A Lifetime of Thankfulness

Well it's time, time for us to prepare for the meal of the year; Thanksgiving dinner. Most of you will probably spend a little time reflecting on what you have to be thankful for this year and eat your meal and move on. This season when we reflect on what we are thankful for, I want to challenge you to adjust your perspective.  It is easy to live day to day focused on our wants and our hurts, but when we adjust our perspective we can live day to day thankful for our blessings and our joy.  Here are some ways to adjust from a season of thankfulness to a lifetime of thankfulness:

LIVE IN RESPONSE TO THE GOSPEL

I just spent the last month reading through the gospel of Luke with a friend and was daily reminded of the life that Jesus lived and the good news he came to share with us.  I promise, reading the gospels will never get old.  If every day we have a chance to see the person of Jesus for who He was, what He said and how He loved those around Him, we can’t help but respond to the Gospel.  As Christ followers if we are responding to the Gospel every day and our hearts are in constant response to Jesus, thankfulness will come.

REFLECT ON GOD’S WORK IN YOUR LIFE

A couple years back I started keeping a prayer journal for our group of high school guys that got together each week.  We would pass the notebook around each week and put in our prayer requests.  When a prayer was answered, we would highlight it in the book.  Doing this gave us a very tangible way to see God’s work in our lives.  Sometimes we are so bogged down by our wants, that we miss the answers to prayers we have prayed, we miss the blessings given.  

When I see God clearly move in a situation, my faith is strengthened for the next round.  Sometimes God is moving mountains in our lives but we just aren’t looking.  Remind yourself often of the tangible ways that God is working in your life, thankfulness with come.

MAKE MORE OF JESUS, AND LESS OF YOURSELF

We aren’t perfect, Jesus is, so the more we can point our blessings to Him, the less we will artificially credit our own doing.  A very dangerous trap to fall into is to think we can operate apart from Christ & the Holy Spirit while claiming to be a Christ-follower.  It’s as foolish as thinking that a branch broken off of an apple tree will still be healthy and produce apples.  Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit within us is our only hope, we should humbly direct all of our victories to them.  So if we make more of Jesus in our lives giving him all the glory and clearly understand our role in the family of God, we will be abundantly thankful for Him.

Imagine the difference living a life of thankfulness would have.  I encourage you to enter this season of thankfulness with a fresh perspective that would lead to a life of thankfulness.  

Blessings, Chris Cummings

Dear Flock,

As many of you know, my father-in-law, Mark Schilperoort, was granted victory over his 4 ½  year battle with A.L.S. when he went home to be with the Lord.  A.L.S. is most commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, named for the famous baseball player whose struggle with the condition first brought it to notoriety.  

In Mark’s case the condition progressed steadily over the past several years.  At one point, back in March of 2014, Mark’s condition led to him getting a respiratory illness which, at the time, we thought may be the time of his passing.  The family gathered around and each one of us took a moment to pay respects to this great man who, along with his wife, raised three amazing daughters, and had become grandfather to 8 terrific kids.  

And then he rallied and recovered. 

However, on September 24th of this year, with very little warning, Mark passed away.  

This morning I was reflecting on what a blessing it was that we had an opportunity to share what we believed would be our last words.  This was a special blessing because of how we were not afforded the opportunity to do so when his time truly came.

“Our prayers for you are always spilling over into thanksgivings. We can’t quit thanking God our Father and Jesus our Messiah for you! ”

— Colossians 1:3 The Message

Then, as I am prone to do, my thoughts wandered.  I started imagining what I may say when the day comes that I am where Mark was – saying those final farewells to my children.  In my mind’s eye I was trying to imagine them as adults (I’m obviously planning on living a few more years).

I quickly realized I didn’t want to dwell on such thoughts for too long and sort of chided myself for being silly at thinking such thoughts and wondered at the sudden appearance of all this “dust” that was causing my eyes to start to water so much.

And yet, through the day, I’ve found myself returning to such thoughts and I’ve been thankful many times for that opportunity to say goodbye to Mark back in March, even though it turned out that our goodbye wouldn’t actually take place for more than a year later.

As we move forward toward our national celebration of Thanksgiving, give thought to what you would say to those for whom you most care.  And give thought to what you might regret not having the opportunity to say.  And then don’t wait for death bed moments, but pick up the phone, or drop by forvisit, or invite them out to coffee – and tell your loved ones why it is that you are so thankful for them.

Blessings all, Pastor Tim

November 8th Family Tools

Preschool

David Visits His Brothers

1 Samuel 17:12-20

BIG IDEA:  We can help our family.

GET TALKING:

• Where were David's older brothers? (In the army.)
• David's dad was worried about his sons in the army. How did David help his Dad? (He obeyed his dad and went to visit his brothers to make sure they were ok.)
• How did David help his brothers? (He brought them bread and cheese.)
• How has someone helped you? How did it make you feel?

ACTION PLAN:  Name some ways you can help your family this week.

PRAYER:  Ask God to help you show His love by helping your family.

NOVEMBER MEMORY VERSE:

"With love, help each other." Galatians 5:13

CHRISTMAS VERSE:

"And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn." Luke 2:7 

Pre-K/Kindergarten

David Visits His Brothers

1 Samuel 17:12-20

BIG IDEA:  We can show God's love by doing good things for our family.

GET TALKING:

• Where did David's 3 older brothers go? (To be soldiers in the king's army.)
• What was David's job while his brothers were away? (Take care of the sheep.)
• David's dad was worried about his brothers, and gave David a special job. How did David help his dad? His brothers? (Checked on his brothers to make sure they were safe. Took his brothers bread, grain and cheese to his brothers.)
• Has someone done something good for you? How did you feel?

ACTION PLAN:  Talk about one thing you can do to help each person in your family this week.

PRAYER:  Ask God to help you show His love by doing good things and saying good words.

NOVEMBER MEMORY VERSE:

"Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." Ephesians 4:32

CHRISTMAS VERSE:

"In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened." Luke 2:8-9

Elementary

Sibling Reunion

Genesis 32:3-21; 33:1-11

BIG IDEA: When I know that I’ve done wrong, I can ask for God’s forgiveness and for His help to do my best to make things right.

GET TALKING:

• Why was Jacob afraid to meet his brother again? (Because he had stolen Esau’s birthright and blessing years earlier.)
• What did Jacob do before he met his brother? (Prayed. Sent gifts.)
• What did Esau do? (He hugged and kissed Jacob to show forgiveness.)
• It’s impossible to put toothpaste back in the tube. What are some examples of times kids say things they can’t take back? (When they are arguing with others. Whey they bully someone.)

CONNECTING TO JESUS: Jacob and Esau had a hard time getting along with each other. We sin and cause trouble for others, too. But God loves us ad knows that we need help when we have sinned and hurt others. So God sent Jesus, His one and only Son, to pay the price for our sin. When Jesus died on the cross and came back to life again, He made it possible for us to be forgiven and to make things right with others.

ACTION PLAN: Identify ways to ask for forgiveness and make things right.

NOVEMBER MEMORY VERSE: 

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." Psalm 46:1

CHRISTMAS VERSE:

"But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. "This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased." Luke 2:10-14

 * * * SPECIAL NOTE TO PARENTS OF ELEMENTARY STUDENTS * * *

This fall we are implementing something new for our Elementary students.  Every quarter, there is one month that has 5 Sundays.  On this 5th Sunday, we will not be offering class, but are encouraging you to sit with your children and experience "big church" together and worship as a family.  We believe this will help the children get a better understanding of worship and ultimately, help them to transition into "big church" on a regular basis once they graduate out of Barefoot Kids after 6th grade.

Our first 5th Sunday is coming up this month, November 29th.  Please take this opportunity to sit with your children, sing songs and pray together and then talk about the sermon after service is over.  In the future, we will also be looking for opportunities for our students to help serve on these 5th Sundays, so be looking out for more information on that early next year!

November 1st Family Tools

Preschool

David Helps His Family

1 Samuel 16:11-12, 18; 17:34-35

BIG IDEA: We can show God's love by helping others.

GET TALKING:

• What was David's job? (Take care of the family's sheep)
• How did David take care of the sheep? (Found them food and water, took care of them when they were hurt or sick, protected them from animals)
• What did David have to chase away once? (A lion)
• What did David do while the sheep rested? (Played his harp and sang songs to God)

 ACTION PLAN: Describe ways you can help others.

 PRAYER:  Ask God to help you show His love to others.

NOVEMBER MEMORY VERSE:

"With love, help each other." Galatians 5:13 

CHRISTMAS VERSE:

"And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn." Luke 2:7  

Pre-K/Kindergarten

David Helps His Family

1 Samuel 16:11-12, 18; 17:34-35

BIG IDEA: We can show God's love by helping others.

GET TALKING:

• What important job did David's dad, Jesse, give him? (Take care of the family's sheep.)
• How did David take care of the sheep? (Found them grass to eat, water to drink, took care of them if they were sick or hurt, and protected them from big animals.)
• What did David like to do while the sheep rested? (Play his harp and sing songs to God.)
• How did David show God's love? (By helping his family take care of the sheep. Obeying his dad.)

ACTION PLAN: Describe ways you can help your family this week.

PRAYER:  Ask God to help you show His love to others.

NOVEMBER MEMORY VERSE:

"Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." Ephesians 4:32

CHRISTMAS VERSE: 

"In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened." Luke 2:8-9 

Elementary

Isaac, the Good Neighbor

Genesis 26: 1-6, 12-33

BIG IDEA: Being a peacemaker helps others learn to love God.

GET TALKING:

• What did other people do that made it hard for Isaac to live at peace with them? (They demanded that the water in Isaac’s wells was theirs.)
• Why were they unkind to Isaac? (They were jealous of him.)
• What was the result of Isaac’s actions? (The Philistines recognized that God was with Isaac, and they stopped trying to fight with him.)
• When can you show God’s love by being a peacemaker?
• What are some things that you can say or do when you feel like arguing or when someone starts an argument with you (Count to 10. Walk away. Pray. Ask an adult for help.)

CONNECTING TO JESUS: Isaac chose to make eace, but Jesus is the ultimate peacemaker; He made peace with God on our behalf. Because Jesus died on the cross and then came back to life again, God promises that when we trust in Jesus, He will forgive our sins and make us part of His family. The only right response to this amazing gift is a grateful life of pursuing peace and showing God’s love to others.

ACTION PLAN: Plan ways to make peace when I’m having a hard time getting along with others.

NOVEMBER MEMORY VERSE: 

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." Psalms 46:1

CHRISTMAS VERSE:

"But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. "This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased." Luke 2:10-14

October 25th Family Tools

Preschool

Samuel Obeys God

1 Samuel 16: 1-13

BIG IDEA:  We show God love when we choose to do right.

GET TALKING:

• God told Samuel to go find Jesse and his sons and pick a new _______?  (King)
• How many sons did Jesse have? (8)
• Who did God choose and why? (David; he loved and obeyed God)
• What did Samuel do with the oil? (He poured it on David's head to show he was the new King)

ACTION PLAN:  Name some ways you can obey God.

PRAYER: Ask God to help you obey and do what's right.

OCTOBER MEMORY VERSE:

"I love the Lord." Psalm 116:1

Pre-K/Kindergarten

Samuel Obeys God

1 Samuel 16: 1-13

BIG IDEA:  We show God love when we obey Him.

GET TALKING:

• What did God ask Samuel to do? (To show who the new king would be.)
• How many sons did Jesse have to choose from? (8)
• Which son did God choose? (David)
• Why did God choose David, the youngest and smallest of all his brothers? (God knew that David loved Him.)

ACTION PLAN: Talk about some of the ways God wants you to obey.

PRAYER:  Ask God to help you obey God and choose to do what is right.

OCTOBER MEMORY VERSE:

"We must obey God." Acts 5:29

Elementary

Sibling Rivalry

Genesis 25:19-34; 27: 1-45

BIG IDEA: Living for God means that I am generous and not selfish or greedy.

GET TALKING:

• What were the results of Jacob’s actions? (Esau became angry with his brother, Jacob, and the family was split and upset with one another.)
• How could Jacob and Esau have been generous with each other instead of caring only for themselves? (Jacob could have made a stew for his brother out of kindness, instead of demanding the birthright in exchange. Esau could have cared more about his birthright than his hunger.)
• Looking out for other’s interests means more than just caring about what someone else cares about. It’s also about being generous instead of selfishly keeping things for yourself. What’s an example of how a kid is selfish? (Won’t share with others. Doesn’t think about how others feel.) Not selfish? (Offers to help others. Shares. Thinks about others. Looks for ways to help.)
• How might someone be generous? 

CONNECTING TO JESUS: The story of Jacob is full of surprises! Jacob lied to his father to receive the blessing that belonged to Esau. Jacob didn’t deserve it, but God still loved him. Hundreds of years later, Jesus was born to one of Jacob’s descendants. God’s surprise for us is that even though we don’t deserve His love, God still loves us! Jesus made it possible!

ACTION PLAN: Tell examples of ways to care for the needs of others because of God’s great love for me.

OCTOBER MEMORY VERSE: 

"Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." Philippians 2:4

 

October 18th Family Tools

Preschool

Samuel Listens and Obeys

1 Samuel 3

BIG IDEA: It's important to listen and obey.

GET TALKING: 

• Samuel woke up to someone calling his name. Who did he think it was? (He thought it was Eli.)
• Who was really calling him? (God)
• What did Eli tell him to do? (Listen to God.)

ACTION PLAN: Name different ways you can listen & obey at home.

PRAYER:  Ask God to help you to obey Him.

OCTOBER MEMORY VERSE:

"I love the Lord." Psalm 116:1

Pre-K/Kindergarten

Samuel Listens and Obeys

1 Samuel 3

BIG IDEA: It's important to listen to and obey God's Word.

GET TALKING: 

• Where was Samuel when he heard someone call his name? (in bed)
• Who did he think was talking to him? (Eli)
• Who was really talking to Samuel? (God)
• What did Eli tell Samuel to say back? (Speak to me, Lord. I am listening.)
• What did Samuel learn that night? (It's important to listen to and obey God!)

ACTION PLAN: Identify different ways you can listen to God's Word.

PRAYER:  Thank God for His Word, and ask Him to help you to obey it.

OCTOBER MEMORY VERSE:

"We must obey God." Acts 5:29

Elementary

Eliezer’s Prayer Time

Genesis 24

BIG IDEA: When I pray to God, He will give me wisdom! 

GET TALKING: 

• What did Abraham tell Eliezer to do? (To travel to where Abraham’s relatives lived to find a wife who believed in God for Isaac, his son.) 
• How did God answer Eliezer’s prayer? (He sent a young girl, Rebekah, to where Eliezer was. Eliezer had prayed that God’s chosen bride for Isaac would offer both he and his camels water, and Rebekah did just that.) 
• Any time of day, we can talk to God about what’s happening in our lives. He will always give us wisdom and help us know what to do. What are some examples of ways a kid your age can act wisely? (Do homework before other things after school. Do what is right, even when friends want to do something wrong.)

CONNECTING TO JESUS: Genesis 24 tells the next part of the story in God’s plan to send a Savior through Abraham’s family. What if Abraham had settled for an idol-worshipping wife from Canaan for Isaac? What if Eliezer hadn’t prayed and asked God for wisdom? They would have missed out on their part in the story of how God kept His promise to send Jesus. We, too, can ask God for wisdom and know that He will give it to us generously. 

ACTION PLAN: Describe ways God answers my prayers for wisdom, and pray about situations in my life. 

OCTOBER MEMORY VERSE:

"Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." Philippians 2:4

October 11th Family Tools

Preschool

Helping at the Tabernacle

1 Samuel 1:28; 2:11, 18-21, 26

BIG IDEA:  It makes God happy when we help others.

GET TALKING: 

• How did Samuel help Eli get the Tabernacle ready? (Polish candlesticks, fill water bowls, carry firewood, swept floors)
• When the Tabernacle was ready, what did Samuel get to do? (Open the doors to let people in.)
• What did people do in the Tabernacle? (Worshiped God, sang songs, prayed, told God they loved Him.)

ACTION PLAN: Find some ways that you can help someone this week.

PRAYER:  Ask God to help us help others.

OCTOBER MEMORY VERSE:

"We must obey God." Acts 5:29

Pre-K/Kindergarten

Helping at the Tabernacle

1 Samuel 1:28; 2:11, 18-21, 26

BIG IDEA:  It makes God happy when we help others.

GET TALKING: 

• Where did Samuel live? Who did he live with? (the Tabernacle; Eli)
• What are some of the things Samuel helped Eli with to get the Tabernacle ready? (polish the candlesticks, fill bowls with water, carry firewood into the storeroom)
• Why did people come to the Tabernacle? (To pray and worship God)
• What are some ways you could help at church? At home? (Examples: help pass out papers, clean up after snacks, clean up toys, put dishes away in the sink)

ACTION PLAN: Find some ways that you can help someone this week.

PRAYER:  Ask God to help us do our best and help others.

OCTOBER MEMORY VERSE:

"We must obey God." Acts 5:29

Elementary

A Promise Fulfilled

Genesis 17:1 - 18:19; 21: 1-7

BIG IDEA: Because God keeps His promises, I can trust Him always! 

GET TALKING: 

• What did God promise Abraham? (That he would be the father of many nations. That God would give Abraham and his descendants the entire land of Canaan.)
• Why do you think Abraham chose to keep believing in God’s promises to him?
• When might a student your age need to trust God? (When walking home from school. When going to sleep at night. When taking a big test.) When we hold on to God and His promises, we believe in Him all the time.

CONNECTING TO JESUS: God promised Abraham that all the people born in his family would be more than anyone could count - like stars in the sky and sand on the seashore! Through Isaac, Abraham’s son, the promises of God would be passed down to a whole nation. Out of that nation came the one man through whom all people can be saved. Abraham didn’t see God’s promises completely fulfilled - he wasn’t alive when Jesus was born. But he believed that God would keep His promises. Through Jesus, we can receive God’s promises, too! 

ACTION PLAN: Discuss times I need to hold on to and remember God’s promises. 

OCTOBER MEMORY VERSE: 

"Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:4

October 4th Family Tools

Preschool

Hannah's Prayer

1 Samuel 1; 2:18-19

BIG IDEA:  We can talk to God and tell Him we love Him.

GET TALKING: 

• What did Hannah do at the Tabernacle? (Prayed to God)
• What did Hannah ask God for? (A baby boy.)
• God answered her prayer, what was her baby boy's name? (Samuel)
• When Samuel was older, he lived at the Tabernacle.  What did his mom bring him each year? (A new coat.)

ACTION PLAN: Name a time when you can talk to God.

PRAYER: Thank God for loving you, and tell Him you love Him, too.

OCTOBER MEMORY VERSE:

"We must obey God." Acts 5:29

Pre-K/Kindergarten

Hannah's Prayer

1 Samuel 1; 2:18-19

BIG IDEA:  We can talk to God and tell Him we love Him.

GET TALKING: 

• Why was Hannah so sad? (She really wanted a baby.)
• When she was talking to God, what did she promise to do? (If God gave her a baby boy, she promised to bring him back to the Tabernacle to stay and be God's helper.)
• God answered Hannah's prayer.  What was her boy's name? (Samuel)
• When he was old enough, Samuel stayed with Eli at the tabernacle and learned how to be God's helper.  What did Hannah bring him every year when she came to visit? (A new coat.)

ACTION PLAN: Describe some times when you might talk to God.

PRAYER: Thank God for loving you, and tell Him you love Him, too.

OCTOBER MEMORY VERSE:

"We must obey God." Acts 5:29

Elementary

Abram’s Big Journey

Genesis 11:27 - 12:9, 13:1-18

BIG IDEA: I can follow God’s call and be confident that He cares for me. 

GET TALKING: 

• What did God tell Abram to do? (He told him it was time to move to the new land God would give him.)
• Why do you think Abram chose to follow God’s call? 
• When we seek the kingdom of God, we try to learn more about God and obey Him. What are some ways that you can learn more about God? (Talk to Him. Read the Bible. Go to church.)
• When is a time you need to remember one of God’s promises? (When I go to sleep at night. When someone disappoints me. When I feel sad or alone.)

CONNECTING TO JESUS: Abram is an important person in God’s great plan. God called him to be the beginning of a whole nation - a nation that God would use to give us the Bible AND to whom God would send His own Son, Jesus! Now we can trust God and become part of His family. It’s all because of what Jesus did for us! 

ACTION PLAN: Identify God’s promises that give me confidence in His care now and for the future. 

OCTOBER MEMORY VERSE:

"Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." Philippians 2:4

September 27th Family Tools

Preschool

A Desert Surprise

Exodus 15:22-25; 16

BIG IDEA: We should be glad for the good things God gives us.

GET TALKING: 

• God's people were thirsty, how did God make the water taste good? (Told Moses to throw a special piece of wood in the water.)
• How did God help his people when they were hungry? (God gave them birds and manna, little white flakes of bread.)

ACTION PLAN: Name some of your favorite foods that God gives you to eat.

PRAYER:  Thank God for taking care of you and giving you food and water to live.

SEPTEMBER MEMORY VERSE:

"God cares about you." 1 Peter 5:7

Pre-K/Kindergarten

A Desert Surprise

Exodus 15:22-25; 16

BIG IDEA: We should be glad for the good things God gives us.

GET TALKING: 

• Where were God's people walking? (In a desert. To their new land.)
• God's people were hot and thirsty, but the water they found tasted bad.  What did God tell Moses to do? (To throw a piece of wood into the water and God made the water taste good!)
• Then God's people started complaining about being hungry. How did God help? (He provided them with quail and manna to eat.)

ACTION PLAN: Name some different ways that God gives you food and water.

PRAYER:  Thank God for taking care of you and giving you food and water to live.

SEPTEMBER MEMORY VERSE:

"Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you." 1 Peter 5:7  (NLT)

Elementary 

A Tower of Confusion // Genesis 11:1-9

BIG IDEA: God wants me to trust Him, not my own abilities! 

GET TALKING: 

• How would you describe the people who built the tower? 
• How can you show God that you love and trust Him with all your heart? (Talk to Him. Read the Bible. Do your best to follow Him. Sing praises.)
• When can you remember to thank God for what He has given you? (When playing sports. When doing great on a test.) Thanking God for your abilities is a good way to show that He is #1 in your life.

CONNECTING TO JESUS: God seeks people, but people cannot reach God by human effort. The people in Genesis 11 tried to build a tower to reach the heavens, and were trying on their own to reach God, but God is perfect and we can never get to Him on our own. God loves us so much, though, that He made a way to forgive us and make us part of His family - not by anything that we do, but by Jesus’ death and resurrection. 

ACTION PLAN: Find ways to show that God is the most important person in my life.

SEPTEMBER MEMORY VERSE: 

"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."  Romans 6:23

September 20th Family Tools

Preschool

A Path Through the Sea

Exodus 14 -- 15:20

BIG IDEA: God cares for us and keeps us safe. 

GET TALKING: 

• What was blocking the people from walking further? (The sea; lots of water)
• How did God help the people cross the sea? (God made the wind blow and make a path through the water.)
• How did the people thank God? (Sang songs)

ACTION PLAN: Name ways God cares for you and helps keeps you safe.

PRAYER: Thank God for giving you people in your life that help keep you safe.

SEPTEMBER MEMORY VERSE:

"God cares about you." 1 Peter 5:7

Pre-K/Kindergarten

A Path Through the Sea

Exodus 14 -- 15:20

BIG IDEA: God cares for us and keeps us safe. 

GET TALKING: 

• Why were God's people afraid? (They were next to the sea, and the mean King and his soldiers were coming towards them.  They had no where to go.)
• How did God keep his people safe? (He made a strong wind blow, and created a dry path through the middle of the sea for his people to walk on to get to the other side.)
• What happened when the mean King and his army reached the sea? (God caused the wind to stop and the water to come back down and fill the sea.  There was no longer a path, or way to get to God's people.  They were safe!)

ACTION PLAN: Name ways God cares for you and helps keeps you safe.

PRAYER: Thank God for giving you people in your life that help keep you safe.

SEPTEMBER MEMORY VERSE:

"Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you." 1 Peter 5:7  (NLT)

Elementary

A Washed-Out World

Genesis 6:5 - 9:17 

BIG IDEA: God wants me to do what’s right, even when others don’t. 

GET TALKING: 

• What did God tell Noah to do? (Build a big boat/ark; gather every kind of food for his family and the animals; gather every kind of animal on the ark) 
• What do you think Noah’s neighbors said and did when they saw Noah building the ark? 
• Do you think it was hard or easy for Noah to obey God? Why? 
• Why is it good to memorize and think about what God’s Word says? (God’s Word can help us make right choices. In any situation, we can ask God to help us know what He wants us to do. Amazing things can happen when we obey God, just like amazing things happened to Noah!) 

CONNECTING TO JESUS: After the Fall, everywhere God looked, people were drowning in evil. Washing away human wickedness with a flood was God’s judgment on people. But, God used one man, Noah, to save people and animals a long time ago. The story of Noah reminds us of the way God planned to save us all from the wrong things we have done - through just one person! Many years later, God sent Jesus - His very own Son - to save everyone who believes in Him.  

ACTION PLAN: Evaluate situations and tell right ways to follow God.

SEPTEMBER MEMORY VERSE: 

"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 6:23

September 13th Family Tools

Preschool

Escape from Egypt

Exodus 12:31-38; 13:20-22

BIG IDEA: God cares for us wherever we go.

GET TALKING: 

• Where are some of the places you like to go? 
• God's people were going on a long trip, how did God lead them during the day? (Big, white cloud)
• How did God lead them at night? (Fire)

ACTION PLAN:  Name some places that you go and how does God care for you there?

PRAYER: Thank God for always being with you and caring for you wherever you go.

SEPTEMBER MEMORY VERSE:

"God cares about you." 1 Peter 5:7

Pre-K/Kindergarten

Escape from Egypt

Exodus 12:31-38; 13:20-22

BIG IDEA: God cares for us wherever we go.

GET TALKING: 

• Why were God's people sad? (They were slaves to a mean King in Egypt.)
• When God first told Moses he was going to lead God's people out of Egypt, was he excited or nervous? (Nervous. He was afraid he wouldn't do a good job
• Did they know where they were going? (No, Moses told them God would show them the way.)
• How did God direct them? (A cloud by day, and fire by night.)

ACTION PLAN:  Name some places that you go and how does God care for you there?

PRAYER: Thank God for always being with you and caring for you wherever you go.

SEPTEMBER MEMORY VERSE:

"Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you." 1 Peter 5:7  (NLT)

Elementary

First People, First Problem

Genesis 2:8 - 3:24

BIG IDEA: God loves me and made a way for me to be forgiven and be with Him forever! 

GET TALKING: 

• What does “sin” mean? (Doing wrong things.) Doing wrong things separates us from God. 
• What were the results of Adam and Eve’s sin? 
• What did God do to show that He still loved Adam and Eve - and us? (He promised to send a Savior.)
• What do you have to do before you can be a part of God’s family? (Ask Jesus to forgive me. Believe that Jesus is God’s Son and that He died for my sins.)

CONNECTING TO JESUS: God has made a way for us, His children, to be part of His family, even though we are all sinners - Jesus! Jesus is God’s perfect gift! God loves us so much that He sent Jesus to make a way for us to be forgiven for the wrong things we do and to be part of God’s family forever. 

ACTION PLAN: Choose to confess my sin to God, be forgiven and join His family. 

SEPTEMBER MEMORY VERSE: 

"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 6:23

September 6th Family Tools

PreSchool

Baby in a Basket

Exodus 1:8 -- 2:10

BIG IDEA: God cares for you.

GET TALKING: 

• What did Moses' mom make him to keep him safe? (Basket)
• Who found Moses in the basket? (King's daughter)
• Who took care of Moses for the King's daughter? (Moses' mother)
• How do people take care of you? (Ex: Give me food, take me to the park, teach me about God)

ACTION PLAN:  Name someone that cares for you.

PRAYER:  Thank God for caring about you and giving you people that care about you.

SEPTEMBER MEMORY VERSE:

"God cares about you." 1 Peter 5:7

PreK/Kindergarten

Baby in a Basket

Exodus 1:8 -- 2:10

BIG IDEA: God cares for us.

GET TALKING: 

• Why did Moses' mother make a special basket? (A mean King wanted to hurt all the babies)
• What did she do with the basket? (She put her baby in the basket and floated him on the water.)
• Who found baby Moses? (The princess; King's daughter)
• How did Moses' sister help care for her baby brother? (She watched the princess find her brother, and offered to find someone to take care of the baby!)
• Who are some people that care for you? (Examples: Parents, Grandparents, Teachers)

ACTION PLAN:  Identify ways God cares for you, and how you can care for others.

PRAYER:  Thank God for caring about you, and giving you people that care about you, too.

SEPTEMBER MEMORY VERSE: 

"Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you." 1 Peter 5:7  (NLT)

Elementary

A Brand-New World

Genesis 1:1 -- 2:7

BIG IDEA: God made the world - and me - with a purpose!

GET TALKING: 

• What did God make on each of the first six days? (Day 1: Day and night; Day 2: Made the waters and sky and separated them; Day 3: Dry ground, plants, trees; Day 4: Sun and moon; Day 5: Water animals and birds; Day 6: Land animals and man) 
• What is your favorite part of God’s creation? 
• What is something God created that you’ve never seen? 
• Why do you think God made people? (To know God and love Him. To take care of the earth.)

CONNECTING TO JESUS: The whole Bible tells God’s story of seeking a relationship with us. Beginning with creation, God laid the foundation for seeking and saving humanity and all of creation. God’s love for us is so amazing that He sent Jesus to live with us and make a way for us to be part of God’s family forever. 

ACTION PLAN: Express wonder at what God has done and explore His purpose for me.

SEPTEMBER MEMORY VERSE: 

"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."  Romans 6:23

 

August 30th Family Tools

PreSchool

Esther Is Brave

Esther 2:1--9:32

BIG IDEA:  God helps us do good things.

GET TALKING: 

• What was Queen Esther's problem? (Haman tricked the King into making a law to hurt all the Jews. Esther was a Jew, so she was in danger, too.)
• What did Esther, her cousin Mordecai and all the Jews do before Esther talked to the King? (They prayed and did not eat anything for 3 days.)
• People were not allowed to go to the King without being invited.  God helped Esther be brave, and how did the King respond when she came to his door? (He welcomed her in.)
• When the King found out Haman was trying to hurt Esther and her people, what did he do? (He was angry.  Had Haman taken away.  Made a new law to protect the Jews.)

ACTION PLAN:  Name a good thing you can do for someone this week.

PRAYER:  Thank God for being your helper and ask Him to help you do good things.

AUGUST MEMORY VERSE: 

"The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid." Hebrews 13:6

Elementary

Solomon's Gift

1 Kings 3

BIG IDEA:  It is wise to ask God for wisdom in every situation.

GET TALKING: 

• What could Solomon have asked God to give him? (Lots of money. Strength. Long life. Famous.)
• What did Solomon ask for? (Wisdom.)
• In those days, Kings were like judges and helped people's problems.  What was one of the problems brought to King Solomon?  (Two ladies were fighting over a baby, claiming it was theirs.)
• How did Solomon show God's wisdom to find out who the true mother was? (He said they would cut the baby in half, so each mother would have the baby. He knew the true mother would never let harm come her baby, and would give it up.)

CONNECTING TO JESUS:  The book of James says that there is wisdom that comes down from heaven.  It is pure and peace-loving.  It is merciful and humble.  That sounds like Jesus! Jesus lived a pure life so He could make peace for us with God.  He was so humble that He was willing to die on a cross for us.  He showed us mercy, which is more love or kindness than we deserve.  We don't deserve His mercy and wisdom.  But He is so kind that He gives them to us when we ask Him and trust Him!  And that goes for kids and adults!  We don't have to be a certain age for God's wisdom, He will give it to anyone who asks and trusts!

ACTION PLAN:  Identify everyday situations in which we need God's wisdom.

AUGUST MEMORY VERSE:

"Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.  Praise the Lord."  Psalm 150:6

August 23rd Family Tools

PreSchool

Joash Fixes the Temple

2 Kings 12:4-15; 2 Chronicles 24: 1-14

BIG IDEA:  God helps us, and we can help others.

GET TALKING: 

• Why was King Joash sad? (Because the Temple was dirty and broken down.)
• What did King Joash want to see happen? (He wanted God's people to love God and to learn to obey Him again. He wanted to see the Temple cleaned up and restored.)
• What were some ways that people helped to fix the Temple? (Gave money. Cleaned, dusted and swept.  Fixed broken things. Made new bowls and vases.)

ACTION PLAN:  Names ways you can help other people this week.

PRAYER:  Ask God to help you be kind and help others.

AUGUST MEMORY VERSE:

"The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid." Hebrews 13:6

Elementary

No Secrets Unnoticed

2 Samuel 11:1--12:14

BIG IDEA:   It is wise to talk to God when I have done wrong things.

GET TALKING: 

• King David made some poor choices, what did he do after he had sinned? (Tried covering it up.)
• God sent the prophet Nathan to talk to David, what was his story about? (A rich man, with many sheep, took the poor man's only lamb to feed his guests.)
• What was David's response to the story? (David was angry, and said the rich man deserved to die!)
• After Nathan told him the story was about him, what happened next? (He realized he had sinned and was sorry. Nathan told him God forgave him.)
• What did David learn about God? (That God knows everything we do. God is merciful and forgiving.)

CONNECTING TO JESUS:  God knows everything we do and say, so there's no need to cover up our sins.  He knows all the good and the bad.  But if we confess and turn away from our sin, God forgives us.  He can also turn sad things in our lives into great things! David had been selfish and done terrible things, but he confessed his sin -- and God forgave him.  The first baby David and Bathsheba had together died.  That was sad.  But they had another son -- Solomon.  God used Solomon to write some of the Bible, and he was also a part of Jesus's human family line!

ACTION PLAN:  Discuss ways to make things right when you have done wrong.

AUGUST MEMORY VERSE:

"Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.  Praise the Lord."  Psalm 150:6

August 16th Family Tools

PreSchool

Deborah Obeys God

Judges 4:1-16; 5:4, 20-21

BIG IDEA:  The Bible is God's Word and it tells us how to obey God.

GET TALKING: 

• Deborah loved and obeyed God and He used her to send a message to who?  (Barak)
• What was the message? (For Barak to take an army of men to Mt. Tabor.  God would bring the enemy and its 900 chariots to the valley.  God would help Barak defeat the enemy army.)
• As Barak and his men started down the mountain, how did God help them? (He sent a bunch of rain (5:4).  The Kishon River flooded and most likely washed them away, leaving chariots stuck in the mud.  The army fled on foot. (5:20-21))

ACTION PLAN:  Talk about ways that you can obey God's Word.

PRAYER:  Ask God to help you obey Him.

AUGUST MEMORY VERSE: 

"The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid." Hebrews 13:6

Elementary

Promise Keeper

1 Samuel 20:14-17; 2 Samuel 9

BIG IDEA: It is wise to keep the promises that I have made to others.

GET TALKING: 

• What promise did David make to his best friend Jonathan? (To always care for Jonathan's family and never hurt them.)
• What did King David do when he found out that Jonathan's son was still alive? (Invited him to the palace. Gave him the land his father owned, and people to help take care of it. Invited him to eat at his table. Promised to take care of him and his family.)
• What promises has God made to us? (To love us.  To forgive us.  To make us part of His family when we believe in Jesus.  To answer our prayers.  To help us.  To provide our needs.  To give us wisdom if we ask Him and then trust Him.)

CONNECTING TO JESUS:  David promised to take care of Jonathan's family, no matter what.  Even years after Jonathan died, David kept his promise.  He brought Jonathan's son, Mephibosheth, to the palace to live like David's own family.  God made a promise, too.  After Adam and Eve sinned, He promised to make things right again.  He kept that promise when Jesus died and rose again to make us right with God.  Now God invites us to His table and into His family because Jesus made the way for God's promise to come true!

ACTION PLAN:  Talk about reasons to keep our promises.

AUGUST MEMORY VERSE:

"Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.  Praise the Lord."  Psalm 150:6

August 9th Family Tools

PreSchool

Wall Falls Down

Joshua 6

BIG IDEA:  We can always count on God to help us.

GET TALKING: 

• What was keeping God's people from going into the city of Jericho? (A huge, strong wall.)
• God promised to help them have the city of Jericho, what did He tell them to do? (March around the wall 1 time every day, for 6 days.  On the 7th day, march around 7 times, and when the priests blow their trumpets, everyone shouts!
• What happened? (The wall fell down!)

ACTION PLAN:  Name some different ways that God helps people.

PRAYER:  Thank God for helping you every day!

AUGUST MEMORY VERSE:

"The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid." Hebrews 13:6

Elementary

Dancing in the Street

2 Samuel 6

BIG IDEA:  It is wise to praise God for the great things He has done. 

GET TALKING: 

• What did David do that was unwise? (Didn't obey God's rules, and carried the Ark the wrong way.)
• What did he do later that was wise? (Obeyed God and had the Ark carried the right way.  Led the people in praising God and cared only what God thought.)
• Who was Michal, and what was she upset about? (Michal was David's wife, and Saul's daughter. She was upset with how he was dressed and how he was behaving out in the streets, dancing like a regular person, not a King.) 
• Was David concerned with what other people thought? (No, he was only worried about pleasing and praising God!)
• What are some ways we can celebrate what God has done for us? (Examples: Sing a thankful song. Draw a picture. Write a poem. Tell others what He has done.)

CONNECTING TO JESUS:  The Ark of the Covenant reminded God's people that God was with them. David trusted God and wanted to honor Him.  That's why David brought the Ark to Jerusalem and held a giant celebration.  Many years later, Jesus came to Jerusalem in the middle of another giant celebration.  But Jesus came to do more than remind people that God is with them.  Jesus IS God and He came to show everyone how much God loves all of us!

ACTION PLAN:  List things God has done for you and celebrate them!

AUGUST MEMORY VERSE:

"Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.  Praise the Lord."  Psalm 150:6

Choral Corner

All our singers are on a much deserved summer break. The next time they sing will be on Grandparents’ Day, September 19th when our current choir members as well as past choir members plus their children and grandchildren combine their vocal talents to bring us, “My Lord” on Grandparents’ Day.

It also is a good time to invite new singers to join in our choral activities. Now is the time to spread the word about this musical event and bring someone to our Wednesday rehearsal @ 6:45 p.m. on September 9th so they can sing with us in church on September 13th.

If you thought you might like to sing with this special once-a-year choir, come along. Maybe you’d like to try singing regularly for awhile with our choir to see if it would be an avenue in which you could serve the church. If so, come on the 9th of Sept. and enjoy singing with others on this special Bible song.

We welcome all who want to participate. Whether it’s for just one time or for several times, I think you’ll find it is a blessing to sing praises to God with so many other caring Christians.

Summer time is also a good time for this director to lay plans for the coming choir season. So it is a busy time for me even though our musical groups are not visible in the church services.

Take care and be bold by taking a step toward singing with our choir on 9-13-15 in church. You’ll be glad you did.

"Sing"cerely, Betty Hanson

August 2nd Family Tools

PreSchool

Crossing the Jordan

Joshua 3:1--4:18

BIG IDEA:  No matter where we go, God is with us and will help us.

GET TALKING: 

• Why were God's people afraid? (They didn't know how they were going to cross the fast river.)
• What did Joshua tell the priests to do? (They carried the Ark of the Covenant and stood in the river.  They led all the people to the river.)
• What did God do to help His people? (He stopped the river from flowing.  It stood up like a wall, so they could walk across on dry land.)
• What was the purpose of stacking the 12 stones on the other side of the river? (It was to remind them of how God showed his power and helped them cross the Jordan river.)

ACTION PLAN:  Talk about times that you may need help and what you can do about it.

PRAYER:  Thank God for helping you, even when you are afraid.

AUGUST MEMORY VERSE:

"The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid." Hebrews 13:6

Elementary

Abigail's Wise Move

1 Samuel 25

BIG IDEA:  It is wise to stop and ask for God's wisdom when I feel angry.

GET TALKING: 

• Who was Nabal? (He was a rich man. David and his men helped to protect Nabal's shepherds and sheep, while they were out in the hills.)
• What was Nabal's response when David's servants asked for food and water? (Acted like he didn't know who David was. Didn't share any of his food or water.)
• What did Abigail, Nabal's wife, do when she heard what her husband had done? (She knew upsetting David wasn't a good idea! She prepared a lot of food and drink (including bread, meat, raisins & fig cakes, etc.) and took it to David and his men.)
• What was David's response? (He thanked God for her wise choice before anyone got hurt. He promised not to kill Nabal or anyone from his household.)
• What are some ways to calm down when you feel angry? (Examples: Ask God to help you calm down, and figure out why you are angry. Find a quiet place. Go for a walk. Snuggle a pet or stuffed animal.)

CONNECTING TO JESUS:  Sometimes we get angry.  Jesus got angry, too -- like when He saw people treating others unfairly, or not showing love to one another.  Jesus told them they were wrong, but He still LOVED them and never hurt them.  It can be difficult to show others love when they make us angry, but Jesus understands how we feel, and He can help us to still treat others with love and respect during those situations.  He can also help us to forgive, just as He forgives us! 

ACTION PLAN:  Plan what to do the next time you feel angry, and choose to obey God's Word.

AUGUST MEMORY VERSE:

"Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord."  Psalm 150:6

Dear Flock...(re)NEW(ed)

Dear Flock,

It is with great enthusiasm that I present to you our “Vision Frame” for the church (see below.)  This is the product of many months of work with an excellent team of people.  The team was established with the intention of pulling in people who could represent the wide spectrum of our church.

Long established members: Kristy Huff & Chris Cummings

Mid-term members: Stacie Cummings, Rhys Crawford, Tim Hughes

New members: Brad Tesreau

Key contributors: Wayne Roedell and Christie Smith

Throughout the process our elder board was kept apprised and, in fact, initiated the whole process by sending Chris Cummings and myself to receive training on how to complete this work.

We should also make note of the generous contribution of the American Baptist Church of the Northwest who greatly subsidized the cost of the training.  The typical rate to participate in the co-lab for Church Unique Training is $2,500.  Because of the Region’s support the cost to the church reduced to just $500.  This represents and 80% savings!  It’s good to be a Baptist, and particularly an American Baptist within the Northwest region.

As you look over the document I encourage you to take the time to look up the passages that are referenced and to take to heart the thrust of the document.  What we hope you find is this:

1. That the mission of the church is in keeping with the Great Commission given to all churches through all time.  Furthermore, that the mission statement is memorable.  Truly, I hope that if, six months from now, someone were to ask you, “What is the mission of First Baptist Church?” you could reply it is “leading people in an ever changing culture to the hope of Jesus”.

2. The values are those elements within the church that we will not violate to achieve our mission.  We certainly have more values than the seven listed, but we believe these are a core seven that represent well what we hold to be essential to the fulfillment of our mission.  In short, we can’t achieve our mission if we violate our values.

3. The strategy is the way we believe or church will achieve her mission.  By enacting these five key components of worship, connect, serve, invite, and grow we will lead people in an ever changing culture to the hope of Jesus.

4. The measures are how we, individually are doing in the support of our church mission.  An illustration given in the book is of a paint manufacturing company.  The company first has a strategy for making the paint, with the hope being that it would have a certain color, and texture, etc.  But after the strategy is followed there is also a quality control where the paint itself is evaluated.  And that, effectively, is what our measures are intended to be, a sort of ‘self-evaluation’ asking helpful questions.  Our church is striving to make disciples as we are ‘leading people in an ever changing culture to the hope of Jesus’.  And the measures are what discipleship looks like within the context of the First Baptist Church.

Finally, all of these components – the mission, values, strategy, and measures come together as the four parts of a picture frame, and what they frame is our vision.  A vision that we believe was bestowed upon our church when He planted us here some 125 years ago, a vision which has not changed.  We believe that like the church of old, which once had so many children filling its hallways and classrooms that we needed to demolish half of our facility so that we could build up the education wing, God desires to fill this church with children once again.  Indeed – He has already begun.

Peace & Blessings,  Pastor Tim        

July 26th Family Tools

PreSchool

God Helps Naaman

2 Kings 5:1-16

BIG IDEA:  God cares for us and helps us.

GET TALKING: 

• What was wrong with Naaman? Why did he need help? (He was sick.  He had leprosy.)
• Who did the young servant girl think could help Naaman?  Why? (She thought Elisha might be able to help him because He loved God, and God helped him do amazing things!)
• What did Elisha tell Naaman to do? (Wash in the Jordan River 7 times.)
• What happened next? (At first he didn't want to, but finally did and was healed. He admitted that God was the one, true God.)

ACTION PLAN:  Discuss ways that God has helped you.

PRAYER:  Thank God for helping you and always being good.

JULY MEMORY VERSE:

"God has been good to me." Genesis 33:11

Elementary

Respect for Saul

1 Samuel 24

BIG IDEA:  It is wise to show honor and respect to everyone.

GET TALKING: 

• Why didn't David try to take things into his own hands and kill King Saul? (David knew that God had chosen King Saul and trusted God's plan & timing.)
• What did Saul discover about David when David showed him the piece of his robe? (That David was close enough to hurt him, but didn't. David showed him honor.)
• What does it look like to show honor to someone? (Examples: Look at the person who is talking. Say "please" and "thank you". Let that person go first or have first choice. Do what the person asks. Say kind words. Listen to the person.)

CONNECTING TO JESUS:  King Saul hated David, and his extreme jealousy caused David to run and hide.  But David didn't hate Saul back, or try to hurt him in return, David showed King Saul love.  Jesus also chose to love those that hated him and hurt him.  In fact, Jesus died on the cross to make a way for ALL people, even those that hated him, to be forgiven and become part of God's family.

ACTION PLAN:  Identify times it may be difficult to show honor to someone who doesn't deserve it, and ask for God's help.

JULY MEMORY VERSE:

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. "  1 John 1:9