Children's Ministry Resources for Families

Dear Children's Ministry families,

Although we won't be meeting for the next few weeks (or months), here are some resources for your family for Sunday mornings or any day of the week.

As a mom & grandmother, I have seen my own family get busier & busier. We have 4 generations living under one roof but because of everyone's busy schedules, we didn't seem to be all together except when it's time to sleep!! Life has changed.

HELP FOR PARENTS:

As you deal with school closings, a national state of emergency, and mass hysteria - no doubt your children are hearing the news and wondering what is going on. Some children may be anxious, worried, or even filled with fear that they or a loved one will catch the CoronaVirus.

This is normal. But, I wanted to share with you a few thoughts that might help you as you communicate with your kids during this time:

1) BE HONEST WITH THEM - As your children talk with you, don't pretend like nothing is wrong. Be open and honest with them. Let them know there are people getting sick and we do need to be wise.

2) ALLOW THEM TO ASK QUESTIONS - This is how many children process. You don't have to pretend to have all the answers. But, allow your child to ask the questions that are most pressing for them.

3) REMIND THEM WE DO NOT LIVE BY FEAR - This virus is certainly a big deal, but we serve a BIGGER God. None of this has taken Him by surprise. As 2 Timothy 1:7 reminds us, "God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."

4) PRAY TOGETHER - Pray for our nation. Pray for those around the world who have been affected by this virus. Pray for "the peace of God which surpasses all understanding to guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:7)

I am praying for each of you as you guide your children through this season. Never forget - God is faithful!

Here are some resources to use that I and other staff are recommending....feel free to let us know if there are others we can pass on. :)

Here's an article on the Lifeway kids program. There are instructions on how to redeem it.

http://www.bpnews.net/54463/lifeway-offers-free-athome-supplement-for-churches-impacted-by-covid19

***Sermon Notes for Kids: A printable worksheet for kids to use while listening to a sermon

https://d1nwfrzxhi18dp.cloudfront.net/uploads/resource_library/attachment/file/247/TVCResources-SermonNotesForKids.pdf

***Saddleback Kids online

http://www.saddlebackkids.com/online/

***Seeds Family Worship

https://www.seedsfamilyworship.com/twenty-verses-in-2020/

1. Gather the family

2. Pray