Faith Formation at Home
A very special Bee Keeper, Rev. Kirk W. Bruce, and a very special Story with Cheryl Bruce.
Pilgrim United Church of Christ's Faith Community, former Faith Formation Director, Marilyn Freeman
put together a few resources that families can use to keep their faith life growing.
put together a few resources that families can use to keep their faith life growing.
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STORY TIME
The author Matthew Paul Turner gave permission on March 17, 2020 on his FaceBook page, for the use of his books: When God Made Light & When God Made the World, in digital format.
To play the video (s), click on the
"White Arrow Inside the Circle." To link a document (s), Just click on the "CAPITALIZED BLUE WORDS."
Lenten BINGO
A Palm Sunday AT HOME FAITH ACTIVITY
Sunday, April 5, 2020 At-Home Faith Formation Tips
BACKGROUND/EXPLANATION
Faith5 is a simple five-step faith formation practice that your family or household can do together.
(Tip from Faith Formation Ministries; crcna.org/FaithFormation) At-home Faith Formation Tip - Easter Sunday, April 12, 2020
Children learn best through story, so create a special time this week to share the Easter story with the kids in your life. Use a picture book like The Garden, the Curtain, and the Cross: The True Story of Why Jesus Died and Rose Again (Good Book Co., 2016), or read stories from Jesus’ ministry, Holy Week, and Easter from a children’s Bible. Show kids that God’s story is full of hope and joy!
(Tip from Faith Formation Ministries; crcna.org/FaithFormation) Image from: https://pixabay.com/photos/empty-tomb-nazareth-israel-3326100/ At-home Faith Formation Tip - Good Friday, April 10, 2020
Take some time today to reflect on the events of Good Friday. Read the story, and then use questions like these as you wonder about it: What would it be like to be a friend of Jesus that day? How would you feel? What would you do?
(Tip from Faith Formation Ministries; crcna.org/FaithFormation) Image from: https://pixabay.com/photos/cross-good-friday-resurrection-3983452/ Lent At-home Faith Formation Tip – April 5, 2020
Spend time in the Easter story this week by engaging with it in a variety of ways. If you have kids in your life, read it and then retell it together as you act it out or use crayons, markers, collage or even Lego's to depict various scenes. With other adults or on your own, read the story out loud several times, pausing in between to reflect and to circle or write down words that stand out for you.
(Tip from Faith Formation Ministries; crcna.org/FaithFormation) Image from: https://pixabay.com/photos/easter-spring-lego-easter-story-4128056/ Lent At-home Faith Formation Tip – March 29, 2020
Hold a modified Seder meal with your family or friends to draw connections between the traditional Jewish Passover meal and the Last Supper. This also provides a wonderful opportunity to teach children about communion and how Jesus asked us to remember him when we celebrate it. Author Ann Voskamp offers Christian seder meal instructions at tinyurl.com/VoskampSeder.
(Tip from Faith Formation Ministries; crcna.org/FaithFormation) Image from: https://www.freeimages.com/photo/matza-for-passover-pessah-25-1194466 Lent At-home Faith Formation Tip – March 22, 2020
As Holy Week nears, create a worship space—a table or corner of a room where you can be intentional about spending time with God this week. For now, decorate it with purple or black cloth, a cross, and other symbols. Then on Easter morning, decorate this space with flowers, butterflies, white and gold cloth, etc. Talk with kids about what these symbols mean. This space can continue as a worship area even after Easter is finished.
(Tip from Faith Formation Ministries; crcna.org/FaithFormation) Image from: https://pixabay.com/photos/passion-cross-good-friday-3111303/ Lent At-home Faith Formation Tip – March 15, 2020
Many Christians practice giving something up for Lent in order to make more space for God. If you have kids in your household, think together about how you might make more space for God this week.
For example, you might take a technology break each day and spend the time reading about Jesus’ life and ministry in The Jesus Storybook Bible or Growing in God’s Love: A Story Bible and talking about the stories together. (Tip from Faith Formation Ministries; crcna.org/FaithFormation) Link to image/order: https://www.amazon.com/Jesus-Storybook-Bible-Every-Whispers/dp/0310708257 Lent At-home Faith Formation Tip – March 14, 2020
In The Common Rule: Habits of Purpose for an Age of Distraction (2019, IVP books), Justin Whitmel Earley suggests eight habits to shape our days.
Daily habits include: prayer at morning, midday, and bedtime; one meal with others; one hour with phone off; and Scripture before phone. Weekly habits include: one hour of conversation with a friend, curate media to four hours, fast from something for 24 hours, and sabbath observance. What habits have you chosen to shape your days? (Tip from Faith Formation Ministries; crcna.org/FaithFormation) |
RESOURCES
Coronavirus Anxiety Workbook from The Wellness Society
Permission to post on our website with a link to their website A good resource if there are young children in your home to help explain WHAT IS HAPPENING.
Pandemic Hope is from Treasure Box Tuesday by Traci Smith. It is a free resource, Marilyn Freeman, Faith Formation Director, has access to.
May 11, 2020
The Pandemic Hope document I have been sharing these past 8 weeks (YES! 8 weeks!) has ended. It was compiled by various people of faith--pastors, teachers-- and gathered into one place. I have been collecting other articles that have offered perspective, insight and cause for reflection in the midst of the daily challenges that are our current reality. I will be sharing these, or links to them over the next few weeks. Today's offering is by Shirley Weyrauch, a retired Christian Educator from Orville UCC, colleague and friend. http://www.shirleyweyrauch.com/blog/recalculating Sunday, May 10, 2020
Read John 14:1-14 Jesus offers us the way, the truth, the light. Faith Practice: http://flamecreativekids.blogspot.com/…/lab…/John%2014%3A6-7 This is a coloring page you can download and print out. I have discovered that praying while coloring in silent reflection is good for my soul. You can create your own reflection of this scripture if you wish. Sit quietly. Read reflect on the words. Then doodle your own artistic creation. Offer prayers for people who are on your heart today. Saturday, May 9 2020
Read Psalm 136 "Give Thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever." Faith Practice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUH_NzfRmbs Or if you prefer a more traditional hymn: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oW_-XPE-zec Find quiet space. Listen. How has God's love endured in your life? From the new "Essential Collection" album Give thanks to the Lord Our God and King His love endures forever For He is good, He is above all things His love e... Friday, May 8, 2020
Read Revelation 21:1-6 "A new heaven and a new earth. . . I am making everything new. . . I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End." Faith Practice: God is with us in this, working through us, making all things new. Write out the alphabet A - Z. Name something to pray for that begins with each letter. Pray unceasingly. Thursday, May 7, 2020
Read Acts 3:42-47 This passage recount the fellowship of the believers. ". . . the breaking of bread. . . prayer. . .give to anyone in need. . .ate together (in their homes)." They had been filled with the Holy Spirit to go out and spread the Good News of Jesus with words and deeds. They had been changed by this experience, this Spirit. Faith Practice: Has this pandemic changed you? Your faith? How? What can you/will you do differently? Try to imagine what our first corporate worship service might be like. Allow the Holy Spirit to work in you and through you for change. Wednesday, May 6, 2020
Read Matthew 20:24-28 This passage is Jesus' response to the disciples argument as to who would sit on either side of Jesus in his kingdom. Jesus sets them straight. ". . .the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve. . ." Faith Practice: Think of ways you can serve someone in your household/family/community (safely) today. Tuesday, May 5, 2020
Read Luke 2:29-32 These are the words of Simeon as he was witnessing the baby Jesus being presented in the Temple. "My eyes have seen your salvation. . .a light for all nations." Faith Practice: Who will you be "light" for today? Who will see you "shine" the message of love and grace in your little corner of the God's world. Sing "This Little Light of Mine" while hand washing today. Or maybe "Here I am, Lord. Is it I Lord? I have heard you calling in the night. I will go, Lord, if you lead me. I will hold your people in my heart." Monday, May 4, 2020
Read Psalm 126 "Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. . . The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy." It's all about praise, joy and laughter. I think we can all use some holy laughter these days. Faith Practice: Take turns telling your favorite jokes. Retell funny family stories. Thank God for filling our mouths with laughter. For families with young children who like silly jokes, here is a website to help you find some laughter. https://parade.com/968634/parade/jokes-for-kids/ It’s no secret that kids love jokes. But while some creative children can come up with their own, they usually need to borrow material from somewhere. And during the crazy time, we could all use a laugh. For families with young children who like silly jokes, here is a website to help you find some laughter. https://parade.com/968634/parade/jokes-for-kids/ Sunday, May 3, 2020
Read John 10:1-10 Jesus is the shepherd. We are the sheep of his flock. Faith Practice: Make sheep using cotton balls or pancakes and talk about Jesus, our shepherd. How does Jesus lead us? How do we hear Jesus' voice? Saturday, May 2, 2020
Read Matthew 7:24-27 This is the story of wise and foolish builders. Our faith requires a firm foundation in order to withstand the storms--like pandemics. Faith Practice: https://flamecreativekids.blogspot.com/…/lego-or-duplo-pray… Use Legos or Duplos or other building blocks to recreate the story. Then use your blocks for prayers. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjoqMrFXx-k... See More Friday, May 1, 2020
Read Galatians 5:22-26 This is the passage that name the fruits of the spirit that we mentioned yesterday. Faith Practice: Here is a link to a very wonderful song about fruits of the spirit. Put on the speaker and get up and dance! Let the Holy Spirit move you! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rezg4jYFoj0 Thursday, April 30, 2020
Read Acts 2:1-13 This scripture reading tells us of the coming of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. The spirit arrived with rushing wind and tongues of fire. The disciples were then able to tell others the Good News of Jesus. They were able to spread the love of God in word and deed in every language. to all the nations. Think about that for a minute. Those followers of Jesus were few in number compared to the total population of the time. There was no "going viral" with the message. It was foot travel and words. And yet the Christian faith spread around the world. Faith Practice: We can see a good example of how anything spreads in our current pandemic situation. This virus started with one, and now there are over a million cases world wide. So what if we began (and continue) to spread something good? Kindness. Generosity. Peace. Patience. Love. Faithfulness. Joy. Fruits of the Holy Spirit. Let's make a pandemic of God's love. Pass it on. Wednesday, April 29, 2020
Read Acts:16:12-15, 40 These few verses tell us of Paul and his traveling companions (probably Timothy and Silas were in the group) encounter with a woman named Lydia and the women gathered with her. Lydia "was a worshiper of God." So deep was her faith that she and all of the members of her household were baptized that day. Later, after Paul and Silas had been freed from prison, they went to stay with her. Faith Practice: Name the women in your life that have been role models of God's love. How did they "teach" you about faith in God, in the message of Jesus? Monday, April 26, 2020
Read Psalm 8 A Psalm of praise for God's wonderful creation. Faith Practice: Go on a nature walk and hunt for signs of Spring. If you can't get out, watch this cute Sesame Street sponsored video about a nature walk. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nXmlDejoHk Sunday, April 25, 2020
Read Luke 24:13-35 This is the walk to Emmaus passage. The disciples are still hiding, looking over their shoulders, afraid of what will happen next. In their fear, they do not recognize Jesus' presence among them. Not until he sits down with them to eat and drink a meal together. They see him in the broken bread and the cup of wine. The meal they had shared with him the day before he was crucified. The meal that Jesus offered in remembrance. Faith Practice: This is an activity you can use if there are young children in your household. http://flamecreativekids.blogspot.com/search/label/Emmaus. For older teens and adults, name some places where you are finding Jesus among us. (I apologize that this did not get posted yesterday. There were gremlins at work in my system.) Saturday, April 25, 2020
Read Acts 2:14a, 36-41 This recounts Peter addressing the gathered crowd. It is actually the scripture that is used at Pentecost. The verses prior to 14 describe the coming of the Holy Spirit. The whole point of Peter's "sermon" here is baptism. Come and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Many faith traditions practice baptism in some way. It is a rite or sacrament of the faith. Faith Practice: Recall a baptism you have witnessed. Do you remember your own? Water is an essential element of baptism. As you wash your hands several times a day, remember and celebrate baptism--named and claimed by God. Friday, April 24, 2020
Psalm 42: 2: "My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go meet with God?" Psalm 84:1-2: "How lovely is your dwelling place." Psalm 27:8: "My heart says of you, 'Seek his face!" Psalm 46:10: "Be still and know that I am God." Faith Practice: Where are you finding God in your life right now? Write down some of the places you have been experiencing God's presence. Share with family. Did any of these places/experiences surprise you? Thursday, April 23, 2020
Read Psalm 98 Oh, this one will be FUN! "Sing to the Lord a new song....shout for joy....make music...with harp...trumpets...clapping hands". I can hear it now! Faith Practice: Make some music in your family setting. Some pots and pans, some imaginary flutes. Or maybe you have the real thing. Piano, drums, trumpets, guitars. Gather all the musicians together and make some noise! Live alone? Call a friend and sing a song together. Zoom meet some friends and sing or play together. Praise God for all of God's wonderful blessings! Let's make some noise for God! Wednesday, April 22, 2020
Read Jonah 2:1-10 This reading is Jonah crying out from inside the belly of the whale--a dark, lonely place. "In my distress I called upon the Lord...when my life was ebbing away, I remembered you, Lord." Jonah is realizing that despite his current predicament, God has really reached in to save him. He has not been abandoned. We might consider ourselves in some dark, lonely places right now. But God is in our midst. Faith Practice: Make a blanket fort in your home. Sit in it together and pray for those who are far away, for those in dark lonely places. This activity is great for those of you with young children, and it could work for some older folk, too. Sit in a darkened room, maybe with a blanket draped over you. Offer prayers. Tuesday, April 21, 2020
Read Psalm 95 It's a full on song of praise! "Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; Let us come before him with music and song." Faith Practice: Sing a song of praise. This Pandemic Hope document is posted on the Pilgrim UCC website, pilgrimcf.org. On the last page you will find words to songs and hymns that can be song while practicing hand washing. My favorite is "Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee." Joyful, joyful we adore thee, God of glory, Lord of Love! Hearts unfold like flowers before thee, praising thee, their sun above. Melt the clouds of sin and sadness, drive the gloom of doubt away. Giver of immortal gladness, fill us with the light of day. Find your song of praise today and sing it all day long. Monday, April 20, 2020
Read Psalm 80 This is a song of lament and praise, as are many psalms. "Hear us, Shepherd of Israel. . .awaken your might; come and save us. Restore us...How long, Oh Lord...Restore us." Indeed, we wonder how long this current state of affairs will last. And I suspect that there will be a new normal as we emerge from this crisis. It will be a slow process. Much like the seasons change. Faith Practice: Go for a walk and take note of the things that are changing as we move from winter to spring. Change is an inevitable part of life. Practice patience with the process. With each other. Enjoy the emerging signs of spring and new life. Give thanks to God. Sunday, April 19, 2020
Read John 20:19-31 Jesus appears to the disciples post resurrection in this scripture reading. He offers some instructions on sending them forth. . ."receive the Holy Spirit. . .forgive sins". And then there is questioning Thomas. How did the good news spread from those events to today, some 2,000 + years later? Because people shared their stories of Jesus, of God's love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness for all. Because those first disciples performed ACTS of love and kindness and forgiveness in the name of Jesus. Faith Practice: Line up a bunch of dominoes and start the chain reaction as they fall over when the first one is knocked over. That's how God's love spreads. Shared stories. Acts of kindness. Keep it going. Saturday, April 18, 2020
Read Exodus 10:1-10 This recounts the story of the plague of locusts--one of several plagues. God instructed Moses to go and tell the Pharaoh about each on of these atrocities to convince the Pharaoh to let the Israelite's go free. Each time the Pharaoh said no, flies, locusts, frogs, hail, lightening--frightening things, causing great fear and anxiety. Yet God kept the Israelite's safe, and eventually they were set free. Faith Practice: What is causing your fears and anxieties these days? How are you coping? Where do you see God in our midst? How is your faith sustained in this time of crisis? Name the fears, anxieties and the ways that God is with us. Friday, April 17, 2020
Read Psalm 16 "Keep me safe, my God, for in you I take refuge...apart from you I have no good thing." This social distancing / sheltering in place is starting to wear on me. I don't like to be away from my people. I need hugs, face to face conversation. The Psalm reminds us that God is our refuge in times of distress and anxiety. God is with us. Patience. Verse 9 - …"my heart is glad, my tongue rejoices, my body also will rest secure..." Faith Practice: Name some of the good things God has done in your family. Write them down. Create a daily gratitude journal. Name those things together as a family every day. Thursday, April 16, 2020
Read Isaiah 55:1-11 This chapter of Isaiah was written near the end of a decades long exile in Babylonia. God is inviting the Israelites to eat and drink spiritual food. It's free. God is calling them back to faithfulness. So in these times of seeming "exile"--as in things are just not "normal", God is reminding us to focus on what is really important--our relationship with God. I wrestled with this. So many right now need physical food, shelter, safety. So many are feeling "exiled". How can we help? Faith Practice: Seek out those who may be lonely, isolated, home bound, in assisted living/nursing homes. Give them a "check-in" call. Let them know they are loved. Pray with them. Offer spiritual comfort food. Cooking/delivering meals or donations to food banks is another option, as you are able. Wednesday, April 15, 2020
Read Genesis 9:13-16 We are reminded of God's promises of love, mercy, grace and hope through signs and symbols of our faith. This scripture relates the message of the rainbow. We need to hold onto hope more than ever these days. Faith Practice: Paint a rainbow picture and hang it in your window. If you happen to have window paints, paint in right on the glass. Remember God's promises are real. Tuesday, April 14, 2020
Read Exodus 15:1b-18 This is Miriam's song of JOY as the Israelites had just finished crossing the Red Sea to escape the Egyptian army chasing after them. I can imagine it sung, as many Psalms were, with lute and cymbals and much dancing. A true celebration. Read it through several times with joy in your voice. Faith Practice: Sing a song. A favorite song or hymn. Learn a new song. Wash your hands to your new song. Dance. "The Lord reigns for ever and ever." Monday, April 13, 2020
Read Psalm 67 In my version it says this Psalm is for the director of music, to be used with stringed instruments, with song. It is a joyful song of praise and blessing. Faith Practice: Make a list of all your family, friends, neighbors, teachers---you get the idea. Name them one at a time and ask God to bless them. Maybe even find a catchy tune and say the names in song! Sunday, April 12, 2020
Read Matthew 28:1-10 Alleluia! Christ is Risen! Our Easter celebrations will look different this year. However, NOTHING separates from God's love. Celebrate however you can in the midst of these challenging days. Find some Easter JOY! Faith Practice: Make Resurrection Rolls. https://www.coffeewithus3.com/resurrection-rolls Saturday, April 11, 2020
Read Mark 16:1 The women were taking spices to the tomb of Jesus to anoint the body as was the custom. Faith Practice: As we sit in our Holy Saturday vigil, keeping watch, waiting for new life, go to your spice cupboard and smell some of the smells. Cinnamon, oregano, sage, thyme. What memories to you attach to those smells? Baking cookies. . . preparing holiday feasts with family and friends. Share the memories. Cook or bake with something spicy to eat at tomorrow's Easter celebration. Friday, April 10, 2020
Read Psalm 44 I read this several times. It is a lament. The people are feeling forgotten, abandoned. God, we heard how you helped our ancestors. "Why do you sleep? Why do you hide your face and forget our misery and oppression?" Some days we feel ignored, overwhelmed, forgotten. Perhaps this is appropriate reading for today, Good Friday. Those who were Jesus followers were in doubt, fear, feeling abandoned. These feelings are real, and yet we can't stay in the "pity party" mode. Faith Practice: This virus has spread globally. There are people all around the world feeling lost, abandoned, forgotten. Pray for all of the places on the map. We are an Easter people, confident in God's promises of love, grace, mercy, and new life. Pray for those who need to hear and know God is in their midst--including yourself! Thursday, April 9, 2020
Read Philippians 1:1-11 This is Paul's letter to the people at Philippi, thanking them for their faithfulness to the gospel message of God's love. He offers prayer for them, "that your love may abound. . .that you may be able to discern what is best". Faith Practice: Write a letter to someone you miss and tell them how much God loves them. Wednesday, April 8, 2020
Read Exodus 16:4-5, 9-18 This is the story of God providing manna and quail. The people had been grumbling about their living conditions in the wilderness. So God provided for their daily bread--only take what you need for today, and their meat (quail). What are you grumbling about these days? How will you recognize God's provision for you? Faith Practice: Plan a happy surprise for a neighbor, friend, family member. Share your "provisions" as you are able. Tuesday, April 7, 2020
Read Psalm 40 "I waited patiently for the Lord". Wow! That brings on new meaning these days, doesn't it? God gives us a firm place to stand. God puts a new song in our mouths. Faith practice: What new song will you learn today? What new thing will you discover? Find a new song, or a favorite old one and use it for your hand washing routine today. Perhaps, "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands?
Friday, April 3, 2020
Read Exodus 4:1-17 God gives Moses words and signs so the people will believe that God sent him to lead them to freedom. What words and signs is God providing for us so we may believe that God is with us now and always, no matter what? Faith Practice: Make Bible Cookies! Look up each scripture to find out the ingredients for the cookies. Make a batch and share with a friend or neighbor by dropping them off on their porch. http://pumpkinseedcrafts.blogspot.com/…/scripture-cookies.h… Thursday, April 2, 2020
Read Exodus 3:13-22 God gives Moses the right words to say when he is unsure. "I am. I am who I am." God is God, and we are not. Faith Practice: Make a list of all the names for God. Which one is your favorite? Wednesday, April 1, 2020
Read Exodus 3:1-12 It's Moses' encounter with a burning bush. My favorite part is when God asks Moses to remove his sandals because he is standing on holy ground. Since we cannot gather in our usual sanctuaries, where are you finding your "holy ground/sacred space/sanctuary? The place where you pause to pray, worship, reflect, meditate? What speaks to you in this scripture? Faith Practice: Make s'mores! https://christinevhides.com/2016/04/22/smore-prayer-recipe/ If the weather permits, maybe a little campfire for roasting the marshmallows. Tuesday, March 31, 2020
Read Psalm 27 My favorite part of this Psalm is the last verse. "Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord." What do you hear in this scripture? What speaks to you? Faith Practice Sing "This Little Light of Mine" every time you wash your hands today to remind you that God is our Light and our salvation. How can you be a light to others today? From a distance, of course. Monday, March 30, 2020
Read Psalm 118 What do you hear in this reading? What is your favorite part? Where is God's love in this Psalm? How is God caring for us? How will we respond? Faith Practice Using the play dough recipe from yesterday, create something for which you are thankful. No play dough? Write or draw your gratitude prayers. Here is another Play-Doh recipe site: http://flamecreativekids.blogspot.com/…/play-dough-prayers.… Sunday, March 29, 2020
Read John 9:1-41 Faith Practice Make Play-Doh: https://www.thebestideasforkids.com/playdough-recipe Saturday, March 28, 2020
Read John 1:1-9 Faith Practice Make a stained glass window and notice how different it looks when the light shines through it. https://www.adventure-in-a-box.com/stained-glass-heart-sun…/ |