Giving Like a Child

What a perfect fall day!  Could it have been any prettier?  The temperature was exquisite, the sun was shining, and the breeze was gentle.  As I was leaving the Harvest Picnic today I started mulling over the events of the morning.  As I got to the children's homily, I was awestruck.  If you missed it, the Readers' Digest version is this:  Father Peter gave each child 10 pennies and asked them "if these pennies are from God and you gave them all away, do you think He would give you more?"  The children pondered this a minute.  They were then challenged to give their pennies, all of their pennies, to the congregation.  Without questioning, they did this again and again until every member had a penny and again and again they were give more pennies.  Finally, when everyone had a penny the children returned to the steps empty handed.  At this point they were given 10 more pennies and a quarter.  Delighted, the children returned to sit with their parents.  What struck me more than the lesson of "give and you will recieve" was the attitude of giving by the children.  They gave their pennies away with an energy that was that was inspiring.  They were happy to give their pennies away, all of them, without knowing what they were going to end up with.  Oh, if only I could give to the Lord like a child.  With a smile on my face, no questions, and trusting that in the end everything would turn out fine. 

Annual Fall Festival

Once again the youth of Christ Church put on a spectacular Fall Festival.  There were games, candy, face painting, and hot dogs....just to name a few!  I must say that the Youth of our church are probably one of the most giving and strongest ministering groups we have.  They give so unconditionally wanting everyone to enjoy the events that they take part in.  And they are constantly ministering to me.  I see that their hearts are in whatever the task 100% and they give without expecting anything in return.  I am reminded that I need to follow their example.  And my favorite is the way they interact with our children.  As a parent of a 5 and 2 year old in our church, I am ever grateful that they have this group of parishioners to look up to.  

I think this was by far one of the best Fall Festivals that I have ever been to in my 6 years at CEC.  Children were happy, adults were relaxing, and it seemed like everyone was enjoying being together.  As I was watching the merriment, I thought about people who are very much against Halloween.  And while I am not in favor of scaring people or condoning witchcraft or mocking death, I am in favor of finding an excuse to bring together our church family for fellowship.  I savor these opportunities we have to get to know each other better....Sundays just aren't enough. 

Christmas Pageant 2010

I can't believe that it is time once again to start thinking about the Christmas Pageant, especially when it is going to be 80 degrees today, one of the last days in October!  Every year Christ Church reenacts the mystery of Christmas.  As usual we will continue this tradition and as usual we will put our Christ Church twist on it!  Our very own Gen Bolena is going to help the choristers and cherubs write some of the music for the performance.  Along with singing, the children will play the music as well. Again there will be some traditional music mixed amongst our original pieces.  The Pageant will be followed by a potluck supper.  Each person should bring a dish to share.  All of the festivities are held in the Ministry Center.  I have been asked on several occassions "why the Ministry Center when the church is such a beautiful, natural backdrop?"  I agree that we have a magnificent church but the Ministry Center provides the space we need for the instruments and movement of the performance.  I hope that everyone will plan to come and/or participate this year in the Christmas Pageant!

This is the beginning!

As a member of the computer-as-a-main-form-of-communication generation, I asked myself "what other ways can we get the word out about what we are doing at Christ Church in Children's Minsitries?"  As I was pondering this I happened to be on a friend's new blog, and it hit me.....a blog!!  We could post information and pictures of  all of the cool, exciting stuff we are doing.  And then I started!  Although I mentioned that I am part of the computer-as-a-main-form-of-communication generation this does not mean that I am very good at it!  However, I am persistant and always perservere.  With that said, I am excited about this blog and hope that you will bear with me and my many computer disabilities!  As Olympia Dukakis said in Steel Magnolias "that which does not kill us makes us stronger" I hope to be a stronger member of the computer generation when it's all said and done (hoping that the navigation in publishing this blog doesn't do me in!!)  My hope is to bring you information about the many facets of our ministry.  I also hope to publish thoughts and wonders for you to ponder from time to time.  Here goes...