Dear Parents

This week, parents are getting ready to send off their kids to Camp KidJam 2009. This year our kids will experience the action packed Jam sessions which feature high-energy worship, great skits, and the The Incredible Adventure of the Misfit Brigade - the stories of people who Jesus came in contact with and whose lives He changed forever. Their stories are our stories as we learn together how God wants to change us for Him. Additionally, the kids will experience small groups where they can unpack the story with their small group leaders and how the story applies to them personally. Of course what is camp without all the fun, messy games... You know the ones that make kids scream “YUCK.”

So for those of you who have your own set of jitters about sending your kids off to camp, we are praying for you. For those who wish they could be sending their kids... yes, we are praying for you too. Parenting during the summer is always filled with fun and frustration. Hang on. School is around the corner and you’ll be back in the swing of school schedules before you know it. Until then, take a deep breath, round up the floaties and head to the pool or the back yard for a camp out. In other words, hang out with your kids. It is one of the best parts of summer.

News in Adventure Kidz
Family Sunday: August 16
We are kicking off the new school year with a family day. All of the kids from 0 to 18 will join us for worship. The children will sing and be a part of the service. Continuing with the Big Faith That Works series, Tammy will lead a large group time on the virtue of Faith. Also it is very important that you, as a servant, attend the service you normally serve at. We want to recognize your service as well as share the vision for families and the ministry we want to accomplish for this community. Immediately following the 2nd service on August 16, there will be an all-church potluck and games for young and old. Please bring 3 dishes to share with at least 10 people! Drop your food off in the kitchen before 11 am. Paper goods and beverages will be provided. Following our time to eat and visit with each other, there will be organized games for everyone to participate in. This will be a fun time to spend with friends, your family, and your Life Group. If you'd like to help with set up, serving, clean up or games, please contact Linda at lmcmillin@eastsidecommunity.com

AdventureKidz Team Training: Aug 20 at 7pm or August 22 at 9am.
Vision casting, nuts and bolts, soul food. TRAINING In order to develop your gifts, talents, and soul as a leader. We will share the vision for AdventureKidz. We are holding two identical training opportunities for your convenience. So please pick one of the two times. They are August 20 at 7 pm or August 22 at 9 am. Put this date on the calendar. You won't want to miss it.

New blog with great weekly tools for parenting. http://eccparents.blogspot.com/
Terry Eis, our Parent Resource Coordinator, will be blogging weekly with updates on what our children are learning. She will provide talking points for you and your kids as well as give you tools to develop yourselves as parents and to help your kids grow in their spiritual journey. Our goal is that by the time your children launch out in the world that they will be solidly grounded in their faith and relationship with Jesus Christ.

I don’t know about you, but I know that I certainly could have used a resource like this. Parenting didn’t come naturally for me. Both of our kids were so different from each other. Just when I thought I might have had the parenting thing figured out, my kids blew up the plan. So that’s why we are here. To support you, care for you as parents, encourage you, listen to you, walk with you and love your kids. We are partnering with you...the parents... THE MOST IMPORTANT PEOPLE IN THE WORLD TO YOUR KIDS.

Warmly,
Cathy