Parent Newsletter

In our Signs & Wonders series, children will discover how Jesus' mission didn't end when He returned to heaven—it continued through His followers! As we journey through the book of Acts, we'll explore how the Holy Spirit empowered ordinary believers, and God worked through them with signs and wonders that pointed people to Jesus. Children will learn that these miracles weren't meant to draw attention to people, but to reveal God's love and power. Most importantly, they'll discover that the same Holy Spirit lives in every believer today, empowering us to be part of God's mission. Our prayer is that every child will grow in boldness, compassion, and faith as they follow Jesus and share His love.

This week, children learned that one of the greatest ways we can continue the work of Jesus is by praying for others. Jesus regularly prayed for people. In John 17, He even prayed for everyone who would one day believe in Him—that includes us! Children discovered that when we pray, we are partnering with God and inviting Him to work in the lives of those around us. We read the incredible story of Peter's miraculous rescue from prison in Acts 12, where the church faithfully prayed, and God answered in a powerful way. During our activity, children paired up, shared prayer requests, and prayed for one another, practicing what they had just learned.

Foundational Verse:
First, I tell you to pray for all people. Ask God for the things people need, and be thankful to him.
1 Timothy 2:1, ICB‬‬

John 14:12 NLT‬‬
“Anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.”

Our heart is to partner with you in nurturing your child’s faith. We believe discipleship begins in the home, and when families talk about God together and involve Him in daily life, it makes a lasting impact. These simple ideas can help you keep the conversation going throughout the week:

As you go through your day, encourage your child to notice people who might need prayer—a sad friend, a sick neighbor, or even a stressed cashier. Pause together and pray for them right then, showing your child that prayer doesn't have to wait for church or bedtime.

Have each family member share one thing they need prayer for. Take turns praying aloud for one another. Remind your child that they are living out their memory verse (John 14:12).

Use simple, ongoing conversations to help your child remember and apply what they learned. This can be easily incorporated in your day-to-day routine. Try asking these questions during dinner, in the car, or right before bed:  

• Read Jesus’ prayer in John 17 with your child (NLT or ICB suggested, depending on age). Explain it to them. Ask, “Why do you think Jesus prayed for people so often?” 
• “Can you tell me about the Bible story you learned in church (Acts 12) where Peter was in prison? How did prayer help in that situation?”
• “Why do you think praying is an important way for us to continue Jesus’ work?”