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

I've just returned from a children's ministry conference at Willow Creek Community Church.  Phil Vischer, creator of VeggieTales, spoke during one of the closing sessions.  Whether your ministry is to kids, part-time or full time, this is where it starts...

Your ministry to kids doesn't start with an X-box and a big screen TV. It doesn't start with a job description written by a senior pastor. It doesn't start with facilities and a budget. It doesn't even start with a great conference filled with tips and "best practices."

Your ministry to kids starts with God's love. Not his love for kids - his love for you. Christ is calling to you - to "all you who are weary and burdened." Bring your burdens to the cross - and lay them down. Let them go. Then stay there - at the cross - resting in God's love. Not his "love for the world" in abstract, but his very real love for YOU.      Phil Vischer

Thank you for reading, I hope it speaks to your heart,

Jennifer