Parkview Kids Team

Parkview Christian Church
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  • Author Archives: Stephanie McDonald

    • Weekly Update! Boot Camp Feedback, Team Training and Volunteer of the Week

      Posted at 2:58 pm by Stephanie McDonald
      Aug 22nd

      photo (14) photo (26)

      Boot Camp was an AWESOME 5 weeks!  We wrapped it up last weekend with the kids having a blast in the gym with the giant slide and so many more fun activities.  THANK YOU for making this an extraordinary experience for everyone.  Here’s just some of the feedback we received, way to go TEAM!!!!

      “Tonight after his bedtime prayers my four year old recited his VBS memory verse complete with Ephesians 3:18. It took me a few minutes to figure out what he was saying as the word Ephesians didn’t exactly roll off his tongue. What an amazing moment for me on a day that I was really feeling lonely. We are so blessed to be a part of Kidz Connection! Thanks to everyone for their hard work and time and energy.  You are so very appreciated!” Jennifer L.

      “Hope you are recovering from the last few WONDERFUL weeks of Boot Camp!  You guys did an amazing job.  I know my nephews who are in the older group (1st grade) had a blast as well.  Please let your team know what a great job that they did and that they do every week.  We are so grateful that God has chosen each and everyone of you to be a part of Olivia’s Sunday (Saturday) school family.  Olivia’s been singing quite a few of the songs from the worship time.  Thanks!”  Karin M.

      “At Denny’s restaurant I saw 4 yr old Alex.  His grandma told him to tell me our boot camp Bible verse.  He stood up and with all the motions said the verse – including Eph 3:18!”  Gaylinn P.

      You can also see a two minute video recap and photo album for Boot Camp on our Facebook page.  Click on this link and be sure to hit the ‘like’ button.  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kidz-Connection-at-Parkview-Christian-Church/105863366112566

      It’s almost time for us to join forces!  Our annual Kidz Connection Team Training Event is in 14 days, Thursday, September 5th 6:30pm-8:30pm!   Please click here to RSVP.  When you reply yes, it will then ask you if you need childcare which is available for free.  We are serving desserts and refreshments and need an accurate head count so please RSVP.  Mark your calendar for this very important event, it’s going to be a BLAST!!!

      Let’s Celebrate!  Meet our Volunteer of the Week Donna Strutzenberg!

      Donna Strutzenberg

      Donna is a Team Leader in a 4 year old classroom (yellow) every Sunday.  She has been serving since the launch of the
      5:45 Sunday night service.  She is a team leader that goes above and beyond making sure to connect with her team and doing whatever it takes to make sure our preschoolers are learning and growing each  weekend.  Thank you Donna, the best is yet to come!

      I LOVE to hear from you, please let me know of any God happenings in your classroom.  I am here to serve YOU.

      Final thought, “If you encourage one person each day, your day hasn’t been a waste. It’s been a blessing!”  BE MORE, I believe in you!

      BIG hugs and much love,

      Jill Shea

      Jill Shea Headshot 2013

      “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.  Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another–and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25

      Posted in Testimonials
    • NEW Prep Team! RSVP Link for Team Training & Volunteer of the Week!

      Posted at 3:00 pm by Stephanie McDonald
      Aug 15th

      Greetings!  We are preparing for our last weekend of VBS this coming weekend, August 17th and 18th.  It has been an incredible journey!  We’ve had over 900 children almost every weekend during VBS, praise God!

      We are in need of two more team members, that are at least 17 years of age or older, to help this Saturday.  If you are available please let me know right away. Thanks so much!

      Here’s some snapshots from last weekend’s fun-filled activities!

      photo (34)  photo (32) photo (31) photo (22)

      It’s almost time for us to join forces!  Our annual Kidz Connection Team Training Event is in 21 days, Thursday, September 5th 6:30pm-8:30pm!   We now have the RSVP link available. Sweet!  Can you please do me a favor and click here to RSVP.  When you reply yes, it will then ask you if you need childcare which is available for free.  We are serving desserts and refreshments and need an accurate head count so please RSVP.  Mark your calendar for this very important event, it’s going to be a BLAST!!!

      Let’s Celebrate!  Meet volunteer of the week Vera McCray! 

      Vera

      Vera is an Early Childhood Team Leader every other Sunday at 9:00am in the ‘green’ room.  Vera has been serving for a year and half and does a phenomenal job leading activities, working with the team and sets a great example for others to follow.  She’s a great leader!  Thank you, Vera, the best is yet to come!

      Looks what’s NEW!!!  With our explosive growth we are creating a ‘Prep’ team.  Our EC Prep Team will assist Lisa Dorman, Curriculum Coordinator, by helping prepare classroom supplies and the environment experience for the weekend.  You would need to be available Fridays between the hours of 10:00am-2:00pm.   Please comment or email me for details.

      THANK YOU for being a part of what God is doing at Parkview!

      BIG hugs and much love,

      jill

      Jill Shea Headshot 2013

      “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33

      Posted in Early Childhood Curriculum
    • VBS Feedback, Volunteer of the Week & Lower Your Blood Pressure?

      Posted at 11:18 am by Stephanie McDonald
      Aug 7th

      TESTIMONY: “Wanna here something cute?? Rhett has all of his army guys lined up on the front porch and he is singing, ” We’re in the Lord’s Army!”  Parkview Peeps…VBS message is coming through!!” Amy Novotny

      YAHOO!!!  Thanks for sharing Amy!  Our VBS Boot Camp Weekend Style has been a blast and we still have two more weekends to go! Here are some pictures from last weekend when we focused on “I can follow Jesus (Part 1) -The Good Samaritan.”

      photo (5) photo (8) photo (14) photo (17) photo (23) photo (24) photo (25)

      We’ll be getting ready to go back to TWO Saturday services starting September 7th.  We are in need of more team members as we continue to grow and kick off the fall season.   Please reach out to your friends and family and ask if they would like to try out Kidz Connection.  Here’s one of many reasons why people should volunteer…it’s good for your health!  Did you know volunteering can lower your blood pressure?  I thought you might be interested in seeing this. Click here.   

      Meet our Volunteer of the Week – Sammie Peteroccelli!

      photo (6)

      Sammie is a part of our Early Childhood Large Group Worship Team.  She has been helping lead worship at all of our services every weekend for over a year.  She is amazing at capturing the children’s attention and teaching them new songs every weekend.  She is dedicated, energetic and sets a great example for others.  Thank you, Sammie, the best is yet to come!

      The countdown begins…29 days til our annual Team Training Event, Thursday, September 5th 6:30pm-8:30pm. Childcare will be available.  Please mark your calendar, more details will follow soon. stay tuned….

      Thank you for your allowing HIM to shine brightly through you and doing everything within your power to use your gifts, talents and abilities. We need you!

      BIG hugs and much love,

      jill

      Jill Shea Headshot 2013

      2 Timothy 1:7 – “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”

      Posted in Testimonials
    • Save the Date! Sept. 5th + Volunteer of the Week….

      Posted at 5:46 pm by Stephanie McDonald
      Jul 30th

      team training

      Thanks for joining us online today! 

      SAVE THE DATE!  We want YOU to attend our annual Kidz Connection Team Training Event Thursday, September 5th, 6:30pm-8:30pm.  38 days away…the countdown begins!

      Question for you…What are the key issues we can help you with, how can we better work together as a team, what can be of inspiration?  This is all for you and I’d LOVE to hear from you before the BIG event.   PLEASE send me a note me via email, voicemail, Facebook or comment on this blog post.  Your ideas matter!

      Stay tuned for more details about September 5th and yes this is the day you’ll receive NEW t-shirts….  : )

      Let’s celebrate!  Meet our volunteer of the week Penny Eriks!

      Penny Eriks

      Penny is an Early Childhood Team Leader. She has been on our team for almost a year.  Penny has great people skills and loves to teach about the love Jesus has for all.  She faithfully serves every other Sunday at 9am.  She always goes above and beyond and sets a great example for others to follow.  Thank you, Penny, the best is yet to come!

      This past weekend we had our second week of VBS Boot Camp Weekend Style and it’s been phenomenal!  Everything has been running smoothly, everyone is enjoying our large group worship in the elementary gym and all the fun games and activities.  THANK YOU, we can’t do this without YOU!

      Our Early Childhood attendance is up 30% from last year this time.  Praise God!!!  PLEASE keep reaching out and invite your friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, etc to our FREE VBS on the weekends.  The more the merrier!

      We always love to hear stories of how God is using this ministry to touch lives.  If you have a story of how God is stirring something up inside of you or in your EC classroom I hope you’ll take a minute and email me all about it.  I LOVE to hear from you!

      Make it a great week and I look forward to seeing you soon.

      BIG hugs and much love,

      jill

      Jill Shea Headshot 2013

      2 Timothy 1:7 – “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”

      Posted in Early Childhood Curriculum
    • Your Endorsement, VBS & Volunteer of the Week

      Posted at 5:01 pm by Stephanie McDonald
      Jul 23rd

      Our VBS Boot Camp Weekend style is off to a Grrrrrrrrrreat start!  Here’s a few photos from last weekend.

      photo (28) photo (37) photo (38) photo (46)

      Your endorsement is the greatest example!  I read a fantastic article this past weekend by Tiffany Cooper.  Here’s 5 excellent points she mentioned that we can all use as a reminder…

      • When others see us serving in a ministry, they see that the ministry has value to us.  If we value it, they will be more likely to value it as well.
      • When we love on people that others view as unlovable, we are setting the example of how to treat others.
      • How we speak about our family, love our family and invest in our family is an endorsement of how to operate in their family.
      • If we have a bad attitude, they will feel a license to do the same.
      • When we complain and grumble about other people, we invite grumbling and complaining in our church.

      Don’t underestimate your influence! Don’t hide from it or try to bury it. Trust that the Lord has confidence in you.

      Let’s Celebrate!  Meet our volunteer of the Week Simone Lopez!

      Simone 1

      Simone is an Early Childhood Team Leader in Clubhouse B every Sunday at 11:00am.  She is doing an amazing job leading the way in showing love and honor to every single family and team member.  Simone is dedicated, organized and always a joy to be around.  Thank you, Simone, the best is yet to come!

      I spoke with Simone this afternoon and she responded by saying: “Thank you so much, Being there means a lot to me. I feel like they teach me more than I do them.”

      If you are on Facebook please ‘Like’ our Kidz Connection Facebook page . We’ll be adding fun photos of VBS for the next few weeks, don’t miss out!  Feel free to share the photo album on your own Facebook profile to reach out to the community so they are aware of our FREE VBS on the weekends.

      Thanks for being the greatest team. I look forward to seeing you this weekend!

      In awe of Him,

      jill

      “Let the children come to me.  Don’t stop them!  For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.”  Matthew 19:14 NLT

      Posted in Early Childhood Curriculum
    • VBS Super Meeting and Volunteer of the Week

      Posted at 1:40 pm by Stephanie McDonald
      Jul 18th

       

       

      VBS Super Meeting  Boot Camp Boot Camp

      Hip, Hip, Hooray!!!  We had an AWESOME turn out last night.  THANK YOU to everyone who was able to attend our VBS Super Meeting last night.  If you were unable to join us, we missed you!   Please click on the agenda link to view the important information from last night VBS Super Meeting Agenda 2013.

      The Underground was JAM-PACKED with all our AMAZING Kidz Connection volunteers.  We had so much fun kicking off VBS Boot Camp together!  Motivating music and push ups helped us get started, GREAT job everyone!

      It’s extremely important we are all in the loop and understands how our area will run differently for VBS Boot Camp.  The biggest change is our large group worship will be in the elementary gym during the next five weekends, COOL!!!  We need everyone to do their best to arrive at least 35 minutes before the start of service and meet us in the Early Childhood ‘Green’ room for an important huddle before the families arrive.  If you are already serving in our EC ministry check-in at the kiosk as usual to get your name tag.  There will be a separate table set up for new VBS volunteers to get their name tags.

      Meet our Volunteer of the Week, Mary Leary!

      photo (18)

      Mary is an Early Childhood Team Leader in Clubhouse A.  She jumped right in to help when we launched an additional service in February.  She faithfully serves every Sunday night.  Mary is incredibly committed to the team and has a huge heart for Parkview and Children’s Ministry.  She can always be counted on.   Thank you, Mary, the best is yet to come!

      Feel free to contact me with any questions, I’m here to help.  Looking forward to VBS Boot Camp with all of you, thank you for being the best team ever!!!  See you soon!

      BIG hugs and much love,

      jill

      “You never know what kind of impact you might have in someone’s life. And you may never know what God will do with those moments to achieve His purpose for the benefit of others. You just never know.” Tony Dungy

       

      Posted in Early Childhood Curriculum
    • Do you have a story to tell? VOW/Super Meeting/NEW Pics

      Posted at 12:09 pm by Stephanie McDonald
      Jul 11th

      Tamie Cebula

      Let’s Celebrate! Meet our Volunteer of the Week, Tamie Cebula.  Tamie is a Team Leader in Clubhouse B every other Sunday at 9am and has been serving for almost a year.  In addition to her weekend duties, she goes above and beyond to help with prep work before any of our special events.  Tamie’s energy is contagious and she is a great example of a dedicated leader.  Thank you Tamie, the best is yet to come!

      Do you have a story to tell?  I would LOVE to hear from YOU about how God is working in our Early Childhood classrooms and hallways. What are you witnessing?  We have a ‘Testimony” category on our team blog and since everyone is scattered out between difference service times and day it would be extremely helpful if you could email me or facebook me or even leave me a voicemail (then I’ll type it up) with what you are experiencing and seeing so I can share and document it here on our team blog.  Now how easy is that! : )  Sharing is caring.

      photo (5)

      Friendly reminder, YOU are invited to our  SUPER meeting next week, Wednesday, July 17th, from 7:00pm-8:30pm at the Orland Campus.  This meeting is for current and new volunteers.  Stay in the loop!  We’ll go over the vision of VBS and game plan for those weekends.

      Free childcare is available while you attend the meeting, please make a reservation here if needed:   http://www.formstack.com/forms/?1513400-JCe14nA99J

      Our new ‘Backyard’ theming for Early Childhood is complete, thought you’d like to see some pictures if you haven’t been in our area for a while.  Thanks to all the volunteers who graciously gave their time and talents to help give our area a fresh new look. Our team and the Parkview families are extremely grateful!!!!!

      backyard

      large group

      tree

      hallway

      Make it a GREAT week!

      With love,

      jill

       

       

      Posted in Early Childhood Curriculum
    • Volunteer of the Week, Boot Camp Meeting July 17th!

      Posted at 7:47 pm by Stephanie McDonald
      Jul 3rd

      Sara Ott

      Happy July, let’s celebrate!  Meet our Volunteer of the Week, Sara Ott.  Sara has been an Early Childhood Student Volunteer for almost a year. She serves every Sunday at 9am in the purple room.  Sara does an amazing job leading the way and showing every single child love and patience.  She has a passion for the kids and people around her and it shows as she serves with her whole heart. Thank you, Sara, the best is yet to come!  #ParkviewVOW

      Everyone’s been asking about our fun-filled VBS Boot Camp that starts the weekend of July 20 thru August 18th during all weekend services.   Our current team members DO NOT need to complete a form to be a VBS volunteer.  Whatever your schedule is for July/August is where you will be serving for VBS.  Just let me know if you want to increase your serving time or help with decorating.

      Be sure to invite your friends, family, neighbors, co-workers to our VBS this month.  ALL are welcome and it’s free of charge!  YAHOO!!!!!!

      Boot camp tshirtWe have optional t-shirts available for $5.00 at the COMMAND POST in the Foyer at the Orland Campus!  Feel free to wear it now when you serve to promote our VBS Boot Camp.  Lisa has exciting new games and crafts prepared, it’s going to be TONS of fun!!!!

      YOU are invited to an important Kidz Connection VBS Super Meeting Wednesday night, July 17th, 7:00pm-8:30pm at Parkview.  This meeting is for current and new volunteers.  Stay in the loop, we’ll go over the vision of VBS and game plan.  We’ll start with large group time in the Underground where we will talk about why we are having VBS Boot Camp and overall information.

      Next, we’ll break out into separate teams so we can go over Boot Camp training for current and new volunteers.  Our Early childhood team will breakout and meet in Clubhouse A.  There will be delicious treats (cookies, brownies, coffee, lemonade) in our breakout room for dessert.  Don’t miss out, we want YOU to be there!

      Childcare IS available while attending our Super Meeting, Wednesday night, July 17th.  If you need childcare PLEASE make a reservation by using this link, thanks!  http://www.formstack.com/forms/?1513400-JCe14nA99J

      boot-camp-header

      PUT ON YOUR CAMOUFLAGE GEAR, GRAB YOUR FRIENDS, AND GET READY FOR SOME BOOT CAMP FUN!

      Have a SAFE and SPECTACULAR 4th of July!  Thank you for your dedication to God’s little ones, we can’t do this without you. Look forward to seeing YOU soon!

      BIG hugs & much love,

      jill

      “He will cover you with his feathers.  He will shelter you with his wings.  His faithful promises are your armor and protection.” Psalm 91:4

       
      Posted in Early Childhood Curriculum
    • Volunteer of the Week, Boot Camp and Picnic Pictures!

      Posted at 12:30 pm by Stephanie McDonald
      Jun 20th

      photo (13)

      Let’s celebrate!  Meet our Volunteer of the Week, Gaylinn Phillips!  Gaylinn is an Early Childhood Leader at ALL services, except one that she attends, every weekend.  She has a huge heart for the Parkview families.  Gaylinn does it all from greeting families, helping children transition into the classroom, monitoring hallways for safety and ensures attendance accuracy.  She serves with passion and joy.   Thank you, Gaylinn, the best is yet to come!

      Friendly reminder to use our online scheduler to request a sub and/or fill an important role.  I will be off starting Monday, June 24 through Sunday, June 30th.  https://parkviewec.wordpress.com/link-to-online-schedule/

      We are back to one Saturday service at 5:00pm starting this weekend.  We are also in high season for vacations so if you request a sub (please do this several days in advance) please remember to be a sub for someone so it all balances out.

      Reminder, if you see the letters “EC” posted in the main worship area that means we need more help in our classrooms and if you are willing to come out of service we could use your help.

      SNEAK PEEK! Boot camp is coming to Kidz Connection July 20-21 thru Aug 17-18.   These fun, new T-shirts will be available for purchase soon.  If you are interested in helping with decorating for our Boot Camp next month please comment on this post or reply to my email.  Thanks!

      Boot camp tshirt

      We had a FANTASTIC time at our first Early Childhood picnic last Thursday.  Thanks to all for helping make it a HUGE success, good times and great memories!  We’ll do it again next year!

      20130613_194225_resized 20130613_194245_resized 20130613_194250_resized 20130613_194354_resized 20130613_194542_resized 20130613_194639_resized_1 IMG_3140 photo (3) photo (4) photo (459) photo (461) photo (462) photo (463) photo (465) photo (466) photo (467) photo (468) photo (469) photo (470) photo (471) photo (472) photo (473) photo (474) photo (475) photo (476) photo (478) photo (479) photo (480) photo (481) photo (482) photo (483) photo (484) photo (485) photo (486) photo (487) photo (488) photo (489) photo (490)

      BIG hugs and much love,

      jill

      “I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called–his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance.” Ephesians 1:18

      Posted in Early Childhood Curriculum
    • Volunteer of the Week, Father’s Day Weekend + Picnic is Tonight!

      Posted at 12:19 pm by Stephanie McDonald
      Jun 13th

      DonaldJett

      Let’s Celebrate! Meet our Volunteer of the Week, Donald Jett!  Donald is an Early Childhood volunteer.  He stepped up to serve when we added the Sunday 5:45pm service in February.  You will find him in our green room every Sunday night.  Donald always arrives early and is ready to greet the families and welcome the children.  He is a team player, thoughtful, and has a huge heart for the kids.  Thank you, Donald, the best is yet to come!

      Father’s Day weekend is almost here, WOOHOO!!!  This is one of our busiest weekends at Parkview.  Here’s a couple things we all need to keep in mind.  This Saturday we go back to TWO services, 3:45 AND 5:45pm.  The Show and Shine show is this Saturday from 3pm-6pm in the west parking lot.  Please allow yourself extra drive time to park in the back lot if you are serving.

      We have the same three service times this Sunday, 9am, 11am and 5:45pm.

      We will have lots of new families this weekend and we don’t get a second chance to make a first impression.  Let’s make sure we are ready, rested and reaching out to make everyone feel welcome at Parkview.

      Speaking of feeling rested, TODAY, we will have our first Early Childhood Picnic for our EC Team at Schussler Park in Orland Park.  It’s time for us to relax, share a meal together and have fun!  It’s not too late to join us!  If you did not rsvp and want to come, PLEASE feel free to join us.  We would love to see YOU and meet your family.  Click here for address and details Picnic Invite EC 2013 .

      Friendly reminder, any time you see the letters EC posted in the main worship area that is our distress call.  It means we have lots of children, praise God!, but not enough team members in the Early Childhood classrooms. If you are willing to come out of service to serve His little ones we would GREATLY appreciate it.

      Make it a GREAT week and Happy Father’s Day to all our dads!!!

      BIG hugs and much love,

      jill

      2 Timothy 1:7 – “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”

      Posted in Early Childhood Curriculum
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