Story and Stretch May 2023
Story and Stretch
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: 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:
Story and Stretch
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
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
Story and Stretch
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