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SSTN # 84 - September 20, 2004


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IN THIS ISSUE OF THE SSTN e-NEWSLETTER:


--> Teach Your Kids to F.R.O.G.

1) Bible Memory Challenge
2) Leadership Help
3) Children In Church
4) Attendance Promotion Contest Ideas

--> Amazing Miracles of the Bible

5) Balloon Project?
6) Revelation"s" Study For Kids
7) Leadership Help
8) Balloon idea

--> "His Name Shall Be Called..."

9) Workshop Topics
10) Pioneer Club Crafts
11) Sermon on Luke 19:1-13?
12) Praise streamer?
13) Revelation Study For Kids
14) Ministry of Kindness


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Teach Your Kids to "F.R.O.G."

Teach your kids to "Fully Rely On God". Check out our new craft project
based on "Trust in the Lord with all your heart..." from Proverbs 3:5-6.
Learn more at:

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


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1) Bible Memory Challenge

This month's SSTN & ChristianCrafters.com Bible memory verse is:
"In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps."
Proverbs 16:9

I hope everyone is memorizing with me. ;o) To learn more about
the Memory Challenge, check out the following page at:
http://www.christiancrafters.com/memory_verses.html 

Your webservant,
Sarah Keith <><
ChristianCrafters.Com


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2) Leadership Help

Dear Rachel,
I am 17, and am also the director of the little children in my church ages
3-7. I have a suggestion, what I did was I had people come and help with
class untill they were trained, then I gave them there own sunday. Then I
give them the lesson a week ahead of time and tell them it's there
responsability to get anything they need. It is harder with adults though,
because they are so much older, and I'm still just a teenager. But God has
given you and me this place in ministry so I know he thinks we are old
enough.
I like using other teenagers as teachers too, this helps and they are most
of the time more enthusiastic about it. I've also included in my class
time to have puppets, and I get older kids that are in the Big kids church
to do these for me. They have a blast doing it and are learning ministry
themselves. That also leaves me out of part of the lesson. Another idea is
to make a list of craft supplies you will need for the next few weeks, and
get them all at once. And for cleaning up I have found the older kids will
clean for you if you offer a prize such as candie if they, clear the
table, vacume, and so on. Hope some of this is useful. And I think that
it's cool that there are others out there around my age doing the same
thing.
Amanda

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3) Children In Church

I have waited to make reply to "Angie's" response to my posting so that I
could do it in a spirit of love, and not one of anger of offense.  My
point was NOT that every Sunday kids should be included in the regular service. 
I truly believe that there should be a kids class.  I was just trying to
point out that parents shouldn't think it's impossible for children to be
included in regular services.  I think kids are underestimated.  And I
think a lot of parents don't want to be bothered to raise a child up in
the way he should go (Proverbs 22:6).  It takes work.  LOTS of hard work,
especially in the toddler years.  But you know what?  It gets easier. 
Because you have laid a proper foundation.  I realize that my ideas on
children and discipline are not popular among many parents.  But they are
biblically based, after much study and consultation of other Christian
parents with wonderful children.
My kids aren't perfect, and I don't think they are.  But they are being
taught respect, self discipline, and faith.
" In a perfect world, every child would come to church with two parents
and two siblings in a mini-van with a good breakfast in their tummy and a song
in their hearts. I have found that in the real world, this isn't the case.
There are kids whose parents don't bring them~ they come on the van~ OR
whose parents are busy leading worship, singing in the choir, or taking
care of the sound system. Some haven't had anything to eat since yesterday
at noon. Some are really tired and fussy."
If there are kids coming in a community van OF COURSE they should be in a
kids class!  That would be the whole point of the outreach.  And if some
kids parents are busy in some aspect of the service, then they ought to
make arrangements for another member of the congregation to mind their
child for them.

>>>I don't think it is too much to expect kids to sit for an hour or two
>ONE day a week to worship God.

Even kids with autism or other special needs?
I must admit I sputtered with rage when I first read this.  I didn't say
ANYTHING about kids with special needs or autism.  To suggest I have no
tolerance for kids like this makes me so mad.  My friends child is
disabled.
And yes, he sometimes makes a disturbance by shouting out an "Amen" or
"Hallelujah" sometimes appropriately, sometimes not.  But so what?  God
made him and he is special to all of us.  And yes, if there were many kids
like this yes it would distract from the service.  So some alternative
should be provided.  I never said it shouldn't be.
Once the preacher starts preaching, she talks non-stop. She asks
questions.
She points out the fly on papa's head.  She notices the pretty colors
coming in the window...it's hopeless. People
all around us are distracted. They make over her and talk to her and play
with her. None of them hear what the preacher has to say. Should I take
her out and spank her for noticing the pretty colors??
If you are keeping her in the adult service, yes.  Or if you take offense
to spanking her, do something else.  Teach her how to sit quietly.  It
shouldn't be hopeless.  It will take A LOT of work, and time invested. 
But it can be done.
Or would it make more sense to have her go to the Nursery where the
teachers can show her more pretty colors and let her know that God made
the pretty colors, etc.?
Please, please do!  I NEVER stated that kids should not be in a
environment structured for them.  My point was that it shouldn't be ridiculous to
expect a child to occasionally sit it in the adult service.  If your child
is making a racket, take them out.  If they are distracting others, take them
out.   I believe it's better to teach them to sit and listen, but that
takes time and in the meantime you may need to remove them from the situation. 
If there is a nursery by all means use it, I didn't say otherwise!

It's not a novel idea. It's just that if you have a better way available,
why not make the best use of it? Just because our parents and grandparents
had to sit still in church and dream about when it was over doesn't mean
we have to follow suit. Why teach our kids to *endure* the Word of God
when we have the chance to make it real, interesting, and alive for them?!
Again, you respond as if I said NO CHILD SHOULD BE IN KIDS CLASS!  For
pity's sake, all I said was it shouldn't be beyond our expectations for a
child to learn to sit still in services!  My son doesn't 'endure" the Word
of God.  He often asks what the preacher is talking about, and we *quiety*
explain it.  Or he looks at the pictures in his kids bible.  Or he sings
along with the songbook.  We explain what the bread & grape juice is
symbolic of.  He is very much included.  But it is quiet, and respectful.
He knows he can't yell out or make a commotion.  That doesn't mean he's
bored.  It just means he understands what behaviour is appropriate there.
Sometimes the same behaviour is appropriate in kids class.  He knows he
has to listen to his teacher and follow instructions just like the other kids
(even when mom or dad is the teacher:)!) Sometimes hooting and hollering
is appropriate behaviour in the kids class.  My point was that the child
should be taught to behave appropriately.  That doesn't mean they should
sit like little boards and keep their mouths shut.  That doesn't mean they
shouldn't be in a kids class.

Let's do think about Jesus in the temple as a child. They traveled many
days to go to the temple. It was a once a year event. Jesus, even at 12
(for he wasn't 2 or 3), didn't have to go and sit still every Sunday.
Once again, I didn't suggest kids should be sitting still EVERY Sunday. 
My point was that it shouldn't be beyond their capability when the need
arose.

PLUS, let's remember, Jesus didn't sit quietly. He was Jesus. He was
teaching the church leaders! "Then, after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst
of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions."  Luke
2:46. Notice that He was sitting and listening, as well as asking questions.
"And He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and He continued in
subjection to them; and His mother treasured all {these} things in her
heart." Luke 2:51
Notice that he was obedient to his parents.

In Him, Kristine


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4) Attendance Promotion Contest Ideas

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!
Your ideas (gimmicks, as you called them) are GREAT!! Hope to use them in
the winter quarter to get kids excited about Jr. Church or Wednesday Night
Services!!
Thanks again!
Angie in WV<><

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--> Amazing Miracles of the Bible

God’s glory and love are revealed through the miracles he performed and
were fully realized when he came to earth in the form of a man to save
mankind. By studying the miracles of the Bible children will gain a better
understanding of God’s love and faithfulness and how he continues to be
loving and faithful in miraculous ways to his people today. Great for
rotation-type programs!

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


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5) Balloon Project?

I am desperatly looking for a simple craft to do with the kids on this
Sunday after they do a balloon project with a note and verse in them and
relese them. If there is anything that comes to mind I am so blank on this
one!!!!

Enjoy your e-mail inspiration. Sandi in Michigan

--from SSTN: what is your Bible theme?


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6) Revelation Bible Study
 
To Donna:
 
Thank you so much for your info about the website. That was exactly what I
was looking
for.
 
Many thanks to you!
and to Sarah for a great SS website.

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7) Leadership Help

Dear Rachel,
 
I would love to 'talk' to you and swap ideas (rclanejr@juno.com). I was
recently blessed with the position of Preschool Sunday School Director as
well as teaching the Ks class, and am running into similar issues. I feel
like some folks view what we do in Preschool and Childrens ministries as
merely babysitting, unfortunately even some workers. Some are just plain
burned out. Whatever the reason for a lack of interest or enthusiasm,
there are a lot of ways to improve moral and therefore improve
performance.
 
I'm finding out (unfortunately the hard way!) the most important thing is
to make sure that our hearts and motives are right with our Father, then
pray. Pray that He will change our hearts and other's hearts to see what a
vital ministry the Children's Department is to the Lord's work.  That He
will change our hearts and fill us with His Spirit so that we can act in
grace when others fall short of what we think they should do. Pray He will
fill with His Holy Spirit so that we can set an example of a Servant's
Heart without "grumbling and murmuring." And pray that He will deliver
people who feel passionate about this ministry.
 
Pray also that He will give you the words and grace to speak with people
about their roles in the ministry. Someone may be just waiting to talk or
voice an opinion. If they are unhappy, offer to pray with them about a
solution and set a time to get back together. But please don't do like
some of us and let your mouth run ahead of your brain, the consequences
can be very painful and can allow Satan into your ministry and ruin all
your hard work both now and in the future. I have found that if you
approach someone with an attitude of 'what can I do to help you?' it takes
them off the defensive and makes them more prone to open up to you.
 
I applaud your commitment and enthusiasm and will pray that this
experience will not taint either of those. Please don't ever think that
your age has anything to do with your ability and rights. You seem to have
more love and dedication for this ministry than many people 2-3 times your
age! Simply gather your mom and any other friends that would be willing to
pray over the department and get busy asking God's guidance! Some Sundays
I will grab a prayer partner and walk the halls praying and sit in
specific rooms and pray for the teachers and students.
  
I have to admit that I am very fortunate that the Senior Adult departments
like me and are always willing to support any ministry I am involved with.
I take my children's class up to their rooms on occasion and request
prayer for different things. This gives a face to the children in your
department and makes it 'real' to others. Plus they know then what kinds
of things you are passing on to the children you work with - relying on
peers and older adults, prayer, and missions work - not just songs and a
Bible verse here and there.
 
Remember, our Father God formed us in the womb, numbered the hairs on our
heads, and therefore does care about us. He is also the Awesome Creator
that planned the world from beginning to end, and has this situation
resolved already, He is just waiting for you to turn it over to Him!
 
In the meantime, here are some ideas to help motivate your teachers and
assure them of their importance:
 
ATeacher Appreciation Program. Each month I plan to give the teachers and
helpers in our department a 'treat' with a note of affirmation. There are
several sites from which you can glean ideas and a few books also. This
month I gave a pack of M&Ms with a circular note that read "Your love for
preschoolers Means so Much!" (from our quarterly Lifeway packets).
 
The second thing is quarterly planning meetings 2 weeks before the next
quarter starts. I will hand out the next quarter's materials and request a
supply list for the quarter by the next week; go over the themes for the
quarter; see if the teachers have any overwhelming concerns or needs, and
PRAY together!!! Do you order curriculum with Teacher Packs? Maybe you
should consider some different programs that have almost everything done
for you! I love the curriculum resources and I file and store games,
worksheets, etc. from each quarter to reuse and use with other ministries
as well (ie, my girl scout troops, back to school block parties, egg
hunts, fall festivals, etc.)
 
Quarterly Teacher Appreciation Fellowships/Meals. Invite the children and
parents to join and help provide the food! Let the children and parents
have time to express their appreciation for the work the teachers do!
 
Hope this helps!
Sincerely,
Beckie Lane


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8) Balloon idea

>Sunday school picnic idea : TIE THEM TO A BALLOON AND LET EM GO!

While this seems like a fun idea. Be aware that there are some cities
where it is illegal to let balloons go in mass, and even where it isn't
illegal there is still the ecological concern because birds will often go
after the bright bits of broken rubber.

Linda in Edmonds

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--> "His Name Shall Be Called..."

The God of the Old and New Testament is known by many names. These names
help us to understand his nature and reputation. They define him as
Protector, Defender, Friend, Advisor, Judge, and Savior to name just a
few. The Third Commandment says, "Do Not Misuse God’s Name". It is my
desire that this study will help you to teach respect and honor for God to
the children in your ministry. Free USA shipping!

To learn more, go to this page:
http://www.christiancrafters.com/curriculum.html 
(you may need to copy and paste this address to your browser)



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9) Workshop Topics

We just held an area wide workshop and had the following topics:
Creative Outreach Ideas, Pilgrimages vs. Holy Tours, Prayer Styles for All
Ages, Labyrinth, Nearly Free Crafts, Children's Chapel, Singing with
Children. Another idea is creative storytelling.

Sabrina in Nashville, TN

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10) Pioneer Club Crafts

This is in response to Sherry-Ky in regard to Pioneer Club Crafts.  I am
not sure exactly what the Pioneer Club consists of.  Also does it consists
of both boys and girls and what are the ages.

In addition to what Sarah has suggested, you can get many inexpensive
craft ideas from the PACK-O-Fun Magazine, which consists of inexpensive
items that are easily found around the house. 

If you give me the information, I would be glad to give you some ideas.  I
have made our VBS crafts for 25 plus year.

Karlene Helman
Bendersville, PA
khelman@superpa.net


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11) Sermon on Luke 19:1-13?

I am in need of ideas for a children's sermon based on Luke 19:1-13. Any
sharing will be most appreciated.  Thanks!!


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12) Praise streamer?

I'm trying to find a site that would show me how to make a "praise
streamer"--I'm not sure that's what it would be called, but it would be
like a dowel with a streamer on the end to be used during worship to dance
before the Lord.  I'd appreciate any information you could give me.  Thank
you.
 
Fay Dozier

--from SSTN: I think you've already got it figured out. ;o) Use short,
wooden dowels and staple or hot glue long strips of see-through,
lightweight, colorful fabric to one end. For a less permanent and
inexpensive approach, staple long strips of crepe streamers or ribbons to
the end of a paper towel roll. Hey! That's one more idea for our
recyclables section!
http://www.christiancrafters.com/creative_challenge.html 
Your webservant,
Sarah Keith <><


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13) Revelation"s" Study For Kids

>I taught a class of  4th &5th graders last year the book of Revelations.
>Revelations is "Hope" and eternal "Love".

It surprises me when KNOWLEDGEABLE people quote the Bible wrong!
There was only ONE Revelation.


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14) Ministry of Kindness

Sharon,
This is an offering that is taking up to help people in need.
From supplying money to help people get food, get medicine,
or whatever their need may be.
Your in Christ,
Sandra


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Your webservant,
Sarah Keith <><


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