Thanksgiving Bible Lessons Links for Kids & Youth

I have been searching around the web  for ideas for a special Thanksgiving Event for church for my little group of kids. Here are some of my favorite links for object lessons or devotions. I thought while I was digging I would pass my them along to you! I also have a few games that I will post later when I get them better organized. Don't forget to look at the Thanksgiving Blessing Mix  idea I have on my blog.

http://ministry-to-children.com/thanksgiving-ideas/

http://www.hem-of-his-garment-bible-study.org/support-files/kids-thanksgiving-bible-study.pdf

http://www.childrensministry.org/articles/andbethankful.htm

http://www.sundayschoolnetwork.com/lessons-fall-talks.html

http://www.childrensministry.com/articles/5-kernel

http://www.childrensministry.com/articles/food-harvest

A Pumpkin Praise Party!

I love Pumpkins! And what better time of year to add a bit of Pumpkin Fun to your Children's Program. Many of these activities can be used for multiple ages and activities.

First of all, let me give just a quick "shout out" to Pinterest. I am a bit addicted. It is a perfect spot for an idea girl like myself. I even have a "Pumpkin Board." 

For those of you who are new to computer and blog navigation, just click on the blue links. They will take you to some pretty cool ideas.

The Message

First, let's start with the basics. You always need to include a Gospel message in any activity you provide. I have a copy of The Pumpkin Patch Parable.

Here is the book's description. 

This charming story for children illustrates how a loving farmer can turn a simple pumpkin into a simply glorious sight. Liz Curtis Higgs weaves a beautiful parable as the farmer picks out a special pumpkin from his garden, and scoops out all the messy "goo" to make room for his light to shine from inside. In the same way, God's transforming love can fill each of our hearts with joy and light. Liz Cutis Higgs originally created this parable as a way to share the Good News with her own precious children each harvest season. After 10 years, she has touched children everywhere! Recommended for ages 3 to 7.

This poem is a great object lesson to use while carving a pumpkin. 

"Pumpkin Prayer"

{cut off top of pumpkin}
Lord, open my mind so I can learn new things about you.

{remove innards}
Remove the things in my life that don’t please you.
Forgive the wrong things I do and help me to forgive others.

{cut open eyes}
Open my eyes to see the beauty you’ve made in the world around me.

{cut out nose}
I’m sorry for the times I’ve turned my nose at the good food you provide.

{cut out mouth}
Let everything I say please You.

{light the candle}
Lord, help me show your light to others through the things I do. Amen

By: Liz Curtis Higgs

 

Annie's Homepage has this pumpkin lesson here.

Carve a pumpkin or two using a Christian Theme. This site has all sorts of free resources.

Decorations

Think Orange! Use orange table cloths, balloons, streamers, etc. Put pumpkins everywhere.  

Here are some cute DIY ideas for Fall decorating. You could even use candy pumpkins instead of the candy corn in the large votives shown. 

Use white and orange twinkle lights to add extra fun to your space.

I love a mason jar. Here is an idea for a Canning Jar Pumpkin Light. 

Crafty Fun

Make this stand up pumpkin from Sundayschoolkids.com.

Here is a another pumpkin carving prayer with a printout from dltk-bible.com.

This little pumpkin book from daniellesplace.com is really cute. 

Set up a Pumpkin Decorating Center. Put small pumpkins and markers in a center and allow kids to decorate their own mini pumpkins.

The craftyclassroom.com has this cute garden pumpkin to make.

I found 3 great pumpkin crafts at christianpreschoolprintables.com Here is a paperbag pumpkin. Or use this pumpkin parable craft to go along with your lesson. This Pumpkin Prayer minibook is perfect to make and take. 

Famiyfun.com has this pumpkin hat to make. 

Games, Centers & More

I found this Pop Goes The Pumpkin Game at tipjunkie.com. I'm going to be using this one for sure this year. 

Ring the Pumpkin

Line up three large pumpkins to form a ring toss. Make sure they have stems! Use embroidery hoops. Mark a throwing line on the floor and take turns trying to ring a pumpkin stem. Smaller children can attempt to ring an entire large pumpkin with a hula hoop.

Pumpkin Race

You need two large pumpkins and two sticks. The racers, line up on the starting line with the pumpkins turned on their sides. The racers use the stick to roll the pumpkins to the finish line. Be sure to leave plenty of room. The pumpkins will roll in every direction! For added variety have them use hands instead of sticks or roll small pumpkins, instead.

Pumpkin Bowling

Select several small pumpkins about four to six inches in diameter. You need extras in case a few split or break. Place plastic (children's set) of bowling pins several feet away. You could also use small plastic decorator pumpkins.

Pumpkin Hot Potato

Play hot potato with a pumpkin instead of a potato!

Guess the Pumpkins

Fill a jar with those cute little candy pumpkins (usually found near the candy corn). Have the kids guess how many pumpkins are in the jar. Be sure to count the pumpkins ahead of time :<)

Pumpkin Over and Under

Divide the kids into two teams. Give the front child in the line a small pumpkin. The first child passes the pumpkin over his head to the child behind him. The second child passes it between his legs to the next child. The pumpkin continues to be passed over-under to the last child in line, who runs to the front of the line with the pumpkin. You can continue until every child has run to the front of the line with the pumpkin and the first child is back in front again.

Here is a tutorial on how to make your own Pumpkin Bean Bag Toss. 

Print out these Pumpkin Bingo Cards from learningtreasures.com. Bingo is always fun!

Make up a recipe or two for Pumpkin Pie playdough. Add pumpkin shaped cookie cutters to the other playdough toys. I have used this recipe for years, whether it be for teaching or at home.

Pumpkin Pie Playdough

This smells great, so remind small children that it is not for eating.

5 1/2 cups flour
2 cups salt
8 teaspoons cream of tartar
3/4 cup vegetable oil
1 (1 1/12 ounce) container pumpkin pie spice
Orange food coloring (2 parts yellow, 1 part red)
4 cups water

Mix all of the ingredients together. Cook and stir over medium heat until all lumps disappear. Knead the dough on a floured surface until it is smooth. Store in an airtight container.

Have a pumpkin decorating contest. Before the event, advertise the contest and send home tips, rules and prize information. Allow one pumpkin per family.

Pumpkin Eats

Pumpkin Pizza
Here is a recipe from Pillsbury.com for little Pumpkin Pizzas. You could easily make this into a large pizza for a crowd.

Make a Pumpkin Shaped Veggie tray. You will just go crazy over these veggie tray designs from livinglocturto.com.

Individual Pumpkins
(10 servings)
3 cups miniature marshmallows
¼ cup margaring
red and yellow food coloring
Apple Cinnamon Cheerios
Vegetable oil cooking spray (Pam)
10 green gumdrops

Warm the margarine and the marshmallows in a large pan over low heat until the marshmallows melt. Use the food coloring to tint the mixture orange. Gradually fold in the Apple Cinnamon Cheerios. Lightly coat each child’s fingers with  the cooking spray. When the mixture has cooled sufficiently, give each child ½ cup of the mixture to form into a pumpkin shape. Press the green gumdrop into the top for a stem. Set on waxed paper until firm.

Here is a recipe from teachingheart.com for Individual Pumpkin Pies to make right at the event. 

Make this Pumpkin Dip.

Rice Krispy Treats are for every occasion! Make these cute Krispy pumpkins. 

The Treat Bag

Send home a little treat bag. You can give this in lieu of handing out candy for prizes or just because. You can purchase treat bags or make your own. I usually design my own treat bag toppers. Here is a tutorial for one you can make yourself. It uses photoshop, but I don't have photoshop. I use my print shop program or even Microsoft word. One of these days I'll post my own tutorial. :<) You can always just your scrapbooking supplies to make your toppers.

Or these bags would make pretty great treat bags. 

This is an adorable fall treat holder idea. 

A easy idea is to stamp or stencil a pumpkin on a plain little lunch sack and then tie with raffia. 

You can include: 

• The Pumpkin Prayer
• candy
• Pencils decorated with pumpkins
• Make pencil toppers to send home from this tutorial from abcteach.com. 
• small toys from the dollar tree 

•   When all else fails orientaltrading.com has some great Christian pumpkin items to purchase. I just typed Christian Pumpkin in the search box. It brought up lots of products.

Have a great event!

New-Comer Fellowship

New-Comer fellowships or Dinners are events that allow visitors or new attendees to get to know your pastor and your staff better. They are important because they help connect people to other individuals and to leadership. They are generally are in more intimate settings. There are plenty of options when planning a New-Comer Dinner for your church.

How Often?
This depends on the size and type of church you have. If you are in a larger church or have a lot of visitors you need to have them as often as you can. A lot of people slip through the cracks. It’s important to make them feel welcome and a part of your group. Some churches have them once a month. You also could consider once a quarter or once every other month.

What type?
Again, this depends on your church and basically your gifts. We pastored a small church for a few years where it was easier to host small groups in our home. That is a great option for church plants or even small groups. Dinners are always the best option….everybody likes a free meal. Of course, you can always just serve coffee and dessert. Though I prefer appetizers and snacks to solely dessert. If you have staff assign everyone a appetizer, salad, etc. to bring. I’ve given you some menu ideas on down.

The Invitation
Be sure you make announcements and place it in your bulletin. There might be somebody you miss by just a letter or email invitation only. Plus, open it up to newer visitors. Maybe a family is just visiting your church, but wants to learn more about the church. Make it an open invitation. Call, email, send a card, announce it, stick it in the bulletin and make a flyer to hang on your bulletin boards. You’ll get plenty of attention. Most importantly, just ask somebody. We were “pew sitters” during a difficult time in our lives. We would hear of church events and think “that sounds like fun,” but felt so disconnected that we didn’t make the effort. It would have made a big difference for someone to come to us and say, “please would you…” I never knew how much that makes a difference until I was outside of the loop looking in.

The Decor

I could go on and on about this, but make sure you make your event look warm and inviting. Nothing too fancy. You might consider decorating seasonally. For spring you could garden themed table decorations (planters, small clean garden tools, pretty garden gloves & flowers). If it is summertime consider using beach decorations (inflatables, beach towels, sunglasses, sand toys). For fall use scarecrows, pumpkins and mums. In winter decorate with snowmen or snowflakes. If you wish to keep it really simple purchase or make decorations that you can use over and over again. I had some really pretty wooden birdhouses I had purchased on year (Hobby Lobby half-price) for a Home Missions convention. I just added some greenery and we had very cute tables. (For the Home Missions convention I added small American flags)

All About Me
Make out a fun and non-threatening form for people to fill out at your event. You might make this part of your icebreaker game time. It will give people a chance to let you know a little bit more about themselves. Include a section for prayer needs and any area of interest to get involved in. Don’t make it complicated. People don’t want to feel like they are signing away their first born or anything.

Here is a link for some interesting questions to ask.
http://members.tripod.com/~lotsofinfo/

The Games
You need an ice breaker or two to lighten the mood. Keep in mind that these are visitors and might not be comfortable trying to pass an orange along under their chin. Here are a few sites for ice breakers.

http://www.creativeladiesministry.com/icebreakers.html - she also has a link at the bottom of the page for other sites

http://www.homefellowshipleaders.com/Homefellowship_Guide/LG/97_icebr1.html

http://training-games.com/pdf/40FreeIceBreakers.pdf

The Food
You should do the best you can. Don’t do potluck. This is an evening just for your guests. They don’t need to stress out about what to bring. If you have a group in your church that does the cooking for functions let them assist you. If you chose to do dessert have your staff bring a dessert or two a piece. Just keep this in mind. You are going to have some folks with health issues. I am diabetic. I cringe every time I am invited to a dessert party. I either don’t get to eat or I spend the night in a sugar coma. I like the snack party idea better if you are not going to serve dinner. Here are some of my favorite menus for a New-Comer Dinner. I have recipes or tips under my recipe label.

Lasagna (save your Spaghetti recipe for an all church event – I have a recipes for both on this site!)
Salad
Garlic Bread
Dessert

Beef Brisket
Smashed Potatoes
Green Beans
Hot Rolls
Dessert

Chicken Cordon Bleu
Smashed Potatoes or Baked Potatoes
Salad
Dessert


The Goodies
Make sure everyone goes home with something. You can either put together a goodie bag or make your own favors. There are plenty of printable templates for candy bar wrappers, etc. Just add your church information.
Here are a list of items you might consider for your goodie bags.

Samples of hand lotion, note pads, candy, bookmarks, calendars, pens, magnets, small devotionals, gum

Here are a few links for printable favors or other favor ideas.
http://www.creativeladiesministry.com/favors.html - love her

http://sawyers-specialties.com/survival-kits/ has survival kit ideas. Really cute!

http://alenkasprintables.com/free_printables.shtml

http://www.primdoodles.com/printables.asp

Door Prizes
Gift certificates from local restaurants, car washes, retail stores, gas stations

http://www.creativeladiesministry.com/doorprizes.PDF Once again Julia has some wonderful tips and ideas for door prizes.

The Fellowship
It is so important for your guests to feel comfortable. If you have staff, mix them up in between the guests. If it is just you and your family consider having another church family involved. Encourage your helpers to be friendly and engaging.

Here is a sample event schedule

Opening Prayer
Meal
Ice Breakers
Short Introduction to church, staff, ministries
Open Forum (answer any questions)
Door Prize Giveaway
Closing Prayer

The Follow-Up
Be sure to send a thank-you card to all your guests. If possible, write out a hand-written note. Though for many people now emails are perfectly expectable. Follow-up with any prayer requests, volunteer services, etc. that they might have indicated on their All About Me form.

Tea For You And Me

Nothing like a tea party to make us all feel pretty special. You can have your tea party any time of the year. We've had Christmas Teas, Harvest Teas, Valentine's Teas. But the most favorite time of year for a tea party is around Mother's Day. Here are some of my ideas (and a few of some other folks) to create a nice Tea party for all ages! We have even used our Tea Party as a fundraiser. For years, my parents (in particular, my dad) were collectors of vintage china, especially, Homer Laughlin china (you might be familiar with their Fiesta Line....which I love...especially the red stuff (hint, hint). They searched flea markets everywhere for inexpensive, yet pretty and unique tea cups and saucers. We charged $10 for each ticket for our tea party and one of the take home favors was a cup and saucer set. It was a big hit!

You’re Invited!

*Find some very pretty ceramic tea pots or tea cups at the dollar store. Attach a poem to the handle or make teapot or teacup shapes.

*Or go to one of the following sites and print off tea bag favors. You can include on them the date and time of your tea party. You can purchase a box of herbal tea inexpensively...it makes a nice little treat.

http://alenkasprintables.com/teabags.shtml

http://www.stampin.com/tips/teabag.htm This is a plain template

http://www.jersgirl.com/temps.html more plain templates (in fact, lots and lots of templates!)

http://www.creativeladiesministry.com/mpteabagspg1.htm

Tea Poems

A little cup of friendship

With a bag of tea

When you drink this

Think of love from me.

-source unknown

I'm not sure where I got this poem from
Tea pot is on, the cups are waiting,
Favorite chairs anticipating,
No matter what I have to do,

My friend there's always time for you

All the Pretties

Focal Point:
*A small table and set it up for a child’s tea party, complete with stuffed bears and all.

*A nice idea for the serving table is to lay down a white cloth and spread twinkle lights all around. Then cover the table with tulle (in any color) bunched up here and there. (don't spread it out flat...you want it to look like airy fluff). Arrange your food (be sure it is presented very nicely) around the table and poke flowers and greenery sprigs here and there. I also like to set up a few boxes (hiding under more tablecloth) for a tiered effect. Consider using a few porcelain decorations, etc. I have a Precious Moments figurine that is of two little girls having tea. I like using it.

The Tables
*First start by gathering up all the stuff you can find. Tea cups and saucers, linens, anything pretty that you can use.

*Consider assigning each table a theme. You can do so by color, flower, or my favorite, kind of herbal tea, herb or anything in between. Let’s say you have a yellow table cloth, and a few cups and saucers with yellow on them. Stick some fresh lemons in a dish, add a few daisies and call that table The Lemon Drop or something of that nature. Do the same with all your other tables. I have done this on a number of occasions. It is a lot of fun for all the gals attending your party.

*Use a mirrored glass (can be purchased at home improvement stores) for a base in the middle of your table…so pretty!
Purchase some little girl dress up items. Tiaras, boas, jewelry, etc. and arrange them in the middle of the tables.
*Use fresh flowers and candles in simple glass bowls or goblets. I have also used tea cups themselves as candle holders.
*Purchase a set of matching teacups w/ saucers and flipped the cup upside down and placed the saucer on top like a pedestal. Use as a place setting or centerpiece with chocolate kisses. *Another cute idea is to purchase some inexpensive porcelain children's tea sets (the dollar store usually has them). Set up your tea set in the middle of a mirrored tile with bits of ribbon roses or chocolates around it. Give away the tea sets as favors or door prizes.

On the Menu

Here are a few food ideas. I have included a few recipes.
Chicken Salad with Croissants*
Quiche
Cucumber sandwiches without crusts, PBJ cut with flower cookie cutters and deviled ham.
Miniature scones served with clotted cream and strawberry jam, and raspberry tarts (cut pre-rolled pie into circles and pressed into mini muffin pans. Filling was raspberry jello mixed with Cool Whip and topped with a raspberry).
Fresh Fruit & Dip*
Veggies & Dip (display your veggies in a basket and use a hollowed out cabbage to hold your dip. Angel Food Cake
Chocolate Covered Strawberries*
Strawberry & Spinach Salad
Mini Muffins
Lemonade or punch
Bonnet cookies*
Teapot Cake*
And of course, an assortment of herbal teas

Recipes

Bonnets - I think I found this at the Pillsbury website.
Makes: 16 bonnets
1 roll (16.5 oz) Pillsbury® Create 'n Bake® refrigerated sugar cookies
16 lemon or orange mini muffins (from bakery)
2 cups vanilla creamy ready-to-spread frosting (from two 1-lb containers)
Green and red food color
Heat oven to 350°F. Cut cookie dough into 1/2-inch slices. On ungreased cookie sheet, place slices 2 inches apart. Bake 12 to 14 minutes or until edges are light golden brown. Cool 2 minutes; remove from cookie sheet to cooling rack.
If necessary, remove papers from muffins. Cut 3/4-inch slice from bottom of each muffin to use for bonnet. Reserve muffin tops for snacking. Spread cut side of each muffin bottom with frosting; attach to cookie, frosting side down. Place bonnets on rack over 15x10x1-inch pan.
Place 1/2 cup frosting in resealable food storage plastic bag. Add green food color; squeeze bag until well mixed and desired color.
Place remaining frosting in microwavable measuring cup. Microwave on High 30 to 40 seconds or until pourable. DO NOT BOIL. Stir in enough red food color for desired pink color. Pour pink frosting over bonnets in circular motion to cover completely. Reheat frosting as necessary to keep it pourable. Let stand 10 minutes or until set.
With small spatula, remove bonnets from rack, smoothing edges of frosting. Cut tiny hole in corner of bag with green frosting. Pipe ribbon of frosting for hatband; add bow design. Make dots and flower designs on each hat as desired.

Beke’s Famous Chicken Salad
1/2 cups diced and chilled, cooked chicken meat
1 cup chopped apple
1 cup sliced, seedless grapes
1/2 cup sliced almonds
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon salt
1 lemon squeezed
½ cup mayonnaise
½ cup sour cream
DIRECTIONS
In your food processor give the chicken a quick whirl.
Combine meat, celery, grapes, almonds, parsley, salt, and mayonnaise with whipped cream. Chill.

Chocolate Covered Strawberries
INGREDIENTS
16 ounces milk chocolate chips
2 tablespoons shortening
1 pound fresh strawberries with leaves
DIRECTIONS
Insert toothpicks into the tops of the strawberries. In a double boiler, melt the chocolate and shortening, stirring occasionally until smooth. Holding them by the toothpicks, dip the strawberries into the chocolate mixture. Turn the strawberries upside down and insert the toothpick into Styrofoam for the chocolate to cool

Beke’s Easy Fruit Dip
1 container of marshmallow cream
1 package of cream cheese
a little dash of cinnamon or mint, if desired
Whirl around in your food processor until well blended then chill.

Recipe link for teapot cake
http://www.brightideas.com/birthdays/themes/teaparty/cakestreats/c_p_1368_1.jsp

Entertainment

This is a link for a whole bunch of tea party games. There are organized into types/countries/etc. http://www.child-tea-party-game-ideas.com/tea-party-games.html

*Have a special speaker.

*Play old fashioned Parlor games

*Gather a few craft projects together, such as decorating straw hats or scrapbooking

*Have a mother/daughter fashion show

Some of these ideas, plus more at Creative Ladies Ministries website (link at the end of this post)

Favors and Such

*A special tea gift basket.
*Individual Tea cups - Sprinkle candy inside of the tea cups. Wrap with cellophane tied up with ribbons or raffia.

*Other tea items like tea strainers, special herbal tea or cute little tea spoons

*candy necklaces, jewel ring pops, bead bracelets, hair clips and bands, play tea sets (for the girls)

Tea Cup Refrigerator Magnet

One year I cut out tea cups out of scrapbook paper and glued them together leaving a pocket open. I wrote "My Cup Runneth Over" on them and inserted a folded paper doily and a bag of tea. I then glued a small magnet on the back. Very cute.

Tea Card - I'm not sure where I found this idea...possibly at a craft website?
Materials and Supplies
Medium Weight Card Stock Paper: 8-1/2" x 11"
Envelopes: 4-3/8" x 5-3/4"
Steam-a-Seam sticky back
Holiday or other fabric of choice: 6" x 3-1/2" for each cup
All-purpose glue
Tea bags
Water-soluble pen
All purpose thread or machine embroidery thread
90/14 needle
Open toe foot
Pattern
Important Note: These project instructions are specific to the Brother ULT2001, ULT2002D, ULT2003D sewing machines; however, the project can be adapted for use on other machines.
1. Cut the 8-1/2" x 11" card stock paper in half.
2. Fold each piece in half to form a card.
3. Cut out the oval over the cup area (see pattern).
4. Cut a piece of card stock to 5-1/4" x 4". This will cover the stitches and form the pocket on the inside of the card. Note: If you do not have a paper cutter, a rotary cutter will cut the paper very evenly.
5. Set up the sewing machine for sewing.
6. Select the zigzag stitch (1-10) and set the width to 3.0 and the length to 1.0.
7. Trace the cup and saucer on Steam-a-Seam sticky back and press it to the fabric.
8. Cut out and clip around the cup handle.
9. Place the cup on the card.
10. Press the cup in place with an iron.
11. Draw lines to form a stitch guide for the cup and saucer.
12. Starting at the right hand corner of the cup, sew with a zigzag stitch across the top, down the side, and around the right hand corner of the cup.
13. Stitch around the upper edge of pocket oval.
14. Cut and tie off threads.
15. Place needle at the saucer on the left side, stitch around the saucer and cup handle, and then tie off threads.
16. Use all-purpose glue to secure the 4-3/8" x 5-3/4" piece of card stock to the back of the card.
17. Finally, sign and date your card on the back.
Tip: The needle on the zigzag should be half on the fabric and half on the card. When sewing curves, stop with the needle down and turn the card slowly to obtain a smooth look.

Other Resources

Go to http://www.annieshomepage.com/teatime.html

Julia has some great tea party ideas at:http://www.creativeladiesministry.com/tealinks.html

Some I might even taken from her over the years! She has a little bit of everything.

My one of my favorites artists, Mary Englebreit, has a cute tea party coloring page. Here is the link. http://www.maryengelbreit.com/FreeFromMe/ColoringPages/teawithfriends.PDF

Here are some more of Mary's Coloring Pages.

http://www.maryengelbreit.com/FreeFromMe/ColoringPages.aspx

http://teas2dine4.com/ lots and lots of tea links