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May Family Newsletter

You are receiving this email because you have a child or youth at home. This newsletter contains activities and events that are happening for both families and students, as well as articles for parents on various topics. Included each month is a list of upcoming events. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me.



Stephanie Karolus

352-376-2062

dce@flcgainesville.org

Handing our Fears to Jesus

This week Open Arms students learned about Jesus calming the storm. Of course one of the natural topics to talk about when teaching this Bible Story is to talk and show students Jesus is with us when we are afraid. The illustration that I found was the combination of baking soda & vinegar & oil. When you mix baking soda & vinegar together it gets fizzy and expands, that's our life without Jesus. When fears & anxieties take hold, life feels like it is out of control. Now if you add oil to the baking soda & vinegar, it calms the reaction of the baking soda & vinegar. The oil is like Jesus, we are still going to experience fears & anxieties, but Jesus brings us comfort & peace. Jesus is there when we need Him and even when we think we don't. He will never leave us, nor will He every forsake us. Take a moment now to reflect on the comfort & peace that Jesus brings us

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:10 (ESV)


Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV)


When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.

Psalm 56:3 (ESV)


Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

1 Peter 5:7 (ESV)


Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

John 14:27 (ESV)


Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Psalm 23:4 (ESV)




Please feel free to pass this newsletter on to other parents you feel would benefit from the information.


God's Peace,


Stephanie Karolus

Director of Christian Education

First Lutheran Church

Upcoming Events

May 2022


May 1 - Donuts & Fellowship - 8:30am

May 1- Adult Bible Study - 8:45am

May 1 - VPK-5th Grade SS - 9am

May 1 - Sunday Worship - 10am

May 1 - VBS Volunteer Meeting

May 1 -Youth Group (Jacob Send-Off) - 4pm

May 8 - Donuts & Fellowship - 8:30am

May 8 - Adult Bible Study - 8:45am

May 8 - Sunday Worship - 10am

May 15- Donuts & Fellowship - 8:30am

May 15 - Adult Bible Study - 8:45am

May 15 - Final VPK-5th Grade SS - 9am

May 15 - Sunday Worship - 10am

May 22 - Donuts & Fellowship - 8:30am

May 22- Adult Bible Study - 8:45am

May 22 - Sunday Worship - 10am

May 22 - Youth Group - 4pm

May 29 - Donuts & Fellowship - 8:30am

May 29 - Adult Bible Study - 8:45am

May 29 - Sunday Worship - 10:00am

June 2022


June 5 - Donuts & Fellowship - 8:30am

June 5 - Adult Bible Study - 8:45am

June 5 - Sunday Worship - 10am

June 12 - Donuts & Fellowship - 8:30am

June 12 - Adult Bible Study - 8:45am

June 12 - Sunday Worship - 10am

June 19 - Donuts & Fellowship - 8:30am

June 19 - Adult Bible Study - 8:45am

June 19 - Sunday Worship - 10am

June 24 - Vacation Bible School - 6pm

June 25 - Vacation Bible School - 9:30am

June 26 - Donuts & Fellowship - 8:30am

June 26 - Adult Bible Study - 8:45am

June 26 - Sunday Worship - 10am

June 26 - VBS Celebration - 11am

July 3 - LCMS Youth Gathering Sending - 8am

July 3 - Donuts & Fellowship - 8:30am

July 3 - Adult Bible Study - 8:45am

July 3 - Sunday Morning Worship - 10am

July 3 - LCMS Youth Gathering Sending - 10am

July 3 - LCMS Youth Gathering Meeting - 11am



Education Hour!

Recommended Resources


Each month I recommend different devotion, Bible, and religious book for families and different age groups. This month we have a variety of resources for you to check out! Click the blue title to be taken to the Amazon page or other purchase location for each book. If you wish to see each book in person, we have a copy in the family library in the Cry Room.


Family Devotions


The Wonder of Creation: 100 More Devotions About God and Science


In this captivating follow-up to the bestselling kids' devotionals Indescribable and How Great Is Our God, discover more mind-blowing, faith-building scientific facts and biblical truths about the wonder of God's creation from author, speaker, and founder of the Passion movement Louie Giglio.


Well-known for his powerful and highly visual messages about science and the Bible, Louie Giglio has a passion for inspiring kids to notice, enjoy, and marvel at God's creation. In The Wonder of Creation, children will find new delight in God's creativity with 100 devotions that explore:

  • animals—from honeyguide birds to flying snakes to white rhinos
  • space—from black holes to volcanic moons to gamma-ray bursts
  • people—from optical illusions to brain freezes to our immune systems 
  • Earth—from rainbow rivers to blue lava to flowing glaciers                                                    
  • and much, much more!


With engaging illustrations and striking photography, this fun and informative book is ideal for children ages 6–10. Each of the 100 devotions features a scientific fact or an easy activity for exploring faith, a short Bible verse, and a closing prayer.

With a beautifully bright and colorful cover and a ribbon bookmark, The Wonder of Creation

  • is ideal for science-loving kids, Bible-loving kids, and any child ready to go deeper in faith
  • continues a well-loved devotional series that has impacted over a million children, parents, and teachers
  • includes informative content call-outs inviting kids to "Explore the Wonder"
  • makes a great addition to a homeschool STEM curriculum or a bedtime reading routine

As kids explore this awe-inspiring devotional, they'll be amazed at the many wonders God has made!


A copy of this devotion are available for families in the First Lutheran Cry Room for you to check out.


The Wonder of Creation

Books for Kids


5 Minute Bible Stories


Fully illustrated stories from the Old Testament and New Testament that can be shared with children in five minutes or less--The Story of Creation, Adam and Eve, The Three Wise Men, The Birth of Jesus, The Good Samaritan, The Holy Spirit, The Plagues of Egypt, Jesus’s miracles, and many more!


Don’t have enough time in today’s hectic world to get your kids their daily dose of the Bible? Want to teach its invaluable lessons to the next generation? Introducing 5 Minute Bible Stories, a wonderful collection of classic stories from the Bible all synthesized and abridged to inspire young readers.


Rewritten especially for very young children in straightforward and engaging language, these abridgements will captivate children both young and old. The stories included are classic narratives from both the New and the Old Testament, such as The Story of Creation, Adam and Eve, The Three Wise Men, The Birth of Jesus, The Good Samaritan, The Holy Spirit, The Plagues of Egypt, Jesus’s miracles, and many more!


Featuring beautiful and imaginative illustrations, let the child in your life experience this marvelous early introduction to the Bible. It’s perfect to read to oneself or aloud with the whole family!


A copy of this resource is in the FLC cry room.

5 Minute Bible Stories

Youth


Already But Not Yet - Finding Jesus in the Old Testament


Have you ever wondered what the Old Testament is really about? Has the connection between the Old Testament and the New Testament been a mystery to you? In this thirty-day devotional, you are invited to discover how the whole of Scripture is centered on the person and work of Jesus. The words written by Moses, David, and the prophets all testify to how Jesus is going to fulfill God’s plan to redeem and restore all who would come to Him by faith. Jesus is the central theme and purpose of the entire Scripture.


A copy of this resource is in the FLC cry room.

Already But Not Yet - Student Devotional

Articles for Parents

From 9 to 5: Serving God at Work

What is the Metaverse and are Kids Safe There?

Is TikTok Dangerous for Teens?

Parents...Take 5 Minutes to Learn about Your Kids and Pornography

Creative Ways to Celebrate Spring with Your Family

Rule and Responsibility: May Everyday Faith Calendar

Using Luther's Small Catechism to Raise Christian Kids

Join DCE Stephanie Karolus for weekly devotions on our Facebook Page! Join us this November as we begin a new book for Family Devotions! Devotions will be posted on Wednesdays mornings at 10am. Check out our Facebook page to view all the Family Devotions. This month we will be taking our devotions from "Indescribable: 100 More Devotions about God and Science".

Devotions for Families

Podcast Recommendation: Abide Kids Bedtime Stories


Kid's Christian Bible Bedtime Stories by Abide with peaceful water sounds and music to help your child fall asleep fast.

Check it out on Spotify!
Check it out Here!

RightNowMedia Recommendation: Talking with Your Kids About Jesus


The TechWise Family - 8 Principles to Move Beyond Screen Time to Deeper Connection

Making intentional choices about technology in our families is about more than internet filters and screen time limits for our children. It’s about developing wisdom, character, and courage in the way we use digital media rather than accepting technology’s promises of ease, instant gratification and the world at our fingertips. And it’s definitely not just about the kids.


In this masterclass style course, Andy Crouch takes you beyond the typical questions of what, where, and when and instead invites you to answer provocative questions and new ways to cultivate deeper connections as a family. 



Take the course in an individual, self-guided experience, or invite your small group or team to build community and benefit from shared insights. Included in the course:

  • Andy Crouch’s foundational core ideas and practices
  • Everyday steps your family can take to put technology in its proper place and grow closer
  • Downloadable workbooks for participants and leaders


The Focus on the Family Minute shares a brief tip each day taken from the Focus on the Family Broadcast to help strengthen marriages, raise kids on the right path and build a thriving family – in one meaningful minute. 

Click HERE to Listen

The Center for Parent and Youth Understanding (CPYU) have made available a one minute tip shared by Walt Mueller, the founder and president of CPYU.



Click HERE to Listen

Family TableTalks are here for you! Access over 80 TableTalks that you can use with your family at home! Each TableTalk includes a scripture reading, a reflection, application questions, and a prayer. This is a great resource for faith discussions at home! This resources is provided by the Center for Parent and Youth Understanding. New Family TableTalks are released weekly. 

Click HERE to View

Promote honesty and trustworthiness by examining lying behavior and learning how to encourage an honest approach in your home or classroom. Honestly, isn't that what we all want for our kids?

Courage

By now, I’m sure you have seen the exciting news, RightNowMedia launched with First Lutheran this week! This means you now have access to thousands of videos for personal Bible Study & Devotion! You also have access to thousands of videos for kids to watch! If you haven’t registered yet, please click the following link to get access to all these amazing resources to help your family in their walk with Christ! https://app.rightnowmedia.org/join/flcgainesville 



If you have any questions, please reach out to Stephanie Karolus 

Children & Family Activities

VBS is for children entering VPK – 5th Grade. This year children will be learning about how we Grow in Friendship with Jesus.

VBS will be held:


June 24 – 6:00pm - 8:00pm

June 25 – 9:30am – 12:00pm


This year dinner will not be provided on Friday night, we will be providing snack on Saturday morning.


On Sunday, June 26 we will be having a special VBS celebration, with a meal and special treat after church.


Register for VBS

Want to teach kids more about Jesus and His love for them?


Volunteer for VBS! We have volunteers opportunities for everyone! Those who like technology, like to make snacks, and much more! VBS will be held on June 24 & 25, with a special celebration on June 26. 


VBS times:

June 24 – 6:00pm – 8:00pm 

June 25 – 9:30am – 12:00pm


Click the link below to see all the opportunities for VBS this summer! If you have questions, please reach out to DCE Stephanie. 

Sign-up to Volunteer

First Lutheran Youth

Youth Nights this May!


First Lutheran & Abiding Savior are meeting on May 1 & May 22 for youth group. On May 1 during youth group, we will be recognizing Jacob Behrendt, who has been working with First Lutheran Youth since 2018. Jacob is graduating from UF with his doctorate in mechanical engineering and is moving to TX. All FLC Youth are invited to attend this special youth night. We will also be recognizing Jacob on May 8 during worship for work he has done with the youth. May 22 will be our final youth group for the 2021/2022 school year. Youth group will pick up this Fall when school has started.

FLC Parent Remind


Youth parents, if you have not yet, please sign-up for our FLC Parent Remind Text Group. Information about youth activities & reminders about youth group will be sent out via remind. Please text @flc1801 to 81010 to get signed up. If you have any questions, please let me know.

FLC Youth Remind


We also have a Youth Remind Group, which reminds students who are 6th-12th grade about youth activities & youth group. Have your child text @fly1801 to 81010 to get signed up. If you have any questions, please let me know.

Football Parking-2022 Dates

Calling all Youth Families! Students in 6th-12th Grade and their parents are encouraged and invited to help out with Football Parking during Fall of 2022!


For those of you who are new to Football Parking, here is a little background: Every year FLC sells parking passes to Gator Fans to park in our parking lot. They have a set parking spot that they use for every single game, so we will see lots of familiar faces this Fall. We also have spaces available that we sell on Game Day (the grassy area along 5th Ave).  Football Parking is an activity that we ask both youth and their parents to be involved in throughout Fall. Helping out with Football Parking is one way that FLC Youth and their families serve FLC, for this reason I ask that you and your family help out with as many Football parking weekends as your family schedule allows.


Please put the dates on the righthand side in your calendar for next year.


If you have questions about Football Parking please talk with DCE Stephanie.

Football Parking 2022 Dates



September 3

September 10

September 17

October 1

October 8

October 15

November 12

LCMS Youth Gathering - July 2022

Abiding Savior & First Lutheran Youth will be teaming up to attend the 2022 LCMS Youth Gathering together! Below are some updates that all participants need to know and forms that need to be filled out.


Meetings: We will be meeting Sunday Evenings at Abiding Savior.

Our next Youth Gathering Meeting will be on April 24 at 3pm

Last Youth Gathering meeting will be July 3 following the sending service at First Lutheran


Remind: Please sign-up for our group remind for the gathering.

Text @2022nat to 81010


Group Building: Starting in January - FLC & Abiding Savior Youth will have youth group together on Sunday afternoons. We will meet at Abiding Savior from 4:00pm-6:00pm, dinner will be provided each evening.


Gathering Theme: In All Things

Gathering Verse: Colossians 1:15-20

Dates: July 8 – 14

Location: Houston, TX

Transportation: Flying

LCMS Gathering Website: www.lcmsgathering.com



2022 Gathering Covenant and Medical Release
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