be imitators of god

This is one of Pastor Steve's devotionals that I wanted to pass along. It both inspired, and convicted me. May we, as parents, seek to be imitators of God, because our children are imitating us. 💜 Pastor Erin

“Show me your ways, LORD; teach me your paths." – Psalm 25:4 (NIV)
When I read this passage today, it reminded me of what Paul wrote as a challenge to the church in Ephesians 5:1. “Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children.” Camp on this thought for a while. What is the primary responsibility of parenting? It is to teach our children what kind of people they are to BE. And how do children learn that? They watch and imitate. Ouch.

Ever hear words come out of your child’s mouth that you were embarrassed by—only to remember that they probably heard those words being spoken by YOU? Ever been upset because you see your child display an attitude of selfishness, ugliness, or rudeness? Hmm, wonder where they learned that? Children are sponges. They absorb what they see, hear, and experience. They are also mirrors. They reflect the images of those acting, speaking, and behaving in front of them. Yes, sometimes those reflections are of other kids or other adults. But often our children are simply following our lead. Which is why we have to be ever so careful.
David takes a childlike approach in this psalm by acknowledging that he needs to learn how to “be” from his Father, God. His prayer is from an understanding that we often copy the customs and attitudes of the world around us. But David wants a “higher” road, a more God-like life. So he prays, “Show me your ways, Lord.” Wow. Can you imagine the impact on our lives if we truly prayed that prayer with an open and sincere heart?
Think about it. How different are the Lord’s ways from OUR ways? VERY different. Jesus gives us great insight into that as He talks to us about how God desires us to be. Remember some of those statements? “Turn the other cheek.” “Love your enemies.” “Go the extra mile.” “Bless those who persecute you.” “Forgive those you sin against you.” “Love one another as I have loved you.” THOSE are the ways of God. THAT is the kind of person God desires us to be.
I want to challenge you to make David’s prayer YOUR prayer this week. Spend enough time with God that you KNOW His ways and then imitate those ways wherever you go this week. Be a great reflection of YOUR Father this week. Make HIS ways YOUR ways! That’s God’s Word for you today.

happening in april

Our Easter event is this Saturday! Due to impending weather, the event will take place indoors. Join us for bounce houses, cotton candy, hot dogs, face painting, a resurrection egg experience, and more.

Hope to see you there, and don't forget to invite someone!

It's not too late to join us! Parenting is hard enough; don't do it alone!

What: "Safe House" Parenting Class
Where: Hearth Hall
When: Wednesday Nights at 6:30 PM through May 21st

We will be singing on Palm Sunday! Here are the details:

First Service:

Meet at 8:45 AM in the Shartel Kidz Club Room
Sing at 9 AM SHARP
Return to Sunday School

Second Service:

Meet at 10:15 AM in the Shartel Kidz Club Room
Sing at 10:30 AM SHARP
Kids will return to you for the music portion of the service. Then, K-4 will go to Kidz Club and 5th-6th will stay in service.

If your child would like to practice, the video is in the SKC Memory Verse section of the newsletter.

Our next baptism service will take place on April 16th. If your child is interested in learning more about baptism, please sign up for the Baptism class below!

kids camp registration

Kid's Camp at Camp Oakridge is coming up on June 9-13! Kid's camp is for 3rd grade graduates - 6th grade graduates. We are moving to online registration this year! Please register your child below as soon as possible so we can gauge how many counselors we will need. If you are interested in being a counselor, you may let me know that here, as well! Registration for camp is due by May 21st.

Policy Update

In an effort to reduce distractions and to keep our kids' minds and hearts available to the Lord, Shartel Kidz ministry is a now a "Phone-Free Zone". If your child enters the classroom with a phone, they will be asked to place their phone on silent and to put it in a designated place until class is over. If there is an emergency regarding your child, the teacher or Pastor Erin will contact you. If you have any questions, please contact Pastor Erin.

this month in pre-k

Play and Worship

Story: The Resurrection of Jesus (Matt. 27:32-28:10)
Bible Point: Jesus is Alive!

This month in elementary

April 6

Story: Jesus teaches us to live differently. (Matt. 5-7)
Bible Point: Jesus is different, so we live differently.

April 13

Story: Jesus' triumphant entry (Lk. 19:28-40; Matt. 21:1-11)
Bible Point: Jesus is the king!

April 20

Story: Jesus has victory over death (John 19:16-20:18)
Bible Point: God wins, so we have victory over sin and death.

April 27

Review/enrichment week

Shartel Kidz Memory verses

Recite Ps. 100:2 for a small prize, and/or Psalm 100 for a $5 Braum's gift card!
Kids may recite in Shartel Kidz Club, to a Sunday School teacher, or Pastor Erin through April 13.

ministry leader Spotlight

Name: Katie Aldridge
Where do you serve? I will be teaching Shartel Kidz Club in April/May/June. I also help with the kids musical, VBS, and have taught the 4s and 5s class in the past.
What is a benefit of serving in Children's Ministry as a parent? As a parent, I am so grateful for the many volunteers that make our kids’ Bible classes possible at Shartel. Teaching is one way that I help do my part to make kid's ministry a reality, but my husband and I also hope to set an example for our two boys, showing them how important it is to use our gifts to serve others.
What is a favorite memory of yours from Children's Ministry?
It’s hard to choose just one, but one of my favorite memories is of an adorable little boy calling my husband Mark “Mr. Marker” in the Pre-K class. So cute!

Thank you, Katie, for your commitment to advancing the gospel to the next generation! We love you!

Resource corner

We are studying the book "Safe House" by Dr. Josh Straub in the parenting class on Wednesday nights. He and his wife, Christi, have a podcast called "Famous at Home". If you are taking the class with us, this is great supplementary listening, or if you are unable to attend the class, you will find lots of encouragement here! With topics designed to help you set healthy rhythms between work and home, be fully present with your kids, and build a rock-solid marriage, the Famous at Home podcast will awaken your own heart and revive your family. Take a listen!