School has been in session since late August. School staff, teachers and children are settling into their schedules. Now Peninsula Good News Clubs are counting down to their start dates in late Sept/early Oct.
However, preparation for GNCs began in earnest on Saturday, August 12th when CEF Peninsula held our annual GNC KICKOFF for 2023. A necessary part of Kickoff is to give team leaders information they need to make decisions about their particular club/school:
- Which Bible Lesson Series and Seasonal Party Clubs are available for ministry year 2023-2024
- Where/when fall GNC training sessions will be held for different areas of the Peninsula
- What new resources are available from CEF has developed for children’s ministry
Milton Gatling likened our Kickoff to the pep rally before the big game – meant to encourage the team to do their best, and we did encourage one another. However, the big difference between this event and a sports rally is our recognizing that the “muscle” behind each GNC team is our Triune God. This year’s Kickoff was a special time with 30 volunteers joining in worship and prayer.
- We opened lifting our voices to sing songs of praise to the Lord. Ross Whitlock challenged us as we sang together a song of dedication entitled, “Have I Done My Best?”
- Milton gave a devotional from Hebrews 6:19a – our hope in Jesus is a firm anchor for our soul. He concluded with the reminder that we can do nothing apart from the Holy Spirit’s power.
- Carol Smith had us break into small groups with people we didn’t know to share prayer requests about our GNC, our school, other concerns. Listening to the murmur of prayer around the room was a highlight of our time together.
- Korey Kelly and Tom Boor led prayers of consecration for our volunteers and for our leaders Kevin and Judy Mooers who will be moving to Colorado in the new year.
There were potential new volunteers that came to Kickoff to see what Good News Clubs are all about. Each one reported to the leader who invited them that they are ready to join the team to reach children with the message of Jesus Christ. Praise our Triune God for His work in our hearts and the hearts of children this year!
