Johnson Ferry Children's Ministry

Check out Today's (January 21) Family Talking Points!
*****
SMALL GROUP - The Holy Spirit Changes Us (Galatians 5)

Family Discussion Starters: Who gives us the power to obey God and produce good fruit? What does the Bible mean by good fruit? How can we live by following the Holy Spirit? What fruit of the Spirit do you see in your life?

Family Activity: Make a fruit salad with a variety of fruits. Allow kids to pick fruits from the grocery store that they haven’t tried before. As you enjoy the fruit salad, talk with kids about the fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5. Ask kids to describe how this fruit reflects Jesus Christ.
*****
KID'S CHURCH - I Will Tell the Truth!
Bible Story: Jacob Deceives Isaac (Genesis 27)
Verse: Zechariah 8:17

Although it was cold outside, this week in GA's & RA's we were feeling tropical as we learned about Hawaii and how God has been and is continuing to be on mission there, especially in light of the recent Maui fires that devastated the island last fall. We even had a hula dancing lesson! 🌺🌴🌺

Continuing the Conversation:

Scripture: Ask your child what they learned about how Hope Chapel in Maui is helping their neighbors in need. With your child, read Matthew 25:31-40. Connect this passage to the work Hope Chapel is doing and pray together about how your family can be a part of helping others in need.

Activity: The Hawaii spirit is all about ohana (family)! In fact, there is emphasis on honor and respect associated with ohana. With that in mind, have a family luau night and plan a Hawaiian-themed dinner! As you eat your luau meal with your family, have each member of the family honor the others at the table by providing an encouraging word about each individual seated around the table.

This past Wednesday night (Jan 10), we were so excited to welcome our GA's & RA's back for a new semester and we started back by reminding ourselves of our theme verse - Matthew 5:16 - which talks about shining our light for Jesus. What a great verse to apply as an outlook for a new year!

Continuing the Conversation:
Scripture: With your child, read Ephesians 5:8-10. Connect this passage to our GA/RA theme verse (Matthew 5:16) and discuss what "fruit" this type of light might produce.

Activity: One evening this week, grab a flashlight and set down with your family in whatever room is comfortable. Give one person the flashlight and turn off the lights in the room. That person will then shine the flashlight on someone else in the room and describe a way he or she shines their light to others. Once finished, the person who was described will take the flashlight and they will repeat for another family member and so on.

Wednesday Night Activities start back THIS Wednesday, January 10! For kids, we offer Music & Missions (GA's/RA's) and we even offer discipleship classes for adults. There's even a family dinner offered prior to the start of evening activities. For more information, visit The Hub at johnsonferry.org!

Check out Today's (January 7) Family Talking Points!
*****
KID'S CHURCH - I Will Resist Temptation!
Bible Story: Adam and Eve and the Serpent (Genesis 3)
Verse: 1 Corinthians 10:13
*****
SMALL GROUP - Jesus Gave His Followers a Mission (Acts 1)

Family Discussion Starters:
Who is the Holy Spirit? Why did Jesus promise to send the Holy Spirit? How is the Holy Spirit our Helper?

Family Activity: Host a competition for your family to see who can lift the most weight, do the most jumping jacks, or stand on one foot the longest. Discuss how these events require strength and dedication. Remind kids of the mission Jesus gave His disciples, and how He promised the Holy Spirit would give them power to complete the mission.

Mark your calendars for VBS 2024: BACKSTAGE PASS, June 24-27, 2024! Registration is now open for kids who will have completed Kindergarten through 5th grade by the end of the 2023-24 school year.

If you've previously attended VBS at JFBC, check your email for more information. If you're new to JFBC, visit https://my.johnsonferry.org/default.aspx?page=4625&eventId=22059.

We are SO EXCITED to welcome you and your kids back this Sunday, January 7th, for preschool/children's groups (8:30 am, 10 am, 11:30 am) and Kids Church (10 am)! See you Sunday!

From Connect Groups to GA's & RA's, from VBS to Children's Camp, from Kids Church to kids/family missions opportunities, we are SO blessed to have been a part of yours and your family's lives this past year! We are so pumped for 2024 and can't wait to see what God has in store!

A reminder that this Sunday, December 31, is a Family Worship Sunday. There will be no preschool groups, children's groups, or Kids Church. There is only one service (Traditional and Modern) at 10 am.

OH COME LET US ADORE HIM ADVENT | DAY 25

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Family Talking Points:
Read Matthew 2:11-12. Gold, frankincense, and myrrh are gifts given to people of importance - to kings. Why is it important that this passage tells us the Magi gave Jesus these three gifts?

What from this passage stood out to you? Are there any words you don't recognize?

Family Activity:
Think of someone who could use a reminder that they are loved today. Buy or bake a sweet treat and drop it off with a handwritten note.

********
Physical copies of this Advent Calendar available at the receptionist desks in the atrium or the 2nd floor atrium's Family Discipleship "House" display. A digital copy is available by visiting the link in our bio.

A very Merry Christmas from all of us on the Johnson Ferry Children & Preschool Ministry Team! We pray blessings over a sweet day filled with love, family, friends, and celebrating THE greatest gift, Jesus!

OH COME LET US ADORE HIM ADVENT | DAY 24

Family Talking Points:
Read Matthew 2:9-10. The Magi were not Jews. They did not have the history Israel had. What do we learn about them that they were overjoyed to see the star? What from this passage stood out to you?

Family Activity:
Have a sleepover by the Christmas tree in your sleeping bags (bonus points for the parents if you make it all night long without sneaking off to your bed!)

********
Physical copies of this Advent Calendar available at the receptionist desks in the atrium or the 2nd floor atrium's Family Discipleship "House" display. A digital copy is available by visiting the link in our bio.

"Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” - Luke 2:11-12

Blessings this Christmas Eve as you and your family celebrate the birth of our Savior!

OH COME LET US ADORE HIM ADVENT | DAY 23

Family Talking Points:
Read Matthew 2:3-8. King Herod was the ruler of Israel when Jesus was born. The passage says he was disturbed when the Magi told him about Jesus. What does this tell us about King Herod?

King Herod also asked the Magi to tell him where Jesus was, so he could go and worship Him too. Was Herod really wanting to worship Jesus? What does this passage teach us about the different ways people can react to Jesus?

Family Activity:
As a family, read the Christmas story by candlelight. Level up: Have everyone dress up and act out the Christmas story together!

********
Physical copies of this Advent Calendar available at the receptionist desks in the atrium or the 2nd floor atrium's Family Discipleship "House" display. A digital copy is available by visiting the link in our bio.

OH COME LET US ADORE HIM ADVENT | DAY 22

Family Talking Points:
Read Matthew 2:1-2. The Magi traveled a long, long way to come see Jesus. What does that teach us about them?

The Magi also say they have come to worship Him. Can the Magi, who traveled a long way just to worship Jesus, teach us anything about ourselves?

Family Activity:
Relax and have fun as a family while coloring. You can send your completed picture to one of your favorite people or someone who needs encouragement.

********
Physical copies of this Advent Calendar available at the receptionist desks in the atrium or the 2nd floor atrium's Family Discipleship "House" display. A digital copy is available by visiting the link in our bio.

A reminder that this Sunday, December 24, is a Family Worship Sunday. There will be no children's groups or Kids Church. Preschoolers (infant - 4 yrs) must have been pre-registered for preschool or childcare hours. Service times are 10 am, 1 pm, 3 pm, and 5 pm. More information at johnsonferry.org/christmaseve.

OH COME LET US ADORE HIM ADVENT | DAY 21

Family Talking Points:
Read John 10:11-16. Jesus calls Himself the good shepherd. What does He say a good shepherd does? What did Jesus do for us on the cross? What does that teach us about Jesus?

If Jesus is the shepherd, who are the sheep? Is it challenging to think of yourself as a sheep?

Family Activity:
Take the family playlist you created and have a family dance party! Crank the music up, grab any fun Christmas accessories you have (reindeer antlers, anyone?!), and celebrate the joy that Christmas brings!

********
Physical copies of this Advent Calendar available at the receptionist desks in the atrium or the 2nd floor atrium's Family Discipleship "House" display. A digital copy is available by visiting the link in our bio.

OH COME LET US ADORE HIM ADVENT | DAY 20

Family Talking Points:
Read Psalm 23. The psalm calls the Lord our shepherd. What does the psalmist go on to say the shepherd does for them? What does this tell us about the Lord? What from this passage stood out to you?

Family Activity:
Set up time in the next week to do a video call as a family with out-of-town friends or family that you miss.

********
Physical copies of this Advent Calendar available at the receptionist desks in the atrium or the 2nd floor atrium's Family Discipleship "House" display. A digital copy is available by visiting the link in our bio.

OH COME LET US ADORE HIM ADVENT | DAY 19

Family Talking Points:
Read Luke 2:19-20. The passage says Mary treasured and pondered these things in her heart. What was she doing? How can we respond when God works in our lives?

The passage ends with "which were just as they had been told." What does this teach us about God?

Family Activity:
Make a gingerbread house as a family and talk about the best gifts you've ever received as you decorate.

********
Physical copies of this Advent Calendar available at the receptionist desks in the atrium or the 2nd floor atrium's Family Discipleship "House" display. A digital copy is available by visiting the link in our bio.

OH COME LET US ADORE HIM ADVENT | DAY 18

Family Talking Points:
Read Luke 2:15-18. What does this passage teach us about the shepherds? What did they do once they had seen Jesus? What should we do when we hear something from God? What stood out to you from this passage?

Family Activity:
Stage a funny family photo shoot. You can do the ugly Christmas sweaters (pull back out those reindeer antlers!), or attempt to recreate an iconic Christmas movie scene. Post the silly photos on social media to spread some joy!

********
Physical copies of this Advent Calendar available at the receptionist desks in the atrium or the 2nd floor atrium's Family Discipleship "House" display. A digital copy is available by visiting the link in our bio.

OH COME LET US ADORE HIM ADVENT | DAY 17

Family Talking Points:
Read Luke 2:13-14. What do we learn about the angels in this passage?

Have you heard the phrase "Peace on earth, goodwill to men" around Christmas? Does that phrase match what the angels said? Is it challenging to see the difference? What does that mean?

Family Activity:
Make a family Christmas playlist allowing each family member to pick two or three of their favorites. Then sing your heart out! Just like the angels on that first Christmas night!

🎄️Attention parents with preschoolers! 🎄️ See info regarding our Christmas Eve Services. Register at johnsonferry.org/christmaseve. Registration closes Monday, December 18.

OH COME LET US ADORE HIM ADVENT | DAY 16

Family Talking Points:
Read Luke 2:10-12 What does this passage tell us about Jesus?

What from this passage stood out to you? Why would it be important to find Jesus wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger?

Family Activity:
Make some hot chocolate or another favorite Christmas treat and head out to check out all the Christmas lights in your community.

********
Physical copies of this Advent Calendar available at the receptionist desks in the atrium or the 2nd floor atrium's Family Discipleship "House" display. A digital copy is available by visiting the link in our bio.

OH COME LET US ADORE HIM ADVENT | DAY 15

Family Talking Points:
Read Luke 2:8-9. The shepherds were the only other people in Bethlehem that God told about the birth of Jesus. Shepherds were usually poor and smelly and on the outskirts of society. Knowing this, what do we learn about God that He would reach out to the shepherds and no one else?

This passage says the shepherds were terrified of the angel. Why do you think that is?

Is that challenging to think about?

Family Activity:
Cut a sheet of paper into strips and then write a joyful message on the strips, even a simple "Merry Christmas!" Tape the strips to candy canes, and then do a mailbox drive-by in your neighborhood, spreading the messages of joy!

********
Physical copies of this Advent Calendar available at the receptionist desks in the atrium or the 2nd floor atrium's Family Discipleship "House" display. A digital copy is available by visiting the link in our bio.

OH COME LET US ADORE HIM ADVENT | DAY 14

Family Talking Points:
Read John 1:1-14. John gives a different view on how Jesus came into the world. John calls Jesus "The Word." What do we learn about Jesus in this passage? John also calls Jesus "the light." Thinking about Jesus this way, what else do we learn about Him? What are those who receive Jesus called?

Family Activity:
Make a family favorite Christmas treat. (We like sugar cookies with icing!) Level up by making enough to share with the neighbors!

********
Physical copies of this Advent Calendar available at the receptionist desks in the atrium or the 2nd floor atrium's Family Discipleship "House" display. A digital copy is available by visiting the link in our bio.

OH COME LET US ADORE HIM ADVENT | DAY 13

Family Talking Points:
Read Luke 2:21-40. In this passage we see Simeon and Ana, two people who have waited patiently for God to fulfill His promise to bring the Messiah. What did Simeon say about Jesus?

What do we learn about God from Simeon and Ana? What did you find to be challenging in this passage?

Family Activity:
The Christmas season can be exhausting. Take some time to recharge as a family and find some inner peace. Play a board game together, watch a Christmas movie, or simply play instrumental Christmas music while everyone relaxes.

********
Physical copies of this Advent Calendar available at the receptionist desks in the atrium or the 2nd floor atrium's Family Discipleship "House" display. A digital copy is available by visiting the link in our bio.

OH COME LET US ADORE HIM ADVENT | DAY 12

Family Talking Points:
Read Luke 2:1-7. What do we learn about Jesus in this passage?

The verses say Mary had to place Jesus in a manger because there was no guest room available for them. What do we learn about the other people in Bethlehem that night? Did they know the Messiah was coming into the world?

Family Activity:
Sometimes a way to show people we love them or are thankful for them is to prepare a space for them. Take time to do some chores and invite someone over for hot chocolate or dinner!

********
Physical copies of this Advent Calendar available at the receptionist desks in the atrium or the 2nd floor atrium's Family Discipleship "House" display. A digital copy is available by visiting the link in our bio.