2.3 Family Experience Resources

Wow! - Week 1

Whether it’s a rocket car powered by soda and mints or a tornado in a water bottle, there’s so much in our world that can fill us with awe. The world of STEM is full of things that look like little miracles, but they’re nothing compared to the miracles God can perform. In this four-week series, our families will take a look at some of the miracles that Jesus performed during his ministry. Through stories showing the power of Jesus, they’ll no doubt go, Wow! Jesus has the power to heal, to calm our fears, to provide, and to save.

BIG IDEA: Wow! Jesus has the power to heal.

BIBLE: Luke 7:1–10; Mark 1:29–39

 

MEMORY VERSE

Elementary: "In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all." 1 Chronicles 29:12b (NIV)

Toddler Twist: "God is strong and powerful!" 1 Chronicles 29:12

 

WATCH:

Preschool- teaching video

Elementary- teaching video

 

SONG: Medley of... My God is so Big , The is the Day and Higher Higher 

 

DISCIPLE:

Have your family create contraptions that would protect an egg from cracking when dropped from a certain height. You can use supplies like plastic drinking straws, pipe cleaners, tape, string, plastic bags, and anything else you might want to provide. For a less messy option, use hard-boiled eggs or place each raw egg in a sealed plastic bag. 

The force of gravity is powerful, isn't it? Gravity pulls everything down to earth, including your eggs. Some of you might have been successful in protecting your eggs while others of you weren't, even though you tried pretty hard.  

With sickness, it sometimes happens even though we make good, healthy choices. There can be all kinds of sicknesses, from sniffles to more serious kinds in our bodies and our minds. While healing may not always happen — like how your cracked eggs can't become un-cracked again — we can always pray to God and ask for healing. Just like the people in our Bible story, we just might witness that . . . Wow! Jesus has the power to heal. 

 

Pray: "Wow, God, you are powerful! Help us to have faith in your power to heal not just physical sicknesses, but other kinds of sicknesses, too. We know that you care about us and give us what is good. Amen."

 

DISCUSS:

  • Why did the centurion seek out Jesus? His servant was sick and about to die.

  • Why did the centurion tell Jesus not to come to his house to see the servant? He felt he didn't deserve Jesus making the trip to his house. He believed Jesus could say the word and his servant would be healed.

  • How did Jesus respond to this? He was amazed at the centurion's faith. The servant was healed right away.

  • Read Mark 1:38. Why does Jesus say he came to earth? What does that have to do with healing? He said to preach about God. Jesus can heal more than just physical illnesses.

  • Tell about a time that you or someone you know was healed. How do you know that was Jesus?

  • Who are some people in your life that may need healing that you can pray for?

  • How can we hold onto our faith even when healing doesn't happen?

1.27 Family Experience Resources

What Can I Do? - Week 4

What’s your dream job? Do you want to be a pilot or astronaut? A teacher or musician? There are so many incredible jobs for us to pick from! God has given each of us special talents and skills that can help us discover what we want to do. But God gives us another job, too. It’s the chance for us to follow God right now! In this four-week series from the Gospels, we’ll read about Jesus starting out his ministry and how he invited his followers — and us — to listen to God’s voice, trust Jesus knows us, trust God’s plans for us, and include people who aren’t like us.

BIG IDEA:  I can include people who aren’t like me.

BIBLE: Matthew 9:9–13; Psalm 111

 

MEMORY VERSE

Elementary: "I can do all this through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13 (NIV)

Toddler Twist: "Jesus helps me do everything." Philippians 4:13

 

WATCH:

Preschool- teaching video

Elementary- teaching video

SONG: Super Duper Kid and Jesus I Will Trust You

 

DISCIPLE: Read Psalm 111

What reasons does this psalm say that we should praise God?

Verses 2–3 praise the things God has done.

Verse 4 tells us God is “gracious and compassionate.” That means God forgives and cares about us so much.

Verse 5 reminds us God provides us with the things we need.

Verse 9 says God saves us and keeps promises.

 

In today’s Bible story of Jesus calling Matthew, we see another reason we should praise God — God loves and includes everybody, even those who are different. God’s love is amazingly big and available to everyone!

Just like Jesus loved and called Matthew, he loves and calls each and every one of us to follow him, no matter how different we might feel. We can include people who aren’t like us, because that’s what Jesus does!

 

Pray: Jesus, thank you for being a friend to everyone, even people nobody else wanted to include. Teach me to be like you so that I can include people who aren’t like me. Because no matter how different we are, we are all identically loved by you! Amen.

 

DISCUSS:

  • What made Matthew unpopular with people in his community? (He was a tax collector.)

  • What did Jesus do that was so shocking to the Pharisees? (He ate with “tax collectors and sinners,” people who were not well-liked and considered outcasts.)

  • Read Matthew 9:12. Why do you think Jesus said this? (Possible answer: He wanted to show he was spending time with the people who needed him most.)

  • Read Psalms 111:4. How can we be gracious and compassionate toward others, like God is to us? (We can include others who aren’t like us!)

  • Do you recall a time when you felt excluded or left out?

  • Can you think of a time when you caused someone else to feel excluded?

  • Why do you think God wants us to include people who are different than us?

1.20 Family Experience Resources

What Can I Do? - Week 3

What’s your dream job? Do you want to be a pilot or astronaut? A teacher or musician? There are so many incredible jobs for us to pick from! God has given each of us special talents and skills that can help us discover what we want to do. But God gives us another job, too. It’s the chance for us to follow God right now! In this four-week series from the Gospels, we’ll read about Jesus starting out his ministry and how he invited his followers — and us — to listen to God’s voice, trust Jesus knows us, trust God’s plans for us, and include people who aren’t like us.

BIG IDEA: I can trust God’s plans for me.

BIBLE: Mark 1:14–20; Psalm 62:5–12

 

MEMORY VERSE

Elementary: "I can do all this through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13 (NIV)

Toddler Twist: "Jesus helps me do everything." Philippians 4:13

 

WATCH:

Preschool- teaching video

Elementary- teaching video

SONG: Super Duper Kid and Jesus I Will Trust You

 

DISCIPLE: Read Psalm 62:5–12

The psalmist reminds us in this passage who we can trust and also some things that we shouldn’t trust. We trust God, not because we have to, but because God is the one who gives us hope. God has shown us over and over that we are loved, and there is a plan for our lives.

Placing our hope and trust in the wrong things or people can get us into real trouble. When we choose to trust God, we get to experience the beauty of all the ways God takes care of us.

This psalm also reminds us that God is worthy of being trusted because God is our rock, our salvation, and our fortress . . . all really solid, unshakeable things. That goes for God’s plans, too. Remember our Big Idea this week is "I can trust God’s plans for me." 

Pray: God, thank you for having the best plans for us, especially the one where you sent Jesus to this world. Help us to trust everything you have planned for us, even when it’s hard to imagine what they might be. Amen.

 

DISCUSS:

  • What did Simon, Andrew, James, and John all have in common? They were fishermen.

  • What did Jesus say to them? To follow Jesus and become fishers of people.

  • How did they respond to Jesus' call? They left everything right away and followed Jesus.

  • Read Psalm 62:6–7. What do these verses remind us of about God? How do those things help us trust God's plans for us? God is our rock, salvation, fortress, mighty rock, and refuge. These verses remind us we can depend on God and trust God's plans.

  • Why do you think it's important to think about the future right now?

  • How is following Jesus part of God's plan for you? How do you know?

  • What are some plans you think God might have (or you hope God has) for you?

1.13 Family Experience Resources

What Can I Do? - Week 2

What’s your dream job? Do you want to be a pilot or astronaut? A teacher or musician? There are so many incredible jobs for us to pick from! God has given each of us special talents and skills that can help us discover what we want to do. But God gives us another job, too. It’s the chance for us to follow God right now! In this four-week series from the Gospels, we’ll read about Jesus starting out his ministry and how he invited his followers — and us — to listen to God’s voice, trust Jesus knows us, trust God’s plans for us, and include people who aren’t like us.

BIG IDEA: I can trust Jesus knows me.

BIBLE: John 1:43–51; Psalm 139:13–18

 

MEMORY VERSE

Elementary: "I can do all this through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13 (NIV)

Toddler Twist: "Jesus helps me do everything." Philippians 4:13

 

WATCH:

Preschool- teaching video

Elementary- teaching video

SONG: Super Duper Kid and Jesus I Will Trust You

 

DISCIPLE: Read Psalm 139:13–18.

This psalm tells us just how well God knows us. God knew all about us long before we were even born! God knew how tall you would be, what school subjects you’d like best, what kind of personality you’d have, and all of the wonderful and maybe not-so-wonderful things that make you, you.

This psalm tells us we were “fearfully and wonderfully made” . . . which means God put so much love and care into designing each one of us. That’s how God knows you better than anyone else knows you.

God knows what you ate for breakfast today. God knows what you like to do in your free time. God knows what you want to do when you grow up. In fact, God knows what you’re actually going to do when you grow up. God even knows the secret thoughts we never share out loud, and let’s face it, sometimes they’re not kind things. But God knows. God still loves us anyway. And that’s the thing that drew people like Philip, Nathanael, and countless others to Jesus. It’s not just that Jesus knows all these facts about us. But he uses that knowledge to show that he

understands us and loves us. And just like we can trust Jesus knows us, we can do our best to know more about Jesus, too.

Pray: Jesus, thank you for knowing me better than I know myself. Even though you created the world, you still make time to know and love me. Everything you make is special, including me. Please help me to know and love you as much as you know and love me. Amen.

 

DISCUSS:

  • What did Phillip say about Jesus to Nathanael? (That he found the one all the prophets had been talking about — Jesus, the Messiah, the Savior.)

  • What did Jesus already know about Nathaniel? (That he was a man without deceit, that he was under a fig tree.)

  • Why do you think this convinced Nathanael that Jesus was the real deal? (Possible response: Jesus knew things nobody could have known unless he was sent by God.)

  • Read Psalm 139:14. How did God make you? What do you think that means? (Fearfully and wonderfully. God made us and designed us with care and purpose and loves us exactly the way we were created.)

  • Have you ever felt like nobody knew you or understood you? What made you feel that way?

  • Can you think of something you want to talk to God about that you might not feel comfortable sharing with anyone else?

  • What is something you can do to know Jesus more?

 

1.6 Family Experience Resources

WHAT CAN I DO? - Week 1

What’s your dream job? Do you want to be a pilot or astronaut? A teacher or musician? There are so many incredible jobs for us to pick from! God has given each of us special talents and skills that can help us discover what we want to do. But God gives us another job, too. It’s the chance for us to follow God right now! In this four-week series from the Gospels, we’ll read about Jesus starting out his ministry and how he invited his followers — and us — to listen to God’s voice, trust Jesus knows us, trust God’s plans for us, and include people who aren’t like us.

BIG IDEA: I can listen to God’s voice.

BIBLE: Mark 1:4–11; Psalm 29

MEMORY VERSE

Elementary: "I can do all this through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13 (NIV)

Toddler Twist: "Jesus helps me do everything." Philippians 4:13

WATCH:

Preschool- teaching video

Elementary- teaching video

 

SONG: Super Duper Kid and Jesus I Will Trust You

 

DISCIPLE:

How are some ways you can listen for God’s voice when you are . . .

At church?

At the beach or on a hike?

About to fall asleep?

Just waking up in the morning?

Listening to or playing music?

Drawing or painting a picture?

Playing with your friends?

Helping out at home?

 

We can hear God’s voice when we do all of these things! No matter where you are or what you’re doing, God is with us and speaking to us. Do you know what else that means? Whatever job you end up having in the future, God will guide you and be with you. How awesome is it to know that you and I can listen to God’s voice anytime, anywhere?

 

Pray: Thank you, God, for speaking to us in all the ways you do. Help us not only hear your voice but listen and obey it too. Amen.

 

DISCUSS:

  • Who was sent to prepare the way for Jesus? (John the Baptist.)

  • Why did Jesus come to see John? (To be baptized.)

  • What did God’s voice say when Jesus was baptized? (“You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”)

  • Read Psalm 29:3–9. What are some ways the psalmist describes the “voice of the Lord”? (It is over the waters, powerful, majestic, breaks the cedars, strikes with flashes of lightning, shakes the desert, twists the oaks, strips the forests bare.)

  • What does it mean to listen to God’s voice?

  • What are some ways that God speaks?

  • Who are the voices you can listen to that help you know what God is saying to you?

 

12.30 Family Experience Resources

City of Angels - Week 5

Why are there so many Christmas songs about angels? Because angels show up all throughout the Christmas story with great news! In this series, our kids will explore the foundational stories of Jesus’ birth with a focus on the angels who were there to witness them! From the city where Jesus was born, to the cities we live in today, the angels’ message is just as important now as it was then! Jesus is God’s plan, calms our fears, makes everything new, and is God’s love for everyone.

BIG IDEA: Jesus is God’s love for everyone.


THE BIBLE: Angels Appear to Shepherds: Luke 2:1—20; Hebrews 1:1—6 

 

MEMORY VERSE

Elementary: "But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid . I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people." Luke 2:10 (NIV)

 

Toddler Twist: "Good news brings great joy!" Luke 2:10

 

WATCH:

Preschool- teaching video

Elementary- teaching video

 

SONG: Celebrate, Hark the Herald, Born Is The King

 

DISCIPLE:

Read Luke 2:1-20. Pass out blank Christmas cards or postcards and have you family write one word that will help them remember today’s Bible story. Encourage them to decorate the card and make it colorful. Gabriel’s message to Mary, while a little frightening in the beginning, ended up being a joyful one. Jesus was coming to Earth and Mary was going to play a big part in making that happen.

What one word will help you remember this week’s Bible story?

Keep this word visible throughout the week to remember the angel’s message and what it meant for the whole world.

 

Pray: Dear God, we are so happy we get to celebrate Jesus being born. We’re grateful that sending Jesus to Earth is a clear sign of how much you love and care for us. Help us to show kindness and share the good news with others because Jesus and your love is for everyone. Amen.

 

DISCUSS:

  • Who were the first people who got to hear the good news about Jesus' birth?

  • How did they react when they saw the angel?

  • What did the angels do after they delivered the message?

  • Read Hebrews 1:6. How do we know that Jesus is greater than angels? 

  • If the angels were to deliver a message from God today, where in the city do you think they'd go? Why?

  • The angels and the shepherds worshiped when they heard Jesus was born. How do we worship today? Are there any new ways we can worship? 

  • What's one thing you can do to show God's love is for everyone? 

12.23 Family Experience Resources

City of Angels - Week 4

Why are there so many Christmas songs about angels? Because angels show up all throughout the Christmas story with great news! In this series, our kids will explore the foundational stories of Jesus’ birth with a focus on the angels who were there to witness them! From the city where Jesus was born, to the cities we live in today, the angels’ message is just as important now as it was then! Jesus is God’s plan, calms our fears, makes everything new, and is God’s love for everyone.

Merry Christmas!

Join us for a special Christmas Breakfast at 10AM and family worship at 10:50AM

12.16 Family Experience Resources

City of Angels - Week 3

Why are there so many Christmas songs about angels? Because angels show up all throughout the Christmas story with great news! In this series, our kids will explore the foundational stories of Jesus’ birth with a focus on the angels who were there to witness them! From the city where Jesus was born, to the cities we live in today, the angels’ message is just as important now as it was then! Jesus is God’s plan, calms our fears, makes everything new, and is God’s love for everyone.

BIG IDEA: Jesus makes everything new.
THE BIBLE: An Angel Appears to Joseph in a Dream: Matthew 1:18—25; Isaiah 43:16—19 

 

MEMORY VERSE

Elementary: "But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid . I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people." Luke 2:10 (NIV)

 

Toddler Twist: "Good news brings great joy!" Luke 2:10

 

WATCH:

Preschool- teaching video

Elementary- teaching video

 

SONG: 1Celebrate, Hark the Herald, Born Is The King

 

DISCIPLE:

Read Matthew 1:18-25. Pass out blank Christmas cards or postcards and have you family write one word that will help them remember today’s Bible story. Encourage them to decorate the card and make it colorful. Gabriel’s message to Mary, while a little frightening in the beginning, ended up being a joyful one. Jesus was coming to Earth and Mary was going to play a big part in making that happen.

What one word will help you remember this week’s Bible story?

Keep this word visible throughout the week to remember the angel’s message and what it meant for the whole world.

 

Pray: Dear God, thank you for sending Jesus into our broken world to make everything new. You make us new when we talk, act, and live the way you want us to. We know you’re the only one who can restore everything that you’ve made, including us and everyone around us. Please make us newer and better every day. Amen.

 

DISCUSS:

  • How did Joseph hear from the angel?

  • What did the angel tell Joseph he needed to do?

  • What did the angel tell Joseph Jesus would do?

  • Read Isaiah 43:18—19. What new thing do you think God is talking about here? 

  • What are some things in this world that are broken or old that could be made new? 

  • What is something new that God might want you to do that you're unsure of?

  • How does Jesus make things new? 

12.9 Family Experience Resources

City of Angels - Week 2

Why are there so many Christmas songs about angels? Because angels show up all throughout the Christmas story with great news! In this series, our kids will explore the foundational stories of Jesus’ birth with a focus on the angels who were there to witness them! From the city where Jesus was born, to the cities we live in today, the angels’ message is just as important now as it was then! Jesus is God’s plan, calms our fears, makes everything new, and is God’s love for everyone.

BIG IDEA: Jesus calms our fears.
THE BIBLE: An Angel Appears to Mary: Luke 1:26—38, 46b—55; Isaiah 35:1—4 

 

MEMORY VERSE

Elementary: "But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid . I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people." Luke 2:10 (NIV)

Toddler Twist: "Good news brings great joy!" Luke 2:10

 

WATCH:

Preschool- teaching video

Elementary- teaching video

 

SONG: Celebrate, Hark the Herald, Born Is The King

 

DISCIPLE:

Read Luke 1:26-38. Pass out blank Christmas cards or postcards and have you family write one word that will help them remember today’s Bible story. Encourage them to decorate the card and make it colorful. Gabriel’s message to Mary, while a little frightening in the beginning, ended up being a joyful one. Jesus was coming to Earth and Mary was going to play a big part in making that happen.

What one word will help you remember this week’s Bible story?

Keep this word visible throughout the week to remember the angel’s message and what it meant for the whole world.

Pray: God, thank you for giving us Jesus, who calms our fears. Just like Mary did when she knew Jesus would be coming soon, help us to turn our fears into joy by trusting in you. Because of Jesus, we know we can stay calm when we get scared. Amen.

 

DISCUSS:

  • How did Mary react when she saw the angel, Gabriel?

  • What reason did the angel give to Mary about why she was chosen to be Jesus’ mother?

  • What did the angel say Jesus would be like? 

  • Read Luke 1:38. What do you think it means to be a servant of God?

  • Why do you think Mary stopped being afraid about the message the angel brought her?

  • What is one way you normally handle fear?

  • In what ways does Jesus calm our fears? 

12.2 Family Experience Resources

City of Angels - Week 1

Why are there so many Christmas songs about angels? Because angels show up all throughout the Christmas story with great news! In this series, our kids will explore the foundational stories of Jesus’ birth with a focus on the angels who were there to witness them! From the city where Jesus was born, to the cities we live in today, the angels’ message is just as important now as it was then! Jesus is God’s plan, calms our fears, makes everything new, and is God’s love for everyone.

BIG IDEA: Jesus is God’s plan.
THE BIBLE: An Angel Appears to Zechariah: Luke 1:5—25; Isaiah 11:1—5 

 

MEMORY VERSE

Elementary: "But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid . I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people." Luke 2:10 (NIV)

Toddler Twist: "Good news brings great joy!" Luke 2:10

 

WATCH:

Preschool- teaching video

Elementary- teaching video

 

SONG: Celebrate, Hark the Herald, Born Is The King

 

DISCIPLE:

Read Luke 1:4-25, then pass out blank Christmas cards or postcards and have you family write one word that will help them remember today’s Bible story. Encourage them to decorate the card and make it colorful.

Gabriel’s message to Zechariah about what his son, John, would do once he grew up showed that Jesus is God’s plan. Zechariah may not have understood it completely at first — he didn’t even believe it right away — but as time went on, he would come to realize what a big part his son would play in preparing people to receive Jesus and reconnecting them to God.

What one word will help you remember this week’s Bible story?

Keep this word visible throughout the week to remember the angel’s message and what it meant for the whole world.

 

Pray: God, we thank you for your plan to send your only son, Jesus, to us. You even planned for someone like John the Baptist to come into this world to help people turn to Jesus — and you put people in our lives today who help us do that, too. Help us to trust your plans because they are always good. Amen.

 

DISCUSS:

  • What message did the angel have for Zechariah?

  • How did Zechariah respond?

  • What did the angel say would happen because Zechariah didn't trust right away?

  • Read Isaiah 11:1—2. Who is this "branch" from Jesse that the passage is talking about? 

  • Do you like to plan or do you like to be spontaneous? Do you think one is better than the other?

  • How do you know God planned to send Jesus long before Jesus was born?

  • What does it mean for us that Jesus is God's plan?

11.25 Family Experience Resources

Behind the scenes - Week 4

The most important part of any play is what happens “behind the scenes.” There’s lighting, wardrobe, casting, playwriting — so much has to happen perfectly to bring the production together! In the story of Esther, there is a whole lot going on behind the scenes, too. In this four-week series, our families will discover the most important character in Esther’s story isn’t always center-stage, but can often be found behind the scenes working, helping, giving support and giving peace. (Spoiler alert: It's God!)

BIG IDEA: God gives us peace behind the scenes.
READ: Scene IV. Esther Talks to the King: Esther 5:1-8, 7:1-6; 8:1-8; Psalm 122:6-9

 

MEMORY VERSE

Elementary: "For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose." Phillipians 2:13 (NIV)

Toddler Twist: "God has good plans for us!" Philippians 2:13

 

WATCH:

Preschool- teaching video

Elementary- teaching video

 

SONG: Million Little Miracles and How Amazing

 

DISCIPLE:

Tell a short story about a time you experienced when you really didn’t have peace. Maybe

it’s a time when you were a teenager and you were in an argument with friends. Maybe it’s a time you were job hunting and you were worried about making ends meet. Describe ways God gave you peace through that time (or how God could have if you knew then what you know now). Talk about the people, places, and things God used to bring stillness to whatever chaos you were facing.

We’ll always face moments in our lives like these where peace is hard to find. The peace that God gives, however, doesn’t rely on what’s going on around us.

God reminds us we’re safe and loved and we don’t need to worry. In fact, we can take all our worries to God in exchange for God’s peace.

 

Pray: God, thank you for giving us peace behind the scenes. Sometimes, it feels like things around us are really chaotic and it’s easy to get into disagreements with people. But even when things get really tough, you are working behind the scenes to give us peace. Thank you for helping me and everyone in my life to have peace during the times when we all need it most. Help us to be peacemakers and peace givers. Amen.

 

DISCUSS:

  • How was Esther risking her life to talk to the king? 

  • What did Esther ask the king first? Why do you think she did that? 

  • How did Esther and Mordecai's actions help bring peace to their people? 

  • Read Psalm 122:8. What do you think it means to have peace within us? How does that help our family and friends? 

  • How has God given you peace in the past? Or what is one thing you'd like to pray to God about to give you peace? 

  • What are some situations we might find ourselves in where we would need to be the ones to make peace? 

  • What is one thing you can do this week to invite God's peace into your life?

11.18 Family Experience Resources

Behind the scenes - Week 3

The most important part of any play is what happens “behind the scenes.” There’s lighting, wardrobe, casting, playwriting — so much has to happen perfectly to bring the production together! In the story of Esther, there is a whole lot going on behind the scenes, too. In this four-week series, our families will discover the most important character in Esther’s story isn’t always center-stage, but can often be found behind the scenes working, helping, giving support and giving peace. (Spoiler alert: It's God!)

BIG IDEA: God gives us support behind the scenes.
READ: Scene III. Mordecai Asks Esther to Help: Esther 3:8-4:17; Colossians 1:9-17

 

MEMORY VERSE

Elementary: "For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose." Phillipians 2:13 (NIV)

Toddler Twist: "God has good plans for us!" Philippians 2:13

 

WATCH:

Preschool- teaching video

Elementary- teaching video

 

SONG: Million Little Miracles and How Amazing

 

DISCIPLE:

Tell a short story about a moment growing up when you really needed support. Why did

you need help? Who supported you? How did they know you needed extra care? How did God use that person or group to change the way things were going for you? Invite  your kids to imagine how God provides support for 

them.

There was a time when I needed support and there was someone there for me. In the same way, God always wants the best for us and wants us to feel loved in all that we do. God gives us support behind the scenes.

 

Pray: God, thank you for always being there behind the scenes and giving us support. Sometimes, we feel alone or afraid, but you cheer us on and give us everything we need. Thank you for also giving us others we can lean on. Help us to be good supporters, too, and let them know how much you love us all. Amen.

 

DISCUSS:

  • What happened that made Mordecai and all the Jews in Susa weep and become afraid?

  • Why was Esther afraid to do what Mordecai asked her to do?

  • What kind of support did Esther ask Mordecai for?

  • Read Colossians 1:9. How did Paul support the people who were living in Colossae?

  • How has God given you support in the past? How do you know?

  • Is it possible to support someone you don’t get along with? Why do you think that?

  • What is one way you can support someone you know this week?

11.11 Family Experience Resources

Behind the scenes - Week 2

The most important part of any play is what happens “behind the scenes.” There’s lighting, wardrobe, casting, playwriting — so much has to happen perfectly to bring the production together! In the story of Esther, there is a whole lot going on behind the scenes, too. In this four-week series, our families will discover the most important character in Esther’s story isn’t always center-stage, but can often be found behind the scenes working, helping, giving support and giving peace. (Spoiler alert: It's God!)

BIG IDEA: God helps us do good behind the scenes.


READ: Scene II. Mordecai and Haman: Esther 3:1-6; 6:1-11; 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13

 

MEMORY VERSE

Elementary: "For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose." Phillipians 2:13 (NIV)

 

Toddler Twist: "God has good plans for us!" Philippians 2:13

 

WATCH:

Preschool- teaching video

Elementary- teaching video

 

SONG: Million Little Miracles and How Amazing

 

DISCIPLE:

Tell a short story about a moment in your life when you noticed someone doing something

good behind the scenes. Share a few ways you can look back now and see how God was working through that person. It could be something you noticed a kid doing in your group or something you witnessed growing up.

We shouldn’t only do good things to get that kind of attention. The kind of love God gives us should motivate us to share that love, regardless of who’s watching!

 

Pray: God, You’ve always been there behind the scenes, helping us to do what’s good. It’s not always easy or glamorous to choose to do good, but we want to do it for you and for the people in our lives. Help us to notice all the ways we can do good in our world even though we might not get any credit for it. We know you see us and that’s all that matters. Amen.

 

DISCUSS:

  • What good thing did Mordecai do for the king?

  • Why do you think Mordecai refused to bow to Haman?

  • What did Haman end up having to do for Mordecai because he thought the king was going to reward him?

  • Read 2 Thessalonians 3:13. Why do we sometimes grow tired of doing good? What is one way you might remind yourself to keep doing good?

  • How do you know when something you’re doing is “good?”

  • Why do you think it’s important we do good even when no one’s looking?

  • What is one way you can do good this week without expecting anything in return?

11.4 Family Experience Resources

Behind the scenes - Week 1

The most important part of any play is what happens “behind the scenes.” There’s lighting, wardrobe, casting, playwriting — so much has to happen perfectly to bring the production together! In the story of Esther, there is a whole lot going on behind the scenes, too. In this four-week series, our families will discover the most important character in Esther’s story isn’t always center-stage, but can often be found behind the scenes working, helping, giving support and giving peace. (Spoiler alert: It's God!)

BIG IDEA: God works behind the scenes.


READ: Scene I. Esther Becomes Queen: Esther 2:1-18; 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17

 

MEMORY VERSE

Elementary: "For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose." Phillipians 2:13 (NIV)

 

Toddler Twist: "God has good plans for us!" Philippians 2:13

 

WATCH:

Preschool- teaching video

Elementary- teaching video

 

SONG: Million Little Miracles and How Amazing

 

DISCIPLE:

Tell a short story about a moment in your childhood when you didn’t really know what an

outcome would be. Share a few ways you can look back now and see how God was at work behind the scenes.

Begin with how it started and end with how it’s going now. Even if things are still difficult, notice the places where you saw God taking care of you or helping you along the way!

 

Pray: God, thank you for always being at work behind the scenes, even though we don’t always notice you are. Help us to remember that we are never alone in the things we go through. Deep down, we know we’re safest and bravest when we’re trusting you. Amen.

 

DISCUSS:

  • Why was it necessary to find a new queen?

  • Who was Mordecai?

  • What was the secret Mordecai told Esther to keep?

  • Read 2 Thessalonians 2:16—17. Who encourages us to do good?

  • Name a few different kinds of work people do behind the scenes.

  • Can you think of some ways God works behind the scenes for us?

  • Why do you think God sometimes works behind the scenes and not center stage?

10.29 Family Experience Resources

Hear Me Roar - Week 5

There’s a reason lions are symbols of courage — even their roars (which can be heard up to five miles away) tell us how strong they are! And because of God’s promises, we can be as strong and bold as lions, too. In this five-week series, our kids will learn important truths from the life of Daniel they’ll want to shout (or roar!), like how we don’t have to give up and don’t have to feel alone. Instead, we can keep learning and not be afraid, even when we don’t know the future. Why? Because God is with us!

BIG IDEA: I don’t know the future but I know God is with me!
READ: Daniel’s Dream: Daniel 7; 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4

 

MEMORY VERSE

Elementary: “The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.” Nahum 1:7 (NIV)

Toddler Twist: "God loves us and protects us." Nahum 1:7

 

WATCH:

Preschool- teaching video

Elementary- teaching video

SONG: 10,000 Armies and God is With Me

 

DISCIPLE:

Gather your family together. Give them paper and drawing supplies. While they work, play a song that speaks to this week’s Big Idea, like “Won’t Worry ‘Bout a Thing” (Lifetree Kids). 

When you think about the future, what makes you feel insecure or nervous? Draw a picture that represents your fears or worries.

Now write God in giant letters on top of your drawing. How do you feel about these so-called giants now, knowing God is even bigger than these unknown things?

Pray: God, the Bible says you are the beginning and the end, which means you are, you have, and you always will be with us. You have taken care of me in the past, so I can trust you will help me with whatever comes next. I don’t know the future, but I can live with peace and confidence because I know you are with me! Amen.

 

DISCUSS:

  • When Daniel was troubled about what he saw, what did he do?

  • Did Daniel know exactly what would happen with the four beasts?

  • Since he didn’t get to see what happened next, what helped Daniel as he thought about the future?

  • Read 2 Thessalonians 1:1–4. In what ways did Paul, Silas, and Timothy encourage their friends who may have been worried about the future?

  • What is your biggest dream for the future?

  • What about the future makes you feel the most uncomfortable?

  • What can help us feel better about facing unknown situations?

10.21 Family Experience Resources

Hear Me Roar - Week 4

There’s a reason lions are symbols of courage — even their roars (which can be heard up to five miles away) tell us how strong they are! And because of God’s promises, we can be as strong and bold as lions, too. In this five-week series, our kids will learn important truths from the life of Daniel they’ll want to shout (or roar!), like how we don’t have to give up and don’t have to feel alone. Instead, we can keep learning and not be afraid, even when we don’t know the future. Why? Because God is with us!

BIG IDEA: I’m not afraid — God is with me!
READ: Daniel in the Lions’ Den: Daniel 6; 2 Timothy 4:16-18

 

MEMORY VERSE

Elementary: “The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.” Nahum 1:7 (NIV)

Toddler Twist: "God loves us and protects us." Nahum 1:7

 

WATCH:

Preschool- teaching video

Elementary- teaching video

SONG: 10,000 Armies and God is With Me

 

DISCIPLE:

Read or tell today's Bible story- Daniel 6. 

When animals are afraid, they often blend into their environments. They camouflage themselves in order to hide from predators. In fact, one of our snow leopards got spooked by the howl of a wolf, and she hid up against the white wall of her enclosure for hours! In the wild, the snow leopards are amazing at blending in with the cold terrain in their homelands, like the Siberian mountains in Russia. (Show this image of a Siberian snow leopard).

Play a game of “Siberian Hide and Seek.” Choose someone to shout “camouflage,” that person will close their eyes and count to ten. Remaining family members are "snow leopards." They will have ten seconds to find somewhere around the room to hide and camouflage themselves.

The "it" will remain where they are standing, and will not move, but will search all around the room by only looking for twenty seconds. If they see a "snow leopard", then they are out! If the "it" person hasn’t found any snow leopards after the twenty seconds, they will yell “nomad!” At that point, it’s safe for all snow leopards to come out and roam around again. After “nomad” is yelled out,  the "it" person will count to five with their eyes closed.. The first person to reach the "it" person in those five seconds, is the winner!

 

Pray: God, you have promised to always be with me. I don’t have to be afraid of lions, bullies, taking tests, or the dark. And even if we’re afraid, we know you will give us the courage to handle whatever we might be facing. Just like you were with Daniel and Paul, you’re with me. I can be brave because you’re standing beside me. Amen.

 

DISCUSS:

  • Why was Daniel thrown into the lion’s den?

  • What do you think made Daniel brave when he faced the lions?

  • What did Darius decide to do after Daniel came out of the den without a scratch?

  • Read 2 Timothy 4:17b–18. How is Paul’s suffering similar to Daniel’s situation with the lions?

  • When are some times you might need to overcome a fear?

  • What’s one way you can be brave because you know that God is with you?

  • What kinds of words would help someone who is afraid not be afraid anymore?

10.14 Family Experience Resources

Hear Me Roar - Week 3

There’s a reason lions are symbols of courage — even their roars (which can be heard up to five miles away) tell us how strong they are! And because of God’s promises, we can be as strong and bold as lions, too. In this five-week series, our kids will learn important truths from the life of Daniel they’ll want to shout (or roar!), like how we don’t have to give up and don’t have to feel alone. Instead, we can keep learning and not be afraid, even when we don’t know the future. Why? Because God is with us!

BIG IDEA: I can keep learning — God is with me!
READ: The Writing on the Wall: Daniel 5; 2 Timothy 3:14-17

 

MEMORY VERSE

Elementary: “The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.” Nahum 1:7 (NIV)

Toddler Twist: "God loves us and protects us." Nahum 1:7

 

WATCH:

Preschool- teaching video

Elementary- teaching video

SONG: 10,000 Armies and God is With Me

 

DISCIPLE:

Give you family blocks, legos, or play animals to build a tiny zoo while you read (or tell in your own words) Daniel 5. 

What are some things you have been learning in your life lately? How do you think God might use that in your life?

Pray: God, you are the Creator of the world, and you are always at work. I don’t want to stay in my comfort zone when it comes to growing with you. I want to keep learning instead of thinking I already know everything. Thank you for being the most kind and patient teacher and for reminding me I don’t have to be perfect. Amen.

 

DISCUSS:

  • What happened to King Nebuchadnezzar?

  • What did the handwriting on the wall say?

  • What happened to King Belshazzar after he threw the big party?

  • Read 2 Timothy 3:14–17. What are the things that the Bible does to help us learn?

  • Who is the best teacher or coach you’ve ever had and why?

  • What is God teaching you about right now?

  • What are some things you can do to learn more about God this week?

10.7 Family Experience Resources

Hear Me Roar - Week 2

There’s a reason lions are symbols of courage — even their roars (which can be heard up to five miles away) tell us how strong they are! And because of God’s promises, we can be as strong and bold as lions, too. In this five-week series, our kids will learn important truths from the life of Daniel they’ll want to shout (or roar!), like how we don’t have to give up and don’t have to feel alone. Instead, we can keep learning and not be afraid, even when we don’t know the future. Why? Because God is with us!

BIG IDEA: I’m not alone — God is with me!
READ: The Fiery Furnace: Daniel 3; 2 Timothy 2:8-15

MEMORY VERSE

Elementary: “The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.” Nahum 1:7 (NIV)

Toddler Twist: "God loves us and protects us." Nahum 1:7

 

WATCH:

Preschool- teaching video

Elementary- teaching video

SONG: 10,000 Armies and God is With Me

 

DISCIPLE:

No one likes to feel alone. God often reminds us we aren’t alone by giving us friends and family members to support and encourage us.

Read Daniel 3 together- We are reminded that we aren’t alone — God is with us. So, let’s take a few minutes and remind someone else they aren’t alone.

Who is a friend or family member who may need some encouragement this week? Write them a postcard and remind them they aren’t alone. Be sure to mail the postcard this week! God is with them and so are you.

 

Pray: God, thank you that I’m not alone. Even when I feel like there’s no one to help me, I trust you are there. Thank you for my friends and family who remind me of your love. Help me be there to support and help others in the way you’ve helped me. Thank you for making impossible things possible. Amen.

 

DISCUSS:

  • Why did Shadrach, Meschach, and Abednego not bow down to the gold statue?

  • How do you think they felt when they were told they would be thrown into the fiery furnace?

  • What do you think helped Shadrach, Meschach, and Abednego to be brave when they faced the flames?

  • Read 2 Timothy 2:8–10. What do you think Paul meant when he said that “God’s word is not chained (or bound)”?

  • When was a time you felt alone?

  • How did that make you feel? What did you do about it?

  • When was a time you felt God was with you?

9.30 Family Experience Resources

Hear Me Roar - Week 1

There’s a reason lions are symbols of courage — even their roars (which can be heard up to five miles away) tell us how strong they are! And because of God’s promises, we can be as strong and bold as lions, too. In this five-week series, our kids will learn important truths from the life of Daniel they’ll want to shout (or roar!), like how we don’t have to give up and don’t have to feel alone. Instead, we can keep learning and not be afraid, even when we don’t know the future. Why? Because God is with us!

BIG IDEA: I won’t give up — God is with me!
READ: Babylonian Captivity: Daniel 1; Lamentations 3:19-26

MEMORY VERSE

Elementary: “The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.” Nahum 1:7 (NIV)

Toddler Twist: "God loves us and protects us." Nahum 1:7

 

WATCH:

Preschool- teaching video

Elementary- teaching video

SONG: 10,000 Armies and God is With Me

 

DISCIPLE:

Ask: Have you ever faced something so difficult that you decided to give up?

Sometimes, we want to give up when things are too hard! Sometimes, we may even want to give up on following God when things are difficult. I bet Daniel and his friends felt that way too when they found themselves far away from home, in Babylon, being forced to work for King Nebuchadnezzar! But they didn’t give up because they knew God was with them.

Who are the people in your life who help you feel brave and give you the courage to keep going? God doesn’t often hold up a megaphone and give us instructions or encouragement that we can hear. But, God does speak to us through other people, through the Bible, and by providing us wisdom as we make important decisions. God is with us and gives us the courage to persevere, even when we feel discouraged.

How do you know that God is with you?

INSTRUCTIONS: Show the video of the song, “Try Everything,” from Zootopia. 

This theme song from the movie “Zootopia” is called “Try Everything.” Do you think that it means we should literally try everything? Probably not, right? We could get ourselves into a lot of trouble or danger if we did that! What this song tells us is what we’ve learned all along today — to not give up and to give everything we do our best shot.

Just like the song says, we can say it, too: “I won’t give up, no I won’t give in, ‘til I reach the end . . . and then I’ll start again.”

What’s something you won’t give up on because God is with you?

Pray: God, thank you that you are with me. Even when things are difficult, you encourage me and remind me that I can do it! Even when it seems like a door is locked in my life, you help me open it or find a new way out. This gives me strength, courage, and hope! Your compassion never fails. I won’t give up, because you are with me! Amen.

 

DISCUSS:

  • How did Daniel and his friends end up in Babylon?

  • What did the four of them do differently from others who were brought to Babylon?

  • What happened because of this choice they made?

  • Read Lamentations 3:21–22. What does the writer of this Scripture say is our reason for hope?

  • What are some things you put your hope in? Winning? Attention? Friendships?

  • Was there a time you made a different choice than those around you because it was the right one? Was it difficult?

  • What helped you to not give up?

9.23 Family Experience Resources

Animated - Week 4

If you’ve ever gotten a little emotional during your favorite Disney or Pixar movie, you know animation is a powerful tool to not only tell big stories, but to make us feel big feelings, too! In this four-week series, our families will look at some stories of the Old Testament prophets as we explore some of those feelings. These stories will remind our kids that God cares about our big feelings. With God, we can all feel secure, comforted, valued, and loved, even when our emotions tell us otherwise.

BIG IDEA: God gives me comfort when I feel sad.
READ: Elijah Flees to Horeb: 1 Kings 19:1-13; Jeremiah 8:18-9:1

 

MEMORY VERSE

Elementary: "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him." Romans 15:13a (NIV)

Toddler Twist: "God gives us joy and peace." Romans 15:13a

 

WATCH:

Preschool- teaching video

Elementary- teaching video

 

SONG: Thank God and 10,000 Armies

 

DISCIPLE:

Start talking to your kids in a whisper. They will most likely have to lean in to hear you. When

they start to lean in, ask them why they did that.

Explain, when we’re sad, it’s easy for us to believe God is far away. But today’s Bible story and memory verse tell us to believe something different — that God is just as close to us in our sadness as ever.

In fact, it’s in our sadness that God longs for us to lean in closely so we can hear — even if God speaks in a whisper. When you feel sad, what kind of things do you think God wants to say to you? 

I don’t know about you, but knowing God gives me comfort when I feel sad helps me feel better. Some of the most comforting words of my life haven’t come in a shout, they’ve come in a soft and quiet voice. Isn’t it cool that our God speaks to us like that in our sadness?

Pray: God, thank you for your comfort. Thank you for being there both on the best days and the worst days. In my deepest valleys, I will trust in you. Quiet my heart when it aches so I can hear your comforting voice. Amen.

 

DISCUSS:

  • Why was Elijah running for his life?

  • Why was Elijah so sad?

  • How did God appear to Elijah on the mountain?

  • Read Jeremiah 8:18–9:1. What made Jeremiah so sad?

  • What will you do the next time you feel sad?

  • How does it make you feel to have a God who comforts you?

  • How can you imitate God when someone you know is sad?