I put a request out there to see if anyone could put it to music, and my friend and fellow Children's Minister in Jefferson city, MO put this together for us! Thanks Mark!
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Our 1st Graders Song
As I blogged about last week, a couple of our elementary small groups wrote a Psalm or song as we studied King David.
I put a request out there to see if anyone could put it to music, and my friend and fellow Children's Minister in Jefferson city, MO put this together for us! Thanks Mark!
I put a request out there to see if anyone could put it to music, and my friend and fellow Children's Minister in Jefferson city, MO put this together for us! Thanks Mark!
Monday, January 16, 2012
SERVING
Every lesson that we teach whether in the Nursery, FirstLook, KidQuest or The Challenge has a time of life application that we call an environment. For the next 4 weeks, that environement is SERVING.
This environment of SERVING is really a posture of our heart and asks the question, "What needs to be done?" It allows the Holy Spirit to cultivate a sensitivity to others and focuses on a cause bigger than one individual life. It helps fulfill the mandate that as Christ followers we are to view our lives as living sacrifices that we generously give away!
Every time we switch enviroments, we also switch memory verses that help us focus on the application into our personal lives. Here are the memory verses in our different areas of worship:
KidQuest (elementary worship)
This environment of SERVING is really a posture of our heart and asks the question, "What needs to be done?" It allows the Holy Spirit to cultivate a sensitivity to others and focuses on a cause bigger than one individual life. It helps fulfill the mandate that as Christ followers we are to view our lives as living sacrifices that we generously give away!
Every time we switch enviroments, we also switch memory verses that help us focus on the application into our personal lives. Here are the memory verses in our different areas of worship:
KidQuest (elementary worship)
Mark 9:35b
"If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all."
FirstLook (preschool worship)
Galatians 5:13b
"Serve one another in love."
We would love to see your kids put these great verses into their minds and hearts as they learn about serving over the next four weeks!
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Writing Songs
On Sunday, our kids learned about David dancing before God in his UNDERWEAR. The focus on the lesson was to do everything for God and it doesn't really matter what other people think.
Just imagine the KING, in the middle of the city of Jerusalem dancing around in his underwear. Granted he had a great excuse, God had just given his people the Ark of the Covenant back, oh what a scene and party that must have been.
Since David was a song writer and wrote much of the book of Psalms, our small group activity was to write a worship song. I am so proud of the way these kids put their heads together and wrote a song together.
I am sorry parents, but the 10:30 service was not able to get to this activity because they went downstairs to witness Brendan's baptism; seeing someone join Christ's family trumps anything else we can do while we are worshiping Him.
Here is what the 9:00 1st Grade Small Group wrote --
God we love you,
God you love us,
God you are in our hearts.
You make me happy,
You shine like a star,
You watch over us
You are the best by far
Here is what the 2/3 Grade Small Group wrote --
Jesus you are the Mighty King
You are the King of Kings
You are the Lord of Lords
You are the Lord of Heaven
You are Holy
We will worship you all day
We love you with all our hearts
And you love us right back
You are strong and powerful
No one can beat you
Strong and mighty
King of ALL
Just imagine the KING, in the middle of the city of Jerusalem dancing around in his underwear. Granted he had a great excuse, God had just given his people the Ark of the Covenant back, oh what a scene and party that must have been.
Since David was a song writer and wrote much of the book of Psalms, our small group activity was to write a worship song. I am so proud of the way these kids put their heads together and wrote a song together.
I am sorry parents, but the 10:30 service was not able to get to this activity because they went downstairs to witness Brendan's baptism; seeing someone join Christ's family trumps anything else we can do while we are worshiping Him.
Here is what the 9:00 1st Grade Small Group wrote --
God we love you,
God you love us,
God you are in our hearts.
You make me happy,
You shine like a star,
You watch over us
You are the best by far
Here is what the 2/3 Grade Small Group wrote --
Jesus you are the Mighty King
You are the King of Kings
You are the Lord of Lords
You are the Lord of Heaven
You are Holy
We will worship you all day
We love you with all our hearts
And you love us right back
You are strong and powerful
No one can beat you
Strong and mighty
King of ALL
Thursday, January 5, 2012
The Big God Story Family Bible Study!
What Story Are Your Children Living?
As people, we are designed to love stories and to live stories. We all live inside a story, whether we recognize it or not. We tell ourselves a story of what the world is about, what’s important, and what our place in the story is.
Our culture bombards our children with a story that says life is “all about me.” It tells them that they are born by chance, that life is about getting what they want, and that death is the end of the story. The Bible tells a different story, a story of a Lover pursuing His created ones in order to have a personal relationship with each one of them. This story is “all about God.” It tells children that they are born because God wants them, that life is about knowing and loving Him, and that death is not at all the end of the story. It tells them that The Big God Story started long ago, has been lived by people for many centuries, is going somewhere exciting, has a place for each child, and is centered on Jesus.
This resource is designed to help you plant The Big God Story into the hearts of the children in your family, whether they are preschoolers or elementary age. It can be modified to meet your context or schedule as needed.
This resource envisions an adult leader and a small group of two to eight children. If you are a parent with one child, that’s not a problem; you can have the discussion and do the activities one-on-one with your child. Naturally, you can also use this resource to teach a small group of children who might not be yours. It would be a perfect supplement for a children's teaching time during your adult small group. You could also use this as the curriculum for your entire small group and have the kids and adults learn together! It truly is a great resource for the entire family!
The content of The Big God Story A Family Bible Study is divided into 15 sessions. Ideally you’ll cover one a week, but again, let this meet your context and your schedule as needed.
Everything you need to teach your family or small group can be downloaded right here!
God's Presence Inspires Our Worship (KidQuest -- January 8)
Happy New Year!
This past Sunday was our very last KidQuest service in the youth room. On Sunday, January 8, the teens will be starting their own teen worship service, and we will be moving to our very own room! Make sure you pay attention to the new signs to direct you towards the right place!
Sunday was also fun because I was able to use the Lion King as an sermon illustration. Remember in Lion King with Rakifi hold up Simba to present him to the kingdom? Well in the Bible, Simeon does something very similar in Luke 2. He presents Jesus, when he was 8 days old, to the people gathered in the temple yard.
Now that we are into the New Year and the Christmas season is over, its time to go back into our chronological study of the Bible. Before Christmas we left off when Saul was anointed by Samuel, so our Big God Story picks back up with King David dancing in his underwear!
Throughout the Bible, we are given examples of God-inspired worship, like when King David, after battling the Philistines, gathered his men to retrieve the ark of the covenant, “which is called by the Name, the name of the Lord Almighty” (2 Samuel 6:2). It was finally time to bring the ark back to the capital city of Jerusalem, where national worship would be restored.
David … danced before the Lord with all his might … while he and the entire house of Israel brought up the ark of the Lord with shouts and the sound of trumpets. 2 Samuel 6:14–15
King David and his men reclaimed the ark from Kiriath Jearim, a city located about nine miles from Jerusalem. The ark had been there for 20 years, under the care of Abinadab’s son, Eleazar, who had been sanctified to keep it (1 Samuel 7:1–2). Before this, the ark was in Beth Shemesh, where the Philistines left it seven months after taking it into battle (1 Samuel 6). While in their possession, many terrible things happened to their people, such as tumors, boils, and an infestation of rats. Not understanding God’s power, they were glad to be rid of it.
But now, after all this time, the means by which God chose to dwell with His people was being brought back to its rightful home among God’s people. Because David knew the magnitude of this event, he was inspired to worship God with abandon.
You may be living in a season where you feel out of your comfort zone, or you may be living in a season of comfort. Either way, invite God into every aspect of your life. If you are feeling discomfort in your life, ask God to inspire you to worship Him, even in the midst of this trial. If you are in a season of comfort, consider asking God to move you into a place where you can experience a greater awareness of His presence in your life. Know that this request may bring you out of your comfort zone.
This past Sunday was our very last KidQuest service in the youth room. On Sunday, January 8, the teens will be starting their own teen worship service, and we will be moving to our very own room! Make sure you pay attention to the new signs to direct you towards the right place!
Sunday was also fun because I was able to use the Lion King as an sermon illustration. Remember in Lion King with Rakifi hold up Simba to present him to the kingdom? Well in the Bible, Simeon does something very similar in Luke 2. He presents Jesus, when he was 8 days old, to the people gathered in the temple yard.
Now that we are into the New Year and the Christmas season is over, its time to go back into our chronological study of the Bible. Before Christmas we left off when Saul was anointed by Samuel, so our Big God Story picks back up with King David dancing in his underwear!
Throughout the Bible, we are given examples of God-inspired worship, like when King David, after battling the Philistines, gathered his men to retrieve the ark of the covenant, “which is called by the Name, the name of the Lord Almighty” (2 Samuel 6:2). It was finally time to bring the ark back to the capital city of Jerusalem, where national worship would be restored.
David … danced before the Lord with all his might … while he and the entire house of Israel brought up the ark of the Lord with shouts and the sound of trumpets. 2 Samuel 6:14–15
King David and his men reclaimed the ark from Kiriath Jearim, a city located about nine miles from Jerusalem. The ark had been there for 20 years, under the care of Abinadab’s son, Eleazar, who had been sanctified to keep it (1 Samuel 7:1–2). Before this, the ark was in Beth Shemesh, where the Philistines left it seven months after taking it into battle (1 Samuel 6). While in their possession, many terrible things happened to their people, such as tumors, boils, and an infestation of rats. Not understanding God’s power, they were glad to be rid of it.
But now, after all this time, the means by which God chose to dwell with His people was being brought back to its rightful home among God’s people. Because David knew the magnitude of this event, he was inspired to worship God with abandon.
You may be living in a season where you feel out of your comfort zone, or you may be living in a season of comfort. Either way, invite God into every aspect of your life. If you are feeling discomfort in your life, ask God to inspire you to worship Him, even in the midst of this trial. If you are in a season of comfort, consider asking God to move you into a place where you can experience a greater awareness of His presence in your life. Know that this request may bring you out of your comfort zone.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Jesus Chooses Us to Follow Him (Nursery -- January 8)
Happy New Year!
Welcome to the very FIRST Weekly WCC Nursery blog. Every week you will find the following items that will help you be EQUIPPED, be INSPIRED, and be SUPPORTED:
Jesus chose to intentionally invest in 12 men during his earthly ministry. He taught and mentored these men in order to prepare them to "go and tell" the rest of the world about him after he was gone. Jesus called each one individually into a relationship with him. Today, he calls each of us into a relationship as well.
It is believed to have been customary in Jewish culture for young boys to enter school at age six. By the time a child was ten years old, it was the hope that rabbinical students would have Genesis through Deuteronomy memorized verbatim. Those who had natural abilities and showed promise would then move to the next level of schooling. Students were encouraged to develop their abilities to think critically and learn to ask thoughtful and provoking questions. Having the aptitude to not only commit Scripture to memory but also being able to understand its meaning was a key component of the rabbinical education.
Around the age of 14, students would apply to follow a particular rabbi. Rabbis would then question the applicants on their knowledge and understanding of the Scriptures. If they were considered to be the cream of the crop, the rabbi would accept the student as his disciple by saying, “Come, follow me.” By applying to become a disciple of a rabbi, the student was committing to become like the teacher and one day follow in his footsteps, continuing to teach the message of the rabbi. Once accepted as a disciple, the student would leave his possessions and family home to follow the rabbi. This was considered to be the highest honor. The students who were not chosen to follow the rabbi would return to their families. Once they returned home, the young men would learn the family trade from their fathers.
When Jesus called the first apostles He said, “Come, follow Me.” They had not applied to be students of this Teacher. However, Jesus was unlike any other rabbi. He chose His disciples. Jesus was looking for faith and obedience. He called the men He knew would take His message and build His church.
There are many things in our culture that vie for our attention. Oftentimes we serve them with our energy and time. Where do we allow time for God to speak to us? When do we make time for Him to direct us where He wants us to go? How do we serve Him with our time?
This week, try practicing the spiritual disciplines of solitude and service. Set aside 15–20 minutes in your schedule and find a quiet place (with your morning coffee, on your lunch break, or in a quiet room of your house). Sit in the silence. Allow yourself to clear your mind as you begin to download thoughts, to-do lists, responsibilities, worries, or burdens. If it helps, write them down and set the paper aside. Release your frustrations, fears, and stresses. Ask the Lord to help you sit in the silence. Allow your soul to find rest in Him. In this time of silence invite God to speak to you. Consider praying this Scripture as you begin: “Speak, for your servant is listening” (1 Samuel 3:10).
May the Lord give you ears to hear His voice when He calls. And may He reveal to you the way He has chosen for you as you seek to follow Him in a life of worship.
Welcome to the very FIRST Weekly WCC Nursery blog. Every week you will find the following items that will help you be EQUIPPED, be INSPIRED, and be SUPPORTED:
- HomeFront Weekly Attachment -- This is a document that introduces you to what is going to be taught the next week in the Nursery. The reason for giving you the info BEFORE it taught is a simple one; we believe that you are the primary spiritual leader of your kids, and we want to support you, so it is best if you present the stories and themes at home first and then we support you with our teaching on Sunday morning.
- Other great Biblical information about the Bible story that will help you grow in your walk with Christ.
- A direct email line with Matt, the Children's Minister at Wentzville Christian Church.
Jesus chose to intentionally invest in 12 men during his earthly ministry. He taught and mentored these men in order to prepare them to "go and tell" the rest of the world about him after he was gone. Jesus called each one individually into a relationship with him. Today, he calls each of us into a relationship as well.
It is believed to have been customary in Jewish culture for young boys to enter school at age six. By the time a child was ten years old, it was the hope that rabbinical students would have Genesis through Deuteronomy memorized verbatim. Those who had natural abilities and showed promise would then move to the next level of schooling. Students were encouraged to develop their abilities to think critically and learn to ask thoughtful and provoking questions. Having the aptitude to not only commit Scripture to memory but also being able to understand its meaning was a key component of the rabbinical education.
Around the age of 14, students would apply to follow a particular rabbi. Rabbis would then question the applicants on their knowledge and understanding of the Scriptures. If they were considered to be the cream of the crop, the rabbi would accept the student as his disciple by saying, “Come, follow me.” By applying to become a disciple of a rabbi, the student was committing to become like the teacher and one day follow in his footsteps, continuing to teach the message of the rabbi. Once accepted as a disciple, the student would leave his possessions and family home to follow the rabbi. This was considered to be the highest honor. The students who were not chosen to follow the rabbi would return to their families. Once they returned home, the young men would learn the family trade from their fathers.
When Jesus called the first apostles He said, “Come, follow Me.” They had not applied to be students of this Teacher. However, Jesus was unlike any other rabbi. He chose His disciples. Jesus was looking for faith and obedience. He called the men He knew would take His message and build His church.
There are many things in our culture that vie for our attention. Oftentimes we serve them with our energy and time. Where do we allow time for God to speak to us? When do we make time for Him to direct us where He wants us to go? How do we serve Him with our time?
This week, try practicing the spiritual disciplines of solitude and service. Set aside 15–20 minutes in your schedule and find a quiet place (with your morning coffee, on your lunch break, or in a quiet room of your house). Sit in the silence. Allow yourself to clear your mind as you begin to download thoughts, to-do lists, responsibilities, worries, or burdens. If it helps, write them down and set the paper aside. Release your frustrations, fears, and stresses. Ask the Lord to help you sit in the silence. Allow your soul to find rest in Him. In this time of silence invite God to speak to you. Consider praying this Scripture as you begin: “Speak, for your servant is listening” (1 Samuel 3:10).
May the Lord give you ears to hear His voice when He calls. And may He reveal to you the way He has chosen for you as you seek to follow Him in a life of worship.
Friday, December 30, 2011
TruBlessings -- New Nursery Curriculum!
Tru Blessings
We are extremely committed to teaching ALL our kids about the love of Jesus as soon as we can. We are always looking for the best way to teach them as well. With Tru Blessings, we think we have found the perfect curriculum for our precious Nursery kids here at Wentzville Christian Church. Let me tell you more about Tru Blessings.
Foundational Truths
- God Made Me
- God Loves Me
- God Is With Me
- As with curriculum in our other children's ministry areas, we are committed to teaching what we call "The Big God Story." The Big God Story is a method of teaching that Bible that walks our kids through the Bible in chronological order on a yearly basis. Tru Blessings is no different. However, we are jumping in midstream, so we will start with Genesis in September.
- Repetition
- Each part of The Big God Story will be repeated two weeks in a row, but will utilize different large group storytelling techniques and small group activities each week.
- Interactive
- Children will use their senses to explore God’s Word through a variety of touch, see, listen, and move activities and visuals.
- Remember and Celebrate
- Remember and Celebrate Sundays happen on the 13th week of every quarter (once per quarter) and will be a weekend to remember the three foundational truths and celebrate who God is. These weekends will align with KidQuest and FirstLook Remember & Celebrate’s.
- Worship
- Kids will worship through music provided with Tru Blessings and encouraged in the home as well.
- Environments
- Lessons are not written in any one of the 10 environments, but the parent components will land heavily on the environments and how to create them in the home. These environments will also align with what is being taught in FirstLook and KidQuest (See parenting components.)
- HomeFront Weekly
- We email out the "take home" sheets to parents we have an email address for every Monday morning. If you would like to sign up to receive this great resource, click here.
- Inspire, Equip, Support
- Every week in our email, we hope to Inspire you to be the best parent you can be, Equip you with great Biblical resources for your home and Support you however we can.
- Child development tips for parents that align with spiritual formation included in our weekly email.
Here is the basic timeline of what your kids will be experiencing while in the nursery.
- Explore: 15-20 minutes
- Kids explore materials that will help teachers introduce the day's Bible story.
- Discover: 10-15 minutes
- Bible Story Telling
- Respond: 5 minutes
- Worship
- Prayer
- Bless: 5 minutes
- Snack
- Leaders pray over your children while they are eating
- Connect: 15-30 minutes
- Create a craft that connects to the Big God Story
- Free play
If you have any questions about this transition, please email me.
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