Jesus Commissions the Disciples (May 24th)

Season of the Church Year: Easter Season (Liturgical Color: White)

Story in Scripture: Matthew 28

As we follow the stories following Easter, it is shocking to acknowledge what a strange season it has been for the disciples and followers of Jesus. There were surely so many mysterious, wonderful, surprising, and trying experiences that they were beginning to grow weary. As Jesus commissions, or sends out, the disciples to continue the work that Jesus himself began, we can only imagine the power of his words. In the book of Matthew, we read, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” These words are not just for the disciples, they are also for all of use, young and old. This is an important story because it reminds us that God has equipped us to so many things. Today, your child’s teacher explained that Jesus sent the disciples out together, with the skills they needed to teach and baptize, and to demonstrate God’s love near and far. Soon, on Pentecost Sunday, we will also be discussing the ways in which the Holy Spirit joins us in our daily lives. Often, this story can be intimidating because we are tempted to think that we don’t have what it takes. I encourage you to talk with your child about the gifts that they have to love others and to share the Good News. They will be bringing home a copy of the ‘Great Commission’; perhaps you could hang it in a special place or read it regularly as your child grows in the understanding of God’s commission for them. 

Guiding Questions for Discussion: 
I wonder how they feel as Jesus sends, or commissions, them out to show the way of the kingdom of God? 
I wonder what each of them will do to show the way of the kingdom of God? 
I wonder what they will tell about Jesus? 
I wonder how they feel to have Jesus with them always, even when they can’t see Jesus? 
I wonder if they will always follow Jesus, even when they can’t see him? 
I wonder how they feel when they hear Jesus say, “And remember, I am with you always, until the end of the age?” 
I wonder how it makes you feel to hear those special words? 

Prayer:

“Father, I love you and am so glad that you are here with us during all our struggles and in the dark times. Help us to love one another and to remember that you walk along the “road” beside us, even when we are confused. Amen.” 

Jesus Appears to the Disciples and Asks Peter to Follow Him (May 18th)

Season of the Church Year: Easter (Liturgical Color: white)
Story in Scripture: John 21: 1-13

After Jesus’s death and resurrection, his disciples waited anxiously and wondered what would become of them. But they gathered together and were hopeful. One afternoon, they were fishing and found that their efforts were unsuccessful. All night, they tossed their nets into the sea and brought them out empty. In the morning light, a man appears on the shore and suggests that they put their nets down on the other side of the boat- at which point the nets fill to the breaking point and the disciples realize that the man is Jesus. Peter jumps in to the water and rushes to Jesus’ side and the others bring in the hefty net of fish. Later, Peter and Jesus spend time alone and Peter has the opportunity to reconcile with Jesus since his betrayal on the night of Jesus’ death. Three times, Peter denied Jesus that night. On the shore that day, three times, he tells Jesus that he loves him. In class today, your child’s teacher helped them to consider what is must have been like for Peter in those days as he thought about what he had done. We’ve all had the sinking feeling that we have made a wrong move, or sinned in a way we never thought we would. Our discussion this morning helped the students to think about what they can do to reconcile with God- to acknowledge their sin, pray for forgiveness, and make better choices in the future. Peter’s experience is our experience. We all sin. We all mess up. But God loves and forgives us, just as Jesus loves and forgave Peter. 

Guiding Questions for Discussion:
Now I wonder what they were talking about while they were fishing? 
I wonder how they feel, fishing all night and catching nothing? 
I wonder what Jesus and the disciples said to each other while they were eating? 
I wonder what the disciples will do, know that they have talked to Jesus again? 
I wonder how Peter felt, being with Jesus and talking to him? 
I wonder how Peter feels when Jesus asks him, “Do you love me?” 
I wonder how Peter feels about Jesus now? 
I wonder what will happen when he follows Jesus? 

Prayer:
“Dear God, thank you for the story of Jesus and his friends. Thank you for Peter and the way that he was forgiven and reminded that you love him. Help me to come to you, no matter what I may have done or what mistakes I might have made. I am so glad that you love me no matter what! Amen.” 

Reading the Bible with Very Young Children

If you’ve been around a child between newborn to 3 yrs. old, you know the words that characterize this age group: curious, short attention spans, unable to sit still, energetic, noisy, playful, inquisitive. If you tend to think of the Bible as dry, boring, academic, serious, and complicated, then reading the Bible with your infant or toddler may seem like a practice in futility. However, if you know God’s word to be a vibrant, adventurous, humorous, inspired story of God’s redemptive love…well, then you will find reading the Bible to your little one to be a life-transforming investment for both you as the parent, and your children.                                                               The operative word in reading the Bible to the infant to toddler age group is not understanding; it’s IMPRESSION. What impression do we aim to leave with our littlest littles?       

                                                                                                                     

-that the Bible is the truth                                                                                                                 -that the Bible is exciting                                                        -that the Bible teaches us the character of God                                                                            -that the Bible is the manual for life                                                                                             -that the Bible is more than a story                                                                                              -that the Bible is powerful                                                                                                                 -that the Bible is our authority                                                                                                                                                                 Impression is a parent’s opportunity, understanding is the Spirit’s responsibility.                                                                 Here are some ways we engage our 0-3 yr. olds with the Bible:               

*Let them handle a Bible, to hold it in their hands while they listen.                                  *Have the older children read to the younger ones.                     *Encourage your toddlers to sit with you, or be physically close when you read or listen, reminding them that the Word of God is about relationship, not academics.               *Read narrative stories based on Scripture (like The Jesus Storybook Bible, Read-Aloud Edition: Every Story Whispers His Name) to them, but never underestimate how God can use faithful exposure to the whole counsel of God’s Word.          *Listen to the audio Bible recordings at mealtime or snack time, and make it part of the family culture and routine. *Sing scripture verses set to music.

                                                         (Source: www.thebettermom.com) 

HE IS RISEN! On the Road to Emmaus (May 11th)

Season of the Church Year: Easter (Liturgical Color: white)
Story in Scripture: Luke 24: 1-35

As we continue through the Easter season, it is so wonderful to consider all the different ways that Jesus reconciled with his disciples. They were so distraught, confused, and afraid. Jesus knew that each of them needed to be met in a unique way to reassure them of God’s promise in their lives. Over the next few weeks, we will learn about Jesus’ appearance to his friends and followers at the tomb, along the road to Emmaus, and in the Upper Room. We will also learn about the ways that Jesus helped his disciples (particularly Peter) to understand their own actions and choices on his last days. Today’s lesson focused on Jesus’ revelation to the disciples along the road to Emmaus. Just like in the story of Jesus’ appearance to Mary Magdalene at the tomb, his disciples do not realize that it is their Savior until the right time. Luke explains that they walked along the road with a stranger, who shared great wisdom with them about Jesus’ death. They reflect later that their hearts burned with passion to hear is words. Yet they didn’t realize who it really was. As they invite the stranger to dine with them, his true identity is revealed as he breaks the bread. What a surprise!! Although we didn’t go into great detail about this in our classroom discussion, I encourage you to talk with your child about the ways that God reveals himself to us through the personhood of Jesus and through the love of our friends and family. Frequently, we may feel that we are alone in our struggles (as perhaps the disciples were feeling), yet God meets us and walks along with us, even when we don’t realize that he is there.

Guiding Questions for Discussion: 

Now I wonder how Jesus’ friends felt when Jesus died before Easter? 
I wonder how they knew Jesus was alive? Or how they knew the person sitting at the table was Jesus? 
I wonder what it felt like to recognize Jesus in the breaking of the bread? 
I wonder if you have ever been close to bread like this? 
I wonder how it feels to know Jesus is alive? 
I wonder what it was like to tell others that Jesus was alive?
I wonder how we can celebrate that Jesus is risen?  

Prayer:

“Father, I love you and am so glad that you are here with us during all our struggles and in the dark times. Help us to love one another and to remember that you walk along the “road” beside us, even when we are confused. Amen.” 

HE IS RISEN! Mary at the Tomb (April 27th)

Season of the Church Year: Easter (Liturgical Color: white)

Story in Scripture: John 20: 1-18 

As we enter in to the Easter season, it is so wonderful to consider all the different ways that Jesus reconciled with his disciples. They were so distraught, confused, and afraid. Jesus knew that each of them needed to be met in a unique way to reassure them of God’s promise in their lives. Over the next few weeks, we will learn about Jesus’ appearance to his friends and followers at the tomb, along the road to Emmaus, and in the Upper Room. We will also learn about the ways that Jesus helped his disciples (particularly Peter) to understand their own actions and choices on his last days. Today’s lesson focused on Jesus’ revelation to Mary at the tomb. It is significant that Mary and her friends were brave enough to venture out in Jerusalem, but they were devoted to caring for Jesus. What a strange experience it must have been for them to approach the tomb and see it open! Mary was surely beside herself to think that someone had taken his body away. Then Jesus appears and speaks to her. The children are frequently intrigued that Mary doesn’t recognize Jesus at first, thinking he is a gardener. Then... he says her name. Oh, what a wonderful illustration for us!! As soon as she hears her name from her Savior’s lips, she realizes that it is him. Jesus truly knows us and this story reminds us that we must listen for him and be receptive when he speaks. This story is also important in context. Mary returns to the other disciples and so becomes the first to share the Good News of Christ’s resurrection. She is an example for us all as we share about God’s love to those that we meet. 

Guiding Questions for Discussion: 

Now wonder what it was like to be going to 
Jesus’ tomb that Sunday morning? 
I wonder how Mary felt when Jesus’ body was not in the tomb? 
I wonder how Mary knew this person was Jesus? 
I wonder how Mary felt when Jesus called her by name? 
I wonder what it felt like to tell others that Jesus was risen? 

Prayer: 

“Dear God, we are so thankful that you brought Jesus through death and made him alive again! We are so thankful for the resurrection and all the hope that it brings. Help us to think about and celebrate your blessings each morning, afternoon, and night. We love you and are grateful that you love us enough to send your Son to die for our forgiveness. Amen.” 

Resurrection Eggs (April 20th)

Season of the Church Year: Easter (Liturgical color: white)
Story in Scripture: Gospels focused on Jesus’ death and resurrection (see below)

Today we celebrated the Resurrection of Christ and the beginning on the Easter Season with “Resurrection Eggs.” This activity provides tactile objects that help to illustrate the story of Jesus’ ministry, trial, death, and resurrection. Children will be able to re-tell the story in a new way and make connections to other lessons that we have had throughout the year. These are the objects in the egg (each child will bring one home), with a small scriptural explanation for each.

a leaf: Mark 11:8-10 “Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted, "Hosanna!" "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!"

a dime: Matthew 26:14-15 “Then one of the Twelve--the one called Judas Iscariot--went to the chief priests and asked, "What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?" So they counted out for him thirty silver coins.” 

piece of bread: Matthew 26:17-19 “On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Where do you want us to make preparations for you to eat the Passover?" He replied, "Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, 'The Teacher says: My appointed time is near. I am going to celebrate the Passover with my disciples at your house.' So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them and prepared the Passover.”

a small piece of wash cloth: John 13:4-5 “so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.”

a picture of a communion cup: Matthew 26:39 “And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this b>cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.”

a small strip of leather: Matthew 27: 2, 26 “They bound him, led him away and handed him over to Pilate, the governor.” (26) “Then he released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.”

piece of a thorny plant: Matthew 27:29 “and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand and knelt in front of him and mocked him. "Hail, king of the Jews!" they said.”

a picture of the cross: John 17:18-19 “Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha). Here they crucified him, and with him two others--one on each side and Jesus in the middle.

a die: Matthew 27:35 “When they had crucified him, they divided up his clothes by casting lots.”

a small piece of cloth: Matthew 27:59 “Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock. He rolled a big stone in front of the entrance to the tomb and went away.”

a stone: Matthew 27:66 “So they went and made the tomb secure by putting a seal on the stone and posting the guard.”

after removing all the objects, the egg is empty: Matthew 28:5-6 “The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; He has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.” 

Guiding Questions for Discussion: 
Now I wonder which of these seems the most important to you? 
I wonder how it feels to know the whole story about Jesus? 
I wonder who you might share these objects with? How will you tell them the story of the Resurrection Egg? 

Prayer: 
“Dear God, thank you the death and resurrection of Jesus! Hallelujah! I am so grateful for my salvation and the chance to be reconnected with you, no matter what. Help me to share with others just how wonderful and amazing you are! Amen.” 

Lent VI (April 13th)

Season of the Church Year: Lent (Liturgical Color: Purple)

Story in Scripture: Matthew 26: 17- 30  

“This is the 6^th Sunday in the Season of Lent. Remember, Jesus was born as a little baby to his Mother Mary and Father Joseph. When he was a little boy, his parents lost him in the big city of Jerusalem, but they found him in the Temple, teaching. Later, his cousin John baptized him. He also spent a lot of time in the Wilderness, learning how strong God’s story is and how strong Jesus would have to be. Last week, we learned about ways that Jesus helped other people. Today, we will talk about what happened next. 

Jesus went to Jerusalem for the last time. It was the time of the Passover. Look at this picture… Jesus is holding something very special. It looks like he is saying something important. Let’s leave this picture for now, but we will talk about it more very soon.