Creation (September 25th)

Season of the Church Year: Common Time/ “Great Green Growing” Season  (green)

Story in Scripture: Genesis 1:1- 2:3  

This week, your child learned about and discussed the Creation story. This beautiful story reminds us of the amazing power that God has to move, energize, empower, and inspire the world around us. As the chlidren contemplate each incredible part of creation.... the light.... the darkness separated from the light... water... dry land... plants and growing things... the sun, moon, and stars... the animals of the seas, lakes, and rivers... the birds that fly... and finally the animals that move about on the earth.... everything is filled with the beauty and magnificence of God! During the lesson, your child’s teacher will also encourage them to consider the importance of what God did last: he rested! There are so many important facets of this lesson to open up conversation about the ways in which God leads us. We are an incredible creation of God. He made us. He loves and cherishes us. All of the natural world- trees, flowers, horses, beetles, ponds, even mosquitos (!) are part of God’s amazing story. And he models for us how to enjoy these things through a special thing called sabbath- even God rested to enjoy what he had made.

Guiding Questions for Discussion:

I wonder which part of the Creation story you think is most interesting?

I wonder what special place you would go to remember God’s gifts of Creation?

Today you will have the chance to make your own cards that remind you of the Creation story.

Prayer:

“Wonderful God, thank you for your creation! Thank you for making the light… the moon… the water and dry land… the animals and plants… and even me and my family. You are so powerful and I am glad that you made me. Help me to enjoy your creation and treat it with love. Amen.”

Looking forward: Next week, we will be learning about the Holy Family as we begin to prepare our hearts of the Advent Season. As your family prepares for this important season, remember that there are now Holy Season books and resources for check out in the Gathering Room. 

trinityKids Pumpkin Picking!

YAY for Fall!!! Join trinityKids as we pick out the perfect pumpkin to celebrate Autumn's arrival! Meet us at Northside UMC between 10 and noon on October 22nd.  All ages are welcome, but children should be accompanied by a parent, nanny, or babysitter.  See you there!!

The Good Shepherd & the Lost Sheep (September 11th)

Season of the Church Year: Common Time/ “Great Green Growing” Season  (green)

Story in Scripture: Psalm 23 

This parable, written by David, outlines for us beautiful imagery of the way that God truly loves us. With the children, the story is told in a hands-on, visual way, with the Good Shepherd leading the way to clear clean waters and also through dark places (represented by large black felt shapes). It is very powerful to talk with children about the Good Shepherd’s dedication to every last sheep. During our story telling today, the teacher illuded to a counting of each sheep. When one is found to be missing, the teacher moves the Good Shepherd back through it all, including the dark places, to find the missing or lost sheep. One of the most insightful responses I’ve ever heard from a child was this: After the story was complete and a connection was made between Jesus and the Good Shepherd, a student once exclaimed, “What? That good shepherd was actually Jesus the whole time!!?!?!? Wow!” This story is a fantastic way to bring the glory of God’s care for us into focus for the little ones. With the older children, this story provides an excellent beginning to a conversation about spiritual disciplines (connecting to the structure and boundary of the sheep fold), as well as the guidance of Jesus in their lives- even through places that are dark and confusing- Jesus goes first to lead us through to the other side!

Guiding Questions for Discussion:

I wonder how many sheep really could live in this place?

I wonder if you have ever had to go through places of danger?

I wonder how the sheep feel when they are with the Good Shepherd?

I wonder how the Good Shepherd feels about the sheep?

Prayer:

“Dear Jesus, thank you so much for being our Good Shepherd. You care for us, you guide us, and you protect us. Help me to follow you and stay near your side, no matter if I am in times that are easy or hard. I am so grateful that you are in my life. Amen.”

Looking forward: Next week, we will enjoy a time for musical worship and reflection. After that, we will be entering into a season of learning about Jesus’ early ministry, beginning with the calling of the twelve disciples (Mark 3: 7-19). 

Please note: This lesson will be taught to the 4th- 5th grade students on September 18th and to the 1st- 3rd grade students later in the year. 

Jesus Feeds 5,000 People (September 4th)

Season of the Church Year: Common Time/ “Great Green Growing” Season  (green)

Story in Scripture: Mark 6: 30-44

As we enter deeper into the Great Green Growing Season, we will be delving into scripture that illustrates the ministry of Jesus. We focused this week on the story of the Feeding of the 5,000. This miracle was not only a testament to the power of Jesus, but also an illustration of the disciples’ trust in their Savior. Children often marvel at this story because it is so hands-on. To imagine 5 loaves and 2 fishes… amazingly able to feed a nearly innumerable crowd of men, women, and children. I recommend talking with your child about God’s unexpected provisions. Perhaps there is a story from your own life that will lend itself to this conversation. This story truly provides a tangible example of how amazing God is and how much he wants to care for the needs of his people.

Guiding Questions for Discussion:

I wonder how the disciples are feeling about what just happened?

I wonder how the crowd feels?

I wonder why the crowd thinks Jesus is the Christ?

I wonder why the people want to make Jesus their king?

I wonder what kind of king Jesus would be?

I wonder why Jesus slipped away?

Prayer:

“Dear Lord, help me to be ready to see you do amazing things in my life. Even when I think I don’t have enough to give, please show me all the wonderful things that YOU can do. I trust you and I know that your story is the best story for my life. Thank you for feeding me, just like you fed those 5,000 people. Amen.”

Looking forward: Next week, we will be learning about the Parable of the Farmer and the Growing Seed. Prepare with your child by reading the scripture and reflecting back on the importance of parables. Mark 3: 7-19

Please note: This lesson was taught to the 4th- 5th grade students on August 21st and will be taught to the Prek- kindergarten class later in the year.