VBS & Prayer

Two words that absolutely go hand-in-hand!  I know that there is no other way for VBS to get accomplished without A LOT of prayer.  I have had my moment this Spring wondering how it would get done, and then I have moments like right now, where I just rest in the fact that God is sovereign & HE ALONE is in control.  So please pray for VBS! Pray for the preparation of crafts, games, skits, etc...but most importantly pray for HEARTS. Pray for all the little children that will hear the Gospel!

We are going to have a blast this Summer!  June 11 – 15 will be filled with about 325 kiddos studying basic truths of God’s Word.  We will present the story of salvation in a couple ways to each child. How perfect does all of this sound.

Help is definitely still needed in many areas.  Our kitchen is lookin’ empty & we need a few extra hands in the craft room.  We are still in need of teachers for our younger ABSOLUTELY, CUTE, ADORABLE classes.  Please pray about how you can be used throughout these next few weeks in our ever-growing VBS ministry. 

Sincerely,

Jocelyn Martin

968.7366

jmartin@covpres.com

Please do volunteer to help by calling or emailing Jocelyn at the above contact or visiting http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0845A5AF2FA02-june .

Summer is Here...

Last week was an exciting week at Covenant as the Day School and Mother's Day Out wrapped up another great year! Read more below about upcoming summer opportunities with the Day School and Mother's Day Out.

Remember this Sunday, May 27 there will be only one service at 10:00 am for Memorial Day weekend. Then on Sunday, June 3 Outback & Koala Kids will kick off at 9:00 am followed by a 10:00 am service. This schedule will remain in effect until Labor Day. When you arrive on Sunday, June 3 take notice of your child's check-in sticker, which will have their appropriate "team" for Outback & Koala Kids.

VBS Kickin' It Old School is June 11-15. Please register your precious children and sign-up to volunteer! We still need helpers in the kitchen, crafts, and teaching areas. VBS will be an amazing week! Please come and be part of hundreds of children worshipping Jesus, learning about His Word, and having fun fun fun! If you have never participated, it really is an unforgettable experience that can make an eternal impact in the lives of so many of God's children! Click here to sign-up to volunteer.

School's out for the summer unless you sign-up for CDS Summer Camps in July!

Wednesday, May 16 was our last day for Covenant Day School and Mother’s Day Out!  What a fabulous year we have had learning together and growing in Christ.  Thank you all who have participated in our programs this year.  It’s truly a blessing to serve along side you as we help to encourage the spiritual growth of our little ones!  We can’t wait to see how God continues to grow them and use them for His glory!

Come join CDS for a fantastic summer filled with engaging summer activities jammed packed with bible stories, music, games, art and lots of outdoor play!  Camps are held for three weeks in July on Mondays & Wednesdays.   You can choose one week, two, or all three weeks.  Tuition for each camp is $50.  Camps are available for children who have completed Two's through Kindergarten. Mother’s Day Out options for younger children are also available at the same times.  Visit the Day School Desk or the SonShine Valley Welcome Desk for registration forms.

 Week 1         GOD’S GREAT UNDERWATER ADVENTURE

                      Monday, July 9 & Wednesday, July 11 - 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.                                      

Week 2          GROWING IN GOD’S GARDEN

                      Monday, July 16 & Wednesday, July 18 - 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.                                    

Week 3          GOD’S CREATIVE CRITTERS

                      Monday, July 23 & Wednesday, July 25 - 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

- Brooke Stewart-

Director of Covenant Day School

Bonus Days 2012: Worship is a Verb! Don't Miss Out!

Dear Parents of Fifth and Sixth Graders, 

As a rising Fifth or Sixth Grader your child is invited to a special week designed just for them.  It’s called BONUS DAYS – a week of relationship building, Bible study, fast food and fun.  We have moved this awesome week ahead a little bit in our summer schedule to the last week of June, so please notice that change.  Also, checkout the “Bonus Days 2012” page under Children’s Ministry at www.covpres.com.

Some highlights of the week include movies, Alabama Adventure, and white water rafting...not to mention learning about Worship and having a blast with other Fifth and Sixth graders!

Please take a look at the detailed schedule for the particulars of the week by clicking here: Bonus Days 2012 Schedule

I am excited about the week.  I hope that each of you will consider making this week a part of your child’s summer.  Cost is $275.  Please note that we must limit the number of campers to 47…..so stop by soon at either of the reception desks in the Children’s Building for more information and registration forms. Please click her for Bonus Days Registration. Please contact me with your questions, phone 871-7002 or email at dedwards@covpres.com.

Dan Edwards

Pastor to Children & Families

Music

Looking for some music to listen to on car trips this summer or to make mornings a little smoother. Well check out the fun suggestions below that you and your kids can enjoy together!

Seeds Family Worship is a series of albums including Seeds of Faith, Seeds of Courage, Seeds of Praise just to name a few. Each album is pure scripture! If you and your children learn the songs, you have memorized scripture. Check it out at http://www.seedsfamilyworship.net/listen-online/

Katy Hutson recently helped lead worship on RUF Sunday at Covenant. She briefly mentioned two projects she is involved with and both are really great – Rain for Roots and Coal Train Railroad.

Rain for Roots is an album of songs based on poems by Sally Lloyd Jones (author of The Jesus Story Book Bible). The songs are easy to listen to and have a Christ centered message. You can download a portion of the Rain for Roots album by visiting http://noisetrade.com/rainforroots. The full album comes out May 15.

Coal Train Railroad has created a variety of playful jazz songs that kids and grownups will enjoy. They definitely can start an impromptu dance party in the kitchen or make a car ride more enjoyable! Check it out at http://noisetrade.com/coaltrainrailroad.

We can't wait to see YOU this summer!!!

Congratulations to Heather Oaks (Pre-School Director) and Brian on the birth of their third child, Cannon David Oaks.  All is well with Mom and baby. We thank God for a safe delivery and a healthy little one for the Oaks family.  As you might expect, Heather will be on a well-deserved maternity leave for the summer.  Cassie Tonsmeire and Laura Tucker (along with others) will be resourcing the pre-school ministry during Heather’s leave. 

That brings us to the Summer Ministry at Covenant.  Summers are very different here!  First, let’s talk Sundays. 

Sundays...

On Memorial Day weekend (May 27) and Labor Day weekend (Sep 2) there will be NO Sunday School and only one worship service at 10am.  All the other Sundays (Jun 3 – Aug 26), Sunday School starts at 9am, followed by one worship service at 10am.  Again, Sunday School starts at 9am!

Now, let’s talk about ages and grades.  All ministry for children, except in the Nursery, are referred to in terms of “rising,” (or the grade the child will enter in the Fall).  So, a child who is currently in Kindergarten and who will be in First Grade in August will be considered a First-Grader.  That adjustment is made for all ages/grade levels.  The only exception to this policy is in the Nursery.  The two-year-old nursery class (actual age is three now) will remain in the Nursery for the Summer and will be promoted to their upstairs classroom in the Fall.  So, all announced grade levels are “rising.” 

The following is a list of Sunday ministries:

Koala Kids:  Sunday School for rising K4 and K5.  This is a fast paced hour where the children rotate between three rooms.  There will be a Bible Story Room, an Activity Room (game or craft), and a Singing Room (along with a snack).  The designated rooms are on the Midlands Level (2^nd floor) of the Children’s Building in Rooms C221, C222 & C223.  Please continue to check-in your child at the Midlands Level Welcome Station.

Outback:  Sunday School for rising 1^st – 4^th graders.  This is Sunday School with an Australian-style, Gilligan’s Island twist.  After singing and a Bible lesson cast in a fun-loving adventure skit, the kids go out-back for games and competitions.  Please have your children check-in on the Mountain Level (DaySchool Lobby) and report to Room C316.  Comfortable summer clothing is desired at Outback (kids may get wet). 

PA56:  Sunday School for rising 5^th & 6^th graders.  The “PA” stands for Project Adventure.  Kids will be engaged in team-building projects and challenges.  Lessons this summer center on the parables of Jesus.  Please have your child check-in on the Mountain Level (DaySchool Lobby) and come to Room C321.

Children’s Worship:  Again, times change for Worship in the Summer.  Worship is held at 10am (one service only).  Children, rising K4/K5 are invited to Room C221 for the entire worship service.  Parents need not return to the Children’s Building after Sunday School, your child will be taken directly to their worship room.  Kids, rising 1^st-3^rd grades will be dismissed from the sanctuary during the service (Passing of the Peace) and will be escorted to Room C321 for the remainder of the service. 

Parents Note:  Please note, that Children’s Worship in summer is considered a transition time for your child.  Some Summers we see difficulty with children moving up (or out) of their familiar grade level and the moving creates discomfort.  Please determine if your child is ready to sit in adult worship (for rising First OR Fourth Graders) and make advanced plans for their involvement there.  We will honor your desire for their placement. 

Other Summer Events...

Now, what about special events like camps, etc.?  Here is a list of special summer ministry:

June 11-15: Vacation Bible School (VBS) for children (Rising K4-Fourth Grade).  Time: 9am-Noon.  Registration forms here on the Blog or at Welcome Stations.

June 18-22: Created For a Purpose (CFAP) for girls (Third – Eighth Grades).  Waiting List in effect.

June 24-29: Bonus Days for boys/girls (Rising Fifth – Sixth Grades).  Cost: $275.  Registration forms here on the Blog OR envelope at Welcome Stations and by clicking here.

Game On Camp: For boys and girls (Rising First – Fourth Grades).   Time: 10am-1pm.  Cost: $100.  Registration form here on the Blog OR envelope at Welcome Stations.

July 9-13: Game On Camp Week 1

July 16-20: Game On Camp Week 2

Wonderful Wednesdays: For boys and girls (Infants - Rising First Grade). Times are 9am - 1:00 pm. Specific Wednesdays throughout June & August are filled with crafts, games, and water play. Pre-registration is required and forms are available here on the Blog or at SonShine Valley Welcome Station. 

We can’t wait to see you this Summer!!!!!

-Dan Edwards-

Pastor to Children & Families