When we say ‘yes’ to the incredible free gift of grace that is our salvation, we are sealed with the Holy Spirit in us. As God changes us from the inside out, it is not just about our hearts, but also our minds. We are “transformed by the renewing of our minds.” Is it any wonder then that the enemy who ultimately wants to steal, kill, and destroy would also want to play mind games with us? The enemy can’t read our thoughts- he’s not that powerful- but he sure tries to sneak his agenda into our minds.
Our brains- much like a colander- have the capacity to take things in, but also to sift things out. What we allow ourselves to be exposed to is one way to keep the enemy at bay, but it’s also about wearing the Helmet of Salvation offered to us as part of God’s armor. This spiritual head piece protects our minds by reminding us of the Truth of our Salvation, as well as continuing the process of our transformation.
There are so many powerful verses that remind us of what God can and does do in our minds. Two that are well worth reading and talking about with your children:
Romans 12:2- Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Philippians 4:8- Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.
This Week’s Announcements:
1. Family Dinner- Our next StoneBridge Family Dinner is Tuesday, November 17th. Please sign up to bring a dish to share AND don’t forget to register your children for childcare. We will provide childcare for birth-5th grade. Children in 4k-5th grade will also be fed dinner. Children under 4k should be fed before coming to church that night. *Please note, to maintain safety for your children we will “close” rooms once they are full. Registration is REQUIRED to guarantee a spot for your children. Visit our website and click on event registration.
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
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 they continued learning about the Bible- God’s True Story.
Click the link to see the nursery lessons:
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For 4k-5th Grade:
We continue to get “ARMED” and ready for battle! This week’s focus was the helmet of salvation. Click the link to see lessons:
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: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105
For 3k preschool: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105
For 4k/K and 1st-5th grade: “O GOD the Lord, the strength of my salvation, You have covered my head in the day of battle.” Psalm 140:7 (NASV)
Amazing (and funny) Things Kids Do and Say…
A 4 year old child told his mom and dad that he wanted to “have a play date with Ms. Penny.” Being excited about such a proposition, I asked him if we could play Legos during our playdate. He replied, “Yes, we can but I have to show you my trains too. And then we need to talk about Bible study!” Sounds like my kind of play date.
When one 1st/2nd grade small group lea
der was talking to a group of boys about their hopes and dreams for the future, many of them started calling out things they would love to do when they grow up. Some wanted to be football players, others wanted to be builders, and then one very enthusiastically shouted out, “I want to work at Zaxby’s!” The other boys thought this was a great idea, considering all the great food he’d get.
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