What is a Sanctuary? (Oct. 27th)

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

Story in Scripture: Psalm 15:1, 63:2, 73: 16-17, 32:7

This Sunday, your child discussed the concept of a Sanctuary. After reading a book called Where Does God Live? by Holly Bea, your child considered where they have met God. The book illustrates a young girl’s search for God throughout her surroundings, asking her friends and family. The bird believes that God is with her in the blue breezy sky. The frog believes that God is down below in the leaves with him.... and soon she learns that even though she can experience God in so many places, he is in her heart most importantly of all. In their continued discussion, the students went on to compare some photos of various ancient and contemporary sanctuaries, or special places for God. 

In your conversations at home, I implore you to talk seriously with your child about how they can create a sanctuary in their life, a special place for God. Creating a sanctuary may mean finding a special place in which to focus completely on God, or it may mean building habits that will enable them to focus completely on God even in the midst of other distractions. By talking about these concepts when they are young, you will enable your child to begin to build a personal and unique relationship with God as they mature.  

Guiding Questions for Discussion: 
I wonder what you think of when I say the word “sanctuary”? 

I wonder where you have spent time with God?  
I wonder how it feels to be in a place that is set apart for God?  
I wonder if a sanctuary has to be inside a building?  
I wonder how God feels about the time that we take, just for Him?  
I wonder why spending time in a sanctuary is important.  

Prayer: 

“Dear Lord, thank you for spending time with us. Please help us to meet you in our own personal heart sanctuary. We love you. Amen.”