Calvary Chapel Upland Childrens Ministry Blog

Christmas VBS?

2008-11-25T14:26:00.000-08:00

Yes it's true this year at Calvary Chapel Upland we will be doing a Christmas VBS. The reason why we are doing a Christmas VBS, is because first and foremost this is what we feel the LORD is directing us to do. We also really want the kids to know what the real true meaning of Christmas is. Which is the celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. God gave us the greatest gift; His Son Jesus Christ to die for sins and He has given us eternal life when we put our faith and trust in Him. Which is why Christmas is called CHRISTmas.

Also during the VBS we are going to challenge the kids to give Jesus a gift for Christmas, after all it His birthday we are celebrating. We will challenge everyone to give Jesus; perhaps more of our time towards Him, to give up too much video games, or too much TV, those are just a few of the ideas that we can give to Jesus for Christmas. So come on out as we continue to celebrate Jesus birth at our Christmas VBS.

When: December 28 - 31
Time: 6:00PM - 8:00PM
Where: Calvary Chapel Upland, 2060 W. 11th St., Upland, CA 91786
Contact: Jason Arellano 909-931-3286

CCU Children's Ministry teaching

2008-08-05T08:43:00.000-07:00

I often get phone calls from companies that publish Children's Ministry curriculum asking me to buy their product. I also get asked often from people at church and from people who may call the church office asking me; "What do you teach the kids at Calvary Chapel Upland?" My answer is always; "We teach the Word of God." The curriculum that we use here at CCU is a chapter by chapter; verse by verse study through the Bible. As of right now on Sunday mornings we are going through the life of Christ, while on Wednesday evenings we are going through the book of Psalm. If a child attends CCU from 1st grade through 6th grade they will have gone through Genesis - Revelation in a 6 year period, if you want a copy of our teaching schedule which goes through November of 2014, please go to the contact page and send me your e-mail and I would be more than willing to e-mail you a copy of the teaching schedule here at CCU. I often get asked; "Why do you teach the kids this way?" Well it says this in Isaiah 28:10; "For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept, Line upon line, line upon line, Here a little, there a little." So here at CCU we know it's our responsibility to teach the kids the Word of God every time they are here at church. One of the kids recently told me that she likes the meaty Bible studies she receives here. My prayer is that the kids are also reading their Bibles at home each day, which is why we send home the 5-day devotions that go with each study. So kids parents be in the Word daily and take up cross daily (Luke 9:23).

In Christ <><,
Jason

CKC is over; should I still go ot church?

2008-05-13T15:52:00.000-07:00

Well we had another great year of CKC, and I want to thank Scott and Julie for all their service unto the Lord this past CKC year, and I will be praying for the entire Souldog family as they hit the road this summer I'm very jealous that Scott is going to the Cornerstone Music Festival in Illinois.

With CKC over for the year, I often get asked this question; "Is there still church during the summer?". The answer to that question is yes! You maybe asking; "What goes on at church during the summer on Wednesday nights?" Well we have Children's Chapel. AT Children's Chapel we begin the night with worship, after worship we have a Bible study (this summer we are going through various Psalm), then we do a game with questions regarding the Bible study, then we raffle off prizes, and then lastly everyone goes back to their classrooms and discuss the bible study in small groups, also in the small group everyone gets a chance to pray. Children's Chapel is my favoriate time of the year. Every year we see a lot of spiritual growth in the kids as well as seeing kids come to know the Lord as their personal Lord and Savior. So I encourage all of you to come out to church this summer.

I also want to encourage you to be in the Word daily, not just here at church. Jesus wants us to walk with Him daily. Luke 9:23; "Then He said to them all, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross DAILY, and follow Me." Notice Jesus did not take up your cross on Sunday, or take up your cross on Sunday and Wednesday, no Jesus said take up your cross DAILY. Which means we should be praying to God and reading our bibles everyday.

It is also important in our Christian walk to be in fellowship. Which means hanging out with Christian friends and going to a good Bible teaching church. The book of Hebrews says this; Hebrews 10:24-25; "And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching." So we need to love one another, encourage one other, help each other out, and go to church.

So in closing I hope to see all of you on Wednesday nights at 7:00 for Children's chapel and just remember that song you sang in pre-school; "Read your Bible pray everyday, pray every and you'll grow, grow, grow!"

In Christ <><,
Jason Arellano

UNASHAMED

2008-04-03T10:40:00.000-07:00

I recently came back from our Jr. High retreat and it was awesome. Theme of the retreat was "Unashamed" based on Romans 1:16; "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek." God did an awesome work in the kids lives who were able to go, He also did a great work in my life...

I began to think a lot of us are crazy about our favorite sports teams, like myself with the Kings (the worst team in the NHL), even though the Kings are bad I'm unashamed to be a Kings fan. But how am I and how are you when it comes to being unashamed for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Are you embarrassed to tell people that you go to church, or that you are Christian.

When it comes to our faith in Christ we have to be UNASHAMED for Christ. When I first rededicated my life to the Lord was very UNASHAMED to be a Christian I always wore my big nail cross, ever since I gave my life back to the Lord I have never looked back, He is my everything, I put Him first in everything. I pray that I am being a witness to those who are around me (neighbors, friends, family members, and all those who God has given me the honor and privilege to minister to).

My prayer for all of you is that you are all UNASHAMED to be a follower of Christ. I pray that you are be a witness to your friends and family members not just through word, but most importantly through your actions. Your friends, family members, and neighbors should be able to tell that you a re a Christian because of the way you act; no cussing, no fighting, no gossiping,not losing your temper, but you should be loving, kind, and tender-hearted to everyone. And when people ask you why you act the way you do, you can tell them that you are a child of God and you and share with them about the love of Christ. so be UNASHAMED for Christ.

In Christ <><,
Jason Arellano
e-mail me at j.arellano@ccupland.org

What is more important?

2007-11-19T13:48:00.001-08:00

NOTE:
FOR SOME ODD REASON THIS POST SAID IT WAS WRITTEN ON NOVEMBER 19. BUT IT WAS WRITTEN ON JANUARY 31. I HAVE NO IDEA HOW THAT HAPPEND.

Most of you who know me, know that I'm a huge L.A. Kings fan, but my number one love is my for Jesus Christ.

Something else I love more than the kings is the kids here at CC Upland and the ministry God has called me to do. I thank God each for His saving from my sin everyday, I thank Him for His amazing love which He has shown to all of us. I thank God that He has called into the ministry, there is nothing else I'd rather be doing. All of you kids are in my prayers everyday, and I thank God for all of you, I love all of you.

A couple months ago, during the Jr. High Bible study I was sharing with the Jr. highers how much I loved and how much I love teaching them the Word of God. I was sharing how our first love should be for Jesus Christ, and we should put God first. As I was sharing with them I told them that I would rather be teaching them the Word of God, than being at a Kings game...

Well I think God heard me, no I know God heard me. So I think He gave me a test. A few days after teaching that study an older man from church gave me 2 VIP seats to see the the Kings take on the San Jose Sharks. The first thing I looked at was the day of the game December 26 a Wednesday night. So I was thinking what should I do? I could get someone else to teach for, I can use a vacation day I still have 2 left. Then the Lord reminded me of what I said to the Jr. Highers. And yes I did mean what I said when I told them that I would rather teach them the Word of God, than go to a kings game. So I gave the tickets to my brother for a birthday gift.

Now get this around a month after this happend the same man who gave me those tickets gave me the same seat location (PR 16, first row). For January 24 vs. the Kings biggest rivals the Anaheim Ducks (Booooooooooo) January 24 is a Thursday night, so guess what, I get to go.

I just want to encourage all of you to love God with all of your heart, soul, and mind. The reason why we should love God because He first loved us. God loves you more than you can imagine, more than anyone will love you. Just keep your eyes on Jesus, through the good times and the bad times, God will never leave nor forsake you.

Deuteronomy 6:5; "And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength."

1 John 4:19l; "We love Him because He first loved us."

In Christ <><,
Jason Arellano
j.arellano@ccupland.org

PS
I'm sorry I took a while to write a new blog we were having problems with the website.

Lord, what do You want me to do?

2007-10-09T14:12:00.000-07:00

So I'm sitting here studying for the Jr. High Bible study for Wednesday night; and I cross refrenced a verse; Acts 9:6. Acts 9:6; says this; "So he (Saul aka Paul), trembling and astonished, said, "Lord what do You want me to do?"...

*Keep in mind that Paul asked Jesus this right after he got saved on the road to Damascus.

This really go me thinking. What does God want me to do? What does God want you to do? Well first thing we need to know is what does the Lord require of us. Well that answer is in Deuteronomy 10:12-13; "And now Israel (this is also speaking to us), what does the LORD your God require of you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways and to love Him, to serve the LORD your God will all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep His statutes (God's law) which command you today for your good."

Now first and foremost we need to love God, walk with God (read your bible daily, pray daily, having a personal relationship with God), before we can serve Him. Once we begin to serve God He will show you what He wants you to do with your life.

Maybe God will call you into full-time ministry; like He has done with me. Or maybe He has called you to a fireman, teacher, lawyer, policeman, doctor. Whatever you do in your life do it all for the glory of God. your prayer, and my prayer should be like Paul; "Lord what do you want me to do?"

In Christ <><,
Jason Arellano

My Vacation

2007-09-04T11:34:00.001-07:00

My vacation was awesome! But I missed all you guys alot. I heard Teacher Larry did a great job at Children's Chapel on Wednesday night and Amy did a good job overseeing the children's Ministry on Sunday, thank you guys. But my vacation was very relaxing. The first thing I did was attend a Chivas USA game vs. Real Salt Lake; Chivas won 1-0. Three days before that game Chivas USA beat the L.A. Galaxy 3-0, it was awesome ( I was at the game with my dad; who is a Galaxy fan); as you can tell I'm a huge Chivas USA fan. After the game I bumped into some friends from church, Sid won VIP tickets for the game he was there with his parents and his friend Cade (check out the picture). The weather was very nice it most normally 75 degrees I heard it was over 100 degrees everyday I was gone in Upland. I had a nice and relaxing time in Carpinteria. I was able to spend alot time with the Lord (one of the pictures is of me reading my bible over the beach on a cliff. I was able to spend alot time in prayer as well, all of you kids were in my prayers. It was so awesome to see God's beautiful creation (check out the pictures). I also had my ipod and listened to worship music while staring at the ocean. On Sunday I went to a great church called Reality Carpinteria, the service was great it was a good message, and I really enjoyed the worship. I almost got stuck up in Carpinteria because as I was going to leave on Sunday I started up my car and the battery was dead. So my brother drove 2 hours, bought a battery (I paid him back), and he replaced my car battery. But then I finally went home on Monday when I left Carpinteria it was 74 degrees (check out the picture) when I got home it was 107 degrees. But I'm happy to be back; I missed everyone and I can't wait til Wednesday night to teach at Children's Chapel (The Armor of God).

In Christ <><, Jason Arellano
j.arellano@ccupland.org

VBS (Game Day Cetral)

2007-08-07T16:31:00.000-07:00

This year our VBS was during the week of July 23 - 27. This year's theme was my favorite theme we have ever had. It was a sports theme and anyone who knows me knows how much I love sports. I even did some of the decorations. One of the classrooms basically looked like my bedroom when I was a kid. I was able to put up my Chivas (Chivas USA), Kings, Dodgers, and other sports stuff. But that is not important. The important part is the work the Lord did. Our theme verses were Hebrews 12:1-2. We really focused on keeping our eyes on Christ and putting Him first in our lives. What was real awesome we had 9 kids accept Christ as their Lord and Savior. We saw a lot kids grow in their relationship with God. Through the week we had lots of great prizes that were donated to us by lots of the local pro sports teams, which included tickets to games, which I wish I was able to have especially the Chivas USA VIP tickets. On the last night we had a lot of fun with dinner donated by Chick-Fil-A. And of course the highlight of the night was the dunk tank. All in all it was great week, I just want to thank all of the servants who came every morning ready to serve the Lord, without you guys VBS could not had happened.

In Christ <><,
Jason Arellano
j.arellano@ccupland.org

God did a awesome work at Children's Camp

2007-08-02T11:28:00.000-07:00

First off I'm sorry it's been a while since I've written a blog so I'm going to write two in one day...

Well back in June (June 25-29) we had our Children's Camp, which went awesome. The Lord did a great work in kids who went. All of us had a great time! There was rock climbing, archery, euro-bungee, zip-line, ping-pong, air hockey, crafts, were some of the activities we had. Also each morning we would get up and have morning devotions. The throughout the day we would have 2 bible studies taught by Ivan and myself. In evening we would all gather for chapel, where we had a time of worship with Mr. Daniel and we would various guest speakers such as James and the Professor. The theme of this year's camp was; "God's Love", we went through the book of 1 John, and we all grew in the love of God. The last evening was awesome. The last night Russ Hodder (The Black Light Man) was the guest speaker. He gave a great message followed by an altar call in which many kids came forward to either accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior or to rededicate their lives back to the Lord, we had 7 kids from Calvary Chapel Upland go forward. Afterwards we had a afterglow (a time to just worship the Lord) and it was real cool to see some of our kids raising their hands to the Lord in worship. It was such a blessing to see the kids from our church grow in God's Love, I can't wait until next year's camp.

In Christ <><, Jason Arellano

Upland Elementary I will miss you

2007-06-05T14:44:00.000-07:00

For 4 school years I had the honor and privilege to teach the Good News Club at Upland Elementary, every Wednesday afternoon. I will never forget the time that God allowed me to teach at Upland Elementary. Some days honestly were hard, especially when the class was acting rowdy, that was probally because some days we had up to 50 kids in the cafeteria, but I truly will miss all of you.

It truly was one of the hardest decisions I have made, but God is opening more doors for ministry, I pray that Upland Elementary will get a new teacher to teach the Good News Club at that school. Thank you to all of you who attended throughout the years, we had lots of fun times together, I hope to see some of you around town or you come visit me here at Calvary Chapel Upland.

I also want to thank all of you who sent me e-mails telling me how much you appreciated the Good News Club and how much you miss me coming to the school, those e-mails mean so much to me, thank you again. I just want all of you to know that you are all still in my prayers and I will never forget you guys and gals. I just want to encourage you to continue in your walks with the Lord (read your bible, pray, fellowship). I also want to encourage to continue to go to the church that God wants you to be at, even though I would love to see some you visit me at my church, but continue to fellowship at the church you and your family go to.

I also want to remind you that God will always love you, He will never stop loving, and He will never leave nor forsake you. I pray that you will never walk away from the Lord and that you will not give in to peer pressure as you go through Jr. High, High School, College, and as a grow up get married and have your own families, just stay focused on Christ. Well I hope to see all of you again, maybe we play some; zonk.

In Christ <><, Jason Arellano

e-mail me at j.arellano@ccupland.org

Here are some verses that I often quoted in club throughout the years...

Jeremiah 31:3; "The LORD has appeared of old to me saying; "Yes, I have loved you; with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you."

Jeremiah 29:11; "For I know the thougghts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope."

Joshua 1:9; "Have I not commanded you?Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."

Romans 5:8; "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

That's not fair!

2007-04-03T12:14:00.000-07:00

Have you ever said; "That's not fair!". I think everyone has said that sometime in their life. Maybe you lost a game that you think you should of won, and you think the other person or team cheated (which they probably didn't) and you say; "That's not fair!". Or maybe you are in a choir and the teacher picks kids to do solos and the teacher does not pick you and you say; "That's not fair!". Or maybe your dad gets some tickets to a sporting event and he takes your brother or sister instead of you, and you say; "That's not fair!" OK I think you get the picture, there are more situations that can happen, when you are going to say; "That's not fair!". Well I'm sorry to tell you this but as you get older you are going to realize that; "Life is not fair". As you get older you might not get to go to that exact college you wanted to go to. You may not get that raise at work you wanted, you may not get that giant house you want. But know this that God is going to give to you what He thinks is according your need. Perhaps God may not put you in a big university like UCLA or USC because He has called you into full-time ministry and He wants you to go to Bible College. Perhaps you won't make enough money for a giant mansion, because God may wants to teach that money does not buy happiness. I want to know that God has a awesome plan for all of you. Maybe you're going to be a school teacher, a fireman, policemen, doctor, a construction worker, a receptionist, salesman or woman, a pro athlete, or anything else you may want to be. Did you know that all of those jobs can be done unto the Lord, some of you may be called to go into the full-time ministry such as pastors or missionaries. But just because God may not put you in a job like that, it does not mean God cannot use you. He can use you in your work place, just like He does when you are at school, the way He uses you, is by you being a witness for Him. Also one day you may get married and have your kids of your own, that will be the greatest ministry God will call you to, to minister to your family. So if you say; "That's not fair!". Think of perhaps God has a better plan for you.

Speaking of saying; "That's not fair!". I know of a true story of someone who took a punishment for something; actually a whole bunch of things that he never did. Do you know who I'm talking about? I'm talking about Jesus. Since it's Easter time we need to be reminded of what Jesus did for us. Now we know that we are all sinners no one is perfect (Romans 3:23; "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God"). Jesus was perfect; He never sinned, He was sent by God to save us from our sins. One day almost 2000 years ago, Jesus was beaten, whipped, and nailed to cross. The reason why He did that was because of our sin, He took the punishment of all of our sin when He was crucified on the cross. He then rose again 3 days later. And because He took the punishment that we deserve we are able to go to heaven. You can go to heaven by accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, asking Him to forgive of your sin, and ask to live in your heart. So the next time you say; "That's not fair!." Think of what Jesus did for you.

God Bless,
Jason Arellano

e-mail at j.arellano@ccupland.org

Can God use me?

2007-01-23T11:17:00.000-08:00

You may ask yourself the question; "Can God use me? I'm just a kid". I want to tell you; "Yes God can use you!" He can use you in so many ways. Here a few suggestions that I have...

1. First and foremost is to pray. You can pray anytime and anywhere. 1 Thessalonians 5:17; "Never stop praying." You do not have to close your eyes to pray you can just pray in your thoughts; because God knows your thoughts. Psalm 139:2; "You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I'm far away." There are many people you can pray for such as; your parents, pastors, family members, missionaries, and your friends.

2. God can also use by you serving Him. Now you might be asking yourself; "How can I serve the Lord?" Well one thing you may do is help your parents with doing chores around the house without being told. As you may be cleaning the house, doing yardwork, cleaning up after your pets, you can do those things unto the Lord. As you do those chores around your house, you be blessing your parents.

3. God can use you is telling others about Jesus. As you go to school, or while you are on your sports teams you can tell your friends, classmates, teammates, and family members about Jesus. You can tell them about how much Jesus loves (John 3:16), by witnessing to them. But the best way to be a witness is the way you live your life. You need to be a good example to your friends and family. If you tell people you are a Christian you need to act like it, by loving others and being obedient. You should not be fighting, a person who gossips, a bully, or someone who is mean to others.

Did you know there is a story in the Bible of God using a child. John 6:1-14 we read of when Jesus feed thousands of people. One day Jesus and His disciples had spent all day ministering to a large amount of people. So at the end of the day everyone was hungry. The bible tells us that there was 5'000 people, but that was only the men, so many people believe if you count the women and children there was probally close to 15'000 people. But there was big problem, Jesus and His disciples did not have enough money to buy food for all of those people. Then in verse in 9 it says this; "There's a young boy here with five barley loaves and two fish. But what good is that with the huge crowd.?" Then is verse in 11 we see Jesus giving thanks and everyone ate as much as they could. See God used a child, even though Jesus did the work, the young boy wanted to be used by God and He was. Perhaps that day his mom packed him a lunch, and when he heard that Jesus, His disciples, and all the people did not have anything to eat, the young boy wanted to help by giving them his lunch.

So in closing I want you to know that no matter what your age is; God wants to use you.

In Christ <><,
Jason Arellano
e-mail me @ j.arellano@ccupland.org

Being Thankful

2006-11-14T16:40:00.000-08:00

First I'd like to apologize. Because it has been a while since I've written a blog. I hope you enjoy this blog.

When I was a kid growing up after church my family would usually out to eat (most of the time it was Del Taco) after church. But sometimes we would go home and eat peanut butter and jelly sandwiches instead. Once I found out that we were not going out to eat, I would usually complain. Have you ever complained about something like that? Now that I am older I see how blessed I was to be able to go home and have peanut butter, jelly, and bread to make a sandwich. I also see that it was a bigger blessing and privilege being able to go out to eat all of those times we did. So are there things in your life that you complain about? I think this month is a perfect month to talk about being thankful.

As most of you know this month (on Nov. 23) we will be celebrating Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is a day for us to be thankful for what God has done in our lives, in the past year. As Christians we need to be thankful every day. The first thing and most important thing that we who have accepted Jesus into our hearts as our Lord and Savior should be that Jesus died for our sins and He has forgiven us of our sins, He has given us victory (1 Corinthians 15:57; "But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.").

Even though we may thank God daily for His love for us; do we thank Him for all of our daily needs? Those times when you have to have a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, instead of going to a nice place to eat; do you still thank God for your sandwich? Or when you do not get what you want (such as a toy, video game, clothes, food) do you complain or do you thank God for what you already have? We need to thank God daily for everything He has given to us. We need to thank God for being so good to us. 1 Chronicles 16:34; "Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever."

Ever since I went to Mississippi (hurricane Katrina) last year for Christmas I am so thankful for so many of the things that we take for granted such as a bed to sleep in, a car, food to eat, a job, to many things to list. We need to realize how blessed we are, we have so much "stuff", some of us have too much stuff. So I encourage you to take time to thank God for everything you have, write down on a list all the things God has given to you, that you are thankful for. Trust you will be surprised if you look around and see everything God has given to you. He has given you these things because He loves you so much. Happy Thanksgiving.

* If any of you kids from Calvary Chapel Upland or any kids who visit Calvary Chapel Upland show me your list, I'll have a prize for you or you can e-mail me your list at j.arellano@ccupland.org

BACK TO SCHOOL

2006-09-07T11:11:00.000-07:00

You may be asking yourself what do all these pictures have to do with going back to school we read on and you'll find out...

Well it's that time of the year again, it's time to go back to school. I know for lots of you it's always an exciting time of the year. As you go back to school remember that you are representing Jesus Christ by the way you act and talk.

But the main thing that I want to remind all of you is as go back to reading books and studying for test. The most important thing in your life is your walk with the Lord. Even though you are going to have to do a lot of reading in school and for homework. I pray that you do not forget to pray and read your Bible daily.

Remember that the most important thing in your life is your walk with the Lord. Jesus said in Luke 9:23; "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me." There is a pretty important word in that verse; that word is daily. God has called us to walk with Him daily. Not just on Sunday or Wednesday at church, but daily. The way that we walk with Christ daily, is by reading our bibles and praying everyday. Having that quiet alone time with God daily is so important in your walk with Christ. Never neglect your devotion time with the Lord, daily is the key.

Maybe you are saying to yourself; "Hey I'm to busy to read and pray, I have so much homework." Alright then let me ask you a question; "What are doing in your free time?" Are you playing video game? Are you watching cartoons or something else on TV? I'm not saying playing video games and watching TV are wrong (although it does depend on which games you playing and what kind of programs you are watching), because I enjoy playing video games and watching TV (especially Kings hockey, Dodger baseball, and EPL soccer). But if you are spending to much time doing those things instead of spending time with God, it's time to change. It's time to turn off that video game, it's time to watch one or two less Sponge Bob Square Pants episode. Now it's time to open up your Bible and spend some time with the Lord. Also spend some time praying to God, He is never to busy for, He will always listen to you, He wants to know your prayer request, Philippians 4:6; "Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all he has done."

So encourage all of you as you are back in school, to stay strong in the Lord. Never forget how much He loves you, He loves you so much that He sent His Son Jesus Christ to die for your sins. So spend that time with Him daily. It could be when you wake up in the morning, or maybe you can spend some time with Him in the evening.

1 John 2:28; "And now, dear children, continue to live in fellowship with Christ so that when He returns, you will be full of courage and not shrink back from Him in shame."

In Christ <><, Jason Arellano e-mail me with comments or prayer request

Set Sail VBS 2006

2006-07-31T15:37:00.000-07:00

This year our VBS theme here at Calvary Chapel Upland was; "Set Sail". With the "Set Sail" theme wee learned about the life of Paul. We had a great time! Everyone enjoyed the worship, crafts, snacks, games, and the bible studies. It was such a blessing watching everyone grow in their walks with the Lord. The best thing that happend at VBS was that we had 35 kids give their hearts to Jesus Christ. Each day at VBS we learned about a diffrent event in Paul's life. The first day we heard about how Paul (who was called Saul at that time), was on the road to Damascus, then the Lord apperead to him in a bright light and Saul was converted that day, he gave his life to Christ on that road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-18). On the second we heard about Paul meeting a woman named Lydia. On that day Paul shared about Jesus Christ to Lydia, and on that day Lydia gave her heart to Jesus Christ(Acts 16:6-15). On the 3rd day of VBS we heard about how Paul and Silas were sent to prison. While they worshiped God and prayed to Him then, a great earthquake shoke the prison doors, loosened up their chains, opened up the prison doors, but they did not escape. Instead all the prisoners stayed in their prison doors, and becuase of that the prison guard gave his heart to Jesus Christ, and also his whole family got saved that day as well (Acts 16:16-40). On the 4th day we learned that even when Paul was on trial and wherever he went he preached the good news (Acts 21:1-3,7,15,27-22:30;23:11-26:32). Also on the 4th day we learned a easy way to share the good news with a friend, a neighbor, classmate, or family member; by sharing with them the wordless book. On the last day of VBS we learned about how Paul kept his faith in God even though he was in a storm and shipwrecked (Acts 27). It was God that did all the work at VBS, and I had such a honor and blessing being able to teach all of you kids. I love all you guys and gals and you are always in my prayers. Oh yea also each day we had a raffle for a box of Cap-n-crunch. Well thank you for reading this and God bless.

In Christ <><,
Jason Arellano (aka Captain Jason)

e-mail me at
j.arellano@ccupland.org

Children's Camp was a BLAST!

2006-06-28T10:42:00.000-07:00

Well as some of you know some of us were up at Children's Camp last week. And let me tell you we had a blast. God did some awesome work up on the mountain. I saw the Lord work in each person's lives who went to the camp, and I am very proud of each of you who went. It was so cool to see how many of the kids from our church having a greater passion and desire for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It was a huge blessing watching all the kids do there devotions, and having a greater desire to read their bibles everyday.

I pray that you will always have that passion and desire to read the Word of God, I pray that none of you will ever walk away from God. I pray that God uses all of you greatly in the ministry as you grow up.

We also did a lot of fun things at camp. Some of the fun things we did was archery (Luc did a great job), rock climbing (Brooke was our best climber), zip-line, euro-bungee (man, Sid got high up in the sky), swimming in the pool, swimming in the lake, crafts, we played futbol (soccer), great worship, and fun guest speakers. We also had two bible studies a day with just our group.

I had the honor and privilege of being able to teach the kids 3 times (I love teaching the kids here at CC Upland). The time of teaching always went great! Everyone was so into the bible study and there eyes and ears were just glued on to whoever was speaking.

What God showed me on the trip... Well now I have even a greater passion and desire for the kids here at CC Upland. God gave me even a greater love for the kids here at CC Upland as well. I just want to see all of you loving Jesus. I want to see all of you desiring to read God's word everyday. I want to see all of you desiring to pray more.

Here are the scriptures God showed me up at camp during my personal devotion time...
Acts 20:24; "But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself; so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God."
This verse showed me that the thing that moves me the most in my life is first and foremost Jesus Christ, but after that it's all of you (the kids of CC Upland). I love you all so much, I want to see all of you walking with the Lord. You are always in my prayers, all of you are always in my mind. If I had the choice of going to a big sports event (you know how much I like sports) or teaching you kids on a Wednesday night I would rather be at the church with you guys. I am always praying for all of you.

The other verse God showed me at camp is Acts 20:28; "Therfore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit had made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood."
By the grace of God, God has allowe dme to oversee this ministry. I want you all to know again how much I love and pray for all of you. God has a awesome plan for your life. Just keep your eyes on Jesus.

In Christ <><, Jason Arellano

e-mail me @ j.arellano@ccupland.org

Spring Time

2006-05-18T12:05:00.000-07:00

Well Spring is upon us and for many people that means it's the beginning of baseball season. Whether it's playing Little League, T-ball, softball, or going to cheer on your favorite team; and most of us in this part of California it's the Dodgers or the Angels, for me it's the Dodgers

For me whenever baseball season begins it reminds of when I was a child and what I wanted to be when I grew up. As a kid growing up my dream was to play for the Los Angeles Dodgers. I wanted to wear number 14 just like my favorite player Mike Scioscia, and play catcher and left field. I would be in the front yard of my house pretending to hit the game winning homerun in the World Series just like Kirk Gibson did back in 1988 (by the way I was at that game). But as I grew older and I never got as tall as 5'4, baseball coaches in high school told me I was to small to be a big league player.

So I just gave up on playing baseball. But God had a better plan for my life. As a child growing up my Grandma (on my dad's side) tell me that when I grew up I was going to be a pastor, and preach the Word of God. I thought she was crazy! I would tell her; "No I'm going to play for the Dodgers." After she passed away when I was 11 years old, my Grandpa in the little English he knew would tell me that I was going to be a preacher. In fact he would make me eat hot sauce so then when I become a preacher I would preach with fire.

Then one day when I was 16 years old at a high school retreat, I rededicated my life back to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Then that night as I was lying in my bed thinking of what I just did, the LORD reminded of what my Grandma would always tell; "You're going to be a Pastor when you grow up." So right then I told God; "My life is yours." That was when I felt called by God to be in the full-time ministry. So after I finished up high school and worked at Kmart for a year, I went to Bible for almost 4 years.

Now I've been in the full-time ministry for over 6 years, and I have no regrets. Now my favorite thing to do now is to teach the Word of God. It doesn't matter if I'm teaching at a Good News Club at my old Elementary school (Citrus Elementary), the kids here at Calvary Chapel of Upland, or adults, I just love to teach. And I still love going to Dodger Stadium and cheering on my favorite baseball team the Los Angeles Dodgers, and sometimes I still imagine the PA announcer at Dodger Stadium saying; "Now batting number 14 Jason Arellano." But God has called me to do something so much better!

In closing I want all you kids to know that God has an awesome and amazing plan for your life as well. So keep your eyes on Christ and He will do things that will blow your mind!

In Christ <><, Jason Arellano Philippians 1:6; "being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ." Contact Jason @ j.arellano@ccupland.org

GETTING TO KNOW JASON

2006-04-22T18:15:00.000-07:00

Full Name: Jason Michael Arellano
Birthday: April 9
Favorite Food: Mexican Food
Favorite Verses:
My favorite New Testament verse:
Philippians 1:6; "being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Christ."
The reason why I like this verse is because this the verse the Lord showed me to confirm that He has called me into the ministry. Even though I know I'm in the full-time ministry I know God is not done with me. I hope and pray I'll be in the ministry my whole life.
My favorite Old Testament verse:
Jeremiah 29:11; "For I know the thoughts that I have toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope."
The reason why I like this verse, is that in this verse God is showing me that no matter what happenens to me (good or bad) God is control and He has an amazing plan for my life.
Favorite Hobbies: Well I'm a huge sports fan. My favorite sport is hockey and my favorite team is the L.A. Kings. I enjoy other sports such as soccer as well and my favorite team is Manchester United. I'm also a big baseball fan, and I'm a huge Dodger fan, in fact as a kid growing up I wanted to play for the Dodgers. Then my favorite basketball team is the Clippers. Also one of my favorite places to go is Disneyland.
Why do I do Children's Ministry: First and foremost the reason why I do Children's Ministry is because it's what God has called me to do. I also love teaching the Word of God, and it's a blast to teach the Word to kids. Children's ministry is a lot of fun, because I get to act like a big kid. My prayer is that kids here at Calvary Chapel of Upland will have a personal relationship with their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I also pray that they will never stray away from Him as the reach Jr. High, High School, College, and grow into adulthood.

Jason

Easter

2006-04-22T16:30:00.000-07:00

WHAT IS EASTER?
Hey kids why do you think we celebrate Easter? Is it for the jellybeans? Is it for those delicious cadberry creme eggs? Is it for the Easter bunny? Is it to see who can collect the most Easter eggs?
Well Easter has nothing to do with chocolate (even though I do love chocolate), Easter eggs, or the Easter bunny. Easter is all about Jesus, let me say it again Easter is all about Jesus! It was almost 2000 years ago that Jesus did something for, you, me, and for the whole entire world. You can read all about in the bible (Matthew Chapters 26-28, Mark chapters 14-16, Luke 22:47-24, and John Chapters 18-20). One of the greatest verses in the bible is a verse that almost everyone knows -it's John 3:16; "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." Wow this is such an amazing verse, that God sent His only Son, Jesus to die for our sins. Think of some of the bad things that you have done, such as lying to your parents, a teacher, a brother or a sister, talking behind someone's back, hating someone, stealing from your mom's purse or your dad's wallet, stealing a toy from a friend, or maybe you have disobeyed your parents, those are all sins. But Jesus has done an amazing thing for he was crucified on a wooden cross for our sins. Jesus took the punishment for all the bad things you have done. The reason why He died on the cross for your sins is because He loves more than you can imagine. But the story is not over yet.
The reason why we celebrate Easter Sunday is because Jesus rose from the dead. Three days after Jesus was crucified Mary Magdalene, Peter, and John found Jesus' tomb empty, Jesus rose from the dead, He overcame death. Jesus was the first and only person to overcome death. Because Jesus overcame death, all of us can go to heaven. All you have to do is put your faith trust in Jesus Christ. Just ask Him to forgive for all your sins (He will do it Psalm 103:3), and believe that Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead. Well that is what Easter is all about.
I hope and pray you have a blessed Easter and I hope to see you at Upland High School at a special Children's Easter Service.

In Christ <><, Jason Arellano Contact Jason childrens.ministry@ccupland.org