Welcome Parents

Welcome to our Kids Ministry Newsletter! We are so happy you are here! This newsletter the source for you to "be in the know" about all things Kids Min. Check in for updates on Events, Kids Sunday Series, and Parent Support.

Kids Ministry for ages birth-5th grade is available at 9:00AM and 10:40AM. Our volunteer team is ready to connect with your kids 15 minutes prior to the service start. 

Kids Ministry Team Preview

Curious about serving in Kids Ministry? Join us for a Kids Ministry Preview Day where you’ll catch our vision for reaching kids and families, see ministry in action, and have the opportunity to ask questions and connect with leaders. You’ll also discover practical next steps to join the team and make an impact. We’d love for you to come and explore how God might use you to invest in the next generation!

Date: Sunday, January 18th

Time: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Location: Fireside Room

Parent Playbook:

Parent Playbook: Intentional Parenting in a Digital World

Our goal for this Parent Playbook is simple: to help you lead your family with clarity and confidence in a world that is shaping your children every single day—especially through technology. We’re here to give you a framework that:

• Reflects your family values,

• Protects your child’s identity,

• strengthens their sense of worth in Christ,

• and supports the discipleship happening in your home.
  
  And the good news is this: Parents are still the most influential voice in a child’s life. Even with all the noise of technology and culture, your voice matters more than ever.

  
  Childcare and Lunch will be provided for those participating in the Parent Playbook.
  Date: Sunday, Feb 1st
  Time: 12:15 PM - 2:00 PM
  Location: FLC

Current Series: Let's Face It

Let's Face It: When people say “let’s face it,” what they mean is “let’s be painfully honest.” During the “Let’s Face It” series, we’re going to be “painfully honest” about how sin affects us, but we’ll also be honest about the power that Jesus has to forgive us and change our lives. And here’s the really fun part— during “Let’s Face It,” we’ll be taking the expression a bit more literally. Kids will get to use their artistic talents to create and wear fun masks for the telling of the Big Bible Story.

Jan 4th - Paralyzed No More - Mark 2:1-12; Matt. 9:1-8

Big Idea: Jesus has power over sin, so we can give our sins to Him.

Jan 11th - Dinner with Sinners - Matt. 9:9-13

Big Idea: Jesus heals us from our sins, so we can follow Him even though we’re sinners.

Jan 18th - The Unforgiving Servant - Matt. 18:21-35
Big Idea: Jesus forgives us, so we should forgive others.

Jan 25th - Jesus Forgives the Sinner - John 8:1-11

Big Idea:  Jesus doesn’t look down on us for being sinners, so we shouldn’t look down on others who sin.

Calendar

Check out the Family Room

Welcome to our Family Room! This space is designed for families with young children who need to wiggle, move, and play during our Sunday gathering. Feel free to enjoy this area with your child—it’s a safe and welcoming spot for little ones to explore while you stay connected!

Check out some captured moments!

Parent Corner: Managing Holiday Stress with Grace

If your home has felt a little… loud, busy, or emotionally charged lately, you’re not alone. So many parents this week have said things like: “I love the holidays… but wow, this is a LOT.”, “I’m trying to stay calm, but the stress is real.”, and “I’m at my wit’s end with my kid.” If that sounds familiar—welcome. This month’s Parent Corner is for you. Unstoppable U Coaching has worked with thousands of families, helping kids and parents build emotional resilience. We’re passing along three of their most practical and grace-filled tools to help you breathe easier this Christmas season.

1. Control What’s Actually Yours to Control

One of their core coaching phrases is: “Control your controllables.” So much stress comes from trying to manage things we were never meant to control.

Things you can’t control:

Your child’s mood

Unsolicited commentary from relatives

Holiday overstimulation

Things you can control:

Your tone

Your expectations

Your boundaries

Your energy (most days!)

When you shift your focus back to “What is mine to manage?”, your body relaxes. A calmer parent creates a calmer environment—kids feel that even if they never say it out loud.

2. Balance the Negative “What Ifs” with Positive Ones

Parents tend to be world-class “what-if-ers.” It comes from love—we’re trying to prepare for everything.

But negative “what ifs” drain us:

What if my kid melts down?

What if they don’t like their gifts?

What if everyone judges us?

Unstoppable U Coaching teaches kids to balance these thoughts—and it works for adults too:

What if my child surprises me?

What if we get a moment of genuine connection?

What if this becomes a joyful core memory?

What if this year is different—in a good way?

Your brain needs both sides of the story. Balancing your thoughts doesn’t ignore the hard—it just leaves room for hope.

3. Add Back One Small Thing That Brings You Joy

When stress rises, joy is usually the first thing to disappear. Walks get skipped. Hobbies pause. Personal time vanishes. And before you know it, you’re running on empty. But joy isn’t optional—it’s fuel.

This week, pick one small thing to add back in:

A short walk alone

A cup of something warm

Five minutes of music you love

Soft lighting and a good show

A phone call with someone who fills your cup

Tiny moments of joy create real emotional margin. Your kids benefit from a parent who’s replenished—not running on fumes.

A Final Word of Encouragement

Your stress does not make you a bad parent. It makes you a human one—who loves their family deeply. The holidays are beautifully messy, but when you slow down, control what you can, balance your thoughts, and protect small moments of joy, everything becomes just a bit more manageable. And your kids? They’re learning from your example every step of the way.

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