Trans-European Division of Seventh-Day Adventist Church. Children s Ministries. Summer 2012

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1 Trans-European Division of Seventh-Day Adventist Church Children s Ministries Summer 2012 Summer holidays as a family were always a lot of fun, a chance to spend quality time together. When we came back home the boys had always grown a little and looked happy and tanned (well mostly). My mother used to say you all look so happy and relaxed. Life is hectic, even for kids, and we all need time to recuperate and time to slow down the pace. I always think of heaven as a place where you can relax and actually enjoy life. But here on earth it is vacation time that does that for us. God promises us a place in heaven. He has gone to prepare a place for us. But I think that God also wants us to enjoy life now. That means making time for Him and for our families. Not only during vacation time. We all have regrets and would, on hind sight, probably do things differently. But with God we can make a new start whenever we want. I wish you all a lovely summer of relaxation, sun, health, happiness and especially good communication with God. Clair (yes, that is my chair and my book - I just went in to get a cold drink.! )

2 JESÚS LIFIR (Jesus Lives), Reykjavik, Iceland March 25-25, 2012 Since 2001 our church school in Reykjavik, Iceland, Suðurhlíðarskóli, has been the initiator of a yearly bible quiz, JESÚS LIFIR, for children aged Teams from different churches, Adventist as well as non Adventist, take part. The aim of the competition is to inspire the children of the country to read their Bible and to foster a positive view of and interaction with children from other churches. It is always a popular event, and this year was no exception. The winning team was from the Westmann Islands.

3 The Selling Exhibiton of Children`s works of art in Smederevo, Serbia, April 5-12, 2012 ADRA Serbia, together with the Social Work Center and the town authorities of Smederevo, Serbia made possible the selling exhibition of children `s creative works of art to be held in the buliding of the Historical Achive in the town of Smederevo on April 5 12, The exhibition opening was broadcasted by the two TV channels, TV Smederevo and TV Duga, inviting the citizens to visit it and to give their contribution by buying the exhibitied works. The town mayor Mr. Predrag Umičević and ADRA Serbia Director, Igor Mitrović, had the opening speeches inviting all people of good will to support the project. The group of children from the creative workshop had a small music program on the opening night. All the funds gained by selling the children`s works of art were donated to the Smederevo Safe House, opened by ADRA Serbia in September 2010, to provide shelter for women and children, victims of domestic violence and abuse. Those who made the greatest contribution are certainly the group of children from the nearby town of Pozarevac, involved in the work of the creative workshop that was regularly conducted for them by their teacher, pastors wife, Slavica Radovanović, and her two helpers, Slavica Stojković and Vesna Stojanovic Ristić. In the last three months they were visiting the Safe House in Smederevo working intensively with the women and children situated there, and creating the incredibly unique works of art. The fellowship that these women and children developed with the present inhabitants of the Safe House during the creative workshops time was therapeutic, both socially and emotionaly. It helped them to have quicker and easier recovery from the family trauma they passed through and opened new horizons for them.

4 A Creative Kidzrally, The Netherlands, April 14, 2012 Once every year the Netherlands Union organises a Kidzrally. A special day for children aged About 500 children and leaders got together on Sabbath 14th april The theme for the day was What do you mean Creative? At the door the children were greeted by a large poster where the children could take a picture. Some of the children are dressed as a tiger, butterfly, and ladybirds or have their faces painted. The hall is transformed into a jungle. The story of Creation is everywhere. As usual we have the Kidzrally combo leading out in the song services. And the scene has been set. After the opening Professor Pierewaaier, with help from his assistants, goes back in time through a time machine. By way of John and Noah, we come to the beautiful garden of Eden and meet Adam and Eve. Professor Pierewaaier takes Adam and Eve to the Kidzrally where the children can get acquainted with God s creation first hand. In the afternoon there is a creative programme. Something for everyone and the children come back into the hall with smiles on their faces. After singing and closing the day with prayer everyone is tired but is happy to have spent a day in God s creation.

5 Last year children from Holland gave several hundred sets of colour pencils for children in poorer areas. Here are pictures from Alexandria, Egypt and the children there say: " Thank You Children who sent these gifts to us" See, children are a heritage of the LORD Psalm 127:3

6 Letter from Dordrecht, The Netherlands Three weeks ago we had our last family KID lesson. On the 5th of May the certificates where handed to the 6 kids who participated. The KID-kids where proud to receive the certificates, but more pleased with the KID bag which was full of surprises. Dionysia, one of the KID-kids, pimped her bag with nice seahorses. It was nice to see the details she made above the KID logo. Some of the kids made their bag a church bag, in which they put their Bible and lesson book. It s good to see that it is well used. The KID-team was blessed with the support of the church members, and during the KID family training very blessed with two couples who where always there to mentor the children. During the KID service the KID-team pointed out that the role of mentors and adults, as an example in our church, is very important for the children to hold on to. It was all a blessed KID service. We start the KID Ministry again in September The parents calculated they can start the teen-kid when the kids-kid has ended. Thank you for the supports and ideas! Love, Kalin Calender: September November 18 KID Refresher Weekend Children s Sabbath

7 Children s Ministries This newsletter is addressed to the Children s Ministry Directors of the Unions in The Trans-European Division. Others who would like to be on the mailing list can send their address to skrusholm@ted-adventist.org in order to be added to it. Children s Ministries Department Trans-European Division of Seventh-day Adventists 119 St Peter s Street, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL1 3EY England csanches-schutte@ted-adventist.org skrusholm@ted-adventist.org Please send stories and ideas you want to share to skrusholm@ted-adventist.org To subscribe or unsubscribe please reply to this . KID Refresher Weekend September 28-30, 2012 Venue: TED office, St. Albans Come to share and be refreshed. For Training of Coaches and Presenters contact: csanches-schutte@tedadventist.org The Funny Side of Parenting The loaded mini-van pulled in to the only remaining campsite. Four children leaped from the vehicle and began feverishly unloading gear and setting up the tent. The boys rushed to gather firewood, while the girls and their mother set up the camp stove and cooking utensils. A nearby camper marveled to the youngsters' father, "That, sir, is some display of teamwork." The father replied, "I have a system: no one goes to the bathroom until the camp is set up."