Unless you’ve been out of the country, don’t own a TV or computer (then how are you reading this?), or just have a strong affinity to what my Aussie friend calls, “that other kind of football”- then you know there was a big sporting event last Sunday night.  I personally love the Super Bowl; not because I’m looking for a big score on a bet, but because I love any excuse to sit around eating junk food with no guilt. 

It’s always interesting to me that on the first Sunday in February every year, Americans (including myself) cheer for teams they have no connection to, watch to see if the halftime show will be any good, and suddenly take an interest in commercials.  I mean, how many of us even watch commercials anymore?  If you have a DVR, you are skipping commercials, am I right?  But, not on Super Bowl Sunday.  The commercials get as much airtime days before and after the Super Bowl as the game itself.  Amazing.

If you watched the game or have at least read or heard about it this week, then you know the commercials were far more interesting.  My guess is that the only people who loved this year’s game were those ‘12th man’ diehard Seahawks fans.  It was a blowout of historical proportions.  Don’t quote me on this, but I believe there has only been one other Super Bowl where the score was more skewed than this year.

Before the game begins each year, Matthew and I pick our teams.  We have no connection to either team, but we pick one to root for during the game.  I picked the Seahawks, and he picked the Broncos.  Now…you would think I took bragging rights early and frequently, but actually something else happened. 

As soon as the first snap of the game went flying over Peyton Manning’s head, my devotion changed.  Without any real conscious decision, I almost immediately began to root for the Broncos.  I found myself cheering aloud and internally for something to go right for the team where everything seemed to be just the opposite.  I think there is something about applauding the underdog that innately resonates with all of us.  I’ve been wondering off and on all week why that is.

If we’re made in God’s image then there must be something of God’s character in us that leads us to support those who need support.  Look at the evidence…
God chose the underdog over and over to carry out His plans (Moses, Gideon, etc.).  God rescues the sinners (what could be more of an underdog) - not the saint.  Jesus ate with the hated tax collectors, and tells us that whatever we “do for the least of these” we do for Him.  I think I’m pretty safe in likening “the least of these” to underdogs. 

This week I’m discussing with our kids how the “modern” idols in our lives are just as dangerous as the false gods and idols worshipped in the Old Testament.  One of the things worshipping false idols can lead to is pride, along with its ugly cousin, entitlement.  Every one of us can fall into the ditch where pride and entitlement live.  I think one way to crawl out of that ditch is to ask ourselves, “Am I putting myself first or am I doing my part to lift up the little guy?” 

Jesus doesn’t pick teams- He loves the sinner and the saint.  He loves to see justice for the underdog, and He loves those who bring about that justice.  He said this…
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5:3-12)

I wonder if the bullying in our schools would cease to exist if we had more people cheering for the underdog…

This Week’s Announcements:
Ways you can help:
- We are growing!  We need additional leaders in some of our age groups. Please let us know if you’d like to help disciple children. 
- Subs needed: Sometimes we need subs for our regular volunteers. Take this past Sunday for example- 3 volunteers woke up with the stomach bug.  Please let us know if you can be considered as an ‘on call’ sub for us.  Email Christina Busey at christina@stonebridgemarietta.org if you can help us in this way.
- One-on-one special friends are needed for some of our children.  Please contact me (Penny) at penny@stonebridgemarietta.org if you would like to know more about this opportunity to serve.
A friendly public service announcement….
I’ve noticed over the last several weeks that some children are being dropped in the wrong age rooms.  Many of them are being placed in rooms with younger siblings.  I know some of you may be unaware that this is even happening.  Since elementary age children walk themselves upstairs, some of them are ‘sneaking’ into younger rooms without your knowledge.  Some of you may be aware, and just haven’t thought of it as any kind of problem.  Please help us with drop off of your children, specifically making sure that they are in the right age/grade group.  Here is why…as I write lessons each week, I spend a great deal of time praying and thinking about what is age appropriate and at the same time will challenge kids in their Spiritual growth.  Obviously what is best for a 2nd grader is not the same thing for a 4k preschooler.  When an older child is in the room with younger kids, I see two things happen. One, the older child is not being challenged.  Two, younger kids don’t participate in discussion as freely when older kids are in their midst.  The older kids answer quicker, and younger kids are left out of the discussion.  Our heart in PathFinders is to partner with you in the Spiritual growth of your children.  We want to do our part to provide a fun, safe, and challenging environment for all ages.  We have kids grouped by age/grade to help with this environment.  Please help us maintain those guidelines.  *For those of you who think logistically, I’ll throw in this added reason…the rooms are full as is, so adding kids who don’t belong in those rooms throws off our adult to child ratios.  If you have any concerns or special requests about this topic, please feel free to contact me.

What God is Teaching Us:
Follow the links below to see the past two Sunday’s curriculum: 
This link is no longer available

Funny Things Kids Do and Say…
Two children’s leaders were talking about God's knowledge as revealed in His Word....
The teacher asked, "What is the most reliable source of knowledge we have?” A child answered, "THE INTERNET!"
Don't think that was answer she was looking for.