Children's Ministry News: January 17th, 2021

Coming up this Sunday! 

This Sunday, our Gospel Kids will be learning about the early churches first martyr; Stephen. Stephen was one of the seven men chosen to serve as leaders in the early church at Jerusalem. (See Acts 6:1-7.) God blessed Stephen and gave him power to do wonders and miracles like some of the apostles.

Some of the Jews accused Stephen of blasphemy and dragged him to the Sanhedrin, a group of Jewish leaders who acted as a legal council. Stephen addressed the group.

As Stephen preached, he showed how the Old Testament pointed to a coming Savior and how that Savior was Jesus. Stephen pointed out that the Jews’ ancestors had rejected God’s prophets. And they were just like their fathers; they rejected the Messiah, the Lord Jesus. Not only did they reject Jesus, they killed Him!

The Jewish leaders rushed at Stephen. As he faced his enemies, Stephen looked into heaven and saw God’s glory. Jesus was standing at God’s right hand. The Jews forced Stephen out of the city, and they stoned him.

Remind your kids of Jesus’ words in Matthew 10:22: “You will be hated by everyone because of my name. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” Following Jesus will include difficulty and suffering. Jesus gives words of both warning and comfort: “Don’t be afraid” (Matt. 10:26).

Stephen was killed because he was a Christian. Jesus told His followers that they would be persecuted—hated, hurt, or even killed—for loving Him. Jesus also said that those who suffer for Him would be blessed. We can face suffering in this life because Jesus suffered first. He died and then rose again, and He is waiting for us in heaven.

This upcoming Sunday your child will learn about: Stephen’s Sermon
Story Point: Stephen preached about Jesus no matter what, even facing death.
Family Bible Reading: Acts 6-7, Romans 12:5
Big Picture Question: What is the Church? The church is Christians everywhere, who gather together in their communities to worship and serve God.

Gospel Gems to Discuss at Home:

• God was with Stephen.
• Stephen told about God’s plan to send Jesus.
• Stephen said that Jesus is the Messiah.
• We can remember that Jesus suffered for us.
• The church serves God.
• People hurt Stephen because he followed Jesus.
• Stephen preached about Jesus no matter what.
• What is the church? The church is all Christians everywhere, who gather together in their communities to worship and serve God.

Ministry News and Happenings:

• January 31, 2021, Family Sunday! No class for Tykes/Kids Combined and Gospel Students.
• We need volunteers! We need at least 3 volunteers to open our last ministry class; Gospel Tykes (3-4 year olds). Please email me at [email protected] if you are interested in serving! The commitment to serve is only ONCE a month.