February 21st Family Tools

Preschool

The Loving Father

Luke 15:11-24

 BIG IDEA: There are ways we can show love and forgive others every day.

 GET TALKING:

• How many sons did the dad have? (2 sons)
• What did one of the sons ask for? (He asked his dad for the money early, that his dad was going to give him.)
• What did the son do? (He moved away and spent all his money.)
• How did the dad feel when his son left? (Sad.)
• The son ran out of money and food, and was taking care of pigs. What did he decide to do? (To go back home and say sorry and try to work for his dad.)
• What happened when the dad saw his son coming home? (He ran to meet him, forgave him, gave him new clothes, a ring and a party!)

 ACTION PLAN: Name ways your family shows kindness to each other.

 PRAYER: Thank God for loving us and forgiving us when we do wrong. Ask Him to help you  love and forgive others, too.

FEBRUARY MEMORY VERSE:

"Be kind to everyone." 2 Timothy 2:24

Pre-K/Kindergarten

The Loving Father

Luke 15:11-24

 BIG IDEA:  We can find chances to love and forgive others everyday.

 GET TALKING:

• What did the younger son ask his Dad for? (His inheritance money early.)
• After he left home, what happened to the son's money? (He spent it all on clothes, food and parties.)
• What happened when all his money was gone? (He had to get a job feeding pigs. He was hungry. He decided to go home and tell his Dad he was sorry.)
• What did the Dad do when he saw his son coming home? (He ran to him, hugged him and forgave him. Gave him a fancy robe, new shoes and a special ring. Threw him a party.)

 ACTION PLAN: Describe ways you can show love and forgiveness to people in your family.

 PRAYER: Ask God to help you love and forgive others this week.

FEBRUARY MEMORY VERSE:

"We love because He first loved us." 1 John 4:19

Elementary

It’s Not Fair!

Matthew 20:1-16

BIG IDEA: God’s love can’t be earned, but He gives it generously to everyone who believes.

GET TALKING:

• How much did the owner of the vineyard pay each worker? (One denarius.)
• Why did some of the workers think they should have received more money? (Because they had worked longer.)
• How is God like the owner? (He is generous in the He loves us too!)

CONNECTING TO JESUS: In the story Jesus told, the owner of the vineyard was generous and paid each of his workers the same - no matter how long or short a time they had worked. God is like this generous owner! Jesus lived, died and came back to life so that we could be forgiven for our sin and receive God’s amazing love. There isn’t anything we can do to earn it! It’s God’s free gift.

ACTION PLAN: Describe how I have responded to God’s great love.

FEBRUARY MEMORY VERSE:

"For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you." Isaiah 41:13

February 7th Family Tools

Preschool

The Good Samaritan

Luke 10:25-37

BIG IDEA: God wants us to be kind to everyone.

GET TALKING:

• What happened to the hurt man on the road? (Mean guys beat him up and took all his clothes and money.)
• How many people walked by and didn't help? (2)
• When the Samaritan walked by, how did he help the hurt man? (He bandaged his sores, and took him to an inn to take care of him.)
• Jesus told this story to tell people that we should show love to... Just our friends? (No, to EVERYONE!)

ACTION PLAN: Talk about different ways you could help someone this week.

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

FEBRUARY MEMORY VERSE:

"Be kind to everyone." 2 Timothy 2:24

Pre-K/Kindergarten

The Good Samaritan

Luke 10:25-37

BIG IDEA: God wants us to have compassion for others.

GET TALKING:

• What happened to the man hurt along the road? (Mean men beat him up and stole his money.)
• What did the first 2 travelers do when they saw the hurt man? (Walked right by him. Kept going down the road.)
• What did the third traveler (the Samaritan) do? (Took care of him. Stopped and bandaged his sores, put him on a donkey, took him to an inn and made sure he was taken care of.)
• Which traveler showed God's love to the hurt man? (3rd traveler, the Samaritan)

ACTION PLAN: Give examples of ways to show God's love to people who need help.

PRAYER: Ask God for His help to see others' needs and to show His love by helping them.

FEBRUARY MEMORY VERSE:

"We love because He first loved us." 1 John 4:19

Elementary

Walking on Water

Matthew 14:22-36; 16:13-16

BIG IDEA: Because Jesus is God’s Son, I can trust Him when I’m afraid.

GET TALKING:

• Why do you think Peter had the courage to step out of the boat and walk to Jesus?
• What words would you use to describe Peter at the beginning of the story? At the end?
• What amazing truth about Jesus did Peter discover? (Jesus is the Savior, the Son of the living God. He could trust Jesus to help him in every situation.)

CONNECTING TO JESUS: Jesus showed His power by walking on the water. But when Jesus told His friends, “It is I. Don’t be afraid,” Jesus was telling them who He really was - God Himself! They could trust Him in every situation, and we can too!

ACTION PLAN: Discuss tough situations in which God can help me and give me wisdom.

FEBRUARY MEMORY VERSE: 

"For I am the Lored, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you." Isaiah 41:13

February 14th Family Tools

Preschool

The Good Shepherd

Luke 15:3-7

BIG IDEA:  We need to remember God's love and be ready to show it to others.

GET TALKING:

• In our story, how many sheep did the shepherd have? (100)
• How was the shepherd kind to his sheep? (Made sure they had food and water, and kept them safe.)
• What did the shepherd do when he found out one of his sheep was missing? (He went and looked for it, carried it home.)
• Who has God put in your life that shows you kindness? (Ex: mom, dad, grandparents, friends, etc.)

ACTION PLAN: Name some ways people have shown you kindness this week.  How can you show kindness to others.

PRAYER: Thank God for His love and kindness.

FEBRUARY MEMORY VERSE:

"Be kind to everyone." 2 Timothy 2:24

Pre-K/Kindergarten

The Good Shepherd

Luke 15:3-7

BIG IDEA: Because God loves us so much, we are able to share that love with others.

GET TALKING:

• What does a shepherd do? (Takes care of sheep. Gives them food and water. Protects them from danger.)
• Jesus told a story about a shepherd who had 100 sheep, but 1 sheep was missing.  What did the shepherd do? (He left the other 99 and went to find the missing sheep. Carried it back to the others.)
• Who is God in this story? Who are we? (God is the shepherd. We are the sheep.)
• How is God like the shepherd to us? (He loves us and takes good care of us. Wants us to be close to Him.)

ACTION PLAN: Name some ways you can show love and kindness to your family and friends this week.

PRAYER:  Thank God for His love and ask for His help in showing that love to others.

FEBRUARY MEMORY VERSE:

"We love because He first loved us." 1 John 4:19

Elementary

Who, Me? Forgive?

Matthew 18:21-35

BIG IDEA: We can keep on forgiving others because God never stops forgiving us.

GET TALKING:

• What important question did Peter ask Jesus? (When he could STOP forgiving someone.)
• What was Jesus’ answer? (To forgive 77 times; forgive over and over again, never stopping.)
• What did the king do when his servant couldn’t pay what he owed? (He forgave the debt.)
• What did the servant do to the person who owed him money? (He demanded the money be paid back and sent the person to prison.)
• Which servant are you most like?

CONNECTING TO JESUS: In the story of the forgiving king, we see how import ant forgiveness is. This story reminds us that Jesus, the King sent to Earth, is the One who makes our forgiveness possible. Jesus showed that He can truly forgive us and make us part of God’s family. Jesus is the true forgiving King.

ACTION PLAN: Tell times we need God’s help in continuing to forgive others.

FEBRUARY MEMORY VERSE: 

"For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you." Isaiah 41:13

January 31st Family Tools

Preschool

The Forgiving King

Matthew 18:21-35

BIG IDEA: To understand what it means to be forgiven and to forgive others.

GET TALKING:

• There was a man who owed the King LOTS of money, but couldn't pay it back.  What did the King do? (He forgave the man, and didn't make him pay it back.)
• The man ran into a friend who owed him a LITTLE money, but couldn't pay it back.  What did the man do? (He put his friend in jail.)
• Who showed kindness in this story? (the King)
• Does God want us to only be kind to those that are kind to us? (No, God wants us to be be kind to EVERYONE!)

ACTION PLAN: Forgiveness is one way of showing kindness.  Think of times when you might need to ask for forgiveness, or times when you have forgiven others.

PRAYER: Ask God to help you be kind to others and forgive them when they hurt us.

JANUARY MEMORY VERSE:

"Be kind to everyone." 2 Timothy 2:24

PreK/Kindergarten

The Forgiving King

Matthew 18:21-35

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

GET TALKING:

• In Jesus' story, what did the man owe the King? (Lots of money)
• How did the King show the man kindness? (He forgave him the debt, said he didn't have to pay it back.)
• Then the man ran into a friend who owed HIM money. How was he unkind to his friend? (He threw the man in jail because he couldn't pay him back.)
• God wants us to ________ forgive others, even when they are unkind to us. (Possible answers: Never, Sometimes, or ALWAYS!)

ACTION PLAN: Name ways you can show God's love by treating others kindly.

PRAYER:  Ask God to help you be kind and forgive others when they hurt you.

JANUARY MEMORY VERSE:

"The Lord is good to all; He has compassion on all He has made." Psalms 145:9

Elementary

5TH SUNDAY - FAMILY WORSHIP TIME!  

JANUARY MEMORY VERSE: 

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might and with all your strength." Mark 12:30

January 24th Family Tools

Preschool

Jesus Feeds 5,000

Mark 6:30-44; John 6:1-14

BIG IDEA: God gives us good things to show His love.

GET TALKING:

• Jesus had been teaching the crowd all day, and people were getting hungry. What was the problem, though? (There was no food around, or enough money to buy it.)
• One little boy had some food to share. What did he have? (5 loaves of bread, 2 fish)
• What did Jesus do with the food? (He thanked God for it, and had his friends pass it out to the crowd.)
• Did they have enough? (Yes, with 12 baskets leftover.)

ACTION PLAN: Name some things that God has given you to show His love for you.

PRAYER: Thank God for His gifts and love for you.

JANUARY MEMORY VERSE:

"I will sing of the Lord's great love forever." Psalm 89:1

PreK/Kindergarten

Jesus Feeds 5,000

Mark 6:30-44; John 6:1-14

BIG IDEA: God shows His love by giving us the things we need.

GET TALKING:

• What was Jesus doing with the big crowd of people? (Teaching them about God.)
• It was getting late and the disciples wanted to send the people away to eat, but what did Jesus say? (Jesus told them to feed them.)
• One little boy had some food, what did he have to offer? (5 loaves, 2 fish)
• Jesus took the food and thanked God for it, then what happened? (He gave each of the disciples food to pass out, and they fed all the people and never ran out!)
• How much food was leftover? (12 baskets)

ACTION PLAN:  Jesus showed God's love by meeting the crowd's need for food. Identify some "needs" in your life and talk about how God supplies those needs.  You may want to discuss the difference between needs and wants.

PRAYER: Thank God for giving us the things we need.

JANUARY MEMORY VERSE:

"The Lord is good to all; He has compassion on all He has made." Psalms 145:9

Elementary

 * * * Parent Reminder: There is a 5th Sunday coming up this month, January 31st. There will be no class for the Elementary students.  We encourage families to take advantage of this opportunity to worship as a family! * * *

Which Soil Are You? 

Matthew 13: 1-23

BIG IDEA: I can let God’s Word take root and grow good fruit in my life.

GET TALKING:

• What is a parable? (A story that Jesus told.)
• What were the four kinds of soil told in the parable of the sower? (Hard, rocky ground, weedy, and good.)
• What does being like good soil mean? (Being ready to hear and read the Bible. Looking for ways to do what the Bible says.)

CONNECTING TO JESUS: In the story about the sower, Jesus told about the different ways people respond to God’s Word. We can choose if we will be life hard, rocky, weedy, or good soil. One day, Jesus will come back to be our King. Until then, He wants us to obey His Word and follow Him. As God’s Son, Jesus gives us everything we need to grow good fruit in our lives.

ACTION PLAN: Describe the ways to receive, understand, and believe God’s Word.

JANUARY MEMORY VERSE:

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might and with all your strength." Mark 12:30

January 17th Family Tools

Preschool

Jesus Helps a Blind Man

John 9:1-11, 35-38

BIG IDEA: To help us see different ways God shows love to us.

GET TALKING:

• In our story, we talked about a blind man. What does being blind mean? (Can't see.)
• What would you miss seeing, if your eyes didn't work?
• How did Jesus show love to the blind man? (He healed his eyes.)
• How did Jesus heal him? (Put mud on his eyes and told him to wash them in the pool of water.)

ACTION PLAN: God gives us eyes to see the many ways He loves us.  What are some things that you see that show God's love to you?

PRAYER: Thank God

JANUARY MEMORY VERSE:

"I will sing of the Lord's great love forever." Psalm 89:1

Pre-K/Kindergarten

Jesus Helps a Blind Man

John 9:1-11, 35-38

BIG IDEA: We can be happy because God is good to us everyday.

GET TALKING:

• Was the blind man blind because he had done something wrong? (No. He was blind so God could show his goodness.)
• How did Jesus show goodness to the blind man? (He healed him, made him see.)
• How did Jesus heal him? (Jesus put mud on his eyes and told him to wash it off in the Pool of Siloam.)
• The blind man obeyed Jesus and what was the result? (He could see, and believed Jesus was God's Son.)

ACTION PLAN: Talk about ways that we can see God's goodness in our lives.

PRAYER: Thank God for loving and being so good to us.

JANUARY MEMORY VERSE:

"The Lord is good to all; He has compassion on all He has made." Psalms 145:9

Elementary

* * * Parent Reminder: There is a 5th Sunday coming up this month, January 31st. There will be no class for the Elementary students.  We encourage families to take advantage of this opportunity to worship as a family! * * * 

Why Worry?

Matthew 6:25-34

BIG IDEA: When I’m worried, I can talk to God because He loves me.

GET TALKING:

• What did Jesus use as examples of God’s care? (God feeds the birds and clothes the flowers.)
• What did Jesus tell the people not to worry about? (What they would wear. What they would eat and drink.)
• What did He tell them to do instead of worry? (Remember God’s love and care. Love and follow Him.)

CONNECTING TO JESUS: Jesus came to Earth and taught as God’s Son and as the King who will one day rule the world. But Jesus did not come to take over the governments of the world. He came to be the King, or ruler, of our lives. When we follow Him, He gives us peace when we are worried. He gives us EVERYTHING we need.

ACTION PLAN: Tell times kids worry and why it is good to remember God’s love. 

JANUARY MEMORY VERSE: 

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might and with all your strength." Mark 12:30

January 10th Family Tools

Preschool

Jesus Stops the Storm

Matthew 8:23-27; Mark 4:1, 35-41

BIG IDEA: Jesus is powerful and can help us when we are scared.

GET TALKING:

• What was Jesus doing in the boat when the storm started? (Sleeping)
• How did Jesus friends' feel during the storm? (They were afraid.)
• When he woke up, what did he say to the wind and waves? (To be quiet, be still.)
• What happened next? (The storm stopped. The wind and waves obeyed Jesus.)

ACTION PLAN: Just like Jesus showed love to his friends to help them feel safe, Jesus can do the same for us.  Think of times we might be afraid, and what are some ways Jesus might help us to feel safe.

PRAYER: Thank Jesus for always being with us and helping us feel safe.

JANUARY MEMORY VERSE:

"I will sing of the Lord's great love forever." Psalm 89:1

Pre-K/Kindergarten

Jesus Stops the Storm

Matthew 8:23-27; Mark 4:1, 35-41

BIG IDEA: We can feel safe because we can trust in Jesus' power and love for us when we're afraid.

GET TALKING:

• After a long day of teaching, what did Jesus do, as they sailed across the water? (He fell asleep in the back of the boat.)
• What happened while Jesus was sleeping? (There was a storm with big waves.)
• Why were Jesus' friends afraid? (The boat was filling with water and starting to sink.)
• When His friends asked for help, how did Jesus show them love when they were afraid? (He woke up and told the wind and the waves to stop.)
• When can we ask God for help? (Examples: when we get hurt or lost, when we're afraid, anytime.)

ACTION PLAN: Talk about times when we might feel afraid, and how we can ask Jesus for help.

PRAYER: Ask Jesus to help us to trust Him when we are afraid.

JANUARY MEMORY VERSE:

"The Lord is good to all; He has compassion on all He has made." Psalms 145:9

Elementary

* * * Parent Reminder: There is a 5th Sunday coming up this month, January 31st. There will be no class for the Elementary students. We encourage families to take advantage of this opportunity to worship as a family! * * *

Desert Temptation

Matthew 4:1-11

BIG IDEA: I can follow Jesus’ example and rely on God’s Word when I’m tempted.

GET TALKING:

• What is one of the ways Satan tempted Jesus? (Asked Him to turn stones into break. Told Him to jump off the Temple to show that God protected Him. Offered to give Him all the kingdoms in the world.)
• What helped Jesus to not give in to temptation? (He spent time praying to God. He knew what God’s Word says.)

CONNECTING TO JESUS: Satan offered Jesus a shortcut to the Kingdom He had come to claim through the long and painful way of the cross. But Christ came to be our Savior first and then a King. Because Jesus NEVER sinned, He was the only one who could take et punishment for our sins so that we could join God’s family. He love you and me that much!

ACTION PLAN: Identify Bible verses that will help me know how to live.

JANUARY MEMORY VERSE: 

 "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength." Mark 12:30

January 3rd Family Tools

Preschool

Jesus Tells of God's Love

Matthew 6:25-34; Luke 12:22-31

BIG IDEA:  To be thankful for God's loving care.

GET TALKING:

• What does God do to take care of the birds? (He gives them food from the fields and trees to sleep in.)
• What does God do to take care of the flowers? (He gives them rain and sun to help them grow.)
• God cares for US more than the flowers and birds! How does God take care of you? (Ex: loving family, warm home, clothes to wear, etc.)

ACTION PLAN:  Talk about how God cares for the birds, the flowers and for YOU!

PRAYER:  Thank God for taking care of you.

JANUARY MEMORY VERSE:

"I will sing of the Lord's great love forever." Psalm 89:1

Pre-K/Kindergarten

Jesus Tells of God's Love

Matthew 6:25-34; Luke 12:22-31

BIG IDEA: We can be sure that God loves and cares for us.

GET TALKING:

• How does God care for the birds? (He gives them food to eat.)
• How does God care for the flowers? (He gives them sun and rain to grow.)
• Jesus was teaching people that they shouldn't worry about things. If God cares for the birds and flowers, how much more will he care for you! What are some ways God cares for you? (Examples: family, friends, warm homes, food, clothes, etc.)

ACTION PLAN: Talk about different ways that God takes care of you and your family.

PRAYER: Thank God for always caring for us.

JANUARY MEMORY VERSE:

"The Lord is good to all; He has compassion on all He has made." Psalms 145:9

Elementary

River Wonders

Matthew 3:1-17

BIG IDEA: Following God means loving Him and doing what He wants me to do.

GET TALKING:

• What was something unusual about John? (He wore camel’s-hair clothing)
• What did he like to eat? (Locusts and honey)
• What did John want people to know? (Jesus was the One sent by God.)
• Why do you think Jesus wanted to obey God? (He wanted to follow God. He knew God’s ways are the best ways.)

CONNECTING TO JESUS: Jesus is the Savior the people had been waiting for. To prepare for Jesus’ coming, John told the people that they needed to stop doing wrong and start doing what was right. When we believe that Jesus is the Savior, stop doing wrong and start doing what is right, we show that we welcome Jesus as our King.

ACTION PLAN: Evaluate the things I do, say and think, and plan ways to show love to God.  

JANUARY MEMORY VERSE:

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength." Mark 12:30

December 27th Family Tools

Preschool

Wise Men Give Gifts

Matthew 2:1-12

BIG IDEA:  We can thank God for Jesus by singing and praying.

GET TALKING:

• How did the wise men find baby Jesus? (They followed the star God put in the sky.)
• What town did they end up finding Jesus in? (Bethlehem)
• They showed their thanks to God by giving Jesus gifts. What did they give him? (Gold, Frankincense & Myrrh.)
• What are some ways we can show God our thanks? (Singing, praying, going to church, etc.)

ACTION PLAN:  Name something that you are thankful for.

PRAYER:  Tell the Lord thank you for what you named above.

DECEMBER MEMORY VERSE:

"God loved us and sent His Son." 1 John 4:10

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

Wise Men Give Gifts

Matthew 2:1-12

BIG IDEA: Our songs and prayers are like gifts to God.

GET TALKING:

• What were the wise men looking for? (a new King that was born.)
• How did the wise men find Jesus? (They followed a bright star in the sky.)
• What did the wise men do when they found Jesus? (They worshipped Him, and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense & myrrh.)
• What can you do to worship & praise God? (Pray. Sing songs to God.)

ACTION PLAN: Name different ways you can praise and thank God this week.

PRAYER: Thank and praise God for His Son, Jesus.

DECEMBER MEMORY VERSE:

"God loved us and sent His Son." 1 John 4:10

CHRISTMAS VERSES: 

 "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

In My Father’s House

Luke 2:41:52

BIG IDEA: Even as a child, I can grow in my faith and please God.

GET TALKING:

• Why did Jesus and His family go to Jerusalem? (To celebrate Passover.)
• What did Joseph and Mary learn about Jesus? (They learned that Jesus was very wise and  knowledgeable about God’s Word.)
• How would you describe Jesus as He grew? (He grew physically strong and in wisdom and knowledge.)

CONNECTING TO JESUS: The story of Jesus at the Temple helps us know a little bit about what Jesus was like as a kid. But Jesus wasn’t just an ordinary boy. When He talked to the Temple teachers - and in everything He did - Jesus showed that He is truly God’s Son who made it possible for us to become part of God’s family.

ACTION PLAN: Describe the results of growing in faith and choose a way to please God.

CHRISTMAS VERSES:

"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

December 20th Family Tools

Preschool

Angel Tells the News

Luke 2:8-20

BIG IDEA: We can be excited to share the news that Jesus was born.

GET TALKING:

• Who visited the shepherds in the field? (An angel.)
• What did the angel tell them? (Don't be afraid. Jesus, the Savior, has been born.)
• Where did the angel say they could find baby Jesus? (Lying in a manger.)
• Then the sky filled with many angels singing and praising God. After they left, what did the shepherds do? (Hurried to Bethlehem to find baby Jesus.)
• After finding and worshipping Jesus, did they quietly return to the field? (No, they told everyone they saw about Jesus being born!)

ACTION PLAN: Draw a picture of the Christmas story and share it with someone. (Ex. Jesus in the manger, angels and shepherds in the field, etc.)

PRAYER:  Thank God for His love and for Jesus.

DECEMBER MEMORY VERSE:

"God loved us and sent His Son." 1 John 4:10

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

Angel Tells the News

Luke 2:8-20

BIG IDEA: To be so glad and thankful for Jesus that you want to tell others.

GET TALKING:

• Who came to visit the shepherds out in the fields?  (Angels)
• What good news did the angels tell the shepherds? (That Jesus, the Savior, was born that night in Bethlehem. And they could find him in a manger.)
• What did the shepherds do after they heard the good news from the angels? (They hurried to Bethlehem to find baby Jesus!)
• After they found baby Jesus, what did they do? (They told lots of people about what they had seen and heard, as they went back to their sheep.  They thanked God for sending Jesus!)

ACTION PLAN: Name people you can tell about Jesus' birth.

PRAYER: Thank God for sending Jesus and ask Him to help you share the Good News!

DECEMBER MEMORY VERSE:

"God loved us and sent His Son." 1 John 4:10

CHRISTMAS VERSES: 

"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

Wise Worshipers

Matthew 2

BIG IDEA: The best gift I can give to Jesus is to worship Him.

GET TALKING:

• Why did the wise men make such an effort to find and worship Jesus? (Because they knew that Jesus’ birth was very important and they wanted to meet this very special King who had been born to the Jews.)
• How did King Herod respond to the news about Jesus’ birth? (He was surprised and upset that a new King was born.)
• Why did he respond that way? (He didn’t want anyone else to be King.) 
• Why do we worship Jesus? (He is God’s Son. He loves us. He died on the cross to pay for our sins and then came back to life again to make a way for us to live forever in God’s family.)

CONNECTING TO JESUS: When the wise men came to worship Jesus, they gave us a sneak peek of the time when Jesus will come back. When He returns, people from all over the world will worship Jesus as Savior and Lord. Everyone will know that Jesus really is God’s Son!

ACTION PLAN: Discover and participate in different ways of worshiping Jesus.

CHRISTMAS VERSES: 

 "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

Getting Christmas "Right"

I recently listened to a sermon where the pastor was encouraging his flock to ‘get Christmas right’.  What an interesting idea concept, ‘to get Christmas, right’.  What could such a phrase mean; getting Christmas right?  Can we get it wrong?  Does ‘getting it right’ involve buying your kids that gift that makes them squeal when they unwrap the package?  Does it mean being sure to get a memento photo with a jolly and bearded man in a red suit?  Is it remembering to put the marshmallows on the candied yams?  Or is it squeezing in as much family time as possible?

According to this pastor, the first step to getting it right involved remembering the true meaning of the season – that:

2 At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. 2 (This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 All returned to their own ancestral towns to register for this census. 4 And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. 5 He took with him Mary, his fiancée, who was now obviously pregnant.

6 And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. 7 She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them.  ~ Luke 2:1-7

But this pastor was correct in pointing out that there is a second part to ‘getting Christmas right’.  As important as remembering the historical truth that God so loved the world that he sent his only begotten Son is sharing this message with others.  While Christmas is a wonderful time to focus on family, and it is important to do so – it is also serves as the best time to remind ourselves that the Christmas message was intended to be made accessible to all the world.  

8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.10 And the angel said unto them, 

Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

~ Luke 2:8-11

Accessibility means being open with sharing the hope and truth of the season with ‘all the people’.  So as you approach this holiest of days when God put on flesh, be purposeful to seek out those the Lord has put in your path to share the ‘Good News which is for those people’.

Blessings and Merry Christmas!
-Pastor Tim

Going into the world

Welcome to the end of the year everyone!  It’s time for us to wrap up 2015, wrap up presents and get a move on with winter sports!  I spent a little bit of time last week going through the High School’s calendar and plugging all of the basketball games and concerts and I realized that there are a ton of opportunities to go into our High School kids world and connect.  This is such an important part of youth ministry, that we go where they are.  It’s actually an important part of ministry in general.  We’re going to be walking through the advent calendar this month and reading about Jesus being born, and what better example of “going where they are” than Jesus coming to us the way he did.  Do you need a model of this incarnational ministry?  Check out how Jesus did it.  

Going into the world of who we are trying to reach, makes sense

Unfortunately it’s not as easy as it sounds.  The practical idea of going into the world of who we are trying to reach makes sense, and we can talk all day about all the opportunities we have to do this, but actually going is the hard part.  In youth ministry I’ve experienced this on a weekly basis.  I put my focus and work into a weekly event we hope kids come to, when in actuality, the bread and butter of youth ministry is relationships (like Jesus) and discipleship (like Jesus).

If you’re anything like me, you may have felt one time or another isolated in church culture, eating and breathing church life.  I honestly don’t believe that is what pleases God most.  What if we were free to be involved in our community working alongside people that need to hear about the hope of Jesus?  What if we were able to spend significant time with friends and family in meaningful intentional relationship desiring to grow in our walk with Jesus, together?  What if we were able to do all of this while being an active and healthy part of His church?  We can do it and we should do it.  God deserves our worship, our service, our generosity all with us being able lead people in an ever changing culture to the hope of Jesus.  

Let’s be more like Jesus.

We’re in a season of Advent, the coming of Jesus into our world to change our lives forever.  He left all of his comforts and glory of heaven to walk with us here, and that was incredibly costly.  Let this month start an incredibly costly personal desire to see lives changed forever, even if it requires less comfort and glory.  Let’s be more like Jesus.

Christmas Grace

During the Christmas Season our thoughts rightly ponder on the amazing gift God gave to all people on earth. The story is so familiar, yet we find ourselves gratefully renewed in spirit every year as we focus on the birth of Jesus. 

Our appreciation of sacred  Christmas music comes from the creative ways in which Christian composers weave the story of Christ’s birth with beautiful music. Alleluia! 

The choral anthem our Sanctuary Choir will bring to us on Christmas Sunday 12/20 this year does an incredible job of helping us to better understand the magnitude of God’s gift through the wording the composer, Ruth Schram, chose to use in her composition, “Christmas Grace.” 

Here are some of the words she wove together in her unique style:

 “To take God’s Son from heaven, to turn the Lord of all  

into a helpless infant, a baby weak and small;

to give to our Creator a fully human face! 

THIS, IS Christmas Grace.”            

Ruth goes on to also remind us that:

“The feet that walked in splendor on streets of purest gold,

now wrapped in humble swaddling, shiver from the cold. (and)

The hand that Mary holds HUNG the MOON and STARS in PLACE.

THIS, IS Christmas Grace.

 R. E. Schram continues by pointing out many more powerful contrasts between the Divine existence Christ knew in heaven with the human life He had on earth by asking us to realize and dwell upon the following VERY IMPORTANT FACT:  While living among us, The ALMIGHTY was LOCKED into a single span of time and geographic location. Therefore, Jesus experienced OUR frailty, understood OUR fragile lot and laid aside His power to be Helped, Trained and Taught.  (WOW !)

In addition to the special song our Sanctuary Choir brought to both worship services at out church on Thanksgiving Sunday, “Christmas Grace” is another choral number by which you will be blessed if you are present on Christmas Sunday. Come. You’ll be glad you did. 

 “And now may God who knows us all, watch over those who heed His call and make a place within their hearts for Christ, the Lord, from the manger stall. I pray that God will guide and keep each one who truly seeks.”                        

 Amen, 

-Betty-

December 13th Family Tools

Preschool

Jesus Is Born

Luke 2:1-7

BIG IDEA:  Jesus is the reason we celebrate Christmas!

GET TALKING:

• Where were Mary & Joseph traveling to? (Bethlehem)
• They had a difficult time finding a place to stay.  Where did they end up sleeping? (In a stable, with animals.)
• That night their baby was born, what did they name him? (JESUS!)
• Who is Jesus? (God's Son.)

ACTION PLAN: Tell someone that Jesus is God's Son.

PRAYER: Thank God for sending Jesus to be born.

DECEMBER MEMORY VERSE:

"God loved us and sent His Son." 1 John 4:10

CHRISTMAS MEMORY 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

Jesus Is Born

Luke 2:1-7

BIG IDEA: The reason we celebrate Christmas is because Jesus was born!

GET TALKING:

• Where did Mary & Joseph have to travel to and why? (Bethlehem, to write their names down in the King's book.)
• What problem did they have when they got to Bethlehem? (There was no place to stay.)
• Where did they finally end up sleeping? (In a stable, with the animals.)
• That night, Jesus was born! But He didn't have a crib to lay in, where did He sleep? (In a manger, a box where animals eat.)

ACTION PLAN: Talk about ways you and your family celebrate Jesus' birth during Christmas.

PRAYER:  Thank God for Jesus!

DECEMBER MEMORY VERSE:

"God loved us and sent His Son." 1 John 4:10

CHRISTMAS VERSES: 

 "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

Bethlehem Baby

Luke 2:1-20

BIG IDEA: We can celebrate because Jesus was born for you and me!

GET TALKING:

• Who were the first people to hear that God’s Son, Jesus was born? (The shepherds)
• Who told the shepherds about Jesus? (Angels)
• How did the shepherds respond when they heard the good news from the angel? (They hurried into town and found the baby in the manger.)
• What did they do after they saw Jesus? (They shared the good news with anyone who would listen!)

CONNECTING TO JESUS: The birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, the town of David, was just one of the many events that fulfilled God’s promise to send the Messiah. This Messiah, as one of King David’s descendants, was called the Prince of Peace. Jesus came to give us peace with God - a peace made possible by Jesus’ death on the cross. As a result, we are invited to live forever with Him as part of His family!

ACTION PLAN: Tell why Jesus’ birth is best reason to celebrate Christmas.

CHRISTMAS VERSES: 

 "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

December 6th Family Tools

Preschool

Mary Meets An Angel

Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:26-56

BIG IDEA: We can be excited about God's promise to send Jesus!

GET TALKING:

• Who was Mary's surprise visitor? (An angel.)
• What was the promise that the angel shared with Mary? (That God was sending His Son, Jesus.)
• Why did the angel tell Mary? (Because she was going to be the Mom!)
• Mary was excited, who did she go tell? (Her cousin, Elizabeth.)

ACTION PLAN:  Tell someone the good news of God's promise!

PRAYER: Thank God for His promise to send Jesus.

DECEMBER MEMORY VERSE:

"God loved us and sent His Son." 1 John 4:10

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

Mary Meets an Angel

Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:26-56

BIG IDEA: To get excited about God's promise to send His Son, Jesus.

GET TALKING:

• What was God's promise? (To send His Son, Jesus, to be our Savior.)
• Who came to visit Mary? (An angel.)
• What did the angel tell Mary? (Not to be afraid. God loves you and has chosen you to be the Mom of God's son. To name the baby Jesus.)
• Who did Mary go visit? (Her cousin Elizabeth.)
• What was Joseph doing when the angel came to visit him? (Sleeping.)
• Why did God promise to send His Son? (Because He loves us.)

ACTION PLAN: Repeat God's promise to send His Son, Jesus, to be born.

PRAYER: Thank God for His promise to send Jesus.

DECEMBER MEMORY VERSE:

"God loved us and sent His Son." 1 John 4:10

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

Perfect Promise

Isaiah 7:14; 9:2-7; Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:26-56

BIG IDEA: God’s promise to send Jesus is for me.

GET TALKING:

• Who was Isaiah and what did God tell him? (A prophet; that a child will be born and will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace)
• What promise did God make to Mary? (To give her a son.)
• What did God promise about Jesus? (He is God’s Son. He is the promised Savior.)
• Why is God’s promise important? (Because through his promise of sending Jesus, God has arranged for us to be part of His family.)

CONNECTING TO JESUS: The first chapter of Matthew announced that God’s promise to send Jesus was coming true! The Old Testament told this promise over and over again. This Christmas, celebrate the birth of the King, the Savior who made it possible for our sins to be forgiven.

ACTION PLAN: Describe Jesus and what God’s plan to send His Son means the world and to me.

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

November 29th Family Tools

Preschool

David and Mephibosheth

1 Samuel 20: 14-17, 42; 2 Samuel 9

BIG IDEA:  We can show love for God by sharing with others.

GET TALKING:

• What promise did David make to Jonathan a long time ago?
• Who was Mephibosheth? (Jonathan's son)
• What was wrong with Mephibosheth? (His feet were hurt and he couldn't walk very well.)
• How did David show God's love to Mephibosheth and his family? (King David invited them to eat with him in the palace, he gave them land and servants.)

ACTION PLAN: Name some people you can share with, and what you can share with them.

PRAYER:  Ask God to help you find ways to share this week.

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 and Mephibosheth

1 Samuel 20: 14-17, 42; 2 Samuel 9

BIG IDEA:  We can show love for God by sharing with others.

GET TALKING:

• Why was David kind to Mephibosheth? (He was Jonathan's son, and David and Jonathan promised to always take care of each other's family.)
• Why did Mephibosheth need help? (He couldn't walk well. His feet were hurt.)
• How did David show Mephibosheth kindness? (Invited him and his family to live with him in the palace, to eat with him at the King's table and offered him servants to take care of him and his family.)

ACTION PLAN: Talk about ways people may need help and how you can help them.

PRAYER:  Ask God to help you find ways to help those who need it.

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 

* * * NO CLASS - 5TH SUNDAY * * *

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

November 22nd Family Tools

Preschool

David and Saul

1 Samuel 26

BIG IDEA:  God can help us be kind to others, even when it is hard.

GET TALKING:

• Why was King Saul trying to find David? (He was angry with David. He wanted to hurt him.)
• Instead of hurting King Saul while he was sleeping, what did David and his friend do instead? (Took his spear and water jug)
• How did King Saul find out his stuff was missing? (David ran up to the top of a hill and yelled "Wake up!"  The King then noticed they were missing.)
• What did King Saul do next? (He said he was sorry.)
• How did David show God's love to King Saul? (He didn't hurt King Saul when he was sleeping.)

ACTION PLAN: Describe times when being kind can be difficult.

PRAYER:  Ask God to help you be kind to others, even when they are not kind.

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 and Saul

1 Samuel 26

BIG IDEA:  We can show God's love by being kind, even when someone is unkind.

GET TALKING:

• Why was King Saul angry at David? (He thought David was trying to take his job as King.)
• Where was David and his friends hiding? And why? (In the hills with caves and rocks; King Saul was trying to kill him.)
• When David found King Saul sleeping, David could have hurt him, but what did he do? (He stole his spear and jug. Ran to the top of the hill and yelled at him, asking where his spear and jug were.)
• How did Saul act when he realized David was close enough to hurt him, but chose not to? (King Saul admitted he was wrong, said he wouldn't try to hurt him anymore.)

ACTION PLAN: Describe times when being kind to others can be difficult.

PRAYER:  Ask God to help you be kind to others, even when they are not kind.

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

Joseph and the Dreams

Genesis 40:1 - 41:57

BIG IDEA: No matter what happens, I know that God protects me and helps me.

GET TALKING:

• How did God help and protect Joseph when he was in prison? (God was with Joseph and gave him success in everything he did. God helped Joseph interpret the dreams of the men in prison.)
• How did God help Joseph when he spoke to Pharaoh? (God gave Joseph courage to speak to Pharaoh and gave him the correct interpretation of Pharaoh’s dreams.)
• When is a time that kids your age might need to ask God for help? (When they are sick. When afraid at night. During a big game.)
• Who has God given to you to help you and keep you safe? (Friends, family, teachers.)

CONNECTING TO JESUS: God had a great plan to make all the bad things in Joseph’s life into something really good. Joseph’s life is a picture of how God saves us and gives us new life when we believe in Jesus Christ as our Savior.

ACTION PLAN: Recognize ways God has helped me in the past, and ask for His help for the future.

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

November 15th Family Tools

Preschool

David and Jonathan

1 Samuel 16:15-23; 18:1-4; 19:1-7

BIG IDEA: We can show God's love by being kind to our friends.

GET TALKING:

• What was wrong with King Saul? (He was sad and grumpy.)
• How did David show kindness to King Saul? (He played his harp for him to make him happy.)
• Who did David become friends with? (Jonathan, King Saul's son.)
• How did Jonathan show David kindness? (Gave David his coat, bow and arrow.)
• What did the 2 friends promise each other? (To always be friends and to always take care and help each other.)

ACTION PLAN: Name some ways you can be kind to your friends this week.

PRAYER: Ask God to help you show God's love to your friends by being kind.

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 and Jonathan

1 Samuel 16:15-23; 18:1-4; 19:1-7

BIG IDEA: We can show God's love by being kind to our friends.

GET TALKING:

• How did David show kindness to King Saul? (He played his harp and help the King feel better.)
• Who became David's best friend? (Jonathan, King Saul's son.)
• How did Jonathan show kindness to David? (Gave him his coat, bow and arrow.  Talked his dad, King Saul, out of hurting David.)
• How has someone shown you kindness this week?

ACTION PLAN: Name some ways you can show kindness to your friends this week.

PRAYER: Ask God to help you show God's love to your friends.

NOVEMBER MEMORY VERSE:

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

CHRISTMAS VERSES: 

 "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

Joseph’s Sticky Situations

Genesis 37; 39

BIG IDEA: God is always with me and gives me courage to make right choices!

GET TALKING:

• What choices did Joseph make in these sad and scary situations? (He chose to work hard, to do what was right and to trust God.)
• Why do you think Joseph kept making right choices in the midst of these situations? (He knew that God loved him and was giving him the courage to make the right choices.)
• When is a time you need to remember that God is with you? (When scared at night, when having to take a hard test at school, etc.)
• What are some good choices that you can make at home? At the park? At a friend’s house? (Obey the rules. Take turns. Tell the truth.)

CONNECTING TO JESUS: The story of Joseph can de seen as a picture of Jesus’ life. God’s own Son, Jesus, was mistreated in many ways - much more than Joseph! But Jesus always did what was right. And because Jesus is God’s Son and obeyed, even to the point of being killed on a cross, He didn’t stay dead! He rose again and became our Savior!

ACTION PLAN: Evaluate situations in my life and tell right choices to make.

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!

Do I Believe In [what God says about] Thankfulness?

Bear with me as I lay the ground work of this Newsletter article.  I really am a “talker” when I write.  An attorney asked me once if I was German (which I am, at least half of me, the writing half I guess!) because I love to cram 10 thoughts in one sentence!!!

I heard a message last year that really changed the way I apply God’s Word to my life.  Believe it or not the message was about forgiveness.  I haven’t yet faced a real crisis in my ability to forgive on my faith journey although it may come someday.  For me what hit home was how the speaker applied God’s Word to his need to forgive.  His wife cheated on him with a friend, no less.  He just couldn’t forgive the friend, it created bitterness in his heart and he lead a very angry, dark life for several years until he realized something.  God’s Word says to “forgive and you will be forgiven”  in Luke 6:37.  He realized God told him to do this, not to “feel” it but to do it.   Did he believe God?  Did he believe his Word?  Did he trust God that in the end, the step of faith to say “I forgive” is what God wants and “enough” for God to work with?  and that the “feelings” or “emotions” of his “heart” would follow for true healing?

Since I don’t struggle with forgiveness, I focused on the belief in what God’s Word says and how to apply it to the struggles in my life.  I struggle with plenty of other faith aspects in life.  A big one is fear and anxiety.  I don’t want to be that way.  Do I believe God in his Word when He says “Do not fear, but in all things through prayer & petition… (Phil. 4:6) Do I fear God more than man? I’ve always felt like I had to feel “brave” first to conquer the fear and then God would accept me.  NO.  I had to confess to God that I let fear drive me, that I don’t trust Him with my fears.  That I don’t believe His Word or the outcome if I relinquish my fears.  And that was when everything changed for me.  It’s not about me being the one to prepare my emotions first, its my job to realize I don’t believe God and His Word about “fear” in my life.  I believe in God but do I believe Him? When I took that step to confess that I don’t trust Him with the fear in my life, what a relief!  As I walk on my faith journey I know I will struggle with fear again as God continues to refine me.  But hopefully I will be quicker to believe, quicker to relinquish control, quicker to give God the glory.

So this month, I have been pondering, do I believe in what God says about thankfulness?  Am I thankful in all situations, Have I given God the ability to work on my thankless heart?  Do I give God thanks in everything?  As I think of all I am thankful for, God releases me from all my fears and anxiety and ungratefulness because I am focusing on all the good things God has done in my life- rather than all the things I am afraid of in my life.  Relief!  Again!  God is so good, and I am thankful even if I don’t understand how it all works.

I hope this helps a brother or sister out there that may struggle with who knows what….there are plenty of struggles.  But God’s Word can bring relief if you ask yourself, do I believe?

The end of the speaker’s story was amazing, after his epiphany on forgiveness, he actually had to ask the “friend” for a job.  And he was able to (about a year after he told God he wanted to forgive and believed he could with God’s help.)  What an amazing testimony.  I simply went to the dentist and didn’t pass out!  Which really means a lot to me on my faith journey.

Since I wanted a thankful theme this month, I’ve ended with a few verses that mention thanks, thankful or thankfulness.  In case any one feels like asking, do I believe in [what God says about] thankfulness?

In His Service, Shelly Simpson

Philippians 4:6 

Ephesians 5:19-20

Colossians 3:14-16

I Thessalonians 5:16-18

We Come To Say Thank-you

As we approach the Thanksgiving Season, I’m sure each of us can name many reasons why we are thankful.

As for me, I am thankful that:

1. My husband, Ray, is heading toward recovery from his battle with cancer
2. I had the energy and stamina to meet Ray’s many needs during this long health journey we traveled together.
3. Many people showed their love & concern for Ray during his long illness.
4. God made it possible for me to keep up with the responsibilities associated with my church music position while taking care of my husband.
5. We have such a dedicated choir at First Baptist Church.
6. God recently has blessed our Sanctuary Choir with four new singers at a time when we really needed a boost.

It is fitting that our Sanctuary Choir will be singing a wonderful, new anthem on Thanksgiving Sunday, Nov. 22nd.  The anthem is written by a contemporary musician in sacred, choral literature: Pepper Choplin. In his distinctive, lively style he not only lists the earthly things surrounding us which we admire and appreciate daily but he also reminds us of the blessings God bestows upon the human race such as:
             

1. The joy of human love, brother, sister, parent, child.
2. Friends on earth and friends above, 
3. For all gentle thoughts and mild.
4. For Thyself, best gift divine, to our race so freely giv’n.
5. For the great, great love of Thine,
6. For peace on earth and endless joy in heaven.

For all You’ve done and the blessings You send our way, “We come today to say, “Thank you.” Come to the 9:30 a.m. worship service on Nov. 22nd & say, “Thank you” with us.  You’ll be glad you did.

“Sing”cerely, Betty