CCC Gainesville | Blog
I know that VBS was several weeks ago… if you served that week please know that you were appreciated, the amount of time it has taken to post this letter is not a reflection of how grateful we are. That being said we had an awesome VBS in Outer Space and Beyond this year. We had our largest turn out of children, a wonderful group of youth and each adult serving was an integral part of the success of the week. Thank you!
This year we had a few children who needed special attention. It can only be attributed to the working of God that each child was pared up with an adult or youth who knew exactly how to partner with that child for the week. Each and every child felt loved and cared for. God provided the exact volunteer for the exact child. I want to share the following letter with you from a parent who had two children with us this summer.
The boys had a great time at Christ Community Church’s VBS this week. I am impressed by the wonderful directors and volunteers (mostly moms) who gave their time so selflessly to love on children and show them a great time. One volunteer in particular blessed me greatly. She was K’s teacher this week. When I went to pick him up today she told me that she has a daughter like K and that she really enjoyed having him this week. She said that he is really special. I just burst into tears because it was so good to hear encouraging words and for once to not feel judged. I worry about him every time he’s under someone else’s care because all I ever seem to get are negative reports. People just don’t understand him and mistake him for a trouble maker. And often make me feel like I’m doing something wrong or it’s my fault. She had nothing but good things to say about him and understood him well. I thank God that she was his teacher this week. I was even told that usually she is not with that age group. I am so thankful that she was and that she took the time to tell me how wonderful K is. She gave me a big hug. And said he will probably be my hands on child who I am praying for constantly, but that he’s such a blessing too. I can’t tell you how good this was for me. It’s awesome when God uses the church to love on people who are hurting. He knows. So, I just want to say thank you to all the wonderful people at CCC for having my big boys this week. It was very nice to have some one on one time with my youngest. And to know that my bigs were in good hands was a relief.
VBS reaches the hearts of children throughout Alachua county every year. It also blesses parents who have come to trust the teachers, trust the curriculum chosen, feel safe with our check in-check out policies and are encouraged by the spiritual growth and friendship developed throughout the week. Thank you to everyone of you who was a part of VBS this year. It takes so many people to pull it off the ground, we appreciate each of you and know your contribution was vital to this year’s VBS. Thank You!!!
Many of you experienced the return to school today. New teachers, new friends, for some new schools. Its a new school year and things can feel fresh and… well… new! Some children are excited for the start of a school year and some can be worried about various changes or challenges. As parents we want to help our children feel courage so they can face difficult or uncertain moments throughout the day. As Christians we want to help them understand that even when we aren’t with them, God is, and no matter what they are precious to Him.
Our family has come across a few great resources to set a rhythm to our school days. The first few weeks of school we use a liturgy or prayer of sorts that was written for the return to school. At the end of the day we have started doing an Examen for Children.
Begin the Day: A few years ago I came across a beautiful prayer/litany that was originally written for a congregation to recite together. Our teachers recited it with their students the Sunday before school started so some of your children’s might recognize it from last school year. This morning when we said it together, I thought that I wanted to share it with you all so that if you are looking for a way to remind your children that Jesus is always with them, you can also use this together as a family. We personalize it a bit, making it applicable to our day.
God will be with you every day at school. No matter how good or bad things are going, God will be there. You can count on God’s presence.
Leader: When it’s the night before going to school, and I’m picking out my clothes and making sure I have all my school supplies…
Children: Jesus is with me.
Leader: When I’m waking up and eating a healthy breakfast to start the day…
Children: Jesus is with me.
Leader: When I’m getting on the school bus or being driven to school…
Children: Jesus is with me.
Leader: When I meet my teachers and new friends in my class…
Children: Jesus is with me.
Leader: When I’m playing with my friends at recess…
Children: Jesus is with me.
Leader: When I’m finding the right school bus to ride home…
Children: Jesus is with me.
Leader: When I’m telling my family about my day at school…
Children: Jesus is with me.
Leader: When I’m praying at night and thanking God for my family, my friends and my school…
Children: Jesus is with me.
Leader: Let’s pray together:
All: Thank you, Jesus, for always being by my side. I know that if I get nervous or afraid, you will be there with me. When I see the cross on my backpack, I will remember that you are always with me. I know that I can talk with you any time – day or night – and for that I am so thankful. I pray this all in your name. Amen
*This was written by Rev. Karin Fowler and modified by Rev. Larry Farris
End the Day: “This prayer of review is a short reflection back over the day, recalling events and taking note of your feelings. The purpose is to become more aware of the ways in which God has been present to you, the times when the Holy Spirit was drawing you towards life.” This is a great way to teach children to reflect over their day and be grateful for the ways God provided and to give them a chance to say sorry if they feel they hurt someone or were unkind. The music is very calming and the reader has a beautiful calming voice as she walks you through the reflective prayer. Below you can find the link to the Examen and the basic text that leads children through the prayer.
At the end of your day find a comfortable place and remind yourself that God is there with you. Now look back over your day, were you at home, were you at school, were you somewhere else? What made you happy today? … Whatever it is that made you feel happy today, thank God for those things now. Did anything today make you sad? Did something happen, or something that someone said or did? Did you do something that made you feel unhappy? Maybe there is something you want to say sorry for. Whatever made you feel sad or unhappy today remember that you are precious to God and that nothing ever changes that…
*There is also an Examen for youth that we alternate with. My children seem to like the music in the youth examen better. Also as you scroll down to each age specific examen you will see a link to the music that is used.
On Tuesday evening the Erans welcomed Vincent Wesley into their family! God has been so good in bringing this blessing into their family. Welcome baby, we are so glad you’re here!
Seeds Family Worship is a wonderful resource for memorizing scripture as a family. Summer is a great time to take on a little memory work as a family. Seeds Family Worship is a way to experience God’s Word through music. We wanted to share with you how to use the music and free website resources to make the most of scripture memory.
Start by going to www.seedsfamilyworship.com/
Once you are at the site choose a theme; The Character of God, The Power of Encouragement, Seeds of Character, Seeds of Purpose, Seeds of Praise, Seeds of Faith, Seeds of Courage and Purity.
Last summer my family chose The Power of Encouragement, and this summer we are listening to Seeds of Courage.
Take the next step. You can do more than just listen to the music, download the Memory Cards! Under Resources you will find every song has a memory card. You can print these off with the check list. 
This picture is of our work station above the children’s art table.
I hope this information is helpful for your family as you discover ways to experience God’s Word together.
Growing in Grace, Holli
On April 11th and 12th Children’s Ministry hosted a parenting conference based on the book Spiritual Parenting by Michelle Anthony. We used her DVD conference series as the basis for the two day conference and had a wonderful crowd. Because of the amount of time we structured at the conference in April there were portions of the series that we were unable to get to. Also for families who were unable to come we are offering Spiritual Parenting as a Sunday morning Adult Education course in June, at 9am.
June 8: There will be a review of what spiritual parenting is and watch a portion of the introduction so anyone who missed the conference is able to feel comfortable in the class. Discussion will also include; making a “mission statement” for your family, parenting with Grace.
June 15th: Creating the Environment of SERVICE conference session and discussion. *This portion was not covered during the conference.
June 22nd: Creating the Environment of OUT OF THE COMFORT ZONE conference session and discussion. *This portion was not covered during the conference.
June 29th: During this session we will cover from the book;
- Love and Respect: As aptly explained in 1 Corinthians 13, faith without love is empty. This environment of love and grace enables kids to receive and give grace. Children must be respected because they are made in the image of God.
- Knowing: It is critical that our kids know and our known by God. It is important that, in this world which denies the existence of absolute truth that we model our belief in God’s truth.
- Modeling: Kids learn what they see. We must model an active and transforming faith for our kids.
If you attended the conference in April, you already have a binder that was prepared for you with all of the sessions, there is no need for you to register for this class. If you were not at the conference and would like a binder with the class materials please contact Harmony (kids@christcommunitychurch.com) to register and have a binder prepared for you. The cost is $6 per binder of materials.
