Perhaps you’ve heard …
… An atheist was spending a quiet day fishing when suddenly his boat was attacked by the Loch Ness monster. In one easy flip, the beast tossed him and his boat high into the air. Then it opened its mouth to swallow both.As the man sailed head over heels, he cried out, "Oh, my God! Help me!"At once, the ferocious attack scene froze in place, and as the atheist hung in mid-air, a booming voice came down from the clouds, "I thought you didn't believe in Me!""Come on God, give me a break!!" the man pleaded, "two minutes ago I didn't believe in the Loch Ness monster either!"
We shouldn’t need a tragedy to move us closer to God. If we talk with God regularly, it will be easier during the difficult moments of our lives.
KIDS TOGETHER
We had a small group at Kids Together this week. Chrissy Casey and Dorothy Gardner served as our volunteer leaders. We prayed for people in the church and our lives that were having difficult times; later the kids made cards to be sent to some of these people. It’s great to see the children learning to care about others at such a young age. Our concern for others should take us in two directions – toward God in prayer and reaching out to that person.
This coming Sunday we will begin our Lenten journey in Kids Together. We will talk about preparing our lives for Easter. If everything works out according to plan, we will have a craft project that everyone can enjoy. Natalie and Ezria Heaps will be our leaders this week.
NURSERY
Each week there are two nursery workers scheduled during worship; if only one is needed they can decide who will stay. Flossie Rusbuldt and Leah Yocum will be our nursery volunteers this week.
KIDS CLUB
Oops! The Kids Club has been postponed to begin on March 4. Children grades 3 to 7 will meet from 6:00 to 7:30 every Sunday evening during lent. The program will be a combination of Bible Study, crafts, games, activities and a social ministry project. Pray that everything will come together. There will be a planning meeting for our leaders this Sunday evening.
SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS FOR PARENTS
On February 25 we will continue the class with the theme of discipline. “Spare the rod and spoil the child” is a paraphrase from the book of Proverbs. How do we understand this issue today? What does Jesus have to say about discipline of children? The class is for parents, grandparents, those hoping to be parents, and anyone interested are invited to participate. We meet Sundays at 9:45 am in Room 2. Bring the kids; we have classes for them as well.
“No horse gets anywhere until he is harnessed. No stream or gas drives anything until it is confined. No Niagara is ever turned into light and power until it is tunneled. No life ever grows great until it is focused, dedicated, disciplined.” – Harry Emerson Fosdick (Served as pastor of ABCUSA related Riverside Church and was key in the development of AA, he died in 1969)
THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRAYERS
Thank you for your prayers for my grandson Daniel during his recent hospitalization and surgery. It was a difficult week and we all felt your care and prayers. Daniel came home on Saturday and is well on the road to recovery.
May you feel the Lord’s guiding presence in your lives this week.
Pastor Steve
This Week’s Motto: Dominus vobiscum (“The Lord be with you”)
"It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men." - Frederick Douglas
Disclaimer: That’s my story and I’m sticking to it. These are my musings concerning the Children’s Ministries of our church. If I said something that is incorrect or offensive, don’t complain to others, just tell me.
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Friday, February 16, 2007
A Musing for February 16
Perhaps you’ve heard about …
… the fellow who forgot about Valentine’s Day. His wife was really angry. She told him, "Tomorrow morning, I expect to find a gift in the driveway that goes from 0 to 200 in 6 seconds AND IT BETTER BE THERE!!"
The next morning he got up early and left for work. When his wife awakened, she looked out the window and there was a small, gift-wrapped box lying in the driveway.
Confused, the wife put on her robe, ran outside and brought the box back in the house. Hopeful about what might be inside, she opened it and she saw a brand new bathroom scale.
Unfortunately, no one’s heard from the man since.
I’m thankful for a God who gives us good gifts (Matthew 7:7-11).
I HOPE YOU HAD A GREAT VALENTINE’S DAY
I don't understand why Cupid was chosen to represent Valentine's Day. When I think about romance, the last thing on my mind is a short, chubby toddler coming at me with a weapon.
THE PRICE IS RIGHT
We played “The Price is Right” in worship. Some of the kids were pretty good at guessing the prices of the items. It’s nice to see that some haven’t fully entered into our materialistic world. Most of us know the value of “things,” and God wants to be sure we realize the value of eternal things. Jesus doesn’t want us to be confused about what is important in life. He taught that devoting your life to seeking wealth, happiness, and popularity will leave you empty. We need to put Jesus first. God’s love is priceless; for everything else there is the Master.
KIDS TOGETHER
I appreciate Dustin and Rory Flay’s service as leaders in Kids Together this week. We had seven children. Melissa brought her friend Bianca. It’s great to see the children bring their friends to church; we could learn something from them.
We talked about things that make us happy. Hopefully the kids understood that true happiness comes in knowing Jesus. We sang the old standby “If you’re happy and you know it.”
This coming Sunday we will talk about mountain top experiences. What can we learn from those really great moments of life? Natalie and Ezria Heaps will be our leaders this week.
NURSERY
Wendy Reid and Danielle Burkett were in the nursery this week. Each week there are two nursery workers scheduled; if only one is needed they can decide who will stay. Betti Sharpe and Sally Blagg are our nursery volunteers for February 18.
KIDS CLUB
The Kids Club will begin on February 25. Children grades 3 to 7 will meet from 6:00 to 7:30 every Sunday evening during lent. The program will be a combination of Bible Study, crafts, games, activities and a social ministry project. Pray that everything will come together.
SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS FOR PARENTS
This week we’re taking a break. The theme is “God’s Word for Parents!” Sunday we talked about difficult children. Ancient Israel had them; we have them. On February 25 we will continue the class with the theme of discipline. “Spare the rod and spoil the child” is a paraphrase from the book of Proverbs. How do we understand this issue today? What does Jesus have to say about discipline of children? The class is for parents, grandparents, those hoping to be parents, and anyone interested are invited to participate. We meet Sundays at 9:45 am in Room 2. Bring the kids; we have classes for them as well.
"It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men." - Frederick Douglas (African-American advisor to President Lincoln)
THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRAYERS
This has been a week full of unexpected things. You may be aware that my 2 year old grandson, Daniel, was hospitalized last Sunday. He had surgery at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia on Tuesday evening (in the midst of our winter storm) and he is on his way to recovery. Daniels’s 7 month old sister, Hannah, has been with Francesca and me all week. We thank the Lord that Daniel is doing well; please pray for a full recovery. Pray for Daniel’s parents, Bethany and Steve.
May you feel our Lord’s love in your lives this week and always.
Pastor Steve
This Week’s Motto: Amor tussisque non celantur (“Love, and a cough, are not concealed” by Ovid, a Roman poet who was banished by Caesar Augustus to a town on the Black Sea in 8 AD)
Disclaimer: That’s my story and I’m sticking to it. These are my musings concerning the Children’s Ministries of our church. If I said something that is incorrect or offensive, don’t complain to others, just tell me.
… the fellow who forgot about Valentine’s Day. His wife was really angry. She told him, "Tomorrow morning, I expect to find a gift in the driveway that goes from 0 to 200 in 6 seconds AND IT BETTER BE THERE!!"
The next morning he got up early and left for work. When his wife awakened, she looked out the window and there was a small, gift-wrapped box lying in the driveway.
Confused, the wife put on her robe, ran outside and brought the box back in the house. Hopeful about what might be inside, she opened it and she saw a brand new bathroom scale.
Unfortunately, no one’s heard from the man since.
I’m thankful for a God who gives us good gifts (Matthew 7:7-11).
I HOPE YOU HAD A GREAT VALENTINE’S DAY
I don't understand why Cupid was chosen to represent Valentine's Day. When I think about romance, the last thing on my mind is a short, chubby toddler coming at me with a weapon.
THE PRICE IS RIGHT
We played “The Price is Right” in worship. Some of the kids were pretty good at guessing the prices of the items. It’s nice to see that some haven’t fully entered into our materialistic world. Most of us know the value of “things,” and God wants to be sure we realize the value of eternal things. Jesus doesn’t want us to be confused about what is important in life. He taught that devoting your life to seeking wealth, happiness, and popularity will leave you empty. We need to put Jesus first. God’s love is priceless; for everything else there is the Master.
KIDS TOGETHER
I appreciate Dustin and Rory Flay’s service as leaders in Kids Together this week. We had seven children. Melissa brought her friend Bianca. It’s great to see the children bring their friends to church; we could learn something from them.
We talked about things that make us happy. Hopefully the kids understood that true happiness comes in knowing Jesus. We sang the old standby “If you’re happy and you know it.”
This coming Sunday we will talk about mountain top experiences. What can we learn from those really great moments of life? Natalie and Ezria Heaps will be our leaders this week.
NURSERY
Wendy Reid and Danielle Burkett were in the nursery this week. Each week there are two nursery workers scheduled; if only one is needed they can decide who will stay. Betti Sharpe and Sally Blagg are our nursery volunteers for February 18.
KIDS CLUB
The Kids Club will begin on February 25. Children grades 3 to 7 will meet from 6:00 to 7:30 every Sunday evening during lent. The program will be a combination of Bible Study, crafts, games, activities and a social ministry project. Pray that everything will come together.
SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS FOR PARENTS
This week we’re taking a break. The theme is “God’s Word for Parents!” Sunday we talked about difficult children. Ancient Israel had them; we have them. On February 25 we will continue the class with the theme of discipline. “Spare the rod and spoil the child” is a paraphrase from the book of Proverbs. How do we understand this issue today? What does Jesus have to say about discipline of children? The class is for parents, grandparents, those hoping to be parents, and anyone interested are invited to participate. We meet Sundays at 9:45 am in Room 2. Bring the kids; we have classes for them as well.
"It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men." - Frederick Douglas (African-American advisor to President Lincoln)
THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRAYERS
This has been a week full of unexpected things. You may be aware that my 2 year old grandson, Daniel, was hospitalized last Sunday. He had surgery at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia on Tuesday evening (in the midst of our winter storm) and he is on his way to recovery. Daniels’s 7 month old sister, Hannah, has been with Francesca and me all week. We thank the Lord that Daniel is doing well; please pray for a full recovery. Pray for Daniel’s parents, Bethany and Steve.
May you feel our Lord’s love in your lives this week and always.
Pastor Steve
This Week’s Motto: Amor tussisque non celantur (“Love, and a cough, are not concealed” by Ovid, a Roman poet who was banished by Caesar Augustus to a town on the Black Sea in 8 AD)
Disclaimer: That’s my story and I’m sticking to it. These are my musings concerning the Children’s Ministries of our church. If I said something that is incorrect or offensive, don’t complain to others, just tell me.
Wednesday, February 7, 2007
A Musing for February 7
I’m sure you’ve heard about …
the boy who arrived to his Sunday school class late. His teacher knew that the boy was usually very prompt and asked him if anything was wrong.
The boy replied no, that he was going to go fishing, but that his dad told him that he needed to go to church instead. The teacher was very impressed and asked the boy if his father had explained to him why it was more important to go to church rather than to go fishing.
The boy replied, "Yes, ma'am, he did. My dad said that he didn't have enough bait for both of us."
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO PASTOR MIKE
Remember to wish Pastor Mike a Happy Birthday on February 8.
KIDS TOGETHER
Karen Burkett and Danielle were our wonderful adult leaders for Kids Together on Sunday. We had six children and two peer helpers – thank you Madeline and Melissa. Francesca Crane also helped out.
Our story was about Jesus fishing trip with Peter and friends (see Luke 5:1-11). The fishing was better with Jesus. Jesus told his disciples to be “Fishers of People.” We’ll have better fishing luck if we have Jesus along with us. The kids sang “I will make you fishers of men (and women), if you follow me.” Ask them to sing it for you.
This coming Sunday we will talk about true happiness. Does God want us to be happy?
I’m happy that Dustin Flay and Rory will be our leaders in Kids Together this week.
NURSERY
Thanks go to Leah Yocum for preparing the nursery schedule. She and Jill were in the nursery this week, with Grace and Lucas. Each week there are two nursery workers scheduled; if only one is needed they can decide who will stay. Wendy Reid and Betsy McDonald are our nursery volunteers for February 11.
ECBC CHILDREN’S CHOIR
The choir did a great job on Sunday. Thanks Kathi and Betsy! You also had a wonderful accompanist (humility noted). Remember, the impromptu moments make it more memorable.
OUR SPECIAL KIDS
Congratulations to Leah and Holly Johnson! They were on Kids Corner (WXPN, Mon – Thurs, 7-8 pm) last week.
KIDS CLUB
The Kids Club will begin on February 25. Children age 8 to 12 will meet from 6:00 to 7:30 every Sunday evening during lent. The program will be a combination of Bible Study, crafts, games, activities and a social ministry project.
SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS FOR PARENTS
The theme is “God’s Word for Parents!” We started off our class with three students. This week we will talk about difficult children (certainly not ours; at least not today). The Bible has some interesting comments for dealing with the kids when they seem to loose control. The class is for parents, grandparents, those hoping to be parents, and anyone interested are invited to participate. We meet Sundays at 9:45 am in Room 2. Bring the kids; we have classes for them as well.
"It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men." - Frederick Douglas
May you feel our Lord’s presence as you’re fishing this week.
Pastor Steve
This Week’s Motto: Noli habere bovis, vir (“Don’t have a cow, man!)
the boy who arrived to his Sunday school class late. His teacher knew that the boy was usually very prompt and asked him if anything was wrong.
The boy replied no, that he was going to go fishing, but that his dad told him that he needed to go to church instead. The teacher was very impressed and asked the boy if his father had explained to him why it was more important to go to church rather than to go fishing.
The boy replied, "Yes, ma'am, he did. My dad said that he didn't have enough bait for both of us."
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO PASTOR MIKE
Remember to wish Pastor Mike a Happy Birthday on February 8.
KIDS TOGETHER
Karen Burkett and Danielle were our wonderful adult leaders for Kids Together on Sunday. We had six children and two peer helpers – thank you Madeline and Melissa. Francesca Crane also helped out.
Our story was about Jesus fishing trip with Peter and friends (see Luke 5:1-11). The fishing was better with Jesus. Jesus told his disciples to be “Fishers of People.” We’ll have better fishing luck if we have Jesus along with us. The kids sang “I will make you fishers of men (and women), if you follow me.” Ask them to sing it for you.
This coming Sunday we will talk about true happiness. Does God want us to be happy?
I’m happy that Dustin Flay and Rory will be our leaders in Kids Together this week.
NURSERY
Thanks go to Leah Yocum for preparing the nursery schedule. She and Jill were in the nursery this week, with Grace and Lucas. Each week there are two nursery workers scheduled; if only one is needed they can decide who will stay. Wendy Reid and Betsy McDonald are our nursery volunteers for February 11.
ECBC CHILDREN’S CHOIR
The choir did a great job on Sunday. Thanks Kathi and Betsy! You also had a wonderful accompanist (humility noted). Remember, the impromptu moments make it more memorable.
OUR SPECIAL KIDS
Congratulations to Leah and Holly Johnson! They were on Kids Corner (WXPN, Mon – Thurs, 7-8 pm) last week.
KIDS CLUB
The Kids Club will begin on February 25. Children age 8 to 12 will meet from 6:00 to 7:30 every Sunday evening during lent. The program will be a combination of Bible Study, crafts, games, activities and a social ministry project.
SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS FOR PARENTS
The theme is “God’s Word for Parents!” We started off our class with three students. This week we will talk about difficult children (certainly not ours; at least not today). The Bible has some interesting comments for dealing with the kids when they seem to loose control. The class is for parents, grandparents, those hoping to be parents, and anyone interested are invited to participate. We meet Sundays at 9:45 am in Room 2. Bring the kids; we have classes for them as well.
"It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men." - Frederick Douglas
May you feel our Lord’s presence as you’re fishing this week.
Pastor Steve
This Week’s Motto: Noli habere bovis, vir (“Don’t have a cow, man!)
Saturday, February 3, 2007
January 31 Musings
Here are my musings for January 31, 2007
Perhaps you’ve heard …
Three guys died and St. Peter met them at the pearly gates. St. Peter tells them that they need to answer a question to enter the gates. The question is, “What is Easter?”
The first man replies, “that’s easy, it’s the holiday in November when everyone gets together to eat turkey and is thankful …”
“Sorry,” said St. Peter.
The second man said, “I know, Easter is the holiday in December when we put up a tree, give gifts to others and celebrate Jesus Birthday …”
“Sorry,” said St. Peter.
The third guy was sure he knew, “Easter is the Christian holiday that coincides with the Jewish celebration of Passover. Jesus and his disciples were eating at the last supper and he was later deceived and turned over to the Romans by one of his disciples. The Romans took him to be crucified, he was stabbed in the side, made to wear a crown of thorns, and was hung on a cross. He was buried in a nearby cave which was sealed off by a large bolder. Every year the boulder is moved aside so that Jesus can come out, and if he sees his shadow there will be 6 more weeks of winter.”
Happy Ground Hog Day
KIDS TOGETHER
I appreciate Chrissy Casey and Dorothy Gardner for helping lead Kids Together on Sunday. We had a good group of children. We’re finished discovering Christian truths in Charlotte’s Web by talking about kindness. Charlotte showed kindness to Wilbur, even though she didn’t know him (at first) and Wilbur didn’t do anything special to deserve her kindness. God wants us to be giving to others in need. “Be kind to everyone” (2 Timothy 2:24). The children made cards for people on our prayer list.
This Sunday we will consider our fishing skills. Karen Burkett and Danielle will be our leaders in Kids Together this week. Leah Yocum is coordinating the nursery schedule.
ECBC CHILDREN’S CHOIR
We felt it best to give the children one more practice, so they didn’t sing on Sunday. Barring any unforeseen complications they will sing “Jesus Loves the Little Children” in worship this Sunday. The older children will participate with readings. Thanks Kathi and Betsy! We’re looking to add bells for the children. Barry and Donna are working on this.
SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS FOR PARENTS
Do you bug your children? The Apostle Paul told the Christian parents in Ephesus “Do not provoke your children to anger.” Some versions say “do not exasperate children.” Exasperate can mean anything from annoy to infuriate. What is God saying to parents in today’s world?
I will lead a Sunday School class for parents during the four Sundays of February. Parents, grandparents, those hoping to be parents, and anyone interested are invited to participate. Each Sunday we will consider passages of Scripture that address parents and parenting. Beginning February 4, we will meet on Sundays at 9:45 am in Room 2. Bring the kids; we have classes for them as well.
"The mother’s heart is the child’s classroom." -Henry Ward Beecher
ANNUAL MEETING
You folks know how to have a great annual meeting! I’m grateful that you are willing to take on the additional budget burden for children’s ministry. Pray that the Lord will continue to bless our efforts. I appreciate the youth who helped with child care during the annual meeting. We have a great youth group!
May God bless as you seek to serve Jesus this week,
Pastor Steve
This Week’s Motto: nam homo proponit, sed deus disponit (“Man foretells, God decides,” Thomas A. Kempis, author of “Imitation of Christ,” circa 1418)
Disclaimer: That’s my story and I’m sticking to it. These are my musings concerning the Children’s Ministries of our church. If I said something that is incorrect or offensive, don’t complain to others, just tell me.
Perhaps you’ve heard …
Three guys died and St. Peter met them at the pearly gates. St. Peter tells them that they need to answer a question to enter the gates. The question is, “What is Easter?”
The first man replies, “that’s easy, it’s the holiday in November when everyone gets together to eat turkey and is thankful …”
“Sorry,” said St. Peter.
The second man said, “I know, Easter is the holiday in December when we put up a tree, give gifts to others and celebrate Jesus Birthday …”
“Sorry,” said St. Peter.
The third guy was sure he knew, “Easter is the Christian holiday that coincides with the Jewish celebration of Passover. Jesus and his disciples were eating at the last supper and he was later deceived and turned over to the Romans by one of his disciples. The Romans took him to be crucified, he was stabbed in the side, made to wear a crown of thorns, and was hung on a cross. He was buried in a nearby cave which was sealed off by a large bolder. Every year the boulder is moved aside so that Jesus can come out, and if he sees his shadow there will be 6 more weeks of winter.”
Happy Ground Hog Day
KIDS TOGETHER
I appreciate Chrissy Casey and Dorothy Gardner for helping lead Kids Together on Sunday. We had a good group of children. We’re finished discovering Christian truths in Charlotte’s Web by talking about kindness. Charlotte showed kindness to Wilbur, even though she didn’t know him (at first) and Wilbur didn’t do anything special to deserve her kindness. God wants us to be giving to others in need. “Be kind to everyone” (2 Timothy 2:24). The children made cards for people on our prayer list.
This Sunday we will consider our fishing skills. Karen Burkett and Danielle will be our leaders in Kids Together this week. Leah Yocum is coordinating the nursery schedule.
ECBC CHILDREN’S CHOIR
We felt it best to give the children one more practice, so they didn’t sing on Sunday. Barring any unforeseen complications they will sing “Jesus Loves the Little Children” in worship this Sunday. The older children will participate with readings. Thanks Kathi and Betsy! We’re looking to add bells for the children. Barry and Donna are working on this.
SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS FOR PARENTS
Do you bug your children? The Apostle Paul told the Christian parents in Ephesus “Do not provoke your children to anger.” Some versions say “do not exasperate children.” Exasperate can mean anything from annoy to infuriate. What is God saying to parents in today’s world?
I will lead a Sunday School class for parents during the four Sundays of February. Parents, grandparents, those hoping to be parents, and anyone interested are invited to participate. Each Sunday we will consider passages of Scripture that address parents and parenting. Beginning February 4, we will meet on Sundays at 9:45 am in Room 2. Bring the kids; we have classes for them as well.
"The mother’s heart is the child’s classroom." -Henry Ward Beecher
ANNUAL MEETING
You folks know how to have a great annual meeting! I’m grateful that you are willing to take on the additional budget burden for children’s ministry. Pray that the Lord will continue to bless our efforts. I appreciate the youth who helped with child care during the annual meeting. We have a great youth group!
May God bless as you seek to serve Jesus this week,
Pastor Steve
This Week’s Motto: nam homo proponit, sed deus disponit (“Man foretells, God decides,” Thomas A. Kempis, author of “Imitation of Christ,” circa 1418)
Disclaimer: That’s my story and I’m sticking to it. These are my musings concerning the Children’s Ministries of our church. If I said something that is incorrect or offensive, don’t complain to others, just tell me.
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