October 16, 2021 - Reflection of Jesus and the Children

Reflection of Jesus and the Children

Jesus was very good at throwing out concepts and ideals that were not in line with society. He stood firmly on the values and beliefs of God’s Kingdom, not of this world. In the Gospel

account of Jesus encountering children on the road to Jerusalem/his crucifixion, we see people wanting to come close to Jesus, wanting to bring their children to receive Jesus’ blessing. We see the disciples working to protect Jesus from the “unimportant issues.” Jesus shows that he always has time for the children, for the “least of these,” as well.

Today’s world continues to shun children, and to give them little respect, little importance. Very few people stand up for children and their rights, their needs. Yet, Jesus said very boldly that the Kingdom of God belongs to children. In Children Worship & Wonder, the children are given sacred space in which to grow in their relationship with God. They are given “alone time with God.” In this loud and insane world, children need quiet space and time to process and to be with God.

Elaine Austin, CW&W Trainer, Virginia Region

Prayer:
God of wonder, and God of children, we give you thanks for the children in our lives. We give you thanks for the “child” in all of us. Help us God to be attentive to the needs of children. May we approach you with the wonder and enthusiasm of a child. Amen.

Wonder:

I wonder what is the most important part of this story?

I wonder where you are in this story?

I wonder how this story helps us listen to children??

Response:

If you would like to make something that shows how this story feels to you. You may use any art materials that are available to you.

Read Scripture: Genesis 1:1-2:3
Wonder:

I wonder what is the most important part of this story?

I wonder where you are in this story?

I wonder how this story helps us listen to children?

Response:

If you would like to make something that shows how this story feels to you. You may use any art materials that are available to you.

Read Scripture: Luke 2:41-52

Share:  We would love you to share your responses on our Light a Candle With Children Facebook page at facebook.com/LightaCandleforChildren.

October 15, 2021 - Recorded Story of Jesus and the Children

 Jesus and the Children

See this and other Children & Worship & Wonder here

Wonder:

I wonder what is the most important part of this story?

I wonder where you are in this story?

I wonder how this story helps us listen to children??

Response:

If you would like to make something that shows how this story feels to you. You may use any art materials that are available to you.

Read Scripture: Genesis 1:1-2:3

Wonder:

I wonder what is the most important part of this story?

I wonder where you are in this story?

I wonder how this story helps us listen to children?

Response:

If you would like to make something that shows how this story feels to you. You may use any art materials that are available to you.

Read Scripture: Luke 2:41-52

Share:  We would love you to share your responses on our Light a Candle With Children Facebook page at facebook.com/LightaCandleforChildren.

October 14, 2021 - Story of Jesus and the Children

Story of Jesus and the Children

Go here for more guidance on engaging in this year's Light a Candle with Children.

Story Preparation: Find a place in your home to worship with the story.

Sing: “Be Still and Know that I Am God”

Be Still and Know I am God, Be Still and Know I am God, Be Still and Know I am God.

 

Center Your Mind and Body

Share the Story: Jesus and the Children Young Children and Worship by Sonja Stewart and Jerome Berryman

Matthew 19:13-15; Mark 10: 13-16; Luke 18:15-17

Once every year the people of God go up to Jerusalem, the holy city of God, to celebrate the feast of the Passover, to remember how God led them through the waters to Freedom.

This year as Jesus traveled to Jerusalem

Crowds of people came to be close to him.

They came to hear him teach.

The little children wanted to come to Jesus too.

But Jesus’ disciples said:

“No! Don’t bother Jesus. He has important work to do.”

Then Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Do not stop them, for to such belongs the Kingdom of God.”

Jesus said, “It is true, anyone who will not receive the Kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”

Wonder:

I wonder what is the most important part of this story?

I wonder where you are in this story?

I wonder how this story helps us listen to children?

Response:

If you would like to make something that shows how this story feels to you. You may use any art materials that are available to you.

Read Scripture: Luke 18:15-17

Wonder:

I wonder what is the most important part of this story?

I wonder where you are in this story?

I wonder how this story helps us listen to children?

Response:

If you would like to make something that shows how this story feels to you. You may use any art materials that are available to you.

Read Scripture: Luke 2:41-52

Share:  We would love you to share your responses on our Light a Candle With Children Facebook page at facebook.com/LightaCandleforChildren.

October 13, 2021 - Reflection The Boy Jesus in the Temple - Tracy Parker

 Reflection The Boy Jesus in the Temple

This story usually elicits tales from children of being lost and afraid, or hiding from their parents, and the parents having to search for them. But, once, there was a young girl who attended Children Worship & Wonder and heard something completely different than the norm from this story. At the time of wondering, Lydia wondered, “I wonder what the great teachers thought of Jesus’ parents when they realized they didn’t know where Jesus was.” That is a powerful question for the church. When we bring children in for programming, our interactions with them sometimes leads us to making judgments about their parents, caregivers, or families. Yet, with this story, we know the young boy the parents misplaced grew to be an incredible Man...the Savior of the world. May we always remember that the children we encounter might also grow to be amazing adults, no matter what the failings of the parents, caregivers, or families.

Tracy Parker, CW&W Trainer

Georgetown, Kentucky

Prayer: God, enable me to always see the potential You hold for every child I encounter. Fill my heart with Your love, so judgement may never sway my words and actions, and each child sees only You when they look upon me. Amen

Wonder:

I wonder what is the most important part of this story?

I wonder where you are in this story?

I wonder how this story helps us listen to children??

Response:

If you would like to make something that shows how this story feels to you. You may use any art materials that are available to you.

Read Scripture: Genesis 1:1-2:3

Wonder:

I wonder what is the most important part of this story?

I wonder where you are in this story?

I wonder how this story helps us listen to children?

Response:

If you would like to make something that shows how this story feels to you. You may use any art materials that are available to you.

Read Scripture: Luke 2:41-52

Share:  We would love you to share your responses on our Light a Candle With Children Facebook page at facebook.com/LightaCandleforChildren.

October 12, 2021 - Recorded Story of The Boy Jesus in the Temple

 Story of The Boy Jesus in the Temple

See this and other Children & Worship & Wonder here

Wonder:

I wonder what is the most important part of this story?

I wonder where you are in this story?

I wonder how this story helps us listen to children?

Response:

If you would like to make something that shows how this story feels to you. You may use any art materials that are available to you.

Read Scripture: Luke 2:41-52

Share:  We would love you to share your responses on our Light a Candle With Children Facebook page at facebook.com/LightaCandleforChildren.

October 11, 2021 - Story of The Boy Jesus in the Temple

The Story of the Boy Jesus in the Temple

Go here for more guidance on engaging in this year's Light a Candle with Children.

Story Preparation: Find a place in your home to worship with the story.

Sing: “Be Still and Know that I Am God”

Be Still and Know I am God, Be Still and Know I am God, Be Still and Know I am God.

Center Your Mind and Body

Share the Story: The Boy Jesus in the Temple Young Children and Worship by Sonja Stewart and Jerome Berryman

Luke 2:41-52

Once every year the people of God go up to Jerusalem to celebrate the feast of the Passover, to remember how God led them through the waters to freedom.

This year Mary and Joseph and Jesus were so happy because Jesus was old enough to go to the Temple all by himself.

Jesus went to the Temple to talk with God and to hear the great teachers tell the stories of God. Then he went to eat the feast of the Passover with family and friends.

After Passover, everyone started home. When evening came, Mary and Joseph went to Jesus’ friends to get Jesus. But no one had seen him. They began looking for him. They looked everywhere.

At last they found Jesus at the Temple. Mary said, “Where have you been? We have looked everywhere for you. We were so worried.”

Jesus was surprised, “Why did you look for me everywhere? Didn’t you know I would be in my Father’s house?”

They didn’t understand. But they went home together.

And the boy, Jesus, grew to be a man. He grew taller and stronger. He grew in wisdom and love, and he was loved by God and by people.

Wonder:

I wonder what is the most important part of this story?

I wonder where you are in this story?

I wonder how this story helps us listen to children?

Response:

If you would like to make something that shows how this story feels to you. You may use any art materials that are available to you.

Read Scripture: Luke 2:41-52

Share:  We would love you to share your responses on our Light a Candle With Children Facebook page at facebook.com/LightaCandleforChildren.

October 10, 2021 - Reflection on The Ark and a Tent for God - Ruth Winkler

Reflection on The Ark and a Tent for God

The people of God have always had a curiosity about how to get close to God. We've made rules and rituals to help us. We expect our children to follow these rules and continue the rituals. How blessed we are when we hear a child express gratitude that God is near all the time and we can pray to God anytime and anywhere. We are as close to God as our next breath!

Ruth Winkler, CW&W Trainer

Watauga, Texas

Prayer: Dear God, thank you for our churches -- our places of worship. Thank You that You are with us in our hearts all the time. Help us remember that we can talk to You at all times, and You hear us and love us. Amen.

Wonder:

I wonder what is the most important part of this story?

I wonder where you are in this story?

I wonder how this story helps us listen to children??

Response:

If you would like to make something that shows how this story feels to you. You may use any art materials that are available to you.

Read Scripture: Genesis 1:1-2:3

Share:  We would love you to share your responses on our Light a Candle With Children Facebook page at facebook.com/LightaCandleforChildren.

October 9, 2021 - Recorded Story of The Ark and a Tent for God

Story of the Ark and a Tent for God

See this and other Children & Worship & Wonder here

Wonder:

I wonder what is the most important part of this story?

I wonder where you are in this story?

I wonder how this story helps us listen to children??

Response:

If you would like to make something that shows how this story feels to you. You may use any art materials that are available to you.

Read Scripture: Genesis 1:1-2:3

Share:  We would love you to share your responses on our Light a Candle With Children Facebook page at facebook.com/LightaCandleforChildren.

October 8, 2021 - The Story of The Ark and a Tent for God

Story of the Ark and a Tent for God

Go here for more guidance on engaging in this year's Light a Candle with Children.

Story Preparation: Find a place in your home to worship with the story.

Sing: “Be Still and Know that I Am God”

Be Still and Know I am God, Be Still and Know I am God, Be Still and Know I am God.

Center Your Mind and Body

Share the Story: The Ark and a Tent for God Young Children and Worship by Sonja Stewart and Jerome Berryman

Exodus 25:1-40:38

The desert is a strange and wild place. At night it is very cold, but in the day, it is burning hot. There is almost no water at all…The desert is always changing. The wind comes. It shapes and mold the desert so it is never the same.

God led the people through the water to freedom and gave them the Ten Best Ways to Live. Now the people of God were on the way to the Promised Land, the land God promised to give them. The people of God loved the Ten Best Ways to Live so much that they wanted to carry them with them. But they needed a way to come close to something so precious. So, God told them how.

First, they made a special box, an Ark, to carry the Ten Best Ways to Live.

It was covered with gold, and on the top were two golden angels. And inside they put the Ten Best Ways to Live.

But now they needed a way to get ready to come close to the Ark.

So, they made an altar where they could burn incense which made a wonderful smell and smoke. Now the priest could go through the sweet-smelling incense and smoke to the Ark and be close to God. But this still wasn’t enough to come close to something so precious.

So, they made a special table called the Table of Shewbread. It was covered with gold, and every Sabbath day they put twelve loaves of unleavened bread on it. On the other side they put the gold candlestick with seven burning lights called the Menorah. Now the priest could walk between the Table of Shewbread and the Menorah through the sweeting-smelling incense and smoke to the Ark and be close to God. But this still wasn’t enough to get ready.

So, they made a tent, called a Tabernacle, the tent for God, was a special veil that divided the inside room from the outside room. They called the inside room the Holy of Holies. And that is where they kept the Ark. And now the priest could walk into the tent, between the Table of Shewbread and the Menorah, through the sweet-smelling incense and smoke, through the curtain, in the Holy of Holies to the Ark, and be close to God.

Outside of the tent for God, the people made sacrifices, at the great Altar of Burnt Offering.

Here they gave the very best of their animals to God. A great bowl of water, called the Laver was placed in front of the tent so the priests could wash their hands and feet before they went inside the tent, between the Table of Shewbread and the Menorah, through the sweet-smelling incense and smoke, through the curtain, into the Holy of Holies to the Ark, and be close to God.

They covered the tent for God with beautiful cloths.

And finally on the outside they put one that was rough and wooly, so when people passed by in the desert, they would just pass on by. This was still not enough.

They couldn’t just leave all this sitting out in the desert, so they put a linen fence around it.

Now they had a special place…and a special way to come near to God. It was a tent for God.

So whenever the people of God moved in the desert, they could take down the fence and the tent and everything in it and carry it with them. The Ark with the Ten Best Ways to Live led the way.

Wonder:

I wonder what is the most important part of this story?

I wonder where you are in this story?

I wonder how this story helps us listen to children?

Response:

If you would like to make something that shows how this story feels to you. You may use any art materials that are available to you.

Read Scripture: Exodus 40:1-9

Share:  We would love you to share your responses on our Light a Candle With Children Facebook page at facebook.com/LightaCandleforChildren.

October 7, 2021 - Reflection of The Ten Best Ways to Live - Pat Barton

Reflection of the Ten Best Ways to Live

Love God, Love People, God Loves You

Where will we go? In this story, the people of God, after going through the waters to freedom - didn't know which way to go. God, once again, said I will show you the way.

As we navigate in our time, feeling like we are wandering in the desert, and change that we could not have imagined, children have little memory of the time before the hurt and stress of the last year and a half. God will show us the way

God gave them the 10 Best Ways to Live, four best ways for loving God and six best ways for Loving people. We add God loves you as a reminder of why God gave us the 10 best ways to live. One fourth grader wondered, "Maybe there should be Love Yourself?" Maybe there should be.

Prayer: Loving God

I wonder how living loving God, loving people and loving ourselves helps us heal the hurt - and how it can help us help others, especially the children.

Today, love God, love People, love yourself and remember God loves you. God will show us the way.

Pat Barton, CW&W Trainer
Mesa. Arizona

Wonder:

I wonder what is the most important part of this story?

I wonder where you are in this story?

I wonder how this story helps us listen to children??

Response:

If you would like to make something that shows how this story feels to you. You may use any art materials that are available to you.

Read Scripture: Genesis 1:1-2:3

Share:  We would love you to share your responses on our Light a Candle With Children Facebook page at facebook.com/LightaCandleforChildren.

October 6, 2021 - Recorded Story of the Ten Best Ways to Live

 Story of  the Ten Best Ways to Live

See this and other Children & Worship & Wonder here

Wonder:

I wonder what is the most important part of this story?

I wonder where you are in this story?

I wonder how this story helps us listen to children??

Response:

If you would like to make something that shows how this story feels to you. You may use any art materials that are available to you.

Read Scripture: Genesis 1:1-2:3

Share:  We would love you to share your responses on our Light a Candle With Children Facebook page at facebook.com/LightaCandleforChildren.

October 5, 2021 - Story of The Ten Best Ways to Live

Story of The Ten Best Ways to Live

Go here for more guidance on engaging in this year's Light a Candle with Children.

Story Preparation: Find a place in your home to worship with the story.

Sing: “Be Still and Know that I Am God”

Be Still and Know I am God, Be Still and Know I am God, Be Still and Know I am God.

Center Your Mind and Body

Share the Story: The Ten Best Ways to Live Young Children and Worship by Sonja Stewart and Jerome Berryman

Exodus 19-20; Deuteronomy 6:4-6

The desert is a strange and wild place. At night it is very cold, but in the day, it is burning hot. There is almost no water at all.. The desert is always changing. The wind comes. And as it blows it shapes and mold. The desert is never the same.

After God led the people of God through the water to freedom, they were free to go any way they wanted. But what was the best way to go? Well, God loved the people so much that God said to Moses:

“I will show you the way. I will lead you to the holy mountain, Mount Sinai.

Now when they came close to the holy mountain, they could see fire and smoke and they were afraid even to come close. But Moses went close.

Moses climbed the holy mountain and stayed there and talked with God. God told Moses the Ten Best Ways to Live.

When Moses came down from the holy mountain, he gave the Ten Best Ways to Live to the people.

There were four best ways for loving God.

There were six best ways for loving people.

The Ten Best Ways to Live are so important we call them “the Law (Torah).”

We can remember why God gave us the Law, the Ten Best Ways to Live. It says, “God loves you.”

Wonder:

I wonder what is the most important part of this story?

I wonder where you are in this story?

I wonder how this story helps us listen to children?

Response:

If you would like to make something that shows how this story feels to you. You may use any art materials that are available to you.

Read Scripture: Deuteronomy 6:4-6

Share:  We would love you to share your responses on our Light a Candle With Children Facebook page at facebook.com/LightaCandleforChildren.

October 4, 2021 - Reflection of Exodus - Julia Jordan-Gillett

Reflection of Exodus

Some children sit for a few minutes before responding to the wondering question as they think about being hungry or having to move to a place just for food. Other children become animated and find themselves in the story when they are called by name to move one of the People of God through the waters to freedom. Their eyes shine with excitement as they scan the people and find the right one to move. I remember one child, who had heard the story before said, “There, now I can dance! I am free!”

Exodus 15: 1-2

Prayer: Oh God, in these changing times, may we find ourselves in the stories. Realizing we are not alone in our struggles. Others have gone before us and found you are present in our times of danger and despair. And Holy One may we rejoice when we find you as well in our times of joy, when we to get to dance. Amen

Julia Jordan-Gillett
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Wonder:

I wonder what is the most important part of this story?

I wonder where you are in this story?

I wonder how this story helps us listen to children??

Response:

If you would like to make something that shows how this story feels to you. You may use any art materials that are available to you.

Read Scripture: Genesis 1:1-2:3

Share:  We would love you to share your responses on our Light a Candle With Children Facebook page at facebook.com/LightaCandleforChildren.

October 3, 2021 - Recorded Story of Exodus

 Story of Exodus

See this and other Children & Worship & Wonder here


Wonder:

I wonder what is the most important part of this story?

I wonder where you are in this story?

I wonder how this story helps us listen to children?

Response:

If you would like to make something that shows how this story feels to you. You may use any art materials that are available to you.

Read Scripture: Exodus 15:1-2

Share:  We would love you to share your responses on our Light a Candle With Children Facebook page at facebook.com/LightaCandleforChildren.

October 2, 2021 - Story of Exodus

Story of Exodus

Go here for more guidance on engaging in this year's Light a Candle with Children.

Story Preparation: Find a place in your home to worship with the story.

Sing: “Be Still and Know that I Am God”

Be Still and Know I am God, Be Still and Know I am God, Be Still and Know I am God.

Center Your Mind and Body

Share the Story: of “Exodus” Young Children and Worship by Sonja Stewart and Jerome Berryman

Exodus 1:1-15:21

The desert is a strange and wild place. At night it is very cold, but in the day it is burning hot. There is almost no water at all…. The desert is always changing. The wind comes. And as it blows it shapes and molds. So the desert is never the same.

Once the children were very hungry.

They cried in the night, even when they were asleep. Their parents heard them…

…but there was no food. They knew they had to find food, so the people of God crossed the desert to the land of Egypt.

They stayed. But one day a new king, called a pharaoh, wanted the people of God for slaves. Pharaoh caught them in a trap.

He would not let them go. The people of God had to do what Pharaoh said. They had to work when Pharaoh said. They had to live where Pharaoh said. They had to go to bed when Pharaoh said. They couldn’t do anything on their own.

The people of God cried to God for help, and God heard them. God spoke to Moses…

…and said, “Go to Pharaoh and say. ‘Let God’s people go!’” But Pharaoh said, “No.”

Many terrible things happened in the land of Egypt. But still Pharaoh said, “No.” Finally, the firstborn of all of Egyptian families and animals died. But not the people of God. They were safe. Death passed over them.

Moses went to Pharaoh again. And Pharaoh said, “Yes.” Moses rushed back to the people.

The people of God were ready. They had to hurry before Pharaoh changed his mind. So they took unleavened bread because there wasn’t time for it to rise.

They moved toward the great sea…

Fearing any moment, they would hear the sound of Pharaoh’s army chasing them to bring them back.

Then they heard the war chariots. Pharaoh’s army was coming! They were pressed against the water, trapped again. Moses cried to God and God showed Moses the way…

…through the water to freedom.

Look at the people of God. They are doing different things to show how they feel. I wonder if you would like to go through to freedom?

When all the people of God passed through, the water closed…

And they were safe. They were free. The people of God were so happy they were free. They just had to give their thanks to the one true God. So they sang their thanks, and Miriam, the prophet, led the dancing.

Wonder:

I wonder what is the most important part of this story?

I wonder where you are in this story?

I wonder how this story helps us listen to children?

Response:

If you would like to make something that shows how this story feels to you. You may use any art materials that are available to you.

Read Scripture: Exodus 15:1-2

Share:  We would love you to share your responses on our Light a Candle With Children Facebook page at facebook.com/LightaCandleforChildren.

October 1, 2021 - Reflection of Abram and Sarai - Petie McLean

Reflection of Abram and Sarai

How many “deserts”, places they have never been before have our children faced this year.

It’s been all new, school at home, school masked, people sick, even death close to them. They (as well as their faithful adults) have to wonder if God is indeed with them in this day and pandemic time. Is God still here? Does God still offer a blessing? On Sunday morning in Worship and Wonder, a story teller always gives each child a blessing as they leave worship. It’s a time to remind the children that God is with them now and will be with them all day and all night and all week…no matter what. Just as God was with Abram and Sari, God is with us. And even in these days, God blesses us sometimes with the song of children, or the pictures they draw to remind us that God loves us. Can we stop and build an altar and offer our thanks to God?

Petie McLean, CW&W Trainer
Glasgow, Kentucky

Prayer: God of new destinations,
I wonder how we can encourage a child to build and altar and give their thanks? I wonder where some altars might be built these days? I wonder how we recognize that you are still with us? I wonder what your “blessing” looks like and feels like? Amen

Wonder:

I wonder what is the most important part of this story?

I wonder where you are in this story?

I wonder how this story helps us listen to children??

Response:

If you would like to make something that shows how this story feels to you. You may use any art materials that are available to you.

Read Scripture: Genesis 1:1-2:3

Share:  We would love you to share your responses on our Light a Candle With Children Facebook page at facebook.com/LightaCandleforChildren.

September 30, 2021 - Recorded Story of Abram and Sarai

Story of Abram and Sarai

See this and other Children & Worship & Wonder here

Wonder:

I wonder what is the most important part of this story?

I wonder where you are in this story?

I wonder how this story helps us listen to children?

Response:

If you would like to make something that shows how this story feels to you. You may use any art materials that are available to you.

Read Scripture: Genesis 12:1-4.

Share:  We would love you to share your responses on our Light a Candle With Children Facebook page at facebook.com/LightaCandleforChildren.

September 29, 2021 - Story of Abram and Sarai

Story of Abram and Sarai

Go here for more guidance on engaging in this year's Light a Candle with Children.

Story Preparation: Find a place in your home to worship with the story.

Sing: “Be Still and Know that I Am God”

Be Still and Know I am God, Be Still and Know I am God, Be Still and Know I am God.

Center Your Mind and Body

Share the Story: of “Abram and Sarai” Young Children and Worship by Sonja Stewart and Jerome Berryman

Genesis 12-13

The desert is a strange and wild place. At night it is very cold, but in the day it is burning hot. There is almost no water at all….. The desert is always changing. The wind comes. And as it blows it shapes and molds. So the desert is never the same.

Once Abram…

And Sarai…

Lived in the beautiful city of Haran.

The one true God loved Abram and Sarai.

One day God said to them, “Move from your home. I will give you a new home and a new land. It’s all right to go. I will be with you. And I will bless you….

And I will make you a blessing.”

Abram and Sarai looked across the desert. It would be sad to leave their home and their friends.

They wondered if they would be safe. Would God be with them?

Abram and Sarai went. They trusted the one true God to show them the way.

They came to Shechem in the land of Canaan. God had been with them in Haran.

But would God be here too?

Then God said to them, “Look. Look at all this land….I will give this to your children.”

Abram and Sarai were so happy that God was with them, they couldn’t help but give thanks to God. So they built a special place, an altar and prayed their thanks to God.

Then they moved on to a place near Bethel.

And God was there too. Abram and Sarai were so happy that God was with them, they couldn’t help but give thanks to God. So they built an altar and prayed their thanks.

Then there came a great famine so there was not enough food to eat. They were very hungry. So Abram and Sarai moved to the land of Egypt for food.

Abram was scared. He was scared of the people of Egypt. He forgot that God had promised to be with him. But God did not forget. God kept Abram and Sarai safe. The Egyptians were good to them, and gave them food and animals… Abram and Sarai moved back to the land of Canaan, the land God promised to give them, to a place called Hebron.

Abram and Sarai wondered if God would be here too. God had been with them in Haran…and in Shechem, and near Bethel, and in Egypt. Would God be in Hebron too? Then God said to them, “I will give you many children to live in this land.” Abram and Sarai were so happy that God was with them they couldn’t help but give thanks to God. So they built an altar and prayed their thanks…

To the one true God who was with them.

Now Abram and Sarai knew that the one true God who spoke to them and showed them the way….

Was in every place…

And in every time….

Just as God promised.

Wonder:

I wonder what is the most important part of this story?

I wonder where you are in this story?

I wonder how this story helps us listen to children?

Response:

If you would like to make something that shows how this story feels to you. You may use any art materials that are available to you.

Read Scripture: Genesis 12:1-4.

Share:  We would love you to share your responses on our Light a Candle With Children Facebook page at facebook.com/LightaCandleforChildren.

September 28, 2021 - Reflection of Creation - Lisa Engelken

Reflection of Creation

What are some of the biggest gifts you have? As I ponder on all my gifts, I give thanks for the creation of being: My being, my children’s being, and my grandchildren’s being. I have the joy of spending time with my grandchildren three to four days a week. We play, we wonder, we create, but my favorite thing in our being together is when they reach out their hand to invite my hand into theirs to go explore their world.

Lisa Engelken

Minister for Children Worship & Wonder

Fairway, Kansas

Prayer: Creator God, thanks for the gift of children and grandchildren. Have them show us the way. Amen.

Wonder:

I wonder what is the most important part of this story?

I wonder where you are in this story?

I wonder how this story helps us listen to children??

Response:

If you would like to make something that shows how this story feels to you. You may use any art materials that are available to you.

Read Scripture: Genesis 1:1-2:3

Share:  We would love you to share your responses on our Light a Candle With Children Facebook page at facebook.com/LightaCandleforChildren.

September 27, 2021 - Recorded Story of Creation

 Story of Creation

See this and other Children & Worship & Wonder here

Wonder:

I wonder what is the most important part of this story?

I wonder where you are in this story?

I wonder how this story helps us listen to children??

Response:

If you would like to make something that shows how this story feels to you. You may use any art materials that are available to you.

Read Scripture: Genesis 1:1-2:3

Share:  We would love you to share your responses on our Light a Candle With Children Facebook page at facebook.com/LightaCandleforChildren.

September 26, 2021 - The Story of Creation

Story of Creation 

Go here for more guidance on engaging in this year's Light a Candle with Children.

CW&W Story Preparation: Find a place in your home to worship with the story.

Sing: “Be Still and Know that I Am God”

Be Still and Know I am God, Be Still and Know I am God, Be Still and Know I am God.

Center Your Mind and Body

Share the Story: of “Creation” Young Children and Worship by Sonja Stewart and Jerome Berryman

Genesis 1:1-2:3

What are some of the biggest gifts you have?

That is a very big gift, but can you think of something bigger? There are some gifts that are so big that it’s very hard to see them. They’re everywhere, but they are so big we forgot they are here. I don’t know how to see them unless we go back to the beginning…or just before the beginning. Let’s see if we can do that.

In the beginning there was nothing...except God…and perhaps an enormous smile.

On the first day God gave us the gift of light.

I don’t mean light like the light in this room or the light you can turn on and off. I don’t mean the light of the sun, moon, and stars. I mean light. All light. What is present in light that makes it light…. When God saw the light, God said, “It is good.”

On the second day God gave us the gift of water.

I don’t mean the water in a glass or the water in the bathtub, or the water that comes from the sky. I mean water. All water. What is present in water that makes it water…. When God saw the water, God said. “It is good.”

On the third day God gave us the gift of the dry land…

…and the growing things.

I mean all the land and all the green growing things… And when God saw the dry land and the green growing things. God said, “They are good.”

On the fourth day God gave us the gift of the great lights.

The light that rules the day…

…and the great light that rules the night.

And when God saw the great lights. God said, “They are good.”

On the fifth day God gave us the gift of the fish that swim in the sea and the birds that fly in the air.

When God saw the fish and birds, God said, “They are good.”

On the sixth day God gave us the gift of the creatures that walk upon the earth; the animals and the people.

When God saw the animals and the people, God said, “They are good.”

And God saw everything that was made, and God said, “It was very good.”

On the seventh day God gave us the gift of a day to rest and remember the gifts of all the other days.

On this day we find a special place to remember all the gifts of God.

Wonder:

I wonder what is the most important part of this story?

I wonder where you are in this story?

I wonder how this story helps us listen to children??

Response:

If you would like to make something that shows how this story feels to you. You may use any art materials that are available to you.

Read Scripture: Genesis 1:1-2:3

Share:  We would love you to share your responses on our Light a Candle With Children Facebook page at facebook.com/LightaCandleforChildren.

September 25, 2021 - Reflection of The Good Shepherd - Linda Presley

Reflection of The Good Shepherd 

A child shall lead them:

I had a wonderful experience with a parent who told me about her 3rd grade daughter Evie. Evie told her mom not to worry so much about moving to their new house. Evie told her mom that God would provide. She ran to get her new Bible to find the verses in the Psalms which would help her mom. When Evie couldn't find the verses, her mom asked her to tell her some of the scripture. Evie said it began with "The Lord is my Shepherd". Her mom was able to show her Psalm 23 which they then read together. Evie is a graduate of Children Worship & Wonder.

Linda Presley, CW&W Trainer

Martinsville, Indiana

Prayer: Dear Good Shepherd, the one who shows us the way. Give us strength and peace for change and all things new. Amen.

Linda Presley, CW&W Trainer

Martinsville, Indiana

Wonder:

I wonder what is the most important part of this story?

I wonder where you are in this story?

I wonder how this story helps us listen to children?

Response:

If you would like to make something that shows how this story feels to you. You may use any art materials that are available to you.

Read Scripture: Psalms 23:1-4

Share:  We would love you to share your responses on our Light a Candle With Children Facebook page at facebook.com/LightaCandleforChildren.

September 24, 2021 - Recorded Story of the Good Shepherd

Story of the Good Shepherd

.

See this and other Children & Worship & Wonder here.

Wonder:

I wonder what is the most important part of this story?

I wonder where you are in this story?

I wonder how this story helps us listen to children?


Response:

If you would like to make something that shows how this story feels to you. You may use any art materials that are available to you.


Read Scripture: Psalms 23:1-4


Share:  We would love you to share your responses on our Light a Candle With Children Facebook page at facebook.com/LightaCandleforChildren.

September 23, 2021 - The Story of the Good Shepherd

The Story of the Good Shepherd

Go here for more guidance on engaging in this year's Light a Candle with Children.

Story Preparation: Find a place in your home to worship with the story.

Sing: “Be Still and Know that I Am God”

Be Still and Know I am God, Be Still and Know I am God, Be Still and Know I am God.

Center Your Mind and Body

Share the Story: of “The Good Shepherd” Young Children and Worship by Sonja Stewart and Jerome Berryman

The Light (Psalm 23)

I wonder if this is a parable? Hmm. It might be. Parables are very precious, like gold, and this box is gold

This box looks a bit like a gift.

Well, parables are like presents. They have already been given to us. We can’t buy them, or steal them. They are already ours…. There is another reason why this might be a parable. It has a lid.

And sometimes parables seem to have lids on them. But when you lift the lid of a parable there is something very precious inside… I know. Let’s take off the lid and see if this is a parable.

I wonder what this could be?

It’s so green. It’s so soft and warm. I wonder what could be so green?

Maybe there is something else that will help us…

Here it is..

It is so blue… and cool. I wonder what it might be?

Let’s see if there’s anything else.

These are very dark. There seems to be no light in them at all.

I wonder what these could be?

I wonder what this could be? If I place it here…it looks like a road.

This could be the beginning, and this could be the end. Or this could be the beginning and this the end.

If I add another… then the road could be in between.

Then this could be the beginning and this the end. Or this might be the beginning and this the end.

There are more. If I put one here and one here…I could make this place very strong. It’s getting stronger…and stronger. Now I wonder what this could be? It could be a log cabin…Hmm, it could be a corral.

There is an inside…and an outside in this place. But I think there needs to be a way to go out…and a way to come in…I could make a gate.

I wonder who lives here?

Here are some sheep. If sheep live in this place, then it must be a sheepfold. It is called a sheepfold because the sheep are folded safely inside.

Once there was someone who said such amazing things and did such wonderful things that people began to follow him. But they didn’t know who he was. So one day they simply had to ask him, and he said…

“I am the Good Shepherd. I know each one of my sheep by name.

And they know the sound of my voice. So when I call my sheep from the sheepfold, they follow me.

I walk in front of the sheep to show them the way.

I show them the way to the good green grass…I show them the way to the cool, clear, still water….

And when there are places of danger….

I show them the way to pass through…

So they can come safely home to the sheepfold.”

Wonder:

I wonder what is the most important part of this story?

I wonder where you are in this story?

I wonder how this story helps us listen to children?

Response:

If you would like to make something that shows how this story feels to you. You may use any art materials that are available to you.

Read Scripture: Psalms 23:1-4

Share: We would love you to share your responses on our Light a Candle With Children Facebook page at facebook.com/LightaCandleforChildren.

September 22, 2021 - Reflection of The Light - Jane Nettles

Reflection of The Light 

Recently, I ran into my grown Children Worship & Wonder graduate, Katie Kirk, that is now in Yale Divinity School. Katie shared how much CW&W has influenced her spiritual formation. She had an internship this summer at Emory as a Chaplin in the ICU COVID ward and she shared with everyone and it was her motto every day: “The Light that was in one place at one time can be with you and in all places at all times and everywhere.” It made me want to cry.

Jane Nettles, CW&W Trainer

Auburn, Alabama

Prayer: Dear God of Light, may we always remember our light and that it helps us show the way. Amen.

Wonder:

I wonder what is the most important part of this story?

I wonder where you are in this story?

I wonder how this story helps us listen to children?

Response:

If you would like to make something that shows how this story feels to you. You may use any art materials that are available to you.

Read Scripture: John 8:12

Share: We would love you to share your responses on our Light a Candle With Children Facebook page at facebook.com/LightaCandleforChildren.

September 21, 2021 - Recorded Story of The Light

Story of the Light

See this and other Children & Worship & Wonder here

Wonder:

I wonder what is the most important part of this story?

I wonder where you are in this story?

I wonder how this story helps us listen to children??

Response:

If you would like to make something that shows how this story feels to you. You may use any art materials that are available to you.

Read Scripture: Genesis 1:1-2:3

Share: We would love you to share your responses on our Light a Candle With Children Facebook page at facebook.com/LightaCandleforChildren.

September 20, 2021 - Story of The Light

Story of The Light

Go here for more guidance on engaging in this year's Light a Candle with Children.

Story Preparation: Find a place in your home to worship with the story.

Sing: “Be Still and Know that I Am God”

Be Still and Know I am God, Be Still and Know I am God, Be Still and Know I am God.

Center Your Mind and Body

Share the Story: of “The Light” Young Children and Worship by Sonja Stewart and Jerome Berryman

The Light (John 8:12)

Once there was someone who said such amazing things and did such wonderful things that people began to follow him. But they didn’t know who he was. So one day they simply had to ask him. And he said, “I am the Light.”

Let’s enjoy the light.

People who love the Light can become one with the Light. This is how your light becomes one with the Light of Christ. Watch.

_________, this is your light.

_________, this is your light.

Look how the light is growing. It all came from the Light here.

Look, the light is in so many places at once.

Many have come to the Light to be one with the Light. But the Light is not smaller. It is still the same…. I wonder how so much light could be given away and the Light still be the same?

There was even a day when I became one with the Light of Christ. Let’s enjoy the light.

There comes a time when the Light is changed so it’s not just in one place anymore. It can be in many places at once. Watch. You see the light is just in one place now.

I am going to change the light so it is not just in one place anymore. It can be in many places all at once. Watch.

Now I will change each of your lights so they can be in more than one place.

Even the Light was changed. The Light that was just in one place at one time is in all places at all times. So the Light can be everywhere in this room and even in other places.

Wonder:

I wonder what is the most important part of this story?

I wonder where you are in this story?

I wonder how this story helps us listen to children?

Response:

If you would like to make something that shows how this story feels to you. You may use any art materials that are available to you.

Read Scripture: John 8:12

Share: We would love you to share your responses on our Light a Candle With Children Facebook page at facebook.com/LightaCandleforChildren.

2021 Introduction to Light a Candle with Children - Lisa Engelken

Introduction 

The 2021 Children’s Sabbath, “Where Does It Hurt?” Listening to Heal Our Children, is encouraging Communities of faith to take action. Where can we start? Listen. Here is the best action that is the start of true social change. Children’s Defense Fund shares, “Why Listen? Listening is the heartbeat of movement building If we want to create social change, we have to stop talking, open our hearts, and listen without judgment or assumptions. When we listen, hear, and respond, our efforts to improve parent-school and student-school relations are organic and grassroots in nature. We move away from becoming “advocates” (literally “those who speak for”) and support families as they take their power, own their experiences and needs, find their voices, and take collective action to make the changes they want to see for their community’s children and youth. With Family Suppers, participants gather in the name of success for all students. Together, participants can see their value as individuals as well as the influence they can have in the school system if they work together, support each other, and advocate collectively for what they believe their children need.”

Many churches in our denomination have Children Worship & Wonder. This experience of God is a place where we can start in this listening practice. This year’s devotions are ways you can experience a little of what happens each Sunday morning with children. It will be in three parts: 1) You will read the story, 2) you will watch the story, and 3) you we hear reflections from the Children Worship & Wonder Trainers. As you work through the stories take time to reconnect with your inner child and wonder each day,

I wonder what is the most important part of this story?

I wonder where you are in this story?

I wonder how this story helps us listen to children?

We would like to hear your responses if you are willing to share. Please send to Light A Candle Facebook at facebook.com/LightaCandleforChildren.

Join us this year to listen first so we know where to heal.

Grace and Peace,

Lisa Engelken

Rev. Lisa Engelken

Minister for Children Worship & Wonder