October Loft Recap (week 3)
What is something you can trust God with right now?

Sam Gilles • Upper Elementary Pastor
October 18, 2026

2 Minute Read
LOFT WEEKEND RECAP

Series/Message: The Safe Place - God is my Strength

Key Scripture: Mark 4

THE BIG IDEA
The disciples faced a frightening storm and wondered if Jesus even cared about them. But Jesus showed them that He had power over the wind and waves. We will face situations we cannot control, but we can trust that Jesus cares about us and is in control, even when life feels overwhelming.
He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” - Mark 4:40
MAIN POINTS
  • Jesus is with us, even in the middle of the storm
  • Jesus has power over what we can’t control
  • God is in control
ADDITIONAL CONVERSATION QUESTIONS

Use these questions to continue the conversation at home and help your kids think more deeply about what they heard this weekend.

Pick one or two and give your kid space to share what they are thinking. The goal is to continue the conversation at home and help them see how following Jesus connects to their everyday life.

1. When something doesn't go the way you hoped or planned, how do you usually react? What makes those moments difficult for you?
2. Why do you think we sometimes assume that when life is hard, something must be wrong or that things won't get better?
3. When you're having a hard day, what helps you remember that you're loved and that you don't have to face everything alone?
4. What is one situation you might face this week where you will need courage to do what you know is right? How can you remind yourself that God is with you in that moment?
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From this Author: Sam Gilles
November 8, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
November Loft Recap (week 2)
LOFT WEEKEND RECAP Series/Message: The Great Gratitude Challenge Key Scripture: Habakkuk 3:17-18, 1 Thessalonians 5:18 THE BIG IDEA We can face difficult times and still trust God. Even when life doesn't go the way we hoped, we can choose Gratitude because God is still good, He remains Faithful, and He has given us hope through Jesus. We don't have to pretend our struggles don't hurt. Instead, we can remember what God has done for us and thank Him no matter what. Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. - 1 Thessalonians 5:18 MAIN POINTS We can face difficult times and still trust God We can thank God because He has given us hope through Jesus We can choose gratitude even when life is hard OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD CHALLENGEThe Power of Prayer in a Shoebox Our Loft was Challenged to intentionally write out a letter expressing gratitude and how thankful they are for what God has done in their life. Then to follow that up by writing a prayer that a child who will receive that letter in a shoebox. Parents and Families make sure you pack a shoebox for a child this Christmas season! This is a way they can put their faith in action, and they’ve already taken the first step in writing out these letters. Help them to see this through by packing a shoebox. ADDITIONAL CONVERSATION QUESTIONS Use these questions to continue the conversation at home and help your kids think more deeply about what they heard this weekend. Pick one or two and give your kid space to share what they are thinking. The goal is to continue the conversation at home and help them see how following Jesus connects to their everyday life. 1. What do you usually do when something doesn't go your way? 2. Can you think of something good God has given you that you sometimes forget to thank Him for? 3. When you're having a bad day, what helps you remember that God is still with you? 4. How can we help each other trust God when things are hard?

Sam Gilles

Upper Elementary Pastor

November 1, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
November Loft Recap (week 1)
LOFT WEEKEND RECAP Series/Message: The Great Gratitude Challenge Key Scripture: James 1:17, Philippians 4:8 THE BIG IDEA The way we look at life affects what we notice. When we focus on complaints, comparison, and fear, we can miss the good things God gives us. But every good gift comes from God, who never changes. When we choose to focus on what is good and practice gratitude, we can recognize God's goodness and thank Him for everything. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. - James 1:17 MAIN POINTS The way we look at life affects what we notice Every good gift comes from a God who never changes We can choose to focus on what is good ADDITIONAL CONVERSATION QUESTIONS Use these questions to continue the conversation at home and help your kids think more deeply about what they heard this weekend. Pick one or two and give your kid space to share what they are thinking. The goal is to continue the conversation at home and help them see how following Jesus connects to their everyday life. 1. Have you ever had a day where one bad thing happened and it felt like the whole day was bad? What happened, and how did it affect the way you saw everything else that day? 2. Why do you think it's so easy to notice when something goes wrong but harder to notice when things go right? 3. How can comparing our lives to what we see other people doing or having steal our joy? What could help us be happy for others while still appreciating our own lives? 4. What is one thing our family could do together to get better at noticing and celebrating the good things God is doing in our everyday lives?

Sam Gilles

Upper Elementary Pastor

October 25, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
October Loft Recap (week 4)
LOFT WEEKEND RECAP Series/Message: The Safe Place - God is my Strength Key Scripture: John 16 THE BIG IDEA From the beginning, God had a plan to rescue us from sin and bring us back into a relationship with Him through Jesus. Jesus has already defeated sin and death, and one day He will return to make everything right. Even when life is difficult, we can have Hope because Jesus wins. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” - John 16:33 MAIN POINTS God has a plan to rescue us Jesus will make everything right We have hope in Jesus ADDITIONAL CONVERSATION QUESTIONS Use these questions to continue the conversation at home and help your kids think more deeply about what they heard this weekend. Pick one or two and give your kid space to share what they are thinking. The goal is to continue the conversation at home and help them see how following Jesus connects to their everyday life. 1. When you think about the future, what are some things you feel excited about and what are some things that make you nervous? 2. Why do you think it's sometimes easier to focus on the bad things happening around us than to notice the good things God is doing? 3. How can remembering that God has a bigger plan help us when something feels unfair, broken, or disappointing? 4. What is one way our family could bring hope to someone who is going through a difficult time this week?

Sam Gilles

Upper Elementary Pastor

Currently Reading
October 18, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
October Loft Recap (week 3)
LOFT WEEKEND RECAP Series/Message: The Safe Place - God is my Strength Key Scripture: Mark 4 THE BIG IDEA The disciples faced a frightening storm and wondered if Jesus even cared about them. But Jesus showed them that He had power over the wind and waves. We will face situations we cannot control, but we can trust that Jesus cares about us and is in control, even when life feels overwhelming. He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” - Mark 4:40 MAIN POINTS Jesus is with us, even in the middle of the storm Jesus has power over what we can’t control God is in control ADDITIONAL CONVERSATION QUESTIONS Use these questions to continue the conversation at home and help your kids think more deeply about what they heard this weekend. Pick one or two and give your kid space to share what they are thinking. The goal is to continue the conversation at home and help them see how following Jesus connects to their everyday life. 1. When something doesn't go the way you hoped or planned, how do you usually react? What makes those moments difficult for you? 2. Why do you think we sometimes assume that when life is hard, something must be wrong or that things won't get better? 3. When you're having a hard day, what helps you remember that you're loved and that you don't have to face everything alone? 4. What is one situation you might face this week where you will need courage to do what you know is right? How can you remind yourself that God is with you in that moment?

Sam Gilles

Upper Elementary Pastor

October 11, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
October Loft Recap (week 2)
LOFT WEEKEND RECAP Series/Message: The Safe Place - God is my Strength Key Scripture: Daniel 3 THE BIG IDEA Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego chose to follow God even when everyone around them was doing something different. They knew God was with them, even when following Him was difficult or meant standing alone. We can have that same courage because God is with us and gives us strength to stand for what is true. He said, “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.” - Daniel 3:25 MAIN POINTS God is with us when we stand for what is true Following God sometimes means standing alone God gives us strength to stand for what is true ADDITIONAL CONVERSATION QUESTIONS Use these questions to continue the conversation at home and help your kids think more deeply about what they heard this weekend. Pick one or two and give your kid space to share what they are thinking. The goal is to continue the conversation at home and help them see how following Jesus connects to their everyday life. 1. Why do you think it can feel so important to fit in with other people? What are some things we might be tempted to change about ourselves just to feel accepted? 2. How do you think knowing who you are and what you believe can help you when you're faced with a difficult choice? 3. Can you think of a time when doing the right thing made your life harder or caused someone else to disagree with you? How did you handle it? 4. What is one situation you might face this week where you will need courage to do what you know is right? How can you remind yourself that God is with you in that moment?

Sam Gilles

Upper Elementary Pastor

October 4, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
October Loft Recap (week 1)
LOFT WEEKEND RECAP Series/Message: The Safe Place - God is my Strength Key Scripture: Joshua 6:1-16, 20 THE BIG IDEA God wants us to listen for His voice and grow in our relationship with Him. We may not always recognize His voice right away, but we can keep listening, keep praying, and ask God to speak to us as we learn more about Him. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” - Joshua 1:9 MAIN POINTS God is stronger than what we face Trusting God can make us brave God can help us face our fears ADDITIONAL CONVERSATION QUESTIONS Use these questions to continue the conversation at home and help your kids think more deeply about what they heard this weekend. Pick one or two and give your kid space to share what they are thinking. The goal is to continue the conversation at home and help them see how following Jesus connects to their everyday life. 1. What is something that can make you feel nervous, worried, or afraid even if you don't always tell other people about it? 2. When you're facing something that scares you, what do you usually do first? How might trusting God change the way you respond? 3. Can you think of a time when you were afraid to do something but chose to do it anyway? What helped you be brave? 4. What is something coming up in your life right now where you could use God's strength instead of trying to handle it completely on your own? Coming up: Nerf War | November 18th | 3rd-6th Grade We'll be turning out building into an all out Nerf War Zone! This 3 - HOUR action packed experience is for our Upper Elementary age students. Where they will have opportunities to Build Connections, Grow with one another, and Have Fun in all new ways! When: Wednesday, November 18th Where: Memphis Christian Church Who: 3rd–6th Grade Cost: $5 per studentNerf War Student Sign-Up Link

Sam Gilles

Upper Elementary Pastor

September 27, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
September Loft Recap (week 4)
LOFT WEEKEND RECAP Series/Message: Frequency - Learning to Hear from God Key Scripture: 1 Samuel 3:5-9 THE BIG IDEA God wants us to listen for His voice and grow in our relationship with Him. We may not always recognize His voice right away, but we can keep listening, keep praying, and ask God to speak to us as we learn more about Him. So Eli told Samuel, “Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. - 1 Samuel 3:9 MAIN POINTS God wants us to listen for His voice God can speak to us in different ways We can ask God to speak to us ADDITIONAL CONVERSATION QUESTIONS Use these questions to continue the conversation at home and help your kids think more deeply about what they heard this weekend. Pick one or two and give your kid space to share what they are thinking. The goal is to continue the conversation at home and help them see how following Jesus connects to their everyday life. 1. What do you think can make it difficult to notice or pay attention to God in your everyday life? 2. How can you tell the difference between something God may be leading you toward and simply something you want to do? 3. Can you think of a situation you are facing right now where you would like God’s direction or help? What would it look like to actually listen to Him in that situation? 4. What could you and your family do this week to create more opportunities to slow down, pray, and listen for God together? Coming up: Nerf War | November 18th | 3rd-6th Grade

Sam Gilles

Upper Elementary Pastor

September 23, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
Nerf War Loft Event
Event Overview This is a 3 - HOUR action packed experience for our Upper Elementary age students. Where they will have opportunities to Build Connections, and Grow in their Relationships with one another. Throughout the event, students will be placed on teams and work together in way where they will have to communicate, encourage one another, make decisions together, and depend on the people around them. Schedule WEDNESDAY, NOV 18TH 5:00p - Check In 5:30p Nerf War action begins 7:45p Nerf War action comes to a close 8:00p- Pick UP in Commons Lobby (Event Over) Additional Info Theme - Retro Bring your Own Blaster - Students are encouraged to bring their own dart blaster and all the ammo they desire for that blaster! Event Game Rules 1. Goggles Stay On If you are playing, your goggles stay on. No exceptions. 2. No Headshots Do not intentionally aim at or shoot someone in the head. 3. One Dart = One Hit If one dart hits you, it counts as one hit. Meaning you're out. 4. Call Your Own Hits If a dart hits you, you are responsible for calling yourself out/hit. Don't wait for a Referee to tell you. 5. When the Round Is Over, STOP SHOOTING When the Referee calls the end of the round, everyone Immediately stops shooting and lowers their blaster. Game Types Standard Team match 🔫 King of the Hill ⛰️ Capture the Flag 🚩 Zombies 🧟‍♂️ Cost ($5) This includes Team Color Vest / Safety Goggles Payment can be made on the night of the event or in advance through the registration linkNerf War Student Sign-Up Link

Sam Gilles

Upper Elementary Pastor

September 20, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
September Loft Recap (week 3)
LOFT WEEKEND RECAP Series/Message: Frequency - Learning to Hear from God Key Scripture: John 15:1-11 THE BIG IDEA Just like a branch needs to stay connected to a vine to grow, we need to stay connected to Jesus to grow spiritually. When we stay close to Him through His love, His Word, and following His commands, He changes us from the inside out and produces fruit in our lives. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” - John 15:5 MAIN POINTS Jesus is the source of our growth We can look fine without actually growing We must stay connected to Jesus Staying connected to Jesus produces fruit ADDITIONAL CONVERSATION QUESTIONS Use these questions to continue the conversation at home and help your kids think more deeply about what they heard this weekend. Pick one or two and give your kid space to share what they are thinking. The goal is to continue the conversation at home and help them see how following Jesus connects to their everyday life. 1. If someone watched your life for a whole week, what are some things they might notice that show you are growing in your relationship with Jesus? 2. Can you think of a time when being close to Jesus helped you handle a difficult situation, decision, or relationship differently? What happened? 3. If you could ask Jesus to help you grow in one area of your life right now, what would it be? Why? 4. What is one way I can help you grow closer to Jesus? Is there something we could do together as a family?

Sam Gilles

Upper Elementary Pastor

September 16, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
Welcome to Fall Loft
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Sam Gilles

Upper Elementary Pastor