Morningside Kids 9/6/20

Bible Passage: Jesus Walked on Water

Key Passage: Psalm 40:5

Big Picture Question: Why did Jesus perform miracles? Jesus performed miracles to show He is the son of God.

Story Point: Jesus showed He is God by walking on water.

Next Week: Jesus the Miracle Worker, Jesus Showed His Glory

Jesus had just fed more than five thousand people on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. After sending away the people and directing His disciples to go back across the sea, Jesus went to a mountain to pray. It was late, and He sought to be alone with His Father. Jesus was preparing to fulfill His Father’s plan. Before long, He would die on the cross and rescue people from sin.

While Jesus prayed, the disciples struggled to cross the sea. A storm came and tossed their boat up and down. They didn’t make any progress against the waves. Then, in the early morning hours, they saw a figure walking toward them on the water. They thought it was a ghost, but it was Jesus!

Peter asked Jesus to command him to come out on the water, and Jesus called to him. Peter walked on the water too—until he remembered the storm. Peter took his eyes off of Jesus, and he began to sink. Peter cried out to Jesus, “Save me!”

Jesus took Peter by the hand, and they got into the boat. The wind and waves calmed. Though Peter had doubted, the disciples worshiped Jesus. Clearly He was no ordinary man; this was the Son of God—the promised Messiah!

Christ Connection: Jesus proved that He can be trusted. His miracles, teaching, death, and resurrection showed that He is who He says He is. Only Jesus can save us when we look to Him in faith.

As you talk with your kids, encourage them to look to Jesus in faith every day. We can seek Him for our salvation and for help as we live in this world. Even in the midst of fear and doubt, we can hold out our empty hands and cry, “Lord, save me!” He will answer, and we can respond in worship of our Lord and Savior.

Coming Up: Gospel Project for Kids

We begin our new Sunday schedule on 9/13 at 10:00 & 11:00 going through the life of Jesus with a particular focus on Volume 9: Jesus the Savior of our 3-year cycle. Our Preschoolers and Elementary kids are all learning the same Bible truths and stories.

September 13 - Unit 24 - Session 4 - Jesus Showed His Glory

Unit 25: The Kingdom to Come

September 20 - Session 1 - Kingdom Parables

September 27 - Session 2 - The Three Parables

October 4 - Session 3 - Jesus’ Hard Teachings

October 11 - Session 4 - Jesus Raises Lazarus

Unit 26: To the Cross

October 18 - Session 1 - Jesus’ Triumphal Entry; TBL Cards

October 25 - Session 2 - Jesus Was Questioned

November 1 - Session 3 - The Last Supper

November 8 - Session 4 - Jesus Was Arrested

November 15 - Session 5 - Jesus’ Crucifixion

Unit 27: Out of the Grave

November 22 - Session 1 - Jesus’ Resurrection

November 29 - Session 2 - The Emmaus Disciples

December 6 - Session 3 - Jesus Appeared to the Disciples

December 13 - Christmas Program @ 10 a.m./Christmas party @ 11 a.m.

December 20 - Christmas Lessons - Children’s Christmas Recital @ 11 a.m.

December 27 - Christmas Lessons

Kids on Mission K4-5th Calendars

Kids on Mission will depart for Central and South America on 9/9 at 6:45pm! Younger kids (K4-2nd) will learn about the lives of Biblical characters and how they fit into the bigger picture of God's salvation plan. Younger kids will say short, applicable verses related to the Bible characters, God and His Gospel along with time for crafts and games. 

Older kids (3rd-5th) will learn about the truths of God, The Bible, Jesus and Grace in large group and small group settings that will prepare them to GO into a world that needs the Gospel and TELL others of this Good News. Older kids will also enjoy crafts and games.

Special dress-up nights and mission focus nights will be a highlight for everyone. We are continuing to give our offering funds to the Travers family throughout the school year. Don’t forget to wear those Kids on Mission t-shirts!

Kids on Mission Key Verse:

“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that brings good tidings, that publishes peace; that brings good tidings of good, that publishes salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigns!” -Isaiah 52:7

K4-2nd Grade Calendar

9/9 Welcome to Kids on Mission

9/16 Creation - Genesis 1:31 - Creation Night - Lesson/Games

9/23 Adam & Eve - Romans 3:23 - Lesson/Crafts

9/30 Noah - I Peter 1:25 - Rain Gear Night - Lesson/Games

10/7 Abraham & God’s Promise - Romans 4:3 - Starry Night - Lesson/Craft

10/14 Joseph - Genesis 50:20  - Lesson/Games -Color-Filled Night!

10/21 Moses in Egypt  - John 3:14 - Lesson/Craft

10/28 Moses & The 10 Comm. - John 3:15 - Crazy Shoe Night - Lesson/Games

11/4 Missions Night - What is a Missionary?

11/11 Joshua & Caleb - Joshua 1:9 - Hero Night - Lesson/Crafts

11/18 Joshua & the Israelites - Joshua 24:24 - Lesson/Games

11/25 Happy Thanksgiving! No Kids on Mission

12/2 Deborah - Deuteronomy 6:5 - Lesson/Crafts

12/9   Samson - Jeremiah 32:27 - Crazy Hair Night - Lesson/Games

12/16  Missions Night - Jesus fulfilled God’s Promise - Lesson/Crafts

12/23 Merry Christmas! No Kids on Mission

12/30 Happy New Year! No Kids on Mission

1/6   Samuel - Proverbs 20:11 - Pajama Night - Lesson/Crafts

1/13 David - Psalm 23 - Lesson/Games

1/20  Solomon - Psalm 23 - Kings and Queens Night - Lesson/Crafts

1/27 Elijah - Psalm 23 - Lesson/Games

2/3 Josiah - I Peter 1:25 - Alphabet Night (Valentine’s) - Lesson/Crafts

2/10 Daniel - I Thessalonians 5:17-18 - Lesson/Games

2/17 Esther -  Proverbs 31:30 - Lesson/Crafts

2/24 Nehemiah - Colossians 3:23 - Tool Night - Lesson/Games

3/3 Missions Night - God Calls Us to Go! - Special Speaker - Kevin Chen

3/10 Jesus’ Disciples - Mark 1:17 - Beach Night - Lesson/Games

3/17 Jesus’ Death - Romans 5:8 - Lesson/Crafts

3/24 Spring Break! No Kids on Mission

3/31 Jesus’ Resurrection - Matthew 28:6 - Lesson/Games

4/7 Men on the Road to Emmaus - Luke 24:32 - Lesson/Crafts

4/14 Peter - Matthew 16:16 - Lesson/Games

4/21  Jesus’ Ascension - John 14:2 - Lesson/Crafts

4/28  Jesus’ Apostles - Acts 4:33 - Lesson/Games

5/5 Missions Night - Kids on Mission Celebration!

3rd-5th Grade Calendar

9/9 Welcome/Unit 1 Intro: God is... Large Group/Small Groups

9/16 God is Creator - Crafts/Small Groups - Revelation 4:11

9/23 God is Holy - Games/Small Groups - Revelation 4:8b; review Revelation 4:11

9/30 God is Just - Crafts/Small Groups - Deuteronomy 32:4; review Revelation 4:8b

10/7 God is Love - Games/Small Groups - Ephesians 2:4-5; review Deuteronomy 32:4

10/14 God is Eternal - Crafts/Small Groups - Psalm 90:2; review Ephesians 2:4-5

10/21 God is...Review - Games/Small Groups 

10/28 Missions Night: God is With You - Large Group/Crafts -Deuteronomy 31:6

11/4 Unit 2 Intro: The Bible is...Large Group/Small Groups

11/11 The Bible True and Without Error - Games/Small Groups - Psalm 119:160

11/18 The Bible Helps Us Know God - Crafts/Small Groups - John 20:31; review Psalm 119:160

11/25 Happy Thanksgiving! No Kids on Mission

12/2 The Bible Should Be Studied Carefully - Games/Small Groups - 2 Timothy 2:15; 

review John 20:31

 12/9 The Bible is...Review - Crafts/Small Groups

12/16 Missions Night: The Bible is Our Guide - Large Group/Games - Psalm 119:105

12/23 Merry Christmas! No Kids on Mission

12/30 Happy New Year! No Kids on Mission

1/6 Unit 3 Intro: Jesus is...Games/Small Groups - John 14:6 - “The way, the truth and the life”

1/13 Jesus is Fully God - Crafts/Small Groups - Hebrews 1:3

1/20 Jesus is Fully Man - Games/Small Groups - John 1:14; review Hebrews 1:3

1/27 Jesus is Savior - Crafts/Small Groups - I Peter 2:24; review John 1:14

2/3 Jesus Conquered Death - Games/Small Groups - I Corinthians 15:19-20; review I Peter 2:24

2/10 Jesus Wants Us to Follow Him - Crafts/Small Groups - Ephesians 5:1-2; 

review I Corinthians 15:19-20

2/17 Jesus Showed Grace to Others - Games/Small Groups - I Corinthians 1:3-4;

review Ephesians 5:1-2

2/24 Jesus is...Review - Crafts/Small Groups

3/3 Missions Night: Share the Gospel - Special Speaker - Kevin Chen

3/10 Unit 4 Intro: Living By Grace - Large Group/Small Groups  

3/17 What is Grace? - Games/Small Groups - Romans 5:1-2 

3/24 Spring Break! No Kids on Mission

3/31 Grace and Law - Crafts/Small Groups - Galatians 3:2-3; review Romans 5:1-2

4/7 Grace to Obey - Games/Small Groups - Titus 3:1; review Galatians 3:2-3

4/14 Grace to Forgive - Crafts/Small Groups - Ephesians 4:32; review Titus 3:1

4/21 Grace and Paul - Games/Small Groups - I Timothy 1:13-14; review Ephesians 4:32

4/28 Grace in Action - Crafts/Small Groups - Galatians 6:9-10; review I Timothy 1:13-14

5/5 Missions Night: Go!    

Morningside Kids 8/30/20

Bible Passage: Jesus Fed a Crowd

Key Passage: Psalm 40:5

Big Picture Question: Why did Jesus perform miracles? Jesus performed miracles to show He is the son of God.

Story Point: Jesus miraculously fed a crowd with five loaves and two fish.

Next Week: Jesus the Miracle Worker, Jesus Walked on Water

Jesus’ disciples had been working hard, teaching people and healing them. Jesus called them to go away with Him to a desolate place so they could rest. By now, Jesus’ popularity was so great that finding a place to be alone was difficult. When Jesus and His disciples crossed the Sea of Galilee, the crowd of people were already waiting for them on the other side.

Jesus saw the crowds, but He wasn’t frustrated or angry. He didn’t tell them to go away. Instead, He had compassion on them because they were lost—like sheep without a shepherd. Jesus is the Good Shepherd who seeks and saves the lost. (See Luke 19:10; John 10:14.)

The miracle Jesus performed that evening—feeding 5,000 men plus women and children—is the only miracle during Jesus’ earthly ministry that is recorded in all four Gospels. The same God who provided manna for the Israelites in the wilderness multiplied loaves and fish to satisfy the crowd.

But Jesus’ didn’t intend to only meet people's physical needs. He came to satisfy their spiritual needs as well. In John 6:35, Jesus said, “I am the bread of life.” He said that no one who comes to Him will ever be hungry, and no one who believes in Him will ever be thirsty again.

Jesus is the bread that came down from heaven. (See John 6:41.) God provided His Son as the perfect sacrifice to take away our sins. At the first Lord’s Supper, Jesus broke bread—a symbol of His death on the cross. (See Matt. 26:26.)

Christ Connection: By feeding the five thousand, Jesus provided for the physical needs of the crowd. The next day, Jesus called Himself the bread of life. (John 6:35) Only Jesus is able to satisfy our souls forever by providing forgiveness, peace with God, and eternal life.

As you share with your kids, help them know that God can and will provide for our needs. Kids can trust Him for their “daily bread.” (See Matt. 6:11.) God met our greatest need in giving us salvation through Jesus. Will He not graciously give us all things.

Kids on Mission 2020-2021

Kids on Mission will depart for Central and South America on 9/9 at 6:45pm! Younger kids (K4-2nd) will learn about the lives of Biblical characters and how they fit into the bigger picture of God's salvation plan. Younger kids will say short, applicable verses related to the Bible characters, God and His Gospel along with time for crafts and games. 

Older kids (3rd-5th) will learn about the truths of God, The Bible, Jesus and Grace in large group and small group settings that will prepare them to GO into a world that needs the Gospel and TELL others of this Good News. Older kids will also enjoy crafts and games.

Special dress-up nights and mission focus nights will be a highlight for everyone. Your kids won't want to miss it! Register now and stayed tuned for upcoming details!

Thank you to our 13 volunteers who have signed up to make an impact in the lives of our Morningside Kids on Wednesday nights! How about you? Will you volunteer?

Morningside Kids 8/23/20

Bible Passage: Jesus Calms the Storm (Matthew 8)

Key Passage: Psalm 40:5

Big Picture Question: Why did Jesus perform miracles? Jesus performed miracles to show He is the son of God.

Story Point: Jesus calmed a storm to show the disciples He is God.

Next Week: Jesus the Miracle Worker, Jesus Fed a Crowd

After a long day of teaching, Jesus and His disciples got into a boat to cross over to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. When their short sailing trip was interrupted by a violent storm, the disciples found themselves in danger with nowhere to turn—except to the One who created all things.

Several of the disciples were experienced fishermen. They had spent significant time on the Sea of Galilee, but this storm was so strong that the waves overtook the boat. The disciples were afraid they would drown. As the disciples panicked, what was Jesus doing? He was sleeping!

The disciples woke Jesus. The situation was out of their control, and perhaps they felt forsaken by God. But their reaction was full of irony: “Teacher! Don’t you care that we’re going to die?” (Mark 4:38).

The disciples obviously did not know why Jesus had come to earth. Jesus had come to rescue people from sin. In dying on the cross, Jesus would truly be forsaken by God. (See Matt. 27:46.) Jesus would die the death the disciples—and all sinners—deserve so that they could live forever with God. Did Jesus care that the disciples were going to die? Absolutely. But He was going to rescue them from something worse than drowning. Jesus would save them from spiritual death.

Jesus calmed the wind and the waves. He displayed His power over creation and demonstrated that He is truly God. God has power over the wind and the waves. (See Job 12:15; 28:25; Ps. 33:7; 107:25-30; Amos 4:13.)

Christ Connection: Jesus’ disciples knew Jesus was a good man and a good teacher. But when Jesus calmed the wind and the waves, He showed His disciples that He is also God. God rules the sea and stills its waves. (Psalm 89:9)

As you talk with your kids, seize the opportunity to share the gospel. Help them understand the truth the disciples did not yet fully grasp. Who is this man? He is the Messiah, the Savior, and the Son of God.

Incrediworld -- Week 6

Although we weren’t able to meet in person this past Wednesday, we couldn’t leave off our final lesson about DINOSAURS! If you missed our Dino Day virtual lesson, you can hear from Pastor Todd about how humongous dinosaurs really were when they lived with man. We have an Incredible God who created all things!

Our Incrediworld wouldn’t be complete without a Humongous THANKS to all our volunteers! Thank you to each one who helped with check-in, snacks, crafts, games, and most of all your presence in the lives of our Incrediworld kids! We had a fabulous summer together!

Incrediworld Kids, you can keep looking at the Incredible world God has made while wearing your Bible glasses! Here’s a fun scavenger hunt you can do with your family.

Morningside Homeschool Support

The school year is looking different for most of us in one way or another. Are your kids homeschooling, doing online learning or only attending in-person school for one day a week? We've created a private Morningside Facebook page where families can ask questions, share resources while praying for and encouraging one another. Some of you who are already homeschooling should be receiving an invitation to join. If you would like to be a part of the Morningside Homeschool Support page, please email Lara Cropsey.

Morningside Kids 8/16/20

Bible Passage: The Good Shepherd (John 10)

Key Passage: John 14:25-26

Big Picture Question: What did Jesus teach when He was on earth? Jesus taught about God and His kingdom.

Story Point: Jesus is the Good Shepherd who cares for His people.

Next Week: We begin a new unit on Jesus the Miracle Worker.

Jesus’ teaching caused division among the Jews. They argued about who He was and where He had come from. Had He really come from God? Was He crazy or demon-possessed? In John 10, Jesus taught about Himself by using a comparison that is found throughout the Old Testament: the Lord as the Shepherd of His people.

In Bible times, shepherding was a common occupation. Leaders of nations—even non-Israelite nations—would refer to themselves as shepherds of the people. A good shepherd would guide, provide for, and protect his people. Yet Old Testament prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel criticized Israel’s leaders for failing to shepherd God’s people well. The Israelites were like sheep—helpless and wandering—and they longed for a truly good shepherd.

Jesus is the Good Shepherd who provides abundant life for His sheep. A shepherd would gather his sheep at night and form a pen to keep the sheep in and to keep wild animals and thieves out. The shepherd would lay across the opening. Like a shepherd provides safety for his sheep, Jesus provides salvation and eternal life.

Jesus is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep. A shepherd protects his sheep from wolves and other wild animals, even at risk to his own life. Jesus gave up His life on the cross to rescue sinners from sin and death.

Finally, Jesus is the Good Shepherd who knows His sheep. Even when two or more flocks gathered in a pen, a shepherd could call for his sheep and they would respond to the sound of his voice. Jesus knows His sheep personally.

Jesus, the Good Shepherd, came to do His Father’s plan: to die on the cross and rise again so that we might be saved. We can live sacrificially as we point others to the sacrifice Jesus made for us.

Christ Connection: Jesus is the Good Shepherd. God sent Him to rescue sinners. Jesus laid down His life for His sheep so they could have forgiveness and eternal life. When we trust in Jesus, we are His sheep who listen to, follow, and obey Him.

Big Back to School Splash!

Splashing and laughter rang out from the back parking lot as kids, parents and even grandparents gathered for Morningside’s Big Back to School Splash this past Wednesday night! Kids went zooming down the waterslide! Some kids challenged their friends to a water battle using water shooters. Even our tiniest of toddlers embraced the fun found in the kiddie pools filled with water and colorful sponges just their size.

Other kids, pretending to be “paleontologists”, discovered dinosaur eggs at our dig sites. It took some meticulous carving and brushing to uncover their unique dinosaur inside. Kids and parents alike enjoyed snacks and drinks while also finding time to fellowship with other parents and friends. At the end of the night, kids were invited to take two school boxes, one to keep and one to give away. With school boxes in hand, kids were also welcomed to take home a special dinosaur-themed goodie box. Thank you to all those who helped make this a fun and memorable night for our Incrediworld kids from set-up to tear down!

Please pray with us for those who received the school boxes that this small gesture would open up more Gospel conversations in the future.

Morningside Kids 8/9/20

Bible Passage: Jesus Taught About Posessions (Luke 12)

Key Passage: John 14:25-26

Big Picture Question: What did Jesus teach when He was on earth? Jesus taught about God and His kingdom.

Story Point: Jesus taught people not to worry because God provides for our needs

Next Week: The Good Shepherd (John 10)

A very large crowd—thousands of people (Luke 12:1)—had gathered around Jesus as He taught His disciples. The people recognized Him as a rabbi (teacher), so it was not unusual that someone called out, asking Jesus to settle a financial dispute. But Jesus knew the man was motivated by greed, and He told a story.

In Jesus’ parable, a rich man had so many crops that he decided to tear down his barns and build bigger ones. That way, he could store everything he had and take it easy. But the man was foolish and short-sighted. He didn’t consider he could die that very night. The saying is true: “You can’t take it with you.” Rather than storing up treasures for ourselves, we should live to glorify God and live generously, using what we have on earth to make an eternal impact.

Jesus also addressed worry with His disciples. Jesus’ followers should not be anxious about their basic needs. God takes care of the birds and the flowers. People are God’s most valuable and beloved creatures; we can trust Him to provide for us!

Jesus contrasted the way the unsaved Gentiles lived with how believers should live. Unbelievers seek wealth and possessions as if that was the main goal in life. They act like God does not care about their needs. But our focus should not be on ourselves, our wealth and our possessions; we should focus on God’s kingdom. We do not need to worry. God will provide. He is glad to give us what we need!

God gives us good gifts on earth. We can steward these gifts for His glory. Earthly treasures will not last forever. Jesus is our greatest treasure. Jesus left His place in heaven to live humbly on earth. Jesus obeyed God to set up His kingdom. We can give generously and trust God to provide everything we need.

Morningside Kids 8/2/20

Bible Passage: Jesus Taught About Prayer (Luke 11, 18)

Key Passage: John 14:25-26

Big Picture Question: What did Jesus teach when He was on earth? Jesus taught about God and His kingdom.

Story Point: Jesus taught people how to pray.

Next Week: Jesus Taught About Poseessions (Luke 12)

Prayer is personal communication with God. Many people aren’t sure how to pray or feel uncomfortable praying. To pray effectively, then, we must be taught how to pray. This is why Jesus’ disciples asked Him to teach them to pray.

Jesus began with the Lord’s Prayer, not to establish the words we should use but to show how we should pray and what we should pray about. Through prayer, we demonstrate our dependence on and faith in the Lord. We should approach God as a Father and pray for His kingdom first and then for ourselves and others.

Then Jesus told a story about a man who went to his friend in the middle of the night to ask for food for a visitor. The friend did not want to be bothered but because the man did not give up, the friend finally gave him what he needed. God is not a sleepy neighbor. If a grumpy friend will reward persistence, how much more so will God! He cares about His children and is happy to give us what we need when we ask.

In a similar way, a human father who loves his child would not give him a snake if he asked for a fish. Will God give us everything we ask for? No, but when we are persistent with our prayers, we can trust Him to answer according to His glory and our good.

Jesus used another parable in Luke 18: A judge was unwilling to grant a widow’s plea for justice, but the woman did not give up. So the judge gave her justice. We should not give up praying if we have not received an answer from God. God is not like a wicked judge. When we pray consistently, God will give us justice and He will act quickly.

Jesus taught us to pray. Because of Jesus, we can pray to the Father and ask for what we need. We can trust that God is good and loving, and we can count on Him to do what is right.

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Morningside Kids Schedule & Policies

For a few weeks, our children’s ministry schedule will look a little different. Please see the dates below showing when we will be meeting in person and when our Kids on Mission ministry will begin for this new school year.

Sundays

No Sunday school at 9:15; 8/2-9/6

Sundays at 10:30; 8/2-9/2

Wednesdays

8/5 - Back to School Splash

8/12-9/2 - No Children’s Ministry

9/9 - Kids on Mission begins

Children's Ministry Policies and Precautions

With the start of a new school year approaching and Covid-19 still present with us, please review our children's ministry policies and precautions before next Sunday. These policies and precautions have been prayerfully considered and approved by the pastoral staff. It is our goal to provide a safe place for our children while making each child feel welcome. Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions or concerns. 

1. Before arriving, please make sure your child is symptom-free with no fever.
2. Stay home with your child if he or she has flu-like symptoms and/or a fever.
3. Please contact me if your child or a family member has contracted Covid.
4. If your child has been sick, he or she may return to our children's ministry once cleared by a doctor. 
5. Each child's temperature will be checked before entering the nursery or children's wing.
6. If your child's temperature is above 100, we will ask that he or she not enter our nursery or children's wing.
7. Children will be physically distanced when possible.
8. Masks are not required, but encouraged if at risk. 
9. Children and volunteers will use hand sanitizer before leaving the children's wing and other times as appropriate.
10. Children's ministry areas will be sanitized before and after use.

Morningside Kids 7/26/20

Bible Passage: The Cost of Following Jesus (Matthew 8; 16; Luke 9; 14)

Key Passage: John 14:26

Big Picture Question: What did Jesus teach when He was on earth? Jesus taught about God and His kingdom.

Story Point: Following Jesus is not easy, but it is worth it.

Next Week: Jesus Taught About Prayer (Luke 11, 18)

The benefits of following Jesus are wonderful: justification from sin, lifelong sanctification, and adoption into the family of God. But following Jesus also comes at a price. People had waited so long for the promised Messiah to come into the world, so many were eager to follow Him. Yet as Jesus taught, He urged people to consider the cost of being His disciple.

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus explained to one disciple that following Him might involve giving up worldly comforts. He told another disciple that following Him should be higher priority than anything else—even one’s commitment to his parents. (See Matt. 8:18-22.) In Matthew 16 and Luke 9, Jesus told His disciples, “If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.”

Jesus shared two examples in Luke 14 of people who must count the cost of doing something. If a person is building a tower, he must first calculate the cost. If he begins the project and is unable to complete it, onlookers will ridicule him. In a similar way, a king counts the cost of going to war before sending out his army. If he is not able to oppose the enemy, he doesn’t foolishly send out a small group to fight a larger group. Instead, he seeks peace.

Many who wanted to follow Jesus changed their minds. Jesus even asked the twelve disciples if they wanted to turn away as well. Peter answered, “Lord, to whom will we go? You have the words of eternal life” (John 6:68).

Jesus taught that following Him is not easy. It requires commitment and sacrifice. When we trust in Jesus, we give Him complete control of our lives. True life is found in Jesus, who gave up His life to rescue us from sin and death. He is worth it.

Paul acknowledged the difficulty of following Jesus in 2 Corinthians 4 but kept his eyes on eternity: “For our momentary light affliction is producing for us an absolutely incomparable eternal weight of glory” (v. 17). As you share with your kids, emphasize that following Jesus is not not easy, but He is worth it.

Incrediworld -- Week 5

Blue Blasters and Red Riders started the night with our Roller Coaster cheer before going live on Facebook for our lesson time with Pastor Todd. Wednesday night was “Design Day” where we all learned about the “incredible” beaks and feet of birds. By seeing the specific examples of ostriches, eagles, terns, pelicans, storks, hummingbirds and more, we discovered that the creation of birds couldn’t have just happened. God made them that way. Our memory verse for this week helps us responds to God’s creation around us. “Praise ye the LORD. I will praise the LORD with my whole heart. The works of the LORD are great.” Psalm 111:1-2

At the Midway Games, the Red Riders (3rd-5th) enjoyed a fun game of capture the flag. In the Craft Cove, the Blue Blasters (K4-2nd) decorated a bug jar and then took a short nature walk to fill the jar with grass, rocks and other bug-friendly things. We ended the night with our drama and take home goodies. Check out the pictures below!

TEAM WINNER: This past Wednesday night was our last night for our team competition. Congratulations to both teams for doing such an excellent job of saying verses and showing team spirit! The Blue Blasters are our final winners for this summer’s Incrediworld! Way to go, Blue Blasters!

Morningside Kids 7/19/20

Bible Passage: Matthew 5-7 - The Sermon on the Mount

Key Passage: John 14:26

Big Picture Question: What did Jesus teach when He was on earth? Jesus taught about God and His kingdom.

Story Point: Jesus taught people about God’s kingdom.

Next Week: The Cost of Following Jesus (Matthew 8; 16; Luke 9; 14)

One of Jesus’ most well-known teachings is the Sermon on the Mount. On that day, crowds of people had come to hear Jesus. Jesus went up on a mountain in Galilee, sat down, and began to teach.

Jesus’ sermon is recorded across three chapters in the Gospel of Matthew, 5–7, and it tells how believers should live. While Matthew 5:1-2 specifies that Jesus taught His disciples, Matthew 7:28 reveals that the crowds listened to His sermon as well.

First, Jesus began with the Beatitudes. The Beatitudes describe God’s great blessings for believers. God’s kingdom belongs to the spiritually needy, God will comfort those who are sad, and God will give mercy to those who show mercy to others. Jesus gives believers reason to be glad when life on earth is hard because great rewards await in heaven.

Jesus also taught how believers should live in a world that does not honor Him. Jesus called believers “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world” (Matt. 5:13-14). He said the good works of His followers should cause others to give glory to God.

God’s people had the law of Moses, but some of them—the Pharisees, in particular—were concerned mostly with the appearance of being righteous. They tried hard to look righteous on the outside, but it was all an act. Jesus warned against hypocrites, people who pretend to be something they’re not. When a person knows and loves Jesus, he or she has a changed heart that wants to honor Jesus.

Jesus taught people what it means to follow Him. He taught how people should live, how they should treat one another, and how to love God. People who trust in Jesus live to honor God and show what His kingdom is like.

As you talk with your kids, emphasize that this moral teaching was not a list of requirements for being accepted by God. Rather, Jesus described what a person’s life looks like when that person follows God and lives to honor Him. God’s standards remind us that we rely on His grace through the gift of salvation in His Son.

Big Back to School Splash

Join us on Wed., Aug 5 from 6:30-8:00 pm for our outdoor Big Back to School Splash! We will enjoy a Dino Day theme complete with dino dig, dino game, water slide and concessions. Be prepared to get wet! Dress appropriately for the water slide and bring those towels and camp chairs. Before heading home at the end of the night, pick up your dino-themed goodie bag as well as two school boxes, one to keep and one to give away to neighbor or friend.

Morningsiders can be a huge blessing by donating school supplies! A list of supplies is provided below, or you may sign up through our weekly update. Please drop off donations at the Welcome center on Sunday or Wednesday or at the church office during the week. Thanks!

• School boxes

• #2 Pencils

• Pink Pearl Erasers

• 24 Count Crayola Crayons

• Glue sticks

• Scissors

Incrediworld--Week 4

We were excited to welcome back many Blue Blasters and Red Riders to Incrediworld Wednesday night! It was great to see all those kids in their Incrediworld shirts (volunteers too!) Pastor Todd shared a clear Gospel presentation during our Wow Zone…”Admit, Believe, Forever Receive” Our memory verse for this week also communicates how to trust in Jesus to be your Savior. “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” Romans 10:9 This weekend would be a wonderful time to rehearse the Gospel as a family and give opportunity for your child to ask questions if they are uncertain of their salvation.

At the Midway Games, the Blue Blasters (K4-2nd) enjoyed a challenging snowball team competition. In the Craft Cove, the Red Riders (3rd-5th) decorated a bug jar and then took a short nature walk to fill the jar with grass, rocks and other bug-friendly things. We ended the night with our drama and take home goodies. Check out the pictures below!

TEAM WINNER: The Blue Blasters beat out the Red Riders again, 670 to 620! Let’s see if the Red Riders can beat out the Blue Blasters next week, especially with those new Incrediworld t-shirts! Team points accumulate week by week. Blue Blasters and Red Riders can earn tickets for their team in five ways: attendance, team color, offering, memory verse, and serving others. *Remember, previous memory verses can be said more than once to earn team points. It’s good review and helps kids hide God’s Word in their hearts. Don’t miss our Friday Midway Contests on our Morningside Kids Facebook page!

Morningside Kids 7/12/20

Bible Passage: John 9

Key Passage: Isaiah 53:4-5

Big Picture Question: Why did God create people? God created people to worship HIm, love Him, and show His glory.

Story Point: Jesus healed a man who could not see.

Next Week: Jesus Healed a Man Who Was Blind (John 9)

In the Old Testament, Isaiah prophesied about the coming Messiah. Isaiah 35:5-6 tells about a time when “the eyes of the blind will be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then the lame will leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute will sing for joy.” When God the Son came to earth, He came as a Healer—removing skin diseases, raising the dead to life, making the lame walk, and giving sight to the blind.

John 9 gives us a glimpse of the kingdom of God, where creation is redeemed, and opens our eyes to the greater purpose of suffering in our lives. The disciples asked Jesus a question that many still wrestle with today: Why is this person suffering? (In this case, why was this man born blind?) Was it because of sin?

Jesus’ answer gives hope to anyone facing suffering: “Neither this man nor his parents sinned. This came about so that God’s works might be displayed in him” (John 9:3). Because Jesus is Lord over everything, all suffering in this life has meaning and purpose.

Miraculously, Jesus gave sight to the man who was blind. The man’s neighbors noticed the change, and he told them what Jesus had done for him. But the reaction of the religious leaders—skepticism and unbelief—reveals a different kind of blindness: spiritual blindness. Sin keeps us from seeing what is true about God. Jesus came as light into a dark world. He helps us see what is true so we can know God.

Our sin makes us unable to see the truth about God. Jesus came as a light in a dark world. He came to give us sight—true understanding of God and His kingdom. Those who trust in Jesus see who He is and worship Him.

Those who trust in Jesus are freed from sin and worship Jesus as Lord. We can live fully in the light of Jesus as we seek to make Him known to others so that their eyes might be opened to the truth of the gospel as well.

Incrediworld -- Week 3

Morningside Kids joined us for Incrediworld last Wednesday night! The Blue Blasters and Red Riders learned from Pastor Todd about the importance of fearing God in order to receive wisdom. Understanding how holy God is and how sinful we are, places us in the fear of the LORD and allows us to receive wisdom and knowledge from Him. Our memory verse for Week 3 emphasizes this truth…“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge of the holy is understanding” (Proverbs 9:10). And “If the Bible says it, that settles it!”

Engage your child in conversation about these points and encourage them to memorize the Bible verses each week. Verses can be said at the memory verse station at check-in, even those verses from previous weeks. This is one way your child can earn points for their team.

At the Craft Cove, the Blue Blasters (K4-2nd) designed their own pair of “Bible glasses” to help them see creation the way God’s Word says it. At Midway Games, the Red Riders (3rd-5th) played a creative version of dodge ball. We ended the night with our drama and 4th of July take home goodies. TEAM WINNER: The Blue Blasters beat out the Red Riders, 870 to 720! Let’s see if the Red Riders can beat out the Blue Blasters next week, especially with those new Incrediworld t-shirts! Team points accumulate week by week. Blue Blasters and Red Riders can earn tickets for their team in five ways: attendance, team color, offering, memory verse, and serving others.