Sunday school activities - May 23, 2021

Watch the video

Theme Discussion

This is an interesting story! Can you imagine what it would have been like to be with Jesus’ disciples and followers that day? Have you ever been at a gathering where it seemed like the spirit of the crowd was just getting bigger and bigger? (“We Day”... a major sporting event… Rendezvous...) There was a Spirit at work in this group for sure. The excitement in the room was so great that it spilled out into the street. People thought they must be drunk! They just couldn’t wait to share their enthusiasm with the whole world.

Can you think of a time when you felt excited about a project to help others? At BCUC, we often work together on this kind of project. We call it “outreach” because we are reaching out beyond the wall of the church to make a difference in the world. Sometimes we collect things for Famsac, and one year the Sunday School collected items for the Wild Bird Care Centre. Sometimes we collect money to help children in faraway places, like we did with our “Sleeping Children Around the World” campaign. It feels good when we can do outreach projects like this, especially when we can share our enthusiasm with those around us and have them join in.

Can you think of an outreach project that you would like to do to help others?

Response Activity Ideas

Make a plan

If you’ve thought of a project you’d like to do, write it down and make a plan to help you get organized and be able to follow through with your great idea.  Print and fill in the template, or make your own planning sheet!

If you’re still looking for ideas, check out the Doing Good Together website for lots of family-friendly community outreach ideas!

Click to print PDF

Pentecost Noise-maker

Make an instrument and join in a noisy celebration at Pentecost!

Materials: Paper plate, markers/crayons, curled ribbon, Dried beans/pasta, Tape, glue gun/stapler

Colour and decorate the back side of the paper plate.  Cut many 6-12” length pieces of curled ribbon and tape them sticking out all along the edge of the paper plate.  Place a handful of beans or pasta into the centre of the plate, then fold in half and secure with stapler or gluegun.  Shake and dance and celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit!

(source: https://www.kixcereal.com/kix-cereal-paper-plate-noise-maker/)

Colouring Page

Click to print PDF

Sunday school activities - May 16, 2021

Theme Discussion

Do you like having friends over to your house? It’s something we’re missing during this pandemic for sure – inviting friends in or going to their houses to play or study or listen to music, just to hang out together. Most of you probably have some really close friends that you like to do this with. They are welcome in your house and you are welcome in theirs. Sometimes we say a close friend is almost like a brother or sister! - but, there are some differences, aren’t there?

Most friends wouldn’t go ask your Mom or Dad for a snack if they were hungry or just go look in your fridge – they’d be more likely to ask you and then you would ask your parents or just go get them something. If they were cold, they might ask to borrow a jacket or a sweater, but it’s not likely that they would just go open your closet and help themselves. There are some things you can do when you are at home that you just wouldn’t do when visiting someone else’s house, no matter how close a friend they are.

Of course, you are very welcome and they want you to be happy and comfortable in their home, but there is just something different when that home isn’t yours. Your friend’s parents might love you very much, but it’s unlikely that they would treat you exactly the same way they treat their own children. They probably wouldn’t check to see if you finished your homework, or tell you what to wear, or pack your lunch for school every day. It’s unlikely that they would plan your birthday party or expect you to be with them on Christmas morning. No matter how much they love you, that would be strange. You are a friend and a guest – but you aren’t their child.

In today's Bible passage, Peter and other Jewish followers of Jesus were asked to go teach a group of non-Jewish people about Jesus, and they felt pretty weird about it because it went against their customs to even associate with them.  Peter shared about Jesus, and these 'outsiders' understood this gospel and were filled with God's Holy Spirit. Peter and his friends were surprised! They had welcomed these new friends into their faith, but God took that welcome a big step further and made them part of the family.

1.     How is a friend the same as a member of your family? How are they different?

2.     What are some things you expect to do when you are at home with your family that you wouldn’t expect at a friend’s house?

3.     Have you ever been the new kid at school or on a team or in a club? How does that feel? What needs to happen before you feel like you belong in the group?

4.     How do you think we can make people feel welcome in our church? How do you think we can make them feel like they belong?

Response Activity Ideas

You Are Welcome Here

The lyrics for one of the CGS and Bell Canto Singers’ favourite anthems is on this worksheet.  It’s about someone who is not sure they belong, but the rest of the group welcomes them and reminds them that ALL are welcome in God’s family.  Read (or sing!) through the words and in the space below or on a separate page, draw a picture that represents the lyrics.

Click to print PDF

All Are Welcome Here Book

Read and listen to the story:

What are some ways the teachers and classmates made each other feel welcome?

What would it be like to be at a school like that?  Does your school have the same feeling?  Why or why not?

What do you think would happen if that same welcoming attitude carried on into the community outside of school?

How could we make everyone feel welcome in our neighbourhood?

Colouring Sheet

Click to print PDF

Sunday school activities - May 9, 2021

Theme Discussion

Today is the day we traditionally call “Mother’s Day”! It’s a day to celebrate Moms and the hard work they do and the love they share. What are some ways a mother shows love for her child?

In the church calendar, though, today’s celebration has been changed to “Christian Family Sunday.”  Why do you think that is?  It makes it a great day to honour all the people who love us with the kind of loving relationship between a mother and child.

Even though most of us will still celebrate the mothers in our lives today, it’s a good reminder that there are many other people who love us and care for us in our lives and that we should celebrate them too.  Are there other people in your life that show you this kind of love?

In our scripture reading today, Jesus gives his disciples the commandment to “Love one another as I have loved you.” We have heard this in other scripture readings too. It is probably the most important thing Jesus ever said. If everyone really did this, the world would be more like the world that God dreams for us. So, it makes sense that it is repeated over and over again!

In this reading from John 15:9-17, that we heard today, Jesus tells his disciples that he loves them the way God loves him. He invites them to make themselves “at home” in that love. I think he means that his love for them is safe and secure, that it will never go away. He tells them that he wants them to share all the joy that he feels. This sounds a lot like the way a mother loves a child, doesn’t it? But Jesus doesn’t call them that, he calls them friends.

Maybe calling them “friends” is a reminder that the love and care are meant to go both ways!

What are some ways friends show their love for each other?

Can you think of some ways the love of a mother and the love of a friend are the same and ways they are different?

Response Activity Ideas

Heart Wreath

Print out the hearts (or make your own) and cut out each one.  Arrange the hearts in order to make a selection from the Bible passage from today.  These could be coloured and glued down around the edge of a paper plate or circular piece of construction paper like a wreath.  Extra hearts are included, and/or make your own from different coloured paper to fill out the wreath. In the centre, draw a picture showing a way of loving others the way Jesus showed us.

Click to print PDF

Connected Family/Friends – Heart paper chain

Materials: construction paper or card stock, writing tools, scissors, tape or stapler

Cut many strips of paper approx. 1”x 11”.  On each, write the name of someone you love – it could be family members, friends, pets… Next, fold each strip in half, with the names on the outside.  Bend in the open edges of one piece to make a heart shape and secure with tape or staples.  Loop another strip through the first heart and form into a heart as before. Continue to make a long chain of love!

Scripture Word Cloud

Read the today’s scripture passage on the handout and make a word cloud highlighting the words and ideas that are in Jesus’ message.

Click to print PDF

“I love you more than…”

A silly game to play with your family:

Start by saying “I love you more than…” followed by something beginning with the letter A.  Then the next person says, “I love you more than…” repeating your item, and then adding another item beginning with the letter B.  Continue like this, with each person trying to remember all the came before, as well as adding something for the next letter. Can you get to the end of the alphabet?

Sunday school activities - May 2, 2021

Theme Discussion

In today’s reading from the book of John, Jesus explains his relationship to God and to us by comparing this idea with a vineyard, a place where grapes are grown. He says that God is like the vineyard keeper, or gardener, who creates the vision of what the vineyard could be - will look like and what it will produce. God cares for creation the way a gardener cares for the plants, making sure the soil has the right nutrients, that the vines have a strong support system and access to the sunlight and rain they need to grow. Jesus is like the strong vine that has its roots deep in that garden that God created. The vine can provide those nutrients to the branches that grow out of it, just like Jesus gives us the good lessons we need to grow strong and loving. We are like the branches who grow strong and healthy by using the nutrients or lessons that Jesus provides. The fruits we bear are the ways we work to make the world a better place and help it grow with justice, kindness, and love.

You can’t grow good grapes by simply sticking a branch into the soil, just as you can’t grow a tree by planting a piece of wood. They need to be attached to roots in order to get what they need to grow.

What are the “roots” that help you grow?

Who are the people in your life that are the “gardeners” that God hopes will help you grow strong and healthy?

What “nutrients” do you think it takes to grow a good person or a good follower of Jesus?

What “fruits” or gifts can you give to make the world a better place?

Response Activity Ideas

My Vine

Version 1 (younger):

Materials: construction paper, scissors, pencil, glue

Trace your forearm and hand onto brown, green, or black paper and cut it out.  This is your vine or tree and branches. Stick this onto a brown or black paper that represents the soil and think about the people who make you feel safe and secure.  Cut out some leaf shapes out of construction paper to stick onto your branches.  As you put each one on, think about the people teach you and give you what you need to be strong and healthy.  Finally, draw and cut out some of your favourite fruit to stick on the vine.  As you do, think of ways you can make the world a better place.

Version 2 (older):

Create your own vine and garden outline using words!  To make the branches, roots, fruit, and gardening tools, write the experiences or names of those who support you in growing your ‘vine’ following the questions in the Theme Discussion.   To make longer lines you could use phrases, sentences, or repeat names.  Draw in any extra details to complete your picture.

Planting scraps

Have you ever tried planting fruits or veggies from the food scraps? Sometimes you don’t need to buy seeds to start a fresh new plant. Give it a try! Click here for ideas using kitchen scraps to regrow produce.

As you plant or prepare your old fruits or veggies, think about how the new shoots are dependent on the strong foundation and past growth of the old plant, nutrients of the soil all around, and your careful attention… just like we ourselves are growing out of the experience, nurture, and love of our biological, church, and community families. Can you make other connections between your planting project and this week’s bible passage and image of Jesus as the ‘vine’?

Wordsearch

Click to print PDF

Sunday school activities - April 25, 2021

Good Shepherd Sunday: Theme Discussion

Today is Good Shepherd Sunday. There are many references to shepherds in the Bible; have you ever wondered why?

In Biblical times, being a shepherd was not a glamorous job; it didn’t make you rich and it was hard, dirty work, but it was really important work. In those days people relied on sheep for many things – clothing, food, and even religious ceremonies. Sheep needed a lot of care. They needed fresh places to graze and clean water to drink. Shepherds had to take the sheep out of the villages, towns, and cities to pasture in the country. They had to move daily to find new places for the sheep to graze and drink. Sheep were very vulnerable. They didn’t have claws or sharp teeth to fight off wild animals like wolves, they couldn’t run fast, and if they were knocked down and landed on their backs, they needed help to get up. The shepherds had to lead them, protect them, and take care of them. They were often away from home for a long, long time.

So, what do you think would be the best kind of person to be a good shepherd? I think they would have to be strong to walk so far and to be able to lift a sheep. I think they would need to be brave to fight off wild predators. I think they would have to know the countryside really well so they could lead the sheep to good pastures and good water. I think they would have to know a lot about what to do if a sheep got sick or hurt. I also think they would have to really love sheep to be willing to take on such a difficult job and do it well. The owners who hired shepherds would have to have a lot of trust in them to send them off with such important and valuable animals.

So, shepherds, at least good ones, were strong, brave, knowledgeable, wise, and they really loved the flock they were entrusted with. This is a list that would also make a good leader or a good ruler, don’t you think? Today we talk about Jesus being the good shepherd. He was all of these things for the people who followed him.

1.     Think about the leaders in our world. Parents, teachers, government leaders, ministers, heads of corporations and managers. Would the qualities of a good shepherd help them do their work in the same way?

2.     Tell about some people you have met or that you’ve heard about that you think are “good shepherds” and what they do that makes them so.

3.     Are there times when you needed to be a “good shepherd”? What skills and qualities did you need to do that?

4.     A good shepherd was an image that the people in Biblical times understood. If you were going to use a different image for today, what would it be? Why?

Response Activity Ideas

Click to print PDF

Shepherd Qualities

Print out the outline of a shepherd, or draw your own.  Inside, using different coloured pencils or different writing styles, write down different qualities a good shepherd (and good leaders in any context) should have.  This could be adjectives, examples of leaders who have these skills, actions they take, or whatever else helps explain your thinking. You could also cut out descriptive words from old magazines or newspapers to glue into the template.

Shepherd’s Calling

In today’s Storytime part of the service, Erin talked about how the sheep recognize the voice of their shepherd. 

Here is a video of a shepherd calling for his sheep – they hear, and come from a long way off!

Here different people are trying to call the sheep.  Watch the different reaction when their shepherd calls:

Think about the voices you hear around you – family, political leaders, media, faith leaders, Youtubers, etc.  Who do you listen to?  Who do you trust enough to follow?  How do you know you’re making the right choice?

Maze

Click to print PDF

Psalm 23 Crayon Resist Art

Read the familiar Psalm 23 which describes God being like a shepherd.  How does it make you feel?  What comes to mind as you hear the words? 

Using white crayons or oil pastels, draw the outlines of hills and ponds, or whatever else the text makes you think of, then fill in the areas with water colour paints.

Psalm 23 – New Revised Standard Version

A Psalm of David.

1 The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.

2 He makes me lie down in green pastures;
he leads me beside still waters;

3 He restores my soul.
He leads me in right paths
for his name’s sake. 

4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley,
I fear no evil;
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff—
they comfort me. 

5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
my whole life long. 

Sunday school activities - April 18, 2021

Earth Sunday

Theme Discussion

One of the lessons that the pandemic has taught us is to not take things for granted.

Things that used to be easy and natural for us to do aren’t so easy these days.  Can you think of some examples of things we used just do easily that now take many more steps or things that we can’t even do anymore?

Here are some ideas: Going to school means wearing a mask, carrying hand sanitizer, not sharing supplies, and not playing games that require close contact. Visiting your grandparents might only be possible on Zoom or, when it’s safe, meeting somewhere outside while being careful to keep your distance – no more hugs and kisses from family outside your household! Spring Break doesn’t mean a trip somewhere or going to the movies with your friends, but just more time at home. Playing in the gym while the grown-ups have coffee after church hasn’t happened in a long time, nor have family dinners together before choir practice or singing together at all.

When things are easily available to us, we often forget how important they are. We take them for granted. One of the things we most take for granted is the gift of living on the Earth. It’s all we know, there isn’t another place to go. We are entitled to it just by being born. The danger of taking something for granted is that you don’t appreciate it and so you don’t take care of it.

Today is Earth Sunday in the church and this Thursday is Earth Day all over the world. It’s a time to remember what an amazing place this Earth is! And a time to remember that we need to take care of it.

What are some things you can do to take care of the Earth this week? Are these things you can do all year round and not just on Earth day?

What are some things you can do to remind yourself and others of the wonder and the beauty of the Earth so you don’t take it for granted?

Response Activity Ideas

Mindful Walk

Take a quiet walk in your neighbourhood, or sit out on your front or back step.  As you walk or sit, try to be mindful and pay attention to what is happening in the moment all around you.  Try to notice 5 different colours, 4 different sounds, 3 different textures, and 2 different smells. Or maybe you could try to notice opposites – something rough/something soft, something bright/dull, etc.  During this quiet activity did you notice something new in this familiar location?  Say a short prayer of thanks for the beautiful variety and blessings in nature.

One Small Change Earth Pledge

As a family or on your own, make a promise to make one small change for the better of the planet. This could be something like committing to only using reusable straws or only using bar soap instead of that which comes in plastic bottles.  Make a colourful poster to put up in your home to remind everyone of your promise (“We pledge to….”) and have everyone sign it!  For a bigger challenge, make a list of small changes you could make, one a month, for the next year, then celebrate your progress next Earth Day! 

Recycled Earth Craft

Materials: old magazines, flyers, or catalogues, cardboard, glue, pencil

Make an Earth collage using torn coloured papers! 

Cut out a circle from cardboard.  Sketch outlines for the landmasses areas if you wish to make it look realistic, or just make your own creative landforms!  Flip through magazines to find blue, brown, white, and green colours and tear the pages into small pieces. Glue the pieces down overlapping slightly to cover the cardboard completely.   Source and more detailed instructions are available at: https://iheartcraftythings.com/earth-day-collage.html

Sunday school activities - April 11, 2021

Theme Discussion

Last Sunday was Easter and we celebrated that, even though he died on a cross, just a few days later Jesus was alive again in the world. Today’s scripture reading comes from the book of John, Chapter 20, verses 19-31, and it tells about what happened to the disciples after that day.

The disciples were very scared because soldiers were gathering up Jesus’ friends and followers. They were afraid that they would be arrested too. They hid together in a locked room. One day,  Jesus came to them and said, “Peace be with you.” I think that’s a way of saying, “Settle down, think this through. You can’t hide in this room forever.” One of the disciples, Thomas, was missing. We aren’t told where he was but we know that he had left that room for a while and when he came back, the others told him that Jesus had been with them. Well, that just didn’t make any sense to Thomas! From everything he knew about people who died, he was sure it was impossible for them to come back for a visit. He said, “I’ll believe it when I see it!” He is known as “Doubting Thomas” because he didn’t just believe what the others said. He needed proof; he needed some way to make it make sense in his mind. He had a lot of questions.

Have you ever heard something that seemed too good to be true? Or maybe you have heard of something that just doesn’t seem to make sense to you. When this happens, you might say, “I’ll believe it when I see it!” just like Thomas did. In our story Jesus came to the room again and was so close that Thomas could not only see him but touch him as well.

Sometimes when we have doubts or questions about things, that can be solved by actually seeing with our own eyes – but sometimes we can “see” things in another way. We might say, “Oh, now I get it!” or, “Now that you’ve explained it this way, I can see what you mean.” It might even be a feeling or an idea or an experience that shows us that what we heard is true.

Jesus told Thomas, “Do you believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.” We can’t see Jesus in the way those people 2000 years ago would have seen him – but we can see him in other ways. We can get to understand him in the stories we read. We can see him in the good things that are happening in the world.

1.     What are some things that you couldn’t believe when you first heard about them? How did you come to realize that they were true (or false)? Tell about

• Something you believed when you saw it with your own eyes

• Something you “saw” when you learned more and could understand

2.     Is it ok to change your thinking?

3.     When you hear something that seems too amazing (or crazy) to be true, what do you do? Do you just dismiss it as false? Do you look for more information? Do you just believe what you heard? Are there times when each of these responses are appropriate?

Response Activity Ideas

Seven Blind Mice - Thinking about perspective and misinformation

Listen to the story Seven Blind Mice by Ed Young:

• What caused all the mice to argue?  Were the first 6 mice right in their opinions or wrong?  Think about the word ‘perspective’.

• How did White Mouse investigate the Something differently? 

• How is this like today’s Bible passage? How is it different?

• Think about how the ‘Mouse Moral’ could be applied to the information we get through social media and Google searches.  What could ‘seeing the whole’ mean in that context? 

Older kids and teens could explore this resource from Common Sense Education about ways to critically analyze the information they are getting online.

Click to print PDF

Guessing Games

Practice your describing, thinking, and questioning skills. 

• Play 20 questions with your family!  One person chooses a mystery object without telling anyone else. They could give a starting clue like telling whether it's a person/place/thing. As a team, everyone else can ask up to 20 questions before making their guess as to what the mystery object might be. Every question can only be a yes/no question. This game can also be reversed so that everyone in the group knows the answer except one guesser.

• Descriptive Similes – Played like eye-spy, but instead of sharing a colour for others to guess, the leader gives descriptive phrases (Ex: It’s rough like old pavement, tall as a house, brown like mud, but also green as new grass, stretching arms like an octopus…. A tree!)

• Mystery Bag – put an item or items in a brown paper bag and see if others in your family can guess the object(s) by feel!

Wordsearch

Click to print PDF

Sunday school activities - April 4, 2021

The Scripture Story – Easter Morning according to John

When Mary Magdalen went to the tomb where they put Jesus’ body, she was very sad. She was grieving the death of her teacher and best friend, Jesus. But when she got there, the huge stone that blocked the entrance to the tomb had been rolled aside and the tomb was empty! Imagine how she felt! She thought someone had stolen his body – and that upset her even more! She ran to tell Peter and another disciple. They all ran to see. All the men saw when they looked in the tomb were the linen wrappings that had covered Jesus’ body. They knew he had died and now his body was gone and so they went home, even more upset – but Mary stayed there. When she looked back into the tomb, she saw two angels who asked her, “Woman why are you weeping?” and then, behind her she heard another voice asking her the same question. At first, she thought it was the gardener but then he called her and she knew it was Jesus. She ran and told the disciples, “I have seen the Lord!”

Theme Discussion

When the disciples looked into the tomb, all they saw was emptiness, but when Mary stayed and took a new look, she saw angels – and we know that angels usually bring “good tidings”. Because she stayed, Mary was able to hear Jesus call her. She couldn’t touch him but she knew he was with her and she could talk with him.

• How do you think her feelings changed when this happened?

• How do you think the disciples felt when she told them, “I have seen the Lord!”?

Sometimes we are like the disciples who only saw the emptiness, and sometimes we can be like Mary who was able to see something wonderful even in the hardest of times. We have had a hard year with the Covid-19 Pandemic and all the changes that has meant for us.

• Can you think of some good things that you have seen or heard or experienced this past year?

• Have these things made it easier for you to accept the hard parts and disappointments of this year?

• Are there some things that you can do to help others feel better too?

We have lots to celebrate today! In Canada, Easter comes just as the winter is ending. The days are getting longer, the air is getting warmer, and it seems like the earth is coming alive again. It’s a time for celebration, even though we still have some chilly days ahead and the pandemic is still keeping us apart. It’s a time to shout “hallelujah!” Easter is the end of the sad days of Lent. We are reminded that Jesus and his love are still alive in the world. “Hallelujah! Hallelujah!”

Response Activity Ideas

Resurrection Rolls

Bake a treat together that represents Jesus’ death and resurrection.

Ingredients:

• 1 (10 ounce) can refrigerated crescent dinner rolls

• 8 large marshmallows

• ¼ cup melted butter

• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

• 2 tablespoons white sugar

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly grease a baking sheet.

• Separate crescent rolls into individual triangles.

• In a small bowl, mix together cinnamon and sugar.

• Dip a marshmallow into melted butter, then roll in sugar mixture. (The marshmallow represents Jesus’ body, and how it might have been prepared for burial with oils and spices)

• Place marshmallow into the center of a dough triangle. Carefully wrap the dough around the marshmallow. Pinch the seams together tightly to seal. (This represents Jesus being sealed in the tomb) Place on a baking sheet. Repeat.

• Bake until golden brown, about 10 minutes. (Waiting, like the 3 days before Jesus rose)

• Enjoy when slightly cooled. (When the rolls are broken open, you can see the empty tomb – the marshmallow has disappeared – Jesus is risen!)

Pop-up card – Hallelujah! (based on a redtedart.com activity)

A plain exterior of your card can open up to reveal Hallelujah and signs of new life!

Materials: construction paper, scissors, glue, colouring tools

• Fold a sheet of construction paper in half and trim away the 2 short sides to make it rounded like a hill or tomb shape. Colour and add details.

• Print and cut out the Hallelujah, butterflies (or both), or make your own pop-up

• Accordion fold the chosen shape(s) into 6 parts (5 folds)

• Glue the outermost parts down to the inside of the card

• Decorate the interior with other symbols of new life and good news!

Click to print PDF

Another butterfly pop-up card idea with a printable template is available here: https://www.easypeasyandfun.com/butterfly-pop-up-card/

Illustrated Ministry Package – Good News Bulletin Board

Read the reflection on pg 53-54, then create a ‘Good News’ bulletin board together as a family.  This could be a temporary or permanent addition and tradition to have in your home.  Use a cork board, chalk board, white board, or large piece of paper as a place for family members to jot down good news of the day such as:  I passed my test!  We’re having your favourite meal for dinner.  I remembered to return my library books! 

Share and celebrate the good news!

There is also a colouring sheet on pg. 57 of the package.

Sunday school activities - March 21, 2021

Theme Discussion

Our Bible reading today is from the Book of Psalms (Psalm 51: 1-10). This psalm was written by ancient Israel’s famous King David after he had done something he knew in his heart was a very unfair and bad thing to do to one of his own faithful soldiers. The soldier had died because of David’s unfairness, and this psalm is a prayer to God in which David asks God for a new chance and for God’s help for David to be good and treat people fairly from then on.

Let’s just look at a couple of lines from this psalm.  At the start, David asks God for mercy and forgiveness. In The Message translation of the Bible, the first two verses are:

          Generous in love – God give grace!  Huge in mercy – wipe out my bad record.

          Scrub away my guilt, soak out my sins in your laundry.

He isn’t asking for God to put him in a bathtub, is he? He feels bad inside because of the wrong he has done, and he wants God to forgive him and make him feel like a good person again. That wouldn’t show on the outside, but it would make a difference to how David was on the inside and how he would treat people from then on. It would be a sort of inside cleaning.  In the last verse of today’s reading, David asks God to:       

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me.

What does it mean to have a “clean heart” and a “right spirit”? Doesn’t it mean to act in a kind and loving way toward everyone, and to treat them all fairly?

Today is Racial Justice Sunday at BCUC. What does it mean if we say that two people are from different races? Usually, we think of people with different skin colours and maybe some other differences in how they look, like their hair or eyes. If one has dark skin and hair and the other one has light skin and pale hair, we would probably say one is a black person and the other a white person. But how many races are there? Really, there is only one – the human race. Really, people don’t have black skin or white skin, but there are lots of different shades of skin colour, from very dark brown that is almost black to very light pink or peach that is almost white, and many shades of brown in between. The idea of race is really an idea that people invented, not God.

But over time, many people have gotten some ideas that people who don’t look like they do are not as good as they are, maybe not as smart or not as hard working or not as trustworthy as people who look the same as they look. These ideas are wrong. No one can tell how good or smart a person is by what colour their skin is, and we know that God loves us all the same even though we have many differences from each other. If we ask God to put a “clean heart” and a “right spirit” inside us, how will we treat people who look different from us? Is it fair to them if we treat them as if we don’t trust them or like them or we think they are not smart just because of the way they look? How would you feel if someone treated you that way because of just your skin colour?

Response Activity Idea

Exploring skin colours

If you have some watercolour or tempera paints that you can mix, try mixing different proportions of white, yellow, pink, red, and brown paint to get several different shades that look like they could be actual skin colours that people have. Do you know anyone who has actually got pure white skin? Probably not. How about pure black? Again, probably not. Can you figure out how to mix a colour that is a close match to your own skin?

If you don’t have paints to do that experiment with, choose several colours that could be human skin colours from a big box of crayons or pencil crayons or markers. Look at each of them closely and think about whether a real person could have skin that colour. 

Print out one of the paper doll figures at the end of the text and fold the paper on the dotted line. Cut the figure out, cutting through both sides of the folded paper at once and making sure not to cut the hand and foot where it touches the fold, so that when you unfold the paper you have two figures that look like they are holding hands and have their foot touching. Like this, except they will be blank until you colour them your way:

Use a pencil or pencil crayon to draw in a face on the paper person on the right side, and the lines of the clothes. The left side is the back of the paper person, so don’t put a face there. Using the skin-coloured paints or crayons, colour in the face and skin, and use whatever colours you like for the clothes and hair.  After you have drawn the back and front of the person on one side, turn it over to see the plain white side. Put a shiny bright heart on one side, and if you want, you can write the words from the psalm around or opposite the heart: “Create in me a clean heart, O God.”  You can make a few of these paper people if you want, either using the pattern or drawing your own on a plain piece of paper.  Give each one a different skin tone, and give them all different hair styles and clothes.  But put a shiny bright heart inside each one, like this, and fold it so the heart is on the inside:

Click this image to print BOTH figures (PDF)

Illustrated Ministry Lenten Package

This week’s activity reminds us that the kingdom of God is like finding a treasure so valuable that a person is willing to give up all their possessions or other treasures to obtain it.

Think about what a racially just society would be like and what we would have to let go of to have it. On page 41 there is a paragraph about social justice movements around the world and how hard people have worked to change their world in different countries. In what ways is our society today unjust? What needs to change to create a racially just society today? Make a list of the ways that we would all benefit from a racially just society. Make a list of what we would have to give up to make those things happen. Would a racially just society be more like the kingdom of God as we imagine it? What would you be willing to give up or risk to make it a reality?

Sunday school activities - March 14, 2021

Theme Discussion

John 3:16

16 For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.

Although the scripture reading for this week is John 3:14-21, we are going to focus on just this one verse in the middle, verse 16. This is a verse that is well-known by Christians and even many people around the world who have different beliefs have heard it. It is a verse that is often used all by itself and, taken out of the whole story of Jesus, it can be hard to understand or it can seem to say a lot of different things.

There are a few phrases that are important for us to unpack:

“God so loved the world…” Right from the start, this verse tells us that God loves the whole world, not just those who think or look or live the way we do – and not even just people but the whole world. Can you think of some of the messages that Jesus gave us that remind us of this?  Who does Jesus ask us to love? How can we show love to all of creation?

“…everyone who believes in him…” What do you think it means to believe in someone? It could mean believing someone or something is real, even if you can’t see them; or it could mean trusting that someone or something is right and good because you trust them. What do you think we mean, then, when we say we believe in Jesus?

“…may have eternal life” This could mean to live forever, but does that make sense? We know that human beings and animals don’t live forever. When someone we love dies, people often say they will live on in our hearts. There is also a song we sing in our church sometimes that says, “We rise again in the faces of our children.” How might those ideas change the meaning of eternal life? Can you think of some ways that you keep someone you love “alive”, even after they have died? How can we keep Jesus alive in the world?

Some people put the words of John 3:16 on a poster for everyone to see and to help them understand about Jesus. If you were going to pick one verse or make a poster to tell the world about Jesus, what would it say?

Response Activity Ideas

Scripture Word Art

What verse or idea about Jesus did you choose to tell the world about Jesus and his message?  On the computer or by hand, using fancy lettering and shapes, lines, and other designs, make a word art poster like the colouring sheets we sometimes do from Illustrated Ministry.

Younger children could print and colour this poster instead.

Click to print PDF

Wave a Magic Wand

During the children’s message in today’s service, Rev. Lorrie talked about how John 3:16 seems like a magical promise!  But really our good deeds are the ‘magic’ needed to bring about God’s dream for our world.  In each star on the worksheet, draw or write about ways you can do the work we need to do to follow through with Jesus’ teachings about loving God, our neighbours, ourselves, and the world.

Click to print PDF

Illustrated Ministry Lenten Package

This week’s activity reminds us to remember God loves the whole world, as discussed above, and that God provides enough for everyone – if we share and take only what we need.  It reminds us to believe in that promise and to trust God’s love and grace. 

Read the scripture on pg. 35 and reflect on “What’s in your barn?” following the activity on pg. 37.

(Note:  If you have not yet received a Lenten Package and would like one, please contact the church office)

Sunday school activities - March 7, 2021

Theme Discussion

Read this week’s scripture lesson here.

Younger ones may prefer this video:

Wow! It isn’t often that we hear stories about Jesus being angry! Do you think he was just having a bad day? Was he at the end of his rope?

It’s important to understand the context of what was going on there in the Temple. In those times, people traveled a long way to worship at the Temple in Jerusalem. There weren’t temples in every town or city - this was the one holy place for the Jewish people. They would have synagogues in other places but not a temple.

When people visited the temple, they were expected to make a sacrifice to God. They might not be able to carry live animals there from home so they were available there for them to buy. The money of the Roman Empire wasn’t accepted at the Temple, so they needed money changers to buy the proper currency as well. All of this was fine and accepted practice. Jesus wasn’t upset that these people were there selling what the worshippers needed. He was upset because they had stopped just providing a necessary service. They were cheating the people and pocketing a big profit. He was upset because they were taking advantage of people who couldn’t afford it. Many people who traveled to visit the Temple did so because they felt they needed to ask God for special prayers. Perhaps someone in their family was very sick, maybe they had other problems they wanted to take to God. The sellers in the marketplace were taking unfair advantage of very vulnerable people. This is what made Jesus so angry. This holy place of worship was being used to cheat people out of their money.

We often sell things at our church - bake sales, garage sales, silent auctions, gift cards, soaps… Do you think Jesus would be angry if he came to BCUC and saw us having a bake sale or a Christmas bazaar? Why/Why not?  What does our church do with the money it raises from these events?

We know that we are very blessed to live where we do. We have warm homes, plenty to eat, and clothes to wear. As followers of Jesus, we know it is important to use our gifts to help others. This makes Jesus proud of us, not angry.

Response Activity Ideas

“That’s NOT OK” Anti-Bullying Poster

Sadly, we see people being put down for a lot of reasons – because of their looks, gender, skin colour, strengths and abilities, etc. In today’s Children’s Story, Erin asked us to call out when we see things that aren’t right, and to respond with love and fairness.

Make a poster digitally or by hand using the phrase “It’s…” or “That’s NOT OK!” and include some positive messages or images about the rights of others.

Spending our money

Materials: envelopes/containers, play money ($450 in small bills), sticky notes, writing tools

What do you think the money collected at BCUC get spent on?  What are things you think we should prioritize as a church?  As you think of the things BCUC needs money for (building maintenance, staff salaries…) or gives money to (SOSA…), label the containers or envelopes with a sticky note for the different budget needs you come up with.

Using the $450, (pretending it’s $450 thousand), share the money between the containers as you see fit.  What are things you think we should prioritize as a church? Do you and other family members agree with each other?

Today is the Annual General Meeting to review the church budget and other issues.  If you received the budget information (emailed to congregants Feb. 26), have a look at the BCUC Budget Summary for this year.  What similarities and differences from your containers?  What did you miss? Are there different things the church should be prioritizing, in your mind?

Illustrated Ministry Lenten Package

Sometimes it’s hard to make decisions about tough questions of right or wrong, and it helps to talk it through with someone with more experience.  Follow the ideas on page 30 to gain some wisdom from older people you know, and enjoy colouring this week’s colouring sheet on page 33.

(Note: If you have not received a Lenten package and would like one, please contact the church office)

Sunday school activities - February 28, 2021

Focus: “What’s in a Name?” (Mark 8: 27)

All of us have names or nicknames. Have you ever wondered where your name came from? Why did your mom and dad call you by your name or names? Do you know the meaning of your name?

Read the gospel story from The Message here.

What about Jesus? What names was he given? Some say he was the Son of God, others call him Saviour. In the gospel reading, some people thought he was John the Baptist or Elijah. Peter called him Messiah. 

There are also many hymns, songs, and Bible stories that talk about Jesus being 'like' something or reminding us of something else (you may have learned about similes and metaphors at school!).  What do you think about when you hear: "Jesus the Good Shepherd"?  What qualities or characteristics does that suggest?  How about when He's called "the Light of the World"? What about you? What's your favourite image or name for Jesus? Who do you say Jesus is?  

Who are you?  How would you describe yourself to someone - maybe a friend you've only met virtually and doesn't know you beyond the screen?  What is important to you?  What defines you?  Who or what do you want to be?

Do you know that God calls each of us, including Jesus, with a wonderful name? That name is “Beloved.” It is a good name. It means 'Loved by God'. In the Children's Story for today's service, Rev. Kim asked us to 'Live up to that name!'  How would someone who is 'loved by God' live and work and interact with others and the world?

Response Activity Ideas

Jesus is like…. I am like…

Gather colouring tools and print out the worksheet (or use blank paper).  At the top, draw a picture that represents the name or image you have for Jesus, and fill in the sentence to explain what you drew.  At the bottom, think about yourself.  What skills, qualities, gifts can you share with others?  What are you like for the people around you?  Again, draw a picture and explain with words.

Click to print PDF

Jesus I AM statements

Grab a Bible and look up the verses on the handout.  Can you match them to the descriptions in the second column?

Click to print PDF

Illustrated Ministry Lenten Package – Week 2 – Sharing our hearts

The reflection for this week discusses how Jesus’ parents, Mary and Joseph had to learn about who Jesus was and was to become.  Sometimes parents and kids don’t always understand each others’ point of view or who they are and want to be.  “Curiosity helps us remain open to each other, continue learning about each other, and respect each other.” Try out the activity on pg. 24 to learn more about your family!

(If you have not yet received a Lenten package in your mailbox but would like one, please contact the church office.)

Sunday school activities - February 21, 2021

Theme Discussion

Today’s Bible story is one we heard just after Christmas. It’s about the time that Jesus went to be baptized in the River Jordan by John. If you remember, Jesus went down under the water and when he came up again, the sky split open and the Spirit descended on him like a dove. He heard a voice saying, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.” And then the story says the Spirit drove Jesus into the wilderness for forty days where he was tempted by Satan. This is the part we want to talk about today.

Have you ever been given a job that scared you a bit? Maybe it was a special job that you were honoured to be given - but it was something you had never done before and you were a bit nervous about whether you could really handle it. Maybe it was the first time your Mom sent you to the store by yourself to get some things for her… Perhaps someone asked you to take care of their pet when they went away… 

Jesus knew at his baptism that God had given him a huge job to do! I’m sure he wanted to do it but I’m also sure it was a pretty scary proposition. We think of that time in the wilderness as a time when Jesus was struggling to figure out just how he could answer God’s call. It might have been easier to just do part of it. It might have been easier to just tell everybody that he was God’s son so they had to listen to him. It might have been easier to just ask God to make some kind of a big show that would shock the people into being better. But God really wanted Jesus to be an example of how a human person really could make a difference in the world. And Jesus decided - after struggling with the ideas for 40 days - that he would put his whole life into doing what he was asked. (Just like in the Hokey Pokey, it’s better when you put your whole self in!)

We talk a lot at church about how we can be good followers of Jesus. Sometimes that’s easy, but sometimes it’s really hard! Can you think of some times when it’s difficult and how you might find a way to still do the job?

• It’s easy to be nice to someone you like. What about when it’s someone you don’t like very much?

• It’s not hard to be kind to others when you’re in a good mood. What about when you’re feeling grumpy?

• It’s easy to share with someone who shares with you. What about when they seem to be greedy?

What are some things you can do to help you remember to be a good follower of Jesus ALL the time? (Tie a string around your finger? Prayer? …)

Response Activity Ideas

Click to print PDF

Whole Self In

Draw a picture of yourself in the centre of a piece of paper, or colour in the template.  Next, add labels to the person describing how you might use the different parts of your body to do God’s work in the world following Jesus’ example (e.g. hands: pick up trash, mouth: say kind words, etc.).

Lenten Goals

Click to print PDF

Jesus took 40 days to focus himself on what God was asking him to do.  Now we set aside 40 days+ leading up to Easter to focus ourselves on God’s message, too.  As Lorrie mentioned in her Children’s Story this morning, some traditions focus on giving things up for Lent, but others instead look for ways to BE giving and do the work Jesus set out to do. On this first Sunday in Lent, set yourself some goals for things you want to do and be in order to try to follow Jesus’ lead.  Finish the sentence starters in each box on the print-out with ways you can be a more loving and giving person, or create your own goals on a separate paper. Post the page on your fridge or another place where you will see it each day.  Consider adding stickers to decorate the poster as you work towards or meet your goals!

Illustrated Ministry Lenten Package – Week One – Invisible Treasures

Read the Activity Story on pg. 19.  Talk about what some of the invisible treasures you and your family have.  Use the activity page (pg. 21) to record invisible treasures you use this week!

(If you have not yet received a Lenten package in your mailbox but would like one, please contact the church office.)

Sunday school activities - February 14, 2021

Transfiguration Sunday

This Sunday is the last one in the season of Epiphany. When we are gathering in the church, this is usually an All-Ages Service and so we have tried to make our video service as close to that as possible. We hope you have enjoyed it with your family today.

Lorrie read the book “The Big Orange Splot” in the Time for the Young at Heart today. She chose it because she thinks it ties in with all the themes for this Sunday – Transfiguration, Black History Month, and Valentine’s Day. Can you see how they are all related? (Watch the story again if that will help you.)

It is tricky to think about loving someone if you don’t know them, isn’t it? That’s why it is so important to learn about others, especially those who are different from you in some way or those who live in a culture very different from your own. The more we learn about someone, the more we can see the ways they are like us, with the same worries, hopes and dreams. We put aside our preconceived ideas and see them for who they truly are. We might say that “we see them in a new light”. We look at them in a different way – and sometimes that even makes them look completely different in our eyes. It causes a transfiguration! It might not be as spectacular as what the disciples described in today’s scripture story but it is just as important a change.

Can you think of some ways that seeing someone in a new light might make a difference

• in your school?

• in your neighbourhood?

• in the world?

In the story we heard today, Mr. Plumbean and his neighbour say, “My house is me and I am it. My house is where I like to be and it looks like all my dreams.” Later, all the people on the street say the same thing about the whole street.

• What do you think that tells us about how the people on that street changed the way they felt about each other? They certainly stopped saying negative things about those who were different, didn’t they?

• How do you think our world would change if we said, “This world is us and we are in it. This world is where we like to be and it looks like all our dreams.”?

At the beginning of the story, the houses all looked exactly the same – green roofs, orange walls, and green window frames. At the end of the story, each house was unique. No one felt they had to be just like someone else to fit in.

• What do you think are the advantages of being just like everyone else? What are the disadvantages?

• What do you think made it possible for the people to change their minds about needing to be all the same?

Response Activity Ideas

Click to print PDF

My House

Using the template, or designing your own shape, fill the house with your colourful ideas and dreams for yourself, for your family, and for your community and the planet. 

Encourage others in your family (siblings, parents, grandparents, etc.) to make their own house, too!  Notice the similarities, differences, and talk about what makes each one special.  Maybe you could share them on the BCUC Facebook page for everyone to enjoy!

Click to print PDF

Same, Same, But Different

Visit https://kidsinothercountries.org/ and watch videos of children from other parts of the world.  Think about how your life is the same and different from the children in the video(s). 

Fill in the Venn diagram or tell someone about what you learned!

Younger children may enjoy listening to the story Same, Same, But Different by Jenny Sue Kostecki-Shaw at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ze11Q-S8-LA  and talking about the differences between the 2 children in the book and their own experience.

Transfiguration Colour-by-Number

Transform the mix of shapes into a picture by colouring by number!

Click to print PDF

Sunday school activities - February 7, 2021

Mark 1: 29-39 - The Story

Jesus was always kind and helpful to the people he met. One day he was in the home of Simon Peter. Peter's mother-in-law was sick in bed with a fever. Jesus went into the room where she was and took her by the hand and helped her out of bed. When Jesus touched her, the fever left her immediately. Later that evening people brought everyone who was sick and those who were demon-possessed so that Jesus could heal them. The Bible says that the whole town was gathered around outside the door. Jesus healed the sick and drove out evil spirits. Jesus showed his love by caring for those who needed his healing touch.

Before the sun was up the next morning, Jesus left the house and went off by himself to pray. The disciples found him and said, “We been searching for you everywhere! More people have gathered wanting your healing touch.” But Jesus said, “Let’s go on to the neighbouring towns, so that I can proclaim God’s message there too. This is what I came out to do.”

Theme Discussion

There are lots of stories in the gospels about Jesus healing people. Most of the miracles we read about have to do with healing – from illnesses, from blindness, from paralysis, from unclean spirits, and so many more. There are even a few stories of Jesus bringing back people from death! These miracles would certainly have impressed the people of his time.

It’s not much wonder that so many gathered at Peter’s house that night and into the next day. The people in those days were suffering from many things and everyone hoped for a miracle cure from Jesus. And yet, when the disciples found him and told him that another crowd was waiting for him, Jesus chose instead to go on to another place. That can seem a bit surprising to us. We think of Jesus as someone who would do anything to help people in need!

1.     Why do you think Jesus made that choice?

He might have been tired. He might have been feeling overwhelmed by the pushy crowd or saddened by the number of people who were in need of healing… Can you think of some other reasons?

2.     There is an expression that says that if you only focus on one trait of a person, you “put them in a box”. It means that you are so focussed on this one thing about that person that you don’t even notice anything else about them. The “box” that the people of Capernaum were putting Jesus in was that of “Miracle Worker/Healer”.

Why do you think Jesus might not have wanted to be known only for this?

What other things about Jesus do you think he wanted them to see and hear?

Some Extra Challenge questions for older kids and kids who want to keep on thinking:

1.     The stories in the gospels tell us that Jesus “healed”. Is healing the same thing as curing?

2.     Try to think of some examples of when a person might not be “cured” of a physical disease or disability but might still be “healed”.

3.     Can you think of some ways that we can all be “healers”?

Response Activity Ideas

Healing Hands/Heart

Materials: Construction paper, colouring tools, scissors, pencil, (bandaids optional)

Fold the paper in half and trace hand on one half with thumb and index finger touching the fold.  With the page still folded, cut out the hand, leaving thumb and index fingers connecting front and back halves. It should make a heart-shape between the index finger and thumb! 

Inside the hands, younger children could write “Jesus Heals” (or similar) and stick on bandaids to form a cross if they wish, and decorate.  Older children could write the many things Jesus came to do, including healing, and things he wanted to teach the people about God on the inside around the heart.

Prayer Bracelet/Keychain/Zipper pull

Materials: beads, string/yarn

Make a bracelet or chain that can be attached to a bag or key ring that will act as a reminder to stop and consider our blessings, share our concerns, and pray for others.

Select colours of beads that represent people, situations, types of prayer (giving thanks, confession, etc.), or topics that are important to you.  Using a braiding or knotting method of your choice attach the beads and make a bracelet or chain. 

Check out these websites for ideas:

• https://happyhourprojects.com/wish-bracelets/

• https://mycakies.com/2014/07/camp-home-bead-braided-friendship-bracelets/

Hang or wear it where it will be noticed throughout the day as a reminder to pause and pray.

Writing to God

Materials: paper (lined, plain), pens/pencils, markers, etc. or write on a device.

If God had a mailbox (or an email address), what would you write?

Take a few minutes and write a letter to God. No one else needs to read it unless you want to share. You might want to use the categories from the book - “Help, Thanks, Wow!” that Lorrie mentioned in today’s Children’s message. What would you ask for help with? What are you grateful for? What in the world is awesome to you? Anything else you’d want to say to God?

You could use words … or illustrations… or?

Sunday school activities - January 31, 2021

Theme Discussion: “Jesus Heals A Man with Unclean Spirit” (Mark 1: 21-28)

Talk about a favourite plush toy or a blanket - Do you carry it around with you all the time? Or maybe you have a pair of socks that you wear over and over again?

In today’s worship service, Rev. Kim talked about the story “Smelly Socks” by Robert Munsch during the storytime.  If you haven’t read it, and want to know the whole story, a read-aloud of the book is available:

What would you do if your favourite “stuff” gets dirty or stinky? Would you wash it? Or would you continue using it? What would happen if we never wash our dirty and smelly favourite plush toy or blanket or sweater or socks?

What about those times that we played outside and came home with mud on our hands and feet, or we smelled terrible? How will you remove the dirt and stink? Why do we need to clean our bodies? Talk about how you feel afterwards.

Read or listen to the gospel reading by watching the YouTube Video in this link:

What does the story say about Jesus? His actions? His way of dealing with people?

In this story, we can find another meaning of dirt and stink. Can you figure out what it is? Sometimes, we do things that are not nice like saying bad words when we’re angry or bullying others or being selfish. These, too, are ‘dirt and stink’ that we need to get rid of.

The gospel story says that a man with an “unclean spirit” approached Jesus with harsh words. What kind of illness or condition do you think this man had?

Jesus scolded the man with these words: “Be quiet and come out of him!” Do you find Jesus’ words strange? But what happened next was unbelievable. The man squirmed on the floor and he became silent.  Everyone in the synagogue were amazed at Jesus. They saw Jesus as someone who has authority to teach and to help people. What do you think happened to the man after Jesus helped him become well?

What do you think of this story? What kind of ‘dirt and stink’ do you think people carry around? How could we help others so that the world would be a better place? Will you listen to Jesus and be his helper? What act of love or kindness will you offer?

Response Activity Ideas

Click to print the PDF

Responding to Unkindness

Cut out a large paper heart.  Brainstorm some unkind things that have been said or done to you or your friends and family.  Each time you think of something negative, crumple up the heart a little bit.  After a while, the heart will just be scrunched up ball!  Meanness hurts our hearts!

Print and cut out the bandaid templates.  On each, write a kind action or words that could help ‘heal’ the wrinkled heart.  Smooth out the heart as best you can and glue the bandaids onto it.   Which of these ideas can you do for others who are hurting this week?

Mental Health Awareness

This week was Bell Let’s Talk Day raising awareness about mental health.  Many people struggle with mental health issues.  Perhaps this was the challenge faced by the man with the “unclean spirit”.  We can become more comfortable and knowledgeable about these issues, so we, like Jesus, and support others (or ourselves) in a time of need.

Here are some activities from the Bell Let’s Talk website to explore:

“Chatterbox” - If you don’t know the answers, take some time as a family to look them up!

Click to print PDF (best printed on 11x17 paper)

“Kindness Box” – make an origami box and fill it with uplifting thoughts for yourself or others

Click to print PDF (4 pages)

Click to print PDF

Colouring Page

As you colour the words of the scripture, think about these questions:

• Think of a time you felt astounded by a new perspective.  What or who was it who changed your view?

• What do you think it means to have authority?

• How do you decide on whose authority to trust in your life?

Sunday school activities - January 24, 2021

Here is today’s Bible reading:

Mark 1:16-20 - Jesus Calls the First Disciples

16 As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. 17 And Jesus said to them, “Follow me and I will make you fish for people.” 18 And immediately they left their nets and followed him. 19 As he went a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John, who were in their boat mending the nets. 20 Immediately he called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, and followed him.

Theme Discussion

The men that Jesus called to be disciples in this story were all fishermen - not ministers or priests or wise men but ordinary people with ordinary jobs. Fish and fishermen are in a lot of stories in the Bible. It was a common job in Jesus’ time. 

Why do you think Jesus asked these particular men to follow him?

What do you think Jesus meant when he told the men that they could fish for people?

What are some skills that good fishermen and good disciples have in common?

Did you know that there is a symbol shaped like a fish that reminds us of Jesus? Some people wear this symbol as jewelry, some people put it on their cars.

The first Christians used this symbol as kind of a secret sign to other Christians. There were people who didn’t understand Jesus’ message and thought being a Christian was a bad thing - and so it could be dangerous to let people know you were a follower of Jesus. If they were standing talking to someone face to face, they would make an arc in the sand with their foot. If the other person wasn’t a Christian, they would think nothing of it - but if they were a Christian, they would make another arc to finish the shape of the fish. It was a good sign because no one would think anything of a picture of a fish unless they knew the symbolism.

Response Activity Ideas

Crayon Resist Fish

Materials: white paper, white crayon or oil pastel, water colour paints

Draw a ‘secret’ fish symbol using the white crayon or oil pastel.  It works best if you press quite firmly and make fairly thick lines.  Then, using the water colour paints, paint a wash of colour over the page to reveal your drawing!

If you have others in your home doing the craft, you could draw the fish and perhaps include a secret message (“Follow Me” - ?) and then paint each other’s to discover what they have done!

Stained Glass Colouring page

Click to print PDF

ICTHYS

Learn more about Christian fish symbol, ICTHYS:

• Read more at Christian Symbolism Facts for Kids

• Check out this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkzcNSW1eHg

• Or do your own research!

Using whatever art supplies you have, make your own ICTHYS with the Greek letters inside!

Sunday school activities - January 17, 2021

Come and See!

John 1:43-51 (a Paraphrase)

One day, Jesus went to Galilee. He found Philip and said, “Follow Me!” Philip went and found Nathanael. He said, “Guess what, Nathanael! We found the person that Moses and the prophets wrote about. His name is Jesus and he’s from Nazareth.” Nathanael said, “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” Philip told him, “Come and see for yourself.” So, Nathanael went with Philip to meet Jesus. When Jesus saw them coming, He said that Nathanael was a very good man. Nathanael asked, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered, “Before Philip talked with you, I saw you under the fig tree.” Nathanael was amazed and said, “You are God’s Son! You are the King of Israel!” Jesus answered, “Do you believe in me just because I said I saw you under the fig tree? You will get to see a lot more amazing things than that!

Theme Discussion

Did you know that in the Bible some of twelve disciples came to Jesus through their friends?  Philip was called to be a disciple by Jesus himself.  But his friend Nathanael came to Jesus through Philip.  Phillip was so excited about meeting and following Jesus that he ran to tell one of his friends.  Nathanael ended up becoming one of the twelve disciples, living and traveling with Jesus in his ministry.

Some of the best things we experience happen because a friend invites us to “Come and see!” Nathanael had heard of Jesus but dismissed him because he was from Nazareth, a place where Nathanael thought no one would have the education to become a great rabbi. He would have missed the experience of being one of Jesus’ disciples if his friend Philip hadn’t invited him to come and meet him.

Can you think of a time when you experienced something great because someone invited you to come and see?

It seems that some people have ideas about what church is like because of things they’ve heard or read in the media. Not all churches are the same though! I think we have a pretty special community here at BCUC. It’s a shame that someone might never know what a great place it is, just because they think it will be something they don’t like. They should come and see!

Have you ever invited a friend to “come and see” what happens at our church or in our Youth Group?

Response Activity Ideas

Covid Kindness

Look through photos or review last year’s family calendar to revisit some of the positive, helpful, and kind actions or activities you and your family have done over the past 10 months to make this pandemic a little better for those in your family or community.

We are back under a restrictive lockdown and front-line workers are under continued or even worsening stress than they were back when this all started.  Many people are struggling because they feel lonely and isolated.  These people still need our support!

Using the photos or drawing your own pictures, make a little poster to celebrate these great achievements and to encourage others to ‘follow you’ in doing some of these kind gestures for others now.

Lead the Way

Set a maze or obstacle course in a large room by putting toys or other objects all over the floor.  Have one person put on a blindfold and attempt to cross the room without stepping on a toy or running into furniture.

Repeat several more times, taking turns, but having someone help the blindfolded person by:

• answering questions from the blindfolded person

• giving directions to the blindfolded person

Or try a super-challenge:

• having one member of the family give false directions, and another give helpful instructions (can you figure out which is right?)

• have one person give instructions, while other family members give continuous unhelpful commentary (“Ooo… are you sure…?” “This is going to be bad…” etc.)

Link your experience back to Lorrie’s Children’s Story, the Bible passage, and the Theme discussion.  It helps to have the guidance from others to get though difficult times, but sometimes we have to work hard to listen and think and make sure we get our facts straight!

Wordsearch

Find a wordsearch based on today’s Bible passage at: https://sermons4kids.com/knows_you_by_name_wordsearch.htm

Sunday School at-home activities - May 24, 2020

Opening

Can you walk across the floor using just your hands? Give it a try… Just your hands, don’t let your feet touch the ground!

Unless you are a gymnast or an acrobat, this is really hard to do! Try it again with a partner. Let your partner hold your feet off the ground (like a wheel barrow). It’s still a little tricky - but much easier with a partner to help.

Reading

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 The Message (MSG)

9-10 It’s better to have a partner than go it alone.
Share the work, share the wealth.
And if one falls down, the other helps,
But if there’s no one to help, tough!
11 Two in a bed warm each other.
Alone, you shiver all night.
12 By yourself you’re unprotected.
With a friend you can face the worst.
Can you round up a third?
A three-stranded rope isn’t easily snapped.

Theme Discussion (Younger children)

Our Bible reading today talks about the importance of working together. Watch and listen to this video about working together.

Talk about examples from the reading and the video where people supported one another. Can you think of other some times when it helps to have a partner working with you? (tidying your room, getting your coat on, carrying something heavy, playing a game…)

It’s also wonderful to have someone else around when you’re not feeling your best, like if you fall down, or feeling disappointed plans got changed... Can you think of other times it’s good to have another person there by your side?

BCUC has been working with Emmanuel United Church, here in Ottawa to create a partnership with the Mission in Chipembi, Zambia. Lorrie and Neil went there as representatives from Bells Corners and they traveled with some people from Emmanuel. They didn’t know each other very well before they left on this trip, but now they have become a team – and there are people in Chipembi who are part of that team too.

Our reading also talks about a “three-stranded rope.” Have you ever braided three strands of wool or string together? If you braid it or twist it good and tight, it is really hard to break it! Just like the rope, it takes all three partners working together to make this relationship strong so it will last a long time.

Theme Discussion (Older children and Youth)

This week, Lorrie and Neil will be sharing reflections from their recent Partnership Visit to Chipembi, Zambia. This is the second time that Lorrie has been to Chipembi but this time, the purpose of the trip was a little different. BCUC has been working with Emmanuel UC, here in Ottawa to create a partnership agreement with the Mission in Chipembi. Lorrie and Neil went as representatives from Bells Corners and they traveled with some people from Emmanuel. They didn’t know each other very well before they left on this trip, but now they have become a team – and there are people in Chipembi who are part of that team too.

Our reading today talks about the importance of working together – that’s what a partnership is all about, really – working with a friend or friends who have the same goals and concerns as you do, and helping each other along the way.

What partnerships are there in your life right now? What types of things do you contribute to the relationship? In what ways do you depend on others? What challenges are there when working as a team? How do you overcome them?

Our reading also talks about a “three-stranded rope.” Have you ever braided three strands of wool or string together? If you braid it or twist it good and tight, it is really hard to break it! That is kind of like what we are doing in joining with Emmanuel United Church and Chipembi. We are forming a partnership that is strong. Just like the rope, it takes all three partners working together to make this relationship strong so it will last a long time.

Response Activity Ideas

Good Friend worksheet

Print out the following worksheet. On it, draw a picture of you and a friend or sibling helping each other. Write about how you share your strengths and talents as you work together.

Click to print PDF

Braiding craft

Visit this website and follow the instructions to make a beaded, braided bracelet. The basic instructions can be followed using whatever size string and beads you have at home.

Learn more about Zambia

Visit:

• www.zambiatourism.com/about-zambia/people/

• www.africa.com/real-life-lusaka-zambia/

• www.unicef.org/zambia/

• www.google.ca/amp/s/kaitlinbardswich.ca/2013/09/25/chipembi-a-school-without-books/amp/

or search other areas of interest.

Consider some similarities and differences between the Canadian and Zambian way of life.

What are their gifts? What are their needs? In what ways could their lives be better/more enjoyable/improved through the partnership?

What are our gifts? What are our needs? In what ways could our lives be better/more enjoyable/improved through the partnership?

Closing Prayer

Thank you, God, for partners.
Thank you for all the ways our friends and partners have helped us.
Help us be good partners to others.
Help us to learn more about people around the world
And how we can partner with them to build your kin-dom here on earth.
Amen