2.11 Family Experience Resources

How To… - Week 2

The internet helps us learn how to do so many things! From new skate tricks and viral recipes to helpful hacks, there’s a “how-to” for almost everything. But is there a tutorial video for how to follow God? This four-week series is kind of like that — thanks to some tutorials from Jesus! Each week, we’ll focus on one of Jesus’ teachings from the Sermon on the Mount as we learn "how to" make a difference, love our enemies, share with others, and pray.

READ: Love Your Enemies: Matthew 5:43-48; Deuteronomy 30:15-20

WATCH:

Preschool- teaching video

Elementary- teaching video

SONG: He is the Light  and I have Decided

COLORING: Love your Enemies

DISCIPLE:

Read Matthew 5:43-48 together. 

Have your kids take a piece of construction paper, fold it in half, and tear out the shape of a

heart. Have them then tear the heart into four pieces, then swap hearts with a family member. As kids patch up their “heart” with tape, have them share their thoughts on the questions below.

What are some ways we get our hearts broken?

Can you think of a time someone said something to upset or hurt you?

What about a time when you did that to someone else?

What can we do to patch things up with someone you don’t get along with?

We cannot control how others treat us, but we can always control how we treat others. Especially because we don’t know the whole story, sometimes. It’s possible that the people who broke our hearts got their hearts broken, too.

God reached out to us and loved us long before we loved God back. Jesus taught us how to love our enemies by loving all of us!


DISCUSS:

  • In addition to loving our neighbors, who does Jesus say to love? 

  • Why do you think Jesus wants us to not only love people who love us back? 

  • Read Matthew 5:48. Do you think Jesus really expects us to be perfect? What do you think Jesus means by this? 

  • Read Deuteronomy 30:16. How do you think this command to love God relates to loving our enemies? 

  • What can you do when you're finding it hard to love someone in the moment?

  • What is something that can remind you to love your enemies every day?

  • Think about someone who might have been unkind to you this past week. What is one way you can choose to love that person this week?

2.4 Family Experience Resources

How To… - Week 1

The internet helps us learn how to do so many things! From new skate tricks and viral recipes to helpful hacks, there’s a “how-to” for almost everything. But is there a tutorial video for how to follow God? This four-week series is kind of like that — thanks to some tutorials from Jesus! Each week, we’ll focus on one of Jesus’ teachings from the Sermon on the Mount as we learn "how to" make a difference, love our enemies, share with others, and pray.

BIG IDEA: Jesus taught us how to make a difference

READ: Salt and Light: Matthew 5:13-16; Isaiah 58:1-12

 

MEMORY VERSE

Elementary: 

"I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” John 13:15 (NIV)

Toddler Twist: "I can follow Jesus." John 13:15

 

WATCH:

Preschool- teaching video

Elementary- teaching video

 

SONG: He is the Light  and I have Decided

 

COLORING: Salt and Light

 

DISCIPLE:
Read Matthew 5:13-16 together.

Have you ever wondered how salt works and how it makes a difference in how food tastes? Here’s a quick rundown of how to use salt:

  • Use it to up the natural saltiness of a food.

  • Add a sprinkle to bitter things to tone down the bitterness.

  • Add a pinch to sweet things to balance out sweet flavors.

So, what do salt and people have in common? Well, they both have the power to make a difference! That’s kind of weird, but if you think about it, it’s kind of cool! Just like how salt can affect other tastes, people can affect other people. Through Jesus, we have the power to influence the people around us with God’s love. After all, Jesus taught us how to make a difference!

 

Discuss:

  • What did Jesus mean when he said that we are the "salt of the earth" and the "light of the world"?

  • What happens if salt loses its flavor or a light is hidden?

  • What is the purpose of letting our light shine?

  • What are some ways, mentioned in Isaiah 58:9-10, that we can let our light shine?

  • What kind of difference do you think Jesus wants you to make?

  • Is there anything in your life that's causing your "salt" to lose flavor or your "light" to shine less brightly? How can you change that? 

  • Who is someone that's made a difference in your life? How?

1.28 Family Experience Resources

MEASURE UP - Week 4

“When I’m older!” “When I’m taller!” Every kid is excited to grow up — even if it’s just to finally ride that big kid roller coaster they’ve had their eye on. This four-week series is about another kid who grew up — Jesus! Through stories from Jesus’ early life and ministry, our kids will learn five important truths to help them continue growing: God guides us to safety, we can love God with our actions, we can follow Jesus, and God makes us ready at the right time.

READ: The Baptism of Jesus: John 1:29–42; Psalm 40:8–11

WATCH:

Preschool- teaching video

Elementary- teaching video

SONG:  I Believe in Jesus

COLORING: Baptism of Jesus

DISCIPLE: 

Ask your family this. If you could choose one person to be when you grow up, who would you choose? Why? What do you admire about that person?

Maybe the person you chose is rich, famous, compassionate, extremely smart, or hilarious. Maybe you admire what they invented or how they treated others.

Whatever it may be that makes that person special or unique to you, there is someone even more worthy of following. Let’s talk about him.

Read John 1:29-42. Just like how Andrew brought Simon to Jesus, our pastors, Bible teachers, parents, adults in our lives, or friends may help bring us to Jesus!

Once you start following Jesus, you can help your friends by bringing them to Jesus, too.

Pray: Dear God, thank you for sending your son to this world to save us from our sins and to show us how to live for you. We want to follow Jesus because we know that following Jesus is the way to you. We hope that our lives will lead others to follow you, too. Amen.


DISCUSS: 

  • Who is the one John said will baptize with the Holy Spirit?

  • What was the first thing Andrew did after he began following Jesus?

  • What words did John use to describe Jesus?

  • Read Psalm 40:10. What is one way you can speak of God's faithfulness and saving help? 

  • Who do you follow?

  • In what ways do you follow Jesus?

  • How can you show someone else what it means to follow Jesus?

1.21 Family Experience Resources

MEASURE UP - Week 3

“When I’m older!” “When I’m taller!” Every kid is excited to grow up — even if it’s just to finally ride that big kid roller coaster they’ve had their eye on. This four-week series is about another kid who grew up — Jesus! Through stories from Jesus’ early life and ministry, our kids will learn five important truths to help them continue growing: God guides us to safety, we can love God with our actions, we can follow Jesus, and God makes us ready at the right time.

READ: The Baptism of Jesus: John 1:29–42; Psalm 40:8–11

WATCH:

Preschool- teaching video

Elementary- teaching video

SONG:  I Believe in Jesus

COLORING: Baptism of Jesus

DISCIPLE: 

Ask your family this. If you could choose one person to be when you grow up, who would you choose? Why? What do you admire about that person?

Maybe the person you chose is rich, famous, compassionate, extremely smart, or hilarious. Maybe you admire what they invented or how they treated others.

Whatever it may be that makes that person special or unique to you, there is someone even more worthy of following. Let’s talk about him.

Read John 1:29-42. Just like how Andrew brought Simon to Jesus, our pastors, Bible teachers, parents, adults in our lives, or friends may help bring us to Jesus!

Once you start following Jesus, you can help your friends by bringing them to Jesus, too.

Pray: Dear God, thank you for sending your son to this world to save us from our sins and to show us how to live for you. We want to follow Jesus because we know that following Jesus is the way to you. We hope that our lives will lead others to follow you, too. Amen.


DISCUSS: 

  • Who is the one John said will baptize with the Holy Spirit?

  • What was the first thing Andrew did after he began following Jesus?

  • What words did John use to describe Jesus?

  • Read Psalm 40:10. What is one way you can speak of God's faithfulness and saving help? 

  • Who do you follow?

  • In what ways do you follow Jesus?

  • How can you show someone else what it means to follow Jesus?

1.14 Family Experience Resources

MEASURE UP - Week 2

“When I’m older!” “When I’m taller!” Every kid is excited to grow up — even if it’s just to finally ride that big kid roller coaster they’ve had their eye on. This four-week series is about another kid who grew up — Jesus! Through stories from Jesus’ early life and ministry, our kids will learn five important truths to help them continue growing: God guides us to safety, we can love God with our actions, we can follow Jesus, and God makes us ready at the right time.

READ: The Boy Jesus at the Temple: Luke 2:41–52; Isaiah 42:1–9 

WATCH:

Preschool- teaching video

Elementary- teaching video

SONG:  I Believe in Jesus

COLORING: Jesus at the temple

DISCIPLE: 

How the following images (or others like it), describing each. After that, have kids draw a picture of themselves surrounded by the trusted adults in their own lives. 

  • Show an image of Jesus teaching people, even those much older than him.

  • Show an image of Jesus with his parents, making the Festival of the Passover trip each year.

  • Show an image of kids and parents at church 

  • Show an image of kids with a babysitter or other trusted adult.

  • As we grow up, parents and other trusted adults can show us what it looks like to love God — like our team of leaders here at church, who are always ready to help you learn and grow!

  • Even though Jesus was God's son and he seemed to have been able to do fine on his own for three days, he still obeyed his parents. 

  • God gives us parents, family members, and teachers to help us grow, and our job is to listen to them. That is one way we can love God with our actions.

Read Luke 2:41-52 to your family. Jesus showed everyone around him that day you can never be too young or too old to show how much you love God.
Pray: Dear God, I know that my actions say so much about what matters most to me, and I want to show that it's you! Help me to love you with both the things I say and the things I do. Thank you for putting people in my life that help me grow my love for you. Amen.


DISCUSS: 

  • Jesus' parents couldn't find him. What did Jesus' mother say to him when she found him?

  • How did Jesus respond to his mother and father when they asked why he stayed behind at the temple?

  • How did people listening to the boy Jesus feel about his teachings?

  • Read Isaiah 42:5. How do these things that God has done show us that God loves us? 

  • In what ways is it easy to love with our actions? In what ways can it be challenging?

  • What are some actions that show that we love God? 

  • What action can you take this week to apply something someone has taught you about God?

1.7 Family Experience Resources

MEASURE UP - Week 1

God guides us to safety!

“When I’m older!” “When I’m taller!” Every kid is excited to grow up — even if it’s just to finally ride that big kid roller coaster they’ve had their eye on. This four-week series is about another kid who grew up — Jesus! Through stories from Jesus’ early life and ministry, our kids will learn five important truths to help them continue growing: God guides us to safety, we can love God with our actions, we can follow Jesus, and God makes us ready at the right time.

READ: The Escape to Egypt: Matthew 2:13–23; Isaiah 63:7–9

WATCH:

Preschool- teaching video

Elementary- teaching video

SONG: I Believe in Jesus

COLORING: Escape to Egypt

DISCIPLE: Have your kids write or tell you a time that someone did something to keep them safe. Have the kids tell you how they felt when that moment happened. Here are some helpful examples:

When your parents keep an eye on you when you're swimming

When your uncle fixes your bike and gives you a helmet to wear

When your grandma reminds you to put on your seatbelt 

When your coach reminds you to drink water

How did you feel when that moment happened?

  • Did you feel loved, warm, or safe? Did you feel comforted?

  • How does it feel to be important to someone else? Just like you felt cared for when someone did something to keep you safe, you can experience the love and kindness of God because God is always caring for you. God does good things for us for our good . . . like sending us Jesus! Even if we haven't always felt safe, we are safe because God is always with us. God guides us to safety.

Read Matthew 2:13–23 to your family. God sent an angel to keep Jesus and his family safe when they didn't even know they were in danger! In the same way, God watches over us and can guide us to safety and protection when we're scared, in danger, or confused.


Pray: Dear God, you are my guide and my protector. You led Jesus and his parents to safety in Egypt, keeping them from harm until the time was right. Thank you for watching over me, guiding me to safety, and putting people in my life who do that for me, too. Amen. 


DISCUSS: 

  • How did Joseph know where his family was supposed to go?

  • Why did Jesus need to escape with his family?

  • When did Jesus and his family know it was safe to return to Israel?

  • Read Isaiah 63:7. What words does the author use to describe God?

  • Can you think of a time when you felt safe?

  • When might be a time that you would need to remember that God is with you?

  • Who are the people in your life who keep you safe?

12.24-12.31 Family Experience Resources

Joy to the World - Week 4 & 5

Week 4: Christmas celebration

Come join us in person - we are so excited for this special Christmas Eve Service. We’ll be talking about the story of the Wise Men and will have a special gift for each kid in attendance.

Week 5: Jesus came so the world could know god!

What are your go-to Christmas traditions? It’s amazing how different all of our Christmas celebrations can be, especially when you take into account how Christmas is celebrated all over the world. This month, we’ll be reminded what a universal gift Jesus is, and how Jesus brought good news, joy, and peace on that very first Christmas so that the whole world could know God!

 MEMORY VERSE: 

"Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests." Luke 2:14 

Toddler Twist: "Glory to God in the highest!" Luke 2:14

MV COLORING PAGE: Luke 2:14

READ: Jesus at the Temple: Luke 2:41-52; (Colossians 3:12-17)

WATCH:

Preschool- teaching video

Elementary- teaching video

SONG: Joy to the World


DISCIPLE: 

Read Luke 2:41-52. Jesus loved and obeyed his parents. The Bible tells us he was a good son and he grew up strong and wise. What happened at the temple shows us that Jesus wanted to be with, learn more about, and talk to people about God all the time. Because he loved God so much, he wanted everyone to do the same! 

People travel the world for different reasons. There is so much to see and experience out there

and one place you can definitely see that is at international museums.

Famous museums like the Musée du Louvre in France, the Uffizi Gallery in Italy, the Metropolitan

Museum of Art in New York, the Museo Nacional Del Prado in Madrid, and so many more carry

both historical and modern masterpieces for people to enjoy.

Let’s imagine we are in one of these galleries right now, and we came across this work of art in

an exhibit. This 1860 painting is titled, “The Finding of the Saviour in the Temple.”

Show  your family this painting and discuss the following.... How would you describe this painting?

What do you think Mary and Joseph are saying to Jesus? What might the people sitting there be thinking? Do you have any theories about what’s happening in the background?

Did you know that the artist, William Holman Hunt, traveled to Jerusalem to do research for six

whole years? He studied what the people from that region looked like and what their customs

were. He wanted to get as much information as possible to make his painting represent what

happened in that story as accurately as possible.

When we decide to know something or know about someone, it’s important that we learn as

much as we can about them instead of making snap judgments or assumptions.

Jesus came so the world could know God and his life on earth was dedicated to letting people

know as much about God as possible.

Pray: God, thank you for making yourself known through Jesus. We not only know so much about

you, but we can know you like we know our family and friends. Help us live in a way that helps

other people get to know you, too! Amen.

 

DISCUSSION:

Why did it take a while for Jesus's parents to notice he wasn't with them?

What was Jesus doing when his parents found him?

What reason did Jesus give his parents for staying behind in Jerusalem?

Read Luke 2:48-49. Which "father" is Mary talking about? Who is Jesus talking about?

What are ways you can spend time with God to know God better?

How might others tell if you know God?

What is one way you could help others know God? 

12.17 Family Experience Resources

Joy to the World - Week 3

Jesus came to bring PEACE TO THE WORLD!

What are your go-to Christmas traditions? It’s amazing how different all of our Christmas celebrations can be, especially when you take into account how Christmas is celebrated all over the world. This month, we’ll be reminded what a universal gift Jesus is, and how Jesus brought good news, joy, and peace on that very first Christmas so that the whole world could know God!

 MEMORY VERSE: 

"Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests." Luke 2:14 

Toddler Twist: "Glory to God in the highest!" Luke 2:14

MV COLORING PAGE: Luke 2:14

READ: Jesus is Born!: Luke 2:1-14; Micah 5:2-5a

WATCH:

Preschool- teaching video

Elementary- teaching video

SONG: Joy to the World


DISCIPLE: 

Read Luke 2:1-14. 

Jesus came to bring peace to the world! Not just to you and me. Not just to our church. To the

whole world! Use a globe or a picture of one to remind your family that the world is all connected- there are places in the world that really need Jesus’s peace right now. There are people going hungry. There are people who have lost loved ones and homes in wars. There are people whose relatives are very sick.

Let’s take a moment to pray for the world to have Jesus’s peace.

Pray: God, thank you for sending Jesus so that the world could know peace. Because Jesus was born,

we now have a way to true and forever peace with you! Help us to share your peace wherever we

go so that your creation could show more love toward one another. Amen.

 

DISCUSSION:

Why did Joseph and Mary travel to Bethlehem?

Who were the first people to hear about Jesus’s birth?

Why do you think God wanted them to know about Jsus?

Read Luke 2:14. What do you think it means to have God’s favor?

How would you describe peace?

How did Jesus bring peace to the world?

What can you do to help bring more peace to the world around you?

12.10 Family Experience Resources

Joy to the World - Week 2

Jesus came to bring jOY TO THE WORLD!

What are your go-to Christmas traditions? It’s amazing how different all of our Christmas celebrations can be, especially when you take into account how Christmas is celebrated all over the world. This month, we’ll be reminded what a universal gift Jesus is, and how Jesus brought good news, joy, and peace on that very first Christmas so that the whole world could know God!

 MEMORY VERSE: 

"Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests." Luke 2:14 

Toddler Twist: "Glory to God in the highest!" Luke 2:14

MV COLORING PAGE: Luke 2:14

READ: The Birth of Jesus Foretold: Luke 1:26-55;  (Zephaniah 3:14-20)

WATCH:

Preschool- teaching video

Elementary- teaching video

SONG: Joy to the World


DISCIPLE: 

Read Luke 1:26-55. Mary was so filled with joy that she burst into a song about God, about how God has always done great things for people, about how God is full of love and mercy and will save them all! This was a really big thing to happen to Mary, but she trusted God. So instead of being scared or worried, she became filled with joy instead! 

What are some different ways people expressed joy in today's Bible story?

  • Mary sang a song. 

  • Elizabeth rejoiced in loud voice. 

  • Elizabeth's baby boy, John, jumped for joy before he was even born! 

What are some ways you express your joy? 

  • Maybe you sing in the shower, wear your favorite sweater, smile super widely, or skip when you walk. 

  • Remember, there is no single way to express joy. We're all made differently, so we all feel joy differently!

Share with someone next to you how you show your joy!

Pray: God, thank you so much for sending Jesus to bring joy to the world! Because of Jesus, we know that no matter what happens in our lives, being loved by you is the greatest joy we could ever have. Help us remember that every day is a chance to express this joy and share it with others. Amen.

 

DISCUSSION:

How did Mary respond to what the angel told her? 

What did the angel say would be special about Mary's baby? 

What happened with Elizabeth's baby when Mary greeted her?

Read Zephaniah 3:!7. What does this verse say about how God sees us? 

How does Jesus bring joy to the world? 

What are some things that might threaten to take away your joy?

How can we hold onto the joy God gives us? How can we share joy with others? 

12.3 Family Experience Resources

Joy to the World - Week 1

Jesus came to bring good news to the world!

What are your go-to Christmas traditions? It’s amazing how different all of our Christmas celebrations can be, especially when you take into account how Christmas is celebrated all over the world. This month, we’ll be reminded what a universal gift Jesus is, and how Jesus brought good news, joy, and peace on that very first Christmas so that the whole world could know God!

 MEMORY VERSE: 

"Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests." Luke 2:14 

Toddler Twist: "Glory to God in the highest!" Luke 2:14

MV COLORING PAGE: Luke 2:14

 

READ: The Birth of John Foretold: Luke 1:5-20; 57-66; Malachi 3:1-4

WATCH:

Preschool- teaching video

Elementary- teaching video

SONG: Joy to the World


DISCIPLE: 

Read Luke 2:!4 with your family. When Zechariah wrote down that the baby should be named "John," like the angel told him to, he could speak once again! So, he started praising God. The good news was coming true! And the best part of this good news was that John would be the one who would prepare the way for Jesus later on. That's very good news!

What are some other ways you can celebrate? Dancing? Jumping for joy? Throwing a party?

Share as a family how your family celebrate good news.

There are so many different ways to celebrate, not just one. And in December, people all over the world get ready to celebrate Christmas! Let's take a look!

Show these images to your family and share a few facts about Christmas celebrations from around the world. You could also show a video like "Christmas Celebrations in Different Countries" or images from the Giant Lantern Festival that takes place in the Philippines. 

Did you know that God celebrates with us, too? God created celebration and invites us all to join in! 

Pray: Dear God, thank you for sending Jesus to bring good news to the world. Thank you that no one is left out of your good news! May we always remember to share good news with people around us, especially the good news about you! Amen.

DISCUSSION:

What was the good news about John?

Why was the good news so hard for Zechariah to believe?

What happened to Zechariah after the baby was born?

Read Luke 1:58. What did her neighbors and family members do when they heard Elizabeth’s news?

What are some things you do when you hear good news?

Name one piece of good news you received this past week.

What good news about God can you share with others?

11.26 Family Experience Resources

Plate It - Week 4

Step 4: Leave the Results to God

Kids love to be in the kitchen. They may even love helping prepare something delicious! Having a plan or a recipe usually helps, too. Just like having a plan in the kitchen helps the meal we hope to enjoy, the stories of the Old Testament prophets are like a cookbook that helped people prepare for the Savior that God would send one day. Even though there’s no exact recipe, our families will find that they can prepare themselves for a loving relationship with God when they 1) trust God, 2) talk to God, 3) listen to God, and 4) leave the results to God.

MEMORY VERSE: 

"For we are God's handiwork, created in Jesus Christ to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:10

Toddler Twist: "I am made by God!" Ephesians 2:10

 

MV COLORING PAGE: Ephesians 2:10

READ: God Promises a Savior: Jeremiah 33:14-16; Luke 21:29-33

WATCH:

Preschool- teaching video

Elementary- teaching video

SONG: 

My Hope is in the Lord

I Believe


DISCIPLE: 

Read Jeremiah 22:14-16; God Promises a Savior.

  • Share with your family about a time when you watched someone you love, or a chef, make a meal that ended up tasting amazing. Talk about all the ingredients and how they prepared each one. Perhaps you got to help prepare the ingredients!

  • It was so cool seeing all the different ingredients that went into this dish and how it was prepared. I would have never thought that putting all those foods and spices together would create something that tasted so good!

  • That's how it is with God, too. God already knows how everything fits together. The results are set! Jesus is our Savior, and Jesus has already defeated sin and death. It's because of this that, one day, we'll get to be with God forever. It's the sweetest dessert!

  • Pray: Wow, God! You love us so much. Thank you for sending Jesus to be our ultimate Savior. Help us to not forget the ways that we can prepare ourselves to serve you. We can trust that everything is in your hands no matter what!

DISCUSSION:

What message did Jeremiah give to God’s people?

Did God’s people listen? What happened because they did not listen to God?

What did God promise despite the people’s disobedience?

Read Jeremiah 33:14. God’s good promise was made to the people of Israel and Judah. How does God’s “good promise” apply to us today?

God chose to save us even though humans continuously choose to disobey God. What does this tell us about God?

What do you think the Kingdom of God will be like?

How can knowing that God is taking care of the results help you serve God better? What will you do differently with this knowledge?

11.19 Family Experience Resources

Plate It - Week 3

Step 3: Listen to God

Kids love to be in the kitchen. They may even love helping prepare something delicious! Having a plan or a recipe usually helps, too. Just like having a plan in the kitchen helps the meal we hope to enjoy, the stories of the Old Testament prophets are like a cookbook that helped people prepare for the Savior that God would send one day. Even though there’s no exact recipe, our families will find that they can prepare themselves for a loving relationship with God when they 1) trust God, 2) talk to God, 3) listen to God, and 4) leave the results to God.

MEMORY VERSE: 

"For we are God's handiwork, created in Jesus Christ to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:10

Toddler Twist: "I am made by God!" Ephesians 2:10

 

MV COLORING PAGE: Ephesians 2:10

READ: God Calls Samuel: I Samuel 3:1-10; 19-21; Proverbs 2:1-5

WATCH:

Preschool- teaching video

Elementary- teaching video

SONG: 

My Hope is in the Lord

I Believe


DISCIPLE: 

Read 1 Samuel 3:1-10; God Calls Samuel.

  • Have you ever been around someone cooking popcorn? How do you know when the popcorn is done? You hear lots and lots of popping, and then the popping slows down until you hear about one pop every few seconds.

  • Play a popcorn popping sound from youtube.

  • It's super important to listen carefully! If you get distracted and stop paying attention to the slowing of the pops, what happens? It overcooks and burns. You've missed the timing!

  • Paying attention to the popcorn popping is similar to how we need to pay attention to what God has to say to us — otherwise we might miss it completely! Tuning in to what God wants to say to you each day is so much butter than just popping in every now and then. So, every day this week, let's make it a point to not forget step three, listen to God.

  • Pray: Dear God, thank you that you are always near, ready to speak to us. We're listening! Help us to understand you and your plans for us more as we listen. Amen,

DISCUSSION:

Who did Samuel think was calling his name? Who was actually calling Samuel?

What did Eli tell Samuel to do when God called him the next time?

How did God continue to reveal who God is to Samuel?

Read Proverbs 2:1. How do you store up things people say? How does storing up things God says help us?

Have you ever heard God speak to you?

Who is someone in your life who can help you recognize and respond to God’s voice?

How can you make space to listen to God without distractions?

11.12 Family Experience Resources

Plate It - Week 2

Step 2: Talk to God

Kids love to be in the kitchen. They may even love helping prepare something delicious! Having a plan or a recipe usually helps, too. Just like having a plan in the kitchen helps the meal we hope to enjoy, the stories of the Old Testament prophets are like a cookbook that helped people prepare for the Savior that God would send one day. Even though there’s no exact recipe, our families will find that they can prepare themselves for a loving relationship with God when they 1) trust God, 2) talk to God, 3) listen to God, and 4) leave the results to God.

MEMORY VERSE: 

"For we are God's handiwork, created in Jesus Christ to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:10

Toddler Twist: "I am made by God!" Ephesians 2:10

 

MV COLORING PAGE: Ephesians 2:10

READ: Hannah Prays for a Baby: I Samuel 1:4-20; Psalm 16

WATCH:

Preschool- teaching video

Elementary- teaching video 

SONG: 

My Hope is in the Lord

I Believe


DISCIPLE: 

Read 1 Samuel 1:4-20; Hannah Prays for a Baby.

When Hannah felt all these emotions inside of her, what did she do? She talked to God about it! She prayed and poured out her soul to God. God made it possible for her to have a son, and Samuel would grow up to be a spectacular prophet for God!

  • Tell your family a story about a time when you had a really great server at a restaurant. Talk about all of the things that made them great. What we love about stories like these are the personal care we get and the assurance that someone is always there to help.

  • Great servers are like this, and God is, too. We can always talk to God. God loves it when we ask questions, share our needs and our joys, and tell God what we're wondering about. God never gets tired of us!

  • Pray: Dear God, thank you for being so easy to talk to. You never stop listening to us! Help us remember that we can talk to you anywhere, anytime, and about anything. Amen.

DISCUSSION:

Why was Hannah so deeply troubled?

What did Hannah promise God if she was given a son?

Why did Hannah name her baby Samuel?

Read 1 Samuel 1:18. Hannah had more peace after talking to God. Have you ever experienced God’s peace in your heart after talking to God?

Do you ever feel like you can’t talk with God about something? Why or why not?

Why do you think God wants us to pray?

What is one thing you want to tell God right now?

11.5 Family Experience Resources

Plate It - Week 1

Step 1: Trust God

Kids love to be in the kitchen. They may even love helping prepare something delicious! Having a plan or a recipe usually helps, too. Just like having a plan in the kitchen helps the meal we hope to enjoy, the stories of the Old Testament prophets are like a cookbook that helped people prepare for the Savior that God would send one day. Even though there’s no exact recipe, our families will find that they can prepare themselves for a loving relationship with God when they 1) trust God, 2) talk to God, 3) listen to God, and 4) leave the results to God.

MEMORY VERSE: 

"For we are God's handiwork, created in Jesus Christ to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:10

Toddler Twist: "I am made by God!" Ephesians 2:10

 

MV COLORING PAGE: Ephesians 2:10

READ: Elijah and the Widow at Zarephath: I Kings 17:8-16; Mark 12:38-44

WATCH:

Preschool- teaching video

Elementary- teaching video

SONG: 

My Hope is in the Lord

I Believe


DISCIPLE: 

Read 1 Kings 17:8-16; Elijah and the Widow at Zaraphath

If you could have a never-ending supply of one drink, what would it be?

  • play this chocolate milk gif several times

  • Those are some great suggestions! Chocolate milk sounds like a good one to me! Let's imagine what that could be like.Ok, I think you guys get the point now of how crazy awesome that would be to open up your refrigerator and always have chocolate milk — or whatever your favorite beverage is — inside!

  • Think of how Elijah and the widow must have felt to have experienced such an awesome miracle because they chose to trust God and God's promises!

  • Pray: Dear God, thank you for preparing good works in advance for us to do! Help us trust you above everything else. We don't want to miss an opportunity to serve you! Amen.

DISCUSSION:

What did God promise Elijah when God sent him to Zarephath?

What did Elijah tell the widow to do?

What did God promise the widow if she trusted God and followed Elijah’s instructions?

Read the first sentence of I Kings 17:13. What is a situation where hearing, “Don’t be afraid,” from God would help you (or would have helped you) trust more?

If you were the widow, how do you think you would have reacted when Elijah told you to use your last ingredients to make him a meal first?

What are some things in your life you can trust God with right now?

On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being “super difficult,” how difficult would it be for you to trust God enough to give him everything you have? Why?

10.29 Family Experience Resources

Big and Small - Week 5

We can be a big help in small ways!

Do you ever stop and think about how big God must be? God created this whole world, all of the planets, and stars in the sky . . . God is really big! Knowing God is big can make us feel small and inconsequential. But the truth is, even the small things are a big deal to God. The story of Job will help everyone realize that even though we are small, God listens to our big feelings, God sees the big picture, God cares about every small problem, and we can also be a big help in small ways.

MEMORY VERSE: 

God's voice thunders in marvelous way; He does great things beyond our understanding." Job 37:5

Toddler Twist: "Our God is amazing and powerful." Job 37:5

READ:  Job's Friends: Job 2:11-13 (Psalm 146)

WATCH:

Preschool- teaching video

Elementary- teaching video

SONG: My God is So Big


DISCIPLE: 

Read  Job 2:11-13 and Psalm 146. We just heard about some ways that God is helpful. Now, we’re going to work together to create some lists of ways we can be helpful, too!

Together come up with both big and small ways we can be helpful to others. Use butcher paper or printer paper to write or draw your ideas on.

What are some big ways we can be helpful to others?

What are some small ways we can be helpful to others?

Big or small, God wants us to be helpful to each other!

We can be a big help in small ways.

Hang your paper somewhere you will be reminded daily.


DISCUSSION:

What did Job's friends do to help him?

How do you think Job felt when his friends did that?

In what ways was this the most helpful thing Job's friends could have done?

Read Psalm 146:6. What does it mean when it says that God remains faithful forever?

Does helping others always have to be a big gesture?

Think of one small way someone has comforted you or cheered you up in the past.

What are some small or simple ways we can help our friends?

10.22 Family Experience Resources

Big and Small - Week 4

No problem is too small for God!

Do you ever stop and think about how big God must be? God created this whole world, all of the planets, and stars in the sky . . . God is really big! Knowing God is big can make us feel small and inconsequential. But the truth is, even the small things are a big deal to God. The story of Job will help everyone realize that even though we are small, God listens to our big feelings, God sees the big picture, God cares about every small problem, and we can also be a big help in small ways.

MEMORY VERSE: 

God's voice thunders in marvelous way; He does great things beyond our understanding." Job 37:5

Toddler Twist: "Our God is amazing and powerful." Job 37:5

MV COLORING PAGE: Job 37:5

READ: Job’s Blessings: Job 42:1-6, 10-17; Mark 10:46-52

WATCH:

Preschool- teaching video

Elementary- teaching video

SONG: My God is So Big


DISCIPLE: 

Give each family member a big card and a small card and tell them to think of a big problem and a small problem. A big problem could be something like world hunger, whereas a small problem could be fighting with a friend. 

Once they have finished their cards, have them put the cards in the middle of the table and then take turns reading the problems. 

How do we treat each other when we hear about our problems? We listen respectfully. We don’t laugh or joke. We show kindness and love to one another.

How often does God listen to our problems? God always listens!

No problem is too small for God!


DISCUSSION:

How did God bless Job after everything that happened?

Why do you think God did that?

In the story from Mark 10:46-52, why was the blind man healed?

Read Job 42:2. How does it feel knowing that God can do anything?

How would you feel if you were in Job’s shoes?

What does it mean to you to have faith in something?

Name one blessing in your own life.

10.15 Family Experience Resources

Big and Small - Week 3

God sees the big picture!

Do you ever stop and think about how big God must be? God created this whole world, all of the planets, and stars in the sky . . . God is really big! Knowing God is big can make us feel small and inconsequential. But the truth is, even the small things are a big deal to God. The story of Job will help everyone realize that even though we are small, God listens to our big feelings, God sees the big picture, God cares about every small problem, and we can also be a big help in small ways.

MEMORY VERSE: 

God's voice thunders in marvelous way; He does great things beyond our understanding." Job 37:5

Toddler Twist: "Our God is amazing and powerful." Job 37:5

MV COLORING PAGE: Job 37:5

READ: God Answers Job: Job 38:1-7, 34-41; Isaiah 53:4-12

WATCH:

Preschool- teaching video

Elementary-  teaching video

SONG: My God is So Big


DISCIPLE: 

Work together to cut and decorate a large poster frame or construction paper frame. Next, take a picture of each family member and print each. Place the pictures on a poster that will go inside the frame they are decorating.

We are part of God’s big picture! 

How are you a part of God’s big picture? What can you do to help in God’s picture? Even if we can’t see it, we know that God sees the big picture!


Discussion:

What were some of the questions God asked Job?

What do those questions reveal to us about God?

In Isaiah 53:6, what does it mean by we [people] are like sheep?

Read Isaiah 53:10. What was the result of everything that happened to Jesus?

Why do you think God only shows us a small part of the big picture?

How is Jesus a part of God’s big picture?

How are you a part of God’s big picture?

10.8 Family Experience Resources

Big and Small - Week 2

God listens when we have big feelings!

Do you ever stop and think about how big God must be? God created this whole world, all of the planets, and stars in the sky . . . God is really big! Knowing God is big can make us feel small and inconsequential. But the truth is, even the small things are a big deal to God. The story of Job will help everyone realize that even though we are small, God listens to our big feelings, God sees the big picture, God cares about every small problem, and we can also be a big help in small ways.

MEMORY VERSE: 

God's voice thunders in marvelous way; He does great things beyond our understanding." Job 37:5

Toddler Twist: "Our God is amazing and powerful." Job 37:5

MV COLORING PAGE: Job 37:5

READ: Job Cries Out to God: Job 23:1-7; Hebrews 4:15-16

WATCH:

Preschool- teaching video

Elementary- teaching video

SONG: My God is So Big


DISCIPLE: 

Read the text above and have your kids to list some of the things Job experienced (e.g., loss of wealth, loss of health, loss of family members, etc.). Then, ask them leading questions about who they would talk to if these things happened to them.

Now, imagine if all those things happened to you. Would you be more likely to talk to someone who had no idea what that was like, or would you want to talk to someone who knew exactly how you felt?

Why?

No matter what’s happening to us and how we’re feeling about it, we can talk to God! We can be confident that God knows every feeling we may have.

We never have to hide our feelings from God, and we can trust that God will never make fun of us or leave us because of the way we feel.


DISCUSSION:
According to Hebrews 4:16, what can we expect when we come to God with our feelings?

What were some of Job’s big feelings?

If you were Job, what are some things you might have wanted to say out loud?

Read Hebrews 4:14-15. Why do you think it is important that Jesus was tempted in every way, but did not do anything wrong?

What should we do when we have big feelings?

How should we approach God when we have big feelings?

How do you know God cares about how we feel?

10.1 Family Experience Resources

Big and Small - Week 1

We are small but God is big!

Do you ever stop and think about how big God must be? God created this whole world, all of the planets, and stars in the sky . . . God is really big! Knowing God is big can make us feel small and inconsequential. But the truth is, even the small things are a big deal to God. The story of Job will help everyone realize that even though we are small, God listens to our big feelings, God sees the big picture, God cares about every small problem, and we can also be a big help in small ways.

MEMORY VERSE: 

God's voice thunders in marvelous way; He does great things beyond our understanding." Job 37:5

Toddler Twist: "Our God is amazing and powerful." Job 37:5

MV COLORING PAGE: Job 37:5

READ: Job’s Sufferings: Job 1:1, 2:1-10; Psalm 8

WATCH:

Preschool- teaching video

Elementary- teaching video

SONG: My God is So Big
DISCIPLE: 

Are there things in your life that make you fell small? Maybe even worried or scared?

Think with your kids about times they might feel extra small. Either ask kids to share their examples or come up with a few yourself (e.g., not being able to reach something on a high shelf, not being able to ride certain rides at an amusement park, when grownups couldn’t hear what they said, etc.). 

Whenever each situation is spoken, have each family member squat down and curl up to make themselves very small, while saying, “This is small.” Then have them say, “But God is big!” and jump up with their hands outstretched.

Does knowing that we are small, but God is big help us face scary things? How?

We can trust God all the time. And God will make us brave.

Play this version of Chutes and Ladders as a family....

Job praised God when times were good and when times were bad. Whenever you go down a chute say, “We are small,” and when you go up a ladder, say “But God is big!”


DISCUSSION:

What two words does God use to describe Job?

What are some ways Job suffered?

Does Job do anything wrong while suffering?

Read Psalm 8:3-4. How does it make you feel to look up at the stars and know that they were made by God’s own hands?

How does it make you feel to know God is so big?

How do we know God is with us even when things are hard?

What can we do when we go through tough times?

9.24 Family Experience Resources

Choose Your Adventure - Week 4

I can be wise by choosing God!

Did you know that every day is full of adventures that we get to choose? Some adventures are small, like choosing which book to read. Others are bigger, like deciding how to react when a family member makes us upset. It’s not always easy to know what is best but there is hidden treasure you can take into every choice: wisdom. Wisdom is a valuable gift that helps people choose what’s best. Together we can choose wisdom, by not choosing sides, choosing our words carefully, choosing to do good, and choosing God!

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

MEMORY VERSE: 

"Be careful then, how you live- not as unwise, but as wise." Ephesians 5:15

Toddler Twist: "God helps me choose wisely!" Ephesians 5:15

 MV COLORING PAGE: Ephesians 5:15

READ: Wisdom and Faith: Proverbs 3:1-8; James 5:13-16

WATCH:

Preschool- Teaching Video

Elementary- Teaching Video

SONG:  I'm Trusting You


DISCIPLE: 

Think of a time you have faced a scary challenge or had to make a difficult

decision. Remember what it felt like to be unsure of what you should do and how you had to exercise faith and trust God with a situation. Share your story with your family, then lead them in a time of discussion. We can’t see into the future, and some decisions are really hard to make. When you don’t have the answer, remind yourself: I can be wise by choosing God!

Read today's Bible reference to remind your family you can be wise by choosing God- Proverbs 3:1-8.


DISCUSSION:

According to Proverbs 3, what are some things that will happen when we follow what God says?

What does it mean to write something on the “tablet of your heart?”

What does the Bible say we should do instead of leaning on our own understanding?

Read James 5:16. What type of person’s prayer is effective?

What is one thing you can pray to God for help about?

What is one thing you can praise God for?

What might choosing God look like for you this week?