Grace Christian Church

partnering with parents to disciple children to become fully–devoted followers of Jesus Christ

Virtue of the Month

August’s Memory Verse
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

The Good, the Bad, and the Peaceful

"Starting to argue is like making a crack in a dam. So drop the matter before a fight breaks out" (Proverbs 17:14, NIrV).

What does "back to school" bring to mind? New Toughskins(R) jeans? Football games? Seeing your friends again? Homework and tests? Dreading the hard teacher? Gathering 'round to watch as a fight breaks out?

"A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bone" (Proverbs 14:30, NIV).

What better time of year to talk about conflict and getting along and caring about others than the start of a new school year?

"Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, with strife" (Proverbs 17:1, NIV).

If you could teach your kids just one thing God says about peace, what would it be?

"If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone" (Romans 12:18, NIV).

If you could equip kids with just one skill that would promote peace, what would you choose?

Here are some powerful things about peace (proving that you care more about others than winning an argument) we think God wants all kids to know:

The best way to stop a fight is never to start one. Sometimes, to have peace, you just need to DROP IT. Otherwise, it's just like making a crack in a dam (Proverbs 17:14). 

Making peace doesn't make you weak. Sometimes you have to GIVE SOMETHING AWAY. Isaac's conflict with the locals over water rights shows us making peace doesn't come from a place of weakness, but of true strength (Genesis 26). 

It's better to let go than to get even. Sometimes you have to CHOOSE TO FORGIVE. Jacob was a liar and a cheat, but Esau demonstrated the upside of letting go (Genesis 33).  

Just because you didn't start a fight doesn't mean you can't stop it. Sometimes you have to GET INVOLVED. If not for the cool, calm wisdom of Abigail, everyone would've paid the price for Nabal's rude, selfish behavior and David's hot-headed reaction (1 Samuel 25).

(And for the fifth week, we'll depart from the norm and focus on a "faith skill," that of personalizing Scripture:

Think about what God says, and it'll change you. (Philippians 4:8.)

By Melanie Williams. © 2010 The reThink Group * www.rethinkgroup.org * All rights reserved. Used by permission.

What is KidStuf?

KidStuf exists to partner with parents. We believe that parents are ultimately responsible for the spiritual development of their children (Deuteronomy 6:4-9). We also recognize that parents have a whole lot more time with their kids than anyone at church. In fact, each year kids spend about 3,000 hours with their parents versus the 60 or so that they will spend attending church on Sunday. As a result, no one has more influence over a child than his or her parent. Because of this, we believe that what happens at home is more important than what happens at church. We believe that it is our role to partner with parents by providing a plan that will give them the tools they need to lead their kids spiritually. This plan is launched during the KidStuf-Family Experience segment of the worship service. During the rest of the month, it continues in KWLS KidStuf, Sunday’S Cool classrooms, and at home with 365Family resources.

KidStuf lessons are built around three Basic Truths that we want every child to embrace, according to what Jesus modeled in Luke 2:52. "...and Jesus grew in wisdom and stature and favor with God and man."

Wisdom
• I need to make the wise choice.
Faith
• I can trust God no matter what.
Friendship
• I should treat others the way I want to be treated.

What’s the Big Idea?
Each week Grace, kids will learn about a Big Idea - a Christ-like character trait that should be lived out daily. It’s something that every parent wants their kid to learn. We would like to say that we came up with these ideas first, but actually; they are God’s Big Ideas, such as self- control, honesty, patience, and gratitude. There is a different Big Idea each month that is the over-riding theme in KWLS KidStuf, and every element of the Sunday’S Cool classroom lessons are centered on the Big Idea. Each week kids are taught a different Bottom Line and a Bible story that focuses on a different aspect of the Big Idea.

What is the Virtue Application Tool?
The KidStuf Application Tool is a creative way for 365Families to reinforce the Big Idea in their home, all month long.

Our Compassion Gift List

Kids in Worship, Leadership & Service

KWLS provides an opportunity for tweens and young teens to develop creativity, leadership, organizational and discipleship skills as they take the reins for our worship and service projects. KWLS Kids can to try out their wings and find where God has gifted them, and then use their gifts in service to him and his church.

On Sundays, the KWLS Team hosts KidStuf worship for the preschool and elementary children. KWLS kids also have the opportunity to volunteer in the Nursery or Sunday’S Cool classrooms, help at special events for children, or participate in collections and other off-site service projects.

The KWLS Team meets weekly for rehearsal, training and service projects, depending upon each child’s availability. We understand that some KWLS kids may be involved in sports, performances or other activities and so may not be available for several weeks at a time or for some service events and we will do our best to work around their schedules.

We pray that KWLS will give kids the tools to be active participants in worship and service – to be our future worship leaders, greeters, teachers, intercessors, etc.

Interested in joining KWLS?
Contact Bonnie Deroski at bonniedgcc@comcast.net