Vacation Bible School 2009 picture gallery
Reply
Category Archives: Children’s Ministries
Easter Egg Hunt
Well, they may not have been hard to find, but they were certainly fun to find, open & indulge!
Stephen, age 2 explains, “I like to hunt for eggs!”
“Described by some of the adults as an Easter Egg pick up since we were limited on the amount of grass available, Kimberly Monroe did an awesome job coordinating this event. The children had such fun and the idea of having it just after service worked perfectly.” - Barbara Dyson
Thank you to Kimberly Monroe for making this year’s Easter Egg Hunt truly special!
Leading The Way – Acolytes lead the way
Acolytes process for the first time this Easter
From helping lead praise and worship and volunteering in our nursery to helping set up or tear down our mobile church, Desert Mission Anglican’s children and youth have always stood out as eager volunteers.
And this Easter 2009, they truly stood out – in front – leading our processional and congregation into celebration of Christ’s resurrection and coming again!
Jeff O’Rafter, who instructed the children on being an acolyte remarks, “It was a joy to work with the kids and to see how much they really wanted to serve and be an important part of what is happening in their church. Their dedication and enthusiasm should be an example to all of us.”
Jacob, age 11 explains that the best part of being an acolyte is, “That I am doing something to help the church and to serve God and Jesus.”
Kimberly, Jacob’s mom shares, [We were] “smiling from head to toe! (Both Jacob and Myself) Jacob considers this a very important and honorary position, as do I. Jacob is following in my footsteps, as I was an acolyte throughout my teenage years. I am very proud of him.”
Louis, age 8 thinks, “Being an acolyte is great. It is fun to help Pastor and hold the bowl.”
Louis’ mom, Christine reveals, “I really enjoyed seeing so many of our children involved in the Easter service. From Acolyting to celebrating the completion of their communion class, I am so pleased that my children are being nurtured by and incorporated into a body of believers in such meaningful ways.”
Visit our photo gallery to view pictures
of DMAC’s acolytes leading the Easter processional.
Kids In His Service
DMAC Kids serve our community and learn about giving from their hearts.
“You know Ms. Kim, I REALLY liked that toy,” reflected one four year old after giving a cherished toy for offering this Sunday morning.
Earlier that day, our children gave one special toy from his or her own collection to donate to UMOM, a local charity helping homeless families get back on their feet. Though the toys were not new, they were in excellent condition and were something that the child cherished but was willing to give to someone who needed it more than he or she did.
Shelly, our DMAC connection to UMOM explains, “These kids (from UMOM) are often pulled out of bed in the middle of the night to escape a violent situation … they don’t get to take possessions with them other than the clothes they have on and a pair of shoes.”
This in mind, before the collection of our tithes and offerings, our children gathered together, and without being prompted, placed their hands over the toys and collectively prayed that the UMOM kids would see God’s love for them through the gifts. One nine year old prayed that God would bless the givers and help them be joyful as they gave!
Jacob, age 11 shares, “I feel really good about it. [giving to UMOM] I am happy that some other less fortunate children will be able to enjoy them [the toys] as much as I did.
Robbie, age 7 exclaims, “It’s really great to give gifts!”
Being a cheerful giver is definitely something we can cultivate together: the family and the church. When our children see that their sacrifice is for a worthwhile cause we can encourage them to meet the challenge with joy and expectation. Something good is happening! They are growing stronger in the Christian faith and becoming more courageous in the Christian walk.
What a blessing it is to hear their prayers, and watch as they give!
A special thank you to AMIA Children’s Ministries director Kari Killen for sharing this great way for our little ones to serve our community.
Visit our photo gallery to view pictures
of DMAC’s kids giving to UMOM.
Little Saints – celebrate – participate – receive
DMAC Children Prepare to celebrate Holy Communion
Throughout the year, but with added emphasis during the weeks leading up to our Easter celebration, my husband and I talk with our son about Jesus – his life, his death and of course: his resurrection.
We read the scripture and watch the movies (our favorite is the Miracle Maker) and are always secretly proud and amused when our four year old son recites the liturgy given to us at the Last Supper with an English accent. Somehow he always sounds like Ralph Fiennes when he raises his dinner roll above his head and with all sincerity says: “This is my body, broken for you…” Too many BBC productions!
And, I can’t help but feel joy when I hear my friends share how goldfish crackers and a juice box became the bread and the wine while their sons and daughters “played” church.
But what exactly is Holy Communion and why it is important for us, as Christians to CELEBRATE, to PARTICIPATE, to RECEIVE at the Lord’s Table?
This Lenten season DMAC’s youngest members explain what they’ve learned about the sacrament of Holy Communion.
Allie, age 5 - “Holy Communion is important because it tells us to remember Him.”
Jacob, age 11 – Celebrating communion is important “to help us remember that Jesus sacrificed Himself for us.”
Harry, Age 4 – Celebrating communion is important because “we celebrate Jesus…that he is the king and holds the world in his hands…that he’s mighty and he can hold us in his hands…that he died on the cross for us.”
Thoughts about the Holy Communion processional on Easter Sunday:
Barbara Dyson – “ What an overwhelming joy to see such a large group of young children in a formal ceremony to mark steps of their faith walk. This memorial was an important time in the life of our church and its legacy. The stoles were precious.”
Kimberly Robinson – “Even though Jacob had been baptized as an infant, and at one point started taking Holy Communion, he hadn’t really understood why. Now he probably has a grasp on the meaning of it. Can’t wait for him to be able to start confirmation classes!”
Visit our photo gallery to view pictures of the Holy Communion processional.