Here is a link to a post on Perry Noble's blog you need to read.
He is the Pastor of NewSpring Church in Anderson, South Carolina. He is just as passionate about God and being real and relevant for Christ as our own Pastor Ken. Perry's style is different but his message is the same.
The message is - we are here to reach people for Christ, not to protect ourselves in a Christian bubble. The people we are trying to reach are those who do not know Jesus yet.
The church should be a place where believers greet and welcome people, children, families, who are looking for Jesus. We are not trying to make people more like us; we are introducing them to Jesus so they can build a relationship with Him, choose to ask him to dwell in their hearts and become new creations in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Perry doesn't pull any punches so please get past the language and hear the message, see this child through Jesus' eyes.
This is our job every week in the children's ministry. This is our job every day in a world looking for Christ but being criticized by Christians.
Amy Gieger
Children's Ministry Director
Friday, December 18, 2009
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
We Are So Blessed...
I was just thinking today of all of the wonderful people that make our Singing Christmas Tree possible. Extra dear to my heart are the "behind the scenes" servants. These invaluable people never stand on stage or in the glow of the spotlight.
Alan Goode has the assembly of the tree structure down to a fine science. Thank you, Alan and all those who work with you to make the tree sturdy and safe.
Jerry McCann and Darren Prevatt worked tirelessly to keep the tree lights working.
John Santillo and his team served hundreds of cups of coffee and hot chocolate with a smile.
Mary Karpf, while dealing with her own sickness, flawlessly coordinated our childcare during the rehearsals and performances.
Stan Stufflebeam rehearsed the band (our band is awesome!), organized our music, put up the sign and took care of many details.
Keith Thompson put together the beautiful video graphics that the audience enjoyed during the show. Keith's video work is second to none.
Pastor Ken never fails to bring us stories that are relevant and moving. While many preachers are bent on "shucking the corn" our Pastor shares wonderful stories – just like Jesus did! Thank you, Pastor Ken for you support.
Mark Reed takes 48 inputs of audio in a very difficult environment and makes it sound good. Every good performance begins with good sound. Thank you, Mark.
Ken Krantz sets up and runs our stage lighting and spotlight. Kenny, you are invaluable.
Hal Hunter ordered the scaffolding and chairs, printed our posters, helped with set up, ran the computer for the choir and tons of other "little" things. Thank you, Hal.
Larry Coffey ran the computer for the audience while dealing with some very painful foot problems.
Gerry Mucha faithfully ran the video camera for all performances.
Diane Keuning is as faithful as the sun rising in the morning. She rehearsed the sopranos and altos and the Children's Choir and they were outstanding.
Phil Massicotte does the line up on the tree and helps me in many ways.
Ricky Travis coordinates our security. Ricky and his team spend the night to watch the equipment. We haven't lost anything yet!
And for those I left out, I apologize. I'm getting old. Anyway, I just wanted to say "Thank you" to all of you.
It was cool how many families were a part of the production. The whole Thompson Family, Jonathan and Emanuel (Tony, we miss you. There is a hole in our hearts when you're not playing. Our band is incomplete without you. We are all praying for your speedy recovery and your return.) Kim and David, Phil and Rachel, Ken and Becky, Ken and Lori, Sherri and Brooke, Rick and Donna (Donna is my dream come true. My ministry would be non-existent without her), Hal and Betty and many more!
Our band is exceptional. Our singers are the best anywhere. It's amazing the talent God has assembled in our small church family! You're not only good at what you do. You have a sweet spirit, too.
We are so blessed. Thanks for letting me hang around.
Rick Painter
Worship Arts Pastor
Alan Goode has the assembly of the tree structure down to a fine science. Thank you, Alan and all those who work with you to make the tree sturdy and safe.
Jerry McCann and Darren Prevatt worked tirelessly to keep the tree lights working.
John Santillo and his team served hundreds of cups of coffee and hot chocolate with a smile.
Mary Karpf, while dealing with her own sickness, flawlessly coordinated our childcare during the rehearsals and performances.
Stan Stufflebeam rehearsed the band (our band is awesome!), organized our music, put up the sign and took care of many details.
Keith Thompson put together the beautiful video graphics that the audience enjoyed during the show. Keith's video work is second to none.
Pastor Ken never fails to bring us stories that are relevant and moving. While many preachers are bent on "shucking the corn" our Pastor shares wonderful stories – just like Jesus did! Thank you, Pastor Ken for you support.
Mark Reed takes 48 inputs of audio in a very difficult environment and makes it sound good. Every good performance begins with good sound. Thank you, Mark.
Ken Krantz sets up and runs our stage lighting and spotlight. Kenny, you are invaluable.
Hal Hunter ordered the scaffolding and chairs, printed our posters, helped with set up, ran the computer for the choir and tons of other "little" things. Thank you, Hal.
Larry Coffey ran the computer for the audience while dealing with some very painful foot problems.
Gerry Mucha faithfully ran the video camera for all performances.
Diane Keuning is as faithful as the sun rising in the morning. She rehearsed the sopranos and altos and the Children's Choir and they were outstanding.
Phil Massicotte does the line up on the tree and helps me in many ways.
Ricky Travis coordinates our security. Ricky and his team spend the night to watch the equipment. We haven't lost anything yet!
And for those I left out, I apologize. I'm getting old. Anyway, I just wanted to say "Thank you" to all of you.
It was cool how many families were a part of the production. The whole Thompson Family, Jonathan and Emanuel (Tony, we miss you. There is a hole in our hearts when you're not playing. Our band is incomplete without you. We are all praying for your speedy recovery and your return.) Kim and David, Phil and Rachel, Ken and Becky, Ken and Lori, Sherri and Brooke, Rick and Donna (Donna is my dream come true. My ministry would be non-existent without her), Hal and Betty and many more!
Our band is exceptional. Our singers are the best anywhere. It's amazing the talent God has assembled in our small church family! You're not only good at what you do. You have a sweet spirit, too.
We are so blessed. Thanks for letting me hang around.
Rick Painter
Worship Arts Pastor
Monday, December 07, 2009
Why We Do It... A Guest Post
What a great service Sunday. Thanks so much to all of you for all you do!
I am guilty of taking for granted that our church will be there and will be great. Pastor Rick will have great music. The Worship Team will be great. Pastor Ken will have a moving and inspiring sermon. The KidStuf actors will rock.
I'm thankful that I can do my little part and serve as a baby toe in the church body. I tried doing "Word" in KidStuf and was sick with worry about remembering my lines every Saturday night. I tried being a lead teacher; again, I was sick with worry every Saturday night, and dreaded it, and knew that wasn't right.
But I can DANCE and smile. So I am happy to dance on the KidStuf floor and serve as the STAIRMASTER, keeping kids off the stairs and stage and go shhhhh to the noisy ones during the show.
I can dance in UpStreet too (its like a free aerobics class). And I CAN easily be a friend and listener and provide Jolly Ranchers to kids in UpStreet and assist crazy fun Don Eldridge in his kids small group. I'm so thankful to him for figuring out the curriculum and lesson, which boggles my mind many times. I'm happy to say shhhh while he speaks and to play the games, especially those boy vs. girls competitions that can be so riveting.
It's EZ to hug, smile, chat and encourage little ones and listen to their stories about a lost tooth, good grades, winning a soccer game, and to meet their friends and relatives.
I guess I'd like to inspire those folks who think they don't have a place at church that they do! Even if you aren't as comical as Kenny, eloquent as Mr. Dwight and Mrs. Linda. Even if you aren't a musician like the amazing Bass family and that awesome teenage drummer girl Cameron or you don't sing like Arlette (ssss..Stepping Stone). Or you are not actors or actresses who can remember lines and get on that KidStuf stage without vomiting.
Keep searching till you find your spot. Try things and if they don't work. Try something else until you find a comfy space, like I have.
Mary Maragy
I am guilty of taking for granted that our church will be there and will be great. Pastor Rick will have great music. The Worship Team will be great. Pastor Ken will have a moving and inspiring sermon. The KidStuf actors will rock.
I'm thankful that I can do my little part and serve as a baby toe in the church body. I tried doing "Word" in KidStuf and was sick with worry about remembering my lines every Saturday night. I tried being a lead teacher; again, I was sick with worry every Saturday night, and dreaded it, and knew that wasn't right.
But I can DANCE and smile. So I am happy to dance on the KidStuf floor and serve as the STAIRMASTER, keeping kids off the stairs and stage and go shhhhh to the noisy ones during the show.
I can dance in UpStreet too (its like a free aerobics class). And I CAN easily be a friend and listener and provide Jolly Ranchers to kids in UpStreet and assist crazy fun Don Eldridge in his kids small group. I'm so thankful to him for figuring out the curriculum and lesson, which boggles my mind many times. I'm happy to say shhhh while he speaks and to play the games, especially those boy vs. girls competitions that can be so riveting.
It's EZ to hug, smile, chat and encourage little ones and listen to their stories about a lost tooth, good grades, winning a soccer game, and to meet their friends and relatives.
I guess I'd like to inspire those folks who think they don't have a place at church that they do! Even if you aren't as comical as Kenny, eloquent as Mr. Dwight and Mrs. Linda. Even if you aren't a musician like the amazing Bass family and that awesome teenage drummer girl Cameron or you don't sing like Arlette (ssss..Stepping Stone). Or you are not actors or actresses who can remember lines and get on that KidStuf stage without vomiting.
Keep searching till you find your spot. Try things and if they don't work. Try something else until you find a comfy space, like I have.
Mary Maragy
Friday, December 04, 2009
God's Word - Weapon or Protection?
I had someone ask me this week, "Is it ever inappropriate to share God's word with a child and if so at what age?"
On the surface this is an easy question; right? Given some basic Bible knowledge, it's always appropriate to share God's word. However, with a little deeper knowledge of the Bible, there are some stories and verses that, in my opinion, are not age appropriate for children 4 and under or even some of the elementary aged crowd. Yes, I realized this was a loaded or trick question but from the person who asked it the trick was their motive. They worded the question to serve their purpose. They were also attempting to use my position in children's ministry to force my answer; i.e. "As a children's ministry director, at what age do you believe it inappropriate to share God's word with a child?"
Have you ever used God's word as a weapon? I mean, a weapon to justify your actions or to make someone else feel guilty? Have you ever used it to win an argument even if you knew you were taking His word out of context to do it? Maybe pulling out the verse about wives submitting to their husbands to "put a wife in her place" (Ephesians 5:21-33; read the whole thing) or the verse about money being the root of all evil, to blame money instead of our greed. The verse says the "...love of money is a root of all kinds of evil" (1 Timothy 6:10). I've had to read it myself.
I have so much yet to learn but in my relationship with Christ, He has never used His word to hurt me. His word builds me up, corrects me, comforts me, directs me, (directs me again and again) and gives me strength, grace, peace, joy, conviction, wisdom and love. His word is for protection against evil. it is an integral piece of the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18). It is not ever to be mistaken for a weapon used in personal gain or justification.
So- let's think about how we use the Bible. Is it an every day part of life? Is is something only heard about on Sunday? What about only when there is one of those "controversial" stories in the news?
Please take the time to read it today and this week. Not just a verse or two or even a chapter- how about one whole book of the Bible? The books referenced above are some I would recommend, but really I suggest reading where you are led. Pray for God's guidance before opening the Bible. I'm genuinely interested in learning what you have to say about what you find.
And as for my answer to the question: As a children's ministry director and child of God I believe if you are sharing God's word to share His love, then there is no age limit. Pray with me that we continue to learn and grow in His word and will.
Wisdom and Joy in Christ,
Amy
On the surface this is an easy question; right? Given some basic Bible knowledge, it's always appropriate to share God's word. However, with a little deeper knowledge of the Bible, there are some stories and verses that, in my opinion, are not age appropriate for children 4 and under or even some of the elementary aged crowd. Yes, I realized this was a loaded or trick question but from the person who asked it the trick was their motive. They worded the question to serve their purpose. They were also attempting to use my position in children's ministry to force my answer; i.e. "As a children's ministry director, at what age do you believe it inappropriate to share God's word with a child?"
Have you ever used God's word as a weapon? I mean, a weapon to justify your actions or to make someone else feel guilty? Have you ever used it to win an argument even if you knew you were taking His word out of context to do it? Maybe pulling out the verse about wives submitting to their husbands to "put a wife in her place" (Ephesians 5:21-33; read the whole thing) or the verse about money being the root of all evil, to blame money instead of our greed. The verse says the "...love of money is a root of all kinds of evil" (1 Timothy 6:10). I've had to read it myself.
I have so much yet to learn but in my relationship with Christ, He has never used His word to hurt me. His word builds me up, corrects me, comforts me, directs me, (directs me again and again) and gives me strength, grace, peace, joy, conviction, wisdom and love. His word is for protection against evil. it is an integral piece of the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18). It is not ever to be mistaken for a weapon used in personal gain or justification.
So- let's think about how we use the Bible. Is it an every day part of life? Is is something only heard about on Sunday? What about only when there is one of those "controversial" stories in the news?
Please take the time to read it today and this week. Not just a verse or two or even a chapter- how about one whole book of the Bible? The books referenced above are some I would recommend, but really I suggest reading where you are led. Pray for God's guidance before opening the Bible. I'm genuinely interested in learning what you have to say about what you find.
And as for my answer to the question: As a children's ministry director and child of God I believe if you are sharing God's word to share His love, then there is no age limit. Pray with me that we continue to learn and grow in His word and will.
Wisdom and Joy in Christ,
Amy
About Worship...
Please print this and put it on your mirror:
“Most of my life, I thought that you went to church to worship. But now I see that the better approach is to go worshiping to church. Corporate worship works best when we arrive with something to offer God, as opposed to coming only to get something for us.”
Quoted from Louie Gigleo, from his book The Air I Breathe.
Peace,
Rick Painter
“Most of my life, I thought that you went to church to worship. But now I see that the better approach is to go worshiping to church. Corporate worship works best when we arrive with something to offer God, as opposed to coming only to get something for us.”
Quoted from Louie Gigleo, from his book The Air I Breathe.
Peace,
Rick Painter
Monday, November 16, 2009
But Why Can't I Please Everyone?
"Hi. My name is Amy, and I'm a people pleaser."
And the crowd says, "Hi, Amy."
Yes, I admit it, I am a people pleaser. I want everyone to be happy; in particular, happy with me. If you are a people pleaser (or maybe even if you're not) you have learned, as I have, that you can't please everyone. It can not be done. "Why not," you ask? Well, the first and most important reason is because people are different. God made them that way for a lot of important reasons. If people are different it means they don't like the same things and that includes not liking the same people.
That was a hard lesson for me to accept. The first time I remember having to accept this reality was in high school. I was not in any one clique; I knew a lot of people because (I talk a lot and) I tried to be nice to everyone. My Daddy taught me this was the way to live- so, I did. Well, there was a girl in school who was not known for being nice. As a matter of fact she was known for being tough. Not mean exactly- just tough. You didn't mess with her and she didn't mess with you. No, I didn't get in a fight with her because I tried to make her like me and she did not pick on me or anything. I just heard from someone that she didn't like me and it bothered me because we didn't know each other well, I had never done anything to her and, OK, I just couldn't accept that she didn't like me.
It bothered me so much that I finally just went up and asked her why she didn't like me. Yep, I did. I actually had the sense not to talk about her behind her back or start a rumor about her to get back at her (because that would have ended badly in addition to not being nice). I just went up to her one day in the hall and calmly asked her, "Why don't you like me?". I know it sounds pitiful but I had to know. Do you know what she said? "Because you're too nice." Well, what could I say to that? Nothing. I basically said, "Okay" and went about my business.
What did it teach me? Everyone is not going to like me and you guessed it, I just can't please everybody. Since being nice was not something I was willing to change, I had to accept that she just wasn't going to like me. Over the years that acceptance has grown into the understanding that, while I still want everyone to be happy, I don't need them to be happy with me.
I have also narrowed my focus of who I want to please and why. I have wasted a lot of time and energy through the years taking responsibility for other people's happiness. Caring for someone is never a waste of time. Believing that their happiness is based changing how you behave, look, or give to please them, is a big waste of time.
I still have a lot to learn but here are the reasons I know this to be true.
Peace and Joy in Christ,
Amy Gieger
And the crowd says, "Hi, Amy."
Yes, I admit it, I am a people pleaser. I want everyone to be happy; in particular, happy with me. If you are a people pleaser (or maybe even if you're not) you have learned, as I have, that you can't please everyone. It can not be done. "Why not," you ask? Well, the first and most important reason is because people are different. God made them that way for a lot of important reasons. If people are different it means they don't like the same things and that includes not liking the same people.
That was a hard lesson for me to accept. The first time I remember having to accept this reality was in high school. I was not in any one clique; I knew a lot of people because (I talk a lot and) I tried to be nice to everyone. My Daddy taught me this was the way to live- so, I did. Well, there was a girl in school who was not known for being nice. As a matter of fact she was known for being tough. Not mean exactly- just tough. You didn't mess with her and she didn't mess with you. No, I didn't get in a fight with her because I tried to make her like me and she did not pick on me or anything. I just heard from someone that she didn't like me and it bothered me because we didn't know each other well, I had never done anything to her and, OK, I just couldn't accept that she didn't like me.
It bothered me so much that I finally just went up and asked her why she didn't like me. Yep, I did. I actually had the sense not to talk about her behind her back or start a rumor about her to get back at her (because that would have ended badly in addition to not being nice). I just went up to her one day in the hall and calmly asked her, "Why don't you like me?". I know it sounds pitiful but I had to know. Do you know what she said? "Because you're too nice." Well, what could I say to that? Nothing. I basically said, "Okay" and went about my business.
What did it teach me? Everyone is not going to like me and you guessed it, I just can't please everybody. Since being nice was not something I was willing to change, I had to accept that she just wasn't going to like me. Over the years that acceptance has grown into the understanding that, while I still want everyone to be happy, I don't need them to be happy with me.
I have also narrowed my focus of who I want to please and why. I have wasted a lot of time and energy through the years taking responsibility for other people's happiness. Caring for someone is never a waste of time. Believing that their happiness is based changing how you behave, look, or give to please them, is a big waste of time.
I still have a lot to learn but here are the reasons I know this to be true.
- I am not the origin of happiness; Christ is. He is the giver of all good things (James 1:17). I am just His servant and am to be most concerned with pleasing Him.
- He has a plan for me. If I am willing to change who I am or try to be good at things he has not gifted me with in order to please whoever is in front of me at the moment, it will not only displease God, it will be tear me apart.
- The people God puts in your life to love and support you and for you to love and support back, do not need you to be somebody different to like you.
Peace and Joy in Christ,
Amy Gieger
Thursday, October 15, 2009
It Is Well
We live in America where there is plenty of everything. Plenty of the good stuff and plenty of the bad stuff. Plenty of what we need and plenty of what we “want”. How could anyone be unhappy in America? How can anyone not have enough? Why is it possible to live in the richest country in the world and be poor?
There are lots of complicated answers but one simple answer is because we don’t know how to be content. We don’t know how to be thankful for what we have. We have not learned how to say, “It is well”. An old hymn that I can hear in my heart and want heard at my funeral someday, says “It is well with my soul”. (If I get to see Jesus before my Uncle Lloyd, he would be my choice of singers too. Just sayin’.) I was reminded of it yesterday when a friend shared a beautiful, acapella version of it on Facebook. (click here to see it), or look up Chris Tomlin’s version on YouTube. Both are glorious.
This song to me is a precious reminder of what Paul says in Philippians 4:12-13 NIV. “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.”The key of course is the last verse. “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.”
Paul is not saying I love being hungry as much as being full, or I am just as thrilled to be in jail or without a home as I am to be in my home surrounded by the people that love me. What I believe he is saying is that we can find peace and comfort no matter what is happening in our lives by looking to and living for Christ. Paul is telling us what it means to say, “It is well”.
When we find our peace in Christ instead of money, it means that we don’t confuse storing up treasure with wanting to be a millionaire. When we find our strength in Christ instead of worldly power, it means that “looking out for number One” has a whole new definition. When we find our joy in Christ instead of in fame or worldly success, it means that we have joy to share for richer and for poorer, in sickness and in health. When we let Christ’s provision fill our hearts and meet our needs, it means we understand success is not about how much we can have but how much we can give.
We’re coming quickly upon the “holiday” season. Yes, I just had to go there. Thanksgiving and Christmas are such important opportunities as Christians to give instead of get as we are called to show others who Jesus is by how we live. The most important ones we can show being our children. Pray with me to be able to walk so closely with the Lord that we can truly know and share that “It is well.”
There are lots of complicated answers but one simple answer is because we don’t know how to be content. We don’t know how to be thankful for what we have. We have not learned how to say, “It is well”. An old hymn that I can hear in my heart and want heard at my funeral someday, says “It is well with my soul”. (If I get to see Jesus before my Uncle Lloyd, he would be my choice of singers too. Just sayin’.) I was reminded of it yesterday when a friend shared a beautiful, acapella version of it on Facebook. (click here to see it), or look up Chris Tomlin’s version on YouTube. Both are glorious.
This song to me is a precious reminder of what Paul says in Philippians 4:12-13 NIV. “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.”The key of course is the last verse. “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.”
Paul is not saying I love being hungry as much as being full, or I am just as thrilled to be in jail or without a home as I am to be in my home surrounded by the people that love me. What I believe he is saying is that we can find peace and comfort no matter what is happening in our lives by looking to and living for Christ. Paul is telling us what it means to say, “It is well”.
When we find our peace in Christ instead of money, it means that we don’t confuse storing up treasure with wanting to be a millionaire. When we find our strength in Christ instead of worldly power, it means that “looking out for number One” has a whole new definition. When we find our joy in Christ instead of in fame or worldly success, it means that we have joy to share for richer and for poorer, in sickness and in health. When we let Christ’s provision fill our hearts and meet our needs, it means we understand success is not about how much we can have but how much we can give.
We’re coming quickly upon the “holiday” season. Yes, I just had to go there. Thanksgiving and Christmas are such important opportunities as Christians to give instead of get as we are called to show others who Jesus is by how we live. The most important ones we can show being our children. Pray with me to be able to walk so closely with the Lord that we can truly know and share that “It is well.”
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