For through wisdoma your days will be many, and years will be added to your life. Proverbs 9:11 NIV
On my birthday, I count my blessings for what I have today before I lose it, and what I had yesterday.
Birthdays are very important in this regard, that is the most lucky thing that happened to you. Because you did not put in any effort in your own birth and you get to enjoy your life just because of that occasion. Hence even though one does not need to celebrate birthdays, one should celebrate them in the way one like (not necessarily party) and think of it as a yearly milestone in life to take a breath, look back and also look forward. Have happy birthdays !! (Mandeep Gupta)
Since August is birthday month at my house, including mine own, I thought it might be fun to reflect and give some ideas how to celebrate the birthdays of the people in our lives.
Every child/person likes to feel special. Birthdays are great times to recognize them.
Birthdays!
Every child likes to be the center of attention once in a while. Birthdays are a great way to do this without anyone else feeling left out. Keep a list of each child’s Birthday. On the closest Sabbath, have a small celebration. Sing Happy Birthday songs etc. Also a good idea is to either buy a card, or make one in class that everyone can sign. Let the Birthday child bring the card home with them as a keepsake.
Birthday Prayer Board
Put up a wall calendar and ask the young people and leaders to write their names beside their date of birth. Include other members from the church if you wish and any significant dates from the church and youth group calendar. Each week use this visual prompt to stimulate small group prayer for individuals and activities.
Make a Class Birthday Book
Give each child a piece of paper and have them draw a picture for the birthday child. The students will write a birthday greeting on the bottom of the page. Collect all of the pictures and staple them together to make a big class book. Present the book for the special student to keep. This makes a great activity for kids to work on first thing in the morning as an arrival time activity.
Pick a Treat from the Birthday Box
The “birthday box” is a large box with a lid wrapped in colorful birthday wrapping paper. Put a big bow on the lid. Fill the “birthday box” with small toys. Restaurant toys from children’s meals are great, as well as dollar store items, or donated items from parents. Whenever there is a birthday in the classroom, bring out the box, open the lid, and allow the birthday student to pick a toy.
Calendar Updates:
September 2-5 Family Camp @ Camp Kulaqua Check the Camp Kulaqua website out for details and Plan to be at this event. You will glad you did!
September 24 Go Fish @ South Point, Jacksonville
September 30-Oct2 Adventurer Camp Out @ Camp Kulaqua
October 15 Creative Ministry Workshop Cooper City SDA Church
October 21-23 Couples Retreat @ Camp Kulaqua
November 5 Creative Ministry Workshop @ North Miami SDA Church
November 18-20 Blaze @ Lake Yale Baptist Convention Center
Last weekend we were at Forest Lake SDA Church and presented the ”Creative Ministry Leadership Basic Certification”. It was great to see the enthusiasm and energy of the leaders/teachers that volunteer weekly to minister to the young people of our churches and communities. Many who came drove a long way and had to put up with mishaps on the highway, but where ever everyone came from we were richly blessed.
The team will be meeting this next week to make plans for 2017. We will be planning to do another leadership event. The new calendar will be posted and I will get the information to you.
This hump day and the weekend is coming. Looking forward to resting and enjoying a time to focus on things above….Our Heavenly Father.
Prayers are coming your way for you and your ministry.
Until next week!