KidzTrek Rescheduled!

The KidzTrek Encounter has been rescheduled for Saturday, February 21st. The event is open to everyone 10-12 years old. There is a $10 fee to cover food, books and tee shirts. See Pastor Mike or Sister Jill.

Remember, Children's Cells are meeting January 2.

Posted byMichael J Mahoney at 8:18 PM 0 comments  

Snow Alert - Cantata Rehearsal Schedule

Due to the severe weather, rehersal is cancelled for Friday night. We will meet at 3PM on Saturday for final dress rehersals.

Posted byMichael J Mahoney at 6:32 PM 0 comments  

Cell - December 12 - Almost Ready

We spent Friday night's session getting ready for the Cantata on next Saturday. The parts were finalized, and we began in earnest running through the play. Everyone is doing great job on their parts.
We will be meeting in the the church on Fridy night instead of Kidzport for a dress rehearsal. Saturday, everyone need to be at the church by 3PM sharp! We'll be doing a last runthrough and then having pizza before the show.


Posted byMichael J Mahoney at 1:27 PM 0 comments  

Cell December 5 - Casting Call

Whew, what a huge group tonight! Amen!

After a rather lively and impromptu discussion on teachers and respect, we began reading for parts for the Christmas Cantata. We've got a couple of parts settled, and will settle a few more at the first rehearsal.

Speaking of... the schedule might look like this:

  • Saturday, December 6 - Noon till 2pm in the church.
  • Friday, December 12 - 7:15 till 9pm in Kidzport
  • Saturday, December 13 - Noone till 2pm in the church
  • Friday, December 19 - 7:15 till 9pm in Kidzport
  • Saturday December 20 (Performance Day) Everyone there by 3pm for last runthrough and pizza party before the show.

Details may change, so check here frequently!

Posted byMichael J Mahoney at 6:53 AM 0 comments  

Cell November 28 - Thanksgiving

I was surprised at the turnout at cell tonight. We were sure no one was going to come, and as it happened, we had more than usual! Outstanding!

After worship and testimony time, we started working on a new song for the cantata. Just the chorus tonight - we have time to get it all down and right. The older group then continued working on ideas for the cantata. We came up with some good ones - and no, I will not be writing about what they are. You'll just have to show up on December 20th...

After that, we played some Bible Scattergories. (Who knew there were so many people in the Bible who's name started with "M?") I still have to add up the points and see who won.

Calendar Update! We are going to reschedule the Children's Encounter. Trying to do it before Christmas is turning out to be impossible, for us and the recipients both. We're probably move it to January, but look here for updates.

Posted byMichael J Mahoney at 7:17 AM 0 comments  

Cell - November 21 - Special Guest.

We had a special guest in cell this week - and it wasn't a student. Jennie Muniz took the 10-12 group Friday night. Jennie, and her husband Hector are long-time Gospel Light members. But as full time evangelists with the Harvest Fellowship of Churches, they get to spend little time at their home congregation.

Jennie was a Sunday School teacher for years, and has set up Sunday Schools in churches in the US, Belize and Guatamala. So I know the kids were truly blessed.

We will be announcing the schedule for cantata rehearsals at the next cell meeting. Also, I need alll parents to get see me or call me regarding the Children's Encounter - if I don't get a hold of you first!

--Pastor Mike

Posted byMichael J Mahoney at 9:29 AM 0 comments  

Cell - November 14

We started talking about Christmas this week. Planning for the Cantata is starting, and should be settled by next week. We'll be using Friday nights for rehersals, and maybe do some Saturdays as we get into December.

The Cantata is December 20th. Plan on being there!

The children will be ministering at Sunday service November 30th (Sister Anita's cell) and December 7th. (Sister Jill's cell)

Posted byMichael J Mahoney at 12:31 PM 0 comments  

Cell November 7 - Who's Really in Charge

Since we had spent so much time talking about the election, I thought I'd visit it one more time. This time, it was a talk about who's really in charge - and what our responsibilities are.

1Peter 13 says:

13Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, 14or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. 15For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. 16Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. 17Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.

So we are to submit and be under the authority of leaders, because God grants all authority. This goes for whoever we vote for. We are to pray for our leaders, support them, and yes, speak out when we disagree. This is a good point to remind the kids of, expecially the praying part.

Posted byMichael J Mahoney at 11:50 AM 0 comments  

Hallelujah Night



Hallelujah Night was a big hit this year. We had more kids than ever before, and more activities than ever before. Among the things that were a big hit this year: Wii Sports on the big screen, and the cotton candy machine.




The Gospel Light kids entertained their guests with their rendition of the Unicorn Song, and Pastor Mike and Brother Paolo did a short skit expressing how much frustration that the forces of Satan are experiencing with Gospel Light kids.




All in all, it was a great event. But pictures speak a thousand words. So click here for the photo album.




Posted byMichael J Mahoney at 8:39 AM 0 comments  

Cell October 24 - Trick or Treat



One week to go for Hallelujah Night! We spent this weeks time talking about Halloween, and what it means to us as Christians. The older group read some scriptures regarding spiritual battles, especially focusing on Ephesians 6:12:




For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. (NLT)


The kids are very excited for Hallelujah Night. The younger group was working on songs tonight, and might have something special in store for next Friday!




Posted byMichael J Mahoney at 12:25 PM 0 comments  

Cell - October 17 - Sibling Rivalry

Tonight in the 10-12 cell, we shared the story of Joseph and his brothers. Joseph was the youngest of twelve brothers, but he would become the greatest. While Joseph and his brothers were young, their father, Israel, showed Joseph much favor. This angered the other sons. Then Joseph told them of his dreams, where the others would bow before him.

Often, we struggle in our relationships with siblings. Sometimes sibling relationships are the most volitile ones of our lives. Our brothers and sisters are the people we have the closest relationships with over the course of our lives, yet those relationships are easily strained. Often, we treat our friends better than our own brothers and sisters.

Each of the kids was challenged to come up with one thing that they could do to improve the relationship with their siblings.

We also talked about the upcoming election. Each child was asked who they supported, and why. The alarming part was how incorrect their facts were, and how much they are influenced by teachers opinions in the classroom. Even though they don't vote, the kids need to have good information, and be encouraged to make well thought-out choices.

The younger cell continued to work on their bible stories and verses with Sister Anita. They are so excited to be learning so many new things.

Posted byMichael J Mahoney at 6:55 PM 0 comments  

Cell - October 10

This week we completed our Chase the Lion series with a conversation about looking foolish. Too often we hesitate to do the things God calls us to do for fear of looking foolish in front of other people. But sometimes that's just what God asks us to do.

We took a look at Zacceus, who was willing to look silly and climb a tree, just to get a look at Jesus. We also talked about what would have happened if David, Joshua, Moses, Peter and others had decided that not looking foolish was more important than answering God's call.

Sometimes we fear looking foolish - in sharing our faith, in inviting friends to church, in saying "no" to things when the Spirit convicts us. We talked about that for a little while. Be ready to talk about these things with your child.

Remember, Hallelujah Night is on December 31. Hopefully, everyone will invite at least one person.

Posted byMichael J Mahoney at 2:36 PM 0 comments  

Cell - October 3

The second-to-last week of the Chase the Lion series focused on opportunites, missed and taken. We talked about Esther, and the opportunity she took to save her people. The buzzword of the week: Carpe Diem - Seize the Day!

I challenged everyone to name someone they are bringing to Hallelujah Night on October 31. Stay tuned for a special announcement for the 9-12 group.

Keep in mind some dates:

  • October 31 - Hallelujah night
  • December 6 - KidzTrek Encounter

We'll also be talking about rehearsals for the Christmas Cantata within the next few weeks.

Posted byMichael J Mahoney at 9:11 PM 0 comments  

Cell - September 26

This week, we continued the Chase the Lion series with a look at taking risks.

We used some modern examples of risk-takers: Martin Luther, Oskar Schindler and Rosa Parks. Each of these remarkable people took a tremendous risk to do what they knew needed to be done. The results were amazing.

We also looked at the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25, and dicussed why the servants who took risks were the ones who recieved the reward. Talk to your kids about the risks they have to take when sharing the Gospel, and what the potential rewards are.

Don't forget Halleluia Night, October 31!

Posted byMichael J Mahoney at 6:12 AM 0 comments  

Cell - September 19

We switched things up a bit this week. With the launch of Kidzport last weekend, we moved Sister Anita's cell upstairs and the older group downstairs. It's always nice to have something fresh.

While the younger group continued working on some songs, the 10-12 cell continued working on the Chase the Lion series. This week we spoke about uncertainty, and how faith in God helps to reduce spiritual uncertainty.

Sister Anita told me she is also working with her kids, preparing them to teach lessons. In fact, Tabitha helped teach cell tonite!

GLCCKidz is going to be hosting the children's program at the Harvest Fellowship of Churches annual meeting next Saturday. We hope to see everyone there.

Posted byMichael J Mahoney at 7:52 PM 0 comments  

Cell - September 12

We had a good group tonight - a large group. I had a thought to share the song "O Praise Him (All This For a King)" with the kids, and they did a good job singing it.

The older group continued working on the "Chase the Lion" series. Tonight, we talked about adversity, how we overcome it and deal with it. One of the kids came up with a great thought: we can take on our problems, or let them overtake us.

Kidzport launches this week on Sunday morning. The Kidzport blog will update the week-to-week activites, as this one does for the cell groups.

Posted byMichael J Mahoney at 7:23 PM 0 comments  

Cell - September 5

Summer's over, and it's back to work...

We're continuing to work on the evangelistic movie project. We've about finalized the main story line, and will probably begin filming next week.

We also started working on the Chase the Lion series. This week, we spoke about fear, and overcoming it, especially as it related to evangelism and sharing Christ. I challenged each of the kids to bring someone to the next encounter in December.

Regular morning Sunday school will start September 14th, as will the expanded children's ministry during service. GLCCKidz will also be hosting a children's ministry during the HFC annual meeting.

Posted byMichael J Mahoney at 6:32 PM 0 comments  

End of Summer - Beginning a New Path

Gospel Light celebrated the end of summer in style - with a Labor Day picnic and outreach, complete with a baptism. One of those being baptized was our own Orlando, so naturally, GLCCKidz has a double reason to celebrate!


I was particularly touched by Orlando's testamony. He shared that there were two paths in front of him - one straight and one "all curvy." He said that he had chosen the straight path. Seems he remembers something from our last Children's Encounter.


Orlando (and the others who have completed an encounter and been baptized) has been called to take his place in the Body of Christ. I have no doubts that there is something great in store for him.

Posted byMichael J Mahoney at 10:31 AM 0 comments  

Cell - August 29

This week we celebrated (so to speak) the end of summer and fifth Friday with a movie night for both cell groups. With the youth away on their fifth Friday event, the Children's Network took over the church.

We watched The Game Plan, a great movie starring Duane (The Rock) Johnson. I like this movie because it really reinforces not only how important family is, but the "power of the father" in a child's life.

Next week we're back to normal for Friday night. Don't forget Monday, Sept 1 is the church picnic and baptism at Seaside Park.

Sept 7th we will be starting morning Sunday School at 9:30 and also rolling out the expanded children'd ministry during the service. More on that later.

Posted byMichael J Mahoney at 5:02 AM 0 comments  

Upcoming events and stuff...



Just a reminder that cell for the 10-12 year olds will be in the church this week. We are having a movie night to celebrate Fifth Friday and the end of summer.



The kids have done a great job over the past couple of weeks. Tabitha, Anna and Cailynn from Sister Anita's cell sang a special song at the monthly joint service at Beacon of Light in Waterbury.



Also, there were testimonies from Rocky, Frankie, Jethro and Josh during the recent Back to School Revivals.

Keep in mind that pre-service Sunday School will be available during School of Leaders, which is scheduled to begin September 7. Also we will be expanding the during-service ministry at that time. Check back for exciting information!




Posted byMichael J Mahoney at 10:52 AM 0 comments  

Cell - August 15

Things are moving along on the kids evangelism project. After giving them a quick primer on storytelling (protagonist/antagonist, conflicts, story structure) they set out to draft a basic plot. We decided that there will be a theme song, and the idea is to get the kids to perform the song themselves. Which means... me teaching some music! We'd like to film some at the church picnic on Sept, 1, so pray wer'e ready. It will be the "big" scene if we can pull it off.

Sister Anita was working on some new songs with her cell. Can't wait to hear it!

Remember that pre-service Sunday School will start coinciding with the next session of School of Leaders in September.

Posted byMichael J Mahoney at 6:48 PM 0 comments  

Cell - August 8

Here we are on 08-08-08.

The kids brought in their script treatments. I must say, they were pretty good. We will probably combine a few of the ideas, but the evangelism movie will be bigger in scope than I thought.

The kids were sent home with the assignment of writing a short essay on "Who I am in Christ." This will form the basis of a testamony segment.

Next week we will finalize a storyboard, and work on a shooting script. If we can have it done by Halleluia Night, that would be cool.

We also reviewed what was learned last week about the Fivefold ministry, and did some bible word games.

The younger cell will be ministering in song on Sunday!

Posted byMichael J Mahoney at 8:46 PM 0 comments  

Cell - August 1

August already... time really does fly.



As we enter the last leg of the summer, it's time to start thinking seriously about doing the Lord's work. Already we are planning Halleluia Night, the Christmas Cantata, and another Children's Encounter.


Tonight the 10-12 cell spent time speaking about the Fivefold ministry, especially the office of "evangelist." I asked them for some practical ways that we could reach out to other kids their age. They brainstormed a lot of different ideas - developing games, a play, music, videos, webpages. The kids are obviously very aware of the importance of media and Web 2.0.

I think we settled on a video or short movie. So I assigned them to do a script treatment - to come up with an idea, story, concept, and put it on paper, and bring it in next week. We'll decide on something to do then.

Since the youth are having a Fifth Friday event this month, we will, too. I'm thinking of a movie night in the church, but I will post it when it's finalized.

Posted byMichael J Mahoney at 7:43 PM 0 comments  

Father and Son - Mother and Daughter Weekend.


This has to be the best weekend of the year. It is certainly the most anticipated. The Father/Son campout was a huge success this year - it was the largest ever! Camp Deer Park may need to build a bigger pavilion if this keeps going. There was a lot of great times, activities and bonding. Pictures of the campout can be seen here, and I blogged about it as well.

The mothers and daughters also had a great time of bonding and fellowship, with an activity night at the church on Friday (including a sleepover) and a day of fun and activities at Seaside Park on Saturday. I'll get some pics up as soon as I get them!

Posted byMichael J Mahoney at 8:00 AM 0 comments  

Cell Group July 18

We had another big group tonight. Sister Jill did a teaching for her group about the power of the tongue, using mostly scripture from James. Sister Anita's cell watched a video on Peter and John the Baptist, then celebrated Sister Tanika's birthday!

Remember, no cell on July 25 because of the campouts. If anyone needs information on the Father/Son campout, call Josh Miller through the church, or email me.

Next Cell will be August 2.

Posted byMichael J Mahoney at 7:39 PM 0 comments  

Six Flags Trip


We took a great trip to Six Flags New England on Saturday. Twenty-six people total went (at least that's as many as we brought home!) and had a great time. Some of the Youth Network came with us as well. It was a perfect day for it... sunny and hot.

Note to self: don't sit in the back seat of the Superman coaster anymore!

This is a picture of some of the guys right after we conqured the Superman coaster. Click to bigify... you can still see they look a tad queasy. More pics here.




Posted byMichael J Mahoney at 6:22 PM 0 comments  

Cell Group July 11

Tonight we had a larger than usual group, which is awesome. There were seven visitors to Jills 10-12 cell group,


We played Bible Jeopardy with the older kids. Since there were so many we changed the usual rules so that only one person could answer a question with help of one other person. It was close - 5400 to 6200 after Final Jeopardy... our closest game yet.



We're meeting at 9:30 at the church for the Six Flags trip.



Sadly, tonight we said goodbye to Noemily. Her family is moving to south Florida tomorrow. Noemily is like a daughter to me in many ways, and has been my best student for the year I've been doing this. Jill and I will miss her tremendously. Same goes for the rest of the family. There were many tears as the children and youth said goodbye to Noemily and Ruth tonight. I'll put up some pictures in a bit, but here is one of Noemily and Meghann.


Senor te bendiga!

Posted byMichael J Mahoney at 8:39 PM 0 comments  

Car Wash a Success!

The kids did a great job washing cars on Saturday, even with rain threatening. But God was good, the rain held off, and the cars came. The kids washed almost 40 cars, and we met our goal for the day!








Thanks to all the kids who came. They did an amazing job, and kept the energy level and the enthusiam up. We even stayed an hour longer than planned because they wanted to keep going. Even the smallest ones pitched in.



Thanks also to all the others who pitched in: Maureen, Jeannette, Shannon, Lauren, Lauren, Danny, and especially Pastor Miller.

Reminder: there will be cell this Friday night. Details to follow, but we will be on the road by 10am, so plan to be at the church by 9:30.






Also, everyone did a great job these last two weeks ministering at Sunday Worship Service. I know Pastor Chon was blessed seeing the children participate, and will take some of the ideas he saw in action here back to Belize. Special kudos to Josh and Eddie for reading the Word, and Frankie for sharing what happened in Maryland, and Ashley, Meghann, Noemily and Orlando for sharing about Spruce Lake.

Posted byMichael J Mahoney at 6:26 PM 2 comments  

Kids Ministering At Worship Today


The kids did a great job ministering at worship service today. Thanks to Josh for reading the Word, Meghann and Ashley for greeting, and Noemily and Orlando for helping with the offering.


Meghann, Noemily, Ashley and Orlando also shared some of the songs that they learned at Spruce Lake this week. It was fun watching a conga line wind its way through the sanctuary on a Sunday morning!! You don't see that every day!


Remember, next Saturday is the car wash. See ya there!

Posted byMichael J Mahoney at 4:24 PM 0 comments  

Car Wash


The kids will be having a car wash on Saturday, July 5, from 10am to 2pm. We have been blessed with permission to use the parking lot at PepBoys, 513 Boston Ave in Bridgeport for this event.


We are using this a fundraiser mainly for the trip to Six Flags, as the cost of a trip like that is too much for some of the families. Hopefully, with a high-profile area like that, we can raise enough to cover everyone! We can use all the help we can get, so come on down. Or just come and get you car washed!

Posted byMichael J Mahoney at 1:40 PM 0 comments  

Updates

The campers will be coming back Friday, June 27. There will still be cell group that night, but there will not be on July 4. Friday, we will be working on something to do for Sunday's service.

You will notice to the right that I have set up a calendar and linked it to this blog. These will be events that relate to the Children's Network directly. Check the church calendar for things that relate to the congregation as a whole.

In fact, I hope you notices that the who blog has changed format. I think this one is a little easier on the eye!

Posted byMichael J Mahoney at 11:41 AM 0 comments  

Spruce Lake details

We will be leaving at about 12 on Sunday right from Gospel Light, so be sure that you have all your stuff. I will be there all morning, so you can come before service and put your stuff in the car. We will probably stop to eat, so bring some $$ plus a couple of bucks for gas.

I wil hand out checklists on Friday night. You can also download one here. Be sure you have your medical forms. You can't stay up there without it.

Any questions? Call me or email me.

Pastor Mike

Posted byMichael J Mahoney at 5:08 PM 0 comments  

Spruce Lake

I will be leaving about noon on Sunday for the trip to Spruce Lake Wilderness camp. Those I am driving out there, please bring all you stuff, forms, etc... to church on Sunday. We will leave at the break. We'll go over the checklists on Friday night, so be sure you come. Also, be sure that your parents have got you medical forms done and you have them Sunday.

Posted byMichael J Mahoney at 5:27 AM 0 comments  

The Kids are Takin' it to the Streets





The kids did a great job ministering at the GLCC Street meeting Friday night. Not only did they get up and minister with song, doing Friend of God, but they were also sharing with other children who were there, and were setting a great example for all those around! It's great to see what a motivated, Jesus-loving kid can do! Way to go!




Read about the street meeting here.

Posted byMichael J Mahoney at 6:09 AM 0 comments  

Street Meeting

Do not forget that we have the street meeting this Friday. Pastor Miller is looking for people to help with spreading the news on Friday afternoon. Everyone is meeting at 5:30 at the church to go out into the neighborhood in teams and invite. So if you can be there, that's great! It really makes an impression with people when they see children on fire for God. See you there!

Posted byMichael J Mahoney at 11:05 AM 0 comments  

Updates

I was asked by so many people for pictures of the church anniversary, that I put a bunch up. Click here.

Remember the street meeting this Friday! Bring someone!

Posted byMichael J Mahoney at 10:23 AM 0 comments  

Great Job from the 9 and Under Group


Sister Anita's cell did a great job at the church anniversary celebration! Thanks to all of you for working so hard at your special song! I'm sure Bishop Henry and Sister Millie were as blessed as the rest of us were! Click on the picture for a better view!

Posted byMichael J Mahoney at 7:51 PM 0 comments  

Six Flags Trip


We're looking at July 12th for the trip to Six Flags New England. We need commitments as soon as possible. We need 30 people to go to qualify for the group plan. I'll be talking to you all this weekend about it.


Remember, no cell group on June 13, because of the Street Meeting!

Posted byMichael J Mahoney at 7:47 PM 0 comments  

Narnia! Finally!


We finally got it together and went to see The Chronicles of Narnia:Prince Caspian. The kids had a great time, and there were several guests invited who joined us. You can read a review of the film here. It was fun to get out and do something like this. Next up: Six Flags!
Don't forget, there will be no cell on June 13. Come to the street meeting at Capitol and Madison in Bridgeport, 7pm.

Posted byMichael J Mahoney at 5:25 PM 0 comments  

Narnia Final Plans

The show is at 3:15 on Saturday at Trumbull Bowtie. We will get the $5.5o price as long as we have 20 ppl, so invite!! Otherwise it will be the normal matinee price.

Please meet Jill at the theater if possible by 3pm. I will be at the church by 3 if anyone needs a ride there, but I will leave at 3 sharp, so be there, because I have to get the tix.

Posted byMichael J Mahoney at 4:36 PM 0 comments  

Really final this time...

12:10 has created some problems for some people. The next show is 3:15, so we are going to do that one. Calls will be going out today to confirm people, so stay by the phone!

Posted byMichael J Mahoney at 5:14 AM 0 comments  

Movie Times


Looks like the 12:10 show at the Bowtie in Trumbull, $5.50 per person if we can get 20 ppl. I will be trying to call everyone and get a head count, or you can comment here, or email me.


Posted byMichael J Mahoney at 10:34 AM 0 comments  

I'm not spam!

I guess the Powers that Be at Blogger have finally overrled the Googlebots and put us back on the map. Yippee! I have no idea what happened, but I'm glad it's over.

Anyway, I'm still finalizing details of the Narnia movie, but it's looking like 1pm-ish at the Trumbull Bowtie, who is willig to give us a group rate. More later...

Posted byMichael J Mahoney at 3:38 AM 0 comments  

Narnia movie date moved

We were unfortunately unable to get tickets for the Friday night special showing of Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian. We are looking to go Saturday, June 7, around 1pm. They have not announced Saturday's schedule yet. This will be a matinee price, which I think is $6.50, unless we can get a group rate. Jill and I are working on that.

We will be meeting at the parsonage before the movie, so that everyone can get a ride if needed. Stay tuned for more info.

Posted byMichael J Mahoney at 5:13 PM 0 comments  

Welcome to the Gospel Light Children's Network

Welcome to the Gospel Light Children's Network!

I will be using this blog to update and report on events and milestones in the GLCC Children's network. Think of it as an open letter... or maybe, an open book to what is going on inside the Network.

There'll be pictures and stories and testamonies, and all kinds of information on upcoming events. So keep checking back!!!

Pastor Mike

Posted byMichael J Mahoney at 5:43 PM 0 comments