Wrapping Up Truth

As one leader put it on Sunday, kids are great at “wiggling out” of the truth sometimes.  Kids generally will do just about anything to avoid getting in trouble.  They will nip a little bit off the whole truth, they will remain silent to avoid the risk of self-incrimination, they will stretch the truth, and at times, they will outright lie.  (Of course, all of this can be said about adults as well)

This week as we continued our ARMED series, we put on the first piece of God’s Armor- the belt of truth.  Belts in our world are an accessory more than a necessity.  The belt of truth is not an accessory we put on only when it suits us- or when it matches our current circumstance.  The belt of truth is a necessity for fighting the battle we’re all facing.  Like the Roman soldier that Paul used as a model/visual for the armor, we need to wear this belt to hold all other armor together. 

In other words, without the Truth, none of the armor would fit, stay on, or even make sense.  (This is an example of the remarkable consistency of God’s Word!)  Jesus called Satan out as the father of lies, and said of Himself, “I am the truth…”  Wrapping ourselves in truth is not just about putting on a belt.  It’s about wrapping our lives with Truth.  It’s about filling our minds and hearts with Truth.  It’s about knowing and trusting Him who is Truth.

Kids (and adults) avoid, stretch, or hide the truth at times.  We cannot be ARMED against the father of lies if we are taking off and putting on the belt of truth when it suits us.  We have to make a conscience decision…our kids have to make a conscience decision…to put on the belt of truth. 
Ephesians 6:14a- “Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist…”

This Week’s Announcements:
1. We still have a few ministry spots to fill. If you’d like to learn more about how you too can make an investment in the lives of kids, please contact me at penny@stonebridgemarietta.org or Christina Busey at christina@stonebridgemarietta.org

2. BRING YOUR BIBLE!  I’ve challenged the elementary (1st-5th grade) children to bring their own Bible each week.  As we ARM ourselves with God’s Truth, one of the most important tools will be God’s Word.  If you’re unsure if your child has the Bible that is appropriate for his or her age/maturity/reading level, I’m happy to be a resource for you.  Contact me and I can give you suggestions about good options for your age child. Contact me at penny@stonebridgemarietta.org

3. Registration is now open for our annual PathFinders Camping Day!  REMEMBER THAT REGISTRATION ENDS ON SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11TH SO DON’T DELAY! Click the link below to register your 1st-5th grade child. https://stonebridgemarietta.org/events/event/pathfinders-camping-day-2/

What God is Teaching Us:
For Toddlers-3k:
Even our youngest are getting ARMED as they explore what coming to church is all about.  They are learning that Church is God’s house, and about the things we do together in His house.  They are learning that we play, pray, praise, and learn about the Bible.  As they continued to learn about prayer, the focus was listening when we pray. 
Click the link to see the nursery lessons: This link is no longer available

For 4k-5th Grade:
We continued our new Fall Curriculum- “ARMED” on Sunday.  This week’s lesson focused on the belt of truth and what it means to wrap our lives in Truth. Click on the link below to see the lessons for 4k/K, 1st&2nd grade, and 3rd-5th grade small groups.
This link is no longer available

*Also- we are ARMING ourselves by learning a memory verse together each week. 
This week’s Memory Verses:
For 2/3 year olds: “Call to me and I will answer you.”  Jeremiah 33:3a
For 3k preschool: “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and wonderful things you do not know.”  Jeremiah 33:3
For 4k/K:  “You will know the truth. The truth will set you free." John 8:32(NIrV)
For 1st-5th grade: “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”  John 8:32 (NIV)

Amazing Things Kids Do and Say…
The 4k/K class was on a roll this week with lots of funny things being said!  Here are just a few:

During the 4k/K large group lesson, the kids were being asked to recall what was talked about last week.  (STANDING FIRM against the enemy).  When asked what we need to STAND, many kids answered things like “truth” or “God’s Word.”  One little girl…slightly confused by everyone else’s answers- even looking at them like they were crazy- said, “Our two feet!”

Kids were asked to shout out what we’re learning.  (The phrase is “We’re getting ARMED and ready for battle!”) One little girl shouted, “We’re getting ARMED and ready for battleship!”
All I could think about was the old commercial… “D6!  Ahh…you sunk my battleship!”

One little boy was reciting last week’s Bible verse (James 4:7). When he got to the end, he said, “James 4:7…NIrV.  I don’t think you have to say that last part- the NIrV-but I did just in case.”
 
As the children learned the new Bible verse (John 8:32) this week, they practiced saying it several times, along with the Scripture reference.  One little guy couldn’t understand how 8:32 was not 832 (eight hundred thirty-two).  An adult tried to explain it several times with no luck.  The little boy, getting fed up, said... “Well, it’s 832 and that’s past my bedtime.  I go to bed at 830 [eight hundred thirty]!”

Stand Firm!

If our children have ever had the unfortunate experience of being a victim of bullying, our response as parents can range from sympathy to rage.  We cry- sometimes not so secretly- for our kids.  We are angry at the world our kids live in or at the offending child. Wherever we land on the continuum of sympathy to rage, we want to fix it for our children. 

As adults we know that a bully’s hidden secret is they are in actuality cowards.  Most bullies pick their victims for one reason- they seem like an easy target.  Bullies by definition are insecure or hurting and they want to take it out on someone else.  We know this and yet it doesn’t make it any easier to watch.  As hard as it is to watch, it’s even harder to convince our kids that the bullying has nothing to do with them being less than, but all to do with someone else feeling that way. 

This is one way Satan works.  He uses lies to convince us that we are unworthy of love.  He tries his best to bully his way into our lives, and just like any other bully, he is nothing but a coward.  Think about it…he has to feel less than because, as we know, he is. He has to feel defeated, because indeed he has been.  He has to find someone to blame and pick on, or to make miserable, because he himself is miserable. 

So what do we do in the face of a bully? What should our kids do in the face of a bully?  Think about the advice and counsel you’d give your child when faced with a bully in school.  Maybe it would go something like this…
“You are not what they say you are…you are who God says you are!” 
“You are loved, special, talented, and beautiful.” 
“Ignore what he says.” 
“Don’t give her any satisfaction by answering back.  If you ignore her, she gets no satisfaction and will stop.” 

In the face of the neighborhood bully- our enemy, Satan- couldn’t we say some similar kinds of things?  Can we face this bully head on?  Yes we can.  Can we stand up to this coward?  Yes we can. Can we defeat the bully? Yes we can.  Because of Jesus and the armor provided us by God, we have the power to face, stand up to, and defeat this bully.  Let’s stand up to him in prayer for our kids.  Let's encourage our kids to stand up to him in prayer.  Let’s ARM ourselves with TRUTH, knowing that part of being ARMED means standing firm! 

This Week’s Announcements:
1. We still have a few ministry spots to fill. If you’d like to learn more about how you too can make an investment in the lives of kids, please contact me at penny@stonebridgemarietta.org or Christina Busey at christina@stonebridgemarietta.org

2. BRING YOUR BIBLE!  I’ve challenged the elementary (1st-5th grade) children to bring their own Bible each week.  As we ARM ourselves with God’s Truth, one of the most important tools will be God’s Word.  If you’re unsure if your child has the Bible that is appropriate for his or her age/maturity/reading level, I’m happy to be a resource for you.  Contact me and I can give you suggestions about good options for your age child. Contact me at penny@stonebridgemarietta.org

3. Registration is now open for our annual PathFinders Camping Day!  Click the link below to register your 1st-5th grade child. https://stonebridgemarietta.org/events/event/pathfinders-camping-day-2/

What God is Teaching Us:
For Toddlers-3k:
Even our youngest are getting ARMED as they explore what coming to church is all about.  They are learning that Church is God’s house, and about the things we do together in His house.  They are learning that we play, pray, praise, and learn about the Bible.  This week’s focus was prayer and how God is happy when we talk to Him. 
Click the link to see the nursery lessons: This link is no longer available

For 4k-5th Grade:
We continued our new Fall Curriculum- “ARMED” on Sunday.  This week’s lesson focused on standing firm and what that means as we face our enemy. Click on the link below to see the lessons for 4k/K, 1st&2nd grade, and 3rd-5th grade small groups.
 This link is no longer available

*Also- we are ARMING ourselves by learning a memory verse together each week. 
This week’s Memory Verses:
For 2/3 year olds: “Call to me and I will answer you.”  Jeremiah 33:3a
For 3k preschool: “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and wonderful things you do not know.”  Jeremiah 33:3
For 4k/K and 1st/2nd:  “So obey God. Stand up to the devil. He will run away from you.” James 4:7(NIrV)
For 3rd-5th grade: “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”James 4:7 (NIV)



Amazing Things Kids Do and Say...
They pray!  Check out the picture of one young man STANDING in prayer during his small group on Sunday. 

As nasty germs begin to stir up, nasty little viruses are beginning to show up, and kids are getting sick.  After fighting off a fever for several days, one little guy developed a rash.  He very seriously looked at the rash.  Then looking up at his mom, he said, “Mom, I know what I have.  It’s in the Bible.  I have leprosy!” 
All I can say to that is…let’s hope not…I don’t think my Clorox wipes will kill those germs!  :)

ARMED and ready for Battle!

With the popularity of the newly released movie “War Room” it’s evident God’s people are becoming more and more aware of the need to be ready for battle. This is the heart behind our new fall series for PathFinders…  “ARMED.”

This week we reviewed what it means to be ARMED and then began learning a little about the enemy we’re actually fighting.  In Scripture he is called many things and takes on many forms- tempter, liar, thief, enemy, Satan, accuser, adversary, angel of light, serpent, dragon, Antichrist…just to name a few.  Our enemy is real.  Ephesians 6:12 ~ “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”  Even knowing he is real, we can be assured we have no need to be afraid. Our God knows the battle plan, He equips us to be ready for battle, AND most importantly- He always wins! 

The reality of this battle we face can be thought of simply as a battle we’re familiar with…like football.  Any good football coach prepares his team to face an opponent by watching game film, practicing, getting stronger, and knowing the opponent’s strengths, weaknesses, and usual plan of attack.  Why wouldn’t we prepare similarly to face the battle ahead of us?  If we’re to face our opponent with both a good defensive and offensive plan, then we need to know something about that opponent.  We don’t want to minimize our enemy, but instead maximize our God! 

As I reminded the kids on Sunday, this enemy is not super creative.  He’s had the same plan since his visit in the garden.  He wants to trick, lie, and cheat his way into our lives for the purpose of pulling us away from God.  But, again, we know two things for sure.  Our God is bigger and our God always wins.  Just saying the name “Jesus” will have him running for cover.  (The kids found it quite funny to think of him running away like a “chicken.”)

The war was won on the cross, but our stubborn enemy doesn’t give up easily.  The battle we face is real, but our God is also real!  We live on the side of victory and our battle cry is “ARMED and ready!”  
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.  Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.” Ephesians 6:10-11

This Week’s Announcements:
1. We still have a few ministry spots to fill. If you’d like to learn more about how you too can make an investment in the lives of kids, please contact me at penny@stonebridgemarietta.org or Christina Busey at christina@stonebridgemarietta.org

2. BRING YOUR BIBLE!  I’ve challenged the elementary (1st-5th grade) children to bring their own Bible each week.  As we ARM ourselves with God’s Truth, one of the most important tools will be God’s Word.  If you’re unsure if your child has the Bible that is appropriate for his or her age/maturity/reading level, I’m happy to be a resource for you.  Contact me and I can give you suggestions about good options for your age child. Contact me at penny@stonebridgemarietta.org

3. Registration is now open for our annual PathFinders Camping Day!  Click the link below to register your 1st-5th grade child. https://stonebridgemarietta.org/events/event/pathfinders-camping-day-2/

What God is Teaching Us:
For Toddlers-3k:
Even our youngest are getting ARMED as they explore what coming to church is all about.  They are learning that church is God’s house and about the things we do together in His house.  They are learning that we play, pray, praise, and learn about the Bible.  This week’s focus was prayer. 
Click the link below to see the nursery lessons.
This link is no longer available

For 4k-5th Grade:
We continued our new Fall Curriculum- “ARMED” on Sunday.  This week’s lesson focused on the importance of knowing the enemy we’re fighting. Click on the link below to see the lessons for 4k/K, 1st&2nd grade, and 3rd-5th grade small groups. 
This link is no longer available

*Also- we are ARMING ourselves by learning a memory verse together each week. 
This week’s Memory Verses:
For 2/3 year olds: “Call to me and I will answer…” Jeremiah 33:3aFor 3k preschool: “Call to me and I will answer and tell you great and wonderful things you do not know.” Jeremiah 33:3 For 4k/K and 1st/2nd:  John 10:10 (NCV) ~ “The thief comes to steal and kill and destroy, but I came to give life-life in its fullness."For 3rd-5th grade: John 10:10 (NIV) ~ “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

Amazing or Funny Things Kids Do and Say…
One Kindergarten child who seems to be quite the “ladies man” was picked out by one little girl as the one she wanted to marry.  After making her declaration of love to him, other kids began singing the (still popular after all these years) song “J and S, sitting in a tree…K-I-S-S-I-N-G…”  The little boy, upon returning home, made this sign. (See picture)  When his mom asked him about it, he explained- “I can’t kiss her until I know if she loves Jesus!”  That’s a man with his priorities in order! 

Get Ready...Get Set...Get ARMED!

Every summer as we prepare for our PathFinders “year” to start in late August, I ask the Lord a very specific question.  “Where do you want to take the kids this year?”  I’m always excited to see what the Lord has to say in response to this question.  He is faithful to answer, and His plan is always so much better than anything I could’ve thought of on my own. 

This year was no different.  After asking the Lord my question for a few weeks, He responded in His perfect timing- when my mind and spirit could fully focus on what He would share.  So…on a morning in late July, I awoke with an overwhelming sense that something was coming…something big.  I knew what was coming wasn’t good, but at the same time, I felt not an ounce of fear. 

I realized this had something to do with where God wanted me to focus with our kids, so I asked Him for a word that would give me direction.  The Lord made it clear…“ARMED.”  My responsibility for our kids in whatever is “coming” was going to be “ARM them.” 

We do that every week by teaching God’s Word, through worship, and through prayer.  This, however, was something more specific.  So, again, I asked and then I waited.  God continued to speak the same word “ARMED” through other avenues.  From hearing about a dream someone had, to talking to a friend about something she “sensed” from the Lord, to finding a slip of paper in the back of my journal with three words on it “Armed with Truth.”  (I still don’t know when I wrote that or why)  There was no question…God was saying we need to ARM our kids like never before. 

Obviously, we listened!  There will be a common thread for children of all ages this Fall- “ARMED!”  This will look different at different ages of course, but the idea is the same…how are we ARMING our kids with the Truth of Who God is, the Truth of His Word, the Truth that we have a real enemy, and the Truth that our defensive and offensive response to that enemy lies in following Jesus. 

God has some BIG things in store for our kids; however, the enemy would love to shut that down.  We covet your prayers for the children, for their leaders, and for those of us on the Children’s Ministry staff. 
Because of Who God is and the fact that He's already won, we know we can be ARMED and READY for BATTLE!  Let’s do this!!

This Week’s Announcements:
1. We still have a few ministry spots to fill. If you’d like to learn more about how you too can make an investment in the lives of kids, please contact me at penny@stonebridgemarietta.org or Christina Busey at christina@stonebridgemarietta.org

2. BRING YOUR BIBLE!  I’ve challenged the elementary (1st-5th grade) children to bring their own Bible each week.  As we ARM ourselves with God’s Truth, one of the most important tools will be God’s Word.  If you’re unsure if your child has the Bible that is appropriate for his or her age/maturity/reading level, I’m happy to be a resource for you.  Contact me and I can give you suggestions about good options for your age child. Contact me at penny@stonebridgemarietta.org

3. SAVE the DATE for our annual PathFinders Camping Day!  Saturday, October 17th (9am-4pm)   Mark your calendars now and look for registration information next week.

What God is Teaching Us:
We started our new Fall Curriculum- “ARMED” on Sunday.  We want to be armed and ready for battle! This week’s lesson focused on the Word of God being our “go to” weapon for all things. Click on the link below to see the lessons for 4k/K, 1st&2nd grade, and 3rd-5th grade small groups. 
This link is no longer available

*Also- we are ARMING ourselves by learning a memory verse together each week. 
This week’s verses:
For 4k/K:  2Timothy 3:16 ~ “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness”For 1st-5th grade: 2Timothy 3:16-17 ~ “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

Amazing Things Kids Do and Say...
After praying for the kids to be passionate and hungry for God’s Word, a 2nd grader came to me.  She said, “Ms. Penny, your prayer worked! I am so hungry right now.  I’ll be glad when it’s lunchtime.” 

Small Groups are More than...well, small groups

When you have upwards of 65+ elementary kids at one service on a Sunday morning, breaking them into smaller groups seems a necessary step for sure.  It’s the whole ‘eat the elephant in small pieces’ mentality.  If crowd control were the only reason we divided kids into small groups, I don’t think anyone would see that as being anything but a smart management move.  In fact, I’m sure most would say, “If for no other reason…do it for your sanity.” 

I like a good management strategy as much as anyone, but that’s not why we do small groups.  We put kids into small groups because that’s where real discipleship happens.  Jesus knew it, and what better example is there than Jesus?! Jesus pulled twelve very different guys together for the purpose of making disciples.  They spent time learning from Him, with the goal of leading not only them to salvation, but using them to further His Kingdom.  Our Small Groups are more than just small groups of people when our focus is that same thing.  

Matthew 18:20 (NIrV) - “Where two or three people meet together in my name, I am there with them."
When we gather for the purpose of learning about the Lord, learning from the Lord, and praising the Lord…we are gathered in His name, and He is with us. As I pointed out to the kids, we are not coming together to form a soccer team or do a cooking class.  We are gathered to meet the Lord...together. 

So, we’re in these groups.  Now what?  Scripture is full of examples of people meeting together to eat, to pray, and to encourage each other in their faith.  To make it simple, we broke it down into three specific goals. 
1. To love each other (John 13:34-35)
2. To carry each other’s burdens; pray for one another (Galatians 6:2)
3. To help, forgive, and teach each other wisely (Colossians 3:13, 16)

If we can continue meeting together in His name with these goals in mind, God will do amazing things in and through us.  Small Groups are not just small groups…they are places where life change can happen.
    
This Week’s Announcements:
We still have a few ministry spots to fill. If you’d like to learn more about how you too can make an investment in the lives of kids, please contact me at penny@stonebridgemarietta.org

What God is Teaching Us:
This past Sunday, our small groups continued to build community, discuss why small groups are important, and practice some of the key things that will help each of them grow spiritually because of their involvement in a small group.  Follow the link below to see how that was accomplished.
This link is no longer available

Amazing Things Kids Do and Say…
This Kindergarten child has learned that God’s Word is “true, true, true!”  This is a video (see link below) his parents sent me of him teaching his little sister this important lesson.  This is the kind of thing that makes a Children’s Pastor’s heart burst with joy! 
https://vimeo.com/138034641