All the days of Jared...

What a week! It has just flown by, in a daze of floor mopping, children shouting and pink and blue icing...

Friday was our last day of kids club, and although we were quite sad to finish something that had been so uplifting, fun and energy filled, we were also thankful for the chance to have a little bit of a break. Looking back at kids club we can see that there were some things we might have done a little differently, but overall, everything came together better than we could have ever imagined. The children and most of the adults came dressed as super heroes on the Friday. Some of them appeared to be dressed in quite normal clothing, and when questioned about it, they stated that they considered themselves superheroes, and were expecting others to come dressed as THEM. So creativity was certainly in use, if not in the costumes, then in the excuses for not wearing one.

We spent most of the time filming video clips to be able to prepare a presentation for the parents for Sunday, and once Sunday came around it was lovely to see the church full with kids, parents and visitors. The holiday club group sang a song, and put a lot of energy into it, and then there was a video presentation, which, since we spent a lot of time with the children, we found hilarious, and hope that everyone else thought so too. I have added it here in case you didn't get a chance to see it.

We had our first community BBQ after the service, so many people stayed that I couldn't have done a head count, and there was enough food to keep us all happy. The Aberdeen weather has been something else this week and we are incredibly thankful for this, as it has made it possible for us to sit outside during lunches, and speak to people. Sunday was a perfect example of what we inspire towards - an opportunity for people from different backgrounds and different walks of life come together and share a meal and conversation. We were almost shocked how well it went, especially as everyone possible got involved helping with cooking or cleaning or setting up.

This was the end of the first week, and we have another to go, we pray for strength and patience. We pray that as a team we would continue to get on and continue to build friendships as we have so far.

We pray for all the people we have met in the last week, and all the relationships we have begun to build. We pray for the opportunity to continue these relationships.

We pray for opportunities to talk about and invite people to a Christianity Explored course. We pray that it would be filled.

We also would like to thank all the individuals and families who have helped us during the first, tiring week. WE were very well supported by the church. Thank you!

As these new families come along, and hopefully continue to be apart of our community, we must also think about all the diversity that will bring to our church, and we pray that everyone will learn to treat each other with love and acceptance, and that we grow together.

SoS13 Team

..."I'm blown away by His love for me"

Evening all!

I apologies for our late post, especially since yesterday's is missing! The last two days seem to have slipped away from us in the midst of song, dance, baking and paper crane folding.

Kids club seems to be attracting one or two more children every day, which is giving us a manageable and steady increase in numbers, and we are loving it. Tuesday was all about the monkey football, which was enjoyed by all ages. It is a new favourite and is a great opportunity for children who are a little more shy to get involved. Naomi taught on the miracle of Jesus walking on water, and completely engaged the children with her own failed attempt at it. It's funny how simple examples can completely engage a child, and help them learn and understand concepts.

We started practicing the drama that is to be performed on Sunday, and the children are finding the characters funny, and are all involved in some aspect of the performance, although we leaders are trying our best to be able to make it as dynamic as possible within a week, which is a little more stressful than we were prepared for, although really we should have seen that coming. Regardless, we have complete faith that the children will do their best and that it is a great tool for bringing families into the church on Sunday! Please pray for us!

Some of the kids came to us today saying that they love the grace we sing before our (healthy) snack times. And want to sing it before every meal, and in between. It's encouraging to hear that they are taking some of the little things away with them.

After Kids Club, and an amazing lunch when we were blessed with a free tray of sushi by the local sushi restaurant (for some of us it was our first try of Sushi, and the reactions were positive!), we began hard work for the Acoustic Night. Some of us spent the day (rather happily I may add) completely in the church, folding paper cranes, moving musical instruments, rehearsing, hanging fairy lights and, best of all, baking. The acoustic night was a wonderful success, with a lot of unknown faces, and a packed out hall. Phil courageously and honestly shared his testimony which was well received and generated some discussion amongst those who have little prior experience of church. it's hard not to gush, and although nothing is ever perfect, it was a fun and talent filled night.

As we continue through the Galatians our discussions have been circling around the concept of being courageous to share your testimony with others, and the living gospel that transforms from the inside. Some hard lessons, and complicated theories, but in the end it all boils down to the mercy and unconditional love of Christ.

“I am not what I ought to be, I am not what I want to be, I am not what I hope to be in another world; but still I am not what I once used to be, and by the grace of God I am what I am”
― John Newton

This evening we had a rest evening, and spent it with the Camerons, where we were well fed and made to laugh. It reminds us of the things we are grateful for:

We are grateful that we have enough helpers for kids club, so that each child, no matter what their need, can be cared for, and shown attention.

We are thankful that we have all the provisions that we need to be able to run all of these events comfortably, and without having to scrimp at every turn.

We are thankful that we are able to provide a small snack for children and some adults who are in positions where they are unable to have substantial meals every day.

We are thankful for two of the women who have found the church comforting enough to come in for a chat and a kind word daily! Please pray for Dawn as she struggles with addiction.

We are thankful for the continuing joy and energy that the team return to Holiday Club with each day! We know where the only source of this can be!




Thankfully

SoS13 Team

SUPERHERO songs that you can't get out of your head!

Today saw the start of our SuperHeroes Kids Club, and as can be expected the morning was rushed and hectic, and all of a sudden we found ourselves surrounded by children, excited to be with us, and requiring entertainment.

Today's teaching focused on the teaching the first miracle performed by Jesus, the turning of water into wine at the Cana wedding, which was a great start to the week. During the activities part of team time, the leaders were able to mix with the children and answer any questions they might have had. Naomi mentioned at one point, that she turned around to hear a child asking Steve what the FAITH was. Children always ask the hardest questions, and what a wonderful opportunity to share the gospel.

During team-time, which we had out in the heat of the Aberdeen afternoon sun, many of the volunteers said, that firstly, they probably had more fun doing Zumba, dancing to Superhero songs, and wrapping our 'brides' in toilet paper (this was a particular favorite of Steve's, must be something to do with his up coming nuptials) than the kids! Although the kids seemed to be pretty hyped too. Secondly, importantly, there was a feeling that we had enough of a team to have some good one on one interaction with the children, so that all questions could be answered and attention was given to each one of them. We thank God for sending the youth our way, and pray for each of them as they think of all the things they learnt today, and are just as excited for tomorrow.

During Summer on the Street, we are looking at Galatians together as a team. With the help of a Timothy Keller booked, called Galatians for you. Galatians is a letter that really outlines the true gospel and encourages/demands that we follow it and do not allow it to be corrupted. We discussed how this is just as difficult these days, as it seemed to be when Paul wrote the letter, how it is easy to want to conform to society, and allow the truth of the gospel to slip. Group time is the best thing about mission, and today was particularly interesting as we had to sometimes shout to be heard above the passing trucks and cars, but also was a wonderful way to witness in the street, where anyone could see us studying the bible together, an eclectic (and incredibly creative) group of young people, no different in appearance to those around us, but changed from the inside by God.

Lessons we learnt today:
- God is in complete control, and He will bring those to us that are in His plans to be brought to us.
- Don't give children skewers, because they are too similar looking to swords (?????)
- Make sure the balloons that you buy for a popping game are not extra strength balloons that take 5  children bouncing up and down on them to pop.
- Having church members prepare lunch is possibly the best decision we have made.


Thankfully, and expectantly
SoS13 Team

First Day Jitters

Saturday 13th July 2013

Summer on the Street 2013 started today, and although we weren't expecting a Bang, I feel that we got it!
Aside from late bouncy castles, being locked out of rooms, and all sorts of t-shirt transfer issues, no one sweat the small stuff, and so the main event was incredibly joyful and fun!

Someone should one day do a study researching the incredibly draw that a bouncy  castle has to kids (and several twenty somethings!). We had several people from the area and some just passing by stop in for games and a bounce, and added about 7 people to our ever expanding kids club which starts on Monday.

Lisa and Mark's Bakery (with guest appearances from Amy and Florence) provided us with pretty much everything a person could desire to eat on a Saturday afternoon, which in it's turn was a wonderful way to meet some other community members, who were too tall for the well manned Bouncy Castle.

We are mystified and overjoyed by God's mercies and His ability to move mountains. Today was only the first day of something that we hope will really start something in this community! And thankful for the participation of church members! Our excitement just keeps on mounting!

Check in tomorrow for sneak peeks at kids club!

Peace and Blessings

SoS13 Team

KIDS CLUB!!!!!

KIDS CLUB INSCRIPTIONS OPEN!!!!!
EMAIL: COMMUNITY@HEBRONABERDEEN.ORG.UK FOR A REGISTRATION FORM!

Welcome

Hey All!

This is the Official Blog for Summer on the Street 2013.
We will update daily, with pictures, stories and short poems (joke), during Summer on the Street.
We will post all news, and updates on the blog as well, so keep us in your favourites bar for the time being!