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2010-01-05T13:34:00.005-05:00

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SSTN Current Issue

2009-10-22T17:12:00.002-04:00

To read our current issue of the Sunday School Teacher's Network Newsletter, Click here.

SSTN #37

2009-10-15T13:37:00.000-04:00

Read what our fellow teachers are saying:

1) Christmas Carol: Sixth Grade Scrooge

Our Children's ministry is putting on a Christmas play called "Sixth Grade Scrooge". It is a musical and all the children get to participate. Even the littlest ones. Not everyone gets a "part" but they are all enjoying rehearsing and the songs they get to sing. It is about the the true meaning and spirit of Christmas.

--from SSTN: you can find the Sixth Grade Scrooge in our affiliate bookstore. To locate it, type the title into the book search box at: http://www.sundayschoolnetwork.com/bookstore.html

2) Thank you for your prayers

Dear servant of God,

Our ministry and prayer teams have kept lifting you before the Lord and we believe you are fine with your family.

We begin our open air evangelistic meetings and repentance Rallies on Wednesday in Mumias town. Believe with us for the great and maximum harvest. Pray for the Revival and outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Keep praying for the miracles which will cause people to believe in Jesus.

Kenya has gone through the moments of suffering. We have been tried and shaken by the enemy but God has not left us. Famine has claimed the lives of our dear ones, especially in these last 2 years and it is time we realized for this to stop we got to run to Jesus, and as the ministers of the gospel we got to be ready in and out of season to warn, exhort and lead the people to the Lord Jesus.

We appreciate for your help, encouragement and prayers which have really helped us reach the dying souls around East Africa.

We love you so much and may God richly bless you.

Yours in Christ
Gideon

--from SSTN: Dear Gideon, thank you so much for your prayers. Please post your request to our prayer board too. The link is at the bottom of this newsletter.

3) Kids Song: Jingle Bells Tune

Dear ones at SSTN

I am sorry the last mail just got clicked I couldn't send. I am sharing here the testimony how this song came to being. My youngest sister Roseline, who took care of my parents and did not get married become lonely after both of them went to be with the Lord. With my own family responsibilities I couldn't do much for her. One day I was praying 'Lord Roseline is so lonely, I just don't know how to fill her void, please help her'. And I felt the Lord say - 'She is not alone I am with her, more than you can fill or give'. And the words just started pouring into my heart as I penned these lines. I then wanted a famous tune so that the children would really enjoy (it was December), and of course what best than the 'Jingle bells'. My kids at Sunday school and the Good news clubs love to sing this song and I am sure other kids will also enjoy. The words are (tuned to 'Jingle bells')

"Wherever I may go, I know you'll go with me
For this is your promise in the Bible - Joshua 1:9

Chorus:
I'm not alone, I'm not alone, my Father is with me
I rest in His arms knowing that He cares like no one cares for me
Hey! I'm not alone I'm not alone, my Father is with me
O how faithful my Jesus is He tramples my enemies.

He fights battles for me, and wins me victories
I know He'll never let me down, all through life's journey. Hey!"

Please do share it with others. Thank you so much.

My name is Esther - I am working for the Govt. of India and during my free time serving the Lord. Pray for me, my two kids, Pastor husband.

With lots of love
Esther

4) Bible Without Error?

I used to think that the adding up of the generations of the Lord's genealogy added up to what it says in Matthew chapter one, if we consider that the one named Joseph is Mary's father instead of Joseph her husband, but that was before I found out some more information from another on this subject of this genealogy.

What I found out was that Jeconiah's father's name is not included, so there is apparently a missing generation.

I Chronicles 3 tells of Josiah's sons.

In the Bible, I learned that Jeconiah is also known by other names, such as "Jehoiachin" (II Chron. 36:8,9) and "Coniah" (Jeremiah 22:28).

This might seem like a lot of information to sort out, but it seems clear to me now, that the numbering of the generations do not add up as I had thought previously.

I cannot prove my Bible is without error, but I can say it has proved to me that Jesus is who he said he is and that I have eternal life through him.

RB

--from SSTN: your query was submitted to Walter B. Arnold, pastor and Bible historian. See his response, item #5.

5) Bible Without Error

This is not an issue of errant versus inerrant Scripture. The number of generations is stylized, that is, it is not intended to be an exhaustive or absolutely historical family tree...generations are skipped to create the symmetrical 14 generation profile. The genealogy in Matthew is intended to establish Jesus' legal claim to the throne of David...he had to be Jehoiachin's, Coniah's or Jeconiah's heir (all the same king)...as RB has learned. Sometimes we find ourselves asking questions or answering questions the Biblical writers are not asking and seeing apparent contradictions or discrepancies where none exist. The different genealogies in Matthew and Luke are a case in point. There is a nice article on genealogies in the Archeological Study Bible. The Jews developed a numerical value to letters called gammatria. The numerical value of David's name is fourteen...so the choice of fourteen generations maybe stylized around David's name as well as David's throne. Another helpful note is found in the New Bible Commentary on Matthew 1. Any good evangelical commentary will have a discussion on this issue. Hope this is helpful.
LA

(Rev. Walter "Lucky" Arnold)
http://www.firstpresnpb.org

6) A Christmas Carol - Scrooge In Bethlehem

I used a script with Music titled “A Christmas Carol - Scrooge In Bethlehem” adapted and arranged by Anna Laura Page and Jean Anne Shafferman. We were able to use ages 3 to 17 with this skit. This skit could easily be done without the Music if desired or just by using a piano interlude as desired.

Feel free to contact me directly for more information:

Todd Efing
LeRoy Presbyterian Church
Cell: 585-259-3340

--from SSTN: this script can be found in our affiliate bookstore at: http://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Carol-Musical-Children-Giving/dp/0834173727/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1255355173&sr=8-1

7) Halloween - Gospel Tracts

When children come to your door looking for treats this Halloween, give them something that will last for eternity! Print out our f-r-e-e gospel tracts to tell them about Jesus. You'll find them in our Fall Festival and Fall Treats section at: http://www.sundayschoolnetwork.com/crafts-holidays.html

8) Lip Synch Teen Skits?

the kids doing their videos looked great...can u lead me to a group which could help me in drama/skits for junior high ages. what we would like to do is listen to prerecorded words and music and we would simply do a lip synchronization on the dramas. you see we really do not have great resources for microphones especially the lapel ones which is very useful while walking about...we've done Joseph the dreamer and David in lip synch type and it was much easier though i really took the effort to listen and copy the conversations. i teach performing arts in a bible school in the Philippines. thank you i look forward to your helping me out. shalom

SSTN - #36

2009-10-07T14:09:00.001-04:00

Read what are teachers saying:

1) Interested in Writing for SSTN?

Do you have a story or special insight you'd like to share? Do you feel strongly about an issue in the church today? What areas of ministry do you know well? Send it in for publication to sstn@sundayschoolnetwork.com

2) Your Destiny...

Watch your thoughts; they become words.
Watch your words; they become actions.
Watch your actions; they become habits.
Watch your habits; they become character.
Watch your character; it becomes your destiny...

"Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." Ephesians 5:15-16

3) Christmas Carol Script?

I am looking for a short script suitable for Sunday School Children on ‘A Christmas Carol’. It does not have to stick
Strictly according to the original plot (I will have to Change it to have a Christmas slant to it) - and it should not
Run for longer than 45 minutes max. Anybody got some ideas where I could find such a script?

Blessings
Granny D’

--from SSTN: you can find A Christmas Carol in our affiliate bookstore by following this link: http://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&keywords=A%20christmas%20carol%20pam%20andrews&index=blended

Also, A Harvest Carol is in our skits section: http://www.sundayschoolnetwork.com/skits-Autumn.html

4) The Apprentice Christmas Skit

This is the fictional story of an ambitious young man from Greece who traveled to the Middle East to search for a Master Carpenter Mentor. Learn the fate that awaits this young man by following the Christmas Skits link, below, to "The Apprentice": http://www.sundayschoolnetwork.com/skits-Christmas.html

5) Jesus Loves Children poem...Scroll down

Gooday, please can you tell me where I can find this poem. Also what material do you have available

--from SSTN: the poem was in the last newsletter. To view the articles, you must scroll down the page. You can also find recent issues in our archives at: http://www.sundayschoolnetwork.com/archives.html

Materials are available at: http://www.sundayschoolnetwork.com

6) God's Amazing Accuracy

I was truly awed by this reading about how powerful God is and what a great plan he had! I am hoping that our Sunday School students can do the entire service on November 22nd with one of our high students using this for the sermon. What could be better for a Thanksgiving service and we will also be using this service to show appreciation to our pastor. Thanks for all your wonderful ideas. Ann

Ann Tillotson
megnmat@roadrunner.com

7) Pastor Appreciation / Ideas?

We are working on ideas to show our pastor how much we appreciate her. One idea that we are doing is choosing a particular Sunday and give everyone a colored index card as they enter church and ask them to write on it why they appreciate our minister. We will collect these and attach them to ribbons which will hang in our vestry near her office so that she may read them often. Does anybody else have any ideas to share? Ann
Ann Tillotson
megnmat@roadrunner.com

--from SSTN: you can also search for additional ideas using the search link at:
http://www.sundayschoolnetwork.com/archives.html

8) Lectionary-based Kid's Sermons

A great resource that I have found and use frequently for Lectionary-based Children's sermons is www.sermons4kids.com It has one feature each week, but also has a search engine based on Scripture passage or by Lectionary year.

Blessings,
Andrea

9) Musical Presentation?

Hi! I need your help. This December our Kids Ministry will have a musical presentation. In line with this, we still have no idea what to play. Can I ask for your suggestions? Thank you so much!

--from SSTN: a quick and easy option can be found in our affiliate bookstore. Type "Instant Christmas Pageants" into the search box to locate them at: http://www.sundayschoolnetwork.com/bookstore.html Available titles are: Wee Three Kings, The Mouse's Tale, Operation Baby King, The Not-So-Silent Night, Live From Bethlehem, and The Fumbly Bumbly Angels.

SSTN #35

2009-10-01T17:14:00.001-04:00

Read what our teachers are saying:

1) Persecuted Christians

Voice of the Martyrs, www.persecution.com also provides a children's program with magazines and activity booklets that highlight many children in various countries who are bold for Jesus. It is called "Kids of Courage". Our Children's Education Ministry will be incorporating some of this into our regular classes and we also always participate in the International Day Of Prayer for the Persecuted Church which is sponsored through one of the links on the above website called Open Doors. IDOP is on Sunday, November 8th this year. Last year I sent a letter home to parents ahead of time and we took the children's offering from that Sunday (along with some donors from the congregation) and purchased Bibles to be given to children in other countries who don't have any. I also had a former missionary come and tell the children of some of her experiences (not any too intense) and she brought some Bibles in that were written in Chinese for the children to look at. Check it out. It gets kids praying and realizing there are many other kids who are Christians all around the world and that they don't all have the freedom to attend church school or read their Bibles.

Marilyn Commins
Director of Children's Education Ministry
St. Bartholomew's Anglican Church
Tonawanda, New York

2) Reinforce the Call to Pray

I would like to reinforce the call to pray for these two women. Please pray too, for those who are being 'watched' in that country. These Christians who are being watched have chosen to stay in order to be able to share the good news. In other words they are choosing to die for the cause of Christ, they are choosing martyrdom. This is not to say that God cannot intervene but this is their likely future. The web is always public so I will not say more, other than to say this hits very close to home for me, and ask that you would pray. Thank-you

3) Teacher Appreciation Spoon Idea

In reply to Peggy, Another variation of this spoon gift is to dip the spoon in chocolate and let the chocolate harden, tie a ribbon on the spoon and attach a card with the saying, "Good teachers are like a spoon that cradles and nurtures and stirs up children to love and good works. Thanks for blessing the children in our church with your caring ministry." Wrap this spoon up with a mug and a packet of hot chocolate or coffee. (Mugs are often $1at the dollar store.)

Kathy Norquist
Burien, WA

4) Brave Women

Dear - sir
I am glad for your E-mailing me . God bless you I will start praying for the 2 brave women that are in prison .
I trust that Jesus will help them.

5) Lectionary-based Kid's Sermons?

Dear Sirs:
Your website is great! Would it be possible to offer ideas corresponding to the current Lectionary readings? For example: Esther 7:1-6,9-10; 9:20-22, Psalm 124, James 5:13-20, & Mark 9:38-50, for the 17th Sunday after Pentecost (Sept. 27th, 2009)?

More and more Christian churches are following the Lectionary, and its three year cycle. Our Church School is also being lead by the Lectionary. It’s inspiring to think that it is possible for all Christian churches throughout the world to be studying and discussing the same Bible passages at the same time!

Thank you and blessings,
Barbara Bruning
St. Paul’s United Church of Christ (UCC)

--from SSTN: funny you should ask for two reasons! First, check out item #6, below. It is exactly what you're requesting! And second, I am currently writing a sermon series "loosely" based on the lectionary. I say loosely, because as you note the verses for the 17th Sunday are varied. Therefore, a sermon could be based on anyone of those and might not be the focus of the adult message of the day; not to mention, there are three years of sermons (A,B, and C).

Your webservant,
Sarah Keith <><
http://www.sundayschoolnetwork.com

P.S. If anyone in the network has written sermons that are based on the lectionary, please share them with us!

6) Serving On God's Team - Sermon

"Today we’re going to hear some Bible stories that help us understand what it means to serve on God’s team. The first story is from the book of Esther. Does anyone remember that story? Who can tell me what happened? Yes, that’s..."

To read the rest of this sermon, follow the Serving On God's Team link on our Anytime Bible Talks & Sermons page at:
http://www.sundayschoolnetwork.com/lessons-Bible.html

7) God's Amazing Accuracy

I really enjoyed reading the article [SSTN #34] about God's amazing accuracy in this week's issue of SSTN. Being a biology teacher in school as well as a Sunday school teacher, I can appreciate the wonder of God's amazing perfection in His creation.

Joy Sundaram

8) Jesus Loves All the Children - Poem

The red child Jesus holds close to his heart,
Not wanting his little ones to leave or depart.

The brown child God cherishes more than you'll know,
He promises forgiveness, the Bible tells us it's so!

Yellow children both near and far,
Jesus' love is greater than all of the stars.

The little black child he came to save,
He died on the cross and rose from the grave!

Jesus loves the white child and he says obey,
I am the Life, the Truth, and the Way.

Jesus says come, I'll be your Savior and King,
This should make you want to sing!

One big family of children he saved,
A world delivered, the price was paid!

Copyright 2009 S.A. Keith
SundaySchoolNetwork.com

To see a coordinating craft to accompany this poem, follow this link:
http://www.sundayschoolnetwork.com/curr-dwn-Jesus-loves-all-children.html

9) Recommending Materials

Dear SSTN friend,
I am recommending/forwarding some of your suggested curriculum materials particularly games and simple arts and crafts to some of our Sunday School teachers and curriculum writers of our church.
Thanks you very much because they are very useful to us.
God bless and more power.

Aida

--from SSTN: thank you, Aida! If you scroll down to the bottom of the newsletter, there is a link for forwarding to your friends. I'm so glad to know SSTN is helping you minister to kids!

Christmas Skits Plays Dramas Bible Lessons - SundaySchoolNetwork.Com

2009-09-29T19:40:00.000-04:00

Christmas Skits Plays Dramas Bible Lessons - SundaySchoolNetwork.Com: "the fictional story of an ambitious young man from Greece who traveled to the Middle East to search for a Master Carpenter Mentor."

SSTN #34

2009-09-23T13:51:00.005-04:00

Read what our network of teachers are saying:

1) Ministry Minutes?

Ministry Minutes is a new feature I'd like to run in SSTN--to give teachers an opportunity to say what's on their mind. So, write in, tell us what you're thinking. Do you have a new insight into what God is teaching you? New ways you're growing in the Lord that you'd like to share? Maybe you're having conflicts in your ministry you need help resolving. Do you have a brilliant idea? Then write-in under the title Ministry Minutes, and will post it to SSTN.

Your webservant,
Sarah Keith <><

2) Bible Bucks?

Not long ago someone posted the site where I can get a copy of Bible Bucks. I have looked in the archives but have not found it. I am hoping the person will post the site again so I can go there. I really like the idea and so did my students. I think it will help with attendance, bringing friends, offering, bringing their Bibles, and many other things.

God bless,
Joni in California

--from SSTN: Hi Joni, yes, they're in our site. You can find them two ways: Scroll up to the top of the newsletter and click the link in the bright, green box to "Search for Ideas," then type in "Bible Bucks" or click the link for "Object Talks" which will take you to "Anytime Bible..." and you'll find them there. Actually there are lots of ways to arrive at the same place, but the easiest way is to use the "Search Link" from the newsletter or from our home page:
http://www.sundayschoolnetwork.com

3) Teacher Appreciation Spoon Idea?

Hi Sarah,
I remember reading somewhere a Teacher Appreciation idea that involved a spoon with a reading about a good teacher not cutting like a knife or jabbing like a fork, but cradling like a spoon. The problem is, I misplaced it and don't remember where I saw it. If it was on your site or if anyone has the details to this, I would appreciate seeing the whole thing again. Thank you!
God Bless!
Peggy, PA

--from: I hadn't remembered that one, so I used our search tool and sure enough, it is in our site! It's in our "Recycling Ideas" section. To locate it, scroll up to our F-R-E-E Resources Link, in the bright, green box, at the top of this newsletter. You'll find your idea listed under, "spoons." You can also use the search tool to find it @ http://sundayschoolnetwork.com

4) Featured Christmas Skits

The Christmas Caravan - tells the story of three camels that carried the Magi to Bethlehem for the first Noel.

What is Christmas? - Written for a small Sunday School class of 5-6 students. Anyone can use this skit "as is" or build one around the idea.

Jesus Celebrated Hanukah - A full-length Christmas presentation for kids.

You can find these skits and many more in our F-R-E-E Stuff section at:
http://www.sundayschoolnetwork.com

5) Persecuted Christians

This website, http://prisoneralert.com provides information about persecuted Christians around the world. Tell your kids about these people, offer prayers and if possible, send letters of encouragement.

6) GOD'S Accuracy

What an awesome and orderly GOD we serve!!
God's accuracy may be observed in the hatching of eggs.

For example:
-the eggs of the potato bug hatch in 7 days;
-those of the canary in 14 days;
-those of the barnyard hen in 21 days;
-The eggs of ducks and geese hatch in 28 days;
-those of the mallard in 35 days;
-The eggs of the parrot and the ostrich hatch in 42 days.
(Notice, they are all divisible by seven, the number of days in a week!)

Our lives are ordered by the Lord in a beautiful way for His glory, and we are blessed when we entrust our lives to Him. If we try to regulate our own life, it will only be a mess and a failure.. Only the One Who made the brain and the heart can successfully guide them to a profitable end.

God's wisdom is seen in the making of an elephant.. The four legs of this great beast all bend forward in the same direction. No other quadruped is so made. God planned that this animal would have a huge body, too large to live on two legs. For this reason He gave it four fulcrums so that it can rise from the ground easily.

The horse rises from the ground on its two front legs first. A cow rises from the ground with its two hind legs first. How wise the Lord is in all His works of creation!

God's wisdom is revealed in His arrangement of sections and segments, as well as in the number of grains.

-Each watermelon has an even number of strips on the rind.
-Each orange has an even number of segments.
-Each ear of corn has an even number of rows.
-Each stalk of wheat has an even number of grains.
-Every bunch of bananas has on its lowest row an even number of bananas, and each row decreases by one, so that one row has an even number and the next row an odd number.

-The waves of the sea roll in on shore twenty-six to the minute in all kinds of weather.

All grains are found in even numbers on the stalks, and the Lord specified thirty fold, sixty fold, and a hundredfold - all even numbers.

God has caused the flowers to blossom at certain specified times during the day, so that Linnaeus, the great botanist, once said that if he had a conservatory containing the right kind of soil, moisture and temperature, he could tell the time of day or night by the flowers that were open and those that were closed!

Thus the Lord in His wonderful grace can arrange the life entrusted to His care in such a way that it will carry out His purposes and plans, and will be fragrant with His presence. What a comfort to know our lives are in His hands!

7) Five Christian Pumpkins?

I copied the poem Five Christian Pumpkins and left off the 5th pumpkin. Can you send it again? Thanks so much

--from SSTN: All past issues are archived in the site. You can find the search tool @ http://sundayschoolnetwork.com

8) Youth Club at School?

Hi:
i am just looking for ideas to lift up a Youth Club at my school. Can some one get in contact with me to brighten my ideas, please. kindly share these message with someone so they can contact me. I will follow up this for i must plan to make my students more active in the Christian aspect.

In God,s faith,
Delia.

9) Sunday School Games?

I want to conduct some new games in my Sunday school please give some idea or some new games

--from SSTN: If you scroll up to the bright, green box at the top of the newsletter, you'll find the Bible Games link with dozens and dozens of games. ALSO, if you could be more specific as to what Bible topic you're attempting to teach through the games, it will be easier for other teachers to respond to your request.

SSTN #33

2009-09-18T14:47:00.003-04:00

Read what our teachers are saying:

1) Carnival Games?

I need ideas for carnival for fundraiser for our youth group. have any ideas? and also would like to know if anybody knows where to find a Christmas program without music for grades 2-6.

--from SSTN: yes on both. Use the search tool on the home page to locate carnival games and the "Christian Skits" link to find Christmas dramas. Both links are listed in the bright, green box, above.

2) Make the Lesson Stick

Note to parents: Waiting at the bus stop can be productive! Read this week's memory verse and then play round robin. One person begins by saying the first word in the verse, next person says the next word, and so on until the verse is repeated. You can also spend time reading through different books of the Bible. Discuss how the story applies to your child's life for that day. Don't forget to pray!

3) Persecuted Christians

Two Iranian women, Maryam Rustampoor, 27, and Marzieh Amirizadeh, 30, who converted from Islam to Christianity were arrested and put into prison for having New Testaments in their home, and now have been sentenced to be executed as reported by Agazilos.org. According to Iranian law, if a person rejects Islam, the sentence is execution.

Since March 2009, both Meryem and Marzieh are being detained in Tehran's notorious Evin prison. It is said that they are being beaten and tortured 5 times a day in conjunction with the call to prayer. At the beginning of their imprisonment, the women were held with 25 others prisoner, now they are in isolation and blindfolded. It is also been told that their food will diminish for every day that they don’t recant their faith in Jesus.

The 9th of August 2009 was the first day in court. Haddad, the deputy prosecutor insisted with great pressure that the women should renounce their Christian faith, both in writing and verbally. According to secure information, it was a moving sight how the two women persisted, even with Mr. Haddad and they repeatedly stressed that they did not regret anything and they would not recant their faith in Christ.

I implore everyone to pray fervently for these brave and amazing women for strength to cling to their faith in Jesus Christ and for God to work His miracles in their situation. Let’s not turn our backs on these women whose only guilt is their faith in Christ.

You can send protest messages to other Iranian Embassies, you can find all the Embassies of Iran at Worldwide http://www.worldembassyinformation.com/iran-embassy/index.html

You can also leave a message of solidarity to Maryam and Marzieh at http://freemaryamandmarzieh.agazilos.org/add-your-signature

4) Upcoming Fall Holiday Ideas

To download upcoming FALL holiday ideas, visit the following links:

Crafts: http://www.sundayschoolnetwork.com/page6.html

Lessons: http://www.sundayschoolnetwork.com/sermons.html

Games: http://www.sundayschoolnetwork.com/page10.html

Skits: http://www.sundayschoolnetwork.com/skits.html

5) What is an e-book?

--from SSTN: An e-book is a book that can be downloaded from the internet. To learn more about the advantages of e-books and our current list, visit the following link: http://www.sundayschoolnetwork.com/curriculum_ebooks.html

6) Archives Updated

The SSTN archives have been updated and are ready for searching out ideas. It's a goldmine, take advantage! http://www.sundayschoolnetwork.com/archives.html

7) Origin of the Species in Colleges

This is an awesome way to present the other side of the evolution debate to college students: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GN9zpf5cT0M&feature=channel_page

8) Lessons for Church?

Thank you for your site in this network. I am looking for lessons for Sunday school in my church everyday. This helps me to find that. God Bless You. --from SSTN: I'm glad the network is helping you! Just a reminder, if you scroll up to the bright, green box at the top of this newsletter, those links will take you to all of our f-r-e-e and pay-for-use materials.

SSTN #32

2009-09-11T13:02:00.001-04:00

Read what our teachers are saying:

1) Remembering 9/11

I don't suppose anyone is moving through this day without recalling the terror of what happened 8 years ago to America and the rest of the world. As I watch the videos replayed on TV and listen to the sounds, it makes me shudder! But in the midst of it, I remind myself that God is still in control, he still reigns and is working all things together for the good of those who love him, for those who are called according to his purpose!

Remain faithful,
Sarah Keith <><
SundaySchoolNetwork.com

2) Sticky Note Ideas?

At parent pick up Wed. night one of the parents told me she writes notes to her child during the week, reminding her and encouraging her to put into action what was taught in the lesson the week before. For example, we are currently teaching and piloting curriculum for the Sermon on the Mount. The lesson last week was on being the salt of the earth and light of the world. The mom wrote the following to her child and placed it in her lunch box, "let your light shine...smile and be the light for others today."

I love this idea! I thought that sending home ideas like this to parents would be a great way to connect what we do with their kids and help them make the lesson stick during the week. What I'm asking the network for is more "Sticky Note" ideas, more ways to make the lesson stick during the week! If we get enough of them, we'll set up a webpage of Sticky Note ideas!
Serving the King and lovin' it!
Sarah Keith <><
SundaySchoolNetwork.com

3) Sample Curriculum

We've begun placing PDF files in the site to make it easier to sample our curriculum lessons and skits.Take a few minutes to a look at the following three.
Please tell your friends and coworkers too!
Choose This Day Whom You Will Serve
http://www.sundayschoolnetwork.com/curriculum-choose.html
His Name Shall Be Called...
http://www.sundayschoolnetwork.com/curriculum-names-of-God.html
and
Lights, Camera, Action, Based on the Gospel of Mark: http://www.sundayschoolnetwork.com/curriculum-Bible-skits-Mark.html
As we get more samples up and running, I'll keep you in the loop.
Your webservant,
Sarah Keith <><
http://www.sundayschoolnetwork.com

4) Baptism Booklet

Hi, I have been trying to find a short booklet to use when the children in our Church want to be baptized...To Nancy:We have two booklets that we use in our church when talking with children who want to be baptized that we've found really helpful. Both of these are workbooks.The first one we use when we talk to the children before they're baptized is called: "Joining God's Family", by Standard Publishing, ISBN # 0-87403-846-4.After the baptism, we have them go through a workbook designed for children and, with the help of their parents, it takes about six weeks and teaches them the next steps. This one is called "Now That I'm A Christian", Convention Press, ISBN # 0-7673-2040-9.Hope these help.Cathy BodellNew Hope Church of ChristBenzonia, Michigan

--from SSTN: if the links, above, do not work, you can find them both in our bookstore by typing the titles into the search box at: http://www.sundayschoolnetwork.com/bookstore.html

5) Money from Sunday school children

Hi in response to previous comments made, I think it is important to teach children the principal of tithing. We as a children's ministry support a child in India via World Christian Ministries and we support Bumala Trust which supports children in Bumala, Africa. Our children write to the Bumala Children and we get regular updates about our child in India. We have found that the children are happy to get involved and to give when they see what is actually done with the money and how it helps individuals. We also send a Christmas present and when we do our children's Christmas production a collection is made at the door and all money given to the Bumala Trust where a Christmas feast is provided for the children.
Hope this helps
Shirley WattsG-Foce UK

6) Money from Sunday school children

I guess I missed the beginning of this subject, but here are my 2 cents!I've taught preschool kids for years (I'm getting children of the kids I've taught). I've used several different curriculums, but most had at least one lesson on worshipping God by giving. We'd talk about how God gives us every thing we have, and one way to worship Him is to give to His work. For the little ones, it was concrete like - I bring my pennies so we can buy storybooks that tell people about Jesus, or pay for the lights so people can come to learn about Jesus. I heard recently of a church near us that is having an impact on young people (teens, 20s, 30s) ... but they had to lay off a pastor because their offerings are so low. Apparently these young people didn't learn about sharing (with the ministry, in particular) as children, and aren't picking it up well as adults. But the little ones are eager to learn, usually eager to share, especially if they can see how what they give helps others. A few years ago, our 1st-6th graders collected money for a month to send to an orphanage in China (one of the girls was adopted from there) to buy school supplies. They received a picture of some of the kids who could now go to school because our kids provided them with paper, etc. Our kids were thrilled that their little bit was making such a difference. And I hope they've continued sharing what they have as they've grown up.Of course, there are some kids who can't bring an offering. But we also talked about other ways to give what we have to show love for Jesus - a hug or kiss, singing a song, drawing a picture. As I said, I missed the beginning of the discussion. But if someone is questioning taking up offerings from kids - these are my experiences and thoughts. Besides, the Bible teaches to share what we have, and that includes pennies!
Linda

7) Must-See Inspirational Testimony

The following link is a video of an amazing personal testimony by a former Muslim from Iran. You've got to watch it!http://www.muslimjourneytohope.com/testimonies/testimony_afshin.wmv

SSTN #31

2009-09-03T13:46:00.004-04:00

Read what our teachers are saying:

1) Money From Sunday School Children

A few years ago when I was teaching the Junior class, the people in Beslan had many of their children killed by terrorists. My kids brought money for those families and were overjoyed to do it. I still havepictures of some of those slain children they sent us and our kidsprayed for the families who lost them.

Helen Setser

2) Jodie Crowe?

Hi Jodie,

Would you please contact me at: sarah@sundayschoolnetwork.com ? Sorry to contact you via SSTN, but I haven't had success by any other means.

Thanks so much!
Your webservant,
Sarah Keith <><
SSTN Administrator

3) God's Field Poem

I liked the poem Five Christian Pumpkins by Barbara Kraft which appeared in #30.

As I was driving along the road
I noticed how tall the corn had growed
Each stalk had ears with tassels out
As if the glory of God to shout
Telling me about his grace
About his patience, the run, and race
It wasn't to the fastest, quickest, and best
But to the patient, faithful, and those who rest
They told me of God's faithful care
His watering, sunlight, and how they fared
They didn't work hard, but stood together
They simply received, unhindered, unfettered
Alone, a stalk might simply dry out,
Or fall by breakage being blown about
But in God's field where he planted them
They stand, give glory, and tell their hymn -

RB No copyright, just a home spun poem.

4) Daily Devotions: Have A Plan

It's been said, "If you aim at nothing, you are sure to hit it!" To have a meaningful daily devotion, you will need a plan or some kind of general outline to follow for your quiet time. It could be something as simple as this...
To download the rest of this lesson, go to the Older Teens and Adult Lessons page at: http://www.sundayschoolnetwork.com/sermons.html

5) Baptism Booklet?

Hi, I have been trying to find a short booklet to use when the children in our Church want to be baptized. I would rather not take the time to write one if there is one out there somewhere. We are a Baptist Church and I would love one simpler than Kids desiring God uses.

Blessings as you serve,
Nancy

--from SSTN: Hi Nancy, check out "What is a bathtub doing in my Church?" and God should I be baptized?Click the titles or find them in our affiliate bookstore by typing the titles in the search box at: http://www.sundayschoolnetwork.com/bookstore.html

6) Twelve Tribes of Israel (Levi)?

Hello,
My church is doing the twelve tribes of Israel. My tribe is Levi and we have to put together a skit for 2min. Each person in the tribe has to say something about Levi and is descendants. I really need help with putting this together. Each group consist of ten people.
Thanks,

Tami

--from SSTN: You might reenact the part of Moses coming down from the mountain--after receiving the Ten Commandments--only to discover Aaron and the Israelites worshipping the golden calf. Moses in his anger called out, "Who is on the Lord's side?" It was the descendants of Levi who displayed zeal for God's honor and rallied to Moses' side. Because of their devotion, God chose the Levites to serve in the sanctuary, replacing the firstborn of a family as God's special representative.

Interestingly, upon giving of the Law, and when Moses and the Levites rallied for the Lord, 3000 people were killed that day. Then on Pentecost, when God sent his Spirit to inhabit believers and began writing his law upon their hearts, 3000 people were added to the Kingdom of God that day! (See Exodus 32::26-28; Num. 3:12-13, 41; Jeremiah 31:33)
God is always about redemption and building his kingdom!

Your webservant,
Sarah Keith <><
http://www.sundayschoolnetwork.com/

SSTN #30

2009-08-29T17:40:00.002-04:00

Read what some of our teachers had to say:

1) Money from Kids

Sunita, Regarding the discomfort with collecting a Sunday school offering I think you should look at it as a teachable moment. It is a way to teach the children to be givers, not just receivers. It is also, depending on the ages, a great opportunity to teach about tithing. Children are never too young to learn to save money and make wise investments and if they are taught early on that investing in the Kingdom of God is the most important and beneficial investment they can ever make, you will have life-long givers to the cause of Jesus Christ. Look up any scripture where the children of Israel gave of their gold and silver and whatever else they had of value to the building of the temple, or the creating of the tabernacle and all the instruments, and utensils used therein. Any scripture that talks about giving. If you can teach a person to give financially as a child, you enable them to be less stingy as an adult. It is generosity and the spirit of giving that can be fostered through an offering program. It is a good thing. You can trust me, or better, just pray about it from an open mind thinking about the long-term effects. God blesses those who give what they can, even the old widow woman who gave two mites (?) from a humble heart was more the servant that Jesus wanted. Its not how much, its how much comes from the heart. God will bless you for instilling in the hearts of the young the importance of giving to the kingdom of God.
Sincerely,Kari Lynn

2) The Living Bible

His name is Bill. He has wild hair, wears a T-shirt with holes in it, jeans, and no shoes. This was literally his wardrobe for his entire four years of college. He is brilliant. Kind of profound and very, very bright. He became a Christian while attending college.
Across the street from the campus is a well-dressed, very conservative church. They want to develop a ministry to the students but are not sure how to go about it.
One day Bill decides to go there. He walks in with no shoes, jeans, his T-shirt, and wild hair.. The service has already started and so Bill starts down the aisle looking for a seat. The church is completely packed and he can't find a seat. By now, people are really looking a bit uncomfortable, but no one says anything.
Bill gets closer and closer and closer to the pulpit, and when he realizes there are no seats, he just squats down right on the carpet. By now the people are really uptight, and the tension in the air is thick.
About this time, the minister realizes that from way at the back of the church, a deacon is slowly making his way toward Bill. Now the deacon is in his eighties, has silver-gray hair, and a three-piece suit. A godly man, very elegant, very dignified, very courtly. He walks with a cane and, as he starts walking toward this boy, everyone is saying to themselves that you can't blame him for what he's going to do.
How can you expect a man of his age and of his background to understand some college kid on the floor?
It takes a long time for the man to reach the boy. The church is utterly silent except for the clicking of the man's cane.All eyes are focused on him.. You can't even hear anyone breathing. The minister can't even preach the sermon until the deacon does what he has to do.
And now they see this elderly man drop his cane on the floor. With great difficulty, he lowers himself and sits down next to Bill and worships with him so he won't be alone.
Everyone chokes up with emotion. When the minister gains control, he says, "What I'm about to preach, you will never remember. What you have just seen, you will never forget."
Be careful how you live. You may be the only Bible some people will ever read!

3) Revenue From Sunday School Children

Sunita,
First, don't think of it as revenue. There are plenty of scriptures about giving, and this means our money as well as everything else. I believe that when you teach children to give, you are teaching them a concept that will bless them all their lives ("give and it shall be given unto you...."). If you do not teach them to give, you are cheating them out of a blessing.

4) Revenue From Sunday School Children

Dear Sunita
The same teaching that goes out in church is what I use in Sunday school. For me it is important that a child must learn to give. In our Sunday school we have a bible outreach each year and every Sunday the kids know that the money they bring to Sunday school is to help buy bibles for those in need. So they not just give money but they do missionary work at the same time. If you want to know more you can go to the Children's Ministry Resource Bible Page 1110 where there is a teaching on Learning to Give.
Cornelia

5) Five Christian Pumpkins

Five Christian Pumpkins sitting on a gate.
The first one said, “Isn’t Jesus great!”
The second one said, “He loves us, this we know!”
The third one said, “For the Bible tells us so!”
The fourth one said, “He takes away our sin!”
The fifth one said, “His Spirit lives within!”
Rolling away, They glowed so bright.
And shared with others their Gospel light!

Copyright 2009
Barbara Kraft
b52kraft@msn.com

SSTN #29

2009-08-20T16:57:00.003-04:00

1) Revenue From Sunday School Children?
Hi,I am a quite uncomfortable about special funds to be collected from the Sunday school kids. Can you give me some bible references which supports this cause.
Thanks, Sunita

2) Mission Idea - Song
Mia, Child Evangelism has a great mission song, "Be a Missionary."
Another short idea is to dress up some kids in foreign costumes and have them read a script about the children of that country. My name is Jose and I am from......

Kathie

3) About The Gospel According To The Older Testament
In the beginning there was the word, and his word is good news isn't it?There is a gospel message in the very first thing we are told.There's a reason God created things as he did from the very first day.The light speaks of Jesus who overcame the darkness.By the light of God he overcame, being who he was.Because he is the word of God we know that Jesus is true.Because he is the light of God we know that Jesus is good.God told us what he would do through Christ, creating the light to shine.What God did with Jesus that day was truly a remarkable thing.There was even a dividing of the waters and that began a new day.

--from SSTN: yes! and in the beginning, Genesis 3:15, we find the first good news of our redemption: "...And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head,and you will strike his heel."

4) Mission Song
For Mila from Fiji
what about Jesus loves the little children - know it is old but still true today.
Or Jesus bids us shine another oldie.
love Sue

--from SSTN: you can find these songs @ Net Hymnal,
which is located in our links section at:
http://www.sundayschoolnetwork.com/page4.html

5) Plant Your Garden
First, you Come to the garden alone, while the dew is still on the roses....

FOR THE GARDEN OF YOUR DAILY LIVING,

PLANT THREE ROWS OF PEAS:
Peace of mind
Peace of heart
Peace of soul

PLANT FOUR ROWS OF SQUASH:
Squash gossip
Squash indifference
Squash grumbling
Squash selfishness

PLANT FOUR ROWS OF LETTUCE:
Lettuce be faithful
Lettuce be kind
Lettuce be patient
Lettuce really love one another

NO GARDEN IS WITHOUT TURNIPS:
Turnip for meetings
Turnip for service
Turnip to help one another

TO CONCLUDE OUR GARDEN WE MUST HAVE THYME:
Thyme for each other
Thyme for family
Thyme for friends

WATER FREELY WITH PATIENCE AND CULTIVATE WITH LOVE. THERE IS MUCH FRUIT IN YOUR GARDEN BECAUSE YOU REAP WHAT YOU SOW.

SSTN # 28

2009-08-14T17:42:00.006-04:00

Read what our network of teachers are saying:

1) Mary's Song of Praise
Hello Sarah, Just wondering, I am leading our women's group on the 1st week of Advent in December and our subject is the Mary's Song of Praise in the Magnificat. Do you have any leadership materials or ideas on this? Any suggestions or materials to purchase would be very much appreciated.
Kim

--from SSTN: not specifically, but have you considered making a Chrismon tree during Advent? To learn more about chrismons, follow this link: http://www.sundayschoolnetwork.com/chrismon.html

2) The Worker's 23rd Psalm
The Lord is my boss, and I shall not want. He gives me peace, when chaos is all around me. He reminds me to pray, before I speak in anger. He restores my sanity. He guides my decisions that I might honor Him in all I do. Even though I face absurd amounts of e-mail, system failures, copier jams, back-ordered supplies, unrealistic deadlines, staff shortages, budget cutbacks, red tape, downsizing, gossiping co-workers and whining customers, I won't give up, for You are with me. Your presence, peace and power will see me through. You raise me up, even when the boss fails to promote me. You claim me as your own, even when the company threatens to let me go. Your loyalty and love are better than a bonus check. Your retirement plan beats any 401K, and when it's all said and done, I'll be working for you a whole lot longer!
(Author unknown)

3) On Judging Others
A young couple moved into a new neighborhood. The next morning while they were eating breakfast. The young woman saw her neighbor hanging the wash outside. 'That laundry is not very clean,' she said. 'She doesn't know how to wash correctly. Perhaps she needs better laundry soap.'Her husband looked on, but remained silent.Every time her neighbor would hang her wash to dry, The young woman would make the same comments.About one month later, the woman was surprised to see a nice clean wash on the line and said to her husband, 'Look, she has learned how to wash correctly. I wonder who taught her this.'The husband said, 'I got up early this morning and cleaned our windows.'And so it is with life . . . what we see when watching others depends on the purity of the window through which we look.

4) Mission Idea, Song?
Hi, I’m a teacher in the local church. Can anyone help me with a mission item, since there’s a Mission Convention happening in our local church. Allocated time is 15 minutes and is there a Mission song out there for the Children to sing.

Thank you. God bless.
Mila.
Fiji Islands.

5) Good Stuff or Garbage in the Temple
Check out this food devotion at:
http://www.sundayschoolnetwork.com/treat_good-stuff.html

6) Gospel According to the Older Testament
The gospel or good news is not exclusive to the New Testament. Read more about the Gospel of the Older Testament in the Teens & Adults section of the site at: http://www.sundayschoolnetwork.com/sermons.html

7) The Blind to See Skit
The following link will take you to a skit based on Jesus healing the blind man
(scroll down, on the right side of page, to locate it):
http://www.sundayschoolnetwork.com/skits-Bible.html

SSTN #27

2009-08-07T20:39:00.006-04:00

Read what our network of teachers are saying:

1) Pentecost Puppet skit
I teach 1st thru 5th grade and they all love to do reader's theater. I use many resources for skits, but there is a Pentecost skit in 30 New Testament Quickskits for Kids by Standard. It is called Goodness, Gracious, Great Tongues of Fire. In spite of the silliness of it, it explains Pentecost. I many times take out some of the silliness, but still keep the fun. It can be adapted it to a puppet skit.

Kathie

--from SSTN: you can find this in our affiliate bookstore by typing the title into the search box at: http://www.sundayschoolnetwork.com/bookstore.html

2) For the Discouraged
Hi, If you are discouraged teaching Sunday school, you need to watch this YouTube clip http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFrdJ2V3r7Y and you will be encouraged.
TeresaShrewsbury, MA

3) Senior Moments
Richard Ruddle has written a humorous Bible skit on aging. It's entitled, "Lester, We Forget". You will find it listed in the Anytime Bible Skits section of the site: http://www.sundayschoolnetwork.com/skits.html

4) Great One Liners!
Don't let your worries get the best of you; remember, Moses started out as a basket case.

God grades on the cross, not the curve. The best mathematical equation I have ever seen:

1 cross + 3 nails = 4 given.

God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called.

SSTN #26 - July 30, 2009

2009-07-30T14:53:00.002-04:00

1) SSTN now in BLOG Format!
You can now access SSTN in blog format, right here at:
http://sunday-school-lessons-4u.blogspot.com
If you choose to post to the blog, please continue posting directly to the newsletter as well.

Follow our blog on your blog, invite your friends and coworkers too!

Your webservant,
Sarah Keith <><
http://SundaySchoolNetwork.com

2) God's Power / Life-Changing Songs
My favorite is a CEF song named "God's Power". I love the melody and the message is right on target...".My God is bigger than I am, Strongest of all," This is a great one to end on. It is rather mellow and leave a wonderful impact.
SueFindlay,OH

3) Pentecost Puppet Skit?
I’m trying to find a puppet skit explaining Pentecost. Any suggestions?
Deborah VeazeyAUMCAbbeville, LA

4) Beatitudes T-Shirt?
Hello,I was looking over your site and where can I purchase the Be-Attitudes T-shirt designs for our churchChildren's Ministry or if you sell the T-Shirts with it on? --from SSTN: The picture in the site is from a pattern in the book. You can copy the pattern onto iron-on transfer paper and then iron on a shirt, or you can take the pattern to a local t-shirt print shop to have them print the tees for you. http://www.sundayschoolnetwork.com/curriculum_beatitudes.htm
Your webservant,
Sarah Keith <><

5) More Beautiful You
The first link is the artist, telling the story behind the song he wrote.
It is a great set up for his song.
http://WWW.youtube.Com/watch?v=psqOp8pcY0o&feature=channel
This is for all you moms, dads, grandparents and teachers with young girls. This song is now playing on the pop and Christian stations. The video is wonderful. Towards the end you'll see the computer enhancements and how they can make every female in every magazine become the unattainable perfect woman our young girls think they need to be.
Dad's.....PLEASE tell your girls how naturally beautiful they are - every day.
This is the link to the song/video:
http://WWW.youtube.Com/watch?v=vXSkd8apbWM

6) Short Poem for Pre-K?
please send me some short poem for my 3 years old kids in my class--from SSTN: Children memorize quickly. By using the Psalms, you are giving them poetry and Scripture at the same time. "The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want..." What is more poetic than Psalm 23? Children 3-4 years of age will memorize it over several weeks just by reading it to them and having them repeat it in small bites over and over.

7) Poem for the discouraged
Thank you for submitting this. It was on my heart to do something for a few ladies at church since our church as been going through a season of "apathy" and then I opened up to sstn and found this poem. I forwarded it to the ladies group, Sunday school teachers and pastor for some "food for thought." I too sometimes felt like quitting, thanks for the inspiration! Thanks to a wonderful God who reveals himself to us in so many ways...

God's joy,
Jackie
--from SSTN: thank you for sharing how SSTN has blessed you! I hope you invite your coworkers and pastors to join us at: http://www.sundayschoolnetwork.com/page3.html

8) We Seek...We Find...Then What?
How many “Christians” only find Christ when they seek Him--to fill the void that only He can fill--only to be frustrated or duped into thinking that this is where our search ends? When in fact it’s just the beginning!To read the rest of Pastor Bush's insight on this topic,
visit our Bible Talks for Older Teens & Adults page at: http://www.sundayschoolnetwork.com/lessons-Bible-teen-adult-study.html

SSTN #25 - July 25, 2009

2009-07-25T10:30:00.010-04:00

Read what our network of teachers are saying:

1) One Hundred Ways to Know God Loves Me
Hi I found this beautiful little book 100 ways to Know God Loves Me created by Stephen Elkins and in it is also 2 cd's with 100 songs to Love Him back. In this little book are lessons like "He answers my Prayers, He hears my Prayers, He knows my needs before I ask, etc. It's beautifully illustrated and a song for every lesson. Hope it will help.

--from SSTN: thank you for the heads up. For anyone who's interested, you can find it in our affiliate bookstore by typing the title into the search box on the following page: http://www.sundayschoolnetwork.com/bookstore.html

2) Life Changing Song
A great, upbeat and "cool" song we've sung is called, Change My Heart. You can get 50% off of it and other great songs when you purchase the Bible series, Choose this Day Whom You Will Serve. Follow this link to learn more:
http://www.sundayschoolnetwork.com/curriculum-choose.html

3) Poem for the Discouraged
The great privilege of teaching God's Word is that it gives inner, lasting joy as it guides children and adults toward be-coming useful, spiritually mature Christians. but Satan tries to bring discouragement, causing some to reason.....I have taught a class for many years,Borne my burden and toiled through tears,But folks don't notice me a bit;I'm so discouraged, I think I'll quit.I've labored long in the women's workAnd not a single task did shirk,But folks have gossiped and talked a bit.I won't stand it. I think I'll quit.I've led people day and nightAnd sacrificed to lead them rightBut folks won't help me out a bit.I'm so tired! I think I'll quit.Before you do, read Galatians 6:9-10.

(Used by permission from Cathedral Press bulletin)

4) Conformed, Transformed Lesson
For those who missed it, here's the direct link to the lesson: http://www.sundayschoolnetwork.com/lesson_transformed.html

5) Cotton Candy Idea
Recently during VBS we used cotton balls to play various games and illustrations. one night I decided to treat the kids to “cotton” candy and we compared the difference etc when we put the cotton candy in our mouths. God gave me the inspiration to share with the kids “how the cotton candy melts in our mouth is how Jesus “melts” our sins away! What a revelation. the kids were talking about God melting our sins away all week. Great cheap illustration and the concept was great!

6) Life Changing Song
I am responding to the e-mail asking for Life Changing Songs or songs about God's power. Currently we are doing a study on Wednesday nights about being changed from the inside out and the song I have chosen is one from Uncle Charlie titled "SPIN". The kids love it, it is full of action and motions (you can make up your own), yet it has such a good message. It is from Uncle Charlie's Made to Praise DVD, volume 10.
Blessings,
tammie jones

--from SSTN: check our bookstore for availability: http://www.sundayschoolnetwork.com/bookstore.html

7) Unanswered Prayer
I have told the kids about a lady who prayed, but ended up in the hospital. While she was there she got to witness to her nurse and she got saved. So, God always has a reason if He chooses not to heal us.
TP

8) Curriculum for Boys idea
In response to the query re: ideas for a majority-boys group: As a supplement to whatever you teach, an easy bulletin board idea would be "Having a Ball Learning ____________." You can buy sport-balls-themed bulletin board borders along with cutouts of various sports balls, 4 - 6" or so. You could have each child, boy or girl, choose or make a ball, put his/her name on it, and use it to mark his/her progress along some graphic representation to an end-goal (soccer, baseball, or football field). This idea would work for a hallway or staircase as well. You could even use 3-D balls or semi-spheres.

9) God's Power or Life Changing Songs
Group had a VBS last year with this theme of power. Two songs come to mind, "The Power" and "Power in the Blood." If you go to the forum, you might me able to get a loan from someone depending on where you live. Google Group Forum.
God's joy,
Jackie