Sunday, June 19, 2011

Solidarity Prayer

We need you!
July 3rd-December 25th 
(only 6 nights over the next 6 months!)

Big Kid Leaders
People who enjoy worshiping and playing with 
children ages 4-10, in a more structured environment.
(check out our new PM Plans in our sidebar!)

Infant and Toddler Leaders
People who enjoy worshiping and playing with 
younger infants and toddlers.

Continue to Pray for Us:
-To find new and exciting ways 
to engage children in our Public Meetings,
Circle of Hope community, and surrounding neighborhoods.
-To raise up new leadership for our children's team.

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

August 14th, 2011 "Love"


Kids PM Time Schedule (4pm-6:30pm)
4-4:45 Prep
4:45 Meet & Greet/Centers
5:05 Gather for Circle Time
5:10 Pass the Peace & Go around
5:20 Hand out Snacks in Circle
5:25 Readings & Dialogue
5:45 Solidarity Prayer
5:50 Music & Dance
6:00 Art Making & Centers

Tips:
·        Go over schedule each week at the beginning of your “Go Around”.
·        Give kids a heads up before transitioning into each new thing, 
·        and give them directions on how to transition.
·        Give 5 minute warnings for clean up times.

Center suggestions: These do not necessarily need to be connected to the theme of the evening. Having 2-3 places where kids can engage in an activity is enough (coloring, playing a game, etc.). Give them a heads up to let them know what time they will be called to gather in a circle.


Gathering Time suggestions: Think of a fun way to round up the kids (sing a song, clap your hands in a call and response, flash the lights). Show and tell kids where and how to gather.

Pass the Peace &Go around suggestions: Take a moment to have kids pass the peace to each other. Maybe think if a fun way for kids to do that (high five, elbow bumps, etc.)

Who knows what Joy is? Tell me what Joy looks like? What does Joy not look like?

(You can also try "Show me what this looks like" & "Show me what this doesn't look like” and have kids write down, draw or act it out. Having kids physically involved is a great way to keep them engaged.)   
 
Reading & Dialouge Suggestions:
As you know, this season we are learning about the fruits of the spirit.

Galatians 5:22-23

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. There is no law against things like this.

Do you remember why they are called fruits of the spirit?

Which fruit of the spirit do you think we are going to talk about tonight?

Here's a story in the bible that talks about Joy:
While I read to you, think about 2 ways that Hannah experiences or shows Joy in this story. (giving kids a "job" helps them pay attention and stay engaged).

1 Samuel 2:1-10 Hannah

Having visual aides are always a plus (pictures, props, etc.) 
After reading, ask kids what 2 things they found and discuss.

Suggested dialogue questions: Can you think of a time when you experienced Joy? What are some ways you can remember to be Joyful this week?

Solidarity Prayer: This season we are thinking about/praying for our PM Teams. This week we are praying for the First Friday team. In 2-3 phrases, explain who this is and ask the kids how they think we can pray for them. Consider writing it down on a large piece of paper, and then have the kids take turns praying for each part.

Music Suggestions: Although it's fun to at least have one song that is connected to our theme, it is not mandatory. Check out some of our music links for some ideas.  

Art Making/Process Suggestions: Try something fun with potato stamps. Consider researching symbols of love from different cultures and cutting those into your potatoes. 

If you want, check out some of our links for coloring pages and word games and print them out for your centers.

August 7th, 2011 "Joy"

Kids PM Time Schedule (4pm-6:30pm)
4-4:45 Prep
4:45 Meet & Greet/Centers
5:05 Gather for Circle Time
5:10 Pass the Peace & Go around
5:20 Hand out Snacks in Circle
5:25 Readings & Dialogue
5:45 Solidarity Prayer
5:50 Music & Dance
6:00 Art Making & Centers

Tips:
·        Go over schedule each week at the beginning of your “Go Around”.
·        Give kids a heads up before transitioning into each new thing, 
·        and give them directions on how to transition.
·        Give 5 minute warnings for clean up times.

Center suggestions: These do not necessarily need to be connected to the theme of the evening. Having 2-3 places where kids can engage in an activity is enough (coloring, playing a game, etc.). Give them a heads up to let them know what time they will be called to gather in a circle.


Gathering Time suggestions: Think of a fun way to round up the kids (sing a song, clap your hands in a call and response, flash the lights). Show and tell kids where and how to gather.

Pass the Peace &Go around suggestions: Take a moment to have kids pass the peace to each other. Maybe think if a fun way for kids to do that (high five, elbow bumps, etc.)

Who knows what Joy is? Tell me what Joy looks like? What does Joy not look like?

(You can also try "Show me what this looks like" & "Show me what this doesn't look like” and have kids write down, draw or act it out. Having kids physically involved is a great way to keep them engaged.)   
 
Reading & Dialouge Suggestions:
As you know, this season we are learning about the fruits of the spirit.

Galatians 5:22-23

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. There is no law against things like this.

Do you remember why they are called fruits of the spirit?

Which fruit of the spirit do you think we are going to talk about tonight?

Here's a story in the bible that talks about Joy:
While I read to you, think about 2 ways that Hannah experiences or shows Joy in this story. (giving kids a "job" helps them pay attention and stay engaged).

1 Samuel 2:1-10 Hannah

Having visual aides are always a plus (pictures, props, etc.) 
After reading, ask kids what 2 things they found and discuss.

Suggested dialogue questions: Can you think of a time when you experienced Joy? What are some ways you can remember to be Joyful this week?

Solidarity Prayer: This season we are thinking about/praying for our PM Teams. This week we are praying for the ______ team. In 2-3 phrases, explain who this is and ask the kids how they think we can pray for them. Consider writing it down on a large piece of paper, and then have the kids take turns praying for each part.

Music Suggestions: Although it's fun to at least have one song that is connected to our theme, it is not mandatory. Check out some of our music links for some ideas.  

Art Making/Process Suggestions: Polynesian Tiki Masks and Poles often show a range of strong emotions. Do a little research or come up with your own way to make a Polynesian Tiki Mask or Pole.

If you want, check out some of our links for coloring pages and word games and print them out for your centers.

July 31st, 2011 "Peace"

Kids PM Time Schedule (4pm-6:30pm)
4-4:45 Prep
4:45 Meet & Greet/Centers
5:05 Gather for Circle Time
5:10 Pass the Peace & Go around
5:20 Hand out Snacks in Circle
5:25 Readings & Dialogue
5:45 Solidarity Prayer
5:50 Music & Dance
6:00 Art Making & Centers

Tips:
·        Go over schedule each week at the beginning of your “Go Around”.
·        Give kids a heads up before transitioning into each new thing, 
·        and give them directions on how to transition.
·        Give 5 minute warnings for clean up times.

Center suggestions: These do not necessarily need to be connected to the theme of the evening. Having 2-3 places where kids can engage in an activity is enough (coloring, playing a game, etc.). Give them a heads up to let them know what time they will be called to gather in a circle.


Gathering Time suggestions: Think of a fun way to round up the kids (sing a song, clap your hands in a call and response, flash the lights). Show and tell kids where and how to gather.

Pass the Peace &Go around suggestions: Take a moment to have kids pass the peace to each other. Maybe think if a fun way for kids to do that (high five, elbow bumps, etc.)


Who knows what Peace is? Tell me what Peace looks like? What does Peace not look like?

(You can also try "Show me what this looks like" & "Show me what this doesn't look like” and have kids write down, draw or act it out. Having kids physically involved is a great way to keep them engaged.)   
 
Reading & Dialouge Suggestions:
As you know, this season we are learning about the fruits of the spirit.

Galatians 5:22-23

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. There is no law against things like this.

Do you remember why they are called fruits of the spirit?

Which fruit of the spirit do you think we are going to talk about tonight?

Here's a story in the bible that talks about Peace:
While I read to you, think about 2 ways that Jesus shows Peace in this story. (giving kids a "job" helps them pay attention and stay engaged).


Luke 8:22-25 - Jesus bringing peace during a storm
Having visual aides are always a plus (pictures, props, etc.) 
After reading, ask kids what 2 things they found and discuss.

Suggested dialogue questions: Can you think of a time when you were a Peace Maker? What are some ways you can remember to be a Peace Maker this week?

Solidarity Prayer: This season we are thinking about/praying for our PM Teams. This week we are praying for the ______ team. In 2-3 phrases, explain who this is and ask the kids how they think we can pray for them. Consider writing it down on a large piece of paper, and then have the kids take turns praying for each part.

Music Suggestions: Although it's fun to at least have one song that is connected to our theme, it is not mandatory. Check out some of our music links for some ideas.  

Art Making/Process Suggestions: Chinese peace lanterns are beautiful floating luminarias meant to signify peace. Click HERE for one idea.

Materials Needed:  See link above.

If you want, check out some of our links for coloring pages and word games and print them out for your centers.

July 24th "Patience"


Kids PM Time Schedule (5pm-6:30pm)
4-4:45 Prep
4:45-5:10 Meet & Greet/Centers
5:10 Gather for Circle Time
5:10-5:20 Pass the Peace & Go around
5:20-5:25 Hand out Snacks in Circle
5:25-5:45 Readings & Dialogue
5:45-5:50 Solidarity Prayer
5:50-6:00 Music & Dance
6:00-6:30 Art Making & Centers

Tips:
-Go over schedule each week at the beginning of your “Go Around”.
-Give kids a heads up before transitioning into each new thing, 
and give them directions on how to transition.
-Give 5 minute warnings for clean up times.

Center suggestions: These do not necessarily need to be connected to the theme of the evening. Having 2-3 places where kids can engage in an activity is enough (coloring, playing a game, etc.). Give them a heads up to let them know what time they will be called to gather in a circle.


Gathering Time suggestions:
Think of a fun way to round up the kids (sing a song, clap your hands in a call and response, flash the lights). Show and tell kids where and how to gather.


Pass the Peace & Go around suggestions:
Take a moment to have kids pass the peace to each other. Maybe think if a fun way for kids to do that (high five, elbow bumps, etc.) 


Who knows what ________ is? Tell me what ________ looks like? What does ______ not look like?
(You can also try "Show me what this looks like" & "Show me what this doesn't look like". Kids might have more fun acting this out!) 

Reading & Dialouge Suggestions:
This season we are learning about the fruits of the spirit.
Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. There is no law against things like this.

Who remembers why we call them "Fruits of the Spirit"?

Which fruit of the spirit do you think we are going to talk about tonight?

We're going to read a story about a boy who was patient.
While I read to you, look for times when this boy was patient and I will ask you about them when I am done reading. (giving kids a "job" helps them pay attention and stay engaged).

Scripture/Story: The Story of Joseph
Having visual aides are always a plus (pictures, props, etc.)! 

Suggested dialogue questions:
Can you think of a time when you were patient? What are some ways you can remember to be patient this week?

Solidarity Prayer:
This season we are thinking about/praying for _______. This week we are praying for______. In 2-3 phrases, explain who this is and ask the kids how they think we can pray for them. Consider writing it down on a large piece of paper, and then have the kids take turns praying for each part. 

Music Suggestions: 
Although it's fun to at least have one song that  is connected to our theme, it is not mandatory. Check out some of our music links for some ideas. 

Art Making/Process Suggestions:
Continue Mandala from last week, discuss with last weeks team.

Materials Needed: 

If you want, check out some of our links for coloring pages and word games and print them out for your centers.

July 17th, 2011 "Kindness"


Kids PM Time Schedule (5pm-6:30pm)
4-4:45 Prep
4:45-5:10 Meet & Greet/Centers
5:10 Gather for Circle Time
5:10-5:20 Pass the Peace & Go around
5:20-5:25 Hand out Snacks in Circle
5:25-5:45 Readings & Dialogue
5:45-5:50 Solidarity Prayer
5:50-6:00 Music & Dance
6:00-6:30 Art Making & Centers
Tips:
-Go over schedule each week at the beginning of your “Go Around”.
-Give kids a heads up before transitioning into each new thing, 
and give them directions on how to transition.
-Give 5 minute warnings for clean up times.
Center suggestions: These do not necessarily need to be connected to the theme of the evening. Having 2-3 places where kids can engage in an activity is enough (coloring, playing a game, etc.). Give them a heads up to let them know what time they will be called to gather in a circle.


Gathering Time suggestions:
Think of a fun way to round up the kids (sing a song, clap your hands in a call and response, flash the lights). Show and tell kids where and how to gather.


Pass the Peace &Go around suggestions:
Take a moment to have kids pass the peace to each other. Maybe think if a fun way for kids to do that (high five, elbow bumps, etc.) 


Who knows what kindness is? Tell me what kindness looks like? What does kidness  not look like?
(You can also try "Show me what this looks like" & "Show me what this doesn't look like". Kids might have more fun acting this out!) 

Reading & Dialogue Suggestions:
This season we are learning about the Fruits of the Spirit.
Let's look at the bible verse we have been using. 
 

Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. There is no law against things like this.

Do you remember what " fruits of the spirit" means?

Which fruit of the spirit do you think we are going to talk about tonight?
Let's read a story in the bible that talks about kindness.
While I read to you, look for 2 times where you see someone showing kindness and I will ask you about them when I am done reading. (giving kids a "job" helps them pay attention and stay engaged).

Scripture/Story: The Story of Josiah or The Story of Esther (consider paraphrasing, or google short kids versions.

Having visual aides are always a plus (pictures, props, etc.)! 

Suggested dialogue questions:
Can you think of a time when you showed kindness? What are some ways you can remember to show kindness this week?


Solidarity Prayer:
This season we are thinking about/praying for _______. This week we are praying for______. In 2-3 phrases, explain who this is and ask the kids how they think we can pray for them. Consider writing it down on a large piece of paper, and then have the kids take turns praying for each part. 

Music Suggestions: 
Although it's fun to at least have one song that  is connected to our theme, it is not mandatory. Check out some of our music links for some ideas. 

Art Making/Process Suggestions:
Often Tibetan Monks create Mandalas together to meditate on things like goodness. Let's make a Mandala together.
Click HERE to learn how to make a Mandala. 
I would suggest bringing in a picture of a Mandala as well as pre-cutting the large circle, and pre-drawing the circles within to help kids have boundaries.
Ask kids to think about what symbols and patterns they would use to show goodness. 
This could end up being a 2 week project. Discuss with those who are leading next week.

Materials Needed: (see above link for materials list)


If you want, check out some of our links for coloring pages and word games and print them out for your centers.
HERE is one for Mandala Coloring Pages.

July 10th, 2011 "Goodness"




Kids PM Time Schedule (5pm-6:30pm)
4-4:45 Prep

4:45-5:10 Meet & Greet/Centers

5:10 Gather for Circle Time

5:10-5:20 Pass the Peace & Go around

5:20-5:25 Hand out Snacks in Circle

5:25-5:45 Readings & Dialogue

5:45-5:50 Solidarity Prayer

5:50-6:00 Music & Dance

6:00-6:30 Art Making & Centers


Tips:

-Go over schedule each week at the beginning of your “Go Around”.
-Give kids a heads up before transitioning into each new thing, 
and give them directions on how to transition.
-Give 5 minute warnings for clean up times.

Center suggestions: These do not necessarily need to be connected to the theme of the evening. Having 2-3 places where kids can engage in an activity is enough (coloring, playing a game, etc.). Give them a heads up to let them know what time they will be called to gather in a circle.


Gathering Time suggestions:
Think of a fun way to round up the kids (sing a song, clap your hands in a call and response, flash the lights). Show and tell kids where and how to gather.


Pass the Peace & Go around suggestions:
Take a moment to have kids pass the peace to each other. Maybe think if a fun way for kids to do that (high five, elbow bumps, etc.) 


Who knows what Goodness is? Tell me what Goodness looks like? What does Goodness not look like?
(You can also try "Show me what this looks like" & "Show me what this doesn't look like". Kids might have more fun acting this out!) 

Reading & Dialogue Suggestions:
This season we are talking about the fruits of the spirit.

Let's review the verse we've been using:
Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. There is no law against things like this.


What do you remember what Fruits of the Spirit means?

There's a story in the Bible called "The Good Samaritan".
While I read to you, listen for some times where you hear someone being good in this story and I will ask you about them when I am done reading. (giving kids a "job" helps them pay attention and stay engaged).

Luke 10: 25-37
Having visual aides for this are always a plus! (Pictures, props, etc.)

Suggested dialogue questions:
Can you think of a time when you were good? What are some ways you can remember to be good this week?

Solidarity Prayer:

This season we are thinking about/praying for mission team. This week we are praying for the Psalters. In 2-3 phrases, explain who this is and ask the kids how they think we can pray for them. Consider writing it down on a large piece of paper, and then have the kids take turns praying for each part. 


Music Suggestions: 
Although it's fun to at least have one song that  is connected to our theme, it is not mandatory. Check out some of our music links for some ideas. 

Art Making/Process Suggestions:
We can also be good to the earth. Let's recycle these old bottles into bracelets, and wear them as a reminder to be good to the earth, and to those who use it's resources. Click HERE for a water bottle bracelet project.
Materials Needed: (check website link above for materials)

If you want, check out some of our links for coloring pages and word games and print them out for your centers.

July 3rd, 2011 "Faithfulness"


Kids PM Time Schedule (5pm-6:30pm)
4-4:45 Prep
4:45-5:10 Meet & Greet/Centers
5:10 Gather for Circle Time
5:10-5:20 Pass the Peace & Go around
5:20-5:25 Hand out Snacks in Circle
5:25-5:45 Readings & Dialogue
5:45-5:50 Solidarity Prayer
5:50-6:00 Music & Dance
6:00-6:30 Art Making & Centers


Tips:
-Go over schedule each week at the beginning of your “Go Around”.
-Give kids a heads up before transitioning into each new thing, 
and give them directions on how to transition.
-Give 5 minute warnings for clean up times.

Center suggestions: These do not necessarily need to be connected to the theme of the evening. Having 2-3 places where kids can engage in an activity is enough (coloring, playing a game, etc.). Give them a heads up to let them know what time they will be called to gather in a circle.


Gathering Time suggestions:

Think of a fun way to round up the kids (sing a song, clap your hands in a call and response, flash the lights). Show and tell kids where and how to gather.



Pass the Peace &Go around suggestions:

Take a moment to have kids pass the peace to each other. Maybe think if a fun way for kids to do that (high five, elbow bumps, etc.) 


Who knows what Faithfulness is? Tell me w
hat Faithfulness looks like? What does Faithfulness not look like?
(You can also try "Show me what this looks like" & "Show me what this doesn't look like". Kids might have more fun acting this out!) 


Reading & Dialogue Suggestions:

This season we are talking about the Fruits of the Spirit.

Lets' go over the verse about Fruits of the Spirit.

Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. There is no law against things like this.

Does anyone remember what "Fruits of the Spirit" means?
Which fruit of the spirit do you think we are talking about tonight?
Let's read a story about Faithfulness.
While I read to you, look for ways that both Noah and God were faithful, and I will ask you about them when I am done reading. (giving kids a "job" helps them pay attention and stay engaged).

Genesis Chapters 6-9

Suggested dialogue questions:
Can you think of a time when you were faithful? What are some ways you can remember to faithful this week?


Solidarity Prayer:

This season we are thinking about/praying for our leadership teams. This week we are praying for______. In 2-3 phrases, explain who/what this is and ask the kids how they think we can pray for them. Consider writing it down on a large piece of paper, and then have the kids take turns praying for each part. 


Music Suggestions:
Although it's fun to at least have one song that  is connected to our theme, it is not mandatory. Check out some of our music links for some ideas. 

Art Making/Process Suggestions:
As a group, make a large Tissue Paper Rainbow.
Click HERE for how to make one.  
Materials Needed: 
Large piece of paper (from paper role)
2 packs of Tissue paper cut up into small squares.
White glue
Pencils

If you want, check out some of our links for coloring pages and word games and print them out for your centers.

June 26th, 2011 "Gentleness"

Kids PM Time Schedule (5pm-6:30pm)
4-4:45 Prep
4:45-5:10 Meet & Greet/Centers
5:10 Gather for Circle Time
5:10-5:20 Pass the Peace & Go around
5:20-5:25 Hand out Snacks in Circle
5:25-5:45 Readings & Dialogue
5:45-5:50 Solidarity Prayer
5:50-6:00 Music & Dance
6:00-6:30 Art Making & Centers

Tips:

-Go over schedule each week at the beginning of your “Go Around”.
-Give kids a heads up before transitioning into each new thing, 
and give them directions on how to transition.
-Give 5 minute warnings for clean up times.
Center suggestions: These do not necessarily need to be connected to the theme of the evening. Having 2-3 places where kids can engage in an activity is enough (coloring, playing a game, etc.). Give them a heads up to let them know what time they will be called to gather in a circle.

Gathering Time:
Think of a fun way to round up the kids (sing a song, clap your hands in a call and response, flash the lights). Show and tell kids where and how to gather.


Go around suggestions:

Take a moment to have kids pass the peace to each other. Maybe think if a fun way for kids to do that (high five, elbow bumps, etc.)
Who knows what gentleness is? Tell me what gentleness looks like? What does gentleness not look like? (You could also try "Show me what gentleness does/doesn't look like". The kids might have more fun acting it out!)

Reading & Dialogue Suggestions:
This season we are learning about the fruits of the spirit.

Galatians 5:22-23

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. There is no law against things like this.

Which fruit of the spirit do you think we are going to talk about tonight?

Here's a story in the bible that talks about self control:
While I read to you, think about 2 ways that Boaz shows gentleness in this story. (giving kids a specific thing to look out for helps them pay attention and stay engaged).

Ruth Chapters 2-4

Suggested dialogue questions:
Can you think of a time when you showed gentleness? What are some ways you can remember to show gentleness this week?


Solidarity Prayer: This week we are praying for Immigrant Rights. In 2-3 phrases, explain who/what this is and ask the kids how they think we can pray for them. Consider writing it down on a large piece of paper, and then have the kids take turns praying for each part.

Music Suggestions: Although it's fun to at least have one song that  is connected to our theme, it is not mandatory. Check out some of our music links for some ideas. 

Art Making/Process Suggestions:
Making art with paper can be very tricky, and you need to be very gentle with it. Using rolled newspapers reminds me of the way Ruth gathered wheat in Boaz's field and stacked it in bunches.

Click HERE for how to make a rolled newspaper sculpture.
Materials needed:
Newspaper
Masking Tape

If you want, check out some of our links for coloring pages and word games and print them out.