TURNING TOWARDS GOD: PARENTING PART 2

We are finishing up our series of fourteen Gospel-centered principles outlined in the book, Parenting, by Paul David Tripp. If you watch the video you will see two things: his distinctive glasses and his amazing mustache. Take a minute. Let those two things soak in. Then go ahead and listen to what he has to say about principal number twelve, CONTROL.

In this video, Mr. Tripp talks about the importance of change on a heart level. The Gospel does not teach what the world teaches, and sometimes it’s good to be reminded of that. The world teaches us that we should, “follow our heart,” the Gospel teaches us that our heart will lead us astray. Our anchor is in Christ, not our own heart or our own desires. 

“God calls you to do more than just battle for control. He calls you to engage in a battle that is the battle of battles. It is the battle that is the main drama of the story of redemption that is the main theme of his Word. He calls you to understand that all the other good and needed things that you work to provide for your children aren’t the goal of your parenting, but a means to a greater end.” Pg. 169

These later seven are especially meaty. Here is my suggestion: if you read one of these principles and it makes you bristle a bit, find the book and read the chapter. These last few carry weight and deserve an explanation.  

8. AUTHORITY - One of the foundational heart issues in the life of every child is authority. Teaching and modeling the protective beauty of authority is one of the foundations of good parenting. (*Good parenting* is a phrase I struggle with, but this principle is one that after reading the chapter, I agreed with in entirety).

9. FOOLISHNESS - The foolishness inside your children is more dangerous to them than the temptation outside of them. Only God’s grace has the power to rescue fools.

10. CHARACTER - Not all of the wrong your children do is a direct rebellion to authority; much of the wrong is the result of a lack of a character.

11. FALSE GODS - You are parenting a worshiper, so it’s important to remember that what rules your child’s heart will control his behavior.

12. CONTROL - The goal of parenting is not control of behavior, but rather heart and life change.

13. REST - It is only rest in God’s presence and grace that will make you a joyful and patient parent.

14. MERCY - No parent gives mercy better than one who is convinced that he desperately needs it himself.

If you would like to purchase your own copy of the book Parenting, click here.

Sunday School

Sundays, 9:00am

Pre-K (First Look Curriculum)

• I can love like Jesus. Jesus Washes His Friends’ Feet John 13:3-7, 34-35
• Memory Verse: A friend loves at all times. Proverbs 17:17 NIV
• Key Question: Who can love like Jesus?
• Bottom Line: Jesus loves me.
• Basic Truth: Jesus wants to be my friend forever.

Grades K-5 (252 Curriculum)

In addition to our normal curriculum, we celebrated Communion as a church family.

• Everybody Hurts: A Woman Anoints Jesus’ Feet Luke 7:36-50
• Bottom Line: Everyone need forgiveness.
• Monthly Memory Verse: Put up with one another. Forgive one another if you are holding something against someone. Forgive, just a the Lord forgave you.” Colossians 3:13, NIrV
• Monthly Virtue: Forgiveness – deciding that someone who has wronged you doesn’t have to pay.

Middle and High School

In addition to our normal curriculum, we celebrated Communion as a church family.

• In Sunday School Raquel led the students in the opening of a new book, Habakkuk 1:1–4. Students watched the Bible Project video on Habakkuk linked HERE.
• Habakkuk pours out his heart in a complaint to God, questioning him as why he appears to be silent and uncaring toward the situation. Often times we feel these same emotions in our faith, so I am excited to see where this minor prophet takes us. 

Mid-Week Programming

and Youth Group

Children's Choir

Wednesdays, 5:00-5:30pm

2nd-5th Grade

K² Live

Wednesdays, 6:00-8:00pm

3rd-5th Grade

• Life Verse: Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. (1 Corinthians 13:7,8)
• The Point: I will love others because God loves me.
• This last week we discussed How can I show God I love Him? We can show God love by trusting Him. Sometimes trusting God isn't easy, but if we think of all the good things God has done for us in the past it is easier to trust Him to help us in the future.
• This week's Bible story was the story of Ruth and her mother Naomi.

Middle School Youth Group

Wednesdays, 6:00-8:00pm

6th-8th Grade

• Due to the snow two weeks ago we missed our Ash Wednesday service, so for YG this past week we discussed what we would have talked about on Ash Wednesday. We worked through Matthew 3:1-10 where we see John the Baptist Preparing the Way for Jesus’ ministry. In small groups we talked about how Lent is the time that we give something up or add something in to bring us closer to God.
• For Lent every year I always give students a disclaimer I encourage students to participate in Lent with practices that do not include food ex: skipping meals or cutting out main food groups, this is purely because I do not want to encourage unhealthy eating habits in the name of a faith practice. I try to be specific if that is something you and your family are doing together that is different, but if is something a student is choosing to do on their own I encourage other practices for Lent. If as a parent this is something you have more questions on I would love to share more of my reasoning. ~Lydia Tombarelli, Youth Director

Register now for Spring Splosion and Bike Hike: www.bookwhen.com/columbiapresbyterian

High School Youth Group

Sundays, 6:00-8:00pm

9th-12th Grade

• We had our parent meeting for Work Camp. Together Matt shared with us about the trip to Alabama of learning, service, and experiences. After the meeting high school students joined in small groups to discuss the topic of racism in the US and what we are looking forward to in this trip. We also played some dodgeball post meeting to get some of the sitting out. 

Register now for Work Camp: www.bookwhen.com/columbiapresbyterian

Tifny Mathena, Children and Intergenerational Ministry Director

tifny@columbiapresbyterian.org

Anna Haagenson, Director of K² Live and Children's Music

anna@columbiapresbyterian.org

Lydia Tombarelli, Youth Director

lydia@columbiapresbyterian.org

Raquel DeWitt, Youth Ministries

raquel@columbiapresbyterian.org

Viva Dennis, Children's Ministry Administrative Assistant

viva@columbiapresbyterian.org

Katie Mrochko, Youth Ministry Administrative Assistant

katie@columbiapresbyterian.org

Sharon Wallenborn, Circle of Friends Preschool Director

sharonw@columbiapresbyterian.org

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