Noah & the Ark (October 23rd)

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

Story in Scripture: Genesis 6:9- 9:29

Many children know the story of Noah and the Ark from their early childhood. Nursery rooms, day care centers, infant pajamas- all remind us of this incredible story and the way in which God drew close to Noah and challenged the moral norms of the day. The lesson today focused primarily in the way in which Noah was in communion with God. Noah and his family loved the Lord and listened to his direction in their lives. Even though he was undoubtably surprised by the direction that God sent him! Secondly, the discussion today also focused on the way in which Noah and his family were brought to a realization of hope and new life as the flood waters began to recede. Although it is easy to attend only to the variety of animals on board.... this story is more accurately a story of separation, inspiration, distruction, patience, redemption, and, at last, new life. The children will also be enjoying a beautifully illustrated book called Noah’s Ark, by Peter Spier, which aids in an engaged discussion of the reality of the story.

Guiding Questions for Discussion:

I wonder how it felt to be in the Ark with all the rain? 

I wonder what it was like to be surrounded by so much water?

I wonder how it felt to be washed clean and new and to start over again?

I wonder how God felt about the animals and the people in the Ark?

I wonder how it felt as they made a special place to talk to God, to say their thanks to God?

I wonder how they felt when they saw the rainbow and understood the promise?

Prayer:

“Father, thank you for the story of Noah. Help me to understand the ways that you direct my life. I want to do the things that please you and I know that you want the best for me. Come near to me the way you came near to Noah. Thank you for my family, my friends, my pets, and all the ways that I enjoy your blessings every day. Amen.”

The Holy Family (October 16th)

**It may seem strange to jump from Creation to the Holy Family, but with Advent right around the corner, this lesson provided a way for the children to begin connecting the very beginning of life with the redemption of life to come. This lesson helps children to understand the bond between two of God's amazing creative acts in Genesis and in the Christmas story.** 

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

Story in Scripture: Gospel texts

As Advent and the celebration of Christmas draw closer, we will begin to focus our attention on what life was like when Jesus was born. By learning more about Mary and Joseph and their family, we can begin to understand the way in which God chose to send his son into a simple normal family, one perhaps not far different from our own. Mary and Joseph were in a nique situation, of course, but the children today disussed them as individuals like themselves. They will wonder together about the ways that God in in situations that often seem unfortunate or difficult. Sometimes, God comes to us in surprising and unique ways that are often totally unexpected. Another topic of discussion today was the way in which creatures such as cows, donkeys, and sheep were present on the day that Jesus was born. What a humbling thought! Animals bowed down to our savior as well. Wise Men, who knew so much about the stars and science; shepherds, who were surely as stunned as their flock to see this miraculous sight.... the story is full of mystery and will hopefully lead to some fruitful discussion as Advent begins. 

Guiding Questions for Discussion:

I wonder what part of the Holy Family you like best? 

I wonder which of the members of the Holy Family is most like you?

I wonder if other people understood how special the Holy Family was?

I wonder what part of the Holy Family is the most important part? 

I wonder if there is any of the Holy Family we can leave out and still have all that we need? 

Prayer:

“Dear God, as the weather begins to cool and Christmas is around the corner, help me to begin thinking about why it is such a special, important season. Help me to remember that you came to be with us when you sent your son in such a surprising way. I love you Lord- thank you for loving us. Amen.”

Looking forward: Now that we have laid the groundwork for Advent and the culmination in many ways of God’s desire to have relationship with us, we will look back at the other ways in which God came near to us in unique and surprising ways. I encourage you to read over the story of Noah and the Ark with Genesis 6:9- 9:29. 

Circle of the Church Year (October 2nd)

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

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

Each Sunday, the Godly Play teachers review the season that we are in. They reflect with the children about the season, what God may be trying to teach us during this time, and they encourage the children to look forward to the seasons to come. Through a directed lesson, the children will learn today about the importance of acknowledging and considering these seasons as we worship, learn, and pray each week. The concept of God’s timing and His provision of seasons for preparation and growth will be discussed. They will talk about the “Great Growing Season,” Advent, Christmas, Resurrection and the Easter Season, and the day of Pentecost. Your child will probably bring home a beaded cord with a colored bead to represent each of the 52 Sundays in the year. I recommend that you put this cord in a place where daily Bible reading takes place so that you can consider the seasons throughout the year. Remember, the natural seasons of the year help us to look back with gratitude and look forward with anticipation... God has provided us with seasons in our faith to do the same.

Guiding Questions for Discussion:

I wonder which of these colors/ seasons you like best?

I wonder which of the colors/ seasons is the most important?

I wonder if you’ve ever seen these colors in church, at home, or at school?

I wonder why the Church tells time with colors?

Prayer:

“Dear Father, thank you for the seasons. Thank you for the changing weather, the growing trees, and the cooling winds. Thank you for the sun and the moon, which help us mark our days. Thank you also for the seasons of the Church Year, so that we can remember to prepare our hearts for what is to come and can remember back to the beautiful things that have taken place. Amen.”

Looking forward: Next week, we will be worshipping together in music and art creation. As your family prepares your hearts of the Advent Season, remember that there are now Holy Season books and resources for check out in the Gathering Room.  

Please note: This lesson was taught to the 1st- 3rd grade class on September 25th. Preschool through 3rd grade students will actually be enjoying a Musical Worship Day on October 2nd, while the 4th- 5th grade students learn about the Circle of the Church Year.