Welcome to THE SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER'S NETWORK

**** A service of ChristianCrafters.Com ****

"For where two or three come together in my name,
there am I with them." -- Jesus


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


To reply or to post a new topic:

Please title your message to reflect the content. When replying,
delete ALL TEXT that is NOT PERTINENT to your response.


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


SSTN # 69 - August 2, 2004


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


IN THIS ISSUE OF THE SSTN e-NEWSLETTER:


--> Amazing Miracles of the Bible

1) Children in worship
2) Used VBS materials
3) So Excited!
4) Fun Arts Camp Outreach

--> Spirit Gifts...An Introduction For Children

5) Jesus To The Rescue - CD
6) Teaching Autistic Children
7) Children in Worship - teachers hearing the sermon
8) Ten Commandments craft

--> Super Heroes of the Bible

9) It's cool in the furnace
10) F-A-I-T-H
11) GA Kickoff?
12) Finger Plays?
13) Multiple Ages Curriculum
14) VBS materials to give away


<>< <>< <>< <>< TODAY'S SSTN POSTINGS: <>< <>< <>< <><


--> Amazing Miracles of the Bible

God’s glory and love are revealed through the miracles he performed and
were fully realized when he came to earth in the form of a man to save
mankind. By studying the miracles of the Bible children will gain a better
understanding of God’s love and faithfulness and how he continues to be
loving and faithful in miraculous ways to his people today. Great for
rotation-type programs!

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


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


1) Children in worship

For some time now, there has been much discussion on "children in
worship." I thought others might be interested on how my church is run.

First... we do NOT have Children's Church.
Secondly ... we do NOT have Sunday School.

Our services start at 10:30.  Babies to seniors are all in one big
room....
and we are all taught the SAME LESSON, at the SAME TIME.

Babies to school age... play with their own toys brought from home, while
schoolage to teens have WORKSHEETS to do.

So... if we adults are discussing NOAH and the FLOOD, the schoolage and
teens are working on WORKSHEETS about NOAH and the FLOOD.  There are 8-10
worksheets, consisting of crosswords, coloring, puzzles, etc.... ALL to do
with NOAH.

Remember... the children and teens are "LISTENING" to the adults discuss
Noah, while they are working on their worksheets.  It is not surprising to
have a teen or even a young seven or eight year old participate in the
discussion, but WHAT they have to offer can be VERY surprising.

Our discussion is usually over by 1 pm.... that is 3 1/2 hours, and we do
not have ANY PROBLEMS with ANY CHILD.

brenda from Canada


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

2) Used VBS materials

Hello,
    I wanted to send out a message to anyone who is interested in VBS
materials. I have several complete VBS kits (Standard Publishing and
Group)  that I would like to donate to anyone who is in need. If you are
interested and would like to know what I have, please feel free to email
me at gizmo_bell_4@hotmail.com. Thanks! Melanie


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

3) So Excited!

I am so excited for this week. I am taking monday through thursday off of
work so I can help with day camp at my church (otherwise known as Vaction
Bible School to others) Since I didn't go to camp this summer I am really
excited to see the counslers!

Maggie

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


4) Fun Arts Camp Outreach

Last week our church held a Fun Arts Camp for ages 5th to 9th grade. This
was a great outreach tool as well as a wonderful opportunity to involve
multiple age groups within your church. All the classes were taught by
church members (twenty somethings (and one 18 year old) up to senior
adults). Classes offered were: The Art of Swing (golfing), Drama, Cooking
(the campers made a portion of our lunch each day), Jazzin For Jesus,
Crazy Crafts (this year I'm teaching tile mosaics and batiking),
Electronics, Woodworking, Angling For Fun (fishing taught by our pastor),
Guitar, Speed Stacks, Beadamania, LaCrosse and Circus Arts. Even though
the classes are not Bible-related, it is a wonderful time of fellowship
and a meaningful way for all ages to get to know one another. Not to
mention a fun way for non-churched kids to meet the church community.

The day began with prayer and music (praise and camp-type songs). Campers
registered for three classes and rotated to each one. It was loads of fun
for campers and teachers. Each year our wonderful Children's director, Kit
MacLeod, lines up people that are skilled in some type of activity, such
as mentioned above, and asks them to teach it to kids. We've been doing
this now for several years and there is always something new being offered
every year!

The program isn't as big as our VBS program, but it is growing bigger each
year and reaching new kids in the community!

Your webservant,
Sarah Keith <><
ChristianCrafters.Com


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


--> Spirit Gifts...An Introduction For Children

An inspirational midweek program that contains a variety of fun lessons,
crafts, and games to teach the children in your ministry about the
following Spirit-filled Gifts: FAITH, WISDOM, MIRACLES, HEALING, 
ENCOURAGEMENT, GIVING, MERCY, SERVING, and EVANGELISM.

To learn more, visit this webpage:
http://www.christiancrafters.com/curriculum.html 


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

5) Jesus To The Rescue - CD

I am looking for the person that needs the "Jesus To The Rescue"
CD.We did this VBS about 3 years ago and I do have the CD if you
would like me to send it to you e-mail me at vjordan@ev1.net
Thank You
Veronica
Bastrop,TX
VBS Director

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

6) Teaching Autistic Children

Holly, I know exactly what you’re going through and my prayers are with
you. I am the mother of two children with Aspbergers Syndrome. It is like
Autism spectrum disorder. I am also the director of Christian Education at
my church and we have three special needs children in our church. One of
the parents of a child with Autism shared with me that they didn’t attend
church regularly because of their son’s disorder and that was difficult
for them. One of the children has Cerebral Paulsey and the parents of that
family shared with me that they weren’t attending church because of their
child’s disability. What a terrible tragedy! I decided that something must
be done to get these families back in church. I started reading books
about this issue and have since started a special needs ministry in our
church. We have several wonderful and dedicated people who are willing to
work one-on-one with these children and the children have brought such a
joy to our church. There are times when the children are disruptive in
church but the people of our congregation all know them and they know
their disabilities and we just go with the flow so to speak. I prayed
about this issue for months and months before anything was finally done
about it and the people began coming forward, many retired school
teachers, willing to work with these children. There are several books
available about starting a special needs ministry in your church. I
encourage you to #1 – hang in there! Pray about this, research ways you
can start a special needs ministry in your church and just do it! These
children need to be in church, they deserve to be in church and learn
about how much God and others in your church love them. My son gets a lot
of negative feedback at school socially because of his disability and
church is one place where he knows he is loved and cared for. I wish you
the best in your endeavors and I will pray for you. Blessings, Jeannine J
   


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


7) Children in Worship - teachers hearing the sermon

In comment to the question about the teachers hearing the sermon, I'd like
to respond.  Our preschool church/children's church works the same way
with the children and teacers leaving about 20 minutes into the service.  We do
have two services, so many teachers go to the other service.  However, I
changed the structure of preschoo church and added chidren's church in Feb
and we don't have enough teachers, so I teach both services almost every
week.  In fact, there were four months that I didn't attend a complete
service at my church (although I did go to a friday night service at
another church about once a month.)  THe structure is that a teacher will teach
every week for one month and then rotate for a total of 3 months per year.

We went through the 40 days of purpose last fall and I was quite convicted
about my view of church.  It doesn't matter if I get anything out of it at
all.  It doesn't matter if I like it at all.  Like it says in the first
chapter - "IT's not about ME!"  The issue, I feel, is not wether a teacher
is hearing a sermon and getting replenished.  We're adults.  We don't need
to be spoon fed.  We can read. We can pray.  We have a Bible. And we have
the Holy Spirit.  We shouldn't NEED a sermon once a week to grow.  It's
just a tool.  The issue is, am I worshipping the creator of the universe each
week.  I believe I am worshipping the Father.  I'm worshipping as I lead
and teach the preschoolers about worship.  I'm worshipping as I speak the
truth of the Bible lesson.  (note:  I study the Bible so much more now that I'm
teaching than I ever did just listening to a sermon each week.)  I'm
worshipping as I care for the "least of these" while we play.  I'm
worshipping while I pray with the children.  It's my worship that God
wants.  Not my attention to a sermon.

That being said, I do hear the sermon each week.  Our church makes CDs of
the service for shut-ins, those on vacation, and those serving in the
children's ministry.  So I listen to the sermon, usually in the van while
running errands throughout the week.  And as God calls more teachers to
the ministry, hopefully I'll get a month off every once in a while!  :)

Unfortunately, many good teachers in our church are unwilling to give up
hearing the sermon live each week in order to worship with the children. 
I'm still praying.  I know that if God truly wants this ministry to
continue that He will call the teachers that He desires!  But, it is sure hard to
be patient! :)

Gwen


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


8) Ten Commandments craft

With our class of 9-12yr olds: I bought a pack of air drying clay (from
a toys and hobby shop) and each child got a lump. they had to form it
into a "tablet" shape and with a sharp stick write one of the
commandments into it. They had shortened versions of the longer
commandments. These were left to dry over the next week and now we have
a lovely row of 'stone' tablets containing the commandments lining our
classroom window ledge!

Another craft we did when learning about the second commanment  (Do not
make idols...): I bought a plaster statue of Buddah (Any 'idol' would
do) from a plaster painting place. In class we looked thru junk mail/
magazines/ newspapers and tore out pictures of all of the things that 
sometimes become idols to us these days e.g. TV, video games, cars, etc
(we talked about how they can become more important than God to some;
or we spend so much time/money/energy on them we have no
time/money/energy left for God). We then pasted these pictures all over
the Buddah in a collage effect: a modern day idol. He sits on our
window ledge as well with the 2nd commandment next to him.


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


--> Super Heroes of the Bible

"Super Heroes of the Bible" is a special midweek program which examines
the lives of some famous and not-so-famous people who had willing hearts
to obey God. And by obeying him, they were used in miraculous and powerful
ways to help change the course of human history. It is the goal of this
series to build FAITH, COURAGE, and OBEDIENCE in the lives of children,
and to change the world for Jesus Christ.

To learn more, go to this page:
http://www.christiancrafters.com/curriculum.html 
(you may need to copy and paste this address to your browser)


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


9) It's cool in the furnace

You can find this in our bookstore at:
http://www.christiancrafters.com/bookstore.html 

Just type the title into the search box.

Sarah Keith
ChristianCrafters.Com

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


10) F-A-I-T-H

Dear Kris,
That song is from Gospel Light's "Sonrise Balloon Adventure" from about 5
or 6 years ago...don't know if it's available through Gospel Light now or
not.  It's a great song, though - the kids request it more than almost any
other-even the teens that learned it several years ago!

Martha


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

11) GA Kickoff?

I'm thinking of having a GA kickoff to bring girls together and get them
interested in GA's at church. Has anyone ever done this and do you have
any suggestions that will make it interesting to the girls? You can email
me at sassymom194@hotmail.com if you like.


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


12) Finger Plays?

I know that I may have asked this question, but I need some more help.  I
am trying to get a strong preschool program running and I need some finger
plays.  Or songs that use the children's fingers to learn Bible lesson or
bible concepts.  Any ideas?
Mel


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

13) Multiple Ages Curriculum

Most denominational publishers create curriculum for all ages. Rather than
advertise each one on SSTN you can find them listed online.  That being
said, all of the "Hands-On Bible Lessons" developed through
ChristianCrafters.Com for K-5th grade can be found at:
http://www.christiancrafters.com/curriculum.html 
Also, you will find a selection of Multiple Aged curriculum, that covers a
wider age range than K-5th grade, listed in our Bookstore in the Christian
Education section at:  http://www.christiancrafters.com/bookstore.html 

Your webservant,
Sarah Keith <><
http://www.ChristianCrafters.Com


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

14) VBS materials to give away

Hello!
       Our church just finished holding Vacation Bible School, and I am
looking for a home for the materials we used.  Would your church possibly
be interested in obtaining them?  We used the Gospel Light curriculum this
year and the theme is "SonGames 2004." These are some of the items that I
would love to pass on:

       SonGames video - preview
       video that teaches children about teamwork or can be used to
prepare the actors for the skit
       Assemblies and Skits Production Guide
       Director's guidebook 
       Teacher books (ages 3-6, grades 1&2, 3&4, 5&6, and 7&8)
       Gold Medal Crafts for Kids book
       posters and small paper banners
       misc. trinkets to give to students
       figures for felt board
       SonGames backdrop for the skit

       The materials could either be used for this year or saved for next
(although "2004" is listed on them.)   If you are interested in obtaining
these materials I would be glad to send them to you.  The only thing I ask
is for you to cover the postage.  Please send me an e-mail at
LitFallsJE@aol.com if interested.
YSIC,
JaneEllen near Washington, D.C.


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


Help Support SSTN

Only one dollar a month helps to provide the Christian educational
resources in the website and newsletter. For more info, go to this
webpage:

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

Or, mail your US check or US money order to:

Sarah Keith <><
ChristianCrafters.Com
438 East Ilex Drive
Lake Park, FL 33403
USA

(In the memo section of your check write: "SSTN Subscription".
Please include your email address.)

Your webservant,
Sarah Keith <><


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


--Copyright 2002 S.A. Keith--All Rights Reserved. ----

Please read the complete copyright information at ChristianCrafters.Com.
You will find the link at the bottom of the homepage.

SSTN Posting Guidelines:  
 http://christiancrafters.com/SSTN_guidelines.html 

Reproducing in any medium, commercial or noncommercial, is strictly
prohibited without prior written permission. SSTN has contributors from
all over the world who share their ideas. If you reprint any of the ideas
from SSTN or ChristianCrafters.Com in any medium (websites, magazines,
newsletters, etc.), you must contact the submitter, and
ChristianCrafters.Com for reprint permissions. Any materials used must
also include the submitter's name and where the ideas were gleaned from.
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.


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


SUBSCRIBE--UNSUBSCRIBE - and Change of Address directions:

To SUBSCRIBE or to add a new email address to the SSTN e-Newsletter:
Go to the "Sunday School Network" page at: 

 http://www.ChristianCrafters.Com/page3.html  

If you are subscribing your friends, make sure you have their permission.

-- To UNSUBSCRIBE, see below:

Return to the Archives