"The Little Children and Jesus"

Sunday, March 22, 2009

People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.

Mark 10: 13 - 16

It was a special day on Sunday, March 22. As part of the morning worship, Ivan William Albright, son of Shawn and Jennifer Albright, received a special prayer of blessing.

The children and their parents were invited to sing some songs for Ivan.

Emma, Nathan and Jack all sit with their mothers.

Ivan sat with his parents, Shawn and Jennifer.

One of the songs was "This Little Light of Mine."

"May the Lord be with you, and bless you Ivan,
May the Lord be with you, Ivan, and bless you every day."

The prayer of blessing was offered by Dick Otis.

Ivan was so good!

The blessing of a baby is an important sacrament in the church.

It was a special day.

March 11, 2009 JAM Kids Journey to Ireland

Our Journey With Jesus took us to Ireland in March.
After our opening activities, we learned about how the Christian
message was brought to the people of Ireland.

We learned that Patrick explained the three parts of God
(Father, Son, Holy Spirit)
by using a shamrock.

It was fun to see our creative meal. Lots of green food, to represent Ireland!

We made shamrock magnets to help us remember God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit.

Jack show us his finished project.

As the sun was setting in the west, we ended our evening with campfire songs.

February JAM Kids - Journey to MEXICO

As we "Journey With Jesus" to different parts of the world this year, we are learning about the people and culture of other countries. In February, the JAM Kids were in Mexico. Our scripture focus for the evening was from Romans 12:10. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.

Sloane and Emily make "paper people" when they arrive.

Allison helps Zachary read from "Pyramids and Pig Tails."

Millie shared some Mexican children's stories with Nathan and Madeline.

Erica greeted the children in Spanish and helped them to learn some Spanish words.

Mary learned that her Spanish name would be "Maria."

Erica spent a month in Mexico and showed us some of the things that she brought back to Iowa with her. The beautiful cloths were made by her "host mother" and are used to keep the tortillas warm.

When we went downstairs for supper, guess what we had? Tacos!

Good things were wrapped up in the tortillas.

Grant enjoys his dinner.

Emily takes a bite.

It was Allison's 10th birthday, and we sang "Feliz Cumpleanos" to her.

Gym Time! We had some great running games.

Now which way should Molly run?

What a good group!
After playing in the gym, we all made Valentines before campfire.

Singing with Lisa is a great way to end the evening! Lots of parents enjoy singing, too.

JAM Kids travel to China in January

January 14, 2009. There was no school today because of a blizzard,
but by evening, the roads were clear
and the JAM Kids gathered at the church for a trip to China.
Cold temperatures outside
didn't take away from the fun that we had inside!

Our "paper people" were dressed in traditional Chinese costumes. We made paper lanterns and bookmarks. Each person got a dragon to take home to do with their parents.

The group heard stories from a book
that was written in Chinese and in English.

Susan showed us how to hold chopsticks
so we could eat Chinese food for dinner.

Jack did a good job, and so did Lily!

We love to play games in the gym.

Our evening ends with songs around the campfire. Here we are all being elephants.

"One elephant went out to play, on a spider's web one day.
He had such enormous fun that he called for another elephant to come."

It was another wonderful evening at JAM Kids!