Addressing the CT Shootings with your children.....

As a church, as families and as parents, we mourn the loss of those precious children and adults in CT yesterday. Those are lives that were so valued by God. As we try to make sense of what happens in sinful world, here are some things we can do to discuss them with our family.

These are written by Page Lacey Heisser, PhD, LMFT and 2-3rd grade small group leader in the THC.  (Her bio is below)

Once again, our nation faces a tragedy of unfathomable proportions. With technology and social media being what they are, your young children will undoubtedly hear about the shooting at an elementary school in Connecticut. Please take note of these simple guidelines for talking about a very difficult issue.

1. Assure your children they can talk with you about anything, no matter how uncomfortable or frightening.

2. Because elementary age children cannot understand nuances or generalities, it's important to ASSURE THEM THEY ARE SAFE.

3. TURN OFF THE TELEVISION and other sources of media. Seeing the images and hearing the news can traumatize children repeatedly because they don't often understand that it's not happening over and over again.

4. Adults and older children should avoid rehashing the details of the events in front of younger children.

5. Spend time with your children doing what they want to do: play games, do crafts, get outside. Enjoy each other.

6. Keep basic routines normal; children thrive in structure and familiarity and may become more frightened when their routines change.

7. Allow your children to have and enjoy the holiday season as they normally would. Decorate the tree. Wrap presents. Watch holiday movies.

8. Hold your children. Tell them how much you love them.


Dr. Heisser specializes in a systemic perspective of therapy that takes into account the client's relationships with others, physical/mental/emotional health, and spirituality. She works primarily with adolescents (15-18) and adults through relationship issues, mood disorders such as depression and anxiety, trauma recovery, post-traumatic stress disorder, chronic illness, and substance abuse issue
s.

https://www.facebook.com/DrPageLaceyHeisser

Page Lacey Heisser, PhD, LMFT
7606 University, Suite B-3
Lubbock, TX 79423
806.544.4045

BIG Changes in the Tree House Club!!!

We’re so excited to tell you that this coming Sunday will be the first week of our new strategy and curriculum, Orange!  You’ll notice lots of logistical and programming changes on Sunday and we wanted you to be the first to know.

 CHECK IN: We’re instituting a whole new check in procedure (complete with stickers!). You will need to check your children IN and OUT at their room/table with their small group leader each Sunday.  Thanks for being on time for drop-off.  We value the hour your kids are with us and don’t want them to miss a single minute of it.

ROOM CHANGES: We’re splitting up your kids into smaller groups and making sure that they have consistent small group leaders.  Don’t worry, we’ll have lots of people to help you find your way.

PROGRAMMING: We’re starting “PowerUP” which is where we’ll have our awesome leaders take the kids through worship followed by a Bible Story matching our weekly theme.  Speaking of themes, every month will be a new one, bases on a thread or a virtue of God. We’ll focus on that theme through music, drama, Bible Memory and some really fun activities that drive home our Bottom Line. The kids will also spend some quality time in small groups with our amazing leaders. You can check out the curriculum at http://www.whatisorange.org/252basics/

PARENTS: Since we only get your kids for about 40 hours a year (Sunday’s are our favorite day) we know that it’s what happens in your home that’s most important, you get them for 3,000 hours a year!  We want to partner with you, that’s why YOU will get lots of tools you can use at home. There’s a Parent Cue Monthly  and Parent Cue Weekly which will give you the basics of what your kids learned and questions to follow up with.  You’ll also get the monthly memory verse to work on. Your kids will also get weekly GodTime cards, which are 4 days of devotions for them that go with our monthly theme.  The littler ones will need your help, but we’d like you to encourage the older ones to do it on their own.  There’s also an app!  Parent Cue App  on iphone and droid.  It gives you great questions and activities for key times throughout your day…. Drive Time, Meal Time, Hang Time and Bed Time. 

We’ll roll out some more exciting aspects of this strategy, It’s too exciting to tell you all at once.

If you  have any questions at all on any of this, please let us know! Email Kimberly@live-oak.org

We are so excited about Sunday and cannot wait to see your kids!

The Tree House Club

Thankful, but kind of busy!

What a busy time of year it is. From this week until January, life seems to just fly by. School parties, decorating, huge dinners, shopping, Christmas parties, re-decorating, shopping, wrapping, visiting family, recitals, performances and the list goes on.... Our kids want to be a part of our lives, busy or not, and they love to be helpful!  HERE's a blog post that talkes about how to practically achieve that family cooperation that we all would love. Take a minute to read this and see if you can find a fun tip to use during the busy season!

Happy Thanksgiving!!! We're thankful for you and for your children! Thanks for trusting us with them.

Afraid of the dark...

Parents, here's a great article about being afraid of the dark, and afraid of bigger things. What we say when they're small matters!  It's the simple things we say that can stick.

Click HERE to read the Orange Parents Blog.

Trustworthy

What a fun Sunday we had in the THC!  KidsWorship was amazing, we're thankful for our great leaders.

Last week your kids learned about how God is Trustworthy which was based on Proverbs 3. Click HERE for the Splink which gives you as parents some further insight into what we've learned and how to re-emphasize it at home. 

Next week's theme is Integrity! 

This Sunday....

Exciting things are happening in the Tree House Club!  Parents, we've got some great things coming to partner with you. Stay tuned for our December launch of our new K-5th grade strategy, Orange!

This week, we're having KidsWorship with our fantastic leaders Kristy and Mike.

Click HERE for this weeks D6 Splink on Wisdom and HERE for a Bonus Splink about Operation Christmas Child.

See you on Sunday!

The THC Team

Kids Worship this Sunday!

Join us this Sunday in both services as we start doing KidsWorship!  This is a new addition to our program and we're so excited about it.  We believe that worship should be loud and that Jesus loves the praises of our kids.

See you there!

Worship Him as the Faithful God

This will be the theme this week in the Tree House Club.  Kids will learn to focus on God's faithfulness and respond with faith that He will help us when we face hard situations.

The memory verse will be:

Psalm 100:2
Worship the Lord with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.

See you on Sunday!

Promotion Sunday!

It's here! The annual Tree House Club Pancake Breakfast.

We hope you'll all be here to celebrate the first day of the upcoming school year. We'll have a fun day with prayer, celebration and of course.....pancakes.

If you have any questions about the event please email us at: treehouseclub@live-oak.org

Liberty and Service

Your kids learned this week that...  "Christians are freed from sin to serve in love"

Each classroom chose a service project to work on this week, be sure to check with your child to learn what they chose!

For some easy ways to follow up with our lesson this week, check out this weeks Splink!

See you on Sunday morning!

Faithfulness

What we're gonna learn this week: The gospel is one things we cannot afford to be wrong about or flip-flop on! We'll learn how God always keeps His promises, all of the time. God promised that He would send a Saviour, and He did. God makes many more promises and we can TRUST that He will fulfill them. See you on Sunday! The THC Team

HOME C o n n e c t i o n Early Elementary Today your student learned about being a part of God’s family. When a person accepts God as Lord over his or her life, he or she becomes a part of His family, which gives us honor and privilege. But in being a Christian there comes responsibility; he or she should try to live a life pleasing to God. Encourage your student to study God’s Word each day. The Adventure Guide is a great tool to help him or her. Upper Elementary Today your student learned that when we accept Jesus as Lord, we become part of the family of God. He becomes our Father and we become His child. He has given us an inheritance—a home in Heaven so we will be with Him forever. It is a privilege to be a child of God. This week in curriculum Listen to God: Read Galatians 4:8-31 The gospel is one thing we cannot afford to be wrong about or flip-flop on. The consequences of either are too great. In this section of Galatians, Paul continued to drive home the importance of remaining faithful to the true gospel. Discuss with your family the many false doctrines and teachings in our culture. Share personal experiences with regard to such false teaching. If your children are in school, be sure to discuss the false teaching of evolution with them so they can be prepared to deal with it. Talk to God Paul used the full story of God’s faithful dealings with Abraham to challenge the Galatians, and us, to remain faithful to the true gospel of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Spend time in prayer together thanking God for the message of this Scripture and asking Him to help your family remain faithful to the truth of the gospel. Ask the Lord to provide opportunities for your family members to share the truth with others. Walk With God Option 1: Ask family members this question: What are some things a person can usually be wrong about with little or no consequences? (Today’s weather, how to hold silverware, etc.) What are some matters in life about which being wrong is very costly, perhaps even fatal? (Whether you can beat an approaching train to the crossing, how to disarm a live bomb, etc.) The point of this lesson is to remain faithful to the true gospel. We cannot stray from the truth to follow the many false teachings in our culture. Emphasize the importance of faithfulness to the gospel with your family. Option 2: God is faithful. This means He is constant, dependable, and steadfast. We don’t ever have to worry about Him leaving, abandoning, or betraying us. He will always be true and loyal. Unfortunately, we as humans are not very faithful. Sometimes we talk bad about other people, or let people down. Write a list of ways you can be more faithful to your friends and family. Post it on your fridge or in another spot where you will see it throughout the week. Ask God to help you be faithful like He is.

Persecution Around the World Items Needed: 10 index cards or pieces of paper Two bags or jars (to hold the index cards) Paul and Barnabas traveled to many different cities on their first missionary trip. They went to the different synagogues and told the people about Jesus. Many people believed, but many did not believe and gathered a mob to attack and throw large stones at them to try and kill them. Not everyone is happy when others tell him or her about Jesus. Some people may not like it and say or do mean things. Many people are persecuted because they believe in and tell others about Jesus. What does it mean to be persecuted? (To be treated in a cruel or harsh way because of what you believe or do) How were Paul and Barnabas persecuted? (People spoke against them, people tried to kill them by throw large rocks at them, etc.) Persecution of Christians still happens today. Christians are harassed, mistreated, beaten, and even killed in many countries, just because they are Christians. Write each of the following five countries (top countries where Christians are persecuted) on a separate index card or piece of paper. 1. North Korea 2. Iran 3. Afghanistan 4. Saudi Arabia 5. Somalia (From opendoorsusa.org/worldwatchlist) Write each of the following requests on a separate index card. God, please help the believers to have strength when they face hard times. Please help the families of those in prison. Help those persecuted to be filled with love and forgiveness. Please help the persecuted Christians not to give up. Give the church leaders wisdom and courage to lead their people. Put the countries in one bag and the prayers in a separate bag. Each day, pick a country and a prayer and use them as a guide to pray for the persecuted people in that country. Optional: Locate these countries on a world map or globe. Asking for Courage Items Needed: slips of paper How did Paul and Barnabas show courage when they were persecuted? (They went back to the city where others had tried to kill them; they were not afraid of what others might do to them; they still did what was right, etc.) It takes courage to stand up and do the right thing when others are making fun of you or don't like what you are saying or doing. When do you need courage? Write each of the following situations on slips of paper and take turns drawing one. Read each of the following situations and ask: What can you say or do to show courage? You are at a sleepover and some kids want to watch a TV show your parents don't allow you to watch. Some friends start making fun of another girl's clothes. Your teacher said that the world evolved over billions of years. You want to say a prayer at the restaurant, but you're worried about what others might think. You want to invite your friend to church. Say a prayer, asking God for courage to face difficult situations. Isaiah 41:10 Items needed: pieces of copy or construction paper and masking tape Review a Bible verse that can help you have courage! Students are still learning Isaiah 41:10. Write each phrase of the verse on a piece of copy or construction paper. Lay these in a random pattern on the sidewalk. (You may need a piece of masking tape to secure these to the ground.) Take turns jumping from one phrase to (saying the phrase aloud) to the other to complete the verse. Don't forget to include the reference - Isaiah 41:10.

Early Elementary Your student learned about Paul and Barnabas’ last stops on their journey. He or she learned how Paul healed a lame man and afterward stopped the people who began to worship him instead of God. He or she also learned an angry mob stoned Paul and left him for dead, but God continued to use them so others could hear the gospel. Upper Elementary Your student learned unbelievers persecuted Paul and Barnabas. Some of the people of Iconium wanted to stone them. They became aware of the plan and escaped to Lystra. While in Lystra, Paul healed a lame man. The people then began to worship Paul and Barnabas instead of God. They explained God was the only one to be worshiped. HOME CONNECTION Listen to God: Read Acts 14:1-7 These verses remind us that sharing the gospel will often be met with persecution and rejection. Paul and Barnabas encountered strong opposition in Iconium, but they boldly continued to share the gospel message before moving on to the next town. Lead your family in a discussion about sharing the gospel today. How are things different? How are they the same? What can we learn from the example of Paul and Barnabas? Talk to God Believers have experienced opposition and persecution throughout history. We owe it to those who preceded us, as well as to future generations, to understand persecution and to be prepared for it. It may not be prevalent in your neighborhood, but be sure to provide age-appropriate examples of persecution that happens across the world. Lead in a time of prayer for those who are experiencing persecution, as well as for strength for your family as you endeavor to share the truth of the gospel with those you meet. Walk With God Option 1: Throughout history, many Christians have faced persecution for what they believe. We’ve learned of Paul’s experiences with verbal and physical persecution, but what we may not realize is that persecution still occurs today. Persecution is a reality in the life of a Christian, but God’s Word makes it possible to persevere. Read Romans 8:16- 18 together and share instances where you have experienced persecution for your beliefs. Discuss how difficult it can be to stand up for your belief in Christ. Pray that God would give courage in times of persecution, and pray for Christians in countries where they cannot openly profess their faith in Christ. Option 2: Play a game of Two Truths and a Lie. Each family member shares three statements when it is his or her turn. Two of the three should be truthful, and the third one should be a false statement intended to trick another family member. After sharing the statements, he or she selects someone to choose the false statement. Allow each family member to have a turn. Then use the activity as a discussion starter. Satan is no novice in using deception and trickery to get Christians off course. He will stop at nothing to tempt us to get our eyes off the Lord and neglect doing what God wants us to do. God wants us to share the gospel with others even when it’s hard. Challenge family members to ignore the lies and tricks that come from Satan and diligently work to share the good news of Jesus. Pray together for God’s direction for this week. Week 3 June 17, 2012 D6 Family Theme: Persecution The Point: Spreading the gospel is spiritual warfare.

5 Things Father's Do Best From Focus on the Family

Here are five things you may not have known about dads:
This Father’s Day, instead of handing
Dad another tie, thank him for making a
difference in your life — in ways you may
not have known about . . . until now.

1 Fathers teach us empathy
A study by the American Psychological
Association found that children with very involved
fathers are more likely to be sensitive to the needs
of others. Effective dads also helped their children
become more generous and thoughtful too.
2 Fathers give us confidence
Fathers are more likely to challenge their
children to try difficult things by taking safe and
measured risks. Research shows that a man’s more
physical play style — and slower response to help
his children through frustrating situations —
encourages problem-solving and self-confidence
in both boys and girls.
3 Fathers increase our vocabulary
Children who spend lots of time with Dad
are more likely to have larger and more complex
vocabularies. That’s because fathers are more likely
to speak to their children as they would an adult.
This often initiates a vocabulary lesson.
4 Fathers protect us from crime and violence
You’re not likely to find well-fathered boys
in gangs. A father’s affirmation fulfills the need
that makes gang life attractive. Likewise, girls
with good fathers are not as likely to be sexually
active, having already experienced the wholesome,
fatherly love of a good dad.
5 Fathers promote better treatment of women
Find a young woman who won’t be victimized
sexually, emotionally or financially, and we’ll show
you a woman who most likely has a good dad.
Even when a good dad stumbles, if Mom calls him
on it and he responds like a gentleman, the kids
take note.
5 things As we celebrate Father’s Day, we should recognize
that fatherhood is not merely a sentimental role,
but a profoundly important one too.

This week, your student learned that Paul and Barnabas taught about God in the Jewish synagogues. Many people accepted Christ as Savior but others were angry at this teaching. Nevertheless, Paul and Barnabas continued to share the gospel with others until they were run out of town by an angry mob. Help your student memorize Isaiah 41:10a.Listen to God: Read Acts 13:44-52 This passage reminds us that the good news of Jesus resulted in rejection and rejoicing. Nearly the whole city gathered to hear Paul and Barnabas tell about the good news. Many were excited and embraced the message that Jesus was the Messiah. Others were not willing to accept it and actually became hostile about it. This did not put a damper on the zeal of those who rejoiced. These verses tell us that Paul and Barnabas made their way 90 miles down the road to Iconium and the believers left behind lived in God’s joy. Lead your family in a discussion about how the good news of Jesus is received today. How does it affect some Christians and their efforts to share the good news anyway? Talk to God Familiarity with Christianity is not the same as being a disciple of Christ. Challenge your family members to consider this question: Do you know Christ or do you merely know Christianity? It’s not enough to go to church (or a Christian school). We need to experience a growing relationship with the Lord. Lead your family in a time of prayer and ask the Lord to help each one of you know Him in a personal way—not just know about Him. Walk With God Option 1: Do you remember the first time you heard the gospel? Bringing others to Christ should be our top priority in this life. Write a list of verses that tell the plan of salvation (John 3:16, Romans 10:9-10, etc.) Discuss how you can share these verses with your neighbors, friends, and family. You could leave tracts on a neighbor’s doorstep, invite a friend to church, or share with someone how God has changed your life. Don’t just experience the good news; share it with those around you. Option 2: Ask family members to name celebrities or well-known people nearly everyone could identify. Select one or two and ask additional questions: Where is this person from? How many siblings does this person have? What kind of food does he or she like? What does he or she do for fun? Even though nearly everyone knows the celebrity’s name, we don’t always know anything truly personal about him or her. Discuss this question: What is the difference between knowing someone’s name, and knowing him or her personally? Challenge your family members to get to know the Lord better this week. Consider a group study of the characteristics of Christ, but also encourage one-on-one time with the Lord and His Word.

Early Elementary Today your student learned how Jesus healed ten lepers. Only one of the ten came back to thank Jesus. When our prayers are answered, we should show God our thankfulness. Our attitude and thankfulness show God how much we love Him. Encourage your child to share with others what God does for him or her. Upper Elementary Today your student learned how Jesus healed ten lepers. Only one of the ten came back to thank Jesus. When our prayers are answered, we should show God our thankfulness. Our attitude and thankfulness show God how much we love Him. Encourage your student to share with you what God does for him or her. Make a list of blessings God has given your family. Listen to God: Read Luke 17:11-19 Thankfulness is always a proper response to God’s grace and mercy, yet true thankfulness for God’s blessings is pretty rare. Luke 17 contains a classic illustration of both a lack of thankfulness and true gratitude. Lead your family in a discussion about the best ways to express thankfulness and why it’s important to do so. Talk to God We have much to be thankful for and God continues to bless us daily. Too often we fail to be thankful for God’s blessings because our focus is on self. Spend some time together in prayer being sure to thank God for specific blessings He has given your family—spiritual and physical blessings alike. Walk With God Option 1: Make a thankfulness journal together. Designate a special notebook or a section of one for things your family is thankful for. Encourage family members to add to the list often. Make it a habit (maybe the first of every month) to look over the list and recall the many things listed. It’s a great way for kids to have a visual reminder of things God has done even when circumstances may be less than positive at the time. Consider designating every Thursday as a thankful day. Encourage family members to intentionally express thankfulness to each other and to God in special ways that day (leave notes in lunchboxes, write on the mirror with a dry erase marker, share publicly at meal times, offer to do someone’s chore for them in honor of your appreciation, etc.) Option 2: Identify verses and songs that correlate with the theme of thankfulness. Gather your family together for a special time of thanksgiving to God. For fun, you could even fix a traditional recipe associated with the holiday. Spend time reading the verses together and singing the songs. Include all family members who are able to read. If you are feeling really creative, write a Thankfulness song together to a popular tune. Have fun with the activity as you reinforce this important lesson. Week 13 May 27, 2012 D6 Family Theme: thankfulness The Point: Giving thanks is the proper response to receiving God’s mercy.

Home Connection

Listen to God: Read John 11:1-45
John 11 contains a detailed account of one of Christ’s greatest miracles—raising Lazarus
from the dead. This passage is a powerful illustration of how God uses our difficult
situations for His ultimate glory. It is also a poignant reminder that whatever our
circumstance, God is at work in and through us. Lead your family in a discussion about
how God gets glory from our circumstances and the ways we navigate them.
Talk to God
The passage of Scripture today reveals the story of Lazarus—a man who
died, was dead for four days, but didn’t stay that way. Understandably,
he became an instant celebrity. His testimony, however, was not about
his survival but how Christ gave him new life. It should be our goal to
point people to Christ. We should intentionally give God glory whenever
we can in life. Lead your family in a prayer of praise to God for being so
amazing and so worthy of all praise.
Walk With God
Option 1: Human beings are naturally selfish in varying degrees. We often think of ourselves
before considering anyone else. Play this game with your family to help illustrate the need
to deflect attention sometimes. Encourage each family member to spend one minute telling
something that happened in the last few days. Without announcing you are doing so, make
note of how many times each person uses a personal pronoun (I, me, my, mine) while telling
the account. After each person has had a chance to go, announce the “scores.” Many times, the
events of our lives should be about the glory of God instead of our personal experiences. Obviously, it’s not
wrong to use personal pronouns when we talk, but it’s always good to be reminded that it’s not about us. We
should point others to the glory of God.
Option 2: Beforehand, or as a family activity, cut facial expressions from magazine pages. The focus should be on
the emotion being expressed in the picture. Nothing else matters for this activity. Put them all in a container and
encourage family members to take turns picking one and describing the emotion they feel is being expressed.
It might be fun to allow them to add a funny anecdote as to why the feelings are as they are. After they have all
been discussed, remind your family that emotions cannot be the basis of our spiritual life. Our emotions can be
misleading because they come from a human perspective. We must base our spiritual life on facts related to the
Lord and His Word.
Week 12
May 20, 2012
D6 Family Theme: glory of god
The Point: Our understanding is limited; our God is not.
The one page for every age

Early Elementary Your student learned that Jesus is the light of the world. Jesus healed a blind man and he received his sight. Jesus heals us from spiritual darkness as well. The man had lived in darkness with his sin, but now he believed and worshipped Jesus as the Son of God. Talk with your child about accepting God’s forgiveness. Upper Elementary Your student learned that Jesus is the light of the world. Jesus healed a blind man and he was able to see. Jesus heals us from spiritual darkness as well. The man had lived in darkness, but now he believed and worshiped Jesus as the Son of God. Talk with your student about accepting God’s forgiveness.

Home Connection

Listen to God: Read John 9:1-17
John 9 introduces us to a man society had written off as hopeless. His tragic physical
disability had made him unproductive and unimportant in the eyes of his peers. God,
however, had a different plan for his life—one that would dramatically change him and
forever write his story into the fabric of history. Discuss with your family what it might
have been like to be there that day when this man was healed. What are some things
people might have said or done to spread the news.
Talk to God
It’s easy to see from this passage that the light of Christ can shine
through anyone’s life, even those whom society has written off as
hopeless. In fact, it can even shine through each member of your family.
Pray together and ask the Lord to help your family shine for Him in many
ways—individually and as a family unit.
Walk With God
Option 1: Gather your family in a dark room where only one candle is lit or one flashlight or a
small lamp is on. Ask your family this question: How much light does it take to change the
atmosphere of a dark room? (If fear is not an issue, consider leaving the room dark until you
ask the question and get some answers.) It’s amazing how much one small light can change
the atmosphere of the entire dark room. A small amount of some things can make a big
difference. Let’s name some things of which a small amount will go a long way. (Answers might
include dish soap, salt, poison, medicines, etc.) We don’t need to worry that our contribution for
the Lord won’t be enough or make a difference. It’s amazing what He can do with just a little bit. Let your light
shine!
Option 2: Gather various colors of tissue paper, black construction paper, a pencil, and tape to make a stained
glass window together. Allow family members to draw a shape (a cross, candle, or some other object) on to the
black paper and cut it out. Encourage family members to tear the tissue paper into pieces and tape them over
the back of the cut out section. Write John 9:5 around the border of the picture. When finished, hang the picture
in front of a window and use it as a reminder to share God’s story with others this week. Consider making one
together or allow each family member to make his or her own.

Listen to God: Read Matthew 14:22-36 Trust is a very difficult thing for many people, yet it is essential for us to trust God in all aspects of our lives. In spite of what we might assume, people didn’t always find it easy to trust Jesus during His earthly ministry. In fact, this passage shows that even the disciples struggled to trust Jesus at times. Lead your family in a discussion about why that might have been the case and if things might be different for them today. Talk to God This passage helps us learn some important truths about trusting God. He has a proven track record and is completely trustworthy. Since He will not fail us, we do not need to worry. Lead your family in a time of prayer, thanking God for being trustworthy and asking Him to help you not to worry, but to trust Him in all things. Walk With God Option 1: Provide the following object lesson for your family. (Materials needed: a bottle of vegetable oil, a clear cup or jar half full of water.) Let’s pretend that this water represents our trust in God and the oil represents our worrying about the struggles of life. Let’s see what will happen when we add worry to our life of faith. (Pour some of the oil into the water and make sure each family member is able to see that they are not mixing. For added effect you could try to stir them together and watch them separate.) These two things will not mix no matter how hard we try. Ask: Can we trust God and worry about the circumstances of life at the same time? Why or Why not? (Worry and trust do not mix.) Option 2: Ask family members the following questions: • Would you trust a complete stranger with something valuable? Why or Why not? • What does a person have to do to gain your trust? (Demonstrate that he or she can be trusted, depended upon, or proved capable of doing certain things.) Let’s think about the Lord and all we have learned about Him. Is He someone we can trust? (Allow family members to answer and encourage them to give reasons.) Of course we can trust Him. We just need to make sure we do it. Let’s make a family pledge to trust God more and look for ways to give Him glory in our lives. Week 10 May 6, 2012 D6 Family Theme: trust The Point: Our struggles have a greater purpose The one page for every age HOME C o n n e c t i o n curriculum FTE 10-4 Infant/Toddler Your child was introduced to the Heartprint: I Can Help Others. The Parent Page should have come home with your child. It gives you general guidelines to help you recognize and understand developmental milestones your child should reach. Preschool Today your child was introduced to this month’s Heartprint: I Can Trust Jesus. He or she learned how Jesus calmed a storm on the sea. His disciples were scared but Jesus took care of them. Remind your child how he or she can trust Jesus when frightened. Early Elementary Today your student learned Jesus is trustworthy. Jesus walked on the water. Peter walked with Jesus but he fell when he became frightened and lost his trust. As Christians, we do not need to fear; Jesus is with us. Use the activities found on the other side of this Home Connection as a tool to help your student apply the lessons learned at church to his or her life. Upper Elementary Your student learned that Jesus is trustworthy. Jesus walked on the water. Peter walked with Jesus but he sank when he took his eyes off Jesus. Explain to your student why God is trustworthy, and encourage your child to trust Him in everyday circumstances.

Home Connection

Early Elementary
Today your student learned the good news that Jesus is alive. Jesus’
followers went to His tomb but He was not there. We can have forgiveness
of our sins because of His death and resurrection. We also know that God’s
words and promises never fail. Jesus is worthy of our praise.
Upper Elementary
Today your student learned the good news that Jesus is alive! Jesus’
followers went to His tomb but He was not there. We can have forgiveness
of our sins because of His death and resurrection. We also know that God’s
words and promises never fail. Jesus is worthy of our praise.Listen to God: Read John 20:1-31
The resurrection of Jesus Christ was the event that changed everything.

When chapter
19 of John ended, it seemed all hope was lost. Christ was dead and because the Sabbath
was approaching, His burial was hastened. Chapter 20 allows John to tell the exciting
story that never gets old. Mary Magdalene and several other women, according to other
gospel writers, headed to the tomb early on the first day of the week to demonstrate their
love for Jesus by completing the necessary burial preparations that had been postponed
due to the approaching Sabbath. Once they arrived the issue would be how to get into
the sealed tomb. Imagine how the concern must have quickly turned to amazement when
they found the stone rolled away and the tomb empty. Lead your family in a discussion of
the many emotions and reactions Jesus’ friends must have felt during that time.
Talk to God
The reality of the Resurrection compels us to demonstrate our faith in the Lord
and share the message of God with others. Your family will likely encounter
family members, neighbors, and others this week who do not know the Savior.
How will you share the story with them? Pray together for opportunities to share
the message of the cross with those God puts in your path this week. Perhaps there
are specific people the Lord is placing on your heart. Pray for them to be receptive to the
true meaning of the celebration of Easter.
Walk With God
Option 1: The resurrection of Jesus is the foundation for the Christian faith. In the midst of
candy and egg hunts, be intentional in sharing the true meaning of Easter with others you know.
Plan a family dinner, activity, or playtime and invite a non-Christian family to visit. Use this as an
opportunity for your family to display the love of God that you are telling them about. Before your visitors arrive,
talk with your child about the importance of telling others about Jesus, and encourage him or her to do the same.
As a family, pray for different unsaved individuals every day.
Option 2: Visit a local bookstore or look online to order a set of “Resurrection Eggs.” If you can’t find them, you
can make your own. (The Internet will help with this.) In this set are 12 eggs, each containing something relevant
to the account of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. Label the eggs 1-12. Pass them out to family members
and instruct them not to open them until you call the number. Call out each number, asking the person with the
corresponding number to open the egg and explain the significance of the item inside. Be prepared to help with
explanations where needed. Proceed until all eggs have been opened. Once you’ve reached number 12 and the
final egg is empty, you will have retold the Resurrection account from a simple, easy to understand point of view.
Children can do this even with friends in an effort to share the real meaning of Easter.
Week 6
April 8, 2012
D6 Family Theme: REsurrection
The Point: Christ’s resurrection calls us to faith in Him.

SPLINK

Too Good to Keep to Yourself

Make a yummy treat and declare that you have an announcement. "I have good news! I made a yummy treat. But I have decided that I will eat it all myself." After hearing groans and complaints, act surprised and then ask: "Would you like me to share this with you?"

Share the treat and talk about the good news that Jesus is alive.

Students should have come home with a tool or tract to share the good news. If they didn't, buy one at a Christian book store or ask them to make one by writing a Bible verse(s) about the Resurrection on a card; 1 Corinthians 15:3b, 4 is a good one.

Discuss with whom they might share this good news and make a plan to do so. Say a prayer for the person who will receive the card.

The good news about Jesus is just TOO GOOD to keep to ourselves.

Resurrection Rolls
Make resurrection rolls to keep the celebration going and remember that Jesus' tomb was empty!

Items needed:
8 large marshmallows
1/4 cup melted butter
Sugar/cinnamon mixture (approximately 2 tablespoons cinnamon to 2 tablespoons sugar)
10 ounce can of crescent rolls

1. Open can of crescent rolls and separate into triangles. The rolls represent the linen cloths used in covering the dead.

2. Dip and roll one marshmallow (representing the body) into melted butter. The butter represents the oils used in anointing the dead body.

3. In a small bowl, mix the cinnamon and sugar together. Roll the marshmallow in the mixture. The mixture represents the spices used in burials.

4. Place the marshmallow in the center of the crescent triangle and carefully fold the dough around the marshmallow. (Pinch the edges tightly to seal in the marshmallow as it melts.) Put each crescent-wrapped marshmallow on a slightly greased cookie sheet or in a greased cupcake pan.

5. Bake the rolls in a 350 degree preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes or until they are golden brown. The oven represents the tomb.

Let them cool. When the kids bite into them, they will see that the inside is empty!

Scripture Egg Hunt

Items needed: plastic Easter eggs

Slips of paper

Bible (with a marker at John 14:6)



If you have older children, let them look up the Bible verse (John 14:6) and write each word on a slip of paper. Put one word in each plastic egg and hide them. You might divide into two teams and one team will hide the eggs for the other team; kids love, not only finding, but also hiding the eggs. Don't forget to count them before you hide them.



After all the eggs have been found, open them and put the words of the verse in correct order. Say the verse together.



Put the word slips back in the eggs and repeat for the other team.

Easter

Dear Parents,

If your family is anything like mine, or the family I saw at Wal-Mart yesterday, you are busy! Not just regular busy, but springtime busy!

Busy getting to baseball, tennis and soccer practice! Busy getting to dance, cheer and guitar lessons! Busy buying groceries, helping with spelling tests and doing laundry. Busy working and volunteering at your child's school.

As if all that isn't enough- Easter is so early this year! (Who decides that anyway?!) Easter only adds to your busy schedule! Now, in addition to your "regular busy" you are "extra busy" getting ready for Easter.

Maybe, like the family in Wal-Mart, you are busy buying dyeing and hiding eggs. Busy trying to get haircuts for your boys and busy finding matching outfits for your "little bunnies" for Easter pictures!

You are busy locating Easter baskets... (Where did you put those things last year?) Busy cleaning house for relatives to come for an ill-timed visit (After all, don't they know? It's Easter! You are BUSY!)

I know I feel this way a lot. Busy, Busy, Busy!

But, I want to invite you to join me in slowing down, taking a breath and reflecting on the magnitude of what Jesus Christ did for us all those years ago on the cross.

Christ's resurrection, was indeed a game-changer. Let's talk with our children about Easter, and why it's the reason for our faith. Jesus is alive. He is who He said He was. It's staggering to try to comprehend that kind of love... The enormity of the sacrifice... and the fact that it was given freely on my behalf. (and yours) That's worthy of a pause in all of our busy schedules.

I want you to know that if the boys don't get haircuts and if your kids don't have matching clothes this Easter, it's ok. Make time to get your heart right and to lead your family in getting their hearts prepared for Easter.

Then, reach out to a family who may not have ever heard the good news of Jesus Christ and invite them to join you at church this Sunday. There is nothing on your list more important than helping more families meet Jesus this Easter!

Our mission at Live Oak is to Grow More and Stronger Followers of Jesus Christ. How is your family engaging with our mission this Easter?

Home Connection & Splink

Early Elementary
Today your student learned how Jesus had compassion on a widow whose
son had died. Jesus saw the woman crying and raised her son from the
dead. Jesus has perfect love. Your student learned that we are able to
show love and compassion to others as well. Use the ideas on the Home
Connection to connect what is learned at church to your daily lives.

Upper Elementary
Today your student learned how Jesus had compassion on a widow whose
son died. Jesus saw the woman crying and He raised her son from the dead.
Jesus has perfect love. Your student learned that we can show love and
compassion to others as well. Help your student learn Matthew 22:37-39.

Listen to God: Read Luke 7:11-23
Luke 7:11-23 records more examples of Jesus making time to show compassion to
others and make a difference in their lives. Once again, He set a powerful example for
His followers to emulate. While we can’t do what Jesus did here, there are thousands of
other things we can do to minister to people’s physical and spiritual needs. Compassion
is not merely feeling sorry for someone, but rather taking action. Lead your family
in a discussion of what compassion means. Remind them of times when your family
experienced or witnessed compassion being shown to someone.
Talk to God
Christ’s compassion led Him to act. Whether it was feeding a hungry
multitude or healing blind eyes, His compassion always prompted Him
to do something meaningful. We must do likewise. Lead your family in
prayer, asking God to reveal ways to show compassion this week. Ask
Him to help you demonstrate it within your home as well as to others.
Walk With God
Option 1: Schedule a time for your family to be involved with a ministry of compassion.
Possibilities include a local homeless shelter, a soup kitchen, a Boys and Girls Club,
cleaning the home or yard of an elderly widow, etc. Be creative and make this a
priority event. Encourage suggestions from family members as you make your
selection. After the activity, be sure to discuss the experience and how it felt to follow
the Lord’s example of compassion. In addition to this specific service project, look for
ways to show compassion on a regular basis. As you hear of needs, include your family
in following through by showing compassion. Ideas include writing a note of encouragement,
taking a meal, cleaning a house, purchasing a needed item, etc. Being intentional to act when
you hear of a need is a great way to foster a spirit of compassion.
Option 2: Mark 6:34 tells us when Jesus saw the large crowd, He was overcome with compassion
toward them because they were like a sheep without a shepherd. Gather your family together
to look up examples of God’s compassion in the Bible. Read John 11:28-44, Matthew 9:35-
38, Isaiah 40:9-11, and Exodus 14:10-18. After reading these passages, talk with your child
about ways God has shown compassion to your family. Discuss ways your family can show
compassion to others around you and find effective ways to accomplish this.
Week 5
April 1, 2012
D6 Family Theme: compassion
The Point: Christlike compassion takes action.

SPLINK

What is Compassion?

If your kids are old enough, interview 10 people and ask:
When you are sad, what makes you feel better?

Discuss the answers.

Read the story of Jesus showing compassion by raising a widow's son to life. (Luke 7:11-17)

Ask:
What is compassion? (Compassion means feeling sad for someone, but acting on the feeling by doing something to help. There are two parts to compassion—noticing and feeling the suffering of another person AND doing something to ease that suffering.)

How did Jesus and even the other people show compassion to the widow? (Jesus noticed her; He spoke kind words to her; He comforted her; He raised her son from the dead; the other people walked with her and even wept with her)

2

A Blues Bandaid

Items needed: slips of paper

Pencils

Bag to put paper slips in


Ask each family member to write on a slip of paper one situation where something bad has happened (anything—from crashing a bike to losing a favorite toy).



Put the slips in a bag and take turns choosing one. After each situation, ask:

How could you show compassion?

Compassion is noticing someone else's suffering and doing something about it.

3


Walk a Mile in My Shoes

Put everyone's shoes in a pile in the middle of the room. At a signal to go, ask everyone to grab a pair of shoes (not their own), put them on and, be the first to walk to a designated spot.



Ask:

Have you ever heard the saying, "Walk a mile in my shoes"?

What does it mean? (It means not to criticize someone until you have walked or lived in their situation; we don't know how someone feels if we haven't been in their circumstance.)

People need compassion, not criticism. We can't always know how or what they feel, but we can show them kindness and try to help them.

Home Connection

Listen to God: Read Matthew 12:1-8
The Law prohibited working on the Sabbath, but it made provision for those who were
poor or hungry. They could pick heads of grain and eat the kernels provided a scythe was
not used (Deuteronomy 23:25). The disciples did exactly that. They got just enough to provide
nourishment and strictly obeyed the letter of the Law. Unfortunately that was not acceptable
in the eyes of the Pharisees. They hated Jesus and said His followers were breaking
the Law. Jesus did not allow their attacks to keep Him from focusing on His purpose,
though. Discuss with your family the ways Satan tries to distract people today.
Talk to God
It’s easy to get distracted by things that don’t really matter and lose focus on
the things that do matter. Jesus masterfully avoided the Pharisees’ attempts
to distract Him from His purpose. We must follow His example to do the
same. Pray together that God will help each family member resist the temptations
that come along and remain faithful to God’s purpose for his or her life.
Walk With God
Option 1: Explain to family members why we should follow God’s rules. We should follow God’s
rules because we love Him. Obeying His commands does not save us. Only belief in His death
and resurrection can give us salvation. We obey God’s rules because we want to please Him
and make Him happy. We have a relationship with God, so we follow His rules because we love
Him, but more importantly because He loves us.
Option 2: What does your family do to honor the principle of the Sabbath? It’s important to remember that
hundreds of laws regarding what could or couldn’t be done on the Sabbath were created with good intention—to
be sure people kept the Sabbath holy. The results were far less noble. In fact, it became almost impossible to rest
on the Sabbath due to the demands and restrictions placed by the many laws. Even though those laws do not
exist for Christians today, we are still expected to honor the principle of the Sabbath—one day of rest and worship
each week. Discuss with your family how to do that. Set some goals or expectations together to help your family
honor the Sabbath principle and achieve God’s purpose for the day.
Week 4
March 25, 2012
D6 Family Theme: PURPOSE
The Point: Nothing should distract us from fulfilling God’s purpose.
The one page for every age
HO E c o n n e c t i o n
TM
curriculum FTE 4-4
Infant/Toddler
Today your child learned how to share with his or her friends. Use the
Cuddle Card to reinforce the Heartprint: I Can Share.
Preschool
Today your child discussed the Heartprint: I Can Obey Jesus by learning
what, when, and how to obey. Discuss obedience with your child and what
it means to obey with a happy heart.
Early Elementary
Today your student discussed how Jesus is the only way to salvation. Jesus
taught the disciples, the Pharisees, and the crowds that He was God’s Son.
He performed miracles to display His power and authority. Talk with your
child about accepting the gift of salvation.
Upper Elementary
Today your student discussed how Jesus is the only way to salvation. Jesus
taught the disciples, the Pharisees, and the crowds that He was God’s Son.
He preformed miracles to display His power and authority. Talk with your
student about accepting the gift of salvation.

SPLINK

The Only Way

1.
Items Needed: copy or construction paper and pencils

Bible

Ask kids to draw a map. (Pick a familiar starting place and an ending destination: house to library, school to home, house to church, etc.) Assign each one a different starting point and destination.

Why was it easy to draw the map? (Knew the way, been that way many times, etc.)

Read John 14:6–the new Bible verse elementary students began learning this week.

Jesus said, "I am the way." His purpose was to make a way for us to have our sins forgiven and go to Heaven. He knew the way; He came from Heaven and went back to Heaven.

Say the verse several times playing echo. One person is the leader and says a phrase of the verse while the others echo what they've just said.


2.Tell Someone The Good News!

Item Needed: tract (some elementary classes have one to give away) or an invitation to church (perhaps to a special Easter event or service)
*Tracts are on parent resource table under THC bulletin board and invitations to the Easter service will be ready April 1st

Jesus knew His purpose. He always did His Father's will. He came to the earth to die and give His life so we could have our sins taken away. What good news!!! To whom can we tell this good news?

Ask each family member to think of a friend or someone who might need to know the way to Heaven. Think of a statement to say as you hand the tract or invitation to the person. (Would you read this and tell me what you think? Would you like to come to church with me on Easter? Would you like to hear some good news?)

Say a prayer for the person giving and for the person receiving the tract.


3. Keeping Warm Under Water

Items Needed: rubber glove
Large bowl or sink full of very cold water
Some warm water in a cup
Towel to mop up any spills

Do a simple experiment to understand the purpose of a dolphin's blubber (to help keep its body warm in cold water).

Ask a volunteer to put his bare hand in the water. (Then dry off his hand)
Now fill the glove with warm water and tell the volunteer to put his hand in it. (Some water will probably spill out so hold it over the bowl or sink.) Keeping his fingers pointing down tell him to put his hand back in the cold water (with the water filled glove on).

How does it feel? (This is a little how the dolphin's blubber keeps it warm.)

God designed the dolphin's body with a layer of fat, or blubber under their skin to help them stay warm in the very cold water. Scientists have also discovered that blubber helps the dolphin to swim. God was a very wise designer who made everything for a purpose.

SPLINK & HOME CONNECTION

SPLINK & HOME CONNECTION

The Best Leader to Follow
Play “Follow the Leader.”
Take turns being the leader.
Ask:
Why is it important to follow the leader? (So you will know what to do)
What might happen if you closed your eyes while playing the game? (You might get hurt or lost)
Jesus is a great leader.
When Jesus told His disciples to let their nets down into the water, what did they do? (They obeyed)
What happened? (They caught A LOT of fish–Luke 5:1-11)
Why is it important for us to obey what God has told us in the Bible? (We will be happier, we will be blessed, we will please God, etc.)

Peter Rabbit
If you have young children, read or tell them The Tale of Peter Rabbit (by Beatrix Potter) and ask them some questions.

Once upon a time there were four little Rabbits, and their names were: Flopsy, Mopsy, Cottontail, and Peter.

They lived with their Mother in a sandbank, underneath the root of a very big fir tree.

"Now, my dears," said old Mrs. Rabbit one morning, "you may go into the fields or down the lane, but don't go into Mr. McGregor's garden–your Father had an accident there. He was put in a pie by Mrs. McGregor."

"Now run along, and don't get into mischief. I am going out."

Then old Mrs. Rabbit took a basket and her umbrella and went to the baker's. She bought a loaf of brown bread and five currant buns.

Flopsy, Mopsy, and Cottontail, who were good little bunnies, went down the lane to gather blackberries.

But Peter, who was very naughty, ran straight away to Mr. McGregor's garden and squeezed under the gate!

First he ate some lettuces and some French beans, and then he ate some radishes.

And then, feeling rather sick, he went to look for some parsley.

But round the end of a cucumber frame, whom should he meet but Mr. McGregor!

Mr. McGregor was on his hands and knees planting young cabbages, but he jumped up and ran after Peter, waving a rake and calling out, "Stop thief!"

Peter was most dreadfully frightened; he rushed all over the garden, for he had forgotten the way back to the gate.

He lost one of his shoes among the cabbages, and the other shoe amongst the potatoes.

After losing them, he ran on four legs and went faster, so I think he might have got away altogether if he had not unfortunately run into a gooseberry net, and got caught by the large buttons on his jacket. It was a blue jacket with brass buttons, quite new.

Peter gave himself up for lost, and shed big tears; but his sobs were overheard by some friendly sparrows, who flew to him in great excitement, and implored him to exert himself.

Mr. McGregor came up with a sieve, which he intended to pop upon the top of Peter, but Peter wriggled out just in time, leaving his jacket behind him.

And rushed into the tool shed, and jumped into a can. It would have been a beautiful thing to hide in, if it had not had so much water in it.

Mr. McGregor was quite sure that Peter was somewhere in the tool shed, perhaps hidden underneath a flowerpot. He began to turn them over carefully, looking under each.

Presently Peter sneezed, "Kertyschoo!" Mr. McGregor was after him in no time, and tried to put his foot on Peter, who jumped out of a window, upsetting three plants. The window was too small for Mr. McGregor, and he was tired of running after Peter. He went back to his work.

Peter sat down to rest. He was out of breath and trembling with fright, and he had not the least idea which way to go. Also he was very damp from sitting in that can.

After a time he began to wander about, going lippity . . . lippity . . . not very fast, and looking all around.

He found a door in a wall, but it was locked, and there was no room for a fat little rabbit to squeeze underneath.

An old mouse was running in and out over the stone doorstep, carrying peas and beans to her family in the wood. Peter asked her the way to the gate, but she had such a large pea in her mouth she could not answer. She only shook her head at him. Peter began to cry.

Then he tried to find his way straight across the garden, but he became more and more puzzled. Presently, he came to a pond where Mr. McGregor filled his water cans. A white cat was staring at some goldfish; she sat very, very still, but now and then the tip of her tail twitched as if it were alive. Peter thought it best to go away without speaking to her; he had heard about cats from his cousin, little Benjamin Bunny.

He went back towards the tool shed, but suddenly, quite close to him, he heard the noise of a hoe–scr-r-ritch, scratch, scratch, scritch. Peter scuttered underneath the bushes. But presently, as nothing happened, he came out, and climbed upon a wheelbarrow, and peeped over. The first thing he saw was Mr. McGregor hoeing onions. His back was turned towards Peter, and beyond him was the gate!

Peter got down very quietly off the wheelbarrow, and started running as fast as he could go, along a straight walk behind some black currant bushes.

Mr. McGregor caught sight of him at the corner, but Peter did not care. He slipped underneath the gate, and was safe at last in the wood outside the garden.

Mr. McGregor hung up the little jacket and the shoes for a scarecrow to frighten the blackbirds.

Peter never stopped running or looked behind him till he got home to the big fir tree.

He was so tired that he flopped down upon the nice soft sand on the floor of the rabbit-hole, and shut his eyes. His mother was busy cooking. She wondered what he had done with his clothes. It was the second little jacket and pair of shoes that Peter had lost in a fortnight!

I am sorry to say that Peter was not very well during the evening.

His mother put him to bed, and made some chamomile tea; she gave a dose of it to Peter!

"One tablespoonful to be taken at bedtime."

But Flopsy, Mopsy, and Cottontail had bread and milk and blackberries, for supper.

Ask:

Who was obedient in the story? (Flopsy, Mopsy, and Cottontail)

Who was disobedient? (Peter)

How did he disobey? (He went to the garden when his mother told him not to go)

Why is it good to obey your mother? (She wants what is best for you, she wants to protect you, she will help you do what is right, etc.)

If you want to listen to a reading of it and see pictures, go to: http://www.wiredforbooks.org/flash/PeterRabbit.swf

HOME CONNECTION
Listen to God: Read Luke 5:1-11
This Scripture offers a glimpse into the life of Peter and illustrates several levels of his
obedience to Christ. Peter was obedient to share his resources with the Lord as he allowed
his boat to be used as Jesus’ speaking platform. He was also obedient to drop his nets on
the other side of the boat when it didn’t make any sense to him. (Galilean fisherman usually
fished at night, not in the middle of the day. They also usually fished in the shallow waters
near the shore—not the deep waters where Jesus told Peter to let down the nets.) Lead your
family in a discussion about how it’s sometimes easier to obey some instructions than it
is others. Also discuss how Peter’s obedience to the Lord might have impacted the many
people who were watching on the shore.
Talk to God
Obedience is sometimes described as doing what you are told to do, when
you are told to do it, and with a happy heart. To be completely obedient
means you are obeying right away and with the right attitude. Our natural
desire to sin keeps us from automatically showing the right attitudes
sometimes. God can help with that. Pray together that you will all seek God’s
help in showing appropriate attitudes with obedience. Encourage family
members to continue that prayer on a personal level this week.
Walk With God
Option 1: Ahead of time, make a recipe without following all of the listed instructions.
(For example, make brownies but leave out the eggs.) When your family members notice
something is wrong, tell them you followed the instructions you thought were important and
only left off one thing you did not think was needed. Discuss the importance of that one missing
ingredient and the parallel of obeying the Lord with every part of your life except a few. Is there a
similarity? Can partial obedience be considered obedience at all?
Option 2: Peter’s whole career changed as he accepted the call to follow the Lord to become a “fisher
of men.” We should consider what God may be calling us to give up in order to obey Him and where
He may be taking us on life’s journey. Encourage family members to consider what ministry God
may be calling them to. Ask children what they hope to be when they “grow up,” or encourage
older members of the family to discuss their “dream” jobs. Have fun painting word pictures of what
those dreams might look like, and end your time together in prayer. Ask the Lord to help each family
member be willing to do what He desires for his or life.
Week 3
March 18, 2012
D6 Family Theme: Obedience
The Point: Obeying Christ will transform our lives.
Early Elementary
Your student learned about the 12 disciples who followed Jesus. Since Jesus
knows what is absolute best for us, we can trust Him. Encourage your child
to follow Jesus as leader. Remember to encourage your student to use the
Adventure Guide to develop the habit of spending time each day with God.
Upper Elementary
Your student learned about Simon Peter’s obedience to Jesus as well as
the results of his obedience. He or she also learned Jesus is our Leader.
Encourage your student to use the Explorer’s Guide to develop the habit of
spending time each day with God.
Young

D6 Home Connection

Early Elementary
Your student learned Jesus is full of grace and truth. When Jesus was
teaching in the temple, He restored a man who was possessed by
demons. Jesus has authority over Satan. We can trust that Jesus will
protect us from Satan as well. He cares for everyone. Talk with your child
about faith.

Upper Elementary
Your student learned that Jesus is full of grace and truth. When Jesus
was teaching in the temple, He restored a man who was possessed by
demons. Jesus has authority over Satan. We can trust that Jesus will
protect us from Satan as well.

Listen to God: Read Mark 1:29-34
With human beings, authority always has its limitations. However, with God, that is not the
case. These verses provide a good picture of Jesus exercising His authority over sickness
and disease. He needed no medicine and the healing was instantaneous. It’s interesting to
see how many people gathered once word spread of the healings. Lead your family in a
discussion about the faith that was demonstrated as people witnessed the authority of
Jesus over sickness and disease.
Talk to God
Since Christ has ultimate authority over our lives, we should have no
problems or reservations submitting to Him. This includes submitting our
finances and time to Him. Spend some time in prayer asking the Lord to help
your family submit to His authority in every area of your lives. Also, thank Him
for the resources and abilities He provides for you daily.
Walk With God
Option 1: Read Exodus 20 to your family. Gather markers, brown paper bags, and a poster
board. Crumple the paper bags, cut them apart, and glue them onto the poster board. As a
family, write each commandment on the poster. Talk with your child about God’s authority.
Explain to your child that God has ultimate wisdom and He knows best. Place the poster in a
common place so your family can be reminded of God’s authority.
Option 2: Play a game of “Simon Says,” or “Mother May I” together. Allow each member of
the family to have a turn as the authority figure in the game. Follow up with a discussion
about people who have authority over us on a daily basis (parents, teachers, bosses,
policemen, etc.). Then discuss the limitations of that authority. (Example: A teacher can
dictate how time is spent in the classroom, but not on a vacation your family takes). End the
discussion by reminding your family that God has limitless authority over our lives. There is
no boundary for Him.

KID'S NIGHT OUT Friday, March 23rd

This is a fundraiser for the Kilgoris Project- Kenya Mission Trip. The McNelly family heads this up this beautiful ministry.

Cost for KNO is $20 per child and includes dinner and sports instruction for the boys and dinner and dance/cheer instruction for the gals.

Call 704-996-7863 (Suzie McNelly) to sign up

Home Connection & SPLINK

Early Elementary
The Adventure Guide should have come home with your student. Encourage
your student to spend time each day in God’s Word. Help younger students
develop this important habit by helping him or her with the Daily Bible
Readings and devotion. Today your student learned how Jesus was the
fulfillment of God’s promise to send a Savior. He is the Promised One.
Upper Elementary
The Explorer’s Guide should have come home with your student. Today your
student learned how Jesus was the fulfillment of God’s promise to send a
Savior. He is the Promised One. We can have faith that Jesus is who He said
He was.

HOME CONNECTION
Listen to God: Read John 4:46-54
It is hard not to notice this father’s faith. When Jesus told him his son was alive and
instructed him to return home, this “believing” father obeyed, no questions asked. He
simply took Jesus at His word even though he had not yet witnessed any action. We
must also respond in faith to Christ’s declaration of good news. After all, the author of
Hebrews describes faith as having the assurance of things that will come to pass even
though it has not yet come to completion (Hebrews 11:1).
Talk to God
The miracles of Christ were not done merely to cause awe, but were
primarily intended to produce and strengthen faith. Our faith in Christ’s
Word will not always be met with such immediate results as with this
father. In fact, we will not see the fullness of our redemption this side of
eternity. But our faith will become fact in God’s timing. Pray together for
God to increase the faith of each family member.
Walk With God
Option 1: Develop (or add to) a family prayer list. Prayer is our greatest resource in
meeting the needs of others. Using a list with your children will help them learn how
to pray for others and not be so “self-consumed” that they forget or fail to recognize
the needs of those around them. Demonstrate love and encouragement this week in a
tangible way to someone from your prayer list. Involve each member of the family in
what you choose to do (a note, a special treat, an act of service, etc.).
Option 2: Be sure to remind your children that stories in the Bible are different from
stories they might read in other books. The Bible is 100 percent true. None of it is makebelieve
or pretend. This week’s Scripture passage tells a true story of amazing faith. This
faith is what God longs for us to have. Talk to your child about how we can’t see or hear
God but we can believe Him. We can read His Word to learn more about Him. It will help
us to know more about God. Encourage your child to ask God for faith.
Week 1
March 4, 2012
D6 Family Theme: faith
The Point: Christ’s good news calls us to faith in Him.

SPLINK
Surprise Guest

Kids started a new series about the miracles of Jesus. Long before Jesus came to earth, God promised to send One who would deliver them from sin; He them many clues so they would recognize Him.

Invite a special guest (family, friend or neighbor) to drop by your house at a specific time in the evening. Tell the kids at breakfast about the special guest, but don't reveal his or her identity. Give them clues about the person throughout the day, starting with general clues and ending with more specific ones. (It's a person. It's a man. He has two eyes. He wears glasses. He is tall. He has gray hair. He is kind. He will play a game with you; choose your clues to fit the person.)

When the person arrives, ask:
Did the clues help you figure out our guest's identity? Why or why not? (They helped us to recognize him when we saw him)
How did God give clues to the people BEFORE He sent Jesus to the earth? (The prophets gave many facts or clues about Jesus–where He would be born, who would be His mother, what He would do when He grew up, etc.)

Read Isaiah 61:1-2 to find some clues about Jesus written hundreds of years before His birth. He did all those things and even more!

God wanted the people to recognize Jesus when He came to earth, but many did not. He gives us reasons to believe in Jesus. Faith is believing in Jesus even though we have not seen Him. We may not have seen Jesus, but people who were eyewitnesses wrote their experiences in the Bible so we could know what He is like and what He did. Yes, we still have to have faith, but it is a faith built on facts and truth.

Optional: Ask your guest to bring a special treat or play a game with the kids so it will be a happy event.

More Than A Man
Items needed: poster board
Crayons, stickers, jewels, or any other materials to decorate the crown

Students learned that Jesus was not just a man, but He was also God–the One who is to be worshiped.

Make a crown and hang it on a chair at the dining room table as a reminder that Jesus is more than just a man–He is God. Only God can do the miracles Jesus did while on earth.

Ask:
What would it have been like to actually live on the earth when Jesus did?
What question would you have wanted to ask Him?
What would you have liked to ask Him to do?

Even though we can't see Jesus with our eyes, we can read in the Bible about all He did while He was on earth. We can have faith and believe it and then worship Him as the One True God.


3 Prayer Jar
Items needed: small box or jar with lid
Slips of paper and pencil

Kids also learned about the nobleman's faith when he asked Jesus to heal his son who was dying. (John 4:46-54)

How did this man show faith? (He believed that Jesus could heal his son, he asked Jesus to heal his son, and he obeyed when Jesus told him to go home because his son had been healed)

Faith is believing even before you see it. God can do what He says He will do. When Jesus came to earth, He did miracles. Jesus had power to heal people who were sick, blind, and crippled. He has the power to help us.

We show our faith when we pray to God. We believe He can help us, so we ask Him.

Make a prayer jar. When you hear or think of a special need, write it on a slip of paper and put it in the jar. Pray for the requests each night after dinner (or at breakfast). Ask God to answer the requests as He thinks best.

Home Connection

Early Elementary (K-2)
Sunday,your student learned God leads us through His Word, the Bible.
He or she also learned that God wants us to love Him with all our heart,
all our soul, and with all our might. As Christians, we are to treasure His
commands because He gave them to protect and guide us. Encourage
him or her to spend time each day in the Bible. The Adventure Guide,
which comes home with your student at the beginning of each quarter,
is a tool that can help develop this life-changing habit. Review the Ten
Commandments with your student.
Upper Elementary (3-5)
Sunday,your student learned what it means to follow God. He wants us to
love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. He wants to have a
close friendship with us. We are to talk about His words in everyday events.
Encourage your student to spend time each day in the Bible. The Explorer’s
Guide, which comes home with your student at the beginning of each
quarter, is a wonderful tool that can help your student develop this lifechanging
habit.
YoungListen to God: Read Deuteronomy 6:4-19
When the children of Israel were getting close to entering the Promised Land, Moses
thought it was important to recount all that had happened on the journey they had been on
for 40 years. He also reminded them of the Ten Commandments and other laws they were
expected to follow. Moses encouraged the people to tell the stories to every generation so
they would not forget what God had done for them. Lead your family members in a
time of remembering how the Lord has provided for and blessed your family.
Talk to God
The church can serve as a contingency plan for broken homes and as a support
for solid homes, but Christian parents should be the primary spiritual influence
in the lives of their children. Lead your family in a time of prayer, asking
the Lord for guidance in this awesome responsibility. Also, spend some time in praise
and thanksgiving for all the Lord has done for your family this year. Encourage each family
member to mention at least one thing.
Walk With God
Option 1: A disciple is one who learns. Jesus chose 12 men as disciples; men who would learn
from Him and take the good news to the whole world. Teach your children a new skill this week.
Ideas: Let them pick something they would like to learn, such as: sew on a button, bake a cake, make an omelet,
set the table, change a tire, draw an animal, make a campfire, etc. Ask these questions: As a learner, what did you
have to do first? (Listen to the instructions) Once you knew what to do, what was next? (Do what was told).
In order to be a good disciple you must learn to listen carefully and then do what you are told. God teaches us
many things in His Word. It’s up to us to listen to Him and do what He says. Let’s be better disciples this week!
Option 2: Establish a regular family discipleship time or make enhancements to what your are already doing. Depending
on the ages of your children, identify a biblical character or a story from the Bible to study in depth. For
example, if you study about Noah and the ark, go to the trouble of marking off an area that represents the actual
size of the ark to help your family visualize its enormity. Choose and animal or two to study about and go to the
library or use the Internet to get more information. No matter what topic you choose for your discipleship time,
make it fun and include your children in the process as much as possible.

SPLINK!

Follow the Leader

Play an old favorite, Follow the Leader.

Choose one person to be the leader and the others (join in, Mom and Dad) follow that person and do what he or she does. (March, skip, jump, swing arms, put hands on head, etc.)

Ask:
Do you like being the follower or leader best? Why?

What would have happened if you had gone your own direction instead of following the leader? (You would have been left behind, you wouldn't be part of the game, you would be alone, etc.)

Why is it important to follow God? (We don't always know the right way to go; He knows what is best; He can be trusted, etc.)
2

Drawing in the Dark


Items Needed: blindfold
White board and marker or paper and crayon
Slips of paper with a name of something to be drawn on each one (dog, refrigerator, bicycle, computer, elephant, house, etc.)

Draw pictures to illustrate that others can help us, if we only listen.

Choose two volunteers. Designate one to draw and the other to guide. Let the guide choose an item to be drawn while the other one is blindfolded. The guide must help the person drawing by giving him or her instructions on where to place the marker, what to do draw, etc. When finished take off the blindfold and see the creation. Take turns guiding and drawing.

Ask:
What helped when you were drawing the picture? (The other person's instructions, having someone who could see what I was doing give me advice, etc.)

Would it have been harder if you didn't have someone helping you? (Yes)

How does God help us? (He gives us the Bible so we can know the right way; He gives us the Holy Spirit to guide us; He gives us people [parents, teachers, etc.] to help us.)

God wants us to know the right way to go, but we must be willing to listen and do what our parents, teachers, and others in authority tell us.

Ten Commandment Toss

Items needed: a ball
Marker (write the numbers 1-10 around the ball or write numbers on small pieces of paper and tape them to it)

The entire family should know the Ten Commandments by now. Gather the family in a circle. Toss the ball to someone. He or she must say the commandment that matches the number that is on top of the ball. (If the number 5 is at the top of the ball, he must say commandment number 5—Honor your father and mother.)

We must first learn the commands of God, so we can know what to do. When we follow and keep His commands, God is pleased with His disciples.

March 2 & 23 KID'S NIGHTS OUT! Kenya Fundraiser!

Dear Parents,

Mark your calendars! The Kenya Mission Trip group is doing a KIDS NIGHT OUT fundraiser.

Dates are March 2 and March 23 from 6 pm- 9 pm both nights.

Cost is $20 per child per night. (Pizza/Drinks included)

Sign up sheets are in the THC hall.

This is a great opportunity to support an amazing cause while your kids have an awesome time hanging out with some cool kids and world-traveling missionaries from Live Oak.
(On a personal note- these are some of the neatest kids and families you will ever meet. Your child will be so blessed by interacting with them!)
If you have questions, please call the amazing Suzie McNelly at
704-996-7863.

Blessings,
Jeannette Gist

D6 Home Connection for week of Feb. 19

Listen to God: Read Numbers 22:21-41
God will go to great lengths to protect His people. This passage describes one of the
Bible’s strangest incidents. Balaam’s donkey took drastic measures to avoid God’s angel
who held a drawn sword. It was an unusual method of communication for God to use, but
it sure did serve as a reminder that God is in control. He has ultimate authority over all
things. Lead your family in a discussion about this passage and what Balaam might have
thought when He heard that donkey speak.
Talk to God
Submitting to authority is not an easy thing for many to do. God has full authority
over us and can do whatever He chooses to do. It’s interesting that He
still gives us the freedom to make choices on our own. Encourage your family
members to recognize God’s authority in their lives and pray together for His
help with submitting to His authority daily.
Walk With God
Option 1: The more we know and understand about God, the easier it will be to respect His authority.
If the weather is pleasant, go outside to admire God’s creation. If weather is an issue,
look out a window to see what you can observe. Remind your family of God’s power over
nature, how He spoke it all into existence and has complete control over it (Mark 4:39). We
should trust God’s authority because He is our all-knowing, loving, holy Creator. Encourage your
family members to respect God’s authority and allow Him to work through their weaknesses.
Option 2: Choose a game your family members like to play (at least some of them) and play it together. Follow
some of the rules but randomly announce new ones whenever you feel like it. (When you roll a three, you
get to go again. When you land on this space you get to move someone else backward 9 spaces.) When you
are asked questions about why you are doing it, explain that you want to make some changes to the game.
Your attempts to make the changes will likely be unpopular with the rest of the players. Lead your family in
a discussion about the importance of recognizing authority. If every player could make his or her own rules,
there would be no authority. Remind your family that God has ultimate authority in our lives. We cannot
make up our own rules and expect a good outcome.
Week 12
February 19, 2012
D6 Family Theme: Authority
The Point: God has full authority to do as He wills.
The one page for every age

Classroom Changes THIS Sunday

Dear Parents,

As a reminder, in an effort to accomodate the growing numbers of families in the Tree House Club, we are going to start offering four classes in each service. This is an initiative that came out of our last THC teacher's meeting to serve children and families better.

Here is where we will meet in each service.

K, 1, 2 Boys 109
K, 1, 2 Girls 108

3, 4, 5 Boys 106
3, 4, 5 Girls 107

If you have questions, or concerns please contact me at jeannetteg@live-oak.org or 806-798-5583

Blessings,
Jeannette Gist

Tree House Club D6 Home Connection & Splink

Listen to God: Read Numbers 20:2-13; Deuteronomy 3:23-29
These passages describe a very serious mistake made by Moses as he led the children of Israel.
Moses was generally a good leader, but at one critical point in his life he carelessly lost
his temper. The event resulted in God’s judgment for him, and an important lesson about
obedience for us. Lead your family in a discussion about what this meant for Moses.
Talk to God
The manner in which we try to bring blessings to others may be just as important
as anything else. God wanted to bless Israel through Moses’ speaking
to the rock, but Moses chose to strike it. It’s important to understand that
almost obeying is still disobedience. Have a time of silent prayer with your
family. Encourage family members to identify things they may need to confess
to God as well as asking Him for courage to be completely obedient
Walk With God
Option 1: As you’re driving with the family, ask them to name traffic laws and the reasons
behind them, if they know them. Encourage every family member to name at least one. Depending
on the age of your children, it might be necessary to choose a different set of laws/
rules to discuss.
These rules we’ve talked about are important. If we chose not to follow them, it could be very bad
for us. God has provided many rules for us to follow as well. We need to be careful to follow them completely.
Remember that partial obedience is the same as disobedience.
Option 2: Choose a multi-part task like following a recipe for chocolate chip cookies. Gather all the ingredients
and follow all the steps except adding the chocolate chips. Bake some of the cookies like that, but add chocolate
chips to the rest of the dough to complete the steps. Put the cookies without the chips on a plate and
announce to the family that you are serving some chocolate chip cookies. Wait for the surprised looks and
inevitable comments regarding the lack of chocolate chips. Say, Well, I followed ever other step of the recipe
perfectly. I only left out one thing. Allow the family members to comment on your mistake before bringing
out the cookies that contain the chips. Lead your family in a discussion about complete obedience and the
difference it made for Moses. Encourage them to strive for obedience in every area of their lives this week.
Week 11
February 12, 2012
D6 Family Theme: Obedience
The Point: God expects His people to obey His commands.
The one page for every age
Early Elementary
Today your student learned about the importance of total obedience and
the consequences of sin. When the Israelites began complaining again
about the lack of water, God gave Moses instructions on what to do.
However, Moses obeyed the fi rst and second part of God’s instructions, but
disobeyed on the last part. God told him he was not allowed to enter the
Promised Land as the consequence for his disobedience. Help your student
learn the seventh and eighth commandments.
Upper Elementary
Today your student learned about the importance of total obedience
through the example of Moses’ partial obedience. God gave Moses
instructions on how to provide water for the Israelites. However, Moses’
only obeyed the first and second part of God’s instructions and disobeyed
the last part. The consequence for his disobedience was that Moses was
not allowed to enter the Promised Land.











SPLINK! (Simple ways to link families together!)

Valentine's Day Treasure Hunt
Items Needed: clues (below)
Treat—candy, cookies, or small prizes

Celebrate Valentine's Day with a treasure hunt.

Print the clues below (or make up your own) and hide them all, except the first one. Give the kids the first clue to start the hunt. Wrap a small gift for each child or put a box filled with goodies for them to find at the end. (You may have to adapt these a little for your house.)

Clue 1: Look on the bookcase to find what you must do.
If you do this, you will get your next clue.
Clue 2: Say “I love you” three times as quickly as can be;
Then look behind the TV if your clue you want to see.
Clue 3: Roses are red, violets are blue;
Go to the guest room to find your next clue.
Clue 4: Kiss each person on the forehead.
Then go look under your parent’s bed.
Clue 5: I wonder where the next clue will hide;
Maybe in the place where the clothes are dried.
Clue 6: Say something nice to each person in the
room.
Then go to the place where we keep the broom.
Clue 7: Good things come to those who look;
A clue can be found in a favorite book.
Clue 8: Concerning clues, if you want to find more.
Go to your dresser and count down four.
Clue 9: Turn around now and give each person a hug;
Then go to the bathroom and look under the rug.
Clue 10: If you want to find Clue Number 10,
Look in the room where people come in.
Clue 11: This hunt is fun; we think it’s really neat.
Look on the bottom of what you put on your feet.
Clue 12: You’re close to the treasure, you’re almost a
winner.
Look under the table where we eat dinner.
Clue 13: Unlock the door and go down the stair.
There’s a treasure hidden to show that we care.

When you obeyed what the clue said, you eventually found a treat! It is always good to obey!

What Makes You Feel Loved?

Ask:
What makes you feel loved?

(Listen carefully and you may get good insight to your child's heart.)

Read John 14:15 (If you love me, you will keep my commandments.)

When we love God, we obey His commandments; we do what He has told us to do.

First John 3:23 says that we should love one another. How? We should love with good deeds and truth . . . not just with words (1 John 3:18).

Draw names (keeping it a secret) and do something for the person whose name you drew that would make him or her feel loved.

Ten Commandments Memory Game

Keep reviewing the Ten Commandments.

Play the memory game sent home by the kids. If you don't have the game, write each commandment twice (with a pencil so it won't show through on other side). Write them on red paper hearts if you want to be festive! Turn them all over, scramble them up, and take turns choosing two to see if you can find a match. The one with the most matches wins!

D6 Family Connection

Listen to God: Read Numbers 13:26—14:10
After covering hundreds of miles, the spies gave their report to the community. They agreed that the land was a wonderful place, flowing with milk and honey, and producing great fruit.
They should have stopped the report there because they went on to scare the people with reports of the size and strength of the people who lived there. Caleb did not overlook the danger, but he saw beyond it to the promises of God (13:30). The others caved in to fear but Caleb showed his courage.
Talk to God. It’s often human nature to complain or adopt a “woe is me” attitude rather than show courage or willingness to do something difficult. Courage and faith go hand-in-hand so we need to exercise our faith more in these situations.
Lead your family in a time of prayer, asking the Lord to increase your
faith, which will increase your courage.

Walk With God
Option 1: Many Christians around the world are courageously braving dangerous situations.
As a family, take on a project to encourage these individuals. Pack a large shoebox with goodies, encouraging cards, and other helpful items to send to a missionary family. Contact organizations to learn about specific areas of need. Visit http://www.persecution.com/colombia for another idea on helping persecuted Christians. Pray each day for specific people in different
countries. Remind your family of the truth in Joshua 1:9.

Option 2: It is very important to talk to your kids about your own struggles with hard situations. Hearing your story can actually be one way to give them courage. (If my dad was afraid on his first day of school and he made it, so can I!) Write the following situations on slips of paper (first day of school, spending the night away from home, a bad storm, facing a bully, getting lost from a parent, facing peer pressure, standing for what is right, or others you think of). Allow each family member to choose a question from the pile. Ask the following questions:
How would you feel in this situation? What could you do so you could face this situation with courage?
Continue letting each person pick a slip of paper and brainstorm ideas about what to do in each situation.
Week 10
February 5, 2012
D6 Family Theme: Courage
The Point: Courage and faith go hand-in-hand.
Early Elementary
Your student learned Moses sent 12 spies into Canaan to check out the land.
Ten of the spies reported having doubts about entering the land. Caleb and
Joshua, however, trusted God’s plan and voiced their courage about going.
He or she learned about the consequences of the people who didn’t trust
God and His blessings on Caleb and Joshua and their families. Help your
student learn the fi fth and sixth commandments. Use the activities found in
the Family Link as a tool to help your student apply the lessons learned at
church to his or her life.

Upper Elementary
Your student learned about the importance of courage and standing up for
what is right. Moses sent 12 spies into Canaan to check out the land. Ten
of the spies reported having doubts about entering the land. Caleb and
Joshua, however, trusted God and voiced their courage about going. The
ten who didn’t trust God suffered sad consequences; Caleb, Joshua, and
their families were blessed.