Bring Jesus Into Summer

Summers in Minnesota are short; and even shorter this year, as snow fell throughout most of April. 

I wonder if the feeling of fleeting, wonderful weather catapults us into a frensy of filling our summer calendars?  We try to squeeze in every ounce of sun, fun, family and outdoors we physically can sustain.  Families become very strategic in their planning of summer calendars, often starting plans for sports and swimming lessons as soon as the Community Ed booklet is released in March. 

Friendship Kids Ministry would like to challenge you to put similar thought and strategy into Loving, Living and Serving Like Jesus all summer long!

How do we put Jesus into the center of everything?  We are hoping a few of these ideas will spark some thought and conversation with your family. 

Share your “God Sightings” around the dinner/picnic table.  How did you see God at work today? Here are bible verses to reflect on:

• Jeremiah 29:13
  • The Lord Spoke to Elijah, 1 Kings 19:9-15
  • 2 Corinthians 5:17

When hiking or biking and you need a rest, stop and read Bible verses that talk about God’s creation:

• Genesis 1 & 2
  • Proverbs 3: 5
  • Matthew 22:37 or Mark 12:30
  • Romans 1:20

Skittle Prayers are when you take a skittle and pray accordingly to its color.

• Green:  Name something you love about your family, then pray for them.
• Yellow:  Who was your favorite teacher?  Pray for all your teachers.
• Orange:  What do you like best about church?  Pray for your pastors.
• Purple:  What are your favorite things that God has made?  Thank God for His creation.
• Red:  Who do you know that needs help?  Pray for them.
  
  

Take a Prayer Walk around your neighborhood. Pray for the people you know, and for those living in the houses that you do not yet know.

• Galatians 6:2

Take the Family Vacation Serve Challenge. Place each family members name in a hat; and then everyone draws a name. During the vacation; look for ways to share God’s love by serving the person whose name you drew.

Here are examples:

• Open a door.
• Allow them to choose the next activity or game.
• Share a kind word of encouragement. 
• Ask God to help you find ways to show love.
  
  

Take the Serve Your Neighbor Challenge. Place your neighbors’ names in a bowl and draw a name each week.  How can you share Jesus by serving their family this week?

• Invite them to dinner, bring a meal over.
• Provide childcare for them, so the parents can go out on a date.
• Help mow the lawn when they are on vacation.
• Watch their pets when they are gone.
• Have a game night to get to know them better.
  
  

Read these Bible verses:

• Matthew 28:19
• 1 Peter 4:10

Join us in sharing where Jesus takes your family and how He uses your family this summer through the Flat Jesus project.

As Christians we are called to place Christ in the center of our lives and spread the gospel everywhere we go. This summer, Friendship would like to challenge you to Love, Live and Serve like Jesus while sharing your adventures with our church family.

Flat Jesus is inspired by a national school project called Flat Stanley, based off the book series written by Jeff Brown.  Just as Flat Stanley has helped children with literacy and geography, churches began the Flat Jesus project in 2015 where the goal is to encourage kids and families to keep Christ in the center of their everyday lives. 

As you are out and about this summer, take Jesus along for the adventure. Families can have fun taking photos of Flat Jesus at the zoo, camping, play grounds, wherever you and your family go.  Then create a fun journal, scrapbook or picture memories that you can share with our church family.  Friendship Kids would love for you to share pictures of you with Flat Jesus on our Facebook page by tagging @KidsFMN. Remember, this project is for EVERYONE, not just families with children.  Click here to download Flat Jesus.

Pray for the Lord to lead your family in creative ways to share Christ’s love this whole summer.  Whether you take a picture of Flat Jesus, or just share a picture and a story, we want to hear how your family was impacted by placing Jesus in the center of your summer!

“And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” – Matthew 28:20