Sunday Update

Children's Worship

This past Sunday the PRESCHOOL class had an opportunity to answer catechism questions.  They are doing a great job!! Their lesson this past week was on catechism question 10.   Kristine talked to the children  about how God is always with us.  They talked about how God promises to be with us wherever we go and God always keeps His promises. 

The Elementary class reviewed all the catechism questions from 1 - 57 playing Crowd the Square game. During the lesson they talked about how the Holy Spirit sanctifies us.  We discussed the following ways we can be more like Jesus: kind, truthful, obey, and forgive.  

Sunday Communities

All classes had an opportunity to say their memory verses. New memory verses for November and December can be found at the following link: The Scoop

  A copy of The Scoop will be handed out this coming Sunday. 

Sprouts (Preschool Class)

The Preschool Class started a curriculum on Psalm 23: The Lord is My Shepherd 

Over the next several months the children will be working on memorizing Psalm 23 (King James Version).  We have a curriculum we are using along with a book by David and Helen Haidle.  This book takes each sentence of the Psalm and illustrates it.  The lesson this week was an introductory lesson for the children - the Shepherd knows you was the theme. The teachers discussed who are the "sheep"?  Pictures of each child were added to a  sheet with a shepherd and other sheep.  "We are ...the sheep of (God's) pasture." Psalm 100.3  Children will have booklets they are working on during Sunday Communities. These booklets will stay at church.  Occasionally during the weeks ahead there will be some take home activities for the children.

Explorers (Kindergarten & 1st Grade)

The lesson this week was about obeying God rather than men.  The Bible story used to teach this lesson was the Apostles delivered from prison (Acts 5:12-42) 

Aim:  We have a guardian angel that looks after us.

Seekers (2nd & 3rd Grade)

The lesson today was on Matthew 8:23-27 - Jesus Controls the Weather

"Jesus miracle here makes very clear that Jesus' ministry is a redemptive event, following the pattern of these other big redemptive events in the Old Testament.  The miracle also sets Jesus apart as one who truly has the right to be heard: he does things that only God can be said to do." (Telling God's Story by Peter Enns pg 28-29)

Adventurers (4th - 6th Grade)

The lesson today was Jesus: Lamb of God

Themes: Jesus offered Himself as the one perfect sacrifice for sin & Jesus' death fulfilled the Old Testament promises. 

Application suggestion for home:  "Read Isaiah 53:3-6 and have a time of prayer, giving thanks for the wonder of Jesus coming to be the perfect sin bearer so we might have our sins taken away." In the Beginning Jesus by Jill Nelson pg. 292  

Sermon Study 

We will not offer a sermon study class this week, but sermon guides will be available at the Welcome table for 3rd - 5th graders.  The sermon study class is not offered the first Sunday of the month.  This allows the children to stay in the service and observe Communion/participate for our newest members. 

Operation Christmas Child

We are one week away from our Grace Kids Service Project.  Please talk with your children this week about giving back to Samaritan's Purse International Relief - Operation Christmas Child.  Encouraging them to share their own money to help toward the items or shipping cost would possibly help to make this service project more personal for them.   I have 15 shoeboxes ready to go.  If possible please bring in 15 items to add to the boxes.  Check out the following link for a list of suggested ideas: Pack a shoe box 

We aren't going to worry about similar items.  Anything sent will be appreciated  even if there are duplicates.  

Please also consider a $7 donation which covers the shipping cost and other project costs.  Checks are to be made out to Samaritan's Purse with "OCC" on memo line. 

We will be filling the shoeboxes on Nov. 4th during our normal Grace Kids Worship time.  Children will be called up front to listen to a story and then participate in an assembly line format to fill boxes.  Thank you!!

Fall Fun

Thank you Christy and Pamela for organizing a fun fall party for the kids.  

Conclusion of Wordless Book and Picnic Slideshow

Thank you so much Becky for instructing the 2 &3 year olds (Critters) along with the preschoolers (Sprouts) over the past 7 weeks with the Wordless Book.  I know that Ben was excited to bring home his completed book.  If you missed this past Sunday check out the videos below for the lesson. Please go over the book with your child at home.  If they were absent on Sunday their books will be handed out to them this week.

10/21: GREEN COLOR

Reminds us of:  Things that grow

Truth:  Once I’ve given my heart to God, He wants to see me grow more like Him.

Memory Verse:  “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all   your strength.”  Deuteronomy 6:5

Song:  I Have Decided to Follow Jesus

Below is a short slideshow of pictures from our FALL PICNIC this past Sunday.  We had a beautiful day for a picnic!!

COMMUNITY

Sunday Update

SUNDAY COMMUNITIES

Check out the  Critters and Sprouts (Preschool)  as they continue to learn about the Wordless Book. 

WHITE COLOR

Reminds us of:  Snow

Truth:  Jesus’ blood washes my heart clean.

Memory Verse:  “Wash me and I shall be whiter than snow.”  Psalm 51:7

Song:  Wash Me and I Shall be Whiter than Snow

October Memory Verses:

Explorers (Kindergarten - 1st Grade):

Psalm 119:10 "I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands."

Seekers (2nd - 3rd Grade):

John 2:11 "What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him."

Adventurers (4th - 6th Grade):

They are continuing to learn John 1:12 - 16 from September - December

This month they are working on John 1:14 "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth."

Encourage the children to look up the verses in the Bible to help them with locating books of the Bible.  

CHILDREN'S WORSHIP

On Sunday, October 21st the Elementary Class (Kindergarten - 2nd Grade) will have a chance to answer catechism questions.  Continual reinforcement at home and practice with the First Catechism Booklet is beneficial for your child. We want the children to understand that these are not questions just to memorize and forget.  Ultimately we want the catechisms to help teach the children to know, love, and serve God. 

SERMON STUDY (3RD AND 4TH GRADERS)

The sermon study will not be offered this coming Sunday, Oct 21st.  There will be  sermon guides attached to clipboards available on the Welcome Table

Service Opportunities

We are never too young or old to give of our time and resources to help another person.  We have a couple upcoming activities occurring at GCPC to live out this opportunity to serve.  

1. Bless Richmond - Check out the following link for information about the Bless Richmond Event occurring on Sunday, November 18th:  Bless Richmond

• GCPC will be collecting non perishable food items for the Central Virginia Food Bank.  
• Suggestions of items to donate:  beans, canned fruit, canned meats, peanut butter, canned tuna and salmon, canned vegetables, hot and cold cereals, pasta and rice, and spaghetti sauce.  
• Opportunities to involve your child:  In order to help make more of an impact on the children you could involve them in shopping for the items to donate or encourage them to use their own money to purchase food to give away to another.  Items can be dropped off at church over the next several weeks. 

^{1 John 3:18 "}Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; 

let us show the truth by our actions."

2.  SERVICE OPPORTUNITY: Samaritan's Purse International Relief - We will be filling shoeboxes on Sunday, November 4th for Operation Christmas Child (OCC) during our normal Grace Kids Worship time.   Please take a look at this link with your child for more information about OCC and to determine items you could collect for the shoe boxes: Operation Christmas Child

When: Sunday, November 4th from 11:00 AM - 11:20 AM

What: GCPC Kids Giving Back

How: 15 Filled Shoeboxes for OCC

Following fellowship time and in lieu of Grace Kids Worship, the children will be called up to the front of the cafeteria to listen to a story. Then, we will follow an assembly line format and work together to fill the shoeboxes. (Shoeboxes will be provided.)  We invite you to consider purchasing 15 identical items for shoeboxes or partnering with another family to purchase 15 items.  Please also consider a $7 donation which covers the shipping cost & other project costs. (Please make the check out toSamaritan's Purse with "OCC" on memo line.)  Whether you decide to purchase items for shoeboxes or make a donation to cover shipping costs or both, please use this opportunity to discuss giving back with your child.  Help them to understand that we bring glory to God when we serve others in His Name.  Perhaps this is even a chance to make it very personal for your children by asking them to share some of their own money.  If they attended Kids Give Back this summer, you can remind them of Matthew 6:20-21 "But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. ²¹ For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Bible Book Bop

The Grace Kids Band have been working on teaching the children the Bible Book Bop by Go Fish.  We realize it will be difficult for the children to learn all the words, but repeated exposure is definitely helpful.  This is an excellent song to teach the children the order of the books in the Bible.   

There is a youtube link available to hear the song: Bible Book Bop.  The Go Fish "Snazzy Cd" will be available at the Resource Table beginning this Sunday.  CDs are available for $14.  The Bible Book Bop is on this cd along with many other fun songs I'm sure your children will enjoy.  We have already listened to the cd several times at my house!

GCPC Vision/Prayer Meeting - Childcare

GCPC Vision/Prayer Meeting November 4^th 4:30-6:00 PM

Location: New Hanover Presbyterian Church  

We will be ordaining and installing elders and deacons based on the vote on October 28^th at the congregational meeting.  We will also have an update from our staff search team.  

Childcare is available beginning at 4:20 - 6:00.  Hopefully the weather will be nice and  we will be able to take the children outside to play (please plan to send jackets).  There is a playground for the younger children and area for kickball/basketball for older children.  Since this is over the dinner hour please feel free to pack a dinner for your child and we will feed them at 5:30.  If you do not want your child to eat dinner please provide a snack.  We don't want any children to become upset when they see others eating - monkey see - monkey do.  There will be a minimal cost for childcare to cover the babysitter fee. An email will be sent out once we know total number of children and babysitters needed.  Thank you for your prompt RSVP to Julie at julie@gcpres.org as it helps with lining up babysitters.

Additional Suggestion to Home Discipleship Plan

Please note one addition to the Home Discipleship Plan: 

• the Gospel Story Bible by Marty Machowski  is another excellent resource available for your family
• Suggestions for using the Bible
•  As a Storybook for preschoolers
• Devotional for Young Elementary Age Children "Start on Monday by reading the story in the Gospel Story Bible to your children.  Then, on each following day, Tuesday through Friday, read your children a portion of the story from the Bible itself." (the Gospel Story Bible - introduction)

Below is a suggested Home Discipleship Plan for your family.  If you have additional resources that you use, I would love to have you share them with me.  Many of the items suggested are available at the Resource Table as you enter church. 

•  Suggested Model
• 2 and 3 year olds – The Big Picture Story Bible by David Helm
• Preschool – 2nd Grade =First Catechism – Teaching Children Bible Truths (All children are given this booklet when they enter children’s worship.)
•  4 year old – Kindergarten = Jesus Storybook Bible
• 1^st – 2^nd Grade= A Family Bible Story Book - Mighty Acts of God
• 3^rd Grade and up = Community Bible Reading Plan
• Suggested Family Devotions
• Ten – Minute Devotions to Draw Your Family to God – Long Story Short by Marty Machowski
•  One Year of Dinner Table Devotions and Discussion Starters by Nancy Guthrie

Children's Worship

This past week the Elementary children had a chance to answer catechism questions.  On Sunday, Oct. 14th we will start with the Preschool Class.  Please remember they are asked questions based on where they are at individually in their Catechism booklets.  We keep track of their questions during children's worship and send home a slip with the week their class has an opportunity to say the answers.  Please check with your child following children's worship for the Catechism slip.

***Please note - Our youngest group of kiddos in children's worship will be repeating these lessons next fall.  It is very important to let them work at their own pace in learning the catechism answers.  I wanted to make sure and let you know the lessons will move along quickly but they are NOT expected to keep up with the pace of the lessons. *** 
Summary of lessons from October 7th 

Preschool Lesson - Children were instructed on questions 7 - 8

Children pretended they were boats on the sea and participated in this rhyme:

I am a rowboat on a calm sea. 

Small, soft waves are rocking on me. 

Rock, rock, rocking gently.

I am a rowboat on a stormy sea.

Great big waves are rocking me.

Rock, rock, rocking fiercely!

Rock, rock, rocking fiercely!

 Matthew 14:26-27

The Trinity was discussed  with the children - During the lesson the following was discussed: "The three Persons of the Trinity - the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit - all work together to love us and take care of us, just like Jesus took care of his disciples that night on the sea. " (Kids Quest Catechism Club - Volume 1: pages 57 & 58)

Elementary Lesson - Children were instructed on questions 49 - 54
The children were shown a picture that went over the following words and their meanings:  Grace, Regeneration, Atonement, Justification, Sanctification - You can further reinforce the meanings by reviewing the catechism questions with your children on questions 49-54. 
 Mr. Ross also went over the following  acrostic poem  for GRACE (God's Riches At Christ's Expense). The following was used to help explain the acrostic to the children:
"This is another way to remember what the word grace means: God's riches at Christ's expense. God's riches means God's blessings to his people. God is the King of earth and heaven.  He owns it all.  Nobody on earth is as rich as God, and he shares his riches with his people.  His greatest blessing is a gift that all the money in the world cannot buy - the gift of salvation.  When he gives us salvation, he adopts us as his children and promises that we will live with him forever in heaven.  The last part of the acrostic is Christ's expense.  Christ's expense means that Christ paid the price - he bought God's riches for us. "God's riches at Christ's expense." That is grace. "(Kids' Quest Catechism Club Elementary - Volume 1 pg. 98)  

Home Discipleship Plan

Below is a suggested Home Discipleship Plan for your family.  If you have additional resources that you use, I would love to have you share them with me.  Many of the items suggested are available at the Resource Table as you enter church. 

•  Suggested Model
• 2 and 3 year olds – The Big Picture Story Bible by David Helm
• Preschool – 2nd Grade =First Catechism – Teaching Children Bible Truths (All children are given this booklet when they enter children’s worship.)
•  4 year old – Kindergarten = Jesus Storybook Bible
• 1^st – 2^nd Grade= A Family Bible Story Book - Mighty Acts of God
• 3^rd Grade and up = Community Bible Reading Plan
• Suggested Family Devotions
• Ten – Minute Devotions to Draw Your Family to God – Long Story Short by Marty Machowski
•  One Year of Dinner Table Devotions and Discussion Starters by Nancy Guthrie