Welcome to THE SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER'S NETWORK
**** A service of ChristianCrafters.Com ****
"For where two or three come together in my name,
there am I with them." -- Jesus.
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
When responding to a topic:
Delete ALL TEXT that is NOT PERTINENT to your response
before posting your message. Reply to: Sakeith@aol.com
SSTN - Number 243
November 7, 2001
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
IN THIS ISSUE OF THE SSTN e-NEWSLETTER:
1) Patriotic Christmas
2) Sorry about confusion...CLARIFICATION NOTICE
3) Ideas for a lesson on Zacchaeus
4) Jr./Sr. High School classes?
5) Zacchaeus idea - tree shaped book
6) Another Pumpkin idea
7) Patriotic Christmas Song
8) Missionary Vacation Bible School
9) Welcome - Witness Baskets
10) Patterns for nativity costumes?
11) Guide book for a children's director?
12) Playing Cards = Bible message
<>< <>< <>< <>< TODAY'S SSTN POSTINGS: <>< <>< <>< <><
1) Patriotic Christmas
We use Easter to portray that Jesus grew up, and instead of the cross --
we portray the empty tomb.
After all we do celebrate His birth on Christmas.
Have you thought about a different Sunday for a patriotic Sunday? Of
course 4th of July is good, but that is far away. It just doesn't seem to
tie in with Christmas. During the Gulf War we had Yellow Ribbon Sunday.
We invited every family in the community that had loved ones serving in
the armed forces, Had men form the local AFB come in uniform and present
the colors, sang patriotic songs, etc. At the end we did a balloon release
(yellow balloons) with each one signifying a prayer being prayed for the
people serving in the armed forces. It was a real neat thing that helped
bring a lot of people to gather in church who do not normally worship
together.
Also - we found parents will come ANYTIME to see their kids involved in a
drama, choir, etc., so perhaps you could use a separate Sunday and get the
parents to church an additional time this year.
For the person concerned about children reading the Bible. Unfortunately
kids are not reading a lot now days. Probably because they do have video,
etc. I think it is great to encourage them to read the Word. We re
teaching all our kids the books of the Bible - the New Test. this quarter.
We do this during the Pre session time -- when the kids arrive until Ss
actually starts. Lots of fun ways to do this.
Teresa
La Marque, TX
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
FREE CHRISTMAS CRAFT PROJECTS!
KIDS CAN @ CHRISTMAS TIME - An Advent celebration of 28 crafts and
recipes. Some of the projects include: Epiphany Ornaments (a six-sided
three dimensional ornament inspired from the Orient), Ribbon Stars, a
Paper Lace Angel, Paper Lace Luminaries, a Nativity Windsock, a Chrismon
Snowflake Butterfly (new design), an Edible Nativity, Church Window
Cookies, and the Jesus in the Manger cupcake, to name just a few! To learn
more, click the link or copy and paste it to your browser:
http://www.christiancrafters.com/crafts_Christmas_Advent.html
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
2) Sorry about confusion ... CLARIFICATION NOTICE
Hello you wonderful person you,
Man my days are so much happier now that I am working very hard to do it
THE LORDS WAY, not my way....Some clarifications though are in order as my
e-mail list is full with reponses to my last statements.
#1 I am a full time outreach minister dealing with the public on a daily
basis and accountable to the pastor for all, I also am a Childrens Church
Teacher and I am finishing up my studies for my Ordination as a Pastor,
The question was in my statement earlier, Can I use the Pastor title now
or should I wait to complete ALL my studies until I use this title, I am
currently in a dilemna over this as my duties are all inclusive of those
of a Pastor and I am currently Pastoring alot of people. ? Is this o.k. or
should I stick to 2 seperate titles when working with kids and working in
outreach ministery. I know, how about Minister James Contreras ? PLEASE
HELP....
#2 I asked the children to read a portion of Genesis and also to read
other
materials we use in class not just the Bible only. My kids, I have from 43
to 23 weekely on sunday morning, couldn't read most of any part of
anything I gave them to read, They are 2nd grade to 5th grade !!!!! I took
this under consideration and prayed for the Holy Spirit to guide me, I
know have an afterschool program on each Monday from 3:30pm to 6:30pm
Working with children on ALL their homework needs... Including math,
reading, spelling, geography, GEN ED Basically. Keep me in prayer and
sorry for any confusion I caused , some e-mail responses said I was
expecting to much from the kids reading the bible but they not only read
the bible in class but alot of other christian youth materials, anyways
GOD BLESS YOU ALL and BE SAFE THIS HALLOWEEN....
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
3) Ideas for a lesson on Zacchaeus
For fun you can do a "short" on things tall people can't do.
Walk under tables
Hide in small places
Get under the cabinets
Squeeze under bathroom doors
The lesson can than be centered on determination or folks with slight
handicaps and overcoming them and, of course, Jesus using everyone
regardless of their stature.
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
What are "Chrismon Snowflakes"?
A Chrismon, is a medieval Latin word meaning a symbol of Christ or
Christianity, or a "Christ-Monogram". Crowns, crosses, doves, stars, and
butterflies are a few examples of a Chrismon. While making paper cut
snowflakes with my children one Christmas, I wanted my designs to reflect
the spiritual nature of the season. By trial and error I incorporated
Chrismons into each of my snowflake designs. Hence, Chrismon Snowflake
Ornaments were developed! To get a free STAR pattern, and to learn more,
click the following link, or copy and paste it to your browser:
http://www.christiancrafters.com/page2.html
Your webservant, Sarah Keith. <><
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
4) Jr./Sr. High School classes?
Please tell me what lessons, books, curriculums you are successfully using
in your junior and senior high Sunday school and midweek classes? What
kinds of activities are you using? How are you imparting God's Word in
fun, and interesting ways?
Your moderator, Sarah Keith <><
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
5) Zacchaeus idea - tree shaped book
We've made a Zacchaeus book where the children illustrate the book and
retell the story in their own words. Since the children we had were 3 & 4
we wrote their stories for them but older children could even write it
themselves. To make the books, use green construction paper for the
fronts
& backs and white for the pages and cut all sheets in a tree shape. The
children loved reading their very own books to their families.
In Christ,
Robyn
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
6) Another Pumpkin idea
>>when you give your life to God, he cleans you out on the inside just
like
>>you are cleaning out the pumpkin. When you put the light inside the
>>pumpkin, explain how people are able to see God shining in you just as
>>see the light shining in the pumpkin.
This idea could be used for children's time during the sermon, if you have
2 pumpkins, one with seeds in, one with seeds cleaned out. the
description could include before accepting Jesus, and after accepting
Jesus. The light would, of course, go in the one with the seeds cleaned
out-using 2 pumpkins would mean less mess.
Just a thought, Betty Johnson
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
Chrismon Snowflake Ornaments
Bring new meaning to your Advent and Christmas
celebrations! 32 faith designs you can cut directly from the book.
To see a video of the Angel Snowflake being cut, go to:
http://www.ChristianCrafters.Com/page2.html
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
7) Patriotic Christmas Song
You will want to use the song, "Scars and Stripes by Darwin Moody
Copyright Chestnut Mound Music/BMI Christian World Inc., a div. of Mark
Stevens Ind., Oklahoma City, OK - It is perfect and super for what you
want.
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
8) Missionary Vacation Bible School
Dear Sarah,
My church is trying to put together our Vacation Bible Scool for Summer
2002 and I have been chosen to do crafts. We will be learning about
Missionarys and I'm suppose to do a craft from France, one from Japan, one
from Mexico, and one from Africa. I have looked through the archive lists
and haven't been able to find what I need. I was also hopeing to teach
the children how to write "God is Love" in each language. Do you have any
suggestions with the crafts and the language or where to even begin
looking?
Thank You so much for your time and dedication!
Brenda Newport Michigan
--from SSTN: Hi Brenda: Try "Round-the-World Crafts, Games and Activities
for Children's Ministry" in the Bookstore, crafts section:
http://www.christiancrafters.com/bookstore.html
As to languages, there are 81 countries from around the world that logged
onto the site last month...and over 5200 people currently enrolled in
SSTN. OK everyone, tell us how we can say "God Is Love" in your language!
;o))
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
9) Welcome - Witness Baskets
Rita- What a wonderful idea. I am going to use it in
our small church. How about jars of homemade jelly,
cocoa mix? Our little kids made chipclips out of
clothespins and jumbo craft sticks. Fridge magnets
would be easy, too. Just a few thoughts. I thank God
for your wonderful idea, and I know it will make a
difference. Ysic, Kathy
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
10) Patterns for nativity costumes?
I can find patterns for people but i need patterns
for animals any suggestions?
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
11) Guide book for a children's director?
I was in a large Christian book store yesterday looking for a book that
would serve a kind of a guide book for a children's director. I found
books for choir members, deacons, ushers, greeters, music ministers,
church secretary, ministers of education and pastors. I did not find one
for children's ministry. I have been the preschool director at our church
for 2 years and would now like to move past functioning from Sunday to
Sunday. I have been told that I am doing exactly what I need to be doing
but I feel the Lord has more in store for us. I am not a paid staff
member nor do we have a children's pastor. We usually have 70 to 85
children per service.(we have 2) I am in need of some direction for long
term plans. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Serving Him,
Tami Netjes
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
FREE CHRISTMAS CRAFT PROJECTS!
KIDS CAN @ CHRISTMAS TIME - An Advent celebration of 28 crafts and
recipes. Some of the projects include: Epiphany Ornaments (a six-sided
three dimensional ornament inspired from the Orient), Ribbon Stars, a
Paper Lace Angel, Paper Lace Luminaries, a Nativity Windsock, a Chrismon
Snowflake Butterfly (new design), an Edible Nativity, Church Window
Cookies, and the Jesus in the Manger cupcake, to name just a few! To learn
more, click the link or copy and paste it to your browser:
http://www.christiancrafters.com/crafts_Christmas_Advent.html
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
12) Playing Cards = Bible message
Many years ago as a child, I copied a list of the biblical meanings for a
deck of cards, and this is the first I have actually referred back to the
list. Here it is:
Ace - highest and most glorious - one God
Two - books of the Bible - Old and New Testaments
Three - Father, Son and Holy Ghost
Four - Evangelists - Matthew, Mark, Luke & John
Five - 10 virgins - 5 remembered oil - Matthew 25
Six - days to create world - Genesis 1
Seven - Day of rest - Genesis 2
Eight - righteous people saved from flood - Noah, his
wife, three children and their spouses - Genesis 6
Nine - 10 leapers healed and nine didn't give thanks -
Luke 18
Ten - plagues - Exodus 7
Jack - Devil
Queen - Virgin Mary
King - One King
365 dots on cards - days in a year
52 cards in a deck - weeks in a year
13 tricks - weeks in a quarter
4 suits/deck - seasons in a year
12 picture cards - months in a year
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
--Copyright 2001 S.A. Keith--All Rights Reserved. ----
Please read the complete copyright information at ChristianCrafters.Com.
You will find the link at the bottom of the homepage.
The SSTN GUIDELINES are posted on the Archives List page.
Publication in any medium, commercial or noncommercial, is strictly
prohibited without prior written permission. SSTN has contributors from
all over the world who share their ideas. If you reprint any of the ideas
from SSTN or ChristianCrafters.Com in any medium (websites, magazines,
newsletters, etc.), you must contact the submitter, and
ChristianCrafters.Com for reprint permissions. Any materials used must
also include the submitter's name and where the ideas were gleaned from.
The opinions expressed in the SSTN e-Newsletter are not necessarily
endorsed by ChristianCrafters.Com. SSTN reserves the right to edit and or
exclude information from the SSTN e-Newsletter.
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
SUBSCRIBE--UNSUBSCRIBE directions:
--To SUBSCRIBE or CHANGE your email address in the SSTN e-Newsletter:
Go to the 'Sunday School Network' page at:
http://www.ChristianCrafters.Com
If you are subscribing a friend, make sure you have their permission.
--To UNSUBSCRIBE to the SSTN e-Newsletter:
At the bottom of this newsletter you'll find your unique code for removing
your email address. The exact code MUST be placed into the 'mail to' or
'send to' area of your email box. Copy and paste the ENTIRE code, then
click send. The code begins with the word, 'leave' and ends with the
letters, 'ws', use the ENTIRE code. Get it below.
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
Return
to the Archives List