Central Family Ministries

School has started…

central kidz — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 22:57:50 +0000

Wow! Can you believe summer has come and gone? It always amazes me how fast time flies when you are having fun: from summer camps…to our Upside Down Town/Berry Blast series…to your own family trips…summer 2010 was a success. With the school year starting, lots of different emotions and circumstances arise. I want to encourage you that no matter the circumstance or the issue, we at Central are here to support you as parents! We want to come alongside you and encourage you and help you walk through your journey as a parent. What circumstances could possibly arise? Here are a few:

Some circumstances are funny and some are sad and hard to deal with! We are here for you! Be encouraged this school year and please LEAN ON US! We love your children and your family. Please be reminded to get your children connected this weekend to Kidzapalooza:

and into a small group. This will help connect your child and help them grow in their spiritual journey with Jesus!

Have a great semester!

Steve Petrauschke

Family Ministries Pastor

Northeast Campus

What’s all the buzz about.. really…

central kidz — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 20:42:47 +0000

I think everyone has a memory of being in church as a child. I have very few… but those I do have do not have images of flashy fun goodness learning about God. I remember the hard pews – having to be very, very quiet and I don’t remember having any fun. Boooo!

Lately, we’ve been buzzing in Family Ministries as we plan for our annual kick off event. Have you seen us? We’re gettin’ crazy as we prepare for Fuse Block Party and KidzPalooza!

On September 11, 12 & 15 we break the mold of those old, boring memories of church and we kick off our new ministry year with Fuse Block Party and KidzPalooza. If you’ve been around Central for this annual event, then you know that it’s CRAZY-FUN. Outside our Fuse Students (and all the friends they’ve invited) will hang with inflatable games, giveaways and food! Inside, our Central Kidz (and all the kids that THEY invited) PreK to 5^th grade will have fun with carnival games, giveaways and tons of fun in their age-specific environments.

I encourage all of you to invite other families who may not be familiar with Central’s top notch Family Ministries to come and check it out. Each area (Kidz and Students) have specific invites to hand out to friends – OR, check out these links below:

BLOCK PARTY

KIDZPALOOZA

I am so excited this year to share cotton candy with those kids who attend service in their environment! Who doesn’t love cotton candy?!

See you all there!!

Melissa Millwee
Central Kidz – Preschool

Why Small Groups Matter

central students — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:01:03 +0000

At the end of September, we kick off small groups for students. Over 500 students and leaders will walk into houses all over the valley and do life together. They will hang out, have fun, but most of all, take steps to grow in their faith.

Life is busy. We all know that. Why is it important to make small groups a priority for your kids/students?

1. QUALITY FRIENDSHIPS.

Your student will become who they can hang out with. If you want to know which way your student is headed, look at their friends. Friendships are a huge influence in students lives, especially in high school. Small groups provide a place where students can meet and do life with quality friends that will help them make wise choices.

2. SPIRITUAL GROWTH.

Let’s face it, Central can feel BIG. Small Groups provide a place where a student is known and knows others. Sitting in a circle with a group of other students and a leader who cares about them is what God meant the church to be. Small groups provide connection and accountability, both critical for your student if they are going to take steps in their faith.

3. ANOTHER VOICE.

As students enter jr high and high school, developmentally, they are becoming adults. You will notice their desire to separate from you, as their parent, more and more. It can be frustrating!! It’s critical that they have other voices reinforcing your values and what you’re trying to do. At Fuse, we do not want to be their parent (that’s your job!!). But, we can partner with you to help your student navigate some confusing years. We are here to partner with you in the most difficult job a parent will ever have to face…parenting a teenager!!

As small groups kick off at the end of September, life will get busy. These are a few reasons why small groups matter. Getting your student connected and committed to small groups will make all the difference in their year. It’s simple to sign up. Just go to fusegroups.com.

Robert Poliszuk | Fuse High School Pastor

Back to SCHOOOOOOOL!

central students — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 00:37:02 +0000

Growing up, the end of August brought a bittersweet feeling to me. The end of August meant the summer humidity of Tennessee was about to give way to the beautiful weather of fall and my TV would be full of football games. It also meant that school was starting back up. Re: homework, tests, and waking up early. Again, fall was bittersweet. But these days? Fall is all sweet and no bitter.

It still signifies the brutal summer weather giving way to my favorite weather season. It still signifies the start of football. GO STEELERS! And it still signifies going back to school. But instead of homework and 6am alarm clocks, back to school means students come back to church. As a student pastor, the start of school is the best season of the year. Families are back from vacations and students are in school. Students in school means students spending time with classmates who need to know Jesus. It’s my experience that August-October is the best time of the year for students to invite their friends and classmates to church.

I can’t wait for the weekend of September 11/12 to get here. This is our annual back to school kick-off known as Block Party. It’s a great weekend for your students to not only have fun at church, but invite their friends to a non-threatening introduction to Fuse Student Ministries. I’d like to encourage you to do everything you can to get your students to church that weekend and pick up a friend while you’re on your way in.

Matt Vairetta

Student Pastor- Central Southwest

First Day Jitters

central kidz — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 00:26:10 +0000

It seems like yesterday that my son, Kylan, was born. In fact it was 1,883 days ago (but who is counting). Heavy sigh….So now starts a new chapter in his life. KINDERARTEN. On August 30^th at 8:15am (but who is still counting) he officially starts his school career. We have had checklists for months:

uniform – check
long list of school supplies – really 3 bags of wipes? – check
box of tissues…-check

Is he ready? Am I ready? We will know next week when of all horrors I am only allowed to drop him off at the playground. I can’t even walk him to his class! My first born will be out there on his own in the cruel, cold world and I have to leave him to fend for himself? Ok, I know I am exaggerating here, but this is the first time of my existence where I have to do this.

I am afraid. So that is the first step right? Admitting you are afraid. I am petrified. Will he make into class ok? Will he remember to say please and thank you? Will he remember to wash his hands?

I am reminded of the passage in Isaiah….“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (41:10)

So what is this big baby of a mom to do? I have to sit back and take a deep breath. And laugh at myself. Smile and don’t take myself too seriously. God is SO bigger than me and I am worrying about such silly things.

I mean it is kindergarten. It is not like he is driving….or dating……AGGHHHHHH

Lori Aguirre

WOW Ministry Leader

Schools In

central kidz — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 20:13:02 +0000

Well, can you believe it? Summer is quickly coming to a close as some of our kids head back to school today and others still have just 2 short weeks left before they hit the books. It’s been a great summer at Central Kidz. Our kids are still talking about the camps they attended, the fun they had and the friendships they made.

As families begin to plug back in to their routines, I want to encourage every parent to include our weekend services in that routine. Whether you’re new to Central or you’ve been around for a while, we are gearing up for an amazing school year with your kids and I know you wouldn’t want your kids to miss out on any of the fun.

Here’s 3 important sets of dates to keep in mind as you plan ahead…

KIDZPALOOZA…Saturday, September 11…Sunday, September 12…Wednesday, September 15

Yes, it’s back! Another great weekend of fun, games, singing, shouting, prizes, cotton candy, etc… Kids are encouraged to bring their friends with them, so don’t miss out on this exciting weekend. Oh, and…for the adults, Jim Caviezel (the actor that portrayed Jesus in the movie, “The Passion of Christ”) will be with us that weekend at all 5 services, so make sure to bring your friends, too!

SMALL GROUPS FOR KIDS (Elementary)…Saturday, September 18…Sunday, September 19…Wednesday, September 22

The 2010/2011 Small Group season is just around the corner. Registration is underway at our parent website. With our mid-September launch of the new season, now’s a great time to commit to a specific service hour each weekend to get your kid involved in one of our Small Groups. If you regularly attend a specific service hour each weekend, then sign-up today. We are beginning to form our groups with their leaders and the fun will kick off in just a few short weeks. Small Groups are a great opportunity for kids to get more connected with their leaders and friends. Each weekend, while you’re in BIG church, kids participate in their own service time which consists of a large group component and a small group component. But don’t worry…if for some reason you are not able to commit to a specific service hour each weekend, your kid will still get to experience Small Groups, they may just be with a different leader and different group of kids each week!

FIRST STEP FOR KIDS…Saturday, September 18 at 6:00 p.m…Sunday, September 19 at 10:20 a.m.

Our next First Step for Kidz class is happening at the Henderson campus September 18 & 19. If you feel your child is ready to take that NEXT STEP in calling Jesus their Leader, Forgiver and Friend, then I highly encourage you to register for this class. If you attend one of our other campuses, please be sure to check with your Children’s Pastor for their upcoming classes. This class is designed for both the parent and child, so remember that at least one parent will need to attend the class with their child.

Thanks for your support of Family Ministries…for allowing us to partner with you on your child’s journey to becoming a fully devoted follower of Christ.

Laura Murphy

Central Kidz

Don’t Say Goodbye to Summer Yet!!!!

central students — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 15:45:30 +0000

Although many private schools started the new school year, let’s not say goodbye to summer just yet. There were so many memories created at camp just weeks ago at UCYC. In listening to my own 6th grader, Jordan as he shares them with our family and friends I am certain they will last a life time. From the great talks with Chris on How Big Your God Is, Matt on Worshiping from the Heart and Tony sharing his own Life Living In Pursuit of 212. As for me having the privilege of being up at camp, its the wholesome fun environment that reminds our students (&leaders haha) that its ok to just be a kid, doing kid stuff, having kid fun in spite of what the world may imply or suggest to our students to grow up faster and faster with each generation. We’ll below you will find a link that will give you that peace and comfort in knowing that you’re student has those wholesome memories and encouragements they will carry with them as they walk the next school year with the Lord. Enjoy!
Marlene Hughett
Central Family Ministry Team

Summer Blast 4th & 5th Grade July 18-23
http://www.ucycsummer.com/456Wk6.html

Junior High Ignite 6th, 7th & 8th Grade July 30th-Aug 3rd
http://www.ucycsummer.com/678WkCentralMS.html

High School Ignite 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th & Grads Aug 4th-8th
http://www.ucycsummer.com/HSCentral.html

Camp Recap

central students — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 19:54:23 +0000

Ok, so I know a lot of you have been following the blog and keeping up with camp, but I thought it would be a good idea to give a short overview of the experience we all had up there. I was able to be a part of both Junior High and High School weeks, and the one thing that stands out to me through both weeks is GROWTH. Talking with staff, students, small group leaders, and even UCYC staff, GROWTH seemed to be an overwhelming theme from the two weeks of camp. We saw students that have never been to church before taking huge steps and accepting Christ into their lives, and we saw students that have been a part of our ministry for years take steps in their faith towards a more Christ-like lifestyle! As a leader, their is nothing more exciting than seeing our students grow.

I also noticed a great sense of COMMUNITY amongst our students. I’ve never seen our students seem more together than they did these past two weeks. It was a joy to see them supporting each other, encouraging each other, and even taking steps to restore relationships that were once broken.

The last thing I noticed was how much our small group leaders CARE about your kids. Never before has it stood out to me this way how much our leaders truly love and want to see our students grow. These leaders pray, encourage, and celebrate with your kids. I’ve seen them cry tears of joy when they accept Christ, and they cry tears of empathy when they hear of difficulty going on in your kids life. I am so proud to be a part of a team that TRULY wants to see students grow!!

All this to say . . . CAMP WAS AMAZING!! Sure, it had it’s fair share of bumps along the way, but never before have I come home more excited about what God did the past weeks, and what he is up to over the next year! Thank you for sharing your students with us for a week! We really do love them and appreciate you as parents!

Josh Bollen | Student Ministries

Crossing Guard

central kidz — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 11:37:18 +0000

The school year’s end sent me running to multiple locations to find the “perfect” gift card that my daughter thinks fits her teacher. This
year, our eight-year-old, wanted to add a new person to the
buy-for-list. Every morning Kiara anticipates her drop off on the
street in front of school. It is there that she will meet Joe, her
crossing guard. Joe’s stature, beaming smile and constant radiant glow
create a protective grandpa figure right there at the crosswalk. Be it
rain or shine, Joe is on the street making sure the children safely
cross. Kiara insisted that Joe be given a special treat for all the days
he helped her. After a little investigative chatting with Joe, Kiara
discovered some of his favorite treats. The next morning, Kiara had a
definite bounce in her step as she handed Joe his present. They were
both beaming ear-to-ear with mutual appreciation. At that moment, I was reminded how many times I overlook people that make a difference. I promised myself to pass on this random act of kindness. Think of someone that you can celebrate this week, someone who wouldn’t expect it. School is going to start again, challenge your kids to make it count- make a difference! Then relish in the happiness that it brings!

Kim Trethewey
Central Kids

Day 3!

central students — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 17:17:58 +0000

I have attended many camps over the years at multiple churches, but I have to say this one is truly special. Besides the fun, crazy and messy games God have been moving in incredible ways!

There has been an amazing sense of community going on through out the camp. I have never seen students connect so closely to there small groups and be so honest with one another. I have watched as God has torn down walls and moved mountains in the student’s lives and how they have embraced each other and encouraged one another through it all.

God is at work and has even been restoring relationships. One relationship that was restored was through a brother and a sister. During worship they came together and confronted one another about their broken relationship. Through this they found healing and they were able to forgive one another and have committed to telling their parents about this when they return home. They also plan to ask their parents for forgiveness! This is just one of the many story’s of what our God is doing here at Ignite. God is healing, restoring and creating strong community. Students are building more then just weeklong relationship with God and their small groups but relationships that are going to last.

I will ask though that you would help us pray. With God moving so much here, so is the enemy. A few things you can pray for:

Focus- that students will be able to focus on what God is trying to teach them and to not be distracted

Wisdom- for our leaders, that God would give our leaders the words and knowledge to be able to communicate clearly to your student

Community- that God would continue to build this with in small groups

Truth- That the students would not only hear God’s truth but would be truthful with one another about where they are at

Safety- That God would continue to protect our students from injuries

Thank you so much for your prayers already and all of your support! I can’t wait for each of you to learn what God has done in your students lives this week. I also can’t wait to see what God will do in them when we return home!

Emily Wood

Summerlin