Kick off weekend of our New Children's Auditorium

Our new Children's Auditorium is in the making!

 

We are so excited to offer this new space for your K-5th graders to discover God in a safe and fun place through Large Group Worship and Teaching and also through engaging and intentional Small Groups!

 

Be sure to invite a family to join us as we launch this weekend!

Parent Cue App

We are excited to announce a brand new way to help your kids discover God WITH YOU throughout the week! The daily devotionals, prayers and activities are all based on what your kiddos learned that previous weekend and to help prepare them for what they will be discovering in the upcoming weekend. For just a one time $1.99 download fee, you will be set up for success to easily reach your kids! So parents, be encouraged and empowered because now you are better equipped to help your kids love God between weekends!

The Effects of Pornography on Children

 

Online pornography has reached epidemic levels in our culture.

• 40% of adults regularly visit porn sites. 
• 69% of men ages 18 to 26 regularly visit porn sites.
• 30% of porn consumers are women. 
• Hollywood produces around 400 films a year.  The adult film industry produces more than 11,000.
• 47% of believers struggle with pornography.
• 40% of pastors struggle with pornography.

Children are also being harmed by the deceit.

• The average age children are exposed to pornography is 11 years old. 
• It normally happens online while they are doing homework.
• 90% of 8 to 16-year-olds have been to a porn site.
• According to a global survey of 19,000 parents, children as young as 6 are accessing porn.
• The largest group of porn users is 12 to 17-year-olds.

Pornography has serious effects on children.

One expert says, "There is evidence that the prevalence of pornography in the lives of children is far more significant than most adults realize.  Pornography is deforming the healthy development of children and is being used to exploit adolescents."

A study of teenagers found that boys who viewed pornography were significantly more likely  to sexually harass a peer or force someone to have sex.

In one study, 29 of 30 juvenile sex offenders had been exposed to X-rated magazines or videos.

In a study of arrested child pornography possessors, 40% were found to have sexually victimized children.  Children pornography has now become a $3 billion annual industry.

Approximately 30 million children have been sexually exploited in the last 30 years.  The average age of a trafficked victim is 12-14 years old.

As Children's Ministry Leaders, we must be proactive in helping parents protect their children from the onslaught.

This is a serious issue that goes beyond the stats and damages real families that are part of our ministries.  I've had several parents come to me heartbroken because they found their child viewing pornography.

What can we do?

Adults must lead the way in living a life that is pleasing to God.  Fathers especially must be the example and be committed to purity and holiness.

We must equip parents with tools they can use to protect their children.  We want to provide a list of internet safety filters and teach them to set parameters such as no computer in the child's room, keeping the computer in a public place in the house, setting safety apps and measures on smart phones, etc.

Encourage parents to create a home environment where their children feel comfortable coming to them with questions and discussions about sex.  This will help children get their answers from them instead of media, friends at school, etc. 

We must provide parents with tools to teach their children God's plan for sex.  When the child reaches an appropriate age, parents must have the confidence to instruct their children by using tools like Passport to Purity. 

Sex is part of God's plan for the marriage relationship and is a good thing inside His parameters.  The evil one, as usual, has tried to take something good and pervert it.  When parents teach their kids God's plan, they will be able to recognize the counterfeits of the enemy.

Is a child ready to begin a relationship with Jesus? What about being baptized?

 

One of the most exciting times for a parent is when their child starts asking questions about beginning a relationship with Jesus.

It can also be a challenging time as parents try to decide if their child is really ready to make this decision or not.  And many times they will come to you for help.

They will ask questions like...
"How old should my child be to make this decision?"
"How do I know if my child is ready or not?"
"Should I let them pray the prayer of salvation or have them wait?"

So how do you tell if a child is ready to begin a relationship with Jesus?  Here are 3 indicators I tell parents to watch for.

#1 - The child knows what sin is. 
Before a child (or anyone) can enter a relationship with Jesus, they must understand why they need a relationship with Jesus.  They must understand what sin is and that they have sinned.  If a child doesn't understand this, then they are not ready to step across the line of faith.

#2 - The child initiates the conversation on a regular basis. 
If a child continues to initiate conversations about accepting Jesus, then that is a good sign that God is working in the child's life.  The Holy Spirit convicts and draws people...including kids.  There is no "Jr. Holy Spirit."

#3 - The child knows they "need" to do this vs. the child "wanting" to do this. 
There is a difference.  There is a difference between "I want to do this because my friends are" or "I want to do this because it's fun" and "I need to make this decision" or " I need to do this because I want Jesus in my life."

 

 

How do you know if your child is ready to be baptized?

 

#1 - Understand WHY we get baptized.

People of all ages need to understand that at Freedom, we do not believe that it's the act of being baptized in water that "makes" you saved. What makes you saved is the prayer of asking Jesus in your heart and confessing it with your mouth. Baptism is following Jesus' example and publically showing everyone of the commitment that has been made to live a life for Him. It's accountability and a chance to shine your light and tell your story of how God has changed you and how you want to live a life for Him.

 

 

 

Our next baptisms at Freedom are coming up the weekend after Easter, April 26/27 during all services. If your child has accepted Jesus in their heart and understands what baptism is and you feel like now is a good time, than come see Pastor Tiffany for more information or email her at tiffany@freedom-church.org or call into the office 765-482-7220.

 

This year, we are recording videos of those being baptized so everyone can hear and see them telling their story of why they are being baptized. We are recording these videos immediately following each service through Easter weekend. You will need to choose which service you or your child is going to be baptized (offered during all 4 services). We will be giving you a shirt to be baptized in on that day and ask that you bring a towel and extra change of clothes. Also, don't forget to INVITE family and friends to join you for this special day!

 

We love seeing how God is changing your kid's lives.. THANK YOU for allowing us to partner with you to make Jesus irresistible to kids!

 

-Pastor Tiffany

COMING SOON: Children's Auditorium

We are so very excited to make another amazing change to the Greenhouse to prepare for growth and to better help our kids discover God in a safe and fun place!

Take a look at our journey!

When we launched the Greenhouse, we were at the Theater... that was a really fun time! WE HAD CHURCH IN A THEATER! WOW! It was great being able to have a large stage and seating with cup holders but the environment wasn't the greatest to try to hold a lot of our kiddos and try to do small groups and such but we made it work and reached many kids!

 

 

Then it was time for us to move from the Theater into the YMCA for a season. A.... Very.... Long.... Dry.... Season.... HAHA! Really it was only about 10 months but we had to move down from 2 services where families could choose which service worked best for them to come to 1 service where there wasn't any time for people to connect before or after services because it was all GO-GO-GO! Our kids were able to enjoy a space that was open and we had storage we could use and not be 100% portable but it wasn't ideal. And it was a very tiring time for our amazing children's team because they were able to Attend One/Serve One at the Theater and never had to miss a service! But at the YMCA, many of them went a long time without being able to attend a service. But our team rocks and we persevered!

 

 

 

But then... God opened the door for us to move into our incredible new building and I love how he has always sent us into places that were non-traditional and I believe that's how we have reached many of our people because they're comfortable walking into a building that's different. And here we are in a car dealership! WOW! What a plan God had for this place when it was first built... who knew that it would be a place where we could be able to reach hundreds for Christ!

 

It's so nice now being able to offer 4 services, have a permanent space where we aren't mobile, have a kitchen and an inviting space for people to hear about God's love! Now, we just need some bathrooms! (Can I get an AMEN!)

 

Our kids have space (not completely ideal) and we have some storage! With our baby population growing by 32,000 it seems, we are excited for our expansion of the nurseries as soon as we're able to. But we are growing and expecting God to continue blessing us and it's time again to change our area for the kiddos!

 

No, we're not moving out of the building but we are gearing up for our new children's auditorium! We will be converting the lobby into a great worship and large group environment for our K-4th graders! There's lots to do to prep for this exciting change and we would love for you to be a part of it!

 

 

 

For us to prepare for the growth that's coming, we have many opportunities open for you to come in and give serving in the most fun ministry at Freedom a try! Here are the numbers we are believing in that God will bring our way to help us reach these kiddos and help us change lives!

 

 

Worship Team: 6

Production Team: 8

K-2                         Saturday 1: 3                                      Sunday 1: 1

                                Saturday 2: 3                                      Sunday 2: 1

Pre-K                     Saturday 1: 1                                       Sunday 1: 2

                                Saturday 2: 2                                      Sunday 2: 2

Nursery                Saturday 1: 3                                      Sunday 1: 1

                                 Saturday 2: 3                                     Sunday 2: 1

3-4                          Saturday 1: 0                                      Sunday 1: 2

                                Saturday 2: 3                                      Sunday 2: 2





 

 

 

God is doing amazing and exciting things in the Greenhouse and we would love for you to check it out! Its fun and a great way to serve and give back here at Freedom just by building relationships with the kids, gaining their trust, being an example to them as we all grow on our walk with God together, and to help us create a safe and positive environment for them!

 

Pray and ask God how He can use you to reach this next generation and give them the opportunity to discover God in creative ways that maybe you didn't get growing up!

 

Contact Pastor Tiffany Koehler via facebook, by the calling the office 765-482-7220, or by shooting her an email tiffany@freedom-church.org.

 

We're in this together. Let's make a difference!

 

-Pastor Tiffany

EXCITED FOR 2014 IN THE GREENHOUSE! Check it out!

The Greenhouse is a safe and fun place for kids to discover God! Check out what your kiddos will be discovering in 2014! So exciting!!!  

 

 

 

2014 GH Series

January 4 weeks “Choosing God’s Way”

February 4 weeks (Valentine’s Day Feb 14) “True Love” (website)

March 5 weeks “God’s Love through Jesus”

April 4 weeks (Easter 20^th) Easter “Jesus Loves You”

May 4 weeks (Mother’s Day 11^th) (Memorial Day 26^th) “Trust God”

June 5 weeks (Father’s Day 15^th) “Crowns”

July 4 weeks (4^th of July) “Best of the Bible”

August 5 weeks  “Best of the Bible”

September 4 weeks (Labor Day 1^st) “God of the Underdogs”

October 4 weeks (Halloween 31^st) ???

November 5 weeks (Veteran’s Day 11^th) (Thanksgiving 27^th) “Miracles of Jesus” (website)

December 4 weeks (Christmas Eve 24^th) (Christmas Day 25^th) (New Years Eve 31^st) “Birth of Jesus” ‘Jesus is the Reason for the Season’ (website)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

January: Choosing God’s Way

Memory Verse: Your word is a lamp to guide my feet
    and a light for my path. Psalm 119:105

Week 1: Love God Most of All: Adam and Eve Genesis 3 Develop an action plan that helps them obey God   TIL: ‘God wants me to obey Him out of love’ Memory Verse John 14:5

Week 2: Choose Good Friends: Jonathan 1 Sam. 16:14-18:16, 20, 23:15-18 How will they be a good and faithful friend  TIL: ‘God wants me to choose good friends who help me love God’ Memory Verse John 15:12

Week 3: Be Kind and Forgiving: David Spares Saul 1 Sam. 24, 26 Plan to do something nice for someone who has been unkind to them   TIL:‘God wants me to be kind and forgiving to everyone.’ Memory Verse Ephesians 4:32

Week 4: Stand for God: Elijah on Camel 1 Kings 18 How to stand for God even against peer pressure   TIL: ‘God wants me to stand for Him no matter what others do’ Memory Verse Deut. 31:6

February: True Love: (TIL is the title of each week) (website)

Lesson 1 - Love is Patient

In this first lesson, children will discover that godly love means we can wait patiently until His blessings are revealed to us.

Lesson 2 - Love is Kind

In this lesson, children will discover how genuine love that comes from God means we will show kindness to all people, even our enemies.

Lesson 3 - Love is Forgiving

In this lesson, the children will learn how to choose love and forgiveness over getting even, through the Old Testament Bible story of Joseph.

Lesson 4 - Love is Everlasting

In this lesson, the children will learn that true love, the kind that comes from God will last forever, no matter what may come.

March: God’s Love Through Jesus 

Week 1: Bible Story God Gives Us Jesus—Matthew 1:18-25; 3; 4:23-25; Luke 1:11-60; 2: 1- 20
TIL: God’s love is shown in Jesus.  Bible Verse “This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.” –1 John 4:9

Week 2: Bible Story
Jesus Helps a Young Girl and a Sick Woman—Matthew 9:18-26; Mark 5:21-43; Luke 8:40-56  TIL: God’s love is kind and patient. Bible Verse “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.” –1 Corinthians 13:4

Week 3: Bible Story Jesus Cares for a Samaritan Woman  John 4:1-42 TIL: God’s love is for everyone. Bible Verse
“[Love] is not rude, it is not self-seeking” –1 Corinthians 13:5

Week 4: Bible Story Jesus Forgives Zacchaeus Luke 19:1-10 TIL: God’s love is forgiving. Bible Verse “[Love] is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.” –1 Corinthians 13:5-6

Week 5: Bible Story Jesus Lives Forever Mark 14:27—16:20; Luke 22:47—24:53; John 21:15-17 TIL: God’s love never fails. Bible Verse “[Love] always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” –1 Corinthians 13:7-8

April: “Jesus Loves You” (TIL is the title of each message)

1. Even when you’re left out…Jesus Loves You! Luke 17:11-19 Jesus heals 10 lepers

2. Even though you’re different… Jesus Loves You! John 4:1-30 Jesus reaches out to a Samaritan Woman

3. Even though you do wrong… Jesus Loves You! Luke 22:47- 24:12 Jesus dies and comes back to life

4. Even when you don’t understand… Jesus Loves You! John 13:1-17 Jesus Washes the disciples’ feet

May: Trust God (TIL is title of each message) 

Week 1: Bible Point: God is with us, so...trust God! Bible Story: The Israelites cross the Red Sea. (Exodus 14:1–15:21) Key Verse: "God answered, 'I will be with you.' " (Exodus 3:12)

Week 2: Bible Point: God gives us what we need, so...trust God! Bible Story: God provides manna and quail. (Exodus 16) Key Verse: "For your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him!" (Matthew 6:8)

Week 3: Bible Point: God gives us strength, so...trust God! Bible Story: Israel defeats the Amalekites.  (Exodus 17:8-16) Key Verse: "For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength." (Philippians 4:13)

Week 4: Bible Point: God guides us, so...trust God! Bible Story: God gives the Ten Commandments. (Exodus 20) Key Verse: "I will bless the Lord who guides me." (Psalm 16:7)

June: “Crowns” (TIL: I can get a –title of each message)

Memory Verse “Those who look to Him are radiant” psalm 34:5

1. Crown of Victory 1 Cor 9:25 Given to those who work hard for God, not themselves.

2. Crown of Life James 1:12 Given to those who trust God during difficult times of trial.

3. Crown of Rejoicing 1 Thess 2:19 Given to those who tell others about Jesus.

4. Crown of Glory 1 Peter 5:4 Given to those who are humble servant leaders.

5. Crown of Righteousness 2 Tim 4:8 Given to those who are actively preparing for Jesus’ return.

July and August: Best of the Bible (TIL about –then title of message)

Week 1: Noahs Ark

Week 2: Birth of Moses and Moses Parts Red Sea

Week 3: Sacrifice of Isaac

Week 4: Burning Bush

Week 5: Battle of Jericho

Week 6: David and Goliath

Week 7: Shad, Mesh, Abed

Week 8: Daniel and Lions Den

Week 9: Jonah and Whale

September: God of the Underdogs:

1) What is an underdog?, 2) Gideon, 3) David, 4) Paul

TIL: God created me on purpose, for a purpose!

October: ???

November: Miracles of Jesus: (check website) (TIL:Jesus did great things and I can do!)

Week  1 - Water Into Wine In this lesson, children learn that the Lord cares about all of our needs, however seemingly insignificant, when He turns the ordinary into the exceptional for His glory.
Week  2 - The Great Catch Through this lesson children learn that we can accomplish so much more in life when we include God in everything we do. The Holy Spirit, prayer, and Bible reading empower both our physical and spiritual lives.
Week  3 - Jesus Heals a Paralytic Through this lesson, children learn that Jesus is more concerned with our spiritual condition than He is with our physical well being.
Week 4 - Jesus Feeds Five Thousand Through this lesson, children learn that Jesus is able and willing to supply both our physical and spiritual needs. We need to be careful not to waste the blessings the Lord provides and utilize these gifts to the best of our abilities.
Week 5 - Jesus Walks on Water Through this lesson, children will learn that there will be times in life when our faith is tested. Life will not always be easy, and we will need to let our faith in God help keep us afloat during the difficult times in our lives.

 

December: Birth of Christ ‘Jesus is the Reason for the Season’: (Website) (TIL: Jesus is the Reason for the Season!)  

Week 1 - Gabriel Visits Mary After completing this Christmas lesson, children will learn that God has great things in store for all of us as we live lives that are pleasing to Him.
Week 2 - Joseph's Dream This Christmas lesson will teach the children the importance of living a righteous life and how we must always allow God to lead us through the difficult times we will encounter.

Week  3 - Journey to Bethlehem This Christmas lesson will teach the children that although many things have changed throughout the ages one thing has not changed during all of this time. The good news that Jesus came into this world because God loves us.
Week 4 - Visit of the Magi This Christmas lesson teaches children that it is natural and expected to worship Jesus. Wise men and women throughout the ages have made Jesus their Lord and Savior.

How We Know Santa Was Once a Children's Pastor

OK, lets be honest. Santa Claus has a little bit too much in common with a children’s pastor. Coincidence? I don’t think so. It seems clear he use to be a Children’s Pastor. Think about these similarities.

• His office is hard to find.
• He is fashion challenged.
• He assumes any and all snacks he finds are his to eat.
• He has no adult workers.
• He is only seen on rare occasions.
• No one seems to know who he reports to.
• He laughs way too much.
• He is nobody’s definition of a physical specimen.
• He is always trying crazy stunts like climbing down a chimney.
• No one seems to know what he does during the week.
• He does an impossible job with no visible means of support.
• Kids love him.