Newsletter Articles 

Spread a small amount of frosting on top of marshmallow. Press coconut hair in place. Dip chocolate chips in frosting; insert into marshmallow for eyes. Cut a wedge of cherry into a smile; dip in frosting and place on marshmallow. Yield: 1 apple person.

 

“What do lazy dogs do for fun?”
Chase parked cars!
 

The kids and I recently returned from our fall apple-picking outings.  Together we picked them and made applesauce, apple pie filling and caramel apples (If you were at the Family Night meal last week, you may have sampled one!).  Try this recipe which makes a glossy caramel coating that sticks to the apples.

1 1/2 tbsp. butter
1 1/2 cups light brown sugar
6 tbsp. water
Popsicle sticks
8 to 10 apples (McIntoshes work well)

Melt the butter in a saucepan. Add the brown sugar and water. Stir until it has a smooth consistency. Gently bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 3 minutes, until the pan's sides get steamy and the mixture is thin but somewhat sticky. Remove from heat. Pierce the center of each apple with a Popsicle stick, then swirl in the caramel syrup until coated. Place apples on a greased cookie sheet to harden. Refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours before serving.  Makes 8-10.

    Foilage Friends       

1. Collect autumn leaves from plants and trees in your yard: maple, rose, birch, geranium, oak.
2. Glue them to pieces of paper. 
3. Use your imagination and use a writing utensil to make your creatures complete.

To preserve your creations, press them between two books.

September 2008

Life's Ups and Downs

Wednesday nights we’re starting a new series with lessons on Saul and David.  Starting a new school year and even just in life in general, you’re likely to experience many ups and downs. Satan is always trying to deter us from walking with God, but God is always there too, to strengthen and help us. We’ll be learning to trust God and seek His help and direction to make it through hard and scary times.  See if you can make your way through this maze of Life’s Ups & Downs to find God’s Plan.

August 2008

Olympic Training

Sunday morning Children’s Chapel is beginning a new series on Christian living while learning about the Olympics. I encourage you to help your child(ren) with this cross word puzzle & to have meaningful discussion as you watch the Summer Olympics as a family.  We’ll be correlating it to joining the team/being citizens of Heaven, carrying the torch/letting our light shine, committing with ceremony/water baptism, growing/knowing the word, lifting weights/prayer, wrestling to win/getting wisdom, focusing on the target/avoid distractions, working as a team/be cooperative, preventing conflict/avoid conflict, wearing the true colors/ showing God’s love, running the race/follow the rules, going the right direction/be obedient, becoming a winner/reach for the goal.

Across

1. plunging into water, usually head first

2. a heavy metal ball thrown for distance in a track-and-field contest (2 words)

7. Shooting with bows and arrows

10. prize given to the second place winner (2 words)

11. the 5 rings represent the 5 major regions of the world (Africa, Asia, the Americas, Europe & Australia); every national flag in the world includes at least 1 of the 5 colors, which are from L to R: blue, yellow, black, green & red (2 words)

12. a special event held to begin the Olympics and to honor the athletes (2 words)

13. a special event held at the end of the Olympics which honors the winners (2 words)

14. the loss of a contest

15. prize given to the first place winner (2 words)

Down

1. a heavy disk that is thicker in the center than at the outside edge; it is thrown for distance in a track-and-field contest

3. a flaming light that is usually carried in the hand.

4. sports performed on a racing track or the field next to the racing track (3 words)

5. a long distance race

6. a long slender wooden shaft thrown for distance in a track-and-field contest

8. an ancient city; the capital of Greece

9. prize given to the third place winner (2 words)

Silver medal     bronze medal       opening ceremony       olympic rings      shotput      discus      track-and-field      gold medal      closing ceremony      javelin       defeat       torch      marathon          archery     athens

Caramel Apples

Fall is upon us. The temperatures are getting cooler, the leaves are starting to change colors and we’ve been busy like the squirrels harvesting food for the winter months.  Here are some fun harvest season activities you can do as a family:

Fall Sights & Smells

October 2008

4. Tape yarn to the back or punch holes to string yarn so you can hang it.

3. Glue the squares onto the pattern covering up the lines:  grapes/purple, corn yellow, pumpkin/orange, stems/brown, leaves/green, apple/red ,  inside of cornucopia/black etc

2. Tear colored construction paper into small ½ inch size squares.

1.Right click on the cornucopia above and save to your computer. Print off then cut it out and glue it centered on a black sheet of paper to create a frame.

The cornucopia, or horn of plenty, is the symbol of abundance often representing the fall harvest.  Remember to thank God for all you have as you make this mosaic to decorate for your Thanksgiving.
 

November 2008

Trace the child's hand 10 times on green construction paper. Cut out the hand prints. Glue the hand prints together in a wreath shape, with the wrists overlapping a little bit.  It may be easier to glue them onto a paper plate with the center cut out. Glue on a red ribbon bow or make one from red construction paper. Decorate your wreath with glitter or glitter glue if desired.

Little Hands Wreath

Trace and cut out lots of the child's hand printed on green construction paper (qty depends on size of tree you make). Fold the wrist over. Draw a tree shape on a large piece of paper or use a brown grocery bag. Cut out a small rectangle of dark brown paper for the tree trunk and glue it below the tree. Glue the hand prints together in a tree shape, gluing the folded part of the wrist to the  background. Start at the bottom of the tree. Starting with the second row, make the fingers overlap the next hand a little bit. Cut out a yellow star and glue it on the top of the tree. Write a Christmas message around the tree. Decorate your tree with glitter, glitter glue, or paper ornaments as desired.

Little Hands Christmas Tree

Supplies needed: construction paper, pencil, scissors, glue; Optional: glitter or glitter glue.

As December nears and we get ready to celebrate Jesus’ birth, think of all the things his hands did: carpentry, healings, miracles, prayers, pierced for our sins. Think of ways you can use your hands for Jesus as you trace your hand for these activities:

The Hand of Jesus

December 2008

Be sure the can is clean and dry. Wrap can with construction paper and cut it to fit, then lay the paper flat to write the year and decorate one side of the paper.  Glue or tape over the can.
When dry, have each family member place a small item inside the can (coin, stamp, picture of themselves, baseball card, newspaper article etc (just nothing breakable or that they can’t live without). 
Use a pen to write an “inventory” list on a piece of paper stating what each member added to the time capsule. They could also list their favorite things: books, songs, tv shows, foods, animals, etc. or write what they think the world will be like in the year to come, how tall they might be etc.
Place the list inside with the other items and seal the can with its lid. Don’t open until all children are grown (or at least not until next year)!

TIME CAPSULE:
Make this a tradition with your family each New Year! Place one item from each family member inside a decorated can marked with the year on the front. Wait until all the kids are grown to open all the time capsules for a wonderful family memory!
Supplies Needed: Empty can with plastic lid (mixed nuts, Pringles, cookie tin, etc), construction paper, tape or glue, scissors, pen, marker or crayons.

Use scissors to cut out the clock arms from black paper.
Write the numbers 1-12 on the clock.
Poke a small hole in the ends of the clock arms and through the center of the plate to put the fastener through.  Close the fastener on the back of the paper plate loose enough so the clock hands can move.
Circle the number that corresponds to their bedtime as this is what they are counting down to. As the day progresses they can update their clock. When bedtime arrives, explain to them that when they wake up it will be a brand new year.  Pray with them to thank God for the blessings of 2008 and looking forward to a new year of serving Jesus!

Supplies Needed: paper plate, black construction paper, metal fastener, glue & scissors.

COUNTDOWN CLOCK:
New Year’s Eve can be fun for the little ones too, even if their bedtime is long before midnight!  Have them make their own clock to count down til their bedtime. 

New Years Eve - Fun for the Kids Too!

January 2009

Knock, Knock
Who’s there?
Oscar
Oscar Who?
Oscar if she likes me

Knock, Knock
Who’s there?
Arthur
Arthur Who?
Arthur any chocolates left for me?

Knock, Knock
Who’s there?
Olive
Olive Who?
Olive ya!

Knock, Knock
Who’s there?
Justin
Justin Who?
Justin time, here’s your valentine!

More fun:

Play Tic-Tac-Toe or Bingo using the candy hearts as your markers.

Valentines Day Games:

Or, use heart shaped cookie cutters to transform kids favorites into Valentine delights...heart shaped ham & cheese and PB&J sandwiches -heart shaped "jello-jigglers" - cut cheese hearts and serve with crackers

Plan a meal that’s primarily RED with spaghetti, jello, strawberries, cake or cookie with red sprinkles or candies, Kool-Aid, etc.

Valentines Day Meal Ideas:

Directions:
Cut a 1-2 inch tall heart from the paper or fun foam.
Glue it between the two kisses (bottom to bottom). This is the mouse body and the heart makes the ears.
Remove one of the paper tags to make room for the face. 
Then use the glue to attach wiggle eyes, thread whiskers and a pom-pom nose.  The other paper tag is the tail.

Chocolate Kiss Mouse Valentine Craft:
    
Say "Be Mine!" with a sweet chocolate kiss mouse.              
Materials:  2 wrapped chocolate kisses, 2x2 squares of construction paper, fun foam, or felt, thread, wiggle eyes, very small pom-pom, glue.

Valentines Day for Kids  

February 2009

Roy & Nicole; you guys wore many hats and you did it with excellence! From the staff, congregation & most of all the children; a great big ...Thank You!

Two years ago, Roy knew God was preparing us for something, but we didn’t know what until Pastor asked us to oversee Children’s Ministries.  After a time of prayer, we felt we should  answer the call and run this leg of the race….not knowing how long the race would be….who in their right mind would start a race not knowing how long it is?  Yet through the eyes of faith, we knew God would see us through.  We also knew we needed the  congregation to run the race with us and are thankful for all those who’ve volunteered and supported us these last two years!
 
At this time, we felt God was preparing someone else to carry the baton for the next leg of the race and are looking forward to the good things Jenny will bring to the children.  We’ll no longer be leading; instead, we’ll be running along side and supporting her and  encourage everyone to do the same.

Passing the Baton

March 2009

8.  On Resurrection morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Notice the cracked surface and take a bite.  The cookies are hollow!  On the first  Resurrection Day, Jesus’ followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty. Read Matthew 28:1-9.

7.  GO TO BED!  Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight. Jesus’ followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed.  Read John 16:20, 22.

6.  Fold in broken nuts.  Drop by teaspoons onto a cookie sheet lined with wax paper. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus’ body was laid.  Read Matthew 27:57-60.  Put the cookie sheet into the oven and turn the oven OFF. Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door.  Explain that Jesus’ tomb was sealed.  Read Matthew 27:65-66. 

5.  Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. Explain that the color white represents the purity in God’s eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus.  Read Isaiah 1:18 & John 3:1-3.

4.  So far, the ingredients are not very appetizing.  Add 1 cup of sugar.  Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us.  He wants us to know and belong to Him.  Read Psalms 34:8 & John 3:16. 

3.  Add egg whites to vinegar.  Eggs represent life.  Explain that Jesus gave His life.  Read John 10:10-11.  Sprinkle a little salt unto the child’s hand.  Let them taste it and brush the rest into the bowl.  Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus’ followers, and the bitterness of our own sin.  Read Luke 23:27.

2.  Let each child smell the vinegar.  Put 1 tsp. of it into a mixing bowl.  Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross, He was given vinegar to drink.  Read John 19:28-30. 

1.  Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.  Place nuts in zipper baggie and let children beat them with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces.  Explain that after Jesus was arrested, He was beaten by the Roman soldiers.  Read John 19:1-3. 

RESURRECTION COOKIES   
You will need: 1 cup of pecan halves (or favorite nut), 1 tsp. vinegar, 3 eggs white, pinch of salt, 1 cup of sugar, zipper baggie, wooden spoon, tape, Bible

Parents, have fun making these yummy cookies with your children!  It would work best if done on the day before Easter, Saturday April 11, 2009.  Making them right before the child’s bedtime is ideal.

 I look forward to serving our church through the children’s ministry. Children are such amazing blessings from above, and I love watching them grow into awesome people!  A special thanks to Nicole & Roy for all their help transitioning into this position.  God Bless you! –Jenny Mihalak

JUST FOR KIDS!

April 2009

“Dear Pastor Paul & Ilene, what an amazing couple you are.  Ilene, I hope my daughter will grow up to be as graceful, beautiful and kind as you are to all of us.  Pastor Paul, if only you would have done the “happy dance” just once…maybe I wouldn’t be so sad at the thought of you leaving and not being able to be “happy” about it…OH NO!! I’m starting to take on Pastor’s sense of humor, which by the way is very, very special.  Anyways, all of us in the Children’s Ministry wish you both only the best and lots and lots of fun in your new adventure!!!  WE LOVE YOU.”  Love & Blessings, From Jenny & Our CAG Children

“I am missing you guys so much.  I am sad and don’t want you can go.”  Love, Jordan Brown

“Ilene is pretty and nice. Have a good time.”-Shaiyanne Dahlberg

“Dear Pastor and Ilene, thank you for everything you have done for our church and in our church.  You have helped us a lot, thank you.” From, Matt Larsen

From Ryan Larsen: “Have a nice ride to your new home!”
                                                                 
“You teach good.  I will miss you being funny to us.”-Trenton Ellison

“We loved you being our pastor.  I’ll miss you!!!!” From; Matt Chiles

“Dear Pastor Paul & Ilene, thank you for everything you have done for our church.  It has been nice having you guys at our church.  We will miss you!”  Love, Brooke Larsen

To Pastor Paul and Ilene,
The children here at Central Assembly have been working hard making cards and writing notes of kindness for you both. As you read them, some silly, some serious please remember how much they love you and will miss you both! 

Pastor Paul & Ilene, I hope you get all of God’s Blessings! –Ashley Brown

Farewell

May 2009

Directions:  Grease 8 custard cups.  Place 2 or 3 whole pecans in each cup and sprinkle half of chopped nut over them.  In a saucepan melt the butter.  Add the sugar, water and remaining chopped nuts.  Cut the biscuits in half and roll into balls.  Place 3 in each cup, then drizzle with sauce.  Add 2 balls and drizzle with the   remaining sauce.  Bake in a 350 degree oven for 15 minutes.  Makes 8 baby monkeys.

Ingredients: 16-20 whole nuts of your choice, plus ½ C. of chopped nut, ½ C. of butter, 1 C. firmly packed brown sugar, 2 T. water and  2 10 oz. cans of refrigerated biscuits.

-BABY MONKEY BREAD-

*NOTE: Lexi and I love to use mini flavored/colored marshmallows, it’s always fun to snatch an extra handful or two and eat them all alone hardly any calories nor fat).  Also, peanut butter works well if your child does not like cream cheese.

You will need: an apple, cream cheese and mini marshmallows      
Mom/Dad core and slice apple.
Have CHILD spread cream cheese on apple slices. 
Place mini marshmallows around the edge of one slice.
Put 2 slices together, put on a plate skin side showing and EAT!

-APPLE SMILES-

Here are some recipes that are healthy yet fun to make. Involving your child in the creation process really aids in the help of getting them to eat it.  With summer now approaching, children will become more active and it is essential they get optimum nutrition but still enjoy the snack!

CHILDREN IN THE KITCHEN

June 2009

11. I miss every other Sunday due to work, BUT I have never ever missed a Wednesday teaching our children about God.

10. I am a head doctor. The Brewers manage to keep me sane.

9. I am one of 3 who love to play piano at church.

8. The kitchen is where I belong.  I love teaching children too! But most of the time I cook and prepare tasty food for all!!

7. My Teddy bear named Delmar was held hostage by Pastor Tom.

6. I used to be a Worship Team leader, singing the oldies, but now when I sing special music, I can never have it turned up loud enough!! (It could be that my hair is blocking my hearing).

5. I don’t like to wear suit or ties. In fact, I love to preach in shorts and flip flops!  But all the same, my  favorite thing to do is tell others about our Lord.

4. Flowers, flowers and more flowers!!  Gardens too- when I am not volunteering at Maranatha, I am here at CAG with my 3 children or in my gardens!!!

3. As my hobby, I take beautiful pictures of the outdoors and turn them into cards.

2. China was this person’s last place to visit, where they wed their sweetheart.

1. I love to make pictures and decorate bulletin boards, especially for children.

Find the following people, using these clues and get their signature. The first 5 children to bring me a completed paper will win!! *CLUE: ALL answers are people within Central Assembly.

SCAVENGER HUNT

July 2009

“What do you call a zipper on a banana?”
A fruit fly!

IN FUTURE ISSUES:
This section is usually geared towards children. So in the coming months now there will be fun  treasure hunts, puzzles, jokes, recipes and more!!!

So please come and join us on Wednesday nights; if your child (and/or you) needs a ride please call the church and I will gladly pick you up and take you home!!!  Just try to call a day or two ahead.  A meal is served at 5:30 pm with activities starting at 6:30 pm.  If you are able to bring a dish to pass, great, if not, I still want to see you there!

We have so much fun, but the children also learn how to be caring, helpful and  loving towards others.  We play games in the gym, all kinds of fun ones in the children’s room, stories taken from the Bible and easy for your child to understand, snacks (tailored to the need, if your child has any…allergies, diabetes, sugar-free…), and meeting great new friends!  I promise you they will leave with HUGE smiles on their faces!!

With school starting soon, I get excited just thinking about the friends the children of CAG could bring here on Wednesday Nights!  For me, being that I am a single mom with the most gorgeous 2 year old girl (Alexa),  I know it is hard to let your child go somewhere new and different. But you can relax and know that any child that walks into our church is treated as if he or she were one of my own.  They are safe and cared for.  

Why send your children to our church?

JUST FOR KIDS!

August 2009

For head, secure marshmallow to apple with a toothpick. Cut licorice into two 1-1/2-in.-long pieces for arms and two 3-in.-long pieces for legs (save remaining licorice for another use). Secure arms and legs to apple with toothpick halves. For hair, combine 2 drops yellow food coloring and 3 drops water in a small re-sealable bag. Add coconut; toss to coat.

September 2009
JUST FOR KIDS!

Kids, school has finally come again!  As you know, we are studying about physical fitness as well as spiritual fitness Wednesday nights. When you are in school, you know that it is very important for you to eat healthy snacks.  This enables you to focus and concentrate better, turn in homework on time, and it’ll help you do the best you can on tests!  Try the following recipe with mom and dad.  Pack some extra to share with a friend!!! (This can be part of your “spiritual” fitness.)

APPLE PERSON

Apple time is here!  These crazy, silly apple people are a great hit with children everywhere!!!  Always make a few extra to share with a neighbor or friend.

Ingredients:

1 large marshmallow
1 Red or Golden Delicious apple
2 ropes black or red licorice
Liquid yellow food coloring
2 teaspoons flaked coconut
1 teaspoon vanilla frosting
2 miniature chocolate chips
1 maraschino cherry

Directions:

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