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Mom Guilt

 Devotional, Family, Parents  No Responses »
Apr 102013
 

I haven’t been a mom for very long. Not even for a year, actually. But 10 months has given me plenty of time to experience Mom Guilt. Perhaps you’ve heard of this phenomenon. No matter how much you do in a day, there is almost always something to feel guilty about. If my child is clothed, fed, and well loved, then I probably feel a bit guilty that I’m in sweatpants at 6:00 p.m. and just ordered pizza because I forgot to get groceries. If I’ve managed to workout, shower, AND put on make up, then I probably feel a bit guilty that my husband watched our son for a couple of hours so I could have a break. I could go on but you get the idea.

There is something in our culture telling moms that we can do it all. All you have to do is open the latest issue of Real Simple, visit Facebook, or open Pinterest and you’ll understand why. We are bombarded with recipes, projects, ideas, and philosophies every day that tell us that we can, and should, accomplish all of these.

I came across this blog post by Stephen Altrogge a few months ago and it spoke to the internal struggle I was facing every day. The title is blunt, “Dear Moms, Jesus Wants You to Chill Out”. I laughed when I saw it, but I knew it was true before I even read it. I encourage you to read his post because Altrogge says it better than I can explain or summarize. He points out that the Internet has given moms quite a few reasons to “freak out” about being failures. The only real, Biblical job description we have as moms is to love God, love our husbands (unless you’re a single mom, of course), and love our kids. The way we do these three things is going to look different for each and every person.

I was thankful for this reminder when I read Altrogge’s post, and I’m still thankful for it today. But the truth is that I fail at my Biblical job description everyday. I will never love God enough, my husband perfectly, or my child correctly. But that’s okay because Christ does all those things for me. I am free to fail in both my daily to-do list and my imperfect, selfishly tainted love for God and my family. My daily identity for success in whatever I’m supposed to be doing is Jesus Christ. So yes, I do need to reign in the mom guilt in which I tend to wallow. And yes, I do need to chill out. But ultimately, I need to be resting more in the grace of Christ.

Easter and the Old Testament

 Devotional, Easter  No Responses »
Mar 132013
 

This year I decided to read through the Bible in chronological order. It is something I always wanted to do, and even though it is a challenge, I am enjoying the new perspective it gives me. The one thing I didn’t think about with my Bible reading plan is Easter. As I think about preparing my heart and my home to remember the death of Christ and celebrate his resurrection, I am reading about the Israelite’s Exodus from Egypt and their wandering in the desert. Maybe I should, but I don’t naturally make the connection between that at the cross. Then I remembered The Jesus Storybook Bible.  What I love about this book is that it points to Christ at the end of every story. The Bible points us to Christ over and over again, but sometimes making the connection isn’t a simple process. The Jesus Storybook Bible is a great reminder that everything in life points to Christ. So as I plow through the details of the tabernacle construction in Exodus, or the laws for cleanliness in Leviticus, I know that what I’m reading isn’t just a (sometimes boring) history lesson.

This morning as I finished the book of Numbers I decided to crack open my son’s copy of The Jesus Storybook Bible and re-read some of what I’ve been reading so far this year. I settled on “Ten Ways to be Perfect”. It re-tells the story of Moses and the Ten Commandments from Exodus 16-17 and 19-40. It ends with Moses presenting the Ten Commandments to the Israelites and what, I think, is a perfect illustration of my heart:

“God promises to always look after you,” Moses said. “Will you love him and keep these rules?”

“We can do it! Yes! We promise!”

But they were wrong. They couldn’t do it. No matter how hard they tried, they could never keep God’s Rules all the time. God knew they couldn’t. And he wanted them to know it, too. Only one Person could keep all the rules. And many years later God would send him—to stand in their place and be perfect for them. Because the rules couldn’t save them. Only God could save them.

                                                                        The Jesus Storybook Bible 106,107

The Israelites followed God through the desert in hopes of one day reaching the Promise Land. And, one day, they did. They believed that one day a King would come to save them. And, one day, He did. And because of these things I know that I am forgiven and that one day I will live forever in heaven with Christ. Heaven is our Promise Land and our forever home. So this Easter as I continue to read about the Israelites I am excited for my renewed perspective on their journey and a new way to remember Christ’s death and resurrection.

The Prayer and Cry of a New Mom

 Devotional, Family, Little Ones, Parents, prayer, Reflection  No Responses »
Feb 272013
 

On June 8, 2012 at 3:30 a.m. my husband and I welcomed our first child, David Henry, into the world. We were overwhelmed with joy. His birth didn’t go as planned, but he was healthy and we were thrilled to meet him. You only have to be a parent for an hour or two to realize that nothing really goes as planned. In fact, I can safely say that almost nothing went as planned for the rest of 2012. And I’ll bet that nothing in 2013 will go as planned either. I make schedules. I make plans. But somehow God gave me a baby who doesn’t fit seamlessly into my iCal. Sweet Henry pays no attention to my plans. I remember rocking (and rocking and rocking) Henry to sleep in the wee hours of the morning during the first few months. I was exhausted and clueless. I was experiencing what every parent told me I would experience, but it still seemed so unexpected. I would cry (literally) out to God, “Please! Let Henry sleep. Let me sleep. Let him stop crying, even for 10 minutes. I will take 10 minutes. Please!” And God answered my prayers with continued cries from my newborn and weeks of sleepless nights. At the time it didn’t seem like an answer at all. It seemed so hard and so long. But I kept praying, not necessarily because of my great faith, but because, in those first few months, it seemed like it was all I could do.

So here I am, eight months into motherhood. Henry sleeps more and cries less, and I will never take that for granted! But last week I had one of those situations where you go to change a diaper and it turns into a bath for the baby and a change of clothes for you. I’ll spare you the details, but I will say that it changed the course of my afternoon and kept me from doing a few things I had hoped to do. I was disappointed and exhausted. I texted a close friend and mentor to let her know why I wouldn’t be coming over and her response was, “I have been there. When you find yourself praying through those situations instead of cursing, you’ll know you have arrived. And for the record, I’m not there yet either.” That text got me thinking about how I respond to all situations in my life, in parenting, in my marriage, in my relationships with others, and in my relationship with God. Am I praying through the hard things like I prayed through those sleepless nights? Am I praying through a disagreement with my husband? Am I praying through my finances? I want my heart to be praying through all things as Paul prays for spiritual strength for the Ephesians:

For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be the glory in the church and in Chris Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

                                                                                    Ephesians 3:14-21

I am not praying through every situation in my life as I should, but I want to cling to God’s promises and take advantage of the privilege of prayer. I want the glory to go to Christ, regardless of the outcome. I am making this my daily prayer for myself, for my husband, and for my son. Just because I am sleeping or just because I have a happy baby does not diminish my need for constant prayer. I am thankful for a God to invites us to come to him with all things, now I must pray for a heart that does.

Crossing Kids: Sunday, June 3, 2012

 5th Grade, Elementary, Family, Little Ones, Music, Parents, Preschool, Reading, Summer, Sunday Morning, Videos  No Responses »
Jun 032012
 

Little Ones

Monthly Topic:  “G” is for Glorious’

Big Idea: Heaven is Glorious, just like God is!

Memory Verse: “It is written, ‘No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has known, what God has prepared for those who love Him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9

Bible Story Focus: What is heaven like? | John 14:1-3, Revelation 21:3-4, Revelation 21:18-19

Lesson summary: In this lesson, kids will have a chance to learn about a wonderful

place God is preparing for His believers called heaven. They will

learn what heaven will be like and how we get there.

Monthly Songs: 

Like His Love by Crossing Music

Unimaginable by Crossing Music

 

Preschool

Monthly Topic:  “G” is for Glorious

Big Idea: God has prepared a forever home in heaven for those who trust in

Him, and it is Glorious, just like He is.

Memory Verse: “It is written, ‘No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has known, what God has prepared for those who love Him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9

Bible Story Focus: God has prepared a forever home, called heave, for those who trust in him | John 14:1-3, Revelation 21:3-4, Revelation 21:18-29

Dinner Table Discussion

Discuss the following questions as a family during dinner this week. They’re meant

to prompt further conversation about what was experienced on Sunday morning.

I Wonder Questions:

I wonder…what is heaven?

Heaven is a glorious place that God is preparing for everyone who loves him.

I wonder…who is preparing heaven for us?

God is preparing heaven for us.

I wonder…what will heaven be like?

No one knows exactly what heaven will be like but God tells us in His word that it will

be glorious. There will be no tears and the streets will be made of gold.

You can talk more as a family about what heaven might be like.

Monthly Songs: 

Like His Love by Crossing Music

Unimaginable by Crossing Music

Check out this week’s Story Street video blog here!

 

Kindergarten – 4th Grade

Echoes of Eden: Week 1

JUNE MEMORY VERSE

“He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also given men a sense of what he’s been doing down through the ages. But they can’t completely figure out what he’s done from the beginning to the end.” Ecclesiastes 3:11

OVERVIEW

In this unit, children will examine the way The Gospel helps us to make sense of all of life—including art. Together we will enjoy high quality children’s literature, search for places where the beauty of the Gospel intersects and points to the greatest story of all, and discover how to engage with our culture in winsome ways.

OBJECTIVES

Children will learn:

*       That all great art contains an echo of Eden—memories of a good creation, the tragedy of our current condition, and a longing for redemption and restoration.

*       How to use quality literature to notice Gospel themes, find common ground with others, and discuss these truths in winsome ways.

*       To enjoy literature, engage in culture, and understand what it means to be created in the image of a creative God.

*       To learn how to “hunt and gather truth” in a variety of contexts.

*       The Gospel is not just for saving souls, but reaching and redeeming all of creation.

JUNE 3

The Other Side by Jacqueline Woodsen

Book Summary: Two little girls strike up a friendship even though they live on opposite sides of a fence. Though they are divided in many ways, they get around the rules by sitting on top of the fence together. The end of the book points us to the hope of Christ knocking down all fences and restoring our broken world.

Key Concept: Jesus will restore our broken world.

Lesson Verse: Ephesians 2:14-15a “For He himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands.”

 

5th Grade

Grapple Question: Will God Make Me a “Jesus Freak”?

Kids Learn: Conforming to the Image of Christ

Dig Into the Bible: Romans 12:1-2; 1 Corinthians 11:1; 1 Peter 2:1-3

Preteens just want to fit in, so the thought of being set apart as a “Jesus freak” is scary! Being like Jesus doesn’t make your child a freak, but it does make him or her different. God can give your child courage to be proud of those differences. Tell your child about a time you took a stand for something you felt strongly about—maybe a co-worker asked why you pray before lunch, or you debated your view of God with a relative. Knowing that you made it through that tough time—even when it made you different from others—will help your child stay firmly rooted next time his or her faith is tested.

And Then the Mice Came

 Devotional, Reflection  1 Response »
May 222012
 

I thrive in organization. I love systems, spreadsheets, and my iCal. There is nothing sweeter to me than falling asleep in a clean house in a bed with clean sheets. But if you are like me (or live with someone like me) you probably know that order and cleanliness can go to your head pretty quickly. It starts with a clean house and an empty inbox, and suddenly it seems like anything is possible. I don’t need help from anyone! I’ve got this under control! And sometimes, God reminds you that none of this is true.

In the past two weeks, God has reminded me through very specific circumstances that I am in no way in control of my life. I’m currently 37 weeks pregnant and trying to finish up my job of 3 years and get my house ready for a baby. Two Mondays ago my husband, David, fell during a game of ultimate frisbee and tore his ACL. We’ve scheduled surgery for late July, but I’ll let you imagine what it looks like to have an 8-month pregnant woman assisting a man on crutches. (He would want you to know that he is no longer on crutches and that he didn’t need that much help.)

Three days after the ACL tear we rearranged our house (including the living room, guest room, and baby room) into the recording studio The Crossing Music has been using for the past year and a half to record all songs. David and the team spent 3 days recording this year’s Kids Club song. I left town for recording to avoid the chaos and to be able to make noise.

Two hours after recording ended and one hour after I arrived home we had house guests arrive for the weekend. So David limped around the house to move recording gear out of the way while I waddled around to get clean sheets on the bed and clean the kitchen. When the guests arrived on Saturday night, the week was over. I breathed a sigh of relief at being able to juggle it all. Cared for an injured husband, got the house turned into a studio and back again, made it to and from St. Louis in 24 hours, and got the house ready for guests. Everything was under control!

And then the mice came. The MICE. Seven days after the ACL tear, 24 hours after the house was a recording studio, 23 hours after I got home from a trip, and about 22 hours into having house guests I discovered that we had mice in the living room. But they didn’t stop there. They lived in the kitchen. The lived in the laundry room. They occasionally visited our bedroom. And that was it. That was my breaking point. For almost a week I had held it together (or so I thought) with my super-organizational powers. And in one evening, it all crumbled.

I spent the next few days defeated and deep-cleaning. I worried about David’s knee surgery. I worried about going into labor with a husband on crutches. I worried about re-claiming my home after a rodent invasion. I cried and whined. I lamented the busyness and chaos of my life. It was so unfair! But praise God for his grace and mercy through scripture and relationships. He brought wise friends and family members into my life to remind me that things seem out of my control because they are and always have been. He also brought the Psalms to soften and encourage my stubborn, hardened heart. When I was unrepentant of my pride and still not asking for His strength, God reminded me of his care for me. He also reminded me that I never was in control.

Psalm 31:1-5

1 In you, O Lord, I have taken refuge;
let me never be put to shame;
deliver me in your righteousness.
2 Turn your ear to me,
come quickly to my rescue;
be my rock of refuge,
a strong fortress to save me.
3 Since you are my rock and my fortress,
for the sake of your name lead and guide me.
4 Free me from the trap that is set for me,
for you are my refuge.
5 Into your hands I commit my spirit;
redeem me, O Lord, the God of truth.

Psalm 46

1 God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging. Selah

4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy place where the Most High dwells.
5 God is within her, she will not fall;
God will help her at break of day.
6 Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;
he lifts his voice, the earth melts.

7 The Lord Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.

8 Come and see the works of the Lord,
the desolations he has brought on the earth.
9 He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth;
he breaks the bow and shatters the spear,
he burns the shields with fire.
10 “Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.”

11 The Lord Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Psalm 62:1,2

1 My soul finds rest in God alone;
my salvation comes from him.
2 He alone is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.

My last few weeks have evidences of God’s grace throughout. He has given us a safe, healthy pregnancy. He brought amazing doctors to order tests quickly and get us a diagnosis on David’s knee. He brought worship team staff and volunteers over to set up and tear down the house for recording. He brought a sweet friend over to clean all the places my pregnant self cannot reach. He brought 3 of our favorite house guests who helped us relax after a long week and even put together furniture for the baby room! And as of today, He has gotten rid of the mice. Praise God for his mercy for the prideful. My prayer is that as we welcome our little boy next month, I can continue to lean into God as my firm foundation.

 

Crossing Kids: Sunday, May 20, 2012

 5th Grade, Elementary, Family, Little Ones, Music, Parents, Preschool, Videos, Volunteers  No Responses »
May 202012
 

Little Ones

Monthly Topic: “T” is for Teacher

Big Idea: Jesus is our Teacher; He shows us how to live.

Memory Verse: “Teach me your way, Oh Lord, I will walk in your truth.” Psalm 86:11

Bible Story Focus: The Lord’s Prayer | Matthew 6:5-15; Luke 11:1-4

Monthly Song: “Talk to God” from I Count on You

Lesson summary

In this lesson, we will look at Matthew 6:5-15, when Jesus teaches others how to pray.  We will dissect the Lord’s Prayer, learning what each piece of it means and recite it together through song.  Kids will gain an understanding of not only how we talk to God, but why we talk to Him–-so that we can grow closer to Him.

You can learn the Lord’s Prayer as a family by signing this song together at home. Your little one will be hearing this each week in class:

(Sing the following to the tune of 3 Blind Mice):

Father in Heaven, glory to Your name,

Your kingdom come, Your will be done.

Give us this day our daily bread

Forgive our sins and help us forgive

Keep us safe from the evil one

Your glory forever. Amen

Preschool

Monthly Topic: “T” is for Teacher

Big Idea: Jesus is our Teacher; He shows us how to live.

Memory Verse: “Teach me your way, Oh Lord, I will walk in your truth.” Psalm 86:11

Bible Story Focus: Forgiving Others | Matthew 18:21-35

Monthly Songs: “To Live for You” from TRU Worship: Songs from the Playhouse

“When I Obey” from Phil Joel: Deliberate Kids

Dinner Table Discussion

Discuss the following questions as a family during dinner this week.  They’re meant to prompt further conversation about what was experienced on Sunday morning.

I Wonder Questions:

I wonder…what did the king do for the mean servant that owed him lots of money?

The king forgave the servant and set him free.

I wonder…what did the servant do to the man that owed him money?

The servant did not forgive the man.

I wonder…why does Jesus teach us to forgive others?

Jesus teaches us to forgive because God forgives us every day for our bad choices even though we don’t deserve it.  So, we should forgive others too.

NEW! This month we are introducing our Story Street video blog. If you miss out on our Sunday morning lesson or just want to review, check it out!

Kindergarten – 4th

Rotation Topic:  Appearances of Jesus

Dates:  April 29  – May 27

Key Concept:  Understanding the Gospel message means understanding Jesus’ work in our lives now and how he illustrated that work during the 40 days He appeared to his disciples and others before He returned to Heaven.

Objectives

After participating in the workshop unit on the Appearances of Jesus, children should be able to:

Know and explain the Gospel.

Identify how Jesus changed the lives of those to whom He appeared, and how He works in people’s lives still today.

Recognize Jesus’ work in our own lives.

Unit Overview

From the end of John to the beginning of Acts, we see the first “un-appearance” of Jesus when the disciples and others went to the tomb expecting to find Jesus’ body but instead found an empty tomb.  This “un-appearance” or “dis-appearance” caused great concern.  Yet it was because of this first discovery that Jesus, whom they verified was dead, was now gone.  As we study the following “appearances” of Jesus, it is significant to understand how unexpected these appearances were.  What do we learn of Jesus from these experiences and what do we learn of our future with Him as we study this section of the Bible and of history?

Scripture

John 20-21 and Acts 1

Memory Verse

John 20: 29 “…blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Songs

“Tell the World” from Hillsong Kids

A Place for You” from Forever/Home

“Help my Unbelief” by Red Mountain Church

Fallen Condition Focus/Heart Issue

Jesus’ appearance on the scene is indicative of the fallen condition of our hearts.  The promised savior came, appeared as a baby, grew into an adult, and through his death, resurrection, and 40 days of actual appearances all point to the need we have for a rescuer and the provision of God’s love.

God-Centered/Grace-Oriented Focus

The gospel message points to God and blankets our fallen condition with His love offered through grace.

Faith Response (application)

As Jesus appeared to the early church members, he still shows himself at work in our hearts today.  We can know Jesus and claim his promises.

5th Grade

Grapple Question: How Can Such a Big God Be a Best Friend to Me?
Kids Learn: God Knows and Cares About You
Dig Into the Bible: Psalms 8:3-4; 37:23-24; Isaiah 49:1; Jeremiah 29:11
There are billions of people in the world, so how could God know and love us all? Take this challenge with your child: Pour a cup of sugar on black construction paper or a dark- colored plate. See how many granules of sugar you can count in two minutes. Pretty hard, huh? Think about all the sugar packets and containers in the world; counting those granules would be impossible for humans. But God can do things that are impossible for us—knowing and loving each of us, for example. Remind your child that God can be his or her best friend.

Crossing Kids: Sunday, May 6, 2012

 5th Grade, Elementary, Family, Little Ones, Music, Parents, Preschool, Sunday Morning, Videos, Volunteers  No Responses »
May 062012
 

Little Ones

Monthly Topic: “T” is for Teacher

Big Idea: Jesus is our Teacher; He shows us how to live.

Memory Verse: “Teach me your way, Oh Lord, I will walk in your truth.” Psalm 86:11

Bible Story Focus: The Lord’s Prayer | Matthew 6:5-15; Luke 11:1-4

Monthly Song: “Talk to God” from I Count on You

Lesson summary

In this lesson, we will look at Matthew 6:5-15, when Jesus teaches others how to pray.  We will dissect the Lord’s Prayer, learning what each piece of it means and recite it together through song.  Kids will gain an understanding of not only how we talk to God, but why we talk to Him–-so that we can grow closer to Him.

You can learn the Lord’s Prayer as a family by signing this song together at home. Your little one will be hearing this each week in class:

(Sing the following to the tune of 3 Blind Mice):

Father in Heaven, glory to Your name,

Your kingdom come, Your will be done.

Give us this day our daily bread

Forgive our sins and help us forgive

Keep us safe from the evil one

Your glory forever. Amen

Your glory forever. Amen

Preschool

Monthly Topic: “T” is for Teacher

Big Idea: Jesus is our Teacher; He shows us how to live.

Memory Verse: “Teach me your way, Oh Lord, I will walk in your truth.” Psalm 86:11

Bible Story Focus: The Lord’s Prayer | Matthew 6:5-15; Luke 11:1-4

Monthly Songs: “To Live for You” from TRU Worship: Songs from the Playhouse

“When I Obey” from Phil Joel: Deliberate Kids

Dinner Table Discussion

Discuss the following questions as a family during dinner this week.  They’re meant to prompt further conversation about what was experienced on Sunday morning.

I Wonder Questions:

I wonder…how does Jesus teach us today?

He teaches us through his word, the Bible.

I wonder…how did Jesus teach us to pray?

Jesus taught us how to pray in the Bible using the Lord’s Prayer.

I wonder…what are some things we can be praying for as a family?

List out some things you can be praying for as a family and then spend some time praying together.  Use the Lord’s Prayer as a guide or simply pray in your own way.

NEW! This month we are introducing our Story Street video blog. If you miss out on our Sunday morning lesson or just want to review, check it out!

Kindergarten – 4th

Rotation Topic:  Appearances of Jesus

Dates:  April 29  – May 27

Key Concept:  Understanding the Gospel message means understanding Jesus’ work in our lives now and how he illustrated that work during the 40 days He appeared to his disciples and others before He returned to Heaven.

Objectives

After participating in the workshop unit on the Appearances of Jesus, children should be able to:

Know and explain the Gospel.

Identify how Jesus changed the lives of those to whom He appeared, and how He works in people’s lives still today.

Recognize Jesus’ work in our own lives.

Unit Overview

From the end of John to the beginning of Acts, we see the first “un-appearance” of Jesus when the disciples and others went to the tomb expecting to find Jesus’ body but instead found an empty tomb.  This “un-appearance” or “dis-appearance” caused great concern.  Yet it was because of this first discovery that Jesus, whom they verified was dead, was now gone.  As we study the following “appearances” of Jesus, it is significant to understand how unexpected these appearances were.  What do we learn of Jesus from these experiences and what do we learn of our future with Him as we study this section of the Bible and of history?

Scripture

John 20-21 and Acts 1

Memory Verse

John 20: 29 “…blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Songs

“Tell the World” from Hillsong Kids

A Place for You” from Forever/Home

“Help my Unbelief” by Red Mountain Church

Fallen Condition Focus/Heart Issue

Jesus’ appearance on the scene is indicative of the fallen condition of our hearts.  The promised savior came, appeared as a baby, grew into an adult, and through his death, resurrection, and 40 days of actual appearances all point to the need we have for a rescuer and the provision of God’s love.

God-Centered/Grace-Oriented Focus

The gospel message points to God and blankets our fallen condition with His love offered through grace.

Faith Response (application)

As Jesus appeared to the early church members, he still shows himself at work in our hearts today.  We can know Jesus and claim his promises.

5th Grade

Grapple Question: Is It OK if My Friends’ Parents Say It’s OK?

Kids Learn: Honoring My Parents

Dig Into the Bible: Deuteronomy 5:16; Proverbs 13:1; Mark 7:10-13; Romans 13:1; Colossians 3:20

This week create guidelines with your child for staying over at friends’ homes. What things do other parents have authority to decide? Discuss rules about junk food and soda, what kind of TV and movies your preteen may watch, Internet and video-game use, curfews, and so on. Will you have the same rules no matter where your child stays? When should your child call to consult you? Clear guidelines will head off most problems.

Crossing Kids: Sunday, April 22, 2012

 5th Grade, Elementary, Family, Little Ones, Music, Parents, Preschool, Sunday Morning, Volunteers  No Responses »
Apr 222012
 

Little Ones

Monthly Topic: “R” is for Rescuer

Big Idea: Jesus rescued us so we can have life forever.

Memory Verse: “The Lord will rescue me…” – 2 Timothy 4:18

Bible Story Focus: Jesus’ Death and Resurrection | Luke 23: 26-43, 24

Monthly Song

“Hosanna Rock” from  I Count on You

Lesson summary

This we will learn the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection.  Kids will learn that Jesus came to take our punishment for our sins and die for us so that we can one day be with God again.  They will learn that because of Jesus’ sacrifice, He is the greatest Rescuer we could ever ask for.  Children will also learn that Jesus rose from the dead 3 days later and showed everyone that He truly is the Son of Man.

Preschool

Monthly Topic: “R” is for Rescuer

Big Idea: Jesus rescued us so we can have life forever.

Memory Verse: “The Lord will rescue me…and bring me safely into His heavenly kingdom.” – 2 Timothy 4:18

Bible Story Focus: Jesus Goes to Heaven | Mark 16:14-20; Luke 24:50-53; Acts 1:6-11

Monthly Songs 

“You Alone Can Rescue” by Matt Redman

“Hosanna Rock” from I Count on You CD

Dinner Table Discussion

Discuss the following questions as a family during dinner this week.  They’re meant to prompt further conversation about what was experienced on Sunday morning.

I Wonder Questions:

I wonder…where did Jesus go after He died?

He went to heaven to be with God.

I wonder…how can we live with Jesus forever in Heaven?

We can live with Jesus forever by believing in Him.

I wonder…what would it be like to live with Jesus forever in Heaven?

Have your kids tell you or draw a picture of what they think living with Jesus forever would be like.

Kindergarten – 4th Grade

Rotation Topic:  Jesus Raises Lazarus

Dates: March 18-April 22

Key Concept:  A relationship with Jesus is the only way to receive eternal life both spiritually and physically.

Scripture:  John 11:1-44

Memory Verse:  John 11:25, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even if he dies.”

Monthly Songs

“Happy Day”- recorded by Tim Hughes

“I Will Trust Him” by The Crossing Music

“God is Alive” recorded by Amber Sky Records

Unit Overview:  The miracle in John 11 of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead is rich with theological significance for our lives.  It gives us a picture of what happens spiritually in our own dead hearts when Jesus calls us to life, as well as, foreshadows Jesus’ and his friends’ own physical resurrections one day.  Not only that, but we get a peek behind the curtain of how our Sovereign God uses even pain and suffering in our lives for his glory and our good.  Children will gain an understanding of these exciting truths and be encouraged to believe in Jesus personally as “the resurrection and the life” in this unit.

5th Grade

Grapple Question: Is It OK if Nobody Gets Hurt?

Kids Learn: Sin Hurts Me; It Hurts You; It Hurts God

Dig Into the Bible: Psalm 32:1-5; Romans 5:12; Galatians 6:7-10; Ephesians 4:30

Preteens generally deal with the feelings of guilt and shame that come as a consequence of sin in one of two ways. Either they suppress and deny those feelings, or they become overwhelmed by them. Suppressor/deniers are the ones who will claim that their actions have not hurt anyone, least of all themselves. Kids who are overwhelmed by their feelings need to be led to repentance and assurance of the complete forgiveness of their sins. Talk with your preteen this week about the consequences of sin and God’s amazing forgiveness.

Seeds of Promise: Planting the Promises of God in Little Kids’ Hearts

 Little Ones, Parents, Preschool, Sunday Morning  No Responses »
Apr 102012
 

Most of you know what Sunday mornings are all about in Early Childhood at The Crossing. Babies are cuddled, rocked, talked to, and read to in the Infant and Crawler rooms. Little Ones play, sing, and hear Bible stories in the Walkers and 2 Year-old Rooms. Preschoolers hear God’s word on Story Street and learn through activities in their classrooms. But did you know that isn’t the only time that the Early Childhood wing is hopping during the week? For 10 weeks every spring and 10 weeks every fall, Seeds of Promise runs as the children’s ministry during Women’s Bible Studies on Tuesday mornings. Children ages 0 – 5 years old join their moms on Tuesday mornings in learning about God’s word.

Seeds of Promise is a part of Crossing Kids, and our mission is to plant the promises of God in little kids’ hearts in a fun, engaging, and relevant way.  Our hope is that kids will grow in their faith and have a blast at the same time on Tuesday mornings during Women’s Bible Study.

For those of you who haven’t been a part of Seeds, we hope you notice that our goals work hand-in-hand with our Sunday morning ministry:

Quality Bible Lessons that Connect with Sunday Morning Teaching:  Kids will learn about God’s faithful promises in the New and Old Testament through a fun, age-appropriate large group lesson, high-energy songs, and hands-on games and crafts each week.  Our lessons will also connect with and reinforce what children are already learning on Sunday mornings.

Consistency with the Sunday Morning Routine: We will maintain a morning routine that is similar to what kids experience at Crossing Kids on Sundays.  Kids can expect free play, circle time, a lesson similar to theirs on Sundays, snack, playground time or large group room time and lots more.

Leadership in the Classroom:  Each classroom will have a team leader (a mom or older, experienced adult) whom kids can be assured will be in his/her classroom each week.  The team leader will provide direction to the other sitters in the room, be a consistent presence in the classroom, and make sure the class stays on their routine. We will hand pick team leaders who love God and love kids 

Plenty of Experienced Sitters:  We will have more-than-enough experienced sitters in each classroom each week, so that parents can be assured that their child is getting the proper care and attention he/she needs.

Safety in the Classroom:  All of our sitters must go through an extensive, nation-wide background check, an application process, and attend our training session.  In addition, we will continue to enforce our registration system for dropping off and picking up children.

This semester our preschoolers have been learning that we are like sheep and that Jesus is our Good Shepherd. Little Ones have been continuing their Sunday morning lessons with (the one and only) Miss Candace, and babies have the consistent individual care that they do on Sunday mornings.  So all of you moms and moms-to-be out there: I can’t encourage you enough to bring your kiddos with you to Bible study on Tuesday mornings. We have a blast every week learning about God and building relationships with each other. We hope you can join us in the fall!

Crossing Kids: Sunday, April 8, 2012

 5th Grade, Easter, Elementary, Family, Little Ones, Music, Parents, Preschool, Sunday Morning, Volunteers  No Responses »
Apr 082012
 

Little Ones

Monthly Topic: “R” is for Rescuer

Big Idea: Jesus rescued us so we can have life forever.

Memory Verse: “The Lord will rescue me…” – 2 Timothy 4:18

Bible Story Focus: Jesus’ Death and Resurrection | Luke 23: 26-43, 24

Monthly Song

“Hosanna Rock” from  I Count on You

Lesson summary

This we will learn the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection.  Kids will learn that Jesus came to take our punishment for our sins and die for us so that we can one day be with God again.  They will learn that because of Jesus’ sacrifice, He is the greatest Rescuer we could ever ask for.  Children will also learn that Jesus rose from the dead 3 days later and showed everyone that He truly is the Son of Man.

 

Preschool

Monthly Topic: “R” is for Rescuer

Big Idea: Jesus rescued us so we can have life forever.

Memory Verse: “The Lord will rescue me…and bring me safely into His heavenly kingdom.” – 2 Timothy 4:18

Bible Story Focus: Jesus Enters Jerusalem| Matt 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:28-44; John 12:12-19

Monthly Songs 

“You Alone Can Rescue” by Matt Redman

“Hosanna Rock” from I Count on You CD

Dinner Table Discussion

Discuss the following questions as a family during dinner this week.  They’re meant to prompt further conversation about what was experienced on Sunday morning.

I Wonder Questions:

I wonder…what kind of king did the people want Jesus to be?

They wanted him to be the kind of king who wore fancy clothes, sat on a throne, and ordered people around.

I wonder… why is Jesus the greatest rescuer?

Jesus recued us from our sin! He died on the cross so that we could have life forever.

I wonder… how did Jesus rescue you?

The Bible says that we are all sinners, which means we do bad things, and we deserve death.  But, Jesus died in our place so that all sinners who believe in Him can have life forever in Heaven.  Jesus rescued us so we can have life forever!

 

Kindergarten – 5th Grade

Big Idea: Jesus died on the cross and rose again.  All those who trust in Him as their Savior have new life.

Memory Verse: For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life.

Ways to follow up:

Read John 20 or God’s Wonderful Surprise (p. 310-317 in The Jesus Storybook Bible) or watch the video version here. 

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