This Week's Children's Ministry Update

We are learning how to talk to God. Peanut told us that talking to God is just like talking on the phone. We can call on God and He's there to listen. Our verse this week was from Matthew 6:33, Seek God First. It doesn't matter when, but all we have to do is pray. The story we read was the Daniel and the Lions Den. If you remember, his jealous peers tricked the King into making it illegal to pray to anyone, except the King. Daniel did not stop, because prayer was how He had relationship with God. His peers caught him and told the King. The King was so sad, because he realized what they had done. Daniel was put in the Lions Den, but God was with him. The next day the King hoped Daniel was alive, and He was! God was with him and protected him. We talked about how we can pray day or night anytime, because He wants to be our friend. In Jam we made a prayer book, to help us remember what we learned. We hope you have a blessed weekend!

This Week's Children's Ministry Update

It's been another great week of Chapel and Jam! We've been learning how to be good friends. Our verse was from Proverbs 17:17 - a friend loves at all times, a brother helps in time of need. Peanut talked to us about how we can be good friends to others. We don't bite, push or hit, but we help and show love. We talked about the story of the Good Samaritan. He was the only person who was a good friend to the man in need. We talked about how we are to help those who are in need, and that makes God happy. I would encourage you this weekend to talked about helping around the house and helping others.

Have a Blessed Weekend

This Week's Children's Ministry Update

We had a great week learning about how God made us special. Our verse this week was from Genesis 1:27, God created us, in His likeness, He created us, male and female. In Chapel, we read about how God created all these wonderful things, but we are the only thing He made in His likeness. So how are we different? We talked about how we are able to communicate and use our minds to think. We also talked about how we are all special and unique. So in JAM we made a special person, in our likeness. They turned out so cute!

We hope you have a blessed weekend!

Things to come in October;
Arrive Alive - Child Restraint Training
Dr. Mom Preventing Colds and Sickness
Branches Family Breakfast at Gentry Farms, October 13th 9-10am

Holly Tree Children’s Ministry News September 2012

Holly Tree Children’s Ministry News

 September 2012

Dear Holly Tree Families,

I’m so excited to be entering into the fall season. It’s not here yet, but hints are all around. The temperatures are starting to level out, making for cooler mornings and evenings. No matter what season we are in, it can be bitter-sweet. One thing that helps make life less bitter is making the most of your present. This is something as adults we forget, but kids always make the most of every moment. So many times we are torn between the inadequate past and the hopeful future. This is one reason why I love fall and our fall theme “Fall is For Your Family”, because it’s turns our focus to our families and friends.

As a believer, we know that relationships are the only thing going into eternity. We get so distracted by “life”, that we forget to live this life. It would be really sad if we look back on our lives and feel the disappointment of missed time. I think this is one reason why God created seasons. They always give us an opportunity to reflect on the previous season and year. It’s a built in growth chart for adults. Are we growing or are we just a hamster on a wheel? It might be hard to know what to do different, but here are some things that might help.

Re-Balance Life
It’s like being on a See-Saw. There are times when work is going to peak, so don’t feel guilty about that. However if your work makes you feel like you are in “high gear” all the time, your See-Saw might be broke.

Refresh PerspectiveObviously most of us can’t  take a luxurious vacation every other month, but we can have dinner with our families and plan a monthly family event. We work so hard to have things, but things are just props to life.

Letting go
Are there other reasons for allowing work or things to consume your life. Is there fear or insecurity that is hindering you from letting go? Simply ask yourself, why am I doing this and not doing that?

Family Time on PaperTo ensure that you can see the reality of life now and the life you want, write it down. Just write out your current week and the time you spend working vs. family, and the things you want your family to remember about their childhood. Once you see your reality, you can decide what needs to change.

I hope that your fall is more about your family than ever before!

Jam’n with Jesus,

Mr. Kendall Rush, Children’s Minister

hollytreechildrensministry@gmail.com

This Week's Children's Ministry Update

It's been an amazing summer and now it's back school! However, it's always good to have to call home. This week we talked about the Prodigal Son and how he came home. Our verse was Luke 15:31-32, "We Celebrate, our brother was gone, but has been found". In our story the son disobeyed his father. He did not listen to him, ran away and spent all his money. Fortunately, he found some pigs to live with and it was gross! He even ate their food! Then we talked about how the son realized he was wrong and wanted to ask his father to forgive him. So he started to go home. What he didn't realize, was his father was looking and praying for him everyday. One day the father was looking and saw his son, and he ran to him. The son asked for forgiveness and the father forgave him. It was a great way for us to learn about forgiveness and love from our family.

Have a Blessed Weekend!

This Week's Children's Ministry Update

Peanut wanted to talk about the greatest scientist ever, Dr God! He didn't just discover or put things together, HE MADE IT! Peanut was so excited to talk about all God created. Our verse is from Genesis 1:1, In the beginning God created the Heavens and the Earth. We talked about everything that God made; Sun, Planets, Water, Sky, Land, Plants, Moon, Stars, Season, Fish, Birds, Animals and US! It's amazing how many things God made for us to enjoy. This week we sang My God is so Big! In JAM we added another chapter to our Summer Adventure Book. The kids were able to really talk about God's creative power and think about what He created. It was amazing!

This Week's Children's Ministry Update

We've been talking about the Glory of God and how all creation speaks of Him. First we asked if they had ever seen a tree, grass, flowers, the sun, the moon, stars or their face. They all laughed and said yes!It was important for them to understand that all those things show God's Glory. Our verse this week is from Psalms 19:1, The Heavens declare the Glory of God. We read about how God created the world and from that beginning we started to see His handy work. In Jam we added another chapter in our summer books, that show His Creation. We had a great time seeing God's glory in everything around us.

This Week's Children's Ministry Update

We've been Missionaries this week showing Compassion! Peanut talked about how he likes to go the playground and share Jesus with his puppy friends. Our verse this week is from Acts 13:3 "After they fasted and prayed, they laid hands on and sent them out." This week our story was about Saul's encounter with Jesus. We talked about how he had a heart and name change, which caused him to become a missionary. He went from no compassion, to showing lots of compassion to everyone all over the world. At JAM we made another chapter in our book. It was a picture of a Missionary traveling all over a map of the world. It was a great week talking about being a missionary!

This Week's Children's Ministry Update

We've been showing lots of love to our neighbors this week! Our verse is from Matthew 19:19 - Love your neighbor as you love your self. We talked about how we wouldn't bite, hit or kick ourselves, so we shouldn't do that to others. Kindness is something we can show with our words, by helping and giving. We talked about Rahab from the old testament, and how she showed kindness to the children of Israel. Later that kindness was showed to her family by God's children. In JAM we talked different ways we can share and show kindness to others, and added to our summer book. It was a great week!

Tomorrow is your last chance to order tickets for this years Sounds Game, and now it's a double header!

Order your tickets online using the link for our group: http://sounds.streamlineticketing.com/web/group.asp
username:branches password:338759

This Week's Children's Ministry Update

We have so many Super Stars! This week we talked about how we are all God's VIP's. Peanut came to class with a Gold Medal for "Most Awesome Dog", and it made him feel so special. I asked the class if Peanut should toss his award in the trash or under the bed? They said NO! I said of course that would be taking care of something so special. Then we talked about how God see's them just like this Gold Medal, a very special prize, award or trophy. Our verse this week is from Deuteronomy 32:10 "He surrounded, cared and guarded him as the apple of His eye." Just like I want to surround Peanut with love, care for him and protect him. God wants to do the same with us, He loves us and we are the apple of His eye. In JAM we made a medal and trophy to help us rememeber how much God loves and vaules us.

Keep Memorizing Vereses, I'm going to start giving prizes every week. If they memorized a verse they will get a prize, even prior verses. Our verse next week is Mark 16:15 He said to them, “Go, into all the world and tell every one the good news.”

Here are the previous weeks;

Week 1

Bible Focus; Friendship like Jonathan and David

Bible Verse; 1 Samuel 18:3 - Jonathan liked David and promised to always be faithful friends.

Week 2

Bible Focus; Paul's Campfire

Bible Verse; Acts 28:3 - Paul picked up sticks, put them on the fire, and deadly snake bites his hand.

Week 3

Bible Focus; Naming the Animals

Bible Verse; Gen 2:20 - Adam gave names to all cattle, birds and wild animals.

Week 4

Bible Focus; God's VIP

Bible Verse; Deuteronomy 32:10 - He surrounded, cared and guarded him as the apple of his eye.

Week 5

Bible Focus; Commissioned to GO!

Bible Verse; Mark 16:15 - He said to them, “Go, into all the world and tell every one the good news.”

This Week's Children's Ministry Update

It's been a wild week talking about Adams wild animals. Our verse is from Genesis 2:20 - Adam gave names to all the cattle, birds and wild animals. We talked about how God created all these amazing animals, and Adam was given the creativity to give them names. We have that same creativity! In JAM we worked on our summer book and colored some animals and named them. In Chapel we looked at some amazing National Geographic animal pictures, and tried to name all the animals. It was so great to see God's creative power and the ability He's given us.

Keep practicing your verses for Word Quest, and have a safe weekend!

This Week's Children's Ministry Update

It's been a great week learning about God's Protection. Are you wondering why your kids are talking about Sneaky the Snake? Well he showed up in our Bible story about Paul's Campfire. Our verse this week is Acts 28:3 Paul picked up stick, put them on the fire, and a deadly snake, bite his hand. We read in Acts about how Paul was doing God's will, but had some bad things happen. Paul was in a shipwreck, but God promised no one would die and everyone was okay. Then Paul was just trying to help make a fire and gets bite by a deadly snake. Everyone thought he would die, but Paul knew God had a plan. The next day Paul was alive and okay, which caused everyone to believe in God. We talked about how sometimes things happen, but God is always with us and wants to help. He also has a plan, that sometimes we don't understand. God used a shipwreck and a snake bite to bring hundreds of people to himself. Then we also talked about there are places our parents want us to stay away from in the yard, because there really could be a sneaky snake. So it might be a great way to talk about how sneaky snakes like to hide and can hurt us. In JAM we made another page to add to our Summer Adventure Books, which we will complete at the end of summer.

Don't MISS B.Y.O.B.&B. (blankets and bubbles)
Father's Day Breakfast!
Date; Saturday, June 16th
Time; 9:30 am
Location; 122 Seaboard Lane Franklin TN. 37067
Food; We will provide Bagel Sandwiches, Fruit, Coffee, Juice, Plain
Bagel/biscuits, Jam, Eggs, Sausage and Bacon.
Fun; Lots of Shaded Playground equipment, Parachute Game and a Special
Craft with Dad! Everyone is able to play and do bubbles anytime.

This Saturday we want to provide an opportunity for Dad’s to spend
with their little ones. All kids’ young and old love bubbles, so bring
your favorite bubbles and blankets. We will provide a shady play area,
a yummy breakfast, the parachute game and a special craft with Dad.
There will also be a drawing for 2 tickets to our Sounds Game on July 14th!

All NGU fathers and their children who want to participate are welcome
to come, and bring a guest. If you have any questions about the event,
please feel free to call Kendall Rush a 615-955-0356 or email
branchesministries@gmail.com.

This Week's Children's Ministry Update

We are learning how to be good friends, just like Jonathan and David. Our Word Quest Bible Verse this week was; 1Samuel 18:3Jonathan liked David and promised to be faithful friends. Remember every four verses equals a prize! This week we talked about the different way we can be good or not so good friends. For example, good friends - help each other, share and show love, and not so good friends - don't share, hurt others and are not helpful. Peanut helped us realize that God wants us all to be good friends, just like the story of Jonathan and David. David was being bullied by King Saul and Jonathan wanted to help his friend. So Jonathan gave David his coat and a way out. In JAM, we made another page for our Summer Books we are making, and made Buddy Necklaces. It was fun learning how to be a great friend.

Next Week's Word Quest Verse

Acts 28:3 - Paul picked up sticks, put them on the fire, and deadly snake bites his hand.

New Song Christian Fellowship - Mission: India VBS - June 12-15

They provide VBS for ages 3yrs - 6th grade, for two evenings 6:30-8:30, in three locations; Woodbine, Cool Springs and Spring Hill. If you would like more information please visit their website; http://new-song.com/ministries/kids-ministry/missionten-2-kids-nights/

This Week's Children's Ministry Update

Peanut taught us how he likes to hide his bone, my shoes and most importantly the Word of God. This summer we are going to have our Word Quest Bible Verse Challenge. Starting next week we will have a verse your child can learn. If they memorize or repeat it well by the end of the week, they get credit for that verse. After four verses they win a prize. So this week we talked about how it's so important to keep God's Word in our hearts. Our verse was Psalms 119:11 God's Word, I will hide in my heart, so I will not sin against God. We talked about how when we hide God's Word in our hearts in changes our heart and makes it new. I'm so excited to see how well they do this year on the Word Quest. You may pick up your copy of the verse in your center today!

What; Bible Verse Learning Challenge.

When; Each week their teacher will ask if they know their verse, and mark it on the WORD QUEST CHART .

How; Each week your child will have a verse to learn, that is simple, but conveys truth from God’s Word. We will keep track of their success, and there rewards. Each child that participates will receive something, but the more they learn more rewards. Below are verses for the program and give out the rewards each week. You can monitor their progress on the Word Quest Chart in their class.

Week 1

Bible Focus; Friendship like Jonathan and David

Bible Verse; 1 Samuel 18:3 - Jonathan liked David and promised to always be faithful friends.

Week 2

Bible Focus; Paul's Campfire

Bible Verse; Acts 28:3 - Paul picked up sticks, put them on the fire, and deadly snake bites his hand.

Week 3

Bible Focus; Naming the Animals

Bible Verse; Gen 2:20 - Adam gave names to all cattle, birds and wild animals.

Week 4

Bible Focus; God's VIP

Bible Verse; Deuteronomy 32:10 - He surrounded, cared and guarded him as the apple of his eye.

Week 5

Bible Focus; Commissioned to GO!

Bible Verse; Mark 16:15 - He said to them, “Go, into all the world and tell every one the good news.”

Week 6

Bible Focus; Love Your Neighbor

Bible Verse; Matthew 19:19 - Love your neighbor as you love yourself.

Week 7

Bible Focus; I'm a Missionary

Bible Verse; Acts 13:3 - After they fasted and prayed, they laid hands on and sent them out.

Week 8

Bible Focus; The Heaven's Declare

Bible Verse; Psalms 19:1 - The heavens declare the glory of God

Week 9

Bible Focus; God the Creator

Bible Verse; Gen 1:1 - In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

Week 10

Bible Focus; Jacob's Stew

Bible Verse; Gen 25:28-34 Jacob was cooking stew, Esau came home very hungry and gave up his blessing.

Week 11

Bible Focus; Wonderfully Made

Bible Verse; Psalms 139:14 I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

Week 12

Bible Focus; Two by Two

Bible Verse; Gen 7:15 - And they went into the ark, two by two.

Week 13

Bible Focus; Inspired Word

Bible Verse; 2 Timothy 3:16 The Bible is inspired by God, and good for teaching and training in living right.

This Week's Children's Ministry Update

It's been another great week discovering water in the Bible. Peanut told us that there was a story about standing water and we thought he was silly. So we looked at Exodus 14:21 - Moses stretched out his hands, over the sea, and the Lord caused, the sea to part and the land was dry. We talked about how Pharaoh had finally decided to let God's people go. After a while he changed his mind, and sent an army (the mean guys) to capture God's people. Moses and the Israelites had a problem. They were trapped by a sea of water on one side and a huge army on the other. Who could help them? God sent a large cloud to cause the enemy to stop and give His people more time. Moses then stretched out his hands to pray and God sent a wind to separate the water. Everyone was able to walk across on dry ground. We talked about how it would look to walk through the water, and we played a game with blankets. During JAM we made a picture of Moses walking through the water. It was a lot of fun and Peanut was right, the water did stand.

This Week's Children's Ministry Update

We've been splashing around here this week at JAM and Chapel! We've had a great time talking about Peter's big splash with Jesus. Our verse this week is from Matthew 14:30; Peter was afraid, he was sinking and cried out, Lord save me! Peter had been in the boat with the other disciples, when they saw something on the water. It was Jesus walking on the water and Peter asked to come out on the water. Well he started off well, but then took his eyes of Jesus and SPLASH! Peter cried out to Jesus and He saved him. We talked about how we have to be focused and keep our eye on important things. In JAM we made a puppet of Peter walking with Jesus. All this talk about water made Peanut want to go swimming.

This Week's Children's Ministry Update

We are taking care of the Earth, God has given us! This week we've been learning about being good stewards of all we've been blessed with. Our verse this week is from Genesis 2:15 God, put man, in the garden, to tend it. God wants us to take care of our gardens, homes, and everything we have. We also read a story about Abram getting a new home in Canaan. When we are blessed by God, He wants us to take care of those things. We also talked about how God gave us plants and trees, and how they grow. We sang, Itsy Bitsy Seed and played the seed growing game.  In JAM we colored the process of a seeding growing, and found a seed. It was a lot of fun at Chapel and JAM.

Also I wanted to let you know about Fathers Delight. It's a Father's and Daughters event coming in June from Abbasway.org. It's for ages 6-12, so keep it in mind for your older daughters, friends and your future big girls.

This Week's Children's Ministry Update

It's been a great week at JAM and Chapel! We've been talking about our habitats and a little dove that found a new home. Our verse is from Genesis 8:12 Noah sent out a dove and it never came back. So why did the dove never come back? The first time the dove came back it had nothing, because the water was still to high. The second time, the dove brought back an olive branch, which was a good sign. However, the ground was still to wet. Then the last time it never came back, because it started making a new home. Noah then was able to open the Ark because it was safe for everyone to make a new habitat. In JAM we made a little nest, just like the little dove would have made that day. We also asked Peanut what kind of habitat he lived in; water, underground, trees or on the ground. Peanut thought those were funny answers, because he said he lives in a dog house habitat. So this weekend take a look around at your habitat and other animals!

Have a Blessed Weekend!

This Week's Children's Ministry Update

We hope that you had a wonderful Easter Celebration this past weekend. I know that the seeds we are planting, will someday produce Men and Women that love and serve God.

This week we've been talking about Peace during the weather. We talked about how we all get scared of weather at times. Maybe it's heavy rain, thunder, lightening or tornadoes, but God can help us not be so scared. When Peanut gets scared he likes to curl up in a blanket because he feels safe. We talked about how Peace from God can help us feel safe. Our verse is from Luke 8:24, "They woke up Jesus saying  "Master, we might die." So He rebuked the storm, and it was calm. When we get scared like the disciples, it's because we've forgotten God is with us and will take care of us. Jesus remembered that on the boat that day and we have to try and remember also. In JAM we talked about the sign language for peace and how God can give us peace in our hearts. So we made an outline of our hand peace sign and put a dove in our hands to represent God the Spirit. Then we made it into a necklace we can put on when we get scared and help us remember the peace we can have from God. Something we are practicing saying when we get scared is, "I will not be afraid, God is with me!" Being scared is a good way our body reminds us to put our trust in God and receive His peace.

This Week's Children's Ministry Update

It's our last week to talk about flying, and this week we found something really cool in the Bible. In 2 Kings 2:11 it reads; "Suddenly, a chariot of fire appeared, and Elijah, went up to Heaven." What was Elijah riding? He was on a chariot, with horses and they were flying! I asked the kids, do horses fly? "NO", they all exclaimed. So how did they fly? I helped them to understand that it was the power of God. We talked about how God had a special plan for Elijah and it was his time to go to Heaven. I asked them when do we normally get to go to Heaven? They said when we die. So I explained that when we believe and serve Jesus, that when we die we get to go to Heaven. I felt it was important, especially with the Pre-K kids to touch on this topic, since we are coming upon Easter. It helps build understanding, so they can be ready to receive the story of Christ dying for us. In JAM we made a picture of Elijah flying in the chariot of fire. I explained the power of God can do anything, to accomplish His plan for your life too.