it is easy to come to the conclusion that not all change is bad. Sometimes change can be just the thing that people need even if they do not realize it. This is true in most cases because of the fact that many people fear that very change that can benefit them in the long run. God realizes this, but sometimes we can forget that. So next time a big moment of change comes around in your life or your kids, maybe it will be worth embracing so that something new can begin that is better than the previous.

Gifts

2010-09-03T10:31:00.000-05:00

This week was a very unique Sunday for wwKids. They had the privilege of getting to hear the story of Beatrice and her goat, which was about a young lady in Africa who had her life changed by the gift of a goat. It is often amazing to hear about the results of people using their God given gifts to change the world. Even small little acts can help such as sending a goat over to Africa. It can change a person’s life for the better.

So I encourage you to look into what God has given you as far as gifts. If it is a personal gift of art or storytelling, use it! Even if you simply love to give money to good causes, go for it! You never will know what you can change if you do not try. This is what this summer’s theme was based around and is also a great lesson for anyone of any age.

2010-08-26T09:42:00.002-05:00

Come and see the new sculpture inspired by walking in someone elses shoes! a great lesson taught in wwkids, with the flip flops being designed by them.

New Beginnings

2010-08-20T10:10:00.000-05:00

Right now wwKids is experiencing a few changes. Another way to phrase that is a new beginning to a new school year. One of the beginnings that has started this week is the dividing of the Art studio into two classrooms. This week there is a wall being built so that we can create a brand new class for the children who are 3 and 4 that will cater to their developmental needs.

Because of all of these new beginnings, it made me wonder how often God sets up the beginnings in our lives. Each new day is a new experience and adventure that God has set up for us, so why do so many people take them lightly. Living the day out to its fullest to honor God is what should be happening, and many people including myself can forget that sometimes.

So in honor of this new beginning of a school year, lets remember this and try to instill this idea in the children we are in contact with, because living fully in Gods purpose for each day is something that will honor God and help these kids grow.

Superheroes

2010-08-13T09:28:00.000-05:00

This month in wwKids, the main focus has been Justice, and how that relates to who we can be and how we act as part of Gods helping hands that heal the world. In the music studio, the kids were able to learn about superheroes and through this discover that they are like superheroes, in the fact that they are the advocates for the justice God desires.

Through the fact that the kids are learning about this, one of the points that is emphasized is that we are given power from God. It is not necessarily supernatural, but because of his constant presence we have the support we need from him to push for the truth and justice in the world. This is a great realization for anyone of any age because remembering that we have the power of God running through us is great because he is our help and support when we need it and that’s a great thing to know.

Nature

2010-08-06T09:20:00.000-05:00

One of the main focuses this summer for wwKids has been how to see God through the nature he has created for us to enjoy. This theme has been especially prominent in the garden this summer. Seeing these kids interact in a unique and wonderful way, can be such a blessing because that’s what God wants. He wants to see his children interacting in different ways to what he has given us.

The future of the world is through these kids, so seeing them learn at such a young age to respect the earth and help it grow is truly a great thing. Through God’s guidance, these kids are growing not only in learning to help others and heal the world, but also internally, growing into amazing people. Seeing these pieces come together for them is such a great thing to witness in whatever way it happens.

Serve and Surf #3

2010-07-30T04:49:00.000-05:00

This week wwkids had the opportunity to have the third serve and surf of the summer. This week we had the opportunity of going to the Ganton Center to spend time with the elderly residents of our community. The kids had a great time and it was amazing to get to see different generations of people interacting in a positive way.

During this event, it was amazing to see how much enjoyment the residents got out of simply seeing the children. At first the kids were hesitant, but by the end everyone was smiling and having a good time. Not because there was a lot of deep meaningful conversation, but because they got to see the children. Some of the kids simply said hello and then played the Wii, which the elderly enjoyed watching them do. It was a great experience and it is amazing what can happen when a little bit of time is given up so that many may benefit from simple actions.

Eco-Adventures Camp

2010-07-22T10:11:00.000-05:00

This week some of the wwKids experienced the eco-adventures camp. During this week they we able to realize that nature was a part of what God created and that he has given us the duty to take care of it. Some of the activities included a bug hunt, working with the garden, learning that our food comes from the ground and how God uses nature to create it, making new objects out of trash and learning how to reduce/reuse/recycle. Overall, for everyone involved this was a great week of fun and learning that will help everyone to realize that there is a beauty to nature that we need to preserve. Overall, it was a wonderful week that was enjoyed by all.

One of the major points that did stick out this past week was that God gave us the five senses and that they define us as different from other animals with a purpose. It was great to see the kids interact with each other, but also interact with who they are and that they have a purpose. The kids all began to realize that they can do more things to make a difference, which is the point of the summer theme of helping hands heal the world. This was great to see in the kids, and they are helping to create a better world for tomorrow.

The Heart of the Matter

2010-07-16T09:59:00.000-05:00

This week wwKids had the opportunity to go to the Second serve and surf of the summer;

This past Monday wwKids had the opportunity to go and help out at the Salvation Army handing out fresh produce to those in need. What they were able to do is bag up and hand out 4 ears of corn and bag some peppers to hand out also. It was amazing to get to see children help out in their community in a way that impacted many, and it was not that difficult to do for any age.

At this event, the kids were able to see the type of food given out. Some of the peppers had been frozen and were mushy, while the corn was a little moldy on the outside. It was a sad thing to see at first, but then we all realized with the corn that it was moldy on the outside but underneath there was good corn. This is a great lesson for anyone because it shows that God’s creation is a good thing even if it may not look so great on the outside, like this corn, there are some people out there who look moldy but may have an amazing story with a kind heart. It is worth looking past the bad to see the great in people. That is something everyone can learn to do and wwKids got to experience firsthand.

Walking with others

2010-07-09T09:30:00.000-05:00

This week, the wwKids in the discovery studio had the opportunity to learn to walk in someone else’s shoes. This is a concept that many people have already heard of but seldom think of. When there is a problem it is so easy to quickly judge instead of thinking from their perspective. This can even be put into technical terms when it comes to personality traits and learning styles, because we are all wired differently, and part of that is because of the environment that we were in growing up and are in now.

Even though this is the case, it can still be hard to remember this and be willing to show mercy to those who may need it. So this week, because I had the ability to teach and interact with this lesson first-hand, I now want to be able to practice what I teach and encourage you to do the same. Be willing to show the love of God even though it is not always the first thing instinctively done. People still need it.

When do I need help?

2010-07-02T09:54:00.000-05:00

In the past two weeks wwKids has had the opportunity to experience yoga in the motion studio. I was able to sit in on this experience and see what they did. A few of the poses they did involved another person and they would have fallen on their own. This made me think about the Helping Hands theme of the summer and brought on the question of when do I realize I need help and then ask for it.

Often when we think of helping hands we think of people needing our help. We don’t then reflect back and see when we need help. That is the other half of helping, realizing when we need it and being willing to accept it. Often we want to solve things on our own and not ask for help, but it is a necessity in human life to give AND take. So this week, just realizing when I need help and then being willing to ask for it may change my perspective and I can help someone else be able to help heal the world through me. It is something for everyone to consider.

A Smile Goes a Long Way

2010-06-25T14:19:00.000-05:00

This past Monday wwKids had the opportunity to go and help out at the Salvation Army handing out fresh produce to those in need. What they were able to do is a kindergartener was able to hand out four pears and some older girls could hand out 4 peppers, while the boys went to work bagging a dozen ears of corn to give away. It was amazing to get to see children help out in their community in a way that impacted many, and it was not that difficult to do for any age.

There are many people out there looking for that helping hand and we were able to provide that for them, but this also got me thinking about what exactly service is. There are opportunities out there to do many things as big as becoming a missionary overseas or there are even projects in this community like picking up trash in a parking lot. It all depends on your view of service. Even a simple smile to someone who is having a rough day can be an act of service because it is helping someone in the community have a better day.

So no matter your age or your position in life, it is not hard to reach out and lend a helping hand. Those helping hands, are the ones that will heal the world. Serve and Surf was an experience that helped these children see that they can make a big difference with some food and a simple smile that could have made a big impact on those people they were able to meet, and maybe the people we serve can serve others and create that chain of love that will help heal the world.

Remember to watch out for more summer opportunities to “Serve and Surf” with wwKids!

Connections

2010-06-18T08:22:00.000-05:00

Connections are key, and not connections that just benefit you. Some of the best connections are the ones made simply to gain the loving community they bring. This is the kind of connection that turns into friendship and is growing in the church.

This is especially true in kids because of how genuine their emotions are. Sometimes the greatest teachers in the world can be found in kids and often many adults don’t even realize it. In the simplicity of life and the relationships built by these children, there is a genuineness that is amazing. They make friendships based on how they feel, there is no ulterior motive and they build friendships that may last for the rest of their lives. It is such a blessing to be able to be here and work with this team to see those relationships being born and forming the future of the Church.

"This is for you to eat"

2010-06-11T12:56:00.000-05:00

Looking through a child’s perspective can be an awarding and view changing experience. One of the major ways that I have seen a new perspective is through the kind hearts of children and how their focus can easily change from infancy, where it is all about them, to elementary, where they learn how to focus on others also.

In the Garden this summer, the kids are learning about giving away the fruits of their labor. I especially saw this giving concept when I looked at the cards that the kids wrote for the families who are receiving the fresh produce to. These cards say things such as “this is for you to eat” and “we are going to give you fruit” in these simple sentences it is amazing to see how easy it is for them to give this away with so much love dripping from every word, and then from this, these families are able to see the fruits of God’s spirit in these kids through actual fresh produce. Seeing all of this come full circle is a rewarding experience that has help me see that we do not always need extravagant words and long stories to be able to reach out and show Gods love, sometimes it can be as simple as a bag of lettuce and a sentence that can lead to the changing of that particular persons’ life. But, this is part of the magic of being a child and knowing that they can change the world one person at a time.

The Garden

2010-06-10T12:45:00.001-05:00

The 2000 census found that 12.4 percent of kids under the age of 18 in Jackson County live in poverty. Can you imagine what those numbers are today, ten years later? At Paragon Academy alone over 40 percent of its enrollees receive food assistance.

This summer wwKids' Journey is adopting two families from Paragon Academy for the gardening season.

Under the experienced leadership of Sarah Crane, the wwKids' Experience Studios have put in a vegetable garden. With a budget of $300, we expect to produce 2,000 pounds of food, valued at $3,000! We anticipate that we will be able to provide 2 families with fresh produce from mid-June to September.

The Garden is part of our summer wwKids' theme "Helping Hands Heal the World." Each week the kids will learn about justice, mercy, and serving others (Micah 6:8). In the Garden Studio they will learn how God created the earth to provide food for us, how we care for the earth and how we can use what we grow to help those who are in need. The world is big and kids may feel that their hands are too small to make a difference, but by tending the garden they will learn hoe to be Jesus' hands and help heal a corner of the world!

Listening for God's Voice

2010-03-02T12:26:00.000-06:00

I had the opportunity to catch the Storytelling room twice this month-with the kindergartners and the 3/4th graders. I loved the game of listening to your partner's voice while blindfolded. We had to listen carefully in order to distinguish the voice of our partner in the midst of the other voices. God's sheep (his followers) know His voice.

Do I know God's voice? To be honest, it's very hard for me to listen to God. I always find myself thinking about what to make for dinner, my to-do list, how annoyed I am with so-and-so, etc. It's hard just to think about nothing and to leave room for God to speak. But I find that when I make the effort, when I start this little time of "meditation" out with a prayer-asking God to speak to me, to empty my mind of all the distractions of my day so that I can hear His voice-I do hear Him. Often, God brings to my mind a person I may not have thought of in awhile. Or He'll lay on my heart, completely out of the blue, the burden to pray for a certain person or situation, to reconnect with an old friend, to right a wrong, to step up or speak out, to show someone an act of kindness. These thoughts don't come from me-I know because they seem to come out of nowhere. I believe that this is how God speaks to me-in quiet, provoking thoughts.

How does God speak to you? Everyone connects with God differently, and I'd love to hear your stories of how God has spoken to your heart to change, challenge, and love you personally. I'd love to share (anonymously if you'd prefer) a few stories in an upcoming newsletter. So, that's my challenge to you: email me a story!

Connection Studio comments

2010-02-25T13:15:00.000-06:00

Today was a great day and the kids did really well with response time. As we were wondering today a child, who used to have major behavior issues, asked, "So these stories are, like, real? They really happened?"

We talked about the Bible and told them all the stories in the Bible are real, that they really happened. The little kid said, "Cool!" It was really cool!

Psalm 23

2010-02-14T12:06:00.000-06:00

Last weekend I was priviledged to shepherd in the Art Studio with our kids.

They created a poster based on Psalms 23. Here are just a few items the kids

wrote on their posters:

Don't be afraid

Jesus has my heart

My cup overflows with blessing

I live in the Lord's house

Beth Shafer was our teacher and she continues to inspire me with her grace

and love for Jesus in spite of the hardships she has endured. What an amazing woman of God.

What kids are saying

2010-02-12T05:28:00.000-06:00

Here's a funny convo of stuff said in the Kindergarten room yesterday.

Aubrey (Devine): My last name is Devine.

Me: Do you know what divine means?

Kids: Noooooo

Me: It means "wonderful". As in, THIS CHOCOLATE CAKE IS SIMPLY DIVINE!

Another girl: I want chocolate.

Lisa (the teacher, Noah's mom): Get used to it honey, you're a woman. You'll want chocolate your whole life.

Other girls: mmmmm I love chocolate. I want chocolate too!

Noah: I don't get what the big deal is. I like chocolate, but not as much as all of you.

* Laughter*

I just thought it was so cute!

I was also TOTALLY surprised when Noah first came up and started talking to me when I first entered the classroom-he's never really opened up to me before or wanted to talk at all!

Showing up is huge! Laughter, fun, learning life together! You have to be there to have a relationship!

Psalm 23

2010-02-09T04:52:00.000-06:00

Who would have thought that when we choose Psalm 23 as the scripture for January that it would touch so many individuals’ hearts. A mom asked her 2 grade son, what was his favorite part of Psalm 23. The kid said where it says, “even if you walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.” When the mom asked her son why that verse was important to him, he replied, “because when I’m afraid, I know that God will be with me.

Another family just began coming back to church after the death of their mother/grandmother. Psalm 23 was her favorite verses. Another young girl just lost her uncle, and another family just lost their dad/grandpa.

Even though I don't like to have Psalm 23 associated with death and funerals it has a way of speaking to those who are hurting. It provides hope! and that is a good thing.

2010-01-20T04:40:00.000-06:00

Beyond 1000 is Westwinds’
ongoing mission initiative
that gives
wwKids Journey
$1000 per quarter to creatively invest in our community
- beyond the walls of
1000 Robinson Rd.

Whenever we do this type of outreach-Beyond 1000, the wwKids volunteers work real hard to help the kids understand why we do these things and that they can shadow God and help heal the world.
Matthew 25:37-40 (The Message) “Then those ‘sheep’ are going to say, ‘Master, what are you talking about? When did we ever see you hungry and feed you, thirsty and give you a drink? And when did we ever see you sick or in prison and come to you?’ Then the King will say, ‘I’m telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me—you did it to me.’
We give to others because hurting people matter to Jesus. He cares that little kids are hurting and when we help others we make our love real to Jesus. We want the kids to participate in giving to others.

Beyond 1000 - First quarter initiative

2010-01-18T04:38:00.000-06:00

1Q wwKids’ Beyond 1000 Initiative - video systems and games for the kids at the Aware Shelter.

WHAT: We need gently used video games and systems to donate to the families at the Aware Shelter. We are looking for Game Boys DSs, Playstation 2’s, Playstation 3’s; XBox; Wii, V-smiles, etc.
WHEN: We will collect these items through February 28. Depending upon the types of donations received, we will purchase additional items.

Several things to share with your kids:
1) Describe the Aware shelter’s purpose. The Aware shelter, located on W. Michigan Ave., provides a safe place for moms and kids to temporarily live. Some times because of violence and abuse, moms have to leave the place they are living it so they can be safe. Most of the time they have to leave very fast and leave a lot of their personal things behind. NOTE: As a parent you know best what kind of information your kids can handle. Share what is appropriate and what you are comfortable with.

2) Ask your kids if there is anything they can do to help these moms and kids who have left everything behind. See what the kids come up with. This can be an amazing time as kids share from their heart. This type of discussion can happen in the car or around the dinner table.

3) Remind your kids about how blessed they are to have all their needs met as well many of their desires (page 56, Heart of Gold*, gratitude and appreciation)

4) Invite your kids to sort through their things (page 58, Heart of Gold, combat hoarding) so they can bless someone else who would enjoy these items. While you can do this with any of their toys, for Beyond 1000, we are suggesting you do with exercise with their electronic toys. Perhaps they have a couple of games that are very similar and would be willing to give one away. Perhaps they have received a new game that they didn’t care for or perhaps the game is no longer age appropriate. Ask your kids if they would be willing to give to another boy or girl. NOTE: Your older kids may be aware that they could trade in their old games at Game Stop or sell them on Ebay. This is another time to help your kids be aware that they “lack for nothing” and perhaps they could give to someone who has nothing.

5) Enlist your kids help to package up the items they will give away. Make sure all the wires and accessories are included. As you work together, perhaps you can pray for the kids that will receive the game.

6) Bring the donation items to church and drop them off at the main wwKids checkin table by February 28. OR as a family take your donation directly to the Aware shelter and then share that experience and story with us at wwKids. We are always looking for stories that will encourage others in our community.

Thank you for participating in this Beyond 1000 initiative. If you have questions contact me at lori.tate@westwinds.org.

Heart of Gold: The Joy of Living Generously, by Dr. David McDonald. Available at Sound Words and also through amazon.com.

Connection Studio - Abram & Sarah

2009-11-14T10:15:00.000-06:00

During our story presentation we asked the question to whether God would stay with them or not, some of the kids spontaneously responded yes or no. This was encouraging.

For response time, several kids worked with the new story of Abram & Sarah. They used the wood figures and move them through the "desert" re-telling the story. It was interesting to observe them.

Connection Studio

2009-11-12T08:03:00.000-06:00

. . . one of our teachers shared. My 3-year-old daughter has been in the Connection Studio each week. She has never been great with taking care of things. However just the other night in the bathub I caught her folding her wash cloth and saying "this edge can go to this edge and this edge to this edge. . ." (This is how material is put away in the Connection Studio) I've also noticed that my daughter's artwork is changing. Before her art was not recognizable, but lately I've seen her drawing images that represent the stories she has heard in the Connection Studio.

What we are doing is sticking with our kids. I see it everyday with my daughter. Thank you, all of you for working so hard to bring God and Jesus into our kids' lives. You are awesome!

. . . another teacher said, "my 3-year-old daughter did a painting (at home) and then said, 'now we need to think about God and look at it.' She wants to bring the painting to church and 'think about it'!

Ganton Center

2009-11-10T14:03:00.000-06:00

When I asked my elderly parents to watch the kids one day, I was hesistant to tell my 9-year-old the news. How many little kids like to hang out with old people, not a cool 40 or 50-year-old grandma but an old 80+ grandpa? Much to my surprise and joy, when I told Jeff he was going to spend the night at my mom and dad's, he immediately asked, "Can I tell Allie (his little sister) the good news?"

Going to the Ganton Care Center has made a difference in my kids' lives. Old people are individuals with whom they can have relationships. Grandma Ruth, Grandpa Vern and Mike, all of these people enjoy and look forward to seeing the kids. This is one small but impactful way kids can make a difference.

Allie posing with Grandma Doris, the winner of the Pretty Pretty Princess game.

The second Tuesday of each month wwKids visit the grandmas and grandpas at the Ganton Care Center. We play games, sometimes they play with us and sometimes they just enjoy watching the kids. Unfortunately our visit was canceled today due to illness at the center. We'll try again next month!

Kids Listening to God

2009-09-30T13:31:00.000-05:00

Our new Connection Studio for preschool age kids began on September. We have lots of 3-year-old kids who are just beginning to grasp the idea of preschool.

. . . "just wanted to let you all of you know about one of the things that happened this weekend. While we were learning the "listening to God" segment, the part where you talk the kids through "seeing Jesus" with phrases like "Jesus is coming. . . he picks you up and puts you on his lap, He hugs and kisses you," one of the little ones said, "I see Jesus."

How cool is that? Love it, Heather

It's all about the relationship

2009-09-25T09:33:00.000-05:00

It's relationships, not programs, that change children. A great program simply creates the environment for healthy relationships to form between adults and children. Young people thrive when adults care about them on a one-to-one level, and when they also have a sense of belonging to a caring community.

Kids Prayer Wall

2009-08-24T06:36:00.000-05:00

Help the people that are losing their job and if they have to move I hope they have a good house. Emma - age 8

I pray
. . . for my auntie to make the right decisions.
. . . for my sister that she will be nice to me
. . . for my dog that died
. . . for my dog that ran away
. . . for uncle Doug, his wife passed away
. . . for my new bed

What Kids are Saying

2009-08-05T14:52:00.000-05:00

. . .other night we were eating dinner and talking about Westwinds. My husband and I were both saying how happy we are that Seth has gotten started in such a great kids' program at the church. We told him that he was a Westwinds Kids, which repeated over and over again much in the fashion of a two year old!

Then he looked at me and said, "When Mommy grows up, will you be a Westwinds' kid?" We got a good laugh out of that!

Meal Montage

2009-08-05T14:28:00.000-05:00

Thoughts on Volunteering

2009-07-09T07:08:00.000-05:00

The following data was from a broad research study, not specifically at WW. But research reveals some things that we need to look at.

Over a course of a year one third of the volunteers recruited do not return for a second year. Here are five reasons people quit volunteering:

1. Ministry area is not well organized – do you have a process or plan that helps you be organized so that when things are busy you can simply follow the process you have already laid out?

2. Serving in the ministry area is not a good use of their time – do you help your team members know how important their role is in the lives of the kids? Do they understand how they are being changed as they serve? Do they see the value of what they are doing?

3. Serving in the ministry area is not a good use of talents, skills and expertise - do you know your volunteers? Do you know what talents, skills, desires or expertise they have? Sometimes people are not serving in the right area. By building a relationship with your team, you can find out their level of satisification. We want to help people serve where they are best suited to be and sometimes that means we lose a person in our area but the Kingdom work is carried on.

4. Role and responsibilities are not clearly defined - do your volunteers know what is expected of them? Has that been clearly and consistently communicated with them? Do you know and understand your personal “job description” that you have agreed to fulfill on the wwKids ministry team?

5. Volunteers receive no thanks for their contributions - do you recognize and acknowledge your team members contributions? A thank you, a quick call to say “I appreciate you,” or share a story with me about how one of your volunteers, something I can share with overall church leadership.

As I look at these 5 reasons, I realize that they are all connected to communications. Good communications would eliminate most of these problem areas. Maybe you haven’t done well in the past on number 1 but do a great job with number 5. Wherever you are, I am sure that you can improve – as can I! This information is to encourage and to help us all be intentional about what we focus on! All of us are growing in our leadership abilities.

What Kids are Learning

2009-06-30T09:33:00.000-05:00

In the K6 Experience Studios in June we taught about the Holy Spirit. While playing with a parachute we talked about how Jesus said that the Spirit is kind of like the wind. Then I asked the kids, "In what ways are the wind and the Holy Spirit alike?"

A second grader said, "You know how the middle of a hurricane is really calm, but at the same time, the outside is really blowing hard and knocking down trees? Well, the Holy Spirit can do calm things and really big powerful things at the same time!"

And ALL of the groups came up with up "you can't see the wind, but it is still very powerful, and you can see what it does." The kids seem like they are starting to understand that our culture doesn't recognize the real-ness of the God they cannot see, but He is just as real as their friends and their favorite famous people.

AND...He is way more powerful than any of them! I think that they feel excited and secure when we talk about this. God bless them! They are so precious! What an honor to be one of the people who get to watch the kids begin to realize the best news they will ever hear!

Leader Quest Part 2:

2009-06-28T06:33:00.000-05:00

During Leader Quest, the coach talked about Nehemiah who was first a servant and then a leader. Coach challenged the kids’ understanding of leadership. Leadership is not so much a position or title but rather an attitude that reflects respect, responsibility and discipline within themselves. Coach challenged the kids to think about ways that each of them could “serve” their family members.

Coach left the kids with five ideas that would change their lives:
1. Don’t think too highly of yourself or your importance
2. Don’t disrespect your parents
3. To be on time, is to be late
4. Give away your money freely
5. Dream and set goals. Each day pray, “Lord, want do you want from me today?”

I believe that each person who attended Leader Quest learned and experienced what they needed as the Holy Spirit tailors His work individually to our specific needs. Now as our kids move further into their leadership/faith journey, let us prayer together. . .“being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1.6

Leader Quest - 5/6th grade Leadership Adventure

2009-06-26T06:37:00.000-05:00

Bethany Timmons and I brought 9 kids – 2 girls and 7 boys to the Idea Factory in Troy, Ohio for 3 days of leadership development last week. Leader Quest is a 3-day of adventure, hands on learning experience where kids study hard, work hard, play hard and sleep hard. My friend Mike Nygren has done over 450 of these types of trainings and is brilliant. Everything he does looks nonchalant yet is very intentional.

For example, he took us all out to the local diner, divided the kids up into small groups of 3 with a team leader and observed how well they behaved in a public setting. There were some mixed results! He observed to see who would step up to clean up after a meal and who goes off to play. Mike knows that kids can do awesome things and make a difference in their homes and community.

It’s impossible to describe the process of “de-jerking.” I don’t say that disrespectfully. We all have the potential to be jerks at various times and we are. It is amazing to watch the kids step up and into the expectations that Mike laid out.

If you go to a basketball camp don’t you expect the coach to invest in you and help you become a better ball player? He’s going to build a team to win and he’s going to work you hard to get the best from you. That’s how Mike approaches leadership. You can trust him to tell you the truth – both positive and negative. He’ll tell you when you are missing the mark but he is quick to praise and encourage, so you can grow as a leader.

Leadership

2009-06-25T05:10:00.000-05:00

Leadership is an attitude.

It's the way you handle yourself and treat others

showing respect,

responsibility

and discipline.

Immunization:

2009-06-23T05:12:00.000-05:00

To everyone’s surprise the Master seemed unenthusiastic about religious education for the young. When asked why, he said, “Inoculate them when they are young and you prevent them from catching the real thing when they grow up.” – Anthony deMello

deMello’s quote might seem strange coming from a Kids' pastor. It’s a sad statement and one that brings me to prayer. I don’t want to create stumbling blocks for our kids to have faith. (Jesus has some very strong words to those who cause his little ones to stumble). I want to walk with our kids, guide our kids, learn with our kids and experience Jesus with the kids.

Grant us that serve our kids at Westwinds, wisdom and discernment. Keep our hearts open to hear and see how Your Spirit moves in our kids and therefore learn and grow along side them.

Children's Spirituality Conference

2009-06-17T09:05:00.001-05:00

I'm at Children's Spirituality Conference,(www.childspirituality.org) not to be misinterpreted as a Children's Ministry Conference.

What's the difference you might ask?

One is about spiritual formation; one is about programs.

One is looking at how spiritual formation occurs in kids; one is looking at how to create programs to aid that process.

Both aspects are important but surprisingly the two areas don't seem to cross on the radar of many children's ministers/pastors. Could be that many kids pastors come from an educational background and have less background in theology or spirituality.

For me I come to kids’ spirituality from the development background and not the educational aspect. I am not a trained teacher, meaning I don't have a teaching degree. So I am very blessed to have great people who serve with me who are trained teachers. Together we seem to have created unique experiences that invite our kids into both "heart knowledge" and "head knowledge" of our Creator God, his son Jesus and the Holy Spirit.

Westwinds is a great place to be.

K6 Music & Motion Studio

2009-06-13T06:45:00.000-05:00

. . .is really a lot of fun. It's not like "school", if you know what I mean! The kids here really enjoy themselves and they are very respectful and curious.

Their ideas and questions floor me sometimes. During our May studio I asked the kids why the Bible said that God kept the disciples on the Emmaus road from recognizing Jesus, i.e. Why wouldn't God want them to know that it was Jesus right away?

One little first grader said, "Because maybe God wanted them to LISTEN to Jesus first. If they knew it was Him, they would be too excited, and He had a lot to teach them."

Wow! I am constantly learning and being challenged by these kids' profound insight into the heart of God. I used her answer to help inspire all the following classes.

Comments from K6 Studio Director: Janet Deaver

Little Kids with Big Hearts

2009-06-05T05:02:00.000-05:00

The other day about 25-30 kids and parents got together to make t-shirts. These t-shirts are going to a Jamaican orphanage with our student journey team June 13. All this happened because a Westwinds’ 7 year old kid wanted to do something for the little kids in Jamaica.

This quick last minute Beyond 1000 outreach was a huge success. Not because we have beautiful shirts to send (some are kind of ugly, oh well) but because a little guy named Austin is learning that he can make a difference in his church and in the world. Little kids know that they don’t have to be grown up to serve God, they can do it right now!

Overheard in the parking lot...

2009-06-01T13:10:00.001-05:00

Girl: Mom, the storytelling room was sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo cool today!!!!
Mom: Wow, sounds like you had a great time.
Girl (literally jumping up and down): I got to be a narrator, it was awesome.

Proving once again that WWKids is FUN :)

K6 Discovery Studio - May 31

2009-06-01T04:56:00.000-05:00

I taught in the Discovery Studio this weekend @ 10a. Had a great time exploring why the couple on the Emmaus road did not recognize Jesus. The kids had a worksheet and went to 6 interactive stations that involved sight and seeing from different perspectives. The kids asked questions, made observations and documented their findings.

We watched movie clips from Prince Caspian, the part where Lucy saw Alsan but the other kids didn't. Why was she able to see Alsan but not her sister and brothers? Even though (our) kids didn't see Alsan in the movie, they believed Lucy did. We talked about the different ways of seeing or knowing. The couple on the road to Emmaus said their "hearts were burning" they knew there was something special about this man who was walking along the road with them.

The kids concluded that you can know Jesus with your heart even though you might not see or recognize Him with your eyes.

In June we move further into the story and introduce the Holy Spirit who teaches us and helps us to know Jesus. Great stuff in wwKiDs Journey.

Leader Quest - 5/6th grade Leadership Adventure

2009-05-18T14:05:00.000-05:00

The Leader Quest applications and letters are coming in and they are awesome! Here's what 5th and 6th graders are saying about becoming a leader.

Why I want to be a leader?
. . . "Change doesn't come by you believing in them. You have to take them on their own journey but not take it for them." age 12
. . ."I don't want to just navigate and stumble through my junior & senior high years; I want to be a leader." age 11
. . ."leaders need to think before they act, try to always choose what is right instead of wrong, while all the wh ile relying on God for His help and strength." age 11

I am so excited to be able to share the leadership experience with your kids. I have no doubt that awesome things are going to happen while we together in Ohio on June 18-20 and afterwards when they return to Michigan.

Montessori Training for new fall preschool studio

2009-05-10T13:01:00.000-05:00

Thanks so much for organizing such a great weekend for learning and connecting to other Westwindies! I know I am ampt and ready to move full speed ahead. What an awesome opportunity for us, as God leads us to impact children HIS way! I am so eager...It's an exciting time in the kids ministry and inside each of us who will be leading God's wonderful children. I am especially looking forward to really connecting to those that I spent so much time with this weekend.

Baptisms are scheduled for May 17.

2009-05-06T12:56:00.000-05:00

Can a child be baptised?
We believe that baptism is a personal decision. So, it’s not something that anyone else can decide for another person, even a child. We believe that a person should be old enough to decide for himself if they want to announce their intention to follow Jesus by being baptized. For that reason we do not baptize babies, although we offer parents the option of dedicating their young children to God.

If your elementary age child has expressed an interest in baptism, we want to support parents by providing several tools that may help you discern if your child is ready for baptism. Please contact Lori Tate, Kids Journey pastor at lori.tate@westwinds.org for this material and to set up a time she can meet with your son or daughter. Baptism is a wonderful and powerful celebration of a kid’s spiritual journey. We want to make it a memorable experience for your child and family.

You're Invited to Love Shack

2009-04-30T19:37:00.000-05:00

Over the last several months you have heard the guys – Dave, Ben & JVo – talk a lot about taking a next step in your spiritual journey, getting involved and growing in your faith.

Congratulations! Whether you know it or not, serving in WWKids’ Journey is one type of involvement the guys have been talking about. Each of you play an important role in WWKids’ Journey and I want to thank you for that commitment.

Since you are already serving in Kids, your next step may be different than someone else’s step. Perhaps your next step is to begin to attend Love Shack, WW’s monthly leadership meeting. Love Shack meets the first Monday of each month. Our next meeting is May 4 from 6:30-8:00p.

Love Shack is where you hear what’s up and coming around WW. You’ll meet a core group of people who love WW and call it their home. You’ll be able to ask questions and meet the elders and new deacons.

Step up your commitment at WW and join me and others at Love Shack this Monday, May 4 from 6:30-8:00p at the church. Childcare is provided.

Love Shack is also available via ustreamTV (connect through our website Westwinds.org) and as a podcast, but you miss all the fun of being together if you don’t come.

Deep Thoughts of a 5 year old

2009-04-29T19:27:00.000-05:00

an inoculation against death
By david mcdonald
so, you've seen the artwork we're not using for our easter/resurrection series (here shadowinggod.blogspot.com), but i had the coolest conversation with my 5yr old this morning when he happened to see it
(it's currently occupying pride-of-place as my desktop background).

jake: daddy, is that man being inoculated? (no lie...my son really did use that word :)
me: uh...yes, yes he is.
jake: for what?
me: what does that word on the needle say?
jake: life.
me: what would life inoculate you from?
jake: not dying. life makes you not die.
me: right. now, what's on the needle?
jake: jesus on the cross. he died, but then he came back from the dead.
me: right. jesus is the inoculation against death.
jake: like medicine? jesus is life medicine?
me: yes, absolutely.
jake: what does that mean? he died...but then he rose up and wasn't dead anymore? is that it?
me: yes - he defeated death. he died, but that was all that death could do - kill him...then jesus kept on working and he came to new life but death couldn't do anything else to him. jake: that's why?
me: that's why he's the life medicine. that' s why we love jesus - because he takes away our fear of dying and promises to bring us back to new life again too.
jake: like with uncle randy?
me: yes - like with uncle randy. one day, we're all going to be together again.

* * * * *so, yeah - obviously the work i did on this piece wasn't wasted, even though it wasn't ultimately of use to the winds. i feel lucky to be part of God's work in my son, and in me, and in His church.

I believe; Help my Unbelief

2009-04-27T18:39:00.000-05:00

In the wwKiD’s art studio this month the kids painted pictures of how they imagined Jesus. Using water color paint and learning how to create shadows with dark and light tones, the kids came up with Jesus with a goatee; pierced ears; tattoos; bald; long hair; short hair; curly hair, etc.

When their images were done, the kids read Luke 23.26-24.12 and looked for clues that might help them understand that Jesus was who he said he was – the son of God. After looking at the Luke account, the kids were asked to answer the question from John 11.26 “Jesus said I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die? Do you believe this?” Based on the kid’s answer they wrote their response under their Jesus drawing.

Last weekend after reading the Luke scripture several of the 3rd/4th graders said they didn’t know if they were ready to say “I believe.” Fortunately the studio teacher affirmed where the kids were spirituality. She did not try to convince them of the “right answer” nor make them uncomfortable. Rather she encouraged the kids to ask God to show them, trusting the Spirit to lead and guide our kids to the Truth.

I love that we – the leaders – are beginning to understand we are merely the “reeds of God” in which His Spirit flows through.

Be Encouraged

2009-04-25T13:50:00.000-05:00

Since the beginning of March the Kids Journey area has enrolled 26 new families that bring 45 kids with them! A new person is someone who has been attending for several weeks and has decided to make Westwinds their home. That means over 71 new people have come to Westwinds Church! That means we get to reach out and touch these families lives with the story of Jesus.

How amazing and what a blessing and a huge responsibility and a lot of kids!

As a volunteer if you are currently serving one time a month, I am asking you to consider “stepping up” and serving 2x a month in your area. Or better yet consider inviting a friend, who is good with kids and is not serving, to serve with you.

Be encouraged! We are in labor, getting ready to birth something new at WW.

Adoption Themes

2009-04-23T12:33:00.000-05:00

Seven themes of adoption:
Loss Rejection Grief Race Control Identify Intimacy

Research shows that regardless of how old your child was when you adopted, these 7 themes will emerge at some time.

My friend Cindy (Dr. Cindy Koenigsknecht) shared different approaches of parenting adopted kids. The information was so helpful and insightful into my own parenting journey of Allie. Conversations that I need to initiate with Allie so she knows she can talk about her “China Momma.”

I left the meeting with several concrete ways I can be more aware of Allie’s “triggers.” I feel like I can better respond in ways that will touch some of her core needs. That’s pretty impressive, coming from an introverted processer that needs at least 2 hours to 5 days to sort through information!

For more info about parenting an adopted child, check out "Adoption Parenting: Creating a Toolbox, Building Connections"

Serving in wwKids Ministry

2009-04-16T12:44:00.000-05:00

Easter @ the WW

2009-04-13T17:47:00.000-05:00

We had a ton of kids and a ton of help.

Thanks to every person who served and helped out in Kids on Easter Sunday. Each of you in your own way make it possible for these incredible experiences and moments for our kids to encounter God.

"I am the resurrection and the life, whoever believes in me will have everlasting life. Do you believe this?"

Serving in wwKids Ministry

2009-04-08T04:48:00.000-05:00

Easter: Jesus is who He said he is

2009-04-03T14:07:00.000-05:00

April's K6 Experience Studios

This month our kids in K6 Studios will be asked to personally wrestle with and respond to some huge questions that Jesus asked his disciples. Jesus states "I am the resurrection and the life" in John 11.26 and he identifies himself as the "Son of Man" in Luke 19.31. Both statements are very bold and revolutionary claims.

Through Luke’s account of the Easter story (found in Luke 23.26-24.12) the kids will explore and identify evidence that supports Jesus’ bold claims. They will look at Jesus’ prayer to the Father for forgiveness (23.34);
the robber’s request (23.39-43);
the captain’s response (23.47);
the empty tomb and missing body (24.1-3);
the two men at the tomb (24.6); and
their statement, "He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you" (24.6).

After gathering the evidence the kids will examine and evaluate it and then be given the opportunity to express if they personally believe that Jesus is who He says He is.

Pray for our kids as they encounter Jesus, a revoluntionary who changes lives. Pray for our teachers and shepherds who are also encountering the same Jesus and helping guide our kids towards Him. Pray that they will trust God’s Spirit to work in and through them and the kids.
May your hearts be fillfed with hope and joy this Resurrection season.

Introducing a New Studio - Fall ‘09

2009-04-01T14:10:00.000-05:00

This Fall wwKiD’s will introduce a new experience studio designed for young kids, ages 3-6 years old. This new studio, saturated in the Montessori philosophy, will reflect Westwinds’ core beliefs, iPAC.
imagination – we believe that kids use their personal experiences and imagination to connect with God.
Permission – we believe that kids encounter God in unique ways and we "give" permission to God to work uniquely in our kids’ hearts.
Authenticity – we believe that kids have real, authentic encounters with God and develop personal relationships with Him.
Community – we believe that kids communities are built as they learn to respect each other and learn to hear God’s voice.

I believe that not only will our kids grow and flourish within this Montessori, self-discovery environment,but all who lead and work along side the kids will also be transformed.

If you are interested in learning more about this new studio, please contact Sarah Ansel, Sarah Richmond or Lori Tate. NOW may be the time for you to get involved in KiD’s.

Zacchaues - The Sin Monkey strikes again

2009-03-24T08:09:00.000-05:00

In Luke 19 when Zacchaues the tax collector stole money from the people, he broke those relationships. It have simply said "I'm sorry I took your money" was not even, Zacchaues had to make things right. He had to "fix the furniture" and he did so by paying back 4x the amount of money he took from someone.

Other week in the Discovery Studio I asked the kids to write different sins on a t-shirt. Like freqeuently happens, a kid asks a question and our "plans" take a different path. The question was great - "what is sin?"

So prompted a discussion on what they knew about sin and thought sin was. The typical responses were - lying, stealing, murdering, etc. But then a couple of the kids went further in their explanations and said "gossiping," "hurting my friend with unkind words," and "intentionally destroying nature."

I was so pleased to hear some of the kids express a deeper understanding of sin. That one understanding of sin involves "breaking relationship."

We have great kids at WW!

Fifth Sunday

2009-03-23T10:46:00.000-05:00

March has 5 Sundays. Some fifth Sundays the kids go into Fusion to experience worship with their parents. Sometimes we do special projects like making blankets for shut-ins or this time we
are making prayer beads and cards to be given to the grandma's and grandpa's in Jackson's nursing homes.

It is a great project for the kids! We talk about serving and giving to others.

We use parent participation on these weeks, so we need you!

Prayer of a 4th grader

2009-03-22T08:07:00.001-05:00

Dear God,
I love you.
I thank you for dying for me.
The least I can do is praise.

IBU!
Love, OR

Loving our Neighbor

2009-02-19T09:33:00.000-06:00

Dear WWKids --
Thank you so much for your generous donation of blankets for the ladies at the Jackson Friendly Home.
We are so grateful for these acts of kindness from fine people like you. It makes our resident feel special and loved.
Sincerely,
Cindy Zimmerman

Our Stories

2009-02-09T16:34:00.000-06:00

Our Story
For our kids engaging "God moments" look something like this:
it’s being kind to their friends at school;
it’s inviting a new kid to play on their team;
it’s helping a classmate who is struggling;
it’s encouraging a team mate on the soccer field;
it’s making blankets for grandmas;
it’s helping your school start a recycling program;
it’s complementing an opponent on a good shot;
it’s choosing to be kind to a brother or sister;
it’s giving their own money to lifestraws so other kids can have clean water;
it’s playing games with elderly folks;
it’s cleaning toys to give to other kids;
it's helping get food to kids who have nothing to eat;
it’s inviting a friend to church.

This is how our kids lives are being transformed as they participate in God’s Kingdom work!

Created to Reflect God

2009-02-07T16:30:00.000-06:00

Our Beliefs
Over the last year or so Dave McDonald has talked a lot about how humans have all been created in the image of God. We are in fact God’s shadow and are called to daily live in a way that reflects the essence of God.

We believe that from the beginning of life (see Psalm 139.13-16) God’s grace is active; that the dance with God begins and spiritual formation is under way. In fact we believe spiritual formation is happening whether or not it is intentionally encouraged and nurtured.

Sofia Cavalletti relates a three-year old’s experience. This child was growing up in an atheistic home in which no one ever spoke of God.
One day she questioned her father about the origins of the world: "Where does the world come from?" Her father replied, in a manner consistent with his ideas, with a discourse that was materialistic in nature; then he added: "However, there are those who say that all this comes from a very powerful being, and they call him God." At this point the little girl began to run like a whirlwind around the room in a burst of joy, and exclaimed: "I knew what you told me wasn’t true; it is Him; it is Him!"

We believe that our children are wired to know God and be in relationship with Him.

Our Mission
WWKids Journey’s mission is to help our kids to daily recognize and respond to God’s invitation to be part of their life.

Each week WWKids Journey servants intentionally encourage our kids to look for the "God moments" in their lives. To recognize God’s goodness and join in to help others. In this very simple process of serving others, their own lives are changed.

Gleaners Food Bank - Detroit, Michigan

2009-02-03T04:21:00.000-06:00

Did you know that one in eight Michigan families will need emergency food assistance this year? That means Westwinds probably has about 100 families that will need help. Maybe it is someone who sat next to you at Fusion, or maybe you are that person.

Gleaners Community Food Bank, located in Detroit distributes food for 392,000 meals every week to more than 430 partner agencies in six southeastern Michigan counties. On Saturday, January 31, over 30 WWKids and families traveled to participate in Gleaners’ Kids Helping Kids program. We put together 180 snack bags filled with “kid approved” food. These bags will find their way into local school systems, providing snacks to a whole lot of hungry kids.

At Westwinds our kids know that following Jesus is not just about an hour on Sunday mornings. They are learning that following Jesus is about loving and serving their neighbor, and that looks like playing games with the elderly at Ganton Care Center, cleaning toys for the Priceless Toy Store, making blankets for grandmas and helping pack snack bags for a classroom of kids!

We have AWESOME kids at Westwinds!
For more info about Gleaners check out www.gcfb.org

Gleaner's Food Bank

2009-02-02T15:33:00.000-06:00

On Saturday, myself along with a bunch of Westwinds kids and parents went DOWNTOWN (Detroit) to Gleaner's Food Bank. It was a great day! We ate lunch at Wendy's (and I decided that I really love the crispy chicken sandwich there, but not so much the fries) and then headed to the Food Bank. It's really a huge warehouse that stores and supplies other food pantries and charities in the area. The kids had a great time! We helped pack snack bags that would be given to local schools this week-assembly line style! I mostly helped the youngest kids in our group open up boxes to replenish the crates of snacks on the "line" for the packers. They did a great job! For the older kids I think it was very eye-opening for them to learn that there are plenty of kids who only get to eat at school. Hopefully, we'll go back next year!

2009-01-02T18:54:00.000-06:00

At WW on Cxmas Eve we took a special offering for lifestraws.com. Check out the video to find out more about it.

After a Fusion I was talking to one of our moms. She and her three kids have been attending WW for almost a year. It's been a very tough year for this mom and her kids, but they faithful show up and have gotten the kids involved.

When her little boy, age 6 or 7, heard about the special offering for the lifestraws, he wanted to give all his money- almost $100 - to help these other little kids who did not have clean drinking water!

What a BIG heart on a little guy. His mom was so proud of him and said that was the greatest gift she could have ever hoped for. In the midst of his own family challenges he is thinking about others.

. . . . our mission for WWKids to help our kids to daily respond to God's invitation to be part of their life.

WWKids Mission

2009-01-01T18:56:00.000-06:00

. . . . our mission for WWKids is
to help our kids to
daily respond to God's invitation
to be part of their life.

December:::Art Studio

2008-12-18T20:07:00.000-06:00

The first drawing of Mary was done by a 5 year old boy.

The second was done by a 5th grade girl.

The media was crayon and watercolor.

Thanks

2008-12-16T12:01:00.000-06:00

WWKids -

We here at Countryside Ganton Care Center want to thank you so much for coming and spending time with us. Our residents enjoy you coming! Thank you for being flexible; things can get a little hectic!! We appreciate the difference you make!

Many Blessings, Martha, Emily, Sandy, Joanne, Michelle &

all the grandmas and grandpas at Ganton

Learning from the Kids

2008-12-09T10:05:00.000-06:00

Once again, the 1st and 2nd graders astounded me with their wisdom. During the discussion after signing the song, "Mary Did You Know", I asked the kids to imagine what it felt like during the 9 months when Mary was a pregnant teenager living with her parents. I told them that the neighbors probably gossiped and made fun of her. The first answer they suggested was "embarrassed". The second child said "sad."

Trying to think along with this child, it was the first time that I had ever imagined Mary being "sad" while she was pregnant with God-most-high! And the more I thought about it, I said, "Yeah, when you're getting teased for months and months it gets old, doesn't it! It becomes really hard to bear!"

Wow!...embarrassed and sad...my heart is moved to send a thank you to Jesus' mother in Heaven! I have a 15 year old daughter, and I know how judgmental and vocal peers are.

I learn as much as these darling children learn each week.
Thank you for this opportunity.

Janet - Music & Motion Studio Directer/teacher

Prayer

2008-11-25T15:28:00.000-06:00

Dear God,

Thank you for this day and for all who are here today.

Be with us now as we learn more about your great love.

Give us open hearts and creative minds as we learn and create together.

In Jesus' name,

Amen.

Student from the 3/4th grade Storytelling Studio

Can I get an AMEN?!

2008-11-18T14:39:00.000-06:00

Going a little bit out of order here (chronologically speaking) as I still need to put up the pictures from Saturday's outing to the Together We Can Make A Difference House, but I received this email from Lisamarie Teeters in reference to Sunday and just had to post it right away. This is awesome. This is why we do what we do, because of stories like this. Our kids are learning, God is speaking to them and growing them up to be people who love and trust Him. Our work is fruitful, and here's the proof!

Lisamarie writes:

This past weekend, I was so blessed to serve in the Art Studio with the 3rd/4th graders.
As you know, we have been focusing on the story of Samuel. We are sharing Samuel's story to teach the children the power and wonder of listening to GOD's voice. In the Art Studio, the kids are making a sculpture that reminds them to listen to GOD's voice. Cheryl (Art Studio Teacher) has provided the kids with so many materials to incorporate into their Art. They have fabric, yarn, sequins, feathers, piping and more importantly, blank pieces of paper for writing - WORDS. Words, that will remind them of what GOD is speaking to them, in their own personal journey to grow closer to Him. When the kids went around the table to describe what they had created, my eyes were so teary, I couldn't see the sculpture.

Here are a few examples of what I witnessed:

Owen - Connected his two wires on his sculpture together with piping to "show his connection to GOD"

Dustin - Shaped his two wires into the earth and then covered them with green piping.
He said "he used green to represent peace and the single yellow feather on top, was GOD"

Tyler - Attached a pink ribbon to his wire to represent " his aunt who had died, so he could remember her" and a long purple ribbon to represent "GOD because we can not see him"

Megan - Shaped her wires into a heart to "show her love for GOD"

As I write this, I am teary eyed again, because I see all our hard work and dedication to our kids being rewarded for the glory of GOD. Our kids DO get it and they LOVE Jesus. They understand what GOD's presents in their lives means and how they make a difference through their relationships. And most importantly, they ARE listening to GOD.

Can I get an AMEN?!

Speak: I'm ready to listen

2008-11-13T14:54:00.001-06:00

Saturday Nov. 15th Outing

2008-11-13T14:06:00.000-06:00

Come join us THIS SATURDAY (yes, as in 2 days from now!) for a morning of toy sorting, pizza, and FUN! We were planning on going to St. Vincent's, but due to a change in plans on their end, we will instead be put to better use at the Together We Can Make A Difference House in downtown Jackson. We'll be doing similar work (sorting and cleaning toys) but just in a different location. Then, we'll be heading over to Little Caesar's for lunch.

We will meet in the church parking lot at 9:30am, and parents can pick up their kids at Little Caesar's around 1-1:15pm.

What a great opportunity for our kids to serve our community, while at the same tme building relationships with other kids from church, as well as their teachers, shepherds, and parents. Please join us!

Friends

2008-11-06T12:55:00.000-06:00

I believe . . .

friendships are key to our kids’ spiritual journey.

These friendships
will need to be initiated and nurtured

by you and your kids
as well as through

WWKids’ Journey opportunities.

Our Kenya pen pals

2008-11-04T12:55:00.000-06:00

WWKids - thank you so much for your recent donation to the Heshima Children's Center! We are just re-opening this month in a new slum call Ngando. Please pray as we try to locate the "hidden children" with disabilities. We want to honor them at Heshima!

With your donation we've been able to

- paint our small 3 room center

- hire a teacher

- put curtains on the windows

- buy kitchen supplies to feed the children!

Much love - Tracey Hagman

On having a small class...

2008-11-03T15:04:00.000-06:00

Sunday I shepherded for 5/6th at 11:30. I've noticed that 11:30s have had lower numbers recently, not quite sure why, but this eased my mind a bit because it was (admittedly) my first week ever with 5/6th grade. I was a little nervous! I'm not sure why, it's not like they bite! Anyway, we were in Storytelling and ended up having only three kids. It was GREAT! Honestly, had I left because I wasn't "needed to help out", I would have missed out on a great time. I also had the chance to get to know each kid a bit, and they had the opportunity to get to know each other.

With the small class, the teacher and I were really able to relax the schedule and just have fun! We spent more time on things that the kids wanted to, let everyone have a turn, and everyone got to a chance to play all of the roles in the skit on Samuel hearing God's voice. One of the girls was really shy and I doubt she would have volunteered for a role had there been more kids in class. But since it was only the 5 of us girls there, I saw her really come out of her shell. We had so much fun, lots of laughter, and we all really enjoyed the lesson. What a great day!

Some things I'd like my daughter to learn...

2008-10-21T21:11:00.000-05:00

I found out last Friday that we're having a girl! We're so excited. After seeing her on the ultrasound it really started to hit me: I'm going to be a mom. WOW. Such a big responsibility to be given a child to raise and teach, wonderful for sure, but also a huge challenge lies ahead of me. I've been thinking about things I want to make sure she knows about God. Here's my list:

1. I want her to know that God loves her, and that he created her to be in a relationship with him.

2. I want her to know that God created the whole world, and that we as people are supposed to care for all of creation-including plants, animals, the earth and it's atmosphere, and all people.

3. I want her to know that God is always reaching out to us because he wants us to know him better. He's always willing to forgive us when we mess up, and he's always looking for ways to connect with us. We just have to listen.

4. I want her to know that God teaches us in so many different ways, and that he uses our life experiences, good and bad, to bring us closer to him.

5. I want her to develop a love for God's word, because it changes the hearts of those who read it, and thereby changes the world for the better.

6. I want her to be a loving and compassionate person, a person whose love for Jesus is displayed in how she values and cares for other people.

There are more, many more, but since she is only a 21 week old fetus I don't think it's fair to expect too much from her yet! I hope this list has got you thinking about what your children are learning, and about how your relationship with God and others impacts your child's relationship with God. Children learn so much by participation and observation, and I want to make sure that once my daughter gets here I am modeling how to love others so that she learns it too.

Caring for the World @ WW

2008-10-20T09:45:00.000-05:00

Westwinds is seeing green in more ways than one. In May of 08 we ditched paper cups with plastic lids and cardboard sleeves for ceramic mugs, stopped purchasing plastic creamer containers and began having local businesses help with donations of organic fair-trade coffee. Because of these steps, we have seen some very exciting results.

We have halted nearly 8000 gallons of garbage from being dumped into
our landfill (about the size of one of those large fuel tankers you see going down the road).

We have saved over $1,500.00 in cups, lids, sleeves, coffee and creamers.

We are hearing many individual stories about how the steps we are
taking at the church are influencing people¹s recycling and conservation habits at home.

Moms, Dads and kids - How are you making a difference in caring for our world? Do you use both sides of your paper? Do you leave the water running while you brush your teeth or do you turn it off? Every little bit helps. Let us know what you're doing!

Moses

2008-10-16T11:47:00.001-05:00

Who are you inviting?

2008-10-07T10:07:00.000-05:00

The other week in Fusion, Dave talked about the “lies” of our world. One of those lies is “there’s not enough ______.” I suspect that Dave was talking about natural resources, etc. However it occurred to me that in the church community, the natural resource is people, God’s people. We frequently feel like there’s not enough help, not enough people, etc.

There are people . . . there are people who will serve. . . but we need to invite them. We need to invite them to join us in teaching the kids. As you hopefully know and have personally experienced, we are transformed in the process of guiding the kids along their journey with Jesus.

WW’s missional emphasis this year is the invitation to shadow God. Who do you know that you could ask to help you in the studio one weekend? Invite them to join you, so they can see and experience for themselves the joy of giving to others. Perhaps it is someone you’ve known for a long time OR perhaps it’s someone you’ve just met recently. Perhaps it’s a mature high school or college student. Many times people don’t help because no one ever personally asks them to help. Let’s ask!

I am willing to invite people to join us, but it’s just like coming to church. People come to church because someone- like you – someone they know invites them.

Who could you invite to get more involved at WW?

They "got" it

2008-10-07T09:43:00.000-05:00

. . . I wanted to let you know what a great time I had on Sunday with the 5&6 graders. No, seriously. They were attentive, enthusiastic about participating in the mime, answered questions, listened to both the Moses and the Rosa parks story and watched all of the Harriet Tubman video. I think they "got" it. - Vicky

Goals for K6 Experience Studios: Moses

2008-10-06T09:48:00.000-05:00

Hebrews 11.23-24 . . .
23 It was by faith that Moses’ parents hid him for three months when he was born.
They saw that God had given them an unusual child, and they were not afraid to disobey the king’s command. 24 It was by faith that Moses, when he grew up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. (New Living Translation)

Fall 2008 has a reoccurring faith theme
What do I want them to KNOW . . . I want the kids to KNOW that the setting of the times- the political unrest, oppression, plots to murder and control, the conspiracy to save a child (very similar times to the events surrounding Jesus’ birth); a child that eventually saves Israel from their oppressors
- The roles of Moses’ mom, sister and Pharoah’s daughter à risked a lot; God used them
- The importance of listening and obeying God – leads to faith
- God’s covenant (a promise) to/with Abraham and his family – the Israelites in Eygpt

What do I want them to FEEL . . . I want the kids to FEEL . . the responsibility to be a blessing to others (it’s not just about them); to care for others even though it cost them something
- Explore the feelings that surround Faith – the uncertainty of breaking the laws to
save your child

What do I want them to DO . . . I want the kids to (DO). . . learn to hear God’s promptings and see where he is working
- Grow in awareness how today’s decisions impact their future
- Begin to choose to trust God’s promises for themselves and walk by faith

October K6 Studios:Moses

2008-10-05T05:01:00.000-05:00

There was child who was put in a waterproofed basket made of papyrus, and set afloat in the largest river in the world. There was another mother who was "forced" to break the law, to protect and keep her child safe from the government authorities.

There were many people, but mostly women that ensured this special boy survived and flourished to become the leader to save the children of Israel. This Hebrew boy had a shrewd mom who hid and protected him as an infant. He had an older sister who watched over him as he floated in the Nile and then she cleverly suggested to Pharaoh’s daughter that his biological mother could care for him. And he had an adoptive mother, the daughter of Pharaoh, who knowingly brought a "unwanted, Hebrew" boy into the palace and raised him in the Egyptian culture as her own son.

In less than 3 hours our kids will enter into another new unit in the K6 Experience Studios. We will be looking at Moses, but from an unusal perspective. We're looking at the women/girls in Moses young life. The 3 key women who broke all kinds of laws to save this special child.

Each of the K6 Studios' curriculum look awesome. I'll get some pictures and post them later.

One thing I know. . .

2008-09-23T05:19:00.000-05:00

For everything has the potential of calling forth in us (me) a more loving response to our (my) life forever with God. Our only desire and our one choice should be this: I want and I choose what better leads to God’s deepening life in me.

"God who loves us creates us and wants to share life with us forever. Our love response takes shape in our praise and honor and service of the God of our life.
All the things in this world are also created because of God’s love and they become a context of gifts, presented to us so that we can know God more easily and make a return of love more readily.

As a result, we show reverence for all the gifts of creation and collaborate with God in using them so that by being good stewards we develop as loving persons in our care for God’s world and its development. But if we abuse any of these gifts of creation or, on the contrary, take them as the center of our lives, we break our relationship with God and hinder our growth as loving persons.

In everyday life, then, we must hold ourselves in balance before all created gifts insofar as we have a choice and are not bound by some responsibility. We should not fix our desires on health or sickness, wealth or poverty, success or failure, a long life or a short one. For everything has the potential of calling forth in me a more loving response to my life forever with God.

My only desire and my one choice should be this: I want and I choose what better leads to God’s deepening life in me."

Taken from Ignatius'Spiritual Exercises from in
Draw me into Your Friendship: The Spiritual Exercises, page 27

I am often challenged by this statement that . . . everything has the potential of calling forth in me a more loving response to God.

I don’t always feel like some of my life circumstances call me forward. On the surface I see little of what I would call God, however, God is teaching me to be patient. Circumstances are not always what they appear to be on the surface. I am learning what faith is – faith in a loving, personal Creator, who made me – yes, Lori Ann Mero Tate - in his image to reflect who he is. A loving God who calls me and invites me to walk along side him and be part of his Kingdom work and in the process be changed myself.

There are lots of things I don’t know – why my friends have cancer; how to be a good mom; how God created the world; how to be a supportive wife or a good spiritual director; to be a great kids ministry leader; how to handle elderly parents and young children, but the ONE thing I do KNOW is I want choose what better leads to God’s deepening life in me. . . .

So I try to keep things simple by looking at each of day through those lenses – what leads me to a deeper life in Christ? What draws me away from Him?

The Role of Shepherds

2008-09-22T17:14:00.000-05:00

For those of you wondering, "What's a shepherd, anyway?", here's some basics!

A shepherd's main job is to build relationships with the kids through consistency. Talk with them. Learn their names, their likes and dislikes, outside activities, family situations, etc. Find out about their thoughts, and their relationship with Jesus. Ask questions that challenge them to think about God and the world and loving other people. This type of knowledge and familiarity between shepherd and kid doesn't come through an interview, or one conversation. It's built over time, with trust. It's an investment into a child's life, to help guide them into a relationship with Jesus.

But that doesn't mean that shepherds have to have all the answers. Kids ask tons of questions (as I'm sure all of you know...) but it's ok to answer with, "wow! what a great question! I guess we'll have to think about that one", or "I guess we'll have to save that one to ask Jesus when we get to heaven!", or re-pose the question to the entire class for discussion.

Occasionally, a shepherd will have to remind a kid to sit still or to listen, or take a kid to the bathroom. It happens. But these are a shepherd's more minor duties! Shepherds are not crowd-control, they are relationship-builders. So even if there are only four kids there with the teacher, YES we still need to be there getting to know the kids, talking with them, guiding them. It's especially important for shepherds to take advantage of days with small class sizes because that's more one-on-one time with each kid in class! Why pass it up?

A BIG thank you to everyone who is shepherding. It makes a difference. The kids get to know you, they miss you when you aren't around for awhile, the learn from you. You become important to them! If you are interested in shepherding, please contact me at jkgienapp@gmail.com .

Satellite groups

2008-09-04T16:29:00.000-05:00

Satellite Groups : : : Connecting adults and kids
One of the challenges of being at a larger church is that
- our kids go to a variety of schools;
- our kids attend church, at best, every other week;
- our kids attend at different times.
These factors make it challenging for our WWKids’ servants to build consistent relationships with the kids, and it also makes it challenging for our kids to build relationships with one another. Hey, it’s not just the kids who face this challenge.
Over the years I routinely ask various adults about their childhood influences on their spiritual journey; “my parent’s friends,” was the answer that most surprised me. My parent’s friends were the other adults in my life. Our families hung out, vacationed, cried and played together. They ‘did life,’ walking side by side together on their spiritual journey.
This next Sunday you will have the opportunity to check out WW new satellite groups. As a parent, this could be the single most important decision you make for your family. These groups not only help adults connect but provide an opportunity for your kids to build relationships with other adults and kids that will potentially shape and influence their lives.
WWKids’ leaders please seriously consider getting involved in a satellite group. Your journey with Jesus was never intended to be a solo trip but a community adventure. Being in community will change your life; it did mine.

Noah's quote

2008-08-24T20:58:00.000-05:00

Here's Noah's quote from this morning in the art room, during our discussion on sin and its consequences:

"If people would learn how to not sin, then the world would be so much...BETTER!"

Yep, buddy, you're right :)

This month-Sin

2008-08-13T09:08:00.000-05:00

This month in Kids we're taking a good, honest look at sin. Last Sunday, one little girl started out our discussion on sin by saying this, "But I don't even know what a sin is!" The other kids were quick to enlighten her with examples of their own "bad behavior", which was a complete list of examples of times they had disobeyed their parents. The same little girl then added her own example, "Like my sister! She lies to my mom all the time!" Sound familiar? Ahh, yes, that would be Adam in Genesis 3, turning the blame on Eve. It's her fault! She made me do it! What she did was worse than what I did! He did it first!

God created people to live in a perfect relationship with Him, to experience a full, happy, and easy life in the garden. But, when Adam and Eve chose to listen to the crafty serpent rather than God, that relationship was broken. It was easy for the kids to connect the sins in their own lives with consequences. Disobey mom, lose tv time. Make a scene in public, get punished when you get home. The consequences for Adam and Eve were so severe that it completely changed the course of human history right there. God ejected them from the perfect garden, and told them that instead they would have to work the ground for food. Nothing would be easy anymore, their lives would be lived in toil. And worse yet, sin had created a terrible separation between God and people.

Wonderfully, that is not the end of the story. At all! While Romans tells us that we have all sinned and fallen short of God's glory, we are also taught in the gospels and epistles that Jesus is the bridge between God and people. Here's a verse I memorized a couple summers ago for a camp I was working. It beautifully explains this.

"This is good and pleases God our Savior. For he wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. For there is only one God and one Mediator between God and people-he is the man Christ Jesus. He gave his life as a ransom for many. This is the message that God gave to the world at the proper time." 1 Timothy 2:3-6

Because of Jesus, we don't have to live in our sin anymore. He acts as the mediator between God and people, bridging the chasm created by sin. And that is GOOD news!

WWKids Volunteer Party

2008-08-12T16:41:00.001-05:00