Trust—putting your confidence in someone you can depend on.

 Rob teaches Arnie about Trust

 Mrs. F learns that the junk food company is closing.

 Zeek practicing a scene for his upcoming movie

 Vinny is bummed that Twinkles are no longer being made.

 Sam Shovel and Peter discussing fishing strategies.

 Sam can't believe that Peter would walk away from the biggest catch ever, 

because he was trusting God.

Terra wrapping up the Word.




When was the last time you really thought about this?
The God who created the oceans, the stars, and the planets calls us His children. Then, because we sinned and were separated from Him, that same God—the Creator of all things—stepped onto our planet and lived among us as one of us. He taught us how to live. And then as an act of indescribable love, He died for us. And in a moment of unimaginable triumph, He defeated death, rose again, and ascended into heaven to prepare a place for us for eternity.
1 John 4:19 says, “We love because he first loved us.” And wow, how He loves us. It makes sense that we love God back. Who wouldn’t love this God who created us and said we were good, who came to redeem us when we had lost our way? But here’s the tricky part. If you love God, you will trust God because trust and love go together.
That’s why, when you first encountered His love, you made an initial step to trust Him with your life. But that’s not the end. As believers, we have to put our trust in God again every day. Every moment of our lives we have choices, and in those moments we can choose to put our confidence in God or to put our confidence somewhere else.
This month we are going to take a look at what it means to trust God—both for the very first time and each day in the face of new circumstances. When we’re not sure what’s going to happen next, we can look back at all the ways that God has provided for us in the past. That makes it easier for us to respond to God like our monthly memory verse says to: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.’” Matthew 22:37-38
In Week 1, we start an EPIC adventure in trust and love as we discover the guys that go everywhere with Jesus and become His closest friends. Our Bible story is the calling of the disciples, found in Luke 5:1-11.
We’ll wonder why they were chosen back then and also think about what God might be calling each of us to today. Our Bottom Line is: I can depend on God because He has a plan for me.
In Week 2, our Bible story unpacks Jesus feeding 5,000 people (John 6:1-14). There’s tension in this story because even the disciples are worried at this point in their journey. They’d already seen Jesus perform miracles, but they still weren’t sure that things would turn out all right.
Our Bottom Line is: I can depend on God because He provides for me. There are times in our lives when we feel like there’s not enough to go around—that we don’t have enough to really make a difference. That’s when it’s important to remember the Basic Truth: I can trust God no matter what. Jesus can do anything—even use one boy’s small lunch to feed a huge crowd!
In Week 3, we continue in our epic quest for trust and love as we are called to face our fears—when the things around us seem scary and we don’t feel like we’re in control of the situation. Our Bible story is Jesus calming the storm, Mark 4:35-40. When we call out to Jesus, He wants to help and to calm things down, but He also encourages us to trust Him and have faith in His ability.
Our Bottom Line is: I can depend on God because He’s bigger than my problems.There are times when it’s harder to trust—when we’re tired, when we’re hungry (like last week), when our problems are right in front of our face and it seems like there’s no way around it. But even then we can choose to believe in a big God.
In Week 4, we’ll discover that there’s really no way to go on an epic adventure if you don’t risk something or try something new, is there? Our Bible story is about the time when Jesus walked on water and another disciple did too—until his fear got the best of him (Luke 5:1-11). The disciples had to cling to their faith as they experienced all the ups and downs while traveling with Jesus and being part of His mission.
Our Bottom Line is: I can depend on God because He’s bigger than my fears. It’s really a matter of perspective and what we choose to focus on. Whatever we look at or think about most becomes bigger in our mind than anything else. We see that clearly when we think about Peter trying to walk out in faith, but how does that look in a kid’s life or in your life?
It’s an understatement to say that our team is a little excited about the EPICness of this upcoming summer as we explore the adventure that Jesus called His followers to that changed the world. When we put our trust in God and live our lives in response to Him—loving Him and others—then our lives become about something much bigger than just us. We can’t wait to hear what God does!

 By Cara Martens. ©2012 Orange. All rights reserved. www.WhatIsOrange.org * All rights reserved. Used by permission.

Responsibility: showing you can be trusted with what's expected of you

Arnie and Rob introduce today's virtue of responsibility.




Fancy Grace talks to Ebeneezer
about being responsible.

- Posted using BlogPress from iPhone

Location:Pebble Park, RPUMC

Conviction - Standing for what is right even when others don't

Sam Shovel interrogates Daniel

Rob and Arnie explain today's virtue.

Honor - Letting someone know you see how valuable they really are.

Give your praise unto the Lord

Rob and Arnie reveal this months virtue.

Sam Shovel Explaining the selection of Kind David.

Meet the new leader of Israel - King David

We realize from today's program, that God looks at all of us the same way. We are equally as important to God.

"We need to let everyone know how valuable they really are."


Stop and think about someone you really admire.

Are you thinking of someone? Whether that person is a teacher, coach, friend or family member, he or she is valuable to you. You recognize that this person is important because what they do impacts your life. But did you know that everyone is valuable? That's right. Your boss, your mailman, your babysitter and your neighbor—they are all valuable.

Every person has value, not because of what they do, but because each and every person has been put together by God. When God created people, He made them in His image. That means every person alive today has been put together in the likeness of God. So every person has value. And it’s our job to help everyone feel like they are valuable.

When we show other people how valuable they really are, we are showing them honor. There are many ways to honor someone. Moses gave us the Ten Commandments to teach us to honor our mother and father (Exodus 20:12). Paul taught us to honor the authorities who have been placed over us on earth (Romans 13:1). When Jesus was on earth, He taught us to honor everyone—even those who are overlooked and unpopular.

Jesus showed other people how valuable they really were by spending time with them. He ate dinner with people who usually ate alone. He served people who were used to doing the serving. He paid attention to people who normally didn't get a lot of attention. If Jesus thought it was important to honor everyone, then we should follow His example.

This February, we’re taking on the Ultimate Challenge of showing the highest degree of honor. We’ll be looking to David as a mentor and exploring his life in 1 and 2 Samuel, and we will define honor as “letting someone know you see how valuable they really are.”

In week 1, we’re looking at how God chooses the next king from an unexpected place—the youngest boy watching sheep in the fields (1 Samuel 16:1-13). We’ll notice that God doesn’t see as the world sees; He looks at the heart instead. Bottom line: Honor those who are overlooked.

This Bible story sets up the month and God’s pattern to honor people in unexpected ways and encouraging us to do the same. To do this, it will help to memorize our monthly verse: “Love each other deeply. Honor others more than yourselves,” Romans 12:10, NIrV.

In week 2, we’re discovering that honor can also be shown between friends. In this Bible story, we’re introduced to the current king, Saul, and his son, Jonathan. These two may be related, but they have very different responses to David’s role in their lives and his rising popularity (1 Samuel 18:1-4 & 5-9).

Saul is increasingly more concerned about his own status and power. But Jonathan values his relationship with David more. He doesn’t just say so in words, but also through his actions, sharing important things like his armor and weapons. Bottom Line: Honor others more than yourself.

In week 3, we’re discovering that it’s important to honor the people in charge of you. If you don’t and you dishonor them, it usually doesn’t end well. Often, people get hurt. Just ask King David’s son, Absalom. He rebels because he thinks he’d make a better king (2 Samuel 15:1-16a, 18:5-7, 15, 31-33).

His dad tried to protect him, but the natural consequences of showing dishonor led to a real tragedy. That’s why it’s best to Bottom Line: Honor those who are over you.

In week 4, we’re discovering that another way to show honor is through worship. In some cultures, dancing is a special way of expressing honor to someone important. In this Bible story, King David is so excited that the ark of the covenant—and God’s presence—is finally coming to his city, that he dances on and off the whole way there!(2 Samuel 6:12b-22a) He dances out of his joy, for an audience of One—not caring what others might think.

When we really love God, it’s natural to Bottom Line: Honor God in front of others. We just can’t help ourselves really! It doesn’t matter if others think we might be embarrassing ourselves. This month, we’re not only looking for ways to show others how valuable they really are, but also for opportunities to share publicly who God is, what He means to you and how He’s shown up in your life. Who can argue with that?

I can’t wait to see what happens in February when we take on the Ultimate Challengeof showing the highest degree of honor!


By Cara Martens. ©2011 Orange. All rights reserved. www.WhatIsOrange.org * All rights reserved. Used by permission.

Generosity - making someone's day, by giving something away!

Courage

Lonnie, Arnie and the whole gang are warming up. Come on and join them.

Determination

Lonnie and Arnie are in training for a 5 K.  Lonnie explains how important it is to eat the right foods.

And, donuts aren't on the list, but, Arnie can't resist the temptation.  He didn't give in though.

Sam is in the need of a tutoring to learn about Thomas Alva Edison, and who else could fill the task other than Gordo.

Vinnie is helping out his friend Carmin by delivering pizza and decided the clubhouse would be a great RDB (regional delivery Base).  So much for a quiet place to study.

Gordo tries to present to interesting facts about Thomas Edison and Sam fell asleep.  Gordo didn't appreciate the gesture.

Shamus McFamus and MC Haggis doing what they do best

Fancy Grace grills Moses like no other can do.

Ms. Linda, our story teller

Vinnie explains that it takes determination to succeed at anything

Happy Birthday Heather!  Thanks for your contributions to our children

Summer Fun

What are you doing this summer? Check out the youth activities at RPUMC!! Or you can hang out with Gordo- he's in the middle of a paint gun war...
Don't forget- check out the fun activities at RollingPlains for children and youth and be sure to join us in September for our next adventure in the Clubhouse!!

May 9, 2010- Patience

Ahh, May... the beautiful sight of flowering trees, greening grass and growing gardens- what a great time to develop that entrepreneurial spirit!! This month we are learning about patience- an attribute much needed when starting up a new business and, well, life in general!

This month's virtue is Patience- waiting until later for what you want now.

Our Bible Story was: JUST WAIT (Esau and the birthright) Genesis 25:24-34

Let's see what happened in the clubhouse....
Vinny had grandiose dreams of striking it big with his new summer venture of Whippy Dip Cream, the whipped ice cream that's dipped. He introduced his ideas to Mrs. F, and even had an investor lined up to help him start his business.

All he had to do was wait patiently for his secret ingredient to arrive, make his product and he'd be set. Marshall, his soon to be investor, even showed patience in saying he could come back later to give Vinny a chance to get his secret ingredient and make the product. But, he cautioned Vinny, it had better be ready soon!!
But when Sam showed up just moments later with front row tickets to the OLD DAY concert, all thoughts of patience went from his mind. With new tunes pumping through his head, his only thought became getting to the concert on time.
His impatience led him to raid Mrs. F's fridge, and after locating a large container of "cream" he started the Whippy Dip and left. Little did he realize, he had grabbed sour cream!!

Unsuspectingly, Vinny and Sam return to the clubhouse, still decked out from the concert.

Imagine the surprise and horror of Vinny's friends when they ate, not Whippy Dip, but slushy sour cream. Vinny's dreams ended before they'd had a chance to start.

He learned the hard way that not being patient can cost you dearly in the end.

Fancie Grace soon took over the stage, interviewing yet another young man whose impatience cost him a lot. Esau.
Esau came into the house after a long morning working out in the fields and was very hungry. His twin brother, Jacob, had made a mouth watering stew, and told Esau he would trade him his birthright for the stew, since Esau was too impatient to take the time to prepare his own meal.

Esau paid for his impatient act later when Jacob took the birthright traded for a bowl of soup in an unwise decision that affected him the rest of his life.

Sooo!! Are we ready to learn patience? Everyone was given a glow stick- to keep and not light up until the end of the month when we will have our very own ice cream party!!

Hope to see you all then!!

Back on track

We've taken some time off in keeping up with our blog. You should see the changes we are making in the clubhouse. What an exciting time! Here is Gordo, playing dress up when he thought no one was looking :) We have discussed several virtues so far this year, including honesty and friendship.

Come join us this week as we learn more about Patience and how the lack of patience can ruin something very nice.

Wonder what Vinnie is up to now- he has been going around telling everyone about a new creation he has, wanting to start a business.... And I heard a rumor Fancy Grace will be back explaining how impatience cost one young man a lot.

See you Sunday, Mmmmmm I heard there is something about ice cream, too.....Count me in!

Bad Weather Blues

Wow!! Where did all this snow come from? Grandpa Henry has been busy outside, shoveling snow, clearing sidewalks, and all the gang have been helping, too. Have you been able to stay warm inside?

I thought I heard Vinnie saying something about his dad being away this weekend. We will have to check in with him on Sunday and find out how everything is.

Hope to see you then- 9:45am at the KidStuf Clubhouse in Pebble Park!

December 13, 2009- Compassion

This month we learned about:
Virtue: Compassion- caring enough to do something about someone else's need.
Bible Story: The Baby (Jesus is born) Luke 2:1-7
Bottom Line: God gave us the greatest gift. What will you give?

As Tyler was practicing saying Merry Christmas in every language he could find, Gordo busts onto the scene, trying frantically to hide from his young cousin staying with them for the holidays.
Tyler soon convinces Gordo that he must be compassionate with his young cousin- maybe reinact the whole Christmas story for the boy so he would know what it is actually all about, instead of driving Gordo crazy with all the other "Stuff" that has seemed to replace the original story.

As we learned more about the greatest gift ever, it became evident that Tyler was on to something.

After reading and acting out the original Christmas Story, using animals, dolls, halos, bathrobes and flashlights, Gordo's young cousin is hit with the realization ofwhat we are truly celebrating.

Gordo summed it up well when he later said, "Jordan … Jordo … and I are getting along a lot better. But I don’t know who the Christmas story helped more, him or me. God’s compassion makes me want to show other people compassion."

May you all have a wonderful Compassion filled Christmas centered on the BEST GIFT EVER GIVEN!!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!! See you Next year at the club house!

Family visiting

Hey everybody, this is Gordo. I am quite anxious about my cousin coming. He has this idea that he wants to be just like me. It is sooo annoying!!! And I hope he drops all the lame jokes!!

I really was copensetical about his eminent arrival, until Mom informed me today that he would be staying in my room with me while they are here. The whole time!!!

I may need a lot of prayers to see me through.

Come visit us at Pebble Park, next Sunday- Dec 13. I'll need all the moral support I can get!!

November 15, 2009- Cooperation

On November 15, at 9:45 AM we met up with the gang at the club house again. Today we talked about:
Virtue: Cooperation - working together to do more than you can do alone.

Bible Story: Helping Hands (Joshua wins the battle over the Amalekites) - Exodus 17:8-13

Bottom Line: Look for ways to help somebody succeed.

In an effort to raise money for Operation Christmas Child, Grandpa Henry made up a cookbook he was trying to sell. As Cammie and Gordo settled in on the couch with a big bowl of popcorn to watch Grandpa on the Random Buying Network, Grandpa Henry bursts into the scene, right behind them, almost in tears.

He had grabbed a can of nuts he was allergic to, and with mere minutes to go before he previewed his cookbook on TV, his hands were too swollen to do anything. He was going to have to cancel. What would all the kids do if he couldn't complete his fundraiser?

In a moment of inspired insanity, Gordo offers the use of Cammie's hands and arms to Grandpa Henry. Using this month's virtue of COOPERATION, Cammie works with Grandpa Henry to help him succeed. We hope to get more pictures soon, but this one was sent from a person in the audience from their phone:


Here you see the milk pouring through the air with the greatest of ease, actually hitting the bowl.
Though the Pancakes ended up getting more all over the table than in the bowl, the fundraiser was a success.

Learning to work together to help each other succeed not only helped Grandpa get through his previous commitment, it inspired others to raise a lot of money for children all over the world by supporting Operation Christmas Child.

Join us next month as we celebrate the birth of Jesus- KidStuf Style....

Cooperation

The sound here is amazing! I think the cooking show will be an amazing way to raise money for Operation Christmas Child. Grandpa Henry is an amazing cook, guess that is where my Mom get her knack for it! Can't wait to see what he is going cook for the show.

October 18, 2009 - Individuality

Sunday morning we joined the gang in the clubhouse learning about:

Virtue: Individuality—discovering who you are meant to be so you can make a difference.

Bible Story: THE Dorcas (the story of Dorcas) • Acts 9:36-42

Bottom Line: When you use what you have to help others, you can make a difference.

Tyler, Gordo and Cammie made an amazing discovery this morning. They discovered that the indefatigable Mrs F. does have limits. They watched in fear and amazement as she fell asleep right in front of them- almost mid sentence. She had been doing non-stop for everyone all day long, and the kids came up with an idea- a way to thank Gordo's mom for being so nice to all of them- they came up with a spa day!!

The kids all realized that they are individually created, each has his or her own talents and they can use those talents to bless others. Tyler was very "nice" setting the mood for the spa. After a wonderful makeover by Cammie- freshening up Mrs F's colors and hair and a "karate massage" from Gordo, before he pulled a muscle in his hand, Mrs F declared it a day she would not soon forget!!

They all realized how much they love an appreicate each other and all the unique gifts God has given each of us that make us who we are.



We also had a guest appearance by none other than Sam Shovel. He was on the look out for a woman- what was her name again? His interview went well, and he learned about a wonderful woman, Dorcas, whose name he never could quite keep up with.



All in all, it was a great day at the clubhouse, one in which the kids were able to use their own individual talents to bless Mrs F and express how much she means to them.

Join us next month, as we meet with the gang once again......

Sounds like the party is getting started. Head over through Pebble Park to the clubhouse. The gang is treating Mrs. F to a makeover. Check it out.

Man! It's getting really close. It's almost Sunday and the noise from Arnie continues to get louder and louder. Lord only knows what he's up to. I hope all goes well. Plus... Sam is some new case. I think he's looking for somebody named Dennis that's going to Canada or something. I think I'll just show up Sunday at 9:45 in Pebble Park to find out exactly what happens. See ya there!

A New Case --- Sam Shovel

I forgot to mention --- I'll be reviewing this case with you on Sunday, October 18th at 9:45.

Sam Shovel
Private Detective

A New Case! ---- Sam Shovel

I'm working to solve a new case! And this time it involves a woman's death in the city of Joppa ---- so it's serious stuff! Her name is Delores, or something like that, I'm not sure without my files. But I'll uncover how she died, who knew what, and when they knew it! Like the Canadian Mounties, I always get my man! And I never give up on a case until it is solved.

Sam Shovel
Private Detective