Centercrest Baptist Church VBS

A Good Night

2009-06-04T12:30:00.003-05:00

Night #4 is in the books, and I think it was my favorite night!
Things ran smoothly, we had 71 kids, lots of staff, and the kids heard a clear presentation of the Gospel several times during the night!
I mean, really....it just can't get any better than that!
One of our crew leaders told me last night that this has been the best group of kids we have had in a long time, and I agree!
I am so thankful for the kids that God has brought us this week, and for their excitment to learn more about God's word. What a blessing it has been to hear the kids asking and answering questions. To hear them respond to "God gives us life!", with a hearty "FEAR NOT!"
I've heard some stories of some of our kids this week that are facing tough times in their homes.
What a blessing to know that this week we are filling those kids with the truth that God is with them, that He is Powerful, that He does what He says He'll do, that He gives us life!
There is nothing more comforting that we can send them back home to their tough times with, than the truth of the Gospel!

Tonight will be a bittersweet night for me and our last night.
I'm wore slap out and ready for a break and some down time.
But on the other hand, this has been a really good week, and I don't want it to end.
Things are changing at Centercrest, and I don't know what that holds for our VBS ministry next year. It could all be different next year, and if it is, I am thankful the Lord has allowed us this really great week to minister to those around us.
Thank you for the part that you have played in this ministry.
You have been effective in the work of the Kingdom.

The Whole Truth

2009-06-03T10:42:00.002-05:00

God does what He says He'll do! FEAR NOT!
Last night we attempted to teach the kids that God's word are truth.
And if God's words are truth, we can believe it and trust it!

Last night we also had another weird night of numbers.
Usually our numbers go UP during the week, and our numbers are going down....
But, I know that God has the kids at our VBS that He wants! I am excited that they are learning the truths of God this week, and I am praying that the seeds of Godliness are being planted in their lives.

Please be praying for tonight.
Tonight is the night the gospel will be clearly given.
Pray for all the crew leaders, Ken, Pastor Tim, and myself as we present the gospel to these kids, and for understanding hearts.

Come back tonight for what I know is going to be a great night at Crocodile Dock!

Caw-Cawing all VBSers!

2009-06-02T13:59:00.002-05:00

Another night of VBS in the books, and I'm happy to report, that to my knowledge, things ran smoothly!
We had 61 kids last night. We gained some and lost some, which is to be expected.
This year for security and safety, we have really tried to buckle down on our sign in policies, and that me unfortunatly be a hinderance to some of the kids.
But I am thankful for the 61 kids we had last night that learned that God is Powerful! FEAR NOT!
We learned about 9 of the 10 plagues, and Ken Starkey is doing a great job teaching the kids these important Bible lessons.

I am excited for another night tonight of hearing and expierencing God's word, and serving with you all!

God is With Us! FEAR NOT!

2009-06-01T13:07:00.002-05:00

This is what we heard multiple times last night at night one of Crocodile Dock!
This week our kids will learn a nightly Bible point that is a wonderful reminder of Who God is.
Last night we learned that God is With us! And because of that we can "FEAR NOT!"
God is with us in the ups, the downs, and even when we're "swamped".

We had a huge night last night with 68 kids! Last year our first night was in the low 40's! I am thrilled that we have so many kids already attending to learn more about our amazing God. Please continue to pray with me for all of the kids in attendance as they learn God's word and experience Him this week.
Pray also for our workers and for myself as I attempt to help everything run as smoothly as possible.
We have the greatest workers in the world, and I am thankful for each and every one of them. Everyone that helps is contributing to the work of the kingdom, and I am so thankful for your examples of service.

Come back tonight for night 2 as we learn that God is....well I can't give that away, but I know that we'll say "FEAR NOT!".

Tomorrow, Tommorow...

2009-05-30T21:41:00.002-05:00

And we all know how that song goes!

Yes folks, its true, by tomorrow night at this time we will have finished our first night of Crocodile Dock VBS!
Wow, what a ride it has been to get here.
Our family has definetly seen our share of trials of late, but we know that, just as the song playing says, God never lets go of us!
We are so thankful for the prayers and encouragment from our church family.

As I sit here on the eve of VBS, my thoughts are a little scattered.
There are little last minute things to do, but in the grand scheme of things, they don't matter.
My focus remains the same...That God will be glorified by our service to Him, and that childrens lives will be changed forever by the hearing of His word. Period. The end.
Today, 4 groups of 2-4 each, went and passed out around 600 flyers in our area neighborhoods!
600! If we get a return of 10%, PLUS our kids that always come, folks, I am here to tell you, we are going to be busting at the seems!
We'll run out of crafts, nametags, goodies, and maybe even food...but the Gospel will not change!
That is our focus, that is the reason we do VBS every year. And that is the reason we do it well.

In our culture that is being hit with stories of families not allowed to have a Bible study in their home and persecution around the globe because of the name of Christ, I am thankful that we still have the oppurtunity to allow kids into our church as our captive audience to hear the good news of Jesus Christ!
I pray that we will all be found faithful in our work for the kindgom this week.
I pray we will take advantage of the oppurtunity we have been given to plant the seeds of the Gospel into these kids lives.
And I pray that God will bring to us the kids that most need to hear about the hope that we have, and that they also can have, in Christ unfailing love.

"Oh, no, you never let go, through the calm and through the storm.
Oh, no, you never let go, Lord you never let go of me."
I am thankful for that truth today, and pray that in light of that, God will use me this week for His glory.

10 Days and Counting...

2009-05-22T14:52:00.002-05:00

It's hard to believe its already Memorial Day weekend, the last weekend before we begin VBS '09.

These past couple of weeks have been very trying for myself and many of you that are facing issues and difficulties. It is a comfort to know that we are all in God's Sovereign hands and none of our difficulties escape Him.

I want to thank all of you that have helped our family, brought food, sent a card, dropped an email, over the past couple of weeks. We have been blessed by your kindness.

So where do we stand with VBS?
Well, I think we stand pretty well.
There are some minor issues that need to be worked out, but I am confident they will be.
There are no scheduled meetings between now and May 31st, but I do want to remind you of a few things.

1. Saturday May 30th- This is the day that we will pass out flyers and invite the surrounding neighborhoods to VBS. PLEASE make every effort to attend. The more people we have, the less time it will take.

We will plan on meeting at 10:00 am.

2. There will be many things going on Saturday afternoon after passing out the flyers. There is decorating to be done, supplies to be put in the appropriate place, etc. If you are able to be there, you help will be appreciated. We had a great time doing this last year, and enjoyed several runs to Sonic for slushies!

3. Sunday May 31st- VBS begins at 5:00, but we need all hands on deck before that.
Because of the craziness of my life lately, I have not been able to meet with all of you at the same time, so I would like to at 4:15, before the kids arrive. We will meet briefly in the sanctuary and go over any last minute things, and have a group time of prayer.

I would like to meet with the crew leaders at 4:00 for 15 minutes pryor to this.

4. I will be speaking with all of the station leaders individually over the next week to go over any last minute needs.

5. If you signed up to help with registration, please plan on coming also at 4:00 on the 31st, to go over things with Kristen.

6. As you know, we all like to eat and the staff food room provides all the staff with dinner every night. It is important for EVERYONE to sign up to bring something during the week. I will provide the drinks, but I need you to bring other things. We will try to have Sunday taken care of, and on Sunday night there will be a sign up sheet. PLEASE sign up to bring something twice during the week. This will be most helpful to everyone.

7. Tim Head will be in the FLC starting Tuesday night. If you have a chance to stop by and lend a hand with the set, I am sure he will appreciate it.

Thanks guys for all you do and for your support and prayers of the VBS ministry. I am confident that God is going to do great things during Crocodile Dock and I pray that above all, His name will be glorfied by the teaching of His word and the Worship of His name throughout the week.

Please let me know if you have any questions, concerns, etc. I am available.

God bless you all,
Missy

Some info you need

2009-05-01T13:01:00.007-05:00

Well guys, there is alot going on in Stacy and I's life right now.
You can go to my personal blog if you want details, but in Summary, I am having surgery on Monday, and Stacy is losing his job on Wednesday.
God is good, God is faithful, and God is Soveriegn over all things, so why I may be a bit frustrated and down at times, I know He has a plan.

I do know one thing though...VBS is in 4 weeks! Yep, thats right 4 weeks!
My recovery time is 4-6 weeks. So I am spending today getting some things in order.
All of our orders have been placed and most have arrived.
I am posting below some info you might like to know, need to know, etc.

1. T-shirts have arrived. If you have not paid, please do so on Sunday!!!
Kristen Mullins will be in charge of passing out the shirts. Give her a week or two to organize all of it.

2. Sometime the week before VBS , I will try to meet with all the station leaders and touch base on things. If you are a station leader, if you can try to get any supplies you need, that would be great. We do have some things, so you can ask me if you need to.

3. On May 17th, all the crew leaders need to meet around 4:00. Crystal McDaniel will be there to show you guys the stuff for your Crew Flags. I have a list of names for you to choose from as well, or you can make up your own of course!

4. We have 12 crews this year, and you will rotate in crews of 4.
Here is a list of our Staff. Please notice that noone has told me yet about doing the Staff Food Room.

Crocodile Dock- Swamp Staff

Crew Leaders
1. Stephen Loggins and Brynn Flemming
2. Craig Chandler
3. Mary Prosser
4. Zach Evans
Assistant for crews 1-4; Danielle Whiteside

5. Danny and Kristin Parker
6. Jeanny Elliot
7. Valerie Nichols
8. Allen Ware
Assistant for crews 5-8; Austin Griffin

9. Katie Evans & Jacob Duncan
10. Bill Osthoff
11. Mechay Rush
12. Keith Mullins
Assistant for crews 9-12; John Whiteside

Preschool
Ones and Twos
1. Andrea Koerner 1. Jan Slaughter
2. Jessica Allen 2. Wanda Reed
3. Savannah Chandler 3. Dianne Hardy
4. Isaac Duncan

Preteen Nursery
1. Craig Newton 1. Jane Knight
2. Tami Dalton 2. Dale Evans
3. Stan Garton

Kitchen Games
1. Rebecca Ward 1. Tim Evans
2. Joyce Garton 2. Brian Allen
3. Electa Chanlder 3. Brent Breighner
4. Sharlett Wescott 4. Jamie Allen

Crafts & Missions Bible Story
1. Nancy Mullins 1. Ken Starkey
2. Marie Duncan 2. Darcy Godwin
3. Christine Whiteside 3. Tina Prosser
4. Mary Thomas

Chadders Theater
1. Tim Forehand

Registration Misc. Help
1. Kristen Mullins 1. Crystal McDaniels
2. Janet Breighner 2. Josh McDaniels
3. Shannon Clevenger 3. Karen Forehand
4. Kellie Gilham 4. Karen Harness
5. Shari Ware 5. Jeri Tanner

Technical Photo
1. Brian Stanley 1. Gwendy Starkey
2. Rusty Ward 2. Cliff Prosser
3. Danny Sumner

Security and Gopher Staff Food Room
1. Joe Ezell 1.
2. Jim Slaughter 2.
3. Tommy Godwin 3.
4. Nathan Mullins 4.
5. Alvin Hardaman

Set Design
1. Tim Head
2. Joe Ezell
3. Brent Breighner
4. Shaun Clenenger
5. Sam and Jeanette Daniels

Here is a schedule in case you are wondering:

Crocodile Dock Master Schedule

Preschool
6-6:25- Sing and Play Swamp Stomp
6:30-6:50- Snack Shack
6:55-7:15- Gator Games
7:20-7:40- Crawfish Crafts and Missions
7:45-8:05- Bayou Bible Blast
8:10-8:40- Dockside Drive-in (Chadders theater in preschool dept)
8:40-9:00- Firefly Finale

Preteen
6-6:25- Sing and Play Swamp Stomp
6:30-6:50- Snack Shack
6:55-7:15- Fun with Craig and Tami
7:20-7:40- Fun with Craig and Tami
7:45-8:05 Fun with Craig and Tami
8:10-8:40- Fun with Craig and Tami
8:40-9:00- Firefly Finale

Crews 1-4
6-6:25- Sing and Play Swamp Stomp
6:30-6:50- Crawfish Crafts and Missions
6:55-7:15- Bayou Bible Blast
7:20-7:40- Gator Games
7:45-8:05- Snack Shack
8:10-8:40- Dockside Drive-in (Chadder and Crew time)
8:40-9:00- Firefly Finale

Crews 5-8
6-6:25- Sing and Play Swamp Stomp
6:30-6:50- Bayou Bible Blast
6:55-7:15- Crawfish Crafts and Missions
7:20-7:40- Snack Shack
7:45-8:05- Gator Games
8:10-8:40- Dockside Drive-in (Chadder and Crew time)
8:40-9:00- Firefly Finale

Crews 9-12
6-6:25- Sing and Play Swamp Stomp
6:30-6:50- Gator Games
6:55-7:15- Snack Shack
7:20-7:40- Bayou Bible Blast
7:45-8:05- Crawfish Crafts and Missions
8:10-8:40- Dockside Drive-in (Chadder and Crew time)
8:40-9:00- Firefly Finale

Here are some suggestions for crew names if you want to start thinking about that:
Fearless Fireflies
Crazy Crocs
Super Spoonbills
Pleasant Possums
Terrific Turtles
Remarkable Raccoons
Funky Frogs
Cool Crawfish
Swamp Skimmers
Moss Madness
Dock Dudes
Shack Attack
Bayou Buddies
Cheerful Cypress
Marsh Munchkins

I appreciate your support and prayers.
VBS is going to happen. It may not run as smoothly as we would like, and there may be some kinks, but I know who is in control, and its not me! I know God does not need me to fulfill His plan for this ministry.
Now more than ever we need to be in prayer for our kids that will be attending.
Much is going on around us and in our church body.
Pray also for Christy Little. She is always an insturmental part of VBS and this year is struggling with surgery after surgery. Pray for her continued strength and healing.

I will try to update this blog as soon as I am able and post some reminders.

You guys are the best and thankful to work with you all!

Decorating Meeting

2009-04-18T12:55:00.001-05:00

Hey Guys,I know I cancelled the meeting for tomorrow, and it is still cancelled.

BUT, if you any of you are interested in helping with any kind of decorating, I would like to have a brain storming session tomorrow afternoon at 4:15, in the childrens center.

We have alot of areas in the church that need to be decorated and I have some ideas, but also need YOUR help!

If this is one of the ways you would like to help, please try to attend. We will be done by 4:45 for discipleship.

Thanks and see ya tomorrow at church.
- Missy

Welcome to Crocodile Dock

2009-04-14T15:01:00.002-05:00

In 7 weeks our church will be hosting "Crocodile Dock VBS".
What an exciting week it will be as we learn to
"Shines Gods Light!".

I am excited about the lessons in Exodus this year, as we learn about God talking to Moses in the burning bush, the Plagues, Passover, Crossing the Red Sea, and of course the greatest truth of them all, Jesus dies and comes back to life!!!

This years Bible buddies are as cute as ever, and will help us every day as we reiterate great truths about God and who He is.

Please stay tuned to this blog over the next few weeks as I update with announcments meeting times, decorating days, and other things you need to know.

Coming in May I will again post the names of our kids to pray for as God prepares their hearts for VBS.

I am very much looking forward to serving with you all this year at Crocodile Dock!

It's Not Just Black and White...

2008-12-30T22:33:00.001-06:00

Under Construction...
Check back soon when we reveal....

VBS 2009!!!!!!!!!!!

VBS in the Mountains

2008-06-25T21:42:00.003-05:00

Well it is 10:30 PM and I am just now getting to post about our VBS day.
We have had a wonderful day, starting at 9:00 this morning with our VBS.
We came prepared for 50 kids but have 21. ( including Logan and Lana).
Trust me, 21 is all we can handle! Jeanny has a group of 11 kids, and then an Indian lady that works at the Boys and girls club has the other 9 kids. Those 9 kids are our challenge for the week! Then we have My Mom, her pastor and his wife, and another lady, plus Mary and me.

It was amazing this morning to have 21 kids and go through 30 name tags. Within 5 minutes several kids had literally torn up their name tags and thought it was funny.
When we started those same kids would not sing, did not want to be with us, and overall weren't very happy to be there.
However, I am happy to report that by noon those same kids where actually smiling and thought the "test tube beakers" where pretty cool, and actually said thank you when I gave them their Bible buddies.
Jesus gives us the Power to be Thankful, and today I am thankful that we have 21 great kids to work with that are really soaking up what we are doing.
Most of these kids are raised around at least some sort of "religion". It is my desire this week that they will really begin to learn that Jesus truly is amazing and wants to be more than something they do on Sundays.

Please pray for the kids the rest of the week as we continue to build relationships and show them in our words and deeds Jesus Miraculous Power!

And on a personal note, we are having a great time. Today we decided to go across the mountain and get hot dogs for dinner. 5 hours later we returned. That is the fun and beauty of this place. We drove an hour to get a hot dog and then stopped at some waterfalls on the way back. Plus we saw an amazing sunset from 5000 feet above Sea level going through the Cherohala Skyway.
It was a great reminder of our "God of Wonders".
Mary and Jeanny are having a great time and I think are ready to stay up here indefinetly.
My car is still sitting in Cleveland TN waiting till we can pick it up on Saturday.
Oh the joys of living in the age of automobiles.

Thanks for praying for us and for the kids.
Tomorrow is Logans birthday and we look forward to taking him and one of the Indian boys that he has made buddies with over the years, out to Fontana Resort for a pool party.
And we look forward to a great day of learning that Jesus gives us the power to help others!!!

We arrived...but barely

2008-06-23T18:39:00.000-05:00

Sunday was a lovely day for travel.
The sun was shining and the conversation was flowing.
I've you've ever driven across US 74 going through the Ocoee River in TN, then you know that it is a curvy road, with some strategically placed guard rails, and other places with no guard rails, only the trees to protect you from the flowing, rocky river. Oh, and make sure you have a full tank of gas, because there is no place to stop, and only a small handful of pull offs for those that run out.
So it was while we where going across this road, listening to the "Passion" CD, talking about the Titanic, and enjoying our drive through the beautiful mountainside, that it happened. My nightmare that I have dreaded for 10 years of driving this way to get to NC. All of a sudden while going through a curve my power steering stopped, all my dash lights came on, and I suddenly had no acceleration. What? My gas tank is half full and there has been no warning of this! God definitely had his hand on us as one of the very few turn offs was just to my left and thankfully no other cars where coming around the curve. Cars where behind me and thankfully nobody hit us as we turned into the cut off.
Like good little car owners, Jeanny and I got out of the car and opened the hood...looking for what? We're a car full of woman and children stuck on the side of the road with the hood open because obviously the answer is going to just pop out at us.
Oh, something else you should know about my scenario of breaking down going across the Ocoee, is that there is NO cell service. HMMM...we live in the 21st century and yet there are still places in this earth that you can't get cell service and where my car decided to die is one of them.

Well, I will save you all the gorrie details of the 2 plus hours that we sat on the side of the road with the children, and the heat, and the need to go potty, and the mosquito's. The awful blood sucking mosquito's. Suffice it to say, it was a long 2 hours.
But it also was amazing the way God works. See Saturday it was determined that Jeanny and Mary would ride up with me. I have At&T cell service. Mary has Verizon. As providence would have it that even though there were no bars on Mary's phone, we where able to call out. We called my Dad to come get us (we where still 2 hours from my parents house), and we called AT&T's roadside assistance, with a Verizon phone! When I get back to civilization me and AT&T are having a talk! Well after mind boggling conversations with the dispatch office, and a visit from our friendly State Park patrol guy (who by the way made balloon animals on the side of the road for my kids!) my Dad finally arrived to rescue us and my already loaded down van. So we transferred all the stuff, drove up the road for better cell service, got the tow truck finalized, went back to my van, left the keys in my floor and my van on the side of the road, and headed back up the road.
Finally around 11:30 est, we arrived. My poor poor van is now sitting at the Toyota dealership in Cleveland TN, with a busted water pump, timing belt, and some other stuff that I don't know about it. All I know about is the bottom line, and it doesn't look pretty!

But the important thing is that we arrived and that God protected us from what could have been an incredibly horrible situation.
I am so thankful that Mary and Jeanny where with me. They were so great at occupying the kids while I tried to handle us getting out of there in one piece. Trust me, without them, not only would I have not had some working cell service, but I would have had a mental brake down doing it on my own. It is great to see the way God worked out the last minute arrangements for them to come with me on Sunday.

Today we have spent recovering, grocery shopping, itching our mosquito bites, and fixing boo-boos. Jeanny cut her toe down at the Creek and Logan stepped on a Bumble Bee.
So now as we settle down for the night with a bowl of Ice Cream, I am happy to be here and really looking forward to getting things ready for VBS tomorrow.
My Mom just said it would be a miracle if I get these kids to sing.
I figure we've already had a few miracles this weekend, getting the kids to sing is a challenge that I readily accept!

Doing it again!

2008-06-21T21:16:00.000-05:00

I am blessed this year to be able to do VBS not just once, but twice.
Sunday after church Jeanny Elliot, Mary Prosser, my kids, and me will be leaving for Robbinsville, NC. A small town in the western tip of the state.

For a little bit of background info about where we are going and why...here goes...
I started going to R'ville when I was 15 years old. Cherokee Indian Reservation land is all intertwined with the mountains and there is a large population of Cherokee Indians there. This is the area and the people known as the "Snowbirds".
The church that my family belonged to when I was in High School had been going up there for several years during the summer doing VBS and work projects. We went, like I said, when I was 15 and fell in love not only with the beauty of the mountains but with the people as well.
We started going not only in the Summer but for weekend trips during the year as well.
When I was in college my parents started renting a little cabin from an old Indian man giving us a place to stay whenever we wanted to go up.
God really used these years of my life to develop a heart for ministry to others and to make me realize as a selfish teen ager that God could use anyone as long as they where willing to serve.

In 1998 my parents felt the calling from God to move up there full time and invest their lives into full fledge ministry among the Snowbird people. My dad worked for Hewitt Packard at the time and was able to work from home. My Mom started working down at the Snowbird Community Center doing tutoring and also did weekly and Monthly activities with the ladies.

Several years after that when Mom and Dad bought there own house up there, they turned the little cabin into a the Snowbird Family Learning Center. My Mom has devoted much time since then into the lives of the families of this community. This year they have out grown that learning center and God blessed them with the opportunity to purchase a house through their ministry. It really was amazing to see God work. They raised $40,000 in just a few months to go towards the purchase of this house. Teams of people are currently coming up and making the necessary renovations so they can use it full time coming this fall.

So the VBS that we will be doing will be down at the Snowbird Community Center. We will be working with the Boys and Girls club down there and will be doing VBS for about 50 kids.
People from my parents church, including their pastor, will helping us.
This is going to be a different VBS for me. It won't be very organized and their will be a lot of flying by the seat of our pants! But I am looking forward to the awesome ministry opportunity and the chance to tell these kids all about "Jesus Miraculous Power".

Please pray for our safe travels and for the time we will have with these great kids.
Please pray also for me. I have strep throat and feel over all yucky. Please pray that the Strep will be completely gone and healed by Wednesday when we start and that my voice will be in tip top shape to share with these kids.

I will try to post updates while we are there.
Thanks for your support and prayers!

Get up Get up!

2008-06-06T10:06:00.000-05:00

Get up and tell the world about Jesus! That is what we left our kids with last night on our last night of Power Lab VBS. I can't believe it's over. It's always bittersweet. I pray that all of the kids left with an excitement for the Gospel and for living it out in their actions, including telling others.
I don't know how many kids we had last night, but it had to have been close to the 70 mark.
During our closing ceremonies they where really getting into and showing their parents what a good time they had this week.
I pray that many of the kids that came to VBS will come back with their families for Church services and become more involved. There where several kids in particular that I was so impressed with that we have seen at VBS year after year and then don't see them again. I am making it a goal to be better this year about follow up.

We ended the night with the results from our Ms Nancy Missions offering. Thank you to all of the adults who so willingly stuff our kids pockets and give them the opportunity to give. We made the offering a fun competition, but I do hope that all of the kids and adults understand that our offering is our opportunity to give back to God for what He has so richly blessed us with. That being said, last nights reveal turned into a big fiasco, and in the end, I left having been majorly slimed!!! And yes it was gross, and felt like applesauce being poured all over me.

Thank you to all of you that pitched in for the gift cards for me!!! That was so kind of you all and I plan on taking my husband out on the town tonight. He deserves it after these past few weeks of seeing me only in passing. But seriously, thank you for even allowing me the opportunity to serve in this way for VBS. I truly enjoy it and am thankful that God has allowed me this way to serve Him. I am amazed how much God teaches me through VBS. I hope that everyone that was involved feels the same way.

Gwendy Starkey and Cliff Prosser took lots and lots of pictures this week and I hope to make a slide show for the blog real soon.

Thank you all for your help and support this week. It was a great week and one that I will not soon forget!

Live Forever Formula

2008-06-05T09:40:00.000-05:00

Night 4 of Power Lab VBS brought us 64 kids that without a doubt heard clearly the Gospel of Christ. Everything we did was with the intention of showing and telling the kids that there is somone more powerful than all the things around us.

In games, the kids enjoyed the Diet Coke and Mentos demonstration as an illustration that Jesus is more Powerful than that coke shooting out of a bottle. Which by the way was pretty cool!
In Bible Blast, Ken did a great job retelling the story of Jesus dying and rising again.

In Chadders Cinema Science, Mr.Tim gave the kids the opportunity to put red sin blots on a paper and then we watched as a cleaning agent took the blots away.

For the finale Pastor Tim shared the gospel as we did with it an object lesson of our sin entering the world and how it could not be covered until God sent His son Jesus to pay the price for those sins.

Professor Wilma tried to show us some Live Forever formula she has concocted...but we learned that only Jesus Gives us the Power to Live Forever! AHA!
Please pray for all of our children that heard the Gospel last night. Pray that the seeds that where again planted, will continue to be watered and that we as a Church will continue to nurture those seeds.

Tonight, for our last night, is going to be a great night! If you havn't attended VBS yet, I encourage you to come at least for the closing ceremonies at 8:30. We will be reviewing the week and showing some pictures...and Oh, at the end...someone will be getting slimed!!!!

Hope to see all of you smiling faces tonight!

Oh no You never let go...

2008-06-03T22:03:00.001-05:00

Day 3 is in the books and I would have to say that we have a favorite song for the year.

"You never let go". Tonight we learned that Jesus gives us the power to be brave. AHA!
We learned that Jesus gave Peter the courage to walk on water. But what happened when Peter took His eyes off of Jesus. He sank...just like we do when we take our eyes off of Jesus. Aren't you thankful that He never let go of you! I know I am.

We had 74 kids tonight! AHA! We have increased by 32 since the first night. WOW!

I am happy that tonight I was able to get to all of the stations to see what was going on.

Bible blast looked like a blast and Ken Starkey is doing an incredible job telling the story every night. Darcy, Tina, Mary, and David are doing a great job making the story lifelike with the props and the different hands on things that go with the story. I love that the kids don't just hear a Bible Story, they participate in it as well.

I also got to view the games tonight. Man are they having a good time out there. I saw a lot of wet kids and crew leaders, but considering the hot temperatures we are having, I don't think they minded. And in case you are keeping count.... Pastor Tim has made 2 kids cry this week!

But he does a wonderful job when he's not making kids cry and I think the kids enjoy playing the games with him.

Oozology youth is a fun place for our 6th and 7th graders and I got to see Mr. Craig in action tonight. I was impressed that our 10 kids in this age group sat and were listening intently. They seem to be enjoying themselves and Joe and Sharon Ezell are a tremendous help to Craig as well.

Logan said on the way home that tonight was the best night of VBS EVER! I'm glad he felt that way, because I thought it was a pretty good night too!

Please be in prayer for our children and workers Wednesday night. This is the night that the story of Jesus death and Resurrection will be given and reiterated all night long. Pray for everyone the will be involved in giving the Gospel, that we will have clarity in our words and pray for the listeners ears to be open to the greatest news of all.

Pastor Tim will be talking to the kids at the end of the night and they will be given an opportunity to respond. Please pray for this time.

Thank you for your continued support and prayers.

Day 2 complete!

2008-06-03T10:03:00.000-05:00

Well we made it thru day 2! Day 2 was actually a little bit more trying than day 1, but also more rewarding as we had 62 kids total! AHA! I am so thankful that God brought us more kids to learn about Jesus' Miraculous Power.
I still was not able to get to all the stations last night. I did get to crafts when the preschoolers where in there and got a few snapshots. The Preschoolers are doing very very well and seem to be having a wonderful time. It has been so sweet to hear them pray their simple childish prayers, but prayers that are true...like, "Jesus you will never leave me, and thank you Jesus for Jesus."
On night 2 we learned that Jesus gives us the Power to help others! AHA!
We learned Romans 12:13 "When God's people are in need, be ready to help them."
And we learned that Jesus gave sight to a blind man. One of the favorite songs of the night was Amazing Grace...the souped up version! We talked about what a wretch is. A miserable, unhappy, sad person. I hope and pray that our kids are starting to make connections between all of our aspects of worship. They may not realize how it all ties in, but having the constant reiterating of our Bible point, and what the words in a song mean, and learning a Bible verse, plus hearing the powerful stories from the Bible of the great things Jesus has done. I hope that these things all work together in the grand scheme of their forming relationships with their Saviour. And for those that don't yet know Christ as their Lord and Saviour, I pray that everyday these things are all seeds that are planted in their hearts.

I am really looking forward to tonight as we have hopefully "fixed" some things to help them run smoother. And I really, really, really plan on getting around to visit most of the stations tonight as well.

If you are working at VBS, THANK YOU! Everyone is doing a great job. If you are not working, stop by and see what is going on. You are more than welcome to join us for our opening or closing worship time. Beware...it's full of energy!

Day one Complete!

2008-06-02T09:28:00.000-05:00

Jesus gives us the Power to be Thankful! AHA!
I am thankful for a smooth day. I planned to blog about it last night when the day was over, but I came home and sat on the couch and then my day was over! :)
I am happy to report that we had more volunteers than children, which is never a bad problem on opening night. We had 42 kids in all and I anticipate even more tonight.
The feed back from my kids today is good. They loved it. Lana's favorite is Professor Wilma and Logans is Crafts and Games. It's good to have my kids in VBS because I get the true low down. Really I feel sorry for their crew leaders because my kids are going to tell me everything!

It was wonderful to have some of our Church members show up for our opening ceremony. I heard Mr. Bo was really getting into it! One of the things that I love about Vacation Bible School is the uninhibited worship. I love seeing our kids learning the motions and lifting their hands in praise, and I love seeing our workers and non workers doing the same. It would be great if we would carry some of our VBS worship over into our daily worship and worship on Sundays!

Congratulations to Pastor Tim for making it through the first day without making any children cry. I told him not to get to big headed...he's still got 4 days to go!
I think one of the highlights as far as an adult stand point goes was seeing Glen Miller and Joey Breighner sitting at a table doing Arts and Crafts. I really hope someone got a picture of that! They sat there with glue dots and picture frames and had a grand ole time. There wives helped too, so I would like to think it was good couple time for all of them :)
I understand that Glen Miller would like a stash of Glue Dots to keep in his boat now!
Seriously, I appreciate their willingness to come and to help out wherever needed. Thanks guys! (And girls!)

All of the Station leaders are reporting good nights and I imagine that as the week wears on they will become great nights! I didn't get to make it to all of the stations last night, but I anticipated tonight being a little free er to do that.
I will try to take some pictures with my camera tonight that I can bring home and post tomorrow.

Please continue to pray for our kids. Power Lab is a wonderful stepping stone in our kids lives to teach not only about Jesus and His miraculous Power, but how they can realistically live out His power through them. I believe VBS is just another seed that is planted in our kids lives that point them towards Godliness. In 10 years they may not remember every story, every craft, or every game, but I pray that they will remember VBS as a time that they really began to understand and participate in worshiping their Saviour and learning more about Him.

We begin tonight at 6:00...hope to see you there!

Come one, Come all!

2008-05-29T23:53:00.000-05:00

If you haven't been up at the Church in the last few days, then you will just not believe the transformation that is taking place.
Things are starting to take the form of a Science lab.
So go ahead, come on down and take a look.
There is still stuff that needs to be done if you would like to help.

Saturday at 10:00 we will meet to pass out flyers in the community.
We will also be finishing up all of those last minute things that sneak up on us.

Please keep our children and workers in your prayers.

Final Stretch Reminders

2008-05-26T11:44:00.000-05:00

It's hard to believe we are in the final week of preparations.
This is the week that all the hard work finally starts to take on a shape.
By next week at this time, we will be seeing the fruits of our labor.
I wanted to remind you all of a few things.

Tim Head will be in the FLC Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings getting the set ready.
If you remember last years set, you know that this year will be every bit as impressive.
If you can come any of those nights and lift a paint brush, or cut, or just be there to whatever, it would be much appreciated. I would say anytime after 6:00.
Also, if you can't help do stuff like that, but would like something to do...I'm sure if you wanted to bring a snack up to our hungry workers that they wouldn't mind! :)

Saturday we will be doing last minute decorating, gathering, etc. We also need a group of people to go and hand out flyers in the local neighborhoods. If you can do any of that, please plan on arriving at 10:00.

Please be in prayer for the many needs that so many of our people have.
On a selfish note, please pray for me and my family this week. Pray that I will stay level headed and that my to do list will get smaller everyday.
Please pray also for my children. They have already had many long days of being dragged around or sitting up at the Church while I do stuff. This week will be no exception. They have been troopers though, but I really don't want to burn them out of VBS before it even gets here.

Thank you all for your continued support of the VBS ministry.
Please see below for our last week of children to pray for.

6 days and counting!!!

Pray for our Children Week 4

2008-05-26T11:42:00.000-05:00

This is our final list of children to pray for.
Just to clarify, the children I have been listing are the children that attended our VBS last year.
Please pray that they will return and that God will minister to them through VBS.

David Franks
Ciera Phillips
Leanne Tomme
Kelsey Sulter
Ronell Boyd
Shelby Smothers
Austin Griffin
Nic Lambert
Katie Morton
Jamey Allen
Alex Berry
Brittany Hill
Madeline Flynt
Titanna Jones
VInson Reese
Danielly Morton
Alex Hill
Ian Bradly
Austin Capps

Pray for our Children Week 3

2008-05-19T16:39:00.001-05:00

Wow! Less than 2 weeks to go until the big day. I am excited that God has again this week added 2 more volunteers. Brent and Courtney Breighner are both volunteering and it couldn't have come at a better time. Miss Katie Evans sadly had to back out of VBS due to Soccer, so Courtney will now be a crew leader. Yeah for Ms. Courntey! I know the kids will love her. Lana thinks she is sooo pretty!
And Mr. Brent will be helping out with the preteens. I think he will be great in there.

This week please lift up the names of these kids:
Emma Clark
Brooke Estrada
Mya Flowers
Sharlee Able
Michael Connolly
Chase Burton
Lauren Gandy
Jennifer Head
Jamaris Jones
Tyree Rutledge
Zoe Matthews
Chastity Moses
Shelby Chandler
Coelin White
Darion Drake
Madison Strickland
Nicole Tomme
Faith Connolly

Please also pray for each other and the many many needs that so many of us have.

Thanks to the crew leaders that came to the meeting Sunday. Your flags look awesome!!!
Have a great week!

Pray for our Children Week 2

2008-05-12T20:38:00.000-05:00

Please spend this week to pray for the names of these children.

James Schaeffer
Jennie Tanner
Christopher Jones
Madie Whisenhut
Harleigh Colvin
Trey Flowers
Brandy White
Robert Whiteside
Demarquise Henry
Rondell Boyd
Nicole White
Amanda Taylor
Khaliah Jones
Laurel Uhomba
Jeterrius Horn
Jala Stanton
Shkeya Stanton
Gracen Morrison

98 %

2008-05-09T10:50:00.000-05:00

Wow! We are almost there. Wednesday night we added Keith Mullins, Bill Ostoff, and Allen Ware as crew leaders. AHA! That is exactly what we needed. Some nice, scary men!
I am thankful these guys agreed to do this. They will be excellent crew leaders!

So we are almost there as far as staffing goes.
I mean really, we have plenty to make VBS run smoothly and succesfully.
I would just ideally like 1 more lady for the baby nursery. We will have 3 babies. ( I think)
And it would be nice to have 1 worker per baby in case somebody has to step out of the room or something.

We could also use one more person in the 6th & 7th grade category.

Remember to pray for the names listed below.
I will post additional names on Monday.

Moving forward and looking ahead to June 1st!

Pray for our Children

2008-05-05T11:02:00.000-05:00

I have before me a list of 73 names. These are the 73 children that walked through our doors last year for VBS.
We have 4 weeks before VBS, so we can pray for 18 kids a week. (plus an extra one week!)
If you attend Prayer meeting on Wednesday nights, you know that Pastor Tim takes the prayer list and just reads through the names.
I recommend you do the same with these names.
Ask specifically...
That God will bring these children back to VBS.
That God will be glorified in their lives.
That God will begin even now working in their hearts and opening their ears to hear His word.

Cooper Eidson
Christina Starkey
Wyatt Eidson
Lana Lowery
Maisie Colvin
Gage Parker
Zach Stanley
Katie Stanley
Kainaan Nichols
Jana Allen
Jayzen Byrd
Janna Vickers
DeAdrian Moody
Sydney Morrison
Alexis Little
Logan Lowery
Shauna Clevenger
Joshua Byrd

Items Needed

2008-05-04T22:25:00.000-05:00

I'm getting a supply list ready for various stations.
I thought I would see if any of you had any of these items that we could borrow, rather than buy...

10 Spray Bottles
Bubble Wands in various sizes
100 pencils
mustard/ketchup containers (you know the kind you use when you go camping or something like that)
Child size wading pool

Also...does anybody know any reason why we would have to use distilled water for a bubble solution. I hate to buy 20 -30 gallons when tap water is free.

Thanks guys...ya'll are the best!

Who's freaking out?

2008-05-02T10:19:00.000-05:00

I'm not freaking out?
I mean we're at 1 month and counting and still don't have all of our crew leaders, but I am not freaking out!
Hyperventilating a little...but thats OK.

I am very encouraged at our volunteer numbers.
We have 63 volunteers. I can assure you that many Churches don't get that amount of support.
Our biggest need is for crew leaders...Which is ironic because last year I had plenty right from the beginning.
However, some of our usual crew leaders have some college obligations this year and will be sorely missed.

So if you know a really good, patient, energetic person that would make an outstanding crew leader, you can just point them in my direction!

This week we added Ms. Dale Evans and Ms.Jane Knight to the roster to help with our babies.
I am thankful for caring and sweet ladies to help in that area for the whole week. You can imagine that those babies might get a little cranky by 9:00 at night!

Pray for one another this week!
Monday I will post a list of our kids from last year to be praying for.
God bless you all!
Missy

Shirts

2008-04-28T18:44:00.001-05:00

Thanks to everyone that turned out for out meeting yesterday.
I know these things can be dull, but I think it is important to be able to connect with you all and have the opportunity for corporate prayer.

Just a reminder...Money for shirts, hats, etc...is due by Sunday May 4th!
Many of you have already paid and I thank you.
Church members may also purchase kids t-shirts for $4.
Shirts, hats, and lab coats are $10.
Iron-ons, glasses, and goggles are $2.

You may also sponsor a ball for the Operation Kid to Kid project.
These balls are $9 a piece.

Please remember to be in prayer for those around you.
Pray for Tim and Karen Forehand who will be having a baby on Tuesday morning!
This is such an exciting time for them, but can also be a little nerve wracking. Pray for a safe delivery for baby and Momma.

I'll be around on Wednesday night if you want to see me then about shirts.
God's blessings to you all.

I'm back and ready to go...

2008-04-24T10:58:00.000-05:00

How beautiful the beach was.
Maybe we should have VBS at the beach! I love the way God reveals Himself through nature, and the rolling, mighty ocean, is certainly one of His most amazing creations.

But now alas, back to the real world...
Back to VBS planning.
The boxes of supplies arrived this week and I will start going through those.

Presently I am working on some notes for our meeting this coming Sunday.
We will meet at 3:45 in the Childrens Center
And to lure you all there, I will make some cookies...or buy some, depending on my time!
Please plan to attend Sundays meeting.
It won't be long or fancy.
Really it is just a good time to bounce some ideas off of you guys, and listen to any ideas, suggestions, concerns you may have.
We will also spend some time in prayer for our VBS.
I truly believe God is at work in the planning for Power Lab,
and on the flip side of that, I think the evil one is at work to.
I can definetly feel some opposition on my end as far as energy level and getting it all done.
Please pray for me that God will have the glory in this last month of planning.

I look forward to seeing most of you at our meeting Sunday at 3:45.
Oh, and don't forget to bring your money for any items that you want to order as far as shirts, hats, lab coats, glasses, etc...
We will take up the $ Sunday so I can go ahead and get that stuff ordered.

Hopefully I will see some of you at the golf tournament Saturday too!

Changes and Updates

2008-04-17T15:25:00.001-05:00

God has surely been good to me this week.
I was able to go away last weekend to the Mountains.
I came back Wednesday and am now preparing to go to the beach in just a few hours for 3 days.
I love how God chooses to grant us times of refreshment.
In case you haven't figured this out about me by now, I am a 110%er.
What does that mean? I just put into whatever it is I'm doing 110%.
Sometimes that comes with needing to step back once and a while and recharge.
So I am thankful for the weekend to do just that!

In the meantime...I had a VBS meeting scheduled for this Sunday and umm, I'm ashamed to say...I won't be there.
Now if any of you dedicated VBS workers want to band together and have your own meeting and talk about what a slacker you have for a director, then go ahead!
Just make sure you record it so I can hear what you have to say! :)

The new plan is we will meet on Sunday April 27th.
Bring your friends! We still need some crew leaders.
Check back later for times.
I'm still working that out in my head. (scary I know!)
I'm thinking of doing separate meetings for crew leaders, station leaders, and misc help.
That way you don't have to be bored while I talk to others.
See, I am thoughtful!

Remember to be praying for our kids that will be attending VBS.
My plan was and still is to put up names, but all of our VBS records are trapped behind Awanas stuff in the storage room.
Since Mr.Ray has been down for the count, I haven't wanted to be a nuisance and ask for it to be moved.
In the meantime, please be in prayer as the time gets closer that God will lay it upon your heart to invite others around you. In your neighborhoods, the park, the ball field. Ask God to lead you and give you boldness. Ask God to be preparing young hearts to hear His word.
Remember, VBS is about proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

Looking forward to meeting with you all soon!

Last Saturday...

2008-04-08T14:38:00.000-05:00

Christy, Gwendy, and I went to Life Church for a Power Lab training day.
Group has these networking parties all over the U.S.
Last year we had to go to Gadsden, this year just across the street.
Very convenient!
Anyways, we were a part of the largest networking party in the U.S.
I'm pretty sure there were over 100 people in attendance.

It was fun to meet other people doing Power Lab VBS.
It was also nice to do some of the crafts, participate in a Bible story, and sing our theme song.
All in all it was a helpful and encouraging day for me and I'm glad we went.

Sunday was an even more encouraging day.
If you didn't get to hear Dr. Timothy George, I encourage you to listen on line.
(UM...I say that assuming it is on line. I'm sure it will be!)
Dr. George talked about growing up impoverished and on the "wrong side of the tracks".
But through God's providence and hand of mercy on his life, Godly men where put into position throughout his life that pointed him to the Gospel.
It encouraged me that we don't have any clue what call God may have on one of the kids that attend our VBS, but God does, and He has a plan to use us as His imperfect people to further His kingdom. We may not see the fruits today or tomorrow or even this year, but God is not confined to time or our selfish need to see immediate results.
You know, he even mentioned remembering VBS!
I wouldn't doubt it though, that man has an amazing memory.

So let that be an encouragement to all of us to be diligent in our proclaiming the Gospel to the next generation. Remember to be in prayer not just for our upcoming VBS, but for our Awana program, and Children's Church, and Sunday School...all of these segments of our Church that are in one way or another, pointing our kids to Christ.
As a Mom raising my own two little ones, prayerfully, in the Lord...I think I speak for all parents of young ones out there when we say 'Thank you for reaching out and trying to have an impact on our children".
We may not always see the fruits of our labor, but we can rest in the fact that God is Omniscient(all knowing) and He will bring forth the fruits in there due time.

Looking forward to the upcoming days of planning and praying with all of you!

On the Rise!

2008-04-03T10:34:00.001-05:00

I am happy to report this week that our volunteer numbers are on the rise!

Ms. Marie Duncan and Ms. Nancy Mullins both approached me this week and will be doing our craft station...along with Danielle Whiteside as their assistant.
And you've gotta love sweet Christine Whiteside...she wants to help so badly, but has so many health problems. Please be praying for her that God will ease her pain and allow her more opportunities for service.

Ken Starkey has agreed to teach the Bible Story every night. AHA!
This was a huge answer to prayer. Not at all that I deem one VBS position over another, but quite obviously having the right person in place to accurately give the Word of God 5 nights in a row is a big job and not one that can be taken lightly. I know Ken will do an excellent job along with the help of Darcy and David as the set people. Jeannie (can't think of her last name off the top of my head) would also like to help in that area, so we will have a nice vibrant youth in there as well.

I think I mentioned last week that Craig Newton will be doing our 6th and 7th grade.
Sharon Ezell mentioned before that she would be willing to help with that too.
Still need 1 or 2 more for that very important area.
Definitely need some creative type to step in there and help on the creative side of things.

Stephen Loggins has again stepped up for the position of Crew Leader as of this week.
Thank you Stepehen...the kids love you...
Still need some more guys (and gals!) to be crew leaders.
This is the area that we lack the most in.
Zach Evans and Jacob Duncan are both unable to help this year and for that I am sure the kids will be sorry. Those 2 are some crazy guys and will be greatly missed at VBS this year.
I'm still hoping that they where pulling my leg and are really coming!!!

This Saturday, April 5th, 4 of us will be going to VBS training at Life Church.
This will be a great time to see some neat decorations, do all of the crafts, and network with other Churches in the area that will be doing Power Lab. It will also be a wonderful time of fellowship with other believers and a time of prayer for all of our VBS's.

Next week we will begin our time of praying for the names of children that attended our VBS last year.

So we move along and we praise God for His provisions this week.
I am more and more amazed at the Grace and Mercy God provides to me every day.

Serving with you.....Missy

Whats New in VBS land...

2008-03-27T19:04:00.000-05:00

In case I have any VBS blog readers, I thought I would update you on the progress.
I am currently reviewing the craft situation. Group has great crafts...then companies like Oriental Trading and Guildcraft come along and copycat all of the VBS's. They offer similar crafts for less expense. Last year I supplemented some things, so I am looking at all of that right now.

Still trying to recruit volunteers. I had a nice chat with our nice Youth Pastor today and he has agreed to do the 6th & 7th grade class. He needs some help though, so if you are thinking about how much you LOVE Jr. Highers, just let me know! I already have one volunteer, but 2 or 3 would be perfection.

Bible Story- I have my set people in place, just need a good charismatic personality to come in and retell some of the great stories of the Bible.

Crafts- Got nothin...but I do have an idea and so don't be surprised if YOU are approached soon. (see notice I didn't say Sunday, that way nobody is skipping out on Church!)

Games- Pastor Tim hasn't come right out and said it, but he has said enough that I am pretty sure he is ready to come out and make the kids cry, I mean lead games again.
Already of several others that have volunteered to help with that.
So yeah, I just realized that games is the only thing I have fully covered.

Kitchen- Rebecca Ward is my faithful cafeteria lady. She does a great job! I also have one volunteer to help her, but I know she can use at least 2 more.

Helper food- What would VBS be without us eating? That is what everyone looks forward to, I know!
Ms.Ruby Little and her wonderful team will be making sure the staff food room is stocked and ready for hungry volunteers!

Preschool Crew Leader- Still needed! I have two very faithful youth volunteers in that dept, but need a good strong adult!

Crew Leaders- Well, I have 2 for sure. I have a couple of people that have said put them wherever, so that may cover that...but I need more older youth! I would like to have 6-8 youth and 3 adults.

Registration- Christy Little is my coordinator and I couldn't do is with out her. I've got a couple of helpers I think...need more.

Security- Have some, need more.

Decoration people- We will again have an awesome set thanks to someone that never likes to be mentioned but does a really great job! However, we need to decorate other areas too, so if your interested let me know.

I would like to meet with decoration people on Sunday....let me know if you'd like to come.

Chadders Theater- Last year Ms. Nancy was supposed to Chadder but then had some health problems and couldn't'. God worked it out and I was able to do it, however I don't think I want to purposely do that again this year...not with everything else...I do have someone in mind, but if you've already been thinking in that area, let me know!

So that is about it for now.
Next week I will start listing 10 kids a week to pray for.
Also Christy, Gwendy, Vyckie and I will be going on April 5th to the VBS training...I am looking forward to that time, I should be very helpful.

Thank you all for your continued support of this ministry.

Twenty Percent

2008-03-10T16:52:00.001-05:00

That is my current staffing estimate.
That means of course 80% to go.
Thanks to those of you who came out last night and supported VBS and filled out a registration form. I think we all enjoyed a good time and yummy Taco Salad.

We are in full go mode now. 83 days and counting...and counting fast!
Like I said last night, I will soon be posting the names of kids to pray for...until then here are some other areas that need prayer.

1. More Volunteers. Pray that God will impress upon more hearts at Centercrest the importance of this ministry. I am praying we see a big diverse group of people signing up in the near future.

2. Decisions, decisions, decisions. Right now there are some decisions that need to be made concerning our two most challenging age groups...Preschool and Pre/early teen. We need a strong, dedicated and organized person to step up and really take hold of the preschool VBS. We also need the same for the 6th & 7th graders.
Because of recent rules and guidelines the childrens ministries have set in place, we are not allowing anyone under the age of 14 to work with kids. In light of that, I don't want to leave out our group of 7th graders and would like to combine them with 6th graders for a fun time of their own. Please be praying for these upcoming decisions.

3. Jeri Tanner and I will be going to Chattanooga Saturday for the Children Desiring God confrence. I am excited to take the things that I learn here and apply them mostly to my guinee pigs, I mean kids, and also to the ministry of VBS. I am very excited about this time!

Pastor Tim reminded us last night that a healthy church is a praying church. Please pray with me about these things, and thank you ahead of time.

Moving foward!!!

Time is ticking

2008-02-25T14:03:00.001-06:00

Wow! I was sitting in Church yesterday and suddenly realized that I have 2 weeks until I kick off VBS. Suddenly I am a little overwhelmed. Last year when I was doing VBS I wasn't homeschooling too. I was keeping an extra child in my home, working one day a week, and being the Preschool director. I only work one day a week now, but adding the homeschooling really set me back a bit.
So at this point of 3 months and one week away from VBS, I don't think I feel as together as I did last year, but I know it will come.
Deadlines are good for me and knowing that our kick off is now less than 2 weeks away gives me a good kick in the butt. Just what I need!
So if any of you out there ever just so happen to stumle upon my VBS blog, please pray for me. Pray that I can get focused and get moving.
I really really am excited about VBS, I think that Joel leaving ( and this is no offense to him at all) kind of knocked the wind out of my sails a bit as I was really counting on him as being a big help this year. But God is bigger than that, and I need to rely on Him more for my help.
I've got a lot to do these next couple of weeks and I am very excited to get moving.

VBS in January???

2008-01-11T14:12:00.001-06:00

Yep! Believe it or not, the VBS kit was ordered in Dec. and I've already been looking through the stuff for weeks! I shared last year how much I love VBS and I really do enjoy serving in this way. Last year being my first year directing was a real eye opener though. I was struck more with the "weight", not of all the stuff that has to be done, but of the special responsibility of pointing kids towards Christ. I am so thankful for the experience of directing VBS last year. It opened my eyes to a better understanding of what our Pastors go through each and every week. The fact that I had to get up before all of those kids, our VBS staff, and God Himself, and lead these little people in Worship...introduce them to God's word...challenge the staff to be examining their own lives...Well I couldn't get up there and do that without first being right before the Lord myself! I was exhausted by the end of the week from just the mental energy. But I was so thankful for all that the Lord taught me about me and most importantly about Him!

As I enter this years Power Lab VBS, I am excited for all the Lord is going to do. VBS is a huge outreach for our Church. I think that with the addition of Awanas this year, it is going to only enhance our VBS and prayerfully bring more children to us.
But even if we have a low turn out and things go arye...It is my prayer that Centercrest will hold to the fact that all that we do is for the Glory of Christ. That we are planting seeds of the Gospel into the hearts and lives of all who step into our doors. And that we are raising a generation of young people with hearts for worship, hands for service, and the desire to share the Gospel with all those around them.

Please be in prayer for our VBS even now. I will be posting updates often on things we need... Ideas I need feedback on...Ways to pray...and anything else that might pop into this brain of mine!