Welcome to the Children’s Ministry blog for Des Moines First Assembly.  On this blog, you will find ways to supplement what your child is learning here and encouragement for raising your family for God.

….because the lobby is CLOSED FOR RE-SURFACING. No one, except the Lord, may inhabit the lobby space tonight. We will all have the joy of celebrating a NEW FLOOR on SUNDAY! Oh boy! Follow this link for more info:     www.desmoinesfirst.org/lobbyclosed

Pictures don’t lie, but headlines can be misleading. As you will see, whatever was broken, kicked, thrown, or punched was all in the name of good fun and sportsmanship. 120 campers enjoyed training in five sports, small group fellowship, snacks, singing, and a daily message about becoming STARS in God’s universe. More pictures are availabe on request. REMINDER: Creation Camp is just around the corner! July 26 - 30th. Space is limited, so inquire about it soon!

In an unexpected turn of events, STARS campers were flattened like “road-kill” this morning by a huge red ball. On the scene reporters told of excessive laughter, giggling, and general merriment as the ball passed by. Campers did not seem traumatized, although many were heard to complain when the game stopped. In other action, campers were enthused by the report of the USA victory in World Cup Soccer against Algeria. Sports Camp finishes up this week with a special presentatoin by all the campers. It is not known at this time if the big red ball will return.

Wednesdays beginning June 2, 2010 6:30 Programs BEGIN TONIGHT!! 6:30 PM will be the time to show up for Wednesday night programs from now on. Why?  So we can all get home a bit earlier that’s why.  This schedule change will stay in effect when school begins again in the Fall.  By the way, our Summer Children’s Ministry on Wednesday nights will be based on the town of Mayberry!  We hope to re-inforce some of the good-old, down-home character traits that are time-less and Godly.  One bonus will be learning to judge what we view in media and draw helpful conclusions.  So whistle...

Repeat this phrase several times without pause. Now close your eyes and say it. Does it sound like “Sunday School?” I would hope & pray that you and your children feel the same way I do about Sundays… COOL! It’s my favorite day of the week because I get to be with my “peeps” the KIDS! Not to mention the aspect of teaching & preaching the unchangeable inerrant Word of God. Our “Sunday School” offerings will be “Sundays Cool” this summer as we shift to a mixed grade format, beginning June 6.  First & Second graders (Primarys)...

Wednesdays beginning June 2, 2010 No, this is not another Daylight Savings Time adjustment.  This is an ADVANCE NOTICE of the EARLIER TIME on WEDNESDAY EVENINGS beginning on JUNE 2nd.     6:30 PM will be the time to show up for Wednesday night programs from June 2nd until…….Jesus returns…….we hope.  Why?  So we can all get home a bit earlier that’s why.  This schedule change will stay in effect when school begins again in the Fall.   By the way, our Summer Children’s Ministry on Wednesday nights will be based on the town of Mayberry!  We hope to re-inforce...

Here’s a worthy quote from F.B. Meyer: “If only the will of God were done on earth, as it is done in heaven, there would be peace between the nations, and love and happiness in all our homes. Love would cement the union of all men in a city of blessedness. The fact of the world’s present condition is no argument against the beneficence and blessedness of the will of God. It is because men will not do the will of God that things are as they are!” Take a moment to consider His will in your life, and the life of your family. Is anything “out of line” with His will?...

What?!? Did that title grab your attention? If so, then follow this link to an excellant devotion about controlling our tongues and hurtful words. It’s a page from Heavens Inspirations. Click on http://www.heavensinspirations.com/words.html I’ve found this website is a very good resource for my 4th grader when we can’t find a “print Bible” nearby.  As always, be wise & watchful as you use internet tools, and be blessed!

As we have celebrated Jesus’ Resurrection, remembering His triumph over the grave, it feels to me like a brand new start - a new beginning - a fresh canvas on which to paint a new picture. What a joy to know that HIS mercies are new EVERY morning. The Springtime is one vast metaphor that after death comes LIFE, and we get to see it every year. "Look what I made for you..." I hope & pray that you sense the joy & “freshness” of Jesus’ salvation, and that you emphasize that cleansing to your children regularly. Talk about it when you see the daffodils pushing...

  Here’s an equation that WILL be a worthwhile investment in the spiritual life of your child: One week + one awesome church camp + one counselor + 6-8 kids + intense altar time + good food + lots of fun = ONE CHILD FIRED UP FOR JESUS. Please consider sending your 3rd - 6th grade child to Kids’ Camp at Sunstream Retreat Center. Our church will be taking kids/counselors the week of July 12-16. You may download the application here, or pick one up in the Children’s Ministry office. camper-application-2010    I am looking forward to another great summer with your kids.