MY PICK FOR THE BEST LOW-TECH PERSONAL ORGANIZATIONAL DEVICE

One of the greatest inventions of our modern age is the yellow note pad. Don't get me wrong...I have a Palm Pilot, which has delivered me from some of my random sticky notes that hang everywhere and which helps me keep track of stuff I would otherwise forget. It took a while for me to get to the Palm Pilot stage, but now I can't picture not having it.

But there's something about writing on a yellow pad that is somewhat cleansing to the mind. It's like thoughts and ideas flow from my overcrowded cranium, down my arm, and out the tip of my pen. It's not like holding a stylus and rapidly tap-tap-taping on a miniature keyboard. Nor is it like working on a PC. I can stop and deftly toss the pad on the table to collect my next wave of thoughts or grab a cup of joe or whatever--you can't do that with a laptop! I can pick the pad up and carry it around, whack a spider on the wall, jot a note while standing, and even wave it in my face to cool off. And when I'm done, the yellow pad is covered with an intricate pattern of heiroglyphics, code words, and internal communiques (aka doodles, abbreviations, and notes to self!) that make me feel like I've actually accomplished something.

I was feeling a little overwhelmed by this year's VBS. I won't lay out all the reasons, just that I didn't accomplish some things that were under my control and couldn't control some things that weren't. We are in "crunch time" with less than a month to go...and I was feeling like a dishwasher on the Titanic: plates up to here, water up to there, and wondering which "sink" should be my focus: the noun or the verb!

But by God's grace, I had the morning off from daycare. So I got up at my usual time, went to the church at my usual time, and went into the church library. I pulled out a yellow pad, prayed for wisdom, and started jotting down notes. Wow...what a morning! Sure, I could have plotted everything on my Palm Pilot (and much of what I did will be added to my P.P. calendar and task lists). But I wanted to write as quickly or as slowly as I wanted. I scribbled a reminder on the side and underlined it with heavy, bold strokes, followed by emphatic exclamation points (three, because this was really important!). I drew a line from one point to another clear across the page, because they had an element in common (which I wrote along the line). I drew diagrams and circled items. No, there was no logical consistency to any of it...a circled item probably carries the same weight as an underlined item.

When it was done, I had clarity about VBS. I spent some more time in prayer, asking the Lord to help me and my team through "crunch time."

So if you're feeling overwhelmed, or you have a big decision to make, or you're still wondering, "She loves me, she loves me not, she loves me.....", I highly recommend finding a quiet spot, pulling out a fresh yellow note pad, and starting to write. :-)

A PERSONAL MILESTONE (random musings)

Today is the 25th anniversary of my ordination to the ministry.

Granted, it's not the stuff of ticker-tape parades or silver anniversary cakes. Indeed, this thing called "ordination" is extremely humbling and very personal. There was a council consisting of pastors and church leaders. There was a ceremony a couple of weeks later. And as my pastor told me at the time, they did not ordain me; rather, God had already ordained me and they were just agreeing with His decision. Any ministry success is all His doing. And when I've blown it...oh boy.... Why someone came up with the description "reverend" is beyond me. Waaayyy beyond me. So why commemorate the date at all?

I guess because it is so personal, so significant, and has been responsible for a lot the directions I've bounced over the last quarter century, it's only natural to look back. When I pulled out some old pictures of the ordination service and subsequent churches, I can't believe I used to be that young. And that skinny. And with that much hair. I had dreams and plans and a solid sense of what I wanted to do and be as this newly ordained servant of God. And in tiny print at the bottom of the screen of my imagination were the words, "The dreams and plans of Tim may not neccesarily be those of the Creator of the universe."

So where have I been the last 25 years? I've been an associate minister in southern California. I've been a senior pastor in two churches in Colorado. I was promoted to children's ministry in Oregon (but not as staff, which you'll see as you keep reading). I still teach regularly, preach occaisionally, do a wedding or funeral or two. And there have also been the half-dozen "tent making" jobs I've had either between or during ministries ("tent making" referring to the Apostle Paul, who supported himself in the ministry by making tents).

I honestly can say that I know less than I did 25 years ago. Oh, I'm probably even more dogmatic on a lot of matters of faith and practice, but I'm more picky about the hills I climb and the battles I fight. I realize that I don't have all the answers to every single theological, sociological, political issue facing the church today. Most of my opinions are well researched and carefully thought out, but they are still my opinions. After all these years, I found I could be (gulp) mistaken on some things.

As to the future...I honestly don't know. Of the two paid positions I have at the church, neither is what is called "vocational ministry." The thing I consider my main ministry...children's ministry (not counting the daycare center where I work)...is strictly an appointed volunteer work. Don't get me wrong...I love everything I do (especially children's ministry) and I'm grateful to "minister" in that way. But I have to be totally honest: what I dreamed and envisioned as the elders laid hands on me back in 1983 bears little resemblance to what I am experiencing now.

So am I depressed? No. Maybe a tad melencholy, but any kind of retrospect will produce that. I know what I know what I know, and that is I have an awesome and amazing God Who loves me with an everlasting love and has an intricate plan for my life that transcends anything I could ever imagine. I can wish the road had been different, but I am so incredibly grateful about Who I traveled it with.

Here's to the next 25 years of "ordained" ministry, whatever form it takes.

POP AND SIZZLE

I love worshipping with kids. I love worshipping with kids, even when it appears that worship is the furthest thing from their minds. I love worshipping with kids, even when they verbally confirm that worship is the furthest things from their minds with such time-honored phrases as "I'm bored," "When is this over?" and "Can we play with the basketball set again?" I love worshipping with kids, even when they sit with crossed arms and sour expressions that say, "Engage me...I dare you. Go ahead, make my millennium!"

Okay, I love worshipping with kids and all of the above is true. HOWEVER...honest reality check here: I do not always do the dance of joy when some of my kids are clearly not "into it." Sometimes I internally react with a heavy sigh. Other times, I go home and weep, praying for and wanting these young children to have the same sense of wonder and excitement as they sing to and about the Lord. And sometimes, I just throw my arms up and wonder how come the parents didn't teach their kids how to behave better in church (followed by the mandatory kicking of myself for having such thoughts).

And I'm reasonably sure I'm not alone in these feelings.

That's why God gave us Sundays where everything pops! This last Sunday (which happened to be Father's Day), the singing and worship were incredible. The majority of kids were singing loudly, with an unbridled, uninhibited enthusiasm. And when one of the kids asked if we could pray for his toe, we had an unscheduled time of prayer requests, with different kids praying for each request. It was so incredibly awesome. One of our KidServants and I kept exchanging grins during the whole thing.

Kids are kids....and yes, the aimless chatter, and distractions, and arm-crossing will be there to some extent. But on this Sunday, it's like God was unveiling the real heart of the children...the heart that wants to have fun and enjoy God. Yeah, I love worshipping with kids, whether they look engaged or not. But ever' now and again, it's nice to see things pop and sizzle.

PROMOTION DAY

Promotion Sunday 2008 is in the books.

Every June, we promote certain children in our Sunday Morning Celebration to their new classes. It's a fairly simple ceremony: in one corner is one class, across from them is another class. The teacher of the first class introduces his/her kids, then sends the kids who are to be promoted across to the new class, where they are welcomed by the kids in that class. Then another class takes their place and the process repeats. Our middle school and high school groups also join in, with our 5th graders sliding up to the middle school, and the middle school grads moving up to the high school, and the graduating seniors being informally recognized.

Like I said, it's simple. Incredibly simple and short and sweet. So why do I always get a lump in my throat as I see child after child walk across the lawn to be greeted by their new peers? Is it because each promotion represents a validation of that all-important ministry in which we are engaged? Or maybe it's because I'm a sucker for ceremonies. I don't know. Maybe it's because of how the high school group welcomed the newcomers from the middle school group by surrounding them in a tight circle and praying over them. As I watched this, I knew that I wanted each of the young children that we minister to today to turn out like that when they get to be teens and beyond.

So, Promotion Day 2008 is now over....

.....now let the adventure continue.

Attendance was low for various reasons...but the kids and KidServants were ready for action.

The teenagers got into the action, forming a conga line to the song "Wild Ride."

One of our promoted kids demonstrates her dance moves!

BRINGING UP THE NEXT GENERATION OF KIDSERVANTS

I love it when a thought, vision, or idea is shared by someone else.

Even when I can't find the someone else who shared it.

For the last couple of weeks, I've been thinking about our church and its children's program. I am currently serving only in the Sunday morning activities, but my dreams and passion are still in the broader umbrella of all our kids' programs (just waiting for some organizational changes that will enable me to function in that capacity). My thoughts turned toward our phenomenal volunteers, men and women who devote their Sunday mornings to helping kids know the Savior. Two of our KidServants (as we call them here) are physically challenged. And then there's a big bear of a grandpa who teaches a 3rd-5th grade class. There's a 20 year old young lady in college who leads an infant-toddler group. And a mix of mechanics, truck drivers, and administrators who tackle the awesome task of helping kids grow in their faith. It warms my heart to see these folks every week.

But one day, I asked the question: "what is the average age of all our KidServants on Sunday morning?" Aside from the 20 year old and another lady who is in her 30's, most of our group is 40+. Not that there's anything wrong with that. Physical appearance aside, these saints have energy to spare. In no way, shape, or form do I want to downplay the contribution of these men and women.

But I remember I first taught a 5th grade Sunday School class when I was in high school. My wife taught when she was in junior high. Even my oldest daughter led a group when she was still in school. In my adventures at Children's Pastors Conferences, I've met children's pastors, directors, and coordinators that look like they just graduated. And I found myself wondering: "where is the next generation in our children's program?"

And then I read a blog. One of many blogs I regularly read. And the writer talked about his dream and plan to start recruiting the next generation. His words clicked and resounded within my spirit. The only trouble is, in my haste, I failed to note which blog I was reading. Soooooo....if you recently wrote about recruiting the next generation, please know that your spirit bore witness with my spirit!

Meanwhile, I shared my thoughts with the elder who is over me. He got very excited about the possibilities. The thought of a younger team being implanted in ministry is thrilling. Again, we don't want to replace our current workers (unless they want to be replaced), but we do want to begin actively seeking responsible older teens and 20's to step up and begin assuming these rolls. Several of our ministries have already begun doing this (two kids who grew up in our Sunday School are now elders in the church!). It's time for children's ministries to do the same.

THE STORM (a very personal blog)

Someone once observed that blogging can be very cathartic. I've never tried to test that idea, but ever so often, I have things on my mind and my heart that need to be expressed.

This picture was taken following a Celebration KREW meeting one Saturday night. The approaching storm clouds were interesting to watch, but we did not suspect what they packed. Less than ten minutes later, we were driving home in a surprising spring blizzard!

Sometimes, when the proverbial "storm clouds of life" arrive, we stand amazed from a safe distance. But before we know it, we are in the middle of the storm.

I have been wrestling with my feelings for some precious folks who are very dear to me. One of them is a relative, one a friend. Both are making unwise and spiritually disasterous choices in their lives. And I am absolutely powerless to do anything about it. Their issues are being dealt with at various levels. But that doesn't change the storm of emotions I'm facing.

I'm angry. I want to take them by the shoulders and give them a good shaking (especially the relative). Like Cher's character in Moonstruck, I want to slap them and shout, "Snap out of it!"

I'm depressed. Their actions and choices deeply sadden me. This part is actually surprising, because in the course of pastoral ministry, I have dealt with others with similar issues, but I've never been so down over it.

I'm taking it personally. "What could I have done? How could I have been a better friend? How could I have missed the warning signs?"

I'm resting in God's love and grace. This is the only stable part of this whole situation. My emotions may come and go, my reactions may at times be totally out of whack, but my Father is still there and still cares.

So please pray for my friend and for my relative, that they would wake up before it's too late. And pray for me that I may model what Jesus would have me model in the face of this storm.

Thank you.

A BIRD'S EYE VIEW OF OUR CHURCH

I was going through some files the other day, when I ran across some stunning pictures of our church building, taken from up high...way up high. It looks like an early fall day in southern Oregon, and with the bright sunshine and tree-lined streets, it looks like a page from a travel guide to smaller American cities (and I would be lax in my duties as a citizen of said city if I didn't point out that we are one of the fastest growing cities in the state).

Notice the steeple. That and the part of the building to which it is attached, were originally built in the early 1900's. The rest has been added on through the years.

A little higher now.

And way high. The church building is just a little left of center. The big building behind it belongs to the school district and includes a gymnasium and classrooms. It used to be part of the middle school, but an early morning fire wiped out much of the property (which is why it looks like vacant fields to the right...that all used to be buildings!) One of the miracles of that morning was that our church building, located just across a narrow alley, was totally untouched.

A LITTLE BIT OF THIS AND A LITTLE BIT OF THAT

Just a few quick items...

+It snowed today. Or, more accurately, it spat snow flakes. A lot of snow flakes. But not enough to stick to our valley floor. March better get its act together this weekend if it's going to go out like a lamb. Although, from what I hear, when I was in San Diego, March came in like a lamb. I think March is confused. I'm sure glad God knows what He's doing!

+One of my four year old kids in the preschool gave me a big hug today. He said I was the best teacher because I knew letters even better than he did. I'm going to use him as a reference if I get a new job.

+New link: Glen Woods. His blog is full of inspiration, information, and insights about the world of children's ministry. Well worth the read.

+After many moons of blogging, I finally decided to add a picture to my profile. I've had one on my MySpace page for a while, but since I don't update my MySpace page that much, I figured I ought to add one on Blogger. Check it out to the right.

+Another new link: Thoughts by Christina. This is funny, slice of life, stream of whatever consciousness thoughts that ooze from this girl's brain. Okay, she's a woman, but I'm her father, so she'll always be my little girl. It's actually quite funny. The only drawback is that she doesn't update her blog as much as her MySpace page (hint, hint).

I'M NOT GOING TO HELP ANYMORE!

It's like it was yesterday...and yet so long ago. The truth is, it has been a little over two weeks since the Children's Pastors Conference in San Diego. As in years past, I am still letting concepts, principles, ideas, and inspirations settle in. Some things will hit me months from now. I still look back at notes from 2003 for an idea or to refresh my memory on something I heard. This is no different. I have fun, fond memories of my time in San Diego...the worship, the workshops, the meeting new friends at the Kidology gathering (made even more significant and somewhat bittersweet by the passing of Dan Rase, with whom I shared a meal at the CPC's "Dinner on the Town" function. You can read a touching article about Dan here). I got to put faces and names together of fellow bloggers and ministers I've only known by screen names, icons, or book titles. As I've posted before, it was a wonderful experience.

But interestingly enough, one of the most significant concepts I brought back from San Diego did not occur at a workshop or a general session or a gathering or from the myriad of resources I obtained. No, this concept hit me in the quiet of my hotel room, the night before the conference officially began, as I was thinking and praying about what was in store for me that first week of March and what would make an impact in the lives of the children on Sunday morning.

I began thinking about our setup on Sunday mornings. Because we hold our Large Group gathering in the fellowship hall, everything has to be moved into position. So on Saturday night, I am down at the church hauling tables, chairs, moving sound equipment, setting up projectors, and getting the area ready for the kids. Some nights, I am joined by others, some nights I do it alone, but I get caught up in the excitement of getting ready!

But on Sunday morning, as the hour ends and parents start filtering in to pick up their kids, the process is reversed. Chairs get stacked, equipment gets moved, tables are put up, props and dvds put away, etc. and so on. Our young helpers help, our team helps, and, if we are speedy enough, we don't have to stay too long after the service.

But then it hit me, in one of those obvious, "duhhh" ways that God sometimes uses to get my attention. You see, the elders have said that they want to see me in the main service periodically so that parents can know who it is that teaches their kids (Of course, unless I'm pointed out as the one who teaches their kids, they aren't going to know who I am. And if I am pointed out, it begs the question, "if you're up here, who's back there teaching my kids now?"). At any rate, I do miss the connection with the kids and their parents. I have four little blond haired girls from two different families whose names I still get mixed up to this day! I don't always get to see the parents who picks up the little guy in his Sunday best, or the single mom of the new kid who was too shy to sing. I don't always get the chance to joke around with the kids or shake the hands of their folks because all the stuff has to get put away and cleaned up before I go.

(Slap upside the head)! Like the proverbial ton of bricks, it hit me. The stuff that has to be put away will still be there. I claim to want to build relationships with children and their families. I'm missing a prime connecting point right after the service. So, there in my hotel room far from my southern Oregon home, I resolved not to put anything away, not to help clean up, not to lift a single chair or piece of equipment until the kids were gone. Hey, our teen helpers can start if they want...that's fine. But for that golden time following the service, I want to be talking to children and greeting the parents. I want to make those connections. I told my wife about it, since any after-church plans could be affected. She understood and was all in favor. My pastor is thrilled. My team sometimes can stay later, sometimes can't, but they are all supportive.

Yes, I took a lot from CPC. But this little lesson on not cleaning up before the last child walks out the door was by far the most valuable.

CPC 08: MEETING FRIENDS

I'm often asked why I enjoy the Children's Pastor's Conference so much. Unless you are in this grand adventure called "children's ministry" and unless you've been to a CPC, it's kind of hard to explain. The typical expression about drinking out of the proverbial fire hydrant is close to the truth, but even that fails to account for what I take away from CPC each year I go. The workshops, the general sessions with the overwhelming worship and great speakers, and the opportunity to meet and fellowship with others who share a passion for children's ministry makes it all worth it.

Up high, looking down on the courtyard where we are welcomed to CPC

The resource center, where we can meet, greet, get information, buy stuff, and even get a freebie or two (or dozen)

Preschool favorite Miss Patty Cake!

The high adventure superhero known as Bibleman (Bibleman is the one on the right, just in case you were having trouble telling the difference).

On Tuesday night, I was honored to be a part of an informal Kidology gathering at one of the resteraunts here at the convention center. Kidology is an online resource network that is packed with helpful articles, ideas, and a discussion forum. Several Kidology members were at the CPC and so we got together for some soft drinks and discussion. It was great to finally put names and flesh-n-blood faces together with men and women I've interacted with on the computer. If any Kidology members are reading this, it was great to meet you all!

Karl Bastian, the Kidologist

And one final picture...

This picture is for the benefit of my co-workers and co-laborers back home at EPCBC. They think they know me sooooooo well as to know whether I ate this or not. Yeah...they think they know me soooooooo well. Sooooooooo well. Uh-huh!

Okay, I didn't eat it....but you think you know me sooooooooo well! Huh? I'm going to bed!

CPC 08: A TALE OF THREE CITIES...uhhh..CHURCHES

What do a shopping center, a 100 year old building, and a state of the art multi-acre complex have in common? Answer: they were all stops on the annual CPC Pre-Conference Church Tour. The church tour is one of my favorite parts of CPC, because I can get ideas about environments and "theme-ing out" rooms and areas. And though many of the churches I have visited over the years have a budget that outscales ours, some of their decorating leans more toward creativity than purchase-power.

Our first stop was local: North Coast Church in Vista. This church acquired a good chunk of a shopping center and turned it into a multi-building, multi-venue campus. I was impressed by their organization and creativity (I don't have all my pics to share in this post, but I have to say that the Narnia room was incredible!)

Entrance to the children's section, with canopied check-ins

One of the large group gathering areas.

First Christian Church of Huntington Beach seemed a long way from San Diego, but the ride actually took me within a short hop of where my wife and I used to live when we resided in the Fountain Valley/Huntington Beach area. This is a very old building which has gone through a lot of changes and transitions in the area of children's ministry. The church is going to be building a new facility soon, but in the meantime, they get points for creatively using resources to effect a theme.

The section where the children's ministries are held

The treehouse room...what if a kid designed and built it? That's the idea!

The tek room for the older kids. Amazing what some donated tvs and some tubing can help create.

The last stop on the tour was Mariner's Church in Irvine. Oh my! If there was an epitome of the word "mega-church", it would be this sprawling campus. The kids building looks like a corporate headquarters of a major business. Inside, of course, is the most important business of all: kids. Still, I saw evidences of decidedly low-tech, low-budget touches in this incredibly sophisticated building.

All I can say is "wow"

Early childhood staging area

4th and 5th grade staging area. Notice the gift-wrapped boxes in the back...hey! I can do that!

CPC 08: ARRIVAL (aka "Of Teeth and Tim")

I'm here!

"Here" is San Diego, California for the annual International Network of Children's Ministries' Children's Pastors Conference. Getting here was a testimony to God's spectacular mercies. You see, I had some pretty serious dental issues going into last weekend. I won't rehash the details of pain, the inability to sleep or eat, the cheek that looked like a "crazed chipmunk on steroids" (I liked that description). But everything I was told was that air travel in a pressurized cabin intensifies dental pain...and, in spite of a procedure earlier in the week, I was still not totally back to normal.

But glory be to God: no problems! I felt a little pressure and a non-painful twinge or two, but nothing even close to the pain I experienced the weekend before. So for all of you who were praying for me, I just want to say thank you and let you know that.....I'M HERE!

Grab a notebook and let the adventure begin!

P.S. For a slightly different perspective on CPC 08, check out the site I set up just for my preschoolers.

WORKING PAPERS 2: Leadership of Children's Ministries Director

A few days ago, I began sharing the results of some times of prayer and thought, trying to clarify just what I was and wanted to be as a children's ministries director. Last year brought some uncertainties to the ministry in which I have functioned for over a decade. I don't know what this year will bring, but in the meantime, I've tried to re-envision some things. Again, this is not earth-shattering, ground-breaking territory. Our team has heard most of these principles at one time or another. What is different is the presentation and maybe the passion behind it. As my senior pastor likes to say, "This will preach!"

My last installment had to do with our Sunday morning program (called "Sunday Morning Celebration"). Today, I'd like to share what the Children's Ministries Director in our church does in terms of leadership and his relationship to the whole scope of individual children's ministries.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

The Leadership and Relationship of the Children's Ministries Director to the Different Children's Ministries

ACTIVE LEADERSHIP

in Sunday Morning Celebration

SERVICE AND MINISTRY

to our ministry leaders, coordinators, and volunteers

• LEARNING about what and why they do what they do, respecting the Lord's leading in their individual ministries
• LISTENING to their questions, comments, and needs
• LIFTING them by providing resources, prayer, counsel, and encouragement as able and as needed
• LOVING them as they practice love for the children of our church and community

DIRECTION AND LEADERSHIP

to our ministries

• COMMUNING regularly at various levels with leaders and volunteers in formal and informal gatherings
• CONTRIBUTING to the success of each ministry by providing training, education, and equipping opportunities
• CREATING, as the Spirit leads, awareness of improved ministry procedures and methodologies
• CONNECTING the individual ministries into a coherent whole
• COMMUNICATING the activities, philosophies, vision, and ministry of our children's department to the congregation and community

TEENS AND PIZZA

We have a great bunch of teenagers at our church. Although I don't work with the youth groups, several of our youth do work with our children's department. But they also have a thriving, dynamic ministry of their own that reaches beyond the four walls of our church.

The high school group also goes on a couple of big retreats each year. The first one is in January in snowy Sun River. Teens get saved and baptized. They re-dedicate their lives to the Lord. And, yes, they have some good natured, creative fun.

The following is a video that someone took at last week's Sun River retreat where a few of our young men had some musical fun between sessions. It got posted on YouTube (and I confess to never having embedded a YouTube video in my blog, so here goes nothing!) Enjoy

AT LAST...REAL SNOW!

So far, winter has been a big tease.

Oh sure, we've gotten some winter weather. Snow. Freezing slush. Frozen rain. We even .got a white Christmas afternoon. But aside from it being cold and wet, our area hasn't gotten a whole lot of what one could call a "snow event." Our neighbors to the north and south and east have gotten slammed pretty hard. And a big hats off to my friends in the Chicago region, who are getting frozen to a degree unheard of here lately (no pun intended).

But for us...ehhh, some exciting moments, but moments none the less.

Until today. It was slightly rainy when I arrived at church, but nothing bad. Yes, it started as rain. Following the morning service, as our church's annual business meeting commenced, we noticed the rain. And more rain. And more rain. Boy, was it wet. And then we noticed some snow mixed in with the rain. And then a little more. And then a lot more. And then all we noticed was the snow. Motions and amendments and new elders being voted on began to dim as I kept glancing out the window to see the parking lot grow white. After the meeting, I drove home slowly. And the rest of the afternoon was history.

I put the trash barrel out for pickup and noticed how wonderful the snow looked at night. I also noticed how it had accumulated. After lo these many weeks, we finally had a genuine bona fide snow event. Our next door neighbors built a snow man. A couple of guys decided to do "donuts" in our cul de sac. But mostly, it was quiet.

A tangle of tree branches

My daughter's car is not going anywhere

Anybody care for a swim?

The dog trying to get a handle on this white, wet, fluffy stuff

WORKING PAPERS 1: The Sunday Morning Experience

Happy New Year!

For the last couple of months, I've been spending some time in thought and prayer, yellow legal pad and pen in hand, to put down some of my heart beliefs regarding children's ministry at our church. Many of the principles are not really new; after all, our folks have seen some of these things expressed in policy manuals, memos, and meetings. This is merely my attempt to systematically define where I'm at.

These things are not the final, authoritative word on children's ministry. Even after all this time, I am still first and foremost a student--learning, stumbling, making mistakes, trying and failing, and ever so often trying and succeeding. I get my "stuff" from the same places many of you get yours. Some things apply to our local ministry, but if you see something that "fits" and you can use it, feel free. These are "working papers" which could possibly change over time.

Today's feature is "The Sunday Morning Experience."
**************************************************
ENVIRONMENT
Fun: ensuring the room and activities are "functionally cool" and fostering an atmosphere of "edutainment" (educational entertainment).
Friendly: striving to make each child feel welcome and loved, and each parent to feel confident about leaving his or her child with us.
Fearless: provifing a safe and secure atmosphere physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually through regular maintenance, adequate supervision, and screening of volunteers

RELATIONSHIPS
Kids with one another
Kids with safe and caring adults
Kids with the Lord Jesus Christ

TEACHERS
Knowing
Procedures and programs (every volunteer should be able to answer basic questions about the Children's Ministries Department)
Lessons and learners (every teacher should be a dedicated student of the Scriptures as well as a sutdent of children and how they learn best)
Growing
In their faith each and every day
In their skills as a teacher
Showing
Connection to kids, the ultimate mission field

KIDS CELEBRATING
The Lord Jesus Christ
Our Salvation
The Word of God
Our Fellowship

WHADJA GET 2007 EDITION

Truly, the presents are just the icing on the proverbial cake!

The older I get, the more Christmas has taken on a different flavor. Oh, I've always known that Jesus is the "reason for the season." I've always appreciated the separation between the materialism of the holidays and the spiritual implication of those holidays. But when I was younger, I remember the march to December 25 always seemed insufferably slow. I remember it was hard to sleep on Christmas Eve. And I remember, in spite of really, truly rejoicing in the birth of the Savior, that I was thrilled beyond measure to rip into the packages.

Now, Christmas arrives at lighting speed, with barely time to prepare. I tend to sleep in on Christmas day. And if Christmas dinner is ready before it's time to open presents, that's okay...I can wait. To borrow a cliche from movies: "this is bigger than the trappings!"

But, let's face it...the presents are nice. They show that someone thought of me and cared enough to purchase or make a gift. And, yes....presents are fun! I think they are intended to be enjoyed. Once again, I feel like a kid.

Soooo, in the spirit of kid-ness, I want to tell you some of the "stuff" I got for Christmas. And then I want to find out some of the stuff you got.

• Brand new Bible (if you saw my current one, you'd understand!)
• Shirts
• Socks
• Beard and mustache trimmer
• Nuts
• updated Quick Verse (Bible study software)
• Videos: Spider-Man 3, Fantastic Four 2, Batman Begins, Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
• Video fun: the Mr. Button video collection. Our kids grew up watching Mr. Button videos. They are as stilted and cheesy as you can get. I casually mentioned them to my wife as a point of nostalgia. Guess what showed up under the tree?
• Honorable mention: on my Secret Santa profile at the DayCare where I work, I mentioned that I wanted no mugs. I like mugs, but aside from getting at least one nearly every year, our cupboard is crammed full of mugs. So my delightful and resourceful co-workers each decided to get me the tackiest mugs they could find.
• Commentary

Okay, there's my list. Now you tell me: WHADJA GET?

MORE FREE ENTERTAINMENT ONLINE

If you are a child and have attended what we call "Large Group Celebration" at our church, you may be familiar with "Playtime Parables." Playtime Parables are Bible stories or Biblical principles acted out with action figures and other toys. The inspiration for this teaching method came from Mr. Karl Bastian, the Kidologist, who created an ongoing collection of action figure stories called "Tales from the Toybox." They are, in my humble opinion, the cadallac of "object stories."

Well, to make your season bright, Karl is uploading a different Christmas-themed Toybox Tale on each day leading up to Christmas. You can see what all the fun is about by going to http://www.kidologist.com/12-Days-of-ToyBoxTales.

Enjoy!

P.S. If you like these and want to see even more Toybox Tales, check out Karl's dedicated website www.toyboxtales.com.

MUSIC TO MAKE THE SEASON BRIGHT

It's very rare that you can get anything for nothing these days. But ever so often, the internet yields a treasure that is not only fun, but free. Such has been the case with Steve Tanner's 25 Days of Christmas Music. Since 2001, Steve has provided a daily holiday musical selection that spans the boundries of generations, genres, and familiarity. Some are well known, some are obscure, some are rare recordings not heard in decades. It's fun to listen, fun to collect, and (best of all), it's free.

Just click on the link above and enjoy the holiday season. And for the two of you who actually read this blog, tell them Teacher Tim sent you!

SPECIAL REPORT: RVCM NETWORK CONFERENCE 07

Rogue Valley Children's Ministries Network

"It is easier to build a child up than to repair an adult."

That was one of the earlier insights by Kevin Geer, keynote speaker at this year's regional Children's Ministries Conference, sponsored by the Rogue Valley Children's Ministries Network. It was a cool, cloudy morning as our group arrived at the absolutely gorgeous Bethel Church in Medford. This conference is a highlight of the year for our team of KidServants...a time of fellowship, music, workshops, and equipping. In years past, we've had speakers from all over the country come with their encouragement, challenge, and inspriration. Kevin Geer was no exception.

Bethel Church, located high on the hill on the outskirts of Medford

Mr. Geer, who is the Children's Ministries Director for the Northwest Ministry Network of the Assemblies of God, developed the theme of INVEST-INCLUDE-IMAGINE in three general gatherings. In the first session ("INVEST"), Kevin challenged us to invest in children, but also to invest in our families and in ourselves.

The second session ("INCLUDE") took the form of a panel Q & A with other children's ministry leaders fielding submitted questions. The point was to demonstrate the need to network with other ministers.

The third gathering ("IMAGINE") drove home the idea that, in spite of what we imagine ourselves to be, we are ultimately those made in the image of God.

The general gatherings also featured praise music by the Michael Bahn Band. We were also treated to an outstanding puppet presentation by the Faith Puppeteers! The general sessions were punctuated by the workshops, which presented a variety of topics along different tracks. I managed to pick up some books at the vendor's tables (budget prevented me from buying more, but oooooboy!)

Faith Puppeteers rock out to the B-I-B-L-E

There are dozens of outstanding conferences during the year. As the Lord provides funds, I like to attend the CPC in San Diego. There are other opportunities to learn, fellowship, and network on a huge scale (Kid U, Northwest C.E. Conference, Saddleback, etc.). But I would encourage anyone and everyone to check their local children's ministry associations and networks for smaller, regional conferences which provide a great opportunity to build yourself up with men and women who are in your neighborhood and with whom you can have coffee without having to drive hundreds of miles. It is a blessing and a half (as a friend of mine is fond of saying).