Kids Ministry

Dedicated to helping Kids Ministry leaders in their mission of making disciples

Crafts, Encouraging, Kids Ministry

Mother’s Day Craft

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klista-150x150Mother’s Day is just a few short weeks away and teachers everywhere are scrambling to find the perfect craft for their classroom kids to make. But, unfortunately, too many of these teachers will be spending hours upon hours doing all the prep work for these perfect “handmade” gifts themselves.

Moms everywhere would tell you: “STOP THE MADNESS!” We’d much prefer to have something truly made by our kids. Give us the simple hand-drawn pictures; messy, but painstakingly, painted masterpieces; or even just a page of questions that capture the thoughts of our kids about life with mom.

To help make your life easier, here are links for a couple of easy-to-do treasures your kids will be proud to give their moms.  A great book about mom (or even grandma!) that kids can make.

And how cute (and easy!) are these “pinecone flowers?” 

And for fun, we’ve included a quick and easy page for you to copy and record those precious, funny, and sometimes too revealing answers kids share! All About Mom

Thank you for all you’re doing to make some tired moms feel very special!

Klista Storts serves as an Editorial Ministry Specialist for Lifeway Kids. She has served as Director of Preschool Ministries at churches in Oklahoma and Tennessee. Klista has a passion for equipping leaders to share the love of Christ and lay foundations for conversion in the lives of kids.

Crafts, Fun, Games, Kids Ministry, Parenting, Small Groups

Science and the Bible: Walking on Eggshells

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Jeff Land-150x150Wouldn’t you love to walk on water? I’ve always imagined what it would be like. I saw this experiment recently and thought that it would be a good way to illustrate the story of Peter walking on water with Jesus. I have tried this experiment several times and for some reason I can’t get it to work with adults standing on the eggs, but it always has worked with kids. I’ve seen videos where it works with adults, but I can’t make it work (maybe my eggs are too cheap!). Download the teaching picture and Bible story summary here.

Before the Activity:

o   Where are some places that you would like to walk that you cannot?

o   What would it feel like to walk on glass? Slime? The moon? Eggs?

o   Today we will study about Peter and how he was able to walk on water with Jesus.

Items needed:

o   4 dozen eggs

o   Vinyl tablecloth

Instructions:

o   Place the vinyl tablecloth on the ground.

o   Place the eggs on the vinyl tablecloth in their cartons.

o   Assist a volunteer in standing directly on the eggs.

o   Help the volunteer jump while standing on the eggs. (Supposedly this will work, use this suggestion at your OWN risk!)

Egg4

What happened:

o   Eggs seem fragile, but God had a great design for them in their shape. The shape of the eggs gives them their strength. The curve of the shell distributes the pressure evenly.

Bible Story Connection:

o   Peter Walked on Water (Matthew 14:22-33)

o   Connection Point: Most people would never guess that you can actually walk on eggs, but we know that walking on water is impossible. God shaped eggs especially to give them strength so actually walking on them is possible. Peter was able to walk on water because he had the power of his faith in Jesus Christ.

After the Story/Activity:

o   Was it a miracle to be able to walk on eggs? What did walking on eggs require?

o   How was Peter able to walk on water? What made Peter start to sink?

o   How can you depend on Jesus like Peter did?

Jeff Land loves Life! That’s pretty great, because his job here at Lifeway is the Team Leader for Bible Studies for Life: Kids. Jeff loves his life which is so blessed by his amazing wife, Abbey, and their four sons, Reed, Nash, Will, and Tuck. A natural encourager and fun-lover, look for Jeff’s posts about teacher appreciation and game ideas. When not serving at work, Jeff serves 2nd graders at his church, First Baptist Church, Joelton, TN.

Crafts, Encouragement, Fun, Leadership, Thanksgiving

Fall Teacher Appreciation Ideas

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Land-150x150Recently, I got a jar of peanuts and candy corn with a label “This may sound corny, but I’m nuts about you!” I loved the jar for several reasons. One — I love candy corn, and two — that was a teacher appreciation idea I posted last Fall. Around here, we don’t just post for the fun of it; we really want the ideas we post to be useful in your ministry. Today I’m sharing an idea that I used to tell my team here at work how much I loved them!

Supplies:
Miniature Pumpkins and Gourds (I bought mine at a local farm for $.25 each)
Jute twine
Pumpkin Label (Download Here)

Instructions:

I resized my labels to get 6 on a page in a Word doc. You can do this or just print the size that they are in the PDF file.
Punch a hole in the top of each label. You might want to write a personal note on the back.
Use the jute twine to attach the label to the stem of the pumpkin.
Deliver and watch your volunteers’ faces brighten!

It’s so important to tell the people who are working in ministry with you that you love and appreciate them.

For 5 more fall-themed teacher appreciation ideas, click here. 

Crafts, Fun, Small Groups, Sunday School
Crafts, Easter, Fun, Games
Crafts, Encouragement, Fun

Get Your Valentine’s Day Cards!

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VdayCards

JeffreyAs all of you know, Valentine’s Day is just 2 days away. If you haven’t picked up cards yet, you’re in luck. Check out and download the cards below to speak love through Scripture.

 

 

GodLovesUsunlovable Godlovesus

 

1 Corinthians 13:4 & 8 (PDF)

John 3:16 (PDF)

John 13:34 (PDF)

Bro

BiggestHeart

Romans 12:10 (PDF)

Romans 5:8 (PDF)

Happy Valentine’s Day from Lifeway Kids!

Jeffrey Reed serves as the Director of Kids Ministry for Lifeway. He came to Lifeway with a wide variety of ministry experiences including worship leader, director of children’s ministry, and executive leadership in several growing congregations. Jeffrey’s posts will give your heart and brain a workout, just like the fitness Boot Camp he leads in the mornings for Lifeway employees. Jeffrey and his wife Katherine have 4 kids.

Crafts, Encouragement, Fun

Valentine’s Day Coloring Pages

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Feb7

klistaHow do I love thee?  Let me color the ways!

I love Valentine’s Day!  For one thing, it means Spring is not far behind!  But the main reason is that it offers the opportunity of making people around us aware of our love for them.

 As you prepare for Valentine’s parties and the like, here is a link to some great coloring pages to help your kids not only express their love for others, but will also be a reminder of God’s love for them and their friends.

To make the page even more personal, encourage the kids to either list reasons for their love or add their own drawing on the back. Enjoy!

Coloring Pages for Valentine’s Day

Klista Storts is a Kids Ministry Specialist at Lifeway Christian Resources.  Before coming to Lifeway, she served as the Weekday and Preschool Specialist at the Tennessee Baptist Convention and as Director of Preschool Ministries at churches in Oklahoma and Tennessee.  Klista has a passion for equipping leaders to share the love of Christ and lay foundations for conversion in the lives of kids.

Crafts, Encouragement, Leadership, Sunday School

Valentine’s Day Labels: Show Love to Your Kids Ministry Leaders

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Feb5


landUse these free Valentine’s labels to tell your kids ministry volunteers that you appreciate them. Download all seven pages of labels for free! Show your kids ministry volunteers how much they mean to you and your church.

Pastor Michael, the kids pastor at my church, is great at showing appreciation for his kids ministry leaders. With notes on our Facebook wall, friendly texts, and even small gifts, he communicates that he appreciates us working with kids.

Here are five ideas that will help you tell your kids ministry volunteers how much they mean to you. (Oh, and did I mention that we’re giving you some awesome Valentine’s labels to use to make this task even more doable?)

1. Thanks a BILLION for teaching the kids at our church!

Walgreens has these great 1,000,000,000 candy bars for $.99 in their Valentine’s Day section (prices may vary). Print the label and voila — instant teacher appreciation.

Thanks a Billion (PDF)

VdayTag2

Print these labels on Avery 8163 labels.

2. OWL always thank God for you!

This “Cuddly Cuties” chocolate owl was available at Walgreens 3 for $2.00 (prices may vary). Hurry now and pick them up. They had dog, monkeys, and kittens.

Owl 1 and Owl 2 (PDFs)

VdayTag4

Print this label for the owl chocolate on Avery 8163 labels.

Some other ideas:

  • You’re a DOGgone good Sunday School teacher!
  • I’d go bananas without you teaching our kids!
  • You make the PURRfect Bible study leader!

3. You’re A SWEETHEART for teaching our kids!

 Who doesn’t love sweethearts candies? You can find these almost anywhere and usually for about $.33 each (prices may vary).

Sweetheart 1 and Sweetheart 2 (PDF)

VdayTag1

Print these labels on Avery 8163 labels.

4. You Deserve HUGS and KISSES for teaching our church’s children!

I found this acrylic heart at Walgreens for $.50 and a bag of Hershey’s HUGS KISSES for $3.49 (prices may vary). You can fill several hearts with one bag of KISSES or if you need to be more cost effective, consider putting several kisses in a ziplock bag and placing one of the labels on it.

Hugs and Kisses (PDF)

VdayTag3

Print these labels on Avery 8163 labels.

5. I’m Glad You <3 Kids Ministry!

The chocolate-filled heart Valentines are probably the most recognized Valentine candy around (besides maybe conversation hearts!). Most stores offer a small box of Valentines for around $1.00 (prices may vary).

I’m Glad You <3 Kids Ministry (PDF)

VdayTag5

Print these labels on Avery 8163 labels.

Jeff Land Jeff loves Life! That’s pretty great, because his job here at Lifeway is the Team Leader for Bible Studies for Life: Kids. Jeff loves his life which is so blessed by his amazing wife, Abbey, and their four sons, Reed, Nash, Will, and Tuck. A natural encourager and fun-lover, look for Jeff’s posts about teacher appreciation and game ideas. When not serving at work, Jeff serves 2nd graders at his church, First Baptist Church, Joelton, TN.

Crafts, Fun, Kids Ministry, Parenting, Small Groups, Sunday School

Science and the Bible: Create a Rainbow

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Jeff Land-150x150The story of Noah is so interesting to kids. From the animals, to the ark, to the beautiful rainbow as the sign of God’s covenant; the story of Noah is full of interesting elements to keep kids attention. Drive home the point of the rainbow by using this cool experiment with kids. Download the teaching picture and Bible story summary here.

Before the Activity:

o   What are some of your favorite colors? What are some colors that we see in the sky?

o   Why do rainbows exist?

o   Today we will study the story of Noah and the Ark.

Items needed:

o   Whole milk

o   Food color

o   Cotton swabs

o   Dish detergent

o   Pan

o   Watercolor paper (Optional)

Instructions:

o   Pour whole milk into a pan to a depth of 1–2 centimeters.

o   Add drops of the different colors of the food color to different places in the milk.

o   Add a dab of detergent to the end of the cotton swab. Touch the cotton swab to the middle of the coloring. Watch the reaction.

o   If desired, when you have created a “masterpiece” of color, take a piece of watercolor paper and place it over the milk mixture and lift quickly.

o   Allow watercolor paper to dry.

o   After a few minutes the colors will run together and get muddy. Just dump and start over.

What happened:

o   Whole milk contains fat. The food color actually rests on top of the fat. The dish detergent contains degreasers that break down the fat particles. When the detergent hits the fat, it separates causing the colors to move.

Bible Story Connection:

o   Noah and the Ark (Genesis 6:5–9:17)

o   Connection Point: God created a beautiful rainbow to remind Noah and his family of the covenant that He made to never flood the earth with water again. Kids can make beautiful rainbow creations to remind them of God’s covenant.

After the Story/Activity:

o   How did you create your rainbow art?

o   How did God create His rainbow?

o   How long did this experiment last? How long does God’s covenant last?

rain1rain5rain7

 

 

 

Jeff Land loves Life! That’s pretty great, because his job here at Lifeway is the Team Leader for Bible Studies for Life: Kids. Jeff loves his life which is so blessed by his amazing wife, Abbey, and their four sons, Reed, Nash, Will, and Tuck. A natural encourager and fun-lover, look for Jeff’s posts about teacher appreciation and game ideas. When not serving at work, Jeff serves 2nd graders at his church, First Baptist Church, Joelton, TN.

Christmas, Crafts, Fun

5 Christmas Projects for Your Family

By

DEC-5

Aklistas Christmas approaches, our kids are constantly bombarded with TV commercials, newspaper ads, flyers and store displays shouting the message of what they “must” see and “need” to get for Christmas. It’s easy to understand how the true meaning of Christmas can get lost in all the commercialism and pageantry.

So how do we get it back? How do we make sure that Jesus is the focus in our own home? Remind your kids of how God loved us so much that He gave the gift of His One and Only Son to live with us here on earth, to share His love and ultimately pay the sacrifice on our behalf. (And might I add – remind them all year long – not just at Christmas!) Help them understand that while Christmas is about a gift, it’s about sharing that gift with others.

Here are five ideas to help bring back the focus on showing His great love to the world.

  1. Enlist your kids in the “Secret Service” during the Holidays. Whether for neighbors, friends or a list of senior adults from your church, find ways that your kids can be a blessing to those around them.  Assign a task, but make sure they do it secretly so that the recipient doesn’t know! Leave a card with a message:  “Merry Christmas! Jesus loves you and so do we!”

  2. In similar fashion, assign each family member another family member’s name and encourage them to quietly perform a good deed for that person. Each time a task is completed, the person gets to place a piece of straw on the manger to help create a soft bed for Jesus.

  3. Create a Christmas chain with a link for each day until December 25. On each link, print a service project for the family to complete that day. Suggestions might include raking leaves for a neighbor, helping bake cookies to give away, or paying forward a hot chocolate at a local coffee shop.

  4. Load up the family and surprise a single mom or senior adult by decorating their home for Christmas.

  5. Choose a family in need and celebrate the 12 Days of Christmas by secretly leaving a gift or gifts at their doorstep each day. Include a note about the meaning behind each of the original gifts in the song.

At the end of each of these busy days, circle up the kids and have a family devotion time. Read scriptures that focus on the Christmas story and discuss how the actions of the day shared the love of Christ with others. For ideas read 12 Days of Christmas: Celebrate Christ with Your Family or Walk Through Advent with Kids Using an Advent Calendar.

Please share with us the ways that your family will be showing the love of Christ this Christmas!

Klista Storts serves as the Childhood Ministry Specialist. She is married to Gary and the mother of Brett and Blake… oh yea, and Mimi to her grand-daughter, Mia! Klista is passionate about laying foundations for conversion in the lives of preschoolers. Klista loves to ask the hard questions, so look out for her!

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