Nebraska - Day 6

Yes! You read that right! Nebraska! We got up early on Friday morning and drove about 2 hours to White Clay, Nebraska. The population there is 14, but the alcohol sales each year total more than 4 million dollars. The town is the first place you come to just past the reservation - its about 2 miles from Pine Ridge, South Dakota. We worked with the 555 Ministry while in White Clay - the team divided up and accomplished a lot! Some helped prepare lunch for some of the people there, while others worked in a large garden, treated a wood platform, and took apart a fallen tree. Pat even had the opportunity to help put the Tee-Pees together! It was a busy, busy, busy day, but everyone worked hard and did a great job!


Following the long day of hard work, we had a wonderful evening. A Native American Storyteller joined us for about an hour and shared some stories, then shared about her life and testimony. The winds then died down enough for a small campfire where we roasted hot dogs for dinner and S'mores for dessert. We also sat and shared about the week and what God has been doing in each of our lives this past week. There was also a beautiful sunset. Then, we had the opportunity to camp-out and sleep in Tee-Pees!

South Dakota - Day 5

After working so hard this week, we took a little time off today and had some fun!

Our first stop was the Cosmos, which was probably the kids favorite! Its a place way back in the Black Hills where the gravity is a little bit off. It was pretty hard to stand up straight - and I have to admit that I'm getting old, because it made me a bit woosy!


From here it was on to Mount Rushmore! What a sight that was to see as we walked the 1/2 mile around the Memorial and took in the statue from several different angles! There was also a museum where we learned more about the mountain and of course, a food court, where we had some lunch!

Following Mount Rushmore we shopped a little in Keystone, then headed over to Sylvan Lake - YES! The lake where National Treasure 2 was filmed! The lake was beautiful and the kids had a chance to cool down and swim a little!

Following our time at the lake we went to the Crazy Horse Memorial - It is currently the only mountain carving in progress, and has been in progress for more than 50 years!


We wrapped up this fun filled day with a cookout at the Sorum's home. The kids got to hang out with some new friends while we sat and shared stories and talked about the week here in Rapid City. The Sorum's live on the edge of a beautiful canyon at the edge of the Black Hills!

South Dakota - Day 4

Teachable moments are one of the best parts of mission trips - opportunities abound to be an example, have a conversation, and just live life together! One such moment arose this morning.

George, who runs a local school here for Native American children, shared with the team about how he strives to help children learn life skills, as well as academic skills. He also talked about how high the unemployment rate is in the area and on the reservations.

Later on I found myself with several of the teens finishing up one of the rooms in the duplex. One of the teens mentioned a conversation that happened in the van while we were driving through Bear Country a few days ago.

The conversation went something like this...

"Hey, look! That guy is cleaning up bear poop!"

"Ew, that's gross, I would NEVER do that job!"

After seeing the things around them this week, spending time with the people here, and beginning to process the situation here in Rapid City - today's conversation went something like this...

"Remember that guy cleaning up the bear poop and how I said I could NEVER do that?"

"Yea, I remember"

"Well, I've realized that I could do that, if it meant that I would have a job."

This is what its all about - helping kids see a world that is bigger than their day to day surroundings and understanding the needs that exist both at home and around the world. We've had some AWESOME conversations the last few days - everyone is really digging into their faith, learning more about God, and evaluating their own situation and how they can be involved in missions both at home and around the world!

We spent today finishing up the two rooms in the duplex and helping to finish painting a mural in Bethel's Special Needs Classroom. This evening, we finished up Global Expedition by visiting Nicaragua. Everyone connected with the children and the other volunteers and did a phenomenal job helping things to run smoothly! Our time here in Rapid City is finished, but we will be traveling to White Clay, Nebraska to work with a local ministry there for two days following our visit to Mt. Rushmore.

Here's a picture recap of the day!

George with the team during Devotions this morning.

A quick game of basketball with Daryl during lunch.

The girls painting the mural in the Special Needs Room.

A new friend.

South Dakota - Day 3

First of all, let me say that this group is AMAZING! Everyone worked so hard today and accomplished so much - they're also asking some incredible, thoughtful questions, learning more about their faith and have an excitement to serve the Lord - parents you have some amazing young people!

This morning began with the opportunity to hear a man named Rusty share his story. He is currently seeking out God's purpose for his life, and as we talked about tonight he has broken through the cycle that seems to be all around us - from home to here and across the world! We talked about how many times people can become prisoners of their past, slaves of their current circumstances, and fearful of their future - but Rusty clearly has broken through these things! Christ has freed him from his past and he is daily overcoming the circumstances that he faces, while seeking the Lord about his future and knowing that God is in control.

Following our time with Rusty we got to work!

Paint...Paint...Paint!!! That was our theme for the day!

After a full day of painting, we cleaned up and got ready for the third day of Global Expedition! Tonight almost 100 children attended and everyone had a great time! We made weavings, played games with a parachute and had pudding and Oreos for snack!




The teens have done an incredible job connecting with the local teens here! They are enjoying hanging out with them each night and partnering with them in ministry here in South Dakota!

Here's a few more pictures from our time today! Tomorrow will once again be a busy day as we attempt to finish painting the duplex and wrap-up Global Expedition!

South Dakota - Day 2

Pastor Jim shared with us this morning about the importance of just being a good neighbor and building relationships - this is what they have focused on for many years here at Bethel and over time they are beginning to see progress because of their efforts to reach the community here in North Rapid City.

There's a lot to be done here at Bethel! They too are in the middle of a building project! Their project will provide some much needed space for an after-school program. Pastor Jim took us through their new addition and shared with us the vision of the center that they are building. When complete, the center will house a gym, game room, sitting area, snack shop, locker rooms, and a youth group area. This will help them to further reach their community and partner with local agencies, such as the YMCA! Below you can see some of the lower area that is being built.

This morning we worked on the Duplex that the church owns. Team members continued tearing out paneling that had been ruined during a recent flood. Tomorrow we will spend a great deal more time continuing to remove damaged paneling and hopefully begin the process of fixing some of the damaged areas.


This afternoon we took a couple hour break and headed toward the Black Hills before returning to Bethel to prepare for Global Expedition. Jim and Pat suggested a neat place called Bear Country, so we headed there for about an hour or so. We were able to drive through an area that had many types of wild animals - including lots of bear! Since it was the middle of the afternoon, most of the bears were taking afternoon naps, but they were still fun to look at!

We wrapped up this evening by traveling to China for our second night of Global Expedition. The kids here are really enjoying the videos that we brought which have the same drama on them that we did in Carmel. The kids are so excited to learn more about Moses and Bob and Charles each evening! Pastor Jim has also been doing a great job with the object lessons - one child tonight even congratulated him on having his shirt buttoned right tonight :-) Since he had trouble getting it started during last night's object lesson!

South Dakota - Day 1

We're here! We had a couple short, great flights with no delays or anything on Saturday! The schedule worked out great so that we were able to wander through Minneapolis, grab a bite to eat and then head to South Dakota with no rush and no sitting around waiting! Everyone is doing great and the teens are really connecting not only with each other, but also with the teens here who are helping with Global Expedition!


Yesterday was a long and busy day. We began with breakfast and then helped out with Children's Church, while others began preparing for Global Expedition! A few also had the opportunity to attend church - which was a great experience! After spending the afternoon running about setting up for Global Expedition the kids began coming and things really got going last evening! Our team divided up and partnered with the people here to help in many different areas! Some are helping with games, some with crafts, some with registration, some with worship, and we even helped with the drama and media last night!




Today we'll be helping clean up some flood damage...YES! It has been just as wet here as it has been at home and they have had some flooding - but it has made everything a BEAUTIFUL green color! Then after a couple hours to relax this afternoon, we'll head to China with Day 2 of Global Expedition!

Everyone is doing great and says hello! They're already very tired :-)

Preschool Activity Centers

The preschool ministry is using an activity center format for small groups. During each service hour preschoolers experience a 20 minute large group teaching and worship time, as well as a 40 minute small group activity center time.

Each leader in the room is assigned to an activity center, during the 40 minute small group time the children rotate through each of the centers, spending about 10 minutes at each. From week to week the center activities change to correspond with that week's lesson. However, the Blue Group is used to teach the verse and dive deeper into the Bible Lesson each week! Children have the opportunity to experience many different types of learning activities in the centers, from games to crafts to hands-on exploration, children never know what awaits them in the next learning center!

During large group time the large group leader creatively teaches the Bible Story, Verse and leads the children in Worship!

Looking Ahead...

Looking ahead to tonight...

GO BUCKS!!!

Looking ahead to Thursday...

-NU Kids begins Thursday for 6 weeks (Jan 10-Feb14), if you would be interested in helping out please let me know ASAP!

Looking ahead to February...

-The last weekend of February (23rd and 24th) we will be talking about Jesus calming the storm - each group will be making a "storm in a bottle" we need about 52 empty, plastic
water bottles with lids - you can drop them off in the workroom!

Looking ahead to March...

-Easter comes early this year - March 23rd to be exact!

-March is another 5-Weekend month - so we will do the same as December and clear the
week 3 schedules and push every back 1 week, so Week 3 Volunteers will serve on Week 4
and Week 4 volunteers will serve on Week 5

-SOWO Volunteers and anyone available to serve during the Easter Weekend services will be
on the schedule for that weekend!

January and a New Year!

2008 will be here in less than 48 hours!

What are some things that you hope to accomplish this coming year?

In January we'll be learning about love - loving God and loving others - and how we can love God just like Jesus did!

There are 4 weeks this month - here are the topics...

Week 1 - Jesus did what God wanted him to - Teaching in the Temple

Week 2 - God was happy with Jesus - Jesus' Baptism

Week 3 - Jesus talks to God - Prayer

Week 4 - Jesus teaches others - the Two Greatest Commandments

January schedules will be in the mail this week!

Also, don't forget about winter quarter of NU Kids - the 6-week quarter begins January 10th - we'll be learning about "The Story" - and taking a deeper look at 6 of the most important stories in the Bible! Registration is available in the lobby or online!

What A Month!

Christmas is upon us and what a month it has been leading up to it!

Check out the Mitten Tree this weekend - which has now become a Celebration Tree with pictures of Studio 6.7 reaching out to the community around us! This December families at Headstart and Brookside have been blessed through many generous gifts!

The Mitten Tree collected about 150 items which will be given out this Saturday during Share the Blessing at Brookside.

We have also had many people sign up for SOWO this coming weekend! If you are serving this weekend - thank you a ton!!!

Needless to say - I haven't had much time to update!

I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas this year and stay safe as many of you travel to other parts of the country!

Also - just a reminder - there are NO Saturday services this weekend! See you on Sunday OR Monday!

Mitten Tree - 1 more week!

Wow! The Mitten Tree grew by leaps and bounds this past weekend!

This will be the last weekend for the tree...please bring in new hats, gloves, or mittens and place them on the tree during any of the weekend services! All items from the tree will be given to Brookside Community Church - Share the Blessing

The front of the tree...

The back of the tree...


And...just for fun...we've been busy this week! Here's a glimpse of what we've been up to...

Gift Wrapping @ Castleton Mall...

Candy Cane Lane - Gift Delivery and Christmas Party...

I hope everyone is enjoying this holiday season and not letting it get lost in the busyness of this time of year!

THANK YOU!!!

We collected about 300 toilet paper rolls!!! Thanks so much for your help!!!

Don't forget about Brookside on the 22nd - I need to know by the end of the week if you are planning to go!

Stay dry today - it looks nasty outside :-(

Christmas Traditions

This past weekend's message got me thinking...about a lot of things. About consumerism, myself, the people around me, the world we live in, the traditions we cherish, and the traditions we do every year just because we've always done them. Those are just a few things that came to mind as I listened.

Growing up we had a few Christmas traditions...some were because we had to have them - such as spending part of Christmas Day with my mom and part with my dad - some were because we chose to have them - such as receiving a special Hallmark ornament every year.

Had you asked me a week ago about a Christmas Tradition we had growing up, I may have said I couldn't think of any that really stuck out to me...but after putting up the Christmas Tree this year - I can say that the Hallmark Ornaments are probably one of my favorite traditions. You see, the Hallmark Ornaments aren't on the tree this year, they haven't made the move to Indiana yet and I thought I was okay with that, but everytime I look at the tree - I know they're missing. The tree is pretty - white lights, blue and maroon ornaments, but it doesn't have the memories that go along with each ornament. The memories of childhood and life.

What are some of your favorite holiday memories?

What Christmas Traditions do you celebrate and why?

What Christmas Traditions do you want to start?

Mitten Tree - Update!

The Mitten Tree is growing every weekend with NEW hats, gloves, mittens, and other fun winter items! Don't forget to bring in items to contribute to the tree and encourage the families in your classrooms to do so as well!


If you're interested in helping to wrap and give out the items on the Mitten Tree, as well as the items collected for Share the Blessing - please email me ASAP! We will be helping at Brookside on December 22nd - all day - beginning at 9:30am - you're welcome to come and go as you need to!

Enjoy the coming snow tonight and stay safe!

December

December schedules are in the mail!

Looking at the schedules now, and remembering what they looked like a few months ago makes me realize how many of you have stepped up in the past few months and taken the next step!

Thanks for your willingness to serve. I hope that you are getting just as much out of it as the kids are! I am constantly getting comments from parents about how much their preschooler is learning each week through the activities in the learning centers and the relationships that are being built with each of you.

During December we'll be learning about our Savior's Birth. Here's a quick overview of this month's 5 topics.

Week 1 - The Angel visits Mary
Week 2 - Jesus is born
Week 3 -The Angels and Shepherds
Week 4 - The Wise Men
Week 5 - Simeon and Anna

Here's the verse we'll be learning all month...

"God has given a son to us." Isaiah 9:6


Don't forget about December 22nd @ Brookside...if you are able to join us for giftwrapping and gift distribution, please let me know ASAP!

There are also many other Christmas Outreaches going on. Please take advantage of one of these great opportunities this holiday season!

200 and Counting!

Thanks for your help collecting toilet paper rolls! We only need about 50 more!
If you have any at home please be sure to bring them in this coming weekend (December 1/2)!

Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope you all are enjoying today with family and friends! I am in Ohio for a few days. The turkey is currently roasting in the oven and the family will be here soon! Looking back over the past year, I have so much to be thankful for. It's been quite a year, with lots of changes for me, but I have been able to see God at work through each of those things and I am thankful for His guiding and provision in my life!

What are some things that you are thankful for this Thanksgiving?
Share your thoughts with everyone by leaving a comment!

Brookside - Share the Blessing Information

Join us on Saturday December 22nd (don't forget there are NO services that day!)for Brookside's Share the Blessing Christmas Gift Distribution

Time: Meet between 9am and 930am (feel free to leave when you need to), they will need help throughout the day until sometime between 2pm and 4pm

Where: Brookside Community Church (downtown Indianapolis)

What: We'll be giftwrapping and then helping distribute gifts to families

***All Mitten Tree Donations will be given out during this time!!!

RSVP: Please email me or leave a comment that you will be attending by December 13th, so that Brookside knows how many to expect!

Families (including children) are welcome to come and serve together!

100 and Counting!

Hey guys!

We have just over 100 toilet paper rolls for the craft on December 8th and 9th! Thanks for your help collecting TP rolls! Please keep bringing in any that you have collected!

Thanks for you help!!!

Mitten Tree

November 24th - December 16th the Preschool Ministry will be collecting NEW hats, gloves, mittens, and scarves for Brookside Community Church. Please have children hang any items that they bring in on the Christmas Tree located outside of the Preschool Rooms in the Rotunda!