Fall Outreach Idea: Reverse Trick or Treating

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Every kid is familiar with trick-or-treating. You dress up, walk to a neighbor's house, ring the doorbell, say "Trick or Treat!" and you get free candy! But what if you could REVERSE this fall activity and utilize it as a community outreach and family service project?  Lynne Howard, one of our amazing vendors (check out all of Lynne's resources here), had the brilliant idea to host a Reverse Trick or Treating event with her families. In this Fall outreach event, instead of going door-to-door asking for candy, families from her church went door-to-door to hand out candy and collect donations for a local charity! It helped her church people get outside the church walls together to have fun AND served their community at the same time. You could host a similar event as a Halloween-alternative that can be done...

Gospel-focused Pumpkin Box for Fall

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Whether you're the church that embraces Halloween or ignores it, the holiday (and all its candy) still comes around every year. This year, you can use these gospel-focused pumpkin boxes from Let the Little Children Come to pass out candy AND share about the gospel! These cute little pumpkin boxes come as flat sheets that you punch out and fold into shape. They're super easy to assemble (you could even have the kids help you do it!), and there's just enough space inside the pumpkin box to hold a couple pieces of candy.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image="16656" img_size="large" alignment="center"][vc_column_text]Most importantly, the box helps kids answer the question, "Is there anything better than candy?" by explaining the gospel message of God's love and Jesus' death and resurrection. It uses...

6 Low-Prep Preschool Playdates

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Preschool playdates are the perfect way to help preschool families connect with each other and make memories all at the same time! But life (and plans) with a preschooler can often change quickly and at the last-minute. So you don't want to spend a lot of time planning and preparing for an event that ends up with low attendance because Jordan's nap went long or because Ben had an accident while potty-training. Here are 6 low-prep Preschool Playdate Ideas that help preschool families connect and grow without using too much of your prep time (and here's a free printable to help you plan!). Visit a Local Theatre - Your local theatre probably has a children's series (especially in the summer) with plays, interactive shows, and more for littles, so check to see what a theatre near you offers for live performances...

Psalm 63 Hide & Seek Game

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Earlier in the week, we shared about a website we LOVE for finding Bible games for kids, so we figured we'd share another Bible game this week as our free weekly download! Use the classic game of Hide and Seek to help teach kids about Psalm 63 and what it means to "earnestly" seek God.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download printable version of the game here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2019%2F08%2FDKM-Psalm-63-Hide-and-Seek-Game.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text] Psalm 63 Hide and Seek Game Time Estimate: 10-15 minutes Read Psalm 63:1: “O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you…” Ask: What does the word ‘earnestly’ mean? (Honestly, sincerely, intensely, with all you've got) When you are playing the game ‘hide and seek’, how...

Bible Games Central: An Online Hub for All Your Bible Game Needs

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]I discovered this website over the summer and just HAD to make sure you knew about it! Bible Games Central is a website full of super fun FREE Bible games that help teach Christian truths! If you ever need an extra game for a lesson or for an arriver activity, check to see what Bible Games Central has to offer. They've got games for kids, youth, and adults, and you can search through their games based on age, topic, or Scripture reference. Some of the games even come with the free printables you need to play, and almost all of the games include discussion questions and lesson connections! Here are some of my favorites:[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image="16619" img_size="large" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" link="https://biblegamescentral.com/can-you-see/"][vc_btn...

Nursery Care Checklist Printable

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Since we've shared the news with family + made the announcement official, I've got baby on the brain! This week, I'm sharing the Nursery Care Checklist Printable we used to gather important information for the little ones in our nursery and to help parents feel at ease leaving their baby in our care. [/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download the Nursery Care Checklist Here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2019%2F08%2FDKM-Nursery-Care-Checklist-Printable.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text] For your regulars: Print a copy for each child in your nursery and complete the top section. (Tip: Using a sharpie means the writing can be seen easier from a distance!) Then laminate each one, inviting parents to use expo or white board markers to add instructions each...

Help Grandparents Pass on Stories of Faith: Heirlooms Resource Review

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The Deeper KidMin family is growing! My husband and I are expecting our first child, due in February, and we could not be more excited! When we shared the exciting news with my parents, I wanted to find a gift to help them start preparing for their first grandchild, and Tina Houser's new book for grandparents was perfect! Heirlooms encourages grandparents (of all circumstances and styles) to share stories and experiences with their grandchildren. Stories draw out emotions, help us relate to each other, answer questions, and show God’s faithfulness. And when you share stories of your life and faith with your grandkids, you help them develop their own stories of life and faith. Tina reminds grandparents: You have a story. Your story is important. It’s important to you, it’s important to the people you...

Faith Without Sight Experiment

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Want a taste of some of the super activities in Conquering Fear Kids Devotional from RoseKidz Publishing? The author and publishers gave me permission to share a free activity with you! Check it out![/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download printable version here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2019%2F08%2FDKM-Faith-Without-Sight-Experiment-.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text] Sometimes it's hard to have faith in Jesus because we can't physically see him anymore. Do this experiment with a grown-up to show how seeing is not believing. Materials: 1 package of yeast 1/4 cup warm water 1 teaspoon sugar Directions: Mix the yeast, water, and sugar together. Wait for about 10 minutes. See what happens! Isn't that incredible? Even...

Conquering Fear Kids Devotional Resource Review

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Box office numbers don't lie, and they tell us that superheroes are in right now. So why not give kids a devotional that uses this superhero fad to develop a super incredible faith? Conquering Fear from RoseKidz Publishing is a 52-week devotional for preteens ages 10-12. Each week includes 6 days of lessons and activities to help kids become one of God's superheroes. Each week has 1-2 Scripture-based devotionals for kids to read and respond to, and then the other activities for the week invite kids to explore the main idea in a variety of ways, including through art, building with Lego's, journaling, and even decoding secret messages! I love how the activities encourage kids to apply scripture in a variety of ways - every kid can find something they enjoy in this devotional! Since each page and activity...

Memory Verse Cootie Catcher

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Use this cootie catcher to help kids review any memory verse! It’s a great time filler activity or early arriver activity, and you can send kids home with their very own Memory Verse Cootie Catcher to practice with their family![/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download the Memory Verse Cootie Catcher here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fproduct%2Ffreebie-memory-verse-cootie-catcher%2F||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text]Not sure how to use this memory verse cootie catcher? Here are some ideas: Give each child a cootie catcher. Kids will pair up and take turns working their cootie catcher. They must do whatever the cootie catcher says under the number they choose. Then the other child can work their cootie catcher. After they have both gone, kids switch and find a new partner...

Twix Candy Devotional Printable

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Use a Twix bar and this printable devotional to help kids learn about the importance of friendship![/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download Twix Candy Devotion Here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F09%2FDKM-Twix-Candy-Devotion.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_column_text]Want even more candy devotionals? Check out the Sweet Thoughts Download: Quick devotions flavored by different candies that anyone can do! Click here to learn more.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="12646" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank"...

Resource Review: Pray Like This – A Guided Prayer Journal For Kids

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]I'm always looking for new resources teaching kids about prayer, so I was pumped to stumble across a brand-new guided prayer journal for kids: Pray Like This. Pray Like This walks kids through a daily time of prayer that includes a portion of the Lord's Prayer, Scripture, a short explanation, a prayer prompt, and space to journal/write/draw in response to the day's idea. In the intro, it encourages kids to make this journal their own, giving them the freedom to doodle, underline, draw, or color in the book to their heart's content.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image="13982" img_size="large" alignment="center"][vc_column_text]Throughout the journal, kids have the chance to break down the Lord's prayer, learn what each piece of the prayer really means, and pray about ways they can apply the prayer in their...

3 Memory Verse Games for Kids

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Use these 3 games with any memory verse to help the kids in your ministry hide God's Word in their hearts while building relationships, working on teamwork, and having fun! Find even more memory verse games (12 in all) here![/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download printable version of all 3 games here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F09%2FDKM-3-Memory-Verse-Games-For-Kids.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text]#1 - Pins & Pans: Students must clip clothespins around a pie pan in the correct order of the memory verse! Before class, write the scripture reference in the middle of your aluminum pie pans. Then write words from the verse on clothespins - one word per clothespin. Repeat this with a different color marker on the other pie pan. Separate and...

Family Summer Bucket List Printable

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Print and share this week's download with the families in your ministry to give them ideas for how to connect with God, their community, and each other this summer![/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download the Family Summer Bucket List here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F09%2FDKM-Summer-Family-Challenge-Bucket-List-Freebie.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_single_image image="13476" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" link="https://deeperkidmin.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/DKM-Summer-Family-Challenge-Bucket-List-Freebie.pdf"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_column_text] All of the activities in this Summer Bucket List come from the Summer Family Challenge, so if you really want to equip...

5 Ways to Stay Connected with Families This Summer

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]With church attendance spotty throughout the year anyway, summertime usually brings an even bigger drop in church attendance as families enjoy vacations, family trips, and lazy mornings after late nights. Here are 5 ways you can stay connected with the families in your ministry throughout these busy, sunny months (and 4 resources to help you do it!). Online - Use your church's website and ministry social media accounts to post highlights about what you're learning each Sunday. These posts can include family discussion questions, the Bible story, or even just engagement posts that ask families what they're up to. The beauty of technology is that you can stay connected with your families digitally even if you can't stay connected with them physically. And if you really want to connect with your families...

Hugs & Kisses Mother’s Day Tag Printable

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Print and cut these freebie printable tags, then attach them to a small bag of Hershey's Hugs & Kisses chocolates for a simple and sweet Mother's Day gift for the moms in your ministry.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download the Mother's Day Printable Here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F09%2FDKM-Mothers-Day-Hugs-Kisses-Printable.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image="12377" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" link="https://deeperkidmin.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/DKM-Mothers-Day-Hugs-Kisses-Printable.pdf"][/vc_column][/vc_row]

“Freaking May!”

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]I loved this insight from Dema Kohen, one of our DKM Marketplace Vendors and just had to share. Here's some of his wisdom on serving our families well in the month of May (and how to help them). It's the first day of May, and... many families in our churches are freaking out. But don't take my word for it. Take a look at this post that popped up in my Facebook feed earlier today. (This is from one of the moms who attends our church.)[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image="12632" img_size="full" alignment="center"][vc_column_text]Take a good look at this calendar, because I dare to say it represents reality for 95% of the families in your congregation. If you are thinking of pulling off a big event this month... don't do it! At least don't do it until you ask the families in your church if they...

Rubber Popper Easter Family Activity

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Use this object lesson as part of your Easter teaching time, or print several copies of the second page to give out poppers to each child and send them home with a fun family Easter activity![/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download Printable Version Here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2019%2F03%2FDKM-Rubber-Popper-Easter-Family-Activity.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text] Turn the popper inside out and set it down. Wait for it to POP up! Jesus was buried, but He didn't stay down. He rose UP from the grave, and He lives today! What a reason to celebrate! [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_column_text] 1) Grab your popper and a Bible. 2) Turn the popper inside out and set it down. Wait for it to POP up! 3) Read...

Spices & Smells: Hands-on Easter Activity for Kids

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Invite kids into the experience of the Easter story through the sense of smell! Use this activity as a way to introduce your Easter lesson and to invite kids to use their imaginations to experience the Easter story.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download a Printable Version of the Activity" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F09%2FDKM-Spices-and-Smells.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text]Supplies: Variety of spices (ex. Cinnamon, cloves, aloe vera gel, olive oil, cardamom, dry mustard, etc.), Small dishes Details: Have a variety of scents and smells available to each small group. These don't necessarily have to be stereotypical 'biblical' scents - simple spices available at a grocery store (cinnamon, cloves, aloe vera gel, olive oil, cardamom, dry...

Easter Songs About Salvation for Kids

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Last year, I shared my Top 5 Easter Worship Songs for Kids, and this year, I'm sharing my top Easter songs for kids that really focus on the topic of salvation through Jesus. While most worship songs include this topic, I like these songs for the way they communicate our salvation through Jesus' death and resurrection for kids. Several of them can be downloaded from Worship House Kids.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]I Stand Amazed (How Marvelous) by Yancy - I love it when Yancy takes an old hymn and re-works it into a song ofr kids! This song invites kids to thing about how marvelous it is that Jesus took our sins and sorrows. It's a little slower, but it's a great way to invite kids into a reverent time of worship and response.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text] [/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]This is Amazing...

Dinner Discussions Printable

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We all know the dinner table is an important place for families to connect, build relationships, and grow together spiritually, so use these dinner discussion questions to help families connect with each other at the dinner table.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download the Dinner Discussions Printable here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F09%2FDKM-Dinner-Discussions-Printable.pdf|||"][vc_column_text]Print and pass out a copy of the download pages for each child, encouraging them to use the questions at home during family dinner. Tip: Use the third page (each topic is worth 10 points) to make it a competition and see who can earn the most points throughout the week! Just remember not to talk with your mouth full....

The Power of the Family Dinner

Since we talked about fasting last week, it's only natural to talk about dinner time this week, right? :) One of our DKM Vendors wrote a compelling argument for encouraging families in our ministries to spend time together around the dinner table, so rather than trying to reinvent the dinner table discussion wheel, I'll just let Dema Kohen do the talking this week... Family dinners are SPECIAL times. I would even say, they are SACRED times. In a world where media over-saturation and activity-overload are disconnecting us from ourselves, others, nature, and God, family dinner is the glue that can hold the family together.  I'm convinced that one of the most important things a church can do for the families is to encourage them to gather around the dinner table more often and teach them how to do it. I don't have time to cover the...

Give Up, Fill Up Fasting Activity for Kids

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Earlier in the week, we talked about important elements of teaching fasting to kids, so here's an activity to help kids learn that fasting is a way for us to give up something so God can fill us up.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download the Give Up Fill Up Fasting Activity for Kids!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F09%2FDKM-Give-Up-Fill-Up-Fasting-Activity-for-Kids.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text]Supplies: 2 paper/plastic solo cups per child 1 copy of the Give Up/Fill Up slips per child Scissors Markers (to label the cups) Here’s how it works: Give each kid two plastic cups; one labeled “GIVE UP” and one labeled “FILL UP” and a set of “Give Up, Fill Up” strips. Give them scissors and have them cut their strips...

Should Kids Fast?

Fasting is the spiritual discipline of abstaining from food or drink for spiritual purposes. It allows us to remove distraction, focus on God's blessings or callings, and develop the discipline of training our minds and our bodies. (I highly recommend Richard Foster's book Celebration of Discipline for an in-depth study and application of fasting and other spiritual disciplines.) Jesus (Luke 4), Daniel (Daniel 10), and Esther (Esther 4) are all Biblical examples of fasting, so we know it can be an important part of our faith journey. But what about kids? Should kids fast?  While I don't recommend kids fasting from meals, there are safe ways kids can develop the discipline of fasting. Fasting is all about sacrifice, about giving something up so that something else can take its place as a priority or consuming thought in our lives. It's a...

Kids Prayer Journal Printable

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Give kids the experience of prayer journaling using this free prayer journal printable! This activity can easily fit into any lesson or small group time, although it was created for the Journey Through Jonah 8-week series.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download the Prayer Printable Now!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F09%2FDKM-Kids-Prayer-Journal-Printable.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text]Supplies: prayer journal printable, writing utensils, (optional: soft worship music in the background) Details: Explain to kids that one of the ways we can pray to God is through using a journal. Give each kid a prayer journal printable. Play quiet worship music in the background and have kids fill out their first prayer journal sheet. Older kids can write in...