It’s a brand new year!! Whether you’re new to Watermark Kids or are joining us for another year, we’re so glad you’re here! Colossians 2:3 says, “In Him lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” How do you find hidden treasure? You have to look for it! We have a lot to learn this school year and cannot wait to see what God has to teach us through His Word!
MEMORY VERSE: “I want them to be encouraged and knit together by strong ties of love. I want them to have complete confidence that they understand God's mysterious plan, which is Christ himself. In Him lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." Colossians 2:2-3 (NLT)
Each year in Watermark Kids, we learn about godly character. In fact, over the course of three years, kids will learn 36 godly character traits, along with a definition and memory verse for each. For a list of the 12 character traits we will be learning this year, click here. In addition to godly character traits, over this next year we want you to learn more about Jesus by spending time with Him! God gives us a lot of different ways we can do this called Spiritual Disciplines. There are many, but this year we’re going to focus on four – prayer, bible study, scripture memory, and giving. We are excited for what’s in store and hope you’ll join us each week as we dig in to God’s Word.
Family Questions:
READ COLOSSIANS 2:2-3
- Where are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge hidden? (In Christ) What do you think that means?
- If something is hidden, what do you have to do to get it? (You have to search for hidden things in order to find them. When you seek Christ with all your heart, He will show you more about who He is.)
- Think about someone you admire or look up to. What do you know about them? How and why do you know these things? How can you get to know Jesus more?
Bring it Home Conversations & Activities:
* Check out our vision for parents and how to use these activities each week.
Teacher: Meal Time
This year, we’re learning about Spiritual Disciplines! Click here to read more about the four we’ll be focusing on this year in our elementary ministries. Practice these spiritual disciplines as a family with help from our Spiritual Disciplines Journal Page and discuss the verses below as a family.
READ PSALM 119:1 (Scripture Memory) Why do you think memorizing God’s Word is important? Does anyone have a verse memorized they can share with us?
READ JOSHUA 1:8 (Bible Study) What are some of your favorite stories in the Bible to read? What can you learn about God from those stories?
READ 2 CORINTHIANS 9:7 (Giving) What are some of the things God has given you? (Think time, talents, and treasures) How can you share those things with others?
READ PHILIPPIANS 4:6 (Prayer) When and where can we pray? What can we talk to God about? Does anyone have a prayer request we can pray for right now?
Friend: Drive Time
Ask your kids to list out as many godly character traits as they can before you get to the next stoplight or stop sign. Then for each one, try to think of a verse or a story in the Bible that illustrates each character trait. Talk about what they learn about God in these stories and how He perfectly shows that trait. Bonus points if it’s a character trait we’re studying this coming school year!
Counselor: Bedtime
Think about someone you admire or look up to because of the way they follow Jesus. What do you admire about them? How do you see godly character traits in the way they live their life and how they treat others? Spend some time praying for that person – that they would continue to grow to be more like Jesus – and thanking God for their influence in your life!
Coach: Anytime
One day this week, watch a movie together as a family. Tell your kids before you start to be paying attention to different character traits they see in each person in the movie (positive and negative). After it ends, discuss what everyone saw in the characters. Discuss ways each character could have responded in more godly ways. Ask your kids some practical steps or spiritual disciplines they can practice to learn more about godly character traits! (Hint: study Philippians 1:9-11 & Colossians 2:2-3 to find out!)
Prayer
Thank God for the people who are examples of godly servants in your life. Ask Him to help you have the right heart when you are serving others. Thank Him for being the reason we serve, worthy of all the glory and honor.
Looking Ahead
Next weekend is a "We Believe" weekend! We will be learning what we believe about the Bible.
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