Crossing Kids: Sunday, April 29, 2012

 5th Grade, Elementary, Little Ones, Preschool, Sunday Morning  No Responses »
Apr 292012
 

Little Ones

Monthly Topic: “R” is for Rescuer

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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: The Lord’s Supper | Matthew 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:14-20

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 were the special parts of the Last Supper?

The bread and the wine.

I wonder…What do we call this meal now?

We call it communion.

I wonder…why do we take communion?

We take communion to remember that Jesus died for us on the cross.

Kindergarten – 4th Grade

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.”

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 Nobody Gets Hurt?

Dig Into the Bible:  Psalm 32:1-5; Romans 5:12; Galatians 6:7-10; Ephesians 4:3

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.

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.

Update and Pictures from Pistis School in Kenya

 Elementary, Parents, Preschool  No Responses »
Apr 212012
 

Our Crossing Kids offering each week is dedicated to our partnership school Pistis in Nairobi, Kenya. You can read more about our partnership here. Below is some information, a few pictures and a letter we received this week.

New space

You may remember that we were asking everyone to pray that we would be able to purchase a 40-foot steel container, which in Kenya are often converted into buildings used as shops, houses, classrooms…Our container that you helped us to purchase has arrived! We are working to prepare the ground for it, fix it up, and start using it.

When the new term starts, every single seat in the classrooms will be occupied! This means that we want to build cubbies for the kids in another of the classrooms very soon, so there is room to expand. Some of our boys are getting very big and are starting high school. It will be good to allow them their own space. Right now, we have two learning centers. The Doves include the 1st through 3rd graders. The 4th through 8th graders are together in the Eagles. We are hoping to divide the kids into smaller age ranges–1st and 2nd together, 3rd through 6th together, and then 7th and up together.

Music Lessons

Music classes started in January. The kids are really enjoying one-on-one lessons in keyboard or guitar. We’re also praying for a guitar for the school and a drum set. Having the container will give us the space to turn one of the classrooms into a music room.

Most Recent Letter from Pistis (dated April 19, 2012):

Dear Crossing Kids, and those who love them:

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, can I say once more how grateful all of us at Pistis are for the loving-kindness of The Crossing Kids?!

We started the term this week, and there has been such a flurry of activity, thanks in large part to your generosity.

As you can see in the pictures, construction is nearing completion on 5 new toilets–adult-sized, since some of our big kids are teenagers now.

AND a new learning center for the 11 oldest kids is finishing up this week–that’s the white room with all the newly-built “offices” that look like individual learning cubbies.

AND, a covered, enclosed outdoor area is also nearly finished, where the kids can eat, play when it’s raining (phew–just in time for rainy season).

AND, thanks to your generous gift to the Byerly family, there is a new piano, and 6 children are now taking piano lessons (others are studying guitar).

AND, the electricity was re-wired, with new lights that work (a very much-needed improvement)!

AND the rooms are all much easier to use, since the extra supplies and things have been moved out to the new container that you helped us buy.

It is just thrilling to see all that Mrs Njuguna and her team have been able to accomplish in just a few short weeks. None of this would have been possible without your help. Please do pass along our very warmest and heart-felt thanks to all the kids and their parents. We love you. We pray for you weekly. We ask the Lord to bless you bountifully.

Blessings, peace and love,

Christi Byerly, on behalf of Pistis school

Crossing Kids: Sunday, April 15, 2012

 5th Grade, Elementary, Little Ones, Parents, Preschool, Sunday Morning  Comments Off
Apr 152012
 

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 Appears to His Disciples | Luke 24:36-49; John 20:19-29

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 does it mean to have faith?

To have faith means to be able to believe in things that we can’t see.

I wonder…why didn’t Thomas believe that Jesus rose from the dead?

Thomas didn’t believe because he hadn’t seen Jesus.

I wonder…how do we know that Jesus died for us and rose from the dead?

We know that Jesus died and rose from the dead because the Bible tells us so.

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 I Don’t Get Caught?

Kids Learn:  Integrity—Who I Am When No One’s Looking

Dig Into the Bible:  Acts 5:1-11; 1 Timothy 1:18-19; 1 John 2:3-6

“Do as I say, not as I do.” How many times have you wanted to say that to your child when caught in an awkward action? Your kids probably learn more from how you live than from what you try to teach them with your words, so be careful to set an example of integrity for them. Be careful that your speech and your actions are consistent with each other and that both consistently teach the values you want your kids to learn. Even if you think no one’s looking, your kids are—and they’re deciding how they’ll act when no one’s looking based on your actions.

 

 

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. 

Crossing Kids: Sunday, April 1, 2012

 5th Grade, Elementary, Little Ones, Parents, Preschool, Sunday Morning  No Responses »
Apr 012012
 

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 

“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 – 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:  Why Did Jesus Have to Die?

Kids Learn:  The Sacrificial System for Forgiveness

Dig Into the Bible:  Leviticus 1:1-4; Romans 3:23; 6:23; Ephesians 2:1-5; Hebrews 9:22; 10:1-10; 1 Peter 2:22-24

Restful sleep, your career, privacy, romantic vacations, real dinners out, free time, physical fitness, and on some days your mental and emotional stability—these are just a few of the things you may feel you’ve sacrificed for your children. But as real as those sacrifices are, they pale in comparison to the sacrifice that God our Father made for us, his children. God gave up Jesus, who lived on earth as a human, was ridiculed and tortured, and was put to death as a common criminal. Talk with your preteen this week about God’s ultimate sacrifice.

Crossing Kids: Sunday, March 25, 2012

 5th Grade, Elementary, Family, Little Ones, Music, Parents, Preschool, Sunday Morning, Volunteers  No Responses »
Mar 252012
 

Little Ones

Monthly Topic: “F” is for Friend

Big Idea: Jesus is A Friend to All Who Believe

Memory Verse: “Abraham believed…he was called a friend of God.” – James 2:23

Bible Story Focus: The Story of Zacchaeus | Luke 19:1-10

Monthly Songs

“Good, Good Friend” from I Count on You

Lesson summary

This month, little ones at The Crossing will be learning that Jesus is their friend through the story of Zacchaeus.  They will see that Jesus became a friend to Zacchaeus when no one else would because he believed in Jesus.  They will learn that Jesus is a friend to all who believe.

 

Preschool

Monthly Topic: “F” is for Friend

Big Idea: Jesus is A Friend to All Who Believe

Memory Verse: “Abraham believed…he was called a friend of God.” – James 2:23

Bible Story Focus: Jesus Gathers the Disciples| Matt. 4:18-22; Mark 1:14-18; Luke 5:1-11; John 1:35-42

Monthly Songs

“Good, Good Friend” from I Count on You

“Oh He Loves Me” from One Big Gulp

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…why did Jesus want to pick helpers?

Jesus picked helpers to spread God’s word with Him.

I wonder… what type of men did Jesus pick to follow Him?

Jesus’ helpers were ordinary men. They were fishermen, tax collectors, and they were all sinners!

I wonder… how can we be friends with Jesus?

We can be friends with Jesus by believing in Him and following Him.

 

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.

Objectives:  After participating in the workshop unit on Lazarus, children will understand:

-       Spiritual Resurrection and Life: Our hearts are spiritually dead because of sin until Jesus calls us to life. He gives us eyes to see and believe his promises (Ephesians 2; Romans 8).

-       Physical Resurrection and Life: Those who are Jesus’ friends and who die will one day be brought back to life by him who is the resurrection and the life (John 3:16: 11:25-26; 1 Corinthians 15).

-       God’s Care: Jesus cares deeply about the pain we’ve brought upon ourselves.  Not only did he weep for us in our pain (John 11:35), but he died on a cross so he could take it away (John 3:16; 1 John 4:10).

-       God’s Sovereignty: There isn’t anything—and that includes sickness and death—that happens outside of God’s will.  Everything fits into his plan.

-       The Role of Suffering: Our suffering is ultimately for God’s glory and our good.  God uses it to strengthen our faith (Romans 8).

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: Why Isn’t “Being Good” Good Enough?

Kids Learn: Good Works Are Not Enough

Dig Into the Bible:

Psalm 14:2-3; Isaiah 64:6; Romans 3:21-28; Ephesians 2:8-9; Hebrews 11:6

Most of us probably think we’re pretty good people most of the time—after all, we haven’t murdered anyone lately. But be honest for a moment, and invite your child to join you. How often do you say things you shouldn’t, or think things even worse? It’s clear that we all fall short of God’s ideal for us, all the time. Nobody could ever be that good! It’s only by God’s grace that any of us are made right with God.

Crossing Kids: Sunday, March 18, 2012

 5th Grade, Elementary, Little Ones, Preschool, Sunday Morning  Comments Off
Mar 182012
 

Little Ones

Monthly Topic: “F” is for Friend

Big Idea: Jesus is A Friend to All Who Believe

Memory Verse: “Abraham believed…he was called a friend of God.” – James 2:23

Bible Story Focus: The Story of Zacchaeus | Luke 19:1-10

Monthly Songs

“Good, Good Friend” from I Count on You

Lesson summary

This month, little ones at The Crossing will be learning that Jesus is their friend through the story of Zacchaeus.  They will see that Jesus became a friend to Zacchaeus when no one else would because he believed in Jesus.  They will learn that Jesus is a friend to all who believe.

Preschool

Monthly Topic: “F” is for Friend

Big Idea: Jesus is A Friend to All Who Believe

Memory Verse: “Abraham believed…he was called a friend of God.” – James 2:23

Bible Story Focus: Jesus and the Samaritan Woman| John 4

Monthly Songs

“Good, Good Friend” from I Count on You

“Oh He Loves Me” from One Big Gulp

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… why would Jesus want to be friends with someone who sins?

All people sin, even people who believe in Jesus. Jesus is a friend to all who believe in Him.

I wonder… how do we get to live with Jesus forever?

By believing in Jesus and following him.

I wonder… what would life with Jesus forever be like?

Have a conversation with your preschooler about what you think heaven will be like. Read “A Dream of Heaven” in the Jesus Storybook Bible (pages 342-350) together this week.

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.

Objectives:  After participating in the workshop unit on Lazarus, children will understand:

-       Spiritual Resurrection and Life: Our hearts are spiritually dead because of sin until Jesus calls us to life. He gives us eyes to see and believe his promises (Ephesians 2; Romans 8).

-       Physical Resurrection and Life: Those who are Jesus’ friends and who die will one day be brought back to life by him who is the resurrection and the life (John 3:16: 11:25-26; 1 Corinthians 15).

-       God’s Care: Jesus cares deeply about the pain we’ve brought upon ourselves.  Not only did he weep for us in our pain (John 11:35), but he died on a cross so he could take it away (John 3:16; 1 John 4:10).

-       God’s Sovereignty: There isn’t anything—and that includes sickness and death—that happens outside of God’s will.  Everything fits into his plan.

-       The Role of Suffering: Our suffering is ultimately for God’s glory and our good.  God uses it to strengthen our faith (Romans 8).

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.”

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:  Why Doesn’t Everyone Go to Heaven?

Kids Learn:  Sin Separates Us From God

Dig Into the Bible:  Isaiah 59:1-2; Matthew 7:13-14; Romans 5:20-21; 6:23

Is there a vegetable your kids can’t stand? Or perhaps a chore no one ever wants to do? That’s sort of what God is like with evil—only more so. God simply can’t stand to be in its presence! Anyone who wants to be in God’s presence must be holy as he is holy. They must accept God’s free gift of cleansing forgiveness. This week, spend some time thinking with your preteen about what it means for God to be holy and how that has an impact on your life.

Reading the Bible Through a Child’s Eyes

 5th Grade, Devotional, Little Ones, Preschool, Reading  No Responses »
Mar 132012
 

Like so many people I’ve talked to, I started The Crossing’s Bible Reading Plan at the beginning of the year. Since reading through the Bible in three years sounds pretty doable for anyone, I figured this would be a New Year’s resolution I could keep. But if you’re anything like me, you’ve skimmed through the next few months to see just how much of the Old Testament you’ll be reading as compared to the New Testament. The promises of the New Testament seem so much easier and more familiar to read. Paul’s letters are convicting and encouraging. They are full of verses I frequently jot down in my journal and on notecards to memorize. While I find encouragement and peace in the Psalms, it is often hard to focus in the middle of Leviticus (or in any of Leviticus, for that matter).  In his book, Future Grace, John Piper shares that his sons always loved the Old Testament growing up, and that this is sometimes hard for adults to grasp. Somewhere between Sunday school and “big church”, adults “start to believe that the Old Testament is bad news and the New Testament is good news. They sniff from the theological wind that the God of the Old Testaments is a demanding God, while the God of the New Testament is a giving God. But children do not smell this odor. [They] see as many demands in the New Testament as there are in the Old–and perhaps harder ones. If good news depends on God not demanding, there is no gospel. But kids know better” (143).

I think that Piper makes a good point. If you ever sit with a child to read a Bible story, you will not find that he or she favors one half of the Bible. When I pick up my friend, Christina, from Granny’s House on Mondays we often read Bible stories together. Christina loves the Jesus Storybook Bible and she always has a story in mind that she wants to read. We recently read about the plagues in Egypt and were disgusted by the flies and the gnats! What Piper saw in his sons and what I see in Christina is what I also want to see in my own heart as I read God’s word. I want to be amazed by creation and disgusted by plagues. I want to cheer for David as he defeats Goliath and get Jonah out of that whale as soon as possible. These stories display God’s awesome power in a way that I seem to forget as I get older. It is easy for me to become the kind of adult that Piper was talking about, one who sees a demanding God in the Old Testament and a giving God in the New.

To combat this mindset this year, I decided that instead of just reading my Bible, I would also listen. The Crossing’s iPhone app makes this incredibly easy (especially if you are doing the Bible reading plan). So now I open up my Bible and my phone each morning and read along as I listen. What a difference it has made! My childlike awe of creation has been awakened. I can’t believe that Abraham called Sarah his sister more than once! I mourn with Jacob when he thinks Joseph is dead and rejoice when they are reunited. If you are looking for a way to change up your Bible reading, I encourage you to try listening as you read. Re-discover why children love hearing a story. Be reminded that the God of the Old Testment is just as giving and powerful as the God of the New Testament, because our God is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it - Mark 10:15

 

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