Children's Ministry News

This Sunday Discovery Point:  Prayer is how we talk to God. Today we began our lessons on the Lord’s Prayer, and we learned what Jesus said about praying. While we may be used to certain types of prayers, we found out if those prayers actually line up with God’s word. Jesus taught us to be humble and sincere when we pray and not to focus on gaining the attention of others (like the hypocrites). Jesus gave us the example of recognizing God’s holiness, asking Him to provide for us, and seeking forgiveness from God and others. (Scripture used: Luke 11:1-4, Matthew 6:5-15)
Memory Verse: “He said to them, ‘When you pray, say, ‘Father, hallowed be your name, Your kingdom come.” Luke 11:2 NIV 
Use the follow motions to practice memorizing the verse with your child: He said to them – Cup your hands around your mouth When you pray, say – Place your hands together in prayer Father, hallowed by your name – Point up to the sky with both hands Your kingdom come – Make a “come” motion with both hands.
R…

This Sunday Discovery Point:  Today was our last lesson about Special Places in the New Testament. We learned about Rome and how a well-known Bible character, Paul, served God even while being persecuted by his own people. And even though Paul was accused by the Jews, he still desired to minister to them because he knew they needed to know about Jesus. Paul continued serving God even though he was imprisoned and faced death. We learn from Paul’s actions in Rome that even a place of persecution is a place where God wants to extend salvation to those who deny Him. (Scriptures used: Acts 19:21, 28:16-31, 2 Timothy 4:6-8 & 18)
Memory Verse: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7 NIV 
Suggested Parent/Child Activity: Talk about some inventions, such as automobiles, television, cell phones, and the internet. Then discuss some Roman inventions such as water/sewer systems, paved roads, and calendars. Yet point out that even though a group…

Last Sunday Discovery Point:  Special New Testament Places - Jerusalem Today we continued our lessons about special places in the Bible by learning about a city called Jerusalem. Jerusalem was the center of many events, businesses, and religious celebrations. It was a special place because many important events in Jesus’ life occurred there too. Jesus’ triumphant entry, death, burial, and resurrection all happened in Jerusalem. Also, God fulfilled His promises of a risen Savior and the sending of the Holy Spirit in Jerusalem. These events make Jerusalem a very special place because God displayed His glory and power through Jesus’ life. (Scriptures used: Luke 19:28, 36-38, John 19:16-18, 41-42, 20:11-17, Acts 1:12, 2:1-4)
Memory Verse: “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” Luke 19:38 NIV Read the verse to your child. Then print or type the words in big letters across a piece of cardstock paper. Next, cut out each word and shuffl…

Last Sunday Discovery Point:  Special New Testament Places - Cana of Galilee Today we learned about a special place called Cana of Galilee where Jesus did two special things for the very first time. His actions in Cana of Galilee played an important role as He began His ministry on earth. Cana of Galilee is a special place where Jesus performed His first miracle and healing. His power wasn’t showcased before great crowds and important public figures, but instead it was used in front of servants and those who believed in Him. Jesus’ status as the Son of God was physically shown in Cana of Galilee, and it was only the beginning revealing His power on earth. Scriptures used: John 2:1-11, 4:46-54
Memory Verse: “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word.” Hebrews 1:3a NIV Read the verse with your child. Then take turns “cheering” the verse to praise and show thankfulness to God. You may clap, stomp, or dance if…

Last Sunday Discovery Point:  Special New Testament Places - Bethlehem and Nazareth Today's lesson was about two seemingly unimportant towns that God used to unfold His plan of salvation for mankind: Bethlehem and Nazareth. God was in control of the events that lead to Jesus' birth in Bethlehem and His upbringing in Nazareth. These special places established Jesus on earth as the Messiah. Because God used these places, we know that He wants to use our places too! God has put each of us in special places where we can serve Him, so we can trust that His plans have purpose. Scripture used: Luke 2:4-12, 4:14-21 Memory Verse: "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” Micah 5:2 NIV

Ask your child to sit across from you at a table. Say one or two words of the verse and then roll the ball to him or her. Then your child will say a few m…