2010 Summer Theme at a Glance

2010 Summer Theme: Filled With Joy!

"The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy."– Psalm 126:3

Day 1: Joy In Praising (David, Israelites)

Primary Text: Psalm 65:9-13
Key Verses: Verses 12-13 (stewardship of creation)
Do we join Creation in praising God?
Catechism Connection:
First Article: I believe that God created me and all that exists.
Commandments: Love God with all your heart, soul and mind.
Focus Points:

• God's creation and His word reveal His greatness.
• All of Creation sings praises to God.
• Creation speaks without a sound, yet its message goes out to all the earth.
• Because of God's grace, we are free to joyfully praise and worship God.

Bible Text References: Psalm 148; 1 Chronicles 16:7-36, Psalm 19:1-4, Psalm 98:4-9, Psalm 126:3, Exodus 8:1

Day 2: Joy in Obeying (Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego)

Primary Text: Matthew 28:19-20
Key Verses: Verses 16-17 (stewardship of words)
Do we understand the power of words?
Catechism Connection:
Sixth Petition: Lead us not into temptation.
The Apostles Creed: Confession of Faith.
Focus Points:

• Words are powerful in building up and destroying.
• May our words be acceptable to God.
• Use words to teach and counsel each other.
• Joy fills our hearts when we respect and obey God's words and believe God's promises.

Bible Text References: Psalm 19:14, Daniel 3:1-30, Matthew 12:35-37, Ephesians 4:1-3, Proverbs 15:1-18, James 3:2-12

Day 3: Joy in Being Content (Madame Blueberry - Veggie Tales)

Primary Text: Hebrews 13:5-6
Key Verse: Verse 5 (stewardship of stuff)
Are we content with the possessions we have?
Catechism Connection:
First Article: I believe that God created me and all that exists.
Fourth Petition: Give us this day our daily bread.
Focus Points:

• We own nothing. All we have belongs to God.
• Be content with what you have because God is faithful.
• A life filled with joy is not based on how much stuff we have -- no matter what the world tells us.
• God calls us to give joyfully and generously according to what we have.

Bible Text References: 1 Timothy 6:6-10, Psalm 24:1-2, 1 John 2:15-17, Philippians 4:12-13, Ecclesiastes 5:10-11, 2 Corinthians 8:1-15

Day 4: Joy in Suffering (Peter, Job, Jesus)

Primary Text: Romans 5:1-5
Key Verses: Verses 3-4 (stewardship of hope)
Where do we find hope in suffering?
Catechism Connection:
Baptism: A new self should arise to live with God in righteousness and purity forever.
Holy Communion: Shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sins.
Focus Points:

• Sometimes we will not understand the mystery of God.
• However, nothing can separate us from the love of God.
• The Holy Spirit gives us hope in our suffering and strengthens our faith.
• We can rejoice in a new relationship with our Creator through Christ's suffering.

TRANSFORMED THROUGH CHRIST DAY!!!
Bible Text References: Psalm 13:1-6, 1 Peter 4:12-16, Romans 8:26-27, Philippians 4:4-7, Romans 8:37-39, Job 6:1-13, Matthew 26:69-75, Mark 15:1-39

Day 5: Joy in Sharing (Good Samaritan, Mary and Martha)

Primary Text: 1 Peter 4:10-11
Key Verses: Verses 10-11 (stewardship of time and talents)
Do we use our time and talents to help every neighbor in need?
Catechism Connection:
Second Article: That I may serve Him in everlasting righteousness, innocence, and blessedness.
Commandments: Love your neighbor as yourself.
Focus Points:

• God loves and values each of us.
• We should value our own lives and the lives of others just as God loves and values us.
• We are called to share our time and talents (our lives) joyfully as brothers and sisters in Christ.
• Not because we have to, but because we want to.

SENT OUT TO SHARE JOYFULLY WITH THE WORLD!!!
Additional Bible References: Matthew 25:14-30; Luke 10:25-37, Luke 10:38-42, Psalm 139:13-15, Ecclesiastes 5:18-20, 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, Acts 4:32-37, James 1:22-27