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A simple
but powerful prayer practice
"Pray and
Watch"
There is no question that
God is the one who changes hearts, He is the one who gives power and
accomplishes His work in and through us. In light of that, there is no
greater way to prepare for our ministry with kids than to pray. Here is a
very simple, but powerful prayer practice that I want to encourage you to
use this year.
At Home
You should have received a
bookmark at our fall orientation. We encouraged you to pray daily for the
children listed on your bookmark. Pray this simple prayer, then "watch" for
God’s work in the lives of the kids you are praying for.
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"Holy Spirit, draw
these children to yourself and make them laborers for your kingdom."
Then simply read the names off your bookmark, lifting each child up
to God. |
On Sunday
Mornings
There will be a nametags
posted in each classroom with the names of the children in your class. When
you arrive, take 2 minutes and pray the same prayer, lifting up each of the
children by name once again to God…then watch! Be sure to share with each
other and with us when you see evidence of God working!
Volunteer Policies
As our society continues to
change, it has become necessary for us to have a protection policy and
screening process for our volunteers. View our
volunteer policies.
Discipline Guidelines
We believe structure and
boundaries within a classroom help give the children the safe, secure
environment they need to make learning possible. We believe caring and
building relationships with the children is the greatest prevention method
there is to avoid discipline problems. Helping them understand what is
expected of them is also key. We want to focus on a few "major" expectations
we have across the board in Children's Ministry and not get caught up in the
"minors." However, when there is misbehavior it is also important that we
follow through and are consistent with the children. The guidelines are what
is expected from the child in the classroom, implementation ideas and a
general procedure for handling misbehavior. View our
discipline guidelines.
Church Protection Policies
It is our intent and prayer
that the church protection policies will help to provide the best possible
environment and protection for our children, youth as well as those who work
with them. Realizing God alone is sovereign and our great protector we
desire to do all we can to be good stewards of the ministry He has entrusted
to us. View our
church protection policies.
View our
safety, security and emergency
information.
Job Descriptions
Click
here to access
leadership job descriptions for the various ministry opportunities.
"Relationship" Encouragers
1.
Letters/Notes/E-mails Home to Kids/Parents:
A welcome letter to
introduce yourself at the beginning of the year. Share your heart with them
what your hopes are for the year—that will get both parents and kids excited
about being a part.
A letter or email to
communicate about a special project in class, etc.
Get parents permission to
email their child directly, otherwise email the parent and attach a note to
the child that the parent can pass on.
Develop an email list of
parents of the kids you are ministering to, keep in touch with them with
mass email keeping them updated, but also, use this means to connect with
individual parents. *Remember, if there is a problem or concern, email is
not the best means of communication, call and talk with them personally or
try to connect with them on Sunday morning face to face.
Cards and letters may be
dropped off in the mailbox upstairs near the library (or left with the
attendance sheet) to be stamped and mailed. There is a class list with
addresses and phone #'s in the back of this manual as well as in each
classroom in the Kid Konnection binder; we will try and give you an updated
list regularly.
2. Phone
Calls /Personal Contact:
Parents like to know what's
going on in their child's class and will appreciated any update you might
share. A positive phone call is so encouraging, call and tell a parent
something you have seen and appreciate about their child.
Also use the phone or try to
catch a parent in person to share spiritual insight you have observed about
their child.
Ask them if they have
feedback or insights that might help you as their teacher
If a child is having a hard
time, partner with the parent to know how you can best direct them. You are
on the same side.
Students also love to hear
from their teacher, whether it's a phone call, a birthday or get well card,
or simply a "hello" in the hallway.
If you would like to visit a
child in their home, it will give you all kinds of insights into who they
are. What kinds of things they have in their room, meeting their parents,
etc.—be sure if you are in the child’s room the door is left open as part of
the Church Protection Policy.
If you would like to have
kids into your home, be sure to do it with several kids rather than just one
(possibly your small group or maybe the child’s family). Invite a second
adult (perhaps one of the parents) if you chose to have kids over without
parents.
If you would like to take a
child out for ice cream, etc. get permission from their parents and make
sure you go to a public place. It is best if you can have the parent bring
the child to you to avoid being alone in the car with them (protection for
you—as part of the protection policy).
3.
Website:
Let us know if you have
specific things going on in your class that you want us to post on the
website,
www.northsubkids.com.
Let us know if you are doing
something special or unique in your classroom so we can get pictures for the
website.
If there is a picture on the
website of a specific child in your class, tell them how fun it was to see
their picture.
4. When A
Child Is Absent:
If a child isn’t there one
week and you notice, that is huge to them. A phone call or quick postcard
will go a long ways.
After two or more weeks of
absence, contact is imperative; if you don’t have time, let your coordinator
know. If you find out a child is sick with more than just a cold, etc.
please let us know. A "We've Missed You" card or note can sometimes be just
what a family needs to encourage them to return or rekindle their excitement
for Sunday school. It also communicates with parents your love and concern
for their child.
Post cards are available in
the Resource center as well as in the Kid Konnection binder in your
classroom, jot a note right after class and give it to your coordinator to
mail. We all have good intentions, but it is hard to get it sent once you go
home.
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