This fall, Sonlight is going to Wise Up and learn more about wisdom from God and how to apply it to their lives. The kids will hear four different Proverbs; Proverbs 1:5a, 13:4, 12:26, and 23:19, which will guide them in how they should make decisions. They’ll learn that through God and His Word, they can learn to make wise choices that are pleasing to Him.

Using Bible stories, games, videos and fun activities, the kids will discover new ways to become wise decision makers. They will travel together to Springside School and hear from various staff members, like Mr. Wright, Coach Couch, Mrs. Wise, and Chef Cook. They’ll teach the children how to gain the wisdom they need to live for God. The kids will also hear real-life examples and stories from the Bible of people making wise choices.

Our hope is that Sonlight kids will gain Godly wisdom to apply to their lives. They’ll hopefully learn how to work hard without giving up, choose the right types of friends, be good examples to their classmates/peers, and be watchful of what they say and do.

We can’t wait to “Wise Up” with the kids in Sonlight, this fall!

HELPING CHILDREN BE WISE DECISION MAKERS BY: BONNIE SWANSON

Club 56 is getting ready for another amazing school year! We will explore several teaching series: The Big 3, The Real Me, Nuts & Bolts, and a Christmas series called Adore. Our Extreme Fall Party will be on October 6 and the Extreme Christmas Party on December 1.

Sonlight has some exciting news to share. We would like to welcome our new Pastor of C56, Leslie Lentz. Leslie has been married to her husband, Justin, for almost 15 years. They have two kids, Jakob is (11) and Olivia is (9).

Five years ago, Leslie felt God calling her into ministry. After a lot of prayer, she and her husband felt God calling them to move to Alberta, Canada for Leslie to get her degree. Leslie and her family were so blessed by attending an amazing school, Canadian Southern Baptist Seminary and College. During her last year of school, Leslie and her family felt God calling them back to Indiana.

Leslie has been working in Student Ministries for the past year. She has really enjoyed her time in Student Ministries, however, she is excited to make the move to Sonlight and Club 56.

for

As my boys walked out the door each day my parting shot to them was always, “make good choices.”

It is a world where I would no longer be monitoring or guiding their choices. They were on their own, making their own choices. As ado-lescents grow to be independent, parents have to trust that they have laid a good decision-making foundation.

Learning to make good decisions doesn’t just happen over night; it starts early. Childhood is where kids gain a baseline of experience and perspective in decision-making. One of our roles as parents is to coach our children through the process of how to make good and healthy decisions.

Decisions are made all day, every day. Here are some ways to be intentional about setting a good foundation.

Younger children:• Be intentional with giving simple daily choices. “Do you want

to wear your red dress or green pants today? Would you like to watch a movie or read a book?”

• Keep choices to 2-3 options.• Ask the question: Is what you are doing helpful or hurtful?• Process potential situations with “what if….” questions.

For example: What would happen if someone never shared his or her toys? How do you think the other children would feel? What if someone never brushed his or her teeth?

Older children: • Help them process decisions by asking questions. Here are a

few suggestions. Tell me why you want that? What are some of your options? How does this decision affect others?What would you do different next time?Does God’s Word help us understand what you should do?

All ages: • After giving choices, allow the natural and logical consequences

to take place. Don’t always bail your children out. Let them experience the consequences of their actions without condemning or criticizing.

• Process making choices out loud with your child. “So if we go to the park, it means that we will not be able to go to the library.Are you okay with that decision?”

• Allow them to observe you work through your own tough decisions. For example: “I really would like to buy this pair of shoes. But if I do, I won’t be able to buy the dress. I will get more use out of the dress, so I am going to have to say ‘no’ to the shoes.”

As parents, our hope is to raise independent, confident, wise decision- makers. Long before you send your children out on their own in the world, you have influence on their decision-making skills. Have fun and embrace this time of influence.

Suggested family memory verse: If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. James 1:5a (NLT)

Bonnie and her husband, Scott, are parents to three boys and two wonderful daughter-in-laws. Bonnie is the Director of Adult Ministries at Warsaw Community Church.

September 10: Fall programming begins in Sonlight. All school-year

volunteers return.

October 6: C56 Extreme Fall Party, 6-9:30pm

October 10: Parent/Child Dedication Class

(pre-registration required)

October 13: 4th Grade Small Group Excursion-

Scavenger Hunt, 6-9pm

October 22: Parent/Child Dedication (during services)

Nov. 2, 9, 16, 30: Girls Night Out for C56 girls

November 12: PJ’s and Bibles for CCS

December 1: C56 Extreme Christmas Party, 6-9:30pm

December 9: 4th Grade Small Group Excursion-Swimming Party

at the YMCA, 1-3pm

December 17: PJ’s and Bibles for CCS ends

December 31: No Church Services

This fall, Sonlight is excited to partner with Fellowship Missions in serving kids who unexpectantly find themselves living in a homeless shelter. This is Sonlight’s first offering project with the shelter, and Brooke Lane, Children’s Program Coordinator at Fellowship Missions. Brooke has a tremendous heart for children, and has served in Sonlight as a longtime volunteer in the Special Friends program.

Sonlight is raising money for Fellowship Mission’s program “Kids Day Out”, so that kids can get out of the shelter for a day, and participate in fun activities. Our goal is to provide $1,000 for this program.

Fellowship Missions provides emergency shelter and transitional housing for the homeless in our community. They provide weekly Bible studies and mentoring to teach Biblical basics and life principles for residents to use as the foundation of their life. The shelter’s hope is to help people rebuild their lives and become self-sufficient members in our community.

For more information on the children’s program at Fellowship Missions, please contact: blane@fellowshipmissions.net.

pleasing to Him.

making wise choices.

October 6 and the Extreme Christmas Party on December 1.

Two paper bags

A few small rocks

Marshmallows or other small treats