Welcome to the World, Baby Ryann!!!

Ben and Ashley are officially the proud parents of a beautiful baby girl!
Ryann Noel Hammond was born on December 21, 2007 at 6:37pm.
She measured in at 19.25 inches and 6 lbs 9oz.


CONGRATULATIONS Ben and Ashley!!!!!

Sunday, December 9

COOL RIVER KIDS GO GLOCAL

Global + Local = GLOCAL...We have already served globally this holiday season by preparing 35 boxes for Operation Christmas Child. Way to go! These boxes will be delivered to kids across the world this Christmas. Now it’s time to bring some holiday joy to kids in our own local area.

On Sunday, December 9, we are asking children ages preschool – 6th grade to bring a new, unwrapped toy for Sister Carmen (a local charity in Lafayette). What a great way to teach our kids about giving and loving others!

******UPDATE
Cool River Kids gathered 35 toys for local kids!!! Merry Christmas!

Gingerbread Stables

Please join us for an afternoon to focus on the REAL reason for the season. Come have fun as you help your child create a “gingerbread” stable to remind your family of Jesus’ birth.

The party is at Wendy Spurbeck’s house - 3201 W. Torrey’s Peak Drive - on Saturday, December 15 from 10-12pm. Please RSVP to Wendy 303-494-3909 or Martha 303-664-0197 by Wednesday, December 12, so that they can know what supplies to buy.

This event is ideally for kids ages 4 - 10. Older kids are welcome to come and help the little ones. Teachers are welcome, too. It would be a great opportunity to hang out with your kids.

Also, please bring a plate of cookies or another snack to share.

Preeschool Fall Party

Let’s learn about giving thanks, make placemats, go on a scavenger hunt and share a feast!

Monday, November 12th
11:00am – 12:30pm
The Orlando’s house
2189 Jarosa Lane, Superior

Each family needs to bring a dish to share and $1 per child to cover the cost of crafts.

Older brothers and sisters are welcome to attend.

For more information call Stephanie at(303) 499-1000.

SIGN UP AT THE CHILDREN'S TABLE!

4th Sunday Reminder

Sunday, October 28, is the 4th Sunday of the month. All school age kids will be in the service with their parents. Don't forget to stop by the children's table to pick up a bag of goodies to keep little hands busy in the service. Also, parents, we always provide a "listening activity" for the kids to complete while Kevin speaks. Prizes will be given out after the service to all kids who return those activities to the children's table. Have a fun day! Enjoy worshiping with your kids.

Operation Christmas Child - November 11

Now is the time to begin talking with your kids about the upcoming Operation Christmas Child Event that we will be having after church on November 11.

Start saving shoeboxes and keep your eyes open at the stores for items to fill a box and send to a child who won't otherwise get a Christmas present.

Below are recommended items to purchase to fill your boxes. Let you child dig into their piggy banks and help to pay for some of the items themselves - use this as a teachable moment about serving and loving others.

All items should be brought to church on November 11. We will wrap and pack the boxes as a church family after the service.

Operation Christmas Child brings joy and hope to children in desperate situations around the world through gift-filled shoe boxes and the Good News of God's love. This program of Samaritan's Purse provides an opportunity for people of all ages to be involved in a simple, hands—on missions project while focusing on the true meaning of Christmas—Jesus Christ.

#1 Choose the age and sex of the child you want to prepare a box.
2-4 years
5-9 years
10-14 years

#2 Purchase items
school supplies, toys, small instruments, balls, hygiene items, hard candy, gum, jewelry, t-shirts, hair accessories, cars, dolls, etc.

#3 Be prepared to include a $7 donation with your box to cover shipping.

DO NOT include used or damaged items, war-related items, chocolate or food, liquids or lotions, medications, breakable items, aerosol cans

You will be able to find more information at church on the information table and you can watch a video with your kids on this link.

Time to Celebrate!!!!

Cool River is 4 years old this week!!!! Come and celebrate with us October 7th!

Copy of CR Kids October E-News to Volunteers

Cool River Kid’s Volunteer E-News – October 2007

It’s October already. Can you believe it? I hope you are enjoying your last few “snowless” weeks in Colorado. I have only lived here for 5 years, but it seems as if October 31st is the magic date for winter to begin. Get ready for a snowy trick-or-treat!

Fall at Cool River is always an exciting time. This week (October 7) we will be celebrating Cool River’s 4th Birthday with a covered dish lunch after the service. Don’t forget to bring some yummy food to share. Also, make sure to notice all of the table decorations that the school age kids made for the party while in class last week. Tell them that everything looks beautiful!

That is pretty much the highlight of activities for October, but close on its tail is our next event that will kick off the holiday season – Operation Christmas Child. This has become a tradition at Cool River. So, start saving your shoeboxes and talking to your kids in class about service and giving. We will pack shoeboxes as a church family after church on November 11.


Below are the volunteer schedules for the month. Make sure to mark your calendars! Just like I keep on telling ya, you are appreciated more than you could ever imagine! By the way. . .great job 2 year old class and Elevate Volunteers! September was a very successful “first month” in both ministries. WooHoo!


Nursery and Pre-K

Nursery (0-2 years) Schedule for October
October 7 Kimberley Gibson, Jenna Girton, Eilidh, Andrea Hanlon

October 14 Kimberley Gibson, Micki McCormick, Elliot O’Connor,

October 21 Anne Unglaub, Kim Hummel, Elliot O’Connor

October 28 Kimberley Gibson, Kirsten Mulcahy, Leslie Brown, Eilidh



Preschool (3-4 years) Volunteer Schedule for October

October 7 Phil Batey, Becky Smith, Linda Brookover

October 14 Jen and Dustin Duckett, Scott Grumm

October 21 Sharon Grumm, Stephanie Orlando, Julie McKenna

October 28 Danee Duffy-Bricker and Ryan Bricker, Carlie McKenna



ELEVATE (ages 5 – 6th grade)

ELEVATE Volunteer Schedule for October

October 7 Kim Feitosa, Martha Parks, Ben Hammond, Shay Day

October 14 Katie Ernst, Dan McCormick, Michelle Batey, Brent Hultman

October 21 Angela Weigner, Brian Weigner, Sherry Hensley, Eric Unglaub

October 28 Kids in Service



Children’s Greeting Table

Greeting Table Volunteer Schedule for October

October 7 Sharon Grumm & Stephanie Orlando

October 14 Stephanie Orlando & Karen Gibson

October 21 Karen Gibson & Linda Brookover

October 28 Angela and Brian Weigner

4th Sunday Reminder

Sunday, September 23, is the 4th Sunday of the month. All school age kids will be in the service with their parents. Don't forget to stop by the children's table to pick up a bag of goodies to keep little hands busy in the service. Also, parents, we always provide a "listening activity" for the kids to complete while Kevin speaks. Prizes will be given out after the service to all kids who return those activities to the children's table. Have a fun day! Enjoy worshiping with your kids.

Way 2 Go!!!!

A big thumbs up goes out to teachers and volunteers in the children's ministry!!!!!! We have successfully kicked off the fall because of you!!! Keep up the terrific work!

A New Season Begins This Week!!

September 2 is a big day for Cool River Kids. You will notice lots of changes. Classes will meet in different areas. New programs are beginning. New volunteers are starting. New FUN is just around the corner.

So come to church ready to experience some new changes and an exciting new start to the fall season.


*ELEVATE begins

*2 Year Old Class Begins

*Welcome new teachers!!!

Attention K - 6th Graders. . . .

IT"S COMING!!!!!!!!!!!!!

4th Sunday Reminder

Sunday, August 27, is the 4th Sunday of the month. All school age kids will be in the service with their parents. Don't forget to stop by the children's table to pick up a bag of goodies to keep little hands busy in the service. Also, parents, we always provide a "listening activity" for the kids to complete while Kevin speaks. Prizes will be given out after the service to all kids who return those activities to the children's table. Have a fun day! Enjoy worshiping with your kids.

God Created the Heavens

Last Sunday our kids had an absolute blast as some of our "resident professionals and experts" led them in a fascinating adventure into the world of rockets, outer space and how God created HIStory. Thanks so much to Wendy, Brian, Shay, Dan and Ron for making it so much fun! Here are some pictures of the day's events. . .

Welcome Sophie Lee Johnson!!!!

Congratulations to Andi and Brian Johnson on the birth of their precious little girl, Sophia Lee!

She was born August 14 at 2:23pm, 6 lbs 5 oz., 19 inches.

Welcome to the family!!!!

A Cool Sunday for Cool River Kids

Hey Cool River school age kids! You know `God created the heavens and Earth ...' What fun the heavens have become for man to explore! Come touch real parts from a spacecraft, see a video of a real live launch, make your own imaging satellite, and learn Bible verses and truths that teach about the heavens this Sunday!

You probably don't know it, but we have some super talented men and women in our church that know tons about this stuff. You don't want to miss out! Come and listen to Wendy, Brian, Dan and Shay share with you this week.

Then be ready. . .it's officially the next rocket launch Sunday, too! Bring your rockets, big and small, a bit of lunch and some sunscreen. We will be blasting off again after church in the field beside the school.

What's next???
Sunday, August 26 - Kid's worship with their families
Sunday, September 2 - ELEVATE begins!! What's that? Just keep your eyes and ears open. You're gonna love it!!!!!!!!

Welcome Hayley Rae Girton!!

Hayley Rae was born on Saturday, July 28th at 12:24 p.m. She weighed 5 pounds, 9 ounces and was 17 1/2 inches long.

Congratulations to the happy family - Roy, Jenna, Lexi and Hayley!

2 More Weeks of "The Marketplace"

The school age kids will be meeting outside for 2 more weeks as they wrap up their summer Sunday morning events with some very special "guests" and Bible time activities. They will be learning about Jesus changing the heart of Zaccheus and Jesus giving new life to Lazarus.

Thank you to everyone who has volunteered to help in teaching our kids this summer. We have had a great time and are super excited about what is ahead for the fall. Keep your eyes and ears open for more details!!!!

Amy

Preschoolers Helping Others

This coming week (August 5) the 3 and 4 year olds will learn about some people at a Bible times church who helped others. We would like for our children to understand helping other's, also. Please bring one or two nonperishable food items to Sunday School. During class we will pack these items in a special box and make sure they are given to people who need food.

Thanks for helping us with this activity!

Your Preschool Sunday School Teachers

Field Day - Sunday, July 29

It's the 5th Sunday and Pastor Kevin is with the K - 6th kids for a fun time of summer games and excitement. Kids, get ready to run around, race your friends and even get wet. Don't forget your sunscreen! And Mom and Dad, remember that after the service there will be a picnic lunch, silent auction for Veitnam and family field day games to enjoy with the kids.
5th Sunday's are a blast at Cool River!

5..4..3..2..1..BLASTOFF!!!

Last Sunday's Rocket Launch

4th Sunday Reminder

Sunday, July 22, is the 4th Sunday of the month. All school age kids will be in the service with their parents. Don't forget to stop by the children's table to pick up a bag of goodies to keep little hands busy in the service. Also, parents, we always provide a "listening activity" for the kids to complete while Kevin speaks. Prizes will be given out after the service to all kids who return those activities to the children's table. Have a fun day! Enjoy worshiping with your kids.

Coin Wars Come To An End

School Age Kids. . .bring those coins in this Sunday! The coin wars officially come to an end this week. Who is going to win? The girls or the boys? Right now the girls are ahead. Come on boys!!!!!

All donations go towards Venture Vietnam!

And the winners get a popsicle party!!!!!

*****FYI - It was requested that the kids be given one more Sunday to bring in coins. If you have some to donate, please bring them to the children's check-in table Sunday morning the 22nd. The popsicle party will be August 5 during class.

Summer Reading Library

Summer is halfway over already! Can you believe it?
As most of you have noticed, Cool River Kids ministry has started providing a library full of great faith based storybooks for all ages. There are books appropriate for ages 1 - 6th grade. Please don't miss out on some great summer reading. The library will officially close until next summer on August 12. Check out the shelves before then and read, read, read!!!!

Amy

Backyard Bible Club Meeting

There will will be a brief meeting for anyone interested in assisting with Backyard Bible Club this Sunday (July 1) immediately after church. Please meet Sherry Hensley in the foyer.

BYBC Info. . .
What: a time for little ones to learn about God through stories and activities as well as an opportunity to invite friends
When: July 16th - 20th
Where: Orlando Home - Superior
Time: 10:30 - 11:45
Ages: 3 - 6
Cost: $3/child

If you would like for your child to attend BYBC, please sign them up at the children's table this Sunday or email Amy at amycolon@coolriverchurch.com

The Marketplace

Summer is here and that means that lots of exciting things will be happening for Cool River Kids!

This Sunday we will be kicking off THE MARKETPLACE .

For 3 weeks in July and 2 weeks in August our kids will be meeting outside behind the school for a really fun time. There will be snacks and water, music, crafts and surprise guests. The library will be going on, as well, for anyone who might want to grab something for summer reading.

Parents, just plan on dropping your kids off in the lobby as you enter church and we will take care of the rest.

**The 4th Sunday's of each month will still be family Sunday's where parents and children will have the opportunity to worship together.

Happy Father's Day

MISSIONAL DAD'S

Genesis 22:1 Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, "Abraham!""Here I am," he replied. 2 Then God said, "Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about." 3 Early the next morning Abraham got up and saddled his donkey. He took with him two of his servants and his son Isaac. When he had cut enough wood for the burnt offering, he set out for the place God had told him about. 4 On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance. 5 He said to his servants, "Stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there. We will worship and then we will come back to you." 6 Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and placed it on his son Isaac, and he himself carried the fire and the knife. As the two of them went on together, 7 Isaac spoke up and said to his father Abraham, "Father?" "Yes, my son?" Abraham replied."The fire and wood are here," Isaac said, "but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?" 8 Abraham answered, "God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son." And the two of them went on together. 9 When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. 10 Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. 11 But the angel of the LORD called out to him from heaven, "Abraham! Abraham!" "Here I am," he replied. 12 "Do not lay a hand on the boy," he said. "Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son." 13 Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. 14 So Abraham called that place The LORD Will Provide. And to this day it is said, "On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided."NIV

The greatest test of Abraham was whether he would sacrifice Isaac. The greatest test of Abraham’s vision was whether Isaac would buy in or not. For Abraham’s call to be fulfilled, would rest not upon him, but upon his son and future sons. Abraham had a dream and vision that lived beyond his years, but what good would that be if it didn’t live beyond himself? This “test” would have a profound impact upon Isaac his entire life. This would become Jacob’s narrative. Have you ever noticed how that Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph – all had powerful narratives. The impact of four successive generations was enough to catapult the birth of a nation and God’s work through a nation in the Old Testament. You're not just passing down faith - you have to see it become their narrative. How do we do this with our children?

Most of us simply want to be good Dad’s. But how do we define good Dad’s? To be a good Dad means we love our kids, they love us, we provide for them, they’re moral and religious and we all get along. To be a “Father” Abraham involves much more than that. It is a vision beyond our nuclear family to future successive generations throughout the entire world. What kind of Dad is this? How does this Dad teach and live in such a way that not only he, but his children will engage a comprehensive global incarnational response to humanity? Abraham was the ultimate picture of a “missional dad.” Faith had to begin at home.

What does it mean to be a missional dad? It’s more than just being moral, religious, and everyone getting along. Any religion and/or faith does that. The question is how do we raise our children so that their faith is powerful enough and strong enough not just to change them, but their world as well? Abraham did it.

A missional dad lives the Gospel first and foremost in front of his children. It’s real. It works. It’s alive. It’s happening. It’s ongoing. It’s not just a man reading the Bible and praying in the morning and then going about his life the rest of the day. It’s him reading his Bible, praying, and then getting up and fulfilling God’s will and living the faith all throughout the day in the midst of tough circumstances. It’s living beyond yourself. Everything about Abraham was a “beyond this world” kind of life. He lived beyond his nation, beyond his Father, beyond his years, beyond his ability to produce an heir, it truly was an “other world” kind of story.

A missional dad lives a pilgrim’s life with his children. Take them outside their country. Take them outside their context. Take them outside their comfort zone. They are all on the journey together. When God called Abraham – the whole family went. The children were on the journey with him and it would be part of their story. This creates a story they’ll never forget.

A missional dad lives beyond his years by passing down to his children all that God has taught and promised them. Our faith is too short-lived. I used to say if your vision doesn’t require your entire life, then it’s just a day-dream. If it requires your life – then it’s a mission. But as I look at Abraham and Hebrews 11 – he lived beyond his life. Abraham was a finisher – he completed God’s will for his life – but not God’s entire mission for the world. He recognized he was a link, and he was a faithful link in that chain.

OK so Father's Day is here - I believe this is the Proverbs 31 of Fatherhood. What kind of Dad are you? What kind of Dad do you want to be?

by Bob Roberts, Jr.
Senior Pastor of Northwood Church, Keller, TX

Hand Sanitizer No More

This article on the danger of hand sanitizer was just brought to our attention and it checks out to be true. At Cool River we want to keep our kids as safe as possible - so FYI. . .we will no longer be using hand sanitizer in our nursery or preschool areas. When hands need to be washed we will now only be using good ol' soap and water.

Teacher Appreciation Month

We would like you to show your appreciation for your Sunday School teachers during the whole month of June. Send a note of thanks, a sweet treat, or do what ever you would like to demonstrate your thankfulness to the teachers for loving on your kids.

And teachers, please enjoy your month off from regular teaching in July. You deserve it!

Izma

Coin Wars

Coin Wars Time is Here!
Gather up all of your spare change! It's Boys vs. Girls in a challenge to see who can bring in more money to help pay for sports equipment for the kids in Vietnam. It all goes by weight, so pennies, dimes, nickels and quarters will make more of a difference than dollar bills!

So, kids, do those extra chores to earn that money. Parents, we want the kids to know how to sacrifice their time and money, so help them out with this. Schoool Age kids will be gathering their money every Sunday morning for then next few weeks. Who's gonna win!!!!!

We'll Miss You, Madison!!

Madison O’Connor is graduating high school this year. Congratulations to her and her family! For us at Cool River it is a bitter sweet time. Madison, we are so proud of you and yet we are extremely sad to see you leave.

Madison has been a huge part of our preschool ministry since day one of Cool River. She has loved on our kids. She has played with them and sang with them, comforted them and taught them the Word of God, faithfully and with a servant’s heart. She has babysat EVERYONE’S kids and for those of you with little ones, you know that at the mention of Madison’s name our kids will run screaming through the house with excitement. Madison has been a huge asset to the ministry of and families of Cool River.

Madison, we wish you the very best. We congratulate you. We love you and we will miss you. We can’t wait to see where God takes you. Please know that wherever that may be, you will always have a home at Cool River.

Blessings and Best Wishes,

Cool River Kids

Firehouse Picnic Pictures

Cool River Kids Backyard Bible Club

As you are planning your summer calendars -
SAVE THE DATE!!!!!

The Cool River Moms Group has made it official. They are planning to host a one week Backyard Bible Club for our kids as well as their friends and neighbors. So don't miss out! Please check your calendars and either sign up at church or RSVP to Sherry Hensley by the end of June if you plan to attend. Here's all of the info. . .

What: Backyard Bible Club
When: July 16th - 20th
Where: Orlando Home - Superior
Time: 10:30 - 11:45
Ages: 3 - 6
Cost: $3/child

Childcare will be provided for younger children of all workers involved.
If you would like to help, please contact Sherry at sherryn@dshensley.com

More reminders and info will be coming out as the summer progresses.

Summer Reading Library is Coming!!!

Hopefully everyone has heard about the Children's
Library we are opening for the summer. If not, come
check it out. We have put together a great collection
of Christian based children's books and movies.
Opening day will be June 3rd!

We need volunteers to help with the library! Surprise!

No experience needed. We need people to help sign
kids up for the library and help them check out books. This
is only a 15 minute commitment. . .either 15 minutes
before worship or 15 minutes after worship. Please
email me, Stephanie Orlando, at slorlando@msn.com and
let me know if you would like to sign up for a time
slot.

We know everyone has busy summers so we are not asking
for a monthly commitment. Just let us know what
Sunday(s) you would be willing to help with throughout June, July and August.
Everything is open right now.

Thanks!
Stephanie

4th Sunday Reminder

Sunday, May 27, is the 4th Sunday of the month. All school age kids will be in the service with their parents. Don't forget to stop by the children's table to pick up a bag of goodies to keep little hands busy in the service. Also, parents, we always provide a "listening activity" for the kids to complete while Kevin speaks. Prizes will be given out after the service to all kids who return those activities to the children's table. Have a fun day! Enjoy worshiping with your kids.

May Family Event

Brown Bag Lunch at the Superior Fire Department
Family Event
12:00pm, Sunday, May 27Bring a sack lunch for your family and join us at the fire house. We will have a picnic inside the fire house and then kids will get to see the fire trucks and gear up close. A fire safety presentation will be conducted for the kids. What a fun way to spend a Sunday afternoon!

Please sign up on the kids table if your family plans to attend.

Pictures to Enjoy