Children’s Ministry Edition
SouthCrest Church
Children’s Ministry
June 2011
Feast on the Fruit of the Spirit As summer gets into full swing, gardens and produce departments are filled with delicious, healthy fruit we’ve been craving all winter long. So it’s a perfect time to share with children the “fruit” of our Christian faith.
POWERSOURCE ASK GOD: 1. To show you ways to express each fruit of the Spirit in your lives. 2. To help you grow more and more good fruit in your life—and to share the bounty with others. 3. To bless you with a “fruitful” summer of living for and glorifying God.
In Matthew 7:20, Jesus said, “Just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions.” God wants us to bear good fruit for him, specifically “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22). Unfortunately, these fruits can be difficult to live out—especially in families consisting of imperfect, grumpy, and impatient people. But thankfully, God provides his Holy Spirit as our helper. The Holy Spirit leads us “in every part of our lives” (Galatians 5:25), helping us plant, cultivate, grow, and share those spiritual fruits. Use these fun, practical ideas to feast on spiritual fruit with your family this summer.
INSIGHTS •
Regarding faithfulness, John Westerhoff identified four stages of children’s faith development: 1.) experienced faith, 2.) affiliative faith (belonging to a faith community), 3.) searching faith (embracing doubts), and 4.) owned faith. (Will Our Children Have Faith?)
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A child’s self-control skills, including self-discipline and perseverance, can predict his or her health, wealth, and criminal history in later life, according to new research. (world-science.net)
“But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!” (Galatians 5:22-23)
Galatians 5 contrasts the fruit of our sinful nature to the fruit of the Spirit. What a difference!
TEACHABLE MOMENTS
Start a “peachy keen” conversation about the fruit of the Spirit with these discussion-starters:
1. Fruit Fest—Cut nine kinds of fruit into bite-sized pieces. Then assemble fruit kabobs by placing the pieces onto wooden skewers or craft sticks. Invite friends and family members to a Fruit of the Spirit Festival.
2. Which fruits of the Spirit are easiest and hardest for you to consistently show, and why?
1. How are these nine fruits of the Spirit like or unlike actual fruit?
3. What conditions do fruit crops need to grow? What conditions do we need in our hearts to grow spiritual fruit? 4. What will help you live a more fruit-filled life for God?
FAMILY EXPERIENCE Try these fun, fresh ideas about the fruit of the Spirit: •
• 2. Go Bananas!—Create fun “candles” with your children. Place one half of a banana (pointed end up) inside a pineapple ring. Then attach a maraschino cherry “flame” to the top of the banana with a toothpick. While you enjoy the snack, talk about ways that showing the fruit of the Spirit helps us “shine” for God. 3. Berry Special—While you enjoy a fruit salad, affirm one another. Start with “You are berry special because….” Then list ways you see each person show the fruit of the Spirit in his or her daily life.
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Bearing Fruit—Give each family member a packet of seeds and a piece of construction paper. Read aloud Galatians 5:22-23. Talk about the fruit of the Spirit as you fold the papers in half to make cards. On the front, write, "You plant the seeds...” Inside, glue down a seed packet and write, “…that'll help me bear fruit for Jesus.” Add the fruit of the Spirit and sign the cards. Give them to people throughout the summer. Apple of God’s Eye—With younger children, have them paint the flat sides of apple halves. Write “You’re the Apple of God's Eye” on 10x14-inch pieces of craft foam. Then have children decorate the foam by firmly pressing down the painted apples. After the paint dries, cover the place mats with clear adhesive vinyl. Read aloud Psalm 17:8 (NIV). Talk about what it means to be the apple of someone’s eye— and why we’re each special to God. Bountiful Harvest—Teach older children how to use a Bible concordance or online Bible search tool. Together, look up each fruit of the Spirit and find Bible verses to see what God says about “growing” them. On 3x5 cards, write down what you learn about each fruit. Have family members share their discoveries with one another. Then place all your cards in a fruit bowl as a reminder to live out those qualities. Close by reading aloud Psalm 65:11 (“You crown the year with a bountiful harvest”) and praying that God will help you each reap a great harvest of fruit.
MEDIA MADNESS MOVIES
MUSIC
Movie: Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer
Artist: Peter Furler Album: On Fire
Genre: Comedy Rating: PG Cast: Jordana Beatty, Heather Graham, Jaleel White Synopsis: With the help of her little brother, Stink, and her funloving aunt, 8-year-old Judy Moody is determined to have her most thrilling summer ever. Our Take: In this movie, based on the popular “Judy Moody” books by Megan McDonald, the young protagonist goes to great lengths to earn “thrill points.” It’s sure to be a hit with adventurous kids ready to move beyond animated films.
Artist Info: Furler, the son of missionaries, was lead singer of the Australia Christian band The Newsboys. When he stepped down, he sold most of what he owned and took time to play music purely for pleasure. Summary: In “Reach,” the first single from Furler’s solo debut, he reminds listeners that God is personal and cares for each of us individually. Our Take: Furler’s joy and faith shine through in the upbeat, uplifting music that fills On Fire. Fans of Newsboys will be glad to hear his trademark voice again.
This page is designed to help educate parents and isn’t meant to endorse any movie, music, or product. Our prayer is that you’ll make informed decisions about what your children watch, listen to, and wear. www.family.org is another great resource for movie reviews and is focused on safe viewing for your family.
GAMES & SITES Title Squinkies
This game capitalizes on the trend of miniature collectibles. Players complete challenges to find lost “friends.”
LEGO: Pirates of the Caribbean
Disney’s popular movie franchise comes to life with hidden treasures, sword fighting, and humor. Contains cartoon violence.
Roman Town
Content
In this educational computer game, children become archaeologists and dig up artifacts at a realistic excavation site.
Rating & Platform
CULTURE & TRENDS •
Researchers say listening to music might help boost the immune system, so crank up some tunes this summer! (msnbc.com)
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More than half of summer camps now organize community-service projects that promote empathy and show children they can make a difference in other people’s lives. (American Camp Association)
QUICK STATS •
E; Nintendo DS
E 10+; Wii, Xbox 360, Nintendo 3DS, PlayStation 3
Association of Poison Control Centers)
Best for ages 8+; Windows
Between October and December 2010, 677 cases of energy-drink overdoses were reported. One-quarter of the cases involved children younger than 6. (American
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In a survey conducted in the United Kingdom, 59% of children said religion has a negative effect on the world. (Penguin Books)
SouthCrest Summer Reading List Ages 4-7 I Can Read! Series The books in the I Can Read! series are great for beginning and developing readers. My First I Can Read! books have basic language, word repetition, and whimsical illustrations that are ideal for sharing with an emergent reader. Level 1 books have short sentences, familiar words, and simple concepts for children. Level 2 books have high-interest stories and language play for developing readers. My First I Can Read!: Adam and Eve in the Garden, Howie Finds a Hug, Baby Moses and the Princess, God Loves You, Barnabas, Jesus Saves the World Level 1: Level 2: He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands, Jake Helps Out Mommy, May I Hug the Fish?, Thank You, God, for Rain. Sister for Sale, Otter and Owl Set Sail, You’re Happy and You Know It, Jake Learns to Share, Snug as a Bug, Mrs. Rosey Posey and the Yum- Yummy Birthday Cake
Ages 8-12 Landon Snow Series R.K. Mortenson
Disillusioned with adults and filled with doubts about God, Landon Snow questions the meaning of life … until he falls through the pages of a book and finds adventure he never dreamed possible. Landon enters a fantasy realm where new friends are discovered and answers are unearthed. Adventurers will find themselves captivated by this world and will find it hard to leave. (Landon Snow and the Auctor’s Riddle is the first title in this series.)
The Star-Fighters of Murphy Street Robert West The Star-Fighters of Murphy Street are Beamer, Scilla, and Ghoulie.
They have a spaceship-shaped tree house that’s capable of taking them most anywhere in the universe. Hop in and blast off for fantastic outer-space adventures with this quirky, funny, fast-paced new trilogy. (Begin with Episode 1: There’s a Spaceship in My Tree.)
Rachel Yoder: Always Trouble Somewhere Series Wanda E. Brunstetter
Nine-year-old Rachel Yoder is a high-spirited Amish girl who finds plenty of trouble amid the rolling hills of Pennsylvania. When she’s not getting locked in a root cellar, bringing frogs to church, or taking wild buggy rides, she’s setting fireflies free and trying out new skateboards in all the wrong places. Kids will love this fun series by best-selling author Wanda E. Brunstetter. (School’s Out is the first in the series.)
The Dopple Ganger Chronicles G.P. Taylor
Read the first in this series, The First Escape, where mischievous identical twins Sadie and Saskia Dopple live in the same orphanage as their only friend, Erik Ganger. When wealthy Muzz Elliott adopts Saskia, Muzz’s own twin plots against her. (The second book in the series, The Secret of Indigo Moon, will be arriving in August.)
Faithgirlz! The Girls of 622 Harbor View Series Melody Carlson
Harbor View is home to Morgan, Amy, Carlie, and Emily. They all live in the same trailer park in tiny Boscoe Bay. Proximity made them friends, but a desire to make the world a better place keeps them together! Join the girls as they set out to beautify Harbor View in their first adventure Project: Girl Power.
Left Behind: The Kids Series Jerry B. Jenkins & Tim LaHaye Based on the Left Behind series for adults, Jerry B. Jenkins and Tim LaHaye present the rapture and tribulation through the eyes of four young friends — Judd, Vicki, Lionel, and Ryan. As the world falls in around them, they band together to find faith and fight the evil forces that threaten their lives. (The Vanishings is the first book in this exciting series.)
A Life of Faith: Elsie Dinsmore Series Martha Finley
Meet Elsie Dinsmore, an 8-year-old heiress who lives on a wealthy plantation in the mid-1800s. Her mother is dead, and she has never known her father. Living in her grandfather’s home, she often feels rejected, unloved, and misunderstood. Elsie is sustained, though, by her deep Christian faith and her hope to one day be loved by her father. (Elsie’s Endless Wait is the first book in the series.)
Winnie: The Horse Gentler Dandi Daley Mackall
Twelve-year-old Winnie Willis has a way with horses. She can gentle the wildest mare, but other parts of life don’t always come as easily. Along with her dad and sister Lizzy, Winnie is learning how to live without her mom. As Winnie teaches her horses about unconditional love and blind trust, God shows Winnie that He can be trusted as well. (Wild Thing is first in the series.)
Ages 7-10 Cul-de-sac Kids Series Beverly Lewis This is an exciting book series for young readers that centers on the escapades of a group of endearing neighborhood friends. Nicknamed the “Cul-de-sac Kids,” they learn important lessons about friendship, teamwork, and faith through their adventures and mysteries. With 24 in the series, there are plenty of stories to choose from.
That’s Nat! Series Dandi Daley Mackall
Natalie has big 5-year-old dreams for her future — so big that her heart gets thumpy with excitement. This makes the That’s Nat! Series perfect for young readers just ready for chapter books. Follow Natalie as she tries out for the lead part in her Sunday School class’ Christmas play, realizes she’s one of a kind to God, and other adventures.
Ages 8-12 The Cooper Kids Adventure Series Frank Peretti
Follow archaeologist Jake Cooper and his teens, Jay and Lila, as they plunge through tangled jungles, search for missing stones, and battle ancient evil forces. These adventures will keep readers on the edge of their seats while teaching biblical values. (Door in the Dragon’s Throat is the first of seven books.)
The Incredible Worlds of Wally McDoogle Bill Myers
This hilarious series features lovable but nerdy Wally McDoogle who blunders his way through life in these imaginative and fast-paced adventures. Wally is a whiz kid/future famous author, and he wreaks havoc wherever he goes! With 28 adventures to choose from, there are endless possibilities of where to start.
The Amazing Tales of Max and Liz Series Jenny Cote
The Ark, the Reed, and the Fire Cloud, the first in this fiction series, takes Max (a Scottish terrier) and Liz (a petite black cat from France) through biblical to modern times, causing amazing things to happen in human history. The second book in the series, The Dreamer, the Schemer & the Robe, will release in August.
Girls Only Beverly Lewis
Jenna, Livvy, Heather, and Manda strive for their best in their respective sports. Their ultimate goal — the Olympics. As each girl struggles with life’s challenges and rejoices with each triumph, the encouragement of the other Girls Only club members and their faith in God give the girls the moral support they need.
*Recommended by LifedWay. A LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention