Family Faith-On-The-Go Connections for September 4, 2022
FUMC Children’s Ministry, “The Connection” on Sundays
The Vine and the Branches, Part 1
In Deuteronomy chapter 6, Moses directs the people to teach their children in the ways of God: “Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” (Deuteronomy 6:7)
Using teachable moments at home, when out and about, at bedtime and when preparing for the day, will help families stay connected to God.
On Sunday, September 4, we experienced the Bible story, The Vine, and the Branches from John 15:1-17. The children and youth created art, acted in drama, ate snacks, sang songs and played in the gym as they learned about Christ as the Vine and God as the Gardner who cares about us so very much and wants us to have fruitful lives. We also talked about the Fruit of the Spirit that Christ wants for our lives, including love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
Here are some ideas you may choose from based on the theme that will keep the message alive during the coming weeks.
Let’s Notice, Wonder and Talk About:
(Preschool-Early Elementary)
- I wonder why Jesus used a vine to teach others?
- I wonder what part of the story is most important?
(Late Elementary, Youth & Adults)
- I wonder if Jesus was sitting next to a grape vine when he taught the people about the Vine and the Branches?
- I wonder what I can do to stay connected to God?
- I wonder which Fruit of the Spirit is most important? Why?
- I wonder if I get unconnected to Jesus sometimes?
- How can we stay connected every day when we are so busy with school and work?
- I wonder what the people talked about that night at dinner following Jesus’ teaching?
Family Faith-On-The-Go in Your Household
- Notice the small and ordinary, but magical moments daily in your home space that signals an extraordinary event or healing of the body or heart. Stop in that fruitful moment, hold hands and thank God for these special moments.
- Anytime you have fruit this week, decide if the apple or the orange will help remind everyone to show kindness to each other at home and at school.
- On those quick runs to the grocery store, choose your desired fruit and give it a name, such as “peace grapes”.
- When packing lunches or grabbing a snack from the frig, say, “Please, I want some “Peace grapes”. Each time during the week you grab a piece of fruit, give it another name, or silly name such as “Oh my “goodness cantaloupe”. There’s my “patient pears”! Look, I found my “faithful fruit”. There’s my “gentle apple jelly”. I’m going to fill up with “strawberry self control” today and “Kiwi kindness” along with “love lemonade”. I’d like to eat a “joyful peanut butter and faithfulness fruit jelly sandwich”. I’d like some “joyful juice” please.
- If you are going to peel the fruit, write the Fruits of the Spirit on several of them. Let the kids use markers or paint to write their names and one of the “Spirit Fruits”.
- When someone in the family feels sad, offer up lots of kindness by giving that person a big hug or a pat on the back and a blessing.
- When watching a T.V. show, point out the characters who show one or more of the Fruits of the Spirit. Talk about how that changes the tone and outcome of the show.
- When reading (silently or aloud) a book for school, talk about the character’s personality traits. Do they show the Fruits of the Spirit in their actions? Why or why not?
Let’s Listen to Music and Sing Together
Here’s a fun song to help learn the Fruits of the Spirit:
Fruit of the Spirit Song for Families
Jesus Blessed the Children
“Then he took the children in his arms and placed his hands on their heads and blessed them” (Mark 10:16)
Blessings
As you give blessings to your family, talk about how each one of these blessings relate to the Bible readings for today.
Blessings & Prayers (All Ages) Place your hand on your child’s shoulder or head or hold hands when giving the blessing. They may also repeat this short blessing for you as they place their hand on your shoulder or head.
Anytime Blessings: “I pray you always give yourself to the work of the Lord…your life is filled with blessings, talents, kindness and gifts.”
“God’s grace is sufficient for you, for His strength is made perfect in weakness.” (Adapted from 2 Corinthians 12:9)
“I pray you trust in the Lord always and show kindness and love in all you do.”
“You are wonderfully made in God’s image…I know whatever you do in life, you will do with all your heart.”
“God’s love is with you…my love is with you…God bless you as you rest this night.”
“May you wait quietly for God…may your hope always be in Him.”
As Families Rush Out the Door: Place your hand on their shoulder and say, “God beside you, God behind you, God in front of you…Bless you today. Be your amazing self”
