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Welcome to THE SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER'S NETWORK
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"For where two or three come together in my name,
there am I with them." -- Jesus
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SSTN # 85 - August 1, 2003
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IN THIS ISSUE OF THE SSTN e-NEWSLETTER:
--> Super Heroes of the Bible
1) Gifts for first time visitors
2) Pastor troubles
3) VBS Thanks
--> "His Name Shall Be Called..."
4) Sunday School Rally
5) Logos Origins?
6) Feed Your Faith Blessings Mix
--> God's Top 10
7) Laura update
8) Dismissal of associate pastor
9) Brenda in Wisconsin
10) Age Appropriate Objectives?
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--> Super Heroes of the Bible
This special midweek program 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)
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1) Gifts for first time visitors
I think with the children 5 and under you have to be very careful about
giving gifts. My kids get hurt if they do not all receive something. So
that would be something to think about. I teach the kindergarten class
and I always start with the lesson, then we do our craft and have snacks
and at the end of class we play a game to see who can remember the lesson.
Each child gets to pick a prize when they answer a question correctly.
My visitors typically are not shy to participate and if they are, we just
make it easier for them, so they feel very included. I have found "being
included" to be more rewarding to the kids than the treat itself.
Heather Barrett
Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Paducah, KY
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2) Pastor troubles
Brenda in Wisconsin, You have the same kind of problem that I faced. I
had to weigh what was the Lord telling me to do, what was best for my
family and remember that friends are still friends no matter where we go.
I chose to stay in the church, but I had to quit the Sunday School class.
I stayed to support the children and the other people that were staying.
Our senior pastor was asked to step down. He did so and then we grew. My
sister and her family moved to another church. They helped to start some
new children's programs. Brenda, I'll be praying for you. Gloria in
Arizona.
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3) VBS Thanks
Thank you for the ideas about the VBS We just finished the Capers. We
used the sunglasses and hat idea. Then the brown paper bag cut and cut up
printer paper for the note books. The children looked great and couldn't
wait to get to their secret "breifcases" and get the next set of clues.
You ideas were great thanks for the help. Gloria from Az.
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"His Name Shall Be Called..."
The God of the Old and New Testament is known by many names. These names
help us to understand his nature and reputation. They define him as
Protector, Defender, Friend, Advisor, Judge, and Savior to name just a
few. The Third Commandment says, "Do Not Misuse God’s Name". "His Name
Shall Be Called..." contains fun crafts, games, and lessons to teach
respect and honor for God to the children in your ministry. Free USA
shipping!
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)
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4) Sunday School Rally
Sunday school rallies are a favorite time for me. I hipe them in the
weeks ahead to get the entire congregation behind the idea. I always have
a central theme. Kickoff, Round up, Ralley the troops, this serves as an
anchor to all the other events of the day. For Kickoff this year it is a
football theme. For the kids we have prizes for football toss Sunday
school cheerleading. We also rent a bouncey room and set it up outside
the church. The bouncey room serves as a banner to the public that there
is fun to be had in that church.
To answer your question the activity for the adults is the costume. I
reward the best looking outfit that represents the theme of the event
wins. Sometimes a kid will win this one but the adults do get to
participate no matter thier age. I of course this year will be wearing
black and white referees jersey. The tailgate party foods are what we
have for our potluck.
I also split up the responsibilities. I am usually in charge of
oversight and the bouncey room. Other mwmbers of the church will
supervise the games and contests. I almost forgot the table top football
is a game for all ages. You know, the one you play with the paper folded
in a triangle.
I dont have enogh time to finish this email but i hope it helps
--
Sent from
Albert Eric Morse
Husband, Father
And Lover of God
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5) Logos Origins?
I need your help, i need to know the Greek word logos whiche mean "Living
Word" when it started in bible history and from where it word come from.if
any one know detail of word "Logos" please let me know on my email.
pray4me66@hotmail.com
Thank you
Rukhsana from Pakistan
--from SSTN: (this reply is from theologian and Bible historian Rev.
Walter Arnold:
Logos is of course a very rich word. In Greek philosophy it was the
principle that held the world together in Stoic philosophy. In Hebrew, it
stems from the Hebrew word debar by which God created the cosmos. God
spoke and it was...the world was created by the Word which of course is
where John begins his Gospel...at the beginning...in Genesis 1. Philo the
Hellenistic Jew of Alexandria saw what he believed to be God working on
parallel lines in the revelation of the OT especially the Torah of Moses
and Greek philosophy so he sought to create bridges to Greek philosophy.
John sees that bridge in Jesus, the Logos/Debar of God who was with God in
the beginning, and was God and all things were created through Him. In
Jesus we see that the Creator becomes the Redeemer and of course John
later tells us in Revelation that He is also the Consummator of all
things. I hope that is helpful at least as a pump primer on the subject.
You might look at the New Bible Dictionary as well as Donald Guthrie's New
Testament Theology for a bit more info on the subject.")
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6) Feed Your Faith Blessings Mix
Hello, We are having a Feed Your Faith theme for our Rally Sunday. We are
each to bring a non perishable item for the area food bank.
I am using Feed Your Faith Blessing Mix as an activity.
Feed Your Faith Blessings Mix
2 cups small pretzels
1 cup dried fruit bits or raisins
1 cup peanuts or sunflower seeds
1 cup M&Ms brand chocolate candy
16 Hershey's brand chocolate kisses
In a large bowl, gently mix all ingredients except Hershey's Kisses.
Place 1/3 to 1/2 cup Blessing Mix in small cellophane treat bags.
Add one Hershey's Kiss to each bag.
Close bag with chenille stem or twist-tie.
Pretzels: Arms folded in prayer
I Kings 8:28
2 Chronicles 6:19
Ephesians 6:18
Dried Fruits: Blessings & Gifts
John 3:16-17
Deuteronomy 28:1-14
Nut or Seeds: Promise of a future harvest, one we will reap only if seeds
are planted and tended to with diligence.
Galatians 6:8-10
Matthew 9:37, 38
M&Ms: Memories of those who came before us to guide us to a blessed future
2 Timothy 1:3-12 Isaiah 38:19
Hershey's Kiss: The love of family and friends that sweetens our lives.
John 13:34, 35 Romans 12:10 I John 4:7, 8 I John 4:11
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God's Top 10: Understanding God's Love In The Ten Commandments
The Ten Commandments contain many "Do Nots". They teach us God’s holy
standard and show us how far we fall short of his perfection. But they are
more than this; in these "Do Nots", one can find a positive message: a
message of God’s love. (Developed by Sarah Keith for Kindergarten to 5th
grade) Click below to learn more:
http://www.christiancrafters.com/curriculum.html
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7) Laura update
Dear Sarah,
We got some very discouraging news this week. Laura's tumor has became
resistant to the new chemo and has started to grow again....she was put on
an oral chemo yo stabilize and stop growth, but this could be a very
temporary solution. Because of all the past chemos Laura has had, her body
is becoming very resistant and is fighting the chemo off. We need prayer,
it has been difficult. However I am writing for a favor of your readers,
once again. Laura's 16th birthday is August 21. I would love a card shower
for her. I thought it would be fun for her to get lots of cards.
Thank you Sarah once again and your readers for being so kind to us.
In His name,
Sandy Valentine
Laura Valentine
116 Mackinac Drive
East Peoria,IL 61611
--from SSTN: you are in our prayers! ysic, sarah <><
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8) Dismissal of associate pastor
Regarding the dismissal of the associate pastor at Brenda's church in
Wisconsin....Sometimes things are not what they appear to be in order to
spare someone more "bad press". People are rarely told the exact reason
someone is dismissed because of the nature of some offenses. The best
advice I could give as the wife of a senior pastor is to not talk to
people who only think they know what is going on, but to make an
appointment and go see the senior pastor with your concerns. To do less
than this is causing strife among the brethren. Any pastor who really
loves his congregation will readily welcome such exchanges. Sometimes the
rumor mill in churches does more damage to the cause of Christ than the
acts of the unsaved. Remember, if leaving serves Jesus, then leave. If
not, stay and talk with the pastor. You may find that there was a
legitimate reason the man was let go.
I pray God helps you make the right decision.
Winnie in Iowa
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9) Brenda in Wisconsin
Brenda - I have been there and it is hard. I spent many hours in prayer
before making any decisions - as I am sure you are doing as well. The
number one thing to remember is that God has ordained the church as His
Body - but we are humans and we will make mistakes. In any church you go
to - there will be conflicts and sometimes very blatent things done that
are wrong - the same as any other organization filled with people and run
by people. Next look prayerfully at the church you are in and very
carefully look at the doctrines to make sure you are in a Bible-based,
Jesus-based church. If so, don't leave unless you really feel like God is
telling you to do so. He will make it clear to you if you ask Him to.
Once you "run away" from problems, it becomes so much easier to run next
time, and the next and the next. If you need to - after making sure your
attitude is right - go to your senior pastor and talk to him about your
feelings - not accusing him, but letting him know how you feel. Make sure
you do it in respect of his position. Mostly - pray -pray and pray and
let God take care of His church and put things right. If there are others
that feel the same way - get together to pray for your church including
those who have left. Be careful, though, not to disrespect the position
of the senior pastor. Remember that God has put him there and like the
Israelites with Moses, if you murmur against the pastor, you are murmuring
against God. I pray for you and your congregation. It will never be the
same again - but it needs strong people willing to stand up and pray God's
intervention into the situation. Take care Brenda. Toye form Canada
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10) Age Appropriate Objectives?
Could you please give me an idea of age appropriate objectives for little
ones? I am trying to prepare Preschool for groups 2-3, 4-5, 6-8, and
9-12. I am unsure of where to turn, especially with the really small
kids.
Thank you,
Wendy
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