To many, "XMas" is quicker to write than "Christmas." RC Sproul gives a more full answer on how this abbreviation came about, and even adds an explanation of how "ichthus" (fish) came to be a symbol for Jesus Christ.
When do you write "XMas," and when do you write "Christmas"?
Showing posts with label Questions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Questions. Show all posts
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Camp Grace Review Day: Answer Key
We had a Review Day this past weekend in Camp Grace. We asked the campers questions from what they've been learning over the past few months. Then, we sent them home with a sample of the questions, so that they could quiz their parents. If you missed it, here is a list of the questions. Try your best, and then scroll down on this post for the answers (in red).
How did you do? Leave a comment and let us know how many you got right.
********************************************************************************
1. What was the first thing Nehemiah did when he learned Jerusalem’s wall and gates were destroyed?
A. He prayed to God, praising Him, humbling himself and asking God for help.
B. He immediately went to Jerusalem to see how he could help.
C. He sent people to rebuild the wall and gates.
D. He did nothing.
2. Who did God allow Satan to test to see if this person would continue to believe and trust in God no matter what happened?
A. David
B. Nehemiah
C. Adam
D. Job
3. What happened to Daniel after he was thrown in the lion’s den?
A. God did not take him out of the lion’s den, but God protected Daniel while he was in it.
B. Daniel was eaten by the lion’s, but God was glorified for Daniel’s faithfulness to Him.
C. God gave Daniel superhuman strength to fight and kill the lion’s so he would not be eaten.
D. Daniel escaped from the lion’s den and saved himself.
4. When Jesus was just a baby, Joseph and Mary took him to the temple in obedience to the Old Testament law. Who was it that recognized Jesus at the temple, and worshiped Him?
A. Simeon
B. King Herod
C. Anna and Simeon
D. The Magi and King Herod
5. When Jesus was in Capernaum teaching at the house where He was staying, four men brought a friend to be healed by Jesus. What was wrong with their friend, and how did they get him to Jesus?
A. Their friend had a broken leg, and they carried him through the front door to Jesus.
B. Their friend was paralyzed and they led him into the house to Jesus.
C. Their friend was blind and they lowered him through the roof of the house to Jesus.
D. Their friend was paralyzed and they dug a hole in the roof to lower him down to Jesus.
6. John the Baptist was not like many of the religious leaders of his time, but God still chose to use him to prepare the way for Jesus. What are some characteristics of John the Baptist?
A. He ate ants and syrup, dressed in horse hair, and frolicked in fields.
B. He ate snails and honey, dressed in cat hair, and hiked in the mountains.
C. He ate snakes and vinegar, dressed in donkey hair, and swam in the ocean.
D. He ate locusts and honey, dressed in camel hair, and lived in the wilderness.
7. Jesus fasted in the wilderness for 40 days and 40 nights while being tempted by Satan. There were three things Satan told Jesus to do in Matthew 4. What was NOT one of the things Satan told Jesus to do?
A. Jump off the highest point of the Temple and let the angels protect Him.
B. Turn stones into loaves of bread so He could eat
C. Change sand into water so He could drink
D. Kneel down and worship Satan to gain the world and its glory
How did you do? Leave a comment and let us know how many you got right.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
What is Advent?
From Noel Piper (2009):
"Advent is what we call the season leading up to Christmas. It begins four Sundays before December 25. . . . For four weeks, it’s as if we’re re-enacting, remembering the thousands of years God’s people were anticipating and longing for the coming of God’s salvation, for Jesus. That’s what advent means—coming. Even God’s men who foretold the grace that was to come didn’t know 'what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating.' They were waiting, but they didn’t know what God’s salvation would look like."Read the full article.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Camp Grace Review Day Questions
In case your child missed our programming for 1st - 4th graders this past weekend, or if you want to see how well you could have done, here are some questions that were asked during our Review Day. Check back on Wednesday for the answer key.
1. What was the first thing Nehemiah did when he learned Jerusalem’s wall and gates were destroyed?
A. He prayed to God, praising Him, humbling himself and asking God for help.
B. He immediately went to Jerusalem to see how he could help.
C. He sent people to rebuild the wall and gates.
D. He did nothing.
2. Who did God allow Satan to test to see if this person would continue to believe and trust in God no matter what happened?
A. David
B. Nehemiah
C. Adam
D. Job
3. What happened to Daniel after he was thrown in the lion’s den?
A. God did not take him out of the lion’s den, but God protected Daniel while he was in it.
B. Daniel was eaten by the lion’s, but God was glorified for Daniel’s faithfulness to Him.
C. God gave Daniel superhuman strength to fight and kill the lion’s so he would not be eaten.
D. Daniel escaped from the lion’s den and saved himself.
4. When Jesus was just a baby, Joseph and Mary took him to the temple in obedience to the Old Testament law. Who was it that recognized Jesus at the temple, and worshiped Him?
A. Simeon
B. King Herod
C. Anna and Simeon
D. The Magi and King Herod
5. When Jesus was in Capernaum teaching at the house where He was staying, four men brought a friend to be healed by Jesus. What was wrong with their friend, and how did they get him to Jesus?
A. Their friend had a broken leg, and they carried him through the front door to Jesus.
B. Their friend was paralyzed and they led him into the house to Jesus.
C. Their friend was blind and they lowered him through the roof of the house to Jesus.
D. Their friend was paralyzed and they dug a hole in the roof to lower him down to Jesus.
6. John the Baptist was not like many of the religious leaders of his time, but God still chose to use him to prepare the way for Jesus. What are some characteristics of John the Baptist?
A. He ate ants and syrup, dressed in horse hair, and frolicked in fields.
B. He ate snails and honey, dressed in cat hair, and hiked in the mountains.
C. He ate snakes and vinegar, dressed in donkey hair, and swam in the ocean.
D. He ate locusts and honey, dressed in camel hair, and lived in the wilderness.
7. Jesus fasted in the wilderness for 40 days and 40 nights while being tempted by Satan. There were three things Satan told Jesus to do in Matthew 4. What was NOT one of the things Satan told Jesus to do?
A. Jump off the highest point of the Temple and let the angels protect Him.
B. Turn stones into loaves of bread so He could eat
C. Change sand into water so He could drink
D. Kneel down and worship Satan to gain the world and its glory
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
At What Age Is My Child Ready for the Bible?
Will Bouton, the Children's Ministry Director on our Downtown campus, answers this common parenting question.
One of my favorite things to do as a parent is read the Bible at bedtime with my two boys -- ages 5 and 3 -- right before we cut off the lights. We all snuggle into one of their beds and read one story each night. I read and they listen . . . supposedly. Often, one or both of them won't stop talking in order for me to read, and some nights they think it's time to wrestle, and some nights they would rather read some other book. Nevertheless, I make sure I read each word from the story before we say goodnight. I started this with our oldest when he was 6 months old. Maybe you are thinking, "What's the point? He's too young to understand what you are reading." Here is why I think it's beneficial to read the Bible to a young child:
, and The Big Picture Story Bible
.
God promises us that His word will not come back to Him empty (Isaiah 55:10-11). Get to reading and watch what God does with it -- in your children's lives and also in your own!!
One of my favorite things to do as a parent is read the Bible at bedtime with my two boys -- ages 5 and 3 -- right before we cut off the lights. We all snuggle into one of their beds and read one story each night. I read and they listen . . . supposedly. Often, one or both of them won't stop talking in order for me to read, and some nights they think it's time to wrestle, and some nights they would rather read some other book. Nevertheless, I make sure I read each word from the story before we say goodnight. I started this with our oldest when he was 6 months old. Maybe you are thinking, "What's the point? He's too young to understand what you are reading." Here is why I think it's beneficial to read the Bible to a young child:
- Model for them. This daily time with me reading the Bible has impressed on my boys that the Bible is more special than any other book. It is amazing to see a 1-year-old respecting the Bible. Does he know everything it says? Doubtful. But I can tell you from experience how wonderful it is for your child to see you reading the Bible and run to find theirs so they can read right beside you.
- Confidence in God's word. My children have become comfortable with picking up the Bible and thumbing through it. I became a Christian when I was 16 years old, but I wasn't confident in reading the Bible until I was in my twenties. My prayer is that my boys never have a time in their life where they are intimidated by the thought of spending time in the Bible. They have confidence with it because they know the pictures and the stories already. They can practically walk you through all three children's Bibles we own, even though neither can read; they have them memorized!
- Life application. Reading the Bible with my boys consistently allows me to speak into their lives in meaningful ways. I can reference things we have read in order to connect their everyday life to things the Bible says. I am often able to say, "Son, do you remember the story in the Bible we read last night . . . " and relate what we are doing right at that moment with the Scripture. And sometimes at bedtime when we are reading I can say, "Do you remember today when you weren't kind to your brother? This story in the Bible talks about that very thing . . . ."
- Personal gain. As I read with them, I learn just as much -- if not more -- than they do. I know the order of things in the Old Testament better than I ever have. Does it replace my own personal time in the Word? No. But, it is amazing what the Holy Spirit will point out to you through your children's questions and comments. There is no question that I am drawing near to God when we have this time together. Some of my most treasured memories as a parent have come from conversations with my boys while reading the Bible at bedtime.
God promises us that His word will not come back to Him empty (Isaiah 55:10-11). Get to reading and watch what God does with it -- in your children's lives and also in your own!!
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Is God Sovereign Over Disability?
Of course He is! John Knight writes:
"God's sovereignty doesn't mean he merely permits disability. . . . [H]e sovereignly intends it, both for his glory and for our good."See this article on Desiring God blog for the full answer. In this article, note his creative paraphrase of Psalm 139:13-16, with specific descriptions of disabilities.
Monday, October 18, 2010
How Can I Get Automatic Email Updates?
We know -- sometimes it's hard to remember to come check the blog for updates. Would you prefer to get an email any time the blog is updated? Check out the "Subscribe Via Email" tool to the right, provided by Feedburner. Just enter your email address, click "Subscribe," and follow the directions.
Of course, you could always still come back to the blog to read the posts, and you'll still need to do that to search for specific topics.
(PS -- Thanks for the tip, Sara!)
Of course, you could always still come back to the blog to read the posts, and you'll still need to do that to search for specific topics.
(PS -- Thanks for the tip, Sara!)
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Are You Busy?
Parents are usually so busy. There's work, household chores, playing with your children, school, sports, other activities, play groups, and the list goes on. It often seems like you run all day in 5th gear and then crash at the end. But is this God's best?
In his article Busyness Is the New Spirituality, Dave Kraft makes the case (from culture and from the example of Jesus) that most of us are far too busy. The tricky part is that we are usually busy with good things. But this can lead to "a deep, deep sense of exhaustion -- emotional, spiritual, and physical."
Does this sense of exhaustion characterize you? Here is what he offers as the solution:
In his article Busyness Is the New Spirituality, Dave Kraft makes the case (from culture and from the example of Jesus) that most of us are far too busy. The tricky part is that we are usually busy with good things. But this can lead to "a deep, deep sense of exhaustion -- emotional, spiritual, and physical."
Does this sense of exhaustion characterize you? Here is what he offers as the solution:
- Learn to say no.
- Intentionally slow down.
- Think strategically when you make decisions.
- Simplify your life by de-cluttering your busy schedule.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Questions About Children's Ministry?
We have recently updated our FAQ's page on our website. There are some questions that can help new guests, as well as long-time members. You will see answers to such questions as:
- "How do I check my child in?"
- "What if I need to be contacted during the service?"
- "What security measures do you have in place to provide for my child's safety?"
Monday, September 13, 2010
What Is Worship?
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:16-17)
In both our Preschool and Camp Grace programming, we have Small Group and Big Group times. During Big Group, we sing, pray, have skits, and sometimes watch videos. We want to provide a model of what it looks like to worship in community. (Read more about our philosophy of learning.)
If you have some musical ability and want to be a part of our music team, we want to encourage you to sign up for the next church-wide worship audition, on September 29-30. You can find out more information on our website.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Special Needs FAQ: Review
After the series outlining our thoughts and applications for ministering to families who have children with special needs, we gave a list of frequently asked questions (FAQ's) that we subsequently answered on this blog. Here is a summary of those FAQ's and the links to the answers:
- Will my child be with his or her age-group during the weekend programming?
- Can my child have a "shadow" or "buddy" to assist them with activities in the Children's Ministry programming? Are your shadows passionate and equipped? How should I request one?
- Who is in leadership over special needs? What expertise do they have?
- How will I be notified if there is a problem during the worship service?
- I am dealing with grief and anxiety. How can I get counseling?
Monday, August 16, 2010
Special Needs FAQ: How Can I Get Counselling?
For people who are experiencing the effects of a fallen world (Genesis 3), grief is not uncommon. It is important to not withdraw, but to move towards God and towards others. Scott Mozingo, the Pastor of Community at Grace Church, gives us his thoughts on the question of grief and counseling:
"At Grace, we take the role of shepherding and care for our members very seriously. It is helpful to think in terms of shepherding in two categories -- crisis (immediate) and discipleship (ongoing). Counseling is one form of immediate care that occurs when someone is dealing with grief. This often takes the form of meeting with a pastor, and some specific instruction and care is given to help get through the immediate state of crisis.
However, as we know, grief does not go away just because an immediate state of crisis has passed. In my opinion, this is where the real work of the church begins, as the main avenue for that type of member-care is through authentic, Christ-centered community. The primary form for this at Grace Church is Community Groups. Community Groups provide an ongoing discipleship context where one struggling with grief could receive encouragement and admonition, as well as give back to the community from their experience. This two-way relationship is God's primary plan for our spiritual growth.
In addition, there may be seasons where specialized mentoring is needed. Whenever we can, we are glad to connect folks together in a mentoring-type relationship for a short period. However, mentoring and pastoral care cannot take the place of an active and ongoing community of believers that walk through life -- good and bad -- with one another."
If you would like to get more information on receiving counseling at Grace Church or to get connected in authentic, Christ-centered community, email Chris McGowan, our Connecting Pastor, at cmcgowan@gracechurchsc.org.
Image courtesy of mattox via sxc.hu
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Are You New to Camp Grace?
Do you have a rising 1st-grader? Or, have you started attending Grace Church recently and are unfamiliar with some of our programming? If you have a child who will be in our Camp Grace (1st - 4th grade) programming, be sure to check out our New to Camp Grace? webpage for important information and to learn some of our terminology. You can learn about our Big Group and Small Group times, as well as Quest (for "campers" who stay for 2 services). Additionally, you will want to read important information about our take-home materials (the S'more Card and ROAD Bookmark).
In particular, we want to encourage you to lead your child in learning to study the Bible, through the three-day-a-week Bible reading plan that corresponds to each week's programming. The concept we use is called ROAD, signifying the words Read-Observe-Apply-Depend, and illustrating the fact that the Bible is a "road map" for life.
For most children, the idea of Bible study is very new, and they will depend on you to guide and help them. What a great opportunity to study the Bible together, as many other families have been using this tool, as well! You can read and discuss the passages and questions out loud, or you can have children write the answers in their own journal, or (especially for younger children) they can just draw pictures of their observations and applications. There are many options, but what's important is for you to lead your child. Think of the eternal impact you can have if you can start now teaching your child to study God's word and apply it to his or her life.
In particular, we want to encourage you to lead your child in learning to study the Bible, through the three-day-a-week Bible reading plan that corresponds to each week's programming. The concept we use is called ROAD, signifying the words Read-Observe-Apply-Depend, and illustrating the fact that the Bible is a "road map" for life.
For most children, the idea of Bible study is very new, and they will depend on you to guide and help them. What a great opportunity to study the Bible together, as many other families have been using this tool, as well! You can read and discuss the passages and questions out loud, or you can have children write the answers in their own journal, or (especially for younger children) they can just draw pictures of their observations and applications. There are many options, but what's important is for you to lead your child. Think of the eternal impact you can have if you can start now teaching your child to study God's word and apply it to his or her life.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Special Needs FAQ: How Will I Be Notified If There Is a Problem During the Service?
In this post in the series of frequently asked questions about how we minister to children with special needs, we'll answer this question and other key topics regarding our safety policies.
Each of our three campuses uses and computer-based check-in / check-out system called Parent Pager. Upon checking in your child, you will receive a unique (for that campus) 2- to 4-digit Household ID number, which will be the same number every time you return to that campus. If we need you to return to the Children's Center (or Children's Ministry area) from the adult worship service, your Household ID number will appear in the lower corner of the screens (Pelham Road and Downtown campuses), or on a red LED display under the worship screen (Powdersville campus). You should return to a Children's welcome desk, where a staff member or volunteer will communicate with you further.
You can read more about our safety policies on our website. Here are some key elements to our safety plan:
Each of our three campuses uses and computer-based check-in / check-out system called Parent Pager. Upon checking in your child, you will receive a unique (for that campus) 2- to 4-digit Household ID number, which will be the same number every time you return to that campus. If we need you to return to the Children's Center (or Children's Ministry area) from the adult worship service, your Household ID number will appear in the lower corner of the screens (Pelham Road and Downtown campuses), or on a red LED display under the worship screen (Powdersville campus). You should return to a Children's welcome desk, where a staff member or volunteer will communicate with you further.
You can read more about our safety policies on our website. Here are some key elements to our safety plan:
- We run background checks (using a system that searches a national database) on adults who serve as Small Group Leaders and members of the Welcome Team.
- We have windows next to every classroom, and always have staff and volunteers walking around checking on the rooms.
- Men are not allowed to change diapers or accompany a child into the bathroom.
- Volunteers can only release a child to an authorized person who has a check-out slip.
- In general, volunteers are not authorized to give a child any form of medicine.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
What's New at Our Downtown Campus?
A couple of months ago, we gave an overview of our Children's Ministry programming on our three campuses. In the 11 weeks since we launched Children's Ministry programming at our Downtown campus (nursery - 5K), we have planned and executed some significant changes.
- We opened two new preschool classes in July. Typically, our attendance is lower during the summer months, but it has remained fairly consistent on this campus (averaged more than 70 children, not counting two holiday weekends). Even though families have been traveling, we have also had about 4 new families every Sunday, and many of these new families have been returning.
- To speed up the check-in process, we added a self-check-in kiosk, while also removing a large desk that impeded flow. Within the next couple of weeks, we will add another self-check-in kiosk.
- Up until this past weekend, we only had families check-in their children, without having to check them out. This allowed many new families the opportunity to become accustomed to our computerized system. But with a growing ministry, we are now requiring children to be checked-in and out (read more here). In both situations, a slip will print along with the child's name tag. A check-in slip must be obtained before a child is brought to his small group, and a check-out slip is required for a parent to pick up their child(ren).
- In just a couple weeks, on Promotion Sunday (August 15), we will launch our Camp Grace (1st - 4th grade) programming (see our website for more info). There is much work going on to get the basement ready, and to get volunteers up to speed. We're excited for this next step on this campus! (Just for information sakes, we had about 90 nursery- and preschool-age children, along with over 20 1st-4th graders, registered for this fall on the Downtown campus.)
Monday, August 2, 2010
Special Needs FAQ: Who's In Leadership Over Special Needs?
Most parents who come to Grace Church and who have children with Special Needs want to know who is in leadership over this ministry. They may wonder if their child will be merely "babysat" by well-meaning volunteers, but who have no understanding of that child's specific needs. We have already talked about our volunteer shadows, but who exactly equips these shadows? And what about children who do not require shadows? Is there leadership and expertise throughout this ministry area?
Grace Church is an elder-led church, meaning that the elder board has the ultimate authority and responsibility for everything our church does. However, the day-to-day operations is handled by the staff, including Children's Ministry. In most areas of Children's Ministry, especially in an area as specific as Special Needs, we depend highly on volunteers to equip, minister to, and inform others. We have been blessed with two great volunteer "coaches" who help provide leadership, direction, and training for our Special Needs ministry.
Emily McGowan helped get this ministry launched at Grace Church years ago, and currently serves on the Pelham Road campus as the Special Needs Coach (organizes, schedules, and equips volunteers). She has a degree in Special Education, and is certified to teach children with learning disabilities and profound mental disabilities. She taught for three years at the Washington Center, teaching children ages 5-8 who had profound disabilities, and she has also done applied behavioral analysis (ABA) tutoring for children with autism. She now stays at home with her two sons, including her a two-year-old that has dwarfism and developmental delays.
Jessica Crumpton has served in a number of areas at Grace Church, and is now our Special Needs Coach on our Powdersville Campus. Like Emily, she has a degree in Special Education, and is certified to teach children with learning disabilities, trainable mentally disabled, and educable mentally disabled students. She taught for four years in the Pickens County School District before coming home to be with her children.
With a newly launched Children's Ministry programming at our Downtown Campus, we have not had specific leadership over special needs, nor a need for it at the start. But with a growing church, we hope that God will give us opportunities to minister to families who have children with special needs, and we trust that He will continue to provide the leaders to support them.
Grace Church is an elder-led church, meaning that the elder board has the ultimate authority and responsibility for everything our church does. However, the day-to-day operations is handled by the staff, including Children's Ministry. In most areas of Children's Ministry, especially in an area as specific as Special Needs, we depend highly on volunteers to equip, minister to, and inform others. We have been blessed with two great volunteer "coaches" who help provide leadership, direction, and training for our Special Needs ministry.
Emily McGowan helped get this ministry launched at Grace Church years ago, and currently serves on the Pelham Road campus as the Special Needs Coach (organizes, schedules, and equips volunteers). She has a degree in Special Education, and is certified to teach children with learning disabilities and profound mental disabilities. She taught for three years at the Washington Center, teaching children ages 5-8 who had profound disabilities, and she has also done applied behavioral analysis (ABA) tutoring for children with autism. She now stays at home with her two sons, including her a two-year-old that has dwarfism and developmental delays.
Jessica Crumpton has served in a number of areas at Grace Church, and is now our Special Needs Coach on our Powdersville Campus. Like Emily, she has a degree in Special Education, and is certified to teach children with learning disabilities, trainable mentally disabled, and educable mentally disabled students. She taught for four years in the Pickens County School District before coming home to be with her children.
With a newly launched Children's Ministry programming at our Downtown Campus, we have not had specific leadership over special needs, nor a need for it at the start. But with a growing church, we hope that God will give us opportunities to minister to families who have children with special needs, and we trust that He will continue to provide the leaders to support them.
Image courtesy of immrchris via sxc.hu
Monday, July 26, 2010
Special Needs FAQ: Shadows -- Can My Child Have One, and Who Are They?
Next in our series of FAQ's about Special Needs are some questions regarding "shadows" or "buddies." We currently have about 8 children that require a "shadow" during our weekend programming. These range from children with autism or developmental delays, to preschool-age children with physical disabilities who need someone to specifically ensure their safety, and even a 2-year old with diabetes that needs a trained medical professional to check his blood sugar level. Most of these children stay for two services, allowing their parents the opportunity to worship and serve. Accordingly, we currently need at least 12-15 volunteers to regularly serve as Special Needs shadows.
Unfortunately, at this point we do not have an abundance of trained shadows on "stand-by" to be ready for the occasional visitor that has special needs. Therefore, it may be difficult for us to provide a shadow on short-notice, although on more than one occasion, God has raised up someone just in the the nick of time for an unexpected guest. If a parent expects to need a shadow for his or her child, they should contact the church office (864-284-0122) or email us at children@gracechurchsc.org with as much notice as possible, and we will do our best to provide a shadow. We may not have an immediate and permanent solution, but for families that want to be a part of our church body (or at least explore that possibility), we desire to come alongside them and assist them. We put a high value in a long-term relationship.
Who are these shadows? We have folks with a range of backgrounds and experiences, but they are all equipped and trained by leaders with expertise (more on that next week), and they all are passionate about ministering to children, especially children with special needs. We do not compromise in this area at all.
Some of our shadows are teenagers who just love being with younger children. Some are adults that come with experience (professional or volunteer) working with children or adults with special needs. We have some nurses and physical therapists, who primarily work with the children in our programming that have physical disabilities or illnesses. Since we are ministering to a variety of special needs, we try very hard to match up the needs of the child with the passion and skills of the volunteer. The right fit, coupled with training, makes all the difference.
Unfortunately, at this point we do not have an abundance of trained shadows on "stand-by" to be ready for the occasional visitor that has special needs. Therefore, it may be difficult for us to provide a shadow on short-notice, although on more than one occasion, God has raised up someone just in the the nick of time for an unexpected guest. If a parent expects to need a shadow for his or her child, they should contact the church office (864-284-0122) or email us at children@gracechurchsc.org with as much notice as possible, and we will do our best to provide a shadow. We may not have an immediate and permanent solution, but for families that want to be a part of our church body (or at least explore that possibility), we desire to come alongside them and assist them. We put a high value in a long-term relationship.
Who are these shadows? We have folks with a range of backgrounds and experiences, but they are all equipped and trained by leaders with expertise (more on that next week), and they all are passionate about ministering to children, especially children with special needs. We do not compromise in this area at all.
Some of our shadows are teenagers who just love being with younger children. Some are adults that come with experience (professional or volunteer) working with children or adults with special needs. We have some nurses and physical therapists, who primarily work with the children in our programming that have physical disabilities or illnesses. Since we are ministering to a variety of special needs, we try very hard to match up the needs of the child with the passion and skills of the volunteer. The right fit, coupled with training, makes all the difference.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Special Needs FAQ: Will My Child Be With His Age-Group During the Weekend Programming?
For each child who takes part in our weekend programming, we want them to have a meaningful experience. Our staff and volunteers desire to shepherd all children in our body, but there is a tension between meeting the individual needs of each person, while also doing what is best for the ministry as a whole. This tension exists throughout our Children's Ministry programming, including how we allocate our resources, how we assign children to their small groups, the focus of the curricula, the crafts and activities we do, and how we minister to children with special needs. Our goal is not to be "one size fits all," but "one size fits most." With a ministry of around 1000 children, it will be impossible to meet the specific desires of every family.
So, to answer the question above, the simple answer is "It depends." In our experience over the past 6 or 7 years, there have been a number of possibilities, such as placing a child in his . . .
So, to answer the question above, the simple answer is "It depends." In our experience over the past 6 or 7 years, there have been a number of possibilities, such as placing a child in his . . .
- Exact age-group. As we noted in this post, our ultimate goal is for every child to be with his or her age-group. We believe that meaningful and long-term peer relationships are a crucial part of spiritual growth, whether for children, teenagers, or adults. That's why virtually every child is in a small group of children that are in the same grade-level.
- A slightly younger age-group. There are situations when it is best to have a child in a lower grade level. With school-age children, we typically assign children in our programming to the same grade level that they are in the school system. For example, we have had children with autism who are in a grade or two lower than their age would typcially dictate.
- Own room, temporarily (with a volunteer "shadow," but not with peers). We have had children with health issues (such as a weakened immune system), for whom it would be dangerous to be in a group of children. These children were placed in their own room with a shadow, until their health situation changed and their doctors allowed them to be around other children. In these situations, the blessing for the parents was having the freedom to continue to worship in community, without worry about their children's safety.
- Something else?. We realize that our current weekend programming may not be the right fit for all people who have special needs. For example, what if we had a 21-year-old man who functions the level of a 6-9 year old? At this point, we don't think it is best if he was in our Camp Grace (elementary) programming. As we grow, we realize that we are likely to encounter more and more cases like these, and we will do our best to work with families to find the best possible solution. All we can ask from families is for grace and patience, as we grow and desire to learn and adapt.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Special Needs FAQ's
Through the process of writing about children with special needs,we have received a number of questions regarding how our ideas are put into effect in Grace Children's Ministry. Here are some of the more common questions that we'll answer over the next couple of weeks:
- Will my child be with his or her age-group during the weekend programming, or in an isolated classroom with other children with special needs?
- Can my child have a "shadow" or "buddy" to assist them with activities in the Children's Ministry programming? How should I request one?
- Who are the shadow that Grace Children's Ministry uses? Are they passionate and equipped?
- Who is in leadership over special needs? What expertise do they have?
- How will I be notified if there is a problem during the worship service?
- I am dealing with grief and anxiety. How can I get counseling?
Image courtesy of immrchris via sxc.hu
Friday, July 9, 2010
How Do I Train My Child to Manage Money?
Here are some thoughts from Randy Alcorn, author of The Treasure Principle, a great resource for adults that we have used at Grace Church:
- Give your children something greater than money -- your time.
- Use life's teachable moments to train your children.
- Take a field trip to a junkyard.
- Teach your children to link money with labor.
- Teach your children how to save.
- Get your children started on the lifetime adventure of giving.
- Provide your children with financial planning tools.
- Teach your children how to say "No."
- Show your children how family finances work.
- Never underestimate the power of your example.
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