Monday, January 25, 2010

What We've Been Doing


Our new church has been a wonderful gift to us from God. We love our young pastor, Steve, and his beautiful wife and family. He is a gifted Bible teacher and his life wisdom belies his years. We love the kind and honest people who join us on Sunday mornings to learn about God, and how to live with one another in love and grace. We love our old/new building, donated to us by another church that was in decline, but wanted to see the building live on through another congregation. We love seeing our grandchildren there learning the life-changing truths that will sustain them through the terrible storms of life that undoubtedly lie ahead. We love contributing to this noble effort in our own little ways.

With all this in mind, we spent most of our spare time during the month of December and early January getting the building ready to be occupied. My interest was in the children's wing, because I think Sunday School should be the warmest, coziest, funnest place we can possibly make it. I think children should wake up on Sunday mornings and think to themselves, "Yippee, I get to go to church today!"

So we set out to create an environment for them, and with albeit limited resources, but lots of good will, we came up with Treasure Cove. And we, along with some very wonderful and dedicated partners, painted and sawed and hammered our way through December and created a kids' zone where our precious little ones could learn where their true treasure lies.

We started with this projected drawing on the wall...

Then painted it (I love the goatee on the little sailor)...

and turned it into surf shack check-in center...

then built a boat on some waves-- for climbing, and sitting, and gathering...

and added frolicking orcas to inspire the kids to do the same...

...and a treasure chest, overflowing with treasure on the outside, and prizes on the inside, that are earned by learning their verses and bringing their friends.

So far it's working beautifully!

Store up for yourselves treasure in Heaven...Matt. 6:20

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

You always know how to make me smile by the things you say and do.
Looks like a little of Maui rubbed off in you decorating. It is lovley and welcoming and what a blessing to have this happen in your life. Not to much yet but somoething to put your hands into.
What a thrill. Love Sharon

Gberger said...

What a great, authentic way to embrace the innocence and natural curiosity of the children with the Love of God. You have a talented and creative group there, I can tell! May your work be blessed, AND be a blessing. XO

michaelandciara said...

So cool! So fun! I'm so glad my Mikaela says those exact words on Sunday mornings! The children there are blessed to have you in their lives!

Lori Ignacio said...

WOW I LOVE what you guys did to it!!! The kids will definitely be excited on Sunday mornings for church!! They are sooo blessed to have your beautiful family at that church!! xoxoxo

Anonymous said...

Oh that's how you do it! I did my wall picture free hand (1st time) looks ok - but that would have been way better. Clear the slate and start over.

Look like alot of fun for all.

lvi