April 14, 2013
What We Learned:
Today, your child discovered that he or she has been made super special by God, yet different from everyone else. He gave your child unique gifts and talents so he or she can use them to worship and glorify the Lord. Your child learned that everyone has special gifts from God, and, therefore, everyone is special to God. (Scripture used: Proverbs 21:10-31)
Words to Remember:
(Bible versions used are selected to help young children learn and understand the meaning of scripture.)
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139:14
Practice this verse several times with your child during the week. This will not only help your child to remember the verse, but also it will help to reinforce what he or she learned during class.
Suggested Parent/Child Activity:
Talk with your child about that special “something” they are really good at. It might be a sport, playing a musical instrument, reading, singing, or serving others. There are so many gifts and talents that we all have, but it is our job as parents to help our children reach that full potential. We need to encourage them to continue, to persevere, and to give it their best because in the end what we do should honor God. Take time to talk about each others’ gifts and talents and how you can improve on them..
Daily Prayer:
Dear Lord, You have made me to be a very special person. I might be very young, but You made me! Thank You for giving me _________(name your talent or gift) and help me to do everything I can to honor You with what I do. Amen.
April 7, 2013
What We Learned:
In today’s lesson your child learned that we should love others just as we love ourselves. Your child also discovered that Jesus wants us to comfort those who are in need of help. (Scripture used: Luke 10:25-37)
Words to Remember:
(Bible versions used are selected to help young children learn and understand the meaning of scripture.)
“Love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:39 NIV
Practice this verse several times with your child during the week. This will not only help your child to remember the verse, but also it will help to reinforce what he or she learned during class.
Suggested Parent/Child Activity:
Discuss some practical ways that your family can help others in the neighborhood, school or church. It could be something as easy as befriending a new child in Sunday school, making a card for an elderly neighbor, or inviting neighbors to church. Plan to act on several, if not all, of the ideas that you’ve discussed.
Daily Prayer:
Dear Lord, please help us learn to love others as we love ourselves. Give us a heart to help our neighbors when they need our assistance. Amen.
February 24, 2013
What We Learned:
Today your child learned how Jesus raised His friend Lazarus from the dead, and how we can be raised to live together with Jesus in Heaven. Lazarus had two sisters who were very close to Jesus and they knew He had the power to do anything. They called for Jesus, and He came. But when Jesus arrived, Lazarus was already dead. Then, Jesus performed a miracle and brought Lazarus back to life. (Scripture used: John 11:1-44)
Words to Remember:
(Bible versions used are selected to help young children learn and understand the meaning of scripture.)
“I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life.” John 6:47 NIV
Practice this verse several times with your child during the week. This will not only help your child to remember the verse, but also it will help to reinforce what he or she learned during class.
Suggested Parent/Child Activity:
You and your child can read the story about Lazarus and then can act out the story. Have your child go into a dark closet or room and pretend he or she is in a tomb. You can even cover your child with a white robe or oversized shirts. Then pretend to be Jesus, and call for Lazarus to come out of the tomb. Shout with joy and shower your child with hugs and kisses. As you play, remind your child that God wants us to live with Him in Heaven one day, but first we need to believe in Him. Ask your child the following questions:
• Do you believe God created the world?
• Do you believe God sent His Son to die on the cross for our sins?
• Do you believe Jesus performed miracles so that we could see His power?
If we believe in Jesus, we, too, will one day spend the rest of our lives with Him.
Daily Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank You for giving us many examples of Your miracles in the Bible so we can see Your power and believe in You. Help us remember to thank You for all You have done, and for showing us that if we believe, You will raise us from the dead to live with You in Heaven! Amen.
February 10, 2013
What We Learned:
Today, your child learned about the time Jesus healed a man who had been crippled all of his life. His friends took this man to see Jesus, but the place was so crowded, they were not able to get in. The men decided to make a hole in the roof of the house and lower their friend down to Jesus. When Jesus saw the crippled man, He not only healed him, but He also forgave the man of his sins. Jesus healed this man both physically and spiritually. Your child also learned that Jesus can comfort and heal us during those times when we are not feeling well. (Scripture used: Mark 2:1-12)
Words to Remember:
(Bible versions used are selected to help young children learn and understand the meaning of scripture.)
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort.” 2 Corinthians 1:3 NIV
Practice this verse several times with your child during the week. This will not only help your child to remember the verse, but also it will help to reinforce what he or she learned during class.
Suggested Parent/Child Activity:
Read the story together about the crippled man found in Mark 2:1-12 or Luke 5:17-26. Ask your child the following questions: How does this story show that Jesus loves us? Do you know anyone who is sick, having a baby, or even in the hospital? Perhaps your child knows someone who was hurt recently at school. Decide on someone who is hurting and help your child write a get-well card for him or her. If possible, and if the sick individual is not contagious, let your child deliver the card in person.
Daily Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank You for healing me when I’m sick. I pray that You will also be with other people who are sick, and especially those who do not know You as Lord and Savior. Please heal their hearts. Amen.
January 27, 2013
What We Learned:
What fun we had in class today! Water turned to “wine” (with the help of Kool-Aid, of course.) Jesus’ first miracle in His ministry happened in Cana at a wedding. Jesus turned water into wine! Through the story, your child learned Jesus helps us when we need Him and that we can always trust Him at difficult times. Jesus performed miracles as well as many other things while on earth. John 21:25 says, “And there are also many other things which Jesus did, which if they were written in detail, I suppose that even the world itself would not contain the books which were written.” and He continues to perform “miracles” NOW as He heals our sickness, answers our prayers, protects us from harms AND saves us from eternal punishment! (Bible study from John 2:1-12)
Words to Remember:
(Bible versions used are selected to help young children learn and understand the meaning of scripture.)
“This beginning of His signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory, and His disciples believed in Him” John 2:11 (NASB)
Practice this verse several times with your child during the week, especially the last phrase. Remind them how His disciples began to believe in Him.
Suggested Parent/Child Activity:
Do the Kool-Aid experiment at home. It’s simple and fun and your kids will love it! Take two clear cups; add water into one and the other, discretely add red Kool-Aid powder just a bit. As you talk about the story, pour water from the first cup into the Kool-Aid cup and watch in amazement how water turns red!
Daily Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank You for sending Jesus to show us He’s all power, all knowing and all loving! Amen.
January 6, 2013
What We Learned:
For the last few Sundays around Christmas, your child learned that Christmas is not just about gifts and Santa Claus. We read about how Mary and Joseph went back to Bethlehem to be counted for the census so Caesar would know how many people were under his reign. While there, Mary gave birth to her first baby and named Him Jesus. Jesus was born in a stable because there was no place else to stay. However, God had a plan for this special baby. Jesus is His Son. God sent angels to Joseph to protect Jesus from harm at His early life. Jesus grew in Nazareth as God watched over Him. The children learned that they too are being taken care of by God!(Scripture used: Luke 2:1-20)
Words to Remember:
(Bible versions used are selected to help young children learn and understand the meaning of scripture.)
“Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to men on who his favor rests.” Luke 2:14
Practice this verse several times with your child during the week. This will not only help your child to remember the verse, but also it will help to reinforce what he or she has learned during class.
Suggested Parent/Child Activity:
Sit down with your child and talk about how Jesus is the Son of God and is like a prince. Talk about princes. They are usually born in palaces, with lots of riches and servants. However, it was different for Jesus. Although He was from the royal family of King David, He was born with humble means to show others who He really was. Talk about how it may not seem fair for Jesus to miss the special treatment normally given to a king or prince. However, this was exactly the kind of birth God planned for Jesus. In this way, we can understand how Jesus would grow up to be a humble man, a man who would die for us.
Daily Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank You for sending Jesus to be with us. Thank You for the beautiful story about the birth of Your Son. He could have been born in a palace fit for a prince. Instead, You allowed Him to be born in a humble way as an example for us. Help us be humble like Jesus. Amen.
November 25, 2012
What We Learned:
Today, your child learned about real thanksgiving. We looked at examples of people many years ago who had much faith in God. They were unsure how God would provide, but they still thanked Him for what He was doing and for what He would do. Your child also listened to Bible verses about how we are to give thanks always and in every situation. This is an important but sometimes difficult concept for all of God’s children to understand. (Scripture used: Matthew 6:25-26, 1 Timothy 6:17, 1 Thessalonians 5:18)
Words to Remember:
(Bible versions used are selected to help young children learn and understand the meaning of scripture.)
“Give thanks is all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Practice this verse several times with your child during the week. This will not only help your child to remember the verse, but also it will help to reinforce what he or she has learned during class.
Suggested Parent/Child Activity:
Write down the names of everyone in your family on slips of paper. Start with parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc. You can also include the names of close friends. After writing down the names, put the slips of paper in a bag, and each of you draw them out one at a time. Then, each of you can share why you are thankful for the person whose name you drew from the bag. It is okay to help your child if needed. This will help your child begin thinking about being thankful for people in his or her life.
Daily Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank You for this time of the year when we can think about all of your blessings. Help us remember our family and friends and to give thanks every day for what You provide. Remind us to thank You even when we are having some hard times. You are always there to take care of us. Amen.
October 14, 2012
What We Learned:
Today, your child learned that God provides even during the toughest of times. Just as He provided bread and meat for the Israelites while wandering in the wilderness, God will also provide everything we need to live for Him. Moreover, He showers us with so many blessings each day of our lives through our Lord Jesus. (Scripture used: Exodus 16:1-18, 31)
Words to Remember:
(Bible versions used are selected to help young children learn and understand the meaning of scripture.)
“God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19
Practice this verse several times with your child during the week. This will not only help your child to remember the verse, but also it will help to reinforce what he or she has learned during class.
Suggested Parent/Child Activity:
One day this week, challenge your child to try something new. Go grocery shopping together and talk about the different vegetables available to buy. Let your child choose a vegetable he or she has never tasted before. Then, prepare it together to go with a meal. Be sure to give thanks to God before eating. Whether or not your child enjoys the new taste, talk about how God provides so many different kinds of foods for us. Some we like, and some we don’t. That is how wonderful God is. He created many options so we can enjoy life.
Daily Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank You for providing so many wonderful blessings. Let me praise You for everything You provide, especially for the love of Jesus in my life. Thank You also for the different foods we have on our table each day to enjoy. Help me remember never to grumble about what I have to eat. Amen.
October 7, 2012
What We Learned:
Today’s lesson was about the Israelites’ escape from Egypt. Your child learned that God is all-powerful and He loves and protects His people. Your child learned that as believers we can trust that God will help us when we call on Him. (Scripture used: Exodus 14:5-31) We’ve enjoyed a birthday cake that depicted the parting of the Red Sea! 
Words to Remember:
(Bible versions used are selected to help young children learn and understand the meaning of scripture.)
“My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth” Psalm 121:2 NIV
Practice this verse several times with your child during the week. This will not only help your child to remember the verse, but also it will help to reinforce what he or she has learned during class.
Suggested Parent/Child Activity:
Explain to your child that all things are possible with God and that signs of His miracles are all around us. God created Heaven and earth. He also created us, and we can take comfort in knowing that He is in control. Take turns naming ways that God is in control of the world around us and the heavens above.
Daily Prayer:
Dear Lord, all things are possible with You, we take great comfort in knowing that You are in control. Thank You for helping us in so many ways. You are all powerful and Holy we praise and worship You! Amen.