Summer Camp

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Originally uploaded by JesseDCaron

So I got back from Wagon Train Summer Camp on Saturday. It was tiring but it was a blast. I spent a large portion of the time hitting these kids and kids like them with Frisbees in one of the funnest games ever. All of the kids agreeded that camp was really fun but the best part for me was seeing them get transformed. I can say that no kid we brought up was unchanged. What they do with the information and the choices they make is up to them with the support of God and myself but it is cool to see them make choices for God.
So this is day 2 back and I'm recouping and getting geared up to play this game again at Woodward park as a special event. Wish the adults luck.

The fourth graders

I adore the new fourth graders moving up into fifth grade! They're so cute and they're not so shy to talk about things as the current fifth graders are. What happens between these ages that makes them so shy and sensitive towards themselves and others? They're always watching themselves and what the other girls are doing and I'm trying to find a way to break the current fifth graders habit so that they don't teach the in coming fourth graders the same thing. I think Bible studies are much more enjoyable this way- when they're not afraid of talking and speaking what's on their minds, then we can get somewhere.

One of the fifth grade boys mom also hung around for service, and she was so amazing! My sister and I couldn't stop talking to her. She has a very interesting and talented family. One of her sons played the drums for us and it totally blew me away- he was so good! I loved the way his younger brother responded towards him too, he said some thing like "that's no good, play another one- he can do better" but the whole time he had a smile on his face like he was proud of him. I like this family- they are an unexpected blessing that I thought I would never receive!

Summer Sunday School

So we are getting down to zero hour when the new Sunday School Summer staff takes over. This is alittle scary because we don't have a full staff yet. While were doing better now then we were earlier this week we still need more help. For my department I'm in need of one 5th/6th grade teacher and one 1/2 grade teacher. Aside from that I need some small group people. To anyone considering just now these are very doable jobs no matter where you are at in your life. Sunday School might seem like something scary but it really is rewarding to help these kids grow up in Christ.
My call to you: Please consider helping if you have time Sunday mornings, it's not just my ages that need help they all do. If you don't have time or you already help please be in prayer.
Thanks!

MUSIC MUSIC MUSIC

What a great Music season it has been. After the Christmas Musical, Easter, and Mother's day performances I have had many people around church asking "What are the kids gonna do next?" Here is a picture from our Mother's day performance. Randy took this picture, and what a great job he did making us all look and sound good with all of the lighting, set design, and tech equipment (not to mention all he did for us on Easter and especially back during the Christmas program). Thanks Randy and your team for making us look so good all of the time. We will be singing one song for our Dad's on fathers day. After that we are gearing up planning what will definitely the best VBS ever at New Cov. I have spent all week planning the music and I can promise only two things:
1) It is going to rock
2) It is going to be fun
3) It is going to rock
Opps, that was three things. Everyone who sang in all of the events for the Children's department events for the school year did an amazing job. We will be having auditions for the all new worship team coming this summer, so stay tunned!!!

SURF Vision Statement

So I turned in my vision statement for the SURF ministry. I really like it, it's helped me focus on what I want the ministry to look like in the future. When we work out the kinks I'll post some or all of it online, hopefully some people see it and can get caught up with my vision for what we can do with these kids.
I'm always looking for more help including people who are willing to come along side the ministry in prayer.

Elevate Report

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Originally uploaded by JesseDCaron

So Arpee and I decided last minute to go to this conference called Elevate. We weren't sure it was going to work out with all of the graduation and summer stuff going on now, but the correct seas were parted and we made it. It's been a really great conference so far.
I started out the conference alittle bummed thinking, "man we are terrible" but then I started hearing things we are doing right. I talked to people who are actually envious of what we have.
Now I realize that our children's ministry is very good but we have a chance at greatness. I pray that I can bring some good ideas back.
Incidentally, I took a picture with this Pepsi machine at the hotel because it made me laugh because it looks old and nobody thought to replace it. Kind of seems like some of the ministry stories I hear here.
Incidentally 2, I have the worst camera phone ever, don't worry this picture wasn't taken beyond any sort of grave.

Pool Party

So Surf just threw a massive pool party yesterday. It was alot of fun but like all good events it probably went 60% or so to plan. Good times.
The pool party was a great way to help get the 4th graders interested in SURF ministry. I'm excited about getting them, I've worked with them and they seem pretty cool.
In other news I got a pretty good sunburn, if you interested in the updates they will be on my blog here.
All in all it was a good time and I'm really looking forward to and praying for a strong Summer.