Thursday, June 9, 2011
Monday, October 5, 2009
The Holy Spirit Party
Yesterday we blocked out the whole morning (Erin and I) for a Holy Spirit Experience- and it turned into a "Holy Spirit Party" really. The first half Erin did a fantastic job of "warming the kids up" for their experience and laying the foundation with teaching about our friend HS. Then the second half we spent more under my leadership saying "Holy Spirit, what do you want to do next?" and it was a wonderful and challenging and not at all what I thought it would look like. What it didn't look like ever at any point was this picture of a sudden Holy Spirit falling on the kids in mass HS experience with manifestations and healings and whatever we picture that kind of scene looking like. What did happen was a friendship was developed. We laid the foundation in teaching and by sharing our own examples then we modeled a morning of walking out that friendship -- asking Him what He wanted to do, following His lead, telling him what was on our mind ("we'd really like some cake at this party") and absolutely giving Him space to be there with us. The most spiritual thing I can think we did was to have a bit of extended quiet / soak time at the end to MAKE SURE we had given Him room to move/say something/whatever. And even that was so well done and well received by the kids. When I think back at how much "freedom" we wove into that morning and how much we looked to the HS to lead (and even the kids to be the leaders as they were the ones to ask and hear from Him) I am so impressed by the cohesive, engaged, successful morning we had. To devote the entire morning to "one" activity together (pursuing the HS as a large group, staying engaged, not spliting into small groups time where there's a different teacher and tone and feel and maybe a craft, etc) is a lot to ask kids to do for an hour and a half, I think. But, again, I want to make note that I NEVER saw them disengage - no kid ever 'lost interest' and stopped participating in what we were doing. And I even thought there were less distractions. Now being an outside observer you may not have seen it as a morning of order and control and may have questioned our method and what we were actually accomplishing but I AM CONVINCED that we gave HS free reign in the best, most pre-planned, hands on / hands off way that we knew how. My goal was to really truly (once we laid a foundation and expectation) see how He wanted to lead us -- through the kids -- that morning.
The night before He had led me to a scripture that talked about how He reveals things to children that He doesn't to the wise. I wanted to see that for myself. He also reminded me (in that passage) that His yoke is easy, light, to learn from Him. And that morning the picture He gave me was one of a family -- that I am a daughter and daughters don't have to worry about the plumbing -- or putting food on the table -- maybe there is disfunction in our families today and we don't personally experience that, we take on responsibility that isn't ours to take -- He says putting food on the table "is My Responsibility. You can set the table if you like..." And so that's what we did yesterday, we set the table, we gave Him room, we asked for cake. And let me tell you that together experience of asking for cake, even though we didn't magically see any appear (this time) was a time of growing in our friendship with Holy Spirit. We had a fun, Spirit-led, unified, honest, true, fun experience together of really turning to Him and asking!
I really want to tell you this story! So it started in the main room, after the warm up activities, after the foundational teaching, when we were first (this is first service kids) starting to ask God what He wanted to do the rest of the morning. Some thoughts/pictures kids had already head were starting to add up to: 'hula hoops+fun=holy spirit party' and so we asked for more ideas and someone said 'cake'. After I quickly (but with effort!) shook off my natural reaction to say that was a silly answer and entirely not-possible thing to have in our morning I said "well, let's ask Him". And so we said 'Holy Spirit will you give us some cake'? And we opened our eyes in expectation, nothing, tried again, until one kid said "maybe we should ask in the kitchen"! So we all scooted into the kitchen and gathered around the island and put our hands on the counter top and prayed together in unision and expectation "Holy Spirit can we have some cake?!" then we'd pound on the counter top with mad little drummer hands as an explanation point to our question or maybe it was like a drum roll of expecation - yeah, that was it :) and then we'd stop abruptly all together looking for some answer to our question to appear! And we'd try again, each time building, breaking something, growing a friendship, growing an expectation, believing in the impossible! Then one kid said "Maybe we should say 'please'" and so we all thought that was a good idea and the asking ritual continued with an emphasis of please added :) No, nothing ever 'showed up' in the natural, but the feeling at the end, looking back, now I can't remember disappointment or loss of steam, loss of momentum in our HS morning at all - I only remember it as a GOOD time together and I believe it (and the whole morning) was one big Holy Spirit experiment that turned into a party-time, a time of growing in awareness, friendship and trust with Holy Spirit. He was SUCH a part of our morning together. I can't imagine doing another Sunday without inviting Him into dialogue with us. I think it was a turning point for our KidsChurch. I am so proud to say Erin is my leader and her heart is for more and MORE of the Lord, coming up with whatever way possible to bring kids into a friendship with Holy Spirit and a love experience with God himself. She is a fantastic steward of the piece of the kingdom He has given her to watch over and grow. I look forward to more fantastic things. Let's pray for more grace for the bumpy road of uncertainty and unknown that will get us there -- it is worth it -- the place we're going is amazing. Makes me think of the Wizard of Oz and that journey wasn't easy, but it was worth it. In the end they had a brain and courage and a heart and found their way home. If we want easy and predictable results, we go back to doing someone else's curriculum, but that's not the adventure (no road map) that God calls us to, is it?
Amen.
The night before He had led me to a scripture that talked about how He reveals things to children that He doesn't to the wise. I wanted to see that for myself. He also reminded me (in that passage) that His yoke is easy, light, to learn from Him. And that morning the picture He gave me was one of a family -- that I am a daughter and daughters don't have to worry about the plumbing -- or putting food on the table -- maybe there is disfunction in our families today and we don't personally experience that, we take on responsibility that isn't ours to take -- He says putting food on the table "is My Responsibility. You can set the table if you like..." And so that's what we did yesterday, we set the table, we gave Him room, we asked for cake. And let me tell you that together experience of asking for cake, even though we didn't magically see any appear (this time) was a time of growing in our friendship with Holy Spirit. We had a fun, Spirit-led, unified, honest, true, fun experience together of really turning to Him and asking!
I really want to tell you this story! So it started in the main room, after the warm up activities, after the foundational teaching, when we were first (this is first service kids) starting to ask God what He wanted to do the rest of the morning. Some thoughts/pictures kids had already head were starting to add up to: 'hula hoops+fun=holy spirit party' and so we asked for more ideas and someone said 'cake'. After I quickly (but with effort!) shook off my natural reaction to say that was a silly answer and entirely not-possible thing to have in our morning I said "well, let's ask Him". And so we said 'Holy Spirit will you give us some cake'? And we opened our eyes in expectation, nothing, tried again, until one kid said "maybe we should ask in the kitchen"! So we all scooted into the kitchen and gathered around the island and put our hands on the counter top and prayed together in unision and expectation "Holy Spirit can we have some cake?!" then we'd pound on the counter top with mad little drummer hands as an explanation point to our question or maybe it was like a drum roll of expecation - yeah, that was it :) and then we'd stop abruptly all together looking for some answer to our question to appear! And we'd try again, each time building, breaking something, growing a friendship, growing an expectation, believing in the impossible! Then one kid said "Maybe we should say 'please'" and so we all thought that was a good idea and the asking ritual continued with an emphasis of please added :) No, nothing ever 'showed up' in the natural, but the feeling at the end, looking back, now I can't remember disappointment or loss of steam, loss of momentum in our HS morning at all - I only remember it as a GOOD time together and I believe it (and the whole morning) was one big Holy Spirit experiment that turned into a party-time, a time of growing in awareness, friendship and trust with Holy Spirit. He was SUCH a part of our morning together. I can't imagine doing another Sunday without inviting Him into dialogue with us. I think it was a turning point for our KidsChurch. I am so proud to say Erin is my leader and her heart is for more and MORE of the Lord, coming up with whatever way possible to bring kids into a friendship with Holy Spirit and a love experience with God himself. She is a fantastic steward of the piece of the kingdom He has given her to watch over and grow. I look forward to more fantastic things. Let's pray for more grace for the bumpy road of uncertainty and unknown that will get us there -- it is worth it -- the place we're going is amazing. Makes me think of the Wizard of Oz and that journey wasn't easy, but it was worth it. In the end they had a brain and courage and a heart and found their way home. If we want easy and predictable results, we go back to doing someone else's curriculum, but that's not the adventure (no road map) that God calls us to, is it?
Amen.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Safety and Freedom Go Hand in Hand
We have for a couple years now had an amazing culture of freedom in our KidsChurch worship. We've jumped on trampolines, danced, jumped, stomped, drummed, twirled, jump roped, and hula hooped for God. Yet all this time I've struggled with it being unsafe. Kids are great at being free, but are still exploring their space and learning how their bodies function. So they have a hard time determining when they are in someone else's space or when they've switched from slow jogging to roadrunner speed. For awhile now I've been trying to sort out how to maintain the freedom, but increase the safety. I place such a high value on the freedom because it allows the kids to explore how they worship God. This idea of freedom in worship goes against what we've been telling kids for years. "When you are a child the way to worship is to sing and do some cute actions." While this is a valuable way to worship for many kids it is disenchanting for about the same amount of kids. So we have been living in a place of freedom that has been scary for me as a volunteer and now more scary because I am the person responsible for creating the safe environment. Until now I would play 'traffic cop' during worship and walk around and tell kids to stop whipping each other around, running too fast, etc. This is exhausting.
The tension came to a head this last week when I told the kids we couldn't run in worship and then we sang a song with a lyric that said, "I am free to run." Except they weren't free to run. As I was trying to figure all of this out someone said to me, "Well in adult worship we have a place up front for people to dance and wave flags. They don't do it in the seats because that would be unsafe." This clicked something into place for me. In our adult service there is great freedom, but even there safety parameters have been put in place. If we all sat in chairs and waved flags people would get smacked in the face, poked in the eye, and leave unhappy and frustrated. Freedom is not freedom if we don't feel safe. Getting smacked in the face by someone else's freedom would not feel like freedom to me, only to the person who is waving the flag. Safety releases more freedom.
So this is what KidsChurch is starting to look like now. The kids are free to run in worship, but they must run along the outside perimeter of the room. The middle is reserved for dancers, action doers, singers, etc. The kids at camp were also introduced to safe or unsafe. When a kid is being unsafe I simple go to them and say, "What you're doing is unsafe. You can be safe or have a seat until you are ready to be safe." See they are not in trouble. IT IS NOT A PUNISHMENT. Actually they can decide to change their behavior in that moment and continue to participate. I actually had 2 six year olds that were hitting each other that I did this with and they immediately decided that it was more fun to play soccer without hitting than to sit under a tree. They are also in charge of when they rejoin the group if they decide to sit out. The child returns when he/she is ready, not when I decide. There is no lecture involved, just safe or unsafe. This changed the entire atmosphere. Kids are smart. They got it almost immediately. It very quickly annihilated the hitting and other inappropriate behaviors because we have an already established culture of participation to build on. The kids WANT to participate. The best part, I left feeling great instead of drained and worn out.
The tension came to a head this last week when I told the kids we couldn't run in worship and then we sang a song with a lyric that said, "I am free to run." Except they weren't free to run. As I was trying to figure all of this out someone said to me, "Well in adult worship we have a place up front for people to dance and wave flags. They don't do it in the seats because that would be unsafe." This clicked something into place for me. In our adult service there is great freedom, but even there safety parameters have been put in place. If we all sat in chairs and waved flags people would get smacked in the face, poked in the eye, and leave unhappy and frustrated. Freedom is not freedom if we don't feel safe. Getting smacked in the face by someone else's freedom would not feel like freedom to me, only to the person who is waving the flag. Safety releases more freedom.
So this is what KidsChurch is starting to look like now. The kids are free to run in worship, but they must run along the outside perimeter of the room. The middle is reserved for dancers, action doers, singers, etc. The kids at camp were also introduced to safe or unsafe. When a kid is being unsafe I simple go to them and say, "What you're doing is unsafe. You can be safe or have a seat until you are ready to be safe." See they are not in trouble. IT IS NOT A PUNISHMENT. Actually they can decide to change their behavior in that moment and continue to participate. I actually had 2 six year olds that were hitting each other that I did this with and they immediately decided that it was more fun to play soccer without hitting than to sit under a tree. They are also in charge of when they rejoin the group if they decide to sit out. The child returns when he/she is ready, not when I decide. There is no lecture involved, just safe or unsafe. This changed the entire atmosphere. Kids are smart. They got it almost immediately. It very quickly annihilated the hitting and other inappropriate behaviors because we have an already established culture of participation to build on. The kids WANT to participate. The best part, I left feeling great instead of drained and worn out.
Friday, July 10, 2009
A Safe House
This week we learned about 'safe worship'. I will let Erin tell you more about that corner turned (a new installment in the development of an establishing culture). Let me theorize on why the need for a 'safety' talk in worship...
You see our kids know how to be free. Let me back up - kids know how to be free. If left to their own devices, freedom abounds. Somewhere in the mix, adults teach them how to have restraint and boundaries and -- if we are not unrestrained in our teaching of restrain -- we can squelch very much natural-kid-freedom. I am blessed to be in a church where there are many examples of families who encourage and even foster freedom in their children as they are growing up to be... well, more of who they are. And, we live under a leadership and culture here at VOP of freedom, more and more. Yes, within that there are boundaries that bring safety, but again I will let Erin speak to that aspect. The part I know and have flourished in is the bringing back of freedom.
You see, I have had to re-learn to be free. I knew it once, but then I got all caught up in rules and expectations and trying to please people and not rock the boat and forgot how to be free, and how to be... just me. It is something I have had to re-learn. I knew it at age 5 when I rode like a mad-person down the big hill in front of my house in town alongside the neighbor boys on my Big Wheel. I lost it when I got punished for that because it scared an adult that I was too close to the street - it wasn't safe. I guess looking back objectively now, I understand her reaction and the need for that particular thing to not happen. But there was no alternative given. Hm. How do we balance -- how do we create a Safe place of Freedom?
I can not lie to you, I am the LAST person in the room to recognize when kids-being-free-in-worship is possibly creating a not-safe environment -- because my heart's passion and focus is for people to (1) discover and then (2) be free in their expression of worship. I guess that is why it is a good idea to do this stuff together, act like a body, and create that environment together.
This week I am thankful for a wide open sanctuary space to run and dance and hula hoop and jump rope and sing and play. I am thankful for musicians who show up and serve our kids - and go for it in their own wild and free worship. I am thankful for adults who notice, teach, guide, monitor and bless safe free worship. And I am thankful for a bunch of kids who know how to be kids and are gracious to be led even as they are leading us (in freedom).
You see our kids know how to be free. Let me back up - kids know how to be free. If left to their own devices, freedom abounds. Somewhere in the mix, adults teach them how to have restraint and boundaries and -- if we are not unrestrained in our teaching of restrain -- we can squelch very much natural-kid-freedom. I am blessed to be in a church where there are many examples of families who encourage and even foster freedom in their children as they are growing up to be... well, more of who they are. And, we live under a leadership and culture here at VOP of freedom, more and more. Yes, within that there are boundaries that bring safety, but again I will let Erin speak to that aspect. The part I know and have flourished in is the bringing back of freedom.
You see, I have had to re-learn to be free. I knew it once, but then I got all caught up in rules and expectations and trying to please people and not rock the boat and forgot how to be free, and how to be... just me. It is something I have had to re-learn. I knew it at age 5 when I rode like a mad-person down the big hill in front of my house in town alongside the neighbor boys on my Big Wheel. I lost it when I got punished for that because it scared an adult that I was too close to the street - it wasn't safe. I guess looking back objectively now, I understand her reaction and the need for that particular thing to not happen. But there was no alternative given. Hm. How do we balance -- how do we create a Safe place of Freedom?
I can not lie to you, I am the LAST person in the room to recognize when kids-being-free-in-worship is possibly creating a not-safe environment -- because my heart's passion and focus is for people to (1) discover and then (2) be free in their expression of worship. I guess that is why it is a good idea to do this stuff together, act like a body, and create that environment together.
This week I am thankful for a wide open sanctuary space to run and dance and hula hoop and jump rope and sing and play. I am thankful for musicians who show up and serve our kids - and go for it in their own wild and free worship. I am thankful for adults who notice, teach, guide, monitor and bless safe free worship. And I am thankful for a bunch of kids who know how to be kids and are gracious to be led even as they are leading us (in freedom).
Monday, May 4, 2009
Visions
That's right! Visions! This last weekend four of us adults took 8 4th and 5th graders up to Lake Geneva for a quick retreat. We spent the morning talking about soaking which the kids already have some familiarity with because of Kids Church. Then we soaked. When we came back together to debrief I was awed and astounded by what the Holy Spirit had spoken to these kids. One kid had a vision about her dad getting a second interview and then a job. Another kid reported that he felt, "a surge of love from God." Yet the one that brought me to tears was when a girl described being in heaven surrounded with family members and having her mom call her to dinner. Or when a girl spoke of her great-grandma telling her, "Don't be sad. I'm happy now." Yet with another girl the results were much less tangible, but I get the sense that some significant ground was taken back from the enemy this weekend, that hope was spoken into previously hopeless places. What can I say, but God is amazing and so much fun!!!
Monday, December 15, 2008
Exponential Joy
Regarding this morning's advent "JOY" sunday in which the vopkids ran the show, i got home and put on my facebook status: Jen is JOY JOY JOY JOY JOY JOY JOY. i was thinking about it later (away from my computer) and remembered it as nine joys. not sure why i decided to count them in my head as i said it to myself (recounting the facebook status i had posted earlier) but i remembered nine. then i wondered if there was prophetic significance to the number nine so i googled it. what i got:
Nine: Fruit of the Spirit; gifts of the Spirit; finality; harvest; fullness of development. (Matt. 27: 45; Judges 4: 1-3; Gal. 5: 22-23; 1 Cor. 12: 4-11)
i thought that's pretty cool! our fruit of the spirit today was joy - to the 9th power! and 'harvest' and FULLNESS OF DEVELOPMENT. now that's encouraging!!
then when i got back to my facebook status and actually counted i see it was seven joys. and here's what it says about that number:
Seven: Completion; finished work; perfection; rest; perfection in the Spirit. (Gen. 2: 1-3; Lev. 14: 7; 16: 14, 19; Matt. 18: 21-22; Jude 14; Rev. 2: 1; 8: 2; 12: 3)
so that sounds pretty good too!
we have had an incredible year exploring, experimenting and growing in worship together. we have been learning how to hear the Father's voice, how to "do the things Jesus did", and made place for the Holy Spirit to move among us. we have practiced worship and thanksgiving as a weapon against the enemy. and we have had SO MUCH FUN doing it! this morning's service was a perfect ending to an amazing year together - JOY JOY JOY. would love to hear from some of the rest of you.
regarding the joy service, i just have one more word: trampolines :)
Nine: Fruit of the Spirit; gifts of the Spirit; finality; harvest; fullness of development. (Matt. 27: 45; Judges 4: 1-3; Gal. 5: 22-23; 1 Cor. 12: 4-11)
i thought that's pretty cool! our fruit of the spirit today was joy - to the 9th power! and 'harvest' and FULLNESS OF DEVELOPMENT. now that's encouraging!!
then when i got back to my facebook status and actually counted i see it was seven joys. and here's what it says about that number:
Seven: Completion; finished work; perfection; rest; perfection in the Spirit. (Gen. 2: 1-3; Lev. 14: 7; 16: 14, 19; Matt. 18: 21-22; Jude 14; Rev. 2: 1; 8: 2; 12: 3)
so that sounds pretty good too!
we have had an incredible year exploring, experimenting and growing in worship together. we have been learning how to hear the Father's voice, how to "do the things Jesus did", and made place for the Holy Spirit to move among us. we have practiced worship and thanksgiving as a weapon against the enemy. and we have had SO MUCH FUN doing it! this morning's service was a perfect ending to an amazing year together - JOY JOY JOY. would love to hear from some of the rest of you.
regarding the joy service, i just have one more word: trampolines :)
Monday, November 24, 2008
Keep building the ark, revival rain's comin'
"How did you feel about worship today?"
You see that's just it, with this learning curve i'm currently on, i don't think it matters at all how i felt about worship. It's not even about my planning, my good ideas, my own efforts, it's really just about showing up and trying to be as available as i can for God to use. And when it's over - evaluation process - pretty much pointless. How did it go? I have no idea. I showed up, I tried to follow the Spirit the best I could, that's it. That's all there is. Now, that's not to say i don't learn things in the process. for instance, yesterday, i learned that canned music does not create the same atmosphere of worship as even one person playing a live guitar. I honestly didn't think it mattered, in fact, i thought putting my ipod on meant the kids would have music that was more energetic better done by more instruments than i could do it and that certainly would be great and we'd sing along. Well i tell ya it felt so dead as we tried to sing along and dance, march, follow the leader, wave our flags. Going through the motions, not Engaged. I also learned that the electronic keyboard which makes its sound through a little black monitor box does not produce the same live worship vibe either. it must be something about acoustic instruments - guitar, percussion, i imagine a real piano would also do this - the sound waves creating energy in the air, the vibrations of the hammers striking, reaching out, striking something in us. So, yes, i learned things yesterday and it's good to think about them and capture them but beyond that i have no desire to evaluate any part of my or our performance at this point in my learning curve. The learning curve that basically takes me out of the equation to make anything happen. Mine is only to show up and pray pray pray that God shows up too. And, as a good friend pointed out when i called her crying the night before desperate and needing God to show up at kids worship, He cares more about their experience with Him than i do, doesn't He? Don't i think He cares more about Emmett's walk with Him than i? And what about Cayden? Ok, yeah. But i really really want to see Him actually start to show up - the supernatural - a revolution. this is what i decided it all came down to as far as my efforts go: to make room for God to show up. Not get so wrapped up and tunnel visioned on my own plans and efforts that i don't make space for God to come and make the time what He wants it to be. That's what i learned this weekend. And, by the way, i've never been so desperate for revival to come. have you ever ACHED for revival? i have never ached for it until this weekend. It hurts. and there seems to be nothing i can do to make it happen - but pray (and plead) and make room for God to come. fortunately after ian's sermon yesterday reminding me of Noah's building of the boat with no rain in sight, we will continue to build this boat as best we can and God can send the rain when He wants to send the rain. it strikes me that He most certainly can tell when our boat is ready to handle it much better than i, so i'm gonna trust Him in that timing.
You see that's just it, with this learning curve i'm currently on, i don't think it matters at all how i felt about worship. It's not even about my planning, my good ideas, my own efforts, it's really just about showing up and trying to be as available as i can for God to use. And when it's over - evaluation process - pretty much pointless. How did it go? I have no idea. I showed up, I tried to follow the Spirit the best I could, that's it. That's all there is. Now, that's not to say i don't learn things in the process. for instance, yesterday, i learned that canned music does not create the same atmosphere of worship as even one person playing a live guitar. I honestly didn't think it mattered, in fact, i thought putting my ipod on meant the kids would have music that was more energetic better done by more instruments than i could do it and that certainly would be great and we'd sing along. Well i tell ya it felt so dead as we tried to sing along and dance, march, follow the leader, wave our flags. Going through the motions, not Engaged. I also learned that the electronic keyboard which makes its sound through a little black monitor box does not produce the same live worship vibe either. it must be something about acoustic instruments - guitar, percussion, i imagine a real piano would also do this - the sound waves creating energy in the air, the vibrations of the hammers striking, reaching out, striking something in us. So, yes, i learned things yesterday and it's good to think about them and capture them but beyond that i have no desire to evaluate any part of my or our performance at this point in my learning curve. The learning curve that basically takes me out of the equation to make anything happen. Mine is only to show up and pray pray pray that God shows up too. And, as a good friend pointed out when i called her crying the night before desperate and needing God to show up at kids worship, He cares more about their experience with Him than i do, doesn't He? Don't i think He cares more about Emmett's walk with Him than i? And what about Cayden? Ok, yeah. But i really really want to see Him actually start to show up - the supernatural - a revolution. this is what i decided it all came down to as far as my efforts go: to make room for God to show up. Not get so wrapped up and tunnel visioned on my own plans and efforts that i don't make space for God to come and make the time what He wants it to be. That's what i learned this weekend. And, by the way, i've never been so desperate for revival to come. have you ever ACHED for revival? i have never ached for it until this weekend. It hurts. and there seems to be nothing i can do to make it happen - but pray (and plead) and make room for God to come. fortunately after ian's sermon yesterday reminding me of Noah's building of the boat with no rain in sight, we will continue to build this boat as best we can and God can send the rain when He wants to send the rain. it strikes me that He most certainly can tell when our boat is ready to handle it much better than i, so i'm gonna trust Him in that timing.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Transition and prayer
Tomorrow is my last time leading the vopkids in worship (for now). There is a lot of significance and hope rolled up in the anticipation. And i've decided... really... i just want God to show up. and i'll be happy. God let me partner with you to do something in these kids; do what You want to do... it's always been Yours and it's still Yours. Thanks for letting us help it happen each week, and vacation bible school, and conference/retreat. We are Yours. To GOD be the Glory!
Friday, July 11, 2008
What are you giving to God?
We sing this song "Everything to God".
What kind of joy can make me dance? what kind of love can make me sing? what kind of grace is all i need? jesus is everything! I'm giving everything to God, i'm giving everything to God, i'm giving everything to God, He's given everything to me...everything to God, i'm giving everything to God, i'm giving everything to God, He's given everything to me...
And so sometimes i'll then take the mike around with a rousing shout "what are you giving to God?" and the answer is EVERYTHING. (repeat) with each kid getting to say into the mike EVERYTHING. it's kind of like a pep rally for the Lord now that i think of it. funny :)
anyway.... yesterday i had this in mind when i pulled up that song but before i did i thought i'd pass the mike around a little. so i shoved it in the face of the little girl closest to me who had been on stage helping with actions the song before. i said "what are you giving to God!?" and she said...
"...love".
Hm. this surprised and perplexed me. the next girl: joy. next boy: peace. then Truth. wow, the depth of these answers. amazed me. these are gifts God has given us, right, and we can actually give them back, only because He's first given them (He's given everything to me...) wow! i think this back and forth exchange of giving is one way we are loved by and show love to God. let me hear your thoughts!
What kind of joy can make me dance? what kind of love can make me sing? what kind of grace is all i need? jesus is everything! I'm giving everything to God, i'm giving everything to God, i'm giving everything to God, He's given everything to me...everything to God, i'm giving everything to God, i'm giving everything to God, He's given everything to me...
And so sometimes i'll then take the mike around with a rousing shout "what are you giving to God?" and the answer is EVERYTHING. (repeat) with each kid getting to say into the mike EVERYTHING. it's kind of like a pep rally for the Lord now that i think of it. funny :)
anyway.... yesterday i had this in mind when i pulled up that song but before i did i thought i'd pass the mike around a little. so i shoved it in the face of the little girl closest to me who had been on stage helping with actions the song before. i said "what are you giving to God!?" and she said...
"...love".
Hm. this surprised and perplexed me. the next girl: joy. next boy: peace. then Truth. wow, the depth of these answers. amazed me. these are gifts God has given us, right, and we can actually give them back, only because He's first given them (He's given everything to me...) wow! i think this back and forth exchange of giving is one way we are loved by and show love to God. let me hear your thoughts!
Letter to a young worship leader
hi Tim
Great having you today. i'm excited to see you have some freedom to grow in this area -- have fun, be yourself (be goofy), learn to interact w/your audience -- "read" what they need in order to engage in worship. this is our job as a worship leader - to know our audience, meet them where they are and then lead them even farther!
today you got to know the kids a bit better - we learned that actions or some other form of physical engagement is a 'must' or we lose them. in fact, even when i do a slow or a 'soaking' song i intentionally instruct them (for example - "put your hand on your heart, lay down, be still"). you really have to guide them. i think this is a great thing to learn to do that will help you with every group you lead in the future. and this particular group needs our leadership to be very obvious and directional :)
we also learned that even though you think a song is "upbeat" there is no guarantee that's enough in and of itself to engage them, yeah? it's good that the song you pick for tomorrow will have energy AND you are going to make sure it has action leaders. cool! repeating songs are also an excellent choice. sometimes we can even take a song that isn't a repeating song but make it into one. sing a line and then have them sing it. it helps them hear and know the words as well as participate. i generally DON'T project words b/c half of them can't read and i don't' want to leave half of them in the dark. i want them ALL to be able to engage ALL the time as much as possible.
it's actually more important that they are full-body / soul / spirit engaging than it is that they all sing all the words all the time. if we put the words up then there's an expectation at some level that they'll sing-along b/c they can read them. i don't' want this false belief. i want us all to learn the song together over the course of time. i want songs to get INTO us so the holy spirit can bring them OUT of us at the times we're walking down the street and we need to hear/sing them!! we're planting seeds, Timmy. it's highly important stuff - stuff that will shape and impact them for a lifetime!
:) jen
Great having you today. i'm excited to see you have some freedom to grow in this area -- have fun, be yourself (be goofy), learn to interact w/your audience -- "read" what they need in order to engage in worship. this is our job as a worship leader - to know our audience, meet them where they are and then lead them even farther!
today you got to know the kids a bit better - we learned that actions or some other form of physical engagement is a 'must' or we lose them. in fact, even when i do a slow or a 'soaking' song i intentionally instruct them (for example - "put your hand on your heart, lay down, be still"). you really have to guide them. i think this is a great thing to learn to do that will help you with every group you lead in the future. and this particular group needs our leadership to be very obvious and directional :)
we also learned that even though you think a song is "upbeat" there is no guarantee that's enough in and of itself to engage them, yeah? it's good that the song you pick for tomorrow will have energy AND you are going to make sure it has action leaders. cool! repeating songs are also an excellent choice. sometimes we can even take a song that isn't a repeating song but make it into one. sing a line and then have them sing it. it helps them hear and know the words as well as participate. i generally DON'T project words b/c half of them can't read and i don't' want to leave half of them in the dark. i want them ALL to be able to engage ALL the time as much as possible.
it's actually more important that they are full-body / soul / spirit engaging than it is that they all sing all the words all the time. if we put the words up then there's an expectation at some level that they'll sing-along b/c they can read them. i don't' want this false belief. i want us all to learn the song together over the course of time. i want songs to get INTO us so the holy spirit can bring them OUT of us at the times we're walking down the street and we need to hear/sing them!! we're planting seeds, Timmy. it's highly important stuff - stuff that will shape and impact them for a lifetime!
:) jen
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
The Job Description:
1) must have a heart for the Lord
2) must enjoy fun, and maybe even 'silly'
3) must be ready to follow me as i try to follow the holy spirit
wanna join my band? these are the requirements. it helps if you like kids, but that is something that can grow if you have #2 (it did for me). #3 can also grow if you are willing. it's a "be ready for anything" kind of mentality that's willing to take risks. these are the kinds of things that i think make a good kids' worship musician. this week is MegaSports Camp (VBS) and every morning i get the great joy to work with some really great musicians as we rock out and serve the kids in their mega-worship! think this might be the gig for you???
btw - did you notice i didn't mention musical ability? if that's a question in your mind, let's talk, i have thoughts...
2) must enjoy fun, and maybe even 'silly'
3) must be ready to follow me as i try to follow the holy spirit
wanna join my band? these are the requirements. it helps if you like kids, but that is something that can grow if you have #2 (it did for me). #3 can also grow if you are willing. it's a "be ready for anything" kind of mentality that's willing to take risks. these are the kinds of things that i think make a good kids' worship musician. this week is MegaSports Camp (VBS) and every morning i get the great joy to work with some really great musicians as we rock out and serve the kids in their mega-worship! think this might be the gig for you???
btw - did you notice i didn't mention musical ability? if that's a question in your mind, let's talk, i have thoughts...
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Still want to know...
what does God mean when He said a little child will lead them? and the stuff that links kids to kingdom. i want to see the things He wants me to see - through the kids. Stuff they are better suited to seeing and ushering in. Still holding out for all that. Not settling for less. Pressing onward...
Friday, May 30, 2008
Q: How does a fifth grader worship?
A: Body, soul, mind, and strength. Right? Throw in a few dance moves. An electric guitar. Drum beating. Not sure exactly, but hope to figure it out together with them this weekend on the 4th/5th grade retreat...
Pray for us if you think of it!
Pray for us if you think of it!
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Our kids!!
i was so proud of our kids today. we had a quiet 'under control' kind of morning in worship. their big group lesson was about patience and waiting on the Lord, so we continued that lesson on into worship. how do we 'wait on the Lord' in worship - one way is by SOAKING. we didn't go full out lay-on-the-floor, close-your-eyes and soak, but we LISTENED for what God might be telling us. and we LOOKED for Him in the room. we did an 'angel scan' of the place. i didn't hear anyone say they saw any, but we are raising awareness of God with us and the supernatural among us. we are raising expectations, and praying for ears to hear and eyes to see God. the older boys participated with their noise-maker 'weapons' and wow did they do a nice job. never out of control, always sensitive and 'with me'. the 2-3 graders sat in their circle near me and boy did they SING. i loved hearing their voices. the younger ones were engaged as well along the back, no squirming, no acting out. i was astounded by the attention and cooperation we had from all parts of the room. the spirit's presence was with us and we were held captive. there were no need for lots of motions today or "fun songs", we were captivated by being in this holy place together. and i expect that awareness and that captivity to ever increase. and the older girls stretched themselves by asking God to lead them (in pairs) to someone in the room to pray for, then go do it throughout our worship time. i told them to have 'succeeded' today was to have prayed for at least one person. and many of them prayed for five, six... good stuff. the adults also began to pray over the kids towards the end as i prayed on the mic for kingdom destinies to be released and the enemy's plans to be thwarted. we reminded ourselves how we fight against the enemy - by the Word and rejoicing in worship to our God. i think they're getting it. if we just keep sewing, and watering, and cooperating with God to build this generation for Him. yeah, good stuff!
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Our kids
i know there's more. i know it. God, this is your thing, help me to see what you're sewing into them and pulling out already. not just good foundations so they can hear from you later and do good works in your name later in life, but NOW. we want to surpass the adults in hearing you, being able to see you, let you pour out your gifts on us, use us, work through us. God, give us supernatural eyes and a really big faith and courage too! you have given us a taste of what you can do with kids who listen to you, believe what they hear and act on it (treasure hunt last weekend)! how do we continue to water those seeds and give them place to be released? ahhhhhhhh! for your kingdom!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! God, come in power and love tomorrow. be present - be ACTIVE. and as teachers, we want more than just your Spirit in us, we want to wear it, and rub off on our kids - impart the things we have - worship, intimacy with you, power, faith - greater than what we have! you have given us authority in that place, help us to know it, walk in it, and act from it. for your kingdom! hold nothing back...
Monday, April 28, 2008
The Fruit of the Spirit is...
JOY! JOY! JOY! JOY! JOY! JOY! KIDS WORSHIP IS SO MUCH FUN! need a new burst of God-life? energy? drive? interest? come join the vopkids every sunday morning on the lower level! fun! fun! fun! and some really neat quiet moments too :) God is with us.
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