20 ways to put LOVE into a SHOEBOX

Last Sunday, our church passed out approximately 200 unfilled Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes and when they are returned on November 11, they will multiply into over 350 shoeboxes (we anticipate!) Last year First Presbyterian Bakersfield we sent about 325 boxes to Asia and sent about a dozen people to the Packing Center in Santa Ana to help sort and organize boxes. What a blessing this ministry is, and now, thanks to amazing communication tools like Facebook, smart phones, twitter, etc, you can hear and see stories from around the world and see where your shoebox goes, see videos of children opening their boxes, and even get letters back from the child who receives your box if you enclose your photo, name, and address (and perhaps a self-addressed stamped envelope!)

Here are 20 awesome ideas for unique ways to fill your shoebox with love !

For toddlers and preschoolers:
1. a knit cap, floppy sun hat, or baseball cap
2. flip flops or small tennis shoes (for ANY AGE)
3. tie some ribbon around other items such as crayons or a hairbrush, so little girls can use the ribbon for their hair and other things!
4. Happy Meal Toys that your children have saved after eating at fast food places.  What a great way to teach "putting others before yourself."  Yes, all kids love "Happy Meal Toys" but really, how many does one child need?  Help your son or daughter think about the child on the other side of the world who has never seen a McDonalds or Wendy's and perhaps has never owned one single toy!
5.  Plastic sippy cup or drinking cup.. there are SO MANY cute cups out there... and these cups can serve multiple purposes for a child.

For elementary girls:
6.  A travel size sewing kit... just think about the fact that you might be helping that young girl develop the skills or means to help provide for her family and take care of her own children in the future.
7. Mittens..... You can find very inexpensive mittens at the Dollar Store, the 99 c Store, etc.  I used to think mittens were an unnecessary item for most shoeboxes,  since many of the children receiving the boxes lived in hot, tropical climates, BUT then I read stories of children using their mittens as oven mitts to help their families prepare food over open fires, or gardening gloves when they were working in the fields or growing food for their family!
8. A pillow case dress! (see youtube or google) Let your own children help create the dress and be as creative as they'd like.  A little girl on the other side of the world will be so blessed to have something unique and pretty to wear! Here's the best youtube source I've found... a video that will show you what to do step by step! Pillow Case Dress Instructions
9.  A pillow case tote bag. Oh so easy, and what a great way to help boys and girls carry items to and from the "market." Pillow Case Tote Bag Instructions
10. Hair ties, clips, bows, or handmade flowers.  Another way to get your own children involved..... pick out some silk or fabric flowers at the craft store and hot glue them to some hair clips.  These take up very little space in a shoebox!
11. Another great PURSE idea.... a no-sew bag from a BANDANA!  Bandanas come in so many pretty colors these days!  Bandana Purse Instructions
For elementary Boys:
12. A set of camping dishes (you know, the little metal plate, bowl, cup, and silverware all combined into one set for backpacking!)  Can you imagine all the things a little family in a remote village can do with this one compact set?
13.  a Garden shovel... again... this could become many things for a little boy who is trying to help his family!
14. Extra VBS Shirts leftover from your church!  How about passing these out at church in October so everyone can put one in their box!  Perhaps a whole village would end up with matching shirts... just like the kids at your church in the summer!  BONUS IDEA!  Include a picture in every box  your church sends of the VBS children wearing their matching shirts, with a note on the back telling those children that your church is praying for them!
15. A crank up flashlight!  No batteries needed!
16. An un-inflated soccer ball, with a pump and needle!  This will provide months and months of fun for a whole village playing together!

For Every Shoebox!
17. Candy!  A very special treat that most children never receive.  Be sure to include non-melting (non-chocolate) candy such as "Runts" or "Sweeties."  (And don't forget the toothbrush and toothpaste)
18.  Gallon size zip-lock bags... pack your candy, toiletries, or hair supplies into separate freezer bags... These can be used by children in remote villages for food storage, washing clothes, and many other helpful uses.
19. A personal letter and photo of your family (see above for an idea to include a photo of the kids from your church!).... Several people have received letters back from children who have received their shoeboxes by including their address and a self-addressed stamped envelope! OCC also provides a child's coloring sheet for your children at home to draw and write a little about themselves to add to each shoebox.  Help your children make a personal connection with the children receiving these boxes.  Begin praying at home NOW for the child who will receive your box!
20. MORE GREAT IDEAS:  Check out this PINTEREST page for more amazing ideas!
Shoe Box Ideas on Pinterest
 or "LIKE" the Operation Christmas Child" page on Facebook for inspirational stories, videos, and tips!  Operation Christmas Child Facebook Page

Mix and match these ideas to create a one of a kind gift for a very special child.  Include your $7.00 shipping fee if possible, label the outside of the box "Boy" or "Girl" with the AGE of the child indicated, and take your box to your church or pick up location .

Our collection date at First Pres is Sunday, November 11.  On that day, the children at FP present our shoeboxes during our 10:00 morning worship service (each child marching in carrying a shoebox) and then we pray and dedicate the boxes to the Lord for His glory.  Pictures to follow for sure!

Secrets to Choosing a Great VBS

I have the amazing privilege of writing "guest" blog posts for KidMin 360, a great Children's Ministry that is designed to partner with local churches and those in Children's Ministry for the purpose of encouragement, training, and support.  Today, KidMin 360 has posted an article I wrote, entitled "6 Secrets to  Choosing a Great VBS Curriculum."

Here is a link so you can read it too!
 http://kidmin360.com/2012/10/24/secrets-choosing-great-vbs-curriculum/

  I'd love to hear from the rest of you regarding your VBS plans.

• When is your VBS? (Summer? Spring?)
• Morning or Evening?  
• Do kids pay or is it free?
• What ages do you go up to?  
• If you DON'T do a VBS, please share with us WHY, and what you do as an alternative perhaps.  
• What is your BEST VBS secret?  What is the one thing you do at VBS that makes your VBS ROCK for the kids who come???

We can all learn from each other and help each other grow. :)
Thanks for stopping by today!

Praying for Your Children

Something for parents today.... some specific ways to pray for your children. I encourage you to take one of these each day of the week and look up the Scripture passages listed, and pray through these Scripture passages for your children. I'm not promising overnight miracles, but I will assure you that we have a faithful and loving God (who by the way, loves your children more than you do!) and He will continue to work in your children's lives.  I have been praying for my children daily for 21+ years (my son is 21 1/2 and my daughter is 20 1/2) and I continue to see God's hand on their lives, molding and shaping them into who He wants them to be.  I have gathered these Prayer Points from various places over the years and combined them to make a list that applies to my family.  You can do the same! (By the way, there are MANY more verses on these topics in addition to the ones I have listed.  By using a topical Bible or an internet search on a website such as www.Biblegateway.com, you can find MANY more verses on each subject for further study.)

1.  Pray that your child would love God with all their heart, mind, soul and strength. (Matthew 22:37)

2. Pray that your child will, early in life, come to know Jesus as Savior and Lord. (I Tim. 3:15; Psalm 63:1)

3. Pray that your child will hate sin. (Psalm 97:10)
4. Pray that your child will be caught when guilty and have a heart that is quick to repent. (Psalm 119:17)
5. Pray that your child will be protected from evil and the evil one in every area of life including the spiritual, emotional, and physical realms. (John 17:15) 
6. Pray that your child will be totally submissive to God and will actively resist the evil one in all things. (James 4:7)
7. Pray that your child will be single-hearted, focused on Jesus. (Romans 12:1-2)
8. Pray that your child will desire the right kind of relationships and friendships and be protected from wrong associations. (Proverbs 1:10-11)
9. Pray that your child will have wisdom and responsibility in all relationships. (Daniel 6:3)
10. Pray that your child will respect authority and those in authority over him, including his parents. (Romans 13:1; Ephesians 6:2)
11.  Pray that your child will be led to the mate God has chosen for him/ her and be kept pure for that one. (II Corinthians 6:14-17)
12. Pray for your child's future mate to be kept pure for their marriage. (I Corinthians 6:18-20)
13. Pray that your child would be hedged in and protected in all things. (Hosea 2:6)
14. Pray that your child would love God's Word and that he/ she would become dependent on the Word for guidance. (Psalm 119:9)
15. Pray that pride would be removed from your child's heart and life. (James 4:6b)
16.  Pray that your child would develop a heart of gratitude and contentment. (I Thessalonians 5:18)
17. Pray that your child would discover the joy in serving Jesus and His body the church. (Ephesians 4:11-13)
18. Pray that your child would have a heart for the lost world. (John 3:16, Psalm 96:3)
19.  Pray that your child would have a strong work ethic, a desire to work heartily for the Lord without a lazy spirit. (II Thessalonians 3:7-13)
20.  Pray that your child would have a generous heart and a desire to give cheerfully and joyfully to the needs of others. (II Corinthians 7:6-8)
21. Pray that your child will find and fulfill God's purpose for their lives. (Psalms 138:8)
22.  Pray that your child would be an example to his friends around him, in the areas of speech, life, love, faith, and purity. (I Timothy 4:12)
23. Pray that your child would develop of life of perseverance in all they do. (Hebrews 12:1)
24. Pray that your child would be clothed with compassion, love and kindness to everyone around them, including those less fortunate. (Colossians 3:12, I Thessalonians 5:15)
25. Pray that your child would be marked by a life of prayer. (Ephesians 6:18)
26.  Pray that your child would realize how much he is loved by God, and would develop a strong self-esteem, rooted in knowing he is created in the image of God. (Ephesians 2:10, Psalm 139:14)
27. Pray that your child would have wisdom with his/ her finances and develop Biblical principles for that area of his/ her life. (Proverbs 22:7, Malachi 3:10)
28. Pray that your child would put others before himself. (Philippians 2:4)
29. Pray that your child would work toward unity in his/ her relationships and discover how to be at peace with others throughout his/ her life. (Ephesians 4:3)
30. Pray that your child would turn to Jesus in times of trials and suffering instead of turning to the world around him.
31. Pray that your child's life would glorify the Lord. (Psalm 86:12)

Pam Forster, in her book "For Instructions in Righteousness" (Doorposts, 1993) reminds us that "God's word has the answers to our questions.  Dr. Spock doesn't. Psychologists don't. Politicians don't.  A brief glance at our society is proof enough that man's answers, divorced from God's law, are merely roads toward confusion, destruction and hell."  I urge you to commit YOURSELF first and foremost to pressing in close to God's Word and then asking Him to show you the encouragement, promises, and protection He has there for your children. God Bless!

Harvest Festival Planning

It's right up there with VBS and Summer Camp for many Children's Pastors.... your Fall/ Harvest/ Halloween Alternative Celebration!

If you've never done a Fall Festival at your church, here are some ideas for you:

1. Decide if you are offering an alternative for your community ON OCT. 31. or if you are offering a festival type of celebration on a different night of the week. The answer to that question will determine everything else you do. (Publicity, Music, Food, etc.)

2. Recruit your planning team at least 4-5 months in advance and dream away!  Divide up the various areas of responsibility  SUCH AS:

*Food  (Will you sell food, or will it be free?  Will you have your church members cook the food, or will you bring in a food truck or caterer?  There are pros and cons to each.)  We charge a small fee for our hot dogs and hamburgers and have also done nachos, chili, popcorn, and even grilled chicken in the past.  Don't forget to have plenty of water, coffee, hot chocolate and lemonade on hand!

*Games/ Booths  (you can rent carnival games from various places, or you can make your own and store them away from year to year.  The ideas are endless! It's a good idea to have some challenging games for older elementary kids, and very simple games for toddlers and preschoolers.)
*Bouncers (if you have enough space, think about some bouncers for older elementary kids like obstacle courses or climbing walls, and separate bouncers for younger children under age 5 so they don't get squished in the big bouncers!)
*Publicity (posters, flyers, newspaper, a mailing to your community, door to door canvasing of the neighborhoods around your church, radio stations, local schools in your area.)

*Decorations:  balloons, hay bales, scarecrows, etc.  You might also want to have a photo backdrop area that can double as part of your decorations!
*Safety/ Security (if your church is on a busy street you might want some volunteers from your church to wander around and ensure that children make it safely in and out of your property.)





3.  That special flair and pizzazz you can add to your Harvest/ Fall Celebration:

• How about a Trunk or Treat... families decorate the back ends of their cars and hand out candy from their trunks!  Give a prize to the best decorated car!
• A Hay Ride!  Get a giant tractor with a flatbed full of hay, serve Hot Apple Cider and take the kids on a spin around the church parking lot, or the block!
• A petting zoo!  Nothing says "Harvest" like farm animals!  Depending on where you live, you can ask people in your community to bring in farm animals, or you can rent them from a party organization.
• Balloon Animals.... someone to walk around making balloon animals for children.
• A Jail.  If you're having a western theme, try making a "jail."  Kids get so excited getting to fill out an arrest warrent to lock up their mom or dad or favorite Sunday School Teacher for 5 minutes!  
• Drawings or Raffles.... This is a great idea if you are trying to collect names, addresses, phone numbers or email addresses from your fair participants.  We've raffled off large gift baskets donated by the adult sunday school classes, bikes, razor scooters, DVD's, Playstations, etc.  
• A Candy Guessing Game... Same idea as a raffle but on a smaller scale.  People fill out a slip of paper with their name, address and phone number on it, and guess how many pieces of candy corn are in the jar!  
• Face Painting
• If you live in an area of the country that can be very cold or even rainy, try setting up a play area inside for babies and toddlers, with toys from your nursery.  Moms of babies and toddlers will appreciate you so much if you have an area for them to rest, look after their babies while the rest of their children play! 
• Crafts or pumpkin painting. 
• And finally, TWO KID FAVORITES at the festivals I have seen:  a BBQ shooting range, shooting at soda cans, AND a cardboard box maze where kids crawl through darkened tunnels made out of boxes.  Takes a lot of time to build (and a ton of ducktape), but it is so fun! 

SET UP and CLEAN UP:  The few hours before the Harvest Festival can be very crazy.  If you as the person in charge have all the answers or all the information needed for set up in your head, then you are going to be the one doing most of the work.  Everyone will come to YOU for answers to their questions.  Think about how you can prevent that from happening. Perhaps by sitting down with 2 or 3 key leaders ahead of time and explaining the placement of the games, bouncers, food, etc. will spread out the responsibility.  Create a MAP so everyone helping you set up can see where everything is supposed to go. Create a "punch list" with all the jobs listed on 3 x 5 cards. Pin those 3 x 5 cards to a bulletin board. When someone takes a job to do (for example, filling up the kiddie pool for one of the games), they take that 3 x 5 card off the bulletin board or turn it over upside down so everyone else knows that it's done!  Your set up will be fast and efficient! 

So please share your favorite Harvest Festival idea with the rest of us!  Leave a comment here and share your ideas!

Leadership Team Retreat Agenda

As I mentioned last week, we had our Children's Ministry Leadership Team Retreat this past weekend up in the mountains near Bakersfield.  The purpose was to dream, pray, plan, build relationships, eat some great food, laugh, and really make some progress regarding the long range direction of our ministry. This was my first overnight retreat with this group, and, as is typical for me, I had way too much planned!  I am so proud of our group!  We were diligent in making our way through about 80% of what we had planned to do, which I think is amazing! I hope this is helpful for some of you as you plan and dream with your teams. Here is a look at our agenda.  (Also please note:  one person was in charge of ORGANIZING the food, and she delegated the food items to everyone else on the team. Everyone brought a snack food item as well as parts of the other meals.)
Friday:
Arrive between 4:00 - 5:00
5:30 Dinner
6:30 Session #1:  Vision & Purpose:  What is unique about the Children's Ministry at First Pres?  Who is God calling us to be?
8:00: Break Time!
8:15 Session #2:  Calendar... looking at the calendar for the year ahead, especially trying to nail down the dates of VBS and Camp next summer, and any other special events during the year.
9:00 Fun time... movies, snacks, board games. 

Saturday:
8:00 a.m.  Breakfast
9:00 a.m.  Devotional and Prayer Time.  I divided the team into 2 groups and gave each group different ideas of things to pray for.  One group prayed specifically for our volunteers and church staff; the other group prayed for our parents and children.
10:00 Session #3: Milestones & Partnering with Parents. What are the milestones for children (Babies through 6th Grade) at our church and how do we help parents be the spiritual leaders for their children during these milestones?
12:00  Lunch Break and time to explore outside a little bit (we actually ended up watching a comedy video during this time.... Laughter... Great medicine!)
1:00  Session #4:  Planning details of our Harvest Festival/ Oct. 31
(We were also supposed to do some Christmas Party planning but ran out of time)
2:00 Session #5:  We broke up into 2 groups.
Group A talked about making the visitor experience at our church ROCK and SHINE!
Group B talked about our future playground needs and some fundraising issues related to our summer camp ministry.
Then both groups reported back to the other group. Because this time / session was very short, we had to really stay on task and I was happy to say that we really made a lot of progress during this short amount of time!
3:15:  Break Time
3:30:  Session #6:  Wednesday Night Options... evaluating various club program options for our midweek ministry. 
4:30:  Pack up/ Clean the cabin and get ready to go home.
5:30 (We had the option of stopping for dinner with each other on the way home, but everyone was worn out and ready to get home to their families!)

What a fantastic weekend we had..... so profitable, and so beneficial to be able to really focus on topics more in depth instead of getting 90 minutes together once a month and never finishing what we're trying to finish.  We have already scheduled our next extended time together!