7.16 Family Experience Resources

Up in the Air - Week 3

I can count on God’s promises!

We learn about so many incredible humans — past and present — who have changed the world using their influence, their voice, their dreams, and their passion. Our kids might find it hard to relate to these dreamers, though, and ask themselves, “Can God use me for something that grand?”
In Up In The Air, our families will learn through the stories of Elisha that we can dream big with God, have faith in God, count on God’s promises, ask God for what we need, and be used by God. The sky isn’t the limit anymore . . . not with God’s promises at work in our lives!

Click HERE to watch this month’s memory verse video!

BIG IDEA: I can count on God's promises.

MEMORY VERSE: 
 "Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things." Colossians 3:6
 Toddler Twist: "Keep your focus on God." Colossians 3:6 

READ: Elisha and the Shunammite’s son: II Kings 4:8-37; Genesis 18:1-10a

WATCH:

Preschool- Teaching Video

Elementary- Teaching Video

SONG: Fly

COLORING: Elisha and the Shunammite's son


DISCIPLE: Read the above text as a family.

Through Elisha, the Shunammite woman and her family were able to see that God keeps promises, even the ones that seem like they’re too big, too far away, or too late.

Ask: Have you ever been promised something by someone and they didn’t keep their promise? What happened? How did you feel?

I’m sure it felt awful. A broken promise makes us feel so disappointed because we had been counting on that promise to be kept.

But as human beings, it’s really hard to keep all the promises we make!

Have you ever broken a promise?

Most likely we all have! We don’t do it on purpose but sometimes we make promises in the moment because we think we can keep it, but later we have to go back on our word. And like we just talked about, that’s not a great feeling.

But God doesn’t do that. That’s also why God doesn’t promise us that everything will be fine all the time. God knows that we will face challenges. We will get heartbroken. We will not get something we want. But God promises to be with us and help us through all of those things. We can turn to God’s words in the Bible and know for sure that you and I can count on God’s promises! Always!

Pray: God, thank you that you love me and that you have good plans for me. You make promises that you keep. Remind me that I can count on your promises and that you will always do what you say you will. Amen.

 

DISCUSSION:

What promise from God did Elisha tell the Shunammite woman and her husband? 

What happened to this promise they received? 

How did God use Elisha again to help the woman and her family? 

Read Genesis 18:10. What promise did God have for Abraham and Sarah? 

What is a promise? 

Have you ever made a promise before? Did you keep it? 

What is a promise that God has made to you?

7.9 Family Experience Resources

Up in the Air - Week 2

I can have faith in God!

We learn about so many incredible humans — past and present — who have changed the world using their influence, their voice, their dreams, and their passion. Our kids might find it hard to relate to these dreamers, though, and ask themselves, “Can God use me for something that grand?”
In Up In The Air, our families will learn through the stories of Elisha that we can dream big with God, have faith in God, count on God’s promises, ask God for what we need, and be used by God. The sky isn’t the limit anymore . . . not with God’s promises at work in our lives!

Click HERE to watch this month’s memory verse video!

BIG IDEA: I can have faith in God. 

MEMORY VERSE: 

"Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things." Colossians 3:6

Toddler Twist: "Keep your focus on God." Colossians 3:6 
 
READ: Elisha and the Widow’s Oil: II Kings 4:1-7; Colossians 1:3-14

WATCH:

Preschool- Teaching Video

Elementary- Teaching Video

SONG: Fly

COLORING: Elisha and the Widow's Oil


DISCIPLE: Read the text above and have your children retell the story back to you. What God did through Elisha and the woman is what we call a miracle, something that happens that we can’t really explain. All we know is that God used something so small like oil to solve a really big problem for the woman and her family. When we need help and don’t know what to do, we can have faith that God will take care of us, too!

Have your kids create the best flying airplane that they can. Spend some time flying them. Just like airplanes can help us soar to greater heights than we could on our own, when we have faith in God, God helps us do more than we could ever with our own strength.

The best part is, it doesn’t matter that we are all different. We each have our own strengths, purpose, and unique design (like planes) but all of us can have faith in God.

Pray: God, thank you for reminding us that we can have faith in you. Even though we cannot see you, we know you are always there for us and we can trust you to take care of us. Help us to grow our faith and share it with others, too. Amen.

 

DISCUSSION:

Why was the woman in the Bible story sad? 

What did Elisha tell her to do?

How did God provide for her?

Read Colossians 1:13-14. What has God done for us that shows we can have faith? 

What does having faith mean to you? 

Think of someone else in the Bible who had faith in God. How did their faith help them? 

What is one thing you can do this week to show you have faith in God? 

7.2 Family Experience Resources

Up in the Air - Week 1

I can dream big with God!

We learn about so many incredible humans — past and present — who have changed the world using their influence, their voice, their dreams, and their passion. Our kids might find it hard to relate to these dreamers, though, and ask themselves, “Can God use me for something that grand?”
In Up In The Air, our families will learn through the stories of Elisha that we can dream big with God, have faith in God, count on God’s promises, ask God for what we need, and be used by God. The sky isn’t the limit anymore . . . not with God’s promises at work in our lives!

Click HERE to watch this month’s memory verse video!

BIG IDEA: I can dream big with God.

MEMORY VERSE: 

"Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things." Colossians 3:6
 Toddler Twist: "Keep your focus on God." Colossians 3:6 


READ:  Elijah Taken Up to Heaven: II Kings 2:1-2, 6-14; Psalm 66:1-9

WATCH:

Preschool- Teaching Video

Elementary- Teaching Video

SONG: Fly

COLORING: Elijah
DISCIPLE: Read the Bible text above.... then discuss the following with your family.

It might have seemed like an impossibly big dream for Elisha to think he could do the things Elijah did. But he really wanted to do great things for God and, guess what? God wanted Elisha to do great things, too!

 

There is a famous quote that’s credited to Walt Disney that goes, “If you can dream it, you can do it.” So the important part is making sure that you dream.

I know thinking about dreams for ourselves can be a little challenging so let’s start with a dream our family can think about and work toward together.

What is a big dream for our family ministry?

What are some steps our family could take?

When do you think our family should start taking them?

 

Pray: God, you know me and you hear my prayers and my dreams. I’m so glad that the things that are important to me are also important to you. Help me to trust you with my hopes and remind me that I can dream big with you. Thank you for showing us none of our dreams are out of reach when they come from you. Amen.

 

DISCUSSION:

Before Elijah went to heaven, what did he ask Elisha? 

What did Elisha ask for? What might you have asked for if you were Elisha? 

How do we know that Elisha's big dream came true? 

Read Psalm 66:5-6. How do these verses remind you of today's Bible story? 

What is a dream you have that some people might think are too big? 

What would it take to make your dream come true? 

Why can we trust God with our dreams? 

6.25 Family Experience Resources

Ever After - Week 4
God always takes care of us!

Fairy tales are full of fantasy and imagination. We love them because they take what could be real and add extraordinary circumstances. But what if there was a story where the extraordinary circumstances were real? Could a story like this exist? This month, we are going to look at the story of Ruth to see how God truly writes the best stories for us — full of companions, hope, boldness, and the knowledge that God is always taking care of us!

Click HERE to watch this month’s memory verse video!

BIG IDEA: God always takes care of us.

 

MEMORY VERSE: 
"The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore." Psalm 121:8

TODDLER TWIST:

"God always cares for me!" Psalm 121:8 
 
READ: Ruth Marries Boaz: Ruth 4

WATCH:

Preschool- Teaching Video

Elementary- Teaching Video

SONG: Oceans

COLORING: Ruth marries Boaz


DISCIPLE: Read Ruth 4 or retell to your children.

Do you remember what the relative who was supposed to be the guardian-redeemer gave to Boaz? 

  • A sandal! By giving him one of his shoes, it became like a contract. Boaz was now the rightful redeemer for Naomi's family.

  • INSTRUCTIONS: Read the story, "The Elves and the Shoemaker" (or show a read-aloud video like this one).

  • How did the elves take care of the shoemaker and his wife?

  • How did the couple take care of the elves?

  • What are some ways people take care of you?

  • What are some ways you take care of others?

Grow Deeper- Read Matthew 6:26–34 and show this image 

  • This passage tells us that just as God takes care of the birds of the air and the flowers in the fields, God cares about us way more than God cares about animals and plants!

  • But when we say God always takes care of us, we're not just talking about having food to eat or clothes to wear.

  • In the story of Ruth, Boaz took care of the family by becoming a redeemer.

    • When you hear the word redeemer, who else comes to mind? That's right . . . Jesus!

    • Jesus redeemed all of us, too. All people were filled with sin and disobedience to God – for which there are dire consequences.

    • But when Jesus died and rose again, he rescued us from it all. He paid the price for us. That is the greatest way God took care of us. God sent Jesus!

  • Want to know something even cooler? [Show genealogy map image] Ruth and Boaz are related to Jesus!

Pray: Dear God, thank you for showing us that you will always take care of us. Thank you for reminding us through Ruth's story that you have an "ever after" story for each of us. Help us believe and trust in you because you sent your son, Jesus, to be the ultimate redeemer we needed! Amen.

 

DISCUSSION:

What did Boaz do so that he would be able to marry Ruth? 

How did this sequence of events bring comfort to Naomi? 

Ruth and Boaz are ancestors to other famous people in the Bible. Can you name a couple?

Read Matthew 6:26–34. How do we know God will always take care of us?

If you could be in any fairy tale story, which would you choose? Why?

Describe one time you know God has taken care of you in the past. 

What can you do this week to take care of someone else? 

6.18 Family Experience Resources

Ever After - Week 3
God gives us boldness!

Fairy tales are full of fantasy and imagination. We love them because they take what could be real and add extraordinary circumstances. But what if there was a story where the extraordinary circumstances were real? Could a story like this exist? This month, we are going to look at the story of Ruth to see how God truly writes the best stories for us — full of companions, hope, boldness, and the knowledge that God is always taking care of us!

Click HERE to watch this month’s memory verse video!

BIG IDEA: God gives us boldness

 

MEMORY VERSE: 
"The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore." Psalm 121:8

TODDLER TWIST:

"God always cares for me!" Psalm 121:8

READ: Ruth and Naomi leave Moab: Ruth 3

WATCH:

Preschool- Teaching Video

Elementary- Teaching Video

SONG: Oceans

COLORING: Ruth Asks Boaz for Help


DISCIPLE: 

Have you ever noticed that a lot of classic fairy tales are about a princess that needs to be rescued by a knight in shining armor? Those are fun and all, but the story of Ruth reminds us that in some fairy tales, the "princess" already has everything she needs to overcome her situation. 

At first glance, the story of Ruth might appear to be simply about a woman trying to find a new husband, but as we learned today, she does a fair amount of work to survive on her own! 

The story of Mulan is another one that doesn't play out the way typical fairy tales do. 

INSTRUCTIONS: Show this clip (or a part of it) from Mulan. 

What are the different ways Mulan was bold in this video? 

Do you see any similarities between Mulan and Ruth? 

  • Both of these women were expected to fulfill their duties only as someone's wife. But they both were so much more than that.

    • Mulan decided to enlist in the army to spare her father from having to fight, during a time she could have been sentenced to death for doing so.

    • Ruth went out and found ways to provide for her only remaining family member in a land where she was seen as a foreigner. Even the way she went to Boaz for help was unusually brave.

  • Both of these heroines show us that in order to be bold, we sometimes need to disregard what other people think in favor of doing what is good and what is right. And God gives us boldness to do that!

Because God gives us boldness, there are things we can do every day to help us be bold! List some ways you can be bold. It can be . . . 

  • Trying something new

  • Doing what is right

  • Facing a fear

  • Standing up for a person or a cause

  • Being honest about something

Pray: Dear God, thank you for giving us boldness to do what is good and right. We know that being bold can be intimidating, but we know you are with us. Help us to use the boldness you give us to better serve you and others. Amen.

 

DISCUSSION:

What did Naomi tell Ruth to do? 

How would Boaz be able to help Ruth? 

In what ways was Ruth bold in this story? 

Read Psalm 42:5. How is this verse about boldness? 

Do you consider yourself a bold person? Why or why not? 

When is an appropriate time to be bold? When might it not be? 

How is asking for help an example of boldness? 

6.11 Family Experience Resources

Ever After - Week 2
God gives us hope!

Fairy tales are full of fantasy and imagination. We love them because they take what could be real and add extraordinary circumstances. But what if there was a story where the extraordinary circumstances were real? Could a story like this exist? This month, we are going to look at the story of Ruth to see how God truly writes the best stories for us — full of companions, hope, boldness, and the knowledge that God is always taking care of us!

Click HERE to watch this month’s memory verse video!

BIG IDEA: God gives us hope.


MEMORY VERSE: 
"The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore." Psalm 121:8

TODDLER TWIST:

"God always cares for me!" Psalm 121:8


READ: Ruth meets Boaz: Ruth 2

WATCH:

Preschool- Teaching Video

Elementary- Teaching Video

SONG: Oceans

COLORING: Ruth and Naomi leave Moab


DISCIPLE: Read Ruth 2 or retell for your children.

A lot of fairytales have characters we might call "hopeless romantics." These are people who continue to believe in love even though they have experienced heartbreak time and time again. No matter what kind of disappointment they might have faced, they never give up on finding love!

That doesn't sound hopeless at all! These people are full of hope! They should be called hopeful romantics! 

Can you think of a time when you experienced hope?  Share your own story of hope with your family. A time when someone showed up for you to offer you hope in a hopeless situation. Invite your kids to do the same. 

God gives us hope, but also enables us to give hope to others. We can be the hands and feet that spread hope to people who are feeling hopeless. 

  • INSTRUCTIONS: Discuss ways your family can give hope to other people around them this week. Then have them trace their hands and their feet (with or without shoes on, up to you!) on pieces of paper. On the hand, have them write one thing they can do to help someone have hope. On the foot, have them write a place they can go where they might find someone in need of hope.

Where is somewhere you can go where you might find someone in need of hope? Write or draw about it on the outline of your foot. 

What can you do to give them hope? Write or draw about it on the outline of your hand.

Pray: Dear God, thank you for showing us through Ruth's story that in any situation, hope can always be found in you. Help us to never give up even when things are tough and show us how we can give others hope. Amen.

 

DISCUSSION:

How did Ruth provide for Naomi and herself? 

What did Boaz do to show kindness to Ruth?

Why do you think Boaz did this for Ruth? 

Read Romans 5:3-4. How does suffering lead to hope? 

Describe hope in your own words. 

Have you ever felt hopeless? How come? 

What is an example of something God has done in the past that shows us hope?

6.4 Family Experience Resources

Ever After - Week 1
God gives us companions!

Fairy tales are full of fantasy and imagination. We love them because they take what could be real and add extraordinary circumstances. But what if there was a story where the extraordinary circumstances were real? Could a story like this exist? This month, we are going to look at the story of Ruth to see how God truly writes the best stories for us — full of companions, hope, boldness, and the knowledge that God is always taking care of us!

Click HERE to watch this month’s memory verse video!

MEMORY VERSE: 
"The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore." Psalm 121:8

TODDLER TWIST:

"God always cares for me!" Psalm 121:8


READ: Ruth and Naomi Leave Moab: Ruth 1

WATCH:

Preschool- Teaching Video

Elementary- Teaching Video

SONG: Oceans

COLORING PAGE: Ruth and Naomi


DISCIPLE: Read Ruth 1 or retell in your own words to your children. 

  • INSTRUCTIONS: Take the your kids outside if possible. If not, have several flashlights available. Take turns drawing the other's shadow on the ground. Use chalk if you're outside or a large sheet of paper with a washable marker if you are inside.

    • Option 2: Instead of tracing themselves, have your kids trace shadows of two things side by side (e.g., two dinosaur toys, two stuffed animals, two dolls, etc.).

  • God sent Ruth to be Naomi's companion during a difficult time in her life. God can send friends, family, maybe even animal friends, like many fairy tales, to give us hope and encouragement. But there is another companion that is always there for us, that we can't really see . . . kind of like our shadow. And that's God. Of course, your shadow disappears when there's no light, but God is there all the time – especially when things look dark! God gives us companions, and sometimes that companion is God!

Pray: Dear God, thank you for sending us friends and companions. Thank you most of all that because of Jesus we are never alone. Amen.

 

DISCUSSION:

Why did Naomi and her family leave their hometown and move to Moab?

What kinds of difficulties did Naomi face in Moab?

What did Ruth say when Naomi told her not to follow her?

Read Acts 2:4. Why do you think the Holy Spirit allowed the people to speak other languages? 

Describe a time when you would need a companion. 

What are some ways you can be a good companion to others? 

What can you do to remind yourself in hard times that God (and the Holy Spirit) is your forever companion?

5.28 Family Experience Resources

The Messengers - Week 4
God’s Message Goes Everywhere!

How many ways can you send a message? There are so many unique ways! Special deliveries are the best but even better are the messages found in each package. This month, we are going to look at the most important message that was ever sent out and how we are meant to be the ones delivering it. Our families are God’s messengers that can share the stories of God’s miracles and help. Get involved in helping God’s message go everywhere because God delivers everyone!

Click HERE to watch this month’s memory verse video!

MEMORY VERSE

Elementary: Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. send me." Isaiah 6:8 (NIV)

Toddler Twist: "I will tell others about Jesus." Isaiah 6:8

READ: Paul Shares the Gospel: Acts 16:9-15

WATCH:

Preschool- teaching video

Elementary- teaching video

SONG: He is the Light

ACTIVITY: Read Acts 16:9-15.

Paul went to many places to deliver God’s message about Jesus.

In today’s story, we read about Lydia. Do you remember what her job was? She sold purple cloth. We are going to use this purple cloth to help us remember today’s Big Idea.

INSTRUCTIONS: Have your kids glue two popsicle sticks on opposite ends of a piece of cardstock paper. Then using hot glue or tape, connect the sticks with a length of yarn. Then clip on four mini clothespins on the yarn. Precut small strips of purple fabric or paper and write “God’s message” and “goes everywhere.” on separate pieces with a permanent marker. Hang up the purple fabric on their clothesline.

 

When Paul told Lydia about Jesus, what happened? She believed and decided to follow Jesus. God’s message goes everywhere!

 

COLORING: Paul shares the Gospel


DISCIPLE: 

After reading Acts 16:9-15. Paul went to many places to deliver God’s message about Jesus. Let’s follow his journey on this awesome map!

Show your families this interactive map of Paul’s missionary journeys and click on the names of cities mentioned in today’s story.

Wow! He went to all these places to deliver God’s message, and there weren’t even any steam ships or airplanes yet!

What are some of the cities Paul went to in today’s story?

Troas? Samothrace? Philippi? Thyatira? Let’s find some of these on the map!

Isn’t it amazing that one person could bring God’s message to all these places? But as you know, it didn’t stop there! People kept sharing about God . . . all across the globe!

God’s message goes everywhere!

Pray: God, thank you for sending your love everywhere. Show us how we can share the message of Jesus no matter where we are. We know you want everyone to know you like we do! Amen.

 

DISCUSSION:

What happened in Paul’s vision?

What was the name of one of the women who heard Paul's message? What was her profession?

What happened when Lydia heard Paul’s message?

Read Matthew 28:18–20. What does Jesus ask us to do?

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you want to go? 

Name a place where you think it might difficult to share God's message. How could you do it anyway? 

Why is it important that God's message go everywhere? 

5.21 Family Experience Resources

The Messengers - Week 3
God can deliver everyone!

How many ways can you send a message? There are so many unique ways! Special deliveries are the best but even better are the messages found in each package. This month, we are going to look at the most important message that was ever sent out and how we are meant to be the ones delivering it. Our families are God’s messengers that can share the stories of God’s miracles and help. Get involved in helping God’s message go everywhere because God delivers everyone!

Click HERE to watch this month’s memory verse video!

MEMORY VERSE

Elementary: Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. send me." Isaiah 6:8 (NIV)

Toddler Twist: "I will tell others about Jesus." Isaiah 6:8

READ: Peter's Vision: Acts 11:1-18

WATCH: teaching video

SONG: He is the Light

ACTIVITY: 

INSTRUCTIONS: Show this video, then print this printable. On the printable, have your kids draw a picture of all different kinds of people. Help them write out the Big Idea somewhere on the paper, or create stickers containing the Big Idea they can stick on when they’re done.

When a truck makes a delivery, it doesn’t matter who the person receiving it is. The package is taken to whoever’s name and address is on it. The messenger can’t just say they don’t want to deliver something. Their job is to deliver to everyone on the list.

Does God love some people or all people?

God can deliver everyone! This means that anyone can know God.

COLORING: Peter's Vision
DISCIPLE: 

Read Acts 11:1-18. Everyone was amazed to see that the Holy Spirit was available to everyone.

Tell a story about a time when you had a party and you forgot to invite someone. Or a time when you weren’t invited to a party you expected to be invited to. Let your families share their own experiences if they’d like.

Nobody likes being left out. Thankfully, God doesn’t leave anyone out. Everyone is supposed to hear the message of God’s love. Everyone deserves an invitation because God can deliver everyone!

Pray: God, thank you for showing us you can deliver everyone. You don’t leave anyone out. Teach us how we can be like you and make sure everyone we know feels included and loved by you! Amen.

 

DISCUSSION:

What did Peter see in his vision?

How did Peter change because of his vision?

Read Acts 11:15–17. What helped Peter see that welcoming Gentiles into the church was God's way?

Read John 13:34–35. How will others know that you love and follow Jesus? 

What are some ways we keep others out of our circle of friends? How about out of our church?

What can we change to make sure we welcome everyone?

How can we as a church show the world that we follow Jesus?

5.14 Family Experience Resources

The Messengers - Week 2
We can share the stories of God’s Miracles!

How many ways can you send a message? There are so many unique ways! Special deliveries are the best but even better are the messages found in each package. This month, we are going to look at the most important message that was ever sent out and how we are meant to be the ones delivering it. Our families are God’s messengers that can share the stories of God’s miracles and help. Get involved in helping God’s message go everywhere because God delivers everyone!

Click HERE to watch this month’s memory verse video!

MEMORY VERSE

Elementary: Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. send me." Isaiah 6:8 (NIV)

Toddler Twist: "I will tell others about Jesus." Isaiah 6:8


READ: Peter Heals Tabitha: Acts 9:36-43

 

WATCH:

Preschool- teaching video

Elementary- teaching video

 

SONG: He is the Light

 

ACTIVITY: 

Read today's Bible story in Acts 9:36-43

INSTRUCTIONS: Provide pipe cleaners for kids to make a flower arrangement for someone that might be sick or need encouragement. Follow these instructions.

 

Tabitha seems to have been surrounded by a community of people who cared about her when she got sick. There are people in our lives that need that kind of caring community, too. We can share the stories of God’s miracles to show that God cares about them, and we can show that we care about them also!

 

COLORING: Peter Heals Tabitha


DISCIPLE: 

Read or tell today's bible story in Acts 9:36-43. 

Everyone in town heard about what had happened and decided to follow Jesus, too. They knew that the God that Peter and Tabitha believed in was the only one who could do miracles like this!

INSTRUCTIONS: Use a box of tissues for this activity. Make sure you use the style of box in which another tissue automatically pops up when you remove one. I brought a box of tissues because I had a feeling I might want to cry today. Like at the beginning of today’s story, I was so sad when I found out Tabitha got sick and died.

You were too, right? Here, have a tissue. Did you notice that each time I pull out a tissue, another pops up? Why is that? It’s because they are connected! Just like we are all connected. We are connected because we all know about God. But you know what else we can do? We can connect other people to God, too. How? By telling someone about God. Maybe someone is sick and needs you to pray for them. Maybe someone is feeling down and needs you to cheer them up. Or needs kind words. Or just a tissue! We can share stories of God’s miracles!

 

Pray: God, remind us to share the stories of your miracles as a way to encourage the people around us. Nothing is impossible for you! Thank you for loving us and for hearing our prayers.

 

DISCUSSION:

What was Tabitha known for before she died?

What did Peter do when Tabitha's friends asked him for help?

What happened when the people in Tabitha's town heard what had happened?

Read Psalm 77:11. Is there a miracle from the Bible you remember? 

How do you think sharing stories of God's miracles can help others?

How do you know God still does miracles?

Who can you share the stories of God’s miracles with? What will you tell them?

5.7 Family Experience Resources

The Messengers - Week 1

How many ways can you send a message? There are so many unique ways! Special deliveries are the best but even better are the messages found in each package. This month, we are going to look at the most important message that was ever sent out and how we are meant to be the ones delivering it. Our families are God’s messengers that can share the stories of God’s miracles and help. Get involved in helping God’s message go everywhere because God delivers everyone!

Click HERE to watch this month’s memory verse video!

We are God’s Messengers! 

MEMORY VERSE

Elementary: Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. send me." Isaiah 6:8 (NIV) 

Toddler Twist: "I will tell others about Jesus." Isaiah 6:8

 

READ: Saul's Conversion: Acts 9:1-20

 

WATCH:

Preschool- teaching video

Elementary- teaching video

 

SONG: He is the Light

 

ACTIVITY: 

Read today's Bible story in Acts 9:1-20. After Saul met Jesus, he became a messenger for God. Who would have thought? He used to really not like followers of God. Now he was one, too!

You know who else used to be messengers that you might not have thought of? Pigeons! People would tie messages on the legs of these birds and the birds would fly hundred of miles to deliver them. Let’s make our own messenger pigeons to remember that we are God’s messengers!

 

INSTRUCTIONS: Cut out a printable for each kid. Cut along the line in the middle of the bird using a craft knife (or fold the paper and use scissors). Take a piece of paper and help your kids do a fan-fold along the long edge of the paper. Bunching up all the folds together, insert the paper into the slit

in the bird to make the wings. The final product might look this this. Have them write the Big Idea (We Are God's Messengers) on the wing paper before folding it up.

 

COLORING: Saul's Conversion


DISCIPLE: 

A messenger, like we’ve been talking about, is someone who delivers a message. Some messengers give speeches or sermons. Others write letters, articles, or books. And some deliver their messages through songs.

Who do you know that is a messenger? A teacher? A pastor? A parent? A favorite singer? What does it take to be a messenger? Do they need to have a great speaking voice? Do they need to be dramatic actors? Or do they just need to have a message to pass along?

To be God’s messenger, you don’t need to have special talents. You just need to be willing, like Paul was. And when you are willing, you will find that you do, in fact, have skills and talents you can use to tell others about God.

Paul traveled around and started churches. He also wrote letters to encourage the churches he had started so they could keep on doing God’s work faithfully.

How can you be God’s messengers? Think of some ways. Do you write letters, like Paul? Do you travel from place to place, telling people about Jesus? Or do you pray for someone, like Ananias?

Think of different ways you can share the message about Jesus because we are God’s messengers. Write them down and encourage your families to actively use those ideas this month.

Pray:  God, thank you for making us all your messengers! We are grateful that we don’t need any special talents to deliver your message. We just need to be willing, like Paul was. Please help us to deliver the message about Jesus to the people around us this week. Amen.

 

DISCUSSION:

What happened to Saul on the road to Damascus?

What happened to Saul after he heard the voice?

How was Ananias a messenger for God? 

Read Acts 9:11–15. How do you think Ananias felt about helping someone like Saul?

How can you be a messenger of God? 

What is the message we need to deliver?

Who can you deliver God’s message to this week? 

4.30 Family Experience Resources

Did You Know - Week 5

Did you know that the largest Easter egg in the world lives in Vegreville, Canada? Did you know that the most popular Easter candy in the world are Reese’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Eggs? There’s a ton of fun trivia around the theme of Easter but the best questions to ask your kids are about Jesus. Did you know we can love Jesus more than anything? Did you know Jesus is king over everything? Did you know Jesus is alive? Did you know we can trust Jesus? Whatever their answer, invite your family to go beyond the facts and win the grand prize of knowing Jesus for themselves!

Click HERE to watch this month’s memory verse video!

Did you know we can trust Jesus?

MEMORY VERSE:  "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."  II Peter 3:18a (NIV)

TODDLER TWIST: "Keep learning about Jesus love." II Peter 3:18


READ: Jesus Appears to His Disciples: John 20:19-31

WATCH:

Preschool- teaching video

Elementary- teaching video

SONG: Everybody Ought to Know

ACTIVITY: Review the Big Idea with your family: Did you know we can trust Jesus? Do a trust Walk together!

INSTRUCTIONS: Create an obstacle course with things you have in your environment. You can use chairs, tables, toys, plastic cups, hula hoops, etc. 

Blindfold the family member that's trying the obstacle course and explain to them that they will have to trust you (or any other family member) to guide them safely through the obstacle course.

It was hard to trust me when you couldn’t see what was going on around you, right? But I got you safely across the obstacle course.

Did you know we can trust Jesus? Yes, we can!

Just like you couldn’t see me but trusted I would help you, Jesus will always guide you and be with you, even though you can’t see Jesus.

COLORING: Jesus Appears to His Disciples


DISCIPLE: Read today's Bible story; John 20:19-31; 

Can you see the wind? No! But you can feel the wind on your face, can’t you? And you can see the trees swaying in the wind, right? God works the same way — we may not see God with our eyes, but there are all kinds of signs around us that tell us God is with us.

INSTRUCTIONS: Draw a large heart on a poster board. Leave a lot of space for your families to add to the heart. Sit in a circle and place the heart in the middle. Have crayons for everyone to use.

Sometimes, it’s really hard to trust Jesus because we can’t see Jesus with our eyes. But we have to choose every day to trust Jesus and believe Jesus wants the very best for us.

That’s why Jesus gives us people in our lives that we can see with our eyes! Can you name one person in your life you trust? Draw a picture of them inside this heart.

Pray: Dear God, thank you for sending us Jesus! Thank you for reminding us how much you love each of us. Help us to always trust you. Amen.

DISCUSSION:

What happened while the disciples were together in a locked room?

How did the disciples react?

What did Thomas say when the others told him about what they had seen?

Read Acts 4:19-20. What could Peter and John not stop talking about?

How do you choose who you can and who you can’t trust?

In what ways do you show someone you trust them?

What are some things you can trust Jesus with today?

4.16 & 4.23 Family Experience Resources

Did You Know - Weeks 3 & 4

Week 3 is our Family Retreat at Tyler State Park so our resources for 4/16 and 4/23 are combined.

Did you know that the largest Easter egg in the world lives in Vegreville, Canada? Did you know that the most popular Easter candy in the world are Reese’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Eggs? There’s a ton of fun trivia around the theme of Easter but the best questions to ask your kids are about Jesus. Did you know we can love Jesus more than anything? Did you know Jesus is king over everything? Did you know Jesus is alive? Did you know we can trust Jesus? Whatever their answer, invite your family to go beyond the facts and win the grand prize of knowing Jesus for themselves!

Click HERE to watch this month’s memory verse video!

WEEK 3 (4/16): Did you know how much Jesus loves you?

WEEK 4 (4/23): Did you know Jesus is alive?

MEMORY VERSE:  "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."  II Peter 3:18a (NIV)

TODDLER TWIST: "Keep learning about Jesus love." II Peter 3:18

READ - WEEK 3 (4/16): Jesus Dies for Us: Matthew 27:32-61
READ - WEEK 4 (4/23): Jesus Comes Back to Life: Luke 24:1-12

WATCH (4/16): Bible Story Video
WATCH (4/23): Preschool- teaching video Elementary- teaching video

SONG: Everybody Ought to Know

ACTIVITY: 

Resurrection Eggs

INSTRUCTIONS: Have a store-bought set of resurrection eggs (your local Hobby Lobby sells them also) out that your kids can open and explore what’s inside them.

You can also make your own! Simply fill some plastic eggs with pictures of today’s lesson (i.e., a cross, sad faces, white cloth, a stone, a flashlight, surprised faces, happy faces, a donkey, the number three, etc.).

Have you children (if old enough) retell today's Bible story using the resurrection eggs. 

COLORING (4/16): Jesus Died for Me
COLORING (4/23): Jesus Comes Back to Life

DISCIPLE: 

Read or retell today's Bible story.

It was so sad when Jesus was inside the tomb. But I’m so glad that’s not where the story ended. Jesus was alive again!

And because Jesus is alive, we have the chance to make Jesus our friend!

I am so grateful to call Jesus my friend. Are you?

To show how grateful we are, let’s make a grateful heart together!

INSTRUCTIONS: Post a large heart where your family can have easy access. Have each family member trace their handprint on the large heart. Write each persons name in their palm print.

When we’re grateful for something, we say thank you to whoever made us feel that way. And when we are really grateful, we want to share that news with our friends and family!

One way we can tell others about how much Jesus loves us!

Pray: Dear God, thank you so much for sending Jesus for us. We are so grateful we can call you our friend. Help us to remember every day how much you love us. Amen.

DISCUSSION:

What did the women expect to see at Jesus’ tomb?

What did they see instead?

What did the women do when they heard the news?

Read Romans 6:8-11. What does it mean to live with Jesus?

Why is Jesus being alive good news?

What are some things we need forgiveness for?

If you were to tell someone today’s Bible story in one minute (or one sentence), what would you say?

Easter Week Resources

Easter Week Resources

These resources are designed to help your family as you talk and learn about Jesus’ death and resurrection and His great love for us during the week leading up to Easter.

Daily Resources

Sunday: Jesus’ Triumphal Entry
Our main lesson for this week - view this week’s resources HERE

Monday: Judas plans to betray Jesus
Read: Matthew 26:14-16 or Luke 22:1-6
Activity Page(s) (Elementary)
Coloring Page (Toddler/Preschool)

Wednesday: Garden of Gethsemane
Read: Luke 22:39-53
Watch: Jesus’ Sacrifice
Activity Page(s) (Elementary)
Coloring Page (Toddler/Preschool)

Thursday: Road to Golgotha
Read: Luke 22:54-72, Luke 23:1-25
Watch: Jesus’ Sacrifice
Activity Page(s) (Elementary)
Coloring Page (Toddler/Preschool)

Friday: Jesus dies / Temple veil torn
Read: Matthew 27:32-56
Watch: Jesus’ Sacrifice
Activity Page(s) (Elementary)
Coloring Page (Toddler/Preschool)

Saturday: Jesus rests in the tomb
Read: Luke 23:50-56, Matthew 27:57-66
Watch: Jesus Rises Again
Activity Page(s) (Elementary)
Coloring Page (Toddler/Preschool)

Sunday: Jesus’ Resurrection
Read: Matthew 28:1-10, Luke 24:1-12
Watch: Jesus Rises Again
Activity Page(s) (Elementary)
Coloring Page (Toddler/Preschool)

Other Resources:

Beginners Bible Easter Video [target age - toddler/preschool]
Superbook Easter Video [target age - elementary]
Easter Booklet Printable Craft
Easy Easter Craft Ideas

4.9 Family Experience Resources

Did You Know - Week 2

Did you know that the largest Easter egg in the world lives in Vegreville, Canada? Did you know that the most popular Easter candy in the world are Reese’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Eggs? There’s a ton of fun trivia around the theme of Easter but the best questions to ask your kids are about Jesus. Did you know we can love Jesus more than anything? Did you know Jesus is king over everything? Did you know Jesus is alive? Did you know we can trust Jesus? Whatever their answer, invite your family to go beyond the facts and win the grand prize of knowing Jesus for themselves!

Click HERE to watch this month’s memory verse video!

Did you know Jesus is king over everything?

MEMORY VERSE:  "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."  II Peter 3:18a (NIV)

TODDLER TWIST: "Keep learning about Jesus love." II Peter 3:18


READ: Jesus Enters Jerusalem: Luke 19:28-40

WATCH:

Preschool- teaching video

Elementary- teaching video

SONG: Everybody Ought to Know

ACTIVITY: Today’s Bible story happens on a day that we call Palm Sunday!

Do you know why they call it Palm Sunday?

Yep! It does have something to do with palms. But not the palms of our hands. We’re talking about palm tree branches! Hmm, you know what? Let’s use our palms to make palm branches!

INSTRUCTIONS: Provide one piece of green cardstock and one craft stick per kid. Help your kiddos outline their hands with a marker and then cut out the two hands. They can glue the handprints any way they like onto the craft stick.

COLORING: Jesus Enters Jerusalem
DISCIPLE: Read today's Bible story; Luke 19:28-40

INSTRUCTIONS: Prepare the crown paper plate by following these instructions and making all the cuts beforehand. Have your kids decorate the crown however they want. Once they are finished, fold up the wedges to form a crown. Add gems to the top if desired. Discuss with kids as they do this activity.

Ask:

What are some things you think are powerful?

There are lots of powerful things. Dragons, superheroes, earthquakes, tornadoes . . . the list goes on!

But did you know Jesus is king over everything? That means he is more powerful than all of those things!

Let’s put on our crowns to remember that Jesus is king, and King Jesus loves all of us so much!

Pray: Dear God, thank you for being the king of everything. You are so powerful but you take care of all of us. We are safe because you are in charge! Amen.

DISCUSSION:

What did Jesus ask the two disciples to do?

Why do you think Jesus chose to ride a donkey?

What did the crowd do when they saw Jesus coming into Jerusalem?

Read Jeremiah 23:5-6; Zechariah 14:9. How did these prophets describe Jesus, even though they had never met him?

In what ways was Jesus not the kind of king the world might have expected?

Is it good or bad that Jesus is such a different kind of king? Why?

How can we get in the habit of putting Jesus first in our lives?

4.2 Family Experience Resources

Did You Know - Week 1

Did you know that the largest Easter egg in the world lives in Vegreville, Canada? Did you know that the most popular Easter candy in the world are Reese’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Eggs? There’s a ton of fun trivia around the theme of Easter but the best questions to ask your kids are about Jesus. Did you know we can love Jesus more than anything? Did you know Jesus is king over everything? Did you know Jesus is alive? Did you know we can trust Jesus? Whatever their answer, invite your family to go beyond the facts and win the grand prize of knowing Jesus for themselves!

Click HERE to watch this month’s memory verse video!

Did you know we can love Jesus more than anything?

MEMORY VERSE: "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."  II Peter 3:18a (NIV)

TODDLER TWIST: "Keep learning about Jesus love." II Peter 3:18


READ: Jesus Anointed by Mary: John 12:1-8

WATCH:

Preschool- teaching video

Elementary- teaching video

SONG: Everybody Ought to Know

ACTIVITY: 

INSTRUCTIONS: Prepare a large bowl of water. Give each family member a coffee filter with “Jesus” written on it in permanent marker. Use washable markers and have them decorate their coffee filter however they like. Now, let’s put our coffee filter in the water and see what happens. Everything but Jesus disappeared in the water!

Jesus is better than anything because Jesus stays the same, is always there for us, and loves us so much!

What can you do to show how much you love Jesus?

There are so many things we can do to show how much we love Jesus. We can sing, we can write and draw pictures, we can treat others in a kind way . . . there are so many things we can do!

Our Big Idea this week is; Did you know we can love Jesus more than anything?

COLORING: Jesus Anointed by Mary


DISCIPLE: 

Place a series of these images face up on the floor (or show from your device). As you retell today’s Bible story (John 12:1-8), encourage your kids to find the image that goes with that part of the story.

Let’s see if we can remember the details of today’s Bible story. Today’s story starts off with two sisters and one brother named Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. Can you find the picture of siblings?

Jesus and the disciples went to Mary and Martha’s house for a special meal called, Passover.

Can you find the picture of people having a special meal together?

After the meal, Mary poured her expensive perfume on Jesus’ feet! Can you find the bottle of perfume? How about a picture of feet?

One of Jesus’ disciples, Judas, was not happy about what Mary had done. Who can find the angry face?

But Jesus was happy with Mary. She was showing everyone just how much she loved Jesus.

Can find the picture of the heart?

Do you remember our Big Idea? Did you know we can love Jesus more than anything?

INSTRUCTIONS: Pass out game show ticket printable for your kids to use to invite friends (neighbors and even kids at school) to join them in Family Experience Classroom next week.

One way to show how much we love Jesus is to share Jesus with others. Sharing the great news of Jesus is so easy . . . it often just starts with an invitation!

Here are some tickets to next week’s Did You Know? Game Show. Give one to a friend so they can come with you to hear the wonderful news of Jesus!

Pray: Dear Jesus, thank you for loving us! Help us to love you more than anything else by giving you our time and attention. Amen.

DISCUSSION:

What did Mary pour on Jesus’ feet?

How did Judas react to Mary’s actions?

How did Jesus respond to what Mary did?

Reread Philippians 3:7-9. What are some things in your life that compete with your love for Jesus?

Is there anything in your life that you need to reduce in order to spend time with God?

Why does Jesus deserve all our love and attention?

How can we show that we love Jesus more than anything?

3.26 Family Experience Resources

Page Turner- Week 4

Page-turners are exciting books, the kind you don’t want to put down, the kind you would stay up extra late to read. Books are exciting when we can find ourselves in the stories and imagine being a part of the adventure. This month we are going to look at some of the page-turning stories of the Bible. Each of these stories has something valuable to teach us about our patient and powerful God who prepares us to fight temptation and celebrates us, the heroes in our own real-life adventures!

Click HERE to watch this month’s memory verse video!

God prepares us to fight temptation

MEMORY VERSE: "But the Lord is faithful and He will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one." II Thessalonians 3:3 (NIV)

TODDLER MV- "God protects me and gives me strength." II Thessalonians 3:3


READ:  Jesus Resists Temptation: Luke 4:1-13

WATCH:

Preschool- Teaching Video

Elementary- Teaching Video

SONG: My God is Powerful

ACTIVITY: 

If we were actually superheroes we would need to be a really good aim! When we practicing aiming at something we might use a target- Today we are going to make our own targets-- but the bullseye will help us keep our focus on Christ- who will fight for us! God will help us fight tempation!

MATERIALS: scissors, construction paper, paper plates, markers or decorating materials, glue and/or tape, popsicle sticks

INSTRUCTIONS: Decorate the paper plate to look like a target. Draw several circles, one inside the other.

In each circle, write positive things to occupy time and attention. Decorate with color or stickers as desired.

Glue a popsicle stick cross in the “bullseye” section, to remind students to keep Christ first and foremost.

If you would like to hang the craft, attach a string or pipe cleaner to the back side.

Using construction paper, write down things that might be tricky or tempting. Crumple the paper and use as “ammunition” to throw at the target. Plan on doing one of the positive options that the target offers, according to where the “dart” hits!

Should look something like this- craft

COLORING: Jesus Resists Temptation


DISCIPLE: 

Read Luke 4:1-13.

Jesus won the battle against the devil. 

Everything Jesus said to the devil was words He knew from the Bible. And we can be prepared like Jesus was, when we read and learn about the Bible. God prepares us to fight temptation. 

INSTRUCTIONS: Ask a question and share. Roll a ball to the family member who would like to respond and encourage others to listen to the person holding the ball.

Some heroes have special or secret powers that make them strong. If I had a special power, I would want to have springs on my feet so I could jump up and touch the clouds! I have always wondered what clouds feel like!

If you could have any special power what would it be? [Roll the ball to a family member. Then, have that family member roll the ball to another until everyone who has a turn.]

Do you remember who our hero was in the Bible story that we read today? Jesus! What was Jesus’ special, secret power? You’ve got it! The Bible! God prepares us to fight temptation

Pray: Dear God, thank you for preparing us to face any temptation that might come our way. We are so grateful because we don’t have to be afraid. Help us to remember that we are strong and powerful with your help and the words you have given us in the Bible. Amen.

DISCUSSION:

Where did the devil tempt Jesus?

Can you name one of the ways Jesus was tempted?

How did Jesus respond to each of the temptations?

Read Psalm 91:14. What do we need to do to receive God’s protection?

What are some things that tempt you that you find hard to fight off on your own?

How can we respond to temptation like Jesus did?

How should we feel when facing temptation? Helpless or confident? Why?

3.19 Family Experience Resources

Page Turner- Week 3

Page-turners are exciting books, the kind you don’t want to put down, the kind you would stay up extra late to read. Books are exciting when we can find ourselves in the stories and imagine being a part of the adventure. This month we are going to look at some of the page-turning stories of the Bible. Each of these stories has something valuable to teach us about our patient and powerful God who prepares us to fight temptation and celebrates us, the heroes in our own real-life adventures!

Click HERE to watch this month’s memory verse video!

God is patient while we grow.

MEMORY VERSE: "But the Lord is faithful and He will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one." II Thessalonians 3:3 (NIV)

TODDLER MV- "God protects me and gives me strength." II Thessalonians 3:3


READ: Parable of the Fig Tree: Luke 13:6-9

WATCH:

Preschool- Teaching Video

Elementary- Teaching Video

SONG: My God is Powerful

ACTIVITY: 

In some storybooks, we read about creatures like fairies and elves who live in flowers! What if you were small enough to live in a flower? What kind of flower would you want to live in?

Well, in order to make a house inside a flower, you would have to be as small as your hand.

Now that you’ve created your flower out of paint, draw a stem, leaves, and decorate your fairy or elf house any way you’d like!

INSTRUCTIONS: Give each kiddo a piece of white construction paper. You will be using finger paint to help your kids create flowers with their handprints (or trace if you dont have paint on hand). Use fun stickers and other decorative items for your kids to add to their flowers, and allow them to draw pictures of themselves, too!

ASK;  What would you like about living inside a flower?

What would you not like about living in a flower house?

I would imagine living inside a flower when it rained or when it was really windy would be very tough. We would have to wait patiently for the weather to get better and for the sun to shine again.

Jesus told a lot of great stories to teach some things to other people that might have been hard to understand. The stories that Jesus told are called parables. Today we learn that God is patient while we grow!

COLORING: Parable of the Fig Tree


DISCIPLE: 

Read Luke 13:6-9.

Did you know that’s how God is with us? God knows that we have a lot of growing to do. We have so much to learn but God never gives up. God gives us time and everything we need!

INSTRUCTIONS: Share a personal story about how you had to wait for something and once you did, the outcome turned out far better than how you originally thought it would.

Think about some of your favorite stories. If every single story ended with the hero quickly getting to the ending, wouldn’t the stories be so boring? Reading about their struggles and challenges is what makes the stories so good and what makes the endings more satisfying when they win!

God is patient while we grow, so we need to learn to be patient with ourselves and with others, too.

ASK; What is one way you can be patient with yourself?

How you can be more patient with your family and friends, or with complete strangers? Having patience is one of the best ways we can show how thankful we are that God has so much patience with us.

Pray: Dear God, thank you for being patient with us. We know we have a lot of growing to do but you take care of us and give us everything we need to grow. Teach us how to be patient like you are with us. Amen.

DISCUSSION:

What kind of tree was the Bible story about?

Why did the owner of the vineyard want to cut down the tree?

What did the vineyard worker say to the owner?

Read I Corinthians 10:12-13. What do you think it means when it says that God will not let you be tempted “beyond what you can bear?”

How can we show how thankful we are for all God’s patience with us?

In response to God’s patience, what are some things we can do to make sure we grow strong?

What are some ways you can show patience to others this week?

3.12 Family Experience Resources

Page Turner- Week 2

Page-turners are exciting books, the kind you don’t want to put down, the kind you would stay up extra late to read. Books are exciting when we can find ourselves in the stories and imagine being a part of the adventure. This month we are going to look at some of the page-turning stories of the Bible. Each of these stories has something valuable to teach us about our patient and powerful God who prepares us to fight temptation and celebrates us, the heroes in our own real-life adventures!

Click HERE to watch this month’s memory verse video!

God is more powerful than evil

 

MEMORY VERSE: "But the Lord is faithful and He will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one." II Thessalonians 3:3 (NIV)

TODDLER MV- "God protects me and gives me strength." II Thessalonians 3:3


READ: Jesus Chases Away Demons: Luke 9:37-43a

WATCH:

Preschool- Teaching Video

Elementary- Teaching Video

SONG: My God is Powerful

ACTIVITY: 

INSTRUCTIONS: Use a poster board or a large sheet of paper. Place a piece of paper vertically that says “God” above the other

large sheet of paper.

Have family cut and tape pictures from magazines on the bottom paper. The pictures include images that represent "power" (ie/ lightning, a grizzly bear, a snake, sickness (someone blowing their nose), a gymnast, a lightbulb, a rocketship, a football player, ocean waves, and a lion).

There are a lot of powerful things in the world, but we are going to discover that God is the most powerful of all!

Take the pictures that you've found and cut out, and glue them on the poster board. All of these things are pretty powerful, but nothing is more powerful than God!

[Hold up the word “evil” printed on a piece of paper.] This word, says “evil.” Talk about how evil is the opposite of good.

God is so good. And God is more powerful than evil. [Tape the word to the lowest piece of paper.] That means God is more powerful than everything!

COLORING: Jesus Chases Away Demons


DISCIPLE: 

Do you know what “evil” means? Evil is the opposite of good. In dreams or stories, dragons or monsters are evil, because they don’t care about others. They are mean, and they can be kind of scary, can’t they? Here’s the good news, though . . . God is more powerful than evil!

INSTRUCTIONS: Use a white piece of paper, a cotton swab, and a little bit of milk. Dip their cotton swabs into the milk and write “God.” Read Luke 9:37-43a with your family as you wait for the paper to dry. Once dry, rub the graphite (black part) of a sharpened pencil on some sandpaper over the message so that you get pencil power on the paper. Rub the pencil shavings with another cotton swab to reveal the hidden message.

A lot of stories have evil villains or scary monsters to fight, but in our lives, the evil we face is much more sinister and worse . . . invisible.

ASK; What are some examples of evil that are in our world today?

There are a ton but just to name a few, there are evils like hunger, poverty, hatred, war, and disease. But great news! We know of something (or someone, rather) that’s also invisible but way more

powerful than all these things.

Let’s unveil our hidden message and remember that God is more powerful than evil.

Pray: Dear God, we are so glad we have someone so strong on our side. You are more powerful than evil. You are more powerful than everything! I’m glad I don’t have to be afraid because you are

with me. Amen.

DISCUSSION:

What was happening with the boy in today’s story?

Why do you think the disciples weren’t able to help the boy?

What did Jesus do for the boy?

Read Psalm 27:1. What words does the author of this psalm use to describe God?

Is there anything more powerful than God?

Do you think Jesus was disappointed that the disciples couldn’t help the boy who was struggling?

Why do you think that?

Why do you think it’s easy to forget that God is more powerful than evil?

Does God give us power over evil, too? How do you know?

3.5 Family Experience Resources

Page Turner- Week 1

Page-turners are exciting books, the kind you don’t want to put down, the kind you would stay up extra late to read. Books are exciting when we can find ourselves in the stories and imagine being a part of the adventure. This month we are going to look at some of the page-turning stories of the Bible. Each of these stories has something valuable to teach us about our patient and powerful God who prepares us to fight temptation and celebrates us, the heroes in our own real-life adventures!

Click HERE to watch this month’s memory verse video!

God celebrates us.

MEMORY VERSE: "But the Lord is faithful and He will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one." II Thessalonians 3:3 (NIV)

TODDLER MV- "God protects me and gives me strength." II Thessalonians 3:3


READ: Parable of the Lost Son: Luke 15:11b-32

WATCH:

Preschool- Teaching Video

Elementary- Teaching Video

SONG: My God is Powerful

ACTIVITY: 

Read Luke 15:11b-32 together before doing this activity.

It’s time to put on your imagination caps! Have you ever thought about what it would be like to shrink? What if we were the size of our fingers? What if we were the size of a blade of grass? That would be wild to be that small, wouldn’t it? The whole world would look so different! We would need somewhere really small to live instead of a giant house, right? Where would you want to live if you were the size of your pointer finger? [Hold up your pointer finger. Give your kids time to share their ideas.]

I like those ideas! Here is another idea: what about an envelope? [Hold up an envelope and open the flap.] Look! This is just like a little house!

Let’s recreate our Bible story using these materials. Don’t forget to draw some balloons and party decorations! The father was so glad for his younger kid to be home! He celebrated big time!

INSTRUCTIONS: Gather envelopes, paper, popsicle sticks, and

markers to create this craft to represent today’s Bible story. Have your kids draw each of the Bible characters on popsicle sticks, make the envelope look like a house, then glue the envelope onto

a piece of paper.

COLORING: Parable of the Lost Son


DISCIPLE: 

Read Luke 15:11b-32. 

Just like the dad in our story celebrated the return of his son when he went away, God does the same for us.

No matter where we go and what we do, we are God’s kids and God will always be happy to see us!

Imagine we live in a land where every single day is your birthday. Wouldn’t that be awesome? What’s your favorite thing about your birthday?

Here’s another awesome part about this land. . .It isn’t just your birthday, every single day is everyone’s birthday!

INSTRUCTIONS: Give your kids a piece of construction paper and strips of scrap paper. Help them make their own scrap paper birthday cake cards. Set out decorating supplies.

Use the piece of paper and drawing supplies to create a birthday card for someone who makes you feel special. It could be for your friend, mom, grandpa, aunt, or your small group leader.

Draw them pictures to show them how much you love and appreciate them. Let’s celebrate the people who make us feel special!

How do your friends and family members make you feel special?

Other than this card, how can you make others feel special?

If God were to write me a birthday card, I think God would say, “I am proud of you. You are thoughtful and kind. I love you.” What do you think God would say to you?

God celebrates us and reminds us that we are special. God also wants us to celebrate others.

Pray: Dear God, thank you for loving and celebrating me! Thank you for forgiving me when I make bad choices. Help me remember that every time I come back to you, you have a party waiting for me. Amen.

DISCUSSION:

What did the younger son ask for?

How do you think the father felt while the younger son was gone? What about the older brother?

What happened when the son came back?

Read II Corinthians 5:17-19. How did reconciliation happen between God and us?

Describe a way we might lose our way and wander from God. What can we do if this ever happens to us?

What can we do to reconcile with someone?

How can we celebrate others as God celebrates us?