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PCC Kids team

Decisions about Tweens...

Raising a preteen is one of the hardest jobs these days. I have found some great advice from blogger and speaker Vicki Courtney. You can check out some of her thoughts here: http://vickicourtney.com/


October 1 article is particularly good one! Though she typically reserves her topics to teen girls, many ideas can also be applied to boys as well.

October Fun

A new month means a new focus of study for our PCC Kids! Check out what we'll be learning over the next few weeks:

For preschool children in First Steps
This month preschoolers will learn that the Bible is full of extraordinary people who, with God's help, did some extraordinary things. They'll be introduced this week to Elijah (1 Kings 18:1-39). Kids will learn that they are not alone, because they can always count on God. No matter what the situation, God is always with them!
Monthly Bible verse: "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid." Deuteronomy 31:6


For elementary students in PowerJam
God has God-sized initiative, and He wants to work initiative into us as well. It's a key ingredient for becoming the kind of people He wants us to be and for taking part in His big plan. Nehemiah's life story is a good example.

We want to start putting some things into practice when it comes to initiative, so we'll be learning about some God-sized initiative modeled in Nehemiah's life.

This week, we'll look at Nehemiah chapter 1 - when there's a job to be done, first you have to see it. Nehemiah recognized there was a problem in Jerusalem.
Monthly Bible verse:“Each of you should not only look to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:4, NIV

Sunday Sept 26

Preschoolers have been learning all month that God love me!

Our Bible verse for the month: “Nothing can separate us from God’s love.” Romans 8:39, NIrV

What a great concept to instill in the life of a preschooler, so that when they grow up and face difficult circumstances, they will know - God loved me no matter what!

9/26 story: David Praises God • 2 Samuel 6:14; Psalm 149

PARENTS: take some time this weekend to cuddle up with your preschooler. Pray with them, "God thank you for loving (name of child) no matter what. Thank you for loving him/her when he's sad or scared or even when he's being silly. You love him all the time! We love you." Amen

For elementary kids, September has been all about RESPECT: showing others they are important by what you say and do.

This week we'll focus on showing respect to God because He's in charge of everything. Above all and anyone else, we need to respect God. This week will help kids learn how. (Matthew 8:5-13).

PARENTS: take a few minutes while in the car or at the table and talk about ways we can show respect to God and to others.

Wake up to a Clear Head

Scientific proof that our children should go to be early on school nights...

Wake up to a Clear Head

Back to School

Labor Day weekend marks the back to school season! Our prayers are with the teachers this week as they prepare, and with students and parents next Tuesday as they begin the academic year.

This Sunday, First Steps with Jesus (birth-K) will enjoy the new Veggie Tales movie, Sweat Pea, in the older classes.

Remember there is no PowerJam (1st-6th grades) this Sunday (September 5). See you back next weekend in your new classes!

End of Summer Celebrations

This week at our Powhatan campus, we'll celebrate with a graduation party for our parting K class as they rise up to 1st grade! It is always a little sad to see them go, but we know that we can always peek into PowerJam(1st-6th grade environment) to say hi.

The elementary students are also celebrating the end of summer with a game day in PowerJam. **Remember, no PowerJam on Sunday September 5th.

PROMOTION day will be Sunday September 12 and all children will be promoted to their next age/grade levels classes. If you have any questions or concerns about that, please contact Susan at children@pccwired.net.

See you Sunday!

Sunday August 22 highlights

Today your preschooler learned that God is with me always, so I can be brave. Our story focused on God being with Moses and the Israelites at the Red Sea (see Exodus 13:17-14:31). Our monthly verse has been “God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9, NLT. Ask your preschooler if they can teach YOU the motions we have been practicing for this verse. You might be surprised how it helps you to remember it too!

Preschool parent challenge: Take some time this week as you run errands and ask, 'Is God here with us?" at each stop. Be sure to keep repeating this month's bottom line, "God is always with me."

Elementary kids focused on what it means to think about good things (specifically, the Bible). Because we know that when we focus on good stuff, it help us to focus on God, helps us to use words that honor Him, and helps our actions to point others to Him. “Finally, brothers, 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.” Philippians 4:8, NIV

Elementary parent challenge: Reinforce our monthly theme of peace by encouraging your child to be a peacemaker. Ask them to think of at least two things they can do on a regular basis that will help them become a peacemaker rather than a peace breaker?

The Teen Brain: It's Just Not Grown Up Yet

The science behind the teen brain - check it out here.

Thanks to our Student Pastor, Angie Frame, for this great article!

“PowerJam Peace Prize”
During the month of August, PowerJam students(1st-6th grades) at PCC Powhatan Campus, will be focusing on the virtue of Peace which is, proving that you care more about others.

We will present one “PowerJam Peace Prize” during each service for the first four weeks of August. This award will be given to kids who have been nominated by their parents (or other adults) for promoting peace at home or any other place. The nomination can be done through a short write-up about how the child proved that he/she cared about others and promoted peace. This can be written on paper and turned in on August Sundays or emailed. If your child is chosen for the prize then we will notify you prior to that Sunday.

May God fill our children, and us, with PEACE!
If you have any questions please contact Anna Holland at 647.8515 or anna.holland@pccwired.net.

“So let us do all we can to live in peace. And let us work hard to build each other up.” Romans 14:19, NIrV

Service Project ends in PowerJam (1st-6th grades)

Dear PowerJam Parents and Kids,
PCC Kids have learned so much about responsibility and service over the past couple of months. We have been very impacted by our July Service project which involved helping to fight hunger around the world by collecting change in rice bowls. This message is a reminder that the rice bowls are being collected tomorrow, July 25th and on Sunday, August 1st. If you have a bowl but are not able to make it to church either of those Sundays then you may drop off the bowl to the PCC Office anytime (Mon-Thur, 9-5) up until August 1st. Thank you so much for helping to teach your children that they can serve God in this way and have a great impact.

Fact: There are nearly 144 million orphans.
Fact: Malnutrition plays a part in more than ½ all child deaths.
Fact: Nearly one in four people, live on less than $1 per day.
Fact: You can make CHANGE.

…Let us not Love with Words or Tongue
but with Actions & in Truth...
– 1 John 3:18

WWW.RICEBOWLS.ORG

Sunday July 25

First Steps with Jesus (birth-Kindergarten):
This week preschoolers will continue the story of Daniel and learn what God wanted Daniel to do. Our hope is that preschoolers will grow up asking ‘what is the right thing to do?’ and then follow God’s will in that. Thank YOU for being a part of helping preschoolers learn this!

Our hope through this month is and has been that we can start preschoolers off on the right track by teaching the simple truth that God wants them to do the right thing. Doing the right thing in the everyday moments is what God uses to get us in the right place with the right people at just the right time. How many of us struggle with knowing what God wants us to do? We adults may have some things to learn this week too as we teach that God wants us to do the right thing. This is good stuff!

PowerJam (1st-6th graders):
These last two month’s virtues of Responsibility and Service have been amazing. Our prayer has been that these characteristics of God have been really reflected in the homes of our PowerJam children.
This week we will have a special visit from a team which exemplifies Service, Jeanette Brannon the Together for Tanzania team. We look forward to hearing all about their mission work there!
And don't forget to bring your rice bowls to complete our project!

Hope to see you Sunday!

Rice Bowls

Fact: There are nearly 144 million orphans.
Fact: Malnutrition plays a part in more than ½ all child deaths.
Fact: Nearly one in four people, live on less than $1 per day.
Fact: You can make CHANGE.

PCC Kids - PowerJam (1st-6th grades) have decided to make a difference. We know there is an orphan crisis. We know there are millions of kids, made vulnerable by HIV/AIDS, poverty, and other circumstances. We know it’s a big problem. But we also know we are called to be part of the solution.

So, here’s a simple step. Taking a rice bowl from POwerJam on Sunday & collect change. We'll gather all of them on Sunday July 25, 2010.

For more details you can contact Anna Holland, anna.holland@pccwired.net or 647-8515.

"Let us not Love with words or tongue but with actions & in truth." 1 John 3:18
WWW.RICEBOWLS.ORG

What we're teaching....Sunday June 20

Preschoolers have been learning all month that God made people who help them. So go ahead and ask them the question: "Who can help you?" We want him to grow up knowing that God made people to help him and he's not alone.

This week they'll hear about two friends, David and Jonathan, and how one helps the other from 1 Samuel 18:1-4, 20. Meal time is a great time to show you child what a big helper he can be! Ask your child to help you set the table and prepare the food. Each time he completes a task tell him, "I'm so glad God made you to help me." Praise your child for a job well done. "God made us to help each other and you were a BIG help!"

Elementary students will be asked 'what are you doing to encourage others with your words?' Kids hear about responsibility all the time, but we rarely hear lessons about being responsible with our mouths. One influential theologian (Dietrich Bonhoeffer) said one of the greatest ministries Christians carry out is “the ministry of holding one’s tongue.” There IS a time to speak. There are things that must be said. On the other hand, there are things that we should keep to ourselves.
This week, one of the things we’ll be talking about is learning how to discern between the two as it relates to responsibility, which is showing you can be trusted with what is expected of you.
We’ll also help kids learn that:
-God acts in great and mighty ways, but the Bible shows us a God who chooses words carefully;
-God wants us to be responsible with our words, too;
-When we are responsible with our words, others will see God working through us.

Hope to see you Sunday!
Susan
susan@pccwired.net

June 11

This month we’re teaching preschoolers that God made people who help them. We’re planning a Community Helper Day at the end of the month for them to see a firefighter, police officer, & rescue squad person. Stay tuned for more details on that later… and let me know if you want to help.

For this week, we’ll continue the story of Ruth and Naomi. The children will hear how Boaz helped Ruth to find enough food for her and Naomi. It’s a GREAT story & I encourage you to read it from the book of Ruth. The whole book is only 4 chapters so it won’t take long. I’m reading it this week too!

This week our elementary kids continue to share the virtue of Responsibility. “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.” Luke 16:10a, NIV

I also wanted to invite you to join us at the PCC Baptism this Sunday at 4 p.m. at Cartersville, James River boat landing. We have some sweet PowerJammers getting baptized, you won’t want to miss it! Come help make it extra special and memorable for these folks taking a great step in their spiritual journey.
Blessings to you!

Sunday June 6

This month in First Steps (birth-kindergarten) we are talking about people God made to help us. Just as God made you wonderful parents to help our families, He made people to help all of us. Isn't that awesome? How reassuring to know that God puts people in our lives that are here to help us. And, He puts us in people's lives to help them. In fact, it says in Ephesians 4:32 (NCV) "Be kind and loving to each other." We are to be kind and loving to one another, helping each other when a need is seen.

So, what... in the world... are you... doing? (As a parent, I've said this hundreds of times!) We'll explore this question and related ideas in the next two months of PowerJam (1st-6th grades) to help kids see connections between responsibility (what we'll be talking about in June) and service (what we'll focus on in July).

What about our nature and purpose? God said we are made in His likeness and that we are to "fill the earth and bring it under [our] control" (Genesis 1:28, NIrV). But what does that mean exactly? Is the earth ours, to do with however we please? Or is it God's, even though He's made us accountable for it? Genesis 1 has some answers (which we will examine in week 1), so the question of the day will be: What in the world are you doing to take care of what God made?

Sunday May 30

It's a weekend to celebrate!

Preschoolers will have a 'party Sunday' that will involve fun, games, and food! Even though they are a little young to appreciate the meaning of Memorial Day, they can still get into the spirit of patriotism! So we will review the pledge to the American flag with them.

Out elementary ministry, PowerJam, is taking this Sunday off. Please enjoy the service with your family! We'll return next Sunday.

Have a great weekend!
Susan Hughes
PCC Kids Director
susan@pccwired.net

Ultimate Parent Resource List (in the works)

A blogger friend has this post on all kinds of resources for parents. Check it out & let me know if you've read any of these, or may be interested in reading them.

Ultimate Parent Resource List (in the works)

Posted using ShareThis

Sunday May 16

Preschoolers:
What is the most AMAZING thing that God has ever made? ME! And YOU! The Bible says in Psalm 139:14, "I am wonderfully made," (NIV). Each and every one of us, and each and every one of our preschoolers, was wonderfully made. By God! And He made us to do many things! How awesome is that!

Challenge for this week: Sometime after church on Sunday, take some time to sing “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes” with your preschooler. Begin very slowly and with each round of the song, speed up the tempo. Each time you sing the song with your preschooler, ask him who made his head, shoulders, knees, and toes? Who made his ears, eyes, mouth, and nose? God did and He did a wonderful job!

Elementary kids:
This month is all about P-A-T-I-E-N-C-E...that is hard to wait until later for what you want now. I challenge you as parents to model this for your kids this week. Personally, this has been hard for me. With traffic delays and multiple sports games, God is stretching me to be patient in front of my kids!

Challenge this week: read this story with your kids one night after dinner or before bed time. You will NOT be bored! This week's lesson is one of my favorites!
Don't miss out because you think you can't wait. Have you ever thought about what Joshua and the Israelites would've missed if they hadn't followed God's marching orders? (Joshua 3)

What's coming this Sunday, May 9th

We will continue this week to equip our preschoolers with the knowledge that God made them. Because He made us, we are special! And, since God made us just the way we are, He loves EVERYTHING about us. Everything! And this week preschoolers will learn about how God made the very first person, Adam. We'll remind them of this important truth: God loves everything about me. "I am wonderfully made.” Psalm 139:14, NIV


Elementary students will continue their learning about patience (waiting until later for what you want now). They'll learn the story of the Israelites not wanting to wait for Moses to come down off the mountain. We'll remind them of this important principle: Don't get tired of doing the right thing. If only the Israelites had kept on following God instead of the crowd! (Exodus 19; 32)

Hope to see you all Sunday!
Susan

Kids 101 class
For kids in 2nd-6th grade who are interested in baptism.
In this 1 part class, kids will learn about baptism and PCC’s mission, core beliefs and values. The class is being held Sunday, April 25th immediately after the 2nd service in the PowerJam room (upstairs). Call Lori Wheeler at 598-1174 or email susan@pccwired.net to register. At least 1 parent is required to attend with their child.


Child Dedication Service & class
We want to help parents raise their children in a Christian environment where he or she can come to know, love, and serve Jesus. PCC has a child dedication ceremony on a Sunday morning that signifies a parent's commitment to raise their child in a Christian home and church. It also signifies a commitment by the people of PCC to provide a loving, biblical community that supports and prays for the family.

2010 Child Dedication is Sunday May 9th. (Class for parents is Sunday May 2.)

While many parents dedicate very young children, a child does not have to be an infant. You can participate no matter what your child’s age.

The Child Dedication CLASS is for parents interested in participating in child dedication. (if you cannot attend the class on 5/2 but would like to participate in the ceremony on 5/9, please make arrangements to meet with PCC Kids Director Susan Hughes prior to)
When: Sunday May 2nd, 12:30-1:30pm
Where: After church in the PowerJam room (upstairs kid's area). Childcare provided, but RSVP is needed.

RSVP to Susan Hughes at 598-1174 or susan@pccwired.net

The Edge (5th & 6th graders) go to Laser Quest
May 23 - leave PCC-Powhatan at 4:00pm; arrive at laser quest at 4:30
play time at 5:00 & 5:40pm
6-6:45 party room
arrive back at PCC-Powhatan at 7:15pm
$15 is due Sunday April 25 (payable to PCC).
Please drop off at the kids check-in desk or mail to the PCC Office (PO Box 834, Powhatan, attn: Susan Hughes).

Family Day
There will be no PowerJam on Sunday May 30. We encourage families to sit together that day. There will still be classes for birth through kindergarten.

Sunday April 18 preview

This week we want preschoolers to know that Jesus is my good friend! The Bible says in Proverbs 17:17: "A friend loves at all times," (our monthly verse). They will 'meet' a woman who loved Jesus so much she was willing to give Him her most precious possession and bathe His feet with her tears. Preschoolers will be challenged to think about who they love and make a special gift for those people. You don't want to miss it!

Many elementary students have figured out on their own that "friends come and friends go," but they need someone to teach them "a true friend sticks by you like family" (Proverbs 18:24, THE MESSAGE). They need to know what a true friend is all about. And there's no better friend (or model of a friend) than Jesus. This week's lesson tell about when Jesus makes breakfast on the beach for His fishing companions (John 21). We want kids to remember that a true friend will make time for you.

Reminder: FamJam in PowerJam this week!

Computers Beware

All the time I am learning about new things that we (and our kids) can do on the internet. Some are good and educational, others are not.

PARENTS: Please read this article and stay up to date on what your child is exposed to.

The newest thing...Chat Roulette

Sunday April 11

This week we'll reinforce with preschoolers that Jesus is my good friend. He really, truly is! Preschoolers will 'meet' Mary and Martha who loved Jesus so much and showed their love to Him in very opposite styles.

Our PowerJam friends (1st-6th grade) will celebrate the last day of Spring Break with popcorn and a movie!

Don't miss out on all the fun!



**Remember: FamJam comes to PowerJam on April 18th! Parents are invited to experience PowerJam with their children, then chat with Director Anna Holland about ways we can partner together to help children grow closer to Christ.

Movie Reviews

Want to catch a movie over Spring Break?

Check out these reviews:
How to Train your Dragon


Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Take the opportunity to talk with you child after a movie. what are some things you saw that you liked? didn't like? What are some character traits of the main characters that you would like to reinforce in your family?

Happy Spring Break!

Sunday April 4 - Happy Easter!

This Sunday, we’re celebrating! Preschoolers (3yr-K) will hear that Jesus had one last meal with His disciples where He told them He was going away, but that He would return. Three days after He died, Jesus returned on Easter! Sunday night, as you tuck your preschooler in, cuddle with him and pray with him. “Jesus, thank You for being our good friend. Thank You for coming back just as You promised You would. We love You. Amen.” Help your preschooler understand that we celebrate because Jesus is alive!

PowerJam (1st-6th grade) kids will celebrate that Jesus is alive! We will focus this month of the virtue of friendship – sharing special times with someone you trust and enjoy. Your child will learn that she can trust Jesus as a friend because of what He did for her. Kids will experience the excitement of the news that Jesus rose from the grave. At dinner on Sunday, ask your child what makes Jesus our “Ultimate Friend?” Ask your child to recall the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection.

Sun 3/28 overview

Here’s what we did this past Sunday, March 28th!

This week, preschoolers learned that many people praised Jesus chanting “Hosanna” as He rode toward Jerusalem on a donkey. The people spread their cloaks and branches on the road before Him. This is the beginning of the Easter story. Your child experienced the excitement as Jesus rode into the city. One night this week, take the chance to cuddle up with your child and pray with her. “God, thank you for loving (child’s name) and me all of the time. Thank you for loving everyone! Help (child’s name) and me to love everyone the way you love us. We love you, God. Amen.”

Elementary kids heard the story of the day Jesus died. Large group time re-enacted when Judas betrayed Jesus! Kids experienced the sadness of that day and remembered that Jesus did it all for us. This week at home, ask your child to tell you about his experience. Ask him about the day Jesus died. Talk about how Jesus suffered so we wouldn’t have to. He paid the punishment for our sins! He paid the payment!

Hope to see you back next Sunday!

"Like the Air They Breathe" -- The Online Life of Kids

"Like the Air They Breathe" --Publish Post The Online Life of Kids

If you have kids that get online (or you think they will be one day), you should read this article!

Sunday 1/24 an overview for parents

Below are highlights of what our kids will learn on Sunday along with a suggestion for some "God Time" that you can help them have this week.

Preschoolers in 'First Steps with Jesus' will continue their discussion of how we can love God. All month, your preschooler has been learning that we can love God just like Jesus did by taking take a look at the life of Jesus and learning how they can be like Him. This week your preschooler will learn how Jesus prayed to God. We can tell God he is special and His way is always best. We can ask Him for what we need and ask for forgiveness and help to do the right thing.

God Time opportunity: Pick a night, and during bathtime, brainstorm with your preschooler who you can pray for as a family. Use a bathtub crayon to draw pictures or write the names of the people that he/she picks, practicing letter and name recognition as you write. Then at bedtime or meal time, be sure to pray for those people.

Elementary kids in 'PowerJam' will continue to learn about discipline this month – doing what you need to do now so you can grow stronger. This week, your child will learn that if you want to know God better, talk about Him with your friends. When we talk about Him, especially with friends who are also believers, it helps solidify what we know about God and strengthens our belief in Him. Then, once they’re comfortable talking about God with their friends, the next step is telling them—or someone else—about His Son.

God Time opportunity: At lunch on Sunday, think of something God created. Play “20 Questions.” See if you can guess what the other is thinking. Talk with your child about those who help her get stuff done at home, at school, and at church. Help your child think of a friend they can talk to about the things God has created or ways that God is working. Take a minute to pray for that friend and others.

Haiti Earthquake: How to Talk to Your Children About Tragedy - ABC News

Haiti Earthquake: How to Talk to Your Children About Tragedy - ABC News