Children’s Worship 11.01.20

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

 

God Listens to Us

Based on: Joshua 10

OVERVIEW:

Activity One:  Read the intro. Watch the video.

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

Worship: Singing 

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

Activity Four:  Bless your children 

 

EQUIP:  

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

 

“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one” (Deuteronomy 6:4). What an encouragement to know our God is listening; we are called to listen in return. This is one of the most central prayers in Jewish history, otherwise known as the Shema (from the Hebrew word for “hear”). To shema is to hear the cry of one’s heart and be moved to respond. It goes much deeper than listening. It signifies a rich, attentive, and focused listening. In this prayer Israel is urged to heed that God is the one and only. Then, in the following verse, they’re called to respond to this truth by loving the Lord fully in heart, soul, and strength. To shema is to discern and react. Judaism takes this so seriously, in fact, that it’s customary for Jewish men and women to cover their eyes when they recite the Shema. By doing so, they’re ensuring full and utter concentration.

 

In Joshua 10, we see shema in a new light. As the Israelites battled for the Promised Land, God mightily showed His power, granting them victory time after time. Joshua boldly prayed that the sun would stand still in the sky in order for the battle to continue without ceasing. In verse 14, the Bible declared that God listened to Joshua. He heard and responded by seemingly altering the natural order of the universe in order to give Israel the victory. In this passage, God demonstrated how to shema . God’s actions exemplified what it looks like to not only hear, but to listen. Our God, Yahweh, models the life we are to live.

 

Activity 1:  STORY

 

Lead children in a Prayer of Release to pause, be still, and ask the Holy Spirit to quiet their hearts and minds.

 

Introduction to read to the children: 

 

God’s people had a new strong leader to follow into the Promised Land. Whom did God choose to be that leader? Children answer. Joshua, that’s right. When the people reached the Jordan River and couldn’t get across, what did God do? That’s right! God parted the water and they were able to walk safely through. When everyone had crossed, Joshua told the people to pile up 12 large rocks. From that time on, when anyone saw those rocks, what were they to remember? That’s right!  They’d be able to remember what God had done for His people.

 

Joshua loved God very much, and he was a very good listener. When God gave him directions, Joshua did just what God told him to do. Are you good listeners? 

 

Watch the video:

 

Activity 2:  DISCUSSION

 

When Joshua prayed, God listened very carefully. God caused the sun to stand still so the battle could last until the Israelites won. God listens to us today too.

 

I wonder … What did Joshua ask of God?

I wonder … What did the Israelites think when the sun stayed in the sky?

I wonder … How do I know God is listening to me?

 

After discussing the Wonder Questions, you’ll have the opportunity to pray with and for each of the children. 

 

God listens to all of His children! He will listen to us every time we talk to Him. Let’s close our eyes and think about God listening to our prayers, just like He listened to Joshua and kept the sun in the sky. Let’s thank God for listening to our prayers.

 

Encourage children to respond with their own words if they’d like. Then, transition into a time of prayer for personal requests.

 

Worship Songs:  

 

 

Activity 3: RESPONSE ACTIVITY:   

CD SUN CRAFT AND/OR COLOR PAGE

 

Supplies:

  • Tissue Paper Squares (orange and yellow)
  • Elmer’s Glue
  • CD
  • ribbon (optional)
  • paper plate and Q-tip (optional)

 

Directions: 

  1. Cut up the tissue paper into 1 inch squares. 
  2. Place a good amount of glue on the paper plate. 
  3. Paint a generous amount of glue onto the CD by using a Q-tip. 
  4. Then lay flat pieces of tissue paper down by overlapping them and creating the “sun rays.” Be sure to turn the tissue paper pieces sideways so that the triangle side points outward, over the edge of the CD. Be sure to cover the hole in the CD also. Completely cover the CD with tissue papers until it looks like a bright, beautiful sun!
  5. Crumble the remaining pieces of tissue paper into little balls. Grab pieces of crumpled tissue paper and glue them to the top of your tissue paper layer on the face of the CD.You could either dip the tip of the tissue paper into the glue and then stick it to the CD or paint the glue directly onto the CD using a Q-tip and then stick the tissue paper pieces onto the CD.
  6. Attach a ribbon and a suction cup to hang in a window for all to see.

  https://thekindergartenconnection.com/summer-cd-sun-craft/

 

Activity 4: CLOSING BLESSING 

 

Invite children to stand hands open in front of them, arms bent. Share that this is one way to receive blessings.

 

May God walk beside you, (child’s name),and may you know He listens to you.

May you know that God is with you always.

 

/by

Children’s Worship 10.25.20

,

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

 

God Leads the Way

Based on: Joshua 1; 3—4

 

OVERVIEW:

Activity One:  Read the intro. Watch the video.

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

Worship: Singing 

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

Activity Four:  Bless your children 

 

EQUIP:  

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

 

God is constantly at work leading His people through others. Joshua 1 opens with God abruptly recognizing Moses’ death and commanding the Israelites to cross the Jordan River. Highlighting the new leader links Joshua to the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Bible, the books of the law). There is no doubt the torch has been passed from Moses to Joshua. Throughout Exodus and Numbers, we see Joshua worked closely with Moses. In Exodus 24:13, he is referred to as Moses’ aide—his right-hand man. Moses continuously made prophetic hints toward Joshua’s future as a leader.

Prior to Numbers 13:16, Joshua was known as Hoshea, which means “salvation.” However, Moses changed his name to Yhowshuwa (Joshua), which means “Yahweh saves” in Hebrew. This is appropriate to the call God placed on the life of Joshua. He was to be a witness to God’s saving power as he led God’s people into the Promised Land, reminding them at all times to trust, obey, and follow the Lord God.

When Moses laid hands on Joshua, the transition of leadership was complete. Joshua became “filled with the spirit of wisdom” (Deuteronomy 34:9), drawing Moses’ life of leadership to a close. Joshua was prepared to follow God’s leading, and in turn model godly living for the nation of Israel.

 

Activity 1:  STORY

 

Lead children in a Prayer of Release to pause, be still, and ask the Holy Spirit to quiet their hearts and minds.

 

Introduction to read to the children: 

God’s people, the Israelites, were on a great journey. It all started in Egypt. God promised to take His people out of Egypt and to a new home where they’d be free to worship Him. To lead them out of Egypt, God had to help His people in a very special way. Do you remember what that special way was? Now, God is going to help them again in a special way. What do you think God is going to do this time?

 

Watch the video:

Activity 2:  DISCUSSION

 

Today in The Big God Story we saw how God led His people to the Promised Land. Throughout the journey God was with His people and performed many wonderful miracles. The people piled 12 large stones together as a way to remember God and tell His stories to their children.

 

I wonder … How would I feel if I saw a river split in half?

I wonder … What would I have said after entering the Promised Land?

I wonder … How does God lead me?

 

After discussing the Wonder Questions, you’ll have the opportunity to pray with and for each of the children in your group. 

 

I’m so thankful that God leads me. I want to trust in Him and follow Him. It’s such a blessing that we can praise God for who He is and bring our requests to Him in prayer.

 

Encourage children to respond with their own words if they’d like. Then, transition into a time of prayer for personal requests.

 

Worship Songs:  

 

 

Activity 3: RESPONSE ACTIVITY:    ROCK THE PAINT AND/OR COLOR PAGE

 

Needed: small smooth stones or rocks, paint, paintbrushes. markers 

 

You can do this project very simply with what you have on hand or for a more involved and permanent rock here are some suggestions.

 

How to Paint Rocks to Achieve Success

Pick smooth, flat rocks. You can decorate any rock, but it’s harder to decorate ones with ridges. If you can’t find them in nature, the craft stores sell them as do home improvement centers.

 

Wash the rocks before decorating them. You want to remove dirt so that it doesn’t mess your design. You can wash several at once with dish soap and leave in a colander to drain and dry.

 

Seal the rock before painting on it. Use a clear brush on or spray sealer. This helps so that the rocks (which are porous) don’t suck the life out of your markers. Another option: prime with white paint to help the colors that you paint on top appear more vibrant.

 

Paint your design on top and use several coats . . . let dry between layers. Use an outdoor or multi-surface paint to help them hold up to the elements.

 

Use small brushes or a stylus to make small details and/or dots.

 

Use oil based paint pens and Sharpies to write on your rocks. Just make sure to let fully dry before any writing.

 

Finish off your rocks with a coat (or two or three) of Mod Podge Outdoor. This will help protect your beautiful painted rocks from the elements.

 

(Say) Joshua used stones from the Jordan River to remind the people what God had done for them and how he led them safely across the Jordan River. God still safely leads us today when we trust in HIm.  Let’s paint our stones with colors, words, or pictures that remind us about what God has done for us. 

 

If children cannot think of anything, suggest that they paint the words “God Leads”.  Some other things they might want to paint: rainbow, cross, flower, church, river with dry ground, etc..

Activity 4: CLOSING BLESSING 

 

Exodus 15:13 says, “In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling.”

 

Explain that we can bless each other by speaking the following words:

 

May you trust that God will lead you and guide you with His unfailing love and amazing strength all of your life.

 

/by

Children’s Worship 10.11.20

,

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

God’s Care is Wonderful  

Based on Exodus 16

OVERVIEW:

Activity One:  Read the intro. Watch the video.

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

Worship: Singing 

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

Activity Four:  Bless your children 

 

EQUIP:  

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

 

Early into their journey out of Egypt, the Israelites were learning just how wonderful God’s care can be. But after only a month or so, they became disgruntled and began murmuring again against Moses and Aaron. Seemingly the people forgot the bondage, beatings, and misery of their forced labor as slaves. But God heard the complaints of His people. In His grace and mercy, each day the Lord sent nutritional provision. Psalm 78 tells us God opened the doors of the heavens and rained down grain—men ate the bread of angels (verses 23–25)! The word manna comes from the question the people asked that first morning, “What is it?” (in Hebrew, man-hu ). The manna came with the dew each morning and resembled a hearty seed.

The way in which the Lord provided the manna was a wonder-filled miracle. It was especially nutritious and was able to sustain an adult for an entire day’s journey. Manna, along with quail, was to be their food for the next 40 years, until the new generation entered the Promised Land. God gave clear instructions that the Israelites were to gather manna daily, but only as much as each person in the family could eat; no more, no less. His people were to wake up early, before the desert sun would melt the manna, and only gather enough for the day. On the sixth day, the people were instructed to gather twice as much in order to prepare for the Sabbath. Additionally, God instructed His people to place a jar of manna in the ark of the covenant to serve as a reminder of His wonderful provision.

God cares for me. He is my provider. He is my healer.

Take a moment to read through each of the above statements once more. Pause at the end of each sentence. How have you experienced God working in your life in relation to these statements? Do you need to be reminded of His provision and care for you? Is there an area of your life that needs His healing? Ask God to reveal more of Himself to you. Allow yourself to respond freely to Him in whatever posture of worship His Spirit directs.

 

Activity 1:  STORY

 

Lead children in a Prayer of Release to pause, be still, and ask the Holy Spirit to quiet their hearts and minds.

 

Introduction to read to the children: 

This part of The Big God Story begins right after the Israelites left slavery in Egypt. God parted the Red Sea (bring palms together and then spread them apart), and they walked right across and started their journey to the new land God promised would be their home. (Place left palm out flat, and with right hand, use two fingers to make walking motion across left palm.) Give children a minute to follow movements. God’s care for His people is wonderful!

Let’s learn about another way God showed His care for His people in today’s story.

 

Watch the video:

 

Activity 2:  DISCUSSION

 

Today in The Big God Story you heard about the wonderful way God provided food for His people. He took care of them by sending manna from heaven. God’s care for His people is always wonderful!

 

I wonder … What would I think if food fell from the sky?

I wonder … What did the manna look and smell like each morning?

I wonder … When was a time God cared for me?

 

After discussing the Wonder Questions, you’ll have the opportunity to pray with and for each of the children in your group. 

 

God is with us every day, and He never gets tired of caring for us in wonderful ways. Even when we complain or make the wrong choice, God is there, loving us and caring for us. I’m so thankful that God cares for me in wonderful ways. I’ll start our time of praise by telling God thank You for all the ways He cares for me. “Dear God, You’re wonderful! Thank You for caring for me in wonderful ways!” What would you like to praise God for right now? Encourage children to respond with their own words. Then, transition into a time of prayer for personal requests.

 

Worship Songs:

 

 

Activity 3: RESPONSE ACTIVITY    

 

Experience #1

Supplies:

Paper strips for a paper chain, 2-3 per child

Writing or drawing utensils

Tape

 

God cared for His people in a wonderful way. He caused food to fall from the sky so they’d have enough to eat while they continued their journey to the place God promised would be their new home.

 

What are wonderful ways God cares for you? When you wake up in the morning, how does God care for you? When you play and eat and learn during the day, how is God caring for you? Who are the people God has placed in your life that care for you? Who did God promise to send to care for us? God knows what you need, and He’s able to take care of your needs in wonderful ways. Use some of their ideas from the prayer time after the Wonder Questions, also.

 

Explain that children can take strips of paper and draw about a way or ways God cares for them. As they work, share a story about how God has cared for you. Consider sharing an example that helps the kids see that God’s care can come in miraculous and ordinary ways. Both circumstances are wonderful.

 

When children are finished drawing on the strips, begin to tape them together to form a paper chain. Ask anyone who is willing to share about his link(s) and how God has cared for him. When your chain is complete, hang it for everyone to see.

Experience #2

Supplies:

Enlarge and print the image below

Crayons or markers

Glue stick

Oyster Crackers or Cheerios or another whitish cereal

 
Directions: Color picture. With a glue stick paste the “manna” on the ground and in the basket.

 

God was so good to take care of the Israelites as they traveled through the desert. God sent manna for the people to gather and eat each day. God cares for us each day, too.

Activity 4: CLOSING BLESSING 

 

Kids, God is wonderful today and always, and He cares for us in wonderful ways.

 

Lead children in several rounds of the following call-and-response.

 

Leader: God is wonderful …

Children: today and always!

Leader: God always cares for us …

Children: in wonderful ways!

 

End by speaking the following Scripture and prayer over the group. Invite children to cup their hands and hold them out as if they’re receiving something. 

 

The Bible tells us, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” (James 1:17).

 

May you know that God your Father loves you and will care for you in ways that are more wonderful than you can even imagine!

 

/by

Children’s Worship 10.04.20

,

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

God Saves: God Is the One True God

OVERVIEW:

Activity One:  Read the intro. Watch the video.

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

Worship: Singing 

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

Activity Four:  Bless your children 

 

EQUIP:  

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

 

Undoubtedly the mighty hand of the one true God was demonstrated in contrast to the powerlessness of the Egyptian false gods. Prior to the Passover, God declared, “I will bring judgment on all the gods of Egypt. I am the Lord” (Exodus 12:12b). Many scholars believe the plagues were directly attacking the ancient Egyptian gods. (We have provided a Plagues and the Egyptian God’s Sheet demonstrating this correlation.)

Plagues and the Egyptian Gods Comparison Chart

In the Bible, even the number of plagues was significant. To the Israelites, the number 10 represented wholeness and completion. For instance, the Ten Commandments are the complete, divine perfection of the Law. By sending 10 plagues, God was stating the Egyptians were completely plagued and completely judged. He was demonstrating His total power as the one true God.

After being set free from slavery, the Israelites celebrated and worshipped the power of the one true God. From this point forward in history, Israel set aside time each year to remember the Passover. At every annual celebration, the people retold how God rescued them. They knew that a crucial part of maintaining faith was remembering the ways God had guided them.

 

Activity 1:  STORY

Lead children in a Prayer of Release to pause, be still, and ask the Holy Spirit to quiet their hearts and minds.

Introduction to read to the children: 

God knew how sad His people, the Israelites, were back in Egypt. Pharaoh was mean to God’s people. God told Moses He had a plan to free the Israelites from Pharaoh and give them land of their own. God wanted Moses and his brother, Aaron, to go talk to Pharaoh. God promised Moses He would be with them and help them with the right words. God told Moses that He would show Pharaoh and all the people miracles and wonders so everyone would know He is the one true God! God saved them. Everyone started to celebrate by singing and dancing. They worshipped the one true God—the very same God we worship too. He is the one true God!

 

Watch the video:

 

Activity 2:  DISCUSSION

In this part of The Big God Story, we heard how God showed that He is the one true God through sending the plagues on Egypt and by parting the Red Sea to get His people safely to the other side.

I wonder … What was it like to have to leave Egypt quickly?

I wonder … What would I have said if I had been able to walk through the Red Sea?

I wonder … How do I know God is the one true God?

 

Worship Songs:

 

 

Activity 3: RESPONSE ACTIVITY    

When the Isrealites safely made it across the Red Sea they took time to worship God.with musical instruments. Let’s make one and use it to worship God when we sing our worship songs!                                                                                 

Rainstick Craft  – click picture for link to instructions

 Create music like Miriam and the Israelites did when God led them safely through the Red Sea.

Here is another musical instrument craft you may enjoy:

Guitar Craft  – click picture for link to instructions

 

Activity 4: CLOSING BLESSING 

Children, in today’s part of The Big God Story, we saw how our God saved the children of Israel just as He promised. Share the following verse from Psalm 68:20a: “Our God is a God who saves.”

Pray a communal blessing over the children. Encourage children to stand with their hands out, palms up, as a posture of being ready to receive.

May you feel the endless love of the one true God today, tomorrow, and always.

 

/by

Children’s Worship 09.27.20

,

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

God Saves: Moses Becomes the Leader of God’s People

OVERVIEW:

Activity One:  Read the intro. Watch the video.

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

Worship: Singing 

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

Activity Four:  Bless your children 

 

EQUIP:  

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

 

Exodus chapter 3 is a very significant point of transition. It begins with the revelation of God to Moses from the midst of the burning bush. It develops with the commissioning of Moses to go back to Egypt and the Pharaoh and to deliver God’s people from their oppression and bondage. It ends with the beginnings of Moses’ reticence and resistance toward the task which God has given him.

In this message we will focus on the revelation of God to Moses, which, I believe, is the basis for all that is to follow. It is the basis for Moses’ obedience, as well as for the entire nation. It is also the basis for all of God’s actions with regard to Egypt and to His people. In many ways, this chapter is more than just the account of a life-changing incident in the life of one man; however, it is a crucial turning point in the history of the nation Israel. The burning bush marks the beginning of God’s direct intervention into the affairs of history. It is the basis for the call of Moses to return to Egypt as Israel’s deliverer. It is the beginning of the end of Egyptian oppression.

 

The burning bush made not only a profound impact upon Moses and the nation Israel, but it also continued to serve as one of those key events in history—the significance of which was not lost on Israel in the generations which followed. This passage of Scripture is one that must have been well known to the Jews of Jesus’ day. The account of the “burning bush” was so central to the thinking of the gospel writers, Mark and Luke, that they (perhaps like most men in their day) came to call this section of Scripture “the bush” portion (Mark 12:26; Luke 20:37).

incident of the burning bush is critical to our understanding of God.

Activity 1:  STORY

 

Lead children in a Prayer of Release to pause, be still, and ask the Holy Spirit to quiet their hearts and minds.

 

When Moses was a baby, God saved him from the pharaoh’s evil rule that all Israelite baby boys must die. When Moses was a grown-up, he became a shepherd. Who knows what a shepherd does? You’re right! A shepherd takes care of animals. A shepherd uses a staff to care for and guide animals. Do you know what a staff looks like?

 

Now you can watch the video that tells the story of what happened to Moses when he was a grown-up and how God chose Moses to be the leader of His people.

 

Activity 2:  DISCUSSION

 

Today in The Big God Story we saw how God talked to Moses and chose him to go to Pharaoh..Moses wasn’t eager or happy to be used by God, but He learned to trust God and obey Him. God used Moses and kept His promise to save His people. He will save us too!

 

  1. I wonder … How did God talk to Moses?
  2. I wonder … How did Moses feel when God talked to him? What were some excuses he gave to God?
  3. I wonder … When are some times that I don’t want to do what God wants me to do?

 

Songs:

 

 

Activity 3: RESPONSE ACTIVITY 

 

Easy Burning Bush Craft

 

Supplies:

  •     Construction paper
  •     Markers
  •     Glue stick

If you are looking for a SUPER simple craft for Moses’ encounter with God talking to him through the burning bush, here is one that Morgan and I made a few weeks ago when we were talking about this story. 

If you have smaller kids you will need to draw the bush (without the leaves and fire). If your child is older, let them draw it.

I also put a title at the top, and drew Moses’ sandals that he took off because he was on “holy ground.”

Now, find you some green, yellow, orange and red construction paper. You can let your child tear or cut out small pieces of all four colors and then glue them on.

I included the green paper to show that even though the bush was on fire it was not burning down, but was still intact.

This is a great visual to keep on the fridge to remind your kids about the story and ask them questions about it to review. 

From  simplybaggett.wordpress.com

 

Activity 4: CLOSING BLESSING 

Children, in today’s part of The Big God Story, we saw how our God chose Moses and turned him into the leader to save God’s people from King Pharaoh. God’s Word promises us that God has the power to save. Share the following verse from Psalm 68:20a: “Our God is a God who saves.”

Let’s pray those words as a blessing over each other this week. Invite kids to stand in a line and take turns passing the blessing down the line. Ask each child to place a hand on the next one’s shoulder as she speaks the words, “May you know our God is a God who saves” over him. 

When everyone has had an opportunity to participate, pray a communal blessing over the group. Encourage children to stand with their hands out, palms up, as a posture of being ready to receive.

May you know God cares for every part of your life. He will save you. 

 

/by

Children’s Worship 09.20.20

,

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

God Saves: Baby Moses Is Protected

OVERVIEW:

Activity One:  Read the intro. Watch the video.

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

Worship: Singing

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

Activity Four:  Bless your children 

 

EQUIP:  

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

To be sure, our God saved Abraham and blessed him with many descendants. God kept His covenant with Abraham. The book of Exodus opens by listing the sons of Jacob (Israel) who brought their families to Egypt to escape the famine in Canaan. It’s possible that in Egypt they were doubling their population about every 25 years. This is the same rate of growth we are currently experiencing worldwide.

This population explosion amongst the Israelites concerned the pharaoh. His fear led him to devise a plan to enslave the people and destroy newborn Hebrew boys. Two Hebrew midwives outsmarted the pharaoh. They told him the Hebrew women were just too strong and were able to deliver the babies before they could arrive. When Pharaoh realized he’d been deceived and his attempts had failed, he ordered his people to act as spies and cast any male babies into the Nile River. (Some commentators have suggested this order applied specifically to male babies of the Israelites.)

In the midst of it all, a son was born into the tribe of Levi. Trusting in God, the child’s parents defied Pharaoh’s edict and hid their son for three months. Ironically, it was Pharaoh’s daughter who rescued the baby and named him Moses. God then used Moses’ sister to help the princess arrange for a nurse, the child’s own mother, to care for him. The child was able to grow up in the home of his parents during his early years, receiving the strong inculcating of Hebrew traditions. Moses’ foundation of faith was received at his parents’ knees. Jewish mothers would, from the time a baby was first cradled in their arms, begin to whisper in their ears, “Jehovah is God.” 

God is a God of salvation. He delivered Moses and set a course for him to deliver a nation. It is through this nation (specifically, the tribe of Judah) that salvation came to the world through Jesus Christ. Our God saves! 

 

Activity 1:  STORY

 

Lead children in a Prayer of Release to pause, be still, and ask the Holy Spirit to quiet their hearts and minds.

 

Hi, friends! God is kind, gracious, and merciful. He is our Savior! Do you know what that word means—savior? It means that God saves us. When sin first came into the world, God promised to send a Savior. God keeps all His promises.

 

That reminds me of our Remember Verse from God’s Word. Let’s read it together. Our verse says, “The LORD is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does” (Psalm 145:13b). That means He is always good and will do what He says in His Word He will do. That’s comforting, isn’t it?

 

Now you can watch the video that tells the story of what happened to Moses when he was a baby, and how God saved him!

 

 

Activity 2:  DISCUSSION

 

Today in The Big God Story we saw how God saved Moses from the pharaoh’s plans. Moses’ mother placed him in a basket on the river, not knowing exactly where he would go, but trusting God to save him. God saved Moses and kept His promise to save His people. He will save us too!

 

  1. I wonder … How did Moses’ mother feel when she put baby Moses in the basket?
  2. I wonder … How did Moses’ mother feel when she was later called upon to care for her baby?
  3. I wonder … When are some times that I’m scared and need God’s help?

Song:

 

 

Activity 3: RESPONSE ACTIVITY 

Woven Prayers

Moses’ mother wove a basket of reeds to save her son from Pharaoh. Today, children will weave construction paper strips into poster board as they respond to the ways God has saved them.

SUPPLIES

  •       Poster board 
  •       Pencil 
  •       Ruler
  •       Construction paper (1 sheet for every 10 children)
  •       Scissors 
  •       Markers
  •       Optional: glue sticks, worship music (suggestion: “I May Be Small,” TruWorship Sincerely Yours)

PREPARE AHEAD

Cut the construction paper lengthwise into strips one inch wide and eight inches long. Use a pencil and ruler to mark parallel straight lines every three inches across the poster board. Then, saving a two-inch-wide border around the poster board, cut on the lines. Children will weave strips of construction paper through the slits in the poster board. 

RELATE

Invite children to dance away any extra energy before sitting down. When Moses was in danger, God helped his mother weave a special basket out of grasses and put him in it to keep him safe. Our God is able to rescue and save us. When was a time that you needed God to help you because you were scared? Invite responses.

Give each child a strip of colored construction paper. Invite children to take a moment to sit silently and pray. They might want to ask God for help this week or thank Him for His power in their life. Let children know they can draw an expression of thanks on their strip of paper or simply write their name. You may want to play some soft worship music in the background during this time.

After children have an opportunity to pray, invite them to take turns weaving their construction paper strips into the poster board slits. You may want to use glue sticks to secure the paper strips to the poster board. When we look at this poster board, we can remember that God is so good! Even when we’re afraid, unsure, or scared, we can remember that our God saves. 

(Optional) Nile River

God saved Moses when Moses’ basket boat was on the Nile River. In this fun game, children will work together to emulate the movements of the Nile River using a parachute or large bedsheet.

SUPPLIES

  •       Parachute or bedsheet (large)

RELATE

When Moses’ mother placed him among the reeds or tall grasses in the river, she didn’t know what might happen to him. At any time, he could’ve been swept away by fast-moving water or caught in the tall grasses along the edge. In the end, Moses stopped in the reeds.

Let’s play a game where we use a parachute to show how the Nile River flows. Pull out the parachute and have children gather around the edge; spread out as much as possible. Now, imagine that this parachute is like the basket where Moses was placed. I’ll call out different ways the water is moving such as, “The water is peacefully moving slowly” or “Beware of fast waters.” When I want you to freeze I’ll say, “The basket is caught in the reeds!” Continue playing until your group makes a variety of motions with the parachute.

 

Activity 4: CLOSING BLESSING 

 

Children, in today’s part of The Big God Story, we saw how our God saves in situations that seem scary or impossible. God’s Word promises us that God has the power to save. Share the following verse from Psalm 68:20a: “Our God is a God who saves.”

Let’s pray those words as a blessing over each other this week. Invite kids to stand in a line and take turns passing the blessing down the line. Ask each child to place a hand on the next one’s shoulder as she speaks the words, “May you know our God is a God who saves” over him. 

When everyone has had an opportunity to participate, pray a communal blessing over the group. Encourage children to stand with their hands out, palms up, as a posture of being ready to receive.

May you know God cares for every part of your life. He will save you. 

 

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Children’s Worship 09.13.20

,

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

GOD IS WITH US: The Story of Joseph & His Brothers

OVERVIEW:

Activity One:  Read the intro. Watch the video.

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

Worship: Singing

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

Activity Four:  Bless your children 

 

EQUIP:  

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

Through the life of Joseph and his myriad struggles, we can learn about God being with us and working through us. So much so, biblical scholars make a case for Joseph being an Old Testament antetype of Jesus Christ. Both were obedient sons who were beloved by their fathers. Joseph was rejected and sold into slavery by his brothers. Similarly, the Jewish community rejected Jesus and the message He brought. Both were falsely accused and unjustly punished. Yet in the end, both were elevated to a place of powerful position and saved their people from death.  

God went before Joseph, preparing the way for the restoration of His people. At this time in God’s grand narrative, His chosen people in Jacob’s family were the faith community. As a result of sin within the family, pain and brokenness permeated it. For Joseph, his father, and his brothers, God used a devastating famine to bring healing and restoration of relationships. 

The sin and brokenness within Joseph’s family is present throughout all of humanity. But God Himself is with us. He has made a way for all who would receive Him to be adopted into His family. In God’s family we’re part of a faith community that stretches beyond our own lifetime, into eternity past and present. 

 

Activity 1:  STORY

 

Lead children in a Prayer of Release to pause, be still, and ask the Holy Spirit to quiet their hearts and minds.

 

Joseph started his life as his father’s favorite child. Life looked good until his brothers sold him

to some travelers who were on their way to Egypt. Once he was in Egypt, Joseph found himself working as a slave to an Egyptian man, and then in jail for something he didn’t do. But God was with him. One day, Joseph was brought before the king of Egypt— the pharaoh— to help him understand his dreams. God showed Joseph what the dreams meant, and Joseph told the pharaoh. Because of this, Pharaoh made Joseph the second-in-command over all of Egypt! No matter what happened in Joseph’s life, God was with him.

 

Story Song: 

Activity 2:  DISCUSSION

The following passages have been provided for you to model to your children how to look for truth in Scripture. Some verses may be engaging for your children while others may simply aid in your preparation to lead this time of discussion. Alternatively you can watch the longer video and ask questions after that.

 

  1. Read Genesis 37:26–34. After Joseph’s brothers sold him to the travelers, what did they tell their father had happened to him? (They tore his coat and put goat blood on it. The brothers said they found the robe and let their father think a wild animal had killed Joseph.)
  2. Read Genesis 39:3. How did Potiphar (Joseph’s boss) see that the Lord was with Joseph? (The Lord made Joseph successful in everything he did. Everything Joseph did turned out well.)
  3. Read Genesis 41:15–16. What was one of the ways Joseph knew that God was with him? (He knew God would help him tell Pharaoh the meaning of the dreams.)
  4. Read Genesis 46:1–4. How did God show Jacob (Joseph’s father) and his family that He was with them? (God spoke to Jacob and told him not to be afraid to go to Egypt.)
  5. I wonder … How does it feel to know that God is with me?

 

Below is a link to an animated video (approx 26 minutes long) from The Beginners Bible.

 

 

Worship Songs (from movie Joseph the Dreamer):

 

Activity 3: RESPONSE ACTIVITY 

Today we heard about many ways God was with Joseph. In good times and bad, God was always there. We know God is with us too. Parent: Share a time when you experienced God being with you. Ask Children: Would anyone like to tell us about a time when you knew God was with you? Or maybe you’re having a hard time right now. We can pray that you’ll know God is with you. It’s okay if you don’t want to share out loud. You can talk to God in your heart too. Tell Him how you feel to know He is always with you. Give children a minute to think and then allow them to share their thoughts and experiences. After a child has shared or had a moment to quietly respond, stop and pray for any requests or worries mentioned. 

 

Invite children to draw a picture of their family and write the words “God Is With Us” on top of the page. Then write each person’s name near their picture.

 

Friends, I’m glad to hear about all the times you knew God was with you. One of the great things about coming together as a community like we do here is that we can share stories and remind each other of things that are true—like God is with us. Now we have a picture to remind us that God is with us, and we have each other.

 

Activity 4: CLOSING BLESSING 

 

Friends, God loves us so much that He sent His Son, Jesus, into the world to be with us. Jesus is called Immanuel, which means “God is with us.” Because of Jesus, we know God isn’t far away; He is here, with us. Always. You’re not alone. One at a time, speak the following words over each child: 

 

(Child’s name), God is with you today and always.

 

End your time by speaking a Scripture and prayer over your family. Invite children to cup their hands and hold them out as if they’re receiving something valuable. Read the following words from John 1:14:

 

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

 

Dear ones, may you know today, tomorrow, and always that God is with you!

 

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Children’s Worship 09.06.20

,

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

GOD KEEPS HIS PROMISES

OVERVIEW:

Activity One:  Read the intro. Watch the video.

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

Worship: Singing

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

Activity Four:  Bless your children 

 

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

The LORD had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” (Genesis 12:1–3)

Out of the land of Ur and the worship of false gods, the Lord God called Abraham into relationship with Himself. His purpose was to establish a holy nation for the holy God. This would be a nation of people whose hearts and lives were committed to the Lord. The people were to live in such a way that the nations would know the God of Abraham was the one true God—the holy God.

Qadowsh is the transcribed Hebrew of the word “holy.” To be holy is to be set apart—removed from anything that acts as a contaminant. To be holy is to be pure and without blemish. Sacred. The very core of God is holiness. To know God is to first know He is holy. The complete and total “otherness” of God does not allow for comparison to anything or anyone else. The call to holiness was to be the distinctive of His people.

God promised Abraham, “I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore” (Genesis 22:17a). Salvation would come to the world through this chosen family. Jesus Christ is the Promised One who would redeem and restore mankind to God. The descendants of Abraham would stretch far beyond his human genealogy. All who call Jesus Lord and Savior have been adopted into this family through grace.

 

Activity 1:  STORY

 

Lead children in a Prayer of Release to pause, be still, and ask the Holy Spirit to quiet their hearts and minds.

 

Intro to video: (read to children) In the Big God’s story today we learn that God promised Abraham that his family would grow big and important. God said Abraham’s family would be so big it would be like trying to count all the stars in the sky. Have you ever tried to count the real stars in the sky? There are so many we could never even count them all! God also promised Abraham that someone special would come from his family and that someone special was Jesus! But Abraham had a problem. How could this happen? It didn’t seem possible! He was too old to have children!  Let’s listen and find out if God kept His promise!

 

Watch video.

Activity 2: DISCUSSION

In The Big God Story, we heard how God promised Abraham He would give him such a big family that he wouldn’t be able to count them just like he couldn’t count the stars. God kept His promise! God has a great big family too, and He promises that anyone who believes in Jesus can be a part of that family.

 

I wonder … What was it like for Abraham when God spoke to him?

I wonder … What do I like about being part of God’s big family?

I wonder … Who is the special person God promised would come from Abraham’s family?

 

After discussing the Wonder Questions, take a moment to pray with your group:

 

Dear God, thank you for keeping your promises to Abraham. Thank you for sending Jesus to save us from our sins and then to make us part of God’s family.

 

These questions can easily extend into the rest of the week. Look for opportunities to bring conversations about how God Responds into your everyday life as a family.

Worship Songs:

 

Activity 3: RESPONSE ACTIVITY 

Make a 3-D star wreath.

Needed: colorful paper, 10 inch piece of cardboard, scissors, glue gun, ruler, scissors

 

Using your scissors/cutting tool/machine, cut out 12 {5″} stars. The number of stars you will need can vary, but for a 10″ wreath, 12 stars is a nice amount to start with. You can layer it more or less from there.

 

Score your star 5 times. Once for each point. Start at the point and score directly across to the center between the two bottom points. Rotate star and score again until each point has been scored.

Fold each scored line and crease firmly.

There is your 3-D star! Now finish up the rest of them and you’ll be ready to assemble your paper wreath.

Cut out a 10″ ring for your wreath base using thin cardboard.

Hot glue the stars to the ring and each other. Since they stick out, you can’t glue them flat, so just apply a small amount of glue to the points where the stars overlap each other. Don’t skimp on the glue.

Attach a ribbon for hanging.

Activity 4: CLOSING BLESSING 

Bless the children together with the following words:

May you be filled with joy today and every day as you share God’s promise with others.

 

/by

Children’s Worship 08.30.20

,

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

GOD MADE A PROMISE

OVERVIEW:

Activity One:  Read the intro. Watch the video. Read the conclusion.

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

Worship: Singing

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

Activity Four:  Bless your children 

 

EQUIP:  

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

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of mankind. (John 1:1–4)

 

The Lord God is the Creator of all things and gives life to all things. He created mankind to be in perfect relationship with Himself for all eternity. When sin entered the world, the harmony of the relationship man shared with God broke. But He didn’t leave us alone. In the moment we sinned, the Lord put in place a plan to restore and heal what had been lost. The great I AM humbled Himself, took on human form, and died the death of sacrifice. He completely redeemed us—bought us back—from death so our relationship with Him could be restored once and for all—for eternity. “For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen” (Romans 11:36).

 

Activity 1:  STORY

 

Lead children in a Prayer of Release to pause, be still, and ask the Holy Spirit to quiet their hearts and minds.

 

Intro to video: (to read to the children)

God made the whole world and everything in it. Can you name some of the things God made? What was the best part of His world? Yes, the people, Adam and Eve. After God created everything Adam and Eve obeyed God and talked with Him everyday. But one day something happened to change all that. Today we learn what happened in the garden where Adam and Eve lived and about God’s love and how He keeps His promises.

 

Watch video.

 

 

Conclusion:  (read to child/children) 

Is this the end of the story? No, it’s just the beginning. The Big God Story is all about God and His plan to save us from sin. Because Adam and Eve sinned, sin came into the whole world and the Bible says we all have sinned. 


But because God loves us so much, He made a promise to send a Savior who would rescue us from sin. That’s good news! Who is the promised Savior? Yes, Jesus! He is the One God promised to send. God made a promise. And because of that promise, we can be with God forever! 

 

Activity 2:  DISCUSSION

I wonder … What did the garden look like?

I wonder … How Adam and Eve felt after they disobeyed God? 

I wonder … How did Adam and Eve feel when they heard the promise God made?

 

After discussing the Wonder Questions, take a moment to pray with your group:

 

Dear God, thank you for making our world and everything in it, the sun, the clouds, the animals, and the fish in the ocean and for making us, your people. Thank you for making a very important promise that a Savior, Jesus, would come one day to take away all our sins. 

 

These questions can easily extend into the rest of the week. Look for opportunities to bring conversations about how God Responds into your everyday life as a family.

Worship Songs:

Activity 3:  RESPONSE ACTIVITY 

When Adam and Eve disobeyed God, they had to leave Eden. But before they went away, God made a promise. We know that when God makes a promise He keeps it, no matter what. We can trust Him to do what He says He will do. God promised that the Savior would come to rescue us from sin. That Savior is Jesus. Let’s make a picture to remind us that God kept His promise.

SALT PAINTING

Supplies: 

A black piece of construction paper or cardstock.

White glue

Salt

Watercolor paints

Paint brush

 

Instructions:

Start by “drawing” your picture on your black paper with the white glue. (Keep this to simple outlines. It doesn’t work well when you fill big chunks of the paper in with glue.) Next, sprinkle salt all over the glue.

Then pour off the excess salt. You do not have to wait for the glue to dry before painting.

The reason why you want to use black paper is so if any of the paint gets somewhere that’s not the salt, you don’t see it. Encourage the children to just touch their paintbrushes to the salt and let it spread. You have to be gentle so as not to disturb the wet glue under the salt. These do not last forever so after a few days you may have to gently remove them from the house. 

Activity 4: CLOSING BLESSING 

 

As you finish, pray a final prayer of blessing over the children:

May you know that God made a promise to send us Jesus.

May you remember that God is mighty. May you always trust His promises.

 

/by

Children’s Worship 08-23-20

,

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

JESUS IS PREPARING A PLACE IN HEAVEN

OVERVIEW:

Activity One: Do the introduction with your child(ren).  Go over the lesson together, reading and looking at the pictures of heaven provided..(Just a note: the story at the end of the lesson is a continued story and not meant to be part of this lesson.)

Activity Two: Discuss the story using provided questions as prompts

Worship: Singing

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

Activity Four:  Bless your children 

 

EQUIP:  

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

In John 14, Jesus comforts His disciples after they learn of His impending death and departure. He assures them of the promise He is making and likens it to the workings of the ancient Jewish wedding ceremony to explain why He is leaving and how He will return. He says, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am” (John 14:1–3).

 

Jesus often uses the metaphor of a bridegroom and his bride as a way to describe the relationship between Himself and the church. In ancient Jewish traditions, when a man was to be married, his father would choose the bride for his son. If she accepted the proposal, the bridegroom would then begin to prepare a place for her in his father’s house, where he would bring his bride to dwell with him. The betrothed woman would wait with the oil of her lamp burning as a symbol to her groom that she was faithfully waiting for his return. Once the father of the bridegroom saw that all his son’s preparations were completed, he would send the groom after his bride for the completion of the wedding ceremony.

 

Today, Christ Jesus is preparing a place for us to dwell with Him in His Father’s house. We too must wait faithfully, knowing He will return and bring us to Himself, where we will live with Him for all eternity.

 

Activity 1: STORY

 

Intro:

When Jesus went back into heaven the disciples were sad, their Friend was leaving. But Jesus was going back to heaven where He lived before He was born as a baby. He was going to get a place ready in heaven for the disciples and for us. Do you ever wonder what heaven will be like? It’s hard to imagine what forever is like, and it’s hard to imagine a perfect, beautiful place like heaven. Jesus loves us so much that He left heaven and came into our world to die in our place so we can be with Him forever in heaven. Isn’t that amazing?  Today we are going to find out a little bit about what the Bible says about heaven. 

 

Lead children in a Prayer of Release to pause, be still, and ask the Holy Spirit to quiet their hearts and minds.

 

Read the following lesson with your children:

 

http://ubdavid.org/kids-world/best-friends1/best-friends1_1.html

 

Activity 2: DISCUSSION

 

Even though Jesus’ disciples were sad to hear He must leave them, Jesus promised He would be preparing a place for them to be with Him forever. This is wonderful news! Jesus is preparing a place for us too!

I wonder … What kinds of things will not be in heaven?

I wonder … What might my favorite thing about heaven be?

I wonder … What is Jesus doing right now?

I wonder … Whom can I tell about heaven?

 

After discussing the Wonder Questions, take a moment to pray with your group. 

 Dear Jesus, thank you that you are preparing a place for us in heaven, and thank You that You are also preparing our own hearts right now. As we learn to trust God more and more, and let His Holy Spirit work in our lives, we’ll change from the inside out. We can become more like Jesus and live lives that honor God and show other people God’s love.

These questions can easily extend into the rest of the week. Look for opportunities to bring conversations about how God Responds into your everyday life as a family.

Worship Songs:

Activity 3: RESPONSE 

 

Give each child a blank piece of paper or cardstock. Provide markers, crayons, stickers, baubles, jewels, anything that sparkles and anything you can think of to decorate a picture of heaven. Read the description below and let the children draw their version of heaven.. 

 

Read the following: 

God’s Word, the Bible, is full of promises. One of God’s greatest promises is heaven. The Bible says that no one has ever imagined what God has prepared for those who love him (1 Corinthians 2:9). That means none of us can truly imagine what heaven will look like. We can imagine it and read about it in God’s Word, but until we get there, we will not understand how wonderful it will be. 

 

In the Bible, John describes a vision he had of heaven. He says that heaven was shining with the glory of God. It had a high wall with 12 gates. There was an angel at each gate. The wall was made of jasper, a beautiful stone. The city was made of pure gold. The walls of heaven had every kind of jewel in them: jasper, sapphire, emerald, onyx, topaz, amethyst, and many more. And the gates were made of pearls. The streets of heaven were made of gold. There was no sun or moon to light heaven because the glory of God is the light. In the city was a beautiful river. The river shines like crystal and flows down the middle of the street. The tree of life is on each side of the river. It grows fruit 12 times a year and its leaves have healing power. (from Revelation 21:9–22:2) Wow! Can you even imagine a city like this? How beautiful it must be with all of those jewels sparkling in the light of God’s glory. It must be the brightest, most colorful place ever. And guess what? God has made it for us! What a wonderful promise that we can live in a city like that with all the people we love if we choose to give our lives to Jesus. 

 

Activity 4: CLOSING BLESSING 

 

As you finish, pray a final prayer of blessing over the children:

May you always remember that Jesus is preparing a place for you to be with Him forever.

 

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