journey kids spot

Nothing is Impossible with God

2010-05-19T09:25:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I (Bethany) was thinking about all the challenges that are facing myself and others right now. Then the Spirit brought that song to mind by Hillsong: "Nothing Is Impossible for you, Nothing is Impossible, you hold my world in Your hands". And He gave me faith that He will work all things for good!
So this morning as I was putting on silver jewlery for work to match my fun sandals, a particular silver necklace came to mind. This necklace was a gift from one of my precious children in my previous church where I was the Kids' Minister. This pretty, cross necklace reads : "With God, all things are possible" and I am proudly wearing it as a reminder today! God often speaks to me in "themes". And I believe this is my theme for the week: Nothing is Impossible with God!

This game will help kids know that with God, all things are possible...
Form groups of four. Give each group a bag of Hershey’s Kisses. Say: Your group can eat as many Hershey’s Kisses as you want -- as long as you don’t use your hands to unwrap them.

Allow time. While this is a near-impossible task, applaud your kids’ creativity and efforts.

Afterward, ask: Would you say this was an impossible task? Why or why not?

Read aloud Matthew 19:26.

Ask: What are things that are impossible for us to do that God can do? Is there anything that is impossible for God to do? Why or why not? What’s something you’re facing that seems impossible? What do you think Jesus would have you do about that “impossible” thing?

Game Idea from Gary Lindsay-Children's Ministry Magazine Article

Happy Mother's Day!

2010-05-05T10:15:00.001-07:00

Plan a surprise for Mom (or if you're the mom, show this to Dad) since Sunday is Mother's Day. Dig out the construction paper, markers, stickers, etc. and make a card for Mom.

Then choose two things that Mom would like you to do (clean your room without complaining, pick up toys, cook dinner, sort or do laundry—will vary according to the ages of the kids) and make a "coupon" saying that you will do each one. (Example: Good for unloading the dishwasher.) Put these inside the card to give to Mom on Mother's Day.

Make a special breakfast or lunch for her, also.

Ideas taken from Splink D6family.com
If you like Splink, you'll love D6 Devotional Magazines for the entire family!

Leadership

2010-04-27T07:36:00.000-07:00

The following are some great learning experiences to use at Community Group or with your own family throughout the week-enjoy!

How Can You Be a Good Leader?

Esther was a great example of a leader. She was courageous and stood up for what was right, even being willing to risk her life for others. A leader doesn’t give in to peer pressure to do wrong, but leads others to do what is right.

Brainstorm how one can be a good leader in each situation:
• Some boys are watching a movie and one of the boys wants to put in a R-rated movie
• Some girls were making fun of another girl on the playground
• The principal announced that the school was collecting items for the earthquake victims
• You are playing video games with your friends and your friend’s mom calls you for lunch
• Your teacher goes out of the room and the others start bullying a student

I Timothy 4:12

Go to http://www.youtube.com/seedsfamilyworship and learn First Timothy 4:12 together. Watch the 2-minute video and sing along.

Ask:
What does it mean to be an example? (It means to be a model, a pattern others can go by)
How can you be an example to others in speech, life, love, faith, or purity?

A good leader does what is right and is a good example to others.

"Tell a Story Day"

April 27 is “Tell a Story Day.” In order to help your kids develop some leadership skills (creativity, organization, working with others), give each one a chance to plan an activity to celebrate the day.

Ideas:
One can gather random items and make up two bags with three items in each bag for a storytelling game. Let them divide the family into two groups, give each one a bag, and have each group make up a story to share using the items in the bag.

One can choose a story and make a food that goes with the story (Give a Mouse a Cookie–cookies; Goldilocks–porridge). Read the story and eat the snack together.

One can collect supplies and set up a station where each person can make and illustrate a story and bind it into a “book.” Younger children could dictate their story to an older sibling or parent.

Let your kids come up with and implement their own ideas.

Ideas taken from Splink d6family.com

The Church Has Left the Building

2010-04-26T14:04:00.000-07:00

I remember a rhyme my mom use to say to me when I was a kid. She would weave her fingers together and say, "Here is the church, here is the steeple..." and then she would open up her hands and wiggle her fingers and say-"the Church is the people!" Our Church Has Left the Building Sunday is a perfect opportunity to demonstrate to our children how to be the church and not just go to church. It creates a teachable moment with our children. When we invite our kids to serve alongside of us, it gives us a shared experience and a place to connect with our kids on a real, spiritual level. Kids learn by what they see modeled. If they see you modeling a heart of service and compassion, then that is what they will learn. Then you won't only be teaching them the rhyme, but you will also be teaching them the way of life: that the church is the people!

Easy Wins for Parents

2010-04-20T13:08:00.000-07:00

God's command in Dueteronomy 6:7 is to repeat His commands again and again. The following are two simple opportunities that you can use to influence your child's faith.
1. Family Room Chalk Board-Frame an inexpensive chalk board and hang it in a prominent place in your family room where the message is unavoidable. Choose a scripture to write on the chalkboard once a month where your kids will read it over and over again. Toward the end of the month, ask your kids if they know the verse. If they don't know it quite yet, practice together and then switch the verse when they know it. This is a great way for your child to memorize at least 12 verses a year!! Talk about an easy win!

2. Bedtime Blessings-Pray biblical blessings over your child each night with bedtime blessing cards. You can keep these cards in your child's room and as part of his or her bedtime routine, pull out a card and read or pray the blessing over your child. You can checkout the bed-time blessing cards from the JF coffeehouse or you can order A Father's Guide to Blessing His Children by David Michael (complete with blessing cards) at childrendesiringGod.org

-Ideas taken from Children's Ministry Magazine by Brian Haynes

PURPOSE

2010-04-20T13:05:00.000-07:00

-Activities you can do at Community Group-

"What is this used for?"

While you’re in the kitchen cooking dinner, pull some utensils (potato masher, pizza cutter, grater, etc.) out of the drawer. Hold up each one and ask:
What is this used for?
Each of these utensils has a special purpose–it was made to do something special (mash potatoes, cut pizza, grate cheese, etc.).

Say something like this:
God made each of us for a special purpose–to do something special. Before we were even born, He knew all about us and what we could do to serve Him.

Guess What's in the Bag

Ask each member of the family to bring an item to the dinner table in a bag; don’t let anyone else see it or know what’s in the bag. Take turns guessing what’s in the bag by asking questions about the item that can be answered with a yes or no. (Would I use this in the kitchen? Do you use it outside? Could I use it at school?)

We could guess what was in each bag by finding out what each item is used for. God made each of us to bring Him glory–to lift Him up so others can find out more about our amazing God.

Finding Purpose

The Bible is the best place to find God’s purpose or plan for us. We must KNOW God’s purpose before we can DO it.

Have a Bible sword drill (if your kids are old enough) or write the following Bible references on slips of paper and let each child read one to find out some of God’s purposes.

Psalm 100:2 (serve the Lord with gladness)
1 Thessalonians 5:18 (give thanks)
Galatians 6:10 (do good)
1 John 4:11 (love others)
Proverbs 3:5 (trust in the Lord)

Acts Chapter 16 Lesson

2010-01-27T13:02:00.000-08:00

Bible Verse Activity:Tell the children to form a circle. Give one child a large ball. Tell them to throw the ball to another child in the circle. When the second child catches the ball, they will say the first word in this week's memory verse-Matthew 5:10. That child will then throw the ball to a third child who will say the first word and add the second word in the verse. This continues until all the words of the verse have been repeated.
Tell the story of Acts 16, starting with verse 16, in your own words. Then follow up with some questions:
*Do you think Paul and Silas were surprised?
*Why do you think they did not run away after the earthquake?
*Paul and Silas were in prison together. What difference does it make in overcoming problems/obstacles by having a trusted partner/friend by your side rather than facing it alone?
*Have you ever encountered a problem because you were telling others about Jesus?
*What can you do when you encounter a problem?
Wall of Obstacles Activity:
Put a sign on a wall that reads "Wall of Obstacles". Have the children write on a sticky note an obstacle or problem they are facing or the name and problem of someone they know who is facing a problem. After they finish, have them post it on the wall.
End by saying something like, "Obstacles can build until a wall is created. It must be broken down before people can accept Christ. But sometimes obstacles can turn into opportunities. That is what happened with Paul in Acts 16".

Acts Chapter 15 Lesson

2010-01-27T12:33:00.000-08:00

Activity-Live in Harmony Line
Hang the rope /clothesline across some chairs or room and hide the cards with the Bible verse in various parts of the room. Do not make it too difficult for the children to find. Show the children the rope stretched across the chairs or room. Tell the children that the words to the Bible verse, 1 Peter 3:8, are hidden around the room. Send a few at a time to find one card, and bring it back to the group. Once all the words have been found, have the children hang them in order on the rope using the clothespins/paperclips. Have the children repeat the verse together. Ask two or three children to share a time when they were treated badly. Ask a volunteer to read how the verse says we should live with each other. Share that today they will learn what happens when two christians disagree and how God wants us to act even when we disagree.
Then tell the story of Paul and Barnabas from Acts 15:36-41 in your own words but have the Bible nearby as you tell the story.
Share with the children your experience of disagreeing with a fellow Christian friend and how God helped you handle that. Ask the kids to share any of their own experiences.
Then have kids complete a Christian Anagram with the word C-H-R-I-S-T-I-A-N, vertical down the left side of the paper and have the children fill in descriptions that begin with each letter of the word CHRISTIAN. For example, next to the letter "C", they could write "Christ-Follower" and for the letter "H", they could write Heart filled with the Spirit, etc.

Good Time for New Habits

2010-01-07T13:27:00.000-08:00

This is a good time to start new habits. Teach your children to submit (another word for obey) to your family's rules by giving them a chart to mark their progress and make a habit.

For example: First, give them guidelines. Put toothpaste on the brush. Brush while you hum "Mary had a little lamb" or brush up and down, etc. Put your toothbrush in the holder. Then praise them when they do what they are told. Finally, put a sticker on a chart.

Ask:
What might happen if you don't obey and brush your teeth? What if you just pretended to do it every night? (Eventually, you would get cavities and your teeth would hurt, etc.)

Why is it important to obey Mom and Dad's rules? (They want what is best for me; they want to take care of me, etc.)

Learning to submit to or obey one's parents is the first step to obeying God. Actually, when you obey Mom and Dad you are obeying God.

This idea taken from D6 Family:Splink

2009-12-30T10:58:00.000-08:00

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

Sign up for Splink

2009-12-22T12:05:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-22T12:02:00.000-08:00

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"

2009-12-22T12:00:00.000-08:00

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!

2009-12-22T11:59:00.001-08:00

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

Gift Card Redemption

2009-12-16T11:35:00.001-08:00

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

2009-12-16T11:20:00.000-08:00

Parent Newsletter

Tools for Parenting Teens

Learn Their Lingo

Links to Learn From

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

Wise Men Worship the King

2009-12-10T12:34:00.000-08:00

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.

Jesus Is Born Christmas Story Lesson

2009-12-03T12:13:00.000-08:00

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?

Advent Special Lesson 1

2009-11-18T13:05:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-18T12:42:00.000-08:00

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.

Lesson 12 Lesson Idea

2009-11-12T14:49:00.000-08:00

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!

Lesson 11 Activity

2009-11-11T15:00:00.000-08:00

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.

Fun Activity for Lesson 10

2009-10-29T14:30:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-29T14:11:00.000-07:00

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.

Week 10-Lesson Idea

2009-10-22T08:46:00.000-07:00

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.

Week 9-Stay Small

2009-10-15T15:26:00.000-07:00

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.

One more Lesson 8 Activity Idea

2009-10-14T06:24:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-14T06:07:00.000-07:00

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!!

Get Over Yourself-Lesson 7 Idea

2009-10-07T15:17:00.001-07:00

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.

2009-08-31T08:58:00.000-07:00

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

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

2009-08-26T14:26:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-26T14:09:00.000-07:00

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!!

journey kids spot

Nothing is Impossible with God

Happy Mother's Day!

Leadership

The Church Has Left the Building

Easy Wins for Parents

PURPOSE

Acts Chapter 16 Lesson

Acts Chapter 15 Lesson

Good Time for New Habits

Sign up for Splink

Light of the World

"The Shoe Maker"

Happy Birthday Jesus!

Gift Card Redemption

Faith Like Mary

Parent Newsletter

Contents

1. Tools for Parenting Teens

Faith Like Mary

Featured Resource: Boundaries with Teens

2. Learn Their Lingo

3. Links to Learn From

4. A Little Encouragement...And Humor

Wise Men Worship the King

Jesus Is Born Christmas Story Lesson

Advent Special Lesson 1

Thanksgiving Special Lesson

Lesson 12 Lesson Idea

Lesson 11 Activity

Fun Activity for Lesson 10

Week 11-Lesson Idea

Week 10-Lesson Idea

Week 9-Stay Small

One more Lesson 8 Activity Idea

Stand Up For the Have-Nots Lesson 8 Ideas

Get Over Yourself-Lesson 7 Idea

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

Community Group and Kids