Global Village e-News: January

Hello Parents and Children's Ministry Leaders!

2009. A  year for me- as the returning prodigal children's director-to be blown away by the incredible service of fantastic CM volunteers, and encouraged by the depth of care our families have for one another, and the desire by all, to see children growing in their faith.  Thank you, each of you!

2010.  The decade for new resolutions, for new projects, for new dreams and visions.  2010.  A new decade for children to grow up in- faced with the realities of cyber bullies, self-image issues, poor communication skills due to high uses of technology, peer-pressure, awful language on the playground, lack of respect for authority, pop-culture idolization, video game induced tendinitis and carpal tunnel, the list goes on and on.  We have many obstacles to face in this new year!  BUT WE WILL FACE THEM WITH THE LOVE OF CHRIST IN US.

How can we compete for the attention of our children, whether preschooler or 5th grader?  The reality is, it's tough.  It's really, really tough.  But is not impossible.  Those first few years where young kids spend the majority of  time with their parents, those are key years for building a solid foundation.  Good habits, healthy boundaries, unconditional love and support, clear discipline, respect for authority, just to name a few.  And then we let them flee the nest as they enter gradeschool.  We watch and wait and hope and pray that they come home from school safe and sound and un-shaken by the realities of the world.  This is the time for character-building.  The time for facing the challenges your kids face, with them, head on. The time for open dialogue, time in prayer, finding support from other parents who are dealing with similar issues.  This is the time for bringing your children to church every week so they can worship with you; to be surrounded by fellow Christian kids who are doing life just like them, to have friendship and mentor-ship with other adults in the church who care about them. 

So this is my resolution for 2010: Global Village will be a place where relating and relationships and real worship take place every week.

Ephesians 4:14-16, "Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves; and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.  From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work."

Your presence at church each week is KEY to the success of this resolution.  Every teacher who prepares a lesson, snack, or craft and every parent who chooses to get up early on sunday morning to get their kids fed, dressed, and ready for sunday school is playing  a VITAL role in the health  and well-being of our children's lives.  No pressure!  It's a group effort, and one that will provide a safety net for parents and a support system for children to grow in their relationship with God, and will be a highlight of everyone's week!  Church is wonderful, uplifting (no I didn't say perfect), and place of connectedness.  This is the place I hope you want to be- I know I want you here!