December 30th, 2012 Happy New Year

There will only be one public meeting this evening at the 5.

Plans are still being created and will be updated as soon as we receive information.

December 23rd, 2012 Christmas Weekend

The kids team has decided to have a little extra fun to celebrate the holiday together. They will be sharing the holiday cheer by watching movies together and eating popcorn.

December 16th, 2012 Jesus is making a new home (shepherds/magi)

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

4-4:45 Prep

4:45 Meet & Greet/Centers

5:05 Sing a song to gather for worship

5:07 Worship with Song & Dance

5:20 Pass the Peace and Go around

5:25 Solidarity Prayer

5:30 Ages 3-5 go to Snack & Centers

and remain there until the end of our PM Time. 

Ages 6-10 sit for Snack/Readings & Dialogue

5:50  Ages 6-10 join 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 Time (Games, Building, Books, Art Center):

These do not necessarily need to be connected to the theme of the evening. Rather than have each center totally wide open, select a few things you would like the kids to play with. If they want to swap out for a new activity, they must first clean up the old one. Give kids a heads up to let them know what time they will be called to gather for worship.

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

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 how and where to gather.

Music Suggestions: Lets learn some Christmas songs! Check out Oh Little Town of Bethlehem. You can also email Meg and ask her to leave copies of the lyrics for you in the kids room. 

Although it's fun to at least have one song that is connected to our theme, it is not mandatory.Take a look at some of our music links for your song ideas and touch base with our music leader for this week 

Pass the Peace & Go around suggestions: Take a moment to have kids pass the peace to each other. Maybe think of a fun way for kids to do that (high five, elbow bumps, etc.). Ask a simple, fun question to help them settle in.

Solidarity Prayer: This season we are praying for different sections of Philadelphia. This week we are praying for  Catholic Worker Clinic is located at 1826 East Lehigh Avenue. For more information, visit www.catholicworker.org.

 In 2-3 sentences, 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.

Reading & Dialogue Suggestions:

This season's we are following the story of Jesus's Birth.

Today you will read Luke 2:1-15 (Shepherds) & Mathew 2:1-10 (Magi)

While I read to you, look for these 2 things________&________and I will ask you about them when I am done reading.  

• Giving kids a "job" helps them pay attention and stay engaged.
• Try having them take turns drawing parts of the story as you read the sections to them.
• Try having them act out the story. 
• Try having or creating props or visual aides. 

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

Art Making/Process Suggestions: This season we are making decorations that come from the different cultures and traditions in our neighborhoods. 

Every culture that celebrates Advent and Christmas, uses the symbol of the star. Lets create some fun star decorations. Here are a few options for ideas:

Toilet Paper Roll Star
3D Star
Foil Star

• 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.

December 9th, 2012 "John points us towards home".

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

4-4:45 Prep

4:45 Meet & Greet/Centers

5:05 Sing a song to gather for worship

5:07 Worship with Song & Dance

5:20 Pass the Peace and Go around

5:25 Solidarity Prayer

5:30 Ages 3-5 go to Snack & Centers

and remain there until the end of our PM Time. 

Ages 6-10 sit for Snack/Readings & Dialogue

5:50  Ages 6-10 join 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 Time (Games, Building, Books, Art Center):

These do not necessarily need to be connected to the theme of the evening. Rather than have each center totally wide open, select a few things you would like the kids to play with. If they want to swap out for a new activity, they must first clean up the old one. Give kids a heads up to let them know what time they will be called to gather for worship.

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

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 how and where to gather.

Music Suggestions: Lets learn some Christmas songs! Check out Joy to the World. You can also email Meg and ask her to leave copies of the lyrics for you in the kids room. 
Although it's fun to at least have one song that is connected to our theme, it is not mandatory.Take a look at some of our music links for your song ideas and touch base with our music leader for this week 

Pass the Peace & Go around suggestions: Take a moment to have kids pass the peace to each other. Maybe think of a fun way for kids to do that (high five, elbow bumps, etc.). Ask a simple, fun question to help them settle in.

Solidarity Prayer: This season we are praying for different sections of Philadelphia. This week we are praying for the Puerto Rican population in this area. Some of the things to pray for: that the younger generations hold on to their culture. For more educational opportunities, which aren't always readily available. And for a clearing in the way of the language barrier Spanish/English. 

For more information you can email Jess McCann.

 In 2-3 sentences, 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.

Reading & Dialogue Suggestions:

This season's we are following the story of Jesus's Birth.

Today you will read Luke 1:57-80

While I read to you, look for these 2 things________&________and I will ask you about them when I am done reading.  

• Giving kids a "job" helps them pay attention and stay engaged.
• Try having them take turns drawing parts of the story as you read the sections to them.
• Try having them act out the story. 
• Try having or creating props or visual aides. 

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

Art Making/Process Suggestions: This season we are making decorations that come from the different cultures and traditions in our neighborhoods. 

Garlands are a staple decoration used in a huge range of cultures, including in Puerto Rico. In our readings today Sarah expressed great joy in the birth of her son John.
Let's make Joy Garlands.

Click HERE for an idea, or create one of your own.

• 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.

December 2nd, 2012 The Prophets longed for Home

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

4-4:45 Prep

4:45 Meet & Greet/Centers

5:05 Sing a song to gather for worship

5:07 Worship with Song & Dance

5:20 Pass the Peace and Go around

5:25 Solidarity Prayer

5:30 Ages 3-5 go to Snack & Centers

and remain there until the end of our PM Time. 

Ages 6-10 sit for Snack/Readings & Dialogue

5:50  Ages 6-10 join 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 Time (Games, Building, Books, Art Center):

These do not necessarily need to be connected to the theme of the evening. Rather than have each center totally wide open, select a few things you would like the kids to play with. If they want to swap out for a new activity, they must first clean up the old one. Give kids a heads up to let them know what time they will be called to gather for worship.

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

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 how and where to gather.

Music Suggestions: Lets learn some Christmas songs! Check out Go Tell it on the Mountain.
Although it's fun to at least have one song that is connected to our theme, it is not mandatory.Take a look at some of our music links for your song ideas and touch base with our music leader for this week 

Pass the Peace & Go around suggestions: Take a moment to have kids pass the peace to each other. Maybe think of a fun way for kids to do that (high five, elbow bumps, etc.). Ask a simple, fun question to help them settle in.

Solidarity Prayer: This season we are praying for different sections of Philadelphia. This week we are praying for

We are praying for the bock of Jefferson and Germantown in Old Kensington this week, bringing the prayers closer to home during the advent season.  We are going to be praying for the Arab-Americans concentrated in that neighborhood and the hope that immigration brings.  That block serves as a sort of safe-haven and hope laden corner for many recent immigrants from countries such as Syria, Iraq, Egypt, and Tunisia (just to name a few) find their way here as houses most community initiatives including the Arab American Development Corporation (or AACDC... http://www.arabamericancdc.org/).  This corner is known for being a hub for the community so true to Philly's block centric style, we will be praying for this corner this week.  I'll be emailing my slide with a #COHome hash taged photos later today.  

For more information you can email Rachel Kerns.

 In 2-3 sentences, 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.

Reading & Dialogue Suggestions:

This season's we are following the story of Jesus's Birth.

Today you will read Luke 1:5-25.

While I read to you, look for these 2 things________&________and I will ask you about them when I am done reading.  

• Giving kids a "job" helps them pay attention and stay engaged.
• Try having them take turns drawing parts of the story as you read the sections to them.
• Try having them act out the story. 
• Try having or creating props or visual aides. 

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

Art Making/Process Suggestions: This season we are making decorations that come from the different cultures and traditions in our neighborhoods. 

The Christmas tree has quite an interesting story:

The tree was traditionally decorated with edibles such as apples, nuts or dates. In the 18th century, it began to be illuminated by candles, which withelectrification could also be replaced by Christmas lights. Today, there is a wide variety of traditional ornaments, such as garland, tinsel, and candy canes.An angel or star may be placed at the top of the tree, to represent the host of angels or the Star of Bethlehem from the Nativity.

The custom of the Christmas tree developed in early modern Germany with predecessors that can be traced to the 16th and possibly the 15th century. It acquired popularity beyond Germany during the second half of the 19th century.^[1] The Christmas tree has also been known as the "Yule-tree", especially in discussions of its folkloristic origins.^[2

-Wikipedia

Lets make garlands from our tree trimmings.

• Lauren will leave a bag of greens in the kids room for you to use. 
• Make sure you have twine to tie things with. Select some fun materials to decorate your garlands with.

HERE is a simple "how to" on making a Christmas Swag.
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. 

• 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.

November 25th, 2012 Thanksgiving

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

4-4:45 Prep

4:45 Meet & Greet/Centers

5:05 Sing a song to gather for worship

5:07 Worship with Song & Dance

5:20 Pass the Peace and Go around

5:25 Solidarity Prayer

5:30 Ages 3-5 go to Snack & Centers

and remain there until the end of our PM Time. 

Ages 6-10 sit for Snack/Readings & Dialogue

5:50  Ages 6-10 join 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 Time (Games, Building, Books, Art Center):

These do not necessarily need to be connected to the theme of the evening. Rather than have each center totally wide open, select a few things you would like the kids to play with. If they want to swap out for a new activity, they must first clean up the old one. Give kids a heads up to let them know what time they will be called to gather for worship.

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

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 how and where to gather.

Music Suggestions: Although it's fun to at least have one song that is connected to our theme, it is not mandatory.Take a look at some of our music links for your song ideas and touch base with our music leader for this week John & Danny.
jmlattanzio@gmail.com, greattree@gmail.com

Pass the Peace & Go around suggestions: Take a moment to have kids pass the peace to each other. Maybe think of a fun way for kids to do that (high five, elbow bumps, etc.). Ask a simple, fun question to help them settle in.

Solidarity Prayer: This season we are talking about harsh living environments around the world. This week 

Craig-Concrete Jungle in Atlanta GA

Mariko is leading us to pray for Inuit in Nunavut, Canada.

For more information you can email marikosnook@gmail.com

 In 2-3 sentences, 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.

Reading & Dialogue Suggestions:

This season's we are following the story of Moses. We will be using a reference site that you may want to expand on. Be sure to give yourself time to read over your section before reading it to the kids.

Today you will read 1 Thessalonians 5:4-22 (this is not so much of a story, but more a talk about thanksgiving)

While I read to you, look for these 2 things________&________and I will ask you about them when I am done reading.  

• Giving kids a "job" helps them pay attention and stay engaged.
• Try having them take turns drawing parts of the story as you read the sections to them.
• Try having them act out the story. 
• Try having or creating props or visual aides. 

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

Art Making/Process Suggestions: Recently we celebrated Thanksgiving. As we reflect on our verses today, lets create hats that help us keep the things we are thankful on our minds and hearts.

• Have kids cut out a think long strip of paper to create a band for their head.
• They have kids draw things that they are thankful for, color them in, cut them out and glue them to their band.
• Add decorations as needed.

November 18th, 2012 The Death of Moses

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

4-4:45 Prep

4:45 Meet & Greet/Centers

5:05 Sing a song to gather for worship

5:07 Worship with Song & Dance

5:20 Pass the Peace and Go around

5:25 Solidarity Prayer

5:30 Ages 3-5 go to Snack & Centers

and remain there until the end of our PM Time. 

Ages 6-10 sit for Snack/Readings & Dialogue

5:50  Ages 6-10 join 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 Time (Games, Building, Books, Art Center):

These do not necessarily need to be connected to the theme of the evening. Rather than have each center totally wide open, select a few things you would like the kids to play with. If they want to swap out for a new activity, they must first clean up the old one. Give kids a heads up to let them know what time they will be called to gather for worship.

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

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.

Music Suggestions: Although it's fun to at least have one song that is connected to our theme, it is not mandatory.Take a look at some of our music links for your song ideas and touch base with our music leader for this week DJ & Greg.

"David James Robinson" <vocaldj@gmail.com>, "Greg Jehanian" <gregjehanian@gmail.com>, 

Pass the Peace & Go around suggestions: Take a moment to have kids pass the peace to each other. Maybe think of a fun way for kids to do that (high five, elbow bumps, etc.). Ask a simple, fun question to help them settle in.

Solidarity Prayer: This season we are talking about harsh living environments around the world. This week Jess Mc. is talking about Laos's Deforestation affects on hunger.

Craig-Concrete Jungle in Atlanta GA

Craig-Concrete Jungle in Atlanta GA

Click here for more information "Jessica McCann" <maddancer78@gmail.com>

 In 2-3 sentences, 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.

Reading & Dialogue Suggestions:

This season's we are following the story of Moses. We will be using a reference site that you may want to expand on. Be sure to give yourself time to read over your section before reading it to the kids.

Today you will read "The Death of Moses". This is our last story for this season! 

While I read to you, look for these 2 things________&________and I will ask you about them when I am done reading.  

• Giving kids a "job" helps them pay attention and stay engaged.
• Try having them take turns drawing parts of the story as you read the sections to them.
• Try having them act out the story. 
• Try having or creating props or visual aides. 

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

Art Making/Process Suggestions: This season we are working on a large collaborative piece. There is a large stretched canvas in the room, and every 2 weeks we will be adding a layer. This will be the first time that we try doing 2 weeks of each kind of art. Keep Lauren posted on how this feels, and communicate with each other week to week if need be.

This week:

• This is our last week to fill in the rest of our painting. Have paint, brushes and smocks out for the kids to finish up the canvas.
• Might be worth setting up another art table with some easy coloring pages about Moses.
• Click below for some print outs. 
• Miriam & Baby Moses, Moses and the Red Sea, Moses and the tablets