Our purpose: To encourage, inform, inspire, and train Bible school teachers.
At the Pan American Games, Greg Louganis was asked how he coped with the stress of the international diving competition. He replied that he climbs to the board, takes a deep breath, and thinks, “Even if I blow this dive, my mother will still love me.” Then he goes for excellence.
At the beginning of each day, how good it would be for each of us to take a deep breath, say, “Even if I blow this dive, my Father in heaven will still love me”, and then, assured of grace, go into the day seeking a perfect “10”!
A Bundle of Laughs
REACHING THE LOST GENERATION
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE LOST GENERATION
Shift From the Common Good to Individual Needs
Our democratic society was built upon the premise that we all fare better when we are willing to sacrifice our personal rights for the good of the whole. This used to be taught in schools as good citizenship.
The pendulum has swung to the opposite extreme and now an individual’s rights are all that matter. It’s all about me! Fewer people in the Mosaic generation (those born 1984-2002) are interested in looking to the needs of others above their own needs (Philippians 2:4). One of the foundational truths of the church is its sense of the good of the whole body being placed above individual needs, preferences, and goals.
How can teachers help students feel good about giving up some of their own rights for the good of others? How can parents be equipped by the church to teach service and sacrifice to their children at home? How can hands-on service experiences overcome some of the self-centered attitudes that are a part of our culture?
What office is there which involves more responsibility, which requires more qualifications, and which ought, therefore, to be more honorable than that of teaching?
Harriet Martineau
Teaching Tips From LifeLINKS to God
When Teaching the Bible to Middle Schoolers ...
Many young people consider themselves religious because of the things they do: attending church, youth group, Bible study, participating in community service projects, etc. While not discouraging students from these endeavors, it’s crucial to help them recognize why they get involved in these activities.
When asking questions in class to spark reflection about their motives, take care that you have created an atmosphere where youth feel at ease sharing their personal experiences and ideas. Comment positively when possible. Show your pleasure when students contribute to the discussion.
A Discipline Question
Q. How do I respond to a child who mocks me?
A. In this case, it’s best to act quickly and decisively. This child is trying to get a reaction, so an understated response is your most effective approach. If the child mocks you in front of others, keep your response short, but affirming — never shaming.
Sometimes kids express themselves more dramatically than intended. Ask the child to restate his or her comment in a more positive way.
If a child uses harsh words, don’t overreact. Kids come from all backgrounds and home situations, and the last thing a child needs is a negative response, especially at church. If possible, hand off the lesson to another adult (maybe to begin a game) while you talk with the child away from the group. Explain there are thousands of other words in the English language the child can use to express himself, and the one he used was inappropriate.
As a last resort, involve his parents. Let the parents know their child is welcome — and you’re going to work together to help him find positive ways to express himself.
Gordon and Becki West
Children’s Ministry Magazine
November/December 2011
Worshipers were invited to a special study on prayer. At the close of the course, the minister invited the participants to write one-sentence prayers. Here are some of those prayers:
“Lord, help me to relax about insignificant details — beginning at 7:41:23 a.m. (EST).”
“God, help me to consider people’s feelings, even if most of them are hypersensitive.”
“Father, help me take responsibility for my own actions, even though they’re usually not my fault.”
“Lord, help me to be more laid back, and help me do it exactly right.”
“Heavenly Father, please help me take things more seriously, especially having a good time.”
“God, give me patience, and I mean right now!”
“Lord, help me not to be a perfectionist. (Did I spell that correctly?)”
“Lord, keep me open to other people’s ideas, wrong though they may be.”
Amen.
The 365 Day Clean Joke Book
|
|
It’s Not Too Early To Think About VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL!!!
 All Aboard the Kingdom Express
Staying on the Right Track in a Troubled World
Are you ready to roll full-steam-ahead into becoming all that God wants you to be? Then we invite you to step into the VBS depot, purchase a one-way ticket, and get on board the Kingdom Express!
In many ways, our lives can be compared to one long set of railroad tracks, extending all the way from birth to our future and eternal home in heaven. Yet, all along the way are obstacles and junctions which impede our progress and cause us to veer onto the wrong track. When we fail to continually strengthen ourselves by making the right decisions, we can become spiritually weak and unable to power past the obstacles that lie in wait to derail us. This is what the apostle Paul warned against when he said, "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord." (1 Corinthians 15:58)
This VBS is about how to stay strong, powerful, and traveling down the right track as we make our way along life's journey. So if you are ready for a life which is blessed by your own actions, attitudes, and decisions, then we invite you to join us on this remarkable journey as we learn to stay on the right track in a troubled world. Even now, if you listen closely above the hissing of the steam and the ringing of the bell, you can hear the conductor calling you — "All Aboard!"
Promise Publishing
Starter Kit $46.99
 The Treasure of the Forgotten Island
Searching for Gems in Proverbs
Come join us on an expedition through the book of Proverbs. We will learn to listen to instruction, dig deeper in our Bible study, avoid foolish behavior, and discover the secrets to having the best life possible here on earth. Finally, we locate the treasure—wisdom—and learn how to get it. "For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding" (Proverbs 2:6). This series will have your students searching their Bibles to find help with their everyday lives.
Lambert Book House
Starter Kit $44.95
 Adventures on Promise Island
Where kids discover God’s lifesaving love!
Amid the swaying palm trees, exotic wildlife, and welcoming sunshine, kids will learn that God promises;
• I am with you
• I care about you
• I give you what you need
• I will save you
• I will answer you
God’s promises never change, but your life definitely will! So kick off those sandals, sit back in the sand and feel that warm, gentle breeze as your kids learn about the Promises of God!
Standard Publishing
Starter Kit $69.99
Attend a 21st Century Christian Teacher Training Workshop in your area. Listed below are upcoming seminars.
• January 28, 2012
West End Church of Christ
Atlanta, GA
404-753-6271
• April 14, 2012
North Town Church of Christ
McAlester, OK
918-423-7332
• April 21, 2012
Church of Christ South Yukon
Yukon, OK
405-354-1863
• May 12, 2012
Elmwood Park Church of Christ
Detroit, MI
313-567-4027
21st Century Christian wants to protect your security and privacy. Be assured that we will never ask for personal information (such as passwords or credit card numbers) in an e-mail newsletter. If you receive such a request, please do not respond to that e-mail. We respect your privacy. You are receiving this email because you subscribed to the e-Teacher Digest e-mail list. We do not share your e-mail with anyone. However, if you no longer wish to receive these e-mails, simply click here to go to the e-Teacher Digest Subscription page, enter your e-mail address in the space provided, and select the Unsubscribe option. Your e-mail address will be removed automatically. See our Privacy Policy to learn more.
|
