Goodbye Summer Fundays!

Well yesterday we said goodbye to our summer of fun! But fear not the fall looks to be much funner...don't think that is a word!
Starting this week, August 2nd, we get back into the swing of things and dive into the book of Hebrews! What an awesome way to get back into this new school year than looking at the book that outlines all the way that Christ is superior in the Bible!
I am very happy with the summer and the fun we had in June/July...Professor Steve, the Laflins and Gillams and their wonderful presentation of the gospel through illusion, our own "Amazing Dougini" and his talents and the dance Sunday with April! What a fun summer but I am ready for the fall, ready to get back into small groups and mentors leading the kids into a deeper understanding of Jesus and the friendships that will develop! Man I can't wait for this week!
Yesterday we got a jump on Hebrews by looking at the verse that says we are to not let anything hinder us from finishing the race before us. And this week we will (as stated as the lesson objective) in the curriculum...understand why Jesus Christ is like no other and how this should affect our lives...wow, I wish I could get my head around that each and every day, don't you? How different our day would look if we knew, could understand, would accept all that is available for us in Christ! Man I may need to hit my knees a bit more than usual in prep for this week!
See you in the Zone!

The Gang

Back Row: Cole Warnisher, Doug Follett, Darren Messick
Front Row: Tonya Warnisher, Kathy Jarrell

10:45 Service

10:45 Service

Flipt

Darren giving Cole a lesson on "how not to get to Heaven"

Cole looks a little confused here........

2nd Hour Demonstrating motions to the song "I Came to Party with Jesus"

1st Hour Praising God through music

1st Hour Again, praising God through music

1st Hour Showing Courage

This past Sunday we wrapped up an 8 week series on how God "Flipt" our lives. We learned about following Jesus, trusting Jesus, doing the right thing when tempted, confidence, loving like Jesus, obeying Jesus, forgiving as Jesus forgave and courage. We have enjoyed teaching God's Word through praise and worship, bible talks, videos, "really bad theater", puppets, illusions and most importantly through prayer. Every Sunday we may not reach each child that enters The Zone, but in our hearts we feel that each child has been given the chance to learn the word.

In the next few weeks you may hear the children talk about the "offering contest". We are trying to collect $300 in offering during both services over a 3 week period. That may seem like a lot, however, we are averaging 300 kids a week during both services. The offering will go to help fill totes with microwavable foods that kids can prepare over Spring Break. These kids normally only get to eat breakfast and lunch at school. I guess you can say we have our own missions in The Zone. First hour is doing a boys verses girls. Second hour is doing a grade level collection. Ask the kids what the prizes are....... we will post pictures in a few weeks if they meet the goal. So if you need your garbage taken out, dishes washed or any other chores, we have challenged the kids to earn offering in the name of God. They may also mention the "Bible Challenge"! Our first hour worship leader has challenged the kids to bring their Bibles on Sunday mornings. We are at about 33%. Once they reach 80% Cole will accept a pie in the face from the kids.

We are encouraging the kids to participate each week in different activities, singing on stage, "theater", reading verses and demonstrating motions to songs.

We hope they enjoy Sunday mornings and look forward to coming back each and every week.

Until Next Time, Have A Blessed Week
Darren, Doug, Kathy, Cole and Tonya

kids blast

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kids blast

I have not introduced you to our "crew of peeps" that works with us each and every week........I did not have time or desire to get each of their permissions to put a photo on the blog, so I just made one! Doug and K-dog (Kathy) are our team that lead the large group at our 10:45 service each week and Cole and Tonya lead our first hour large group at 9 a.m.

They are a fun bunch and I am blessed that God has sent them to me and to the kids to have fun with and learn about Jesus each and every week...........stay tuned and I will intro you to the other mentors in the weeks to come, I know they all cannot wait!