December 29th

Monthly theme: God gave us Jesus. 

Announcements: 

• I will be out of town this Sunday.  All the materials to do any of the activities listed are in a bucket in the resource/supply room.  You will have to make the copies for what you want, but paper , etc. is in the bucket.
• My assistant Tammy will be present Sunday, and she is more than capable and willing to help you.
• We have a fun take home for the kids.  "Find the star" Tammy will help distribute.

Curriculum: Lesson 5 of 5 : The wise men. 

• Click here to view December's  3 min.overview video. Manager Scene.
• Curriculum link: www.whatisorange.org
• Login name:  fishleader     Password: jesus  Choose: First Look Curriculum
• Contact Amy: text or voice:  502-553-9347  email: amy@ccum.net

December  Scripture:  Please go over scripture each week with the motions.    Click here for the December  motions  "God has given a son to us."  Isaiah 9:6

Story for Sun. Dec. 29th:   This week's story is the wise men.  I have a great story copied for you and it will be in your rooms.  This will make it easy..

Prayer time:  Don't forgot to make time to pray.  (Of course I led this past week and forgot myself.)  

Activities:  I have listed the activities that I will supply materials for.  They will be in resource/supply room clearly labeled.   Their will be originals to copy along with colored paper.  You can make the copies (Janet or Tammy can help you if you need.) 

• Follow the stars- love this game.  Super easy!  Materials in supply room for this.
• Look for It game- Also an easy game.  I called this the "I spy " game.  Materials in supply room for this as well.
• Shaped like Wise Men- This looks cute.  A shape matching craft/game.  Materials provided in supply room.
• Stepping stones-Good game for memory verse review, but there are other things you can do for memory verse review if you like.  Materials provided for this as well.   

December 23rd

Monthly theme: God gave us Jesus. 

Announcements: 

• See the lesson layout below.  I have planned everything for you, so you can just show up.  All materials will be in your rooms.  Plan to arrive just a few minutes early and/or review the summary below.  Hope this helps remove an extra something "to do"  this week. It will be a great Sunday!  

December  Scripture:  Please go over scripture each week with the motions.    Click here for the December  motions  "God has given a son to us."  Isaiah 9:6

Plan for Sunday Dec. 23rd:   The focus of the lesson this week is:  Happy Birthday Jesus!  It is focused around a birthday party theme.  Since we already had an "official" happy birthday Jesus party, we are not going to do cupcakes,etc.  Although we will stick with the birthday party theme for the lesson.  The story is basically an overview and can be told during the "table activity" part of the lesson.  I am supplying materials for the following activities which you can do that morning.  

Game before the story:  Balloon Race.  Tape up the colored balloons around the room and children will match their balloon color with those around the room.

Group game before the story:  Birthday party match up.  There will be one larger poster that you can do as a group.  It matches birthday party symbols together.

Bible story/Table activity:  This is the story part of the lesson.  EAch child will receive a set of cards to put in order of the Christmas story.  Guide children through the story and help them put in order and then glue on their sheet.  They can color these if they want later.

Happy Birthday Jesus craft:   Lead up to this craft with the culmination of a birthday party-cake and singing.  Could sing happy birthday to jesus.  Children will decorate a die cut birthday cake and then glue to a sheet.  They will also add the manager and baby Jesus.  
 

December 15th

Monthly theme: God gave us Jesus. 

Announcements: 

• We will not be making the manager scene throughout the month that they reference in the curriculum.  Our children will receive a special manager scene at the "Celebrate Jesus" event on Dec. 8th at 10am.  There are plenty of other activities in the lesson we can use.

Curriculum: Lesson 3 of 5 : The angels tell the shepherds the good news. 

• Click here to view December's  3 min.overview video. Manager Scene.
• Curriculum link: www.whatisorange.org
• Login name:  fishleader     Password: jesus  Choose: First Look Curriculum
• Contact Amy: text or voice:  502-553-9347  email: amy@ccum.net

December  Scripture:  Please go over scripture each week with the motions.    Click here for the December  motions  "God has given a son to us."  Isaiah 9:6

Prayer Time: #1 in our top 10:   Ask the kids what you can pray about and lead them in prayer.

Bible Story:  (found under Make it True) This week's story is the Angel delivering the news to the Shepherds that Jesus was born.  You can continue to story tell this or I have a few books. You can read through them focusing on the part with the Angels and Shepherds.  Let me know Sunday morning and I will get them for you. 

Activities: So many awesome activities this week:

Games/Activities:

• Herding Sheep-Love this fun activity that uses candy canes and cotton balls to "herd" the sheep into a circle taped on floor.  I can provide candy canes and cotton balls.  Let me know!
• God gave us- Also a fun game where you fill in the blank on the sentence.  I have the pictures printed out already.  Let me know if you want to use them.  You could write the sentence on the board or on index cards.  EASY!
• Run and Tell- EASY game as well.  I have pictures printed out for this and I know kids would love to stand up on a stool/chair for this.  Just might require an adult to stand by and assist them.  
• Host of Angels-table activity where they can match angels.
• Telephone-This is not in the curriculum, but you could play the old telephone game where you pass the message around the circle. You can talk about how we share information.One person tells another, and another, and another, etc. 

Craft:

• Good news:  This easy craft allows children to color in the pictures of the angels and shepherds and then glue cotton on the sheep and angel.  

December 8th-Come Celebrate Jesus in the Fellowship Hall with your children.  10am

Lana Toler and Courtney Schuster will stay in the blue fish room (with Tammy) and collect any children dropped off that might not have an adult. At 10:10 Lana and Courtney can bring any children (along with their own) to the fellowship hall.  Thank you, Thank you Lana and Courtney.

December 1st

Monthly theme: God gave us Jesus. 

Announcements: 

• We will not be making the manager scene throughout the month that they reference in the curriculum.  Our children will receive a special manager scene at the "Celebrate Jesus" event on Dec. 8th at 10am.  There are plenty of other activities in the lesson we can use.

• On Sunday Dec. 8^th you will not need to lead normal programming in your room.   We will be having a Celebrate Jesus event for 2 year olds- kindergarten.  Children are invited from 10-11am to come with at least ONE parent.  This will be held in the fellowship hall and you will be receiving an invitation soon.  So, those of you with children in this age group can come to the fellowship hall and join in.  I will have all rooms closed with signs directing families to fellowship hall.   I would like to keep one room open  in case we have any children dropped off without a parent.  If two teachers are willing to stay with Tammy in that room for 10-15 min, then if we have any children dropped off without a parent  we can bring them to the fellowship hall  as well.   Let me know if you are scheduled that Sunday and would be willing to stay in the room for 10 minutes

Curriculum: Lesson 1 of 5 : The Angel and Mary

• Click here to view December's  3 min.overview video. Manager Scene.
• Curriculum link: www.whatisorange.org
• Login name:  fishleader     Password: jesus  Choose: First Look Curriculum
• Contact Amy: text or voice:  502-553-9347  email: amy@ccum.net

December  Scripture:  Please go over scripture each week with the motions.    Click here for the December  motions  "God has given a son to us."  Isaiah 9:6

Prayer Time: #1 in our top 10:   Ask the kids what you can pray about and lead them in prayer.

Bible Story:  (found under Make it True) This week's story is the Angel delivering Mary a special message that she will have a baby and it is God's son. I am going to have a few angel costumes available for you to use if you want.  I will have them available Sunday morning.  Might be fun to use in telling the story.  

Activities: Thoughts about activities and supplies needed for this week:

• My mom-no props...gets them thinking about mothers and children.
• Special Delivery-fun game that focuses on receiving a message.  Could use any box at home or wrap one up and cut a slit in it. Bring some envelopes and write kids' names on it.
• Spell it out-This is an easy matching game.  We have plenty of butcher block paper that you can write out the scripture and they look for the matching letter. 
• Heart Angels-we have the supplies for this project but not the glitter pens.  I can provide you regular glue and glitter.  THis is not a messy project if you do all the "glittering" on one tray. 
• Optional Angel craft:  I have downloaded a very cute angel that I can copy onto cardstock for you.  The children can color it and then glitter/glue it.  This would be another option rather than the Heart Angel craft. 

November 24th

Monthly theme: God is always with me.

Announcements: 

• On Sunday Dec. 8^th you will not need to lead normal programming in your room.   We will be having a Celebrate Jesus event for 2 year olds- kindergarten.  Children are invited from 10-11am to come with at least ONE parent.  This will be held in the fellowship hall and you will be receiving an invitation soon.  So, those of you with children in this age group can come to the fellowship hall and join in.  I will have all rooms closed with signs directing families to fellowship hall.   I would like to keep one room open  in case we have any children dropped off without a parent.  If two teachers are willing to stay with Tammy in that room for 10-15 min, then if we have any children dropped off without a parent  we can bring them to the fellowship hall  as well.   Let me know if you are scheduled that Sunday and would be willing to stay in the room for 10 minutes

• Spring 2014 Plans-I have heard from most of you and just have a few left to chat with.  Come find me so we can talk about your next step plans.

• I would love to hear your feedback about the "3 man" team approach to leading our small groups.  How has it worked for you?  Do you think it has been effective?

Curriculum: Lesson 4 of 4: Daniel and the Lions Den.  God helps me when I have to do hard things.   God saves the day.

• Click here to view November's 3 min.overview video. Always with me.
• Curriculum link: www.whatisorange.org
• Login name:  fishleader     Password: jesus  Choose: First Look Curriculum
• Contact Amy: text or voice:  502-553-9347  email: amy@ccum.net
•  

November Scripture:  Please go over scripture each week with the motions.    Click here for the November motions  "The Lord your God is with you everywhere you go." Joshua 1:9

Prayer Time: #1 in our top 10:   Ask the kids what you can pray about and lead them in prayer.

Bible Story:  (found under Make it True) This week's story is  Daniel and the Lions Den.  Always a favorite.  I have a longer children's Bible story book that contains this story: few and simple words on each page.  You can use it if you like.


Activities: Thoughts about activities and supplies needed for this week:

• Who am I-good game to introduce the animals in our story this week.
• Hard to Do/Obstacle course-could combine these and talk about how its hard to do parts of an obstacle course and we have to do hard things in our lives.  There is always butcher block paper in the resource room closet.  
• Scary Lion-this is a craft and I can copy for you.  We do have brown paint and smocks the kids can throw on.  You could also use "gift bag filler" or anything else you think of for the mane and the kids could glue it on. 

November 17th

Monthly theme: God is always with me.

Announcements: 

• Spring 2014 Plans The staff and Children's Ministry Team at Christ Church cannot thank you enough for your leadership in Children's Ministries this fall. Your love for the children and desire to teach them about faith has an eternal impact.

You committed to lead from August 18-December 29 of this year. What are your plans for Spring 2014 (January 5-May 25)? You get first dibs! We would love for you to continue leading your group thru the end of the year.
Please e-mail me this week to say either, "Sign me up for spring!" or "My last day is December 29."
Thank you!

• I would love to hear your feedback about the "3 man" team approach to leading our small groups.  How has it worked for you?  Do you think it has been effective?

•  I will not be in Louisville from Wed-Friday this week; so,  I will be a bit more limited in helping you this week as I won't be at CCUM to pass things on for support.  I will be at church Sunday and happy to help you with any of the supplies listed in the activity section.  Feel free to text me any questions.  I will be available on the cell phone everyday!

  
Curriculum: Lesson 3 of 4: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.  God saves the day.

• Click here to view November's 3 min.overview video. Always with me.
• Curriculum link: www.whatisorange.org
• Login name:  fishleader     Password: jesus  Choose: First Look Curriculum
• Contact Amy: text or voice:  502-553-9347  email: amy@ccum.net
•  

November Scripture:  Please go over scripture each week with the motions.    Click here for the November motions  "The Lord your God is with you everywhere you go." Joshua 1:9

Bible Story:  (found under Make it True) This week's story is  the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.  When they won't bow down to worship the false God, they are thrown in the fire; but God is with them and they survive!  A favorite story.  Daniel 3:10-30
I have Bible story books you can use it that's easier for a change.  This is a mainline story in all of my children's Bibles.


Activities: My favorites for this week---There are lots of complicated activities this week.  I just went for the simple ones!

• Bow and Curtsey-no props...
• Build a fire- This takes just a bit of prep, but could be very cute and effective in getting the message across.  We have red, orange,, and yellow butcher block paper in the resource room.
• Ring of Fire-this is my favorite this week.  We have hula hoops and crepe paper.  I think the kids would love this and get the idea of the story. 

November 10th

Monthly theme: God is always with me.

Announcements: 
Spring 2014 Plans The staff and Children's Ministry Team at Christ Church cannot thank you enough for your leadership in Children's Ministries this fall. Your love for the children and desire to teach them about faith has an eternal impact.
You committed to lead from August 18-December 29 of this year. What are your plans for Spring 2014 (January 5-May 25)? You get first dibs! We would love for you to continue leading your group thru the end of the year.
Please e-mail me this week to say either, "Sign me up for spring!" or "My last day is December 29."
Thank you!

  
Curriculum: Lesson 2 of 4: Ruth and Naomi.  God provides.

• Click here to view November's 3 min.overview video. Always with me.
• Curriculum link: www.whatisorange.org
• Login name:  fishleader     Password: jesus  Choose: First Look Curriculum
• Contact Amy: text or voice:  502-553-9347  email: amy@ccum.net
•  

November Scripture:  Please go over scripture each week with the motions.    Click here for the November motions  "Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid...for the Lord, your  God goes with you." Deuteronomy 31:6.

Prayer Time: #1 in our top 10:   Ask the kids what you can pray about and lead them in prayer. 

Bible Story:  (found under Make it True) This week's story is  about Ruth and Naomi and how God provided for them when they needed it.  I am going to look in some of my children's Bibles and will have those available to supplement your story telling.  The curriculum gives you a good guide on what message to drive home from the story.

Activities: My favorites for this week---

• Gathering Grain-this is an awesome easy game that allows the children to understand what gathering grain might be like.  My favorite activity this week!
• Play-doh Bread-just a fun table activity you could do after snack when all children are seated.  We have play-doh.
• Sequencing-this would be a good group activity to retell the story and post on the wall.
• Basket of Grain-this is a craft activity.  They would color and assemble with  glue a basket of  grain. 

November 3rd

Monthly theme: God is always with me.

Announcements: 
We start a new theme this month!  God is always with me.  I love this easy concept for children to begin to learn.  They can count on God wherever they are!

  
Curriculum: Lesson 1 of 4: Deborah-a wise woman people sought out.

• Click here to view November's 3 min.overview video. Always with me.
• Curriculum link: www.whatisorange.org
• Login name:  fishleader     Password: jesus  Choose: First Look Curriculum
• Contact Amy: text or voice:  502-553-9347  email: amy@ccum.net

November Scripture:  Please go over scripture each week with the motions.    Click here for the November motions  "Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid...for the Lord, your  God goes with you." Deuteronomy 31:6.

Prayer Time: #1 in our top 10:   Ask the kids what you can pray about and lead them in prayer. 

Bible Story:  (found under Make it True) This week's story is about Deborah and how others came to her for advice because she trusted and loved God.  You could bring props to act out the story(told in curriculum)- maybe a robe for Deborah, an umbrella to sit under the tree, and a child could be the mean king (maybe make a sign and string it on to wear it.) 

Activities: My favorites for this week---

GAMES:

• Goes together-Love this easy activity.  Shows how things always go together and that is the way we are with God.  Just a few props.  Easy!!!
• Good friend- good game if you happen to have lots of stuffed animals around! 

CRAFTS: 

• Paper Plate clock or Deborah activity - we have cardstock I can copy things for you!  

TABLE ACTIVITY:

• When is God with me-Loved this activity as it shows the kids real life examples of when God is with them.  Requires some cutting and pasting...which is good practice for them even if it doesn't look perfect!!

October 27th

Monthly theme: I can always count on God.

Announcements: 

• Last Sunday for this theme-I can count on God
• Story stickers for the kids' backs will be in the rooms Sunday!

  
Curriculum:  Lesson4 of 4  : Battle of Jericho!  Always a fun story for kids!

• Click here to view October's 3 min.overview video. Super Heroes-God's Way
• Curriculum link: www.whatisorange.org
• Login name:  fishleader     Password: jesus  Choose: First Look Curriculum
• Contact Amy: text or voice:  502-553-9347  email: amy@ccum.net

September Scripture:  Please go over scripture each week with the motions.  They really do learn it!  Click here for the motions  "Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid...for the Lord, your  God goes with you." Deuteronomy 31:6.

Prayer time- #1 in our top 10:   Don't forget about prayer time sometime in the hour! Ask the kids what you can pray about and lead them in prayer. 

Bible Story:  (found under Make it True) Again.  There are Bible story pictures you can print out on the web curriculum-under week 4.  This one might also be told from a Bible book with pictures if you want.  THis is an easy story to tell if you wanted to set up blocks and kids can march around. 

Activities:  My favorites for this week---I have added a link to show how you could make paper horn for the kids to blow.  

GAMES:

• Pick a card activity. This activity reinforces the number concept of the story.
• Brick Wall- you can use wooden blocks we have.  We can pull some into your room. 

CRAFTS: 

• Building Beans -children affix beans onto the Jericho wall.  
• Make a toy horn-click the link here.  This is not part of the curriculum, but I thought a toy horn would be fun to make and use in telling the story.  The children could blow the horns at the right part of the story.

TABLE ACTIVITY:

• Find the story-This would be a fun activity around snack time.  Use the printed sheet from the activity pages to review the story and have the kids find the answers on the page.