Dear Parents,

Thanks for joining us again as we do Children’s Worship from home!  

Note: Please let us know about how your family is enjoying Children’s Worship! Take some pictures of your family participating in Children’s Worship or share a story. You can post to the Gold Avenue Church Facebook page or send by email at goldavechurch@gmail.com

Sleeping Through the Storm

Based on: Mark 4:35-41

EQUIP:  

(It’s not an activity, but just a little background on the story for you, the parent, to read.) 

 

During the worst year of my life, I received a unique gift: a tiger swallowtail butterfly. It had been rescued from the middle of the busiest, dirtiest street in the city, plucked from certain death in an improbable way and placed in a take-out box. In an impossible place, this delicate creature had rested and been graced with a rescue as it rested. Its presence in my hands reminded me of the lack of rest in my own life as I scrambled to fix everything myself, on my own terms.

 

As Jesus slept through the howling wind and crashing waves, His peaceful nap reminds us that He had made this water and called forth this wind— they were His! Jesus’ actions astonished His disciples, mainly because they didn’t fully understand yet who He was. Today, we have complete information about Him. Knowing fully that He is the Savior sent by God, we also must answer His questions: “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” (Mark 4:40). He is still Lord, still able!

 

From the outside, the peace Jesus offers us may look as improbable as a butterfly resting in the middle of a busy street—or as Jesus Himself sleeping peacefully through a storm! But as we rest in His peace, we receive the ability to sit tight in the middle of the worst possible situation, trusting Him to do more than we can imagine!

 

Activity One:  Read the intro. Watch the video of the story.

Activity Two: Discuss the story using provided questions as prompts. Prayer.

Worship: Singing 

Activity Three:  Respond to the story by doing the activity. 

Activity Four:  Bless your children 

 

 

Activity 1:  STORY

 

Introduction to read the children:

Jesus and His friends were near the Sea of Galilee. They were with a huge crowd of people who had come to see Jesus. All day long, Jesus was teaching and healing. He and His friends were getting tired, but even when it got late, the people stayed. They weren’t going anywhere!

 

Jesus turned to His friends and said, “Let’s get into the boat and travel to the other side of the sea.” This would give Jesus and His friends a chance to rest before another crowd of people gathered!

 

Watch video:

 

 

Conclusion to read to the children

 

Jesus proved that He has power over all of creation. He can keep us safe in any storm. He can give us peace in any scary situation. Show bike lock. Does your bike have the ability to keep itself safe from being stolen? No! That’s why you lock it up. Then you have peace of mind that it is safe! In the same way, when times are hard and scary, there is no one like Jesus to depend on. When we ask for His help and remember His power, it gives us peace of mind in scary times.

Our Bible verse today tells us the BEST way to lock onto that peace! Read aloud Philippians 4:6.  “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.”  Don’t worry! In every situation, we can pray and trust Jesus! When we thank Him and trust Him, He gives us peace. He helps us feel safe and cared for.

 

Activity 2:  DISCUSSION

• Why do you think Jesus continued to sleep during such a bad storm? (He knew God would take care of them. He knew He had power over the storm.)

• Why did Jesus’ friends think He didn’t care about them? How did Jesus show them He would help them when they asked?

• Why do you think Jesus’ friends were so amazed when He stopped the storm? (They didn’t realize He had power over wind and waves. They didn’t realize how powerful He really was.)

• What do you think a kid who needs peace should do? (Ask a trusted person for help. Pray.) What does Philippians 4:6 tell us to do? (Tell God your worries.)
• What are ways to have peace when you are worried or afraid? (Pray. Believe Jesus. Trust God. Thank God for His help.)

Let’s pray now and ask God for peace for something that is bothering us and to trust Him to take care of it.

Encourage children to pray for God to help them with something they need peace with this week in their own words. Then, transition into a time of prayer for personal requests.

 

Worship Songs:

 

 

Activity 3: RESPONSE ACTIVITY #1

Jesus Brings Peace Crayon Resist Art

 

Help kids remember this Bible story about Jesus calming the storm and bringing peace for the disciples and for us, too, with this craft.

 

Supplies

• white crayon (or a wax candle)
• watercolor paint
• cardstock or watercolor paper
• paintbrushes

 

Instructions:

1. Have children write (or you write) “Jesus gives me peace,” or Jesus gives me peace in scary times,“ or the verse Phillipians 4:6 on the cardstock using a white crayon.
2. Paint over the cardstock with watercolor paint.
3. Let dry, and voila! Crayon resist art!

 

Activity #2  Print and Color

Activity 4: CLOSING BLESSING

 

This week when I’m at work or home, I’m going to talk to God about things that worry me. I’ll pray that you remember to talk to God, too.

 

(______________), may God bless you with His peace this week and forever!