A New Understanding

The story from Acts talks about Philip and an Ethiopian. These two met as strangers, yet learned so much from one another. Think about a time that you learned something new from someone you did not know. God has a way of bringing strangers together to strengthen one another’s faith. Philip was listening to God’s call which he didn’t fully understand at the beginning. However with perseverance (this week’s Faith Trait), he managed to make sense of his call. He brought Jesus to life for the Ethiopian. Is Jesus calling you? In what ways? Do you always understand Him and what he wants you to do? God doesn’t make it easy for us, but rather asks that we be patient and continue to follow Him just as Philip and the Ethiopian did. Some times it takes another person to tell us what God’s call is.

Bible Text: Acts 8:26-40

Key Verse: [Philip] asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” Acts 8:30

Faith Trait: Perseverance

Talk Points:
*Who has been helpful to you on your faith journey?
*Who has helped you understand something?
*What did you learn?
*How did this person teach you?
*Have you ever learned anything from a stranger? What?
*Have you ever taught someone about something she or he didn’t know? What was that like?
*When have you persevered? Was it easy or difficult to continue on?

Reminders:
*This Wednesday is 6th grade REV Night. All 6th graders will attend this event with their parents starting at 6:15pm.
*The last night of Club 56 is May 5th.
*The last night of the Quarter War is May 5th. The class who has brought in the most quarters over the last few weeks will win a pizza party on May 5th.

May God speak to you this week! Blessings! <><

Pentecost!

Before Jesus’ death, he promised the gift of the Holy Spirit. It was on Pentecost (the longest season of the church year running throughout the summer and fall) when the Holy Spirit came and Jesus’ disciples told stories of God’s amazing love and power. All barriers were broken down according to age, gender, social status, and nationality so that all people could hear and understand the stories being told. Jesus’ followers were empowered to be witnesses both locally and throughout the world.
The arrival of the Holy Spirit is so great and powerful that it almost seems unreal; like it couldn't happen. However, God chose this extraordinary way for the Holy Spirit to make the entrance to let us know that the way the Holy Spirit works within us is unparalleled. God is with us now through the Holy Spirit. (When the Holy Spirit acts in our lives, we look for peaceful solutions to our problems.)

Bible Text: Acts 2:1-21

Key Verse: In the last days it will be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams. Acts 2:17

Faith Trait: Peace

Talk Points:
*When have you felt the Holy Spirit’s presence? What happened?
*What does it feel like to feel the presence of the Holy Spirit?
*When do you feel most alive?
*How has the Holy Spirit worked in your life? Do you willingly let the Holy Spirit work within?
*When do you experience the most peace?
*What happened on Pentecost?
*What new insights do you have about the Holy Spirit?

Reminders:
*We have large group worship this week from 6-6:30pm in the sanctuary. This will be our last worship service together for the year. Parents are always welcome!
*May 5th is our LAST night of Club 56.
*All 6th graders and parents will have REV Night on April 28th.
*May 12th is the 6th grade Celebration Service as we celebrate the 6th graders continuing their faith journey to REV. The service is in the sanctuary starting at 6pm.
*Turn in your registration forms for fall!

May you feel the Holy Spirit this week! <><

A Mission With Jesus

Imagine what it must have been like to think that Jesus was dead and then to find out he was raised from the dead and was alive. Some people worshiped and believed this, others doubted what they saw. Jesus commanded the disciples to help spread the word of his resurrection and to continue sharing His story. Because the disciples obeyed, Jesus’ story has been passed from generation to generation. Jesus calls each of us to be like the disciples and to minister to others. Even 5th and 6th graders have gifts and talents that they can use to minister to people in ways that adults can’t. Together we can share God’s good news of love and grace.

Bible Text: Matthew 28:16-20

Key Verse: Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, so to the end of the age. Matthew 28:19-20

Faith Trait: Boldness

Talk Points:
*What does it mean to live out Jesus’ call to baptize, teach, and make disciples of all nations?
*Have you ever heard news that changed your life? How did you hear it?
*Have you ever shared important news with someone else? What happened?
*How might our lives be different if the disciples had kept Jesus’ message to themselves?
*The “Great Commission” is for us today, too. What does it mean for you?
*Imagine that you were with Jesus on the mountain. How do you think you would have responded to his request?
*If someone asked you to share your favorite story about Jesus, which one would you choose?
*When has your faith been bold?

Reminders:
*All 5th graders and their parents are invited to the 5th Grade Ten Commandment Milestone Event this Wednesday in the Multipurpose Room beginning at 6pm. This is in place of having class.
*All 6th graders will join the REV kids on April 28th to learn what REV is about. Teachers are invited to be a part of that night. Heather will send out more info soon.
*Last night of Club 56 is May 5th.
*May 12th is the 6th Grade Celebration Service as the 6th graders continue their faith journey to REV.

Make it a great week! Blessings!

Alleluia! Jesus Is Risen!

The story of Jesus’ death and resurrection certainly paints some vivid images and strong emotions. Jesus, who was guilty of no crime, was crucified as if he was a criminal. Think of how Jesus must have felt to be convicted of a crime that he didn’t commit. Religious leaders and others taunted and laughed as Jesus was being abused and beaten. However, something powerful happened when Jesus died…the earth shook, rocks were split. It was then that people truly understood that this man was God’s Son! Jesus’ body was placed in a tomb. Later an angel revealed that Jesus had been raised from the dead. Persecution and even death could not stop God’s will for the world. Jesus continues to live as the fulfillment of God’s promises which includes us. God’s amazing love for us and forgiveness is great news! Jesus showed us to forgive when he forgave those who crucified him. Do you think this was difficult for Jesus to do? Would it be difficult for you to do?

Bible Text: Matthew 27:32-66, 28:1-10

Key Verse: He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Matthew 28:6

Faith Trait: Forgiveness

Talk Points:
*What do you wonder about as you learn about Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection?
*What do you know about Good Friday and Easter?
*Have these events affected your life? Do they make a difference? Why? Why not?
*How did people respond to Jesus as he was crucified?
*What were some amazing things that happened when Jesus died?
*What do you think the world would be like if Jesus hadn’t risen from the grave?
*How have these events affected your life 2,000 years later?
*Is there someone who you think needs forgiveness?
*Can you think of anything God will not forgive?
*Tell about one thing that always reminds you of Jesus.

Reminders:
*All 5th graders and their parents will be invited to attend the Ten Commandment Milestone event next week, April 14th in the Multipurpose Room from 6-6:50pm. This is in place of class for all 5th graders.
*We will have large group worship in the sanctuary on April 21st from 6-6:30pm. Parents are always welcome to join us.
*There are a few spots left to attend the Twins game on April 18th. Check out the kiosk for sign up and further info.
*May 5th is our last night of Club 56….we are nearing the end which I can’t believe.
*May 12th is a special night for all 6th graders and their families as the 6th graders transition from Club 56 to REV.

Make the most out of your week! Blessings! <><

Hosanna! Celebrate Jesus

Think of the celebration this must have been….Jesus entering Jerusalem. The people gathered around to watch as Jesus rode upon the donkey. There were people who were excited to see Him, yet there were people who wondered who Jesus was.

Jesus was a celebrity to the people and those who followed Him. They knew Him as a teacher, healer, prophet, and leader. How might we react if Jesus were to parade through our community? Would we recognize Him? Would it be a huge celebration? Is Jesus a celebrity for you?

Bible Text: Matthew 21:1-11

Key Verse: The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!” Matthew 21:9

Faith Trait: Joy

Talk Points:
*What are some of the ways that you celebrate Jesus in your everyday life?
*What are ways that you experience joy in Jesus?
*What brings you great joy?
*Who brings you great joy?
*Describe the most amazing party you’ve ever attended.
*What would it be like to have a celebrity come to your school?
*What would you say to Jesus if he paraded through your neighborhoods today?

Reminders:
*There is NO Club 56 on Wednesday, March 31st. We will meet again on April 7th.
*There will be a Good Friday Family Service on April 2nd at 10:30am in the sanctuary. Many youth will be involved with this service.
*The Ten Commandment Milestone for all 5th graders and their parents will be held on April 14th, 6-7pm in the Multipurpose Room. (this is a change in the date…originally we were scheduled to have this event on March 24th)
*April BUGs event- we will be going to a MN Twins game on April 18th. Check out the kiosk for further info.
*We will have large group worship on April 21st in the sanctuary from 6-6:30pm.
*Fall registration forms are out for Club 56.

Make it a great week!

Don't Worry

Worry….what is worry? In our fast paced world filled with commitments and schedules to keep up with, it is no wonder our lives are filled with worry. It is no wonder that we have stomach aches, headaches, and that our overall health is affected. Jesus teaches us that there are no benefits to worrying. Rather, He asks that we rely on his reign and righteousness. Jesus teaches that what we need comes from God; therefore there is no need for us to worry about having food, being clothed, etc. I challenge each of us to think of times when we should trust God rather than worry. Jesus wants us to worry about NOTHING!!

Bible Text: Matthew 6:25-34

Key Verse: Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Matthew 6:25

Faith Trait: Self-discipline

Talk Points:
*What do you worry about?
*Who do you turn to when you’re worried?
*What would it feel like to let go of your worries and give them to God?
*What does Jesus want us to worry about?
*What are some things Jesus said about worry?
*Who can help us when we worry?
*Do you know someone who is filled with worry? What might you do to help?
*What are some healthy ways to deal with worry?

Reminders:
*We do NOT have Club 56 on March 31st due to Spring Break.
*We will have large group worship on April 21st rather than on April 14th.
*April BUGs Event- we will be going to a MN Twins game on April 18th. Check out the kiosk for more details.
*The Ten Commandment Milestone for all 5th graders and their parents has been changed to April 14th rather than March 24. Please make note of this change!

Enjoy the beautiful weather! May you find a quiet moment to hand your worries over to God. Blessings!

Growing in Faith

In this lesson, Jesus teaches us the importance of growing in faith like the seeds that were planted in good soil. The seeds that fell on good soil were able to bear fruit just as our faith can grow if we choose to nurture it and care for it. However, those seeds that fell on the path, on rocky ground were eaten, scorched, or choked. Jesus uses parables (a story that uses familiar things in new ways) to communicate to the great crowd of people. Jesus wants us to not only hear His words (his parables), but to be able to understand them and live them out in our daily lives. As the 5th and 6th graders grow, they are seeking new responsibilities and making new choices. In a sense, they are trying to plant new seeds. As adults, it is our job to encourage them, to pray for them, and to allow them to search out options. As our lesson states, “Being a follower of Jesus means being drawn into new understanding, new questions, a new slant on things, and a new way of life.”

Bible Text: Matthew 13:1-9

Key Verse: Other seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. Matthew 13:8


Talk Points:
*What things do you do to stay healthy and strong?
*What kinds of faith nutrients are you surrounding yourself with so that you can grow?
*What do seeds and sewers of seeds have to do with God’s kingdom?
*How can we care for the earth?
*What prevents people from hearing God’s story?
*What are some things you can do to nurture your faith? How can people help you? How can you help others?

Reminders:
*We will continue to meet through Lent (March 10, 17, 24).
*There is NO Club 56 on March 31st due to Spring Break.

God's blessings on a spirit-filled week!

Amazing Faith

What is faith? This might be a difficult question for 5th and 6th graders. Faith is believing in something even though it can’t be seen. This is what makes faith difficult. We like concrete answers. We like to be able to see things so that we can better understand them. God has the desire to work wonders through the faith of those who believe in Him. Faith in Jesus’ power is what matters the most. He was able to heal and cleanse because people had faith in him. What kinds of things might help you remember Jesus’ healing power? By believing in Jesus, all things are made possible! How cool is that?!!!!

Bible Text: Matthew 8:5-13

Key Verse: And to the centurion Jesus said, “Go; let it be done for you according to your faith.” And the servant was healed in that hour. Matthew 8:13

Faith Trait: Humility

Talk Points:
*What kinds of amazing things can God do in and through you?
*What is the best thing that’s ever happened to you?
*What are you hoping for?
*What does it mean to have faith?
*If you got to experience a miraculous healing like the centurion’s servant, how might you feel?
*What does it mean to be humble?
*Do you think Jesus still works through people of faith? How?
*What kinds of things might be valuable to have around to remind you of Jesus’ healing power? What comforts and calms you?

Reminders:
*March 24th- All 5th graders and parents are invited to attend the Ten Commandment Milestone during Club 56 time, 6-7pm in the Ready, Set, Grow Rooms.
*We continue to have Club 56 during Lent (March 3, 10, 17, 24)
*We do NOT have Club 56 on March 31st due to Spring Break.

Enjoy your week and have faith!!

Fiery Courage

We live in a world that confuses us. The media, peer pressures, technology make it seem that money, popularity, fame, possessions, and nice clothes should all be important. Yet, we have people in our lives that teach us differently, that these items are not important. At some point, we all yearn for these items; or as God calls these items; IDOLS. I like to describe idols as distractions from what God is really trying to teach us and how God truly wants us to live. Just as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego stood firm against King Nebuchadnezzar, we, too are reminded to stand firm against the many “fiery idols” around us. We need to ask for God’s help and we need to stick together as we put God first, not idols.

Bible Text: Daniel 3

Key Verse: Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who has sent his angel and delivered his servants who trusted in him. Daniel 3:28a

Faith Trait: Honesty

Talk Points:
*How do you feel when someone pressures you into something?
*How do you feel when you give in to the pressure? What’s at risk if you don’t?
*Who do you know who lives honestly?
*In your life, what have you grown to idolize?

Reminders:
*We have Club 56 through Lent (Feb. 24, March 3, 10, 17, 24), 6-7pm.
*Soup Suppers start this week from 5-7pm.
*March BUGs Event- we will be going to Feed My Starving Children. Check out the kiosk for further details.

Enjoy your week! Blessings!<><

No Club 56 this week!

Jesus Welcomes Children

There are times in our lives when we feel unwelcome, out of place, unwanted. In Jesus’ time, this was true for the children. They were considered humble, lowly, and unimportant. The disciples tried to control the children so that they could not go to Jesus and see Him. However, Jesus rebuked the disciples and welcomed the children with open arms. Jesus calls us to accept all people and not to care about what they may look like, the type of clothes they may wear, the type of house they may live in, etc. Jesus said that the kingdom of heaven belongs to the children and he invited them to come to Him. Part of accepting all people is also showing them respect. Why can it be difficult to show respect to the poor, the weak, the unsuccessful? Think of your own friendships…do your friends accept you for who you are? Do they treat you with respect? Do you treat them with respect like Jesus respects us?

Bible Text: Matthew 18:1-5; 19:13-15

Bible Verse: But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.” Matthew 19:14

Faith Trait: Respect

Talk Points:
*How do I follow Jesus’ example of welcoming and lifting up children?
*Describe a time when someone did something to make another person feel unwelcome. How do you think the other person felt? How did you feel?
*Have you ever felt unaccepted or unwelcome? What was that like? What did you do?
*Describe a time when you felt welcomed and accepted. Where were you? Who welcomed you? What happened?
*Why do you think Jesus loved and welcomed children?
*What does respect mean? Who do people often respect the most? Who do people seem to respect the least?

Reminders:
*BUGs Event on Feb. 21 from 1:45-5pm. We will be going tubing at Afton. Cost is $13.00. Sign up at the kiosk.
*NO Club 56 next week- Feb. 17. Please consider attending one of the Ash Wednesday services (5:30 or 7pm)
*We will continue to have Club 56 during the season of Lent (Feb. 24, March 3, 10, 17, and 24) PLEASE make note of this!!!

Take time for your children as Jesus did! Blessings!

Jesus Calms a Storm

This lesson was always one of my favorites as a child. What amazing faith and power Jesus has! Jesus’ power of calming the storm, commanding leprosy, fever, and demons are a true testimony of being the Son of God. If the disciples knew how to boat on the sea with stormy weather, why did they panic when a storm rolled through? They allowed their fear to come before their faith. Jesus was even in the boat with them and yet they panicked. Jesus however calmed the storm and rebuked them from fear to faith. How would we have responded if we were in the boat with Jesus and a storm came? Would we have panicked like the disciples or trusted in God to protect us?

Bible Text: Matthew 8:23-27

Key Verse: And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, you of little faith?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a dead calm. Matthew 8:26

Faith Trait: Boldness

Talk Points:
*What is a “storm” for you as 5th and 6th graders?
* Think of storms or “stormy” situations. Have you felt God’s help and presence during those times? How?
*Have you ever considered that Jesus really is with you when you’re scared? What is it like to know that?
*Imagine you witnessed the calming of the storm. How might you have reacted?
*Can Jesus help you when you encounter a scary situation? Why or why not?

Reminders:
*Feb. 21- BUGs Event- Snow tubing at Afton from 2:30-4:30pm. Sign up at the kiosk! Cost is $13.00.
*No Club 56 on Wednesday, Feb. 17. Please encourage your child to attend the Ash Wednesday services.
*We will continue to meet for Club 56 during Lent (Feb. 24, March 3, 10, 17, 24)

Make it a good week
<><

Patiently Waiting for the Harvest

In this lesson, Jesus teaches in parables,- short stories or sayings that communicate a lesson. Jesus uses parables to teach about God’s Kingdom. This parable from Matthew talks about the story of a sower whose work is complicated by evil or bad. Why do good and bad exist? God does not separate the two because often times good can come from the bad such as with the sower who first had to bundle the weeds before seeing his beautiful crop of wheat. How do we remain patient so that we can see the good? It can be really hard to wait and be patient to see what God has in store for us. However, when one person shows patience, it encourages another to show patience and it is that patience that spreads and we are blessed.

Bible Text: Matthew 13:24-30

Key Verse: Let both of them grow together until the harvest; and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, “Collect the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.” Matthew 13:30

Faith Trait: Patience

Talk Points:
*When have you looked beyond life circumstances and seen the great things God can do?
*What do you think the kingdom of heaven, God’s kingdom, is like?
*How do you show patience? Why do we always want immediate results?
*Share a time when it was difficult for you to be patient. What did you do?

Reminders:
*We have large group worship this week at 6pm. Parents are always welcome to join us.
*February BUGs Event- we will be going snow tubing at Afton on Feb. 21 from 2:30-4:30. All information and sign up is posted at the kiosk.
*Remind your child to bring a weekly offering.
*Just a reminder that as Lent approaches, we will continue to have Club 56 on Wednesday nights from 6-7pm.


Enjoy your week as God reminds us about patience!

Following Jesus

Why can following our friends seem so easy, yet following Jesus is a challenge? Jesus was a teacher and taught many people how to live a new way of life. He called people to give up everything and follow him. Some responded, some did not. Think about yourself…would you give up everything to follow Jesus knowing there was no promise for pay or provision?

Key Verse: And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him. Matthew 4:19-20

Faith Trait: Cooperation

Talk Points:
*Does it take a special invitation to follow Jesus?
*How has Jesus led you, and how have you followed?
*Think of your favorite things/possessions…what would you do if someone told you to give these things up forever- would you do it?
*What if someone promised you a million dollars if you did?
*How are your friendships similar to Jesus’ friendships? How are they different?
*Jesus’ disciples made life changes when they followed Jesus. What life changes do we make when we follow Jesus?

Reminders:
*We have large group worship next week, January 27th, 6-6:30pm. Pastor Ralph will be leading us in worship. Parents are always welcome!
*Check out the kiosk….February BUGs event- snow tubing at Afton on Feb. 21st from 2:30-4:30pm. Sign up and details are at the kiosk.
*Reminder that we will have Club 56 during the season of Lent. We will meet at our scheduled time from 6-7pm.

Make it a great week! God loves you!

Baptism: Welcome to God's Family

I just spent a week in Jamaica working at a boys home. Ironically, this week’s lesson is about baptism and water. While in Jamaica, we had no running water for the first four days of our stay. It really made me stop and think about baptism and the symbolism water has in our lives. It is through water and God’s spoken words that bring us together as a family of Christ, as believers belonging to a group.

Belonging- We all want to belong and fit in. Baptism is a way of belonging into God’s family. God welcomes us into His family just as we are. John the Baptist proclaimed that the reign of God was near. Many people responded to what John was proclaiming. Even Jesus went to be baptized. His baptism wasn’t necessary because he was already faithful to us and to God. Joining clubs and group activities is much like being baptized. We like to belong to a group to fit in and build relationships. What does it feel like to belong? To belong in clubs/sports teams? To belong into God’s family?

Bible Text: Matthew 3:1-17

Key Verse: And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. Matthew 3:16

Faith Trait: Generosity

Talk Points:
*Has baptism into God’s family changed your life? How?
*Baptism is done with water and God’s word. Why are new members welcomed with a splash of water?
*Who gives you the friendliest welcome?
*Whom do you have the most fun with?
*Whom do you share your true feelings with?
*Who makes you feel most loved?
*Who is the most generous person you know? Why?

Reminders:
*BUGs Event this Sunday- encourage your child to get signed up soon! We will be making over 500 sandwiches for an organization called, “363 Days.”
*Encourage your child to bring an offering each week.
*We will have large group worship on January 27th from 6-6:30pm.

May God fill your week with His abundant love!