Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Don't Miss This Sunday Morning

This is Sunday at 9:30 we are going to pull out all the stops to try and communicate our virtue of the month.  Our virtue this month is RESPECT.  I am guessing that this virtue is a great one for the church and families to partner with.

Make sure your child is here so that will learn a song written specifically for our kids and this virtue.  See you Sunday!!!!

AT HOMESTUFF September 6


Who’s the Boss?
Bottom Line:  You respect God when you show respect for people in charge

Ask anyone from an older generation, and they’re likely to say that this generation has lost a sense of respect for authority. Is the respect we should have determined by culture, or is it a timeless principle God has defined for us? Boiled down, respect means showing others they are important by what you say and do. Like any other virtue, God created respect and models it for us. In more ways than we can name, God continuously shows us how important we are to Him even when we’ve done nothing to deserve it. This week’s lesson pointed out how God has placed leaders for our good and that there are benefits and consequences of the respect we have for those over us.


At home activities to reinforce our “Who’s the Boss” lesson…

Top Ten- While in the car, or enjoying an evening on the deck, or around the dinner table; come up with a Top Ten list of specific people that God has place in your child’s life that he/she should respect. Talk about specific ways they can show that person respect over the next week.

Chain Reaction- Open ended conversation prompts to help your child understand that they benefit from showing respect for a leader… It can start a chain reaction of respect. Ask them, how might you benefit when you show respect to a parent? (more privileges, better environment because the parents are happier, better relationship with parents) A babysitter? (say nice things about you to your parents. You may get to choose what to do during your time together.) A coach? (Get more playing time, get to lead the team, the coach says nice things about you to your parent)

Interview a Leader- Read Luke 6:31 first. Ask your child these questions before they begin their interview of someone else: Are you a leader? Are you in charge of anything at home, school, or somewhere else? Do other kids ever want to do what you’re doing? If so, you may already be a leader. But even if you don’t think you’re a leader yet, you want to be some day, right? God wants you to treat your leaders like you’d want to be treated.

So, how do you want to be treated as a leader? Interview someone in charge, like a parent or teacher, to get some ideas. Take notes and listen closely to their advice on what makes them a good leader. Here are some questions you could ask as you are interviewing: What do you want people to learn from you as a leader? How did you learn to lead the way you do? What are the three most important ways you want people to treat you as a leader?

Sweet and Simple- For a bedtime devotional, read last Sunday’s Bible story together. Romans 13:1-7

Because God treats us with respect, He wants us to live respectfully, and that involves showing respect for the people in charge. When we do, it can start a chain reaction of respect. Even better, it spotlights our respect for God

Thursday, September 2, 2010

At Home Stuff August 29

Are you looking for opportunities to talk with your kids about what they learned at church this past Sunday? Check it out…


-What did they learn? Last week was the fifth week of the month so we had an opportunity to take a break from the norm and focus on something a bit different: a “faith skill”. God wants us to think about true, noble, and right things because what goes in comes out in our words and actions. Junk in…junk out…

-Drawing/ Cartoons; Helping them understand the Bible verse- The Bible verse this week was kind of tricky and hard for kids to understand because of the big words. Philippians 4:8 “Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. TRY THIS…Briefly talk about the key words in the verse: noble (to have very good qualities); pure (to be free from everything that might injure or lower the quality) lovely (very pleasing); admirable (highly thought of). Assign a word to each family member and have them draw a picture or cartoon about the word. Share when finished.

-Curl up with them and have some God Time- Read Luke 6:31 together. Use this summary to talk about the verse: Think about what God says and it’ll change your ACTIONS. Sometimes the world doesn’t treat people God’s way. (revenge, hatred, grudges) and it causes nothing but trouble. Don’t think like the world. Together, brainstorm words that reflect how we should treat others (care, love, respect, generous, kind, help, etc…).

-Around the dinner table or in the car… Ask each member in your family to name one thing that their minds were focused on that day. Was it TV, recess, bills to be paid, stress at work, a relationship with a friend or coworker, homework? Your child’s response will give you insight on where your child’s thoughts were for the day and allow you the perfect opportunity to shed the light of Jesus on issues in their life. Meet them where they are. The key principle here is CONVERSATION. Kids need it. Your child will learn more from you if you are a conversation PARTNER rather than just a conversation director.

Let us live so that when our children think of the character traits of Philippians 4:8, they think of us; their parents

Saturday, August 7, 2010

Kickoff the fall with B2B beginning on August 15

Two big Sundays-- Back 2 Back! 

Sunday, August 15 will be Multi-Colored Mania Madness.  Say that 10 times real fast.  What is “Multi-Colored Mania Madness? It’s time to create some energy Multi-Colored Mania Madnessand have some fun! Here is the challenge for all kiddos entering grades K-5…How many colors and patterns can you wear to “The Neighborhood” next Sunday? Can you wear 20 or more colors or patterns? The ideas are endless! Camouflage pants? Shirt with stripes or polka dots? Plaid? Paisley? Prints? How about belts, jewelry, neck ties, and all accessories? Once you layer all the crazy colors and patterns together, you have “Multi-Colored Mania Madness”!

Sunday, August 22 will be our Back to School Skate Party at the YMCA in Edwardsville from 5:30 to 7:30.  The cost is $3 and you can pay at the door.  The consession stand will be open and Pastor Rich will be sporting some great skating skills.  See you there as we kick off another school year.

Big Changes in Children's MInistry Beginning Sunday August 15

Sunday mornings are changing so that we can better help kidz live for Christ.  We want your child to live out the truth of the Bible and not just hear the Bible stories, so we are creating two seperate experiences to better capture the heart of your child.  We know that on average we only have between 40-45 hours a year to influence your child spiritually.  So our heart's desire is to leverage our time to provide maximum spiritual influence.

BACKYARD KIDZ (8:15 & 9:30)
An enperience that focuses on connecting your child to an adult small group leader that can be a positive voice in your child's life.  We will continue to utilize both large and small group time, however we are going place more emphasis on the conversations, Bible application and faith skills in the context of a group of 8-10 children and a passionate small group leader. 

CENTERSTAGE KIDZ CHURCH (10:55)
A brand new experience designed specifically to capture the heart, mind & imagination of each child.  While continueing the same Biblical virtue, story and bottom line from Backyard Kidz we will engage your child in a creative, fun and exciting large group experience.  William Shakespeare said that "all the world is a stage."  This is one of his most often quoted lines in all his writings.  If this is true, then on the center of that stage needs to be Jesus Christ. 

We have a team of volunteers that are excited and passionate about partnering with you in seeing your child live for Jesus Christ.  Here's where we need your help as parents.  Each Sunday is important and we need your help to consistently bring your child on time.  It is an honor for us to partner with your family.  Thank you!

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Neighborhood News Back Againg

The NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS is back up and running again.  Hopefully this will help parents stay connected to opportunities for elementary age children to be connected with at First Baptist Church Maryville.  We look forward to sharing all the excitement with your family this fall.

Saturday, May 1, 2010

This week's need to knows!!!!

Things you need to know for your family this week:

KIDZSTUFF LIVE Sunday night May 2 at 6:30.  KidzStuff LIVE is where kids bring parents to learn about God.  There are many things your family can do this month, don't miss one of the most important.  It's fun and spiritually valuable.  This is one of the ways the church partners with families.  Don't miss it!

Kidz Connection Week discounts still available.  Have a friend sign up and you both recieve $15 off the total price of the price.  The waves are building and we are preparing for WIPEOUT!  Don't miss out this summer.  It's alot of fun but its a great place for your child to learn about God. 

New Virtue for May

Today we begin a new virtue for the month of May. This month's virtue is one that you can use over and over again. It's probably one that will come back to you as parents some time or another in the next few days. It's a virtue that many Americans just simply struggle with on a daily basis. Are you ready to know what it is? Are you sure? How about patience!


Patience is waiting until later for what you want now.

Bottom Line May 2: If you don't wait is could cost you later.

Check out http://www.orangeparent.org/ for ideas on how to help your kids this week at home.

Remember we're (First Baptist Church, Maryville) here to help your family live like Jesus!

Monday, April 5, 2010

Kidz Connection Week is Coming (formerly known as Kidz Camp)

You can sign up for Kidz Connection Week now.  Space is filling up so pick up the bright green envelope and get your deposit in to reserve you space now.  This year will be the biggest, messiest, and most fun week yet.  For more information go to http://www.kidzconnectionweek.org/ or email the Children's Ministry office at brendav@fbcmonline.com

KidzStuff LIVE this Sunday night, April 11 at 6:30

Don't forget this Sunday night is KidzStuff LIVE.  The KidzStuff Gang will be there to help us learn more about the virtue of FRIENDSHIP.  We only have two more KidzStuff LIVE's before summer so don't miss out.

Every family needs a shared experience.  Make this a priority this weekend!

Sunday night at 6:30 PM.  See you there!

Skittles 2010 is here!

The next three Sundays (April 11, 18, 25) we will play Skittles. Here are the rules. The grade with the most Skittles in their jug will win a Skittles Pizza Party on Sunday morning May 2. Kids can earn Skittles for their grade by:


Showing up = 5 Skittles
Bringing their Bible = 5 Skittles
Bringing a friend = 10 Skittles
Perfect Attendance for all 3 Sundays = 15 Skittles

Grand Prize
This year we have added a little twist. If we have 265 in attendance on one of the Sundays Pastor Rich will paint his hair the color of a Skittle. Bringing your friends and his hair change colors!