4 Easy Mother’s Day Projects for Kids!

May 7, 2013 By 1 Comment

katie2aMother’s Day is just around the corner!  Moms do so much to take care of the kids in our ministry.  They are the ones in the trenches each day, teaching, loving, nurturing, and discipling their kids.  And many of them even volunteer to make children’s ministry happen at our churches!

Do you organize a special Mother’s Day project for your kiddos to create at church for Mother’s Day?  Why or why not?  If you have a link to a fun Mother’s Day craft, please feel free to share it in the comments section!

Here are 4 easy (preschool-friendly) Mother’s Day projects you can prepare for this coming week:

1. This handprint bouquet from Trendy Treehouse is adorable and super easy!

handprint bouquet

 

2.  Here’s another way to say Happy Mother’s Day with a flower from Preschool Playbook. Each petal represents something the child loves about his or her mom!

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3. This easy peasy color-your-own-picture from Bitsy Creations. Click through to download the full-size sheet.

MothersDay

4. Wayway Girls’ Crafts has step-by-step instructions for this “I love you because…” book for moms!

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BONUS IDEA!  If you or a church member has a hydrangea bush or any other type of flowering plant and can spare enough blooms, have enough for each child to hand to his/her mommy!

Filed Under: Crafts, Fun Tagged With: , ,

A creative space for Kids Ministry brainstorming!

May 3, 2013 By 2 Comments

Courtney Baker

Earlier this year, our team here at LifeWay decided we wanted to add a little excitement to our floor. That sounded like the perfect project for Pam and me, so we started a project that would take us much longer to finish than we ever imagined, but the result was worth all the patience it took for us to see this project come to life.

Here’s how Pam and I like to start….with a clean slate.

Pam and Me Blank

However, that is not how it was for this project. I’m sure many of you also have to work with what you are giving, and that was certainly the case with this project. We had some great book shelves, but we had a lot of random stuff on them. Our first objective was to get some great artwork on the walls. If you’ve seen our LifeWay Kids catalog, you might recognize the art.

Artwork

Next we decided on a pretty strict color pallet, tangerine, surf, grass green, and black & white. We then decided to take all the random stuff on the shelves and paint it all with chalkboard paint. Take this Ship’s Wheel from a previous year of CentriKid Camps.

Pam Wheel
Wheel with paint

Or this globe…

Globe

There are a lot more super random objects. See if you can spy the following:
- Bobble head
- Skateboard
- Football
- Trophy
- Viewfinder
- Clock
- Bowling Pin
Shelf
shelf2
If you want to take on a similar project here’s a few tools we found really helpful:
- Chalkboard spray paint
- Chalkboard Paint
- Goodwill
- A good dose of patience
Here’s a few pictures of the finished space:
Room 1 room 2 room 3
If you’re looking for some great artwork, we’d be glad to send you the image for our catalog cover. We mounted ours on foam board, but there are lots of ways to utilize it. Just leave a comment here, and we’ll connect with you.
Filed Under: Fun, Uncategorized Tagged With: ,

Summer Fun Days for Kids!

April 30, 2013 By 1 Comment

vogelEver heard of the “lazy, crazy” days of summer? This is a fun, fun saying, but, in reality, days of summer in the local church are anything but lazy!

Wise kids leaders understand the importance of “peppering” a few crazy, fun days throughout the summer to continue relationship building with the kids in their ministry. With each activity will also come the opportunity for a “Bible study” connection to encourage and disciple kids. Consider these options:

  • A Water Fun Day…Just like it implies…”all things water!”…water/cup relays; slip and slide games; fun time in a church member’s pool (don’t forget permission slips!) Think about using Bible stories that have something to do with water, rivers, etc.
  • Field trip to a local zoo. Think about using Bible stories that include an animal.
  • Field trip to a local bakery/bread company. Think about using Bible stories that have something to do with “bread.”
  • Excursion to a children’s theatre. Letting kids “act out” some Bible stories would be a great addition. Talk about how Bible stories are “real and true” and not “make believe.”
  • A summer camp experience. Take a look at “www.lifeway.com/centrikid” website. CentriKID does all of the activity and Bible study planning for you!
  • Neighborhood “Kids Clubs.” Consider one of LifeWay’s newest resources: “Backyard Kids Club,” also known as VBS in a box (www.lifeway.com).

Stay cool! Be cool with some of these fun suggestions!

 

Filed Under: Events, Fun, Resources Tagged With: ,

RESURRECTION COOKIES

March 27, 2013 By Leave a Comment

Emeott 1.13.webIt’s holy week… Passion Week… the week that led to Christ’s arrest, trial, death and glorious resurrection.  It’s a time of remembering and celebrating.

There are many ways families choose to celebrate this HOLY day we call Easter… and I’ve had all kinds of opinions over the years.  I’ve thought it absolutely crazy to use abstract imagery with young, concrete thinking kids.  I’ve thought “they don’t get it” and “it’s just confusing” and “why would you even bother.”

You know, I do think that very young kids don’t always get everything we share with them.  And I do think that we should be very careful at church to not lie or offer imagery that undermines the Truth we are teaching… but I also think if we practice better the use of what I think is the #1 teaching method, CONVERSATION (talking with a child that includes listening and honestly answering questions)… we can take some abstract concepts to meaningful, literal understanding.

Most of what I remember from my childhood (especially very young childhood) is surrounded by feelings… not facts.  I don’t remember learning specific facts about the Bible stories we heard, I remember that my Sunday School teachers loved me and loved the Bible she was teaching from.  I don’t remember specific Bible verses we learned, but I remember that my Bible Drill teacher was a lot of fun and loved teaching us how to use our Bible. The fondest memories I have are wrapped up in warm, loving, and healthy feelings that eventually “connected” and the abstractness of the fun became reality and eternally meaningful.

That being said, I want to share a fun and ABSTRACT activity I’ve used with my young friends (AT HOME) that I think it created wonderful, loving, and meaningful memories.

RESURRECTION COOKIES

Ingredients:

  • 1 c whole pecans or 1 c mini-chocolate chips (for nut allergy)
  • 1 tsp vinegar
  • 3 egg whites
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 cups sugar
  • 2 zipper bags
  • Wooden spoon
  • Tape
  • Bible

STEP 1:  Preheat oven to 300.

STEP 2:  Place pecans (or mini-chocolate chips) in a zipper bag (you might want to “double bag” to make sure you don’t have a big mess) and let kids beat them with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces. Explain that after Jesus was arrested, the Roman soldiers beat him. (Read John 19:1-3)

STEP 3:  Let the kids smell the vinegar and even taste it.  Add the vinegar it into a mixing bowl. Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross, He was given vinegar to drink. (Read John 19:28-30)

STEP 4:  Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave His life to give us life. (Read John 10:10-11)

STEP 5:  Sprinkle a little salt into each child’s hand. Let them taste it and brush the rest into the bowl. Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus’ followers. (Read Luke 23:27)

STEP 6:  Add sugar. Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to know Him. (Read Psalm 34:8 and John 3:16)

STEP 7:  Using an electric mixer, beat egg white mixture on high speed until stiff peaks are formed (12-15 minutes). Explain that the color white represents the purity and cleaning of our sins because of what Jesus did for us. (Read Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3)

STEP 8:  Fold in broken nut or mini-chocolate chips and drop by teaspoonfuls onto a cookie sheet covered with wax paper. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus’ body was laid. (Read Matthew 27:57-60)

STEP 9:  Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven off.  (The cookies will bake in the pre-heated oven overnight if you DO NOT OPEN THE OVEN DOOR). Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door. Explain that Jesus’ tomb was sealed. (Read Matthew 27:65-66)

STEP 10:  Go to bed and explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight.  Jesus’ followers felt despair when the tomb was sealed too. (Read John 16:20-22)

STEP 11:  On Easter morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow! On the first Easter, Jesus’ followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty. Celebrate that Jesus is risen! He is risen indeed! (Read Matthew 28:1-9)

So… there you have it… a fun, meaningful, and ABSTRACT way to learn about the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ in a hands-on, memorable way.

Let me know how you celebrate and make memories with your kids!

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Family Easter Ideas

March 26, 2013 By Leave a Comment

vogelI think we would all agree that any seasonal holiday is a great time to plan fun and learning with your family. Easter time is no exception. Without Easter…our Christian faith would have no meaning and significance.

Regardless of the ages of your children, Easter can be a great time of remembering…remembering the uniqueness of our faith, remembering the love we have for our family, and, the need to grow closer during these days of heightened excitement.

As a family, consider these somewhat different approaches to family times at Easter:

  • As a family, decide NOT to buy new clothes for Easter. Guesstimate how much money that would save and give that amount as an Easter offering to help more families learn about Jesus and His death, burial and resurrection.
  • Make homemade Easter cards for all of your family members. Insure that the cards are about Jesus and not the seasonal eggs, bunnies and the like.
  • As a family, make small homemade signs to be placed around the home, in the car and maybe even in the yard (note card size will work). Have the signs read, “He is risen.” Make an agreement as family members that each time one of the signs is seen, that family member responds by saying outloud, “He is risen, indeed!”
  • Follow this blog for the next few days to get ideas about Easter snacks, crafts and fun act

 

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Encouragement, Fun Tagged With: , ,

St. Patrick’s Day

March 13, 2013 By 2 Comments

Jerrys Recent PhotoCan you believe St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner?  

How about some St. Patrick’s Day trivia?

Saint Patrick is credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland.

Legend has it that St. Patrick explained the Holy Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) using the three leaves of a native Irish clover, the Shamrock.

78056142It is believed that St. Patrick’s death occurred on March 17, 461.

Today, the St. Patrick’s Day parade in New York City is the world’s oldest civilian parade and the largest in the United States.

Each year on St. Patrick’s Day, the city of Chicago dyes the Chicago River green.

Currently, approximately 1 million people annually take part in Ireland’s St. Patrick’s Festival in Dublin with parades, concerts, outdoor theater productions and fireworks shows.

What will you do for St. Patrick’s Day this year?

  • Wear green?
  • Drink a mint ice cream shake?
  • Pinch someone?
  • Bring Christianity to your community?

 

 

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Spring Break and Kids Ministry

February 15, 2013 By Leave a Comment

Today’s post is from guest blogger, Alan Wilson.  Alan, a former Children’s Minister and Childhood Specialist with LifeWay, is now an Administrator at Longview Heights Baptist Church, in Olive Branch, MS. However, he still has a passion for sharing the Good News with kids, and always will!

Spring Breaks will be breaking out soon. Many times the kids are out of school with “nothing” to do. A children’s minister can take that “nothing” and make it into something. The kids will enjoy it – and the mammas will L-O-V-E you for giving the kids something to do! Here are some ideas for ministry during spring break.

  • Have a week-long mission trip without leaving your town (and, best of all, without having to provide sleeping arrangements). Pick out ministry opportunities your kids can do in your community – raking leaves for the elderly, working at a food pantry, passing out hot chocolate or water bottles at a mall, cleaning up the church, preparing Easter invitations for church services and passing them out, playing board games with senior adults at a nursing home. The ideas are endless. Pick out a ministry for each day to spend 2-3 hours performing.
  • Have a Colossal Spring Break VBS. Who says VBS is just for the summer?
  • Have a play day at your church or park. If you really want to impress the kids, see how high you can get on the swing!
  • Rent a skating rink or some other venue to have a play/fellowship time. The parents would also appreciate the “adult interaction.”
  • Have a week-long “music camp.” Work on a children’s musical or have local artists come in to teach kids about their instruments. Of course, a celebration night would be very important for the kids to show off their talents!
  • Have a “community day” where you invite fire, police, and other community helpers to your church. Allow the kids time to check out all the cool vehicles and find out more about what these great heroes do.
  • 122185383Have a bike day. Cordoned off church parking lot. Kids with their bikes. Minimum investment for a huge return! Don’t forget your 10 speed from the 80’s!
  • Fun Day! Karaoke, crafts, outdoor games, board games, video games, bounces, fun, fun, fun! Plan a day just to play with your kids. It’s always interesting how something so boring at home becomes fun at church with your buddies.
  • Visitation Day – Visit kids in the hospital or kids that haven’t been to church in a while. Great time for your kids to learn more about caring for others.
  • Plan a fun day for an orphanage or a children’s home near you. These homes are often looking for churches to interact with their kids. Not only will your kids have fun, they will minister to other children their age and possibly create new friendships. Most of all, you will be helping your kids fulfill Scripture by not forgetting the orphaned.

As you can see, there are a ton of ideas for Spring Break – these are just a few. Take time to pray over your Spring Break and start making plans for what God wants to do through you and your children’s ministry. Most of these will not cost you or your families any money, just time and organization. Let’s make this Spring Break different for God’s Kingdom.

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We LOVE you!

February 14, 2013 By 4 Comments

Happy Valentine’s Day to our readers!  In order to show you how much we love you, I thought it would be fun to do a little giveaway today.  Be sure to enter to win!

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Understanding Your Child’s Love Language – Gift 5 – Acts of Service

February 12, 2013 By 1 Comment

toddblogphoto1Today we take a brief look at the final love language, acts of service. Before we examine how acts of service impact our children, let’s think about ourselves, and how we demonstrate this gift. According to Gary Chapman and Ross Campbell, acts of service are both physically and emotionally demanding. If our lives become imbalanced our attitude toward service as well as everything else in life suffers. As parents, we not only serve our children, we serve our spouses. A second aspect to keep is mind is that parents, our “primary motivation is not to please them (our children).” Our chief purpose is to do what is best for them. Third, acts of service must be spoken in relation to the other four love languages. Fourth, our acts of service become models for our children. We set the example for our children to follow.

What is the purpose of acts of service? According to Chapman and Campbell, the purpose of acts of service is to guide our children to grow into mature adults who are able to give love to others through acts of service. What are some things children with the love language of acts of service can do?

  • Bake cookies for friends or neighbors
  • Clean the kitchen after dinner
  • Work in the yard with parents
  • Pick up their toys without being told
  • Assist with washing and folding laundry
  • Make cards or other gifts for people
  • Pick up garbage
  • Assist with cleaning up after an event at church or school

Children with the language of service have a “How can I help” attitude. Be careful not to take advantage of the children, but allow them to serve and speak their language. Also note, that children have a way of doing things that is not always the way we adults would do them. Allow the children freedom to learn and serve without criticizing.

“Parents whose children speak this primary love language learn that serving is loving. Serve your child—and others—and they will know you love them.”

 

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Understanding Your Child’s Love Language – Part 3 – Quality Time

February 11, 2013 By Leave a Comment

toddblogphoto1The third love language discussed in The Five Love Languages of Children by Gary Chapman and Ross Campbell is quality time. Chapman and Campbell define quality time as “focused attention.”

When was the last time you sat and listened to your child? How focused were you on your child? What did you learn from her?

My oldest daughter, Paige, is a very quality time teenager. I have noticed with Paige that in a group, or even when her sister is around, Paige is rather quiet and withdrawn. However, when it is just Paige and me, she can talk nonstop. She will tell me things, ask me to pray for things, and share things I know she does not share with others.

One thing I have noticed recently is the amount of time people spend on electronic devices. I am concerned when I see parents spending more time on their cell phones, texting, or checking their email at dinner than talking with their children. I have had times that I wanted to go say to someone, “You will have plenty of time to check your email when your daughter is grown. If you don’t listen to her now, she will not talk to you when she is grown.”

Chapman and Campbell state that the most important factor in quality time is not the event itself, but that you and your child are dong something together. Paige and I have daddy/daughter dates. I take her to her favorite restaurant and treat her like I did her mother when we were dating. I want her to learn how she should be dated (when that starts in about 20 years).

Here are some more tips for awesome quality time:

1. Turn off the television

2. Silence your cell phone and other electronic devices

3. Maintain eye contact with your child

4. Do not force your child to share personal information

5. Share things with your child that will create a special bond

6. Keep things your child shares with you confidential

7. Engage in positive conversation; do not use this time with your child to correct and point out negative behaviors

A personal challenge to the men: men tend to be “fixers”—we want to fix every problem. Sometimes your child may share something with you that you feel needs to be fixed. Be careful! If you begin to fix things that you child does not want you to fix, she may stop telling you things. Learn to listen and carefully decide when to act and when to simply listen.

Got to go! My daughter is wanting to talk!

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