Family Easter Celebration 2013

 5th Grade, Devotional, Easter, Elementary, Event, Family, Lent, Little Ones, Music, Parents, Preschool, Uncategorized  No Responses »
Mar 222013
 

 

The best solution payday loans

Last Monday evening, hundreds of Crossing Kids and their families gathered to prepare for Easter and worship our Savior with Jason Houser from Seeds Family Worship.  As you can tell, young and old had a great time singing and dancing in the auditorium.

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After our time of praise and worship, families moved to classrooms where they created their own Resurrection Gardens to help them prepare for Easter at home.

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If you weren’t able to join us, be sure to pick up an extra copy of the garden materials along with our Family Easter devotional and free Seeds of Easter CD near the Crossing Kids registration area on Sunday.

Crossing Kids-Sunday, August 12

 5th Grade, Elementary, Family, Music, Preschool  Comments Off
Aug 122012
 

Little Ones

Monthly Topic: “P” is for Protector

Big Idea: I trust in the Lord. He will protect me.

Memory Verse:  “(His People) will be protected.”  Psalm 37:28

Bible Story Focus: Daniel and the Lions’ Den | Daniel 6

Lesson summary: This lesson will cover the story of Daniel being sent to the lions’ den after being persecuted for praying to God. The greatness of God’s protection will be highlighted in this lesson. Children will see that God protects his followers when they need him. Much like with David, Daniel’s trust in God will be discussed.

Monthly Song: 
“Wherever, Whatever” from the I Can Count on You

Preschool


 Monthly Topic: “P” is for Protector

Big Idea: I trust in the Lord. He will protect me.

Memory Verse: “The Lord loves… his faithful ones. They will be protected forever.” Psalm 37:28

Bible Story Focus: David and Goliath | 1 Samuel 17

Monthly Songs

“Powerful” from Phil Joel Deliberate
“I Will Trust Him” from The Crossing’s Forever/Home


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… did David need a fancy sword and armor to bring down Goliath? No, David only had five stones but he had God’s protection.

 I wonder… who does God protect? God protects “his faithful ones,” those who love and believe in him.

I wonder…how can we trust in God’s protection? When we are scared we can remember God loves us and will protect us.

Kindergarten-4th Grade

Lesson 11: August 12, 2012

The Great Fuzz Frenzy
By: Janet Stevens and Susan Stevens Crummel

Key Concept: God is the only one who can satisfy the longings of our hearts.

Verse: Romans 1:25 “They chose a lie instead of God’s truth. They worshiped and served created things. They didn’t worship the creator. But he must be praised forever.”

Book Summary: Ground hogs discover a tennis ball in their burrow.  Gathering the most fuzz becomes the only thing that anyone cares about.  Friends fight, steal, and discover that the more fuzz the gather, the more unhappy they are.  Only after the fuzz is taken away do they see the silliness of their actions.  We too do the same thing, chasing after idols that were never meant to satisfy the greatest longings of our hearts.

Activity Summary: Children will compete in a series of games to help them understand that the Giver is always greater than the gift itself.

Objectives: At the end of the unit, children will be able to:

  • 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
  • How to use 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 redeeming all of creation.
Songs: 
“The Big God Story” from Forever/Home album
Because of Your Love” from Tru: Worship-Radio the World
“Glory to God” from Jump CD

5th Grade

Grapple Question:  Do We Have to Be Friends Again?

Kids Learn:  Forgiveness Doesn’t Always Mean Restoration

Dig Into the Bible:   Proverbs 17:9; 22:24; 1 Corinthians 10:31; Galatians 6:1-2

Preteen relationships are a roller coaster ride—the ups and downs can be confusing and heartbreaking. Kids sometimes expect that when they forgive each other, the relation- ship will be the same as it always was. Try this with your preteen: Rip a piece of paper in half. Then try to tape it back together. It’s not as good as new, is it? You can still tell that the rip happened. Forgiving someone doesn’t mean that things will automatically be perfect. Remind your child that it’s important to try to put relationships back together with the tape of forgiveness, but the friendship might not be just as it was before.

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Rain for Roots

 Book Review, Music  Comments Off
Jun 232012
 

The past month, we’ve been listening (and listening and listening…) to a new album Scott discovered called Rain for Roots: Big Stories for Little Ones. This compelling collection of ten folk songs teaches important Biblical truths with simple and lovely lyrics written by Sally Lloyd-Jones from her Baby’s Hug-a-Bible. Before we even heard the music, we were excited about this album because we adore Jones’ Hug-a-Bible in our home. We spend time reading it with Eleanor nearly everyday. This is one of the best Bibles I have seen for babies in that it is God-centered and Grace-centered, while also making the stories relevant for little ones. Not an easy feat! Consider the story below, “Jesus stops a storm”:

The questions tell the story, while engaging little readers; and the answer to all the questions is Jesus – Lord of all. The text goes on to apply the story to us saying, “He will answer when you call.” Not only is the text spot on, the illustrations are colorful and engage Eleanor in the stories. For all these reasons, we have been huge fans of this Bible and Sally Lloyd-Jones. You can understand our excitement when we heard she was collaborating with Sandra McCracken (Indelible Grace) and other musicians, Ellie Holcomb, Flo Paris, and Katy Bowser on the Rain for Roots album.

Scott is a long time fan of Sandra McCracken and the other musicians from Indelible Grace, so he knew musically this album would be sophisticated, artistic, and God glorifying. He was right. Though simple enough for little children to sing (the artists’ own children sing on the album), the music will draw your heart out for God no matter your age. I pray as Eleanor grows, the beauty of these songs will help her little soul absorb truths about God and draw her heart out for Him. Through God, good music has the power to do that. Sandra McCracken writes a bit about this in her commentary at Christianity Today:

“…what a significant moment that is in a child’s life when he or she can absorb art and beauty by way of these clever little soul vehicles called melodies. This tender moment in a young life reveals something else about us adults, too. What we believe about a child, and the person who that child is becoming, is significant. As Charlotte Mason says ‘A child is a person.’ Children are not just babies becoming people, they are already people. In this way, we hold and relate to them with honor and respect. On one hand, we don’t need to idolize them in preciousness. Nor do we need to belittle them for their weakness.

This reality is a great equalizer, and it makes me want to consider that honor even in the hope that the simple songs they sing and memorize should also be great songs. Strong, singable melodies. Rich, meaningful truths. Beauty for its own sake. Joy for its own sake. And by all means, we hold in view that the songs honor the great truth of God that shapes their character as they sing. The same thinking pertains to those of us who write music intended for children, or to those who teach music to kids in schools or churches—the same high standards of excellence still apply. As C. S. Lewis wrote, ‘A children’s story that can only be enjoyed by children is not a good children’s story in the slightest.’ The same is true for music.”

How I love singing these songs to Eleanor when we play and as I rock her to sleep. As I sing them to her, the melodies and lyrics set my mind of Christ and engage my heart in worshiping Him. I have a feeling this album will be well loved in your home as well.

You can download a free song to sample and buy the entire album (including a digital booklet with lyrics & chord charts) for $8.99 at Rain for Roots.

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.

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.

Save Me From Becoming Culturally Obsolete! (or Music Parents Should Be Listening To)

 Art, Music, Parents  No Responses »
Apr 292012
 

Why should parents, like you and me, keep up with current music?  Why should we care what is on the radio or what our kids are listening to? With all the talk recently of the power of music, as Dave Cover wrote about on ESI, I thought it apropos to share the post I wrote few months ago on my blog. Thank you to the Crossing staff and members who helped me collect these recommendations!

I distinctly remember in 6th grade blaring my pink jam box with the likes of New Kids on the Block, Whitney Houston, Janet Jackson (“Miss Jackson if you’re nasty”), and Tiffany. I could never understand why my parents didn’t know or like my music or listen to much music at all. To my requests to listen to the radio (loudly) in the car, I remember them saying they “just needed quiet”. Keep in mind they had four kids, of which I was the oldest.

Now, I get it. I get why parents of little kids lose touch with pop culture and trends as we get older. I get why we “just need quiet”. Blaring music on top of crying, whiny, screaming or just chatty little kids turns the amp “up to 11″ (in the words of Nigel from This is Spinal Tap.) On top of that, I find it hard to listen to my music with the kids around. I don’t know about you, but I’m not really comfortable with my 5-year-old hearing or singing the profanity in the chorus of my favorite Mumford and Sons song. At the appropriate stage, we’ll have conversations about lyrics like that but not just yet (hmm…maybe Kindergarten next year will change that).

That being said, I don’t want to lose touch with truly excellent music or with the music that is influencing our world. Here’s why:

1 – We’re made in the image of God–the Creator, who the Bible says enjoys his creation and calls it “good”. Therefore, part of what it means to be human is to create and enjoy creative expression (in this instance we’re talking about music). I find it fascinating that there is no culture that does not sing. It’s part of who we are.

2 – To make an impact in the world and my kids’ lives, I’ve got to understand and be able to engage with our culture.

So in my desperation, I recently sent an email to some of my trusted music-loving and far-cooler-than-me friends. “Save me from becoming culturally obsolete!” I pleaded. “What music or musical artists from the last two years should I be listening to?” Here are the varied recommendations I received and will be checking out. Continue reading »

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.

Being “Still” in a World that is Constantly Moving

 Devotional, Music, Parents, Volunteers  No Responses »
Apr 122012
 

Have you ever been in a love/hate relationship?  Well, that is what I would use to describe my relationship with Spring. I love the sunshine, I love the warm weather, and I love looking forward to all the events that are held in Crossing Kids.  This time of year is definitely the busiest time of year for our staff.  Christine always uses the metaphor of climbing a mountain when talking about this time of year.  It is hard, tireing, and time consuming…but obviously well worth it!  And that’s exactly what it feels like.  Every year, around this time, our staff begins to work longer hours preparing for multiple events and gearing up for Kids Club.  How do you balance all of this with small group, personal time, time with your friends, and more importantly, where am I even supposed to fit my time with God into the mix?  I often become stressed, everything else around me seems a little bit worse than it actually is, and I lose sight of why this is all happening in the first place.

Usually my head is so full of “to-do’s” that I have a hard time stopping and waiting before the Lord.  I struggle to “be still”.  As I have been going through the scripture memory program that The Crossing has been doing, I have enjoyed learning not just the verses but also looking up the passages and learning the context from which they came.  Last month, the memory verse came from Psalm 46:1 “The Lord is my refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble”.  While this entire passage is incredibly comforting in seasons like this,  one particular verse has consistently stuck out to me while reading further.

“Be still and know that I am God.  I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” – Psalm 46:10

“Be still”.  What does that even look like, to be still before the Lord? I think this passage is reminding us that this world is not ours to worry about.  This world belongs to God, it always has and always will.  Every moment, every person, every event (good or bad) is used to exalt the name of the Lord.  This past week, since reading this passage, I have found my moments of “being still” before God to be precious.  Beginning my day, reflecting on His goodness, the things that I am thankful for, and being able to give my burdens over to Him so that He can carry them for me has been refreshing. As I write this and continue to learn more about how to “be still” before God, this song (rearranged and recorded by Page CXVI) comes to mind.

Be Still My Soul

 

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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