Children’s Worship 5.3.20

,

Dear Parents,

Thanks for joining us again as we do Children’s Worship from home!  Today we’ll learn about how Jesus cared for his disciples in a storm and that he cares for us the same way. We, too, and our children are called to be his helpers and live as Jesus taught, to share the gospel and to be part of his great plan. Let’s learn together.

OVERVIEW:

 

Activity One: Watch the video

Activity Two: Discuss the story using provided questions as prompts

Worship

Activity Three:  Respond to the story by doing an art or serve project. Pray together.

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.)

Who is He? Scripture tells us He was seen as a rabbi, a man well trained in Jewish law, ritual, and tradition. He entered the synagogue with great authority. His teachings and healing challenged the Pharisees’ understanding of both the law and God Himself. But “Rabbi” could not encompass all that He is (see Mark 1:22 and 2:23—3:6).

Authority, power, and mastery—Jesus is rightfully referred to as Lord. It seems so clear in hindsight, but it wasn’t until a stormy night that the disciples began to see an even better picture of who He is. Panic and complete fear struck as storm waves broke over the sides of their boat. Convinced that death was imminent, the disciples woke Jesus. “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” (Mark 4:38). Accusation filled their tone. Their lack of understanding of His identity was exposed. In that moment, they merely saw Him as a man susceptible to death.

A perfect storm. There was such beautiful harmony between the rage of the storm and the power in His rebuke. Jesus pushed back and quieted the storm with His words: “Quiet! Be still!” He commanded nature with authority as if creation knew His voice. And the waters obeyed.

Being eyewitnesses to incredible wonders in the form of miracles, healing, and spiritual cleansing, who did the disciples say He was? We don’t know if in this moment they completely understood that Jesus was revealing Himself as God. However, He did leave them asking a question that was sure to be answered: “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey Him!” (Mark 4:41). Jesus used the elements to help us understand His deity. Jesus is God.

Activity 1: STORY

Watch the video below.

Activity 2: DISCUSSION

Today in The Big God Story, we heard about a terrible storm the disciples were caught in with their boat. They became afraid and asked Jesus why He wasn’t afraid too. Jesus calmed the storm and waves by using His voice, because He is God.

I wonder … How would it feel to be on a boat in the middle of a storm?

I wonder … What would I have thought if I had watched Jesus speak to the storm?

I wonder … What other amazing things can Jesus do?

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

Worship Songs:

“He’s Got the Whole World In His Hands” (not the super traditional one, but we were looking for one with “the wind and the rains” lyric- feel free to just sing it, but include that verse!)

He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands

I Will Make You Fishers of Men

 

Activity 3: RESPONSE ACTIVITY 

“God Can” Creations

Supplies

  • Blue Cardstock/Construction Paper 
  • White cardstock/piece of cardboard
  • Crayons or Markers
  • Scissors
  • Tape
  • Yarn 
  • Optional: cotton balls, blue glitter, glue

 

As they respond to today’s part of The Big God Story and the truth that Jesus is God, children will create a mobile with wave and raindrop shapes.

Prepare Ahead

Cut the white cardstock/cardboard into a cloud shape. You might also add cotton balls to your cloud shape. Tape yarn lengths along the bottom. Cut out rain drop shapes (but don’t tape down yet).

Relate

I have a shape here that may remind you of today’s part of The Big God Story and that Jesus is God. The raindrops remind us about God’s power over all the earth, including the storm we heard about. What would you like to praise Him for? They also remind us about how Jesus cared for His disciples on the boat. He helped them trust Him and showed them they didn’t need to be afraid. What would you like to ask Jesus to help you with?

Give children time to color their raindrops as they respond to God. You may want to ask the questions again. They can also add glitter to their shapes with the glue if you made these supplies available. Next, attach their raindrops to the mobile by stringing yarn through the top and bottom of their shape or taping. Hang the mobile in a window to remind your family all week!

Friends, Jesus is God. Jesus showed His disciples that He is powerful and that they can follow Him by trusting and obeying Him. All week, you can ask Jesus to show you how to trust and obey Him more and more too.

 

Activity 4: CLOSING BLESSING 

 

A blessing to pray over your child(ren):

 

Share the following words from Psalm 107:29 He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed.

Now invite children to bless one another. Children can bless the person sitting next to them or get into pairs. Here are some blessing words they can speak to each other:

(Child’s name), may you praise Jesus because He is God.

Finish this time together with a blessing over your whole group:

May you follow Jesus all the days of your lives and know that He is God. He will lead and guide you.

 

We Need Pictures! 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 could be part of the next Featured Image on the blog!  You can post to the Gold Avenue Church Facebook page or send by email at goldavechurch@gmail.com

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Children’s Worship 4.26.20

,

Dear Parents,

Thanks for joining us again as we do Children’s Worship from home!  Today we are reminded of how Jesus called his first helpers and taught them how to live and share the good news. We, too, and our children are called to be his helpers and live as Jesus taught, to share the gospel and to be part of his great plan. Let’s learn together.

OVERVIEW:

Activity One: Watch the video

Activity Two: Discuss the story using provided questions as prompts

Worship

Activity Three:  Respond to the story by doing an art or serve project. Pray together.

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.)

What exactly did it look like to be called by Jesus? Most people knew Jesus as a rabbi or teacher, as Jesus probably dressed like a rabbi. Every young Jewish man began a religious education and hoped to be chosen by a prominent rabbi for further training. Rabbis would choose their followers (disciples) very carefully, and potential followers would go through years of training in an attempt to prove themselves. But Jesus had a plan. He wasn’t looking for the most educated men with social status. He was looking for men with whom He could have a relationship. These men were teachable, hard workers from humble backgrounds.

Second, Jesus sought them out rather than the reverse, as was appropriate for the system. None of the future disciples came to Jesus to ask to follow Him. He pursued them in the places they worked and lived. With these first disciples, they were convinced of His power with the catch of their lives. Jesus—the Son of God—took the time to seek out these men and get their attention.

 

Finally, Jesus had His Father’s bigger picture in view. As He picked these men, He was already setting up His plan. He chose 12 disciples. (A disciple is someone who follows and learns.) Jesus spent three years in life-on-life relationship with each of these men. Not only did He train them, He also exposed them to wonders beyond what they could imagine. He prepared them to be catalysts for the greatest movement ever seen on earth. Jesus’ relationship with the 12 disciples set an example for the type of relationship He wants with each of us: He wants to be part of our lives, He will seek us out, He wants us to know Him, and He wants to use each of us in His great plan.

Read over Luke 5:1–11. Think about your own life. Think about the first time you heard God calling you to be part of His plan.

Read the passage again. Do you see any parallels between this situation and your life? When did His calling on your life begin? In what ways did He pursue you? How has that changed everything for you?

Spend some time this week praying and asking God to reveal the narrative of your calling. Thank Him for all the ways He has revealed Himself in your life. Thank Him for inviting you to be part of His amazing plan.

 

Activity 1: STORY

Activity 2: DISCUSSION

In The Big God Story today, we heard how Jesus chose 12 disciples as part of God’s big plan for the world. God wants you and me to tell everyone about Him and how much He loves us. We get to be part of God’s big plan!

 

I wonder … What did Peter think when tons of fish swam into his net?

I wonder … What might the fishermen have thought when Jesus invited them to go with him?

I wonder … What would it be like to leave my home and travel with Jesus?

I wonder … Who can I share God’s love with?

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

Today’s Worship Songs:

“I Will Make You Fishers of Men”

 

“Peter, James, and John in a Sailboat”

 

“Tell the World That Jesus Loves You”

 

Activity 3: RESPONSE ACTIVITY

(There are four of them, choose one or as many as you would like.)

 

#1 Kids, today we heard how Jesus called fishermen to follow Him. God invited these men to be a part of His plan and to share His love and plan with others. Like these fishermen, God invites us to follow Him so we can be His disciples too! As His disciples, we can show others the love of Jesus and tell them about God’s plan. He wants to have a relationship with every single person in the world. Let’s spend time responding to God and His amazing love for us by praying for someone who might not know how much God loves her, or that He invites her to follow Him. But first, let’s make our bodies still and quiet and close our eyes. Who is someone you can share God’s love with?”

Give children a few moments to think and pray quietly. Then pass out the paper person and crayons. Help children write on their Person template the name of someone they want to share God’s plan with, then encourage them to color their cutout. As children are working, talk with them about ways they can share about God’s love and plan with others. Why do you think God calls His disciples to share His plan with others? What are some ways we can tell others about Jesus and share His love? Once children have finished coloring their person, invite them to place their cutout in a prominent place to view as a reminder to share God’s love with that person. Close this time by praying for the people who are represented.

Person template: Download Here

 

#2 Some of the first disciples Jesus called were fishermen. In this activity, children will get to be fishermen too!

  • Card stock or index cards  (various colors or if white –  color them)
  • Scissors
  • Masking tape
  • Wooden dowels or go out in the yard and find a sturdy stick
  • String (1′ )
  • Paperclips (1 per fish plus 1 for every pole; large)
  • Fish Template: Download Here

Print the Fish template onto colored card stock, and cut out the fish. For every dowel, bend a paperclip so there’s a hook on one end, and attach the non-hooked end of the paper clip to the dowel with the string. Bend the rest of the paper clips into large U shapes, and then carefully tape the paper clips to the mouth of the fish using the masking tape so the two ends of the U are attached to the fish’s mouth. The goal is to create a large “hook” on the string and a large “mouth” on the fish to hook the fish. (To make it easier for children to catch the fish, consider bending the U upward so it’s perpendicular to the fish.)

Using the masking tape, make a circle on the ground approximately two feet in diameter. Place the fish in the masking tape circle. You can have children keep the fish they catch or place them back into the pond. As children get better at catching the fish, add to the challenge by encouraging them to catch a fish of a certain color. 

 

#3  Print this picture and cut apart to make an easy puzzle. Let your child(ren) put back together as you talk about the story.

 

 

#4 The fish symbol became a secret symbol used by early Christians. When much persecution was taking place Christians used the fish symbol to determine who was their friend and who was their enemy. According to one ancient story, when a Chrstian met a stranger on the road, the Christian sometimes drew one arc of the simple fish outline in the dirt, if the stranger drew the other arc, both believers knew they were in good company. (Taken from “Christianity Today.”) 

You can try this with the older children. Draw a fish arc on a paper or outside in the dirt and have them complete the fish. Then you will know you both love Jesus!

 

Activity 4: CLOSING BLESSING 

A blessing to pray over your child(ren):

Read the following words from Ephesian: Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us. (Ephesians 5:1–2a).

Bless each child by saying:

(Child’s name), may you follow God’s example. May you hear when God calls you to follow Him this week. May you be an example for others as you love God and love others.

Pray with your kids, asking them if they have any prayer requests and encouraging them to pray for others.  Have a blessed week!

 

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

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Children’s Worship 4.19.20

,

Dear Parents,

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, “We miss you!!!!” This lesson is brought to you straight from Asher and Eila’s bedroom (disregard the messes and clothing choices!). Today we are reminded of how Jesus did the will of the Father and we are called to as well, wherever we are at today and this week- I hope you will be encouraged as well!

OVERVIEW:

Activity One: Watch the video

Activity Two: Discuss the story using provided questions as prompts

Activity Three:  Respond to the story by doing an art or serve project. Pray together.

Worship

Game: “Father Says”

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 Luke 4, we find a mission statement from Jesus in the first message He preached in Nazareth when He said:

The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor (Luke 4:18–19).

Before beginning His public ministry, Jesus was “taken by the Spirit” into the desert to be prepared for all His Father had planned for Him to do. During His time of prayer and fasting, He was tempted by the Devil, but He came out of this time fully empowered to do the ministry that lay before Him. Later in Scripture we often see Jesus going off to secluded places to be alone with His Father. Jesus was one who knew better than any other the importance of solitude.

In Mark’s gospel, Jesus heals not only through the words He speaks, but also through the touch He shares. After teaching in the synagogue, He heals the sick all through the night. Coming from serving, touching, giving, teaching, and healing, He makes the time to slip away to a secluded spot to pray and receive instructions concerning the day that is before Him.

Jesus cared about following His Father’s will. In John 5:19, Jesus affirms: “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.”

God the Father entrusted ministry to Jesus, His Son. Jesus in turn entrusted the ministry to the 12 leaders He chose. Now, the ministry is entrusted to each of us.

Jesus is fully God and fully human. He knew the limitations of being human. Because of this He made it a priority to spend time with His Father. How much more, then, do we need to spend time alone with God, our Father? We need time with God to ensure we stay on the path He has set before us and remain connected to Him. In preparation to minister to your children this week, find some time to draw away and listen to God. Take this passage and meditate on it: “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it’” (Isaiah 30:21). Ask God if there’s something He is specifically inviting you to do based on this Scripture.

Activity 1: STORY

Watch the story video below.

Activity 2: DISCUSSION

From today’s part of The Big God Story, we learned how important it was for Jesus to take time away to prepare for His Father’s plans for Him. He would go out to be alone and pray. God has plans for each one of us too.

  • I wonder … How did Jesus know what the Father wanted him to do?
  • I wonder … What other plans did God have for Jesus?
  • I wonder … What plans might God have for me?

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

Today’s Worship Songs:

“Every Move I Make”: 

“I Will Praise the Lord”:

Activity 3: RESPONSE ACTIVITY

After your time discussing the Wonder Questions, you’ll have the opportunity to pray with and for each of the children in your group. Friends, we can pray and talk to God just like Jesus did. It’s good to be quiet and listen to things God might be telling us through His Holy Spirit. Jesus knew that He needed time with God to get ready for all the things He was going to do and to know God’s path for Him. We need time with God too, so we can see the path God has for our lives.

We can talk to God in all sorts of different ways and places and times. You can talk to God by yourself, or we can pray together as a family. Right now, let’s take some time to pray with each other. I’ll start. “Dear God, thank You for Your plans to send Jesus to earth as the promised Savior so we can be with You forever and ever. Please show us the way to live.” 

God the Father had big plans for Jesus. He prepared Jesus to care for us and show us love, which were part of His big plan for Jesus to die on the cross for our sins. When we follow Jesus by choosing to love Him and trust and obey Him, we’ll see that God has big plans for our lives too. God can use us to care for people and tell them about Jesus. How do you think God may be getting you ready for the plans He has for you? After asking the question, let child(ren) take a minute to sit quietly and listen to God. Give them a piece of paper and crayons/markers. Talk together about any ideas God may have given them about plans God may have for their life- it could be something this week that they’d like to do to show God’s love or maybe a bigger picture of how they think God might be working in their lives for the future! Encourage them to draw their ideas on a piece of paper (it’s great if your whole family does this together- God is teaching all of us and we have the opportunity to model to our kids how God speaks to us! It’s also a good time to turn on some quiet music to listen to while you pray/draw)

Game: Father Says

When Jesus went about His ministry, He was careful to follow God the Father’s plans for Him, and He often spent time listening to God. Today, your kids will practice their listening and following skills in a version of Simon Says. Lead your (child)ren in a game of Father Says, modeled after Simon Says. Let’s play a game called Father Says. To play, you need to watch the leader and try to follow everything the leader is doing. Most importantly, though, you’ll need to listen carefully. Be sure to only do the things that the leader tells you to do after he says, “Father Says.”

Begin by being the leader yourself, and then invite your kids to come and lead. Command suggestions: clap your hands for joy, shout to the Lord, shake hands with your neighbor, dance for the Lord, whisper your favorite kind of pizza to your neighbor, say the ABC’s as fast as you can, etc. When the game is finished, share with them: You did an excellent job of listening. In the story we heard today, we learned how Jesus did everything His Father, God, had planned for Him, and how He always listened carefully so He could follow God’s plans exactly.

Activity 4: CLOSING BLESSING 

A blessing to pray over your child(ren):

Walk in the ways of the Lord.

Obey His voice.

Hold tight to Him.

Love the Lord your God. (reference Deuteronomy 30)

Repeat these phrases a few times before moving on to the next portion.

The Lord will guide you.

He will comfort you.

He will give you rest.

He will pour His goodness and love upon you. (reference Psalm 23)

Repeat these phrases a few times. Then read the following statements as individual blessings over children before you close:

(Child’s name), may you walk in the ways of the Lord … The Lord will guide you.

(Child’s name), may you obey His voice … He will comfort you.

(Child’s name), may you hold tight to Him … He will give you rest.

(Child’s name), may you love the Lord your God … He will pour His goodness and love upon you.

Pray with your kids, asking them if they have any prayer requests and encouraging them to pray for others.  Have a blessed week!

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

 

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Children’s Worship 4.12.20

,

Dear Parents,

Here we are again, ready to worship with you and your children on this special Sunday! Today we celebrate Easter and new life in Christ! We pray this will be a blessed day of praising and giving thanks to Jesus! Begin with this special greeting for this special day. 

Greeting:  The Lord is with you!

Response:  And also with you!

 

OVERVIEW:

Activity One: There are three videos this week! The first video is a puppet show starring the Houtstra family. The puppets remind us of how we can have new life in Jesus. The second video features the Essenburg family and tells the Resurrection story, and the third video is an object lesson that ties it all together. 

Activity Two: Discuss the story using provided questions as prompts

Worship:  Sing together

Activity Three:  Respond to the story by doing an art or serve project. Pray together.

Activity Four:  Bless your children 

Activity 1: STORY

(Optional Review) 

Last week we learned about how God’s Son, Jesus, rode into Jerusalem on a donkey and was adored by many who waved their palm branches and shouted Hosanna! Then the crowd turned on Him when they realized He was not going to be their earthly king and save them from their oppressors. But we know that Jesus came to be our King and Savior, the King of our lives and our Savior from sin. 

Watch the Easter puppet show video.

Watch the Easter story video.

Tie it all together with the Object Lesson video.

Activity 2: DISCUSSION

I wonder what the ladies talked about on the way to the tomb?

I wonder how Jesus could come alive?

I wonder why Mary was so sad?

I wonder how Jesus gives us new life?

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

Today’s Worship Songs:  

One, Two, Three  

Lord, I Lift Your Name on High 

Activity 3: RESPONSE ACTIVITY

 

Response #1

In today’s part of The Big God Story, God saved His people by sending Jesus to die on the cross and rise again and give us new life. How can we thank and praise Him for this?  Can we find ways to show God how much we love him? What can we do? Brainstorm with your child(ren) ways we can thank and praise God. Suggest drawing a picture or writing a few words. Take a look at last week’s response activity and try that if you haven’t done it already.

Last week’s response activity:  Use a permanent marker to write “What needs to be done?” across the top of a piece of paper. Tape this to a wall. Print out the People, Heart, and Tree templates onto colored card stock and cut them out. You’ll want one of each shape per child.

Download and print the templates here: People, Heart, Tree (right click and select “download linked file”)

Jesus is our King and Savior. His greatest act of serving was to give up His life on the cross and die so we could have new life and be with Him forever. He invites us to serve others too. What does it mean to serve? Pause for responses. When we serve someone, it means we’re putting what we want aside and helping someone else. What are some ways you can serve God this week? Interact with responses. Those are great thoughts! We can serve another person, like a family member or someone in your neighborhood. Show the person shape. We can tell others about God’s love. Show the heart shape. We can serve God by caring for the animals and the world He created. Show the tree shape.

Let’s all spend a few moments asking God what needs to be done and listening to what He says. Invite children to spend a few moments praying silently, asking God how they can serve Him this week. Then, children can select a shape that best fits how they want to respond to God. Give children time to write or draw on the shape and attach it to the poster board using a glue dot. Let children know they can also leave the shape blank, if they prefer. 

Close by praying that God would help your children serve in their families, communities, and world this week.

 

Response #2

If you’d like to make an empty tomb craft here’s an idea.

Make a picture showing Jesus’ empty tomb! Draw two half circles (one small and one large, make the small one black or a dark color) for the tomb. Draw a circle for the stone that was rolled away. Let your little one cut out the pieces. Glue the tomb onto construction paper and attach the stone with a brad. Write a message on the paper maybe one of praise or thanks to God.

 

Also, here is an Easter Sunday page to color:

Activity 4: CLOSING BLESSING 

A blessing to pray over your child(ren):

“Children, may you always remember the power of the Easter story and how Jesus brings us new life!”

Pray with your kids, asking them if they have any prayer requests and encouraging them to pray for others.  Have a blessed week and Happy Easter!

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, and you could be featured at the top of our next lesson! You can post to the Gold Avenue Church Facebook page or send by email at goldavechurch@gmail.com.

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Children’s Worship 4.5.20

,

Dear Parents,

Here we are again, ready to worship with you and your children! Today we celebrate Palm Sunday with a lift-the-flap book. In addition to the Palm Sunday story we will read the account of Jesus’ death and resurrection to be prepared for celebrating Easter next week! May you and your family be blessed as we remember this Holy Week.. 

OVERVIEW:

 

Activity One: Watch the video. The lesson today is “Palm Sunday.” The Adema family has prepared a video for this lesson. Say hello to some more of your Gold Ave. friends.

Activity Two: Discuss the story using provided questions as prompts

Activity Three:  Respond to the story by doing an art or serve project. Pray together.

Worship:  Sing 

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 significance of the triumphal entry is magnified by the fact that the story is recorded in all four gospel accounts. Matthew 21:10 tells us, “When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, ‘Who is this?’” Jerusalem was quaking with anticipation when Jesus made His entry. The population of the city would most likely have tripled due to those who had come to celebrate Passover. In addition, there were 10 times the usual number of Roman soldiers to guard against any potential uprising from the Zealots. So, it was with soldiers watching, people bustling, and the city almost bursting at the seams that Jesus made His way toward Jerusalem.

Preparing to come down the hillside from the Mount of Olives, Jesus fulfilled the prophecy from Zechariah 9 and sent His disciples to untie a donkey and bring it to Him. The normal pomp and circumstance that would accompany a king entering a city were absent as Jesus approached on a humble donkey with His ragtag disciples following. The tradition of waving palm branches and crying “Hosanna” began 200 years earlier, following the reign of a bloodthirsty Syrian king named Antiochus Epiphanes. After many years, the Maccabees drove the Assyrian army and Epiphanes from Jerusalem. The people spontaneously celebrated by waving palm branches. From that point forward, the palm branch symbolized deliverance from oppression.

The gospel of Mark tells us that as Jesus entered, “Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted, ‘Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’” (Mark 11:8–9). The Jewish people had hope that Jesus would be the one to overthrow the foreign rule of Rome; but Jesus was coming with an entirely different kingdom in mind.

Truly, there is no one like Jesus, for no one else would weep compassionately for people who He knew would not only reject Him, but also soon crucify Him. He displays that same compassionate lTruly, there is no one like Jesus, for no one else would weep compassionately for people who He knew would not only reject Him, but also soon crucify Him. He displays that same compassionate love for us.

This week, take time to consider the conscious or unconscious decisions you make in regard to Jesus being your King. Are there areas of your life where you set limits or hold back from relinquishing your will to His will? Even if it feels a bit uncomfortable, talk with Jesus about the difficulties you experience in this area. Openly share with Him your feelings and listen for what He may have to say.

Activity 1: STORY

(Optional Review) 

Last week we learned about how God saved Esther AND the Jewish people when Esther  courageously went to the king. God had gone before Esther, and the Jewish people were saved. God used Esther to help preserve His promised Savior.

Watch Palm Sunday video.

 

Activity 2: DISCUSSION

Ask your child to imagine what it must have been like to be in Jerusalem when Jesus came riding through the streets like a parade. The people cried, “Hosanna!” as a way to praise Jesus. 

  • I wonder … How would you have felt to see Jesus ride into town on a donkey?
  • What did the people say and do when they saw Jesus riding into town?
  • What do you think “Hosanna” means?
  • Why do we call this day Palm Sunday?
  • What were some other things that happened during Jesus’ last week of His life?
  • What does this mean for you and me?
  • I wonder … What do you say or do when you praise Jesus?

 

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

 

Today’s Worship Song:  Since it´s Palm Sunday here are a few fun songs to help praise Jesus.

Activity 3: RESPONSE ACTIVITY

 

In today’s part of The Big God Story, God saved His people by sending Jesus to die on the cross and rise again. How can we thank and praise Him for this?  Can we find ways to serve others to show God how much we love him. Here is an idea to think of ways to serve others and two art projects to remind us of this last week of Jesus’ life.

 

Use the permanent marker to write “What needs to be done?” across the top of a piece of paper. Tape this to a wall. Print out the People, Heart, and Tree templates onto colored card stock and cut them out. You’ll want one of each shape per child.

Download and print the templates here: People, Heart, Tree (right click and select “download linked file”)

Jesus is our King and Savior. His greatest act of serving was to give up His life on the cross and die so we could be with Him forever. He invites us to serve others too. What does it mean to serve? Pause for responses. When we serve someone, it means we’re putting what we want aside and helping someone else. What are some ways you can serve God this week? Interact with responses. Those are great thoughts! We can serve another person, like a family member or someone in your neighborhood. Show the person shape. We can tell others about God’s love. Show the heart shape. We can serve God by caring for the animals and the world He created. Show the tree shape.

 

Let’s all spend a few moments asking God what needs to be done and listening to what He says. Invite children to spend a few moments praying silently, asking God how they can serve Him this week. Then, children can select a shape that best fits how they want to respond to God. Give children time to write or draw on the shape and attach it to the poster board using a glue dot. Let children know they can also leave the shape blank, if they prefer. 

 

Close by praying that God would help your children serve in their families, communities, and world this week. 

 

Palm Sunday page to color: 

Palm Sunday Activity to do:

Supplies to make 2 Hosanna Branch Wavers:

 

  • Green construction paper- 4 sheets
  • 4-8 ice-cream/pop sticks
  • Cellotape
  • A pencil
  • Scissors

 

  • Glue sticks or glue dots

 

Instructions:

  1. Outline your child’s hand on the green construction paper. (Make a minimum of 6 outlines. 8-10 will make your child’s waver really wave!)
  2. If your child is old enough to use a pair of scissors, allow him/her to cut around the hand print outlines. Otherwise, leave this part to the adult supervising the craft.
  3. Now stick the hand print outlines two on each row and build on upwards.
  4. Finally tape two ice-cream sticks to the bottom of the “branch” securely with the cello-tape. (I stuck two ice-cream sticks on top of each other and made the kids’ handles thicker.)

 

Activity 4: CLOSING BLESSING 

A blessing to pray over your child(ren):

“Children, may you always celebrate Jesus as your King!”

Pray with your kids, asking them if they have any prayer requests and encouraging them to pray for others.  Have a blessed week!

 

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

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Holy Week Family Guide

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Easter 2020 is not looking like it usually does within the local church.  Even though this year looks different for all of us, as believers, we have reason to celebrate! We have resurrection hope that no outside circumstances can take away. There are many people in our communities and around the world who don’t have the luxury of “extra time” to celebrate, but there are some also who do.

 

Heather Sterenberg prepared this downloadable guide which gives daily readings and activities for you to participate in and lead your families through Holy Week well. She’s included all the sources in a page at the end of the plan. Holy Week 2020 begins with Palm Sunday, April 5 and concludes on April 12, Easter Sunday. 

 

We pray you’ll be blessed to participate in celebrating and remembering our Lord Jesus Christ and His great sacrifice and love for each of you.

Holy Week Family Guide

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Children’s Worship 3/29/20

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Dear Parents,

Here we are again, ready to worship with you and your children… in your own home! What a gift the Lord has given us that we have technology that enables us to continue to learn and worship together! 

OVERVIEW:

Activity One: Watch the video. The lesson today is “God Saves, Part 2, The Story of Esther.” The Sterenberg family has prepared a video for this lesson. It’ll be fun to see some familiar faces again!

Activity Two: Discuss the story using provided questions as prompts

Activity Three:  Respond to the story by doing an art project. Pray together.

Worship:  Sing 

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.)

There are many details that make the book of Esther a triumphant story. None is as amazing as the way God wove every event together to bring about His plan. As you read through this narrative, you will notice the name of God is not mentioned once. However, His presence is strong.

At this time in The Big God Story, Judah was a territory of the Persian Empire and the people its subjects. Although King Cyrus, who preceded King Xerxes, had decreed the Jewish captives be allowed to return to their homeland, many chose to stay in Babylon. God’s people had become prosperous and held positions of influence, which made the thought of returning to the destroyed and desolate Jerusalem unappealing for many. After a falling-out between King Xerxes and Queen Vashti, the king commanded a search be made among all the young virgins (women of marrying age) of his empire for the woman who would take Vashti’s place as queen. A young Jewish woman from Susa, named Esther, won his favor and was crowned queen. Esther continued to gain favor not only with the king, but also with everyone she met.

Haman, one of the king’s officials, devised a plan to annihilate all the Jewish people within the king’s territory. (At this time the Persian Empire stretched from India to modern-day Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia. Judah was in exile within the Persian territory. Because God’s promised Messiah was to come from the line of Judah, if they were at risk for being destroyed, so was The Promise.) Esther realized she needed to act so her people wouldn’t be destroyed and went bravely before the king, revealing Haman’s plan. God had gone before Esther, and the Jewish people were saved. God used Esther to help preserve His promised Savior within the line of Judah.

When have you cried out to God and seen Him save you? We see it all throughout the Bible: God’s people—Moses, Esther, David, Joshua, Jonah, and others—cried out to Him, and He saved them. Countless times the Israelites groaned in their slavery and repented of their sin, and God always came to their defense as their strong tower and Savior.

Take time this week to read Psalm 116 and meditate on its message. Write down what stands out to you in this passage. Note the words and phrases that remind you of God’s salvation. Write down situations in your life where you need God to show up and save you. He can, and He will.

Throughout the week, consider reading this chapter once a day to be reminded of these truths: God bends down to hear us; He is gracious and righteous. Because God has proved Himself as Savior, we can call on Him for as long as we live. He will continue to save.

Activity 1: STORY

(Optional Review) 

Last week we learned about how God saved Jonah AND the people of Ninevah. When Jonah ran away from God rather than take a message to the evil people of Nineveh, he was thrown off a boat during a storm. God saved Jonah by sending a big fish to swallow him. Jonah decided to obey God and give God’s message of mercy to the Ninevites, and as a result, the Ninevites turned from their sin and God saved them from destruction. This week, we’ll see how God saves his people, the Jews, through a queen. 

Watch Esther video:

Activity 2: DISCUSSION

Ask your child to imagine what it must have been like to be Esther, the queen! Talk about how God used Esther to save His people, the Jews. 

  • I wonder … What would have happened if King Xerxes had chosen another woman to be the queen?
  • I wonder … What would have happened if Esther was too afraid to go see the king?
  • What did Esther ask the king to do?
  • How did the Jewish people feel when God saved them?
  • I wonder … How do I need God to save me? 

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

Activity 3: RESPONSE ACTIVITY

In today’s part of The Big God Story, God saved His people by putting a Jewish queen in the palace. As children respond today they will have the opportunity to thank God for saving them while creating a crown.

Supplies:

  • Paper plates
  • Crayons
  • Glue stick
  • Small buttons or pom poms or similar

Directions:

  1. You want to use just a flimsy paper plate. Each child will need one.
  2. Fold the paper plate in half.
  3. There is absolutely no need to draw a dotted line on your paper plate. I did it on mine as a helpful               visual for you to see where you cut. Essentially, you cut it like a pizza. 
  4. You will need to open up the paper plate to make the final two cuts. You can cut while the paper plate is folded. Do not cut all the way through. Cut it up to the ruffle edge of the plate. 
  5. They can color the paper plate however they want to create the look of their crown.
  6. To make the crown part stand up, the kids can just fold them up into place.
  7. We added buttons to the final look, but this is completely optional.
  8. Since we didn’t add a memory verse you may want to write “God Saves” on the crown.
  9. Using the answers from the last discussion question above remind the children to remember how God saves us and them when they wear the crown. 


Today’s Worship Songs:

Who You Say I Am: by Hillsong Kids

(If you enjoyed last week’s songs, here they are again): 

Sing  Hey Jonah, Jonah  to the tune of Jesus Loves Me

Jonah, Jonah have you heard?

Said the Lord, go preach my Word.

Jonah said, “That’s not for me!”

Took a ship and fled to sea.

Chorus:

Hey Jonah, Jonah, 

Hey Jonah, Jonah,

Hey Jonah, Jonah,

You should obey the Lord.

Though he thought he’d get away

Soon the ship began to sway

Jonah said, “It’s for my sin,

Pick me up and throw me in!”

Chorus

When it seemed that he would drown,

Came a fish and gulped him down,

Jonah said, “Lord, I’ll obey,

Tell the folks about your way!”

Chorus:

Lord, I’ll obey you.

Lord, I’ll obey you.

Lord, I’ll obey you.

I will obey the Lord.

This Little Light of Mine by Listener Kids: 

Activity 4: CLOSING BLESSING 

A blessing to pray over your child(ren):

“May you remember that God has the power to save you.”

Pray with your kids, asking them if they have any prayer requests and encouraging them to pray for others.  Have a blessed week!

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Children’s Worship 3/22/20

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Dear Parents, 

It goes without saying that we are living in some crazy times right now! But, we are deeply grateful to know that we serve a God who knew this is exactly how today would look for each of us before time even began! We can trust He is doing a good work, even when we can’t see what it is, and we want to support you as you teach your children to also trust Him. We’ve put together some resources for you to use as a family sometime this week! 

These 4 activities are for you to help your children worship at home using the same curriculum we use in Children’s’ Worship every Sunday (adapted from TruStory Curriculum). Our vision for our children is for them to grow in relationship with the Lord and in prayer.  The first section called is “Equip.” It’s not an activity, but just a little background on the story for you to read. Though this material was written long before the words “coronavirus” and “social distancing” took up most of our thought space and conversations, it is so timely for today. 

OVERVIEW:

Activity One: Watch the video. The lesson today is “God Saves, Part 1, the story of Jonah”, which is a pretty familiar story. The curriculum has made a video link which I think the kids will enjoy. It’s just over 6 minutes.

Activity Two: Discuss the story using provided questions as prompts

Activity Three:  Respond to the story by doing an art project. Pray together.

Worship:  Sing Hey, Jonah, Jonah  to the tune of Jesus Loves Me (Words below). There are also a couple of other youtube links for songs to sing together.

Activity Four:  Bless your children 

EQUIP:

Jonah, a prophet of God, was given a message to take to the Gentile people of Nineveh. But Jonah ran from the Lord, boarding a boat with plans to travel to Tarshish. When ships headed to Tarshish, they weren’t expected to return for three years—a trip of significant time and distance. Nineveh was the capital city in the Assyrian Empire. Although the Assyrians and the Israelites had a tumultuous relationship for many years, at this time the Israelites had been free from Assyrian rule for approximately 50 years. In giving Jonah a message to take to the people of Nineveh, God would call this Gentile city to repentance.

It seems strange to think a prophet of God would flee from His clear commands—especially when the goal of the message was to bring repentance and grace to its recipients. Israel was gaining strength and enjoying their favored relationship with God. However, in this time of reprieve, the people were becoming complacent. It’s possible Jonah’s response was reflective of the heart of the Israelite people. Perhaps he was jealous for the relationship his people had with God and didn’t relish the thought of the Lord extending grace and compassion toward the enemies of Israel, or he simply hated them because they were wicked and cruel.

The gift of relationship with God was never intended to be for Abraham’s descendants alone; it was to come from Abraham’s line to bring salvation to the world. God chose Abraham and his descendants to proclaim His truth and identity to all people. God would often send His message through prophets to awaken all the people so they would be moved to repentance and restoration. After hearing and believing His message, the people of Nineveh repented and were shown grace and mercy by the Lord.

Through Christ you’ve been given a new identity. You’ve been spiritually reborn into a legacy and heritage of faith.

God richly blessed the Israelites that they might be a blessing to all nations and peoples. So too, has He richly blessed all who believe in Him and call Him Lord and Savior. Each follower of Christ has been blessed not only for themselves, but also to bless others.

The gift and truth of salvation is the greatest blessing we can share with those who don’t yet know Christ. Look at the boundaries you have on your daily world. Is God calling you to push past those boundaries? How will you respond? How has He uniquely created you to serve Him and be a blessing to others? Take a walk around your neighborhood sometime this week. As you walk past each home, pray for those who live inside. Ask God how He would use you to be a blessing to the people in your neighborhood.

Activity 1: STORY

Activity 2: DISCUSSION

Ask your child to imagine what it must have been like to be inside a giant fish! Talk about how God saved Jonah by sending the giant fish. Ask:

  • What did Jonah do when God told him to go to Ninevah?
  • What happened after Jonah was thrown overboard?
  • What do you think Jonah was thinking when he saw the big fish coming towards him? Do you think he thought being swallowed by the fish was a good plan or a bad plan? (Even though it probably looked like the worst thing at first, it actually turned into the thing that saved him!)
  • What did Jonah say to God inside of the fish?

These questions can easily extend into the rest of the week. Look for opportunities to bring conversations about how God Saves into your every day life as a family. (i.e. If your child verbalizes or acts afraid about getting sick, remind him/her that God has a plan and we can trust him and not fear)

Activity 3: RESPONSE ACTIVITY

Supplies

  • Card stock (1 sheet per child, white)
  • Pencil
  • Table Covering
  • Crayons (variety of dark colors)
  • Paper cups 
  • Watercolors Paints
  • Paintbrushes 

Children will create crayon-resist art pieces as a response to the truth that when they trust and obey God, He saves them and chooses them to be a part of His family.  Cover the table and put a sheet of card stock at every child’s seat. Place the bowls of crayons down the center of the table and a watercolor paints (If you don’t have watercolor paints, you can also add food coloring to water). Put a paintbrush at every child’s seat.

Invite children to join you around the table. God gave Jonah a special message for the people of Nineveh so they could choose to trust and obey Him. When we trust and obey Jesus, we become a part of God’s family and we belong to Him too. God will always be with us. We’re His chosen children!

Explain to children that they’re going to make a picture to always remember that they belong to Christ. Take them step-by-step through the crayon-resist art piece. Step one: Trace the word Chosen  in a dark crayon (you may need to help with this). They can use a couple of different colors to make sure it stands out. Step two: Paint the entire paper with watercolors. Encourage them to choose whatever colors they want! As a parent, you should also make one. 

When kids are finished painting, point out how the word Chosen stands out. The world might make you feel different because you love God, but God loves you and chose you to be one of His children. That means you’re very special! Share a story of your own, either from childhood, or from right now, to share with your child about a time you felt particularly chosen, by a friend or family member or even stranger (i.e. “In most things, like sports at recess, I was always the last one chosen for a team. That made me feel sad and left out. But, when we would play in class games, I was often the first chosen for a team because I was pretty smart. That made me feel important and noticed”). Ask your child to do the same. Translate this idea over to how special we really are and how God chooses us right away every time. 

Pray together. Ask your child(ren) to pray for you or each other. (If they don’t feel comfortable, don’t force them.) Thank God for choosing your children and choosing you.  If they don’t feel special or chosen, ask God to show them how much He loves them.

Worship Songs:

Sing  Hey Jonah, Jonah  to the tune of Jesus Loves Me

Jonah, Jonah have you heard?

Said the Lord, go preach my Word.

Jonah said, “That’s not for me!”

Took a ship and fled to sea.

Chorus:

Hey Jonah, Jonah, 

Hey Jonah, Jonah,

Hey Jonah, Jonah,

You should obey the Lord.

Though he thought he’d get away

Soon the ship began to sway

Jonah said, “It’s for my sin,

Pick me up and throw me in!”

Chorus

When it seemed that he would drown,

Came a fish and gulped him down,

Jonah said, “Lord, I’ll obey,

Tell the folks about your way!”

Chorus:

Lord, I’ll obey you.

Lord, I’ll obey you.

Lord, I’ll obey you.

I will obey the Lord.

“This Little Light of Mine” by Listener Kids:

Activity 4: CLOSING BLESSING

A blessing to pray over your child(ren):

(Child’s name), may you always remember you are God’s child. When you call out to God, He will save you.

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