2011 and a Gift For You

So if someone gave you $75,000 in 2011, what would you do? After you scraped yourself off the floor, you might start dreaming. Would you give a chunk away, pay down your mortgage, take a vacation, get a new car, or invest it? Regardless, it’s a pretty incredible thing to have happen… Click to read the rest of the article

 

Remembering 2010… Preparing for 2011…

This week, we will hear the top ten of almost everything for 2010 and there will be several predictions for 2011. Here are some ideas for you to use with your family this week:

1) Ask each member of the family to write down (or to tell you) their top ten (or whatever number you select) memories from 2010, then see how many match. These are the types of things to plan in 2011.

2) Write down ways that you’ve seen your child grow and mature, then share it with them.

3) Write down ways you’ve seen your child grow spiritually, then share it with them.

4) Write down and keep items 3 & 4, they make great memories and you see your child’s growth over the years.

5) Come up with one or two ways to intentionally have a family time with God and teach your children the things of God. Accountability is key so team up with another family, small group or accountability partner to help keep you on track.

Feel free to post your ideas and how you’ve seen your children grow here.

 

Celebrate Jesus’ Birth!

When we look at Christmas, we focus on the birth of Jesus. Children look with anticipation to their birthday, spending time with family and friends and receiving gifts as they celebrate their birth. Why not do the same with Jesus’ birth? By doing so, you are showing your child that Jesus’ birth is important and you want to celebrate it just like you do theirs. Children will understand that.

Here are some links to age appropriate ways to celebrate Jesus’ birth. While designed for Sunday School classes, they can also work well in a family setting. If you have children that span the different age groups, take a loo at each and adapt as needed.

I pray you have a great Christmas with family and friends, celebrating the earthly birth of our Savior!

Preschool (ages 3-5) /  1st – 3rd Grade /  4th – 6th Grade

 

Merry Christmas!!

 

(Note that this Sunday, the 26th, will be a family service and there is no Awana so you can celebrate Christmas with family and friends)

 

The Symbols of Christmas

Sunday morning was a family service so the children remained in the service to hear Pastor Chuck’s Christmas message. You will be able to listen to it on the church’s main web site, and clicking the media tab on the top.

Sunday evening in Awana, the Sparks and T&T’ers learned about symbols of Christmas.

Jesus spoke in parables and I have always stated that there is a spiritual lesson in everything. Object lessons (today’s parables) are frequently used with children and adults to share spiritual truths. That is what these symbols are. They have no direct connection to the accounts of the birth of Jesus, but they can be used to share spiritual truths with family and friends. You can view and print the 12-Symbols-of-Christmas-Book that was used to help the children focus on Jesus this Christmas season. You can also use it to help you share Jesus with your family and friends along with reading the actual account of His birth.

I will have another post Thursday evening to provide a resource for you as we prepare for the Christmas weekend.

Christmas Sunday – 12/19

Yes, with Christmas just one week away, this Sunday is “Christmas Sunday” and we will be having a special time of worship “family style” Sunday morning.

Sunday evening (weather permitting – small chance of snow as of now) will be our final night of Awana for 2010. Who knows, there may be something special happening, so be sure to have your children come with sections ready to pass