
Saturday, May 31, 2014
I Have a Winner!

14 Ways to "Blow" Your Children's Ministry . . . Lose Focus on the Personal "Touch"
Friday, May 30, 2014
Let's Celebrate our Kids!
Don't Keep Secret God's Great Faithfulness!
Yesterday I wrote about the great faithfulness of God. I said, "Aren't you glad to know God's love for you is unwavering and determined in purpose? I am! God loves me on my best days! God loves me on my worst days! God loves me on all my in-between days! And, this amazing, steadfast, unwavering love of God for me NEVER ceases! It never stops! Not ever! As if this wasn't enough, His mercies NEVER come to an end! God gives me His mercy when I blow it! God gives me His mercy when I just mess up a little. God gives me His mercy and His mercy is new every morning! As if all this wasn't enough, Great is His faithfulness! I can always depend on God to do what He says He will do because He is faithful!"
I said to be sure to, "let the children in your ministry know about God's steadfast, unwavering love and His mercies which never end! Be sure to share with them how God has shown His steadfast, unwavering love and His great mercies which never end to you . . . don't keep secret how you've experienced God's great faithfulness!" So . . . how do we do this? Consider the following . . .
I said to be sure to, "let the children in your ministry know about God's steadfast, unwavering love and His mercies which never end! Be sure to share with them how God has shown His steadfast, unwavering love and His great mercies which never end to you . . . don't keep secret how you've experienced God's great faithfulness!" So . . . how do we do this? Consider the following . . .
Thursday, May 29, 2014
Summer Outreach! Family Events . . . and More!
I'm not going to talk about children's ministry vs. family ministry because I was invited to write a guest post for Ministry-to-Children and I do so in there; (Feel free to check my post out by following this link) other than to say, we need to "come alongside" parents as they teach their children by being intentional in our ministries and building on and reinforcing what the parents are teaching their children. This is where a vision statement comes in. What is it we want to accomplish in our children’s ministries? What is our plan to get there? When we join up with the parents by equipping and coming alongside them, we will experience real and measurable results.
Great is His faithfulness!
As if this wasn't enough, His mercies NEVER come to an end! God gives me His mercy when I blow it! God gives me His mercy when I just mess up a little. God gives me His mercy and His mercy is new every morning! As if all this wasn't enough, Great is His faithfulness! I can always depend on God to do what He says He will do because He is faithful!
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
Summer Outreach - Mid-Week Ministry
Most churches have a mid-week ministry, but many of them experience limited "success" with this outreach. Let's take a moment to consider this and then look at mid-week ministry as well as what it could look like in the Summer. Again, the first thing you need to do in regards to your mid-week ministry is determine what your goals and vision are for this ministry - think about these questions . . .
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
Lose 10 Pounds in 10 Weeks by Serving in the Children's Ministry!!!!
Chances are, this title got your attention! My church is giving all the regular Sunday school
teachers two months off this Summer (July and August) and is recruiting a team of substitute teachers to teach for these two months in the regular teacher's places. We are calling it, "Summer Serve". As they recruit for it, they have used some extremely creative - and funny - ways to get the attention of the people in our church . . . the "Lose 10 pounds" is what they used in May . . . June it is, "Look 10 Years Younger"!
Check it out at this link . . . I love the "disclaimers"! (Calvary puts out a church-wide "magazine" 11 months of the year; the one for June has the following claim and disclaimer, "This Summer you can Look 10 Years Younger!!! Our team of scientists has discovered spending time with children in Calvary Kids Actually Reverses the Aging Process!" "Not actual scientists. Claims are not scientifically proven. We basically make this stuff up. But serve anyway. It's fun!")
teachers two months off this Summer (July and August) and is recruiting a team of substitute teachers to teach for these two months in the regular teacher's places. We are calling it, "Summer Serve". As they recruit for it, they have used some extremely creative - and funny - ways to get the attention of the people in our church . . . the "Lose 10 pounds" is what they used in May . . . June it is, "Look 10 Years Younger"!
Check it out at this link . . . I love the "disclaimers"! (Calvary puts out a church-wide "magazine" 11 months of the year; the one for June has the following claim and disclaimer, "This Summer you can Look 10 Years Younger!!! Our team of scientists has discovered spending time with children in Calvary Kids Actually Reverses the Aging Process!" "Not actual scientists. Claims are not scientifically proven. We basically make this stuff up. But serve anyway. It's fun!")
Summer Ministry . . . Take a Look at Sunday School!
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Monday, May 26, 2014
Summer Ministry Possibilities - "Family Service Squads"!
Focus your Summer Serving on just one area, or select several opportunities for children and families to serve throughout the summer. Plan a, "Serving Others Kick-Off" and meet with those who want to be part of your Family Service Squads to go over the service opportunities and schedule when, where and what they will do. Think about some of the following service opportunities . . .
Sunday, May 25, 2014
Connect with CM Connect!

Today I want to share one of the reasons I believe CM Connect is such a "must-do" when it comes to children's ministry. It is in it's name . . . CM Connect helps you "connect" with others across the country and around the world who also serve in the children's ministry in their churches. I have been able to do this; and as I wrote earlier, when I was literally stuck at my home for months at a time due to health issues, this was a life-line for me!
There are several ways for you to connect with others . . .
Saturday, May 24, 2014
Knights of God - Buy the VBS and Get the Knights Academy for FREE!
NextGen4Christ is offering a Memorial Day special . . . if you buy their Knights of God VBS,
you'll receive their 12 week Knights Academy curriculum for Free!
NextGen4Christ says, "In this 12 week curriculum uses Bible stories, fun games, and activities with a medieval twist which help kids learn the value of practicing and using God's armor in their life everyday! For your multi-media learners, there's awesome lyric worship videos from Uncle Charlie and each week you can view a clip from 'The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe' which ties in directly with a piece of armor!"
Check all the details at this link.
you'll receive their 12 week Knights Academy curriculum for Free!
NextGen4Christ says, "In this 12 week curriculum uses Bible stories, fun games, and activities with a medieval twist which help kids learn the value of practicing and using God's armor in their life everyday! For your multi-media learners, there's awesome lyric worship videos from Uncle Charlie and each week you can view a clip from 'The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe' which ties in directly with a piece of armor!"
Check all the details at this link.
A Few Thoughts from a Grandma
In children's ministry we focus on children and parents; for good reason as these are the
primary people impacted by our children's ministry. But, as a grandma, I want to say, we are people who care deeply about what happens in the children's ministry.
I care very much about the children's ministry at my grand-children's church. Specifically, these are the things I care so much about . . .
primary people impacted by our children's ministry. But, as a grandma, I want to say, we are people who care deeply about what happens in the children's ministry.
I care very much about the children's ministry at my grand-children's church. Specifically, these are the things I care so much about . . .
Friday, May 23, 2014
Sneak Peek VBS 2015 - Camp Discovery from Concordia!
Side-By-Side Best Buys Curriculum Comparison Chart

Thursday, May 22, 2014
2014 Sunday School Curriculum Reviews - Best Buys - Non-Traditional & Special Needs Curriculum




So, please help with this year's reviews and comment if you have used any of the following curriculum resources . . .
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
2014 Sunday School Curriculum Reviews - Best Buys - Traditional Curriculum
I am happy to share three Traditional curriculum resources with you today which made my Best Buys list - you will find the links to my reviews from last year; please take a
moment to comment if you have tried any of the curriculum I link to today. I think it can be extremely helpful for people who are trying to select a curriculum to hear from people who have used or currently use a curriculum they are considering.

Please keep your comments positive; all curriculum resources are written by people and therefore are not perfect. What works extremely well for one church, may not be the best choice for your church and a feature one person likes, another may not.
So, please help with this year's reviews and comment if you have used any of the following curriculum resources . . .
moment to comment if you have tried any of the curriculum I link to today. I think it can be extremely helpful for people who are trying to select a curriculum to hear from people who have used or currently use a curriculum they are considering.

Please keep your comments positive; all curriculum resources are written by people and therefore are not perfect. What works extremely well for one church, may not be the best choice for your church and a feature one person likes, another may not.
So, please help with this year's reviews and comment if you have used any of the following curriculum resources . . .
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
I Have a Winner!

2014 Sunday School Curriculum Reviews - Best Buys - Large Group/Small Group Curriculum

which made my Best Buys list - you will find the links to my reviews from last year; please take a moment to comment if you have tried any of the curriculum I link to today. I think it can be extremely helpful for people who are trying to select a curriculum to hear from people who have used or currently use a curriculum they are considering.

Please keep your comments positive; all curriculum resources are written by people and therefore are not perfect. What works extremely well for one church, may not be the best choice for your church and a feature one person likes, another may not.
So, please help with this year's reviews and comment if you have used any of the following curriculum resources . . .
Monday, May 19, 2014
Why I say, "You'll find - as I did - joining CM Connect is one of the best things you ever did when it comes to children's ministry!"

In the coming days I'll be honored to share with you some of the exciting and new features for CM Connect which will help you connect and serve in children's ministry, but today I want to share with you why I believe joining CM Connect is one of the best things you can ever do when it comes to serving in children's ministry!
Best Buys Curriculum Reviews!
I've been posting my reviews of Large Group/Small Group, Traditional, Bridge, Non-Traditional and Special Needs Sunday School curriculum along with Side-by-Side Comparison Charts. This coming week I'll be sharing posts about those curriculum resources which are excellent and affordable; followed by my final Sunday School Curriculum Side-by-Side comparison chart. In this economy cost really does matter for many, if not most, churches. As people's personal budgets get tighter, so does the church's budget. We have to balance being wise stewards with finding "tools" which will enable us to effectively and intentionally help our children remember,understand and live Gods Word for genuinely changed lives. Happily, there are some excellent - and affordable - curriculum options available and this coming week we will look at them!
Traditional, Bridge, Non-Traditional and Special Needs Sunday School Curriculum Side-by-Side Comparison Chart

If you have used any Traditional, Bridge, Non-Traditional and Special Needs Sunday School Curriculum which I did not review, please share what you used and what you liked most about it!
Sunday, May 18, 2014
2014 Sunday School Curriculum Reviews - Non-Traditional & Special Needs Curriculum - Grow Proclaim Serve!, Super Start, Flyte & Special Buddies



So, please help with this year's reviews and comment if you have used any of the following curriculum resources . . .
Saturday, May 17, 2014
2014 Sunday School Curriculum Reviews - Non-Traditional Curriculum - HeartShapers, Hands-On, FaithWeaver Now & Buzz



Please keep your comments positive; all curriculum resources are written by people and therefore are not perfect. What works extremely well for one church, may not be the best choice for your church and a feature one person likes, another may not.
So, please help with this year's reviews and comment if you have used any of the following curriculum resources . . .
Friday, May 16, 2014
We Are NOT In This Alone! Check Out the New CM Connect!
When you are busy serving in children's ministry - whether you are paid staff
or a volunteer - it can often feel like you are "alone"; particularly if you are serving in a more traditional church where they like to do things the way they have "always" done things. While youth pastors and senior pastors may know pastors and youth pastors in neighboring churches who they can talk with, this has not always been the case for those in children's ministry. But, it is no longer the case! CM Connect is here to do exactly what their name says . . . connect - and encourage - those in children's ministry!
or a volunteer - it can often feel like you are "alone"; particularly if you are serving in a more traditional church where they like to do things the way they have "always" done things. While youth pastors and senior pastors may know pastors and youth pastors in neighboring churches who they can talk with, this has not always been the case for those in children's ministry. But, it is no longer the case! CM Connect is here to do exactly what their name says . . . connect - and encourage - those in children's ministry!
Thursday, May 15, 2014
Make Your Church the Center of Community Life - Summer Ministry Possibilities
This year I want to encourage us to once again think about how we can "throw open the doors of our churches", this summer and welcome our community in. Let's see if we can re-establish our churches as places where everyone goes and finds the center of their community life!
Consider some of the following, "door-opening" ideas and see if any of them would "fit" your church and community . . .
I Have a Winner!


Wednesday, May 14, 2014
2014 Sunday School Curriculum Reviews - Bridge Curriculum - Rio, Gospel Light & Spark


Please keep your comments positive; all curriculum resources are written by people and therefore are not perfect. What works extremely well for one church, may not be the best choice for your church and a feature one person likes, another may not.
So, please help with this year's reviews and comment if you have used any of the following curriculum resources . . .
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
Make the Most of Your Summer - Train Your Volunteers!
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The Summer is the perfect time to train your volunteers so when the Fall begins all of your volunteers are on the same page and ready to start the new school year with enthusiasm! I'm planning and preparing a training for all those who serve in the children's ministry at my church; this training will . . .
Monday, May 12, 2014
2014 Sunday School Curriculum Reviews - Traditional Curriculum - Bible-in-Life, Adventure Kids & Explorers and Regular Baptist Press


Please keep your comments positive; all curriculum resources are written by people and therefore are not perfect. What works extremely well for one church, may not be the best choice for your church and a feature one person likes, another may not.
So, please help with this year's reviews and comment if you have used any of the following curriculum resources . . .
Sunday, May 11, 2014
Large Group/Small Group Sunday School Curriculum Comparison Chart

There are specific things I look for and have identified as "essential tools" for a curriculum - you will find them at this link.
Saturday, May 10, 2014
2014 Sunday School Curriculum Reviews - Large Group/Small Group - The Gospel Project for Kids, More Jesus, Elements kids worship & Worship KidStyle



So, please help with this year's reviews and comment if you have used any of the following curriculum resources . . .
Friday, May 9, 2014
Thank Your Volunteers - With Apple Pie!
My five year old grandson goes to my church's Wednesday night program; he has really
enjoyed learning karate, memorizing the fifth chapter of James and doing service projects this year (he just was awarded his yellow belt this past Wednesday!) So, last week I asked him if he would like to give something to his teachers to thank them for being his teachers this past year. He said, "I made them ornaments at Christmas (melted snowmen ornaments - really cool!), so I think I should make something for them now." As I started to think about a craft he might make for them, he said; "I think I should make apple pies for them!"
I have to admit I had not ever even considered making apple pies, but since it was what he wanted to give, I bought 18 mini pie tins so Josiah and his brother Caleb (who goes to the 2 year old's class) could make pies for their teachers.
This past Wednesday the boys and I made all 18 pies and took them to church to give their teachers; I have never seen such happy, joy-filled smiles on my sweet grandsons' faces as when they gave their teachers the pies and told them how they helped to make the pies! I also have to say, the teachers had extremely happy faces as they received the pies too!
Josiah's idea for making pies was a huge "hit", so if you are looking for an idea for something which you could give the teachers at your church, consider making mini apple pies! You could make them yourself, or ask non-teachers in your church to make six pies each which they can donate for the teachers - give them all a recipe (see the one I used below), mini pie tins and a date to deliver their finished pies to the church so they can be handed out to the teachers . . . get ready for extremely happy teachers!
enjoyed learning karate, memorizing the fifth chapter of James and doing service projects this year (he just was awarded his yellow belt this past Wednesday!) So, last week I asked him if he would like to give something to his teachers to thank them for being his teachers this past year. He said, "I made them ornaments at Christmas (melted snowmen ornaments - really cool!), so I think I should make something for them now." As I started to think about a craft he might make for them, he said; "I think I should make apple pies for them!"
I have to admit I had not ever even considered making apple pies, but since it was what he wanted to give, I bought 18 mini pie tins so Josiah and his brother Caleb (who goes to the 2 year old's class) could make pies for their teachers.
This past Wednesday the boys and I made all 18 pies and took them to church to give their teachers; I have never seen such happy, joy-filled smiles on my sweet grandsons' faces as when they gave their teachers the pies and told them how they helped to make the pies! I also have to say, the teachers had extremely happy faces as they received the pies too!
Josiah's idea for making pies was a huge "hit", so if you are looking for an idea for something which you could give the teachers at your church, consider making mini apple pies! You could make them yourself, or ask non-teachers in your church to make six pies each which they can donate for the teachers - give them all a recipe (see the one I used below), mini pie tins and a date to deliver their finished pies to the church so they can be handed out to the teachers . . . get ready for extremely happy teachers!
Blog Issues Resolved!


So, after feeling panic and frustration, I was eventually able to connect with an actual real live person at Google who helped me renew both of my blogs.
I apologize for any confusion as you were not able to connect with grandma's cookie jar and About the Children's Department this morning.
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