Florida Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

Christ Jesus is the One who died, but even more, has been raised… Romans 8:34

*April is turning out to be a very busy month.  We have lots of traveling and fun events this month.  Last weekend we had the privilege to partner with Bellview Adventurer Club to do a Community Outreach for the children in their community. 

What a great way to show them Jesus.  Next week is Florida Conference Camp Meeting at Camp Kulaqua.  I trust I will have the opportunity to meet you there, please stop by our booth to sign up for a drawing. 

Also there will be children’s programming to match the adult meetings, plus seminars.  Check out the latest Florida Focus Magazine for all the details.

This coming weekend is Easter and hopefully family time for all of you.  What a great time to talk about Jesus death, resurrection and the home He is preparing for us in Heaven. 

I have included some ideas for church and family to reflect on why we celebrate Easter.

*Note on Memory Verses for Children: Bite-sized Bible verses help kids learn truth, build confidence, and lay a foundation for longer memory work as they get older.

*Move it or Lose It

Many children learn best by moving. A creative way to break up long lengths of sitting still in Sabbath School is to brainstorm motions with the students to match their memory verse.

When children learn movements they are less likely to “lose it” from their memory.

*Picture It

Have the children write the verse, drawing as many pictures for the words as possible.

*Easter Devotion Time with Families:

This brief outline will help you lead your family in a short time of devotion.

Children should be involved as much as their age allows. This devotions should last between 15-25 minutes.

Step 1: Gather the family

If this is a new experience for your family, keep it very simple. Have the whole family gather in the living room together. Even the very young children should participate.

Turn off any radios or televisions that might be distractions.

Step 2: Read scripture

If your children are confident readers, ask them to read portions of scripture from their bibles. Prepare in advance to explain any difficult words.

Read Mark 15:33-47: Discuss v.35 where Jesus says to God “why have you forsaken me?” Explain this was Jesus quoting Psalm 22, which foretold what would happen to the Christ.

As Jesus took on our sins, he suffered the great punishment in our place. He became our substitute and took what we deserved.

Read 1 Corinthians 15:3-8: Discuss the central elements to the Easter story. (Died, buried, raised, appeared to witnesses).  Discuss the importance of the phrase “according to the scriptures.”

Explain that Jesus’ death was predicted and promised in the Hebrew Bible. Discuss the importance of Jesus appearing to many witnesses. Explain this was a real historical event, not something imaginary. Many real people saw it.

Step 3: Pray

Lead the family in a time of prayer. Include elements of Praise, Thanksgiving, Confession and Requests. The pray time should focus on the passages you have just read and be a response of worship to God.

Step 4: Sing

Select a song that is familiar to your family. Using a worship CD may be helpful. Many families prefer to sing without background music. Choose songs that remind you of the cross and resurrection of Jesus.  

Calendar Updates:

            April 15                       Avon Park SDA Adventurer Sabbath Church Service

            April 20-23                  English Camp Meeting @ Camp Kulaqua

            May 6                          Go Fish/Creative Ministry Workshop @ Palm Coast SDA Church

            June 4-25                    Summer Camp @ Camp Kulaqua 3 weeks

 

Again I am asking your prayers for hurting families and our program in Avon Park this Sabbath.  Your prayers are powerful and greatly coveted.

Happy Springtime.  I hope you take time to enjoy it.

*Next week I will be packing for Camp Meeting so you will get a break from a newsletter.  I will be back on track by the 26th.