Cool River's Newest Addition

JETT ZION BROWN

Born: April 10, 2007

7 lbs. at 8:00 am

To the parents of Nathan and Leslie Brown

The proud big brothers are Jaeden and Jasper Brown

Congratulations!

Kids in Service April 29

Don't forget! Kid's will be worshiping in the service with their parents on Sunday. Make sure to stop by the children's table to pick up a "goodie bag" full of things to keep their hands busy and ears wide open. Any child who completes the listening activity during the sermon gets a prize!

THANK YOU "Cowboy Jeremy!"

Jeremy Greibel was given his new nickname today while speaking to the school age children about his rodeo days. From everything that I heard, he was a big hit. Thanks, Jeremy, for taking your time to share with our kids about God's love and the armor of God. Also, thanks to all of the adults who helped by taking pictures and making crafts with the kids.

Amy

Skate City Family Event

Don't Forget!

On Saturday morning, April 21, from 10am - 12. . .Let's Skate!!! This is an event for parents and kids of preschoolers through 6th grade. We are planning to meet at Skate City in Westminster for a morning of slips and slides. . .and maybe a bit of actual roller skating. You haven't been on those 8 tiny wheels since you were a kid? Now is a great time to bring back memories of the past and share some fun time with your kiddos.

Kids cost is $4.50 each and parents skate for free. $1.50 skate rentals.

Skate City website and directions

Please email Amy if you plan to attend - amycolon@coolriverchurch.com

11 Helpful Tips for Teachers

Life is full and you’re a busy person! You already know that leading children is a 24/7 endeavor. Here are a few tips and treasures for you to ponder as you go that will help you become more effective as you lead children to love Jesus.

It’s all about RELATIONSHIPS.

Kids don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. Make it your goal to get to know each child you lead on a personal level. What makes her laugh? What makes him angry? Does she live with both parents? Does he enjoy school?

SHOW your face.
Plan to attend a ball game, dance recital, or musical performance. Or, just drop by their homes for a quick hello. You will learn volumes about the children you teach when you see them interacting with family and “playing on their own turf.” A child will never forget the teacher that cared enough to make time to visit her at home or attend something that is important to her.

The early bird really DOES get the worm.
Begin your preparation for next Sunday’s hour with your kids this Sunday afternoon. Look ahead and know next Sunday’s Scripture passage and life application. Study that passage every day during the week, and ask God to grow you before you present it to the children. God has wonderful things to show you as you get ready to teach. Don’t short change yourself by waiting until Saturday night to prepare!

PRAY.
Grab a calendar and assign a day to pray for each child you teach. Pray for that child by name and for specific needs. Let your kids know you pray for them throughout the week. Pray for each child as if you were the only one lifting her name to Jesus. After all, you just might be.

PLAY.
Get together with fellow children’s leaders and play the games in your leader guide. You’ll benefit in the following ways: you’ll be reminded of what it feels like to participate in games with your peers when perhaps you feel awkward, you’ll get in touch with the kid in you as you learn to have some fun, and you’ll know what you need to change in order to make the game work for your particular group of kids.

KNOW the Levels of Biblical Learning for your kids.
Get your hands on a “Levels of Biblical Learning” chart as well as a “Levels of Bible Skills” chart. Locate the age group you teach and make yourself familiar with this treasure trove of helpful guidelines. Plan to meet the kids where they are as you lead them in a better understanding of God’s Word.

IMPACT.
Kids want to know how the Bible will help them TODAY as they deal with life’s difficulties TODAY and as they make decisions TODAY. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you a gentle boldness that will challenge the children to use what they learn in Sunday School TODAY. The holy Scriptures are relevant, and you must help your kids take what they learn and use it in everyday living.

Don’t lose TOUCH.
Whether you have children in your home or your kids are grown, you need to keep in touch with what is going on in the lives of kids in real time. Watch the programs kids are watching, listen to the music kids are listening to, and read what they are reading. Keep your eyes and ears open to the things that influence young people. It will help you understand them better as well as give you urgency as you pray for and lead them. The average child spends 37 hours per week taking in mass media. You need to stay a step ahead and be informed! (Transforming Children into Spiritual Champions, by George Barna, Gospel Light publishing, page 23.)

Get OUTSIDE the walls.
Find out what your kids have an interest in and plan an outing together. Nothing heavy, no devotional thought, no deep Bible study—just pure fun. Be careful to resist the temptation to plan activities that appeal to you instead of asking kids what they enjoy. Listening to what your kids want sends the message that you care about them. When you get together to go bowling or to play a game of ball, you’ll get to know your kids on a whole new level.

Remember, YOU are a picture of Jesus to your kids.
You may be the only picture of Jesus in their lives. You just might be a hero to the child who sits quietly and listens each week but goes home to turmoil. Ask God to give you the wisdom, strength, words, and ways that show the kids in your life that He loves them in a beautiful and unconditional way.

LASTLY, take a load off.
You are not a perfect soul living in a perfect world. You will have weeks that are more hectic than others; you have concerns that sometimes weigh you down. Take one day at a time, giving your concerns to the Great Healer and asking Him to use you today to bless those around you. Live each day with the goal of pleasing Jesus in action and attitude, and it will spill over into your teaching. You will have a part in showing the children that what matters most each day is that we live to please the Savior.

As leaders in children’s ministries, we have been given an awesome opportunity to change our world one child at a time. Give your area of ministry back to God and ask for His divine guidance as you build relationships with children that impact eternity.

Preschool Helpers Needed!!!!

As many of you know, Madison will be graduating high school this year. Her last Sunday with our kids will be May 27. She is going to be hugely missed.

In losing Madison, there are going to be quite a few empty volunteer spots in our preschool ministry. SO. . .would you consider volunteering as a helper one Sunday/month. There is no preparation needed. All you have to do is love on kids and get your hands dirty with Play Doh every once in a while.

We will fill these spots with a beginning 7 month commitment - that's only 7 Sunday's for the rest of this year.

Please let myself or Sharon Grumm know if you are interested in serving.

Thanks!
Amy

FAMILY SERVICE PROJECT INFO

In preparation for our summer Venture Vietnam trip, Cool River Kids and their families are making fleece tied baby blankets for the medical clinic in one of the villages where we work. We will be selling packets of everything you will need to make one blanket (material, scissors and instructions) on Sunday, May 20. Sign up soon to reserve one for your family. What a great way to teach our kids about loving and serving others! You might even consider encouraging your child to purchase one with their own $.

The Cost:
1st blanket = $8 (includes scissors and instructions)
Additional blankets = $6

All blankets must be returned to church by Sunday, June 3.

Below are pictures from the Clinic. . .

Check out what's coming the 4th Sunday in April!!!

My name is Jeremy Griebel. I grew up in Bailey, CO and am the oldest of four kids. My wife, Victoria, whom I’ve been married to for almost three years, is originally from Butte, NE. We met at Chadron State College in Nebraska where we attended college. I competed on the college rodeo team in the bareback and bull riding events. Rodeo was a big part of my life, as I competed for about 10 years. Though I no longer compete, we remain active in Rodeo Bible Camps during the summers where I instruct the Bull Riding for middle school and high school aged kids.

God has always been a huge part of my life, as I was blessed to have been raised in a Christian family. It was this Faith and God’s Grace that helped our family though the death of my father days before Victoria and I were married.

Currently I am employed as a Territory Representative for Layton Truck Equipment. In my free time I enjoy spending time with Victoria and our dog Allie.

I will be speaking on God’s Armor, which is found in Ephesians and relating this to the physical armor I used while competing in the bull riding. The same armor we can all put on every day to protect us from the evil one. Rodeo equipment I used to compete with and a video of rides and wrecks will be used as part of the message.

Jeremy, Joshua 1:9

Remember:
"It's not your ability that God wants, it's your availability"
Website: www.geocities.com/jeremygriebel/home.html

FYI . . .Due to scheduling conflicts with Jeremy, he will be with the kids on the 4th Sunday in April instead of the 5th. Parents will worship with their kids on the 5th Sunday of April.

What's Coming Up

APRIL

April 3 - Preschool Easter Party
10:00 - 11:30
April 7 - Rock Creek HOA Spring Fling
April 8 - Happy Easter-kids in class as usual
April 10 - Preschool Playgroup at Community Park
April 21 - Skate City Family Event
April 22 - 4th Sunday (school age kids in gym with Jeremy Griebel)
April 29 - School age kids and parents worship together

MAY

May 1 - Preschool Playgroup at Community Park 10-11:30
(Ongoing on Tuesday's)
May 6 - Heritage Building Small Group 6:30-8:00
(Ongoing on Sunday's through May)
May 6 - Kids Kamp Deposit Due (3rd-6th grade)
May 19 - Superior Days
May 20 - Venture Vietnam Blanket Sales Begin-Family Service Project
May 27 - 4th Sunday-school age kids and parents worship together
May 27 - Brown Bag Lunch at Superior Firehouse 12:00-Family Event

KIDS KAMP

Cool River Kids are going to camp!!!!!



If you will be entering 3rd-6th grades next fall, this camp is for you! More information is on the way. But for now, mark your calendars for June 25-28! We will be going to Larkspur (near CO Springs) for 3 nights and 4 days of fun - Bible study, climbing wall, inflatable games, talent show, crafts, hayrides. . .

Cost $125
Includes: lodging at Ponderosa encampment, meals, crafts, challenge course and t-shirt

To secure a spot we need your registration and deposit ($50) by May 6

Also needed. . .CHAPERONES!! So if you are interested in hanging out with kiddos for a few days this summer, please let me know.

Website

Amy

4th Sunday Reminder

Because the kids were in the service for Baptism and Communion on the first week of March, we will be having classes as usual next Sunday. Usually the 4th Sunday at Cool River is a time for parents and kids to worship together, but next month we will resume on the 5th Sunday in April (29nd). Thanks to all the parents and teachers for your flexibility!

Amy

Preschool Easter Party

Let's Hunt Eggs, Decorate Cookies
and Hear the Story of Jesus!!!

Tuesday, April 3
10:00am - 11:30am
Sharon and Scott Grumm's house
3744 Gypsum Ct., Superior

Each child needs to bring 6 filled Easter eggs to share

For more information call Sharon at 303-494-1231

Congratulations Waisner Family!

Kai Jacob Waisner
Born: 9:01 pm Sunday, March 11th
6.5 pounds
20.5 inches

Both mom, dad, and baby are doing well! Izma will be at the hospital until Tuesday morning, and then will be at home. What an wonderful early blessing!

5th and 6th Grade Class Officially Begins!

Starting this Sunday (11th) we will officially begin a Sunday morning class for 5th and 6th graders. They will be meeting in the small gym and will be on the same schedule as the school age kids - class on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd weeks of the month and in the service worshiping with parents on the 4th week. We are very excited that God has provided us with volunteers who are willing to teach this age group. Thanks so much to Jen, Ben Hammond, Michelle Batey and TJ Loeffler. I hope you guys love it!

Amy

Congratulations Amanda, Emma and Dylan!!!

Also, Congratulation to our children's volunteers - Sharon and Stephanie! It was a great day of baptism and communion.

Family Event Coming in April. . .Mark Your Calendars Now!

With Spring Break just around the corner, we know that your calendar is probably filling up fast. So here is a little bit of early news for you organizer type moms and dads.

On Saturday morning, April 21, from 10am - 12. . .Let's Skate!!!

This is an event for parents and kids of preschoolers through 6th grade. We are planning to meet at Skate City in Westminster for a morning of slips and slides. . .and maybe a bit of actual roller skating. You haven't been on those 8 tiny wheels since you were a kid? Now is a great time to bring back memories of the past and share some fun time with your kiddos.

Kids cost is $4.50 each and parents skate for free. $1.50 skate rentals. Sign up at the children's connection table starting in April.

Skate City website and directions

Bring Items March 11

Last week David Slone from MAD (Making a Difference) Ministry spoke to our kids about a ministry to orphans that he is part of in Brazil. The kids heard about various needs that these children have and how they could help to share God’s love to other children their same age. Donating basic items such as combs, toothbrushes, toothpaste and pencils – something that seems so minor to us – is a huge blessing to these children. So. . .next Sunday (11th) we will have a box at the children’s check-in table for collecting some of these items to be taken to Brazil. If you would like for your child to participate, we encourage you to make this a “teachable moment” and get them involved by using their own money to purchase the items or at least by going shopping with you to pick out the items on their own. Next Sunday is the only week that we will be collecting.

Spring Forward

Teachers, Volunteers and Parents. . .
On MARCH 1o don't forget to set your clocks forward before going to bed!!! We don't want to miss you Sunday morning.

Baptism Sunday

Because of baptism that will be happening on March 4th, all of the school age kids will be in the service with their parents. We have 3 children that are being baptized. What a great time to celebrate together as families! What a great teaching and discipling moment!

Before the service we will be providing the kids with a box of goodies to keep them entertained, though we encourage parents to be actively involved in leading their children through the steps of worship and baptism. We will also be giving parents some resources to take home and share with their kids concerning the meaning of baptism and what they just experienced in the service on that day.

So come Sunday and celebrate with us!

Amy

Preschool Playgroup

Do you have a child ages newborn through preschool? This may just be the perfect connection spot for you!

Cool River kids and ladies meet almost every Tuesday from 9:30 to 11:00. You are invited to drop by anytime. Each week they are at the Orlando's or the Grumm's house in Superior and sometimes at the park when weather permits. And you don't have to be a regular Cool River attender to join! Everyone is welcome.

Call Stephanie Orlando at 303-499-1000 for directions or if you have any questions.

Helping Hands Needed

Yep, we've got needs. . .but these are such terrific needs to have! It means we are growing. It means that more and more kids are hearing about Jesus. It means that God is entrusting us with his children. . .

As Cool River Kids ministry is growing, we are in need of some extra helping hands. It is hugely because of our faithful volunteers that Cool River is such a great community. You guys do it all! You sweep and get coffee and teach and sing and load the trailor over and over again. We are so grateful! And as we continue to move forward, there are always going to be more jobs to fill. So here is the latest list. Please, if you are not already serving or if you think that God may be wanting you to explore new territory, take a look at this list and see if there is anywhere that might seem like a fit for you.

If you would like to explore the possibility of serving in any of these areas please contact Amy at amycolon@coolriverchurch.com


School Age
1 3rd and 4th grade teacher willing to teach once/month
1 5th and 6th grade teacher willing to teach once/month

Preschool
2-4 preschool teachers willing to teach 2 year olds once/month starting in June

Nursery
3 nursery workers willing to love on babies once/month

Substitutes
willing to step in once/month if needed

Children's set-up
4 people willing to come in once/month and set up the classroom areas before church

Special Guest Speaker for Kids

Sunday, February 25, is the 4th Sunday of the month. Normally on this week we have the school age kids in the service with their parents, but this week we have a special guest speaker. His name is David Slone and he is the founder of MAD(Making a Difference). (www.madministry.org) David will be sharing with the kids about serving "the least of these" as he talks about his ministry to orphans in Brazil. David tells his stories while making balloon animals and doing other creative activities with the kids in the gym. It should be a really fun day. The 3 and 4 year olds will also be in the gym for a portion of the activities.

During David's presentation he will be telling the children of different ways that they can share God's love with the orphan children in Brazil. Each child will be given a list of items that David takes with him when he travels and hands out to the children that he meets. (ie. toothebrushes, soap, etc.) If your family would like to participate in collecting some of these items, we will have a box at church the following 2 Sunday's to gather anything that you would like to donate. We are hoping that this is going to be a good step in opening our kids eyes to the world around us and how God calls us to love and serve and take care of others. Because Cool River focuses on serving globally in Vietnam, we will soon be gearing up towards getting families involved in being a part of the preparation for our summer Venture Vietnam trip.

School Age Volunteer Meeting

We will be having a meeting on Sunday, February 25th, immediately following the morning service. This meeting will be brief, lasting at the most 20 minutes. We will be going over various things and taking suggestions on how I can help all of you with your task of teaching our young ones about the Lord. It is important that all of you are there for this meeting, just to make sure we are all on the same page when it comes to the school age children. Please let me know if you cannot make it for some reason. There is no Sunday School on this Sunday, but there is a special guest for the kids.

Izma
School Age Coordinator

Way to Go Families!

It was really fun to see the kids in the worship service with mom and dad this morning. And kids, you did a terrific job listening. Do you know that according to Amanda Brookover, Kevin said the word "God" about 60 times! God must be a pretty important guy if he is talked about that much. Thanks to everyone for a fun family day!

On another note, as February begins I would like to welcome Jamie Loeffler to the preschool ministry. Jamie has been faithfully serving in the nursery for quite a while. Now she plans to make a move to teaching on the third Sunday of each month with the 2-4 year olds. Thanks so much, Jamie! We appreciate your willingness and desire to teach our little ones.

With Jamie moving up, this will leave a volunteer position open in the nursery for the third Sunday. If anyone is interested in loving on babies for an hour each month, please let me know. We can plug you right in! And o yeah, that goes the same for 3rd grade. We are also in need of an adult who is willing to share God with those fun and wacky 8-9 year olds. Interested? Let me know.

I hope you all have a terrific start to February! See you again Sunday.

Amy

4th Sunday

The 4th Sunday in January is next week (the 28th) and school age kids will be attending the service with their parents. I'm really excited about this! At Cool River we really want parents to engage spiritually with their kids. We believe in the importance of parents and other adults modeling an attitude of worship and community to our kids. We believe that there is a lot to be learned by a child having the opportunity to attend the corporate worship service. And even though an hour on a Sunday morning is only a small step towards mentoring and discipling our kids, we want to make it a priority all the same. We hope that this becomes a great experience for all families.

On Sunday morning please know that we are asking all parents to sit with their children in the service. All school age kids will be given a box filled with activities to keep their hands busy. They will also be given a piece of paper with an activity that parents can assist them with throughout the service if they want. This activity will encourage listening skills as Kevin speaks. After the service, families can take this paper to Amy and the kids will receive a reward for a job well done.

All nursery and preschool ministries will continue as always.

I hope you all have a terrific week! Can't wait to see you again on Sunday!
Amy

Service Opportunities

I am in the process of compiling a list of service opportunities for children of all ages and their parents that can be done in our area. They can range from visiting the nursing home to shoveling snow or picking up trash. Does anyone out there have any specific ideas of opportunities in Superior or surrounding areas? Please comment.



Thanks!
Amy

Feedback Requested

We would love for you to leave comments letting us know if the new Cool River Kids Blog and Parent Resources Blog are beneficial to you. What do you think? Will you be watching them regularly? Are the resources helpful? Thoughts? Ideas? The comment section is ready for your input.

Nice Job!

WAY TO GO Cool River Kids Volunteers! The first Sunday of the new year went terrific. Thanks to everyone for being prepared and for working together. An especially big thanks goes out to our new coordinators. There is no way we could pull this off without you! And kids, you did terrific with the new changes prior to class. Welcome to Chase and Claire! They promoted into the school age group this week.

2007 is officially off and running. Can't wait for more!

Amy

Happy New Year Cool River Parents!

As many of you already know by now, I will be serving as the interim children’s pastor until we are able to find the permanent person that God has in store for our church. I am very excited about this opportunity. As we begin 2007 as a community of faith, it seems as if many new and exciting things may be in store. For me and my family, we are setting out on a new journey as I will be doing this job. I want you to know that there is no group of people that I would rather serve alongside than you and your kids. It’s going to be a fun ride for all of us.

I will remain in contact with each of you as the year progresses and keep you updated on any new things happening with the children’s ministry. You will probably see very few changes as far as structure and regular activities as the next few months move along. My focus will continue to be on leading our coordinators and seeking to supply you as parents with tools to teach and be pastors to your own kids. I can’t wait to see where God takes us.

It has always been Cool Rivers’ dream to see parents truly investing in the spiritual lives of their kids. I want to do everything that I can to help you in that journey. One way that you will see that value taking shape is on the 4^th Sunday of every month. Every 4^th Sunday this year our school age children will be in the service with you. Now I know that some of you might want to run screaming at the thought of this, but have no fear. It is going to be a terrific time to worship together and a great opportunity to teach our kids the value of being together as a family in church. I will always provide you with activities on that morning to help entertain and engage you children in the service. So breathe easily. It is going to be fun!

One new thing that I am going to begin is a Cool River Kids Blog and Parent Resources Blog. On these blogs you will find all the up-do-date information on activities, resources, weekly happenings and a lot of other “cool” stuff. Bookmark these sites, watch them regularly and don’t forget to leave your comments! www.coolriverkids.blogspot.com, www.crparentresources.blogspot.com

Angela did a phenomenal job of putting in place coordinators for each area of our children’s ministry. These people will be vital to the success of our ministry and I would appreciate it a ton if you would rally around them to encourage and help them along the way this year.

School Age Coordinator – Izma Waisner
Preschool Coordinator – Sharon Grumm
Nursery Coordinator – Jenna Girton
Connections Coordinator – Stephanie Orlando

At Cool River we love you and your kids. Our greatest desire is to see your kids come to know and love the Lord in a real and exciting way. We are going to do our best to serve and minister to you and your family. I can’t wait to journey this road with you!

Sincerely,

Amy Colón