Hello parents of FellowshipKids!
We wanted to take a minute and let you know as a staff we are praying for you and your family during this uncertain time. Understandably, now that your children are home and daily doing remote schooling, you have LOTS of time together! Praise God! He has given you time as a family to slow down and do life together in a whole new way.
That being said, you may be asking, “What can I do to encourage my children? How can I speak truth, love, and peace into their lives? How can we find things to do when we can’t go to the park or have play dates with friends?”
Here are some suggestions… you may have already thought of many more. Maybe in the next week we can set up a way for you to share those ideas with our FCC church family. For now, check these out:
Go on Right Now Media – this website is accessible for FCC’s church family. It is loaded with Christ-centered kids shows, Bible stories, and worship music categorized by age-level for easy searching. Your kids can listen or watch on your smartphone, tablet or computer! (There is plenty of content for adults on Right Now Media too!)
Check YouTube for great worship videos – we use some of these for 2nd-5th graders on Sunday mornings. Check out Hillsong Kids Worship or Bethel Kids music to get you started!       *FellowshipKids on Pintrest – ideas for crafts and fun art projects — click this link to take you there: https://www.pinterest.com/fellowshipcommunitychurch/fellowship-kids/
God’s word speaks volumes to us about handling fear.  As a church we are looking to replace fear with the awe of God. By focusing on WHO God is, we are able to calmly remember that He is in control.  Our kids desperately need to know and be reminded of this daily.  Encourage them to get out their Bibles and read. Better yet – read together as a family in the morning or at dinner! Thoughtfully answer their questions in age-appropriate ways. Here are some Scriptures to help you:
Psalm 91:1 – He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’
Psalm 56:3,4 – When I am afraid I will trust in you. In God whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. For young children, this video song will help them remember this Scripture:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbAkKDBQoG8
Deuteronomy 31:6 – Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave or forsake you.And this prayer from Isaiah 33:2 – O Lord, be gracious to us; we long for you. Be our strength every morning, our salvation in time of distress.
One more link – this is the blog of a woman I follow – Emily Freeman. She wrote this blog in early March, just before the pandemic began to sweep the world.  It isn’t even about the coronavirus, but it beautifully addresses the issue of how to listen (REALLY listen) to your middle or high schooler’s fears. Worth the 10 minute read! https://emilypfreeman.com/children-decisions/
As we weather this storm together, may God keep you and your family in His strong and loving arms.  We hope to be worshipping and learning together in FellowshipKids again soon!
Lisa Meyerson behalf FellowshipKids leaders,Fellowship Community Church