Around-the-Town Easter Egg Hunt

around the town egg hunt
Kim, a kidmin leader in Virginia, recently shared about her team's idea for an around-the-town egg hunt, and I couldn't wait to learn more! Normally, Kim and her team host a big community event with over 2,000 eggs. They usually promote the event on lots of different platforms and hold the event during a community farmers market that is held across the street. That obviously wasn't an option this year as we continue through the global pandemic. Kim said... "We always target the community with our Easter egg hunt, but this year I felt like we needed to focus on our own families and gently leading them back to the building and back into Christian activities." Even as she's focusing on her church families rather than the community, Kim is finding that a lot of them are inviting their friends to the around-the-town egg hunt, so that's a huge...

I Spy Easter Printable

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]In this simple (but harder than you think) activity, kids must count and record the number of each Easter item shown on the page. It's perfect as an early-arriver activity or a take-home sheet, and since there is no reading required, all ages can play![/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download the I Spy Easter Activity here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F03%2FDKM-I-Spy-Easter-Printable.pdf|target:_blank"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="50874" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" link="https://deeperkidmin.com/product/resurrection-rock-roll-to-go/"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_column_text]This activity is from our Resurrection Rock and Roll At-Home Family...

The Best Way to Reach Families this Easter

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]A couple of weeks ago, I spoke at and attended the Bible Creative Online Conference. One of the speakers, Dale Hudson of Building Children's Ministry, talked about one of the best ways to reach the families at our church: give them opportunities for shared, memorable experiences that point to a greater purpose. So this Easter, how can we give our families a chance to create a shared, memorable experience that points to a greater purpose? These ideas might help! Help them throw a family Easter party - Everyone loves celebrations! And while you may not be able to host your regular Easter events in-person, you can provide ideas and supplies for your families to celebrate Easter at home! Just like an in-person event, think through a special theme, games, family devotion, snacks, and fun for your families! This...

Easter Activity Printables for Kids

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Use these 3 Easter activity printables for your Easter season lessons! They can be used as time-filler activities, early arriver activities, or as sermon notes sheets for a family worship service. Here are the activities included: The Tomb is Empty Coloring Page Gospel Storyboard Cross Color-by-Number [/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download the Easter Activity Printables here! " align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F02%2FDKM-Easter-Activity-Printables-for-Kids.pdf|target:_blank"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="53047" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" link="https://deeperkidmin.com/product/egg-streme-easter-4-week-easter-series/"][/vc_column][vc_column...

5 Egg-cellent Easter Games

easter games for children's ministry
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Looking for some socially-distanced games to play for Easter this year? Here are 5 egg-cellent Easter games that are egg-stremely fun! (And find even more Easter 2021 resources here!) 1. HOT BOILED EGG Supplies: Hard-boiled egg, spoons and/or gloves, music Details: This game is just like hot potato, but with an eggy twist! Children can either sit or stand in a circle. When the music starts, the children pass the "hot boiled egg" around the circle using spoons and/or wearing gloves. When the music stops, the person left holding the egg is out. Play continues until only one person is left, and that person is the winner! 2. EGG-HEAD  Supplies: 3 Hard-boiled and 3 uncooked eggs, egg box, Dice (optional: trash bags and shower caps) Details: Invite 6 leaders to the front and give them all a number....

Jesus Washes Away Sin Activity for Kids

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Use this simple but dramatic activity to help families talk about sin and forgiveness this Easter. [/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download the Jesus Washes Away Sin Activity Here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F02%2FDKM-Jesus-Washes-Away-Sin-Activity-Freebie.pdf|target:_blank"][vc_column_text]Kids scribble on a folded paper towel heart, then set the heart in water. First, the colors look like they seep through, but they are eventually washed away! It's a great reminder that Jesus washes away our sin.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="49713" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank"...

Easter 2021 Resources

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Well, here we are again, friends. Almost a full year later, and the global pandemic is still going strong, limiting our Easter plans and celebrations. While I’m lamenting all that we’ve missed over the last year, I’m also grateful for the creativity God has inspired in the church! Let us help you and your families celebrate the life, death, and resurrection of our Savior, no matter what your Easter looks like. If you'd like a more visual version of this list, find that here.[/vc_column_text][vc_toggle title="New for 2021" custom_font_container="tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%233ac1e1" custom_use_theme_fonts="yes" use_custom_heading="true"]These are our BRAND NEW resources made for 2021! The Eggs of Easter - This 12-Day Family Devotion Kit leads families toward the true meaning of Easter through...

Lament Activity for Kids

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The past year has caused a lot of stress, change, and grief for kids. Use this Lament Activity for Kids to help them express their grief and trust in God through their sadness. (And see this post for a word on lamenting this Lent season.) [/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download the Lament Activity for Kids here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F02%2FDKM-Lament-Activity-for-Kids-Freebie-1.pdf|target:_blank"][vc_column_text]Tip: You may want to show kids an example of a lament Psalm (Psalm 13 is a good place to start) and point out how the psalmist expresses their sadness to God, then remembers God's faithfulness.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="27513" img_size="full" alignment="center"...

L(am)ent

lent and lament
This week brings Ash Wednesday and the beginning of the Lent season. I've learned (and am still learning) most of what I know about Lent as an adult. One word I've come to associate with Lent is "lament" because both Lent and lamenting bring into sharp focus the reality of suffering. And this year, lament seems to be a relevant word as we head toward the 1-year "anniversary" of the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. A full year of lockdowns and quarantines and masks and social-distancing. A full year of canceled plans, virtual church, and sickness. And now we're trying to balance lamenting the pandemic while still living through it. At least for now, the pandemic is still going strong, and we'll probably be having virtual church for Easter again. As we dive headlong into Jesus' journey of suffering to the cross through Lent, let's take time...

What Do You Prefer? Free Screen-Based Game

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Easily played with social-distancing in place, this game is perfect for getting kids talking! On each slide, there are two options on the screen. Kids respond with which option they prefer by standing, clapping, cheering, or whatever fun action you choose![/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download the game instructions + files here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F02%2FDKM-What-Do-You-Prefer-On-Screen-Game-Freebie.pdf|target:_blank"][vc_column_text]This free download includes 11 .png files you can insert into a PPT or your favorite presentation software. Please note: Because this freebie contains multiple files, it will download as a zipped folder and will not be viewable on a mobile device.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column...

15 Socially-Distanced Greetings for Sunday Mornings

socially distanced greetings for kids
I know you LOVE seeing your kids walk through your doors on Sunday mornings, and even though masks make it harder for them to see your big smile (and you theirs), here are some fun, safe, socially-distanced ways you can greet your kids each Sunday. Wave - A classic. Double wave - Taking the classic up a notch. Air five - Just like a regular high five, but without actually touching. Can be done from 6 ft apart or even across the lobby. Air fist bump - Just like an air high five, but with a fist bump instead. Air hug - stretch your arms out and around the air in front of you, pretending to hug the child from across the lobby. Elbow bump - OK, so this one requires you getting closer than 6 ft apart, BUT it still helps prevent the spread of germs since your hands don't come in contact! Simply stick out your elbow and (gently) bump...

Love Printables

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]These love-themed printables are perfect for time fillers, early arrivers, or to even send in the mail around Valentine's Day. These printables can also be shared with your families through email or on a secure password-protected website to be used at home.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download the Love Printables here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F01%2FDKM-Love-Printables.pdf|target:_blank"][vc_column_text] Here are the 2 printables included in this free download: Tic-Tac-Toe - Make copies, pair kids up, and let them play tic-tac-toe! Love Word Search - Kids must hunt for the word "love" in the word search and find it 20 times! [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="27194"...

Family Fasting Activity

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Share this printable activity with the families in your ministry to help them be intentional about their fasting this Lent. [/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download the Family Fasting Activity Here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F01%2FDKM-Family-Fasting-Activity-Freebie.pdf|target:_blank"][vc_column_text]This activity sheet helps them not only choose what each family member wants to fast, but it also helps them identify ways they can make room for God to fill them up![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="49177" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" link="https://deeperkidmin.com/product/fast-feast-a-family-guide-for-lent/"][/vc_column][vc_column...

Helping Kids Understand the Spiritual Discipline of Fasting

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]One of the typical practices during Lent is fasting. Fasting is meant to mirror the practice of Jesus, who fasted 40 days in the desert in preparation for his public ministry. Fasting during Lent (the 40 days leading up to Easter) is meant to help us draw closer to Jesus and prepare our hearts and spirits to remember His death and resurrection. And we can help guide the families we serve through this season of fasting and prayer by intentionally teaching them (and their kids) about the spiritual discipline of fasting. I know what you're thinking - should kids fast? Valid question. We would discourage kids and teens from fasting meals - for health reasons, and also because of their maturity. (And we discuss the answer to "should kids fast" in more detail here.) However, people of any age (kids included!)...

Bible Verse Valentine Scavenger Hunt

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Share this fun and easy Valentine game with your kids and families to help them discover what the Bible says about God's love![/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download the Bible Verse Valentine Scavenger Hunt Here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F01%2FDKM-Bible-Verse-Valentine-Scavenger-Hunt.pdf|target:_blank"][vc_column_text] Supplies Needed: Bible Verse Scavenger Hunt list, Bible, writing utensil In this game, kids will search the Bible for the verses provided that contain the word "love" then write or draw that verse in the box. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="48323" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank"...

Valentine Resources for Your Children’s Ministry

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Valentine's Day happens on a Sunday this year (2021), and we've got some great resources to help your kids celebrate and show God's love that day![/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text="If you're not meeting in person (and even if you are)..." font_container="tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%233ac1e1" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_column_text] Help your kids know that Jesus loves them! This I Know is a 4-week Valentine’s devotional for kids and families. This resource for families focuses on 4 stories in the New Testament that help them know that Jesus loves them. Download This I Know here.[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text="Help kids SHOW God's love with a Service Project!" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%233ac1e1" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_column_text] Operation Valentine is a...

First Responder Coloring Page

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Use this free "Thank you, First Responders!" coloring page to send a little encouragement to first responders as they continue to keep us safe and healthy.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download the coloring page here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F01%2FDKM-Thank-You-First-Responder-Coloring-Page-Freebie.pdf|target:_blank"][vc_column_text] Invite kids to color the picture and write a note on the back to hospital workers, firefighters, or police, then deliver or mail the finished pictures & notes to the local first responders in your community! Want to show even more encouragement and support for first responders? Check out our First Responder Appreciation Card Designs or our Hospital Prayer & Support Sign...

3 Hospital Appreciation Ideas for Children’s Ministries

My church and my neighborhood are located just 2 miles down the road from a major hospital, and several of our church members work at the hospital or in the medical field. After talking with some of these frontline workers about how things are going, here are some of their responses: "Morale is dipping and community support has been lacking." "Support was great at the beginning, but people have gone back to their normal lives, and there's hardly any extra show of support now." "Our employees need encouragement." And here's a recent post in my neighborhood's FB group: "The staff is exhausted... The signs of support from the community will be a big morale booster for the staff." It's obvious our local hospitals need some encouragement as they continue to risk their lives to save and protect ours. And what better place for that...

Get It Done Post-It Printable

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Does anyone else have a weird obsession with sticky notes? Just me? Well I've discovered a way to help me keep my post-it notes a little more organized... Use this "Get It Done" Post-It To-Do List Printable to help you, well, get things done![/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download the Get It Done Post It Printable Here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F12%2FDKM-GET-IT-DONE-POST-IT-PRINTABLE.pdf|target:_blank"][vc_column_text] Write your thoughts, lists, tasks, and to-dos on a post-it note, then put the post-it in the boxes to help you accomplish them today, tomorrow, sometime this week, or in the near future. You can also laminate the printable and then use an expo marker to write in the boxes instead of using post-it notes. Pro tip: Before leaving the...

20 Lessons from 2020

2020 was quite a year, and I learned a lot. These lessons may be relevant to you, or they may not, and they vary from personal to ministry-related. Here are 20 lessons I learned from 2020: "Creativity begins at the moment we don't know what we are doing." - Simon Sinek Motherhood is simultaneously the most beautiful and most exhausting thing in the world. We all need each other. My worldview is smaller than I believed, and I still have more to learn. Listening to audiobooks still counts as reading. A little bit of sunshine and fresh air goes a long way. Learning doesn't have to be formal. Change isn't a bad thing. Playing is just as important as working. There is good to be found in every situation because God can be found in every situation. Good lighting makes a big difference. Dreaming is not the same as...

Deeper KidMin 2020 Report

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]As we round out the year, I wanted to share a few exciting stats with you from Deeper KidMin in 2020...[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image="48495" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="img_link_large" img_link_target="_blank"][vc_column_text]*Want to see who our Vendors are? Meet them (and their amazing resources) here! Deeper KidMin wouldn't be what it is without this team of amazing leaders.  We are humbled and floored by these numbers, and we so appreciate you allowing us to serve you this year.  Because I could never say it enough, thank you.  And Happy New Year. -...

The Weary World Rejoices

Our Advent series at church this year is fittingly titled "The Weary World Rejoices," and man has it been sweet. "O Holy Night" has always been my favorite Christmas carol anyway, but the lyrics really hit home this year. A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices. For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn. "Weary" is one of the best words I can think of to describe this year and this season of ministry. From a global pandemic to racial injustice to the political divide we're experiencing in the U.S., the world is experiencing a bone-deep fatigue that seems to permeate all areas of life. Add in trying to do children's ministry in the midst of all this, and whew! Talk about weary! Maybe you're feeling drained of emotional and physical energy as you try to stay connected with families, equipping them for at-home discipleship without...

Christmas Mad Libs Freebie

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Use this fun Christmas Mad Libs game to invite kids into helping you tell a funny version of the Christmas story! In this Mad Lib game, kids will share words to fill in the blanks to help re-tell the story of an angel visiting Mary, based on Luke 1:26-38.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download the Christmas Mad Libs here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F12%2FDKM-Christmas-Mad-Libs-Freebie.pdf|target:_blank"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="44259" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" link="https://deeperkidmin.com/product/christmas-mad-libs-bible-edition/"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_column_text]Add a little fun and laughter to any lesson with even more...

Family Christmas Eve Bags: Taking the Christmas Eve Celebration Home

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]I've shared before about what I like to include in Christmas Eve worship activity bags (we called them Praise Packs) to use during an intergenerational Christmas Eve service, but what if you included resources for families to use at home AFTER the service is over? Providing additional resources, ideas, or even a simple family devotion can help families focus on Christ this Christmas and celebrate the real reason for the season. Here are a few ideas you could include in your Family Christmas Eve Bags to keep the celebration going even after the Christmas Eve service is over... Movie Night Kit - Kids love snuggling up under some blankets for a Christmas movie. Tie together a bag of popcorn, some Christmas candy, a candy cane, and some hot cocoa packets to make a "Christmas Eve Movie Night Kit" for families to...

Wise Men Christmas Activity

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Share this fun Christmas activity with your families to help them celebrate Christmas well beyond Christmas Day! Print, color, and cut out the wise men on the following page, then attach them to toilet paper rolls. Starting on Christmas Day, move them to a different spot in your house until they reach the manger on Epiphany, January 6, the 12th day after Christmas![/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download the Wise Men Activity Here! " align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F11%2FDKM-Wisemen-Freebie.pdf|target:_blank"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="21669" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank"...