James 5:13-20

Tyler and TJ are leading this week.  We are going over the last verses is James

¹³ Is anyone among you suffering? He should pray. Is anyone cheerful? He should sing praises. ¹⁴ Is anyone among you sick? He should call for the elders of the church, and they should pray over him after anointing him with olive oil in the name of the Lord. ¹⁵ The prayer of faith will save the sick person, and the Lord will restore him to health; if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.¹⁶ Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The urgent request of a righteous person is very powerful in its effect. ¹⁷ Elijah was a man with a nature like ours; yet he prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the land. ¹⁸ Then he prayed again, and the sky gave rain and the land produced its fruit.
¹⁹ My brothers, if any among you strays from the truth, and someone turns him back, ²⁰ let him know that whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his life from death and cover a multitude of sins.

Questions

1. Why should we pray when we are suffering?
2.  Why should we confess our sins?
3.  When we confess our sins how are we supposed to do it?
4.  What is the prayer of faith?
5.  When are you suffering?
6.  How do you deal with hard times?
7.  what does it look like to help a brother out in need?

James 5:7-11

Today Maddy, Alyssa, and Kylie are reading James 5:7-11 their questions are:

⁷ Therefore, brothers, be patient until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth and is patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. ⁸ You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, because the Lord’s coming is near.
⁹ Brothers, do not complain about one another, so that you will not be judged. Look, the judge stands at the door!¹⁰ Brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the Lord’s name as an example of suffering and patience.¹¹ See, we count as blessed those who have endured. You have heard of Job’s endurance and have seen the outcome from the Lord. The Lord is very compassionate and merciful.

1:Why should we be patient with the Lord?
2: In verse 9 what do you think it means by do not complain for the judge is at the door?
3:Do you feel closer to God during times when you are suffering or in a good time?
4: What do you you think a prophet is?

We will also be reading from Job to understand what he went through to receive God's mercy.

James 5:1-6

The leaders this week are Tyler, Bryson,and T.J.

Warning to the Rich5 Come now, you rich people! Weep and wail over the miseries that are coming on you. ² Your wealth is ruined and your clothes are moth-eaten. ³ Your silver and gold are corroded, and their corrosion will be a witness against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You stored up treasure in the last days!⁴ Look! The pay that you withheld from the workers who reaped your fields cries out, and the outcry of the harvesters has reached the ears of the Lord of Hosts.^[a] 5 You have lived luxuriously on the land and have indulged yourselves. You have fattened your hearts for^[b] the day of slaughter. ⁶ You have condemned—you have murdered—the righteous man; he does not resist you.

We also found some helpful notes on Soniclight.com

Gold and silver do not literally rust. They corrode and tarnish. Nevertheless corrosion does the same thing as rust. It destroys the value of the metal. Christians should use  money, not hoard it. Therefore the presence of rust or corroded gold in the rich man's treasury will bear witness to his unfaithful stewardship of his wealth. James warned that the process that destroys gold and silver is the same process that destroys the people who collect these precious metals. Hoarding wealth is a particularly serious sin for Christians since we are living in the last days, the days immediately preceding the Lord's return. We should be using our money to get the Lord's work done, not to enable us to live lives of luxury and laziness (cf. Matt. 6:19-24).

Again James confronted his readers as a prophet (cf. 4:13). Rich people are usually happy that they have wealth. However, James challenged his rich readers to weep and howl in anguish, not repentance. The Bible nowhere condemns the rich for being rich. Money is not evil (cf. 1 Tim. 6:10). Nevertheless God's Word consistently warns the rich of the temptations that financial abundance brings  with it. These temptations include a false sense of security, a desire to control others, and personal pride. The rich should not rejoice too much. Material misery may be just around the corner

Here are their questions

1. What is James warning the rich for?
2. What does verse 3 mean?
3. If it is wrong to withhold wages then why did the rich do it?

FCA this Thursday 12/20/12

We will not be adopting a family this year for Christmas.  Instead we will be participating in God’s Gift.  God’s Gift is a program I have adopted and tweaked from my church.  Megan and I are taking our tithe and giving every FCA student 5 dollars to bless someone in need.  You are essentially taking God’s money and using it to bless someone in need.  This is not my money, this is God’s money. It is up to you to decide who/how you are going to bless someone in need.  You can take God’s 5 dollar bill and combined in with your own money, or another family member, or another member of FCA.  It’s completely up to you.  You can do almost anything with the 5 dollars.  You can bless someone all at once, or separate the money in several blessings.  Remember, this is God’s money. Some examples of what you can do: buy food for a homeless person, buy any kind of warm clothing for a person in need, buy a gift for a child in need, some churches have Christmas trees with gift needs attached to the tree; buy one and give that gift.  You can take God’s 5 dollars and buy cooking supplies and bake a cake for a neighbor.  Buy coffee for a neighbor.  Take a meal over to a friend.  Use the money to help a neighbor fix something.  Anything and everything goes, as long as there is a need to bless someone.  Please try not to buy something for your family unless there is a tremendous need for that person. Please feel free to remind the person you are blessing how much God has blessed you and that God loves them.  When you are finished with God’s Gift I want to hear about it.  Every person will HAVE to write, or type me a letter telling me how they used God’s money to bless others.  I will be expecting this letter when we get back from Christmas break.  We are going to read them out loud the week we get back. Have a great time blessing others.  Get in the Christmas spirit and remember your Saviors birth. 

James 4:13-17

This week Eleanor, McKenna, Jenna, Andrea are going to lead FCA in James 4:13-17. These are their questions for this week.

Our Will and His Will
¹³ Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will travel to such and such a city and spend a year there and do business and make a profit.” ¹⁴ You don’t even know what tomorrow will bring—what your life will be! For you are like smoke that appears for a little while, then vanishes.

¹⁵ Instead, you should say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” ¹⁶ But as it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. ¹⁷ So it is a sin for the person who knows to do what is good and doesn’t do it.

1. How you ever bragged about things you have done?
2. Why do we boast?
3. Why do we sin when we know what we are doing is evil?
4. What does verse 14 mean when it says,"You are like a smoke that appears for a little while?
5. Have you ever "listned" to God to say something to do something good but done the oppisite?
6. What is God's will.
7. What are some things God wills opon us?

T-shirt orders are here $16.00

They will be the exact opposite colors.  Blue will be red, and gold will be gold.  LOL  Please make checks payable to Valley Spirit.  We will be ordering them on the 20th of December.  There is no school on December 21st, so make sure you order soon.  Thanks

Here are some pics from FCA 12/7/12

Here we are praying

Here is a little teaching

Riverview is in the God's Word

James 4:1-12

This week Maddy,Kylie,and Alyssa are doing James 4:1-12

4 What is the source of wars and fights among you? Don’t they come from the cravings that are at war within you?^{[a] 2} You desire and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. You do not have because you do not ask. ³ You ask and don’t receive because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your evil desires.

⁴ Adulteresses!^[b][c] Don’t you know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? So whoever wants to be the world’s friend becomes God’s enemy. ⁵ Or do you think it’s without reason the Scripture says that the Spirit who lives in us yearns jealously?<sup>[d]

6</sup> But He gives greater grace. Therefore He says:

God resists the proud,
but gives grace to the humble.^[e]

⁷ Therefore, submit to God. But resist the Devil, and he will flee from you. ⁸ Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, sinners, and purify your hearts, double-minded people! ⁹ Be miserable and mourn and weep. Your laughter must change to mourning and your joy to sorrow. ¹⁰ Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.

¹¹ Don’t criticize one another, brothers. He who criticizes a brother or judges his brother criticizes the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. ¹² There is one lawgiver and judge^[f] who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?

1. What would life be like if God didn't  give grace?

2. In verse 6 it says, God gives us greater grace. what are some ways we show grace?

3.In verse 6 What does it means when it says,'' God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble?

4. What does it mean when it says "be miserable and mourn and weep"?

5.What is the source wars among you ?

6. What do you think  verse 3 means ?" you ask and you do not receive because you ask with wrong motives, so taht you may spend it on your evil desires'

James 3:13-18

Today TJ, Tyler, and Chase are going to being teaching from James 3:13-18

Who is wise and has understanding among you? He should show his works by good conduct with wisdom’s gentleness.  But if you have bitter envy and selfish ambition in your heart, don’t brag and deny the truth.  Such wisdom does not come from above but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.  For where envy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every kind of evil.  But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without favoritism and hypocrisy.  And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who cultivate peace.

Questions:
1. How do we show bitter envy and selfish ambitions in our hearts.
2. Who is wise among you and shows it by their deeds????
3. What does eartly wisdom mean?
4. What does evil practice?
5. How can we get wisdom from above? What follows wisdom?

James 2:8-13

This week Tyler,Chase, and TJ are the leaders, here are their questions:

 Indeed, if you keep the royal law prescribed in the Scripture, Love your neighbor as yourself, you are doing well. But if you show favoritism, you commit sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. For whoever keeps the entire law, yet fails in one point, is guilty of breaking it all. For He who said, Do not commit adultery, also said, Do not murder.So if you do not commit adultery, but you do murder, you are a lawbreaker.Speak and act as those who will be judged by the law of freedom.  For judgment is without mercy to the one who hasn’t shown mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
     1. What is the Royal Law?
     2.What is a trangressor? What can we do to stop ourselves from transgressing?
     3.How can we not show favortism?
     4.In verse 10 what does it mean to keep the whole law?
     5.How does mercy triumph over judgement?
     6.How can we speak and act as if we are judged???

James Ch.2:1-7

Jenna, kylie, and eleanor are doing James 2 1-7

My brothers, do not show favoritism as you hold on to the faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ.  For example, a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and dressed in fine clothes, and a poor man dressed in dirty clothes also comes in.  If you look with favor on the man wearing the fine clothes and say, “Sit here in a good place,” and yet you say to the poor man, “Stand over there,” or, “Sit here on the floor by my footstool,”  haven’t you discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?

 Listen, my dear brothers: Didn’t God choose the poor in this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom that He has promised to those who love Him?  Yet you dishonored that poor man. Don’t the rich oppress you and drag you into the courts?  Don’t they blaspheme the noble name that was pronounced over you at your baptism?
Here are our Questions.

Question 1: What does verse 5 mean?

Question 2: In verse 6 it says We have insulted the poor.... Have you ever insulted the poor?

Question 3: In verse 1 God says dont show favoritism What do you think God means when he says that?

Question 4: What thing have you done to insult the poor?

Question 5: What do you think the gold ring the man is wearing states about him?

James Ch1:22-27

This week Maddy, Andrea, and Alyssa are reading James Ch.1:22-27.

22 But be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 Because if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man looking at his own face in a mirror. 24 For he looks at himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. 25 But the one who looks intently into the perfect law of freedom and perseveres in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but one who does good works—this person will be blessed in what he does.


26 If anyone thinks he is religious without controlling his tongue, then his religion is useless and he deceives himself. 27 Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained by the world.

Here are our questions:

1.What would the world be like if everyone was a hearer instead of a doers?
2.What would the world be like if everyone was a doer instead as a doer ?
3.In verse 24 what does it mean to look at yourself and right away forgets what kind of man he is?
4.In verse 26 what does it mean by your religion being useless if you do not controll your tonue?

No FCA this Friday 10/5/12

No FCA this Friday because of Donuts with Dads.  Have a great weekend and enjoy your time with your dad.

James Ch 1:19-21

Chase, T.J, and Tyler are going to be this week's leaders.

19 My dearly loved brothers, understand this: Everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger, 20 for man’s anger does not accomplish God’s righteousness. 21 Therefore, ridding yourselves of all moral filth and evil, humbly receive the implanted word, which is able to save you.


    We are going over James 1: 19-21.
    Our questions are:

    1.How can we be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger?
    2.When is a good time to humbly accept God?
    3.How do we humbly accept the word?
    4.If anger doesn't bring out rightousness what does it bring out?
    And Chase will be leading us out in prayer.

    This weeks Bible verses talk about how we should be quick to listen, slow to speak,
 and slow to anger. It also says how anger does not bring out a man's rightousness.

James 1:13-18

This Week Kylie, Eleanor, and Jenna will be going over James 13-18 .                                           
                                                          
13 No one undergoing a trial should say, “I am being tempted by God.” For God is not tempted by evil,[a] and He Himself doesn’t tempt anyone. 14 But each person is tempted when he is drawn away and enticed by his own evil desires. 15 Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is fully grown, it gives birth to death.


16 Don’t be deceived, my dearly loved brothers. 17 Every generous act and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights; with Him there is no variation or shadow cast by turning. 18 By His own choice, He gave us a new birth by the message of truth[b] so that we would be the firstfruits of His creatures.

                Here are our QUESTIONS!                 
Question 1- Why does God not tempt anyone? If God doesn't tempt anyone one who does?
                    Have you ever been tempted? Give one example.

Question 2- Why do you think "Us" or "We" are tempted in the first place?

Question 3- When the passage says "Don't be deceived". What does that mean?

Questions 4-  In verse 17 God says ,'' Every gift from above comes from heaven'' What gifts have
                     you recieved from God?

James Ch1:5-12

The leaders this weak are Maddy, Ashtyn, and Andrea. They will be teaching on James 1:5-12. they have came up with 6 questions this week. 

5 Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without criticizing, and it will be given to him. 6 But let him ask in faith without doubting. For the doubter is like the surging sea, driven and tossed by the wind. 7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 An indecisive[a] man is unstable in all his ways.


9 The brother of humble circumstances should boast in his exaltation, 10 but the one who is rich should boast in his humiliation because he will pass away like a flower of the field. 11 For the sun rises with its scorching heat and dries up the grass; its flower falls off, and its beautiful appearance is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will wither away while pursuing his activities.

12 A man who endures trials[b] is blessed, because when he passes the test he will receive the crown of life that God[c] has promised to those who love Him.

1. Why should poor people be glad?
2. What should rich people be glad about?
3. Why should the doubter not expect anything from the Lord?
4. It says in verse 6 that we should come to God in our needs. What can we come to Him for.
5. How does the first part of verse 11, " For the sun rises with its scortchin heat and dries up the grass;its flowers fall off and its beautiful appearance is destroyed." relate to the second part? "In the same way, the rich man will wither away while pursuing his activities."
6. It says in verse 12,"When he passes the test he will recieve the crown of life." What is the crown of life?

It's a New Year!!!!

We will be meeting this Friday 8/31/12 at 7:30am in portable 29 near the South side of Riverview.  I can't wait to start and to meet all my new FCAers.  We will be studying the book of James, 1 Peter, and 2 Peter.  It should be a great year.  Hope to see all my returning kids and some new ones.  See you at 7:30.

Mission Christmas results!!!

So, what did you do with God's money? How were you able to bless somebody in need? Here are just a few first hand updates on Mission Christmas.

Jessica and Emma: They bought a Bible, water bottle, toothbrush, toothpaste, Band-Aids, tissue, chewy bars, and crackers and put them in paper bags. They carry them in their car and when they see someone in need they give them the bag. Super Cool

Andrea and Andrew: They bought fleece to make scarves for her mom's first grade class. They took the fleece to their aunt's house to sew the scarves. Then delievered them to everyone in the class. They were super happy for the Christmas presents.

Cameron: He used God's money to help create a Bible in the native language of the Huichol people in Mexico. His church is promoting this mission project and Cameron wanted to be apart of it.

William: His familly adopted a foundation called The Spirit of Women and purchased a few games for the families. They had a great time

Jackson: He also adopted The Spirit of Women. He purchased games to give to families and had fun with the families.

Clayton: He picked a star off the Salvation Army Christmas Tree and bought Sergio, an 8 year old boy, a nerf gun. Super fun

Cherish: She made brownies and bought a new coffee machine for a man at her church who was in need. He was overfelmed with Joy because he loves brownies and he needed a new coffee machine. They both cried.

Jenna: She bought 5 stuffed animals to give to the police station for families in need. The police officers were overwelmed by the blessings. The family was able to share Christ with the fire department and the police station. Awesome

Mateo: He went with his church to perform a Christmas skit and bought a furry pet to give to the child in need. He had a great time.

Alyssa and Garrett: The gave God's money to help support Christmas tree lane in Fresno. The organization helps with the lights and artwork painted by local high schools.

Reese, Ella, and Zachary: They bought 2 toys and some clothes for a girl named Angel. They also donated 5 dollars and an additional 100 dollars to a church. Great Job

Logan and Hayden: They bought a 3 bags of food and water and donated them to the Fresno Food Bank. Yea

God's Gift...Mission Christmas

We will not be adopting a family this year for Christmas. Instead we will be participating in God’s Gift. God’s Gift is a program I have adopted and tweaked from my church. Megan and I are taking our tithe and giving every FCA student 5 dollars to bless someone in need. You are essentially taking God’s money and using it to bless someone in need. This is not my money, this is God’s money.

It is up to you to decide who/how you are going to bless someone in need. You can take God’s 5 dollar bill and combined in with your own money, or another family member, or another member of FCA. It’s completely up to you. You can do almost anything with the 5 dollars. You can bless someone all at once, or separate the money in several blessings. Remember, this is God’s money.
Some examples of what you can do: buy food for a homeless person, buy any kind of warm clothing for a person in need, buy a gift for a child in need, some churches have Christmas trees with gift needs attached to the tree; buy one and give that gift. You can take God’s 5 dollars and buy cooking supplies and bake a cake for a neighbor. Buy coffee for a neighbor. Take a meal over to a friend. Use the money to help a neighbor fix something. Anything and everything goes, as long as there is a need to bless someone. Please try not to buy something for your family unless there is a tremendous need for that person.

Please feel free to remind the person you are blessing how much God has blessed you and that God loves them. When you are finished with God’s Gift I want to hear about it. Every person will HAVE to write, or type me a letter telling me how they used God’s money to bless others. I will be expecting this letter when we get back from Christmas break, or before.

Have a great time blessing others. Get in the Christmas spirit and remember your Saviors birth.

Zachery reads Psalm 123

Zachery chose this passage because he likes how it keeps us focused on God, and not on anything else.

I lift my eyes to You, the One enthroned in heaven. Like a servant's eyes on His master's hand, like a servant girl's eyes on her mistress's hand, so our eyes are on the Lord our God until He shows us favor. Show us favor, Lord, show us favor, for we've had more than enough contempt. We've had more than enough scorn from the arrogant and contempt from the proud.

Questions:
1. What does it mean to lift up your eyes to the Lord?
2. What does it mean by servants staying near their master?
3. Are we suppose to be like that?
4. How does God show us favor?
5. Has anyone been made fun of? If so what can you do about it?
6. Remember God is good, sometimes blessings are difficult, also, he doesn't grant wishes.

Caden Reads Psalms 27:1-4

Caden chose this passage because is shows us that no matter what we have nothing to fear because God is with us.

The Lord is my light and my salvation- whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life- of whom shall I be afraid? When evildoers came against me to devour my flesh, my foes and my enemies stumble and fell. Though an army deploy against me, my heart is not afraid; though war break out against me, still I am confident. I have asked one thing of the Lord; it is what I desire: to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, gazing on the beauty of the Lord and seeking Him in His temple.

Questions:
1. Who do you fear?
2. Should you fear anything?
3. Why shouldn't we fear?
4. What happens to our enemies?
5. Where do you want to live forever?

Jackson Reads Psalms 98:4-9

Jackson picked this Psalm because is shows us how to worship Christ. How to be grateful for Christ's love.

Shout to the Lord, all the earth; be jubilant, shout for joy, and sing. Sing to the Lord with the lyre, with the lyre and melodious song. With trumpets and the blast of the ram's horn shout triumphantly in the presence of the Lord, our King. Let the sea and all that fills it, the world and those who live in it, resound. Let the rivers clap their hands; let the mountains shout together for joy before the Lord, for He is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world righteously and the peoples fairly.

Questions:
1. What does it mean to shout to the Lord?
2. What is a lyre?
3. Why do we need to shout triumphantly?
4. Can river and mountains clap?
5. What kind of judge is Christ?

William Reads Proverbs 13:1-4

William did a knock out job reading explaining Proverbs 13.

A wise son hears his father's instruction, but a mocker doesn't listen to rebuke. From the words of his mouth, a man will enjoy good things, but treacherous people have an appetite for violence. The one who guards his mouth protects his life; the one opens his lips invites his own ruin. The slacker craves, yet has nothing, but the diligent is fully satisfied.

Questions:
1. How come we must listen to our parents?
2. What is rebuke?
3. What does it mean when the author says the one who gaurds his mouth protects it?
4. Are you a slacker?
5. What do you crave?
6. Are you fully satisfied?

No FCA this week 9/30/11

Donuts with Dad is this Friday 9/30/11, so we will not meet. Have a great time with your dad. See you next Friday when William shares a Proverb.

Psalm 23 Read by Jack

Jack did an amazing job of reading and discussing Psalm 23.

The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack. He lets me lie down in green pastures; He leads me besides quiet waters. He renews my life; He leads me along the right paths for His name sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff - they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Only goodness and faithful love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord as long as I live.

Here are some of Jack's questions

1. What is a shepherd?

2. What are quiet waters in our life? What aren't quiet waters?

3. What are dark valleys?

4. What is the right path?

5. What is my cup overflows?

Psalms 100 Read by Logan

Psalms 100:1-5
Shout triumphantly to the Lord, all the earth. Serve the Lord with gladness; come before Him with Joyful songs. Acknowledge that the Lord if God. He made us, and we are His- His people, the sheep of His pasture. Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the Lord is good, and His love is eternal; His faithfulness endures through all generations.

Questions asked by Logan
1. What does it mean when it says we are the sheep of his pasture.
2. Is the writer talking to all people, or just the Jews?
3. What does is mean when He says His faithfulness endures for all generations?
4. Thanksgiving doesn't mean enter his gates with a turkey.
5. What does is mean to come before Him with Joyful songs?

Welcome to a new year of FCA

This is going to be a great year of FCA. I've met with our 6th grade leaders and they are pumped up about leading the school through Psalms and Proverbs. I opened the year off with a basic introduction of Proverbs 1 and Psalms 1. Last week we read Psalm 145:8-11

The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and great in faithful love. The Lord is good to everyone; His compassion rests on all He has made. All You have made will praise You, Lord; the godly will bless You. They will speak of the glory of Your kingdom and will declare You mighty.

God is good to all. He doesn't jump on us when we make a mistake. He is full of lovingkindness. He has compassion for us. He isn't selfish. Everyone will praise Him, whether now, or when they are gone. He is full of blessings. We will glory to God always. I hope this verse will stay with us the entire year.

Next week Logan will walk us through Psalms 100.

If you would like to help out with snacks on Friday morning please speak with Mrs. Frisby during FCA.

FCA will return the Friday!!! 9/2/11

FCA will return this Friday in the MPR at 7:30 in the morning. Can't wait to see everyone!!!

No Carwash for Christ. Rain, Rain, Rain!!!!!

Pray and Play 6/4/11

Pray and Play will happen this Saturday from 10:00-12:00 in the Riverview parking lot. If it is sunny outside we will have great time. If it's raining outside we will postpone the date to early next school year. Crazy weather!!!!!! HELLO it's June. Last year it was around 95 degrees. Crazy!!!! PLEASE bring towels if it's game on...Please!

Pray and Play was AWESOME!!!!!!!!!

What a great event. There was around 80 kids who attended the event and about 10 or more parents. We prayed before playing Volleyball and Capture-the-Flag. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves throughout the day. We served Hot Dogs, Chips, and Drinks to all the kids, plus a ton extra to all the bikers and water loving bystanders. Thank you so much for all the help. Thanks Rob for cooking, Mr. Todd for the napkins and drinks, Mr. Orr for helping with the BBQ, Dave for the BBQ, and all the FCA families for your encouragement and prayers. If I forgot anyone...I'm so sorry. I hope this can be an annual event. I will post pictures soon.

Pray and Play

We are doing it again!!!!!!! Pray and Play will be May 21st from 10:00am to 12:00 pm at Todd Beamer Park. It's right next to Copper Hills on Maple and Plymouth. We will be playing volleyball, basketball, capture the flag, soccer, tag, and playground fun. While praying to our Lord and Savior. Hot dogs will be provided at 11:30. Please bring your own drinks. Snow cones are usually at the park for $3.00.

Everyone is welcome to come. We are planning on inviting the whole school. So bring your sun screen. See you at the park.

From: Jake, Noah, Elijah, Emilie, Trent, and Tanner

Hold on Acts, Let's Repent

We stopped Acts because the team and I wanted to review repentance. Some things came up at school and several people felt the need to repent their sins. Several kids came to me and asked what repentancc means. So, we decided to talk about it this week. Here is what we came up with. Mark 1:4 is about John the Baptist preaching a baptism of repentance and forgiveness Acts 2:38 is about Peter saying repent and be baptized for forgiveness of sins Acts 13:38 through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed Acts 26:18 darkness to light, Satan to God, and recieve forgiveness of sins.

Acts Ch.21

This week Trent and Tanner reviewed Acts chapter 21. They discussed how Paul was warned by a prophet and his peers to not go to Jerusalem. And how Paul refused to listen, but rather he continued to speak the truth no matter where he traveled. Paul continued his journey to Jerusalem with several men, making a new vow to show the people he still believes traditional Jewish laws. When Paul finally reaches Jerusalem he entered the city temple. Immediately he was bombarded by people who hated him. The prophets were correct. Paul was almost beaten to death. When the Roman guards took Paul he asked to speak. Next week Elijah and Jacob will review what Paul has to say to the people of Jerusalem.

Acts Ch. 20

Noah, Emily, and Alex read, discussed, and asked questions about Acts chapter 20. They talked about the Passover celebration and Pentecost. They also discussed how Paul has gone through some serious hard times, and how he understands that he will go through more hard times on his road to Jerusalem. All three leaders understood the importance of this chapter. That you can never give up on what God has planned for you and that through tough times God will prevail.

Next week Tanner and Trent will discuss chapter 21. It's a mob of a time :)

No FCA on March 4th because of Muffins with Mom

Acts Ch. 16

This week we learned about how God can close doors, but He will never close all doors. He opened the door for Paul and Silas to teach men in Macedonia. They proclaimed the name of Christ boldly and were thrown in prison. We all know what happens when you throw a child of God in prison. Something supernatural happens. No exception here!!! At midnight Paul and Silas are praying and singing Hymns when an earthquake opens the cells and their handcuffs fall off. Last time I checked hang cuffs don't just fall off because you shake them. LOL. Because of this the security guard gave his life to Christ along with his whole family. It is great to see that God always has a plan even though you might not understand why.

1. Why do you think God didn't allow Paul to enter Asia?
2. Can we enter Asia now?
3. Has God ever closed a door on you?
4. What was up with that crazy girl yelling at Paul and Silas?
5. How would you act if you were put in jail?
6. What are you doing to become an Acts 1:8 kid?

Acts Ch. 14

This week the boys a.k.a. Paul and Barnabas head to Iconium, Derbe, Lystra, and then back to Antioch. They are preaching the gospel to anyone and everyone. Gender and race do not matter at all. Paul and Barnabas understand that the Holy Spirit can come upon anyone who believes in Jesus Christ. They start in Iconium, but find trouble immediately, so they leave before things get bad. In Lystra Paul heals a crippled man. They city erupts with gladness and wants to sacrifice animals to Paul and Barnabas, calling them gods. They both beg the men of Lystra to not forgo any sacrifices because they were used by God. They themselves did nothing. Soon the crowd changes and Paul gets stoned and thrown out of the city. When the disciples find him he gets up and heads back into the same town that tried to kill him. Paul Rocks!!!

Questions

1. Why are Paul and Barnabas traveling from town to town?

2. Who is hating on Paul and Barnabas?

3. Who healed the lame man?

4. Why did they call Paul and Barnabas Zeus and Hermes?

5. Why did they stone Paul?

6. Why did Paul return to Lystra after he was just left for dead?

7. They went back to all the places they preached, why?

8. How can you become an Acts 1:8 kid?

Acts Ch 12

This week in Acts James the brother of John is put to death by King Herod. After Herod sees that the Jews like what he did, Herod goes for the big dog, Peter. Peter is guarded by 16 Roman guards. While Peter is gone his friends PRAY for him. It is amazing what praying can accomplish. To the surprise of many Peter is released from prison by an Angel. This chapter shows us the power of prayer and how we should never give up hope.

Questions
1. Why did Herod what Peter in Jail?
2. Why do you think Herod assigned 16 guards to watch Peter?
3. Why did an Angel appear in Peter's cell?
4. Who did Peter report to first? Why?
5. Why were the people surprised to see Peter?
6. Would you have been surprised?
7. What does this incident tell you about prayer?
8. How can I become an Acts 1:8 kid?

Update on Family

Last Friday Alex, Noah, Jake, Elijah, and I visited the Ramirez family. They are super nice and excited to meet the whole group. We told them a little about FCA and why we are helping. The family of 14 has some basic needs that we can help them fulfill.
Megan and I are going to deliver a tree before Friday, so they will be ready for us.
Please join me at Target at 4:30 this Wednesday, December 15th to purchase the family's gifts.
Thank you for your generous donations!

Adopt-A-Family information

Here is the latest. The family lives near Susan B. Anthony Elementary in Fresno. Two years ago we adopted a family in the same neighborhood. My friend Garth lives in this neighborhood with his wife Kaitlyn. Garth runs the Neighborhood Thrift Store in Tower District, as well as after school programs at his house. I asked him to hook us up with a family in need. He told me this would be the perfect family for FCA to adopt. So, going forward, we are going to meet at Target in the shopping center off Herndon and Willow at 4:30 on the 15th of December. There is no after school practice or programs on that day, so hopefully you can join us in buying clothes and toys to purchase for the family.

This is a great way to share God's blessing with others. We aren't doing this because we have in the past. We are doing this because we are Christians and this is a perfect way to show God's love by giving back to our community.

Please consider donating, and/or coming to Target to help purchase gifts for the family.

The FCA leaders would also love to invite you to come share the joy of giving by helping us give these wonderful gifts to the family. We are going to give the family their gifts on December 17th. There isn't sports practice, or anything after school that day. We would like to leave school between 3:30 and 4:00 so everyone could make it (even the little ones). We will drive together from school to our adopted family's house, drop off the presents, sing a few Christmas songs, say good bye and be home for dinner.

Your kids eyes will be wide open after they experience the true meaning of Christmas.

12/15/10 Buy gifts at Target Time: 4:30-When the cows come home

12/17/10 Wrap gifts and make cards at FCA Time: 7:30-8:00

12/17/10 Give gifts to family Time: 3:30-4:00 leave school. EVERYONE is invited, EVERYONE. We will come back to school right after giving presents and singing. Hope you can make it.

Adopt-A-Family

We are adopting a family this year for Christmas. We don't have all the details, but we know for sure that the family is very excited. We will try our best to provide each family member with shoes, sweater/jacket, and a toy. We will also put together a nice Christmas meal package. Of course we will all hope into cars from Riverview and head down town to deliver the family their gifts.
Wednesday, December 15th, we will meet at Target on Herndon and Willow to purchase the gifts. We have some money donated from the FCA Car Wash for Christ. We still are in need of donations.
You can send any amount of money to the next three FCA meetings. 12/3, 12/10, 12/17.
I'm looking forward to serving our community and becoming Acts 1:8 kids.

Acts Ch. 9

This chapter of Acts is a defining moment in the spreading of the Gospel. Saul, the persecutor of Christians, goes blind by God's grace to teach Saul a lesson. Saul is then lead by his friends to Damascus. He is blind for 3 days and nights before Ananias comes to pray with him and bring forth the Holy Spirit. Ananias was lead by Jesus in a dream. Saul immediately becomes baptised and starts proclaiming the name of Christ. Christians are scared of him and the Jews wanted to kill him. Saul finds himself in the middle of two worlds. It's a good thing Barnabas is around to help Saul find his way.

1. Why did Saul cry out saying, Who are you, Lord?

2. How do you think the people around Saul felt when they could hear the Lord, but not see the light?

3. Why didn't Saul eat for 3 days and nights?

4. Why do you think Jesus blined Saul?

5. How did Ananias feel about going to see Saul?

6. How would you feel if you had to see a man who wants to kill you for loving Jesus? Who you go?

7. What did Saul do right after he could see?

8. Why would the Jews not like Saul?

9. Why would the Christians not like Saul?

10. Why are some of the most vocal Christians former Saul like people?

11. How can you become an Acts 1:8 kid?

We are having FCA this week 11/19/10

There is a family breakfast this Friday 11/19/10, but this will not stop FCA from meeting. This breakfast is fantastic, but it's not as popular as donuts with dad, or muffins with mom, so we will continue to have FCA. I understand if you can't make it because you will be attending this breakfast. FCA will be meeting in my room this Friday.

Acts Ch 8

It takes 7 chapter, or a long period of time for the apostles to realize that Jesus meant what he said. Acts 1:8 you will be my witness in Jerusalem, in all Judea, and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. It takes Stephan's death to jump start the gospel.
Paul is on the move in this chapter. He ravages the Christian people, placing them in jail. Most of the Christian followers leave town, while the apostles stand their ground.
Philip, one who left Jerusalem, began spreading the Good News in the city of Samaria. He was healing the sick and lame. This had a huge impact on the spreading of the Church.
An Angel of the Lord spoke to Philip. He said to go to Gaza. Philip finds an Ethiopian in need of translation. Philip helps and baptizes him. The Gospel is on the move!!!!!!!

1. Why do you think the Christian people left Jerusalem?
2. Would you have left Jerusalem?
3. If you didn't know Jesus and you saw someone healing the sick and lame, would you join them?
4. Do you think Philip is brave?
5. Can you share your faith like Philip?
6. The Lord speaks to Philip. Will you listen when the Lord calls upon you?
7. What do you think the Ethiopian man did next?
8. How can you become an Acts 1:8 kid?

No FCA on 10/29/10

No FCA because we have no SCHOOL!!!!!! See you next week. We will go over Acts Chapter 8. Things start to really heat up around Jerusalem.

Acts Ch 6 & 7

These chapters are very important part of the early church expansion. In chapter 6 the apostles need help and appoint 7 men to take care of the everyday needs of the people while the apostles continue to teach. They appoint 7 men, but one man stands out, Stephen. In chapter 7 Stephan gets his preaching on. He pretty much walks through the entire Old Testament trying to show the council how the OT points to the Christ. He does a great job, but also upsets everyone and in their anger start to stone Stephan. Stephan in his unreal pain cries out to Christ and asks for the people to not be punished. It's amazing. Great chapter. Just think about Acts 1:8, the apostles haven't gone out to spread the Good News. Now seems like a good time since you buddy just died doing the same thing you will be doing tomorrow. Lets see if they spread the Word to other parts of the earth.

1. Why were the seven chosen?
2. What has happened since the seven were chosen?
3. What is Stephan filled with?
4. What did Stephan preach in chapter 7?
5. Why did they take Stephan out of town to stone him?
6. Do you think Stephan did the right thing?
7. What would you say to Christ if people were stoning you to death?
8. Who was watching the stoning with a smile on his face?
9. How can you be an Acts 1:8 kid?

FCA will be in Room 22 this week 10/22

No FCA this Friday 10/15/10

No FCA this Friday because of Donuts with Dad. Please feel free to review Acts chapter 6 this week. We will pick up on Acts next week. Have a great time at Donuts with Dad. :)

Acts Ch. 5

Acts chapter 5 starts off with a difficult bite, but turns into a great model on how to never quit spreading the word of God. We first meet a few characters that aren't honest with God. One thing is for certain, when you are the first to do something against God....Look out! Later in the chapter the apostles are accused of preaching and are sent to jail again. An angel releases them in the night and the next morning they are preaching the good news. At the end of the chapter the apostles are over joyed because they found themselves worthy to be dishonored in the name of Christ.

1. Why did Ananias and Sapphira die?

2. Why do you think Ananias and Sapphira lie?

3. How would you have felt if you saw these acts in person?

4. Why were the apostles put in jail?

5. What happened in the middle of the night?

6. What was the first thing the apostles did after they broke out of jail?

7. Why do you think the Sadducees were jealous?

8. Have you ever been dishonored because of your faith?

9. How can you become an Acts 1:8 kid?

Acts Ch 4

Acts chapter 4 is full of boldness and courage. Peter and John are arrested. The rulers of the day place them on trial. The rulers try to keep Jesus' apostles from proclaming His name. They all pray for boldness. Everyone begins to share their posessions.
It's a great chapter to remind yourself that non believers are against us and God can take us anywhere.

Questions from Leaders

1. Why did Peter and John get arrested?
2. Who did Peter and John give credit to healing the lame man?
3. How many people came to know Christ after they saw the lame mane healed?
4. Were Peter and John trained? What were they filled with?
5. What power did Peter and John have?
6. What is a cornerstone? Who is the cornerstone they are speaking of?
7. What is the main idea of this chapter?
8. How can we become Acts 1:8 kids?

Acts Ch. 3

This week we will be studying Acts chapter 2. This chapter is an amazing story about a man who has never walked in his life, begging every day for food, or money just to stay alive. Peter and John come across this man on their way to pray. They don't give him food, or money, but they do give him something much better.
Something to remember about this passage is that Peter and John never take credit. They know that it wasn't their power that enabled this man to walk.

1. Who enabled this man to walk?
2. Why did Peter and John heal this man?
3. Why was the crowd filled with awe and amazement?
4. What does Peter do immediately after the people gather?
5. How would you react if someone you knew started walking today.
6. How many people do you think came to Christ that day?
7. With Jesus gone do you think the Apostles are doing a good job?
8. How can you be an Acts 1:8 kid?

Acts Ch. 2

We've been reading Acts chapter 2 over and over this week. We want to be able to discuss all of Acts chapter 2, but we think it would take three weeks or more. We've broken down chapter 2 into two parts kids can understand. First we will read verses 1-4 and then verses 37-47. We hope we have time for it all. 1-4 discusses the coming of the Holy Spirit and 37-47 reveals how to receive the Holy Spirit as well as how the church started to grow. There are other important verses in Acts, but these we feel are the most relevant to children.

1. What did it look/feel like when the Holy Spirit first came?

2. How can you receive the Holy Spirit?

3. What does your church do every week?

4. What did this church do everyday?

5. How can we look like this church?

6. What would Fresno look like if ever church in the valley was an Acts chapter 2 church?

7. How can we be more like Acts 1-1:8 kids?

The new 6th grade leaders met for the first time this year on Monday. Our new leaders are Noah, Jake, Alex, Trent, Tanner, Elijah, Emily, Lauren, and Kelsey. These kids are looking forward to putting in time and effort to make FCA the best this year. They will start reading scripture, analyzing scripture, discussing scripture, coming up with questions for FCA, Reading the passages out loud at FCA, leading children in prayer, planning FCA missions, and inviting and witnessing to other children at Riverview. I'm looking forward to what God will accomplish in them.

Acts Ch. 1

We are reading through the book of Acts this year. All 28 chapters of church history and missionary activity. Because most chapters are long and we only have minutes to read and discuss I will narrow each chapter down to what the leaders and myself feel are most appropriate to young Christians.

In chapter 1, Luke, the author writes the theme to the book. Acts 1:8- But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be My witness in Jerusalem, in all Judea, and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. This theme is key to living a Christian life. We must live like Jesus says and spread the word in Clovis, Fresno, the Central Valley, and all of the world.

For today's lesson we will focus on this verse as well as Jesus ascending into heaven and prayer time with the disciples. We will not focus of the disciples picking the new disciple because Judas is gone. This information is important, but we don't have time to explain everything.

Questions:

1. What is baptism?

2. What is the Holy Spirit? Yea, I know, two knock out punch questions to start!

3. What does Jesus mean when He says it is not for you to know the time?

4. What does Acts 1:8 mean to you?

5. What do you notice happens after they hear this important information from Jesus?

6. What should you do after hearing this important information?

Treats for FCA

If your son or daughter attends FCA on a regular basis please consider bring treats. We have several parents who bring treats on a regular basis which is awesome, but it can get costly. I would appreciate any help with treats. If you can help please e-mail Mrs. Frisby. Her e-mail address is daniellefrisby@gmail.com

Thanks a ton for your help. This year is going to be great. BTW we are reading through the book of Acts this year. Should be exciting!!!

FCA starts September 3rd

Hope to see everyone next Friday at 7:30 in room 22. Hope everyone had a great summer and I'll see you next Friday.

Summer Fun

I hope everyone is having a fantastic summer. I've been reading my Bible everyday, well not an adult Bible, a kid Bible for Jett. He loves to say Oooooowweeoooooowweee when he sees Jesus. Continue to have a great summer.

Car Wash For Christ was a huge success!!!!!!

We washed cars, trucks, bikes, and even a dog. It was a fantastic event. Thank you to everyone who came to support the cause. Here are some pics from the event.

Matthew Chapter 27 and Car Wash For Christ

Today we read Matthew chapter 27. It is a sad chapter, but a very necessary chapter. Jesus dies for our sins. He is the ultimate atonement for our sins. This is the single most important event in history.
Next week we will read about Jesus' Resurrection. We will celebrate the conclusion of Matthew and the end of the FCA school year. Thank you so much for a wonderful year. I hope you grew closer to God through the book of Matthew.
This Saturday is FCA's Car Wash For Christ. It will held at Riverview's parking lot from 9:00 - 12:00. All you need to bring is Towels, Towels, and more Towels. I have everything else. All donations go to families in need in our community.

Yosemite Trip was a BLAST!!!!

We had a great time enjoying God's beautiful creation on an outstanding warm, clear, blue day. Everyone had a great time hiking and experiencing the great outdoors. We all need to thank our fearless leader Luke for leading the way to the top of Mist Trail.

Yosemite Trip

Last Friday was awesome. Lorne Bell was a tremendous speaker. He did a great job and the kids loved him. We will be cheering for Lorne throughout his career.

The trip to Yosemite is still on. Yes it is raining, but it's not snowing near the bottom half of Yosemite. Mist Trails has already seen tons of hikers this season. It's one of the few trails opened in the valley. The weather report on Saturday says NO RAIN and a HIGH of 72. It should be a fun trip.

Please call me or Mrs. Frisby if you plan on coming. Thanks.

Fresno State Athlete Coming to FCA

Lorne Bell, the starting defensive back for Fresno State is coming this Friday to speak at FCA. He's going to share his testimony and what it's like being a Christian in a division #1 sport. Get ready for a great time this Friday. Be ready to ask questions.

Yosemite Trip is ON

After that tiny rain storm last Monday Yosemite is still on. Mist Trails is open today and people are hiking. I'm super excited about the event. Please call Mrs. Frisby and Mr. Alfaro if you plan to come, PLEASE. So we know who is coming.

Matthew 24 and 25

Both chapters are great. Some of chapter 24 wasn't covered because it talks a ton about the end times, and I really don't want to hit that subject with a 10 foot pole. What we did go over was the Parable of the Fig Tree and No One Knows the Hour. We really talked about always being ready. You never know when Jesus will come, but we need to live our lives like He could come at any moment.
Chapter 25 is a great chapter with fantastic parables. We are going over the Parable of the Talents and the Sheep and the Goats. These are great parables. The parable of the 10 Virgins is wonderful as well, but we wont have time to learn them all.

Yosemite Trip and Car Wash for Christ

FCA retreat to Yosemite National Park

Saturday, May 29, 2010 at 7:30

We are going to Yosemite for sure this time. Snow or rain we are there!!! We will be leaving from Starbucks at the corner of Chestnut and Perrin/Summerville. We will depart from Starbucks at 7:30 and head up to Yosemite. This trip is intended to be a fun getaway were everyone who loves Christ will be able to take a short hike on Mist Trail and see one of God’s great waterfalls. Everyone is invited. The weekend of the trip is Memorial Day, so there will be tons of people in Yosemite. It will be packed, but full of fun. Please pack a lunch and water. The hike is 1.4 miles round trip. There is a bathroom stop in the middle of the hike. I’ve seen 80 year olds do this hike, it’s not tough, and you will be fine. I want to know who can make the trip. Please call Mrs. Frisby, or Mr. Alfaro if you can make the trip. This was we can carpool and be better prepared for the trip. I believe it costs $20 a car to enter Yosemite. After the hike we will ride the bus to the Ahwahnee Hotel and enjoy the scenery. Again please call when you know you can make this awesome trip.

Leader: Mrs. Frisby’s Co-Leader: Mr. Alfaro’s

Ask Mr. Alfaro for telephone #'s

FCA Car Wash for Christ

Saturday, June 5, 2010

FCA is washing cars at our 3^rd annual Carwash for Christ. Every year we do this carwash to help families in our community. All of the money donated to washing cars goes back to families in need. We have raised money in the past for Bible, food, families without Christmas, and schools in need. Please join us in this great cause. We would ask that each student bring a towel, or two, or three. We have plenty of buckets and soap. We just need volunteers to have fun and get wet.

Hope to see you at both events!!!!!!!!!!!

Yosemite Trip and Carwash for Christ

I just visited the Yosemite National Park webpage and Mist Trail is opened. There is plenty of snow all around and it's still cold. I think it would be best if we posponed the trip to the end of May. I'm thinking May 22 or May 29.

Also, the we need to plan the Carwash for Christ. This year our donations will go to families in need throughout the next school year. This way we can provide for families during Christmas and anyone at school in need during the year. I'm thinking the carwash can be June 5th. I will discuss both matters with the FCA team.

If you have any input on both matters please e-mail. You can look up my e-mail address at the school website. Thanks

Matthew Chapter 21

This is a great chapter filled with interesting information. Jesus riding into Jerusalem, Jesus cleaning the Temple, Jesus showing the disciple what kind of faith they should have, the parable of the two sons, and the parable of the vineyard owner. We focused on the Jesus' entrance and the parable of the two sons.

Here are some questions the FCA team came up with

1. Why did Jesus ride in on a donkey and not a huge horse?
2. Why did the people lay down branches?
3. What does Hosanna mean?
4. Why was Jesus speaking to the people in the Temple with anger and not peace?
5. Why did Jesus call his temple, "A House of Prayer"
6. Why do the children cheer Jesus?
7. Why did the blind and lame come to see Jesus?
8. What does it mean to do someones will?
9. What does it mean to do God's will?
10. What was the difference between the two brothers?

Matthew Chapter19 and 20

SOOOOOO sorry I haven't posted in a few weeks. It's been a little rough lately. Chapter 19 was a great chapter. We talked about the blessings of children and the responsibility of being wealthy.
We really focused on Matthew Ch. 19:16-22. We talked about how wealthy we are in the USA and how we are suppose to use our resources to help others. We talk about how everyone with a roof over their head, 20 dollars in their pocket, and a full belly are 90% richer than the entire world. That really stunned some people.
It's says that it's easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God. When reading this it made everyone uneasy. But the best line was yet to come.
"With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." We must remember that with God anything is possible.

On Matthew chapter 20 we broke FCA into 6 groups. The early morning group, the 9, the 12, the 3, the 5, and the late evening. These groups modeled the different times the vineyard owner went out to find workers for his field. We talked about how some groups were unhappy because they worked all day. Some groups were really happy because they barely worked at all and they received the same pay as the workers who worked all day. Some felt bad for both sides.
The whole parable is about our Father who searches for his children daily. We all get our reward in the end. No matter if we ask Christ into our hearts and follow Him wholeheartedly throughout our lives, or we ask Christ to be our savior seconds before our death bed. We all get the reward.

Matthew Chapter 18:1-6

Today we are reviewing Matthew Chapter 18. Just the beginning of the chapter. The majority of the chapter is very very very important, but I think the context is a little much for elementary students. It's very important, but I suggest Dad's and Mom's read through these verses with their kids. They are important.
Today we are going to talk about having faith like a child. Read Matthew Chapter 18:1-6

1. How do Book Buddies act when you read to them?
2. What kind of qualities do children have?
3. When you were a kid, who did you look up to? If they said something to you did you believe it?
4. How are we suppose to act when we read the Bible?
5. Who is the greatest in Heaven? Beside God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit?
6. What is the difference between Childish and child like?
7. How can you become more childlike?

Have a great Easter Break!!!!

FCA T-shirts

The New FCA t-shirts are coming. Money is due next Friday, March 26. You don't have to have an order form. Just send a check or money with the size you want to order. Cost is $17.00 even and we make sizes Youth Medium-to- Adult XXL. Hope you will order this new awesome FCA t-shirt.

Matthew Chapter 17

We are going to focus on verses 14-23 this week. These verses deal with faith and how we must have faith throughout every circumstance in life. So far the book of Matthew has shown us how faithless we can be and much faith we really need. These verses also show us how Jesus can have a temper because of our little faith. I hope this chapter encourages you to trust in the Lord with all your heart.

1. Why does Jesus compare the faith of the ideal disciple to a mustard seed, something so small, but very powerful?
2. What is prayer and fasting?
3. Why must you pray and fast to show and grow your faith in Christ?
4. How can we have more faith in Christ?
5. How can we fall deeper in love with God?

Matthew Chapter 16:24-28

This is a summary/thought straight from a 6th grade FCA leader. It's quite impressive...

You must do what God wants rather than what you want, give your life up for God, and believe and follow Him. You must do this not to save your life, but to be wholeheartedly committed to God. Your life will be meaningless if you do not give it up to God. You will be rewarded in Heaven if you do this.
Questions:
1. What might keep you from giving up your life to God?
2. Why is it important to die for God?
3. Why should you want to use God to save your life?
4. Why is it hard to deny yourself?
5. If you follow Jesus why must you lose your life to save it?

What you have read are direct quotes from a 6th grader. I think she gets it. :)

Yosemite Trip Postponed until Late April Early May

Sorry FCA, I wasn't thinking about all the recent snow fall in Yosemite. As of today the trail conditions aren't hike able. They could be opened by March 27th, but I don't want to take the chance of it still being closed, especially since we still might receive some more snow this year. We will postpone the trip to a later date in April or early May. This way the trail will definitely be open, the waterfall will be flowing with large amounts of water, and the weather will be much warmer. Again, I'm so sorry to get your hopes up, but we will hike in Yosemite later in the year. Please tell a friend about this information.

NEW FCA T-SHIRT

This is what the new t-shirts are going to look like. They will be grey dry fit, with red and white lettering. The shirts will cost between 17 and 18 dollars. We are not sure about price because of taxes. Cash would be great, but a check is fine. Please make the checks payable to Danielle Frisby. Again cash is prefered. And Donations are greatly appreciated. We would love to have everyone wearing new FCA t-shirts.

No FCA March 5

No FCA on March 5th due to Muffins With Mom. See you next Friday. I'm hoping we will have a Fresno State Athlete. :)

Yosemite Trip

Where: Yosemite
Date: March 27, 2010
Time: Meet at Starbucks at corner of Summerville and Perrin at 7:00am
Who: Everyone is invited
Why: Climb Vernal Falls, 3 mile hike, Bible Study and Prayer at top
I would like to car pool as much as possible. If anyone can drive multiple kids please e-mail or call me. Again everyone is welcome to come, not just FCA families. We are planning to leave Fresno by 7:15, quick stop in Oakhurst for bathrooms or food, and then Yosemite. I believe it costs $20.00 per car to get into Yosemite. Once in Yosemite we will park near the Vernal Fall Bus stop. I think it's call Curry Village. Take the bus to the bottom of Mist Trail. Hike to the top were we will eat lunch, pray, and have a Bible study. After the hike we will take the bus to the Ahwahnee Hotel. There we will relax before heading home. We should be home by 6:00 at night, or sooner. Please contact me with any questions.
Danielle Frisby: daniellefrisby@comcast.net thanks

Matthew Chapter 16

Today's Lesson was on Peter's Conversation with Jesus. (Matthew Ch.16 13-23). Please read it again. Here are some questions.

1. What does Jesus call Peter? Why is this important?
2. What do we build our foundations on? What do we not build our foundations on?
3. What does Peter tell Jesus that makes Him upset?
4. What does Jesus call Peter after this conversation?
5. Why do you think Jesus was so passionate and blunt towards Peter?
6. Do we sometimes think we know what to do, what is right, how to live?

Remember NO FCA next Friday. Tell everyone.

Up and Coming Trip to Yosemite!!!!!!

We are taking a trip to Yosemite National Park this March 27th. We will meet at Starbucks located on the corner of Chestnut and Perrin. Mrs. Frisby is the organizer of this event. She is going to send out fliers next Friday after FCA. The flier will have more details. F.Y.I. this trip is for everyone, moms, dads, brothers, sisters, friends, anyone with a heart beat. We will be climbing Vernal Falls/ Mist Trails. It is an easy to medium 3 mile round trip hike. If you are worried about making the hike you can stop halfway at the waterfall bridge. It's an amazing view. If you can climb semi large steps we will have a small Bible study, prayer time, and lunch at the top of the falls. We WILL NOT be swimming. You will freeze your face off. You will get wet due to the MIST coming off the falls. Most people on the trial will wear a poncho near the end of the trail. It's going to be amazing. This is where I first said, "I love you!" to my wife and were I proposed to her. It's going to be amazing... really.

Matthew Chapter 15

In this chapter we skip a few verses. We head into the meat and potatoes of the chapter. We start at verse 10 through 20, then move to verse 30 to 39. Here are the questions for chapter 15.

1. What does it mean to defile?

2. It's not what we eat but what we say that can defile a man. What does that mean?

3. Let the blind lead the blind, and fall into a pit. What does this mean?

4. Where does defilement start? Hint... it's not the mouth.

5. What is the heart capable of?

6. Just a chapter ago Jesus feed 5000+++, now Jesus feeds 4000+++. What did the do AGAIN?

7. Not a question, but man... we can forget really fast how faithful and amazing Jesus is.

Matthew Chapter 14

We are going to focus on Jesus feeding the people, Jesus walking on water, and Jesus healing the people of Gennesaret. I believe this chapter has a lot to do with faith. How much faith we have in Jesus, and how much faith we have in his power. Peter asks to walk on water. Some might say that is crazy, but Peter had enough faith to believe that Jesus could guide him. I'm hoping every ones faith will increase after today's message. "Who will ask to walk on water?"

1. What do the disciples what to do with the crowd?

2. What do you think the disciples think they were going to have to do to feed the 5000 +++?

3. Did the disciples have faith in Christ? At the moment of the feeding.

4. What do you think the disciples learned after the feeding?

5. What do you think Jesus prayed about all alone on the mountain?

6. What would you have done if you saw someone walking on water?

7. What happens to Peters faith when rough times come upon him?

8. Would you step outside the boat?

9. Would you have sunk?

10. When is the last time you have asked God for a miracle?

11. Have you begun to doubt Him?

12. How can we gain faith in Christ?