Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Sunday, March 30, 2014 at Good Shepherd
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Junior High

This Sunday we begin a new study, "Grounded, relating to your Mormon friends in truth and love."

We welcome Kevin Fitz to the Family Ministry Team for this session!

This 5-week is an exciting, fast-paced training program that explores ways Christian youth can have honest friendships with Latter-day Saints, while maintaining the integrity of their own beliefs and effectively sharing their faith in Jesus Christ.

Topics Covered:

March 30:  
Truth- Where do we find truth? How do we sort out different truth claims the world offers up?  How do LDS truth claims differ from those of a traditional Christian?

April 6:
Differences- Where and when did the LDS Church start? What are some key differences between the worldviews of Latter-day Saints and traditional Christian young people?

April 13:  Family Worship Sunday and Family Life
April 20:  Easter- Worship at 8, 9:30 or 11:15 am
 
April 27:  
Friendship-  How do friendships between traditional Christan teenagers and Latter-day Saints work?  How can Christian teens stay grounded in their faith and open to the issues that deeply concern their LDS friends?

May 4:
Answers-  What are some of the answers to the difficult questions our LDS friends may raise?  How can we avoid the trap of simply arguing Bible verses with our LDS friends?

May 11:
Sharing- What are effective ways to share the gospel with our LDS friends? How can we use the language of LDS testimony to tell about relationship with Jesus Christ and the working of the Holy Spirit in our lives?

You won't want to miss one week of this amazing class!  You will grow in your own faith and be able to speak the truth in love to your LDS friends, without fear of damaging your friendships.
Sunday, March 30, 2014 at Good Shepherd
This content is provided to help your family continue the conversations at home that begin at church.


High School

This Sunday we continue, "The Messiah."

We welcome Kevin Fitz to the Family Ministry Team for this session!

This 6-week session will engage students through creative presentations and hands-on opportunities to examine big truths revealed in the Gospel of John.

Teenagers will get a firsthand view of what it was like to walk with Jesus, and they'll dive into the words written by this disciple who heard what The Messiah said and witnessed what He did.

Topics:
March 30:  Sacred Heart
April 6:  Messiah Sees More

April 13:  No Class- family Worship Sunday and Family Life
April 20:  No Class-  Easter
April 27:  Crown of Thorns
May 4:  The Messiah is Calling You to More
Sunday, March 30, 2014 at Good Shepherd
This content is provided to help your family continue the conversations at home that begin at church.


Preteen (grades 4-5)


CHOICES, CHOICES!  How Do I Know God's Voice?
Key Faith Foundation:Learning to Hear God
Key Scriptures to read as a family:  Judges 6:33-40; James 1:5-7; 3:17; 1 John 4:1-6

Talk about it:
  • Find one example of a person in the Bible who actually heard directly from God.  (Moses in Exodus 3; Abram in Genesis 17)
  • Discover in 1 Samuel 1 someone who had to make a tough choice, and discover what that choice was (1 Samuel 1:21-28, Hannah chose to give up her son Samuel to God's service.)
  • Discover a phrase someone in your family is know for saying, such as, "Cool, dude."
  • As a family, discuss:  How do you rate your listening abilities on a scale from one to ten (with one being "I'm a horrible listener" and ten being "I hear and listen to everything anyone ever says to me").
Sunday, March 30, 2014 at Good Shepherd
This content is provided to help your family continue the conversations at home that begin at church.


Third Grade

Elijah Versus the Prophets of Baal
Bible passage to read together as a family:  1 Kings 18:17-39
Lesson theme:  God responds to our needs.

Talk about it:
  • Who was Baal?
  • Who was Elijah?
  • Why did Elijah challenge the prophets of Baal?
  • Why did Baal lose the challenge?
  • Why did the Lord win?
  • What was the people's response to the Lord's victory?
  • Since God is real, how should we respond to him today?
Pray:  Dear God, please remind us every day how much you love us and help us to love others as you would have us love.  Amen.
Sunday, March 30, 2014 at Good Shepherd
This content is provided to help your family continue the conversations at home that begin at church.



Second Grade
This Sunday your child will learn about the 400 years between the Old and New Testament.

Talk about it:
  • There were 400 years between the Old and New Testament. Why did God wait so long to act?  (We don't know--only god knows why He acts when He acts.)
  • In 450 B.C. what made it hard for the people to spread God's good news?  (There were few roads for traveling, there was no internet, and people spoke different languages making it hard to communicate.)
  • If you wanted to send a message of good news to a friend today, how would you do it?
  • What does the "fullness of time" mean?  (God's perfect timing).
  • Does it ever feel like you've been waiting 400 years for something?  Is there a prayer you wish God would answer sooner?  Would you like to tell me about it?


For more family fun go to www.whatsinthebible.com, and answer the "Big Question" for Volume 10, week 1.

Sunday, March 30, 2014 at Good Shepherd
This content is provided to help your family continue the conversations at home that begin at church.


First Grade

This week your child will review the stories of King Saul, King David and King Solomon and learn the Biblical story of King Jeroboam.

Talk about it:
  • How would you answer this question?  If I were a king, I would _______________.
  • King Saul and King David were kings during the time 1050 B.C. to 971 B. C. What two books tell us about these kings?  (1 and 2 Samuel)
  • During the time period 971 B.C. to 586 B.C. how many kings did Israel have?  (39)
  • True of False:  King Jeroboam followed God's laws and made sure the people did not follow idols. (False)
  • What is something new you learned about Jeroboam?
For more family fun go to www.whatsinthebible.com, click on the "parents" tab, then "The Big ?" for DVD 6.   Password: divided
Sunday, March 30, 2014 at Good Shepherd
This content is provided to help your family continue the conversations at home that begin at church.


Preschool and Kindergarten

Jesus' Death and Resurrection
Bible verses to read together: Matthew 28:1-10; Luke 22:2; 23:33--24:9; John 19:38-42 
It looked as if death had triumphed. Jesus' friends, terrified and brokenhearted, hid in quiet misery. To human eyes, it looked as if Jesus, with all His power, had no power to protect Himself from death.  But, as His disciples feared for their lives, He was putting to death the power of death!  Jesus was not rotting in a tomb--He was triumphing over it!

Jesus' death, resurrection and ascension to God's right hand in heaven converge as the pinnacle of history. Satan was dealt the blow that would eventually finish him off. Jesus did exactly what He had said He would do, what the prophets predicted he would do, completing the task that His Father had given Him to do. It is finished--He has done it!

Because most young children have not yet had firsthand experience with death, they may not comprehend what death and resurrection are all about.  Share with your child the joy and wonder that Jesus' victory over death have wrought in you!  They will respond gladly to the good news that Jesus is alive!

Say: The Bible verses we read tell about a time when Jesus' friends were very sad.  Then came the happy day when they knew Jesus is alive!  We read, "Jesus is risen from the dead."  When we say that Jesus is risen, we mean that Jesus is alive.  We can thank God that Jesus is alive. We can pray and give our thanks to God.

Pray:  Dear God, thank You that Jesus is alive. We love you!  Amen.

Thursday, March 20, 2014

Sunday, March 23, 2014 at Good Shepherd
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Junior High

This week students will continue "The Rabbi, How Jesus Turned the World Upside Down." 

"The Rabbi, How Jesus Turned the World Upside Down."
 
Imagine sitting on a hillside in ancient Palestine as Jesus taught you and thousands of other people. But instead of hearing the predictabe words that other religious leaders spoke, you were startled, shocked, amazed to hear this rabbi declaring bold truths with authority.


Our students will encounter these same bold truths from this same authority, to discover how Jesus challenged his followers with new insights on who God is, what God's kingdom is all about, and how we can interact with God.



March 23:  A New Teaching

Next Sunday we begin a new study, "The Messiah."

We welcome Kevin Fitz to the Family Ministry Team for this session!

This 6-week session will engage students through creative presentations and hands-on opportunities to examine big truths revealed in the Gospel of John.

Teenagers will get a firsthand view of what it was like to walk with Jesus, and they'll dive into the words written by this disciple who heard what The Messiah said and witnessed what He did.

Topics:
March 30:  The Messiah
April 6:  Light of the World


April 13:  No Class- family Worship Sunday and Family Life
April 20:  No Class-  Easter
April 27:  Sacred Heart
May 4:  Messiah Sees More
May 11:  Crown of Thorns
May 18:  The Messiah is Calling You to More
Sunday, March 23, 2014 at Good Shepherd
This content is provided to help your family continue the conversations at home that begin at church.


Preteen (grades 4-5)


CHOICES, CHOICES!  Who Should I Listen To?
Key Faith Foundation: Finding Good Counsel
Key Scriptures to read as a family:  2 Samuel 16:23-17:14; 1 Kings 12:1-15; Psalm 37:30-31; Proverbs 12:26
Talk about it:
  • Find one piece of advice in the Bible that you should follow. (Ten Commandments, Exodus 20; Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5...)
  • Discover who gave Moses wise advice in Exodus 18, and find out what the advice was.
  • What is the name of the last person someone in your family asked for advice?
  • What was the last thing each member of your family watched on TV?  Was it a good or bad influence?  Why?

Sunday, March 23, 2014 at Good Shepherd
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Third Grade

BREAKFAST AT MCDONALDS
The third grade class will be meeting at Good Shepherd and leaving to go for breakfast about 9:35 am.  You will need to sign a release form for your child to attend.  Look for Miss Gleni or Miss Chris on Sunday morning and get your release for ASAP so you you can head out to McDonalds!
Sunday, March 23, 2014 at Good Shepherd
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Second Grade
Old Testament Review:  Your child will review the stories of  1 & 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon, Lamentations and the Prophets, and discover God's great rescue plan.

This Old Testament Review will include clips from What's in the Bible? DVDs 7-9. To learn more about these DVDs visit What's in the Bible.

Talk about it: 
    Look for the "Go Home Card" this Sunday for a copy of the Three Kings Summary including hand motions.


For more family fun go to www.whatsinthebible.com, and answer the "Big Question" for Old Testament Review

Sunday, March 23, 2014 at Good Shepherd
This content is provided to help your family continue the conversations at home that begin at church.


First Grade

This week your child will learn about King Solomon and the definitions of sin, repentance and forgiveness.

Talk about it:
  • On Sunday you learned about the 3rd king of Israel.  What was his name?  (Solomon)
  • Solomon made a great choice and a bad choice. Do you remember which was the great choice and which was the bad choice?  (Great choice:  Asked God for wisdom.  Bad choice:  Built temples for his wives to worship their gods.)
  •  What 2 books of the Bible come after 1 & 2 Solomon?  (1 & 2 Kings)
  • How will you live differently this week because of what you learned?
For more family fun go to www.whatsinthebible.com, click on the "parents" tab, then "The Big ?" for DVD 5.   Password: samuel5
Sunday, March 23, 2014 at Good Shepherd
This content is provided to help your family continue the conversations at home that begin at church.


Preschool and Kindergarten

Jesus Enters Jerusalem
Bible Story to read together:Matthew 21:1-11, 15-16; Mark 11:1-10

Tension is high at this point in Jesus' life! The people of Israel want to make Him their king, while the religious leaders of the Sanhedrin are ready to kill Him at their first opportunity!
The people praise a Messiah whom they hope will defeat the Roman Empire and free them from political oppression. They do not understand that Jesus came to create a much deeper kind of freedom. His kingdom and His sacrifice are the basis of much more than a few years' rest from political oppression. He offers real and permanent freedom to EVERYONE--even hated Romans!

After reading the Bible story together as a family say, "the people in this story were happy to see Jesus when He came to Jerusalem.  At church, we remember this day on Palm Sunday when we wave palm branches and remember Jesus' entrance into Jerusalem.  We also sing to welcome Jesus.

Our Bible says, "How good it is to sing praises to our God."  We can sing praises to God to give thanks to Him. We can thank God for Jesus!

Pray briefly, Thank You, God, for Jesus! Amen.

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Sunday, March 23, 2014 at Good Shepherd
This content is provided to help your family continue the conversations at home that begin at church.


High School

This Sunday we continue, "The Messiah."

We welcome Kevin Fitz to the Family Ministry Team for this session!

This 6-week session will engage students through creative presentations and hands-on opportunities to examine big truths revealed in the Gospel of John.

Teenagers will get a firsthand view of what it was like to walk with Jesus, and they'll dive into the words written by this disciple who heard what The Messiah said and witnessed what He did.

Topics:
March 16:  The Messiah
March 23:  Light of the World
March 30:  Sacred Heart
April 6:  Messiah Sees More

April 13:  No Class- family Worship Sunday and Family Life
April 20:  No Class-  Easter
April 27:  Crown of Thorns
May 4:  The Messiah is Calling You to More
Sunday, March 16, 2014 at Good Shepherd
This content is provided to help your family continue the conversations at home that begin at church.


Junior High

This week students will continue "The Rabbi, How Jesus Turned the World Upside Down." 

"The Rabbi, How Jesus Turned the World Upside Down."
 
Imagine sitting on a hillside in ancient Palestine as Jesus taught you and thousands of other people. But instead of hearing the predictabe words that other religious leaders spoke, you were startled, shocked, amazed to hear this rabbi declaring bold truths with authority.


Our students will encounter these same bold truths from this same authority, to discover how Jesus challenged his followers with new insights on who God is, what God's kingdom is all about, and how we can interact with God.


March 16:  A New Relationship
March 23:  A New Teaching

For more discussion information look for the take home page your student will be given on Sunday.
Sunday, March 16, 2014 at Good Shepherd
This content is provided to help your family continue the conversations at home that begin at church.


Preteen (grades 4-5)



The third Sunday of each month is "sandwich making Sunday."  

Please remember to bring the ingredients you were assigned.

Talk to your child's teacher for details.

Key Faith Foundation: Service

Talk about it:
    • What did you have for dinner last night?
    • What if the only choice you had for dinner each night was the sandwiches you made at Sunday school?
    • What else can we do to help those in need?
    • Is there anything we can do as a family?

Sunday, March 16, 2014 at Good Shepherd
This content is provided to help your family continue the conversations at home that begin at church.


Third Grade

Achan Steals Some Goodies
Bible lesson to read together:  Joshua 7
Lesson Theme:  Things that can distract us from God.

Talk about it: 
  • List some things that can help us stumble as we follow the Lord. 
  • Pray together as a family and for each other, asking God to help us as we stumble.


Sunday, March 9, 2014 at Good Shepherd
This content is provided to help your family continue the conversations at home that begin at church.



Second Grade
Old Testament Review:  Your child will review the stories of 1 & 2 Kings, and discover God's great rescue plan.

Talk about it: 
    Look for the "Go Home Card" this Sunday for a copy of the Three Kings Summary including hand motions.


For more family fun go to www.whatsinthebible.com, and answer the "Big Question" for Old Testament Review

Sunday, March 16, 2014 at Good Shepherd
This content is provided to help your family continue the conversations at home that begin at church.


First Grade

This week your child will learn the Biblical stories of King David found in 2 Samuel, and discover the definition of repentance.

Talk about it:
  • God made a promise to David that his descendents would rule over God's people. What was the name of this promise?  (Davidic Covenant)
  • Why did things go wrong in the second half of 2 Samuel?  (Because David chose to sin when he took Bathsheba as his wife.)
  • After David sinned, he chose to repent. What does it mean to repent?  (To change your mind and will, and turn away from sin.)
  • In small group you played a Truth & Consequence Game.  Did you have any funny consequences?  If yes, what were they?
  • Now that you know David's story, what difference will it make in your life?
For more family fun go to www.whatsinthebible.com, click on the "parents" tab, then "The Big ?" for DVD 5.   Password: samuel5
Sunday, March 16, 2014 at Good Shepherd
This content is provided to help your family continue the conversations at home that begin at church.


Preschool and Kindergarten

One Man Thanks Jesus
Bible Story to read together:Luke 17:11-19
Ten men cried out from a distance to Jesus as He passed by. They may have had leprosy or some other skin disease referred to by the same name. By law, they had to stay away from others, tear their clothes, uncover their heads and cover their mouths.  They were required to cry "Unclean! Unclean!" if anyone came near them (see Leviticus 13:45-56). They must have been a lonely and discouraged group!

All ten men believed that Jesus could heal them. They did exactly as Jesus said to do, and as they walked away, they were healed--every one of them!  But nine hurried on, not stopping until they'd seen the priest!

However, one man stopped. He didn't stop to be disobedient; he returned to throw himself at Jesus' feet and give thanks. And there, the man began a relationship with Jesus that the others didn't experience--and he still got to the priest!

As you live in that lively world of young children where gratitude may be expressed only in a look or a smile, remember this one man.  Praise God often as you talk to your child.  Pause often to thank God, both aloud as a family and quietly on your own. Teach a thankful attitude by your example--even while you are busy being obedient.

Thursday, March 6, 2014

Sunday, March 9, 2014 at Good Shepherd
This content is provided to help your family continue the conversations at home that begin at church.


Junior High and High School


The second Sunday of each month is "Family Worship Sunday" so there is no class for Junior High and High School students.

Use the sermon note to talk together about Sunday's message.

Join us for "Family Life" on March 9, beginning with lunch at 12:30 pm.
Sunday, March 9, 2014 at Good Shepherd
This content is provided to help your family continue the conversations at home that begin at church.


Preteen (grades 4-5)


What's the Right Way to Pray?
Key Faith Foundation:  Practicing Prayer
Key Scripture to read together as a family:  Matthew 6:5-13

Talk about it:
  • Describe two prayers that Jesus prayed.  (Jesus prayed for God's forgiveness for people in Luke 23; he prayed the Lord's Prayer in Matthew 6; he prayed that God's will would be done in Matthew 26.)
  • Name two other people who prayed in the Bible, and what they prayed for. (David prayed for victory in war in Psalm 118; Joseph prayed for God to help him interpret Pharaoh's dreams in Genesis 41.)
  • Ask family members what time of day they pray the most.
  • Say the Lord's prayer together as a family.
Sunday, March 9, 2014 at Good Shepherd
This content is provided to help your family continue the conversations at home that begin at church.


Third Grade

Balaam's Donkey
Bible lesson to read together:  Numbers 22:21-35
Lesson Theme:  God speaks to us in the Bible.

Talk about it:
  • Who was Balaam?
  • Why did his donkey talk to him?
  • If an angel appeared to you and said, "I have a special message to you from Almighty God" would you pay attention?
  • Does God normally talk to people through angels or donkeys?
  • What has God given us that tells us all about him and lets us know how he wants us to live?
  • Why do you suppose it is important to read the Bible?
  • Read James 1:22-25.  What is God saying to us through these verses?


Sunday, March 9, 2014 at Good Shepherd
This content is provided to help your family continue the conversations at home that begin at church.


Second Grade

Old Testament Review:  Your child will review the stories of Exodus-Ruth and discover God's great rescue plan.  Your child will learn a summary with hand motions and symbols, and create a Story Book.  Together, review the summary and story book after Sunday school.

Talk about it: 
    Look for the "Go Home Card" this Sunday for a copy of the Exodus-Ruth Summary including hand motions.


For more family fun go to www.whatsinthebible.com, and answer the "Big Question" for Old Testament Review

Sunday, March 9, 2014 at Good Shepherd
This content is provided to help your family continue the conversations at home that begin at church.


First Grade

This week your child will learn the Biblical stories of King Saul and King David found in 1 Samuel.

Talk about it:
  • Can you name the two kings in today's story?  (King Saul & King David)
  • Why was King Saul jealous of David?  (Because the people started singing songs about David.)
  • How long was Saul the King?  (42 years)
  • Did you hear God speaking to you today?  What did He say to you?
  • Read the story of King Saul and King David from 1 Samuel.  Ask, "what does this teach us about God?"
For more family fun go to www.whatsinthebible.com, click on the "parents" tab, then "The Big ?" for DVD 5.   Password: samuel5
Sunday, March 9, 2014 at Good Shepherd
This content is provided to help your family continue the conversations at home that begin at church.


Preschool and Kindergarten

The Poor Woman's Gift
Bible Story to read together: Mark 12:41-44
The Court of Women in Jerusalem's Temple area was big enough to hold many people. In this court was the treasury, where offerings were received.  Here the wealthy could present their money with much fanfare.  But amid the hubbub of milling people and animals, one lonely widow caught Jesus' eye.  In her hand the widow held two lepta.  The smallest and thinnest of coins, two lepta together were worth about one half-cent. Not looking to see who watched, she slipped the coins into the chest and was off.  The disciples didn't notice her until Jesus pointed her out to them.  Jesus said that out of all that throng, she was the one who gave the most.

God still isn't impressed by how much we give but by how we give.  He desires for each of us to have a heart that is open and willing. And what He calls us to give is the same now as it ever was--everything!  Because we have Him, we can safely let go of all we are and have.  Help your little ones begin to discover that giving is a way to show love to God!  Encourage them to experience the joy of becoming givers.