Hallelujah Night is Coming!

October 27, 2009

This Saturday we will hold our annual Hallelujah Night celebration, from 7-10 in the sanctuary at 222 Charles Street.

All children 4-12 are invited, and there will be a hospitality for parents in the KidzPort building, hosted by Pastors Pedro and Amy. Hallelujah night is a safe, Christ-centered alternative to Halloween, and is annually one of the best children’s events we have. Why not join us?

halleluianight

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KidzPort October 18 – R.E.S.P.E.C.T.

October 21, 2009

Respect is a funny thing. Everyone wants it, but few folks are willing to give it easily. What are we to do.

Disrespect has many roots. Most of them relate back to fear. For instance, when someone is disrespectful by clowning around, talking out loud or disrupting, they are usually looking for attention. They look for attention because they are afraid people will ignore them.

Or, sometimes people are disrespectful in a more dangerous way – they are bullies, always looking to pick a fight or provoke an argument. They are afraid people won’t respect them. That’s ironic, isn’t it? The fear of disrespect being the root of disrespect.

For Parents:

If you ever notice a pattern of disrespect in your child, take time to sit down and talk to them about it without criticism. See if you can work through and find the root of it.
Talk to your child about how they feel when they are disrespected. Maybe do some role playing.
Look us some scriptures relating to respect. Proverbs is always a good place to start. Use your index or concordance in the back of your bible. Read them together.

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KidzPort October 4 – Jacob

October 5, 2009

Jacob has one of the most incredible stories in the entire Old Testament. Born the younger of twin brothers, the Bible tells us he came out holding the heel of his older brother, Esau. In fact, one meaning of Jacob’s name is “leg-puller.” This has kind of a dual meaning, as it can be taken literally, or figuratively. (A joker, a prankster.) Another meaning is “supplanter” or “one who takes the place of.”

While Esau was strong and rugged, Jacob was small and fair. He preferred to spend time in the house with his mother. This led to Esau becoming the favorite of their father, Isaac. Jacob felt this rejection all his life.

Jacob was a trickster. He once tricked Esau out of his birthright for a bowl of soup. He also tricked Isaac (in Gen 27) into giving him Esau’s blessing. Now Esau was mad, and threatened to kill Jacob once Isaac had died. Jacob, of course, ran away.

He met his mother’s brother Laban, and fell in love with his daughter Rachel. Rachel was beautiful! Laban also had an older daughter, Leah, who was not. After having to work for seven years for Rachel’s hand, Jacob was tricked into marrying Leah. Eventually, he gained the right to marry Rachel as well.

Now, Jacob himself rejected Leah, and she felt hated. Jacob was showing her the same rejection that he had received! So God stepped in – He made it so only Leah could have children at first.

Jacob went through a lot in the next few years. He tricked Laban out of some of his flock, and Laban grew angry as well. Eventually Jacob left and wanted to go back home, but found out Esau was near, with an army of 400 men! Afraid, Jacob sent his family on, while he waited for Esau, and prayed to God. Eventually, he met a strange man who wrestled with him all night. Jacob demanded a blessing from the man, who told him from this day forth, he would be called Israel, which means “one who struggles with God.” That “man” was actually God’s own angel!! Jacob named that place Peniel.

Jacob soon met Esau, who instead of trying to kill him, embraced his brother warmly. Jacob grew old, and became one of the fathers of the Hebrews, and of Christianity.