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.