It seems like we’re bombarded constantly by commercials and ads telling us what we “need” to make our life better. Promises that, with this product, the next time we look in the mirror, we’ll magically see chiseled abs, thick healthy hair with no split ends and a flawless complexion. Or get our dream job far from here. But really, contentment has nothing to do with how you look, what you have, where you are, or what you do.

Think about it.

What if you were absolutely convinced that you were well made by a competent and skilled Creator?

Contentment is about Who you trust.

As Christians, we know that God looks on us as His creation, and that because of His great love for us He chose to send His Son to redeem us and provide a way for us to have an unending relationship with Him. We know that He has promised to meet our needs in Christ Jesus, and that He is immeasurably able to do more than we ask or imagine. We know that He has gone to prepare a place for us, and that because of His grace we can spend eternity with Him.

So, when you think about it, we really have every reason to be content.

Our contentment really is about more than just our personal happiness. It is a demonstration of our daily trust in God. It shows that we really believe that His way is better than our own. It allows us to focus on what God is doing in and around us right now. And when we are content, we allow others to see a glimpse of the peace that passes understanding.

That’s why we think it’s so important for us to help kids Get a Clue on who’s stealing their contentment.After all, contentment is choosing to be happy with what you’ve got.

In fact, our monthlyMemory Verse hints at the secret to being content. Philippians 4:11b-12a says: “I have learned to be content no matter what happens to me. I know what it’s like not to have what I need. I also know what it’s like to have more than I need. I have learned the secret of being content no matter what happens.” (NIrV)

In Week One’sBible story,we go back to the beginning in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:1-13, 23, 24). We unpack how the first human beings, even though they had everything they could need, were tempted by the one thing they’d been instructed to leave alone.

We’re going to talk about how the snake whispered to Eve, and who might be whispering to us too.Because they didn’t make a wise choice, we’re all still living with the consequences today. Our Bottom Line is: When you want what you shouldn’t have, it can lead to trouble.

In Week Two’s Bible story,we’ll focus on how the Israelites longed for Egypt, or the “good ol’ days.” (Exodus 16:2-21, 17:1-4) It’s ironic that even after God miraculously rescued them and continued to provide for them in mind-blowing ways that the Israelites still weren’t happy. And their discontent and whining caused them to miss out on the miracles all around them. So, our Bottom Line is: When you want what you had before, you miss what you have now.

In Week Three’s Bible story,we learn about spoiled King Ahab, who’s seriously upset when his neighbor Naboth won’t sell his family’s vineyard (1 Kings 21:1-19, 27). We’ll unpack the story like a murder mystery, “WhoDunIt?,” to discover all the people involved and their motives.

At its heart, this story is not only about wanting things that other people have; it’s also a cautionary tale about what happens when we compare ourselves and our unique situation to the people around us. So, the Bottom Line is: When you want what someone else has, it can make you miserable.

In Week Four’s Bible story, we unpack a practical go-to passage about worry, which really gets in the way of contentment, doesn’t it? (Matthew 6:25-30) Jesus sets the scene—using everyday examples of things like birds and flowers to point out how much more God cares about people. So, why do we doubt and stress out about the future?

It’s not a bad thing to think about or plan for the future. But worrying about all the what if’s and wondering anxiously about how things will turn out shows that we don’t really trust God to take care of us. We seem to want stuff to make us feel important, powerful, and secure. But God says, “You have Me!” So, our Bottom Lineis: When you trust God, you don’t have to worry about tomorrow.

Contentment has a lot to do with our perception. Some of us are more prone to look backward at the past, while others are always wishing for what’s to come. But God invites us to be present and focus on Him. Who’s stealing your contentment?

 By Cara Martens. ©2012 Orange. All rights reserved. http://www.WhatIsOrange.org * All rights reserved. Used by permission

It is Friday and we are looking forward to seeing you and your family here at NewSpring this weekend!  Mark started a brand new series called “Summer of Love.” Make sure you don’t miss a single message in the series. In KidzWorld we are also talking about the Big Idea of Love with a focus on how we can show love to those around us.

There are a few things that I want to make sure you know about what’s happening in KidzWorld.

JumpStart is a session for elementary-age kids and their parents to find out more about having a relationship with Jesus and the next step of baptism. Upcoming JumpStart sessions are tonight, July 13 or Friday, August 10 at 7 p.m. in 252 Theater.

KidzWorld FX/Watermark will happen on Friday, August 17 at 7 p.m. in the main auditorium. FX is a high-energy program for the whole family that gives parents and kids an opportunity to learn together about the Big Idea. There are always some fun surprises and giveaways at FX. At the end of the FX program, we will celebrate KidzWorld Watermark for those kids who want to make their faith public through baptism. Invite your friends and family to join us for FX.

The KidzWorld Food Drive is a practical way for our KidzWorld families to show love to others. Just bring your non-perishable food items anytime during the month of July and drop them off in the designated boxes in the KidzWorld environments or the main foyer. All donations will be given the the Union Rescue Mission to stock their food pantry.

Could you use an extra $200 for some summer fun? Just participate in our Where in the World is Cosmo? contest. All you have to do is pick up a picture of Cosmo on the KidzWorld newsletter at the check-in station or just print the attachment. Color him and take him on a summer adventure! Take a picture with Cosmo and email it to kidzworld@newspring.org. Your family will be entered in a drawing to win $200! The drawing will be held at KidzWorld FX on August 17th.

Studio252.tv is a website designed to help families remember the Big Idea all month long. The website includes the videos that we watch in KidzWorld, games for kids, suggestions for parents and much more. The subscription rate is normally $84/year but we are offering full access to this website to all KidzWorld families completely FREE! Make sure to pick up an access card for your family this weekend and begin enjoying the benefits of Studio252.

Thanks so much for trusting your child with us at KidzWorld.  We believe that kids can make a difference and that God can use them to reach the world around them.

Also we want to let you know that we are taking the KidzWorld Gang into 21 public schools in Wichita and surrounding areas.  This year we are teaming up with Core Essentials (which is our character building program) and Chick-fil-A to present a engaging program for the public school.  This curriculum is used in over 1000 schools nationwide with 450,000 students participating in it. So there is a pretty good chance we might be coming to your child’s school this year.

Have a wonderful day and see you this weekend!

Summer fun is happening in KidzWorld at NewSpring! Check out these events so your kids can participate.

PIRATE DRESS-UP WEEKEND: This weekend we invite the kids to dress in their favorite friendly pirate attire to coincide with our theme for the month. We are focusing on finding our treasure in God and putting our Trust in Him. Please do not allow your child to bring any type of toy swords or knives, and remember to keep the costumes safe and appropriate (nothing scary).

SUMMER KIDZWORLD GANG SHOW: This summer we are offering a special KidzWorld Gang show on Thursday, July 19 for age 3 through 6th grade. This program will include a fun, high-energy group session with skits, music and games, plus a snack. Kids will also get some play time in 252 Theater. Space is limited for this program and reservations are required. Get your reservations today by emailing kidzworld@newspring.org or calling 316.630.8500 x240.

PARENT PAGING SYSTEM: Last weekend we began using a new parent paging system. There are two display screens located in the main auditorium under the main IMAG screens. There is also a display screen in the overflow area outside of 252 Theater. If you are needed in your child’s classroom, your unique pick-up code will be flashed on the display screen.

WHERE IN THE WORLD IS COSMO?: Cosmo is looking for adventure this summer and your family can help. Pick up a current newsletter this weekend at the check-in station. Color the picture of Cosmo and take it with you on your summer adventures. All you have to do is take a picture of Cosmo with your family having some summer fun. Send the picture with your name and contact info to kidzworld@newspring.org. At the end of the summer, a random drawing will be held with all the pictures and the winner will receive a $200 gift card. All contest guidelines are listed in the newsletter. Cosmo has already been to Lego Land, the dentist, fishing, camp and even the equator! Where will you take Cosmo?

JUMPSTART: JumpStart is a 30 minute session for elementary-age kids to learn more about what it means to have a relationship with Jesus and the next step of baptism. Three JumpStart sessions will be offered this summer: June 22 (tonight), July 13 and August 10. All sessions are in 252 Theater at 7 p.m. A parent must attend with their child. You can find out more and register online at newspring.org/jumpstart.

Weekends are always amazing at NewSpring. Our summer service times are Saturdays at 4 and 5:30 p.m. and Sundays at 10 and 11:30 a.m. Our auditorium and kids’ environments have become very full at the 10 a.m. service. You can help us make space for new guests and make parking and seating a little easier for your family by choosing to attend one of the other three services. See you there!

Parents,

Here are a few additional details about checking in for camp on Monday. Please arrive between 6:30 and 6:50 a.m. When you arrive, bring your child’s luggage to the buses. You will notice that each bus has a label so you will know where his/her luggage goes. Have your child keep any items that he/she needs on the bus during the trip. Then enter 252 Theater through the green doors. Go straight to the registration tables where your child will get a t-shirt (they need to wear that on the bus) and a name badge. The name badge will include their leader, room and bus assignment. Then your family can take pictures, give final instructions, say good-bye, etc until we begin to load the buses.

MEDICATIONS: Please bring any medications this weekend when you come for KidzWorld if possible. Our nurse will be available before all services this weekend. If you forget or are unable to attend, see the nurse right after you register on Monday.

The next KidzWorld FX is just 2 weeks away. On Friday, February 3rd your family can come to NewSpring Church’s main auditorium at 7 p.m. for a hilarious program where kids and parents learn about the Big Idea. It will be about an hour of games, giveaways and family fun. The KidzWorld Gang will be there along with some other crazy characters to introduce families to our brand new Big Idea for February.Your family will even have the chance to walk away with our grand prize worth $295 dollars!

NEW for this KidzWorld FX: We will offer childcare for kids who are age 3 and under who might not be ready to enjoy the program yet.

Make plans now to attend and invite your friends to join you. It’s going to be a blast!!