CommunityKids

Prayer talk

As I was talking and sharing with the Kindergarten this past Sunday, I was reminded about how impressed I am with their young minds. We spent the morning talking about how praying to God. We talked about what makes them happy, sad, lonely, and scared. Then I tried to help them understand that prayer is really just our conversations with God where we open our hearts and share with Him. We can talk to Him about anything, anytime. During all of this, I had one little boy say “I know a verse that will help me, ‘Pray to Me and I will answer you’.” This is Jeremiah 29:12.  I was amazed that a child this young really understood and applied the scriptures to his life. He already had learned what God could do if he just turned to Him. These children know and understand so much at their young age and I’m privileged to get to spend time with them each week. I learn so much from them. They “wow” us even when we least expect it.

 

Stacey

 

Preview of Elevate series

Beginning this Sunday, the 3’s, 4’s and Kindergarten will be learning about worship in our Elevate series. I am listing the themes and scriptures so that you can talk with your children about each week.

 

Lesson 1- I worship God when I am thankful. Exodus 15:1-21

Lesson 2- I will worship God when I sing to Him. Psalms 8:1-5, 19:1-6, 139, 145:1-13

Lesson 3- I will worship God when I pray to Him. 1 Samuel 1:1-20, 2:1-10

Lesson 4- I will worship God when I help others. Luke 10:25-37

Lesson 5- I will worship God when I give. Luke 21:1-4

Lesson 6- I will worship God when I love others.  Acts 3:1-26

Lesson 7- I will worship God when I obey Him. Genesis 12

Lesson 8- I will worship God because He loves me. John 3:1-18, 19:1-32, 20:1-9

 

You can also use the family devotional sent home with your child on Sundays to supplement each week’s topic. Talk with your child often about what they learn. I would love for you to share with me some of their comments. Children always have an interesting perspective.

 

Stacey

Leading Children to Christ

This week is a great reminder to us about the most wonderful and perfect gift we, as Christians, have been given. I hope you have had an opportunity to spend some time with your children talking about what this gift means for them. Here are some tips to leading your children to Christ from Family Life.

1)      Make a friend- It’s important for children to understand that your reason for sharing is because you love and care about them.

2)      Keep it simple- Remember to think like children. Speak their language.

3)      Let them share- Give children a chance to tell how they feel or what concerns them.

4)      Mention Jesus-Explain that Jesus was not just a man, nor was he just God. But because He is both God and man, he could be perfect and yet still die a human death to pay for our sin.

5)      Use visual aids-The gospel comes to life for children when they see or experience something tangible.

6)      Invite a decision-Explain how they can have a personal relationship with Jesus. Be sensitive. Is it God’s timing for them to make this commitment?

7)      Pray with them-Again keep it simple.

8)      Encourage them-Tell them that although being a Christian can be hard, God has sent the Holy Spirit to help them.

9)      Give them homework-Share ways they can grow (Bible, prayer, fellowship).

10)  Tell them to tell others-Encourage them to share their new commitment to Jesus by telling friends and family.

 

Stacey

 

Resurrection Eggs

With Easter coming up, I thought I would share one of my favorite ways of teaching Jesus’ death and resurrection to my kids. Resurrection Eggs are really fun for preschoolers and young elementary. You can make them yourself by going to this link and following the instructions http://www.rainbowcastle.org/resurrectioneggs.html  or you can purchase them at Solid Rock. You may also find them at numerous online websites. I like to get them out a few weeks before Easter and take 1 egg per day and talk about what’s inside. There are 12 eggs in all and if you buy the pre-made eggs from Solid Rock they have a book that comes with the eggs that gives you a short devotion for each one. My kids love to hunt Easter eggs so I use that to my advantage to make it fun. This is a great way of spending some time connecting with your kids and also teach them about the most wonderful gift we’ve been given.

 

Stacey

Spring Fling Thing

Come join us on the Fort Smith campus tonight for Spring Fling Thing. This is an event wrapping up Community Kids and 56. There will be games, food, and lots of fun! If you are kindergarten through 6th grade, you won't want to miss out!

Focus on the Family

Today I thought I would share some information that I have found relevant to parents regarding children of all ages. I’m sure most of you, like me, have found yourself struggling with how to help your children through some of the challenges that childhood brings. Where is the universal handbook for parenting? Why isn’t potty training the same for every child? Why doesn’t “time-out” work for everyone? Why doesn’t every child have self confidence?  Unfortunately, because of the uniqueness of every child, they don’t respond the same way in all of these situations. I spent a very trying time with my sweet little Caroline until she was almost 3 years old. For whatever reason, she had a horrifying fear of water. I’m sure you are thinking…”Well, what infant doesn’t have a little bit of that?” Well, I tell you, I was still bathing this child in an infant tub on the kitchen counter with her sitting on the mesh suspension until she was almost 3. Getting her near a tub of water or even trying to sit her in just an inch of it would cause her to go scream and shake uncontrollably. She would claw at you to get away from it. It was the most bizarre thing I had ever encountered. Well, I knew at some point this kid was going to have to take a bath in a real tub or at least shower. I really did not know what to do. After asking the advice of family and friends and finding that no one had ever experienced what I had, I came across an toll free number for Focus on the Family….1-800-AFAMILY. I was desperate to find a solution to help my little one get over this fear, so I called the number and spoke to one of the counselors, who are all under the direction of Dr. James Dobson. It was one of the best experiences I have ever had. They helped me start a process of desensitizing Caroline to water which worked beautifully. They supported me, prayed with me, and followed up on our situation. Focus on the Family has been a wonderful, reputable resource for me and I hope if you find yourself searching for help you might find them helpful as well.

 

Stacey

Example

I was privileged to work with a group of our preschoolers this Sunday and wanted to share the experience I had with them. I was reminded of how important every moment we have is an opportunity to teach them something. As the morning progressed, we began to play a game with the kids. A couple of the children had a disagreement with each other that resulted in a few tears. However, I determined in their frustration, that it was the perfect time to talk about God’s expectations for us. I held each of their hands and we talked about what happened. After that, I asked them if they thought God would want them to forgive each other. They both agreed. Of course, they are still in the process of understanding this great concept of forgiveness; therefore, the tears continued to linger. I have no doubt all has been forgotten now. I realized at this moment how often we have the opportunity to convey Christ’s example to small children. I often take this for granted. They depend on us to love them and teach them the ways of Christ. I really enjoy nurturing your children and watching them grow in truth. Thank you for sharing your children with us each week. It is a blessing!

 

Stacey

Elevate Jr. Series

The Preschoolers (ages 3-Kindergarten) will be beginning a new Elevate Jr. series on February 15^th. I thought it would be helpful for parents to have a have a schedule of what their children will be learning. I encourage you to incorporate the scripture readings from each week into some devotional time with your children to help reinforce each weeks theme.

 

February 15-Jesus is God’s Son: Matthew 3:13-17

February 22-Jesus’ life and death: Matthew 1-7, 12, 28; Luke 2; John 14,18-20; 1 Peter 1

March 1- Jesus learned like me: Luke 2:41-52

March 8- Jesus teaches me: Matthew 5-7

March15- Jesus prayed: Luke 11:1-4

March 22- Jesus wants to spend time with me: Mark 10:13-16

March 29- Jesus cares for others: Luke 8

April 5- I will tell everyone about Jesus: Acts 2

Greetings

Every interaction you have with children is an opportunity to build relationships that help them thrive. I was talking to one of our volunteer leaders this week and I was reminded of how important a greeting is to developing and authentic relationship with someone. Greeting children at the entrance of their classroom warmly and affectionately can change the course of an entire hour. Giving your children a sincere greeting as you pick them up from school or daycare can set the tone for the remainder of your day. As a parent, I fail all to often to acknowledge the presence of my children. Share your affection and warmth with others when you encounter them, especially your children, and watch what happens!

Stacey

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year! Ready or not - it's a brand new year. Time for new resolutions and new commitments. I encourage each of you to commit to praying for our Children's Ministry in 2009. Our goal is "Transformed Children Transforming Their World" and you can help us make that happen!  Pray for our ministry, our volunteers, and our children and great things will happen.

ODDS and ENDS

Don't forget! - JANUARY 7th - Community Kids starts up again!  We will be serving pizza at 6:00 and then our activities for the evening will begin at 6:30.  Pizza and a drink is $2.

CK Bucks - This Sunday in C-123 we will be starting CK Bucks. This is an incentive designed to encourage our kids on Sunday mornings.  Kids can earn bucks for attendance, bringing their Bible, bringing a friend, participation, memorization, and enthusiasm.  There are lots of ways for the kids to earn bucks, we will keep track of them at church, and then the first Sunday of each month there will be a store ,with lots of fun stuff, open for the kids to shop in.  This Sunday we will be sending home a flyer explaining CK Bucks, so be sure to get a flyer when you pick up your child.

2009 will be a great year. I encourage you to find your spot. Whether you volunteer on Sunday mornings or Wednesday nights or you pray for us daily, you'll want to be a part of our Children's Ministry in 2009! Have a great day and I'll see you Sunday!

Julie