Do You Write for Children?

We're pleased to welcome Marti Kramer Suddarth as our guest judge this week. Marti has written a new book entitled Ping Pong Words and 30 More Children's Sermons.



"Children's time" - a brief lesson specifically targeted for preschool and elementary age youngsters - is an important part of the Sunday morning worship service in many churches today. But many of those who are called upon to provide these lessons feel too intimidated to write their own material. For pastors, children's ministry leaders, and Sunday school teachers who need fresh, exciting messages that captivate their young people, this collection of easy-to-prepare lessons is just what the doctor ordered.



Geared toward the typical age range of the "children's time" audience - toddler to age thirteen - "Ping-Pong Words" is a valuable resource for anyone who presents children's sermons or devotionals. Each of the 31 lessons is scripture-based and runs three to five minutes in length, and many include demonstrations using simple visual aids such as ping-pong balls, family pictures, a flashlight, and clothespins to illustrate common precepts in ways that clearly communicate God's word to young ears, eyes, and hearts. The lessons are flexible and can be incorporated into a variety of churches and ecumenical settings. Appropriate for Sunday School, worship services, religious schools, and day care programs, Bible clubs, and anywhere else where children gather to learn about God, this volume is certain to earn a trusted place on the bookshelf.



This week, our contest will focus on children. Submit a story geared with children as your target audience. Please keep submissions under 1000 words, and get your entry to me at tracyruckman @ gmail. com by Friday, midnight, for your chance to win an autographed copy of Ping Pong Words by our guest. Because of the upcoming holidays, the winner will be announced on Saturday afternoon.


Marti Kramer Suddarth is an elementary schoolteacher and freelance writer who lives in Corydon, Indiana. Her stories and music reviews have appeared in several publications, including Heart-Stirring Stories of Love and Chicken Soup for the Shopper's Soul, and she is the author of Mini-Musicals for Special Days (Contemporary Drama Service). Suddarth is an active member of Community of Hope Nazarene Church in Corydon, and she is a graduate of Oakland City University and Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College.