July 15th/16th

Big Idea: God wants to take care of poor people.

Verse: Matthew 6:3-4

Initial Thought: Christians are people who pursue doing things to please God. In this passage Matthew is talking about giving to the poor (something that God not only wants us to do, but it's expected - i.e. the phrase, "when you give..."). This can be a major point that we bring across. The way God meets the needs of people is through us…His body! However, the point of the message is the reason we do it: because God wants us to.

July 8-9

Big Idea: God wants our lives to be different

Verse: 1Corinthians 15:33

Initial Thoughts: The message in church is about the resurrection (1Cor. 15:12-34). The point is that if it didn’t happen, we’re wasting our time. Without the resurrection we would only have hope in this life…that would be futile (1Corinthians 15:19). The adult concept is if the resurrection never took place, we might as well live like there is no tomorrow – meaning, hoard up treasures for ourselves here, today (1Corinthians 15:32). For the children, Paul’s next point in verse 33 is the key we’ll focus on. God wants us to be different as Christians (i.e. living for him, not for ourselves) and we need to make sure we are around people who know the same things. The idea of picking who our friends are is very important as a Christian…Paul says it will negatively affect even the best of intentions. The point is to understand what a Christian does (live for Him) and an important thing to remember is making sure we have friends that want to do the same thing.

July 1st and 2nd

Big Idea: God made us exactly how He wanted

Key Verse: Psalm 139:13-14

Initial Thoughts: This week we have Nick Vujicic speaking in our church services. If you remember he is the guy that was born with no arms and no legs. Our message for this week to the kids is that they're fearfully and wonderfully made. God has made them exactly the way He wanted to. They are perfect.

June 24th - 25th

Big Idea: God is jealous.

Verse: James 4:5 - "What do you think the Scriptures mean when they say that the Holy Spirit, whom God has placed within us, jealously longs for us to be faithful?" (NLT)

Initial Thoughts: The story of Hosea would be a great example to use. This could be a very personal story to share because it is specific people, yet it points to God's jealousy for us. The overall story of Israel would also be a great story to use - they constantly walked away from God and God wanted them to be with Him. The concept is that God is jealous.

Note to Parents:
1. Think through what God might be jealous of in your life and in your child's life. Talk about this as a family. (i.e. Things that you are placing before God in importance.)