Introduction to the 2016 Theme.

Having a Thankful Heart – Living the Secret!

Theme Topic:

God is generous, loving, and good. When we have a living relationship with Jesus, our hearts will be permeated with thanksgiving. Because of God’s goodness and love, we can always give thanks to God

Theme Verses:

Philippians 4:12 – I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 – Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

1 Chronicles 16:34 – Give thanks to the LORD; for he is good, His love endures forever.

Concept:

Having a thankful heart is the secret to living a holy and joy-filled life. Gratitude recognizes that all of life is a gracious gift from God’s almighty hand.

Aims:

To teach kids that the primary reason to give thanks to God is found in Jesus. Our gratitude to God should not be measured by comfortable circumstances or earthly possessions.

To teach kids that the secret of being content is having a living relationship with Jesus Christ.

To teach kids that a thankful heart recognizes that every part of life is a gracious gift from God’s hand. When we complain and grumble, we snub God, the giver of all things. To teach kids to cultivate the holy habit of giving thanks to God for everything.

Theme Background

There is a hunger that spans the generations that keeps resurfacing in our world. It’s a hunger for satisfaction, joy, and contentment. People look for satisfaction and joy in the work place, the shopping centre, and entertainment. Coffee houses and gyms are filled with people who are seeking inner peace and contentment. Kids look for happiness in popularity, in stuff, in success, and fame with their peers. Many kids live by a “just-one-more” mentality. Just give me one more pair of jeans, just one more CD, just one more win on the soccer field. . . then I’ll be happy.

Pursuing contentment and joy in finite objects will fail every time. It’s only when we have a living relationship with Jesus Christ, when we throw our arms up to Him in thanksgiving, no matter what our circumstances, that we will experience true joy and contentment. Satisfaction can be found in Christ alone! When Christ is our Lord and Saviour, we can give thanks in every circumstance. Our joy will overflow from a thankful heart that celebrates that every part of life is a gracious, lavish gift from our Heavenly Father. God is good. His love endures forever!

The theme is staged around the idea of solving a mystery, ‘The Best-Kept Secret”, using a Detective, Chief Investigators and the kids as the Private Investigators. The theme will consist of a three-part programme that can be run all in one night (approx. 1.5hours) or over three consecutive nights (approx. 30mins).

Material

2016 Theme Introduction
2016 Theme Leaders Manual
2016 Theme Resources
2016 Theme Devotions, Games, Craft Ideas
2016 Theme Study Booklet
2016 Theme Object Lessons