January 2020

Abundant Life

Foursquare Church

Bremerton, WA 360.377.9733 alfc.us

Encourage One Another Often

A recent New Year’s trend involves up others, you too will be uplifted. As choosing one word as a theme or Proverbs 11:25 (NASB) says, “He who focus for the next 12 months. For waters will himself be watered.” parents, a great word to choose— and remember regularly—is Encouragers follow Jesus’ example of POWERSOURCE “encourage.” service, humility, and generosity. Like Barnabas—a member of the early ASK JESUS: At times, it seems as if the parental Christian community whose name 1. To remind you to frequently job description involves being means “son of encouragement” (see encourage family members. children’s #1 fan, but true Acts 4:36)—you can serve God by encouragement goes much deeper selflessly encouraging others. 2. To bless you through the Bible, than cheerleading. Genuine prayer, worship, and fellowship. messages of love and support Parents need as much support and nurture a child’s sense of safety and encouragement as they can get, too. 3. To provide people in your life well-being. Godly affirmations also Seek out other Christian parents so you who serve as encouragers, build self-worth—one based not on can give and receive assistance, share especially during tough times. individual merit but on the fact that insights and ideas, and pray for one our heavenly Father created and another. loves us.

Read on to see opportunities for Being an encourager also comes families to be encouraged this month with fantastic “perks.” When you lift at ALFC!

TEACHABLE

MOMENT @ALFC this month Encouragement is vital and powerful yet amazingly simple. Look kids in the eyes and talk to them on their level. Reach out and touch them gently. Call children by name lovingly—not just when they’re in trouble! Listen carefully

and be willing to learn. Accentuate the positiv e. Be generous with praise. Compliment frequently, sincerely, and in public. Show interest in children’s hobbies. Give credit where credit is due. Give age-appropriate challenges. Ask, “How can I help?” Also work on your own self-worth; you can’t love and encourage others if you feel unloved, unlovable, or discouraged.

“So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.” —1 Thessalonians 5:11 Hot Chocolate Social

January 29, 6:30-8:00pm

Everyone Welcome! As always, childcare is provided :)

Snovernighter tuition covers hotel, transportation, meals, tubing! Grades 6-8 A 13-week journey of support and healing Register: alfc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/182/responses/new begins January 15. Contact Marie Courtney for more info: 360-271-6302

MEDIA MADNESS

CULTURE & TRENDS

MOVIE MUSIC Smarty Pants Though the year 2020 Title: Dolittle Title: Citizen of Heaven hasn’t brought us flying cars (yet), Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Family Artist: parents now have smart diapers! Rating: Not yet rated Synopsis: In his second , this The Lumi line from Pampers sends Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Emma breakout Christian pop artist offers a smartphone alerts when diapers Thompson, John Cena, Selena Gomez dynamic mix of worship songs. His need changing. Other upcoming Synopsis: In Victorian England, an debut album, Hills and Valleys, landed “connected” baby products include eccentric, widowed veterinarian prefers him four Dove Awards, including New sleep-tracking onesies and robotic the company of animal friends—with Artist of the Year. Before going solo in rocking cribs. (cnn.com) whom he can talk. But when the queen 2015, Wells fronted the band Royal gets sick, Dr. Dolittle must summon up Tailor and led worship at church. Safety Patrol Elementary students bravery and sail to a mysterious island Collaborators on Citizen of Heaven are leading the way with pedestrian to find a cure. include and . safety. Schoolkids across America Our Take: This film is a feast for the Our Take: On ballads as well as upbeat have lobbied for new 3D crosswalks eyes, with stunning scenery, historic tunes, Wells is a master of catchy and that capture drivers’ attention via settings, and lifelike animals. It will inspiring lyrics. The new single “Close” optical illusion. They’re also called lead to discussions about God’s describes encountering God and Iceland Crosswalks, for where they wonderful world and the vast range of listening to his voice, while “Miracle” originated. (various sources) creatures he made. The movie shows offers thanks to God for “every the benefits of venturing outside your mountain that you move” and “what comfort zone, but scenes of peril may I’ve seen with my own eyes.” QUICK STATS be too intense for some children. Screen Savers Since 1997, screen time for kids age 2 and under has Games, Podcasts & Apps more than doubled—despite Guess in 10 Kids Corner: Terrene Disney+ warnings against any screen time for In this series of card Episodes This much-hyped new those 18 months and younger. games from Skillmatics, In this ReFrame Media streaming service offers Another study shows that parents players can ask 10 series, “Liz” and his loads of content for just who read to kids from tablets have questions to get hints reptilian middle-school $6.99 a month. Material less social interaction with them about a certain animal, friends have adventures ranges from animated compared to those who read from city, sport, or famous and sometimes get into favorites to the “Star print books. (JAMA Pediatrics) person. Educational as trouble. From parents Wars” franchise and well as fun, the games and neighbors, they learn original content such as Addressing Addiction About 5.7 build problem-solving about biblical principles The Mandalorian. Kids million U.S. children under age 11 live and communication and faith-based decision- can set up their own with a parent who’s battling skills. Each pack costs making. Other “Kids profiles, but some users substance abuse. That’s one reason about $14. Best for Corner” programs tell warn that parental Sesame Street recently added Karli, a ages 6 and up. Bible stories. controls are lacking. 6-year-old Muppet whose mom is an addict. (SesameWorkshop.org)

*This page from Group Publishing is designed to help educate parents and isn’t meant to endorse any movie, music, or product. Our prayer is that you’ll make informed decisions about what your children watch, read, listen to, and play.

January For more info on any of these events, contact [email protected], check out alfc.us or the ALFC app.

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

1 2 3 4 Celebrate Recovery

New Year’s Day

NO CLASSES

5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Services Kids Classes Celebrate Men’s Dinner 9 & 11am Recovery MOPS & Last day: donate MOMSnext to Backpack Brigade 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Services Kids Classes Celebrate 9 & 11am Recovery 20/20 Parenting Adventure DivorceCare Ranger Campout begins

19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Services Kids Classes Celebrate 9 & 11am MLK Jr. Day Recovery MOPS & Adventure Adventure MOMSnext Ranger Campout Ranger Campout

26 27 28 29 30 31 Services Kids Classes Celebrate 9 & 11am Recovery MOPS & MSM 4th Sunday MOMSnext Hot Chocolate Social

Classes & Groups for Kids @ ALFC

KidZone is the place to be at 9 & 11am on Sundays if you’re in Kindergarten through 5th grade. Friends, fun, worship, and age appropriate messages are what kids can expect every week. A staff of caring and high energy adults is on hand to mentor children as they grow in their walk with Christ. KidZone is on the second floor.

MSM (Middle School Ministry) services include fun, high-energy games and activities, relationship building, and lessons tailored to help students in grades 6-8 grow in their faith and Bible literacy. 11am Sundays and 6:30pm Wednesdays.

Royal Rangers is an active club where boys ages kindergarten through high school come together to have fun, learn different skills, earn badges and merits, and discover the truth of God’s word. Activities include camping trips, service projects, and other events that help prepare boys to become well-rounded men of God. Elementary: Wednesdays 6:30pm, second floor. 6th-12th: Sundays 9am, third floor.

N*gage Girls Club is an active club where girls learn accountability and make God’s truths and values the focus of their lives as they go through discussion-based material. Girls also develop skills and learn how to apply spiritual concepts to their lives. 2nd floor. Elementary: Wednesdays 6:30pm.

Family Ministry contacts: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

What We’re Learning in January @ALFC It’s our joy to partner with you, parents, in laying a spiritual foundation for your family. We pray this list helps engage amazing conversation with your kids.

Infants & Toddlers Middle School Wednesdays: 1 Minute Bible Series

We understand little brains are developing at a 1 NO CLASSES rapid pace. Helping babies associate our 8 Matthew 5 nursery and toddler space with love and safety 15 Genesis 3 is a passion of our remarkable team of trained 22 Noah and approved volunteers! 29 Abraham

Middle School Sundays: Core Truth: The Trinity

Pre-K Wednesdays: Jesus And Me (JAM) Club 5 The Triune God 12 God’s Mercy Growing into a Life of Faith 19 God’s Righteousness

1 NO CLASSES 26 God’s Awesomeness

8 Jesus and His Friends 15 Calming the Storm 22 Jesus Walks on Water Royal Rangers 29 Jesus and Peter Catch Fish Ranger Kids: Outdoors, Creation, Conservation

Discovery Rangers: Running the Race for Christ Pre-K Sundays: Bible in Life: Discipleship 5 Jesus Grew Up Adventure Rangers: Book of Romans, Presidents merit 12 We Can Listen 19 We Can Be Helpers 26 I Need Help: Jesus Cares Girls Club: Latin America and Caribbean

1 NO CLASSES 8 La Iglesia (The Church) KidZone 9am: Disciplemakers 15 Culture of Latin America Relating to God 22 People of Latin America 5 Who’s My Father? 29 History of Missions 12 God’s Voice 19 Prayer Makes a Difference! 26 Forgiving Living

KidZone 11am: Bible in Life: Faith 5 Stand Up for What’s Right 12 What Really Matters 19 Our Biggest Problems 26 Believing in Jesus