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Advent, Christmas, Kids Ministry, Leadership

The Fourth Week of Advent:  LOVE

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Have you ever “re-gifted” a Christmas gift? I have … and I have to tell you it wasn’t a good experience for me.

As a Kids Minister, I was always getting “token” Christmas gifts. Don’t get me wrong, I appreciated EVERY MUG I ever got … but there were just so many … (You’re laughing right now because you know exactly what I’m talking about). After three or four years the collection had gotten out of control and I decided to use these jewels as door prizes for my annual Kids Ministry leadership appreciation party. I put some fresh candy in the mugs, wrapped them in red and green cellophane and proudly issued them to teachers and leaders as they left my party.

The next Sunday morning I walked in my office to find one of the mugs I had distributed sitting in the center of my desk with a note underneath. The note read, “Bill, I thought you might want this mug back since it has your name on it. Thanks for the candy though!” Oh, the embarrassment. I never did figure out who re-gifted my re-gift (good manners on his part) … but I have thought a lot about re-gifting since then and I’ve come to the conclusion that re-gifting isn’t so bad if the gift you’ve been given is worth re-giving.

When I think of Christmas and “love” my mind immediately goes to what many call the most loved Bible verse of all, John 3:16, “For God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.”

Today, on December 24 … Christmas Eve, I want to remind us of our obligation to re-gift the Greatest Gift ever given, Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. He is worth re-gifting. There is no better gift, EVER!

As you go through the next couple of days of celebrating, don’t forget to share what God has done for you. Take the time to acknowledge that Gift and be intentional about “re-gifting” with your family, friends, and those who pass your way. Be careful about the mugs, but be really free with the Savior. There are folks out there who really need that gift this year!

Bill Emeott serves as Lead Ministry Specialist for LifeWay Kids. He is a graduate of Mercer University and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Bill has served in Kids Ministry for almost 30 years and currently teaches 3rd Grade Bible study at his home church in Nashville, TN.

CentriKid, Christmas, Kids Ministry, Leadership

Large Group Games and the Gospel

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Tis the season for Christmas get-togethers and New Year parties. If you have a couple of kids or A LOT OF KIDS all in one place, then we have a game for you! Organized Mass Chaos! (or as we call it at CentriKid Camps, OMC!)

CentriKid is known as the HOME OF OMC! It is our large-group recreation game that takes place on the last full day of camp. If you have never experienced OMC before here are the basics you need to know:

  • OMC stands for Organized Mass Chaos.
  • Split your kids into different groups. At CentriKid we split our groups up by color teams corresponding with the grade the kids have completed.
  • The object of the game is for your team to collectively complete the most individual tasks.
  • Each kid is given a task card and whenever they complete it they put it in their team’s bucket only to retrieve another task to complete.
  • The game lasts anywhere from 10-20 minutes based on supplies and the location, and weather. (I would cut the game short if it is really hot or really cold.)

Even in the middle of all this fun, we are intentional about sharing the gospel with kids at camp.

Since you know that kids learn in different ways, it is important to take the time to unpack the games that you play in your Kids Ministry. This will help those hands-on learners grasp in a more solid way the connection between everyday life and their relationship with Jesus.

Here is a way you may connect OMC with God’s word:

We have a lot in common with OMC. We all played OMC together, but we are also special and uniquely created.  Every player at OMC is dressed differently and had different tasks to do during the game, but God knows each of us individually. Psalm 139:13-14 says “For it was you who created my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I will praise you because I have been remarkably and wondrously made. Your works are wondrous, and I know this very well.”

God has created us and formed us into the people we are. He has given us our eye color, our personalities, our dreams, and made us different from anyone else on earth. God put in so much more effort into making you special and He loves you so much more. We are God’s creation and He wants us to have a personal relationship with Him.  **Now you have a great run-way into sharing the gospel with your kids after playing a game of OMC!

Are you interested in playing OMC with your kids? Check out the Official OMC Game Messy Edition and Yellow Edition to purchase OMC for your ministry!

Once you have the digital version of the OMC game cards, you can access the special bonus editions with additional tasks for all the different seasons and holidays. With these combined versions, you will be good to go create your own Organized Mass Chaos!

View and download all the free special editions at CentriKid.com/OMC!

Lydia McMillan works on the CentriKid Camps team. She manages social media, produces videos, works with actors, and leads production elements. She is married to Joshua and they have two kiddos who keep them very busy.

Advent, Christmas, Kids Ministry, Leadership

The Third Week of Advent: JOY

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My favorite Christmas carol is “Joy to the World.” I think that hymn sums it all up for me and when we finally sing it at church, I know it’s Christmas time! Growing up someone once said that true joy can be found when one get’s his joy in order. A simple acrostic helps put your priorities in order and can really help you find joy this holiday season.

J – Jesus: I know it’s an old saying but it’s the truth and we should never tire of focusing on Jesus at Christmas. Get this one right and everything else usually falls into place. It’s so easy to get overwhelmed with all the “stuff” that Christmastime brings but our challenge is to make sure that Jesus stays at the center of our Christmas celebrations and fun. For me, that takes some intentional planning and preparation. Scheduling time with friends and family to not only exchange gifts, eat awesome food, and enjoy each other’s fellowship, but to stop and purposefully focus of The Gift we’ve been given through Christ Jesus. The focus can’t stop with His birth but quickly move to His sacrifice, truly the greatest gift ever given.

O – Others: Don’t misunderstand me here. I am very aware that Kids Ministers are most ALWAYS focusing on someone other than themselves, but I’m talking about looking for folks who might not be expecting your kindness and share with them a bit of Christmas joy. Are there people in your community that you and your family could reach out to this season? What about the senior adults in your community who may be alone? What about those who’ve been severely affected by the ongoing recession? Perhaps you know someone who experienced death this year and is doing Christmas for the first time without their loved one. There are people all around us who are in need. Look for ways to express love to others.

Y – You:  Please note that YOU are on this list! Too many times we overlook ourselves and never get around to doing something nice for “me.” After you’ve got the “J” and the “O” straightened out, take some time for the “Y,” you! Carve out some time this season to take care of yourself. Read a book; watch a movie; take a nap. Sometimes, we can’t find our joy because we’re too tired to look. Over the holidays schedule some time to relax and refresh so you’ll be refueled for the New Year.

Joy to the world the Lord has come; Let earth receive her King;

Let every heart prepare Him room, And heaven and nature sing.

Joy to the earth! The Savior reigns; Let men their songs employ;

While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains repeat the sounding joy.

No more let sins and sorrow grow, nor thorns infest the ground;

He comes to make His blessings flow far as the curse is found.

He rules the world with truth and grace and makes the nations prove

The glories of His righteousness, And wonders of His love.

 

Bill Emeott serves as Lead Ministry Specialist for LifeWay Kids. He is a graduate of Mercer University and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Bill has served in Kids Ministry for almost 30 years and currently teaches 3rd Grade Bible study at his home church in Nashville, TN.

Advent, Christmas, Kids Ministry, Leadership

The Second Week of Advent: PEACE

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We’re well into the Advent season and I’m getting more and more excited about celebrating the birth of Jesus on December 25. I am thankful for the opportunity to be reminded of the Christ child and the gift He is to me.

In March of 2010, my father was given a diagnosis no one wants to hear. My dad was told that he had cancer and that left untreated, he would live about six weeks. Additionally, the doctor shared that because of the kind of cancer he had and because of his age, traditional therapies would not be available to him. It was a pretty tough diagnosis for him and for our family.

I remember visiting dad in the hospital after the diagnosis. I remember that we all had heavy hearts and we were all pretty shook up. I remember my dad telling me that day that he was going to be okay. I remember thinking, “no, dad … you’re really not okay this time.” As we talked he shared with me that for him, it was just a “moving on” from this life to his eternal life with Jesus. He was certain that his life wasn’t going to end; it was going to continue in heaven. He specifically said that he was at peace with God.

As I think about that example of peace I’m even more convinced that the only true peace comes from knowing Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Jesus chose to come to earth and ultimately die for us so that we might have eternal life and a real peace.

My pastor shared it well when he said, “If you want to know the peace of God, you need to be AT peace WITH God!” And, the only way to be a peace with God is to know His Son, the Prince of Peace … Jesus, the baby we celebrate this holiday season.

As the weeks and what turned into months passed it wasn’t always good for dad … but I am thankful for the peace that was my dad’s that first day. I am thankful for the example he gave us as he testified to the knowledge that His Savior, Jesus Christ was enough for him.

Take time today to thank God for His gift, The Gift … Jesus … the Prince of Peace!

Bill Emeott serves as Lead Ministry Specialist for LifeWay Kids. He is a graduate of Mercer University and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Bill has served in Kids Ministry for almost 30 years and currently teaches 3rd Grade Bible study at his home church in Nashville, TN.

Christmas, Kids Ministry, Leadership

Appreciating Volunteers During the Christmas Season

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It’s the Christmas season. That time of year we go nonstop. We have parties and events to attend, tasks to complete, gifts to buy, and most importantly our Savior’s birth to celebrate. You may have already decided on ways to honor your teachers, or you may not have had the chance to think about it. As church budgets can be tight, more and more kids ministers are looking for creative ways to say “thank you” to teachers. Consider using one of the following ideas to honor teachers this Christmas.

  1. Provide a breakfast one Sunday morning in December. Invite teachers to come early, eat breakfast, and enjoy time fellowshipping with other teachers. It’s a small way to say we remember you and appreciate you.
  2. Send a Christmas card with a handwritten note. Write a personal note in the card sharing a genuine, specific reason you appreciate them. While this may not seem much, reading a personal encouraging note can affirm teachers.
  3. Purchase classroom Bibles in honor of your leaders. There’s no more impactful gift than the Word of God. Purchasing these gifts for the classroom will not only benefit the children but the teachers, too. Find a way to let the teachers know these are being purchased in honor of them and their service.
  4. Consider giving in another way that impacts lives for the gospel such as the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering through the International Mission Board or another ministry your church supports in the community. Make sure to communicate with the teachers about the gift given in their honor.

Can you think of any other ways you can recognize your teachers this Christmas? Remember it’s important to honor them, their time, and remind them of the opportunity they have to teach boys and girls about the most important baby ever born: Jesus! Enjoy the Christmas season!

Delanee Williams serves as a Ministry Specialist with LifeWay Kids. She is a graduate of Baylor University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Delanee has served in kids ministry for over twenty years and is passionate about developing, equipping and encouraging leaders.

Christmas, Crafts, Encouragement, Encouraging, Family Ministry, Fun, Kids Ministry, Ministry, Preschool, Small Groups, Special Needs, Sunday School, Teacher Appreciation, Teaching Kids, Uncategorized, Volunteers
Advent, Christmas, Kids Ministry

The First Week of Advent: HOPE

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I didn’t grow up celebrating Advent. We certainly prepared both our home and our hearts through the many traditions and celebrations, but we didn’t call it Advent. It wasn’t until later that I came to appreciate the value of this tradition of expectation and have since acknowledged and practiced the disciplines of Advent every December.

As kids ministers, we are now “knee-deep” in one of the busiest seasons of our ministry year. If we’re not leading various Christmas celebrations and traditions, we’re undergirding other ministries in the church with childcare as they celebrate. It is a very busy time and can quickly turn from a season of celebration to a season of stress and resentment. So, each Monday I’m going to share a quick devotional thought that I hope will help you focus on the true meaning and yes, the “reason for the season” as we approach Christmas day.

This week I want to challenge you to consider the Hope that is ours through the birth of Christ.

As a young child, I remember hoping for various gifts. When the Christmas catalogs began to arrive in our mailboxes my brothers and sister and I would take turns circling the items that we hoped we’d get for Christmas. As I got older those gifts became bigger and bigger.

I remember one Christmas when I learned a valuable lesson. I had asked for a particular gift that year and it was a really big gift. It wasn’t anything that could have been wrapped and it wasn’t anything that would have fit under our Christmas tree and to be honest, I wasn’t even sure if my parents were going to be able to pull this gift off … but I had a lot of hope that my special gift would be there on Christmas morning.

On Christmas morning I always woke up really early. Oftentimes I would wake up, check out the loot “santa” had left, play around a little and then go back to bed. My family would get up later and we’d all go to the living room together and enjoy watching each other see the awesome gifts that had appeared during the night. That particular year was not any different except when I got up in the middle of the night my hopes were dashed. That year my large gift was nowhere in sight. I was devastated. I couldn’t believe it. I went back to bed and cried myself to sleep (okay, as I type this I realize what a spoiled brat I was).

Later (at a more respectable time on Christmas morning) my parents came to wake me so we could all go see what had been delivered. I didn’t want to get up. As a matter of fact, I refused. Finally, my dad came in my room and strongly encouraged me to get up and participate in the family traditions. I remember rudely (I’m really feeling bad about how poorly I acted) sharing that there was really no point in me getting up because what I had hoped for wasn’t there.

Most of the time, my dad was quick to remind me of my sinfulness through various acts of correction. But this time he must have seen the teachable moment that I had presented. I remember him saying to me, “sometimes the gifts we’re looking for aren’t always in the places we expect them.”

With his encouragement I got up and looked in our newly finished basement game room and found my gift, exactly what I had asked for, sitting there waiting for me. I was ecstatic.

I really did learn a lot that Christmas. I learned that my parents would do almost anything to see to it that we got what we wanted (even build a new game room to house those ridiculous requests). I learned that sometimes the best gifts don’t come all wrapped up and found under the tree. But I think the most important thing I learned that year is that “sometime the gifts we’re hoping for aren’t always in the places we expect.”

What do you hope for this Christmas? Jesus, THE HOPE, was not found where most were looking. Shepherds and kings would have to trust the star to lead them to The Hope, the King of the universe, delivered in the most humble means. The HOPE of the world was found in a poor manger stall yet that Gift was then, and still is today, the greatest gift you can ever receive.

This season take time to seek hope in the unexpected places. Challenge yourself to find hope as you acknowledge The Hope, Christ Jesus.

Remember this favorite “hope verse” as you reflect today on those things for which you’re hoping. “For I know the plan I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope!” Jeremiah 29:11

Bill Emeott serves as Lead Ministry Specialist for LifeWay Kids. He is a graduate of Mercer University and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Bill has served in Kids Ministry for almost 30 years and currently teaches 3rd Grade Bible study at his home church in Nashville, TN.

Advent, Christmas, Family, Family Ministry, Kids Ministry

An Advent Plan for Families

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Nothing is more precious than a newborn baby. However, in the months leading up to his birth, a lot goes into organizing for that infant’s arrival! One major undertaking for most expectant families is clearing out a room to become the nursery in order to fill it with baby items: a crib, changing table, toy shelves, diapers, burp cloths, and bibs. Hours of thought even go into deciding on a theme for the nursery décor, bedding, and stroller.

Christmas Advent includes preparation as well. Not with finding a spare room in our homes, but in our hearts, for the arrival of Jesus! As we move expectantly into this year’s Advent season, let’s consider the thoughts and actions of a certain mom in biblical history—Mary—as she gave intentional focus to servanthood, acceptance, thankfulness, and finally celebration in preparing for the coming of her firstborn child—Jesus!

WEEK 1 (December 2):

“’I am the Lord’s servant,’ said Mary.” Luke 1:38

Gifting vs. Giving (of Yourself)

From the time we’re young, we aspire to greatness! As children, we tell our parents that one day we will be the best doctor or astronaut or dancer they’ve ever seen! As parents, we then brag to others as we tell them how great our kids are with all their endeavors.

There’s nothing wrong with striving to use God-given talents and skills in the very best ways possible. But proper attitude is key! We’re reminded of this in Philippians 2:3-4, where we read: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”

Even though many people ascribe to Mary greatness for being the mother of Jesus, Mary’s attitude going into her pregnancy with the Christ child was one of humility in servanthood to God—giving her total being to the Lord without hesitation.

As we look toward Christmas Day this year, how can we change our focus from achieving greatness in the eyes of others to serving one another out of the blessings God has already given us?

FAMILY ADVENT-ure:

This month, try a few of these “giving” activities to those in your community:

  • Serve in your city’s soup kitchen for the homeless.
  • Take some easy-to-heat meals to an elderly neighbor.
  • Collect colorful, fun hats and gloves (child and adult sizes) for a homeless shelter.
  • Deliver Christmas goodies to a local pregnancy center.
  • Invite a college student (who can’t get home for the holidays) to your home for Christmas parties or on Christmas Day!

WEEK 2 (December 9):

“May it be done to me according to your word.” Luke 1:38

Worth the Wait

Especially for kids, it’s hard to wait for Christmas Day to get here! How often do we hear our children ask, “How many more days until Christmas?” The anticipation of ripping open big, shiny, bow-wrapped gifts is almost more than kids can stand! They ask the question each time—even though they really don’t want to wait until Christmas!

As parents, we also get in a hurry for what, how, and when we want things. Waiting often feels unbearable! How can we model to our children the ability to be satisfied with answers given from God, accepting His plans over what we may be wishing for or wanting to hear?

In this week’s Advent verse, Mary’s summation was right on point in her attitude and timing when she told the angel Gabriel, “May it be to me as you have said.”

FAMILY ADVENT-ure:

Use the acronym W–A–I–T for ideas to use with your family as you count down the days leading to Christmas.

W “Welcome Christmastime! Idea Jar” Place a festively decorated jar in a common area of your house, along with small pieces of paper and a pencil. As ideas come for things to do over Christmas break, write them down and toss them in the jar. Then have fun engaging in those activities!

A Assemble a Christmas tree (real or artificial) for an elderly person in your neighborhood or church or help a single mom who might need assistance with her décor.

I Invite families of your children’s friends to a Christmas program at your church.

T Text one person each day between now and Christmas with a heartfelt Christmastime greeting. Adding an appropriate seasonal meme would be a fun touch as well!

WEEK 3 (December 16):

“My soul praises the greatness of the Lord.” Luke 1:46

Birthday Blessings!

There are moments that are difficult to express in words. One such time for me was immediately following my son’s birth. I had a C-section, so I was hooked up to all types of tubes for anesthesia and oxygen. But even with all of those awkward instruments and positioning of my body, I’ll never forget the moment the doctor laid my newborn son to my chest after he was born. My eyes immediately filled with tears of absolute joy in witnessing the arrival of my long-awaited baby boy!

Mary was obviously struck with such great pleasure that her very soul was overwhelmed in thankfulness to the Lord for giving her such wonderful news—that soon, she would be the mother of Baby Jesus!

FAMILY ADVENT-ure:

Assign (or draw for) names of all family members. Each person is to write (or younger children may draw pictures) how they are thankful for the family member assigned to them. In other words, how they’ve been a “Christmas blessing” this past year. The message may be gift-wrapped and then opened Christmas Day.

WEEK 4 (December 23):

“My spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” Luke 1:47

Let the Party Begin!

This season, no doubt you’ve been part of at least one Christmas party with tables overflowing with food, hours of enjoyment with friends, and possibly funny gift exchanges. Holiday celebrations are simply part of the Christmas spirit!

But years before holiday parties came about, Mary celebrated (rejoiced)  over the news that Jesus would soon be arriving! She knew Jesus was not just a baby to be born. He would be “great … the Son of the Most High”—the Savior!

FAMILY ADVENT-ure:

What are some ways your family can celebrate Jesus amidst other Christmas events? Start this focus when your kids are young and make it part of your Christmastime tradition. Here are a few ideas:

  • Enjoy a “Happy Birthday, Jesus!” cake as part of your family’s Christmas Eve party. Sing “Happy Birthday” to Jesus before you begin eating it.
  • Set up a makeshift Nativity scene alongside your Christmas tree décor. Talk with younger children about the biblical story of Mary and Joseph watching over Baby Jesus.
  • Keep child-safe Nativity sets available for preschoolers and younger children to play with during weeks leading up to Christmas, and talk about it with them.

This post was provided by ParentLife Magazine. The writer, Dixie Walker is a freelance writer of Christian family ministry resources. She and her family reside in Nashville, Tenn.

Looking for more? Connect with ParentLife online at facebook.com/parentlife or the ParentLife blog. Order at lifeway.com/parentlife.

Christmas, Kids Ministry
Christmas, Kids Ministry, Leadership, Parent Helps, Preschool, Preschoolers

Christmas Bible Learning Activities for Babies

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The Christmas Season is full of opportunities to teach babies about the Birth of Jesus. Use the following activities to teach babies at church and at home.:

Flip Through a Book:

Gather poster board, clear contact plastic, hole punch, ribbon or yarn, Christmas cards with pictures of the angel, Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus and the shepherds.

  • Mount Christmas card pictures on pieces of poster board. Laminate or cover with clear contact plastic. Make holes on the side of each page and bind them together with ribbon or yarn.
  • Show the baby how to turn the pages. As you look at each page, talk about the pictures.
  • Say: “Mary had a special baby named Jesus. He was born in Bethlehem. You are a baby and have a special family.”
  • Alternate Option: Take apart the book and lay the pages on the floor (taped together) to make a manger scene mat. Place the Bible near the manger scene mat. Encourage the baby to crawl to the mat.

Shake and Hear Sounds:

Gather a Bible, large jingle bells, clear plastic bottle, glue

  • Place different colors of large jingle bells in a clear plastic bottle. Use glue to securely seal the cap to the bottle.
  • Shake the bottle allowing the baby to hear the sounds of the bells jingling. Help the baby shake the bottle.
  • Open the Bible to Luke 2:11 and say the Bible phrase,  “Jesus was born.” Continue to notice sounds the baby hears and remind the baby that Mary heard she would be Jesus’ mother.
  • Talk to a baby: “Do you hear the bells? Mary heard from the angel that she would be Jesus’ mother.”

Wrap a Baby Doll:

Gather a Bible, soft doll (no parts that could poke), soft blanket

  • Wrap a doll loosely in a soft blanket. When the baby crawls to you, allow him to see the baby doll, reach to touch and hold the baby doll.
  • Say: “Jesus was born. Mary wrapped Him in soft cloths. She laid Him in a manger.”

During this Christmas season, be intentional to teach babies in your life about the Good News of Jesus’ Birth.

Delanee Williams serves as a Ministry Specialist with LifeWay Kids. She is a graduate of Baylor University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.  Delanee has served in kids ministry for over twenty years and is passionate about developing, equipping and encouraging leaders.

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