The Christmas Holiday is over and Children’s Ministry enjoyed our third Christmas Pageant. The kids did remarkably well. They had no trouble stepping into character as they retold the story of Jesus’ birth with some entertaining humor. We were all very proud of them. Thank you, parents, for working with the kids on lines and learning songs. A special thanks to Miss Dana, our fearless director, for all of her time and talent she graciously gave us. After the pageant, a large group went caroling in the neighborhood and then came back to church for Bruno’s pizza and birthday cake for Jesus. It was a fun evening and we hope God was honored in all we did.
Eight of our Promiseland kids gathered to bake cookies and decorate them for the 
Jubilee Christmas families. We were very impressed with how well they decorated the cookies. After baking, the kids enjoyed pizza, fruit and of course a cookie. We like to encourage the young kids to do service projects, so if anyone has ideas for us we would welcome them.
We were very pleased with the generous spirit our kids displayed in 2011 as they filled ten shoeboxes from their purchases at the Promisemart Store. The boxes were sent to kids all over the world and we have already started filling shoeboxes for Christmas 2012.
This month, the 3-5yr. olds will hear true stories about Jesus when He was by the sea: Jesus calling His disciples, Jesus calming the sea, Jesus walking on water, and the miraculous catch of fish.
Promiseland curriculum in the K/1st grade uses an “ordinary vs. extraordinary” theme to help children learn about Jesus. A funny and inquisitive puppet named Spot joins the Large Group Teacher to hear stories about Jesus’ life, from His birth and boyhood, to His first interactions with His disciples. Through the story of the wise men seeking Jesus, Spot and the children will learn that they too can be wise by worshipping Jesus. Next, a dramatic reading of the story of young Jesus at the temple gives Spot and the children a chance to imagine Jesus as a boy. They will discover that they can grow in wisdom and strength, and grow closer to God—just like Jesus did. The story of Jesus calling His disciples shows Spot and the children how Jesus invited people to follow Him and helps children learn that Jesus wants them to follow Him, too. And finally, during Lesson 8, Spot wonders if Jesus loves kids just because they’re kids. Jesus loves children more than they can ever understand – His love for them is extraordinary!
Mission Unstoppable will teach the 2nd and 3rd graders that Jesus had an unstoppable mission to save the world. Kids will learn the disciples carried on this mission by telling others about Jesus, and if we become followers of Jesus, we can still carry on Jesus’ mission today. This unit is base on Mission: Impossible, with codes to crack and missions to accomplish. It begins with Jesus calling the twelve disciples, followed by a look at Jesus’ love, Jesus’ power, and the importance of prayer.
The 4th and 5th grade kids will be Divin’ Into Jesus, as they are challenged to go deeper in their relationship with Jesus. Through lessons focused on the early events in Jesus’ ministry, children will discover ways to go deeper through sharing their faith, baptism, studying Scripture, being with Jesus (solitude), and prayer. By looking at various individuals who encountered Jesus, children will soon realize that “once you encounter Jesus you’re never the same.”
Please pray for our kids to know Jesus and want to follow Him.
Dar Muehlhausen