January 2014 Kids Church Theme
The International Olympic Committee recently released their updated Olympic Charter in preparation for this year’s Winter Olympics. In it’s PDF form, the Charter is 105 pages long and lists the rules and bylaws governing the Olympic organization. It does not list the rules for individual events, but refers readers to their individual documents. So, an athlete participating in the Olympics has a lot of rules to learn as they train to do their best.
Knowledge is discovering something new so you can be better at whatever you do. We believe that God’s Word is the best place to discover something new about our world and ultimately ourselves. And when we put those discoveries into practice it changes us from the inside out and impacts the choices we make and the way we live. God is the source of all truth. We need to dig into His Word and discover that truth for ourselves.
The knowledge we glean from the 66 books of the Bible tells us how to live our lives day in and day out. But that knowledge is not an end in and of itself. We can know all there is to know about God, but if we don’t put any of our knowledge into practice, it is worthless.
The monthly memory verse is: “God has breathed life into all of Scripture. It is useful for teaching us what is true. It is useful for correcting our mistakes. It is useful for making our lives whole again. It is useful for training us to do what is right,” 2 Timothy 3:16, NIrV. God’s Word is powerful and strong. When we discover it and put it into practice, we have its strength on our side every day of our lives.
In Week One’s Bible story, Jesus models the importance of seeking knowledge even as a young boy (Luke 2:41-52). Our Bottom Line is: Since God knows everything, it’s important to discover what God says. The Bible is God’s Word to us. That’s why it’s important to read the Bible and ask questions to someone we trust.
In Week Two’s Bible story, John the Baptist dedicated his life to preparing the way for Jesus (John 1:19-42; supporting – Matthew 3, Mark 1:1-11, Luke 3:1-22). Because he knew God’s Word, he could lay the groundwork for Jesus’ ministry. Our Bottom Line is:Discovering what God says helps me know Jesus. The more we read God’s Word, the more we understand about who Jesus is and what that means for our lives.
In Week Three’s Bible story, Jesus is tempted by Satan in the wilderness (Luke 4:1-13; supporting – Matthew 4:1-11). But Jesus was prepared! He knew all of Scripture and was ready for any and all of Satan’s tricks. Our Bottom Line is: Discovering what God says helps me make the wise choice. That’s why it’s important for us to find out what God says and know His words well enough to use them when we are tempted to do something wrong.
In Week Four’s Bible story, Jesus tells His followers a story about two men who learn a valuable lesson about building on a strong foundation (Matthew 7:24-29). It reminds us that when we put God’s words into practice, they will help us stand firm when life’s storms blow our way. Our Bottom Line is:Knowing and doing what God says makes me strong. Knowledge doesn’t change anything unless you do something about it.
By Jessica McKee ©2013 The reThink Group. All rights reserved. www.ThinkOrange.com *Used by permission.
Christmas Candlelight
A teenage girl, people working their everyday jobs, older people waiting for God’s promise to be fulfilled…the Christmas story is filled with real people with real, complicated lives interrupted for hope–God’s gift to the world.
Join us this Sunday at 11am for the Christmas message and candlelight service as we celebrate what God has done in the past, participate in what God is doing around the world and anticipate what God will do in the future.
Since it’s Christmastime, the kids will stay with us instead of heading to Kids Church. Worried about kids and candles? Don’t worry, we have a plan that will make it fun for the kids while making it safe for all of us.
Parent Cue for Sunday, December 22
Each week we supply a weekly Parent Cue for parents and God Time sheet for kids.
- The Parent Cue is meant to be a resource for you to discuss and reinforce the lesson with your kids.
- The God Time is intended to help kids learn to spend some quiet time with God on their own. (Of course, you’re welcome to help them and model it for them as they learn!)
We’re posting the upcoming week’s material for the lesson that will be taught this Sunday. Copies of these are on the welcome table in the lobby before you enter the main worship space. Or, for your convenience, you can download them below.
Parent Cue Discussion Spiritual Discussion Starter Sheet
For the lesson this coming week: Parent Cue December 22.
Haven’t gotten to this week’s yet? Check out the Parent Cue December 15.
God Time Quiet Time Exercise for Kids
For the lesson this coming week: God Time December 22.
Haven’t gotten to this week’s yet? Check out the one for God Time December 15.
As always, instructions are here.
Our goal as a church is provide you with resources to help your children grow spiritually. We’re doing our best to make things simple and easy. Please feel free to give us feedback on this!
Growing this Christmas Season
The Christmas season moves so quickly that things often seem a blur and it is suddenly Christmas day. While the season can be stressful, it can also be a time to grow. This Christmas season, prepare you heart for Christmas with a special devotional plan.
YouVersion has some Advent and Christmas Plans designed to help you grow closer to Christ this season. You can check them out here.
And don’t forget, each week you can listen to the previous week’s message here if you missed and think through how to apply it or discuss it with a friend through the YouVersion Questions. For more about how to do that, click here.
Ladies Night Out this Friday
It’s not too late to get to know some new people and join some of the women from Deep Water this Friday (December 13) at 6:30 for a time of getting to know each other, encouragement and making brown sugar body scrub & bath soak!
For more information or directions, join the Facebook group, contact us or comment below.