VBS got off to a stampeding start on Sunday with a total of 178!!!! I think that is a wonderful boot scootin’ start to our Saddle Ridge Ranch VBS!!! Our high night was Wednesday with a total of 212!!! Our average was 193. Our mission total raised during VBS was $662.00. That is an awesome amount from our kids!!!! We had several decisions made during VBS, most coming from our 1st and 2nd grade classes. I am so proud of these kids, their teachers and their parents. What a time of rejoicing!!! I know that the results of VBS will continue to be seen for months. This is all due to YOUR hard work and diligence to see that the kids came first and were made to feel loved and comfortable and YOU showed them that God was at Crossroads Baptist and that he walked in human skin.

I want to Thank ALL of those who helped during VBS, from decorating, painting, creating, cooking, serving, baking, preparing lessons, guiding kids, recreation, safety and
transportation, crafts, nursery, registration, take down of decorations, photos, music, and every thing else I have missed!!!!!! There was a community of people who worked to make our VBS successful. Without each and every one of you, Crossroads Baptist would not be the Church that it is, and our VBS would not be the mission outreach that it is.

When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, “I used
everything you gave me”. –Erma Bombeck.

So again, from the middle of my heart! THANK YOU! You are doing your part in using your talents when helping with our kids. ~ “Train up a child in
the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6.

Kim Ridings
Minister to Children

Come join us for VBS Commencement at 10:30 am on June 20th,  Father’s Day.

Mark your calendars and get ready for a fabulous and wonderful VBS this year. The theme is Saddle Ridge Ranch. So Saddle up your horses and get ready to ride the range! VBS will be Sunday, June 13 through Thursday, June 17 , 2010 with commencement on Sunday, June 20.

S.T.A.R.S. Children’s Ministry has been very busy the last several weeks. We have implemented new programs for the Sunday Morning Worship Rally which also blends over into the Wednesday night program. It is a fun, high energy program. The kids are loving it! It also gives our Wednesday night crew a chance to get a little more in depth with the lesson and more personal with the kids. It is through Empowering Kids. There are two classes and each offer something a little different. God has been working in a wonderful and mighty way on Sunday nights already! God is so good!!!

We have two important upcoming events. On April 7, our church will again host the Toasted Marshmallow Jam. Our kids, led by Christina Moore, will put on a wonderful talent show. Look for more information to come soon. And I would like to plug VBS! Saddle Ridge Ranch ~ VBS is June 13 -17, 2010. If you have a favorite spot to teach or work, I would love to go ahead and fill your name in now. Watch the Children’s Ministry bulletin board for more information on this as well.

Our Scripture Verse is: “Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it” ( Proverbs 22:6 ). One of my favorite quotes is: “When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, I used everything You gave me”. – Erma Bombeck

Will you use your talents and gifts to help train up our children for God?!! They are the present and future of our church.

In HIS Love,
Kim Ridings

NASCAR season will be starting soon, race fans! Let’s kick it off Southern Style! There will be a Daytona 500 Party on Sunday, February 14th at Mike Colasurdo’s house. We’ll have have ping pong, foosball, corn hole games and food. This is a father/child event. If you are interested in coming or would like to help organize this event, please contact Mike Colasurdo.

We will be offering Praisebells during the Spring semester for grades 3-6. If you have a child that would like to participate, please fill out their information on the sign up sheet in the lobby, or contact Leah Pettit with the child’s name, parent’s name, parent’s email address, and parent’s telephone number.

The Children’s Christmas Musical will be on Sunday, December 6th at 10:30 am. Our Little Praisers are a talented bunch who will share the story of Christmas through drama and song. You don’t want to miss this event!

Our Fall Festival will be Saturday, October 31 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. There will be big fun and everything is FREE!!! We will have a Hot dog supper, games, prizes, balloon animals, hayride, train, and lots and lots of candy!
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Download the children’s ministry volunteer schedule for September 2009 – January 2010 here. This includes the rotations for both nurseries, preschool worship rally, STARS worship rally, and Power-Up. Thank you to all of our volunteers who serve faithfully in our children’s ministry. Please check your schedule and remember to secure a replacement if you are unable to serve at your assigned time.

Volunteer Schedule

To Crossroads Childcare Workers and Parents:

With the cold and flu season upon us, we want to take a moment to review our guidelines to help prevent the spread of germs at church.

With the threat of the swine flu, we want to be especially diligent about preventing illness. The following are things we as children’s teachers need to do each week.

Always wipe tables with Clorox wipes or Greenworks prior to serving snacks. Also, all tables should be wiped at the end of class before leaving. Use Lysol spray before leaving to spray chairs, faucet handles, and toys.

There will be hand sanitizer in your room. The hand sanitizer must be kept up high and out of reach of children. It may be used under supervision. There are confirmed reports of children getting alcohol poisoning from licking the sanitizer off their hands.

Hand washing or sanitizer must be used by everyone before eating snacks.

Always remind children to:

• Cover their nose and mouth with a tissue when they cough or sneeze—have them throw the tissue away after they use it. (using the bend of their elbow keeps their hands germ free)
• Wash their hands often with soap and water, especially after they cough or sneeze. If water is not near, use an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
• Remind them to not to touch their eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs often spread this way.

If you suspect a child has a fever, seems like they feel bad or other symptoms, please get a member of the Children’s ministry team. (Melissa Dunn, Kim Ridings, Aimee Sprinkle, Alicia Womick)

Sickness Policy

For the well being of the children and those serving in our Children’s Ministry, we ask that you do not bring your child to the nursery or classroom with the following symptoms:

• Fever, vomiting or diarrhea within the past 24 hours
• Runny nose with any colored discharge
• Sore throat or cough
• Any skin infection or unexplained rash
• Pinkeye or other eye infection

If your child is being treated with antibiotics, they should be on the drug for at least 24 hours before coming to the nursery or their class.

Thank you for all you do for our children!!!