The Family Table

Dear LEFC Parents,

Here are some savory items to set the table for disciple-making in your family in the week ahead:

New Youth Group Starts Tonight!

When our teens returned from Challenge ’24, everyone in the group said that they would love to have a weekly meeting to encourage each other in following Jesus.

It’s happening! The new youth group will begin meeting tonight at 7:00 at the church building. All students in grades 7 and up are invited to come for games, snacks, and fun while learning to study our Bibles together. Our group is going to be start in on a study of the book of Ephesians. Teens are encouraged to bring their own Bible (let us know if your student doesn’t have their own). See Cody and Holly Crumrine for more information.

Did your teen see who Pastor Matt ran into on Monday? Check out the video greeting from Challenge emcee Brandon Early who was very excited to hear about the youth group launching tonight!

See You at the Pole This Wednesday

Parents are invited to join West Branch’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes for a time of prayer at the school’s flagpole. Students will meet at 7:15am on this Wednesday, September 25th. Parents should park at Gethsemane, walk to the flagpole, and join the kids as they pray for their school.

New Beginnings in Kids Bible Classes

KBC have recently started a new series of lessons in the book of Genesis. Over the next three years, they will trek through the entire big story of the Bible! This is a great time to make sure your child is involved. Little Learners are age 3 to kindergarten. Bible Explorers are 1st grade to 3rd/4th grade. See Vicky Albert with any questions.

Did you know that you have free access to a family devotional based on the curriculum our kids are studying each week in KBC? It’s called “The Gospel Project at Home.” Today’s Bible Study is “The Great Flood” (Volume 1: Unit 1: Session 4), and the devotional can be found at this link.

Scroll down to the bottom of this email for more information about how to access The Gospel Project at Home.

Snack and Yack

For kids who have outgrown KBC, we have Snack and Yack. When the auditorium empties after worship, girls and boys (grades 3ish-7ish) who listened to the sermon (remember to fill out a handout!) are invited to Pastor Matt’s office for a tasty treat and a brief discussion with an LEFC elder couple about the message.

Contacting Jordyn

Jordyn Skacel is mobile! Our brand new Director of Family Ministry says, “I am happy to meet with you at the church, in my home, in your home, or in public, with or without kids! Catch me at church or contact me via phone, text, or email, 814-592-9280 or families@lansefree.org to schedule a time to meet. I’d love to hear your ideas, how you’d like to be involved, and to be a resource for your family.”

LEFC Fall Retreat

Join your LEFC church family for a weekend getaway on October 18-20! The Family Ministries Team is excited to invite you to our Fall Retreat, where we will hear teaching and grow spiritually, build community, experience rich fellowship, share meals, and have lots of fun! All ages are encouraged to attend and will have a place to engage during age-specific breakouts. You’ll have opportunities to play games, eat a s’more around the campfire, chat with old friends and get to know new ones!

The camp is just one hour away, and transportation can be provided if needed. The cost is only $25 for an individual and $50 for couples and families, which covers housing, food, and activities for the weekend. We’ll even be back in time for church on Sunday! See Jordyn Skacel, Holly Crumrine, or Vicky Albert with questions. Registration information is online or on the table in the foyer. [More: Fall Retreat FAQ’s.]

And for dessert…

Our recommendations for family discipleship this week are the two books we gave to Bailee and Ada this morning to celebrate their dedications.

Bailee received Sophie and the Heidelberg Cat. This book, geared towards elementary aged children, uses a cute story about Sophie and the neighborhood cat to teach kids about grace and the gospel. It is based on the first question and answer of the Heidelberg Catechism. I (Jordyn) have appreciated how this book cleverly weaves the catechism into the story and teaches solid Biblical truth.

Ada received From Eden to Bethlehem, which is part of the “Baby Believer” board book series. These books are a great resource for tiny hands to start diving in to Biblical truths. Each one focuses on a different Bible theme while also serving as a “primer” to other topics, like animals, counting, shapes, etc. Children of many ages may benefit from these, as they give details and verses that are more intellectually advanced in addition to the basic animal number, etc. that is referenced.

[ Listen and watch From Eden to Bethlehem being read on video. ]

We’ve used both of these books in our home and recommend them for other families to use as well. Both still captivate the attention of our 4-year old!

We hope your little ones eat them right up.

Jordyn Skacel, Director of Family Ministry
Holly Crumrine, Family Table Editor
Matt Mitchell, Pastor

P.S. Sophie and the Heidelberg Cat is by Andrew Wilson who is one of the authors of the book we recommended two weeks ago on parenting children with special needs.