SNK Volunteer Update Email 8.03.26
Hello SNK Team!
It is August, and what a joy it is to continue to serve alongside you sharing the joy of being a part of God’s Kingdom together. In the August Blog for families, I shared a poem titled, “A Dear God Summer” by Wendy L. Macdonald that beautifully reminds us that God often reveals His love through the simple wonders of creation. She concluded the poem quoting Hebrews 1:12, pointing us to the truth that our God remains the same through every season.
Our God, who created the beauty around us also created each of us with care and purpose. This is reflected in this month’s memory verse (Psalm 139:14) that our preschool and elementary children will be learning.
I continue to pray that you and your own families would be reminded of His presence and the wonderful purposes He has for you. I pray He gives you strength, endurance, and rest in Him that you can continue to be shining lights to those around you. Thank you again for the ways you faithfully serve, encourage, and share God’s love with His children. May all glory and praise go to God our Father, and let’s continue to keep the families we serve in our prayers as we all transition out of the summer season and into what God has next.
Please read on for important reminders. 😊
Important Updates &Reminders:
1. Family Ministry has volunteer needs across all age levels. If you feel God may be leading you to serve an additional Sunday, or if you know someone who has a heart for investing in the next generation, we would love to hear from you! This includes SUN ministry (Stillmeadow Unique Needs). Having enough caring adults in each classroom helps us provide a safe, loving environment where every child can experience the love of Jesus, build meaningful faith-based relationships, and grow in their faith. Thank you for prayerfully considering how you can be part of what God is doing in the lives of His children! (stillnaz.com/serve)
2. Also, please take a moment to click “accept” or “decline” on your Planning Center invites, and be sure to put in your Block-out dates. This helps us know what areas are filled and need filled for each Sunday. (Thank you!)
3. Please remember to check tags before allowing children to leave with an adult.
4. As we shepherd these precious children our God has entrusted to us, let's remember to pray with them before dismissing small groups to Kid-Connect time. One simple phrase I often use when leading small groups is, "We're going to pray, then play," and you're welcome to use it as well. You're encouraged to begin your small group time with prayer too. When we intentionally begin and end our time with God, we remind our children that He is at the center of everything we do. These simple moments of prayer help cultivate hearts that look to Jesus, create space for the Holy Spirit to work, and model a life of faith for Christ's young disciples in training. Let us live out our faith that God can use prayer to encourage, comfort, and shape a child's walk with Him.
Please keep reading for details on events and Sunday morning lesson topics coming up! 😊
Mark Your Calendars! SNK Special Events:
· Final Preschool Preview Sunday – 8/2
o To help make the transition to Elementary Kids Ministry feel more comfortable and familiar, we provided a few "Kindergarten Preview" Sundays before Move-Up Sunday (August 9). During the 9:00 a.m. service time on the following dates, our soon-to-be kindergarteners will walk with Trudy Gunnet to the Elementary Worship Space for worship and/or the opening activity before returning back to their preschool class.
· 5th Grade Graduation - 8/9
o Current 5th graders (moving up to 6th grade) will be dropped off at the Elementary worship space for one last time. They will be celebrated and prayed over during the 9:00am service. Then, during the 10:30am service, Nikki Stocker (Middle School/Bridge Director) will transition them to Youth Group.
· Move Up Sunday - 8/9
o Upcoming Kindergarteners will be dropped off at Preschool for one last time during both the 9:00am and 10:30am service times. Trudy Gunnet (Preschool Director) will move them into the Elementary worship space during service times after they celebrate with and say good-bye to their preschool leaders and friends. Parents will pick up their upcoming Kindergarteners from Elementary after the service.
o All children should have the grade they will begin this Fall on their check-in tags starting 8/9.
· Back to School Sunday and Kindergarten Event - 8/9
o Kindergarten Event – This milestone event provides parents of upcoming kindergarteners a time to feel supported and ask any spiritual or general questions about kindergarten. Parents and their children are provided a picnic lunch and casual conversation follows while the kids play. We gather back together again for popsicles and prayer to close the event.
o Back to School Sunday/Backpack Blessing: Children returning or beginning school are encouraged to bring their backpacks for a special back-to-school prayer blessing.
You’re invited to Sign-up for these Stillmeadow Church-wide Opportunities:
· Recreation Night – 8/8
o Join us from 4:00-8:00pm for an evening of family fun, fellowship, and friendly competition for all ages! We’ll have softball or wiffle ball/ yard games at the softball field.
o A potluck meal will be shared so please sign up to bring a dish and a chair!
o Sign up here: www.stillnaz.com/rec
· Welcome Bash! – 8/30
o This is our all church gathering, which includes baptisms. Sign-up for the baptism class that will be held 8/23 at 9am here: Baptism Class Sign-up
o The children are invited to join at the front during worship to sing one of our Kidz Ministry worship songs that we have been singing Sunday mornings. Here is a link to access a video and practice at home! Volunteers to help with the children during this time would be greatly appreciated! Reach out to Pastor Tara if you can help.
· Family Night – 9/8
o Family Night is returning with Bloom (children’s ministry), Ignite (Youth Ministry), YAM (Young Adult Ministry), ManCave (Men’s Ministry), Every Believer Confident (Women’s Ministry), Financial Peace University, and Alpha (for non or new believers)!
o Check it out at stillnaz.com/familynight
Sunday Morning Lesson Topics:
Preschool:
· Memory Verse – “How you made me is amazing and wonderful.” (Psalm 139:14 NirV)
· Key Question – Who made you wonderful?
· Bottom Line – God made me wonderful.
Week 1: Bible Story: God Made Everything. God Made Me. • Genesis 1:1-31; Psalm 104
Week 2: Bible Story: Wonderfully Me • Genesis 1:27; Psalm 139:13-14
Week 3: Bible Story: God Made Me in His Image • Genesis 1:26-27; Exodus 34:6-7
Week 4: Bible Story: God Knows Everything A
Elementary:
· Memory Verse – “How you made me is amazing and wonderful. I praise you for that. What you have done is wonderful. I know that very well.” (Psalm 139:14 NIrV)
· Weekly Lessons –
o Week 1: (August 2)
Lesson: Image of God.
Scripture: Genesis 1:26-30, Colossians 1:15
Bottom Line: I am made in the image of God.
o Week 2: (August 9)
Lesson: Created for a Purpose.
Scripture: Ephesians 2:10, 1 Timothy 4:12
Bottom Line: God made me for a purpose.
o Week 3: (August 16)
Lesson: In All Things God Works for Good.
Scripture: Romans 8:28-29
Bottom Line: God can use all things
o Week 4: (August 23)
Lesson: Woman at the Well.
Scripture: John 4
Bottom Line: Jesus values everyone
o Week 5: (August 30)
Welcome Bash! – (no Kidz Ministry)
It is such a joy to serve alongside you in ministry! May you remember that the same God who created the wonders of summer also created each of you wonderfully, walks with you through every season, and equips you to share Jesus’ love with those around you. You are great!
With Joy & Appreciation,
Pastor Tara and the SNK Leadership Team