Story and Stretch April 2023
Story and Song for Easter
Story: Jesus Is Alive! - Luke 24 & John 20 (Read from the Children of God Storybook Bible by Archbishop Desmond Tutu)
Main Point: God raises Jesus from the dead
Discussion Questions:
- Why are you thankful that Jesus died on the cross for you?
- How do you think Jesus wants us to respond to his death and resurrection?
- How will you celebrate Easter today and in the next few weeks?
Prayer: At Easter we celebrate resurrection and new life. We celebrate warmer days and blooming flowers and butterflies leaving their chrysalises. Living things and growing things are all around. Help us look for them and see them. Amen. (From the book Prayers for Faithful Families by Traci Smith)
Video: God's Story: Easter
Easter is a major part of God’s big rescue plan. It shows us how much Jesus loves us and is one of the most exciting parts of God’s story. In fact, you can find it a few times in the Bible. Here are two places to read the story: Mark 14 - 16 and John 13 - 21.
Music: Jesus Is Alive!
Easter is when we celebrate that Jesus is alive. Sing this song (made especially for younger kids) and find out more! And for more great songs and video, check out crossroadskidsclub.net.
Story and Stretch
Story: For the Beauty of the Earth Book by Folliot S. Pierpoint and Hymn by Conrad Kocher, 1838 Public Domain
Main Point: God wants us to celebrate the good things God created-family and friends, birds and butterflies, rocks and rivers and communities of faith.
I Wonder Statement: I wonder if you know that God created beautiful things all around you...
Discussion Questions:
What beautiful things did God create in nature around you?
How can you care for the natural environment around you?
How can we thank God for the beautiful things in our lives?
Prayer: Dear God, thank you for creating all the beauty of the Earth. Help us to be good stewards and care for the beautiful things in our lives. Amen.
Story and Stretch
Story: The Three Apples, Genesis 1:27-28 & Genesis 2:15
Main Point: A story for fall about sustainability and our role in caring for the Earth God created. Genesis 1:27-28 - So God created humankind in his image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air and over every living thing that moves upon the earth.
Genesis 2:15 - The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to till it and keep it.
I Wonder Statement: I wonder if you know what the word sustainability means?
Discussion Questions:
- What could/do you and your family do that contributes to environmental sustainability?
- What things are happening in the world now that prevent sustainability from happening?
- Why is sustainability important?
Prayer: Dear God, thank you for your abundant gifts of resources and plants that feed this world. Help me use what I need to live now without putting people in the future at risk of not being able to meet their needs. Amen.