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. 

January Series Description: Quick—grab a marker and a piece of paper! It’s time to play a fast-paced picture drawing game. During “Quick Draw,” the storyteller will draw a simple picture while the preschoolers guess what it is. As the pictures unfold, so will the Bible story. It’s a fun-filled picture guessing game that helps kids picture the love of Jesus and what it means to grow wise and strong.

Monthly Memory Verse: “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son.” John 3:16 & “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Mark 12:31

Weekly Bible Story and Idea: 

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

January Series Description: When people say “let’s face it,” what they mean is “let’s be painfully honest.” During the “Let’s Face It” series, we’re going to be “painfully honest” about how sin affects us, but we’ll also be honest about the power that Jesus has to forgive us and change our lives. And here’s the really fun part— during “Let’s Face It,” we’ll be taking the expression a bit more literally. Kids will get to use their artistic talents to create and wear fun masks for the telling of the Big Bible Story.

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.

January 4th: Paralyzed No More:

Big Idea: Jesus has power over sin, so we can give our sins to Him.

Bible Basis: Mark 2:1-12; Matthew 9:1-8

Key Verse: “Come to me, all you who are tired and are carrying heavy loads. I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

Discussion Questions for Younger Kids: What was your favorite part of this story? 

If you were the paralyzed man, what would you have done when Jesus forgave and healed you?

Discussion Questions for Older Kids: What does this story teach you about Jesus?

Why do you think it made the Pharisees angry when Jesus forgave the man’s sins? 

Watch the weekly lesson video together as a family.

January 11th: Dinner with Sinners

Big Idea: Jesus heals us from our sins, so we can follow Him even though we’re sinners.

Bible Basis: Matthew 9:9-13

Key Verse: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23

Discussion Questions for Younger Kids: What was your favorite part of this story? 

Why do you think Jesus wanted to be with people who sinned? 

Discussion Questions for Older Kids: What do you think this story teaches us about Jesus?

Jesus said, “Those who are healthy don't need a doctor. Sick people do.” 

What do you think He meant by that? 

Watch the weekly lesson video together as a family.

January 18th: The Unforgiving Servant  

Big Idea: Jesus forgives us, so we should forgive others.

Bible Basis: Matthew 18:21-35

Key Verse: “Forgive one another if you are holding something against someone. Forgive, just as the Lord forgave you.” Colossians 3:13

Discussion Questions for Younger Kids: What was your favorite part of this story? 

The first servant refused to show the second servant forgiveness even after the king had forgiven him. Why do you think that is?

Discussion Questions for Older Kids: How is the king in this story like God? 

Why do you think Jesus told this story to Peter? 

Watch the weekly lesson video together as a family.

January 25th: Jesus Forgives the Sinners

Big Idea: Jesus doesn’t look down on us for being sinners, so we shouldn’t look down on

others who sin.

Bible Basis: John 8:1-11

Key Verse: “Do not judge, or you too will be judged.” Matthew 7:1

Discussion Questions for Younger Kids: What was your favorite part of this story? 

Why didn’t the Pharisees throw rocks at the woman?

Discussion Questions for Older Kids: What does this story teach you about Jesus?

Why do you think Jesus said that only someone who had never sinned should throw a rock?

Watch the weekly lesson video together as a family.

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

January Series Description: Theology? What’s that? It’s the awesome, wonder-filled, mind-blowing study of God! Theology might sound like something just for adults, but it’s never too early to get started learning about who God is! Theology will stretch your mind, challenge you, and teach you important truths that will start building a strong foundation of faith.

This 8-week series will be filled with numerous topics - including God, the Trinity, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and more! Through these topics we will learn who God is, what He has done for us, and why it matters.

Come join us as we dive into the Bible and uncover the character, nature, and depth of our great God!

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

January 4th: What is Theology?

Big Idea: What we think about shapes who we become, so fixing our minds on God will shape us in His image.

Bible Basis: Matthew 22:34-38

Key Verse: “Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” Matthew 22:37

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

January 11th: The Trinity

Big Idea: There are three persons in one God: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Bible Basis: Matthew 3:13-17

Key Verse: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20

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

January 18th: God, the Father

Big Idea: There is only one true God. He is holy and worthy of praise.

Bible Basis: 1 Samuel 2:1-10

Key Verse: “There is no one holy like the Lord; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God.” 1 Samuel 2:2

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

January 25th: Creation

Big Idea: God is the one and only creator of the universe. He created everything out of nothing.

Bible Basis: Genesis 1

Key Verse: “God saw all that he had made, and it was very good…” Genesis 1:31

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

January Series Theme: Jesus Does The Impossible

January Monthly Verse: Psalm 86:10

January 4th

Big Idea: Jesus’ First Miracle

Bible Basis: John 2:1-12

January 11th

Big Idea: Jesus Helps Two Men Become Free

Bible Basis: Matthew 8:28–34; Mark 5:1–20; Luke 8:26–39

January 18th

Big Idea: Jesus Raises the Widow’s Son

Bible Basis: Luke 7:11–17

January 25th

Big Idea: Jesus Heals a Sick Woman

Bible Basis: Matthew 9:18–22; Mark 5:21–34; Luke 8:40–48

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 year. Register here to sign up for a Sunday.

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. 

Sibling Harmony

Create a sense of team and belonging.

Examples: Have each person in the family share a skill that another family member has that you enjoy. Maybe it's empathy, making others laugh, attention to detail. Just like a team we can work together if we communicate each other's strengths.

Roles in the family. 

Knowing your role just like a position on a team gives a sense of ownership even at a young age. Example: 3yr old sister always knows how to put toys to sleep. Her role is to make sure they are not left out.

Have a family mission.

Choose simple language so it sticks. Example: Live Generously or Love God, Love Others. Family mission helps keep your family unit focused on how God has called you to live out the gospel

For more parenting tips, visit the preschool resource page.

Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions.