Once upon a time, a man punished his 3 year old daughter for wasting a roll of gold wrapping paper. Money was tight and he became infuriated when the child tried to decorate a box to put under the Christmas tree. Nevertheless, the little girl brought the gift to her father the next morning and said, "This is for you, Daddy."
He was embarrassed by his earlier over reaction, but his anger flared again when he found the box was empty. He yelled at her, "Don't you know when you give someone a present, there's supposed to be something inside it?" The little girl looked up at him with tears in her eyes and said, "Oh Daddy, it's not empty. I blew kisses into the box...all for you Daddy." The father was crushed. He put his arms around his little girl, and he begged for her forgiveness.
It is told that the man kept that gold box by his bed for years and whenever he was discouraged, he would take out an imaginary kiss and remember the love of the child who put it there. In a very real sense, each of us humans, have been given a gold container filled with unconditional love and kisses from our family, friends and God. There is no more precious possession anyone could hold
This week at Bridge Kids, we continued our month of learning about the Bridge Core Value, Giving. We talked about how Giving of ourselves and/or our resources to others is a reflection of God’s Love Language of Gifts, which can take many forms, just like our own Love Languages – through worship to God, material provision, stewardship/trust, or loving inclusion of others.We started out reviewing the Core Values – what does that mean? It means it’s the center (core) of what we build everything we do on. We also briefly discussed our weeks of Giving and what it means to be greedy and what it means to be giving.
Today, we focused on what giving at Christmastime means to us, specifically time spent, and giving of our talents. Laura talked about how time spent on a gift is important to her, and that time with others really makes Christmastime special. Geoff told the story of the little drummer boy who drummed because he didn’t have a present to give Jesus at his birthday party. He gave his talent. This Christmas two ways you can show your love for God and others is spending time with them, and doing the things you are good at for them.
Before beginning our activity today, we asked the BKs “What do you give someone when you really can’t give them anything material?” Like the drummer boy you give them your talent. As an art project today, we drew what we might give Jesus.
We challenged them to find time and do things they are good at to make this Christmas special.
December – Bridge Core Values -- Giving
Dine and Dish:
Talk – Talk to your kids about giving their talents at Christmastime. What does that mean to you?
Tell your child what you think they are good at. How can you translate that into a Christmas gift?
Talk about what your talents are. Ask what your kid thinks you are good at.
Do an activity together:The great thing about Giving is that anyone can give, regardless of social or economic standing. Be resourceful and talk to your kids about what they are doing and why.
Spend time on a found ornament – Give your family 10 minutes to run around the house finding items that they can make into an ornament. Then spend time decorating, drawing, pasting, and creating an original ’07 ornament. A memory that you can do every year (and a way to clean out your junk drawer).
Do a family talent show– If you have family around. Gather everyone and act as MC for a family talent show. You might never have known that Uncle Bob had pipes like that!
Create – Create art/bracelets/scarves/etc. together to be sold for $1-$5 at the Bridge Kids Merch Table, downstairs, before and after church, the month of December. Your kids will get $0.50 from each dollar that they sell. The other $0.50 will go toward HOMEPDX.
Socks – Go to Wal-Mart (or whatever store you would like) and buy a $7 bag of men’s white crew socks and bring them to church for the sock drawer. Let your kids pay for the socks at the counter. Talk with them about what you are doing and why. Discuss what it would be like to have to wear the same pair of socks every day. Let your kids fill the sock drawer at church.
Clean Out – Clean out your kids’ toy boxes and closets with things they don’t play with or use anymore. Things that are in really good condition. Clean them up and donate them to a local free porch or let your kids choose who they would like to give their items to – family, friends, or heck, even strangers.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Saturday, December 22, 2007
The Bridge Core Values – Week 7 – Giving
Matthew 10:5-8 “Jesus sent his twelve harvest hands out with this charge: ‘Don't begin by traveling to some far-off place to convert unbelievers. And don't try to be dramatic by tackling some public enemy. Go to the lost, confused people right here in the neighborhood. Tell them that the kingdom is here. Bring health to the sick. Raise the dead. Touch the untouchables. Kick out the demons. You have been treated generously, so live generously.’” II Corinthians 9:6-7 “Remember: A stingy planter gets a stingy crop; a lavish planter gets a lavish crop. I want each of you to take plenty of time to think it over, and make up your own mind what you will give. That will protect you against sob stories and arm-twisting. God loves it when the giver delights in the giving.”
This week at Bridge Kids, we continued our month of learning about the Bridge Core Value, Giving. We talked about how Giving of ourselves and/or our resources to others is a reflection of God’s Love Language of Gifts, which can take many forms, just like our own Love Languages – through worship to God, material provision, stewardship/trust, or loving inclusion of others.We started out reviewing the previous Sunday -- Core Values – what does that mean? It means it’s the center (core) of what we build everything we do on. We also briefly discussed our time from last week, our 2nd week of Giving – “The Giving Tree” – What it means to be greedy and what it means to be giving.
Today, we focused on Giving encouragement to those around us. We talked about how Giving encouragement to others, is a way we can show our love for God and for others. Love God, Love Others as Ourselves.
Before beginning our activity today, we asked the BKs “What do you give someone when you really can’t give them anything material?” You can give them encouragement and prayer. As an activity today, we wrote words of encouragement to a Grandma who is friends with Geoff and Crystal Neill. She was recently diagnosed with a very aggressive form of cancer. The BKs will have a very positive impact on this Grandma’s life, by giving her words of encouragement. We discussed how we can have a positive impact in other peoples’ lives, just by giving encouragement.
We challenged them to find time and creative ways this week of giving encouragement to others.
Dine and Dish:
Talk – Talk to your kids about giving encouragement. What does that mean to you?
What can you give someone when a material thing or money won’t help or fix what they are going through?
Talk about what encourages you. Ask what encourages your kids.
Do an activity together:The great thing about Giving is that anyone can give, regardless of social or economic standing. Be resourceful and talk to your kids about what they are doing and why.
Encourage – Talk to your kids this week – ask them if there is anyone in their life (at school, church, family, etc.) that they think needs encouragement or prayer. Come up with creative ways to encourage that person (cards, a fun phone call, drop by their work to say hi, send an email, etc.) and pray with your kids for that person.
Create – Create art/bracelets/scarves/etc. together to be sold for $1-$5 at the Bridge Kids Merch Table, downstairs, before and after church, the month of December. Your kids will get $0.50 from each dollar that they sell. The other $0.50 will go toward HOMEPDX.
Socks – Go to Wal-Mart (or whatever store you would like) and buy a $7 bag of men’s white crew socks and bring them to church for the sock drawer. Let your kids pay for the socks at the counter. Talk with them about what you are doing and why. Discuss what it would be like to have to wear the same pair of socks every day. Let your kids fill the sock drawer at church.
In-Home Change Drive – Decorate a jar or box together that you will put all your spare change into for a month. At the end of the month, count all the change you have collected and donate it to a non-profit, help someone buy groceries, provide dinner for a friend or family member, or think of something you know another person needs and “donate” to their cause.
Clean Out – Clean out your kids’ toy boxes and closets with things they don’t play with or use anymore. Things that are in really good condition. Clean them up and donate them to a local free porch or let your kids choose who they would like to give their items to – family, friends, or heck, even strangers.
This week at Bridge Kids, we continued our month of learning about the Bridge Core Value, Giving. We talked about how Giving of ourselves and/or our resources to others is a reflection of God’s Love Language of Gifts, which can take many forms, just like our own Love Languages – through worship to God, material provision, stewardship/trust, or loving inclusion of others.We started out reviewing the previous Sunday -- Core Values – what does that mean? It means it’s the center (core) of what we build everything we do on. We also briefly discussed our time from last week, our 2nd week of Giving – “The Giving Tree” – What it means to be greedy and what it means to be giving.
Today, we focused on Giving encouragement to those around us. We talked about how Giving encouragement to others, is a way we can show our love for God and for others. Love God, Love Others as Ourselves.
Before beginning our activity today, we asked the BKs “What do you give someone when you really can’t give them anything material?” You can give them encouragement and prayer. As an activity today, we wrote words of encouragement to a Grandma who is friends with Geoff and Crystal Neill. She was recently diagnosed with a very aggressive form of cancer. The BKs will have a very positive impact on this Grandma’s life, by giving her words of encouragement. We discussed how we can have a positive impact in other peoples’ lives, just by giving encouragement.
We challenged them to find time and creative ways this week of giving encouragement to others.
Dine and Dish:
Talk – Talk to your kids about giving encouragement. What does that mean to you?
What can you give someone when a material thing or money won’t help or fix what they are going through?
Talk about what encourages you. Ask what encourages your kids.
Do an activity together:The great thing about Giving is that anyone can give, regardless of social or economic standing. Be resourceful and talk to your kids about what they are doing and why.
Encourage – Talk to your kids this week – ask them if there is anyone in their life (at school, church, family, etc.) that they think needs encouragement or prayer. Come up with creative ways to encourage that person (cards, a fun phone call, drop by their work to say hi, send an email, etc.) and pray with your kids for that person.
Create – Create art/bracelets/scarves/etc. together to be sold for $1-$5 at the Bridge Kids Merch Table, downstairs, before and after church, the month of December. Your kids will get $0.50 from each dollar that they sell. The other $0.50 will go toward HOMEPDX.
Socks – Go to Wal-Mart (or whatever store you would like) and buy a $7 bag of men’s white crew socks and bring them to church for the sock drawer. Let your kids pay for the socks at the counter. Talk with them about what you are doing and why. Discuss what it would be like to have to wear the same pair of socks every day. Let your kids fill the sock drawer at church.
In-Home Change Drive – Decorate a jar or box together that you will put all your spare change into for a month. At the end of the month, count all the change you have collected and donate it to a non-profit, help someone buy groceries, provide dinner for a friend or family member, or think of something you know another person needs and “donate” to their cause.
Clean Out – Clean out your kids’ toy boxes and closets with things they don’t play with or use anymore. Things that are in really good condition. Clean them up and donate them to a local free porch or let your kids choose who they would like to give their items to – family, friends, or heck, even strangers.
The Bridge Core Values – Week 6 – Giving
Matthew 10:5-8 “Jesus sent his twelve harvest hands out with this charge: ‘Don't begin by traveling to some far-off place to convert unbelievers. And don't try to be dramatic by tackling some public enemy. Go to the lost, confused people right here in the neighborhood. Tell them that the kingdom is here. Bring health to the sick. Raise the dead. Touch the untouchables. Kick out the demons. You have been treated generously, so live generously.’” II Corinthians 9:6-7 “Remember: A stingy planter gets a stingy crop; a lavish planter gets a lavish crop. I want each of you to take plenty of time to think it over, and make up your own mind what you will give. That will protect you against sob stories and arm-twisting. God loves it when the giver delights in the giving.”
This week at Bridge Kids, we continued our month of learning about the Bridge Core Value, Giving. We talked about how Giving of ourselves and/or our resources to others is a reflection of God’s Love Language of Gifts, which can take many forms, just like our own Love Languages – through worship to God, material provision, stewardship/trust, or loving inclusion of others.We started out reviewing the previous Sunday -- Core Values – what does that mean? It means it’s the center (core) of what we build everything we do on. We also briefly discussed our time from last week, our 1st week of Giving – which can encompass all 5 Love Languages – Gifts, Time, Acts of Service, Physical Touch and Words of Affirmation.
Today, we focused on Giving of Time. We talked about how Giving our time to others, is a way we can show our love for God and for others. Love God, Love Others as Ourselves.
As an activity today, we read the book, “The Giving Tree” by Shel Silverstein. After reading the book we asked the BKs the following questions: Why is the tree lonely when the boy grows up? How do you think the tree would feel if the boy didn’t take all it offered? How do you feel when you give something to someone? How do you feel when you receive something? What does it mean to be greedy? What does it mean to be generous? How do you feel when someone is greedy toward you? Do you need to have money in order to give?
We challenged them to find time and creative ways this week of giving to others.
Dine and Dish:
Talk – Talk to your kids about giving of your Time. What does that mean to you?
Ask your kids about the book, The Giving Tree. What did they think of the story? Did they learn anything? Review the questions we asked them during our time together this Sunday.
Do an activity together:The great thing about Giving is that anyone can give, regardless of social or economic standing. Be resourceful and talk to your kids about what they are doing and why.
Time – Give of your time this week with your kids. Volunteer somewhere: Church (Set Up/Tear Down, Help fill grocery bags, etc.), Dove Lewis Animal Hospital, Friends of the Children (in NE Portland, near The Bridge), HOMEPDX (help sort and collect socks), Retirement Homes, Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, etc.
Create – Create art/bracelets/scarves/etc. together to be sold for $1-$5 at the Bridge Kids Merch Table, downstairs, before and after church, the month of December. Your kids will get $0.50 from each dollar that they sell. The other $0.50 will go toward HOMEPDX.
Socks – Go to Wal-Mart (or whatever store you would like) and buy a $7 bag of men’s white crew socks and bring them to church for the sock drawer. Let your kids pay for the socks at the counter. Talk with them about what you are doing and why. Discuss what it would be like to have to wear the same pair of socks every day. Let your kids fill the sock drawer at church.
In-Home Change Drive – Decorate a jar or box together that you will put all your spare change into for a month. At the end of the month, count all the change you have collected and donate it to a non-profit, help someone buy groceries, provide dinner for a friend or family member, or think of something you know another person needs and “donate” to their cause.
Clean Out – Clean out your kids’ toy boxes and closets with things they don’t play with or use anymore. Things that are in really good condition. Clean them up and donate them to a local free porch or let your kids choose who they would like to give their items to – family, friends, or heck, even strangers.
This week at Bridge Kids, we continued our month of learning about the Bridge Core Value, Giving. We talked about how Giving of ourselves and/or our resources to others is a reflection of God’s Love Language of Gifts, which can take many forms, just like our own Love Languages – through worship to God, material provision, stewardship/trust, or loving inclusion of others.We started out reviewing the previous Sunday -- Core Values – what does that mean? It means it’s the center (core) of what we build everything we do on. We also briefly discussed our time from last week, our 1st week of Giving – which can encompass all 5 Love Languages – Gifts, Time, Acts of Service, Physical Touch and Words of Affirmation.
Today, we focused on Giving of Time. We talked about how Giving our time to others, is a way we can show our love for God and for others. Love God, Love Others as Ourselves.
As an activity today, we read the book, “The Giving Tree” by Shel Silverstein. After reading the book we asked the BKs the following questions: Why is the tree lonely when the boy grows up? How do you think the tree would feel if the boy didn’t take all it offered? How do you feel when you give something to someone? How do you feel when you receive something? What does it mean to be greedy? What does it mean to be generous? How do you feel when someone is greedy toward you? Do you need to have money in order to give?
We challenged them to find time and creative ways this week of giving to others.
Dine and Dish:
Talk – Talk to your kids about giving of your Time. What does that mean to you?
Ask your kids about the book, The Giving Tree. What did they think of the story? Did they learn anything? Review the questions we asked them during our time together this Sunday.
Do an activity together:The great thing about Giving is that anyone can give, regardless of social or economic standing. Be resourceful and talk to your kids about what they are doing and why.
Time – Give of your time this week with your kids. Volunteer somewhere: Church (Set Up/Tear Down, Help fill grocery bags, etc.), Dove Lewis Animal Hospital, Friends of the Children (in NE Portland, near The Bridge), HOMEPDX (help sort and collect socks), Retirement Homes, Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, etc.
Create – Create art/bracelets/scarves/etc. together to be sold for $1-$5 at the Bridge Kids Merch Table, downstairs, before and after church, the month of December. Your kids will get $0.50 from each dollar that they sell. The other $0.50 will go toward HOMEPDX.
Socks – Go to Wal-Mart (or whatever store you would like) and buy a $7 bag of men’s white crew socks and bring them to church for the sock drawer. Let your kids pay for the socks at the counter. Talk with them about what you are doing and why. Discuss what it would be like to have to wear the same pair of socks every day. Let your kids fill the sock drawer at church.
In-Home Change Drive – Decorate a jar or box together that you will put all your spare change into for a month. At the end of the month, count all the change you have collected and donate it to a non-profit, help someone buy groceries, provide dinner for a friend or family member, or think of something you know another person needs and “donate” to their cause.
Clean Out – Clean out your kids’ toy boxes and closets with things they don’t play with or use anymore. Things that are in really good condition. Clean them up and donate them to a local free porch or let your kids choose who they would like to give their items to – family, friends, or heck, even strangers.
The Bridge Core Values – Week 5 – Giving.
Matthew 10:8 “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. Freely you received, freely give.” II Corinthians 9:6 “Now I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.”
This week at Bridge Kids, we began our new month of The Bridge Core Value, Giving, by talking about how Giving to others, of ourselves and/or our resources is a reflection of God’s Love Language of Giving, which can take many forms, just like our own Love Languages – through worship to God, material provision, or loving inclusion of others. We started out reviewing the previous Sunday -- Core Values – what does that mean? It means it’s the center (core) of what we build everything we do on. We also briefly discussed Worship through Songwriting – the Love Language of Quality Time, Gifts and Words of Affirmation.
Today, we focused on giving of material provisions. We talked about how giving of the things we have, in order to help provide for others is a way we can show our love for God and for others. Love God, Love Others as Ourselves.
Dave taught us about how people can manipulate gifts out of people, and it is important to have a pure heart when giving. Not out of obligation, but out of your true self.
As an activity today, the Bridge Kids designed buttons (round pins) to be sold the week of December 9th, at The Bridge, for $1. The proceeds will then go to HomePDX for socks! We talked about how we can use the materials we have either individually, or as a community, to provide material provisions for others. And, that giving can come in many forms and many creative ways. With the sale of the buttons, and the purchase of socks, the kids will be able to see immediate effects of their giving.
We challenged them to find time this week to find creative ways of giving to others.
December – Bridge Core Values -- Giving
Dine and Dish:
Talk – Talk to your kids about giving of material provisions. What does it mean to you?
Discuss a time (or times) in your life when you have been the recipient of someone’s generosity. What type of impact did it have on you? What type of connection to God did you feel?
Discuss a time (or times) when you have given to others, resourcefully. What did you do? Why? How did it make you feel? What type of connection to God did you feel?
Do an activity together: The great thing about Giving is that anyone can give, regardless of social or economic standing. Be resourceful and talk to your kids about what they are doing and why.
Create – Create art/bracelets/scarves/etc. together to be sold for $1-$5 at the Bridge Kids Merch Table, downstairs, before and after church, the month of December. The funds will go toward socks for HOMEPDX. Your kids will get $0.50 from each dollar that they sell. The other $0.50 will go toward HOMEPDX.
Socks – Go to Wal-Mart (or whatever store you would like) and buy a $7 bag of men’s white crew socks and bring them to church for the sock drawer. Let your kids pay for the socks at the counter. Talk with them about what you are doing and why. Discuss what it would be like to have to wear the same pair of socks every day. Let your kids fill the sock drawer at church.
In-Home Change Drive – Decorate a jar or box together that you will put all your spare change into for a month. At the end of the month, count all the change you have collected and donate it to a non-profit, help someone buy groceries, provide dinner for a friend or family member, or think of something you know another person needs and “donate” to their cause.
Clean Out – Clean out your kids’ toy boxes and closets with things they don’t play with or use anymore. Things that are in really good condition. Clean them up and donate them to a local free porch or let your kids choose who they would like to give their items to – family, friends, strangers.
The Bridge Core Values – Week 4 – Worship through Songwriting
John 4: 23-24 Jesus says, It’s who you are and the way you live that count before God. Your worship must engage your spirit in the pursuit of truth. That’s the kind of people the Father is out looking for: those who are simply and honestly themselves before Him in their worship. God is sheer being itself – Spirit. Those who worship Him must do it out of their very being, their spirits, their true selves, in adoration.
This week at Bridge Kids, we finished our month focusing on The Bridge Core Value, Worship by talking about how Worship is one of God’s Love Languages, which can take many forms, just like our own Love Languages. Our main focus this week was Worship through Songwriting. Songwriting, in an act of worship to God, is like the Love Languages, Words of Affirmation, Gifts and Quality Time.
We started out reviewing the previous Sunday -- Core Values – what does that mean? It means it’s the center (core) of what we build everything we do on. We also briefly discussed Worship through Dancing – the Love Language of Quality Time. We then took a minute to sit in our circle, quietly thinking about things we are thankful for – whether it is people in our lives, our homes, school, or our life. This gave us time to reflect and prepare ourselves for the act of worship.
Today, had a special guest, Todd Fadel, come teach us about songwriting as an act of worship! Todd created a songwriting game that he played with the Bridge Kids to teach them how to write their own songs, at home. Todd and the Bridge Kids wrote a worship song together that will be sung at church in the upcoming weeks.
We challenged them to find time this week to listen to teach YOU Todd’s songwriting game and write together, with you in the next week. – whether they are happy or sad, angry of joyful.
November – Bridge Core Values -- Worship
Dine and Dish:
Talk – Talk to your kids about worship. What does it mean to you? How do you like to worship God? Ask them how they think they might like to worship.
Ask your kids what they are thankful for in their lives.
Discuss the things you are thankful for in your life.
Do an activity together: If you are a parent who is timid about music – that’s ok. Before you begin, be sure to take time to reflect – even if it’s 2 minutes – on God, things to be thankful for and make sure it’s a quiet time, or a brief discussion.
Play the Game – Have your kids teach you Todd’s Songwriting game and sing it together, write it out, frame it and place it on the wall.
Music – Listen to different types of worshipful/prayerful music together and talk about what you think the songwriter was feeling or trying to say to God.
Create Instruments – Using regular household items (ie pots, pans, blocks, etc.) create musical instruments together and play them while listening to music or singing together. Bring them to church to play during the music time upstairs.
Keep a Notebook Handy – Take a simple notebook with you where ever you go, so if the mood strikes or you are on a road trip together, you can bring it out and start writing together. Start being aware of all the things that surround you to be thankful to God for – nature, laughter, family, friends, love, etc.
Share – If you write a song, as an act of worship together, bring it to church – share it with the community. We would LOVE to hear what you create together and have the opportunity to connect to God, along with you.
This week at Bridge Kids, we finished our month focusing on The Bridge Core Value, Worship by talking about how Worship is one of God’s Love Languages, which can take many forms, just like our own Love Languages. Our main focus this week was Worship through Songwriting. Songwriting, in an act of worship to God, is like the Love Languages, Words of Affirmation, Gifts and Quality Time.
We started out reviewing the previous Sunday -- Core Values – what does that mean? It means it’s the center (core) of what we build everything we do on. We also briefly discussed Worship through Dancing – the Love Language of Quality Time. We then took a minute to sit in our circle, quietly thinking about things we are thankful for – whether it is people in our lives, our homes, school, or our life. This gave us time to reflect and prepare ourselves for the act of worship.
Today, had a special guest, Todd Fadel, come teach us about songwriting as an act of worship! Todd created a songwriting game that he played with the Bridge Kids to teach them how to write their own songs, at home. Todd and the Bridge Kids wrote a worship song together that will be sung at church in the upcoming weeks.
We challenged them to find time this week to listen to teach YOU Todd’s songwriting game and write together, with you in the next week. – whether they are happy or sad, angry of joyful.
November – Bridge Core Values -- Worship
Dine and Dish:
Talk – Talk to your kids about worship. What does it mean to you? How do you like to worship God? Ask them how they think they might like to worship.
Ask your kids what they are thankful for in their lives.
Discuss the things you are thankful for in your life.
Do an activity together: If you are a parent who is timid about music – that’s ok. Before you begin, be sure to take time to reflect – even if it’s 2 minutes – on God, things to be thankful for and make sure it’s a quiet time, or a brief discussion.
Play the Game – Have your kids teach you Todd’s Songwriting game and sing it together, write it out, frame it and place it on the wall.
Music – Listen to different types of worshipful/prayerful music together and talk about what you think the songwriter was feeling or trying to say to God.
Create Instruments – Using regular household items (ie pots, pans, blocks, etc.) create musical instruments together and play them while listening to music or singing together. Bring them to church to play during the music time upstairs.
Keep a Notebook Handy – Take a simple notebook with you where ever you go, so if the mood strikes or you are on a road trip together, you can bring it out and start writing together. Start being aware of all the things that surround you to be thankful to God for – nature, laughter, family, friends, love, etc.
Share – If you write a song, as an act of worship together, bring it to church – share it with the community. We would LOVE to hear what you create together and have the opportunity to connect to God, along with you.
The Bridge Core Values – Week 3 – Worship through Dancing
John 4: 23-24 Jesus says, It’s who you are and the way you live that count before God. Your worship must engage your spirit in the pursuit of truth. That’s the kind of people the Father is out looking for: those who are simply and honestly themselves before Him in their worship. God is sheer being itself – Spirit. Those who worship Him must do it out of their very being, their spirits, their true selves, in adoration.
This week at Bridge Kids, we talked about how Worship is one of God’s Love Languages, which can take many forms, just like our own Love Languages. Our main focus this week was Worship through Dancing. Dancing, in worship to God, is like the Love Language, Quality Time. We talked about how David, in the Bible danced before God– in thanksgiving and as a cry for help….David was not afraid to be his true self in front of God and we should not be afraid, either.
We started out reviewing the previous Sunday -- Core Values – what does that mean? It means it’s the center (core) of what we build everything we do on. We also briefly discussed Worship through Poetry – the Love Languages of Words of Affirmation and Quality Time. We then took a minute to sit in our circle, quietly thinking about things we are thankful for – whether it is people in our lives, our homes, school, or our life. This gave us time to reflect and prepare ourselves for the act of worship.
Today, had a special guest, Deborah Loyd, come teach us about dancing as an act of worship! We then began the process of being aware of our surroundings, the people around us and being respectful of others’ personal space of worship. Deborah taught us about using the movements in our body to worship God. We can dance and be silly as an act of worship, but we can also move in a prayerful way that reflects how we are feeling toward God.
We challenged them to find time this week to listen to music and dance – whether they are happy or sad, angry of joyful.
November – Bridge Core Values -- Worship
Dine and Dish:
Talk – Talk to your kids about worship. What does it mean to you? How do you like to worship God? Ask them how they think they might like to worship.
Ask your kids what they are thankful for in their lives.
Discuss the things you are thankful for in your life.
Do an activity together: If you are a parent who is timid about dancing – that’s ok. Before you begin, be sure to take time to reflect – even if it’s 2 minutes – on God, things to be thankful for and make sure it’s a quiet time, or a brief discussion.
Ring Around the Rosie Style – Do a Ring Around the Rosie type of dance with your kids, to specific music, or as you are holding hands and skipping in a circle pray a prayer of thanksgiving to God – each of you saying one thing you are thankful for. Once it’s time to “All fall down!” Sit in your circle and talk about the things you are thankful for. Try it again, only slower, with things you want prayer for or how you need God’s help.
Swing – If your kids are small enough to pick up, pick them up, hold them and slowly swing back and forth, praying out loud in thankfulness or prayerfulness.
Read Psalms and Dance – Pick a Psalm and make up funny or serious dance moves to the specific psalm.
Dance without Music – It might seem awkward at first, but move around, mindful of your surroundings and dance with your kids, either silently or while saying things to God, together.
Dance with Music – Try different styles of music from hip hop to classical, being mindful this is an act of worship and experiment how the different style of music changes your thoughts and movements toward God.
This week at Bridge Kids, we talked about how Worship is one of God’s Love Languages, which can take many forms, just like our own Love Languages. Our main focus this week was Worship through Dancing. Dancing, in worship to God, is like the Love Language, Quality Time. We talked about how David, in the Bible danced before God– in thanksgiving and as a cry for help….David was not afraid to be his true self in front of God and we should not be afraid, either.
We started out reviewing the previous Sunday -- Core Values – what does that mean? It means it’s the center (core) of what we build everything we do on. We also briefly discussed Worship through Poetry – the Love Languages of Words of Affirmation and Quality Time. We then took a minute to sit in our circle, quietly thinking about things we are thankful for – whether it is people in our lives, our homes, school, or our life. This gave us time to reflect and prepare ourselves for the act of worship.
Today, had a special guest, Deborah Loyd, come teach us about dancing as an act of worship! We then began the process of being aware of our surroundings, the people around us and being respectful of others’ personal space of worship. Deborah taught us about using the movements in our body to worship God. We can dance and be silly as an act of worship, but we can also move in a prayerful way that reflects how we are feeling toward God.
We challenged them to find time this week to listen to music and dance – whether they are happy or sad, angry of joyful.
November – Bridge Core Values -- Worship
Dine and Dish:
Talk – Talk to your kids about worship. What does it mean to you? How do you like to worship God? Ask them how they think they might like to worship.
Ask your kids what they are thankful for in their lives.
Discuss the things you are thankful for in your life.
Do an activity together: If you are a parent who is timid about dancing – that’s ok. Before you begin, be sure to take time to reflect – even if it’s 2 minutes – on God, things to be thankful for and make sure it’s a quiet time, or a brief discussion.
Ring Around the Rosie Style – Do a Ring Around the Rosie type of dance with your kids, to specific music, or as you are holding hands and skipping in a circle pray a prayer of thanksgiving to God – each of you saying one thing you are thankful for. Once it’s time to “All fall down!” Sit in your circle and talk about the things you are thankful for. Try it again, only slower, with things you want prayer for or how you need God’s help.
Swing – If your kids are small enough to pick up, pick them up, hold them and slowly swing back and forth, praying out loud in thankfulness or prayerfulness.
Read Psalms and Dance – Pick a Psalm and make up funny or serious dance moves to the specific psalm.
Dance without Music – It might seem awkward at first, but move around, mindful of your surroundings and dance with your kids, either silently or while saying things to God, together.
Dance with Music – Try different styles of music from hip hop to classical, being mindful this is an act of worship and experiment how the different style of music changes your thoughts and movements toward God.
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