Jesus made it clear that children matter to God. He values them not only for what they will become in the future but for who they are today.

Jesus even told his disciples that to understand God’s Kingdom, they needed to become like little children.

We can all agree that children need to learn about God. That’s the purpose of children’s ministry! However, they don’t necessarily need programs. They need relationships.

A relationship with a Christian adult who cares about children is the cornerstone of learning about God. As we take time to build loving relationships, children come to see, hear, and experience how the love of Jesus looks, sounds, and behaves.

Children’s ministry is Biblical. Psalm 78:4 states: “We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done.”

When we give our attention and effort to children’s ministry, we are fulfilling this vision set forth in the Bible for teaching the faith.

Children’s ministry provides for the future.Imagine your church’s future if, for the next 10 years, a group of adults would commit themselves to nurturing the spiritual growth and well-being of the children in your congregation. What would your church be like if reaching children in your community became one of its major priorities? To most effectively create real change for the Kingdom of God, children are the ones with whom to begin.

Children’s ministry is the best investment we can make. In terms of financial and time investment, children’s ministry creates the highest spiritual yield of any age group! The lifetime impact of children’s ministry is immeasurable.

A strong children’s ministry not only gives a great return today, fueling and strengthening the entire church body. But it also yields a brighter future for every area of a church’s ministry. A strong children’s program grows a church from the outside, bringing in new families who did not previously attend church. Most families who become part of a church are connected mainly because of the way their children were loved and cared for by the leaders in children’s ministry. Beyond that, children who are growing and learning are the most effective witness to other children!

So, stay encouraged, even in these strange times. Your ministry to children is saving hearts and lives for Jesus. And pray! It’s foundational to our ministry and one of the most important basics of children’s ministry.

REMINDERS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

The South Carolina Synod Children, Youth and Family Ministry (CYFM) is Updating our List of Congregational Contacts! Who is the best person in your congregation to receive information about synod children and youth events and other updates and resources?

Please call the Synod Office at 803/765-0590 or email Deborah at deborah@scsynod.com.

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FOR ADULTS WHO PLAN TO BE LEADERS AT SYNOD CHILDREN AND YOUTH EVENTS

You must “attend” mandatory training session.  Videos can be found on Synod website – Youth | ELCA South Carolina Synod

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Nov. 16, 2024

Lutheran Youth Day at Newberry College Love in Action Weekend

Newberry College | Lutheran Youth Day

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SC Synod Kids Day (Grades 1-5)

December 7, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church, Lexington

Opening our Hearts to Advent

Worship!  Games!  Songs!  Skits!  Crafts and Other Activities!

Cost: $25

(Includes lunch, snacks, t-shirt, Advent wreath to take home and other supplies)

Each child is also encouraged to bring a box/bag snack for our service activity – fruit cups, granola bars, tuna & cracker packs, trail mix, nuts, crackers

Registration

Register

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Mark your Calendar!

Whole Family Ministry Workshop

January 12, 6-8pm

Christus Victor Lutheran Church

In-person and Zoom

Cost: $15 for individual; 25 for entire team

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Middle School Retreat

January 24-26

At Camp Kinard

#EmbracetheShift

“Those Crazy Emotions!”

We go through a lot of changes during our Middle School years.  And our emotions are at the top of that list. We’ll watch the movie “Inside Out 2,” explore those emotions and learn how to process them in healthy ways.

Cost is $105

Registration begins in December!

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Resources for Advent and Christmas

Lots of resources on PRC – Practical Resources for Churches
Advent and Christmas – Online Resource Center – PRC – Practical Resources for Churches

Christmas Pageant Ideas, Tips and Scripts

Advent Calendars for 2024

New and Recent Formation Resources for Advent

Faithful Families for Advent and Christmas: 100 Ways to Make the Season Sacred by Traci Smith

Activities
Flame: Creative Children’s Ministry: 25 Advent Activities

Rethink Worship
27 Advent and Christmas Service Ideas – Brainstorm List – Re:think Worship