Kingdom Kids

09/01/2026

09/01/2026

The Latest at Kingdom Kids, September 1, 2026



Kingdom Kids and Crossroads Families and Volunteers,

Welcome to September!

By now your kids are back in school, you're settling into perhaps a normal rhythm?:)

How's it going?

Did you know you're prayed over? You are. We love you and know how challenging it is with work, school, parenting, and just living. And we lift you up to the Father asking for His strength and grace to saturate your life.

What will the children be learning this Sunday? See below! Another powerful lesson.

ALSO, keep reading for a special announcement.

We look forward to seeing you Sunday!

Sincerely,

Jon

What Are We Learning Sunday at Kingdom Kids?
Jesus Taught about Possessions (Luke 12)

Dear families,

In our modern consumer-driven culture, Luke 12’s parable of the rich fool provides a relevant warning against the danger of greed, as well as a timely cure for the anxiety that ails us when we seek first our own kingdom rather than God’s.

In this chapter, we read about Jesus being interrupted from His teaching to break up a civil squabble between two brothers fighting over their inheritance. Jesus asked why they would want Him to serve as the judge between them and issued a serious warning, not just to the greedy brother, but to everyone in the crowd: “Be on guard against all greed, because one’s life is not in the abundance of his possessions.” The man who called out for Jesus’ help was probably not expecting a rebuke from Jesus in the form of a parable.

Jesus went on to teach them what it looks like to put God’s kingdom above their own, to seek His will for their lives rather than accumulating more money and possessions that won’t stand the test of time. He taught them what it means to treasure God above the things of this world and to receive the gift of everlasting life that will not perish.

Trusting in God’s power above your own ability to provide for yourself doesn’t come naturally to us. Though the kids hearing this story may not be as familiar with this reality as you are, reflect on what it means to trust in and treasure God above all else, to believe that we are worth more to our Creator than the beautiful sights we witness in nature. It takes faith to read these words of Scripture and to believe them with confidence and hope. Pray for a childlike faith to reign in your heart as you share this story with boys and girls this week.

Lead your children to see how worthy God is of our trust, obedience, and worship. Pray that God would soften their hearts and provide them with the peace that comes from knowing their lives are secure—both now and forever, when they trust in His Son’s words of life.

Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities.

FAMILY TALKING POINTS
STORY POINT
This is the main point to emphasize from today’s Bible story. Preschool : Jesus taught people to seek God’s kingdom. Kids : Jesus taught people to seek God’s kingdom. CHRIST CONNECTION
This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus. Babies & Toddlers: God loves us. He gave us Jesus so we can trust God and seek His kingdom. Younger Preschool : God loves us and gives us what we need. His best gift is Jesus. We can trust God and live His way. Older Preschool: Jesus taught people to seek God's kingdom. When people trust in Jesus, they are welcomed into God's kingdom and can trust that God will take care of them. Kids: Jesus taught people to seek God's kingdom because knowing God is the greatest treasure. When people trust in Jesus, they are welcomed into God's kingdom and can trust that God will provide for all their needs. BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER
This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit. Younger Preschool: What is prayer? Prayer is talking with God. Older Preschool: What is prayer? Prayer is talking with God. Kids: What is prayer? Prayer is talking with God to praise Him, ask Him for help, and confess our sins. KEY PASSAGE
This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit. Babies & Toddlers: Call on Me and pray, and I will listen. Jeremiah 29:12 Younger Preschool: You will call to me and pray, and I will listen to you. Jeremiah 29:12 Older Preschool: Call to me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. Jeremiah 29:12 Kids: You will call to me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you search for me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:12–13 ** Next week: Jesus Taught in Parables (Matthew 13; Mark 4; Luke 8)

Special Announcement

As we've been sharing this past year, we are seeking new staffing for our Kingdom Kids Director position. Suzanne Thabet has been serving so faithfully as our Interim Director for over three years! Major KUDOS for her!

We are renewing our search and also have expanded the position from part-time to full-time, adding an element of church outreach to the role. The official title is Director of Children's Ministry and Church Outreach.

Please help spread the word. You can direct inquiries to Jon Hix . Also, here is the online application .

Please be in prayer for this vital staffing need.

LAKEVIEW CAMPUS MAP
2599 N. Swinton Ave.

Kingdom Kids / Crossroads Team


Suzanne Thabet - INTERIM Kingdom Kids Ministry Director
Jennifer Chong - Crossroads Director
Donna Orcutt - Kingdom Kids Volunteer Coordinator/Scheduler
Jon Hix – Pastoral Oversight for Kingdom Kids

https://app.flocknote.com/note/38245345

08/25/2026

The Latest at Kingdom Kids, August 25, 2026



Kingdom Kids and Crossroads Families and Volunteers,

Happy Tuesday to you!

We so love serving alongside you as we make disciples of the youngest generation. It's a joy, and such a great privilege. Thank you for being a part of this incredible ministry.

Every week, our faithful Interim Director Suzanne Thabet prepares meaningful and fun Bible lessons/learning for our children. We are so thankful for her!

What's up this week? See below! Another powerful lesson.

We look forward to seeing you all!

Sincerely,

Jon

What Are We Learning Sunday at Kingdom Kids?

Jesus Taught about Prayer (Luke 11; 18)

Dear families,

The disciples often witnessed Jesus communing with His Father in prayer. They recognized this spiritual discipline as one He committed much time to when He drew away from the crowds. Jesus’ followers became curious about this practice and desired to better understand it.

One disciple stepped up and boldly asked Jesus to teach them how to pray. Rather than lecturing them on the insufficiencies of their own prayer lives or directing them to make long, wordy recitations, Jesus taught them how to commune with God using a simple but profound framework now commonly known as the Lord’s Prayer.

Jesus modeled a style of prayer that addressed God as “Father”–-not as a distant, unloving, unknowable, or far-off figure. He also prayed in the second person (“Our Father,” “give us,” “as we forgive”), reminding the disciples that faith is lived out in community. Jesus engaged in a communal prayer that asked for God’s power, provision, forgiveness, mercy, and spiritual protection.

He then told a parable about opening the door to a friend who inconveniences you, revealing to us the boldness and passionate persistence we should employ in prayer. He shared another story about an apathetic judge intervening for justice, and how much more God compassionately desires to intervene in our lives. Through it all, Jesus taught them not to simply beg God for what He can give us, but to leverage prayer as a reminder of God's presence and sovereign control over our lives.

As you reflect on the prayer Christ modeled to His earliest followers, remember that the nature of prayer hasn’t changed in the thousands of years since the Lord’s Prayer was first uttered. Lead your kids to see that God desires to hear from them, save them from their sins, and provide for their needs. Lead them to see that God hears the prayers of those who seek Him and that He stands ready to provide them with their greatest need: salvation from sin. Pray they would come to understand the nearness of God through prayer.

Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities.

FAMILY TALKING POINTS
STORY POINT
This is the main point to emphasize from today’s Bible story. Preschool : Jesus taught people to keep praying. Kids : Jesus taught people to keep praying to God. CHRIST CONNECTION
This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus. Babies & Toddlers: Jesus taught people to keep praying and asking for forgiveness. Jesus died on the cross and rose again so sinners can be made right with God. Younger Preschool : Jesus told people to keep praying. God is a good Father. The best prayer we can pray is to say we are sorry for our sin. Jesus died and came back to life so we can be close to God. Older Preschool: Jesus taught people to keep praying. The most important prayer we can pray is to tell God we have sinned and ask for His forgiveness. Jesus died on the cross and rose again so sinners can be made right with God. Kids: Jesus taught people to keep praying. God is a good Father who will give His people what they need. The most important prayer we can pray is to tell God we have sinned and ask for His forgiveness. Jesus died on the cross and rose again so sinners can be made right with God. BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER
This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit. Younger Preschool: What is prayer? Prayer is talking with God. Older Preschool: What is prayer? Prayer is talking with God. Kids: What is prayer? Prayer is talking with God to praise Him, ask Him for help, and confess our sins. KEY PASSAGE
This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit. Babies & Toddlers: Call on Me and pray, and I will listen. Jeremiah 29:12 Younger Preschool: You will call to me and pray, and I will listen to you. Jeremiah 29:12 Older Preschool: Call to me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. Jeremiah 29:12 Kids: You will call to me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you search for me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:12–13 ** Next week: Jesus Taught about Possessions (Luke 12)

Calendar

LAKEVIEW CAMPUS MAP
2599 N. Swinton Ave.

Kingdom Kids / Crossroads Team


Suzanne Thabet - INTERIM Kingdom Kids Ministry Director
Jennifer Chong - Crossroads Director
Donna Orcutt - Kingdom Kids Volunteer Coordinator/Scheduler
Jon Hix – Pastoral Oversight for Kingdom Kids

https://app.flocknote.com/note/38171407

08/11/2026

The Latest at Kingdom Kids, August 11, 2026



Kingdom Kids and Crossroads Families and Volunteers,

Happy Tuesday to you!

We so love serving alongside you as we make disciples of the youngest generation. It's a joy, and such a great privilege. Thank you for being a part of this incredible ministry.

A friendly reminder of some special upcoming events:
1 ) This Sunday (Aug 16) we have our Splash Day at Catherine Strong Park after church. Pizza and water will be provided. This is a great time for parents and volunteers to connect while the children safely enjoy themselves.
3) Saturday on August 23 for Crossroads only (4th-7th Grade) we have a pool party! See Jennifer Chong for details.

It's going to be a great end of summer. We look forward to seeing you all!

Sincerely,

Jon

What Are We Learning Sunday at Kingdom Kids?

Jesus Raised a Widow’s Son (Luke 7)

Dear families,

Jesus had only just finished healing the centurion’s servant in Luke 7:1-10 when He came upon the funeral procession of a widow’s only son. Jesus didn’t merely feel sorry for the grieving widow; He demonstrated His compassion by publicly raising her son from the dead. In this passage, we witness the truth that only Jesus has the authority to restore the dead back to life.

The timing in which Jesus entered the woman’s life is interesting as it appears that He came on the scene just a little too late. Perhaps the woman’s son had been sick or had received a mortal wound from an accident. Either way, his time for hanging on to life had passed, and people were now carrying the son’s dead body through the streets on the way to the grave. Despite this tragedy, Jesus told the woman not to weep.

This wasn’t because He lacked emotion; Scripture tells us Jesus is the man of sorrows acquainted with our grief, suffering, and sickness (Isaiah 53:3). No, Jesus understood the depths of the woman’s despair, and He embodied the greatest hope in her time of need. The widow no longer needed to cry because Jesus would soon resurrect her son—a precursor to His promise to one day wipe away all tears and bring an end to suffering and death.

This week, lead your children to see that Jesus offers the gift of eternal, resurrected life to anyone who believes Him. Just as the widow’s son was physically dead but raised to life, Christ will raise all who call on Him to immediate new spiritual life and resurrected physical life at His return.

Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities.

FAMILY TALKING POINTS
STORY POINT
This is the main point to emphasize from today’s Bible story. Preschool : Jesus brought a widow’s son back to life. Kids : Jesus raised a widow’s son to life. CHRIST CONNECTION
This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus. Babies & Toddlers: Jesus has power over death. When we trust in Jesus, He makes us alive with God forever. Younger Preschool : Jesus is stronger than death. He died and came back to life. When we trust in Jesus, we will live with God forever. Older Preschool: Jesus has power over death. After Jesus died on the cross, He rose from the dead. When people repent and trust in Jesus, He makes them alive with God forever. Kids: Jesus has the power to bring the dead to life. We are all dead in our sins, but Jesus will give us new life in Him if we repent and trust in His life, death, and resurrection. BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER
This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit. Younger Preschool: What is prayer? Prayer is talking with God. Older Preschool: What is prayer? Prayer is talking with God. Kids: What is prayer? Prayer is talking with God to praise Him, ask Him for help, and confess our sins. KEY PASSAGE
This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit. Babies & Toddlers: Call on Me and pray, and I will listen. Jeremiah 29:12 Younger Preschool: You will call to me and pray, and I will listen to you. Jeremiah 29:12 Older Preschool: Call to me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. Jeremiah 29:12 Kids: You will call to me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you search for me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:12–13 ** Next week: Jesus Was Anointed (Luke 7)

Calendar
Aug 16, Kingdom Kids Back to School Splash Party! Aug 23, Crossroads Pool Party!!!

LAKEVIEW CAMPUS MAP
2599 N. Swinton Ave.

Kingdom Kids / Crossroads Team


Suzanne Thabet - INTERIM Kingdom Kids Ministry Director
Jennifer Chong - Crossroads Director
Donna Orcutt - Kingdom Kids Volunteer Coordinator/Scheduler
Jon Hix – Pastoral Oversight for Kingdom Kids

https://app.flocknote.com/note/37935028

08/04/2026

The Latest at Kingdom Kids, August 4, 2026



Kingdom Kids and Crossroads Families and Volunteers,

Which team are you on:
1) Yay, my kids are going back to school soon! Or . . .
2) Boo, my kids are going back to school soon:(

You don't have to answer that:)

Which team are your children on? I am curious about that one!

At Kingdom Kids and Crossroads, we want to help ease our children back into the school year, and we have three special events in light of that:
1) This Sunday (Aug 9) is PJ Day at Kingdom Kids. Yep, the kids can roll out of bed with PJs and messy hair and be warmly welcomed at Kingdom Kids!
2) Next Sunday (Aug 16) we have our Splash Day at Catherine Strong Park after church. Pizza and water will be provided. This is a great time for parents and volunteers to connect while the children safely enjoy themselves.
3) And then on August 23 for Crossroads only (4th-7th Grade), we have a pool party! See Jennifer Chong for details.

It's going to be a great end of summer. We look forward to seeing you all!

Sincerely,

Jon

What Are We Learning Sunday at Kingdom Kids?

John the Baptist in Prison (Matthew 11; 14; Mark 6; Luke 3; 7)


Dear families,

John the Baptist was a faithful messenger of the gospel. Though he was persecuted by a wicked leader, he was commended by Jesus for his faith. Scripture’s accounts of John’s imprisonment and beheading illustrate his devotion to Jesus, even as John suffered for advocating for the truth.

John was arrested for publicly rebuking Herod’s affair with a young woman who was both his niece and his brother’s wife. Herod wanted to kill John but was mindful of the crowd’s support of him as a prophet. Herod didn’t fear God but was swayed by the opinions of people.

Though John the Baptist centered his ministry on proclaiming Jesus as Messiah, John needed to be reminded that Jesus is truly the one God promised to send. Confined to a prison cell, John relayed his questions in his time of need to Jesus’ disciples and sent them to get an answer from the Lord. “Are you the one who is to come,” John asked Jesus, “or should we expect someone else?”

Jesus offered words of assurance to John and his followers by quoting Isaiah 35:5–6 and pointing to His miracles and proclamation of the gospel. Jesus’ purpose in coming to earth wasn’t to be a political hero for the Jews against the Romans, but to restore the relationship between God and man. Jesus asked the crowd why they followed John in the first place and declared that John was indeed a prophet.

John the Baptist’s message was even greater than that of the Old Testament prophets who preceded him. While the prophets of old declared the Messiah was coming, John declared that He was there among them—Jesus, their Emmanuel! Yet even though John had such an esteemed role in heralding the long-awaited Messiah, Jesus declared that the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than John was. How blessed are partakers of the new covenant of Christ’s blood!

Just as John needed to be reminded of Jesus’ role as the Messiah, we, too, must be reminded of the good news of the gospel. John the Baptist trusted Jesus’ words of life and knew the threat of death was nothing compared to His promise of eternal life. May your kids who hear this story experience the power of the gospel in their own lives, trusting in Jesus as Messiah and Lord.

Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities.

FAMILY TALKING POINTS
STORY POINT
This is the main point to emphasize from today’s Bible story. Preschool : John was reminded that Jesus is the Messiah. Kids : John was reminded that Jesus is the promised Messiah. CHRIST CONNECTION
This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus. Babies & Toddlers: When we believe in Jesus, we know what Jesus did and can tell others about Him. Jesus is the Messiah! Younger Preschool : John learned that Jesus really is the Savior. We can tell others about Jesus too. Some people may not want to listen, but we keep sharing because Jesus is worth it. Older Preschool When faced with hard times, John was reminded that Jesus is the Messiah who had come to bring good news. Followers of Jesus will face hard times, but they have hope: Everyone who trusts in Jesus for salvation will live in His kingdom forever. Kids: When faced with suffering, John was reminded that Jesus is the Messiah who had come to bring the good news of salvation. Followers of Jesus will face troubles, but they have hope: Everyone who trusts in Jesus for salvation will live in His kingdom forever. BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER
This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit. Younger Preschool: What is prayer? Prayer is talking with God. Older Preschool: What is prayer? Prayer is talking with God. Kids: What is prayer? Prayer is talking with God to praise Him, ask Him for help, and confess our sins. KEY PASSAGE
This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit. Babies & Toddlers: Call on Me and pray, and I will listen. Jeremiah 29:12 Younger Preschool: You will call to me and pray, and I will listen to you. Jeremiah 29:12 Older Preschool: Call to me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. Jeremiah 29:12 Kids: You will call to me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you search for me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:12–13 ** Next week: Jesus Raised a Widow’s Son (Luke 7)

Calendar
Aug 2, Kingdom Kids Schedule Resumes in Full Aug 9, Kingdom Kids Pajama Day Aug 9, Crossroads Parent meeting after morning service (AC office) Aug 16, Kingdom Kids Back to School Splash Pad Party Aug 23, Crossroads Pool Party!!!

LAKEVIEW CAMPUS MAP
2599 N. Swinton Ave.

Kingdom Kids / Crossroads Team


Suzanne Thabet - INTERIM Kingdom Kids Ministry Director
Jennifer Chong - Crossroads Director
Donna Orcutt - Kingdom Kids Volunteer Coordinator/Scheduler
Jon Hix – Pastoral Oversight for Kingdom Kids

https://app.flocknote.com/note/37907900

07/28/2026

The Latest at Kingdom Kids, July 28, 2026



Kingdom Kids and Crossroads Families and Volunteers,

Happy Almost August to you!

Good News! Kingdom Kids and Crossroads resume in FULL this Sunday with classes for all ages birth through 6th Grade. We look forward to seeing everyone again!

As we move along toward the end of summer and beginning of school, we are planning some special events. See below for all the details!.

We love you and consider it a sacred privilege to serve alongside you in these special ministries.

Sincerely,

Jon

What Are We Learning Sunday at Kingdom Kids?
Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7; Luke 6)

Dear families,

The Sermon on the Mount is one of the most well-known and recognizable sermons in all of history. The truth it contains, however, is quite polarizing, calling people into a new way of life that runs counterintuitive to our sin nature.

When Jesus taught His followers the ways of His Father’s kingdom, He shared truths meant to guide them in repentance, obedience, and love for God and one another. Much of what Jesus shared in the Sermon on the Mount reinforced the reality that God’s ways are not like those of the world (Isaiah 55:8⁠–9). Life in God’s kingdom runs opposed to the world’s wisdom, but the God who created us knows how we can flourish in the world He made—by seeking the Lord as our greatest treasure and submitting to His authority.

Jesus declared that those who seek God’s kingdom first will experience His loving provision, both in this lifetime and for all eternity. The way of the kingdom is not by means of earthly power but by Christlikeness; it’s not by ruling over others but by submitting to God’s rule over our lives. Jesus declared that our faith is meant to impact every detail of our lives—from surrendering our will to His (Matthew 6:10), taking our worries to Him (Matthew 6:25), and building our lives on the foundations of His Word (Matthew 7:24⁠–27).

In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus spoke to people who knew what it was like to be hungry, dismissed, and oppressed. While the scribes and Pharisees hoped to achieve righteousness by rigorously obeying the law, Jesus explained that He came to earth to fulfill the law—to make the way for His followers to be counted as righteous by faith in Him alone. Through faith, we receive new hearts that help us obey our Father.

This week, lead your children to see that the ways of the kingdom become our ways when we surrender our plans to God's will. Pray that they will desire to live as He lived through the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in their lives.

Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities.

FAMILY TALKING POINTS
STORY POINT
This is the main point to emphasize from today’s Bible story. Preschool : Jesus taught about God’s kingdom. Kids : Jesus taught how people in God’s kingdom live. CHRIST CONNECTION
This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus. Babies & Toddlers: When we follow Jesus, He saves us from sin and shows us how to live. Younger Preschool : Jesus taught people how to live God’s way. When we follow Jesus, He helps us live in a way that makes God happy. Older Preschool: Jesus taught how people live in God’s kingdom. Jesus came to save His people from sin and change how they live. When people follow Jesus, He changes their hearts so they can live in a way that honors Him. Kids: Jesus taught how people in His kingdom have hearts that love God and love others. But because of sin, no one always does what is right and good. When we trust in Jesus, God forgives our sin and changes our hearts so we can live in ways that glorify Him. BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER
This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit. Younger Preschool: What did Jesus teach when He was on earth? Jesus taught about God and His kingdom. Older Preschool: What did Jesus teach when He was on earth? Jesus taught about God and His kingdom. Kids: What did Jesus teach when He was on earth? Jesus taught about God and His kingdom. He taught that all Scripture is about Him. KEY PASSAGE
This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit. Babies & Toddlers: Shine your light so others see your good works and give glory to God. Matthew 5:16 Younger Preschool: Shine your light before others so they see your good works and give glory to God. Matthew 5:16 Older Preschool: "Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16 Kids: "Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16 ** Next week: John the Baptist in Prison (Matthew 11; 14; Mark 6; Luke 3; 7)

Volunteer Opportunities

As we have been sharing, Suzanne Thabet has served so faithfully as our Interim Kingdom Kids Director since July 2023. It's been a running “joke” around the office that Suzanne is our “eternal interim,” now over three years!
Suzanne is trimming her responsibilities to best utilize her passion, gifting and availability. While she will continue to help craft lesson plans and learning activities that foster a fun atmosphere and creative learning environment, we are seeking volunteer assistance with some other key aspects of her role.

Specifically, this includes two areas: 1) Preparation of classroom carts. Each week carts are prepared for the following Sunday and stocked in line with the lesson. 2) Special event planning and oversight. This includes things like the Easter Egg Hunt, Christmas Party, Splash Days, etc. If you are interested in either of these and would like more information, connect with Jon Hix .

Please continue in prayer for the Avenue Church Elders as we search for the right leadership to oversee Kingdom Kids. This ministry is so vital to our church, so dear to Christ’s heart, and so essential in making disciples.


Direct any questions to Jon Hix .

Calendar
July 30, Crossroads Summer Night, 6-8p at Lakeview Aug 2, Kingdom Kids Schedule Resumes in Full Aug 9, Kingdom Kids Pajama Day Aug 9, Crossroads Parent meeting after morning service (AC office) Aug 16, Kingdom Kids Back to School Splash Pad Party Aug 23, Crossroads Pool Party!!!

LAKEVIEW CAMPUS MAP
2599 N. Swinton Ave.

Kingdom Kids / Crossroads Team


Suzanne Thabet - INTERIM Kingdom Kids Ministry Director
Jennifer Chong - Crossroads Director
Donna Orcutt - Kingdom Kids Volunteer Coordinator/Scheduler
Jon Hix – Pastoral Oversight for Kingdom Kids

https://app.flocknote.com/note/37827402

07/14/2026

The Latest at Kingdom Kids, July 14, 2026



Kingdom Kids and Crossroads Families and Volunteers,

Welcome to the middle of Summer!

We hope your children are having a good break, and you're getting a little vacation time in.

Here are some important reminders about our altered Kingdom Kids and Crossroads programming for July:
1) For the rest of July we offer Kingdom Kids for the youngest two classes only. The 1st-3rd Grade class is encouraged to attend worship with their parents/guardians. Activity bags are provided.
2) Crossroads will meet as usual July 12th and 19th, and will be in regular worship on July 26th.

See below for more scheduling items and also for what our children will be learning this weekend.

Love you all.

Jon

What Are We Learning Sunday, July 19?
Jesus Chose Disciples (Mark 2-3; Luke 6)

Dear families,

In the early chapters of Mark and Luke’s Gospels, we discover Jesus’ inviting His first disciples to join Him in ministry. Jesus initiated relationships with each of these men, taking the first step to bring them into His inner circle. The type of people Jesus called as disciples may have seemed like odd choices to some; the Pharisees, after all, disapproved at the company Christ kept.

Jesus’ disciples included two pairs of brothers who worked as fishermen, some who joined forces with the Romans, others who abhorred the Romans, a tax collector whose profession was known for dishonest gain, and one who would eventually betray Him in exchange for 30 pieces of silver. It was a ragtag bunch.

Jesus' critics likely thought He should have picked disciples they deemed more qualified with cleaner reputations. But Jesus has a heart for the lost, sick, and searching, saying, “I didn’t come to call the righteous, but sinners” (Mark 2:17).
One detail we often overlook is that Jesus spent an entire night in prayer before selecting these men to join His inner circle. He invited them into a close relationship with Himself, knowing the optics of the situation, just as He still brings sinners into His fold. Even today, it’s a wonder why He would call any of us to follow Him. That’s the beauty of His grace.

Jesus was a friend of sinners, while the scribes and Pharisees believed themselves too holy for the likes of such company. When Jesus sensed this disapproval in the hearts of the religious elite, He addressed aloud their cynical concerns by sharing that only the sick need a doctor (Luke 5:31). In other words, only those who recognize their sin and need for the Savior will be able to receive new life in Him.

Just as He spent a night in prayer before calling the disciples to follow Him, Jesus still intercedes for His followers today (Romans 8:34). Pray that your children who are hearing Christ’s gospel invitation will see themselves through the lens of the disciples. Ask the Lord to reveal His love for the lost, along with His desire to restore their relationship with their Father in heaven.

Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities.

FAMILY TALKING POINTS
STORY POINT
This is the main point to emphasize from today’s Bible story.
Preschool : Jesus chose twelve men to follow Him. Kids : Jesus invited twelve men to follow Him as disciples. CHRIST CONNECTION
This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.
Babies & Toddlers: Jesus calls people to love Him, turn from sin, and trust and follow Him. Younger Preschool : Jesus still calls people to follow Him. He wants us to stop doing wrong things and trust in Him. Older Preschool: Jesus chose the disciples and still calls people to follow Him. Jesus wants us to turn from our sins and trust in Him as Lord and Savior. Kids: Jesus chose the disciples and still calls people to follow Him today. He invites all people to turn from their sins and trust in Him as Lord and Savior. BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER
This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit.
Younger Preschool: What did Jesus teach when He was on earth? Jesus taught about God and His kingdom. Older Preschool: What did Jesus teach when He was on earth? Jesus taught about God and His kingdom. Kids: What did Jesus teach when He was on earth? Jesus taught about God and His kingdom. He taught that all Scripture is about Him. KEY PASSAGE
This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit.
Babies & Toddlers: Shine your light so others see your good works and give glory to God. Matthew 5:16 Younger Preschool: Shine your light before others so they see your good works and give glory to God. Matthew 5:16 Older Preschool: "Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16 Kids: "Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16 ** Next week: The Lord of the Sabbath (Matthew 12; Mark 2-3; Luke 6)

Volunteer Opportunities

As we have been sharing, Suzanne Thabet has served so faithfully as our Interim Kingdom Kids Director since July 2023. It's been a running “joke” around the office that Suzanne is our “eternal interim,” now over three years!
Suzanne is trimming her responsibilities to best utilize her passion, gifting and availability. While she will continue to help craft lesson plans and learning activities that foster a fun atmosphere and creative learning environment, we are seeking volunteer assistance with some other key aspects of her role.

Specifically, this includes two areas: 1) Preparation of classroom carts. Each week carts are prepared for the following Sunday and stocked in line with the lesson. 2) Special event planning and oversight. This includes things like the Easter Egg Hunt, Christmas Party, Splash Days, etc. If you are interested in either of these and would like more information, connect with Jon Hix .

Please continue in prayer for the Avenue Church Elders as we search for the right leadership to oversee Kingdom Kids. This ministry is so vital to our church, so dear to Christ’s heart, and so essential in making disciples.


Direct any questions to Jon Hix .

Calendar
July 19 & 26, Kingdom Kids for Babies through Kindergarten only,1st-3rd graders are encouraged to attend worship with their parents. July 12, 19, Crossroads (4th-6th) will continue as usual July 26, Crossroads will be in regular worship Aug 9, Kingdom Kids Pajama Day Aug 9, Crossroads Parent meeting after morning service (AC office) Aug 16, Kingdom Kids Back to School Splash Pad Party Aug 23, Crossroads Pool Party!!!

LAKEVIEW CAMPUS MAP
2599 N. Swinton Ave.

Kingdom Kids Leadership Team


Suzanne Thabet - INTERIM Kingdom Kids Ministry Director
Jennifer Chong - Crossroads Director
Donna Orcutt - Kingdom Kids Volunteer Coordinator/Scheduler
Jon Hix – Pastoral Oversight for Kingdom Kids

https://app.flocknote.com/note/37686970