Wednesday, December 30, 2009

New Year's Traditions Around the World

Celebrate the New Year with a new tradition from around the world.

On New Year's Day in Korea, the younger generations bow to older generations. For example, children bow to their parents, aunts, uncles, and grandparents. Parents bow to their parents.
After the bowing, older people give brand new money to the children.

You could start a new tradition where the children help plan, cook, and serve a meal to the adults on New Year's Day.

Another fun tradition from Spain is to give each person 12 grapes. When the clock strikes midnight (on New Year's Eve), they are to put a grape in their mouth each time the clock chimes. This started in Spain because one year there was a big grape harvest, so the king of Spain decided to give grapes to everybody to eat on New Year's Eve.

Google "New Year's traditions" for more fun ideas.

This Idea taking from Splink at d6family.com

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Sign up for Splink

Follow this link to link your family to awesome weekly resources for your family's spiritual journey. Sign up today!!

http://www.d6family.com/splink/week/2009-12-20

Light of the World

When you trim the tree and light the lights, remind kids that Jesus is the light of the world. Read John 8:12 which records Jesus saying, "I am the light of the world: he that follows me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."

Turn off the overhead lights; turn off the Christmas tree lights and sit quietly in the darkness.
Ask: How is this darkness like the darkness that is in the world?(without Jesus, you don't know the way to go to heaven, you can't see the way to go/live, you wouldn't be able to follow Jesus because you can't see Him, you are like empty bulbs with Jesus, etc.)

Turn the Christmas tree lights back on. Read John 8:12 again.
Ask: What does it mean that Jesus is the light of the world? (He shows you the way to go, He doesn't want you to stumble or fall in the darkness of sin, He shows you the way to heaven, etc.)

Sing a Christmas song.


This is from Splink D6family.com

"The Shoe Maker"

Wrap an empty box (with a removable lid).
Ask: Who was born on Christmas? (Jesus)
What do you receive on your birthday? (Gifts)
How could we give Jesus a gift for His birthday?

Read the story of "The Shoemaker" (based on a story by Leo Tolstoy)

There once lived in the city of Marseilles an old shoemaker, loved and honored by his neighbors, who affectionately called him “Father Martin.”

One Christmas Eve, as he sat alone in his little shop reading of the visit of the Wise Men to the infant Jesus, and of the gifts they brought, he said to himself. “If tomorrow were the first Christmas, and if Jesus were to be born in Marseilles this night, I know what I would give Him!” He rose from his stool and took from a shelf overhead two tiny shoes of softest snow-white leather, with bright silver buckles. “I would give Him these, my finest work.”

Replacing the shoes, he blew out the candle and retired to rest. Hardly had he closed his eyes, it seemed, when he heard a voice call his name . . . ”Martin! Martin!”

Intuitively he felt a presence. Then the voice spoke again . . . ”Martin, you have wished to see Me. Tomorrow I shall pass by your window. If you see Me, and bid Me enter, I shall be your guest at your table.”

Father Martin did not sleep that night for joy. And before it was yet dawn he rose and swept and tidied up his little shop. He spread fresh sand upon the floor, and wreathed green boughs of fir along the rafters. On the spotless linen-covered table he placed a loaf of white bread, a jar of honey, and a pitcher of milk, and over the fire he hung a pot of tea. Then, he took up his patient vigil at the window.

Presently he saw an old street-sweeper pass by, blowing upon his thin, gnarled hands to warm them. “Poor fellow, he must be half frozen,” thought Martin. Opening the door he called out to him, “Come in, my friend, and warm, and drink a cup of hot tea.” And the man gratefully accepted the invitation.

An hour passed, and Martin saw a young, miserably clothed woman carrying a baby. She paused wearily to rest in the shelter of his doorway. The heart of the old cobbler was touched. Quickly he flung open the door.

“Come in and warm while you rest,” he said to her. “You do not look well,” he remarked.

“I am going to the hospital. I hope they will take me in, and my baby boy,” she explained. “My husband is at sea, and I am ill, without a soul.”

“Poor child!” cried Father Martin. “You must eat something while you are getting warm. No? Then let me give a cup of milk to the little one. Ah! What a bright, pretty fellow he is! Why, you have put no shoes on him!”

“I have no shoes for him,” sighed the mother sadly. “Then he shall have this lovely pair I finished yesterday.” And Father Martin took down from the shelf the soft little snow-white shoes he had admired the evening before. He slipped them on the child’s feet . . . they fit perfectly. Shortly the poor young mother left, two shoes in her hand and tearful with gratitude.

Father Martin resumed his post at the window. Hour after hour went by, and although many people passed his window, and many needy souls shared his hospitality, the expected Guest did not appear.

“It was only a dream,” he sighed, with a heavy heart. “I did believe; but he has not come.”

Suddenly, so it seemed to his weary eyes, the room was flooded with a strange light. And to the cobbler’s astonished vision there appeared before him, one by one, the poor street-sweeper, the sick mother and her child, and all the people he had helped during the day. And each smiled at him and said. “Have you not seen me? Did I not sit at your table?” Then they vanished.

At last, out of the silence, Father Martin heard again the gentle voice repeating the old familiar words. “Whosoever shall receive one such in My name, receiveth Me . . . for I was an hungered, and you gave Me meat; I was athirst, and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger, and you took Me in . . . verily I say unto you, inasmuch as you have done it unto one of the least of these, you have done it unto Me” (Matthew 25:35-40).

Ask your kids to think of something they could give Jesus. Maybe your family could do something together for a needy family. Write what you're going to do on a piece of paper, put it in the box and set it under the tree as a gift for Jesus.


This is from Splink D6family.com

Happy Birthday Jesus!

Make and decorate a birthday cake for Jesus. Invite friends or family to celebrate HIS birthday on Christmas. Read the Christmas story and play games.

Incarnation means that God did not leave us alone and separated from Him, but came to earth as a baby so we could be part of His family and be with Him forever.

This is from Splink D6fmaily.com

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Gift Card Redemption

To help your kids understand the concept of redemption, give each child a gift card to spend for Christmas. Take them to the store (or restaurant) to let them "redeem" it. Explain to them that they were able to spend it and buy what they wanted because you paid the price.

Ask:
How is this like what Jesus did for us? (He paid the price for our sin so we could have salvation.)

This Idea from Splink D6family.com

Faith Like Mary


Parent Newsletter


Contents




  1. Tools for Parenting Teens

  2. Learn Their Lingo

  3. Links to Learn From

  4. A Little Encouragement...And Humor



1. Tools for Parenting Teens



From http://www.realworldparents.com/starters/

Faith Like Mary


Our hope this week is to prod our kids to be inspired by—and to aspire after—Mary’s faith. We hold her up as a role model not because she was extraordinary (which she was) but because she was also a normal…

Read More:

http://www.realworldparents.com/starters/article/faith_like_mary/




Featured Resource: Boundaries with Teens


In this exciting new book, Dr. Townsend gives important keys for establishing healthy boundaries—the bedrock of good relationships, maturity, safety, and growth for teens and the adults in their lives. The book offers help in raising your teens to take responsibility for their actions, attitudes, and emotions.


http://www.realworldparents.com/store/item/boundaries_with_teens/





2. Learn Their Lingo



Elf-Esteem = The feeling of being overworked, underappreciated and like you don't exist to others during the holidays while in actuality the season's success depends on you.



Wiper Beat = When the windshield wipers on your car sync up with the music on your car radio.




3. Links to Learn From



Survey: 15 percent of teens get sexual text messages
http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/12/15/pew.sexting.survey/



Plasticizer may be tied to boys’ breast enlargement
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE5BD39920091214



Boy Sent Home For Drawing Of Crucifixion
http://wbztv.com/local/taunton.cross.drawing.2.1370369.html




4. A Little Encouragement...And Humor



The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other.

- Burton Hillis



Thursday, December 10, 2009

Wise Men Worship the King

Have some costumes/props ready and have kids act out the story as you or another reader, narrates the story from Matthew 2:1-12. Talk about the meaning of the gifts that the Magi brought to Him. Gold-represents purity and deity. Frankincense represents the fragrance of His perfect life. Myrrh, a spice used in burial, represents His sacrificial death for our sins. Talk about how the wisemen walked by faith to see Jesus. Pray with the kids to trust Him in every area of life just as the wise men trusted God to lead them to Jesus.
Activity Option-"Lead Me to Jesus" Star
Cut star shapes out of blue cardstock paper.
Have children decorate shapes with star stickers, glitter, etc.
Have children attach stickers with the verse Matthew 2:11(print on Avery Label #5160) to the star.
Attach ribbon "hangers to the top of the star and/or magnet strips to the back.

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Jesus Is Born Christmas Story Lesson

Activity: Limbo
Object: To get under the 'limbo stick' without touching it. Two leaders hold the stick between them at a height that is easy for the chidlren to walk under, and after all the children have passed under it, gradually lower the stick and eliminate each child who touches the stick while passing under.
Say, "Today we are looking at someone GREAT who humbled Himself so that others could better understand God's care for them.
Ask:
-What was it like getting under the limbo stick in the beginning?
-How did the game change?
-What did you have to do to get under the stick when it was very low?
Say, "In a very different and special way, God made himself small, low and humble to come into our broken world to save us all from sin, and He did it at no cost to us. He did it because He loves us.
Then read from Luke 2 and talk with the children about the way Jesus came to this world:lowly and humbly.
Ask:
-If you could give Jesus a birthday present, what would it be?
-How do you think Mary and Joseph felt as they made the long trip to Bethlehem?
-Why do you think God chose for His Son to be born in a barn?
-What do you think this says about God?

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Advent Special Lesson 1

Read Luke 1:26-56 to your group of kids. Say, "When we think of Mary and Joseph, (you can hold up a nativity scene or figurine), we may think they were chosen because they were such "good" people. Through the decades, master painters have painted these two people with elaborate clothing and halos. But that is not how the Bible describes them. They were young, regular people who simply trusted God. And because they trusted God, God chose them to care for His Son-the savior of the world.

Activity Option:
Memory Parcel-A multi-layered parcel, with a word from th Memory Verse wrapped in each layer. The memory verse is: "He will be called great and will be called the Son of the Most High." Luke 1:32
Directions: This game is like "Hot Potatoe". The children sit in a circle and the parcel is passed from child to child as the music plays. When the music stops, the parcel stops and the child holding it unwraps a layer. If there is a word from the verse inside, then the child stands out of the game with their word and is joined by other children with their words.
Once all the layers are unwrapped, the whole group solves the Memory verse and reads it through together a number of times.

Thanksgiving Special Lesson

Open your Bible to Luke 17:11-19. Read the story of the Ten Lepers. Say, "They all should have thanked Him for what He did for them. Aren't some people like this today? We get so caught up in God's blessings that we forget to thank Him." Encourage the kids to say a prayer quietly and thank God for all He has done for them.

Optional Activities:
1.Act out the story using 10 popsicle sticks-one side is happy and one side is sad.
2.Write thank you cards to someone who takes care of them or someone who needs to know they care or write a thank you card to God.

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Lesson 12 Lesson Idea

Bible Point: There is one mediator between God and man, the man Jesus Christ.
Set-Up: Establish a large, square, playing area. Place a cone or marker at each of the four outer corners of the playing area. At the center of the area set up a cross, the larger the better. (You can make it from long cardboard tubes and wrap with black tape). Divide players into four teams. Give each team a Post-It notes pad and pencils for every player.
Have the players sit with their teams. Have each player write a prayer on a separate Post it note. Tell the players their prayer can be praise and thanksgiving prayers to God, they can be confessions, they can be about themselves, or about others. No one else needs to read your prayer. (Adults may need to help kids write prayer or they can draw their prayer).
Tell the players that the cross in the middle of the playing area represents Jesus, our Mediator. We will be taking our prayers directly to HIm.
How to Play:Have the teams line up behind each of the four cones. At the go, the first player from each team must race to the cross, kneel down on both knees, and place their Post-It note prayer onto the cross. Players return to their team line to tag off to the next player in line. Play continues as such until everyone has taken their prayers to Jesus, our Mediator!
How to Win:The first team to finish posting all their prayers, wins!

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Lesson 11 Activity

After you have read the story of Cornelius, talk with children about how God does not discriminate. Ask them what John 3:16 says, " For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life. How can you take this message to your town? Have children trace both their feet onto paper. On one foot, have them write the John 3:16 verse. On the other foot, have them write how they can be the feet of Christ in their community. Tape the footprints on the wall around the room. Talk with the children about how Peter finally got the point-God does not discriminate.

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Fun Activity for Lesson 10

Play the traditional "Keep Away" with every child taking a turn in the middle. Have the children form a large circle. One child should stand in the center of the circle. The children should toss a ball or beanbag across the circle and try to keep it away from the child in the middle. The child in the middle should try to steal the ball while it is being tossed. Stop only when each child had a turn in the middle. Ask: How did it feel to be in the middle? How did it feel to have everyone trying to keep the ball away from you? Say: God does not keep His love away from anyone. God loves all people and wants all people to believe in Jesus. Christians should not keep the Good News of Jesus away from anyone. We should share God's love with all people, no matter what country they come from or what religion they practice. Today we are going to learn about a man who was prejudice against Christians, before he actually became one himself!

Week 11-Lesson Idea

Assign listening groups. Ask the boys to listen for the way Saul changed and what God used to change him. Ask the girls to listen for the way Ananias changed and what God used to change him. After you have finished reading Acts Chapter 9, ask each listening group to report its findings. Note that Ananias changed his attitude toward someone he didn't trust because he listened to God. Note how Saul changed from wanting to harm people who followed Jesus to being a follower of Jesus. Say: It is important that we are willing to change and put our prejudices aside when we know that God wants us to-just like the two men in our Bible lesson.

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Week 10-Lesson Idea

This idea will take some preparation time. On seperate small slips of paper, write out the following words: maison, flugzeug, helado, tevreden, limonata, raha, ferias, inkuku. Roll up the slips of paper and put into balloons. You can duplicate words if you need to, so that you have one balloon for each kid. Blow up balloons and place them in the corner of the room. When you are about to start the lesson, have children take turns popping the balloons to reveal the words or phrases in foreign languages. Ask the kids to guess what their words or phrases mean in English. When they have had some time to guess, reveal the meanings of each word or phrase:maison-house(French);Flugzeug-airplane(German);Helado-ice cream(Spanish);Tevreden-please (dutch); limonata-lemonade (Italian); Raha-money (Finnish);Ferias-vacation(Portugese);Inkuku-chicken(Zulu)
Ask: Do you think it would be difficult to go to a country where people do not speak English? How would you communicate? Today we will be hearing a great story about Philip sharing God's love with someone visiting his region/community.

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Week 9-Stay Small

Idea #1-Have the youth and adults talk to the younger kids about how they serve God or have the children interview them.

Idea #2-Make root beer floats and partner children with an adult. Have them serve one another. While enjoying the floats, talk informally with the children about age and serving God. Say: God doesn't place an age limit for the old or the young when it comes to serving in His Kingdom.

Idea #3-Put a swimming ring around you and explain that it's a life saver if you get in trouble in the water. Compare it to what Stephen was trying to do in telling the people about Jesus. Give the children a chance to put the life ring on and come up with ways they can tell their friends about Jesus being a lifesaver.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

One more Lesson 8 Activity Idea

Ask the kids, "who do you know that needs some encouragement"? Then tell the kids that they are going to make something for that person.

Have kids decorate paper bags with stickers and markers. Then give them a treat to put in the bag. After they are finished, take turns praying for the people who will be receiving the gifts.

Stand Up For the Have-Nots Lesson 8 Ideas

Before your community group meets, write this phrase on construction paper: "When we work together we can do more for others." Cut the paper into six pieces. Keep one seperate from the others. During the activity, give children the remaining pieces while keeping the others hidden. Ask them to work together to complete the puzzle. When they realize they are missing a piece, give them your piece.

Talk about the importance of EVERYONE (no matter how young or old) in the church doing what God has called him to do. When a person doesn't do what God has called him to do, something is missing in the church.Encourage children at what they are good at doing. Examples: encouragement, prayer, listening to others, cheering people up. Encourage children to explore ways they can minister with other church members. Ask them what they are good at.
Direct their attention once again to Acts 6:7
Ask: What happened after more people got involved in helping the widows get food? (The church grew). It is the same way in our church. When more people use the skills God gave them, the church will grow because more people will get to know Jesus!!

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Get Over Yourself-Lesson 7 Idea

Give everyone a white card and a white crayon. Have everyone write their name on card with a white crayon. Mix up all the cards. Give everyone a card. Talk about how you can't tell whose card is whose. Then give everyone a marker and have them color over the card to reveal the name. Talk about how we can't see which card is which. But God can. Explain that God can see what we cannot. We can't see each other's hearts but God can. Just like God saw Ananias and Saphirra,when no one else did.

Monday, August 31, 2009

Thanks everyone for coming to the Back to School Bash! We had about 250 people in attendance. We ate about 225 hotdogs, laughed a lot, got Dalmatian painted faces, balloon animals, saw a cool magic show, climbed, slide, and even got wet in the rain together! Now that’s a fun way to reach out to our neighbors!
I saw a woman who I invited from my apartment complex there. At first, we didn’t know where we knew each other from, and then we realized that I had given her an invitation one day at our apartment. She was actually the one that pointed out the rainbow to me! Yep, even God showed up to our Bash, in a rainbow. He didn’t want to miss it, and I am glad you didn’t either!
Love,
Miss Bethany

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Community Group(6-12 year old) Lesson 1 Ideas

Bring a globe. Start the lesson by having the kids find Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria. Maybe you could have them put a sticker on the spot. Then talk with everyone about how the message of Christ just started in that one small area and how far it has spread now. Ask the kids how they can spread the message of Jesus this week. You could even have a little fun by getting a beach ball globe and hitting it around the room. Playing is definitely a great way to conncect with the kids. Remember that we want to put Acts into Actions!

Community Group and Kids

This year we are really wanting to include the 6-12 year olds with the adults as much as we can. There will not necessarily be seperate lessons for them, but check this blog each week for different ideas that you could incorporate into your Community Group to bring the kids into the discussion. Also, you can get ideas from the Bigger Than You Action Journal. We bring so much value to each other's lives, despite age.
There will be lessons available on journeyfellowship.com for 3-5 year olds that go along with the Bigger Than You series. Also, the link that will take you directly to the lessons, is on the sidebar of this blog. This year we want our kids and families to put Acts into Actions!!