The Ark and the Tent (November 4th & 11th)

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

Story in Scripture: Exodus 25:1 through 40:38

Today we learned about the intricate and complex preparations that God’s people went through as they readied themselves to worship and enter into God’s presence. The detail and specificity that is explained in the book of Exodus is so far removed from our own lives that it can be difficult for children to connect to. This ancient story, however, reminds us of two important things: (1) Spending time with God and attending to him is a sacred and special thing and (2) We are incredibly blessed to have been truly reconciled and reunited with God through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ- we now are welcome to enter into time and relationship with God sans the intensive preparation. As Moses, Aaron, and others prepared carefully because their lives were messy and often dangerously unpredictable. By taking time to thoughtfully and intentionally prepare for their time with God, they were able to set their time in the Tent apart. It is important for us to prepare our own hearts and minds for worship and conversation with God as well. I encourage you to talk with your child about how they might prepare themselves. Share with them about the ways that you prepare to enter in to your time with God.

Guiding Questions for Discussion:

I wonder how it feels to come close to something so precious as the Ark?

I wonder how the sweet-smelling incense and smoke helped them get ready to come near the Ark and close to God?

I wonder how the Table of Shrewbread with the unleavened bread helped them get ready to be close to God?

I wonder how the great burning lights helped them get ready to be close to God?

I wonder how you get ready to be close to God?

I wonder how it feels to be close to God?

I wonder where the Ten Best Ways to Live are now?

Prayer:

“Father, thank you for making time and space for us to spend with you. Help me to prepare my heart to pray and worship you. I want to have quiet time and special time with you every day. Thank you for making time for us to be together. Amen.” 

Exodus (November 4th & 11th)

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

Story in Scripture: Exodus 1:1- 15:21

The story of Exodus is a powerful one. It reminds us that God is not only sovereign & powerful, but he is also loving & patient. It is difficult for most children in our community to even imagine what it might be like to be truly hungry. Thankfully, the concept of being held captive in slavery is also nearly impossible for them to imagine. But the story of Exodus is a beautiful illustration that God is there to lead us out of captivity- either slavery of sin or slavery of physical chains. God led his people through terrifying and uncertain times; he provided them with the security and the care that they needed along the way. He provides the same for us, even if it may look differently. As we shared this story with the children today, we provided an overview of many of the events that took place during the time period described in the book of Exodus. Be encouraged to continue reading and learning alongside your child about these stories. We have many resources here at the church that you are welcome to borrow. Most importantly, talk with your child about the power of God to free us through the sacrifice of his son Jesus Christ.

Guiding Questions for Discussion:

Now I wonder how it feels to be hungry and not have any food? I wonder how the parents felt when they didn’t have any food to feed their children? I wonder how it feels if the only way to get food is to be a slave?    

I wonder if you have ever been near a place like this, trapped, and someone freed you?

I wonder how it felt when the firstborn of the Egyptians died and but death passed over the people of God?

I wonder how it felt when God led them through the water to freedom?

Now that the people of God are free, I wonder which way they will go?

I wonder how they will know the way?

Prayer:

“Dear God, thank you for the ways that you have stood by your people for so long. I am so glad these stories are here to remind me that you are powerful, loving, and in control. Thank you for caring for us and providing what we need. I love you and am glad to be a part of your family. Amen.”