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SSTN  # 11 - February 8, 2002

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IN THIS ISSUE OF THE SSTN e-NEWSLETTER:

1) Jesus To the Rescue" VBS 2001"   
2) Veggie tales VBS
-> Easter Story cards
3) VBS Amazon Crafts
4) Genesis questions
5) Trinity Explanation
6) Explaining the Trinity
-> FaithShapes Card Game
7) Amazon Food Craft
8) Rotation Method
9) Small church, large fluctuation in children?   
10) Genesis Questions
11) Abraham and Isaac?
12) Foreign Language Translation

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1) Jesus To the Rescue" VBS 2001"   

This inquiry is in reference to archive 167 by Debbie.

I am looking for this previous vbs program, (last year) by Standard
Publishing. Does anyone have it or parts of it? I would greatly appreciate
any replies and/or info.
Carla (mearswwjd@earthlink.net

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2) Veggie tales VBS

I have available a complete, unopened Veggie tales VBS "Way To Go" (Luke
10:27) kit if anyone is interested.

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The Easter Story - Cards 

10 Egg-shaped cards that tell the Easter Story - When the cards
are cut, colored and assembled, players can play Easter Egg Scramble and
learn the Easter Story! Reproducible so your whole class can make a set!

In the Curriculum section: 
http://www.christiancrafters.com/kt_kit.html 


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3) VBS Amazon Crafts

I have a book that I used for a similar type VBS and it has some GREAT
food, games, and craft ideas in it for the Amazon as well as a neat little
story, some interesting facts, etc about the people and religions of the
Amazon. The book is called "Around The World Crafts, Games, & Activities"

Hope this helps someone!
God Bless, Greg

--from SSTN: This book is available in the Crafts section of the
Bookstore:
http://www.christiancrafters.com/bookstore.html 

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4) Genesis questions (2 postings)

Consider the following Organisation "Answers In Genesis" the Internet
address is below, they a informative, and focus on the book of Genesis
with facts that young people can understand. And they have a search engine
for those odd questions that come up.

Regards, Robert
Melbourne, Australia

--

The best place for answers to your questions on the book of Genesis is
from Answers in Genesis. They make a living researching and answering just
such questions. www.answersingenesis.org

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W.W.J.S.? Gospel Catchers

There's something much worse than cooties...it's called sin!  Now kids can
make Gospel Catchers rather than Cootie Catchers! A fun and innovative way
for kids to learn to share their faith with their friends!  Includes 4
Gospel Catcher patterns to make: the Colors of Christ (Gospel Colors), the
Ten Commandments, the Beatitudes, and the Promises of God. Follow this
link to learn more:

http://www.christiancrafters.com/kt_kit.html 

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5) Trinity Explanation

Another way to explain the trinity: come dressed as "normal" over that
wear
old clothes and over that wear rain gear or something else.  Explain that
sometimes we dress in "rain gear" because we are out working in the
rain-take it off and say sometimes we dress in "gardening" clothes to work
in the garden-take that off-sometimes we dress this way to teach Sunday
School. Even though I dress and do 3 different things I am still one.
Or, something along that order- change to fit your self or church, etc.
Marion - Branford

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6) Explaining the Trinity

This might be particularly appropriate as St. Patrick's Day
approaches...use a shamrock to explain that though there are three parts,
they are one.


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FaithShapes ® -  "The Card Game of Christian Symbols"

A fun game for kids and adults, readers or nonreaders. The 64 cards are
beautifully illustrated with historical explanations and Scripture verses.
Use them at home, in class, or for personal enrichment. Shape Your Faith,
with FaithShapes!

In the Curriculum section: 
http://www.christiancrafters.com/kt_kit.html 


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7) Amazon Food Craft

>Our theme this year is the Amazon.  I would like crafts that pertain to
>theme if possible, but not necessary.  I'm looking for crafts that can be


You didn't ask for this but I can share a great snack idea particular
popular with younger learners. Serve blue jello with gummy fish swimming
inside a clear plastic cup. Mix jello according to package directions.
After about 30 minutes in the refrigerator poke the fishes down into the
jello. You can make it a day or so in advance or serve it after about an
hour and a half in the frig.

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8) Rotation Method

>This summer we switched to the rotation model for our 2nd-5th graders,
>studying one theme a month.  The kids really have enjoyed this format.

I too, can attest to the success of the rotation format. We spend nothing
on curriculum. Our budget is a fraction of what it was with expenses only
in art/crafts and the food for learning through cooking. We borrow movies
from members and the public library. Beyond budget concerns: Learners are
excited, teachers are happy. We were able to increase our teaching staff
from five to a base of 22--that's 20% of our average worship attendance
involved in teaching Sunday school. Folks are much more willing to accept
short-term teaching responsibilities. And the children are exposed to many
adults increasing their "great cloud of witnessess."
Rotation was born in a small congregation. Those in large congregations
have managed to modify it nicely to their own needs. Our biggest hurdle
was getting folks to understand the format but once that was done it took
on a life of it's own. As we were considering this change, someone already
doing rotation told me this would happen and I didn't believe it. But we
did it in spite of our doubts. The time and gifts shared by our
congregation in remodeling our classrooms on a shoe-string was astounding.
The money we saved on the budget enabled us to do some fun things like
purchasing real theater seats for the movie room. We found an old theater
shutting down and picked them up for $10 each! Add microwave popcorn and
you've got some very happy, satisfied students!

We use the format for K-6. Preschool also uses it but it requires some
modification and we have one teacher who guides the class every week.
Older classes needs are different, of course. Thought they, too, enjoy the
use of the workshop themes from time to time.

Dianne, Kansas City, MO

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9) Small church, large fluctuation in children?   

I am a sunday school teacher at Abundant life Church of God in Middlefield
Ohio. I have been teaching ages 5 through 13 for the last year. I always
feel like someones needs are not being met. (Age wise). I have tried
teaching up, down , and in the middle of my age groups, and last quarter I
even taught two age groups of material at the same time. Nothing seems to
hold the children's interest very long and I am getting discouraged.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I can be directly contacted
at tp-@excite.com Thank you to everyone and God Bless.

--from SSTN: make sure you check the Archives for Multiple Ages. Also, if
anyone has suggestions, please post them to the network so ALL may
benefit.

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10) Genesis Questions

"We are discussing Genesis 1 and 2.  Some interesting questions came up.
Does anyone know a web site that will tell you about the rib being removed
for Adam.  Is men's ribs less in number now then women?
And about DNA.  They were kin to each other."

Here is an excellent web page that talks about where Cain got his wife.
Under the heading "Biological Deformities" it talks about the DNA issue
that your student brought up.  To quickly paraphrase:  Adam and Eve were
created before sin and the curse.  They were genetically "pure" without
any deformities or DNA "mistakes" which have accumulated through thousands
of years.  The law forbidding marriage between close relatives was not
given until the time of Moses (Leviticus 18-20).   Even Abraham married
his half sister.  This whole article is so good.  It is called "WHERE DID
CAIN GET HIS WIFE?"  and talks about similar questions to yours.  It is
located in the christiananswers.net website.

http://www.christiananswers.net/q-aig/aig-c004.html

About the ribs...I have no clue! 
Sounds like a wonderful SS class!  It is so good to get questions like
these!!  And good for you for finding answers!!!

-Trish in Nebraska

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"Get em' in the LOOP!" 

L-eading kids to Christ,
O-ffering advice
O-pen discussion forum
P-roviding free resources

Invite your friends, pastors, and coworkers
to join our discussion in SSTN.

http://www.christiancrafters.com/page3.html 


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11) Abraham and Isaac?

I would like to know if you know any free website that can help me with
the story of Abraham and Isaac.  I'm looking for some idees to help me
present this story.  Hope you can help
Regards
Chrisel

--from SSTN: make sure you check out my LINKS page for many more free
resources:
http://www.ChristianCrafters.Com/page4.html 


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12) Foreign Language Translation   

This is the coolest site! You can type your lesson in and it will
translate it for free
into the language of your choice!

http://www.freetranslation.com 

YSIC,
Sarah Keith <><

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