[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxZqvMwcZFQ[/youtube]
Faith Promise is taking a team to join Back2Back in Monterrey Mexico.
Don’t let another year go by. Find out more about how you can participate.
Informational Meeting:
Sunday, February 2nd @ 1pm; Pellissippi Campus, room 222
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxZqvMwcZFQ[/youtube]
Faith Promise is taking a team to join Back2Back in Monterrey Mexico.
Don’t let another year go by. Find out more about how you can participate.
Informational Meeting:
Sunday, February 2nd @ 1pm; Pellissippi Campus, room 222
“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Eph 2:10”
Your opportunity to “do good works” is almost here at FPC’s first 2012 Serving Saturday on Jan 28. We’ll meet at the Pellissippi Campus at 8:30am for a light breakfast, short devotional, and assignments and be off by 9am to the be hands and feet of Christ. We’re using an on-line tool called VolunteerSpot to schedule these opportunities.
Here’s how it works:
1) Click this link to go to our invitation page on VolunteerSpot:
2) Enter your email address and choose your job. You’ll get an Email reminder two days prior to the event.
That’s it. There are limited spots available for this first Serving Saturday, so it’s important to sign up early. Let me know if you have any problems. See you Saturday Jan 28 8:30am at the Faith Promise Pellissippi Campus!
And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.”
If you’re not careful, you almost miss that moment. Reading through Luke Chapter 2, there is so much happening. Mary and Joseph return to Bethlehem. Mary gives birth to Jesus and lays Him in a manger. Close by some shepherds are hanging out with their flock and watching the stars. Suddenly an angel appears to bring them great news. Then a choir of angels appears praising God.
As it’s laid out in the text, it’s an amazing moment in history. But have you ever stopped to consider what was happening behind the scenes? I mean, this is a moment the residents of Heaven have been waiting for.
Their King, the Lord Jesus Christ, just did the impossible.
Their King, the Lord Jesus Christ, left His throne at the right hand of God and came to earth as a tiny, human baby.
Their King, the Lord Jesus Christ, has initiated the Great Rescue Plan.
The plan to redeem man and defeat death once and for all.
The scripture doesn’t elaborate on this moment. This side of heaven, I doubt anyone will know the story of what took place behind the scenes. But here’s my own take on it. Humor me…
There was a TON of excitement in Heaven. I can only imagine the clamoring as angels played paper, scissors, rock to see who would get to go first. I mean, they knew enough about man to know that if they all popped out at once they’d send the entire group of shepherds running. No. They needed to pick one… just one… to step out and share the good news.
How hard was it to choose who would get to go? Was it the highest ranking angel? Did they play eeny-meeny-miny-mo? Did they hide in heaven like an anxious group of partiers just waiting for the guest of honor to arrive so they could jump out and yell, “Surprise!!!”?? Who knows!
We DO know that when that ONE angel appeared, the glory of the Lord filled the darkness with light.
I love that part. You see, according to scripture, the darkness NEVER overcomes the light.
Stick that in your back pocket and don’t forget it. A life-long truth you’ll want to hang onto.
After the angel shared his news,
Then suddenly, as if they couldn’t possibly wait another second, an army of angels appear in the sky singing,
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased”
What a miraculous, unexpected moment that was for the shepherds. What a party that was for the angels.
As you read through Luke 2 this Christmas and celebrate the birth of Christ, take a moment and imagine the parts of the story that aren’t told in scripture. Like waiting for Ed McMahon to deliver the million dollar check to your grandmother’s front door… the excitement only builds when you imagine what took place “behind the curtain”.
This time of year is rich with traditions for our family. Little things that began as something fun to do have grown into involved events that require pre-planning and preparation. This afternoon my daughter and I will sit down and plan out the McClain 2012 Gingerbread House. We’ll test out a new recipe this year and even incorporate some new materials to increase our landscaping around our little construction project. We’ll create a shopping list, decide on what goodies we want to munch on as we build and even choose our dinner menu for the evening. It’s not just an activity… it’s an event.
Traditions are fun in our home. They build memories to be relived for years to come. These will be the “Remember when…” moments of the future. So I look at them with excitement. I treat them as precious.
Are they perfect? Rarely. But the unexpected hiccups only flavor the experiences from one year to the next. Look for opportunities to celebrate old traditions and create new ones for your family.
Preschool (2yrs to PreK)
At this young age God wants your preschooler to know that God wants me to do something important. God has a plan for each of us and that plan is important. This weekend we’ll focus on 1 Samuel 16:1-13 where Samuel has an important task… to find the new King of Israel. Samuel is looking for a King but the person he finds is not who he expects. Knowing that God can help him do anything, Samuel sets out to accomplish this important task.
Make it Personal by reading 1 Samuel 16:1-13 today. The classic adage “Don’t judge a book by its cover” is a fitting phrase for this story. Sometimes the things God asks us to do can be difficult. But God can help us do anything.
Create a Rhythm by practicing the Memory Verse with your preschooler. Use these simple motions.
I (point your thumbs at yourself)
Can Do (pump your fist in the air 2x)
All Things (spread your arms out as far as you can)
Through Christ (point up to the sky)
Philippians 4:13 (make a book with your hands)
Elementary (Kindergarten to 3rd grade)
Knowledge is discovering something new so you can be better at what you do. We’re focusing your child on Luke 3:21-23 where Jesus is baptized. As Jesus grew “in wisdom & stature and in favor with God and man” a critical step in his life was the day he was baptized. This weekend we’ll creatively retell of this moment in history when Christ comes forward and begins his public ministry.
We want to grow as Jesus grew because when we discover what God says, it helps us trust Him more. Make it Personal and ready Luke 3. Talk to your child about the day you were baptized and what that meant to you. This conversation might spark some interest in baptism. If your child is ready to explore this step you can click here for more information.
Preschool (2 yrs to PreK)
The Details…
Basic Truth: God Loves Me
Key Question: Why should you do what God says?
Bottom Line: God knows what’s best for me.
Memory Verse: “God’s way is perfect.” Psalm 18:30, NIrV
Bible Story Focus: It’s never too late to choose God’s way. • Jonah 1:17-3:3
…Unpacked
Last week Jonah was swallowed by the giant fish. This week we learn that even in the belly of the whale, it’s not too late for Jonah. God said, “Go”. Jonah said, “No!” Will he change his mind now?
Create A Rhythm this weekend. Play a game of “Gotcha” with your preschooler. Have your child stand against the wall (‘The Shore), while you stand in the middle of the room (‘The Ocean’). They pretend they are ‘Jonah’ crossing the ocean. You are the great big fish. Jonah has to try to cross get across the ocean without getting caught by the great big fish!
Then grab your child’s bible, find the story of Jonah and the Whale and share some special storytime together. Ask them the question, “Why should you do what God says?” Teach them, “God knows what’s best for me!”
Elementary (Kindergarten to 3rd Grade)
The Details…
Virtue: Grace—getting something great that you don’t deserve.
Memory 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, NIrV
Bible Story: Pop Rocks (the lost son) • Luke 15:11-24
Bottom Line: God will always love me more than I can imagine
…Unpacked
The story of the Prodigal Son is a beautiful example of the grace and love our Father has for His children. Reading through Luke 15: 11-24, it’s easy for the reader to see that heart of the Father is always pointed toward His children. Even when the hearts of His children are not pointed toward Him.
Make It Personal this weekend and read Luke 15:11-24. Consider this thought.
Has there ever been, and will there ever be a time in your child’s life where God would say, “Leave me for a while so you can experience life without me. In fact, if you live without me then you’ll only appreciate my Grace more upon your return.”
Can you imagine God leading your child away from Him?!? No. I can’t either.
It’s clear in Luke 15, the Father never wanted his son to leave. However, He patiently waited because He understood the value of the wrestle his son needed to go through in order to desire deeper intimacy with Him.
Parents, I don’t believe there is ever a time God would lead your child away from His presence. I don’t believe there is ever a time God would ask your child to walk away from Him. However, in the seasons when your child might choose to walk away, the Father’s heart toward them never changes. And when they decide to return, His arms are open wide.
Create A Rhythm this week. Grab the GodTime card your child brings home from church. Elevate the importance of God’s word in your home by spending 15 minutes together completing a GodTime activity.
Preschool
Basic Truth: God loves me.
Key Question: Why should you do what God says?
Bottom Line: God knows what’s best for me.
Memory Verse: “God’s way is perfect.” Psalm 18:30, NIrV
Bible Story Focus: I should obey God. Joshua and Caleb Spy • Numbers 13-14
Unpacked:
One of the most pivotal verbs in scripture is Faith. And faith is simply believing God will do what He says He will do. There are many accounts in scripture where people either trusted God to do what He promised… or they didn’t.
God places a high value on faith. Our willingness to see beyond what makes sense to us and stand on His Promises. The kind of faith Joshua and Caleb displayed when they returned from spying out the land of Canaan, God’s Promised Land for the Israelites.
Imagine the End by focusing your energy & efforts on the issues that will make a lasting impact. Imagine a teenager that has an uncanny faith in the promises of God. One who’s faith has a tremendous impact on those around them. Now, imagine that is your child.
Don’t underestimate the value of teaching your preschool child to obey God today because God’s way is perfect. God always knows what’s best for me!
Create a Rhythm this month by tapping into the power of quality moments together, and build a sense of purpose through your everyday experiences. Watch for opportunities you can ask your preschooler the question, “Why should I do what God says?” Because… God knows what’s best for me!
Check out this video to learn more about our focus for Preschool in August. Then, watch for your Small Talk this weekend for some fun activities to do with your preschooler.
Elementary
Virtue: Grace—getting something great that you don’t deserve.
Memory 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, NIrV
Bible Story: Sheep Tracks (the lost sheep and the lost coin) • Luke 15:1-10
Bottom Line: Jesus came to rescue everyone.
Unpacked:
This week we focus your child on a couple parables Jesus told about “the Lost Sheep” & “the Lost Coin”. From these parables, Jesus paints a picture of the Father and the extents to which He will go in order to demonstrate His love for us. According to these stories… He will stop at nothing to have a relationship with us. His grace is undeserved.
I love how the character of our Heavenly Father is displayed in these stories. I’m reminded that my kids are created in His likeness (Gen 1:26). This tells me they were fashioned with His Character. A character of generous, extravagant, stop-at-nothing Grace.
Create A Rhythm this weekend by tapping into the power of everyday experiences. Have dinner around the dinner table. Read the stories of the Lost Sheep & Lost Coin in Luke 15:1-10. Jesus came to rescue everyone. How much does He want to use you to find those that are lost?
Take 10 minutes next week and watch this month’s video to learn more about the virtue Grace.
Don’t miss this last opportunity of the year to walk through the ins-and-outs of managing your financial picture to achieve financial freedom. No one wants to be held hostage.
Here’s a story of the change that is possible:
I was reluctant at first to go since it was my wife’s idea that we should go. I was not interested in giving her the upper-hand. Not at all! Prideful as could be! I’m glad she did. It helped bring to the surface things we both had different opinions on when it came to regarding the use and value of our money. It helped me realize I was not being the great steward of our money God had instructed us to be. It helped us put petty things aside [we] would argue about when it came to money. It helped us realize the value and purpose of money and how if you let money be the determination of what you get out of life, than you really aren’t in control and you will be destined to lose in the end. If you are questioning the time spent doing Chase What Really Matters class, … it absolutely is worth your time, and … it doesn’t cost you a dime. … You’ll have a group of people that will understand things you may have not been comfortable enough to bring up anywhere else. It has without a doubt … enriched our life and plans for the future!
Montae and Sara Bates
Join us on Sunday, October 24th at 11:45 am in Room 222 on the Pellissippi Campus to get the information and support you need to make a change in your financial future. You can help by letting us know to expect you.
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