December 11th: Good reason to fear, Better reason to Hope (Mary & Joseph)

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

5:40 Music & Dancing

5:55 Solidarity Prayer

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.). Ask a simple, fun question to help them settle in.


Reading & Dialogue Suggestions:
This season's theme is "Do not be afraid".
Here is where we get that theme from: Luke 2: 9-12
An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. ¹⁰ But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. ¹¹ Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. ¹² This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

The stories we are reading today is from Mathew 1:18-25 & Luke 1:26-45.
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?


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 about alternative gift giving. 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. 


Art Making/Process Suggestions: This season we are learning how to make cheap or free gifts and decorations. 

HERE is a fun spinning paper ornament idea. 

• 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.

December 4th: Living Wild Spiting Fear (John the Baptist)

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

5:40 Music & Dancing

5:55 Solidarity Prayer

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.). Ask a simple, fun question to help them settle in.


Reading & Dialogue Suggestions:
This season's theme is "Do not be afraid".
Here is where we get that theme from: Luke 2: 9-12
An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. ¹⁰ But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. ¹¹ Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. ¹² This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

The story we are reading today is from 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?


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 about alternative gift giving. This week we are praying for World Visions "Give a Goat". 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: This season we are learning how to make cheap or free gifts and decorations. 

HERE is one paper garland idea. An alternate way of doing this is punching out 2 small holes in each circle and threading the yarn through the decorations.

• 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 27th: Speaking Love to Fear (The Prophets)

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

5:40 Music & Dancing

5:55 Solidarity Prayer

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.). Ask a simple, fun question to help them settle in.



Reading & Dialogue Suggestions:
This season's theme is "Do not be afraid".
Here is where we get that theme from: Luke 2: 9-12
An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. ¹⁰ But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. ¹¹ Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. ¹² This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

The story we are reading today is from  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?


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 about alternative gift giving. This week we are praying for Art Shop. 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: This season we are learning how to make cheap or free gifts and decorations.


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 20th "Exorcism Fail"

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.

Here's another story in the bible. 
Mathew 17:14-21
(This is a story about casting out demons. You may choose to pick a more age appropriate story).

*Giving kids a "job" helps them pay attention and stay engaged. Ask them what 2 things they can look out for. 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 things they found and discuss. Think of 2 questions that help them relate this story to their own lives.

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 Faith in the American Church  . 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: Faith is believing in something we can't always physically see. Painting with your hands can be like that sometimes. We have less control over what the outcome is when we paint in a way that is messy. But sometimes we are pleasantly surprised by what does happen, when we don't have as much control. Let's pull out the big role of brown paper and each do a large finger painting.

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 13th "The poor you will always have with you"

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.

Here's another story in the bible. 

Mathew 26:6-13

*Giving kids a "job" helps them pay attention and stay engaged. Ask them what 2 things they can look out for. 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 things they found and discuss. Think of 2 questions that help them relate this story to their own lives.

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 of India . 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: When Lauren was in India making art with kids there, often she had to use materials that she found on the street. Many children in India help their parents gather paper, bottles, and cardboard to earn money for their family. This leaves very little to pick up off of the street to use for art. So, many times Lauren used sticks and ash and water for the kids to draw with. Let's try our hand at that this week. 


To see more click HERE.

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 6th "System Fail"

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.
Here's another story in the bible. 

Acts 16:16-40
(Note: This about casting out demands, you may choose to do a different story).

*Giving kids a "job" helps them pay attention and stay engaged. Ask them what 2 things they can look out for. 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 things they found and discuss. Think of 2 questions that help them relate this story to their own lives.

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 small businesses around the world, most specifically Pizza Brain. . 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:  Let's make a pizza for snack/art time!


Click HERE for a simple dessert pizza idea (does require one step of pre-cooking)
You can make it more or less healthy to your liking:-)

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.