12-4-20 This Week in Faith
/December Memory for Kids
We have been choosing our memory verses from different CD’s produced by Seeds Family Worship. The music is a great way for kids [and parents] to get Scripture stuck in their heads. Getting God’s Word into the heads and hearts of our kids is one of the most valuable things we can do for them. This year, we are using their CD I Believe. They are also producing an online family devotional for these verses that you can find HERE. If you don’t already do family devotions, this might be a great place to start.
CD’s are in! If you would like an I Believe CD, or a code to download the album for FREE, find me or Stephanie Atkinson this Sunday at church. We’d love to give your family one!
Scripture Memory- Luke 1:46-50
New City Catechism- Question 29 and Question 30
STUDENT MINISTRY SCHEDULE
Student Ministry Small Groups
Right now we are talking about Christmas in small groups.
Middle School- Wednesdays from 6:00-7:30 at Faith [in the Plaza]
High School- Sundays from 6:00-7:30 at Faith [in the Plaza]
———————————————————————————-
Teach Your Children the Virtue of Waiting
This is a good reminder that the best thing we have to offer our kids [and ourselves] in the Advent season is not the stuff or the experiences, but the chance to regularly focus on Jesus as we rest and wait. While busyness could be considered the highest virtue of our day, Advent provides an opportunity for our families to regularly stop and worship. We can use a devotional, sing songs, even use the decorations around us to direct our thoughts and our hearts to Jesus, to the “good news of great joy for all people” that is his birth. Waiting for Christmas can be hard. But helping our kids understand that waiting is a gift from God is an important Christmas lesson. I pray that the habits and rhythms you take up this month would stir your family’s affections for Jesus, and carry long into 2021.
Click here to read the article from Scott James.
Christmas Nativity Mistakes: Cybertrucks and Overbooked Inns
This is an interesting, historical look at what the scene might really have looked like in Bethlehem over 2000 years ago. As you talk about Christmas with your kids this month, this might be an interesting discussion starter to really think about what it was like when the son of God first entered the world as a baby. It might mess up how you look at nativity scenes from now on, but that’s ok :)
Click here to read the article by John Dyer.
FREE WEBINAR: Gen Z Apologetics in a “You Be You” World
This looks like an interesting webinar helping to address some of the most common ways students think today [“you do you”, “you are enough”, “follow your heart”]. Pastor Nathan and I are reading a book right now by the person doing the webinar on this very topic. I’m looking forward to watching this because I think he does a good job of explaining how the gospel gives a better way than these typical teenage mottos. The webinar is on Monday but for most webinars I have done, if you sign up for it, it will let you watch a recording later if you aren’t able to watch it live.
Click here for more details on the webinar with Trevin Wax and Josh Chatraw, and to sign up.
Sale on Books from The Good Book Publisher
There are some great discounts here on really good books. They have some of my favorite kids books, devotionals for you and/or your kids, books to help you pray for your kids, books on specific topics like sexuality and race, and more. The sale ends soon so take a look if you have some people left to shop for.
Click here to check out their store.
What Can I Give My Teenager for Christmas? Rooted 2020 Christmas Gift Guide
If you are looking for ideas of good books to give to your kids, this is another great place to start. Everything from fiction to biographies to spiritual growth, devotionals and more.
Click here to see their recommendations.
VIDEO: Christmas According to Kids
It’s not Christmas without watching this classic- enjoy!
Click here to watch the video from Southland Christmas Church.
