Power Up Kids Camp Recap

This week, 55 kiddos walked, skipped, danced, and hopped their way through the halls of Faith Covenant Church.  Power Up Kids Camp (VBS) was a smashing success, as kids learned what it means to “raise their game” by connecting to the ultimate power source: Jesus!

Snacks, games, crafts, large & small group times, as well as the early preparations-it ALL matters.  Why?  Because it helps our kids encounter Jesus.  One of our second graders shared that this is the very first time she’s heard about how to have a relationship with Jesus.  Over and over and over this week, this little one heard how much Jesus loves her, wants to know her, and how she can get to know this Person she’s never known before.  WOW!!!!!!

Bennet, a 2nd grader, said, “I learned that if you’re scared of something, the fear won’t go up to your heart—just calm down and love God and it will be okay.”  One 4th grader said she learned this week that God will never give up on you.  Another shared: “I have questions about Jesus, and I want to know more!”

With vibrant storytelling and sweet small group times, kids were reminded of the grand redemptive narrative that is the story of God, and how God wants to be a part of their story—and they a part of His.

One parent had this to say:

“As a parent of a child with special needs, I am never quite sure what she understands in large group settings. When I asked her about VBS and what she had learned on Day 2, she became animated and recalled the story of the day. She told me she felt sad that King Josiah’s people did not have God in their hearts. When I asked her what set Josiah a part from his people, she replied without hesitation, ‘he has God in his heart, just like I have God in my heart!’ My fellow parents, isn’t this why we send our kids to places like VBS? So they, too will know that God loves them so much that he WANTS to be a part of their stories, a part of their hearts? Thank you Faith Covenant Power Up Kids Camp for proclaiming the Gospel everyday to our kids. They’re all listening and we parents are so grateful that they get to do that alongside you!”

This week, our kids learned:

  • God wants you to know Him.
  • You can know God through His Word.
  • God sent Jesus to save us.
  • God sent His Spirit to help you, and you can help others know God.

They also got to be a part of “GOING” to the world by raising funds for the Smoak family who serve in Honduras.  They were moved by their lives there and raised just over $1,000 this week to be a part of God’s work around the world.

The last hour of camp, the power went out, giving us a teachable moment about how, when we’re not connected to the right power source, we don’t have power.  As we talked and sang in the darkened worship center by flashlight and glow sticks, our kids got a tangible reminder that “God’s power has given us everything we need to live a godly life.” 2 Peter 1:3a, NIrV.  This was their memory verse this week.

In Faith Kids, we learn who Jesus is, who we are, and how the Holy Spirit works through us to change the world around us. At the end of the day, our goal is to connect kids into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ, knowing they are treasured image-bearers of the King. This is a part of discipling the next generation, making disciples who make disciples.

You’ll get a chance to see some of them on stage on Sunday, with songs and stories.  Thank you for praying for us this week.  And thank you to the many amazing volunteers and staff who helped make Power Up a week to remember.

With hope,

Vicki Newendorp

Director of Children’s Ministry

Here’s What’s Happening at Faith

Garage Sale for Missions-VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Faith’s All-Church Garage Sale is July 18-20. All proceeds will go to the MOMS Program. Help this sale be a success by gathering donations at home and/or volunteering! Sign-up to volunteer for set-up, clean-up, and working the day of the sale at the Information Desk during these Sunday Services: June 16, 23, and 30. Donations for the sale will be accepted Sunday, July 14, 12-5pm and Monday, July 15, 4-8pm. Drop off at lower level. Do not leave donations at church at other times. Questions? Contact Kathryn at office@momsprogram.org.

All Church Retreat

Registration is now open for the Faith Covenant All-Church Retreat at Covenant Pines Bible Camp, Aug 23-25. It will be a weekend of relaxation, inspiration, fellowship and fun! Register on Realm. Baptism will be offered in Round Lake during the retreat, contact the office for more information.

Women’s Ministry Watercolor Class

Women of Faith Covenant – now is your chance to try out your artistic flair! Millie Johnson, longtime FCC member and painter extraordinaire, has graciously agreed to teach two watercolor classes! This is a must-attend – you’ll have a great time and will go home with a matted and ready-to-frame work of art! Wed July 10, 9-noon & Thur July 11, 6-9pm. Each class is limited to 12 women. Register today by contacting Terry at tlangmaack@faithcovenant.org. Cost: $10, payable at the class.

Infant Baptism / Dedication Class

Our next baptism/dedication Sunday is July 28. Parents of infants desiring baptism/dedication are asked to attend a one-hour class July 14, 9-10am. To register contact Terry at tlangmaack@faithcovenant.org.  Applications are due July 8.

Devotionals

The July-Sept publication of the Covenant HomeAltar daily devotional is now available in the Fireside Room. Stop by and pick one up today. Also available in the Fireside room is a 4 week daily devotional for Moms called Be Still. Take a short break from taking care of everyone else and let God take care of you!

MUUUCE-August 1-3

MUUUCE stands for “The Most Unbelievable, Ultimate, Urban, Camping Experience”. This high-energy, fast-moving, multi-day event is designed to give 6-9th graders a chance to connect with Christ and their peers. Save the date! For info, go to northwestconference.org.

Bible Memorization Challenge

Pastor Brad issued a challenge to our Faith Family in 2017 and would like us to take this challenge once again: to memorize 52 Bible verses in 52 weeks for 2019. These verses will be posted each week in this Faith Update blog and will be in the worship folder each Sunday. To see a full list of verses so you can practice adding a new one each week while keeping up with those you have already learned, click HERE. The verse for the week is this: I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. 1 John 5:13