New Chapter for Jodi

I wanted to take a moment to let all the teachers and coaches know how blessed I have been knowing and leading such an amazing group of people for the last 6 years. I truly believe that you have one of the most important roles in the world. I have decided to step down from my position in Children's Ministry, and start a new chapter as a mommy and wife.

I'm happy to say,that after Rocky (the hubby) was diagnosed with cancer and was "saved" about 6 years ago, God gave him the will to go back to school and receive his degree in surgical technology. His new job has given us the opportunity for me to stay at home. I am truly thrilled and filled with so much excitement and joy as I get ready for this new chapter in my life!

So, what's next for me? I'm glad you asked! I now get to volunteer in middle daughter Kenna's 3rd grade class, lead a High School LifeGroup with my oldest daughter, Cydni and a few of her high school friends, and teach in my little EvieRae's 3 year old class here for Bible study and M.O.P.S. Rocky and are also co-leading a Cornerstone LifeGroup, focusing on the family. Maybe I will even have a clean house??? Well see!

Thank you so much for the opportunity to serve you and letting me in your lives and blessing my family with yours! See you around!

Please continue to contact Nicole Perryman with scheduling and contact Ryan Bicker for anything else. (I'm sure they are trying to fill the spot I am leaving :-)

Message from Pastor Christiaan

Children need to own parts of their own Spiritual Growth

Each week I am overwhelmed, excited and touched at the very deepest part of my being with the responsibility and possibility that we, as Children's Minsters, have to connect with almost 1,000 children each weekend. We want the children of Cornerstone to grow closer to God, we want them to be more like Jesus, and we actually have a platform to help make that happen!

There are so many things we as volunteers and "professionals" can do to foster spiritual growth in the children who come to our classrooms or Children's Ministry environments. But there are also enormous gaps in areas where we cannot do anything to help "our" kids.

• We can't read the Bible for our kids
• We can't say evening prayers for our kids
• We can't practice solitude for our kids (ok, only those approx. 2nd grade and older)
• We can't offer secrets acts of service as if we were our kids

Let's take any opportunity in the weeks to come to challenge the children who we have influence over. Challenge them to take ownership in their own spiritual growth! Imagine the results...

However, if you are one of the people who are in leadership over children at Cornerstone, take a look at those four disciplines of a growing Christian. Are you leading children and other volunteers in these areas, or are those gaps in your week? Take a quick inventory of your own spiritual rhythms and decide where you can be the example! Image the results...

Easter Weekend Lesson Downloads

Hey Zone Volunteers! Please click on the appropriate link below and download your lesson for Easter Weekend!

Livermore Campus Links
2's Lesson
3's Lesson
4's Lesson
Island Skit
Kindergarten Lesson
1st - 3rd Grade cBc
4th-5th Grade CBC
Wave Lesson
Wave Skit
Ignite Lesson
Ignite Skit

Brentwood Campus Links
2's/3's Lesson
4's/K's Lesson
Skit
4th - 5th Grade cBc Lesson
Wave Lesson
Wave Skit

Thank you so much for being on our Easter Weekend team! We are so excited about what God is going to do as we celebrate the resurrection!

Age Level Insights for Volunteers (and Parents!)

I found this nifty website where volunteers can refresh what they know about the kids in their Zone class/environment. Check out www.kidsgrowth.com for a ton of useful and easy-to-find information.

Or check out www.childrensministry.com for more help with how to reach children of a particular age with biblical Truth.

Skype call with pete and bree!!!

Skype call with the Shields and The Zone Kids! Brentwood to the Philippines!