Called: Trusting God in Tangled Times

You have been called by God for a very special purpose. You have been specially placed in your family at this moment in history. We know that God loves you and has great plans for you!

This fall we are going to learn about three people from the Bible: Joseph, David and Esther. God had special plans for them, too. We will learn about their communication with God and how they trusted Him even when life got tangled. The life of Jesus and His love is woven into all of our lessons, but we will especially focus on Him in December.

In this book, you'll find lessons for Sunday mornings, activities to do with your family throughout the week and independent pages you can complete each day. When life gets tangled and you fall behind, don't worry! Each page is dated so you can skip ahead and get back on track.

In the fall of 2020 you might feel that communication with God is full of static! It's the prayer of the Children and Family Ministry staff that we will all tune our hearts to hear His still, quiet voice. He is calling you. Together, let's learn to trust Him in tangled times. Joseph & his brothers Sunday morning, September 13th

Start Here: Read About It: Draw a Picture: Color a coffee filter Genesis 37:1-14* with washable After reading the markers. Use as Jacob gives Joseph a story, draw a picture many colors as you very special coat. of what you heard! can! God communicates to Give each child a Then take a spray Joseph through chance to share their bottle and mist water dreams. drawing and listen to onto the filter-- which part of the *For younger children, you making water-color might read "The Forgiving story impacted them art! Prince" in your Jesus the most. Hang to dry. Storybook Bible.

Understanding Further: Talk Together: · Joseph's brothers had many different · What are some memorable gifts that you emotions in this story-- jealousy, anger, have been given? How does getting a cool sympathy, even regret. gift make you feel? · Once the coffee filter is dry, write different · Have you ever watched someone ELSE get emotions that you have felt on it. a really cool gift? How did that make you feel? · Display the artwork and refer back to it · Joseph was called by God through his throughout the week as your family exhibits dreams. What do you think will happen the different emotions. next in his life? Joseph & his brothers: Anytime Activities Week of September 14th

Try This: Try This: Try This: God is with us through Grab an old pillowcase our ups and downs! Take turns sharing "rose and decorate it using Jacob gave Joseph fabric paint or and thorn" emotions of a gift and it made your week. permanent markers. Joseph feel happy. (You could also add Once it's ready, you "rosebuds" and list things can have a nightly Who can you bless that you are looking reminder that God this week by giving forward to!) loves you and has a them a special gift? BONUS: Play the song special purpose for "Ain't No Mountain High YOUR life! Enough!"

Memorize It: Pray about It: You can make many plans, Dear Jesus, we know that you but the Lord’s purpose have important plans for our lives. Thank you for the many will prevail. blessings you have given us. Proverbs 19:21 In your name we pray, Amen. Genesis 37:1-14

1 So Jacob settled again in the land of Canaan, where his father had lived as a foreigner. 2 This is the account of Jacob and his family. When Joseph was seventeen years old, he often tended his father’s flocks. He worked for his half brothers, the sons of his father’s wives Bilhah and Zilpah. But Joseph reported to his father some of the bad things his brothers were doing. 3 Jacob loved Joseph more than any of his other children because Joseph had been born to him in his old age. So one day Jacob had a special gift made for Joseph—a beautiful robe. 4 But his brothers hated Joseph because their father loved him more than the rest of them. They couldn’t say a kind word to him. 5 One night Joseph had a dream, and when he told his brothers about it, they hated him more than ever. 6 “Listen to this dream,” he said. 7 “We were out in the field, tying up bundles of grain. Suddenly my bundle stood up, and your bundles all gathered around and bowed low before mine!” 8 His brothers responded, “So you think you will be our king, do you? Do you actually think you will reign over us?” And they hated him all the more because of his dreams and the way he talked about them. 9 Soon Joseph had another dream, and again he told his brothers about it. “Listen, I have had another dream,” he said. “The sun, moon, and eleven stars bowed low before me!” 10 This time he told the dream to his father as well as to his brothers, but his father scolded him. “What kind of dream is that?” he asked. “Will your mother and I and your brothers actually come and bow to the ground before you?” 11 But while his brothers were jealous of Joseph, his father wondered what the dreams meant. 12 Soon after this, Joseph’s brothers went to pasture their father’s flocks at Shechem. 13 When they had been gone for some time, Jacob said to Joseph, “Your brothers are pasturing the sheep at Shechem. Get ready, and I will send you to them.”“I’m ready to go,” Joseph replied. 14 “Go and see how your brothers and the flocks are getting along,” Jacob said. “Then come back and bring me a report.” So Jacob sent him on his way, and Joseph traveled to Shechem from their home in the valley of Hebron. Joseph & Jealousy Sunday morning, September 20th

Start Here: Read About It: Retell It: Genesis 37:18-36* Go to your recycling Joseph's brothers are bin and take out any After reading the jealous and betray him. non-dirty items. story, retell it as a They lie to their father (Rinse out any cans and cause great pain for family in your own or bottles.) their family. words. Listen to Now get creative with Joseph ends up in which parts impacted glue, tape and paint Egypt as a slave. your children the to create a sculpture *For younger children, you most. from the "trash"! might read "The Forgiving Prince" in your Jesus Storybook Bible.

Understanding Further: Talk Together: · Feelings are important, but they don't control · Sometimes life is messy and it feels like us. What could the brothers have done trash, but God turns trash into treasure! He differently when they felt angry and jealous? takes a messy situation and redeems it! · How do you think Joseph felt when he was · Look up Romans 8:28 and write it on your betrayed by his brothers? Have you ever felt sculpture. that way? · Display your sculpture(s) and add on · Share a time when you thought something throughout the week as a reminder that God was ruined, but it actually turned out can turn bad situations into good! good in the end. Joseph & Jealousy: Anytime Activities Week of September 21st

Try This: Try This: Try This: It's normal to feel jealous Go on a walk around your Make a Wacky Well!* when you see someone house with a twist! Wrap wax paper around the end of a cardboard tube and get a really cool gift, but One family member is secure it with a rubber band. it's important to be blindfolded and the others are navigators. When you talk through the grateful for what you The blindfolded person has tube, the wax paper messes have! to trust the navigators! up your voice. Just like Make a "family gratitude" When Joseph went to see jealousy messes up poster using words, his brothers that day, he had relationships! Jealousy can drawings or cut-out no idea what was about to make communication and understanding harder. pictures. Hang it up and happen! He was thrown into *You can find this craft on add to it throughout the a scary journey and he had to trust that God had a plan. page 39 of the Hands-On week. Bible.

Memorize It: Pray about It: You can make many plans, Dear Jesus, we are so thankful but the Lord’s purpose for the blessings we have. Help us to focus on gratitude and will prevail. instead of jealousy. Proverbs 19:21 In your name we pray, Amen. Genesis 37:18-36

18 When Joseph’s brothers saw him coming, they recognized him in the distance. As he approached, they made plans to kill him. 19 “Here comes the dreamer!” they said. 20 “Come on, let’s kill him and throw him into one of these cisterns. We can tell our father, ‘A wild animal has eaten him.’ Then we’ll see what becomes of his dreams!” 21 But when Reuben heard of their scheme, he came to Joseph’s rescue. “Let’s not kill him,” he said. 22 “Why should we shed any blood? Let’s just throw him into this empty cistern here in the wilderness. Then he’ll die without our laying a hand on him.” Reuben was secretly planning to rescue Joseph and return him to his father. 23 So when Joseph arrived, his brothers ripped off the beautiful robe he was wearing. 24 Then they grabbed him and threw him into the cistern. Now the cistern was empty; there was no water in it. 25 Then, just as they were sitting down to eat, they looked up and saw a caravan of camels in the distance coming toward them. It was a group of Ishmaelite traders taking a load of gum, balm, and aromatic resin from Gilead down to Egypt. 26 Judah said to his brothers, “What will we gain by killing our brother? We’d have to cover up the crime. 27 Instead of hurting him, let’s sell him to those Ishmaelite traders. After all, he is our brother—our own flesh and blood!” And his brothers agreed. 28 So when the Ishmaelites, who were Midianite traders, came by, Joseph’s brothers pulled him out of the cistern and sold him to them for twenty pieces of silver. And the traders took him to Egypt. 29 Some time later, Reuben returned to get Joseph out of the cistern. When he discovered that Joseph was missing, he tore his clothes in grief. 30 Then he went back to his brothers and lamented, “The boy is gone! What will I do now?” 31 Then the brothers killed a young goat and dipped Joseph’s robe in its blood. 32 They sent the beautiful robe to their father with this message: “Look at what we found. Doesn’t this robe belong to your son?” 33 Their father recognized it immediately. “Yes,” he said, “it is my son’s robe. A wild animal must have eaten him. Joseph has clearly been torn to pieces!” 34 Then Jacob tore his clothes and dressed himself in burlap. He mourned deeply for his son for a long time. 35 His family all tried to comfort him, but he refused to be comforted. “I will go to my grave mourning for my son,” he would say, and then he would weep. 36 Meanwhile, the Midianite traders arrived in Egypt, where they sold Joseph to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, the king of Egypt. Potiphar was captain of the palace guard. Joseph & Forgiveness Sunday morning, September 27th

Start Here: Read About It: Act It Out: Genesis 45:1-15* After Joseph's brothers One family member plays betrayed him, he wound up in the role of Joseph and Today you are going Egypt where he eventually the others are his to make a gift bag. rose to power. Joseph's brothers went to see brothers. Use your imagination the powerful leader, not Take turns, giving and creativity to knowing it was their brother, everyone a chance to Joseph! transform a paper When Joseph saw his brothers play Joseph! bag into a gift bag! he wept with joy and forgave Find out which role them. everyone enjoyed playing *For younger children, you might the most. read "The Forgiving Prince" in your Jesus Storybook Bible.

Understanding Further: Talk Together: · Forgiveness is a gift that God freely gives · Share a time when you had to forgive you... now you can freely give it to others! someone. Was it easy? Hard? How did you feel afterwards? · Write Ephesians 4:32 on your gift bag. · Share a time when you needed to ask · It can be hard to forgive others-- someone else for their forgiveness. How did especially when you've been wronged! But that feel? remember that God has given His gift of · How can you encourage each other to be forgiveness to you! more forgiving as a family? Joseph & Forgiveness: Anytime Activities Week of September 28th

Try This: Try This: Try This: When we hold onto a A Clean Slate!* Carve a pumpkin! grudge, we burden Using a chalkboard or dry erase When we refuse to forgive, we board have your child write or can become bitter. As you cut ourselves with anger and draw a picture about open your pumpkin and take bitterness. Pack a forgiveness. out the yucky seeds, talk backpack with heavy (It's hard for me to forgive about how forgiving others when... I need help forgiving...) things. Have everyone helps take away the yucky When they're done, erase it bitterness. take turns struggling to entirely just like God forgives Then cut a decoration into the carry it around. Empty the YOU entirely! When you ask for sides and place a candle in God's forgiveness, you have a backpack and feel the the newly-cleaned pumpkin. difference. When we completely wiped clean slate! *You can find this activity on With God's help, we can forgive, we are no longer page 49 of the Hands On forgive and allow his light to burdened with anger! Bible. shine through the darkness!

Memorize It: Pray about It: You can make many plans, Dear Jesus, thank you for but the Lord’s purpose forgiving us completely! Help us to forgive others in the will prevail. same way. In your name we Proverbs 19:21 pray, Amen. Genesis 45:1-15

1 Joseph could stand it no longer. There were many people in the room, and he said to his attendants, “Out, all of you!” So he was alone with his brothers when he told them who he was. 2 Then he broke down and wept. He wept so loudly the Egyptians could hear him, and word of it quickly carried to Pharaoh’s palace. 3 “I am Joseph!” he said to his brothers. “Is my father still alive?” But his brothers were speechless! They were stunned to realize that Joseph was standing there in front of them. 4 “Please, come closer,” he said to them. So they came closer. And he said again, “I am Joseph, your brother, whom you sold into slavery in Egypt. 5 But don’t be upset, and don’t be angry with yourselves for selling me to this place. It was God who sent me here ahead of you to preserve your lives. 6 This famine that has ravaged the land for two years will last five more years, and there will be neither plowing nor harvesting. 7 God has sent me ahead of you to keep you and your families alive and to preserve many survivors. 8 So it was God who sent me here, not you! And he is the one who made me an adviser to Pharaoh—the manager of his entire palace and the governor of all Egypt. 9 “Now hurry back to my father and tell him, ‘This is what your son Joseph says: God has made me master over all the land of Egypt. So come down to me immediately! 10 You can live in the region of Goshen, where you can be near me with all your children and grandchildren, your flocks and herds, and everything you own. 11 I will take care of you there, for there are still five years of famine ahead of us. Otherwise you, your household, and all your animals will starve.’” 12 Then Joseph added, “Look! You can see for yourselves, and so can my brother Benjamin, that I really am Joseph! 13 Go tell my father of my honored position here in Egypt. Describe for him everything you have seen, and then bring my father here quickly.” 14 Weeping with joy, he embraced Benjamin, and Benjamin did the same. 15 Then Joseph kissed each of his brothers and wept over them, and after that they began talking freely with him. David is Anointed Sunday morning, October 4th

Start Here: Read About It: Draw a Picture: I Samuel 16:1-13* If the weather is After reading the When Samuel heard he good, go outside and would be anointing the story, draw a picture make outlines of new king, he did not have of what you heard. each family member David in mind. But the Give each child a in chalk. If it's rainy Lord looks at the heart chance to share their or too hot, have each and chose David. drawing and listen to family member trace which part of the *For younger children, you their hand on a piece might read "The teeny, story impacted them of paper. weenie... true king" in your the most. Jesus Storybook Bible.

Understanding Further: Talk Together: · Revisit the family outlines. For each family · Share a time that you felt different or self- member, discuss their positive characteristics. Write them inside the outline. conscious. Were you looking at yourself the · God chooses YOU, not because of what you way God sees you? look like or how you dress, but because of who · How do you think David felt when he was you are. anointed by Samuel to be King? · Sometimes we might feel small or unworthy, · How you do think David's older brothers but God loves you and has chosen YOU to do felt when David was anointed to be King? big things! David is Anointed: Anytime Activities

Week of October 5th

Try This: Try This: Try This: Plant some seeds! Wrap two gifts.* One gift is Crown the King! something your kids would Gather some seeds and love- wrap it in plain paper. Make a crown using two potting soil. (Make sure to One gift is something pieces of construction save the packet that shows a worthless- wrap it in pretty paper. picture of what the seed will paper with a big bow. Have your children turn into!) Talk about the tiny seed and Have your kids open each decorate the crown and gift. Re-read 1 Samuel 16:7 how it has the potential to write good character and talk about what's grow into a new plant! important to God. qualities on it. You can When God looks at us, He *You can find this activity on also add this month's doesn't see a tiny seed, he page 282 of the Hands-On memory verse! sees the great potential we Bible. can grow into!

Memorize It: Pray about It: Dear Jesus, sometimes I feel The Lord is my strength small or unworthy to do big and shield. I trust him with things. Help me remember that all my heart. you can help me do important Psalm 28:7a things, even when I feel small. In your name we pray, Amen. I Samuel 16:1-13

1 Now the Lord said to Samuel, “You have mourned long enough for Saul. I have rejected him as king of Israel, so fill your flask with olive oil and go to Bethlehem. Find a man named Jesse who lives there, for I have selected one of his sons to be my king.” 2 But Samuel asked, “How can I do that? If Saul hears about it, he will kill me.” “Take a heifer with you,” the Lord replied, “and say that you have come to make a sacrifice to the Lord. 3 Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you which of his sons to anoint for me.” 4 So Samuel did as the Lord instructed. When he arrived at Bethlehem, the elders of the town came trembling to meet him. “What’s wrong?” they asked. “Do you come in peace?” 5 “Yes,” Samuel replied. “I have come to sacrifice to the Lord. Purify yourselves and come with me to the sacrifice.” Then Samuel performed the purification rite for Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice, too. 6 When they arrived, Samuel took one look at Eliab and thought, “Surely this is the Lord’s anointed!” 7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 8 Then Jesse told his son Abinadab to step forward and walk in front of Samuel. But Samuel said, “This is not the one the Lord has chosen.” 9 Next Jesse summoned Shimea, but Samuel said, “Neither is this the one the Lord has chosen.” 10 In the same way all seven of Jesse’s sons were presented to Samuel. But Samuel said to Jesse, “The Lord has not chosen any of these.” 11 Then Samuel asked, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse replied. “But he’s out in the fields watching the sheep and goats.”“Send for him at once,” Samuel said. “We will not sit down to eat until he arrives.” 12 So Jesse sent for him. He was dark and handsome, with beautiful eyes. And the Lord said, “This is the one; anoint him.”13 So as David stood there among his brothers, Samuel took the flask of olive oil he had brought and anointed David with the oil. And the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David from that day on. Then Samuel returned to Ramah. David and Goliath Sunday morning, October 11th

Start Here: Read About It: Act It Out: I Samuel 17:32-51* Grab a tape measure and some painter's David was small, but Take turns playing David, tape. he defeated the big Goliath and the King. Go around the house giant Goliath! Use props (like a measuring 9 feet (the cardboard tube to make door frame, the sofa, Goliath's voice louder or *For younger children, you balled up paper as the your bed...). might read "The young rock) to make it more fun! (Optional: mark with hero and the horrible giant" the painter's tape.) in your Jesus Storybook Bible.

Understanding Further: Talk Together: · The Bible says that Goliath was over 9 feet · Share a time that you felt ill-equipped or tall! Could he have fit in your house? Revisit unprepared to tackle a tough situation. the places that you measured earlier. · How do you think King Saul felt when he · Saul tried to give David his armor, but David watched David walk onto the battle field? Was trusted that all he needed was God. he nervous or did he trust God? · When we are going through tough times · When your family is going through a tough (and it feels like a battle), we should go to time, how can you help each other stay God first. HIS power is the most effective tool. focused on God and His power? David and Goliath: Anytime Activities

Week of October 12th

Try This: Try This: Try This: Is bigger better? Find the largest coats and David used a smooth Find a rope and a needle and shoes in the house. Now rock (and God's power) discuss which is better. dress the smallest family to defeat Goliath. A rope is bigger and better if you need to climb a mountain or tie member in those clothes. Paint some rocks with down someting heavy. But a How silly! washable paint and/or needle is better for sewing on a When we rely on earthly markers. button. Sometimes we think bigger = things, we sometimes Write encouraging better. But everything has it's look really silly. Instead, messages on them and own special purpose. God has a we can focus on God-- purpose for everyone, big and hide them around the small. his power will help us house... or around the See if you can find another pair tackle tough situations! neighborhood! of itmes in your house to compare if bigger is better.

Memorize It: Pray about It: Dear Jesus, help us to put our The Lord is my strength trust in you, even when life is and shield. I trust him with tough or scary. Thank you for all my heart. being with us in all Psalm 28:7a circumstances. In your name we pray, Amen. I Samuel 17:32-51

“Don’t worry about this Philistine,” David told Saul. “I’ll go fight him!” 33 “Don’t be ridiculous!” Saul replied. “There’s no way you can fight this Philistine and possibly win! You’re only a boy, and he’s been a man of war since his youth.” 34 But David persisted. “I have been taking care of my father’s sheep and goats,” he said. “When a lion or a bear comes to steal a lamb from the flock, 35 I go after it with a club and rescue the lamb from its mouth. If the animal turns on me, I catch it by the jaw and club it to death. 36 I have done this to both lions and bears, and I’ll do it to this pagan Philistine, too, for he has defied the armies of the living God! 37 The Lord who rescued me from the claws of the lion and the bear will rescue me from this Philistine!”Saul finally consented. “All right, go ahead,” he said. “And may the Lord be with you!” 38 Then Saul gave David his own armor—a bronze helmet and a coat of mail. 39 David put it on, strapped the sword over it, and took a step or two to see what it was like, for he had never worn such things before.“I can’t go in these,” he protested to Saul. “I’m not used to them.” So David took them off again. 40 He picked up five smooth stones from a stream and put them into his shepherd’s bag. Then, armed only with his shepherd’s staff and sling, he started across the valley to fight the Philistine. 41 Goliath walked out toward David with his shield bearer ahead of him, 42 sneering in contempt at this ruddy-faced boy. 43 “Am I a dog,” he roared at David, “that you come at me with a stick?” And he cursed David by the names of his gods. 44 “Come over here, and I’ll give your flesh to the birds and wild animals!” Goliath yelled. 45 David replied to the Philistine, “You come to me with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies—the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46 Today the Lord will conquer you, and I will kill you and cut off your head. And then I will give the dead bodies of your men to the birds and wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel! 47 And everyone assembled here will know that the Lord rescues his people, but not with sword and spear. This is the Lord’s battle, and he will give you to us!” 48 As Goliath moved closer to attack, David quickly ran out to meet him. 49 Reaching into his shepherd’s bag and taking out a stone, he hurled it with his sling and hit the Philistine in the forehead. The stone sank in, and Goliath stumbled and fell face down on the ground. 50 So David triumphed over the Philistine with only a sling and a stone, for he had no sword. 51 Then David ran over and pulled Goliath’s sword from its sheath. David used it to kill him and cut off his head. David Messes Up Sunday morning, October 18th

Start Here: Read About It: Retell It: Print out a map of II Samuel 11:14-27 Texas or the United After reading the States or the world. David arranged for one of story, retell it as a Talk about different his soldiers to be killed. family in your own places you've visited The Lord was displeased words. Listen to as a family and how with what David had which parts impacted long it took you to get done. your children the there. Point out the most. arrows showing east and west.

Understanding Further: Talk Together: ·Read Psalm 103:12. The Lord's forgiveness · The Bible later talks about David's sorrow and reaches as far as the east reaches to the west! repentance for his mistakes. Why is it important Refer to your map and remind your child that to ask God for forgiveness? when you ask God for forgiveness, your · What can you do to earn God's forgiveness mistakes are as far from you as the east is from (hint: remember the free gift from Joseph's the west. lesson?) · No one is perfect. David was chosen by God · Share a time when you messed up. Share to do great things, but he also made big how you dealt with the consequences but also mistakes. how you know you are forgiven. David Messes Up: Anytime Activities Week of October 19th

Try This: Try This: Try This: Gather some toys/items Gather some empty cans Inevitably this week your together and display them on or bottles and line them up kids will make a mistake. the table. Have your family on the fence. Take turns When they do, remind try to memorize what's there knocking them down using for one minute. Then have them that we all make a rock or ball. them close their eyes while It can be really upsetting mistakes. Help them you take something away. when we see a great clean up the mess (or fix Can they guess what it is? person (like King David) the problem) and remind When we mess up, we might make a big mistake. But them how God forgives have to deal with some consequences, but when we must remember not to us always. God forgives, he forgets your put people on a pedestal. mistakes. Only Jesus is perfect!

Memorize It: Pray about It: The Lord is my strength Dear Jesus, thank you for forgiving us when we mess up. and shield. I trust him with Help us to be as forgiving to all my heart. others as you are with us. Psalm 28:7a In your name we pray, Amen. II Samuel 11:14-27

14 So the next morning David wrote a letter to Joab and gave it to Uriah to deliver. 15 The letter instructed Joab, “Station Uriah on the front lines where the battle is fiercest. Then pull back so that he will be killed.” 16 So Joab assigned Uriah to a spot close to the city wall where he knew the enemy’s strongest men were fighting. 17 And when the enemy soldiers came out of the city to fight, Uriah the Hittite was killed along with several other Israelite soldiers.18 Then Joab sent a battle report to David. 19 He told his messenger, “Report all the news of the battle to the king. 20 But he might get angry and ask, ‘Why did the troops go so close to the city? Didn’t they know there would be shooting from the walls? 21 Wasn’t Abimelech son of Gideon killed at Thebez by a woman who threw a millstone down on him from the wall? Why would you get so close to the wall?’ Then tell him, ‘Uriah the Hittite was killed, too.’” 22 So the messenger went to Jerusalem and gave a complete report to David. 23 “The enemy came out against us in the open fields,” he said. “And as we chased them back to the city gate, 24 the archers on the wall shot arrows at us. Some of the king’s men were killed, including Uriah the Hittite.” 25 “Well, tell Joab not to be discouraged,” David said. “The sword devours this one today and that one tomorrow! Fight harder next time, and conquer the city!” 26 When Uriah’s wife heard that her husband was dead, she mourned for him. 27 When the period of mourning was over, David sent for her and brought her to the palace, and she became one of his wives. Then she gave birth to a son. But the Lord was displeased with what David had done. David & the Psalms Sunday morning, October 25th

Start Here: Read About It: Draw a Picture: Blow up a bunch of Psalm 23 balloons and put them After reading the on one side of the story, draw a picture room. As a family, try David writes a Psalm of what you heard! to "shepherd" them praising God for Give each child a over to the other side protecting him. chance to share their of the room using a drawing and listen to cardboard tube or which part of the *For younger children, you spatula. Turn on the might read "The Good story impacted them fan for an extra Shepherd" in your Jesus the most. challenge! Storybook Bible.

Understanding Further: Talk Together: · Like our balloon sheep, we sometimes act silly · When life is scary or chaotic is it easier or and get thrown off track. We might even be harder for you to depend on God? separated from the rest of the flock! · What are some things that make you feel · The Lord is our Shepherd. He stays with us-- comforted when you are sad? even when life is scary or chaotic. He lovingly comforts us and leads us back to safety. · Share a time in your life when you felt like · David's life was full of ups and downs, but he you were in a dark valley. What are some always knew that God was with him. Just like things that helped you during that time? God is always with you. David & the Psalms: Anytime Activities Week of October 26th

Try This: Try This: Try This: Make a habit of reading Write your own Psalm to Psalm 23 together at Psalm 23:4 says, "Even God! bedtime every night this when I walk through the week. It's full of gentle Using the framework of darkest valley, I will not be imagery and reminders Psalm 23, gather afraid." that we are safe and together as a family and Take a walk as a family after secure under our Good write a song/poem about dark. Bring glow-sticks or Shepherd's protection. your gratitude towards flashlights to remind each other that God's light shines After you've read it every God for His loving hand through the scary darkness! night for a week, you'll be in your life. pretty close to having it memorized!

Memorize It: Pray about It: The Lord is my strength Dear Jesus, thank you for being our Good Shepherd. Thank you and shield. I trust him with for always being with us and all my heart. protecting us. Psalm 28:7a In your name we pray, Amen. Psalm 23

1 The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. 2 He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. 3 He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. 4 Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. 5 You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies.You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. 6 Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever. Esther: Orphan to Queen Sunday morning, November 1st

Start Here: Read About It: Retell It: Cut strips of paper. Esther 2:15-20* Brainstorm different After reading the Esther was adopted by, ways your family can Mordecai. She trusted his story, retell it as a be helpful to each wise advice and became family in your own other this week AND King Xerxes' queen. words. Listen to ways you can be which parts impacted helpful to your your children the neighbors/community. *We recommend the most. Write each idea on a attached page from The different strip of paper. Message Bible.

Understanding Further: Talk Together: · Form a paper chain with the "helpful strips". · Who is someone in your life that you receive · We are all hooked together as a part of God's advice from? family. Just like the chain, we have all been · Read Ephesians 1:5. Esther was adopted by created for a specific purpose. YOU are needed in her uncle, like we have been adopted into God's family! If you took away a link in your God's family. What does that mean to you? "helpfulness chain" it wouldn't be the same! · Esther took Mordecai's sage advice, even · YOU are an important part of your family! though she didn't understand, she respected his Take turns encouraging each family member counsel. with kind words about their character. Esther: Orphan to Queen Anytime Activities Week of November 2nd

Try This: Try This: Try This: Esther could not simply go to the King, she had to be We all need each other! What After the King chose Esther as invited. Play a version of is a task that is impossible by his Queen, he threw an "Mother May I", but instead yourself, but together as a elaborate banquet. The Bible "King May I." family you can accomplish? says he "handed out gifts with One family member is the Tell the kids they have to royal generosity." "King" and stands on one side clean a very messy room all How can your family be of the room while everyone by themselves. Wait for the generous this week? Treats else lines up on the other side. groaning to stop. THEN offer for the mailman? Cookies for Take turns asking, "King, May to help! When we all pitch in a neighbor? Choose a way to I take 1 step forward" as a family, tough tasks are be generous to others this (encourage them to ask with easier. week. different emotions). The "King" can tell them yes or no.

Memorize It: Pray about It: Who knows, perhaps you Dear Jesus, we trust that your have come to your royal ways are good. Thank you for position for such a giving us a special purpose. Help time as this. us to live into that purpose. In your name we pray, Amen. Esther 4:14b Esther 2:15-20 from The Message Bible

15 When it was Esther’s turn to go to the king (Esther the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had adopted her as his daughter), she asked for nothing. Esther, just as she was, won the admiration of everyone who saw her. 16 She was taken to King Xerxes in the royal palace in the tenth month, the month of Tebeth, in the seventh year of the king’s reign. 17-18 The king fell in love with Esther far more than with any of his other women—he was totally smitten by her. He placed a royal crown on her head and made her queen in place of Vashti. Then the king gave a great banquet for all his nobles and officials—“Esther’s Banquet.” He proclaimed a holiday for all the provinces and handed out gifts with royal generosity. 19-20 On one of the occasions when the women were being gathered together, Mordecai was sitting at the King’s Gate. All this time, Esther had kept her family background and race a secret as Mordecai had ordered; Esther still did what Mordecai told her, just as when she was being raised by him. Esther Saves her People Sunday morning, November 8th

Start Here: Read About It: Act It Out: Esther 8:1-8 Take different colors Take turns playing Esther of construction paper Esther bravely goes and King Xerxes. Those and have your family before the King and not playing either of trace and cut out their pleads with him to save those rolls can play the hand prints. No limit her people. part of the Jewish people on how many they who celebrated when want to do! they heard the news!

Understanding Further: Talk Together: · Esther was brave to go before the King · How do you think Esther felt before she uninvited, but she knew it would help her went before the King? What helped her people. decide to bravely confront him? · Giving a helping hand can be hard sometimes. · When is a time that you had to be brave? Hang your construction hand prints all over the What made it harder or easier? house to remind your family to be helpful! · What are ways that, as a family, you can · Esther did the right thing, even though it was stand up for others in the way that Esther hard and scary. stood up for her people? Esther Saves her People: Anytime Activities Week of November 9th

Try This: Try This: Try This: Esther was a strong The King's ring had a Esther was brave and and brave woman! special seal. He would worked hard to help her Who are some other mark his proclamations people. with that ring so How can you be brave and strong and brave everyone would know helpful this week? women in history? Encourage your children to that it was truly from the Have everyone in the be like Queen Esther and king. family research a ask, "How can I be royally What might your family different strong woman helpful?" this week. seal look like? Sketch it Encourage them with extra and present a report to out on a piece of paper! treats and praise! the rest of the family.

Memorize It: Pray about It: Who knows, perhaps you Dear Jesus, help us to be brave! have come to your royal When we see things that are position for such a wrong, help us to stand up for time as this. what is right. In your name we pray, Amen. Esther 4:14b Esther 8:1-8

1 On that same day King Xerxes gave the property of Haman, the enemy of the Jews, to Queen Esther. Then Mordecai was brought before the king, for Esther had told the king how they were related. 2 The king took off his signet ring—which he had taken back from Haman—and gave it to Mordecai. And Esther appointed Mordecai to be in charge of Haman’s property. 3 Then Esther went again before the king, falling down at his feet and begging him with tears to stop the evil plot devised by Haman the Agagite against the Jews. 4 Again the king held out the gold scepter to Esther. So she rose and stood before him. 5 Esther said, “If it please the king, and if I have found favor with him, and if he thinks it is right, and if I am pleasing to him, let there be a decree that reverses the orders of Haman son of Hammedatha the Agagite, who ordered that Jews throughout all the king’s provinces should be destroyed. 6 For how can I endure to see my people and my family slaughtered and destroyed?” 7 Then King Xerxes said to Queen Esther and Mordecai the Jew, “I have given Esther the property of Haman, and he has been impaled on a pole because he tried to destroy the Jews. 8 Now go ahead and send a message to the Jews in the king’s name, telling them whatever you want, and seal it with the king’s signet ring. But remember that whatever has already been written in the king’s name and sealed with his signet ring can never be revoked.” Esther's Banquet Sunday morning, November 15th

Start Here: Read About It: Draw a Picture: Esther 9:20-28 Using construction After reading the paper and string, story, draw a picture After the King heard make masks as a of what you heard! Esther's pleas and family. Each mask Give each child a granted them safety, the should portray a people had a grand chance to share their different emotion. banquet and celebrated drawing and listen to Make sure one shows every year. which part of the happiness and one story impacted them shows sadness. the most.

Understanding Further: Talk Together: · The Jewish people were in mourning, but · What is the most recent thing that you the Bible says their sorrow was turned into celebrated? A birthday or holiday? What gladness when they heard what Esther had emotions did you have? done. · Go through the different "emotion masks" · Take turns wearing the different "emotion and share a time when you felt each of the masks" and acting out the different emotions. different emotions. · Esther listened to wise counsel and saved · We were all made for a purpose. Dream her people! about your future- what might you become? Esther's Banquet: Anytime Activities Week of November 16th

Try This: Try This: Try This: Have everyone make Mordecai wrote a What is something their own special place letter, sealed with the special about your mat! Decorate with this King's seal and it family that you would month's Bible verse saved Esther's people. like to celebrate? and other words that Letters can be very Plan a special meal or remind you of Queen important! tea party and celebrate Esther and her Write some letters this your family's special bravery. week to people you'd and unique history. Laminate the place mat and you can use it over like to encourage. and over again!

Memorize It: Pray about It: Who knows, perhaps you Dear Jesus, thank you for have come to your royal celebrations! Help us to rejoice in position for such a You even when times are tough. time as this. In your name we pray, Amen. Esther 4:14b Esther 9:20-28

20 Mordecai recorded these events and sent letters to the Jews near and far, throughout all the provinces of King Xerxes, 21 calling on them to celebrate an annual festival on these two days. 22 He told them to celebrate these days with feasting and gladness and by giving gifts of food to each other and presents to the poor. This would commemorate a time when the Jews gained relief from their enemies, when their sorrow was turned into gladness and their mourning into joy. 23 So the Jews accepted Mordecai’s proposal and adopted this annual custom. 24 Haman son of Hammedatha the Agagite, the enemy of the Jews, had plotted to crush and destroy them on the date determined by casting lots (the lots were called purim). 25 But when Esther came before the king, he issued a decree causing Haman’s evil plot to backfire, and Haman and his sons were impaled on a sharpened pole. 26 That is why this celebration is called Purim, because it is the ancient word for casting lots.So because of Mordecai’s letter and because of what they had experienced, 27 the Jews throughout the realm agreed to inaugurate this tradition and to pass it on to their descendants and to all who became Jews. They declared they would never fail to celebrate these two prescribed days at the appointed time each year. 28 These days would be remembered and kept from generation to generation and celebrated by every family throughout the provinces and cities of the empire. This Festival of Purim would never cease to be celebrated among the Jews, nor would the memory of what happened ever die out among their descendants. Resurrection! Sunday morning, November 29th

Start Here: Read About It: Draw a Picture:

Gather your Easter eggs Luke 24: 1-12 After reading the After Jesus was crucified, from storage and cut out story, draw a picture some of his friends went slips of paper. Have of what you heard! every family member to visit the tomb where Give each child a write a different word for He was buried. They "happy" on each slip of were shocked to see that chance to share their paper. Fill the eggs with the tomb was empty! drawing and listen to which part of the as many synonyms for *For younger children, you happy that you can might read "God's story impacted them come up with. wonderful surprise" in your the most. Jesus Storybook Bible.

Understanding Further: Talk Together: · Hide the eggs around the room and go for a hunt! When you find an egg proclaim, "He has Risen!!" · Imagine that you were one of the women and act out the happy emotion. that went to visit Jesus' tomb that morning. · Jesus' friends were devastated when He was What sort of emotions would you have felt? crucified. They didn't fully understand what it meant. · Share a time when you went through They were elated when He rose again. something difficult, but it ended joyously. · The story of Jesus' death is hard. We don't like to · What does Jesus' sacrifice mean to you? think of pain or death. But through Jesus' sacrifice, we have been given the gift of eternal life! Resurrection: Anytime Activities Week of November 30th

Try This: Try This: Try This: Play "Angel" Hide and Resurrection Rolls! Jesus' friends went Seek! Make this tasty treat with through all sorts of your kids with a tub of Choose one family crescent roll dough, emotions during Holy member to be the Angel. marshmallows and melted Week. Re-read the They will hide butter mixed with cinnamon. scripture and put somewhere in the Wrap the dough around the names to the different house. The other family marshmallow, like Jesus was emotions. Then have a member's will search for in the tomb. Brush the butter and cinnamon on top and family dance party! the angel. When the bake per instructions. When Make sure to choose angel is found, he/she they have cooled, you'll be proclaims, "He has surprised! The marshmallow both happy and sad risen!" is no longer in the roll! sounding music.

Memorize It: Pray about It:

Jesus grew in wisdom and Dear Jesus, thank you for your in stature and in favor with sacrifice on the cross. Thank you God and all the people. for being with us in the tough times and the happy times. Luke 2:52 In your name we pray, Amen. Luke 24: 1-12

1 But very early on Sunday morning the women went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. 2 They found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. 3 So they went in, but they didn’t find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 As they stood there puzzled, two men suddenly appeared to them, clothed in dazzling robes. 5 The women were terrified and bowed with their faces to the ground. Then the men asked, “Why are you looking among the dead for someone who is alive? 6 He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! Remember what he told you back in Galilee, 7 that the Son of Man must be betrayed into the hands of sinful men and be crucified, and that he would rise again on the third day.” 8 Then they remembered that he had said this. 9 So they rushed back from the tomb to tell his eleven disciples—and everyone else —what had happened. 10 It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and several other women who told the apostles what had happened. 11 But the story sounded like nonsense to the men, so they didn’t believe it. 12 However, Peter jumped up and ran to the tomb to look. Stooping, he peered in and saw the empty linen wrappings; then he went home again, wondering what had happened. Jesus' Ministry Sunday morning, December 6th

Start Here: Read About It: Act It Out: Mark 10: 13-16 Search Pinterest for Some children came to instructions on how to make a Jesus, but the disciples Take turns letting paper doll chain. shooed them away as if they For younger children, you were not important. Jesus every family member might want to make it for stopped what He was doing have a chance to play them while they watch. and blessed the children, Jesus, the children, Encourage older children to because they ARE important. make it on their own! and the disciples. *For younger children, you might read "The Friend of little children" in your Jesus Storybook Bible.

Understanding Further: Talk Together: · As a family, color each of the children on the paper · How does it make you feel knowing that chain differently. Hang it up this week to remind you Jesus loves YOU and wants you to always that Jesus loves ALL children! · The disciples probably thought they were helping come to Him? Jesus by keeping him from distractions. But Jesus · Share a time when you've been tempted to made it clear that there is always time to spend with brush off a "distraction" only to find out that children and we should have faith like theirs. it was something you were meant to tend to. · Jesus gave a clear example that children are to be loved and appreciated by the church. How can your · You are important to God! Who can you family bless children in your community this week? share that message with this week? Jesus' Ministry: Anytime Activities Week of December 7th

Try This: Try This: Try This: Play Red Light, Green Light! Role reversal! Make thumb print art! Have one family member be Depending on your child's Have your children press "it" and stand on one side of age, pick a day, meal time or their thumbprints onto the room (with his/her back to just a few minutes reversing the others) while the others your roles. paper, then transform them stand together on the other The adults get to act like kids into people and animals side. The "it" person calls out, (and do homework or play) with markers (there are lots "Let the children come to me!" and the kids get to act like of examples on Pinterest for and everyone silently walks adults (and make the meal or "thumbprint art"). across the room until the "it" tell the "kids" what to do). Remember that YOU have person yells, "stop!" This Talk about what Jesus meant a unique fingerprint and that continues until someone when He said we should Jesus loves you just the reaches the end and that receive the Kingdom of God way you are! person becomes "it." like a child.

Memorize It: Pray about It: Jesus grew in wisdom and Dear Jesus, thank you for loving in stature and in favor with us just the way we are. Help us to never lose our childlike faith. God and all the people. Help us to trust in you. Luke 2:52 In your name we pray, Amen. Mark 10: 13-16

13 One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him. 14 When Jesus saw what was happening, he was angry with his disciples. He said to them, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. 15 I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.” 16 Then he took the children in his arms and placed his hands on their heads and blessed them. Jesus Learns in the temple Sunday morning, December 13th

Start Here: Read About It: Retell It: Using a shoe box and Luke 2:41-52 plastic straws, create a After reading the marble maze. Older story, retell it as a children can help with Jesus' parents couldn't this, younger children find him! Three days later family in your own might just want to play they found him in the words. Listen to with the maze once it's temple with the religious which parts impacted made. leaders. your children the (Alternative: print off most. some paper mazes from pinterest.)

Understanding Further: Talk Together: · It is scary to lose something you love! Jesus' · What do you think 12 year old Jesus talked parents were surely very concerned when they to the religious leaders about? realized Jesus wasn't with them! · Have you ever been separated from your · Using a marble, try to navigate through the shoe box maze. Time yourself, then try to beat your time! parents? Share the story about how it felt. The pressure you feel to complete it faster is like Parents, share the story about how YOU felt! the pressure Mary and Joseph must have felt. · What do you think Jesus meant when he · Jesus was safe all along, he was in the temple told His parents that He was in His "Father's discussing religion with the temple leaders. house"? Jesus Learns in the Temple: Anytime Activities Week of December 14th

Try This: Try This: Try This: The Bible says that Jesus When Jesus was 12 he grew in wisdom AND talked about faith with stature. (Stature means that Play Hide and Seek! adults. You can talk about he grew taller.) your faith with adults too! Measure everyone in your One family member Choose a parent, family to see who is the is Jesus and the grandparent, teacher, tallest and who is the others are Mary and children's staff or pastor to shortest. Joseph. Take turns write a letter to about your Have the shortest person faith in Jesus. They would share one Bible verse, then getting to be Jesus! love to hear about what God next tallest should read is doing in your life! two... continue adding Bible verses for each family member!

Memorize It: Pray about It: Jesus grew in wisdom and Dear Jesus, thank you for giving in stature and in favor with us people in our lives that care for us. Help us to be brave to God and all the people. share our faith with others. Luke 2:52 In your name we pray, Amen. Luke 2:41-52

41 Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Passover festival. 42 When Jesus was twelve years old, they attended the festival as usual. 43 After the celebration was over, they started home to Nazareth, but Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents didn’t miss him at first, 44 because they assumed he was among the other travelers. But when he didn’t show up that evening, they started looking for him among their relatives and friends. 45 When they couldn’t find him, they went back to Jerusalem to search for him there. 46 Three days later they finally discovered him in the Temple, sitting among the religious teachers, listening to them and asking questions. 47 All who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48 His parents didn’t know what to think. “Son,” his mother said to him, “why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been frantic, searching for you everywhere.” 49 “But why did you need to search?” he asked. “Didn’t you know that I must be in my Father’s house?” 50 But they didn’t understand what he meant. 51 Then he returned to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. And his mother stored all these things in her heart. 52 Jesus grew in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and all the people. Jesus is Born! Sunday morning, December 20th

Start Here: Read About It: Draw a Picture: Luke 2:8-20 Give your children some A crowd of angels After reading the glow sticks (of varying appeared to shepherds story, draw a picture sizes and colors). If it's and let them know that of what you heard. still daylight, talk about Jesus, the Messiah, was Give each child a how you can use them born! They dropped chance to share their later when it's dark. Talk everything and went to drawing and listen to about darkness and how see him. which part of the the glow sticks will be *For younger children, you story impacted them lights! might read "The Light of the whole world" in your the most. Jesus Storybook Bible.

Understanding Further: Talk Together: · The shepherds were in a dark field when the · Why do you think God chose to send the angels lit up the night. Jesus is called the light of angels to a field of shepherds? the world! Your glow sticks will help you see when · Have you ever been afraid in the dark? the lights pierce through the darkness. How does having a light make you feel? · When life feels dark or scary or unknown, we can look to the Bible for comfort (read Psalm 119:105). · Do you think it was hard for the shepherds · The shepherds didn't wait around to discuss what to stop what they were doing to go and they saw or await further instructions. They praise Jesus? Is it hard for you to stop what immediately left to find Jesus! you are doing and praise Jesus? Jesus is Born: Anytime Activities Week of December 21st

Try This: Try This: Try This: Make a whole host of angels!* Draw a face on the back of a Make Angel Food cake When the shepherds plastic spoon. Take foil and together. heard the good news, fold it back and forth, Allow the children to do they dropped what they accordion style. Tape the foil were doing and ran to as much of the to the back of the spoon. see baby Jesus. Make a bunch of these and measuring and mixing Interrupt your children hide them around the house. as they can! When you find one, say, this week at random "Glory to God!" Retell this week's times saying, "The Savior *You can find this craft on story as you make the Jesus has been born!" page 1004 of the Hands-On cake. Have them reply, "Glory Bible. to God in the Highest!"

Memorize It: Pray about It: Jesus grew in wisdom and Dear Jesus, I am so glad you in stature and in favor with were born! Thank you for lighting up the darkness. Help me to God and all the people. always cling to your word. Luke 2:52 In your name we pray, Amen. Luke 2:8-20

8 That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. 9 Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, 10 but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. 11 The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! 12 And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.” 13 Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” 15 When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” 16 They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. 17 After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. 18 All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished, 19 but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often. 20 The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them.