The Wide-Mouthed Frog

Last Sunday we had the story of the Wide-Mouthed Frog, who had a very big mouth, loved the sound of his own voice, and ate... flies.

The Wide-Mouthed Frog decided to go on a journey to see the world. On his journey, he met some other creatures, who didn't look like him or talk like him or eat like him. The Wide-Mouthed Frog was rather boastful, and announced arrogantly in his big, wide-mouthed voice, "I'm the Wide-Mouthed Frog, and I eat flies! Who are you, and what do you eat?"

When he met the sheep, he called him a strange, woolly creature and made fun of him eating grass. When he met the pig, he made fun of his smelly breath. When he met the donkey, he made fun of him eating porridge.

When he met a strange looking animal that looked rather like a mossy log, he got quite a shake-up when the crocodile announced, "I'm a CROCODILE and I EAT WIDE-MOUTHED FROGS!"

With that, the Wide-Mouthed Frog puckered up his mouth into the tiniest, narrowest mouth he possibly could and squeaked, "Oh, Wide-Mouthed Frogs, gosh, you don't see many of them around these days, do you? I'm off!" And he hopped away.

We talked about how vain and mean the Wide-Mouthed Frog was, and how hurtful the unkind things he said were. We hope the Wide-Mouthed Frog learnt to think before he speaks in future!

We read the letter in the Bible:

We all belong to God’s family. Be kind to one another. Share what you have with one another. When you speak, speak to build up one another. Use kind and helpful words. Be kind to one another.

We made some wide-mouthed frogs, with tongues that said 'USE KIND WORDS' to remind us God wants us to say things that are kind and helpful to people, not hurtful.

(based on Ephesians 4:25—5:2)

I am

Last Sunday we explored a whole lot of "I am" statements in the bible, where Jesus said things like, "I am the bread of life."

"I am the light of the world."

"I am the good shepherd."

We created our own "I am" statements about ourselves. Some examples were:

"I am unique."

"I am treasured."

"I am brave."

"I am caring."

It was a busy morning, with lots of activity! The band played, and we were thrilled to have Angel join us with her beautiful vocals this morning. After church, our ukulele group, AbsolUKE, had a jam, and they are ready to lead worship this coming Sunday with a song they have been learning. Can't wait!

A Storm in Church

https://youtu.be/FodBmTxjiQI

Last Sunday, we had quite a storm in church. 

We had wind tubes, thunder drums, waves of streamers splashing from one side of the church to the other... the congregation rocked from side to side as the waves pushed our boat around... we even had to use buckets to bail water (and if you look very closely you might see one person found another use for her bucket!)

We were reminded that when we are afraid, we are all in the same boat. And when we invite Jesus into the boat with us, we have nothing to fear, because we are not alone.

Even when we think God is far away, or that we don't deserve God's love, there is always more thank enough of God's love for all of us, and then even more!

Jesus is with us in the Storms of Life

Our Awesome Kids created a musical storm last Sunday, to remind us that whatever storms life brings, Jesus is right there with us, loving us always and helping us to get through.

https://youtu.be/NAnLT6RIyOY

Cheese Rolls and Chocolate Sauce at CHYPS

Last month's YOUTH GROUP involved a Scavenger Hunt and a scrumptious supper including cheese rolls and ice-cream with home-made chocolate sauce. Delicious! Thanks Carol & Sue!

Look Up, Look Down at FISH

https://youtu.be/1jkNcOItOrI

Last FISH night, we tried out some new games, including 'Look Up, Look Down', in which you have to avoid eye contact with your fellow players. If you do find yourself looking eye to eye with someone, the first person to scream is safe, and the opponent is out. There were a lot of yelps and giggles and tons of laughter!

Christ is the Cornerstone

Lots of construction themed activities last Sunday for our Awesome Kids!

CHYPS Scavenger Hunt

Calling all YOUTH (intermediate and high school, years 7-13)

Join us at CHYPS this Saturday night

6.30pm to 8pm

Movie night for TWEENS

CSIS Youth & Linwood Ave Union Church invite our intermediate aged youth to a MOVIE NIGHT. Friday 27 July from 5pm to 8pm. Dress up in your best Mexican themed outfit and be in to win a prize!

"We love you!"

A message from Dave:

Last week we talked about different types of families, with emphasis on my own large family. I have both adopted and foster children within our family so it wasn’t too hard. Main point being that it doesn’t matter what type of family you live in, you are loved. 

Our church family all shouted out “We love you!” so that the children knew that we all loved and supported them. Lots of smiles. (Some toothless).

We finished off by making a card with church doors, and a photo of our church family inside the church.

Shake it Off!

A couple of weeks ago, Carol told us the story of Jesus sending out the 12 disciples, and we talked about what it means to "shake the dust off your feet". Here is a little excerpt from Carol's talk:

Jesus Sends Out the Twelve Disciples

Then Jesus went to the villages around there, teaching the people. ⁷ He called the twelve disciples together and sent them out two by two. He gave them authority over the evil spirits ⁸ and ordered them, “Don't take anything with you on the trip except a walking stick—no bread, no beggar's bag, no money in your pockets. ⁹ Wear sandals, but don't carry an extra shirt.” ¹⁰ He also told them, “Wherever you are welcomed, stay in the same house until you leave that place. ¹¹ If you come to a town where people do not welcome you or will not listen to you, leave it and shake the dust off your feet. That will be a warning to them!”

What do you think shake the dust off your feet means?

I think this means when you realise that there are people in your life that are causing more negativity than positivity, and you need to know that it is ok to leave them behind and shake their negativity off – shake the dust off your feet.

KNOW YOUR SELF-WORTH

It is about knowing that we are unique and have worth in the eyes of God.  We don’t have to let others determine who we are and what we are worth?

God tells us that we are so precious to Him that He knew us BEFORE we were ever born, (Jeremiah 1:5).  He knows the very number of hairs on our head, (Matthew 6:26) and collects all of our tears, (Psalms 56:8).

It is about stopping and knowing that you are of value – you are priceless.  That you do not NEED approval from others.

Our Awesome Kids then had a whole lot of fun painting our feet with glue, making our own pottles of dust, and creating some funky footprints. As we shook off the excess dust, of course we sang, "Shake it Off!"

Footprints in the Sand

One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord. Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky. In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand. Sometimes there were two sets of footprints, other times there was one only. This bothered me because I noticed that during the low periods of my life, when I was suffering from anguish, sorrow or defeat, I could see only one set of footprints, so I said to the Lord, “You promised me Lord, that if I followed you, you would walk with me always. But I have noticed that during the most trying periods of my life there has only been one set of footprints in the sand. Why, when I needed you most, have you not been there for me?”

The Lord replied, “The years when you have seen only one set of footprints, my child, is when I carried you.”

Mary Stevenson, 1936

FISH this Saturday

Join us for FISH this Saturday night, 5pm to 7pm at the Chapel Street Centre.

Obstacles

Last Sunday our Awesome Kids heard two stories about Jesus helping people. In one of the stories, a sick woman made her way through a crowd of people to get to Jesus. She had faith that Jesus would be able to help her.

We made an obstacle course, to simulate the crowd she had to find her way through to get to Jesus. Our Awesome Kids enjoyed timing themselves on the course, trying to get faster and beat their own times. It was also a reminder that no matter what obstacles we face in life, Jesus is always with us, guiding us and giving us strength and courage to get through.

AbsolUKE

AbsolUKE is our Ukulele Group which is led by tutor Monica during morning tea after church most Sundays.

They are currently working on some instrumental pieces and some worship songs, which hopefully we will hear in church soon. The group has some experienced players and beginners - everyone is welcome.

Pyjama Day!

We celebrated the end of the term with a Pyjama Day at Musikool Kids. Everyone looked so cosy and snug in their PJs and onesies and slippers.

We sang Ten in the Bed, Teddy Bear's Cha-cha-cha, I've Got a Teddy Bear, Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed among many others.

Have a fun and relaxing two-week break over the school holidays, everyone! Keep warm!

Dave's story

Dave took Awesome time a couple of weeks ago on the story of  Choosing a king. We made heart magnifying glasses to show that God looks into our Hearts for goodness, “Love the Lord Your God with all your heart” as David did.

This is the story Dave told in church, with the help of some actors:

God told Samuel to choose a new king

King Saul will die in a few years in the Spring.

“Go to Bethlehem to the house of Jesse

One son you will choose, even if he’s messy”.

So we’re at Jesse's house, with God’s anointing oil

To anoint a king, to be truly Royal.

So Jesse lined up seven sons,

Some looked like they should eat more cream buns.

So this is the way I imagine the meeting went.

All the sons lined up, time well spent.

They all lined up next to each other

Seven in a line, brother next to brother

Samuel:-

This is the eldest his name is Enzro

He plants the crops and makes them grow.

I look at him and Gods says NO.

Son number two this one Izak

He has a secret girlfriend in the house up the back.

Not this one, so stay on track.

This is Monica, funny name for a bloke,

He runs so fast, leaving others in smoke.

Not this one either, it’s becoming a joke.

Next was Ruard tall and thin

One day he could be the king.

in my heart God said to me,

sorry this one’s not to be,

 Number five, sorry not  James,

heck I’m beginning to run out of names

So let’s continue with God’s games

So now we arrive at son number six

Lets throw Neti into the mix

Not this one, more of God’s tricks?

Finally this is son number seven

Surely God chose him, from His place in Heaven.

Please don’t let his name be King Bevan.

Do you have another son,

By any chance another one?

Otherwise my job’s not done.

Yes there’s David, we call him Dave

He’s out tending the sheep, he’s very brave.

But he’s not even old enough to shave.

God has sent me David, to choose

I followed all of God’s quiet clues.

Anoint him as king, as God had commanded.

To one day rule the land, single handed.

So that’s the story of David.

The spirit of God was upon David and he eventually became king. In the  bible, there are lots of stories about David, remember the one about a giant named Goliath?

A story for some other time..

Thanks to our Dave, for writing such a great script!

Player of the Day!

Congratulations to Andrew, who was named Player of the Day in his football game yesterday.

This is Andrew's second season of football. I think he must be a natural - maybe one day we'll see him playing for the All Whites!

Well done Andrew, especially playing on such a freezing, frosty morning!

We love to hear good news stories from our Awesome Kids - so keep them coming! It might be that you've discovered a new hobby or talent, or that you performed in a play or concert at school, or did something brave. If you've got something you'd like to share and celebrate with your church whanau, please let me know (Mel).

Oreos and Ice-blocks at FISH

The Oreo Challenge was one of the many activities our FISH-ers tackled tonight. Michelle and Monica were the champions - both managed to get the oreo cookie from forehead to mouth, without using their hands.

We played a variety of games - some active, like 'Bum-Shuffle-Tag' and a Hunt for Goldilocks and the Three Bears; and some more sedate, like the Detective Game, Bippity Boppity Boo and the Magic Toaster, and Backwards Charades.

Join us next month, July 21 and be part of the FISH fun! Click here to find out more about FISH.

Happy School Days

Quade had his last day at Musikool Kids on Friday, and is off to school! It seems like the last five years have just whizzed by so fast. 

Quade planned his last session at Musikool Kids and helped Amanda and Mel to lead the songs. 

Quade is pictured here with Mel's ukulele and wind tube. Quade specifically requested the wind, rain-stick and thunder drum be at his last session. He also included favourites such as Little Drum, Little Clown Dance and the clave sticks and rainbow ring.

Quade finished off the session by reading a book to the group, one of his favourites, "Pete the Cat and His White Shoes". We were all so impressed! 

We think Quade's teacher is extremely lucky to have Quade in her class. 

Quade had already introduced Pete the Cat to our group and we have been enjoying singing along to Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons.

Thanks so much Quade and Vicky, we will miss you tremendously! Happy School Days!

Family FISH night June 23

Join us for FISH, a night of fun and games for the whole family. Bring your own dinner (for your family) - fish'n'chips, pizza, picnic, whatever! After we've eaten, we'll move through to the hall for games and activities for all ages. Free ice-cream or ice-block and chocolate fish for dessert!

Congratulations Caleb!

At Christchurch North Methodist Parish we love hearing 'good news' stories. We especially love celebrating with our Awesome Kids when they share what they have been achieving during the week.

Here is a good news story to celebrate.

One of our Awesome Kids, Caleb, had his grading for Martial Arts. He was promoted from Orange Belt to Blue Belt. Well done Caleb! I think he looks very smart in his karate uniform.

We look forward to hearing more exciting news from the young people in our church family. Send Mel an email with any good news or interesting happenings so we can share it with your church community.

The Grandma Test

Wherever you are, there is God.

Remember that God is always with you, helping you to make good choices.

Sometimes God can speak to us when we listen to people who want to help us. Who are some people who can help us listen to God?

They could be a family member, our parents or caregivers, a teacher, minister, friend, or our Awesome Leaders.

When I was growing up, whenever I had decisions and choices to make, I would often ask myself, “What would Grandma do?” Would my actions, my choices, pass “The Grandma Test”? I’ve also heard this in technology talks to school students… ‘Before you post something on the internet, on social media, or play that game or visit that website - think: Would it pass the Grandma Test? Because if you’re not happy for Grandma to see it, then maybe it’s not a good choice.'

So think when you make a decision… is it a Godly choice? Would Jesus approve? If you had Jesus over to your house would you show him that game? Would you make that post on social media or write that comment if Jesus was “following” you? Well Jesus knows every choice you make and every consequence of every action. He wants you to:

Put God in the driver’s seat - let God take the wheel and steer you in the right direction.

CHYPS - Chapel Street Young People's YOUTH GROUP

Our CHYPS team - chilling out after an active evening of team building relays, involving ping pong balls, tissues, balloons, hula hoops and paper cups...

www.chapelstreetyouth.blogspot.com

Are you listening?

Last Sunday, communicaton was the key. Dave and Heather showed us all sorts of ways to communicate. We learnt about morse code, radio and we made some cup-telephones and "light communicators".

We need to be listening for God's voice in all that we do. God is always with us to guide us through life, we just need to make sure we get the right message. 

Happy School Days!

At Musikool Kids this week we farewelled Travis, as he heads off to school next week. Travis has been at Musikool Kids since he was a baby, and his older siblings before him. Travis's mum has been part of the Musikool Kids family for 13 years! Wow! We will really miss your infectious smile and awesome drum beats Travis. We hope you'll be able to come back and visit sometime if you have a teacher-only day!

Happy birthday for next week, and happy school days!

Chapel Street Art Gallery update

Wow! Our Awesome Kids' artwork looks brilliant in the Chapel Street Gallery.

Come in and check it out!

How wide, how long, how high and how deep

Here's a little video clip of our photo shoot last week.

How awesome is God's love!

https://youtu.be/6D7Z8Ln8_2g

God's love is immeasurable

Ephesians 3:18

Measuring cups, spoons, rulers, tape measures and even a laser... but nothing could measure how long, how high, how wide or how deep God's love for us is.

Check out these pics from our photo shoot last Sunday. You can see the pictures on our fabulous artwork in the Chapel Street Gallery.

Thanks to photographer Paul and all our amazing Awesome Kids!