Sunday, March 11th 2012- Life in the Bubble

This Weeks Bible Story:  Exodus & Numbers

For 400 years, the Israelites lived as slaves.  Their entire nation was forced to do hard work.  This all changed when God called Moses to lead the nation to a new land, a land where they would be free.

The journey took many years and during those years, Moses taught the people everything God told him.  He educated an entire generation.  When they had almost arrived at the new land, God asked Moses to step down.  He wanted a new leader to lead the people.  That was tough for Moses.  He had to let someone from the next Generation lead. 

The person God chose was Joshua.  Moses chose him and then let Joshua lead. Joshua was now in charge and was expected to carry out the work God had started through Moses.

Questions for the Family:

Q:  What qualities does a good teacher have?  

Q:  Who are some of the best teachers you have ever had?  Why?

Q:   What are some ways we can teach people about Jesus?

Q:  What are some things we can tell others about Jesus?

Memory Verse:  1 Timothy 4:12

Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young.  Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.    

* This week the 3-5 year olds learned about how Jesus wants to love everyone, even those people who aren't kind.  Is it sometimes hard to love someone who isn't kind?  It sure is, but when we love those people, God's love shines through us.  Have you ever met someone who wasn't kind?  Was it hard or easy to love them?  Do you think God loves everyone?  Even unkind people?

Sunday, March 4th, 2012- Life in the Bubble

This Week's Bible Story- Amos

Once, many years ago, a nation named Israel was not doing very well.  It’s leaders were only thinking of themselves.  They took advantage of the poor, stole from people, took bribes, and would not allow justice when they were judging in the courts.  The made the poor people live on little while they lived in huge mansions with large vineyards and amazing food.

Amos was a man who did not live like that. He followed God and did what was right.  He saw what the evil leaders did and spoke up against them.  He spoke up for the poor, the needy, and the hurt.  He spoke up against the evil rulers, the rich women, the dishonest merchants, the selfish lawyers, the wicked judges, and the false priests.

Even though many people wanted Amos to stop, he obeyed God and did what was right.  He spoke up against bad leadership.

Questions for the Family
1.  What qualities does a good leader have?
2.  What qualities does a bad leader have?
3.  Why do people sometimes follow bad examples or leaders?
4.  What are some easy ways you can help the leaders you know of?

Memory Verse: 1 Timothy 4:12
Don't let anyone think less of you because you are young.f  Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.

**This week the 3-5 year olds learned about Jesus and some little children.  Did Jesus like being with the children?  Yes!  God made each of them unique and special just the way He made you.  What is something that makes you unique?  Do we all look the same?  How are you different from your friend?  Do you think God loves you the way you are? 

Sunday, February 26th 2012- Life in the Bubble

This Week's Bible Story- Genesis 37

Joseph was his father’s favorite son. His brothers were jealous of him.  Joseph got the nicest gift and the best treatment.  His brothers were not the type of people you could mess with.  They did a lot of bad things that didn’t make God proud.

The brothers were so fed up with Joseph that they sold him to slave traders.  Joseph was bound by his hands and taken to Egypt, but God did not leave Joseph.  He grew older and became successful.  Finally he was introduced to the Pharaoh.

This ruler loved Joseph and gave him power.  When Joseph became powerful, he happened to see his brothers again.  They had traveled to Egypt but did not recognize Joseph.  Joseph now had to make a choice.  Should he strike back or make peace?

Questions For the Family

1.  What does it mean to forgive?

2.  How can you help others forgive?

3.  Share a story of a time when you needed to forgive someone.

Memory Verse: Ephesians 4:32

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

*This week the 3-5 year olds learned that God made the whole earth.  There are lots of ways that we can help take care of God's creation- like picking up trash and taking care of our pets.  What are some other ways that you can love God's creation?  What are some things that God created?  What is your favorite animal?  What could you do to help take care of God's creation?

Sunday, February 19th, 2012- Life in the Bubble

This Week's Bible Story- 1 Samuel 17

David was a young Shepard boy who followed God.  His nation was at war ever since it was invaded by the Philistines.  The Philistines hired giant soldiers to run the land and curse God.  One giant solder was Goliath, who had been trained to fight since he was a kid.  He was massive: 9 ft tall, and equipped with all sorts of weapons.  He challenged David's people to fight him but no one had the guts to do so.

Goliath had a foul mouth and cursed God again and again.  When David saw this he couldn't stand it.  He went to the river to find a few small smooth river stones.  Without any armor, he put a stone in his sling, swung it around telling Goliath that God would defeat him.

Goliath cursed David and his God.  David released the stone and BANG!  It hit Goliath right in the face.  The tiny stone hit him so hard that it killed the Giant.  Dvid showed everyone that even he could stand up for what is right.

Questions for the Family

1.  Who did David stand up for in our Story?

2.  What are some of the things in your life you need to stand up for?

3.  What types of feelings do you experience when you stand up for what is right?

Memory Verse:  1 Corinthians 16:13

Be on your guard.  Stand firm in the faith.  Be brave. Be strong.

*This week the 3-5 year olds learned about how Zaccheus learned that sharing is better than being greedy.  We thought of a lot of things today that you can share with your family and friends.  Sharing is a way that we can show love to others.  Do you have any brothers or sisters?  If you do, is it sometimes hard to share with them?  Do you think it makes Jesus happy when we share?

Sunday, February 12th, 2012- Esther Queen of Persia

This Week's Bible Story- Esther 9-10

King Xerxes promoted Mordecai to a new job.  Mordecai was now in charge of writing laws, decrees and orders on behalf of the King.  Despite Mordecai’s recent promotion, Haman’s previous law to kill all of the Jewish people was still in effect.  Esther made this fear known to King Xerxes and asked him to put an end to Haman’s law.

Immediately the King created a new law that protected all of the Jews in his Kingdom.  Since Mordecai was the lawmaker, King Xerxes called for him to make the law official.  The decree was sent to every corner of the Kingdom.  Mordecai encouraged all of the Jewish people to remember this day and celebrate it forever.

Questions for the Family

1. What does it look like to be brave?
2. How did Esther show bravery?
3. Talk about a situation where you needed to be brave.  Was it tough?
4. What kind of challenges does God give you each day

Memory Verse:  1 Corinthians 16:13

Be on guard.  Stand firm in the faith.  Be brave.  Be strong.

*This week the 3-5 year olds learned about how Mary gave a special gift to Jesus.  She love Him and showed her love by giving Him a gift.  we can show love to others through what we say and what we do.  What can you do to show love to others?  Do yo like giving presents?  Is giving a gift a way to show love?  How else can you show someone love?

Sunday, February 5th, 2012- Esther: Queen of Persia

This Week's Bible Story: Esther  7-8

The second night arrived for King Xerxes and Haman to dine with Esther.  The King was still curious as to what Esther desired so he asked her to tell him once again.  Esther responded by informing the King that someone had demanded that she and all her people be killed.  Stunned, King Xerxes asked who “dare do such a thing?”

Esther responded to the King and told him it was Haman.  Angered, the King left and walked to the garden where he stood in disbelief.   Meanwhile, Haman, knowing he was in trouble, begged Queen Esther for his life.  When King Xerxes reentered the room, he had Haman removed from his palace forever.  No longer was Haman a threat to Mordecai, Esther, and all of the Jewish people.  In fact, Haman was killed at the same place he had planned to dispose of Mordecai.

After Haman’s death, King Xerxes ordered all of Haman’s possessions to be given to Esther, who passed them on to Mordecai.  Esther also informs the King that Mordecai was her cousin.  King Xerxes was thrilled to discover this information and honored Mordecai with the job of writing laws for his kingdom.  He gave Mordecai the special “signet ring” taken back from Haman, allowing any of Mordecai’s orders to become law.

Questions for the Family

Q   What is wisdom?

Q: Tell about a time when someone did something mean to you.  Did you want to get revenge?

Q: Why should we pray for our enemies?

Q: Why is it so difficult to pray for our enemies?

Q: Why should we avoid “getting even” and leave that up to God?

Memory Verse: 1 Corinthians 16:13

Be on your guard.  Stand firm in the faith.  Be brave.  Be strong.

*This week the 2-5 year olds talked about how to be a friend to everyone.  Jesus chose to be a friend to the men whose eyes didn't work, even when no one else wanted to be their friend.  Do you know someone who needs a friend?  What can you say to someone who needs a friend?

Sunday, January 29th, 2012- Esther: Queen of Persia

This Week's Bible Story- Esther 5-6

Esther requested the presence of the King and Haman at a dinner she was preparing that night.  At dinner, the King asked what it was that Esther wanted.  She complimented him and asked him to attend another dinner banquet the following day where she said she would reveal her question.  Both King Xerxes and Haman agreed.

That evening, Haman went out to the palace gates where he found Mordecai who again refused to bow in respect Haman's presence.  This enraged him and he promised to destroy Mordecai and the Jews.  Haman traveled home and boasted about his fame, wealth, and power and how he would not rest until Mordecai was gone.

Meanwhile, King Xerxes discovered how Mordecai had stopped a plot to kill the king earlier in his reign.  He decided that Mordecai needed to be honored for his service. As he made this decision, Haman entered the room and Xerxes asked him "How should he honor someone for something good that they did." Haman believed the King wanted to honor him so he suggested giving him a beautiful robe and horse, and parade him around the kingdom.  Xerxes agreed and told him to do that for Mordecai. 

Angry, Haman ran home and told his wife what had happened.  It would be impossible to kill Mordecai because of his good deed and recent honoring. If he did it would lead to his fall in power.

Questions for the Family

Q: Have you ever been honored or praised for something? What?  

Q: Do you do good things in life for Praise and attention?

Q: Why should we do the right thing without expecting rewards or honor?

Memory Verse: 1 Corinthians 16:13

Be on your guard.  Stand firm in the faith.  Be brave.  Be strong.

*This week the 3-5 year olds learned about Peter's friends.  They were praying for him.  Do you remember where Peter was?  That's right, in jail, even though he hadn't done anything wrong.  God sent an angel to help Peter escape.  The friends prayed for Peter and God answered their prayers.  God can help your friends too when you pray for them.  What is one way you could pray for a friend?