Preschool (2yrs to PreK)

How wide and high and long and deep is the love of Christ.
Ephesians 3:18, NIV

Luke 19:1-8 is a moment in history where a man’s curiosity went into overdrive.  Zaccheus wasn’t very tall and couldn’t see over the crowds that formed as Jesus entered town.  So Zaccheus decided he would climb a tree to see Him.  And as Jesus passed by He announced to Zaccheus that they would dine together that day.

In many ways we are left to speculate as to why Jesus chose Zaccheus.  Was it because Zaccheus had the most despicable job in town?  Was it because Zaccheus had a reputation for fleecing his fellow Jewish neighbors?  Or was it because Zaccheus was the person in town that needed Jesus the most?

Maybe it’s one of those reasons.  Maybe it’s all of them.  What strikes me in this scripture is that Jesus never waivers in the process as Zaccheus experiences Christ and subsequently makes life changing decisions.

I think this is a valuable posture to have with our kids also.  As our kids grow and learn about Jesus, they will progressively learn how to follow Him.  Jesus didn’t expect Zaccheus to give up everything that he owned in the first 5 minutes they met.  But through the time Zaccheus interacted with Jesus… the more he experienced Christ’s love… the more he was willing to let go of the things he trusted on earth and release them to Someone he could trust more.

Do your kids trust your love for them?

The more they trust your love for them, the more they will learn to trust their Heavenly Father’s love.

This week, Create a Rhythm, by taking your child out on a date.  Share with them how high, how long and how deep your love is for them.

Elementary (K-3rd grade)

Our Bible teaching helps us understand the principle of peace (Colossians 1:20; 3:15). It tells us that peace originated with God‘s love for us and Jesus‘ sacrifice on the cross. Since we can receive such peace from God, we can live peaceably with other people.

This week our Bottom Line is:

God proved He cared for us, so we can prove we care for others.

Our ultimate example of peace is Christ. Because He made peace between God and us, we should strive to let peace rule in our own hearts and lives. Our memory verse this month is:

So let us do all we can to live in peace. And let us work hard to build each other up. Romans 14:19, NIrV

Making peace takes the humility of giving up what we think is right to help others see that we care.

This week, Fight for the Heart, by creating a culture of unconditional love in your home.  Make sure your child hears you apologize for things you’ve done wrong.  Don’t allow your desire to be right trump their opportunity to learn what it looks like to allow peace to rule in your heart and life.

Club 45 (4th & 5th grade)

Under the Radar
What Now?

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.  Philippians 4:8, NLT

In Daniel 3 our students will dig into the story of Shadrach, Meshach & Abednego.  Discussion will center around the choices we make when we are tempted and the consequences that follow.  When we let temptation get the best of us and we make a poor choice, the weight of that sin can have some devastating consequences.

We want our tweens to know the tools they have on hand that will help them to make the wise choice even when they are tempted.  This week, Create a Rhythm, by taking your tween out for ice cream.  Talk about some of the things you both have been tempted by this week and how Philippians 4:8 can help you.