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SSTN # 47 - May 23, 2005


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IN THIS ISSUE OF THE SSTN e-NEWSLETTER:

---> Psalm 23 Craft, Lesson & Game

1) WARNING PLEASE READ!
2) Campfire skits
3) Disciplining van / car passengers?
4) Ladies devotion
5) Trinity Sunday?

Summertime Fun Lessons

6) Scope & Sequence?
7) Camping Theme VBS
8) Church Picnic?
9) Reality theme?
10) Dare Chair
11) Hawaiian Luau VBS
12) Ladies Devotional



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Psalm 23 Craft, Lesson & Game

The "Psalm 23 Keepsake Wall Hanging" pattern can accompany
"The Good Shepherd" lesson / VBS series or be used as a stand alone
project. You will find it listed in the "Easy Make & Take Download"
section at:

http://www.christiancrafters.com/curriculum.html 
(you may need to copy and paste the link to your browser)


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1) WARNING...PLEASE READ!

I was informed this morning that one of my subscribers has been scammed by
someone else in the network. Apparently she paid for used materials to be
shipped to her and the items that were promised never came. This has now
happened several times. Therefore, I have decided to no longer allow used
materials to be exchanged through SSTN. I am truly sorry if this
inconveniences anyone, but I cannot allow SSTN to be used as a place for
my subscribers to be scammed.

The bottom line is that it is safer and usually cheaper to purchase ONE
book with a sequential theme which spans an entire semester, than bits and
pieces of used curriculum. There are several very inexpensive curriculum
choices choose from at:
http://www.christiancrafters.com/curriculum.html 
Furthermore, when you purchase items in the Curriculum section,
you are helping SSTN to continue.
 
You can also use the no cost resources under VBS - Bible Clubs, as well as
Lessons with Special Activities in the Sermons section. You will find
those links on the home page at:  http://www.ChristianCrafters.Com
I hope you find these resources to be a blessing and a help in your
ministry!

However, if you are still interested in exchanging used curriculum and
risking that you'll receive what was promised, then I suggest that you run
a search on google.com for "Used Curriculum".

Your Webservant,
Sarah Keith <><
ChristianCrafters.Com


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2) Campfire skits

Here is a web site with lots of puppets scripts that are usable for kids.
http://www.puppetresources.com

Jeanne

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3) Disciplining van / car passengers?

I've been blessed with a new car this year and am thrilled to pick up four
extra passengers, besides my children.  The problem is that one of the
new 5th grade classmates to my son has chummed up with the bullies.  The
boy has joined in with the dirty name-calling (vulgar for "homosexual"),
and my son honestly can't take a full day of it (on school days that would
be from 8 am to 9 pm).  Through the years, my home and car have always
been safe havens to all kids, family and guests alike, and I explain that
I will not tollerate disrespectful or mean treatment amongst them.  I back
it up with one-week grounding periods if they disregard fair warnings. 
Nearly everyone has stopped the misbehavior all together, at least on the
premisis.  I want to continue the rules with the new kid, but my husband
says carpools to Bible Study shouldn't have rules.  AM I being
unreasonable?


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4) Ladies devotion

  kim wanted a ladies devotion
I do devotions regularly for our Kahui Wahine
(womens group in nz)the ones they enjoy the
most was where I set up stations around the room
with things like a bowl salt, a candle, some playdough(clay)
some mixed flowers in a vase etc with the ladies being
given a list of scriptures which apply to each one but
they have to discover for themselves which applies to
which and they write down what this means for them
  we then meet back together and they share one aspect
that really touched them.  We then pray with the ones
who feel that they need prayer.
 


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5) Trinity Sunday?

Hi Does anyone have any  ideas for crafts of activitys about the
trinity? I'm really struggling for ideas, if anyone has any please
email me at StMarysKids@gmail.com
Thanks
Reese

--from SSTN: Yes, check out the crafts and lessons pages at:
http://www.ChristianCrafters.Com 
Also, for those responding, please copy to SSTN
so all may benefit from your knowledge.


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Summertime Fun Lessons

What can bugs teach children about Jesus? More than you think! In "Buggie
For Jesus - I'm a BEE-liever", children will learn important Bible truths
using hands-on buggie crafts, games, lessons, and yummy devotions. Great
for midweek or a refreshing change of pace during the Sunday School hour!
Learn more in the Curriculum Creatives store at:
 
 http://www.christiancrafters.com/curriculum.html  


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6) Scope & Sequence

Sarah, thanks for your newsletter.  Can you give me the contact info on
getting ahold of a contributor.  I am interested in the scope and sequence
of 60 stories “Maureen” in SSTN # 42 - May 9, 2005 made reference to
regarding her rotation program.

Thanks,
Pastor Andy
pastorandyr@gmail.com


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7) Camping Theme VBS

I am doing a VBS this year entitled "Campsites of Victory." 
It uses the Israelites and their wilderness journeying to teach the
lessons.
The decor is to be camping - tent, camping chairs, fishing poles, etc. 
I would appreciate any ideas for crafts, games, decorating,  or prizes.
Thank you,
Esther
 

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8) Church Picnic?

Every year our church has a summer picnic in a local park. The picnic is
geared to the kids with games, a pinata, face painting, balloon
animals, etc.  It seems that we do the same thing every year and I am
looking to make a few changes.  Any ideas would be most appreciated.
 
Thank you,
Cathy


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9) Reality theme?

Hello.  God's Blessings to all.  Our Sr. High choir is doing a mission
trip to New York City this summer.   Can anyone suggest a Bible verse to
put on Tour tee shirts that would go with our theme?  Our theme is
'Reality".  So far we have looked at this one......Colossians 2:17
 


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10) Dare Chair game

What a neat idea for a game of review....I remember playing a game somwhat
like that but in stead of designating chairs in advance I numbered all the
chairs.  Once the children were sitting I pulled ping pong balls from a
bag with corresponding numbers on them.  The children sitting in those
numbered seats will be asked the questions.....if a child did not know the
answer I would go "right" or "left" of that child (changing back and forth
at each question)   Great game....and...............PTL for Sarah's good
report.!!!! Dianne, AL


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11) Hawaiian Luau VBS

How about a theme like "Follow the Son" (instead of sun?) and use the
story about the four friends who brought their lame friend to Jesus.

Or you could do something about the Living Water!
Angie<><


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12) Ladies Devotional
 
>Hi,  I have been asked to give a short devotional at a ladies retreat. If
>you have an idea for me I would love to hear it. Thanks , Kim

The best devotional I have "participated" in recently was titled 'WHAT'S
IN YOUR PURSE?"  This gets everyone involved and teaches new ways to be a
witness for our faith in Christ, our Savior.  Agape,  Jamie

1.  What item(s) in your purse do the following verses suggest?

    1 peter 3:3,4  Your beauty ... should be that of your inner self,
the unfading beauty of a gently and quiet spirit, which is of great worth
in God's sight.

We discussed that there is nothing wrong with the proper use of make-up.
What other qualities for beauty does god encourage in the following
section from Galatians?  Gal 5:22,23  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy,
peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness &
self-control. 

Think about a precious woman in your past -- one who has influenced you a
great deal (a mom, sister, grandmother, teach friend, other relative,
choir director).  Her beauty most likely exhibited the characteristics in
Galatians.

How is an inner beauty important for witnessing your faith?


2.  Many of us carry PICTURES of our loved ones. We have pictures of
spouse, children & grandchildren.  Many of us aren't shy about pulling them out
and sharing them someone.

Keep in mind we don't know what Jesus looked like physically, but that
wasn't the most important to Jesus.  John14:6  Jesus answered, "I am the
way and the truth and the life.  No one comes to the father except through me.

How might it be useful to put a small picture of Jesus in with our
precious loved ones, for certainly HE is one of the greatest loved ones?

We may not carry a photograph of what someone thought Jesus looked like,
but what type of a mental picture of Jesus do we carry with us for witnessing?

What type of picture of Jesus comes to mind with the following passage?
John 6:67,68  '"You do not want to leave too, do you?"  Jesus asked the
Twelve.  Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go?  You have
the words of eternal life.'


3.   What item in your purse comes to mind with this verse?  Luke 5:30-32
But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law who belonged to their sect
complained to his disciples, "Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors
and 'sinners'?  Jesus answered them,  'It is not the healthy who need a
doctor, but the sick.  I have not come to call the righteous but sinners
to repentance.'

Be reminded by your medicines that in Christ you have the real doctor to
help the sick, those sick to death with sin!

4.   What over used item is in many purses?

Romans 4:3-5  What does the Scripture say?  "Abraham believed God, and it
was credited to him as righteousness.  Now when a man works, his wages are
not credited to him as a gift, but as an obligation.  However, to the man
who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith is
credited as righteousness.

In Christ you can pass on a real way to reduce debt fast and completely!


5.  Many of us carry and ADDRESS BOOK -- of people you know and care
about. Do you carry an address bock of those you know who don't know Jesus as
Savior?  One might be useful to keep their names before you for prayer and
concern.

What is the weakness of life style witnessing?
What is the weakness of vocal witness without life style?


Romans 1:16  I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of
God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for
the Gentile.

Acts 4:20   For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.

1 Peter 3:15   But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord.  Always be
prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for
the hope that you have.  But do this with gentleness and respects, ...


6.  Receipts:  We carry many receipts of what we have purchased.  When you
look at a receipt think also of how you have invested your time with
others and those you have told about Christ.

    We also have THE RECEIPT for our eternal life, God's Word, the Holy
Scripture, which tells us that He sent His Son who paid for ALL SINS, once
and FOR ALL -- the debt of our sinful natures has been PAID IN FULL.

John 3:16  For God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten son,
that whosoever believeth in HIM should not perish but have everlasting
life."


7.   What item in your purse is a symbol for our residence in heaven?
Matthew 16:19  I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever
you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth
will be loosed in heaven.

Jesus told us that we are His witnesses.  He will come to people through
the Means of Grace, in the case of witnessing, through the Word.  We are given
the responsibility and joy to proclaim the Gospel so people can hear and
by the grace of God, through the Spirit, believe.


8.   Other items you might carry with you to help with witnessing -- some
for our use and some which might be useful for beginning a discussion:
    -- file card(s) with you favorite verses on them
    -- your business cards with a verse on the back or some of your
pastor's or church business cards
    -- a small Bible for our own reference.
    -- the book of John or Luke to give to someone
    -- a key chain with Jesus on it, or Bible verse, etc.

    In all your witnessing remember what Peter said that the end 1 Pater
3:15c  "But do this with gentleness and respect ... "

for we are not trying to beat someone into the kingdom of God.  The
witness is ours but the work is Jesus'

9.  Deodorant (Perfume):  We may be nervous about meeting other people and
witnessing to them.  Some of us/all of us may be -- but remember -- Psalm
23:4  Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will
fear no evil, for you are with me: your rod and your staff, they comfort
me.

Be bold in the Lord for we are going home to heaven.


10.  So far we have not mentioned one of the most important "items" which
we pray that you will carry daily.  The purse itself, the bag which contains
all of the above items serves as our example.

Colossians 3:14  And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them
all together in perfect unity.

Remember Jesus' summary of the 10 commandments.  Matthew 23:36-38 
'Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?'  Jesus replied, "Love the
Lord you God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your
mind.  This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is lie
it: Love your neighbor as yourself."

What is common to both summaries of the law?

    Summary:
        What witnessing doesn't need:
          a.  You don't need the gift of evangelism, but it does help.
          b.  You don't need to use theological language or have a
degree from one of our training schools.
          C,  You don't need guilt about what you haven't done in
the past, for you have the forgiveness and love of Christ to
witness today.

        What you do need:
          a.  A knowledge of the love of Jesus in your life which has forgiven your great debt of sin.
          b.  A thankful love for what Jesus has done for YOU.
          c.  A love of people which recognizes that people without Christ are going to hell and you don't want anyone to go to
hell.
          d.  A willingness to witness Jesus' work and nature using your own language and words to people.  If you feel that you
haven't done as well as you have wanted, or might not have
used all the right words, or can't answer some of their
questions, refer them to your pastor.


2 Timothy 1:7-9  For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a
spirit of power, of love and of self- discipline.  So do not be ashamed to
testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner.  But join with me in
suffering for the gospel, by the power of God who has saved us and called
us to a holy life -- not because of anything we have done but because of His
own purpose and grace.


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Sarah Keith <><
ChristianCrafters.Com
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Lake Park, FL 33403
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(In the memo section of your check write: "SSTN Subscription".
Please include your email address.)

Your webservant,
Sarah Keith <><


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