Children’s Sermon on Interpreting the Times – Luke 12: 49-57

Idea for the kids talk on Sunday morning:  Jesus talked about interpreting the weather and interpreting the times. Bring up various items related to different weather conditions. (ie Sun glasses, umbrella, rubber boots, sweater, etc)  Describe different weather conditions and ask the children tell you what item would be appropriate for each type of weather. Give a short overview of Luke 12:9-57 and explain that interpreting the weather is important but it is even more important to understand the times and seasons of life. Conclude by telling the children that it is always the right time and season to follow Jesus.

Object lesson props:  Unbrella, sweater, rubber boots, sun glasses, sun tan lotion, jacket.

Full Children’s sermon based on the Lectionary Gospel reading: Good morning Children! Look at some of these things I brought with me this morning. (Alternately, you could come out wearing some of the items!) Do you know what all these items are? Have you ever put on any of these items? Ok, now I want to see if you know when you would wear these items. What if it was a really sunny day with no clouds in the sky? What would be good to wear? That’s right. Putting on the suntan lotion would help prevent a sun burn. Yes, wearing the sun glasses would make it easier on your eyes. Now, what if it was a little bit of cloud with cold wind blowing? Yes, I think it would be a good idea to put on this sweater or wind breaker. Ok, what would I wear before going outside if I looked out and saw big, dark clouds? What should I wear with that type of weather? That’s right, it might be wise to put on a rain jacket because the dark clouds might be a sign that it is going to rain. Well done! You are all very good at interpreting the weather and knowing how to prepare.

In our bible lesson from the Gospel of Luke, Jesus talked about the importance of “understanding the times”. He said that people can look at the weather and understand how to prepare and what to do.  But for some reason the people didn’t understand Jesus and the need to follow him! They could understand what to do when the sun came out but they didn’t know what to do when God sent His son Jesus! God sent his son Jesus so we could know Him and discover his love. And we know that Jesus is alive and wants us to follow him and to discover his wonderful life.

So…When you go outside I hope you will remember to check the weather and put on the right clothing. I also hope you will remember that it is always the right time to follow Jesus (to live the way he wants us to live) and discover all we were meant to do and be!

Children’s Prayer: Dear God, help us to be wise and understand that it is always the right time and season to follow Jesus. In Jesus’ name – Amen!

Copyright 2016 Sunday Children's Focus - Andrew Hewlett.  Feel free to use this kids lesson on Sunday Morning / Sunday School but please give credit to SundayChildrensFocus.com and consider linking to this web site. Thank you! A.H.

Free Coloring pages for Sunday School -

Only a few here so far but there will be more coming!  (Thank you Echo for drawing these!)

-->Acts-214-Peters-Sermon-at-Pentecost.pdf

-->Acts-1615-Lydias-Conversion.pdf

--> Acts-1624-Paul--Silas-in-Prison.pdf

 ---> In_the_Begining_coloring_page.pdf

--> Childrens_Advent_Wreath.pdf

-->Jesus_in_Temple_coloring_page.pdf

-->Jesus_lord_of_all_coloring.pdf

-->Jesus__His_Disciples_coloring.pdf

-->Jesus__Nicodemus.pdf

-->Jesus__The_Blind_Man_coloring.pdf

-->Letters_to_Gods_People_coloring.pdf

-->Jeus__Lazarus_coloring.pdf

-->Palm_Sunday_Coloring.pdf

-->shepherds_coloring_page.pdf

-->The_Crucifixion_coloring.pdf

-->The_Holy_Spirit_coming.pdf

-->The_Lords_Supper_coloring.pdf

-->The_Lord_is_My_Shepherd_coloring.pdf

-->The_Ressurection_coloring_page.pdf

-->The_Road_to_Emmaus_coloring_page.pdf

--> Check back later - more to come!

Fundraising for Sunday school and Youth Group 

Sunday school and youth group fund raising ideas   

 
(NOTE: In the past I felt that all funding for youth events should come directly from fellowship. However, now I've seen how this can be such a posative learning experience for kids.Fund raising can teach initiative, financial stewarship, team buildingand many other important lessons of the Christian life.)

Raise money with a Car Wash --  

-- Raise money with Bake Sales – Even young kids bake goodies. You might consider teaming up older members of the congregation to assist in preparation.

-- Sponsor students to: 

-- Use youth group members skill to serve the community. Remuneration by donation.

-- Gift wrapping -- The local mall may donate space if the funds go to a good cause.

-- Raise money with hot dog sales after church – Our youth group does this. They make tons of money by setting a BBQ just outside the back door of the church on Sunday.

-- Professional fund raising companies: Not my first choice but they can be effective. You need plan well and make sure you keep good records.

-- Talent Night Fund Raiser –  Showcase the gifts that your kids have. Sell tickets. Build up your kids self esteen, have fun, and raise money for a good cause!
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Here are some popular Sunday School / and family ministry curriculums:-  (I’m hoping to give a more detailed breakdown in the days to come – stay tuned -

1. "The Gospel Project" this is by Lifeway Christian Resources - It is a Christ-centered Bible study that aims to help people of all ages see the big picture of God's story and how it applies to their lives. As the authors say, this material is focused on making sure the gospel really is "Good News".
2. "Orange" by The reThink Group - This curriculum combines family and church resources to create a comprehensive program that helps children grow in their faith and develop a lasting relationship with Jesus.
3. "Awana" by Awana Clubs International – Awana has been around for a long time. This is a global ministry that offers a Bible-centered program for children and youth, focusing on Scripture memorization, discipleship, and evangelism.
4. "VBS" by Group Publishing – Our church and many other churches use this resource. This is a Vacation Bible School program that provides a fun and engaging way for children to learn about God's love and salvation. Great for ministry to children during the summer months. Tons of resources provided. 
5. "DiscipleLand" by DiscipleLand - This is a Bible-based curriculum that aims to help children develop a lifelong passion for learning and living out God's Word.
6. "Children Desiring God" by Desiring God Ministries (connected with well known pastor John Piper)- This is a curriculum that helps children and youth understand the importance of knowing and loving God, and it provides resources for parents and teachers to support that growth.
7. "Hands-On Bible Curriculum" by Group Publishing - This curriculum uses a multisensory approach to help children engage with the Bible and apply its teachings to their lives. I find Group material to be very fun and engaging.
8. "Bible Studies for Life" by Lifeway Christian Resources - This is a curriculum that offers practical, relevant Bible study for all ages, with the goal of helping people grow in their relationship with Christ and their understanding of the Bible.
9. "D6 Family" by Randall House Publications - This curriculum focuses on helping families become more intentional about passing on their faith to their children and making disciples in the home.
10. "Superbook Academy" by The Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) - This is an online curriculum that provides animated Bible stories, quizzes, and other resources for children to learn about the Bible in a fun and engaging way. Worth checking out. 
11. "Explore the Bible" by Lifeway Christian Resources - This curriculum provides a book-by-book Bible study that helps participants better understand and apply the Scriptures.
12. "Sunday School Lessons" by Ministry-To-Children - This is a free online resource that offers a variety of Sunday school lessons for different age groups, covering a range of topics and themes.
13. "Bible-in-Life" by David C Cook – They have been doing great children’s ministry for many years. This curriculum aims to help children and adults grow in their faith by exploring the Bible together in a holistic way, addressing spiritual, emotional, and social needs.
14. "LifeWay Kids" by Lifeway Christian Resources - This is a comprehensive curriculum that includes Bible study, worship resources, and teaching aids for children of all ages.
15. "FaithWeaver" by Group Publishing – (Again, I love “Group” material.) This curriculum provides a holistic approach to learning and applying the Bible, with lessons that focus on head, heart, and hands.
16. "Godly Play" by Godly Play Foundation – Children learn best when the are using all the senses. This is a Montessori-inspired approach to teaching the Bible, using storytelling and hands-on activities to help children explore the wonder and mystery of God.
17. "CrossWalk Kids" by Salem Church Products - This curriculum provides interactive Bible lessons that encourage children to ask questions, discover answers, and apply the teachings to their own lives.
18. "My Awesome God Bible Storybook" by David C Cook - This is a storybook that provides a fun and engaging way for children to learn about God's love and the stories of the Bible.
19. "Tru Curriculum" by David C Cook - This curriculum aims to help children and youth develop their knowledge of God and His ways. My understanding is that this primarily a digital resource product.

Ideas and tips for supporting parents of Sunday School children - - 

1 Work with your church pastor to get his or her ideas. Children’s ministry can be a wonderful doorway to ministry with families – young and old.

2 Provide faith resources, such as books or articles, that can help parents deepen their own faith.

3 Organize fun events or activities that allow parents and children to connect and build community with one another.

4 Create a network of support where parents can talk to one another about their experiences and challenges. This has a benefit for the whole church fellowship.

5 Provide childcare during Sunday school classes so parents can attend worship services or participate in other church activities. Sadly, I know many parents who have dropped out of church because it was simply too much stress and worry to attend.

6 Encourage parents to volunteer in Sunday school, which can give them a deeper understanding of their child's experience and also provide support for the Sunday school teacher. (They could assist with lesson presentations or help provides snacks for the snack time.

7 Offer opportunities for parents to serve in the wider community, such as organizing a service project or participating in a local charity event. Many church have community fun raising projects to support Sunday School ministry.

8 Provide opportunities for parents to receive training or education on topics related to parenting, such as discipline, communication, or spiritual growth. Although parents are older, they may be still grappling with keep questions about the Christian faith.

9 Provide resources and support for parents who are dealing with difficult family situations, such as divorce, illness, or financial hardship. Their needs provide an opportunity to show love in action.

10 Be available to listen and offer support to parents who are struggling with the challenges of raising children in a Christian context. The culture has shifted so much and there certainly is hostility to the good news of Jesus.

- Andrew Hewlett