Impact Kids at New Life

01/01/2022

Happy New Year! We can’t wait to get started on a new year of ministry with you and your kids!

WHAT’S HAPPENING
Here are a few things coming up in our ministry . . .

KINDNESS CLUB
This month, we’re getting small groups to create an action plan for serving others. We hope you and your kids can be a part of it!

WHAT WE’RE TEACHING

SUBSCRIBE NOW: A 5-WEEK SERIES ON FOLLOWING JESUS.

SERIES OVERVIEW:
If only we could really get to know the people behind our favorite YouTube channels! The ability to “subscribe now” gives people the impression that connection is that easy. But connection takes a bit more effort, it takes following and learning from those we want to know.

Kids look for places of belonging, places where forgiveness exists, places where they can experience a genuine connection.

The Gospels teach us that places like these exist. In these stories kids learn that we can know God through Jesus, we can know forgiveness because of Jesus, that Jesus knows us and wants us to follow him. The message of Jesus is powerful and something we can subscribe to!

TIP OF THE MONTH
We probably tell our kids that they can change the world, but do we mean “someday” or “today”? And are we actually giving them the tools they need to become the leaders we say they can become?

Here are a few things we can do to help every kid learn to lead right now:

1. Let them lead (and serve) now
2. Give them responsibility
3. Help them develop leadership skills
4. Celebrate their efforts

Apart from kids getting fairly addicted, there are very real dangers of online gaming that parents should know.
THIS ARTICLE is great to raise our awareness of our kids’ online environment – share them with other parents who need to know!

07/05/2021

Happy summertime, parents! We hope your family is having a blast and enjoying the calm before a new school year.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Here are a few things coming up in our ministry . . .
IN JULY WE WIL HAVE THE GREAT ADVENTURE RACE
This summer, we’re planning an outdoor event for the whole family! We’d love to see you and your kids there!

SEPTEMBER OPEN HOUSE
If you’re new to our ministry (or you just want to hang out with us for a few minutes) we’d love to see you at our Open House in September so we can introduce you and your family to our kids ministry!
More details coming soon.

WHAT WE’RE TEACHING
CROSSOVER: A 4-WEEK SERIES ON THE OLD TESTAMENT

SERIES OVERVIEW:
No matter how many larger than life stories they hear, most kids will always think they are too small or insignificant to make an impact. As a result, “living for God” often ends with church attendance and rarely carries over into their daily lives.

Kids need affirmation, therefore, that they individually do matter, and that God will give them the necessary tools to do the right thing for God. In “Crossover,” we are meeting everyday people who were led to do extraordinary things through God’s gifts of extraordinary peace, strength, courage, and help–all things made available to us today!

TIP OF THE MONTH
Hey, parents! You probably know this already, but the words you use and the attention you give to kids have power. They can literally change the way kids see themselves.

So, the question is, what are you saying? How are you interacting with them? Are you showing genuine interest in them through compliments and being present?
Showing them respect and love goes a long way in developing confidence in your kids!

RESOURCE OF THE MONTH
“Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage. Truth and courage aren’t always comfortable, but they’re never weakness.”— Brené Brown

To hear more about to be authentic in our struggles and imperfections and “Wholehearted” living, check out the Brené Brown video on the power of vulnerability!

QUESTION OF THE MONTH
Hey parents, as we wrap out this school year, would you help us out?

As the parent, what’s one thing our church could do to better serve and help you? Hit Reply and let us know!

06/02/2021

Hey dads, step-dads, grandpas, brothers, and dad-figures. Happy Father’s Day! Thank you for all you do to love, guide, and father the kids in your life. You’re incredible.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Here are a few things coming up in our ministry

JULY 10: THE GREAT ADVENTURE RACE
This summer, we’re planning an outdoor event for the whole family! We’d love to see you and your kids there!

WHAT WE’RE TEACHING

EPIC: A 4-WEEK SERIES ON THE WILDERNESS

SERIES OVERVIEW:
When we think about the Israelites in the wilderness, we often think of it as a time of disappointment, suffering, and promises deferred. What we often forget is that God was there even in the wilderness, reminding the Israelites of God’s goodness and faithfulness. No matter their present circumstances, the people experienced that God was with them, and moved people like Joshua, Caleb, and Rahab to take incredible leaps of faith!

Through the amazing accounts of Israel’s journey during that time, your kids will also come to realize that they can: spend time with God anywhere, trust God, take risks for God, and remember what God has done for us.

TIP OF THE MONTH
As much as we love our kids, sometimes they step out of line — way out of line. But as much as discipline is necessary, it isn’t always so simple. And it’s easy to discipline from a place of anger or frustration rather than love.

Ask yourself these things before you discipline your child:
Am I calm? Have I explained why they’re being disciplined?
Have I listened to their perspective? Am I showing them I still love them?
Am I holding a grudge or giving them the silent treatment?

RESOURCE OF THE MONTH

Being optimistic is a valuable tool for kids to develop early.

What this video on how everyday people are finding ways to remain optimistic
https://youtu.be/pbjH9d4h6GQ

We know you’re learning a lot about parenting, so we’d love to learn alongside you. What’s one thing you’ve learned this year that every parent should know?

Hit Reply and share your wisdom!

05/08/2021

Hey moms, step-moms, grandmas, sisters, and mom-figures. Happy Mother’s Day! Thank you for the way you love, influence, and mother the kids in your life. We love you!

WHAT’S HAPPENING
Here are a few things coming up in our ministry . . .

JUNE 2021: THE GREAT ADVENTURE RACE
This summer, we’re planning an outdoor event for the whole family! We’d love to see you and your kids there!

WHAT WE’RE TEACHING

GO: A 5-WEEK SERIES ON THE EARLY CHURCH

SERIES OVERVIEW:
More than ever, our kids are engaged in spiritual battle these days, whether they realize it or not. Their faith is attacked–not by obvious opposition–but by subtle questions and moral ambiguity, that can cause kids to doubt and become less outspoken about Jesus. In this way, it has become an increasingly difficult era to share the Gospel. . . all the more reason why we, and our kids, need to be thoroughly equipped to “GO!” Through this series, kids will see that even though they are young, God gave us a mission, to share God’s story through words and actions. In order to do this with power and conviction, God gives us the Holy Spirit, and moreover, God gives us everything we need. When I face obstacles, God will protect my heart and mind, and when it seems like there is nothing I can do, kids will realize I can help others when I pray.

TIP OF THE MONTH
We are exploring The Great Commission this month, about Jesus’ mission to us to “go and make disciples.” Duplicate yourselves. Go and make more of you. Take a moment to think about what it means to make disciples in your home! Keep in mind these three things regarding discipleship:
1) it’s about living, not just learning
2) it happens in community
3) it’s a process.

RESOURCE OF THE MONTH
Hey moms, step-moms, grandmas, sisters, and mom-figures. Happy Mother’s Day!

Thank you for the way you love, influence, and mother the kids in your life. Here’s a little video to say we know the struggle is real but we get you and are rooting for you! We love you!

QUESTON OF THE MONTH
We know you’re learning a lot about parenting, so we’d love to learn alongside you. What’s one thing you’ve learned this year that every parent should know?

04/10/2021

Hey parents!

It’s a special time here at church, and we’re here to help you make it special at home too.

WHAT’S HAPPENING
Here are a few things coming up in our ministry . . .

APRIL 30: SPRING ESCAPADE
This spring, we’re planning an event for the whole family!
We hope to see you there!

WHAT WE’RE TEACHING
LEVEL UP: A 4-WEEK SERIES ON EASTER

SERIES OVERVIEW:
Video games are something today’s kids are familiar with. . . maybe even too familiar! Games are played on every platform from game consoles to handheld devices/phones, and there are a ton of different games to choose from. But the constant across this diverse gaming universe is that every game has levels of increasing difficulty. When a player “levels up,” they are usually met with more challenges but also with more rewards.

Through this series, we are challenging kids to “level up” their faith by examining the events surrounding Jesus’ death and resurrection. Even though they might be facing difficulties and adversity of their own, kids will find the greatest rewards in their faith when they fix their eyes on Jesus. Because Jesus trusted God, Jesus beat death! When we doubt and have questions about God, Jesus helps me believe, and even during those times, Jesus is always with me.

TIP OF THE MONTH

“I’m not a regular mom. I’m a cool mom.” — Mean Girls

As the parent, you probably feel some tension between wanting to have a close relationship with your kid, but still needing them to listen to you. We get it! It’s a hard balance to find. Maybe this is surprising, but growing a deeper “friendship” with your kid will often help them grow a deeper sense of respect for you.

So this month, schedule a day to hang out with your kid one-on-one — like friends!

04/04/2021

03/14/2021

Don’t forget 🤔 to move your clocks forward ⏩ tonight 😊 Daylight Savings Time begins at 2am on Sunday☀️☀️☀️.

03/03/2021

What do seeds, coins, sheep, kids, and businesspeople have in common? They’re all the subjects of some of Jesus’ most important parables! And they’re what we’re talking about this month.

WHAT’S HAPPENING
Here are a few things coming up in our ministry . . .

SPRING ESCAPADE on April 30 from 6-8pm
This spring, we’re planning an event for the whole family! We hope to see you there!

WHAT WE’RE TEACHING
REVEALED: A 4-WEEK SERIES ON JESUS’ PARABLES

SERIES OVERVIEW:
An illusionist’s motto is “magicians never reveals their secrets.” That is because once we figure out the mechanics of how each illusion is performed, the act loses its “magic.” Jesus, however, shares with us all the trade secrets of being in a relationship with God and serving the Kingdom of God.

Often times, it was through teaching with parables that these “secrets” were revealed, secrets such as: I can be a part of something big, God will never stop loving me, God made me to do great things, and God forgives me. Of course, kids will quickly learn that these aren’t secrets at all and that they should share it with everyone!

TIP OF THE MONTH
It can be pretty terrifying when your kid asks hard questions about God or life that you’re not sure how to respond to. You might be tempted to give a quick answer or shut down the conversation, but here’s a tip:

Instead of trying to give great answers, try asking great questions. Your job as a parent is less about telling your kid the right answers and more about journeying with them as they learn to ask great questions and discover new truths.

RESOURCE OF THE MONTH
Ever wished your kid would just listen to you already?
What about talk? Ever wished they would open up just a little bit more? We get it. So do Adele Faber & Elaine Mazlish, authors of How to Talk so Kids Will Listen and Listen So Kids Will Talk.
You can find the book on Amazon.

QUESTION OF THE MONTH
We’re always trying to better understand what it’s like to be a parent. So here’s what we’re wondering: What’s the HARDEST thing about parenting right now?

Hit Reply and let us

02/03/2021

Happy Almost-Valentine’s Day! We’re taking this month to show kids what Jesus taught us about love!

WHAT’S HAPPENING
Here are a few things coming up in our ministry . . .

APRIL 30 ~ Spring Escapade
This spring, we’re planning an event for the whole family! We hope to see you there!

WHAT WE’RE TEACHING
REAL LOVE: A 4-WEEK SERIES ON JESUS’ TEACHINGS

SERIES OVERVIEW:
We are always teaching our kids that we need to love God and love one another, but often times neglect to give them tangible ways to do so. In this series, we are going to examine a few of Jesus’ teachings in depth and discover practical ways we can demonstrate our love for God, family, friends, and enemies, too! Our hope is that by the end of this series, every kid will be able to say, because God loves everyone, I can show God’s love by being kind, I can show God’s love even when it’s hard, and that ultimately, love is the best choice!

TIP OF THE MONTH
It can be a challenge to figure out how to disciple your kids, or to know whether or not you’re making a difference. If that sounds familiar, try thinking about spiritual growth in terms of these four spiritual habits: spending time with God, spending time with others in healthy community, sharing your story, and using your gifts to serve.

RESOURSE OF THE MONTH
Every parent knows the tension between wanting to hand their kid a phone or a device to keep them occupied, and wanting to teach healthy limits when it comes to technology. That’s why we love this new tool called Circle, with Disney. It’s the new way for parents like you to manage content and time across all your kid’s devices. Check it out!

QUESTION OF THE MONTH
Hey parents, help us out. As a parent, what’s one thing our church could do to better serve and help you? Hit Reply and let us know!

01/02/2021

Happy New Year! We can’t wait to get started on a new year of ministry with you and your Impact Kid(s).

Here are a few things coming up in our ministry . . .

January 29 2021: THE JOY JAM
This month, we’re getting kids and families together for a fun night of jam sessions, jam tasting, and rockin’ those jammies! (Are you sensing a theme?) Mark your calendars!

MAIN EVENT: A 5-WEEK SERIES ON SPIRITUAL GIFTS

SERIES OVERVIEW:
With the holiday season having just passed by, most kids still have the concept of giving and receiving gifts fresh on their minds. While many, if not all, of the gifts that were unboxed at Christmas will eventually fall into disrepair, gifts given by God will never fade!

Through this “Unboxed” series, kids will discover what kinds of gifts those are, starting with the fact that everyone has special gifts! Then they will see how God can use those gifts to help others, among those gifts being special blessings from God, as well.

Our gifts help us care about what God cares about, by focusing on heavenly things, and we can trust God with our gifts when we offer it up cheerfully!

PARENT TIP OF THE MONTH
Do you ever have one of those days when you wonder, “Is this really working? Am I making a difference in my kid’s life? Is anything I’m saying sinking in?” Of course you do. And the answer is YES. Even on the difficult days, you are influencing your kid(s) in profound ways. . . even when they’re pushing your buttons! Don’t forget it!

RESOURCE OF THE MONTH
Do you ever feel like you’re working really hard trying to make the right decisions for your kids? Well, maybe it’s time we left some of that decision-making to your kids! That’s why we love the book (or audiobook) The Self-Driven Child. This book is incredible. .

09/20/2020

Here's what we are teaching the Impact Kids today.

Today's Big Idea: Heroes help others

Title: Joseph Saves his people

BIBLE STORY | Genesis 41:14-41, 57; 45:1-5

When we left off last week, Joseph had some bad things happen to him. He was treated unfairly and ended up being thrown in prison. God was with him through all those bad things, and Joseph became a hero because he made wise choices. Today, we’ll hear more of Joseph’s story and hear how God used him to save people.

A lot happened to Joseph. He went from slavery to prison, and from prison to the palace, where he was
second in command in all of Egypt. What did Joseph do to help the ruler of Egypt, the pharaoh?

He interpreted his dream. Joseph used his gift of being able to explain dreams to warn the pharaoh about the famine — that means a time when there isn’t enough food to feed everyone —and they prepared for that time by storing away food when there was a lot of it. And just like Joseph said, famine came to their land and crops didn’t grow. They needed food! Thankfully, Joseph had some stored away that he gave people in Egypt.

But what about Joseph’s father and brothers? What happened to them? Well, eventually they needed food, too. The brothers came to visit Egypt to get food. Remember, they didn’t know their brother Joseph was in charge in the palace in Egypt.

When Joseph saw his brothers come to Egypt to buy food, he could have taken revenge on them and treated them in a really mean way.
What did he do instead? He gave them the food they desperately needed for their families.

Having the heart of a hero means doing what’s right even when someone doesn’t treat you the way you should be treated.

For some, the idea of making things fair or right would involve Joseph getting revenge on the brothers who did him wrong. Shouldn’t they be punished for what they did?

God’s view of right and wrong is not the same as ours. Romans 12:19–21 tells us: Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. This is what Joseph did, isn’t it?

Joseph knew God’s heart, and his actions reflected his faith. Joseph’s trust in God gave him the courage to endure hardships and stand for justice. You can be a hero, too. You can help others and stand up for people.

Here’s a quick video to share with your preschool kids. We can trust God like Joseph did and God will give us courage to endure hardships and stand for Justice. We can be a hero, too. We can help others who need help and stand up for people.