ROCHESTER, N.Y. (Mennonite Mission Network) -- Kids at Rochester (N.Y.) Area Mennonite Fellowship experienced China in new ways. Using Mennonite Mission Network’s mission bank teaching tools, they heard stories from Mennonite Partners in China, learned about Chinese churches, and helped train Sunday school teachers in China though a giving project. The children also had the opportunity to worship with a nearby Chinese Christian Church.

 

To celebrate the end of their giving project, and to share their enthusiasm with the congregation, the kids hosted a Chinese New Year’s festival.

 

"Hearing about China and experiencing a small taste of the culture was really valuable for our kids. They were excited about the celebration and worked together to make it happen,” said Chrissie Walls, Sunday school coordinator.

 

The kids painted Chinese blossoms on construction paper and made them into party invitations for members of the congregation. They also learned calligraphy and decorated the walls with it. And finally, they made a dragon head for their New Year’s dance.

 

One Sunday after church, the congregation prepared Chinese food for a potluck lunch. During the meal, the children performed a dragon dance, in honor of the New Year’s celebration. After that, each of the children stood at one of several stations around the room, where they helped adults engage in activities, including tangram puzzles, calligraphy and Chinese jump rope.

 

Since 2005, mission banks and teaching tools have helped to connect children from more than 350 Mennonite churches in the United States to ministries and people around the world. Together, these children and congregations have raised over $155,000 to support global ministries.

 

From January 1 through March 31, these stewardship education tools are offered free of charge. If purchased at other times throughout the year, banks cost $4.95 each.

 

To order banks and teaching tools, contact Hannah Heinzekehr at MissionBank@MennoniteMission.net or 1-866-866-2872. You can also order banks online at MennoniteMission.net/MissionBank.