Maranatha Chapel Children Ministry
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Teaching Kids to Delight in God's Words
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Welcome to The Sheep Pen, the web site for Maranatha Chapel's Children's Ministry.
At Maranatha Chapel's Children Ministry, our desire is to minister to children with love, understanding, creativity, and knowledge, based on God's Word.
The Scripture which inspires our ministry is Psalm 1:1-3:
"Blessed is the man that does not walk in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stand in the way of sinners, nor sit in the seat of those who scorn. But his delight is in the Law of the Lord, and in God's law does he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth his fruit in season, his leaf also shall not whither. And whatever he does shall prosper."
Who Are We?
We are teachers, helpers, and parents, who love the Lord. But most importantly, we are farmers who tend your children like precious trees in God's Garden.
What Do We Teach?
We teach that each child is a gift from the Lord (Psalm 127:3) . We teach them who is our God and how He loves us, through Bible lessons, class play, and our love for them.
Our Goal
It is our desire to become an extension of your home, providing both quality care and a secure environment for your child.
WHERE
SPECIAL NEEDS
NURSERY(0-2yr)
PRESCHOOL
FIRST to FOURTH
FIFTH GRADE
Classes _ Maranatha
Wednesday evening service: from 7:00 p.m. to 8:45 p.m
Nursery care: Nursery
2's & 3's: C-110
4's & 5's: C-109
1st- 5th grade: the Fellowship hall
We have a Royal Rangers program that is also during this service but you will need to sign up and register separately for that program.
Saturday night service: 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
2's: Nursery
3's & 4's: C-109
5's: F-101
1st & 2nd grade: F-109
3rd & 4th grade: F-108
5th grade: F-107
Sunday morning first service: 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
2's: C-110
3's: C-109
3;4;5 combo: C-108
4's: C-107
5's: C-106
1st grade: F-101
2nd grade: F-108
3rd grade: Fellowship hall
4th grade: In room F-107
5th grade: In C-202
2nd grade: F-108 , F107
3rd & 4th grade: Fellowship hall
Special Need Children: C-103
Sunday evening service(6:00pm to 7:30pm): Awana meeting only.
Our staff is a great team of volunteers who just love to be in there with your children and will sing to them, tell them stories, take them for walks and help them with their needs. We have some stimulating and relaxing equipment designed to help your child feel comfortable and at ease.
Special Needs Ministry
We have a small ministry to the families of children who have special education needs. If you are a family who would like to have your child ministered to as you attend service, please give our ministry a try.
Our special needs ministry is for children who are moderately or severely handicapped. Some of our special needs children attend regular children's ministry classes, if they can handle a classroom setting.
We want the best spiritual health for all the children and families at our church. The regular children's ministry classes are designed to teach Biblical principles and concepts in a good learning invironment, so if some children need one-on-one attention, it would be best if they attend our second service special needs class.
Our special needs class meets Sunday morning during the 10:30 service in room C-103 of the two-story children's ministry building.
If you would like to meet some of our special volunteers and be a part of the team we will make a place for you. Come to the church and pick up a children's ministry application. It is a great opportunity to grow in your maturity by giving of yourself to those in much greater need than yourself. The Lord said, "As you have done it unto the least of these my brethren you have done it as unto me." Go and do likewise!
Nursery ( 0 - 2 years )
We welcome you to our Maranatha Chapel nursery page. We would love for you to visit our church and bring your young children to our nursery.
Go to the bottom of this page to learn how to get involved.
The Bible tells us in Psalm 127:3 that children are a gift from the lord. This God-given trust is vitally important to us at Maranatha chapel. Both parents and church volunteers play an essential and influential role in making God's love real to these little ones. Children are recognized as a very special gift. We value each of them as unique and special, to be cared for and nurtured and shown the love of Christ.
Our goal is to provide safe, quiet and gentle care while taking the opportunity to teach babies through associations and feelings; feelings that later develop into concepts and attitudes about God, going to church, and how they should respond to other people.
It is our desire to become an extension of your home, providing both quality care and a secure environment for your child. Since Jesus placed such a high emphasis on little children, we feel that we must do the same.
Planting Seeds: "The farmer sows the seed which is the Word of God." Mark 4:14
The nursery is the foundation of what we try to do here at Maranatha Chapel in the children's ministry.
We want to minister to and nurture children in the ways of the Lord. The Lord says that what we do to the least of the brethren, we do it as to Him. So in giving the best care to the littlest of the flock, we are showing His care for them. We pray for a prosperous and fruitful walk with the Lord for all who come under our care.
In chapter four of the Gospel of Mark we read about the parable of the sower. A "sower" is a farmer desiring to produce crops in his field, but a farmer must sow the seeds in order to produce a crop. In the nursery we start this process of sowing the seeds.
In Mark 4:14 we see that the seeds are the Word of God. During the first two years of children's lives, they learn more and learn faster than at any other time in their lives. For that reason it is essential to teach them in very simple ways, the basics of God's love, care and concern for all His creation. People are His most treasured creation and all people are special to God.
Where we teach:
Other features:
Again, the nursery rooms are checked regularly to be sure that the floor and surrounding areas are free from hazards. Toys are monitored to be sure that all are safe, in good working order and age appropriate. No small pieces are allowed in any rooms where babies or toddlers are cared for.
At some time during each service we try to sit the toddlers together and sing some songs, tell a simple story and pray. Though the children at this age usually can't give us an indication of what they have learned, still their little minds are processing all the things we send their way. So we send them the Good Stuff!
Parent Helpers:
The staffing ratio in the nursery is one caregiver to every three children. With the babies it's two to one. This ensures adequate and safe care of all the children. With these ratio goals we often need to have loving moms and dads to come alongside of our volunteer team to assist.
The staff is a group of volunteers who are motivated by a love for kids, and a desire to be a blessing in God's church. Please take this into account when you are bringing your child to our nursery.
We don't require the parents to serve in the nursery but we do need and welcome your assistance when you can help. We have great volunteers who are responsible for cleaning toys and changing diapers so when you help your primary responsibility will be tending the main group of children. You are welcome to help with cleaning but the diaper changing is left to those who are regular members of our volunteer staff.
After looking at your schedule you can notify the person checking the children in that you would like to volunteer to serve. There is a rotation schedule that allows you to pick a date to be placed on the calendar. If you must call in sick, leave a message with Doug Drake at 858-613-7800 x 125.
If you would like to become a regular member of our nursery staff please notify Doug Drake and pick up an application at the church. You can also email pastor Doug by click HERE.
Preschool ( 2 to 5 years )
Welcome to our preschool page, where you can find out about growing spiritual fruit in the lives of the cutest little preschoolers you've ever seen. You can also find out about our curriculum.
It is our desire to teach the preschoolers at our church the great stories of the Bible and lead them to the Great God of the Bible. But to do that, we understand that preschoolers learn in their own particular way. They sort of learn things backwards from what we would normally expect.
1. They experience something that is true.
2. They accept that experience as true.
3. They repeat the experience often enough so that the truth begins to be understood.
4. Then they hear words that describe that truth, giving the truth a new richness and resulting in understanding.
So instead of telling a "truth" to them and hoping they "get it," we want to let the preschoolers experience things in the classroom often enough so they will "get it" by experiencing the Bible lesson-and enjoying that experience as they explore the truths presented to them.
We make sure the truths we are applying to these experiences come from God's true and faithful Word!
Growing Fruit "You should go and bring forth fruit and your fruit should remain." John 15:16
We want to teach them about His character and all that makes Him who He is. It is the love of God that draws people to Him.
When a farmer puts in time to grow and produce good fruit he certainly hopes his orchards will continue to keep producing good fruit. Through effective and faithful teaching and living godly lives, we are attempting to lay a solid foundation of trust in the lives of the preschoolers. They are developing most of the character traits they will take with them the rest of their lives at this stage of development. A strong trust in a loving and Mighty Heavenly Father is essential to the goal of producing Spiritual fruit that will remain.
What We Teach (pre school curriculum)
There are many great curriculum resources available today, and I could recommend many of them with confidence. We happen to use "Hands-On-Bible" curriculum for our preschool program. The phrase "Hands-On" is exactly what is sounds like. The kids get to touch and feel and do while in the process of learning.
For children, everything is an adventure and an opportunity for wonder. We try to present Bible truth in interactive settings that uses the kid's natural desire to experience life with all their senses. This curriculum allows preschoolers to meet and interact with the loving God who made the world they're so interested in exploring. It helps launch young children on the lifelong journey of knowing, loving, and following their Savior, Jesus.
The hallmark of Christian education for preschoolers is active play experiences that engage each child with loving Christian adults.
Play is not only the way the young child learns about objects, people and relationships, but it may be the best way for a young child to learn about God and His love.
The Christian faith we share with children must be more than mere words or information. It is not enough for the young child to hear God's Word or even to memorize it. The child must live it. A child is not yet able to listen to and understand some of our explanations about the concepts and beliefs of the Christian faith. In order to learn effectively, the child uses all of his or her senses: seeing, touching, tasting, smelling and hearing.
Elementary Ages: First through Fourth Grade
Let the Little Children Come to Me. Mark 10:14
Psalm 1:2 His delight is in the law of the Lord and in his law does he meditate day and night.
Kids at this age are like sponges, eager to learn and ready to start communicating and living what they learn. Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these" (Matthew 19:14). We want to encourage our kids to come to Jesus in an environment that loving, safe, welcoming-and fun!
Knowing the Word
"Grow in grace and the knowledge of our Lord." 2 Peter 3:18
What better goal can we set for our kids than to encourage them to live and grow in God's grace and to acquire a personal knowledge of Him? We are blessed to have a staff of committed volunteers who desire that your children will indeed inherit the kingdom of heaven. Our goal is to support and assist you, the parents, in training your children. Our team of teachers and helpers spend many hours a week planning and praying for the children and families to whom they minister. We desire to communicate God's love in a warm and caring setting, and to teach His Word in such way that makes it relevant to daily living. We want our children to find their place in the church family and to encourage them in their spiritual commitment and growth. Sunday school should be a place to develop a relationship with God; with kind and understanding teachers; and with the other children.
"We will not hide them from their children showing to the generation to come the praises of the Lord, and his strength and his wonderful works that he hath done. Psalm 78:4
Why We Teach (what we believe about God's Word)
The Bible is God's truth, given to the human race. Every person and story in Scripture is truth, and from it we draw strength and wisdom to live our lives. God's Word gives us hope in desperate times, as well as the joy and satisfaction of knowing the God who created the universe also created and loves each person on this planet. While each individual is important to God, it is also essential for us to see the overall plan and purpose of God, and how we fit into that plan. God has gifted each of us with unique talents and abilities. Once we acknowledge Jesus as our Savior and receive forgiveness for our sins, we are given the gift and guidance of the Holy Spirit, who enables us to listen for and act upon the call of God on our lives.
At Maranatha Chapel we believe that parents should be the primary teachers of Biblical material to their children. It is our desire to be partners with parents in nurturing their children in biblical foundations. If children develop the ability to trust during the early years, they will have a basis for commitment to Jesus Christ when they reach the age of accountability.
Maybe leave work a little early this week and read a Bible story to your kids.
Isaiah 54:13 states, "And all your children will be taught by the Lord. And they will have much peace." We trust that this is the desired goal of all parents who bring their children to our church. God wants parents to succeed in the task of parenting their children with biblical principles. We want to help each individual unveil his or her uniqueness in an atmosphere of Christ-like love and acceptance.
Parent Heroes
YOU ARE VITAL TO YOUR CHILD'S SUNDAY SCHOOL EXPERIENCE
How to help your child get the most out of Sunday school
1. Encourage your child to develop friendships at Sunday school. One of the strongest benefits the church provides your family is an extended "family" of both adult and childhood friends who support positive Christian values. Consistent attendance makes it easy for meaningful friendships to grow.
2. Be consistent in bringing your child to Sunday school so that he or she will benefit from the biblical instruction. Children are surrounded by influences, which are often in conflict with the truths of Scripture. Sunday school can be your child's most important hour out of every week!
3. Cultivate friendships with your child's teachers. It's easier for you to approach two or three teachers than for them to personally contact the parents of all the children in their classes. Your support helps teachers do a good job!
4. Watch for and talk with your child about the take-home materials provided each week. A few minutes of informal conversation at home can help to reinforce and apply the Bible truths your child has studied.
5. Learn the Bible memory verses with your child. Copy each week's verse onto a folded index card and set it on your breakfast table.
6. Ask a few questions about the Bible story to see what your child remembers and understands-and talk about how the story illustrates familiar experiences at home or in the neighborhood. A good question is "What is one way you can do what that story teaches us?"
7. During the week look for ways to connect a recent Bible verse or story to specific situations. For example, while watching TV, ask how a character's action compares with those of a person in a Bible story.
Fifth Grade
These are the pre-teens! They are approaching the magical age when they think about driving cars, going to parties, dating, drinking, voting... oh wait not yet!
They think they are ready for so many things. Parents like me want to grab our kids and take them to Antarctica to escape the scary things that happen at this age. As Christian parents, we are preparing our children to survive in the world. They must learn to make their own choices with the direction given from God's Word and time in prayer. If a strong biblical foundation has not yet been laid for our children, then we are behind schedule and need to catch up.
Don't send your children out into the world without knowing how to survive with God's direction and help! It sounds radical, but in the end, it is better to teach your children to grow the fruit of the Spirit in their lives-love, joy, peace, patience-then to learn to read and write. This may seem like a strong statement and a naïve one, but it is more important to consider how your child will face the Creator at the end of his or her life than how he or she will face some biology professor in college.
It's a tough world out there and there are giants to face. How will your children do?
"A wise man built his house upon a rock, and the storms beat upon that house but it did not fall."
Matthew 7:24
Children in today's world are faced constantly with influences that tempt them away from the Lord, the church, and the home. Many schools seem to be breeding grounds for discontent with both the home and the church, and children are often urged to believe that any life-style is valid, proper, and acceptable. These influences are especially confusing to children as they approach teen years.
Religion and religious values are seldom if ever taught in public schools. However, children are fed the religion of secular humanism which leads them to believe that people are supreme and do not need God.
Are your kids ready for what they will face, or are they blind to the dangers that face the unsuspecting Christian?
Schools have the children for at least six hours per day, five days per week, while the church and Christian education programs have them only one or two hours. The imbalance is astounding! In addition, while churches rely on volunteers to do the work of Christian education, schools have professionally trained teachers.
Children may be pressured to become involved in activities that are against Christian principles. Though they have always had to make decisions, today's children are faced with increased pressures.
The church must offer positive Christian principles and teaching that will help children know the difference between right and wrong and then stand up for the right. Both teachers and parents must do all they can to reach children for the glory of God and to help them face life with Jesus Christ.
Who We Teach:
Physically: These kids are growing like crazy. Some will experience rapid growth spurts, while others will feel clumsy and awkward. Some will crave sleep while others will crave food.
Emotionally: These marvelous creations of God will have dramatic mood swings. They're literally bombarded with hormonal changes as the onset of puberty releases a flood of hormones into their bodies.
Some will seem to have little if any control of their emotions. These kids can often be angry and quick-tempered. This anger comes from a variety of sources, including fatigue and feelings of inadequacy, rejection, or uncertainty. Preteens are often fearful and threatened by competition.
Socially: At this age the kids start breaking away from the influence of the family and turning their trust to their peers. This is why the spiritual training of the earlier years is so important.
Parent's Hope
"For I know him (Abraham), that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment, that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he has spoken of him." Genesis 18:19
God invested into the life of Abraham. One thing that stood out about him was that he would teach his children about the Lord. This brought blessings to him and will also bring blessings to us.
I trust it is your hope that your children "turn out well". We must put our children into the loving care of the Almighty. One of the many titles of God I really like is one found in Isaiah. God is called "the One who inhabits eternity." He is before all things and when all things are done He will be there as well. We can trust our children to Him. Learn the ways of the Almighty and teach your children to do the same and you will be blessed.
If you are not sure how to teach your children, I invite you to come and join our volunteer teaching team. You can learn and train from experienced volunteers. You can learn some valuable life skills that will help you strengthen your faith, the faith of your children and also help in building a strong foundation for the church, the Bride of Christ.
Maranatha Chapel • 10752 Coastwood Road • San Diego, CA 92127
858.613.7800 (Voice) • 858.613.7824 (FAX) • Email: office_maranathachapel.org
For questions, please contact Pastor Doug Drake at: 858 613 7800 x 125, or e-mail him using the form at the right.
Vacational Bible School 2010 is Now Accepting Registration
To register, get the application from either your teacher and turn it in at the Children Ministry office. Check out how much fun we had last year!
Join Us on Our Convelesent Home Visit!
Each visit will take about an hour but will have a lasting impact. The elderly get so much out of our visit and the children love it too!
Where: Meet at Church
When: 10:15am every second Saturday of the month
Next Visit: 10:15am May 8, 2010
Passion of Christ by Bill McDonald
1. The Kiss
11. The Reward
12. A Time for Everything
2. The Denial
13. The Crown of Thorns
3. Pontius Pilate
14. The Blue Bird Sang
4. Thirty Nine
15. Tears
5. Simon From Syrene
6. Hope Restored
16. Doubting Thomas
7. A Matter of Honor
17. The Old Soldier
8. Following Orders
18. As Sure As God Made Heaven and Earth
19. Peter the Rock
9. The Good Thief
10. Going Home
20. Pentecost
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