Fireworks and Faith

For the past 18 years my family and 10,000 other people have gathered around a lake to watch fireworks in July. Getting there is an event in itself. I pack blankets, chips, licorice, drinks and an umbrella (just in case) then stuff everyone into the van. We drive 20 minutes to a street a few blocks away from our destination and always pause to congratulate ourselves on how smart we were back in ‘93 to find such a great parking spot. We cut across backyards—“Looks like they went all out with decorations this year!”—cut through the university parking lot—“Remember the time we parked here and were stuck in gridlock for an hour?”—climb up the hill—“Hard to believe we used to pull the kids in their wagon over this!”—plop down on a plot of grass and wait for darkness to fall.

This year a young family making their own memories sat near us; their 2 year old son wiggling as he waited impatiently in his stroller. We heard his sharp intake of breath as the first firecracker lit up the night sky and then listened for the next 15 minutes as he shouted “WHOA!” and “YAY!” in quick succession along with each new splash of color; adjusting to multiple bursts with “WHOA-WHOA-WHOA! YAY!” and pausing in between rounds to exclaim, “Fireworks is GREAT, Mom! Fireworks is GREAT!” each time there was a pause in action. Witnessing his joy-filled wonder reminded me why we put all the effort into getting there each year.

Sometimes we’re so busy ‘getting there’ in children’s ministry that we forget about the ‘why’ of what we do—to nurture a “YAY, GOD!” faith. As you catch your breath this July (or after VBS!) and before you pack supplies and prepare for your September ministry adventures, pause to celebrate and wonder at God’s awesome creation so you’ll be able to join in and shout, “WHOA! YAY! God is GREAT, kids! God is GREAT!”

Idea of the month: Kick off the new Kid Connection year in the fall by handing out cool memory card containers. In past years I’ve handed out little business card holders, mini photo albums, sports card protector pages and carabiner clips to encourage kids to collect monthly Kid Connection memory cards. (All of which are available at the dollar store) This I’m going to pass out pockets! Here’s how you can do it too: purchase old jeans from a thrift shop (look for pairs with lots of pockets!) and cut around each pocket with a pair of sewing scissors (keep the back on the pocket). On the first day back give each child a pocket and provide fabric paint pens so they can personalize them. (Foam shapes and stick on gems also work well!) Tuck in that month’s memory card and encourage kids to either pin their pocket to a bulletin board or tuck it under their pillow.

Got any other programming ideas you’d like to share with other Kid Connection leaders? I’d love to hear them! Email me at Editors@FaithAliveResources.org.

Happy Summer!