Quarter 5: Week 9: Holy Living in the Promised Land

There are a lot of things I want to share in this lesson with the kids and with you
So I am going to thoughtfully limit it here.

FIRST, I want to let you know that passages of scripture like Joshua 24 are why we made the change to a curriculum that goes through the entire Bible.
Throughout the Old and New Testament people rehearse the Bible narrative to show God's faithfulness.  It happens in Joshua, Psalms, Acts and other books of the Bible.
Even Phil Vischer, the creator of Veggietales has come to see the importance of the Biblical narrative in helping kids grow.
http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/tgc/2013/10/23/veggietales-creator-brings-gospel-centered-biblical-theology-to-kids/


SECOND, here are some specific things related to this lesson.

You could have someone read 23:2b-16 as Joshua saying these words to the people.

A good way to outline Joshua 23, 24 is:

1. Be Courageous.  Be Brave.  God is faithful.  (23:6)  Joshua was told to be courageous in Joshua 1.  Now he is telling the Israelites to do the same.
2. Be Careful. The land you are entering is filled with enemies but God will fight for you if you trust and obey.  (23:11)
3. Be committed.  (24:14-28)

This lesson paired with the corrected verses provide a great opportunity to share the Gospel with the children.

The Bible narrative up to this point shows God's faithfulness despite Israel's repeated disobedience.
Then you come to Joshua 24:15, Joshua's response and challenge to the Israelites in light of God's faithfulness.
“And if it seems evil to you to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD”

Romans 5:6-10 shows us God's faithfulness and mercy in Jesus Christ despite our sinfulness.
We need to help the children see this truth and respond in faith and trust to God.

Quarter 5: Week 8: God reveals Achan's sin

Joshua 7

Quarter 5: Week 7: God gives Jericho to Israel

Joshua 6

Quarter 5: Week 6: God reveals His might at the Jordan River

Joshua 3:1 - 5:1

Pictures of the 100 wing

This is the new hallway with the "grass" and "path" down the hall.  There will be decorations on the solid blue wall.

This is one of the classrooms.  In the tiled area there is a sink and the bathroom entrance.

SERVING = GROWING - reminders about this quarter and serving.

This quarter there are a lot of growth opportunities for members of EBC.

I found this quote in one of my journals and thought it was very appropriate for where we are right now in the children's ministry.

"The church must provide relational opportunities for congregants, matching those who need to grow with individuals and ministries that facilitate growth.  Because serving people is such a crucial dimension of spiritual maturity, churches help people grow by giving them opportunities to meet the needs of others."

Read that again, service opportunities are growth opportunities.
 Check out the church blog for more about this quote (blog.emmanuelbaptist.com)

I want to share a couple of things with you regarding children's ministry.

1. Prayer:  Please be praying for the ministries of the church, especially the children's ministry.
2. Ministry serving time:  While Andrea and I would love to have people serve for 13 weeks, we have given people opportunities to serve for shorter periods.  While most of the feedback I have received from teachers has been positive, others have expressed some concern.  As you read through the following reasons, please know that there are positives and negatives to every approach.  Let me remind you why we would like to have people serve for the quarter.
1.  For the teachers:  With the two service format, it allows you to attend a full class for a quarter without missing 1/3 or 2/3 of the quarter.
2. For the children:  It provides a more consistent environment for the children in the class rooms.
3. For the parents:  We have been talking about helping parents disciple their children.  The quarterly set up provides better opportunities to connect with parents.
4. For leaders:  Instead of making sure teachers are in place and resources are distributed each month (12 times a year), transitions are only 4 times a year.  
   
3. Inviting others to serve:  I want to remind you to be encouraging and inviting others to serve alongside you or with another class.  Two real practical things to remember about inviting others.  
1. CTP forms are available online @  www.emmanuelbaptist.com/children
2. All teachers need to attend one of the upcoming teacher meetings (September 22 or 24).  You can invite someone to attend one of these meetings to find out more about the children's ministry. 

Thank you for your service and know that if you have any questions, concerns or blessings, please let me know!

Thanks!
Pastor Dave