Give THANKS for KSG!

It is hard to believe, but we are already gearing up for a TWO week break from Kids Small Groups.  Next week (11/15 & 11/16) our KSG Leaders will be equipped and challenged at Leader Training.  Please pray for their time to be refreshing, renewing and uplifting.  Then the following week (11/22 & 11/23) we will all give THANKS as we celebrate Thanksgiving with family and friends.

We are SO thankful for the opportunity to disciple your Kids Small Group child.  THANK YOU!  As you get ready for Thanksgkving, what are you thankful for?

KSG 2011-2012

We are up and running on "The Journey" for Kids Small Groups 2011-2012.  It is hard to believe we have already celebrated Kick-Off and are moving into Lesson #3 this next week.

But before that, please PRAY for our KSG Personal PEACE Project

Many of our KSG students have donated candy and invited friends to this HUGE block party at Saddleback Church.  May this community outreach be a safe, fun-filled evening in which families throughout Orange County begin their own journey into knowing God!

FINAL Days to Register for KSG 2011-2012

We are LITERALLY in the final 48 hours of KSG 2011-2012 registration.  Don't miss out on getting your Pre-K to Grade 6 student plugged into "The Journey".  Register in one of two ways:
1) Register online NOW
2) Visit the tables outside the Children's Building or the Worship Center to fill out a paper form.
Any forms received after the September 18th deadline will be automatically placed on a waitlist and will not be notified until mid-October at the earliest.
Can't wait to kick-off Kids Small Groups 2011-2012 on October 11th & 12th!

Road to Rwanda: Downhill

It is hard to believe, but the Road to Rwanda is now officially on its "downhill."  In fact, right this moment the SK 2011 Rwanda PEACE Team is no longer in the Land of a Thousand Hills.  Let's catch the highlights though of their last few days in Rwanda:

Tuesday was primarily a travel day as the team departed Kibuye to head back to the capital city - Kigali.  They arrived safely and enjoyed time bonding as a team...honestly, in all the years of Saddleback Kids PEACE Trips this is truly one of the most bonded teams ever.  Every student and parent gels well together in small talk to getting ministry done.  It has been an incredible process to watch.  After a refreshing lunch and settling back into Kigali, the team was able to spend time with some key members of Christ Gospel Fellowship.  The highlight was getting to spend time with Dorothy Mutabazi.  She is Pastor Francis' wife and our lady of PEACE when it comes to Children's Ministry.  She just returned from several weeks of training/teaching in Indiana and was blessed to be able to spend a little time with the team. 

Wednesday brought about the FINAL farewells and slowly but surely began the reentry process.  As I mentioned last time it was a mix of emotions.  Some are ready to begin the journey homeward.  Others could not believe it was over.  Overall, everyone expressed heartfelt change because of what they saw and did in Rwanda.  Prayerfully this spark will ignite a fire of passion and action as they return to the US.

The team has safely arrived in Nairobi, Kenya where they are fast asleep as we speak.  This also signals the end of blogging and updates as the team goes "dark."  Basically, this is an invaluable time for the team to be fully separated from communications to take in all they experienced in Rwanda.  It is not an easy process, but so valuable and vital.  So, please continue to uplift the team in prayer as they fully engage in the debrief process.  There will be many tears and many laughs as they reflect upon this LONG Road to Rwanda that began back in September 2010 and is now coming to an end.  Pray for safe travels as they return home to LAX Sunday evening.  If you are a support member picking up a team member at LAX and don't have the flight information, please feel free to email me directly at lizag@saddleback.com so I can get it to you.  Otherwise, we'll update everyone upon the team's return home regarding the SK 2011 Rwanda PEACE Team Reunion in which you are ALL invited to hear the stories and see the pictures for yourselves.

Praise God for each and every one of you for being a part of this incredible journey.  What the team accomplished in Rwanda would not have been possible without all of your love and support.  We look forward to where the road will continue for each of the 23 team members of the Saddleback Kids 2011 Rwanda PEACE Team.  Great things are yet to come...

Mixed Feelings of Farewell

It is official, the SK 2011 Rwanda PEACE team wrapped up their final full day of ministry.  Right now, they are awakening to the Rwandan sun on Wednesday morning.  They are packing their bags and preparing to make the 3-hour plus bus ride back to Kigali.  But before we depart...

Tuesday was a true demonstration of what it means to be a PEACE Team.  The team demonstrated great adaptablity and teamwork as they were asked to teach basic and advanced English classes to the Anglican school.  Dividing up into two teams, the children really stepped up in major ways.  They taught through songs, lessons and more being creative and fun with the students.  Who knew English was such a tough language?!?!

After that, the team visited a clinic run by the Presbyterian church.  Again the team divided up into smaller teams in order to visit specific sections of the clinic to share stories and pray.  It was a deeply impactful time.  One team even got to see a brand new precious baby boy - one whole day old.  We are sure that the power of prayer will go far in this tiny clinic in Rubengera.

Finally, there's no better way to wrap up ministry than with a good old-fashioned game of football (soccer).  And boy did the Rwandans show up to play.  The teen street boys showed up in uniform (received from last year's PEACE trips focusing on the PEACE Football Club).  And they even brought uniforms for the SK 2011 Rwanda PEACE Team to don on the field.  After much running around, laughing and more the outcome was a draw...I have a feeling that the Rwandans went a little easy on us...just a hunch. :)


So that once again brings us back to this long day of travel and farewells.  It will be filled with an array of feelings.  Some are eager to once again spend time with their newfound friends at Christ Gospel Fellowship.  A few are even already anticipating the first meal or shower at home.  Others are disappointed that they could not stay another day or two (or 365) to minister to the people of Rwanda.  And yes there will even be some heartbroken at having to say goodbye.  This is where the power of prayer from the SK 2011 Rwanda Prayer Support team is KEY.  Please pray:
* For each of these mixed feelings of farewell.
* That this is not goodbye, but truly a "See you later" as many team members will return to Rwanda on a future PEACE trip.
* No one leaves unchanged or impacted by what they saw and experienced this past week and a half.

FINAL Full Day of Ministry in Rwanda

It has been a whirlwind, but it is true - the SK 2011 Rwanda PEACE Team is about to begin their final full day of ministry in Rwanda.  Then they will begin the long journey homeward (first with a few days to debrief and unpack their time minstering in Rwanda).

Monday was a fun-filled day as the Serve and Share teams taught a large group of children in Kibuye.  Just like every other purpose team, these two teams knocked it out of the park.  They did a fabulous job closing out the purpose lessons.  All I know is that at the end of the day the team was exhausted.  Each of the 23 team members has been working so hard day in and day out.  God is truly working in and through each man and woman, boy and girl.

With that, pray for the final burst of energy from the Holy Spirit as the team embarks on their final day of ministry in Kibuye.  This could be a particularly emotionally draining time as they minister to people in a local clinic and spend time with the street boys on the soccer (or football) field.  May they give it their all, leaving it all on the mission field.  Cannot wait to see the pictures and hear the stories of life-change very soon!

Worship Rwandan Style

One of the highlights on every Saddleback Kids Rwanda PEACE Trip is attending church services on Sunday.  The SK 2011 Rwanda PEACE Team worshipped more than they ever have before.  They broke into 5 teams to visit 5 different churchs in the Karongi and Rugesera districts.  Each of the teams came back to the guesthouse with different stories and memories.  But there were many shared experiences:
1)  Worship Rwandan style with all their hearts, souls and minds.
2)  A message or sermon, short or long, was shared by every visiting team.
3)  A student supplemented the message or sermon with his/her heart story.
4)  Rwandans received the team with much love and joy.

The afternoon welcomed some much-needed rest after days of ministry, travel and more.  They visited the local PEACE Island to see the sights and reflect on all God's glories.  After all, they would need the rest for what lies ahead in the next few days in Kibuye - English classes, teaching school children, soccer, and hospital visit. 
It is hard to believe but we've reached the final few days of ministry in Rwanda.  Pray that all of God's work is seen through in the next 48 hours and that the team will leave the Land of a Thousanda Hills with no regrets or missed opportunities.  Imana igue umugisha (God Bless YOU!)

Kibuye-Bound

The team had an action-packed few days ministering to Christ Gospel Fellowship church plants in Bugesera and then finally Ruhuha. The relationships they built in Bugesera really opened the doors to fully establishing this newest church plant in this village. And they only furthered the reach of Christ Gospel Fellowship Ruhuha in their one-day visit working with 150 children. Ironically, their lessons focused on the purpose of GROW; God will surely continue to help this church plant GROW under Pastor Sofone's leadership.

The beautiful city by the lake...Lake Kivu to be exact...is the next destination for the Saddleback Kids 2011 Rwanda PEACE Team.  The team was able to settle into Kibuye on Saturday evening after resting (it was umuganda in Rwanda, a Saturday each month in which all Rwandans serve in the community) and visiting Christ Gospel Fellowship Kimironko (the main church where Pastor Francis leads). 
Looking forward to what God has in store for the next few days in Kibuye.  It is sure to be a fulfilling day tomorrow as it is Sunday church day...can't wait for the team to worship Rwandan style :)


MORE Lives Changed in Bugesera

The Saddleback Kids 2011 Rwanda PEACE Team was at it again today in the Bugesera region of Kigali, Rwanda.  More lives were changed forever as more people started a relationship with Jesus for the very first time.  The team had a particularly awe-inspiring story of a Muslim woman who realized she wanted a real relationship with a very real God - praise God!  Our team member's authentic sharing and ministering is adding to the Christ Gospel Fellowship church plant in this area.  And the best part is that the church body is growing more and more even before the physical walls of a church are fully constructed.  After all, that is what the church is - the people not the place.

And the afternoon only opened the door to even more future church members as 250 children gathered together.  The team pulled together an incredible lesson on what it means to BELONG to God's family.  What a perfect focus for this next generation of church leaders in Bugesera.

One more full day of ministry in Kigali before the team heads west.  Pray that God will continue to grow and stretch the team and the people of Rwanda.  Also, pray for health as a little "bug" caught a team member or two for the day.  Nothing too major for our God to overcome and heal.

SK 2011 Rwanda PEACE: Day One Complete

The Saddleback Kids 2011 Rwanda PEACE Team made it through day one of ministry in Kigali, Rwanda.  Their focus was the "P" in the PEACE Plan to "Promote Reconciliation" and "Plant Churches" in the Bugesera region of Kigali.  And they were off to a GREAT start...

In the morning, the team broke into three teams to go on home visits.  Lives were changed as the kids shared their stories and they heard incredible stories from the families they visited.  Deep relationships were built and the hope of Christ was evident as more than a dozen people accepted Christ.  Praise God for using this team to change the landscape of eternity.  Now these friends will have a church to call their home in Bugesera through Christ Gospel Fellowship's church plant.

In the afternoon, the team ministered to more than 200 children.  Again they invited these children to find a place like CGF Bugesera to WORSHIP.  The "Worship" team taught their lesson and did an incredible job.  Only day one and lives are already eternally changed.  Can't wait to hear what more is in store for the days to come.  Oh, thank you for the beautiful cross that has made this all possible!

SK 2011 Rwanda PEACE Team ARRIVAL

After hours and HOURS of traveling the Saddleback Kids 2011 Rwanda PEACE Team officially arrived in Kigali, Rwanda on Tuesday morning around 9:00 am.  They hit their first "obstacle" as 13 bags did not arrive along with the 23 team members. 

However, that seemed like the only hiccup as the team was greeted by our Rwandan friends - Simon, Jean Pierre and Gretienne.  They settled into their hotel, grabbed lunch and headed off to the Genocide Memorial.  Many hearts were broken but more importantly touched/sensitized to what the people of Rwanda experienced in 1994.  Overall, the team has done an outstanding job acclimating as they fought sleep throughout the day and hit the hay early in preparation for a full day of ministry...which will actually kick-off in just a few minutes as it is already Wednesday morning in Rwanda. 
While the prayer support in California hits the hay, rise and shine SK 2011 Rwanda PEACE Team - it is time to do God's work today!  Can't wait to hear the stories of ministry and lives changed...

PS - the luggage was only a temporary obstacle as it already all came in later Tuesday evening.  YAY!!!

Half Way There

The Saddleback Kids 2011 Rwanda PEACE Team is "officially" halfway there on the Road to Rwanda.  And they are SO grateful for the ways God showed up:

1) The 2nd checked bags filled with suit coats for Rwandan pastors were checked without charge.  Praise God for the airlines grace to not charge the team the normal $60 per bag fee.

2) The first flight departed 2 hours later than scheduled...slightly problematic when their layover time in Chicago was only 2 hours and 10 minutes.  God showed up again as the plane arrived 20 minutes earlier than anticipated, the next flight to London was delayed 30 minutes and the planes were just a gate apart.  WOOHOO!

Now the team is just killing time in London Heathrow after a hearty lunch.  Soon enough they'll be on the LONG flight to Nairobi, Kenya and then the short skip on over to Kigali, Rwanda.  Keep on praying because we are already seeing God's answering.

And They're OFF!

Let the "literal" Road to Rwanda begin as the 23-person Saddleback Kids team is officially OFF.  As of 9:38 am this morning (July 24) the team is LAX-bound.  Pray for the check-in process that all luggage gets correctly tagged and loaded onto the right planes.  Here we go!!!

Saddleback Kids 2011 Rwanda Team Departure



The much-awaited time is HERE. Our Saddleback Kids 2011 Rwanda Team is preparing to depart on their 2 week mission trip in less than 12 hours. Please join us in prayer as the 23-person team begins their LONG flight journey in the early afternoon tomorrow (Sunday July 24th).






We look forward to updating you on each leg of this unforgettable PEACE trip to Rwanda.

KSG 2011-2012 Online Regisration

In case you've been out-of-country or totally out-of-the-loop Kids Small Groups registration for 2011-2012 is open and raring to go. Visit http://saddleback.com/lakeforest/children/kidssmallgroups/ to register TODAY!

KSG End of Year



It is hard to believe, but the 2010-2011 season of Kids Small Groups is coming to an end and we have SO much fun planned. This (see above) will be "THE place to be" next week for games, desserts, commencement, awards, and much MUCH more.


PS - For our eager beaver families, KSG 2011-2012 registration is going totally ONLINE. We'll open it up on May 31st and for the first week (til June 5th) is the $50 early bird rate.



Mission Fair: Art Contest Submission Form


Community PEACE Phase #3: Dinner

This is our FINAL WEEK of collecting food for the Saddleback Church Food Pantry! Bring your favorite DINNER items this week to Kids Small Groups.
What items should you bring?
Check out the list below for items needed by the Food Pantry:

Suggested DINNER Items (due March 15th & 16th)
* Canned Chicken Breast
* Canned Tuna
* Canned Chili
* Canned Roast Beef
* Canned Veggies
* Potatoes
* Hamburger or Tuna Helper
* Spaghetti Sauce and Pasta
Also: Frozen Food Items Such As...
* Chicken Breast
* Ground Lean Meats (Hamburger, Turkey, Pork Chops)
* Lasagna
Interested in serving at the Food Pantry? Contact Rana at ranam@saddleback.com (kiddos 8 years and older, please)

Mission Fair 2011: Art Competition Guidelines

Mission Fair 2011 is quickly approaching. Are you interested in entering the Art Competition? See below for guidelines. Still have questions? Contact Jessi Lewison - jessical@saddleback.com


Looking for the Submission Form? Click here: http://www.saddlebackksg.blogspot.com/2011/03/mission-fair-art-contest-submission.html Once you are on the page, click the picture of the submission form, open in another document, and then print. No art submissions entry forms will be collected via email.


Musical Composition
A musical composition entry may be for voice, instruments, or a combination of voice and instruments. Lyrics may or may not be included in vocal composition. The composition may not exceed five minutes. The entry must relate to the theme of the competition.

The recording must be a straight through video or audio recording of the performance in real-time. The entry may not include imported MIDI or other source files, or use algorithmic composition software. Musical composition entrants are not to borrow from copyrighted material.

Whether an entry uses a variety of techniques or a simple approach, it will be judged primarily on how well the student uses his or her artistic vision to portray the theme. A well-developed concept is more important than technique. We desire you to express the theme through your own vision.

Presentation
· Entries should not exceed five minutes
· Submit a CD or DVD recording of the composition
· Students are not required to perform their own compositions, but they must note who performed it on their entry form
· A student’s composed work may be submitted by a group
Format
· Submit the CD/DVD in a plastic container; Identify both the CD/DVD and container with the students name and grade
· Safely attach the entry form to the CD/DVD container. You may place them both in an envelope if desired.
· Include the title and required artist statement on the student entry form. If the entry has no title, please write “untitled”.

Recommendations for Quality Recordings
· Make the room you record in as quiet as possible. Close windows and turn off all the noise-making devices in the room (air conditioners, fans, telephones, etc.). Do not place the recording device on top of an instrument or speakers.
· Don’t record at too loud or too soft a level.
· Record a short test and listen to it. If needed, improve recording quality by changing the record volume or microphone location.
· Return to the beginning of the CD and record two seconds of silence; then start performing your composition. Finish with another two seconds of silence.





Dance Choreography
A dance choreography entry must be an original choreographed dance recorded on a CD/DVD. The work of the choreographer must demonstrate the creativity and interpretation of the theme. It is suggested that the required artist statement be given at the beginning of the recording, in addition to being written on the Student Entry Form.

There may be up to three dancers performing the choreography. The choreographer may be the performer or one of the performers, but does not have to be. If other individuals are performing they must be mentioned on the Student Entry Form.
Costumes are not necessary. If costumes are used, however, the choreographer must also create the costumes or directly note that the costumes are not his or her original work.

Whether an entry uses a variety of techniques or a simple approach, it will be judged primarily on how well the individual uses his or her artistic vision to portray the theme. A well-developed concept is more important than technique. Therefore, it is very important that the student show a clear relation of the dance choreography to the theme. The connection should be made evident through the use of song, props, and the dance itself, as well as the artist statement. We desire you to express the theme through your own eyes and vision.

Presentation
· Entries must be two to five minutes long. They may not exceed five minutes.
· The choreography should directly relate to the theme
· Submit a CD/DVD of the performance of the choreography
· It is suggested that you state your artist statement at the beginning of the recording (the artist statement is not considered part of the length of the entry). Do not give your name or any other identifying information in your artist statement.

Format
· The recorded performance may be saved as a file on the CD/DVD, in the format of a QuickTime video or Windows Media Video, or it may be a CD/DVD movie.
· Submit the CD/DVD in a plastic container; Identify both the CD/DVD and container with the students name and grade
· Safely attach the entry form to the CD/DVD container. You may place them both in an envelope if desired.
· Include the title and required artist statement on the student entry form. If the entry has no title, please write “untitled”.

Recommendations for Quality Recordings
· Use a tripod to hold the camera still
· Make sure there is plenty of lighting, especially if shooting indoors.
· Turn off all noise-making devices in the room (air conditioners, fans, telephones, etc.).
· Make sure the background music (if any) is audible on the recording.

Music
The title, composer, and performer of any background music must be credited and document on the Student Entry Form. If the entry’s connection to the theme is expressed in the song choice, this should be explained in the artist statement.





Literature
A literature entry may be a work of fiction or nonfiction. Prose, poetry, and drama are all accepted. The entry must relate to the theme of the mission fair art contest.

Literature entrants are not to borrow from copyrighted material.

Whether an entry uses a variety of techniques or a simple approach, it will be judged primarily on how well the student uses his or her artistic vision to portray the theme. A well-developed concept is more important than technique. We desire you to express the theme through your own eyes and vision.

Presentation
· Entries may not exceed 1,500 words.
· Entries must be typed.
· Illustrated entries, including “books,” with pictures drawn by the student are acceptable; however, only literary content is judged.
· Entries are to reflect grade-appropriate grammar, punctuation, and spelling.

Format
· Submit entries on any kind of paper, not to exceed 8½ inches by 11 inches in size.
· Staple the student entry form to the front of your piece.
· Write the child’s name on the back of every page in case they get separated.
· Number all pages.
· Include the title and required artist statement on the Student Entry Form. If the entry has no title please write “Untitled”.





Photography
A photography entry must be an original black-and-white or color image, or group of images, produced by a photographic process. The entry must relate to the mission fair art contest theme.
Images may be manipulated conventionally or digitally. Images should demonstrate the student’s proper use of photographic techniques such as depth of field and exposure. The images may be created using various lenses, filters, and light sources.
Photographs with added graphics over the image, including lettering, are not acceptable.

Whether an entry uses a variety of techniques or a simple approach, it will be judged primarily on how well the student uses his or her artistic vision to portray the theme. A well-developed concept is more important than technique. We desire you to express the theme through your own eyes and vision.

Presentation
· A single print or collage may not exceed 11 inches by 14 inches, including a mat.
· Mount all prints on a cardboard mat, poster board, or some other sturdy material.
· Framed entries, original film (negatives or transparencies), and multidimensional pieces are not accepted.
· Attach the Student Entry form securely to your piece.
· Include the title and required artist statement on the Student Entry Form. If the entry has no title, please write “Untitled”.





Visual Arts
A visual arts entry must be an original print, drawing, painting, collage, metal etching or punch work, fiber work, or computer-generated artwork that relates to the mission fair art contest theme.

Whether an entry uses a variety of techniques or a simple approach, it will be judged primarily on how well the student uses his or her artistic vision to portray the theme. A well-developed concept is more important than technique. We desire you to express the theme through your own eyes and vision.

Presentation
· No art may exceed 24 inches by 30 inches, including a mat.
· All art must be flat and may not be more than 3/8 inch thick. This includes all two-dimensional materials and images, including small, flat items (such as string, fabric, and screening) that have maximum surface contact with the face of the image. Nothing three-dimensional (noodles, beans, beads, boxes, etc.) may extend off the surface of a work
· Mount all paper or canvas entries on sturdy cardboard mats, but not in wood, metal, plastic, or glass frames.
· Securely attach the Student Entry Form to the art piece.Include the title and required artist statement on the Student Entry Form. If the entry has no title, please write “Untitled”.

No KSG (2/22/11 & 2/23/11)

Hello Kids Small Groups Family! This is just a reminder that due to the Radicalis Conference happening this week (February 21 - 25, 2011) there will be...
NO KIDS SMALL GROUPS
February 22 or February 23
We look forward to seeing you and your child when we reconvene on March 1 & 2, 2011.

KSG Community PEACE Project


This week your child has been challenged to set GOALS for the KSG Community PEACE Project. In particular, Personal, Community & KSG goals for what they'll donate in BREAKFAST items. Take time to come up with practical AND God-led goals on how your family, neighborhood and Kids Small Group will fill the Saddleback Church Food Bank with tons of delicious BREAKFAST items next week (January 25 & 26).

KSG Children's 201-401 Communion

Parents, you are invited to
Children's 201-401 COMMUNION
Tuesday, January 11th OR Wednesday January 12th
@ 4:45 PM (for 4:00 groups) OR 7:15 PM (for 6:30 groups)
in the EDGE

Check-in your Children's 201-401 student as normal and then parents head up to the Edge.

Happy KSG 2011 Year!

The 2-week break from Kids Small Groups was filled with Christmas cheer and New Year's resolutions. And now we are gearing up to kick-off the 2011 season of Kids Small Groups. There is NO better way to kick-off KSG 2011 than TONIGHT and TOMORROW (1/4/11 & 1/5/11) with KSG Baptisms. Join the fun starting at 4:15 & 6:40 pm sharp at the CMC Baptismal. It is sure to be a wonderful celebration to start off KSG 2011 on the right note. See you soon!