Children's Summer Guide

7/29/2019 Children's Summer Guide

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Dear Parents,

Summer is here!!! (At least that is how your children feel)

While their little minds are running wild with what the next few monthswill bring, perhaps your mind is wondering how you will survive?

Youre not alone. I just took my two sons to the pool for the first time

my eyes are burning from the chlorine, my skin is greasy from the

sunscreen, my arms are tired from corralling, and my feet are raw from

that steaming hot rough pool deck! Oh and Im pasty white and in

need of the gym.

Summer is certainly a unique time of the year, and too often parents just

go into survival mode and hang on until they can return their children to

the classroom. But I know you want more from your summer than this.You dont just want to merely survive these months, but to enjoy them

with your family and use the extra time for the good of your children.

And this is certainly my prayer for the families of TCPC. Wouldnt it be

great if the summer of 2012 was etched in your memory as a season of

spiritual renewal and joy for your family? But if youre like me you

need a little help to make that a reality.

Thats where your church comes in

I have put together a verysimple guide for your summer. In preparation

for my preaching in the summer and fall, the children (and you!) will be

memorizing the last section of Romans 8 and I have divided those

verses into weekly memorization work that is age appropriate (Pre-K

Kindergarten: Romans 8:35 and 37-39, 1st 3rd grades: Romans 8:31-39,

4th 5th grades: Romans 8:26-39). This memorization will be reinforced

during the childrens Sunday School classes of those same weeks.

There is a weekly responsive refrain that summarizes the message ofthat weeks passage from Romans 8 (coinciding with the 4th-5th grade

memorization track). Fill your home with this little liturgy each week!

Have fun with it, encourage your kids to shout the response, find

creative ways to work it into your days, and in so doing you will be

ordering their summer around the truths of Gods Word.


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Also, I have taken Sally Loyd-Jones excellent book The Jesus Storybook

Bible: Every Story Whispers His Name, and divided it up so that you and

your children will read through the entire story of Scripture this

summer. We have copies available in our bookstore at TCPC, plus most

Christian bookstores carry them, and of course Amazon will never failyou. This is a unique childrens Bible that I encourage every parent to

make use of because it beautifully captures our theology that the Bible is

one story about one Hero, Jesus Christ! Read these stories to your

children throughout the week and use them to guide your family

devotional times. There are only 3-4 stories per week so there is plenty

of room to miss some days (ah grace!).

Finally, I have written a prayer for the parents to pray throughout the

week as a response to the Romans 8 passage. Pray this individually and

as a couple on behalf of your family. Pray it aloud with your kids beforemeals, in the morning, before bedtime, whenever would be a good time

to work it in. It is just an easy simple way to help parents spend the

summer praying together for their families.

This is only meant to serve as a simple tool to help you lead your

families well this summer. You may use it or adapt it in whatever way

serves you best.

Lets not just survive as families this summer, lets flourish together.

This is my prayer for your family. Will you pray the same for mine?

With love,

Robert

Summer 2012


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Robert Cunningham, 2012 1

Memorizing Scripture

Bible memory is not an end in itself. The purpose of Scripture is to lead us into an intimate communion with

Jesus Christ. Therefore, the highest motivation for committing verses to memory is to enhance that purpose.

When we can meditate upon the Word of the Lord at any time, day or night, because we have stored it away in

the recessed of our minds, then our walk with Him is strengthened and our lives become more fruitful (Ps.1:1-

3). What matters is not how many verses we can memorize, but whether those verses have become an integral

part of our personal communion with Christ. (Mindful of the Truth by Dr. Dan Hayden)

Verses to Memorize

Pre-K and K Romans 8:35, 37 39

1st 3rd Romans 8:31 39

4th 5th Romans 8:26 39

Strategies for Memorizing ScriptureWith a vision for the importance of Scripture memory, below are strategies to help children as they memorize.

Most children are visual learners, so reading the verses, seeing it written (and then erasing the words), andreciting it works well. These suggestions add a nice variety and will make it more engaging.

1. Make up motions to go with each linethey don't have to make sense. Let the class help you and be sureto write down what you decide for the other teachers. (Kinesthetic)

2. Use a rhythm or a beat. (Kinesthetic)3. Make up or find a tune and turn the verses into a song. (Auditory)4. Color-code or highlight the verses. Give each verse its own color; youll remember that the red verse

comes first, then the blue, etc. (Visual)

5. Write the verses out on another sheet of paper. Review each line after writing it. This can be doneseveral times over many days (Visual and kinesthetic)

6. Draw a small picture for each line. (Visual and kinesthetic)7. Memorize the first word of each verse to help recite them in order. Or, notice when words or phrases

are repeated.For example: When I memorized Isaiah 55, I noticed this...

For you shall go out in joy

and be led forth in peace;

the mountains and the hills before you

shall break forth into singing,

Learning style glossaryVisual: learn best from seeing information or watching others; images or graphics aid memoryAuditory: learn best when hearing information, make sense of ideas by speaking

Kinesthetic: learn best by doing, enjoy movement and using sense of touch

At-home strategies1. Recite the verses together with family members. Challenge the parents to memorize it, too.2. Have the child quiz the parent! They look at the verses and see if you can say it, and they prompt you when

you get stuck. (Believe me, after you hear people recite something often enough, its in your head!)

3. To review, work on the passage only for a few minutes at a time, at least 3 times per day. This strategy helpsall learners to move the poem from short-term to long-term memory.


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Family Devotional Guide

2 Tates Creek PCA

Week 1: June 3Weekly Memorization

Pre-Kindergarten - Kindergarten

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?

Romans 8:35

1st 3rd Grades

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be

against us?

Romans 8:31

4th 5th Grades

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to

pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us withgroanings too deep for words.

Romans 8:26

Weekly Refrain

Parents: Where does my help come from?

Children: My help come from the LORD!

Psalm 121:1-2

Weekly Stories

The Story and the Song The beginning: a perfect home The terrible lie

Weekly Prayer of the Parents

Our Father, together we admit the helplessness of our family. We are

dependent upon You for everything. Forgive us where we have beenarrogant, reveal to us more our weakness, and sustain us with Your

strength. At times we dont even know what to ask, but our help is in

You, and our trust is in Your Spirit. Remember us, Holy Spirit, when our

words and prayers fail us. Amen.


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Tates Creek Presbyterian Church



Pre-Kindergarten - KindergartenWho shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or

distress,

Romans 8:35

1st 3rd Grades

He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all,

Romans 8:32

4th and 5th Grade

And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because

the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

Romans 8:27

Weekly Refrain

Parents: Many are the plans of a mans heart

Children: But the Lords will prevails!

Proverbs 19:21

Weekly Stories

A new beginning

A giant staircase to heaven Son of laughter The present


Our Father, our familys hope is in You, and Your love is in us. We thank

You that You have given us your Holy Spirit to live inside our hearts, to

love and sustain us, to guide and protect us. We thank You that You do

not always give us what we want, but always give us what Your Spiritwants. We confess our frustrations and doubts when our will is not

granted, and we plead for greater trust in the will of the Lord. We ask

that You would work in our lives so that Your desire becomes our

desire, and Your will becomes our will. Unite our prayers to the prayers

of Your Spirit. Amen.


6/16


4 Tates Creek PCA



distress, or persecution, or famine

Romans 8:35

1st 3rd Grades

He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he

not also with him graciously give us all things?

Romans 8:32

4th and 5th Grade

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for

good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:28

Weekly Refrain

Parents: You meant it for evil

Children: But God meant it for good!

Genesis 50:20

Weekly Stories

The girl no one wanted The forgiving prince God to the rescue! God makes a way


Our Father, we stand amazed before Your promise that all things work

together for the good of those who love You. Lord, we love You! And so,

even though we struggle to do so, Your Word commands for us tobelieve that everything in our life is for our good. We confess that we

cannot understand the fullness of this promise, but we trust that this

promise holds us even still. Your ways are not our ways, but Your ways

are good. Give us grace, O Lord, to trust You more! Amen.


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distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword

Romans 8:35

1st 3rd Grades

Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies.

Romans 8:33

4th and 5th Grade

For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the

image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many

brothers.

Romans 8:29

Weekly Refrain

Parents: Before I formed you in the womb

Children: I knew you!

Jeremiah 1:5

Weekly Stories

Ten ways to be perfect The warrior leader The teeny, weenietrue king


Heavenly Father, before we existed, Your love for us existed. Your

affection for us is older than creation itself. Lord, we thank You for this

eternal love. And we praise You for the honor of joining with Your Son

Jesus Christ as sons and daughters in the family of God. We love Youbecause You first loved us. We call You our Father because You first

called us Your child. Forgive us where we have failed to respond rightly

to Your electing love, and we pray for You to conform us more and more

after likeness of Your Son, in whose Name we pray, Amen.


8/16


6 Tates Creek PCA

Week 5: July 1Weekly Memorization

Pre-Kindergarten KindergartenNo, in all these things

Romans 8:37

1st 3rd Grades

Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who diedmore than that,

who was raised

Romans 8:34

4th and 5th Grade

And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called

he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.

Romans 8:30

Weekly Refrain

Parents: He who began a good work in you

Children: Will carry it on to completion!

Philippians 1:6

Weekly Stories

The young hero and the horrible giant

The Good Shepherd A little servant girl and the proud general


Almighty God, we praise You for the certainty of Your salvation. We

thank You that we have been saved, we are being saved, and we will be

saved. We are not what we long to be, but we are not what we once

were. Grant us patience, O Lord, as we journey through the process of

Your salvation. Give us a confidence and trust in the surety of Yourpromises along the way. Praise You Father, for Your electing decree.

Praise You Jesus, for Your justifying cross. Praise You Holy Spirit, for

Your glorifying power. Amen.


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Pre-Kindergarten KindergartenNo, in all these things we are more than conquerors

Romans 8:37

1st 3rd Grades


who was raisedwho is at the right hand of God, who indeed is

interceding for us.

Romans 8:34

4th and 5th Grade

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be

against us?

Romans 8:31

Weekly Refrain

Parents: Fear not, I have redeemed you. I have called you by name

Children: You are mine!

Isaiah 43:1

Weekly Stories

Operation No More Tears Daniel and the scary sleepover Gods messenger Get ready!


Lord, we confess our familys fear of opposition. We look outwardly,

and see a world that persecutes Your people. We look inwardly, and see

personal sins that destroy our family. We look beyond what is seen, andsee the schemes of the evil one. O Lord, we are tempted to despair. And

yet we remember that You are stronger than all of these. All authority

in heaven and on earth is now our side. Hide our family under the

shadow of Your wings for You alone are our Rock and our Fortress, we

shall not be shaken! Indeed Lord, renew our confidence in You.


10/16


8 Tates Creek PCA


Pre-K KindergartenNo, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who

loved us.

Romans 8:37

1st 3rd Grades

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress

Romans 8:35

4th and 5th Grade

He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he

not also with him graciously give us all things?

Romans 8:32

Weekly Refrain

Parents: It was the will of the Lord to crush him

Children: He has caused him to suffer

Isaiah 53:10

Weekly Stories

Hes here!

The Light of the whole world The King of all kings


Our Heavenly Father, we cant understand how You would rather see

Your only begotten Son suffer than to see us suffer, and there is nothing

we could do to ever repay You. Lord Jesus, we dont understand how

You would gladly endure what we deserved, and there is nothing we

could do to ever repay You. We praise You that You do not ask us forrepayment, instead You ask for our trust. And yet we fail even at this.

How dare we doubt Your goodness, mercy, and love, but yet we do.

Forgive us Father, and teach us again that if You were willing to crush

Your Son, there is nothing You will not do on our behalf. In the name of

our suffering Savior, Amen.


11/16




Pre-Kindergarten KindergartenFor I am sure that neither death nor life,

Romans 8:38

1st 3rd Grades

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or


Romans 8:35

4th and 5th Grade

Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies.

Romans 8:33

Weekly Refrain

Parents: The Lord will fight for you

Children: You need only to be still!

Exodus 14:14

Weekly Stories

Heaven breaks through

Lets go! A little girl and a poor frail lady


Our Father, we are surrounded by accusations Satan condemns, others

condemn, and most painfully of all, we condemn ourselves. But You do

not condemn, and this is all that matters. You have declared before

heaven and earth that we are Your chosen people, and we are righteous

in Your sight! Praise You for Your favor; we are eternally grateful!

Grant us confidence in Your grace as we face all accusations, whethertrue or false. Restore unto us the joy of Your salvation! Amen.


12/16


10 Tates Creek PCA


Pre-Kindergarten KindergartenFor I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers,

Romans 8:38

1st 3rd Grades

As it is written, For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are

regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.

Romans 8:36

4th and 5th Grade


who was raisedwho is at the right hand of God, who indeed is

interceding for us.

Romans 8:34

Weekly Refrain

Parents: Whoever calls on the name of the Lord

Children: Shall be saved!

Romans 10:13

Weekly Stories

How to pray The Singer The captain of the storm


Lord Jesus, we plead the mercy of Your salvation, we trust in the power

of Your name, Lord save us! We call upon You, for You alone are mighty

to save. In Your death You secured our forgiveness, in Your

resurrection You secured our hope, and in Your intercession You aresecuring our perseverance. There is therefore now no condemnation

for those who are in Christ Jesus! As a response to Your great salvation,

please fill our hearts with gladness and repentance. In the name of

Christ our Savior, Amen.


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Week 10: August 5Weekly Memorization

Pre-Kindergarten KindergartenFor I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things

present nor things to come, nor powers

Romans 8:38

1st 3rd Grades

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who

loved us.

Romans 8:37

4th and 5th Grade

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or


Romans 8:35

Weekly Refrain

Parents: I will fear no evil

Children: For You are with me!

Psalm 23:4

Weekly Stories

Filled full! Treasure hunt! The friend of little children The man who didnt have any friends (none)


Our Father, we confess our fear of suffering. You never promised our

family that we would be free from pain, but that You are with us in the

pain. Turn our doubts and fears into confidence and praise, for Youhave committed yourself to us eternally. Because You are stronger then

everything, nothing is able to take us away from You. Thank You for this

promise. We pray that it would sustain us in our current troubles and in

the trials that will surely come. Amen.


14/16


12 Tates Creek PCA


Pre-Kindergarten Kindergartennor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation,

Romans 8:39

1st 3rd Grades

For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things

present nor things to come, nor powers

Romans 8:38

4th and 5th Grade

As it is written, For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are

regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.

Romans 8:36

Weekly Refrain

Parents: Blessed are those who are persecuted

Children: For righteousness sake!

Matthew 5:10

Weekly Stories

Running away

Washed with tears The Servant King


Almighty God, throughout history and even to this very day, Your people

are a persecuted people. Though we ourselves may not be facing death

for Your Name, the Body of Christ is always being killed. We pray for

our brothers and sisters worldwide that are approaching their own

martyrdom men, women, and children of whom this world is notworthy. Strengthen them in their persecution. Remind them that to die

is gain. And forgive us Lord for our idol of ease, our addiction to

comfort, and our lives that do not challenge this world. Give us courage

to stand for the name of Jesus, in the face of opposition, no matter the

degree. Bless Your persecuted Church, Lord Jesus, we love You more

than life! Amen.


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Pre-Kindergarten Kindergartennor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to

separate us from the love of God

Romans 8:39

1st 3rd Grades

nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to

separate us

Romans 8:39

4th and 5th Grade

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who

loved us.

Romans 8:37

Weekly Refrain

Parents: In this world you will have trouble. But take heart

Children: I have overcome the world!

John 16:33Weekly Stories

A dark night in the garden The sun stops shining Gods wonderful surprise


Lord Jesus, You are victorious! The powers of sin and death have been

defeated, and soon You will come again and have Your vindication. We

humbly thank You, and praise You, for allowing us to share in Your

victory. You have fought on our behalf, and You have won on our behalf.No matter our circumstances, we pray that You would fix our eyes on

the surety of our triumph through Christ our Lord, Amen.


16/16


14 Tates Creek PCA


Pre-Kindergarten Kindergartennor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to

separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:39

1st 3rd Grades

nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to

separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:39

4th and 5th Grade

For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things

present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor

anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of

God in Christ Jesus our Lord.Romans 8:38-39

Weekly Refrain

Parents: This is what the Lord God says

Children: Let my people go!

Exodus 9:1Weekly Stories

Going home God sends help A new way to see A dream of heaven


Our Heavenly Father, we are weak, but You have promised to be ourstrength. We are defenseless, but You have promised to be our Defender.

We are in bondage, but You have promised to be our Deliverer. We aremourning, but You have promised to wipe our tears. We will die, but You

have promised to raise us from the dead. There is nothing against us that

You cannot defeat. Praise Your Name for the saving power of Your love.

Remind us forevermore that nothing is more powerful than Your love. Inthe name of Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.

Documents

Children's Summer Guide