January 2008

Welcome to Connect, the monthly e-newsletter for those who minister to children in small Sunday schools, midweek programs, and new church plants. To invite your ministry staff members and volunteers to receive Connect, click here.

Energized and Organized

January is a month of extremes. The weather goes from cold to freezing, packed shopping malls become empty, rooms once decorated for Christmas look bare again. And children’s ministry leaders? We’re exhausted from the busyness of December and exhilarated because we made it this far! Read on for a few ideas designed to get you and your program energized and organized for the remainder of the church school year.

Please Pass the Kudos

First, lift your hands from the keyboard and place one over each shoulder. Ready? Good. Now give yourself a really big pat on the back from us. December was a full month and we tip our hat to all those leaders who showed up each week ready and rarin’ to go! Make it a goal this week to acknowledge the efforts of another member of your children’s ministry team with an email, a handwritten note, or a personal pat on the back.

Serve Up Some Excitement

Clear the Room

Now’s the time to go through the supplies and get prepared for the months ahead. Here’s how to do it:

• Toss out the dried-up markers and empty glue sticks. Tip: Take a moment at the end of class and ask your kids to serve as Supply Testers!
• Update your paper supplies. Tip: It’s much easier to prepare things at home when each leader has his or her own package of colored cardstock and printer paper.
• If your budget allows, order a wheeled storage cart for each small group. Label the drawers (“markers and crayons,” “glue sticks,” “scissors,” “CD player,” “paper,”) and you’re ready to roll!

Move those chairs out of your large group area and pick up some carpet mats. Sitting on the floor make it simple for kids to stand up, sing and dance, and provide story sound effects. It will also save you loads of set-up time! Tip: Most carpet dealers will give you a stack of carpet samples for free or for a very minimal cost.

Kick the Habit

Make a New Year’s resolution (or two). First, plan to be prepared. If you’ve ever painted a room you know that the most important part of the job is preparation. Same goes with teaching. I’m a procrastinator by nature, and I’ve done the “night-before” prep routine more times than I’d like to admit. Well, fellow last-minute folks, here’s the problem with that game plan: while the session may still go OK with my last-minute prep, it could have been even better. Set a goal this year to flip through your lesson one week before you teach it; then watch and listen as the Holy Spirit prepares your heart in amazing ways.

Get Fed

Make spending time with God a personal priority this year. One simple way to do that is to be sure to read the Get Connected devotions found at the beginning of KC lesson. Each one is easy and enjoyable to read and will give you a deeper understanding of the story you’re about to teach.

How Did It Go?

We consider YOU part of our Kid Connection team and we’d love to hear from you! E-mail us your comments, questions, or suggestions and let us know how things are going in your program.

Recommended Resource

The newest WWM Easter unit is available January 15! Were You There? contains everything you need for a two-week time of discovery and celebration for all levels of your Sunday school (grades K-8): large and small group sessions; two complete dramas; complete programs; songs and a music CD; and craft directions, games, and other photocopiable resources.

Through eyewitness accounts of Jesus’ death and resurrection kids learn how much Jesus loves us and how we can show that love to others. Click here to order or view sample chapters.

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If you have questions or comments about this list, e-mail us or call 1-800-333-8300.