Brite Monthly – June 2024

This month’s Biblical theme is:

The Epistles

Much of the New Testament is comprised of Epistles, or letters that were written to the early Church. These churches were spread all around the Mediterranean. The epistles were authored by James, Paul, Peter, Jude and John. They were written to give encouragement, direction and doctrine to the early Church. There was a lot of confusion within the new churches about what they should be following. Jesus had only just died, risen and gone to heaven. Paul and John wrote to clarify how God loves unconditionally and calls us to do the same. We should look to Jesus to see the greatest example of love and humility.

Monthly Bible Verse:See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God. (1 John 3:1a)

1 Corinthians: Paul wrote about how true love comes from God. Love is patient, kind, it does not boast, it is not rude. Love is not irrational or resentful. It rejoices in the truth. It doesn’t matter how talented a person is, if they do not have love, they have nothing.

Philippians: In a letter to the church at Phillippi, Paul encouraged the church to follow Jesus’ example and pursue humility and look to the perfect example that Jesus gave us. Humility is considering others more important than yourself and putting them first.

Colossians: Paul wrote about how Jesus has conquered sin and death and brought us from darkness into the light. He is fully God and fully human. He holds all of creation together. Jesus is the Son of God. He is our Savior. Jesus is preeminent.

1 & 2 Thessalonians: Paul wrote two letters to encourage the Thessalonian church that Jesus would return one day and make all things new again! This life and persecution is temporary because all who believe in Christ will be with Him in the end. While we wait, we can glorify God.

1, 2, 3 John: John wrote about the love of Christ. He loves us so much that we can become His children. Through this great love of God, He wants us to love those around us as well. One day, Jesus will restore this broken world and make all things new.

This month’s Unit Title is: Special Delivery

The epistles were letters sent to the early church. This month, we are leaning into the mail theme with mailboxes, envelopes, letters and stamps! It can be as simple as piling boxes and envelopes at the front of your kids’ space or as detailed as setting up a mini post office. Think envelope backdrops, stamp bunting and cardboard mailboxes.

Check out our Pinterest page for more ideas at https://pin.it/2LH3jWh.

This Month’s Leader Training Topic is: God’s Big Story

As small group leaders, we get to embark on the exciting journey of sharing the Word of God with our kids. It’s imperative to recognize the profound impact we can have on their lives. The Bible is a magnificent adventure, a love story, a treasure map and a life guide. The Bible is not just a collection of stories but rather one unified narrative, highlighting the consistent nature of God’s character throughout its pages. Every Bible story is interconnected and revisiting past stories is valuable. Reminding kids weekly about God’s overarching Big Story (Creation, Fall, Redemption, Restoration), we can ignite and nurture the faith of the kids under our care. As small group leaders, you can empower your kids to uncover the beauty, wisdom, and timeless truths found within the sacred pages of God’s Word.

Through these guiding principles, we’ll help kids view the Bible as a tapestry of love, a masterpiece where each narrative and character holds a significant role. Our role is as their trusted guides, revealing how each chapter contributes to the grander narrative, showcasing God’s extraordinary plan. So, let’s dive in, arming ourselves with the tools to unlock the wonders of the Bible as we prepare the next generation to navigate life’s challenges, place their unwavering trust in God’s character and embark on a lifelong adventure of faith.

Throughout the month, we’ll explore the following topics:

  • Week 1 Content: Reading the Bible as One Big Story
  • Week 2 Content: God’s Consistency Throughout Scripture
  • Week 3 Content: Connecting Bible Stories Together
  • Week 4 Content: Remember What You Have Learned
  • Week 5 Content: Review God’s Big Story
Teaching Kids about the Gospel:

The gospel is the good news that Jesus died and rose again to save us from our sins. God wants everyone to know this good news and not miss out on the invitation!

Here’s the Gospel in four words: God, Us, Jesus, Trust.

God

God is loving, all-powerful and holy. He knows and sees everything and rules over everything. God created all people in His image, and we are valuable to Him.

Us

But we have sinned, and our sin separates us from God. What is sin? Sin is anything we think, say, or do that disobeys God. The penalty for sin is death and separation from God forever.

Jesus

But because God loves us so much, He sent His one and only Son, Jesus, to pay the penalty for our sin. Jesus died in our place. But He did not stay dead—He rose again three days later. Because of Jesus, we no longer have to be separated from God, and we are offered the free gift of eternal life!

Trust

God gives salvation – rescuing us from our sin to everyone who places their trust in Jesus as their Savior. What is trust? It means that we rely on what Jesus did. You cannot be saved from sin by doing good things but only through what Jesus did for you.