A Word of Thanks

THANK YOU

We would like to say a big word of THANKS to all the volunteers who help out on Sunday mornings and on Thursday nights. You meet the needs of the children of Highview and in our Immediate Neighbourhood in amazing ways and it is so appreciated!

We also would like to say a big THANK YOU to the parents who all love their kids so much. Thank you for the priviledge of serving you and your family.

We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

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Volunteer Schedule: We have posted the schedule for January only. We apologize for the delay in producing a schedule for the rest of the year. We would like to have an opportunity to meet with all the KidROCK Sunday Morning children's ministry volunteers to talk about new ideas we have for scheduling. Please stay posted for the date of that meeting

The Kidmo Christmas Party: The party was a great success! Stay posted for updates and pictures next week.

Want to find out more about what is going on in our kids ministry? Click on the following link "How Do You Celebrate Christmas?" to:

• share stories of what you do to celebrate Christmas
• what is happening on Sunday mornings
• and about how you can plug into the prayer walk on Thursday January 6th, 2011

How Do You Celebate Christmas?

HIGHVIEW CHILDREN'S MINISTRIES UPDATE

Renee and I are really celebrating this year because it is Quinton's first Christmas. We've got wonderful plans. We're going to the Thursday night showing of the Let It Be Christmas here at Highview. We also plan on going to see the Festival of Lights in Waterloo Park on Christmas Eve. After this we plan on spending quality time with family and friends

What are some ways you

celebrate Christmas?

Post a comment!

Volunteers: Please look to the cork boards on the Lower Level and Upper Level for a January 2011 schedule. It will be posted in the next week or so.

UPCOMING ITEMS: If you want to invite a family to our church but are not sure what is happening please click on this link "A Prayer Walk, An Upcoming Christmas Party, KidsROCK December Services" to find out more about what is ahead. Also, in this link is a variety of opportunities for you to volunteer. Contact Ian for details.

A CHRISTMAS OPPORTUNITY

Have you been wanting to invite a family to our church
but maybe aren't sure what's happening?

Is there a desire in your heart to pray for
the children in our church and community?

Looking for an opportunity to volunteer in the Children's Ministries?

LOOK NO FURTHER

For details on all the below opportunities go to
A Prayer Walk, An Up Coming Christmas Party, KidsROCK December Services.

• KidsROCK Sunday Services are a perfect opportunity for that family you might be thinking about that you'd like to invite to our church. Our Christmas programs are AWESOME!

• KIDMO is having a Christmas Party. Children can dress up as princesses and princes as we use our imagination and join with the shepherds and wisemen at Jesus' birth. This is a perfect opportunity to invite a child who doesn't know Jesus yet!

• Want to volunteer? We're doing A Prayer Walk on the evening of January 6th that will help promote our kids programs. Anyone is welcome to join us. We're going to distribute flyers, pray, and share a hot cup of chocolate at the end of our walk.

A Prayer Walk, An Up Coming Christmas Party, KidsROCK December Services

1. PRAYER WALK

On Thursday January 6th from 6:30-8:30pm we are going for a Prayer Walk in the Immediate Neighbourhood.

We are going to deliver flyers to promote our midweek Kidmo program and our once a month Momstown program. It's going to be a great opportunity to pray, spend time with each other, and have a hot cup of chocolate at the end of the walk! Our Kidmo and Momstown programs are so cool that we want to promote them as much as possible to our community. All are welcome!

2. KIDMO:

A New Member: Our midweek program is growing! A new member joined last week named Kaitlyn from our Immediate Neighbourhood.

Christmas Party: On Thursday December 16th Kidmo is going to have a Christmas Party! We are hoping that it attract new families and kids to the program. Children from SK-Gr 5 will have an opportunity to dress up as princes and princesses as we join the shepherds and wise men in their journey to visit the baby Jesus. All are welcome. Registration forms available via email - ianpeers@buildingbiggerhearts.ca

3. CHRISTMAS @ KIDSROCK

Want an opportunity to invite a family to our church over the Christmas Season? This December is a perfect opportunity!

Pebbles Nursery:

The children in the Nursery will be introduced to the basic nativity story this year. They will discover the basic characters with a child friendly nativity. Ask Kristyn for details.

Cornerstone (JK-Gr 5):

Starting on Sunday, December 5th we are going to do a 3 part Christmas series called "Heaven's Windows II - Love Shines Thru."

There is no hill too high, nor snowdrift too deep, to keep Johnny Rogers from pursuing the perfect sled ride. In HEAVEN'S WINDOWS II, Johnny not only rides the great sleigh (complete with sled dogs), but also reminds us that God’s perfect gift came shining through in the greatest Christmas celebration of all, the birth of Jesus. We’ll hear the story straight from the frothy lips of Carl the Camel. Also included in this very special holiday cast of KIDMO: Sir Bottomly with his very own shopping network, the “un-synchronized” Flakes on Ice and the return of the Unfaithful Servant. So, throw a log on the fire, gather the kids, pull back the curtains and open the windows as LOVE SHINES THRU!!

A Prayer Walk Opportunity for the Immediate Neighbourhood

The KIDMO program is not starting up again until after Christmas until Thursday, January 13th. But we are going to still be doing something important on Thursday, January 6th from 6:30-8:30pm. We are going to do a prayer-walk-flyer-distribution for Kidmo, Momstown, and Student Ministries in the immediate neighborhood. We'd like to invite all Highviewers to join in this prayer walk opportunity. It will provide an opportunity of prayer, creating awareness about some things that are happening at Highview, and a great time of fellowship.

Calendar, KidsROCK News, KIDMO News

CALENDAR

There is a new calendar posted on the corkboard in the Lower Level of the church that captures all the events, programs, due dates, and other important information for the Children & Student Ministries.

There are now two places where you can get info: 1) This blog which usually has more detail and 2) The Calendar at the church

The calendar is regularly updated on Fridays so I recommend to check it out every Sunday before you head upstairs for the service!

KidsROCK NEWS

Cornerstone (SK-Gr 5):

The curriculum for Cornerstone is coming to Highview courtesy of Kidmo. This curriculum is perfect for the kids of Highview to invite their friends too. Check out the following them and storyline:

• The theme: The curriculum is “Heaven’s Windows II - Love Shines Thru.”
• The storyline: The perfect gift comes shinning thru! There is no hill too high, nor snowdrift too deep, to keep Johnny Rogers from pursuing the perfect sled ride. In HEAVEN'S WINDOWS II, Johnny not only rides the great sleigh (complete with sled dogs), but also reminds us that God’s perfect gift came shining through in the greatest Christmas celebration of all, the birth of Jesus. We’ll hear the story straight from the frothy lips of Carl the Camel. Also included in this very special holiday cast of KIDMO: Sir Bottomly with his very own shopping network, the “un-synchronized” Flakes on Ice and the return of the Unfaithful Servant. So, throw a log on the fire, gather the kids, pull back the curtains and open the windows as LOVE SHINES THRU!!

Pebbles Nursery:

The children in the nursery will be introduced to the basic nativity story this year. They will discover the basic characters and there will be a child friendly nativity in the room. Ask Kristyn for details. Just to let you know our Nursery can accommodate from Infants up to 2 1/2 years old. It might be able to accommodate your 3 year old if your child isn't quite ready for the big group.

KIDMO News:
Kidmo is our midweek program here at the church. It starts from 6:45pm and goes to 8:15pm. We have an exciting program, games, prizes, and more. Free registration as well!

A Dress Up Christmas Party:

• The Kidmo kids are going to have a dress up Christmas party on Thursday December 16th from 6:45pm-8:15pm.
• We’d like all the girls to come as Princesses and all the boys to come as Princes. We’re going to imagine that we got an invitation with the wise men and shepherds who were invited to see Jesus when He was first born! Stay tuned for snack information.
• Permission forms are available if kids want to invite people they know. Kidmo is free for kids who want to register.

Updates & Kidmo's BHAG!

KidROCK Children's Ministries

1. Cornerstone (SK-Gr 5): The kids in Cornerstone have been learning FUEL along with the rest of the church on Sunday mornings. We have been exploring the truths found in the book of James in the New Testament through the life experience of Joseph. There are so many ways that the life of Joseph illustrates what James talks about it is amazing. We have a guest storyteller every Sunday, cool props, and amazing games/crafts. They are also learning the Bible Memory Verse that the whole church is doing each Sunday as well.

2. Harmonization: One of the visions we have had in KidsROCK is to find a way to link what is happening in the upstairs service with the adults and youth with what the children learn downstairs in Cornerstone. This way we can all be going in the same direction and we are also hoping that it facilitates family discussions after church. We're going to be changing the way we do this in the upcoming year and we want to encourage you to be watching this blog for more updates.

3. Pebbles Nursery: We have our Nursery full of children which is just awesome. One of the best things to hear is all the activity coming from that room as we carry out the Cornerstone ministry with the children. Please take a moment to go downstairs and check out the new wall decorations Kristyn put up!

4. KIDMO:

So many cool things are happening in this ministry I just don't know where to start. Kids are praying, keenly interested in inviting their friends, and having a blast. What more can I say?!

The biggest thing that I want to share is a BIG prayer request. Our BIG HAIRY AUDACIOUS GOAL (BHAG) is to reach 100 children through this ministry by the end of Year 2 of the launch of this program. We launched Kidmo on Oct of 2010. We hope to come clost to reaching this by September 2012.

We have big dreams and it is always important to celebrate small successes which is what we do all the time!

Do you want to be part of the vision? Please contact Ian. Here are a few ways you can help

a) Be a KIDMO leader

b) Help be a "KIDMO Parent Link" by facilitating ways for parents to connect once and a while on the night of Kidmo.

c) Help with promoting the event. There are a million ways to do this. You can sign up a child you know. You can pray like mad! We also have flyers that need to go out in the area.

KIDSROCK and KIDMO UPDATES

Children are being reached. Lives are being impacted. There are so many stories of amazing things happening.

Want to be part of it? Let me know (ianpeers@buildingbiggerhearts.ca)

1. This Sunday:

Cornerstone is celebrating two things this Sunday. We've completed our curriculum set called SOAR. We soared right into God’s Word to see the universe from God’s view. It was a ton of fun. The children have also collected enough 5-G Points to have a Party. They get points for things like attending church, inviting friends, and doing good things for others.

The snack is going to be juice, ice cream, bananas, sprinkles, and a small amount of chocolate sauce. We plan on celebrating with a variety of fun group games as well! The day should be a lot of fun.

Children are encouraged to bring a friend.

2. KIDMO

The launch of Kidmo has been awesome. Emily Inthof, Colin Chandler, myself, and a teenager named Allison are the leadership team for this amazing program. The energy and excitement from the children who go to this program is completely contagious.

We launched Kidmo to create an opportunity to connect to our Immediate Neighbourhood and be an outreach. If you know of any child who could benefit from the program we have spots available.

Please be praying for this outreach program that is seeker driven and discipleship oriented.

The Launch of Kidmo

The Launch of Kidmo is happening Thursday October 7th.

The team has formed and we are eager to start this amazing program. We are praying that it would be a resource to the families in our Immediate Neighbourhood. We believe that the seeker-driven and discipleship oriented content of this amazing multimedia program will be thrilling to the children who come.

If you are a Highviewer and want to find out how to get involved please contact me.

Kidmo Midweek Program Update

I can't wait until we start this midweek program. It is going to be so exciting. The big update this week is that the cost of the program is free. If you want a registration form, please email me at the address posted on this blog.

When: Thursday October 7rd, 2010 to Thursday April 28th, 2011
Time: 6:45pm-8:15pm
Who: SK-Gr 5

New Start Date for Kidmo

Kidmo is a media-based curriculum that will take children on wild and wacky adventures through God's Word. It is perfect for children being introduced to Jesus and for those who have made Him their Forever Friend.

Kidmo will be run every Thursday night from October to April with some exceptions. Please contact the Director Children's Ministries for a calendar.

There are still some things being decided. Please continue to check this blog for further updates. In the meantime if you have questions, please contact me at ianpeers@buildingbiggerhearts.ca

When: Thursday October 7rd, 2010 to Thursday April 28th, 2011
Time: 6:45pm-8:15pm
Who: SK-Gr 5
Cost: To Be Determined
Registration: Keep checking our blog for more news of how to register

Day Camp is Full

We have a full camp at 24 Campers!

We are getting really excited about camp now. It's just around the corner.

If you are still looking for a camp, we can put you on our waiting list. Just email ianpeers@buildingbiggerhearts.ca with your first and last name, contact information, and the names of your children and we will get back to you.

Thanks

Ian Peers

Summer Day Camp Information

Desert Expedition

Dates: July 12-16th, 2010
Cost: $80.00
Ages: 4-11
Time: 8:30-4:30pm
Registration: Please contact us directly for a registration form
Location: Our camp is going to be run from the Country Hills Church Building @ 1280 Ottawa Street South Kitchener Ontario [Behind the Pluto Day Care Center on Ottawa and Fisher-Hallman]

Thank you for inquiring about our Day Camp. The theme for this year is "Desert Expedition." We're going to be taveling with Moses and the People of Israel as they went through their own Desert Expedition.

We're going to have an amazing experience this year. Children are going to explore cool Bible stories, go to Kiwanis, and also learn about how they can make a difference in the world.

If you have questions about our camp please contact me at ianpeers@buildingbiggerhearts.ca or at 519-745-4211 ex 26

Going Against All Odds

Cornerstone is going Against All Odds on Sunday May 16th by collecting rolls of toilet paper for the Dream Centre and doing an act of service

The Dream Centre helps relieve poverty in KW and could use this donation. We’re also challenging the children to serve by cleaning up items in the Activity Closets and do some cleaning in the Kitchen

Please bring your toilet paper roll contribution on Sunday May 16th.

All KidsROCK Children can participate in bringing a toilet paper roll.

(Note: Cleaning done by the Cornerstone children will be under proper supervision, in collaboration with the Kitchen Team, and there will be no access to chemicals)

KidsROCK Column - April 19 (Click to Enlarge)

Harmonize With The Home: April 18-24 (Click to Enlarge)

"Harmonize With The Home" for April 11, 2010 - Deep Listening

HARMONIZE WITH THE HOME

For Sunday, April 11th- Saturday April 17th

We’re starting a new series called "Now We're Talkin'" The Cornerstone children will be learning about Deep Listening! The story we are using is from 1 Samuel 2:12-26 about Eli, his sons, and Samuel.

We are going to share with the children that God wants us to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. In this Harmonize With The Home, we’d like to provide a small devotional you can do with your children.

Parents, take a few minutes to read over the Harmonize With The Home sheet before starting it with your child.

First, READ: Take a few minutes to read the the story of Eli, his sons, and Samuel. Pay close attention to what it says in 1 Sam 2:25 because it directly says that the sons of Eli did not pay attention or listen to Eli.

[Warning! Depending on the age of your child you might want to watch out for the last half of 1 Sam 2:22 because it talks about Eli's sons engaging in sexual sin. It's part of how they weren't listening to God but it may not be age appropriate for your child. In Cornerstone we just read the first part of the verse].

Second, THINK: The sons of Eli were so different than Samuel. Eli's sons wouldn't listen to anything Eli said or God for that matter!

In the Old Testament, God met with people who loved him at a Tabernacle. They sacrificed animals at this Tabernacle to get forgiveness of sins and have a friendship with God. We don't need to do that today because Jesus died for our sins. But when they were going to the temple Eli's sons were doing wrong things. They were taking things by force and doing lots of other evil things. But Samuel was different. He is just a young boy in this story and he was so different from Eli's sons because he listened to God. He followed God so closely that it really pleased God!

[Going Deeper: It might be a good idea to go online and find a picture of the tabernacle or even go to a dictionary to find out more.)

Third, PRAY: Ask God to help you find ways to listen deeply just like Samuel.

Fourth, LIVE: Go out for a short walk in your neighbourhood and each person can try to remember all the sounds you hear as you walk. When you get home, share with each other the sounds you heard. Did you find it easy or difficult to hear? Was it hard to remember? Deep listening isn't always easy. Talk about ways you can all be really fast at listening to each other. Write "I'm deeply listening for God" at the top of a blank sheet of paper and have you child draw a picture of what they did and bring it in on any Sunday for extra 5-G Challenge points! We’ll also post their picture somewhere in the Cornerstone Room.

Children’s Easter Service Information

Each Service Starts at 10:30am
Registration @ Welcome Centre at Lower Level Entrance
Sign In & Out Sheets Available at Entrance Door to each Program

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[SK-Gr 5]

Jump into the wrestling ring and get ready for the ultimate battle against Sin. It’s time for a little Smackdown! In this action-packed Easter special, we follow the journey of Los Hermanos Stinkos (the three Stinky Brothers) as they search for the mighty El Salvador in an effort to remember who they are: Luchadores for the Lord. Prepare to meet the following cast of characters: El Leon, El Pollo Frito, and El Toro.

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Preschoolers [Preschool-JK]

“The Greatest Story Theatre" is the Easter Unit for our Bedrock Preschoolers. The preschool room will be transformed to a movie theatre and the kids will be given the red carpet treatment while learning about the greatest story ever told.

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Nursery

Babies Celebrating Easter: During the Easter Service we will be offering our Nursery in the Lower Level for parents with infants.