Sunday School Resources 2021-22

Becoming Paul, Community Food Drive, Year End and Flat Jesus!- May 2022

Becoming Paul, Community Food Drive, Year End and Flat Jesus!

Our program year is coming to an end! This month is a bit of a hodge-podge of activities. We'll explore the story of Saul's conversion to Christianity. We'll support the Ely Community Food Drive by delivering bags throughout the city between services and then on May 15 we'll make Flat Jesus and talk about the fun we'll have this summer. We hope you’ll join us online or in person!

Story of the Conversion of Paul- (May 1)

You can find the story of Saul/Paul in Acts 9: 1-22. Here is a good video for children of all ages. Here is another video you could watch, or this one.

Have some conversation with your children about how people can change. They are changing all the time. Their baby teeth are falling out, they are growing, they are learning new skills and abilities. Can they think of a time when they thought they knew all about something, but now realize they don’t? What was that? Are they glad they learned something new?

Share a time when you changed your mind about something. Perhaps even a time God showed you something new.

Mother’s Day- Deliver Bags for Community Food Drive- (May 8)

On this Sunday, we invite you to join us at 9:15 am in the parking lot across the street from St. John as we go into the community of Ely to drop off bags for our community to fill with donated food for local food pantries. Each home in Ely will get a bag dropped at their front door. We will have the city divided into zones with coordinators for each zone. When you arrive we will split you and your family into these zones. You might need to travel to a location, so bring a parent with a car! With many hands we should be done with our task in about an hour or less.

We’ll be picking up filled bags the following Saturday morning. If you would like to help with that, there will be a sign-up out on May 8.

Year End Celebration- Make a Flat Jesus for Adventures With Flat Jesus!- (May 15)

Another year of Sunday School is past! While we encourage you and your parents to continue to explore bible stories over the summer, we also invite you to join us in this game!

Where's Flat Jesus? God is everywhere, so even when we aren’t at home or in church Jesus is still in that place. So, if you're doing something fun, or going somewhere special, bring Flat Jesus along and take a pic with him at that location and/or with you! Whether sitting on the back deck for a cook-out or traveling the world Flat Jesus is a way of remembering that Christ goes with us wherever we go. When you take the pic, we ask that you post it to Facebook of Instagram using the hashtag #SJLCFlatJesus2022. You can also email it to

We’ll make a game of it and see at the end of the summer- Which Flat Jesus traveled the farthest? Which Flat Jesus showed up the most on our social media? Which Flat Jesus had the most unique experience?

Palms, Butterflies, Easter, Doubting Thomas- April 2022

Palms, Butterflies, Easter, Doubting Thomas

This month we will have a variety of activities and stories that focus on Holy Week, Easter, and the life of the disciples beyond. We hope you’ll join us online or in person! Note, we will be a week early in our activities (we’ll do palms on the week BEFORE Palm Sunday, butterflies on the week BEFORE Easter) this is so you will have these things on the day of the event.

Palms (April 3)

We’re getting ready for Palm Sunday, while there will be real palm leaves to wave on Palm Sunday, what about making some to decorate your house! Interested in the story? Go to Mark 11:1-11

Craft: Here is a fun craft idea to make your own palm from some green construction paper!
Coloring: Here is a palm branch to color and perhaps cut out. Mount it on a popsicle stick and you have a great palm to wave next week!
Coloring: Here are a couple of coloring sheets about Jesus riding into Jerusalem next Sunday.

Butterflies (April 10)

As we prepare for Easter next Sunday, and the return of our Alleluia’s in worship, we have an Alleluia Butterfly color sheet and a craft and some coloring pages for the empty tomb!

Craft: There are a number of different craft ideas to be found
Coloring: Here is a wonderful Alleluia Butterfly coloring page. Print it out, color it, and hang it up next Sunday as we celebrate the resurrection!
Coloring: Here are some fun coloring pages for Easter morning!

Easter Sunday (April 17)

Read the Easter Resurrection story to your children from their Children’s Bible. Hunt Easter eggs together and then talk about why we connect Easter with eggs (they are a symbol of new life- they could become a new chick!, they remind us of the empty tomb when all that is left is the shell, they were something that you used to not be able to eat during Lent- so eating one at Easter was a real treat!). If you haven’t done a craft or the coloring sheets from last week, now might be a good time to do one. Mostly, shout your Alleluia’s together and celebrate the resurrection of Jesus!

Doubting Thomas (April 24)

The first Sunday after Easter is always when we get the story of Doubting Thomas from the gospel of John (John 20:24-29). Our plan this Sunday is to ask for questions, from everyone- young and old alike. Ask your child, what questions do they have about Jesus, about God, about the Bible and the stories they have learned about this year. Write them down along with your questions and then pursue the answers!

Pastor Brian would also like to know what your questions are, young and old alike. Send a copy to him at and you just might find an answer in the upcoming months!

Zacchaeus- February 2022

Zacchaeus- Luke 19

Zacchaeus was a tax collector, and he was very short! People didn’t like Zacchaeus because he not only collected taxes, but he took more than he should and kept it! One day, he heard that Jesus was coming to town and climbed a tree to see him over the heads of the crowd. Wait until you hear what happens next!

Hear the Story (February 6-13)-

We encourage you to share the story of Zacchaeus (Luke 19) with your child throughout the week. Read them the story from their Children's Story Bible. This short video (2 minutes) is a great retelling of the story from the Beginners Bible. This video (2 minutes) is from Saddleback Kids. This Claymation video might be better for older elementary students.

Music: This is the classic Zacchaeus song. Do your parents remember it from their childhood?

Here is another version of the same song.

Here’s a fun version from Veggie Tales.

Explore the Story (February 13-20)

Each of these activities is meant to reintroduce the story to your children. To let them interact with and explore the story in order for it to sink in a bit. There are a wide variety of options for each section, so hopefully there is something that works well for each family. Do as many or few as you wish, the main thing is to take time with your children so they can hear, interact with, and explore the story of Joseph in Egypt.

Parents of younger children, this curriculum has a neat little lesson and activity to do with your children.
Here are some fun coloring sheets for the story of Zacchaeus.
There are good activities with each of the curriculum above, but here is a maze activity your kids might like.
Prefer crafting? Here is a fun craft making a tree using their own arm!
These are some good word games to use with older children.

Engage/Live the Story (February 20-27)

This is a great opportunity for the kids to show you what they have learned. We have several great examples here, but feel free to have your kiddo do the retelling in the way that suits them best. Be prepared to share!

Have some conversation with your child about Zacchaeus. Do they like Zacchaeus at first? If not, why not? How about at the end of the story? Why did your opinion change or stay the same? If Jesus can love someone like Zacchaeus, what might that mean for us?
Have your child tell you the story of Zacchaeus. They could do this in a play, with dolls, coloring pages, pictures or video, or any other way that might suit them and their gifts.
Zacchaeus had a change of heart and gave away a large portion of what he had. Jesus helps us to be generous. Look with your child through their books, clothes, toys, and games and decide what they might be able to give away so that others can enjoy those things, too. Maybe you could even do this activity as a family. Take a picture of what you gave away and share it with the church!
Print out and have your child re-arrange this storyboard as they tell you the story of Zacchaeus.

Share the Story (February 27)

This week we invite you to join us and share your creations and thoughts about this story. What did you do during this month? What did you create or do last week? Think of it as a big show and tell! We invite you to join us and share your story!

Joseph in Egypt- January 2022

Joseph in Egypt- Genesis 39-41

Joseph, son of Jacob, sold into slavery by his brothers because their father loved him so is having a hard time in Egypt. After an adventure in the first household he was sold to, Joseph finds himself in jail. He befriends a man who had been butler to Pharoah- the leader of Egypt. While his interpretation of dreams got Joseph into trouble with his brothers, it is this gift that will soon make him very important in Egypt!

Hear the Story (January 9 -16)-

We encourage you to share the story of Joseph in Egypt (Genesis 39-41) with your child throughout the week. Read them the story from their Children's Story Bible. This short video (3 minutes) is a great retelling of the story for all ages. This video is a little closer to the Beginners Bible. This video might be better for older elementary students and follows the story through Joseph’s time in Egypt. This longer video also talks about the whole story of Joseph.

Music: This song goes well with the short Saddleback video.

Here’s one you can sing on your own to the tune of London Bridge is Falling Down.

Want to learn the names of the 12 sons of Jacob? Try this song.

Explore the Story (January 16-23)

Parents of younger children, this curriculum has a neat little lesson and activity to do with your children.
This is another good resource for ideas on talking about this curriculum with your kids.
There are good activities with each of the curriculum above, but here is a maze activity your kids might like.
This page has some neat suggestions for ways to “set the scene” as you and your child hear the story of Joseph in Egypt again.
Prefer crafting? Here are some suggestions for simple crafts for this story.
Like to bake? Make some sugar cookie or gingerbread men and decorate them with Joseph’s coat of many colors.

Engage/Live the Story (January 23-30)

Even though his brothers sell him into slavery and he winds up in jail, Joseph always remembers that God is with him. Talk with your children about how knowing God is always with you has helped you during some difficult times. Ask them for their stories of how knowing God is always with them has helped them.
Have your child tell you the story of Joseph in Egypt. They could do this in a play, with dolls, coloring pages, pictures or video, or any other way that might suit them and their gifts.
Here are some good coloring pages if your child would prefer to tell the story in that way.

Share the Story (January 30)

The birth of Jesus- December 2021

The Birth of Jesus- Luke 2:1-20

Advent is a time of preparing. We’ll spend this month preparing for the birth of Jesus on December 25. These preparations will be shared with our church family on Sunday, December 19. If you are here for either service, we’ll acknowledge the work you did during the Children’s Sermon.

We are looking for our children to provide the backgrounds for our slides and presentation on that Sunday. So, we invite you to get creative!

First, we invite you to read the Birth Narrative in Luke 2 to your children, or have them read it to you (this is an accessible version for older children).

Second, on Sundays or at home, we invite you to get creative and draw a picture, create a collage, or find some other creative way to create the following scenes:

Joseph and Mary travelling to Bethlehem. Mary is pregnant, how did they get there? Who else were they with? They probably wouldn’t travel alone? The terrain would have been a mixture of dry desert and hills/mountains.
Mary, Joseph, and the newly born Jesus. The only place they could stay when they got to crowded Bethlehem was with the animals. Jesus was laid in a manger, probably hewn from rock, because that was the softest play to lay him on the fresh hay.
The angels appearing to the shepherds. What would the great army of angels look like? Would they be in the sky? On the ground? Like a choir on risers?
The shepherds as they visit Mary, Joseph, and Jesus. What a crowded place this must have been!
The shepherds going forth glorifying and praising God. I call this one rejoice! Wouldn’t it be neat to put ourselves in this picture, because we rejoice that Jesus was born as well.

Once you’ve created your pictures, get them to Pastor Brian (drop them off, scan them, if they are a more three dimensional project- take a picture) by Wednesday, December 15.

Joseph and his brothers- November 2021

The Story of Joseph and his brothers- Genesis 37

Jacob had 12 sons, but his favorite was his younger son Joseph, the first born of his beloved wife Rachel. Joseph’s brothers didn’t like him much, because their father so obviously loved him more, but also because Joseph told them he dreamed that one day they would all bow down to him. At the end of the chapter, they get so annoyed at him they sell Joseph into slavery in Egypt. What will happen to Joseph?

Hear the Story (November 7-14)-

We encourage you to share the story of Joseph and his Brothers with your child throughout the week. Read them the story from their Children's Story Bible. This short video (3 minutes) is a great retelling of the story for all ages. This video might be better for older elementary students and follows the story through Joseph’s time in Egypt. This longer video also talks about the whole story of Joseph.

Music: This song goes well with the short Saddleback video.

Here’s one you can sing on your own to the tune of London Bridge is Falling Down.

Want to learn the names of the 12 sons of Jacob? Try this song.

Explore the Story (November 14-21)

Parents of younger children, this curriculum has a neat little lesson and activity to do with your children.
Cookies! Who doesn’t like decorating cookies? This simple activity provides a chance to retell the story together while making some sweet snacks to eat!
Color Joseph’s coat. You can print this pattern and create your own Coat of Many Colors!
We also have this matching game or this maze activity your child can do.

Week 3 (November 21-28) Engage/Live the Story

Joseph is all about interpreting dreams- talk together with your child about their dreams. Are there things in there that might have some meaning in the real world? Maybe they are dreaming about a place you are going to for vacation, or about an upcoming holiday. Isn’t it interesting what our minds do when we are asleep!
Have your child tell you the story of Joseph and his brothers. They could do this in a play, with dolls, coloring pages, or any other way that might suit them and their gifts.
Here is another simple craft idea using yarn and heavy paper or cardboard. While you are doing the craft, have them share the story of Joseph and his brothers.
If your child is a reader, this craft for a bookmark might be fun to do.

Week 4 (November 28)- Share the Story-

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Martin Luther and the Reformation- October 31

The Story of Martin Luther and the Reformation

This Sunday we'll explore the story of Martin Luther and the Reformation. Sunday, October 31 is 204 years to the day from when Martin Luther nailed the 95 Thesis on the church door in Wittenberg. This act is often pointed to as the start of the Reformation in Europe.

Martin Luther and the Reformation

Here are some fun little re-tellings of the story of Luther and the Reformation.

Here is a short (5 min) fun animation of Luther’s life.

Another short (5 min) version using Playmobile figures.

Here is a longer animated version (11 min) of Luther’s life

This documentary with Rick Steves is a good look and Luther and the Reformation. It’s about an hour long.

Activities

Coloring- You can color Martin Luther’s seal known as the Luther Rose. Martin had it designed with a particular purpose in mind. Here is what each thing in the seal means:

Black Cross- Jesus died for our sins on the cross
Red Heart- We have new hearts and desires by faith
White Rose- We have peace with God
Blue Sky- We have new life that begins now
Gold Ring- We have eternal life in heaven
You can color a paint by numbers seal or a regular one.

Activity Sheet- This is a fun activity sheet for older children.

Craft- Martin Luther nailed 95 thesis (points for discussion) on the church door in Wittenberg, Germany. Here are a couple of ways to see how many 95 is.

Make a paper chain with 95 links and see how long it is.
Can you think of 95 things about your favorite food that you can say?
Find the 95 thesis online and print them out. How long are they?

Here is a curriculum to use with the Martin Luther pop-up book (we have a copy in the library).

Abraham, Sarah, and Isaac- October 2021

The Story of the birth of Isaac to Abraham and Sarah- Genesis 18 and 21

This month we'll learn about how God gave Abraham and Sarah a son, even though they were old! This fulfilled God's promise to make Abraham an ancestor to so many people they would be more numerous than the stars!

Week 1 (October 3 - October 10) Hear the Story

We encourage you to share the story with your child throughout the week. Read them the story from their Children's Story Bible. You could also play this reading of the Beginner’s Bible chapter. This video might be better for older elementary students. This video follows Genesis 18 and focuses on Sarah and is very brief. This one also focuses on Sarah but also talks about the rest of the story. This one follows the story and is a live action, another telling that might be better for older elementary students.

Week 2 (October 10- October 17) Explore the Story

Do you like to sing? Then you might enjoy this energetic song Father Abraham that reminds us that through Isaac, God fulfilled God’s promise to make Abraham the ancestor of many people.
Abraham and Sarah had to be patient waiting for God to fulfill God’s promise. Here is a neat little exercise to use together to help us get an idea of what that might have been like. Pass the Patience Please! – Put everyone in a circle. Give the ball to someone. They must not pass the ball until you tell them to. Try waiting different amounts of time so that they have to listen to you in order to pass it. This will really try the patience, especially of some of your younger children! They will want to pass the ball quickly—but they have to be patient, just like Abraham and Sarah!
Abraham and Sarah entertained guests- they washed their feet, had them sit down, and made them food. Have your children help you think about what you would need to do to entertain guest in your home. If you feel comfortable enough, invite someone over and have your children practice being hosts.
You might challenge your older children to check online and find out the ages of the oldest parents.
This curriculum has some pretty fun word search and cross word puzzles for older children.
Find an aging app and see what everyone would look like when they were 100 years old!
Like coloring? Here are a few pages you can use for your coloring delight!

Week 3 (October 17 - 24) Engage/Live the Story

Abraham welcomes the three strangers by giving them water to wash their feet and to drink and food to eat. Find some way to help others eat this week or next. You could buy food and donate it to a food pantry, you might make a meal as a family for someone who might appreciate it, or even treats for your class.
Print out two sets of these cards and then while you are playing memory with them have your child retell you the story of Abraham, Sarah, and Isaac based on the card they turn over.
Sarah laughs when she hears she will give birth at age 90! When he is born, she names her son Isaac which means “Laughter” or “He laughs”. Share some time as a family telling jokes with one another and share some laughter, or maybe you could all watch a funny movie together. When you do, remember Abraham, Sarah, and Isaac each time you laugh.
Find another creative way to retell the story through art, drama, handcrafts, or even making up a song or poem. Do something that matches the strengths of your child and/or family. Then be prepared to share it on October 24.

Week 4 (October 24)- Share the Story- This week we invite you to join us and share your creations and thoughts about this story. What did you do during this month? What did you create or do last week? Think of it as a big show and tell! We invite you to join us and share your story!

Abraham and a New Land- September 2021

The Story of Abraham moving to a new land- Genesis 12-17

This month we'll learn about how Abraham left his everything behind and travelled to a new land that God gave to him and his family. What trust in God this must have taken!

Week 1 (September 19-25) Hear the Story

We encourage you to share the story with your child throughout the week. Read them the story from their Children's Story Bible. You might watch this video about Abraham and Lot's journey. You can follow it with this video about God's promise to Abraham. You might also watch this one about both Abraham and Sarah's journey.

Week 2 (September 26-October 2) Explore the Story

Each of these activities is meant to reintroduce the story to kids. To let them interact with and explore the story in order for it to sink in a bit. There are a wide variety of options for each section, so hopefully there is something that works well for each family. Do as many or few as you wish, the main thing is to take time with your children so they can hear, interact with, and explore the story of Jesus healing the paralytic.

Here is a fun maze to try and help Abraham, Sarah, and Lot get to the promised land.
Do you like to color? Here is a nice coloring page to try.
Here is another fun coloring sheet.
Here is a great worksheet to use with older children to help them re-tell you the story. You might want to have a bible handy to help out!

Jesus Heals the Paralytic- April 2021

The Story of Jesus healing the paralytic- Luke 5 and Mark 2

This month we'll learn about how Jesus healed a paralytic who came to him through the roof! What a wonderful act of faith of his friends.

Week 1 (April 4- 11) Hear the Story

We encourage you to share the story with your child throughout the week. Read them the story from their Children's Story Bible. You might watch this video, or this one about Jesus healing the paralytic with your younger children. This video might be better with your older children.

Music! Do you like to sing? Then this telling of the story and accompanying song is for you!

Week 2 (April 11-18) Explore the Story

Here is a fun maze to try and help get the paralytic to Jesus.
Do you like to color? Here is a nice coloring page to try.
Make your own woven mat on which the paralytic was lying.
Here is a fun coloring sheet with hidden items in it.
Here is a great worksheet to use with older children to help them re-tell you the story.

Week 3 (April 18-25) Engage/Live the Story

Make this fun shoe box diorama and retell the story!
Retell the story with these colored panels!
This is a great time to talk with your child about your home first aid kit. What do you have available to help them and other family members to heal when they are sick or injured. This might be a good activity to do related to that.
Here is another good craft to do and help you retell the story.

Week 4 (April 25)- Share the Story This week we invite you to join with your friends in your age group and share your creations and thoughts on this story. Think of it as a big show and tell session! We'll start and 10:00 am on Zoom and be done no later than 10:30 am. You can use this link.

Jesus Calls the Disciples- March2021

The Story of Jesus calling the disciples- Luke 5 and 6

This month we'll learn about how Jesus called his disciples. Get ready to go do some fishing!

Week 1 (March 7 – March 14)- Hear the Story:

We'll hear the story during the Children's Sermon on Sunday. We encourage you to share the story with your child throughout the week. Read them the story from their Children's Story Bible. You might watch this video, or this one about Jesus calling the disciples with your younger children. This video might be better with your older children.

Music! Do you like to sing? Then try this Twelve Disciples Song, or perhaps this rockin’ version!

Week 2 (March 14-21) Explore the Story:

Do you like to color? Here is a nice coloring page to try. Or you could use this one which can be cut out so you have all twelve disciples!
Do you think you know all the names of Jesus’ twelve disciples from the song you leaned? Well, check yourself with this Bingo game. Or use it to help you remember!
Looking for a craft project? Then you might try this cool Twelve Disciples paper chain craft.
If you want to share a full lesson with your kids, this is a great one to follow.

Week 3 (March 21-28) Engage/Live the Story:

Retell the story with puppets you make! This idea is both craft and storytelling. If you used the second coloring page last week, you already have the puppets. If not, here is the link!
Here’s another activity to help check your memory of who the twelve disciples are.
Maybe act out the story for your parents! Or you could draw a picture of Jesus calling each of the disciples. Or just one picture of Jesus calling Simon and Andrew, or James and John.

Week 4 (February 28)- Share the Story: This week we invite you to join with your friends in your age group and share your creations and thoughts on this story. Think of it as a big show and tell session! We'll start and 10:00 am on Zoom and be done no later than 10:30 am. You can use this link.

The Baptism of Jesus- February 2021

The Story of the baptism of Jesus by John- Luke 3:1-22

This month we are exploring the story of the the baptism of Jesus by John. Get ready to have some fun in the water!

Week 1 (February 7 – February 14)- Hear the Story:

We'll hear the story during the Children's Sermon. We encourage you to share the story with your child throughout the week. Read them the story from their Children's Story Bible. You might watch this video on the story of the Baptism of Jesus with your younger children. This video might be better with your older children.

Parents! Here is a link to a discussion of the baptism of Jesus from the Bible Project. A five minute deep dive. Worth looking into.

Week 2 (February 14-21) Explore the Story:

Do you like to color? Here is a nice coloring page to try.
Like doing decoder puzzles? Here is a fun one to try together.
Can you spot the differences between these two pictures of Jesus’ baptism? What about the objects hidden in this picture?
Looking for a craft project? This is a really cool paper plate craft.
Like to sing? Here is a simple song to learn about the baptism of Jesus. Or this story rhyme for younger kids.

Week 3 (February 21-28) Engage/Live the Story:

This is a great opportunity for the kids to show you what they have learned. We have several great examples here, but feel free to have your kiddo do the retelling in the way that suits them best.

Retell the story with puppets you make! This idea is both craft and storytelling. You can find the background info here, and a pdf of the things to cut out and color here.
For older children, this fill in the blank exercise might be a fun way to engage the story again. Or this multiple choice worksheet.
Maybe take some time as a family and look at pictures and share the story of when you were baptized. How was it like the baptism of Jesus? How was it different? What funny or memorable stories were there around the baptism of you or one of your family?

Jesus As A Boy- January 2021

The Story of the boy Jesus in the Temple- Luke 2:41-52

This month we are exploring the story of the boy Jesus in the Temple. We encourage you to share this story with one another, get a sense of what Joseph and Mary may have felt by talking about your own experiences of being lost. This is one of the few stories of Jesus as a child. What can we learn about him through these stories.

Week 1 (January 3 - January 10)- Hear the Story: We'll hear the story during the Children's Sermon. We encourage you to share the story with your child throughout the week. Read them the story from their Children's Story Bible. You might watch this video on the story of Jesus as a child. This video is just the story of Jesus in the Temple.

Parents! Here is a link to a wonderful outline of how to talk with your children about this story and make it real for them.

Sing a Song! If you enjoy singing, you might enjoy learning this song together.

Week 2 (January 10- January 17) Explore the Story: Each of these activities is meant to reintroduce the story to kids. To let them interact with and explore the story in order for it to sink in a bit. There are a wide variety of options for each section, so hopefully there is something that works well for each family. Do as many or few as you wish, the main thing is to take time with your children so they can hear, interact with, and explore the story of Jesus as a boy again.

Do you like to color? Here is a nice coloring page to try.
Help Mary and Joseph get to Jesus with this Maze activity!
Create your own puzzle. Print and cut out this picture to create your own puzzle.
Looking for a craft project? Scroll to the bottom of this page for the I Spy Jesus bottle.

Week 3 (January 17- January 24) Engage/Live the Story: This is a great opportunity for the kids to show you what they have learned. We have several great examples here, but feel free to have your kiddo do the retelling in the way that suits them best. Maybe just have them color Jesus in the temple and tell you the story while they do.

Are you a dramatic family? Scroll down to the bottom of this lesson for a family friendly skit.
Here is a pre-colored or color your own foldable to help you and your child to tell the story.
Here is both a pre-colored and color your own map to tell the story of Jesus’ journey from Nazareth to Jerusalem.
Play hide and seek! You could hide a paper Jesus somewhere in the house and try and find him, then share the story again of his parents trying to find Jesus.
Build your own Temple! You could also build an temple with Legos, Lincoln Logs, recyclables, or anything you have around the house. Have your child retell the story with their creation.

Week 4 (January 24- January 31)- Share the Story: This week we invite you to join with your friends in your age group and share your creations and thoughts on this story. Think of it as a big show and tell session! We'll start and 10:00 am on Zoom and be done no later than 10:30 am. You can use this link.

Advent and The Story of Christmas- December 2020

The Story of Christmas- Luke 2

This month we are exploring the Season of Advent and the story of Jesus birth in the Gospel of Luke. We encourage you all to follow along at home by making or using your own Advent wreath as we travel together over the next four weeks. You can look ahead at Week 2 for some ideas of how to create your own wreath if you don’t already have one.

Week 1 (November 29-December 6)- Hear the Story: We’ll hear the story of Advent in the Children’s Sermon. You can also read the Story of the Birth of Jesus (Luke 2) in the Children’s Story Bible. You might watch this explanation of Advent video. You can also watch the story of Christmas from the Beginner’s Bible or this one with songs.

For our Adults you might enjoy this video on Advent. It uses different colors for the candles, but is a really good overview of the season of Advent.

Sing a Song! This is a fun Advent song you might try to learn.

Week 2 (December 6- 13)- Explore and Engage the Story: Each of these activities is meant to reintroduce the story to the kids. To interact with and explore the story in order for it to sink into their bones a bit. There are a variety of options, so hopefully there is something that will appeal to your family. Do as many as you wish, the main goal is to get your children interacting with the Season of Advent and the Story of Christmas.

Angel coloring sheets. The angels are the messengers in the story- telling Mary and Joseph about what will be happening to them and telling the shepherds about the birth of Jesus. Here are a couple of templates: Template 1 and Template 2 you can cut out and color. Maybe put them in your windows?
Nativity Scene. The nativity is something familiar to us, a picture of the story of Jesus’ birth. A stable, the animals, Mary and Joseph, Jesus, the shepherds, the wise men. Take some time to tell the Christmas story to your children using your Nativity if you have one. If you don’t here are a few ways you can craft your own for use this year and maybe beyond!
- Here is one that is printable.
- This one is made of graham crackers and other yummy treats!
- This one is made from stones.
Advent Wreaths. If you already have your own wreath then we encourage you to follow along and use it this year during worship. If no, then we encourage you to create your own.
- This one and this one take only paper and a printer.
- This one is if you have some extra pipe cleaners!
- If you have a Pinterest of crafty person in your house, you might get some ideas here.

Week 3 (December 20-27)- Share the Story: This week we invite you to join with your friends in your age group and share what you found last week. Think of it as a big show and tell session! We'll start and 10:00 am on Zoom and be done no later than 10:30 am.

The Story of Noah and the Flood- November 2020

The Story of Noah and the Flood- Genesis 6-9

Week 1 (November 1-8)- Hear the Story: We'll hear the story during the Children's Sermon. We encourage you to share the story with your child throughout the week. Read them the story from their Children's Story Bible. You might watch this video on the story of Noah and the Flood. or this video about Noahhimself. Older children might enjoy watching this video.

Sing a Song!- You might also try these simple and fun songs about Noah- There is this rockin' song (Noah's Song) or the well known The Lord Said to Noah - Kids Praise & Worship Bible Song, you can find the lyrics here.

Week 2 (November 8-15)- Explore the Story: Each of these activities is meant to reintroduce the story to kids. To let them interact with and explore the story in order for it to sink in a bit. There are a wide variety of options for each section, so hopefully there is something that works well for each family. Do as many or few as you wish, the main thing it to take time with your children so they can hear, interact with, and explore the story of Noah and the Flood again.

Create your own Puzzle: Print and cut out the already colored puzzle or kids can color their own!
Noah's 3D Ark: A bit more crafty project, but still relatively simple to create 3D Ark.
Noah's Ark Story Spinner: Another fun craft project and aid to telling the story of Noah and the Flood.
God is Faithful Rainbow hanging craft: A relatively simple and beautiful craft you can hang in your child's room, on their doorknob, even use as a Christmas ornament if you wish.

Week 3 (November 15-22)- Engage the Story: This week is a great opportunity for the kids to show you what they have learned. We have several great examples here, but feel free to have your kiddo do the retelling in the way that suits them best, through writing the story in their own words, draw the story, have them tell you the story and record it on video. Encourage them to build the ark from things they already have: Legos, Lincoln Logs, recyclables, or other household items. Anything that lets them tell the story in their own words.

Story Sequencing: There are lots of good and educational activities on this site, but we suggest the story sequencing activity (about three down). A great way to have your child actively re-tell the story.
Noah's Ark Cut Out and Carry: Another good craft project that they can use to play with and retell the story.

Week 4 (November 22)- Share the Story: This week we invite you to join with your friends in your age group and share what you found last week. Think of it as a big show and tell session! We'll start and 10:00 am on Zoom and be done no later than 10:30 am.

The Story of Adam and Eve- October 2020

The Story of Adam and Eve- Genesis 2:2b-3:1

Week 1(October 4-10)- Hear the Story: We'll hear the story during the Children's Sermon. We encourage you to share the story with your child throughout the week. Read them the story from their Children's Story Bible. You might watch this video on God's creation of Adam and Eve or this one about their disobeying God. This video might be more appropriate for older children.

Sing a Song!- You might also try these simple and fun Adam and Eve songs. This one is to the tune of the Addam's Family. The first one on this page (Sneaky Serpent) is also a fun one.

Week 2 (October 11-17)- Explore the Story: Each of these options is meant to reintroduce the story to the kids. To let them interact with and explore the story in order to get a better understanding of it. We will continue to add a wide variety of options each section, so that hopefully there is something that works well for each family. You may do as few or as many of these options as you wish. The important thing is to take time to hear, read or watch the story of Adam and Eve with them again.

You could do this Word Scramble with them after hearing the story again.
There is also a maze or coloring pages to complete.
If you are feeling crafty, here is one for a Ribbon Snake you might like.
Feel more like a snack? This one is a simple Snake Snack (it does have peanut butter). But, when we hear the story of Adam and Eve, most of us conjure up an image of an apple as the forbidden fruit. However, the Bible only mentions the fruit of the tree of knowledge. This option encourages you to try different fruits with a favorite dip while you talk about the story of Adam and Eve. If you don’t have a favorite dip recipe, here are a couple of family favorites from St. John. A Marshmallow Dip or a Brown Sugar dip.

Week 3 (October 18-24)- Engage the Story: This is a great opportunity for the kids to show you what they have learned. We have several great examples here, but feel free to have your kiddo do the retelling in the way that suits them best.

Stick puppets: kids could decorate Popsicle sticks (included in our section bag) with ink, paint, fabric or paper.
Diorama: Print out the first option and talk about the story as you put together this 3D picture.
Shoebox “play”: This project uses lots of creativity from the kiddos. Have them gather supplies for this project from your recycling.
Outdoor Play: I am all about think the kids out in nature to recognize what a fabulous place God has created for us. For this option find your own Garden of Eden with your child and have them tell you the story as they remember it.

Week 4 (October 25-31)- Share the Story: This week we invite you to join with your friends in your age group and share what you found last week. Think of it as a big show and tell session! We'll start and 10:00 am on Zoom and be done no later than 10:30 am.

The Creation Story- September 2020

The Seven Day Creation Story- Genesis 1-2:4a

Week 1- Hear the Story: We'll hear the story during the Children's Sermon. We encourage you to share the story with your child throughout the week. Read them the story from their Children's Story Bible. You can also watch a video from that same bible. This video might be more appropriate for older children.

Week 2- Explore the Story: This week, we invite you to take some time to explore the story of the Seven Days of Creation with your children.

You could create some Creation Story Trail Mix and hear the story again.
Creation Story Chain- While you read the story of creation, have your children draw each day on strips of paper and then link them together into a seven link chain. Here is a link for how one person did this activity.
Creation Story Bookmarks - Print these out and you and your kids can color them while you talk about the creation story again.
Creation Story Hike - Take a walk and observe what God has created. Have your child(ren) take or draw pictures to share of what they observed, or come back and write or record a description of what you saw. You could even take a video of your whole walk and what you see.

Week 3- Share the Story: This week we invite you to join with your friends in your age group and share what you found last week. Think of it as a big show and tell session! We'll start and 10:00 am on Zoom and be done no later than 10:30 am.