Kidzlife is the children's program of New Life Community Church

Questions Kids Ask

2008-12-01T10:41:00.001-08:00

What Do Angels Really Look Like?

The word angel means "messenger."
Angels are God's messengers. They can also be God's warriors. In the Bible we read about people who saw angels. Sometimes the people knew they were angels, and sometimes they didn't.
Some angels described in the Bible have wings. Those angels are called cherubim. But most of the angels in the Bible stories looked like regular people. We don't know what angels look like in heaven.

I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I had heard and seen them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who had been showing them to me. But he said to me, "Do not do it! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers the prophets and of all who keep the words of this book. Worship God!"
(Revelation 22:8-9)

Family Night

2008-11-24T17:46:00.000-08:00

We had a great time at the KidzLife Family Fun Night.
For snacks we had bait, fish and chips and golden pieces of eight! We watched
"The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything" and shared some thoughts about how God can use us.
Some of the kids had pictures taken with a pirate, complete with talking parrot!

You can check the complete photo slide show on the web.

Click here to view all of the photos

Special thanks to the girl scouts who came to serve the children for this event!

Questions Kids Ask

2008-11-24T14:04:00.001-08:00

How Does God Make The Sun And Moon Go Up And Down?

God made powerful laws to guide the universe. These laws control the movements of the sun, moon, earth, and other planets and stars. For example, one law called "gravity" draws objects toward each other. Other laws control the weather. Many forces determine whether the day will be sunny or cloudy, warm or cold, such as the heat from the sun, the currents in the ocean, the wind, and more. God set up the rules that make all these forces work together. And because God controls the entire universe, He can interrupt the laws if He wants to - bring rain to dry land or bright sunshine to flooded areas. How powerful God must be to control all that!

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.
Psalm 19:1

Questions Kids Ask

2008-11-04T16:25:00.000-08:00

Can Christians Hear God Talking To Them?

In the Bible we read about people hearing God's voice. Today, the main way that God speaks to us is through the Bible. That's why it's called "God's Word" - the Bible is God's message to us. God may also speak to us through people and circumstances and in other ways. But God will never tell us to do something that goes against what he says in the Bible. And don't forget, God is with us all the time.

In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe.
(Hebrews 1:1-2)

Questions Kids Ask

2008-10-29T15:49:00.000-07:00

Does God Sleep, Or Does He Just Rest?

God does not have a physical body like us, so He doesn't need to sleep or eat. When the Bible says God "rests," it means He has stopped doing something. To us, that is like rest. But God doesn't get tired or worn out, so He doesn't need to rest the way we do. And when we go to sleep at night, God doesn't close His eyes either - He continues to watch over us.

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. (Psalm 32:8)

Questions Kids Ask

2008-10-23T16:34:00.001-07:00

Does God Have Friends Or Is He Alone?

God doesn't have other "gods" to be friends with. He is the only God there is. God doesn't need friends the way we do; he is perfectly happy being alone. But God also wants to have friendship with us. In fact, God wants to be our closest friend. So he has done a lot to make friends with us and to have our friendship. That's why he created us, sent Jesus to save us, gave us the Bible, and gave us the Church.

And you are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.(John 15:14-15)

Questions Kids Ask

2008-10-21T15:29:00.001-07:00

What Does God Look Like?

No one knows what God "looks like" because God is invisible and doesn't have a physical body as we do. But we can learn about God and see what God acts like by learning about his Son, Jesus. In the Bible we can read about how Jesus lived, how he treated people, and what he taught. That's what God is like.

Jesus answered: "Don't you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father...
(John 14:9)

The Gratitude Factor

2008-10-15T11:10:00.001-07:00

Gratitude

Gratitude increases closeness. Look for opportunities to show gratitude as you work to draw closer to your kids. Give your children opportunities to show gratitude also. Be careful, though, that you don’t confuse opportunities for gratitude with overindulgence.

Overindulgence is giving your children more than their character can handle. When children lack gratitude, the more you give them, the less they appreciate.
Overindulged children rarely become grateful when you give them more things. They grow to be more spoiled, demanding, and selfish. Parents then feel unappreciated and become resentful. The hearts of both parents and children harden toward each other, and closeness becomes a thing of the past.

If your children are overindulged rather than grateful, pull back on the area where you’re giving too much and look for ways to increase the areas where you’re lacking. Teaching gratefulness can be a challenge. Having a child say thank you is just behavior. Gratitude comes from the heart.

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.
Colossians 3:16

KidzLife Family Night

2008-10-07T15:36:00.000-07:00

Join us on Friday, November 7th for a Family Fun Event as we watch, “The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything A VeggieTales Movie”. Come discover What it Means to be a Real Hero!

$2/person or $1/person when you bring 2 cans of green beans or corn for God’s Kitchen in Corona. Tickets available starting today!

For more information send us an email: kidzlife@newlifecommunitychurch.net

Communicating for Closeness

2008-10-03T16:06:00.000-07:00

Communication is Key

Communication is at the center of all relationships. Closeness is communicated in many ways, and people communicate love differently. Here are five ways to communicate to your children that will provide opportunities for increased closeness in family life.

1. Greet Your Children
Greetings are the oil that keep relationships cordial. Hugging your children as part of a greeting or welcoming them to breakfast in the morning makes an important statement about the value of your relationship.

2. Connect With Your Children
Exchanging information about our lives helps people know what’s going on and contributes to a sense of connectedness. As you go through your day, think of a couple of interesting things you could share with your child.

3. Value Your Child’s Opinion
Sharing opinions and judgments can be scary because they feel like they’ll have to back them up or face an argument. Look for ways to affirm your children. “That makes sense” can be an encouraging statement even if you disagree. “Thank you for sharing your opinion with me,” can be a statement that encourages openness.

4. Look Behind The Words
Communicating emotions takes us deeper in any relationship. Facts and opinions often have emotions hidden behind them. “I bet that hurt” or “I can tell you’re excited about that,” acknowledges the feelings behind your child’s words.

5. Connect Spiritually
Praying together, sharing what God is teaching you, enjoying worship together, and having a sense of spiritual fellowship are all ways to enjoy the deepest level of communication. As you strengthen your spiritual lives together, you’ll see more and more opportunities to discuss heart issues.

Strong-Willed Children

2008-10-02T15:29:00.001-07:00

At the end of the day, parents of strong-willed children often feel as if they’ve been engaged in hand-to-hand combat—and that the child won! Many parents consider being strong-willed a negative personality trait because it often creates resistance and frustration in family life. Yet, in reality, it’s the strong-willed kids who are often better equipped to succeed, be creative, and face adversity.

Children with strong wills have the potential to become the next generation of leaders. They have their own ideas and plans. They’re persistent, confident, passionate, and determined to succeed at whatever they do.

Unfortunately, it can be hard raising a leader. Don’t be discouraged by the effort it takes to teach a strong-willed child which limits not to push. The strong-willed child accomplishes things in life, because the roadblocks that might hold others back are no match for this kid’s determination. The most important thing you can do is to help him know the difference between obstacles to overcome and limits to live within. To do this, your will needs to be stronger than your child’s!

A strong will can be an asset… as long as the heart is in the right place.

Parenting Tip

2008-09-25T12:41:00.000-07:00

When Young Children Run the Other Way:

It's hard to get very far in the discipline process if you call to Johnny and he runs the other way. Furthermore, it's not respectful when parents yell across the house or parking lot to their kids. At least part of the solution is to teach children to come when they’re called.
Some parents react negatively to this idea. It conjures up visions of authoritarian leadership like a sergeant yelling at a private in the military, belittling a person by pulling rank. These parents need to catch a vision for helping children develop a character quality of responsiveness.
It doesn't come naturally but children who don't learn to be responsive to another person make poor team members, inconsiderate friends, and difficult employees.

To teach children to come when they're called, you first have to explain what you mean. With young children you might say, "From now on, whenever I call your name, you need to come close to me and say "What Mom?" or "What Dad?" You might explain that it's important that they learn to listen carefully to your words and when they hear you call, they need to come and find out what you want.
The next step is to practice. With a two or three-year-old you may practice it several times an hour.
Be careful that you don't just practice when you want to give an instruction or when your child is running away from you in the store. Practice at home and at the park. Call your child just for fun. When he comes, say something like "I just wanted to tell you I love you" or "I just want to see how well you can obey."
The "Come When You're Called Rule" teaches responsiveness to authority. When children become teenagers you can tell the difference between those who have learned this concept and those that haven't.

The "Come When You're Called Rule" is a way that parents honor children and teens as well. It says, "I'm not going to yell at you across the house or parking lot. I'm going to take time to sit down and talk to you or get away with you to discuss this issue."

Parenting Tip

2008-09-22T12:27:00.000-07:00

Overcoming Selfishness With Honor:

Some parents are frustrated because their children are so self-focused that they can't seem to grasp the concept of honoring others.
How can you help children think about other people instead of always thinking about themselves?
One helpful way is to teach kids to recognize emotions in others and then know how to respond accordingly. One way to do this is to work with your child by using a journal to track and make observations about the emotions of others. Every evening ask your child to identify examples of a friend or family member who was sad, mad, or glad that day. Then ask the question, "How might you respond to that person in a helpful way?" Keep track in the journal of your child's answers and work with him/her in coming up with appropriate ways to respond.
Continue this exercise every evening for a couple of weeks. Over time, this should help your child get outside of him/herself, look at the needs and feelings of others, and then respond with honor.
When a brother or sister is mad, it might be best to leave them alone or to just ask a helpful question. With a friend who is sad, help can be offered. When Mom or Dad is glad, the child can enter into that gladness by listening to the story and enjoying the situation too.

The Bible says in Philippians 2:3, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility, consider others better than yourselves."
That's good advice for all of us. Seeing and responding to emotions in others is a great way to start.

New Small Group for Moms!

2008-09-09T11:29:00.000-07:00

Hi Moms,
You probably recognize Mandy and Vanessa in the photo and their newest additions, Samantha and Luke! These are the leaders of New Life's newest small group for moms.
If you've been wanting to get involved in a small group, but haven't been able to find one that works with your schedule, this might be the group for you!
This new small group is a place where moms can come with their young children and not worry about who is watching them because you will be! Our kids will be right here with us snuggling, sleeping, nursing, and sometimes even participating (we have very smart kids!) while we study the Bible together and lift each other up.
We will begin meeting on Friday mornings at 11:00am starting September 19th, 2008 right here at our Corona Hills building.

Come and join us!

For more information, call the church office at 951-736-5433 or send an email to groups@newlifecommunitychurch.net.

Smiling Faces

2008-08-18T16:51:00.000-07:00

Hey Parents!

There's about 100 great pictures of your kids and the people who serve them here...

30 Day Prayer Challenge

2008-08-10T02:54:00.000-07:00

One more for good measure!

30 Day Prayer Challenge Day 31

31) A Heart For The Lost:
Then Jesus told them this parable: Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?
Luke 15:3-4

"Lord, help my children to have the heart of a shepherd and to have concern for those who don't know you."

30 Day Prayer Challenge

2008-08-09T14:23:00.000-07:00

30 Day Prayer Challenge Day 30

30) Gratitude:
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
Colossians 2:6-7

"Lord, help my children to know and to practice real gratitude."

30 Day Prayer Challenge

2008-08-06T17:19:00.000-07:00

30 Day Prayer Challenge Day 29

29) Prayerfulness:
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Philippians 4:6

"Lord, teach my children the value and attitude of prayer. Help them to experience your peace as they bring their requests to you."

30 Day Prayer Challenge

2008-08-05T17:09:00.001-07:00

30 Day Prayer Challenge Day 28

28) Discernment:
let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance-
Proverbs 1:5

"Father, I pray that my children may develop discernment, that they would listen and add to their learning and receive your guidance."

30 Day Prayer Challenge

2008-08-04T20:51:00.001-07:00

30 Day Prayer Challenge Day 27

27) The Right Outlook on Work:
My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.
Psalm 63:8

"God, teach my children to long for you and cling to you and be passionate in their pursuit of you."

30 Day Prayer Challenge

2008-08-03T04:20:00.000-07:00

30 Day Prayer Challenge Day 26

26) The Right Outlook on Work:
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men
Colossians 3:23

"God, teach my children to incorporate their faith into their everyday life and work."

Funny??

2008-08-02T16:42:00.000-07:00

Wanna hear something funny?
I don’t know about you, but I’m getting the feeling I need some of these prayers more than my children!! (On second thought, maybe that's not so funny!)

So, guess what?
Yup, you guessed it. I’m now praying them for me too.

How ‘bout you??

30 Day Prayer Challenge

2008-08-02T06:15:00.000-07:00

30 Day Prayer Challenge Day 25

25) Hope:
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13

"Lord, give my children peace, joy and hope as they trust in you. May your Holy Spirit fill them up and overflow in them."

30 Day Prayer Challenge

2008-08-01T06:08:00.000-07:00

30 Day Prayer Challenge Day 24

24) The Heart of a Servant:
Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.
John 13:14-15

"God, help my children to see the example of Christ and follow it."

KidzLife Kidz

2008-07-31T15:17:00.000-07:00

This Sunday, we are going to show a video with some pictures of KidzLife kids. But, you can see the longer version of it here first!

30 Day Prayer Challenge

2008-07-31T15:06:00.000-07:00

30 Day Prayer Challenge Day 23

23) Faith:
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
Hebrews 11:1

"God, help my children to understand Biblical faith and to have their lives marked by faith in Christ."

30 Day Prayer Challenge

2008-07-30T12:51:00.001-07:00

30 Day Prayer Challenge Day 22

22) Contentment:
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:12-13

"God, teach my children the secret to contentment in any situation through the strength You provide."

Jesus blesses the children!

2008-07-29T13:59:00.000-07:00

"I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.
Mark 10:15-16

On Sunday, we shared the message of forgiveness in Christ with a simple object lesson; using a helium balloon representing people and weights attached to the balloon representing sin that keeps us separated from God. We then explained how all of our balloons have these weights attached and how Jesus' death on the cross releases us from them, which allows our balloon to rise into Heaven.
As a result, 11 children accepted Jesus for the first time.
Please take time to thank God and to pray for the kids. Those who accepted Jesus were:

Kloe Hale
Jeremy Goggins
Jason Sanchez
Molly Halter
Lauren Albrecht
Alex Gomez
McKenzie Gomez
Julia Wagner
Gabby Smith
Ketter Kruse
Jade Edwards

30 Day Prayer Challenge

2008-07-29T07:00:00.000-07:00

30 Day Prayer Challenge Day 21

21) Responsibility:
Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each one should carry his own load.
Galatians 6:4-5

"God, help my children to understand and embrace the character trait of responsibility in their lives."

30 Day Prayer Challenge

2008-07-28T17:23:00.000-07:00

30 Day Prayer Challenge Day 20

20) Compassion:
12Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Colossians 3:12

"Lord, help my children to have kind and compassionate hearts."

30 Day Prayer Challenge

2008-07-25T08:42:00.001-07:00

Here are the weekend prayers!

30 Day Prayer Challenge Days 17-19

17) Joy:
You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.
1Thessalonians 1:6

"God, help my children to experience the true joy that can only be received from the Holy Spirit, even in spite of circumstances."

18) Perseverance:
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
Hebrews 12:1

"Lord, teach my children perseverance in their faith and trust in you."

19) Humility:
Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.
Titus 3:1-2

"God, help my children to know true humility and to be truly humble."

30 Day Prayer Challenge

2008-07-23T17:37:00.000-07:00

We're half way done! How's it going?
It would be great to see your comments.
Click "comments" at the bottom of the blog post and let us know what God is doing in you and in your children through your prayers!

30 Day Prayer Challenge Day 16

16) Peace:
Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.
Romans 14:19

"God, help my children to do things that lead to peace and to know your perfect peace."

Prayer Challenge

2008-07-22T17:25:00.001-07:00

30 Day Prayer Challenge Day 15

15) Generosity:
Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.
1Timothy 6:18-19

"Lord, grant that my children may 'be generous and willing to share and that they would have a firm foundation in the age to come."

30 Day Prayer Challenge

2008-07-21T17:44:00.001-07:00

30 Day Prayer Challenge Day 14

14) Kindness:
Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.
1Thessalonians 5:15

"God, help my children to know kindness and to show kindness."

30 Day Prayer Challenge

2008-07-17T16:04:00.000-07:00

Thursday is my Friday!
Here are the next 3 prayers to get you through the weekend!

30 Day Prayer Challenge Days 11-13

11) Faithfulness:
Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.
Proverbs 3:3

"God, help my children develop a heart of love and faithfulness."

12) Courage:
6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."
Deuteronomy 31:6

"God, help my children always be strong and courageous in their character and in their actions."

13) Purity:
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Psalm 51:10

"God, may our children have purity of heart and may that purity be evident in their actions."

30 Day Prayer Challenge

2008-07-17T15:50:00.000-07:00

I don't know what it was like for you growing up but I remember what it was like for me. I found it very hard to deal with the kids that picked on me or said sarcastic things about me.
I could beat them up, but that's not the point.
When they said those things, it made me question myself. My self-esteem was tied to what others thought of me when it should have been tied to what God thinks of me. I pray that our children will not have the world's cheap imitation of self-esteem, but Biblical self-esteem.

30 Day Prayer Challenge Day 10

10) Strong, Biblical Self-Esteem:
For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Ephesians 2:10

"God, help my children develop a strong self-esteem that is rooted in knowing that they are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus."

30 Day Prayer Challenge / Days 8-9

2008-07-16T10:43:00.000-07:00

30 Day Prayer Challenge Days 8-9

8) Mercy:
Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
Luke 6:36

"May my children always be merciful as our Father is merciful"

9) Respect:
Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.
1Peter 2:17

"God, help my children to have an attitude of respect toward others; especially their parents and those who exercise care for them."

30 Day Prayer Challenge / Day 7

2008-07-14T17:05:00.001-07:00

30 Day Prayer Challenge Day 7

7) Justice:
He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
Micah 6:8

"God, help my children to love justice as You do and to 'act justly' in all they do"

30 Day Prayer Challenge Days 3-6

2008-07-10T10:16:00.001-07:00

You already know I'm praying specific prayers from the Bible for my kids over the next 30 days.
What you may not know is that I'm praying the same prayers for your children. Because I am the children's ministry director, I know many of your children personally. I have a personal desire to see your children grow in their faith and become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ.

Since I'm out of the office for the next few days, I am posting some prayers ahead of time. Keep Praying!!

30 Day Prayer Challenge Days 3-6

3) Love:
and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Ephesians 5:2

"Lord, help my children learn to live a life of love through Your Holy Spirit"

4) Honesty and Integrity:
May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope is in you.
Psalm 25:21

"Lord, may integrity and honesty be their virtue and their protection."

5) Self Control:
So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled.
1Thessalonians 5:6

"Father, help my children be alert and self controlled in all they do."

6) A Love For God's Word:
The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb.
Psalm 19:9-10

"Father, may my children grow to find your Word 'more precious than gold, and sweeter than honey from the comb.'"

30 Day Prayer Challenge Day 2

2008-07-09T12:23:00.001-07:00

We could all pray more right?
Well, if you really feel that way, join me in doing something about it!
I’m committing to pray for my children from the Bible each day for 30 days.

Each day I will post a daily prayer with Scripture reference.

Here is today's prayer with Scripture:

30 Day Prayer Challenge Day 2

2) Growth In Grace:
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.
2Peter 3:18

"Lord, I pray that my children will grow in grace and knowledge of their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."

30 Day Prayer Challenge Day 1

2008-07-08T12:11:00.000-07:00

We could all pray more right?
Well, I’m doing something about it!
I’m committing to pray for my children from the Bible each day for 30 days. Would you like to do the same for your children?

Each day I will post a daily prayer with Scripture reference.

Starting Today!

30 Day Prayer Challenge Day 1

1) Salvation:
Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.
2Timothy 2:10

"Lord, let salvation spring up within my children, that they may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus."

Getting to know your kids

2008-06-10T17:22:00.000-07:00

Want to get to know your child on a more spiritual level?

Prayer is a great way to start.
Do you know what your child is asking God for? Have you caught a glimpse of the way God is moving in your child's heart?

Praying with your child can open a whole new world of spiritual development you may not have been aware of. Here are a few questions and tips that can help you see your child through spiritual "eyes."

Questions:

Is there something my child prays about over and over?
Do my child’s prayers have a common theme, subject, or a specific person in mind?
What am I learning about my child by listening to his/her prayers?
What am I teaching my child by what I pray for?
How can I help my child expand his/her prayer life?
Am I praying for my child when I pray with my child? (Does your child know that you pray for him/her and what you pray for?)

Tips:

When you pray with your child, use age-appropriate language he/she can understand.
Teach your child persistence in prayer by praying regularly for someone or something only God can do something about.
Pray with your child about your own struggles.
Ask your child who he/she knows that could use God’s help with something.
Reinforce your child’s prayer by praying for your child’s concern also.
Regularly read the Bible with your child. Then, pray about something related to what you read together.

Not praying with your child? It’s never too late to start!
Start today!

New KidzLife Volunteers

2008-05-06T12:34:00.001-07:00

We have 7 new people serving in Kidzlife this session. We want to give a special thanks to….

Barbara Bowling- who is serving at the 9:30 service with the infants/toddlers.
Aaron Hale-11:00am infant/toddlers
Kelli Hale- 11:00am Pre K
Jaime Mulari- 11:00am infant/toddlers
Anna Diekmann- 9:30 infant/toddlers
Connie St George- 11:00am pre s/k
Christy Asbra- 11:00am infants/toddlers

If you would like to find out about serving at Kidzlife contact us at
kidzlife@newlifecommunitychurch.net

Friendship with Jesus

2008-04-22T18:03:00.000-07:00

Children in the toddler to kindergarten age usually don’t understand terms like “Savior,” “Redeemer,” and “Lamb of God” – terms that are often used to describe Jesus. Other concepts such as death and resurrection are too abstract for youngsters to grasp.
To describe a relationship with God in child-friendly language, few words may be as good as “friend.” Children are familiar and comfortable with the concept. They’re starting to form their own friendships and know how it feels to have and be a friend.

When sharing Jesus with your child, try this approach:

Talk to children about their friends.
Have kids talk about their friends’ special traits. Ask what they like to play with each individual and why their friends are important to them.

Brainstorm the qualities of good friends.
Ask children what good friends do and how they act. Discuss what makes someone your best friend. Ask older children what they’re willing – and unwilling – to do for their friends.

Share the good news that Jesus is the perfect friend.
Children learn pretty early that friends can let them down. Remind your kids that God’s Son, Jesus, loves them and wants a relationship with them. Jesus is the best friend we’ll ever have.

Grappling With Authority part 2

2008-04-11T16:34:00.001-07:00

This week's Grapple question is:
When Do I Get To Be The Boss?

Kids Learn:
Serving Leads To Leadership

Dig Into The Bible:
1Samuel 17:32-37, 18:5-9
Luke 22:24-27
John 13:1-17
1Timothy 4:12

This week, share with your children some funny stories about your earliest jobs. Did you flip burgers, deliver pizzas, or mow lawns? Explain to your preteen that nobody gets to start out as the CEO. Discuss ways you've grown in yhour career and explain how being a servant has enabled you to do more. Talk with your child about how you've seen serving lead to leadership.

No Room At The Inn?

2008-04-08T12:51:00.001-07:00

Since we have moved back into this building, we have seen an unusual number of visitors to New Life. This is a huge answer to prayer! Let's take the time to thank God in all our prayers for all the ways He is working in His church.

Speaking of prayers :) .....
Last Sunday, we had to turn away two families from KidzLife because of the large number of children in the infant/toddler ages. We have the room, but couldn't meet the child to adult ratio needed for a safe environment.
Please join us in praying that God will provide all the volunteers we need to respond to the growing number of children coming to our church.

Grappling With Authority

2008-04-03T13:23:00.000-07:00

Grapple is the name of the curriculum we use for 5/6 grade students. Each week they "grapple" with a Biblical truth and the way it connects to real life.

Here's this week's connection:

Grapple Question:
Why do so many people boss me around?
Students Learn:
God puts people in charge.
Dig Into The Bible:
Romans 13:1-5
1Peter 2:13-17

Has your child ever seen you after a bad day with the boss, or after you received a speeding ticket? How do you respond to those in authority over you?
Help your child understand that even adults have to obey people who are in charge! Set an example for your child of respecting those whom God has put in authority. In your own home, work with your child to come up with a few rules that you both find fair - that way your child can feel some ownership in the rules and wont feel so bossed around.

Skate Party!

2008-03-18T13:47:00.001-07:00

KidzLife is having a skate party for our 5th and 6th grade students!
When: Sunday, March 30th from 1:00-3:30pm

Call the church office for more details.

Parenting Passages

2008-03-05T11:32:00.001-08:00

1. Parents must teach God’s truth (Deuteronomy 4:9; 32:46).

2. Parents must lovingly discipline children because they are immature and need guidance (Proverbs 22:15; 29:15).

3. Parents should not exasperate their children (Ephesians 6:4).

4. Parents’ wise decisions bring blessing to their children (Deuteronomy 30:19-20).

5. It's important to teach children to obey (Eph. 6:1; 1 Tim. 3:4).

6. Parents who faithfully train their children can be confident that their efforts are not in vain (Prov. 22:6).

A parent’s responsibility is not to his child’s happiness; it’s to his character.
– Anonymous

Thanks To Our Volunteers!

2008-02-13T10:55:00.000-08:00

Each week, we have a great team of people who commit their time and effort to helping our children learn about Jesus.

On Sunday, take time to say thanks to someone who is serving our Lord by serving our children.

Do you speak "Love"?

2008-01-24T13:30:00.001-08:00

Do you know your child's "love" language? In other words, what do you do or say that causes your child to feel loved?
Do you know how the language is different from one child to another?
Knowing what makes your child feel loved can help you be more intentional in demonstrating that love to your children in a way that has the strongest connection for each one in his/her own unique way.
Here are five suggestions that come from a book called “The Five Love Languages of Children” by Dr. Gary Chapman and Dr. Ross Campbell.

Which do you recognize as the language your own children speak?
Can you think of others?

1. Words of Affirmation

2. Quality Time

3. Receiving Gifts

4. Acts of Service

5. Physical Touch

Seven Ways To Impact Your Child's Faith

2008-01-03T15:29:00.001-08:00

More is Caught than Taught! Model a growing and personal faith. If they don’t see it, they won’t catch it.
Include faith in normal conversations.
Be well-rounded. Your faith needs to have a connection to every aspect of your life.
Be authentic. Be honest. Be transparent.
Serve together.
Pray for your children and with them.
Read the Bible with your children.

What's a Manger, Anyway?

2007-12-18T19:31:00.001-08:00

Remember that manger in the nativity scene on your mantle?
Not likely!
I know you imagine A-frame sticks, but a manger probably looked like this. This is an ancient cattle trough, used to feed animals.

A manger is: ‘a trough or an open box in which feed for livestock is placed’ (American Heritage Dictionary).

God uses Madame Blueberry!

2007-12-13T18:22:00.001-08:00

Here is another example of how God is using KidzLife in the lives of the children of our church. Read the following email I received:

On Saturday we were out shopping and Trevor and Tommy kept asking if we could buy them toys and other things. They were each allowed to get a small item, but when we got back to the car and were about halfway home Trevor calmly said, "I should have remembered what we saw in the video at church on Sunday."
He recited the whole story about Madame Blueberry. Then he told us that he shouldn't be greedy and should be happy with what he has.

Madame Blueberry is no Billy Graham but God has a way of finding the least likely ways to move His people to faith and discipleship. He does this so that there can be no doubt as to who is responsible. All glory to God!!

But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before Him. It is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness, and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.”
--1Corinthians 1:27-31

Thankfulness

2007-12-11T10:51:00.001-08:00

Too often, we underestimate or simply don't see when God is doing a powerful work through the children's ministry. Please join me in thanking God for the way He is moving in our ministry.

I love it when I see that a young child “gets it”!

A very proud mom handed this letter to me. Her 9 year old daughter had a school assignment over the Thanksgiving holiday to write a short paper about what she is thankful for.

Check it out!

This thanksgiving I am thankful for two wonderful things! The first thing I’m thankful for is my loving and caring family. Sometimes, my dad takes me and my sister to the park to play teeball. My mom lets me help her cook good things like cake, cookies, and maybe even pies. The second thing I’m thankful for is Jesus! Jesus died on the cross to save us from our sins. Jesus is the Son of God and I could never live without Him. All in all, I wish you a happy Thanksgiving and I hope you will be thankful for your things two.

A Lot To Smile About

2007-12-04T14:31:00.001-08:00

The largest ministry in the church is getting bigger! We have been praying that God would move the hearts of people to serve in KidzLife and He has. Be sure to welcome the following people to the KidzLife family:

Sarah Webster-11:00 Toddlers

Jeannette Russell-9:30 Nursery/Toddlers

Lindsey Russell-9:30 Nursery/Toddlers

Zac Dunn-Set Up and 1st-4th Grade

Let’s join together in praying for our new volunteers (and the rest of us!) and thank God for them.

I thank my God every time I remember you. in all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel…
--Philippians 1:3-5a

Bible Study Tips

2007-11-30T12:53:00.001-08:00

Quick tips for children’s Bible study.

Purchase a Bible with age appropriate language so your child will understand it.
Pre-read what you will be sharing with your child and look for the principle or teaching point that you will want to reinforce with him/her.
Keep the amount of time you read appropriate to your child’s attention span.
Ask your child questions about what he/she heard or felt during the reading.
Tell your child how you live out that principle in your life.
Pray with your child in connection with what you just read.

As you have had Bible study time with your children, what have you found to be helpful?
Click “comments” below and share your tips with the rest of us.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

2007-11-20T12:58:00.000-08:00

The more I think about Thanksgiving, the more sacred the holiday becomes in my mind.
Christmas and Easter are usually the holidays that get the most religious attention, and for good reason. The birth of Jesus marks the presentation of the complete, universal, and final sacrifice, pictured repeatedly for generations, in the sacrificial system of the Old Testament, for the sins of mankind. It represents the ultimate and most extravagant gift ever given to such undeserving recipients.
The Resurrection represents the final word and ultimate guarantee of eternal life to all those who believe. It is the validation of God’s acceptance of the sacrifice. On this historical fact the whole of Christian belief hinges.
What would those celebrations amount to in the absence of thanksgiving?

You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever.
--Psalm 30:11-12

Heroes of Harvest Festival

2007-10-30T17:42:00.000-07:00

Isn’t it interesting how we see the same faces at church event after church event helping to make it all possible.

(If you’re reading this, you’re probably one of those faces!)

However, once in a while I notice faces that aren’t the usual ones I’m used to seeing. This Sunday was a case like that. Seven people got together to transport Harvest Festival supplies from a storage unit in Riverside to the church facility on Sampson. Three of them were new to our church. In fact, you could count the number of times they had come to our church on two hands and have fingers to spare.
One of the mottos for the Heroes television show is “Some people were meant for something more.”

I agree!

For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Ephesians 2:10

Harvest Festival!

2007-10-16T09:23:00.000-07:00

New Life Community Church's annual Harvest Festival is October 31st from 6:00pm-8:30pm

The Harvest Festival is one of only two events that our church calls “All-Church” events. (The other is the Easter picnic) Because it is an all-church event, we try to create an outreach component that encourages others in our community to attend. One thing that is different about this year’s Harvest Festival is the intentional nature of this outreach.

Here’s what’s different:

Intentional Gospel Presentation

This year we have a station where children can come and enjoy a story about a pumpkin! The pumpkin is used as an object lesson to describe how Jesus can come into our “heart”, clean out the slimy gunk and make us clean. The candle in the pumpkin illustrates how His light shines through us.

Bible Tracts

In addition to candy and small toy prizes at the game stations, we will also be handing out Gospel tracts. These small pamphlets are short, easy to understand, and encourage parents and children to talk about what it says.

Bible Buddies

This year some of the prizes will consist of trading cards that have Bible buddies from the current Avalanche Ranch Sunday morning KidzLife curriculum. These cards have a picture of the Bible buddy on the card with a Bible verse on the back.

Information Gathering

This year, when people get photos taken we will be asking them to fill out a form with their address on it so that we can send the photo to them. This will allow us to include an invitation to our church and thank them for coming to the Harvest Festival.

Gift Basket Raffle

This year we will be raffling gift baskets. In addition to including coffee, gift cards, and other trinkets in these baskets, we will also include Bibles, Purpose Driven Life books and invitations/information for our church.

Over 20 people have already signed up to help with some part of this event. However, that’s less than half of what it will take to make this event great. Please pray for the Harvest Festival, the people that have volunteered, and the invitations and flyers that have gone out to the community and consider how you can play a role in making the Harvest Festival a blessing to our members, our kidz, and to those who may hear about Jesus for the first time.

God works in the lives of children

2007-10-11T18:22:00.001-07:00

Hi Everyone,

I was fortunate enough to travel to Mexico and visit the orphanage that we support as a church. Gwen Edwards and Emily Wagner from KidzLife also came and had a great time hanging out with the kids there. In the next couple of blog posts I will share some more pictures and stories about what we experienced there. First, though, I want to share the story of Lupita, who you see pictured between NLCC member Dave Bourbinay and his son, Jonah.

Lupita was found going from truck stop to truck stop in Baja California when she was 7 years old. She was brought to the Casa Hogar orphanage by the authorities. This is the orphanage that we help support as a church.

Devon and Cindy Dickinson, former members of New Life Community Church, began to work with Casa Hogar in 1998; around the same time Lupita arrived there. Devon had a friend who was in medical school at the time and thought it would be a great idea to bring him down to Mexico to perform some minor health check ups. When he got to Lupita, he noticed she had a heart "murmur" of sorts. He believed it to be unique enough that it warranted further investigation. Mexican physicians confirmed that Lupita had a hole in her heart.

Lupita, being extremely young, said that she remembered having surgery at an earlier age, but couldn't provide any more information than that. Devon and his friend were able to get travel papers for Lupita to be seen by a heart specialist at Loma Linda University.
Her condition was so serious that the doctor said he couldn't explain why she was still living and breathing. The good news was that Lupita's serious condition was operable. The bad news was that, even with Loma Linda's kindness and generosity, the surgery would still cost around $50,000.

A group of concerned members from our church sprang into action and started to "shop" heart surgery rates.
God provided. The pediatric heart specialist team at Cedars Sinai was able to provide the surgery for $20,000. The funds were raised and Lupita had the surgery.

As a testament to the toughness of this young girl, she had open-heart surgery on a Wednesday and was released on a Sunday evening .........that's one tough 12 year old!

During the next year and a half, Lupita stayed with different NLCC families while commuting back and forth from the orphanage in Mexico so she could see her doctors for follow up.

Lupita just celebrated her Quincenerra Fiesta for a Mexican girl's 16th birthday. She has a strong faith in our Lord and has personal, first hand experience of His grace and healing. She has made strong ties to friends on both sides of the border.

God truly provided “New Life” to this young girl. Lupita's story is awesome and inspirational, but not rare. Each one of the 90+ children and adolescents at the orphanage have unique and amazing stories to share. God says He will neither leave us nor forsake us. When we are dealing with our own difficult times, let us all remember the strength, courage, and faith that these children have shown us.

Thanks!

2007-10-01T16:42:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all the KidzLife volunteers who were able to make it to the Nursery appreciation party at my house!
I had a great time getting to know you all better and it was a lot of fun getting together.
You guys are great!

God's purposes through His servants

2007-09-20T11:46:00.001-07:00

I want to share two verses and a story with you:

Acts 2:47 ...and the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
1Corinthians 3:5-8 What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe--as the Lord has assigned to each his task. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor. For we are God's fellow workers...

Sara Clark serves in our nursery and her daughter, Josie attends the "Sharktank" on Sunday mornings and is in second grade. God has touched her through the faithful service of His "fellow workers". Thank you to those "workers" and Praise God!

(Following is a portion of the email Sara sent me today)

I wanted to share with you the happenings of this morning. As I was driving Josie to school she asked me "What does it mean to give your life to God?". I explained to her that God gives us the ability to make choices in our lives. We could choose to do what is not right/easier, or we could choose to do what is pleasing to God. And that when we give our life to God that means we are choosing to do things that are pleasing to him even when they might be hard. Anyways, I asked her if she had given her life to God and she said "no". So I asked her if she wanted to give her life to God and she said "yes." So in our car in the school parking lot we prayed and Josie told God that she wanted to give her life to him.
When you are having a bad day I hope you will remember that good things are happening in the children's ministry and our church. Jeremy and I are so thankful for the changes that God has made in our lives because of New Life, and now for the growth in Josie's life too! God is good!~sara

Team Party!

2007-09-18T10:22:00.001-07:00

Attention Nursery Volunteers!

This Saturday, September 22, you and your families are invited to a barbecue at the Wagner’s house! We’ll have a Bible study, food, games, and fellowship. I’m looking forward to seeing you all then!

You do like your burgers well done right?

Letter To God

2007-09-13T15:40:00.000-07:00

One of the things I like most about KidzLife is being a witness to the impact God is having on the kids that are attending. Here is a letter that one of the children wrote in May. You’ll notice the spelling. I typed it just as I saw it on paper!

Ministry or Job?

2007-09-09T14:52:00.000-07:00

Some people have a job in the church.
Others involve themselves in ministry.

What’s the difference?

If you do it just because no one else will...it’s a job!
If you do it to serve God...it’s a ministry!

If you quit because someone criticized you...it’s a job!
If you kept on serving in spite of criticism...it’s a ministry!

If you’ll do it only so long as it doesn’t interfere with other things...it’s a job!
If you’re committed to staying with it, even when it means letting other things go...it’s a ministry!

If you quit because no one ever praised or thanked you...it’s a job!
If you stay even though no one notices your efforts...it’s a ministry!

If you do it because someone else said it needs to be done...it’s a job!
If you do it because you sensed God saying it needs to be done...it’s a ministry!

It’s hard to get excited about a job.
It’s almost impossible not to get excited about a ministry!

Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men
Ephesians 6:7

Welcome to the KidzLife Blog!

2007-09-04T16:07:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone, welcome to the New Life Community Church KidzLife blog. This will be a web page that you can check out to learn more about what's happening in children's ministry, get access to resources, and simply share thoughts, stories, and ideas. I hope you will enjoy this format and use it frequently. I look forward to sharing with you and together, making KidzLife the best hour in a child's week!

Mike W.

Banner Graphic

2007-04-21T21:11:00.000-07:00