Thursday, December 24, 2015

December 24: Two Advent Readings

The first reading is for family with children.
The second reading is from  Good News of Great Joy at Desiring God 



The Baby Jesus: Jesus is Born!




Another Advent Reading Plan is Good News of Great Joy 
by John Piper

You can watch an introduction video and/or download the whole book at www.desiringgod.org/books/good-news-of-great-joy



You can also get the daily reading at solidjoys.desiringgod.org/

Wednesday, December 23, 2015

Christmas Eve preview and instructions!


Christmas Eve Service Info for Families

There will be a lot of Christmas songs!
Here are two them!
The kids will recognize this one from Sonshine! 




Here is a familiar Christmas song.



There will be a special Christmas story read by Diane Smith for kids!

Families with kids will want to sit closer to the front if possible 
because kids will be called to the platform during the story time.

The nursery will be open but not staffed.
The service will be available on the TVs in each of the nurseries.

December 23: Two Advent Readings

The first reading is for family with children.
The second reading is from  Good News of Great Joy at Desiring God 


The (Empty) Manger: Jesus the Servant King









Another Advent Reading Plan is Good News of Great Joy 
by John Piper

You can watch an introduction video and/or download the whole book at www.desiringgod.org/books/good-news-of-great-joy



You can also get the daily reading at solidjoys.desiringgod.org/

Tuesday, December 22, 2015

God sends John the Baptist 12/20's EKIDZ lesson

This past Sunday's EKIDZ lesson was John the Baptist. 
What does John the Baptist have to do with Christmas?

Here are the last 3 week's of EKIDZ lessons
December 6 - God announces the coming Messiah in Genesis 3
December 13 - God announces the coming Messiah in the prophets
December 20 - God prepares the way of the coming Messiah through John the Baptist

Jesus was not an after thought in God's mind.
Jesus was the plan from the beginning.

This week's Memory Verse
While Romans 15:13 is not part of the Christmas story, 
it does speak about hope, joy and peace.  
Major themes at Christmas.
This is not the hope, joy and peace of the world.
It is a hope that is grounded in God and empowered by the Holy Spirit.
It is joy and peace that comes from God and God alone.



December 22: Two Advent Readings

The first reading is for family with children.
The second reading is from  Good News of Great Joy at Desiring God 



Gifts #2: Why Do We Give Gifts at Christmas?




Another Advent Reading Plan is Good News of Great Joy 
by John Piper

You can watch an introduction video and/or download the whole book at www.desiringgod.org/books/good-news-of-great-joy



You can also get the daily reading at solidjoys.desiringgod.org/

Monday, December 21, 2015

December 21: Two Advent Readings

The first reading is for family with children.
The second reading is from  Good News of Great Joy at Desiring God 




Gifts #1: The Wise Men Bring Gifts to Jesus the King



Another Advent Reading Plan is Good News of Great Joy 
by John Piper

You can watch an introduction video and/or download the whole book at www.desiringgod.org/books/good-news-of-great-joy



You can also get the daily reading at solidjoys.desiringgod.org/

Sunday, December 20, 2015

December 20: Two Advent Readings

The first reading is for family with children.
The second reading is from  Good News of Great Joy at Desiring God 



The Camel: The Wise Men Come to Jesus





Another Advent Reading Plan is Good News of Great Joy 
by John Piper

You can watch an introduction video and/or download the whole book at www.desiringgod.org/books/good-news-of-great-joy



You can also get the daily reading at solidjoys.desiringgod.org/

Saturday, December 19, 2015

December 19: Two Advent Readings

The first reading is for family with children.
The second reading is from  Good News of Great Joy at Desiring God 



The Third Wise Man: The Whole World Needs to Hear About Jesus





Another Advent Reading Plan is Good News of Great Joy 
by John Piper

You can watch an introduction video and/or download the whole book at www.desiringgod.org/books/good-news-of-great-joy



You can also get the daily reading at solidjoys.desiringgod.org/

Friday, December 18, 2015

Christmas is Truth that Needs to Be Told - Kids in Church 12/20

Here is some information to help parents Sunday:

Before and During the Message:

Title:  Come to the Light
Passage:  Isaiah 60:1-3
Review of "God is with Us!"
  • December 6 - Isaiah 48:9-11 - We saw the God-centeredness of God…That all things work for the praise of His own glory
  • December 13 - Week 2 – Isaiah 64:1-4 - God works for those who wait for Him.
Some thoughts for this week: 

For the sake of His Name…for the praise of His glory God will come down and bring salvation!  That’s the gospel message!
This message must be proclaimed!  They must be told!  Not only because of their need…but because of God’s glory!

After the message:

Here are some talking points for you and your family!

What are things you don't want to/should not keep to yourself?
Why?

At Christmas time what are the most important things to tell others about?
Why are they important?
What are some no so important things to tell others about?

How can we show others who and what Christmas is all about?

Who are people we need to show Jesus to?

December 18: Two Advent Readings

The first reading is for family with children.
The second reading is from  Good News of Great Joy at Desiring God 



The Star: Jesus’ Birth Is a Cosmic Event





Another Advent Reading Plan is Good News of Great Joy 
by John Piper

You can watch an introduction video and/or download the whole book at www.desiringgod.org/books/good-news-of-great-joy


You can also get the daily reading at solidjoys.desiringgod.org/

Thursday, December 17, 2015

KIDZ in church!!! December 20th

While there is is some truth in this quote, we pray that Sunday's are an opportunity for your entire family to grow in the Lord.

This Sunday, December 20th,
1st - 3rd grade kids are in church
with their parents.

This Sunday Pastor Duke will be continuing
the "God Is With Us" series. The last two week's we have been talking about prophecies regarding the Messiah.

Keep this in mind when talking with your kids before and after the service.

Here are 10 quick suggestions for having your children in the service:
  1. Plan the night before to make Sunday morning preparation easier, not easy but easier.
  2. Think through where you are going to sit.  It may be better to sit closer to the fronnt
  3. Encourage your child to take note or draw pictures related to the sermon.
  4. Be certain that your child uses the washroom and gets a drink before worship begins.
  5. Talk to the child about being quiet before services begin.
  6. Learn to overlook small annoyances.
  7. Avoid allowing the child to become excited immediately before worship.
  8. Be an example. Don't "visit" with those sitting near you during worship.
  9. Criticism will come whether or not you discipline your child. Do what has to be done.
  10. Be sure to talk with your child about application points from the message.
Here are some helps for this Sunday:

Before and During the Message:

Title:  Come to the Light
Passage:  Isaiah 60:1-3
Review of "God is with Us!"
  • December 6 - Isaiah 48:9-11 - We saw the God-centeredness of God…That works all things for the praise of His own glory
  • December 13 - Week 2 – Isaiah 64:1-4 - God works for those who wait for Him.

Some thoughts for this week: 

For the sake of His Name…for the praise of His glory God will come down and bring salvation!  That’s the gospel message!
This message must be proclaimed!  They must be told!  Not only because of their need…but because of God’s glory!

After the message:

Here are some talking points for you and your family!

What are things you don't want to/should not keep to yourself?
Why?

At Christmas time what are the most important things to tell others about?
Why are they important?
What are some no so important things to tell others about?

How can we show others who and what Christmas is all about?

Who are people we need to show Jesus to?


December 17: Two Advent Readings

The first reading is for family with children.
The second reading is from  Good News of Great Joy at Desiring God 


The Second Angel (Angel’s Wand): Good News of Great Joy for All People




Another Advent Reading Plan is Good News of Great Joy 
by John Piper

You can watch an introduction video and/or download the whole book at www.desiringgod.org/books/good-news-of-great-joy


You can also get the daily reading at solidjoys.desiringgod.org/

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

December 16: Two Advent Readings

The first reading is for family with children.
The second reading is from  Good News of Great Joy at Desiring God 


The Shepherd’s Staff: The Shepherds Come to Jesus



On the night when Jesus was born, there were some shepherds watching their sheep in a field nearby. Suddenly, the sky above them filled with glorious light and an angel appeared! When they saw this, the shepherds were scared. But the angel told them not to be afraid because he had a message of very good news for everyone. He wanted them to know that a Savior was born in the town of Bethlehem. He invited them to go and find the baby, who was wrapped in cloth and lying in a manger. Then the whole sky filled with brilliant angels singing praises to God and proclaiming peace to his people. When the angels went back to heaven, the shepherds went all the way to Bethlehem in a big hurry to find the baby Jesus! Would you have liked to go and see the baby Jesus? When they found him, they told everyone what the angels said: that Jesus would be a great Savior. They stood and looked at that teeny, tiny baby and they believed that he would save God’s people. Then they returned to their sheep in the field, praising God for sending Jesus to the world.
Dear God, we praise you for sending Jesus into the world, too! Thank you for giving us a Savior who would give us peace with you. Amen.
Bible Readings: Isaiah 40:1-11; Ephesians 2:12-18





Another Advent Reading Plan is Good News of Great Joy 
by John Piper

You can watch an introduction video and/or download the whole book at www.desiringgod.org/books/good-news-of-great-joy


You can also get the daily reading at solidjoys.desiringgod.org/


UPWARD registration info


Good News!!!  We are very excited about starting this new season of UPWARDinToledo.
Sad New!!!  Registration for the upcoming season is closed.

Since Saturday’s registration, some families have contacted us about joining the league.
While we would love to accommodate all of these late requests, we cannot.
Here are two reasons why that is the case.
- the importance of evaluation night for kids and adults
- the effort we have made to communicate information to you and the community.

I understand deadlines are missed.  Life is busy.  I almost missed registering my kids online.
However the deadlines are set up for a reason and the evaluations definitely are VERY important.

The evaluations are an essential part of a successful league.  We realized that the hard way last year, which is why we stressed every child needed to be at one of the registrations (12/9 or 12/12). 
Why are the evaluations important?
- Players’ skill levels are evaluated and scored so we can try our best to create evenly matched teams.  Last year we were more relaxed about evaluations which lead to some of the team imbalance we had last year.
- Parents are reminded of what UPWARDinToledo is about and what expectations we have for kids and parents.  Two of the main reminders I told the parents were UPWARDinToledo  is unashamedly a ministry of Emmanuel Baptist Church and is unashamedly done for the Glory of God. 

We have been communicating the importance of registering and coming to an evaluation
through emails to the last 2 years of UPWARD families  (11/5; 11/30; 12:2)
through our website, www.upwardintoledo.com
through yard signs throughout Toledo 
through facebook posts (9/24; 10/2; 10/30; 11/30; 12/4; 12/8; 12/11; 12/12)
through an ad in November’s ChristianPathway magazine
through the radio (ProclaimFM)
through brochures that were given to Washington Local, EBC, EC and LifeWay
through a table in the foyer for 3 weeks
through a couple of announcements
though the community calendar at http://www.wlmb.com/eventlist
through the ministry “business” cards
through an announcement and information at last year’s end of the season celebration

There are probably other ways we have tried to get news out, I just cannot remember right now : )

The only exceptions to the “Every UPWARD player must be evaluated!” rule were kids who were registered, were paid for and contacted us about why they were not going to be at evaluations.  This was only about 5 kids total.

Here is what you need to remember about UPWARDinToledo
November – registration
December – evaluations
January – season starts

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

December 15 Advent Readings

The first reading is for family with children.
The second reading is from  Good News of Great Joy at Desiring God 



The Shepherd

http://partofthemain.wordpress.com/2011/12/15/day-15-the-shepherd-his-sheep-know-his-voice/


We are about to learn about the shepherds in the story of Jesus’ birth. Do you know what a shepherd’s job is? A shepherd’s job is to take care of sheep. Taking care of sheep is a lot of work. Sheep need fresh, green grass to eat; they need cool water to drink; they need somewhere to sleep; and they need someone to protect them from other animals. If there isn’t a shepherd to take care of the sheep, the sheep are in big trouble. We learn from the Bible that we are like sheep–we have all gone astray and gotten lost. Jesus is like our good shepherd who finds us, gives us what we need, and protects us. He even gave up his life to save us! When Jesus calls us, we listen to his voice like the sheep listen to the shepherd. Advent is a good time to remember that he is our shepherd and to listen to him.
 Dear Jesus, you are such a good shepherd to us! Please help us to be good listeners to your voice now and always. Amen. 
Bible Readings: John 10:1-18; Hebrews 13:20-21




Another Advent Reading Plan is Good News of Great Joy 
by John Piper

You can watch an introduction video and/or download the whole book at www.desiringgod.org/books/good-news-of-great-joy

You can also get the daily reading at solidjoys.desiringgod.org/

Monday, December 14, 2015

December 14 Advent Readings

The first reading is for family with children.
The second reading is from  Good News of Great Joy at Desiring God 



The Second Sheep

http://partofthemain.wordpress.com/2011/12/14/day-14-the-second-sheep-the-lost-sheep-jesus-came-to-find-us/



During Advent we celebrate when Jesus was born in Bethlehem, and we wait for him to come again. When Jesus was on earth, he told many stories about what God is like. One of his stories was about a shepherd who had 100 sheep. That’s a lot of sheep! One of the shepherd’s sheep wandered away and was lost. What do you think the shepherd did? He left the other 99 sheep in a field and went to look for the one who was lost. When he found that sheep, do you think he was angry? Do you think he scolded the sheep, or disciplined it? No! He picked it up and brought it back home to the field, where he had a joyful party to celebrate the return of his little lost sheep. Jesus said that is just like the joy in heaven when one sinner repents and returns to God. Jesus told this story because some people didn’t like it that he was being kind to sinners. He wanted them to know that God loves sinners, and that Jesus was born to save sinners–like us–from our sins.
Dear Jesus, we want to remember why you came into our world: to save us when we were lost. We praise you because you are kind to us and show us mercy. Amen. 
Bible Readings: Ezekiel 34:11-16; Luke 19:1-10





Another Advent Reading Plan is Good News of Great Joy 
by John Piper

You can watch an introduction video and/or download the whole book at www.desiringgod.org/books/good-news-of-great-joy
You can also get the daily reading at solidjoys.desiringgod.org/

Sunday, December 13, 2015

December 13 Advent Readings

The first reading is for family with children.
The second reading is from  Good News of Great Joy at Desiring God 


The Crow

Joseph and Mary were on a long journey. They were going to Bethlehem to be counted. When Joseph and Mary arrived in Bethlehem, they tried to find a place where they could stay. But many, many people were traveling to the city. It was crowded. Joseph and Mary found an inn, but there was no room for them there. What could they do? Mary was about to have the baby Jesus! Finally Joseph and Mary found a place to stay. It wasn’t a very fancy place–it may even have been a stable, or a barn! Does a barn sound like the kind of place for a great king to be born? God’s plan is sometimes very surprising. When he came to be born into our world Jesus humbled himself so much. He was obedient to God even when it meant being poor. He became poor so that we could become rich in him.
Dear Jesus, you are the Son of God and the greatest king and yet you humbled yourself. There is no other god like you! We praise you. Amen. 
Bible Readings: 2 Corinthians 8:1-9; Philippians 2:3-11





Another Advent Reading Plan is Good News of Great Joy 
by John Piper

You can watch an introduction video and/or download the whole book at www.desiringgod.org/books/good-news-of-great-joy
You can also get the daily reading at solidjoys.desiringgod.org/

Saturday, December 12, 2015

December 12: Two Advent Readings

The first reading is for family with children.
The second reading is from  Good News of Great Joy at Desiring God 


The Donkey




Do you remember that in the Old Testament there was a powerful king named David? Joseph was one of David’s descendants–he was from Bethlehem, the city of David. Long ago God had said that Jesus would come into the family of King David and would be born in Bethlehem. This is how God fulfilled that promise: Around the time that Jesus was going to be born, the ruler of all the land commanded that everyone go to their home city to be counted. So Joseph and Mary had to make a journey to Bethlehem. It was a long journey, about 70 or 80 miles. It would have taken them a long time, maybe a week. Joseph and Mary might have walked the whole way. Or they might have had a donkey to help them. Maybe Mary even rode on the donkey when she was tired. Because God always keeps his promises, Joseph and Mary arrived in Bethlehem just before Jesus was born.
Dear God, We praise you because you always keep your word. We can see how you are in control of all events, big and small. Amen. 
Bible Readings: 2 Samuel 7:8-16; Micah 5:1-5





Another Advent Reading Plan is Good News of Great Joy 
by John Piper

You can watch an introduction video and/or download the whole book at www.desiringgod.org/books/good-news-of-great-joy
You can also get the daily reading at solidjoys.desiringgod.org/