Fall 2012: Why change anything?

by Ryan Timpte

One of the tasks the Children’s Ministry Team set for itself last fall was to articulate a clear mission statement, a lens through which we could evaluate all of our current and future programming. Through a collaborative process, we came up with this mission statement: “The mission of the Children’s Ministries at LOPC is to encourage, engage, and equip children and their families to be alive in Christ and in the world.” As that statement of purpose flows out of the church-wide mission statement, so too should all of our programming flow from that statement of purpose.

Over the last several months, the Team has been engaged in a Self-Study, discerning from the congregation to what extent we have been succeeding in that mission, and I appreciate the multitude of feedback we have received. The comments that we received during the Self-Study were incredibly helpful, even when they seemed to be at odds with each other. The data that we collected through surveys, listening groups, and current research about our programs all has to be filtered through our mission statement, and from there, it has implications for how we currently do ministry and how we should be doing ministry.

So why make changes? This is certainly not a reactive process; that is to say, we’re not looking at comments that have been made and saying, “Oh, let’s change that!” Rather, the changes that are in the works are in response to where God has been leading us through our discernment process, and we have been praying through every piece of data at our fingertips in order to hear God speaking.

Over the next few months, then, we’ll be posting a series of short articles here on The Playground to give you the background that forms the foundation for these changes. Not only will we detail some of the theoretical and theological pieces that underlie this new structure (like the concept of a spiral curriculum!), we’ll also talk about what the programs in the fall will look like for your kids and why you should be getting excited.

So keep coming back! Every week, we’ll have new articles and posts on a variety of topics. Don’t forget to ask questions using the link on the left side of the page - your questions can be answered right here on the blog, so that we can all learn something! And if you’re on Twitter, you can become a follower of lopckidmin, our official Twitter account, and receive updates when we post here.

Hang on, everyone - the ride’s about to get awesome.

“The mission of the Children’s Ministries at LOPC is to encourage, engage, and equip children and their families to be alive in Christ and in the world.”

What’s New for Fall 2012

It’s been a great year and with summer vacation around the corner, we want to take a moment to share with you some new plans for the fall.

As some of you may know, Children’s Ministry began a conversation with families, staff, and its various teams to understand how to better serve children at LOPC. We appreciate the dialogues we have already had; it is clear that the congregation is invested in our programs and our philosophy. In response to surveys, listening groups, outside research studies, and spiritual discernment, we have felt called to take an intentional look at the structure of our programs and how children are formed at each stage of life. As we continue to discern where God is calling us, even in the midst of change, we welcome your input and feedback.

So with an intentional eye toward child development and how our kids grow and learn over time, click on the button below that says “Read More” to see a few changes happening in the LOPC Children’s Ministries this fall.

Read more

Family Activities: Tilden Park

Winter has come and gone! The weather is going to be great this weekend, so why not enjoy the outdoors? Tilden Park in Berkeley has something everyone in the family can enjoy.

“One of the District’s three oldest parks, Tilden has been called the jewel of the system, and its recreational activities have become a happy tradition for generations of East Bay youngsters. From a carousel ride and a picnic to a swim at Lake Anza and a stroll through the Botanic Garden, Tilden has variety to delight everyone” (ebparks.org).

For more information, go to: http://www.ebparks.org/parks/tilden

Walking in Holy Week

by Ryan Timpte

This is perhaps the holiest week in the Christian calendar, but for many of you it’s probably Spring Break. This is a week for quiet contemplation, somber reflection on the journey to the cross and the path beyond.

And your kids are either loudly enjoying their vacation away, or climbing up the walls at home with pent-up energy.

Let me affirm right now what you’re thinking: “Spring Break is about rest! And with my kids’ schedules and everything they do in school, it’s good to give them a week to just be kids.” You’re right. The energy of Spring Break might be at odds with holy quietness, but it’s right in tune with the essence of Holy Week.

Holy Week is about a journey to becoming who we already are. It starts with the triumphal entry on Palm Sunday, goes through the family meal of the Last Supper, culminating in Jesus’ death on Good Friday and resurrection on Easter Sunday. And in every story told in the gospels about Jesus during Holy Week, he’s trying to get people to remember who they already are.

Think when he overturns the tables in the temple. Think when he teaches them in parables. Think when he reminds them of the greatest commandment. He is telling them, “This is who you were created to be! And I can show you how to get back there.”

So what are you doing this week? Don’t be shy: it’s okay if you’re at Tahoe, or down at Disneyland. Play is an essential part of who kids are, so there’s no better time to play than Holy Week. Remember, though, that your family is on a journey. What is your destination? How do your plans for this week fit into that journey?

“The most important commandment is […]: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

 - from Mark 12:29-31

As we begin the journey of Holy Week, how are you living into who you already are, who God created you to be?

The Road to Palm Sunday

by Ryan Timpte

This coming weekend, we celebrate Palm Sunday, the moment when Jesus rode into Jerusalem on the back of a colt. The crowds couldn’t wait to welcome him into the city. We read in Mark that many people spread their cloaks and palm branches before him. They cheered and yelled, “Hosannah! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” This is the apex of energy, the most positive moment in almost the whole gospel story.

Think The Lion King, as the animals are processing to Pride Rock at the beginning of the movie; the music builds, the excitement grows, until Rafiki thrusts the infant Simba into the air above as if to say, “Look! This is our future! He shall lead us!” This is the Palm Sunday processional: the building excitement, the presentation of the king who will save the people. Hosannah! Save us!

Except that this is the beginning of Holy Week, and we know what happens on Good Friday.

What have been your “Palm Sunday” moments? When have you experienced the highest high, only to know that one of your lowest lows is coming? Make no mistake: Jesus chooses this path. He rides into Jerusalem knowing full well what it will cost him in the end. So how do we help our kids on this journey, knowing that the road will require much of them?

What do we do with the happy tragedy that is Palm Sunday?

“

Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted, “Hosanna!”

“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”

”

- Mark 11:9-10

Part of the scripture for Palm Sunday, which we celebrate next Sunday. Where is the true hope in this passage? Where is the false hope?

Family Activities: Trains, Trains, Trains!

by Raenelle Tauro

Spring break is coming, and if you’re staying in the area, there’s still plenty to do. Why not check out the California State Railroad Museum in Old Town Sacramento? Just in time for vacation, the opening of the excursion railroad is happening March 31st. If you’re really adventurous, you can even take a train from the Martinez station to the train museum!

“The California State Railroad Museum’s popular excursion railroad — the Sacramento Southern Railroad — officially returns to operation for the 29th consecutive season on Saturday, March 31, and continues on weekends through September.  Guests are treated to a six-mile, 40-minute roundtrip excursion along the picturesque levees of the Sacramento River while enjoying the sights, smells and sounds of authentic locomotives rolling down the tracks” (crsmf.org)

Saturday, March 31st – September
11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Opening Weekend for Train Operations
For more info, go to www.csrmf.org.

Getting to Know CM: VBCamp 2012

by Raenelle Tauro

Last year 140 kids and over 50 volunteers joined the fun at our PandaMania VB Camp. Now the adventure continues at Sky VB Camp 2012!

At Vacation Bible Camp, kids explore the mighty love of God on an adventure that will change them forever! Sky camp, “Everything is possible with God,” is filled with incredible Bible-learning experiences that kids see, hear, touch and even taste!

Our adventure will take place June 11-15, Mon-Thurs, 1-4pm; Friday 2- 5pm. Friday night will culminate in a celebration for kids and families with dinner afterwards!

To register go to www.LOPC.org and click on ‘Children’ and then ‘Vacation Bible Camp.’


This year’s camp is open to Pre-K through completed 5th grade (2011-2012 school year).


Pre-K participants must be age 4 by September 1, 2012.
Volunteer positions are open to 6th grade (2011-2012) and up.
Early bird registration: March 19-May 1, $50. After May 1: $60.