Who's My Neighbor?

This was an exciting week in Amplify Children's Ministry. Friday evening we had guests, Pastor Marcus and Bobbie Abernethy from Kidz Dominion with us for our Shift Children's Service. We had a fun time and enjoyed funny skits, games, music, and hearing the Word of God in an exciting way.
Sunday morning our kids filled the altar during praise and worship waving flags! They did this on their own - no one asked them to or prompted them. It warmed my heart to see them praising God. I thought how happy it must make Him to have His children praising Him. The kids also served in the church service by being greeters and taking up the offering.
We finished out our series, "Kids Serve" with a lesson on The Good Samaritan. We watched the story on video and learned that when God says to love our neighbor He means everyone. Our neighbor is the one in front of us and our neighbor is the one the whole way across the globe. It is whoever is in need, whoever we can help, and whoever we can show love to. A true follower of God doesn't just say they love, but they show love. We ended our class by praying for our neighbors in other countries who have needs. We prayed for Zimbabwe - that God would show the people there His love and meet their needs since they live in extreme poverty. We prayed for Somalia - that God would reach them and provide for them because many are dying of starvation. Finally we prayed for Syria - that God would give them peace and protect the people because they are in a civil war.


Following is a link "Stop for the One" This video shows the heart of God. Iris Ministries is a wonderful organization that bears so much fruit. If you are interested in donating or sponsoring a child visit their website for more information.  www.irismin.org

Families Serving

Continuing our series, "Kids Serve" today we learned ways we can serve as a family. We learned about Joshua and how he declared, "As for me and my house we will serve the Lord. (Joshua 24:14-18) Joshua told everyone who'd listen about the amazing things God had done and then he told the people that there's no other god he and his family would serve.  Like Joshua and his people, your family can decide together that "we will serve the Lord."
Kids got into groups of "families" and thought of creative ways they could serve others as a family unit. Whether helping an elderly person with their groceries, welcoming a new family to the neighborhood, or giving to those in need, there are always ways we can serve. This week look for opportunities your family can serve those around you. 

In our time of soaking, we talked about what it's like to have our best friend over for a sleep over. We look for ways to entertain them and pay special attention to them. We wouldn't think of inviting them over and then ignoring them. Well, when we are in God's presence we can "entertain" Him as our special guest as well.  When we pay special attention to God and love Him it is like a sweet aroma to Him. (Ezekiel 20:41) He also loves getting presents from our heart. On gift bags around the room were written "Praise" "Worship" "Hunger" and "Thankfulness" Each child spent quiet time at each station, bringing their "gifts" to God and spending time with Him. It was a beautiful time of soaking in God's presence.



Our kids have learned what it is to serve in our community by collecting school supplies and clothing for the Union Rescue Mission. This morning a few volunteers prayed over the items, asking God to bless each person who would receive them and that they would know His love.

Next week kids will be serving in our church service upstairs as greeters as well as taking up the offering. We will also be doing promotions for those students moving up to a higher level class in children's church. Please be there with your students. We will be presenting them with certificates for their achievements.