Celebrating a '10' Year Partnership!

With Legacy in mind, the Kreek Kids ministry team along with insights from AC3 families and leadership, officially became a cooperative partnership ministry in the 2009/2010 ministry year! 

At that time we understood and believed two things to be true. First, that parents really are the number one influencers in their child's life. Secondly, that a traditional Sunday School model would not continue to work for us and who we were as a church.

Knowing we could no longer effectively do children’s ministry or provide safe staffing ratios without the support of both AC3ers and Kreek Kids parents working together, AC3's Kreek Kids Co-op Ministry was born!

When we serve together and with Legacy in mind, we have the ability to create environments where kids feel welcome, have fun while learning Biblical truths creatively and we become a SAFE place for visiting parents to drop off their kids with confidence during weekend services. Our Kreek Kids partnership and co-op format is the key to what we call the BEST HOUR in every family's week!

AC3 is still passionate today about leaving a legacy of faith for the next generation and currently uses C.A.R.L. as a filter to help ensure that we are meeting  our Compassion, Alignment, Relationship and Legacy objectives. Because AC3 wants to continue to be relevant to seekers of all ages in our local community, a new Direction Team is being organized. This team will use a similar process that was used during our Five Year Planning Initiative in which C.A.R.L. was formed. They'll be collecting fresh data about our growing neighborhoods, how we currently invite our friends to church and much more. This team will be under the direction of our Pastoral Team and Elder Board.

As AC3's Kreek Kids Director, it's always hard to do the BIG ASK and let others know there are needs in our ministry and we do have a few. So if leaving a legacy of faith with the next generation of faith is important to you but you're not sure you have what it takes, let's chat over a latte! It's not as scary as you think:) 

The Church + Home = Greater Impact

Light (yellow) + Love (red) = Orange

Help Us Celebrate '10'!

Choose to do just ONE thing, a ONE time serve option to help support our Kreek Kids in the coming year. Looking for a total of 10+ serving opportunities filled by someone NOT currently serving in Kreek Kids. What a great way to tell our parents and volunteers 'I see you and I support you' in the coming ministry year 2019-2020. 

A few Celebrate '10' one-time serve opportunities include:

• Behind-the-scenes cleaning, organizing and classroom prep options
• Provide childcare during one of our Kreek Kids Team Training
• Provide childcare during a Child Dedication class or team meeting
• Be a substitute classroom or nursery helper  
• KK Entry-Level Positions PDF

Call me with any questions you might have. I look forward to celebrating the NEXT '10' years of partnership with you!

Twila & Kreek Kids Team

360-659-7335 EXT. 202

LIKE US on Facebook to keep in the Legacy info loop...

Kreek Kids Mission: Partnering with Parents to Raise Up the next generation of Heroes in the Faith!  

It's That Time of Year

Yes. It's that time of year. Summer is drawing to a close, school supplies and the latest in fashion accessories are being purchased at local department stores by families getting ready to start their school-year routine. So what, if anything, does this mean for AC3 and it's littlest seekers? A lot!

Over the next several weeks, our Kreek Kids leadership team is getting ready to start their ministry-year routine. They're implementing plans that will best meet their ministry mission: Partnering with parents to raise up the next generation of heroes in the faith! Rooms will be viewed with fresh eyes, schedules will get finalized and new and returning volunteers will be encouraged to get their God-given gifts in the game. Why? Because children's ministry matters!

Children’s Ministry Matters Because:

1) Children are a GIFT from God - They are a reward from Him. (Psalm 127:3) It's been fun to watch the many GIFTS that AC3 has been entrusted with over the years. Each child is uniquely packaged in a different shape and size, but all with a desire for direction and encouragement. You can easily spot these spirited and energetic little ones around AC3. These GIFTS from God are sure to reward you with a smile:)

2) Children MATTER to God - Let the little children come to Jesus. It's quite a statement that Jesus actually took offense when people tried to keep children from him or could cause a little one to stumble. (Mark 10:13-16, Matthew 18:5-6) A child's safety and faith development matters to God and so it should to us. We can help keep them safe and direct them on their own path toward Jesus. (Psalm 119:105)

3) Children are DISCIPLES, Now and Later - Matthew 18 reminds us that we can learn a lot from children and their ability to follow, worship, and grow in wisdom, stature and in favor with God and man, just as Jesus did. (Luke 2:52) A 2015 Survey confirms that 63% of Christians accepted Jesus Christ between the ages of 4 and 14 starting their discipleship journey early in life. And just like eating a Now & Later candy, 'It's Always a Good Time' to help disciple and positively influence a child:)

4) Children are FUTURE LEADERS in Our Church -  God's Word is filled with examples of what passing on our faith to the next generation looks like; when it's done right and when a generation fails. Leaving a legacy of faith requires a partnership between parents and their faith community; the local church. (Psalm 78:1-7) Our children are learning to lead now and will be fully in charge much sooner than we think! The question is: how passionately and purpose-filled will we nurture and disciple them so they can help lead the next generation to Christ?

Dwight L. Moody once said, “If I could relive my life, I would devote my entire ministry to reaching children for God.” He understood that children are a gift from God and that their faith development is important, for their sake and the generations to follow. 

As we each prepare to embark on our own household's school-year routine, let's ask the question, "What can I do to insure that children's ministry matters at AC3?" Children’s ministry is one of the most futuristic and strategic ministry partnerships of the Church and we can each be a part of it.

So whether you are an encourager, a defender of the weak, a quiet helper, a growing leader, a first time teacher or a captivating story teller, your partnership in raising up the next generation is valued. What you do is important to His purposes not just now, but for generations to come!

It's fun serving along AC3 parents and volunteers. I would love to meet over coffee and discuss how you can best partner with us in Kreek Kids, our children's co-op ministry at Allen Creek Community Church. Contact me by email or leave a message at 360-659-7335 ext. 202 and I'll get back to you shortly!

Who's Your Legacy PAL Connection?

There has been a growing desire at AC3 to partner with and encourage families to grow and walk out their faith in Biblical community. But how?

Wendy Fahrney, a fellow AC3'r, has felt the nudge to be part of the answer. She's been wanting to do something that can help connect, encourage and grow AC3 families; young and old. Something that requires a minimal time commitment, is easy and focused. Something with a 'Secret Pal' element in it to keep it engaging and fun. Something like Legacy P.A.L. Connections 2016!

Legacy PAL Connections was born out of a desire to help nurture a  growing culture of PRAYER for the next generation in an ALLIANCE of adults, parents and youth who want to LIVE OUT their legacy of faith together.

There are a couple different ways to get plugged into Legacy PAL Connections 2016:

1. Become a Legacy PAL. (PAL Info Flyer) Legacy PALs are individuals who care about the next generation and come in many different shapes and sizes.  Some PALs may be young adults, while others are older. They may be single, while others are married. Even high school students who want to pray for, encourage and surprise a younger child at AC3 may be a Legacy PAL.

2. Nominate your child to have a Legacy PAL. (PAL Info Flyer) At the following link, you will find an easy and fun application form to fill out with the child. It will help your Legacy PAL to get to know your child and your family better so they can personalize their letters.  Please complete and turn applications in at the Kreek Kids Check-In Desk promptly and no later than March 31st. PALs will be assigned on a first come, first serve basis starting in March.

Imagine the impact a Legacy PAL might have on each child by praying for them regularly.

Imagine the curiosity and wonder a child might feel as they envision who their Legacy PAL might be.

Imagine warming the hearts of AC3 families and creating rich soil where the seeds of friendship can grow in biblical community at AC3.

Imagine you,  yes YOU, being an agent of change by saying yes to the nudge God may be giving you:)

If you would like to join us in this venture, be sure to download your application. The plan is to launch our Legacy PAL by April 1st, 2016.

Legacy PAL Coordinator: Wendy Fahrney 425-761-1021
Kreek Kids Director: Twila Crain 360-659-7335 EXT. 202
Youth Directors: B&B Crain 425-231-2364
Graphics used by Permission Kellie Ade: http://jumpseatpixie.blogspot.com/

Compassion, Action and Boldness; Even When It's Scary

Over the last several months, I have had the privilege of being part of and watching bold compassion in action around AC3 and I have been changed.

• When you see a body of believers embrace a 'No One Fights Alone' attitude and actively join a family's battle against cancer, you are reminded that life on this earth is short. I will live life fully with eternity in mind.
• When you witness Seeds of Grace volunteers choosing to walk beside those on the fringe of society and offering them real friendship, you are reminded that 'things' are 'just things'. I will live life on purpose and in relationship with those that God brings into my life.
• When you watch a group of bikers provide an atmosphere of recovery and recreation for those fighting drug addictions with opportunities to 'give back' to their community, you experience hope (SOG was the recipient of their food and toy drives this holiday season). I will live life with hope, knowing that everyone can 'be changed' and 'make change' in the lives of others.
• When you watch a group of preschoolers participate in compassion by creating homeless bags to give someone in need or on a street corner this holiday season, it becomes clear that everyone is called to serve. I will live life serving others, doing my best to be the hands and feet of Jesus.

This blog post was inspired by a recent yet very simple Facebook post by my daughter-in-law Amanda below. It reflects a simple compassion story of handing out their SOG homeless bag to someone with my first grandson Jonah, five years old.

"Finally got to give our Seeds of Grace bag that Jonah put together in preschool to someone in need. Jonah was scared at first but I took the opportunity to explain to him that helping people is not always easy. It's easier to just keep walking. We gave the man our bag of goodies, said Merry Christmas and it was done. Then Jonah started asking questions on the ride home about where that man slept, etc.

Another opportunity to talk about how Jesus calls us to help others and about being grateful. Then it turned to talking about the best, final home we have to look forward to (heaven) and what we are called to do here on earth until we are called home. Love God, Love each other and Love the lost. 

Amazing moment with Jonah... I could see the wheels turning in his head. I pray he has a heart of compassion that leads to action and boldness to do God's will even when it's scary." - A :)

 A few Facebook comments: 

"Ever since the day they made them and we gave it away the same day, we've been finding more and more opportunities to help people out, even if it's just a bottle of water! I LOVE what God is doing in MY heart by giving me a kid to raise I'm so excited for you to have had such a deep conversation!! SUPER cool!"

"Way to go!! Proud of you guys. Love that you told him "it's not always easy."

"♡♡♡♡♡"

"Great teaching moment!"  

"I love witnessing God doing work!"

"Beautiful! Thanx for SHARING with us the opportunity you took to be Jesus to someone...and to teach Jonah what that looks like! Merry Christmas!" 

As we head into the new year, let us not forget that compassion is not always easy but it is to be a very real part of every Christ followers lives. Let's live out compassion with action and boldness with fresh awareness, even when it's scary!

Twila

Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13.

What We're NOT Looking For...

When someone is involved in a leadership position in ministry, it quite often requires finding others that are willing to join them in achieving the ministry’s mission and vision. It’s not the most popular task on a leader’s To Do List but it certainly is one of the most important. I have never felt comfortable using the term ‘recruiting’ someone to fill a position in children’s ministry. Although it's only a word, I truly would rather ‘invite’ them in, encouraging them to see how God just might use them, even without all the skills they think they may need.

Recruiting has never been an easy task for me and yet Kreek Kids is currently in need of an elementary team teacher which offers a flexible and rotating schedule. One of our key teachers and ministry leaders, Michelle Turner, is moving to Eastern Washington. She will be greatly missed at Allen Creek Community Church and I'll be one of her biggest cheerleaders from afar! So in the mean time, it looks like I am in a position that requires me to extend an ‘invite’ to someone to join us in children's ministry. But instead of listing a few things we may be looking for in this person, I have decided to share a few things that we are NOT looking for:

• We're NOT looking for someone who is ‘perfect’ for the role but for someone who has a willing heart and has a desire to grow.
• We're NOT looking for a ‘professional’ but someone who cares more about what they can learn than what they can teach.
• We're NOT looking for someone who is so 'proud' of their gifts and talents that they could easily fool others into thinking they have their spiritual walk all figured out.

We're looking for a ‘potential’ large group leader or teacher. Someone with a willing heart, who wants to learn and to be part of a team that works together, providing a fun and safe place for elementary children where they can grow in their faith. Is that 'person' you or someone you might know?

With NO 'pressure' applied, I would love to talk to you! (over coffee...if you're a latte fan) You can contact me at twila@ac3.org and 425-319-8043. Feel free to 'share' this note with others who may be looking to get their gifts in the game at AC3.

Join us as we continue our efforts to be the BEST HOUR in every family's week!
Twila & Kreek Kids Leadership Team

Trina Perry - Saturday Night Kids Program
Norma Osotio - Check-In & Safety
Sarah Barci - Nursery/Toddler Dept.
Chandra White - Preschool Dept.

BTW...you can take a 'Test Run' during the month of April on Sunday mornings with no long term commitment. Consider it a one-time serve opportunity! www.ac3.org/kids

Make Your Presence Known in the New Year

As Christmas is behind us and we are heading into a new year, I am reminded that what we do matters when it comes to making an impact on the next generation. Just watch the face of a child light up as they open a Christmas present! You can almost feel the anticipation and excitement that resonates throughout their entire little bodies. If a simple present can influence what a child feels so deeply, just imagine how much more our daily ‘presence’ in their lives and the words that we say, can and do, impact our children.


Children long for unconditional love and our presence. They desire to belong to something bigger than themselves; to live in a healthy community of family, friends and mentors. They need to make real life connections with us as their parents, family members and other caring adults that are brought into their lives. Our presence makes a lasting impression on them and writes on the slate of who they are.


The statistics remain the same. Parents are the #1 influence in their child's life while family members, teachers and caring adults are a close second. No matter what your role, large or small, you are making an impact on the next generation.


As a children’s ministry leader, one of my passions is to help families and children’s ministry volunteers to find ways to share their ‘presence’ together with the next generation. We do this in part at AC3 by running our weekend children’s programs as a co-op. Parents and volunteers are both involved in the staffing of our weekend children’s programs.

Parent & Volunteer KK Co-op Meeting

It is my hope and prayer that in the coming year, our families and children’s ministry volunteers will feel even more connected, loved, encouraged and well equipped to raise up the next generation, and doing so in healthy and biblical community.

If you have ideas or family events you would like to share or see posted at Kreek Kids TEAM Central or at 411.kids to help us grow as a ministry team, please let one of us on the Kreek Kids Leadership team know.

Together, we can make our presence known to the next generation!


Mission 3:16

Twila Crain
Psalms 78:4