Every Sunday morning at 9:00 am
Sundsy Scool is on break for the summer and will return in September
Every Sunday morning our Sunday School classes provide biblical instruction for all ages. From infant to adult, the Bible comes alive through stories, activities and in-depth Bible study.
For the kids we have:
Nursery,
Combined Pre-K/1st Grade class,
Combined 2nd-5th Grade class, and
Combined Middle School/High School class.
There are also two adult Sunday School classes offered.
All Sunday School classes begin at 9:00 am and we'd love for you to join us on Sunday mornings.
The Armor of God
Read Ephesians 6:14-17
Have you ever read a story or watched a movie about a knight in armor? The stories are always full of adventure, bravery, and battle.
Have you ever looked closely at all the equipment a knight needed to wear? Each piece was important for his protection and was put on with care. First, he put on a suit of chain mail, a sort of reinforced heavy underwear. Then on top of this he wore a breastplate that covered his chest and his back, adding another layer of protection. He next tightened his belt and made sure that it securely held his shirt and breastplate in place. He put on special armored shoes to protect his feet because even an injured foot could keep him from standing and fighting. When his body was protected, he would cover his head with a protective helmet that had a sliding face mask. After his body was protected and ready for battle, he would pick up his shield and sword. He could use this shield to knock away enemy arrows that might come flying toward him. He could use his sword to injure the enemy.
In his letter to the Ephesians Paul tells us that God has given us armor and wants us to put it on each day. Paul reminds us that the devil is ready to attack us at any time, but God has given us armor for protection. The truth of God is like a belt that you can fasten tightly to hold God’s armor in place. Righteousness (living by God’s laws) will protect you, like a breastplate. God readies your feet so you will be able to spring into action. Jesus protects you like a helmet and assures you that you have salvation no matter how the fight goes. Your faith will shield you when others attack you and the Holy Spirit will be your sword to help you fight back.
God does not want you to be in the world facing evil and temptations all alone. God has given you armor you can use when the devil attacks. If you have ever been tempted to do what you know is wrong, you know about this battle with the devil. Remember you have God’s armor. Remember it’s available. Put it on!
Think about these verses – Ephesians 6:10-11
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes." (New International Version)
Close in prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, I know You will be with me when I face evil and temptation. Thank you for this armor You give me. I know Your armor will strengthen and protect me. Help me remember that I am wearing it always. Amen.
Parts
Read I Corinthians 12:14-20
Paul told the Corinthians that the church was like a body. He compared the church to a human body with different parts. Eyes, ears, fingers, mouth, feet, and (fill in this blank) are all necessary. Can you imagine living well without one of these parts?
Every person in our church family is different and they have a special part to play. Think about the people you see on Sunday morning. Look in the balcony for the technicians who manage our sound system and broadcast our services into the community. Think of the pastor and church leaders who lead the congregation. Listen to the beautiful music provided by singers and musicians each week. Thank the people that unlock the doors for us and keep our church clean.
Think about other members you know. Some enjoy visiting and talking with our seniors. Others encourage children and young people. Missionaries travel around the world telling others about Jesus. Some people reach out to neighbors in our own community. Gardeners beautify our church, bakers supply meals and desserts, drivers help with transportation. There are many more things that get done by members of our church family. Can you think of other jobs we do to keep our church family running smoothly?
Every member is important. No matter what you do, you are a necessary part of the church. God has given you the abilities that your church family needs. Every job, no matter the size, is important. There are no little jobs. Think what just a smile can do. When we use our abilities to work together, we can do awesome things!
Think about this verse – I Corinthians 12:27
"Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it." (NIV)
Close in prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for planning my church family. I know I am an important part of this family. Show me ways to use my talents as my church family follows You and works together. Amen.
Ruth – A Woman of Noble Character
Read Ruth 1:14-16
The Bible tells us about many great heroes and heroines. God uses these people to provide role models for us. They teach us how God wants us to behave. These people show us that our actions demonstrate our faith and character. One of these heroines was a woman named Ruth from the land of Moab and the book of Ruth is about her.
There was a man named Elimelech, who was from Bethlehem in Judah. He took his wife, Naomi, and his two sons and fled to Moab because there was a famine in their homeland. Moab was a country east of the nation of Judah. During the time they lived in Moab, Elimelech died. Naomi's two sons married Moabite women. One was named Ruth and the other was named Orpah. After some years, both of Naomi's sons died too. Ruth, her sister-in-law, Orpah, and her mother-in-law, Naomi, were the only survivors.
When Naomi heard that there was food in Judah again, she decided to go back to Bethlehem. She told Ruth and Orpah they should return to their own families in Moab.
Ruth refused to leave Naomi and returned to Bethlehem with her. She knew her mother-in-law was older and would need help to survive. Every day Ruth set out to find food and worked in the fields gathering the grain that the harvesters might have overlooked or dropped. People in Bethlehem saw the kindness that Ruth showed Naomi. They saw that she was faithful in helping the older woman. Quickly, Ruth developed a good reputation.
Boaz, who owned the land where Ruth was working, also noticed her noble character. He soon married Ruth. The town elders recognized that this was a good match and blessed the couple. God also blessed them richly. The Bible tells us that Ruth and Boaz were the great-grandparents of King David and ancestors of Jesus.
Ruth shows us that good character is important. Ruth was loyal and compassionate to Naomi. She was respectful when she met Boaz. People in the town knew of her kindness and responsibility. As you read the book of Ruth, you will find even more examples of her good character. God makes sure we know about Ruth by including her story in the Bible. He wants us to understand how He can use people of noble character in His plan. Are you building your character? A good reputation is important. God has work for you too!
Think about this verse – Ruth 3:11b
"All the people of my town know that you are a woman of noble character." (NIV)
Close in prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for giving me Ruth as an example of good character. Help me to be loyal, kind, and respectful. Help me to show Your love to others through compassion. Amen.
Respect
Read Matthew 22:11-14
Do you remember Jesus telling a parable of a wedding banquet? In it a king gave a great feast for his son’s wedding. At the end of the lesson the king did something totally unexpected. When he saw that one guest was not wearing wedding clothes, he became angry. So angry that he had his servants tie up the guest and throw him out of the party. Was that harsh? Why did Jesus want us to know this? To understand what happened here, you need to know a little about banquet manners of the day.
The father of the groom oversaw all details of the wedding. Not only did he have to plan the wedding and the banquet, but he also had to buy and provide clothes for everyone to wear during the celebration.
It was customary to give each guest a garment to wear to the wedding when they arrived. Guests put on these garments right away. Then they joined in the celebration and feasting in their new wedding clothes. This was done to provide everyone with a special garment that was just right for the event. No one was dressed poorly because they could not afford the right kind of clothes. No one wore clothes that were dirty from work or travelling. Rich and poor were dressed alike.
Any guest who refused to wear these garments insulted their host. The king had planned and paid for the feast. Guests had accepted the invitation and come. Now they just had to put on the new clothes given to them and enjoy the fun. Not wearing the clothes given to them was rude and disrespectful. No wonder the king was angry.
Today it is still important to show respect. You show respect to others by what you say and do every day. Look people in the eye when you talk to them. Say thank you. Listen to directions. Be patient. Encourage others. Do not make excuses. Don’t these things sound just like good old manners? How are your manners? Jesus wants you to pay attention to them. Jesus wants you show respect.
Think about this verse – I Peter 2:17
"Respect everyone, and love the family of believers. Fear God, and respect the king." (New Living Translation)
Close in prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, I am glad that I am a part of Your family. Help me be respectful with my family, my friends, and others that I will meet. I want my manners to show everyone the respect that You teach. Amen.
Seeds and Weeds
Read Matthew 13:24-30
Every gardener knows about weeds. No one plants weed seeds, so how do they get into the garden? Why do they grow so well in every type of weather? Can you ever get rid of them? Jesus used weeds to teach us about the evil that flourishes all around us.
Have you ever been frustrated by someone who gets ahead by cheating? Have you ever been angry when something was stollen from you? Have you wondered why some people are often so mean to others? These are all simple examples of evil growing in your world, and I bet you can think of more examples.
Jesus, who is our gardener, knows this is going to happen. You are good seed planted in His garden. The devil will sneak in and plant things that will crowd, irritate, and try to rob you of the good connection you have with Jesus. Jesus tells us that when you try to pull out weeds, you may also accidently pull out good plants. (This has happened in my own garden.) It is just better to let them grow along together. At harvest time the vegetables will go into the refrigerator, the weeds will go into the trash can.
As long as you water plants and care for them, their roots are still connected to the soil. They can take nourishment and grow. Jesus knows you can survive the evil that the devil throws into your life in the same way.
Stay in touch with Jesus. Pray, read the Bible, attend church, seek guidance from fellow Christians. Keep you roots growing in good soil. Evil will always come because the devil never gives up. Just remember, Jesus is always there for you too. Do not let the evil you see or hear about discourage you. Keep your roots growing in Jesus. He has promised to take you into His home in heaven when the harvest day comes.
Think about this verse – II Timothy 4:18
"The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen." (NIV)
Close in prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for planting me in Your garden and giving me Jesus as my own gardener. Help me to grow strong roots and keep me growing until it is the harvest day in heaven. Amen.
Our Church Family
Read Mark 3:31-34
Usually, when you talk about your family you are talking about the people who are related to you. Your parents, your brothers and sisters are part your family. You eat meals with them and talk to them each day. You help each other with chores around the house. You play together and travel together and come to church with them. Still your family is bigger than those who live at your house. It includes grandparents, aunts and uncles, and cousins. Family gatherings are fun!
Jesus taught that we have another family. Anyone who obeys God and loves Him is one of His children. This makes us a part of the family of God. This is our church family. The church family meets to worship God. They work together to spread the Good News about Jesus. They care about each other and help each other. Getting together is fun and we look forward to time spent together.
Just how big is our church family? It certainly includes everyone we see at church on Sunday and during the week. How about people who go to other churches in our community? Do they love God and do His work? Jesus says that makes them part of His family. How about Christians in other countries and missionaries around the world? Yes, Jesus would include them too!
It is great to be part of God’s big family! We look different and talk different languages. We enjoy different foods and play different games. It is true that our lives may be very different, but we all share one important thing. Do you know what it is? We all love Jesus! The love we have in our hearts binds us together to do God’s work. Aren’t you glad you are part of the church family! Aren’t you glad you are part of The Family of God!
Think about this verse – Mark 3:35
"Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.” (NIV)
Close in prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, I am glad that I am one of your children. Thank you for giving me parents, brothers and sisters, and aunts, uncles, and cousins. Thank you for also making me a part of my church family. Help us to all grow together. Amen.