Story and Stretch May 2023

Story and Stretch

Story & Stretch - Week 1

Story:  The Cloud 

Main Point:  A story for summer about service and sacrifice.  

Sacrifice Bible Verse: “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased” - Hebrews 13:16

Service Bible Verse:  “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”  - Ephesians 2:10

I Wonder Statement:  I wonder if you know what the word sacrifice means...

Discussion Questions: 

  • Do you know about the water cycle?  If not could you look it up?
  • What does sacrifice mean?
  • Share about a time you sacrificed something to help someone else.  

Prayer:  Dear God, thank you for giving us opportunities to serve our neighbors.  Help our sacrifices benefit others.  Amen. 

Music:  What A Mighty God We Serve   

Story and Stretch

Story & Stretch - Week 2

Story:  A Woman of Distinction -Proverbs 31:10-31

Main Point:  A woman of distinction makes choices for herself and is loved for doing so. 

I Wonder Statement:  I wonder who the women of distinction are in your life and what you can learn from them...

Discussion Questions: 

  • What surprised or interested you about the story, or poem, today? 
  • What is one way you already show up as yourself in the world?
  • What is one way you could be a little more YOU when you are around others/spending time in the places you spend time/doing the things you do?

Prayer:  Dear God, thank you for women of distinction.  Help me to notice them around me and learn from them.  Amen. 

Music:  More Than Enough (A Mother's Day Song)  

Optional Activity as a Mother's Day Gifts from children for Mom, Mum, Aunt, Grandma, Sister or Fill In the Blank:

Mother's Day Activity

Story and Stretch

Story & Song - Week 3

Story:  Breathless by Laura Alary; Illustrated by Cathrin Peterslund
Published by Paraclete Press
The story of Ascension from Acts 1:6-11

Main Point:  Jesus promised that he would never leave us alone. 

I Wonder Statement:  I wonder if you know Jesus is a friend that will never leave you alone...

Discussion Questions: 

  • How would you feel if you were one of Jesus' friends with him on the day of Ascension?  
  • How do you know and feel God's presence in your life? 
  • How do you feel knowing God is always by your side?

Prayer:  Dear God, thank you for always being with me.  Amen.

Story and Stretch

Story & Stretch - Week 4

Materials Needed:  Bubbles or a Pinwheel

Story:  Breathe In by Laura Alary Illustrated by Cathrin Peterslund
Published by Paraclete Press
The story of Pentecost from Acts 2:1-12

Main Point:  Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to live in our hearts and give birth to the Church on Pentecost.

I Wonder Statement:  I wonder if you know Jesus has given you the gift of the Holy Spirit...

Discussion Questions: 

  • The Holy Spirit is our “daily guide” for God’s will in our lives. How does the Holy Spirit help you know God’s will as you live each day?
  • How did the disciples of Jesus experience the Holy Spirit?
  • What did the disciples do after they experienced the power of the Holy Spirit?

Prayer:  Dear God, thank you for giving us the Holy Spirit that gave birth to the Church on Pentecost.  Amen. 

Music:  Soul on Fire

Pentecost Coloring Sheet

Story and Stretch

Story & Stretch - Week 5

Story:  All God's Creatures

Main Point:  God trusts us to love & care for creatures of the land, water and sky. 
Psalm 50:10-11 -  “For every beast of the forest is mine, the cattle on a thousand hills.
I know all the birds of the hills, and all that moves in the field is mine.”
Matthew 10:29 -  “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny?
And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father.”

I Wonder Statement:  I wonder what creatures God has entrusted you with to love and care for...

Discussion Questions: 

  • Why is it important to care for God's creations?
  • What creatures has God entrusted you with and how do you care and love them?
  • What can humans learn from animals?

Prayer:  Dear God, thank you for all of your creatures of the land, water and sky.  Help me to care and love all of your creation.  Amen. 

Music:  A Place in the Choir - Damian McGinty & Celtic Thunder  

 

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