So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed John 8:36
*Many of you will be traveling this weekend to enjoy the Independence Day Holiday. I trust you will take time to reflect about our heritage both biblically and nationally. Freedom did not come easy.
Here are a few thoughts on making sure we do not forget the sacrifice that was made on our behalf.
There was a man named Jesus, who was and is the Son of God, who came to earth many years ago, way back before America was started. Jesus came to set
us all free. He came to set us free from sin and death. He was COURAGEOUS because He stood up to evil and did what was right. He was PURE because He
was the Son of God and because He never did anything wrong. He was FAITHFUL to do what He came to do, even though it was very hard. And in the
end He was victorious (He WON!) over sin and death. HE came to set people FREE, not only in this country, but in every country all
over the world. He came for all people who would believe in Him, no matter where they lived or when they lived. He came for all people everywhere!
Jesus came to save us! He came to set us free!
The idea of freedom is an important one for children to understand. As Americans, we celebrate our freedom on July 4th, Independence Day. As believers in Christ, we can
celebrate our freedom every day, because Jesus has set us free from sin and death! We live in the United States. The United States of America was started over 225
years ago. That seems very old. But the ideas it was started with are still important. Americans are free to live where they want, and say what they
believe, and to worship God where they would like to do so. These are BIG Freedoms. Some other countries don’t have those freedoms.
Today we are celebrating Independence Day: the day our country declared its independence (or freedom) from rule by others. It takes hard work and sacrifice
to keep our country safe and free.
When our county started, the people then fought a great war for America. They were victorious in that fight (They won!) and they started a new country here, the
United States of America. They had a new flag for their new country. It looked like this (Show picture of 1776 flag.) Now the flag looks a little different (Show
picture of current flag.) Each thing in our flag means something special. The stars represent the number of states we have now (50). The stripes represent the
number of states America started with (13, 7 red & 6 white). Even the colors of the flag mean special things.
RED – COURAGE
WHITE – PURITY
BLUE – FAITHFULNESS
GAME: Rights or Wrongs?
It seems that members of your Youth Group have been stranded on several different deserted islands. Now they have 10 minutes to come up with a list of “Rights” that
everyone on their island will have.
But, are there more “Rights” or “Wrongs” on their lists? You and the others will decide what else needs to be added when all the lists are read out loud!
Sit back, relax, and work on your tan, while your island groups work on their lists! But be ready for some noisy fun in the sun when its time to vote on Rights or Wrongs!
The whole group will decide on what it takes to live together on the island.
Here’s hoping you don’t get voted off the island!
Calendar Updates:
July 7-8 Family Min Weekend @ Crawfordville SDA Church
July 22 Creative Ministry Workshop @ Oasis of Hope Company
July 23-26 Ministerial & Families Retreat @ Camp Kulaqua
August 4-6 Single Parent Event @ Camp Kulaqua (register online at the Camp Kulaqua website under events)
August 19 Basic Leadership Certification @ Community Room, Florida Conference Office (All Day) (Must register…send an email to the email address listed below)
Lots of prayers will be needed for everyone as we Celebrate the holiday. Praying for safety for all of you.
Also this is VBS season so we need to remember each program, child and church in our prayers.
If I can be assistance in anyway just let me know.
Until next time.