Sunflowers, Sparrows, And Salt provides a year's worth of simple, Bible-based lessons perfect for use in the classroom or the sanctuary, coupled with easily reproducible, ready-to-use activities that keep young people interested while helping them grasp the main concepts. There are coloring pages for younger children, plus puzzles and word games for older children -- all working together to reinforce scriptural wisdom and Christian values. The lessons follow the seasons of the year, with material for both general and special occasions. This all-new collection of children's sermons and activity pages from popular CSS author Julia Bland is sure to become an indispensable resource for pastors and Sunday school teachers. Lessons are included for these special days: New Year's Day, Valentine's Day, Palm Sunday, Easter Sunday, Mother's Day, Memorial Day, Father's Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas -- plus there's lots of general material as well!

If you're looking for children's material specifically tailored for holidays and other special, out-of-the-ordinary days, Julia Bland's latest collection is a practical resource that you'll draw on for fresh ideas throughout the year. Each message in Children's Sermons For Special Days is accompanied by a two-sided activity page -- one side is a coloring page for younger children, while the other has a variety of puzzles and activities that emphasize the lesson's key points for older children.

This collection of ready-to-use children's sermons compares God's Word to a variety of concrete objects, teaching youngsters that although the scriptures were written a long time ago, they remain a powerful and unequaled guide for good and holy living. Each message comes with a two-sided activity sheet including a coloring page for young children along with puzzles and word games for older children that reinforce the lesson's theme and key concepts. An excellent resource for "children's time," Sunday school, or Vacation Bible School.

This book brings busy pastors and teachers more children's sermons and activity pages from the popular pen of Julia Bland. They're intended to help children learn that Jesus is their Lord and develop Christian character through attention-getting pictures and rhyming words. Like all of her other CSS works, these lessons come with 2-sided activity pages that are appropriate both for younger and older children.

Julia Bland comes to the aid of busy pastors and teachers with more practical, easy-to-prepare children's messages and activity pages. Based on the Psalms, the lessons call youngsters' attention to the many blessings we enjoy every day and teach them to praise God for all he does for us. Puzzles and coloring pages keep their interest while reinforcing the message.
"Praises From The Psalms is down-to-earth, graphic, imaginative -- children can see and touch and experience. And it's the Bible that they receive, not shallow sentimentality. These brief activity sermons are a rare combination -- God's joyous truth at a child's level -- perfect for every church."
Richard B. Wilke, retired bishop
Arkansas Conference, United Methodist Church
"One of the most important tasks for the church is providing spiritual education for children. It may also be one of the hardest to accomplish. How can one speak of the mysteries of God and faith in a way that a child can understand? Julia Bland has given ministers and volunteers who work with children an invaluable resource to help them do just that. This volume of children's sermons, based on the Psalms, emphasizes the nature of our relationship with God. The suggested sermons are biblically based and draw on common life experiences to illustrate the points. The activity pages reinforce the biblical teaching and offer a selection of fun activities for the child. Praises From The Psalms will be a great tool for the ministry of the church."
W. Michael Chittum
Senior minister, Plymouth Congregational Church
Wichita, Kansas
During nearly 50 years as a pastor's wife, Julia Bland taught church groups of all ages from children through senior adults. She has been active in United Methodist Women and served as district chairperson of Global Concerns as well as Publicity and Public Relations. Bland's award-winning oil, watercolor, and pen and ink artwork has appeared in private and public collections.

One of the most striking representations of Jesus in the scriptures is that of a shepherd. Based on John 10's statement that He is the Good Shepherd, this series of eight lessons teaches youngsters of Jesus' unfailing love and care (even to the point of death on the cross). Like all of her previous collections, each children's message is accompanied by a two-sided activity page -- one side that's a coloring page for younger children, and the other with numerous puzzles and activities to reinforce the lesson's theme for older children. Bland has a well-earned reputation for biblical faithfulness, creativity, and practicality. Busy pastors and teachers have found her ready-to-use materials just what they need for their children's time -- we know you'll love her latest release
"The Shepherd And His Sheep is insightful, simple, and creative. But most important is the depth of spirituality that is presented which will engage the mind and heart of a child. Although specifically designed with children in mind, Bland's messages recover the significance of Jesus' statement that unless we come to him as a child, we will miss the kingdom of God. This collection of sermons and activities will call the child in each one of us to be in the presence of the Good Shepherd."
Steven M. Marsh
Dean of Chapel and Spiritual Formation
Assistant Professor of Religion and Philosophy
Sterling College
During nearly 50 years as a pastor's wife, Julia Bland has taught church groups of all ages from children through senior adults. She has been active in United Methodist Women and served as district chairperson of Global Concerns as well as Publicity and Public Relations. Bland's award-winning oil, watercolor, and pen and ink artwork has appeared in private and public collections.

During 44 years as a pastor's wife, Julia Bland was often given the task of presenting the children's sermon. Her presentations were always well-received.
Busy pastors and worship leaders who are searching for Bible-based lessons can use these with a minimum of preparation. Each sermon has suggested visual aids and activity sheets to reinforce the lesson taught. The activity sheets are for all ages, with a coloring page for younger children on one side and puzzles and word games for older children on the opposite side. The messages are based on the love laws of Jesus found in Matthew 22:34-40.
Julia E. Bland has during her 44 years as a pastor's wife taught all ages of church groups from children through senior adults. She has been active in United Methodist Women and served as district chairperson of Global Concerns as well as publicity and public relations for the district. Her artwork in oils, watercolors and pen and ink have appeared in private and public collections.