Fall is Here

Our Fall programs are in full swing. Sunday KidsJAM has been growing. We have new curriculum, many new families in attendance, and even some new helpers in our preschool programs.

Awanas has turned out to be a wonderful success. Many thanks to Wendy Elliot for her wisdom and guidance as our new commander. Our adult volunteers have been fantastic. It seems most of our begining of the year bugs, have been worked out. And we are well on our way to a great year. Our Cubbie program had so many children. We chose to make two separate Cubbie groups in order to accomodate everyone. This is happy news as we share God’s love with our little ones. Last week we celebrated our Fall Harvest Festival. Children and leaders alike were dressed in costumes. We decorated cookies and had special games and crafts. What a fun night for children.

As we head toward Thanksgiving our focus will be on keeping an “attitude of gratitiude.” It is so easy for us to loose sight of our blessings and focus on our trials. It may be cliche` but it is time to reset our focus.

“…whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” Philipians 4:8

Friday, 18 November 2011 10:41 Written by ECW 0 Comments

Coming Up in KidsJAM

Summer is winding down quickly. Many of our children have already started the new school year. For a great day with your family join us Sunday, August 28 at 3 PM, for “Baptism on the Bay”. Bring a picnic and be prepared for a time of fellowship and joyful celebration.

KIDS JAM is delighted to be sending home a new monthly publication called, Home Front. You will see articles on family devotions. You will find articles to help equip parents as spiritual leaders. There are also ideas & activities to enhance family time. The first issue of home from will be sent home with your child, September 4. You may also pick one up in the sign in area.

We are pleased to pass along the news that AWANAS is continuing. Wendy Elliot is our Commander this year. We look forward to seeing the children on Wednesday nights.

Our new fall KIDSJAM curriculum begins September 4. Preschoolers will spend this year learning the New Testament stories. The older children are starting a bran new curriculum from TRU that we are excited to present. We are looking forward to fall and spending time with you and your children.

Ruth Bagley Ploppert

Friday, 26 August 2011 14:30 Written by ECW 0 Comments

Ooey Gooey and God

“Ooey Gooey and God” has proven to be dynamic way reinforce spiritual truths. We have “walked on water”, while learning about keeping our eyes on Jesus. We have created geysers and explosions with Mentos and Diet Cokes; to illustrate we can accomplish great things with the help of God, through prayer. Last week we peeled bananas, only to find they were sliced on the inside. It goes to show things aren’t always what they seem. We are looking forward to more fabulous, spiritual facts and crazy concoctions as our KIDSJAM summer program moves along.

Our preschool program at both ECW Preschool and KIDSJAM are continuing on with our “FISHY” activities. We talked about how God made Fish on the 5th day of creation. Last week we talked about Noah’s Ark. Do you think there were fish on the ark? Maybe Noah had a big aquarium on board. Maybe he didn’t need to worry about the fish because there was plenty of water. But most importantly Noah listened to God. We can hear God talking to us if we are quiet and listen. What is he saying to you? We spent some time after our story fishing with magnet fish. Next week we will hear about Jonah and the Big Fish.

Tuesday, 19 July 2011 14:26 Written by ECW 0 Comments

Hamantaschens & Groggers

Kids JAM had soooooooooooo much fun on Sunday!

First, the kids made cookies called ‘Hamantaschen’ which resemble crowns or hats. These are favorite treats enjoyed during the Jewish holiday of Purim – a wonderful celebration of Queen Esther and how she saved the Jewish people.

Then, we made some cool noisemakers called ’groggers’ which the kids use during the telling of the story from the book of Esther in the Bible. The cookies came out of the oven and needed to cool, so Mr. Eddie told the story of Queen Esther, Malachi, and Haman. Malachi was the good guy, and the kids shook their groggers and cheered every time Mr. Eddie said his name. Haman was the bad guy and everyone stomped their feet and booed when Mr. Eddie said his name.

We sure had a great time learning, laughing, and playing.

Here’s a traditional recipe for the cookies as promised:

Ingredients

2 cups pitted prunes, cooked, drained and mashed
2 cups dried apricots, cooked drained and mashed
3 eggs
1 cup white sugar
1/2 cup safflower oil
1 lemon, zested
1 orange, zested
4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/3 cup white sugar, or to taste

Directions

Place prunes and apricots into a large pot filled with water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Cook the fruit uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the fruit is tender, about 15 minutes. Drain fruit in a colander and mash together in a bowl using a fork. Set aside.
Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Whisk eggs, 1 cup sugar, oil, lemon zest, and orange zest together in a bowl and set aside. Sift flour and baking powder together in a large bowl. Stir in the egg mixture, kneading with hands until the dough comes together. Roll out dough to about 1/4 inch in thickness on a lightly floured surface. Cut circles out using a cookie cutter or the rim of a drinking glass.
Mix prune and apricot mixture, lemon juice, walnuts, and 1/3 cup sugar in a bowl. Place a tablespoon of the filling in the center of the cookie. Pinch the edges firmly together to create a triangle, leaving the center open to expose the filling. Repeat with the remaining cookies.
Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, about 20 minutes. Cool in the pans for 10 minutes before removing to cool completely on a wire rack.

Wednesday, 15 June 2011 14:22 Written by ECW 0 Comments

Summer Time at KidsJAM

In just a couple of weeks we will be finished with our Old Testament study. The New Testament study begins in the fall.

What does our Lord have in store for us this summer? Listen to the Spirit. He speaks to all of us, from the tiniest baby on. We plan to provide lots of opportunity to help and encourage each child to listen to the Holy Spirit. How can we respond? How do we praise Him? How can we show love & honor to the Holy Spirit?

VBS will look very different this summer. We are planning family VBS time. Praise, prayer, worship, and fellowship will take place with parents, grandparents, and other loved ones, rather than being separated by age.

“Hands On” science projects will be used to reinforce Biblical truths during KIDS JAM. Your children can look forward to mysteries, solutions and revelations as we study.

There is Something “FISHY” Around Here is the theme for our summer Preschool & infant program. Bible stories, crafts and games will center on fish and sea life.

Matthew 4:19
“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.”

Stay tuned for dates and times. KIDS JAM Staff is looking forward to a blessed summer with you and your children.