Beulah Alliance Church: Recent Episodes
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Easter is more than just pastel colors, egg hunts, and chocolate bunnies—it’s a time to reflect on the greatest story ever told: the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. As this holy season approaches, it’s important to prepare not only our homes but also our hearts to fully embrace the meaning of Easter.
In the midst of busy schedules, how can we intentionally create a Christ-centred atmosphere for our families? Whether you have young children eager to learn or teenagers needing deeper connection, these five meaningful tips will help your family grow in faith, reflection, and joy this Easter season.Let’s explore how we can journey together toward the cross and the empty tomb with hearts ready to celebrate the hope of the resurrection.
Here are five tips to help:
1. Read the Easter Story Together
- Spend time reading the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ death and resurrection (Matthew 26-28, Mark 14-16, Luke 22-24, John 18-20).
- Use a children’s Bible or dramatized reading to engage younger family members.
2. Engage in Prayer & Reflection* Set aside time for family prayer, focusing on gratitude, repentance, and joy in Christ’s victory over sin. * Reflect on Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection with guided questions or a devotional.
3. Incorporate Lenten or Holy Week Traditions* If you observe Lent, talk about its significance and participate in fasting, acts of service, or giving. * Holy Week activities like foot washing, the Stations of the Cross, or a Passover meal reenactment can make the story come alive.
4. Serve Others Together* Demonstrate Christ’s love by engaging in acts of kindness—volunteer at a shelter, write letters to those in need or deliver Easter treats to neighbours.
5. Celebrate with Meaningful Symbols & Activities* Use symbolic activities like Resurrection Eggs, an empty tomb craft, or baking resurrection rolls to illustrate the story. * Attend one of Beulah’s many Easter services at our campuses, or create a special Easter morning tradition focusing on Jesus’ victory over death.
I have a genuine love of chocolate. It started when I was a toddler. My aunt owned a convenience store and occasionally brought me to work with her. She would prop me behind the cash register and let me eat any chocolate bars and sweets I wanted. I don’t remember this, probably because of the sugar coma, but she told me I acted like I was in candy heaven! Throughout my childhood, my love of chocolate only increased. My favourite candy was Nestle’s Smarties. Whenever my brother and I each received a box of these treats, I would convince him (he tells me he always knew what I was doing) to combine our boxes so we had even more Smarties. I would eat three-quarters of the combined amount, leaving my brother with less than he started. I know, it’s terrible! My chocolate obsession led to manipulative behaviours. I was being selfish and did not consider my brother’s needs. A 2015 study showed that children aged 6-12 are 50% more likely to act selfishly in resource-sharing tasks than adolescents aged 13-18, who display increased fairness and altruism. Selfishness is a problem, but it is not impossible to overcome. Consider what God’s Word says:2 Corinthians 9:6-7: “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”Proverbs 11:25: “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”As parents, we have the opportunity to model generosity. Selfless acts of kindness increase joy, leading to blessings for both the giver and receiver. Practising generosity in your family will combat selfishness among your children. Here are some practical ways to model generosity as a family:1. Lead by example. Let your kids see you being generous daily, whether sharing food with a neighbour, donating to a cause, or offering your time to help someone.
2. Encourage sharing. Encourage siblings to share toys, books, and treats with one another. Praise them when they do it without being asked, reinforcing positive behaviour. Set up fun games that involve sharing, like dividing snacks during a picnic or creating a “community toy pile” that everyone plays with together.
3. Make giving a family activity. Find age-appropriate volunteer opportunities like helping at a food bank, animal shelter, or church serving opportunities. Kids learn the importance of sharing their time, not just material things. During special occasions like birthdays or holidays, ask your child to pick toys or clothes they no longer use to donate to others in need. Set up a jar where the family contributes loose change or money. Once it’s complete, let the kids help decide which charity or cause to donate to.
4. Practise tithing. Remind your kids that everything they have received is a blessing from God. Giving a portion of our time and finances back to God shows that we trust him and help support His work in our community and world.
A new school year can stir up some pretty big emotions in your kid. They might be facing a totally new environment, peer group shifts, and a disruption to their summertime rhythm…all while learning something new all day every day.It’s a lot. So, whether your kid is the chatty kind or the silent type, you can anticipate a range of emotional responses when it comes to starting school again. Here are some conversation topics to help you connect with your kid at the start of this new school year:Learning isn’t always easy. Prepare your kids to expect not to know every answer. Remind them that they won’t be good at everything right away, and that school is the place they’re meant to be challenged and learn something new. A fear of fitting in. Your kid may have spent last year in the familiarity of home. Or their friend group dynamic may have changed. Whatever the case, help your anxious kid navigate their desire to fit in by reinforcing their identity—remind them they are great the way they are and that they already have a place where they belong, and that’s right at home. Focus on what is in your control. There will be many things your kid will face at school that they have no influence over, but what they can control is their effort and how they treat other people. Use this time to talk to your kid about what true kindness is—respect for themselves and others—and what to do when someone isn’t showing kindness to them. Homesickness. If your kids spent a lot of time at home this summer, they may find themselves missing home more than they normally would once they go back to school.Feeling unsafe.
Hopefully, your kid won’t find themselves in a position where they don’t feel safe. But if they do, build a foundation with your kid before this point, reminding them that they can come to talk to you about anything no matter what. Remind your kids that families may have surprises for each other, but they don’t keep secrets from each other. Navigating change. Drive home the idea to your kid that change isn’t always a bad thing—we can miss what used to be, but be excited for what’s to come. Remind your kid that humans are capable of feeling different feelings all at once. These are just a few conversations you can expect to encounter, but these definitely won’t be all of them. Remember to approach every conversation with curiosity, patience, and grace as you learn to navigate the changes—and the emotions that go with them—together.–Blog content courtesy of theparentcue.org
Have you ever been staring at a television, following along with its plot with more than a little interest, only to realize you’re watching a Bluey episode that you’ve seen 37 times?
It happens.
But sometimes, we can get so lost in the phase our kids are in, we forget what phase we’re in. Yes, we are parents. But we’re also adults who are wired to connect relationally with other adults. It’s not just a want—it’s a physiological need. But for a lot of us, making friendships when we’re this age and when we have this much responsibility feels more than difficult…it feels impossible.
If this feels true for you, here are five manageable ways to connect with other parents this summer:
Take a class.
Want to brush up on those salsa dancing skills? Learn to cook Italian food? Take a primitive survival course? There’s no time like the present. Learning new skills or improving old ones is a great way to meet other people in your area. Plus, a lot of communities offer summer courses through their parks and recreation programs at discounted rates.
Take a health and wellness challenge.
You don’t necessarily have to go to a gym or bench press your own body weight to focus on your health and wellness. Maybe it’s a Facebook group you join to learn more about nutrition. Maybe it is a summer-long contest at your fitness center. All you need to know is that you won’t be the only parent in the group feeling nervous or insecure.
Visit the same place at the same time each week.
Even in the summertime, a lot of parents have routines. By going to the same place at the same time every week, you’re likely to find another family on your schedule. A neighbourhood pool, a park, an indoor playground. Yes, you may actually have to take the first step in introducing yourself…which somehow feels way harder as an adult than it did in first grade…but the reward could be the grownup connection you want and need.
Teach something.
What are you good at? Whether it’s how to budget down to the last cent in Excel or how to in-line roller skate, there’s a skill you have that other adults want. Plan a day and invite some folks to come learn from you. Better yet, ask those adults to schedule other days to teach you and the others what they know.
Try an app.
There’s an app for everything these days. Even apps for meeting other parents. Apps like Meetup, Moms MeetUp, Mom Life, Peanut, and Hello Mamas are just a few. You can also try out parent groups found on Facebook. But just like you’d tell your kids, be safe.
You may not have a ton of “alone” time on your hands. You might not even have any. But now, more than ever, there are ways to connect with people your own age in whatever phase you find yourself in. Remember: you won’t be in this phase forever, and you are still you—an individual, separate from your kids or partner. Do something different because it’s worth it. You’re worth it. – Content provided by Parent Cue
Self-Care for Kids“I’m tired.”“Do we have to?”“I hate…”Ever hear those words come from your kids’ mouths? Does your child say them all the time? When we begin to hear these words on repeat, it’s time to take stock. What is triggering my child’s unhappy reactions? Self-care for kids is important for promoting emotional well-being, resilience, and healthy habits from a young age. Here are some self-care practices that children can engage in:1. Meaningful Jesus Time: Modeling what personal time with Jesus looks like will help your child turn to Him through the ups and downs of childhood. Kids worship music, a Bible for kids (NIRV or NLT versions) and a great devotional are wonderful tools your children should have access to on their discipleship journey. 2. Physical Activity: Encouraging children to engage in regular physical activity, such as playing outside, riding bikes, or participating in sports, not only promotes physical health but also releases endorphins that boost mood. 3. Mindfulness and Relaxation: Teaching children simple mindfulness exercises or relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, can help them manage stress and anxiety. 4. Healthy Eating Habits: Educating children about nutrition and involving them in meal planning and preparation can foster a positive relationship with food and promote overall health and well-being. 5. Adequate Sleep: Establishing a consistent bedtime routine and ensuring children get enough sleep each night is essential for their physical health and cognitive function. 6. Expressing Emotions: Encouraging children to express their emotions openly and validating their feelings helps them develop emotional intelligence and coping skills. 7. Creative Expression: Providing opportunities for creative expression through art, music, or writing allows children to explore their feelings and experiences in a constructive way. 8. Time Outdoors: Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress and improve mood. Encouraging outdoor play and exploration of God’s creation can have numerous benefits for children’s well-being. 9. Setting Boundaries: Teaching children to set healthy boundaries and assert their needs helps them develop self-respect and self-advocacy skills. 10. Limiting Screen Time: Setting limits on screen time and encouraging alternative activities, such as reading, playing board games, or spending time with family and friends, promotes balance and reduces overstimulation. 11. Encouraging Self-Compassion: Teaching children to be kind to themselves and practice self-compassion when they make mistakes or face challenges fosters resilience and a positive self-image.
KidZone recommends these resources for a meaningful Jesus time:Early Childhood:The Beginner’s BibleElementary Kids (Grades 1 – 6): Hands On Bible , Adventure Bible, The NIV Action BibleDevotional-How Great is Our God, Roar Like a Lion DevotionalGreat Kids Worship MusicYancyGateway Kids Worship
Ever wonder how to impress upon your children the importance of knowing who they are in Christ? At a young age, children are told they are many things either by words spoken over them or impressions they have from life experiences. These words impact their self-esteem and directly influence how they handle life as a whole.
Self-esteem expert Jack Canfield, of Chicken Soup for the Soul fame, notes that 80 percent of children entering the first grade scored high on the self-esteem inventory. By the fifth grade only 20 percent of the children were scoring high. And by the time they graduated from high school that number was down to just 5 percent. Furthermore, Canfield says that in a survey of 1,000 parents and 1,000 teachers, 72 percent of the parents said teachers were responsible developing a healthy self-esteem in kids, while78 percent of the teachers said that parents were responsible.
So how do we ensure that our children grow up with a healthy self-esteem? The answer is quite simple…we must teach them about who God says they are. Their value cannot be based on what social media or their peers say they are. They need to know that God created them in His image and what He thinks of them matters most. And…He thinks they are incredible!
Too often I have heard negative self-talk from the mouths of our youngest kids. To help our children understand their true worth, we introduced a poem to help children understand that God loves them and has made them for a special purpose. Each week in KidZone, we start our times together with this important declaration. I encourage you to start your days with it too.
I Am Who God Says I Am
I am loved by King Jesus
Forgiven by the Son
Chosen by my Maker
A reflection of His love
I am created for a purpose
Protected, treasured, strong
I am God’s child forever
I will never walk alone
I am seen by my Father
I will follow in His ways
God’s Word is good, I trust it
I’m a new creation made.
By: Stephanie Holmberg
It may feel strange to partner Easter and marriage together, but believe it or not, they aren’t as far apart as we may think. The crux of the Easter event is Jesus’ willingness to lay down his life. Though guiltless and sinless, Jesus gave up his life so that humanity had the best picture possible of what love looked like. Love is not motivated by selfish interests. It is not about self-preservation at all costs. It isn’t about an ascent to power. Rather, love is defined as a posture of service. This is what Jesus demonstrated in his willing death. The word for this is “kenosis”—it’s a self-emptying for the sake of the other. And marriage, in so many ways, is an invitation to do just that: give of ourselves for the sake of our spouse. If you’ve been married for any amount of time, then you know marriage is all about giving of yourself. But Jesus goes even further when he doesn’t just give us a model to follow in action but in attitude. He willingly gave, and it was in his willingness to give out of love and kindness without resentment or holding a grudge that we see what love is like to the core. It’s more than an action. It’s a way of being.
Ask This: Ask yourself these questions:
- What are the biggest obstacles keeping you from showing a kind of “self-emptying” love towards your spouse?
- How have you gone through the motions of looking out for the best interests of your spouse in action but not in attitude?
- How does your attitude toward your spouse and not just your actions affect the way you see and feel towards them?
Try This: Think about something—a behaviour or a habit or anything about your spouse that currently drives you crazy—we’re talking annoying, not harmful. Work on changing your attitude towards that thing this month, and maybe even look for a way to celebrate it. Again, the point isn’t just to tolerate it or them, but to love them selflessly and in a way that allows them to be exactly who they are and for you to love them exactly as they are.
In 2019 the Varsity Blues scandal hit the media. Thirty-three parents of college applicants were accused of paying more than $25 million between 2011 and 2018 to William Rick Singer, organizer of a college admissions scheme, who used part of the money to fraudulently inflate entrance exam test scores and bribe college officials. While this scandal shocked the world, many of us began reexamining our own parenting motives, asking ourselves, are we pushing our kids too hard? Are we saying that our children’s achievements or failures determine our worth?
Children experience pressure in many ways. In school, many kids struggle with intense academic competition from parents, teachers, peers and society at large. This focus on grades can lead to stress, anxiety, and burnout among children.
Kids today often participate in numerous extracurriculuaractivites, from sports, to music lessons to volunteer work. While these activities can be enriching and provide valuable skills, they can also contribute to a packed schedule and increased stress levels.
Parents may have high expectations for their children, whether it’s based on their own experiences, cultural norms, or societal pressures. These expectations can manifest in various ways, such as pushing children to excel academically, participating in multiple extracurricular activities, or achieving certain milestones at a young age.
The level of pressure placed on children can vary greatly depending on cultural and societal norms. In some cultures, academic success is highly valued. In others, there may be less emphasis on achievement and more focus on personal development and well-being.
Each family needs to determine healthy expectations in their home, always making room for children to express how they are feeling safely. If a child expresses that something is becoming stressful or burdensome, it is the parent’s responsibility to help the child discern the source of the stress and remedy it accordingly.
While every parent wants their children to thrive in their unique giftings, it is important to not value what a child does more than who a child is. If a child believes that love is based only on action and achievement, they will always seek approval from others and underestimate the value of who they are.
In KidZone, we see hundreds of children every weekend and it is impossible for us to know the pressures each child is facing. Because we know that Jesus loves these children because of how he has created them to be, we have begun to weekly declare with them their identity in Christ. We encourage you to remind your sons and daughters that their value is based on how God sees them. He loves them and has created them each uniquely! Let’s declare with our kids…I AM WHO GOD SAYS I AM!
Parental Expectations: Balancing Act: On the other hand, some argue that a certain level of challenge is necessary for children to develop resilience, perseverance, and other important life skills. It’s essential to strike a balance between providing opportunities for growth and avoiding excessive pressure.
Cultural and Societal Factors: Ultimately, whether or notwe’re pushing our kids too hard depends on various factors, including individual circumstances, cultural norms, and societal expectations. It’s important for parents, educators, and policymakers to consider the well-being and developmental needs of children and strive to create environments that foster their growth and happiness.
Psalm 23. This series is on Psalm 23. For six weeks, we'll be journeying through this beautiful Psalm, one verse at a time.
Did you know that the Good Shepherd was a prominent Christian symbol found in many catacombs during the first four centuries after Christ's death and resurrection? Here's how one church historian put it,
“The kindness, the courage, the grace, the love, the beauty of the Good Shepherd was to them, if we may so say, Prayer Book and Articles, Creeds and Canons, all in one. They looked on that figure, and it conveyed to them all that they wanted.” - Arthur P. Stanley
How do you think you would be shaped as a disciple of Jesus if the Good Shepherd became a primary symbol for your faith and discipleship? How would we be shaped as a church family?
Like the Father. In the Bible, we see that Jesus does what the Father does, so we can say that He is like the Father. Here’s how Jesus puts it, “Truly I tell you, the Son is not able to do anything on his own, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, the Son likewise does these things.” (John 5:19 CSB).
There is no doubt that the presence (or absence) of our earthly parents in our lives affects us, and we are always “like” them in some way. But on this Father’s Day, Pastor Tim Doherty wants to encourage you to spend some time reflecting on how much you are like our Father in heaven.
When it comes to risk, how would you characterize yourself? How comfortable are you with risks? When's the last time you took one? And what happened when you did?
This weekend, as we wrap up our series, Dear Church, we are going to explore a risk that someone named Ananias in the Bible took…and why it’s always worth it to take the kind of risk that he took.
‘Dear Church’, this weekend, we are going to unpack what it means to live filled and empowered with the Holy Spirit, as we continue our series on the why, the what, and the so what of the church.
‘Dear Church’, we’re going to open up the Bible to examine the why, the what, and the so what of the church.
In this second part of this four part sermon series - Pastor Daniel speaks on 'Who do we think we are' as followers of King Jesus.
‘Dear Church’, we’re going to open up the Bible to examine the why, the what, and the so what of the church.
We’re living in a world that increasingly sees the church as a negative or irrelevant “institution,” rather than the living, breathing, beautiful bride of Christ that she is—that we are.
We are wrapping up our ‘Asking For A Friend’ sermon series. We have been wrestling with the awkward and uncomfortable questions many people wonder about but are not sure how to ask. Pastor Daniel and Dr. Simon Sheh will be answering some of your questions that you have submitted throughout this series.
How can we make sure that our kids “turn out right”? Surely we just have to find the right way to “train up a child,” as Proverbs 22:6 tells us, right?
“Suicide is a permanent irreversible attempt to solve a temporary problem.” Rick Warren If you have active suicidal thoughts, call Access 24/7 | 780-424-2424
Fear and worry begin to grip us and they become the motivation of our actions. But, when we Turn Our Eyes Upon Jesus and we look full in His wonderful face, we find forgiveness, peace, love, and our circumstances, our earthly realities, and our convictions begin to grow strangely dim as we walk again in the unforced rhythms of Jesus’ glorious grace.
So what do we do with the anger thing? Do we supress it? Do we express it? Or is there another way?
Many things will distract us from Jesus every single day. Here at Beulah, our focus will always be on King Jesus, no matter what comes our way.
But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. Early in the morning He came back into the temple [court], and all the people were coming to Him. He sat down and began teaching them. 3 Now the scribes and Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery. They made her stand in the center of the court, and they said to Him, “Teacher, this woman has been caught in the very act of adultery. Now in the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women [to death]. So what do You say [to do with her—what is Your sentence]?” They said this to test Him, hoping that they would have grounds for accusing Him. But Jesus stooped down and began writing on the ground with His finger. However, when they persisted in questioning Him, He straightened up and said, “He who is without [any] sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.”Then He stooped down again and started writing on the ground. They listened [to His reply], and they began to go out one by one, starting with the oldest ones, until He was left alone, with the woman [standing there before Him] in the center of the court. Straightening up, Jesus said to her, “Woman, where are they? Did no one condemn you?”She answered, “No one, Lord!” And Jesus said, “I do not condemn you either. Go. From now on sin no more.”] John 8:1-11 AMP
Many things will distract us from Jesus every single day. Here at Beulah, our focus will always be on King Jesus, no matter what comes out way.
As we look forward to the next 100 years of Beulah, we will continue to keep our eyes on King Jesus no matter what comes our way.
Our God is a promise keeping God. The key to surviving and thriving in whatever comes our way is by clinging to the promise keeper.
God has been faithful over the past 100 years of ministry at Beulah. Because of this, we can have confidence that he will also be faithful over the next 100 years.
Please note: there are no sermon notes this weekend.
How are you ensuring that toxic people are not distracting you from God's calling on your life?
We all have people in our lives who drain us, demean us, and distract is from other healthy relationships. So how do we navigate life with these people around us?
God doesn't just want certain parts of you, He wants all areas of your life. Everything we have is from God, so we get to offer it all back to Him.
Who is the Holy Spirit? The Holy Spirit is more than a feeling and experience, but transformative for change.
There is more beyond. Often, we become focused only on the 'here and now'. Scripture provides us with an amazing picture of a life beyond. It is a source of hope and reminds us that there is more to come.
Which of these idols have become an ultimate thing for you? Which of these often absorb your heart and imagination more than God?
Money Work Beauty Romantic relationships Sex Crowds The approval of others Likes and attention Our success The success of our children How smart we are or how much we know Experiences Morality Tolerance
Over 14 generations, the people of God experienced a loss of identity, a loss of normalcy, and a loss of hope. How can we wait with hope?
No matter how dark or evil things get, no matter how difficult our struggle, we can have hope and we can offer hope, because God is with us. We are going to see again that there is hope. But likely not in the way we think.
We can live with confidence that God is with us—in every and any circumstance—because He sees us.
The Genealogy of Jesus Christ is helpful because we’re reminded that God has been at work through generations past, that we are not the only generation that has ever existed, and that we should never place our confidence in our external circumstances.