http://www.firstmethodistmansfield.org/childrens-ministry/ Fri, 26 Aug 2011 15:08:58 GMT en-us Copyright 2011 First Methodist Mansfield http://www.firstmethodistmansfield.org/childrens-ministry/2011-lenten-calendar/ http://www.firstmethodistmansfield.org/childrens-ministry/2011-lenten-calendar/ Wed, 09 Mar 2011 19:53:44 GMT If you are looking for a way to celebrate this season of Lent with your children, I encourage you to use our Lenten calendar as a guide. We hope you will find this to be a valuable tool during this season of Lent. http://www.firstmethodistmansfield.org/childrens-ministry/thank-you-childrens-team/ http://www.firstmethodistmansfield.org/childrens-ministry/thank-you-childrens-team/ Wed, 30 Jun 2010 17:26:25 GMT Another VBC has come and gone. 871 kids, 412 volunteers, over $3,000 raised, 1000 bags of food for a mission project, 1 pig kissed, and a lot of hearts changed. I continue to hear stories of kids who cried because they didn’t want to leave ... http://www.firstmethodistmansfield.org/childrens-ministry/learn-to-use-your-bible/ http://www.firstmethodistmansfield.org/childrens-ministry/learn-to-use-your-bible/ Fri, 11 Jun 2010 17:28:58 GMT If your child attended Bible CHAMP Camp this morning, here is an overview of what they learned. Review it with them and help cement their new knowledge. If your child was unable to attend, use this as a guide to help them navigate God's ... http://www.firstmethodistmansfield.org/childrens-ministry/2nd-grade-bibles/ http://www.firstmethodistmansfield.org/childrens-ministry/2nd-grade-bibles/ Sun, 16 May 2010 01:40:57 GMT This weekend is the annual 2nd Grade Bible Handout! In all of our weekend services we will give a brand new hard-cover bible to every 2nd grader or any older child who needs one. Each will receive a hard-cover “Hands On” Bible with ... http://www.firstmethodistmansfield.org/childrens-ministry/2010-lenten-calendar/ http://www.firstmethodistmansfield.org/childrens-ministry/2010-lenten-calendar/ Tue, 16 Feb 2010 17:14:49 GMT If you are looking for a way to celebrate this season of Lent with your children, I encourage you to use our 2010 Lenten calendar as a guide. We hope you will find this to be a valuable tool during this season of ... http://www.firstmethodistmansfield.org/childrens-ministry/family-values/ http://www.firstmethodistmansfield.org/childrens-ministry/family-values/ Thu, 11 Feb 2010 11:23:38 GMT When children are young, they follow your values because they have to. You can control much of what they do, say, watch, hear, etc. But as they mature, they will begin to identify with the culture, their peers, teachers, coaches and others ... http://www.firstmethodistmansfield.org/childrens-ministry/conversation-starters/ http://www.firstmethodistmansfield.org/childrens-ministry/conversation-starters/ Thu, 04 Feb 2010 16:19:12 GMT How many times have you asked your child, “How was your day?” only to get he answer “good” or “fine”? It’s frustrating, isn’t it? If you are like me, you really do want to know the content of ... http://www.firstmethodistmansfield.org/childrens-ministry/which-way-do-we-go/ http://www.firstmethodistmansfield.org/childrens-ministry/which-way-do-we-go/ Thu, 28 Jan 2010 16:25:29 GMT I always knew and understood the importance of having other strong Christian influences in my child’s life, but until this year, I did not really feel the need. But then my daughter went through a trying time last fall, and suddenly I was ... http://www.firstmethodistmansfield.org/childrens-ministry/health-kits-for-haiti/ http://www.firstmethodistmansfield.org/childrens-ministry/health-kits-for-haiti/ Thu, 21 Jan 2010 19:35:04 GMT Please help us serve our friends in Haiti with these needed items. We will be assembling kits next weekend (January 30-31) in children’s classes. We are asking each age group to provide certain items on the list to make sure we have ... http://www.firstmethodistmansfield.org/childrens-ministry/grace/ http://www.firstmethodistmansfield.org/childrens-ministry/grace/ Thu, 14 Jan 2010 16:31:31 GMT The other day there was another story on TV about Tiger Woods. It has been in the news so much that my children are very aware of the story. Last week when my nine-year-old son saw the latest blurb about Tiger, he said, “Why don’t ... http://www.firstmethodistmansfield.org/childrens-ministry/learn-to-do-the-right-thing/ http://www.firstmethodistmansfield.org/childrens-ministry/learn-to-do-the-right-thing/ Sat, 09 Jan 2010 16:10:49 GMT The new year is a good time to start fresh with your kids. Use it as an excuse to sit down with your family and establish some clear guidelines on what you are going to expect from them. Try giving up some of your own vices as well. This will ... http://www.firstmethodistmansfield.org/childrens-ministry/166-hours/ http://www.firstmethodistmansfield.org/childrens-ministry/166-hours/ Wed, 30 Dec 2009 15:56:50 GMT Check out these findings from a recent survey by John Trent. He interviewed several hundred parents with small children who attend a large church: Parents were asked, “Do you think it’s important to pass down your faith to your ... http://www.firstmethodistmansfield.org/childrens-ministry/independence/ http://www.firstmethodistmansfield.org/childrens-ministry/independence/ Wed, 23 Dec 2009 15:30:47 GMT I told my daughter to be resourceful today. She was trying to solve a small problem, and I wanted her to know that she could figure it out without me telling her what to do. I value resourcefulness. I want my kids to be able to find the ... http://www.firstmethodistmansfield.org/childrens-ministry/what-is-a-manger/ http://www.firstmethodistmansfield.org/childrens-ministry/what-is-a-manger/ Thu, 17 Dec 2009 16:31:03 GMT My husband teaches Construction Technology at Ben Barber here in Mansfield. For those of you who don’t know, Ben Barber is a career and technology high school that all students in Mansfield can attend. It’s really cool, but I tell ... http://www.firstmethodistmansfield.org/childrens-ministry/santa-and-christmas/ http://www.firstmethodistmansfield.org/childrens-ministry/santa-and-christmas/ Thu, 10 Dec 2009 16:26:54 GMT Many parents have asked me lately how to mesh the idea of Santa with the birth of Jesus as the reason for Christmas. While I feel like there is no exact right answer, I do have some suggestions that may help you as parents make an informed ... http://www.firstmethodistmansfield.org/childrens-ministry/diligence/ http://www.firstmethodistmansfield.org/childrens-ministry/diligence/ Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:48:12 GMT I have had several discussions lately with parents about how their kids seem to give up so easily on projects, sports or anything that doesn’t provide immediate gratification. We live in a culture that supports that immediate sense of ... http://www.firstmethodistmansfield.org/childrens-ministry/the-greatest-commandment/ http://www.firstmethodistmansfield.org/childrens-ministry/the-greatest-commandment/ Thu, 12 Nov 2009 17:38:56 GMT Years ago, the mom of a friend of mine told him, “I may not always like you, but I will always love you.” She was referring to her unconditional love for her son and letting him know that even when he does something wrong, her love ... http://www.firstmethodistmansfield.org/childrens-ministry/lesson-in-peer-pressure/ http://www.firstmethodistmansfield.org/childrens-ministry/lesson-in-peer-pressure/ Thu, 05 Nov 2009 23:15:24 GMT All children will deal with peer pressure. We adults still deal with it as well, though hopefully we are better prepared. Use this activity to teach your children how strong peer pressure can be and what to do to stay true to what they know is ... http://www.firstmethodistmansfield.org/childrens-ministry/christ-centered-self-esteem/ http://www.firstmethodistmansfield.org/childrens-ministry/christ-centered-self-esteem/ Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:57:12 GMT Most children, like us, have given others the power to shape their self-perception. The need for praise trains kids to see themselves through others’ eyes. The problem with this is that others’ images will be inconsistent at best ... http://www.firstmethodistmansfield.org/childrens-ministry/serve-the-world/ http://www.firstmethodistmansfield.org/childrens-ministry/serve-the-world/ Thu, 22 Oct 2009 18:23:09 GMT Children seem to be born with a desire to serve others. Even a 2-year-old will automatically comfort a crying baby by sharing a toy. Take advantage of this eagerness and give them ideas on different and simple ways to serve their family and ... http://www.firstmethodistmansfield.org/childrens-ministry/bedtime-stories/ http://www.firstmethodistmansfield.org/childrens-ministry/bedtime-stories/ Thu, 15 Oct 2009 16:08:37 GMT Find a childhood picture of yourself and bring it with you to your child’s bedtime. Ask your child to guess who it is in the picture and give hints if necessary. Reveal that it is you in the picture, and ask your child what they think ... http://www.firstmethodistmansfield.org/childrens-ministry/finding-gods-voice/ http://www.firstmethodistmansfield.org/childrens-ministry/finding-gods-voice/ Thu, 08 Oct 2009 16:24:13 GMT Preparation: You’ll need a blindfold and a Bible. The object of this devotion is for a blindfolded person to make it through an “obstacle course in the house or yard by following the leader’s voice. Blindfold an older child ... http://www.firstmethodistmansfield.org/childrens-ministry/twinkle-twinkle-little-star/ http://www.firstmethodistmansfield.org/childrens-ministry/twinkle-twinkle-little-star/ Thu, 01 Oct 2009 16:34:13 GMT Lay on a blanket in the backyard at night. On a clear, moonless night, a thousand or more stars are visible. Five of our solar system’s eight planets, a few star clusters, a spiral galaxy and the odd bright comet are visible too. ... http://www.firstmethodistmansfield.org/childrens-ministry/times-have-changed/ http://www.firstmethodistmansfield.org/childrens-ministry/times-have-changed/ Thu, 24 Sep 2009 17:38:52 GMT You probably know your child pretty well, but do you know the culture they are submerged in every day? In the book, Children’s Ministry in the 21st Century, Rick Chromey does a good job of explaining the culture that surrounds us all. ... http://www.firstmethodistmansfield.org/childrens-ministry/immediate-discipline/ http://www.firstmethodistmansfield.org/childrens-ministry/immediate-discipline/ Thu, 17 Sep 2009 17:38:15 GMT I often talk with parents about discipline issues concerning their children. While each situation is different and we often have to try various methods with our children, the number one piece of advice I give to parents is to be immediate and ... http://www.firstmethodistmansfield.org/childrens-ministry/are-you-what-a-christian-looks-like/ http://www.firstmethodistmansfield.org/childrens-ministry/are-you-what-a-christian-looks-like/ Thu, 10 Sep 2009 16:41:12 GMT This weekend our church joins United Methodist churches across the country in the Rethink Church campaign. This will challenge us as a congregation to “be the Church” both inside the walls of our campus and outside those walls. ... http://www.firstmethodistmansfield.org/childrens-ministry/raising-kids-in-todays-culture/ http://www.firstmethodistmansfield.org/childrens-ministry/raising-kids-in-todays-culture/ Sat, 05 Sep 2009 16:38:26 GMT During last weekend’s sermon, I had the opportunity to speak to you regarding raising kids in a culture that often exposes them to ideas, images and concepts that are too much for adults, let alone our children. If you missed hearing the ... http://www.firstmethodistmansfield.org/childrens-ministry/faith/ http://www.firstmethodistmansfield.org/childrens-ministry/faith/ Fri, 28 Aug 2009 16:28:30 GMT Ask Have you ever met George Washington? Do you believe that he was the first president of the United States? Why do you believe that? Say something like this: We believe George Washington lived and was the first president because ... http://www.firstmethodistmansfield.org/childrens-ministry/rely-on-god-during-stressful-times/ http://www.firstmethodistmansfield.org/childrens-ministry/rely-on-god-during-stressful-times/ Thu, 13 Aug 2009 16:28:06 GMT // Family life has its fair share of challenges, and an unexpected crisis can knock us flat. Sometimes these things can threaten the unity of our family itself. Illness, a broken marriage, job loss and financial problems all bring ... http://www.firstmethodistmansfield.org/childrens-ministry/nurture-your-childrens-gifts/ http://www.firstmethodistmansfield.org/childrens-ministry/nurture-your-childrens-gifts/ Tue, 04 Aug 2009 18:05:43 GMT One joy of parenthood is watching for signs of children’s developing talents. Children gain confidence when they become competent at something they enjoy. That’s why many parents seek out a range of activities for their budding ... http://www.firstmethodistmansfield.org/childrens-ministry/maximize-the-last-month-of-summer/ http://www.firstmethodistmansfield.org/childrens-ministry/maximize-the-last-month-of-summer/ Thu, 30 Jul 2009 18:48:52 GMT We love summer in our home because it is ideal for hanging out together and creating lasting memories. It’s also ideal for spending time with God and creating lasting faith. But summer is almost over! Don’t fret! Just make the most ... http://www.firstmethodistmansfield.org/childrens-ministry/leadership/ http://www.firstmethodistmansfield.org/childrens-ministry/leadership/ Fri, 17 Jul 2009 16:43:23 GMT I am a big believer in teaching kids leadership skills at an early age. My belief is that as followers of Christ, we are to lead others nearer to Him in all that we do. This sometimes requires stepping out of our comfort zone or doing the ... http://www.firstmethodistmansfield.org/childrens-ministry/worship-the-king/ http://www.firstmethodistmansfield.org/childrens-ministry/worship-the-king/ Fri, 10 Jul 2009 18:15:45 GMT In the wake of the Michael Jackson media frenzy that we experienced this last week, I thought you, as parents, might be able to use this as a teachable moment. During VBC a few weeks ago, our core message was “It all comes back to ... http://www.firstmethodistmansfield.org/childrens-ministry/finding-the-truth/ http://www.firstmethodistmansfield.org/childrens-ministry/finding-the-truth/ Thu, 18 Jun 2009 19:05:00 GMT If you missed my devotion last week, it was about my son and a phase he was going through where the truth seemed to evade him regularly! Check my blog if you missed it. So many of you responded to that with your own stories and struggles, so ... http://www.firstmethodistmansfield.org/childrens-ministry/telling-the-truth/ http://www.firstmethodistmansfield.org/childrens-ministry/telling-the-truth/ Thu, 11 Jun 2009 16:31:35 GMT My 9-year-old son is going through a lying phase. It is driving me crazy! I am sure it is not a trait you wish for your children either. So, how do we handle it? Because we know that trust is the foundation for all relationships, we take the ... http://www.firstmethodistmansfield.org/childrens-ministry/end-of-year-awards/ http://www.firstmethodistmansfield.org/childrens-ministry/end-of-year-awards/ Fri, 05 Jun 2009 19:24:48 GMT Since school is out for the summer, take the time to reward your kids for their efforts throughout the year. (I'm not talking about paying them for grades, but recognizing their hard work.) Read Colossians 3:23 to your kids. "Whatever you do, ... http://www.firstmethodistmansfield.org/childrens-ministry/wisdom/ http://www.firstmethodistmansfield.org/childrens-ministry/wisdom/ Fri, 22 May 2009 19:02:27 GMT Read the Parable of the 10 Bridesmaids in Matthew 25:1-13. Read this from a children’s bible or substitute the word “Bridesmaid” for “Virgin” in an adult bible. This will save you some extra explanation with younger ... http://www.firstmethodistmansfield.org/childrens-ministry/teach-your-children-to-love-the-bible/ http://www.firstmethodistmansfield.org/childrens-ministry/teach-your-children-to-love-the-bible/ Sat, 16 May 2009 16:49:38 GMT Miss Amy on our children’s team once joked with Pastor Mike about where she had received some lessons she was sharing. Yeah, that Bible has a lot of good stories in there! Of course, she was absolutely right, but it did sound funny to ... http://www.firstmethodistmansfield.org/childrens-ministry/mothers-day/ http://www.firstmethodistmansfield.org/childrens-ministry/mothers-day/ Fri, 08 May 2009 14:54:04 GMT This weekend is Mother's Day. And though it is a national holiday, we don't celebrate Mother's Day at our church simply because the rest of the country is doing it. We celebrate because we are grateful for our mothers and the things they do for ... http://www.firstmethodistmansfield.org/childrens-ministry/pentecost/ http://www.firstmethodistmansfield.org/childrens-ministry/pentecost/ Sat, 02 May 2009 16:17:26 GMT This month in some of our children’s classes, we will be studying Pentecost. Since we didn’t know too much about it when we started researching, we thought maybe you could use a little help too. After reading, share some facts with ... http://www.firstmethodistmansfield.org/childrens-ministry/fruits-of-the-spirit/ http://www.firstmethodistmansfield.org/childrens-ministry/fruits-of-the-spirit/ Fri, 24 Apr 2009 14:31:24 GMT After catching a glimpse of FUEL last night (this is our junior high worship on Wednesday nights), I was inspired to further the discussion Mel was leading with the students. She was discussing a few traits we might want to “wear.” ... http://www.firstmethodistmansfield.org/childrens-ministry/whats-been-going-on-around-here/ http://www.firstmethodistmansfield.org/childrens-ministry/whats-been-going-on-around-here/ Fri, 17 Apr 2009 14:45:04 GMT Have you noticed any changes in Children's Ministry lately? We've been working to "up the excellence" for awhile now, and I hope you are noticing. Some of our changes have been in staffing, supplies and prep work before the service. We are ... http://www.firstmethodistmansfield.org/childrens-ministry/easter-eggs/ http://www.firstmethodistmansfield.org/childrens-ministry/easter-eggs/ Fri, 03 Apr 2009 16:26:37 GMT The word Easter conjures up images of colorful eggs and bunnies for most of our children. At the same time we understand that the true meaning of Easter is about the Resurrection of Jesus. So this year, enjoy the eggs and bunnies, but remind ... http://www.firstmethodistmansfield.org/childrens-ministry/a-focus-on-prayer/ http://www.firstmethodistmansfield.org/childrens-ministry/a-focus-on-prayer/ Fri, 27 Mar 2009 16:44:04 GMT Because Lent is a time of reflection and repentance, it is a wonderful time to begin or strengthen your family’s prayer life. Do you have special times to pray together? Many families have mealtime or bedtime prayers together, but family ... http://www.firstmethodistmansfield.org/childrens-ministry/compassion-in-action/ http://www.firstmethodistmansfield.org/childrens-ministry/compassion-in-action/ Sat, 14 Mar 2009 16:05:27 GMT As we continue in the sermon series “Walking with Jesus,” help your children learn more about the characteristics of our Savior. He was sent to us as an example of how to live our lives as Godly people. He showed compassion in many ... http://www.firstmethodistmansfield.org/childrens-ministry/teaching-about-worship-and-praise/ http://www.firstmethodistmansfield.org/childrens-ministry/teaching-about-worship-and-praise/ Sat, 07 Mar 2009 21:07:37 GMT As we approach Easter, we should be thinking about Jesus and the sacrifices He made for us. This leads us to understand that Jesus is King and worthy of our worship and praise. The word "worship" comes from the Old English word "weorthscipe," ... http://www.firstmethodistmansfield.org/childrens-ministry/helping-children-understand-how-special-they-are-in-gods-eyes/ http://www.firstmethodistmansfield.org/childrens-ministry/helping-children-understand-how-special-they-are-in-gods-eyes/ Sun, 01 Mar 2009 03:13:55 GMT Special Guests - children 5 and older Make a special dinner and set an attractive table, using the good china, candles, etc. Tell the kids to get dressed up as you are going to have "special guests" for dinner. If they ask who is coming, do not ...