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.