Children & Media

    

     Children and young people today are exposed to so many forms of communication that we didn’t experience until adulthood. As a result, children are reading, hearing, and looking at things that they are simply not prepared for, or are spending more time interacting with electronics than is healthy. Families tackle this problem in many different ways and with many different reasons for their decisions.

     I recently read an article (http://iheartmontessori.wordpress.com/2012/10/25/tv-electronic-media-unplugging-the-kids/) about the importance of helping children to “unplug” from electronic stimulation, whether it is the television, iPads, video games, or computers. This is a topic that many families have considered and approached in various ways. Please take a moment to grab a copy of an article, published on the iheartmontessori.wordpress.com blog, available in the Gathering Room.  The article includes many helpful insights and suggestions for guiding your children into a healthy relationship with electronic educational tools and entertainment.

     You will also find several copies of the book Social Sklz:-) in the Trinity Kids Lending Library. This book, written by Faye de Muyshondt, outlines the importance of being respectful, grateful, and kind in all contexts. While these are labeled 'soft skills' in the professional world, they are key to succeeding in life. Muyshondt also addresses the importance of showing integrity when online.  I hope it is also a helpful resource to you and your families.

The Exodus (July 28th)

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 

The Story of Moses (July 28th)

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

Story in Scripture: Exodus 1: 8- 17:7, John 1: 1-17

Many children have some idea about who Moses was, but may not understand the details of his life. This week, we learned about God’s call for him and the adventurous events that took place when he entered into God’s story. To summarize, we discussed: (1) how Baby Moses was found and cared for by the daughter of an Egyptian Pharaoh, (2) his killing of an Egyptian soldier in defense of a Jewish slave (and how he ran away), (3) his reluctant acceptance of his role as a speaker for God’s people, (4) Pharaoh’s eventual release of the Jewish slaves, (5) the Exodus into the desert, (5) the revelation of the 10 Commandments and the admonishment because of the golden calf, (6) Moses’ death before reaching the Promise Land. It is a very lengthy story!

Guiding Questions for Discussion:

(Note: These are the usual questions that are asked after Old Testament character studies.)

Now I wonder which part of the story you liked best?

I wonder what part is the most important?

I wonder what part is about you…. Or what part was especially for you?

I wonder what the story of Abraham and his family might be teaching you?

Prayer:

“Father, thank you for Moses. We can learn so much from his adventurous life. I pray that you would help me to listen to your plan for my life and go with me through all my adventures, even if I am scared or nervous. I know that you are always with me. Help me to be the kind of person that can bring joy to you and who can show the world how powerful and wonderful you are. Amen.”

The Story of Samuel (July 21st)

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

Story in Scripture: 1 Samuel 3:1-21

The story of Samuel is a beautiful illustration of patience, provision, and sacrifice. Although Hannah desires a child of her own, she must wait and wait for many years until Samuel is born. In fact, during the time that she is praying and hoping for a child, she prays so fervently, that a temple priest, Eli, worried that she was not well. When Samuel is born, Hannah and her husband Elkanah decide to dedicate him to the Lord. They bring him to the temple to be taught and guided by Eli in prayer, study, and care for God’s people and the ark of the covenant. You may share with your children that he was sort of like an apprentice. In our lesson with the children, we explored the experience that Samuel had in which God called him audibly and directly. Samuel responds to God and expresses, “Speak, God, for your servant hears.” What follows is not easy. Eli dies, there are terribly battles, the ark is lost…. Much later, Samuel appoints Saul to be king, and then later appoints David, Jesse’s youngest son and an ancestor or Joseph, who will one day help to raise our savior Jesus. What a big and glorious story it is! One of the most significant aspects of Samuel’s story is that he and his mother are dedicated to listening to God and doing HIS will, even if it is not exactly how they might have thought things should or could be. This lesson in submission to God takes a lifetime to learn!

Guiding Questions for Discussion:

(Note: These are the usual questions that are asked after Old Testament character studies.)

Now I wonder which part of the story you liked best?

I wonder what part is the most important?

I wonder what part is about you…. Or what part was especially for you?

I wonder what the story of Samuel and his family might be teaching you?

Prayer:

“Dear Father, I know that you understand everything and know what is best for each of us. Thank you for caring for us and blessing us with so much each and every day. Help me to listen carefully for what you share with me. Help me to do what is right and bring glory to you through my decisions. I love you and am glad that you will walk along with me in all I do. Amen.” 

The Story of Jacob & Esau (July 14th)

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

Story in Scripture: Genesis 12:24- 25:11

In our learning this week about Jacob, drew a connection between he and his father Isaac, Sarah and Abraham’s first-born son. This helps to weave the story of God’s Great Family. We learned about his twin brother Esau and their struggle with wanting to be first. Our storytelling lays out the trick that Rebekah and Jacob play on Isaac so that he thinks he is giving his blessing to Esau, though it is only Jacob in disguise. To protect Jacob from the consequences of this trick, he is sent out to find a wife, but he is tricked too. The long and complicated story of God’s Family reminds us of our human folly and God’s sovereignty. The story concludes with Jacob’s dream about wrestling God and thus being re-named “Israel”. The 12 Tribes of Israel, then are drawn from his 12 sons. 

Guiding Questions for Discussion:

(Note: These are the usual questions that are asked after Old Testament character studies.)

Now I wonder which part of the story you liked best?

I wonder what part is the most important?

I wonder what part is about you…. Or what part was especially for you?

I wonder what the story of Jacob and his family might be teaching you?

Prayer:

“Dear Lord, help me to learn about you through the story of Jacob. Help me to understand that, no matter what I try to do to trick others or sneak around, you are always there to know the truth and to help me to follow your path instead. I pray that you will teach me wisdom and trust. Thank you for the stories of the Great Family. I love you and am so thankful that you are in charge. Amen.”