Parish Family Ministry | March
Hey Parish people! March is definitely coming in like a lion this year. That is, if your lion is soft and warm and makes your azaleas bloom way too early to be of any use in Easter photos, thank you very much. Hope your family is enjoying our early spring!
In case you haven’t noticed yet, we’ve rearranged some of our Parish Kids environments as well as our check-in station. You can now sign in your whole family at our main station in the back corner of the worship center, or in our elementary environment in the Rooted Music Coaching suite. Look for the black and white Parish signs to help you know where to go!
Here’s a preview of what we’re learning this month in Parish Kids.
Our preschoolers are learning we can love like Jesus by loving everyone. We’ll study the story of the Good Samaritan, the man with the good harvest, the poor widow, and the prodigal son. Keep it going throughout the week by helping your preschooler remember our memory verse: “Love one another” (John 13:34).
At home: As you give your child a bath, talk about how the Good Samaritan washed his hurt neighbor’s arms and legs, showing him great love. Talk with them about how to love and help their friends when they have bumps, scrapes, and bruises.
In our elementary groups, we’re learning that forgiveness is deciding someone who has wronged you doesn’t have to pay. Our memory verse, Colossians 3:13, says it well: “Put up with one another. Forgive one another if you are holding something against someone. Forgive, just as the Lord forgave you.” These kiddos will be studying the stories of the lost sheep, the prodigal son and his older brother, and the unmerciful servant.
At home: Visit studio252.tv with your elementary kids for videos, games, and music you and your kids will love watching together. Choose from our monthly virtues in the top navigation bar: forgiveness, love, knowledge, joy, and lots of others.
Our middle schoolers will discuss the many ways we try to relieve our anger, frustration, and disappointment by escaping and distracting ourselves. Thank God for His grace in showing us that working through our struggles with Him can provide immeasurably more comfort! Later in the month, we’ll focus on our friendships: how they influence us, how to choose friends and mentors, and how to handle it when a friendship ends.
At home: Pay close attention to the ways you as a parent try to escape your anger, frustration, and disappointment. Let your student see you take a personal time-out when these feelings rise up. Then talk with him or her about what helps you regain perspective: talking with Jesus about it, taking a walk or working out, observing nature, writing things down, whatever brings you back to the truth.
As always, if you have questions, concerns, or feedback about how we do Family Ministry at The Parish, contact us anytime!
