This month your preschooler will be learning how to…

“Love God with all your heart”
(Matthew 22:37)

One of the ways we can love God is by doing what he wants us to do.  Even as a boy, Jesus did what God wanted Him to do.  We want your preschooler to know they can please the heart of the father too!  One way to love God is through worship.

Create a Rhythm this week by worshipping with your little one.  Sing this song to Jesus, to the tune of “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star”:

“Love you, love you, I love you.

Love you, love you, Yes it‟s true.

I love you, yes I do.

I love you, yes I do.

Love you, love you, love love you.

Love you, love you, Yes it‟s true.”

Elementary (K-3^rd Grade)

I should treat others the way I want to be treated.

 Our memory verse this month is Romans 12:10.  It says “Love each other deeply.  Honor others more than yourselves.”  We honor people by letting them know how valuable they are.  This is a concept that we struggle with even as adults. Our goal this month is to help your child understand that they are valued, and so they should value EVERYONE they come in contact with.

 Unfortunately, there are people who get overlooked in life.  They are small or perceived to be weak.  Sort of like David in 1 Samuel 16:1-13.  David was just a young, unimpressive shepherd boy.  Samuel was sure his strapping young son would be chosen by God to be the next king.  But God doesn’t see what the world sees, He looks at the heart.  And although David was overlooked by the world, he loved God and God honored him.  We will continue to see this month how we can Honor those who are overlooked.

 Make it Personal this week by helping your student think of ways they can “Love others deeply”.  Challenge them to watch for someone being overlooked and find a way to honor them.   Encourage them to love through kindness and treat others the way they want to be treated.

Club 45 (4-5^th grade)

Once Upon a Parable: Jesus and the Kingdom

Stories can paint pictures. Words can create worlds. If a picture is worth a thousand words, how much more is a story worth?  Jesus talks about the Kingdom of God by telling stories. He comments on the world around him, helping us see that the Kingdom of God is bigger and broader than we can ever imagine. Sometimes an idea is so big and beautiful that the only way to talk about it is to tell a story.

This week your 4^th and 5^th grader will hear a story about a mustard seed.  Only Jesus could have explained the kingdom of heaven with a story about mustard.  Make it Personal by reading Matthew 13:31-32 with your student and ask them to tell you what the parable means.  How can they apply it to their own lives?  Let them practice retelling the story in their own words and then challenge them to share the story with someone else.

In today’s world, we have become experts at self-diagnosis.  When I’ve got an ailment I can’t identify, my first response is to turn to Google and search for information.  There’s a wealth of information out there (not all of which is accurate) but it helps me to educate myself on my condition in order to make better decisions. 

But information can have a negative effect, as well.  It can cause my focus to become myopic.  I can be so absorbed with the problem I’m not able (or willing) to consider solutions.  What begins as a small issue to be resolved can turn into an anchor that keeps me in a holding pattern unable to move forward. 

I’ve found myself in these holding patterns all too often.  I can go for days or weeks of trying to work through an interpersonal problem or an emotional “hangnail” (i.e. those little things in life that creep up every so often and cause just enough pain to be annoying).  And each time the only thing that gets me out is a simple shift of focus.  I realize over time that I’ve focused so much on the problem that I miss the One Who is my answer.  (Important to note.  God is not the One that simply provides my answer.  He is my Answer.)

It’s funny when you think about it.  It’s not that I’m ignorant of God or His ability to work.  In fact, the entire time I’m pleading with Him to help.  But my focus is still on the problem… and not the Solution.

Yet when I shift my focus to Who God is… What He promises… and How He works, my problems come into context and they are less daunting in light of my Father. 

Reading through Joshua 3, I’m reminded of how Joshua’s view of God and his problem led him to take part in one of the greatest miracles documented in scripture.  I encourage you to read it yourself.  Take a look at the Problem and Joshua’s response.

Problem:  Joshua was responsible to lead the entire nation of Israel (men, women, children & belongings) across a swollen Jordan river too dangerous to cross. 

Joshua knew that now was the time to cross the river Jordan and finally step into the Promised Land.  Joshua understood the need to move forward but didn’t necessarily understand how that would happen.  He had a choice.  He could focus on the problem:  How to safely get 1,000’s of people across a rushing river too deep to wade through; or he could focus on the One to provide the solution.

Joshua & the Israelites did 3 specific things that led to experiencing an amazing miracle from the Lord.  In this one moment they set an unprecedented example of how to approach any problem in our lives that threatens to lock us into a holding pattern:

1. Expectation – Joshua expected God to do something big.  “Perform the ceremonies to make yourselves holy because tomorrow the Lord will do miracles among you.” v5
2. Action – The Israelites actively did what Joshua asked them to do.  “So they broke camp to cross the Jordan River…” v14.  They didn’t break camp to cross AFTER the river parted and the solution was obvious.  They prepared to move BEFORE the solution was apparent to them.  The Israelites were focused on God and not the problem.  The problem would keep them in a holding pattern… sitting in tents waiting for the waters to recede.  But their expectation was on the One that is greater than a raging river.  And they exercise this expectation through action. 
3. 3.      Celebrate – After God did what only He could do… part the waters… Joshua and the Israelites celebrated.  They kept their focus on the Lord by giving Him the glory and the honor. 

From this scripture I am reminded that when I choose to focus on the problem, my problem only magnifies.  But when I choose to focus on the Father, my Father is magnified.  It may not eliminate my problem immediately… just puts it in right perspective.

Preschool (2yrs-PreK)

Once again this week, Jesus calms the storm and our preschoolers see that

“With God, all things are possible!”

This story is a little different from last week.  Last week, Jesus walked on water and calmed the raging storm.  This week, Jesus is in the same boat as the disciples.  In Matthew 8:23-27, we see that all of a sudden a violent storm arises and once again, the disciples are afraid.  But do you know what Jesus was doing?  SLEEPING!!!!  He only woke up because the disciples were asking Him for help.

Why was Jesus able to sleep through the storm?  Because He rested in the peace of God…He IS the peace of God!  He spent so much time in fellowship with the Father, that the storm did not affect Him.  In fact, He SPOKE to the storm and it obeyed.  He wants us to respond to the storms in our own lives this way.

Create a Rhythm this week by asking your preschooler to list all the things that happen in a storm (thunder, lightning, hail, rain, wind etc.).  Remind them that as scary as a storm or other things in life might be, we can know that Jesus will help us any time we need Him.  All we have to do is ask.

Elementary (K-3^rd Grade)

Self-Control is choosing to do what you should do, not what you want to do.

Do you know what can really get us in trouble? It’s not just our temper or our words or our choices like

we’ve talked about these other weeks. It’s what comes before all that and can happen so fast that it’s hard to catch. Our thoughts lead to all our actions.

That’s why we’re finishing this month on self-control by talking through the biblical principle in Philippians4:8 of watching what you think about. Whatever we focus on most will take over and fill our minds.  Sometimes one or two negative things might even stand out and stick more than all the other positive things going on.  Matthew 12:34 tells us that out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.

Bottom Line, we need to use the Bible to guide our thoughts and teach our kids to do the same.  Make It Personal this week by helping your kids find scripture that speaks to a challenging area of their life.  Help change the way they think about something using the Word.  Help fill their hearts with “God thoughts” and watch them be transformed!

Club 45 (4-5^th grade)

Rely on God, not yourself!

Peter never thought he would deny Jesus. He believed he had enough strength to follow him to the death. But history proves otherwise.  In fact, he denied knowing Jesus three times just as Jesus predicted.  But then in Acts, we see Peter speak to three thousand and they all became Christ followers!

Notice the difference in Peter at these two events. First, he vowed to be a super star Christian and vowed never to deny Jesus. He relied on his own power and failed miserably (Matthew 26:31-35). Second, full of the Holy Spirit, he led three thousand people to be followers of Christ (Acts 2:41-45). He relied on God’s power, now living inside of him, and succeeded!

Your student is learning this week that they have that same power available to them if they stay PLUGGED IN to Jesus!  Help Create A Rhythm with your student by praying daily with them and asking the Holy Spirit to guide them and empower them to make the right choice.  Help your student learn to rely on God, not themselves!

Last week I was dropping my daughter off for a birthday party.  As I was leaving a man stopped me asking for direction.  He was standing with one of my daughter’s school friends.  Immediately recognizing her I put my hand out and introduced myself explaining that our daughters sit together at lunch often.  His reaction was sarcastic as he gave his daughter a side-ways glance.  I didn’t fully catch what he said but whatever it was it didn’t honor his daughter in any way.  Looking at her I could tell this was not abnormal behavior.

I’ll be honest… I wanted to punch him.

It’s challenging to articulate the influence a father has on a little girl.  How much of his attitude and actions toward her can determine her future relationships.  I remember how much stock I placed in what my dad thought of me.  I remember how much I wanted him to be proud of me.  To affirm me.  To show me my value.

I remember how he would brag about me on the sidelines of the soccer field.

How he would tell me I’m beautiful.

How he would hug me so hard I couldn’t breath.

How often he reminded me as a teenager, “Never date a boy you wouldn’t marry.”
(What a way to narrow the playing field!)

Dad’s, don’t lose sight of the impact you have today on your daughter’s future.  Here are three things I encourage you to focus on:

Affirm Her

She looks to you for affirmation, encouragement, & guidance.  As she grows through puberty (ESPECIALLY, as she grows through puberty), she needs your voice reminding her that she is beautiful, valuable and worthy of love.  If she can learn to believe you, then she’ll believe her future husband when he tells her the same things.

Set the Standard

Be the husband you want her to have one day.  Enough said.  Is it difficult?  Yes.  Does it mean sacrifice?  Yes.  Is it worth it?  Yes.  I watch my husband daily making changes to be a better husband and dad.  He’s amazing.  He demonstrates for our daughter the kind of man he wants her to marry one day.

Talk About the Standard

Talk about the future.  As you “Imagine the End” and think about the man you hope she marries… talk about it!  Let her know what you expect.  Set the bar.  She’ll do everything she can to jump over it.

Let me level with you, dad.  The more you affirm her today, the less she’ll seek affirmation in some teenage boy later.

Preschool (2yrs-PreK)

This week we continue to make sure your preschooler knows that…

Jesus Can Do ANTYTHING!

We find out in Mark 6:45-51 that Jesus walked on water AND calmed the storm!  In the midst of the craziness of life, we forget as parents that we are teaching our kids at all times.  They are WATCHING how we react and learning to do what we do.  The disciples in this story reacted in FEAR.  Jesus told them to STOP being alarmed and afraid!  He calmed the storm and they went on their way.  How often do we react in fear rather than faith?  We need to SHOW our kids that we believe that Jesus can do anything by reacting only in faith when the “storms” of life come.

Take time this week and Make It Personal by asking your preschooler what they are afraid of.  Encourage them that with God All Things Are Possible and we don’t have to be afraid!  Remind them that just as Jesus protected the disciples, He also protects us.  Pray with them and ask Jesus to calm the fears that rage even in these young hearts.

Elementary (K-3^rd Grade)

Self-Control is choosing to do what you should do,
not what you want to do.

Did you know that God sometimes says things a certain way to grab our attention and hold it long enough to make His point?  He’ll use words or create a picture that’s really hard to get out of our mind. That’s what happens this week as we talk with your student about how it’s possible to have too much of a good thing.

Our verse this week is Proverbs 25:16.  It reminds us that too much of even a good thing is bad news!  There are all sorts of things to distract us in life.  And many of those things are good.  But good is the enemy of GREAT.  GREAT is a relationship with Jesus.  GREAT is purposeful time with our families.  Are we modeling these priorities for our students?  Often times we have to exercise SELF CONTROL to make the wise choice.  We have to choose to put down our work, remote, game controller or whatever consumes your time in order to do the GREAT things in life.  Bottom line… know when to stop.

Create A Rhythm this week with your student by designating time to spend together.  In that time, talk about how you can each pursue your relationship with Jesus.  Set parameters for the good things so there is plenty of time available for the GREAT things.

Club 45 (4-5^th grade)

Doing vs. Knowing

It’s one thing to know something….a totally different animal to actually do it though!  This week we are helping your student understand how to put their Faith Into Action.

How many times have you been studying the Word or heard a message and pretty soon found yourself in a situation that gave you opportunity to DO what you learned?  Did you make the right choice?  Were you able to put your Faith Into Action?  The message to your kids this week is that it’s not enough to know what they are supposed to do….they need to actually DO IT!  By DOING the Word we become like the wise man who built his “house” upon a firm foundation.  As your student learns to put their Faith Into Action, they will be establishing an unshakable foundation for their lives (Matthew 7:24-27).

Create A Rhythm this week with your student by asking them every day what opportunities they had to stay “Plugged In” by doing the right thing.  Talk through situations and discover how different the outcome would be if they hadn’t put their Faith Into Action.  Encourage them to try again if they feel like they could have done a better job.  And let them see you doing the same thing!

I remember the first time we visited Faith Promise.  Mike and I really liked it…. loved the worship…. loved Pastor Chris’ message and dynamic presentation.  Those were both great.  But the biggest deciding factor for our family as to whether FPC was even a consideration was the kid’s ministry.  We had four kids in children’s ministry when we came… and they have some pretty high standards for kid’s ministry. For them to even think about them coming back, we’d have to hear: 

• “that was so much fun” (I know they truly enjoyed it)
• “fun songs” (kid talk for Kid-style, upbeat worship)
• “nice leaders” (they met leaders who accepted them and made them feel special)
• “so cool” (which meant they played whacky games, they made friends and experienced relevant activities with a great story about Jesus.. taught in a way that engaged them on their level)

After service we met in the lobby and of course we asked the dreaded question “How did you like it?”  But this time I had a different response.  Instead of “it’s not our old church” or “I DO NOT want to come back!” we received a much different response…..“This is the church!  When can we come again? My teacher was so nice and said she was so glad we came today and she can’t wait to see me again next week. I want to come back here again so let’s not go visit anywhere else! We did this crazy game about John the Baptist and here’s what we did…..” 

As the North Campus Kids Director, I can’t wait to hear similar stories from families at that campus: kids who may walk in apprehensive but leave excited and ready to come again.  And the best thing is that none of that is about me.  Yes, I will be there.  Yes, Mike and I (and hopefully a boatload of volunteers!) will all work to get the campus up and running and it will be fabulous.  But you see, none of that’s about me.  It’s about Jesus and the people He will work through at the North Campus.  I cannot wait to see new families from the North Knoxville community who decide to make Faith Promise their church home.

And I can’t wait to meet the volunteers who will be serving there, because I know it’s the volunteers who made a difference in my family.

Preschool (2yrs-PreK)

This weekend your preschooler will continue to learn that

“Jesus Can Do ANTYTHING!”

This week’s story is from Mark 6:30-44, the well-known story of the loaves and fish. A story you may have heard before, but do you understand the significance? Jesus fed 5,000 men plus women and children from 2 fish and 5 loaves. He also made sure there was plenty left over. We serve the God of provision and abundance. This week your preschooler continues to learn that “With God, ALL things are possible” (Matthew 19:26).

Do you believe that? This week, Make It Personal by giving yourself and your child an opportunity to see God do the “impossible”! Ask him what big things he wants to see God do. Pray together and trust Jesus in His ability to do ANYTHING!

Elementary (K-3rd Grade)

Self-Control is choosing to do what you should do, not what you want to do.

Not only did Solomon share wisdom with us about not losing our tempers, but we also know from Proverbs that “Thoughtless words cut like a sword. But the tongue of wise people brings healing.” (Proverbs 12:18). This week we are learning about the importance of selecting our words carefully. Every day we all, young and old, are faced with countless opportunities to speak life or death to the people and situations around us. The words flowing from our mouths can be hurtful or healing.

Part of self-control, the virtue this month, is controlling the tongue. Choosing what you should say, not what you want to say. The Bottom Line this week, select your words carefully. Be slow to anger, as our monthly verse, James 1:19, talks about. Speak life in all situations.

Make It Personal by creating an environment where life giving words flow freely. Sit down with your kids and practice encouraging each other. Ask each family member to share a few things they appreciate about the others. Pray together and ask God to help you speak life to each other at all times.

Club 45 (4th and 5th grade)

God’s Way vs. Our Way

As we continue to help your preteen get “PLUGGED IN”, this week we will discuss the benefits of choosing God’s Way instead of Our Way. Your fourth or fifth grader will learn that God’s way is the best way! In Acts 8:4-6 and 26-40, we will see that Philip, a man transformed by his connection to Jesus, did what God asked him to do even though it seemed CRAZY! Because of Philip’s obedience to God’s Way, the Ethiopian gave his life to Jesus!

Imagine how impactful and meaningful our lives and our children’s lives can be if we go God’s Way every time. Fight for the Heart this week by encouraging your preteen to go God’s Way even when it doesn’t “make sense” or when friends are making other choices. Be a sounding board for your child, a safe place where they can discuss their choices and work through their insecurities. Share times when you have made a choice to stay “Plugged In” and go God’s Way, and when you haven’t! Be honest, let your kids learn from your mistakes.

This post was written by Brandi Magee, fpKids interim Preschool Coordinator

It’s just after breakfast, and my two young sons are playing together when they beginning fighting over a toy…hands start hitting and voices are raised…

Be kind and loving to each other. Ephesians 4:32

My older son is lying awake in bed and calls out for me.  He is afraid of the booming thunder just outside his window…

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid. Joshua 1:8

Sweet little two year old hands play with the Little People Nativity set, first holding Mary, then Joseph, then a baby boy. “Mommy, it’s a baby! Baby Jesus!”

God has given a Son to us. Isaiah 9:6

Scripture is a powerful tool that we have in our back pocket as parents. There’s no parenting moment or circumstance that goes unanswered by God’s word. It’s so comforting, really, to know that even in the most difficult moments of raising our children (and there are many!), that our Father has given us parenting advice at every turn.

Every month in fpKIDS, our children learn a Bible verse, one that is applicable to their daily lives.  In fact, all of the verses above are ones that our preschoolers have learned in fpKIDS (Yes! Even 2-year-olds can learn Bible verses!).  As parents, we have the amazing opportunity to walk our children through the discipline of memorizing scripture so that when they hit those bumps in the road, they have God’s word hidden deep in their hearts.   We are doubly blessed when we memorize scripture along with our children because not only are we hiding the Word in our hearts too, but we are gaining precious wisdom that we can use in those tough parenting moments.  And when we shepherd our children using scripture, we are equipping them to face every obstacle, challenge, question, and emotion through the filter of God’s word. 

On many occasions, I have heard my own young sons remind themselves or each other to be kind and loving or to not be afraid or to trust in God.  And I’m humbled to admit that they have also reminded me of those same things.  There is power in scripture, particularly coming from the sweet voice of a four year old. 

From disciplining to comforting your children to teaching your children about Jesus, I encourage you to search out the scripture to hear what God says about it.  Speak those words; let the Word of God be the oxygen in your home.  Let it always be in your hearts and on your lips, in your prayers and in your teachable moments.  From the first good morning to the last good night, impress upon your children the power of God’s word in their lives.  Be empowered and blessed by God’s parenting wisdom. 

 Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.  Deuteronomy 6:5-7 (NIV)

Preschool (2 years to PreK)

Our focus in January is on the Miracles of Jesus.  Why?  Because Jesus can do things we can’t!  There are so many accounts in scripture of the amazing things Jesus did.  And God used these as a way to demonstrate His love and power.  Two things we want your preschooler to understand.

A key question to ask your preschooler this weekend…

“Who Can Do Anything?”

Jesus Can Do Anything!

This week, Create a Rhythm by tapping into the power of quality moments together.  Practice this month’s Memory Verse together.  Don’t be afraid to do the motions!  These help you remember the verse even months after you learned it!

“With God all things are possible”
Matthew 19:26, NIV

With God
(point both fingers straight up in the air, arms extended up)

all things
(extend both arms out to make a T shape, palms upward)

are possible
(bring elbows in close to body, make fists with hands)

Matthew 19:26
(open hands like a book)

Also, check out this video for a look into why we are focusing on the Miracles of Jesus in the month of January.

Elementary (K to 3^rd grade)

Self-Control is choosing to do what you should do, not what you want to do.

Solomon was smart. When he was young, he asked God to make him wise—so he could know what was best and right. What he learned is recorded in the book of Proverbs. This week, the biblical principle we’re looking at is how it’s better to be patient than to fight (Proverbs 16:32).  We have to use self-control instead of losing our temper.

It’s hard to be patient when there’s something we really want right now. That’s why self-control is choosing to do what you should do, not what you want to do. All month we’re talking about listening to God’s wisdom so we can make the best choice for the future, instead of just reacting based on how we feel in the moment.

This week’s Bottom Line is pause before you lose your temper. Our monthly verse James 1:19 talks about how we should be slow to anger. Imagine how your relationships with the people around you could change if you were able to press pause, think, and pray before you reacted in anger.

Make it Personal by allowing your kids to see how you strive to grow so they can understand how to confront their own limitations and pursue character and faith.  What are your trigger points?  What things might cause you to lose your temper?  How can you pause before you lose your temper demonstrating self-control for your kids?

Check out this video for more about WHY we are focusing on Self-Control this month.

Club 45 (4^th & 5^th grade)

Is your pre-teen Plugged-In to Christ?

That’s question we’ll explore with your 4^th or 5^th grader this week.  You see, Christianity is about a relationship with Christ, not about following the rules.  Yet it’s too easy to fall into a pattern of just following rules.  You’ve got to know WHY.

This week we explore John 10:10; Matthew 23:27; Galatians 5:22 to find out more about living a life PLUGGED IN to the power of Christ.  You see, God has a plan for each of our lives.  And we’ll never know it fully until we plug in and know Christ.

This week, Imagine the End by focusing your energy and effort on the issues that will make a lasting impact.  Describe the kind of relationship you want your child to have with Christ 5 years from today.  Write it out on a piece of paper.  Read over that description and reflect, “How can I demonstrate this for my child today?”

As a mom, the well-being of my kids is always on my mind.  And daily circumstances remind me of this priority. 

When my 6 year old wants to play with the older kids in the cul-de-sac.

When my 9 year old wants to sleep at a friend’s house.

When my 12 year old wants the freedom to ride his bike all over the neighborhood.

Their requests for these fun freedoms prompt a level of nosey-ness in me. 

I might choose to sit outside while my youngest plays with kids 5 years older than he is.  I want to meet the parents of a child with which my daughter is spending the night.  I want to know where my son wants to ‘gallivant’ b/c there’s too much opportunity to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. 

I’m nosey.  So be it.

But if I’m only nosey about circumstances that surround their physical/emotional well-being, then I do my kids a great disservice.  I need to be nosey about their spiritual well-being, also.  That means I need to know where they are spiritually.  I’ve got to keep tabs on how they are growing.  What they believe and why.

Spiritual shepherding is getting more interesting in my home.  As my oldest is stepping in to a season where he’s beginning to own his faith, Kyle and I have to get comfortable with spiritually charged conversations that will challenge him.  There are three primary ways of nosey-ness. 

#1 Let him wrestle.  We’ve got to get comfortable with the idea that Keegan will wrestle down some spiritual truths so he can make his own decisions about what he believes.  And as he wrestles, we’ve got to stay close, be nosey, and ask questions as he walks through this season. 

#2 Fight in prayer.  The best gift we can give our kids is to be nosey in prayer.  Ask the Spirit to reveal to you where you need to focus on your child.  No one knows better than God.  Let Him direct your steps.   Choose to dig in, get your nails dirty, grit your teeth and fight for what you know is the best for your kids – a solid, deeply rooted relationship with Jesus. 

#3 Remind yourself of His Promises.  Search the scripture for the promises God makes regarding a follower of Christ.  If you have said ‘Yes’ to Christ, then these promises are true of you.  If your child has said ‘Yes’ to Christ, then these promises are true of them.  Whether you/they act like it or not.  So remind yourself of His promises by highlighting these scriptures and meditating on them often.  Truth is truth.

Preschool (2 years to PreK)

In the month of December we zoom in on the birth of Jesus!  Every week our Master Detectives have discovered clues that lead to the true meaning of Christmas.  Take a moment to ask your preschooler about the Trumpet, the Hay and the Shepherd’s Staff.  This week we’ll look for another clue to find out more about what Christmas is really about.  We’ll focus on Matthew 2:1, 9-11 and learn about the wise men that came in search of Jesus.

A key question to ask your preschooler this weekend…

“How do we know God loves us?”

God gave us Jesus!

We’re having a party this weekend as we celebrate Jesus’ Birthday!   We can’t wait to celebrate with your preschooler.

Create a Rhythm by tapping into the power of quality moments together.  On Christmas Eve, grab your cookies, some party hats and other birthday goodies and have a birthday celebration for Christ.  Celebrate the day He was born.  The day He came to earth to initiate the Great Rescue Plan.

Elementary & Club 45

This weekend is a special service that you get to enjoy alongside your elementary child (K-5th grade).  There are no fpKIDS services for students K-5th grade.  All kids will attend Christmas Eve services with their parents.

This is a great opportunity as a parent, to shepherd your child through an adult worship service and seizing moments to explain why you do what you do.  Here are a few things I like to do with my kids in an adult worship service:

• My youngest is in Kindergarten.  He’s as restless as a signal turning green.  I’ll pack a back pack for him that includes a notepad and colored pencils.  We’ve learned at home that he can listen to a story and draw pictures of what he hears.  It’s a great way to help him focus.
• My 2^nd child is in the 4^th grade and loves just getting to sit with mom and dad for a change.  She’ll bring a special journal to write, draw or doodle along with her Bible.  I’ll help her look up scripture when the opportunity arises.  Always good practice and it keeps her hands busy.  J
• My oldest is in the 6^th grade and just learning how to engage in an adult service environment.  He’ll be equipped with the iTouch and the YouVersion app so he can explore scripture when the opportunity comes.
• I’ll take opportunities during worship to explain how they can close their eyes, listen to the words and sing them out to God

Be on the lookout for opportunities to ‘share’ the experience with your kids.

Preschool (2 years to PreK)

In the month of December we zoom in on the birth of Jesus!  There is no better topic to teach our preschoolers than the gift of Christ!  This weekend we’ll continue the story of Jesus’ birth in Luke 2:8-18.

A key question to ask your preschooler this weekend…

“How do we know God loves us?”

God gave us Jesus!

Create a Rhythm by tapping into the power of quality moments together.  After dinner, grab your “Jesus Storybook Bible” or another storybook bible and find the stories centering around Jesus’ birth.  Assign ‘parts’ of the story to different family members and act it out.  Your preschooler won’t forget the fun they had with you celebrating the birth of Jesus.

Elementary (K to 3^rd grade)

Generosity is making someone’s day by giving something away.

Three Men and a Baby.  That was a great movie.  Better than the movie… that was an amazing point in HIStory where 3 Magi sought out Jesus to bring Him gifts of great value.  The three wise men set an example for how to demonstrate Christ’s value to them through the gifts they gave.  This example of generosity speaks volumes to how God wants to see us give.

When you give, it shows others how valuable they are.

Create a Rhythm this holiday season by tapping into the power of quality moments together.  As a family, choose a charity where you can volunteer your time together.  This might be service at KARM, distributing food at the Fish Pantry or ringing a bell for Salvation Army.  Whatever the task, find one that you can do with your kids and use this as an opportunity to talk about living a life of generosity.

Club 45 (4^th & 5^th grade)

How do you view Jesus?  We all have a mental image of Christ.  Some of us grew up with the image of a man with long hair and flowing robes.  I call him the ‘Bee-Gee’ Jesus.

It’s interesting when you begin asking yourself the questions… What did Jesus look like?  What kind of clothes would he wear today?  Where would he shop?

This weekend we will unpack the conversation with your 4^th & 5^th grader.  We’ll talk about what scripture says about Christ and what He did.  The bottom line is… Jesus was humble, strong and powerful.  A crazy combination.

We can’t wait to dig into this topic with your 4^th & 5^th grader to further emphasize that the same power and strength in Jesus’ life is available to us through the Holy Spirit.

Make It Personal by allowing your kids to see how you strive to grow so they can understand how to confront their own limitations and pursue character and faith.  Consider how you would respond to this question, “What things in your life do you need God’s power and strength for? “

Preschool (2 years to PreK)

In the month of December we zoom in on the birth of Jesus!  There is no better topic to teach our preschoolers than the gift of Christ!  This weekend we’ll focus on Jesus’ Birth in Luke 2:1-7.

A key question to ask your preschooler this weekend…

“How do we know God loves us?”

God gave us Jesus!

Imagine the end by focusing your energy and effort on the issues that will make a lasting impact.  Grab your “Jesus Storybook Bible” or another storybook bible and find the stories centering around Jesus’ birth.  Bedtime is a great time to talk about the focus of this season.

Check out a great resource called Parent Link Live at OrangeParents.org this month.  A great tool to help you foster the best relationship you can with your child.

Elementary (K to 3^rd grade)

Generosity is making someone’s day by giving something away.

This time of year is full of holiday celebrations.  Gift exchanges are a common activity.  What a great time to emphasize the virtue of generosity.  Giving reflects the character of God to those around us.  Your child is created in the image of the Father and when they give generously they tap into the ‘God image’ within them.  I think that’s why giving can be so much fun.

This weekend we’ll focus on The Great Gift Exchange in John 3:16-17 & Luke 2:1-18 digging into this main point…

God gave the greatest gift when He gave us Jesus.

Widen the Circle by inviting others to invest in your children so they have other voices to help shape and determine the direction of their lives.  Consider a few students or adults that you want to have influence in your child’s life.  Invite them to send your child a Christmas note or card reminding your child of the most important Gift ever given.

Check out a great resource called Parent Link Live at OrangeParents.org this month.  A great tool to help you foster the best relationship you can with your child.

Club 45 (4^th & 5^th grade)

What would the world be like without Jesus?

This is the question we’ll explore this weekend as we dig into Luke 2:1-20.  Jesus came to be a catalyst of change.  He came to change the world, to change us and to use us the help change others.  We’ll spend some time doing some fun experiments to see what a catalyst for change can look like.

Imagine the End by focusing your energy and efforts on the issues that will make a lasting impact.  Take 5 minutes to consider what the world would be like if your child never allows the Holy Spirit to use them to change others.

Preschool (2 years to PreK)

God gave us Jesus!

In the month of December we zoom in on the birth of Jesus!  There is no better topic to teach our preschoolers than the gift of Christ!  This weekend we’ll focus on the promise made in Micah 5:2 years before Christ was born.  Then we’ll fast forward to Luke 1:26-33, 38 & 46 where we see that promise unfold in scripture.

A key question to ask your preschooler this weekend…

“How do we know God loves us?”

God gave us Jesus!

This week, Create a Rhythm by tapping into the power of quality moments together.  As you shop, write cards, or decorate the house talk to your preschooler about the gift of Jesus.  Visit Amberskyrecords.com and download the Fancy Yancy Christmas album for great preschool Christmas music!

Also, check out this video for a look into what your preschooler will learn thru the month of December.

Elementary (K to 3^rd grade)

Generosity is making someone’s day by giving something away.

This weekend we dig into Luke 12:13-21 to explore the parable of the rich man and his grain.  Generosity is the product of a heart focused on the gift that Christ is for us and the posture God desires we have toward His Kingdom.

Check out this video that tells more about how Generosity plays out in our lives as followers of Christ.

Make it Personal by allowing your kids to see how you strive to grow so they can understand how to confront their own limitations and pursue character and faith.  Consider how you can create ways for your family to practice Generosity this week!

Club 45 (4^th & 5^th grade)

This is an exciting weekend for our 4^th and 5^th grade crowd.  They will NOT want to miss.  Remember those Rice Bowls our fpKIDS brought to church last weekend?  Hundreds and hundreds of bowls filled with change?!?  Your 4^th or 5^th grader gets to SMASH the BOWLS this weekend!!

First, we’ll refocus on the reason we collected this money.  We’ll learn more about RiceBowls.org and their efforts to partner with orphanages around the world to supply them with food.  We’ll also hear from the Haiti Mission Team.  What a great, inspiring time this will be in Club 45.

This week, Imagine the End by focusing your energy and effort on the issues that will make a lasting impact.  Consider the ripple effect of teaching our kids a heart of generosity.  In a season where we focus on the greatest gift ever given… Jesus Christ, how can you emphasize a heart of generosity?

One of the neatest experiences as a parent and volunteer working with kids is watching a child learn to worship through song.  It’s too easy to assume that kids can’t (or won’t) worship.  But nothing could be further from the truth! 

Your child can learn to worship at a young age!  Here are some tricks to teach them.

1. Age-appropriate songs.  You can find lots of songs geared toward preschool & elementary  kids by Amber Sky, Hillsong Kids, Seeds Worship, Integrity Kids & many more.  Finding songs geared toward the age of your kids is the first step toward helping them learn to worship.  In fpKIDS, our elementary worship songs come (primarily) from Hillsong Kids.  Our preschool worship songs come from Amber Sky.  Check out both of these online and you can purchase these songs for your own library.
2. Teach them as you Go.  We’re all busy going from one place to the next.   Use your Drive Time as an opportunity to play some worship songs.  It makes the car ride that much more fun when you’re rocking out to some fun music.
3. Teach them to Think.  We all want our kids the THINK!  We remind them to everyday.  J  In this case, as you listen to the music teach your kids to think about the words.  Take one song and challenge your child to just think about the words of the song.  Don’t subconsciously rattle off the lyrics but actually process the words and what they mean to you personally.
4. Teach them to Share.  You go first.  After spending a single song just thinking about the words, turn off the music and tell your kids what came to your mind.  Share with them how the words might challenge you to draw closer to Christ or how they might remind you of His love.  Make it Personal by allowing your kids to see how you strive to grow in your faith.

Simple steps to take that will teach your kids how to worship through song.  Have fun creating these memories this Christmas Season.  Here is a list of songs that will be playing in the McClain home (and car) this month.  Have fun!

Zapped

Hillsong Kids Ultimate Collection

Fancy Yancy Christmas

Jingle Jam

Preschool (2yrs to PreK)

God Wants Me To Help Others!

This weekend in fpKIDS, we’ll focus on the generous efforts of King David as he keeps his promise to his best friend, Jonathan.  In 1 Samuel 20:14-17 & 2 Samuel 9:1-13 we see David make a promise to his friend, Jonathan, to always take care of anyone in his family.  After David becomes king, he seeks out any of Jonathan’s relatives so that he can show his gratitude toward his friend.

From this scripture, it’s easy to see pull this truth… God Wants Me To Help Others!

Imagine the End by focusing your energy and effort on the issues that will make a lasting impact.  Consider for a moment how you can demonstrate for your preschooler the many opportunities there are to help others.  Maybe it’s picking up trash in your neighborhood, raking leaves for the elderly lady down the street or picking up someone’s mail while they’re out of town.  There are many opportunities where we help others.  Make sure your preschooler knows that God wants them to help others!

Elementary (K to 3^rd grade)

Gratitude is the name of the game this week!

Gratitude is letting others know you see how they’ve helped!

Don’t you love the idea of your elementary student recognizing and verbalizing how others help them!!  Wouldn’t that stand out in the crowd?  Giving thanks in all circumstances is uncommon.  And yet that is what Scripture asks us to do (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

In Luke 22:14-20, we see a pivotal moment in the life of Christ where He demonstrates the truth in 1 Thessalonians 5:18.  As he stands on the verge of giving His life on the Cross, Jesus gives thanks.  He simply gives thanks.  The posture of His heart is one of gratitude.  What an amazing demonstration for us.  An incredible reminder that no matter what is happening in our lives we can ALWAYS have a posture of gratitude.

Make It Personal by allowing you kids to see how you strive to grow.  Take the opportunity this weekend to share with your kids how you work to maintain a heart of gratitude.  Has this been a struggle for you?  That’s okay!  Admit it.  Chances are good, they already know.  Share your heart and let them know how challenging it can be to focus on what you have verses what you don’t.  Talk about how you can change that.

Club 45 (4^th & 5^th Grade)

We are Blessed to be a Blessing!

We give thanks to God for His blessings by sharing those blessings with others.

2 Corinthians 9:8-15 we see a complete picture of how God works through His blessings.  Blessings are never intended to terminate on us, but to pass along to others!  Scripture states, “Your gifts meet the needs of God’s people.  And that’s not all.  Your gifts also cause many people to thank God.”

This weekend, Make It Personal by allowing your kids to see how you strive to grow.  Read through 2 Corinthians 9:8-15 and make a list of ways you can “show yourselves to be worthy by what you have been given”.

Traditions are fun in our home.  They build memories to be relived for years to come.  These will be the “Remember when…” moments of the future.  So I look at them with excitement.  I treat them as precious.

Are they perfect?  Rarely.  But the unexpected hiccups only flavor the experiences from one year to the next.  Look for opportunities to celebrate old traditions and create new ones for your family.

Preschool (2yrs to PreK)

This weekend we offer a special production for our preschooler friends.  Focusing on the parable of the Lost Coin, (Luke 15:8-10) Jesus tells the story of a woman who loses her coin.  A wonderful story to communicate our importance to Jesus.  We want your preschooler to know they are more important to Jesus than the coin was to the woman.  That He would search high and low to find us.  And when He finds us, we become a light for Him!

Matthew 5:16 says, “Let Your Light Shine!” (paraphrased).  Because Jesus is the Light, we want to be a light for Him.  So, we want to let our light shine so others can see it.  Using creative activities and hands-on crafts, we want our young ones to know that as they are a light for Jesus more people will come to know Him.

Create a Rhythm this weekend by playing this fun game with your preschooler.  Take some pennies and hide them around the room, grab a flashlight, turn out the lights and form a ‘search party’.  Search around finding all the coins.  Then sit down together, read Luke 15:8-10  and talk about how Jesus searches for us, just like the woman searched for her lost coin.

Fight for the Heart by praying for your preschooler.  That he/she would discover Christ at a young age and choose to be a light for Him.

Elementary (Kindergarten to 5^th grade)

This weekend we offer a special live production for our elementary friends Kindergarten thru 5^th grade.  LOST! The Island of Perdido is a story of a young man’s salvation whose life has had a hard road. He sets off on an adventure after hearing an amazing legend.  The legend tells that if you come to the Island of Perdido (lost), and drink of the water of the living stream, the Hombre Eterno (man who never dies) will come find you and give you eternal life.  Louis sees this as an opportunity to make money, if he can just capture that water, he can offer “eternal life” to everyone, and people would pay anything to live forever so he can save his family.  Little does he know he’s in for an adventure beyond his wildest dreams.

You don’t want to miss this exciting adventure as we teach your elementary child how they can know Christ and become a light for Him.

Widen the Circle so your sons and daughters have other voices that will help shape and determine the direction of their lives.  This weekend reach out to the volunteer in your child’s room.  When you pick them up find out the name of your child’s Small Group Leader.  Then commit to praying this week for that volunteer and the relationship they develop with your child.  Pray for the relationships you can leverage to Widen the Circle for your child.

Create a Rhythm by tapping into the power of quality moments together, and build a sense of purpose through your everyday experiences.  Take advantage of the drive to school this week.  Talk about ways that you and your child can be a light so others can see Jesus.

One of the toughest things to teach our kids is the Attitude of Gratitude.  Gratitude is a posture easily lost in our fast-paced life-style where immediate gratification is the expectation.  But showing Gratitude (letting others know you see how they’ve helped) is a skill that requires practice.

This week in the K-3^rd God Time there is a challenge to read 1 Thessalonians 5:18 then make a Gratitude box.  So, last night we grabbed a shoebox, cut a hole in the top, and wrapped it in Connor’s favorite wrapping paper.  We sat in the living room with pieces of paper and everyone wrote down something or someone for which they were thankful and put it in the box.  Then we set the box on our dining room table.  Over the next few weeks, we’ll take time over dinner to write down something for which we’re thankful and put it in the box.  By the time we reach Thanksgiving Day, we’ll have a box full of things or people we are grateful to have in our lives. 

What a great idea.  It gives me a better perspective on the moments I’m frustrated when my kids seem ungrateful for all that they have.  The concept of practicing Gratitude is the same as practicing a skill like basketball.  As we do it over and over and over again… we get better at it.

Preschool (2yrs to PreK)

Through the month of November we will focus your preschooler on this key question:

“Who can help you?”

God made people who help me.

We’ll take a look at the story of Naomi and Ruth in the book of Ruth.  What an incredible story that shows us how God meets our needs through the helping hands of others.  God made people who help us!

Make it Personal by allowing your kids to see how you strive to grow.  Take some time when you tuck your child into bed and name all the people that helped you that day.

Elementary (Kindergarten to 3^rd grade)

Generosity—making someone’s day by giving something away

We know that God is the Giver of all good things. So many times we think that our ability to be generous is connected to our riches. We are afraid to give because we don’t know if we have enough, and we think generosity is for those who have more than we do to give. But the cool thing about generosity is that we’re not generous because we are rich, we are rich because we are generous. When we choose to give generously to others, we are blessed with everything that really matters in life.

Make it Personal by allowing your kids to see how you strive to grow.  Together memorize the scripture verse for this month. 

“Be rich in good deeds … be generous and willing to share.” 1 Timothy 6:18, NIV

Create a Rhythm by building a sense of purpose through your everyday activities.  Choose a regular weekly activity (i.e. Sonic run, Icee stop, snacks from the vending machine) and don’t do them this week.  Then take the money you would normally spend on that activity and add it to your Rice Bowl!  Emphasize how simply skipping a Sonic drink can help feed a child!

Club 45 (4^th & 5^th grade)

Why have an attitude of gratitude?

This week we hone in on Luke 17:11-19.  Because of all that God has done for us, we should respond with an attitude of gratitude.

Create a Rhythm by building a sense of purpose through your everyday activities.  During dinner, grab a piece of paper and create an A-Z acrostic.  For each letter of the alphabet, identify something or someone for which you are grateful.  See how far you get!

Ricebowls.org offers a great way to connect our kids to a life-changing endeavor… to feed the hungry.  Kids may not be able to grasp intangible ideas like giving, service or philanthropy, but they can grasp the idea of turning their change into food for someone that doesn’t have any. 

How do we do this? 
So glad you asked!  Last weekend all kids 3yrs to 5^th grade went home with a plastic ‘bank’ that looks like a bowl of rice.  That’s your vessel to collect money.  Here’s what we invite you to do…

• Read about some wonderful “Go-Getters” for great ideas to get more change in your Rice Bowl
• Make your plan for how you can fill your Rice Bowl
• Don’t for get to look around your house.  Find your spare change under the couch cushions, in the car and in the jar on the dryer! 
• Every bowl holds $30 in change.  We’re praying for FULL bowls!
• Return the Rice Bowl to your campus November 26 & 27 

How can I help my kids grasp this?
There are many things you can do to help you kids understand that the way they live every day is not the norm for nearly 163 million kids across the globe.  In South Africa, one out of every four children under 5 years old has stunted growth, a consequence of malnutrition.

Consider serving only rice and water for dinner one night.  No meat, no bread and no dessert (insert frantic scream)!  First, use this as an opportunity to help your kids to understand that this is an abundant meal for one that isn’t sure where their next meal will come from.  Second, take the money you didn’t spend on meat, bread and dessert… and put it in your Rice Bowl!

How can I help make it better!
Great question!  Connect with Ricebowls.org on Twitter (@RiceBowlsorg) and on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/ricebowls) and follow all God is doing through this mission.  Celebrate the great moments God creates in your child with the Rice Bowl team by tagging your Facebook photos with to the Rice Bowls page.  (Tag fpKIDS and your photos will show up on our Facebook page too!) 

Tweet your activities as you fill your bowls… tweet random quotes from your kids or your own personal 140 character epiphanies as God uses Rice Bowls to shift your paradigm.  Be sure to use Rice Bowls’ Twitter handle – @RiceBowlsorg – each time you tweet. 

More about Ricebowls.org
Ricebowls.org partners with 52 different orphanages that care for kids in areas such as Haiti, Honduras, Nicaragua, Ethiopia, Rwanda, South Africa, India & the Philippines.  Read more about work in these countries here.

I look forward to hearing how God moves in your family.