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.

April Series Description: What would you call a happy day? Maybe a day with no traffic, or a day when your boss gives you an unexpected bonus. How about the day you got married, or the day a child was born? All of these are happy days, but this month, we’re talking with preschoolers about days that are happy because Jesus is alive. Easter is the happiest of happy days, and every day can be a happy day because Jesus is alive. What an awesome privilege we have to share the good news with preschoolers that Jesus is alive!

Monthly Memory Verse: “I am alive forever and ever!” Revelation 1:18 NIV

Monthly Bottom Line: Ask your child: WHO IS ALIVE? Say with your child: JESUS IS ALIVE!

Weekly Bible Story and Focus: 

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

April Series Description: Kids LOVE science! Okay…maybe not every kid loves science, but thay all love science experiments. There’s something about seeing the physical properties of nature reacting to each other right in front of your eyes. During “Professor Sid’s Science Spectacular,” kids will not only get to see some of the coolest science experiments around, but they’ll also use those experiments as a catalyst for understanding the most spectacular story ever told - the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection. 

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.

April 6: Jesus’ Triumphal Entry

Big Idea: Jesus is our King and deserves our praise.

Bible Basis: Matthew 21:1-11; Lule 19:28-46

Key Verse: “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” Luke 19:38

Discussion Questions for Younger Kids: What did you find interesting about today’s story? If you were at the parade, what would you have done to celebrate Jesus? 

Discussion Questions for Older Kids: What do you think this story teaches us about God? Why do you think it was special that Jesus was sacrificed during the Passover celebration? 

Watch the weekly lesson video together as a family.

April 13: Jesus’ Arrest, Trial, and Crucifixion

Big Idea: Jesus suffered for us and we too may have to suffer in order to follow Jesus.

Bible Basis: Matthew 26:46-27:66; 1 Peter 2:21-25

Key Verse: “For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.” 1 Peter 2:21

Discussion Questions for Younger Kids: What did you find interesting about today’s story? How does it make you feel to know Jesus did all of those things for you? 

Discussion Questions for Older Kids: What do you think this story teaches us about God? Why do you think Jesus didn’t speak out against the lies being told about Him? 

Watch the weekly lesson video together as a family.

April 20: Jesus’ Resurrection (EASTER)

Big Idea: Jesus defeated death and He gives those who follow Him victory over death too. 

Bible Basis: Matthew 27:57-28:10

Key Verse: “Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.’” John 11:25

Discussion Questions for Younger Kids: What did you find interesting about today’s story? If you were one of the Mary’s, how would you have reacted when you saw Jesus? 

Discussion Questions for Older Kids: What do you think this story teaches us about God? Why do you think it’s important that Jesus rose from the dead? 

Watch the weekly lesson video together as a family.

April 27: God Invites Us to be His People

Big Idea: Eternal life is found in Jesus alone. 

Bible Basis: John 3:16-21

Key Verse: “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.“ Acts 4:12

Discussion Questions for Younger Kids: What did you find most interesting about this story? How does it make you feel to know Jesus died for you? 

Discussion Questions for Older Kids: What do you think this story teaches us about God? Do you think Jesus is the only way to get eternal life with God or are there other ways?

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

April Series Description: Joy is not the same as happiness. Happiness can come from a lot of things, even earthly things. Pets, hobbies, friends, family, and possessions may make you happy, but the happiness that they bring is not the same as joy–everlasting joy that only comes from God. In this JoyFull series, preteens will take a closer look at Paul’s letter to the Philippians and discover what it means to choose joy. Joy can be found by having a relationship with Christ. When we choose to give our lives to Christ, we get to experience Heaven’s joy for all of eternity.

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

April 6: Joy…That Is Never-Ending

Big Idea: Never-ending joy is produced in our lives when we have a relationship with God.

Bible Basis: Philippians 3:1-11

Key Verse: “Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4-7

Discussion Questions of the Week: 

• What was Paul’s relationship like with the Philippian church?
• In what ways did this church help Paul in his mission work?
• Does “joy” mean the same thing as “happiness?” Why/why not?
• Do you think it was hard for Paul to be joyful in prison? Why/why not?
• What are some practical ways you can choose joy this week?

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

April 13: Joy…In Pursuing Jesus

Big Idea: As we pursue Jesus, we find true joy and contentment.

Bible Basis: Philippians 3:12-21; 4:1-9

Key Verse: “Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4-7

Discussion Questions of the Week: 

• Do you find yourself feeling tenderhearted and compassionate toward your brothers and sisters in Christ? If not, is there a specific relationship you should be praying for, asking God to soften your heart toward them for the sake of peace and unity?
• Why is it important that we seek unity within the church today?
• What are some practical ways you can choose joy this week?

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

April 20: Jesus’ Resurrection (EASTER)

Big Idea: Jesus defeated death and He gives those who follow Him victory over death too. 

Bible Basis: Matthew 27:57-28:10

Key Verse: “Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.’” John 11:25

Discussion Questions of the Week: 

• What do you think this story teaches us about God?
• Why do you think it’s important that Jesus rose from the dead? 
• If you were one of the Mary’s, how would you have reacted when you saw Jesus? 

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

April 27: Resurrecting Me (Follow Up from Easter)

Big Idea: Jesus resurrects us from sin and death to eternal life with Him forever!

Bible Basis: Romans 6:8-14

Key Verse: “Jesus told her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die.’” John 11:25-26

Discussion Questions of the Week: 

• Why is following God’s laws insufficient for conquering sin and death once and for all?
• What does Paul mean when he says we are "crucified" with Christ? 
• What is the free gift that God offers to his people?

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

April Series Theme: The Greatest Gift

April Monthly Verse: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

April 6: The Last Meal

Big Idea: We can remember what Jesus did on the cross when communion happens at church.

Bible Basis: Matthew 26:20-35; Mark 14:12-31; Luke 22:1-23; John 13:1-37

April 13: Jesus in the Garden

Big Idea: We can always tell God how we feel. God is always with us!

Bible Basis: Matthew 26:1-4, 47-67; Mark 14:43-65; Luke 22:39-71; John 18:1-24

April 20: The Cross and the Empty Tombs

Big Idea: Jesus died to save us from our sins.

Bible Basis: Matthew 27-28; Mark 15-16; Luke 23-24; John 18-20

April 27: The Road to Emmaus

Big Idea: God can help us better understand Bible stories. 

Bible Basis: Luke 24:13-35

FG Kids Serving Needs: 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 serving interest form online.

Preteen Connection Night - April 11 from 6-8 PM: Preteen students and their parents are invited to our Spring Preteen Connection Night. Join us for a night of fun, food, and fellowship at Sky Zone Greenville. Parents, come and fellowship with other parents who are in the same stage of parenting, while your preteen student enjoys the trampoline park together. Pizza will be provided. You can also bring additional funds for the snack bar! Visit our event page for more information. 

FG Kids Easter Weekend Schedule - April 19-20, 2025: For Easter weekend, we will have a service at 5 PM on Saturday, April 19, and services at 9 AM and 11 AM on Sunday, April 20. All of FG Kids ministry will be available during Saturday’s 5 PM service and the Sunday 9 AM and 11 AM services. On Saturday, K-5th grade will meet together in room 155 (the current K-3rd grade space). Nursery and Preschool will still meet in their normal rooms in the FG Kids building. All ages and grades will meet in their regular classrooms for Sunday Easter services.

Easter Serving: Easter weekend is one of our biggest weekends as far as attendance, and we would love for you to serve with us! We have needs in all of our areas! If you are interested in serving during one of the services, please sign up using this link. 

Look Up Lodge - July 22-25, 2025: Registration is now open! This fun-filled overnight, summer camp, for kids entering 4th-6th grade in the fall, 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. **Space is limited; we encourage you to register early. If you have any questions, please reach out to Paige Diaz at pdiaz@fellowshipgreenville.org. 

April is almost here, which means spring is upon us. Flowers are beginning to bloom. The sun is shining more. Signs, decorations, eggs, bunnies, and pastel colors announce the arrival of a beloved holiday. 

While believers enjoy the many signs of spring and enjoy the occasional Easter egg hunt, this season also brings about the sweet reminder of something far more important than chocolate bunnies and jelly beans. In a few weeks, we will be remembering and celebrating the death and resurrection of our Savior. We remember the sacrifice He made to redeem a lost people to Himself. We give thanks for the provision God gave us through the blood of Jesus Christ. We rejoice in a King who rules and reigns over death and the grave. We celebrate that the Lord is risen, He is risen indeed. And because of Him, so have we. 

So as we enter the Easter season, we wanted to provide you with some resources to help you and your family remember, give thanks, rejoice, and celebrate what Christ accomplished for us through the Cross. 

Focus on the Family has put together eight days of Christ-centered activities that will bring the Easter story to life for your kids. You can download it for free through the link below: 

Easter - Walking Through the Holy Week

In addition, Spread Truth has put together an animated children’s film aimed to help children understand the story of Jesus. You can watch that video here - The StoryMaker