Education in the Scripture

Education is a topic about which I could never tire discussing. Having been homeschooled myself, I cannot take the subject of education for granted. Homeschooling nurtured my relationship with family and developed within me a Christian worldview. God is so good! In this vein, I was pleased to find this sermon. And I hope it encourages you to take the education of covenant children seriously. Enjoy.

Don't forget the Youth Rally

Group Photo: Squish together!

Reformation had the pleasure of hosting the Fall Youth Rally this year. Eager to see "our camp kids", Mellissa and I gladly volunteered to organize it.

On Friday night, the kids arrived with joyful faces; they were so excited to see one another and fellowship.

 After the welcome, we played ice-breaker games and fish bowl.

Eating pizza, junk food, and pop, everyone was on a sugar high...

Which probably explains how late they stayed up.

Lots of talking.

Lots of jamming.

And lots of singing.

But the primary importance of a youth rally is not fellowship. While fellowship is important, our primary goal is further Christian education.

Pastor Brett M. lectured on the Humiliation and Exaltation of Christ. As believers, we are united to Christ; we share in both His humiliation and exaltation.

On Saturday, we piled into different vehicles and traveled to a nearby park.

The day was beautiful and blustery. We couldn't have asked God for better weather.

Some of the kids couldn't resist the playground. I couldn't blame them.

The rally was only 24 hours. But it was a fabulous 24 hours, and I won't forget it. A day to learn, to fellowship, and to thank God for covenant community.

VBS: Part 2 and the Finale

The kids love to sing. And Dee does a great job of leading them.

Atti & Daniel

And they eagerly await...

Joseph Exalted

The Living Art.

The Death of Joseph

Middle Class

But the most important part?

Youngest Class

Bible instruction.

Oldest Class

 And after class, some of the adults make grass horns. :P

Max

Or play in the grass with the kids. :O)

Snack time!

Atti even shares his with me.

 The kids put together "family trees" in the craft hut.

tie-dye

After a week of Bible memorization and stories, singing, living art, crafts, and recreation, the kids are ready for a carnival!

 Complete with bounce house.

 Mmmm. Delicious cookout food!

 Prizes.

 And Games.

Noah

I love the looks of joy and fun on the children's faces!

Kaylin

Jude

See?

Jonathan

Especially after playing "Pie the Pastor!" (And er, Pie the Elder?)

Daddy

Dr. J

Josh running the ducky game

Though, the ducky game is quickly overrun by those who wished to play in the pool. :P

Fellowship

Fun, fun, fun

Another delightful, blessed week of VBS conquered! :D

VBS: Part 1

It's that time of year again. Vacation Bible School! Wahoo! And the theme for this year...

THE THEME

Joseph: A Type of Christ.

Singing "His Banner Over Me is Love"

Dee opens VBS with singing...

The kids listen, sing, and answer questions...

Atti & Noah

And wait for the "Living Art."

Karl, and several others, act out Joseph's life.

And who could forget crafts?

And recreation?

More to come? The carnival, etc. :O)

New Year's Eve Gathering

 Nothing like church family to make an evening fun and festive!

Games too. :P

Dutch Blitz

I played Dutch Blitz for hours. :O) And Mr. O was kind enough to teach me the right way.

Farkle

Imagine If, Scrabble, and several other games made appearances...

"And what are the rules for this game?"

And great fun was had by all.

"REALLY?!"

Thanks, Mellissa, for organizing such a great party!