3.29 Family Experience Resources

Big Picture - Week 5

Every great movie tells a great story. When we see those stories played out on the big screen, we can learn a little more about ourselves and the world around us. Jesus knew how powerful stories could be, and he made them a big part of how he taught his followers. In this 5-week series, kids will hear some of the stories Jesus shared that can help them see the big picture of a life spent following God. Kids will see that God helps us know what's true, the ways we can give back to God, how God sends us helpers, that God gives us second chances, and how we belong in God's family.

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BBIG IDEA: We belong in God’s family.

BIBLE: The Parable of the Lost Son: Luke 15:11–32; 2 Corinthians 5:17–19

MEMORY VERSE

Elementary:  "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know." Jeremiah 33:3 (NIV)

Toddler Twist: Pray to God and He will answer. Jeremiah 33:3

WATCH:

Preschool- teaching video

Elementary- teaching video

SONG: Open the Eyes of my Heart and Build My Life

DISCIPLE: 

• Show this clip of Nemo and Marlin's reunion from the movie "Finding Nemo." (We always suggest viewing the clip beforehand to make sure you think it’s a video that will be a good fit for your context! For more information on how to legally use copyrighted material for educational purposes, read this!)

• Nemo had been upset with his dad, so in an act of defiance, he strayed too far from where he should have been. He gets scooped up by a diver and taken to a fish tank in Sydney, Australia. Marlin, Nemo's father, crossed the ocean—with the help of his new friend Dory—and braved all kinds of danger, like sharks and jellyfish, to find his lost son. When he hears his son's voice, Marlin runs, or um ... swims swiftly to be reunited with him. 

• In the parable, Jesus told, the father waited and waited for his son to return. Then one day, when he saw his son from a distance, what did he do? He ran!

• For whatever reason, the younger son was upset with his family and chose to leave them behind. Kind of like how Nemo chose to disobey his dad. But when he was far from home, he realized he wanted to be back with his family.

• The father in the Bible story is like God. Even when some of God's children—us—choose to turn away and disobey at times, God doesn't give up on us. God patiently waits for us to come back to God. Not only that, but God celebrates it when we do!

• We belong in God's family!

Pray: God, thank you for making us part of your family. Because of Jesus, we have family members all over the world forever. We pray that more and more people will come home to you and know that they also belong in your family. Amen.

Parent Devotion

3.22 Family Experience Resources

Big Picture - Week 4

Every great movie tells a great story. When we see those stories played out on the big screen, we can learn a little more about ourselves and the world around us. Jesus knew how powerful stories could be, and he made them a big part of how he taught his followers. In this 5-week series, kids will hear some of the stories Jesus shared that can help them see the big picture of a life spent following God. Kids will see that God helps us know what's true, the ways we can give back to God, how God sends us helpers, that God gives us second chances, and how we belong in God's family.

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BIG IDEA: God gives us second chances.

BIBLE: The Parable of the Fig Tree: Luke 13:6–9; 2 Peter 3:8–9

MEMORY VERSE

Elementary:  "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know." Jeremiah 33:3 (NIV)

Toddler Twist: Pray to God and He will answer. Jeremiah 33:3

WATCH:

Preschool- teaching video

Elementary- teaching video

SONG: Open the Eyes of my Heart and Build My Life

DISCIPLE: 

• Show this clip of outtakes from "Frozen 2: Behind the Scenes." (We always suggest viewing the clip beforehand to make sure you think it’s a video that will be a good fit for your context! For more information on how to legally use copyrighted material for educational purposes, read this!)

• Actors and crew sometimes make mistakes as they film movies. I'm sure it can be disappointing to think that you messed up, but sometimes when you compile all those mistakes together and make a blooper reel, they become moments we can look back on and laugh.

• Could you imagine what would happen if because one actor made a mistake on a movie set, they just stopped production and trashed everything? We wouldn't have any movies ever.

• No one always does everything perfectly, including some of the best actors. We all mistakes from time to time, but that doesn't mean we're doomed and we should give up. Our mistakes should teach us what not to do next time. We can ask God to forgive us for our wrongdoings and help us go in the right direction.

• It's a good thing God gives us second chances.

Pray: God, thank you for giving us second chances. You are so patient with us. We want to grow fruit and become more loving, kind, and helpful to others. Help us grow to be the kind of people you want us to be. Amen.
 

Parent Devotion

3.15 Family Experience Resources

Big Picture - Week 3

Every great movie tells a great story. When we see those stories played out on the big screen, we can learn a little more about ourselves and the world around us. Jesus knew how powerful stories could be, and he made them a big part of how he taught his followers. In this 5-week series, kids will hear some of the stories Jesus shared that can help them see the big picture of a life spent following God. Kids will see that God helps us know what's true, the ways we can give back to God, how God sends us helpers, that God gives us second chances, and how we belong in God's family.

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BIG IDEA: God sends us helpers.

BIBLE: The Parable of the Good Samaritan: Luke 10:25–37; Psalm 27:1–5

MEMORY VERSE

Elementary:  "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know." Jeremiah 33:3 (NIV)

Toddler Twist: Pray to God and He will answer. Jeremiah 33:3

WATCH:

Preschool- teaching video

Elementary- teaching video

SONG: Open the Eyes of my Heart and Build My Life

DISCIPLE: 

• In a lot of movies, the real heroes turn out to be the ones you would never expect. Think about some of the movies you've seen.

  • Spider-Man was a regular teenager who ended up becoming the friendly neighborhood hero.

  • Mulan was a loving daughter who did not belong in battle but went anyway to save her father and bring her family honor.

  • Mirabel was the most ordinary one in her family, and she had no special gift, but she saved the whole casita!

• Jesus' parable shows us that anyone can help and be a neighbor to someone in need. God sends us helpers!

Pray: God, thank you for sending helpers when we are in need. You always watch over us and help us. We pray that you will also send us to help others when they are in need. Amen.

 Parent Devotion

3.8 Family Experience Resources

Big Picture - Week 2

Every great movie tells a great story. When we see those stories played out on the big screen, we can learn a little more about ourselves and the world around us. Jesus knew how powerful stories could be, and he made them a big part of how he taught his followers. In this 5-week series, kids will hear some of the stories Jesus shared that can help them see the big picture of a life spent following God. Kids will see that God helps us know what's true, the ways we can give back to God, how God sends us helpers, that God gives us second chances, and how we belong in God's family.

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BIG IDEA: We can give back to God.

BIBLE: The Parable of the Bags of Gold: Matthew 25:14–29; Deuteronomy 26:1–11

MEMORY VERSE

Elementary:  "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know." Jeremiah 33:3 (NIV)

Toddler Twist: Pray to God and He will answer. Jeremiah 33:3

WATCH:

Preschool- teaching video

Elementary- teaching video

SONG: Open the Eyes of my Heart and Build My Life

DISCIPLE: 

• Show a video showing the differences between movie scenes with and without special effects like this video. (We always suggest viewing the clip beforehand to make sure you think it’s a video that will be a good fit for your context! For more information on how to legally use copyrighted material for educational purposes, read this!)

• Movie producers want to make good movies that they hope many people will watch. And movies aren't cheap. Most of them cost millions and millions to produce.

• Some of the most expensive parts of a movie to produce are special effects. Let's say a producer needed a shot of something that doesn't really exist or would be too difficult to recreate. They would hire a special effects company to create these shots, and there is a lot involved. 

• When special effects shots are done well, you can't tell they aren't real, right? The special effects company spent the producer's money well, hired a good crew, and delivered some great shots. They did a good job with the money they were given and the skills they had.

• Now imagine if a special effects company was hired to create a shot, and they just put the money away without doing any work with it.

  • How would the producer feel about that? 

  • How would that affect the movie? 

• In a similar way, the parable Jesus told about the bags of gold showed that God gives everyone different gifts and responsibilities ... not so we can just sit on them, but so we can put them toward doing things that please God. We can give back to God! 

Pray: God, thank you for everything you have given us. Show us ways we can give back to you, and let us watch you multiply them. We know everything we have comes from you! Amen.
 

Parent Devotion

3.1 Family Experience Resources

Big Picture - Week 1

Every great movie tells a great story. When we see those stories played out on the big screen, we can learn a little more about ourselves and the world around us. Jesus knew how powerful stories could be, and he made them a big part of how he taught his followers. In this 5-week series, kids will hear some of the stories Jesus shared that can help them see the big picture of a life spent following God. Kids will see that God helps us know what's true, the ways we can give back to God, how God sends us helpers, that God gives us second chances, and how we belong in God's family.

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BIG IDEA: God helps us know what’s true.

BIBLE: The Parable of the Sower: Matthew 13:1–23; Luke 9:28–36

MEMORY VERSE

Elementary:  "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know." Jeremiah 33:3 (NIV)

Toddler Twist: Pray to God and He will answer. Jeremiah 33:3

WATCH:

Preschool- teaching video

Elementary- teaching video

SONG: Open the Eyes of my Heart and Build My Life

DISCIPLE: 

• Show this clip (from 0:00–1:32) from the movie "The Good Dinosaur" to show how they cared for their farmland. (We always suggest viewing the clip beforehand to make sure you think it’s a video that will be a good fit for your context! For more information on how to legally use copyrighted material for educational purposes, read this!)

• I love using our imaginations, but sometimes watching a movie helps us visualize something much more clearly.

• What did the "farmer" in this movie do to take care of his crops? He planted it in soil and made sure each seed had room to grow properly and had plenty of sunlight and water.

• Many things go into making sure seeds grow into fruitful crops. In the parable, Jesus said that all the seeds had the same conditions and even the same farmer, except for one major difference—they were on different soils. The soils in the parable represent our hearts and attitudes toward God's words.

• If we follow God's instructions, listen to God's words, and apply what Jesus teaches us to everything we do, our faith will grow strong and big! Just like a seed planted in good soil will grow into a large crop.

• Listen to God. God helps us know what's true! 

Pray: Jesus, thank you for always helping us know what's true. Help us understand God's words so that we can know God more. When we are confused and unsure of things, we know we can always find the truth in you. Amen.

Parent Devotion

2.22 Family Experience Resources

Miraculous - Week 4

When we visit an aquarium, we find a whole world filled with sea creatures, plants, and more. Some of the discoveries we've made about what lives underwater can seem almost like a miracle. But it's not just under the sea where miracles happen—Jesus used water in some of his most well-known miracles! In this four-week series, kids will learn about some of the incredible miracles Jesus performed to help people grow closer to God. As they do, they'll learn how Jesus does everything out of love, calls us to follow him, knows what we need, and, most of all, that Jesus can do anything!

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BIG IDEA: Jesus can do anything.

BIBLE: Jesus Feeds the Four Thousand: Matthew 15:29–39; Psalm 37:1–11

MEMORY VERSE

Elementary:   "You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples." Psalm 77:14 (NIV)

Toddler Twist: "Our God can do miracles!" Psalm 77:14

WATCH:

Preschool- teaching video

Elementary- teaching video

SONG: OUR GOD and Anything is Possible

DISCIPLE: Read or retell Matthew 15:29-39

DIVE DEEP: Draw the part of today's Bible story is the most memorable to you? 

Our Big Idea for today is Jesus can do anything. But we often forget this truth because the miracles Jesus gives us nowadays might not look exactly like these jaw-dropping miracles we read about in the Bible.

Sometimes we don't recognize a miracle when it happens in our lives. We might explain it away as a coincidence or just happenstance. Sometimes we don't see everyday things as miracles, like having a place to sleep or someone to love and care for us.

Parents, Think of something you now realize could be a miracle in your life.  How do you think God might help you be a part of a miracle for someone else? Share it with your family.

Pray: Thank you, Jesus, for all the miracles you've shown us in the Bible and every day! Help us to see and recognize these miracles today. Help us to trust you with everything because we know you can do anything! Amen.

PARENT DEVOTION

2.15 Family Experience Resources

Miraculous - Week 3

When we visit an aquarium, we find a whole world filled with sea creatures, plants, and more. Some of the discoveries we've made about what lives underwater can seem almost like a miracle. But it's not just under the sea where miracles happen—Jesus used water in some of his most well-known miracles! In this four-week series, kids will learn about some of the incredible miracles Jesus performed to help people grow closer to God. As they do, they'll learn how Jesus does everything out of love, calls us to follow him, knows what we need, and, most of all, that Jesus can do anything!

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BIG IDEA: Jesus knows what we need.

BIBLE: The Healing at the Pool: John 5:1–9a; Jeremiah 17:7–10

MEMORY VERSE

Elementary:   "You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples." Psalm 77:14 (NIV)

Toddler Twist: "Our God can do miracles!" Psalm 77:14

WATCH:

Preschool- teaching video

Elementary- teaching video

SONG: OUR GOD and Anything is Possible

DISCIPLE: Read or retell John 5:1-9a

DIVE DEEP: Draw the part of today's Bible story is the most memorable to you? 

Our Big Idea for today is Jesus knows what we need. But do we know what we need? Sometimes, we think we do, but it ends up being something we don't really need at all.

Think about the following scenarios. Complete each blank with the word "want" or "need." Why did you choose the way you did?

• My sibling broke my Switch, and now I can't play my video games. I ____ a new Switch. 

• It's 110℉ (or 43℃) outside, and I'm waiting for the school bus in the sun. I ______ some water.

• My stomach is growling, and lunch is 45 minutes away! I ______ a bag of chips.

• It's 10 AM on a Sunday morning. I'm in bed, and everyone in the house is loud and telling me to get up. I ______ to sleep. 

Sometimes, what we want and need can be the same thing. But sometimes, what we want is not what we need. But Jesus always knows the difference and leads us to the things we need to survive and thrive. 

Parents, tell of a time when Jesus helped you, and you didn't even realize you needed help?  How is Jesus giving you what you need right now? 

Pray: Dear God, you are the God of miracles! Thank you for knowing what we need and giving us even more than that. We know we can trust you to take care of all of our needs. Help us to see the needs of others and how we can help them with their needs. Amen.

PARENT DEVOTION

2.8 Family Experience Resources

Miraculous - Week 2

When we visit an aquarium, we find a whole world filled with sea creatures, plants, and more. Some of the discoveries we've made about what lives underwater can seem almost like a miracle. But it's not just under the sea where miracles happen—Jesus used water in some of his most well-known miracles! In this four-week series, kids will learn about some of the incredible miracles Jesus performed to help people grow closer to God. As they do, they'll learn how Jesus does everything out of love, calls us to follow him, knows what we need, and, most of all, that Jesus can do anything!

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BIG IDEA: Jesus calls us to follow him.

BIBLE: A Miraculous Catch of Fish: Luke 5:1–11; Isaiah 6:1–8

MEMORY VERSE

Elementary:   "You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples." Psalm 77:14 (NIV)

Toddler Twist: "Our God can do miracles!" Psalm 77:14

WATCH:

Preschool- teaching video

Elementary- teaching video

SONG: OUR GOD and Anything is Possible

DISCIPLE: Read or retell Luke 5:1-11

DIVE DEEP: Draw the part of today's Bible story is the most memorable to you? 

Our Big Idea for today is Jesus calls us to follow him. The fisher friends in today's Bible story left everything behind to follow Jesus. James and John even left their father right here in the boat to go with Jesus.

Would you be able to give up everything to follow Jesus? 

This might be the case for some of our families that Jesus calls to share about God in different countries. For most of us, we can follow Jesus right where we are. In any case, Jesus is always with us, so no matter where he calls us, we are never alone when we follow him.

But the Bible story makes one thing clear—we can't follow Jesus if we continue to hold on to the things that make it hard to follow Jesus. For Simon and company, that meant they had to leave their careers and families behind. For us, it might be something else.

Maybe it's ditching not-so-great habits that make it hard to have a relationship with Jesus. Maybe it's changing our attitudes about Jesus so we can learn and grow how he wants us to. Maybe it's stuff that we want to spend more time with than with Jesus.
 

Pray: Jesus, thank you for calling us to follow you. Just like your friends did, we want to be able to let go of anything that keeps us from following you. Help us to keep following all the ways you show us how to love God and love people each day. Amen.

PARENT DEVOTION

2.1 Family Experience Resources

Miraculous - Week 1

When we visit an aquarium, we find a whole world filled with sea creatures, plants, and more. Some of the discoveries we've made about what lives underwater can seem almost like a miracle. But it's not just under the sea where miracles happen—Jesus used water in some of his most well-known miracles! In this four-week series, kids will learn about some of the incredible miracles Jesus performed to help people grow closer to God. As they do, they'll learn how Jesus does everything out of love, calls us to follow him, knows what we need, and, most of all, that Jesus can do anything!

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BIG IDEA: Jesus does everything out of love.

BIBLE: Jesus Turns Water into Wine: John 2:1–12; 1 Corinthians 13:1–7

MEMORY VERSE

Elementary:   "You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples." Psalm 77:14 (NIV)

Toddler Twist: "Our God can do miracles!" Psalm 77:14

WATCH:

Preschool- teaching video

Elementary- teaching video

SONG: OUR GOD and Anything is Possible

DISCIPLE: Read  or retell John 2:1-12

DIVE DEEP: Draw the part of today's Bible story is the most memorable to you? 

The ocean is a source of life to all the fish and creatures in the sea, and love is the source of life Jesus shares with us, God's human creations.

Our Big Idea today is Jesus does everything out of love. Sometimes it's difficult to do something out of love, especially when it's something we don't want to do.

Think of a time when someone asked for your help, but you hesitated (or didn't do it at all) because you didn't feel like it. 

What happened? 

What might you do differently next time? 

How would helping out show them love? 

It's okay not to want to do something ... it happens. Sometimes it's not the right time because you're in the middle of something else important. Sometimes we simply don't feel like it.

But whenever we feel this way, we can pause, take a deep breath, and remember that our actions should be guided by God's love. When we remember that, it's easy to press pause on our game or TV show, put down the toy we're playing with, or tell a friend you'll talk to them later and go help where you're needed. If you're ever unsure about what to do, think about Jesus. Jesus does everything out of love.

Pray: God, thank you for giving us the miracle of Jesus. Help us to remember this week to be there for our friends and family and see when help is needed. When we help others, it reflects the love of Jesus. Help us to do everything out of love. Amen.

PARENT DEVOTION

1.25 Family Experience Resources

Camp Believe It - Week 4

People love camping, and for good reason! You can take in nature, practice special skills, or just take time to relax in a new environment. And when it comes to camping, no one loved it as much as John the Baptist. In this 4-week series, our families will hear about John the Baptist's special role in preparing the way for Jesus and his ministry. John's story will help kids to say their camp motto, "I believe God gives me purpose. I believe God can speak to me. I believe God is powerful. I believe God's words are true."

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BIG IDEA: I believe God’s words are true.

BIBLE: Jesus Rejected At Nazareth: Luke 4:14–30; Psalm 19:7–14

MEMORY VERSE

Elementary:   "We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God." John 6:69

Toddler Twist: "We believe and know that you are God!" John 6:69

WATCH:

Preschool- teaching video

Elementary- teaching video

SONG: Same Power and This I Believe

DISCIPLE: 

Get a compass or use the one on your smartphone and show your kids how the needle always points true North, no matter which way you turn.

When we are out in the wilderness, we need to know our way around or else we could get lost. One way to keep track of this is to use a compass. The needle of a compass always points true North. This is because the needle responds to the earth's magnetic field. No matter where you turn, the metal needle points toward the magnetic poles in the north and south. One end is painted red to show which way is North. This way, when you are on a hike where there are no signs, you can use a compass to help guide you. Without a compass, you might get lost.

God's words are like a compass. God's words always point to the truth. So when you are trying to make your way through life and you feel a little lost, turn to God's words and let them point you back to "true north." I believe God's words are true.

Pray: God, you are trustworthy and true. Thank you that I can always trust what you say. Help me learn more from the Bible and remember your words whenever I go through a hard time. Also, help me remember that your words are true, even in times when I don't always understand them. Amen.

Parent Devotional

1.18 Family Experience Resources

Camp Believe It - Week 3

People love camping, and for good reason! You can take in nature, practice special skills, or just take time to relax in a new environment. And when it comes to camping, no one loved it as much as John the Baptist. In this 4-week series, our families will hear about John the Baptist's special role in preparing the way for Jesus and his ministry. John's story will help kids to say their camp motto, "I believe God gives me purpose. I believe God can speak to me. I believe God is powerful. I believe God's words are true."

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BIG IDEA: I believe God is powerful.

BIBLE: Jesus In The Wilderness: Matthew 4:1–11; Psalm 36:5–10

MEMORY VERSE

Elementary:   "We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God." John 6:69

Toddler Twist: "We believe and know that you are God!" John 6:69

WATCH:

Preschool- teaching video

Elementary- teaching video

SONG: Same Power and This I Believe

DISCIPLE: 

Show an image or a video about poison ivy (like this one). 

Being out in the wilderness can be a fun and beautiful experience, but we still need to be careful.

What are some of the dangers we need to be on the lookout for when we're out in the wilderness? (Wild animals, snakes, insects, slippery terrain, and, of course, poison ivy or poison oak).

Poison ivy and poison oak are common dangers that we might find in the wilderness. We need to avoid touching these plants because they can cause a painful rash. One way to help you avoid poison ivy and poison oak is to remember this: "Leaves of three, leave it be." These poisonous plants have pointed leaves in groups of three.

If you see a plant like this, with leaves of three, what should you do? Leave it be. Just don't touch it.

Speaking of "three," that's how many times the devil tried to tempt Jesus to disobey God. But much like we should do with poison ivy plants, Jesus did leave it be. He said no to the devil's tempting — all three times — because he knew God was more powerful. I believe God is powerful, too. What about you? 

Pray: God, even though you are so powerful, you let us come to you whenever we want. Thank you for loving us and giving us power when we feel like we have none. Help us resist anything that tries to hurt our relationship with you. We believe you—and your words—are powerful. Amen.

Parent Devotional

1.11 Family Experience Resources

Camp Believe It - Week 2

People love camping, and for good reason! You can take in nature, practice special skills, or just take time to relax in a new environment. And when it comes to camping, no one loved it as much as John the Baptist. In this 4-week series, our families will hear about John the Baptist's special role in preparing the way for Jesus and his ministry. John's story will help kids to say their camp motto, "I believe God gives me purpose. I believe God can speak to me. I believe God is powerful. I believe God's words are true."

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BIG IDEA: I believe God can speak to me.

BIBLE: The Baptism Of Jesus: Luke 3:2–3, 21–22; Psalm 29:3–9

MEMORY VERSE

Elementary:   "We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God." John 6:69

Toddler Twist: "We believe and know that you are God!" John 6:69

WATCH:

Preschool- teaching video

Elementary- teaching video

SONG: Same Power and This I Believe

DISCIPLE: 

Show your family this video of birds and their distinct calls. 

One popular outdoor activity is birding. That's when you go out and try to identify the different birds you encounter. When you can see the birds, you might be able to tell what kind they are, but what about when you can't see them clearly?

Some people can recognize birds by the sounds they make.

• What are some sounds that birds make? Some sounds are chirping, screeching, cawing, quacking, clucking, and even singing.

• How can you recognize a bird just by the sound it makes? You have to be familiar enough with a bird's call to recognize it, so you can study bird calls and learn them.

• How might we learn to recognize when God speaks to us? We can read the Bible and learn how God speaks to people. Sometimes it's through other people.

Just like birds and their unique sounds, we are all uniquely different. But no matter how different we are, God still speaks to every one of us.

And just like we can become familiar with the unique sounds of birds, the voice of God can become familiar to us when we make time to know God. We can do this by reading and memorizing Scripture, talking to God in prayer, quietly being with God, and thinking about what is true about God. The more time we spend with God, the more likely we are to know God's voice. I believe God can speak to me.

Pray: God, whether it's through a mighty thunderous voice or in gentle whispers, we believe that you can and do speak to us. Thank you for loving us that much. Help us to know and hear your voice and to learn to listen when you speak to us. Amen.

Parent Devotional

1.4 Family Experience Resources

Camp Believe It - Week 1

People love camping, and for good reason! You can take in nature, practice special skills, or just take time to relax in a new environment. And when it comes to camping, no one loved it as much as John the Baptist. In this 4-week series, our families will hear about John the Baptist's special role in preparing the way for Jesus and his ministry. John's story will help kids to say their camp motto, "I believe God gives me purpose. I believe God can speak to me. I believe God is powerful. I believe God's words are true."

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BIG IDEA: I believe God gives me purpose.

BIBLE: John prepares the way: Mark 1:1-8

MEMORY VERSE

Elementary:   "We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God." John 6:69

Toddler Twist: "We believe and know that you are God!" John 6:69

WATCH:

Preschool- teaching video

Elementary- teaching video

SONG: Same Power and This I Believe

DISCIPLE: 

Part of the camping experience is to go on a nature hike and explore the wilderness. You need a guide, though, or else you might get lost. Trail guides also help us know what to do when we encounter obstacles. A trail guide's purpose is to help us navigate and keep us on the right path.

John the Baptist from our Bible story (in Mark 1:1-8) was like a trail guide, too. He helped clear the way and point people to Jesus. God gave John purpose, and God does this for us, too. 

For example, like John, we can also be a trail guide for others to know and follow Jesus. Our big idea this week is: I believe God gives me purpose.

Pray: God, your love for us is amazing. You chose us to be yours, and you gave us purpose. Show us how to discover our special purpose and help others with it. Amen.

Parent Devotional

12.28 Family Experience Resources

Christmas Vacation - Week 4

Grab your sandals, sunblock, and swim gear because it’s time for a Christmas Vacation! We’ll be making sand angels and roasting chestnuts around an open bonfire on our tropical getaway. You’ve never experienced Christmas like this! In this five-week series, our families will focus on the birth of Jesus and the way God had been planning things from the very beginning. We’ll see how God sent Jesus for a reason, learn to trust God’s timing, and see how Jesus is why we celebrate because Jesus is God’s gift to the world.

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BIG IDEA: Jesus is God’s gift to the world.

BIBLE: Luke 2:22–40; 2 Corinthians 9:6–15

MEMORY VERSE

Elementary:   "The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world." John 1:9 (NIV) 

Toddler Twist: "Jesus brings light to the world! John 1:9

WATCH:

Preschool- teaching video

Elementary- teaching video

SONG: Celebrate and Light of the World

DISCIPLE: 

Parents, prepare two gifts, one that is wrapped extravagantly and another wrapped poorly in newspaper or a brown paper bag. Place a small piece of candy inside the fancy package and a more expensive gift (stack of money, gaming device, phone) inside the homely package.

ASK: Which of these presents looks more desirable?

The one with the fancier wrapping, right? Just like you should never judge a book by its cover, never judge a gift by its wrapping! As you might have guessed already, the more valuable gift is hiding behind the less-impressive packaging. 

Jesus came to us in less-than-ideal packaging. He was born to a young woman who was nowhere near ready to be a mother but trusted God anyway. He was born in a room shared with animals and took his baby naps inside a manger. This baby wrapped in cloth was, and is, the greatest gift the world could ever know. Jesus is God’s gift to the world.

Pray: "God, we cannot ever thank you enough for the gift of Jesus. We pray that those around the world who have not heard the name of Jesus would hear his name, and how he is a gift for them too. Amen"

PARENT DEVOTIONAL

12.21 Family Experience Resources

Christmas Vacation - Week 3

Grab your sandals, sunblock, and swim gear because it’s time for a Christmas Vacation! We’ll be making sand angels and roasting chestnuts around an open bonfire on our tropical getaway. You’ve never experienced Christmas like this! In this five-week series, our families will focus on the birth of Jesus and the way God had been planning things from the very beginning. We’ll see how God sent Jesus for a reason, learn to trust God’s timing, and see how Jesus is why we celebrate because Jesus is God’s gift to the world.

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JOIN US FOR Christmas Brunch AT 10AM IN PERSON

AND

Family Experience Worship  AT 10:50!

BIG IDEA: Jesus is why we celebrate!

BIBLE: Luke 1:26- Luke 2:1-20 

MEMORY VERSE

Elementary:   "The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world." John 1:9 (NIV) 

Toddler Twist: "Jesus brings light to the world! John 1:9

SONG: Celebrate and Light of the World

PARENT DEVOTIONAL

12.14 Family Experience Resources

Christmas Vacation - Week 2

Grab your sandals, sunblock, and swim gear because it’s time for a Christmas Vacation! We’ll be making sand angels and roasting chestnuts around an open bonfire on our tropical getaway. You’ve never experienced Christmas like this! In this five-week series, our families will focus on the birth of Jesus and the way God had been planning things from the very beginning. We’ll see how God sent Jesus for a reason, learn to trust God’s timing, and see how Jesus is why we celebrate because Jesus is God’s gift to the world.

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BIG IDEA: We can trust God’s timing.

BIBLE: Luke 1:5–25; 2 Peter 3:8–15

MEMORY VERSE

Elementary:   "The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world." John 1:9 (NIV) 

Toddler Twist: "Jesus brings light to the world! John 1:9

WATCH:

Preschool- teaching video

Elementary- teaching video

SONG: Celebrate and Light of the World

DISCIPLE: 

Play a round of charades by having each family member take turns acting out clues. Create a list of words using characters from the Bible story (angel, Zechariah, Elizabeth, baby) and words related to a tropical Christmas (beach, island, palm tree, waves, surfing, sun). 

* Whisper the word or provide images for non-readers.

Say: It’s really tough trying to communicate without being able to speak if that’s what we’re used to. Just imagine — Zechariah had to do this for nine months while he waited for baby John to be born! 

Of course, this doesn’t mean that anytime we don’t believe something about God right away, we will go through what Zechariah did. But it seems this might have been what Zechariah needed to experience in order to fully accept God’s promise. Once the baby was born and Zechariah could speak again, I bet he was speechless anyway. 

How incredible that God allowed John to come into the world, but even more incredible that John would prepare the world for the savior, Jesus? We can trust God’s timing.

Pray: "God, we know that we get impatient waiting for you sometimes, but remind us that your timing is perfect, so we can trust that always. Thank you for patiently waiting for us as we learn and grow each day. Remind us that we are a part of a bigger story. Thank you for including us in that bigger story. Amen"

PARENT DEVOTIONAL

12.7 Family Experience Resources

Christmas Vacation - Week 1

Grab your sandals, sunblock, and swim gear because it’s time for a Christmas Vacation! We’ll be making sand angels and roasting chestnuts around an open bonfire on our tropical getaway. You’ve never experienced Christmas like this! In this five-week series, our families will focus on the birth of Jesus and the way God had been planning things from the very beginning. We’ll see how God sent Jesus for a reason, learn to trust God’s timing, and see how Jesus is why we celebrate because Jesus is God’s gift to the world.

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BIG IDEA: God sent Jesus for a reason.

BIBLE: John 1:1–17; Psalm 80:1–7

MEMORY VERSE

Elementary:   "The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world." John 1:9 (NIV) 

Toddler Twist: "Jesus brings light to the world! John 1:9

WATCH:

Preschool- teaching video

Elementary- teaching video

SONG: Celebrate and Light of the World

DISCIPLE: 

Give each family member a piece of black construction paper and a white crayon. Have them try to draw a light source (sun, light bulb, candle) with their eyes closed. On the back side, have them try it with their eyes open.

Say: Wasn’t it so much easier to draw with “the lights on?” Following God isn’t easy as it is, but doing it without Jesus is like drawing with the lights out. Having Jesus makes all the difference! God sent Jesus for a reason.

Read or paraphrase John 1:1-17 together and pray.

Pray: "God, thank you for sending Jesus as the savior we so badly needed and still need today. Help us to step out of the darkness and draw closer to your light. Help this Christmas season to be different so that we can show others how much you love this world. Amen"

PARENT DEVOTIONAL

11.30 Family Experience Resources

On the right track - Week 4

Racers, start your engines! In a race, you might need to navigate obstacles, pit stops, and tight turns in order to stay on the right track. As you’re zooming through the track, there’s so much to think about and it can be hard to stay focused on what’s most important! In this four-week series, our families will learn some important stories from Joshua about how obstacles are no problem for God and courage comes from knowing God’s words. No matter how long the race, God can use someone like you because with God, there is victory!

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BIG IDEA: With God, there is victory!

BIBLE: Joshua 5:13–6:25; Psalm 100

MEMORY VERSE

Elementary:   "Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful." Hebrews 10:23  (NIV) 

Toddler Twist: "God will always be there for me!" Hebrews 10:23

WATCH:

Preschool- teaching video

Elementary- teaching video 

SONG: My Lighthouse and See A Victory

DISCIPLE:

Show this clip from “Cars” or this clip from Cars 3 (or both, if you have time). 

• FOR BIGS: You might want to pull a racing scene clip from movies like Speed Racer (2008), Wreck-It Ralph (2012), Ralph Breaks the Internet (2018), or The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023).

Lightning McQueen in the Cars movies started out as a fresh rookie racecar whose only purpose was to race and win. But as his story went on, he started to care about others more than he cared about winning. So, even in those instances when he didn’t really win, he was still able to have some kind of victory.

If the Israelites had only cared about winning, they would not have marched around the Jericho walls blowing trumpets. But they knew that God would give them the win in the right way and at the right time. Remember Rahab? She believed it, too. She helped hide the spies that were scoping out the land. That’s why she was saved when the walls came down. 

God gave the Israelites victory over Jericho because they trusted God’s instructions and believed that only with God, there is victory!

Pray: Dear God, there is nothing you cannot do! We love and praise you because you give us victory! Amen.

PARENT DEVOTIONAL

11.23 Family Experience Resources

On the right track - Week 3

Racers, start your engines! In a race, you might need to navigate obstacles, pit stops, and tight turns in order to stay on the right track. As you’re zooming through the track, there’s so much to think about and it can be hard to stay focused on what’s most important! In this four-week series, our families will learn some important stories from Joshua about how obstacles are no problem for God and courage comes from knowing God’s words. No matter how long the race, God can use someone like you because with God, there is victory!

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BIG IDEA: God can use someone like me.

BIBLE: Joshua 2; Matthew 25:14–30

MEMORY VERSE

Elementary:   "Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful." Hebrews 10:23  (NIV)

Toddler Twist: "God will always be there for me!" Hebrews 10:23

WATCH:

Preschool- teaching video

Elementary- teaching video

SONG: My Lighthouse and See A Victory

DISCIPLE: Read Joshua 2

Show a video of safety vehicles like tow trucks at a racetrack (you can show the first few minutes of this video). 

• FOR BIGS: Speaking of how God uses us this week, take the time to encourage your older kiddos about their various gifts. Some gifts might be more conspicuous and others might be somewhat hidden. Spend time with them to learn their strengths and ways they can help out in your ministry.

How important are the jobs of these vehicles at a race? It’s easy to overlook them because they’re not flashy racing cars, but without them, what would happen if an accident took place? It would be a mess! 

Rahab might not have been someone whom people looked up to or recognized for her place in society, but she turned out to be exactly the right person to help God’s people plan their entrance into the Promised Land.. 

All of us have something we can do that is useful. God can use someone like me and you for amazing things, no matter how small of a contribution you might think it is. 

Pray: Dear God, thank you for using someone like me! Teach me to help and do good toward others. Amen.

PARENT DEVOTIONAL

11.16 Family Experience Resources

On the right track - Week 2

Racers, start your engines! In a race, you might need to navigate obstacles, pit stops, and tight turns in order to stay on the right track. As you’re zooming through the track, there’s so much to think about and it can be hard to stay focused on what’s most important! In this four-week series, our families will learn some important stories from Joshua about how obstacles are no problem for God and courage comes from knowing God’s words. No matter how long the race, God can use someone like you because with God, there is victory!

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BIG IDEA: Courage comes from knowing God’s words.

BIBLE: Joshua 1; 24:14–25; Psalm 78:1–7

MEMORY VERSE

Elementary:   "Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful." Hebrews 10:23  (NIV)

Toddler Twist: "God will always be there for me!" Hebrews 10:23

WATCH:

Preschool- teaching video

Elementary- teaching video

SONG: My Lighthouse and See A Victory

DISCIPLE:

Show a clip from the movie “Cars” to your family, where Doc advises Lightning about drifting, like this one (stop at 2:30 if short on time).

• FOR BIGS: Instead of or in addition to showing this clip, talk with your kids about any advice they’ve been given that they felt resistant to follow. Why was that? Was it because it was bad advice or because of other reasons? Then talk about any resistance they might feel about learning from Scripture.

• FOR LITTLES: At the beginning of this movie, Lightning McQueen is convinced he’s the greatest rookie racer and doesn’t need anyone’s advice. It’s only when he realizes one of the advice-givers was racing legend, Doc Hudson, that he starts paying attention. Then he not only learns a valuable skill — “go right to go left” — but he also becomes more compassionate, too. 

There are times when we might feel like we know what God is saying to us . . . we’ve heard it so many times before. But knowing is not enough. When we trust that courage comes from knowing God’s words, we can be really courageous and go out and do the things we know. 

What are some of God’s words from the Bible that you remember?

Pray: Dear God, thank you for your words. Please give me the courage to do what you teach us to do through your words! Amen.

PARENT DEVOTIONAL