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SSTN # 42 - March 31, 2003


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IN THIS ISSUE OF THE SSTN e-NEWSLETTER:


--> Egg-shaped Easter Story Cards

1) Security Procedures   
2) Blank Cd Ideas
3) Teaching Memory verses   
4) Song words   
5) Memorization technique

--> Armor of God Playing Cube

6) Down by the Creek Bank?
7) Snakes and ladders?
8) Words to Song
9) Blank Cd's   
10) Blank CD's   

--> NEW-LIFE PUPPETS 

11) Pre-k Graduation Tableware   
12) The Walls of Jericho...German pancake?
13) Confused...
14) To Burnt Out 21 yr old
15) Stations of the cross?


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Easter Story Cards

Ten Egg-shaped cards that tell the Easter Story - When the cards
are cut, colored and assembled, players can play Easter Egg Scramble and
learn the Easter Story! Reproducible so your whole class can make a set!

In the Curriculum section: 
http://www.christiancrafters.com/curriculum.html 


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1) Security Procedures   

Our church uses a security procedure system for checking in the all kids
not involved in the junior high and high school ministry (which means
every child from infants to 5th graders). The regular attender's are
listed on a sign in sheet, which a simple 1 for first service or 2 for
second service is placed in to reflect when the child attended, the sign
in sheet also has a number, phone number, and any allergies for each child
listed. The number on the sign in sheet is then put onto a sticker name
tag that has the child's name and number and stuck to the child's shirt.
The parents of regular attender's receive a laminated card each week with
the child's name and number and must turn in the card in order to pick up
the child. In addition, visitors sign in on a visitor sign in sheet and
the parents are given a visitor number and the child is given a gift bag
during their first visit to the younger classes and a Bible Buck in the
older classes. If an emergency arises during service, we take the
child(ren) involved to the main desk, and they key the child's number into
their keypad, the number then flashes on the two little side digital clock
like contraptions in the church so that no numbers have to be called
interrupting church service.
Hope this helps
Love
Sarah
California

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2) Blank Cd Ideas

This is regarding blank cd's and uses for them. I use blank cd's all of
the time, for writing verses (cover the printed side in blank felt) use
puffy fabric paint to write the verse on the other side, paint pens,
waterproof markers, and permanent markers can also be used. You can then
tie it with gold cording for a simple look, add lace for a frilly look,
add ribbon to match any decor, string beads on the ribbon and make it
longer for a Bible verse necklace, or attach a keychain clip so that it
can be attached to a purse or backpack. One of my favorite ideas however
is to make Christmas ornaments with my class out of them, every year I buy
a boxed set of cards featuring a nativity scene, or some other Christmas
scene, and stickers, foil-shape confetti, puffy fabric paints, and paper
cut outs and make Christmas ornament-cards out of them. I have a website a
friend made that includes the directions for the ornament project, if you
would like the link please let me know. Other idea's for blank cd's
include a fish coaster for the Jonah story, Bible verse coasters which are
made like above but are either covered with felt on both sides before
painting the verse, or are done exactly as above and covered in clear
contact paper. In the past, I have also used cd's for making photo frames
during a lesson about Jesus Loves Me and Knows My Name; popsicle
stick/tongue depressor puppets and the cd has been the head, and many
more. The ideas are endless with what you can create with some AOL disks
and some imagination.
Hope this helps
Love,
Sarah

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3) Teaching Memory verses   

There are many ways to teach memory verses, but I have found that the more
"fun" you make it, the more likely children  are to take it in.

In my experience, the most effective method I have come across is to use
"Diminishing words." This is very simple and easy to prepare, but the
children really enjoy it because they think they are fooling "teacher."

Write out your memory verse about 6 or 7 times on pieces of card (or
paper). However, each time you write, gradually make the words smaller.
The words on your last card should be as small as you can possibly write
them.

Show your first card (Biggest words) to your class, and have the children
say the verse. Then simply work your way through to the last card -
children repeating the words each time. As you get to the smaller words,
start to compliment the class on their eyesight. Act amazed when they
manage to "read" the last card. Then say "I think you are trying to fool
me. I don't believe you can really read this last card. I think you have
memorised the verse!
Now, let me see if you can repeat the verse without any card at all." AND
THEY WILL.

Now, let me see if you can say it without any card at all." AND THEY WILL.

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4) Song words   

Kari,
I know the song you are looking for.  It is "Ain't gonna let mountains
sing for me" Anyone interested can email me for the words.  please put
"song words" in your title.

kidzchoir@msn.com

Denise
The Turning Point
Madison, Tn

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5) Memorization technique

When I was in 6th grade, a wonderful teacher had us memorize the preamble
to the constitution, then had a competition to see who could say it the
fastest.  I have NEVER forgotten it - it rolls of my tongue just as it did
(ahem) lets just say several years ago.  The goal is not to be able to
speed-speak a verse, of course, but speaking it quickly, without time to
use various thought association techniques, places it in a different
portion of your memory.  Try it with your kids, as it really does put the
words totally at their recall.

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Armor of God Playing Cube

Kids can make it and take it home. A great memory tool!
Only $3.00 to download and print out as many as you need!
Go to the following webpage to get the free lesson and to learn more: 

http://www.christiancrafters.com/game_armor.html 


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6) Down by the Creek Bank?

Hi.  We are working on the Down by the Creek Bank musical for our
elementary children.  Does anyone have any suggestions for activities to
do with this?  Also, are there any ideas for the stage.

Thanks,
Beth - TN

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7) Snakes and ladders?   

Hey Vicky!
It sounds like snakes and ladders would be right up the alley for the
boys.  Would  you please give a brief description  of how the activity
is used.
Thanks!
JO

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8) Words to Song

I think I know what song you're talking about Kari! We sing it in chapel
at my school. (I'm in high school) It's called "Ain't No Rock(Gonna Cry in
My Place": A couple of bars to get you started:

"Ain't No Rock-
Gonna cry in my place-
As long as I'm alive I'll glorify
His holy name..."

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9) Blank Cd's   

Hello,
    http://www.geocities.com/sweetdarlinwendy/SarahsCraft.html is the
website, and all though it is only a single page in length there is a ton
of information crammed onto it literally. The site was constructed by a
friend after I sent her one of the cd-ornament cards for Christmas two
years ago. The only difference between the one's on the site and the one's
I make with Sunday School is that I use a glass to cut out the middle
(scene part of the card) without cutting into any of the edges of the
card. An Exacto knife works really well for that. I then let the kids make
the ornaments, then slip the cd ornament back into the card, so that the
decorated ornament shows through the whole on the card. Then sign the card
and address and mail as usual (if you plan to mail them, it takes 2 stamps
whenever you mail a cd). The only reason this part of it is not featured
on the site, is because I came up with this idea after sending these out
three years in a row. The kids in Sunday School adore this craft. You can
use other boxed cards to make one's for Easter, Birthday's, Valentine's
Day, and more.
Hope this helps
Love,
Sarah
California

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10) Blank CD's   

You could also make them into drink coasters with scripture verses on
them. Most teenagers are into coffee while they sit at their computer aren't
they? Get them to write their favourite verse of scripture, or whatever memory
verse you are using in permanent texta, then stick them onto a piece of
cork, then simply trim the cork to be the perfect size.
It works well, and is an interesting talking point.
Have fun
Julie, from Australia


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NEW-LIFE PUPPET patterns 


When assembled, New Life Puppets turn inside out to change from a tadpole
to a frog, or a caterpillar to a butterfly. They're easy-to-make and
children will learn about becoming new creatures in Christ! Get a free
puppet skit too! In our Curriculum section:

http://www.christiancrafters.com/curriculum.html 


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11) Pre-k Graduation Tableware   

Every year, the pre-k class at our church has a mini graduation party
before the kids are walked up to the kindergarten class. At our church,
this is the only graduation party the kids have again until they move up
to the middle school class. This year, I am ordering graduation caps with
crosses on them from Oriental Trading Company, and have already purchased
certificates. I was looking for a place to obtain cute plates, cups, and
napkins to go along with the cake that we will be having. I wanted them to
be a religious or graduation, or better yet a religious graduation theme.
So far everything I have come across either says class of 2003 which I
don't want, in the graduation category, or in the religious category it's
all either baby pink or baby blue it seems. Does anyone have any ideas as
to where I might find a fun graduation pattern of tableware, or of any
sort of theme, characters or whatever that would work for a pre-k Sunday
School graduation? Thank you for your time.
Sarah
California


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12) The Walls of Jericho...German pancake

>The Walls of Jericho. The children learned the Bible
> story and then made a German pancake ....

Would love to have the recipe for this German pancake  .. could you
please share with us.
Thankyou
Luanne

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13) Confused...   

Dear Confused,
I have learned that sometimes when things are not working, the answer is
to literally just go and do something else.  It is ok to move on.  It may
be time to put aside the serving for a season and focus on your own family
concerns.   I've been there too, and am now very happy serving where I
feel I was always meant to be.  But it was not easy getting here.  My two
main suggestions for anyone who is feeling lonely, used, abused or trapped
in a church are:

a.  Don't take it personally.  Teresa W. said this in the most recent
newsletter, and she is right.  It is a spiritual battle.  Bitterness will
lead to depression and discouragement and defeat.  Learn what you could do
better, learn what your heart is telling you about where and why you can't
compromise on certain issues.  Pray a lot.  If it becomes clear that you
need to move on, then pack your bags and go.

b.  If the main issue is loneliness or feeling isolated, take your social
issues into your own hands and make overtures on your own.  Don't wait for
others to invite you to their homes.  Invite them to yours.  Have a casual
spaghetti dinner or grill some burgers and invite over 2 or 3 couples from
church.  Don't worry about your house looking immaculate or how well you
can cook, or you'll never do it.  Invite the mother of a child the same
age as yours to come over for some playtime.  Look around in the
congregation and notice who is sitting alone.  Invite them over.  If
they're older, offer to go get them so they don't have to drive at night.
Don't confine yourself just to those who are your age.  Younger and older
folks can all be equally in need of friendship and can enrich your life in
multitudes of ways.   For 4 years my husband and I entertained and prayed
about a young untethered highschooler who latched on to us and spent what
felt like every waking moment at our house even though we had no children
and didn't know anyone even close to his age.  He is now married and a
wonderful man of God.  And a good friend.   God can open doors.  He can
also take off roofs and blow down prison walls.

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14) To Burnt Out 21 yr old

"My most taxing and emotionally draining ministry...is with a small
organisation sponsored by my church which deals with the 'street boys' in
the area...I purchase all my reading books and materials with my own
money (and a little help from my parents) and I receive very little if any
spiritual or emotional support...of the few people who have only somewhat
committed
themselves, the majority are non-Christians"

I want to start by letting you know that I admire you SO much! God has big
plans for your life and you are to be commended for giving so
unselfishly!!
:o)

What I don't understand is this: if this organization is "sponsored" by
your church, what does that mean?? Obviously your church doesn't pay for needed
supplies, provide volunteers to help you, or even follow up on your
ministry to see if needs are being met! What will happen if someone files a lawsuit
against one of the volunteers for abuse, etc. Will the church then step in
and help?? Sweetie, I'm afraid that in your zealousness you have bitten
off more than you can chew! One person can only do so much! God bless you!!

I want you to understand that I am not at all standing in judgement of
YOU...you are so dedicated and giving! I am simply letting you know how it
appears from an outsider's point of view. It appears that your church has
little to do with this! Since many of the volunteers aren't even
Christians, could you check into various organizations in your area and see if any of
them could help in meeting the needs of these boys? You could still really
help (especially since you already have good rapport with the boys), but
you shouldn't have to provide funding and run the whole show!

God has obviously gifted you and called you to work with adolescents. The
problem is you have to find a way to help them that works- for them and
you! Sometimes it is hard to wait when you see people suffering and you
want to make a difference, but God's timing is perfect and He knows your
heart...Ask Him what to do. Look for an organization that is already in
place and ask them for help in your area. It is one thing for your church
to say they want to help. Anyone can SAY that. (You can say be warm and
filled, but if you don't give them food and clothing, you've done nothing
to help them be warm and filled)... You don't have the resources or the
legal protection to continue in this huge endeavor on your own. Get help!
You must keep your spirit fed and sweet in order to minister to others...

"When I'm most depressed I feel abandoned and all alone. It has made me
doubt a lot of things about my faith."

Please, don't ever let Satan make you doubt your faith. God has a plan for
you!! Satan would love nothing more than to discourage a hard working
compassionate Christian like yourself...Don't give him the chance. Ask God
to help you keep the faith!

"a very needy boyfriend who is not a Christian"

I feel that I can speak boldly with you about what God's Word says because
you are obviously not a wimpy Christian. "Be ye not unequally yoked with
unbelievers." Sweetie, you are so devoted for such a young age. You don't
need a boyfriend who is needy and not a Christian. You need, again, to ask
God and to WAIT for the companion God will send you. I promise you if you
stay in the center of God's will you will be AMAZED by the blessings He
will pour down on you...You need someone that will support God's calling
on your life. It's going to be tough enough as it is!

I'm sorry this is so long, but I felt compelled to respond to you. I will
pray that our mighty God will bless you and will keep you and will make it
easier for you to find and follow His will in your life. Please let us
know when God's plans regarding this situation come to fruition...God bless
you...keep the faith...Jeremiah 29:11 "I know the plans I have for you,"
declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you...plans to
give you hope and a future."
Angie


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15) Stations of the cross?

Hi
I am teaching 10 year old children and would like some ideas on how I can
make the station of the cross meaningful for these children.

Appreciate your help.

God Bless
Bridget

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