Mothers Day Bulletin Guides

ConneCtion CaRd

Friday Disagreeing with Love

Please Print

Date: ________________________________ Name: ______________________________ Address: _____________________________ City, State Zip:_________________________ Phone: (

daily devotionals

) ______ - __________

E-mail: _______________________________  Please update my info.

Please indicate:  Regular attender  Visitor  Out-of-town visitor

Please circle your current age group and school grades of any children Adults: 18–23 24–29 30–39 40–49 50–69 70+ Children: 0–3 yrs. 4–5 yrs. K 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 College  Male  Female  Single  Married  Single Parent  Widowed

I made a decision today to:  Receive Christ as my Savior.  Recommit my life to Christ.

Read Philippians 2:1–4. Parents and children disagree about curfews, discipline, friends, chores, etc. Siblings argue about what’s fair—or not—and who gets which seat on the car ride. No matter the size of your family, you’re bound to have conflict! Numerous personalities inevitably bring disagreements, but they don’t have to be damaging. They can actually strengthen your relationships with each other and with God. The Bible gives us some simple and helpful tips on how to disagree. First, identify the problem. Discover the driving emotions or desires creating the disagreement: “What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?” (James 4:1). Second, remember your own faults: “Take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly” (Matthew 7:5). Third, think of the other person’s interests instead of your own (Philippians 2:4).

This week, when conflict arises between you and a family member, pray that the Lord helps you resolve it using these biblical principles.

Saturday A Home of Faith Read Deuteronomy 11:18–20. In verse 20, the Lord says His words should be written on our doorframes and gates. So, how do we create a home today with God as its foundation? First, home should be a place of forgiveness and acceptance—even when someone’s crabby or a comment hurts. Colossians 3:13 says, “Bear with each other and forgive one another. … Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Second, home should be a place of prayer. Like the early Christians in Acts prayed together, you and your family can pray together on a regular basis. Third, home should be a place of unconditional love and acceptance: “Since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another” (1 John 4:11). And lastly, home can be a place of worship in which you’re constantly giving thanks to the Lord for all of His blessings, even in the midst of life’s challenges (1 Peter 1:6).

Memorize Proverbs 14:26 and pray that as a mother or father you create a joyous, accepting, faith-filled refuge for your children or grandchildren.

ConneCtion CaRd Wednesday Listening Ears Read Psalm 32:8–10. Listening and learning—no matter how old we are—is not always easy. We tend to think we know best. But we can gain crucial, lifesustaining wisdom from God and others by having a teachable spirit.

Welcome to this special Mother’s Day service! Our church is excited about the opportunity to celebrate and honor mothers today. We would like to come alongside you and your family and share with you what God says in Scripture about the importance of motherhood and some powerful principles that will help us all. If you’re a visitor, we’re glad you’ve come to our church and we welcome you into our community! We look forward to getting to know you better and want you to know that we’re committed to equipping and supporting you and your family. This Mother’s Day Next Step Bulletin Guide includes a sermon-notes page, smallgroup or individual study questions, six daily devotionals, and a tear-off Connection Card that will help you connect to our church and take the next step in your spiritual growth. God loves us so much that He sent Jesus, His Son, to die for us. He designed the family as a way for us to better understand this deep sacrificial love and demonstrate it to others. Our prayer is that this special service will provide inspiration, hope, instruction, and encouragement to help you experience God’s best this coming week—whether you’re a mom, dad, son, or daughter. So, let’s get started …

Proverbs 19:20 says, “Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise.” That verse encourages us to make it our lifelong quest to gain a heart of wisdom. King Solomon, who was the wisest person of his day, also told his sons, “Pay attention and gain understanding. I give you sound learning, so do not forsake my teaching” (Proverbs 4:1–2). He taught that the things of this world will not bring us wisdom, true peace, or success, but rather the answers we need will come from the Lord—if we’re willing to listen and learn. God wants to teach us His wisdom, which we can pass on to our children, family, friends, and others.

Read Proverbs 3:5–6, then commit to allowing your heavenly Father to be your mentor this week.

Thursday A Woman of Influence Read Judges 4–5. Deborah achieved great status in a world and culture where men typically ruled. She was a prophetess through whom the Lord spoke to His people, and we’re told that she “ruled Israel” and served her people as a judge, helping them settle disputes. People went to her with their troubles, much like we go to our mentors for help and guidance. So, why did Deborah receive this respect?

I Would Like More Information About:             

Becoming a Christian Getting Baptized Becoming a Church Member Spiritual Growth Small Groups Children’s Ministry Youth Ministry Women’s Ministry Evangelism/Outreach Ministry Places I can Serve Baby/Child Dedication Other _____________________________ Please Have a Staff Member Contact Me.

Share a Prayer Request: ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ _____________________________________

 My prayer request is confidential.

First, she was confident in herself and what the Lord was doing through her. She faithfully relayed God’s words and trusted in His plans. She respected others even when they questioned her. And lastly, she worshipped the Lord: “I will praise the Lord, the God of Israel, in song” (Judges 5:3). She was blessed—and the land had peace for forty years. You, too, can become a person of influence, letting God’s grace and wisdom daily flow through you to those your life touches!

Share a Praise:

Ask God to help you walk out your calling in life with grace, respect, and trust in Him.

_____________________________________

___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________

daily dEvOTiONalS

SERMON NOTES

Monday A Praying Mom Read 1 Samuel 1. It tells the story of an inspirational mother—Hannah. Her trials began even before she had children; she couldn’t get pregnant. Despite her sadness, we’re told that “in her deep anguish Hannah prayed to the Lord, weeping bitterly” (1 Samuel 1:10). She prayed from her heart to the only one who could help her. She asked God to give her a son. She poured out her soul to the Lord, and He heard her prayer; she became pregnant. She gave birth to a son and named him Samuel because she “asked the Lord for him” (1 Samuel 1:20). You may be trying to get pregnant. You may have a child who is struggling socially, physically, or emotionally. Or you may have lost a child. No matter where you are in your motherhood journey, the Lord wants to hear your specific and unique prayers.

As a mother, remember that God loves you and wants to hear the desires of your heart. Commit to praying about them—like Hannah, out loud and in your heart—throughout the week.

Tuesday A Sacrificing Mom Read Psalm 34:10 –11. Time, sleep, finances … the list of things moms sacrifice for their children is long. One of the most important sacrifices a mom can make is entrusting or giving her child to the Lord, like Hannah did with her son, Samuel. She said, “So now I give him to the Lord. For his whole life he will be given over to the Lord” (1 Samuel 1:28). How can you give your children to the Lord today? Bring them to church, teach them the Bible, and help them learn how to pray and love others. Deuteronomy 11:18–20 tells us to teach the Lord’s words to our children, “talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” This will assuredly take time and effort, but your sacrifices will be worth it, as Hannah’s was.

Memorize Psalm 34:10 –11 and pray that the Lord will help you give your son or daughter to the Lord. Copyright © 2012 by Outreach, Inc., Vista, CA 92081 All rights reserved. Written by Heather Schnese. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

3

SMall-GROup OR iNdividual ONS STudy QuESTiONS Read the following Scripture passages, then answer the study questions. Discuss with others, too, if this guide is being used in a small group or in your family. Pray that God would use this time to help you grow in faith and become a better parent or to better honor your mother.

List the ways in which you are raising or have raised your children to have faith and follow God. In what ways have your children demonstrated their faith?

Read Hebrews 11:1–22.

Sarah was a faithful woman and mother. What do verses 11 and 12 tell us about the legacy she left? What kind of legacy do you someday want to leave for your children?

How does verse 1 define faith?

How important is faith, according to verse 6? What does your faith mean to you?

What are some of the lessons you think Abraham’s children and grandchildren learned from him about faith and following God? What are some lessons you’ve learned from Abraham’s life?

What are some of the lessons your children or grandchildren have learned from you about faith and following God?

4

NEXT STEP GUIDE

As a son or daughter, in what ways has your mom helped you develop your faith and relationship with God? Have you ever communicated that to her?

What have you learned about faith from your mom that you can teach your own children?

SMall-GROup OR iNdividual STudy QuESTiONS Read the following Scripture passages, then answer the study questions. Discuss with others, too, if this guide is being used in a small group or in your family. Pray that God would use this time to help you grow in faith and become a better parent or to better honor your mother.

List the ways in which you are raising or have raised your children to have faith and follow God. In what ways have your children demonstrated their faith?

Read Hebrews 11:1–22.

Sarah was a faithful woman and mother. What do verses 11 and 12 tell us about the legacy she left? What kind of legacy do you someday want to leave for your children?

How does verse 1 define faith?

How important is faith, according to verse 6? What does your faith mean to you?

What are some of the lessons you think Abraham’s children and grandchildren learned from him about faith and following God? What are some lessons you’ve learned from Abraham’s life?

As a son or daughter, in what ways has your mom helped you develop your faith and relationship with God? Have you ever communicated that to her?

What have you learned about faith from your mom that you can teach your own children?

What are some of the lessons your children or grandchildren have learned from you about faith and following God?

MOTHER’S DAY

5

daily dE dEvOTiONalS d Ev E vOT

SERMON NOTES

Monday A Praying Mom Read 1 Samuel 1. It tells the story of an inspirational mother—Hannah. Her trials began even before she had children; she couldn’t get pregnant. Despite her sadness, we’re told that “in her deep anguish Hannah prayed to the Lord, weeping bitterly” (1 Samuel 1:10). She prayed from her heart to the only one who could help her. She asked God to give her a son. She poured out her soul to the Lord, and He heard her prayer; she became pregnant. She gave birth to a son and named him Samuel because she “asked the Lord for him” (1 Samuel 1:20). You may be trying to get pregnant. You may have a child who is struggling socially, physically, or emotionally. Or you may have lost a child. No matter where you are in your motherhood journey, the Lord wants to hear your specific and unique prayers.

As a mother, remember that God loves you and wants to hear the desires of your heart. Commit to praying about them—like Hannah, out loud and in your heart—throughout the week.

Tuesday A Sacrificing Mom Read Psalm 34:10 –11. Time, sleep, finances … the list of things moms sacrifice for their children is long. One of the most important sacrifices a mom can make is entrusting or giving her child to the Lord, like Hannah did with her son, Samuel. She said, “So now I give him to the Lord. For his whole life he will be given over to the Lord” (1 Samuel 1:28). How can you give your children to the Lord today? Bring them to church, teach them the Bible, and help them learn how to pray and love others. Deuteronomy 11:18–20 tells us to teach the Lord’s words to our children, “talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” This will assuredly take time and effort, but your sacrifices will be worth it, as Hannah’s was.

Memorize Psalm 34:10 –11 and pray that the Lord will help you give your son or daughter to the Lord. Copyright © 2012 by Outreach, Inc., Vista, CA 92081 All rights reserved. Written by Heather Schnese. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

6

NEXT STEP GUIDE

Conne ConneCtion CaRd I Would Like More Information About:

Wednesday Listening Ears

            

Read Psalm 32:8–10. Listening and learning—no matter how old we are—is not always easy. We tend to think we know best. But we can gain crucial, lifesustaining wisdom from God and others by having a teachable spirit.

Welcome to this special Mother’s Day service! Our church is excited about the opportunity to celebrate and honor mothers today. We would like to come alongside you and your family and share with you what God says in Scripture about the importance of motherhood and some powerful principles that will help us all. If you’re a visitor, we’re glad you’ve come to our church and we welcome you into our community! We look forward to getting to know you better and want you to know that we’re committed to equipping and supporting you and your family. This Mother’s Day Next Step Bulletin Guide includes a sermon-notes page, smallgroup or individual study questions, six daily devotionals, and a tear-off Connection Card that will help you connect to our church and take the next step in your spiritual growth. God loves us so much that He sent Jesus, His Son, to die for us. He designed the family as a way for us to better understand this deep sacrificial love and demonstrate it to others. Our prayer is that this special service will provide inspiration, hope, instruction, and encouragement to help you experience God’s best this coming week—whether you’re a mom, dad, son, or daughter. So, let’s get started …

Proverbs 19:20 says, “Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise.” That verse encourages us to make it our lifelong quest to gain a heart of wisdom. King Solomon, who was the wisest person of his day, also told his sons, “Pay attention and gain understanding. I give you sound learning, so do not forsake my teaching” (Proverbs 4:1–2). He taught that the things of this world will not bring us wisdom, true peace, or success, but rather the answers we need will come from the Lord—if we’re willing to listen and learn. God wants to teach us His wisdom, which we can pass on to our children, family, friends, and others.

Read Proverbs 3:5–6, then commit to allowing your heavenly Father to be your mentor this week.

Becoming a Christian Getting Baptized Becoming a Church Member Spiritual Growth Small Groups Children’s Ministry Youth Ministry Women’s Ministry Evangelism/Outreach Ministry Places I can Serve Baby/Child Dedication Other _____________________________ Please Have a Staff Member Contact Me.

Share a Prayer Request: ___________________________________________

Thursday A Woman of Influence

___________________________________________ ___________________________________________

Read Judges 4–5. Deborah achieved great status in a world and culture where men typically ruled. She was a prophetess through whom the Lord spoke to His people, and we’re told that she “ruled Israel” and served her people as a judge, helping them settle disputes. People went to her with their troubles, much like we go to our mentors for help and guidance. So, why did Deborah receive this respect?

___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ _____________________________________