The Messenger - November 4, 2009
Pastor's Corner
by Rev. Neal Neuenschwander
How much do you know about AWANA?
Did you know that our church has recently begun to participate in a fabulous children's ministry called AWANA? Awana (derived from the first letters of "approved workmen are not ashamed"-- 2 Timothy 2:15) is supported by an international nonprofit organization founded in 1950 and headquartered in Streamwood, Illinois. The mission of Awana is to help "churches and parents worldwide raise children and youth to know, love and serve Christ."
AWANA was founded as a youth program at the North Side Gospel Center in Chicago, Illinois, by Pastor Lance Latham and Art Rorheim. Their goal was to develop a program that would appeal to young people, reach them with God's salvation message and grow them spiritually through biblical truth. Other churches heard about the success of the Awana program and asked if they could use it. By 1960, Awana had grown to 900 churches. Today, more than 12,000 U.S. churches have Awana programs and can be found in all 50 states. Outside the United States, Awana can also be found in more than 6,000 churches in 109 countries and six continents.
Participants typically meet once a week throughout the school year. The focus of the curriculum is on the presentation of the gospel and learning Scripture to build a biblical foundation for young people's faith. Most programs include a group teaching time, individual one-on-one time with a leader (or parent) to review the lessons learned that week, and a time for games. Since our church has long specialized in youth choirs, our program also includes 30 minutes of singing with either the Angel or Cherub choirs.
Each participant receives these items:
- a handbook or manual that allows each child to learn at his or her own pace
- a uniform shirt or vest
- awards that are earned as the child successfully completes the requirements of a section of the handbook.
The awards, in particular, become great "treasures" for these children, especially as they "complete" each vest with patches and other forms of recognition.
Our church has just completed its first few weeks of AWANA, and we are still in the learning curve. But we are encouraged by the enthusiasm that several of these children are beginning to show, and we are grateful for the strong leadership of Sue Headley, who has pioneered this program and invested countless hours within it.
If you would like to participate in AWANA, or any other children's ministry, simply click the hyperlink on Sue's name. Even if you can't participate, we hope that you will pray for Sue and all the volunteers in this program. Finally, we hope you will support them through your contributions to our church.
AWANA is just one of several programs that is supported by your annual pledge. If you have not yet received your 2010 "estimate of giving" card in the mail, you can get one in the pews this Sunday morning. Then, pray about this commitment, and bring that card with you into worship on Dedication Day (November 15).
Some folks think of pledging as a means of supporting the "institution" of the church. But I think of it as a way to support people--especially the children, youth, and adults of this church. Thus, I pray you will be generous to them.
Editor's Corner
People come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. When you figure out which it is, you know exactly what to do.
When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed outwardly or inwardly. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally, or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend, and they are. They are there for a reason you need them to be.
Then, without any wrong doing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up or out and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled; their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and it is now time to move on.
When people come into your life for a SEASON, it is because your turn has come to share, grow, or learn. They may bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it! It is real! But, only for a season.
LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons; those things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person; and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life. It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant. Someone also said that the best way to keep friendships from breaking is not to drop them. (Author Unknown)
On a personal note, I'd like to thank all of you on behalf of my
family and myself. Thank you for watering and cultivating our garden of
faith through your warm "hello", from songs you sing, music you play,
your kind words and supports. And thank you for being a part of our life,
whether you're a reason, a season or a lifetime.
Angels
exist, only sometimes they haven't got wings, we just call them friends.
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Page Last Updated: Wed Nov 4, 2009