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!)...

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"...

Christmas Card Day

Did you know that December 9 is an official holiday called "Christmas Card Day"? Who knew!? It's celebrated in honor of the very first commercial Christmas cards that were sent in 1843 in London by Sir Henry Cole. And while it very well could be a holiday that Hallmark added to our calendars to boost their own sales, the spirit of the day remains true. The tradition of sending a little Christmas cheer to family and friends is a sure way to brighten someone's holiday season. So how can you celebrate Christmas Card Day as a children's ministry leader?  Send Christmas cards! 2020 is the perfect year to send Christmas cards to your families, especially if you're back/still in quarantine. It's an easy way to connect with families and let kids know you miss them. (Psst - we've made this one super easy for you! Download our "We miss you!"...

Family Census Activity

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Share this fun Family Census Activity Printable with the families in your ministry to complete at home, or use it as part of your Sunday morning activities during the month of December![/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download the Family Census Activity here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F11%2FDKM-Family-Census-Activity.pdf|target:_blank"][vc_column_text] Mary and Joseph traveled to the town of Bethlehem to be counted in the census. A census is a count of all the people in the land. Back in Bible times, people had to return to their hometown to be counted. So Mary and Joseph traveled to Bethlehem to be counted in the census (because that was Joseph's hometown). Fill out your own family census, but with an added twist. There are statements and then a...

Christmas Nativity Jigsaw Printable

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] There are 3 ways to use this free Christmas Nativity Printable! No matter what option you choose, it's a fun activity for your Christmas season! Prep: Print and cut the pieces for each player 1) On-stage game - Call up 3-4 volunteers on stage. Provide a copy of the printable for each player, printed and cut into pieces. The fastest player to re-assemble the puzzle wins! 2) Large Group Game - Rather than calling up players on stage, give every child in the room a copy of the printable, printed and cut into pieces. The fastest child to re-assemble the puzzle wins! 3) Small group activity - Provide copies for each small group to complete individually or as a group! [/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download the Christmas Nativity Jigsaw here! " align="center"...

Joy to the World: A Christmas Devotion on Psalm 98

Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her King! Let every heart prepare Him room, And Heaven and nature sing, And Heaven and nature sing, And Heaaaaaa-ven, and Heaven, and nature sing! I know you've heard that last line sung with the confident (and often off-key) belt-out that only kids can muster. :) But how much do you know about this famous Christmas carol? This short devotion talks about the origins of the song, and it comes from Christmas Karaoke, a 4-week family faith kit from Vanessa Myers that focuses on Christmas hymns! One of the most well-known Christmas songs is Joy to the World. But did you know that this song is not based on the birth of Jesus, but actually comes from Psalm 98 found in the Old Testament? Yes... a song that was once actually meant to celebrate the second coming of Jesus turned into one of the...

Free Christmas Activity Printables

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Here are 2 free Christmas Activity Printables to add to your holiday cheer! This freebie includes a Finish-the-Picture coloring page and a Hidden Picture coloring page. Print them to use at church or email them out for your families to use at home![/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download the Christmas Activity Printables Here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F11%2FDKM-Confusing-Christmas-Free-Download-2020.pdf|target:_blank"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="42037" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" link="https://deeperkidmin.com/product/confusing-christmas-an-activity-book-for-kids/"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_column_text]These printables are an excerpt from...

COVID-Friendly Christmas Resources

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! And while we're not sure what Christmas will look like this year, we hope these COVID-friendly Christmas ideas/resources help make your season merry and bright! Want a more visual rundown of our best Christmas resources for 2020? Check out our DKM 2020 Christmas Catalog![/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download the DKM 2020 Christmas Catalog here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F11%2FDeeper-KidMins-2020-Christmas-Catalog.pdf|target:_blank"][vc_toggle title="Family Advent Resources"]Family Advent Bingo - New for 2020! Family Advent Bingo turns your typical family Advent calendar into a fun, month-long game! Your families can count down to Christmas with simple, daily activities designed to help them learn...

Give Thanks Cootie Catcher

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Use this free Give Thanks Cootie Catcher printable to help your kids and families play a fun game about thankfulness! Print, color, cut, and fold, then play! Each flap on the cootie catcher encourages kids to name something specific they are thankful for.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download the Give Thanks Cootie Catcher Here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F10%2FGive-Thanks-Cootie-Catcher-Deeper-KidMin.pdf|target:_blank"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Need instructions for how to fold and use the cootie catcher? Download the instructions + another free Thanksgiving printable here. If you enjoy this freebie, you’ll love our Gratitude Goodies resource! Also be sure to check out our Free Memory Verse Cootie Catcher,...

Brand New from Bible Games Central

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]I'm a big fan of Bible Games Central. Who doesn't love an entire site devoted to games relating to the Bible?! That's why I was so excited to learn that Bible Games Central just released 4 new games![/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image="44100" img_size="full" alignment="center"][vc_column_text]Bible Bingo - Really, this is a game every children's pastor should have on hand. It's perfect as a time-filler activity or large group game that also allows kids to work on their Bible skills! While there are lots of versions of Bible Bingo out there, what I really love about this version is that the Bingo boards are specially designed to correspond to how the Bible is organized. Rather than the columns spelling out B-I-N-G-O, they are divided into distinct, colored sections that match the sections of the Bible! It...

Gratitude Activity Placemat

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Share this gratitude activity placemat with the families in your ministry, and print one copy for each child. Have kids color the placemat activity sheet and do the activities on the placemat. Use this as a placemat at the table during the month of November to remind kids to gobble up gratitude![/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Click here to download the Gratitude Activity Placemat!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F10%2FDKM-Gratitude-Activity-Placemat.pdf|target:_blank"][vc_single_image image="43622" img_size="medium" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" link="https://deeperkidmin.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DKM-Gratitude-Activity-Placemat.pdf"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="43041"...

Fall Family Snack: Campfire Cones

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Share this fun (and easy) recipe with your families to enjoy a fall snack together! [/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download shareable, printable recipe here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F09%2FDKM-Fall-Family-Snack-Campfire-Cones.pdf|target:_blank"][vc_column_text] Supplies Needed: waffle cones, graham crackers, mini marshmallows, snack-size Hershey bars, chocolate chips In a waffle cone, layer the following: Snack-size Hersey bars Mini marshmallows Graham crackers (broken up) Repeat layers. Top with chocolate chips. Then wrap cone in aluminum foil. Place cone on campfire, grill, or in oven at 350 degrees for 3-5 minutes. Unwrap and enjoy! [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_single_image...

Driveway Dinners: Fall Fellowship Idea

If quarantine has taught us one thing, it's our need for community and fellowship. RISING Church in Buford, GA is meeting that need with a monthly event called Driveway Dinners, and they've agreed to let me share the details! What are Driveway Dinners? Driveway Dinners are a social distancing event for church families to get together and catch up. Each family brings a chair, blanket, bug spray, outdoor activities if they want, and enough food and drinks for themselves, then they meet in a host's driveway for dinner and hangs with 3-4 other church families. It's a great way to gather together while still accommodating different comfort levels since you ask people to socially-distance outside in the driveway. People can choose to wear masks or not (RISING Church is located in Georgia, where masks are optional - follow your local social distancing...

Fidget-Friendly Signs Printable

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]If you're hosting family worship services, your families with young kids may be nervous about how their little ones will do during the service. Post these signs in sections of your main worship space to let families know they (and their wiggly little ones) are welcome! [/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download the Fidget-Friendly Signs here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F09%2FFidget-Friendly-Signs-DKM.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text]You may also consider providing Praise Packs, a Parent Note, or Sermon Notes for Kids, and use the resources in our Guide to Family Worship! And if you really want to help kids and parents have the best experience possible in a family worship service, consider registering for our online ministry training all about...

5 Practical Tips for Family Worship

There are lots of resources you can offer parents to help their kids engage in a family worship service (find some in the resource list at the bottom of this post), but as a ministry leader, there are lots of things YOU can do to make a family worship service engaging for all ages too. Here are 5 practical tips for hosting a family worship service: Remember it's a team effort. Effective family worship services involve more than just you as the children's pastor. Your senior pastor and worship leaders have to be on board too. Have a conversation with your senior pastor and share your vision and your heart with him or her. Talk about your ideas and what he or she is comfortable pursuing. Make a list of the top 3 things you’d like to see, then share with him/her and ask how you as a staff can work together to make it a great experience for the...

Money: Good or Bad? Activity for Kids

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Kids often grow up with an improper view of money. 1 Timothy 6:10 (NIV) says, "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil." Did you catch that? Loving money or placing it on a pedestal is bad, but the verse doesn't say anything about money itself. In fact, money is neither good nor bad; it is simply a tool for exchange. However, what you do with money and how you treat it can be good or bad. [/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Click Here to Download the Money: Good or Bad Activity for Kids Here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2019%2F12%2FDKM-Money-Good-or-Bad-Worksheet.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text] Use this free printable to help kids understand that money isn't good or bad, but how we use it can be. Use this printable as part of a lesson on...

12 Things Invented By Kids

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Kids are some of the most creative people on the planet, and we have the privilege of helping them discover how to use that creativity for the Kingdom. Their brains often see solutions to problems that our adult brains don't. So next time you encounter a problem in your ministry, ask some of your kids how they would solve the problem. While you might get some funny answers, I'd bet one of them says something that sparks a valuable solution. After all, the 12 items below were invented by kids to solve a problem they faced. Use this list in a teaching time or encouraging note to inspire the kids in your ministry to use their gifts and talents to solve problems and serve others! BRAILLE LANGUAGE by Louis Braille, 12 CHRISTMAS LIGHTS by Albert Sadacca, 15 TRAMPOLINE by George Nissen, 16 POPSICLE by...

Fall Family Challenge Printable

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Share this Fall Family Challenge with your families to help them celebrate the autumn season and have some fun together! Encourage families to post pictures of their family challenges on social media, tagging your church or using a specific hashtag. Give families a whole month, or set a few specific challenges each week. You choose what works best for you![/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download the Fall Family Challenge Here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F08%2FDeeper-KidMin-Fall-Family-Challenge-Freebie.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="38960" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank"...

COVID-Friendly Fall Resources

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Although autumn won't technically begin until the end of September, I know you're already planning what to do this year. How will you pull off your Fall Festival, Trunk or Treat, or other fall event while also maintaining social distancing and keeping everyone safe? Whether you're gathering in person, hosting a drive-through event, or equipping parents for the fall season at home, these ideas may help![/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text="In-Person Fall Events" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:center" use_theme_fonts="yes"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Preschool Playdate Brown Bag Hunt- Host this event for the littles with social-distancing at a local park, or distribute the game to preschool families with a brown lunch bag to complete on their own! Learn more and download the...

Back to School Customizable Calendar

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Use this customizable Back to School Calendar to provide families with daily prompts to keep them connected to God and each other! The goal: each day’s activity should take five minutes or less. There are no dates on the calendar so you can begin and end whenever you want! Please note: The customizable feature will not show up on a mobile device. Read the Editable PDF instructions below for more details.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Click here to download the customizable Back to School Calendar!" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F08%2FDKM-Back-to-School-Customizable-Calendar-Freebie.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text]Recommended Ideas for Daily Activities: Make each day of the week fit a specific theme or idea: Prayer Prompt Sundays (Tell God one thing...

Grief Journal for Kids

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Our giveaway for Martha Black's book is over, but we're also sharing this free printable grief journal for kids that Martha made! Use this journaling activity from author Martha Black to help kids process their grief and remember a loved one who has passed away.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download the Grief Journal Activity Here! " align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F08%2FAuthor-Martha-Black-Freebie.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text]Martha is an author, blogger, wife, mom, and a public elementary school teacher, who lost her mom to cancer in 2015. She felt God leading her to begin a grief ministry for others who were also hurting from the loss of a loved one, and she wrote this book as an extension of that ministry. Thanks Martha, for allowing us to...

Book Review & Giveaway: You’ll Find Me at the Ocean

This week, we're teaming up with Martha Black from Martha Black Ministries to share about her new book: You'll Find Me at the Ocean - A Journey of Grief through the Eyes of a Child. Martha is an author, blogger, wife, mom, and a public elementary school teacher, who lost her mom to cancer in 2015. She felt God leading her to begin a grief ministry for others who were also hurting from the loss of a loved one, and she wrote this book as an extension of that ministry. (Learn how to win a free copy below!) The book tells the story of young Beth, whose mama is dying of cancer. Mama shares with her daughter how she will always be near, even after she has passed away from her earthly life. Mama reassures Beth that she can always be found at the ocean: in the seashells, the salty breeze, the sunrise, and so many more places. One of my favorite...

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