Character Connection

Each of us has character. Character is that combination of qualities and traits that define and guide our lives and form our reputation and shape our lifestyle. It is the way others see us, whether for better or worse. Most of us desire that our children be people of good character.  A key place they can learn good character is at church. So, at Bible Baptist Church, we strive to teach children Godly character traits. We do this through Character Connection, a Sunday school and worship program in which children are taught Godly character traits from the Word of God. We have graded classes for three-year-olds through sixth grade. In addition, the children have an opportunity to enjoy preaching, singing and games each Sunday morning in their own services.

This year’s theme is “Space Station Discovery.”  Come discover what God’s Word has to say to boys and girls!

If you have any questions about what is taught or if you need a ride to church, please contact Austin Pollard, children’s ministries director, at (405) 372-7444.

It was fantastic! It was amazing! And somehow…the boys won! Enjoy some of what took place at this year’s Bible School.

Adaptability is doing right, even when things change. In learning about adaptability, we studied the life of Joseph. Being the eleventh of the twelve sons of Jacob, Joseph had a special place in the heart of his father. Joseph was the favorite son because God had given Joseph to Jacob in his old age. All of his brothers knew he was the favorite of his father by the coat of many colors that Joseph wore. As time went forward, the brothers grew tired of Joseph’s status and decided to get rid of him once and for all. They had planned to kill him, but instead they chose to sell Joseph as a slave and banish him to the land of Egypt. Joseph had to remember that God knew what was happening to him.

As a slave, Joseph rose to leadership in Potiphar’s house. Potiphar trusted Joseph so much that “…all that he had he put into his hand.” Unfortunately, Mrs. Potiphar thought that this included her. She repeatedly tried to have Joseph do inappropriate things with her, but Joseph refused. Finally, Mrs. Potiphar could not take no for an answer and grabbed Joseph, but he ran away. She screamed and told a lie to all to those who came to her aid. Her lie sent Joseph to prison. Even in that difficult situation where Joseph could have done the wrong thing, he still believed that there was always a way to do right.

While in prison, Joseph had again risen to a position of leadership. This time it was while being a prisoner! Joseph met the chief butler and chief baker. These men had offended Pharaoh and were cast into prison for their crime. One night, the butler and baker had a dream that they could not understand. God had given Joseph the ability to interpret dreams. Joseph hears the butler’s dream and tells him that in three days he will be restored to his former life and position. The baker’s dream was not as hopeful because in three days he would be dead. After three days, both dreams came to pass as God had told Joseph to they would. Joseph had told the butler to remember him when he returned to Pharaoh’s house. The butler did not remember for two years. If most of us were in Joseph’s position, we would be very unhappy, but Joseph knew that he must always rely on God, not circumstances.

Joseph is released from prison and rises to leadership once more as second in command to Pharaoh. A famine occurs and his brothers are forced to come to Egypt and beg for food. They do not immediately recognize this “Egyptian ruler” as their brother.  Joseph eventually reveals himself to them and they go to meet their father Jacob. After Jacob passes away, the brothers are worried that Joseph will do whatever he wants to do to them. Instead, Joseph tells them, “Fear not: for am I in the place of God? But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.” All of Joseph’s life was not a stroll in the park. There were some difficult times that were faced, but Joseph understood that life is sometimes hard.

There are many more things that should and could be said of the life of Joseph. One thing is certain. Joseph did not let the circumstances of life make him a perpetual whiner. He chose to practice adaptability by doing right even when things changed.

We had an awesome turnout for 100% Attendance Day! It was wonderful to see so many boys and girls come in on the bus or ride in with their parents to enjoy a wonderful morning in God’s house.

But, to more important matters…the contest. Each class competed for the prize of ice cream. The class with the most in attendance above their average would take the prize and bragging rights for an entire year. It was very close, but the 3-year-old boys and girls class with a total of 28 (8 above their average) stole the coveted ice cream trophy away from the Pre-K Girls class with a total of 20 (7 above their average). Congratulations to Mrs. Mendy Howerton and her host of helpers.

The month is not over! This Sunday, April 18, is Bus Day. We had 132 riders on April 11, only 28 away from our goal of 160 to see Bro. Austin honeyed and feathered. Invite your friends, neighbors, moms, dads, sisters, brothers, cousins, aunts, uncles, and anyone else you know (no dogs or cats please) to be here for an exciting Bus Day.

April is an exciting month at Bible Baptist Church. Each Sunday has a specific emphasis on inviting co-workers, neighbors, and family members to Sunday School and church. Evangelistic Month is not just for adults; it is also an opportunity for boys and girls to invite to church their friends, neighbors, parents, or whomever they can find. In Character Connection, we are making every effort to make each Sunday in April memorable. Take a look at what will be going on in this fast-paced month of April:

Easter Sunday, April 4

There is no better way to spend the Easter holiday than at church!  We invite one and all to come and enjoy a fabulous Easter morning at Bible Baptist Church. Everyone that attends will receive Fun Dip.

100% Attendance Day, April 11

We need all “hands on deck” for this day. We are having a contest between all of the Character   Connection classes (3 yr. olds- 6^th grade). The class that has the most in attendance above their last few months’ average will receive ice cream! The teachers are and will be out in force trying to get you to be in your place. Also, all who attend will receive a Nerd Rope.

Bus Day, April 18

This could be the most exciting day of the whole month. The buses have a goal of 160 riders. If we have 160 total riders on the buses on this day, Bro. Austin will be honeyed and feathered after church! (Who wouldn’t want to come and see this happen?) Everyone who attends will receive a GIANT Pixie Stick.

Family Festival Day, April 25

This is a day designed for the whole family. We will be having one special service starting at 10:30 a.m. The buses will be going to Skyline Park following the morning service to enjoy some play time and find out which bus won the bus contest. Everyone that attends will receive a Snickers candy bar. All families are invited to stay for dinner on the grounds and the “famous” Cardboard Sprint Cup race.

You and your whole family will not want to miss out on any of the excitement this month! We invite you to be our guest at Bible Baptist Church this April.

I can hear my mom and have heard it from other moms before, “You need to be a good example to your brothers and sisters!” I oftenneglected to think about what kind of example I was showing to those younger and older than me. In this lesson, we will look into having a clean body by being the right type of example.

In I Timothy 4:12, Paul is addressing Timothy whom he called “my own son in the faith.” Timothy was a younger man called upon by Paul to stay in Ephesus while he travelled on to Macedonia. Timothy, long before he was working with the church in Ephesus, was “well reported of by the brethren” (Acts 16:2) in his home church. Paul knew that Timothy would have to use this trait to demonstrate to the Ephesian believers how they ought to behave as a children of God.

Having a clean body is not simply about smelling or looking clean. That part is good and helpful, but there are many more aspects of a boy or girl’s life that can exhibit a clean body by being a good example. What kind of reputation do they have at school with their teacher? Do the other students in their class or on their sports team view them favorably or with disdain? Are they constantly in fights with their siblings and parents? The answers to these questions will provide an opportunity for boys and girls to truly see whether they are a good example or a bad example.

This month we are learning about cleanliness. (I know what you are thinking…no, it is not all about soap and deodorant.) Through the examples of Titus and Timothy, we are going to learn how to keep our entire life neat and orderly before God and others.

Week One: Keep life in order.

If I were to walk in the room of a typical boy or girl, without being announced, what would I find? Would I find a spotless room that was so clean you could eat off of the floor? Or would I not even be able to open the door because there were so many toys, clothes, and candy wrappers in the way? Sadly, I believe the latter may be more prevalent. But it is not just a room. The room can and often does flow over into many other aspects of boys and girls lives.

The Apostle Paul sent Titus to the island of Crete to “set in order the things that are wanting,” Titus’ task was not a small job. “The Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies.” Those believers were probably some of the hardest to work on and with. But God’s command through Paul to Titus was to take those believers’ lives and set them right.

Boys and girls lives can be a complete mess. Whether it is their room at home, their locker or desk at school, their family life, or their spiritual life, every boy and girl needs to keep life in order. The lessons this month will help any boy or girl make their life neat and orderly before God and others.

ALL Character Connection teachers and helpers need to be at Safety Saturday this Saturday, January 23, starting at 9:00 a.m.

In light of our church theme for 2010,  I have to ask myself the question: Do I want to grow? I want to and I’m sure most of you do as well. Not only do we want to grow personally in our walk with the Lord, but we would also like to see Character Connection grow into exactly what God would want. But what steps do we take to do that? Before we can go anywhere, we have to know where we are first. At end of a Sunday, Character Connection teachers should ask themselves these questions:

1) Whom am I serving?

2) At what am I looking?

3) What actually happened?

4) How can it be improved?

5) What do we need to celebrate?

If you will take time each week to sincerely evaluate your class, a little growth will begin to show in no time.

What is a recent improvement you’ve made?