REALKids Blog

REALKids Devotions for Lent - Thursday, 3rd week of Lent

LOOK!

They did not listen or pay attention; instead, they followed the stubborn inclinations of their evil hearts.  They looked backward and not forward.  ~ Jeremiah 7:24

There doesn't seem to be much action in looking, because the act is so natural.  We viewed our world from the moment we were born, and we continue to look around us every day. 

But, sometimes we don't see:  when it's dark or we're sleeping, when our eyes are closed or covered, when something happens around a corner or behind our backs, when we simply are not paying attention. 

So really look at what you do today.  Are you moving forward?  Are you keeping your eyes on God?

Let's get moving!  Draw a picture of yourself with your eyes closed.  How real does the picture look?

*Family Lent devotions taken from the "Leap into Lent" series by Julia Schloss

We're back! Here's the February Newsletter!

You all will have to excuse my lapse of entries.  Too much going on...

Here is the February newsletter.  There is a lot going on in the next few months, so check back here regularly for the latest and greatest info on the happenings for REALKids at East Heights!!

Download february_08_newsletter.pdf

Summer of Fun #1

One of my favorite ministries with the kids is Spring Fling, the Spring Break ministry where the kids come to the church, go on field trips, do mission work, and other activities.  This year, when I was with the kids, I thought, “I wish we could do this more than just one week of the whole year!”  So…

Here is the “Summer of Fun!”  Every Monday during June and July (with the exception of July 9, due to Vacation Bible Camp and July 30, due to Day Camp), kids who have just finished Kindergarten – 5^th grade can gather at the church for a whole bunch of FUN!  We’ll gather from 9a.m.-5p.m. and we’ll start out our day with mission work (some work offsite, some work here at the church).  After lunch, we will head out for a field trip –a movie, bowling, swimming, hiking…lots of possibilities await us!

Our first week (Monday, June 4), in the morning , we’ll make gifts and write letters/cards for our homebound members, have a sack lunch picnic here at the church, and then we’ll walk to College Hill Park Pool for some splashing fun!   The cost for June 4 will be $5/child. 

Mark your calendars now and watch the Tower and the REALKids blog for the Summer of Fun schedule of activities for June.  I am so excited for this ministry – what a great opportunity to get to hang out with East Height’s awesome kids, be in ministry with those in need, and have a lot of FUN!  Please call me at 682-6518 or email Julie@ehumc.org if you have any questions!

Spead the Sharing

I was listening to the "Today" show this morning, and I heard about a program called "Spread the Sharing."  Sponsored by the "Country Crock" people, if you share a story with them about "sharing," they will donate a meal to those in need (up to 1 million meals).  I thought it was an awesome idea, so I got online and shared a story about our 4th and 5th graders in mission during Vacation Bible Camp.  Here is the link to the website:  http://www.spreadthesharing.com/StoriesofSharing/

Here's what I wrote - maybe they'll share it on their website, but I know that there will be a family eating a meal because I took the time to share.  I challenge you and your family to share a story and feed a family!

"During our Vacation Bible Camp, we send our 4th and 5th graders into our community to do mission work.  They work at an agency called United Methodist Open Door that serves those in need of help with food, healthcare, etc.  Our kids jump into their work-whether it's bagging flour or sorting donations, these kids share their time with those in the community who suffer.  Poverty is not limited by age. The cool thing is that sharing with others is not limited by age either."

Spring Fling is coming soon!

Spring Break is coming up fast...do you have plans yet? 

We are ready to have fun all week!  March 19-23, from 9a.m.-2p.m. each day, kids from Kindergarten-5th grade will be going to the Museum of World Treasures, bowling at Northrock, skating at Carousel Skate Center, watching movies at East Height's theater, and doing mission work. 

If you are interested in Spring Fling, click on the links below to see the brochure, registration form, and release form.  Just return the registration form to Julie at the church!  Hope to see you there!

Download brochure.pdf

Download 2007_registration_form.pdf

Download liability_release.pdf

March Newsletter - take a look!

Here is the REALKids newsletter for March - it has all kinds of stuff in it, especially information about Spring Fling and the Worship Team Spring mission project.  Check it out!

Download march_07_newsletter.pdf

Devotions for Lent - Week 1

Bread for the World has developed "Lenten Prayers for Hungry People," devotions for the season of Lent. I will be posting these devotions each week - please take time to pray through these devotions with your family during this season, keeping in mind those who are without.

Week 1 (February 25 - March 3): Jesus Overcomes the Evil One

Scripture: Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil... Luke 4:1-2a Other suggested scripture: Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16 Deuteronomy 26:1-11 Romans 10:8b-13 Luke 4:1-13

Prayer: O Christ, in your death and resurrection, you have conquered all the forces of evil. During these days of Lent, may we find our shelter and strength in You, so that we might rededicate ourselves to helping those who suffer from the evil of hunger. Amen.

Action: For this week, try to give up something that costs $1 - that cup of coffee or the soda you like. As you do this, remember that there are more than 800 million people in our world who struggle to live on less than $1 a day.

Family Movie Night this Saturday!

We have Family Movie Night coming up this Saturday night after CSN (at 6:30p.m.) in Holy Grounds.  Bring a friend, bring some money for pizza, and a 2-liter of soda/juice. 

We'll be watching "Cars!"  Drive on down (pun intended)- we'll be having a blast with  East Heights families and friends!

What's going on in February? Check the REALKids newsletter!

Here's the February newsletter!  Check out information on how to celebrate Valentine's Day with your family, what movie we are watching this month during Family Movie Night, and what mission work is being highlighted.  There is also an article on some changes we've made to Wednesday night activities. 

Download february_07_newsletter.pdf

Family Movie at the Warren East

We're heading to the Warren East (K96 and E 13th St) for Family Movie Night next Wednesday, December 27.  We'll be seeing "Charlotte's Web." 

From IMDB.com, here is the plot outline:  Wilbur the pig is scared of the end of the season, because he knows that come that time, he will end up on the dinner table.  But he has a friend determined to help him out—a spider named Charlotte, who will try many amazing things to keep Wilbur as a permanent farm animal and not food on the table for the farm family.  This movie is rated G.

The movie starts at 6:20 p.m.  Just grab your tickets, get your snacks, and head into the theater.  We'll see you there for a night of fun with your East Heights family!