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. 

October Series Description: In Mixed-Up Max!, preschoolers will follow along as Max — a lovable, but very confused friend—tries to share Bible stories but keeps mixing up the details! As the Bible stories unfold, kids will have to listen closely and shout, “You’re mixed up, Max!” whenever he gets it wrong. With plenty of laughter and learning along the way, preschoolers will learn that God is mighty and He helps even the littlest of us do big things.

Monthly Memory Verse: “Great is our Lord. His power is mighty.” Psalm 147:5 & “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young.” Timothy 4:12

Weekly Bible Story and Idea: 

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

October Series Description: It’s the distant future, the year 4,000 A.D., and the universe has run low on its most precious resource—fabulous hair. During the “Space Ninjas vs. Pirate Squirrels” series, small groups will be divided into two teams and will battle each other for the mythical wig of Walamazoo. In order to win these lovely locks, though, kids will have to exhibit team energy, team spirit, and compete in a team trivia competition. All the while kids will be embarking on a life-changing battle through the Book of Judges to discover the next part of God’s Big Bible Story.

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.

October 5th: The Bronze Snake

Big Idea: God is merciful and has lifted His Son upon a cross so that we might be saved from death.

Bible Basis: Numbers 21:1-9

Key Verse: “Moses lifted up the snake in the desert. In the same way, the Son of Man must also be lifted up. Then everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.” John 3:14-15 

Discussion Questions for Younger Kids: What was your favorite part of this story? Why do you think God showed mercy to the Israelites even though they kept complaining and disobeying?  

Discussion Questions for Older Kids: What do you think this story teaches us about God? Do you think the Israelites deserved God’s mercy? Why or why not?  

Watch the weekly lesson video together as a family.

October 12th: The Judges: Deborah

Big Idea: God is sovereign and worthy of our praise.

Bible Basis: Judges 4–5

Key Verse: “LORD, you are great. You are really worthy of praise. No one can completely understand how great you are.” Psalm 145:3

Discussion Questions for Younger Kids: What was your favorite part of this story? How do you think the Israelites were able to defeat an army of chariots?

Discussion Questions for Older Kids: What do you think this story teaches us about God? What do you think would have happened if the Israelites didn’t have God’s power on their side? 

Watch the weekly lesson video together as a family.

October 19th: The Judges: Gideon

Big Idea: God is great, so we should give Him all the glory.

Bible Basis: Judges 6–7

Key Verse: “LORD, may glory be given to you, not to us. You are loving and faithful.” Psalm 115:1 

Discussion Questions for Younger Kids: What was your favorite part of this story? Why do you think God had Gideon send so many of his warriors home?

Discussion Questions for Older Kids: What do you think this story teaches us about God? How do you think the Israelites were able to defeat the huge Midianite army with only 300 men? 

Watch the weekly lesson video together as a family.

October 26th: The Judges: Samson

Big Idea: God desires righteousness and wants us to control our anger.

Bible Basis: Judges 13–16

Key Verse: “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” James 1:19-20 

Discussion Questions for Younger Kids: What was your favorite part of this story? How do you think Samson’s life would have been different if he didn’t get so angry?

Discussion Questions for Older Kids: What do you think this story teaches us about God? How do you think Samson’s life might have been different if he had obeyed God and controlled his temper?

Watch the weekly lesson video together as a family.

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

October Series Description: Often we are taught to take Old Testament stories and apply them directly to our lives. We picture ourselves in the shoes of Biblical men and women that we think of as "heroes". For example: we are taught that we can beat our Goliath like David, overcome our trials like Job, be willing to sacrifice anything like Abraham with his son, Issac, forgive those who betray us like Joseph. All this is true! You can and should strive to do those things, but in this series we will focus on the big idea that although the Bible applies to us, encourages us, and challenges us it isn't actually about us. These individual stories we are so familiar with are actually all a part of a bigger story, pointing to someone different. Each book and each story work together to tell God’s big story of redemption. The Bible points to one true and better hero above all: Jesus!

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

October 5th : Jesus is the True and Better Bread from Heaven

Big Idea: Jesus is the true and better bread from heaven.

Bible Basis: Exodus 16:1-36; John 6:32-33

Key Verse: Jesus said, ”I tell you the truth, Moses didn’t give you bread from heaven. My Father did. And now he offers you the true bread from heaven. The true bread of God is the one who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” John 6:32-33 

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

October 12th: Jesus is the True and Better Joseph

Big Idea: Jesus is the true and better Joseph.

Bible Basis: Genesis 37, 39-50, Romans 8:28

Key Verse: “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose for them.” Romans 8:28

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

October 19th: Jesus is the True and Better David

Big Idea: Jesus is the True and Better David

Bible Basis: 1 Samuel 17, 1 Sam. 17:47, Ephesians 2:8-9

Key Verse: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9

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

October 26th: Jesus is the True and Better Job

Big Idea: Jesus is the true and better Job who was the truly innocent sufferer who intercedes for and ultimately saves his friends.

Bible Basis: Job 1-42, John 15:12-13

Key Verse: “This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” John 15:12-13

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

October Series Theme: God Will Make a Way

October Monthly Verse: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28

October 5th: 

Big Idea: The Battle of Jericho

Bible Basis: Joshua 5:13-6

October 12th: 

Big Idea: Gideon and the Midianites

Bible Basis: Judges 6-7

October 19th: 

Big Idea: Naomi and Ruth

Bible Basis: Ruth 1

October 26th: 

Big Idea: Ruth and Boaz

Bible Basis: Ruth 2-4

FG Kids Serving Need: Sign up to serve with Kids Ministry for a Sunday service! Join us 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. 

• 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 Serve Form. 

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 is still opened . If you have any questions, please contact Mary Beth Williams at mbwilliams@fellowshipgreenville.org 

Father and Son Campout - October 3rd-5th: Dads, grandfathers, and sons, get ready to unplug, get a little wild, and make lasting memories! Join us for the Father-Son Campout at Sadler's Creek State Park. It's an unforgettable weekend designed for fun and reconnecting. Registration is open! This is a tent-only camping experience for fathers/grandfathers and sons ages 6–18. There will be no electricity at the camping area, but we will have limited water bathhouses available. Whether you're seasoned campers or just starting out, this weekend is for you.

Preteen Connection Night - October 24 from 6-8 PM at Peach Bowl Lanes: Preteen students and their parents are invited to our Preteen Connection Night - a fun night of bowling, fun, and fellowship! Parents, come and fellowship with other parents in the same parenting stage and have fun with your preteen student as you bowl and laugh together. You can register on our event page! 

“Habits of the Household” by Justin Early

Every parent wants to be intentional with their children but often the challenge is figuring out how to make that happen. In our busy lives just finding time to figure out a strategy for parenting seems almost impossible let alone the strength to implement it. This is why I believe Justin Early’s book “Habits of the Household” could be one of the most important books you can read.

Habits of the Household gives very practical thoughts and habit forming ideas to incorporate in the natural rhythms that are likely already happening within your family. This book uniquely recognizes that living out the love of God in our households doesn’t just come from forming children but also from forming parents and the family as a whole.   

This is more than a book, it’s a plan! And it is a plan you can actually use.

DID YOU KNOW?

As parents, you are trusting us with your greatest treasures—your children—and we do not take that responsibility lightly. At FG Kids, our heart is to walk alongside you in the journey of parenthood by offering love, encouragement, and support. We are committed to providing resources that equip you to steward and disciple your children with confidence. As our ministry continues to grow and welcome new families, we want to ensure you know about these resources and how they can serve you. Please take a few moments to complete the Parent Resource Questionnaire so our team can better support and partner with you.

Parent Resource Questionnaire