Kids Small Groups

KSG Baptisms

2012-01-16T16:06:00.000-08:00

We are gearing up for one of the BIGGEST celebrations of the year in Kids Small Groups -

KSG BAPTISMS

Join us at any of our KSG times (4:30/6:30 PM) on Tuesday & Wednesday as we celebrate our 3rd-6th graders' outward symbol of a inward commitment. It is going to be a joy-filled week of KSG!

KSG January 10 & 11, 2012

2012-01-09T16:04:00.000-08:00

January 10, 2012 - KSG "as normal"

January 11, 2012 - KSG is CANCELLED
We will not be having KSG this week. Please take time to be with your families and know that the KSG familiy is invited to celebrate Jessica Joy Rees' life:

Wednesday 1/11/12

6:00 PM

Worship Center

* Wear BRIGHT and casual attire to express Jessie's same JOY for life *

We appreciate everyone's love and support of the Rees family in this difficult time.

Give THANKS for KSG!

2011-11-12T15:17:00.000-08:00

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

2011-10-29T14:26:00.000-07:00

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

2011-09-17T09:32:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-04T18:37:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-02T21:21:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-01T22:16:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-01T10:59:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-30T13:57:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-28T15:05:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-27T11:28:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-26T21:44:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-25T08:27:00.000-07:00

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!

2011-07-24T11:01:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-23T20:28:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-24T10:39:00.000-07:00

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

2011-05-23T16:25:00.000-07:00

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

2011-03-15T10:46:00.001-07:00

Community PEACE Phase #3: Dinner

2011-03-14T16:44:00.000-07:00

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

2011-03-04T21:47:00.001-08:00

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)

2011-02-21T13:38:00.000-08:00

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

2011-01-20T15:28:00.001-08:00

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

2011-01-10T16:06:00.000-08:00

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!

2011-01-04T11:29:00.000-08:00

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!

Baptism Class (12/7/10 & 12/8/10)

2010-12-06T14:28:00.000-08:00

If your Grade 3 to 6 student is interested in getting baptized, the first step is Baptism Class. THIS week (12/7/10 & 12/8/10) we will have four opportunities during Kids Small Groups to attend Baptism Class. We'll be gathering up in the Edge @ 4:00 & 6:30 pm on Tuesday and Wednesday; parents, please remember that you MUST be in attendance to support your child in this exciting part of his/her spiritual journey.
If your child is in Children's 101, this is part of their KSG curriculum so they will be participating one way or another. But again if your child has not been baptized and would like to be, a parent must be there with him/her.
See you THIS week for this next step in the journey - BAPTISM CLASS.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

2010-11-22T16:52:00.000-08:00

First and foremost we give thanks to YOU and your families for committing to be a part of Kids Small Groups 2010-2011. It truly is that, a commitment, as you come to KSG each week, review the Biblical lessons and applications at home and strive to be more like Christ each and every dya. THANK YOU for choosing to be a part of "The Journey."

Second, take time to "Give Thanks" to your child's KSG leaders. They are all volunteers and some of the MOST incredible ones that we have at Saddleback Church. Let them know just how much you appreciate them as they disciple your child.

Finally, take time as a family to reflect on all that we can be thankful for in this season. There is SO much and we tend to lose perspective on that in the busyness and bustle of this season, especially in Orange County. Never lose sight of Thanksgiving!

Blocktober FUN

2010-11-10T15:52:00.000-08:00

We had an INCREDIBLE time at Blocktober Sunday October 31st. Candy was coming out of ears because of our Kids Small Groups families' incredible generosity. It was a sweet blessing to hundreds and thousands of children throughout the Orange County area who spent Halloween here at Saddleback. THANK YOU for your prayers, your invitations to unchurched friends, your generous spirits and your love!

Check out these slideshows for a look at Blocktober 2010:

http://animoto.com/play/HCypFo1Umon5ui10LokF1g?utm_content=main_link
http://animoto.com/play/u7P13tiinDcmbXgYJNLPiw?utm_content=main_link

Personal PEACE Project - Blocktober

2010-10-19T16:02:00.000-07:00

Your kiddos have already embarked on their Personal PEACE journey in Kids Small Groups. Last week (October 12 & 13) they prayed for their unchurched friends and family. THIS week (October 19 & 20) your students are getting Blocktober invites to now personally invite their unchurched friends to church for all the fun and festivities on Sunday October 31st.
Then NEXT week (October 26 & 27) we need all of our KSG families to bring in loads of CANDY. These sweet treats can be dropped off in the orange tubs or blue cans around the Children's Building. What a simple way to support Blocktober and show love to our community as they gather here for an action-packed Sunday.

ONE More Week until Lesson #1

2010-10-04T16:38:00.000-07:00

We are still ONE week away from lesson #1 for Kids Small Groups 2010-2011. With the first weeks of school done, we want to hear how YOU are doing. Feel free to post comments on the first FUN memories of school, meeting their KSG leaders at KSG Family Kick-off, or other FUN things that started off your September!

KSG Kick-Off COMPLETE

2010-09-27T17:21:00.000-07:00

Last Tuesday & Wednesday (September 21 & 22) were the BEST nights of Kids Small Groups yet. First, life was made more convenient for our KSG families as they stopped by the Reef to pick up their child's gear. Then, Tent 3 was packed with eager and excited KSG families to catch the vision for the KSG 2010-2011. Liza Gant, KSG Lead Coordinator, was blessed to CONNECT with our KSG families to start off the evening. Finally, the CMC Parking Lot was transformed into a giant connection area as leaders, students and parents hung out.
It is incredible the power in simplicity. Tables, goodies and relationships made the night a HUGE success. We are so thankful for our faithful KSG leaders who never cease to amaze us with their creativity and love. We are so blessed by our KSG families who get what it means to truly connect with God and Others this year in KSG. And of course it would not be possible without the tireless efforts of our KSG Staff - Tracy, Meredith, Tammy, Jessi & Shawn. Praise God for our entire KSG family!
Looks like we are off to an INCREDIBLE start to KSG 2010-2011. Let's not lose the momentum as we take a two-week break for Back to School Nights. We'll look forward to restarting CONNECTIONS on October 12th & 13th.

KSG 2010-2011 Kick-Off

2010-09-20T21:08:00.000-07:00

The time has finally come...KSG 2010-2011 Kick-Off! The KSG team of staff and leaders has been anxiously awaiting the next two days as more than 1200 students will come together with their families to meet their leaders, hang out with old and new friends) and get excited for the 2010-2011 season of Kids Small Groups. We have prayed for each and every registered student. Praise God for Tuesday September 21 & Wednesday September 22...we cannot wait!

KSG 2010-2011 Deadline to Register QUICKLY Approaching

2010-08-16T15:10:00.000-07:00

It is hard to believe, but we are quickly approaching the DEADLINE - August 29th - to register for KSG 2010-2011. Do NOT miss out on registering your Pre-K to Grade 6 child prior to this deadline. You can fill out forms and leave payment:

1) Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm come by the Ministry Center offices
2) During weekend services right outside the Children's Building
3) Go online NOW to http://saddleback.com/lakeforest/children/ksg.html

All registrations received after August 29th will automatically be placed on a waitlist.

Tuesday in Costa Rica

2010-08-05T09:21:00.000-07:00

Hi Friends:

We are all getting in from a VERY long day. We are exhasuted! However, incredible to see what God has done over the course of these last three days! Thanks for your prayers and support! We love you guys! We will send in update of some of the incredible stories of what God did today. But here is a recap:

Team 1 and 2 went to a Children´s hospital to visit had some great ministry opportunities with families and children.
Team 3 visited schools all day. First they visited a private school with around 100 students where they shared about Worship! The second school they visited was a public school with around 650 sudents from ages 7 - 12. All our kids shared there testimony multiple times and were personally able to lead several kids to Christ! Awesome!
Team 2 and 3 then spent the afternoon and evening doing KSG training with Children´s leaders. We have fortunately worked with three amazing churches here in Costa Rica over the last three days. I can´t tell you how excited this team is right now about how God is moving in these Children´s ministries! I will have them capture some stories for you to read tomorrow!
Here is an update from two of the teams from yesterday (Tuesday). The computers were down last night.

Team 1 Update (Tuesday):
We went back to Sendero de Luz, pastor Giovanni´s church, and group 3 with Harmon and Lea, taught a group of adults the vision and the mission of KSG. The kids are a part of the teaching as much as us adults are, and they are doing such an amazing job. At the last minute, Sean asked me to share my testimony of how I became a Christian after having Emily, and how she is now a comissioned child. Emily then gave her testimony, without her notes, and she was a star! The audience had a ton of questions, and we were able to answer all of them. It was a really great night!!

Tomorrow our group is going back to The Abundant Life Church, and then we are headed to a private school to teach a lesson to the kids. After that, we are headed to a boys home, where many of them were at one time addicted to drugs. These are young boys, about the age of the kids we have with us. We were told to dress very modestly, long pants, closed toe shoes, very little skin showing. I am a bit nervous about how to interact with these kids, so please pray for me that God will use me and the team to share Jesus.

It has been a very long day, we are all exhausted and need to be up and ready for breakfast at 7am tomorrow.

How was your day today? I look forward to hearing from you, love you!

Kelly

Team 2 Update (Tuesday):
Today was an awesome day for Team 2. Dean, Greg, Braden, Kim, Myles, Tom, Jenna, Malia and Erica went to a school for children with special needs. There were children with Down´s Syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy as well as a variety of other physical and mental impairments who attend this state run school. We were able work with a local church to reach out and show love to these children by playing games with the them, hugging them and showing them God´s love through a kind touch and a smile. None of the children there could carry on any kind of conversation, so it required us to go out of our comfort zone to try to connect with them. It was very rewarding though, and the kids as well as the adults in our group will never forget some of the children that we met today.
The children are really hanging in there despite really long days and very little sleep. They have all gotten along so well and seem to be having so much fun with each other! The adults are hanging in there as well, although we had a pretty good bout of motion sickness on the way to our location today. Dean and Erica were hit the worst, but Greg wasn´t much better off. We are a little concerned about the long ride in the van to Jaco on Thursday, so please pray for us to feel healthy and strong, as there is much work for us to do there, and we really don´t want to be laid up with motion sickness.
Please pray for our team on Wednesday night, as we are making a presentation to the local church we are working with in Alajuela. We have put together a workshop to equip them to begin teaching their children about the 5 purposes God has for their lives. We are very excited and each of the adults have paired up with one of the children on our team to teach one of the purposes in a fun and engaging way. The kids are really learning to put their fear aside and speak publicly about their faith. Each has probably shared their testimony in front of groups ranging from 15-150 a total of 3-4 times. It is getting to be old hat for them, but in a great way. The wonderful thing is that we are seeing people, both children and adults respond to them very positively. Yesterday we had about 15 kids accept Christ after hearing Braden, Myles, Jenna and Malia´s testimonies.
Back to tomorrow (Wed) night; please pray for our hearts to be open and for us to just allow God to speak through us. The children´s ministry workers here in Costa Rica have AMAZING passion for these kids. We want to be used by God to give them hope, and to empower them to reach the next generation in a way that will impact their country for good and for God. We have been so moved by their passion! The leaders cry when they speak to us, both out of gratitude to us for being here and out of passion for reaching the children in their world. We are learning much from them!
We miss all of you back home! Please know that we are having a GREAT time and we really see God´s hand at work each day that we are here. Thanks for your prayers and support and keep up the prayers! We still have 5 days to go!

Erika

Please be praying for a safe journey for the team tomorrow as we travel to Jaco! We will be leaving the hotel at 10:30. Our ministry in the slums will begin tomorrow at 2:00 in Jaco. Pray for God to go before us!

Day #2 & 3 in Costa Rica

2010-08-03T14:55:00.000-07:00

Hi Friends,

Sorry for the delayed trip update! Here is a little piece of the last two days.

Day 2 Sunday - In the city of San Jose
On Sunday morning the team divided up into three smaller teams to go and worship with our three host churches. Overall we had an incredible experience with our brothers and sisters in Costa Rica worshipping and serving together. We were welcomed with open arms. All three teams had the chance to participate or lead the each churches children´s church. It was a great opportunity for the team to connect with not only the kids of each ministry but the leaders who lead it week in and week out.

On Sunday night Shawn was given the opportunity to preach to the adult group. While Shawn was preaching the rest of the group went down to spend time ministering along side the children´s team of Sendero De Luz to around 50 unchurhced kids from the surrounding community. There were some great moments that came out of this time. Including several kids making a decision to follow Jesus for the first time. It is hard to put it in words some of the difficult situations these kids from the community are coming in the church from. It has been an eye opening time for some of our kids to hear about some of the real realities that kids there own age are having to face on a daily basis. I have been so proud to watch them minister to there own peers!

Day 3 Monday - In the city of San Jose and surrounding communities
Today was a national holiday in Costa Rica. The whole country was pretty much shut down which gave the churches here an incredible time to do a community outreach in the community. All three groups divided up to go to the churches they were assigned to. Wow what a day we had! Each team had some incredible stories of how God worked in them and through them. Overall each team had a great time partnering in ministry with their churches by doing community outreaches to kids. One story that really stuck out from the many we heard about during our team debrief came from Cheryl Badley, Amber´s mom.

At Cheryl´s church they had received a delivery of 50 boxes from Samaritan´s Purse which is a ministry that has people fill a shoe box of different items to give as a Christmas gift to kids literally all over world. We are talking about literally millions of boxes. Cheryl´s daughter Amber walked into the room and pulled a box out of the stack of 50 boxes. They opened the box to see if these were just empty boxes or actually ones that were yet to be distributed out and no joke...that was the very box that Cheryl had purchased items for and sent out herself. Are you kidding me?? Wow! What a moment! Just a huge reminder to how God sends us those confirmations that we are here at the right time.

Tonight we had our first Children´s leader training at Sendero de Luz which was lead by Maurice and Harmon´s team. The team did an awesome job as they introduced to the leaders the basic concepts of each book in Kids Small Groups through dramas and testimonies from the kids of what they learned in that book and how it impacted their life. Very powerful time as the leaders were able to see first hand the impact and result of what focused and intentional kids discipleship looks like. Incredible! Please be praying for Barbara and Laurie´s team and Dean and Greg´s team who on Wednesday will be training the children´s leaders on how to implement Kids Small Groups at there church.

Off to bed for another full day of ministry!

God is working friends in huge ways. Your prayers are felt big time...I cannot even begin to describe. The team is full of energy (espeically our girls who have now sung probably every Justin Beiber song at the top of their lungs in the van. Jesus help us! This does not count for our very own version of Party in the USA now titled Party in San Jose that we just wrote today) and healthy! Thanks for your continued covering!
Take a look of some photos from our team photographer Maurice Ling! Thanks Maurice!

http://www.linglink.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_itemId=10663&g2_highlightId=10874

Hola, Costa Rica

2010-08-01T19:18:00.001-07:00

Just as for the last month the KSG blog updated supporters on the endeavors of All STARS PEACE in Rwanda, we will spend the next week updating you on All STARS PEACE in Costa Rica. Here is the team's first update:

Greetings from San Jose! We arrived safely at 11:00 this morning after a longer than expected delay in Guatemala. We all arrived pretty exhasted after not getting much rest on our overnight flight. However, as it typically happens we caught our second wind when we hit the ground running in Costa Rica.

After checking into our hotel we met up at Sendero De Luz Church who was hosting the first PDCM conference taught by our very own Pastor Steve Adams. We walked in and were blown away by the number of attendees. Over 300 men and women passionate about developing their children´s ministries at their local churches. The incredible part of this was that there were people that represented every province in the country. People came a long way to be apart of the conference. We were all very encouraged by this.

We had the opportunity to participate in the last session while Pastor Steve was teaching on Teaching Kids PEACE. Dean Fraulino shared first on the importence of discipleship from a leaders perspective and did an outstanding job. One of the biggest moments of the conference was when our very own Children´s 401 Graduate Emmett Ling got up to share his testimony on how KSG has impacted his life. He spoke with such ease and calmness in front of the crowd of 300. WOW! Many in the crowd after he was done were visibly moved by his testimony as they wiped tears from their eyes. The conference was closed with one of the pastors asking Emmett to get back up on the stage and to stand on a table. Pastor Rudy with tears in his eyes then told everyone with an arm wrapped around his side that Emmett was indeed taller than he. He went on to say that this is the result of the commitment of a few to disciple a young boy. We were all so proud of Emmett for simply being available to be used in that momen and God used him indeed. No kidding the whole conference could have been wrapped up in that moment. Wish you guys could have been there to experience it! Way to go Emmett!

Well we should have a big day tomorrow (Sunday) as we break off into our three teams to worship at the churches we will be partnering with this week. Be looking out for the update tomorrow!

Thanks for your prayers today they were felt big time! Off to bed...goodnight!

KSG 10-11...Registered Yet?!?!?

2010-07-29T10:29:00.001-07:00

If you have not registered yet for the 2010-2011 season of Kids Small Groups, we would strongly encourage you to do so ASAP. The groups are quickly filling up. Also, pray about leading as volunteer leaders are the keys to making Kids Small Groups successful. Any questions, feel free to contact us at (949) 609-8638.

Otherwise, register by:
1) Coming by the church offices Monday-Friday
2) Stop by the Children's Building outside during weekend services
3) Go online to http://saddleback.com/lakeforest/children/ksg.html

FINAL Day of Ministry

2010-07-20T12:04:00.000-07:00

Our time of planned ministry for Kenya and the entire All STARS 2010 Rwanda PEACE Trip officially ended today. And it ended on a high note! The team was entirely aligned and intentional through God's Word. We divided up into smaller teams in the morning for home visits. This is where God's glory shone as several team members shared the 5 purposes with pastors in their areas who in turn connected over lunch on where to go from here.

The afternoon we broke into even smaller teams to minister to children in schools, high school youth, church leaders, and women with special needs children. It was all about empowering the local church and raising up the PEACE banner in Kenya.

All in all there were many sad but powerful messages learned in Kenya. Our hope and prayer is that these are steps in the right direction as Kenya receives SO many missionaries, but sadly SO many missionaries doing more harm than good. We trust God for His will and plans most of all.

So, we bid everyone farewell on this journey of the All STARS Rwanda team as we enter into the final debrief process with Team #2. We have appreciated everyone's love and support more than words can express. Please continue to pray for this team as we debrief and process the past two weeks, particularly as the majority are on their very first international missions trip ever. We will look forward to seeing everyone's bright and smiling faces soon @ LAX or back at church!

JAMBO

2010-07-19T12:59:00.000-07:00

It is hard to believe, but our time in the Land of a Thousand Hills has come to an end and we are now spending the remainder of our time overseas in Kenya.

Today we enjoyed a full day of ministry in the slums of Kenya. The team's eyes were truly opened up to what the global giants look like--live and in-person. What is seen on TV is nothing compared to the reality of being there directly in the midst of it all. Our prayers are mighty and strong that God will raise up mighty Godly leaders to slay the giants in these areas. There is great work to be done and we believe in an all-powerful God who can and will make all things possible.

Tomorrow is our last day of full ministry, so please be praying for the team as we begin the debrief process. With that in mind, we will go "offline" technologically speaking to focus 100% on the debrief process tomorrow night. We will look forward to one more update tomorrow and then covet your prayers as we debrief and depart for home in the days to come.

LAST Rwandan Day of Ministry

2010-07-17T09:42:00.000-07:00

It is hard to believe...time has flown by...but today (Saturday 7-17-10) was our LAST day of ministry in the "Land of a Thousand Hills." We will be departing later tomorrow afternoon for a few days of ministry and R & R in Kenya before we arrive home.

Today was a memorable day as we completed the Purpose Driven Children's Ministry training with the children's leaders/workers. It was incredible to see how God opened up doors today. Pastor Justin commented that never in any previous trainings has he ever seen people truly grasp and hold onto the 5 purposes as they did by the end of our time together. Praise God! It will be exciting to return in a year or so to hear reports on how each of the different churches' children's ministries develop and bloom.

Then the afternoon was spent at the football field of the Technical School. As the teams completed their games, we gathered them together for a brief bit of God's Word. The focus was on "Respect" based on the story of Creation in Genesis. The players were challenged to respect the game of football and all that comes with it (i.e. uniforms, fields, coaches, referees, teammates).

Now we are gearing up for a much anticipated dinner before Church Day tomorrow. Pray that our transition out of the "Land of a Thousand Hills" tomorrow will go well. May the fire God has lit in each team member's hearts still burn brightly as we continue our ministry in Kenya.

FULL Day of Ministry

2010-07-16T10:13:00.000-07:00

We had an action-packed day of God's glory as we ministered throughout Kibuye.

The morning started off with a glorious time as Jeremy and Liza led the team in visioncasting Children's Ministry to the pastors of the ICC. It was an eye-opening moment in which these incredible church leaders grasped onto the keys of Children's Ministry and are ready to reach the next generation in incredible ways. One of the key ah-has was Dorothy sharing her insight as she is a model of Children's Ministry at Christ Gospel Fellowship in Kimironko.

Meanwhile, a small team of 6 (Susan, German, Christine, Corrie, Jessie, & Eric) visited the hospital. They spent time ministering to the patients through prayer, song and testimonies.

Then we reunited for lunch as a team with the ICC pastors and other church leaders. It was a time of fellowship that was thoroughly enjoyed...we wanted to cancel the rest of the afternoon's plans to just join in fellowship with our brothers in Christ.

But we persisted on as the entire team introduced the 5 purposes through Children's Ministry Leader Training to the "servants" (children's leaders/workers) representing the ICC's churches in Kibuye. The room was filled and they were challenged by our team, Dorothy & Pastor Justin to truly understand the first two purposes--Worship & Belong--in order to be the purpose-driven models to the children of their church.

And, of course, no day would be complete without time spent at the football field. We once again got to support and uplift the PEACE Football Club teams in a final practice before Saturday game day. As we lost sun, we divided into two teams all through God's intervention. Scott shared his testimony and led many older students from the technological school to Christ. At the same time, Eric shared his story and Jeremy led many children in the prayer of salvation. Even if many were rededicating for the 2nd, 3rd or 10th time we know that there were still many who were genuinely accepting Jesus into their lives for the very first time.

We praise God for a fruitful day. Today truly marks the beginning of INCREDIBLE things here in Kibuye. The gauntlet has been thrown down as far as raising up the Children's Ministries in the local churches. If they do not care for the children, who will?

Final Ministry in Rwanda - Kibuye

2010-07-15T12:29:00.000-07:00

We have arrived to the beautiful area of Kibuye where we will be enjoying 3 more days of ministry. Today we got a few hours in with the PEACE Football Club and it was truly a blessing. The morning started with a time of reflection and remembrance as we visited the Genocide Memorial in Kigali. It was once again a powerful experience that changed each team member's perspectives on those we are ministering to and with.

After a full morning/afternoon of travel we geared up quickly to spend a few hours with 4 of the PEACE Football Clubs. It was so fun to see how the game of football (soccer) can draw together kids throughout the community regardless of socioeconomic status.

It is hard to believe, but only three more full days before our time in Rwanda will come to a close. Team #2 still has a bit more ministry to go even after we depart in Kenya; however, it will still be extremely difficult to leave our home away from home.

PRAISE: Janean's energy is regaining and recovering every day. Your prayers have made a world of a difference and she is ministering alongside the team now much stronger and better than before.

Ministry in Ruhengeri

2010-07-13T12:24:00.000-07:00

Our time in Ruhengeri has flown by with lots of ministry time spent at Christ Gospel Fellowship church plants. Here are a few highlights:

• We received a warm reception as we climbed the hill to CGF Rusenge. There were memories shared from previous trips with Dave and Jeremy and many new ones made. David McSwain, Ariel, Eric & Corrie led the evening’s service on the idea of “Belong”. It was an evening filled with laughter and fun.

• Today we began with an impromptu but incredible message at CGF Ryandinzi. The focus was on what the world needs in Christians today – authentic living, courageous fighting, and sacrificial loving. The majority of the team banded together to communicate a powerful message.
• Finally, we managed to get through all 5 purposes in the Children’s Ministry Leader Training in a matter of 3 hours at CGF Ryandinzi. The children’s leaders and children were stretched in their understanding of the purposes for the next generation.

Time to hit the hay before we wrap up ministry tomorrow morning in Ruhengeri and then return for a brief overnight rest stop in Kigali.

Praise that Janean is healing and recovering slowly but surely. Continue to lift her health up in prayer and our travels around Rwanda.

Church Day

2010-07-11T14:10:00.000-07:00

We enjoyed a WONDERFUL day at church at Christ Gospel Fellowship today. While the team is still slowly but surely adjusting the time difference, they pushed through with energy and love. The majority of the team ministered to the hundreds of children of CGF. Meanwhile, Dave Plaza led a teaching team of men this morning in the Bible Study teaching (Scott, David, German, Eric, Trenton & Christopher). Then in the main service later in the morning Jeremy and Liza tagteamed to encourage the adults in caring for kids with five key principles.

The afternoon was all about preparations for the ministry that lies ahead as we prepare to depart for Ruhengeri first thing tomorrow. The team seems confident and ready to challenge children's ministry leaders in Ruhengeri in how they reach out to the next generation.

Please lift up in prayer Janean as she has not been feeling well today. Pray she gets the much-needed rest she needs to be ready for what God has in store ahead.

Home Sweet Home

2010-07-10T13:01:00.001-07:00

This meant a lot to Team #1 and #2 in different ways...

Team #1 is arriving shortly (literally in a few minutes hopefully) to their home sweet homes in California. They had an unforgettable two weeks in Africa. If you see a Team #1 member, be sure to ask them about their top Memories & Moments (M & Ms). We were so very blessed to call each other family over the past two weeks and walk away with changed lives because of it all.

And then Team #2 has now arrived to "home sweet home" in Rwanda. It was a long day of fighting sleep and weariness, but the team is now snuggled up in bed for some much-needed rest. Pray for the team's restored energy and strength as we get ready for church day tomorrow.

@ the Airport

2010-07-07T04:32:00.000-07:00

Hard to believe but Team #1 is wrapping up their time in Rwanda. We're @ the airport awaiting our flight to Nairobi as we begin the debrief process. During this time we will not update the blog so we can focus on the debrief time as a team. Appreciate your prayers at this time.

Final FULL Day of Ministry

2010-07-05T09:49:00.000-07:00

It was both with excitement and sadness that we went into our team's last full day of ministry here in Kibuye and in Rwanda. We started off the morning with home visits and hospital visit. Jeremy and Liza took Ariel, Adam & Jon to the hospital while the rest of the team broke into family groups to go visit 2-3 homes in the Kibuye community. Each home is part of the Community Peace Training where they are striving to improve their basic living conditions (i.e. protection from malaria, clean water). It was a true privilege for each of our team members to sit down more intimately with Rwandan families.

The afternoon was soccer-packed again as we helped support practices at the Kibuye stadium. No day would be complete though without a pick-up game of football. It was classic Muzungus vs. Rwandans and we got our butts kicked 4-1. All was in good fun and we had a blast with our Rwandan football family.

Tonight we will pack up as we head back to Kigali for one evening before our time in Rwanda concludes. This has been a whirlwind of a trip, but an incredible one with hundreds of stories and millions of pictures to bring home.

The Sabbath

2010-07-04T11:23:00.001-07:00

Did you know that even God--our all-mighty, powerful Heavenly Father--had a day of rest?!?! If Sabbath was good enough (and important enough) for God then it better be for our All STARS PEACE Team to Rwanda, as well.

Today's day of Sabbath (Sunday) also marks a day of celebration. One because it is the 4th of July back in the US of A. But two because it marks Rwanda's Liberation Day from the 1994 Genocide.

We spent the morning at 4 different churches spanning the variety of denominations--Anglican, Baptist, Methodist & Pentecostal. Our team was blessed with these unique opportunities and was able to share our hearts in many different ways.

In the afternoon, we took in a little R & R time by visiting Bat Island and then relaxing at Peace Island. After much boat time, volleyball, Fantas, swimming and more we were ready for dinner and then into bed.

It is hard to believe this journey for the All STARS 2010 Rwanda Team #1 is drawing to a close. Please pray for the debrief process for each team member by name. It will be a unique experience for everyone and we pray for God's presence through it all.

MOO & YAHOO!

2010-07-03T09:50:00.000-07:00

These two sounds define our day here in Rwanda...

MOO - the sounds (sort of) from the Rwandan cows that we visited. We followed up on the 2009 Summer Spectacular Mission Project. It turned out to be an incredible blessing as all of the ICC pastors (the Inter-Church Council in the western region of Rwanda) were present to show off their proud efforts. There are 15 cows in well made stalls and the first baby was born just two days ago. Our team fed the cows, prayed over each one and even had the honor to name each of the cows. We closed out our time in prayer over the land that they are desiring to build a technical school.

YAHOO! - the PEACE Football Club had their first day of games in their FULL uniforms. It was such a blessing to see the joy overcome each child's face when they received their very own jersey and shorts. Cheers and support resounded from our team for hours. We also helped each team to end their games with God's Word. Today we taught them about respect, thinking about all the character traits of God and how we too can respect others (i.e. coaches, referees).

Being out in the sun has tuckered us out. We are going to go eat dinner and then hit the hay in preparation for church day.

** Please pray for the team's health as there are a few upset tummies and dehydration after today's long day in the sun **

FULL Day of Ministry in Kibuye

2010-07-02T12:17:00.001-07:00

After a LONG day of travel yesterday, we spent a FULL day doing God's work throughout the Kibuye region. We were sad to separate the team for the majority of the day, but as we know--the harvest is plentiful and the workers are few. In the morning, Liza & Jeremy took the "older kids" (Ariel, Adam, Jonathan, Hannah & Kayla) to lead spiritual leader training the 40+ coaches and referees of the PEACE Football Club in Kibuye. At the same time, the remainder of the team (parents & younger kids) led by Jessica Schuster visited two schools in Kibuye. It was a wild and crazy time as they shared God's word through song, testimonies and lessons.

The afternoon was much the same as the morning, just in a different setting of Rubengera. This time was spent at just one school and with about 25 coaches and referees.

To end the day, nothing could be better than a little football. At first it looked like it would be the Muzungus against the Rwandans (USA vs Rwanda). But they thankfully realized that would be an entirely unfair advantage so we intermixed and played an energy-filled game of football for about an hour before we lost sunlight.

Now we are wrapping up the evening with World Cup. There is NO better place to be than the heart of Africa when Ghana is leading at the half against Uruguay. GO GHANA!

FINALLY...Rwanda Update

2010-07-01T13:02:00.000-07:00

We apologize for the delay in a new post. The next day (which I believe was Tuesday last) the Internet was not longer working at our hotel. We hoped it would return the next day, but still no luck. But, now we are in Kibuye and we have Internet...very slow Internet, but connection nonetheless.

Here's a brief update as we are winding down a long day of travel and ministry:
* Tuesday - completed Children's Ministry Training with the Wheeler, Ruiz & Brase family knocking it out of the park. The leaders working with children were inspired and challenged to reach out to the next generation in a whole new way. We also visited a moving genocide memorial at a church; team members walked away changed with a whole new perspective of Rwanda and the people. Finally, the Ruiz family boldly led the night's Bible study message at the church.
* Wednesday - the day began divided between men and women. The men led based upon materials from "The Herd" Men's Ministry. The men were empowered and eager to start their own "Herd" here in Rwanda. Meanwhile, the women looked at what a Proverbs 31 woman is all about. A woman called Rita shared her testimony during the time that truly exemplified Proverbs 31. We all walked away better men and women (boys and girls) because of our time. Then the afternoon was jam-packed with relationship building as we did home visits, spent time with the Mutabazi's and then had several Rwandan friends and family over to our hotel for dinner. A great final day to our ministry in Kigali.
* TODAY (Thursday) - we travelled to Kibuye for the bulk of today (western region of Rwanda). After a quick respite and checking in, we were off to the soccer fields of Bugesera where we practiced alongside the PEACE Football Club teams. It was truly a blast to see the organization and fun had by the boys.

Well, off to bed and hopefully will update again soon.

Monday 28/6/10 in Rwanda

2010-06-28T11:47:00.000-07:00

Muraho, to our All STARS Rwanda 2010 Friends & Family -

We have completed our FULL day of ministry and it was absolutely incredible. We started the morning at the PEACE Plan Offices where we met with Pastor Straton, Jean-Pierre, Eric & Zelda. What a blessing this team and their fellow teammates are to the country of Rwanda. We are so very thankful for them, their friendship, and their support in making these two weeks possible.

The afternoon was then filled with ministry to children's ministry leaders. There were more than 40 leaders in attendance, eager to learn about how to minister to the children of their church. They were led in the morning by the Christ Gospel Fellowship Children's Ministry team to first understand the importance of children--see them as Jesus sees them. Then our team expanded on the training/teaching as we introduced the 5 purposes and then specifically Worship & Belong. Both teams did an incredible job teaching and it was inspiring to see how all 24 team members got involved to be a model of God's love and light in Children's Ministry.

Tomorrow we will be completing our Children's Minisry Training as we cover the remaining 5 purposes - Grow, Serve & Share (Bring & Go). As we plan for tomorrow, here are some additional prayer requests:
~ The "Grow" Team of the Wheelers
~ The "Serve" Team of the Ruizs
~ The "Share" Team of the Brases
~ Our visit in the early afternoon to a genocide memorial; may hearts be broken for what breaks God's; may our eyes be opened to what God wants us to see and know.
~ Evening teaching at Bible Study service

Looking forward to updating you all again soon!

Karibu, Rwanda! (Welcome, Rwanda)

2010-06-27T12:17:00.000-07:00

We have ARRIVED. After a LONG journey - 10 hour flight from LAX to Heathrow, 12 hour layover in London, 8 hours from London to Nairobi and then the final hour and a half to Kigali - WE ARE HERE!

We truly felt your prayers today. Despite the arduous journey (even sleeping in a park outside the "Eye" in London) we moved right into a FULL day to hit the ground running. There was lots of napping in the car and yawning, but we made it through the day with more than enough energy because of you and your prayers.

Here's a quick snapshot of the day:
* Arrived at Kigali International Airport @ 8:30 AM
* Picked up 44 of our 48 checked bags (read on under prayer requests)
* Met Dorothy & our driver Julius to check-in to our guest house and get cleaned up before lunch @ the New Cactus (lots of delicious pizza to be had by all).
* Showed incredible flexibility and energy as we ran a children's afternoon service for 3 hours...it was AMAZING!!!
* Finished up the night with picking up a few team supplies and dining together @ Chez Robert.

Everyone is SO ready for bed as evidenced by the constant nodding off in the bus. But, before we hit the hay we would ask for your specific prayers to be lifted up above and beyond what was outlined in the prayer guide. Here they are:
~ The missing 4 bags to show up ASAP (3 soccer equipment/supply bags and 1 of Jennifer Brase's)
~ The first afternoon of the children's ministry leader training in Kimironko. We are expecting about 40 leaders and the team members to kick-off the teaching tomorrow are Jeremy & Liza (Intro); Will, Jessica, Victoria, Kris & Ray (Worship) and Linas, Cassandra, & Ariel (Belong)
~ Tired heads to hit the pillows quickly and be FULLY rested and adjusted to the time change. With that, of course, health...so far so good and we want to keep that going.

We will keep you posted as the day's of ministry continue on. Day one in Rwanda is done. GOOD NIGHT!

From KSG to All STARS PEACE Summer

2010-06-22T21:50:00.000-07:00

First, Wednesday June 16th was truly a KSG Celebration. Watching the 140+ Children's 401 students walk the stage and then exit the Worship Center was a powerful reminder of all we have to CELEBRATE from the KSG 2009-2010 season. One day the sweet Pre-K students who cannot read nor write will reach this pinnacle of KSG--penning and sharing their testimonies, representing at Mission Fair, and boldly going out into the world on mission. We cannot wait for each and every student to reach this major accomplishment in their own walk with Jesus.

Now we are at a week later and ready to send off our 2nd All STARS 2010 Global PEACE Team. Remember the 1st team went out to Ensenada, Mexico over Memorial Day weekend. Updates on the fabulous 40 from the All STARS 2010 Mexico PEACE Team are archived in May blog posts.

On Friday June 25, 24 of the 43 person All STARS 2010 Rwanda team will be heading off on their LONG journey to Rwanda. After months and months of raising support, training and growing together as the Body of Christ, they are ready to go and do God's work in the "Land of a Thousand Hills." Please join us in prayer for the departure of Team #1 this Friday. Also, stay tuned as this blog will update you over the next month on the adventures of the All STARS 2010 Rwanda PEACE Team. We cannot wait to share God's workings in the weeks to come.

End of KSG 2009-2010

2010-06-08T16:12:00.000-07:00

It is hard to believe, but we are at our FINAL nights of "official" Kids Small Groups. All of the groups are having in-class parties as they celebrate all that their kids small group learned and accomplished this year. We are looking forward to a night of fun and memories.

Then next week on Wednesday June 16th is our KSG Celebration. We will come together as an entire Kids Small Groups family to reflect on "The Journey" and then celebrate in larger groups (i.e. Children's 101, 201, 301, 401 and Pre-K to Grade 2). Do NOT miss this grand finale to KSG 2009-2010. We'll be in the Worship Center @ 6:30 pm.

Finally, ending KSG 2009-2010 would not be complete without gearing up in excitement for the 2010-2011 season. RIGHT NOW until the night of KSG Celebration you can register your child for an "early bird" rate of $50 per child. We are also excited to introduce the brand new opportunity to register online. Click on the link in the left-hand column to do so.

Get ready for an explosive finale to KSG 2009-2010!

All STARS Mexico 2010 Wrapped!

2010-06-02T09:11:00.000-07:00

What an incredible weekend. Words cannot begin to express the joy that we returned home with the other evening as our 40-person team's journey ended. Feel free to check out this link for some GREAT pictures of our ministry in action:
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=35800716#!/AVMinistries?ref=ts

Also, for more on the life-change from the trip check out Liza Gant's blog (link is on the left-hand column)

Sunday, May 30th

2010-05-30T22:34:00.000-07:00

Today, the Mexico team started off the day by attending service at their churches. They then were able to continue with their afternoon ministries with soccer ministry, leader training, and construction. God worked mightily in and through the students and leaders today.
Pray for us as we pack up and get ready to head home tomorrow.

Mexico, Saturday May 29th

2010-05-29T21:57:00.000-07:00

Today, we finished our first full day of ministry. Both villages spent time with their churches as they took part in soccer ministry and teaching the local kids about the five purposes. In addition, the kids helped with constructing the kitchen for a local lady in the community. All in all, it's been a great day of partnering with the local churches in ministry.

Tomorrow, we will attend church with our respective churches and continue with soccer ministry and construction. Village two will also have the opportunity to train some of the local church leaders in Purpose Driven Children's Ministry.

Please pray for continued safety and for open doors to reach out as the kids put into practice their training from years of Kids Small Groups.

If you would like to see pictures, you can go to the Agua Viva Facebook site at:
http://www.facebook.com/AVMinistries?ref=search&sid=yA1s1YCT_R9Uv96yQpJcug.1517894876..1

We are Here!

2010-05-28T22:06:00.001-07:00

Today, we arrived safely and event free at Agua Viva. Our team is happy and healthy as we are getting settled in and are preparing for a full weekend of ministry. Please pray for us as we begin working at our ministry sites tomorrow morning. Our first day was awesome first day as we drove down the scenic coastline of Baja California.
Thanks for your prayers. We will update again soon.

Bienvenidos a MEXICO (All STARS PEACE Trip 2010)

2010-05-28T11:00:00.000-07:00

Hola, Amigos y Amigas ~

For this Memorial Day weekend the Saddleback KSG Blog will be updated daily to keep everyone posted on the happenings down in Ensenada, Mexico. We are right now eagerly awaiting the arrival of the All STARS 2010 Mexico PEACE Team. It is EXACTLY 11:00 am and folks should be arriving in the next 15 minutes. CAN'T WAIT!

From here we'll be enjoying a late lunch (or snack for some) in South San Diego before our journey into Mexico begins. We hope to arrive to our destination no later than 5:00 pm this evening.

If you're interested in the audio version of this update, feel free to call (949) 609-8682.

Viva Mexico!
Your All STARS 2010 Mexico PEACE Team

Global PEACE Soccer...MORE Results

2010-05-21T15:34:00.000-07:00

345-919-650-849-346-262-47-19-37-112-234-10-3-3-5-15-15-11-43-70-16-1-4

What do these numbers have in common?!?!

If you add them up they equal 4016!!! This is the number of donations in soccer equipment that our KSG students brought over the two weeks for the KSG Global PEACE Project. INCREDIBLE! Sports Gift lovingly counted each and every donation that will bless the Rwanda PEACE Football Club. Thank you KSG families for your love and support to make a difference around the world!

KSG Global PEACE - WOOHOO!

2010-05-13T22:10:00.000-07:00

What an incredible night of KSG on May 11 & 12! There has NEVER been so much energy and FUN on a Tuesday & Wednesday night at Saddleback Church. Cleats were cleaned, thousands of soccer equipment was sorted & counted and almost 100 mini soccer games were played in the parking lots.
On TOP of the fun, our KSG students proved themselves once again. Their hearts for the orphan are INCREDIBLE! I wish we could take all the KSG family on planes to Rwanda so they could see the joy and excitement first hand as we kick-off the PEACE Football Club in Kibuye. Way to go guys! We are SO proud of you, your love and your sacrifice!
In the end, more than $9000 were raised and we are STILL counting equipment as it is STILL coming in. Numbers on equipment and pictures still to come...

KSG Global PEACE Project

2010-05-09T22:11:00.000-07:00

This is the BIG week to bring by any and all donations for the KSG Global PEACE Project. Gently used or new donations of soccer equipment (for boys or girls) will be collected and sorted during KSG this week (May 11 & 12). We would love to have YOU, our KSG parents, join in on the fun of the evening. Also, don't forget to drop off any monetary donations into the buckets in the Reef or Extreme. How did your child raise support for this incredible project? We want to hear how your students answered the call for this KSG Global PEACE Project. Share your stories!

Life Without Email

2010-04-28T13:08:00.000-07:00

First, do not be alarmed...no one at Saddleback Church has access to email. We have been without email access since yesterday (Tuesday 4/27/10) @ 11:00 am. So, we are not ignoring you, just have not received nor can send emails yet.

Second, this is a reminder of just how "dependent" we have become on email as a means of communication. Phone calls, snail mail and in-person connections are few-and-far between in this technological era. We'd love to re-open that door to deeper connection. If you need anything at all as it relates to Kids Small Groups, do not hesitate to call the following:
Liza Gant-KSG Lead Coordinator (949)609-8682
Tracy Isaac - KSG Admin (949) 609-8638
Tammy Reideler - KSG Pre-K to Grade 2 Coordinator (949) 609-8677
Meredith White - KSG Children's 101 & 201 Coordinator (949) 609-8667
Shawn Hyde - KSG Children's 301 & 401 Coordinator (949) 609-8654

Hope we can get connected soon with our KSG family!

Jesus Mosaic

2010-04-26T16:58:00.000-07:00

Check out http://bit.ly/9Tvl7I
Isn't this INCREDIBLE? The ultimate picture is truly beautiful - a reminder of sacrifice, grace and love. Ironically, this beautiful image is made up of thousands of beautiful yet broken people. Nonetheless, we make up the Body of Christ and it is a truly beautiful thing. Can you find your photo? Some of your friends or family?

KSG Local PEACE Project (Project City Hope) = SUCCESS

2010-04-06T17:00:00.000-07:00

Pastor Rick reminded us at Easter services this weekend that it is never too late for a miracle. Kids Small Groups proved this...
* We dreamed up a HUGE number - 500 care packages for 4 senior centers in Orange County.
* When the decision was communicated, there was definitely mighty prayers lifted up. That audacious goal left each group with a mighty labor of love ahead of them.
* At 7:30 pm on Wednesday 3/31/10 we literally had 499 packages accounted for. Then, our sweet coach Mary Bradsher gifted her specially made care package to her fellow coach Russ Chase. To top it off, one group put the final touches on their care package at check-out; which means...
501 care packages were made with love by Kids Small Groups.

We look forward to hearing the stories and seeing the pictures as each Kids Small Group moves forward planning individual visits to their respective senior center. KSG, way to show the community that you CARE and miracles can/do occur!

Visit http://www.facebook.com/ProjectCityHope?ref=ts to see more pics of Kids Small Groups making Project City Hope a success.

KSG Local PEACE Project

2010-03-16T19:11:00.000-07:00

This week we are launching the KSG Local PEACE Project. Each Kids Small Group will be making care packages for seniors in the local community. Each care package should include:
* No-sew fleece blanket
* Baked goods
* Cards
* KSG photo in frame
* Optional items such as magazines, puzzles, games, etc.

The items in the care package will be worked on/assigned next week (March 23 & 24) and then packaged up for delivery by the KSG staff the week of March 30 & 31. We have an incredible goal of reaching out to 500 senior citizens in the local community. We do this because...
"Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you."
~ James 1:27 (NLT)

INNOVATION

2010-03-08T15:18:00.000-08:00

Pastor Steve Adams, our very own Children's Pastor here at Saddleback Church, really challenged the All STARS Children's Ministry staff with a key concept - INNOVATION. What does it take to create an innovative mindset? First and foremost, it is going to require set-aside, intentional time to do just that - INNOVATE. We want to challenge you (parents, church leaders, students) to make time each week to sit with a pen and paper and brainstorm about something specific. Maybe it is how you more efficiently tackle homework or the need to increase family together time. Whatever it is, we could all benefit from some INNOVATION. If you see a Kids Small Groups staff member, be sure and ask them if they have had their INNOVATION time this week. It is the only way we can grow and succeed as a ministry, impacting the landscape of eternity for children.

Children's 301 Ministry Fair

2010-03-04T14:45:00.001-08:00

The 5th & 6th graders in Children's 301 learned just this - SERVING - as they participated in the 2010 Ministry Fair this week. They learned all about their unique S.H.A.P.E. to serve Jesus within the church and even through Local PEACE. Quick - does anyone know what S.H.A.P.E. stands for?! First person to tell a KSG Staff member at Kids Small Groups next week will get a special prize. :)
We look forward to follow-up this next week as the 301 students hone in on which of the many ministries they are ready and willing to commit to serving in. Encourage a 301 student as they explore their S.H.A.P.E. and step up to serve.

REMEMBER

2010-03-01T16:40:00.000-08:00

That was the emphasis of the Children's 101 Communion last week at Kids Small Groups. Take time this week and look back at old photographs in your albums. Spend time taking in all the memories that come to mind as you look at these images. In the same way, take some time this week to REMEMBER any images (mental or physical) of when you first came to follow Jesus. This is what keeps the fire burning in us. This is what Communion is all about. REMEMBER!

Radicalis 2010

2010-02-11T11:27:00.001-08:00

The Kids Small Groups team is privileged to be a part of a life-changing week at Saddleback Church. 2000 church leaders from all around the world are gathered together at Saddleback for Radicalis. The lessons learned will change our ministry here in Kids Small Groups...can't wait.

Celebrate Good Times...

2010-02-03T20:24:00.000-08:00

Tonight and yesterday were INCREDIBLE celebrations. 73 kids (some even with siblings or parents) proclaimed to the world their love for and commitment to Jesus through BAPTISM. Our Pre-K to Grade 2 students showed their love with clapping hands, shouts of joy and personalized posters of encouragement. Of course the Children's 101-401 students flooded the hill and cheered so people in the Worship Center could here the excitement. Inspirational pictures to come soon...

Rain, rain go away...

2010-01-26T11:17:00.000-08:00

Praying for blue skies tonight (or at least minimal rain if it must come). For those who came last week, we praise our Father for delivering you safely to and from Kids Small Groups. The night was truly incredible as our Pre-K to Grade 2 students sang and danced their hearts out. At the same time our Children's 201-401 students participated in the Lord's Supper with Communion. Jason, Jade, and Meredith blessed us with hearts of worship while Shawn shared a powerful message of "REMEMBER." It was just that--truly a night to REMEMBER!

Leader Spotlight: Henry Liscio & Shelby Dewberry

2009-12-23T12:10:00.000-08:00

LAST weeks of KSG

2009-11-30T17:11:00.000-08:00

We wrapped up KSG 2009 on a HIGH note with the celebration of Project BUILD, small group parties, and review nights. It was a GREAT time of fun and fellowship. While we are on break, we still look forward to seeing many of you as you gather off-campus for Christmas parties and/or service projects with your small groups. Praying for you and your loved ones this Christmas. Many blessings and love from your Kids Small Groups family!

Project BUILD Results

2009-11-02T17:06:00.000-08:00

First, Happy November! Is this really considered fall or autumn when the temperatures are still in the 90s?!?!?

Second, thank you for making Project BUILD a huge success. The results are in and the Kids Small Groups family brought in 40 barrels worth of food. With each barrel averaging 180 lb that means there were about 7200 lb of food donated. WOW! To put this into perspective, the Saddleback Church Food Pantry on average (without a food drive) gets 10 barrels of food. KSG came together to BUILD up the Food Pantry for at least an entire month. Way to go! [Pictures of the Children's 301 students sorting and stocking the Food Pantry as soon as Liza can figure out how to upload them] :)

Finally, help your child complete Project BUILD by inviting and bringing a friend to church as we launch the "TRUST" series this weekend - November 7 & 8. They should bring in the "TRUST" flier they got at KSG each week to earn a special treat at the end of the 5 weeks.

Kids on a Mission: Project BUILD

2009-10-14T20:28:00.001-07:00

There are two very basic parts to this Personal P E A C E Kid on a Mission Project:

Buy some

Unique (grade or book-specific)

Items to

Lovingly

Donate to the Saddleback Church Food Pantry.

AND

Bring

Unchurched

Individuals to an All STARS weekend service to

Learn about

Developing TRUST in God.

Please keep the following in mind when doing part one of Project BUILD:

Buy (or find in your pantry) items in your child's grade or book-specific category

Understand the purpose of this Kids on a Mission Project and what Personal PEACE looks like.

Involve your child. Do not go shopping without him or her.

Leave your donations in the appropriate blue cans October 27^th or 28^th during KSG.

Do NOT bring items that are…1) expired, 2) in glass jars, or 3) not included on the list below.

PDCM 2009

2009-10-08T15:59:00.000-07:00

While we missed seeing our Kids Small Groups family this week, it has been an amazing time to reflect and connect with leaders from all across the United States and even the world at our Purpose Driven Children's Ministry Conference. Here is one thought to consider...

God chose David. God also challenged David.
When David was ready, God took him from leading, protecting and providing for sheep, to leading, protecting and providing for Israel, God's people. David's journey as a shepherd developed him into a leader worthy of God's call.

What has God chosen you to do? Where has He challenged you? How will you respond?

October is HERE!

2009-10-01T17:39:00.001-07:00

It is hard to believe three weeks of KSG have already passed and we are on our first "break" with no KSG the week of October 6 & 7. While we get into the fall mode, here are some things to think about "falling into..."

* A routine. Is there a regular place or time that you talk to your child about what he/she is learning in Kids Small Groups?

* Your own small group. Are you involved in your own adult small group? Are you setting the example for your child.

* Love again with God. How can you renew your love for God? What can you say "No" to in order to say "Yes" to God?

What are you going to begin to "fall into" this October?

A Sneak Peek at KSG

2009-09-24T14:06:00.000-07:00

A look at Pre-K to Grade 2 Worship. Singing our praises and love to God!

Children's 101 to 401. Digging into God's Word and still time for plain old silliness.

Thank you for blessing us with the chance to disciple your children. We are off to a GREAT start with two weeks of fun and learning together!

FIRST Night of KSG 09-10

2009-09-22T19:36:00.000-07:00

The FIRST night of KSG 09-10 was AMAZING. More than 1300 kids filled the Children's Building over 4 service times as we gathered together to reunite with old friends, make new friends and kick off "The Journey." Hundreds of parents also came together in the Edge for "Open House." They heard about the "LEAD" principle and are excited to LEAD like Jesus at home this year in Kids Small Groups. The Journey has just begun...

Beginning the 2009-2010 Kids Small Groups "Journey"

2009-09-14T13:55:00.000-07:00

Summer has FLOWN by and we are ready to launch the 2009-2010 season of Kids Small Groups in a little more than 24 hours. Hopefully you should have already received a phone call from your child's small group leaders to welcome them and get them excited for the new year.

We will look forward to seeing parents up in the Edge (3rd floor of the Children's Building) 15 minutes after the start of KSG each service for "Open House." This is where parents will get ALL the info they need about "The Journey." Afterwards, the parents in attendance at "Open House" will be able to visit their children's small groups. Can't wait to see you all soon!

KSG 09-10 Registration Closing Soon

2009-08-25T15:10:00.000-07:00

Just a friendly reminder that the FINAL date for Kids Small Groups 2009-2010 Registration is quickly approaching - Monday August 31, 2009. This is for both new and returning students. We will still accept registration forms after this deadline, but they will be placed on a waitlist and then individually contacted once space becomes available.

So, get registered this week at Ministry Center I (corner of Saddleback and Portola) OR come by the tables outside the Children's Building THIS weekend. Fill out your registration form completely and leave payment. Do not miss "The Journey" into Kids Small Groups 2009-2010!

Project CHANGE Update

2009-07-21T13:50:00.000-07:00

We raised almost $3000 in our final Kids on a Mission Project for Kids Small Groups 2008-2009. Here's a little video update DIRECT from Rwanda...check it out!

All STARS PEACE in Rwanda

2009-07-21T13:43:00.001-07:00

It has been a BUSY summer and we apologize for not updating more often. We just had a team of 6 return from a two-week trip to Rwanda and it was UNBELIEVABLE. Be sure to ask Liza or Meredith about it because we have TONS of pictures and stories to share with. Bottom line, huge doors have been opened up for the ALL STARS 2010 PEACE Trip to Rwanda...it is going to be a PEACE trip unlike any other. Here's one pic out of hundreds to see the love that filled our hearts for two weeks in Africa. We fed Maisone's family (you may remember him from last year's SS Mission Project videos) at our hotel. The best part is that the hotel staff was so touched and will be supporting the family even now that we are gone. What a blessing it was to be Jesus' hands and feet feeding those hungry mouths.

ONE week to GO!

2009-05-28T22:22:00.001-07:00

Can you believe it?!?! We have gone through 24 lessons over 8 different books over the last 35+ weeks in Kids Small Groups 2008-2009...AWESOME! We cannot wait to CELEBRATE the first year of "The Journey" with the LAST night of Kids Small Groups - June 2nd and 3rd.

If you have a child in Children's 101-401 join us for the FINAL celebration of the year, also join us the following week on Wednesday June 10th in the Worship Center. We'll hear about the FIRST year of "The Journey" and all that God did through the 3rd through 6th graders. It will be a night to remember.

Finally, of course, do NOT miss the chance to register at the early rate of $50 over the next 2 weeks. KSG Graduation & Promotion (June 10th) is the LAST night to get this early rate. Thereafter, KSG 09-10 registration is open until August 31s for $60.

Children's 401 Local PEACE Weekend

2009-05-22T20:42:00.001-07:00

We are HERE! The 110-person Children's 401 is getting ready to embark on an incredible journey in Local PEACE in Compton & Santa Ana. Right now, they are learning to love with the kind of love that God wants us to. When we love in this way, we can be used to make a difference in people's lives. Pray for this incredible team. They are going to move mountains with their faith, hope, and love. It's time to GO!

Project CHANGE - Phase #1

2009-05-13T10:04:00.000-07:00

Our FINAL Global PEACE project will focus on the Western region of Rwanda - Kibuye. This week we launched Phase #1 - Suits for Pastors and Coloring. There is something "to bring" and something "to do." Next week, Phase #2, we will launch something "to raise" as we set the tone for Summer Spectacular 2009's Mission Project "Change for CHANGE." Here are all the details you need to know for Project CHANGE Phase #1:

Suits for Pastors - help pastors in Kibuye gain respect in a simple way - with a suit. Bring in men's suits (dress shirts, jackets, pants, ties, and dress shoes) to Kids Small Groups on May 26/27 and June 2/3
a. Please bring suits in on hangers. We'll collect them on clothes racks in the Reef & Extreme on the above dates.
b. Only men's suits; please NO other clothes donations.

Coloring - we handed out coloring sheets to each Kids Small Group to work on in class OR at home. All the students have to do is color; these sheets will be used in Community Development Training on health through the HIV/AIDS Initiative in Kibuye. Again it is a small way our kids can have a HUGE impact on the lives of people in Rwanda.
a. Bring completed coloring back again to the Reef or Extreme on the above dates.
b. Only use colored pencils or crayons; please NO markers.
c. Adult involvement is HIGHLY encouraged.

Can't wait until next week as we launch Phase #2 - Change for CHANGE, our Summer Spectacular 2009 Mission Project!

Coming Soon...Project CHANGE

2009-05-01T08:40:00.000-07:00

Get ready, get set, GO! Project CHANGE, our final Kids on a Mission Project is coming up soon. For a sneak peek at our Global PEACE project...
1. Kids Small Groups will again "set the tone" for Summer Spectacular 2009's Mission Project. That means you'll find out BEFORE SS 2009 what the Mission Project is AND start to gather change to bring in May 19/20, May 26/27, and finally June 2/3.

2. Kids Small Groups will also help pastors in Western Rwanda (Kibuye) gain respect and honor as they lead the nation with God's Word. Bring in dad's, brother's, uncle's or grandpa's old dress suits and shoes to gift to the Rwandan pastors. It is a small gift that will go a LONG way.

More info to come in the next few weeks! We can't wait to collect change for CHANGE!

We're BACK!!!

2009-04-27T16:01:00.000-07:00

It's amazing how two weeks seems like an ETERNITY in the world of Kids Small Groups. We missed you all and hope you enjoyed a peace-filled, relaxing Easter vacation. Welcome back to the FINAL stretch of Kids Small Groups 2008-2009.
On that note, let's end on a HIGH note with only SIX weeks left in the year. It promises to be an action-packed few weeks with Baptism Class, KSG Baptisms, Children's 401 Local PEACE Weekend, the final Kids on a Mission: Global PEACE Project CHANGE, Final Awards, and of course the grand finale in KSG Graduation & Promotion. And then, we get ready to do it ALL over again with KSG 2009-2010 Registration (for returning KSG, 2009-2010 registration begins May 26/27; for new students, it begins the weekend of May 30/31). More specific info on dates and costs to come!

A Look at Mission Fair 2009

2009-04-06T14:00:00.000-07:00

These pictures tell the story of what the Grade 1 through 6 students experienced March 31 & April 1 at The Journey: Mission Fair 2009. Check out the pictures and lift these prayer requests up to God:

The 12 countries represented by the Children's 401 students - Dominican Republic, Rwanda, Gaza Strip, Philippines, China, Kenya, North Korea, Chile, Fiji, France, India, and Mexico. The students in Children's 401 have a heart for these countries and pray you do, too.

The PEACE Plan and each person's part in it to Promote reconciliation, Equip servant leaders, Assist the poor, Care for the sick, and Educate the next generation.

Each student will walk away challenged to "Be the Change personally, locally, and globally through PEACE.

Mission Fair 2009!!!

2009-03-26T10:29:00.000-07:00

The countdown has begun...less than ONE week until Mission Fair 2009. It is going to be AMAZING. Pray for our Children's 401 students as they prepare their tables, representing 12 nations. Also, pray for the 1st through 5th graders as they take "A Journey Around the World" via the Children's 401 groups. Then, the 3rd through 6th graders will travel farther on "Your Journey to the World" unpacking the PEACE Plan. It will be a night to remember.

Pictures to come...

What's YOUR SHAPE?

2009-03-20T16:29:00.000-07:00

With follow-up on Children's 301 Ministry Fair well under way, it got us thinking - what is YOUR SHAPE? I know the push is to get our 5th/6th graders in Children's 301 serving, but are the adults plugged in?!?! The children will only go so far as those who lead/model to them, so this may be a GREAT time to consider where the adults are at. Do you have a ministry at Saddleback Church that you are committed to serving in? Have you completed through CLASS 301?

If not, here are some SIMPLE action steps:

1. Check out Ministry Explorer or Ministry Matcher at http://www.saddlebackfamily.com/. There are HUNDREDS of opportunities to serve and AT LEAST one or two that are the right fit for you.

2. Sign up for CLASS 301 (or 201 or 401) on April 19, 2009. Register TODAY at http://www.saddlebackfamily.com/

We are praying for each student and adult in the Kids Small Groups family to discover their SHAPE and get serving today!

Children's 301 Ministry Fair

2009-03-06T11:31:00.000-08:00

What a GREAT night we had at our Children's 301 Ministry Fair this past week! The 5th and 6th graders were given 10 options for ministry service. Now we are SO excited to see what they will choose to commit to doing as they serve Jesus. Parents, please connect with your child to see where their heart is. ALL of KSG can join together in prayer, lifting up our servant leaders in Children's 301.

Welcome to the Kids Small Groups BLOG!!!

2009-02-27T14:51:00.000-08:00

We are SO excited to introduce a NEW way to communicate with the Kids Small Groups family! This blog will be a space to inform the Pre-K to Grade 2 AND Children's 101 to 401 families on what is happening and up-and-coming in the world of Kids Small Groups. We are looking forward to the next few months in KSG...only 3 FULL months left in the 2008-2009 season...can you believe it?!?!? Stay tuned for March highlights...