Week of 09/05/21 - 09/11/21
So, What Is The Plan?

Have you ever found yourself asking that question? Some people are planners and need to know exactly what the upcoming plans are. Some people are more "go with the flow" and don't need much to go on. A plan definitely helps me to feel better even if it's just a little bit of a plan. In our story for this week Jesus calls our attention back to God's plan for things, "you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things." Okay, Jesus but if we are to set our mind on divine things...then what is the plan? Because, let's be honest, whether we are looking at the world, the cosmos, or even our personal lives there are times when it doesn't seem like the plan is coming together. God reminds us " For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope." (Jeremiah 29:11). We look to Christ's activity during his ministry and the activity of the Spirit still among us. Those things that lead to welfare, future, hope, love, growth, restoration, and energy... are a part of the plan. We wait and listen and look for the larger plan that continues to unfold so that we can see our place in it and take part in the Master Plan that God is enacting in all of creation. Have a good weekend!
Children

Resources for Sunday, September 12th

Start by viewing the Sunday School video together on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0ZnbEVRacbrmNSTejRn97AxqI69xnj00

Here are some additional activities to continue your learning:

Follow Me- Do a group trust walk. Have one person be the leader and the others will be blindfolded and connected to each other with their hands on each other’s shoulders. Take turns letting others be the leader. Make sure that an adult can always see and help guide. What was it like to be the leader? What was it like to be blindfolded? This activity reminds us that we can’t always see God’s plan but we can listen to Jesus and follow him to be more in line with God’s plan.

Tangled Up Maze- Solve the tough maze connecting the disciples to Jesus. Following Jesus takes us through all the twists and turns of life. It can be pretty easy to get lost sometimes. We may not always understand where we are going and why. Jesus always walks with us and guides us!

Question to continue the conversation: What do you think God's plan is?

Next Sunday: Join us for Family Sunday School in the Sanctuary! You can also continue to utilize our digital resources.
Family

-Family Sunday School Video is now available on the Youtube Channel

-Join our Team App! It's a great way to receive additional reminders about upcoming events, connect, and add events straight to your digital calendar. More information on how to sign up here!

-We will be back to in-person education TOMORROW! Sunday, September 12th! We'll begin with 4 weeks of Family Sunday School. Join us to learn more about how we are baptized into God's story. Junior High and High School Recharge will start September 19th with a parent meeting in the youth room.

-Join us at the 11:00 am Family Service for a Children's Message, Children's Church time (ages 3-9) during the sermon, and participating in the dismissal!
Junior High

This will be our final week for resources in this way. I will be updating you on what we talk about during the in-person times and giving you questions to think about. Please let me know if you are in need of additional resources!

Mark 8:27-38
1st reading: What word or phrase stood out?
2nd reading: What is a question that you want to ask? What do you think God is trying to tell you?
3rd reading: Say a prayer thanking God for how this story spoke to you in this time.

Here is an example from my reflecting on the Scripture:
The phrase that stood out to me is "quite openly"

Why was it that Peter rebuked Jesus? Was he afraid of Jesus' candidness and him speaking so openly about tough things? I wonder how often I speak openly about things. That's hard because I'm not sure how others will react or what the repercussions might be or if it is the correct time and place. I should speak openly about my faith and I hope the Spirit will continue to inspire and encourage me to do so.

Dear God, strengthen us with your Spirit so we might speak openly about the things that matter to us. Help us to listen and set our minds on your plan for the world because we know that it includes love, mercy, hope, and peace. Help us to trust in those things and give us eyes to see them around us. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen

Question to continue the conversation: What do you think God's plan is?

Next Sunday: Join us for Family Sunday School in the Sanctuary or the adult Bible study in the Fellowship Hall this Sunday. Next Sunday (the 19th) will be our Parent Meeting in the Youth Room!
High School

This will be our final week for resources in this way. I will be updating you on what we talk about during the in-person times and giving you questions to think about. Please let me know if you are in need of additional resources!

Mark 8:27-38
1st reading: What word or phrase stood out?
2nd reading: What is a question that you want to ask? What do you think God is trying to tell you?
3rd reading: Say a prayer thanking God for how this story spoke to you in this time.

Here is an example from my reflecting on the Scripture:
The phrase that stood out to me is "quite openly"

Why was it that Peter rebuked Jesus? Was he afraid of Jesus' candidness and him speaking so openly about tough things? I wonder how often I speak openly about things. That's hard because I'm not sure how others will react or what the repercussions might be or if it is the correct time and place. I should speak openly about my faith and I hope the Spirit will continue to inspire and encourage me to do so.

Dear God, strengthen us with your Spirit so we might speak openly about the things that matter to us. Help us to listen and set our minds on your plan for the world because we know that it includes love, mercy, hope, and peace. Help us to trust in those things and give us eyes to see them around us. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen

Question to continue the conversation: What do you think God's plan is?

Next Sunday: Join us for Family Sunday School in the Sanctuary or the adult Bible study in the Fellowship Hall this Sunday. Next Sunday (the 19th) will be our Parent Meeting in the Youth Room!
Upcoming Events

September 12th-Worship at 8:30 and 11:00 am. Worship Video comes out. Family Sunday School video comes out (Everyone)

September 12th- Sunday School Kick-Off! In-person Family Sunday School in the Sanctuary. Junior High and High School can join the Adult Bible Study or Family Sunday School. (Everyone)

September 19th- Worship at 8:30 and 11:00 am. Sunday School for all ages at 9:45 am. Worship video comes out. Family Sunday School video comes out. (Everyone)

September 19th- Junior High and High School Parent Meeting in the youth room at 9:45 am

September 19th- Confirmation class from 6:00-7:00 pm in the Education Building (Junior High)