Anchor Church Kids Ministry

We are very excited to announce that Sunday School classes will re-open on November 8th from 9:30 - 10:20am. It's been a long 8 months of not being able to come together and share God's Word together and we are excited to see everyone. To keep within the COVID-19 guidelines of social distancing, sanitizing and room size attendance we must make the following changes during this time:... All staff and students must check in at a central location, which will be the side double doors of the main Sunday School building. This includes the 3-yr old to Kindergarten and the 1st/2nd Grade classes. These staff and students must check in prior to going to their classroom. Parents will not be able to enter classrooms or the Sunday School building during this time. Classes will open at 9:15 which is 15 minutes prior to start time but must close 10 minutes after start time @ 9:40. This is a huge change for everyone. With our classes only being 50 minutes long, teachers will be going over all of the safety guidelines, hand sanitizing and social seating at the beginning of their class and will not be able to stop and do that for each student that arrives later. Class attendance must be limited to the size of the classroom and therefore it will need to be on a first come first in basis. We are working on a plan to cover what happens when a class size reaches their maximum. Nursery 0-3 = limited to 6 Students 1st/2nd Grade = limited to 6 students 3rd/4th Grade = limited to 12 Students 5th/6th grade = limited to 7 Students 7th/8th grade = limited to 7 Students At 10:20 one parent only must come to the designated location to pick up their children - this is for every grade up through 8th grade. If you come out the back doors of the main sanctuary, teachers will be able to see you and send your child directly to you. 3yrs- Kindergarten classroom = Along the TCA front entrance sidewalk 1st/2nd Grade = Along sidewalk leading into the breezeway of their classroom 3rd/4th Grade = Upper picnic table area (left side) 5th/6th grade = Upper picnic table area (middle) 7th/8th grade = Upper picnic table area (right side) Students 6th grade and below will receive their own personal supply bag so the sharing of supplies can be avoided. Please bear with us as we work through this new process together. We are striving to do our best for the Kingdom and for our families!

Good Saturday Morning, SHINE Families! I’m sending out the Parent Resource from the final lesson of our Parables of Jesus series. PLEASE NOTE we will not have a SHINE Zoom-In this Tue, Nov 3rd, because it is election day. We HIGHLY encourage every eligible American citizen to exercise their blood bought freedom to vote. We also ask that our SHINE families and children be in fervent prayer this week for America and the election. Zoom-Ins will resume on Tue, Nov 10that 7pm!!... PARENT RESOURCE LESSON 8 OCT 27TH FIRST THOUGHTS Ask your child what they learned about this week: The Parable of the Lost (or Prodigal) Son teaches us that it doesn’t matter how many mistakes we have made, God loves us and wants to welcome us back into a relationship of following Him. Luke 15:11-32, Parable of the Lost Son HANGING OUT Make this week’s lesson real: Share a time you’re your Mom or Dad or another adult figure showed you forgiveness. Ask the kids what they expect God would do if they ever strayed from him and wanted to return? AT DINNER Here are some great discussion starters: - Why did the prodigal son decide it was time to go home? - What did the father do when he saw his son coming home? - Is there anything we can do that would permanently separate us from the love of Jesus? AT BEDTIME Quiz your child on this week’s memory verse: Then Jesus said, ‘Whoever has ears should listen.’ Mark 4:9 (NIrV) PARENT TIME What you need to know: God is always forgiving. No matter what we’ve done, He wants us to come home. Thank God for that amazing love, and pray that your children will accept God's free gift of salvation.

Happy Saturday Parents, just a friendly reminder to check your emails for the link to the Parent Survey regarding the re-opening of our Sunday School classes. We have only received 13 responses so far and really need your input. Responses are anonymous unless you choose to enter your name. Thank you!

THIS IS THE DAY THE LORD HAS MADE; SO, LET'S REJOICE AND BE GLAD IN IT! Happy Friday, Anchor Families! I'm sharing the "Make it Stick" Parent Resource for our SHINE lesson on Oct 20th. IT'S ONE OF THE BEST IN THE SERIES!!: FIRST THOUGHTS Ask your child what they learned about this week: The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders makes us think about what foundation we are building our life upon. Jesus wants us to receive Him as our Lord and Savior and build our life u...pon Him. Luke 6:46-49. HANGING OUT Make this week’s lesson real: Take a walk around your house this week. Where was it built? How did the builders give your house a good foundation? Ask your kids why they need Jesus to be their foundation? AT DINNER Here are some great discussion starters: - Why did the wise builder build his house on a rock? - What are some of the storms of life that can affect us? - Why do we need Jesus to be our foundation? AT BEDTIME Quiz your child on this week’s memory verse: Then Jesus said, ‘Whoever has ears should listen.’ Mark 4:9 (NIrV) PARENT TIME What you need to know: Jesus wants to be the foundation for our lives. Pray that our kids will all make Him their foundation. Pray that they turn to Him for strength to withstand the storms of life.

Good day Anchor SHINE Families! Here's the Parent's Resource for our lesson from this past Tue, Oct 13th! REMINDER: Kids will need six stackable cups for our game this coming Tues, Oct 20th! BLESSINGS!! FIRST THOUGHTS Ask your child what they learned about this week: The Parable of the Mustard Seed teaches us that kids can do big things right now! They don’t have to wait until they are older to make a decision to live God’s way. Jesus told this parable to let us know ...that God is strong and powerful so we don’t have to be, we just have to trust Him. Matthew 13:31-33, Parable of the Mustard Seed HANGING OUT Make this week’s lesson real: Show your child a seed or seeds from any plants or trees you may have in or outside your home. Remind them the plant or tree grew from just a few tiny seeds. Our faith in God is like the seed. Just a small amount can grow into something big and beautiful when we put our trust fully in God to guide our lives. AT DINNER Here are some great discussion starters: - How is faith like the mustard seed? - Do we have to wait until we are grown up before God can use us? - What are some gifts you have that can be used for God AT BEDTIME Quiz your child on this week’s memory verse: Then Jesus said, ‘Whoever has ears should listen.’ Mark 4:9 (NIrV) PARENT TIME What you need to know: Anyone, no matter their size or their age, can serve the Lord. Ask God to show your children where and how they should serve Him.

BLESSINGS TO YOU IN JESUS’ NAME, ANCHOR SAINTS! The SHINE ministry staff want to thank all of the families who have been faithful to connect their children with our weekly Zoom-Ins. We count it a genuine blessing to join with you in helping provide your precious young ones Christ-centered, Bible teaching - along with a healthy dose of fun! Here’s the Parent Resource for this week’s lesson from Jesus’ Parable of the Wandering, or Lost, Sheep: FIRST THOUGHTS Ask your child w...hat they learned about this week: God sent Jesus to save us because he loves us. Jesus uses the example of lost sheep to let us know that God loves us very, very much. Matthew 18:10-14, Parable of the Wandering Sheep HANGING OUT Make this week’s lesson real: When something goes missing this week - be it a stray dog, a stray toy, or a stray remote control - use it as a moment to remind your children of this parable. Jesus would do anything to find his lost sheep, and he will always love us. AT DINNER Here are some great discussion starters: - Why did the shepherd leave the 99 sheep behind? - Who is the shepherd in this story? - How does this story show Jesus loves us? AT BEDTIME Quiz your child on this week’s memory verse: Then Jesus said, ‘Whoever has ears should listen.’ Mark 4:9 (NIrV) PARENT TIME What you need to know: Jesus coupled this parable with a warning to anyone who would lead one of His children astray. (Matthew 18:1-9.) Pray that God would help you to guide your children to follow Jesus’ voice. Remember that even if they do go astray, God loves them and always will.

AMAZING ANCHOR FAMILIES! The SHINE Crew members sure hope you’re having a marvelous Monday!! HEADS UP that your children will need the following items for our Zoom-In game this Tue, Oct 6th: - a bowl of pudding (or similar substance with a pudding consistency) - at least 5 M&Ms, Skittles, or similar candies - a pair of tweezers

Happy Friday, Anchor SHINE Families! Here's the Parent Resource for our lesson this week, Sep 29th, on The Unforgiving Servants FIRST THOUGHTS Ask your child what they learned about this week: The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant teaches us that we do not have a right to hold a grudge against others. It reminds us that we have made mistakes and hurt others when we are tempted to get mad at someone else, or judge someone else for making a mistake. We should remember... how good it felt when someone forgave us and be encouraged to do the same for others. Matthew 18:21-35, Parable of the Unforgiving Servant HANGING OUT Make this week’s lesson real: Do you have monthly credit card debt? A car loan? A mortgage? Talk to your kids about these debts. Tell them how much they are, how much you pay monthly, and how long it will take to pay them off. Don’t forget to tell them what happens if you can’t pay. Ask your kids why it’s important for us to forgive the debts of others and what debt God has forgiven. AT DINNER Here are some great discussion starters: - How much debt did the king forgive? - Why did the king change his mind about the debt? - What debt has Jesus forgiven for us? AT BEDTIME Quiz your child on this week’s memory verse: Then Jesus said, ‘Whoever has ears should listen.’ Mark 4:9 (NIrV) PARENT TIME What you need to know: How can we not forgive others when God has forgiven us for so much? Talk to your kids about what it means to forgive. If there’s someone they need to forgive but don’t know how, pray with them. Then ask Jesus to give you a forgiving heart as well so you can set things right with Him and others.

SHINE FAMILIES! This evening’s lesson comes from The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant, which will help kids learn that none of us have a right to hold a grudge against others. We are looking forward to seeing all of our Super SHINE Students at 7pm this evening!!

Trusting all of you awesome Anchor Saints and SHINE Families are enjoying a most blessed day! Sharing the Parent Resource for our Parables of Jesus Lesson 3 from Sep 22nd "The Good Samaritan"! FIRST THOUGHTS Ask your child what they learned about this week: God wants us to show love to everyone, even people who are different than us or might disagree with us. The Parable of the Good Samaritan also shows us that we need to be ok with having our plans interrupted if it mean...s we have to choose between helping someone and getting to do something we had planned to do. That’s how we show God and others that we love them, by helping even when it’s not always easy for us. Luke 10:25-37, Parable of the Good Samaritan HANGING OUT Make this week’s lesson real: Do you have any Good Samaritan stories of strangers who helped you? Share one with your kids this week, and look for an opportunity to be a Samaritan with your kids. AT DINNER Here are some great discussion starters: - Why did the Samaritan help a man who might not have been someone he got along with? - How did the Samaritan sacrifice his plans and money to help the man? - Why is it important to God that we help others in need? AT BEDTIME Quiz your child on this week’s memory verse: Then Jesus said, ‘Whoever has ears should listen.’ Mark 4:9 (NIrV) PARENT TIME What you need to know: Being a Good Samaritan means more than helping people who are different. It means being willing to sacrifice our time, our plans, and our resources for someone in need. Thank God for the Good Samaritans in your life and ask Him to help you be one to others.

TGIF SHINE families! Here's the Parent Resource for our second Parables of Jesus Zoom-In on Sep 15th: FIRST THOUGHTS Ask your child what they learned about this week: God’s plan is for us to do our best with what God has given us. God is not as concerned with how much or how little you have as much as He is concerned with how faithful and obedient you are with what you do have. Matthew 25:14-30, The Parable of the Talents HANGING OUT Make this week’s lesson real: Talk... with your kids about the unique gifts you and your children have. What special talents do each of you have that no one else in the family shares? Discuss what you can do as individuals and as a family to serve God with those gifts. AT DINNER Here are some great discussion starters: - What did the three servants in the parable do with the talents they were given? - Why doesn’t God want us to get upset or jealous about the talents other people have? - What can you do with the talents God has given you? AT BEDTIME Quiz your child on this week’s memory verse: Then Jesus said, ‘Whoever has ears should listen.’ Mark 4:9 (NIrV) PARENT TIME What you need to know: Jesus has given us all unique talents and abilities and a part to play in the family of God. Ask God to reveal to your kids (and to you!) the talents He wants used for His glory.

Parent Resource - Parables of Jesus - Lesson 1 Sep 8th FIRST THOUGHTS Ask your child what they learned about this week: A parable is a simple story with a message. On Sep 8th, we read the Parable of the Sower, which teaches us that God’s Word has to be number one in our life. If we try to make other things more important than following Jesus and obeying His word, it can cause our faith to stop growing and die out. Mark 4:1-20, Parable of the Sower HANGING OUT Make ...this week’s lesson real: Take a walk through the yard or the neighborhood this week. Where do you see plants growing well? Do you see any struggling? Ask the kids what they need to do so their faith will grow. AT DINNER Here are some great discussion starters: - What is a parable? - Why did Jesus teach in parables? - What is the message of the Parable of the Sower? AT BEDTIME Quiz your child on this week’s memory verse: Then Jesus said, ‘Whoever has ears should listen.’ Mark 4:9 (NIrV) PARENT TIME What you need to know: When Jesus taught people, He often used stories or parables. The parables of Jesus have much to teach us if we are willing to listen. Encourage your kids to spend time in the Bible and in prayer this week and pray that God will help them to begin growing in their faith.

Dearest Anchor Church Families! Due to continued CA State in-person restrictions for children’s ministry events, we must continue to use Zoom for our weekly SHINE sessions for at least the next few weeks. In full support of the Anchor’s return to in-person Tue evening services in the sanctuary, the SHINE Crew understands this may affect family's ability to connect their children to the SHINE Zoom-Ins. As soon as we’re cleared to return to the Annex for SHINE on Tue evenings, we will broadcast the good news immediately! BLESSINGS TO ALL OF OUR ANCHOR KIDS & FAMILIES, IN JESUS NAME!!

The SHINE & Sunday School Ministries thank all of you who joined us for this past Sunday's Anchor Kids & Families Celebration! The Spirit of the Lord visited us so sweetly and then we enjoyed some tasty ice cream sweets! There were so many Anchor Saints who made this happen. I'll do my utmost to tag them all; but, if I miss someone, know it's certainly not intentional. Special thanks to Pastor James N Larson and First Lady Sis Joni Larson for their always amazing support of all of the Anchor Church's Children's Ministries!! BLESSINGS TO THE AWESOME ANCHOR SAINTS!! Hope to see your kids at this evening's SHINE Zoom-In!!