Children’s Ministries Newsletter

Yorkminster Park Baptist Church

Partnering with families to nurture children and youth in life-long discipleship to Jesus Christ

December 2014 Miriam Little Director of Children’s Ministries 1585 Yonge Street, M4T 1Z9 mlittle@yorkminsterpark.com 416-922-1361

What’s up? December 7th—11:00 a.m. White Gift Sunday and end date for In Our Own Backyard December 14 – for 15 minutes - after the service – practice in the sanctuary for the Kindergarten and Preschool group December 14 – 12:45 to 2:00 p.m. Stick Drama practice on platform December 14 – 4:00 p.m. Childcare provided for Carols by Candlelight December 21—11:00 a.m. Family Christmas Service December 21 – 4:00 p.m. Childcare provided for Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols December 24—Wed 5:00 p.m. Bethlehem on Yonge Saturday, February 28 5 – 7:30 p.m. All Ages dinner and gathering Tuesday, Feb 17 – Pancake supper Saturday, March 28 5 – 7:30 p.m. All Ages dinner and gathering Sunday, March 29 - Palm Sunday celebration Sunday, April 5 - Easter Sunrise Service, breakfast and egg hunt Saturday, May 2 - 5 – 7:30 p.m. All Ages dinner and gathering

From the Desk of Miriam Little Dear Friends,

In our minds we think of December as the month of happiness and celebration. And truly there is much celebration. There are concerts, parties, gift giving and more. Yet, like during any other month of the year, we can experience or we know others who experience difficulties such as..... a perceived failure, a newly diagnosed illness, a struggling relationship, the loss of a job, the loss of a family member or some other heartbreak. Perhaps because of expectations around Christmas, these experiences can feel even more intense.

As Christians, sometimes these problems can bring us face to face with questions about our faith. The Scriptures tell us of Jesus who came to live among us. He is called, ‘Emmanuel’, which means God is with us. He promises to walk alongside us, to support and comfort us and to sustain us. What a blessed hope we have! May you and your family sense His presence in the midst of ‘life’ with its joys and challenges. May you find Christ’s peace and joy in this season.

Just a few notes about December programs: We are providing childcare for young children on December 14 for Carols by Candlelight and on the 21st for The Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols. I am looking forward to the Family Service on December 21st when our children will lead the congregation in worship. On page 2 you will find the list of roles and the link to the song the preschoolers and Kindergarten kids are singing. You will find the details of what time to arrive that morning. Thank you for supporting our children as they lead.

In December in Children’s Ministry we begin studying new themes. In First Look for Preschool and Kindergarten, we are learning about, ‘Why is Jesus special? He is God’s Son’. The memory verse is “God loved the world so much that He gave His only Son.” John 3:16, GNT. And each week parts of the Christmas story are emphasized as told in Luke’s and Matthew’s gospel. Often as I visit these classes I am overwhelmed with what these young children know and are learning about spiritual things. What an opportunity we have to lay a firm foundation for a life time of faith in Jesus.

In 252 this month the theme is: GENEROSITY, Making someone’s day by giving something away. And the MEMORY VERSE is “Be rich in good deeds … be generous and willing to share.” 1 Timothy 6:18, NIV. Each week the bottom line that we want kids to remember is equally interesting and relevant. On week 1, ‘Don’t get wrapped up in your stuff’, week 2, ‘Get wrapped up in what matters most’, week 3, ‘Get wrapped up in Christmas’ and week 4, ‘Get wrapped up in giving’.

If you missed getting some Advent resources for your family, they will be available on Sunday in the children’s classrooms or on the rolling trolley outside the gym.

I am so thankful that you are part of Yorkminster Park.

Help is needed with…..

In Our Own Backyard Help sort the gifts in the library after the service Dec 7th The Family Service – Dec 21 Supervise children who are presenting the nativity Sunday School Birthday Party for Jesus on December 21 Make cupcakes Bethlehem on Yonge

1. Sign up to be one of our characters: be a soldier, guide, Magi

2. Help with building the stable, inn door and other set up

3. Help with cleanup

4. Be a host in Cameron Hall welcoming people to have refreshments

Happy Birthday Jesus!

Bells are ringing,

Bells are ringing,

Christmas Bells,

Christmas Bells,

It is Jesus Birthday,

It is Jesus Birthday,

Ring Bells Ring, Ring Bells Ring

Family Service

A wonderful tradition here at Yorkminster Park

Take the opportunity to invite your friends and family to join us on this special day!

On Sunday, December 21st – 11:00 a.m. in the sanctuary we have the family service when every child from Preschool to Grade 5 has a opportunity to be involved.

Preschool and Kindergarten: can sing “Happy Birthday Jesus” (see words in the green box below). You can download and hear the song at this link. www.dropbox.com/s/3zomqvtks0wt0go/Bells%20are%20Ringing.wma?dl=0

They will practice briefly in the sanctuary on December 14 right after the service.

Grade 1 to 5: Children of this age group will be involved in one or more of the following…..

a. Member of Choristers – singing the Introit b. Part of the cast to form the Nativity c. Member of the stick drama team presenting,

“O Holy Night” by Point of Grace d. Participant in the Advent Candle Reading at the

beginning of the service e. Sharing the “Wonderfully Made” box

In Our Own Backyard The Christmas 2014 Children’s Mission Project collection will take place on December 7th. In Our Own Backyard will help make a difference to people in our own city this winter. We are collecting items to help Youth Unlimited in partnership in the area of the city called Shoreham Court. In this community many of the parents struggle to provide for their families. The Christmas season can be a difficult time for them.

If you have not already brought a gift you may do so on Sunday, December 7th, our White Gift Sunday. Gifts are for infants through youth ages. Toys, games, books and gift cards are among the things suggested.

You may be wondering what the difference is between In Our Own Backyard and White Gift Sunday?

White Gift Sunday has been a long standing tradition here at Yorkminster Park Baptist Church. On this special Sunday before Christmas, we collect gifts (many of them food gifts) that are given to Yonge Street Mission.

In Our Own Backyard is a hands-on mission project sponsored by Children’s Ministries that gives an opportunity for children and families to share with those who are less fortunate.

Both projects are for people in need; both help local ministries here in Toronto.

When to be at church - Sunday, Dec 21

Participants in the Nativity must be at the church in room 203 (Grades 1 – 5 class area) by 9:45 a.m. so they can dress in their costumes and practice in the sanctuary.

Choristers meet in the sanctuary at 9:55 for a practice then to room 203 to dress.

Children in the stick drama are to meet at 9 a.m. in the Heritage Room.

Preschoolers and Kindergarten, at 10:30 in their classrooms. We will have some costumes available if children in this group would like to wear an angel or lamb costume. (They are welcome to choose if they will or will not wear a costume.)

Note!! Preschooler and Kindergarten class will practice for a short time on December 14th right after the service in the sanctuary.

Bethlehem on Yonge December 24th at 5 p.m.

world-changing night. We see live animals along the way.

Did you know that last year we had over 380 people who registered at the census table in spite of an ice storm?

The guided tours to Bethlehem will leave the census table every 5 minutes from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. so feel free to come anytime between those times. After you take the tour and meet the Biblical characters join us for hot chocolate and cookies in Cameron Hall. While there, you can share in some carol singing with Rev. Peter Holmes, Dawn King and the Minster Singers. There will be two carol services, one at approx 5:30 p.m. and the other at 6:15 p.m.

This is a very special event for the whole family. We ’walk’ to Bethlehem in search of the infant Jesus. We meet the people who were there on that important

December 2014

The Advent season, which begins this year on November 30, offers four weeks to prepare our hearts for Jesus’ birth.

Advent’s special meaning and pur-pose often get lost in the Christmas shuffle. But your family can take fun steps to focus on what the season truly means.

Pre-Christmas faith boosters needn’t be elaborate or time-consuming. Instead, use material you have on hand to reinforce the good news the angels shared on that first Christmas Eve: Jesus, our Savior, is born!

In the weeks leading up to Christmas, you can engage in old

and new traditions, make crafts, have discussions about Jesus’ birthday, and worship him as your newborn King.

Look for ways to spread joy as a family. From caroling and delivering cookies to sending cards and inviting neighbors to church services or programs, there are many ways to let your light shine as you celebrate Jesus, the Light of the world.

One popular way to prepare for Jesus’ arrival is to make and light an Advent wreath as a family. The symbols and colors will add meaning to your devotional time together. Turn the page for easy instructions to make a special wreath.

Anticipate Jesus’ Arrival

POWERSOURCE ASK GOD:

1. To bless your family’s Christmas

preparations and to prepare your

hearts for his arrival.

2. To replace stress and busyness

with peace and calm.

3. To help your family stay focused

on Jesus and his joy during the

holiday season.

Miriam Little Director of Children’s Ministries

1585 Yonge Street, M4T 1Z9 mlittle@yorkminsterpark.com

416-922-1361

TEACHABLE MOMENTS

Follow the Star Hang a trail of yellow construction-paper stars throughout your house, and near each star, place a nativity-scene figure. Hang the last, largest star over a cake with candles on it, and place the baby Jesus figurine by it. As a family, follow the stars. Stop at each one and talk about that figure’s role in the first Christmas. At the final star, light the candles on the cake. Say: These candles represent the star of Bethlehem that shone bright-ly over baby Jesus when he came to earth to save us. Read aloud John 8:12 and talk about ways that Jesus can shine brightly in our lives each day. Close in prayer: Dear God, thank you for sending your only Son, Jesus, to be born for us on Christmas. Amen. Then sing “Happy Birthday” to Jesus and share the cake!

Christmas Adventures

As with any birthday celebration, much of the fun of Christmas is planning for—and awaiting—its arrival. Traditions are an important part of Christmas for many families. They provide opportunities to keep your unique legacy going, while focusing on the true reason we observe December 25. From the simple to the silly to the sentimental, traditions can impart key lessons and create meaningful memories. For example, you might buy a new orna-ment for each of your children each year. If you don’t already have an Advent wreath, you can make the one described below.

“I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the

city of David!”—Luke 2:10-11

Family Advent Wreath By making this craft together, you’ll have a cherished tradition for years to come. Using a low-temperature glue gun, secure a white tea can-dle in the center of a pie pan. Then glue four purple (or blue) tea can-dles around it evenly. Adults can use wire cutters to cut flame-resistant greenery to glue around the pan’s lip. Use this wreath as the centerpiece of your family’s Advent devotions. The wreath’s circular shape re-minds us that Jesus has no begin-ning or end. The candles signify that he’s the Light of the world and remind us to live—and shine—for him. Traditionally, each candle has a special meaning. Week 1—The first candle is called the candle of hope. People in the Old Testament knew that God had promised to send a Savior. And we’re filled with hope because we know that Jesus came to earth on the first Christmas to save us from our sin. Light one colored candle on your wreath and read aloud Romans 15:13. Then share some ways you’re filled with hope be-cause you know Jesus. Week 2—The second candle represents preparation. Getting our

hearts ready for Christmas is more important than decorating our home or even our church. Light two colored candles, and read aloud Mark 1:3-4. As a family, brainstorm things you do to get ready for house guests. Talk about what you’d do differently if Jesus were coming to stay at your house. Week 3—The third candle, some-times pink, symbolizes joy. Light three colored candles on your wreath. Read aloud Luke 2:10-11 and discuss the angel’s big an-nouncement. Then encourage each person to share one thing they’re especially joyful about this Christmas. Week 4—The fourth candle repre-sents love. Christmas happened because of God’s great love for all people. Light all four colored can-dles and read aloud John 3:16. Talk about why we give nice things to people we love—and why Jesus is the best gift ever. Close in pray-er, thanking our loving God for sending Jesus as a baby on Christmas. The white center candle is called the Christ candle. Light it on Christmas Day (along with the oth-er candles in your wreath) to cele-brate Jesus’ birthday!

MOVIE Title: Annie Genre: Musical comedy-drama Rating: PG (for some mild language and rude humor) Cast: Jamie Foxx, Quvenzhané Wallis, Rose Byrne, Cameron Diaz Synopsis: This contemporary adapta-tion of the popular musical was pro-duced by Jay-Z and Will Smith. The modern retelling adds racial diversity, as well as some new songs. Our Take: After more than 30 years, this beloved movie receives a well-deserved remake. Kids will enjoy the story of a foster child and her encoun-ter with Will Stacks, a Daddy Warbucks-type of politician. By the end, both of their lives are significantly changed for the better.

MEDIA MADNESS

CULTURE & TRENDS

Comfort Food—Children as young as 5 seek solace in food when they’re stressed out. Research shows that the more stressful a child’s life is, the more sweet foods he or she eats. Girls are especially vulnerable to this habit. Kids said bullying, fights with friends, and sib-ling issues made them turn to food. (dailymail.co.uk) Enjoying Creation—According to a study at Michigan State University, when children get time outside, they also have a greater belief in the creator God. (msutoday.msu.edu)

QUICK STATS

Birds & Bees—In a survey, 80% of

parents blamed the Internet for spur-ring a “facts of life” talk with their kids at a younger age than when the par-ents received the same talk. Today, most kids hear that talk by age 10. Half of today’s parents remember hearing it themselves around age 15—if they heard it at all. (kvue.com) Mainstreaming Perks—Language test scores of kids with disabilities who were placed in classrooms with the most highly skilled peers were about 40% better than scores of kids with disabilities who were placed with the lowest-ranked peers. (news.osu.edu)

BOOK

Title: The Contract Author: Derek Jeter Synopsis: This middle-grade baseball novel is the first in a series by the recently retired New York Yankees shortstop. Jeter based the story on his childhood, when his parents gave him a “contract” promising rewards for good behavior and wise decisions. Our Take: With lots of baseball action by a superstar author, this book is sure to be a homerun—especially with boys. The Contract contains positive mes-sages about persistence and pursuing one’s dreams. It doesn’t acknowledge, however, the high level of physical talent required to make it in profes-sional sports.

Games, Sites & Apps

Super Smash Bros. This popular multiplayer “brawling” game is being released for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U. Characters are from various Nintendo franchises. Players try to launch opponents off a stage, so there’s lots of cartoon violence.

BrainBashers.com On this site, older kids can take simple quiz-zes, complete puzzles, play games, view opti-cal illusions, and more. The site is free but requires that cookies are turned on.

Grandma Loves Bugs With this iOS app, preschoolers can practice coloring, counting, simple spelling, and letter matching. Children will enjoy catching virtual fireflies and using the app’s magnifying glass on photos of real bugs.

This page is designed to help educate parents and isn’t meant to endorse any movie, music, or product. Our prayer is that

you’ll make informed decisions about what your children watch, read, listen to, and play.