Faith-Family-Friends-FUN

The LOLLIPOP Team is what we call the team that exists for Families and their children. One of the sub teams of the Lollipop Team is our Fun Team. We realized a long time ago that Fun is an element of a kid’s life that you do not want to underestimate. We make sure all our get-to-gethers, our classes, any function involving kids has an element of fun to it. If you are losing a group of kids and you feel you are no longer in control just interject some fun and you are back in the driver’s seat...although you may be in for quite a ride I am sure.

Thank you to all the veteran teachers in The Meadow who know for sure that fun is a part of the program. The laughter , giggles, squeals and sheer joy that are present during such a session are priceless. You must come visit The Meadow. Everyone can use a dose of fun!

This fall Cornerstone KIDS and Bitty KIDS will be participating in Angel Tree's Ministry to children whose parents are incarcerated. We will be buying gifts, wrapping gifts and helping to deliver gifts that will help bring the love of Christ during this Christmas season. Sandy Thompson will be leading this effort. The tree with tags will go up in early November. The tags will be for children who live in our area. Be looking for more information on Cornerstone Connection and on Angel Tree's website. This will be a great opportunity for us to find new friends in our neighborhoods.

Just a side note: There are many other worthwhile efforts you and your family can get involved in around the holidays. Coldwater will be helping make some local Christmases brighter for children whose families have been hit hard by these tough economic times. Keep an eye open for more information in CT and at www.coldwater.me. Operation Christmas Child, which we have participated in for many years, is a great giving opportunity that has spread the love of Christ to children in many countries. If you and your family want to participate in that as well this year there are many local drop off sites. You can find out all the information on how to get involved at www.samaritanspurse.org

May the love of God thrust us all into the lives of the hurting and needy.

[Source: AquaViews]

Volcanoes and KIDS

What in the world do KIDS and volcanoes have in common?! Well, we could probably draw endless comparisons there! The energy . . . the mess . . . the explosions . . . the noise!!! However, there is another connection I was thinking about. It involves adults who love God and kids so much that they would actually make a volcano for KIDS club. That's one thing that has happened up in The Spot on Wednesday nights. KIDS are studying creation. Thankfully the mess was not too overwhelming. We did not want to get in trouble with Beth who so graciously cleans up after us week after week. Yet, the amazement and questions and wonder was so refreshing to see. Children--and adults alike--marveling at the wonder and awesomeness of God.

Have you stopped to be amazed lately at the story of Creation? You can read it again in Genesis 1.

It seems to take so many details to organize and implement any class offered. The teachers must be enlisted. The roster must be finalized. The curriculum has to be written. The rooms have to be prepared. The information has to be shared with friends.

One of the things you may not consider is the prayer that goes into each gathering, no matter how informal it may be. Cornerstone KIDS / Bitty KIDS workers are especially fond of YOU!!! Cornerstone families are greatly cherished.

So with that being said here are some details to consider for the upcoming weeks….

Wednesday nights

5:45

Dinner

6:15-7:30

KIDS Club/Bitty KIDS club

In The Spot

Pre-K thru 6th grade

(Baby/Toddler nursery also

provided in The Meadow)

Sunday Morning

9:40

Sunday School for all ages

Don’t be late!

10:30

Extended Session in

The Meadow

Babies—Pre-K

KIDS K—6th grade

Participate in Worship and leave for KIDS church during sermon.

KIDS church is for ages K-4th grade.

The Lollipop team is always looking for friends, who are passionate about KIDS, to join us in all capacities. Contact Teri.

KIDS Celebrate Luncheon

Sunday, August 14 @ 12pm
Lunch will be served.

All families are welcome and encouraged to stay. This will be a time when students will be recognized for their participation in memorizing Word this past year.
All families with preschool/elementary kids

PLEASE RSVP to
Teri@cornerstone4u.org
Regrets only

Promotion Sunday for Elementary
August 14th

On this day some students will be moving to new classes.
-All Kindergarteners will move to The Spot, room 205, where they will join the 1st-4th graders.
Your teachers are Vicki Bullard, Gina Menard and Kristy Wopata
-All 5th and 6th graders will report to The Z'ONE, room 208
Your teachers are Sharon Clouse and Tim Rutherford.

Overwhelmed

Often we find ourselves in situations where we are overwhelmed as families. We book too many events in one day. The baby decides to be clingy on the day before your in-laws are arriving for an inspection--I mean visit. The babysitter cancels last-minute for a long-awaited night out. The doctor can't tell us what is wrong with us. The car breaks down...again!!! The electric bill was double what you expected. The kids need new school clothes and school supplies. Everyone is hungry and you have not even started dinner. The boss tells you that you no longer have a job. You get the picture. There are many overwhelming situations in our everyday lives.

I recently experienced a great sense of being overwhelmed, yet in a way I had not expected. I found myself totally overwhelmed with the nearness of God. It brought me to tears. Such a rare occurence, I am sad to say. But this day, I had to just stop and cry and try to find a way to dwell in the moment. The nearness of God is overwhelming. Moses witnessed this many times in his life: the burning bush, on Mt. Sinai. I have always wanted more of those moments in my life. This week I was granted one. I pray you will be as well.

God created the world "so we could seek after God, and not just grope around in the dark but actually find Him. He doesn't play hide-and-seek with us. He's not remote; he's near. We live and move in him, can't get away from him. We're God created." Acts 17:27-28 (emphasis added)

I pray that you will be overwhelmed by God's nearness this week.

--Ms. Teri