Children's Ministry

 

 What a great summer.  Many of you are feeling relaxed and rejuvinated.  You did things and went places that can only take place during the summer.  As the business of school and work begins again, let's continue to spend that quality time with each other, intentionally slow down and focus on our families, create moments of joy and happiness, and making memories that will get us through to the next summer. -  Jason, children's minister

 *go to bottom of page for the latest PARENTING TIP about dealing with kids who say "that's not fair".

      Vision and Goals:  We want our kids....

Upcoming Activities: 

 

BIBLE BLITZ on Wednesday nights: 1-5th graders engaged in relational, applicational, and educational activities, 7-8pm.  Topics of study include...

      August - Responsibility: showing you can be trusted with what is expected of you.  The memory verse of the month is Luke 16:10a, "whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much."

Jesus said, "Permit the children to come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these."  Luke 18:16.

    Birth up to 24 months old

• attended nursery during worship services 
• private area for nursing  
• cradle roll class area for class time 
• toddler area with age appropriate games and toys
• safe and secure with check-in at door and a pager system
• experienced leaders have served over 20 years

     2 years to Kindergarten                                                             

• children's worship immediately following Lords' Supper during Sunday morning worship service, includes singing, praying, Bible stories, and puppets
• group activities such as princess and cowboy party, VBS, and Easter Eggstravaganza

     1st through 5th grade

• family Bible study: Bible class when parents and kids learn and study together
• service projects: cheer baskets, cleaning windshields, cards of encouragement, etc.
• vbs: special week-long Bible activity full of Bible stories, learning experiences, games, crafts, freindship building
• easter eggstravaganza: seasonal activity full of Bible learning, crafts, egg hunt, snacks, great family and friend time
• team45: special activities just for our 4th & 5th graders intended to meet their spiritual and developmental needs
• bible bowl: specific quarter-long Bible study filled with fun, unique, and specialized learning activities culminating in an area-wide "bible bowl"

Parenting Tip

"That's Not Fair!"

Competition between siblings is often demonstrated by the statement, "That's not fair" or "What about him?"  Competition stems from comparison and often creates conflict in relationships between brothers and sisters.

Here's an idea that will go a long way to reduce the comparison and competition between your children.  Treat each child uniquely and don't try to treat all your kids the same.  Intentionally give them different privileges, assignments, and responsibilities.  Avoid grouping the children by saying things like, "Kids, it's time to eat" or "Boys, let's get in the car."  Instead, use each child's name and give separate instructions.  "Bill, please wash your hands and come to dinner." "Karen, come join us now for dinner!"

When children compare themselves to each other they say they want equality, but that's not really true.  What each child wants is to feel special.  When you treat them uniquely, and focus on each child individually, you'll be surprised how much comparison and competition are reduced in your family.

After all, God doesn't treat us all the same.  He treats us each uniquely.  John 21:15-23 contains a fascinating story that often happens in families today.  Jesus is telling Peter how he is going to die.  Peter turns and looks at another disciple and says, "What about him?"  Jesus answers, "What is that to you? You follow me."  In essence Jesus was saying, "I treat eacch person uniquely.  You worry about yourself."  What a great lesson to apply to our families.  Treat people uniquely and special instead of trying to treat them all equally or the same. 

This parenting tip comes from the book, "Say Goodbye to Whining, Complaining, and Bad Attitudes In You and Your Kids" by Dr. Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN, BSN.