Angel's We Have Heard On High!

Parents! 
If you have any pictures from Sunday's "Angels, We Have Heard On High" performance, please email them to me (Rachel); I would love to add them to the Facebook page!  I have a few posted so far, mostly of 9 a.m. service, and would love a few more!

Christmas News

Christmas Song Sunday!

Children's Holiday Shop!

It's not too late to sign up to volunteer at the Children's Holiday Shop this Saturday!  Email Tiffany for more info. 

KidSpace Movie Night photos uploaded!

Shout out to Marcus for taking some awesome photos at the KidSpace Movie Night!  Check 'em out here.

Thank you to EVERYONE who participated and volunteered!!  The consensus seems to be: a good time. :)

KidSpace movie night!

Parenting 101

By Rachel Leland

 

Someone I know and love dearly, recently found out that she is going to be a single mother in a few months. In a recent dinner conversation, we were discussing the difficulties of parenting, and I caught a wild look in her eye as she, for the first-time-ever, found herself actually needing to think about being responsible for the life of another human being.

 

As you may know, I have no natural children of my own and am therefore probably the most unqualified person to write anything on parenting!  BUT if you are a parent, please don't stop reading just yet!  I can tell you, that through this event (and a few others), I have been spending some time ruminating on this important topic, and am hoping to uncover some treasure for you as parents, as well as provide you with some resources which might just give you a little wisdom in your heroic task!

 

I will start by saying -- parenting sounds challenging!  I imagine parenting feels a little like playing dodgeball in an open field.  You are not really sure where the lines are or when you've crossed them.  You always have to keep your feet moving so you don't take one in the chest.  There are moments of victory and moments of defeat.  There are split-second decisions that turn out to be the wrong ones.  And, at times, amazing moments of glory. 

 

I have worked with children enough to know that there are few "hard and fasts". Each child is unique in their responses, understanding, creativity, interests, even their sinful natures.  It goes on and on.  So, how do you train up a child in the way they should go?  How do you help your children develop positive traits and scrap the sinful ones?  How do you teach them to lower the defenses, keep their spirits open, embrace failures, care for others, and learn to love God more fully? As sinful, broken people, how do we teach them to surpass our own limitations?  Be "better" people than we are?  

We can give them choices, but we can't choose for them.  We can love them patiently, but can't force them to do the same.  How is parenting possible?!

   

I can't speak as a parent just yet, but I DO believe there are "hard and fasts" with God.  There are principles of the Kingdom of God for discipling people, loving unconditionally, finding strength in the Great Shepherd, and laying down our lives; all of which Jesus modeled to a "T".  Now -- will we do it as perfectly as Him?  Chances aren't great... BUT we can see the Kingdom grow and flourish in our own lives, which, as a result, pours out into the lives of others (including, but not limited to, children).   

I would like to use this blog to provide some insight (mostly gained from others I respect) on some of those topics (i.e. discipling people, loving unconditionally, finding strength in the Great Shepherd, laying down our lives), and hope to tie them to how they relate to raising up children.  I hope you will join me on this adventure, and I hope that what I write is worth reading when I am parenting children! :)

 

To get started, here are a few articles which I hope will be pretty informative!  Feel free to provide your feedback as you read them (just post a note!) 

 

 

PARENTING ON PUROSE by Javan Rowe - "Child rearing is one of the most complex and challenging responsibilities in life.  Thousands of books have been written, each conveying its unique form of wisdeom to weary, confused parents.  What many parents fail to realize, though, is that the Old Testament book of proverbs contains the greatest wisdom ever given on the subject.   Here's one helpful nugget: 'Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds' (Proverbs 27:23).  This is more than a reference to sheep; it is a guildeline for parenting - an encouragement for parents to view their role as nurturers and protectors."...  (To read the full article, email Rachel).

 

POSITIVE HABITS THAT STICK by Lanita Bradley Boyd - "My husband and I shared the interesting adventure of teaching the same students when some of my former fifth-graders appeared in his college classes.  In comparing the two groups, I have observed that certain skills evident in fifth grade students can be predictors of college success - and life success, for that matter."... (To read the full article, email Rachel). 

 

The results are in!

 

Next Sunday (Sep. 9) we will be kicking off our latest KidSpace adventure: Berry Blast Theme Park! 
Thank you to all the kids who voted and filled out a KidSpace survey! 

Here are some of the great responses to the question: "What was one thing you learned (in Spy Chase -- our latest series)? 
"Telling people how to do it by showing them how to do it."
"To trust in God"
"Tell others about God"
"Keep a sharp eye out"
"More things about God's people"
"I should give 1/10" (this is a reference to giving our first 10th to God -- tithing)
"If you believe in God it won't be easy."
"Do not stop telling about God"

Fall breather

      Fall is nearly here!!  Hopefully, the waning summer will take a little more of this heat with it as it goes...  
      We at Morning Star Church KidSpace (children's ministry) are excited to start the new school year off with you and your family! 
       Before the school year gathers too much speed, take a few minutes by yourself (I know, I know - easier said than done...), and ask God to show you what He has for you and your family this semester.  It is clear in the Bible, that God is honored when we put Him first and invite Him increasingly into our lives.  If we look to Him, His promises and blessings will cover us, even during those difficult days of missing homework and rained-out soccer games.  
      Take a few minutes to meet with your family as well!  Encourage your kids that they can hear God's voice!  Spend some time praying together; committing the school year to Him.
      Keep the big picture in mind -- of what God is doing and how HE is changing you -- and don't sweat the small stuff too much. :)

- Psalm 37:5 (NLT) - Commit everything you do to the LORD.  Trust him, and He will help you.


Be sure to check out other KidSpace blog updates for ways we are celebrating the fall with you and your family!
 

Summer Book Reviews!

Kid Book Review!

What is your favorite book?  Who is your favorite storybook character and why?  What do you like about reading?

We need your feedback!

This summer, Kingdom Herald will include some of YOUR favorite stories and books!  Write a short book review of your favorite book or series and submit it to Rachel. 

Not sure what to write?  Just let us know the Title, Author and what you like about the book!  Approximately 20-50 words.  The Lawrence Public Library also has a great reading program this summer!  Check it out here.

Promotion Sunday THIS Sunday!

New Verse card!

Hey parents!  Check out the latest Verse Card for KidSpace!  For each verse kids memorize & say - they get an awesome prize from the treasure box!

Click here to sign up!

New photos!

Check out some new KidSpace photos  -- Easter, Baby Dedications, camp fundraisers & more!

The Goose Girl

Check out this FREE family event! 
This children's play The Goose Girl was written and directed by KidSpace's own ASHLEY HOYLE (a fabulous volunteer)!  Hope to see you and your family there!
(I should be attending on Saturday, if you want to look for me!)

Thank you to all of you who participated and/or contributed in our Bake Sale on Sunday!!  It was a lot of fun and a great success in raising funds for Kingdom Adventure Camp!

Bake Sale!

Camp fundraiser this Sunday! 

Cookies, pies, and brownies, oh my!

This Sunday, your tummy will fly to the sky!

Yummy goodies for sale --no help to your thighs...

But an aide it will be, for a KidSpace bonfire!

Contribute some cookies, or maybe a pie -

So Kingdom Adventure camp won't be quas-i.

Our goal is to teach, equip, have fun, and be spry.

But we will be needing your help to supply

each camper with funds,

so they won't have to sigh -

or miss this adventure and all it implies!

In case you can't understand this attempt at poetry - here are the fundraiser details!

Baked goods will be sold after BOTH Morning Star services on Sunday to raise money for KINGDOM ADVENTURE CAMP! 

If you want to participate in the Kingdom Adventure Camp fundraiser, email Rachel by Friday!  Here are the two opportunities:

1). (FOR EVERYONE) BAKE delicious treats (cookies, pies, brownies, etc.) to SELL on Sunday and drop them off at the church before 9:15 a.m. on Sunday!  -- Don't forget to also stop by the table in the lobby after church to purchase a yummy take-home snack!  All proceeds will go towards helping kids get to camp and making Kingdom Adventure Camp awesome!

AND/OR

2).  (JUST FOR CAMPERS) Join us at 9:30 a.m. Sunday to prep goods for the sale!  This includes wrapping items for group or individual sale, pricing, and collecting money after service.  The more you are able to help with - the more credit you can count towards your camp cost!

ALL kids going into grades 4, 5, and 6 are welcome at camp AND the fundraiser!

Email Rachel to sign up or if you have questions.

KidSpace Play N' Learn

 

Volunteer Orienatation Opportunity!!
At KidSpce we want to help you find a place to play, give, learn, grow, and apply your faith!  Please join us for a KidSpace "Play 'n Learn" orientation THIS Saturday, April 14 from 3:30-5:30 p.m.!!  Find out what KidSpace is all about, enjoy a little dessert, tell us a little about yourself, and learn a little about our programs geared to reaching kids, families and people for God's Kingdom in our community!  Please RSVP to Rachel so we will be sure to have plenty of dessert!  Feel free to invite a friend or two who may be interested in this opportunity!  

Child Dedications

Child Dedications

As you may have heard, this month we will be having a Child Dedication ceremony on April 29 during our Sunday service.  For some, this may be the first time you have heard of such a ceremony, and you may be asking, "What is a child dedication?"... or "What does it mean to dedicate my child to the Lord?"  Well, we have a class just for you!  On Sunday, April 15 we will be hosting a special Child Dedication Class during first service (9:00-10:30am) to help answer those questions and to better prepare you for what this is all about.  Also, this dedication is not limited to parents with infant babies, but includes parents with young children as well who desire to dedicate their child to the Lord.  If you have not taken this class before, it is a prerequisite for parents in order to participate in the ceremony on the 29th.

Our intent with the class is to provide you with a Biblical picture of the true meaning of family, and the importance of children in the great task of advancing the Kingdom of God.  

If you would like to participate in the class on the 15th, please email the Morning Star Church and let us know you'll be attending.  If you have any questions, feel free to email Rick.

Check out the fresh Kingdom Herald edition by clicking the tab above or clicking here!

Verse Card for ZOOPLOSION (K-4th grade series)

After an EXCELLENT suggestion from a volunteer, here is the verse card (why didn't I think of this before?)!!  

Say a verse: get a prize!
Say the whole card: Go to the zoo!!  (see zoo post for details). 

ZOOPLOSION trip to the ZOO!

Father's Day weekend idea!

Whew!  I am on a roll! 

For all you dads out there - I found this on the Topeka Zoo website today, and thought it would be a great way to spend Father's Day!

Check out the details here:

Willy Wonka!

If you are looking for family-outing ideas... be sure to check out the Willy Wonka production coming to the Lawrence Arts Center starring Morning Star's own: Naomi Brakenhoff (as the gum-chewing girl)!!
For details or to order tickets, click here.

Have another suggestion for Morning Star families?  Email Rachel!

Family Outing idea

Last semester (as a verse-card reward) KidSpace visited Coterie Theatre at Crown Center for a very-enjoyable Seussical the Musical. 
Their next production (April/May) is James and the Giant Peach, so are here are some details in case you are looking for a fun family outing!

New series!

Lions and Donkeys and Ravens, oh my!  The animals are the main characters in our newest series: Zooplosion!  Watch the Bible stories through the eyes of the animals in the Bible and see how God always provides.  Then we will see "what might have happened" and learn that things work out better when we follow God's plan. 
Join us on Sundays, 9 and 11 a.m. in the east wing.

Spaghetti Madness!

We had so much fun at the Spaghetti madness sale on Sunday!!  Thank you to everyone who helped out or purchased a meal/donated!  The kids who participated worked hard, had some fun and will now have a little money saved for camp! 
During our hard work on Sunday, one of the kids commented "this is so fun!  Can we do this again?". 
And we WILL be doing it again (or something like it), so stay tuned for more!

New Kingdom Herald!

Don't miss the Valentine Edition of Kingdom Herald!  It includes a special interview with camp co-captain of silliness, upcoming fun events and more!

Several kids jackets were left at church on Sunday!  If you think your child's might be among them, email Rachel to find out!

Note: all jackets not retrieved will be given to the "dirty jacket gang"... ;D For those of you not in the "know", the dirty jacket gang were a puppety-mischievous gang who were apart of our 3-5 yr. old series City Streets, Jr. the Musical.

Kingdom Adventure Camp!!

Space is limited!
Email Rachel to sign up or find out more!

Our second fundraiser is this weekend!!  Sign up today to participate!
Camp online registration and details are up & running on the Morning Star website!

Parents of K-4th graders,
be sure to check the Family Devotional for a chance for your child to get a prize!


New devotionals for Entourage & Journey Below the Earth have been uploaded!

I have heard many people say "I am just not creative".... Until recently I felt the same way, but there is one very important thing that I forgotten... God has the best imagination, and WE are ALL made in His image.  He invented tigers, fish, elephants, seahorses, duckbill platypus and so many more just from His thoughts!  He even went the extra mile to give them creative ways to survive in their environment.  Did you know, Gazelle's use their stripes to stay cool in the summer, keep warm in the winter and "flash" other gazelles with warnings of danger?

However you may feel about your own ability to be creative, you can be sure (assuming that you are, in fact, human), that you have some measure of it!  Think outside the box this week - and remember creativity doesn't necessarily equal "artistic".  You can be creative in your parenting, business, relationships, and so much more!

This Sunday after talking about God's BIG imagination we enouraged the kids to "invent" their own animal - many of which will be on display during the Zooplosion series coming soon. 

To check out photos, Go to our KidSpace Facebook page.  And if you are overwhelmed with the thought of being creative - email me!  I just finished a series of great articles on the creative process and would love to share them with you!