NOAH BIBLE STORY - For Preschoolers


God told Noah, "Build a BIG boat." (Move arms showing "big").

God told Noah, "This needs to be a REALLY BIG boat." (move arms showing "really big").

Noah obeyed God.

Noah worked and worked.
(Say: "Hammer - hammer, Hammer - hammer" and do motions).

Noah worked and worked. (Say: "Hammer - hammer, Hammer - hammer" and do motions).

Hurry, Noah, Hurry. It's going to rain. (Say: "Hammer - hammer, Hammer - hammer" and do motions).

Noah worked and worked. (Say: "Hammer - hammer, Hammer - hammer" and do motions).

Hurry, Noah, Hurry. God is going to send lots and lots of rain. (Say: "Pitter-patter , pitter-patter" & do rain motions).

Noah finshed the big boat. (Say: "Whew" - do motion of hand across forehead in relief).

It rained. (Say: "Pitter-patter , pitter-patter" & do rain motions).

And rained. (Say: "Pitter-patter , pitter-patter" & do rain motions).

And rained. (Say: "Pitter-patter , pitter-patter" & do rain motions).

It rained for 40 days. (Say: "Pitter-patter , pitter-patter" & do rain motions).

It rained for 40 nights. (Say: "Pitter-patter , pitter-patter" & do rain motions).

Finally the rain stopped. It was the biggest flood the world ever had.

God promised He would never send that much rain again.

He put a beautiful rainbow
(arc motions) in the sky as a reminder of His promise.
God keeps His promises.

The story is found in the Bible. (Show a Bible.)

SONG: "God Keeps His Promises"

(Tune: Chorus of "Jesus Loves Me")

Yes, God keeps His promises.
Yes, God keeps His promises.
Yes, God keeps His promises.
The Bible tells me so.

A CHILD LEARNS WHAT HE LIVES


A Child Learns What He Lives
By Dorothy Law Nolte, Ph.D.

If children live with criticism,
they learn to condemn.

If children live with hostility,
they learn to fight.

If children live with ridicule,
they learn to feel shy.

If children live with shame,
they learn to feel guilty.

If children live with tolerance,
they learn patience.

If children live with praise,
they learn appreciation.

If children live with fairness,
they learn justice.

If children live with security,
they learn to have faith in themselves and in those about them.

If children live with friendliness,
they learn the world is a nice place in which to live.

Copyright © 1972 by Dorothy Law Nolte

DAVID AND GOLIATH Bible Story (For Young Children)



Preparation: Find a picture of Goliath in your files or on-line. Cut out the face and paste on a wall 9 feet up, if your room is that big!

(Another option for showing the children how tall Goliath was -- use long wrapping paper cardboard tube to show the size of Goliath up against a small TP cardboard roll.)


Teacher asks the class: "Who is the tallest person you can think of?" (Show me with your hand about how tall you think they are.)

All of these people you know are very, very tall.

But the Bible tells us about a man who was even taller -- he was this tall (point to face of Goliath). His name was Goliath. He was a soldier for Philistine army.

Soldiers often wear uniforms. Have you ever seen a solider dressed in an army, navy, air force or marines uniform? (Perhaps show pictures of these uniforms.)

Goliath also wore what would be like a uniform -- a heavy coat that protected him - brass on his legs for protection - a really, really big spear. (Show picture of Goliath.)

Only a very strong man could fight with such heavy armour and weaponry.

Because he was such a tall, huge man - he was not afraid of anyone.

He would yell to the armies of Israel -- "I'm ready to fight. Pick a man from your army and have him come and fight me."
Goliath was SO big. So very, very big.

King Saul and the soldiers fighting for Israel were afraid. What were they going to do?

Here was this great big man -- he was called a giant he was so big. No one was brave enough to fight him.

Someone HAD to fight the giant. Because the solider who won, would win the battle for his whole army!

There was a young boy named David who was at the battefield because his older brothers were fighting there.

When David saw Goliath, his eyes got big and wide. This man was really, really, really, really, BIG!

But David did not like the way the giant was talking to the armies of the living God.

And since none of his brothers -- none of the soliders were volunteering to fight the giant -- David went to the king and said, "I'll fight the giant Goliath."


Everyone watched as David stopped alongside a small brook and took five stones.

They saw him open his shepherd's bag and put the stones inside.

Everyone watched as David started marching toward the giant with only his staff and his sling.

Eeryone watched as David marched and marched and marched and marched.

God gave David a super special dose of super courage that day.

David said to the giant: "You come at me with a sword and spear. But I come to you in the name of the Lord. Today the Lord will conquer you. This battle is the Lord's."

David loaded his sling.

David took aim.

David slung his sling in a circle.

David let it go.

The stone streaked through the air and hit Goliath square between the eys with a THUNK.

David, the shepherd boy, killed the great, big giant Goliath and won the battle for the king of Israel.

God had a special job for David to do and He gave him the courage to do it.



Joshua 1:9 -- "Be strong and courageous ... for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."

INTERACTIVE BIBLE STORY: A Boy and His Lunch


John 6: 1-14


Interactive Bible stories create enjoyable learning, which follows the Biblical principle found in Proverbs 15:2, "A wise teacher makes learning a joy." Here is one your students may enjoy:

Instructions: Every time you hear the word "sleeping", put your hand on your lips and say, "Shhh." Every time you hear "see Jesus" raise both arms upward and yell, "Yeah!" (If you think a visual reminder would be helpful, hold up placards with a picture of eyes closed when you say "sleeping" and a picture of a smiley face when you say "see Jesus". Placards can be made on paper plates with a stick attach to the back side.)

It was dark outside. The moon and stars were shining. The sun was not yet up.

Everyone was still sleeping. (Shhh)

Daddy was sleeping. (Shhhh)

Mother was sleeping. (Shhh)

The boy was sleeping. (Shhh)

Pretty soon mother rolled over. But she did not wake up. She was still sleeping. (Shhh)

The Daddy pulled the covers up around his neck. But he did not wake up. He was still sleeping. (Shhh)

The boy had a nice dream. But he did not wake up. He was still sleeping. (Shhh)

Now it was not so dark outside. The sun was just starting to shine. Mother got up.

But Daddy did not. He was still sleeping. (Shhh)

The boy did not get up. He was still sleeping. (Shhh)

The mother went to the kitchen. She found 5 small barley loaves of bread and 2 fish. She put them in a sack. She worked quietly. Everyone was still sleeping. (Shhh)

She went to the boy's room. She gently woke him and said: "Today you can go see Jesus!" (Yeah!)

The boy quickly jumped out of bed. He wanted to shout, "WOW. I can't wait to see Jesus." (Yeah!)

But his daddy was still sleeping. (Shhh)

As the boy dressed he thought about all the things he had heard about Jesus. Jesus told stories. Jesus healed people who were sick. Jesus raised to life a little girl who had died. Jesus took children in his arms and showed how much He loved them. Today, Jesus was going to be close to where He lived and His mother and Daddy said he could go. He dressed hurriedly because he just couldn't wait to see Jesus! (Yeah!)

He told his mother good-bye. He told his father good-bye. He headed down the road to where he had Jesus would be today. He just couldn't wait to see Jesus! (Yeah!)

Pretty soon he saw a large crowd of people. Instead of walking fast, he started to run. He didn't want to miss anything. He just couldn't' wait to see Jesus! (Yeah!)

All day long he watched as Jesus healed sick people. Pretty soon his tummy started to growl. He was hungry. It was past supper time. He opened up his sack and took out the bread and fish. He was just about ready to take a bite when Andrew, one of Jesus' disciples said to him: "I notice you have a lunch with you. There are 5,000 men here, plus women and children. We have no food for them. Jesus has asked that I bring him your lunch. Is that okay?"

The boy put the 5 barley loaves and the 2 fish back into his sack and handed it to Andrew. Andrew took the lunch to Jesus. He opened the lunch and said to Jesus, "All we have are these 5 small loaves of bread and 2 fish."

Jesus took the five loaves and the two fish, looked up into the sky and asked God's blessing on the meal.

Then He broke the loaves apart and gave them to the disciples to pass out to the people.

Then he took the fish and gave thanks to God and the fish was passed out to the people. Everyone ate and ate and ate and ate until they were full! When everyone was done and the scraps were picked up, there were 12 baskets left over!

The little boy was so excited that he had given his lunch to Jesus and that he had been there on this day to see this miracle and to see Jesus! (YEAH!)

CRAFTS FOR GIFTS



Step-by-Step Crafts for Gifts is a book published by Boyds Mills Press which has easy-to-make projects for use at home and/or church.

Each craft is made from readily available materials.

Detailed color illustrations and clear step-by-step instructions assure enjoyment for making the projects.


CHRISTMAS CRAFTS


This awesome book from Boyds Mills Press has everything you need to create a wonderful holiday celebration. Directions are easy-to-follow and full-color photographs help with the creation process.


HOLIDAY CRAFTS: Easy-to-Do


EASY-TO-DO HOLIDAY CRAFTS FROM EVERYDAY HOUSEHOLD ITEMS has over 1,000 pictured crafts in a collection of 6 books. All the crafts are made from easy-to-find household materials, using simple techniques that really work! Clear color photos of the finished products make it even easier to follow the step-by-step instructions.

PUBLISHER: Boyds Mills Press

BALLOON POP - Bible Memorization Idea


Blow up long balloons and write the day’s memory verse on slips of paper.

Insert into the balloons.

Child # 1 pops a balloon and reads the verse.

Child # 2 pops a balloon and reads the verse with Child # 1.

Child # 3 pops a balloon and all three read the verse together.

By the time all balloons have been popped in this manner, the verse for the day will have been memorized!

BIBLE PASS - Memorization Idea


Seat the children in a circle and give one child a Bible.

Start music playing.

Children pass the Bible until the music stops.

Whoever is holding the Bible and the child on his/her right and left say the verse together.

Continue until the verse has been repeated several times.

BIBLE VERSE FUN


Write each word of the Bible verse on a 3” x 5” card.

Put the reference on a separate card.

Make two sets.

Divide the class into two teams.

Place a set of word cards on the floor in front of each team; mix them up.

At a signal, the first child on each team gets the card with the first word on it, runs to the goal line, and puts the card down.

The second team member gets the card with the second word, runs to the goal line, and places it to the right of the first card.

Continue until one team has all of its cards in correct order.

Give time for the other team to complete their verse.

Say the verse in unison.

BIBLE WORM - Scripture Memorization



Make a segmented worm from construction paper, by drawing circles (tracing around the bottom of a glass works great!).

Put eyes and a smile on one for the head.

Write the verse, one word per segment, on the "worm".

Hand out segments of the worm to class members and have them put it in order.

Say the verse together each time.

CALL TWO - Bible Memorization Idea



Have each child write his/name on a 3” x 5” card and put it into a box.

Choose a student to pick out two names from the box.

These two pupils stand and say the verse together.

Pick another child to pull out two more name cards; they read the verse.

Continue until all of the name cards have been used.

Then have all the pupils say the verse in unison several times.

EVERYONE WHO GAME - Bible Verse Review


"Everyone who has a pet at home stand and say the verse."

"Everyone who likes to play soccer, stand and kick your right leg back and forth while saying the verse."

"Everyone who plays a musical instrument, stand and raise both arms toward the ceiling while you say the verse."

"Everyone who loves summer vacation, stand and face the back of the room while waving both arms to the side and quote the verse."

"Everyone who loves pizza pat your tummy while you say the verse."

"Everyone who is wearing shoes walk in place as you repeat the verse."

BALL THROW - Bible Memorization


Have the children stand in a circle.

Choose one to be “It.”

“It” and the pupil on his right and left say the verse together.

“It” throws the ball to a class member.

That person becomes “It” and the verse is quoted in the same manner.

NUMBER CALL - Bible Memorization Idea


Assign each child a number, by writing it on the palm of their hand.

Have children stand in a circle.

Call out 3 numbers.

They go to the center of the circle and quote the Bible verse.

SIGN THE VERSE - Bible Memorization


The American Sign Language web site has a standard dictionary to learn the basic finger shapes.

You can also type in any word, and they will convert it into finger spelling with an actual visuals to help you learn, so you can then teach your children.

TAKE AWAY - Scripture Verse Memorization










Use markers to write a word from the Bible verse on each cup.

Place cups in the correct order and read the verse.

Take away one cup.

Ask children to recite the scripture.

Continue until all cups are gone and the verse is said from memory.

THAT'S NOT RIGHT - Bible Verse Activity



Divide the children into pairs.

Let each pair take turns telling a puppet the Bible verse for the day.

The puppet will repeat the verse back incorrectly.

When this happens, the pair must say, “That’s not right,” and say the verse correctly.

Have another pair go to the puppet stage and continue until all have had a turn.

VERSE TAG - Bible Memorization


The teacher starts by quoting the Bible verse.

He/she then tags a pupil.

The two say the verse together.

They join hand and tag another child.

The three say the verse.

Continue until all of the pupils have been tagged and the entire group is saying the verse.

TENNIS BALL TOSS - Game


Children line up in two straight lines, parallel to one another.

To start, each layer should be able to reach across and touch his/her teammate.

At signal, players toss a tennis ball to their partners.

With each catch, players move back one baby step.

The winners are the team who never drop their ball.

BEHIND THE BACK BALL PASS GAME



Divide the children into two teams, standing facing each other.

All children put their hands behind their backs, palms up.

The leader gives each team a tennis ball, by placing it at the feet of the first team member.

At the signal, the first players pick up the ball and pass it behind their backs, hand to hand.

If a ball drops, it may be retrieved.

After each round, the first child moves to the end position.

FOOT SHUFFLE GAME



Each team has two shoe boxes.

On signal, the first player places both feet in the boxes and shuffles to the goal line and back.

CRAZY SPORTS EVENT - VBS or Camp



Think up as many fun things you can do in your particular location, such as: javelin throw (using straws), discus throw (using paper plates), one-yard dash (taking off shoe and kicking a large marshmallow with the foot); indoor mile (go 50 feet with hands on ankles); shot put (throwing cotton balls); hammer throw (stuff newspaper into the bottom of a small paper sacks; squeeze top of sacks together and tie on long strings; each player throws a sack, holding the string by the end and swinging several times); diving (each player has 5 jellybeans; place a small container half full of water at certain distance from line; see how many beans can get into receptacle); Bicycle Relay (three people for each team; two hold right or left hand facing each other; third person straddles the hands; all three run to goal line); and so forth.

KANGAROO HOP RELAY RACE



Each team is given a balloon.

Players hop to the goal line with the balloon between their knees.

They can then take the balloon from between their knees and run back to the team.

If a child looses the ballon on the way to the goal line, it may be picked up.

Have extra balloons on hand for those which get popped!

PEANUT CARRY


Divide your group into teams.

Give each team a bucket of peanuts with shells.

Place an empty bucket at the goal line.

At the signal, the first person in each team, reaches into the bucket of peanuts and places as many as possible on the back of his/her hand.

The free hand is then put behind the back.

At signal, team members head to the goal line and drop the peanuts into the bucket.

If peanuts are dropped on the way to the goal line, they are not retrieved.

The team who ends up with the most peanuts in their bucket wins!

(If you have checked with parents that no children have peanut allergies, the peanuts could then be divided up and eaten.)

SNAKE CRAWL RELAY RACE



Each child is on their hands and knees.

The second player grabs the ankles of the first player; the third player grabs the ankles of the second players; and so on until a large snake is formed.

On the signal, each snake crawls forward toward the goal line.

If the snake becomes uncoupled, it must stop to get fixed before continuing.

The first group to complete the race wins.

UP, UP AND AWAY GAME



Give each team a durable balloon which has been blown up and tied securely.

(Have extra balloons ready in case some pop!)

Teams stand in parallel lines, about 10-12 feet apart.

At the signal, the first person bats the balloon to the second person, who then bats it up, up and away to the third person until it reaches the last person.

If the balloon touches the ground, it's picked up and the game continues.

WATER BALLOON TOSS



Fill up enough small balloons with water, so every two pupils has a balloon.

The children line up in two parallel lines, facing toe-to-toe with their partner.

Every time the leader says "Back up", both children take one foot step backwards.

Pretty soon the teams will be far apart.

The object is to see which two are the last with a balloon still full of water!

VERY BIG SPORTS CAMP - VBS ALTERNATIVE




Very Big Sports (VBS) Camp

Submitted by Justeen Hill

One year, instead of the usual VBS we introduced Very Big Sports Camp. We rented a junior high for one week which offered a large gym, small gym, tennis courts, track field, swimming pool, soccer field, etc.

The day began with wacky games in the big gym and then the kids were able to sample a sport of their choosing for one hour. The sport was staffed with volunteers from the church. Fun was emphasized rather than drills and skills.

A snack was then served and then on to the gym bleachers for the Bible lesson.

We closed the day with a 15-minute message from a well-known Christian athlete who highlighted the importance of keeping one's Christian integrity and attitude while playing sports.

The event pulled in kids who normally would never have attended a regular VBS.

T-shirts were included in the $25.00 registration fee.

VBS SUMMER CAMP



Lawrenceville First United Methodist Church Summer Camp offers children an exciting summer full of fun, and nurtures spiritual growth in a loving, Christian environment. They balance arts, crafts, recreation, and sightseeing with nature, reading, relaxing, and devotion each week to ensure variety and a great time for all.

Summer Camp is open to children ages 4-13 who will be entering grades pre-K through 8th. It runs from 9:00 am. to 4:00 pm. Extended care hours are available at no additional charge. Children may come as early as 7:00 am. and stay as late as 6:15 pm.

Campers are placed in appropriately sized groups according to age. The Pre-K / Kindergarten group consists of 4 & 5 year-olds who learn to sing, play, and grow together through the summer as they participate in art, recreation, rest time, story time, play time, and an occasional field trip!

While they provide plenty of activity, they also bring puppet shows, storytellers, bubble fun, and a whole lot of laughing to them.

Their daily routine is one of comfortable structure and is sensitive to the needs of these younger children.

The Elementary ages (grades 1-5) are always on the go! Each age group participates in arts & crafts, recreation, and devotion on a daily basis, and goes swimming and on 1 or 2 field trips each week in conjunction with weekly themes!

Each grade's schedule, trips, and curriculum are unique and tailored to the needs of that particular age group. These groups develop lasting friendships and make great memories as they go through their summer camp adventure together!

SUMMER FUN WEEK - VBS Alternative



Another name for VBS.

The week is packed with games, crafts, music, and creative learning opportunities.

Each day, children learn a different truth about God, Jesus, and the Bible.

PRAISE & PLAY - Preschool VBS Alternative

Summer camp for preschoolers with a program including Bible stories, crafts, music, outdoor play, observing nature in God's great world, and guided indoor play.

Jerusalem Markeplace VBS



Jerusalem Marketplace immerses learners of all ages in Bible-times culture. Preschoolers through adults taste and smell new foods, explore new traditions, and discover new talents as they try their hand at arts and crafts.


At Jerusalem Marketplace VBS, you'll be a part of:

Bible Times Experience–Participants step back in time and discover the incredible accounts in the Bible really did happen.

They'll:
• build strong relationships with other tribe members
• explore authentic traditions
• create handmade projects
• taste and smell exotic foods

Life-long Bible Learning–It's a multisensory experience! Jerusalem Marketplace uses all five senses–see, hear, taste, touch, and smell–to create Bible encounters participants can't wait to share with others! Plus, you can send guests home with Bible Memory Makers and Family Devotional Kits–tools to reinforce learning.

KIDVENTURE -- VBS Alternative

Summer day camp program.

Sometimes all you need to do is change the name -- think out of the box -- get out of your comfort zone.

Kidventure sounds SOOOOOOOOOOO much more fun than Vacation Bible SCHOOL !!!!!

Camp MAD - VBS Option

Camp focused on Music And Drama.

SUPER SATURDAY SPECTACULAR - Outreach

There will always be a select group of children that will not make it to an event unless it is in their backyard or at least in their neighborhood. This is the group that the Super Saturday Spectacular reaches.

An event is heavily publicized in a target area.

On that day a team sets up the portable stage while another team goes out to bring people in. The
crowd that gathers is then treated to an entertaining show, Gospel presentation, games, and prize drawings. Depending on the area, this can also be combined with a food giveaway or free lunch.

WEE SIZZLE - Preschool Summer Activity


Summer activity for preschoolers including swimming, games, crafts, snacks, and DVD.

SUMMER READING CLUB


Outstanding method for getting kids to read good Christian books during the summer. Perhaps a pizza party at the end for all who participated, with special prizes for those who read the most books.

SUMMER ADVENTURE DAYS



An opportunity for elementary children to serve in a variety of ways, at such places as health care centers, day-care centers, and community centers. Select a day of the week that works best for both children and adult sponsors.

Allow time prior to each activity for orientation, explaining to the children what to expect and what will be encountered. For example, prior to visiting a health care center you may want to play “The Aging Game”with the boys and girls. Children try on sunglasses with petroleum jelly
smeared on the lenses to experience what it might be like to not have clear vision. Place cotton in their ears to help them understand what happens when a person can’t hear well. To understand what people with strokes might feel like when they walk, tie an arm close to the body of
the child. If possible, let each one ride in a wheelchair and use a walker. Participating in these activities will make the children more sensitive in their ministry efforts.

Communication with agency representatives is vital in setting up this program. Everyone needs to be clear on time of arrival; what types of projects the children can be involved in; and how many children will be participating.

Always have a back-up plan. Even after careful planning, your schedule or activities may change due to uncontrollable circumstances.

KIDS IN MISSION

Summer service project fun for children in grades 1-5.

This 5-week program runs Tuesday –Thursday with Bible studies, crafts, and project work focused on specific community needs.

END OF WEEK CELEBRATION



Fifth and sixth graders celebrate the end of the week with crafts, games, and pizza! Themed parties occur one Friday a month with such events as: World’s Record Party; Creative Crafting; Sports Night; Movie and Games Night; Toilet Tube Mania; It’s a Mystery Party; Maze Craze; Putt Putt.

SHOWING CHILDREN YOU LOVE THEM


The need for love is the greatest of all human needs. Children who don't receive love cannot fulfill their God-given potential for a fulfilling, contributing life. While children's workers at church spend relatively brief amounts of time with children, our effect on boys and girls must
not be minimized.

Small tokens of love from a children's teacher can sometimes have an impact way out of proportion to the significance of the event. Here are 10 simple ways to show your children you love them.

1. Learn their names.
This isn't always easy, since we often have the children for only a brief period once a week. Help your memory by using nametags for the first several weeks of class. Constantly review children's names. Mentally try to link the child's name with something Memorable about him or her. For example, "Melody is miniature size," or " Ben has brown hair" or "Sam's smile is sensational."

2. Be a patient listener. Let's face it. Children's narratives can sometimes be tedious, filled with long pauses, repeated words, and more details than anyone really cares to hear. However, really LISTENING to a child says, "I care. I'm interested in you." To show that you are listening, it sometimes helps to interject a question or comment in the narrative. For example, "That must have been a lot of fun," or "How did you feel when your brother did that?"

3. Make eye contact. While you will want to avoid prolonged stares, making brief eye contact with a child communicates that you are listening and attentive.

4. Remember birthdays and other special events. Send greeting cards and small, inexpensive treats. Recognize birthdays in your classroom. Take photos of the children during activities and display these in the classroom or give them copies.

5. Occasionally attend something of importance to the child: sports events, musical recitals, school events.

6. Welcome children warmly when they come to class, and give them time to share the events of their week. Questions I like to use are: "How was your week--good, bad, or average? What was the best thing that happened all week? What was the worst thing that happened?" As children respond, rejoice or commiserate with them as appropriate.

7. Remember the children who always come. Absentees often receive postcards or phone calls urging them to return to class. By contrast, regular attendees can sometimes be overlooked. Occasionally call or write these children to express your appreciation for their regular attendance and participation.

8. Notice things about your children. Is Jana wearing a particularly attractive dress? Tell her so. Has Nathan lost a tooth? Let him tell about it. Is Joshua sporting new shoes? Admire the special features he points out. This attentiveness tells children they are important to you.

9. Praise good work, good behavior, and good effort. According to some specialists, it takes several positive remarks to undo the effect of one negative comment. Some children hear mostly commands and negatives: "Sit up straight." "Why can't you . . .?" "You never . . . ." or " You always . . . ." Help to balance these with honest praise of the good things you notice: "You're doing a great job on that picture," "Thanks for waiting so patiently for the tape." "You're really improving in raising your hand before you talk." When praising a child, ALWAYS be sincere, and be SPECIFIC about what you praise.

10. Say good things about a child to his or her parents, in the child's hearing. A few weeks ago, my children made gift soaps for their mothers for Christmas. They were busy wrapping their packages. One child had not attended during the early weeks of this extended project, so he did not have any. Another child had decorated more soap bars than the others. When I asked her, privately, whether she would be willing to let the first child have a couple of soaps, she readily agreed. Without complaint, she gave him bars, including one she described as "the prettiest." I lost no time telling Mom and Dad about her generosity--to the delight of both parents and child. It doesn't take a lot of time, or vast amounts of money, to say "I love
you" to a child. Time and sincere interest speak volumes and may help a child with negative self-image to realize that he or she matters to you and to God.

11. Visit the child where he or she lives.
A. Establish who you are: “Hi! I’m Betty Robertson, Sherri’s Sunday School teacher.”

B. Indicate why you came: “Sherri was absent this past Sunday from my class and I really missed
her.”

C. Try to get a reason for the absence: “I hope she wasn’t sick.”

D. Relate depending on response:

(1) If sick: “I’m sorry to hear that. Does she still have the flu?”

(2) Out-of-town: “She is such an important part of our class. It’s not quite the same without her.”

(3) Just didn’t want to come: “She is so special. I really miss her when she’s not in my class.”

E. Talk with the child: “Your Mom tells me _____________.” I miss you when you are not in our
class. (Give some assignment.) Would you be willing to complete this puzzle and bring it
this week? I’d like to use it as an answer sheet.”

S.O.L.I.D. - Children's Service Project

Seek Out Leaders In Discipleship

Service projects include packaging Bibles that are mailed around the world; working with food-service agencies who have helped feed thousands of people; sharing out love with elderly people; planning for and leading Sonshine clubs; and painting churches.

PAPER PICK-UP -- Service Project


Churches always seem to have trash that accumulates both inside and out.

Children can serve the church on a regular basis by picking up paper.

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD


An exciting program that demonstrates God's love through gift-filled shoe boxes. Each year caring individuals, families, churches, schools, businesses, and other groups fill shoe boxes with toys, school supplies, and other items, and send them to Collection Centers operated by Samaritan's Purse, the Christian relief and evangelism organization.

The boxes are delivered worldwide to millions of children affected by war, poverty, disease, and disaster. These shoe boxes open doors for presenting the Good News of Jesus Christ through Children's literature, personal witnessing, and evangelistic programs, and many lives are changed for eternity.

For the church, Operation Christmas Child is a hands-on missions project that every member can participate in, and it is a great way to draw a congregation together. The purpose is to share the
joy of Christmas and the love of Jesus Christ with suffering children around the world.

Everything you need to know about how to pack the boxes, drop-off locations, and promotional Ideas to use in your local church are available on the web site:

http://www.samaritanspurse.org/OCC.asp?MPGID=1

KIDS TEACHING KIDS

Older children can share object lessons or short stories with boys and girls in younger classes.

All S.T.A.R.S. - Service Project

Students Trained And Ready to Serve

Designed to train older children to become servant-helpers and participate in various service projects.

TEACHING CHILDREN TO USE THEIR HAND AS A PRAYER REMINDER


Sandra Brooks authored a book that is now out of print.She has given permission to share her idea for children to use their hand as a prayer reminder

THUMB -- reminds you to pray for everyone you love such as mom, dad, relatives, friends.

INDEX FINGER -- sometimes preachers and teachers point with this finger and this reminds us to
pray for them.

MIDDLE FINGER -- stands high above all the others and serves as a reminder to pray for the President and people in government.

RING FINGER -- weakest finger so is a reminder to pray for the sick.

LAST FINGER -- pray for yourself last.

IDEAS OF THINGS FOR WHICH CHILDREN CAN PRAY


Teaching children to pray is not so much "how" to pray, but "what" to pray for. Provide children with ideas of things for which they can pray for on a regular basis, such as the following:

Church Members

Make a list of people in your church who are homebound, ill, or bereaved. After praying for these individuals in your class, let the children make cards that might say: “We prayed for you in our class today.”

Class Members

Focus on the everyday concerns of the children in your class. What are their burdens? What are their worries? What are their fears? What are their concerns? What are problems? What are their needs? If your class is not used to sharing their feelings, use feeling cards. Draw large faces
and give one a smile; another a frown; another a puzzled look; etc. Ask which face they feel like and why. This often promotes conversation that leads to prayer.

News Items

Make children aware of news stories that touch the heart. Some of these may have happened in your community, while others will be events that have been reported on television. Praying for these situations will also turn children’s feelings of helplessness about what is happening in the world toward God.

Our Country

Monday: President - difficult decisions he makes on a daily basis.

Tuesday: President's staff - they will give godly advice and wisdom.

Wednesday: Senators and Congressmen - guidance in making laws

Thursday: Policemen, firemen, and rescue workers - safety and protection

Friday: Military - safety, wisdom in decision making, courage

KEEPING PRAYER A PRIORITY IN YOUR CHILDREN'S CLASSROOM



1. Be sure children understand what prayer is.

Prayer is talking to God in an ordinary manner, out of the depth of your heart. Talking to God is Just like chatting with a friend.

2. Keep prayer a priority in your classroom each week, not just when you have lessons on prayer.

Knowing about prayer, thinking about prayer, and even thinking up prayers are not the same as actually praying. There is no substitute for praying. Use a prayer chart or a prayer box.

Try a wall of prayer. Hang a piece of newspaper (end rolls from local papers may be free) or you can use butcher block paper. Allow the children to write their prayer requests on the paper after they have shared their requests with the class. It is a faith building visual reminder of the prayers and allows for great follow-up on prayers when they get answered.

Talk about problems people have. Encourage the boys and girls to name people they know that have problems or have choices to make. Children may mention divorce, a move, job loss, illness, or other needs. Have children print needs on cards and place them in the prayer box or attach them to
the chart. Display the chart or prayer box in a prominent place in your classroom. Each week pray for the requests listed.

Talk often about praying for forgiveness. Be alert to children who are ready to accept Jesus as their personal Savior. Be aware of opportunities for children to pray and accept Jesus as Savior. When 1,000 Sunday School workers were asked when they prayed and accepted Jesus as Savior, 500 said it was between ages 9-12.

3. Provide tools that will make it easier for children to pray at home.

Encourage boys and girls to find a time and place at home where they can pray each day. Children need to know that communicating with God on a regular basis is important. Have each child think through what will be best for him. Daily time with God makes a difference. Even young children
can develop the discipline of daily prayer.

PRAYING FOR TEACHERS


Find people within the congregation willing to be a prayer partner for each Sunday School teacher.

Also, provide these individuals with the names of each child in that class and challenge them to pray daily.

LABOR FORCE PRAYER TEAM

Lexington Baptist Church, North Carolina has a Labor Force Prayer Team.

This team is ready to "stand in the gap" for parents experiencing the birth of a child.

A prayer support team prays for parents from the time they enter the hospital until the birth of the child.

PRAYING FOR UNBORN CHILDREN


Lexington Baptist Church, North Carolina has a prayer time for the unborn child.

At the Blessing of the Baby, family and friends gather around expectant parents and pray for an unborn child’s physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual development.

Expectant parents call the church office to schedule a time after a Sunday morning worship service for their special prayer time for their unborn child.

PARENTS PRAYING FOR THEIR CHILDREN GROUP


 Contributed by Stephanie Harris

The purpose of this group is to bring parents together on a weekly or bi-weekly basis to pray Specifically for their children. This has proven to be a powerful tool for building the faith of parents, providing parents with a Christian support group, and establishing a foundation of prayer for children.

As you organize a "Parents Praying for Their Children" group in your church:

1. Keep the group small. Four to six parents in a group is ideal. If you have more parents who are interested, organize more than one group.

2. Encourage parents to keep a prayer journal. Each time parents meet, they log the requests and concerns of other parents in the group. This allows parents to pray specifically for those requests throughout the week.

3. Keep the format for each group simple and flexible to meet the needs of the parents involved. Plan to meet at the church or in homes.

PRAYER PHOTO JOURNAL

Nothing helps the children under your ministry as much as your prayers. Think about it! It's your time with God in prayer for each child that allows Him to guide you in ministering to their daily and immediate needs. He knows exactly what is going on in their homes, schools, neighborhoods, etc., so cover each of them with your prayers.

Create a prayer photo journal of the children. Obtain permission from parents to take pictures.

During your devotional and prayer times, pull out the album, and pray over several of the children individually. By spreading the children out over the entire week or month, you'll be easily able to pray for all of them.

Plus, imagine how they will feel knowing that you spend time each week praying specifically for them.

Other options -- For the small group, you may want to use a digital camera and put the kids
pictures onto your computer's wallpaper or screensaver. For the extra large group, consider recruiting some of your senior citizens to join you in being prayer warriors for your kids. Divide the pictures up into several albums, labeling the pictures with the child's name, and give an
album to each of your partner prayer warriors.

A HABIT -- Getting Prayer Needs of Children


Make it a habit to ask boys and girls, “What’s happening in your life or family that I can pray about?”

Also regularly ask parents, “What can I pray with you about?”

Write these immediately into your Palm Pilot or organizer and follow-up.

Boys and girls will not remember much of what we teach them, but they WILL remember how much you cared by praying for their needs.

If you want to make a listing difference in the lives of boys and girls, pray for them regularly!!

PUTTING GOD FIRST - Your Personal Devotional Life


1. PERIOD (an interval of time that is meaningful for listening, praising, sharing personal requests with the Lord)

Unless you schedule a regular time with the Lord, how easy it is to neglect it. It doesn't make any difference if it is morning, evening or some time in between. For some people, early morning is best, before outside impressions have a chance to clutter the blotters of their minds.

The Psalmist said: Each morning I look to you in heaven and lay my requests before you, praying earnestly (5:3).

Isaiah 50:4-5 reads, "He awakens me morning by morning, awakens my ear to listen like one being taught."

The words "Spiritual Streakers" titled an article which suggested many believers of Jesus run out of their homes in the morning without wearing Christian clothes. The devil sees us walking around spiritually naked and he laughs knowing we are defenseless against his strategies and tricks.

Each morning before Dr. Charles Stanley puts a foot on the floor, he deliberately imagines putting on each separate piece from the wardrobe closet of Ephesians 6:10-18. Dr. Stanley says he does this conscientiously each day and his life has been revolutionized.

You may be a night person and be more awake and aware then. Jesus is recorded as praying both in the evening and in the early morning. Whether you have your devotions morning, noon or evening is not as important as the fact that you do establish a PERIOD - a regular, meaningful time when we LISTEN.

Proverbs 1:33 says, "But he who LISTENS to me will dwell secure and will be at ease."

This period of praying for personal requests and listening is not to be confused with the admonition in Scripture to "pray on every occasion, as the Spirit leads" (Eph. 6:18) - being in an attitude of prayer which means that when you stand in the checkout line at the grocery store, rather than getting impatient you pray for the checker. . . . . . pray for the little old lady who is fumbling in her purse to find the needed change . . . pray for the TV celebrity whose name has just made the news . . . the neighbor boy with lunch box who waits on your corner every day for the bus . . . the family who is suffering when you hear the siren on an ambulance or emergency vehicle . . . requests which the Holy Spirit brings to your attention throughout the day.

2. PLACE

Jesus expressed the time of individual prayer as "going into the closet" (Matt. 6:6). The Amplified Bible expresses it: "And when you pray, go into your most private room and closing the door, pay to your Father who is in secret.

The Living Bible paraphrase sheds further light: "But when you pray, go away by yourself, all alone, and shut the door behind you and pray to your Father secretly, and your father, who knows your secrets, will reward you."

The word "closet" in the original Greek text referred to "a chamber on the ground floor or interior of an Oriental house generally used for storage or privacy. It was a spot for retirement; a secret chamber, closet, storehouse."

The key word is privacy.

Let's look at some possibilities. They may notbe ideal, but the Lord does not have prerequisites as to where He wants to meet with us. We choose the time and place and He will be there.

One mother with young children asked her husband to stay with the children while she spent an hour in the public library conversing with the Lord. I have heard many different people report they resort to the privacy of their bathroom to be uninterrupted. One mother hung a little sign on her door which read, "Thank you for not disturbing." The family then knew she was having her devotions and not to bother.

Author Donna Leonard says that a love seat in their bedroom at the back of their home is her sanctuary.

Rhonda Downey, a lady who regularly attends the prayer group I lead each Sunday morning during the regular S.S. time has her place out in the patio (during good weather) - she takes several translations of the Bible, her dictionary, a notebook, pen, sun glasses. That's her "closet."

Consider this an appointment with a friend and mark it on personal calendar as such. Often business men will tell their secretary's to hold all calls during a lunch break or another designated time and to tell callers that he is in consultation.

It is reported that Suzanne Wesley, mother of 21 children, would simply place her apron over her head. This was a signal to her children that she was talking to God and was not to be interrupted.
You may find it difficult to find a place by yourself, but remember that the LORD does not require ideal conditions. YOU demand that. God will meet you even when others are around.

3. PREDETERMINATION (To settle or decide in advance)

A. Deciding in advance not to let physical distractions stop you.

The distractions will always be there!

If you are on your way to the place in your home you have selected for your private sanctuary with the Lord and distractions reach out to grab you as you are headed there - it may help to picture the Lord waiting for you to come. Consider this an appointment with a friend and mark it on personal calendar as such.

If you PREDETERMINE (settle/decide in advance) to give God top priority, the reward of His presence is incomparable.

B. Determine to let mental distractions stop you.

When we wait in quietness before the Lord, how easy it is for our minds to focus on other things and take snapshots which catch our attention. The easiest way to solve this problem is to take pencil and paper and jot down those distractions - those things you ant to be sure and remember or
those ideas which come that you don't want to forget.

C. Committing to make devotions a habit in your life.

Sociologists tell us that it takes about 21 days to break a habit. It takes about 21 days to form a new habit. The reason many rehab programs fail is because they are only 21 days. They are working on breaking a habit.

But if something is removed - there needs to be something to fill that void. There needs to be another 21 days to form a new habit.

The same is true in our spiritual lives. If we are trying to break a habit of NOT having regular devotions, we need 21 days. If we are trying to form the NEW habit of having devotions regularly, it takes an additional 21 days. SO - 42 days are needed consistently - NO breaks.

The KEY to making this 42-day principle work is ACCOUNTABILITY. Find someone - preferably not a spouse -- not a parent (do not want to set yourself up for the "nags") - but a friend who is willing to let you be accountable to them. This simply means you tell your friend you have made a predetermination to have devotions for 42 days straight without a break so you can from the habit of having them on a regular basis. You would like for them to contact you daily - or weekly and ask, "How are your devotions going?"

When you know you have the obligation to report and be answerable to someone -- this adds the ingredient of MOTIVATION to your predetermination.

4. PLAN

The phrase is trite -- but true! "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail."

Often not knowing WHERE you are going to read the Word of WHAT you are going to pray about become obstacles.

Regular Bible reading and prayer will both enhance our relationship with God. They are interrelated. The WORD is food for the body. PRAYER is digesting the Word into our systems.

A. Bible Reading

2 Timothy 3:16-17, TLB says, (Reading the Bible is ) "useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives; it straightens us out and helps us do what is right. It is God's way of making us well prepared at every point, fully equipped to do good to everyone."

Paul's testimony was, "This is why we never collapse. The outward man does indeed suffer wear and tear, but every day the inward man receives fresh strength" (2 Cor. 4:16, Phillips).

(1) Which Bible will you be reading from?

(2) What will you be reading?

The Psalms can be completed in a month by reading 5 Psalms a day. One method is to read every 30th Psalm:
Day 1 - Psalm 1, 31, 61, 91, 121
Day 2 - Psalm 2, 32, 62, 92, 122
Day 3 - Psalm 3, 33, 63, 93, 123

The wisdom of God can be gained by reading one chapter of Proverbs each day. There are 31 chapters. This book was "written to teach people how to act in every circumstance (Prov. 1:21, TLB)

(3) Make an accountability chart

This is the accountability factor which we've talked about. Also a great motivational tool. Some people just use their daily calendar - a put some kind of a mark on each day showing they have done their Bible reading.

You may prefer making some other kind of chart to keep in your Bible. It's so easy to miss a day - and then another day - and another. And we don't realize how much time has gone by since we last opened out Bibles to read. By having a chart - or marking a calendar -- it's before us as a constant reminder. In any relationship, communication is vital.

If you have difficulty communicating with God through prayer -- it may be as simple as needing some ideas on HOW and WHAT to pray for:

(1) ACTS

Adoration - worship God - tell Him how much you love Him - praise Him
Confession - acknowledge how much you need Him - open up your heart to Him
Thanksgiving - express gratefulness for WHO He is - what He has done
Supplication - petition Him for specific needs

(2) The Lord's Prayer can be used as a guide.

Praise ("Our Father in Heaven")
Repent ("Forgive us as we forgive others")
Ask ("give our daily bread")
Yield ("your kingdom come, you will be done)

(3) Prayer list

It is in praying for others that the joy of interceding is found. As you record answers, you will feel a new excitement as you realize God is real in your life. You can know the thrill of watching His perfect timing.

5. PURPOSE

Why have daily devotions?
(a) To connect with God
(b) To develop an intimacy with God
(c) To get to KNOW Him.

Proverbs 3:6 says, "In all your ways acknowledge - KNOW (in Hebrew) Him."

Can only come to KNOW someone when you spend time with them. (Cannot do this in your own strength - yield/surrender your desire to have time with Him and He will help you accomplish the desires of your heart.)
2 Peter 1:5 says, "You must learn to KNOW God better and discover what He
wants you to do" (TLB).

OVERWHELMED WITH PROBLEMS? What To Do


Submitted by Rev. Earl Paul Robertson

A Biblical Pattern for Prayer: II Chronicles 20

1. Go to God first (v. 3) Jeremiah 33:2-3

Do not wait until you are emotionally exhausted by worry and anxiety, then go to God.

2. Enlist pray support (v. 4) I Thessalonians 5:25

Do not try to be a "lone ranger", ask friends to pray with and for you.

3. Focus on God and His mighty deeds (vs. 5-9) Psalm 77:11

Builds your faith. If God did it before, He can do it again.

4. Spread it out before the Lord (vs. 10-11) 2 Kings 19:9-14

Usually problems pile up. Break them down into discernible segments. Pray for one problem at a time until you get assurance from God that He will take care of it.

5. Humble yourself before God (v. 12b,c) James 4:6-7

We have no power and we have no plan.

6. Fix your eyes on the Lord (v. 12d) Hebrews 12:1-3

When we focus on Him our problems are seen in their right perspective.

7. Wait in the presence of the Lord for guidance (vs. 13-16) Psalm 33:20-22

Do not rush into action, wait to receive His guidance.

8. Remember Whose battle it really is (v. 15) Deuteronomy 20:4

The battle is not yours but the Lord's. If you have surrendered your life to God, the battle becomes His responsibility.

9. Hold steady (v. 17) Ephesians 6:13

Stand firm and see His deliverance.

10. Remember Who is with you. (v. 17) Hebrews 13:5-6

You are not alone.

11. Worship the Lord (v. 18) Psalm 95:6

After you have assurance God has heard you, worship Him

12. Praise the Lord (vs. 19-23) Psalm 22:3

V.22 - In the process of praising, while they were praising, the Lord brought the victory. God inhabits the praise of His people

13. Have a victory celebration (vs. 27-28) Psalm 145:7

YOU'VE MADE A DIFFERENCE - Teacher Appreciation Poem


Copyrighted by Linda J. Stevenson.

May copy for local church use.


Thank you for the time you give
To each child who looks to you;
You truly make a difference
By all you say and do.

For as you touch each tender heart,
You leave your imprint there;
And always they'll remember you--
How much you really cared.

Keep on loving, keep on caring,
Sharing Christ as you do,
For one day they'll return to say,
“Teacher, I do thank you.”

“You've made a difference in my life.
I'm who I am today,
Because you gave your time to teach
And show to me God’s Way.”