February 23rd, 2014 "A Baptism of Life-Change".

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.

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: The music leaders have been really great about including us in their weekly emails regarding their song list. See if you can pull one or two from there. If you don't recognize the songs, reach out and contact the music leader to learn one. You can also find links to our new COH albums and COH music log to the right on this blog.

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:

As we head towards the season of Lent, lets look at the life of Jesus. Ask the kids to recap what they remember, you may want to refresh yourself as well. Today we are reading Luke 3:1-22

Giving kids a "job" helps them pay attention and stay engaged. Ask them to pay attention for something, a word, a character, a pattern of some kind, etc.

• 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 February lets restock some playdough options for the kids. Lauren will buy large plastic containers to store things in. This week you and the kids will make some Cloud Play dough. HERE is one recipe to try. Collaborate with your partner to gather materials for the recipe. 

• 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.

February 16th, 2014 "They Found Him in the Temple"

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: The music leaders have been really great about including us in their weekly emails regarding their song list. See if you can pull one or two from there. If you don't recognize the songs, reach out and contact the music leader to learn one. You can also find links to our new COH albums and COH music log to the right on this blog.

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:

We just finished the story of Jonah and has we head towards the season of Lent, lets look at the life of Jesus. Ask the kids to recap what they remember, you may want to refresh yourself as well. Today we are reading Luke 2:41-52

• Giving kids a "job" helps them pay attention and stay engaged. Ask them to pay attention for something, a word, a character, a pattern of some kind, etc.
• 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 February lets restock some playdough options for the kids. Lauren will buy large plastic containers to store things in. This week you and the kids will make some Chocolate Pudding Play dough. HERE is one recipe to try. Collaborate with your partner to gather materials for the recipe. 

• 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.

February 9, 2014 Jonah 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: The music leaders have been really great about including us in their weekly emails regarding their song list. See if you can pull one or two from there. If you don't recognize the songs, reach out and contact the music leader to learn one. You can also find links to our new COH albums and COH music log to the right on this blog.

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:

We are reading the story of Jonah. Remind our kids that the story of Jonah happens before Jesus comes, and so many ways that God makes decisions pre-dates Jesus's salvation. Talk to your team mates if you'd like to process this a bit more.  Ask the kids to recap what they remember, you may want to refresh yourself as well. Today we are reading Jonah Chapter 4.

• Giving kids a "job" helps them pay attention and stay engaged. Ask them to pay attention for something, a word, a character, a pattern of some kind, etc.
• 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 February lets restock some playdough options for the kids. Lauren will buy large plastic containers to store things in. This week you and the kids will make some Gak. HERE is one recipe to try. Collaborate with your partner to gather materials for the recipe. 

• 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.

February 2nd, 2014 Jonah 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: The music leaders have been really great about including us in their weekly emails regarding their song list. See if you can pull one or two from there. If you don't recognize the songs, reach out and contact the music leader to learn one. You can also find links to our new COH albums and COH music log to the right on this blog.

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:

We are reading the story of Jonah. Remind our kids that the story of Jonah happens before Jesus comes, and so many ways that God makes decisions pre-dates Jesus's salvation. Talk to your team mates if you'd like to process this a bit more.  Ask the kids to recap what they remember, you may want to refresh yourself as well. Today we are reading Jonah Chapter 3.

Giving kids a "job" helps them pay attention and stay engaged. Ask them to pay attention for something, a word, a character, a pattern of some kind, etc.

• 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 February lets restock some playdough options for the kids. Lauren will buy large plastic containers to store things in. This week you and the kids will make some quick no cook play dough. HERE is one recipe to try. Collaborate with your partner to gather materials for the recipe. 

• 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.

January 26th, 2014 Jonah 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: The music leaders have been really great about including us in their weekly emails regarding their song list. See if you can pull one or two from there. If you don't recognize the songs, reach out and contact the music leader to learn one. You can also find links to our new COH albums and COH music log to the right on this blog.

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:

We are currently reading the story of Jonah. Ask the kids to recap what they remember, you may want to refresh yourself as well. Today we are reading Jonah Chapter 2. 

• Giving kids a "job" helps them pay attention and stay engaged. Ask them to pay attention for something, a word, a character, a pattern of some kind, etc.
• 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: It's the new year, time for some new art work in our room. HERE is a little tutorial on marbleizing with shaving cream. If one person could buy a can of shaving cream and another one buy a pack of food coloring I think you will be set. Don't forget to put on smocks!

• 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.

January 19th, 2014 Jonah 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: The music leaders have been really great about including us in their weekly emails regarding their song list. See if you can pull one or two from there. If you don't recognize the songs, reach out and contact the music leader to learn one. You can also find links to our new COH albums and COH music log to the right on this blog.

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:

We just finished the story of Daniel, and we are now jumping ahead a few books to Jonah. Ask the kids to recap what they remember from last week, you may want to refresh yourself as well. Today we are reading Jonah Chapter 1.

• Giving kids a "job" helps them pay attention and stay engaged. Ask them to pay attention for something, a word, a character, a pattern of some kind, etc.
• 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: It's the new year, time for some new art work in our room. HERE is a little tutorial for salted water color painting. There is Tempera paint in the the kids space to water down in little cups. Try to offer the kids only Blue, Red, Yellow & White. This will help them learn a little color mixing. You will need to buy salt, maybe try 2 different kinds for different affects. Don't forget to put on smocks!

• 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.

January 12th, 2014 Daniel Chapter 6

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: The music leaders have been really great about including us in their weekly emails regarding their song list. See if you can pull one or two from there. If you don't recognize the songs, reach out and contact the music leader to learn one. You can also find links to our new COH albums and COH music log to the right on this blog.

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:

Now that Advent is over, we are going to jump back into the book of Daniel. Ask the kids to recap what they remember, you may want to refresh yourself as well. Today we are reading Daniel Chapter 6. 

• Giving kids a "job" helps them pay attention and stay engaged. Ask them to pay attention for something, a word, a character, a pattern of some kind, etc.
• 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: It's the new year, time for some new art work in our room. HERE is a little tutorial for some straw blowing painting. There is Tempera paint in the the kids space to water down in little cups. Try to offer the kids only Blue, Red, Yellow & White. This will help them learn a little color mixing. You may need to buy straws. Don't forget to put on smocks!

• 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.

January 5th, 2014 Daniel Chapter 5

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: The music leaders have been really great about including us in their weekly emails regarding their song list. See if you can pull one or two from there. If you don't recognize the songs, reach out and contact the music leader to learn one. You can also find song links on our Network Music Log.

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:

Now that Advent is over, we are going to jump back into the book of Daniel. Ask the kids to recap what they remember, you may want to refresh yourself as well. Today we are reading Daniel Chapter 5. 

• Giving kids a "job" helps them pay attention and stay engaged. Ask them to pay attention for something, a word, a character, a pattern of some kind, etc.
• 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: It's the new year, time for some new art work in our room. In our readings today there was an image drawn with a finger, lets do some fun finger painting on large pieces of paper. There is Tempera paint in the the kids space. Try to offer the kids only Blue, Red, Yellow & White. This will help them learn a little color mixing. Ask Lauren for large paper. Don't forget to put on smocks!

• 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.