Happy New Year!

"But this I call to mind,
And therefore, I have hope:
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
His mercies never come to an end;
They are new every morning;
Great is your faithfulness.
'The Lord is my portion,' says my soul,
Therefore I will hope in Him."
                    Lamentations 3:221-24

I pray we will be ever mindful of His faithfulness and for Him alone will be our heart's cry and our hope in 2011.

Happy New Year!

I trust you all had a very merry Christmas, enjoying family, food, friends, and gifts. I pray mostly that you were able to take some time to enjoy the real gift of Christmas, our Savior.

One of my most cherished memories of the 2010 Christmas season was the children's Christmas presentation, Celebrate Jesus! The children were absolutely adorable. I personally think God receives special enjoyment when He hears His little ones sing praises to Him.

I pray God blesses us abundantly in the upcoming new year, so that we may share them with others!

Kingdom Krier

The Kingdom Krier
Hear Ye!
All Children are invited to the Christmas Party on Saturday,
December 18 in the caffeteria immediately following 10:00a.m. dress rehearsal

Dates to Remember:
From the Children’s Ministry of Madison Heights
 12/12 NO REHEARSAL  12/18 10:00 D 12/19 4:45 RESS REHEARSAL FOLLOWED BY CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PARTY (ALL AT ST JOE) CHILDREN MEET IN AUDITORIUM  12/19 5:30 "CELEBRATE JESUS!" PRESENTATION FOLLOWED BY A CHRISTMAS FELLOWHIP (LIGHT) SUPPER  12/24 3:00 C

I am very excited about our Children’s Christmas presentation, Celebrate Jesus! All children are invited to be part of it. Our two’s and young three’s will ring bells. Chil-dren in three-year-old through sixth grade Sunday School will participate in the "play" and sing. They have been working very hard to learn the words! Jenny Watts, Emily Kines, Matt Vines, and David Lindsey have been diligent in training our Covenant children to worship through music. Please join us on Sunday evening, December 19, at 5:30 as our children point us to the Savior. Plan to stay for a fellowship meal following the service. HRISTMAS EVE SERVICE  12/26 9:30A.M. WORSHIP AT ST JOE (NO SUNDAY SCHOOL OR EVENING SERVICE)

12 Symbols of Christmas

Free Printable Christmas Book: The 12 Symbols of Christmas

by Felicia Mollohan   Print

in Christmas Ideas

Here is a printable Christmas book about the 12 Symbols of Christmas. I have taken symbols of Christmas that we see all over the place and researched the true meaning of them. Each one has a Bible Verse along with and explanation and a simple picture. This would be good for children preschool and up as well as personal family time. This can be incorporated into any lesson about Christmas as well as a stand alone story.

Download this Christmas Book

• 12 Symbols of Christmas Book (PDF) (this will take you to a link)

Here are a few ideas for using the book, if you want to extend this into a longer lesson:

1. You can have each item in a large bag. Have children take turns taking an item out of the bag and then the corresponding page can be read along with it.
2. You can have a picture of each item in the book. Hide these pictures around the room and have the children find the pictures before reading the book. As you read each page, have the child who found that page stand up and show their picture.
3. You can print out this book using the Coloring Book part of your printer so that the children can color their own book as you read it to them.
4. You can use this with the 12 days of Christmas 12/13 through 12/24. Read/Color a page a day and put up that item in your house/room after learning about it.

Where is God?

God Is In The Church Nursery

Where is God on Sunday morning? Of course, God is everywhere. We know that God is enthroned in the praises of his people. (Psalm 22:3) When we gather to worship – God is with us.
We know that God is there when we pray. Jesus said, “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” (Matthew 18:20) When we pray – God is with us.
We know that God is there when his Word is read, preached, loved and obeyed. The Lord says, “I am watching over my word to perform it.” (Jeremiah 1:12) When the Bible speaks – God is with us.
We know that God is everywhere. “Can a man hide himself in secret places so that I cannot see him? declares the LORD. Do I not fill heaven and earth? declares the LORD.” (Jeremiah 23:24) “The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.” (Proverbs 15:3) No matter where we go – God is with us.
But did you know that God is back in the church nursery? “And Jesus took a child and put him in the midst of them, and taking him in his arms, he said to them, “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me.” (Mark 9:36-37) When you welcome a child in the name of Jesus you welcome Jesus himself. When we minister to children – God is with us.
If you wonder why so many people are blessed by serving in the church nursery. Now you know – God is there.

Looking to Christmas!

Thanksgiving always marks the countdown to Christmas. With that in mind, I am posting the schedule for our Children's Christmas presentation rehearsals. All children, ages 2 through 6th grade are invited to be part of the service.

Rehearsal Schedule

Celebrate Jesus!

Children’s Choirs

Sunday, November 27, 2010 – no practice

Sunday, December 5 – Sunday School hour. Children will meet in their usual Sunday School classes. After a very brief SS lesson (15 mins), first through fourth grades will practice in the 3^rd-4^th grade SS room. Emily Kines and I will practice with the 3’s, 4’s & 5’s in the three-year-old SS room.

Sunday, December 5 – 5:30 supper with rehearsal afterward

Sunday, December 12 – we will not have access to St Joe at all that day. We can practice at the church office in the afternoon, if it is necessary.

Saturday, December 18 – 10:00 a.m. Dress Rehearsal and Christmas Party at St Joe. We will rehearse first, and party later. All children are invited to the Christmas party, even if they are not participating in “Celebrate Jesus!”

Sunday, December 19 – Sunday School hour. Children will meet in their SS rooms and then go to the auditorium for one last run through. They will return to their SS rooms.

Sunday, December 19 – 4:45 Children need to meet in the auditorium. “Celebrate Jesus!” presentation at 5:30, followed by a special “Family Christmas Dinner”.

I hope you and your family had a great Thanksgiving. I pray you have a blessed Christmas season as you prepare for the celebration of the birth of our Savior.

Please call me if I can ever help in any way,
Sherlie
601.605.9929
sherlie@madisonheigtschurch.com

Children's Bible

 

There is a new Bible for children that I was just made aware of. Here is the site where you can find information about it:

http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/2010/11/05/the-esv-seek-find-bible-for-families-and-young-readers/

 

I am going to order a couple to have on hand. Come by the office in a couple of weeks if you would like to look through one.

 

(FYI: I will be out of the office from Monday, November 8 through the 15th enjoying time with my family.)

Catechism Club

I had an excellent question posed to me last night - "When are you available to hear catechisms?"

Your children may come to me to "say" their catechisms after Sunday School, before evening worship (at the end of supper),  or at the church office. (I am there at random times, so please call me on my cell before you come. I'll be glad to make arrangements to meet you!)

In asking your children the catechism questions, I do not put any pressure on them at all. I give them nudges and encouragement as needed. The children have all done very well!

For the very young ones, three and younger, if your child knows at least five, please have them come to me. Fifteen is a lot for them to learn. I want to encourage them in their journey!

For clarification, this is not a race against time. If your child doesn't learn all 150 catechisms until May of 2011 or later, that is fine! (It normally takes a couple of years for the average child to learn - and truly retain - that many!) The Catechism Club is in existence to encourage you and your child to learn our sacred Truths together.

Happy learning!!

Children's Christmas Service

 The Children's Choir will lead our evening service on Sunday, December 19, with "Celebrate Jesus!" It will be a service of music, narration, and praise. I have listed the rehearsal times below. I hope you will allow your sweet children to be a part of it. All children are welcome to join us. The two year olds will take part of the beginning songs by ringing bells. (They will on Sunday mornings, and dress rehearsal.) We are going to have a great time together!!

 

Rehearsal Schedule for

Celebrate Jesus! 

Sunday, November 7 – No practice. We will not have access to St Joe that Sunday. There will be no evening service.

Sunday, November 21 – 4:15-5:30 p.m. St Joe

     (Special church family dinner & Evening of Thankfulness)

Sunday, December 5 – Sunday School hour. Children will meet in their usual Sunday School classes. After a very brief SS lesson (15 mins), first through fourth grades will practice in the 3^rd-4^th grade SS room. Emily Kines and I will practice with the 3’s, 4’s & 5’s in the three-year-old SS room. 

Sunday, December 5 – regular time, after supper

Sunday, December 12 – We will not have access to St Joe at all that day. We can practice at the church office in the afternoon, if it is necessary.

Saturday, December 18 – 10:00 a.m. Dress Rehearsal and Christmas Party at St Joe. We will rehearse first, and party later.

Sunday, December 19 – Sunday School hour. Children will meet in their SS rooms and then go to the auditorium for one last run through. They will then go to their SS rooms.

Sunday, December 19 – Children need to meet in the auditorium thirty minutes before the service.

Fall Festival

Sunday is Madison Heights annual Fall Festival!! Bring your lawn chairs or blanket, your freinds and neighbors (in case they're not your friends), and join us!! There will be bounce houses, hayrides, music, food, games, and more. Best of all, we will have lots of time to fellowship! It starts at 3:30 at the church office on Bozeman Rd.

By the way, we had a great time at the Pumpkin Patch - both times!! Thanks to all who participated!

Hunter Townsend Brewer, Jr

Hunter Townsend Brewer, Jr arrived at 7:38 this morning. He weighed 7lbs 14oz and is 20" long. I am posting the birth of this new Covenant child because of all the Enemy put his parents through as they awaited his arrival. I praise God for the safe delivery of this beautiful baby. Please be in prayer for our precious pastor, his wonderful wife, and his newly enlarged family.

Blessings to you all!
Sherlie

More Great Books!

Hey Parents!

When I was a kid, I LOVED to read anything that I could get my hands on in regards to history.  Well, here is a series for children on the history of the Christian church.  It looks fantastic.  You can follow the link and check it out:

http://www.wtsbooks.com/product-exec/product_id/4794/?utm_source=jtaylor&utm_medium=jtaylor

Enjoy your reading!
Hunter

Wonderful Singing and Playing!!

Our Children's Choir and Junior Praise Team did an EXCELLENT job Sunday evening!! The Children's Choir sang and the Jr Praise Team played and sang - Jonathan Watts on keyboard, Ryan Lindsey on acoustic guitar, and Jacob Sones on acoustic guitar. I am SO proud of our Covenant children, and worshiped with them as they praised the Lord with their voices and talents. I am very excited about our Jr Praise Team!!

 

Don't forget about the Pumpkin Patch activities on this Friday, Oct 22!!
Friday morning - 9:25, Nichols-Boyd Pumpkin Patch. To carpool, meet at the church at 8:45. I must know the names of your children by this evening. I have to turn that in first thing in the morning. The cost is $6 per person. Each child will take home a pumpkin, experience a hayride, farm animals, and have a snack. Every child must have a completed permission form. I will give those to you Friday morning.
Friday evening - 6:25, Nichols-Boyd Pumpkin Patch. To carpool, meet at the church office at 5:45. I must have a head count by this evening. The cost is $8 per person. We will all experience a hayride, hotdogs, roasting marshmallows, farm animals, and a corn maze. Every child must have completed permission form. I will have them Friday evening.
    You may visit nicholsenterprisesllc.com for more information, directions, and to download a permission form.

Looking forward to our time together!!!
Sherlie

Great stuff from Hunter!

Hey Parents!

Here is another book I want to recommend.  It is Instructing a Child's Heart.  If you follow the link, you can hear the author talk about why he wrote the book and how he thinks it can help you raise Christ-like children. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccnQbQQwKMY

I also wanted to send this link because, as parents, we all need a good, no great, laugh!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=752a6q8Sp3I&feature=related

Prayer for your little ones to know the One,
Hunter

Family Bible Study

I recently got some information on a fairly new curriculum that is designed to be used for Bible studies done as a family. Investigating God's Word... At Home by John Kwasney. (Appropriately named!) It is produced by One Story Ministries, a ministry of Pear Orchard Presbyterian in Ridgeland. There are five volumes so far, covering Genesis through Ruth. From what I can tell, they look pretty good. I'm thinking about purchasing them for my grandchild.

For more information go to http://www.onestoryministries.org/. If you have used Investigating God's Word... At Home, I'd love to hear what you have to say about it.Thanks!

Come visit us tomorrow night at the Wordless Book tent. It is right across from the petting zoo. I think... :)



Pumkins and Campfires!

On Friday morning, Oct 22,  children up to 5 years old are invited to go to the Pumpkin Patch. Meet at t he church office at 8:45 or at Nichols-Boyd Pumpkin Patch at 9:25. The cost is $6 per person. Email She rlie by   Tuesday,  Oct 19, if you plan to participate. We must have names of children and a head count.

On Friday evening, Oct 22, all children (and their families) are invited to Nichols-Boyd Pumpkin Patch for a campfire dinner, corn maze, and hayride. Meet at the church office at 5:45 or at the Pumpkin Patch at 6:25 The cost is  $8 per person. Children 4 & under are free. Parents, you must complete a permission slip if you do not wish to accompany your children. Please let Sherlie know by Tuesday,  Oct 19, how many from your family are planning to attend at Sherlie@madison heightschurch.com. The address of the Pumpkin Patch is 3970 Hwy 43N, Brandon 39047.  601.829.0800.

We had a terrific time at Sweet Tree Yogurt!! Thank you, Paul!! Friendship Park was fun, too!!

Nichols Pumpkin Patch

Let's go to the Punkin' Patch! On Friday, October 22. Meet at the office at 8:30 to "car pool." Or meet at Nichols Pumpkin Patch at 9:25. Children up to age 5 are welcome. Parents, too!

I MUST know by Tuesday, Oct 19 if you are planning to go. The Pumpkin Patch needs a head count, including names of all children attending. Cost is $6.00 per person. It includes a guided tour (hay ride), pumpkin for each child, refreshments, and a group picture. PLEASE let me know in advance. I don't want you to miss out!

Thanks,
Sherlie
601.605.9929
sherlie@madisonheightschurch.com

Mom's Night Out

Ladies!! Don't forget about our "Mom's Night Out" on Thursday, Oct 7. Meet at El Potrillo at 6:00. Shoot me an email if you're planning to come. I'll have dessert ready at my house afterwards if you want to make the drive!

Thanks - Sherlie
sherlie@madisonheightschurch.com

Wordless Book Tent

On Wednesday, October 13, Madison Heights will partner with Child Evangelism Fellowship in their Wordless Book Tent at the State Fair.It'll be fun!! Sign up to volunteer for a couple of hours between 6:00 and 10:00. We will talk with children who are visiting the fair, introducing them to Christ through the use of a "wordless book." Each page is a different color, representing a truth from Scripture. Similar to a "Salvation Bracelet." Our job will be to simply explain what each color means and how it applies to the child. It does not take long to present the book. And the rewards are eternal!

This will be a fun time of fellowship as we share the good news of Christ with others. Please join us!

Great sites from Hunter

Hey Mom's and Dad's,

I wanted to pass along a few resources to help you lead your children to Christ.  I have provided web links if you want to purchase any of them.  First, I cannot recommend enough the book Shepherding A Child's Heart.  Outstanding!  In fact, this book is so good that it falls within the boundaries of one of my favorite books regardless of the subject.  Here is the link to get your own copy:  http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Shepherding-a-Childs-Heart/Tedd-A-Tripp/e/9780966378603/?itm=1&USRI=SHepherding+a+Child's+Heart.

In terms of videos for your children to watch, the Read & Share DVD Bible is great!  They have divided the stories of the Old Testament and New Testament into three-four minute segments.  It is biblical and will hold your child's attention (five and younger) and will teach them the stories of Scripture.  Here is a link:  http://www.christianbook.com/read-and-share-bible-volume-4/9781400314539/pd/314539?item_code=WW&netp_id=586172&event=ESRCN&view=details.

If you have older children, I think the following book series is wonderful.  Here is the link for boys: 
http://www.christianbook.com/light-keepers-ten-boys-who-volume/irene-howat/9781845503185/pd/503185?item_code=WW&netp_id=518999&event=ESRCN&view=details.  Here is the link for girls:  http://www.christianbook.com/light-keepers-ten-girls-who-volume/irene-howat/9781845503192/pd/503192?event=CF 

I am praying for your little ones. - Hunter

Catechism Club

Catechism Club

Having trouble learning your catechisms? There's a great CD that can help! "Ask Me Whooo" by Diana Beach Bararseh. The catechisms are put to music, so it is fun and easier to learn. Go to http://www.askmewhoooo.com/ for more info. 

Mom's Night Out

               

Moms, let's have a night out!

Meet at El Potrillo in Madison
(by Walmart) at 6:00
on Thursday, Oct 7. Afterwards,

we'll go to the home of
Sherlie Andrews, 100 Oakdale Rd,
Madison, for dessert.

Please let me know if you're coming!

sherlie@madisonheightschurch.com

Welcome to the blog!

We hope to use this blog to keep you updated on what is going on with the Children's Ministry and provide useful information for parents!  If you have a blog for your family, please become a follower!  Before you leave, remember to bookmark this page!