Friday, March 20, 2015

Lots of Great Children's Praise and Worship Music!


I love the idea of making children a part of worship and I like the idea our church is toying with to start a children's praise time at the start of Sunday school.  So I have begun looking around for good praise and worship music for kids.  What better place to look than other Christian Educators? :)  I am making a list of all their suggestions...this doesn't mean they would all fit my church - or yours. Every church in every denomination in every state (in every country) is different - some of these will work for you and some of them won't.

I've grouped the more popular groups first - these groups were suggested by multiple people. There are 7 of these and some specific songs that were suggested for each group (click on the group name for the webpage and the songs for the youtube video - i tried to find a good video with lyrics, but some were better than others).  Then, after those 7, are a random list of other groups/songs that people liked. This is a wide variety of songs/groups for different aspects of church - praise, worship, wednesday nights - some have motions (which I love for children), some don't.  Some are better for prek age and some for older elementary.  I'm sure you can find something on here that suits your needs :)  If your kids' favorite worship song isn't on here - add it in the comments below!

*(if you are wondering what the stars are for - I just used them to mark my favorites for future reference :)

Hope this is helpful - God bless all of you and your children's ministry!

TOP 7 GROUPS 
and some favorite songs

Who I Wanna Be
Jesus What a Friend
Shine a Light
Greater is He (teaching moves video)
*I Love my BIBLE (teaching moves video)

OTHER Groups/Songs that were popular

1.  Cedarmont Kids
2.  Planet Shakers Kids
*Let Praise Awaken
Great is Your Love
*3.  Matthew West - "Hello My Name is"
*4.  MercyMe - "Greater is He"
5.  Jana Alayra
6.  God's Kids Worship
*7.  Newsboys - God's Not Dead
8.  Toby Mac - Unstoppable
9.  Jumpstart3 (scripture memorization songs)
10.  Jesus Culture - Rooftops
11.  Tasha Cobbs - Break Every Chain
*12.  Philips Craig and Dean - Here I am to Worship
13.  William McDowell - I Give Myself Away
14.  David Crowder Band - How He Loves
15.  TobyMac - Steal My Show
*16.  TobyMac - Speak Life
17.  Chris Tomlin - How Great Is Our God
*18.  Chris Tomlin - Amazing Grace
*19.  Chris Tomlin - Our God (is Greater)
*20.  Matt Redmon - Bless the Lord Oh my Soul






Friday, March 13, 2015

In honor of the UNC game tonight...dedicated fans!!



I am a born and bred Carolina fan - I bleed Carolina blue...I know all the songs by heart, I attended UNC and I played in the band.  I love my Heels!!!  I also did some fanatical things while at UNC...and I've rushed the court and Franklin Street many a times...but I've never done this...

Props to these dedicated Carolina Fans!!  GO HEELS!!!











Gotta love those Tarheel fans :) Go Heels!!




Thursday, March 12, 2015

Dreaming of outdoor fun for our elementary age kids!


Now that it is getting warmer we are thinking about the spring...and playing outside!  Since our kids are getting older, a regular swingset doesn't seem like a good investment.  So, I started looking around for things they might enjoy at their age...and that aren't 1000s of dollars! :)  There are some really cool ideas out there!  Can't wait to get started!!


Both my kids (especially Ella) love to swing.  I love how this one looks - not your regular swing! Paul loves to spin...so this would be good for both!  Unfortunately we don't have a tree we could hang it from...but we could build something!  Just have to be creative...
Red Super Spinner Swing

Wouldn't this be awesome!  Maybe somehow, we could attach this to the thing we want to build for the spinner swing...ideas are brewing!  On their website it's $1500...I'm sure we could build it for less don't ya think?!

Free standing rock walls, I love these I think I need to build one for my yard.

I mean look at this one!  You could make this one for almost nothing!  And it doubles as a fort ;)

@Kimberly Peterson Peterson Johnson - Could dad make something like this??
NOW we're talking!  This could be one side of our super spinner swing set contraption we build!  One side climbing wall, one side rope wall and the other steps.  love it!
Jaw Dropping Playground Design :: Seriously! I'd love to have just this one climbing piece for Joy. She would be on it rain or shine! ***Diy for the pops!

Hmmm...would this cost much to build??
Wobble Step Bridge -- several cool ideas for an activity/agility trail from a company in Scotland

OK!  And this would be the OTHER side of the super spinner swing contraption :) sweet!
Tire Climbing Tower - Blessings Overflowing

A Skateboard swing?!  Could this fit WITH the super spinner swing on our contraption??  What a simple but cool idea! 

I would love this in my back yard and so would my kids.

Ok, I think I have an idea of what I want...um...I mean what my kids want ;)  It really needs to warm up so we can get started on this...but I may need to enlist the help of a few handymen :)  Anyone else got any cool ideas that you want to do/have done outside for your kids?  

Saturday, March 7, 2015

Gluten free "homemade" pretzels!!



Our family took a trip to Lititz and the Sturgis Pretzel Bakery...the first pretzel bakery in the US!  We had a great time...and learned more than we ever wanted to know about pretzels!!  For example, did you know that when they first started baking pretzels, they would dip them in a substance so caustic that the workers had to wear gloves or their hands would get burned?  Crazy right? Now, thanks to the FDA, the solution is made up of almost all baking soda and water.  Thank goodness! :) We also learned how to fold the dough into pretzel shapes...easier than you think.  However, before the machines were made that now mold the dough very quickly, people did it by hand.  They could do over 40 a minute.  We decided we probably couldn't keep up with that :)  They also made 10 cents an hour for folding dough all day long.  Don't think it sounds like much?  Evidently they were some of the highest paid workers in all of Litiz at the time!  Crazy!  

learning how to fold the pretzel

Ever since we returned from the Pretzel bakery, the kids have been asking to make their own pretzels!  Since my oldest monkey and I are (mostly) gluten free, I decided to go on pinterest and find a recipe for homemade pretzels.  Guess what I found?  NOTHING!  Can you believe it?!  For the first time ever pinterest let me down!! ;)  lol  So, I had to get creative.  I found a good blog that had a good recipe that I followed (after making the dough part).  You can find it HERE.  However, I still had to figure out how to make the dough.  I'm not a bad cook...and I like to get creative...but baking gluten free desserts/pastries is NOT easy and so I looked for an alternative...

I have found this in Giant and Publix...and I think I saw it in Whole Foods.

Feel like a cheater?  Don't! :) Think of yourself as smart and as someone who uses their time wisely ;) I had no idea how this would work...but it turned out great!!  Get the pie shell out of the freezer and let it warm a bit (or pop it in the microwave for a few seconds).  Form it into a ball and work it around with your hands so that it becomes easier to form.  

Besides the dough, these are the only other things you'll need...

Preheat your oven to 500 degrees 
1 cup water
1/4 cup baking soda
salt 
(I used the salt grinder I had and it worked great-but there is also salt you can buy specifically for pretzels)
butter 
(you need some to grease the pan and also to rub on the pretzels when they come out of the oven.  I used less than 1 tablespoon)



Once the dough softens, you can be creative and form it into whatever shape you want!  The first time around we did regular pretzel shapes and my daughter made a braid :) the second time around we made pretzel shapes, a flag, a soccer ball and hearts!




Once you have your shapes, dip them into the water/baking soda mixture (you have to keep stirring it!) and put them on your baking pan.  Put on your salt and then let them sit for 10 minutes (great time for your oven to heat up:)  After ten minutes, stick the dough in the oven for 4 minutes.  Turn the tray and bake for 4 more minutes.  My oven is slow so I had to cook them a few more minutes, but yours may be done.  We cooked ours until they were a little brown on top.  Once they look done pull them out of the oven and coat them with butter (we didn't do this the first time and it wasn't a big deal).  They are the perfect texture!  Yummy :)  Just wish the pie crust made a little more :)  I split the dough and gave half to each child.  They could make one large and one small with their part.  You can see my daughter had enough to make a flag and a few hearts.  You could probably make 8-10 small ones or 3 large ones.  


So there you go!  We are hooked :)  The kids actually commented that they liked ours better than the soft pretzels at Sturgis :) I wouldn't got THAT far...but they are good :) Next we want to try some sweet ones ;)

The Legend of Stocking | The Legend Of The Pretzel” Sign Craft Kit - Oriental Trading
This little craft can be found at oriental trading :)

And since Easter is coming up - don't forget about the legend of the pretzel!  Share it in your church, Sunday school class, mid-week classes, etc.  Here's a site that has a lesson plan and an explanation of the legend :)  


Happy Pretzel Baking!

In Christ,
Laurie

Thursday, March 5, 2015

Bible Study Curricula and books to use with Parents of Young Children


A lot of churches are focusing on parents of young children right now - and they want to offer them mid-week or Sunday school classes that are pertinent specifically to them.  It's hard to keep up with all the resources out there so I asked some educators if they used something that worked for them and had a good response.  Here are the ones that were suggested.

PLEASE, check out each resource before you buy it.  These are suggestions from all different denominations and may not work with your particular group.  If you click on the link it takes you to amazon or another site that sells the book.  I included a "synopsis" for each resource from that website.

Thanks to all that suggested resources!  Much appreciated!!


1.  Product DetailsConfident Parenting by Jim Burns.  And other resources from Homeward Ministries."Jim Burns, president of HomeWord, lays a positive foundation for parenting with practical strategies and illustrations, teaching how to create a warm, grace-filled home."

2.  Product DetailsShepherding a Child's Heart by Tedd Tripp.  This was recommended by one person but then another educator said they used it and the discipline part (spanking) created a controversy.  "Written for parents with children of any age, this insightful book provides perspectives and procedures for shepherding your child's heart into the paths of life. Shepherding a Child's Heart gives fresh biblical approaches to child rearing."

3.  Product DetailsRaising a Modern-Day Joseph by Larry Fowler.  "research shows that when young people leave home, many also leave the church. So how can we forge sons and daughters of faith and fortitude?
The vital answers are found in the story of Joseph. Drawing from this timeless narrative, author Larry Fowler offers a biblical plan for building teens who will love and serve Jesus Christ. Biblically based and up-to-the-minute relevant, Raising a Modern-Day Joseph is an essential guide to raising a generation that can pass life's tests with flying colors."

4.  Product DetailsParenting Unchained by Dr. James Dempsey.  The person who suggested this one said there are also questions at the end of each chapter.  "In Parenting Unchained – Overcoming the Ten Deceptions that Shackle Christian Parents, Dr. James D. Dempsey reveals the ten most destructive lies about parenting. He writes from the heart about the way these lies infected his own parenting, and illuminates the Bible's powerful truths that counter each lie. Both Biblical and practical, each section ends with home activities to help parents take immediate steps to develop their kids' character--character that lasts when they leave home. The last chapters focus on the most important adjustments parents must make with teenagers to prepare them for independence. Weaving humor into strong warnings, Parenting Unchained points out the hazards that derail the parenting journey."

5.   Product DetailsSpiritual Parenting by Michelle Anthony - "It's hard enough to train kids to behave, but good behavior isn't what Jesus calls for in the Bible. He wants hearts and souls that are shaped in vibrant faith and love toward God and others. How can parents cultivate this in their children? In this book Dr. Michelle Anthony shares practical examples and biblical insight on the spiritual role of parenting.
Spiritual Parenting introduces the simple but revolutionary concept that parents are, by the power of God's Spirit, to obey and depend on God in order to create an environment God can use to beckon their children to Him."

6.  Product DetailsDon't Make me Count to Three by Ginger Hubbard (also Plowman?) - "Do you find yourself threatening, repeating your instructions, or raising your voice in an attempt to get your children to obey? Are you discouraged because it seems you just can t reach the heart of your child? Through personal experience and the practical application of Scripture, Ginger Hubbard encourages and equips moms to reach past the outward behavior of their children and dive deeply into the issues of the heart. Ginger s candid approach will help moms move beyond the frustrations of not knowing how to handle issues of disobedience and into a confident, well-balanced approach to raising their children."

7.  Product DetailsParenting Beyond Your Capacity by Joiner and Niewhor - "When parents work in tandem with the faith community to raise their children, they increase their parenting capacity exponentially.
Most parents have so many demands on their time that they can't be the kind of parent they desire to be. They need to know the Orange Factor: Two combined influences will make a greater impact on kids than just two influences. And it's true. Parents who partner with the faith community are the best way to bring the next generation into the family of God-and keep them there.

8.  Product Details99 Ways to Raise Spiritually Healthy Children by Bostrom - "Bostrom, author of the popular books 99 Things to Do Between Here and Heaven and Making Space for the Spirit, offers fun, practical, and thought provoking ideas for nurturing the spiritual lives of children, parents, and families. Each of the 99 entries includes a Scripture passage, a theoretical or practical suggestion for weaving together faith and daily life, and a provocative challenge that encourages readers to spend some time contemplating the lessons learned."

9.  Product Details Sticky Faith by Dr. Powell and Dr. Clark - This book also has a guide to go along with it.  "Nearly every Christian parent in America would give anything to find a viable resource for developing within their kids a deep, dynamic faith that "sticks" long term. Sticky Faith delivers. Research shows that almost half of graduating high school seniors struggle deeply with their faith. Recognizing the ramifications of that statistic, the Fuller Youth Institute (FYI) conducted the “College Transition Project” in an effort to identify the relationships and best practices that can set young people on a trajectory of lifelong faith and service. Based on FYI findings, this easy-to-read guide presents both a compelling rationale and a powerful strategy to show parents how to actively encourage their children’s spiritual growth so that it will stick to them into adulthood and empower them to develop a living, lasting faith. Written by authors known for the integrity of their research and the intensity of their passion for young people, Sticky Faith is geared to spark a movement that empowers adults to develop robust and long-term faith in kids of all ages."

10.  Product DetailsLove Does by Bob Goff - "Bob Goff has become something of a legend, and his friends consider him the world's best-kept secret. Those same friends have long insisted he write a book. What follows are paradigm shifts, musings, and stories from one of the world’s most delightfully engaging and winsome people. What fuels his impact? Love. But it's not the kind of love that stops at thoughts and feelings. Bob's love takes action. Bob believes Love Does.
When Love Does, life gets interesting. Each day turns into a hilarious, whimsical, meaningful chance that makes faith simple and real. Each chapter is a story that forms a book, a life. And this is one life you don't want to miss."
11.  Product DetailsBoundaries with Kids by Cloud and Townsend - This book also has a DVD to go with it -  just go here.  "What the award-winning Boundaries has done for adult relationships, Boundaries with Kids will do for you and your children Here is the help you need for raising your kids to take responsibility for their actions, attitudes, and emotions. Drs. Henry Cloud and John Townsend take you through the ins and outs of instilling the kind of character in your children that will help them lead balanced, productive, and fulfilling adult lives. Learn how to • set limits and still be a loving parent • bring control to an out-of-control family life • apply the ten laws of boundaries to parenting • define appropriate boundaries and consequences for your kids … and much more. “Boundaries with Kids helps us give our kids the skills they need to live realistic and full lives in meaningful relationships. Not perfect—but healthy!” —Elisa Morgan, president of MOPS International, Inc."
12.    Dr. Leman has many different parenting studies/kits/workbooks.  Here is his website.  
13.  Product DetailsParenting is Heart Work by Dr. Turansky and JoAnne Miller - "If you're like most parents, you have developed your own parenting strategy—sometimes it seems to work, and other times—based on the way your child behaves—you wonder if it's working at all. There are countless ways to try to get a child's attention and to effect change—but here's the truth—unless you deal with a child through his or her heart, you are not likely to see lasting change.
In this breakthrough book, Dr. Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN, BSN, reveal how you can learn to truly reach your child's heart to teach, train, and build a tremendous relationship.
Parenting is Heart Work gives you the practical tools an easy-to-follow steps that will revolutionize how you:
  • Turn Correction times into learning experiences.
  • Equip your children to accept responsibility for their mistakes and meditate on the right things.
  • Influence and adjust the values and beliefs your children hold.
  • Maintain relationship with your children through love and emotional connectedness.

14.  Product DetailsPlaying for Keeps/Losing your Marbles by Joiner, Ivy and Hansen - "There are some things adults just can't do for kids. 
You can't force a toddler to love broccoli. 
You can't make a teenager not date someone. 
And you can't make a kid love God. 
At some point it just starts to break down. 
Playing for Keeps is a book for parents and leaders (and anyone else who influences the lives of kids and teenagers). In Playing for Keeps, you will discover six things every kid needs over time, and 18 practical ideas so you can make what really matters matter more."

15.  Product DetailsParenting with Love and Logic by Cline and Fay - "This parenting book shows you how to raise self-confident, motivated children who are ready for the real world. Learn how to parent effectively while teaching your children responsibility and growing their character.
Establish healthy control through easy-to-implement steps without anger, threats, nagging, or power struggles." 
16.  Product Details1-2-3 Magic Parenting by Phelan - "The simplest, most effective program for raising disciplined, happy children...
 This revised edition of the award-winning 1-2-3 Magic program addresses the difficult task of child discipline with humor, keen insight, and proven experience. The technique offers a foolproof method of disciplining children ages two through 12 without arguing, yelling, or spanking. By means of three easy-to-follow steps, parents learn to manage troublesome behavior, encourage good behavior, and strengthen the parent-child relationship—avoiding the “Talk-Persuade-Argue-Yell-Hit” syndrome that frustrates so many parents. Ten strategies for building a child’s self-esteem and the six types of testing and manipulation a parent can expect from the child are discussed, as well as tips on how to prevent homework arguments, make mealtimes more enjoyable, conduct effective family meetings, and encourage children to start doing their household chores. New advice about kids and technology and new illustrations bring this essential parenting companion completely up to date."

17.  baptism babies children dedication families family parent youth young adults teen teenager faith nurture  Home Grown by Karen DeBoer - "For a Christian parent, some battles aren't worth fighting—like whether your three-year-old can wear her plastic tiara to church. But other questions might keep you up at night:
  • How can I help my kids trust God when they're worried or bad things happen?
  • How do I explain tough things like death and divorce?
  • Is it OK that we don't have family devotions?
  • How can I make our home a place where my kids' faith will grow?
This handbook gives you practical, real-world advice about how to help your kids know and love God—and how to build a home where you can grow in faith together."

18.   Product Details  Sacred Parenting by Gary Thomas - "Parenting is a school for spiritual formation—and our children are our teachers. The journey of caring for, rearing, training, and loving our children will profoundly alter us forever. Sacred Parenting is unlike any other parenting book you have ever read. This is not a “how-to” book that teaches you ways to discipline your kids or help them achieve their full potential. Instead of discussing how parents can change their kids, Sacred Parenting turns the tables and demonstrates how God uses our kids to change us. You’ve read all the method books. Now take a step back and receive some much-needed inspiration. You’ll be encouraged by stories that tell how other parents handled the challenges and difficulties of being a parent—and how their children transformed their relationship with God. Sacred Parenting affirms the spiritual value of being a parent, showing you the holy potential of the parent-child relationship."

19.  Product Details Grace Based Parenting by Dr. Tim Kimmel - "Parents in our post-modern world tend to be committed to but anxious about their child-rearing responsibilities. They've tried the countless parenting books on the market, but many of these are strident, fear-based books that loving parents instinctively reject, while still searching for direction.
Now Dr. Tim Kimmel, founder of Family Matters ministries, offers a refreshing new look at parenting. Rejecting rigid rules and checklists that don't work, Dr. Kimmel recommends a parenting style that mirrors God's love, reflects His forgiveness, and displaces fear as a motivator for behavior. As we embrace the grace God offers, we begin to give it-creating a solid foundation for growing morally strong and spiritually motivated children.
Releasing in an affordable trade paper edition, this revolutionary book presents a whole new way to nurture a healthy family"







Tuesday, March 3, 2015

Great sites for FREE Christian Education resources!


Here is a compilation of all the suggestions given by other educators on a facebook group!  Great ideas.  I'd heard of some but not all.  Can't wait to check them all out!!


1.  Sermons4kids.com - Wonderful printable resources.  I actually got to write a few of the children's messages.  My only "dislike" of this site is that there are a LOT of object lessons and I'm not a fan...at least not for preschool and young elementary age children.

2.  pinterest.com - Of course we have to include this one!  If you haven't joined this site...well, you HAVE to :) Get on it!

3.  www.sundayschoolzone.com - Haven't used this site before but by just browsing, it seems to have a good collection of children's sermons and printables...and pictures.

4.  www.missionarlington.org - I hadn't heard of this one either and after 5 minutes on their site I feel like I only touched the surface! lol  They seem to have a LOT of different kinds of materials/lessons for all ages...however, I didn't see any for real young children...please correct me if I'm wrong!  It seems like a wonderful resource for older children, youth and adults.

5.  http://open.church/ - this site goes along with the app that I referred to in my other post about "great apps for kids ministry".  It has resources that go along with the stories on the app...this is such a good resource for young children and I want to explore it more.  This and sermons4kids were the most recommended sites :)

6.  http://ministry-to-children.com/ - looks like a good site for resources and ideas/articles for your ministry in general

7.  http://www.calvarycurriculum.com/index.php - This site has an actual curriculum for free for ages 3 years to 6th grade.  When you are using a particular church's curriculum like this one, I suggest that you look at their statement of faith to make sure your church is in agreement with what it teaches.  (Not that this one is bad by any means, just something you should think of when looking at curriculum)

8.  kidology.org - from the site, "features one of the Internet's largest collections of ideas, tools, and interaction around the world of children's ministry. This includes a searchable knowledge base of ideas, discussion forums, online store packed with resources, online training, job center, and an online garage sale for selling your used children's ministry items."

9.  kidssundayschool.com - This one you have to pay for - $39 for the year. From the site, 
"We are committed to helping dedicated teachers like you share the Good News of Jesus with kids by creating meaningful and fun filled Sunday school materials. We provide complete lesson plans along with ideas for bulletin boards, crafts, object talks, games, skits, stories, songs, teaching tips, and much more. We also offer our unique Topical Index, which allows you to quickly find ideas for specific subjects and themes..."

10.  teacherspayteachers.com - I use this site a lot and there is some religious stuff on it (I actually have my own store and have a few things...including a year long curriculum I just posted for $20 for church mother's morning out and preschool programs :)

11.  childrensministry.com - this is a magazine and they have activities and lessons for free as well.

12.  rotation.org - This is one I've used a LOT in the past because I was at a church that used the workshop rotation model.  It has tons of lesson ideas for all different kinds of activities and stories.

13.  http://www.childrens-ministry-deals.com/ - This site is a bit different.  It offers curriculum at a "bundled" price and then has some free downloads as well.  According to the educator that recommended it, "Childrens ministry deals has a lot of free lessons and they have games, PowerPoint, lesson, ice breakers, object lessons. It's all digital download."

14.  http://daniellesplace.com/ - I've used this site before.  She's got some good ideas and printables.

15.  http://freesundayschoolcurriculum.weebly.com/ - This site looks pretty cool.  Some of these sites that I've never been to haven't been real easy to navigate.  This is simple and the resources look pretty good...of course I just glanced at a few of them, but those looked good :)  Also has lots of ways you can teach Bible verses.

16.  http://www.kidskountpublishing.com/ - from the website: 
  1. We provide curriculum that delivers extraordinary discipleship learning experiences. For both children and their families. We call it high impact discipleship! It is not your ordinary Sunday school. It is not family ministry that leaves parents unchanged. It is life transforming. To raise the value of children’s ministry, let’s do those learning and shaping activities that raise kids in Christ!
  2. We equip the equippers. We provide lots of training tools. Over a hundred online training videos. Handbooks. Build-it-yourself improvements. Even personal consultations. And more!
  3. It is all FREE! No kidding. No gimmicks. What used to cost thousands of dollars is now free.
17.  http://wranglerchurch.com/ - This site is a little different :)  It has themes and lesson plans that go with the theme (like "time-machine", "western") and it also has skits and puppet show skits.

18.  http://www.resourcewell.org/home/ - you can click on "search resources" and look for the story, idea or book you need.  I searched "Jonah" just for fun and a lesson came up which specified what ages it is for and activities and a plan that goes with it.

19. https://www.kidssundayschool.com/ - "Kids Sunday School Place is your online source for fresh, creative Children's Ministry resources for Grade school and Preschool. We feature complete Sunday school lessons, Bible crafts, Christian activities, object lessons, stories, skits, games, songs, and much more. Teaching Sunday school is now easy, fun, and rewarding!"


- "Free Sunday School resources. Children's Church ideas. Children's Ministry training and guidelines. Free crafts, activity sheets, book downloads, and more."

21.  http://www.textweek.com/scripture.htm -  The pastor at one of the churches I worked in used this site every week to get ideas for the lectionary.  He loved referencing movies and this site has a movie suggestion for every text!

22.  a new recommendation is https://kidsenjoyingjesus.com/ 

23.  I would be remiss not to mention youtube.com as it also allows us to choose from multiple videos for Bible stories, object lessons, and activity ideas!

24.  https://www.futureflyingsaucers.com/ - free object lessons

25.  I haven't checked this one out, but it was also suggested:  https://ministryark.com/lesson-items/

26.  And, of course, a shout out to my own blogposts where I try and help out other Christian educators with various ideas :)  Here are all 46 of my blogposts (as of sept 2022) for children's ministry in one place!  Take a look!

Well, there ya go.  You guys are awesome.  So many great ideas!  Now I'm trying to figure out why any church would ever spend money on curricula! lol :)

Thanks everyone!  God bless!


In Christ,

Laurie