Books of the Bible, New Testament (Nov. 17th)

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

Story in Scripture: Colossians 1:17, Psalm 23 (as an OT/ NT connecting text) 

This week, we continued our learning centered around the Books of the Bible, focusing on the New Testament. Although it’s clearly impossible to learn everything there is to know about the Bible in two weeks, we spent considerable time unpacking the basics. We spoke briefly about the different groups of writings: Gospels, History, Paul’s Letters to Churches, Paul’s Letters to Friends, and General Letters. We spent most of our time, however, reviewing the life of Jesus and the way in which his teachings and sacrifice through his death and resurrection made way for us to be forgiven and reconciled with our Creator God. We created a “Wordless Book” which is meant to assist each child in telling the story of Jesus through color cues (an explanatory paper will also come home to help you practice and further explain the story to your child). Although we had good discussion and were able to address some questions, we reminded them that scholars will spend a life-time delving into the Bible… so they have plenty of time to learn and grow in their knowledge. These lessons are really just meant to be an overview- a jumping off point. 

Guiding Questions for Discussion:

I wonder why we read the Bible? 
I wonder how God used the Gospel writers to teach us- so many years later- about Jesus?
I wonder how God showed his people that he loves them, as told in the New Testament?
I wonder how the letters in the New Testament teach us how to be Christians? 

Prayer:

“Dear God, thank you for your story. Thank you for the books of the New Testament and for the way that they help us to understand Jesus’ salvation. Help us to understand how we should live and work with one another to bring Glory to you. Amen.” 

Books of the Bible, Old Testament (Nov. 10th)

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

Story in Scripture: Colossians 1:17, Psalm 23 (as an OT/ NT connecting text) 

This week, we began a new body of learning centered on the Books of the Bible. Although it’s clearly impossible to learn everything there is to know about the Old Testament in a single week, we spent considerable time unpacking the basics. We divided up the Old Testament books into Law, History, Poetry, and Prophecy. We also thought through some of the events in the Old Testament and did our best to find common themes, similarities in the way God’s people responded to events, and to discern the heart of God in how he guided and helped his people throughout. Although we had good discussion and were able to address some questions, we reminded them that scholars will spend a life-time delving into the Old Testament… so they have plenty of time to learn and grow in their knowledge. These lessons are really just meant to be an overview- a jumping off point. 

Guiding Questions for Discussion:

I wonder why we read the Bible? 

I wonder how God helped the people of God get ready for Jesus?  

I wonder how God showed his people that he loves them, as told in the Old Testament? 

I wonder how the Old Testament helps us to better understand Jesus? 

Prayer:

“Dear God, thank you for your story. Thank you for the ways that you have walked with us… taught us… guided us throughout history. Thank you for the prophets and for their promise of the good to come. Thank you for the poems of the Old Testament and for the way they illustrate our sadness, frustration, and joy. Also, thank you for the Law. Help us to understand how we should live and work with one another to bring Glory to you. Amen.” 

Worship Sunday (Nov. 3rd)

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

Story in Scripture: Psalm 95: 6 

This Sunday, your child participated in musical worship with their classmates and teachers. Throughout the last few weeks, they have been learning a lot about the Bible, the ways of God, and the promise of Jesus' salvation. Today, they spent time worshipping, praying, and considering how they might create a sanctuary in their heart so as to fully worship worship and adore God. As with other activities, we approach this time of worship by focusing not only on transferring "head" or cognitive knowledge of God and the Bible, but invite children to interact with both. We have chosen this way because we believe it invites them to become active participants in their spiritual growth. In our children's worship setting, we want to educate children in Lord Jesus Christ, more so than simply teaching about him and his word. Sharing God's word through storytelling, art response, and musical worship not only engages their mind, but also goes straight to the heart and draws them in. It keeps God's truths in context and allows the children to roam and explore the richness of his word. By storytelling and responsive worship, we invite them to connect with the characters and themes of the Bible- which in turn teaches them about themselves. Maybe this is the reason Jesus chose to teach this way too. 

Guiding Questions for Discussion: 

I wonder what it means to worship? 

I wonder why God wants us to make a sanctuary in our own hearts to spend time with him? 

I wonder how you like to worship? 

I wonder how Jesus worshipped God in his own life? 

I wonder how I might worship like Jesus? 

Prayer: 

"Father, thank you for the opportunity to worship you. You are so wonderful and I am thankful every day for all the blessings around me. Help me to remember to worship you with my words, in my responses, and in my actions. I adore you and worship you. You are the one true Creator God. I love you. Amen." 

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.” 

The Parable of the Good Shepherd (Oct. 13th & 20th)

Season of the Church Year: Great Green Growing Season/ Common Time (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 illuded 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.”

Looking forward: We are making our way through Lent and it’s amazing to think that Good Friday and Easter are right around the corner! Next week, we will be sharing the story of Palm Sunday (even though it doesn’t fall until the following Sunday), found in Matthew 21: 1-11.

The Exile and the Return (Oct. 5th)

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

Story in Scripture: Ezra 6: 12-22,  John 15:11

We continued our learning today about the people of God with a lesson about their exile from Jerusalem and their eventual return. It’s hard to imagine just how horrible it must have been for these people to see their beloved city taken over, their temple destroyed, and the protected walls of God’s special city knocked down. Women and men, young and old, rich and poor, were banished from their homes and all that they knew. Even though God was with them in Babylon, and in the journey their, it is devastating to consider how traumatic is must have been. In our discussion today, we spent a lot of time helping the kids to grasp the concept of separation from what is expected and known. God walks with us through places of confusion and disruption. Even Jesus’ disciples struggled to understand the reality of the passion, as it was so different than their expectations about what Jesus would do and how he would rule.  The story today concludes with the triumphant rebuilding of the Temple and wall around Jerusalem. From Ezra 6: “For seven days they celebrated with joy the Feast of Unleavened Bread, because the LORD had filled them with joy by changing the attitude of the king of Assyria, so that he assisted them in the work on the house of God, the God of Israel.” God walks alongside us when we are where we should be, and when we feel that we are in exile. When we return, our joy is even more wonderful because we know that God was with us even when we were far from home.  

Guiding Questions for Discussion:

I wonder what is was like to have to leave their home in Jerusalem? 

I wonder what it was like to live in Babylon? 

I wonder how they knew that God was with them? 

I wonder if God will show them a new way to live? 

I wonder what it was like to be back home, after being so far away for so long? 

Prayer: 
“Dear Lord, thank you for being with us, no matter what. We know that your story is a great big story... we are so glad to be a part of it. We know that you are with us when things go well and when things are very difficult. Remind us to pray and worship you in all times. Amen.” 

Annual Christmas Pageant

Please save the date for the upcoming Christmas Pageant. 

Children ages 4 years to 5th grade will sing, 

dramatize the Advent Gospel, and enjoy a celebration reception. 

Rehearsals are on

Sunday, December 1 @ 2:00 pm 

Sunday, December 8 @ 2:00 pm 

Friday, December 13 @ 6:00 pm

The performance will take place 

on December 14 @ 6:00 pm 

Please sign up in the Gathering Room beginning October 13. 

Signups will conclude on November 17 to allow time for costume creation. 

For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of His government and peace
There will be no end,
Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,
To order it and establish it with judgment and justice
From that time forward, even forever.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this

(Isaiah 9: 6-7)