West Side Kids » Favorite Resources http://westsidekids.org Children's Ministry of West Side Christian Church Sat, 19 May 2012 19:18:48 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 Broken Promise http://westsidekids.org/2010/01/15/broken-promise/ http://westsidekids.org/2010/01/15/broken-promise/#comments Fri, 15 Jan 2010 21:35:25 +0000 Miss Jessica http://westsidekids.org/?p=1868 Our Support Ministry provides a wonderfulprogram called Broken Promise, for children who have experienced the stress, sadness and uncertainty of divorce.It begins on Tuesday, February 2nd at West Side Christian Church. It meets every Tuesday from 6:45-8:00 for 13 weeks.

Broken Promise is for children 4 years oldthrough 8th grade. One of the parents (not both) attends with the children. Parents meet in a separate room with other parents to learn about what their child is experiencing and ways to help them. Children are divided up by age group and will learn about the grief cycle and the emotions that everyone goes through when they experience a loss. They will also learn appropriate ways to express their anger, as well as tools for coping with difficult emotions.

One of our parents wrote this about Broken Promise:

My son went through Broken Promise when he was 4 years old. At that age, he didn’t have a clue what being married was or what the word divorce meant. While going through the program, he had a conversation on the phone with his daddy. His dad was telling him that he missed him and that he wished that we could all live together again. My son responded, “No Daddy, you and mom tried living together before and you couldn’t, so you got a divorce so now you have to share me. I love you both!” This just floored me because it showed how much my son was understanding because of Broken Promise. It was amazing. The program touched us so much, we are now serving other families through the Broken Promise ministry.

It is a life-changing program for children. If you would like more information click here. To register, call the church office at 793-2800. Registration endsFebruary 1st.

]]> http://westsidekids.org/2010/01/15/broken-promise/feed/ 0 Helping Kids Cope with Death http://westsidekids.org/2010/01/08/helping-kids-cope-with-death/ http://westsidekids.org/2010/01/08/helping-kids-cope-with-death/#comments Fri, 08 Jan 2010 19:25:17 +0000 Miss Jessica http://westsidekids.org/?p=1859 At some point in their lives, every child will cope with the loss of a loved one. As a parent, you may feel unprepared to answer your child’s questions and help them process their loss. Here are some great resources that can help you navigate this difficult road. Many of these resources are available in our church library.

Books for adults:

When will I Stop Huring? by June Cerz Kolf

Helping Children Grieve by Theresa Huntley

Books for teens:

Saying Goodbye When you Don’t Want To by Martha Bolton

Books for Kids of All Ages:

The Invisible String by Patrice Karst

The Invisible String is a very subtle approach to loss or seperation. I believe this is a great book to add to your child’s library now. It teaches children that even when 2 people are seperated, an invisible string of love connects them. It’s a great truth to hide in your child’s heart even before they have experienced a great loss.

Sarah’s Grandma Goes to Heaven by Maribeth Boelts

Grandpa is There a Heaven by Kathering Bohlmann

Gram’s Song by Karyn Henley

Papa’s Gift by Kathleen Long Bostrom

Books for Young Kids:

Let’s Talk About Heaven by Debby Anderson

Never Say Goodbye by Lea Gillespie Gant

]]> http://westsidekids.org/2010/01/08/helping-kids-cope-with-death/feed/ 2 Helping Kids Cope with Divorce http://westsidekids.org/2009/08/18/helping-kids-cope-with-divorce/ http://westsidekids.org/2009/08/18/helping-kids-cope-with-divorce/#comments Tue, 18 Aug 2009 22:50:15 +0000 Miss Jessica http://westsidekids.org/?p=1583 Our Fall session of Broken Promise, a ministry for children whose parents have divorced,is Tuesday, August 25thto November 24thfrom 6:45-8:00 p.m. Children must be pre-registered to attend.

Broken Promise is for children 4 years to 8th grade. One of the parents (but not both) must attend with the children and attend theparent part of the program (in a seperate classroom.) Children are divided up by age group and will learn about the grief cycle and the emotions that we go through when we experience a loss. They will also learn appropriate ways to express their anger, as well as tools for coping with other difficult emotions.

You can find out more by clicking here.

To register or ask questions, please contact Faith Watkins and Tina Neely at brokenpromise@wschurch.org or call the church office at 793-2800.

]]> http://westsidekids.org/2009/08/18/helping-kids-cope-with-divorce/feed/ 0 All About the Fam http://westsidekids.org/2009/03/05/all-about-the-fam/ http://westsidekids.org/2009/03/05/all-about-the-fam/#comments Thu, 05 Mar 2009 19:59:07 +0000 admin http://westsidekids.org/?p=864 We are really excited that 2 Sundays in a row ourfamily ministry sold out their copies of Revolutionary Parenting in the concourse. This is a great resource and we are thrilled that so many families took the opportunity to take it home. We’ve ordered a few more for thoseon the waiting listand those should be in this Sunday. If you missed out and would like to have a copy, please contact me soon.

We are also just 1 day away from another family fun night! This time we will be having some fun at West Side’s FAMILY FILM FEST! The registration date is past, but if you still want to come, just contact me. We’ll be watching the movie Toy Story as well as a few other cartoon shorts. There will be popcorn, candy and a few games to keep it really exciting. As always, there will be prizes awarded for…well, you’ll have to wait and see! Don’t forget that we are encouraging everyone to come dressed as their favorite movie character and you should also be sure to bring a chair or a blanket for your family to sit on. We’ll get started at 6:30 p.m. in the chapel!

This Sunday morning, there are 2 opportunities to become a little bit better equipped to handle the crazy world of parenting. At 9:30, a special elective Protecting Kids Online, will be held in the cafeteria. Led by our IT Director, Josh LeVeque, this electiveis a must for any family with a computerin their home. In addtion, the 4 week class, Revolutionary Parenting, finishes up this Sunday at 11:00 in Centennial Hall.

]]> http://westsidekids.org/2009/03/05/all-about-the-fam/feed/ 0 Revolutionary Parenting http://westsidekids.org/2009/02/17/parenting-ministry-offers-a-special-class-on-sunday-morning/ http://westsidekids.org/2009/02/17/parenting-ministry-offers-a-special-class-on-sunday-morning/#comments Tue, 17 Feb 2009 23:08:09 +0000 admin http://westsidekids.org/?p=838 Raising a spiritual champion takes revolutionary parenting. West Side’s Parenting Ministry will be leading a 4 week elective on George Barna’s book, Revolutionary Parenting, beginning February 15th at 11:00 a.m. in Centennial Hall. Come and find out what the research shows really works! Everyone is invited to attend.

Week 1: A Crisis in American Parenting

Week 2: Conditions for Revolutionary Success

Week 3: How Revolutionary Parents Behave

Week 4: Training Up Spiritual Champions

The book Revolutionary Parenting will be available in the church concourse on Sunday, February 22nd and March 1st. This book regularly retails for $17.95 but we believe so strongly that parents will benefit from reading this bookthat we are making them available for only $5.00. Read a review of Revolutionary Parenting inWest Side’s Thrive Magazine, comingthis month.

]]> http://westsidekids.org/2009/02/17/parenting-ministry-offers-a-special-class-on-sunday-morning/feed/ 0 Reaching your Child’s Heart through Music http://westsidekids.org/2009/02/12/reaching-your-childs-heart-through-music/ http://westsidekids.org/2009/02/12/reaching-your-childs-heart-through-music/#comments Thu, 12 Feb 2009 17:41:12 +0000 admin http://westsidekids.org/?p=819 Have you ever noticed the way preschool teachers use music to teach everything from the alphabet to tying your shoes? Educators have long realized that setting a concept to music helps a child not only remember that concept quickly but also long-term. A recent articlestated that there are over 10,000 songs stored in your brain by the time you are 18 years old.

Don’t believe me? Try this……”Gimme a break, gimme a break. Break me off a piece of that….______________.”

I guess educators aren’t the only ones who realized how memorable music can be!

Because we believe that music can reach the heart of a child in a way that few other mediums can, we strive to use music in a way each Sunday morning that is both dynamic and life-changing. Our worship time is anything but ho-hum.Our music is fun, energetic and teaches biblical truth in real terms. Here’s a sample of one of the songs we are using in the preschool area, called GULP!*

Use the time you have at home to teach through music too! Play great Christian songs in the car or while you are making dinner. Use it to get your kids going in the morning or to leave one last happy thought before bedtime.

There is a lot of great Christian children’s music available. We are offering some of these listed below at a discounted price.

Our Picks for Best Music For Preschool and Younger:

My Best Friend: Little Praise Party (available at the ECM counter for $10.00)

Touch the Sky (available at the ECM counter for $5.00)

Reach up High (available at the ECM Counter for $5.00)

Our Picks for Best Music For Kindergarten-2nd Graders:

Loud and Clear! Big Songs for Young Hearts by Yancy

Shout Praises Kids (any in the series)

Have You Heard?

Our Picks for Best Music For 3rd-5th Graders:

Rock-n-Happy Heart by Yancy

Make Some Noise

*Check out www.amberskyrecords.com as a great resource for downloading Christian songs. This new site has great music for kids of all ages and often has songs we use in the preschool department.

]]> http://westsidekids.org/2009/02/12/reaching-your-childs-heart-through-music/feed/ 0 Reaching your Child's Heart through Music http://westsidekids.org/2009/02/12/reaching-your-childs-heart-through-music-2/ http://westsidekids.org/2009/02/12/reaching-your-childs-heart-through-music-2/#comments Thu, 12 Feb 2009 17:41:12 +0000 Miss Jessica http://westsidekids.org/?p=819 Have you ever noticed the way preschool teachers use music to teach everything from the alphabet to tying your shoes? Educators have long realized that setting a concept to music helps a child not only remember that concept quickly but also long-term. A recent articlestated that there are over 10,000 songs stored in your brain by the time you are 18 years old.

Don’t believe me? Try this……”Gimme a break, gimme a break. Break me off a piece of that….______________.”

I guess educators aren’t the only ones who realized how memorable music can be!

Because we believe that music can reach the heart of a child in a way that few other mediums can, we strive to use music in a way each Sunday morning that is both dynamic and life-changing. Our worship time is anything but ho-hum.Our music is fun, energetic and teaches biblical truth in real terms. Here’s a sample of one of the songs we are using in the preschool area, called GULP!*

Use the time you have at home to teach through music too! Play great Christian songs in the car or while you are making dinner. Use it to get your kids going in the morning or to leave one last happy thought before bedtime.

There is a lot of great Christian children’s music available. We are offering some of these listed below at a discounted price.

Our Picks for Best Music For Preschool and Younger:

My Best Friend: Little Praise Party (available at the ECM counter for $10.00)

Touch the Sky (available at the ECM counter for $5.00)

Reach up High (available at the ECM Counter for $5.00)

Our Picks for Best Music For Kindergarten-2nd Graders:

Loud and Clear! Big Songs for Young Hearts by Yancy

Shout Praises Kids (any in the series)

Have You Heard?

Our Picks for Best Music For 3rd-5th Graders:

Rock-n-Happy Heart by Yancy

Make Some Noise

*Check out www.amberskyrecords.com as a great resource for downloading Christian songs. This new site has great music for kids of all ages and often has songs we use in the preschool department.

]]> http://westsidekids.org/2009/02/12/reaching-your-childs-heart-through-music-2/feed/ 0 Reaching your Child's Heart through Music http://westsidekids.org/2009/02/12/reaching-your-childs-heart-through-music-3/ http://westsidekids.org/2009/02/12/reaching-your-childs-heart-through-music-3/#comments Thu, 12 Feb 2009 17:41:12 +0000 Miss Jessica http://westsidekids.org/?p=819 Have you ever noticed the way preschool teachers use music to teach everything from the alphabet to tying your shoes? Educators have long realized that setting a concept to music helps a child not only remember that concept quickly but also long-term. A recent articlestated that there are over 10,000 songs stored in your brain by the time you are 18 years old.

Don’t believe me? Try this……”Gimme a break, gimme a break. Break me off a piece of that….______________.”

I guess educators aren’t the only ones who realized how memorable music can be!

Because we believe that music can reach the heart of a child in a way that few other mediums can, we strive to use music in a way each Sunday morning that is both dynamic and life-changing. Our worship time is anything but ho-hum.Our music is fun, energetic and teaches biblical truth in real terms. Here’s a sample of one of the songs we are using in the preschool area, called GULP!*

Use the time you have at home to teach through music too! Play great Christian songs in the car or while you are making dinner. Use it to get your kids going in the morning or to leave one last happy thought before bedtime.

There is a lot of great Christian children’s music available. We are offering some of these listed below at a discounted price.

Our Picks for Best Music For Preschool and Younger:

My Best Friend: Little Praise Party (available at the ECM counter for $10.00)

Touch the Sky (available at the ECM counter for $5.00)

Reach up High (available at the ECM Counter for $5.00)

Our Picks for Best Music For Kindergarten-2nd Graders:

Loud and Clear! Big Songs for Young Hearts by Yancy

Shout Praises Kids (any in the series)

Have You Heard?

Our Picks for Best Music For 3rd-5th Graders:

Rock-n-Happy Heart by Yancy

Make Some Noise

*Check out www.amberskyrecords.com as a great resource for downloading Christian songs. This new site has great music for kids of all ages and often has songs we use in the preschool department.

]]> http://westsidekids.org/2009/02/12/reaching-your-childs-heart-through-music-3/feed/ 0 Reading the Bible with your Child http://westsidekids.org/2009/01/22/reading-the-bible-with-your-child/ http://westsidekids.org/2009/01/22/reading-the-bible-with-your-child/#comments Thu, 22 Jan 2009 17:56:03 +0000 admin http://westsidekids.org/?p=795 It’s well known that reading with your child from an early age helps them with their language and literacy development and can helpbond parents and children together. But have you considered using a children’s Bible or devotional during your nightly reading time? Not only does this begin a great spiritual discipline of studying God’s Word daily, but it opens up the opportunity for you to have spiritual and moral conversations with your child on an ongoing basis.

Here are some great resources for kids of all ages:

Our picks for age 6& under:

Our picks for age 4-8:

Our picks for age 9-11:

Kids this age are ready to use The Bible and there are some fun designs with study helps for their age in Zondervan’s line of Backpack Bibles. They come in lots of fun designs that appeal to boys and girls.

If you want a little more info, here’s a great article about reading the Bible with your kids!

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