Welcome to

THE SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER'S NETWORK
A Ministry of ChristianCrafters.Com
"For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."
Matthew 18:20


<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
When responding to a topic, delete
“ALL TEXT that is NOT PERTINENT to your response” before posting your message.
Reply to: Sakeith@aol.com

The SSTN e-newsletter is sent to an undisclosed list of recipients. Your e-address will never be shared with anyone, or any organization. When posting a message, please consider signing your name (at least your first), the age of the children you teach, if applicable, and the city and state you reside in.
It will be nice to see who is writing from where! :o)

<>< <>< SSTN-Volume 1-Number 111<>< <><
October 25, 2000
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><

IN THIS ISSUE OF THE SSTN e-NEWSLETTER:
1)
Prayer Rock Poem
2) Christian pumpkin carvings
3) BRIDAL SHOWER GAMES?
4) Christmas games?
5)
Memorizing The Apostles Creed?
6)
Weekend retreat?
7)
Christian pumpkin carvings
8)
Giggling during prayer
9)
Christmas Song with motions
10)
This link is super!


* WHEN POSTING YOUR MESSAGES: Use upper and lower case letters,
and a standard black font style such as 'Arial'. Thank you!


<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><

1)
Prayer Rock Poem

I'm your little prayer rock, this is what I do-
Put me on your pillow until your day is through;
 
Then turn back your covers and climb on into bed-
Whack! Your prayer rock will hit you in the head!
 
So then you will remember as your busy day through-
To lay down and say your prayers the way you wanted to.
 
When you finish praying, just dump me on the floor-
I'll stay here all night long, then give you help once more.
 
When you wake in the morning, Clunk!  I'll stub your toe-
You'll remember morning prayers, before you get up and go.
 
Put me back on your pillow- when your bed is made,
and your clever little prayer rock will continue in your aid.
 
You know your Heavenly Father cares and loves you so,
He wants you to remember, to talk to HIM you know.
-------------------

I lay out big baskets of calico fabric and let the kids cut their own
fabric for their prayer rock using a square cardboard template. (about 5
inches square depending on the size of rock you have) make sure rocks
are large enough not to pose a choking hazard.
 
Laminate the poem or print on card stock, and have a hole punched in
the corner.  Kids place a rock in the center of the fabric square and
tie it shut with ribbon, then add the poem and tie again.  Kids also
enjoy adding stickers to the edges of the poem, there are also small praying
hands and small sun and moon stickers available.

Another subscriber added the following verse before her poem: 
Is there a God before me? Indeed there is no other rock.
Isaiah 44:8

<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><

Do you need an ALL-PURPOSE children's program at your church? 'Kid's Time Kit: God's People Celebrate!' is for any number of kids, any number of teachers, and for limited budgets! (Grades 1-6). Check it out under Curriculum at:
www.ChristianCrafters.Com

<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><


2) Christian pumpkin carvings

> Does anyone have any ideas or patterns for pumpkin carvings which are Christian
> based?

For several years we did Bible character decorated pumpkins (no carving --
easier for younger kids and safer too!) I provided glitzy fabric, lace,
"jewels," markers, felt, fake hair or yarn, etc. and let the kids be as
creative as they wanted. Only criterion was they had to create a Bible
character. Then we displayed the "Bible Characters" for a week or so and
the adults of the church voted with their cash for their favorite. All the
money we raised went to UNICEF or some other children's mission. FUN!

Also one year we had tons of smaller sized pupmpkins (about 5-6" diameter)
and we let the kids paint them and take them home.
Jaymie Derden - Bristol, VA

<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><


3) BRIDAL SHOWER GAMES?

THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE KIDS BUT ITS STILL IN THE CHURCH. I WAS WONDERING IF ANYONE OUT THERE KNEW OF SOME BRIDAL SHOWER GAMES THAT ARE FUN BUT APPROPRIATE FOR A CHURCH SHOWER? OUR PASTORS IS GETTING MARRIED! {HIS WIFE DIED} HE FOUND HIS COLLEGE SWEETHEART AND SHE IS NOT MARRIED! SHE IS A WONDERFUL LADY AND WILL MAKE A GREAT PASTORS WIFE! I JUST WONDERED IF ANYONE KNEW OF SOME"NICE" GAMES OR KNEW WHERE I COULD LOOK FOR SOME-ON THE INTERNET OR IN SOME STORE. THANKS ALOT! I USE ALOT OF THE SUGGESTIONS IN THIS NEWSLETTER AND I LOVE IT! KATHY, ELYRIA OHIO

<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><

4)
Christmas games?

I am looking for some Christmas games to play for our Sunday School Christmas Party. Last year we played pin the star on the manger, bean bag christmas tree and musical christmas present. Any ideas for some new games. We always have the 5th & 6th graders do a skit or puppet show. They are in charge of the program. They help with the games after the show and then serve refreshments. They love to be in charge and look forward to it every year. I am also interested in Christmas songs that are not the traditional carols. One year we sang Superduper Christmas with Jesus which was really a big hit. Tweety- "Live each day to the fullest and make it a masterpiece"

<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><

THE BOOKSTORE at
ChristianCrafters.Com
In Holidays & Holy Days, you can purchase:
**
Family Celebrations at Thanksgiving and Alternatives to Halloween,
** Biblical Christmas Plays & Musicals

** Chrismon Snowflake Ornaments (Make & Create)

<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><

5) Memorizing The Apostles Creed?

Do you have any suggestions on teaching a group of 3rd graders The Apostles Creed?
I tried printing the prayer on a paper which I laminated. Offered anyone who learns it a gift. We go over it every week in class. But it is such a long prayer and they are having problems with it. Thanks sheliann

--from ChristianCrafters.Com: I think repetition is the key. Also, a technique I've been using in my SS class is to write memory verses on the board, repeat them together 2-3 times. Then begin to erase a few words at a time. Repeating as you go until the whole verse is gone. It's amazing how fast they can memorize this way! For the Apostles Creed, you wouldn't want to have to rewrite it every week, therefore, you could put it on an overhead projector and place small pieces of paper on the overhead to block out the words. Also, I've put the Apostles Creed in the site and it may be printed out! It's in the Free Featured Resource area.
Blessings, Sarah Keith - Your Moderator
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><

Don't keep SSTN to yourself! Invite your pastor and coworkers to join us!

<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><

6) Weekend retreat?

Need some ideas. We are doing a weekend retreat for our Sr Hi Youth in December and our theme that we have been given through Christ is "A Heart like Mine." I am looking for a variety of ideas from music, discussions, crafts and more. I really appreciate your effort and consideration.
For HIM, Pam Moore
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><

7) Christian pumpkin carvings

>Does anyone have any ideas or patterns for pumpkin carvings which are Christian
> based?

Kelly- Cut pumpkin features into the shapes that fit the poem

I am a Jack O' Lantern
My light will shine so bright
For I am a Christian pumpkin
My symbols tell what's right.

My nose is like the cross
on which on Savior died
To set us free from sin
We need no longer hide.

My mouth is like a fish
The whole wide world to show
That Christians live in this house
And love their Savior so!

The story starts at Christmas
My eyes are like the star
That shone on Baby Jesus
And wise men saw from far

My color it is orange
Just like the big bright sun
That rose on Easter Day
Along with God's own Son.

And so on Halloween
Let's set our pumpkins out
And tell the trick or treaters
What God's love is all about!

<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><

8) Giggling during prayer

>Do you have any ideas how to stop under 11s from giggling during the prayer

Maybe you could talk to them before/after service and tell them that they
should have respect when someone is praying/preaching/etc. and if it happens
again, you will call them up to sit on the front pew. My Pastor did this in
my church, because the same thing was happening, and after one time, it
stopped completely. They just need to know that you are serious and not
just threatening. You just need to make sure that nobody gets offended.
You sure don't want to push children or their parents away from church.
Maybe first you could talk to the parents, if they attend church, and get
their input. Carolyn from Texas

<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><

9) Christmas Song with motions

A couple of years ago, my first graders sang and did motions to the Christmas carol, "Do You Hear What I Hear?". They are very easy to learn and since the song is slow, the kids picked up on the motions real fast. I found a recording of the song and played it in the background and the kids sang along to it. Below is the lyrics ~ the motions are in parenthesis. If you have a problem following along or understanding, please email me and I will help. Peace, Pam in PA
PamKub58@aol.com
-------------------->
Do You Hear What I Hear?

Said the night wind to the little lamb, (breeze both hands back & forth like wind)
"Do you see what I see? (hand above eyes, looking about)
Way up in the sky, little lamb, (point up to the sky)
Do you see what I see? (hand above eyes, looking about)
A star, a star, dancing in the night (wiggle fingers like dancing)
With a tail as big as a kite, (one hand gliding upward)
With a tail as big as a kite." (one hand gliding upward)

Said the little lamb to the shepherd boy, (ands around mouth like whispering)
"Do you hear what I hear? (hand to ear, leaning over to listen)
Ringing through the sky, shepherd boy, (point to sky)
Do you hear what I hear? (hand to ear, leaning over to listen)
A song, a song high above the trees (point to sky)
With a voice as big as the the sea, (hands to mouth, then stretch outwards)
With a voice as big as the the sea." (hands to mouth, then stretch outwards)

Said the shepherd boy to the mighty king, (hands to head to make crown)
"Do you know what I know? (finger to temple, tapping)
In your palace warm, mighty king, (hug yourself)
Do you know what I know? (finger to temple, tapping)
A Child, a Child shivers in the cold--(hug yourself, shiver & shake)
Let us bring him silver and gold, (palms inward slowly going down from chest as in presenting something precious)
Let us bring him silver and gold." (palms inward slowly going down from chest as in presenting something precious)

Said the king to the people everywhere, (point around the room)
"Listen to what I say! (continue pointing around the room)
Pray for peace, people, everywhere, (hands in prayer)
Listen to what I say! (point around the room)
The Child, the Child sleeping in the night (hands to side of face, head leaned over as in sleeping)
He will bring us goodness and light, (hands and arms outstretched, reaching everywhere)
He will bring us goodness and light. (hands and arms outstretched, reaching everywhere)

------------------->

<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><

10)
This link is super!

There are lots of ideas and tons of inspiration!! Patricia
PS: we are painting in my Kindergarten Sunday School tomorrow with a paint made of white glue, a bit of shaving cream, and food coloring - a 'recipe' I got from your site! :) Thanks! It takes a lonnnng time to dry, but it will be ok. Click here: ARTS-N-CRAFTS

<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><

SEND IN YOUR SUGGESTIONS, REQUESTS & IDEAS! :o)
Invite your friends and coworkers to join us!


IF YOU FIND THIS NEWSLETTER USEFUL
FORWARD IT TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY !

Publication in any medium for commercial purposes
is strictly prohibited without prior written permission.

--Copyright 2000 S.A. Keith--All Rights Reserved.

<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><

IMPORTANT INFO - FOR NEWCOMERS!

* If at all possible, try to post your questions two weeks in advance. That way it will appear in the newsletter in a timely manner, and you'll receive your response before you need it.

Don't forget about the availability of free Bible Games & Skits, Children's Sermons and Christian Crafts at ChristianCrafters.Com! If you have a Bible game, sermon, or Christian craft that you've created, email me, Sarah Keith, and share it with the rest of the world in my website!

You can access past SSTN letters:
Go to www.ChristianCrafters.Com and click on 'Archives List'.
You can find the link near the bottom of the home page.


The Sunday School Teacher's Network is brought to you by:
ChristianCrafters.Com
http://www.christiancrafters.com
--Copyright 2000 S.A. Keith--
(The opinions expressed in the SSTN e-Newsletter are not necessarily endorsed by ChristianCrafters.Com. SSTN reserves the right to edit and or exclude information from the SSTN e-Newsletter. You can read a short 'bio' regarding Sarah Keith, founder of the SSTN, by clicking on the copyright info at the bottom of the home page of ChristianCrafters.Com)

Return To Archives List