September 1st, 2013 "Esther, Chapter 2".

Many of our kids are going back to school this week. 
Keep that in mind and ask them how they are feeling about things. 

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 & and then outside

for Art Making & Game Centers.

Ages 6-10 sit for Snack/Readings & Dialogue

5:50  Ages 6-10 join Art Making & Game Centers outside.

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: You can find song links on our Network Music Log and touch base with the music leaders listed on this weeks PM Plan.

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: The adults continue to go back for prayer. Take a moment to ask the kids if they have any prayer requests. It's good to learn to pray for each other. 

I have found it best to quickly go around and have the conversation, then start the prayer and ask the kids to call out one or a few words that describes their request/blessing. Then we all close with Amen. You may have other creative ways to do this as well. 

Reading & Dialogue Suggestions:

This season's we are starting at the begin of the Bible and working our way through chronologically some of the more popular stories of the Old Testament. Remind the kids that the old testament is before Jesus's time. Some of the stories can be strange, and God can seem very angry and mean at times. Remind the kids of what is to come, and what the differences are between the old and new testament. If you want to talk more about this, see Lauren.

Today we will start the story of Esther. Today we are reading Esther Chapter 2. 

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, or creating a song about 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: For the summer we are taking the kids outside. This week we'll be making these awesome fringe bags! Click HERE for more on how to make it. Email your team and kids parents to see if some shirts can be donated. Or ask Martha if you can grab some from Circle Thrift. 

• Do a bathroom check before you go out.
• Assign cell helpers to keep an eye on specific kids.
• Set some ground rules before you let kids loose.
• Stay on the grassy area. 
• No rocks, no sticks, no pulling on trees. They may climb the tree as long as they stay below leaf level. 
• Kids get 2 warnings on these rules. Let them know that by the 3rd one they will be sitting with you for a few minutes until they are ready to be calm and follow directions.
• Have specific games for them to play. (They love Duck, Duck, Goose, Red Rover, Red Rover, Red light, Green light, Freeze Tag, etc.).

August 25th, 2013 "Esther Chapter 1".

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 & and then outside

for Art Making & Game Centers.

Ages 6-10 sit for Snack/Readings & Dialogue

5:50  Ages 6-10 join Art Making & Game Centers outside.

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: You can find song links on our Network Music Log and touch base with the music leaders listed on this weeks PM Plan.

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: The adults continue to go back for prayer. Take a moment to ask the kids if they have any prayer requests. It's good to learn to pray for each other. 

I have found it best to quickly go around and have the conversation, then start the prayer and ask the kids to call out one or a few words that describes their request/blessing. Then we all close with Amen. You may have other creative ways to do this as well. 

Reading & Dialogue Suggestions:

This season's we are starting at the begin of the Bible and working our way through chronologically some of the more popular stories of the Old Testament. Remind the kids that the old testament is before Jesus's time. Some of the stories can be strange, and God can seem very angry and mean at times. Remind the kids of what is to come, and what the differences are between the old and new testament. If you want to talk more about this, see Lauren.

Today we will start the story of Esther. Today we are reading Esther 1:1-10. 

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, or creating a song about 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: For the summer we are taking the kids outside. This week we'll be using the dyed pasta that was made last week to create jewelry this week. Check in with last weeks crew to make sure their project got done. I'm pretty sure we have yarn in the kids space, but make sure we do. 

• Do a bathroom check before you go out.
• Assign cell helpers to keep an eye on specific kids.
• Set some ground rules before you let kids loose.
• Stay on the grassy area. 
• No rocks, no sticks, no pulling on trees. They may climb the tree as long as they stay below leaf level. 
• Kids get 2 warnings on these rules. Let them know that by the 3rd one they will be sitting with you for a few minutes until they are ready to be calm and follow directions.
• Have specific games for them to play. (They love Duck, Duck, Goose, Red Rover, Red Rover, Red light, Green light, Freeze Tag, etc.).

August 18th, 2013 "Ruth, Chapter 4".

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 & and then outside

for Art Making & Game Centers.

Ages 6-10 sit for Snack/Readings & Dialogue

5:50  Ages 6-10 join Art Making & Game Centers outside.

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: You can find song links on our Network Music Log and touch base with the music leaders listed on this weeks PM Plan.

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: The adults continue to go back for prayer. Take a moment to ask the kids if they have any prayer requests. It's good to learn to pray for each other. 

I have found it best to quickly go around and have the conversation, then start the prayer and ask the kids to call out one or a few words that describes their request/blessing. Then we all close with Amen. You may have other creative ways to do this as well. 

Reading & Dialogue Suggestions:

This season's we are starting at the begin of the Bible and working our way through chronologically some of the more popular stories of the Old Testament. Remind the kids that the old testament is before Jesus's time. Some of the stories can be strange, and God can seem very angry and mean at times. Remind the kids of what is to come, and what the differences are between the old and new testament. If you want to talk more about this, see Lauren.

Today we will start the story of Ruth. This is Chapter 4. 

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, or creating a song about 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: For the summer we are taking the kids outside. This week lets make dye some pasta. Next week we will turn the pasta into jewelry! Click HERE for how to dye pasta. Email your team mates (all of us;-) if you'd like help purchasing materials. If you do not choose to do this project, please let next weeks leaders know as their project requires this step. 

• Do a bathroom check before you go out.
• Assign cell helpers to keep an eye on specific kids.
• Set some ground rules before you let kids loose.
• Stay on the grassy area. 
• No rocks, no sticks, no pulling on trees. They may climb the tree as long as they stay below leaf level. 
• Kids get 2 warnings on these rules. Let them know that by the 3rd one they will be sitting with you for a few minutes until they are ready to be calm and follow directions.
• Have specific games for them to play. (They love Duck, Duck, Goose, Red Rover, Red Rover, Red light, Green light, Freeze Tag, etc.).

August 11th, 2013 "Ruth, Chapter 3".

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 & and then outside

for Art Making & Game Centers.

Ages 6-10 sit for Snack/Readings & Dialogue

5:50  Ages 6-10 join Art Making & Game Centers outside.

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: You can find song links on our Network Music Log and touch base with the music leaders listed on this weeks PM Plan.

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: The adults continue to go back for prayer. Take a moment to ask the kids if they have any prayer requests. It's good to learn to pray for each other. 

I have found it best to quickly go around and have the conversation, then start the prayer and ask the kids to call out one or a few words that describes their request/blessing. Then we all close with Amen. You may have other creative ways to do this as well. 

Reading & Dialogue Suggestions:

This season's we are starting at the begin of the Bible and working our way through chronologically some of the more popular stories of the Old Testament. Remind the kids that the old testament is before Jesus's time. Some of the stories can be strange, and God can seem very angry and mean at times. Remind the kids of what is to come, and what the differences are between the old and new testament. If you want to talk more about this, see Lauren.

Today we will start the story of Ruth. This is Chapter 3. 

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, or creating a song about 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: For the summer we are taking the kids outside. This week lets make a little river out of foil! Grab some cheap foil, some bath toys from your house, or a friends, and some pitchers of water. Making the "rivers" go down some of the hills I think would be especially fun. HERE is where I got the idea. 

• Make sure you you remind parents to pick up kids outside, as they drop kids off. 
• Do a bathroom check before you go out.
• Assign cell helpers to keep an eye on specific kids.
• Set some ground rules before you let kids loose.
• Stay on the grassy area. 
• No rocks, no sticks, no pulling on trees. They may climb the tree as long as they stay below leaf level. 
• Kids get 2 warnings on these rules. Let them know that by the 3rd one they will be sitting with you for a few minutes until they are ready to be calm and follow directions.
• Have specific games for them to play. (They love Duck, Duck, Goose, Red Rover, Red Rover, Red light, Green light, Freeze Tag, etc.).

August 4th, 2013 "Ruth, Chapter 2".

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 & and then outside

for Art Making & Game Centers.

Ages 6-10 sit for Snack/Readings & Dialogue

5:50  Ages 6-10 join Art Making & Game Centers outside.

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: You can find song links on our Network Music Log and touch base with the music leaders listed on this weeks PM Plan.

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: The adults continue to go back for prayer. Take a moment to ask the kids if they have any prayer requests. It's good to learn to pray for each other. 

I have found it best to quickly go around and have the conversation, then start the prayer and ask the kids to call out one or a few words that describes their request/blessing. Then we all close with Amen. You may have other creative ways to do this as well. 

Reading & Dialogue Suggestions:

This season's we are starting at the begin of the Bible and working our way through chronologically some of the more popular stories of the Old Testament. Remind the kids that the old testament is before Jesus's time. Some of the stories can be strange, and God can seem very angry and mean at times. Remind the kids of what is to come, and what the differences are between the old and new testament. If you want to talk more about this, see Lauren.

Today we will start the story of Ruth. This is Chapter 2. 

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, or creating a song about 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: For the summer we are taking the kids outside. This week lets paint with paper plates. Click HERE for how to make this fun project. 

• Make sure you you remind parents to pick up kids outside, as they drop kids off. 
• Do a bathroom check before you go out.
• Assign cell helpers to keep an eye on specific kids.
• Set some ground rules before you let kids loose.
• Stay on the grassy area. 
• No rocks, no sticks, no pulling on trees. They may climb the tree as long as they stay below leaf level. 
• Kids get 2 warnings on these rules. Let them know that by the 3rd one they will be sitting with you for a few minutes until they are ready to be calm and follow directions.
• Have specific games for them to play. (They love Duck, Duck, Goose, Red Rover, Red Rover, Red light, Green light, Freeze Tag, etc.).

July 28th, 2013 "Ruth, Chapter 1".

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 & and then outside

for Art Making & Game Centers.

Ages 6-10 sit for Snack/Readings & Dialogue

5:50  Ages 6-10 join Art Making & Game Centers outside.

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: You can find song links on our Network Music Log and touch base with the music leaders listed on this weeks PM Plan.

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: The adults continue to go back for prayer. Take a moment to ask the kids if they have any prayer requests. It's good to learn to pray for each other. 

I have found it best to quickly go around and have the conversation, then start the prayer and ask the kids to call out one or a few words that describes their request/blessing. Then we all close with Amen. You may have other creative ways to do this as well. 

Reading & Dialogue Suggestions:

This season's we are starting at the begin of the Bible and working our way through chronologically some of the more popular stories of the Old Testament. Remind the kids that the old testament is before Jesus's time. Some of the stories can be strange, and God can seem very angry and mean at times. Remind the kids of what is to come, and what the differences are between the old and new testament. If you want to talk more about this, see Lauren.

Today we will start the story of Ruth. This is Chapter 1.

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, or creating a song about 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: For the summer we are taking the kids outside. This week lets decorate our bodies! Click HERE for one DIY Body Paint option. You could also look for water soluble crayons at the craft store, just know that they range from $15-$25. 

• Make sure you you remind parents to pick up kids outside, as they drop kids off. 
• Do a bathroom check before you go out.
• Assign cell helpers to keep an eye on specific kids.
• Set some ground rules before you let kids loose.
• Stay on the grassy area. 
• No rocks, no sticks, no pulling on trees. They may climb the tree as long as they stay below leaf level. 
• Kids get 2 warnings on these rules. Let them know that by the 3rd one they will be sitting with you for a few minutes until they are ready to be calm and follow directions.
• Have specific games for them to play. (They love Duck, Duck, Goose, Red Rover, Red Rover, Red light, Green light, Freeze Tag, etc.).

July 21st, 2013 "Joshua & Jericho".

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 & and then outside

for Art Making & Game Centers.

Ages 6-10 sit for Snack/Readings & Dialogue

5:50  Ages 6-10 join Art Making & Game Centers outside.

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: You can find song links on our Network Music Log and touch base with the music leaders listed on this weeks PM Plan.

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: The adults continue to go back for prayer. Take a moment to ask the kids if they have any prayer requests. It's good to learn to pray for each other. 

I have found it best to quickly go around and have the conversation, then start the prayer and ask the kids to call out one or a few words that describes their request/blessing. Then we all close with Amen. You may have other creative ways to do this as well. 

Reading & Dialogue Suggestions:

This season's we are starting at the begin of the Bible and working our way through chronologically some of the more popular stories of the Old Testament. Remind the kids that the old testament is before Jesus's time. Some of the stories can be strange, and God can seem very angry and mean at times. Remind the kids of what is to come, and what the differences are between the old and new testament. If you want to talk more about this, see Lauren.

Today we will can continue the story of Joshua and will be reading "Joshua & Jericho".  

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, or creating a song about 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: For the summer we are taking the kids outside. This week lets try these Okra prints. Click HERE for a quick tutorial. 

• Make sure you you remind parents to pick up kids outside, as they drop kids off. 
• Do a bathroom check before you go out.
• Assign cell helpers to keep an eye on specific kids.
• Set some ground rules before you let kids loose.
• Stay on the grassy area. 
• No rocks, no sticks, no pulling on trees. They may climb the tree as long as they stay below leaf level. 
• Kids get 2 warnings on these rules. Let them know that by the 3rd one they will be sitting with you for a few minutes until they are ready to be calm and follow directions.
• Have specific games for them to play. (They love Duck, Duck, Goose, Red Rover, Red Rover, Red light, Green light, Freeze Tag, etc.).