Last weekend during our Easter celebrations in Adventureland the kids were presented with an opportunity to ask Jesus to be their Leader, Forgiver and Forever Friend; 13 kids indicated that they had made that choice for the very first time on a survey we handed out. 

I want to tell you about one of the 13 kids.  She was here from the Chicago area visiting her cousin and hadn't been to church in a long, long time because of two younger siblings with special needs.  Their parents were nervous about coming to church and having their children attend Adventureland.  We were able to reassure them that all their kids would be well cared for by our Adventureland staff.  They were thanks to the many dedicated teachers, helpers, greeters and snack-a-teers and best of all, the Kingdom of God expanded.  This has gvien the parents hope to begin a search in Chicago for a church home.   

It is amazing to think about what a kind word, a bit of extra planning and the grace of God can do in an hour on Sunday. 

We are very excited to be presenting Ratatouille this Friday night at 6PM.  This is the perfect event for kids to invite their friends and neighbors to join them as they discover New Horizon is a place where we love kids. 

We’ll serve pizza, carrot sticks, pop, and desserts.  During our brief intermission we’ll have a drawing for some special Ratatouille prizes and serve popcorn. 

This night is designed for both adults and children and we ask that each child has someone on site responsible for them. 

See you then,

Jennifer

This Saturday is Summer Splash from 2-4PM at Roger and Joye Perry’s house.  They are very excited about hosting Summer Splash and if I haven’t made this clear, their yard is HUGE.  We will be having all of the things we have had at New Horizon including the large tube slide from Action Inflatables and more… like their in ground pool with two lifeguards. 

Then, on Sunday there will be tours available of the new building.  While everyone knows their own children best, I think most can tour it with their parents without a problem. 

That is a lot for today, but I hope it is helpful.

Jennifer

God's Big Backyard was all about serving.  During the week we focused on greater circles of serving: our families, friends, neighbors, community and Jesus.  The kids participated in service projects each day of VBS. As the summer continues we don't want those precious lessons lost. 

If your children didn't attend, this is a perfect opportunity to jump in on:

The Family Resource Day project. 

This special project provides school children with much needed school supplies, food, clothing and health screenings at Salt & Light in preparation for a new school year who would not have these items without our, and 15 other churches' help.  Our church has been asked to help collect:

• 50 new backpacks, any size, solid colors
• 500 packages of loose leaf paper
• 750 erasers
• 1000 blue or black pens

Just an idea.  Maybe they would like to raise the money to buy a few of the items or perhaps your kids have a case of the "I want that-s" or perhaps, it is just a way for you to serve togeher.

Again, just an idea,

Jennifer

The supplies are being gathered, the teachers are doing last minute preparations and we are anticipating a fantastic week because this Monday begins one of the most exciting weeks at New Horizon where children are led to Jesus and able to join him on the adventure of a lifetime through serving. 

This year's Vacation Bible School (VBS), God's Big Backyard, is all about serving: serving family, friends, neighbors, community, and Jesus.  Each day kids from 4 years old through 6th grade will hear stories of people who served in the Bible, hear from people who serve today and be challenged to serve.  Along with crafts, music, games, eating snacks with friends and seeing both skits and puppet shows all geared toward serving, it will be a great week.

Consider praying each morning  for the kids, those serving at VBS and their families.  Pray that they hear God's voice speaking to them and that they choose to respond. 

I am excited to see what God will do.

Jennifer