The Sunday School Teacher's Network Newsletter - Great ideas for children's ministry!


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Issue #5 - February 5, 2008 Previous issues can be found in the Archives.	Home \| Search \| Support SSTN
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"For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." -- Jesus
Scroll down the page to view articles. 1) Guidelines for S.S. Director 2) Teaching Healing of Blind Man 3) Laus Deo - History Lesson 4) Armor of God lesson 5) Topics / Visual Aids? 6) Science Experiments 7) Sunrise Service Skits? 8) Science Experiments	Book of RUTH: Lights, Camera, Action Bible Skits Click here to learn more.
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1) Guidelines for S.S. Director Recommended books: "How to have a Great Sunday School" (Haystead); "Children's Ministry Leadership" and "Children's Ministry That Works" (Wideman). You can find them in the bookstore by typing their titles into the search box at: http://www.sundayschoolnetwork.com/bookstore.html

2) Teaching Healing of Blind Man My children church kids loved it when we had the Joseph story and used the little poem: Jacob, Jacob, where's your son? Somebody took him--where's he gone? (like doggie, doggie, where's your bone?) So I decided to try something similar letting one child be blindfolded and using the following: Bar-tih-may-us , do you know me? (I don't know, 'cause I can't see) Alright, then, I'll give you a clue (Here a chosen child gives a personal clue) Can you guess who? Children for a clue may say their age, color of clothes, color of hair, etc) Helen Setser

3) Laus Deo - History Lesson Here's a history lesson I didn't want you to miss. Laus Deo One detail that is never mentioned is that in Washington , D.C. there can never be a building of greater height than the Washington Monument . With all the uproar about removing the ten commandments, etc., this is worth a moment or two of your time. I was not aware of this amazing historical information. On the aluminum cap, atop the Washington Monument in Washington , D.C. , are displayed two words: Laus Deo. No one can see these words. In fact, most visitors to the monument are totally unaware they are even there and for that matter, probably couldn't care less. Once you know Laus Deo's history , you will want to share this with everyone you know. These words have been there for many years; they are 555 feet, 5.125 inches high, perched atop the monument, facing skyward to the Father of our nation, overlooking the 69 square miles which comprise the District of Columbia , capital of the United States of America . Laus Deo! Two seemingly insignificant, unnoticed words. Out of sight and, one might think, out of mind, but very meaningfully placed at the highest point over what is the most powerful city in the most successful nation in the world. So, what do those two words, in Latin, composed of just four syllables and only seven letters, possibly mean? Very simply, they say 'Praise be to God!' Though construction of this giant obelisk began in 1848, when James Polk was President of the United States , it was not until 1888 that the monument was inaugurated and opened to the public. It took twenty-five years to finally cap the memorial with a tribute to the Father of our nation, Laus Deo. 'Praise be to God!' From atop this magnificent granite and marble structure, visitors may take in the beautiful panoramic view of the city with its division into four major segments. From that vantage point, one can also easily see the original plan of the designer, Pierre Charles l'Enfant .a perfect cross imposed upon the landscape, with the White House to the north. The Jefferson Memorial is to the south, the Capitol to the east and the Lincoln Memorial to the west. A cross you ask? Why a cross? What about separation of church and state? Yes, a cross; separation of church and state was not, is not, in the Constitution. So, read on. How interesting and, no doubt, intended to carry a profound meaning for those who bother to notice. Praise be to God! Within the monument itself are 898 steps and 50 landings. As one climbs the steps and pauses at the landings the memorial stones share a message. On the 12th Landing is a prayer offered by the City of Baltimore; on the 20th is a memorial presented by some Chinese Christians; on the 24th a presentation made by Sunday School children from New York and Philadelphia quoting Proverbs 10:7, Luke 18:16 and Proverbs 22:6. Praise be to God! When the cornerstone of the Washington Monument was laid on July 4th, 1848 deposited within it were many items including the Holy Bible presented by the Bible Society. Praise be to God! Such was the discipline, the moral direction, and the spiritual mood given by the founder and first President of our unique democracy 'One Nation, Under God.' I am awed by Washington 's prayer for America Have you ever read it? Well, now is your unique opportunity, so read on! 'Almighty God; We make our earnest prayer that Thou wilt keep the United States in Thy holy protection; that Thou wilt incline the hearts of the citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to government; and entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another and for their fellow citizens of the United States at large. And finally that Thou wilt most graciously be pleased to dispose us all to do justice, to love mercy, and to demean ourselves with that charity, humility, and pacific temper of mind which were the characteristics of the Divine Author of our blessed religion, and without a humble imitation of whose example in these things we can never hope to be a happy nation. Grant our supplication, we beseech Thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.' Laus Deo! When one stops to observe the inscriptions found in public places all over our nation's capitol, he or she will easily find the signature of God, as it is unmistakably inscribed everywhere you look. You may forget the width and height of 'Laus Deo ', its location, or the architects but no one who reads this will be able to forget its meaning, or these words: 'Unless the Lord builds the house its builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain.' (Psalm 127: 1)

Do you know the commandments? Can you say them in order? *Do you know the Ten Commandments? Can you say them in order?* Look at the first three commandments, below. Say and imitate the action using your fingers. You'll have them memorized in seconds! #1 Have no other gods. (God is #1. Hold up one finger.) #2 Don't worship idols. (Two fingers "bow down".) #3 Don't misuse God's name. (Three fingers held over mouth.) Download all ten and your kids will have them memorized in minutes! Click here!

4) Armor of God lesson In regards to the Armor of God lesson, I gave my children's church scissors, newspaper and tape and asked them to dress our helper in the armor of God. You will be amazed at the ideas these kids came up with. God bless, Susie --from SSTN: awesome idea! We'd love to see pictures!

5) Topics / Visual Aids? morning please could you give me some suggested topics for children and if possible some visual aids. also some suggested program one can introduce to children worship service or bible club. thanks as i look forward for your favorable reply. --from SSTN: check out the following resource page: http://www.sundayschoolnetwork.com, as well as all the links at the top of this newsletter.

6) Science experiments Hi Nancy, I use science experiments/ object lessons a lot in my class. Here are a few good resources to get you started: Melvin Berger, (1991). Wonders of Science, Scholastic Inc., New York, New York Science & the Bible 3, Deyong, Donld B. (1984). Baker Books, Grand Rapids, MI; ISBN 0-8010-6421-X Science & the Bible 2, Deyong, Donld B. (1984). Baker Books, Grand Rapids, MI; Science & the Bible, Deyong, Donld B. (1984). Baker Books, Grand Rapids, MI; Science Surprises, Sandra Markle, (1996). Scholastic Inc., New York, NY Simple Nature Experiments with Everyday Materials, Fredericks, Anthony D. (1995). Sterling Publishing, New York Do you have a specific topic you will be teaching? Connie G. --from SSTN: You can find them in the bookstore by typing their titles into the search box at: http://www.sundayschoolnetwork.com/bookstore.html

7) Sunrise Service Skits? Hi, I am looking for Sunrise Service, Mother's Day and Father's Day skits for middlers and Teens. If anyone has any suggestions I would appreciate them. Our teens lead our Easter Sunrise Service and we are always looking for new ideas. Also we are dedicating a brand new Family Life Center and burning the mortgage, Praise the Lord! and I need some program ideas for youths and teens for that too. Music and skits anything...... In His Service, Teresa from Patoka, IN --from SSTN: make sure you check our skits page at: http://www.sundayschoolnetwork.com/skits.html (there are about a dozen Easter Skits as well.)

8) Science Experiments Hi Nancy, I am a teacher and use lots of science activities in my room. If you have not heard of Steve Spangler, he is a great source. He has lots of science experiments on his site. just put in stevespangler.com and you will even get to view videos live. Hope this helps. Sandra --from SSTN: Dear Sandra, would you please share how you've applied his experiments to your Bible lessons?

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