Hi Friends,
Gavin and I cannot fully express our joy and gratitude for you and the beautiful family we have at FBCP. Brody's dedication was particularly special and exciting for us; we are so thankful that he will grow and learn about God by spending time with you. Thank you for the promises you made to him as a congregation. We love and appreciate you dearly!
Last night Tasha, Gavin, and I had a blast with our youth at our annual Christmas party. In preparation for John Jay's teaching on the meaning of gift-giving tomorrow, we had the youth participate in a gift-giving team challenge, and they excelled (of course!). We have such a special group of young people at our church. They are a gift to our congregation!
Nursery - Elementary
This Sunday our nursery kids will begin to tell the story of Jesus' birth by reading the story of when the angel visits Mary. We can't wait to relive this part of the story in all of its surprise and mystery as kids think about the way God sends messages, uses everyday people, and invites us into a story greater than our imagination.
Family Discussion Starters:
How do you think Mary felt when she heard the news from the angel?
What does this story tell you about how God sees ordinary people?
What surprised you most in this story?
What can we learn from Mary?
Prayer: God, help us to respond to you with an open heart like Mary!
Children's Choir
Parents, make sure you note some important times for children's choir happenings next weekend! On Saturday, December 14th, kids in TK and above will have a rehearsal from 10AM-12PM at church. We will provide snacks! Then on Sunday, December 15th, we are asking kids to arrive at 9:45AM for a rehearsal, and they will be singing "Do You Hear What I Hear" during our morning worship service as a preview to the evening Candlelight Carol Service. They can come back at 5PM, and we will provide some finger foods for dinner and prepare for the service that starts at 6PM. You can encourage your child to practice using this lyric sheet and this video.
Youth
This week the youth will gather for our regular youth time of lunch, discussion, and games. We will also keep preparing for our role in the Candlelight Carol Service. So excited to share the season with the youth!
Fuller Youth Institute Cohort
Get excited! We have been accepted to a two-year cohort project with other churches and the Fuller Youth Institute. The goal of the project is to design new and relevant ways to disciple youth, and I am so pumped for this opportunity to innovate and grow our youth program in the context of solid research and other like-minded folks. Stay tuned for more information, and let me know if you are interested in being part of the work!
Youth Winter Retreat
This winter we are joining up with two other church youth groups for a fun and meaningful weekend retreat! All middle and high schoolers are invited to attend our winter retreat January 18th-20th at Camp Sky Meadows near Big Bear Lake. Stay tuned for more details, and get excited for a super fun time up in the mountains!
News You Can Use
One Word Your Kids (and all of us!) Need to Hear More
I'm stealing a little habit from Kara Powell at the Fuller Youth Institute, and I thought you might want to use it with your children and loved ones. Powell shares her family practice in this short post: "Emmanuel. 'The God who is with us.' This phrase is one of our family’s favorite theological mantras to remind our teenagers of God’s grace, peace, and strength. When they are walking into a tough game, test, or complex situation, we often leave them with one last word: Emmanuel." What a beautiful way to remind each other that God is truly with us! I love all that is wrapped up in that one word. May it be a gift to you as you walk into any situation. Emmanuel...Emmanuel. Amen!
Hope to see you tomorrow!
Pastor Lindsay