"For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." -- Jesus
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SSTN # 76 - October 3, 2006
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IN THIS ISSUE OF THE SSTN e-NEWSLETTER:
1) Children who lie 2) Children who lie 3) Memorizing Bible Book Names: 4) Church Opposition 5) Bible Bucks
> Get it...Live it!
6) Email Adresses 7) Church Opposition 8) Books of the Bible 9) Mission emphasis 10) Church Opposition
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1) Children who lie
Maybe you could promise the kids a very special party the next week and then not follow through...you could talk about what it felt like when they were lied to and have a big discussion about how it can really hurt people...If it seems too heartless for you to do this, you could then go ahead and have the party after church or something...
Angie <><
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2) Children who lie
I'd begin by asking the following and then have them discuss their answers: Why should we tell the truth? Why do you suppose people lie? Can you truly believe someone once he or she has lied to you? Why do you think God doesn't want us to lie?
The Bible tells us that Satan is the father of lies: "Jesus said to them, 'If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now am here. I have not come on my own; but he sent me. Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. Yet because I tell the truth, you do not believe me! Can any of you prove me guilty of sin? If I am telling the truth, why don't you believe me? He who belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God.' " John 8:42-47.
Lying is a serious sin for several reasons: * The first sin resulted from a lie. Adam and Eve exchanged their good estate for a lie. * A liar speaks Satan's language! * A liar doesn't trust God, because they try to "cover up" their sin. * A liar cannot be trusted. * A liar cannot be taken seriously. * A liar is not reliable.
There should be swift punishment for a liar once they've been caught. However, it is important to remember that true change happens only by the indwelling Holy Spirit. You can only present God's good news, it is up to the Holy Spirit to change the heart of sinners. Pray for these children to repent and turn to God.
I attached lists of the Books of the Bible to adhesive Magnet sheets- then cut them apart and had the kids put them in order. Magnet sheets are available from Oriental Trading Company, at about ten dollars a dozen. (less if you but large quantities) You could have them do this on cookie sheets in class or give a set to each child to practice with on refrigerator at home. It is nice to start by dividing the books into large groups, then cut them into smaller groups, until finally they can put them in order individually. Offer a prize to any child who can sing, recite or write list, or put the magnetic list in order, That lets them use the learning style that fits them best.
This is good for tactile/kinetic learners- gives them something to move around.
Joyce Morton
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4) Church Opposition
Kathy, I find it hard to believe that your church would be so against growth! The young people are the future of the church, without them that church will die. I am in a church where we have services (in the normal adult time slot) for our youth, children and infants! And the church love it! We don't do it all the time of course but twice a semester we have a service which is "user friendly", the youth can bring their unchurched friends and the children can bring their unchurched friends and family. I feel for you and your husband. To have a heart for young people like you obviously do and then see it torn to shreds is beyond comprehension. Sarah is absolutely right when she said that God will use you and your husband wherever you go. People like you two are a rare gift from the Lord. Unfortunately, the spirit that is in your church is not so rare, in fact you'd have to say it's quite common. I'll be praying for you. Have peace in your heart. God always makes a way for those who are completely surrendered to Him. God bless you as you trust in Him. "In quietness and trust is your strength" Rhonda from Australia
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Get it....Live it!
Are you teaching your kids the Scriptures so they get it and live it?
Some time ago 'Bible Bucks' were talked about as rewards for Junior Church and I want to thank that person.
It is getting TOO expensive and too much time for me to keep up with buying little prizes for Sunday school, for Junior Church and Good News Club ----- SO for our Church ministries I introduced the BIBLE BUCK last week. I think it will be well accepted. I told them that I will pass them out as I see them doing good things. They get ONE for attending, ONE for doing their paper work without complaining, but otherwise it is up to me - if I see them being extra sweet to a member of the Church or thoughtful in some way, then I will hand it to them. They are to sign their name on the line, hand it back to me where I put my initials on it an keep it on file.
The first "store" will be for Christmas. I will set up a table full of GOODIES (Dollar store or donations from congregation) and they can BUY gifts for their family and friends from the Bible Bucks. This is going to be NICE!!! We will set it up again for Mothers Day for sure and not sure how often.
Thanks for all your good ideas. Keep them coming. Bonnie in FL
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6) Email Adresses
I am sometimes sad when there are not email addresses attached to the idea submissions. There have been so many of you that I would have liked to send a personal email of encouragement or gratitude - and it is just not appropriate to send a private greeting over an egroup.
Just expressing my personal wish that email addresses would be included so that we can have more interaction from time to time with each other. HUG Bonnieuphand@earthlink.net
--from SSTN: some people do post it. However, many people do not want their email addresses posted, because it will then be available online in the archives for the world to see.
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7) Church Opposition
I was totally appalled to read the note about the congregaation who opposes youth in their facility. Obiviously they have never read their bible. In Matthew Mark and Luke the children were welcomed by Jesus. I guess these folks were never children themselves. Who do they think will attend the church when they are all gone. rather than grumble perhaps they should come out and help.
Seems to me there is very little religion or christianity at that church. I don't blame her husband for wanting to leave. I wish we could recruit him for here. yours in Christ, Barbara from Zion Lutheran in Nova Scotia Canada
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8) Books of the Bible
I didn't read the original suggestion, but I also play Books of the Bible games using index cards with one book on each card. I don't do the whole Bible at one time, but either Old Testament or New Testament. There are a couple of things we do.
A. I have 2-3 sets of the cards, each set shuffled. I break the kids into 2-3 groups and give each a deck of the cards. When I say "Go," each group takes their cards and puts them in order on the table, trying to be the first group to finish. As they are learning, I allow them to use their Bibles to look up the order. But they soon realize that it is faster if they don't have to look them up.
B. I lay out the books of either the OT or NT in order. Then I have the kids turn their backs or close their eyes. I remove one card, moving the others so it isn't obvious which is missing. When they turn around, they try to guess which book it is. The student who guesses gets to remove the next one.
C. When we are just starting to work on Books of the Bible, I mix up the OT and NT cards together (one stack of each). I put two paper lunch bags on the table, one marked Old Testament and the other New Testament. The students take turns taking a card from the pile, reading the name, and announcing if it is OT or NT, then dropping it into the appropriate bag.
Susan M
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9) Mission emphasis
A great, hands-on mission activity is Operation Christmas Child. Check it out at www.samaritanspurse.org
Sharon
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10) Church Opposition
Oh how my heart breaks.. This happened at a church that I had attended years ago. The debate was over eating in the church. We had children who were basically left alone to fend for themselves after school. So we would feed them in the downstairs of the church. The pastor did not back the youth leadership up and eventually the church closed. My heart to this day wonders how those children are. I am asking you to truly consider your decision. God is so faithful and maybe you need to find another place to have youth group that does not involve that particular church. Do all the people feel that way or just a few? Can you find another church in the area? Take the kids with you. Believe me, had that been possible for me, I would have taken my youth. I am praying for you and those children. It is obvious that God is moving in the midst of the devil trying to stop you. Run the race and keep up the good fight...........
Nancy L. Saggio: spindledesign@webtv.net
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