We're Expecting! - FAMILY PLUS Children's

We're Expecting!  As a matter of fact, you probably are too...

Expecting your kids to have a pinterest-perfect Christmas.

Expecting hours of blissful family time.

Expecting a family photo with matching outfits and smiling faces.

But the truth is: Christmas is probably not going to be what you expect.  As a matter of fact, the first Christmas was full of shattered expectations.

Mary expected to become pregnant AFTER she was married.

Mary expected to have her baby somewhere other than a barn.

Mary expected her son to live longer than she.

But, you know what she didn't expect?  She didn't expect to go down in history for her obedience to Christ.  She didn't expect to have an intimate relationship with THE savior of the world. She didn't expect to be chosen.

So my challenge to you (and myself) for the coming week is this:  Don't expect anything.  Be present with your family and let God work through the details.  For He is in the business of exceeding our expectations in ways we will never see coming.  For the memories that your family will walk away cherishing are not the ones that we orchestrate, but the ones that He orchestrates.  So, the pressure's off!  Celebrate Christ this week and enjoy the difficult moments as reminders that broken expectations are not always so bad.

"This is why I stay home." - FAMILY PLUS Children's

My wife, Katie, has got me thinking this week. We have had some really cruddy and sick boys lately, which has made our home life a little more difficult in some ways. This past Monday when I got home my wife was tired from being constantly tugged and pulled and wallowed by 3 especially needy kids. Once we got to talking about it she said something very profound and encouraging that has stuck with me. This is especially encouraging to those of you who have made the decision to be stay at home parents. 

She said, "You know as tired as I am, days like today are the reason we chose for me to stay home, so I can be there when my kids need me most."

The truth is I'm not elevating the lifestyle choice of 2 working parents vs 1 working,1 stay at home. I'm a product of two working parents. I am choosing to elevate the lifestyle choice of creating a life in which your kids can find you when they need you most. My sons need to see me be a man. They need to help me dig holes, see me throw a ball, and help me build with my hands. My daughter needs me to take her on dates, see how I treat a lady, and watch how I care for people. They need to find me when they need me. All I know is that my Heavenly Father is available; therefore, I should be available. 

This week's details:

Scripture: Luke 2:1-20

Life Point: Jesus was born to die for our sins.

I Have an Announcement - FAMILY PLUS Children's

"Excuse me. Excuse me. Joseph, I have an announcement to make." That's what it seemed like that angels were saying to Joseph and Mary when they share with them how they were going to be a part of God's plan. That honestly sounds great to me. I want God to be that clear to me. I want Him to use an angel to tap me on the shoulder and give me the specifics to the future of my life. Actually, if you know me at all, you would know how true this is for me. My biggest struggles come because I can't know or anticipate what's going to happen; however, the greatest moments of my life happen when I least expect it. 

For instance, God called me to children's/family ministry out of the blue. I didn't have experience working with kids when He called me. In fact, I did not even know there were jobs called Children's Ministers until 2 months previous to that call (I grew up in a small church in a rural area). I was 19 when that happened, and I didn't expect it. 

Or the time when Katie and I surrendered to follow God to go to seminary. We moved blindly to Louisville, KY. Before we moved God provided a church for us to serve in and paid our first semester of tuition in full. To this day we still don't know who paid my tuition that first semester. (We actually know who did it. We have never met them. They were friends of a friend.) I can't tell you how affirming this was for us.

I'm summarizing John MacArthur from his book "Found: God's Will" when I encourage you to take steps in your journey when you don't know what else to do. After you've sought counsel, prayed, and looked for the next step in Bible study, you just start moving in a direction you think you should go. God will show up and direct you. You will find out what works (like seminary for me because I really wasn't sure until we took the step) and what doesn't (youth ministry didn't work for me). 

When I look back on my journey the thing I love to celebrate the most is that I couldn't have planned my journey so I know it must have been God who has led me to this point.

This week's details:

Scripture: Luke 1:26-38; Matthew 1:18-24

Life Point: Jesus was God's plan to save people from their sin.

Duck Tape and Jesus - FAMILY PLUS Children's

Can you put together an elaborate plan? I'm not saying a plan that is elaborate, as in expensive or over the top like Richard Branson. I'm saying a plan that is elaborate, as in complex and has multiple layers and facets. Something you would find in a James Bond movie or Oceans 11, 12 or 13. 

Let's just think about the world as we know it. God's plan is elaborate with multiple layers and He is the orchestrator of it all. In order for God's plan to work He must have created the world, sustained the world, set in motion the events of each day in our history, and known the choices each person would make. Knowing all this in advance. He had a solution waiting to implement. A solution that He tried to prepare the known world for. That's part of what the prophets Isaiah and Micah shouted to the crowds...a new day is coming! A king will arise!

Jesus was God's plan all along. If that's the case, shouldn't He be yours? Jesus should be our "duck tape." I mean we joke that duck tape is the solution to many of our problems, but in reality Jesus is the answer. Our problems seem to shrink we when we truly focus and think of Jesus. Our problems seem to fade when we consider those around us like Jesus considers them. Think about how you view your problems. Does your view include Christ, who is God's solution? Or does your view include yourself, which is lonely and discouraging?

This weeks details:

Scripture: Isaiah 7:14; 9:6; 11:1-5; Micah 5:2

Life Point: Jesus was God's plan all along.

How to Have a Happier Thanksgiving - FAMILY PLUS Children's

Each year we hope and long for a happier holiday time. As we approach the holidays we pray our kids don't fight and our family time is perfect...yet it can be far from that in reality. The idea of having a "better holiday" not a "perfect holiday" has been on my mind over the last month. How do we get at that? How do we set up kids up for success this holiday season? How do we set ourselves up for success? Yesterday I ran across the article below by a seasoned parent and pastor. I think you'll find his one suggestion helpful to create a successful holiday season.

"It was one of those moments I was so thankful for and at the same time kind of wish never happened—someone explained to me what the key to happiness is.

Surprisingly, it’s not
making more money
having everything go according to plan
living with your every need provided for

You would think all of that would make us thankful, but it rarely does. Rather than engender gratitude, it tends to only provide some acknowledgment that what we hoped would happen did happen. And then we hope for a little better next time. Gratitude rarely enters the picture.

So what’s the key to finding gratitude?

Low expectations.

The lower your expectations are, the happier you are with whatever you get.

If you come home one afternoon and expect the house to be perfect, you can have a melt down over three dishes left in the sink (well, at least some of us can given our wiring). Conversely, if you come home expecting the kitchen to be a complete disaster but your kids have emptied the dishwasher and set the table, you might actually be grateful for what they did despite the fact that the counter looks like a warzone. It’s all about expectations.

On a trip to Guatemala a few years ago, I was astounded by how grateful the kids were for even the smallest things we would bring with us. Our team brought out a soccer ball one night. The kids were almost delirious with joy. We played for hours and they would go on to play for days, weeks and months with it.

Back home I had at least three soccer balls in my overfilled garage. I’m not sure one of them ever produced a genuine smile on anyone’s face.

The only difference? The expectations of those involved.

Low expectations foster gratitude because they help us see everything that comes our way as a gift.

High expectations tend to suck the gratitude from us, because even when they are met, we tend to see what’s come to us as an entitlement.

Entitled people (and entitled kids) are never grateful.

So what do you feel entitled to?
A ‘perfect picture’ holiday dinner?
Kids who do everything as told when they are told?
Three football games in a row?
A Black Friday shopping spree with a minimum budget of ______?

Hang on to those expectations and you’re pretty much guaranteed a disappointing Thanksgiving. Release them, and you might be surprised.

By the way, this also works for Christmas. And your job. And your marriage. And life.

It’s also what allowed Paul to be in prison and sing songs of joy.

Lower expectations really are a key to gratitude.

What expectations have you lowered? How has that helped you?"

Carey Nieuwhof, Lead Pastor of Connexus Community Church

You can view the article at The Parent Cue.

A Stained Comforter - FAMILY PLUS Children's

On top of the beds in our home are these really thick, decorative, and warm covers called "comforters." Have you ever wondered why they call them comforters? It's a simple answer that, when one thinks for a second, becomes clear. That cover brings us comfort. We can pull a comforter up tight to our necks and quickly find ourselves warm, secure, and hopefully quickly off to sleep. 

After having 3 children, our comforter is not the same as it used to be. It's stained in places from spit up and has a sharpie mark on it. You could say it's no longer perfect...it's blemished...just like us. This week we're talking about how God can use the imperfect, blemished people in our life to bring us comfort. Ultimately, God is the source of comfort. He is the Comforter, and we can bring His comfort to those around us. 

One of my favorite things to do with kids is to literally roll them up into a human taco using a comforter or blanket. Once you roll them up tight you simply talk to them about comfort and how God comforts us, makes us feel secure and protects us.

This weeks details are:

Scripture: 1Kings 17:8-24

Life Point: God is the source of comfort and can use people to comfort others.

Making the Most of a Difficult Vacation - FAMILY PLUS Children's

When I was a kid (I had to be around 8 or 9 years old) we took a week long vacation to the Augusta, GA area. We stayed in the middle of no-where in a kind of "all inclusive" place. They had a pool, lake, hiking trails, putt-putt, and that's about it. So you can imagine that as kids my brothers and I got bored pretty quick. My parents made the best of it...we hiked a lot it seemed like. On the hikes my dad, a 4H leader and Agriculture teacher, began to teach us how to identify trees by their bark and leaves. All of the sudden as we were walking along dad would stop our pace to a halt to learn about a particular species of tree. After a while our family's sarcasm morphed this activity into a joke. My brother and I began to make fun of our dad. We would lead the hike and suddenly halt the pace as we yelled "IDENTIFY!" while pointing to a tree. Then we would make up random facts about the tree that we had no clue about. My mom and dad were laughing so hard they were in tears. We still talk about this when we get together. When we get together as a family this story will almost always come back up. 

The truth is all around us there are things God provides we don't know about or recognize. What we need is someone to come along and tell us to "IDENTIFY!" the individual trees in the forest of provision God has placed us in. Now that it's cold and your kids will be inside more, make the most of it. Have them make a list of all the things they can think of that God has provided for them. It won't take them 5 minutes before they're done. I bet there will be things on it that you haven't recognized yet. This activity is designed to help kids recognize and be thankful for what has been provided to them by God before we enter the holiday season.

This week's details:

Scripture: Genesis 50

Life Point: God gives you everything you need.

Apologizing to My Boss - FAMILY PLUS Children's

When our kids are little and they offend their sibling or another child, what do we make them do? We make them apologize and then hug the child, don't we? The ability to apologize and forgive is lost on so many in this generation.

I once apologized to a former boss for some anger I had because of a certain situation and instead of saying, "I accept your apology and you're forgiven." He blamed all the other individuals that surrounded the situation which caused my anger. The issue I cared about was not who was at fault. I needed to apologize for those undue feelings of anger I held. Confession and forgiveness are more than saying, "I'm sorry" and giving a short forced hug. They are more sincerely done when one person looks another in the eyes and communicates their convictions and passions to truly restore their relationship to a greater place. How are you teaching your kids to apologize and forgive? 

Your child will need to apologize this week to someone, so slow down and teach them how to do it appropriately. Teach them that asking for and receiving forgiveness is a true measure of being a mature adult in Christ. They need to be able to look someone in the eye, state a sincere apology, and be able to receive forgiveness. If they don't understand earthly forgiveness, how can they receive heavenly forgiveness?

This week's details:

Scripture: Gen 42-45

Life Point: We forgive others because God forgave us through Jesus.

One of My Biggest Regrets - FAMILY PLUS Children's

If you asked Katie and I what our biggest regret in life would be I bet we would both give an answer around the issue of money. Now we manage our money well and keep a very close watch on things...now. When we were first married we went through the school of hard knocks. We used to say, "I wish we hadn't gone out to eat so much," or "I wish we had saved our money." You know why? Because we want to do something with it. We want to do something besides buy stuff. One day, we want to give it away and serve people using it.

Jesus tells us that we can either serve money or serve God (Mt 6:24). Look a little closer at this verse. You can either serve money, which means you are focused on something small that is centered solely around you and your purposes. Or you can serve God, a King whose Kingdom is eternal, never to be defeated, and spans beyond the world to encompass all the known universe and the unknown. This is the same King that puts your interest in mind as He invites you to be an intimate part of your family.

I know what you're thinking if you actually read this far..."well since you put it that way, I only have one choice." The truth is your choice starts anew everyday and your kids are watching. You can either spend your time and money serving your world, which may I remind you is small and feeble, or you can serve in His world, which is beyond your capability to even comprehend. Let your kids see that you have what it takes to choose an abundant life, not a life of slavery (Jn 10:10).

This weeks details:

Scripture: Genesis 41

Life Point: God wants you to use money wisely.

I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry - FAMILY PLUS Children's

I've decided that without loneliness that Nashville wouldn't be the music capital that it is. There wouldn't be as many songs written like Hank Williams' "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry." The reason there are that many songs written about the topic is it is part of our nature to be together...with God and one another. That is why connect groups are so important for us to be apart of. 

We see loneliness in our kids. Every week or so Carter, our oldest, will lose track of myself or Katie in the house. What happens? He immediately panics, he starts yelling, and eventually he starts crying. The truth is he scared of being alone, and so are we. Just look around because everyone is trying to find someone to be with. Because loneliness is a bad thing. The truth is loneliness does not have to exist because "No matter what, God will never forget you."

Imagine if your children grew up believing this truth. What would their lives look like? Maybe they would spend every waking hour looking for someone to be with. Maybe they would be a little more confident and have more strength to embark out into the world. Maybe they wouldn't hesitate because they felt like they couldn't move forward without someone affirming their every move. Maybe they would tell a greater story...a story of peace found only in the One who never forgets them.

This weeks details are: 

Scripture: Gen 39:21- 40:23

Life Point: No matter what, God will never forget you.

Great Danes and Jesus - FAMILY PLUS Children's

When I was in high school a friend and I became stranded in the river after our boat motor quit. We were downstream and on the opposite side of the river from our truck. After a hilarious set of incidences, we rescued our boat, got ashore, and found a gentleman to drive us over to the other side of the river. A few days later God convicted my heart to go back to this man's home to thank him and share with him the truth of Jesus. I pulled up in the driveway with my heart pounding (nerves were getting the best of me). I got out of my truck and started walking to the porch with my head down focusing on the words God had laid upon my heart to share. About halfway to the porch I stopped when I realized a HUGE great dane had just stood up on the porch. I hesitated to see what the dog would do. Then I saw a second HUGE great dane stand up behind it and both began growling. At this point I knew this wasn't good. I immediately did the only thing I could do. I turn and ran back to my truck. I barely made it because when I shut the door and looked out my window I was face to face with one of the dogs whose breath was fogging up my glass. Soon after this the man came out and the dogs returned to normal; however, I was so shaken up by the incident I forgot to share with the man. That was whole reason I went there in the first place.

Just like when we run from danger, we should run from temptation and sin. Your challenge this week is to share a story like this from your life to your kids and simply explain that they should run from sin as fast as they can. 

This weeks details:

Scripture: Genesis 39

Life Point: Run from things that tempt you.

Egg Shells? - FAMILY PLUS Children's

Pain...it's a real thing to a child. Even pain caused by friends is real. I try to stay up to date on what's happening with our children developmentally and the trend I continue to be aware of is that children are becoming more aware of social pain at younger and younger ages. They understand that people can hurt them emotionally.

This is the truth we have to deal with daily. In your relationships you are aware of this. That's why you hate and avoid conflict or why you choose to "walk on egg shells" around certain people. You know that life situations put people on edge and that your actions/words can contribute to more social pain or create the initial social pain. We don't want to be a part of that for people. 

What we want to be a part of is the healing of pain. Unfortunately, you heal differently than I do. I may heal slower than you do. There is a common denominator to the healing process for all people...Jesus Christ. He is the healer, the medicine, the doctor, and the comforter. His way of healing is sufficient. He needs nothing else. So don't push people through their healing process; Point them to the correct way to heal. That's exactly what we will be doing in Kidstuf this week. May Christ heal us all!

This weeks details...

Scripture: Genesis 37

Life Point: People will sometimes hurt you, but Christ will never hurt you.

Talk to Yourself...Aloud - FAMILY PLUS Children's

When Katie and I were pregnant with our oldest a simple and powerful thing began to happen. We had a high strung dog that needed to get some energy out, and we had a great place to go for a walk. Every night after dinner we would head out for a 2 mile walk. We had different routes we would take, but the direction never mattered...the time mattered. During that time I would talk, and she would talk. I would listen, and she would listen. Those are some of my favorite memories and times we have had together over our 9 years. At the end of the day, I cherish time with her the most, especially now that life has gotten busier with more kids. 

I cherish my time like this with her, but I can easily fail to cherish my time like that with God. Since the WALK conference, I have taken Michael Kelley's suggestion to begin talking to myself just like Psalmists do. I wake up and tell my soul to get up and get moving. I tell my soul to stop doing things, and I tell my soul to start doing things. This kind of conversation with myself has led to a better conversation with God in prayer. Prayer is one of those things that I struggle with, but I know the times I spend a great deal in prayer I see the world as it should be seen...the way God sees it. So start talking to yourself aloud, and start talking to God more because this world needs people who see it as God sees it. 

This weeks details:

Scripture: Exodus 3-4, 17, 32, and 34

Life Point: God wants people to spend time in prayer with Him.

A 4yr Old and a Floor

I had an interesting experience this week with our 4 year old, Carter. On Tuesday night, Carter and I went with a connect group at church to go remove a hardwood floor and repair the subfloor for a family our church has been assisting. This was the final stage of preparation before a new floor could be laid. We jumped in and started removing the floor. As we began, the kids (all 6 of them) began hauling out the old floor. By the middle, they were the ones removing the floor and hauling it out in large part. It's like they took over where their parents had started. Even Carter got ahold of a hammer and a crowbar and removed his part. 

In the book Parenting Beyond Your Capacity, the authors drive home the fact that the most impactful thing you can help your child develop their faith is help them SERVE! Serving is more valuable than Bible study, worship, or anything else according to the study they reference in the book. In Kidstuf this Sunday, we will be talking about how your child can serve this week. Make sure you give them the chance too, especially if it's right beside you.

This weeks details:

Scripture: Deuteronomy 4-6

Life Point: God wants us to help and serve.

Why was I so dumb? - FAMILY PLUS Children's

I used to be really proud in certain areas of my life that surrounded the Church. I wouldn't let the Church be who the Church was called to be. This mostly reared it's ugly head in the form of not allowing others to serve me or my family. People would offer to help me out in various ways, from keeping our kids to helping me out on a project around the house. Bottom line: I wouldn't let them. 

I have changed my tune because I realized that God created the church in order that we can walk through life together...not alone...with help! I'm a fool for not accepting this fact earlier in my life!

This week's story is all about Moses relationship with the Pharaoh of Egypt and his daughter, who happens to rescue Moses from inevitable death. If God didn't use people in our life where would we turn when life crashes down on us? Your challenge this week is to talk to your kids about a family who may have a need then come up with a way together to go meet that need.

This week's details:

Scripture: Exodus 5-12

Life Point: God has a plan for the lives of His people.

You look weird! - FAMILY PLUS Children's

We are starting up a new 6 week series with your kids on Sunday morning. It's all about "connecting with God" and having a closer relationship with him. As the adults go through the WALK series the kids will be complementing with this series. 

This week is all about how God thinks we are all important and how much He loves us. We'll be teaching this truth by using the story of Moses birth. It'll be a fun chance to jump in and talk about the differences between Egyptians and Israelites. Even though they are different, God gave them both a chance. 

This week I want you to point out someone that is different than your child and talk about them. It won't be that hard to find that person just open your eyes. Talk about them with your child in the sense of even though they've chosen different things and a different way of looking, God loves them!

This weeks details:

Scripture: Exodus 1-2

Life Point: God loves all people and thinks they are important.

Camp Update #3

Today was the final day of camp. It has been a great last day! The weather was awesome and the kids asked some of the most incredible questions today during our Bible Study time. I'm talking about really thoughtful and hard questions to answer. Don't ever hesitate to challenge your kids spiritually! I literally fielded difficult theological questions for 20 minutes straight. Your kids want to know all about God.

Tonight's fun was the talent show. The kids always have fun doing this, and we really enjoy watching them perform their talents and crazy creative acts. As you can tell you will be getting some exhausted kids back tomorrow. I need to go make sure the kids are cleaning the cabins up, so I better go check on things.

See you guys tomorrow around 11:30am. 

Camp Update #2

Here is an update of photos from yesterday. We had a touch of rain last night that made us go to the cabins an hour early, but our water games, cookout, and worship were still on. As a camp we had several decisions made this last night! I wish you could hear these kids sing praises to our God. It is powerful to watch them worship!

 Hope you enjoy the photos. As long as everything goes smoothly I will post again tonight before we leave tomorrow.

Don't forget that the approximate arrival time is 11:30am tomorrow at church. We will have the kids call you when we get on the road. 

Camp Update #1

Hey parents!

I know you've been waiting anxiously on some photos from camp so here they are! Your kids have been amazing and we have had a wonderful time. Just this evening we celebrated that 2 from our group have confessed their faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior of their life!

Today we've been in Bible Study, Worship, Track Times, Swam, Canoed, Fished, Played on the Slip and Slide and much much more. It is very hot but we're keeping your kids hydrated.

Since I've found an Internet connection now I will try to post some tomorrow evening too. Check back in tomorrow night!

Sunday and Camp Next Week - FAMILY PLUS Children's

Has it ever been hard to hope. I mean have you ever been "hopeless." Sometimes when we are left to stew over certain issues in our minds we begin to feel hopeless. And the truth is we are hopeless if Jesus Christ didn't come into the picture. Just ask Paul. 

I love the picture of how Paul encountered Christ in Acts 9. 1) He was blinded because He, a sinner, saw a holy God. 2) Then a while later, the old fell away. In other words, something like scales fell from his eyes. 3) He was given new eyes to see the world with. These new eyes were eyes of hope. Eyes that saw the world and considered everything they saw in light of the truth that Christ had risen from the dead. 

Admittedly so, this is easier said than done, but take the challenge to slow down your life and thought process this week to consider every thing and person you encounter through the truth that Christ has indeed risen from the dead. If you have a 3rd-5th grader going to camp with us next week, this is the exact thing we will be covering with your kids. Pray over your kids as they encounter God in hearing about the life of Paul.

The details for this week are:

Scripture: Acts 9:19-31

Life Point: God makes all things new...even you.

Clean Water and Righteousness - FAMILY PLUS Children's

This week your children will be told the story of  Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from Daniel chapter three. They will be learning that God is righteous because he always does the right thing. In addition, we will teach them that the only way for each of us to be righteous is through the power of Jesus Christ and the relationship that we can come to have with him. They will learn that even though we may do right sometimes, none of us are perfect in doing right all the time and that’s why we need a relationship with Christ.

Being Righteous is defined as being moral, honest, and right in what a person does. So, here is a possible activity to explain being righteous to your kids. You can set out two clear containers of water, and have some food coloring and possibly dirt or something extra to darken the water set out to the side. Keep one container of water clean and slowly mix food coloring and the dirt into the other. While you are doing this, you can explain how this water isn’t righteous since it doesn’t look like water, is unclean, and in general just isn’t right to be water. Then you can explain that the clean/pure water is righteous because it’s truly clean and right to be called water.

This week’s details:

Scripture: Daniel 3

Life Point: God is righteous

**This week's F+ is written by one of our church interns, Bobby Davidson. 

Jared Norris

Children's Minister

The Glade Church

A Different Schedule This Week! - FAMILY PLUS Children's

Have you ever known anyone to be sick...real sick? I mean so sick that there is literally nothing you can do or any doctor can do to make them better. Of course you probably know someone like this. In fact, I bet you are so sick that you can't fix yourself. You're spiritually sick due to the sin in your life. Your sin and other's sin...well, just sin in the world is the thing that keeps you from living the kind of life that God originally intended for you to live. 

Who then can fix it? Not you, not me, but only Jesus Christ!

Scripture: 2 Kings 5:1-17

Life Point: God is our healer!

This is exactly what we will cover this Sunday in Kidstuf and this Sunday looks a little different. Don't forget it's Father's Day and a different schedule! 

8:30 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. - Breakfast & Activities

Family Breakfast in Fellowship Hall 
($5 per family)

“Hands-on Family Workshop” 
under the big tent

Automotive Ministry and Faith Riders 
classic car, truck, and motorcycle show 

Tours of the Automotive Ministry

10:30 a.m. - One Worship Service 

WeeCare & WeeWorship for babies-K

Kidstuff worship for 1st-5th grade (upstairs in the "Big Back Yard")

All men's choir and praise team

Message for families from 1 Corinthians 13

Wholly Holy - FAMILY PLUS Children's

"God is..."

This is the beginning of a sentence that could be answered in infinite ways. In fact, I'm convinced that all the languages of the world do not have enough words to exhaustively define God. Over the next few weeks we will focus on the most simple and profound ways to finish that sentence. This week we are learning that "God is holy." 

In the life of your child (and every believer) understanding this truth is critical. Follow me for a second, if you don't understand that God is holy you don't know that you are not. If you don't know you are not holy then you don't realize that you are a sinner that needs help. If you don't realize you are a sinner that needs help you don't look for help. If you don't look for help, you'll never find Jesus. 

This week try to create wonder in your kids heart about how holy God is. Think about how perfectly he made the world. How all of the world works together to sustain life...from rain, to gravity, to the sun. Think about how he sacrificed so much (His son, Jesus) to chase you down to have you enter into his family and home that He is preparing. Get excited about God to help illustrate this truth! Without a holy God you/we have no hope! Reading Psalm 24 may help you out. 

This week's details:

Scripture: Isaiah 6-7

Life Point: God is holy!

Extra Miles, Daily Logistics, & Extra Children - FAMILY PLUS Children's

This week is all about sharing the hope of Jesus with everyone. As you guys know we have a huge event coming up for your kids that will do this...Summer Jam. We plan, sweat and provide an entire week around sharing the hope of Jesus with all the kids who will be here. So that leads me to how we can provide hope in people's lives. I want you to challenge your kids to invite 1 friend with them to Summer Jam. I know what you're thinking. That means you have to drive extra miles, figure out daily logistics, or maybe have that child spend the night a couple nights, but this is a way you can help show that Christ is our only hope! Now the only question is "who can your child invite?"

The details for this week are:

Scripture:  Acts 3:1–4:21

Life Point: Share the hope of Jesus with everyone.

Restored and Forgiven - FAMILY PLUS Children's

Have you ever messed up and then promised you'd never do it again only to eventually repeat that same action later? Sometimes we intentionally do this and sometimes we don't. Paul, an apostle of Jesus, mentions this very thing in Romans 7:18-20. Unfortunately, I do this all the time with how I value things. For instance, I can value food over almost anything. I make a promise that I won't let food control my actions; however, I end up failing at that task. Honestly, food can come between my relationship with Jesus just like anything else. I'm sure it's probably something different in your life.

At the end of the day, I/you fail over and over again just like Peter when he denied he knew Jesus 3 times. At the end of John's Gospel he makes a clear point to show that even though Peter failed at keeping Christ the center of his life, Christ restored and forgave him. That's what keeps me going! I'll never get it right all the time. I'll try but that's why I'm grateful that my forgiveness has nothing to do with my actions, it has everything to do with Jesus'. 

This week we will be talking about this very point with the kids. Here are the details we will cover:

Scripture: John 18:15-18;25-27; 21:15-19

Life Point: Jesus will give people hope even when they mess up.

It is finished...almost - FAMILY PLUS Children's

I know its been a while since we've updated you on the clubhouse and playhouse, so I wanted to share how well the kids have done with this project. In the 2 months we've been working on this, they've completely built the clubhouse and playhouse. All that is left is the small details of painting the castle playhouse and delivering each of them. 

I'm so proud of your kids. They really showed off the skills God gave them. No matter what age served they were able to carry their weight. Below you'll see a photo of the 5th grade girls sitting on the playhouse after they completed the roof Wednesday night. 

Don't forget that this whole project started as an illustration of what we can accomplish when we all work together toward the same common goal for God. 

The details this week:

Scripture:  Psalm 138

Life Point: People should thank God for hope.

Is this dumb? - FAMILY PLUS Children's

Have you ever done something really dumb and needed to apologize for it? Of course you have! It probably went something like this...

- You did something dumb!

- You realized you did something dumb!

- You saw the consequences of the dumb thing!

- You felt sick to your stomach because of the the dumb thing!

- You went to apologize for the dumb thing!

- You felt better about the dumb thing!

- Occasionally you think about the dumb thing you did and cringe because it was so dumb.

I think it's fair to say we've all experienced this or something similar to it. (I have several stories I could insert here) What makes us move past something like this? Forgiveness. This week we're going to be talking about the hope of forgiveness with your kids. Knowing when we do something wrong that God is there to forgive us.

Here are the details...

Scripture: Luke 15:11-32

Life Application: People can have hope that God forgives.

A 4-letter word your kids should use! - FAMILY PLUS Children's

Hope...it's word your kids hear and use in a lot of ways. Most of the time the "hope" we show is an expression for a simple desire to happen. "I hope you have a good day." "I hope I get that for Christmas." This kind of hope is fun and playful; however, it doesn't get at the deeper stuff in life. What do your kids "hope" for? Seriously, do you know?

I bet your kids have some deep desires that your may not know about. I know I didn't tell my parents everything, and I know you didn't either. Think about your conversational life with your kids. Does it even exist? If you want a great way to uncover some things in your kids life, our new generations team has crafted a strategic way we learn about kids on some of the mission trips we lead.

Here is how it works...

Make a game out of asking questions. Ask silly questions like, "what's your favorite super hero?" "If you could have a superpower what would you choose?" Let your kids ask you questions too. Then as the game progresses throw in some serious questions about their life. By starting with and having fun with the silly questions you remove the barriers and hesitations your kids have with communicating with you. 

Oh and take them for a long drive...it removes all the other distractions that keep them from paying attention...usually.

This weeks details:

Scripture: Matthew 8:1-13

Life Point: Jesus desires to give you hope.

Memory Verse: “He was handed over to die because of our sins, and He was raised to life to make us right with God.” - Romans 4:25

What's the Point? - FAMILY PLUS Children's

This past Wednesday we started our work on the treehouse with the older boys. As the weeks go along we will be rotating different grades in to get their chance to work on the projects. 

 

This Sunday, we will be sending something home with your kids so that they have the opportunity to recommend families they know may benefit from a treehouse or playhouse. Whether we choose the family your child recommends is not the point, the point is that your child begins to think about others around them that may have needs. Those recommendations will need to be in by April 13th. There will be a designated box near the doors of the Big Backyard for those recommendations to go in.My hope is that this very simple exercise will provide a great basis for discussion between you and your child. 

Make sure your child brings a card home this Sunday!

The details of this week...

Scripture: Exodus 31 - Moses Rested

Memory Verse: "Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established." - Proverbs 16:3

Life Application: God wants his people to rest.

Jared Norris

Children's Minister

The Glade Church

I've Seen Fire and I've Seen...Cloud? - FAMILY PLUS Children's

This week we learn about how Israel is going to build God's Tabernacle. They have a plan, they have collected all the materials, and now they are in process of fulfilling His command to build the Tabernacle. 

Actually we won't focus as much on the building of the Tabernacle as we will on what happens once the Tabernacle is complete. God moves into the Tabernacle and begins to lead Israel in a real and tangible way. They literally see God as a cloud during the day and as fire during the night as He covers the Tabernacle.

Have you ever encountered God in a real way after you made a conscious choice to obey Him? Maybe it was after you said "yes" to go on that mission trip or serve in that role. I have! 

My challenge to us this week is that we would make a conscious choice to lead our family in inviting those around us to Easter at the Glade. We have cards for adults and for kids to use to make the invite. I found myself trying to invite someone the other day and I had forgotten the cards, which make it so much easier to explain. Don't forget to pick up some in the foyer at church this weekend.

This weeks details:

Scripture: Exodus 39:32-40:38

Life Point: God's people can work together for His glory.

Memory Verse: "Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established." Proverbs 16:3

Also, don't forget that we are still collecting money for supplies to build our Club House and Play House to be given away! We are almost halfway there to our goal of $500.

Jared Norris

Children's Minister

The Glade Church

We toured the Tabernacle - FAMILY PLUS Children's

The lesson this past Sunday morning was all about investing your life into what God has called you to do. In Exodus 36 God called several key craftsmen in Israel to begin construction of the Tabernacle based upon the plan God had given them. Those craftsmen took the sacrificial gifts Israel had given them and did with them exactly what God called them to do.

Today we took a tour of what the Tabernacle looked like. We saw the curtains, tent poles, walls covered with gold, and much more. Sit down with your kids and ask them what they saw. After that ask them why God even wanted to build the Tabernacle? 

God wanted to build the Tabernacle because he wanted to be with his people, just like he originally created the world. When the world was created he dwelled amongst Adam and Eve...He walked with them and knew them in a different way. For us, God sent His Son to make sure He could be with us forever.

This week's details:

Scripture: Exodus 36

Memory Verse: “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established." - Proverbs 16:3

Life Application: God gave is Son to live with us forever.

Go Look Through Your Stuff - FAMILY PLUS Children's

Today in Kidstuf was all about giving. It was about coming together as a community of people working toward the same goal and giving together to get to that goal. 

When Moses was instructed by God to build the Tabernacle so God could dwell among His people, he needed materials. So Moses asked his people and they responded. Moses tells us in Exodus 35 that all of Israel went and searched through their belongings to bring the materials that were needed to create God's dwelling place, the Tabernacle. 

This is where the Club House and Play House come in! We know we need lots of materials to construct these two gifts. It's going to take the entire Children's Ministry working together to collect everything we need. We know we need about $500 to purchase all the materials needed. So don't forget that your kids can give in the offering machine just inside the doors of the Big Backyard.

Bottom line...our plans for the Club House and Play House are an example of exactly what's happening in Moses' account of giving for the Tabernacle. 

This week's details are...

Scripture: Exodus 35

Life Application: God gives people what they need. 

Memory Verse: “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” - Proverbs 16:3

Jared Norris

Children's Ministry

The Glade Church

Blueprints and Building - FAMILY PLUS Children's

This week is all about how the work God has for us always has purpose!

Last week we introduced to your kids the idea and plan for how we were going to build a treehouse and playhouse to be given away to 2 families in the community. We continue that plan to the 2nd stage this week...we give purpose to the work, and start the next phase of preparing the kids and project. 

This Sunday your kids will see a design that includes their ideas for the treehouse and playhouse. These 2 drawings will be our "blueprints" for the build. Also, this will be the 1st week your kids have the opportunity to give their money toward this project. We are going to need $500 to make this happen. As always your kids can give their gifts in our "offering machine" located just inside the door to the Big Backyard. Give them the chance to choose what they want to give from their piggy bank! Let them consider how God wants them to engage this work.

Also, this week we start laying the groundwork for the spiritual side of this project...we start praying for the families that will get these 2 gifts, even though we don't know who they are yet. Just so you know we will be working with local schools to pinpoint the 2 families who will receive these gifts.

The details of this week are:

Scripture: Genesis 6:5-9:17 - Noah

Life Point: God's work always has a purpose.

Memory Verse: "Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established." Proverbs 16:3

Jared Norris

Children's Minister

The Glade Church

Big Announcement about the Next 6 Weeks! - FAMILY PLUS Children's

Something big is coming to the Children's Ministry the next 6 weeks! Your kids are going to have the opportunity to work on and build a tree house and a play house to be given away to a boy and a girl in the community.

 

Yesterday we completely changed the look of the Big Backyard in order to house the materials to construct the tree house and play house. Your kids will be involved in several different ways: 

1) They will help design the tree house and play house.

2) They will pray for those receiving the tree house and play house.

3) They will give money to be able to buy the materials (We're estimating $500). This is a great chance to teach your kids to give and sacrifice.

4) They will actually spend part of their time on Wednesday nights building the tree house and play house.

For the next 6 weeks leading up to Easter we will be preparing and building these 2 gifts. On Sunday mornings we will teach on working hard and serving God. On Wednesday nights your kids will get the chance to rotate in and have turns building and preparing the tree house and play house to be given away. We will actually do all the building in the Big Backyard so your kids will get to keep an eye on the progress.

Once the tree house and play house have been completed, they will be loaded up on trailers and delivered to needy families in the area. 

This is going to be a really fun 6 weeks! Make sure you don't miss anything!

This Sunday's details are:

Scripture: Gen 2:4-24 - The First Workers

Life Point: God told humankind to work hard and care for the earth.

Memory Verse: "Commit your work to the Lord and your plans will be established." Proverbs 16:3

Jared Norris 

Children's Minister

The Glade Church

The Perfect Parent has Disobedient Children - FAMILY PLUS Children's

This week in Kidstuf your kids are going to hear the all to familiar story...Adam and Eve sin against God. Of course their actions effect the rest of the human story in what seemed to be an irreversible way, until Christ Jesus was born. This is what we'll focus on with your kids this Sunday.

For us as parents what does this mean? Last Wednesday night in the adult group that Katie and I lead we talked about this very thing. I found this to be very encouraging...God, who is perfect, was the Father of 2 sinful children, Adam and Eve. At first glance, this shows God's love for us, His creation. But at another level, we see that even a perfect parent has sinful children. We talked about a lot of things Wednesday Night, but in the end we ended with the fact that God is not asking us for perfection as parents; He is asking us to love Him with all that we have, so our kids can learn from our love.

This weeks details:

Scripture: Genesis 3

Memory Verse: "If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth." 1 John 1:8

Life Application: All people sin.

Everything from Nothing - FAMILY PLUS Children's

This Sunday we're going to be handling a familiar topic with your kids, but we're going to challenge their minds by thinking about it in a slightly different way. This Sunday will be about answering the question, "How did God create the world?"

In short, He started with nothing and then created everything with just the power of His voice. So that's what we're going to do on Sunday. I'm going to call a kid on stage give them Play-doh and ask them to create something for me. Of course, they will be able to complete this task. Then I'm going to call a kid on stage, give them absolutely nothing, and ask them to create something for me. Obviously, the child will not be able to perform the task and it will immediately differentiate human power from God's power. Prayerfully, this will help the kids see the magnitude of what God did with nothing...He made everything!

Here are the details:

Scripture: Genesis 1:1-2:3

Memory Verse: “If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and 

not living in the truth.” 1 John 1:8

Life Point: God created everything from nothing!

Jared Norris

Children's Minister

The Glade Church

"The Bible isn't a book of rules..." - FAMILY PLUS Children's

This week is all about the foundation of our truth in God...it's about the Bible. We're going to be talking about "Who wrote the Bible?" and "Why they wrote it?" I want to share a simple quote that will give you the direction we're going this week. It's from the Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd Jones.

"No, the Bible isn’t a book of rules, or a book of heroes. The Bible is most of all a story. It’s an adventure story about a young Hero who comes from a far country to win back his lost treasure. It’s a love story about a brave Prince who leaves his palace, his throne - everything - to rescue the ones he loves. It’s like the most wonderful of fairy tales that has come true in real life!

It takes the whole Bible to tell this story. And at the center of the story, there is a baby. Every story in the Bible whispers his name. He is like the missing piece in the puzzle - the piece that makes all the other pieces fit together, and suddenly you can see a beautiful picture."

This week we will not only talk about the Bible, but the central story of Scripture: Christ and His salvation!

The details this week are:

Scripture: Jeremiah 36

Memory Verse: If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth.” 1 John 1:8

Life Point: The Bible was inspired by the Holy Spirit to tell the story of Jesus.

Jared Norris

Children's Minister

The Glade Church