Posted on January 6, 2018April 7, 2018 by Patti Loranger

Greet the Children Too. Don’t Overlook them.

Greet the Children Too. Don’t Overlook them.

OVERLOOKING THE OBVIOUS

(A blog written by Rev. Grace Verrier.) (Used with permission.)

Last Sunday when I was about to enter the door of the church, the greeter (who is a really friendly person) opened his arms to give me a hug and welcome me. However, out of the corner of his eye he spied some old friends who were about two meters behind me and he immediately pivoted his body and moved away from me to greet them with an exuberant embrace. I know that he did not overlook me on purpose and that his happiness to see old friends overwhelmed his manners for the moment. However, it made me realize that every week the same thing I experienced happens to the children in our church. Adults greet other adults at the door but nobody greets the children. It happens again when the pastor asks us to greet one another during announcement time. Adults reach over the child beside them to an adult two chairs away to shake hands with them or hug them. The children either stand feeling rejected or with fear of being smothered. (Imagine being caught between two embracing giants.) It often happens that when I do look toward children and reach out to greet them they turn to look behind them to see who I am greeting because they are so accustomed to being ignored. I am reminded that Jesus didn’t overlook the children. “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” (Mark 10:14)

Click here for Children’s Ministry Resources.

Posted on January 5, 2018April 7, 2018 by Patti Loranger

LIMIT YOUR VOCABULARY TO CHILDREN’S VOCABULARY

IS THIS THE TOWER OF BABEL?

(by Grace Verrier)

Imagine going into a church and experiencing an entire service presented in a language we cannot understand. “When anyone hears the message of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart.” (Matthew 13:18,19) It is essential that we limit our vocabulary to children’s vocabulary when teaching children. If it is necessary to use more than a two-syllable word, be sure to explain what the word means. Also, realize that young children are not able to grasp the concept of analogy. For example, “The devil walks around like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour” may be interpreted as “Every roaring lion is the devil” in a child’s mind.

Click here for Children’s Ministry Resources.

Posted on January 4, 2018February 7, 2019 by Patti Loranger

Children’s Worship Song

Children’s Worship Songs for Children’s Ministry

Looking for Children’s Worship Songs? Kids will love this re-make of “This Little Light of Mine” by Yancy. Children’s Ministry is fun.

I’m gonna ‘Serve

Click here for Children’s Ministry Resources.

Posted on January 3, 2018April 7, 2018 by Patti Loranger

MEET CHILDREN AT THEIR EYE LEVEL

MEET CHILDREN AT THEIR EYE LEVEL

An article by Rev. Grace Verrier

BIG OR SMALL

What would it be like to see through a child’s eyes? Imagine walking into a church and seeing giants everywhere. If I walked into a room full of people who are twice as tall as I am, it could be a frightening experience. That is why I have learned to greet children at their own level. (Why pay to go to the gym to do squats when it is free to do one every time I greet a child?) There is an instant connection when I look straight into a child’s eyes. They know that I care enough to meet them on their own level. Children are exactly the same as we are – just shorter. “Man looks at the outward appearance but the Lord looks on the heart.” (1^st Samuel 16:7)

Click here for Children’s Ministry Resources.

Posted on January 2, 2018February 7, 2019 by Patti Loranger

King Pin Game

King Pin Game for Children’s Ministry

Here is a high energy running game best done in a gymnasium or church basement. Get rid of the wiggles and giggles before you teach the Word of God.

http://www.greatgroupgames.com/king-pin.htm

Click here for Children’s Ministry Curriculum.

Posted on December 26, 2017February 7, 2019 by Patti Loranger

Christmas Present Game

Christmas Present Game for Children’s Ministry

Watch the joy on the children’s faces as they play this Christmas themed game. A twist would be to start with large boxes and have boxes inside of boxes.

http://www.greatgroupgames.com/christmas-present-game.htm

Click her for Children’s Ministry Resources.

Posted on December 21, 2017February 7, 2019 by Patti Loranger

Christmas Children’s Worship Song

Christmas Children’s Worship Song for Children’s Ministry

Looking for Christmas Children’s songs? Here is an original song by Go Fish. The message is about us not being ashamed to celebrate Christmas.

It’s Called Christmas

Click here for Children’s Ministry Resources.

Posted on December 19, 2017February 7, 2019 by Patti Loranger

Snowball Fight Game

Snowball Fight Game for Children’s Ministry

High energy winter themed game for church basement or gymnasium. Get the wiggles and giggles out of the kids before you teach them the Word of God.

http://www.greatgroupgames.com/snowball-fight.htm

Click here for Children’s Ministry Resources.

Posted on December 18, 2017February 7, 2019 by Patti Loranger

Game Bean Bag Toss

Game – BEAN BAG TOSS

Using Masking Tape make a bull’s eye on the floor (a smaller circle or square surrounded by 2 larger ones). The smallest circle is worth 100 points. The middle circle is worth 50 points. The outer circle is worth 25 points. Choose a child who wants to participate in the game. The child must recite the memory verse first. Then the child may toss bean bags (as many as you wish) into the bulls eye. Record the points each child earns. Child with the most points wins.