Theme of the Week:

God is perfect, so we trust His plan

Judges 4:1-24

Welcome to the Fusion Kidz Garden Newsletter

It was wonderful seeing all of you this Sunday. We hope your lives are returning to normal as more and more snow melts away. The kids heard the story of Deborah and how she trusted God’s plan for the battle between Barak and Sisera. In class we mapped out a path with tape on the floor and in pairs the children walked the path. One child closed their eyes and was guided by the other one. The children had to trust their friend just like they have to trust God. This is a great week to talk to your children about trusting you as their parent like they trust God.

How God Defines Success

By Don Cousins & Bruce Bugbee

“How do you know whether you’re being successful?”

That was the question I recently posed to a small group of pastors. The silence that followed indicated that perhaps they didn’t understand what I was asking, so I rephrased it: “How do you measure the success of your ministry?”

More silence. Either they were afraid to say what they thought, or they had no definitive answer.

We’re wired with a desire to succeed, whether it’s a relationship, the classroom, the marketplace, the athletic field, or ministry. Because success is so important to us, we should have a way to measure it.

I’d like you to consider four questions. They’re biblical questions intended for every believer-not just those in vocational ministry-because God wants us all to pursue success as He defines it.

Question 1: Are You Being Faithful?

I, like you, long to hear God say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Hearing those words would shout success. In the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30), it’s profound to note that the master commended faithfulness: What did you do with what I gave you? The second servant received the exact same commendations as the first servant, even though he produced less of a return. Jesus is making the point that being a faithful steward of what you’ve been given is what matters most. Are you being faithful?

Question 2: Are You Bearing Fruit?

In John 15:1-11, Jesus taught that it’s God’s will that we bear much fruit. As we do so, God is glorified, and we prove to be Christ’s disciples. The New Testament speaks of two kinds of fruit:

1. The fruit of Christ-like character (Galatians 5:22-23). The fruit of the Holy Spirit includes nine characteristics that should fittingly describe those who call themselves Christians.
2. The fruit of Christ-like influence (Acts 10:38). We’re called to make a difference in the world in the name of Jesus.

Are you bearing fruit?

Question 3: Are You Fulfilled?

My dictionary defines fulfill as, among other things, “to make full.” Is your life-is your ministry-making you full…of joy. Looking again at the parable of the talents, the master told his faithful servants, “Enter into the joy of your master” (Matthew 25:21, 23). Joy is one of the primary blessings of faithful and fruitful service.

This is exactly what Jesus indicated as He concluded His remarks in John 15 about fruit-bearing: “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full” (John 15:11). Jesus taught them to bear fruit so they would know His joy, and experience it in the fullest way.

Are you fulfilled?

Question 4: Are You Making God Famous?

God wants us to be faithful, to bear fruit, and to experience fulfillment (His joy) in a way that makes Him famous. Peter teaches that the faithful exercise of our gifts is “so that in all things God may be glorified” (1 Peter 4:10-11). Jesus tells us, “My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). Are you making God famous?

Imagine for a moment what your church or ministry would be like if every believer was successful in biblical teams-faithful, fruitful, fulfilled, and engaged in making God famous. While such an objective may not be as quantifiable as other measures, it’s worth pursuing…because it’s God’s measurement of success.

Buzz at Home

If you haven’t gotten your cards yet or can’t find this week’s here is a summary of this week’s card:

This week, your child learned about Deborah, a brave woman who trusted God’s plan. Ask your child how Barak and Deborah had to trust God’s plan.

Make a maze using books or other objects around your house. Then have your child try to walk the Smile Ball through the maze and out the other side.

Ask

• What could you see that your Smile Ball couldn’t see?
• What does God know about our futures that we don’t know?

Share with your family a time something confusing happened, and how God led you through that time just as your child led the Smile Ball through the maze. God is perfect, so we trust His plan.

Watering Can: Praising God

After the battle Deborah and Barak praised God for blessing them. When God reveals part of His plan to us we should rejoice and praise him. Sing “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands” with your child.

Welcome To The Garden

Your little ones are like seeds, ready to grow and become beautiful plants. All they need is some good soil, water, and of course sun. Your family provides the soil for their little roots to take hold in. We hope to work with you to provide water, the Word of God, to nourish them and help them feel the light of the Son.

Happy Birthday

Reese Davis – 2/15

Looking Ahead

Next Sunday’s lesson is the story of Gideon from Judges 6:11-17, 36-40; 7:1-25. The lesson focuses on believing in God.

Lost & Found

If you have forgotten any items at church please see Katy.

Subscription Options

To ensure our newsletters meet your families needs we want to make sure to give families options on the newsletter subscriptions. If you wish to continue receiving our weekly newsletters there is no further action necessary.

If you would prefer to get your updates from the website and not receive any of our updates please reply to this e-mail with the subject line
unsubscribe
.

If you are receiving this e-mail forwarded to you by a friend and would like to subscribe, please e-mail us.

Theme of the Week:

God is perfect, so we obey Him!

Exodus 3:1-4:17

Welcome to the Fusion Kidz Garden Newsletter

On Sunday the kids heard the story of when God appeared to Moses in the burning bush.  The kids made tissue paper “burning” leaves or colored leaves as their craft.  In the bible lesson they heard how Moses tried to make excuses and asked God to pick someone else.   We talked with the kids about times they have made excuses to try and get out of doing something.  Then the kids heard how when Moses trusted God and obeyed Him, he was able to accomplish amazing things.  Share a story with your child about a time you trusted God and obeyed him and wonderful things happened.  Maybe you felt God pushing you to talk to a new person and they became your friend or God asked you to travel to another country to help people and you were able to make an impact.

Buzz at Home

If you haven’t gotten your cards yet or can’t find this week’s here is a summary of this week’s card:

This week, your child heard about Moses learning to obey God.  Read Exodus 3:1-4:17.  As a family, list the ways Moses had to obey God in this passage.

Choose one person to hold the Smile Ball.  Have the rest of your family line up on the opposite side of the room.  The person holding the Smile Ball will give crazy directions that the rest of the family members have to follow as they try to reach the Smile Ball.  Use directions such as take three baby steps, twirl around, walk backward, or clap your hands.  The first person to reach the ball gets to be the next person to give directions.  After a few rounds,

Ask:

• how was this game like obeying God? How was it different?
• When is it hard for you to obey?

God is perfect, so we obey Him.  Pray for each other to learn to obey God.

We’ve Got Your Badges

Your permanent family name tags have arrived.  Please pick them up in the hallway before service.  After you have picked up all your children please leave all of your name tags in a classroom with the teacher.  This way we can make sure none get lost or accidentally taken home.  And remember if you are unable to pick up your children when service ends you can give your name tag to a friend and they can get your children.  For security purposes they will need your tag to pick up your children.

Welcome To The Garden

Your little ones are like seeds, ready to grow and become beautiful plants. All they need is some good soil, water, and of course sun. Your family provides the soil for their little roots to take hold in. We hope to work with you to provide water, the Word of God, to nourish them and help them feel the light of the Son.

Our Vision

Glorifying God by building a safe community where kids, parents, and volunteers can go one step further

Upcoming Events

Women’s Breakfast

Saturday, February 6, 2010

9:30 – 11:30am

Spring Break Mission Trip

April 5th-11th, 2010

Happy Birthday

Reese Davis – 2/15

Ministry Team

Katy Linda

Amy Dickenson

Clare Davis

Hillary Pennington

Betsy Merena

E-mail Us:

Kidz Garden

Lost & Found

If you have forgotten any items at church please see Katy.

“O”bey Doughnuts

Pick up some doughnuts from the store or make them using the recipe below.  The doughnut is shaped like the letter O in the word obey.  If the doughnuts have a glaze on them you can expand the story and talk about how God promised to lead His people to the land of milk and honey.

• Take a can of refrigerated biscuits
• Flatten them out
• Cut out a circle in the middle (I use a soda pop bottle top)
• Have a skillet ready with hot oil
• Fry the biscuits (donuts) in the oil until golden brown
• Drain on paper towel
• Drizzle with honey or make a glaze out of 1:8 ratio of milk & confectioners sugar w/ a little vanilla extract

Looking Ahead

Next Sunday the children will hear the story of Joshua leading Israel.  Joshua had to be brave as the Israelites new leaders.  Sometimes we have to be brave for God too.

Love the Lord

by Lincoln Brewster

We are teaching the kids a new worship song as part of our vision to help them grow in their faith. We are using ASL signs to make the song even more fun for them. If you’d like to practice at home here are the signs: Love – Cross arms across chest Lord – Make an “L” with your right hand, touch it to your left shoulder then drag it down your torso to your right hip. Heart – Draw a heart using your 2 middle fingers on your chest Soul – on both hands put your thumb and pointer together like pinching. Put all 4 fingers together right hand over left. Keeping fingers pinched move the right hand up into the air like a ghost or smoke Mind – Tap your temple twice with right pointer finger Strength – Make muscles with both arms and closed fists Serve – Both hands open palms facing up and waist height. Shuffle hands back and forth like pacing out plates Praise – Right pointer finger at mouth comes down and around to left hand and claps twice Trust – Both hands open facing body, right above left. Close hands like grabbing onto a rope.

Subscription Options

To ensure our newsletters meet your families needs we want to make sure to give families options on the newsletter subscriptions. If you wish to continue receiving our weekly newsletters there is no further action necessary.

If you would prefer to get your updates from the website and not receive any of our updates please reply to this e-mail with the subject line unsubscribe.

If you are receiving this e-mail forwarded to you by a friend and would like to subscribe, please e-mail us.

Theme of the Week:

God is perfect, so we let him change our hearts!

Acts 9:1-19

Welcome to the Fusion Kidz Garden Newsletter

This past week we talked about the story of Saul.  We talked about how Saul was not nice to people who loved Jesus.  But after God made Saul blind Saul’s heart was changed and he love Jesus and told lots of people about Him.  The kids attempted to sculpt a heart out of Model Magic with their eyes closed.  Then they sculpted one with their eyes open to signify Saul’s’ changed heart.  They also did several other activities both with their eyes open and closed.  Try finding activities around the house you can do with your eyes open and closed.

Buzz at Home

If you haven’t gotten your cards yet or can’t find this week’s here is a summary of this week’s card:

This week, your child heard about Saul as he moved from shouting threats against Jesus’ followers, to becoming blind, to seeing Jesus as the Son of God, and finally to preaching in Jesus’ name.  Saul learned that God is perfect, so we let him change our hearts.

Hide the Smile Ball in the dark, and pretend it’s Saul before he met Jesus.  Take a flashlight and hunt for the ball together.  Shine the flashlight on the ball when your child finds it, and talk about how God shone a light from heaven on Saul and how God changed Saul’s heart.

The give family members each a turn to shine the flashlight on the all while they share a way the want to let God change thier heart.

Items from Home

If your child is still in diapers please make sure to leave your diaper bag with all diapering supplies when dropping them off.  All children in diapers are checked at least once during service.  We do not have extra diapers and don’t want to page you out of service to change your child.

Please do not bring any toys from home to service.  For the infant classroom “comfort” toys are ok, but please make sure they are labeled so they make it home with you.  For all other classes we request that toys from home do not come into the classrooms.

Welcome To The Garden

Your little ones are like seeds, ready to grow and become beautiful plants. All they need is some good soil, water, and of course sun. Your family provides the soil for their little roots to take hold in. We hope to work with you to provide water, the Word of God, to nourish them and help them feel the light of the Son.

Our Vision

Glorifying God by building a safe community where kids, parents, and volunteers can go one step further

Upcoming Events

Women’s Breakfast

Saturday, February 6, 2010

9:30 – 11:30am

1303 Hubner Ave, Catonsville, MD

Spring Break Mission Trip

April 5th-11th, 2010

Happy Birthday

Simone Curtis – 1/02

Rebekah Linda- 1/05

Lily Foster – 1/07

Abigail Moreland 1/11

Madison Pennington – 1/17

Ministry Team

Katy Linda

Amy Dickenson

Clare Davis

Hillary
Pennington
Betsy Merena

E-mail Us:

Kidz Garden

Lost & Found

If you have forgotten any items at church please see Katy.

The Watering Can

Make an obstacle course with your child and try to make it through with your eyes closed.  Take turns with your child with one person closing their eyes and the other being a guide.  Finally go through the course with your eyes open.

Talk about how having your eyes closed is like not having God in your life.  The guide is like God’s voice talking to Saul.  Having your eyes open is like when you have God in your life.  There are still obstacles but God has opened our eyes and things are easier

Looking Ahead

One of our goals in the Kidz Garden is to help families continue the discussions we start on Sunday throughout the week. We hope this newsletter and it’s information helps you with this.

If you’d like to start preparing your child for next weeks service at the end of the week we will begin listing the next topic here.

Next Sunday the children will hear the story of Moses and the burning bush.  Moses was scared and wanted God to find someone else.  But in the end Moses obeyed God. God is perfect, so we obey Him.

Love the Lord

by Lincoln Brewster

We are teaching the kids a new worship song as part of our vision to help them grow in their faith.  We are using ASL signs to make the song even more fun for them.  If you’d like to practice at home here are the signs:

Love – Cross arms across chest

Lord – Make an “L” with your right hand, touch it to your left shoulder then drag it down your torso to your right hip.

Heart – Draw a heart using your 2 middle fingers on your chest

Soul – on both hands put your thumb and pointer together like pinching.  Put all 4 fingers together right hand over left.  Keeping fingers pinched move the right hand up into the air like a ghost or smoke

Mind – Tap your temple twice with right pointer finger

Strength – Make muscles with both arms and closed fists

Serve – Both hands open palms facing up and waist height.  Shuffle hands back and forth like pacing out plates

Praise – Right pointer finger at mouth comes down and around to left hand and claps twice

Trust – Both hands open facing body, right above left.  Close hands like grabbing onto a rope.

Subscription Options

To ensure our newsletters meet your families needs we want to make sure to give families options on the newsletter subscriptions. If you wish to continue receiving our weekly newsletters there is no further action necessary.

If you would prefer to get your updates from the website and not receive any of our updates please reply to this e-mail with the subject line unsubscribe.

If you are receiving this e-mail forwarded to you by a friend and would like to subscribe, please e-mail us.