New/Throw Back Children's Ministry Schedule

Beginning Sunday, January 8, 2012 Children's Ministry will return to our former schedule of 1st-3rd Sundays. The Jubilee Choir will return to ministering EVERY 4th Sunday at 11am service. This gives parents an opportunity to reinforce service in ministry through choir, praise team, ushering, and greeting on 4th Sundays. 4th Sunday will be a unique opportunity for parents, families and children to all to participate in intergenerational worship. This simply means across age and generations "we praise God together". This is not a Sunday "off", or a time for you to allow your child to pack a backpack full of entertainment to amuse them during church. This is a chance for your child to exercise their spiritual gifts through service to God. Throughout 2011 children have been taught and have modeled how to be active participants in praise and worship, how to be cheerful givers, how to be attentive and engaged during the lesson. It's critical that they maintain this standard while worshipping with you. It's important that you involve your children early. in the service and life of the church. If you are interested in having your child begin to learn early about serving others please contact the various ministry leads or send an email with your child's name and the area they wish to serve in and it will be forwarded to the correct ministry leader.

Personal Devotions for Children

This year, Bishop has challenged us to be committed in 4 specific areas. These commitments are likewise areas where we want to spend time training and modeling Biblical discipline for our children. Beginning this month you will receive a monthly calendar for devotions designed specifically for your child. Setting a time where you train your child to be deliberate about his/her time with God is a wonderful tradition to have in your family. It's not too late to start a tradition! Remember God is the God of another chance. We have created a model for you to follow. You are free and even strongly encouraged to follow it just as it is provided. After some time, you may decide that you want to begin to tailor or adjust your child's devotions to meet your family's specific needs, we encourage that also (remember: you can do it, we can help). The devotion model we will follow this year is modeled after David Murray's: Bible Reading Plan for Kids. In this model Brother Murray has put together a plan that takes children through the Bible a few verses at a time. His reading plan philosophy emphasizes brevity, variety, simplicity, accountability and unity. Each day children spend a few moments reading, reflecting and praying about what they have read. You can choose to have your child spend their time in devotion in the morning or in the evening. The point is to have them begin developing healthy spiritual habits which will undoubtedly have long-term and even eternal effects. Follow the directions to get your child started. There are two models one for older kids and one for kids much younger.

Clickhere to download days 1-28

Click here to download devotion drawing pages

Here's what you'll need to get started: the downloaded pages listed above this picture, a Bible (Common English Bible is a good recommendation also), scissors, markers/crayons, 3-ring binder, hole punch.

Now cut the pages in half (booklet style) and put them in the correct order.

Insert the pages in the binder. Place the pages in the binder weekly. Too many pages may prove overwhelming. Besides, if you do have an overachiever you still want him/her developing the discipline of reading and praying daily rather than completing several days at once.

Modification: If your child struggles with writing, don't force the issue to start. Instead, give him/her the drawing pages as an option. After a few weeks you can begin to add in a day or two of writing until eventually you make your way up to an entire week.

Allow your child to decorate their journal or you may decide to do it as a surprise. Point is.try to make it personal. Another thought is to write a note from you and add it as the first page. You may want to tell them that you are also reading, praying and reflecting daily. Write something to encourage the process.

In the end this is a great way to get your child involved in daily reading, reflecting and praying about the things of God. As time goes on you will see your child beginning to grow in the things of God and his/her own walk with the Lord.

January's Lessons: Worshipping God Alone

....Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me-watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly. Help your child become familiar with this scripture. Matthew 11:28-30(MSG)

1.1.12 Intergenerational worship, Happy New Year!

1.8.12 Luke 18:18-27; children will examine their lives and identify 1 thing they hold on to which is holding them from having a closer relationship and walk with God.

1.17.12 Matthew 6:33; children will use the hindrance they identified and be challenged to look through scripture to see God as a deliverer of promises. Children will be further challenged to give that one obstacle/hindrance over to God and trust Him to supply their needs.

1.24.12 Intergenerational worship; Jubilee Choir, children should be active in worship and service.

Calendar of Events

Your Child's Place In the Kingdom

We are partnering with parents to raise children committed to Jesus Christ. We offer several exciting classes on both campuses to meet the spiritual needs of your child. From 2s to 7th grade, and everyone in between, we have a place for your child's spiritual development needs. We work diligently to ensure that while in our care your children are surrounded by people who are dedicated to serving their needs. All volunteers who serve with children are required to pass an extensive background check, provide references and be members of Pilgrim Rest. We understand that you are the foremost spiritual caregiver for your child. We take great joy in walking alongside of you in this journey. We believe: You can Do it! We can Help!

The Garden (2*-4 years)
A wonderful place of security. Here in the Garden your child's will begin to sprout in their spiritual development as they learn about God's love through singing, storytelling and interactive Bible lessons. *potty-trained

The Ark (K-1st)
A place to experience faith. In the Ark your child will learn about being a part of God's family. Here they will learn of God's sovereign power and His forgiveness through dynamic storytelling, puppets and music.

The Den (2nd-3rd)
Our place to build relationship with Christ. In the Den your child will learn to exercise faith. Here children continue their journey through the kingdom through powerful teaching and hands-on lessons to discover a God they can trust and depend on.

The Crossroads (4th-Tweens)
This place is where decisions are made. In the Crossroads your child will dive deeper in the kingdom and their relationship with their Savior. Their faith will continue to increase as they learn how to face the challenges of today.

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