Monday, April 30, 2007

Church Preschool


Today I sat in on my daughter’s preschool, PRE-K at Westview Church Preschool. Wow! Talk about talented teachers. As Ms. Hope was reading “Jack and the Beanstalk,” just when she got to the part where the giant was eating 4 oxen, a preschooler interjected “ My cousin ate octopus legs!" Hope stayed on point and continued reading. Next came a “fe-fi-fo-fum…I smell the blood of an Englishman.” The little girl added “Englishman…not Englishmen” Ms. Hope refocused the kids on the story and kept on reading.

I think the “Church” gets sidetracked too often with “octopus legs.” I have heard it all. We need to be more contemporary - more traditional. More relevant, or we need be counter cultural… praise music or hymns. The music is too slow, the music is too loud. It can go down as far as color paint, the parking lot is too full, and they sat in “my” seat.


Isn’t it great God has the patience of a preschool teacher! Let’s stay focused…Westview Church wants to help people Find Jesus, Grow in Jesus, and Serve Jesus.

Wednesday, April 18, 2007

Just Say Thanks...

Yesterday, I was driving in my truck with my daughter when the “Al’s Pals” cd ended and Sean Covington’s “You Be” was in the next cd slot. When Carrie began singing along, it really reminded me about how lucky we are to have talented musicians at Westview.

Each week Natalie McDonald puts together a great worship team. Each set takes a lot of effort and time to put together. Each week many talented individuals spend hours preparing for Westview Church’s worship service.

As I was reminded by my daughter singing “You Be” … others are much more talented than I am at singing. She really made me smile. Smiling might be my preferred way to worship, or at least the person in front of me's "preferred way for me" to worship.

During last week’s service Tanya leaned over and said “It’s amazing two guys and a guitar can sound so awesome.”

I am glad those God blessed with talent; really step up to serve in Westview’s Worship Ministry. Next time you run into Natalie or a worship team member thank them for their hard work.

Monday, April 2, 2007

Faithbooking. Create a Legacy.


I just want to take a minute and celebrate a unique ministry here at Westview. I have a little insight into this group because my wife Tanya is involved with Scrapbooking here at Westview.

The first Friday of every month several women (6-15 ladies) get together to spend some time scrapbooking. Why would anyone want to go someplace to throw some pictures in an album? Well, let's just say...scrapbooking can quickly become a passion. Not only a enjoyable pastime, but one that get you to go through that box of 3,600 photos in your basement. It preserves your photos and your memories.

Anyway a couple of years ago Tanya decided to really try to add some "Faithbooking" to our albums. She wanted to highlight photos with verses. She began by adding scripture to photos with friends. She created a book with pages based on the Fruits of the Spirit for our girls...so could we "catch them" living out those qualities.

Each event brings people together to share ideas, share stories, and share their Faith. Not all scrapbooking attendees are from our Westview Family. It has been a great way for people in the community to get to know each other.

I am excited because not only do people enjoy the workshops, the albums with last a lifetime! Don't be intimidated by all these scrappers...come join them. Tanya has many products available from Creative Memories that allow you to easily create albums. They even have some you just slide the photos into. You can print storybook albums on-line. (these events are not exclusive Creative Memories events, she does have product and tools available at the events but many products are available at stores through the metro like Archivers or Michaels etc..)

Tanya recently highlighted her goal and passion behind "Faithbooking"

My goal & passion ~
• To incorporate into my albums examples of my faith and signposts of God at work in my everyday life.
• For future generations to be able to clearly see and read about how God has been working in my life, my family, & in my friends’ lives.
• To share this method of documenting life with others.
…Tanya


Join her April 13 and 14th @ Westview for a Scrapbook Memoranza! Friday Night and All Day Saturday!

Capture your God-Moments!