by Jennifer Snook, Director of Children’s Ministry

“The prayer of the righteous accomplishes much.”              ~James 5:16”

Praying for children is a powerful way to show them that they are important, loved and worthy. Additionally, as adults pray for children, this is an important way the adults can connect with God on a personal level.

If you are eloquent with words and the Bible is like a second language to you, then this is an easy task.  But, if you are like most of us, consistent, daily, out-loud prayer can be difficult to maintain.

Busy lives call for rushed meals and harried bed-time routines. Yet, it is precisely in these ill-equipped, weary moments, when God shows up and shows us that He loves your children, and He loves that you are praying for them. Be encouraged and pray often over your children. The psalms are a great place to start if you need a place for inspiration.

Children are important at Grace, and our Vacation Bible School team is already working on a fun and exciting week for children ages pre-K – 5^th grade. This year we surf into God’s amazing love June 20-24.

There are many ways you can be involved: crew leaders (adults who walk a group of children from station to station), decorators to help stage VBS, and folks  to help tear down after VBS is over. See the bulletin board by the coffee bar if you would like to sign up to help or email Jennifer Snook.

Written by Jennifer Snook, Director of Children’s Ministries

According to psychology, a child is only born with two innate fears: the fear of falling and the fear of loud noises. All other fears are learned behaviors.

Fear is a common mountain the Christian climbs whether he is a child or an adult. Children give adults an opportunity to grow in the discipline of handing over fears to a God who is big enough to handle them, because children are not afraid to voice their fears. Such a voice allows adults an opportunity to explore ways to conquer fear.

Adults have the advantage of being able to tell the difference between a fear that is perceived and a fear that is based on reality. This is not always the case with children. A few of the fears of children include: a fear that something bad will happen in the family, a fear that a pet or someone close to them will die, a fear of the unknown and a fear of not being good enough.

A quick Google search of “people who were afraid in the Bible” reveals many Old and New testament saints who had the same fears we have today. A good way to combat fear is by the Word of God. Psalm 34:4 says “I sought the Lord, and he heard me and delivered me from all my fears.”

Children need to know that Christ is their best friend who will never leave them. I hope you and your family feel empowered as you conquer fear together with God. Some good Bible verses about this topic include the following:

• Deuteronomy. 31:6
• Hebrews 13:5-6
• Joshua 1:9

If your family is participating in the Lenten Paper Chain Challenge, I would love to hear how you approached some of your challenges, and which challenges were your favorites. Feel free to post pictures to me on Facebook or send your comments and photos to jennifer@mygpc.org.

Written by Jennifer Snook

“Out of the mouths of babes you have prepared praise for yourself…”(Matthew 21:16)

We all listened when they spoke. We heard the miracle of the Christmas story anew because the children in our church body lead us. Indeed, children have a voice that should be heard, and through them, the elders might just receive the guidance needed to journey on toward what God is planning for Grace Presbyterian Church in 2016. A special thank you to all the families who worked with the children to prepare them for the video recording on Christmas Eve.

New beginnings usually come with a full cup of energy and vision. Even now our Vacation Bible School team is meeting and making plans for the summer. Our Sunday School teachers are delving into the stories that need to be told. On Sunday, January 31, all families are invited to Laser Quest at 3:40 pm for a family-fun day. Each family with children ages 5-11 is asked to bring $7.00 per person and a snack to share. The Children’s Ministry department will offset the rest of the cost. Older siblings are welcome to attend as well. Please call Jennifer at 684-5215 if you have any questions or email Jennifer.

Children’s Ministry Update by Jennifer Snook

“Don’t blink,” they say. “Take a lot of photos,” they say. “It all goes so fast,” they say.

I think the only way to silence the voices of fear that tell us as parents that we are somehow missing something, is to make memories. To be sure, memories are made right along the breakfast aisle in the grocery store, and memories are made with each bedtime story we read. We make memories every single day. Some memories are good ones that we want to dip in a cup of warm cocoa. Some, we would rather just forget. Either way, I want to take a moment to champion parents who are living busy, fearless, messy lives as they race from one soccer game to a piano recital and then manage to feed their family and watch a movie together at the end of the day.

We need not fear what is meant to be, but rather embrace the eternity of the moment that we have right in front of us. This November 15, from 4:30 – 6 pm, the Children’s Ministry Team invites you to bring your family to Grace for an Advent Family Night. Each family will create a set of Jesse Tree ornaments to take home and use for years to come. The Jesse Tree ornaments retell the biblical tales that trace the family tree of Christ from the Garden of Eden to Jesus’ birth. This Advent Family night is a chance for your family to come make a memory that includes the story of your faith and your commitment to raise God-centered children. We look forward to launching into the Advent season with you.