Kids Camp 2009

Hey, friends! As you will find out this Sunday, it has come to my attention that there aren't as many beach kidz going to camp this year. After praying and sharpening iron with some of the GTC staff, we came up with a plan and a fundraiser. You will find out more on Sunday, but the gist is this: instead of the entire amount due in a few weeks, a $50 nonrefundable payment will ensure your child's spot on the roster. This will give you all time to raise the rest of the funds. Also, there will be a Walk-a-thon fundraiser on May 23rd 11am (Yes, this date used to be May 30th). If you would like your child to raise money to offset the cost of camp, make sure to get a letter from one of the Beach Kidz volunteers. In it we will have details concerning this very FUNdraiser!

May God Bless your socks off!

PT

Camp Time!

Hey, all! We're about to enter one of the most glorious times in our Christian faith--the celebration not only of the last days of Jesus, but also his resurrection! There is always something that stirs up within me during this time. It is certainly a time of victory and reflection about my walk with the savior. Please take time and reflect on how much God has done for you during this amazing week.

Now let's fast forward a bit. Kids Camp is a distant date on our calendars (August 3rd-7th) but registration and payment are due April 26th. Yes, in only a few weeks! We want to make sure that we are able to reserve space at the camp, so early registration as a church is vital.

Not familiar with Kids Camp? Kids Camp is a potent spiritual experience not only for the kids but also for the adults who choose to serve. I know that it's one of my favorite ways to spend time with God and spend time helping kids reach out to God themselves. The kids have a blast during daily pooltime, crafts, games, and then the awesome twice-daily chapel service. You don't want your kids to miss this amazing opportunity to experience God in a new way. Please look for registration information after service in the family room (where Beach Kidz is held). You don't want to miss it!

May God bless those socks off!

PT

Change is Good!

Beach Kidz will never be the same again! And that's a good thing! This past Sunday my leaders and I began to see a new vision for children's ministry unfold. A few months ago I was praying and asking God to cast a new vision for Kids Church. My desire is to grow the ministry in quantity AND quality. I realized that as our attendance grows, it will be increasingly difficult to satisfactorily minister to our beach kids. The Lord gave me the idea to remedy this; He wanted Beach Kidz to look very similar to Vacation Bible School. With this model, the kids are separated into smaller groups and watched over by an adult mentor who will guide them through the various "classes." This will give a better opportunity to have more time with your kids and to truly develop a relationship with them. They're still going to get their Bible story time, scripture time, and worship, but they will also be able to participate in ministries such as children's choir and human video. I'm really excited about this amazing opportunity to minister, mentor and mold these children not only into disciples, but also ministers themselves. Please pray with my leaders and me as we embark on this new adventure. And also pray that the kids will grow exponentially in the Lord! Change is wonderful, especially when it's for God.

May God bless YOUR socks off!
PT

The Best Saturday Ever!!!

This past Saturday Ms. Sandy and I had the awesome opportunity to visit not one, not two, not even three, but four of my beach kidz! They all invited me to see them in various activites. I had a blast visiting Zach and Michael's basketball game, eating cake at Haley's birthday party, and then attending a concert to see Lauren sing in the districtwide choir! Please remember, parents, I LOVE to visit my beach kidz, so let me know ahead of time if there is an event that I can come to. Here are some photos of our good times. Thanks for inviting me, Zach, Michael, Haley, and Lauren!



Lauren and Ms. Sherry after a wonderful choir concert! Maybe if you ask her nicely, Lauren will teach you how to sing, "Shake the Papaya Down!"

Haley's birthday party was awesome! Here is Haley blowing bubbles during the bubble blowing contest. Hmmm....that gives me an idea for Beach Kidz.........

The Triple Threat (Zach, Christian, and Michael) after a morning of hustling on the basketball court!

No Fear!

A few weeks ago during the service the topic of fear came up. The Lord has laid it on my heart to expand on this topic and how it relates to kids. We all remember some of our greatest childhood fears: the boogeyman, bad grades, or a scary story. Sometimes I chuckle as I recall some of the things that had me shaking. As adults we fear other things like bills, failure, and April 15th! The funny thing is, no matter how old you are or how silly a thing you fear, the solution has always been and will always be.....Jesus! God saved us and lives in us, and when He's around, there's simply no room for fear. God doesn't like it around. Just as we were paralyzed when we heard a bump in the night, fears paralyzes us from trusting God. So go ahead! Throw your fears down in exchange for God's love, peace, and comfort! Have NO FEAR!!!

You're All I Need!

I have to say, I love the song on our Beach Kidz Playlist, "You're All I Need" by Hillsong Kids. The message is simple and true. Our proclamation that Jesus is all that we need is being tested like never before in these trying times. Though we know God is always with us, I don't think we can ever really comprehend how much God is involved in every minute detail of our lives; and if we did, we'd be falling onto our knees in praise and gratitude even more! In these times that we live in, I challenge you (and myself) to trust and believe that He IS all that we need!

May God bless your socks off!

PT

Children of LIGHT!

My head is spinning as I look at all of the activities we have planned for the coming months (and this is just for children's ministries!). However, I feel blessed that we have an awesome opportunity to reach so many children in various ways! In Ephesians 5 Paul implores the believers in Ephesus to "Live as children of light...and find out what pleases the Lord (v 8,9)." Might I implore you, friends, to do the same. Is there a ministry budding in your heart that God wants you to join or create? Is the Lord asking you to do something special for someone at work or at school? Are you clueless as to what God wants you to do this season? I've been there! This verse encourages me to go and find out! Find out what pleases God and chase that desire with all of your heart! As children of Light, we can do the impossible, the baffling, the amazing. So go out there and shine brightly because of the one who shines brightly in you! Go and find out!

May God bless your socks off!

PT