Jan. 21, 2013

Dear Parents,

We had a special guest come to Children’s Church and sing in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King’s birthday. Miss Johnetta sang “Take My Hand, Precious Lord” for us. It was beautiful. She talked to the kids about the importance of doing what God calls us to do in order to make a different in the world for the Lord, like Dr. King did. After one of the children complimented her on her singing, she told them she is just God’s instrument, “a harmonica sitting on the shelf,” for God to use for His glory. The kids invited her to come back and sing and share again.

Also in Children’s Church, the kids reviewed the timeline to Moses parting the Red Sea. We reenacted the Israelites crossing the Red Sea. They were free from captivity at last. But we saw that they still found things to complain about, just like we do. But the Israelites were saved and God was with them. Let’s see what happens next  learned in Sunday School.

Count to 10 with your kids. Ask them to name one rule that you follow in your house. Ask and see if they know why they have that rule. Help your kids see the importance of rules for keeping order. Ask what they remember about the story they heard in The Gospel Project for Kids about God giving the commandments.

God had redeemed His people from slavery in Egypt. People who have been redeemed demonstrate their love for the Redeemer thorough obedience. By giving the Ten Commandments, God showed His standard for holiness. But the people could not obey the commandments perfectly; God used the law to show that people needed a Savior. God provided that Savior ultimately through the person of Jesus Christ.

Just in case the “Family Journal Page” didn't make it home:

 Bible Passage: Exodus 19:1-20; 31:18, 32:1-35

Big Picture Question: Why did God give His people the Ten Commandments? God gave rules to show how to love Him and others.

 Key passage: “And God spoke all these words, saying,

1. You shall have no other gods before me.

2. You shall not make for yourself a carved image.

3. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.

4. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.

5. Honor your father and your mother.

6. You shall not murder.

7. You shall not commit adultery.

8. You shall not steal.

9. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

10. You shall not covet.”

            Exodus 20:1-17

 Christ Connection: God made a covenant with His people: “If you obey Me, you will be My people” (Exodus 19:5-6). But the people did not obey God. They sinned against God, and Moses asked God to forgive them. Moses acted as their mediator, or advocate, before God. When we sin, Jesus is our mediator. Through Jesus, we are forgiven of our sins. God is pleased with us because He looks at Jesus, who never sinned.

 Family task: Play “What If…” and list or draw your thoughts. Choose one of the Ten Commandments and think about what life would be like if everyone lived as it says- perhaps the command to remember the Sabbath, keeping it holy, or the command not to covet. Do you think we will need the Ten Commandments in heaven? (See Hebrews 10:16 and Jeremiah 31:33-34).

Next week's lesson:  Exodus 35:4-40:38

Exodus 11:1-13:16

Dear Parents,

On Sunday, Jan. 6, in Children’s Church, we went back to the beginning. Since we jumped ahead in God’s wonderful story to Jesus (our Savior, what God's story is all about) during the Christmas weeks; it was important to review and bring the kids back to where we left off with Moses in Egypt. We were reminded of the 9 plagues that God put on Egypt. We talked about what God wanted to show the Israelites and the Egyptians through these powerful acts. God wanted everyone to know “He is God!”  Each child was given a clue as to what the 10^th and final plague was going to be. They would find out in Sunday School. Ask them what the clue was and what it represented. They were also challenged to find out how the 10^th and final plague relates to the Easter story. I look forward to the kids coming back to Children’s Church this week and telling me.

In Sunday School, the kids dealt with the final plague God brought upon the Egyptians. This story has a clear message regarding the importance of Christ and His presence with people. Talk with your kids about the events of the Passover. Ask them to think about how they might have felt if they were living in Egypt during that time. Moses led the people to honor God, and by so doing, the people of Israel were saved from the hand of the Egyptians.

This week your kids learned that God rescued His people from the hands of the Egyptians by the shedding of blood. The sacrifice of a lamb for the blood to go over the doorpost was the only thing that kept the family inside safe from the wrath of God. God provided a much more important lamb for us, Himself—the Lamb of God. Through the shedding of Jesus’ blood, we no longer have to face the punishment of eternal separation from God because of our sin. Jesus died so we wouldn’t have to.

Just in case the “Family Journal Page” didn't make it home:

 Bible Passage: Exodus 11:1-13:16

 Big Picture Question: Why is the Passover important? The Passover was the way God chose to save His people and is a picture of Christ’s sacrifice for sinners.

Key passage: “I will take you as My people, and I will be your God. You will know that I am Yahweh your God, who delivered you from the forced labor of the Egyptians.” Exodus 6:7

 Christ Connection: By His grace, God spared the Israelites from judgment by requiring the blood of a lamb. Jesus is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. His death was the ultimate sacrifice, and those who trust in Christ are under His saving blood and will be passed over in the final judgment. 

Family task: If everyone in your family is a Christian, consider hosting a family Lord’s Supper. Otherwise, have unleavened bread and juice as part of a meal. Talk about how these elements were part of the Passover meal and what they mean as part of the Lord’s Supper. Let the kids draw the elements you shared.

Next week's lesson:  Exodus 13:17-17:7

Happy New Year!!

Dear Parents,

On Sunday, Dec. 30, your kids heard a story from the Bible about wise men who travelled from a distant land in order to find the King who had been born. Have you ever found it interesting that God revealed to the wise men—pagan priests and astrologers—that the Savior had been born? Jesus was King, but not in the way these men likely thought.

As you have dinner, talk about the wise men and the sign they saw which pointed to Jesus. Talk about signs you see today, and how you can see them pointing to Jesus. Share with your family one thing you remember God showed you as a sign.

The wise men brought gifts to worship Jesus. We too need to give all of our worship to Jesus Christ. God sent Jesus to earth to be the Savior of all people, and He deserves the praise we give Him.

Just in case the “Family Journal Page” didn't make it home:

 Bible Passage: Matthew 2:1-21

Big Picture Question: Why did the wise men visit Jesus? The wise men came to worship Jesus.

 Key passage: “But the angel said to them, ‘Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all people: Today a Savior, who is Messiah the Lord, was born for you in the city of David.’” Luke 2:10-11

 Christ Connection: The wise men came to worship Jesus as King. Jesus is the King who will rule forever; as God promised to King David in 2 Samuel 7. Jesus is the true King who is worthy of all our worship.

 Family task: Walk or drive to a family favorite location (ice cream shop, playground, backyard). As you travel review the journey of the wise men. How do you think the wise men felt to finally reach Bethlehem? Review the Big Picture Question. Name ways your family can worship Jesus. Make a note of where you traveled and one way your family plans to worship Jesus.

 Jan. 3 lesson:  Exodus 11:1-13:16