The Family Table

Dear LEFC Parents,

Here are items to set the table for family discipleship in your home this week:

“Jump Boots” and Jesus?

Has your child been following the adventures of TJ and Tory on the Tiny Theologians Podcast (which we recommended on The Family Table)? In their most recent episode, they have made it to the letter J in the ABC’s of God’s attributes. If your kids listen in, they will hear a jinormous jumping jumble of J-words. It’s really fun! And they will also get a clearer idea of what justice is and how committed our Lord is to it. One of the great things about podcasting is that earlier episodes are all still available, as well.

Help Deck the Halls?

Does your family like to decorate for Christmas? Maria Jackson is gathering a team of people to ready the church building for the Christmas season and is wondering what day/time works best. She is considering either Monday November 27 or Wednesday November 29th (5:30-7:00). Let Maria know in person or participate in this one question online poll to help her plan.

Resisting Gossip on YouVersion

Do you or your teen use the YouVersion mobile app? CLC Ministries has recently produced a 7-day devotional based on Pastor Matt’s book, Resisting Gossip, for YouVersion users. This might be a good conversation starter for you and your teen.

Challenge Conference – Advanced Planning

The 2024 Challenge Conference has been announced for July 1-5 in Kansas City. We’d love to send a group from LEFC as we have in past years. To do that we need interested youth (grades 7-12) and willing adult leaders. That seems like a long time from now, but it will be here before we know it. (Read more about Challenge on the official conference website.)

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 one of the LEFC elders and their wives (and sometimes guest preachers?!) about the message. Parents, if you would like to help host the discussion by providing the snack, see Holly Crumrine to get involved.

And for dessert…

Our recommendation for family discipleship this week is a set of books created to help teens (and their folks) deal with anxiety and depression. Theologian, author, pastor, and counselor David Murray has written a book for parents. Why Is My Teenager Feeling Like This?, and a book for the teens themselves, Why Do I Feel This Way?

For being about something so heavy, the chapters are actually fairly enjoyable. Murray introduces 18 different fictional teens (drawn from real-life composites) and their stories of dealing with anxiety and depression. Most teens can probably see themselves in at least one of the examples and hear about the hope and help available through biblical truth. It’s not an alternative to good counseling or necessary medical attention, but an insightful companion to them. The parents’ book goes deeper into how to talk with your teens about their feelings as well as discussion questions, prayers, and Bible verses for memorization.

Publisher’s Page for Parent Book – Includes Chapter 1
Publisher’s Page for Teen Book – Includes Chapter 1
FamilyLife Today Interviews with the Author

Pastor Matt has copies of these books in his office and would be glad to lend them out if they might help your family.

Matt Mitchell, Pastor
Holly Crumrine, 2023 Family Ministries Coordinator