Escape From Danger!

Although we know the Christmas story inside and out, do we ever stop to think about the danger involved in this story? Of course, we don’t want to think about danger during such an exciting and eventful time of Jesus’ birth! However, Joseph, Mary, and Jesus were in great danger as they were trying to flee Herod’s deadly intent. If they had not fled, the child would have died. We don’t hear much of that part of the Christmas story, do we? Joseph had to really listen to God as He sent messages warning him of this danger. Think of how difficult it must have been to listen and hear those messages during the birth of a new child. What kind of dangerous experiences have the 5th/6th graders had? Did they trust in God to help them through this danger?

Bible Text: Matthew 2:13-23

Key Verse: Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother by night, and went to Egypt. Matthew 2:14

Faith Trait: Obedience

Talk Points:
*Who and what helps keep you safe?
*Describe a dangerous situation. How did you feel?
*When have you obeyed when it was very difficult? When is it hardest to obey God?
*Have you ever been in danger? Who can you talk to about it?
*Is there something you fear that you want to let go of and trust God with?
*What kind of decisions involving obedience do people your age have to make?
*What is the right thing to do?
*What difficulties might be encountered by NOT obeying?
*Are there any dangerous situations that are beyond God’s control? Why or why not?

Reminders:
*BUG Event- Sunday, January 17th from 2-4pm. Check out the kiosk for further info! Encourage your child to sign up! Bring a friend, too!
*Encourage your child to bring an offering each week.

May God fill your New Year with joy and happiness!

Jesus is Born!

What scents remind you of Christmas? What sights? What sounds? As we near Christmas, imagine what it must have been like for Mary and Joseph, huddled in a stranger’s stable on the night Jesus was born. Imagine the emotions they must have been experiencing; fear, uncertainty, joy,- all at the same time.

As you gather with family and friends to celebrate the birth of Jesus, I encourage you to reflect upon the presence of Jesus, His presence in all situations. Show others your love for Jesus through joyful gift giving and let yourself be a shining example of Jesus’ love.

Merry Merry Christmas!!

Bible Text: Luke 2:1-20

Key Verse: But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see- I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people; to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.” Luke 2:10-11

Faith Trait: Joy

Talk Points:
*How will the joy Jesus gives shine through you today?
*What scents remind you of Christmas? What sights? What sounds?
*How do those scents, sights, and sounds make you feel?
*How does knowing that Jesus is our Savior add joy to our lives?
*What is the good news of great joy?
*What makes you feel joyful?
*How can you joyfully share love this week?

Reminders:
*Large group worship this week from 6-6:30pm in the sanctuary. Pastor Liz will be leading us in worship.
*Sunday, Dec. 20th, BUGs Event- we will be going Christmas caroling from 4-6:30pm. Please encourage kids to sign up at the kiosk.
*No Club 56 on Dec. 23rd and Dec. 30th due to the holidays.
*We will start up with Club 56 on January 6th, 2010, 6-7pm.

Have a very Merry and Blessed Christmas!!

Hopeful Waiting!

It is the time of year when we often times hear, “You will have to wait until Christmas!” I remember how I disliked that comment from my parents when I was a kid and yet I have found myself saying that same thing to my little daughter as we prepare and wait for Christmas. Christmas is a time of hopeful waiting. For some it is waiting for that special gift that was on your wish list, for others it is waiting for family and friends to arrive to be together, and yet more importantly, Christmas is about waiting for the coming of a savior.

In this week’s lesson, there are three key individuals that we need to remember during this Christmas season; Isaiah, who said the savior would be born to a young woman, Micah, who said the savior would come from Bethlehem, and Malachi, who said a messenger would announce the coming savior.

As you patiently wait for Christmas, not because of the gifts you might be receiving or the yummy cookies and candy you get to enjoy, pause, feel God’s peace, and know that God is with us as we wait for the birth of Jesus; a loving, forgiving savior!

Bible Text: Isaiah 7:14, Micah 5:2-4; Malachi 3:1-2

Key Verse: Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14

Faith Trait: Patience

Talk Points:
*What are you waiting for?
*How patiently are you waiting?
*What are five things you do while you wait patiently?
*If Isaiah, Micah, and Malachi had had access to newsprint and the internet, what might their front-page news and web sites have looked like?

Reminders:
*Christmas Program this weekend, Dec. 12th/13th during the 5:17, 9:30, and 10:45 worship services.
*Large Group Worship on Dec. 16th, 6-6:30pm. Pastor Liz will be leading us in worship.
*Dec. 20th BUGs Event- we will be going Christmas caroling to King of Kings members from 4-6:30pm. Encourage the kids to sign up at the kiosk.
*NO Club 56 on Dec. 23 and 30th.

Pause and feel God's peace during this busy Christmas season!

Best Friends

This week’s lesson is about Jonathan and David; two friends who were extremely faithful to each other. Jonathan put his friend David first, helping him hide from being killed knowing that David would inherit from God the position to become the King of Israel. This was a position that Jonathan would otherwise inherit. Their lives were changed because of their friendship for one another. David’s life was saved.

As we prepare our hearts for Christmas, we often times think of gifts; gifts we give to others and also gifts we receive. Friendship is a gift God gives to us. As Christians, each one of us is called to, “lay down our life” for friends. What might that mean? It means putting other people’s needs before our own. It means giving up something for a friend. It means showing loyalty, trust, and an abiding love towards our friends. Ask God to help you be a faithful friend by being aware of how your actions affect others. God changes our lives through friendship!

Bible Text: 1 Samuel 20

Key Verse: The Lord shall be between me and you, and between my descendants and your descendants, forever. 1 Samuel 20:42b

Faith Trait: Loyalty

Talk Points:
*How does the story of David and Jonathan encourage you to take a new and deeper look at the friendships in your life?
*How do your friendships reflect concern for others, loyalty, trust, and abiding love?
*How do you show friends you care for them?
*Have you ever given something up for a friend? What?
*Think of one thing you can do to make a friendly difference in your family, your community, your church, the world.

Reminders:
*We will have a short rehearsal for those Club 56 youth participating in the upcoming Christmas Program on Wednesday, Dec. 9th at 5pm in the Youth Room.
*Large group worship on Dec. 16th with Pastor Liz from 6-6:30pm.
*December BUGs event- Christmas Caroling on Dec. 20th from 4-6:30. Sign up at the kiosk.
*No Club 56 on December 23rd and 30th.

May God fill your week with His presence!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Reminder there is NO Club 56 this week. We will meet again on Wednesday, December 2, 2009, from 6-7pm.

Please encourage your child to get signed up for a part in the upcoming Christmas Program. Sign up is on the kiosk.

December BUGs Event- we will be going Christmas caroling on Sunday, Dec. 20th from 4-6:30pm. Sign up at the kiosk.

Have a blessed Thanksgiving!!

Faithful Friends

What type of friend are you? Are you kind? Do you treat everyone fairly? Do you hold true to promises? Are you accepting of others despite your differences? God wants to be our faithful friend as He shows us kindness and fairness, listens to us, and certainly accepts us for who we are. This is the type of friend He wants each of us to be. He wants us to be a faithful friend like Ruth in this week’s lesson. Ruth was not born of the people of ancient Israel. She was a Moabite. Despite the differences she had with the people, she developed faithful relationships with the people. She stuck by Naomi’s side and said, “Where you go, I will go.” Ruth was a faithful friend!

Friends are a high priority for 5th and 6th grades. Often times their world revolves around their friendships and what their friends are doing. Although friends are an important part of their world, sometimes they forget the kind of friend that God wants them to be. How does this week’s lesson about Ruth challenge you to be a better friend?

Bible Text: Ruth 1

Key Verse: Where you go, I will go; where you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people and your God my God. Ruth 1:16b

Faith Trait: Loyalty

Talk Points:
*How can people who are so different become friends?
*Do friends always have to match or agree? Why or Why not?
*Do differences between two people hurt a friendship or make it stronger?
*How might you show love for a member of your extended family?
*Who is a loyal friend to you?
*What is faithful friendship?
*Do you have a friend who sticks by you even when times are tough?
*When is it easy to be a faithful friend? When is it hard? How does God help?

Reminders:
*No Club 56 next week, Wednesday, November 25 because of Thanksgiving.
*Continue to encourage your child to sign up for a part in the Christmas Program. There are many spots that need to be filled yet.
*December BUGs Event- we will be going Christmas caroling on Sunday, December 20th from 4-6:30pm. All info is at the kiosk.
*HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!! Remember to share your blessings with others.

God Guides Deborah

This week’s bible story is about a prophet named Deborah. Deborah had an important job, but we often times don’t talk much about her. God guided Deborah to lead the Israelites to victory against Jabin’s army. God gave Deborah the ability to guide the Israelites through difficult times.

When have you been faced with a difficult situation and needed to make a wise decision? What helps you make a wise decision? How has God helped you through these difficult times? God wants us to make wise decisions based on our faith just as Deborah did.

Bible Text: Judges 4

Key Verse: Then Deborah said to Barak, “Up! For this is the day on which the Lord has given Sisera into your hand. The Lord is indeed going out before you.” Judges 4:14a

Faith Trait: Wisdom

Talk Points:
*Where do you see evidence of God’s presence within the turmoil of today?
*Who is like a “judge” in your life today?
*How do these people help you make wise decisions?
*What does it mean to be wise?
*What do you do when faced with a deep decision?

Reminders:
*No Club 56 on Wednesday, November 25, 2009 because of Thanksgiving!
*Encourage your child to get signed up for a part in the Christmas Program
*I need volunteers to donate fabric to make costumes for the Christmas Program. If you are willing to donate fabric, come see me!! Thanks!

Strong and Courageous

Do you like being a child or do you often times wish you could have the same freedoms and responsibilities as an adult? 5th and 6th graders are at a threshold between childhood and adolescence. As our youth try to figure out their place in life, let’s remember Joshua at Jericho. He remained strong and courageous; he continued to persevere as God told him to take over the land for Moses (who had died). God promised him the resources he would need in order to lead the people; God’s own presence and the book of the law, which Joshua was to lean on every day.

When have you persevered? While running a race? Doing a school project? Practicing an instrument or sport? God reminds us to “be strong and courageous” for God is with us wherever we go even during those moments of trying to figure out who we want to be.

Bible Text: Joshua 1:1-0, 6:1-20

Key Verse: I hereby command you: Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

Faith Trait: Perseverance

Talk Points:
*Has your faith helped you face obstacles with courage and perseverance?
*When is it most difficult to persevere? How does God help?
*When have you persevered? During a race? Practicing an instrument? Taking a test?
*Who do you know that is strong and courageous? How are you like or unlike that person?
*Would you have liked to have been Joshua? Why or why not?

Reminders:
*All 5th graders and parents will attend the 5th Grade Martin Luther milestone event in the Ready, Set, Grow rooms from 6-7pm.
*November BUGs event- we will go to the Woodbury 10 Theatre on Sunday, Nov. 15, (time to be announced) to attend “A Christmas Carol” movie. Sign up at the kiosk!
*Christmas Program- encourage your child to sign up for a part in the upcoming Christmas Program. All information is posted on the kiosk.
*NO Club 56 on Wednesday, November 25th because of Thanksgiving!

Have a spirited-filled week!!

Moses Strikes the Rock

“I don’t like school.” “Do I have to help with the dishes?” “I don’t have any friends.” “Why can’t I get those new shoes?” “I don’t like what we are having for dinner.” Complain….we all do it. At times, we are all like the Israelites; complaining, lacking trust, questioning a God who offers His abundant love for us. Moses was a leader for the Israelites. It was Moses who continued to trust and believe in God. It was Moses who struck the rock and through God’s power provided drinking water for the Israelites.

Just as Moses trusted God again and again, we too need to trust. God provides for us and gives us what we need. Our complaining will not provide us with the things that we believe we need. God reminds us to give thanks for the gifts that He has provided.

Bible Text: Exodus 17:1-7

Key Verse: The people quarreled with Moses and said, “Give us water to drink.” Moses said to them, “Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you test the Lord?” Exodus 17:2

Faith Trait: Thankfulness

Talk Points:
*What gift does each learner bring to class that you are thankful for?
*Does complaining make a situation better or worse? Why?
*What else besides complaining can change a situation?
*How can the situation be resolved in a positive way?
*How do you look when you receive a much-wanted gift?
*What do you complain about the most? What’s something you could do instead?
*How can God help?
*Where is your favorite place to be with God?

Reminders:
*We have large group worship this week with Pastor Jon. Parents are always welcome to join us!
*Friday, Oct. 30th is the Fall Party. There are still a few spots for kids to sign up to help out with this event. The “After Party” is for the 5th and 6th graders that have helped with the Fall Party. The “After Party” is from 8:30-9:30pm.
*All 5th graders and parents are invited to attend the Martin Luther milestone event on Wednesday, Nov. 4th from 6-7pm. This event is in place of their regular Club 56 bible lesson.
*Christmas Program info coming out soon. A sign up sheet will be posted on the kiosk for 5th and 6th graders to sign up for parts in the Christmas Program. Encourage your child to get involved with the Christmas Program. The 5th and 6th graders have the “acting/dress-up” parts.

Have a safe and fun Fall week!!

Moses at the Red Sea

Are you ever scared? We all face fears in our lives. The fear of storms, of not having any friends, of getting lost, of not earning good grades…the list goes on. Although fear often times will take over and control our lives, God reminds us to stand boldly like Moses did for the Israelites. We are to trust that God will fight for us, He will walk with us, and He will work in and through us. We just have to trust.

The Israelites experienced God’s power as they crossed the Red Sea. They were filled with fear knowing that Pharaoh’s army was after them. Thankfully, Moses trusted God and acted boldly when he led the Israelites across the Red Sea. It was through his trust in God that God parted the waters of the sea and the Israelites went across on dry land.

How can you be like Moses and act boldly for God? By inviting a friend to church? By helping those in need? By accepting others?

Bible Text: Exodus 14:1-30

Key Verse: But Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid, stand firm, and see the deliverance that the Lord will accomplish for you today.” Exodus 14:13a

Faith Trait: Boldness

Talk Points:
*Where is God leading you today?
*Which is scarier, walking into a dark room or reaching into a dark closet?
*Who would you trust more, a fortuneteller or a weather forecaster?
*Which would you rather do, stay where you feel safe or go off on an unknown adventure?
*Do you anyone who has experienced a miracle?
*Have you ever experienced a miracle yourself?
*What does it feel like to trust?
*What does it feel like to lead?
*Is this similar to the way God guides us?
*When have you trusted someone to help you do a scary thing? Was it hard to trust that person? How did you feel afterward?
*Who do you go to when you feel scared? How does that person help you?

Reminders:
*We have large group worship on October 28th from 6-6:30pm. Let me know if you would be interested in helping share communion. Pastor Jon will lead us in worship.
*Remind kids to sign up for the October BUGs event on October 25th….pumpkin painting at Stonecrest. Sign up at the kiosk.
*Fall Party will be Oct. 30. Club 56 youth can sign up to help run the games. There will be an “After Party” for the 5th and 6th graders who helped at the Fall Party.
*The 5th graders and parents will be invited to the 5th grade Milestone Event on Wednesday, November 4th from 6-7pm. All 5th graders and their parents will meet in the Ready, Set, Grow rooms to learn about Martin Luther.

God's blessings for a wonderful week!!

No Club 56 on Wednesday!

Due to MEA Break, we will NOT have Club 56. We will meet again on Wednesday, October 21 from 6-7pm.

Enjoy your days off from school!!

God's Promise to Abraham and Sarah

What are some things that you have had to wait for? A special pair of shoes that you have wanted? A new outfit? A certain toy? A cell phone? A special trip or vacation? Waiting can be difficult at any age. We often times become impatient and want things right now. However, God asks that we trust Him; that we remain patient. He promises to hold true to His word just like he did for Abraham and Sarah and blessing them with a child after years of waiting. God knows our needs. Nothing is impossible for God.


Bible Text: Genesis 18:1-15, 21:1-7

Key Verse: Is anything too wonderful for the Lord? At the set time I will return to you, in due season, and Sarah shall have a son. Genesis 18:14

Faith Trait: Patience

Talk Points:
*In what way does Sarah’s laughter ring true as you hope for the things that mean the most to you?
*Is it easy or difficult to wait patiently?
*What are you waiting for later today?
*What are you waiting for later this week?
*What are you waiting for in the future?
*How do you reflect hope?
*How does God give us hope while we wait?
*Have you ever waiting a long time for something? What was it?
*How can God help you wait patiently?

Reminders:
*Remind your child to bring their bible and an offering each week to class.
*No Club 56 next week, October 14th due to MEA Break.
*Check out the kiosk for the October BUGs Event!
*Large group worship on October 28th. You are always welcome to join us!

Enjoy the beauty of fall! Stay warm!!