Let me share some great news from an amazing KidzWorld weekend. We marked a new record attendance at 1346!
In 252 Theater we talked about God’s plan of salvation and what it means to be baptized. I’m thrilled to tell you that 93 kids accepted Christ this weekend and 123 kids are interested in being baptized at Watermark! That is worth celebrating! God is allowing us to experience some unbelievable stuff at NewSpring. Many people invited their friends and family members to hear the first message in the Red Letters series and Pastor Mark did an amazing job with the talk. Isn’t it great to be a part of it all?
As the Children’s Pastor of NewSpring, I just want to say thank you to my incredible staff and the dedicated volunteers who make KidzWorld happen every weekend. I know it can get a little crazy when unexpected things come up or there is a sudden jump in the number of kids in a particular class. I know that sometimes you have to go out of your comfort zone, but that’s when you know that God will help you because it’s all about Him getting the glory anyway. Each one of you had a part in the life-changing decisions that were made this weekend. Thank you so much for allowing God to use you to minister to the children who come to NewSpring. You will never know the full impact your ministry has until you get to heaven.
Now we are looking ahead to Easter. Last year we had just over 1500 in KidzWorld on Easter weekend, but we were only 154 away from that with this weekend attendance. Realistically, we can expect a huge jump in attendance on Easter weekend. Here are some of the things we are asking our volunteers and regular attenders to do on that weekend. First of all, please consider serving in one additional service. We are adding a 3:30 p.m. service on that Saturday, April 23rd. That service will only happen on Easter weekend but we will need to have a KidzWorld team in place. Also, as a volunteer we would ask you and your family to please choose one of the Saturday services to attend in the auditorium so that we can have extra space available for guests on Easter Sunday. If you normally worship and serve on Sunday, you might consider attending the service on Saturday and then serving during both Sunday services. If you can help in any of these ways, please contact your ministry leader right away and let them know you are willing.
Just think of all the individuals and families whose lives will be changed this Easter because you care enough to help create engaging environments where they can learn about God’s love.
Please pray for us this week; it is going to super busy.  Debbie and I  have a Judgement House training this week and then the KidzWorld Gang is going to Seltzer Elementary this Friday. We will then go to Beech Elementary on Tuesday, March 8th. We also appreciate your prayers for our future planning as we seek to make KidzWorld even better.
Thanks again for making a difference in the lives of so many kids!

Digital puppets are the newest feature in KidzWorld.  Make sure you come by and say “hi” to Ruggles.  He will make you laugh and help you start your time at NewSpring Church in a great way.  Ruggles was a big hit not only with the kids but also with adults who kept coming by to make sure they didn’t miss something.  It is just another tool to take KidzWorld to a new level and to make sure we are joyful, relevant and irresistible to everyone that comes in our doors.

What a creative bunch of families we have at NewSpring! We enjoyed all the entries for our photo contest.  The votes have been cast and we have our winners.  The Botkin Family came in 3rd place, winning a $25.00 Visa gift card. 2nd place is the Norris Family and they win a $50.00 Visa gift card. The Ruffing family takes 1st place, winning a $100 Visa gift card.  Congratulations to all who participated this year.  You will be able to see all the entries at our Jingle Jam production on Christmas Eve. Don’t miss it at 2:30, 4 or 5:30 p.m.

Thanks to those of you who were able to attend Family Experience last weekend! We had a great time and gave away some cool prizes. We also gave a calendar of events for the month of December. Just in case you didn’t get to attend last weekend, here are some upcoming events:
Dec 11/12: JumpStart–this is a 30 minute session for elementary kids and their parents. If your child has questions about a relationship with Jesus or baptism, this is a great tool to help answer those questions. You can register for either session online at newspring.org/jumpstart.
Dec 18/19: KidzWorld sings in the auditorium–all kids from age 3 through 5th grade will sing Joy to the World in the auditorium that weekend. Don’t be late because the song is one of the first things on the schedule for that weekend.
Dec 19: Deadline for Funny Family Christmas Photo Contest–submit your funniest family Christmas photo to route252@newspring.org for a chance to win some extra Christmas shopping money. Three gift card prizes will be awarded: $100, $50, $25. Please include a contact phone number with your entry. Winners will be announced on lifeinakidzworld.com on December 21st.

Dec 24: Jingle Jam at Joy Junction will happen at 2:30, 4 and 5:30 p.m. This is open to k-5th graders and their families. Baby Bay and Adventure Avenue will also be open for younger children during those three service times. Invite everyone you know to attend Jingle Jam at Joy Junction. It will be amazing!! There will also be a gift for every child.
Dec 26: Christmas Family Experience, 10 a.m. in the main auditorium. This is one final chance to celebrate Christmas with your entire family. The entire program will be family friendly and lots of fun.
Thanks for bringing your child to KidzWorld!