Volume III, Issue 7 (October 2009)

You are reading the on-line edition of the "Children's Ministry" insert to the monthly St. Francis monthly Messenger newsletter.

Affirming Christian Relationships: Celebrating Individual Worth

Sunday mornings should be a special time of learning and sharing for our children. To that end, we work to create a welcoming, sunny place where spirits can be lifted by sincere greetings and activities that all can find meaningful.

We work to create an environment of trust and mutual respect so that discussion is not inhibited by fear. Introducing ice-breaking activities allow children to get to know one another better..

We use some class time to mention things that students have in common such as friends and worries. It is a place where we must make it absolutely clear that no one is ever under attack or seen as representative of any particular group or type. No one in the class is viewed as responsible for the behavior or appearance of anyone else, including their friends or family.

Children must be assured that one of our important goals is to explore, understand, and appreciate diversity. The strategy must be to celebrate everyone and to denigrate no one.

Differences of opinion must be met with the opportunity for each to explain their positions in a friendly, non-threatening way. The listener must explain in his own words what was said by the first person. When the first speaker is satisfied that she has been understood accurately, then the two can reverse roles. In this way you can build accuracy of communication and encourage mutual respect. Often differences that seemed great initially are minimized and even eliminated.

We work to enhance the self-respect of individuals by referring to valuable ideas and comments they have made in previous classes. In a Christian classroom it is essential to be able to separate worth from behavior. The worth of each child must be constantly affirmed.

We can use these strategies in our homes as well. Home, especially, must be a welcoming and sunny place where young spirits are lifted and there is intentional appreciation of each young person. We must not allow the hustle and bustle of our work week to take precedence to Christian family relationships and constant celebration of individual worth.

October Lessons

October 4:

God’s Plan for Companionship.

Jesus teaches the importance for a man and woman to marry. Mark 10:2-16

October 11:

God Rules the Impossible.

Jesus teaches that we must share our earthly treasure to have treasure in heaven. Mark 10:17-31

October 18:

Called to be God’s Disciples

Jesus teaches that greatness comes from serving others. Mark 10:35-45

October 25:

We Are Rewarded for Our Faithfulness.

Jesus heals blind Bartimaeus, because of his faith. Mark 10:46-52

BECAUSE

Because we promised to “help this child to grow into the full stature of Christ” and to “do all in (our) power to support these persons in their life in Christ,” we give back only our best.

BITS & PIECES

CLASSROOM SHAPE-UP FOR FALL

At the end of September, we have about even numbers in each of the following groups: Pre-school & Kindergarten (Lambs) with teachers Suzanne Smith & Annette Barber; 1st, 2nd, 3rd grades (we will likely merge Lions and Fish) with teachers Liz Kelson & Selina Farrington; and 4th-5th grades (Ravens) with rotating teachers, principally Gerry Seyler. Sixth graders are given a choice of being in Ravens or moving into youth Sunday School and youth group (YZ-6th-12th grades), with teachers Jane Cave & Lisa Lane. Guess what most chose—you got it, YZ! YZ has a group that has ranged from 5-11 during this month. We begin Fall Sundays at 9:45, with Marco Rangel leading “Gathering Music.” Betty Rivera, Kathleen Falk & Jessica Johnson assist.

GRACIAS

Thanks to the Gabaldon family for donating a sofa to Children’s programs, now being used well in the Ravens classroom.

Thanks to Natalia Davis because she shops for fun things for us when shopping for Prayer Shawl group.

The Tree of Life

Away up high in the Tree of Life

I looked up and Jesus smiled at me

I hugged that tree as tight as I could

And down poured blessings of love to share

And that was sooo good!

Submitted by Annette Barber

HELP! Help us help our children! Please remember that we are GREAT need of new Teachers and Assistants. We need a Nursery Assistant who will substitute for Cindy. We need someone who has some musical ability, knows some children’s Christian music and will substitute for Marco. Will you be one to step forward?

SUPPLIES Out shopping and run across a great deal in Construction Paper, Markers (washable), Glue Sticks, small bottles of school Glue, or other arts & crafts supplies, pick some up for us!

Your Children’s Ministry Team

Contact:

BettyJRangel@gmail.com

792-7711