The Vine - News Blog

Children’s Ministries: FaithWalk Rotation for June; Vacation Bible Camp July 15-19

 
FAITHWALK SUNDAY SCHOOL ROTATION
 
The Faith of Daniel, Sundays in June
 
“...We must obey God rather than men.” Acts 5:29
 
Join us in Sunday school as we learn about Daniel’s obedience to God, his courage, and his faith in the midst of danger. God took Daniel’s circumstances and turned it all for good. Eventually, the king ordered the world to worship and serve the one true God of Daniel! We will paint portions of the Daniel story on plates, play games, and act out the story using masks and signs. We will learn that Daniel never struggled with whether he would obey God. He chose to please God rather than man. We, too, can pray to God each day and ask for His help to be brave and do what is right.
 
“Then King Darius wrote to all peoples and nations of every language throughout the whole world: May you have abundant prosperity! I make a decree, that in all my royal dominion people should tremble and fear before the God of Daniel: He is the living God, enduring forever. His kingdom shall never be destroyed, and his dominion has no end.” Daniel 6:25-26
 
VACATION BIBLE CAMP
 
Vacation Bible Camp (Arborlawn Fun Fair) is July 15-19 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. each day. Come join us for this exciting week for kids Ages 3 years (and potty trained) through exiting 5th Grade. For the younger preschool kids we will have storytelling, crafts, music, snacks, and games.
 

For the older kids we will have crafts, science, missions, story, snacks, games, and more. On the last day of VBC we will have a Fun Fair! There will be face painting, a bounce house, carnival games, cotton candy, prizes to win, and many more surprises. You won’t want to miss this fun week. Mark it on your calendars and invite a friend. VBC is free. Register today. For more details on Vacation Bible Camp, contact Melissa Hedger.
 
We also need numerous volunteers to make this the best VBC ever. If you can help all week or one day, we need you. Check out the opportunities and sign up today. For more details on volunteering, contact Kristen Harford.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Children’s Ministries: FaithWalk; Vacation Bible Camp

 
FaithWalk Rotation: This coming Sunday (May 26) in FaithWalk Sunday School Rotation is Movie Day. Come join us in the theater and have some popcorn as we watch a movie.
 
Vacation Bible Camp (Arborlawn Fun Fair) is July 15-19 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. each day. Come join us for this exciting week for kids Ages 3 years (and potty trained) through exiting 5th Grade. For the younger preschool kids we will have storytelling, crafts, music, snacks, and games.
 


For the older kids we will have crafts, science, missions, story, snacks, games, and more. On the last day of VBC we will have a Fun Fair! There will be face painting, a bounce house, carnival games, cotton candy, prizes to win, and many more surprises. You won’t want to miss this fun week. Mark it on your calendars and invite a friend. VBC is free. Register today. For more details on Vacation Bible Camp, contact Melissa Hedger.
 
We also need numerous volunteers to make this the best VBC ever. If you can help all week or one day, we need you. Check out the opportunities and sign up today. For more details on volunteering, contact Kristen Harford.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Children’s Ministries: KidsJAM; FaithWalk; Vacation Bible Camp

 
KidsJAM (Joy And Music) Open House May 22
 
KidsJAM (Joy And Music), Arborlawn’s choir for children ages 4 and 5, is holding an Open House at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 22. The group meets in Room 133.
 

Parents and other family will see what the KidsJAM children have learned this spring. New 4- and 5-year olds (and 3-year olds who will be 4 by Sept 1, 2013) and their parents are invited to attend as a preview to enrolling in the fall.
 
FaithWalk Rotation
 
Upcoming FaithWalk topics: May 19: Pentecost Sunday. We will learn what this Sunday is all about and play some fun games! May 26: Movie Day. Come join us in the theater and have some popcorn as we watch a movie.
 
Vacation Bible Camp (July 15-19)
 
Vacation Bible Camp (Everywhere Fun Fair: Where God’s World Comes Together) is July 15-19 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. each day. Come join us for this exciting week for kids Ages 3 years (and potty trained) through exiting 5th Grade. For the younger preschool kids we will have storytelling, crafts, music, snacks, and games. For the older kids we will have crafts, science, missions, story, snacks, games, and more. On the last day of VBC we will have a Fun Fair!
 

There will be face painting, a bounce house, carnival games, cotton candy, prizes to win, and many more surprises. You won’t want to miss this fun week. Mark it on your calendars and invite a friend. Register today. VBC is free. For more details on Vacation Bible Camp, contact Melissa Hedger.
 
We also need numerous volunteers to make this the best VBC ever. If you can help all week or one day, we need you. Check out the opportunities and sign up today. For more details on volunteering, contact Kristen Harford.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Children’s Ministries: FaithWalk; KidsJAM; VBC

 
FaithWalk Sunday School Rotation
 
Upcoming FaithWalk topics: May 12: Mother’s Day. Come join us for Sunday School as we celebrate our moms. Everyone will make and leave with a gift for his or her mother. May 19: Pentecost Sunday. We will learn what this Sunday is all about and play some fun games! May 26: Movie Day. Come join us in the theater and have some popcorn as we watch a movie.
 
KidsJAM (Joy And Music) Open House May 22
 
KidsJAM (Joy And Music), Arborlawn’s choir for children ages 4 and 5, is holding an Open House at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 22. The group meets in Room 133.
 

Parents and other family will see what the KidsJAM children have learned this spring. New 4- and 5-year olds (and 3-year olds who will be 4 by Sept 1, 2013) and their parents are invited to attend as a preview to enrolling in the fall.
 
Vacation Bible Camp
 
Vacation Bible Camp (Everywhere Fun Fair: Where God’s World Comes Together) is July 15-19 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. each day. Come join us for this exciting week for kids Ages 3 years (and potty trained) through exiting 5th Grade.
 

For the younger preschool kids we will have storytelling, crafts, music, snacks, and games. For the older kids we will have crafts, science, missions, story, snacks, games, and more. On the last day of VBC we will have a Fun Fair! There will be face painting, a bounce house, carnival games, cotton candy, prizes to win, and many more surprises. You won’t want to miss this fun week. Mark it on your calendars and invite a friend. Register today. VBC is free. For more details on Vacation Bible Camp, contact Melissa Hedger.
 
We also need numerous volunteers to make this the best VBC ever. If you can help all week or one day, we need you. Check out the opportunities and sign up today. For more details on volunteering, contact Kristen Harford.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

February FaithWalk: Paul: Shackled and Shipwrecked

 
The Children's Sunday School FaithWalk rotation for February is Paul: Shackled and Shipwrecked. We invite kids from 1st through 5th Grades to join us on Sundays, Feb. 3, 10, 17, and 24 during the Sunday School hour.
 
An earthquake shatters the walls of a prison, yet no prisoners escape; a man is struck blind by a piercing, bright light; travelers to distant lands encounter danger...
 
Sounds like a Hollywood movie, doesn’t it? Except this isn’t a movie; it’s Truth. And you can learn all about it in Sunday School at Arborlawn. We’ll learn how God changed Paul and how He can change us, too!
 
God was with Paul on his journeys, guiding him and protecting him. And lots of people believed in Jesus because of Paul. So join us on Sundays as we learn important life lessons from Paul and explore ways in which we, too, can help others come to know Jesus.
 
2 Corinthians 5:17: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone the new has come!”
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

FaithWalk Sunday School Rotation: Shadow of Good Things to Come: Old Covenant to New Covenant

 
In this lesson series (Jan. 6 through Jan. 27 during the Sunday School hour), children will follow the shadow from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant, tracking important people along the way. Through this unit, children discover that even as God gave Moses, King David, and King Solomon plans for the tabernacle, God had already planned for a New Covenant through His Son, Jesus. Students will unroll a scroll of scripture, making a connection between the old and the new and learning that everything points to Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Through games, movie, puppet play, and cooking, children will learn that our bodies are God’s temple in the New Covenant and explore what that means in how we live our lives each day. Come see why we, as a people of faith, are filled with hope!
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

FaithWalk Rotation: Miracle in the Manger, Nov. 25 through Dec. 16

 
The Advent season FaithWalk Rotation (Children's Sunday School) is Nov. 25 through Dec. 16. Join us as we discover anew the miracle of Jesus’ birth. The children will create watercolor silhouettes of Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus, as we consider the true meaning behind our celebrations. In “Joseph’s Workshop,” students will have an opportunity to use their carpentry skills as they build mangers and fill them with golden “scripture hay.” In cooking, we will bake nativity cookies and reflect upon the part that each character played in the holy birth. Through story and computers, the children will experience the miracle of the baby Jesus and gain a better understanding of what that means for us today. Oh come let us adore Him!
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Children's Sunday School collecting UMCOR Health Kits

 
During the upcoming Children's Sunday School FaithWalk Rotation called "Thanks Living" (Oct. 28 through Nov. 18), the children will be putting together UMCOR Health Kits. We could use your help in collecting items for the kits. All of these items must be new. Please bring your donations to the downstairs rotation hallway or leave them in the church office. Donated items are welcome during the entire duration of the rotation, which winds up Nov. 18.
 
1 - Hand Towel (15x25 to 17x27)
1 - Washcloth
1 - Metal Nail File
1 - Toothbrush
1 - Bath Size Soap Bar
1 - Box of Band Aids (regular size only; they can't send the boxes with multiple sizes)
 
The children thank you for your donations!
 

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ArborlawnUMC.org

FaithWalk Rotation "Thanks Living" starts October 28

 
“Therefore, I urge you brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice to God – this is your true and proper worship...”  Romans 12:12
 
The Children's Sunday School FaithWalk Rotation "Thanks Living" starts Oct. 28 and runs through Nov. 18.
 
In this series of Sunday school lessons, students will gain confidence as they learn that they, too, can make a difference. As we live out our faith in service to those who are less fortunate, the children will be putting together Snack Sacks for the hungry and UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) packages of hygiene items for disaster victims. 
 
The children will tour the Food Pantry and learn that as we help others, we are using our bodies to worship and thank God. They will create encouraging Scripture Greeting Cards for the elderly, as well as colorful bookmarks to remind them of God’s love. When we shine with God’s Light by helping others, we are living our lives to Glorify God! The children will learn that we do for others, not to be recognized for the good we have done, but so that others will recognize God within us and come to glorify Him. 
 
Join us as we get busy, shining God’s Light with our lives!
 
“Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who lives in heaven.”  Matthew 5:16
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

FaithWalk Rotation: "The Bible and Me" starts Sept. 23

 
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”  John 1:1
 
In the children's Sunday School FaithWalk Rotation "The Bible and Me" (Sept. 23 through Oct. 21), we will explore one of God’s greatest gifts to us – His Word. Through computers, art media, interactive play, and song, the children will become familiar with the different parts of our Bible, how to find and read scripture references, and how to use it as a guide for knowing Jesus and growing in our faith. 
 
As we journey through the Bible, children will pen scripture onto “ancient” scrolls using quill pens, while learning the eternal impact of living in Christ. During the fall, 3rd Grade Sunday School students at Arborlawn traditionally receive gift Bibles from the church, to help them establish a firm faith foundation. This year's 3rd Grade Bibles Sunday is Sept. 23 in all three worship services. Don’t miss the fun as we familiarize ourselves with the greatest Book, the story of our faith! 
 
“How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word.  I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.”  Psalm 119:9-11
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Kids Sunday School (FaithWalk Rotation): Psalms of David starts Aug. 19

 
By Susan Pike
 
The FaithWalk Rotation "Psalms of David" runs from Aug. 19 through Sept. 16. In this rotation, the children will sing, pray, create, and play the Psalms of David.     
 
Just like the shepherd David, we will learn to draw on the strength of our Lord when facing the giants of this world. Students will discover that we have nothing to fear because the Good Shepherd provides for us and cares for our every need. We will “star gaze” as we paint and contemplate the beauty and wonder of God’s creation, recognizing that our Creator loves us and knows us by name. 
 
Come celebrate the Psalms with us in Sunday school!
 
“Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs… It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, the sheep of His pasture.” Psalm 100:1-3
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Kids: FaithWalk Rotation: Moses: Sea and Sand, July 8 - Aug. 12

 
By Susan Pike
 
It’s summer and children in 1st through 5th Grades will be trekking through sea and sand as we study the story of God’s deliverance for our summer FaithWalk Rotation.
 
Students will create  their own puppets to help them tell the story of the Egyptians chasing the Israelites right into the Red Sea, when God comes to the rescue just in time. They will make sand tarts as they learn about the hardships the Israelites faced in the desert, try out their sleuthing skills as they crack Biblical codes, and go on a spy mission to the Promised Land to see what the future holds. 
 
Through hands-on activities the children will examine what it means to trust God in all situations (ordinary and extraordinary) and recognize that God provided for the needs of the Israelites, just as He provides for our needs today.  
 
We hope to see you. Don’t miss the fun!
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Children's FaithWalk rotation "The Prodigal Son" starts June 3

 
By Susan Pike
 
“...But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.”  Luke 15:20
 
Our next Children's FaithWalk Sunday School rotation is called "The Prodigal Son," and it runs June 3 through July 1. The kids will make Prodigal Son pigs-in-the-blanket, as they learn how the wasteful son lived high off the hog until his money ran out, forcing him to get a job feeding slop to pigs (considered unclean animals in Jewish culture). The children will finish up just in time for their own feast, as we discover that repentance and forgiveness are always cause for celebration. 
 
The children will see a movie, play computer games and other active games, and learn that just as the loving father forgave his wayward son, so our loving Father is always ready to run to us when we are sorry and ask for forgiveness. 
 
In Joseph’s Workshop, the kids will have an opportunity to explore how our body language can show emotion or ideas, as they make wire sculptures depicting the moment of forgiveness between the wasteful son and his loving father. The children will learn to relate to every character in the story, including the resentful son, as they learn multiple lessons from this story that Jesus told. 
 
“But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.”  Luke 15:32
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

New kids’ FaithWalk rotation on Joseph starts April 15

 
The children’s Sunday School FaithWalk rotation topic for Apr. 15 through May 13 is “Joseph: Living in a Land of Many Colors.”
 
During this FaithWalk rotation, the kids will explore the stepping stones in Joseph’s life and how he lived through each  one with faith and trust in God.
 
They will step out into Joseph’s life starting with the coat of many colors that he received as a favorite son. They will come to learn that through the bad situations in Joseph’s life, God was working His good plan.
 
Through Art, Computer, Drama, Games, and Theater, the children will understand and explore the main  concept: God is sovereign over our lives, working good in the lives of  individuals, families, and nations.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Faithwalk Rotation: Go and Tell - Easter Journey

 
By Susan Pike
 
Our newest FaithWalk Rotation Sunday School topic for kids in Grades 1-5 starts this Sunday, Mar. 11 and runs through Easter Sunday, Apr. 8.
   
Join us as we discover anew the lessons that Jesus taught during His last week on earth. Children will attend the Last Supper, where Jesus washed the feet of the disciples in a selfless and loving act of service. 
 
They will visit the garden of prayer, as we learn from Jesus how to draw strength from our ever-present God. 
 
In art, kids will visit the cross where our debt of sin was paid in full, and in our study of the resurrection, we will make symbols of the new life we have in Christ, to be shared with our congregation in May.
 
The children will see an Easter movie, featuring real people, telling the Good News story that Jesus commands us to share with others. In addition, FaithWalk children will receive their own take-home prayer guides for each week in Lent, to share with their families as part of our church-wide Lenten prayer project called “Seek God for the City 2012.”
 
CHILDREN'S EASTER MISSION PROJECT: “BLESS MY SOLE”
 
“Now that I, your Lord and teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.”  John 13:14-15
    
Jesus washed the feet of His disciples, a humble gesture, generally performed by lowly servants. To help us remember to serve others, as imitators of Christ, we will be collecting new pairs of socks to be given to the clients of United Community Centers.  A clean pair of socks will bless the man who has none!
   
Look for the “Bless My Sole” collection station in the Children’s area at the foot of the stairs. We will collect new socks through Easter Sunday, Apr. 8.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

FaithWalk rotation about the Apostle's Creed starts this Sunday

 
Contributed by Susan Pike
 
A new FaithWalk rotation starts this Sunday for children in Grades 1-5. In the rotation “Apostle’s Creed: I Believe,” children will be introduced to the Apostle’s Creed (the accepted affirmation of beliefs for the United Methodist Church) and its three main elements: the Almighty Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
 
Through science, the children will discover three forms of one thing as they explore the mystery of the Holy Trinity. Hands-on activities include an art project depicting the universe (to reinforce the sovereignty of our Creator God) and making Belief Booklets using only colors to tell the story of our faith.
 
Through drama, the children will review, using props, what Jesus means to our faith, from the manger to the cross, His resurrection, and now. Children will then have the opportunity to make 30-second “I Believe...” commercials, summarizing their own beliefs in a video presentation.
 
In addition, they will hear (and see) the story of Pentecost (Acts 2) and learn about the invisible power of the Holy Spirit. You won’t want to miss even one week! See you Sunday.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Kids learn a lot about God in FaithWalk rotation; your child is welcome

 
By Susan Pike
 
Arborlawn children in 1st through 5th Grades have been busy learning scripture in Sunday School. During the series of lessons entitled God’s Word, the children made lanterns from tin cans to remind them that “God’s Word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path” (Psalm 119:105). Classes mixed and baked brownies with peanut butter treasures inside, a delicious reminder that God’s Word is a treasure in our hearts (Psalm 119:11). 
 
The children rotate to different rooms each week and complete a lesson or project that enhances their faith development. The scripture for the lesson series entitled God’s Love was 1 Peter 4:10: “Be generous with the gifts God has given you. Manage them wisely to help others.” The concept of giving was emphasized as the children assembled “birthday bags,” complete with candles and cake mix. These bags will be given to the children in our community who receive Snack Sacks. 
 
During our current series, God’s Gift, the children are acting out the story of Christmas and putting together symbolic edible treats to take home and share with their families. They are learning that God’s Gift of Jesus is the best Gift of all; a Gift that will last forever. “Thanks be to God for His indescribable Gift!” (2 Cor. 9:15). 
 
These are just a few of the activities that keep Arborlawn children coming to Sunday school. We hope to see you Sunday!
 

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ArborlawnUMC.org

Children's Ministries: Latest FaithWalk Rotation and other Advent announcements

Join us for the latest FaithWalk rotation as we celebrate God's Gift: Baby Jesus. Jesus was born in Bethlehem, where Mary laid him in a manger. His humble birth reminds us that the messiah began life as a helpless baby, just as we did. During this rotation we will make a Nativity snack bag, have our first photography rotation where we will dress up as people of the Bible and take pictures, and be in the theater. Everyone should join us on Nov. 27 when we will all be together in a group Sunday School and make Advent calendars to take home.
 
Reminder: No Sunday School on Dec. 25 or Jan. 1. Arborlawn is having a single worship service at 10 a.m. on each of those days.
 
Preschool Sunday School will celebrate Jesus' birthday with a party in Sunday School on Dec. 18.  
 
All Children's Advent Mission Activity: We will collect baby items in the manger located at the foot of the stairs in the Children's Area. Bring new clothes, diapers, pacifiers, bottles, baby lotion, shampoo, baby wipes etc. All of these items will all be donated to the Women and Children's Shelter in Fort Worth.
 
Finally, register soon for ADVENTure Day (Saturday, Dec. 10) as we have limited spaces available.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

FaithWalk Rotation: God's Love, Oct. 30 through Nov. 20

This rotation is all about giving. As children we are called to practice good stewardship by giving generously of the God-given gifts of our talents, our time, and our money. God teaches us in His word to help those who are in trouble; assist the poor, the lonely, the fatherless, widows, and orphans. When we actively love and help others in need, we are acting out our faith.
 
Rotation rooms will be: Holy Word Theater, Circuit Riders, Artisan’s Market, and Discovery. We hope you can join us!
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org