Parent Newsletter

Come as a child…

Jesus spent a lot of time answering the questions and challenges of the religious leaders of his time. The religious leaders were convinced that ethnicity, social standing, and strict adherence to hundreds of rules would ensure their place in God’s Kingdom, an earthly kingdom ruled by a man chosen by God. Jesus’ teachings turned these assumptions upside down. Where is God’s Kingdom? Right here among you, but we are also still waiting for it. When is it coming? No one knows except the Father. How will we know when it is coming? You won’t. Who will be included? The sinners, the outcasts, the marginalized.

Jesus had many unexpected and sometimes shocking answers for these question. One day some parents brought their children to see Jesus. The disciples turned them away, but Jesus welcomed them, and blessed them and used them as an object lesson. He told the self-important religious leaders, “No one can enter the Kingdom unless they enter as a child.” How could this be? Children had no rights, were uneducated and naïve, and belonged out of the way with their mothers.

How must we be like children? Let your children teach you.

Come to Christ with the innocence of a child—open minded, hopeful, without cynicism. Rediscover Christian faith through their eyes and understanding. Let your child’s questions lead you out of adult “ruts” and help you to re-think your assumptions.

Come to Christ with wonder and imagination—listen to the Bible with your child as the wonderful story that it is. Hear, smell, taste and feel the area around the Sea of Galilee or the crowds in Jerusalem.

Come to Christ with a sense of dependence and trust—children have to depend on others for every need. Come to Jesus with the kind of trust a child has when he or she comes to a parent for food or comfort.

Finally, come to Christ with the enthusiasm and energy of a child ready for adventure!

Family Time
Here are some things you can do at home to reinforce what your child is learning in workshops:

• Read the passage together from a children’s Bible. Discuss together things that might be stopping your family from coming to Jesus on a regular basis. Explore changes your family can make to ensure that church attendance is a regular practice.
• What are some ways Jesus blesses your children and your family. What do you do with your blessings?
• Blessing is two-way. We are blessed by God; in return we bless, or give thanks to God. Work with your children to write short blessings for times when your child or family feels particularly blessed.

Scripture Reference:

Luke 18:15-17

Life Guiding Verse:
1 John 3:1, New Century Version “The Father has loved us so much that we are called children of God”

What Your Child Will be Learning

• Jesus included everyone, even children.
• Nothing should get in our way of following Jesus.
• A blessing is like a prayer for the good of a person.

What Your Child Will be Doing

• Computer Lab: Using Play and Learn Bible (K-2) and Life of Christ (3-5) software, Children will explore the details of the story. They will write prayers to express their love for Jesus.
• Art Workshop: Children will create blessing plaques.
• Game Workshop: Children will play “Don’t Let Anything Get in Your Way” obstacle course.

A lesson set from First Presbyterian Church
Nevada, MO

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