August 21st, 2011 "John the Baptist gets beheaded: Courage & Faith".

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

4-4:45 Prep

4:45  Meet & Greet/Centers

5:05 Gather for Circle Time

5:10 Hand out Snacks in Circle

5:15 Pass the Peace & Go around

5:25 Readings & Dialogue

5:35 Music & Dance

5:45 Solidarity Prayer

5:50 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.). Think of a fun question to ask the group, and give each person a chance to respond quickly.

Reading & Dialogue Suggestions:
This season we are talking about showing or experiencing Grace during times when we, or others, are showing or experiencing Weakness.
Here is where we get that theme from


2 Corinthians 12:9-10

⁹ But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. ¹⁰ That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
*Consider a fun way to re-learn this verse week to week. Playing games together like word scramble, hang man, crossword puzzles, etc. are a great way to incorporate literacy learning skills.

What do you think Grace means? What do you think Weakness means?


Here's another story in the bible. It talks specifically about Courage and Faith during a weak moment. .
Mathew 14 - John the Baptist Beheaded. While I read to you, listen for times when you think someone is being weak, and for times when you think someone is having great faith and courage, and I will ask you about them when I am done reading. 


*Giving kids a "job" helps them pay attention and stay engaged. Also, having visual aides are always a plus (pictures, props, etc. Having the kids be a part of making those visual aides is even more awesome! 
  
After reading, ask kids what 2 things they found and discuss.

Suggested dialogue questions: Can you think of a time when you felt weak? What are some ways you can remember to show courage during weak moments this week?

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.  


Solidarity Prayer: This season we are thinking about/praying for those who are dealing with weakness through God's grace. This week we are praying for the people in Iraq. 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.

Art Making/Process Suggestions: (Have a finished sample ready so that you know the project works. Have it out on display on a table with the materials set up under a cloth or blanket, to get kids excited about what is to come.)


We just prayed for people in Iraq. Let's make some art that comes from there, and make connections to our themes for this evening. 


Click HERE for a simple Islamic Tile worksheet and coloring pages. 
Click HERE for a simple more hands on project. (Feel free to adapt this or create your own idea.)


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