Palm Sunday Lesson - Sunday, April 5th

Jesus on Palm Sunday     

Memory Verse: John 12:13
“They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna!”
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” 

“Blessed is the king of Israel!”

Parents: How you choose to experience the story will vary according to the ages and abilities of your children (and how many are participating). For younger children, you may wish to use a children’s or storybook version of the Bible and explain details as you go. Older kids can take turns helping to read the story. You can also make this interactive and encourage everyone to get in on the action. You can even have your children draw as you go...it’s all up to the kids and their learning styles. 

Watch Video Here!

-John 12:12- 13
“They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna!” 

“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”
“Blessed is the king of Israel!” 

Parents: Talk about what is happening here. Right before this, Jesus had just raised Lazarus from the dead. He brought a dead guy back to life, so it certainly makes sense that people would crowd around to see what He might do next! They wanted to make Jesus a king, to have Him save them from political oppression. They waved palm branches to welcome Him into town and celebrate Him. It was sort of like waving pom-poms at a game or rally. The word “Hosanna” means “Save us”. The people wanted Jesus to save them and be their king. Well, He already was their king, but not exactly in the ways they expected... 

Ask: Can you think of some ways that Jesus did not always do what was expected of Him? 

-John 12:14-16
“Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, as it is written:

“Do not be afraid, Daughter Zion;
 see, your king is coming,
 seated on a donkey’s colt.”

At first his disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did they realize that these things had been written about him and that these things had been done to him.”

Parents: Okay, so what’s the big deal with riding a baby donkey? Well, a couple of significant things were taking place here. For one thing, riding a donkey was an indication of peace. Jesus was not storming in on a grand war-horse, ready to swoop in and raise riots. He was coming gently, indicating that His kingdom was one of peace. He was also fulfilling a prophecy. 

Ask: Do you know what a prophecy is or what it means? People long before Jesus lived spoke things about what was going to happen. One of those prophets had spoken about this: 

-Zechariah 9:9
“Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”

Parents: The disciples didn’t quite put the pieces together at the time, but later they realized that Jesus was exactly carrying out the words of that prophet. 

Ask: Has there ever been a time when you didn’t understand something right away and realized later how significant it was? Light-bulb moment! 

-John 12:17-19
“Now the crowd that was with him when he called Lazarus from the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to spread the word. Many people, because they had heard that he had performed this sign, went out to meet him. So the Pharisees said to one another, “See, this is getting us nowhere. Look how the whole world has gone after him!” 

Parents: So why was the crowd so excited about Jesus? As we read here, they were impressed by His miracles, and had seen Him raise Lazarus. They wanted to celebrate Him. This is a joyous and festive occasion, and the people almost realized how important Jesus was...but not quite. They didn’t quite comprehend the kind of King that Jesus was. Not a king who would conquer enemies with swords and rule over others. He was a leader who came to serve, and who lived to die. The enemies He came to conquer were not flesh and blood, but sin, death, and the devil. Of course, the Pharisees were not too pleased to see Jesus so praised and lifted up. All along, they had wanted to find a way to get rid of Him. They watch from the sidelines, disgusted at the celebration. And within a few days of this happy welcome parade, they would have Jesus arrested, beaten, and killed. The Messiah had the power to stop them. He could have wiped them out with a glance or changed what they were doing. He could have escaped. But that would not have fulfilled His mission. That’s not the kind of king He came to be. So, as we celebrate Palm Sunday and get ready for Holy Week, we rejoice in who Christ was, and who He IS in our lives today. Hosanna! 

Prayer:Dear God, 
Thank you for the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. 
Help us to remember to serve one another just as He served us. 
Thank you for your love! We love you, God! 
In Jesus name, Amen!

Sing Hosanna HERE!

Sunday, March 29th - Sunday School

Miracles of Jesus - The Prodigal Son

Parents: Children need to know that they are loved unconditionally. In fact, we all need to know it! In the Parable of the Prodigal Son, Jesus assures us that God will always take us back; that there is nothing we can do that will keep God from watching for us and receiving us when we return to Him. We are His children, and He loves us.

Scripture: Luke 15:11-32

Watch Lesson Here!

The Parable of the Prodigal Son
Jesus told this story: A certain man had two sons. One day the younger one came and asked his father for all the money that was to come to him later on. The father gave the younger son the money. A few days later, this son went to a faraway country. There he stayed and spent his money doing very bad things. He had lots of new friends while he had money; but when hismoney was gone, all his new friends were gone too! After his money was gone, there was a famine in the land. Everyone began to be hungry, including the son! The son looked for work but couldn’t find any. Finally, he got a job working for a man who owned pigs. His job was to feed the pigs their food. (It smelled really bad!) The young man was very hungry. Every day when he fed the pigs, even the food the pigs were eating looked good to him! Finally, the son remembered something! He remembered that in his father’s house even the hired workers had plenty to eat! He decided that he would go home and tell his father that he was really sorry. He thought that he had done so many bad things that he didn’t even deserve to be called his son anymore. Wow! Can you imagine a child thinking he/she had done something so bad that he/she couldn’t be called a son/daughter anymore? (No!) The son hoped his dad would just take him in as a servant, so he wouldn’t be hungry anymore. The son said “Good-bye” to the pigs and went home. All the way home the son practiced what he would say to his dad,  “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.” What would his father say? The son worried all the way home. Remember when I said that we had to watch the Father in this story? The Father represents God and tells us what He is like. Let’s see what the Father does when his son comes home. Jesus said that “While the son was still a LONG way off, his father saw him coming and RAN out to meet him!” He was so happy to see his son that he ran up to him, threw his arms around him, and kissed him! Then, while the boy was trying to say all the things he’d been planning to say, the father sent his servants to go get the best robe, and the best ring, and new clothes for his son! Then the Father said they would have a big party to celebrate! The Father welcomed his son home! God Always Welcomes Us Home! God loves us! He loves us so much that He is ALWAYS glad to see us come back! No matter how bad we have been, God will always take us back, when we return to Him. The Father was very happy and said these words about his son, “...he was lost and is found!” Let’s practice those words “he was lost and is found.” (Repeat.) Those sound like VERY happy words! The Father was very happy! And God is very happy whenever we come back to Him. Let’s pray and thank God that He loves us, just like the father in the story loved his son.

Prayer:
Dear God,
Thank you that you love us! Thank you that you always welcome us home! Amen.

10 Minute Family Devotional - Who Is Jesus?

Who Is Jesus - Family Devotional 


Do you know who Jesus is? 
You've probably heard of him, maybe at church or in the Bible. It's easy to think that he's just some character in a story from the Bible but Jesus really lived on earth like us. You know all those feelings, questions, concerns, sadness and misunderstandings you've had in your life? He had them too! Jesus was a human, but get this - He was also God! He came to Earth, so He knows just how hard some days can be.

Question Time! Everyone present can chime in!
What does it feel like to be you today?

What was something hard that happened this week? 
What was something fun that happened?

Guess what! Jesus probably has those kinds of feelings, too.
The Bible is a great place to read more about Jesus' life. The Bible is a home for all the little stories, letters, and histories that helped shape this BIG story of God's love. One of Jesus' good friends, John, actually wrote some stories about his life that you can find in the Bible. John was a good friend to Jesus. John wrote about Jesus not just as a character, but as a real human - just like you!

Bible Time! Everyone get out your Bible!
"The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only son, who came from the Father, full in grace and truth." John 1:14

That's right. "The Word" is just another name for Jesus. So, if you're keeping track, you can call Him Jesus, Friend or The Word. But, let's just stick with Jesus or Friend for now.
Why? Because He came to earth to dwell among humans to reveal a new way to live, God's way! His way is shown with grace and truth. 

Next Steps!
Take comfort in knowing you are not along in your feelings. Jesus is always with you! He knows exactly how you feel. 

Sunday, March 22nd - Sunday school

Miracles of Jesus - Why Did Jesus Wait Before He Helped Lazarus?

Parents: Adults find it difficult to wait, so that challenge increases for a child. This lesson teaches children one reason the Lord may choose for them to wait and helps them grasp His love for them in the process.

Scripture: John 11:1-45

WATCH LESSON HERE!

Bible Reading: Read John 11:1-45. You can reinforce the lesson by asking questions during your reading. Who did Mary and Martha ask to help their brother? Jesus. Did Jesus come as soon as He heard the Lazarus was sick? No. What same words did Martha and Mary say to Jesus? "If you had been here, my brother would not have died." How did Jesus respond to Mary's crying? He cried.

Tell your children: "If we are honest, we all would be upset that Jesus didn't come right away and allowed our brother to die, but why do you think Jesus cried when He knew He was going to raise Lazarus?" (Help your children understand that Jesus cares when we feel abandoned by Him in our time of need and don't understand what He is going to do to help us.)

Agree OR Disagree Activity: Give a list of possible lessons and ask your children to say "AMEN" if it was a part of today's story.
1. Jesus healed those who are blind and deaf.  (TRUE - but not part of this story.)
2. Jesus healed someone from far away. (TRUE - but not part of this story.)
3. Jesus delayed helping someone He loved. (AMEN)
4. Jesus raised someone from the dead. (AMEN)
5. Jesus calmed the storm. (TRUE - but not part of this story.)
6. Jesus cried. (AMEN)

Prayer: 
Dear God,
Help us to always TRUST you. When things in our lives are difficult, help us to remember you will take care of us. We love you God!
Amen.

Wednesday Night Kids - Walk in His Ways

Dear Parents,

Here is our lesson that was planned for this evening. Do what you can and when you can. I know our "To Do" lists are piling up these days (especially with children at home). Perhaps after dinner tonight you can gather to watch the video, talk through the lesson, or pray for our world right now. You are loved and missed at NPC but God is Good! Believe that and live that out in your homes.

Blessings,
Danielle

Wednesday Night Kids - "Walk in His Ways"
The Parable of the Great Banquet
Luke 14:12-24

Watch Lesson Here!

One Sabbath day, Jesus went to have dinner at an important Pharisee's house. While he was there, Jesus noticed how everyone wanted the best place at the table. So Jesus told the host that it's better to invite people who can't pay you back - people who aren't worried about impressing you. Jesus said that in heaven, "God will reward you for inviting those who could not repay you." So that got everyone thinking about heaven. In fact, one guy called out, "It's going to be great to feast with God in heaven!" And that was when Jesus told this story.

A man prepared a great feast and sent out many invitations. When the banquet was ready, he sent his servant to tell the guests, 'Come, the banquet is ready.' But they all began making excuses. One said, 'I just bought a field and must inspect it. Please excuse me.' That person didn't want to come. Another said, 'I have just bought a field and must inspect it. Please excuse me.' That person didn't want to come. Another said, 'I have just bought five pairs of oxen, and I want to try them out. Please excuse me.' Guess he didn't want to come either. Another said, 'I now have a wife, so I can't come.' Yet another person who was not interested! Everyone the man had invited to the feast had some excuse for not coming.

The servant returned and told his master what they had said. His master was furious and said, 'Go quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and invite the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame.' After the servant had don't this, he reported, 'There is still room for more.' So this master said, 'Go out into the country lanes and behind the hedges and urge anyone you find to come so that the house will be full. For none of those I first invited will get even the smallest taste of my banquet.'

ASK: Why did the man in the story invite the poor, crippled, and lame to his feast?  If the man in the story represents God, and the banquet is heaven, why do you think Jesus told this story?

PARENTS: God wants us in heaven with him. Like the man in the story, God has planned and created something incredible for those who follow and love him! From an early age, kids discover the fun of being invited ... to a playdate, to a party, to a sleepover. They also discover too soon the pain of being left out. What a joy to realize that God invites all of us into a relationship with him that will last forever! This lesson will remind kids of God's incredible love for them!

Closing Prayer: 
Dear Jesus,
You are so good. Help us to walk in your ways!
Amen.

Learning at HOME :) Parents, YOU Got This!

Dear Parents,

Tomorrow starts a new way of "school" for most of us. I know I am feeling anxious and not prepared to teach. Below, please find some helpful advice from Jess Gaffga. I wanted to share it because I found this to be extremely helpful as I navigate the next week (or so). 

Blessings,

Danielle 

1. Learning is always happening. Parents who aren't used to schooling their children at home might feel overwhelmed not just by the increased time together or potential for cabin fever, but by the pressure to educate their children. I would say, "Relax! Learning is always happening." While there may be formal lessons to communicate and assignments to stay on top of, those are just one component of a child's education. Watching a parent juggle work and home life responsibilities with thoughtfulness and grace can be an equally useful life lesson as whatever the teacher had planned for that day. Negotiating how to structure time at home with a teenager can be a lesson in self-discipline and communication (for both of you!). A preschooler helping to set the table is strengthening motor control and planning, while practicing service. Learning is always happening. You don't have to force it or overthink it.

2. The process is at least as important as the content.While teaching long division or practicing spelling can seem crucial to your child's success at this stage in her development, the way you interact with your child is what will truly last. Skills will build. They will build across time, with practice, and thanks to the help of multiple teachers and resources in the child's life. But children have deeper needs than just skill development, which parents are uniquely qualified to meet. During this unexpected season of at-home schooling, I would encourage you to be intentional about the interactions happening between you and your child that are not content-focused. While drilling math facts, can you reflect your positive regard for your child? Can he feel your approval, regardless of performance? If you are communicating stress or anxiety to your child as he struggles to grasp or master a skill, that transmission of your unmet expectations or fearfulness over his shaky abilities will imprint and be detrimental to your child. So take a deep breath and observe yourself as you interact with your child. What feeling are you spreading? The process is at least as important as the content. 

3. Connect preferred and less-preferred activities. As disruptive as this social distancing is to us adults, it is unsettling for our children as well. Young children especially thrive on routine and predictability. Whatever you put in place over the next few weeks, no matter how structured, will be different from what they are used to in school. Rather than trying to copy a school day schedule, I would suggest weaving academics into your daily routine, combining things your child likes with things she likes less. Some older school aged children might prefer blocks of time to focus on academics, followed by free time. But for younger kids, why not read aloud while they are eating lunch? Have them read to you while you cook? They don't like practicing math facts? Have them do it while jumping rope outside. A benefit of schooling outside of the classroom is the freedom to MOVE. Allow them to sit/lie down/fidget as much as they want, as long as the work is getting accomplished. Connect the subject/assignment they are avoiding to a thing that brings them joy or comfort. Which leads into the next tip...

4. Show your child (and yourself) the perks of schooling at home. Chewing gum can increase focus and sustained attention. It's not allowed in school, but permissible at home! Want to do school in your pajamas? Great! Me too. Want to do somersaults while listening to a story? Great! Just make sure you can tell me what the story was about once it's finished. Your child loves gym but only has it on Wednesdays at school? Sounds like gym just increased to five days a week! Don't forget that this is also a time to show your children what you are passionate about. It is more fun to learn from someone who is showing genuine enthusiasm because she enjoys the subject matter. Lean in to the freedom of leading each of your children individually, with an eye for their preferred learning style, areas of motivation, and struggles. 

5. Finally, show grace to yourself and to your child. Set reasonable goals for yourself and your child, and reassess them regularly. What are you hoping to accomplish during this unprecedented season? Are you hoping to help your child get ahead in a particular subject? Are you aiming to bond with your kids? Maybe your goal is that your child doesn't lose skills over the next few weeks, or that you just survive being home with your children during this intense period! Both you are your children will struggle to be kind/patient/reasonable/loving during this time. The gap between Jesus' ability to love and lead and yours will become pretty clear! The good news is that there is grace available to you each and every day. Make sure you let that grace in, and make sure to offer it to your kids regularly. You don't have to do this perfectly, and neither do they.

Sunday, March 15th - Sunday School

Miracles of Jesus - Jesus Heals a Boy with an Evil Spirt
Mark 9:14 - 29

Memory Verse: "Everything is possible for the one who believes." Mark 9:23
(If you have younger children have them echo you and break the verse into two parts. You say: Everything is possible (they echo you) You say: for the one who believes (they echo you). You can also be creative and whisper the verse or say the verse while you pat your head.) Have fun with scripture! :)

Lesson Goals: Learn that Jesus healed a boy with an evil spirit. Recognize that the disciples were not able to help the boy. Learn that Jesus said we need to have faith and pray.

Start With: Have you ever tried to do something and you couldn't? Then maybe you got someone older than you and they were able to help you. Let's talk about a time when Jesus' disciples needed help.

Watch Lesson HERE!

Jesus and the three disciples were coming down the mountain to rejoin the other disciples. When they arrived, a large crowd had gathered around the disciples. The disciples were having an argument with the religious leaders. Once all the people saw Jesus, they ran over to Him.

Jesus asked them, "What are you arguing about?"

A man in the crowd answered, "Teacher, I brought my son. He is possessed by an evil spirit. The evil spirit keeps him from talking. Whenever the evil spirit wants to, it throws him on the ground and makes him foam at the mouth. His whole body becomes extremely stiff. I asked your disciples to help him, but they could not."

Once Jesus heard the man, He became upset. He looked at the crowd and said, "You people have no faith. How long must I stay with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring the boy to the ground. He rolled around and begun to foam at the mouth. The evil spirit knew that Jesus was God's Son and that Jesus was very powerful.

Jesus asked the father, "How long has the boy been like this?" "Ever since He was little," said the father. "The evil spirit has even thrown him into fire or water to try and kill him. But if you can do anything, please have pity on us."

"IF you can?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for the one who believes." Jesus knew that the father did not quite believe and Jesus could help this boy. Had the father truly believed, he would not have used the word "if."

When the father heard Jesus' response, he got excited. He exclaimed, "I do believe. Help me to believe more and not doubt!" ASK: What do you think Jesus did next?

Jesus then made the evil spirit leave the boy's body. He said, "Evil spirit, I command you to come out of the boy and never enter him again!" The spirit yelled and shook the boy's body and came out. The boy laid on the ground looking as if he were dead. The crowd all thought he was dead because he was not moving. Jesus took his hand, lifted him up and the boy stood up! Jesus healed the boy of the evil spirit!

After everyone had left, the disciples asked Jesus a question. "Why couldn't we remove the evil spirit from the boy?" Jesus answered, "That kind of spirit can only come out by prayer."

Jesus was teaching them and us something very important. Prayer is powerful, useful, and important. When we pray about something, we are trusting God that He is going to handle whatever it is we are praying about. The father in the story did not have that trust ... at first. Once Jesus told him he needed to believe, then he decided he was ready to completely trust what Jesus could do.

Pray Together:
Dear God,
Thank you that you have the power to help us with our problems. Help us to have more faith.
Amen.

Review Questions for older children: 
1. What was wrong with the boy that Jesus healed? (He had an evil spirit)
2. Why couldn't the disciples heal the boy? (They needed to pray more)
3. What did Jesus say to the boy's father when he asked if Jesus could do something to help him? ("Everything is possible for the one who believes.")


SING: My God is So Big!  Find Song HERE!
My God is So Big! So Strong and So Mighty!
There's Nothing My God Cannot Do!
For You!

He Made the Trees!
He Made the Seas!
He Made the Elephants too!

My God is So Big! So Strong and So Mighty!
There's Nothing My God Cannot Do!
For You!

Create: Draw/craft butterflies
You can keep this simple ... paper and crayons. Talk about some things that change. Examples may include forms of water, tadpole to frog, seed to plant, caterpillar to butterfly. Share with your children as you draw butterflies how Jesus has changed your life and how glad you are for Him.
**All are encouraged to take a picture and post your child's butterfly creation**

Blessings,
Danielle