by Ellen Dillard
We hope you find something for the kidz on your Christmas list!
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| For Preschool Kidz |
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| For Elementary Kidz |
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| For Parents
WINS in Kidz Ministry
There are over 40 adults and teens who serve weekly as small Group Leaders in Kidz Ministry. Their goal as a Small Group Leader is to invest in the lives of a few kidz to encourage an authentic faith in Jesus Christ. For these Small Group Leaders a “WIN” is when kidz have meaningful interactions during Small Group that influence their faith in Jesus and deepen their relationships with others. It’s so encouraging for leaders to hear how God is moving in kidz’ lives; and we want to share these with you, too!
A parent told their child’s Small Group Leader that their child is picking 2 Bible stories for their bedtime reading (and the parent isn’t forcing/requiring this). God is moving in this child’s heart and it is a joy that we have to Partner with Parents by giving Bibles to kidz @ 4 years old and 2nd grade.
Recently, a child came to small group at 9:15 instead of his normal 10:45 small group. The child was so upset to find that his Small Group Leaders and Friends weren’t there! And his parents didn’t realize how this would impact him. He has really connected with his small group friends and leaders. In a very short amount of time, his Small Group has become a safe place for him which is so cool! Yes, he knows he is physically safe; but it is also a place that he is growing in his relationship with Jesus.
A leader spoke of how welcoming her small group is with visitors. A visitor came and her kidz were kind and welcoming!
Recently, one of the activities for kidz was to act out the Bible Story in their small group. The kidz were not enthusiastic about acting out the scripture (Joshua/Caleb + 10 others exploring Canaan.) But after a little bit, one child decided to be Caleb; and everybody else wanted to be the “10 other spies”. As the Small Group Leader was talking with them about their parts and reviewing the story with them, one of the “10” got this look on his face and said – “I don’t want to do that. I want to be Joshua!” This leader is present Every.Single.Week. These kidz know that she’s going to be with them on a Sunday morning. Her presence connects them to a community of faith.
Watching a 3 year old and 3rd grader say their memory verse by heart. The 3rd grader led her peers to say the memory verse in large group. Kidz hiding God’s Word in their heart!
Watching adult and teen leaders lead. It’s amazing to see their creativity and energy and passion for Jesus and kidz. These Small Group Leaders bring their passion, energy and creativity Every.Single.Week. Several of these leaders serve on Sundays and Wednesdays – building relationships with their small group of kidz. And for those who lead on Wednesdays, a number of them are coming from work! But these leaders get here and they are focused and ready to lead.
Hearing how God provided an opening for a SGL to talk with her kidz about taking God’s name in vain. She was praying for just the right opportunity. It was great to hear how God provided just the right time. And to hear how the conversation unfolded and that some of the kidz in the small group added to the conversation and were able accurately explain why we aren’t to take God’s name in vain. And then these same kidz offered different words for their peers to say. The best way to create a safe place is to lead small. Through the safety of the small group, there was openness and honesty. Through their small group, kidz learned God’s truth and how to apply it in their lives.
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