EGC Kids: What did we learn today?!

In the Lima Campus, 34’s and 5K’s classroom and the Henrietta Campus Preschool classroom: LESSON 5 | God Wants Us to Help Others

Bible Basis: Genesis 37; 39 – 46

Bible Verse: Philippians 2:4: “None of you should look out just for your own good. You should also look out for the good of others.”

Bible Point: God showed Joseph how to help others. God will show me how to help others too.

Resource: The Beginner’s Bible

“Joseph’s Colorful Robe” (pages 71–77)

“Pharaoh’s Dreams” (pages78–85)

“Joseph Saves His Family” (pages 86 – 91)

 TABLE TALK: Use the Table Talk questions below to start a discussion around the Table at dinner.

Joseph’s brothers were upset with him. Have you ever been upset with your brother or sister? What did you do about it? 


Lots of people were having dreams in these stories! Do you remember any dreams you’ve had? 


How did Joseph help others? (He gathered crops to store for the future. He gave food to his family. He sold food to people who needed it. He managed the food supply for the ruler of Egypt. He invited his family to move to Egypt.)

How do you help others?

LIVING FAITH: Living Faith activity is designed as a drama to help your child remember the Bible lesson. 

Have your child select one of the Bible stories from this week and act it out for you as you read the story aloud from Beginner’s Bible. Provide your child with props such as a colorful robe and bags of towels to serve as crops. Set up a “jail” for Joseph and the wine taster underneath a table. Choose a special chair to serve as Pharaoh’s throne. When you come to the place(s) in the story where a Bible character speaks, instruct your child what to say. If possible, have your child perform the Bible drama for other family members in person, via Skype, or using a video camera.

EXTRA MILE: Extra Mile provides interactive ways for your child to connect with the story. 

Give your child the chance to collect food and help hungry people just like Joseph did. Look through your kitchen pantry together and decide on items that can be donated. Allow your child to decorate a paper grocery bag with markers or crayons. Fill the bag with items to donate and take your child with you to drop it o at a local food pantry, shelter, or church.

In the Lima and Henrietta Grade School classroom: Sin and Cola!

Kids will Discover through a can of Cola that As a child of God I can talk to God about the hidden and hurting things in my life because the Holy Spirit wants to help me have a great relationship with God the Father.

IN THE CAR:  Ask your child what happened in class this week on the drive home, here is what they learned:


 In the class, we talked about Hebrew 4:16 says, ‘So let us boldly approach God’s throne of grace. Then we will receive mercy. We will find grace to help us when we need it.’

Here are some thoughts to process with your child on the ride home:

What was the lesson about today?

What was the lesson about today?

I heard they used a can of soda during the lesson, what was that about?

Today we wrote or drew a thing we are keeping hidden deep in our hearts.

You could ask your child to explain to you what they wrote or drew!

Encourage them to be open and honest to the Holy Spirit about the deepest things in their hearts, because He loves them.

AT BEDTIME:

Ask your child the best and worst of their day, really take the time to listen and enjoy that simple time with them. Encourage and emphasize the great characteristics you see in your children and speak over them the great things you see about their God-given personality as you tell them you love them and tuck them in at night.

PARENT TIME:

What you need to know:

Kids take their lead from you; Learning at any age, to be honest with yourself and the Lord about the deepest things in your heart only bring healing in a relationship. Model what being honest with yourself can look like. Humility is needed to confess our sins, true humility is saying what is true about you- nothing more and nothing more. Taking time to acknowledge out loud that you are good at something (I am a good cook) and bad at something (I can’t sing very well, but I still love to sing!) will show your child that humility and vulnerability with your God and your family are safe and healthy responses. Living like this may help your child open up to you when they are struggling with a problem or they just want to share special moments with you. With your support, your child will see you are the best person to open up to.

EGC Kids Father’s Day Special!

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Take a look below to see what our Kids Ministry learned this past Sunday!

In the Lima Campus, 34’s and 5K’s classroom and the Henrietta Campus Preschool classroom: Father’s Day Special

Bible Verse: Genesis 37:1-11.

Bible Point: Father’s can show you they love you in many different ways. God our Father shows us he loves us in many different ways too!

The Lesson: The kids learned about Jacob and Joseph and their special relationship as Father and Son. But Because God loves us so much he sent His son Jesus to die on the cross for our sins. So we can be a Child of God!

Moving on up!

We are having our 2017 Moving Up Day in a few weeks on Sunday, June 25. This is the day when your children will be moving up to the next classroom, depending on their age. Here is the breakdown of our current EGC Kids and 585 environments on Sunday mornings:

Nursery = Ages 0-2
Preschool = Ages 3-Kindergarten
Grade School = Grades 1-5
585 Middle = Grades 6-8

 

All students who will be beginning 6th grade next school year are invited to 585 Youth Church starting Wednesday, June 28th from 6:45- 8:45 pm at the Lima campus in the Youth Room!

 

 

In the Lima and Henrietta Grade School classroom: Father’s Day Special!

Kids will learn that no matter who their earthly father is or isn’t they have a perfect Heavenly Father who loves them and has given great gifts to us!

 

IN THE CAR:  Ask your child what happened in class this week on the drive home, here is what they learned:


 In the small groups, we talked about Luke 11:11-13 “Now suppose one of you fathers is asked by his son for a fish; he will not give him a snake instead of a fish, will he? “Or if he is asked for an egg, he will not give him a scorpion, will he? “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?”

Here are some questions to process with your child on the ride home:

If we call ourselves children of God, then who is our Father?

-In this passage, Jesus is comparing our earthly Dads to our Heavenly Father.

Does it look like that our earthly Dads know to give us good things?

What kind of good things does your Dad give you every day?

What gifts to you think your Heavenly Father gives you every day?

HANGING OUT: 

Take time daily to remind your child you are proud of them just because they are your son or daughter. Create time in your schedule to have one-one dates with each of your children. Daddy-daughter and Father-son times together are positive memories that will stay with your child into old age. Have patience with yourself and your children as you discover the things you enjoy doing with each child. So just enjoy it and have a great time being together!

AT BEDTIME:

Ask your child the best and worst of their day, really take the time to listen and enjoy that simple time with them. Encourage and emphasize the great characteristics you see in your children and speak over them the great things you see about their God-given personality as you tell them you love them and tuck them in at night.

PARENT TIME:

What you need to know:

Kids take their lead from you; share your stories of how God has taught you that he is your heavenly father. What ‘gifts’ has he given you? Use silly, good, and bad experiences for your children to get a glimpse into your own history. That level of vulnerability with your child may help them to open up to you when they are struggling with a problem or they just want to share special moments with you. With your support, your child will see you are the best person to open up to.

Father’s Day and Gifts

Take a look below to see what our Kids Ministry learned this past Sunday!

In the Lima Campus, 34’s and 5K’s classroom and the Henrietta Campus Preschool classroom: Father’s Day Special

Bible Verse: Genesis 37:1-11.

Bible Point: Father’s can show you they love you in many different ways. God our Father shows us he loves us in many different ways too!

The Lesson: The kids learned about Jacob and Joseph and their special relationship as Father and Son. But Because God loves us so much he sent His son Jesus to die on the cross for our sins. So we can be a Child of God!

 

 

In the Lima and Henrietta Grade School classroom: Father’s Day Gifts!

Kids will learn that no matter who their earthly father is or isn’t they have a perfect Heavenly Father who loves them and has given great gifts to us! That gift is the Holy Spirit!

IN THE CAR:  Ask your child what happened in class this week on the drive home, here is what they learned:


In the small groups, we talked about Luke 11:11-13

“Now suppose one of you fathers is asked by his son for a fish; he will not give him a snake instead of a fish, will he? “Or if he is asked for an egg, he will not give him a scorpion, will he? “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?”

Here are some questions to process with your child on the ride home:

If we call ourselves children of God, then who is our Father?

-In this passage, Jesus is comparing our earthly Dads to our Heavenly Father.

Does it look like that our earthly Dads know to give us good things?

What kind of good things does your Dad give you every day?

What gifts to you think your Heavenly Father gives you every day?

HANGING OUT: 

Take time daily to remind your child you are proud of them just because they are your son or daughter. Create time in your schedule to have one-one dates with each of your children. Daddy-daughter and Father-son times together are positive memories that will stay with your child into old age. Have patience with yourself and your children as you discover the things you enjoy doing with each child. So just enjoy it and have a great time being together!

AT BEDTIME:

Ask your child the best and worst of their day, really take the time to listen and enjoy that simple time with them. Encourage and emphasize the great characteristics you see in your children and speak over them the great things you see about their God-given personality as you tell them you love them and tuck them in at night.

PARENT TIME:

What you need to know:

Kids take their lead from you; share your stories of how God has taught you that he is your heavenly father. What ‘gifts’ has he given you? Use silly, good, and bad experiences for your children to get a glimpse into your own history. That level of vulnerability with your child may help them to open up to you when they are struggling with a problem or they just want to share special moments with you. With your support, your child will see you are the best person to open up to.

What are EGC kids learning today?!

A special article from Pastor Greg’s Desk:

Dear Parents,

Pastor Greg and EGC Kids would love to be equipping you as a parent and partner with you to love and nurture your kids. In future, we will be highlighting articles that we have heard from you are topics or concerns you may have, in the prayer that it benefits you and encourages health in all of our kids and families as a whole.

https://protectyoungminds.org/2017/06/01/ipad-safety-features-parents/

Take a look below to see what our Kids Ministry learned this past Sunday!

In the Lima Campus, 34’s and 5K’s classroom and the Henrietta Campus Preschool classroom: LESSON 4 | God keeps his promises

Bible Basis: Genesis 27 – 29

Bible Verse: Genesis 26:3: “I will be with you and give you my blessing . . . And I will keep the promise I made with an oath to your father Abraham.”

Bible Point: God kept his promise to Jacob. God will keep his promises to me.

Resource: The Beginner’s Bible

“Isaac’s Blessing”(pages58–62)

“Jacob’s Dream”(pages63–65)

“Jacob and Esau Meet Again” (pages 66 – 70)

 TABLE TALK: Use the Table Talk questions below to start a discussion around the Table at dinner.

Have you ever made a promise to someone? Has anyone ever made a promise to you?

Why was it so important to keep a promise?

What was God’s promise to Jacob? (God said he would watch over Jacob and that someday all the land on which he was lying would belong to him and his family.)

Jacob played a trick on his father and his brother, Esau. How would you feel if someone tricked you?

Would you be able to forgive like Esau did?

LIVING FAITH: Living Faith activity is designed as a drama to help your child remember the Bible lesson. 

Have your child select one of the Bible stories from this week and act it out for you as you read the story aloud from Beginner’s Bible. Make Isaac’s tent out of blankets and straight-backed chairs. Use dark sunglasses or a blindfold for the person who plays the part of Isaac. Esau’s character can wear fuzzy clothing, such as fleece, and carry a bow and arrows made from sticks and string. Jacob’s character will need a piece of cloth or carpet scraps tied on with yarn. Bathrobes, towels, or fabric pieces make great Bible-time clothing for Isaac, Jacob, Esau, and Rebekah. The tasty food for Isaac’s dinner can be plastic toys or cutouts from a magazine. When you come to the place(s) in the story where a Bible character speaks, instruct your child what to say. If possible, have your child perform the Bible drama for other family members in person, via Skype, or using a video camera.

EXTRA MILE: Extra Mile provides interactive ways for your child to connect with the story. 

Help your child remember the names of Jacob’s 12 sons by practicing the song “Jacob’s Sons” that they learned in class. It is sung to the tune of “Jesus Loves Me”:

Reuben, Simeon, and Levi


Judah, Dan, and Naphtali


Gad, Asher, Issachar, Zebulun (the first three names are sung quickly)

Last were Joseph and Benjamin.

Use a book of Bible promises or an online search to and share some of God’s promises with your family. Remind your child that God always keeps his promises.

In the Lima and Henrietta Grade School classroom: Core Truths review!

Kids will discuss in small groups the value of these core truths and the difficulties and advantages in daily life living as a Child of God.

IN THE CAR:  Ask your child what happened in class this week on the drive home, here is what they learned:


In the small groups, we talked about 1 John 3:1 See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are!

Here are some questions to process with your child on the ride home:

What are the core truths?

I am a child of God

I can talk to God

God talks to me

I am on a mission

I am not alone

What do you they the main idea of our core truths maybe?

What are your ideas on how we can remember every day that we are a Child of God?!

 

HANGING OUT: 

Take time daily to remind your child you are proud of them just because they are your son or daughter. Get creative, do things one-on-one or as a family to encourage your child’s identity as a true child of God.

AT BEDTIME:

Ask your child the best and worst of their day, really take the time to listen and enjoy that simple time with them. Encourage and emphasize the great characteristics you see in your children and speak over them the great things you see about their God-given personality as you tell them you love them and tuck them in at night.

PARENT TIME:

What you need to know:

Kids take their lead from you; share your story of how God has taught you that you are a child of God. Use silly, good, and bad experiences for your children to get a glimpse into your own history. That level of vulnerability with your child may help them to open up to you when they are struggling with a problem or they just want to share special moments with you. With your support, your child will see you are the best person to open up to.

Cheerful parents kissing their daughter lying on a bed

From Pastor Donne’s Desk!

Take a look below to see what our Kids Ministry learned this past Sunday!

In the Lima Campus 34’s and 5K’s classroom and the Henrietta Campus Preschool classroom: LESSON 3 | God Has Plans For Us

Bible Basis: Genesis 12 – 18; 21; 24 – 25

Bible Verse: Jeremiah 29:11: “ ‘I know the plans I have for you,’ announces the Lord. ‘I want you to enjoy success. I do not plan to harm you. I will give you hope for the years to come.’

Bible Point: God had plans for Abraham. God also has plans for me.

Resource: The Beginner’s Bible

“A New Home”(pages39–45)

“The Visitors”(pages46–51)

“A Bride for Isaac” (pages 52 – 57)

TABLE TALK: Use the Table Talk questions below to start a discussion around the Table at dinner.

1. Do you have any plans for today? For when you grow up?
2. What kinds of plans do you think God has for you? For your family?
3. What was God’s plan for Abraham? (To move to a new land and have a son.)
4. How can you be like Abraham? (Love God, obey God, talk with God, follow God no matter how scary it feels sometimes.)

LIVING FAITH: Living Faith activity is designed as a drama to help your child remember the Bible lesson.

Have your child select one of the Bible stories from this week and act it out for you as you read the story aloud from Beginner’s Bible. Have your child reenact some of the conversations between two people. Your child can use dolls, puppets, stuffed animals, or even you to reenact some of these situations:

• Abraham’s helpers and Lot’s helpers argue and light about the land.
• Abraham and Lot each choose their own land and they move away.
• Abraham speaks with three visitors.
• Abraham tells his servant to find a bride for his son Isaac.
• Rebekah meets Abraham’s servant at the well.

When you come to the place(s) in the story where a Bible character speaks, instruct your child what to say. If possible, have your child perform the Bible drama for other family members in person, via Skype, or using a video camera.

EXTRA MILE: Extra Mile provides interactive ways for your child to connect with the story.

• Abraham and Sarah were blessed by the birth of Isaac. Tell what a blessing it was when your child was born. Tell how you chose your child’s name and those of any siblings. Use the Internet or a baby name book to look up the meaning of each name. Show any pictures or a baby book from that time.
• Rebekah watered the servant’s camels. If you have pets, put your child in charge of keeping the water dish full.
• Abraham and Lot had trouble sharing the same land. Sometimes siblings sharing a room or a home have trouble getting along too. Talk with your children about behaviors that will make it easier for them to get along and share the same space. Use a piece of construction paper to write out some ground rules for sharing space and post them.
• 
• Sing the popular children’s song “Father Abraham” with the accompanying body movements. Explain how Abraham is considered to be the father of many sons (and daughters) in the nation of Israel. [FAMILY NOTE: Abraham had one biological son with Sarah, one with Hagar, and six with Keturah.]

Father Abraham had many sons Many sons had Father Abraham I am one of them, and so are you

So let’s all praise the Lord.

Right arm! (Wiggle your right arm while you continue to sing.)

Father Abraham had many sons Many sons had Father Abraham I am one of them, and so are you

So let’s all praise the Lord.

Right arm, left arm! (Wiggle both arms while continuing to sing.)

Father Abraham had many sons Many sons had Father Abraham I am one of them, and so are you

So let’s all praise the Lord.

Right arm, left arm, right foot! (Keep wiggling; add a new body part each time.)

Father Abraham had many sons Many sons had Father Abraham I am one of them, and so are you

So let’s all praise the Lord.

Right arm, left arm, right foot, left foot!

Father Abraham had many sons Many sons had Father Abraham I am one of them, and so are you

So let’s all praise the Lord.

Right arm, left arm, right foot, left foot, Chin up, chin down!

Father Abraham had many sons Many sons had Father Abraham I am one of them, and so are you

So let’s all praise the Lord.

Right arm, left arm, right foot, left foot, Chin up, chin down, turn around!

Father Abraham had many sons Many sons had Father Abraham I am one of them, and so are you

So let’s all praise the Lord.

Right arm, left arm, right foot, left foot, Chin up, chin down, turn around, sit down!

 

In the Lima and Henrietta Grade School classroom: I am never alone!

Kids will learn that the Holy Spirit is a real person who lives inside each believer and they can develop a real, daily friendship with the Holy Spirit and experience that they are never alone.

IN THE CAR: Ask your child what happened in class this week on the drive home, here is what they learned:


In the Small groups we talked about Psalm 91:14-16 The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. 15 When they call me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them. 16 I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation.”

Here are some questions to process with your child on the ride home:

What do these passages tell you about the character of God?

How do these passages change your perspective of God’s role in your life when you are lonely or afraid?

What are we told to do when we are lonely or in trouble? (Vs 15)

HANGING OUT:

Take time as a family to remind each other that you are never alone! A play these fun games

Three-Legged Race
Equipment: Bandanna, tube sock or another piece of fabric to tie legs together, stopwatch

Have two partners stand shoulder to shoulder and gently tie their inside legs together. Designate a starting line and a finish line and see how quickly the teams can move from point A to B! If you have large open space, such as outside, all the teams can run at the same time. In a smaller space, such as inside on a rainy day, they can run one at a time while keeping track of time with a stopwatch. Make sure the wrap is tied tightly enough to keep them close together, but not so tight to restrict movement or hurt their ankles. Have each team start at the starting line and get everyone as you all say ‘Ready, Set, Go!’

Variations to try:

Go Blindfolded
Equipment: Blindfold, bandanna
To make the race more challenging, add blindfolds to both partners and have bystanders give them directions from one side of the yard to the other. Or make it a trust exercise by giving only one partner a blindfold so the pair has to rely on the sighted partner to give them directions. Be sure to switch the blindfold so both partners get to try it.

Run an Obstacle Course
Equipment: Household objects, pool noodles, hula hoops, cones, jump ropes, bandanna
Make a simple obstacle course to run as a three-legged pair. Even hopping over a pool noodle, crawling on hands and knees under a broomstick or turning sideways to fit between two trees is challenging when you are tied together!

Walk Backwards
Equipment: Bandanna
Walk the entire race backward as a fun, giggle-worthy variation on this already tricky task!

Carry a Balloon
Equipment: Inflated balloon or a water balloon and bandanna
Blow up or fill up a balloon and have each three-legged pair hold the balloon gently between their sides as they move from the starting line to the finish line. If they pop the balloon, use their hands or drop the balloon, they have to return to the starting line and start again.

Flip Directions
Equipment: Bandanna
Have one partner facing forward and one partner facing backward before tying the legs together, race to one end of the yard and back so both partners have the chance to run forwards and backward.

Human knot

Have all family members stand in a circle, facing inward.

Tell everyone to reach their right arm towards the center and grab someone else’s hand. Make sure no one grabs the hand of the person right next to them.

Next, have everyone reach their left arm in and grab someone else’s hand. …

Now, the fun begins! Without letting go of each other’s hands work together to unknot yourself back into a circle!

AT BEDTIME:

Ask your child the best and worst of their day, really take the time to listen and enjoy that simple time with them. Encourage and emphasize the great characteristics you see in your children and speak over them the great things you see about their God-given personality as you tell them you love them and tuck them in at night.

PARENT TIME:

What you need to know:

Kids take their lead from you; share your story of how God has taught you that you are never alone and that the Holy Spirit is still working in you. Use silly, good, and bad experiences for your children to get a glimpse into your own history. That level of vulnerability with your child may help them to open up to you when they are struggling with a problem or they just want to share special moments with you. With your support, your child will see you are the best person to open up to.

From Pastor Donne’s Desk

Take a look below to see what our Kids Ministry learned this past Sunday!

In the Lima Campus 34’s and 5K’s classroom and the Henrietta Campus Preschool classroom: LESSON 2 | God Helps Me Obey

Bible Basis: Genesis 6 – 9; 11

Bible Verse: Genesis 7:5: “Noah did everything the Lord commanded him to do.”

Bible Point: God sees when people do wrong. God helps me do what’s right.

Resource: The Beginner’s Bible

“Noah’s Ark” (pages 26 – 33)

“Tall Tower” (pages 34 – 38)

TABLE TALK: Use the Table Talk questions below to start a discussion around the Table at dinner.

What did God tell Noah to build? (An ark.)

What is an ark? (A big boat.)

Why did Noah need to build an ark? (People weren’t obeying God, and this made God sad and mad. So God made it rain so much that the earth flooded.)

What did the people build that God didn’t like? (A big tower.)

Why did they stop building the tower? (God confused them by making them speak different languages. When they couldn’t under- stand one another anymore, they couldn’t work together.)

LIVING FAITH: Living Faith activity is designed as a drama to help your child remember the Bible lesson.

Have your child select one of the Bible stories from this week and act it out for you as you read the story aloud from Beginner’s Bible. Provide your child with props such as a toy Noah’s ark (if you have one) and toy animals, or with blocks to build the Tower of Babel. When you come to the place(s) in the story where a Bible character speaks, instruct your child what to say. If possible, have your child perform the Bible drama for other family members in person, via Skype, or using a video camera.

EXTRA MILE: Extra Mile provides interactive ways for your child to connect with the story.

Although God caused everyone to speak a different language while they were building the Tower of Babel, he understood all their languages, just as he understands every language spoken today. Talk with your child about the different languages spoken in the world. There are about seven thousand languages. This is a good time to learn a song or listen to a story spoken in another language. You might pick up some language CDs and with your child learn a few words in a different language.

Some areas of the country might have recently been hit by terrible storms that caused massive flooding. Your family might donate to a relief organization or plan an activity to raise money to donate to an area damaged by a flood.

To remind your child of how God rescued Noah’s family, you can sing two verses of “Rise and Shine,” which your child learned this week. Start from a seated or crouched position, but jump up for the chorus, which is sung after every verse.

Chorus:

Rise and shine (stand and wave hands in a circular motion)

And give God the glory, glory


Rise and shine (stand and wave hands in a 
circular motion)


And give God the glory, glory

Rise and shine (stand up) And (clap) give God the glory, glory

Children of the Lord (sit down)

In the Lima and Henrietta Grade School classroom: Core truth Series; I’m on Mission!

Kids will learn to look outside of their own needs, recognize the needs of others, and be willing to be used by God to meet those needs. Kids don’t have to wait until they’re “grown up” they have a calling to serve God in practical, powerful, loving ways even as kids.

IN THE CAR: Ask your child what happened in class this week on the drive home, here is what they learned:


In the lesson we talked about Ephesians 2:10 “We are God’s creation. He created us to belong to Christ Jesus. Now we can do good works. Long ago God prepared these works for us to do.”

Here are some questions to process with your child on the ride home:

What are some examples of good works?

What do you think are the Good works God has prepared for you?

So, what is part of your mission? [To do good works that God prepared in advance for you to do.]

HANGING OUT:

Take time as a Family to go on a mission! Let your children choose a safe charity to get involved in.

Run a 5k for the Ugandan water project

As a family serve at homeless shelter

Bless young mom’s considering life or abortion by donating your gently used baby toys to be given as gifts

Find something you as a family could do together to be on a mission

AT BEDTIME:

Ask your child the best and worst of their day, really take the time to listen and enjoy that simple time with them. Encourage and emphasize the great characteristics you see in your children and speak over them the great things you see about their God-given personality as you tell them you love them and tuck them in at night.

PARENT TIME:

What you need to know:

Kids take their lead from you; share your story of how God has taught you about the mission He has prepared you for. Use silly, good, and bad experiences for your children to get a glimpse into your own history. That level of vulnerability with your child may help them to open up to you when they are struggling with a problem or they just want to share special moments with you. With your support, your child will see you are the best person to open up to.

From Pastor Donne’s Desk

Take a look below to see what our Kids Ministry learned this past Sunday!

In the Lima Campus 34’s and 5K’s classroom and the Henrietta Campus Preschool classroom: LESSON 1 | God’s Good Creation

Bible Basis: Genesis 1 – 3

Bible Verse: Genesis 1:31: “God saw everything he had made. And it was very good.”

Bible Point: Everything God made is good. I am one of God’s creations, and I am good too.

Resource: The Beginner’s Bible

“ The Beginning” (pages 7 – 13)

“Adam and Eve” (pages 14 – 17)

“The Sneaky Snake” (pages 18 – 25)

TABLE TALK: Use the Table Talk questions below to start a discussion around the Table at dinner.

Can you name some of the things God made? 
(Light, sky, sun, moon, stars, fish, plants, animals, people.)

What job did God give Adam? (Name the animals, take care of the garden.)

What rule did God want Adam and Eve to obey? (Do not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.)

How can you take care of God’s creation? 
(Plant gardens, pick up trash, keep the ocean clean, etc.)

LIVING FAITH: Living Faith activity is designed as a drama to help your child remember the Bible lesson.

Have your child select one of the Bible stories from this week and act it out for you as you read the story aloud from The Beginner’s Bible. Provide your child with props, such as a toy snake (or even a garden hose), to act out the story. Better yet, go outside in your own yard or garden to act out the story surrounded by God’s creation!

When you come to the place(s) in the story where a Bible character speaks, instruct your child what to say. If possible, have your child perform the Bible drama for other family members in person, via Skype, or using a video camera.

EXTRA MILE: Extra Mile provides interactive ways for your child to connect with the story.

Talk about ways your family can care for God’s creation. If you have pets, this is a good way to reinforce the caretaker role. Feeding them, giving them water, walking them—these are all ways we care for pets. If you don’t have pets, your family might help clean up a neighborhood park, donate a tree, contribute to a group that helps endangered animals, or plant flowers in your yard.

You might take your child on a nature walk to observe God’s wonderful creation. Head to a nearby park or arboretum. Point out birds you hear, the different types of trees you see, and the different shapes of leaves you find. If you can’t go for a walk, you might watch an age-appropriate nature show or documentary. Then have a time of prayer and praise God for his wonderful creation.

 

In the Lima and Henrietta Grade School classroom: Core Truth: God Talks To Me!

Bottom line:

God talks to us! We can learn to listen. We want our children to understand that God talks to them and they can learn to listen to His voice!

 

IN THE CAR: Ask your child what happened in class this week on the drive home, here is what they learned:


In the Small group, we talked about John 10! Here are some questions to process with your child on the ride home:

Everyone hears God’s voice. What ways have you heard God’s voice?When do you hear God most often?

When do you hear God most often?

Can you share a time where God spoke to you about something?

-When was it?

-How did He say it?

-What did He say?

Affirm your child for listening to God’s voice or encourage them that God is speaking to them and he is excited to hear their thoughts!

 

HANGING OUT:

Take time as a Family to listen to one another! Play a game of ‘Marko Polo.’ Or, create an obstacle course outside. To help everyone with their listening skills, blindfold the first player and allow them to be directed by Mom or Dad voicing directions to get through safely! You could make a spoof off of the popular t.v. show ‘The Voice.’ Let each family member take turns singing, the sky is the limit to the variation of voices they can use. Le the judges guess the name of the singer before turning around in their chair. Make it fun and remember to listen to your children’s voice!

 

 

 

 

AT BEDTIME:

Ask your child the best and worst of their day, really take the time to listen and enjoy that simple time with them. Encourage and emphasize the great characteristics you see in your children and speak over them the great things you see about their God-given personality as you tell them you love them and tuck them in at night.

PARENT TIME:

What you need to know:

Kids take their lead from you; share your story of how God has taught you to hear His voice. Use silly, good, and bad experiences for your children to get a glimpse into your own history. That level of vulnerability with your child may help them to open up to you when they are struggling with a problem or they just want to share special moments with you. With your support, your child will see you are the best person to open up to.