God's BIG Story!

Over the last few months we have taken a journey through the 66 books of the Bible.   We took a few stops along our way to see what the stories say to us now.  What is it that God is saying through these stories for us?   What can we do to be a better follower of Christ after reading that story?   It's been a joy to see what stories each child or youth hung onto.   For Isabella and Jalen they remember the story of Samson the most.   For Kate it is the story of Noah.   For Silas it is that Jesus died on the cross.  All of them are digging deeper into the Word of God.  Tomorrow we are finishing the last book, the book of Revelations.   Tough read for children but a simple truth is found in that story.  Christ has died, Christ is risen and Christ will come again.   And when He does come again those who have trusted in Him will go to a wonderful place called Heaven.  

Starting this Sunday we will begin our Echooo!   It's just what you think of when you hear the word Echo!  We are going to Echo the stories that we have learned over the last few months.   We will highlight some of the major stories through the next few months.  Echoing what we just read and learned the months before.   Repetition is an important part of the learning process and we hope that by Echoing God's Big Story it will help us all to remember them.

Would you like to join us in our Echoo!?   In the office attached to the chapel there is a bookcase that has resources for all of the stories that we will be learning over the next few weeks.   If you would like to check out a resource you can stop by anytime the office is open or on Wednesday and Sundays.   Also, on my Pinterest page I will be adding to our Echoo! folder each week with new ideas that go along with our story.   Since we only get a few hours with your child and youth we don't get to do all the cool ideas that are out there for each story.   We hope you will join us!

Here is a great article on what we are doing... Click HERE

Watch Me Grow!

On Sunday we talked about growing and how Christ gives us new life.   We also talked about how we as a church are growing and that it all started in the New Testament in the book of Acts.   To help us understand how it takes time to grow and that we need tending we planted flowers and grass.   Our class project was a empty tomb scene.  To help us remember that every Sunday is a mini Easter.

Then each child got to plant their own sunflower seed to take home and watch grow...

Stories 27-30

LESSON 27: The Resurrection

Timeless Truth: Jesus fulfilled the prophecies by rising from the dead.

Bible Basis:   Matthew 28:2-8; Luke 24:36-49; John 21:1-6; Matthew 28:16-20

Key Verse:     “He is not here! He has risen, just as he said he would” (Matthew 28:6).

Get the Point:

Preschool: God raised Jesus from the dead. God gives me new life, too.

Elementary: God raised Jesus from the dead. God gives me new life, too.

Middle/High School: Jesus was raised from the dead to give us everlasting life. Jesus ascended to heaven and leaves his followers to continue his work in the world.

Table Talk

Preschool/Elementary

• Imagine showing up to Jesus’ tomb and finding it empty with an angel sitting on top of the stone. What would you have done? Would you have been scared like the soldiers?

• The angel reminded the women that Jesus said he’d rise from the dead—and he did. Jesus always does what he says. What are some of Jesus’ other promises?

• Have you ever gone from being really sad to super happy? That’s what happened to the women who found the empty tomb. Tell your story.

• When the women told the disciples Jesus had risen, two of them—John and Peter—ran to it. Why do you think the rest of them didn’t go too?

• Why is the empty tomb such great news to Jesus’ followers back then and today?

Note: Young readers will enjoy “God’s Wonderful Surprise” on pages 310-317 in the Jesus Storybook Bible.

Middle/High School

• Jesus appeared to several different people after rising from the dead. Each incident was very different. Talk about each one:

- Mary Magdalene was doubled-over crying at the tomb when Jesus showed up and she didn’t recognize him. Why do you think she didn’t recognize him? Why did Jesus not want her to hold onto him?

- Cleopas and a friend were walking to Emmaus when Jesus started talking to them about recent events. Jesus explained what all the Scriptures said about him. When Cleopas and his friend recognized Jesus, he disappeared. How surprised do you think they were? What did they learn from Jesus?

- When Jesus appeared to the disciples, he asked for something to eat. Why did he do that? Talk about what it would’ve been like for the disciples to see their beloved Jesus again.

- Thomas missed Jesus’ first appearance to the disciples and said he wouldn’t believe unless he touched the holes in Jesus’ hands. When Jesus appeared, Thomas believed without touching the holes. Why?

- Jesus said people are more blessed who believe without seeing. How does that make you feel about your relationship with Christ?

• Do you think you’ll be able to appear in different places when you’re in heaven?

Living Faith

When the stone rolled away, the tomb was empty. Jesus had risen! Make some empty tomb rolls to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection. You’ll need a tube of prepackaged crescent rolls, jumbo marshmallows, butter, cinnamon and sugar. These rolls make a great breakfast treat or add a sweet taste to dinner.

            Get all the ingredients together and gather your family. Have somebody separate the dough into triangles. Overlap two of the triangles and roll them out, so they stick together. Brush a little butter on the dough and sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar. Place a marshmallow inside the dough and pinch all the ends together to cover it. It’s important that the dough completely covers the marshmallow, so it’s totally enclosed in a “tomb.” Follow these same steps with all the dough. Bake the rolls according to the directions on the package. Allow to cool. When you bite into these golden brown “tombs,” they’re now empty—just like Jesus’ tomb on Easter morning! Praise God for raising Jesus from the dead.

Extra Mile

Jesus rising from the dead may be the most history-altering event ever recorded. When Christ defeated death, he also defeated the devil’s schemes that started back in the Garden of Eden. By eating the fruit, Adam and Eve created a separation between humans and God. Satan doesn’t want us to have a relationship with our heavenly Father. Jesus’ perfect life, death and resurrection make it possible for us to know God intimately again.

            Watch this church video that re-enacts what this epic battle between God and Satan, using Carman’s song “The Champion.” Go to godtube.com and watch “The Champion – Music Videos” (8:48).

            After you’ve watched the video, talk about what it’s like to know God personally. Jesus’ resurrection dealt the ultimate blow to Satan, but the devil still tries to trap us in sin and make us forget Jesus’ sacrifice. Commit as a family to live a victorious life with Jesus.

LESSON 28: New Beginnings

Timeless Truth: The Holy Spirit helps God’s people to spread Jesus’ love.

Bible Basis:   Acts 1:2-11, 2:1-6, 23-24, 32-33, 42-47, 8:4-8, 9:1-9, 17-19

Key Verse:     “All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit. They began to speak in languages they had not known. The Spirit gave them the ability to do this” (Acts 2:4).

Get the Point:

Preschool: God gives his people the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit can live inside me.

Elementary: God gives his people the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit can live inside me.

Middle/High School: Through his gift of the Holy Spirit, God gives the apostles the power and ability to spread the message of Jesus.

Table Talk

Preschool/Elementary

• When the disciples preached about Jesus and people saw the truth, the believers started eating and praying together. The Bible says they “shared everything.” Do you think this was hard for Jesus’ followers?

• What would be the hardest thing for you to share?

• Why did the early Christians help each other out so much?

• Do you think Christians still look for ways to share with each other?

• This chapter of The Story says Jesus’ followers had hearts that were “glad and honest and true.” How do you think they showed that?

• Talk a little about being glad, honest and true. If you could always live that way, how do you think people would look at you?

Note: Young readers will enjoy “God Sends Help” and “A New Way to See” on pages 326-341 in the Jesus Storybook Bible.

Middle/High School

• This chapter contains a powerful verse that says, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name given under heaven by which we must be saved.” What does that mean?

• People try to earn salvation in many other ways. What are some areas where people try to save themselves?

• As faith grew in the early church, so did persecution. Peter and John were beaten and arrested. Stephen was stoned to death. Why didn’t Christ’s followers just give up and hide?

• Why do you think faith thrives when there is persecution?

• Saul led the persecution against the Christians until he met (and was blinded) by Jesus Christ. Would you have trusted Saul after he said he was a believer?

• Why do you think Jesus chose to save Saul instead of having him walk off a cliff?

• Do you think being a Christian is too easy where you live? What’s the hardest part?

Living Faith

The early church cared and provided for each other. That’s an example we can follow today. All churches have families that need a hand. To help your church body, have family members go through their rooms to find items to sell. If you want to take this idea to the next level, coordinate with your church. Encourage your congregation to bring donated items to the church or your home (if you have a place to store them). Help host a garage sale in your church parking lot or your neighborhood. You can put details of where to bring donations in the church bulletin or ask the pastor to make an announcement.

            Once you’ve gathered items, figure out a date for the sale. An ad in the local newspapers, signs on the road or a mention on craigslist can get the word out. Make sure the people buying the goods know that all the money is going to help less fortunate families. Encourage your family to get involved by organizing items and manning tables. Coordinate with other families at church. Many hands make light work, so get as many people involved as possible.

            With some planning and a lot of effort, your family can reach out in a tangible way to your church. You can make a difference!

Extra Mile

Believers in the early church sacrificed for each other. Rich people sold their land and helped the poor. Strong people defended and protected the weak. Two brothers can teach everybody something about real caring. Go to YouTube and watch “Sports Illustrated Kids 2012 SportsKids of the Year: Conner and Cayden Long (OFFICIAL)” (4:42).

            Answer these questions. Is Conner a hero? Who benefits more, Conner or Cayden? What one lesson do you want to take away and apply to your own life? What does their story teach you about unconditional love?

LESSON 29: Paul’s Mission

Timeless Truth: Without Jesus, all fall short of God’s glory.

Bible Basis:   Acts 16:16–36; 1 Thessalonians 1:2–5, 3:9–13, 4:16–18, 5:16–28; 1 Corinthians 1:10, 12:12–18, 27, 13:1–7, 15:21-22, 16:23–24; Galatians 5:22–25, 6:18

Key Verse:     “He asked, ‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved?’ They replied, ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus’ ” (Acts 16:30-31)

Get the Point:

Preschool: Jesus saves us if we believe in him. I can choose to believe.

Elementary: Jesus saves us if we believe in him. I can choose to believe.

Middle/High School: Following Jesus and spreading his message is not always easy, but builds our character.

Table Talk

Preschool/Elementary

• Paul and Silas traveled around preaching about God. Some people loved them; others wanted to hurt them. One time they were arrested and chained up in jail. Instead of feeling sorry for themselves, they sang and prayed to God. Why were they doing this?

• How would you act if you were thrown in jail? Would you sing? Would you be scared?

• Why weren’t Paul and Silas scared?

• A powerful earthquake opened all the jail doors and made the chains fall off. Why didn’t Paul and Silas escape?

• The jailer nearly killed himself when he saw the prison doors open, because his punishment would’ve been death if the prisoners escaped. But Paul shouted, “We’re all here.” The jailer immediately wanted to know how to be saved and how he could serve Paul’s God. Talk about how witnessing with actions can sometimes be more effective than telling people about God with words.

Middle/High School

• Paul suffered a lot for Jesus Christ. He was blinded, beaten, stoned, jailed. But he said suffering was good because it creates perseverance, character and hope. Have you ever suffered for something and then come out better in the end? Tell that story.

• Paul warns Christians to stay away from sinful acts, such as sexual immorality, impurity, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, jealousy, fits or rage, drunkenness, etc. Do any things in this list stand out as extremely bad or not so bad sins? In God’s eyes is all sin the same?

• Looking at the above list, talk about specific ways you can overcome certain sinful behaviors. With all the pornography on the Internet and sexualized commercials on TV, is it harder today to stay pure and sexually moral?

• Paul writes some great things about love. It’s patient and kind. It’s not envious, boastful or self-seeking. How does this kind of biblical love differ from the love that boyfriends and girlfriends say to each other?

• What’s your favorite part of Paul’s definition of love? (Look up 1 Corinthians 13:4-7)

Living Faith

Paul endured many trails for his faith. Through everything he remained hopeful and thankful. For this family activity, you’ll need pieces of colored construction paper, scissors, markers or pens and glue. Gather your family and explain that Paul spent a lot of times in chains, but it didn’t let anything dampen his faith. Paul said, “How can we thank God enough,” (1 Thessalonians 3:9).

            Create a thankfulness chain as a family by cutting construction paper into 8-inch strips that are about one-and-a-half inches wide. (Regular white paper would work, too.) Have each family member take five to ten strips of paper. Write down something you’re thankful for on each strip. Then glue the ends of the strip together to create a chain link. Make sure the words are on the inside of the link. Interlock the links as other family members write what they’re thankful for and watch your chain grow. Try not to say what you’re writing down on your chain. When everybody’s finished and a long chain is created, hang it over a doorway. Leave it hanging for a few days and then plan a time to get together as a family again. Tear off a link of the chain and read what’s on the inside. Have the person who wrote that message explain why their thankful. Keep going until you’ve totally dismantled the chain. Thank God for breaking the chains in your life and giving you so much to be thankful for!

Extra Mile

God doesn’t want us to live half-heartedly for him. He wants our total commitment. He wants us to be passionate about the things he’s passionate about. He wants us to have the faith to persevere like Paul.

            Go to YouTube and watch Ray Vander Laan’s message, “Run! The Passion of Elijah.” If you prefer to show a portion of this 21:41 video, show the segment from 11:00 to 14:30.

            After you’ve watched this video, talk about Ray’s message.

            • Why don’t we live passionate lives for Jesus?

            • Why is it easy to fall into part-time discipleship?

            • How can we live as Christian Olympians?

            Remember: Don’t hold back in your Christian life. How we live shows others that God is king!

LESSON 30: Paul’s Final Days

Timeless Truth: God’s saving grace is worth more than any earthly suffering.

Bible Basis:   Acts 20:22–28, 36–38, 22:22–29, 27:1, 9–41, 28:1–10

Key Verse:     “I want to complete the work the Lord Jesus has given me. He wants me to give witness to others about the good news of God’s grace” (Acts 20:24).

Get the Point:

Preschool: Paul served God with his whole life. God wants me to serve him, too.

Elementary: Paul served God with his whole life. God wants me to serve him, too.

Middle/High School: God is always with us as we follow him.

Table Talk

Preschool/Elementary

• Paul says he doesn’t care if he has to go to prison, he wants to finish the work that God gave him—which is to witness to others about God’s love. What are some ways you can show and tell others about God’s love?

• What kind of job do you want to do when you grow up? How can you serve God in that job?

• The Holy Spirit protected Paul many times, but the Spirit also prompted Paul to go to Jerusalem where he knew he’d be arrested. Who also went to Jerusalem even though he knew he’d be arrested? (Jesus)

• By being arrested, Paul got to share about Jesus with a lot of Romans. Do you think that’s part of why God allowed Paul to be arrested?

• Can you always see how God’s plans are going to turn out? Do think God usually shows you his plan one step at a time?

Middle/High School

• Paul is clear that salvation is a gift from God—nothing that’s deserved or can be earned. Since the Bible is so clear, why do people still believe they’ll go to heaven because of their good works?

• Why is it easy to get caught up comparing yourself with other people, instead of to God’s standard?

• Paul writes that “all Scripture is God-breathed.” What does that mean?

• God’s Word is powerful and useful. Paul mentions four specific things where the Bible is helpful (2 Timothy 3:16). Look at each one:

            - How is the Bible helpful in teaching?

- How does the Bible rebuke us?

- In what ways can the Bible correct us?

- Why is training in righteousness important?

- Think of verses where the Bible teaches, rebukes, corrects and trains.

Living Faith

Paul’s shipwreck on Malta is one of the most exciting stories in the Bible. As soon as everybody is safely on land, Paul goes to gather firewood and is bitten by a poisonous snake. Paul shakes the snake into the fire as the Maltese people wait for him to swell up and drop dead. But God saves him, and Paul’s able to share about Jesus Christ and see many people come to faith over the next three months.

            Put on a family play by creating a snake puppet from an old sock and two buttons. Sew on the buttons for eyes. If you have any red felt or material, cut out a small piece in a forked shape and sew it on as a tongue. You can create two snakes, have the snake talking to Paul or do a snake monologue. Read Acts 27:13-28:10 for background. Ad lib your lines for the play by using one of these ideas:

            1. Have two snakes talking to each other. One snake is kind of singed, since it just bit Paul and was thrown into a fire. This snake is upset because Satan (who once took the form of a serpent) told him to go bite Paul, but nothing happened. In fact, not only is Paul OK, but the islanders think he’s a god and want Paul to tell them about Jesus. The snake is bummed because Satan’s plan isn’t working out. The two snakes get more and more agitated, because God’s power always seems to defeat Satan’s plan.

            2. Snake talking to Paul after biting him. Snake is confused because Paul’s not dying. The snake says stuff like, “I put the poison in you, right?” Paul can explain that God is more powerful than any poison. Paul can explain God’s purpose for life. At the end, Paul casts the snake into the fire.

            3. Snake monologue. Have the snake give all the details of the day. Again, the snake is singed after escaping from the fire. He retells watching 276 people wash up on the beach and start to build a fire, how he bit Paul, how Paul didn’t die, how Paul was taken to the chief official of the island and healed his father. The snake is amazed at God’s power shown through Paul.

            Have family members take turns playing different parts.

Extra Mile

God can use anything in life for his glory. Sometimes we cannot see the complete picture. This week play Tag-Team Drawings. Each member of the family sits at the table with his or her own color marker and a piece of paper. At "Go," everyone have 30 seconds to begin a drawing.

When the time is up, everyone moves clockwise to the next paper, gives it a quarter turn, and has 30 seconds to continue the drawing. Continue in this manner, with the paper being given a quarter turn by each new artist, until everyone has added to each drawing.

Talk about the following questions as a family:

·         Did you know how the picture was going to turn out when you first started drawing?

·         Do we know how things turn out when things go bad? How can we trust during those situations?

·         Talk about a time in your life that God used something bad for good.

He is NOT Here He Has Risen!!!

First Corinthians 15:12-19 “Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified about God that he raised Christ, whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied.”



Matthew 27:52-54 “The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many. When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe and said, “Truly this was the Son of God!”

http://www.patheos.com/blogs/christiancrier/2014/04/13/easter-bible-verses-7-scriptures-about-the-resurrection-of-jesus/

Holy Saturday Craft

Holy Saturday Devotion

Can you imagine how the disciples felt on this day?   They had watched their teacher come into the city and people waving palms showing Hosanna.  And now here they sat in a room hiding from the same people who welcome them with open arms.   These disciples had heard Jesus talk about His death.  They watched Him break bread in front of them.  They even experienced Jesus washing their feet.  But as they slept and Jesus prayed their worlds crashed down around them.  One of their own brothers gave the teacher a kiss.  Chaos was all around them.  Arrested.  Jesus tied up and taken away.  But not before awing the crowd with another miracle of putting an ear back on a man.  Today the sit reliving the next few hours like the were right then.  Trials... Pilot washing his hands of it ... beaten almost to death... crown of thorns... mocking and yelling at Him.   The disciples hear the sounds of the cross falling on the Via Dolorosa.  The sight of blood must have made them uncomfortable and hearing Him scream in agony would have made their hair stand on end.  Here they sit, the day after they heard Him say "It is finished."  It is the day in the tomb.  They didn't know what was going to happen like we do.  The disciples, didn't remember the promise their Savior made.  All they knew on this day was that Jesus is dead.  The headline would read "Crazy Man Killed on Cross." News spread fast and the disciples sat in fear, anxiety, depression setting in, and planning to finish the burial process of the man they called rabbi.

Good Friday Devotional

Watch: https://skitguys.com/videos/item/good-friday

Lent Craft

Maundy Thursday

Maundy Thursday is an alternate name for Holy Thursday, the first of the three days of solemn remembrance of the events leading up to and immediately following the crucifixion of Jesus. The English word "Maundy" comes from the Latin mandatum, which means "commandment." As recorded in John's gospel, on his last night before his betrayal and arrest, Jesus washed the feet of his disciples and then gave them a new commandment to love one another as he had loved them (John 13:34). This is why services on this night generally include the washing of feet or other acts of physical care as an integral part of the celebration.

While John's gospel does not record the institution of the Lord's Supper among the events of this night, the other gospels do. Christians therefore keep this night with celebrations both at the basin (footwashing) and at the Lord's Table (Holy Communion).

http://www.umc.org/what-we-believe/what-is-maundy-thursday

Easter Basket Ideas

Looking for last minute Easter Basket ideas?  Check these out:

Babies/ Toddlers 
Elementary Kids
Teens

In the Garden with Jesus

When Jesus was praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, knowing the fate that awaited him, knowing full well that he would be crucified in just a few hours, he prayed.  Wouldn't you, in his situation?  He poured out his burdened heart to his heavenly Father.  But he wasn't just begging for comfort, as many of us would be apt to do.  He wasn't asking for a loophole.  He wasn't even asking for one last earthly joy.  He was praying for the people who would be the reason for his suffering.  And he was able to tell God, "I glorified you on earth, have accomplished the work you gave me to do."
Can we tell God the same thing???

God, please show me the work you want me to do.  Help me to be able to accomplish this work without complaint or looking for loopholes.