Can You Hear Me Now? - Zack Is Silenced

We started our new unit in Reel2Real Kidz. Our lessons this quarter are about the Jesus: The Early Years.

We started this last Sunday with the story of Zacharias "Zack" and how when the angel Gabriel "Gabe" gave him word about the soon arrival of his new baby, Zack doubted Gabe because he and his wife Elizabeth were really old. Zack lost his voice and couldn't talk . There's more to the story - you should have been there to hear it.

The t-shirt shuffle has now been replaced with a new game for our "Stick To The Script" memory verse. We now have what we call Verse Reverse. What till you see it. The gasps on Sunday were worth all the work of carrying in that big - Oops! don't want to spoil the surprise by telling you here.

We were so excited to have the Bailey kids back. We've missed them so much since they moved to Ohio. They were in town for the Sunday evening service where we had our presentation of "Lessons From The Scriptures" from our Clowns for Christ troop. There were also two visitors on Sunday: Courtney and Gavin. Welcome and hugs to them.

I need to close for now. We're working on this Sunday's lesson: The Surprise Visit - Gabe Brings The Big News. I wonder what that's all about. Hmmmmm.

Reel2Real Kidz is a ministry of:
Ypsilanti Assembly of God
701 Holmes Road
Ypsilanti, MI  48198

Twinkle, Twinkle

It's that time of week again, time to talk about this week's Reel2Real Kidz. We'll talk about another part of God's creation: the Sun, Moon and Stars. All about light that is all around us, even at night.

There will be games and popcorn (as always) then we'll do a review of all the past lessons we've discussed in the "Big God Theory".Next week we'll have a movie before moving on to our next Big City Studio unit. You'll have to come this Sunday to find out what the title is.

We were happy to have Chase and Parker visiting with us this last Sunday. They felt like part of the Reel2Real Kidz family already. Too bad they have to go back to Indiana. We'll miss them and I'm sure their Grandmother will too.

Reel2Real Kidz is a ministry of:
Ypsilanti Assembly of God
701 Holmes Road
Ypsilanti, MI  48198

The Jealous Brothers

We get to discuss my favorite Bible story this week. But, before we do that, we will finish the great hula hoop marathon with the Hula Popcorn Catch. It's the boys against the girls to see how many pieces of popcorn can be consumed while attempting to hula hoop. Pieces of popcorn dropped on the stage won't be counted. Sorry.

This is most reminisent of our Hula Cracker Chomp. You can find pictures of that and other pictures on our Facebook page. To see Hula Cracker Chomp for yourself, click here.

There are only three more lessons from our unit on the Big God Theory. Each of our Sundays we have looked at the different days of creation and how each has a relationship to the New Testament and to our lives today. That means we will on be doing the T-Shirt Shuffle three more times. Won't you all miss those big white t-shirts.

Of course, we will still be having our Shout It Out game. We are even looking into new curriculum for KidMo on Wednesday nights that will also use Shout It Out so those kidz won't feel left out.

Now onto this Sunday and "The Jealous Brothers". We'll start out talking about how God, our Father, wants to give us good things just like our earthly father's do. Maybe a few will be listed. . . . . We talk about Jacob and his sons. Hmmmmm. Maybe you've heard of them. I know you remember Joseph the dreamer, the owner of the coat of many colors, etc. If not, you'll get to meet him when you come Sunday morning at 10:45 a.m.

See you soon,

Reel2Real Kidz is a ministry of:
Ypsilanti Assembly of God
701 Holmes Road
Ypsilanti, MI  48198
www.ypsilantiag.org

What's For Dinner

Coming up this Sunday, it's "What's For Dinner". It's a fun way of looking at the story of Daniel and his three friends: Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. 

As always we will be playing another round of "Shout It Out". We have a long puzzle to figure out in this game that's a cross between hangman and Wheel of Fortune. Then we'll do the t-shirt shuffle for our memory verse.

 

Don't forget to look at our new banner out in front of the church.

 

Reel2Real Kidz is a ministry of

Ypsilanti Assembly of God

701 Holmes Road

Ypsilanti, MI 48197

734/483-3711

www.ypsilantiag.org

The End/Start Is Near

God has allowed us to get so much accomplished in such a short amount of time as you have seen pictured on this blog. We have been and continue to be so thankful for all that has been done. This fact is even more extraordinary since the two people involved in the lion's share of the work came into this with severe health issues.

There have been those days where we've needed to step back and rest but it's amazing how God sustains us when we are doing a work for Him. I think about how crippled my hands can be at times - how I can't even play the piano any more - but God has allowed me to paint once again.

To some it may not seem like much but for me it is everything. You never realize how much you have been blessed with until it is no longer there. Then when it comes back, the realization comes to you.

Then there is Tim working with me who is recovering from a massive stroke. Before this project came along, Tim would do a couple hours of work then would have to recover for 2 or 3 days afterward. He is here almost everyday for 8+ hours with hardly any recovery time. He gets home each night and can hardly sleep because his thoughts are filled with other things we can do for this ministry.

So for our readers - today I would submit to you that if God has placed something in your heart to do - go forward. Don't be afraid, don't get discouraged, don't tell yourself that you can't. Trust that God knows what he's doing. What He calls you to do - He will equip you to do.

If you want to see more pictures of our ongoing journey, just click here.

Photo Update #7 - So Much Has Been Done

Speaker on floor - previous set-up.

Tim's first thought at hanging said speaker.

"I am reviewing the situation . . ."

Before - a pile of stuff in Green Room.

After - a nice clean wall.

View from Green Room into wardrobe room.

Prepping wall for paint.

First coat of black paint.

Oops tape! Once there was white.

Then we cut in . . .

It's getting there.

First coat - primary color doors.

Reel2Real Kidz is a ministry of:

Ypsilanti Assembly of God

701 Holmes Road

Ypsilanti, MI  48197

734/483-3711

www.ypsilantiag.org

We Serve An Awesome God

I am still tingling and crying all at the same time. There is a curriculum called "Big City Studios" that we have wanted so badly but the price made it impossible for us to purchase. We committed it in prayer to God's hands and left it there. Meanwhile we've been busy at work in preparation for our Reel2Real Kidz launch.

Minutes ago I received an email from the author of that curriculum saying, "lots of churches need a big, substantial break on curriculum during this recession" so they are offering their curriculum at 50% off. God is so good. We've already ordered it and it's on it's way.

Since posting earlier, I have received more pictures from Tim on today's progress - snow and all.

Cutting in - in the Green Room.

First coat.

Second coat.

It's starting to look like a Green Room.

Next week it's all about painting. Each of the classroom doors will receive a different primary color. The bathrooms will start getting a face lift. So if you're in the area and you like to paint . . . We also ordered our business cards today. Also received a huge discount. In the future, this place will have t-shirts, ball caps, key chains, etc. with our Logo and information on it. We're on our way!

Reel2Real Kidz is a ministry of:

Ypsilanti Assembly of God

701 Holmes Road

Ypsilanti, MI  48198

734/483-3711

www.reel2realkidz.blogspot.com

Photo Update #6 - Coming Together

We've accomplished so much in such a short amount of time. That's probably why we're so excited to begin in essence. We are meeting with our regular kids but we are waiting for our curriculum to arrive from Hillsong to really begin promoting the ministry. Of course, with our excitement we have been casting the vision to church members and people we come in contact with in the community. It's just like witnessing - when God does something awesome in your life, you can't help but share it.

We were able to have the room set up and ready for Wednesday nights and our Kids In Motion program.

Screen now suspended center stage.

The light and projector rack is now set

.

The weather has not been very friendly to us. Even today we're not able to get out and work on the projects we wanted to accomplish for today. It did make me sit down and spend time at the computer writing Sunday's sermon. All we're letting you know about it is that it is the 2nd chapter of the Mary saga. What will happen in her life next? Come Sunday to find out.

Being housebound also allows me to update you on all the work that has been happening in spite of inclement weather. Just look at some picture highlights.

Remnants of the ugly cabinet.

Materials for the coming week.

Starting on second mural.

We got a little accomplished.

Even these doors are primed & ready.

Cabinets primed in "Green Room".

The donations we have received have been such a blessing. All this work has been made possible because you have caught the vision and have listened to the Lord's voice to contribute. Not only with money but  by coming and working or by giving things on our needs list. Wednesday night we received a couch and love seat from the youth group they were no longer using. They even brought it down to our green room. We're not picky. If it's on the list and it's in good condition, we'll accept it.

Remember - Jesus calls us all to be fishers of men (or women). Let's not get so lost in the day to day of life that we lose sight of that. Ooops! I gave away a hint of Sunday's message.

Reel2Real Kidz is a ministry of:

Ypsilanti Assembly of God

701 Holmes Road

Ypsilanti, MI  48197

734/483-3711

www.ypsilantiag.org

Photo Update #5 - Light/Projector Beam

It's Saturday - but Sunday is coming and quickly. We are feverishly putting the last touches together so that we can clean up and be ready for tomorrow. Here's today's progress thus far.

Reel2Real Kidz is a ministry of:

Ypsilanti Assembly of God

701 Holmes Road

Ypsilanti, MI  48198

734/483-3711

www.ypsilantiag.org

Photo Update #4

From the smell of popcorn - now to the smell of glue, paint and sawdust fills the air. Ahhh the scent of progress. Isn't it a wonderful thing?

As we continue, I beg for your prayers. I so want to be ever led of the Lord in every step that we take. Now that we have funds to begin with - Lord what are the purchases that fall in your priorities? If we act too frugal and not spend it, will Your supply end? Lord, help us to know where to begin reaching this community's children that so need you.

My dad has always had a motto that he has carried throughout his life and ministry. I find that I have adopted it as my own: "Do your best, God will do the rest".

And now the photos.

Glue waiting for tile.

The tile is on the stage.

Other side of the room.

Support stanchion framing mural.

Chains in place it's going going . . .

. . . gone!

 

Safe, secure, ready to cut up.

All that's all that's left behind.

 

Hopefully, you are enjoying these updates as much as we enjoy bringing them to you. We would love to hear your comments. Just click the red ink saying comment below this post.

Reel2Real Kidz is a ministry of:

Ypsilanti Assembly of God

701 Holmes Road

Ypsilanti, MI 48198

734/483-3711

www.ypsilantiag.org

Our First Sunday

The smell of popcorn filled the air even though it was from the microwave. The stand to hold the popcorn maker hasn't been built yet. We were able to rummage in the costume closet, giggling at the different possibilities we found there. Putting wigs and helmets on Mr. Tim to only find out his head is too big.

Oh no, there was no baby Jesus in with the props. What ever will we do! Let's improvise - that's what acting is all about. So we find a stuffed crown (sometimes used for wise men) then we put a white wig inside and wrap swaddling clothes around it. Instant pretend Baby Jesus.

"I didn't know that babies had that much hair" was the comment made by all.

Our numbers were small, but we were able to use our new stage (thank you Mr. Tim). But the most important thing is we had fun and learned in the process. Here's a few shots from the morning.

 

  

   

 

 

Before the fun began this morning, we did have a roller coaster ride to deal with before service. During Sunday School I was handed a letter stating that using the name we originally started with was a trademark infringement on a company out west. We had no idea that the name was being used by anyone else - but we knew that we had to make a change which we thought was going to be difficult because so much of our vision was tied into the name.

I was still reeling from that when Mr. Tim said that we were going to receive a large donation this week but I needed to be sitting down before he would reveal the amount. Needing something to stop the flow of tears soon in the offing, I sat down. $1,400! Fourteen Hundred Dollars! Our curriculum, the DVD player we need . . . all the things the enemy would say is impossible for us to have were now possible.

Here I had little doubts trying to creep in and when I tried to tell Tim about our other situation, he reminded me that this vision is from God and though the enemy is going to throw obstacles in our way, we are going to make it. The obstacles are just a reminder that we are doing something big for the cause of Christ.

Something told me to call Pastor Stan Randall, one of our former children's minister, he was always brilliant when it comes to names and new ideas. I found him in Oklahoma. By the time we got off the phone he came up with a perfect name.

So, we are now called Reel2Real Kidz which really ties into our vision in a much clearer way. Kids learning through fun interaction with the Bible then reaching other kids and helping them become a part of the family of God. Kinda neat how God works it all out. What we think is a bad thing can turn around and work together for good. Hmmm - I think I've heard that somewhere.

One more thing, I was reading another blog post that really ministered to me so I'll share the link with you: http://tonygraffam.wordpress.com/. Be blessed today and thank you for sharing in our journey.

Reel2Real Kidz is a ministry of: 

Ypsilanti Assembly of God 

701 Holmes Road 

Ypsilanti, MI 48198 

734/483-3711 

www.ypsilantiag.org