First Look Week of January 7, 2019

In week one our weeones hear the Bible story from Mark 2:1-12:
Four friends carry their paralyzed friend to Jesus, and He heals him.

SAY THIS TO REMIND YOUR CHILD OF SUNDAY’S LESSON:
Who do you need?
I need Jesus.

DO THIS TO REMIND YOUR CHILD OF SUNDAY’S LESSON:
MORNING TIME
When you go into your child’s room this month, say, “Good morning! Do you know we have everything we need for a great day? We sure do! We have Jesus, and Jesus is all we need!”

REMEMBER THIS:
“You are everything I need.”
Psalm 119:57, NIrV

BASIC TRUTH: Jesus wants to be my friend forever.

Week of January 7, 2019

In week one of this new year, we read Proverbs: 25:28
Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.

SAY THIS TO CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION:
Doing what you should can keep you safe.

DO THIS TO CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION:
MORNING TIME
Before leaving for the day, write or tell your child, “Update your operating system today by praying and remember that everyone benefits when we practice self control.”

REMEMBER THIS:
“God’s power has given us everything we need to lead a godly life.”
2 Peter 1:3a, NIrV

LIFE APP:
SELF-CONTROL – Choosing to do what you should even when you don’t want to.

SGL Prayer Calendar

You know how important it is to consistently pray for the kids or students in your
small group. You also know that life is busy – and, that as a small group leader, it’s likely
your life is busier than busy. Creating additional margin to pray with intentionality can
sometimes feel impossible.
That’s why we’ve created this simple tool – a prayer calendar. Week-to-week, follow the
prompts as a guide during your prayer time. Talking to God about your leadership and
your few has the potential to be life-changing. Not only for them, but for you.
SGL Prayer Calendar download

Week of December 31, 2018

IN WEEK FIVE WE READ 1 JOHN 4:9-12:
God Showed His Love.

SAY THIS TO CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION:
Love others because God loved you first.

DO THIS TO CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION:
BED TIME
Have the following discussion with your kid. Ask: When do you find it difficult to love others? Here’s the amazing thing: you don’t have to force yourself to show love. God showed His love for you first by sending Jesus. And when you ask, God will help you use His love to show love to the people around you. Pray that the next time you feel you just can’t love someone, God will give you His love for them.

REMEMBER THIS:
“God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son.
Anyone who believes in him will not die but will have eternal life.”
John 3:16, NIrV

LIFE APP:
COMPASSION – Caring enough to do something about someone else’s need.

Parent Cue Week of December 31, 2018

It’s that time of the year…time to make your resolutions. Check out this post from Parent Cue:
3 Resolutions Every Parent Can Keep

Here’s a sneak peek –
1. This year not every meal will be chicken nuggets. (Done.)
2. This year I will do a better job hiding sharpies (It’s like they drove by and saw my curtains where Cai left his Sharpie artwork!)
3. I will convince my kids to wear coats when it is below freezing. (Honestly, it’s like they don’t know Cai at all!)

Share some of your resolultions!

First Look Week of December 31, 2018

It’s the final week of our Birthday Bash!
In week 5 we read MATTHEW 2:1-2, 9-11:
Wise men follow a special star to Jesus so they can worship Him and give Him gifts.

SAY THIS TO REMIND YOUR CHILD OF OUR LESSON:
Why is Jesus special?
Jesus is God’s Son.

DO THIS TO REMIND YOUR CHILD OF OUR LESSON:
CUDDLE TIME
Cuddle up wth your child this month and pray, “Dear God, thank You for loving us so much that You gave us your Son. Help us live out the love Jesus showed us so that everyone will know of Your great love. You’ve given us so much, God. Thank You! In Jesus’ name, amen.”

REMEMBER THIS:
“God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son.”
John 3:16, GNT

BASIC TRUTH: Jesus wants to be my friend forever.

Make The Most of New Year’s

What do you do with New Year’s? After the last two months of hurry, the idea of “nothing” may seem appealing. But New Year’s is a great time to create some family memories you’ll remember for the rest of the year. But other than staring at your TV screen waiting for a large ball to drop, what can you do?

Here are a few fun ideas to spark your creativity:
2018 HIGHLIGHT REEL. Have each family member think of one favorite memory from the last year. Without using words, have each family member act out their memory and see who can guess what it is.

MAKE NEW YEAR’S POP. Write 5 family fun ideas (play a board game, have
a dance party, make cookies, etc.) on strips of paper. Put the strips inside 5 balloons and pop one balloon every hour from 7pm to midnight.

MAKE A FAMILY FUN LIST. Instead of resolutions, gather your family together and make a list of all the fun things you want to do in the upcoming year. Save the list and refer back to it throughout the New Year.

NEW YEAR’S MOCK UP. Families with little kids have a hard time making it
to the midnight ball drop. Throw a family dance party, complete with a countdown between 7 and 8pm. Happy New Year and good-night!

CRAZY DINNER. Start (or end) the year off with a little FUN by giving each family member $3-$5 to buy one item at the grocery store. Come home, cook
it all, and enjoy your crazy dinner by candlelight!

Week of December 24, 2018

WEEK FOUR BIBLE STORY: LUKE 2:8-20
Shepherds Visit.

SAY THIS TO CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION:
Share the good news about Jesus.

DO THIS TO CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION:
DRIVE TIME
While on your drive, ask your child if they have ever had the opportunity to share the good news about Jesus. If they haven’t, maybe tell them about a time someone shared it with you or you with someone else. If your child feels nervous talking about it, tell them they can show the good news with their actions. Encourage them to either tell someone or show someone the love of Jesus today!

REMEMBER THIS:
“God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son.
Anyone who believes in him will not die but will have eternal life.”
John 3:16, NIrV

LIFE APP:
COMPASSION – Caring enough to do something about someone else’s need

First Look Week of December 24, 2018

Our Birthday Bash continued in week 4 with the following Bible Story:
Luke 1:26-33, 38, 47; 2:1-18
God’s Son, Jesus,is born on Christmas day.
Happy birthday, Jesus.

SAY THIS TO REMIND YOUR CHILD OF SUNDAY’S STORY:
Why is Jesus special?
Jesus is God’s Son.

DO THIS TO REMIND YOUR CHILD OF SUNDAY’S STORY:
BATH TIME
Add bubble bath to your child’s bath. Help him/her make lots of bubbles, and then tell your child to make a pretend birthday cake for Jesus with the bubbles. Next, sing “Happy Birthday” to Jesus together. At the end of the song, blow the pretend candles out and watch the bubbles fly!

REMEMBER THIS:
“God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son.”
John 3:16, GNT

BASIC TRUTH: Jesus wants to be my friend forever.

Parent Cue December 24, 2018

So talk with your kids. As you listen to their wish lists, also help them think about ways to show compassion—to make others your mission. You could give your time, serving somewhere in your local community. You could donate food or winter jackets to those in need. You could choose an item from the Compassion Gift Catalog to make an impact for children in poverty.

Read the Parent Cue Post – What’s on your Christmas List