June 1

This Sunday is the first Sunday 5th graders can begin attending the Middle School class and Youth Group.

Other classes will be promoted later this summer.

Missionary: Bylsma

Toddlers: 

• God Made Day and Night
• God created light for us to see. 
• Genesis 1:1-5
• Genesis 2:4

PreK/K

• Israel Found a Friend
• God is true and worthy of our faith. 
• Joshua 1; 2
• Joshua 2:11

The 1st graders will be combined with the 2nd- 3rd grade class. 

1st - 3rd SS:

• Israel's Report Card
• God is always faithful, even when we fail to live by faith. 
• Judges 1:1-3:6
• Psalm 33:4

4th - 5th SS:

• Serve God Expectantly
• God wants us to serve Him expectantly because He is awesome. 
• Joshua 1-4
• Joshua 4:23, 24

1st - 5th CC: 

• God Gives Provisions and Victory
• God provides for our needs. 
• Exodus 15:22 -17:16
• John 15:9, 10

Sunday, Summer, and Memorial Day

This Sunday, May 25

 

As a reminder, there are NO Sunday School or ACE classes this Sunday May 25, Memorial Day Weekend.

We are still holding our first VBS training this Sunday.  

If you are helping with VBS, plan to come to ONE of the following two training times

• Option #1 - Sunday, May 25, 9:45 am
• Option #2- Wednesday, May 28, 7:00 pm 

Childcare will be available at both times.

 

This Summer

 

As summer quickly approaches, here are a couple of things to pray for and plan for.

• Wonder Junction VBS. Pray for the volunteers and the children who will be here June 16 - 19. Consider serving in the many different areas, from praying to games, to group leaders, and so much more. Sign up to serve or bring your children at https://tbcgrkidz.myanswers.com/wonder-junction/
• Youth Events.  
• Bible & Bonfires and the three SNAC’s (Sunday Night After Church) events this Summer
• WILD Retreat for High School Students.  Pray for these teens and leaders traveling to West Virginia from July 13 to July 17.
• Camps. Pray for the many children and teens from Trinity who are attending camps. Pray for those working at camps. Specifically, pray for Community Kids as they hope to send over 100 children to various camps.

Memorial Day

 

This Monday, May 26, is Memorial Day.

It is easy to forget the significance of this special day. 

It is more than a day off from work, special sales, and the start of summer. 

 

Memorial Day specifically honors those who died in military service.  

At 3:00 pm on Memorial Day, there will be a national Monument of Remembrance. 

I encourage you to take time to pay tribute to the fallen, pray for their families, and thank God for the freedoms that were preserved through their sacrifice.

For more about Memorial Day, go to www.defense.gov/spotlights/Memorial-Day/

May 25

 Missionary: Bylsma

No Sunday School this Sunday.

Toddler:

• God Helped Naaman
• God helps us when we are sick. 
• 2 Kings 5:1-15
• 1 Peter 5:7

Pre-K/K

• God Judged Israel's Disobedience
• God is gracious to us. 
• Numbers 13:1, 2, 17 - 14:45
• Ephesians 2:8

The 1^st graders will be combined with the 2^nd–3^rd grade class

1st - 5th CC:

• The First Passover/Crossing the Red Sea
• God provides Christ as the solution to sin. God teaches us to trust Him through trials. 
• Exodus 11:1 - 13:16; 12:17- 15:21
• Exodus 3:13, 14

Stages of Parenting

UPDATE:  There is no Sunday School or Adult Christian Education Classes this Sunday, May 25.

Over the last couple of weeks, we have been talking about Reading, Praying, and Planning (this post).

The two weeks we spent on planning were designed to help parents live this Tedd Tripp quote.

"Give your children big truths they will grow into 

rather than light explanations they will grow out of."

Much of this material is taken from Shepherding a Child's Heart by Tedd Tripp and Age of Opportunity by Paul Tripp In class, we talked about three different age groups:  birth through 5 years old, 5 years old through 12 years old, and teenagers.

In Week 1 of planning, we discussed general ideas for each age group, with the goal of exploring and sharing specific parenting questions and ideas in Week 2.

Both of these classes have been combined into one post.  And while there are variations in the development of different children, the concept is intended to prompt you to think and plan as your child grows.

At every age, two essential things need to be done.

Reading.  When your children are younger, take time to read to them.  As they grow as readers, encourage reading with them, both independently and together.

Praying:  Remember to pray with and for your children.

BIRTH THROUGH 5 YEARS OLD

The BIG WORD in this period is CHANGE. There is SO MUCH change that happens in a short period.

Physical Change:   A child goes from not being able to hold his head up to running around the house.

Social Change:  A child goes from one primary social interaction, the mom, to having a group of friends outside of the family, and specifically one favorite friend.

Intellectual Change:  A child goes from crying to being able to clearly ask for things, sometimes.

Through reading together, playing games, and other activities, parents should seek to cultivate joy in learning.  Look for opportunities to help your child learn new things and encourage them when they demonstrate what they have learned.  A big part of this is helping children understand the meaning of words.  

Spiritually, begin helping them to see their dependence on God and the work of Christ.  At this young age, remind them that they are created in the image of God.

At 4 and 5 years old, help your child in the development of his/her conscience.  Andy Naselli has written a book, Conscience, that I have used in many different classes and situations.   He has also written a children's book, "That Little Voice in Your Head: Learning About Your Conscience."  HERE is a summary of the book.

5 through 12 years old

The BIG WORD for this age is CHARACTER.

Throughout this stage of childhood, they will begin spending more time away from you.  This is an excellent time for character building.  Help your child grow in dependability, honesty, kindness, consideration, helpfulness, humility, self-control, and purity.

There are many ways to help your child grow in these areas and many others.  Encourage your child to contribute to the needs of the family by assigning responsibilities and encouraging disciplined living.  Another part of this period is finding and choosing friends.  Help your child understand the importance of making wise choices in friendships.  

Teen Years

The BIG WORDS for this age are TRANSITION and INSECURITY

This time is not merely rebellion.  Often, rebellion is "simply a misguided attempt to establish individuality." 

In "Age of Opportunity, Paul Tripp offers three strategies to help with parenting.  

"Project Parenting" - More to come later

"Constant Conversation" - You must pursue your child.  Listening, asking questions, and being available are essential components of this ongoing conversation.

"Leading Your Teenager to Repentance" - Help your teen understand how to recognize sin in his/her life and live under the Lordship of Christ.

On a personal note:  I enjoyed not just teaching this hour long class this quarter but even more so interacting with parents and grandparents about various parenting issues.  It is my prayer that the class was a help in the lives of those who attended.  

May 18

 Missionary: Bettig

Toddler: 

• God Cared about Naaman
• God cares for us when we are sick.
• 2 Kings 5:1-5
• Psalm 56:3

Pre-K/K

• God Parted the Red Sea
• God leads us by His grace. 
• Exodus 13:17- 15:2
• Proverbs 3:6

The 1^st graders will be combined with the 2^nd–3^rd grade class

1st - 3rd SS:

• Israel's Lapse of Faith
• God faithfully gives His wisdom to those who seek it. 
• Joshua 9
• James 1:5

4th - 5th SS:

• Christ's Higher Standard
• Christ helps us see our sinfulness. 
• Matthew 5:17-22; 23:1-7; 25-28
• Matthew 23:27

1st - 5th CC:

• God's Hard Lessons for Pharaoh
• God is the only true God and Is mightier than any man. 
• Exodus 4:27 - 10:29
• Exodus 3:13, 14

May 11

 Missionary: Bettig

Toddler:

• Jesus Returned to Heaven
• Jesus is living in Heaven today. 
• Mark 16:19; Luke 24:50-53; Acts 1:9
• 1 John 4:19

Pre-K/K

• God Spared His People
• God provided Jesus as the sacrifice for our sins. 
• Exodus 11; 12
• Ephesians 1:17

The 1^st graders will be combined with the 2^nd–3^rd grade class

1st - 3rd SS:

• The Other Side of Faithfulness
• God is faithful to His warnings about sin. 
• Joshua 7:1 - 8:29
• Galatians 6:7

4th - 5th SS:

• Practice Contentment
• God, our supplier of needs, wants us to be content. 
• Exodus 20:17; Numbers 11
• Exodus 20:17

1st - 5th CC:

• God Prepares His Leader
• God gives us what we need to serve Him.
• Exodus 1:1 - 4:17
• Exodus 3:13, 14

Family Prayer Time

This will be formatted better tomorrow (Thursday, May 8)

On Wednesday, May 7, we had a Family Prayer Time at Trinity.  This is the guide we used that night.  
It has been adapted so it can also be used at your house.

HERE is a PDF of the prayer guide.

The italicized parts are designed to be read out loud.

The prayer stations are based on Romans 12:11-13.  So, to begin, read these three verses.

 

FIND AN AREA IN THE AUDITORIUM (in your kitchen/garage/home office)

Take 10 minutes to answer the following four questions, and pray that you and your family will be hard workers.  If there is time left, talk about the difference between being hardworking & lazy.

 

Romans 12:11  says, "Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord." 

 

The word "fervent" means fired up. John MacArthur writes, "The idea here is not of being overheated to the point of boiling over and out of control but, like a steam engine, of having enough heart to produce the energy necessary to get the work done." 

1.  What are some animals that appear busy and hard-working?

2. What are some animals that appear lazy?

Some busy, hard-working animals that you might have mentioned are bees, ants, and beavers. Some lazy animals are the sloth, slug, possum, and bears because they are slow and hibernate.

 

Let’s read Proverbs 6:6-11 and talk about what it means.

3.  Who are some hardworking people you know at Trinity and elsewhere?

     Pray for these people.

     Pray for the elders, deacons, missionaries, and volunteers at Trinity.

4.  What are some ways you waste time and are lazy?

     Pray and consider how you can fight laziness.

Remember:  SERVE GOD AND OTHERS WITH GOD'S STRENGTH FOR GOD'S GLORY.

FIND A SPOT IN THE KIDS’ WING (in your living room).

Take 10 minutes to do the following three activities and pray for the requests listed.

If there is time left, talk about your favorite songs about Jesus.

Romans 12:12 "Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer" 

1.  Write down some joys you must rejoice about on one side of the yellow paper.

2.  On the other side of the yellow paper, write down some troubles you currently face.

Read Psalm 71:5 and talk about what it means. My hope is not in created stuff or circumstances. It is in the Creator, the One who controls everything. We can be patient in our tribulations and troubles because we know that God wins!! Because our hope and joy are in the LORD and we realize He provides for His children, we must depend on Him through constant prayer. Remember:  PRAY, BECAUSE GOD IS WORTHY OF OUR PRAISE AND MORE THAN ABLE TO HELP US IN TIMES OF TROUBLE.

Prayer Requests:  VBS, ABC (Alpha, Bible Clubs, Community Kids)

FIND A SPOT IN THE FELLOWSHIP HALL (in your yard)

Take 10 minutes to answer the following five questions, and pray for those in your church and neighborhood

If there is time left, plan ways to encourage your neighbors.

 

Romans 12:13 "Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality"

1. In our church
1. Think about how your family can help someone from church this week.
2. Pick at least one and plan to do it. 
2. In our neighborhood
1. What is something you like about your neighborhood?
2. Who do you know in your neighborhood?
3. Write down some ways your family can encourage people in your neighborhood this summer.

Because God loves us, we need to love others. 

Read 1^st John 3:16.   

Think about how you can honor God and help others on Sunday mornings at church.

Remember:  LOVE THOSE IN THE FAMILY OF GOD SO THEY AND YOU WILL BE ENCOURAGED TO GROW IN CHRIST & LOVE THOSE WHO ARE NOT IN THE FAMILY OF GOD SO THEY WILL SEE THE TRUTH OF THE GOSPEL LIVED OUT!

 

At home, do the neighborhood scavenger hunt as a family in your neighborhood.

May 4

 Missionary: Corlene

Summer Camp Scholarship Form:
https://trinitybaptistgr.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/2825194

Toddler:

• Jesus Made Breakfast for His Friends
• Jesus is living today as our Savior. 
• John 21:1-14
• Matthew 28:6

Pre-K/K:

• God Troubled Egypt
• God is the only true God. 
• Exodus 7:14-10:29
• Exodus 15:11

The 1^st graders will be combined with the 2^nd–3^rd grade class

1st - 3rd SS:

• Gaith Lessons around Jericho
• God has all the power He needs to be faithful to His promises. 
• Joshua 5:13-6:27
• Psalm 147:5

4th - 5th SS:

• Tell the Truth
• God loves truth and wants us to live in the truth. 
• Exodus 20:16; 32
• Exodus 20:16

1st - 5th CC:

• Joseph Forgives His Brothers
• God has a sovereign plan He works for good. 
• Genesis 42-50
• Genesis 50:20

Pray Read Plan

Here is the plan for the last four weeks of the Parenting Class:  Pray, Read, and Plan

April 27:  Pray

Several months ago, Pastor Brett challenged the church to pray using the acronym PRAY. 

Praise:  Focus on who God is:  holy, loving, protector, provider, just, merciful

Psalm 100:1-3, 115:1

Praise Help:  Use the alphabet to review God's attributes. 

Repent:  Acknowledge your sins and ask for forgiveness.  Repent of general sin (I need to be more patient) or specifically (I yelled at the kids yesterday).

Isaiah 6:5; Psalm 51

Praise Help: Parents, do the one thing that Jesus cannot.

Ask:  Bring your needs, desires, and petitions before God.  Pray for family, friends, and the disciple-makers (volunteers, elders, and pastors. 

Philippians 4:6

Praise Help:  10 Crucial Lessons from Proverbs to pray for your children.

Yield:  Surrender your will to God's will and trust in His plan for your life.

Luke 22:42

 Praise Help:

Tips for Leading Children in Prayer 

Parents and Kids, plan to meet at Trinity on May 7th for an interactive prayer time.  

May 4:  Read:  Look at how to read the Bible with your child, and share parenting books and children’s books.  

www.reftoons.com

This class will be helpful whether you are an avid reader, a reluctant reader, or not a reader at all. 

Whether you have been in class every week or you haven’t been to any class, plan to come and learn about and share resources. 

I love my church, and I don’t mean the building.  I mean the people!  I want them to grow in the truth of God’s word.  In our media-saturated culture, we are being bombarded with so many ideas.  The blatantly anti-Christian ones are easy to avoid. But the subtle, almost Biblical ones slowly change one’s thinking.  I don’t want any of us to be deceived by the philosophies of this age.  As one of your pastors, I also have the God-given responsibility to help you grow in godliness. 

Lit! is a great resource book with chapters on tips for reading, Christian imagination, raising readers, and marking up your books. 

In the chapter "Read With Resolve," Reinke gives six priorities for his reading: 

1. Read Scripture
2. Read to know and delight in Christ
3. Read to kindle spiritual reflection
4. Read to initiate personal change
5. Read to pursue vocational excellence
6. Read to enjoy a good story

After reading the Scripture, every other type of reading should be done in light of Scripture.  

This doesn’t mean you should only read Christian books; he explains some benefits of reading non-Christian books. These include highlighting common life experiences, exposing the human heart, capturing beauty, and begging questions that can only be resolved in Christ.    

Reinke also has a chapter titled "Raising Readers."  Here are the tips, and each is expanded on in the book. 

1. Fill your home with books.
2. Read to your kids. 
3. Don’t stop reading to your kids. 
4. Read your books in front of your kids. 
5. Teach young children to read. 
6. Push entertainment into the background. 
7. Listen to audiobooks in the car. 
8. Hunt for the best books.
9. Anticipate new books.
10. Celebrate the classics.
11. Cultivate your child’s moral imagination.
12. Help interpret worldviews as you read to your children.
13. Read your favorite excerpts to your children.
14. Invite your children to read to the family. 
15. Challenge your children to improve books. 
16. Most importantly, read the Bible together as a family. 

Here are some online reading helps and resources

• 8 Tips that Improved my Bible Reading with My Kids. 
• Lead Your Child to Christ. 
• Never Read A Bible Verse
• Read One Page A Day
• Read More, Read Better
• How I Read a Book
• Four Good Reasons to Read Good Books
• Five Questions to Ask of a Book Before Reading
• Reading for the Good of Others

May 11 & 18:  Plan.  

How you pray and what you read as a family obviously depends on the age of your children.  We will talk about what is appropriate at different age levels.   

 

For all the Parenting Class posts, go to https://tbcgrkidz.blogspot.com/search/label/parenting