Movin' On Up

It's that time of year when we begin to make preparations for the preschoolers to graduate to Building 2-52, the 5th graders to promote to Oasis Student Ministries and the high school seniors from the Oasis gang to graduate to the College and Career class.

I wanted to do something more intentional to prepare the 5th graders for the huge jump to youth group. It's an even tougher transition for parents to witness as they see their babies entering the realm of a teenager. So to ease the nerves of all involved, we have two "bridge" events for our 5th graders. For our first event last Saturday, we invited them to a cookout and fishing day at our house with our amazing youth pastors, Brian and Corey Moffitt and our intern, Garrett Quinn, along to build relationships and have some fun. Only four of our kids could make it but we hope to get the rest of the crew together again in May, right before our promotion ceremony, so they really feel prepared to join Oasis.

It's a tough transition for me personally because I get so attached to these kids. But I'm very excited for them as they have new opportunities to grow in their relationship with Jesus and discover even more ways to be used by God. Many of these kids will join Fine Arts and find their talents and callings that God has gifted them with.

Mini Mission's Trip

Union City First Assembly of God is a very mission's minded church. We believe in extravagant giving towards winning the lost on home soil and abroad. We also believe that we are called to "Know Christ and Show Christ" especially to our community. With that said, our Oasis Student Ministries have two mission's trips planned for this summer. They are going to Jamaica to work with AG missionaries Gary and Peggy Pyatt and are going to North Carolina to work on a Habitat for Humanity site.

I began to pray about ways our Building 2-52 kids could do more for missions. All of our Sunday morning offerings go towards BGMC (Boys and Girls Missionary Challenge) which funnels money to AG missions all around the world but I wanted something they could do "hands on" that would spark the joy of giving to someone who is hurting and to show they have a mission's field right in front of them. The Lord inspired me with a "Mini Missions Trip."

I called the local hospital and talked with their public relations person. I asked about the possibility of bringing a group of kids to the hospital and present them with some items that they could use for the sick and newborn children they care for. She was beyond thrilled at the prospect and we set a date. I asked what would bless them the most. She said the go through tons of coloring books and crayons. I asked about infant needs and suggested baby blankets for families who may not have a lot of means to provide something new. So after our conversation, I compiled a list of items to work towards.

The kids worked hard to bring extra offerings towards the project and when some of the adults got wind of what we were doing, they jumped on board with some extra items. One lady in our church purchased 20 hard back books called "Sleep Sound in Jesus" for newborn families. She also purchased blankets and sleepers. One other gal told her workmates about our project and they bought coloring books, crayons, CD's of fun kids music and some baby blankets. These are people who don't even attend our church but loved the idea and wanted to help. So cool!

A couple of our Kid's Council girls went shopping with me and we finished the list. We packed it all in pretty gift bags and were ready to show some love to some hurting kids and needy families!

We loaded up the school bus and we met Kara from the hospital in the main lobby and made our presentation. She was so excited to see all of us and couldn't believe we brought over 30 kids and adults along for the event. She told the kids how much it was going to mean to the other kids who would receive their gifts. I think it was an awesome experience for them to see and hear how their hard work was going to show the love of Christ to some other kids just like them. Many of our kids come from needy families themselves and are frequently on the receiving end of our generous church so it was good for them to experience the other side and have the joy of giving. Acts 20:35 remembers Jesus' words, "it is more blessed to give than to receive."

We will be looking for more opportunities to be "the hands and feet of Jesus" in our community and for ways that kids can reach other kids for Jesus. I'm so proud of my kids but mostly I praise God for His idea and allowing us to be a blessing to others and for the generousity of so many people.

Meet the Team

Full Name: Teresa Kay Breeden

Ministry Area or Position: Bus Pastor, discipleship teacher, nursery team, nursing home visitation, Wednesday night worship team (when does this woman sleep?)

Family Members: Husband Mark, daughters Madison, Elizabeth, and LillyFavorite Food: Chinese, especially Chong's in Paducah, and Maryland style crab cakes

Favorite Bible story or verse: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Phil. 4:13

Favorite TV show or Movie: TV show - "Little House on the Prairie" reruns and "John and Kate Plus Eight" until the resent divorce :( Movie - "It's a Wonderful Life", "Gone With the Wind" and tear jerker "My Sister's Keeper"

Favorite Music: Contemporary Christian esp. Steven Curtis Chapman, Nichole Nordeman and Mark's originals are some of my favs.

Something special the Lord has done in my life: God has blessed me with a wonderful family. My only dream growing up was to have a family with children of my own. My husband and children are awesome and I am so thankful for them.

What's my talent?: I'm good at accounting and I love my job. That's another blessing to count! I believe my best area of ministry is just helps in general and working with kids is my fav.

Conference

Phil Vischer...the creator of Veggie Tales!

The Donut Man - Rob Evans

Mary Rice Hopkins

I recently went to a conference called Clarity that was in St. Louis. What a great week of being inspired by other children's pastor and leaders, finding new resources and hearing some awesome messages. I had the opportunity to speak with Phil Vischer....Mr. Veggie Tales himself....who has a new video series called "What's in the Bible?", to chat with an Eilers' fam fav, The Donut Man and see another children's ministry hero, Mary Rice Hopkins. Plus oh so much more. I sure appreciate being a part of a church that understands the need for pastors to attend conferences that focus on your ministry area. There is just something about being with people from "your tribe" that energizes and inspires you to keep going and to do better than you ever have before.

Basketball Games

I love to attend my kids' events. It's just so fun to see them in an environment other than church. It reveals a side of them I sometimes don't get to see. I enjoy being able to connect with their families, too, and just share life together.

Soooo Behind in News!

Wow, I am gonna try to catch up with everything that has happened the last three weeks! Our Family Game Night was AWESOME! Had about 30 people come and we were there until 10 PM! It's such a great opportunity to just hang out and spend some time with your family and chat with friends that you may not get to connect with as often as you'd like to.