New Web Site

Find us at our new website thecece.org

David M. Csinos Keynote at Making it Easier to Serve Children's Ministry Conference Nov 3rd

Registration site coming soon! David M. Csinos is an author and speaker in the areas of children’s spirituality, church and culture, and spiritual formation. Dave’s first book, "Children's Ministry that Fits," was acclaimed by academic and pastoral publications in North America and Europe. He is the founder and executive director of Children, Youth and a New Kind of Christianity (www.children-youth.com) and he studies practical theology at Emmanuel College of Victoria University in the University of Toronto, where he is a doctoral student and a Teaching for Ministry Fellow.

Want a new activity for children and youth this fall? Try ringing handchimes

Learn to play a unique instrument while having fun with friends your age. Our grade 2 to 6 group meets Monday evenings from 6:00 pm to 7:0☺ pm at St. John’s York Mills Anglican Church You don’t have to go to St. John’s or have any experience with handchimes to join, and it’s FREE! Come and give it a try! For more information contact Our Handbell Director, Carolyn Martin 905-881-1140 or bells001@rogers.com or go to our website at www.stjohnsyorkmills.com to find out more about us St. John’s York Mills Anglican Church is located off Old Yonge Street (near Yonge and York Mills) and can be accessed via a foot path up the hill off Yonge St. just north of the subway

Worshiping With Children: Reading Scripture So Children Can Hear It, Too

Worshiping With Children: Reading Scripture So Children Can Hear It, Too: The scripture reading is the heart of most worship services.  If you miss it, you will miss out on most of what goes on in the sermon an...

As school and Church school rev up for a new year let us think about the following (source unknown)

And So They Come To Us And so they come to us - And we reach out to them With understanding and with love. We share the sacred trust we hold, Yet we know that each of us Must somehow stand alone With every child in turn To help them see, and hear and feel, Our children come to learn The Way of Truth - And so, they come to us. Praying for a wonderful year of teaching and learning for us all!!!

Messy Church Workshop to be held at Children's Ministry Conference November 3rd!!!

Are you looking for a way to reach families who are not in our churches on Sundays? Messy Church aims to create the opportunity for both adults and children to enjoy expressing their creativity, enjoy a meal together, experience worship and have fun within a church context. Come and experience what Messy Church can offer your Church, then take away knowledge, skills and materials to help you get started.

Ideas for children's focus on July 29th

See this link http://www.worshipingwithchildren.blogspot.ca/2012/07/year-b-proper-12-17th-sunday-in.html

Ideas for children's focus on July 22nd

See this link http://www.worshipingwithchildren.blogspot.ca/2012/06/year-b-proper-11-16th-sunday-in.html

Hilary Keachie - Christ Church Deer Park

Wonderful meeting today with Hilary Keachie, Children and Youth Minster at Christ Church Deer Park. Thank you Hilary for all your ideas and willingness to support the Making it Easier to Serve Conference. We look forward to working together.

CECE Conference 2011

Back in November, CECE hosted a conference for Children's ministers at St. John's York Mills Anglican Church. We have finally been able to produce and publish video of that event and are grateful that SJYM has agreed to allow our videos to be hosted on their YouTube channel. If you wish, you can find the videos in SJYM's Special Events playlist here:  http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL90ADFA3E952AC4D2&feature=plcp

Or you can watch them below! Enjoy...

2 sites to assist with children's focus for July 15th

Good ideas http://www.worshipingwithchildren.blogspot.ca/2012/06/year-b-proper-10-15th-sunday-in.html and http://faithformationjourneys.blogspot.ca/2012_07_01_archive.html

Site to assist with children's ministry http://faithformationjourneys.blogspot.ca/2012/06/childrens-sermon-july-8-2012-mark-61-13.html

Another good lectionary site for children's ministry: http://worshipingwithchildren.blogspot.ca/2012/06/year-b-proper-9-14th-sunday-in-ordinary.html

Building a Christ centred character

This link to Kids of Integrity helps with stories and ideas re Christian values Try the link http://www.kidsofintegrity.com/

Children's Ministry in CoE

Getting connected with the CoE in children's ministry http://www.churchofengland.org/education/children-young-people/ministry-with-children.aspx

CoE resources for children's ministry

The Gowing for Growth website of the Church of England has some suggestions for ministry with children and youth in their latest newsletter found here.... http://us1.campaign-archive1.com/?u=c25a039990fbc676298998541&id=f5879b5c72&e=2316a221b8

Making the Christ Connection Workshop

This is the video of the workshop presented at CECE on Saturday April 21st 2012
Hope you find it helpful in implementing the strategy!

video links coming soon!

Making It Easier To Serve Just spent the morning reviewing the video clips of the 2011 conference. Stay tuned to hear about when and how these clips can be accessed. We are looking forward to providing another stimulating session for you on Saturday November 3rd 2012!!! Keep the date open!!!

Little Trinity Day Camp 2012

Little Trinity Anglican Church’s summer day camp theme for 2012 is “LT Construction Company”. Camp will take place July 3-6 at the church. Camp is for children entering grade 1 in September 2012 through those entering grade 6. The camp runs from 10 am to 3 pm. Pre school camp is for those age 3 through to those entering senior kindergarten. The camp runs from 10 am to 1 pm. Those entering grade 7 and 8 must pay the registration fee (to cover food and supplies), but are eligible to serve as junior volunteers. Before care and after care are available for an additional fee. Before care begins at 9am and after care goes until 5 pm. REGISTRATION To register please use the link below to the electronic form, we will not be accepting any printed forms. Complete a separate form for each child. Fee discounts for registering multiple children apply to members of the same family only. Camp Coordinator: Heather Kuipers, 416-698-5587 PS Once we reach 45 campers registered we will be having a special kid's treat at church after the morning service! The first 20 kids to register also receive a cool prize!

to register online please go to this link


https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?fromEmail=true&formkey=dGZabHZIS1BBdEdEWTdYVTNiSUdMVUE6MQ

Jesus Blesses Little Children

Matthew 19:13-15

13 Then little children were being brought to him in order that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples spoke sternly to those who brought them; ¹⁴but Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.’ ¹⁵And he laid his hands on them and went on his way.

The power of one ...

Today I heard a story about a 6 year old girl who after seeing an ad about how children around the world suffered and many had no shoes, decided to collect shoes to send to them. She had a shoe drive. If memory serves me she ended up collecting 15,000 pairs of shoes going to churches and schools. She had the help of her family and her pastor. When I asked what made her decide to do this she said "It was in my heart." How inspiring!!!!!!! How has Christ touched our hearts today, yesterday and tomorrow?

Matthew 18:1-5

1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, ‘Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ 2He called a child, whom he put among them, 3and said, ‘Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.

Making the Christ Connection

The following site and book recommendation may help your children make the Christ Connection thinking about Respect, Cooperation, Consideration, and God's Creation, personal gifts.
If you try it let us know how it worked for you

http://storypath.wordpress.com/2012/06/20/let-the-whole-earth-sing-praise/

Music Matters

Article on children and Christian music for your reading pleasure!

//www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2012/juneweb-only/childrens-music-matters.html

Save the date - Saturday November 3rd!!!

Light Up Your World

Light Up Your World™ (LUYW™) is an organization dedicated to envisioning, training, equipping and releasing young people to make a positive difference in their world.  Right now, a student's world may consist of their home, school, neighbourhood and extra-curricular activities.

http://lightupyourworld.org/home.php

Inspired thinking ...

This girl helps others think about possibilities to make things better in today's world.
If you have not heard Adora Svitak before you are in for a treat!

http://www.ted.com/talks/adora_svitak.html

Why not target children's ministry? Read Witness to find out more ...

Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6
'TAKING Proverbs 22:6, we are commissioned and entrusted by God to train the next generation. I dream of a day when every child is not only given the gospel, but shown how it applies to his or her daily life in such a way that it is relevant and meaningful. '


http://thecece.blogspot.ca/2012/06/witness-magazine.html

'Outreach Through Sports' in latest version of Witness

'SINCE July 2011, Ali Young, an associate mission partner with CMS Britain, has lived and work in Recife, Brazil working mainly with children ranging from 4-16 years. She lives and worships based in one of the favela, co-leading the pre-teens small group, where the kids are growing and changing not just physically but spiritually too. Through her church she is also involved with work with street kids ranging from newborn to 18 years old. Their stories are harrowing, challenging and difficult to understand, but they help the best they can and show the love of God!'

http://thecece.blogspot.ca/2012/06/witness-magazine.html

Discipleship resources for children!!!!!!!!!!!

'Canon James Almasi and Revd Carlos Marcus, Diocese of Masasi, Tanzania write: “Rooted in Jesus has transformed our work with children; it is changing our church; teachers and children are enthusiastic for Jesus. It has taught us how to support and help our children grow in the Christian faith. Children do not miss Sunday School now. We are helping children really grow in their faith. This is a new experience for us and it is good for us. Rooted in Jesus has given us a curriculum.” '


http://thecece.blogspot.ca/2012/06/witness-magazine.html

Read this issue of Witness to learn more about how to be a more child friendly church

'LIVERPOOL is the only Cathedral in England to have been given a Child Friendly Church award, in recognition of its work in welcoming children and families (more details about the award and its criteria can be found at http:// www.liverpool.anglican.org/ cfca). The award is only given after a place of worship shows it is able to meet a strict set of criteria that encompasses both practical and missional elements.'


http://thecece.blogspot.ca/2012/06/witness-magazine.html

Read about Messy Church in messy Christchurch and see how the Spirit is moving!

'Although it’s been tough to be a broken and messy church in Christchurch, it’s also been a time of partnering with God as we reach out to others with bread, relationships and Jesus!'
 http://thecece.blogspot.ca/2012/06/witness-magazine.html

Formative years are of vital importance in spiritual formation of our children - read more about how to enhance spiritual formation in children during their formative years in this edition of Witness

'THE future of individuals and nations are shaped in a crucial 10-year period between the ages of 4 and 14. Dr. Luis Bush who coined the term “10/40 Window,” and others are calling this the 4/14 Window – Window of Opportunity. Healthy physical, cognitive, social, emotional and spiritual growth is either established or stunted during that crucial decade.' 
http://thecece.blogspot.ca/2012/06/witness-magazine.html

Latest issue of Witness journal focuses on children's ministry.

'How does God make himself known to children and young people, turning them into Christian disciples? In this issue of Witness 6.7 you will read about how Anglicans are still drawing young people to God; bringing hope and light, creating loving community and making a practical difference. A church in New Zealand is forced to reconsider it’s ministry after a massive natural disaster and Messy Church blossoms. Discipleship resources are developed for African children. The churches respond to physical and emotional needs of young people in Brazil and Pakistan.'


http://thecece.blogspot.ca/2012/06/witness-magazine.html 

Witness Magazine

Open publication - Free publishing - More anglican

Making the Christ Connection strategy goes to St. Cuthbert's Leaside tomorrow!

At St. Cuthbert's Leaside tomorrow at 10:00, while the children are planting, interested adults are invited to join with The Rev. Dr. Catherine Keating, to discuss how to talk about the Spirit Among Us with children. Catherine served for 13 years with the Ontario Ministry of Education, including in the Literacy Numeracy Secretariat and will be speaking about how to make the connection between what is being taught at church on Sunday mornings and what kids are learning in school Monday to Friday. Join us!

Opportunity in Children's Ministry

April 2012

Little Trinity Anglican Church is seeking a half to three-quarter time (negotiable) Director of Children and Family Ministries.  Priorities include providing developmentally and age appropriate worship, education and fellowship for children from birth to grade 5, as well as to develop relationships with and provide ongoing pastoral care to children and families.

Little Trinity Church is an evangelical Anglican church located in downtown Toronto.  Its mission statement describes it as “a gospel community worshipping God and dedicated to sharing the love, truth and power of Jesus Christ with friends and strangers”.

Little Trinity has a significant number of young children.  The church draws its membership from across the Greater Toronto Area and the local community.  The parish is poised to welcome thousands of new residents to the area due to the development of the West Donlands and the popularity of the neighbouring Distillery District.  The church is embarking on a major project to renovate and restore our physical space.

We seek an emotionally and relationally mature Christian with the following qualities:

·         an active and growing relationship with God through Jesus Christ and a passion for developing the same in our children and their families;

·         relevant post-secondary education and experience that includes a working knowledge of child development and family dynamics and a strong theological foundation;

·         ability to provide appropriate pastoral care, practical support and referrals as needed to our children and families;

·         an engaging and confident personality that allows one to be the “face” of the Children’s Ministry at Little Trinity and an effective facilitator of community connections;

·         strong administration, planning, presentation and time management skills, allowing for efficient functioning in all aspects of the position.

Those interested in being considered as candidates for the position should submit a letter outlining their qualifications for the position, attaching both a resume and at least three references to:

Elizabeth Nelson, Administrative Associate

Little Trinity Church, 417 King St. East, Toronto, ON  M5A 1L3

Phone: 416 367 0272  Fax: 416 367 0274  e-mail: enelson@littletrinity.on.ca

.

Specific information about the position is available on request.

We will begin interviewing candidates in early May.

Making the Christ Connection Workshop

‘Making the Christ Connection’ between school, home and church can be difficult for children. What does church have to do with school and how do children begin to connect the dots between their different worlds?
On April 21st Wanda Costinak demonstrates a strategy that can be incorporated into any existing  program. Come prepared to share your favourite Bible stories and picture books that reflect Christian values and character traits.
9-3 at St John York Mills Anglican Church.
Registration is $25 and includes a light lunch
To register email the Rev. Dr. Catherine Keating at
ckeating@sjym.ca

Making the Christ Connection Workshop April 21st Presented by Wanda Costinak

Making the Christ connection between school, home and church can often be difficult for children. What does church have to do with school and how do children begin to connect the dots between their different worlds? Using the ‘think-aloud’ process, this particular teaching method focuses on building children's ability to make connections between the Two Great Commandments, Fruits of the Spirit and stories that children encounter in everyday life. By challenging children to ask “what is Jesus doing in this story?” they will learn to make the connection between the Biblical and secular in their lives. This easy to use strategy can be incorporated into any existing Church School program and uses storytelling to uplift spiritual formation. Come prepared to collaborate with fellow educators, share your favorite Bible stories and picture books that connect to the Fruits of the Spirit and the character traits used by various school districts in this day long workshop that will equip you with the tools necessary to have two full years of curriculum ready to teach!

This workshop will take place April 21st 9-3.

Registration cost is $25 and includes a light lunch

Come prepared to set up your curriculum for the next couple of years

To register please email the Rev. Dr. Catherine Keating, Deacon at

ckeating@sjym 

Workshop on Making the Christ Connection - April 21, 2012!

In the 1990’s a slogan ‘What Would Jesus Do’ – WWJD – became very popular in evangelical circles. This was great in that it helped children and youth  try to think about what Jesus would do in a situation similar to their own IF He were here.  But, He is here! I think that is what many find so difficult – Jesus is here – He is alive here and now – today – in each of His followers. Jesus lives in the present through us and in us. It is not just about what Jesus would do. It is about What IS Jesus doing. The strategy – Making the Christ Connection is about just that. Helping children to see what Jesus IS doing in their lives. They can only know this by looking towards Jesus. They can only look to Him if they know Him. That is what ‘Making the Christ Connection is about – helping children know Jesus through bible stories and through their daily lives. 
Keep posted for more information on a workshop on how to implement Making the Christ Connection sponsored by CECE and to take place on SaturdayApril 21st. Keep the date open!

Tips for Parents: Teaching Youngsters about God and Christianity - Tips for Parents

for St. John's, York Mills
by Candace Hurlock

Today, within the Christian community, many parents wonder how they may teach their children about Jesus. Certainly, my parents must have wondered the same thing before my brother and I were born. How can small children comprehend the Bible? How will they learn to love and follow Christ in a world where Christianity, increasingly, is deemed an out-dated and absurd system of belief? Based on my own experience, I think the answer begins at home. It is a good thing to send children to Sunday school, but, if there is no further reinforcement, the lessons they learn may not stay with them as lastingly as those they acquire daily from the secular world. In the Bible, we read that before God sent Gideon to fight the Midianites, He instructed him to destroy the idols at his father’s home (Judges 6:25). Similarly, parents must look to themselves as the first step. The answer begins within.

Therefore, parents of St. John, first and foremost, read the Bible. As you study and begin to learn and understand, you will have an easier time sharing with your children. You will feel more comfortable talking about God and answering their questions, and better enabled to demonstrate His love, patience, and forgiveness. By your example, they will learn how to read God’s Word for themselves and exemplify His truths in their lives—not all at once but over time. The Bible (in the following respect) is not unlike classic literature: it must be studied earnestly in order to gain deeper insight and ongoing change. If you do not read and study, you will not learn and mature; if you refuse to take time to learn, you will not be able to teach your children. Simply put, you cannot give to others what you do not, yourself, have.

Second, surround your children with fun and interesting instructive Biblical material. Look at how your children learn in school. It is not only through rote recitation; in fact, less so. Today teachers employ a variety of activities to help children learn. The Bible may be taught in much the same way. Start early! Babies and toddlers enjoy learning through music. Sing to them little songs like “Jesus Loves Me, This I Know”. Clap hands! Have fun! Online, there lies a plethora of worship songs for kids of all ages, along with dramatic ideas for churches. Christian DVDs and CDs featuring Bible stories or Bible-themed adventures are another great option, especially for Sunday afternoons. Before returning to evening service (which my brother and I were required to attend), it was a favourite activity of mine to sprawl on the couch and watch a Christian video. I also loved to play Bible games. With practice, I became quite good at them!

At night Mum read us bedtime stories, many of which were child-friendly summarized Bible stories. She further played Bible or religious stories while we slept and when we were travelling in the car. In addition, my brother and I each had our own Bible—initially, one for children, then one for when we were older. There are probably a great deal more of such resources now, perhaps better ones. There are even free children’s Bibles online. I, however, would recommend an actual Bible over a virtual one, whereby the family can gather ‘round and worship.

Third, ensure your Bible lessons are age-appropriate. As they progress through school, children are designated tasks suitable to their academic stage of maturity. Likewise, parents must exercise judgement in discerning what Bible stories to read their children, and when.

Some parents avoid teaching their children about the Bible, notably the Old Testament, because they deem it too difficult, or the subjects objectionable or, worse still, irrelevant. This is simply not true. No part of God’s Word is useless or empty: there is always something to be gained. The idea is to instruct in stages, expanding and intensifying the lessons as children develop. Indeed, stories about David and Bathsheba, Solomon’s many foreign wives, Lot and his daughters in the cave, etc., can wait. But you may surely tell about young David and Goliath the Philistine giant; the three Hebrew boys, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and their brave stand for God; Daniel in the lion’s den; Joseph’s triumph preceded by the terrible trials he faced in Egypt; Nehemiah and the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s wall--all of which speak of faith and courage. In the New Testament, there are the wondrous writings about Jesus in the Gospels; beyond unfolds the adventures of God’s first valiant carriers of truth. My favourite reading, as a child of 9 or 10, was Paul’s beautiful sentiments on love in 1 Corinthians 13. Later, in high school, I wrote a definitive essay called, “Behold, What Manner of Love”, conceived through my first innocent childhood lessons on Biblical love. Well into my teens I remembered.
Ergo, do not be afraid to teach the Bible, Old or New. Simply set the foundation and build as your children grow. You can do it, and they will remember, too.

Fourth, talk to your children about what it means to be a Christian child, and be their utmost exemplar. Children will speak and shriek loudly, carry the cross carelessly, and race through the sanctuary if they are not taught to have reverence. Children will not know how to apply Christian principles in the schoolyard if those principles are not explained or demonstrated. Children will not view the Day of Rest as a special day unless parents treat it as one. Children will not care about confirmation or baptism or the Eucharist if they are not spiritually nurtured. Resources, such as media and books, are meant to reinforce parental teachings, not replace them. It is imperative that you take time to discuss behaviour and Christian values with your children, and strive faithfully to become the Christian you want your children to be. Let your children see God in you, whatever your strengths or weaknesses. Involve them, whenever possible, in doing charitable works. Listen to their problems and guide them in Christ. When you make a mistake, show them how to ask forgiveness by doing so, yourself. In short, tell them how to live and demonstrate by example.

Fifth, be sure your children are firmly planted within a healthy, spiritual environment. Take your children to church regularly. Encourage them to get involved. At eight years of age, Mum put me up front to tell the Children’s Story. Having experienced years of her tale-telling, I was well able, and my equally young peers enjoyed it. If you have Christian friends with children, have lunch together after church so the children can spend time. Socialize: play Bible games together! Of course, children and parents can (and should!) have friends of other beliefs; but it is important to preserve strong ties with people of like values to help further solidify Christian faith and traditions. The Bible says, “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord” (2 Corinthians 3:18). Therefore, it seems reasonable to place in closest proximity to our lives people who, like ourselves, seek to behold Christ. What we see we may become; for impressionable young children, even more so.

Sixth, and most importantly, pray together as a family. What better way to teach your children about the Lord than to have them kneeling by your side! Let them hear you pray for them. Listen as they learn to pray for you, and for themselves. Help them learn to talk to Jesus by having them do so every day. Lovingly urge them to confess their wrongdoings and ask forgiveness. Remind them by example to be thankful before they eat and prior to retiring at night. Pray with them briefly in the mornings before they depart for school. Make prayer an integral part of your daily living. Be sincere. Show your children what it means to include God, so they will have a wholesome model by which to order their lives when they are older. Whether they choose to or not is their decision, once they reach the age of accountability. Your duty is to give them the tools to build character braced by grace; prayer, incontrovertibly, next to God’s Word, is the most valuable implement of all.

Below are resources, some of which my parents used when I was a child. Most are contemporary. Only google and you are sure to find a wealth of information. Some of my old favourites are still available; links are provided below. Please keep in mind, however, that these are only suggestions. You are encouraged to thoughtfully design the best program for your family. The process begins with you! May the Lord richly bless your efforts, now and always.

Adult Bible Reading

• The Gathering-Sunday Evening- St. John
• Wednesday Night study groups-St. John
• St. John clergy-always available for support. Ask!!
• Online Bible study groups, adult devotionals, aids in scriptural understanding and analysis—just google!

Instructional Resources for Children under 10

Music

• Psalty the Singing Songbook (Kids Praise) See links below for an example! Loved him as a child!!
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QM46ME7pAoU Climbing My Mountain (Psalty-Kids Praise 5)
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENGsE-axveQ Psalty’s Little Praisers
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRU537xN3kU The Body Song-Psalty explaining cooperation
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmuPJvr89Jw Sanctus by Libera British Treble Choir. CDs available for purchase on Amazon. Beautiful traditional, sacred music in the Anglican tradition.
  
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ouBobxZ0qE&feature=related Hillsong kids. Contemporary Christian music. Example-Jesus Loves Me. CDs purchased at http://www.hillsongkids.com/

Films

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rX7lIpPjzY4 Hoomania-Chris learns how to make better choices.
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4AbjyoRjjY Mc Gee and Me--Quite of few of these on Youtube!
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDK-ewODOrU Hanna Barbara Bible Greatest Adventure cartoons

Bible Games

• http://www.biblicalstrategy.com/home.html
• http://www.familygamesmania.com/bible_board_games.html
• http://dltk-bible.com/games.htm

Bible Books and Audio

• http://www.squidoo.com/Christian-Kids-Books
• http://www.amazon.com/Jesus-Storybook-Bible-Every-Whispers/dp/0310708257
• http://www.biblebible.com/child-bible.asp
• http://www.bibleinlivingsound.org/

Tips for Parents - from a grateful daughter

Teaching Youngsters about God and Christianity
(Tips for Parents)

Candace Hurlock

Today, within the Christian community, many parents wonder how they may teach their children about Jesus. Certainly, my parents must have wondered the same thing before my brother and I were born. How can small children comprehend the Bible? How will they learn to love and follow Christ in a world where Christianity, increasingly, is deemed an out-dated and absurd system of belief? Based on my own experience, I think the answer begins at home. It is a good thing to send children to
Sunday school, but, if there is no further reinforcement, the lessons they learn may not stay with them as lastingly as those they acquire daily from the secular world. In the Bible, we read that before God sent Gideon to fight the Midianites, He instructed him to destroy the idols at his father’s home (Judges 6:25). Similarly, parents must look to themselves as the first step. The answer begins within.
Therefore, parents, read the Bible. As you study and begin to learn and understand, you will have an easier time sharing with your children. You will feel more comfortable talking about God and answering their questions, and better enabled to demonstrate His love, patience, and forgiveness. By your example, they will learn how to read God’s Word for themselves and exemplify His truths in their lives—not all at once but over time. The Bible (in the following respect) is not unlike classic literature: it must be studied earnestly in order to gain deeper insight and ongoing change. If you do not read and study, you will not learn and mature; if you refuse to take time to learn, you will not be able to teach your children. Simply put, you cannot give to others what you do not, yourself, have.
Surround your children with fun and interesting instructive Biblical material. Look at how your children learn in school. It is not only through rote recitation; in fact, less so. Today teachers employ a variety of activities to help children learn. The Bible may be taught in much the same way. Start early! Babies and toddlers enjoy learning through music. Sing to them little songs like “Jesus Loves Me, This I Know”. Clap hands! Have fun! Online, there lies a plethora of worship songs for kids of all ages, along with dramatic ideas for churches. Christian DVDs and CDs featuring Bible stories or Bible- themed adventures are another great option, especially for Sunday afternoons. Before returning to evening service (which my brother and I were required to attend), it was a favourite activity of mine to sprawl on the couch and watch a Christian video. I also loved to play Bible games. With practice, I became quite good at them!
At night Mum read us bedtime stories, many of which were child-friendly summarized Bible stories. She further played Bible or religious stories while we slept and when we were travelling in the car. In addition, my brother and I each had our own Bible—initially, one for children, then one for when we were older. There are probably a great deal more of such resources now, perhaps better ones. There are even free children’s Bibles online. I, however, would recommend an actual Bible over a virtual one, whereby the family can gather ‘round and worship
Ensure your Bible lessons are age-appropriate. As they progress through school, children are designated tasks suitable to their academic stage of maturity. Likewise, parents must exercise judgement in discerning what Bible stories to read their children, and when.

Some parents avoid teaching their children about the Bible, notably the Old Testament, because they deem it too difficult, or the subjects objectionable or, worse still, irrelevant. This is simply not true. No part of God’s Word is useless or empty: there is always something to be gained. The idea is to instruct in stages, expanding and intensifying the lessons as children develop. Indeed, stories about David and Bathsheba, Solomon’s many foreign wives, Lot and his daughters in the cave, etc., can wait. But you may surely tell about young David and Goliath the Philistine giant; the three Hebrew boys, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and their brave stand for God; Daniel in the lion’s den; Joseph’s triumph preceded by the terrible trials he faced in Egypt; Nehemiah and the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s wall--all of which speak of faith and courage. In the New Testament, there are the wondrous writings about Jesus in the Gospels; beyond unfolds the adventures of God’s first valiant carriers of truth. My favourite reading, as a child of 9 or 10, was Paul’s beautiful sentiments on love in 1 Corinthians 13. Later, in high school, I wrote a definitive essay called, “Behold, What Manner of Love”, conceived through my first innocent childhood lessons on Biblical love. Well into my teens I remembered.
Ergo, do not be afraid to teach the Bible, Old or New. Simply set the foundation and build as your children grow. You can do it, and they will remember, too.
Talk to your children about what it means to be a Christian child, and be their utmost exemplar. Children will speak and shriek loudly, carry the cross carelessly, and race through the sanctuary if they are not taught to have reverence. Children will not know how to apply Christian principles in the schoolyard if those principles are not explained or demonstrated. Children will not view the Day of Rest as a special day unless parents treat it as one. Children will not care about confirmation or baptism or the Eucharist if they are not spiritually nurtured. Resources, such as media and books, are meant to reinforce parental teachings, not replace them. It is imperative that you take time to discuss behaviour and Christian values with your children, and strive faithfully to become the Christian you want your children to be. Let your children see God in you, whatever your strengths or weaknesses. Involve them, whenever possible, in doing charitable works. Listen to their problems and guide them in Christ. When you make a mistake, show them how to ask forgiveness by doing so, yourself. In short, tell them how to live and demonstrate by example.
 Be sure your children are firmly planted within a healthy, spiritual environment. Take your children to church regularly. Encourage them to get involved. At eight years of age, Mum put me up front to tell the Children’s Story. Having experienced years of her tale-telling, I was well able, and my equally young peers enjoyed it. If you have Christian friends with children, have lunch together after church so the children can spend time. Socialize: play Bible games together! Of course, children and parents can (and should!) have friends of other beliefs; but it is important to preserve strong ties with people of like values to help solidify Christian faith and traditions. The Bible says, “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord” (2 Corinthians 3:18). Therefore, it seems reasonable to place in closest proximity to our lives people who, like ourselves, seek to behold Christ. What we see we may become; for impressionable young children, even more so.
Most importantly, pray together as a family. What better way to teach your children about the Lord than to have them kneeling by your side! Let them hear you pray for them. Listen as they learn to pray for you, and for themselves. Help them learn to talk to Jesus by having them do so every day. Lovingly urge them to confess their wrongdoings and ask forgiveness. Remind them by example to be thankful before they eat and prior to retiring at night. Pray with them briefly in the mornings before they depart for school. Make prayer an integral part of your daily living. Be sincere. Show your children what it means to include God, so they will have a wholesome model by which to order their lives when they are older. Whether they choose to or not is their decision, once they reach the age of accountability. Your duty is to give them the tools to build character braced by grace; prayer, incontrovertibly, next to God’s Word, is the most valuable implement of all.

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Below are resources, some of which my parents used when I was a child. Most are
contemporary. Only google and you are sure to find a wealth of information. Some of my old favourites are still available; links are provided below. Please keep in mind, however, that these are only suggestions. You are encouraged to thoughtfully design the best program for your family. The process begins with you! May the Lord richly bless your efforts, now and always.

	Resource Examples
Adult Bible-reading		Sunday and/or Wednesday Night study groups (check your local church) Christian clergy-ask for help and support. Online Bible study groups, adult devotionals, aids in scriptural understanding and analysis—just google!
Instructional resources for children under 10		Music Psalty the Singing Songbook (Kids Praise) See links below for an example! Loved him as a child!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QM46ME7pAoU Climbing My Mountain (Psalty-Kids Praise 5) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENGsE-axveQ Psalty’s Little Praisers http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRU537xN3kU The Body Song-Psalty explaining cooperation http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmuPJvr89Jw Sanctus by Libera British Treble Choir. CDs available for purchase on Amazon. Beautiful traditional, sacred music in the Anglican tradition. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ouBobxZ0qE&feature=related Hillsong kids. Contemporary Christian music. Example-Jesus Loves Me. CDs purchased at http://www.hillsongkids.com/ Films http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rX7lIpPjzY4 Hoomania-Chris learns how to make better choices. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4AbjyoRjjY Mc Gee and Me--Quite of few of these on Youtube! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDK-ewODOrU Hanna Barbara Bible Greatest Adventure cartoons Bible Games http://www.biblicalstrategy.com/home.html http://www.familygamesmania.com/bible_board_games.html http://dltk-bible.com/games.htm Bible Books and Audio http://www.squidoo.com/Christian-Kids-Books http://www.amazon.com/Jesus-Storybook-Bible-Every-Whispers/dp/0310708257 http://www.biblebible.com/child-bible.asp http://www.bibleinlivingsound.org/