Glorifying God Together, While Apart

Parent’s Corner- April 26, 2020

“And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” Hebrews 13:16 ESV

In our Sunday school lessons this week, kids can see how lives were shared and blessed by the early believers.  They shared with each other, the provided for each other, and they sought to deepen their fellowship by serving each other.  These days of social distancing have provided unique challenges to these practices.  This week as a church we are going to be learning about “Glorifying God Together, While Apart”.  You will receive a list of suggestions of ways you can bless and minister to those in your home, to neighbors on your street and in your community, and to your church family.  As Pastor Worley encouraged in his video greeting, do not feel like you need to do all of them!  Choose one.  Have a “family meeting” and choose one thing you can do as a family to bless someone outside of your family. . . and maybe, as a surprise when they least expect it, plan to bless someone within your own home!

One fun addition to Children’s Ministry starting next week. . . the Praying for Grace Kids prayer bucket!  I have written each child’s name on a card and placed it in a bucket. Yes. . . EVERY name. . . even the babies from the nursery!   I’ll draw a few names at a time and contact the child’s parent to see the best way to communicate with their child.  This could be a sent picture or text, a phone call, face time, a wave from the driveway. . . I’m also open to suggestions!  My desire is to let each child know that he/she is loved, prayed for, and missed! 

Visit the church website or Grace Weekly for links to this week’s Sunday School materials, along with other fun family activities and words of encouragement! 

2/3s- Sad day! Happy day! The story of Peter and Dorcas

Scripture- Acts 9:36-43

Lesson Truth- Jesus wants us to be kind and loving.

Aims for the Children- to do at least one of the following during this lesson:

1.     Tell how Dorcas was kind and loving

2.     Tell how Peter was kind and loving

3.     Tell who made Dorcas well

4.     Thank Jesus for his love for us

***New this week- a lesson application activity!

            Materials

1.     Wire, string, shoelace, or yarn

2.     Items to string, such as dry cereal, macaroni, spools, straws, buttons, wooden beads, small paper shapes with center hole.

Knot the string at one end and start stringing items.  Children could create a necklace, wall hanging, boo mark, etc.  The thought is, they will not be making this for themselves.  They will be making it for someone else. 

Today’s activity will involve the children making something for someone else, much like Dorcas did.  While they are working, remind them that making something for someone else is a kind and loving thing to do.  It pleases Jesus when his little ones show kindness to others.  When they are finished, they can pray for the person for whom they made it.  If appropriate, you can drive it over and leave it on their porch for them.   You could also take a picture of it and text it to the person, letting them know it will be delivered when possible.  Note- it’s important to care for others by respecting their “contact comfort level”, but you can always let them know you love them and are praying for them!

4s-K, 1st-2nd, 3rd-5th- The Holy Spirit Arrives

Scripture- Acts 2:1-47

Principle- Those who trust in Christ receive the Holy Spirit.

Ask Your Child- What happened on the day of Pentecost?

Apply- by testifying to Jesus’ death, resurrection, and ascension.

This Week- As a family, read Acts 2:1-47

Next Week- Acts 3:1-26