The Parable of the Good Shepherd (Feb. 22nd)

Season of the Church Year: Great Green Growing Season/ Common Time (Liturgical Color: 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 eluded 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.”

Jesus Calls the Disciples (Feb. 15th)

Season of the Church Year: Common Time “Great Green Growing” Season (Liturgical Color: Green)

Story in Scripture: Mark 3: 7-19

Immediately after Jesus’s baptism in the Jordan River, he is taken to the wilderness for 40 days and nights of prayer and preparation. He is later tempted by the enemy of God. After this challenging  experience, he is ready to begin his work and ministry. But first, he must gather the right people to join him in such an adventure. Each of these men was called for a reason and each of them had the opportunity to trust God, even when it may have seemed impractical. I encourage you to discuss with your child what you know about each of the disciples (or look up information about them online or through a Bible concordance), so that you can assist your child in developing a connection with one or several of these men. For example, if your child often feels impulsive and jumps in to things too quickly, they may relate to Peter and his zeal for life. Perhaps they might learn, as Peter did, to trust and be excited about God, but to also be patient and wise. There are many fantastic books about the disciples and the amazing way that they leaned not on their own understanding, but had ultimate trust and dedication to the Messiah. The most important message of this story is that we must all choose to follow Jesus- to make our words, thoughts, and actions look like his. We are all called to be his disciples. 

Guiding Questions for Discussion:

I wonder why it was that these people that Jesus called from the crowd? 

I wonder how the twelve disciples feel being called to be with Jesus to tell the good news of God’s Kingdom? 

I wonder how the other people in the villages feel? 

I wonder if the people want to follow the way of the kingdom of God? 

Prayer:

“Father, thank you for the story of the disciples and how Jesus called them to follow him. May I also choose to say YES to Jesus and to be his disciple. Amen.” 

Jesus in the Wilderness (Feb. 8th)

Season of the Church Year: Lent (purple) 

Story in Scripture: Mark 1: 12-13 and Matthew 4: 1-11

The topic of temptation is a challenging one for children. Deveopmentally, they are still quite impulsive and often make decisions based on spur of the moment desires and observations. Even the younger children do understand, however, that there are “good” choices and “bad” choices to be made. In this story, Jesus is brought out into a wilderness experience immediately after his baptism. He is tempted in many different ways, having each time to make the choice that, though difficult, is the “good” choice. First, he is tempted to turn stones into bread to satisfy his hunger. He responds that we need more than bread to live. Next, Satan tempts Jesus by using scripture to lure him into falling from the Temple’s apex, expecting that angels will catch him. Jesus wisely replies “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.” Finally, he is tempted to submit to Satan in order to become ruler of all that he sees- all the nations of the world. Jesus explains that God is the true ruler of all. One of the most significant things about this story is that it illustrates for us that Jesus had to endure and experience human feelings, emotions, pain, and of course hunger and thirst. We know that he had to endure even more. With the children, we will be discussing how we can learn from Jesus’ example in the face of temptation. I encourage you to talk with your child about the tempatations that they face. Perhaps they struggle with the temptation to cheat, make fun of others, steal, or treat others rudely. Jesus’ example can help is all to make choices that glorify God and help our neighbors.

Guiding Questions for Discussion:

Now I wonder what it was like to be alone in the desert for such a long time?

I wonder what Jesus and God talked about in the desert?

I wonder how Jesus felt when the evil one was near him?

I wonder if it was hard to say, “NO!” ?

I wonder if you’ve ever had to say, “NO!”? Was it difficult?

Prayer:

“Father, we pray that you will help us to know what to do when we think about making bad choices. Always be with us and help us to be strong and smart and make good choices. We know that Jesus is our example and we want to show trust in your way too. Amen.”

Jesus is Baptized (Jan. 25th)

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

Story in Scripture: Mark 1: 9-11

This incredible story provides some insight into the powerful way that Jesus entered in to his ministry. Along the banks of the Jordan River, Jesus’ cousin John is causing quite a stir and many are waiting eagerly for his proclamations to come true. He is already baptizing and teaching about how people must change their ways and get ready for Jesus. We paraphrase his prophecy in this way: “John said, ‘Get ready! God is sending someone special. The special Son of God is coming!’” When Jesus approaches John to be baptized, we see a beautiful example of humility and servant-hood. Most importantly, when Jesus is baptized, John’s propecy’s are solidified by God’s acknowledgement of Jesus as his Son. What a fantastic illustration of God’s love a pleasure in us- even before Christ’s first miracle, before he walked on water, or fed 5,000.... God claimed him as his own and demonstrated his pleasure. We talked as a group about how God loves us- no matter what- he loves us from the very beginning!

Guiding Questions for Discussion:

I wonder how the people felt when John told them to change the way they live and get ready for the special Son on God?

I wonder if it was hard for the to change the way they lived?

I wonder how they felt when they went through the waters and went under the water to be baptized?

I wonder how they felt when they came out of the water?

I wonder is it was hard to wait for the special Son of God?

I wonder if they felt ready to be close to the special Son of God?

I wonder how you get ready to be close to the special Son of God?

Prayer:

“Dear God, thank you for loving us from the very beginning. You sent your son Jesus to be with us and to show us how to live and love each other.  Help us to make good choices and to treat others well. Amen.”

Boy Jesus in the Temple (Jan. 18th)

Season of the Church Year: Common Time “Great Green Growing” Season (Liturgical Color: Green)

Story in Scripture: Luke 2: 41- 52

Last week, we learned about the presentation of Jesus to God in the temple in Jerusalem. In last week’s story, Simeon and Anna recognized and rejoiced in the realization that Jesus was the promised savior- the Messiah and the world had been waiting for. After Jesus has grown up (he was probably about 12), he traveled with his family to celebrate the Passover at the same temple in Jerusalem. He was quite grown up, but still traveled closely with his family- with his mom and dad and others. As they left Jerusalem, Mary and Joseph thought that Jesus was probably with a family member, but then they realized he was missing. They searched and searched and searched to no avail! Finally, after 3 days, they found Jesus in his “Father’s house” teaching and preaching men many years older and more educated than him. This was surprising to everyone- especially Jesus’ parents. This is such a powerful story because it marks a milestone in Jesus’ life in which he demonstrates that he is very special and very different. The scripture reminds us that Mary again ponders these experiences in her heart as Jesus grows up. Two of the most significant aspects of this story are that they searched for 3 days- a connection to the Resurrection, and the simple way that Jesus acknowledges that he is God’s true son in the way that he calls him “Father.”  

Guiding Questions for Discussion:

-I wonder how Mary felt when she couldn’t find Jesus?  
-I wonder what Jesus was thinking when he stayed behind at the temple?  
-I wonder how the adults felt when they were learning so much from such a young person?  
-I wonder what Jesus thought when he said he was in his “Father’s house”? 
-I wonder what Jesus family members thought when they heard about what had happened? 
-I wonder what Mary and Joseph thought as they remembered back to the things that Jesus said? 

Prayer:

“Father, thank you for Jesus. Thank you for his wisdom and the way that we too can be ‘amazed at his understanding and his answers.’ Help us to listen and learn and grow in our understanding too. Amen.” 

Baby Jesus Presented to God (Jan. 11th)

Season of the Church Year: Great Green Growing Season/ Common Time (Liturgical color: green)  

Story in Scripture: Luke 2:22- 38

As we continue to celebrate the coming of Jesus in Bethlehem, it is a special time to consider what Jesus’s first years were like. Although Mary and Joseph were beginning to understand just how important Jesus is, they were probably frequently surprised by him. In this story, we learn about how Anna and Simeon proclaim the good news of who Jesus is. Both of these wise prophets acknowledge the divinity of Jesus- surely causing quite a stir in the temple. Mary and Joseph have arrived to follow Jewish custom in presenting their child to God. They have waited patiently for the right time and have journeyed from Bethlehem as a family. Both Simeon and Anna are there, waiting for God’s promise to be fulfilled. Imagine Mary’s astonishment when these strangers approach her and her baby- confirming what they have been told by the Angels. This is a significant story in that Anna is also written in to God’s story as a prophet. As a woman, she provides a unique perspective on God’s promise, especially because women had a very different role during this historical time than they do now. Isn’t it amazing that God chose to share the good news of Jesus in such unexpected ways? I have included more questions than usual below because it is important to take into consideration all the varying points of view in this incredible story. 

Guiding Questions for Discussion:

Now I wonder how it feels to hold this baby? 
I wonder how Simeon feels as he looks at the baby? I wonder how Simeon knows this baby is the Christ? 
I wonder how Mary feels about what Simeon said to God? 
I wonder how Anna feels when she looks at the baby? I wonder how Anna knows that Jesus is the Christ? 
I wonder how Anna feels telling people that Christ has come? 
I wonder why Anna is the first to go and tell that God has given the promised gift of Jesus the Christ? 

Prayer:

“Father, thank you for Jesus. Thank you for Mary, Joseph, Anna, and Simeon. This story helps us to understand that you include all people in your story. You love all people and want them to learn about Jesus. Help us to share your good news with our friends. You have given us such a wonderful gift, we want to share it! Amen.” 

Christmas Celebration (Dec. 28th)

Season of the Church Year: Common Time “Great Green Growing” Season (Liturgical Color: White)

Story in Scripture: Ephesians 5:1-2 

Today was a day for celebrating, feasting, and enjoying the excitement of the Christmas season. The children reflected on their time with family and friends, and the entire Christmas story was read again (until now, the story has been only read in parts, as connected with the Advent seasons’ weekly focus). Also, the children discussed the coming year and the ways in which we can glorify God in our work.... in our play... in our rest.... in our celebrations... and in our response to challenges. Ephesians 5: 1-2 was used as a connecting verse, helping the children to consider ways in which their life might be a “fragrant sacrifice” for God. You will notice that they created an orange studded with cloves as a reminder of the commitment to bring our sweet and beautiful offering to God each day. 

Guiding Questions for Discussion:

I wonder how I might show God that I love him? 

I wonder what things God wants me to do this year so that I can be my very best me?  

I wonder what things I might sacrifice/ give up in order to please God? (i.e. anger, jealousy, laziness, exclusion)  

I wonder what things I might begin to do that will please God and bring glory to him? (i.e. helping others, patience, prayer, sharing, inclusion)

Prayer:

“Father, thank you for bringing us safely to another year! You have loved us well and we hope to love you well too. Teach us to give up things that are not best for us and to begin things that help us to glorify you. Amen.” 

Advent 4, The Magi (Dec. 21st)

Season of the Church Year: Advent (Liturgical color: purple)  
Story in Scripture: Matthew 2: 1-12 

As we have learned together through the weeks of Advent, we have followed the journey of the Prophets, Mary and Joseph, and the Shepherds. This week, we celebrate the inclusion of the three “Wise Men” in God’s Gospel story. These learned men were charged by King Herod to find the Christ child that had been prophesied. We know that King Herod intended to destroy his “competition,” once they found out where the baby was. One of the most significant aspects of this story is that the Wise Men were experts in their various areas of academia- they were perhaps the most skeptical of those that visited Mary, Joseph, and Jesus. Yet they worship him, acknowledging his divinity. What a beautiful illustration of how knowledge and mystery can both manifest in our faith and understanding of who God is. As Advent draws us closer and closer to Christmas morning, I pray that your families will take time each day to be still and quiet, relishing the anticipation of the celebration of the birth of Jesus. In joyfully welcoming Christmas, we have the opportunity to also look forward to and await the Resurrection and God’s glorious redemption. Praise be to God! Many resources are still available for checkout in the trinityKids Advent Library in the Gathering Room. 

Guiding Questions for Discussion:

I wonder what the Wise Men were thinking when Herod sent them to find the baby Jesus? 
These men were very smart and had learned about a lot of things- the stars, history, the natural world… I wonder if they had learned about what the prophets said about Jesus? I wonder how they felt when the realized that the prophets words were true? 
I wonder what their journey to Bethlehem was like? 
I wonder what they brought with them as they traveled? 

Prayer:

“Dear God, thank you for the story of the Wise Men. We know that you are with us as we learn, as we wonder, and as we ask questions. We are so glad that you have included us in the story of Jesus’ birth. As Christmas gets closer, help us to remember that we are so blessed to celebrate that you have come to be with us and that you provide all that we need. Amen.” 

Advent 3, The Shepherds (Dec. 14th)

Season of the Church Year: Advent (Liturgical color: purple) 

Story in Scripture: Luke 2: 15-20 

This week is the week that we celebrate the role of the Shepherds in the Christmas story. These men were literally on the very outskirts of community when God included them in this incredble story. They were considered unclean, separate, and apart. As important as their work was in the culture of the time, the way in which they worked was not respected as you might think it should be. And yet, in that amazing moment, and angel of God appeared to them. In our storytelling, we explain: “They were afraid. Their hearts were beating so loudly. When they could hear something besides their own hearts, they thought they heard singing in the sky! That also scared them until they heard the words of the song. The angels were singing, “Do not be afraid.” Angels often say that, because it is scary to have a messenger of God come to you. The angels singing sounded something like this: “Don’t be afraid. We bring you tidings of great joy. Peace on earth and good will to everyone. A Child is born. Go. Hurry. Run to Bethlehem to see the Child who will change everything.” How wonderful it is that God includes us all, even those on the periphery, in His story. Whether others consider us worthy, God does. At the risk of being redundant, may I encourage you to create an atmosphere of preparation in your home during this Advent season. It’s easy to focus on the planning and busy-ness of Christmas presents and family visits. Spending intentional time reading what the prophets said about Jesus’ coming, praying quietly to know the ‘way to go,’ and focusing our thoughts on the glory of Jesus’ birth will make space for the importance of Christmas as we begin Advent. Then the Christmas presents and family visits can be truly enjoyed in the context of the miracle of Jesus’ birth and our salvation through Him. Remember, there are many resources available for checkout in the Trinity Kids Advent Library in the Gathering Room.

Guiding Questions for Discussion:

I wonder how the Shepherds must have felt when they first saw the angel?

I wonder if they thought they were dreaming?

I wonder what they talked about after the angels were gone?

I wonder what they expected to find when they got to Bethlehem?

Last week, we talked about Mary and Joseph on the long a difficult road to Bethlehem… I wonder what was difficult about the journey of the Shepherds?

I wonder why God decided to include the Shepherds in the story of Jesus’ birth?

Prayer:

“Loving Father, thank you for the story of the Shepherds. We know that you want all people to be a part of your story. We are glad that you want us to be a part of your family, even when we don’t think we deserve to be. Christmas is coming, Father! Help us to get our hearts ready to celebrate and be glad. Jesus is coming!! Amen.”

Advent 2, Journey to Bethlehem (Dec. 7th)

Season of the Church Year: Advent (Liturgical color: purple) 

Story in Scripture: Micah 5: 2, 4-5

As we continue to prepare our hearts and minds for the coming of Jesus, we focus on the Journey to Bethlehem. Today, your child and their classmates talked about the hardships suffered by Mary and Joseph as they traveled. The children are often incredulous about the fact that Mary traveled so far while very pregnant. The donkey that accompanied them played an integral role in their safe arrival in Bethlehem, didn’t he? After discussing that the Prophets pointed the way toward Bethlehem, we travel alongside Mary and Joseph (and the donkey!) on this exhausting and trying journey. The trip is full of uncertainty, wonder, and excitement. Of course, we know that things continue to be challenging once they arrive in Bethlehem- we can only imagine! But this week, we draw our attention to the journey. God was with Mary and Joseph along their way and he is with us as well when we travel through strange, confusing, and often difficult times. What a beautiful example Mary and Joseph are to us- they walked out in faith onto a terrifying and uncertain path, knowing thay God was by their side and giving them strength to sustain the passage! Again, I encourage you to create an atmosphere of preparation in your home during this Advent season. It’s easy to focus on the planning and busy-ness of Christmas presents and family visits. Spending intentional time reading what the prophets said about Jesus’ coming, praying quietly to know the ‘way to go,’ and focusing our thoughts on the glory of Jesus’ birth will make space for the importance of Christmas as we begin Advent. Then the Christmas presents and family visits can be truly enjoyed in the context of the miracle of Jesus’ birth and our salvation through Him. Remember, there are many resources available for checkout in the trinityKids Advent Library in the Gathering Room.

Guiding Questions for Discussion:

I wonder what it must have been like for Mary to go on such a difficult journey?

I wonder how Joseph was feeling about all that was happening? Do you think he was nervous or scared?

I wonder what other people passing along the way though when they saw Mary and Joseph traveling to Bethlehem?

I wonder if Mary and Joseph were thinking about the words of the Prophets while they traveled along? I wonder if Mary was remembering what the angel told her about this baby?

Prayer:

“Dear God, we are so very thankful for the story of Mary and Joseph. It’s hard to imagine what it must have been like to travel on the road to Bethlehem, but we know that you were with them. We are on a journey too, and we are glad that you are with us also. Help us to think about you during this Advent time; we want our hearts to be ready for Jesus’ birthday on Christmas! Thank you for your son and for loving us so much. Amen.”

Advent 1, The Prophets (Nov. 30th)

Season of the Church Year: Advent (Liturgical color: purple)  
Story in Scripture: Isaiah 35: 1-10 

This week, we begin the season of Advent, a time of preparation for the coming of Jesus. Advent is also a special time to learn more about the world as it was when Jesus was born and to better understand the importance of his coming. The first week is spent focusing on the Prophets who foretold of Jesus’ coming. When explaining the role of a prophet to children, we describe them as people who were so so so very close to God that they were listening for his whisper, his shout, his command at all times. They were listening carefully so that they could share what God had to say with the rest of the world. Simply put, “Prophets are the people who know the most important things. They know which way to go. They are the ones who showed us the way. The prophets were so important because they helped the world begin to get ready. Without their words, we may not have been looking toward Bethlehem. Now we can go to Bethlehem too.” This week, I encourage you to create an atmosphere of preparation in your home. It’s easy to focus on the planning and busy-ness of Christmas presents and family visits. Spending intentional time reading what the prophets said about Jesus’ coming, praying quietly to know the ‘way to go,’ and focusing our thoughts on the glory of Jesus’ birth will make space for the importance of Christmas as we begin Advent. Then the Christmas presents and family visits can be truly enjoyed in the context of the miracle of Jesus’ birth and our salvation through Him.  

Guiding Questions for Discussion:

I wonder what it must have been like for the prophets to hear God’s whisper… his shout… his command? 
I wonder if the prophets were surprised that Jesus would come in the way that he did? 
I wonder what it must have been like when the prophets shared what they heard with the people? 
Do you think everyone believed them? Do you think some people were confused? 

Prayer:

“Father, thank you for the prophets. We are so glad that they showed us the way to go. They pointed the way to Bethlehem. Thank you for this special time of getting ready for Christmas. Help us to remember that Christmas is a holy time of celebration- it’s Jesus’ birthday! Please remind us that Christmas is not about presents, but about the coming of your son into the world. Amen.”