Parent Newsletter 7
2014-2015 GEMS Season
Who is Jesus to you?
Parent: Your 10-page history report is due when?
Child: Tomorrow.
Parent: And you’ve known this for how long?
Child: Since Christmas.
Parent: It’s Easter.
Child: Is that a problem?
Ever had a situation like this play out in your home? Even the most organized in the bunch may have a deadline or two they procrastinate about. Maybe it’s scheduling a dentist appointment, starting an exercise program, cleaning out the back closet, or making a personal decision about Jesus.
We can procrastinate about a lot of things. Jesus should not be one of them. If ever there were a life and death decision, this is it. Who is Jesus to you?Do you believe what the Bible says about Him? Do you believe that He is God’s Son who died on the cross for your sins? Do you believe He is alive today and coming again? Will you let Him change your life?
If you have more questions than answers about Jesus, don’t wait another day! Contact the Club Coordinator of your daughter’s GEMS Club. She would welcome the opportunity to talk to you about Jesus!
Good News for You!
[Jesus] told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem”(Luke 24:46-47).
Did you know?
Shadows in Tenebray Forest and The Secret Order are two full-length books for your girls that are available through GEMS. Girls can follow Chloe and Tasha from SHINE brightly’s The Micah Road Mystery series into exciting new adventures. Learn more by going to gemsgc.org or call the GEMS Service Center: 616.241.5616 ext. 3032.
At The Table
What would happen if you approached mealtimethinking more about the potential for friendship around the table then the food that is set on top of it? Table time is good for the body, and especially good for the soul when we slow down and ask thoughtful questions. Think more about friendship then food at your next meal.
The next time your family gathers around the table, use these theme-related table talk questions to get your family talking about the things of God:
- When have you been really surprised?
- What do you like or dislike about surprises?
- The Bible says that after Jesus died and God made Him alive again, He stood among His disciples. First they were frightened, thinking they had seen a ghost! Then they took Him at His word. They knew He was the Savior of the world! (Luke 24:45-47) Who is Jesus to you?
Family Fun
Take a Hike: Pack a picnic for your family and birdseed for the squirrels, birds, and other small creatures you see along the way. Try to identify things you see from A to Z, giving God thanks for the beauty of His world.
Toothpick Tower: You will need a box of flat toothpicks. 1. Place two toothpicks side by side, about one inch apart. 2. Place the next two on top of the first toothpicks in the other direction. (It will look like a square.) If you’re playing with a partner, take turns laying toothpicks. 3. See how many toothpicks you can use before your tower topples! If playing with a partner, the last person to add two toothpicks wins.
Peanut Butter Brownie Cups:You will need: 1 package (21 ½ oz.) fudge brownie mix, 15-18 miniature peanut butter cups, paper cupcake liners, and a cupcake tin. 1. Mix brownie batter according to package directions. 2. Fill 12 paper-lined muffin cups 2/3 full. 3. Remove wrappers from peanut butter cups. Press down one candy into each cupcake tin until the batter meets the top edge. 4. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes. 5. Share and enjoy!