Mt. Bethel Blog

Camp S.P.L.A.T.

Posted: August 6, 2009

This summer in Elementary Sunday School and Camp S.P.L.A.T. (worship for kids camp-style) children focused on 11 weeks of serving it up for Jesus! Each week over the summer children learned about God’s word and all the ways we can serve others and shine the light of Jesus. Each grade had a “hands that serve” bulletin board that started with the bare branches of a tree. Children were given hands to decorate the tree by their grade level. Each hand that went up on the tree were earned by serving their family, community, or church. The children of Mt. Bethel “served” up a lot of love and turned their bare empty trees into abundant works of art!

This summer at Mt. Bethel our elementary children will be “serving” it up for Jesus!

Posted: June 23, 2009

At 9:30 am during Sunday School children will explore various Bible characters, stories, and scriptures that focus on “serving”. The same lesson focus will then go into Camp S.P.L.A.T. where kids will learn how to look for these Biblical truths in their everyday lives.

Each week children are challenged to take the lesson beyond the classroom and worship on Sunday out into their community and live it every day of the week. Here’s how you can help…look for opportunities to teach your children what it means to serve. Discuss opportunities, foster conversations, and share time in prayer seeking areas that you and your entire family can shine the light of Jesus through service and love!

Here’s the challenge! Each elementary-aged grade (Kindergarten-5th grade) will have a bulletin board with the outline of a tree in the Education Building (F). Each child will be given the opportunity to trace their hand (during Sunday School) and share how they “served” during the week. Each grade will post their handprints on their grade level tree and watch the tree transform from a bare outline to a tree filled with serving hands and hearts that share the love of Jesus Christ!

Putting God first and “serving” up a summer of fun, fellowship, and learning about a mighty God that wants us to join him everyday! Join us on Sunday mornings where we will be “serving” up S.P.L.A.T.itude!

Kids learn what it means to Serve like Jesus served (John 13:12-17)
Pray like Jesus taught his disciples to pray (Matthew 6:9-13)
Love God and others (Luke 10:27)
And
Share the gift they have received by Teaching others about the power and love of Jesus Christ. (Matthew 28:18-20)

See you Sunday morning!
Your Children’s Ministry Team
Dianne, Sherri, Janis and Susan

God Moments With Your Child…Ready, Set, Teach!

Posted: December 30, 2008

What is on your mind these days? The state of our economy, rising price of resources and food, foreclosures, unemployment, financial markets, retirement plans, and the list goes on and on. “Be careful little eyes what you see”. Children are watching and what are they seeing in times of uncertainty? How are you managing the stress and overcoming the anxiety. I had an interesting conversation with my child the other day talking about basketball shoes. I won’t go into the details; you can probably fill in the blanks with your own “stuff”. Now we had just confirmed that the basketball shoes from last season that still fit and had only hit the court maybe 6 times would work just fine to begin the season. But here came the catch…they are not the team shoes!

After a quick breath and “God there’s a lesson here…help me” the words came…

It is not the shoes that make the basketball player it’s the commitment, dedication, and practice that makes a great basketball player. It is not the shoes that make the team mate it’s the enthusiasm, support and encouragement that makes a great team mate. You see the “stuff” we will out grow…it’s the discipline (disciple), commitment, dedication, practice, enthusiasm, support and encouragement that God uses to shine the light of Jesus into a world in need of a Savior. It’s not the shoes that people remember…it’s the basketball player that was dedicated and the team mate that encouraged their team even when the scoreboard said they lost the game. After the conversation I began to reflect on the many teachable moments I will have with my children…and will I grab on and share that “God moment” when they come”…oh, how I hope so!

If I don’t teach my child how to handle rejection I have failed as a parent…how will they ever know the joy of success.

If I don’t teach my child respect I have failed as a parent…how will they ever experience true relationships and love.

If I don’t teach my child patience I have failed as a parent…how will they ever grow in understanding.

If I don’t teach my child discipline I have failed as a parent…how will they become productive citizens in society.

If I don’t teach my child proper eating habits and hygiene I have failed as a parent…how will they grow healthy and strong.

If I don’t teach my child about Jesus Christ and what it means to be part of the “body”…I have robbed them of true freedom and purpose for their life.

If I don’t teach my child about God everyday we walk together and make their spiritual inheritance a priority…then I have failed as a disciple of Jesus Christ.

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” Deuteronomy 6:5-7

There is a lot of “stuff” going on in the world right now…but God’s word is the same today as it was yesterday as it will be tomorrow and somewhere there is a child in need of God’s wisdom and divine grace. They are waiting to learn…are you ready to teach? Go get ‘em!!! We would love to have you share some “God Moments” that you have experienced with your child.

Sherri Juliani
Elementary Coordinator
Children’s Ministries

“Kids In Motion” (putting their faith in action)!

Posted: December 17, 2008

Do you remember as a child climbing up on Santa’s knee and waiting for the question that you rehearsed how to answer all year long…”What would you like for Christmas”?  With one long breath you would inhale and then with excitement and joy begin to list off the items on your wish list.  Well, what happens when a Sunday School teacher asks their class…”how would you like to help someone this Christmas”?  Without a wish book, color catalogue, or commercial to prompt their desire the class answers…”provide a coat for people who need one.!”  That was it, the question was asked…the need identified…the solution simple…let’s have a coat drive!

Between Thanksgiving and December 7th the Danbom’s and the Davis’ 4th grade Sunday School class held a coat drive in their classroom.  A class with an average attendance of 15 per week was able to collect 53 coats that were donated to a ministry in Sandy Springs for youth and children.  The children were excited to share the love of Christ through the gift of warmth as they carried in coats to add to the collection.  Children were given the chance to show the love of Jesus beyond the walls of the church by one simple question…”how would you like to help someone this Christmas”?

The question was asked, the children and families responded, and lives were touched.  The children at Mt.Bethel United Methodist Church have taken our “Kids In Motion” mission focus beyond their classrooms on Sunday mornings and into our community and other countries with their generous hearts, willing spirit, and understanding of what it means to put “compassion into action”!  We are excited to see our teachers, families and children connect through the power of service and love all in the name of Jesus!

Sherri Juliani

Do you know Jesus?

Posted: December 10, 2008

This morning I took a few minutes to reflect on the power of Christmas!  God’s timing is always perfect, doesn’t always work with our agenda, but God’s timing truly is perfect!  2008 has been a difficult year for many families; everyone has been affected in some way by the economy (job loss, foreclosures, financial investments, etc.).   Remember waiting in line for gas and emailing everyone when you found a station that didn’t have plastic bags over the pumps, or following the tanker until it reached it’s destination?  As we close out 2008 isn’t it perfect that we prepare our hearts for that baby in the manger that starry night in Bethlehem.  That night that changed the world forever and brought a Savior that would eventually give us freedom from the grave that Easter morning.  You know the story; it has been the same for over 2,000 years.  It doesn’t matter what happens each year the miracle of Christmas remains the same.  Praise God!

This weekend while I was in a store I helped a woman find something and then wished her a Merry Christmas.  The response I got back surprised me, I could tell the stress of the season was heavy on her heart.  I asked her, “Has it been a difficult year for you”?  We continued to talk about similar situations in our lives and how we were handling the challenges that lay ahead of us.  I asked her, “Do you know Jesus”?  She responded that she does, but doesn’t spend much time following him.  “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”  Matthew 11:28 was the scripture I had clung onto this year, so I shared it with her.  Right there among the sale signs, stocking stuffer ideas, early bird specials, door busters, and bonus buys we shared the reason for the season – Jesus Christ!  You see the gift of Christmas lives in each of us!  As we journey through the Advent season there are people in our midst that need to know about the baby in a manger, the young man that died on the cross, and the victory only a Savior could bring.  Are you ready to tell them?

I try to teach my children that things in the world will change, but God’s word and following Jesus Christ remains constant.  It doesn’t matter what the year brings the gift of Jesus will never change…

• Inflation won’t change it; the price was paid when Jesus chose the nails on a cross.
• Financial markets won’t change it; Christ’s love goes beyond any numbers and lines on a grid.
• Investments won’t change it; faith and trust in God continue to yield in wisdom and discernment.
• Residence won’t change it; the eternal address is still heaven.

No matter where you have been taken this year may you find some time to rest at the manger and experience the love, joy, peace, and hope that awaits in the cradle.  And when you find it, share that light with the rest of the world – that’s the gift of Christmas!

Merry CHRISTmas!
Sherri Juliani – Elementary Coordinator – Children’s Ministries

Unlocking the Mystery of the Bible: 3rd Grade Lock-In

Posted: September 9, 2008

On Sunday, August 24th, 115 backpack Bibles were presented to our 3rd grade children, it was an exciting day in the life of our 3rd graders, their families, and their Sunday school teachers.  And the adventure was just beginning…this past Friday over 70 children and adults joined us for our very 1st 3rd grade lock-in from 6:00-10:00pm in the Fellowship Hall, as they began the journey of “Unlocking the Mystery of the Bible”.

The night began with pizza and an opening session with “Indy” and “Professor” before children began traveling to 4 different libraries that would teach the children about the books within the Bible.  The Library of Law (God’s Mighty Acts), Library of History and Poetry, Library of Prophets and Gospel Writers, and the Library of Acts and Letters.  In each Library children used their Bible and a Treasure Code Guide Book to decode scripture and learn how to look up a book, a chapter, and a verse.  Children were given an item as they left each library such as: a compass – God’s word is the same today, as it was yesterday, as it will be tomorrow; a coin – the true treasure is within the pages of the Bible; a glow stick – Jesus is the light of the world; and a lock/key – all you have to do to unlock the mystery of the Bible is to open the cover, read, study and pray.

The night closed with decorating their backpacks to carry their new treasure in and a treasure seeker sundae topped with goodies that also themed with the night.  M&M’s represented the rainbow God placed in the sky; candy hearts represented God’s love and forgiveness; gummy fish represented the life and teachings of Jesus Christ; and chocolate syrup represented the “acts” of spreading the good news.

Fun was had by all!  The blessing was the excitement I saw in the eyes of the children on Sunday, and the feedback from parents that their children came home excited about their new treasure and eager to practice reading and looking up scripture in their new Bibles.  The mystery has been unlocked, the treasure revealed, the adventure began…the journey for these children in God’s Mighty Word begins now.  Glory be to God for all His blessings on the lives of His children and their parents as they experience this adventure together!

Be sure to check out our album of photos from the event.

Sherri

Unlocking the Mystery of the Bible

Posted: August 26, 2008

Sunday morning was an exciting day in the life of our 3rd grade students, it was a milestone on their spiritual walk…they received their 3rd grade Bible.  I don’t know who was more excited; the children, the parents, or the adults that have shared in teaching them on Sunday mornings.  I was touched personally as I watched dozens of children that had been in my 3 year old  Sunday School class have their name placed in their new Bible.  The smiles were overwhelming, for in their hands they held a true treasure…the word of God right there in one hand and a cookie in the other.  God is good! 

Now what?  The journey begins, the book is their own, what will they do with it?

I remember my very first Bible…it was white with a gold lamb embossed on it and gold lined pages.  I was told it was a very special book and I was to take very special care of it.  Okay, I followed the rules! I did just that, I took very good care of it.  I was afraid to open the cover, it might bend the binding.  I was afraid to touch the delicate pages, it might tear them.  I was afraid to peal the pages apart from each other for it might ruin my new Bible, my gift.  It wasn’t until years later, as an adult, that same Bible laid on a bookcase in my home and a friend said…”what a beautiful Bible, too bad it has never been opened”.  Well, that comment really stuck with me and I realized my Bible is a treasure and I didn’t know what the gift was until I bent back the cover, touched each page, and pealed back the gift of God’s mighty word.

Years later I understand the treasure and long to leave a legacy for my children of a Bible filled with prayer, notes, and a life lived as a follower of Jesus Christ.  We can’t possibly teach your child about the Bible in 4 hours, but we can get them started on the adventure of a lifetime as they “Unlock the Mystery of the Bible” from 6:00-10:00pm on Friday September 5th.  Children will visit four different libraries-God’s Mighty Acts, Judges and Kings, Prophets and Gospel Writers, and Acts and Letters as they explore the treasure of God’s word and learn to decode scripture by book, chapter, and verse.  The evening will be complete with food, fun, fellowship and an adventure to grow on!  See you there!

Your Children’s Ministry Team-Dianne, Sherri, Janis and Susan!

Kids On A Mission – Kids In Motion

Posted: May 19, 2008

This spring the children at Mt. Bethel UMC have put their “compassion into action” during children’s Sunday School programs to support both local and global mission projects. Children are sharing an attitude of SPLATitude (serving, praying, loving and teaching the word of God) through age appropriate mission projects and sharing the love of Jesus with children all over the world. Look and see where we have been since January 2008…

• 1000+ fleece blankets delivered to the children in Atacucho, Ecuador
• 175 hygiene kits to Elvinco, Honduras
• 70 welcome baby kits for the Hope Center in Marietta GA
• 1080 salvation bracelets for the children in Kwambekenya, Africa
• 60 picture frames for the Adult Enrichment Ministry serving Cobb County

This month children will work on salvation bracelets for the children in Costa Rica and cards for our soldiers serving far from home. Give the children a mission and an opportunity and they are ready with an enthusiasm only children can bring to a project. Our children are touching lives and sharing the love of Jesus through their attitude of SPLATitude! Oh what a mighty God we serve!

Sherri

Kids with a MISSION!

Posted: April 15, 2008

What happens when you give over 300 children 7,000 beads and 1,100 pieces of rope with a MISSION? It creates a purpose, a challenge, and an opportunity to share a little bit of love with other children in the world. Sunday, April 13th was our 2nd “Kids In Motion” Mission Focus program for our children at Mt.Bethel during the Sunday School hour. The program is designed to support Mt. Bethel’s “Compassion Into Action through the Power and Presence of Jesus Christ” as well as our focus for children to (SPLAT) serve, pray, love, and teach the word of God.

Something incredible happens when an ordinary craft turns into a gift for someone else…that craft now symbolizes a token of love and the Holy Spirit encompasses the effort in the classroom. Teachers and children work hand in hand putting knots in rope, threading beads, and praying for the child that will receive their gift. The result 1,100 salvation bracelets to share with our family in Kwambakenya and the body of Christ in action! Kids want to make a difference in their world and they want to do it now…through this program we are able to offer children age appropriate activities that foster fellowship, service, love and actually “putting compassion into action”!

Rev. Carey Akin shared pictures and stories of the children that will be receiving the bracelets in Kwambekenya Africa April 17th-April 26th when himself, Dr. Randy Mickler and our mission team will travelto Africa to work with our family in Kwambekenya. Although the children of Mt. Bethel will not be boarding the plane they will be in prayer and spirit with our mission team through this act of service and love. Oh what a mighty God we serve!

“Don’t let anyone look down on you beauseyou are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12

Blessings,

Your Children’s Ministry Team

The Heart of a Child

Posted: February 6, 2008

Have you ever had a CD that brings you joy from the first to the last song?  A couple years ago I found “that” CD.  It was a contemporary arrangement of classic hymns, and it flooded memories of my grandmother worshipping God from her kitchen.  The music brought me great joy and served as the perfect travel piece for the many carpool runs I made during the day with a preschooler and elementary aged child.

One afternoon when I picked up my daughter from school I had “that” CD playing in the car, she asked, “Mom can you play #9″?  Well, song #9 was an arrangement of “By and By” sung in the language of Kituba from Africa.  I played the song and took just a moment to see what it was about this song that she enjoyed so much.  I pulled over and in the rearview mirror I watched her expressions while she listened to the song.  My 7 year old daughter and my 4 year old son where truly enjoying the song.  I thought my children just tolerated my choice of music, but they where actually listening, in fact they had a favorite song on my CD and knew the number.  When I asked them what they liked about the song so much, considering they couldn’t understand the lyrics, my daughter replied, “they are praising my God”. 

She didn’t overthink it, she didn’t question the words, she allowed the music to take her senses to a state of worship.  The words were spoken in a language she had never heard or understood, but she could hear the celebration of our King beating through the drums and carrying through the voices lifted in praise.

The children of God break all language, culture, and economic barriers.  It’s a celebration of love, and it beats with the heart of every child.  Can you hear it?

At Mt. Bethel we are blessed to share that celebration with God’s children and are intentional in efforts to connect the children at Mt. Bethel to God’s children both locally and globally.  “Kids In Motion” is a new program designed to give children a “hands on” approach to serving, praying and understanding God’s big world and all His children.  Children will participate in “hands on” mission projects to prepare, pack, and make items during Sunday School to be shared with children locally and globally.   Check out “Kids In Motion” and other programs for children on our website.

Sherri Juliani, Elementary Coordinator, Children’s Ministries