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! <><