This page is intended to be a resource for your family and to also keep you up to date on what is going on in the life of P.O.W.E.R. KIDS.  Below are some resources that we hope are informational and helpful to you. 

How to Have Successful Family Devotions!

Remember that teacher you had in high school who droned on and on, reciting endless facts in a monotone voice? No doubt, that class didn't make much of a positive impression on you. Your family devotions won't make much of a positive impression on your kids, either, if it's merely you giving a monologue. Interaction is the key to effective family devotions!

If you're never had family devotions with your children (or even if you have), here are some keys to making them memorable: Keep them short. The younger your child, the shorter they should be. Five to ten minutes with preschool or elementary aged children may be all you need. Let your children be the guide: if they've interested and actively involved, keep going. But, when you see their attention start to wane, it's time to wrap it up.

Keep them simple. Make it your goal to get one point across - the weeks' Main Point - and leave it at that. Even older children are more likely to remember the devotion if there is only one major point to think about.

Keep them fun. Family devotions should be a time your kids look forward to each week. But, in order for them to have fun, you need to have fun too. Look for ways to laugh and enjoy yourself. Your kids may not remember everything you say, but they'll cherish the fun you have together - and so will you.

Keep them consistent. Set aside the same night each week for devotions, if possible. You'll be more likely to remember to do them. Once you make them part of your weekly routine, your kids will remind you if you forget!

Having successful family devotions will take some time and effort on your part, but as you become more involved in your children's spiritual growth and see the impact these times have on your children, you won't regret it. These are the memories that will help lay the foundation for your children's life-long relationship with Christ.  

Each Sunday morning as part of our curriculum there is a family devotion for your child to take home.  Use that as a kick off for your family to do together.  Be creative! You are your the best teacher for your child. 

God bless you 

Shawna Cook

Director of Children's Ministry

• I wanted to share this article with you hope you can receive something from it, I know I did.  We all need forgiveness even as parents.

• Pockets/ A devotional magazine for children and families by the Upper Room: the website is www.pockets.org

• Keeping children sage on the internet: website is www.safeflorida.net/safesurf

• Conversations are a great way to get to know your child better but sometimes they just don't go the way we thought they would. Here is a great website with articles that may be helpful during those times when all we get are one word answers.  www.suite101.com

   Nursery News

•   Beepers:We wanted to let you know that the beepers we have in the nursery do not transmit to the sanctuary. When you drop your child off at 11:00 or any time we have service in the sanctuary please put a cell number down and your will notified if you are needed.

•  Sign in procedures: It is extremely important that your child be signed into the nursery.  This is for your child's protection as well as ours. Also, if we need to get a hold of you the sign in form is our first line of communication.

 P.OW.E.R. KIDS News 

• Safety procedures: We are a United Methodist Church and we are required to follow the Child/Youth Protection Policy/ listed below are some concerns we are experiencing. Plese help us clear these concerns because we strive to provide a safe environment for your child.

1. It is necessary to escort your child into the building rather than drop them off at the main door as we are located on a busy road
2. All children must be signed in/out by an adult (not by older siblings)

•  Themed Sunday's!: Beginning in January 2012 the last Sunday of every month will be devoted to a theme.  We are putting curriculum aside and do something different each month. This will also be the Sunday that the Bible Buck Store will be open. These will also be Sunday's when we need extra adult help.

May 27th  "" Sunday

•  Bible Buck Store: We are in need of donations for the Bible Buck Store. We do not have funds in the budget to keep it stocked and rely completely on donations.These are just some things we would like to have but feel free to donate whatever you would like as we appreciate your willingness.

  Items we are looking for:Christian related items, candy, hulahoops, balls (footballs, basketballs, etc...), jump ropes, water toys, toy cars,sunglasses, headbands, fast food certificates.

  Volunteering/ I would like to encourage you as parents to get involved with what your children are doing here at First church.  The following link are some urgent needs we have to volunteer ,but if these are not positions you are interested in I would love to talk with you about the many volunteer opportunites we have.