Hello, dear SNK siblings & fellow ministers in Christ!
I read a devotional this week where the author wrote:
“The atmosphere in the spaces you lead will almost always mirror the atmosphere inside you.”
Let's pause and ponder this a bit:
“The atmosphere in the spaces you lead will almost always mirror the atmosphere inside you.”
I really appreciate the intentionality behind these words because they remind us that ministry is about more than what we do or the activities; it's also about what we bring into the spaces where God has called us to serve.
Whether you are a host, storyteller, small group leader, prepping materials, greeting, or rocking sweet babies to sleep, you are a leader. You are minister of Christ Jesus. You are a part of the Body. You have influence. How you welcome a child, respond to a question, offer encouragement, or show up with a willing heart can make a lasting impression on the children and families around you. (And also on one another!) Perhaps think about a time someone had a positive and lasting impression on you growing up. What was it about them that was so impactful for you?
That leads to my next thought worth considering: What atmosphere are we cultivating in the spaces God has entrusted to us? What are the people around us experiencing through our words, attitudes, and actions? Are they seeing more of us, or are they seeing more of Christ?
John the Baptist offers a beautiful reminder in John 3:30:
“He must become greater; I must become less.”
What a wonderful posture for ministry! Our goal isn't to draw attention to ourselves, prove our abilities, or do everything perfectly. It's to point others to Jesus.
As we grow in our relationship with Him, our lives increasingly become a reflection of His love, grace, patience, and truth.
Ephesians 5:18 encourages us to “be filled with the Spirit.” This is an invitation to allow the Holy Spirit to continually shape and lead us, guiding our hearts and responses.
And here's a beautiful reminder: We don't have to manufacture the right atmosphere on our own. We don’t need the greatest most popular curriculum, songs, decorations, etc. We simply need to remain open to what God wants to do in and through us. (Anyone else feel a sense of freedom with that? Phew!)
So, as you prepare to serve, take a moment to pause. Invite the Holy Spirit into your heart, your conversations, your interactions, and your ministry space. Ask Him to help you see the children and families around you through His eyes and to love them with His love.
A few questions to carry with you this month as we serve together:
· Am I making room for the Holy Spirit to lead me as I serve?
· How might my words, actions, and attitude help create an atmosphere where children feel welcomed, loved, and safe?
· Where might God be inviting me to become a little less so that others can see a little more of Jesus? (What does “a little less of me and more of Jesus” look like?)
· Is it possible I may need to step up or step out of my comfort zone so others can see a little more Jesus?
Thank you, dear friends and siblings in Christ, for the ways you faithfully show up, serve, love, encourage, and invest in the lives of His children.
May the atmosphere in every space we lead reflect the presence of the One we serve.
More of Jesus, less of us!
Now for some announcements and reminders! 😊
If you’ve served in Preschool or Elementary this October, please consider taking a few moments to complete this important survey as our Wonder Ink trial has now come to a close: SNK Ministry Team Survey. So far, we have only had two responses come in. We welcome your honest feedback, including suggestions for improvement! Your experiences and insights matter, and we want to hear what’s working well and where we can grow. Thank you for being a part of this adventure with us! The decision needs to be made soon. Thank you in advance for your care and investment in the spiritual growth of our preschool and elementary children.
Mark Your Calendars! SNK Special Events:
· Family Night – Tuesdays, 6:30-8:00pm – Stillmeadow Lane Campus
An evening for ALL ages!
Learn more and sign-up here: https://www.stillnaz.com/familynight
Interested in serving with Children’s Ministry Tuesday nights? Contact Elaine Briggs, Bloom Coordinator or Pastor Tara
(The next nights for Family Night are 11/3, 11/10, and 11/17. Then we will take a pause until February 2027!)
· Jingle Jam Family Advent Experience – Sunday, November 22; 10am – Stillmeadow Lane Campus
Join us as a church family to celebrate the start of the advent season!
This is a Family Service – no Kids Ministry
Children will worship together with their families!
YCC will continue to meet at their regular 11am time
· Family Caroling Night! – Friday, December 11; 6:00-8:00pm – Stillmeadow Neighborhood
Meet at 6pm at the Stillmeadow Lane Campus for an evening of Christmas Caroling!
After, come gather back at the church for fellowship and hot cocoa!
· JTAG Choir Sunday! – December 13; 10am – Stillmeadow Lane Campus
This is a Family Service – no Kids Ministry
o Children will worship together with their families!
To join the choir go to: stillnaz.com/choir
Quick (Important) Updates & Reminders:
1. Team Huddles: Please arrive early enough to gather with your team before service! A special shout-out to our Elementary teams for consistently making this a priority. It matters! Let's be intentional about starting our mornings together with Jesus through prayer, encouragement, and preparation before we welcome our children.
2. Snacks & Drinks: No personal snacks or beverages (except water) in Nursery, Preschool, or Elementary spaces. (EC and Preschool children can absolutely still have their snacks!) Elementary, please store beverages with lids at the back table by the entrance. Thank you for helping to share and steward our spaces with grace!
3. Hand Sanitizer: Please keep all hand sanitizer locked away for the safety of our little ones. Daycare says thank you! 😊
4. Spread the Word: (Praise God for all of our babies, kids, and families!) Growing numbers means we need more caring adults! Family Ministry has needs across all age groups. Interested in serving an extra Sunday or inviting someone to join us? Visit stillnaz.com/serve or contact Trudy or Pastor Tara.
5. Planning Center: Please accept or decline your invites and keep your block-out dates updated. This helps us plan and fill volunteer spots each Sunday!
6. Safe Pick-Up: Always check tags before releasing a child. Adults must have the matching pick-up tag. Siblings under 18 may not pick up children.
7. A Shepherding Reminder: Pray with our children, listen to their stories, make time to play, and remind each one how wonderfully made and deeply loved they are by God!
Please keep reading for Sunday morning lessons! 😊 November and December will be back to using the Orange curriculum while we wait for Wonder Ink survey results and lean into the Lord’s guidance in decision-making.
Sunday Morning Lesson Topics for November:
Preschool:
· Memory Verse – “Shout aloud and sing for joy.” (Isaiah 12:6, NIV)
· Bottom Line: I can celebrate God.
· Weekly Lessons –
o Week 1 (November 1)
Bible Story: Psalms; I can celebrate God for what He made.
Scripture: Psalms 33, Psalms 100
Week 2 (November 8)
Bible Story: Deborah; I can sing to celebrate God
Scripture: Judges 4:1-10, 14; 5:1-31
o Week 3 (November 15)
Bible Story: Miriam; I can celebrate God with others.
Scripture: Exodus 15
Week 4 (November 29)
Bible Story: Feast of Booths; I can celebrate God for everything.
Scripture: Deuteronomy 16:13-17, 29:5; Leviticus 23; Numbers 29
Elementary:
· Memory Verse – “Every good and perfect gift is from God. This kind of gift comes down from the Father who created the heavenly lights. These lights create shadows that move. But the Father does not change like these shadows.” (James 1:17, NIrV)
· Weekly Lessons –
o Week 1: (November 1)
Bible Story: Every Good Gift is from God
Scripture: James 1:17, Philippians 4:8
Bottom Line: I can thank God for everything.
o Week 2: (November 8)
Bible Story: Always Something to be Grateful For
Scripture: Habakkuk 3:17-18, 1 Thessalonians 5:18, 2 Corinthians 4:17
Bottom Line: I can thank God no matter what.
o Week 3: (November 15)
Bible Story: Jesus Heals Ten Men
Scripture: Luke 17:11-19
Bottom Line: Remember to thank God.
o Week 4: (November 29)
Bible Story: Feast of Booths
Scripture: Nehemiah 8:13-18; Leviticus 23:33-34
Bottom Line: Make time to celebrate God.
Sneak-Peak into December Sundays!
· December 6 – Regular SNK services and lessons
· December 13 – JTAG Choir Family Service (see announcements above)
· December 20 – HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS, PARTY!
· December 27 – Sabbath Sunday (worship at home; join in online)
You all are a blessing and a gift! Praise God for you!
With Joy & Appreciation,
Pastor Tara and the SNK Leadership Team