Friendship with Jesus

Children in the toddler to kindergarten age usually don’t understand terms like “Savior,” “Redeemer,” and “Lamb of God” – terms that are often used to describe Jesus. Other concepts such as death and resurrection are too abstract for youngsters to grasp.
To describe a relationship with God in child-friendly language, few words may be as good as “friend.” Children are familiar and comfortable with the concept. They’re starting to form their own friendships and know how it feels to have and be a friend.

When sharing Jesus with your child, try this approach:

Talk to children about their friends.
Have kids talk about their friends’ special traits. Ask what they like to play with each individual and why their friends are important to them.

Brainstorm the qualities of good friends.
Ask children what good friends do and how they act. Discuss what makes someone your best friend. Ask older children what they’re willing – and unwilling – to do for their friends.

Share the good news that Jesus is the perfect friend.
Children learn pretty early that friends can let them down. Remind your kids that God’s Son, Jesus, loves them and wants a relationship with them. Jesus is the best friend we’ll ever have.

Grappling With Authority part 2

This week's Grapple question is:
When Do I Get To Be The Boss?

Kids Learn:
Serving Leads To Leadership

Dig Into The Bible:
1Samuel 17:32-37, 18:5-9
Luke 22:24-27
John 13:1-17
1Timothy 4:12

This week, share with your children some funny stories about your earliest jobs. Did you flip burgers, deliver pizzas, or mow lawns? Explain to your preteen that nobody gets to start out as the CEO. Discuss ways you've grown in yhour career and explain how being a servant has enabled you to do more. Talk with your child about how you've seen serving lead to leadership.

No Room At The Inn?

Since we have moved back into this building, we have seen an unusual number of visitors to New Life. This is a huge answer to prayer! Let's take the time to thank God in all our prayers for all the ways He is working in His church.

Speaking of prayers :) .....
Last Sunday, we had to turn away two families from KidzLife because of the large number of children in the infant/toddler ages. We have the room, but couldn't meet the child to adult ratio needed for a safe environment.
Please join us in praying that God will provide all the volunteers we need to respond to the growing number of children coming to our church.

Grappling With Authority

Grapple is the name of the curriculum we use for 5/6 grade students. Each week they "grapple" with a Biblical truth and the way it connects to real life.

Here's this week's connection:

Grapple Question:
Why do so many people boss me around?
Students Learn:
God puts people in charge.
Dig Into The Bible:
Romans 13:1-5
1Peter 2:13-17

Has your child ever seen you after a bad day with the boss, or after you received a speeding ticket? How do you respond to those in authority over you?
Help your child understand that even adults have to obey people who are in charge! Set an example for your child of respecting those whom God has put in authority. In your own home, work with your child to come up with a few rules that you both find fair - that way your child can feel some ownership in the rules and wont feel so bossed around.