spirit in the sky... and on the streets

From Rosemary Edwards, Admin Connection of Connection Church

I was initially concerned about my participation in the 4th of July Parade.

I didn’t think I would be able to walk for an hour in the sweltering 90 degree heat, so I made plans to ride in the truck that would pull our praise band. I figured I would probably need to get aboard about 15 minutes into the walk.

We arrived at the starting point an hour before the parade was due to begin. The band set up their equipment while the rest of us decorated the band wagon, arranged the bottles of cold water and put the brightly colored lollipops in bags for easy dispersal. Pastor Tony led us in prayer and off we went, already soaked in perspiration. We were singing “going up to the Spirit in the sky….” (I really thought I might go there before the day was over!)

All along the route, the band was singing with sweat in their eyes as the rest of us scurried about with the water bottles and suckers. The people of our community were grateful for the water, especially the children who held out their little hands for the suckers.

Before I knew it I was running back to the truck for more and more suckers. Blaise, who was driving the truck, had to remind me to drink water. I was having so much fun.

Then... the parade was over. I was stunned!

I thanked God for allowing me to share in such a blessing. The children watching the parade with their hands out reminded me of the generosity of our church and how God has allowed us to give faithfully to children here and children half way around the world. We do live in the land of the free where we can freely give. God bless, America!

"And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward." (Matthew 10:42)

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RESOURCE: Check out the pictures from the parade on our Facebook page: CLICK HERE

VBS hindsight and foresight

From Monica Arnold, Kids Connection of Connection Church



Last week was VBS week.

This means a whole lot for my family and many others dedicated to serving for the kids. It’s a week of early dinners, sugar highs, sugar lows, and an occasional melt down from an over-tired over-stimulated kiddo.

All these things combined, and it’s a crazy chaotic, but amazing week.

In the middle of all this, kids are worshipping Jesus with all their lung-power every night, and learning through Bible stories how amazing God’s power is over our lives and circumstances. They're eating food and making crafts that display the creativity of the Creator.

It’s awesome to be a part of this while serving with others who share the same passion. The people involved in VBS through every detail and early planning have a driven desire to grow and encourage children in the right direction. It was an incredible experience.

The children were exposed to a relationship with Jesus and what that looks like... this is HUGE. I don’t think there’s anything much better to show a child that the gift of God is eternal life. It’s a promise to something far bigger than themselves: a forever friendship with Jesus, an eminent power who will stick with them through thick and thin.

It’s not easy, but I want to keep a steady thread of where my kids are at in their faith. My son is convinced every book has to be about God. He’s so aware that God exists, even at 4 years old. He even approached me last week with this horrifying old maid looking picture out of child’s bedtime story book he brought to me asking “where is God in this story?” He’s always looking for it.

So what happens when VBS is over? Our commitment to encouraging the kids along in their relationship with Jesus continues. We pray for the kids, keep tracking life with them and help them grow with God yet another step.  We won't take a backseat at Connection Church at this - it’s not fair to them to stop now, because working with kids is the most fun kind of crazy-loving service I ever want to be a part of. Care to join me?

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RESOURCE: Bless a kid in the name of Jesus by helping out a week in Kids Connection. Find out more about these ministries: CLICK HERE