Preschool & Children
FAMILY UPDATES
CHILDREN’S NEWS
HAPPY THANKSGIVING & MERRY CHRISTMAS!
We are so thankful for all of you! This time of year, the verses from Philippians 1:3-5 jump out as we pray for you all, “I give thanks to my God for every remembrance of you, always praying with joy for all of you in my every prayer, because of your partnership in the Gospel from the first day until now.” It brings our team great joy to partner with you to lead your kids to Christ. Whether you are a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, or guardian, we are excited to share with you what we are learning Sunday mornings, mission opportunities, preteen ministry, and preschool news.
As always, we have resources to help you point kids to Christ. RightNow Media has a wide variety of fantastic videos and resources for you. You can also access excellent resources from D6 Everyday Foundations.
Children’s Baptism
If your child is asking questions about Baptism and/or is interested in being Baptized, please join us on the second Sunday of the month (December 10) at 11:30am in the Matchbox/Room 242 for our Children’s Baptism: Step One. This informational meeting is for you and your child to attend together.
No reservations are required.
Caring Well Hotline
In response to the independent audit of our policies and procedures regarding protecting children and vulnerable adults, we have created the Caring Well Hotline. This hotline is designed so that you have an outlet to report any abuse or suspicion of abuse you witness or experience related to Johnson Ferry staff or programs. The hotline number is (678) 784-5399. The number can also be found on the footer of our website. The caller can remain anonymous; however, if you choose to remain anonymous, it will make it more challenging to investigate the reported abuse. While we pray that no one has to ever report abuse, we believe this hotline not only helps protect those who are vulnerable but it also provides care to those who experience abuse; it strengthens our existing policies and procedures. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us directly.
WHAT WE’RE LEARNING
Children's Groups
December 3
Group Focus: Jesus was Put on Trial (Matthew 26-27)
Family Discussion Starters: How did Jesus prove He is alive? How do the stories of God’s faithfulness in the Bible help you trust in what you haven’t seen?
Family Activity: Visit a museum or an exhibit with historical artifacts. Alternatively, visit an online virtual tour of a museum to view artifacts. Discuss how these artifacts provide evidence of people, places, and events in the past. Remind kids of the evidence we have in Scripture that proves Jesus is God’s Son and that He is alive.
December 10
Group Focus: Jesus Appeared to Thomas (John 20)
Family Discussion Starters: Why did Thomas eventually believe Jesus was alive? What do you believe to be true about God even though you haven’t seen Him?
Family Activity: Set up an obstacle course through the house and direct kids to navigate the course blindfolded. Attempt the course again but now have a family member guide kids by her voice. Discuss how faith is believing in something not seen. Tell kids that even though we have not seen Jesus, we are blessed when we believe in Him.
December 17
Group Focus: Jesus Forgave Peter (John 21)
Family Discussion Starters: How does Jesus forgive our sins? Jesus told Peter to take care of His sheep. What job has Jesus given us today? How does it feel to know God wants to use you in His plan?
Family Activity: Consider how you might show self-sacrifice as a family by caring for a neighbor’s pet or offering to serve at church. Discuss how Jesus’ sacrifice has paid our debt and that we’re forgiven of sin. Remind kids that Jesus forgave Peter and called him to love others and share the gospel.
December 24
No Children’s Groups
December 31
No Children’s Groups
Kid's Church
December 3
Theme: I Will Encourage Others!
Bible Story: Christmas Through the Eyes of Elizabeth (Luke 1:39-56)
Verse: “This is my command-be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord, your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)
December 10
Theme: I Will Be Loyal To People Who Are Loyal To God!
Bible Story: Christmas Through the Eyes of Joseph (Matthew 1:18-25)
Verse: “A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need.” (Proverbs 17:17)
December 17
Theme: I Can Have Joy and Share It With Others!
Bible Story: Christmas Through the Eyes of the Shepherds (Luke 2:8-20)
Verse: Everyone will share the story of your wonderful goodness; they will sing with joy about your righteousness.” (Psalm 145:7)
December 24
No Kid’s Church
December 31
No Kid’s Church
ignite preteens
5th grade updates
We will have our Ignite Christmas Party on December 17 during our normal 10 AM hour. This will be a fun time to celebrate Christmas, hear a fun retelling of the Christmas story, play games, and enjoy some festive snacks!
No registration is required – we hope that you all can make it to this fun event!
KID’S MISSIONS
The Season for Giving
While GAs and RAs are off for the month of December, their contribution to the Christmas season is in full swing!
In the atrium, you will see Christmas trees with ornaments hanging that have a globe inside that a GA or RA has decorated. These ornaments were designed in conjunction with JFBC Global’s emphasis on Christmas missions. You can find out more by clicking here.
As you read through the church’s missions emphasis for the Christmas season, see which opportunity God is prompting your family to give toward. When you have decided, make your contribution, and then get an ornament as a “thank you” for giving to help those who need to know and see the love of Jesus. Your gift will impact SO many!
You can even encourage your kids to join you in this giving opportunity by doing extra chores, doing yard work, baking/selling baked goods, etc. It can be a total family affair!
At the end of the month, as you prep your 2024 year calendar, mark Wednesday, January 10, down as the start of GAs and RAs, where we will continue to learn how to “shine our light” to the world!
preschool
PARENT VOLUNTEERS
ALL PARENTS of regularly attending children are urged to participate in the success of our Preschool Sunday Groups by serving in a classroom where a regular volunteer is not scheduled. These positions may be in any age group (birth – Kindergarten). Must be Safe Harbor Approved.
ALL PARENTS should serve a minimum of 6 times a year in any position unless scheduled for another regular serving commitment (ex. teaching in Elementary, Students and Adults on Sunday morning, singing in Choir, playing in Orchestra, a regularly scheduled Connections Team member, regularly serving in Kids Church). Please ensure your Safe Harbor Approval no later than two weeks prior to serving. Sign Up available here!
We’re using SignUp.com (the leading online SignUp and reminder tool) to organize our upcoming SignUps. Here’s how it works in 3 easy steps:
- Click this link to see our SignUp
- Review the options listed and choose the spot(s) you like.
- Sign up! It’s Easy – you will NOT need to register an account or keep a password on SignUp.
Note: SignUp does not share your email address with anyone. If you prefer not to use your email address, don’t hesitate to get in touch with [email protected], and we can sign you up manually.
CARING WELL HOTLINE
In response to the independent audit of our policies and procedures regarding protecting children and vulnerable adults, we have created the Caring Well Hotline. This hotline is designed so that you have an outlet to report any abuse or suspicion of abuse you witness or experience related to Johnson Ferry staff or programs. The hotline number is 678.784.5399. The number can also be found on the footer of our website. The caller can remain anonymous; however, if you choose to remain anonymous, it will make it more challenging to investigate the reported abuse.
While we pray that no one has to ever report abuse, we believe this hotline not only helps protect those who are vulnerable but it also provides care to those who experience abuse. It strengthens our existing policies and procedures.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us directly.
New Preschool Ministry T-Shirts
T-shirts representing your enthusiasm for ensuring that God’s truth is taught to our children, that we ensure ALL children belong, and that we lead our children to embrace their God-directed purpose in life are now available for purchase.