MONTHLY ARCHIVES: November 2014

Conversation Starters: Defending the Faith

Posted by Karah

IMG_0120THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE: Everybody faces difficulties, and we all experience suffering. There are no exceptions. The difference comes in how we handle suffering. When we keep Christ at the center of our lives—regardless of the circumstances—people notice the difference. One of the best ways to offer a defense of the Christian faith is letting others see Christ sustain us through difficult times.

Concept: Defending the Faith 

Preschool

Acts 21:27- 22:29

LIFE POINT: Paul had returned to Jerusalem. He went to the temple to worship. People who did not like Paul saw him. They became angry and grabbed Paul. Soldiers came to keep the people from hurting Paul. They wondered why the people wanted to hurt Paul. They took Paul away. Paul asked to speak to the people first. He stood on the steps of the temple and said, “I am a Jewish man like you. I once hated people who believed in Jesus and tried to hurt them. Jesus appeared to me, and now I understand that He is the Son of God.” The people got angry again, and the soldiers protected Paul and took him to safety.

LIVE IT OUT: Help your child remember that God is with her all the time. Remind her when you put her to bed, when you drive in the car, when you sit down to a meal.

Kids

Acts 21:27- 22:29

LIFE POINT: Paul had returned to Jerusalem. He went to the temple to worship. People who did not like Paul saw him. They became angry and grabbed Paul. Soldiers came to keep the people from hurting Paul. They wondered why the people wanted to hurt Paul. They took Paul away. Paul asked to speak to the people first. He stood on the steps of the temple and said, “I am a Jewish man like you. I once hated people who believed in Jesus and tried to hurt them. Jesus appeared to me, and now I understand that He is the Son of God.” The people got angry again, and the soldiers protected Paul and took him to safety.

LIVE IT OUT: Help your child think of a situation when he might need to speak up for God. Role-play some statements he could use in that situation. Pray together for his courage in that situation.

Students

1 Peter 3:13-16; 4:1-2

THE POINT: Suffering brings opportunities to point to Jesus. How has God used suffering in your life to help others see Him? Have a conversation around this quote:

“Faith is a living, daring confidence in God’s grace, so sure and certain that the believer would stake his life on it a thousand times.”1 —Martin Luther

LIVE IT OUT: Your student has been encouraged to do one or both Live It Out activities.

If your student chooses to do Be Challenged:
•Encourage your student to find the person that can help challenge him or her to grow spiritually.

If your student chooses to do What I Believe:
•Ask your student if he or she wants help in formulating his or her reasons to believe.
•Pray for your student as he or she thinks through his or her faith.

1. Martin Luther, Martin Luther’s Basic Theological Writings, ed. Timothy F. Lull and William R. Russell, (Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2012).


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Conversation Starters: Creation

Posted by Karah

DSC_7791THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE: The debate about the origin of the universe has been around for a long time. Did all this happen by chance, or was a Master Designer responsible? More and more scientists are embracing the theory that an Intelligent Designer was behind the universe, even if they don’t understand completely what that means. The Bible gives us a clear picture of the One behind the creation of the universe and how to have a relationship with Him.

Concept: Creation 

Preschool

Psalm 104:1-5, 24-31

LIFE POINT: The Bible has many songs about God. These are called psalms. One song talks about God and some of the things He did. These are some of the words from this song to God. ”I praise You, God. You are very great, majestic, and beautiful. Your presence lights up heaven and earth. You created everything. You made the land and sea. You placed the sun, moon, and stars in the sky. You told the mountains where to rise and the trees where to grow. You placed birds in the sky and fish in the sea. You provide food for all of the animals. You care for every living creature. God, I praise You. May Your glory last forever!”

LIVE IT OUT: Ask your child to name a favorite animal. Emphasize that God created that animal. Sing a simple praise song thanking God for His creation.

Kids

Psalm 104:1-5, 24-31

LIFE POINT: The Bible has many songs about God. These are called psalms. One song talks about God and some of the things He did. These are some of the words from this song to God. ”I praise You, God. You are very great, majestic, and beautiful. Your presence lights up heaven and earth. You created everything. You made the land and sea. You placed the sun, moon, and stars in the sky. You told the mountains where to rise and the trees where to grow. You placed birds in the sky and fish in the sea. You provide food for all of the animals. You care for every living creature. God, I praise You. May Your glory last forever!”

LIVE IT OUT: Discuss with your child something she enjoys doing outdoors in God’s creation. Ask her to explain what she enjoys most about being outdoors. Encourage her to thank God in different ways—praying, singing, writing a poem.

Students

Psalm 104:1-5, 24-30

THE POINT: Everything in creation is the work of the God who loves us. In what ways does creation show God’s love for us? Have a conversation around this quote:

“All I have seen teaches me to trust the Creator for all I have not seen.”1 —Ralph Waldo Emerson

LIVE IT OUT: Your student has been encouraged to do one or both Live It Out activities.

If your student chooses to do Thankful for Creation:
•Have a discussion with your student about the things you are thankful for in God’s creation.
•Encourage your student as he or she determines the things he or she is thankful for.

If your student chooses to do God’s Love Shared:
•Pray for your student to be ready to share his or her faith at all times.
•Encourage your student to share God’s love with others.

1. Ralph Waldo Emerson, Works of Ralph Waldo Emerson, (London: George Routledge and Sons, 1883), 502.


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Betsie’s First Experience at Crestridge

Posted by Sharon

We recently saw a blog post that one of our parents posted about their daughter’s first experience at Crestridge this past summer. Betsie attended Starter Camp at the end of the summer and could not stop talking about her time at camp! Her best friend was able to attend as well and it’s safe to say their friendship was strengthened.

We love hearing how God uses Crestridge and Ridgecrest to grow these campers! Read more about Betsie’s experience from a parent’s perspective…
http://www.our-everyday.com/2014/09/chippewa.html


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