Legacy

Ft. Flagler State Park, Accelerate Youth, Summer camp 2010

Accelerate Youth at Ft. Flagler, Summer Camp 2010

Students at the other beach at Ft. Flagler

More bonding time, this time with games

Fun

More Fun

Students play Capture the Flag at the Bunkers.

The Bunker students played CTF in, from a different perspective.

They say a happy cook is a happy camp.

Much funner than watching television for a week

Students enjoying the time they have to spend time with God and get closer to each other.

Enjoying a sunny day

Bonding Time

A student expresses his creativity by building a fort on the beach.

A finished product.

Towards the end of each night students worshiped God and listened to a message from one of the leaders about sharing the Legacy of Jesus. The fire was beautiful, it also kept students warm.

My father was a military man –go Navy!!– who regularly changed duty stations. Every two years or so with new orders, the family would pack up and move to some pretty cool location. As an only child who was very painfully shy, the excitement of these moves was tempered by the fact that I was leaving behind friends, school, and a routine that I had just gotten used to. The thought of being the new kid yet again tied my stomach in knots every time.

Such was the case when Dad got orders to the D.C. area. We were living in Guantanamo Bay (before the war on terror moved in!) and I spent my days like all the other 7 year old’s in Gitmo…fishing, climbing thorn trees, and avoiding mine fields–literally. My life had reached a comfortable rhythm: I had a couple of friends, my parents took me snorkeling regularly, and I even was pretty good at selling girl scout cookies! School wasn’t so scary any more, and the boy that pulled my braids on the school bus finally left me alone (which is a story in itself for another time!). Life was pretty good, so you can figure out what happened next…ORDERS. Gaaaaah!

Coming from laid back sun and warm 24/7 to frenetic traffic and smog truly took the air out of my little sail. The three of us moved into a town house in Alexandria, Virginia, within walking distance of the scariest thing I had ever seen… Mount Vernon Woods Elementary!!! Yikes! This school was massive and even had TWO STORIES. The night before my first day as the new kid (again) I was a total wreck. I dreaded being picked on, or worse yet, ignored. I felt like I was this insignificant, quiet little mouse with a raging sea churning inside me; this continued regularly throughout the fall and winter, easing only slightly with the friendship of a girl next door.

That winter seemed like an eternity! One day I was killing time outside our house, looking at the snow.  It was beginning to melt and I got a kick out of rediscovering what had been hidden underneath there all winter. As I went around the corner, I saw something purple sticking out of the snow. A crocus had managed to grow out of the snow layer and actually bloom! I still remember the thrill I felt in seeing that little flower. All of a sudden (honestly!) I started feeling a lot better about my situation. After all, winter wasn’t lasting forever, my school wasn’t that horrible, I had two good friends, and my parents were still the coolest folks around. I realize now that God sent that flower to help me begin to wake up from my own personal winter. Truly a new beginning was starting to take shape in my life.

Our Lord is so gracious in reminding us now and then of the lessons He has taught us. Every Spring I’m energized by the sight of a purple crocus! And this Spring, particularly at ALFC, new beginnings have taken root. Our ministry to children is beginning a journey that I couldn’t even have imagined this time last year. We are immensely blessed to incorporate a new electronic check in system, enhancing the security of our most precious little ones. We’re also reinventing our ministry to elementary kids. Kidzone is undergoing a technology, curricular, and environmental overhaul! I’m excited to say that we are coming into the 21st century with flair, riding a new surf theme all the way.  Our 4-6th graders will be bowled over by our new J12 program, a ministry devoted specifically to the precocious tween audience. They will learn to experience life from the perspective of Jesus when he was age 12 (what a tough age, right?) and be able to integrate His message into every aspect of their daily lives. Exciting!!!

Our children’s ministry team really appreciates all the support and encouragement you, our ALFC family, continually gives. And during this season, we are especially thankful for a Savior who specializes in new beginnings…right on time!

Pastor Christina Marvin

Jesus said, “I have come to seek and to save the lost.” I was one of the lost 34 years ago, I am so thankful that someone shared the good news with me. I shudder to think of the person I would have turned out to be without the loving influence of the Holy Spirit in my life.

Tomorrow is Good Friday, the day Jesus was crucified for my bad decisions, the day He took the punishment for my greed, my lust, my anger, my coveting, my lying, my worship of material goods, wealth, and pride. This is personal to me, because others said I was a good man, a good person; if I had died at 15 I would have spent eternity in torment and suffering. That was unacceptable to Jesus and He sacrificed Himself for me. I will forever be grateful of His love and forgiveness, I stand in awe of His great love.

Sunday is coming, with His resurrection He took the keys of death and hell away from the enemy. His resurrection is the power in which my life was transformed and I moved from death to life. By the power of His resurrection I have hope, I have joy, I have peace, I have become more patient, gentle and kind; by His resurrection I am a better human being. I am who I am today, because He is who He is everyday. Jesus Christ the same yesterday, today and forever.

Please look around you today, who do you know who needs to meet Jesus, who do you know who is lost, discouraged, disillusioned, disappointed in life, who do you know who is lonely… Who do you know that if they died today would be lost forever? Please do what Jesus did, care enough to talk to them, to interact with them, to see their value in the bigger picture. Let’s be about our Savior’s work.

God bless you all, have a wonderful Resurrection weekend!

Pastor Ken

So the sun has been shining, flowers have been blooming, and spring seems to be right around the corner…Awesome!! This has reminded me of the spring of my 4th grade year (waaaaay back in the day, apparently) when I first began feeling the excitement of new growth, and the possibilities inherent in new beginnings.

My father was a military man –go Navy!!– who regularly changed duty stations. Every two years or so with new orders, the family would pack up and move to some pretty cool location. As an only child who was very painfully shy, the excitement of these moves was tempered by the fact that I was leaving behind friends, school, and a routine that I had just gotten used to. The thought of being the new kid yet again tied my stomach in knots every time.

Such was the case when Dad got orders to the D.C. area. We were living in Guantanamo Bay (before the war on terror moved in!) and I spent my days like all the other 7 year old’s in Gitmo…fishing, climbing thorn trees, and avoiding mine fields–literally. My life had reached a comfortable rhythm: I had a couple of friends, my parents took me snorkeling regularly, and I even was pretty good at selling girl scout cookies! School wasn’t so scary any more, and the boy that pulled my braids on the school bus finally left me alone (which is a story in itself for another time!). Life was pretty good, so you can figure out what happened next…ORDERS. Gaaaaah!

Coming from laid back sun and warm 24/7 to frenetic traffic and smog truly took the air out of my little sail. The three of us moved into a town house in Alexandria, Virginia, within walking distance of the scariest thing I had ever seen… Mount Vernon Woods Elementary!!! Yikes! This school was massive and even had TWO STORIES. The night before my first day as the new kid (again) I was a total wreck. I dreaded being picked on, or worse yet, ignored. I felt like I was this insignificant, quiet little mouse with a raging sea churning inside me; this continued regularly throughout the fall and winter, easing only slightly with the friendship of a girl next door.

That winter seemed like an eternity! One day I was killing time outside our house, looking at the snow.  It was beginning to melt and I got a kick out of rediscovering what had been hidden underneath there all winter. As I went around the corner, I saw something purple sticking out of the snow. A crocus had managed to grow out of the snow layer and actually bloom! I still remember the thrill I felt in seeing that little flower. All of a sudden (honestly!) I started feeling a lot better about my situation. After all, winter wasn’t lasting forever, my school wasn’t that horrible, I had two good friends, and my parents were still the coolest folks around. I realize now that God sent that flower to help me begin to wake up from my own personal winter. Truly a new beginning was starting to take shape in my life.

Our Lord is so gracious in reminding us now and then of the lessons He has taught us. Every Spring I’m energized by the sight of a purple crocus! And this Spring, particularly at ALFC, new beginnings have taken root. Our ministry to children is beginning a journey that I couldn’t even have imagined this time last year. We are immensely blessed to incorporate a new electronic check in system, enhancing the security of our most precious little ones. We’re also reinventing our ministry to elementary kids. Kidzone is undergoing a technology, curricular, and environmental overhaul! I’m excited to say that we are coming into the 21st century with flair, riding a new surf theme all the way.  Our 4-6th graders will be bowled over by our new J12 program, a ministry devoted specifically to the precocious tween audience. They will learn to experience life from the perspective of Jesus when he was age 12 (what a tough age, right?) and be able to integrate His message into every aspect of their daily lives. Exciting!!!

Our children’s ministry team really appreciates all the support and encouragement you, our ALFC family, continually gives. And during this season, we are especially thankful for a Savior who specializes in new beginnings…right on time!

Pastor Christina Marvin

Address
5610 Kitsap Way, #230,  Bremerton WA 98312

Phone
360.377.9733

Service Times
Sunday at 8:30 & 10 am, noon and 6 pm
Services and classes meet throughout the week

Regular Office Hours
Mon 12-6, Tues-Thur 9-6
Closed Major Holidays

Directions
From the north, Silverdale, Poulsbo, etc. Take Highway 3 South. Exit at Kitsap Way. Turn right onto Kitsap Way and drive until Crawford Drive. Turn right down hill and drive until you see our large brick building.
From the south, Port Orchard, Gig Harbor, etc. Take Highway 16 towards Bremerton until it becomes   highway 3. Exit at Kitsap Way, turn left and drive until Crawford Drive. Turn right down hill and drive until you see our large brick building.

ALFC map

Printable Information Sheet

A: We take the well being of all children very seriously. Babies and young children are continually in the process of forming attachments and developing opinions that will be foundational to their emotional and spiritual development. By picking up their children, albeit for 15-20 minutes before re-checking them in, parents are able to minimize fears of abandonment and emphasize the importance each child has in their lives. It’s also a great time for families to share a laugh with their kids in the cafe, make a potty run, and enjoy a few minutes of down time together!

Q: Why is there water in my child’s sippy cup when she was checked in with a cup full of milk?

A: Our nursery staff is keenly aware of conditions that may affect the babies that they serve. If the milk in a child’s cup is considered to be warm and a potential host for bacteria, the nursery staff will wash the cup and refill it with cool water. We have a small refrigerator on hand for parents who wish to bring a sippy of cold milk labeled for their children. Sometimes the baby has simply finished all his milk, and with a clean cup, was given cool water by the nursery staff.

Q: The diaper on my child at check out is not the one he came in with.

A: Each of the babies in our nursery are changed regularly. If a child comes in without spare diapers, or if the child has gone through the diapers in his bag (potty emergencies happen regularly on Sundays!), the nursery staff will use one of the diapers we keep on hand for just such an occasion!

Q: Why do we discourage toddlers and preschoolers from bringing personal items to class?

A: Little boys and girls are masters at stashing items that adults find hard to discover! It isn’t uncommon for our teachers to spend many many minutes looking for a misplaced sippy cup, hair clip, stuffed animal, etc. Every minute spent on an item hunt is a minute NOT spent interacting with the children. Also, young children often have difficulty with the concept of personal property. For example, a sippy cup can become community property (“who’s cup are you drinking out of???”), the new Spiderman toy that Junior brought in has become a magnet to EVERY kid in class, and the beautiful gold bracelet that Grandma bought for her little sweetheart disappeared into the class playdough!

Q: My child has dietary restrictions, plus I prefer that no sweets be given.

A: We are very intentional in what we serve our little ones. Saltines, pretzels, graham crackers, and fresh fruit are the only things regularly on the menu. Water is served with the snack. On special occasions such as Christmas or Easter, cookies are decorated and to be eaten with parent permission. If a special diet is called for, feel free to bring in snacks labeled specially for your child.

Q: My child has some special needs. Does ALFC offer a particular class for her?

A:  We approach ministry to each child individually, taking into consideration special needs, learning styles, and the best interests of the family. After discussion with the parent(s) of a special needs child, a mutual decision is made as to which class will provide the best atmosphere for a positive learning experience.

Q: Do you offer snacks during service?

A: Absolutely! Young children are in constant need of food energy, therefore we offer low sugar, low allergen options to all children. Snacks generally consist of crackers or pretzels and a cup of water, with a sweet treat available only on special occasions. Babies in the nursery receive a small handful of Cheerios with parent permission.  Children with dietary restrictions are encouraged to bring a labeled snack from home.

Q: Does Children’s Ministries provide opportunities for families outside of Sundays?

A: Many opportunities exist for children to connect throughout the year. Sleepovers, camping trips, holiday parties, kids camp, and other church wide events encourage relationships with Jesus and with one another.

Q: The nursery is such a peaceful place, how do I volunteer?

A: Our nursery and our classes are staffed by quality individuals that love Jesus and love children. Each volunteer fills out and returns an application to serve as well as background check information. See any nursery volunteer, Jessica Fowler, or Pastor Christina Marvin for an application!

Contact Jessica Fowler or Pastor Christina Marvin for more information:

jessica@alfc.us                 christina@alfc.us

Q: How are Children’s Ministries volunteers selected?

A: Potential volunteers go through an application process that includes personal references, prayer, and a comprehensive criminal background check