Lads 2 Leaders

Our congregation participated in Lads to Leaders for the second year this weekend, and this time, Noah was a part of the activities. In a nutshell, Lads to Leaders is a program designed for the churches of Christ to help grow young people into future church leaders.

K-2nd graders participate in a non-competitive forum, the goal being that they begin to feel comfortable in the spotlight and are encouraged to continue. 

Noah entered two different categories: Art (sculpture) and Oral Bible Reading. I need to get a picture up here of his awesome sculpture. The theme this year was Matthew 6:21, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." With Jamie and Drew's help, Noah designed and sculpted a treasure box, lid, and Bible. After they were fired, he glazed them and decorated them beautifully. It was on display at the convention and now will have a special place at home!

On Friday, Jamie, Audrey, Noah and I packed up and headed to Grapevine to the Gaylord Texan resort where the convention is held every year on Easter weekend. Noah's event began at 1:30, and he made us so proud! He is an excellent reader and I hope he continues to use that ability to serve God.

It didn't hurt that Noah's good friend Levi was also reading in the same room. Levi is in Kindergarten; Noah is in first grade.

We LOVED the Gaylord! Such a beautiful place to stay. We managed to squeeze in an hour of swimming on Friday afternoon before getting dressed for dinner and awards.

Chris arrived Friday in time for the longest dinner ever (DON'T eat at the Riverwalk Cantina) and the awards ceremony that evening. Caleb won second place for song composition and Alex was a finalist for art. So fun!

Saturday morning after breakfast we filled down time with some lively group games with Bible themes, led by Kelly the Game Queen.

Oliver and Audrey had their own brand of fun!

Even Chris joined!

After lunch we had time for some group pictures:

Before Audrey's nap, she played pirates with some other younger kids while our big kids competed in Bible Bowl.

Chris judged Bible Bowl and then I judged Songs of Praise (women's song leading) before we reconvened for pizza, coffee and more awards!

Lisa, Audrey, Rachel, Charlene, and Chris (one of our elders)

Several of our kids received awards in categories such as scrapbooking, Bible Bowl and Songs of Praise. 

Lads to Leaders also recognized all the young boys and girls who participated non-competitively by asking them to come onstage for recognition of their hard work and courage. Noah and Levi loved being in the spotlight!

This morning's worship service in the hotel was so uplifting. The service was led by some of the top achievers, young men who gave speeches that seemed professional; teenagers leading songs as if they had done it all their lives; and prayers of thanksgiving and praise. We are already talking about next year's convention!