My son, keep your father’s commandment, and forsake not your mother’s teaching. Bind them on your heart always; tie them around your neck.
Author:
- Various
Date Given:
January 31, 2012 Bethlehem Baptist Church
Family Discipleship Department
February 2012 News & Calendar
Vol. 7 No. 2
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Fighter Verses, Set 2:
Start memorizing the verse on this date:
February 5 Psalm 103:5–7
February 12 Psalm 103:8–10
February 19 Psalm 103:11–14
February 26 Psalm 103:15–16
Fighter Verses
Visit the new www.fighterverses.com to find tips for memorizing the Bethlehem Fighter Verses.
Fighter Verse Resource Information
Downtown or South Site, contact Betty Dodge (612-338-7653 x490); North families, contact Ruth Gulbranson (612-455-0800 x808).
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Shaping Right Thinking through Memorization
Sally Michael, Minister for Resources and Program Development
And he said to him, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. —Matthew 22:37
With “all your mind”? Deuteronomy 6:5 tells us to love God with all our heart, soul and “might.” This makes sense to me…but “mind”? There was a time when I didn’t understand this—loving God with our minds. But then I considered these thoughts:
• Right thinking about God leads to right affections for God.
• How you think about God greatly affects the trust you have in Him.
Over and over the Bible points to the way that we think being a great influence on the affections we have:
Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.—Colossians 3:2 For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.—Romans 8:6
The way we think shapes the decisions we make and the actions we take:
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.—Romans 12:2
Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.—Philippians 2:5-7
And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done.—Romans 1:28
All of these texts and more indicate how important it is to feed our minds with truth—to fill our minds with scripture, to dwell on truth, to inform our decisions with right thinking, to fuel our heart desires with good and pure understanding. The way we think influences who we are and who we will become.
So how do Christian parents fuel the mind with the truth about God and godly wisdom? The obvious answer of course is through Bible reading and sound teaching and preaching about God. Beyond that, we have seen in our church, the powerful influence of memorizing scripture. All of these should be our primary avenues for shaping the thinking of our children.
But in addition, I would like to challenge you with the power of the memorization of good thoughts. Memorization is a lost art—seen as out of vogue in progressive education. Yet, it is precisely this method of recitation and memorization that has educated each generation for centuries.
Consider this quote: “Memorizing facts is a tried-and-true method of processing information.”1 Why is this true? I think an important reason is that what we memorize becomes that which we dwell on—what our minds return to time and again, examining it from different angles, applying it in life situations, proving it true in different circumstances, informing our decision-making—in short molding our worldview.
Therefore, what a blessing it is to our children (most of whom memorize very easily) to commit much godly wisdom to memory. I would commend to you an aggressive memory program for your children—primarily memorization of the Bible, but in addition to that, catechism, hymns, and poems. What affect might it have on your children to memorize godly thoughts like these:
Question 22 of the Baptist Catechism:2
Q. What is the misery of that estate whereinto man fell?
A. All mankind by their fall lost communion with God (Genesis 3:8, 10, 24), are under his wrath and curse
(Ephesians 2:2, 3; Galatians 3:10), and so made liable to all miseries in this life, to death itself, and to the pains of
hell for ever (Lamentations 3:39; Romans 6:23; Matthew 25:41, 46).
(Note: When my granddaughter memorized, pondered and discussed this at age 6 it brought her to tears.)
God Moves in a Mysterious Way by William Cowper3
1. God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps in the sea
And rides upon the storm.
2. Deep in unfathomable mines
Of never failing skill
He treasures up His bright designs
And works His sovereign will.
3. Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take;
The clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy and shall break
In blessings on your head.
4. Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
But trust Him for His grace;
Behind a frowning providence
He hides a smiling face.
5. His purposes will ripen fast,
Unfolding every hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste,
But sweet will be the flower.
6. Blind unbelief is sure to err
And scan His work in vain;
God is His own interpreter,
And He will make it plain.
Come Thy Soul, Thy Suit Prepare by John Newton4
Thou art coming to a King,
Large petitions with thee bring;
For His grace and power are such,
None can ever ask too much;
None can ever ask too much.
Run John, Run5
Run, John, run, the law commands
But gives us neither feet nor hands,
Far better news the gospel brings:
It bids us fly and gives us wings.
Little Things by Julia Carney6
Little drops of water,
Little grains of sand,
Make the might ocean
And the beauteous land.
And the little moments,
Humble though they be,
Make the mighty ages
Of eternity.
So our little errors
Lead the soul away,
From the paths of virtue
Into sin to stray.
Little deeds of kindness,
Little words of love,
Make our earth an Eden,
Like the heaven above.
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1 http://www.city-journal.org/html/14_3_defense_memorization.html
2 Text found at: http://founders.org/library/pcat.html
A great resource to aid in the memorization of the Baptist Catechism is the musical CD: The Baptist Catechism Set to Music by Scott Orrick. http://www.founderspress.com/shop/store.php?crn=209&rn=379&action=show_d...
3 Tune can be found at: http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/g/m/gmovesmw.htm
4 Full text can be found at: http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/thou-art-coming-to-a-king
5 Commonly attributed to John Bunyan but not verified.
6 http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/little-things-23/
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UPCOMING EVENTS
FEBRUARY 2012
1 Wed, Special Connection with Doug Wilson (Downtown) & William Farley (North)
3–5 Fri –Sun, Winter Retreat (for 7-12 Grade Students)
10–12 Fri–Sun, Marriage Retreat
18, 19 Sat, Sun, Child Dedication Services
19 Sun, Union Gospel Mission Outreach
MARCH 2012
11 Sun, Daylight Savings Begins
16, 17 Fri, Sat Youth Baptism Classes, Parts 1 & 2, Downtown
18, Sun, Union Gospel Mission Outreach
23, 24 Fri, Sat, Youth Baptism Classes, Parts 1 & 2, North
24 Sat, Sr High Fathers’ Prayer Breakfast, Downtown
30, 31 Fri, Sat, Youth Baptism Classes, Parts 1 & 2, South
31 Sat, Foundation Builders 1 (Child Dedication Class), Downtown
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SPECIAL CONNECTION EVENT – WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1
Guest Speakers – DOUG WILSON & WILLIAM FARLEY
Wednesday, February 1 – 6:15pm (speakers begin at 6:50pm)
Live at the DOWNTOWN CAMPUS - DOUG WILSON speaking on "The Father Factor"
Live at the NORTH CAMPUS - WILLIAM FARLEY speaking on "Gospel-Powered Parenting"
This is your opportunity to hear two of the leading voices for biblical parenting within the home and the church.
William Farley is pastor of Grace Christian Fellowship in Spokane, Washington. He has authored several books (Gospel-Powered Parenting, Gospel-Powered Humility, and Outrageous Mercy) and written many articles, some appearing in Discipleship Journal, Enrichment Journal, and Focus on the Family Magazine.
Doug Wilson is pastor of Christ Church in Moscow, Idaho. He has authored more than 35 books (Indispensable Dad: Why God Calls Men to Love and Lead Their Families, Reforming Marriage, and Future Men to name just a few) and has been a past speaker at Desiring God conferences.
Please plan to come early as we expect greater numbers than usual. Adult classes have been suspended for this evening, in hopes you will attend this special event. For more information contact Betty Dodge (612-338-7653 x490).
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Education Options Seminar Cancelled
We have cancelled our February 4th Educational Options Seminar in the hopes that we will run the seminar in the spring of 2013. Click here to listen to audio from a previous seminar or contact Angela Shambro (612-338-7653, x 496) with any questions.
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CONGRATULATIONS TO EAGLE SCOUTS ZACH BERRY AND BEN WITT!
Zach Berry and Ben Witt have achieved scouting’s highest honor and rank of Eagle Scout. Zach and Ben are members of the Bethlehem North Campus Scout Troop 9871 and will be recognized at a special Eagle Scout Court of Honor on February 20. These young men, along with President Gerald Ford and Astronaut Neil Armstrong, are among the fewer than 5% of men who attain Eagle Scout. Congratulations, Zach and Ben!
If you are interested in Cub Scouts or Boy Scouts to start your journey to the rank of Eagle Scout, contact Betty Dodge (612-338-7653 x490) for more information on our Downtown and North Campus Troops.
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Satisfied in the Word: Bible Reading Journal, Year 3
Now Available
Copies are $7.00 each. Click the link for more details and a sample.
To purchase a copy, see your young adult leader on your campus or contact Emily Weller., (612-338-7653, x 484).
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Parents Learning Together, February Update
Each campus uses different materials related to parenting. If you would like to know what they are covering in February, see the information below. New attenders are always welcome.
Downtown–Room 318; Wednesdays, 6:50pm
Leaders: Dick and Julie Dahl
Topics and Materials: Using primarily Paul Tripp’s Shepherding a Child’s Heart and John Rosemond’s Parenting by the Book, we will focus on obedience and various consequences of children’s behavior.
North–D504; Sundays, 10:45am
Leaders: Vince and Kathy Johnson; Tim and Gretchen Held
Topics and Materials: We will be reading through Rick Horne’s Get Outta My Face! How to Reach Angry, Unmotivated Teens with Biblical Counsel, considering the reasons why they have a problem, the key to solving their problem, and how we can build a bridge to young adults.
South–Choir Room A133; Sundays, 10:45am
Leaders: Brian and Cindy Eaton; Chris and Barb Johnson
Topics and Materials: Going through Paul Tripp’s Getting to the Heart of Parenting to learn how to be an instrument of heart changing grace in the little moments of life that God will give you with your children, whether they are toddlers or teens.
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Union Gospel Mission (UGM) Outreach
3rd Sunday of the month, 3:30pm (meet at Downtown Campus Kitchen to prepare food)
4:15pm (depart Downtown Campus for UGM in St Paul)
Next Meeting: February 19
Young adults, youth, and their parents are invited to join us for outreach of sharing food, friendly conversation, and the gospel to clients at UGM. Note: Must wear closed-toed shoes and socks to help prepare food. For more information contact Emily Weller (612-338-7653 x484).
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PARENTS: please make sure your children do not play on the check-in kiosk computers – technical problems have arisen from this kind of tampering. Thank you!
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Volunteer Help Needed
Kiosk Check-In
• Prior to each service
• Flexible scheduling
• 30 –45 minutes per scheduled time
Contact Amy Katterson to learn more.
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READ ON . . .
Featured parenting resources recommended by Sally Michael, Minister for Resources and Program Development:
Don’t adopt!
What?
Adoption is a wonderful example of God sovereignly bringing children into Christian families so they can hear of the love of God and come to saving faith. It is also often painful and requires dying to self. This is the topic of Russ Moore’s article, Don’t Adopt:
If you want your “dream baby,” do not adopt or foster a child: buy a cat and make-believe… Adoption is about taking on
risk as cross-bearing love.
To read the full article, go to: Russell Moore Article.
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SAVE THE DATE
Baccalaureate Service and Open House for Bethlehem graduating seniors
Friday, June 8, 2012, 7pm
Downtown Campus
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Family Discipleship Staff: 612-338-7653
Ministry Staff- Pastors, Ministers, & Interns
Bud Burk, Pastor for Child & Youth Discipleship, Downtown & South
Ben Collins, Intern for Youth Discipleship, North
Aaron Davitch, Director for Adult Ministries and Child/Youth Discipleship, South
Ian Gerstl, Intern for Disability Ministry, North
Joyce Heinrich, Minister for Early Childhood
Lance Kramer, Intern for Young Adult Discipleship, North
Jeff Lacine, Coordinator for Young Adult Discipleship, South
Gil McConnell, Pastor for Child & Youth Discipleship, North
David Michael, Pastor for Parenting & Family Discipleship
Sally Michael, Minister for Resources and Program Development
Jon Nowlin, Pastor for Young Adult (Senior High) Discipleship, North
Kempton Turner, Pastor for Young Adult (Senior High) Discipleship, Downtown
Daniel Viezbicke, Intern for Young Adult Discipleship, Downtown
Ministry Staff-Coordinators
Lisa Burk, Coordinator for Early Childhood, Downtown
Betty Dodge, Coordinator for Family Life
Brenda Fischer, Coordinator for Disability Ministry
Connie Oman, Coordinator for Training & Classroom Support
Carmen Tomaszewski, Coordinator for Early Childhood, North
Bonnie Williams, Coordinator for Early Childhood, South
Ministry Support Staff
Ruth Chavis, Ministry Assistant for Family Discipleship, South
Kevin Dau, Ministry Assistant for Family Discipleship
Ruth Gulbranson, Ministry Assistant for Family Discipleship, North
Lori Myers, Family Discipleship Administrator
Julie Norris, Ministry Assistant for Family Discipleship
Suzy Plocher, Ministry Assistant for Family Discipleship
Angela Shambro, Ministry Assistant for Family Discipleship, Early Childhood
Emily Weller, Ministry Assistant for Family Discipleship, Sr. High (Young Adults)
Childcare Coordinators
Valencia Day, Sunday Worship Downtown
Tiffany Dykstra, Bible Studies Downtown
Yvette Hatch, Saturday Worship Downtown
Susan Lundquist, Wednesday Connection South
Amanda McAlpine, Wednesday Connection, Sunday Night Service, Downtown
Claire Olson, Saturday Worship North
Jessica Pluim, Sunday Worship North
Kari Raia, Sunday Worship Downtown
Maggie Sporleder, MOMS & Bible Studies North
Kathy Stokes, MOMS Downtown
Brenda Stoltz, Bible Studies South
Carmen Tomaszewski, Sunday Worship North, Coordinator for Early Childhood, North
Sarah Vogel, Sunday Worship South
Bonnie Williams, Sunday Worship South, Coordinator for Early Childhood, MOMS South
Karleen Witt, Wednesday Connection North