Preschool (2 yrs to PreK)

The Details…

Basic Truth: God Loves Me
Key Question: Why should you do what God says?
Bottom Line: God knows what’s best for me.
Memory Verse: “God’s way is perfect.” Psalm 18:30, NIrV
Bible Story Focus: It’s never too late to choose God’s way. • Jonah 1:17-3:3

…Unpacked

Last week Jonah was swallowed by the giant fish.  This week we learn that even in the belly of the whale, it’s not too late for Jonah.  God said, “Go”.  Jonah said, “No!”  Will he change his mind now?

Create A Rhythm this weekend.  Play a game of “Gotcha” with your preschooler.  Have your child stand against the wall (‘The Shore), while you stand in the middle of the room (‘The Ocean’).  They pretend they are ‘Jonah’ crossing the ocean.  You are the great big fish.  Jonah has to try to cross get across the ocean without getting caught by the great big fish!

Then grab your child’s bible, find the story of Jonah and the Whale and share some special storytime together.  Ask them the question, “Why should you do what God says?”  Teach them, “God knows what’s best for me!”

Elementary (Kindergarten to 3^rd Grade)

The Details…

Virtue: Grace—getting something great that you don’t deserve.
Memory Verse: “God’s grace has saved you because of your faith in Christ. Your salvation doesn’t come from anything you do. It is God’s gift.” Ephesians 2:8, NIrV
Bible Story: Pop Rocks (the lost son) • Luke 15:11-24
Bottom Line: God will always love me more than I can imagine

…Unpacked

The story of the Prodigal Son is a beautiful example of the grace and love our Father has for His children.  Reading through Luke 15: 11-24, it’s easy for the reader to see that heart of the Father is always pointed toward His children. Even when the hearts of His children are not pointed toward Him.

Make It Personal this weekend and read Luke 15:11-24.  Consider this thought.

Has there ever been, and will there ever be a time in your child’s life where God would say, “Leave me for a while so you can experience life without me.  In fact, if you live without me then you’ll only appreciate my Grace more upon your return.”

Can you imagine God leading your child away from Him?!?  No.  I can’t either.

It’s clear in Luke 15, the Father never wanted his son to leave.  However, He patiently waited because He understood the value of the wrestle his son needed to go through in order to desire deeper intimacy with Him.

Parents, I don’t believe there is ever a time God would lead your child away from His presence.  I don’t believe there is ever a time God would ask your child to walk away from Him.  However, in the seasons when your child might choose to walk away, the Father’s heart toward them never changes.  And when they decide to return, His arms are open wide.

Create A Rhythm this week.  Grab the GodTime card your child brings home from church.  Elevate the importance of God’s word in your home by spending 15 minutes together completing a GodTime activity.