Brite Monthly – September 2023

This month’s biblical theme is:

Exodus & Promised Land

God had promised Abraham that his family would be great and God would give them a great land. It was not an easy path. From Joseph’s struggles to the Israelites’ slavery in Egypt to 40 years wandering in the desert, God’s people learned that when everything seemed out of control, God was always in control. He was faithful to provide for them and keep every promise.

Joseph: Joseph encountered terrible situations, but God was using every single event for good. Eventually, God would use Joseph’s circumstances to place him in a position of power in Egypt in which he would save many lives.

The Burning Bush: God instructed Moses to go to Pharaoh and demand the Israelite people be released. When Moses asked who to say sent him, the Lord responded with, “I AM who I AM.” God always has been, always is, and always will be God.

The Wilderness: God freed the Israelites from Egypt and they left right away. They were traveling to the land God had promised Abraham long ago. God showed His people over and over again that He was near by providing for their needs.

The Tabernacle: God gave Moses detailed instructions for building a tabernacle, a place of worship where they could seek forgiveness and His presence could dwell.

This month’s Unit Title is: Out of Control

In this month’s intro videos, we meet friends who are very excited to play a brand new video game. They experience a lot of challenges, both in the game and in their lives. Decorations for this unit can include video game images, game controllers, tv or computer screens, and even well-known characters.

Check out our Pinterest board for more ideas! https://www.pinterest.com/britecurriculum/out-of-control/

This month’s Leader Training Topic is: Teaching Bible Skills

One of the primary ways we encounter God is through the Bible. We see God’s character on display as He creates the world and then interacts with His creation, demonstrating His great love for us and His power to redeem. In 2 Timothy, Paul reminds us that, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (3:16-17, NIV). We encounter God’s inspired words in the Bible, and God works through His Word to transform our hearts and lives.

Given this, providing kids with opportunities to become familiar with the Bible and to engage with it regularly is so important. Because of its size and complexity, this may feel a bit overwhelming to them at first. By getting the Bible into their hands and teaching kids how to navigate it, the Bible becomes more accessible to them. Also, by helping kids to understand Bible verses and passages in their context as well as to see them as part of God’s bigger story, they will get a clearer picture of who God is and His plans and purposes in the world. They will also have the opportunity to experience God’s incredible, transformative power at work through His Word.

Throughout the month, we’ll explore the following topics:
  • Week 1 Content – Hands-On Bible Experiences
  • Week 2 Content – Helping Kids Navigate the Bible
  • Week 3 Content – Using Context Clues
  • Week 4 Content – Connecting to God’s Bigger Story
Teaching kids about the gospel:

The gospel is the good news. God wants everyone to know this good news and to not miss out on this invitation!

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

God

God is a loving God who is 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.