Immunization:

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.

Baptisms are scheduled for May 17.

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

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

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

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.