Week of April 22, 2019

Our 252 Kids Bible story for week three was JOHN 18:1—20:18:
The Crucifixion and Resurrection

SAY THIS TO CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION:
Whatever happens, remember Jesus is alive.

DO THIS TO CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION:
BED TIME
Every one of us has done wrong things. But God loves us so much that He sent His own son, Jesus, to live among us. Jesus willingly entered into death and separation from God. When God raised Jesus back to life, He defeated death and made a way for everyone who believes in Jesus to live forever with God. Pray that you would live each day in the hope that comes from knowing Jesus is alive.

REMEMBER THIS:
“In this world you will have trouble. But be encouraged!
I have won the battle over the world.”
John 16:33b, NIrV

LIFE APP:
HOPE—Believing that something good can come out of something bad.

Parent Cue – Texting Guide – April 22, 2019

Texting does not have to be a negative tool in your home. It also can be a tremendous opportunity and a blessing to stay connected as a family.

If your child has a cell phone, check out this helpful post about kids and texting:A Parent’s Guide To Texting

The article shares common acronyms (some were quite eye-opening to me [GNOC] Yikes!) as well as tips on monitoring services and ways to use texting to encourage your children.

First Look Week of April 22, 2019

Our Easter Sunday Bible story for weeones was Matthew 26:20-30; 27:45-50; 28:1-7
Jesus dies, is buried, and comes back, just like He promised, so He can be our friend forever.

SAY THIS TO REMIND YOUR CHILD OF SUNDAY’S LESSON:
Who is your friend?
Jesus is my friend.

DO THIS TO REMIND YOUR CHILD OF SUNDAY’S LESSON:
CUDDLE TIME
Cuddle with your child and pray, “Dear God, thank You for sending Jesus to be our friend forever. Help us tell other people the good news that Jesus is alive and He wants to be their friend forever too. We love You, God. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

REMEMBER THIS:
“A friend loves at all times.”
Proverb 17:17, NIrV

BASIC TRUTH: JESUS WANTS TO BE MY FRIEND FOREVER.

Parent Cue – Hope Boomerangs Back – April 22, 2019

It’s now four years since my son was diagnosed with autism. He still doesn’t have functional speech and works very hard to play and learn, but he releases more joy than anyone I know. I’ve learned from him about the power of releasing, and know he will fulfill a powerful destiny.

Autism and Down Syndrome are different, but I can relate to parents who fear for their child’s future because of a diagnosis. This article really struck a chord with me because at a time when I was hopeless about Nathan’s future, I received encouragement from so many people that I didn’t even know. It was amazing.

Read the full post here and if you are a parent with an autistic child check out the book Josiah’s Fire.

First Look Week of April 15, 2019

The Bible story for Palm Sunday was MATTHEW 21:1-16 –
People praise Jesus by shouting, waving palm branches, and spreading their coats on the ground.

SAY THIS TO REMIND YOUR CHILD OF SUNDAY’S LESSON:
Who is your friend?
Jesus is my friend.

DO THIS TO REMIND YOUR CHILD OF SUNDAY’S LESSON:
DRIVE TIME
As you drive, listen to your favorite children’s worship music. Sing along to the songs with your preschooler. After several songs, ask your preschooler: Who you are singing about? Who are you praising? Who wants to be your friend forever?

REMEMBER THIS:
“A friend loves at all times.”
Proverbs 17:17, NIrV

BASIC TRUTH: JESUS WANTS TO BE MY FRIEND FOREVER.

Week of April 15, 2019

Our Bible story for 252 Kids was JOHN 12:9-16:
Palm Sunday.

SAY THIS TO CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION:
Whatever happens, remember God keeps His promises.

DO THIS TO CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION:
MEAL TIME
Q&A for Kids: Fill in the blanks. I hope___________(something personal). I hope___________(something for a friend). I hope___________(something for the world).
Q&A for Parents: When was a time when hope carried you through something difficult?

REMEMBER THIS:
“In this world you will have trouble. But be encouraged!
I have won the battle over the world.”
John 16:33b, NIrV

LIFE APP:
HOPE—Believing that something good can come out of something bad.

Week of April 8, 2019

APRIL OVERVIEW: THE CONNECTION BETWEEN HOPE AND GOD’S CHARACTER, AS SHOWN THROUGH
GOD’S BIG STORY:
We can’t always understand why some things happen. But we can believe in a God who keeps His promises. We can have hope, even in the toughest times, because we know He can make something good out of something bad.

Our Bible Story yesterday was John 11:1-45:
Lazarus raised from the dead.

SAY THIS TO CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION:
Whatever happens, remember how powerful God is.

DO THIS TO CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION:
MORNING TIME
As you say goodbye to your child this morning remind them, “No matter what happens today, remember how powerful God is and that He’s got it!”

REMEMBER THIS:
“In this world you will have trouble. But be encouraged!
I have won the battle over the world.”
John 16:33b, NIrV

LIFE APP:
HOPE—Believing that something good can come out of something bad.

First Look Week of April 8, 2019

God created us to be in a relationship with Him and in
relationships with people here on earth. He wants us to
have friends, and He wants us to be a good friend. In
fact, He wants it so much, God sent His one and only Son,
Jesus, to show us how to be a good friend and make a
way for us to be friends with Him forever.
Friendships are a big part of preschoolers’ lives. Through
these first relationships, they are learning how to be
a friend, have fun with friends, get along with friends,
problem solve with friends, resolve conflict with friends,
and above all, love friends.
This month, we hope preschoolers will learn that Jesus
is their friend – the best friend they will ever have. If our
preschoolers finish this month knowing that Jesus wants
to be their friend forever, that is a huge win! That will
make it a very Happy Easter!

The Bible story for weeones this week was JOHN 13:3-17:
Jesus demonstrates how good of a friend He is by washing His friends’ feet.

SAY THIS TO REMIND YOUR CHILD OF SUNDAY’S LESSON:
Who is your friend?
Jesus is my friend.

DO THIS TO REMIND YOUR CHILD OF SUNDAY’S LESSON:
MORNING TIME
When you go into your child’s room this month, smile and say, “Happy Easter, [child’s name]! Jesus is alive, and He wants to be your friend forever!”

REMEMBER THIS:
“A friend loves at all times.”
Proverbs 17:17, NIrV

BASIC TRUTH: JESUS WANTS TO BE MY FRIEND FOREVER.

Widen The Circle

Can you think of an adult (other than your own parents) who invested in you growing up and who made a big difference in your life? Did he/she influence your faith? We know that kids need a wide circle of adults in their life.
It does take effort and intentionality to invite others into the life of your family. Take the first step this week to reach out to someone you want to invest in your child’s life. And read this article from Parent Cue for guidance and more tips – Bigger than Your House