Date:  4/1/26

Speaker: Lesley Volker

Topic: Easter

Bible References: Luke 22, 24; John 19; Matthew 27; Mark 16 

Recap:  Mrs. Lesley walked students through the events that shaped what we celebrate as Holy Week and the resurrection of our Savior. From Palm Sunday, through the Garden of Gethsamene, to Jesus being sentenced and condemned to His resurrection from the tomb each of these events were orchestrated to bring about God's plan of love and sacrifice so that we can have eternal life with Him!

Date:  3/25/26

Speaker: Will Robertson

Topic: Heart of Worship

Bible References: I Samuel 16:7; Amos 5:23-24; Clossians 3:17; Psalm 51:10

Recap: Sometimes we sing, clap, or go to church—but forget why we’re doing it. People see what’s on the outside, but God sees what’s inside. Worship isn’t about how good we sing, how fun church is, or how others see us. It is about loving Jesus, thanking Him, and putting Him first in our life. Worship isn’t just a song—it’s showing our deep love and respect for Jesus. 

Date:  3/18/26

Speaker: Anna Norris

Topic: Keep Your Eyes Up

Bible References: Matthew 14:22-33

Recap: Ms. Anna used the illustrations of a balance beam and a high wire to show that it takes focus to keep our eyes on Jesus.She shared about the disciples fearing for their lives in a dangerous storm, and how Peter had to keep his eyes on Jesus to walk on the water. We should keep our focus on Jesus daily and don't let the world distract you from living for Christ!

Date:  3/11/26

Speaker: Dr. Jay Hancock

Topic: Imago Dei

Bible References: Genesis 1:26-27; 

Recap:  

Everyone has something that makes them special, and we know what that something is! It is that we are created in God’s image (Genesis 1:26-27). 

• The Image of God is in all people at all times. 

• Not just Christians are created in the image of God. All of us are. 

• The Image of God is not greater in one person than another. 

• We are all ALL special, valuable, image-bearers of God.

Date:  3/4/26

Speaker: Lesley Volker

Topic: The Kingdom of God and the Beatitudes

Bible References: Matthew 6:33

Recap: Looking ahead to Easter, Mrs. Lesley shared about how Jesus had come to establish a new kingdom. We are invited to be a part of it, but it is not what people expected it to be. While we are not perfect, we have the opportunity to be forgiven under the blood sacrifice that God paid for us. Then we are to share that Gospel with everyone through living like Jesus! 

Date:  2/25/26

Speaker: Michelle Embry

Topic: Mrs. Michelle used the account of Daniel to highlight the importance of having a rhythm of prayer each day.

Date:  2/18/26

Speaker: Will Robertson

Topic: Growing with God

Date: 2/11/26

Speaker: Anna Norris

Topic: Choosing a Positive attitude!

Date:  2/4/26

Speaker: Jason Pavelchak

Topic: Imago Dei

Date:  1/21/26

Speaker: Michelle Embry

Topic: How sin affects us as Image-bearers

Date:  1/14/26

Speaker: CCS High School Christian Leadership class

Topic: God's Love

Date:  1/7/26

Speaker: Dr. Fryar

Topic: Our Journey: Changing Shoes, Changing Season, and Unchanging Grace

Bible References: Hebrew 12:1, Ephesians 6:15

Recap: Dr. Fryar used shoes to highlight how God gives us grace in every season of life. As things change God gives us what we need for that season, and changes the shoes as we grow!

Date:  12/10/25

Speaker: Lesley Volker

Topic: The Greatest Gift

Bible References: John 1; Matthew 1:23: Isaiah 9

Recap: Lesley Volker from 5 Stones Church shared with our students about the greatest gift of all that we celebrate at Christmas time. The gift of a Savior that came to provide salvation to the world! God sent His son to be with us, and He promises to return again one day for those who follow Him.

Date:  12/3/25

Speaker: Anna Norris

Topic: Hope

Bible References: Isaiah 35, 53 Psalm 22

Recap: Ms. Anna pointed students to the hope we have in Jesus. For over a thousand years the prophets foretold the coming of Jesus and what it meant for all people. Jesus was coming to be the Savior of mankind, and He would bear the sins of the World. 

Date:  11/19/25

Speaker: Michelle Embry

Topic: Give Thanks

Bible References: Psalm 107:1

Recap: Ms. Michelle defined what it means to "Give Thanks". She challenged students to say and/or write things we are grateful for regularly throughout the year. We can hold on to the truth that God is good, and His love endures forever. That's everyday - the good, bad, and the in between.

Date:  11/05/25

Speaker: Will Robertson

Topic: Queen Esther

Bible References: Esther 3-7

Recap: Mr. Robertson shared how God provided a way to protect the Israelites from Haman's plan. Esther was chosen by Xerxes to be his queen, and she chose to follow God even when her life was at risk. What we can learn from Esther?

1. God has a purpose for me.

2. God helps me accomplish His plan. 

3. I can do the right thing even when it’s hard. 

Esther didn’t know what would happen, but she trusted God. Courage doesn’t mean we’re not afraid — it means we trust God anyway.

Date:  10/29/25

Speaker: Lesley Volker

Topic: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego

Bible References: Daniel 3:17-18

Recap: Ms. Lesley shared the account of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego who were exiled to Babylon. They were trained and became goverment officials in this foreign land. When everyone was compelled to bow to the statue of Nebuchadnezzar they refused no matter the cost and trusted God no matter the outcome. 

Date:  10/22/25

Speaker: Michelle Embry

Topic: Joshua and Caleb

Bible References: Isaiah 41:10

Recap: Ms. Michelle shared about showing courage even when you are alone. Joshua and Caleb advised the Israelites to trust in God and go into Canaan. This was the land that God had promised them, and they trusted that God would provide each step of the way.

Date:  10/15/25

Speaker: Anna Norris

Topic: The Good Samaritan

Bible References: Luke 10:25-37

Recap: Ms. Anna shared the parable of the Good Samaritan and the importance of going out of our way to help others. Being exceptionally kind is a great way to honor others, and share the love of Jesus. God went out of His way to send His Son to die for our sins so we could have a restored relationship with Him!

Date:  10/1/25

Speaker: Will Robertson

Topic: Honoring One Another

Bible References: 1 Peter 2:17

Recap: Mr. Robertson shared from 1 Peter which was written to encourage Christians to live a holy life even though life can be tough. He discussed examples of people throughout or community from policeman who protect the community to politicians who lead us. An important person for students to show honor to is their teacher. God gave them the exact teacher they needed this year, and we are grateful that we have teachers that love the Lord!

Date:  9/24/25

Speaker: Michelle Embry

Topic: Honor the Lord

Bible References: Daniel 6; Romans 12:10

Recap: Mrs. Michelle from CarmelKidz ministry shared about how God used Daniel after he was taken captive in Babylon. While there Daniel continued to honor God despite being in a different culture, and ended up being thrown in the lion's den for it. Daniel modeled three things for us to follow. 1. Never stop praying and trusting in God. 2. Give God the credit. 3. Thank God.

Date:  9/17/25

Speaker: Ms. Anna Norris

Topic: Honoring Your Parents

Bible References: Exodus 20:12

Recap: Ms. Anna from CarmelKidz ministry challenged students to follow the commandment given to them to honor their parents. Honor requires obedience, gratitude, respect, trust, and grace. It is not a casual command. It is one that carries a lot of "weight", and we will benefit greatly from following this commandment!

Date:  9/10/25

Speaker: Dr. Chris Fryar

Topic: A Humble Love

Bible References: John 13:1-7; Luke 7:36-50

Recap: Dr. Fryar challenged students to look at how Jesus exemplified humble love. He shared how Jesus washed the disciples feet and what that meant in the culture during that time. He then shared about the woman, who was rejected by many leaders, that came to wash His (Jesus') feet. Our faith calls us to be loving, humble, and ready to serve others.

Date:  9/3/25

Speaker: Dr. Jay Hancock

Topic: Loving Others Not Like Us

Bible References: Romans 12:10; Genesis 1;  Psalms 149

Recap: Sometimes we might feel tempted to avoid people who are different from us. We tend to choose friends who look like us, or like the same things we do. But we quickly find out that no one is just like us. We have to learn that our differences make the world more interesting. People who are different from us can teach us to love better. We should thank God for people who are different from us. When we all get to heaven, God will not erase our differences; God will celebrate our differences. And—because we’re all made in God’s image—God wants us to love one another and celebrate our differences. 

Date:  8/27/25

Speaker: Lesley Volker (5 Stones Church)

Topic: How God Defines Love

Bible References: Psalm 33:22; Romans 5:8; Numbers 14:18; Psalm 107:1; John 3:16; I John 4:7-10

Recap: Mrs. Volker points to scripture to show how God love us. Do you know God's love? When we know God's love we can love others the way Jesus did. Jesus lived an example for us to follow in loving others. As we walk with Him, we are then able to grow in God's love!

Date:  8/20/25

Speaker:  Will Robertson

Topic: God's love and how to love Him back.

Bible References: I John 4:7-12

Recap: Mrs. Robertson shared that all love comes from God. and He is the source of all real love. We can also be confident in His love for us, because He showed us how much He loves us by sending Jesus, His only Son, into the world to give us new and eternal life with Him. We love him back like we do others we love. We spend time talking to Him in prayer. We worship Him through music, and learn more about Him through His Word.

Date:  8/13/25

Speaker:  Carey Haan

Topic: Respecting and Honoring Others

Bible References: Romans 12:10

Recap: Mrs. Haan shared about treating each other with deep affection and putting others needs and feelings before our own. As Christians, we are to love others deeply and in a caring way, similar to the way we love our families. She challenged students to be aware of others and look for ways to help!