Hello Parents! We believe you (parents) are the most significant influence in your kids' lives and are in the best position to help your kids know God. We also believe that we can uniquely equip and partner with you along the way as a kid’s ministry. With this in mind, this newsletter will highlight resources, events, and opportunities for us to partner together in raising the next generation. 

June Series Description: A picture says a thousand words! Unfortunately, our story pictures are all covered up. But not for long! Bit by bit, the preschoolers will sneak-a-peek at the picture until they can guess what it is. As the pictures are revealed, not only will they say a thousand words, they’ll shine light on the greatest Word—the Word of God—the Bible!

Monthly Memory Verse: “All Your Words Are True” Psalm 119:160

Weekly Bible Story and Ideas: 

Find the weekly videos and parent guides on our Preschool Resources Page.

July Series Description: To their friends and family, they’re known as Zack and Jada—two ordinary kids who love to do ordinary things. But when they put their heads together, they’re known as the “Riddle Rangers”—an extraordinary duo who travel the world, solving riddles and puzzles with the guidance of their friend and mentor, Professor Covington. Their most recent adventure has taken them deep into the jungles of Peru to a mysterious cave packed with cryptic writings. During the “Riddle Rangers” series, kids will become a part of this riddle-filled adventure—an adventure that ultimately leads to the greatest Truth the world has ever known.

Key passages, verses, and questions for this month: Read the passages together as a family and ask the following questions. Also, take the time to watch the weekly lesson video (around 10 minutes) together as a family.

July 6: 

*There is no Elementary programming this week due to the holiday weekend. Enjoy family worship!

July 13: The Truth About the Bible

Big Idea: The Bible is God’s Word, so I can know it’s true.

Bible Basis: 2 Timothy 3:14-17; Psalm 119:160

Key Verse: “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light for my path.” Psalm 119:105 (NIV)

Discussion Questions for Younger Kids: How do you think the Bible is different from other books? Why do you think God gave us the Bible? 

Discussion Questions for Older Kids:  How does reading or learning about the Bible impact your life? What kind of questions do you have about the Bible? 

Watch the weekly lesson video together as a family.

July 20: The Truth About God the Father

Big Idea: God the Father is all-present, all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-loving; so I can trust Him with my life.

Bible Basis: Jeremiah 23:24; Psalm 147:5; Psalm 139:1-18

Key Verse: ““In you, LORD my God, I put my trust.” Psalm 25:1 (NIV)

Discussion Questions for Younger Kids: How does it make you feel to know that God the Father is all-present, all-powerful, and all-knowing? Does knowing these things about God the Father help you trust Him more? Why or why not?

Discussion Questions for Older Kids: Why do you think it’s important to know that God the Father is all-present, all-powerful, and all-knowing? Do you think God is trustworthy? Why or why not?

Watch the weekly lesson video together as a family.

July 27: The Truth About God the Son

Big Idea: Jesus is both God and man, and through His death, we can have eternal life. 

Bible Basis: Philippians 2:5-11

Key Verse: “When the name of Jesus is spoken, everyone will kneel down to worship him. Everyone’s mouth will say that Jesus Christ is Lord.” Philippians 2:10-11

Discussion Questions for Younger Kids: What are some of the things you know about Jesus? If you saw Jesus, what kind of things would you say to Him or ask Him?

Discussion Questions for Older Kids: Do you think it would be easier for you to listen to and follow God if He were speaking to you as a person? Why or why not? Why do you think God would choose to become a man and live on Earth? 

Find the weekly videos and parent guides on our Elementary Resources Page

July Series Description: We're gearing up for a fantastic new series with our preteens that will explore some of Jesus' most thought-provoking teachings - His parables! Just like how we've recently learned that worship is more than just singing songs, and that joy is an attitude we chose because of Christ in us, understanding parables goes beyond just hearing a simple story. The parables Jesus told are filled with timeless truths about God's kingdom!

Over the next 8 weeks, we'll be diving into six of Jesus's parables: The Parable of the Four Soils, the Parable of the Wise and Foolish Builder, The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant, The Parable of the Two Sons, the Parable of the Marriage Feast, and the Parable of the Weeds (Tares). We'll start by unpacking what makes the parables unique and how Jesus used everyday images to reveal deeper spiritual truths. Through this series, we hope our preteens will discover that engaging with these parables isn't just about learning the stories Jesus told, but about understanding God's heart for His children, and that over the summer they will begin to see Jesus more clearly, and ultimately be drawn into a closer relationship with Him.

Key passages, verses, and questions for this month: Read the passages together as a family and ask the following questions. 

July 6: 

*There is no Preteen programming this week due to the holiday weekend. Enjoy family worship!*

July 13: Marriage Feast / Great Banquet

Big Idea: God invites everyone to be part of his Kingdom. We have to accept the invitation.

Bible Basis: Luke 14:15-24

Key Verse: “Then the master told his servant, ‘Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full.” Luke 14:23

Please see your preteen’s weekly family guide for further activities and questions.

July 20: Great Treasure

Big Idea: God’s kingdom is the best treasure we can ever find and share with others.

Bible Basis: Matthews 13:44-46

Key Verse: “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.” Matthew 13:44

Please see your preteen’s weekly family guide for further activities and questions.

July 27: Tell Your Story!

Big Idea: Jesus told stories about life with God so you tell your story about life with God

Bible Basis: Acts 1:8

Key Verse: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witness in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8

Please see your preteen’s weekly family guide for further activities and questions.

July Series Theme: The Bible is My Guide

July Monthly Verse: “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” Psalm 119:105

July 6: 

Big Idea: Josiah and the Last Scroll

Bible Basis:  2 Kings 22; 2 Chronicles 34

July 13: 

Big Idea: The Bible is a Light to My Path

Bible Basis: Psalm 119

July 20: 

Big Idea: The Bible is from God. 

Bible Basis: John 14:1-3; Acts 1:10-11; Matthew 24:45-51

July 27:

Big Idea: The Bible Teaches Me

Bible Basis: Romans 15:4

FG Kids Serving Needs:  Sign up to serve with Kids Ministry for a Sunday or two this summer! Join us this summer to connect with amazing kids, be a positive influence, and serve the many families that will visit us throughout the summer. Register here to sign up for a Sunday in the summer. We are in need of leaders for Thrive 9 & 11 AM; Preschool Lower (18-24m and 2 years old) 9 & 11 AM; Preschool Upper 9 AM & 11 AM; K-3rd 11 AM; Preteen 9 AM & 11 AM. If you are interested in serving, please fill out the Summer Serve Form. 

FG Kids Summer Park Day - July 15, 2025: We would love all of our FG Kids families to join us (FG Kids staff) this summer for our next park day at Tyger River Splashpad - for fun and fellowship! While your child enjoys a playdate with other children, parents can enjoy some fellowship time with each other. Feel free to invite any other preschool and elementary age families. You can find more information and details on park location on our website! 

Resource Party - July 16 at 9:30 AM: Resource Parties are a time for volunteers to come in and assist in preparing lesson materials and activities for the FG Kids ministry. You'll get to enjoy a time of fellowship with some new faces and the FG Kids staff. Oh...and we have CFA mini's. If you’d like to step in and join us for our next Resource Party, please email Rachel Bailey at rbailey@fellowshipgreenville.org. 

Look Up Lodge - July 22-25, 2025: Registration Full, Waitlist Only! This fun-filled overnight, summer camp, for kids entering 4th-6th grade in the fall is just around the corner! This event will take place Tuesday, July 22-Friday, July 25, in Travelers Rest, South Carolina. The cost is $265 per child and is due at the time of registration. For more information and to register, visit our Look Up Lodge events page. If you have any questions, please reach out to Paige Diaz at pdiaz@fellowshipgreenville.org. 

Parent Dedication - August 3, 2025: Parent Dedication happens once a year on Next Gen Sunday during the main services. It is an opportunity for parents to publicly make a commitment before the Lord, their family, friends, and the congregation to disciple their child in a God-honoring home, and in turn, the congregation will take this opportunity to pray over these families. You can learn more about this event and register for it, at either the Hwy 14 location or Adams Mill, on our event page. Registration is required! If you have any questions, contact Melanie Grainger at mgrainger@fellowshipgreenville.org.

Stage-Of-Life Groups for Moms - AM2PM (Affirming and Mentoring Preschool Moms) & MWSK (Moms With School-Age Kids): meet weekly around Bible teaching and in community and explore how Scripture speaks into the everyday realities of motherhood, equipping women to thrive in every season. Registration opens on July 1st. If you have any questions, please contact Mary Beth Williams at mbwilliams@fellowshipgreenville.org 

We’re excited to introduce you to our new Next Gen Ministry Assistant, Kate Sanchez! 

Hi! I’m Kate Sanchez! I recently got married to my husband, Hosea, in July of 2024. We have two sweet dogs, Waffles and Bruno, and they are the biggest cuddlers. I was originally born in Virginia, but have continued to move more south. I lived most of my childhood in Charlotte, NC, moved to Columbia, SC, where I majored in Tourism Management at the University of South Carolina, and finally ended up in Greenville, SC in 2020.

You can see us spending most of our free time with our family and friends, usually playing some kind of game. I am a host at heart and love a good themed event, so I can be creative. We are also big foodie people and will always enjoy meeting up with others for good food and even better conversation.

Hosea is a Lead Technician for a manufacturing company, where he upkeeps and maintains the machinery, which produces capacitors designed for pace makers and heart defibrillators. He is also passionate about music and will be a part of the Next Gen Worship on Sundays. He has been an amazing supporter in finding my passions and continues to encourage me within each new adventure God takes us on.

Fun fact about me — I am also a wedding planner! I love love and everything about planning weddings. I believe that weddings are more than a big party, but an intentional opportunity to see God’s hands at play in joining together people of all different stories, cultures, and backgrounds to celebrate the miracle of marriage. It is where Jesus performed his first miracle! Jesus loves weddings!

I am so excited to be part of the Fellowship Greenville family and to partner with families in the most important kind of discipleship — helping children feel safe, seen, and loved. As the Next Gen Ministry Assistant, my desire is to support Next Gen and the families involved creating environments for intentional relationships and the gospel of Jesus to grow, flourish and multiply. 

I am a resource for you all! I will do my best to help and encourage families to grow in their spiritual walk with their children. Please feel free to stop by and say hi or contact me if you have any questions.