July 3: Let's Choose Kindness

Dear families,

It’s a holiday weekend and that means we have online-only church today… our in-person gatherings return next Sunday, July 10. Our kids episodes are available on-demand for your family to enjoy anytime and anywhere!

Today we’re exploring the fruit of the spirit of kindness. And what better way than the parable of the Good Samaritan. With this story, Jesus completely changed how people who follow Him should look at showing kindness to others. It’s not just for people we know or like, but for everyone we meet!

I hope you have a safe, restful, and joyous celebration with your family and friends!

With love,
Miss Elisa


burgers with special sauce

Recipe credit: Kenji Lopez-Alt

Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces (225g) protein of your choice (or veggie burger)

  • 1/2 cup (120ml) mayonnaise

  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) ketchup

  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) yellow mustard

  • 4 slices kosher dill pickle, finely chopped

  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika

  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper

  • Salt, pepper

  • Toppings of your choice (lettuce, tomato, cheese)

  • Hamburger buns of your choice

Method:

  1. For the burgers, combine meat in large bowl with half of the mayo, cayenne pepper, salt, pepper. Toss and mix with hands to combine into patties.

  2. Prepare and heat the grill or a heavy-bottomed 12-inch skillet with 1/2 teaspoon vegetable oil.

  3. Cook until crisp brown crust has formed, about 2 minutes. Carefully scrape patties from skillet, and flip. Then remove from the heat.

  4. During grilling, prepare the special sauce by combining the ingredients (mayo, ketchup, mustard, pickle, garlic, paprika, cayenne, salt, pepper) in a countertop blender or food processor. Blend on high until smooth, scraping down sides of blender with rubber spatula as necessary, 30 seconds to 1 minute.

  5. Enjoy immediately or transfer sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use (sauce can be refrigerated for up to 5 days).


This week’s preschool episode
Ollie and the wonder clubhouse

  • All month, our preschoolers are learning with Miss Elisa that Jesus can help us do everything.

  • Today's story is all about The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) and we remember that Jesus can help me choose kindness.

  • Practice our preschool memory verse: “I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13)


This week’s LOWER Elementary Episode
THE 252 Story

  • This month, our elementary kiddos are exploring with Miss Elisa that making waves is what you do today can change the world around you.

  • Today's story is all about The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) and we remember that we can show kindness to everyone.

  • Practice our elementary memory verse: “The fruit the Holy Spirit produces is love, joy, and peace. It is being patient, kind, and good. It is being faithful and gentle and having control of oneself.” (Galatians 5:22-23)


This week’s upper Elementary Episode
THE so and so show

  • This month, our elementary kiddos are exploring with Miss Elisa that making waves is what you do today can change the world around you.

  • Today's story is all about The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) and we remember that we can show kindness to everyone.

  • John, Brandon, Stephen, and Kellen explore the key question: How can you be kind even when it’s hard?

  • Practice our elementary memory verse: “The fruit the Holy Spirit produces is love, joy, and peace. It is being patient, kind, and good. It is being faithful and gentle and having control of oneself.” (Galatians 5:22-23)

Armistead Booker

I’m a visual storyteller, nonprofit champion, moonlighting superhero, proud father, and a great listener.