The Goodness of Summer

School bell rings, doors fly open, graded papers and old homework assignments fly through the air, and children burst onto the school lawn ready for the excitement that awaits them during the upcoming Summer months.

This scene, or something similar, is taking place all over the country as children across the United States reach the end of the 2018-2019 school year. With that, it’s time for all the wonderful activities that come with Summer. Swimming (at the lake preferably), Picnics with Ice-Cold Watermelon, Evening Ball Games - just to name a few favorites. And even though the school year has come to an end, one thing that will continue is your child learning.

Kids are always learning! Whether through books, videos, or through what is modeled for them at home. So why not create great experiences WITH your children this summer!?

In that spirit, we as a church want to come alongside you in that adventure as well.

Deuteronomy 6:6-9 says, “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.”

One thing that sticks out about this verse is the absence of one key piece of information. The author of this passage never gives specific instructions as to WHEN to do these things. This leads me to believe that we are to “talk about them” regularly throughout the year.

How exciting to think that because your children are on summer vacation, their minds will be available to learning new and exciting things about the God who invented all the subjects they just finished learning in school!

“But what can I do to help my child grow in their faith during the summer months?” Glad you asked:

Coming up on June 3-6, We will host three locations for Neighborhood Summer Quest!

Partnering with Grace Community Church, this event is a backyard summer Bible school type event for children ages 4 years-4th grade, filled with games, songs, bible stories, and food.  There will be 10 locations in Newton and Wichita. Anyone over the age of 12 is welcome to serve! Want to register your children or sign up to serve? Contact us.

Another great resource we have for you to make use of is the Summer Activity Guide. This is a 52 page guide PACKED with great ideas for summer fun and faith building. Activities, games, meal ideas, crafts, and more! These can be picked up at the New Family Table on Sunday mornings throughout the summer.

In closing, let these word be - if nothing else - an encouragement to you, Parents. God has given you all the tools necessary to disciple your children.

In the meantime - enjoy your summer, “train up your child”, and don’t forget the watermelon!

Tanner & Casie Giffin