The Children’s Ministry blog of Penn Valley Church, Telford Campus

September 30, 2014

John's Message; Jesus' Baptism


John's Message; Jesus' Baptism: Lesson 4
Wednesday, October 1st & Sunday, October 5th

Key Passages: Luke 3:1-22

Basic Truth: God desires repentance.

Memory Verse: Repent then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.  Acts 3:19

Discussion Questions

All Levels
Q: Why do we have to repent before we can be forgiven? 
A: If we don't agree with God that our behavior is wrong, we won't have any reason to ask for forgiveness.  

Grade 1-2
Q: Why does God want people to repent? 
A: God desires sinners to repent so they will turn to Him for forgiveness. 

Grade 3-4
Q: How did John prepare people for the Messiah? 
A: John prepared people by preaching that everyone needs to repents and everyone needs a Savior. He clearly declared that Jesus is the Savior, God's Messiah.

Grade 5-6
Q: What happens when repentance is sincere? 
A: When I really see how my behavior is wrong, I won't want to continue it. God desires repentance that brings a change in my life. 

Family Activities:
1) Take turns sharing about a time when you were really sorry for something you did. What did you do about it? 
2) Talk about what baptism means. If family members have been baptized, celebrate belonging to Jesus. 

To see the full lesson used at Family Night, click the link below: 

September 23, 2014

The Birth of Jesus


The Birth of Jesus
Wednesday, September 24th & Sunday, September 28th

Key Passages: Luke 1:26-38 and 2:1-20

Basic Truth: God is more wonderful than we can understand!

Memory Verse: But the angel said tot hem, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:10-11

Discussion Questions

All Levels
Q: What does Jesus, our Savior, save us from?
A: Jesus saves us from being forever separated from God because of our sin. 

Grade 1-2
Q: Why is Jesus' birth so special? 
A: Jesus is God! Jesus' birth shows how much God loves us! 

Grade 3-4
Q: Why would we celebrate Jesus' birth when it's not Christmas? 
A: God Himself came to earth to be our Savior! This is too good to talk about it only once a year!

Grade 5-6
Q: Why did the Messiah need to be a man and also God? 
A: The Messiah had to be a man in order to fulfill the promises and prophecies of the Old Testament, but He also had to be God to be totally without sin. 

Family Activities:
1) Plan an "un" Christmas celebration to rejoice that Jesus, our Savior, has come!
2) Sing Christmas carols together. 

To see the full lesson used at Family Night, click the link below: 

September 16, 2014

The Birth of John


The Birth of John
Wednesday, September 17th & Sunday, September 21st

Key Passages: Luke 1:5-25 and 57-68

Basic Truth: God is able to carry out His plans

Memory Verse: Praise to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come and has redeemed his people. Luke 1:68

Discussion Questions

All Levels
Q: What does it mean to redeem something?
A: Redeem means to pay a price to buy back something that was previously yours.

Grade 1-2
Q: How did Zechariah learn that God is able to do whatever He says He will do? 
A: Zechariah was unable to speak because he didn't believe that God could give him a son. Everything happened just like God said because nothing can stop God. 

Grade 3-4
Q: Why do we need the Messiah? 
A: We are not able to pay the penalty for our sins. Only the Messiah would be able to carry out God's plan to redeem sinners. 

Grade 5-6
Q: Why is the Bible called God's story? 
A: The Bible explains God's perfect plan of redemption and His sovereign authority to carry out that perfect plan. 

Family Activities:
1) Use a baby book (or the internet) to look up the meaning of "John". How does that name fit what you learned about John?
2) Look up the meaning of the names of parents and children in your family. Did God know your name before you were born? 

To see the full lesson used at Family Night, click the link below: 

September 12, 2014

The Promised Messiah

The Promised Messiah
Wednesday, September 10th & Sunday, September 14th

Key Passages: Selected Old Testament verses and Luke 1:1-4

Basic Truth: The Bible is one story about God's Messiah

Memory Verse: But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full right of sons. Galatians 4:4-5

Discussion Questions

All Levels
Q: Why did God choose the time? 
A: God is in control! God knows what is perfect!!!

Grade 1-2
Q: Why is the Bible such a special book?
A: The BIble was written by God so we can know who He is and what He is like. The Bible tells us about God and Jesus, the Messiah.

Grade 3-4
Q: How do the Old Testament and New Testament fit together to make one story? 
A: The Old Testament describes God' s promises, instructions and attributes--all clues pointing to the coming Messiah. The New Testament reveals the answers to the unsolved mysteries of the Old Testament. The whole Bible tells the one story of God's Messiah.

Grade 5-6
Q:Why do we need the Old Testament and the New Testament? 
A: We need the Old Testament to show us our hopeless, sinful condition and our desperate need for a savior. We need the New Testament to make clear that Jesus is that Savior. We need the whole Bible to understand the whole story.

Family Activities:
1) Work out a plan for each family member to memorize and review weekly Bible verses (Use your Memory Verse Challenge Booklets!! Great for the whole family to do together :) )
2) Practice reciting the books of the Bible. 

To see the full lesson used at Family Night, click the link below: 


September 10, 2014

Welcome Back!

Welcome Back! 

It's great to be entering the fall season after a busy summer, but one we hope you and your family enjoyed! Below are a few reminders, as well as some new information for the Children's Ministry as we look forward to beginning the school year. 

Classes Begin

This Wednesday, September 10th, Family Night returns with dinner beginning at 6:15 p.m and classes beginning at 7 p.m! We encourage all families to come out and enjoy fellowship and great teaching. Classes are provided for all age groups from nursery through adults. 

On Sunday, September 14th, Club 3:18 will also return during the worship service. Class will be provided for 4s thru Kindergarten, 1st thru 4th grade, and NUTS (5th & 6th grade). 

Updating Our System

Please help us update our information! It is our desire to provide safety for your children during class, as well as have open and regular communication with you, the parents! We are asking that everyone complete an info card ASAP so that we have current information on allergies, student ages/birthdays, and parent contact information. You can complete this online here OR fill out a paper form at Family Night or on Sunday morning. Thank YOU for helping us keep our info current! 

Memory Verse Challenge

We will be continuing our verse booklets this year. Booklets will be available if your child is interested in participating. Monthly prizes are available as well as a grand prize for the semester (end of January)! Memory verses can also be used toward Camp Conquest Scholarship and Sports Camp! For more information, look here

Don't Forget our Blog

Visit our blog throughout the year for weekly posts on the lessons, memory verses, and event reminders! (See link below)

We look forward to the year ahead!