“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6
The similarities between the world Jesus entered over 2,000 years ago and the world we live in now are rarely- if ever- seen to have any similarities. As very different as the time periods may be, one thing hasn’t changed. That is our need for a Savior…a Savior that brings peace. Regardless of one’s views on hot topics like gun control and refugees entering our country, we can all agree that peace is what we long for. Our Savior is the Prince of Peace. If we can somehow- even in the midst of conflict and fear-remember that, then we will experience the peace that is promised to us always and in ALL ways.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27
This Week’s Announcements:
1. Christmas Services and Times:Christmas Eve- We will have one service on December 24th at 5pm. We will meet in the new performing arts building at Marietta High School. This is a family service so parents and kids of all ages will worship together. Christmas Day- We will celebrate the birth of our King on Christmas at 11am in our sanctuary. This is also a family service so parents and kids of all ages will worship together. *It’s okay for kids to come in their PJ’s if they are just not ready to get dressed yet!
2. Special Information for Sunday, December 27th: As we continue to celebrate the birth of Jesus- (we don’t stop celebrating on Dec. 25th), we will enjoy a fun “still celebrating” kind of day in PathFinders on Sunday, Dec. 27th. Please read below to find out what is happening in your child’s room/area.
For 3k and under: Children are welcome to come to church like it’s Christmas morning, complete with wearing their PJ’s to church!
For 4k&Kindergaten: Our morning will look a little different than other Sunday mornings because our small group leaders will be enjoying a much deserved rest. This doesn’t mean we are taking a break from reading God’s Word or worship! Along with reading the Christmas story, we will do games, crafts, and watch a classic Christmas movie. Also- to make it a more relaxed and fun day, 4k&K children are welcome to wear their PJ’s to church on Sunday. (That’s right…you don’t have to get them dressed before church! That’s our little after Christmas gift to you!)
For 1st-5th grade: Our morning will look a little different than other Sunday mornings because our small group leaders will be enjoying a much deserved rest. This doesn’t mean we are taking a break from reading God’s Word or worship! Our theme for the day will be “every good gift.” Every child loves to have “show and tell” about the good gifts they received for Christmas. So…to go along with our theme for the day, we’ll share our own good gifts. Your 1st-5th grader is welcome to bring ONE gift they received for Christmas. Please make sure you’ve approved what they are bringing AND that it is somehow labeled with their name.
**Two rules: 1.) Make sure it’s an appropriate toy to have in a group. No “weapon” related toys or anything bigger than what they can easily carry themselves. 2.) They are responsible for whatever they bring.
**Please note these two things for clarification:
- The PJ option is only open to children up through Kindergarten. (1st-5th should be dressed as normal)
- If your 4k/K child would like to bring a show-n-tell “gift” because an older sibling is doing so, please know that we trust your parental wisdom on this. Think about these things: Is your child okay with others touching their new toy? Are they responsible enough to not mix their toy up (and risk losing) with other toys in the room, etc.?
3. Attention Kindergarten – 2nd grade PathFinders: Grab your PJ's, your robe, your slippers, and your pillow....It's time for our annual PILLOW AND POP! PARTY. Friday, January 8, 6:30pm-8:30pm, in our 164 space. Registration is required and is only open until Monday, January 4th. Click the link to sign up: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0E45A8AE22A75-pillownpop
What God is Teaching Us:
For 4k-5th Grade: Click the link below to see this week’s Advent lessons.
This link is no longer available
As ARMED meets Advent, we will continue to learn a new memory verse each week. This week’s verse:
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27
FAMILY TIME:
If your family would like a guide to reading through Scripture during the Advent Season, we would love to share some great resources with you. Each week on the blog, I will list some suggested readings for the days between one blog and the next. *Also- I’ve included some links to other resources if you want a more in depth way of leading your family through the season. Enjoy this special time of year!
PATHFINDER ADVENT SCRIPTURE READINGS: (DEC. 21-25)
Dec. 21st- Matthew 2:7-8
Dec. 22nd- Matthew 2:9-12
Dec. 23rd- Matthew 2:19-23
Dec.24th- John 1:14
CHRISTMAS DAY- Luke 2: 1-20
Other resources for Advent:
Focus on the Family has LOTS of great Advent reading plans: http://www.focusonthefamily.com/parenting/holidays/making-meaningful-christmas-memories/celebrate-advent
This is one of my favorite ideas- learning the names of God through Advent! This one is also hands-on because you can make an ornament each day with the names.
http://kojo-designs.com/2011/12/advent-ornaments/
And…lastly, if you love the Jesus Storybook Bible like I do, then you’ll love this resource. This is a free printable guide to using this special Bible during Advent.
http://www.faithgateway.com/jesus-storybook-bible-advent-calendar-printable/
Wednesday, December 23, 2015
Thursday, December 17, 2015
Everlasting Father
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6
I love a translation I read recently that used “Father forever” for Everlasting Father. What a great way to help kids understand that concept.
Hearing the children talk about things that seem to take (or last) forever, like waiting for mom to make dinner, shopping in Costco, waiting for dad to get home from work to play, and of course- Christmas morning, I got a real sense of their understanding of forever. Or I thought I did…
When I asked the follow up question- what REALLY lasts forever, even 4k/K kids had a great understanding that nothing does- except God. They understood that things expire, go bad, wear out, or even die. They also understood that God is forever. He has always been and will always be.
Think about that in terms of a Father. We never outgrow Him, we never get too old to be taken care of by Him, we are never so grownup that He says, “You’re on your own.” Jesus - what a great comfort to know that He is our Father forever.
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort.” 2 Corinthians 1:3
This Week’s Announcements:
1. Christmas Services and Times:
a. Christmas Eve- We will have one service on December 24th at 5pm. We will meet in the new performing arts building at Marietta High School. This is a family service so parents and kids of all ages will worship together.
b. Christmas Day- We will celebrate the birth of our King on Christmas at 11am in our sanctuary. This is also a family service so parents and kids of all ages will worship together. *It’s okay for kids to come in their PJ’s if they are just not ready to get dressed yet!
2. Attention Kindergarten – 2nd grade PathFinders: Grab your PJ's, your robe, your slippers, and your pillow....It's time for our annual PILLOW AND POP! PARTY. Friday, January 8, 6:30pm-8:30pm, in our 164 space. Registration is required and is only open until Monday, January 4th. Click the link to sign up: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0E45A8AE22A75-pillownpop
What God is Teaching Us:
For 4k-5th Grade: Click the link below to see this week’s Advent lessons.
This link is no longer available
As ARMED meets Advent, we will continue to learn a new memory verse each week. This week’s verse:“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort.” 2 Corinthians 1:3
FAMILY TIME:
If your family would like a guide to reading through Scripture during the Advent Season, we would love to share some great resources with you. Each week on the blog, I will list some suggested readings for the days between one blog and the next. *Also- I’ve included some links to other resources if you want a more in depth way of leading your family through the season. Enjoy this special time of year!
PATHFINDER ADVENT SCRIPTURE READINGS: (DEC. 14-20)
Dec. 14th- Luke 2:1-7
Dec. 15th- Luke 2:8-12
Dec. 16th- Luke 2:13-14
Dec.17th- Luke 2:15-18
Dec. 18th- Luke 2:19-20
Dec.19th- Matthew 2:1-2
Dec.20th- Matthew 2:3-6
Other resources for Advent:
Focus on the Family has LOTS of great Advent reading plans: http://www.focusonthefamily.com/parenting/holidays/making-meaningful-christmas-memories/celebrate-advent
This is one of my favorite ideas- learning the names of God through Advent! This one is also hands-on because you can make an ornament each day with the names.
http://kojo-designs.com/2011/12/advent-ornaments/
And…lastly, if you love the Jesus Storybook Bible like I do, then you’ll love this resource. This is a free printable guide to using this special Bible during Advent.
http://www.faithgateway.com/jesus-storybook-bible-advent-calendar-printable/
I love a translation I read recently that used “Father forever” for Everlasting Father. What a great way to help kids understand that concept.
Hearing the children talk about things that seem to take (or last) forever, like waiting for mom to make dinner, shopping in Costco, waiting for dad to get home from work to play, and of course- Christmas morning, I got a real sense of their understanding of forever. Or I thought I did…
When I asked the follow up question- what REALLY lasts forever, even 4k/K kids had a great understanding that nothing does- except God. They understood that things expire, go bad, wear out, or even die. They also understood that God is forever. He has always been and will always be.
Think about that in terms of a Father. We never outgrow Him, we never get too old to be taken care of by Him, we are never so grownup that He says, “You’re on your own.” Jesus - what a great comfort to know that He is our Father forever.
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort.” 2 Corinthians 1:3
This Week’s Announcements:
1. Christmas Services and Times:
a. Christmas Eve- We will have one service on December 24th at 5pm. We will meet in the new performing arts building at Marietta High School. This is a family service so parents and kids of all ages will worship together.
b. Christmas Day- We will celebrate the birth of our King on Christmas at 11am in our sanctuary. This is also a family service so parents and kids of all ages will worship together. *It’s okay for kids to come in their PJ’s if they are just not ready to get dressed yet!
2. Attention Kindergarten – 2nd grade PathFinders: Grab your PJ's, your robe, your slippers, and your pillow....It's time for our annual PILLOW AND POP! PARTY. Friday, January 8, 6:30pm-8:30pm, in our 164 space. Registration is required and is only open until Monday, January 4th. Click the link to sign up: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0E45A8AE22A75-pillownpop
What God is Teaching Us:
For 4k-5th Grade: Click the link below to see this week’s Advent lessons.
This link is no longer available
As ARMED meets Advent, we will continue to learn a new memory verse each week. This week’s verse:“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort.” 2 Corinthians 1:3
FAMILY TIME:
If your family would like a guide to reading through Scripture during the Advent Season, we would love to share some great resources with you. Each week on the blog, I will list some suggested readings for the days between one blog and the next. *Also- I’ve included some links to other resources if you want a more in depth way of leading your family through the season. Enjoy this special time of year!
PATHFINDER ADVENT SCRIPTURE READINGS: (DEC. 14-20)
Dec. 14th- Luke 2:1-7
Dec. 15th- Luke 2:8-12
Dec. 16th- Luke 2:13-14
Dec.17th- Luke 2:15-18
Dec. 18th- Luke 2:19-20
Dec.19th- Matthew 2:1-2
Dec.20th- Matthew 2:3-6
Other resources for Advent:
Focus on the Family has LOTS of great Advent reading plans: http://www.focusonthefamily.com/parenting/holidays/making-meaningful-christmas-memories/celebrate-advent
This is one of my favorite ideas- learning the names of God through Advent! This one is also hands-on because you can make an ornament each day with the names.
http://kojo-designs.com/2011/12/advent-ornaments/
And…lastly, if you love the Jesus Storybook Bible like I do, then you’ll love this resource. This is a free printable guide to using this special Bible during Advent.
http://www.faithgateway.com/jesus-storybook-bible-advent-calendar-printable/
Monday, December 7, 2015
Mighty God
“For to us a child is born,16 to us a son is given,17 and the government18 will be on his shoulders.19 And he will be called Wonderful Counselor,b20 Mighty God,21 Everlasting22 Father,23 Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6
Isn’t it remarkable that the Mighty God we serve chose to come to live among mankind as a human? He chose to humble Himself and become like us to live with us. Not only that, He chose to come as a baby.
In the midst of the hustle and bustle that is the Christmas season, we sometimes forget this fact, and even more than that, we don’t take time to explore the why of His decision. Think about the love and compassion that it takes to “walk in the shoes” of another. Think about the depth of your dedication to understanding when you choose to explore and experience how another lives or feels. Multiply that exponentially and you have a glimpse of what Jesus did for us.
As Gabriel told Mary when he informed her she had been chosen to carry and raise God’s Son, “nothing is impossible with God.” This Advent season, remember that God Himself has walked in your shoes. He knows every heartache and joy you experience. Because of that and even more because He is mighty, we can trust Him with everything. We can trust Him with the impossible.
This Week’s Announcements:
1. How To…Christmas- Our next “How To” session is Wednesday, December 9th. Be sure to sign up for dinner and register your children for childcare. Registration is REQUIRED to guarantee a spot for your children. Visit our website www.stonebridgemarietta.org and click on event registration.
2. Christmas Services and Times:
a. Christmas Eve- We will have one service on December 24th at 5pm. We will meet in the new performing arts building at Marietta High School. This is a family service so parents and kids of all ages will worship together.
b. Christmas Day- We will celebrate the birth of our King on Christmas at 11am in our sanctuary. This is also a family service so parents and kids of all ages will worship together. *It’s okay for kids to come in their PJ’s if they are just not ready to get dressed yet!
What God is Teaching Us:
For 4k-5th Grade: Click the link below to see this week’s Advent lessons.
This link is no longer available
As ARMED meets Advent, we will continue to learn a new memory verse each week. This week’s verse:
“For nothing is impossible with God.” Luke 1:37
FAMILY TIME:
If your family would like a guide to reading through Scripture during the Advent Season, we would love to share some great resources with you. Each week on the blog, I will list some suggested readings for the days between one blog and the next. *Also- I’ve included some links to other resources if you want a more in depth way of leading your family through the season. Enjoy this special time of year!
PATHFINDER ADVENT SCRIPTURE READINGS: (DEC. 7-13)
Dec. 7th- Luke 1:18-25
Dec. 8th- Luke 1:26-38
Dec. 9th- Matthew 1:18-21
Dec.10th- Matthew 1:22-25
Dec. 11th- Luke 1:39-45
Dec.12th- Luke 1:46-56
Dec.13th-Micah 5:2-5
Other resources for Advent:
Focus on the Family has LOTS of great Advent reading plans: http://www.focusonthefamily.com/parenting/holidays/making-meaningful-christmas-memories/celebrate-advent
This is one of my favorite ideas- learning the names of God through Advent! This one is also hands-on because you can make an ornament each day with the names.
http://kojo-designs.com/2011/12/advent-ornaments/
And…lastly, if you love the Jesus Storybook Bible like I do, then you’ll love this resource. This is a free printable guide to using this special Bible during Advent.
http://www.faithgateway.com/jesus-storybook-bible-advent-calendar-printable/
Isn’t it remarkable that the Mighty God we serve chose to come to live among mankind as a human? He chose to humble Himself and become like us to live with us. Not only that, He chose to come as a baby.
In the midst of the hustle and bustle that is the Christmas season, we sometimes forget this fact, and even more than that, we don’t take time to explore the why of His decision. Think about the love and compassion that it takes to “walk in the shoes” of another. Think about the depth of your dedication to understanding when you choose to explore and experience how another lives or feels. Multiply that exponentially and you have a glimpse of what Jesus did for us.
As Gabriel told Mary when he informed her she had been chosen to carry and raise God’s Son, “nothing is impossible with God.” This Advent season, remember that God Himself has walked in your shoes. He knows every heartache and joy you experience. Because of that and even more because He is mighty, we can trust Him with everything. We can trust Him with the impossible.
This Week’s Announcements:
1. How To…Christmas- Our next “How To” session is Wednesday, December 9th. Be sure to sign up for dinner and register your children for childcare. Registration is REQUIRED to guarantee a spot for your children. Visit our website www.stonebridgemarietta.org and click on event registration.
2. Christmas Services and Times:
a. Christmas Eve- We will have one service on December 24th at 5pm. We will meet in the new performing arts building at Marietta High School. This is a family service so parents and kids of all ages will worship together.
b. Christmas Day- We will celebrate the birth of our King on Christmas at 11am in our sanctuary. This is also a family service so parents and kids of all ages will worship together. *It’s okay for kids to come in their PJ’s if they are just not ready to get dressed yet!
What God is Teaching Us:
For 4k-5th Grade: Click the link below to see this week’s Advent lessons.
This link is no longer available
As ARMED meets Advent, we will continue to learn a new memory verse each week. This week’s verse:
“For nothing is impossible with God.” Luke 1:37
FAMILY TIME:
If your family would like a guide to reading through Scripture during the Advent Season, we would love to share some great resources with you. Each week on the blog, I will list some suggested readings for the days between one blog and the next. *Also- I’ve included some links to other resources if you want a more in depth way of leading your family through the season. Enjoy this special time of year!
PATHFINDER ADVENT SCRIPTURE READINGS: (DEC. 7-13)
Dec. 7th- Luke 1:18-25
Dec. 8th- Luke 1:26-38
Dec. 9th- Matthew 1:18-21
Dec.10th- Matthew 1:22-25
Dec. 11th- Luke 1:39-45
Dec.12th- Luke 1:46-56
Dec.13th-Micah 5:2-5
Other resources for Advent:
Focus on the Family has LOTS of great Advent reading plans: http://www.focusonthefamily.com/parenting/holidays/making-meaningful-christmas-memories/celebrate-advent
This is one of my favorite ideas- learning the names of God through Advent! This one is also hands-on because you can make an ornament each day with the names.
http://kojo-designs.com/2011/12/advent-ornaments/
And…lastly, if you love the Jesus Storybook Bible like I do, then you’ll love this resource. This is a free printable guide to using this special Bible during Advent.
http://www.faithgateway.com/jesus-storybook-bible-advent-calendar-printable/
Thursday, December 3, 2015
Hope Comes While We Wait
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6
If you’ve been in or around a church at all during an Advent season, you’ve most likely heard this verse from Isaiah more than once. It is the most often referenced prophecy verse about Jesus’ birth. Because we’ve heard it so many times, do we really stop to take in its message?
We as a church (and in PathFinders) are using this familiar Scripture as our anchor verse for Advent, but we certainly don’t want it to lose its powerful meaning because of that familiarity. If the saying “familiarity breeds contempt” is at all true, then we have to fight against even a smaller version of that- complacency.
This is where our “ARMED” series meets the Advent season. We will ride the wave of intentionality and excitement we saw in the kids over ARMED into our study of Advent and Jesus’ birth.
This week we started with how God prepared the hearts of His people for Jesus’ arrival and what it means to wait with hope. As we heard the story of Zechariah receiving the news that he and his wife would have a son who would prepare a way for the Lord, we can somewhat understand what it means to wait with hope. Zechariah, like all the people of God during that time, had heard the prophecies of a coming Messiah. They had hope that He would come, but since they had no idea when, they had to wait in that hope.
And…poor Zechariah…even after hearing the good news that it was going to happen soon, he was silenced and couldn’t tell anyone. Why did God choose to cut off Zechariah’s voice until his son John was born? The obvious answer is because he didn’t believe the news fully, but what if it was more? What if God wanted his people to continue to wait and more importantly wait with hope? If they knew the day was upon them would they continue to wait with hopeful expectancy?
Romans 8:24-25- “For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.”
Do we hope for what we already have? If we circle the date (Dec. 25th) on the calendar and wait for it to come, but forget what it means to hope in our waiting…have we lost something really significant?
Advent is more than just a countdown to Christmas Day. Advent is more than reciting the verses in Isaiah or Luke. Advent is a time to wait…with hope.
This Week’s Announcements:
1. How To…Christmas- Our next “How To” session is Wednesday, December 9th. Be sure to sign up for dinner and register your children for childcare. Registration is REQUIRED to guarantee a spot for your children. Visit our website www.stonebridgemarietta.org and click on event registration.
2. Christmas Services and Times:
a. Christmas Eve- We will have one service on December 24th at 5pm. We will meet in the new performing arts building at Marietta High School. This is a family service so parents and kids of all ages will worship together.
b. Christmas Day- We will celebrate the birth of our King on Christmas at 11am in our sanctuary. This is also a family service so parents and kids of all ages will worship together. *It’s okay for kids to come in their PJ’s if they are just not ready to get dressed yet!
What God is Teaching Us:
For 4k-5th Grade: This week’s first Advent lesson was on (HOPE) Click the link to see lessons.
This link is no longer available
As ARMED meets Advent, we will continue to learn a new memory verse each week. This week’s verse:
“Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.” Psalm 31:24
FAMILY TIME:
If your family would like a guide to reading through Scripture during the Advent Season, we would love to share some great resources with you. Each week on the blog, I will list some suggested readings for the days between one blog and the next. *Also- I’ve included some links to other resources if you want a more in depth way of leading your family through the season. Enjoy this special time of year!
PATHFINDER ADVENT SCRIPTURE READINGS: (DEC. 1-6)
Dec. 1st- John 1:1-5
Dec. 2nd- Isaiah 9:2-7
Dec. 3rd- Isaiah 11:1-10
Dec. 4th- Jeremiah 33:14-16
Dec. 5th- Luke 1:5-10
Dec. 6th- Luke 1:11-17
Other resources for Advent:
Focus on the Family has LOTS of great Advent reading plans: http://www.focusonthefamily.com/parenting/holidays/making-meaningful-christmas-memories/celebrate-advent
This is one of my favorite ideas- learning the names of God through Advent! This one is also hands-on because you can make an ornament each day with the names.
http://kojo-designs.com/2011/12/advent-ornaments/
And…lastly, if you love the Jesus Storybook Bible like I do, then you’ll love this resource. This is a free printable guide to using the this special Bible during Advent.
http://www.faithgateway.com/jesus-storybook-bible-advent-calendar-printable/
If you’ve been in or around a church at all during an Advent season, you’ve most likely heard this verse from Isaiah more than once. It is the most often referenced prophecy verse about Jesus’ birth. Because we’ve heard it so many times, do we really stop to take in its message?
We as a church (and in PathFinders) are using this familiar Scripture as our anchor verse for Advent, but we certainly don’t want it to lose its powerful meaning because of that familiarity. If the saying “familiarity breeds contempt” is at all true, then we have to fight against even a smaller version of that- complacency.
This is where our “ARMED” series meets the Advent season. We will ride the wave of intentionality and excitement we saw in the kids over ARMED into our study of Advent and Jesus’ birth.
This week we started with how God prepared the hearts of His people for Jesus’ arrival and what it means to wait with hope. As we heard the story of Zechariah receiving the news that he and his wife would have a son who would prepare a way for the Lord, we can somewhat understand what it means to wait with hope. Zechariah, like all the people of God during that time, had heard the prophecies of a coming Messiah. They had hope that He would come, but since they had no idea when, they had to wait in that hope.
And…poor Zechariah…even after hearing the good news that it was going to happen soon, he was silenced and couldn’t tell anyone. Why did God choose to cut off Zechariah’s voice until his son John was born? The obvious answer is because he didn’t believe the news fully, but what if it was more? What if God wanted his people to continue to wait and more importantly wait with hope? If they knew the day was upon them would they continue to wait with hopeful expectancy?
Romans 8:24-25- “For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.”
Do we hope for what we already have? If we circle the date (Dec. 25th) on the calendar and wait for it to come, but forget what it means to hope in our waiting…have we lost something really significant?
Advent is more than just a countdown to Christmas Day. Advent is more than reciting the verses in Isaiah or Luke. Advent is a time to wait…with hope.
This Week’s Announcements:
1. How To…Christmas- Our next “How To” session is Wednesday, December 9th. Be sure to sign up for dinner and register your children for childcare. Registration is REQUIRED to guarantee a spot for your children. Visit our website www.stonebridgemarietta.org and click on event registration.
2. Christmas Services and Times:
a. Christmas Eve- We will have one service on December 24th at 5pm. We will meet in the new performing arts building at Marietta High School. This is a family service so parents and kids of all ages will worship together.
b. Christmas Day- We will celebrate the birth of our King on Christmas at 11am in our sanctuary. This is also a family service so parents and kids of all ages will worship together. *It’s okay for kids to come in their PJ’s if they are just not ready to get dressed yet!
What God is Teaching Us:
For 4k-5th Grade: This week’s first Advent lesson was on (HOPE) Click the link to see lessons.
This link is no longer available
As ARMED meets Advent, we will continue to learn a new memory verse each week. This week’s verse:
“Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.” Psalm 31:24
FAMILY TIME:
If your family would like a guide to reading through Scripture during the Advent Season, we would love to share some great resources with you. Each week on the blog, I will list some suggested readings for the days between one blog and the next. *Also- I’ve included some links to other resources if you want a more in depth way of leading your family through the season. Enjoy this special time of year!
PATHFINDER ADVENT SCRIPTURE READINGS: (DEC. 1-6)
Dec. 1st- John 1:1-5
Dec. 2nd- Isaiah 9:2-7
Dec. 3rd- Isaiah 11:1-10
Dec. 4th- Jeremiah 33:14-16
Dec. 5th- Luke 1:5-10
Dec. 6th- Luke 1:11-17
Other resources for Advent:
Focus on the Family has LOTS of great Advent reading plans: http://www.focusonthefamily.com/parenting/holidays/making-meaningful-christmas-memories/celebrate-advent
This is one of my favorite ideas- learning the names of God through Advent! This one is also hands-on because you can make an ornament each day with the names.
http://kojo-designs.com/2011/12/advent-ornaments/
And…lastly, if you love the Jesus Storybook Bible like I do, then you’ll love this resource. This is a free printable guide to using the this special Bible during Advent.
http://www.faithgateway.com/jesus-storybook-bible-advent-calendar-printable/
Friday, November 27, 2015
We're All in this Together
That statement alone elicits visions of Zach Efron and a little Disney movie called “High School Musical.” Now that you’re humming the song…
As we spent 11 weeks this fall getting “ARMED and ready for Battle!” we’ve learned a lot about what it actually means to fight the enemy and his attacks. We’ve learned what it means to arm ourselves with the Truth of God’s Word, as well as the many important pieces of the Spiritual armor. As we wrapped up this series, emphasis was put on the fact that we never have to battle alone.
Our God is a God of relationship. He first wants us to have a relationship with Himself, and then He wants us to be in relationship with others. He instructs us throughout His Word to encourage and lift up other believers. He calls us to meet together for the purpose of those things. His desire for us to be linked together in the body of Christ extends to those times when we are in face to face combat with the enemy.
Ephesians 6:18 says, “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.”
God doesn’t intend for us to carry our burdens alone. Even in the times when an attack from the enemy is very personal, we can call on our brothers and sisters in Christ to help us fight. When we pray, we’re entering a battle on behalf of those for whom we pray. The power of prayer cannot be overstated, and our need for it cannot be stressed too strongly.
The enemy we face is a stubborn pest for sure. When he thinks we’re ‘handling’ one battle pretty well, he may see fit to come at us with more. This is when we need others to enter the battle and to carry for us what we’re too weary to carry on our own.
In the book of Exodus, Moses held up his arms as Joshua fought the enemy on the battlefield below. As long as Moses’ arms were up, Joshua and his men had victory. If his arms went down, their opponents gained ground. But…God is victorious, and He had a plan. Aaron and Hur held the arms of a weary Moses so that he in turn could continue his prayers for Joshua’s army. The battle was ultimately Joshua’s but God made a way for all of them to be connected and to support Joshua in battle. We all need people of faith like Moses, Aaron, and Hur to stand beside us in battle.
Our enemy is real and the battle is imminent, but we’re all in this together…
This Week’s Announcements:
How To…Christmas- Our next “How To” session is Wednesday, December 9th. Be sure to sign up for dinner and register your children for childcare. Registration is REQUIRED to guarantee a spot for your children. Visit our website www.stonebridgemarietta.org and click on event registration.
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 our little ones continued learning about ways to praise God.
For 4k-5th Grade:
We continue to get “ARMED” and ready for battle! This week’s focus was prayer. Click the link to see lessons:
This link is no longer available
Amazing (and funny) Things Kids Do and Say…
While the 4k/K children were discussing prayer- ways we pray, things we pray about, and places we pray- some children expressed trepidation about praying out loud. Their small group leader emphasized that we don’t have to pray aloud for God to hear us; He can hear us even when we pray silently. She went on to explain that even Jesus went away by Himself to be quiet and pray to the Father. One little one exclaimed- “I remember that…He was in a garden!” The proud small group leader confirmed that answer and then asked if anyone knew the name of the garden. The same little one said, “Yes- olive…”- to which another child shouted, “Yep, that’s it- Olive Garden!” (Mount of Olives…Olive Garden…that’s the same thing, right?)
As we spent 11 weeks this fall getting “ARMED and ready for Battle!” we’ve learned a lot about what it actually means to fight the enemy and his attacks. We’ve learned what it means to arm ourselves with the Truth of God’s Word, as well as the many important pieces of the Spiritual armor. As we wrapped up this series, emphasis was put on the fact that we never have to battle alone.
Our God is a God of relationship. He first wants us to have a relationship with Himself, and then He wants us to be in relationship with others. He instructs us throughout His Word to encourage and lift up other believers. He calls us to meet together for the purpose of those things. His desire for us to be linked together in the body of Christ extends to those times when we are in face to face combat with the enemy.
Ephesians 6:18 says, “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.”
God doesn’t intend for us to carry our burdens alone. Even in the times when an attack from the enemy is very personal, we can call on our brothers and sisters in Christ to help us fight. When we pray, we’re entering a battle on behalf of those for whom we pray. The power of prayer cannot be overstated, and our need for it cannot be stressed too strongly.
The enemy we face is a stubborn pest for sure. When he thinks we’re ‘handling’ one battle pretty well, he may see fit to come at us with more. This is when we need others to enter the battle and to carry for us what we’re too weary to carry on our own.
In the book of Exodus, Moses held up his arms as Joshua fought the enemy on the battlefield below. As long as Moses’ arms were up, Joshua and his men had victory. If his arms went down, their opponents gained ground. But…God is victorious, and He had a plan. Aaron and Hur held the arms of a weary Moses so that he in turn could continue his prayers for Joshua’s army. The battle was ultimately Joshua’s but God made a way for all of them to be connected and to support Joshua in battle. We all need people of faith like Moses, Aaron, and Hur to stand beside us in battle.
Our enemy is real and the battle is imminent, but we’re all in this together…
This Week’s Announcements:
How To…Christmas- Our next “How To” session is Wednesday, December 9th. Be sure to sign up for dinner and register your children for childcare. Registration is REQUIRED to guarantee a spot for your children. Visit our website www.stonebridgemarietta.org and click on event registration.
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 our little ones continued learning about ways to praise God.
For 4k-5th Grade:
We continue to get “ARMED” and ready for battle! This week’s focus was prayer. Click the link to see lessons:
This link is no longer available
Amazing (and funny) Things Kids Do and Say…
While the 4k/K children were discussing prayer- ways we pray, things we pray about, and places we pray- some children expressed trepidation about praying out loud. Their small group leader emphasized that we don’t have to pray aloud for God to hear us; He can hear us even when we pray silently. She went on to explain that even Jesus went away by Himself to be quiet and pray to the Father. One little one exclaimed- “I remember that…He was in a garden!” The proud small group leader confirmed that answer and then asked if anyone knew the name of the garden. The same little one said, “Yes- olive…”- to which another child shouted, “Yep, that’s it- Olive Garden!” (Mount of Olives…Olive Garden…that’s the same thing, right?)
Monday, November 9, 2015
Incredible Minds
Take a minute to think about what you think about. Confusing, right? We don’t think about what we’re thinking about unless we stop and focus. God gave us brains that are capable of great and wonderful processes, thoughts, creative ideas, and dreams. The world (the enemy) is great at putting images, distractions, and lies in our lives to crowd our minds, and ultimately push out what God wants to put in. Without the Helmet of Salvation, our minds could be filled with everything but the Truth and hope that come from knowing Jesus.
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:
This link is no longer available
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.
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:
This link is no longer available
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.
Monday, November 2, 2015
Why We Love Fruit
It’s immensely accurate that none of us know the heart of another person, and equally true that God does. The only real measure we as mere humans have to assert what is in another’s heart is to look at the fruit in their lives.
As a Children’s Pastor I’ve come to terms with the fact that I may never get to fully see the fruit in the lives of those I minister to. Kids are ever changing and growing so the Spiritual fruit sometimes grows after they’ve left my care. That’s why, when I do get a glimpse at the fruit getting ripe on the vine, I get super excited.
This past Sunday we took a little pause in our ARMED series to review what we’ve been learning. God has given us so much to digest…rich and deep things…that a little look-back seemed in order. Through fun review games (like human tic-tac-toe) we did just that. The kids were ‘quizzed’ on their knowledge of the truths we’ve been learning, the memory verses they’ve been challenged with, and the Bible stories we’ve read that help us understand some of these hard concepts. To say I was blown away would be an understatement! Memory verses were being quoted, kids were explaining deep Spiritual truths, and the recall of stories about David, Daniel, Paul, Silas, and Jesus (just to name a few) were being told. There was fruit…big bowls of it…everywhere!
Why does fruit matter…why do we love it so? Simply put, it means God is at work in the minds and hearts of our kids. Literal fruit is good for our bodies. Spiritual fruit is good for our souls…and a Children’s Pastor’s heart!
This Week’s Announcements:
1. 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 began learning about the Bible- God’s True Story.
Click the link to see the nursery lessons: This link is no longer available
For 4k-5th Grade:
We continue to get “ARMED” and ready for battle! To see this week’s review, click on the link below.
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: “Put on all of God's armor. Then you can stand firm against the devil's evil plans.” Ephesians 6:11 (NIrV)For 1st-5th grade: “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
Amazing Things Kids Do and Say…
One of my buddies turned six last week. “That’s a very big deal because-as you know, Ms. Penny- I have to use two hands to show you how old I am now!” After telling him he was exactly right, I asked if he’d had a good birthday so far and how many people had said “Happy Birthday!” He told me a number. I replied with, “Add one more…Happy Birthday!” He responded, “Thanks…hearing that never gets old!”
As a Children’s Pastor I’ve come to terms with the fact that I may never get to fully see the fruit in the lives of those I minister to. Kids are ever changing and growing so the Spiritual fruit sometimes grows after they’ve left my care. That’s why, when I do get a glimpse at the fruit getting ripe on the vine, I get super excited.
This past Sunday we took a little pause in our ARMED series to review what we’ve been learning. God has given us so much to digest…rich and deep things…that a little look-back seemed in order. Through fun review games (like human tic-tac-toe) we did just that. The kids were ‘quizzed’ on their knowledge of the truths we’ve been learning, the memory verses they’ve been challenged with, and the Bible stories we’ve read that help us understand some of these hard concepts. To say I was blown away would be an understatement! Memory verses were being quoted, kids were explaining deep Spiritual truths, and the recall of stories about David, Daniel, Paul, Silas, and Jesus (just to name a few) were being told. There was fruit…big bowls of it…everywhere!
Why does fruit matter…why do we love it so? Simply put, it means God is at work in the minds and hearts of our kids. Literal fruit is good for our bodies. Spiritual fruit is good for our souls…and a Children’s Pastor’s heart!
This Week’s Announcements:
1. 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 began learning about the Bible- God’s True Story.
Click the link to see the nursery lessons: This link is no longer available
For 4k-5th Grade:
We continue to get “ARMED” and ready for battle! To see this week’s review, click on the link below.
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: “Put on all of God's armor. Then you can stand firm against the devil's evil plans.” Ephesians 6:11 (NIrV)For 1st-5th grade: “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
Amazing Things Kids Do and Say…
One of my buddies turned six last week. “That’s a very big deal because-as you know, Ms. Penny- I have to use two hands to show you how old I am now!” After telling him he was exactly right, I asked if he’d had a good birthday so far and how many people had said “Happy Birthday!” He told me a number. I replied with, “Add one more…Happy Birthday!” He responded, “Thanks…hearing that never gets old!”
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