Throughout communities across the United States there are children who eat at least one meal on school days at their school. According to the USDA over 16 million children lived in "food insecure" households in 2010. During this same time, 20.6 million low-income children received free or reduced-cost meals through the National School Lunch Program. Unfortunately, just 2.3 million of these children participated in the Summer Food Service program the same year. (Feeding America)
Monday, April 30, 2012
Do You "Roll Up the Sidewalks" or "Kick it Into High Gear'?
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Summer Ministry Possibilities - "Freshen Up" Your Vacation Bible School!
Okay, Vacation Bible School is almost a "given" for many, if not most, churches when they think about Summer Ministry Possibilities . . . but there is a very good reason for this! VBS is one of the most effective outreaches - and for many churches - their only outreach of the year, so as we consider Summer Ministry Possibilities, we need to first of all take a good look at Vacation Bible School. Why is VBS a good Ministry Outreach Possibility? People expect it. While this might sound like a negative thing, it is actually a very good thing because since they expect it, the people in your church are more likely to volunteer to help with it and the people in your community will be watching for the dates so they know when to send their kids.
Saturday, April 28, 2012
2012 Best Buys Curriculum Side-By-Side Comparison Chart

Curriculum Review - Best Buys - Special Buddies from LifeWay!
Special Buddies is a Non-Traditional Sunday School curriculum from LifeWay which is designed to be a, "Sunday School curriculum resource for special kids with special needs." While you might think a specialty curriculum such as Special Buddies would be too expensive, it is, in reality, one of my "best buys" for the following reasons -
- Churches with definite budget issues could purchase just the teacher books for $5.50 per class per quarter.
- Churches are able to purchase student materials as their budget allows - student materials for $2.95 per student per quarter. This flexibility provides churches a way to utilize special needs resources with solid Bible teaching and still work within their budgets.
Allow me to share with you some information about Special Buddies!
Curriculum Review - Best Buys - Bible Teaching for Kids from LifeWay!
Bible Teaching for Kids is a Traditional Sunday School curriculum from LifeWay with a strong focus on "providing a balanced approach to central Bible concepts, essential Bible skills, and foundational Bible stories for babies through preteens" Bible Teaching for Kids is one of my "best buys" for the following reasons -
- Churches with definite budget issues could purchase just the teacher books for $5.50 per class per quarter.
- Churches are able to purchase student materials as their budget allows - student materials for $1.95 per student per quarter. This flexibility provides churches a way to utilize resources with solid Bible teaching and still work within their budgets.
- Broadly Graded materials available to combine grades 1-6
Allow me to share with you some information about Bible Teaching for Kids!
Friday, April 27, 2012
I Have Two Winners!
Please Check CM Buzz for Part 2 in My Series on Prayer
Please check CM Buzz for part two in my series, Prayer . . . a Wide Road and a Narrow Road Approach in Kidmin. I said, "Last week I wrote about the “wide road approach” to prayer and said, “When it comes to our children’s ministries, we all know we need to pray, but there is a ‘wide road approach’ which leads to a shallow walk and a ‘narrow road approach’ which leads us to a deeper walk with God.” and shared a few “warning signs” to watch for. This week I want to look at the “narrow road approach” and share a few “mile markers” to help us keep “on track” as we think about prayer."
Next week I’ll consider a few ways you can help the children in your ministry develop this type of prayer.
Next week I’ll consider a few ways you can help the children in your ministry develop this type of prayer.
Curriculum Review - Best Buys - HeartShaper from Standard Publishing!
HeartShaper is a Non-Traditional Sunday School curriculum from Standard Publishing with a strong focus on "helping you shape young hearts to bring them closer to God!" HeartShaper is one of my "best buys" for the following reasons -
- Churches with definite budget issues could purchase just the teacher books for $7.99 per class per quarter.
- Churches are able to purchase student materials as their budget allows - student materials for $4.25 per student per quarter. This flexibility provides churches a way to utilize resources with solid Bible teaching and still work within their budgets.
- Preschool materials include materials for Children's church.
Allow me to share with you some information about HeartShaper!
Curriculum Review - Best Buys - Rock Solid from Cokesbury!
Rock Solid is a Non-Traditional Sunday School curriculum from Cokesbury with a strong focus on inviting children "from each age level on every Sunday to a faith experience"! Rock Solid is one of my "best buys" for the following reasons -
- Churches with definite budget issues could purchase just the teacher books for $6.95 per class per quarter.
- Churches are able to purchase student materials as their budget allows - student materials for $3.45 per student per quarter. This flexibility provides churches a way to utilize resources with solid Bible teaching and still work within their budgets.
Allow me to share with you some information about Rock Solid!
Thursday, April 26, 2012
I'm Giving Away a Mother's Day Gift Pack!
Two Give-Aways Tomorrow and So Much More!
Curriculum Review - Best Buys - Spark from Augsburg Fortress!
Spark is a Bridge Sunday School curriculum from Augsburg Fortress with a strong focus on teaching God's Word! Spark is one of my "best buys" for the following reasons -
- Churches with definite budget issues could purchase just the teacher books for $8 per class per quarter.
- Churches are able to purchase student materials as their budget allows - student materials for $5 per student per quarter.
- If budget concerns are a strong factor, a church could purchase just one or two Spark Bibles per class and then have the children share those Bibles in class.
Curriculum Reviews - Best Buys - Adventure Kids and Explorers from D6!
Adventure Kids and Explorers are Traditional Sunday School curriculum resources from D6 - Randall House Publishers and are "best buys" for the following reasons -
- Since it is a Traditional curriculum, churches with definite budget issues could purchase just the teacher books for $7 per class per quarter.
- Churches are able to purchase student materials as their budget allows - student materials for $4 per student per quarter. This flexibility provides churches a way to utilize resources with solid Bible teaching and still work within their budgets.
Curriculum Reviews - Best Buys - Bible in Life from David C. Cook!
Bible in Life is a Traditional Sunday School curriculum from David C. Cook with, as they put it, "sound, easy-to-teach lessons designed to impact every student entrusted to your care-from the littlest ones to the most mature!" Bible in Life is a "best buy" for the following reasons -
- Since it is a Traditional curriculum, churches with definite budget issues could purchase just the teacher books for $7.40 per class per quarter.
- Churches are able to purchase student materials as their budget allows - student books/take home papers for $4 - $12.25 per student per quarter. This flexibility provides churches a way to utilize resources with solid Bible teaching and still work within their budgets.
- Bible in Life lessons always includes one activity option which does not require their student materials.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Curriculum Reviews - Best Buys - Regular Baptist Press!
Regular Baptist Press is a Traditional Sunday School curriculum which has long been know to provide Biblically solid resources with a strong focus on teaching God's Word and is a "best buy" for the following reasons -
- Since it is a Traditional curriculum, churches with definite budget issues could purchase just the teacher books for $7 per class per quarter.
- Churches are able to purchase student materials as their budget allows - student books for $3.50 per student per quarter and take home papers for $3.50 per student/family per quarter. This flexibility provides churches a way to utilize resources with solid Bible teaching and still work within their budgets.

Curriculum Reviews - Best Buys - elements kids worship From D6!
As we look at the "Best Buys" for curriculum, once again I'm delighted to share with you elements kids worship!
elements kids worship curriculum is a Large Group/Small Group curriculum from D6 and is a best buy for the following reasons -
- You can buy an entire year of lessons for just $249 - this works out to just a little more than $62 per quarter!
- Materials are entirely downloadable and reproducible
- Churches are welcome to make as many copies as they need for use in their ministry
Curriculum Reviews - Best Buys - Live B.I.G. from Cokesbury!
As we look at the "Best Buys" for curriculum, once again I'm delighted to share with you Live B.I.G. from Cokesbury! Live B.I.G. is a large group/small group curriculum and is a best buy for the following reasons -
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Second-Chance Drawing for the 5 Love Languages of Children!
Curriculum Reviews - Best Buys - KidTrek!
As we look at the "Best Buys" for curriculum, once again I'm delighted to share with you a curriculum, written by Wanda Parker. KidTrek - Sunday Plus is a best buy for the following reasons -
- Churches pay whatever they feel led to pay.
- Churches utilizing KidTrek are able to make as many copies as they like for use in their ministry.
- Kid Trek includes materials for children's church, mid-week and classes for the parents as well!

Curriculum Reviews - Best Buys - kidz Connection!

So, let's begin with the Best Curriculum Buy Reviews! The first curriculum I'm reviewing is kidz Connection - It's All About the GROWTH. Once again, the first thing I need to say about this curriculum is, I write it. Since I write it, while I certainly want to be un-biased in my review, it really isn't highly likely this will be the most un-biased review you will ever read! Having said this . . . allow me to share with you some information about kidz Connection curriculum! kidz Connection is a Large Group/Small Group curriculum resource. It makes my "Best Buys" list for a several reasons;
- I'll give it for free to any church if they are unable to afford it
- I've priced it so it should be affordable for most churches - $50 per quarter for preschool/early elementary and $50 per quarter for elementary
- Churches are welcome to make as many copies as they like for use in their ministry
- Each lesson includes an optional second service lesson for children's church, mid-week, longer church services - or however a church wants
I invite you to take a look at kidz Connection and consider if it might be a good "fit" for your ministry.
Best Buys Curriculum Reviews!
Monday, April 23, 2012
Second-Chance Give-Away - The 5 Love Languages of Children!
2012 Traditional, Bridge, Non-Traditional and Special Needs Sunday School Curriculum Side-by-Side Comparison Chart

Curriculum Review - Special Needs - Special Buddies from LifeWay!
Special Buddies is a Non-Traditional Sunday School curriculum from LifeWay which is designed to be a, "Sunday School curriculum resource for special kids with special needs." Allow me to share with you some information about Special Buddies!
- Publisher - LifeWay
- Website - http://www.lifeway.com/Keyword/special+buddies
- Price - $5.25 per teacher, $2.95 per child per quarter
- Scope - Through the bible
- Available for Grades 1-6
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Curriculum Review - Non-Traditional PreTeen - Flyte from LifeWay!
Flyte is a Non-Traditional Sunday School curriculum from LifeWay which is designed for preteens specifically to be, "all theirs, one which speaks to what they're dealing with right now - not what's past or in their future." Allow me to share with you some information about Flyte!
- Publisher - LifeWay
- Website - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/FLYTE
- Price - $89.95 per teacher kit, $9.95 per extra teacher book and $4.95 per child per quarter
- Scope - Topical
- Available for Preteens
Curriculum Review - Non-Traditional PreTeen - SuperStart from Christ in Youth and Standard Publishing!
SuperStart
is a Non-Traditional Sunday School curriculum especially for Preteens from Christ in Youth and Standard Publishing! SuperStart is designed to help preteens "get a super start living the rest of their lives for Jesus." Allow me to share with you some information about SuperStart!
- Publisher - Christ in Youth and Standard Publishing
- Website - http://superstartpreteen.com/
- Price - $20 per teacher, $17 per DVD and $4 per child per quarter
- Scope - Topical
- Available for Preteens
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Curriculum Review - Non-Traditional - Buzz from Group Publishing!
Buzz is a Non-Traditional Sunday School curriculum from Group Publishing with a strong focus on intentionally engaging children from the time they walk in the doors on Sunday morning! Allow me to share with you some information about Buzz!
- Publisher - Group Publishing
- Website - http://group.com/sunday-school/buzz
- Price - $99.99 per class per quarter
- Scope - Topical
- Available for Preschool - Elementary
Curriculum Review - Non-Traditional - FaithWeaver from Group Publishing!
FaithWeaver
is a Non-Traditional Sunday School curriculum from Group Publishing with a strong focus on " encouraging family development with a unified scope and sequence." Allow me to share with you some information about FaithWeaver!
- Publisher - Group Publishing
- Website - http://group.com/sunday-school/faithweaver
- Price - $39 - $45 per class, $10 for additional teacher book and $5.79 per student per quarter
- Scope - Topical
- Available for Preschool - Elementary
Friday, April 20, 2012
More Curriculum Reviews to Come and Side-by-Side Comparison Charts!
My curriculum reviews continue into next week with more Non-Traditional reviews, Special Needs review and Best Buys. I'll also be posting my Side-by-Side comparison charts for these curriculum resources!
Next month I'll be focusing on ideas for a summer of ministry which engages children and families in and out of our churches and in June I'll be focusing on supporting and encouraging our volunteers. In addition to all these things, each month I'll share a "Put Feet to Their Faith" ministry focus/service project idea, give-aways and more! As you can see, in the coming months you will find information, ideas and resources on About the Children's Department which you can use in your children's ministry!
Next month I'll be focusing on ideas for a summer of ministry which engages children and families in and out of our churches and in June I'll be focusing on supporting and encouraging our volunteers. In addition to all these things, each month I'll share a "Put Feet to Their Faith" ministry focus/service project idea, give-aways and more! As you can see, in the coming months you will find information, ideas and resources on About the Children's Department which you can use in your children's ministry!
Curriculum Review - Non-Traditional - Hands-On Bible from Group Publishing!
Hands-On Bible
is a Non-Traditional Sunday School curriculum from Group Publishing with a strong focus on " teaching as Jesus taught"! Allow me to share with you some information about Hands-On Bible!
- Publisher - Group Publishing
- Website - http://group.com/sunday-school/hands-on-bible-curriculum
- Price - $82.99 per class for preschool/K, $72.99 per class for elementary and $27.99 per teacher
- Scope - Topical
- Available for Preschool - Elementary
Curriculum Review - Non-Traditional - HeartShaper from Standard Publishing!
HeartShaper is a Non-Traditional Sunday School curriculum from Standard Publishing with a strong focus on "helping you shape young hearts to bring them closer to God!" Allow me to share with you some information about HeartShaper!
- Publisher - Standard Publishing
- Website - http://www.heartshaper.com/
- Price - $8 per teacher, $16.49 per class, $4.25 per child and $18.49 for take home papers for five children
- Scope - Through the Bible
- Available for Preschool - Preteen
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Please Check My New Post on CM Buzz on, "Prayer - a Wide Road and Narrow Road Approach in Kidmin"
I've been thinking a lot about prayer lately, so I wrote a post for CM Buzz about the "wide road approach" to prayer. I said, "When it comes to our children’s ministries, we all know we need to pray, but there is a “wide road approach” which leads to a shallow walk and a “narrow road approach” which leads us to a deeper walk with God." In my post this week I looked, "at the wide road approach and “post” a couple “warning signs” for us to consider and then next week I’ll look at the narrow road approach and post a few “mile marker” signs for us to consider". Please check my post out and while you are there, look around CM Buzz. You'll find a wealth of resources to help you as you serve in kidmin!
I Have a Winner . . .
I'm happy to announce Kristin Englund is the winner in my Timeline Map give-away from LifeWay's Gospel Project for kids! (You'll find the review at this link) thank you Kristin Englund for reading About the Children's Department, please message me your address by April 26th so I can have it sent to you - lyndafreemanatcd@gmail.com and thank you LifeWay for making the Timeline Map available for me to give away!
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