April JAM Kids

Our focus in April was on the “First Nations People” or Native American Indians.
It was exciting to learn more about their culture and beliefs.

The scripture for the evening comes from 1 Corinthians 10:26
The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.


We have created "paper people" from all around the world!

Jack W. puts the finishing touches on his people.

Mary and Jack K. work on their people.

Millie reads a story with Grace.

Grant and Mary are making bracelets.

Jack K. enjoys a good time.

Our special guest at JAM Kids in April was J.R. Smith. J.R. has spent time in Native American ministries, so he had special knowledge to share with us. He said, “Most Native Americans would sum up religion and spirituality in one word; that is 'respect'. Respect for all of creation and respect for the Creator of all creation."

We sat in a circle, which is also a symbol for God, who has no beginning and no end.

Aidan S., Ryan, Jack W. pass the talking stick.

The talking stick has been used for centuries by many American Indian tribes as a means of just and impartial hearing. The talking stick was commonly used in council circles to designate who had the right to speak. When matters of great concern came before the council, the leading elder would hold the talking stick and begin the discussion. When he finished what he had to say he would hold out the talking stick, and whoever wished to speak after him would take it. In this manner the stick was passed from one individual to another until all who wished to speak had done so. The stick was then passed back to the leading elder for safe keeping.

Jack, Grant and Gavin pass the stick.

The matter of great importance that was discussed in our circle was, "Which would you rather have, ice cream or cake?" Each person could speak or pass the talking stick to another person.

Emily and Sloane
Sometimes it was hard to make a decision. Ice cream or cake? Or Both!

Then J.R. told us about a prayer feather and how it might be used in the Native American culture. The red yarn at the bottom of the feather symbolizes the blood of Jesus.

Emily, Sloane, Molly, Aidan T.
Each person had a part in the prayer.

The prayer included a blessing on our food.

Supper included items that early Native Americans may have eaten - turkey, beef jerky, corn muffins, dried fruit and nuts. Then - for dessert - we had ice cream AND cake.

Mary, Sam, Allison, Emily, Grant and Rachel.
Game time in the gym included relay races.

Rachel is a great helper.

Sam cheers for his team.

Lily and Aidan watch as their teammates carry the egg on a spoon.

Hurry, Sloane!

Gavin is careful with his egg.

And then - We each got to make our own talking stick to take home.

The things that go on a talking stick may symbolize important elements from nature, love, and respect.

Molly, Emily and Mary decide what to put on their talking sticks.

We always end the evening with our campfire singing.

"Clap another hand, clap a hand next to you, clap another hand and sing this song. . ."

Molly, Sloane, Rachel

This Little Light of Mine, I'm gonna let it shine!

The Native Americans I know the best believe that Jesus is in all things.
Jesus is the personification of truth, wisdom, and understanding.
Believing in Jesus means having a relationship with Him and believing
what he asks of you. To quote a Blackfoot medicine man,

"Jesus my best friend".

"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.