Hello Parents! We believe you (parents) are the most significant influence in your kids' lives and are in the best position to help your kids know God. We also believe that we can uniquely equip and partner with you along the way as a kid’s ministry. With this in mind, this newsletter will highlight resources, events, and opportunities for us to partner together in raising the next generation. 

October Series Description: That mischievous little gopher has done it again! Topher the Gopher has burrowed his way into our room while we weren’t looking. He got his paws on the story pictures from the true Bible story and hid them around the room. But the story must go on! It’s up to the kids to find the hidden pictures so the story can be told. During the silly search, kids will learn that God is always with them and that He hears them when they talk to Him.

Monthly Memory Verse:

• “Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord.” Psalm 95:1 
• “With people, this is impossible. But with God, all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26 

Weekly Bible Story and Idea: 

Find the weekly videos and parent guides on our Preschool Resources Page.

October Series Description:

In a world where all but a few have turned away from God, the “Fab Five” remain faithful. These five prophets, Elijah, Elisha, Jonah, Jeremiah, and Daniel, have the power to see into the future and the courage to warn Israel about the error of their ways. During “The Fab Five” series, kids will go on a totally true comic book adventure through the Bible to learn about these five fabulous prophets from the Old Testament. Best of all, the kids will get to draw the comic book pictures themselves while discovering what it means to be faithful to the one and only God.

Key passages, verses, and questions for this month: Read the passages together as a family and ask the following questions. Also, take the time to watch the weekly lesson video (around 10 minutes) together as a family.

October 4th: Elijah vs. the Prophets of Baal

• Big Idea: The Lord is the one and only God, so we can put Him first in our life
• Bible Basis: 1 Kings 18:16-39
• Key Verse: “Do not put any other gods in place of me.” Exodus 20:3
• Discussion Questions for Younger Kids:
  • What was your favorite part of the story? Why?
  • Why do you think Elijah’s prayer was the only one that brought fire down from the sky?
• Discussion Questions for Older Kids: 
  • What does this story teach you about God?
  • How does this story help you in life?

October 11th: Elisha and Naaman

• Big Idea: God’s grace is a free gift, so we can go to Him to have our sins washed clean.
• Bible Basis: 2 Kings 5:1-6
• Key Verse: “God’s grace has saved you because of your faith in Christ. Your salvation doesn’t come from anything you do. It is God’s gift.” Ephesians 2:8
• Discussion Questions for Younger Kids:
  • What was your favorite part of the story? Why?
  • Why do you think Elisha refused to take a payment for healing Naaman?
• Discussion Questions for Older Kids: 
  • What does this story teach you about God?
  • Why do you think Elisha refused to take a payment for healing Naaman?

Watch the weekly lesson video together as a family.

October 18th: Jonah and the Giant Fish

• Big Idea: God is patient, so we can go to Him for a second chance.
• Bible Basis: Jonah 1-3
• Key Verse: “[The Lord] is patient with you. He doesn’t want anyone to be destroyed. Instead, he wants all people to turn away from their sins.” 2 Peter 3:9
• Discussion Questions for Younger Kids:
  • What was your favorite part of the story? Why?
  • Why do you think God was so patient with Jonah and with Nineveh?
• Discussion Questions for Older Kids: 
  • What does this story teach you about God?
  • Why do you think God gave Jonah a second chance instead of finding someone else to go to Nineveh?

Watch the weekly lesson video together as a family.

October 25th: Jeremiah and the Fall of Judah

• Big Idea: God is close to people with broken hearts, so we can find comfort in Him when we’re sad.
• Bible Basis:  Jeremiah 27-28, 37-39; 2 Kings 25; Lamentations 1
• Key Verse:  “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18
• Discussion Questions for Younger Kids:
  • What was your favorite part of the story? Why?
  • Why do you think Jeremiah was so sad?
• Discussion Questions for Older Kids: 
  • What does this story teach you about God?
  • How would you have felt if you were Jeremiah? Why?

Watch the weekly lesson video together as a family.

Find the weekly videos and parent guides on our Elementary Resources Page

October Series Description:

Preteens live in a world that is rapidly changing. What is popular today is outdated tomorrow. With all the changes taking place, it can be difficult for preteens to grasp who they are and why it matters. Change is a constant reality, but the world's culture also tells our kids that they can be whoever or whatever they imagine being, and who they are can constantly change based on how they "feel". Who they are is defined by them, and this leads our kids to be confused about who they are.

This month we are starting our fall series focusing on identity. Preteens will study the God of creation, uncovering His design and purpose for their lives. They will learn that God created them to be His image bearers to reflect His image for the purpose of bringing Him glory. The world or even themselves do not define who they are; it is God who does. Our prayer is that God reveals His truth and leads preteens to a greater understanding of who He created them to be and how they can honor Him with their lives.

Key passages, verses, and questions for this month: Read the passages together as a family and ask the following questions. 

October 4th: I Am Accepted

• Big Idea: As followers of Jesus, we are accepted by God.
• Bible Basis:  Ephesians 1:3-8
• Key Verse: Ephesians 1:7-8

October 11th: I Am Secure

• Big Idea: As followers of Jesus, we are accepted by God.
• Bible Basis: Matthew 26:31-35, 69-75; John 21:15-17; Acts 2:36-41
• Key Verse:  Romans 8:38

Please see your preteen’s weekly family guide for further activities and questions.

October 18th: I Am Significant

• Big Idea: God cares about us and has created us for good works.
• Bible Basis: Ephesians 2:1-10
• Key Verse: Ephesians 2:10

Please see your preteen’s weekly family guide for further activities and questions.

October 25th: I Am Called

• Big Idea: As believers, we are called to live out God’s mission to share the Gospel.
• Bible Basis: Matthew 28:16-20; Mark 16:15-16; John 20:21
• Key Verse: Matthew 28:19-20

Please see your preteen’s weekly family guide for further activities and questions.

September Series Theme: God is...
September Monthly Verse:

“God said to Moses, ‘I am who I am.’” Exodus 3:14

October 4th:

• Big Idea: God is Protector
• Bible Basis: Baby Moses - Exodus 1-2

October 11th:

• Big Idea: God is "I Am"
• Bible Basis: Burning Bush - Exodus 3

October 18th:

• Big Idea: God is Provider
• Bible Basis: Exodus from Egypt- Exodus 7-14

October 25th:

• Big Idea: God is with Us
• Bible Basis: Wilderness - Exodus 13:17-22; Exodus 40:34-38; Psalm 78:14

FG Kids Serving Need: Sign up to serve with Kids Ministry for a Sunday service! Join us to connect with amazing kids, be a positive influence, and serve the many families that will visit us throughout the summer. Register here to sign up for a Sunday in the summer. 

We are in need of leaders for Thrive 9 & 11 AM; Preschool Lower (18-24m and 2 years old) 9 & 11 AM; Preschool Upper 9 AM & 11 AM; K-3rd 11 AM; Preteen 9 AM & 11 AM. If you are interested in serving, please fill out the Serve Form.

Father and Son Campout - October 2nd-4th: Dads, grandfathers, and sons, get ready to unplug, get a little wild, and make lasting memories! Join us for the Father-Son Campout at Sadler's Creek State Park. It's an unforgettable weekend designed for fun and reconnecting. Registration is open! This is a tent-only camping experience for fathers/grandfathers and sons ages 6–18. There will be no electricity at the camping area, but we will have limited water bathhouses available. Whether you're seasoned campers or just starting out, this weekend is for you.

Preteen Connection Night - October 23rd from 6PM-8PM: Join us at Peach Bowl Lanes for a night of bowling, fun, and fellowship. Parents, come and fellowship with other parents who are in the same stage of parenting, and have fun with your preteen student as you bowl and laugh together. $10 cover fee for shoes and pizza. Registration open!