our comic? Check out Morning Praise with Kids Alive! on Salvationist Radio every Saturday and Monday at 7.30–8am and every Sunday at 9–9.30am
3 Blackpool Illuminations and Ed’s Bit 4–5 KA! JAM 6 Bumper Bible Breakdown 7 Kiddo 8–9 Giggle
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EDITOR Cara Mott
DEPUTY EDITOR AND KA! JAM CO-ORDINATOR Ibukun Baku
Email kidsalive@salvationarmy.org.uk Post 1 Champion Park, London SE5 8FJ
FOUNDERS William and Catherine Booth
GENERAL Lyndon Buckingham
TERRITORIAL LEADERS Commissioners Jenine and Paul Main
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Major Julian Watchorn
Published weekly by The Salvation Army United Kingdom and Ireland Territory. The Salvation Army is a Christian church and registered charity. The charity number in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is 214779, in Scotland SC009359 and in the Republic of Ireland CHY6399. ISSN 1363-5662.
Picture this – you’re sat in a car late in the evening. When you look out of your window, you see lots of different displays glowing above you! There are models of donkeys, dinosaurs and Spitfre planes –and they’re all shining!
If you think that sounds amazing then you’ll love the Blackpool Illuminations. The Blackpool Illuminations have been lighting up the sky every year since 1879 and this year will be no different! After Mel B, a singer in the Spice Girls, fipped the switch on yesterday (30 August), more than six miles of Blackpool have been decorated with beautiful light displays! The Blackpool Illuminations will be on display until 5 January 2025, meaning there’s plenty of time to go and enjoy them. You’ll be able to admire the lights from the comfort of a car. Or, if you’re feeling fancy, you can check them out by going on a tram ride! You’ll also be able to walk alongside the Illuminations, which will give you the opportunity to see the Blackpool Illuminations tableaux. A tableau is a bunch of models put together to make a scene, and the scenes in the Blackpool Illuminations are stunning! For any Doctor Who fans, you might even be able to spot a Dalek or two!
For more information on the times that the Blackpool Illuminations will be switched on, head to visitblackpool.com/things-to-do/blackpool-illuminations
I’ve never seen the Blackpool Illuminations before, but I think they look so cool. One day hopefully I can check them out. I love the fact that so many generations of people visit them every year with family or friends. It must be such a fun tradition watching them light up the dark sky.
Did you know that the Bible is full of references to light? Jesus is even known as ‘the Light of the World’. Imagine a ship on the sea at night. It needs a lighthouse to light the waters ahead of it, so that the sailors can see the right path and safely make it back to land.
Just like a lighthouse, Jesus’ light shows us the right path to take. So if you have any situations where you’re unsure what to do, you can talk to Jesus. Ask him to show you the right decisions to make.
Are We Nearly There Yet?
Have you ever been on a car journey that just felt like it wouldn’t end? You might have asked the question, ‘Are we nearly there yet?’ I used to ask that all the time when I was a kid, even just after we’d left the house! I would think, ‘How much longer is this going to take?’
It can be hard to be patient on a car journey, so imagine how hard it must have been for the Israelites to be patient in this week’s Bible cartoon! Moses had arrived in Egypt to free the Israelites from slavery but Pharaoh wasn’t having it. He kept promising to let the Israelites go but then he’d change his mind!
God sent nine plagues to try and convince Pharaoh.
Read the comment below about being patient asks Jacob Adams
He sent frogs, gnats, hail and so much more! Some of the Israelites must have been thinking, ‘How much longer is this going to take?’ It was the 10th plague that fnally convinced Pharaoh to let the Israelites go. That must have felt like a long time for them, but God kept his word. He freed them! It just took a bit of time. Have you ever asked God for help with something and then found yourself waiting for him to act? It can be tempting to ask, ‘How much longer is this going to take?’ This Bible cartoon shows that God does things in his own time, not ours! God loves you just like he loved the Israelites, and he wants what’s best for you. So be patient and trust in him!
Plagues of Egypt
Put the first nine plagues of Egypt in the right order. Clue – check out this week’s Bible verses for help! 1 Locusts 2 Gnats 3 Frogs 4 Flies 5 Hail 6 Blood 7 Darkness 8 Boils 9 Livestock
Bumper Bible Breakdown
Did you know the Bible isn’t one big book? It’s actually 66 books put together to tell one big story of God’s great love. Join us as we look at each Bible book and discover why God made the world, what went wrong and how in the end God saved the world through his son, Jesus.
Two Good Kings
Just like the nation of Israel, Judah continued to have kings (and a queen) that had no interest in doing what God wanted!
However, there were two kings who followed God. The frst king was called Hezekiah. The Bible tells us that there was never a king quite like Hezekiah before or after him! That’s because Hezekiah loved God with all his heart.
Years and years after Hezekiah died, Josiah became king. Josiah also loved God. He fxed the Temple that Solomon had built. Then he learnt about how to follow God properly. Just like Hezekiah, Josiah even got rid of idols that people were worshipping.
2kdownKings 2 Kings
After Josiah died, there were (no surprises here) even more terrible kings! The people continued to ignore God. So God allowed a nation called Babylonia to invade Judah. The Babylonians ruined the Temple. Then they took most of the people of Judah back home with them!
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KA! JAM is the coolest Bible activity club around. As a member you’ll go on amazing adventures through the Bible learning about Jesus. Each activity sheet is filled with lots of great stuff about being a Christian. You’ll also receive our mini-mag, Chatterbox, which is filled with jokes, games and much more. And to top it off, there are loads of awesome prizes to be won! To join KA! JAM and complete the Bible activity courses online, go to salvationist.org.uk/kajam.
Or if you would like to receive the postal version, simply fill in the coupon below.
To join KA! JAM just fll in the application form and send it – along with two frst-class stamps – to: KA! JAM, 1 Champion Park, London SE5 8FJ. Applicants must be between 7 and 17 years old to join.
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apply for membership of Kids Alive! Jesus And Me. I understand that joining KA! JAM doesn’t mean I have joined The Salvation Army and that it is not a free subscription to Kids Alive!
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To see your name and birthday printed in a future issue of KA! email your full name, address and date of birth to kidsalive@salvationarmy.org.uk. Remember to type ‘Happy Birthday to You!’ in the email’s subject box.
4 September Megan Salter – age 11
6 September Jack Bennett – age 8
Pick Out Patch
I love riding my bike! Do you like my green helmet? Check out the cycling colouring on page 11! See if you can spot this version of me on another PAGE IN THIS WEEK’S ISSUE.
Optical illusions use colour, light or patterns to confuse our brains – that means the illusions look different to what is actually there.
Here’s a really simple illusion. Does this image show a cat or a bird? The answer is both – it just depends on which way you’re looking at it. Have a go at drawing it yourself then show your friends and family.
What do you call a light bulb that likes to dance? A disco light!
He he, he he!
Why did the light go to school? To get brighter!
Crossword Clues
by Neil Locker
across:
1 Edible fish. 3 Hand gesture meaning hello or goodbye. 6 Small rock. 7 Feline. 8 Spoken examination. 10 Percussion instrument. 12 Breakfast item which may be boiled or poached. 13 Picture. 15 Level or an apartment. 16 Dead heat or draw. down:
1 Person who buys in a shop. 2 Double act.
3 Period of seven days. 4 Cleric in charge of a church.
Why did the light bulb win an award? It had an illuminating performance!
What’s a light’s favourite song lyric?
‘Shine bright like a diamond!’
Why was the light jealous of the candle? Because it had a greater fame!
How does a light bulb say hello? It fickers with excitement!
Knock, knock! Who’s there? Annie!
Annie who?
Annie body seen the light switch? I can’t seem to find it!
Why did the light bulb go out? It was feeling a little dim!
t r a t s r e t t e b e
f o u r s e a s o n s c
b y j x z g h t g i w i
a t m b g d f n d p a g
s o l a r c e a s n n a
i o c w b t r p f q l m
l s h k v a a o h m a l
b o x t p c b j w r k a
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u v l m u l z o l h g i
s u e k j t i v f a d n h n c e r i w z z u b a
the Blackpool Illuminations installations listed below in the grid
by Neil Locker
COMPETITION
hat’s your favourite type of soup? You might love slurping down a classic tomato soup or if you’re feeling fancy, a French onion soup. You might hate soup and much prefer munching on a slice of pizza. Whether you’re a soup fan or a soup hater, we think you’ll love this week’s soup-er prize – even though you won’t be able to eat it!
A Cup O’ Style looks like an ordinary ramen soup pot from the outside. However, each pot hides a big surprise – a doll! Before the doll can be revealed, you’ll need to add the favour packets and a dash of water. Then you’ll need to stir the mixture and wait. Before you know it, a stylish doll and its accessories will be ready to be plucked out of the pot with chopsticks! That sounds more exciting than any cup of soup you could eat!
For your opportunity to win your own Cup O’ Style, answer the question below and email your full name, age, address and answer to kidsalive@salvationarmy.org.uk. Remember to put ‘Cup O’ Style Competition’ in the subject box. Your entry needs to reach us by Friday 27 September when the winners will be chosen. You can also enter by flling in the details on the coupon below and posting it to: Cup O’ Style Competition, Kids Alive! 1 Champion Park, London SE5 8FJ.
Ramen French onion Tomato
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TOUR OF BRITAIN COLOURING
It’s almost time for the 2024 Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain Men! The cycling race consists of six stages and begins this Tuesday (3 September). By the end of the race on 8 September, we’re sure all the cyclists will be ‘wheely’ ‘tyred’! To celebrate the Tour of Britain, add a splash of colour to the design below. If you’d like to share your artwork with other readers, email your colouring to: kidsalive@salvationarmy.org.uk. Make sure you write ‘Tour of Britain Colouring’ in the subject box and give us your full name, age and address. Alternatively you can post your colouring to: Your Space, Kids Alive! 1 Champion Park, London SE5 8FJ. One last reminder, if you’re sending by post remember to fll in the details below so we know who you are. We send a gift to everyone whose colouring we publish, so don’t miss out!
Name:
Address:
Postcode:
Living a healthy and an active lifestyle and caring for your physical, mental and spiritual well-being.
The Big Connection
team had an excellent email from a reader a couple of weeks ago. They asked us how many people The Salvation Army Kids Alive!) helps around the world.
To be honest, it was a really tricky email to answer! It had us scratching our heads. That’s because The Salvation Army helps so many people that it was hard to give an exact number.
The Salvation Army knows that helping people is a brilliant thing to do! However, helping people takes a lot of effort. It also needs a lot of money. That’s why The Salvation Army runs the Big Connection!
Working Together!
The Big Connection is a Salvation Army appeal – it used to be known as the Big Collection. It aims to raise as much money as possible to support people in need, and it includes all types of fundraising!
However, the Big Connection isn’t just about raising money! It’s also about recognising the connection between all of the people who help those in need. Everybody plays an important part!
Super Support
The Salvation Army helps people in lots of different ways! It provides advice and help for families, and even has food banks.
Here’s a reminder of just a few of the other ways that The Salvation Army provides super support to those in need…
Homelessness
You might be reading this issue of Kids Alive! in your home, but some people in the United Kingdom don’t have a home of their own! The Salvation Army works really hard to help people who are experiencing homelessness.
One of the ways that The Salvation Army helps is by providing Lifehouses, which are places for people experiencing homelessness to stay in. The Salvation Army also runs drop-ins, where people experiencing homelessness can have a shower and a hot meal. They can also get warm clothes and receive any other help they might need.
Modern Slavery
In our KA! JAM Bible cartoons we recently learnt about Joseph, which helped us to think about slavery in the world today!
People who have survived modern slavery will have been through some really hard times. The Salvation Army helps to care for these people and to show them lots of love! They even have a phone number for people to call if they’re experiencing modern slavery. 1 2 3 0 7 8
Older People
It might be hard to believe but the older people that you see around you were once young like you. They might have even been able to do a back
However, getting older often means that everyday activities get harder. Some older people might not be able to live on their own, so The Salvation Army has care homes that older people can live in. They also run clubs for older people to enjoy!
Fab Fundraising
Why not get involved with the Big Connection by raising money for The Salvation Army? You could ask your parents, carers or Sunday school leaders to help you organise…
A cake sale at your church! Bake lots of delicious treats and sell them to raise money for the Big Connection.
A talent show! Whether you’re a spectacular singer, magnifcent magician or dazzling dancer, use your talents for good! Any money you make from selling tickets can then go towards the Big Connection.
Take on a big challenge with people from your church, like a long swim or run! Friends and family can sponsor you and any money raised can be donated!
To learn more about how you can fundraise for The Salvation Army, head to salvationist.org.uk/big-connection. Keep an eye out for any events that your church might be organising – and make sure you get involved!
Help others by taking part in the Big Connection!
Illustration by Steve Eng l ish
Cool Colourings
Amelia, aged 8, has sent in this super cute Love Your Pet Day Colouring! Every animal has been coloured in brilliantly, Amelia! We particularly like the spotty dog.
This Healthy Eating Week Colouring from Rebecca, aged 8, had our tummies rumbling! That salad looks delicious! Fantastic work, Rebecca!
Whoosh! It looks like this cricketer has just hit a great shot in this T20 World Cup Colouring from Tiana, aged 11! We love the stumps that you’ve drawn in the background, Tiana!
Super Scarlett
Scarlett, aged 7, was challenged at the Salvation Army Sunday school she attends to fundraise for the Alzheimer’s Society. She chose to take on a sponsored cycle. In just two hours, Scarlett completed a 15km ride at Gravesend Cyclopark! So far Scarlett has raised £476! Scarlett, you’re a superstar!
If you’d like to star in our reader profle section we’d love to hear from you! Get a grown-up to send us an email using the address in the blue box below. Then we’ll send you the forms to complete.
G e t I n T o u c h !
The Kids Alive! team loves to hear from its readers. And guess what –other readers love reading your news! So why not get in touch?
Esme
Favourite colour?
Age?
Favourite food? Pesto pasta.
You can email or post your own colourings, drawings and letters. Or you could ask your Sunday school, church or corps leaders to email us or write to us with any news about the fun stuff you’ve been doing at your church or corps. Email: kidsalive@salvationarmy.org.uk
Post: Kids Alive! 1 Champion Park, London SE5 8FJ
Favourite sport? Swimming, basketball and football.
Favourite bit of Kids Alive!? Giggle in the Middle.
Favourite Bible story and why?
Noah’s ark, because it shows that Noah followed God and persevered, even though all the other people said that God wasn’t real.
Favourite TV programme? Horrible Histories
What do you want to be when you’re older? Either a vet or a teacher. Pets? Hamster.
Hobbies? Swimming, playing piano and basketball.
Tell us a joke. What is a bunny’s favourite music? Hip-hop!
What special skill or talent do you have? I am a very good singer. Tell us something interesting about yourself. I like to write my own stories.
