Jesus said: “I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20). The Bible verse for this com-ing week includes an idea that is difficult for any of us to understand. This morning in chapel I was asking the children about this week’s story which was about Jesus walking with the two disciples on the road to Emmaus. After discussing the story I asked them if Jesus walks with them when they go on walks around the block or when they eat lunch. They said, “no.” But then I asked why do we always pray before meals: “Come, Lord Jesus, be our guest”? This certainly confused them (which is not the first time I’ve done that!). The more we talked the more we got to the point that while Jesus is in heaven and we will someday walk with him and eat lunch with him, Jesus is also with us here on earth. He is here now and with us everywhere we go. The challenge is how do we understand that he is everywhere and yet he is in heav-en. I’m not sure I understand that nor can I explain it. One thing I was impressed with is when I asked them if Jesus was in other places here on earth and they answered: “Yes.” They then started listing other places around the globe and asking if Jesus was there al-so. I’m not sure that when I was their age I could have come up with China, Africa, Ger-many and other places. The world has become a smaller place! No matter how big or small we see the world, the truth is that Jesus is with us al-ways.

Pastor Tim Rynearson

Preschool

Finally, we have reached the end of our alphabet. This week, our preschoolers will be talking about the Letter Z! Zoo animals will be the biggest topic of discussion, and our kids will vote on their favorite animal.

During Bible time, we will read about "The Great Commission" and figure out if Jesus just gave this big assignment to His disciples, or to more people. We will also be working on singing songs for our Spring Program, which will be on May 6th!

Have a grand week!

Teacher Aubrey (aubrey.vanderbush@peacebrookings.org)

Infants and Waddlers

In a child that is in between the age of 1 to 2 neatness is not a part of their life. When your child drops her spoon, tries to feed herself or tips over her glass, she is preparing for life, not being naughty.

Provide your child with safe places to learn these skills. To make your life easier, place a mat under her highchair so messes are easier to clean up.

Children at this age like to play with others. Just remember that it is way too early for them to understand the meaning of taking turns and sharing. Scolding them will not help. In-stead try getting them interested in something else.

Teacher Sara (sara.gerasch@peacebrookings.org)

Daycare Preschool

The theme of the week is Recycling. During art, we will be making a paper mache earth, newspaper hats, and a willie weasel animal puppet. During sensory, we will be playing in the water. Also, we will focus on willie weasel, the /w/ sound, and the num-ber twenty-three. Some of the things we will be studying are wonderful animals that start with /w/ sound, discover who George Washington is, and waddle like a penguin to count to 23. Number chant for the week: willie weasel runs behind a tree, run in place and count to 23.

Song of the week: (see attachment) Evening

Tune: Itsy Bitsy Spider Early in the evening,

The sun is setting down.

The moon and stars

Are starting to come out.

All of the children

Are getting in their jammies

Climbing into bed

and turning out the light.

DON'T FORGET TO DRESS WACKY THIS WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25TH!!!

Have a wonderful and wiggly week,

Teacher Jillian

(jillian.minihan@peacebrookings.org)

Teacher Misty

(misty.larson@peacebrookings.org)

Toddlers

This week we worked on the letter "C" and learned about bugs and insects. I have been pleas-antly surprised by how well the children are doing with the dobber letters we have been paint-ing each week. I am anxious to see how these will look when we reach the end of the alphabet!

We went to StoneyBrook on Tuesday and made paper chain caterpillars with the residents.

Our theme next week is Recycling. We will be playing with water in the sensory table, learn-ing about the letter "D" and working on various crafts related to the theme.

Teacher Kailey (kailey.feistner@peacebrookings.org)

Junior KindergartenThe Great Commission. Big words for little people but who are better spokes people for the word of God? Our little ones have no hesitation to tell everyone and anyone all they know about the Love of Jesus. Just think of what we can learn from them! We too should spread the word of God to all we meet without hesitation!

We are almost finished learning about the individual letters of the alphabet! This week the lucky letter is Q. The letter bag won’t be going home with anyone because there just aren’t enough things laying around the house that start with Q!

We are working on counting by 5’s and 10’s along with that each number represents a certain amount.

Spring fever is hitting Junior Kindergarten big time! Henceforth, skills we are working on in-clude showing love and kindness to friends and being respectful to teachers and others.

Teacher Sally

Ruth's Rations

Happy Friday everyone! It certainly is nice to see the sun shining and have warm weather again. I am definitely one of those people who is affected by the weather!

The bible verse the children will be learning next week is: Jesus said, " I am with you always." What amazing words. Sometimes they bring comfort, sometimes not. When I am acting in ways I know I shouldn’t (the kids aren’t the only ones who make bad choices!), it makes me uncomfortable to think about Jesus being there because I know I have sinned. But the story doesn’t end there! He lived, suffered, died and rose so that I am forgiven. When I remember that, his presence once again brings great comfort! May Jesus bless you with the knowledge that he loves you and is always with you!

Ruth Rynearson