This semester at Parkway we are starting up a Real Life Connection group that is like no other connection group weve ever run before. Its called the Family Connection Group and my guess is you have a few questions about it. Like: Q: Is this a small group for kids?... A: It is a small group for kids to participate in, yes! In fact, our study guide is designed to teach kids from Kindergarten to Grade 5 about the story of Jesus as found in the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John. So kids are part of our target audience. Q: But parents are invited too?... A: Yes! In fact, we insist that at least one parent attend this group with their kids. Thats why its called a Family Connection Group. Q: But as a parent, this isnt really for me, right. Im just sort of there as extra child care, arent I? I mean, the videos and study guides are made for kids. Im not really going to be learning anything, right?... A: Well, that depends. Do you know how many years passed between the end of the Old Testament and the birth of Jesus and can you concisely explain why this was a particularly difficult time in Jewish history? Do you know which of the four gospels was written first, Matthew, Mark, Luke or John? Can you explain and contrast the major differences between the four major first century Jewish religious groups, the Pharisees, the Sadducees, the Zealots and the Essenes? Did you know that there were 4 major first century Jewish religious groups? If you didnt have to Google any of those answers then, youre right, you might not learn anything in this group. Q: Ok, I might learn something, but I can learn lots of things at any of the other small groups and in those groups, my learning doesnt involve having to discuss where Jesus got the power to forgive sins, the stations of the cross or what Jesus means to me with an 8 year old. Why should I give up another night of my week for that?... A: Good point. Maybe you would get more out of talking to someone your own age about what Jesus means when He talks about the arrival of the Kingdom of God. But I can guarantee you that your child will not get much out of having that conversation with someone THEIR own age. And I would be willing to bet a lot of money that they WILL get a lot out of having a conversation like that with their parents. And I bet that they will notice you engaging in exploring the life of Jesus and that will inspire them to explore the life of Jesus even more for themselves. And I would guess that this group will start all sorts of conversations that you can pick up and carry on at home, conversations about what it means to be forgiven, what it means to trust God when were waiting for something, what it means to live like Jesus. I know that as a parent, these arent conversations that come up in my home all the time unless I intentionally start them. Maybe this group is a chance to start that conversation with your kids. More then that, maybe its a chance for your whole family to learn more about living for Jesus, together! That sounds kind of worthwhile, doesnt it? Q: Hey! I thought I was the one asking the questions here! But ok, so maybe I am interested. The problem is, our family has a pretty busy schedule and we cant commit to anything to heavy. A: Good thing, cause neither can my family! Thats why this small group is only four weeks long (Every Wednesday, January 21 to February 11) and its only for one hour (7-8pm) so your kids arent out crazy late on a school night. Bring your kids in their pajamas if you want! Were parents, we get it. Q: Hmmm, we might be able to do that. Where is it? A: Right here in the basement at Parkway (how quaint, I know!). As a bonus, if youve got older kids who go to Revolve, you dont even have to make an extra trip. Just drop them off and come downstairs with your younger kids. Easy as pie! Q: Im running out of excuses. A: I guess that means well see you there! But if you can do us a favor, please just comment below, email the church ([email protected]) or fill out the Connection Card on Sunday to CONFIRM that you are planning on coming, that will help us make sure we have the right amount of supplies for everyone! Q: But what if I have more questions? A: Let us know! I think we have some more answers stored away in a filing cabinet somewhere that we can dust off if needed! https://youtube/watch?v=i0Ovq73f-xk
Posted on: Mon, 12 Jan 2015 17:44:24 +0000
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