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!