Children’s Faith Formation Resources 2024-25

Holy Week (Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday)- April 13, 17, 18

We begin to walk with Jesus through Holy Week starting this Sunday.

Palm Sunday April 13- Make some Palms to wave as Jesus enters into Jerusalem! Or color a picture of his entry for Palm Sunday! You can watch this video (3 min) about Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday.

Maundy Thursday- This is the evening of the Last Supper that Jesus had with his disciples before he was arrested. We invite you to come to worship that evening. You can also talk about this story as you have supper that night. You can also watch this video (3.5 minutes) on Maundy Thursday.

Good Friday- This is the day when Jesus was crucified and died. It is often one that is very sad. You might watch this video (3 minutes) on part of Good Friday.

This is one of those weeks where literally we can walk with Jesus each day. We encourage you to just share the story of this week with your children. Reading a bit each day and talking about with this means to you and your understanding of who Jesus is and how Jesus shows us God’s love for us and for the world.

Easter! (April 20)

We buried the Alleluia’s back on February 14 as a way to observe the solemnity of Lent. Today, we let them loose with a loud shout of celebration, praise and thanksgiving. Color and cut out your own Alleluia Butterfly! Spend the week randomly shouting “Alleluia” in celebration of Jesus’ resurrection, but also the other things in our lives we give thanks to God for; our food, the beautiful sun, plants beginning to grow! It’s a week of celebration!

The Holy Spirit Comes- Acts 2- March 26 - April 9

In the time after Jesus ascended into heaven, the disciples waited in Jerusalem as Jesus had told them to do. While they waited, after ten days, the Holy Spirit of God came upon them. The description of the Spirit’s coming talks about the rush of a mighty wind, what looked like flames landing on the heads of the disciples, and they suddenly have the ability to talk to other people in ways they can understand about God’s love for us that has come in Jesus.

Some talk about the day of Pentecost being the birthday of the church. And that’s not a bad way to think about it. But perhaps even more it is a fulfillment of a promise. Jesus said to the disciples that the Holy Spirit would come to them, so they know that they are not alone. That God is indeed still with them. What a wonderful promise we celebrate! That God, through the Holy Spirit, is always with us. And that through the help of this Holy Spirit we can all do amazing things. Parents, here is a good video for you to understand more about how the Holy Spirit works in the Bible.

Hear the Story (March 26- April 2)

We encourage you to share the story of the coming of the Holy Spirit with your child throughout the week. Read them the story from their Children's Story Bible. You can watch one of the following videos. This video (1.5 minute) tells the story very simply from the Beginners Bible. This video (3.5 minutes) from Saddleback tells the story in some more detail.

Engage/Live the Story (April 2 – April 9)

This week we encourage you to engage/live the story of the coming of the Holy Spirit with your kids. We have several great examples here, but feel free to explore things with your children in a way that works for your family.

The Holy Spirit is God’s gift given to all believers. It comes to us through our baptism (just like for Jesus at his baptism!). One activity to do would be to have a cut out of a heart, a bible, a picture of your family, and two flashlights (one without batteries) in a bag. Talk with your children about how much they enjoy receiving gifts. Then tell them that in the bag are gifts that God gives to all of us who are followers of Jesus. You can have them pull out the gifts and describe what they are to them.
- Heart-It is a gift to know that God loves and comforts us as God’s children.
- Bible-God’s Word is a gift to us because we find God’s promises and instructions inside.
- Family-It is a gift to be a part of God’s family (the church) and be able to pray together and help each other. It’s also God’s gift that we have our immediate family to love, care, provide for, and protect us.
- Flashlight-Once both flashlights are out, have two family members turn them on. Talk about why one came on and the other did not. Open the flashlight and discover the batteries and the empty flashlight. The flashlight with batteries reminds us of another very important gift that God has given to believers. The power of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit gives us the power to live a life that pleases God. A life that lights up the world around us!
The Holy Spirit gives us the ability to do things that we might be afraid to do. It gave Peter the ability to speak before all those people, and the ability to have his words make such a difference in their lives. Share together something that each of you is afraid or nervous to do. It might be to go in the deep end of the pool, or speak in front of a group, or anything at all. What would it mean to trust that the Holy Spirit gave you the ability to do even that scary thing? Have you ever felt that power to do something that scared you? If so, share the story!
At Pentecost, the promise of Jesus was fulfilled when the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples. We recall these events in order to understand how we, too, have the Holy Spirit and should share the Gospel with one another. There are some symbols for the Holy Spirit that we pick up from the story. Can you figure out what they are?
- Flame!- Like the tongues of fire that seemed to land on the disciples we also use flame to remember the presence of the Holy Spirit. This is why we have candles in worship and use the color red at Pentecost. Light some candles together this week to remember that the Holy Spirit is with us.
- Wind- The coming of the Holy Spirit was accompanied by the sound of a mighty wind. Think of the wind off a fan- turn one on and talk about it.
  - Can you see the wind? No, but can you feel it? Yes! The Holy Spirit is like that, something you can feel that has an effect, but you can’t see it.
  - Play a game with balloons. Fill them with air and let them go and see where it lands! See who can get their balloon to go the farthest.
- Here are some coloring sheets and activity sheets you can print for your child to use.
- Plan on celebrating the birthday of the church on Pentecost this year (June 8). Have the whole family participate in the planning. What kind of meal you will have. What kind of cake. Also, ask them after your discussion of the symbols of Pentecost if there are any special things you should have (candles, fans, red foods, etc.). Then, follow through with the celebration!

Share the Story

We invite you to share with us how you have covered this as a family. Send us pics of what you and your children have created. Let us know if there was some big discovery you had. We’d love to share what you are doing with our larger church family. E-mail these things to pastorstjohnely@southslope.net You can also post to our Facebook page if you prefer.

The Last Supper- Luke 22- March 12 - March 26

In the week he was crucified, the gospels record that Jesus at the Passover meal with his disciples. A Last Supper that is the basis of our Communion. It was here Jesus passed around bread and wine and told his disciples to eat this mean in remembrance of him.

Through this act, Jesus promises to be with us in this simple Meal of bread and wine. He points to the powerful act that eating a meal with one another is. How it binds us into a community. This is why we share this Meal of communion almost every time we gather.

Hear the Story (March 12- March 19)

We encourage you to share the story of Jesus sharing the Last Supper with your child throughout the week. Read them the story from their Children's Story Bible. You can watch one of the following videos. This video (1.5 minute) tells the story very simply from the Beginners Bible. This video (3.5 minutes) from Saddleback tells the story in some more detail. This video (4 minutes) is also a longer version of the story from Crossroads Kids and includes the washing of the feet from last week.

Engage/Live the Story (March 19 - March 26)

This week we encourage you to engage/live the story of Jesus sharing the Last Supper with your kids. We have several great examples here, but feel free to explore things with your children in a way that works for your family.

Food can often bring people and events to our mind. Helping us remember them. Talk about what some of those foods are for you and your family. Perhaps it’s something grandma made all the time for Thanksgiving, or that special dish from when your spouse first asked you out. Maybe it’s the taste of chicken noodle soup and grilled cheese that brings you comfort because it reminds you
Some days have special meals or foods. Go through this list of special days and have your kids talk about what special foods might go with those days. A birthday. Christmas. Independence Day (July 4). Easter. Valentine’s Day. Mother’s Day. Father’s Day. New Year’s Day.
- When you see a cake with frosting and candles, what do you think of? Sometimes, certain foods go with certain events. Think back to Jesus and the Last Supper. What does Jesus want the bread and wine to remind us of?
Here is an activity to create a cross with the text to remind us of the importance of this meal. You could turn this into a magnet if you want.
Here are some coloring sheets and activity sheets you can print for your child to use.
Bake bread together with your child and talk about what taking communion means to you. Share stories of experiences you have had taking communion, how you have seen others approach the meal, what it was like to take communion as a child (if that was your experience). When the bread is done, share a meal of bread and grape juice together and give thanks to God for the blessing of Jesus and of your family.

Share the Story

Lost Sheep- Luke 15- February 26 - March 12

Athe Last Supper with his disciples in the week he was crucified, the Gospel of John tells us Jesus performed an amazing act of service to his disciples. He went around and washed their stinky, smelly, yucky feet! Normally, this would have been done by the lowest servant in the house. But Jesus, our Lord, did this work himself. He did it to show how we should serve one another. Along with washing the disciples feet, Jesus commanded them to love one another in the same way Jesus had loved them.

Through this example and command of Jesus we learn to serve others, even doing things we think are beneath us. We also learn to love others by taking care of them and their needs without worrying about ourselves. What a powerful example Jesus has left for us to follow!

Hear the Story (February 26 – March 5)

We encourage you to share the story of Jesus washing the disciples’ feet with your child throughout the week. Read them the story from their Children's Story Bible. You can watch one of the following videos. This video (1.5 minute) tells the story very simply from the Beginners Bible. This video (2.5 minutes) from Saddleback tells the story in the context of the last week of his life .

Do you and your family like to sing? Here is a song about Jesus’ last command to learn together- Love One Another

Engage/Live the Story (February 19 - February 26)

This week we encourage you to engage/live the story of Jesus washing the disciples feet with your kids. We have several great examples here, but feel free to explore things with your children in a way that works for your family.

Normally, a servant would wash the feet of people as they entered a house. This was very important when eating a meal. Instead of sitting in chairs at tables, diners of the time reclined on low couches. They would have been reclined close to the feet of the person beside them. In addition to dirt and mud, feet would have collected the smells and grime associated with animals and people. The streets of this time would have been very dirty. There was no running water or sanitation to take care of waste.
- Jesus washing their feet was a way of showing them that as his followers they should be ready to do anything they could to help others. Even the messy and smelly jobs.
  - What are the messy and smelly jobs around the house? Maybe each person in the family (properly supervised) could take a turn at that job this week.
  - If you as a family are comfortable with it, sit everyone down and read the story from the Bible. Then take turns washing each others feet. When you are done talk about what just happened. What did it feel like to wash someone else’s feet? What did it feel like to have your feet washed? What do you think we can learn from doing these kinds of smelly and stinky jobs?
- Our feet do important things. They can also give us a lot of information. Set up and take a sensory walk. If everyone is willing, you can do it blindfolded. You can set up a drop cloth and set up different areas of texture (poster board, sandpaper, cloth,) if it is warm enough you can go outside. You can also do textures in your home (carpet, tile, wood floor, different cloth).
  - When you are done, have everyone trace their foot on a piece of paper. Talk about the things they felt through their feet. Then talk about how we can use our feet to love others like Jesus loved us.
    - For example, Walk with someone who is unhappy or sad, walk to go get something someone needs, put your feet up and listen to a friend, stand strong next to someone being bullied. Write those things on their foot paper.
    - End with a prayer that God would use our feet to love others like Jesus has loved us.
  - Talk together as a family about some way of service you can show your love for others in the same way Jesus has loved us. Then…go do it! This could be passing our food at a food pantry, volunteering to help an organization, participating in a walk to fundraise for an organization, or just doing physical labor for a neighbor in need.
  - Here are some coloring sheets and activity sheets you can print for your child to use.

Share the Story

Lost Sheep- Luke 15- February 12 - 26

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Jesus taught people about what God is like, what it means to live in the reign of God, and how we should love one another through stories. These special stories are called parables.

This parable in Luke is called the Lost Sheep. Through it we learn that God loves us, even when we wander away. So, perhaps, we ought to love other people who don’t always do what they are supposed to as well.

Hear the Story (February 12 - 19)

We encourage you to share the story of the Lost Sheep with your child throughout the week. Read them the story from their Children's Story Bible. You can watch one of the following videos. This video (1.5 minute) tells the story very simply from the Beginners Bible. This video (3 minutes) is a pretty good explanation of parables and the story of the lost sheep. This video (2 minutes) tells the story a little differently .

Engage/Live the Story (February 19 - February 26)

This week we encourage you to engage/live the story of the Lost Sheep with your kids. We have several great examples here, but feel free to explore things with your children in a way that works for your family.

Play a special game of hide and seek. Hide something small (a coin or candy bar might work) somewhere in the house and have your kids try and find it. When they do, share the reward and talk about how much work they had to do to find the “lost” item. Talk about how God is like the shepherd in the story and always comes to find us when we are lost.
Play a game of guess the price. Gather some common and not so common items that you know the price of. Everyone plays as their own team. Younger kids can be teamed with an adult or older child.
- Show everyone an item and give them time to write down what the item costs. Have each of them reveal their price.
- Tell them the actual amount. The team with the closest answer wins that round and gets 100 points. Play as many rounds as you like.
- Talk about the game after. Was it east to guess the price? What was most expensive? What is the item you own that is most valuable to you? If you lost it, how would you feel? What would you do to find it? Would you feel the same way if you lost a penny? Why or why not?
For a craft idea, draw a simple lamb (or copy one from a child’s coloring book) and then let your child glue cotton wool onto it.
Here are some coloring sheets and activity sheets you can print for your child to use.

Share the Story

Simeon and Anna- Luke 2- January 29- February 12

There are a lot of stories in Luke that tell us who Jesus is. We have heard the angel tell Mary about Jesus. The voice from heaven will claim Jesus at his baptism. But this week, we hear the story of Simeon and Anna who greet Jesus and his parents in the Temple when they come to dedicate him to God. Simeon is an old priest who recognized that Jesus was the one who he had waited his whole life to see. He sings a song of praise to God for this gift. Anna was a prophet and devout widow who lived in the Temple. She saw Jesus at this moment and saw him as the promised redeemer as well.

Hear the Story (January 29- February 5)

We encourage you to share the story of Simeon and Anna with your child throughout the week. Read them the story from their Children's Story Bible. You can watch one of the following videos. This video (1 minute) tells the story very simply from the Beginners Bible. This video (4 minutes) tells the story with a little bit more detail and background.

Songs to Sing:

If you like to sing, you might try this one from our hymnal. It is often sung after communion. Plus, we like Mr. McNabb!

Engage/Live the Story (February 5 - February 12)

This week we encourage you to engage/live the story of Simeon and Anna with your kids. We have several great examples here, but feel free to explore things with your children in a way that works for your family.

One of the things we learn from Simeon and Anna is how to wait. They both waited a long time to receive something very special. Something that they probably wouldn’t be around to experience the fullness of themselves! Try this waiting game for the next week. Wrap a special gift in a box and let your kids know they will get to experience what is inside, but they have to wait for it, and don’t get clues as to what it is! Talk with them about this experience. Can it be hard to wait for something special you want? Is it worth the wait? What do you think Simeon and Anna felt as they waited? Why do you think they waited?
Jump for joy! Today’s story features two people who were thankful and delighted to see Jesus. We should have joy in our hearts for Him, too! Play a game in the style of “red light/green light”: Have students stand on a line with a goal of reaching the other side of the room. They will do so by jumping when you say “joy” or hold up a happy face sign. If you say “sorrow” or “wait” (or hold up a sad sign), they must wait. The first joyful jumper to successfully make it across the room is the winner!
Try this craft since it’s early in the year.
- Decorate an empty used box or container, wrapping it in construction paper, tissue, or cardstock.
- Add decorations such as stickers or pictures, as well as captions and verses.
- Cut a slit in the top of the box or container for inserting goals.
- Cut small strips or pieces of paper. Write goals, hopes, and dreams for the next year, and place them in the box. Re-visit regularly to check in on goals for the year, and review at the end of the year to see how things went.
Here are some coloring sheets and activity sheets you can print for your child to use.

Share the Story

Zechariah and Elizabeth- Luke 1- January 15 - January 29

The Gospel of Luke starts with the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth. Zechariah is a priest who serves God in the temple and Elizabeth is his wife. They want to have a child, but have been unable and now are much older. While in the temple, Zechariah gets surprising news from an angel, a messenger of God. This angel says he and Elizabeth will have a son whom they will name John. Zechariah cannot believe this and as a consequence is struck mute until the son is born. This boy, John will become John the Baptist who announces Jesus’ coming.

Hear the Story (January 15-22)

We encourage you to share the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth with your child throughout the week. Read them the story from their Children's Story Bible. You can watch one of the following videos. This video (2 minute) tells the story very simply. This video (3 minutes)tells the story in a little bit more detail.

Engage/Live the Story (January 8 - 15)

This week we encourage you to engage/live the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth with your kids. We have several great examples here, but feel free to explore things with your children in a way that works for your family.

Play charades as a family. Charades is not only a fun game, but it also helps children develop important communication skills. It’s a simple game that doesn’t require any materials, and it can be customized to be as easy or difficult as you want. Here are some tips on how to play charades with young children:
- Keep it simple. When you’re first starting out, it’s important to keep the charades simple. Choose words or phrases that are easy to act out. Whisper the word or make picture cards for the child.
- Make it physical. Encourage the child to use their whole body to act out the charade.
- Make it fun. Be silly and have fun with it. The more fun you’re having, the more likely the children are to have fun too.
- What is it like trying to communicate without speaking? What do you think it was like for Zachariah to live that way for nine months?
Sit down with some paper and crayons, colored pencils, or other art supplies and have them draw a picture from the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth. Then have them share the story with you and where their picture took place.
If you know someone in your life who is pregnant, now would be a good time to do something nice for them. Work with your children to put together a basket for the soon to be new mom and dad and take it to them. Talk together about how happy they must be to have a new baby and certainly how happy Zechariah and Elizabeth were to have a child after so many years.
Here are some coloring sheets and activity sheets you can print for your child to use.
Since the angel Gabriel appears in both this story and the one last week, for a craft, you can use this sheet to make some paper plate angels.

Share the Story

Biblical vector illustration series, Gabriel visits Mary also referred to as the Annunciation to the Blessed Virgin Mary

An Angel Visits Mary- Luke 1- January 1 - January 15

The Gospel of Luke opens with the visit of the angel Gabriel to Mary. Angels are messengers of God and the news Gabriel brings to Mary is surprising! She will give birth to a baby who she will name Jesus who will be God’s Son! Despite this shocking news, Mary trusts in God and accepts what is to come. If we only had as much faith as Mary did.

Hear the Story (January 1 –8)

We encourage you to share the story of the Angel visiting Mary with your child throughout the week. Read them the story from their Children's Story Bible. You can watch one of the following videos. This video (1 minute) tells the story from the Beginners Bible. This video (7 minutes)tells the whole Christmas story. This is a simpler telling of the angel’s visit (1.5 minutes).

This song is a beautiful telling of the story, you might listen to together.

Engage/Live the Story (January 8 - 15)

This week we encourage you to engage/live the story of the Angel visiting Mary with your kids. We have several great examples here, but feel free to explore things with your children in a way that works for your family.

Do a trust walk maze as a family. Create an obstacle course across a room with soft object (pillows, cushy chairs) or put tape on the floor. Pair up an adult with each child. Blindfold the child. They have to navigate the path following only the voice of their adult partner. Take turns going through the course blindfolded.
- When you are done, take some time to talk about this activity. Was it easier to be blindfolded or giving the instructions? What made each harder or easier?
- Sometimes following God feels like walking blindfolded. But we trust that God is with us and knows the way forward, even though it can be difficult at time. It was probably hard for Mary to trust God at times, but she did! And God never left her side.
Sit down with some paper and crayons, colored pencils, or other art supplies and have them draw a picture from the story of the Angel visiting Mary. Then have them share the story with you and where their picture took place.
Here are some coloring sheets and activity sheets you can print for your child to use.
For a craft, you can use this sheet to make some paper plate angels. You can also look for some other crafts. If you have your nativity set still out, use the Mary and angel figurines (if you have them) to tell the story.

Share the Story

Countdown to Christmas!- Week One- November 27 – December 4

Sunday, December 1 is the first Sunday of four in the church season of Advent. Advent means- beginning. It is the first season of the new church year! It is also the beginning of the countdown to Christmas! As we get to the end of the year, it gets darker sooner. But things are different with us. On each Sunday in Advent we light another candle on the Advent Wreath. So the darker it gets outside, the lighter it gets inside! Until the birth of Jesus on December 25!

Engage/Live the Story-

This week we encourage you to engage/live the story of the countdown to Christmas. There are several things here you could do as a family.

If you have an Advent wreath, get it out and light one candle on Sunday, December 1. Talk together about when you might light the candle throughout this week.
- Don’t have an Advent Wreath? Here are directions for one you can make with real candles (we invite you to use blue candles in the color of the season)
- You can also use this one for a less flammable Advent Wreath.
Are there other traditions that you can use to count down the days until we celebrate Jesus’ birth? Some families use an Advent Calendar- with a little treat or saying available for each of the 25 days until Christmas. What other things could you do to count down to the birth of Jesus?
Here are some Advent Wreath coloring sheets.
The first Sunday in Advent (December 1) is traditionally focused on the theme of hope. Hope is a firm belief in the promises God has made us. Even when they aren’t immediately filled.
- Talk with your children about the things they hope to get for Christmas.
- Talk together about the things we hope for others that aren’t physical gifts. This might be a good time to talk about better health for a grandparent or friend. Homes for people without them. This is a good time to think with them about our hopes for others.
- Make a “Hope List” together and post it on the fridge or somewhere else you can see it. During this season, feel free to add to it as the Spirit strikes you.
- Here are some Hope coloring sheets.

Countdown to Christmas!- Week Two- December 4-11

Sunday, December 8 is the Second Sunday of four in the church season of Advent. Advent means- beginning. It is the first season of the new church year! It is also the beginning of the countdown to Christmas! As we get to the end of the year, it gets darker sooner. But things are different with us. On each Sunday in Advent we light another candle on the Advent Wreath. So the darker it gets outside, the lighter it gets inside! Until the birth of Jesus on December 25!

Engage/Live the Story-

This week we encourage you to engage/live the story of the countdown to Christmas. There are several things here you could do as a family.

If you have an Advent wreath, light two candles on Sunday, December 8.
- Don’t have an Advent Wreath? Here are directions for one you can make with real candles (we invite you to use blue candles in the color of the season)
- You can also use this one for a less flammable Advent Wreath.
The Second Sunday in Advent (December 8) is traditionally focused on the theme of peace. Peace in scripture is not the absence of conflict. Rather, it is a sense of wholeness, of calm, even in the face of problems from outside us.
- Ask your children what they think of when they hear the word peace. It will likely be things the world talks about- end of war/conflict, complete relaxation (a day at the beach or spa). This kind of peace is nice, but it doesn’t last.
- Read Philippians 4:4-7 “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
  - What does this reading from the Bible say about peace. It comes from God, it comes through prayer, it is the opposite of being anxious, it isn’t something we can fully understand.
  - As an activity- have everyone draw what this kind of peace from God feels like.
- Here are some Peace coloring sheets you can use as a family.

Countdown to Christmas!- Week Three- December 11-18

Sunday, December 15 is the Third Sunday of four in the church season of Advent. Advent means- beginning. It is the first season of the new church year! It is also the beginning of the countdown to Christmas! As we get to the end of the year, it gets darker sooner. But things are different with us. On each Sunday in Advent we light another candle on the Advent Wreath. So the darker it gets outside, the lighter it gets inside! Until the birth of Jesus on December 25!

Engage/Live the Story-

This week we encourage you to engage/live the story of the countdown to Christmas. There are several things here you could do as a family.

If you have an Advent wreath, light three candles on Sunday, December 25.
- Don’t have an Advent Wreath? Here are directions for one you can make with real candles (we invite you to use blue candles in the color of the season)
- You can also use this one for a less flammable Advent Wreath.
The Third Sunday of Advent (December 15) is traditionally focused on the theme of Joy. Joy is a deeper feeling than just happiness. It is that general sense of well being and hope that comes from knowing God loves us, knowing our family loves us, feeling cared for. We’re happy it’s Friday. We have joy because we get to spend the weekend with our family.
Make a list together as a family of the things that might make us happy and things that give us joy. There are no real right or wrong answers, having the conversation is half the fun!
Figure something fun you can do for someone in your life to give them a little more joy (the sense that they are loved). Maybe bake them some cookies and take them over. Take grandma out for lunch. What else could you do?
Here are some Joy coloring sheets for the family.

Countdown to Christmas!- Week Four- December 18-25

Sunday, December 22is the Fourth Sunday of four in the church season of Advent. Advent means- beginning. It is the first season of the new church year! It is also the beginning of the countdown to Christmas! As we get to the end of the year, it gets darker sooner. But things are different with us. On each Sunday in Advent we light another candle on the Advent Wreath. So the darker it gets outside, the lighter it gets inside! Until the birth of Jesus on December 25!

Engage/Live the Story-

This week we encourage you to engage/live the story of the countdown to Christmas. There are several things here you could do as a family.

If you have an Advent wreath, light four candles on Sunday, December 22.
- Don’t have an Advent Wreath? Here are directions for one you can make with real candles (we invite you to use blue candles in the color of the season)
- You can also use this one for a less flammable Advent Wreath.
The Fourth Sunday of Advent (December 22) is traditionally focused on the theme of Love.
- Make a list about the different kinds of love. Because the love we have for pizza is different than the love we have for grandma which is different than the love we have for a favorite TV show or hobby. How many different kinds of love can you come up with?
Here are some Love coloring sheets for the family.

The Captives Come Home! Ezra 1-3 November 13 - 27

You heard the story of the exile over the last few weeks. We talked about how exile is a bit like a time-out. As a consequence of your actions, you are sent somewhere you don’t want to be. But, like when you are in time-out, God promised the Israelites that they would return home someday.

Our story from Ezra 1-3 is about that return from exile. How the people of Israel returned home from exile in Babylon and how they rebuilt the Temple in Jerusalem and rejoiced in worshipping God and their return to living in the land that God promised to give to the faithful.

Hear the Story (November 13 - 20)-

This video (3:30 minutes) tells the story of the return from Babylon. This video tells the story of the rebuilding of the Temple in a fun way! (2:48).

Engage/Live the Story (November 20-27)

This week we encourage you to engage/live the story of the return from exile with your kids. We have several great examples here, but feel free to explore things with your children in a way that works for your family.

Do you have any building block sets at home? Then have a competition to see who can build the best temple in a set amount of time. (Try starting with 1 minute). When you’ve had everyone go once alone, try building a Temple with everyone in the family helping and not having a time limit. Talk about the difference using everyone and not being rushed made in your structures.
We are joyful when we are forgiven, when we are released from the consequences of our actions. Ezra talks about how the people of Israel sang and danced in their worship of God after their return. When have been some times you have celebrated coming home?
Here are some coloring sheets and some activity sheets you can use.

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Exile- 2 Kings 17 and Jeremiah 25: 1-14- October 23 – November 13

There are two exiles in the Hebrew Bible. One is recounted in 2 Kings when the Assyrians conquered the northern kingdom of Israel. The other is recounted in Jeremiah 25 when the southern kingdom of Judah is conquered by Babylon.

Why were the Israelites forced from their home each time? Because they had disobeyed God. They began to worship other gods. They did not live according to God’s rules and care for widows, orphans, the poor, and others who could not care for themselves. God warned them that the consequence of their actions would be to be sent away into exile.

Exile is a bit like a time-out. As a consequence of your actions, you are sent somewhere you don’t want to be. But, like when you are in time-out, God promised the Israelites that they would return home someday.

Hear the Story (October 23-November 6)-

The story of Exile is less a single story and more about the consequences of Israel not living according to God’s rules. You can watch one of the following videos to get a sense of what went on. This video (4 minutes) tells the story of the Assyrian exile. This video (3:13 minutes) tells the story of how the Babylonian exile happened. While it is often expressed as God punishing the people, I wonder if it was more this is a consequence of not worshiping God alone and not caring for the least of those among you?

Engage/Live the Story (October 16-23)

This week we encourage you to engage/live the story of Jonah and the Big Fish with your kids. We have several great examples here, but feel free to explore things with your children in a way that works for your family.

This would be a good week to talk about rules and consequences for breaking them in your house. How is that like God and the Israelites? Does punishing your child mean you don’t love them? Of course not! But we set consequences for actions that we hope will guide them to live better lives.
The Israelites didn’t worship God alone and neglected to help those in need around them. Think of some ways you and your family could help those around you in need. Maybe go grocery shopping together for food for a food pantry. Or visit a nursing home and pass out some cards to the residents. What are some other things you could do to help those in need around you?
Exile is a bit like going on a really long trip. Make a list together of the things you would want to take with you on a really long trip. If you could only take things you carry with you, what would you take?
Here are a couple of possible crafts you could do together.
Here are some coloring sheets and another coloring sheet along with some activity sheets you can use.

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Jonah and the Big Fish- Jonah 1-4- October 9 - 23

Jonah and the Big Fish- Jonah 1-4- October 9 - 23

God chose Jonah to be a prophet. To tell people for God where they were doing bad things. God sent Jonah to Nineveh- a place filled with people Jonah did not like because they often attacked where Jonah lived. So, Jonah disobeyed God and went in the other direction. This story is about how God changed Jonah’s mind and then God- through Jonah’s words- changed the Ninevites minds.

This can be a good time to talk about the fact that sometimes, God calls us to do hard things. Things we don’t want to do. But that when we trust God, things can work out well not just for us, but for other people as well.

Hear the Story (October 9 - 16)-

We encourage you to share the story of Jonah and the Big Fish with your child throughout the week. Read them the story from their Children's Story Bible. You can watch one of the following videos. This video (1.5 minutes) from the Beginners Bible tells the story of Jonah and the Big Fish. Here is another one from Saddleback Kids (3 minutes). Here is a fun Veggie Tales Video of the same story (80 minutes). What other fun ways can you find to hear the story?

Engage/Live the Story (October 16-23)

If music is your thing, here is a fun song to learn.
Here’s a game you can play as a family.
- Opposites- This is a bit like Simon Says, except they have to do the opposite of what the leader says and does. For example, if the leader says, “Up” and stands up then everyone else must sit down. Players who follow the leader are out. The last person remaining is the winner and becomes the next leader. Talk about why this game might be a good one to do this week. (Jonah was told by God to go to Nineveh and then he went the opposite direction.
Here is a fun and easy craft you can do to remember the story! Print out this sheet. And follow these directions.
Sometimes, when we are told to do one thing we do the opposite. Everyone does that. As you are able, have an honest conversation with your children about your own reasons for doing that. Have them share (as best they can) why they have done that on occasion at home. Talk together about what we might learn from this story of Jonah about how to handle ourselves in those moments.
God gives us second chances- share with each other a time when you got a second chance. What did that feel like? How did you do with your second chance?
Here are some coloring sheets and activity sheets you can use.

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Daniel and the Lion's Den- Daniel 6- September 25 - October 9

Daniel and the Lion’s Den- Daniel 6- September 25 – October 9

Like Joseph, God had given Daniel the ability to interpret dreams. Also like Joseph, Daniel did so for the king of Babylon. Able to sleep better, the king promoted Daniel to be a chief ruler in the kingdom. But the other leaders- who were not Jews- got jealous. They had the king sign a law that said people could only pray to him. Otherwise, they would be thrown into a den of lions. Daniel had a decisions to make. Betray God, or risk his life. Daniel chose God.

This story is a good one to talk about why we pray to God all the time, why God comes first in our lives, and the value of standing up for what God calls us to do.

Hear the Story (September 25 – October 2)-

We encourage you to share the story of Daniel in the Lion’s Den with your child throughout the week. Read them the story from their Children's Story Bible. You can watch one of the following videos. This video is from Saddleback Kids (3.5 minutes). Here is a fun Veggie Tales Video of the same story (12 minutes). What other fun ways can you find to hear the story?

Engage/Live the Story (October 2-9)

This week we encourage you to engage/live the story of Daniel in the Lion’s Den with your kids. We have several great examples here, but feel free to explore things with your children in a way that works for your family.

Here are some games you can play as a family.
- Sleeping Lions- Everyone (except one or two hunters) lie down on the floor in sleeping positions. Once the game starts the lions are not allowed to move. The hunter must walk around the room, trying to spot a moving lion. They can make jokes, funny noises or actions to try and make a lion laugh. If the lion moves, they also become a hunter. The last lion left wins!
- Roar Like a Lion- One person faces the wall. Everyone else stands somewhere in the room behind them. The people behind take it in turns to roar like a lion. The person facing the wall must try and guess who is making the roar.
Daniel prayed to God every day. It’s a practice that would be good for us to do as well. Turn a large container into a mini prayer bucket. Have your children draw something or someone they want to prayer for on a piece of paper. Then drop it into the bucket. Make sure the rest of the family participates, too. At least twice a day, everyone draws something from the bucket to pray for. Try this for the rest of the week!
You each can make a paper plate Lion’s Mask- All you need is a paper plate, Yellow and Brown construction paper, scissors, and glue. While you’re making the mask, have your children tell you the story of Daniel in the Lion’s Den again.
Talk together as a family about how you pray. Now would be a great time to start a new prayer time together. Maybe before bedtime. Maybe around the table when you eat together. Maybe even in the car before you travel. Anytime in a good time to pray. Even in the lion’s den!
Here are some coloring sheets and activity sheets you can use.

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Solomon- The Wise Ruler- 1 Kings 3:5- 10:13- September 11 - 25

The son of King David, Solomon would follow his father as King. He is the one who would build the Temple in Jerusalem that would house the Ark of the Covenant. He would rule the Kingdom of Israel for many years. While not a perfect man, he was known for his wisdom.

Hear the Story (September 11-25)-

We encourage you to share the story of Solomon the Wise with your child throughout the week. Read them the story from their Children's Story Bible. You can watch one of the following videos. This video (1.5 minutes) from the Beginners Bible tells the story of Solomon asking for wisdom and how he shared that wisdom. Here is another one from Saddleback Kids (1.5 minutes). You might find other ways to hear the story of David and Goliath from 1 Samuel 17.

Engage/Live the Story (September 11-18)

This week we encourage you to engage/live the story of Wise King Solomon with your kids. We have several great examples here, but feel free to explore things with your children in a way that works for your family.

Wisdom is not just knowledge. It’s knowing how to make good choices based on learning and experiences. God is the greatest and best source of wisdom!
Make this your prayer as a family this week as you begin your days, “Dear God, Grant us wisdom so we can make wise choices and be an example for you. In Jesus’s name, Amen.”
Draw a large crown and write “SOLOMON” on it. Write words on the crown that describe Solomon (wise, dream, son of David, son of Bathsheba, etc.). Draw another crown with your name on it. Take turns as a family writing words that describe you no that crown.
Here are some coloring sheets and activity sheets you can use.
For a craft, make a “Decision in a Bag” Tool. You will need:
- Plastic bag (gallon Ziploc)
- Dry erase markers
- Markers or crayons
- Scissors
- Markers, crayons, etc.
- Other decorations (jewels, stickers, etc.)
  - Procedure: Create a chart on cardstock or construction paper, with spaces for “choice”, “pros”, and “cons.” Consider using two colors or pieces of paper. Add decorations to the Ziploc bag, such as jewels or stickers. Slide the paper(s) into the bag. Use the dry-erase markers to make notes on the outside of the bag, allowing thoughts that can later be erased and re-written. Use the bag to consider elements of each side when making decisions. Make this a part of how you make decisions as a family.

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The Giant- David and Goliath- 1 Samuel 17- August 28 – September 11

The enemies of the Israelites, the Philistines, have come to fight and brought their best fighter, Goliath, with them. His size and prowess have the Israelites afraid. Until a young man, David- probably 13-15 years old, says he will fight the giant. What happens next is the beginning of the story of the greatest king of the Jewish nation. It also reminds us, that God is with us, even when things seem impossible.

Hear the Story (August 28- September 4)-

We encourage you to share the story of David and Goliath with your child throughout the week. Read them the story from their Children's Story Bible. You can watch one of the following videos. This video (27 minutes) tells the whole story from the Beginners Bible. This is the Veggie Tales Version (19 minutes). This video (3 minutes)tells the story a bit more concisely. You might find other ways to hear the story of David and Goliath from 1 Samuel 17.

Music: This song might be a way to remember the story of David and Goliath.

Engage/Live the Story (September 4 - 11)

This week we encourage you to engage/live the story of David and Goliath with your kids. We have several great examples here, but feel free to explore things with your children in a way that works for your family.

Goliath was a literal giant who stood almost 9 feet tall. Find something to compare that to in your home and share it with your children. While we don’t have literal giants to face, we do have things in our lives that seem too big for us to handle by ourselves. It might be a math test, a friend who is mad at us, trouble at home. Think together with your children about a giant like this in your life. Everyone write their giant on a piece of paper. Talk together about how God might help us with this “giant” like God helped David with Goliath. God might help us find an answer as we pray, read the Bible, or talk with friends and family. Together, with God, we can conquer our giants!
Sit down with some paper and crayons, colored pencils, or other art supplies and have them draw a picture from the story of David and Goliath. Then have them share the story with you and where their picture took place.
Here are some coloring sheets and activity sheets you can print for your child to use.
For a craft, you might find some river rocks (or go buy some from the Dollar or craft store) and then decorate them however they like. You can place them outside or somewhere in the house to remember that God can help us be brave like God helped David to be brace.
If you have some kind of a skill game (cornhole would work well or basketball) have your children try and throw a bag through the hole or put a ball through the hoop.

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