Sunday March 27, 2011

Today we learned about Joseph's rise to power in Egypt. He is put in charge of all of the food supply of Egypt despite being a foreigner and former slave. How did he accomplish this? He interpreted Pharaoh's dreams. But Joseph never takes the credit for himself, he acknowledges that God gave Pharaoh the dreams and God would interpret them. Hundred's of years later James, the brother of Jesus wrote, "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." (James 1:17 NIV). It was true for Joseph, and James and everyone in between and it is true for us today. Let's not forget to thank the Father for the good and perfect gifts he blesses us with everyday!

Memory verse: "You intended to harm me but God intended it for good to accomplish what is being done now, the saving of many lives." (Genesis 50:20 NIV)

Parent Stumper Question: What were the names of Joseph's sons? Bonus point if they can be pronounced correctly!

Sunday March 13, 2011

We talked about Joseph being sold into slavery by his brothers. What motivated them to do something so cruel? Why was Reuben the only brother to have mercy on Joseph. We also talked about the irony of Joseph being sold to the descendants of Ishmael whose mother was a slave.
God took care of Joseph despite all of the troubles he suffered. God gave him success in everything he did. Even though it may seem that everyone is against us and our world is falling apart, God is always with us. He can do great things in spite of what seems like hopeless circumstances.

Parent Stumper Question: Where did Joseph find his brothers? The answer is in Genesis 37:17.

Memory verse Genesis 50:20

March 6, 2011

Joseph and his dreams were the subject of Children's Church this week. We talked about Joseph's favor with his father and how that made his brothers feel. Joseph seemed oblivious to his brother's hatred and told them about his dreams. The brothers became more angry with young Joseph since his dreams seemed to symbolize them bowing down to him.

Parent Stumper Question: How old was Joseph when Jacob gave him his coat of many colors? The answer can be found in Genesis 37:2.

March memory verse: "You intended to harm me but Bod intended it for good to accomplish what si now being done, the saving of many lives." Genesis 50:20

May 23, 2010

Today we talked about Jesus and the little children. During the three years that Jesus spent doing ministry he performed many miracles. He healed lepers, drove out demons, gave sight to the blind, made the lame walk, and raised the dead. He was a highly sought after public figure. People wanted him to bless their children. Like the rest of us, these parents wanted what was best for their kids. Surely they thought that if this man blessed their kids, they would be healthy, happy, successful and righteous all of their days. The problem: the disciples tried to prevent the parents from bringing their kids to Christ. I am sure they thought the Master had more important things to do than pay attention to a bunch of grubby kids and their grasping parents. Jesus reaction was to scold his disciples and welcome the parents and children. As he was holding these little ones, he taught a lesson to the adults around him. These kids matter - A LOT! He actually said that the Kingdom of God belongs to those with hearts like little children. Kids are an important part of the Church. Their prayers are powerful and honest. Their perspective of the Bible is unique and enlightening.
We spent the remainder of our time making "apple people"- I can't really do justice to the creativity of the kids with mere words. Photos will be posted on the website sometime in the near future.
We also worked on our ministry name. The kids voted and we have a winner. The unveiling will come soon!
Parent Stumper Question: "Which Gospels contain the story of Jesus and the Little Children?"

May 9, 2010

This week we discussed the reunion of Jacob and Esau. When Jacob left home his twin brother was very angry with him. In fact, he planned to kill him. Jacob had tricked his older brother into giving up his inheritance and then he tricked their father into giving him Esau's blessing. Fourteen years passed and when the brothers met again, Jacob was certain his brother would still be angry with him. He prepared a huge peace offering which he sent to his brother ahead of him and his family. When he finally met up with his brother, he was astounded to discover that his brother had forgiven him! Jacob did nothing to earn this forgiveness, Esau gave it freely. Kind of like the love and forgiveness God lavishes on us. We have done nothing to earn it but he delights in giving it!

Parent Stumper Question: What did Rachel steal from her father?

Sunday April 25, 2010

The last Sunday of the month is "Birthday Sunday." We celebrate the birthdays of the month by enjoying goodies, playing games, and our birthday kids get to pick an object for "Sink or Float." This is a great chance for us to just hang out together and share what is going on. Happy Birthday to Zakary, Joe, Colby, and Ben!
Next week we will be learning about Jacob's adventures in Paddan Aram.

Don't forget Tuesday night Bible Study at Kathy's house. 6-7pm. Everyone is welcome for games, goodies, and friendship!

Sunday April 18, 2010

We are continuing to learn about the character of the people of the Old Testament. Last week we discussed Jacob and Esau. We learned that although Jacob got wealth and his father's blessing by tricking his father and his brother, he really lost out in the end. He had to flee his home and his brother hated him and planned to kill him.
Yesterday we talked about Jacob's dream. When he was on his way to hide out with his Uncle Laban, Jacob had a dream of a stairway, angels, and God. In this dream, God renewed the convenant He had made to Abraham. Even though Jacob was less than honest, God kept the promise He had made to Abraham. God is so good!