Leading Small to Yield God-Sized Results

"If we want to influence what kids believe about God, themselves, and the rest of the world, we need to give them somewhere to belong." Reggie Joiner

Mavis' Art Class

Kreek Kids has recently made a decision to 'Lead Small' while looking for God-sized results! What does this mean in actual practice?

1. In order to impact the next generation, we are creating intentional small group experiences where kids can have fun learning and where relationships can grow.
   
   
2. For us, this means Sunday morning breakout groups have started for our 4th & 5th graders where kids may explore the arts, learn something new or review what they've learned in their large group time for the day in a creative way. 
     
3. Starting in October, we are opening a weekly small group, for 1st & 2nd-grade girls, during Sunday morning 10:30am services with Miss Dea! Dea currently teaches our preschool class once-a-month on our Saturday team and wants to do more to impact the next generation of heroes at AC3. This group of girls will meet in our Orange Room which we love! Why? We believe the Orange strategy of partnering with parents and caring adults is a winner and we have attended the Orange Tour the last three years! What a great room to start this weekly group!
   

Below is an email from Miss Dea to our parents. Feeling the nudge?  This can be your invitation to 'Lead Small' with us. Enjoy!

Choosing to Lead Small

Dear Parents, 

For those of you who don't know me my name is Deanna Braaten. Many of you may know me as Miss Dea.

My husband and I have been long-time supporters of Kreek Kids and our adult children have all been part of children's ministry in one way or another. Our youngest daughter is currently a Kreek Kid.

I have been praying about where God is leading me in Kreek Kids. Over the last few years, several key things have taken place in my life. 

First, with my own daughter beginning elementary school, I see the need for strong faith conversations in this developmental age range. Secondly, attending the annual Orange conference reinforces my belief in partnering with families to build a strong faith foundation. And finally, I have a deep desire to serve in ministries that promote legacy.

With all that said, I'm joining Twila in the development of Kreek Kids breakouts and small group leader implemented lessons.

Your child is invited to join me and Michelle Daniels on Sundays in the orange room for small group lessons and activities. Your child will begin in 'big' church as usual and be dismissed during the service. They will meet in the blue room for the big idea and the large group time. We then will bring our small group to the orange room (Prepare the Way Classroom) for our lesson. You are able to pick up your child from us there at 11:45. This small group time is set aside specifically for 1st and 2nd-grade girls.

We are very excited to see how this small group builds strong faith foundations and positive and encouraging relationships. The idea that each child grows and develops a sense of identity, belonging and purpose in Christ is at the forefront of our approach to children's ministry.

Our initial plan is to implement our breakouts and small groups each Sunday from October to May.

Please let me or Twila know if you have any questions. You may also be thinking this sounds like something you may be interested in joining too! Come talk with us. We'd love to chat over coffee or tea.

Thank you,
Most Sincerely
Miss Dea

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!  

Say Hi to AC3's New Nursery Director!

A note from Karli!

*Good Afternoon,

Thank you for taking the time to read this post and for welcoming me into the family this last month.

As you know, I have taken on the role of the Nursery Director position for the year of 2018-2019. This opportunity has opened the door for me to use my gifts from Christ in order to help wherever possible to facilitate growth in Kreek Kids Ministry.

A little bit about myself: I was born and raised in this wonderful community of Marysville, and have moved all around the Pacific Northwest my whole life, but have always come back to my hometown. A relationship with Christ for me has always been apparent, but like any Christian, God has left the heard of his sheep to find me when I am lost time and time again. At the hardest point in my life, He was always there to comfort me. I have been a part of AC3 for four years, I have a loving husband, and a one year old son. When I am not at church, I spend most of my time co-owning a photography studio here in Marysville, WA.

A few fun facts about myself:

1. Who in our family tells the best stories? My Mother in Law Deanna Braaten is so good at telling a story to our family or reading a book.
2. What is your family motto? "Unbent, Unbowed, Unbroken"
3.What is your family's place to hang out? Honestly, either at church, at Chase's parents, or at home. We like to be home whenever possible.
4.What's your favorite family movie? Either Thor Ragnarok, Princess Bride, or my husband's favorite, Knights Tale.
5.If you could go anywhere as a family, where would it be? Always Disneyland/world or Europe!
6. Pumpkin Patch or Supermarket for pumpkin picking? ALWAYS pumpkin patch (or to just look at all the cool pumpkins and take the kids in the wagon, but then going to the store to get a cheaper carving pumpkin haha!)

I have agreed to join the Kreek Kids Directors for my passion in Children's Ministry, and believe that a child's relationship with God can begin as early as birth. A simple nursery song can help educate an infant in who our God is, and how much he loves us. Early introduction into a foundation of faith can determine a solid lifelong relationship so no matter what life throws at you, there will always be someone in your corner. Proverbs 22:6 says: "Train up a child the way up he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it."

Along with a child's need for ministry at a young age, AC3 also believes in the importance of parent contribution into that growth of a child's relationship with Christ Our Kreek Kids Weekend Mission: To be the BEST HOUR in every family’s Week!  Our Co-op Mission: Partnering with Parents to raise up the next Generation of Heroes in the Faith!

Please feel welcome to reach out to me anytime to learn more about our Nursery, or visit with us on Saturday, October 13th, 2018 in the Orange Room for a Nursery Brunch with a brief presentation about our AC3 KKM mission and get to know our Nursery a little more. 

Warm Regards and Happy October,

Karli Olsen
Ac3 Nursery Director

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!

From a Teacher's Point of View

By Guest Blogger: Wayne Clinton

During our Popcorn and Parable Series (November 2015), our Kreek Kids classes studied two stories called parables found in the Book of Luke chapter15. 

During Saturday's teaching time with our K-5th grades,  we had ten hidden cut out sheep in the room that the kids had to find.  They also had four silver coins that they had to find. These activities lined up with the "looking for lost things" in the parable stories; Lost Sheep/Lost Coin. Once they had found them all, we decided to celebrate just like they did in each parable. We made invitations to hand out and invite individuals in our lobby to come up and celebrate with us. During the dinner break, before worship, our chaperoned students went down and invited six middle schoolers to come up and join us at our party. 

We had chocolate milk, sparkling cider, chips, pretzels, gummy worms and chocolate chip cookies along with our main dish, chicken noodle soup. What a celebration! And the music...it was a good gathering!

We learned that the true meaning behind the parables Jesus told were really about people, and not coins and sheep. And that people truly matter to Jesus. The kids, both K-5th and our middle schoolers had a great time! In fact, our guests went down and brought up other middle school guests and then the pre-K kids came and joined in. It was a great night!

So if your looking to help make Kreek Kids a safe place where kids can come, learn, have fun in a variety of creative ways, all while learning the truths in God's word, check out Kreek Kids Saturday nights or Sunday mornings. It's always a joy to see new faces:)

Wayne Clinton 

One of Kreek Kids Saturday Night Teachers

SPECIAL INVITE!  January 16 & 17, 2016: THIS weekend, during our Enter the Worship Circle Series, don't miss Wayne's creativity in action in the auditorium during each service; Saturday 6pm, Sunday 9 and 10:30am!  Directions to AC3 ~Allen Creek Community Church

Want to get connected to Kreek Kids? Contact: Trina (SAT) or Alicia & Twila (SUN)

Looking Back...

by Guest Blogger: Alicia Christiansen

Looking back over the year…

Over the past year I have realized that I have gained so much in such a small amount of time. My journey began back in August of 2014. I wanted to find Easton a preschool nearby and Bethlehem Lutheran came to mind. I already knew the teachers and was comfortable with the church as well as the curriculum. However, something was pulling at my heart strings into a different direction. A gal I went to school with shared a posting from Prepare the Way Preschool at Allen Creek Community Church on Facebook. I sent her a message and she explained to me that this was the school’s first year and that I should really check it out. I took her advice and found myself calling the school and scheduling a tour of the facility.

My first impression of Miss Chandra was forever a lasting one. The warm smile from her gleaming face said it all! Walking through the church I realized that everything about it just felt right. Before I knew it, I had Easton enrolled and ready for his first day of Preschool at Allen Creek Community Church. Over the next several weeks I began to build several friendships among the preschool moms, especially one in particular, Jamie Williamson. This girl has made a lasting impression on me. I would have never thought I’d be attending a church, accept Christ as my Lord and Savior, and get baptized all within a year!

God continued to call me into a direction I never thought I’d follow. I had a hard time trying to find my place in the church. I was lost at where my need would be fulfilled. I volunteered in the Kreek Kids Co-op on one Sunday morning to see what it was like. That was the day God answered my prayer. I was sitting in a rocking chair watching Veggie Tales with a couple of the kids in the Nursery.  Suddenly, a small child climbed onto my lap and laid against me as he watched the show peacefully. I was in utter awe. At that moment I felt God tugging at my heart once more. This is where I was needed. God wanted me to be there for the kids and much more.

I began meeting with Twila to discuss many opportunities in Kreek Kids. There were several needs in the ministry that I was suddenly overwhelmed. I prayed about it to the Lord and he answered. Twila and I came up with a position that contained a mixture of many roles. Before I knew it, I was taking on the new role as Team Mom for our Kreek Kids Ministry! With the help and guidance from Twila, our ministry has accomplished so much. We have a monthly bulletin board with tons of info, healthier snack options, new toilet seats for potty training, and a quarterly event to appreciate all teachers and volunteers in Kreek Kids!

As I look on to the future, I pray that the Lord continues to show me what I’m called to do. My confidence has increased and my anxiety is almost inexistent since I have attended Allen Creek Community Church. Not only does my Father see a change in me, but my peers see it as well. My faith will continue to grow as long as I have my brothers and sisters at the place I call home, AC3. 

Precious Moments; Kids and Communion

Legacy...

As you may have noticed, and or been a part of, our children at AC3 have been more involved in our weekly church services. Our leadership's vision is for our kids to know what's happening inside our church, get a sense of what we do, why we're doing it and to be involved themselves. This is all in hope that each child will have their own moments where God is touching their hearts and they can look back upon these moments as they grow. 

If you missed this, please check out the AC3 Video Blog, Rick and Dan's take on worshiping with our "short people" around AC3.

For me, I look back at moments when God was reaching into my life and I didn't have the tools to know what was happening. I made poor decisions and never followed where The Holy Spirit was leading me, I had no clue what that even meant. It's a passion of mine to help my kids and the youth here at AC3 to know that the tools to decipher these interactions are at their disposal. 

Little Ones at Services

Ok so I have to get this public service announcement from the father of two little rambunctious boys off of my chest. Those of us at church who have little guys, we know that they're a distraction, that they're noisy and trust me when I tell you that we know all about anxious feelings that come with the thought of somehow letting our little guys get in the way of someone's moment with God.

I'm certain these distractions will settle as the kids get more and more used to being in there with us. So please try to look at the beauty in sharing these moments with the whole family and know that we're working diligently to get the little ones worshiping with us and limiting distractions.

Communion for my family

Bet (my wife) and I have two little boys, both very different, both incredibly awesome. Our oldest, Liam is 4 and he's already a more spiritual being than I was at age 30. For example, he prays when he "has bad words in his head" for Jesus to take them out of there for him. That's just how Liam rolls. 

Needless to say, Liam loved our first all family communion this past month where the kids walked to the back of the auditorium and met elders there to help them learn about communion as they had juice and a snack. He soaked it up and talked all about how Jesus gave us snacks to symbolize his broken body. He's creating moments that he may remember for the rest of his life, right now. It's incredible to be a part of God reaching his heart at such a young age and I'm looking forward to many more of these amazing moments.

Intergenerational Communion This Weekend!!

So, our leaders have decided we'll do communion in a variety of different ways for the little ones to determine which is best. This weekend, they'll get a "Remember IT" snack pack when they walk in the room equipped with a small booklet for their parents to go through with them.

Hope to see you this weekend!! 

-Jared Galde