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. 

September Series Description: When it comes to telling Bible stories, the copycat is where it’s at! During “Copy That, Copycat,” preschool kids will be introduced to Otis the cat. Otis is a hand puppet that copies what the children do. As the children act out the Bible story, so does Otis! As the stories unfold, Otis and the preschoolers will learn that God helps them be brave and make good choices.

Monthly Memory Verse:

• “Be strong and brave. Do not be afraid…I will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
• “If you love me, obey my commands.” John 14:15

Weekly Bible Story and Idea: 

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

September Series Description:

Welcome aboard the Imagination Time Machine — a contraption that can take you not only any-where, but anywhen! The only limitation is your own imagination! During the “Imagination Time Machine” series, kids will join Max on a journey through the Bible. Our imagination destination: The Promised Land. Kids will get to experience firsthand what it was like to be an Israelite by imagining the sights, sounds, smells, feelings, and tastes of life in the land God gave them to call home.

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.

September 6: NO PROGRAMING

Watch the weekly lesson video together as a family.

September 13th: Rahab Helps the Spies

• Big Idea: God wants us to put our faith into action.
• Bible Basis: Joshua 2
• Key Verse: “It is the same with faith. If it doesn’t cause us to do something, it’s dead.” James 2:17
• Discussion Questions for Younger Kids:
  • What was your favorite part of the story to imagine? What was it like?
  • How did Rahab show that she had faith in God?
• Discussion Questions for Older Kids: 
  • What was your favorite part of the story to imagine? What was it like?
  • How did Rahab show that she had faith in God?

Watch the weekly lesson video together as a family.

September 20th: The Sun Stands Still

• Big Idea: God has power over all things, so we can battle our fear with faith.
• Bible Basis: Joshua 9-10
• Key Verse: “I Looked at the Lord, and he answered me. He saved me from everything I was afraid of.” Psalm 34:4
• Discussion Questions for Younger Kids:
  • What was your favorite part of the story to imagine? How did you imagine it?
  • Why do you think God told Joshua not to be afraid?
• Discussion Questions for Older Kids: 
  • What was your favorite part of the story to imagine? How did you imagine it?
  • During the battle, why do you think the 5 armies were filled with fear while the army of Israel wasn’t?

Watch the weekly lesson video together as a family.

September 27th: The Kingdom Divided

• Big Idea: Sin tears God’s people apart, so we should confess and turn away from our sinful desires.
• Bible Basis:  1 King 11:1-12:24
• Key Verse:  “Why do you fight and argue among yourselves? Isn’t it because of your sinful desires? They fight within you.” James 4:1
• Discussion Questions for Younger Kids:
  • What was your favorite part of the story to imagine? Tell us about it.
  • Why do you think the nation of Israel was torn into two?
• Discussion Questions for Older Kids: 
  • What was your favorite part of the story to imagine? Tell us about it.
  • How do you think Solomon and Rehoboam’s sin affected the nation of Israel?

Watch the weekly lesson video together as a family.

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

September 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. 

September 6th: NO PROGRAMING

September 13th: What is my Purpose?

• Big Idea:  We are created for God's glory.
• Bible Basis: Luke 1:5-7, 13-17; Luke 3:3-6; John 1:25-30
• Key Verse: “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31

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

September 20th: What Went Wrong?

• Big Idea: We are broken by sin.
• Bible Basis: Genesis 3:1-24
• Key Verse: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23

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

September 27th: Does God Still Love Me?

• Big Idea: God loves and seeks after people. He wants everyone to love and trust Him for salvation.
• Bible Basis: Luke 15:11-32
• Key Verse: “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.” Romans 8:1-2

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

September Series Theme: God is the Promise Keeper
September Monthly Verse:

“The Lord is trustworthy in all He promises and faithful in all He does.” Psalm 145:13

September 6th:

• Big Idea: God Promised to Bless Abram
• Bible Basis: Genesis 12-13

September 13th:

• Big Idea: Abram Trusts God’s Promises
• Bible Basis: Genesis 15:6

September 20th:

• Big Idea: The Covenant Promise
• Bible Basis: Genesis 15-16

September 27th:

• Big Idea: A Promise for Sarah
• Bible Basis: Genesis 18:14

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.

Labor Day Weekend: There will be no Elementary Programming on Sunday, September 1, due to the holiday weekend. Enjoy family worship! Nursery, Preschool, and Thrive will run as normal. Visit the FG Kids Elementary Resource page for the lesson videos and parent guides.

Thrive Family Connection Lunch - Sunday, September 20th: It is a meal at a restaurant with Thrive families and leaders that provides a time for connecting parents with other parents and parents with leaders. It also gives the Thrive students a chance to eat with their friends.

Next Gen Stepping in Class - Sunday, September 27th: We believe that the act of baptism is significant in the life of a Believer. Baptism is a wonderful way to share and celebrate your commitment to follow Jesus. This is why we have designed a special NextGen Baptism Celebration for our kids and students. The first step in our NextGen Baptism process is for kids and their parents to attend a Stepping-In class. Stepping-In is a fun and interactive class that will help your child understand what baptism is, discover exactly what the Bible says about it, and build their confidence in sharing their faith with others. Kids and students will need to attend this class before participating in Next Gen Baptism. 

Adams Mill Location- 9 AM | Room 114 

Hwy 14 Location - 11 AM | Room 232

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.

“Habits of the Household” by Justin Earley

Every parent wants to be intentional with their children but often the challenge is figuring out how to make that happen. In our busy lives just finding time to figure out a strategy for parenting seems almost impossible let alone the strength to implement it. This is why I believe Justin Earley’s book Habits of the Household could be one of the most important books you can read.

Habits of the Household gives very practical thoughts and habit forming ideas to incorporate in the natural rhythms that are likely already happening within your family. This book uniquely recognizes that living out the love of God in our households doesn’t just come from forming children but also from forming parents and the family as a whole.   

This is more than a book, it’s a plan! And it is a plan you can actually use.

DID YOU KNOW?

As parents, you are trusting us with your greatest treasures—your children—and we do not take that responsibility lightly. At FG Kids, our heart is to walk alongside you in the journey of parenthood by offering love, encouragement, and support. We are committed to providing resources that equip you to steward and disciple your children with confidence. As our ministry continues to grow and welcome new families, we want to ensure you know about these resources and how they can serve you.