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April 2021

4/1/2021

 
Hey parents! Happy April! As we are entering Spring season, warmer weather, and more sunshine we are also getting ready to reengage Kid City in person!

What's Happening

​Here are a few things coming up in our ministry . . .
April 18: Starting Kid City In person
It is our top priority to keep our children and teachers safe.  So there are a few things we will be doing to keep everyone safe. 
  1. Kid City will be the only group in the building while the adults are outside. 
  2. All families are required to register and wait for conformation.  We want to avoid our classrooms being too full.  Here is the registration link: https://forms.office.com/r/w6Hd3ESnAY​ In your conformation email you will get more information about our check in and check out process.
  3. All teachers and children are required to wear a mask and well will still have heath screening. 
If you have any questions about in-person Kid City email Joslyn at joslyn@citylifegr.com.

What We're Teaching

BLAST OFF: A 2-WEEK SERIES ON SPIRITUAL HABITS

SERIES OVERVIEW:
If you’re a grown-up and you’ve been following Jesus for a while, you’ve probably figured out a few ways to grow spiritually. The kids you're parenting or leading, on the other hand, aren’t grown-ups, so they might need a little help from you to figure out how, exactly, to grow spiritually. So what should spiritual growth look like for a kid? We like to think about it in terms of four spiritual habits. To help a kid grow spiritually, teach them to spend time with God, spend time with others, use their gifts, and share their story

Tip of the Month

​When's the last time you told your kid about your journey of faith? Have you ever told them what you thought about God when you were their age, or when you first heard about Jesus? Do you talk with them about who God is to you today? If it's been a while, start that conversation with your kid this month. Tell them your story of faith for two reason: 1) Because it will help your kid's faith grow. 2) Because it will help your faith grow too

Resource of the Month

If you're looking for more help when it comes to leading your kids spiritually, check out this book by Natalie Frisk. It's called Raising Disciples, and it's a good one! ​

Question of the Month

On a scale of 1-5, how helpful are these emails? We'd love to hear from you.  Give us a 1 if you hate them and a 5 if you love them. ​

March 2021

3/1/2021

 
It's been a fun year so far, but this month, we've got big plans for helping your kids grow closer to God than ever before.

What's Happening

Here are a few things coming up in our ministry . . . 
​
April 6th at 6pm: FLASHLIGHT SCAVENGER HUNT
This spring, we are putting a fun, new twist on the Easter egg hunt! Mark your calendars -- your kids won't want to miss this! This event will happen via zoom.  Registration opens Sunday February 28th and will close March 28th.  
Register Here!

What We're Teaching

BLUEPRINTS: A 4-WEEK SERIES ON GOD'S PLANS THROUGH JESUS

SERIES OVERVIEW:
Blueprints are a kind of plan that helps engineers, architects, and drafters to know how a project should go. Plans are everywhere. Kids find plans at school, in their lego sets, and even in their video games. But the best kind of plans are the ones that help us grow. Through the life of Jesus, we're going to find out that God's plans are perfect, love is the foundation of God's plans, that Jesus said yes to God's plans, and most of all that we are included in God's plans.
​
DOWNLOAD THE PRESCHOOL PARENT GUIDE
DOWNLOAD THE ELEMENTARY PARENT GUID

Tip of the Month

While your church is here to help, support, and invest in your kid, you are the very best person to disciple your kid and help them grow spiritually. In order to that, try guiding your kids through the four spiritual habits that we all need in our faith journeys: spend time with God, spend time with others in healthy community, share your stories of faith, and use your gifts to serve. These four habits are common ground that can help you and your kid grow together.
​
This month's Parent Tip

Resource of the Month

Teaching Scripture to kids doesn't have to be a daunting task. You are more than capable of sharing Bible truths with your kid. CHECK OUT these sweet and simple tips from a veteran Bible teacher that remind us that we need to teach kids what the Bible says more than we use the Bible to teach them something else!

Question of the Month

We're always trying to better understand what it's like to parent kids. So here's what we're wondering: What's the HARDEST thing about parenting your kid right now? Eamil me at joslyn@citylifegr.com or post it to our parent facebook page!

February 2021

1/27/2021

 
Happy Almost-Valentine's Day! We know that your job as parents often goes unrecognized, but we want you to know we think you're great! Here's to you, valentine!

What's Happening

Here are a few things coming up in our ministry . . . 

PRAY WALK
This month, we're having families set up their own prayer walk experience right at home! We hope you can join us!  All you need to do is walk around your nabiehood and pray over it.  We in encourage you to take pictures and videos of your walk and share it on our Parent Facebook page.   

FLASHLIGHT SCAVENGER HUNT
This spring, we are putting a fun, new twist on the Easter egg hunt! More information will be coming out soon. Stay tune because you do not want to miss this amazing event!  
​
FAMILY ACTIVITIES
Starting this month we will be adding week actives for families to do on our Parent Facebook page base on the teaching theme.  This way wither you are a part of Kid City Mobile Edition you can still take part in some on the fun.  If you are a parent not connected to this page, please contact Joslyn at joslyn@citylifegr.com to be added.   

What We're Teaching

CHALLENGE ACCEPTED: A 4-WEEK SERIES ON JESUS' MINISTRY

SERIES OVERVIEW:
Great sports moments tend to involve people who accepted a big challenge, one that required courage and an ability to keep going. This month, kids will have fun using sports to learn about the many ways they can say yes to challenges bravely. Jesus accepted many challenges. Through the stories we know about him, we learn a bunch of things that help kids walk through whatever they are facing. Let’s cheer on every kid to be able to say, Jesus takes care of me, Jesus shows me the truth, Jesus helps me when I'm tempted, Jesus understands my challenges.
​
DOWNLOAD THE PRESCHOOL PARENT GUIDE
DOWNLOAD THE ELEMENTARY PARENT GUID

Tip of the Month

Sometimes it might feel like all you do is catch your kid doing something you really wish they wouldn't do. And as frustrating as it is for you, you can imagine how frustrating and defeating it can be for kids when they're being constantly corrected. So, starting this week, try "catching" your kid when they do something good, kind, or wise and affirm them for it. It will help reinforce the kind of decisions you hope they make.
How to catch your kids making wise choice

Resource of the Month

​Have you ever said to yourself, "There has got to be a better way to get my kid to behave"? While there is no panacea for all behavioral issues, try out some of THESE TIPS - they just might work! And if you have anything that's working for you that's not on this list, share them with the rest of us!

Question of the Month

​Hey parents, help us out. What's one thing our church could do to better serve and help you? Email me at joslyn@citylifegr.com and let know.  I would love to hear from you. 

January 2021

12/27/2020

 
​Happy New Year! We can't wait to get started on a new year of ministry and discipleship with you and your kids!

What's Happening

Here are a few things coming up in our ministry . . . 

COME JOIN THE FUN
If you would like to be apart of Kid City Mobile edition please fill out the survey below and Joslyn will reach out to you.

Kid City Mobile Edition

KINDNESS MONTH This month, we are going to talk about acts of service and serving others. We encourage families to take part in preforming small acts of service through the month of January.  As a ministry we will be posting different was we can serve others in a small way.  We encourage families to take part of this and share what you are doing on our Kid City Facebook Page.

Please connect Joslyn Ward at joslyn@citylifegr.com if you have any questions.

What we're teaching

​SUBSCRIBE NOW: A 5-WEEK SERIES ON FOLLOWING JESUS.
SERIES OVERVIEW:
If only we could really get to know the people behind our favorite YouTube channels! The ability to “subscribe now” gives people the impression that connection is that easy. But connection takes a bit more effort, it takes following and learning from those we want to know. Kids look for places of belonging, places where forgiveness exists, places where they can experience a genuine connection. The Gospels teach us that places like these exist. In these stories kids learn that we can know God through Jesus, we can know forgiveness because of Jesus, that Jesus knows us and wants us to follow him. The message of Jesus is powerful and something we can subscribe to!
DOWNLOAD THE PRESCHOOL PARENT GUIDE
DOWNLOAD THE ELEMENTARY PARENT GUIDE

Tip of the Month

We probably tell our kids that they can change the world, but do we mean "someday" or "today"? And are we actually giving them the tools they need to become the leaders we say they can become? Here are a few things we can do to help every kid learn to lead right now:
1. Let them lead (and serve) now.
2. Give them responsibility.
3. Help them develop leadership skills.
4. Celebrate their efforts

Check out this parent tip video! 

Resource of the Month

Apart from kids getting fairly addicted, there are very real dangers of online gaming that parents should know. 
​THIS ARTICLE is great to raise our awareness of our kids' online environment - share them with other parents who need to know!

Question of the Month

How can Kid City support you with discipling your children during this COVID season? We would love to hear from you!  
​Please reach out to Joslyn at joslyn@citylifegr.com. 

December 2020

12/1/2020

 

Hello Kid City Families,

​Can you believe Christmas is only a few weeks away? We hope you and your family are loving this holiday season.  We Pray that you are staying safe both physically and mentally during this season.  And just know that we are here for you at Kid City.

What's Happening

Here are a few things coming up in our ministry…
 
December 1- December 25: Advent Calendar and activities
If you have signed up for this, you will receive your families kit no later than November 29th (it will be dropped off at your door).  Please follow along with is during this 25 day of activities and scriptures.  
If you were not able to sign up for this do not worry you can still, follow long with us via Facebook and join the phone. 
 
December 6th: Kid City Mobile Edition 
This month we will start Kid City Mobile Edition.  This is a 15 minute small group discipleship opportunity for children.  If you would like to sign your child up for this, please contact Joslyn Ward at joslyn@citylifegr.org
​

What We're Teaching

Picture
WAIT FOR IT: A 4-WEEK SERIES ON ADVENT & CHRISTMAS
SERIES OVERVIEW:
Who doesn’t love a board game? Waiting for the game to unfold is a part of the fun, but it can be frustrating if kids don’t know why they are playing or what they need to be a part of it. In, Wait for It, kids will learn how to watch for and put their hope in Jesus. Everyone will meet John, Mary, Simeon and Anna— people who waited for a Savior to change their lives. Kids will learn that everyone needs a Savior, that the Savior will change everything, that God will do impossible things, and that Jesus is the one they’ve been waiting for!  Below you will find the parent guide for the next 4 weeks.  
DOWNLOAD THE PRESCHOOL PARENT GUIDE
DOWNLOAD THE ELEMENTARY PARENT GUIDE
​

Tip of the Month

Think about someone who shaped your future because of their influence during your childhood years. Someone who made you who you are today. Seriously, do it. Right now. Got a name? Great. Now consider this. In a few years, what will your kid say you've instilled in them? And what voices (besides yours) are helping to shape them? If you're not sure, don't let this week go by without recruiting another trusted adult to help you influence your kid. 
Here is a short Parent Tip Video you can check out!
DECEMBER'S PARENT TIP
​

Resource of the Month

​Let's be completely honest for a sec . . . how many times have you dismissed your kid's question, idea, or remark? All parents have done it because, let's face it, some of them seem dumb! Take a second to check out this RADICAL IDEA of creative collaboration between adults and kids presented by a 17-year-old. It will remind you to recognize and validate your kid's voice. . . no matter how young they are!
​

Question of the Month

Here's a question for you. What's on your kid's Christmas list this year? 
Hit Reply on this email and let us know! 

If you have any questions, concerns please contact Joslyn Ward at joslyn@citylifegr.com.
 
Also follow us on Facebook 
City Life Church is a core city church in Grand Rapids, MI.
​Our Sunday morning worship services are at 9:15am & 11:00am
574 S. Division Ave, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 | (616) 260-1477 | office@citylifegr.com
  • Connect
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      • 2020 Sermons
      • 2018 Sermons
      • 2017 Sermons
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