KiDS COR Interactive

Who Is Joshua?

ENJOY!

Friday Faith Builder

2012-01-20T08:46:00.000-06:00

I babysit a two-year oldlittle boy each week. Since he was sixmonths old, I have rocked him to sleep for nap time and sung, “Jesus Loves Me.” Hesnuggles his head on my shoulder, puts his arms around my neck and settles in.

A few weeks ago, after lunch,I said, “Nap time!” He looked at me andin that precious toddler voice said, “Jesus Loves Me.” He held up his arms, crawled in my lap, andjoined with me as I sang.

That same routine hascontinued every week. He holds up his arms, climbs in my lap, puts his head onmy shoulder and sings the song with me. He knows “Jesus Loves Me” in every way.

Now I could remind you toteach your children the ways and truths of the Christian faith. Or I could justinvite you to hold up your arms, climb into the lap of God, put your head onHis shoulder and let Him remind you how very much He loves you.

Grace and peace to you. Youare loved.

Picture of the Week

2012-01-18T08:17:00.000-06:00

It’s been an awesome start to 2012 in KiDS COR with so many kiddos and leaders.

Did you know the past 2 Sundays have been record breaking numbers of kids?

We are excited about bigger numbers because each number represents a person we get to

share the love of Christ with.

Grow. Pray. Study.

2012-01-17T15:13:00.001-06:00

Enjoy this week's GPS guides!!

Early Childhood GPS

K-2nd Grade GPS

3rd-5th Grade GPS

Friday Faith Builder

2012-01-14T06:00:00.000-06:00

About a week ago while in the car, my kids asked me to tell them some jokes. Now, all my life I have been a very bad joke-teller. I can never remember jokes—or if I do, I only remember part of them so they are never funny. My kids know this, and I resisted repeatedly, but they were insistent. So I agreed.

Now the only jokes I could remember were the ones they always tell, and I could only remember two or three of those, but I decided I would give it a shot. I also decided I would say the punch line like it was some huge, big surprise and laugh loudly and obnoxiously at the end of each joke—like each one was the funniest thing anyone had ever heard.

Thinking this would turn them off immediately, I began. But instead of looking at me like I had completely lost my mind, they joined in. They had tears in their eyes they were laughing so hard—and pretty soon, I did, too. We told the same jokes over and over, finishing each one with a huge, annoying laugh. Over and over and over again.

Why am I telling you this? Maybe you need a good laugh. At me. At my family. At yourself. At your family. Better yet, laugh together—laugh with your family—just laugh—over and over and over again! 

-Pastor Lisa Holliday

The Little Things

2012-01-13T13:40:00.000-06:00

Christmas is a time for giving, as God gave his son to us. Sometimes we don’t always know how we affect other people when we give, so we would like to share a story of how our kids effected some of our nursing home friends we serve through Silver Links.

This past advent season our kids created Christmas ornaments (see above) during our Birthday Party for Jesus to give to the local nursing home residents. The residents were so excited to get them that a couple of them cried when they read the Christmas story on the ornaments. The joy our KiDS COR kids brought to the residents this Christmas brings to light the spirit of giving. You never know how God will use us even through the simple things.

Brenda Thornton-Elementary Program Assistant

PIC OF THE WEEK!

2012-01-12T07:00:00.000-06:00

January 7 & 8 was record breaking weekend in KiDSCOR over 1,500 kiddos came through our doors!! WOW!! The picture below was taken of all the Kindergarten crafts at one of the services. That's a lot of crafts!

January 7 & 8 KIDS COR GPS

2012-01-09T13:37:00.002-06:00

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-24T09:25:00.000-06:00

Have a MERRY CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Love,

KiDS COR

Friday Faith Builder

2011-12-23T09:15:00.000-06:00

As you prepare to give gifts to your children thisChristmas, may this letter inspire you to give the most important gift of allthis season and always. Christmasblessings to you and your family.

My Child,

So many nights I ask the Lord to bless you, to meet yourneeds and grant you good health, joy, courage and strength. I ask God to increase your faith and fillyour heart with love for Him. I pray you will be filled with God’s spirit,shining within yourself and to the world because you know you are loved by Godand others. I want you to know in goodtimes and in bad, God is by your side, walking with you and even carrying youwhen you need to be held. When lifesurprises you by turning a different direction than your plan, I pray you canembrace the new path, eager to see how God will work all things together forgood. I pray you will always besurrounded by family and friends who share God’s grace and love with you. Of everything I wish for you, my greatestwish is for to share in a precious relationship with Jesus and that you willalways know how very much you are loved by Him.

All my love,

Mom/Dad/Grandpa/Grandma

Grow. Pray. Study.

2011-12-21T21:23:00.003-06:00

Hope to see you at our Christmas Eve service this weekend!

Friday Faith Builder

2011-12-16T09:38:00.000-06:00

Watch “A Charlie Brown Christmas” together as a family.

Talk about your favorite parts. Invite your family to respond to thefollowing questions:

*Which Peanuts character do you like best and why?

*Which Peanuts character is most like you?

*What does each character think about Christmas?

Read Luke 2:1-20.

*How would you answer the question Linus asks, “Isn’t thereanyone who knows what Christmas is all about?”

*How can we do better at making Christmas more about Jesus?

*How can our family share the true meaning of Christmas?

Pray together. Thank God for Jesus and ask God to help youshow His love to others.

Enjoy a fun Christmas treat together!

(Fun fact: In 1965, when this first aired, the producers atCBS expected it to be a complete disaster. They didn’t think the use of kids, the jazz music, and the strongreligious message would be attractive to many people. However, 50% of televisions in America weretuned into that first broadcast and it has been a Christmas classic eversince.)

Nativity Activity

2011-12-15T09:50:00.000-06:00

If you are keeping up with the Early Childhood Nativity Activity,

here is the link for the Wisemen.

Click HERE if you missed it at church.

Enjoy this fun activity!

Picture of the Week

2011-12-14T09:25:00.000-06:00

It was party time in KiDS COR on Sunday. We had a birthday party for Jesus complete with snacks, games, and lots of fun. The puppets even made an appearance in Tree House Park! Happy Birthday Jesus!

Grow. Pray. Study.

2011-12-13T09:29:00.001-06:00

Enjoy the GPS this week!

Friday Faith Builder

2011-12-09T15:37:00.000-06:00

“The Polar Express” is full of invitations—invitations totrust the unknown, to ride a magnificent train, to journey into the magical andmysterious. But overall, the mostsignificant invitation is to believe in the loving, giving character ofSanta.

Throughout the movie, invitations are extended repeatedly,but never forced upon anyone. The boyand others are free to choose whether or not to accept the invitations. Eventually, the boy accepts what he believesin his heart to be true. And he acceptsit on faith.

The Bible says, “Faith means being sure of the things wehope for and knowing that something is real even if we do not see it.” Hebrews 11:1 Just as the boy chose to believe in Santa, we can choose to believe inthe true meaning of Christmas—the birth of baby Jesus.

As parents, design your Christmas preparations aroundhelping your children believe in Jesus and grow in their belief. Pray together every day. Read the Bible to them or with them. Be involved in worship. Serve others. Give them opportunities to be creative. Singand dance, paint and play. Celebrateyour faith.

As you continue to foster your child’s faith, listen tohis/her thoughts, ideas and questions, provide opportunities for your child toexperience and journey into the invitation, you will be helping your childbelieve and hold on to that belief for the rest of their lives. What better Christmas gift could you give?

Nativity Activity

2011-12-08T08:42:00.000-06:00

I hope you have been following this amazing Nativity Activity if you are in the Early Childhood area...here is this past weekend's piece...Angels and Baby Jesus.

We also have a big version of this right in the KiDS COR hallway if you want to take a peek.

Enjoy this time with your kids!

Angels and Baby Jesus

Picture of the Week

2011-12-07T08:35:00.000-06:00

Tree House Park our praise and worship room for Early Childhood kiddos got a new look this week!

Check out the fun colors in this room!

The Legend of the Candy Cane

2011-12-06T10:34:00.000-06:00

The Legend of theCandy Cane

Once upon a time, a candy maker created the perfect candy tosymbolize the true meaning of Christmas. The candy maker created the candy cane. The white stripes represent thesinless nature and purity of Jesus. Thered stripes remind us that Jesus died on the cross for our sins. The shapeforms a “J” for Jesus and also looks like a hook which reminds us that Jesus isour Shepherd. Isn’t it wonderful to bereminded of Jesus, the true meaning of Christmas every time we see or eat acandy cane? This Advent season, share afew with others and tell them the amazing story of Jesus and His love.

(Fun fact: The candywas originally used as a “pacifier” to help keep children quiet in church.)

Early Childhood Nativity Set

2011-12-05T15:15:00.001-06:00

It isadvent season once again as we anticipate the celebration of Jesus’ birth. This advent season we have put together aresource to help your family celebrate the season at home. Each weekend they will bring home a page of new characters for theirnativity scene. At home you will need towork together to cut out the characters and assemble following the directionsyou are given. Our hope is that the nativityset will help your children remember the true reason for the season ofChristmas time.

Please find the Nativity Family Letter below, this will explain and give further ideas as to how to enjoy this family activity!

Nativity Activity

If you missed the first week, here is the PDF of Mary and Joseph.

Look for the Angels and Baby Jesus this week!

Grow. Pray. Study.

2011-12-04T22:37:00.001-06:00

Enjoy Advent and look for some fun posts this month!

HAPPY DECEMBER!

Friday Faith Builder

2011-12-02T10:00:00.000-06:00

If you are following the Advent calendar from KiDS COR, you knowthat it’s family movie night with “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas!”

Depending on the age of your children, you may choose towatch the cartoon version or the more recent movie with Jim Carrey as TheGrinch. Prepare a fun Christmas treat, get comfortable in pajamas and underblankets, turn on the Christmas lights and enjoy the show.

After the movie (or maybe the next day at mealtime or in thecar) discuss some of the themes of the movie. Begin with “lighter” questions such as, “What was your favorite part ofthe movie?” or “Which scene was the funniest to you?”

Keeping in mind the ages and stages of your kids, continue alittle deeper by asking one or two of the following:

Why do you think the Grinch hated Christmas?

What would you say if someone asked you where or whatChristmas was?

What do think God would want the Grinch to know aboutChristmas?

Who was most like Jesus in the movie? Why?

What does it mean when The Grinch says,
“Maybe Christmas doesn’t come from a store. Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.”

Listen carefully to your children’s responses and share yourown. Guide your kids to understand thetrue meaning of Christmas. Pray togetherand have fun!

Picture of the Week

2011-11-30T08:20:00.000-06:00

Joy Bags are coming back in!

Great job so far! If you don’t have a joy bag you can still pick them up near the KiDS COR info booth in the narthex. All joy bags need to be returned by December 11^th.

Thanks for helping us bless the kids in downtown KC.

Advent 2011: Elementary Video: A Must See!

2011-11-29T08:25:00.000-06:00

Check out the Elementary theme video for Advent 2011. This month we are talking about 4 of the greatest gift we can receive they are Grace, Peace, Joy, and Jesus. Thanks to Jack Anderson for making this great video.

Grow. Pray. Study.

2011-11-28T14:17:00.001-06:00

Look for fun events to do during the month of December like

spending the night under your Christmas tree!

Friday Faith Builder

2011-11-25T08:50:00.000-06:00

Sometimes a busy family needs a rest! Maybe the day after Thanksgiving is a day forrest or maybe you are still celebrating. If you are able, set aside one day this weekend for rest and renewal asa family. (God gave us the gift ofresting one day each week!) Spend sometime playing games, reading, watching a movie and eating a meal together. Maybe you could go on a walk, do a craftproject or cook as a family. Maybe everyfamily member could take a nap! Restdoesn’t tend to come naturally for many of us, so this weekend, among your manyblessings, thank God for rest and an opportunity to regroup, reconnect, andrecharge. And then enjoy God’s gift!

-Pastor Lisa

Picture of the Week

2011-11-23T08:48:00.000-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

The awesome youth puppet team was in Bible Theatre this weekend reminding the kids to be thankful all the time not just Thanksgiving week.

Grow. Pray. Study.

2011-11-21T15:45:00.001-06:00

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Friday Faith Builder

2011-11-18T07:59:00.000-06:00

Create a family Thanksgiving chain. Cut several pieces of colored constructionpaper into strips. Each day from nowuntil Thanksgiving, invite each family member to write (or draw a picture of)at least one thing he or she is thankful to God for on one strip of paper. Use tape or a stapler to connect the stripsof paper into a chain. Display the chain where everyone can see it on a regularbasis. Continue adding to it through theholiday season.

You can also adapt this idea by creating a “Thankful Turkey”and use different colored feathers or a “Thankful Tree” and use differentcolored leaves.

Each night, spend time together in prayer as a familythanking God for the blessings you have been given.

-Pastor Lisa

PIC OF THE WEEK!

2011-11-17T09:49:00.001-06:00

This week's picture comes from our Wednesday Night ZONE kiddos! They are helped the chuch get ready for Christmas by creating their own ornaments and decorating a couple of trees. They did an awesome job!! The trees they helped decorate are on the 2nd floor of the children's wing.

Grow. Pray. Study.

2011-11-15T07:55:00.001-06:00

Have you read your GPS for last week?

Find exciting activities and tips about the lesson.

Have a great day!

Picture of the Week

2011-11-09T09:44:00.000-06:00

Share the Joy with a Joy Box!

Beginning Sunday, November 6^th KiDS COR is partnering with the Resurrection Missions in the Joy Box project! Pick up a bag in the Narthex (or by the check-in computers upstairs) and join us in providing Christmas gifts for all 2,200 students at our six partner schools in Kansas City . We will be creating "Joy Boxes" with specific, inexpensive items that you can purchase at local stores. Bags will need to be returned bySunday, December 11.

Grow. Pray. Study.

2011-11-07T15:40:00.002-06:00

ENJOY!

Friday Faith Builder

2011-11-04T06:44:00.000-05:00

Silence. Do youremember it? Absolute stillness. Quiet. Peace. Most of our homes wouldnot be ever be characterized with this quality. And that’s okay. Or is it?

In Psalms, we read, “Be still and know that I am God.” Hmmmm… God is calling us to be still.

When was the last time you were still? When did you take a deep breath and turn overyour concerns and work and worries to God? When did you stop to remember that God is God and you and I are not?

If it’s been a while, take this moment (or one when you can)and pray these words.

“God, thank you for being God. Thank you for asking me to be still in Yourpresence. Fill my heart with peace, mybody with strength, and my mind with rest. Help me turn my worries, cares andconcerns over to You. You alone are God,and I give you praise. Amen.”

Teach your children this verse, model stillness for yourchildren, have quiet time together as a family. Appreciate the gift of silence and give thanks to God for being God.

Pastor Lisa

Picture of the Week

2011-11-02T07:07:00.000-05:00

This Sunday our Elementary kiddos learned what it means to be a United Methodist Church . At the end of the hour the kids made posters describing what it means to be a

United Methodist Church .

They did a great job!

Check out a few of them below.

Grow. Pray. Study.

2011-11-01T06:40:00.000-05:00

K- 2nd Grade GPS

ENJOY!

Friday Faith Builder

2011-10-28T09:33:00.000-05:00

Do you ever forget to celebrate and treasure life? In thebusy-ness of life, sometimes the joy and pleasure of it all gets buried underschedules, calendars, technology, time and tiredness. We forget that God has given us so many waysto rejoice, praise and play!

What did you enjoy doing as a child? Did you play sports? Cook or bake? Createwith crafts? Dance? Play an instrument? Spend time outside? Read or write? Do puzzles? How often do you engagein those activities now?

Even though we are parents trying to provide these opportunitiesfor our kids, let’s also remember to enjoy them ourselves! Even better—enjoy them as a family! Whether it’s a short time each day or a fewhours on a weekend, set time aside to play together as a family. Your joy andpleasure will delight God’s heart. So, celebrateGod and God’s blessings! Laugh and dance and sing and create! Go and celebrate life!

Picture of the Week

2011-10-26T09:42:00.000-05:00

This Sunday was our Kindergarten Celebration! All our Kindergartners and their parents got to worship together, learn more about prayer, take home some cool prayer activities, and eat some delicious cookies! It was a great time of learning together!

Family Faith Chest

2011-10-25T09:29:00.000-05:00

During your child's time in KiDS COR, he or she will experience five faith passages from birth/adoption through 5th grade. There will be items that you will want to get or they will receive through the years. This box is meant to keep them as well as be used on a regular basis!

Please click HERE to see the attached document for details on the Family Faith Chest.

The best part...you decorate your own! Have fun!

Grow. Pray. Study.

2011-10-24T20:58:00.000-05:00

Enjoy this week's guide!!

Friday Faith Builder

2011-10-21T10:27:00.000-05:00

I recently heard this quote--

“If all you had today was what you thanked God foryesterday, what would you have?”

Fortunately, because of God’s amazing grace, that isn’t howGod works. God’s blessings are given tous because of who God is—not because of who we are or what we say or do. But the words did stop me and require me tothink about how often I truly thank God.

I paused and thanked God for hot water, a comfortable bed, ahome, food and a car. I thanked God formy job, my family, and my friends. Ithanked God for opportunities to travel, to obtain higher education, to exploreand discover the world. I thanked Godfor clothes, shoes, health, my ability to move and speak, our pets, and all ofcreation.

My list could have gone on and on—clean air, access togrocery stores, toothbrushes and toothpaste—yet I know I can never, ever thank God enough for who God is and the ways inwhich God has blessed my life.

How about you and your family? How often do you pause tothank God for your blessings? Consider thanking God for one or two blessingseach day. Make them specific and unique to the day. Let’s each be mindful of God’s goodness andthen praise God together!

Picture of the Week

2011-10-19T10:13:00.000-05:00

Our Elementary Kids brought in nearly 4,000 granola bars to donate to our Backpacks For Hunger Ministry!! The 2^nd graders brought in the most of any grade with 1,056 and as the winning grade got to throw a few pies at Mr. Nick in Bible Theatre!!

Mr. Nick with the pie!

THE WINNERS!!!!

October Elementary Memory Verse

2011-10-18T10:32:00.000-05:00

Get ready for the memory verse with Pastor Lisa!!

Grow. Pray. Study.

2011-10-16T22:21:00.001-05:00

ENJOY!

Friday Faith Builder

2011-10-14T07:29:00.002-05:00

I don’t how about your family, but mine often struggles to sit down for family dinners together. I dream of eating leisurely meals, sharing stories about the happenings of the day, and spending time laughing and enjoying each other. While that does occur once in a while, mealtime more often seems like etiquette school training combined with a hurried race to the finish line. I will say we did much better when our kids were younger (they are now 12, 13 and 14), but I was never really as good at it as I wanted to be.

If family mealtime is your strength, keep up the amazing work! If you struggle along with me, take a look at these “Secrets to Successful Family Diners.”

1. Pray before each meal, thanking God for the food before you.

2. Encourage your child to create menu ideas and participate in meal preparation.

3. Turn off the TV and let your phones ring

4. Discuss each person’s “high” and “low” points of the day.

5. Keep conversations positive and make sure everyone gets a chance to speak.

6. After dinner, serve a healthy dessert, share in a family faith activity, or play a game so you can continue the conversation.

Of course, no one will be perfect, but strive to eat one more meal together than you are doing now. Pray and ask God to help you make mealtime with your family a priority. Give thanks for the precious gift of your family.

Picture of the Week

2011-10-12T08:35:00.000-05:00

KiDS COR has been collecting granola bars for the past 4 weeks. These granola bars will be going to the Backpacks for Hunger ministry here at Resurrection. The kids have collected over 3,000 granola bars!!! AWESOME!! Because so many granola bars were collected pies will be flying next Sunday! Check the blog next week to see what happened!

Grow. Pray. Study.

2011-10-11T20:30:00.005-05:00

3rd- 5th Grade GPS

You all did an AMAZING job bringing in granola bars!!

Thanks for your hard work!

Friday Faith Builder

2011-10-07T08:54:00.000-05:00

I had the privilege once again of leading worship for our three and four year olds in Tree House Park last weekend. Along with singing, dancing, puppets, learning Bible words and praying, we also collected offering, as we do each week.I reminded the children that the money would be used to help children whose tummies were hungry have food to eat.

One three-year-old girl raised her hand and said, “I know some boys and girls whose tummies aren’t hungry anymore!”I responded by saying, “You do—that’s wonderful. How did they get food to eat?”She replied, “We gave them potatoes!”

Thankfully, I remembered the church had held our potato drop the day before—a day when people could come out and prepare potatoes to be given away to those in need.I asked her if she had helped in the potato drop and she said, “Yes—I washed them!”And she was three years old.

Whatever age your child is, consider scheduling “serving time” on your family calendar. You can find many family opportunities through FaithWorks here at Resurrection. Watch for mission projects through KiDS COR. Look around your neighborhood, community, and school and see who needs an extra hand. Go and serve—and let your child lead the way. Blessings to you!

-Pastor Lisa

Picture of the Week

2011-10-05T16:28:00.000-05:00

This past Sunday our elementary kids spent time in reflection stations thinking about the greatness of God. They were able to write message of praise to God on graffiti walls and create bracelets out of pipe cleaners to remind them that God is eternal. It’s always awesome to spend quiet time with God!

Grow. Pray. Study.

2011-10-05T16:24:00.002-05:00

Enjoy the October guides...here is week 1.

Remember this weekend is the last chance to bring granola bars...you all are doing an awesome job!

Friday Faith Builders

2011-09-30T15:12:00.000-05:00

We have focused on this book, Generation to Generation, by Wayne Rice all summer.

Find awesome, practical ideas on how we can raise our children to have faith and to love and know God.

Doesn't get much better than that!

Enjoy this book and pave the way for your kids.

Picture of the Week

2011-09-27T14:15:00.000-05:00

Drama Time In Bible Theatre!

This past Sunday our elementary kiddos got to hear the story of Moses as told by our drama team. Our drama team is made up of youth and adults who help tell the Bible story in a unique way. On stage in this picture is Annika, Kajsa, Morgan, and Mr. Keith!

Grow. Pray. Study.

2011-09-26T15:12:00.000-05:00

Who has enjoyed having fun tips about how to use the lesson during the morning, meal time, road time and night time? Check out some of the activities to do during these daily moments.

Let us know any great ideas!

Kindergarten - 2nd Grade GPS

Friday Faith Builder

2011-09-23T10:11:00.000-05:00

Today we will continue exploring thoughts from Richard Carlson’s book Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff. In one chapter, Carlson encourages families to actually schedule time for kindness. Though it sounds a bit odd initially, further exploration reveals its value and purpose. Of course, we hope to be people of kindness in our everyday living and interactions with others. But what might happen if we set aside ten or fifteen minutes each day to express intentional kindness? You might write a letter, make a phone call, or help a neighbor with a small project. You could schedule one hour a week and help with a food bank, walk for a cause, or a serve in missions at church. Encourage your children to choose a time at school or home to focus on sharing kindness. Maybe that could include doing a chore, playing nicely with siblings or creating a gift or card for someone.By sharing kindness as a family, your family will be blessed, and you will be blessing God and the lives of many others!

Music

2011-09-22T10:11:00.000-05:00

Music is an important part of what we do in KiDS COR, it's one of the ways we worship God. We've created a couple of itunes playlists below that contain some of the more popular songs with our kids. Check them out and ask your kiddos if they recognize any of these songs.

Early Childhood Playlist

Elementary Playlist

Picture of the Week

2011-09-20T22:13:00.001-05:00

This past Sunday was Three Year Old Celebration to look back and also look forward on their faith passage. All rainbow classes and their parents attended their class and enjoyed different stations, moved to Tree House Park for praise and worship and then the parents stayed to hear helpful tips and information from Pastor Lisa Holliday and Amy Fulton. We all celebrated with some cookies and freebies at the end!

Here are some pictures from the celebration!

A time of prayer.

Families doing a favorite three year old song, "Making Melodies!"

Grow. Pray. Study.

2011-09-19T22:15:00.001-05:00

Kindergarten - 2nd Grade GPS

Enjoy this week's GPS guides!

Kids...try the "Stump the Grown-Up!" section this week...

let us know who wins!

Friday Faith Builders

2011-09-16T10:48:00.000-05:00

Over the next few weeks we will be exploring a few thoughts from Richard Carlson’s book, Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff with Your Family. Within the responsibilities, demands and expectations of parenting, we will take a moment to be reminded to embrace the joys, pleasures and privileges of family life as well! So, take a deep breath and let these reflections soak in to your soul and spirit.On page 101, Carlson encourages us to “Keep a Sane Pace.” Technology, fast food, expectations for our kids to grow up faster, and societal expectations to work long hours all contribute to the accelerated pace of life we are living in. What if, instead of rushing off to the next moment or activity, we would choose to stop and be present in the current one? What if we chose to do four things in a calm and peaceful manner rather than five things in a rushed and hurried way? What if we spent relaxed, intentional time with our families at home instead of filling every moment with an outside activity?Pray about your current family schedule. What changes or adjustments might God be leading you to make? You family is a gift from God.

Take time celebrate and enjoy your gift!

Star Quest anyone?

2011-09-15T10:41:00.000-05:00

Our elementary theme is about the qualities of God that are out of this world; like the stars of the sky are out of this world. We are on a quest to get to know God a little bit better in September. Check out the video!

Picture of the Week

2011-09-14T14:29:00.000-05:00

One of our dedicated KiDS COR volunteers, Bill Bandt, shared some pictures of bags decorated by our very own kids at KiDS COR to be distributed when his wife hands out sack lunches at Westport UMC. How cool is that?! Please see his story below. What an amazing way to reach out with God's love.

"For some time, my wife has been volunteering in the Missions ministry which prepares sack lunches for distribution to the needy and homeless out of Westport UMC. As a long time teacher in Kids COR (Pre-K and Second grade), I used the example of those meals to illustrate our classroom Bible lessons last April, and some of the kiddos were so taken with the idea, they asked how they could help. So, I started asking my students if they wanted to decorate some bags for my wife to fill, and they did! I have probably ended up with 40-50 of these cute bags over the last few months, all of which have since been filled by my wife and distributed out of Westport UMC."

Thank you Bill for sharing!

If you have a story or picture to share, please feel free to contact us on the KiDS COR Facebook page.

Thanks!

Grow. Pray. Study.

2011-09-13T22:36:00.003-05:00

Check out the elementary GPS guides if you missed out last week!

Don't forget granola bars if you want to donate to "Backpacks for Hunger."

Thanks everyone!!

K-2nd Grade GPS

3rd-5th Grade GPS

Friday Faith Builders

2011-09-09T09:51:00.000-05:00

Most of us remember the events of September 11, 2001. We recall where we were, what we were doing, and how we felt when we heard the news. We remember the lives that were lost, the events that led to the tragedy, and how America and the rest of the world reacted in response.Many of our children were not yet born, or they were very young and have no recollection of that day at all. However, since then, our kids may have learned about September 11th in school or heard about in other ways. They may be asking questions or sharing feelings surrounding the devastation and death.Listen to your child’s concerns and fears. Assure him or her of your love and God’s love. As appropriate for your child’s age, teach your child that God does not cause these things, instead people make choices and that sometimes, sad and bad things do happen in life. Focus on reminding your child that God is always with him or her and loves him or her very much.Also, as appropriate, talk about how we can be people of peace and kindness. We can accept people who look, act and think differently than we do. God made each person unique and just as God loves each person, God wants us to love others, too.

As this weekend approaches, pray for guidance and wisdom to respond to your children’s questions and thoughts with grace and patience. If you need additional support, please feel free to contact KiDS COR. We will be honored to share in the journey with you and your child in this way. Grace and peace to each of you and to your precious children.

Picture of the Week

2011-09-07T08:55:00.000-05:00

Janet Dupuis, a KiDS COR Childcare Leader, got creative with the white boards in the nursery wing. We strive to bring Jesus to all ages! Even those sweet babies hear how much God loves them.

Enjoy your week!

Meet the Staff! Introducing...

2011-09-05T14:46:00.001-05:00

Gail Gunnerson!!

What is your favorite food?

Nachos

All Time Favorite Movie?

Finding Nemo

Most memorable experience at KiDSCOR…

VBC

Favorite thing to do away from church…

Read books the old-fashioned way-no electronic version! Ride my bike

Sum up your life in a slogan.

Shine for Jesus

What was your high school job?

Working the breakfast shift at Hardee’s making biscuits

Favorite Bible Verse

Nehemiah 8:10

Describe what you do in KiDS COR?

All the fun stuff!

Special events like VBC, basketball camp, overnight camp, 3rd grade Bible and more!

Friday Faith Builders

2011-09-02T21:48:00.001-05:00

How often do you encourage your children? If someone asked me that question, I would probably say, “At least once a day—usually more.” That would sound pretty good—until someone would ask me, “How often do you discourage your children?” I would have to respond with, “At least twice a day—usually more.” (And my daughters who are 11, 13 and 14 might think I was being too easy on myself!)Sometimes it is so easy to comment on the dirty clothes and dishes, the outfit, the attitude, the manners, and/or the music, that those become my focus—(please tell me I’m not alone!). I love my children with all of my heart, but some days I am not sure I show that very well.

What if we each created a list of encouraging words to say to our kids and to each other? We could include some of the following: “I love you,” “I am so glad I get to be your mom/dad!” “You are special to me.” “I love the way you__________.” “I really enjoy spending time with you.”Look your child in the eyes. Smile. Wrap your arms around him or her. And I’ll do the same with mine.

Blessings to you on your parenting journey!

Picture Of The Week

2011-08-31T10:52:00.002-05:00

This week's picture of the week is our Kindergarten-2nd grade craft. This past weekend we talked about how we can keep the Sabbath holy. The kids decorated their cups. Then they added small strips of paper with different ideas of how they could keep their Sabbath holy. Each Sunday at home the kids will draw one strip of paper out of the cup and as family will do what is says and together they will keep the Sabbath holy!

Meet the Staff! Introducing...

2011-08-30T14:20:00.000-05:00

Teri Chalker!!!

What is your favorite food?

Nachos

All time favorite movie?

Sweet Home Alabama

Most memorable experience at KiDS COR?

When a service dog ran from bible theatre into worship service in main sanctuary

Favorite thing to do away from church?

Relax on my boat

Sum up your life in a slogan.

Try and keep up!

What was your high school job?

Taco Bell

Favorite Bible Verse?

Romans 5:3-4

Describe what you do in KiDS COR?

Get WILD with 5th graders in Youth Group

Grow. Pray. Study....IT'S YOUR MOVE!

2011-08-29T14:16:00.000-05:00

Enjoy this week's guide!!

Remember next week is Family Worship Weekend. Have fun with your family in church!

(Childcare for 4 and under available)