Pastoral Dave blogging ...

Self Esteem ?

2009-09-02T18:38:00.002-04:00

Liz Etherton discusses whether there is a need for Self-Esteem for youthm as Oprah suggests.
She highlights the need for youth to know who they are in Christ. I agree. This needs to start while they are still children.
Children need to know that they were made by God, God made their world God loves them unconditionally, And He wants them to be in a relationship (best friend) with Him! How do we do that ? That's another big question ...

Any thoughts ?

Starting with safe places

2009-07-17T08:51:00.002-04:00

Rt Rev Jonathan Gledhill, The Bishop of Lichfield highlights the need for providing safe space for children here. I agree - I think most of public would agree too. But what if it stops there?

If it stops there - they'll not hear about how they can know

the God made them and this amazing world,
God is big enough and strong enough to handle anything that they have to face,
God wants them to be his best friend.

And they'll not be familiar with formative stories. like this report suggests.

So let's make safe spaces, but also pass on the opportunity of the priceless offer of a relationship with God.

Sacred Space in schools

2009-07-04T18:03:00.002-04:00

Yes! you read that right - I had the opportunity to help out with Sanctum this week at a local school. It was really eye opening and amazing to see the young people respond to activities that led them to reflect on life's spiritual side.
Tim Abbot and Amy who work for CYO in Colchester headed it up. And you can read their write up for all 5 days here. They're in another school next week. Can't wait to hear what God might do there too.

Teens contribute £? million a year to society

2009-06-25T06:53:00.002-04:00

If you had to guess - would you guess £300 million?

Youth so often get negative press. Here's a report that shows how much they are contributing. Imagine 33,000 workers not showing up - we'd really miss that.

I thank God for our young people they make a difference.
Teens contribute £300 million a year to society

Just DO it !

2009-06-15T17:08:00.003-04:00

I;m talking to myself as much as anybody else. How does God communicate to us - many ways but I think primarily and often the most clearly is through His word - so why am I so apt not to read it?
Carey fives us a challenge here - Could you do it ? 15 minutes a day for 2 years? O think reading it to yourself and asking the Holy Spirit to make it come alive for you in your life/circumstance is great.

If you have primary aged children why not involve them and they'll keep you on task.

Perhaps in a large group we might follow John Dyer's challenge of leaving the Bible at home so we can hear the word in our mind, yes, even using a little sanctified imagination.

Is the church ready for this ?

2009-06-13T17:51:00.002-04:00

The Guardian reported more schools closing now

Government is weighing up closing schools in the fall when an epidemic could come when the flu season begins.

I know in Toronto after the SARS scare some churches responded by developing Emergency Response Plans in case there is a similar crisis. (Anglicans in Toronto) What could churches do here ? What could Children and Youth Pastors/workers do ?

Why do Children's Ministry?

2009-06-11T05:23:00.004-04:00

You don't need to look any further than Psalm 78. Wayne Stocks finds 8 good reasons there.

thanks to David Wakerly.

Family Activities

2009-06-11T05:09:00.003-04:00

Doing thing together as a family is great. One of Clayton's and Courtney's favourite things always was and is having a family outing/event. Sometimes it's going to the beach, making blessing t-shirts for each other, just going out to eat together.
I've come across a couple of posts that have good ideas too. Try them out.

Grover's idea is here.

And another one here.

Introuction to Children's Ministry

2009-06-11T04:15:00.002-04:00

This is a good introduction to children's ministry - thanks to Henry Zonio
Children's Ministry Intro

Go Grover !

2009-05-30T17:43:00.003-04:00

My good friend Grover is going Orange-ier. I was fortuate to be Children's Pastor at First Alliance when he was the Youth Pastor there. His passion for those youth and their families was so evident then. He's been ministering to the Jr Highers for a few years now at his current church.

This summer he's transitioning to working with families. This is where the major influencers of our children and youth are found. Check this video out explaining Orangeness.

Challenged to tell the better story.

2009-05-07T06:03:00.003-04:00

I'm not sure where I heard this(can you help me?), but Rob Bell is recorded as giving advice to a parent whose teenage daughter was starting to make a lot of choices that were leading down a bad path. She was "writing" her own story because the story(Parents Faith walk/talk) she was receiving was not very exciting for her.
The advice was give her the better story. The husband went home prayed and started a journey that would involve his family in starting an orphanage in a third world country. The daughter changed her path to her families.
Faith is an adventure - but often we turn it into something else. Reggie Joiner elaborated at Orange leader's forum which is described well by Kenny, check it out here.
Are we living God's story for our lives and will we help our youth catch His story for thir lives?

Teaching Sunday School like Jesus would

2009-04-18T04:50:00.002-04:00

In teaching Sunday school what am I trying to do ? This is a question I think about often as I help out in Sunday school at Kingsland.
I think there are various benefits from Sunday school like - having someone responsible watch the children while the parents are able to receive teaching or worship in the "main" service. Teaching the children to live good lives and even passing on information about the person called Jesus.
But for me it has to be more than that.
Pastor Karl addresses this well in his blog on the subject here.
I want the kids to know Jesus, not just know about him. They say that that 7 inches is the longest distance, the distance from the mind to the heart. And that's what I think its about I want to introduce them to Him or encourage them in their relationship with him.
I can't do it but my prayer is that God will use me and other sunday school teachers and their christian peers to do it!

belated Good Friday animated short

2009-04-12T05:25:00.000-04:00

New Animated film software

2009-04-08T19:27:00.002-04:00

Just tried out this new software for making animated movies - all you need to do is type in the script and edit with a few icons and away you go - I maed this test one in 10 minutes check it out here. Why not check it out. I'm thnking about signing upfor the first year so you might see a few more animations coming from me.

HT to Dwayne Riner

Consequences for children

2009-04-07T17:34:00.004-04:00

This is in Quebec Canada - A 12 yr old girl sues her father(seperated from her mother) to let her go to a graduation trip. The father had grounded her as a punishment. For full report click here

Surely parents have a right to give their children consequences to their actions.

Lots of questions raised in my head -
Where's the father-mother relationship at ? Who supported/encouraged the girl to go to court and why ?
What did the girl do to have the consequence of not be able to go on the trip ?

And relecting on my parenting are the consequences we apply fair and constructive?

Food for thought ...

Computer games inspire children and youth

2009-01-02T18:11:00.003-05:00

Thank you Online Telegraph. It's funny old world. When there is some credit to be taken from something people are happy to own it. But if you suggest that some games might inspire violence all of a sudden there's "no proof."

Don't get me wrong I think its great to inspire children and youth to "make a new song" with their God-given talents and gifts. but ...
Lets get real ! We are all influenced by outside sources, why do companies still spend millions on ads or commercials? As influencers of Children and Youth is our influence good or not so good?

God help me to be a influencer for His good!

Families eating together

2009-01-01T06:25:00.003-05:00

This time from a different sauce (lol).

A return to family mealtimes and a focus on seasonal food would help create a "more caring" society and bring people together, top chef Raymond Blanc has said. (thanks to the Daily Telegraph)

The importance of families sitting down, even putting the TV off or at least turning the TV down and seeing/hearing each other is highlighted by a chef !

Children and parents often have limited common experiences. That is to say something where the adult can facilitate a conversation, perhaps around values or experiences. Watching films together is another opportunity. But it seems to me that mealtimes are great times for 'being' together. So I'm going to make a New Year resolution that we'll eat more meals together and who knows maybe go see more films together.
How 'bout you ?

God speaks to us through our children

2008-12-09T13:39:00.002-05:00

On another blog I follow, Perry Noble shares a family event from last week. One that spoke loudly to him. It involves kissing and toilets !

I was in the bathroom the other day taking a “pee pee” when I turned to my right and there was Charisse staring at me. (It was totally awkard!)

SO…I told her, “Daddy is pee pee’ing in the toliet…you will do that one day.”

She looked at me, smiled and said, “pee pee!!!”

read the rest here !

You've heard of kids having ADD ..

2008-10-15T09:31:00.003-04:00

What we need to be addressing is DDD Discipline Deficient Disorder. That I think would be the fruit of the spirit that we call patience and self-control. You might think research 18 yrs ago might not be to helpful these days, but read on anyway...

This article talks about a group of kids put in front of a marshmallow and told that if they wait for the instructor to return they will receive two marshmallows if they haven't taken the one left in front of them.
It turns out the kids who waited for the instructor achieved worldly success when they grew up and the ones that didn't wait didn't. Not sure how scientific or representative it is but it's food for thought.
The rest of the article is if you want to read it.

Fathers are necessary and needed

2008-06-12T09:28:00.002-04:00

Happy Fathers Day ! Fathers need to stand up and be counted.
At the launch of a new site for Fathers yesterday

Bailey went on to highlight the link between fatherlessness and some of the
problem social behaviour affecting youth in Britain, particularly the direct
correlation between the sexual behaviour of teenage girls and their
relationships with their fathers. Crime and anti-social behaviour among
boys, meanwhile, is rooted in a “misconception of what it is to be a man”,
he said. (You can read more about the launch here)

Fathers need to be there for their children ! I don't thinkit's just a British problem- more a West problem, at least. The website is a great place to begin. I'm wondering what else we can do to empower and/or encourage fathers? What do you think ?

Praise>Money

2008-04-25T09:45:00.002-04:00

Tim Sanders has a great blog that parents(that includes me) might want to take a look at. He highlights a Japanese study that finds that people prefer praise to cash in the hand !
At day camps and other such I have often implemented "caught you being good" awards. The awards are not cash ! Usually stickers our something that act as pseudo-praise. I think I'll make it everytime now.
I'm also going to be on a more careful watch to catch Clayton, my son, doing paraiseworthy stuff however small !
thanks Tim.

Faith begins at Home coming to Eastern GTA

2008-04-03T14:16:00.002-04:00

Mark Holmen who wrote Faith Begins at Home - the book KIDSZONE gave to all parents last year and was the focus of discussions at FEAST(Families Eating And Sharing Together) through the year.
He's at Calvary Baptist Church, Oshawa on Friday May 2 at 7pm check out the church's website for more details. We will be car pooling so let me know if need a ride or have space. Find directions here.

FamJam This Sunday at 11:00am

2008-03-27T15:13:00.003-04:00

With all the positive response from the pilot FamJam back in January, I'm excited to see what God will do with this one. I've had positive feedback from some that were at the first one and how much they enjoyed the presentation as well as the Family Time Package. I've also had some who missed the first one who I guess have spoken to those that were there who have said they're looking forward to coming on Sunday.

This month's virtue is "Conviction - standing for what is right even when others don't."

March Break was a blast

2008-03-14T16:45:00.002-04:00

Day camp was a blast – the kids learned what it takes to be a hero – heroes cannot be heroes without Jesus. Heroes forgive, tell the truth, are loyal, do what they say they will do, are generous, are humble, always stand up for what is right and never give up doing good.
The kids loved to worship with the Hillsong Kids Supernatural songs.

"What gets asked gets done !"

2008-03-06T10:48:00.003-05:00

I've heard this saying many times and often think about the questions I regularly ask. Especially the questions I ask my partners in ministry. But Derek Sanford has caused me to think about the questions I ask my son.

And as a follow-up I have found it to be so important to ask my kids the right
questions at the end of the day. Often parents talk about "how was school," and
"what did you learn." More and more I've been asking my kids "how were you an
example to your friends and teachers today?" and "who did you show Jesus to?"

Thanks Derek.

What questions do you ask your children ?

Day Camp ready to blast off !

2008-03-04T17:39:00.002-05:00

Heroes - we all look for heroes either consciously or unconsciously. Kids are no different. Next week at day camp we'll be introducing them to the "HEROES OF MEGA CITY." We'll be examining the characteristics of a godly hero. We've got videos , skits, snacks and a trip to Chuck E Cheese's too.

FamJam to return after Easter

2008-02-21T15:32:00.003-05:00

Following on from our first and pilot FamJam in January, after the conclusion of our Forty days of Community campaign and after Easter we'll having our second FamJam. The time/date is Sunday March 30 at 11:00 in the Multi-purpose room. The virtue for the month of April is "Conviction" - standing for what is right even when others don't.

So plan to bring your children K through grade 5 with you to enjoy a faily presentation that will include acting, singing, games, short videos and of course the FamilyTimes resource.

Summer is coming soon !

2008-02-21T13:50:00.004-05:00

I know summer is not far away when we start receiving brochures from camps for their summer programs. It is that time again.
I totally believe in summer camp ministry. I've known so many people that have responded to God at camp - whether it's being in a more nature-ful setting or just being out of the nromal setting, God seems to speak very clearly at camp (and maybe we're more ready to hear:) )
Although there are many good camps throughout Ontario, here at First Alliance we have a great relationship with Camp Miniyowe. Many of our kids over many years have spent some of their summers at Miniyowe and then gone on to be on summer staff.

Personally - my favourite camp is back in Quebec - near Magog, near Sherbrooke. Camp Livingstone. I have some very fond memories of times spent there and its also the place I first met my wonderful amazing wife - Dawn, she grew up there too. If you don't mind the trip it'd probably work out chepaer than going to camp here in Ontario !

Keeping hope alive!

2008-02-19T13:38:00.005-05:00

On Sunday our parent group (FEAST) discussion was around chapter 5 of Dr Tim Kimmel's Grace-based Parenting. It's focus is for us to lay a foundation of hope in our kids lives.

Childhood is a time we should move our children from dependence on us to
dependence on God. And knowing there will face challenges they can’t handle
but God can.

Tim goes on to give us two things that are needed to raise hope-filled kids

A) They need to see/watch parents who place confidence in the only true
God. When they see parents who say the right words but without much joy, with much fear and lack of love for not yet Christians they get a mixed message.

B) They need to be raised by parents who treat them the way Jesus treats us. With grace.

The importance of this really struck home when I read about 17 young adults in a Welsh town hanging themselves and 3 youth in Northern Ireland
As Jesse Jackson says we need to "Keep hope alive!"
Dr Kimmel goes on to say that childhood is a time we should move our children
from dependence on us to dependence on God. And knowing there will face
challenges they can’t handle but God can.
He also talks about parents being there for their kids so the kids know that
there is someone bigger than there problems. This helps them understand as
they get older that God is bigger than any of our problems.

Unless you become like one of these ..

2008-02-13T14:19:00.002-05:00

Thanks Perry for reminding us that we don't have to be afraid when it comes to approaching our Daddy.
The

other day I had another thought about how awesome the love of God is while I
was spending time with Charisse.
I walked into the living room after being at the gym for an hour or so and Charisse was playing in the floor & was unaware that I had came back home.
I called her name and she immediately looked up at me…AND…smiled. Nothing, I mean NOTHING can warm up the heart of a father any faster than seeing his child smile at him. She didn’t fear me bringing up her past…and her past HAS been nasty if you think about all of the crap and snot and vomit that she’s blown all over the place!
She was not fearful that I was going to yell at her and begin asking her to do things that would eventually hurt her and make her hate life.
She didn’t think that I was going to take something away from her, that I was actually out to get her and make her as miserable as possible.
NONE of that took place. She looked at me with her HUGE blue eyes and smiled because she KNEW that I was about to run to her, scoop her up in my arms and hug her as tightly as possible.
She looked at me with anticipation that something great was about to take
place.
She looked at me with joy because of how good I’ve been to her in her seven months so far on this planet.
She looked at me with complete trust, knowing that I’ve never done anything to hurt her…only to bless her and teach her.
She looked at me like any child should look at a father…and how I should look to God!
He’s not out to get me…OR I’d have already been gotten!
He’s not out to take something from me–what could I possibly have that He
wants. (By the way–it’s already His!)
He’s not out to hurt me, only to bless and teach me.
He’s been so good to me, seriously, He owes me NOTHING!
He’s not out to remind me of myr past–He’s already paid for that and made me brand new.
He wants to see me SMILE at Him, to see true joy in my life and complete trust that He is who Scripture says He is…my PERFECT heavenly father.I am praying that God will continue to teach me to view Him through the eyes of a child…and it is blowing my mind!!!!

Love changes Things

2008-02-08T11:00:00.000-05:00

I've been reading "Unchristian" (Written by Davide Kinnaman and Gabe Lyons) this highlights that Christians are not known for their love but for a host things that Larry Shallenberger highlights from the book. I believe I and we need God's love more than ever. I need it to overflow in my life so that others can see this definition of love in my life.

1 Corinthians 13:4-8a

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not
proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered,
it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices
with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always
perseveres. Love never fails.
With God strength and since He is love and He is in me I would love for God to work this in me !
Dave is patient, Dave is kind. Dave does not envy, Dave does not boast, Dave is not proud. Dave is not rude, Dave is not self-seeking, Dave is not easily angered, Dave keeps no record of wrongs. Dave does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. Dave always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Dave never fails.
wow - do I ever fall far far far short ! - Thank God for His grace

40 Days of Community

2008-02-08T10:46:00.000-05:00

We've started 40 Days of Community (40DoC). I'm excited because this addresses half of the KIDSZONE vision.

Partnering with parents to raise spiritual champions. (Spiritual champions are kids who love God and love people where nothing else matters.).

There is a reason why loving God comes before loving people in the vision. We can only love since we were first loved by God. And we need His love to love one another unselfishly. It is also a challenge to model God's love for our kids too.

The February "In the K-Zone" Newsletter is out

2008-01-31T11:04:00.000-05:00

Yes the next edition of the KIDSZONE newspaper. Youc an pick it up from the table in the lobby.
There's a piece on Cyber bullying and how it is a more serious threat to our kids than even predators. I was moved to write about it after seeing the PBS Frontline documentary. (You can even watch the documentary online)

Books Books

2008-01-31T09:57:00.000-05:00

This week sees the distibution of the new Focus on the Family Book club fliers - similar to the Scholastic ones you're probably receiving from your child's school this week. There is a big difference though. The books available through the book club share a Christian worldview or perspective and will support your child's faith development.
Obviously, Scholastic books give you the opportunity to interact with your child over how the world operates. The Focus on the family books selction will support and reinforce your christian worldview for your children. So it is probably worth looking ito the catalogue. Check it out !

Available this Sunday in KIDSZONE.

FEAST 2008

2008-01-22T13:26:00.000-05:00

Our first Families Eating And Sharing Together (FEAST) meeting of the year took place just last Sunday. Having changed the time of the meeting from 6pm to 12:30pm (Straight after second service) we had a 300% increase in attendance! Everybody enjoyed the pizza - my favourite was the grilled chicken on barbeque sauce(instead of tomatoe sauce). Kids went and had fun in the room next to the adults - thank you Elisabeth.

We had a recap of chapter four of "Grace-based parenting" by Dr Tim Kimmel. Then because there were so many parents we broke into two groups for discussion and prayer.
at the conclusion of the discussion we want onto our customary family activity - this time it was a bit different becasue the kids and parents were seperated for the "family" activity ! The kids were given blank white baseball caps to write blessings and things the kdis saw in their parents. The parents got white t-shirts to write blessings and affirmation of their kids on. afetr 30 minutes we all came togther and exchanged our blessings it was a blast to see the kids reactions.

FamJam Pilot

2008-01-22T12:21:00.000-05:00

Families gathered in a crowded Multi-purpose room on the first Sunday of the year. Sunday, January 6 saw the launch of the pilot

FamJam - a family orientated presentation kick starting the virtue of the month. Families receive FamilyTimes resource that has cards with stories relating to the virtue, one a week for bedtime, one a month for the meal table, a cd for traveleling time. It looks like this.

In the presentation, we show a few other short movies that reinforce the virtue interspersed with Family games, acting out the related Bible stories.

All in all it was fun presenting and I think everybody else had fun too. I've heard good reports from a couple of families who are using the materials. I'm expecting to hear from more before we decide to do this on a monthly basis.

Boys and Girls Club

2008-01-08T15:45:00.001-05:00

We're starting again - more fun for boys and girls. Starting tomorrow - Wednesday Jan 9. Boys under the leadership of Dave Throop and Girls with Vino Gulaskharam.

FAMJAM - week 1

2008-01-08T15:33:00.000-05:00

Obedience - "Trusting those who lead you by doing what you're asked to do "

“One act of obedience is better than one hundred sermons” Dietrich Bonhoeffer

I'm wondering how families are interacting with the FamilyTime resources. Have you listened to the CD ? Do you have the mealtime board on the dinner table ? The bedtime cards by the bed ?
Why not share your or your children's interactions with you around these resources ? Add a comment on here so others can be blessed by it !

Merry Christmas

2007-12-21T14:47:00.000-05:00

May your Christmas be a time of blessing both giving and receiving it!

Soda - be careful !

2007-12-20T11:35:00.000-05:00

I came accross an article that explains what happens to your body when you drink soda. It makes interesting reading and might even change your drinking habits or what you let your chidlren drink ! Check it out here.

The Golden Compass - follow up

2007-12-05T18:57:00.000-05:00

Jeffrey Overstreet has some wisdom when it comes to this movie chec it out here

Virtual Worlds for kids taking off

2007-11-30T13:14:00.000-05:00

It's something I've noticed in Clayton(my 8 yr old champ) recently. He's much more into online stuff. It's gone from the Kinder eggs -secret code for a game online, now it's a community where he designs his character and walks around a virtual world doing things like "say Hi!" "pat someone on the back!" "Hug someone !" "Challenge someone to a game !"
The computer is in our living room and I regularly look over his shoulder. We don't let him chat with anyone online.
I am wondering if this desire for virtual world and community is related to how my son sees himself and even his Spiritual-esteem.
As I wonder I'm asking myself how can I help him more to know who he is in Christ ? And if he catches his faith from his parents - how can I reflect who I am in Christ better ?

False Esteem

2007-11-29T13:03:00.000-05:00

Craig Groeschel has some amazing spiritual insights. His insight on "Self-esteem" is no exception. The world tries to improve our children's self esteem with programs. And without God in the picture it seems to be a logical thing to do. But it seems pretty empty when God is. Are we as parents taking care foster our own Spiritual-Esteem so our children will catch it because of Him in us. Here's Craig's latest offering on Self-Spiritual esteem (and links to his previous insights -well worth checking out).

False-Esteem: I do good things, therefore God accepts me.
Spiritual-Esteem: I’m accepted because of what Jesus did for me, therefore I do good things.

False-Esteem: I try hard, so God loves me.
Spiritual-Esteem: God loves me radically, so I try hard.

False-Esteem: I produce, therefore God is pleased.
Spiritual-Esteem: God is pleased with me in Christ, therefore He produces through me.

False-Esteem: Self is the center.
Spiritual-Esteem: God is the center.

Spiritual-Esteem 1 (of 4)
Spiritual-Esteem 2 (of 4)
Spiritual-Esteem 3 (of 4)
Spiritual Esteem 4 (of 4)

More on the Golden Compass

2007-11-16T11:47:00.000-05:00

Here with an update on the Golden Compass Movie. There is a well written updated tract on the movie here. It's well worth reading. My prayer is that people would be discerning when it comes to this movie.

FEAST III - November 18

2007-11-15T14:55:00.000-05:00

All parents are invited to come together for Families Eating And Sharing Together (FEAST) this Sunday. We'll eat together in Families starting at 6pm. At 6:30 the kids will go to the gym for games while the parents have a smallg roup around chapter three of Grace Based Parenting.
We'll round off hhe evening with a family activity followed by ice cream !
Bring parent friend.

40 Days of Community coming in the New Year

2007-11-15T14:48:00.000-05:00

It's been my desire for the whole church to focus on the same thing on Sundays. And we're going to get to do just that for 6 weeks starting February 3 in just a couple of months time. Unfortunately the Kindergarten kids won't be able to join in on Sundays, but they will have a Kindergarten devotional to match their parent's devotional.
The kids will have their own devotional. In addition tehre will be a family card each week that will help families relate to the theme of the week too.

ADD and troubled Kindergarteners - There is hope!

2007-11-15T09:37:00.000-05:00

I know that these kind of behaviours can way heavy on parent's hearts. Running an after school program in Montreal I saw this first hand. But according to some two research papers identified by Keith Johnson, There is hope for those children:

One concluded that kindergartners who are identified as troubled do as well academically as their peers in elementary school. The other found that children with attention deficit disorders suffer primarily from a delay in brain development, not from a deficit or flaw.

Meet the KIDSZONE partner in Ministry - Tessie

2007-11-02T15:36:00.000-04:00

Every now and again I want to introduce to you our KIDSZONE partners in ministry. Today it's Tessie Reandino. She's a servant of the Lord who loves the children and will often go the extra mile to serve them and their parents. Meet Tessie :-

How long have you attended FAC? What brought you to FAC?
Since Oct. 2006 when I first arrived from the Philippines. It was the classmate of John who worships in FAC that introduced us to this church.

Tell us a little about the ministries you're involved in Feature on you and how that experience has impacted you.
Sunday School ministry gives me the opportunity to stay in discipline with God’s word. I always believe that as I study the God’s word, I need to transfer what God has taught me to other people be it children or adults. This has impacted my spiritual growth and also it is also a good channel of getting to know the parents’ needs.

Where can you be found on Sunday mornings?
In church.

When did you start following Christ and what have been some of the spiritual turning points in your life?
I accepted the Lord sometime 1981 thru a Conservative Baptist Church in the Phil. The highlight of my spiritual journey was when I had the privilege of teaching bible study in a group of Filipino women in Casablanca. I have experienced the power of the Holy Spirit guiding my tongue and maneuvering my lesson plan to cater to the needs of the women. I’m amazed myself by the new lessons brought out by the Holy Spirit using my tongue. My spirit is full and I’m so light hearted even though the journey back to my home in Rabat takes an hour by train. It was in Africa that I grew spiritually the most because I had no pastor, nor radio TV stations to feed me but only God’s word thru the concordance.
Secondly, I also experienced the strong leading of the Holy Spirit when He actually guided me to spray the perfume which caused my 1 ½ yr. old son to sneeze out a peanut that was stuck inside his nostril. I will live to tell anyone this story of His grace and mercy shown to me and my family. He is alive thus the scripture is true “my sheep hears my voice”.
Tell us a little about your background (where you are from, education, your family, etc)
Born, raised and educated in the Philippines in a very conservative Chinese family. Since my parents were very frugal immigrants from China, I have learned the value of money and hard work. It was only when I became a Christian that the value of eternal life is the most important insurance in one’s life.
I was the only Christian in the family. However, two months after my mother died, God has confirmed to me that my mother is safe in heaven. Psl 116:15 “Precious in of the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints” God has used my friend and a pastor to share the good news to her. Another friend also told me that my mother saw a wonderful place and she says wait I need to say good-bye to many people. I believer she saw heaven and had to wait for me to come back home from HKG.

What is your favorite Scripture passage?

Because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Phil 1:5-6

What are your favorite books?

Christian books especially written by Joyce Meyer – Battle of the Mind

What are your favorite movies?

Any movie that is non violent like the Sound of Music (hahaha), The Passion;

What is your favorite fast food?

Pizza, noodles, fresh spring rolls

What is something that most people at FAC would not know about you?

I had a very successful hotel career some 20 years ago organizing conferences, exhibits, wedding receptions. I rubbed shoulders with the rich and the famous while at work. Personally met entertainers like Sammy Davis Jr., Liza Minelli, Julio Iglesia, George Hamilton, etc. God has given me a fulfilled single life. As the bible says everything shall pass away except God’s word, people I have met either have aged, lost their power and influence or have passed away.
Tell us a little about your day job. What is your dream job? Currently, I’m doing part-time job in a manufacturing company. It is a humbling experience to gain Canadian experience. Who am I to complain having a lowly job in Toronto when He being the son of God came on earth as a human being to carry our sins. This is my pruning stage and waiting for my dream job as Admin Exec. Has been very hard. Just like the handicap man, every time he wants to get into the pool someone always is ahead of him.

Who is your hero? (besides Jesus or any other member of the Trinity)

The unsung heroes – those who are willing to do a second mile such as volunteers, parents who raise up Godly kids for the next generation.

What do you do in your free time?

Family outing in the beach, or sightseeing new places. Attending out of town seminars with inspiring speakers.

Do you know what you're kids are watching ?

2007-11-01T19:50:00.000-04:00

I believe a child gets most of their discernment directly from God and their parents. Young eyes and hearts are vulnerable until they learn discernment. From an early age we have told Clayton that there are people that want to bad things to you and that there are bad things that you shouldn't see on TV.
Opportunities do come up from time to time to address this. You should be on the look out for one coming to a theatre near you December 7. The movie Golden Compass is based on a trilogy that the author is hoping will land under some Christmas trees this year. He's reckoning on kids getting hyped by the movie to bug their parents into buying the books as Christmas presents.
The heroes goal in the trilogy is too kill "God." Apparently it is a kind of anti-Narnia series.

If I find more info I'll edit this blog

Families - You gotta eat together !!!!

2007-10-25T11:26:00.000-04:00

It is sooooooooooo easy to sit your kids in front of the TV and give them TV dinner. Let's go the extra mile and have them switch it off and eat together ! It will be worth it.

Thanks to Keithdj1 for this reminder

Dr. Doherty wrote a book Putting Family First: Successful Strategies for Reclaiming Family Life in A Hurry Up World. Doherty, W.J. (2002)
Doherty stated: “For young children, meal time at home is a stronger predictor of academic achievement and psychological adjustment than time spent in any of the following activities: school, studying, sports, church/religious activities, or art activities. For teens, having regular dinners with parents is a strong predictor of academic success, psychological adjustment, and lower rates of alcohol use, drug use, early sexual behavior, eating disorders, and risk for suicide.”

Youth Stepping up !

2007-10-18T15:06:00.000-04:00

Way to go Elisabeth !
It's so cool to see youth stepping up and taking steps in Leadership. Girls at Girls Club were very ably led by the engaging Elisabeth. With our regular highly-valued leader Vino not able to be there, Elisabeth stepped up. Other girls are stepping up in Girls Club - like the talented Jessica Frith and others.
She is not the only one of our youth stepping up in leadership and using their gifts. Sean and Keshia bring their talents to teach and apply Bible truths to the kids at Live@11.
Worship teams too are staffed by the youth who lead the kids in both services.

Boys Club cares

2007-10-18T11:38:00.000-04:00

I love it when kids are challenged to think about people other than themselves. Last night Dave Throop our Boys Club leader introduced the idea of buying something for a disadvantaged family in the third world through World Vision. The idea was for the kids to bring a quarter or two each week and when enough money had been received the boys would look through the World Vision catalogue and choose what they would buy - anything from a rabbit to a mosquito net.

What was even better was the kids response to his suggestion ! They were excited about helping a family and had lots of suggestions.

FEAST II - Oct 21

2007-10-11T10:26:00.000-04:00

Families Eating And Sharing Together II is coming up on Sunday Oct 21 at 6pm.

We eat pizza together with our kids at 6pm - 6:30 the kids get to go in the gym, while the parents mix it up with chapter two of Grace Based Parenting (if you don't have your copy get it from Pastor Dave). Then another FEAST Family activity rounding the eveniong off with ice cream - yum yum :)

PLEASE RSVP so we have a better idea of how much Pizza to get in :)

New Website at First Alliance Church

2007-10-11T10:17:00.001-04:00

I am excited because we're getting a new website at FAC. It's going to have a wholoe bunch of new features that our current one doesn't. Blogs, sermon audios, message boards. and more so I will be moving soon - I'll leave this one up and put a link to these archives from there.
Look for it to arrive before the end of October and as early as next week :)

Latest News - Halloween and Veggietales !

2007-10-05T15:22:00.000-04:00

Just a short note to let you know what's coming soon - this month - We're having a Boys and Girls Clubs special halloween evening - no program as such but we'll be giving candy and comics away and we'll have a bouncy castle. If the weather is fine we'll be outside otherwise we'll be in the gym.
And coming before that - no date finalized we're havig a Family fun night with Showing of Veggietales brand new movie - The Wonderful Wizard of Ha's. We'll let you have a date next week.
God Bless you

What Would Jesus Have Me Do ?

2007-10-04T12:01:00.000-04:00

Chris Seay's "$8 hotdog"

You Version of the Bible

2007-09-28T10:30:00.000-04:00

It's not what you tihnk it might be - Writing your own Bible :) but a much more useful thing -

LifeChurch.tv (Edmond, OK) officially launched YouVersion Beta today! It is an online bible that lets you:

Read the Bible in multiple versions
Star and tag verses and content
Associate images, videos, links, and text to verses or series of verses
Create an online Bible journal
And much, much more

Versions include:

King James Version (KJV)
American Standard Version (ASV)
English Standard Version (ESV)
New Century Version (NCV)
New King James Version (NKJV)
Smith and VanDyke Arabic Bible
World English Bible

They will be adding additional versions in the future. Clear some time in your schedule today to check it out.

Additives are hyper activating your kids!

2007-09-07T12:09:00.000-04:00

As if you didn't already know :) research in Britain has shown some of these additives to increase hyperactivity in kids. The report highlights these additives plus one other that is already banned in Canada. So watch out !

E211, sodium benzoate, a preservative used to extend shelf-life of food and drinks.
E102, tartrazine, a yellow food dye used in ice cream, soft drinks and fish sticks.
E104, quinoline yellow, a yellow dye used in soft drinks, cosmetics and medications.
E110, sunset yellow, a dye used in yogurts and sweets.
E129, allura red, a dye used in pop drinks and bubble gum.

Fall Kick Off Around the Corner

2007-08-31T15:02:00.000-04:00

Yes Fall is almost here. We kick KIDSZONE Sunday off on Sunday Sep 9th.

It's an exciting time as we introduce Children Desiring God curriculum in Discipleland (9:15) and continue the Elevate Adventure at Live@11.

This time Elevate goes on a Tresure Quest in the Jungle !

Soccer league ends on a high

2007-08-31T14:51:00.001-04:00

What a great night to crown the summer of soccer. We had a Bell rep come and present a $25,000 check to Youth Unlimited, 1/5 of which helped FAC and Youth Unlimited put on this low cost soccer league. It allowed us to make our field into a playable state, next year hopefulyl it will be in even better shape.

We also had a visit from two former Olympians who encouraged the kids to hold onto their dreams and not give up even if people told they would never make it.

The two final games the 3rd/4th place final went to a nail-biting shoot out. The final was pretty close until the last minute when the purple team scored their fourth goal to put them 4-2 up.

Medals and trophies were awarded and all the kids went home happy with a ball framed certificate and a soccer ball.

Day camp comes to a close

2007-08-08T09:57:00.000-04:00

Day Camp Rocked !

Not just because we were blessed with over 60 kids over the five weeks,

or we had an amazing team of interns(thank you federal govenerment), LITs and volunteers,

or because we had amazing trips to the Science Centre, Kidstown, Toronto Zoo,

or because we had some amazing worship times,

or because we had a couple of amazing actors performing the skits,

or because we had an amzing Bible Story teller,

or because we had amazing MCs,

or because we had an awesome camp director.

BUT because God was in our midst - answering prayer, planting seeds of faith in children's hearts and bringing 2 children to know him. PRAISE GOD !

Welcome to the Partners in Ministry blog

2007-07-27T09:46:00.000-04:00

Welcome -you guys are where the rubber meets the road - in impacting Kids lives for Jesus. Your service for the Lord on the KIDSZONE team has a ripple effect as you pour into the lives of the children the ripples can be felt in
their lives now
their lives as they grow older,
their friends lives,
their friends lives as they get older,
their home and the people that live there,
their teachers,

the list is endless - so remember as you prepare to minister - the huge impact your ministry is having for the Kingdom of God.

thank you for being part of these ripples - who knows maybe God will make us into a wave :)

Day camp in full swing

2007-07-06T12:35:00.000-04:00

Yee Haw ! - This week day camp started with a western theme - with 40 kids regsitered to take part in one or more of the weeks, a team of dedicated partners in minstry(volunteers), 2 LIT, 2 Junior interns, 5 interns and well-organised Camp Director.

This Summer - God Rocks!

2007-07-06T11:19:00.000-04:00

We're rocking into Summer with God Rocks! Bibletoons. Starting July 22 at 9:15am for 7 weeks.

Some parents have stepped forward to work with me to make this an exciting time for the kids. We're glad to be able to give our faithful weekly teachers a break.

More Barna - what

2007-05-23T16:25:00.000-04:00

Gleanings from Barna's latest book:-
In chapter two he lays out what his research has found to be the conditions for success. He works from a model of a coach and offers 5 tips from his research.

The depth of the relationship forged with your child will determine your impact.
Parents needed to completely embrace the outcomes they desire in their child.
Impact happens "in the moment."
Great coaches communicate well.
Coaches need to have plan to reach the goal.

Summing up I would say that it doesn't just happen but is a parent-led identified process going somewhere !

A reminder - you can find two copies of this book in the Adulyt Library at FAC.

Taking it Home grades 3-4

2007-05-23T15:24:00.000-04:00

Last Sunday I had the privilege of meeting with the parents of our grade 3s and 4s. (Teacher) Tessie shared with the parents some of the things the kids have been learning recently.

We talked about turning ORANGE ! orange is made by putting red and yellow together. We shared that yellow represents the light of the body of Christ as meet together as church, and red represents the warmth of home. Together we can do more than if work separately.

Parents were reminded that we're on their team - so to use us, to dial us in to their children's lives.

The parents with Tessie went onto plan a picnic for their group. Should be fun! I'm looking forward to joining up with them.

We told a story that highlighted using the Bible well - "George and the Umbrella" - reinforcing with a craft and of course we gave a resource. gave the kids a brand new Hermie Bible

Taking it home - grades 1-2

2007-05-04T14:59:00.000-04:00

I really enjoyed sitting down with the parents of grade 1 and 2 children. We gave out a great resource. A beach ball - not a regular beach ball - but a beach ball that parents could use with their children to help reinforce either the memory verse or Bible Story that the kids had had in KIDSZONE Sunday.
The ball has questions on it relating to either the story or memory verse. The parents and kids would throw the ball between each other. Wherever the person's right thumb touched the ball when it was caught that's the question the ball holder would answer about the question.

Some parents missed out so we'll probably run another "Taking it Home" special for them at a later date.

"Taking it Home" for grades 3-4 is scheduled for May 20 and grades 5-6 on May 27.

Nursery Prayers

2007-04-26T11:25:00.000-04:00

We're having a Prayer Meeting for our smallest members - May 24th @ 7:30 COme and join us as we lift the little ones before the Lord.

What to do ?

2007-04-26T10:22:00.000-04:00

Barna suggests there are two knee-jerk reactions - one is to deny the statistics are really that bad - we're all good at denial aren't we ? And the other is to push the problem onto others - Government, schools or maybe even churches.

He concludes that neither of those reflect effective parenting. He points to "Revolutionary Parenting" and goes on to discuss this in his book.

In the meantime KIDSZONE will continue to partner with parents to help Enable and Equip them to raise Spiritual Champions.

As mentioned below following on from FEAST (Families Eating And Sharing Together) we're enabling and equipping parents through "Taking it Home sessions" where parents come to their child's KIDSZONE class on Sunday morning - to meet their KIDSZONE team (KIDSZONE teacher and Pastor), receive and "practice" with a resource that KIDSZONE will give to them as well as working on a related craft together.
If you have any questions Pastor Dave will be more than willing to talk with you.

Barna's Answer

2007-04-26T10:05:00.000-04:00

When it comes to measuring, obviously - God measures our love for him in all aspects as per the greatest commandment. And he finds we're not doing too well (That's an understatement !) Although these are American statistics, even if Canadian children are a bit higher than their American counterparts percentage-wise there is still cause for concern.

Most of our children are biblically illiterate, which will become clear as you read on. Their ignorance of Bible teachings corresponds to the fact that only one-third (36 percent) of our adolescents fully believe that the Bible is accurate in all of the principles it teaches.
Few of our children are motivated to share their faith in Christ with others. Less than one out of every five (19 percent) contend that they have a responsibility to evangelize their peers.
Not even half of our young people (46 percent) state that their religious faith is very important in their lives.
Few of our children take Satan seriously. Only one-fourth of them (28 percent) completely dismiss the idea that Satan is symbolic, instead believing that the devil is real.
Salvation baffles most of our young ones. Only two out of every ten reject the idea that good people can earn their way into heaven.
And only three out of every ten dismiss the belief that everyone experiences the same postdeath outcome, regardless of their beliefs. In fact, only two out of every ten adolescents (21 percent) strongly disagree with the statement that people cannot know for sure what will happen to them after they die.
Most of our kids are willing to entertain the idea that Jesus Christ sinned while He lived on earth. Only 44 percent outright dismiss the idea.
The majority live for things other than loving God with all their hearts, minds, strength, and souls. Specifically, only four out of ten live with that purpose in mind.
Three out of four young people reject the notion that there is no such thing as God. However, not only is that lower than expected based upon adult surveys, but we found that fewer young people today—only 58 percent— believe that God is the all-knowing, all-powerful Creator of the universe who still rules His creation. That result is lower than any we have seen in the last quarter century of survey work. A similar percentage (about six out of every ten) believes that God originally created the universe.
Only one-third of America’s adolescents ardently contend that Jesus Christ returned to physical life after His crucifixion and death on the cross.
By their own admission, our children are confused theologically.
Based on their reaction to statements like “It doesn’t matter what religious faith I follow because they all teach similar lessons,” it’s clear that they do not know what to think about competing worldviews and belief systems.
Add to this last fact that our national surveys of thirteenyear-olds reveal that most of them think they already know everything of signifi cance in the Bible (hence, they are no longer revolutionary parenting open to learning or actively studying the Scriptures). Also, most of them have no intention of continuing to attend a church when they are in their twenties and living on their own.

"You get what you measure !"

2007-04-26T09:52:00.000-04:00

Barna suggests most parents look at the state of their children (some older than others) and conclude they are:-

Provided with their basic needs: food, clothing shelter
Physically healthy
Performing at or beyond their grade level
In a secure and comfortable home
Monitored and cared for by parents
Involved with church service and programss
Connected to decent friends
not involved in gangs
Not taking drugs
Not out of control sexually
Not involved in a cult or satanic activtiy
Not a victim of physical or emotional abuse
Without a criminal record or related problem

All these are meaningful - as far as they go Barna says. He goes on to ask ...

Who is the judge here ? And who's standards ?

First Chapter of Barna's new book is available here.

more on Revolutionary Parenting

2007-04-26T09:43:00.000-04:00

How many times have you picked up a "how to book" only to wonder did this person really do this - or is this really going to work ? I've done too many times.
Barna finds that most parenting books is based on personal observations, experiences or assumptions. So he reluctantly published his book because he wanted to share his objective and projectable research on parenting. His book comes out of years of seeing evidence and objectively examining what contributes to parents being able to raise Spiritual Champions.
Wouldn't you want to learn from someone who has researched the veidence rather than just observations? I think I would ... let's go further ...

Taking it Home

2007-04-20T14:50:00.000-04:00

One half of our passion is to make the time your child spends at KIDSZONE Sunday the best time of their week, the other half of our passion is to partner with you parents to help you in your already amazing efforts to raise Spiritual Champions.

We continue to do that as we launch Taking it home - where parents are asked to come to their children's class on Sunday mornings

“Taking it Home” Sundays

April 29 grades 1-2
May 20 grades 3-4
May 27 grades 5-6

Please plan to come with your child, we're going to give you a chance to talk with your child's teacher, make a craft together, "practice" with a resource that we want to give to your family.

So plan to join us for this important Sunday

Barna Speaks

2007-04-20T14:38:00.000-04:00

For those who don't know who George Barna is - He has dedicated his life for the last couple of decades of researching faith-development and its contributions and detractors. He's been issuing wake up calls for the last few years to the church in particular to parents of kids and youth as well as church leaders.
He's just hesitatingly published another book to add to all those out there already. he feels it's necessary because there none that address the whole picture.
He distinguishes three different models of parenting. The first is "parenting by default" - just letting society and culture dictate how we raise our children. The second is "experimental parenting" - where we raise children on a trial and error basis - learning on the go.
The third approach he suggests is one of "Revolutionary Parenting." where God's Word provides the basis for how we raise our children.
His book is big challenge to me and I'm going to share some of my reflections as a parent and children's pastor as I process and learn from his book.
If you'd like to sample his book you can find the first chapter here. as a pdf file.

Children doing devotions by themselves !

2007-04-04T22:07:00.000-04:00

Another parent came up to me recently and told me that their son gets his 60 day wonder devotional book 2 out and reads it by himself without being asked. This is not the first parent to have told me this.

This Sunday we gave out this devotional - if you didn't get a copy for your children come see me I still have a few left. We're rewarding the kids who bring the books completed and each page signed by parents to confirm that they did it. Don't worry about missing the odd day or playing 'catch up" keep going until the 60 days are done then return it and your child will receive 100 KIDSZONE dollars.

And the children shall lead them !

2007-04-04T21:05:00.000-04:00

God rocks ! - I guess you know that already! We have the greatest teachers and we partner with the best parents. I had one in today who told that her child S. had been reading Psalm 23. That wold be good by itself but she was reading to her non-christian friend in her room one day when the friend was over.
She also asked her mother if she could give her friend one of her own Bibles.

When was the last time we read a psalm to one of our non-Christian friends ? Let's follow S.'s example and expect/ask God to give us these opportunities too.

Easter Eggstravaganza

2007-03-29T15:54:00.000-04:00

Easter's a round the corner and we're excited about celebrating the new life the Christ's death and resurrection brings. To celebrate it we're having our third annual Easter Eggstravaganza. Easter Saturday April 7 @ 10AM. Bring the whole family and your neighbours to have na egg hunt then an Easter presentation. See you there !

New Live@11 theme

2007-03-23T14:01:00.000-04:00

Just as it warms up outside we're cooling things down inside :) with Winter Extreme. Here's the beef:-

"On top of this mountain, we do everything to the EXTREME! From skiing to snowboarding, ice sculpting to snowball fights, nothing is too EXTREME! for us, especially living EXTREME! lives for God. This series takes an EXTREME! look at the teachings of Jesus."

So you won't want your kids to miss this exciting life changing time.

More rejoicing !

2007-03-23T13:53:00.000-04:00

Last Sunday at the m&m (me and my friends) Sunday five children at each service re-gave their hearts to Jesus, they really want Him to be their best friend. What a great weekend. This is more of what we're about - partnering with parents to help kids love God - love people (nothing else matters). We're on your team.

Party Party Party !

2007-03-23T13:49:00.000-04:00

The angels rejoiced last week - five children at March Break Day Camp said yes to Jesus. They started their relationship with Him. The one who made a way for them to know God. God is good. This is what we're here for - to help kids find their way to God and to partner with their parents in the same mission. We're on the your team !

Another kid said YES to Jesus

2007-03-07T11:29:00.000-05:00

On Sunday in KIDSZONE another child said yes to Jesus - It's exciting when a new life is born in His Kingdom. It's what we're about in KIDSZONE partnering with parents to raise Spiritual Champions - It's something we can't do apart from God moving and using us.
This child has started on his road to be a Spiritual Champion, now we have to play our part to help him grow and partner with his parents help him grow.

Who let the dogs out ? Who ?

2007-02-20T13:46:00.000-05:00

Well ? Who let the dogs out ?

I have to admit I did this morning - I forgot to close the side gate after I took the garbage out to the sidewalk. We were panicking I also have to admit. But it turned out ok becasue my son Clayton was praying for their safe return along with Dawn and myself. We got James back from the pound - some kind person had picked him up going onto the 401 on ramp - thank God they got him. Our nieghbour behind our home pciked up our other dog Rocky. So we thanked God for keeping our dogs and everyone else safe.

Bible time

2007-02-20T13:40:00.000-05:00

Yes It's Bible Time! - email elbourne@firstalliancechurch.org me or voice mail me (416) 494-3269 x26 just tell me what the passage says and explain it in your own words -everyone who does it will get KIDSZONE $5 just for trying. And the best explanation will get KIDSZONE $20.

This week's passage is Phillippians 4:19

deadline is Sunday Feb 25 - well what are you waiting for :)

FEAST winds up !

2007-02-13T12:45:00.000-05:00

Yes the fifth and final chapter of Mark Holmen's "Faith Begins at Home" is te subject for our discussion THIS SUNDAY Feb 18(please note Change from fourth Sunday to Third Sunday). The author has been discussing the family makeover with Christ in the centre and this last chapter turns to the Church as the subject of the makeover. It should be exciting and meaningful so plan to bring your kids for supper, they'll go play while we discuss and pray, then they'll rejoin us for a family activity.

2 Funerals

2007-02-13T10:33:00.000-05:00

Over this weekend we've had two funerals at FAC. One Marjorie was the wife of the previous Senior Pastor here at First. We celebrated her life - a life full of fruit for God's Kingdom.
The other Kavar, a seventeen year old allegedly shot by a fourteen year old for defending his aunt.
It's a stark reminder that as individuals we don't know how much time God allows us to live on earth. But in that time God gives us to share the hope that we have we need to redeem the time - make it count for Him. There are so many people that won't come to church for us to tell or show them.
So it seems obvious that we have to go because we are vessels of that Hope in Christ Jesus. How can we keep it toourselves when we have been given it freely and abundantly ?
Join me and let's go !

Tim Kimmel Coming to GTA

2007-02-09T11:21:00.000-05:00

Do you want to know how to be a better parent ? I do I'm excited that the auther of Grace-based Parenting is coming to the GTA. If you're interested in going let me know and we'll be book together and get the group rate and maybe organise or coordinate transport. Our friends at Focus on the family have arranged for him to tour Canada adn he's coming to Carruthers Creek CHurch , Ajax on Sunday April 29 7pm. SO put it in your agendas - you won't want to miss this opportunity !

New Newsletter out Today

2007-02-09T10:55:00.000-05:00

Yes! KIDSZONE's February Newsletter In the Kzone is out today. Get your copy from the table in the lobby at Church - don't miss the insert - helpful tips on building your team - "What team ?" you ask - well you'll just have to check it out :)

Another resource for you to help build Spiritual Champions

2007-02-07T16:45:00.000-05:00

The Focus on the Family book club brochures will be handed out this week. Check them out for some great books for your children. Order deadline is short - that is Sunday Feb 18. There's a bonus for your children too - if you order more than one book they'll receive 50 KIDSZONE dollars to spend in the KIDSZONE store.

FEAST Chapter 4

2007-01-25T16:43:00.000-05:00

Yes we're off again with Families Eating And Sharing Together. This time were on Chapter four of Mark Holmen's book Faith bgeins at Home. Extreme Makeover with Christ at the Centre. Chapter four is about the extended Family makeover. So join us on Sunday 6pm for pizzza with our families then the kids go play while we discuss the chapter. We conclude together tdoing an family activity. - Fun and learning at the same time - how can you go wrong :)

FEAST 4

2007-01-23T16:25:00.000-05:00

We're moving onto Chapter 4 - extended Family Makeover in Christ -

Feast is on this Sunday Jan 25 6pm. Kids and adults welcome - Pizza and drinks supplied.

If you're still not received your copy of Mark Holmen's book see Pastor Dave we still have a few copires left. See you on Sunday !

commitment - a good thing ?

2007-01-23T16:14:00.000-05:00

On my other blog I was writing about inviting people to make a commitment to Christ - which sounds like a good thing to do but if you think about it maybe you'll come to a different conclusion. Just a thought :)

We love Families

2007-01-09T15:04:00.000-05:00

We Love Families finished with a fun praise party led by the Toronto City Mission Kids Choir. Parents, including have learnt a lot and gained some wonderful insights into hopw to help our families get along better and receive more blessing from God. It has been a very profitable week.
Look out for our next Family Fest coming in the next few months.
In the meantime you might want to get along to Morningstar's Hope for Families one day conference later this month.

Winter Family Fest what's to come ...

2007-01-04T10:10:00.000-05:00

Still two days to go - we've got parent's night out tonight - we'll take care of your kids if you've already attended one of the workshops this week.
AND THE our Finale with Toronto City Mission Kids choir leading our Family Praise Party.
Invite your friends it will be a balst on Frigay Jan 5.

We Love Families Winter Fam fest so far

2007-01-04T10:05:00.000-05:00

We're half way through the fest. I've learnt a lot about characteristics of myself and my family that's going to be help me be better at loving them. Last night I was reminded of the power of words and especially "God's words" - blessings spoken into other's lives. As well as catching up the blessings I've missed as I've grown up.
Thanks to Laird Crump and Terry and Melissa Bone for their ministry into the families that attended.

Winter Family Fest is here !

2007-01-02T15:06:00.000-05:00

It's here - Winter Family Fest after weeks of planning and promoting We Love Families event is here. Tonight's workshop is at the New Life Christian Church just west of warden on Huntingwood. Laird Crump is leading us in Family Harmony - know what animal you are and what animals you children are will helpfamily harmony. :). So come bring the kids and learn more.

"We Love Families" WInter Family Fest T minus 2 weeks

2006-12-20T16:08:00.000-05:00

We're all systems go for the Winter Family Fest in less than two weeks First Workshop is on Family Harmony is not at First Alliance Church but at New Life Christian Church. They've joined us for this fest. Perhaps others will join next time.

Sports and Kids

2006-12-12T13:40:00.000-05:00

Christy over on Counting the days til Sunday highlights sports ministry as a place for us to learn from. As I coached Clayton's, my 8yr old son's, soccer team this summer I reflected on this as well. I didn't fully get the parent buy-in thing - but looking back there were parents there that made sure their kids were there and encouraged the kids. You could even tell the kids that had had practice at home during the week.

Of all the resources and opportunities that we've offered parents this year - the one that gets the most positive feedback was the 60-day Devotional - which the parents and kids are doing together. So it does seem that we have had some buy-in for that.

I'm glad becasue since we only see the kids for about 40 hours a year and the parents have so much more time - if we can help the parents use their time more regularly with their children to build spiritual champions - we all still win even if they don't buy into KIDSZONE and/or parent activities as much as they could.

So we want buy-in from the parents to KIDSZONE activities but the best buy-in is parents building spiritual champions at home.

We Love Families

2006-12-08T15:44:00.000-05:00

We're live now - with the website and the flier. check them out - Plan to be there to start the New Year by investing in your family.

Books of the Bible

2006-12-06T09:57:00.000-05:00

We're starting a new competitionfor the children. The challenge this time is to learn the books of the Bible. Last Sunday and the coming Sudnay we're handing out bookmarks with all the books of the Bible on. The kids will have a "test" on Jan 7. They'll receive KIDSZONE $1 for every book in the right order or KIDSZONE $100 for all of them.
why don't you take this opportunity to practice them too alongside your child. It's very practical knowledge to have in finding your way around God's word quickly and efficiently.

Winter Fest Post cards gone to printers

2006-11-29T12:30:00.000-05:00

Winter Fest is getting closer - It's going to be a great week. I'm delighted to have another Warden Church on board. The New Life Christian Church just down Warden from us is hosting the first night. January 2 when Laird Crump from Focus on the Family Canada will be leading a seminar on Family Harmony, followed by family activity based on the seminar.