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| Sometimes we get questions about our 'keys' and how to use them, especially from those that are used to awards. We think of these a little differently. We know that kids love collecting thigs and enjoy having others notice their accomplishments. Friends "Fruit of the Spirit Keys" are inexpensive, fun tokens you can use to celebrate and affirm kids' spiritual growth. Please note, though, that kids don't "earn" keys. Instead, kids receive keys as delightful gifts. When you see a child display in action a characteristic like love, joy, or another fruit of the Spirit, you can give that child a key to celebrate what God is doing in his or her life. Each quarter, a different fruit of the Spirit is emphasized. Let us know what you think. This is just one way to affirm kids and volunteers in your Friends program. Share what you're doing! And let me know if I can be of service in any other way. God bless you and your minsitry!
Deb Bernard
Curriculum Senior Marketing Manager
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| We've heard from other churches, too, on the topic of attendance: From Peggy: I just wanted to add my two cents regarding the topic of perfect attendance. Many seem to be in favor of this and for those who are, I do not intend to step on any toes, but like I said, am just explaining my opinion on the matter. I do not care for the idea of awards for perfect attendance as 99% of the time (no scientific study has been done on this, just a guess) it has nothing to do with the kids. I am the Director so my kids are there all the time, they have no choice. Other times, kids cannot come because parents do not bring them, either due to work schedules or whatever. Since it is something so outside the control of the kids, we should actually give the award to the parents instead, maybe. This is what I like most about FaithWeaver Friends, is that they do not give awards for just doing something, like memorizing a Scripture for 30 seconds, they give affirmations for character, something that is seen over the course of the quarter. Just my two cents... ---------------- And from nicolabell: I agree with this, we have children from unchurched families who get there most times, if their parents remember. It would be very unfair if we didnt give them something as well and because of the supportive friendships that have built up between the children in their circles, the other children would think it very unfair too. ----------- And from MartinsKatie: After many years we finally got our Pastor to allow us to get rid of the attendance awards. They are awards for the parents. In today's society we have families that see Mom one weekend and Dad the next. This does not usually make for great attendance. We did not want to punish kids for situations out of their control.( Instead we use to acknowledge everyone at the end of the year for participating.) However.......now that we are going to do FW friends.....I think acknowledging behaviors ( not just attendance) all year will be great!!! ----------- Tell us what YOU think!
Deb Bernard
Curriculum Senior Marketing Manager
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We are in the "same boat" as far as attendance. My hubby is the minister and I teach SS, so my kids are always there. Some of the kids would not ever be there if I or my one friend did not go to pick them up. What we do to encourage attendance is to get the "coins" from OTC and each week that the child attends, he/she gets a coin. If they bring a friend, they get another, AND if they memorize the bible verse from the week before, they get another. We made little banks out of plastic coffee cans which they decorated and put the coins in each week. On the last Sunday of the month, they get to redeem their coins for a prize. I shop the dollar stores, OTC, and take donations for these prizes. They are nothing elaborate. They may get a maximum of 2 prizes at a time and the prizes are "priced" based on size/value. EVERYONE gets something, b/c I always have things that are "worth" only 1 coin, so even if the child has not been there for awhile OR that particular "prize" Sunday is their first time, they still get something. Interestingly enough, some of the kids really amass alot of coins in a month and they are unbelievably willing to give coins to a buddy who doesn't have enough for a particular prize. I have found this helps attendance, helps bring new kids, and they are actually memorizing scripture! Blessings...Kimberly 
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| Hi I just wanted to add. I love the word affirmations instead of rewards, because I look at it like this. The children get keys to reminds them of what they learned. Like the rainbow, God gave us a rainbow to remind us of his promise. We had a presentation where our children were getting their Key rings and fruit of the spirit key. Pastor asked if we were giving out rewards, badges etc. I said no affirmations, He said rewards, I said affirmations, they are to remind the children of what they learned not what they earned. When we had the presentation, Pastor said Friends will be doing a presentation and recieving affrimations for what they have learned. Concerning perfect attendance rewards, I don't care much for that because it is not the children's fault they cannot come. I have one little girl who can only comes once a month. I gave her an important part in our presentaton, because although she comes only once a month I wanted her to feel she was part of us and belonged. Children need to feel good about themselves. We do pick out a name for a door prize each week, It is called the whacky door prize. The kids love it, they are only small things. Have fun with this program. it is amazing what God can do. I pray for our Friends Place, the kids, the leaders and that the Holy Spirit will have his way. Without Him, we are nothing. Have a great day. Evalen
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| Thanks, Evalen, for sharing your experiences! Your heart for what you do shines through in your messages. God bless you and your ministry!
Deb Bernard
Curriculum Senior Marketing Manager
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