C.W. PLAYHOUSE THIS SUNDAY: BGMC SUNDAY AND SAMUEL

This Sunday in the C.W. Playhouse we begin the wrap up of our series on the Judges as we begin the book of 1 Samuel and focus on the final Judge of Israel, Samuel.  This week's lesson actually focuses on Samuel's mother and his birth as a result of her prayers.  The kids will learn that God always answers prayer with either Yes, No, or Wait.  Of course, we'll have the typical fun, but we'll wrap up this week with a time of prayer believing that God will meet us at the altar.  Join us at 10:30am, Sunday morning.

THIS SUNDAY IS BGMC SUNDAY!  BRING THOSE BUDDY BARRELS!  

Remember, we're shooting for the higher goal of $3000 this year!

EPIC WATER NIGHT: Noah's Ark and the Water War!

Check out the pictures of our Epic Water Night!

PK taught about the World Wide Flood and the judgment that is coming in a salvation message...

...then took them outside and bravely took them all on at once!

30 minutes of 20+ water gun streams focused on one head!  What PK doesn't do for his kids...

(Special thanks to Maggie Graff, the only other adult who was brave enough to stand at PK's side through most of it... until the end when she wisely gave up and took pictures instead.  :-D)

10 Ways to Teach Your Children Humility from AllProDad.com

Humility, dictionary definitions say, is marked by modesty, meekness, diffidence and an unassuming attitude. Dictionaries also contrast humility with arrogance and pride.  Yet we live in a culture where pride is celebrated, arrogance is almost a perquisite to be taken seriously in business, politics and sports.  Ideas such as “nice guys finish last” are touted as "No-duh!" truth.
Well, listen up! If we think humility is only for wimps and losers, then we really don’t know what the word means. Humility can only come from those who actually have something about which to be humble. The humble are those whocould crow, but chose to keep their beaks shut.
Humility is also a close associate of gratitude, and it’s an attribute that simply oozes class. Here are 10 ways to teach humility to your kids, and (maybe) ramp it up a bit in your own life:
1. Modeling:
   Never underestimate the power of teaching through example. Humility must be consistently modeled as a life-style, not an on-again, off-again example.
2. Build them up:
   This may sound contra-indicative—but it’s important to understand that humility always comes from a position of belief, strength and self-assurance.
3. Encourage and help them to be the very best they can be—no matter what they do:
   Humility works best when your child has actually achieved something! Help your child achieve with confidence.
4. Make sure they understand where their real value comes from:
   It’s easier to side-step pride or arrogance when children understand that they are valued simply because they are your child, not because they make others look bad, or win the race, or that they have a prettier mom (and a smarter dad!), or earn a higher income, or score the most runs.
5. Never humiliate your kids:
   Humility cannot be imposed. It’s important not to confuse humiliation, bullying, and beating down with an education in humility.
6. Expose your child to the great teachers and their stories:
   Jesus, Mother Teresa, Eric Liddell…
7. Teach them to serve:
   - Serve the homeless
   - Serve the poor
   - Serve their family
   - Serve one another
8. Coach them how to respond:
   Kids need to be taught to say “Please?” and “Thank you.”  as much as they need to be taught to brush their teeth and to stay out of traffic. So why expect them to know humility without guidance?  Here’s an example:  “Look, Jr., that’s a great job you did on that science-fair project. You deserved to win the prize. Now, this is how you handle it in class tomorrow… let’s practice saying,
   ‘Thanks!’
   ‘I like the way my friend, Matt, did his project, too.’
   ‘I don’t think I could have won without the help of my teacher.' ”
   You get the idea. 
9. Teach them how to apologize:
   The well-timed and sincere apology is a key component of humility. Sometimes they’re wrong—they need to acknowledge that. Sometimes they over-reach and it’s time to back up. Sometimes, they get unintentional consequences they need to smooth over.
10. Teach them to give thanks:
    A genuinely grateful heart is a key building block for humility. Gratitude, practiced and eventually owned, enhances humility at every turn. The person saying “Thank you.” affects a posture that is unassuming and modest. Try this: every time someone offers a compliment, simply say, “Thank you.” It’s the kind of response that eventually soaks in, grows roots, and blooms humility.

WEDNESDAY EPIC ANIMAL NIGHT: Racine Zoo info

REMINDER:  This coming Wednesday night, we will be taking a field trip to the Racine Zoo in lieu of our usual activities here at the church.

WHO:  Children K-6th grade AND PARENTS!!
             (Pre-school aged children are welcome with their parents in attendance.)

PARENTS NEED TO FILL OUT A PERMISSION FORM IF NOT ATTENDING WITH KIDS!
See Pastor Kevin to obtain a form and return it with payment by Wednesday night departure.

COST:                     GROUP*                INDIVIDUAL+
             Children:       $2.00                         $4.00
             Adults:          $4.00                         $6.50
             Seniors:         $3.00                         $5.50
                    *Group Prices only apply for those who enter the zoo with the large group around 5pm.
                    + Racine County Residents get half-price admission with proof of residence.

WHEN:  Leaving Prayer House at 4:30pm and returning by 8pm
                     (Families may drive to the zoo and meet us later, but group pricing will not apply.)

IMPORTANT NOTES:  Please remember to feed your kids a good meal before joining us and possibly sending them with a small snack including a drink for the evening.  We will NOT be providing food for this short trip.

C.W. PLAYHOUSE: Ruth Finds a Redeemer

Tomorrow in the C.W. Playhouse, we explore the historical account of Ruth, the great-grandmother of King David!  We'll be gleaning wheat in a memory verse game and unscrambling words from the story so tell your kids to get their sleep and wear their glasses if they have 'em.  Of course, we'll have all the usual fun with crazy characters, puppets and praise songs!  See you at 10:30 Sunday!

It's Hard to Raise a Leader

Some children are born leaders. They want to control their parents, their siblings, their friends, and even people they don’t know. They have their own agenda and want everyone else to know what it is and how to fit into it. Leaders can be a real blessing in life but they sure are hard to raise.

One of the greatest gifts you can give to your budding leader is the ability to follow. To follow means listening to the needs and desires of others, submitting to someone else's agenda, and learning how to work cooperatively on a team. All good leaders need to know how and when to follow.

Although you will nurture the leadership gifts your child possesses, it's also your job to teach him or her how to work with others. The weaknesses of young leaders are demonstrated in negative ways like arguing, badgering, and being demanding or angry. Don't just brush off these weaknesses as inevitable. Take time to correct, but do it in a way that appreciates the child’s gifts. "Karen, I can tell you're going to be a leader someday, but remember that good leaders need to think about the needs of others." Or, "Jim, I like the way you take initiative with your brother. Remember, though, that a good leader is also a good listener."

As you guide the development of your young leader you’ll not only make family life easier now, but also you’ll be equipping him for the future. Your hard work will be worth it in the end.


This parenting tip comes from the book Home Improvement, The Parenting Book You Can Read to Your Kids by Dr. Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN, BSN.

Tomorrow Night: EPIC WATER WAR!

THE KEVINATOR!

Tomorrow night Pastor Kevin and Aimee will come armed for a war of water with your children!  So make sure to dress them for a good soaking... and equipped with whatever they have to give back as good as they get!  We'd also recommend bringing towels for the ride home!  We will start in the Playhouse for lesson time and then the War will begin outside!

BY THE WAY, PK IS LOOKING FOR A FEW MORE PLASTIC WADING POOLS TO FILL UP WITH WATER OUT IN THE FIELD.  IF YOU HAVE ONE AT HOME YOU CAN BRING IN TOMORROW A BIT EARLY SO WE HAVE TIME TO FILL IT, THAT WOULD BE GREAT!

THE MORE THE MERRIER!

Pilgrim's Progress: The Epic Hike!

 The kids leave the church and hike over to Poerio Park behind Bose School where PK begins the story of the Pilgrim's Progress explaining that he is the main character, "Christian" and that they (the kids) are his conscience telling him which way to go and what to do throughout his journey.  The kids are given a map of the path showing them which way to go and listing the dangers along the way.  They are given one instruction: Don't leave the path marked on the map!

"Evangelist" shows up giving Christian a Bible with instructions on how to get to the Celestial City and escape the City of Destruction.  He tells him that if he will stay on the path, the heavy burden he carries will be removed and he will be given opportunity to rescue others as well.

Another resident of the City of Destruction decides to join Christian, but not without fear and doubt.

 Soon "Spineless" gives up and turns back against the better judgment of "Christian's" many voices of reason and he finds himself alone (with his consciences).

 The Burden grows heavy!

 But then "Christian" comes to the "Salvation Grove" where a "Shining One" meets him at the foot of the Cross.  "Christian repents and his burden falls off.  

He is given new white clothes to wear and a sealed certificate to show at the gates of the Celestial City.

Newly armed with the [lightsaber] of the Spirit, "Christian" skips joyfully on his way, celebrating his newfound freedom!

 But soon he is confronted by a fierce Giant who threatens to take him to the Castle of Doubt!

 Christian resists, listening to his conscience and the Word of God.

The Giant taunts him to despair as he passes.

Soon, Christian comes upon the Path of Humility, a narrow and daunting path, not as easy to follow as the wide path, but again his conscience(s) lead the way.

Unfortunately, just because it is the right path does not mean that it is not fraught with danger.

Soon "Christian" finds himself passing through the Valley of the Shadow of Death and is confronted by Apolyon, a powerful demonic spirit.

But using the [Light]Sword of the Spirit in an EPIC choreographed battle, "Christian" vanquishes the force of darkness.

 Of course, it is easier to get into the valley than out...

... but "Christian" finally makes it out.  Unfortunately, he did not escape his confrontation with darkness unscathed.

"Evangelist" encourages "Christian" and prays for his healing.

"Christian" is refreshed and continues his Epic Journey!

Next, "Christian" meets "Talkative" who invites him to join her for fun at the city of Vanity Fair, tempting him with entertainments of every kind.  The temptation nearly proves too great for some of "Christian's" advisers when "Talkative" lures them with REAL candy!

Having barely escaped this great temptation, Christian comes upon a fellow traveler.  Christian witnesses to "Apostacy," informing him that not all roads lead to the Celestial City, and convinces him to join him on the right path.

Could that be the light of that glorious city at the end of the road...

... or rather another "Shining One?"

Not a "Shining One" at all, but rather a demon masquerading as an Angel of Light...

...and "Apostacy" is found without faith and no true salvation at the Cross!

Christian finishes his journey to the Celestial City alone...

...not counting his many little guides.

Helping Kids Deal with Emotions

Many families ignore emotions or view them as a nuisance. But emotions affect children more than they realize. One of the keys to helping children understand emotions is to teach them the difference between the feeling and the response. It’s okay to feel sad, but that doesn't justify treating people unkindly.

When Joel was thirteen, his dog, Skippy, died. Joel had raised Skippy from a puppy. They played together, slept together, and Joel had taken care of Skippy when he was sick. Now his beloved friend was gone. Joel’s heart was broken. The pain was intense. He spent the next few days bouncing between lashing out at those around him and withdrawing into himself. His heart was working hard to absorb this unwanted new experience: life without his loyal friend.

Mom was patient with Joel, giving him space to grieve and work things out. She initiated conversation with him often and looked for ways to comfort him. Sometimes Joel used his sadness as an excuse for being unkind or disrespectful, but Mom made it clear that grieving was okay; meanness was not. Over time, Joel adjusted to life without Skippy. Mom’s approach was successful because she considered Joel’s heart during that time.

Romans 12:15 tells us to “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” Emotions are a part of life. Children often need help recognizing and dealing with their emotions. They haven’t learned yet how to process all the feelings their hearts experience.

Teaching children about their emotions and the appropriate ways to deal with them will prepare kids for experiencing even deeper joys and sadness in the future. Helping children separate what they feel from how they treat you and others is an important part of that process.


This parenting tip comes from the book series, Parenting is Heart Work by Dr Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller.