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Category: Ministry Programming

Covers topics such as discipleship, ministry basics, nursery ministry, preschool ministry, elementary ministry, preteen ministry, special needs/trauma-informed ministry, organization, curriculum

Practical (and Inexpensive) Gift Idea for Anxious Children

Kathie Phillips 2 Comments

“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.”

James 4:8a

A few weeks ago, a mom of an elementary aged-girl asked me for words of wisdom to help her daughter who is having anxiety issues.  I came across a great gift idea on Pinterest and decided to take it one step further.

The original idea was to type out James 4:8a on a sheet of copy paper, being sure to use different, vibrant colors for the word “draw”.  Then use fancy-edged scissors to cut out the verse and use curling ribbon to attach it to a box of markers.

What I decided to do was to include a journal with the markers (I added colored pencils as well).  I wanted the recipient to have a safe place to doodle and write her thoughts about what was troubling her, her prayers to God, and Bible verses that help her to remember that no matter what, God is with her.

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • White copy paper or cardstock
  • Color printer
  • Tape or glue
  • Markers, crayons, or colored pencils (You could also use paints)
  • Small journal
  • Bible
  • Gift bag and tissue paper OR wrapping paper

Here’s step-by-step instructions for how I put this gift together:

  • Type the verse (James 4:8a) onto a sheet of white copy paper.  (I used a fun font – it was for a child.)
  • Use vibrant colors for the word “draw”.
  • Cut out the verse using fancy-edged scissors.  (I used pinking shears to edge the verse.)
  • Attach the verse to the package of markers, crayons or colored pencils using tape or glue.
  • In the front of the journal, write a personal note to the child receiving it.  Include Bible verses that reassure a child that God is with them.  Suggestions might include:  Deuteronomy 31:6; Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 13:5; Isaiah 41:10; Psalm 46:1.
  • Wrap the gift or place in a gift bag with tissue paper.  Add a fun tag, if desired.
  • Say a prayer for the child that will receive the gift before you bless them with it.

This was a very inexpensive gift but one that the mom has already told me has blessed her daughter in a special way.

How have you helped a child who struggles with anxiety?  Share your ideas below!

Last-Minute Ideas for Valentine’s Day

Kathie Phillips 4 Comments

If you’re looking for last-minute Valentine’s Day ideas for church or home, be sure to visit my Valentine’s Day board on my Pinterest page.  You can access the board here:  http://pinterest.com/kathierphillips/kidmin-valentine-s-day/

Leave me a comment and let me know what you have planned to celebrate Valentine’s Day in your church or home!  

Guest Post: Three Last-Minute Christmas Lesson Ideas

Kathie Phillips

Today’s guest post is written by Steven Knight.  Steven has been serving in children’s ministry for almost 10 years. He loves working with kids & families, both evangelizing and discipling them. He is currently serving as a children’s ministry leader in Chicago while studying at Moody Bible Institute. He is blessed to have a wonderful wife, Katie. Steven blogs regularly at Kidmintools.com, which is a website dedicated to providing Family and Children’s Ministry resources and articles. You can also follow him on Twitter at @StevenKnight09.

Hey everyone! Since the holidays are such a busy time, we all get behind in something. For this Christmas season, I wanted to provide you with three last-minute Christmas lesson ideas to help you, if you are in need of a quick children’s ministry lesson!

candycaneCandy Cane Time: For this lesson, you will need to write on small pieces of paper and tape them to the candy canes. On the pieces of paper, write things that you believe are important to children (family, friends, Xbox, toys, dolls, etc.) Hide the candy canes around the room and have the children search for them. After the game is over, have several of the children say which candy canes are most important to them. Using the candy canes as an illustration, link the things written on the paper to a story about what is most important in your life, which is God. You can share how important these things are during the holiday season, but God is way more important than all of them. You can then share the story of the birth of Jesus Christ in Luke 2.

The Ultimate Present:This lesson is based around an object lesson using a Christmas present. You can talk about how excitedchristmaspresent you are to give away a gift today. Pretend to give your present to one of your volunteers, but don’t let go of the present when you start to hand it to them. Act surprised and then ask them to pay you $50 for the gift first. After the volunteer has acted surprised at this outrageous demand, give the gift to him for free. Explain to the kids that every present has a cost, but there is no cost to someone when they receive a free gift, because it has been paid for by someone else. Use this analogy to then explain the free gift of salvation, and the purpose for Jesus’ birth.

nativityNativity Narrative: For this lesson idea, simply read the story of Jesus’ birth in Luke 2. While many children have heard about the story of Jesus’ birth, some children might not have ever heard the Scripture account of His birth, and definitely not an exciting narrative! To make this lesson have more of an impact, simply add emphasis to the story where appropriate. For example, “I cannot even pretend to imagine what it must have been like for the shepherds, who were out in their fields with their sheep at night, when suddenly an angel appeared with the heavenly host, all praising God while His glory shone around them!” If you need extra tips on how to make this re-telling of the Nativity story more impactful, you can check out this recent article on Reteaching a Story.

Have any other last-minute Christmas lesson ideas? Feel free to share them below!

 

Christmas Activities for Children

Kathie Phillips 3 Comments

Earlier this week, I posted a guest post that shared ways to celebrate Christmas with children.  I thought I’d share a few more ideas I’ve come across online that you could incorporate this Christmas.  These ideas can be used at home or in a classroom.

Christmas kids

For Kids of All Ages

I’ve shared lots of ideas to get you started on my Advent/Christmas page on Pinterest. There are printables, craft ideas, yummy snack options, and games that kids will love!

Brandon Baker listed many books to help children focus on the real meaning of Christmas on his blog.  If you’re using the books at home, you can take time to wind down a busy day with one of the many story books mentioned.  If you’re using the books in a classroom setting, you can choose to read a portion of a book each week until you finish.  You could also use one of the books to supplement a lesson.

For Kids Ages 2 – Young Elementary

I came across an Advent devotional using the “Jesus Storybook Bible.  Preschool families in our church receive this Bible as a gift from our ministry and they LOVE it.  What a great way to tie in all of the Bible stories that have been read throughout the year!

For Kids Ages 2 – 12

Jenny Funderburke has a great Family Advent Calendar on her blog.  Each day has a different Bible reading (or audio recording); a brief devotional to read and/or watch on video; a prayer activity; and a practical, hands-on activity to do that relates to that day’s topic.  A great resource!

These ideas are just a small plethora of Christ-centered ideas for children this Christmas.  And don’t worry about it being too late to begin using an Advent devotional.  It’s never too late to help your children understand the true meaning of Christmas.

I’d love to hear what ideas you’ve found helpful!  Please share them below!

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