Everything a parent needs to build on what we teach at church this week is here. You’ll find the Scripture passages, the specific pages in our children’s Bible, the teaching video, and some questions to use at home. Thanks for leading your kids into the Word of God. Read with them. Pray with them. It will matter. (Tools we use: The Beginner’s Gospel Story Bible is available at the Faith@Home wall for $5. And RightNowMedia is free!)
Volunteer team-members can find lessons and other specifics by logging into Planning Center Services. Once you’ve logged in, just click the date you are serving, and you will find everything you need.
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THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW THIS WEEK
1) Elementary kids will remain in the Gathering this week (1/29). In 2023, we are working hard to create more opportunities for families to worship and learn together more often. So every 5th Sunday will be a family Sunday in 2023. And, speaking of family time...
2) In place of KidsOnMission, we will be having a family event on 3/1 called "FamiliesOnMission." This is for parents and their preschool/elementary school kids. (There will be a nursery as well.) This is going to be a great time of fun, family, and growing together as we look to equip and encourage parents in the mission God has given to them. The event will include food, a family devotional/discussion time, and a DIY building project for kids to do with their parent(s). This is a great event for families with kids between 31months and 10years old. The cost will be $7 per family. Please sign up by 2/9 by clicking here. (Note: This does mean that parents will miss their life-group on 3/1. If your group has multiple families with kids, I would encourage all of you to sign up and to connect at the FamiliesOnMission event. It will be worth it!)
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Family Quote of the Week:
“Fathers, we do not have the capabilities or power to move our children spiritually. It is the grace and kindness of God that grows your children spiritually through the work of the Holy Spirit. The work and the glory belong to Him. Yet, we do not stand idly by, for God has given us responsibilities to cultivate, encourage, pray, and instruct them.” - Ken Coley in Equipping Fathers to Lead Family Worship
On Wednesday at 6pm, we will have KidsOnMission! Dinner is $3 for individual kids with a $7 max for families. Here is some of the key information:
At 5:15, there is kids-choir. It is a great opportunity for kids to learn music, teamwork, and about worshiping Jesus together through singing.
KidsOnMission officially starts at 6pm with pasta this week and then a fun time of learning from the Word. Specifically, Wednesday nights help kids see the Bible and mission in context. We want them to understand what it means to go with God’s Word into God’s world.
We will be focusing on Jesus being the promised Messiah (Matthew 11:1-14,25-28; Luke 7:18-30). Here is a short video of the passage. Our missions-focus is on how Christians are sending relief to help people in the wake of disaster and difficulty to show and share the love of Jesus.
On Sunday, there are exciting things happening as well!
At 9am, there is Sunday School. We devote this time to helping our kids get into the Word in age-appropriate ways. They not only hear the Bible taught, but they also get a chance to look into it for themselves. This becomes more and more of a personal skill as they grow older. There is also a 9am Sandhurst U class about parenting that is happening this semester. Jump in!
During the Gathering, the preschoolers will continue moving through the The Beginner’s Gospel Story Bible. We are looking at Story 5: Rebekah Gives Camels Water Too! which highlights important elements from Gen 24. And the elementary students will be in the Gathering with their families this week. This is a great chance to learn and grow together.
Questions for Families to Discuss (before/after Sunday):
In Genesis 24, the servant prayed and God answered. Does God still listen to our prayers today?
Have you ever asked God to help you? Share about it.
The biggest way that God has helped us is through Jesus. Because of Him, we can confidently come to God with our prayers. What can you share with God or ask Him for today? He loves to help/
Family Prayer Prompt: Lord, you listen to your children. Thank you for being involved in our lives and caring about us. Help us to come to you with thankfulness and with our needs. We know that you are kind and able to help.