Welcome to THE SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER'S NETWORK
**** A service of ChristianCrafters.Com ****
"For where two or three come together in my name,
there am I with them." -- Jesus
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
>> ---- CHANGE of address and Subscribe / Unsubscribe
guidelines are found at the bottom of this newsletter. ----- <<
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
When responding to a topic:
Delete ALL TEXT that is NOT PERTINENT to your response before
posting your message. Please title your message to reflect the content.
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
SSTN # 66- June 22, 2002
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
IN THIS ISSUE OF THE SSTN e-NEWSLETTER:
1) Catchy theme for weekend?
2) Growing Kids God's Way
3) Psalm 23 ideas?
-> Praise-Amations!
4) Children's Church...still a good idea?
5) Growing Kids God's Way is controversial
6) Growing Kids God's Way
7) Promotion Sunday Ideas
-> W.W.J.S.? Gospel Catchers
8) Holy Spirit?
9) Safety Issue Regarding Meat Trays
10) Summer Sunday School
11) Scavenger Hunt?
12) Back to school party
<>< <>< <>< <>< TODAY'S SSTN POSTINGS: <>< <>< <>< <><
1) Catchy theme for weekend?
I am the Children's Ministry coordinator and we are having a Kids
celebration weekend. We are holding a Barn Dance night on the Saturday
evening and then two services on the Sunday and I need some ideas for a
catchy theme for the weekend. This will be put on the flyers that go home
and will be the base of the weekends services. I am stuck for ideas
Please
help me
Maree
Salvation Army Gold Coast
Australia
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
2) Growing Kids God's Way
>I think that people calling it "controversial" are calling it that
>because they consider God's word controversial and don't believe there
>absolutes of right and wrong.
Hello,
I have been reading this newsletter for months, and I am currently
serving as a Director of Christian Education in FL. I have heard many
different things about this program. One of my concerns is - if this
program is "Growing Kids God's Way" are all other programs against God's
way? A young couple in our church expressed this very idea. They have
been attending GKGW at another church. My church sponsored a Parenting
workshop led by a well-known speaker - Dr. Rod Kennedy - called "The
Encouraging Parent" The parents said they would not attend both because
ideas might clash and they might make a parenting mistake! I wonder if
other GKGW parents feel this way. Most importantly, we need to realize
that each child is unique and we need to approach each child with this
awareness. There is not a single formula that will work for every child.
God created children to be different and we need to focus on encouraging
children and being firm in our discipline yet realizing that one
discipline may not work on every child.
Growing and Serving Together,
Janette Goldstein
Florida
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
3) Psalm 23 ideas?
Hello, first I want to say I love your website. I really enjoy all the
different ideas. I have been teaching Sunday School for 5 years. The age
group that I have are 1st-3rd graders. I'm looking for ideas to keep the
children motivated. My 1st graders love to color, where my 2nd and 3rd
graders wants to do something different. Does anyone have any activities,
crafts,etc. that I could have the children do. This summer I would like
to
start teaching them Psalm 23, any suggestions.
Thanks-
Yours in Christ,
Shenelle
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
Praise-Amations!
Remember those cartoon flip cards that you roll between your hands to make
them animate? With Praise-Amations, children will be excited to see their
praise cartoon mini-movies come to life as they roll them between their
hands. 27 Reproducible patterns to make and do with your entire class!
In the Curriculum section:
http://www.christiancrafters.com/kt_kit.html
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
4) Children's Church...still a good idea?
I have read all responses on Why Have Children’s Church and most of the
responses seem to think it is a good thing. However, it seems that most
churches use it like a Sunday School. We are a small Presbyterian Church(
about 75 each Sunday) having Sunday School for all ( birth- all adults) at
10 am each Sunday morning and worship at 11 am. We also have a Sunday
night program for all children( 3- high school.). We have no other
activities on a regular basic. In the light of Sunday School and Sunday
night activities( this includes Bible study, recreation, snacks and
crafts-- they meet for 1 ½ hours) do you still think it is a good idea to
have Children’ Church? Your opinion is most appreciated. MMAW
--from SSTN: It does seem this is where some of the confusion lies. It
appears that some churches do NOT have Sunday School, so they offer a
Children's Church instead. However, there are some churches that offer
both a Sunday School and a Children's Church program. ALSO, if you haven't
voted on this topic yet, you can cast your vote on this page:
http://www.christiancrafters.com/vote.html
ysic, sarah keith <><
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
5) Growing Kids God's Way IS controversial
Growing Kid's God's Way is controversial, not because people consider the
Bible to be controversial or God to be controversial but because the
Ezzo's interpretation of Scripture to support their opinions are
controversial. As part of my research for my
doctoral thesis "A Biblical Paradigm of Parenting" I thoroughly read all
of Ezzo's material, as well as Dobson, Swindoll, and William and Martha
Sears. I also reviewed critiques of current Christian parenting
literature. The American Academy of Pediatrics has much to say about the
safety of Babywise. The Christian Resource Journal 1998 April-June issue,
raised many concerns about this so-called ministry. From my own exogenic
Bible study, I do not find much 'God's Way" in the Ezzo curricula, and
refer to it as Ezzoism. While some of Ezzoism is compatible with modern,
Western, parenting methods, its underlying assumptions are blatantly
applied behavioral, Freudian, and humanistic psychology. Nor can the
experiences of parents who have used Ezzo's curricula be discounted. The
impact of Ezzoism in individual families is heartrending, which is what
prompted AAP investigation. Which is another reason Ezzoism is
controversial- no other parenting philosophy has such a history of
anecdotal data that is so contrary to basic child development and common
sense. Further, Grace Community Church in Panorama City CA, the church
where Ezzo developed his program, has officially disassociated itself from
Ezzo. Focus on the Family has also issued a cautionary statement
regarding Ezzo's programs. The controversy regarding Ezzoism
cannot be considered Christian bashing, as the controversy orginates
within Christian intelligensia, (including myself who am dubbed a
'nothing-butterist' because I believe the Bible alone is sufficient to
guide us in all matters of doctrine and conduct, including parenting
technique).
I suggest further discussion of the pros and cons of this parenting
curricula be moved to another arena. It is a hot topic which can quickly
become emotionally volitile and divisive, even on a SSTN site. There are
many Ezzo disscusion boards on the net.
Wendy Olson
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
6) Growing Kids God's Way
In response to the discussion going on about the Growing Kids God's Way
program, I have not personally used the program but I know many families
that have and they are very pleased. I also know families that have used
the BabyWise version and are also pleased. In either case, if the church
is looking for a way to educate parents in raising their children, why not
try using Focus on the Families bulletin inserts. They come out once a
month and are a 1/2 sheet of paper front and back that address various
parenting issues. It is an inexpensive way to bring more info to the
parents in your congregation. We just started doing this and I have heard
several positive comments. Just a thought.
Sheila
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
7) Promotion Sunday Ideas
To Kim Good,
I believe I asked this same question not too long ago. Since then I have
come up with several ideas that we will be implementing this Sunday (June
9th). I asked all the parents of the graduating children to provide me
with some photos of their children growing up. Since our church owes a
digital camera we will be taking pictures of the pictures and presenting
the congregation with a slide show. If a digital camera is not available
you could always use poster board and do a collage of each child. After
the slide show I will be introducing each child and having them come
forward with their parents and will read a short bio about the child from
info given by the child. After all the child have been introduced with
their parents, I will be presenting each child a book that helps them
identify what they believe and I created a parent survival kit for the
preteen and teen years. The kit includes scotch tape because parents are
really going to need to "stick together" during the tough times; a min
phone because the lines of communication are really going to need to be
open not only between parents but also the teens; and a frog because they
are going to need to Fully Rely On God during these times. That's just a
few items I came across while shopping for the kit. After the service we
will have having a graduation cake and punch. Hope that helps.
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
W.W.J.S.? Gospel Catchers
There's something much worse than cooties...it's called sin! Now kids can
make Gospel Catchers rather than Cootie Catchers! A fun and innovative way
for kids to learn to share their faith with their friends! Includes 4
Gospel Catcher patterns to make: the Colors of Christ (Gospel Colors), the
Ten Commandments, the Beatitudes, and the Promises of God. Follow this
link to learn more:
http://www.christiancrafters.com/kt_kit.html
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
8) Holy Spirit?
JUDITH, FROM NAPLES, FLORIDA
HOW DO I EXPLAIN TO MY 4 YEAR OLD CLASS, ABOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT. THE
CARRICULUM WE USE TALKS ABOUT THE BAPTISIM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, AND I HAVE
A HARD TIME EXPLAINING IT TO THESE LITTLE ONES. HELP!
--from SSTN: I have found the simplest way to explain the baptism of the
Holy Spirit to young children is to say, "This occurs when the Holy
Spirit, "God's Spirit", enters the life of a person when he or she trusts
in Jesus and follows him." God's Spirit then gives you the power to follow
and obey him. Explaining the Trinity in this discussion is also helpful.
There have been a LOT of great ideas in SSTN lately regarding teaching the
trinity to young kids. Check the Archives List for these:
http://christiancrafters.com/archives.html
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
9) Safety Issue Regarding Meat Trays
Concerning the meat trays. I was watching a craft show that said you can
do this as long as it's not for along time. And as you know you wouldn't
be able to put in for a very long time with out it be coming nothing. I
have also used the cups and cut down the sides and made them into flowers
for our mother-daughter banquet. They were very cute. And they didn't give
off any fumes or smell that was noticeable. But I will say that it only
takes seconds for the flowers to come into shape. So you really have to
watch them. Hope this helps you. Joelene
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
10) Summer Sunday School
I am Dir. of Christian Education and have found summer time to be a
problem. The first difficulty is with people's vacations and summer
activities it is hard to know how much curriculum to buy and much is
usually wasted. We have wonderful Sunday School teachers, but I believe
they do deserve a break in the summer months, too.
To solve the problem we have gone to a Summer Sunday School program. The
children are divided into two groups of preschool -1st grade and 2nd - 6th
grade. I plan the materials for the students and have different parents
take turns leading the materials in class. Traditionally we have used a
video like Vegie Tales, with discussion, games, and craft centered around
that one theme for the day. This is a great time for the children to
make cards for the pastor to take to people when he calls on them or
simple gifts and cards for our shut-ins, things that there isn't usually
time for in our traditional Sunday School hour. This has worked well for
us. The theme each week is different because I don't want a child to feel
they missed out on something if they were at church camp, family vacation,
or a weekend at grandma's. We also work on song's and practice reading
Bible verses out loud that then the children do them for the congregation
when we have our Promotion Sunday at the end of August to kick-off the
regular Sunday School program. The congregation always looks forward to
hearing the children sing and have them read the scriptures for the day.
Thanks for all of your helpful ideas!
Blessings,
Susan Hancock
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
"Get em' in the LOOP!"
L-eading kids to Christ,
O-ffering advice
O-pen discussion forum
P-roviding free resources
Invite your friends, pastors, and coworkers
to join our discussion in SSTN.
http://www.christiancrafters.com/page3.html
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
11) Scavenger Hunt?
Our VBS is in August and I'm trying to get a head start. We will be
having a Closing Celebration Cookout at our local State Park on Saturday
after VBS. I want to play a few fun, interactive games. I was wanting to
know if anyone had any ideas for some fun games. I would like to do a
scavenger hunt but with it being outdoors I'm not sure how to do it. I
would really appreciate any ideas for any games and especially ideas on
how to do this scavenger hunt. P.S. Our theme is Bug Safari.
K. Collins
--from SSTN: Cordon off a large area with plenty of adult supervision.
Then have a contest to see who can collect the most 'real' bugs in their
bug keepers. Also, check the Archives List for Scavenger Hunt ideas:
http://christiancrafters.com/archives.html
ysic, sarah keith <><
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
12) Back to school party
A couple of years back, we had a back to school party for the children in
our church. Several business such as Wal-Mart and Bi-Lo as well as people
in the church
donated school supplies that we gave to all the children.
We had pencils, rulers, glue sticks, paper, composition
books, crayons, pencil boxes and so forth. The kids
decorated a brown paper bag in advance and put the
supplies in there when it was time to leave. We also
played different games like Bingo, Musical chairs,
three-legged race, sack race, and had a hotdog lunch.
You could pick a theme such as F.R.O.G. (Fully Rely
On God) and play games that deal with frogs such
as Pin the Tongue on the Frog, Leap Frog, and so on.
You really need to do various activities such as this
with the kids to keep them involved. Kids like to have
a good time will come to have a good time.
Good luck with your planning.
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
A BUCK-A-MONTH
A buck-a-month will help to keep SSTN alive! Click here to learn more:
http://www.christiancrafters.com/ministry_support.html
Or, mail your subscription check to:
Sarah Keith <><
ChristianCrafters.Com
438 East Ilex Drive
Lake Park, FL 33403
USA
(In the memo section of your check write: 'SSTN Subscription'. Please
include your email address.)
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
--Copyright 2001 S.A. Keith--All Rights Reserved. ----
Please read the complete copyright information at ChristianCrafters.Com.
You will find the link at the bottom of the homepage.
SSTN Posting Guidelines:
http://christiancrafters.com/SSTN_guidelines.html
Publication in any medium, commercial or noncommercial, is strictly
prohibited without prior written permission. SSTN has contributors from
all over the world who share their ideas. If you reprint any of the ideas
from SSTN or ChristianCrafters.Com in any medium (websites, magazines,
newsletters, etc.), you must contact the submitter, and
ChristianCrafters.Com for reprint permissions. Any materials used must
also include the submitter's name and where the ideas were gleaned from.
The opinions expressed in the SSTN e-Newsletter are not necessarily
endorsed by ChristianCrafters.Com. SSTN reserves the right to edit and or
exclude information from the SSTN e-Newsletter.
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
SUBSCRIBE--UNSUBSCRIBE directions:
--To SUBSCRIBE or CHANGE your email address in the SSTN e-Newsletter:
Go to the 'Sunday School Network' page at:
http://www.ChristianCrafters.Com/page3.html
If you are subscribing a friend, make sure you have their permission.
--To UNSUBSCRIBE from the SSTN e-Newsletter:
Click the link below, or copy and paste it to your browser.
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
Return
to the Archives List