From my heart to yours as we begin a new year



Parents-- As we end one year and start a new one, many of us will make promises to ourselves to change something, to become better, to stop doing something, or commit to something.

I want to remind you that the enemy tries to come in and steal, kill and destroy--he doesn't want you to succeed or meet your goals. He will do anything he can to try to stop you from being a better you. He speaks lies to you telling you that if you mess up, you're a failure and you should just stop trying.

I also want to remind you that you have a God that's for you, rooting you on, and is right there to pull you up when you fall. He wants you to be a better you each day than you were the day before.

I encourage you to not stress yourself out by making a bunch of new resolutions that you can't live up to. I instead encourage you to make personal goals and to ask God to help you try your hardest to help you do the things you wish to do.

But specifically, I want to speak to you as parents. Commit to trying your hardest to being a better parent for your kiddo. Maybe it's your time to break a generational curse. Maybe it's time to commit to going to church together, to praying together before bedtime, eating dinner together as a family atleast 3 times a week, or having a family date night each month. Maybe you need to take steps to create a more positive environment for your kids or using kind words with them or really being there with them--setting aside the cell phones, turning off the computer, and really be with them.

Maybe you need to remember that everything here on earth is temporary and we can't take it with us when we go so you are going to commit to not allowing your kids to become materialistic and feel entitled to things. Maybe you will commit to making memories together, creating those moments that your kids will remember.

Maybe you will want to commit to being a better parent so when your kids become parents, they will be proud to parent the way you did and they will raise their kids in a loving and nurturing home where the family is valued.. where they will tell stories of how you were there for them, disciplined them because you cared, you knew where they were and spent time with them.

And remember---you don't need to wait until a new year to be a better you, you can start now! You can start over again and again and again each day, each week, each moment... just don't give up!

Parents, you are not a parent by mistake---God doesn't make mistakes. You are a parent because that's the journey God wants you to be on today.

And I, and my team, are here for you. We are here to partner with you to raise your kids in strong values. This blog is here for you, to give you tips, ideas and pointers. But don't let it stop there! Commit this year to joining a small group---you need people and they need you! You weren't meant to go through this life alone. Commit to being a better spouse---pursue eachother. Commit to getting closer to God twice as much as you do now---if you read the bible or pray once a month now, then double that. Commit to parenting the way that God does---with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (But remember, when you pray for these things, God will only give you more opportunities to use these qualities--so make the most of every opportunity).

So parents, here's a 3 step process of becoming a better you:
Admit you need to change and Ask for God's help.
Create a plan to change.
Take action to see that plan through and then NEVER GIVE UP!

Let's be thankful for what we do have. Remember what's most important in life. Never forget that you were created on purpose for a purpose.


Praying for you as you parent in the new year,
Pastor Tiffany

Wanna see what serving in the Greenhouse is all about?

 

We are looking to add some amazing people to our team to jump start 2013!

And we'd love for YOU to come check out what serving in the Greenhouse is all about!

If you are a people person and a morning person, we have the check in greeter team. And you do just that! lol you greet families! You get the first opportunity to invite kids into a SAFE and fun environment where the kids will discover Jesus! You get face to face interaction meeting new families and welcoming them to Freedom.

We also have the infant room and toddler room--here we play with the kids, love on them, read them the bible story, worship with them, and pray with them.

We also have the pre-school class. Here the kids rotate through their craft, bible, worship, and play stations. (smiles and hugs and touching moments of when kids "get it".... lots of fun!)

We also have the K-4th grade where we are able to go a little deeper with the kids but still make it age appropriate... we have high energy worship, creative bible message, fun games related to the message, and just overall have a great time.

I do ask of my team members and those who are just coming in to
check it out that they attend one/serve one. It's important for everyone coming to church to get the message designed for us.. that way we're able to have something to pour out into the kiddos.
So you would need to choose which service you would attend and which you would serve :o)

Also, you are invited to our pre-service team huddles where we just rally together to get ready for the day--refreshments provided :o) We meet upstairs in my office and if serving first service, the huddle is at 9am and if serving 2nd service, the huddle is at 10:55am.

If you have kids, we have lots of kids who love when they get to stay for 2 services when their parents are attending one and serving one.. so no worries there! The kiddos love it! They get the same lesson but taught in a different, creative way :o)

Why do we want to add more to our team??? The more people we have the more relationships these kids can build, the more stability we can provide for the kids to enter into a positive, safe and fun environment where they are going to discover Jesus! Plus, serving means that you get to be connected and build relationships and live for the other person's good! WIN WIN FOR ALL!

Where are we praying to add some new faces to help us make a greater impact in the most fun ministry at Freedom?

4+ Greeters
8+ Nurseries
5+ Pre-K
6+ K-2nd Grade
4+ 3-4th Grade

So come join us! Come check out any area as many times as you'd like and then YOU get to CHOOSE the area that you want to get plugged into that brings you the most joy and then we get to chat about the opportunities you have to make a difference at Freedom Church!

I'd love to serve alongside you,
Pastor Tiffany
Children's Pastor at Freedom Church
tiffany@freedom-church.org
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It's all for ONE MORE!



What a few current team members have to say about serving:

Holly Elaine Honeyman It's so much fun to play with the toddlers, and its so great to see how quickly they learn worship songs!

Shari Lyn It helped me find my calling! Cannot wait till next year now!

Tonja Padgett I love serving in the GreenHouse! I find such joy in seeing the kids each week and sharing a little of Jesus with them. It is so wonderful to see their faces light up when you can tell they "got it"!

Wendy Frutig Smith I remember how nervous I was when I first started out in the GH cause I had never done anything like that before. It's been amazing how God has just opened my heart and helped me form relationships with these kids. There is no greater privilege than getting to help a child in their walk with God!

Shauna Frutig Cole If I had never joined the Greenhouse, I dont know if I would he where I am today. Looking into the eyes of a child when they run up to you and grab you and hug you is priceless. Seeing them "get it" during worship will render you speechless.

Katelyn Yonts It is seriously so much fun! I love that I get hugs every week and get to have fun with the kids. I also love the worship! Getting up on the stage and leading them through fun worship songs is such a joy!

Amanda Shue I love building relationships with the kids and the feeling I get when they come back each week.

Le Ann Skidmore-Sheets Nothing better then knowing you had a hand in showing a child how to spend eternity in Heaven. I love seeing those smiling faces every week. there is no other area that I would rather be serving in. BEST CHILDREN'S MINISTRY EVER!!!

Greg Smith Jesus, Worship and Relationships, couldn't ask for anything more. Plus the Children's Pastor is AWESOME!! #browniepoints

Free Book download for parents!!!

Instant Family Devotions: 52 Bible Discussions for Anytime, Anywhere!

Be Blessed!

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Parenting Tip: Christmas, a Time to Practice Saying THANK YOU!

Gratefulness is an important life quality because it helps us to be thankful for what we have instead of complaining about what we don't have. Gratefulness is a lifestyle but it starts by saying "Thank you" to others who bless us.

Begin now to prepare your children for receiving gifts. Talk about the importance of the giver, not just the gift. Teach children to look at the name tag first so they can be thinking of the person who gave the gift while they open it.
Encourage children to express thanks to the giver, even if that person is not in the room at the time. A phone call to extended family or a thank you note to a distant friend can mean a lot.

Gift receiving sometimes provides that awkward moment when we want to ask, "What is this?" or discover that we already have one of these. Play a "What if" game with young children to help them anticipate how they might say thank you in those situations.

Opening gifts can happen fast and then children are off playing with new toys and games. Helping them to take time to express gratefulness can extend the true meaning of Christmas past the few hours of Christmas Day. And don't forget to take time to thank the Lord for his special gift in Jesus Christ for us.

And at this time I want to take a moment to wish you a very special Christmas celebration. May you and your family experience God's gift in a new and special way this year.

Blessings, Pastor Tiffany

100 Ways to be Kind to your Child

Tell to your child:

1. I love you.
2. love you no matter what.
3. I love you even when you are angry at me.
4. I love you even when I am angry with you.
5. I love you when you are far way. My love for you can reach you wherever you are.
6. If I could pick any 4 year old (5 year old, 6 year old…) in the whole wide world, I’d pick you.
7. I love you to the moon and then around the stars and back again.
8. Thank you.
9. I enjoyed playing with you today.
10. My favorite part of the day was when I was with you and we _______.

Tell them:
11. The story of their birth or adoption.
12. About how you cuddled them when they were a baby.
13. The story of their name.
14. A story about yourself when you were their age.
15. The story of how their grandparents met.
16. What your favorite color is.
17. That sometimes you struggle too.
18. That when you’re holding hands and you give three squeezes, it’s a secret code that means, “I love you”.
19. What the plan is.
20. What you’re doing right now.
Play:
21. Freeze Tag
22. Uno
23. Crazy 8s
24. Gin Rummy
25. Memory
26. Go Fish
27. I Spy- especially when you’re tired of driving and feel snappish
28. Catch

Pretend:
29. To catch their kiss and put it on your cheek.
30. That their tickle tank is empty and you have to fill it.
31. That their high five is so powerful it nearly knocks you over.
32. That you are super ticklish.
33. That you are explorers in the amazing world of your own backyard.
34. That it’s party day!

Try:
35. To get enough sleep.
36. To drink enough water.
37. To eat decent food.
38. Dressing in a way that makes you feel confident and comfortable.
39. Calling a friend the next time you feel like you are about to lose it with the kids.
40. Giving a gentle touch to show approval, rather than saying something.
41. Dancing in the kitchen.
42. To get your kids to bop to the music with you in the car.
43. Showing your kids that you can do a somersault or handstand or a cartwheel.
44. Keeping the sigh to yourself. Just jump in and help clean up.
45. Using a kind voice, even if you have to fake it.

Read:
46. A book of silly poems.
47. A book and then act it out. (Like “I’m going on a Bear Hunt”)
48. Your favorite childhood book to them.
49. When the afternoon is starting to go astray.
50. Outside under a tree.
51. In the library kids corner.
52. The comic book they love that you’re not so hot on.
53. About age appropriate behavior so you can keep your expectations realistic.

Listen:
54. To your child in the car.
55. To that Lego description, and think how important it is to your child.
56. For that question that indicates your child really needs your input.
57. One second longer than you think you have patience for.
58. For the feelings behind your child’s words.

Ask:
59. Why do you think that happens?
60. What do you think would happen if______?
61. How shall we find out?
62. What are you thinking about?
63. What was your favorite part of the day?
64. What do you think this tastes like?

Show:
65. Your child how to do something instead of banning them from it.
66. How to whistle with a blade of grass.
67. How to shuffle cards- make a bridge if you can!
68. How to cut food.
69. How to fold laundry.
70. How to look up information when you don’t know the answer.
71. Affection to your spouse.
72. That taking care of yourself is important.

Take Time:
73. To watch construction sites.
74. To look at the birds.
75. To allow your child to help you dump ingredients in the bowl.
76. To walk places together.
77. To dig in the dirt together.
78. To do a task at your child’s pace.
79. To just sit with you child while they play.

Trust:
80. That your child is capable.
81. That you are the right parent for your child.
82. That you are enough.
83. That you can do what is right for your family.

Delight your child:
84. Clean your child’s room as a surprise.
85. Put chocolate chips in the pancakes.
86. Put a love note in their lunch.
87. Make their snack into a smile face shape.
88. Make sounds effects while you help them do something.
89. Sit on the floor with them to play.

Let Go:
90. Of the guilt.
91. Of how you thought it was going to be.
92. Of your need to be right.

Give:
93. A kind look.
94. A smile when your child walks into the room.
95. A kind touch back when your child touches you.
96. The chance to connect before you correct so that your child can actually hear your words.
97. Your child a chance to work out their frustrations before helping them.
98. A bath when the day feels long.
99. A hug.
100. You get to choose the next one! What is your favorite way to be kind to your child?

Parents—Help Your Kids Discover the Real Christmas

Parents—Help Your Kids Discover the Real Christmas Christmas! The word itself stirs feelings of extraordinary excitement. And rightly so. Everywhere there are reminders of the holiday season. But let’s be sure our children know what the excitement is really about. How can parents help a young child realize that Christmas is a celebration of gratitude to God for His wonderful gift of love? Here are suggestions for ways you can make the biblical and spiritual aspects of Christmas meaningful to your kids: 1. Help your children know the simple facts of Jesus’ birth as they are recorded in Scripture. Read the story of the first Christmas to your child from Bible storybooks or from an easy-to-understand version of the Bible. Visit your Christian bookstore and choose books and/or videos that will appeal to your child. 2. Help your child feel that Jesus is God’s best gift. Remember that much of a child’s response is a reflection of the attitudes he or she sees at home (or at church!). Nurture feelings of joy, love and thankfulness in your child. Avoid (as much as possible) the hurry and busyness of Christmas that makes a young child feel alone or “left out.” In the presence of your child, give thanks to God for Jesus. Include your child in family plans for expressing love to Jesus by caring and loving others. (Make cookies for elderly relatives or those at a nursing home. Send cards to friends. Plan surprises for grandparents. Take canned goods or personal care items to a rescue mission, etc.). 3. Help your child express joy, excitement and feelings of love. Include your child in making Christmas decorations, foods, gifts and cards for family members and friends. Show gladness to your child as you sing the songs of Christmas. Find out and learn the songs your child is learning at church so you can sing them together at home. Be sensitive to moments when it’s natural to talk about God and encourage your child to talk to God with praise and thanksgiving. 4. Keep Santa in the proper perspective. Avoid referring to Santa as a real person. (Explain that Santa legends may be based on a real St. Nicholas who loved God and gave generously to the poor. A useful phrase is, ”Talking about Santa is fun, and it’s even better to talk about Jesus who loves us all year long!”) Avoid the “What do you want Santa to bring you for Christmas?” and “Be good for Santa” emphases. Bake a birthday cake for Jesus. Children will understand that because Christmas is Jesus’ birthday, there should be a cake! Sing “Happy Birthday” to Jesus and plan together what your family can give Him for a gift.   Content adapted from Gospel Light’s Sunday School Smart Pages.

Reaching your kids when disaster strikes

Parents,

The news coming out of Connecticut is devastating to all of us. How could such a horrific thing happen in our country, in a school just like the ones the kids in our ministries attend? I'm sure you have lots of questions, just like I do, but as we try to figure out pieces of this tragedy, we must remember that the children we minister to have heard this news, also. They will have a huge array of reactions. Some will be scared to the point of nightmares. Others will hardly pay attention to it, because it doesn't feel real. Most of the kids, though, will take this like everything else new they are experiencing and learning-with lots of questions as they process it.

Below you will find some things that we are going to do to prepare to be with our kiddos this weekend. We have spent some time thinking through how we are going to handle this unique situation which will prepare us to lead.

1. Listen.

If the kids want to tell us what they heard about the killings in Connecticut, then we let them put it into words. As they voice what is bouncing around in their heads, it's a good step in bringing some order to their thoughts. It will also make you aware of any misinterpretations or false information.

2. Pray.

We will listen first, so we have a reading on what the children are feeling. Then, go to prayer-fervent prayer of humility. This is the perfect time to teach kids that we start out praying. It's not our last resort. As a group, begin praying today for the families and the other kids at the Connecticut school, and continue to pray for them in the weeks ahead.

3. Talk in small groups.

The emotion of a large group, as kids fill in the details they have overheard, can cause more harm than good. This Sunday, if need be, we will talk with small groups of children in an orderly fashion. This will also give more children the opportunity to speak their thoughts.

4. Allow them to be sad, or mad, or angry.

If squelched now, those feelings will find a way to come out eventually. Acknowledge that this incident makes us feel a lot of different ways. God is not afraid of our emotions-He made them for our benefit-and they have their time and place.

5. Be truthful. Don't pretend to have all the answers.

We don't, so we will be authentic with the kids and admit that we're working through this along with them. Tell them how your heart was crushed and your eyes welled with tears when you heard what had happened to these children.

6. Give short answers.

As a child asks a question, a whole dissertation is flashing through our mind. We will keep your answers very short, because that's really what they want at this point.

7. Don't displace your reactions on the children.

Children easily pick up drastic reactions, comments, and emotions of people they look up to. Be cautious with what you say, in front of them or what they may overhear.

8. Assure them that we will do everything in our power to keep them safe.

All the safety measures that we have in place are because you love them and want them to be safe.

9. Watch for children who display extreme anxiety over this incident.

We see children in a different environment than parents normally do, and kids' church may be the place where anxiety is more easily noticeable. We won't hesitate to talk with a parent in private if a child is displaying reactions far beyond what the other children are.

10. Remind them that this was NOT from God.

We will help kids understand that there is evil in the world, and it was that evil that brought this about.

Know that I will be praying for all of us this weekend as we minister to the precious children God has entrusted us with.

-Love you all-
Pastor Tiffany

16 signs your kids LOVE coming to our church

We are always working on creating an environment where kids love coming on weekends!  Here are some signs that the kids are lovin' what we're doing. These are things you will see kids doing and hear about from their parents.

1. They wake up their parents on Sunday mornings...excited about going to church.
2. They invite their schoolmates to come.
3. They sing the songs from church during the week.
4. They line up early to get in.
5. You hear laughter in the hallways.
6. You see lots of smiles.
7. They actively participate in the service/classroom.
8. New families with kids show up and say their heard about the church from friends.
9. They talk about a specific leader they have connected with.
10. You can hear them singing through the walls at church.
11. They tell their parents what they learned on the way home...without mom and dad having to ask.
12. They get upset when they can't attend.
13. You can feel the energy in the hallways. When kids and parents walk in, they sense something different about the atmosphere.
14. They answer "yes" when their parents ask if they had fun.
15. Your attendance is growing.
16. They keep coming back.

What about you? Why do your kids look forward to coming? What do they say about the Greenhouse?

One of the coolest moments I've experienced in Children's Ministry happened a couple of months ago. I was walking through one of our environments and noticed that a little girl was crying. I went over to see what was wrong. With tears flowing she said, "Mom said it's time to go and I don't want to leave!"

I didn't want her to be upset, but what she said was music to my ears!

 

Christmas: A Time to Teach Generosity

Christmas is a highlight in the life of most children, but much of the benefit is focused on what they get. Of course one of the blessings of Christmas is giving, so look for ways to teach children generosity this year.

Here are some ideas:

Involve kids in your gift-giving strategy or help them develop their own. Planning, shopping, and wrapping can each provide ways for children to think about blessing others.

Anticipate with your children the delight others will experience when the gifts are opened. Help your child enjoy the fun others will have when receiving gifts.

Ask children the question: "What are you doing this year to make Christmas special for someone else?"

This question alone can help young children as well as teens think of others instead of just themselves. A short discussion can help move kids from selfish tendencies to generosity. The joy of giving is usually discovered only through the practice of giving, so make thinking of others a requirement.

And most importantly, remind children of the generosity of God by sending us the most special gift: his Son.

Love you all!
Pastor Tiffany

The Kids Christmas Eve Service Songs

The Greenhouse kids are doing these 2 songs for worship in the Greenhouse and they will also be doing these for the parents on Christmas Eve!

I encourage your kids to listen to them at home for some extra practice! :o)

http://youtu.be/Qf6OoAZbAQg   BORN IS THE KING/IT'S CHRISTMASTIME

http://youtu.be/tC3SwhJsLqU   JOY TO THE WORLD/UNSPEAKABLE JOY

A look back at 2012 and our journey into 2013

What a year it has been! It's been so exciting to kick off the Greenhouse while we were at the theater and then to move to the YMCA and now to our permanent facility!



Join me parents as we take a look back at our 2012 Journey in the Greenhouse:

Jan Up! All about Jesus

Feb Parables

Mar Parables

AprPsalm 139 All about God

May Sky: Trust God

June Go the Distance: Paul (boy and sport focused)

JulyGreat Comeback (boy and sport focused)

Aug Changed

Sept Fruit of the Spirit 

Oct Fruit of the Spirit

Nov Fruit of the Spirit

Dec Hometown Nazareth: Where Jesus was a kid.

We started out by learning about who Jesus is, stories about Him and about God, learned how to fight and work as a team to beat the enemy. Then we learned how God changes us and then what we're supposed to look like and then wrapped up with how we look like Jesus as a kid! What a great journey to grow the kids!



And now that we're getting ready for another year.. the only 2013 there will ever be so we're going to make it awesome! The Greenhouse is a safe and fun place for kids to Discover God so we're going to to our best to make that happen :o)

In 2013, we're going to help the kids start the year strong, teach them how to be Jesus to their friends, teach them how Heaven is real, we will walk through the Book of Luke together, focus on serving, learn how God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things, and learn our mission in life!

 It's going to be a great year and we're going to partner with you to make Jesus irresistable to kids.

WE promise to guide your kids in their relationship with God---but we need YOUR help to reach them every day. We only get your kids on Sundays... on average that's only about 40 times we get to teach Jesus to your kiddos. You get 365 chances--HOW EXCITING!

If there's anything we can do to help you bring Jesus into your home, please email me at tiffany@freedom-church.org. The best way that you can do this is by being the example that you want your kids to be, pray with them, read the Bible together---one you can understand, and serve together.

Let's make 2013 the best year by making Jesus not just a part of your life but the point!

Kool-Aid vs Milk : We refuse to offer kids something that looks great and tastes great, but offers very little nutrition!

Thank you for trusting us with your kiddos!

-Pastor Tiffany