New Resources for Ministry!

Several times a year publishers release their new resources for ministry - this is a fun time as so many of the resources show creativity and provide opportunity to further develop effective ministry! We will take a look at a number of new resources - maybe you will find one or more to help you in your ministry!

Dream Themes
Publisher - Group Publishing

Favorite Features:

15 complete themes to choose from
each theme idea includes information to help with developing each theme from painting to extra things like seating as well as ideas to help you connect the theme with your overall ministry goals
nursery ideas for windows, walls, doors and corners
quick fixes - 20 simple ideas to make children's rooms more inviting
helpful information to develop a mission so your theme can compliment and reinforce the mission
steps to take to choose and put your theme together

Children's ministry should be fun . . . a theme setting goes a long way in developing atmosphere in your children's ministry and tells parents, visitors and kids that the kids matter and are valued. This resource provides excellent, helpful information and resources to help any church - large or small - determine, develop and utilize a "Dream Theme". Very nicely done Group Publishing!

Make and Play
Puppets
Author - Bonnie Temple
Publisher - Group Publishing

Favorite Features:

25 Bible lessons from the Old & New Testaments and puppets for kids to make and tell the story
each lesson includes:

power words - Scripture verses
Scripture for lesson
provisions - supply list
prepare it - directions to begin
proclaim it - Bible story
praise point - message of the story
puppet pointer - helpful information
praise and play with it
talk about it - questions for application
power prayer

This is a fun book with creative, varied puppet ideas kids will enjoy and be reminded of the story with . . .

*** I would avoid using rubber bands with preschoolers who still put things in their mouths - consider using chenille wire instead . . . also avoid craft supplies small enough to be choking hazards like stick on jewels as they look like candy and children may be tempted to put them in their mouths - use paper "jewels" instead.

Nicely done Bonnie and Group Publishing!

Just Add
Puppets
Publisher - Group Publishing

Favorite Features:

20 puppet skits on CD-ROM
introduction with information on where to use skits, how to perform a skit and supplies, props and other extra resources you will need
background and prop patterns
each skit includes:

topic
Scripture
scene descriptions
characters
props & set up info
script

teacher tips - helpful information
Scripture index
topical index

This book has lots of skit ideas for those in your church who enjoy utilizing puppets. The skits are flexible and provide complete information to add to an established puppet ministry or to aid churches in developing a puppet ministry. Nicely done Group Publishing.

Wee-Built Bible Town
Publisher - Group Publishing

Favorite Features:

13 complete lessons for preschoolers about Jesus
each lesson includes:

foundation - point and Scriptures
background - information on Bible times relating to lesson
tools - supplies needed
excavation - directions
project - lessons with:

activities
songs
Bible times
snack
crafts and extra ideas

reproducible take home papers with things to do at home - excellent
Bible town tips
Scripture index
covers topics from Bible times, like - housing, clothing, food, schools, jobs, shopping, worship, animals, transportation, play, music & holidays

This innovative and unique resource for preschool age children is one the kids will remember and learn from as they have the opportunity to experience Bible life while learning about Jesus! These lessons are written to powerfully impact children and leave lasting impressions of Jesus and His love for them. It is an excellent resource to utilize in a Sunday School, Children's Church or Sunday Evening class as both children and teachers will remember these lessons! Extremely well done Group Publishing!

Instant Christmas Pageant
The Mouse's Tale
Authors - Cindy Hansen & Bob Latchaw
Publisher - Group Publishing

Favorite Features:

complete program - on CD rom - so kids have the opportunity to enjoy participating without the stress of memorizing lines
works for kids age 4 and older
helpful information for costumes
reproducible props - also on the CD - excellent!
help with publicity
complete script included
program includes congregational singing and provides the lyrics for these songs

I like the Instant Pageants as they provide so much flexibility and creativity to allow anyone to participate in the pageant - regardless of talent or lack thereof! This is a fun resource and would make an excellent opportunity for kids to prepare and present a program in their church, in nursing homes or in community settings. Extremely well done Group Publishing!

I Can Make it Myself
Bible Story Crafts for Preschoolers
Publisher - Group Publishing

Favorite Features:

44 craft and story ideas from the Old & New Testaments
each craft/story includes:

Bible passages
Bible focus
Bible words
materials needed to complete craft
Bible story
picture of final project
complete, easy to follow directions with illustrations
questions to ask preschoolers to help them understand and remember the story

variety of crafts add to interest
crafts are fun and make projects to keep

This book is filled with projects for fun and real learning making it an excellent addition to the church resource library as well as a fun book to use at home as well. I would again caution using some of these craft supplies with young children who still put things in their mouths - replace marbles with pieces of paper gathered into a small ball and keep choking hazards in mind as you gather supplies so you can replace any supply you may need to. Very nicely done Group Publishing!

Tippy Towers & Boo Blankets
Bible Play for Tiny Tots
Publisher - Group Publishing

Favorite Features:

100 games for infants through children six years old
games have a point
games are simple and provide opportunity for parents and teachers to interact with young children
contents include "point" after each game listing by age
introduction - helpful, useful information
information for each age level
"For Seedlings", "For Older Sprouts" - ideas to adapt game for other ages

This book is a fun tool for parents and teachers to utilize with children to help them learn and grow and to connect with each other. Very nicely done Group Publishing!

	Quick Games for Children's Ministry Publisher - Group Publishing
Everyone's a Winner Games for Children's Ministry Publisher - Group Publishing
	Instant Games for Children's Ministry Author - Susan Lingo Publisher - Group Publishing

Favorite Features:

literally 100's of games for kids to play and learn from
noncompetitive games
games to make a point
high, medium and low energy games
index to help find games
indoor - outdoor games
games to help kids get to know each other and build relationships
games to build teamwork

Games should be for fun. Games should be for learning. Games should pull kids together and not push them apart. These books are filled with games that do all these things and are excellent resources to include in any children's ministry! Extremely well done Susan and Group Publishing!

Forget-Me-Not
Bible StoryActivities
Author - Christine Yount
Publisher - Group Publishing

Favorite Features:

24 lessons - ideas to use with other activities or to complete a lesson
information on how kids learn
each lesson includes:

Scripture
point/goal
activities for each of the seven learning styles
Extra! Extra! - additional fun ideas

each activity includes:

supplies needed
preparation
questions

This book is an excellent resource to add to your shelf, but don't expect to leave it there as it will be used over and over again to complete lessons and help children connect with, remember, understand and live God's Word. Extremely well done Christine and Group Publishing!

Children's Resources Table of Contents

'Round About the Church - Children's Resources

Last Updated March 5, 2002

Web Page by Lynda Freeman

Send an e-mail to Lynda at LyndaFreeman@roundaboutthechurch.com