Vacation Bible School
July 26-29, 2021
5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The moment Jesus came up out of the baptismal waters, the skies opened up and he saw God’s Spirit.—it looked like a dove—descending and landing on him. And along with the Spirit, a voice: “This is My Son, chosen and marked by my love, delight of my life.” 
(Matthew 3:16-17)



​Mark your calendars for this year’s ALL CHURCH VBS!
Children, adults, grandparents, families—everyone is invited! Join us in person or at home as we:
· Worship together
· Hear Bible stories about water
· Eat dinner (with s’mores by the campfire)
· Enjoy crafts and games (water games???)
· Do projects to serve our community
· Learn how we can help provide clean water to everyone.
Helpers are needed to lead groups and help at various stations (games, crafts, service projects, worship):: adults or youth 5th grade and older. Contact the office if you can help.
 

Hi families! This will be our last week of Family Worship Resources for the program year. Hopefully, as things continue to open up, Family Worship and Sunday School will look different in the fall. Thank you again for your flexibility as we moved worship and activities online. Remember to join us in the parking lot for worship at 9:30 a.m., beginning Sunday, May 23.  

Read today's Scripture lesson from Galatians 3:23-29 or use the summary below:
(Adapted from Spirit & Truth Publishing)

Summary: Paul wrote a lot of letters to the first Christian churches. In this letter to the church of Galatia, he wanted them to understand you couldn’t make God love you more by following every rule perfectly. God also didn’t love you more because you were a boy or a girl, rich or poor. Some of the Christians tried to compare who was better and who was worse, and it made some people feel bad.

So, Paul wrote:
“God gave us rules to obey to keep us safe, like a babysitter. But Jesus reminded us that our relationship with God and others is more important than perfectly following the rules. No one is perfect! None of us are better than anyone else. When we were baptized, we all became God’s children. So, in Jesus there is no such things as Jew or Greek, slave or free, male nor female, because everyone is One in Christ Jesus. Everyone is welcome in the house of God!”

• Has anyone ever made you feel bad about who you are?
• Do you think you've ever made anyone feel bad about who they are?
• I wonder what it would be like to love all people equally
• I wonder if there are groups of people we tend to look down on now

Let's pray together: Dear God, thank you for loving all of us, even though we're all different and none of us are perfect! Help me to love myself as much as you love me, and to love other people as well. Amen.

Sing Together
Sometimes in our world we think some people are better than others, depending on where we live, how good we look, or how smart we are. But God loves all of us. Sing this song to remember that God has the whole world in God's hands. Everyone is important to God! 

This week we are going to talk about a very important theme in our Lutheran tradition: a teaching called justification (a big word, I know). 

Justification means that we are made good in God's eyes (or justified) because of what Jesus has done for us. Our sins are forgiven and our broken relationship with God is healed! We are saved by God's grace through our faith (Ephesians 2:8).

• Grace is a gift we didn't earn or deserve. This is a big deal. We don't have to do anything to be saved. It's a gift from God! 
• Faith means that we trust God.  When we trust that God will give us the gift of love and salvation, a huge weight is lifted off of us and we are free to live in love (not guilt!). 

Let's test our understanding of justification. See if you/your kids can answer these questions:​​​

Answers:
1) All of these things (a-c) are good things! Its great to dress up, do well in school, and come to church to hear about God. However, you don't need to do any of these things to be saved. You don't have to do anything! God has already saved you. When Jesus died and came back to life, he won against sin and death. We don't need to worry because God loves us and rescues us.

2) All of these things (a, b, d) are good things! They are things we want to do because we have faith (even though you don't always have to have the answers, because there's always more to learn!). We want to learn more about God by reading the Bible and to do what God says because we love and trust God. Faith means that we trust in God's love for us. We know that Jesus saves us! It can be hard to have faith when things aren't going well. That's why it helps to go to church, read the Bible, and surround yourself with people who support you.  This helps us remember! 

A Scripture lesson you can study about justification is Galatians 2:15-21 or RETELL the story below for kids:
(From Be The Story Curriculum)

I am Paul, and I was a Pharisee, a teacher of the law. Boy, was I smart! I did everything so perfectly and all my teachers were proud of me. I really wanted to please God, too, so I did everything a good Jewish young man should do. According to the Jewish Laws, I was perfect! But inside, I was filled with doubt, fear, and shame.

Then, because God loves me, God gave me a vision of Jesus. God wanted me to go to the people who are not Jewish, who haven’t heard about God’s love, to tell them all about Jesus and what he means.

So, I spent some time alone praying, but eventually began preaching Jesus and his love. And, boy, did I get in trouble! Even Peter the disciple and I argued! Many of the leaders like him in Jerusalem didn’t like that I was accepting non-Jewish people in my churches freely. They thought they should become Jews first and then become Christians, that they should keep all the old laws like what to eat, how to wash your hands, and all that. I disagreed.

Here is the deal! God doesn’t love us because of what we did or didn’t do! Our friendship with God is all about our trust in Jesus. When we trust in Jesus, Jesus comes into our hearts and makes us good. Then, it’s like Jesus is living inside of us. You see? It’s not how smart we are. It’s not how good we try to be, because we can’t be perfect, we just can’t! It’s only our trust and faith in Jesus that begins to change us and our hearts. That is good news!

Here are some discussion questions:

• What was Paul like before he met Jesus?
• Do you ever feel "doubt, fear, and shame" when you don't look or act perfectly?
• How does the "good news" that you don't have to earn God's love make you feel?
• What does your faith make you want to do differently?

Prayer:
Dear God, thank you for loving us no matter what. When I feel guilty or afraid, remind me of your grace. Strengthen my faith so I can trust you more. In Jesus' name, amen.

Works vs. Grace Example
Get treats or candies for your child(ren). Come up with some chores or exercises they need to do to earn their treat (10 jumping jacks, take out the garbage, etc.). After, give them a treat without doing anything to earn it.  Talk about which they liked better: doing works or receiving grace. It might be easier to do works because we are so used to earning things. Is it easy or hard to trust in God's grace? (Also, grace doesn't mean we never have to do chores! We do chores because we love helping one another!)

Memory Verse
Using this worksheet  or your own paper copy Ephesians 2:8 several times to help you remember:
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not your own doing it is the gift of God."

• Which part of this verse do you like the best?
  
• What questions do you have about this verse?

Grace Coloring Pages
Download and print these coloring sheets: for older kids and for younger kids.

In the book of Acts, we read about the very beginning of the church. People called apostles travelled around to tell people about Jesus, and many people joined the church. What do you think this first church was like?  The Bible says they ate, prayed, worshipped, read Scripture, and helped others in need. Sometimes they didn't agree about things, so they argued and had to learn new things. Most importantly, they had faith in Jesus! 

Let's read about this early community in Acts 2:42-47, 4:32-37 or in SPARK on p. 504.

• How is the early church like our church today? How is it different?
• What do you think it was like to share everything? Have you ever had to share with a sibling or friend? Was it easy or hard?
• Why do you think the early believers were so full of joy and generosity?
• Have you ever had an argument with your family or friends? This happened in the early church too! What happened? How did you get through it?

Prayer of the Day: Dear God, help us learn from the example of the early church. Help us to share, love, serve, and be kind to everyone. But most importantly, be with us and move us to worship you. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Storytime: God's Dream by Archbishop Desmond Tutu
Watch this video to hear a story about God's dream for us. 

Dream Craft
Make a craft to remind you of God's dream for the church. Think of your favorite part of today's Bible story or the God's Dream book, something you would love experience, and fill in the blank: "My dream is____________."  Use that dream to make this craft! (Adapted from Martin Luther King Jr. Crafts - Dream Card (parentingchaos.com)).

1. Fold a piece of paper into itself like a 3 fold hot dog. On the outside, trace the child's hands over lapping the fold with interlacing fingers. (see picture below).
2. Color in the hands with desired colors. You can even trace the outline of the hand with a fun color!
3. On the inside of a card, write "My dream is_________" and draw a picture like in the book. You can also print out the coloring sheet (below) and glue it inside.

Baptism is a sacrament because 1) God promises that we are part of God's family and that our sins will be forgiven; 2) Jesus commands the disciples to baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19); and  3) we use water, that we can feel against our skin. God's promises are experienced by our bodies in the water! 

Today we read a story about a Christian named Philip who met a man from Ethiopia. Can you find Ethiopia on a map? This man was different from Philip. He had darker skin, fancier clothes, and worked for a queen! But that didn't stop Philip from teaching him about Jesus and baptizing him. Everyone is welcome to experience God's promises in baptism!

Read the story in Acts 8:26-39 or in SPARK on p. 510, "Philip and the Ethiopian."

• What would you say if someone asked you who Jesus is?
• How do you think Philip felt talking to someone who is so different from him? Have you ever met someone very different from you?
• Why do you think the Ethiopian man wanted to be baptized right away? How did he act once he was baptized?

Let's pray together: Dear God, you love us all the same, but we often focus on how we are different. We see the differences as better or worse and sometimes we can leave someone out or not play with them. Help us to see each other with your eyes. Thank you for promising us love and forgiveness in baptism. Amen.

Remember Your Baptism
If you've been baptized, talk about that day and what it was like. Look at pictures and mark the date on the calendar-- so you can celebrate! You can even light your baptismal candle (or any candle will do). Remember that you are part of God's family, you are forgiven, and you are a light in the world. Mark each family member's forehead with the sign of the cross in water, saying "You are a beloved child of God." 

If you aren't baptized, talk with your family about what it means and if this is something you want to receive (call the church to set this up!). All are invited to the water!

Baptism Play (Be the Story Curriculum)
Assemble a diverse variety of dolls and action figures.  Go through and describe each one: what they look like, what they like to do, etc. Which one is your favorite? Now, using water, you can "baptize" each doll, marking them with the sign of the cross and reminding them that they are a child of God, in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Talk about how even though each one is different, all are loved by God and welcomed into God's family.

Baptism Conversation (Be the Story Curriculum)

• Ask your child if they remember seeing a baptism recently. What happened?
  
• Do churches do baptisms differently? (Yes! Sometimes in a tub, or a river, with adults or babies)
  
• Can anyone be baptized? (Yes!) Does God say no to anyone? (No!)
  
•  What would the world be like if everyone was as loving as God?

Let's read this teaching together. It can be found in Matthew 5:38-48, or in SPARK on p. 274. Here is a quote from the SPARK story:

Jesus said, "If someone hurts you, don't hurt them back." Wow, that was different!... Then Jesus said a very important thing. "Everyone says 'Love your friends and hate your enemies." I say love your enemies and pray for people who are mean to you. This is what really makes God happy!" The things Jesus said changed the way people thought about treating others. 

• Do you ever follow what Jesus commands in this story? Is it easy or hard to do?
• Tell a story about a time someone was mean to you. How did you respond? 
• I wonder why it makes God happy when we love our enemies. What do you think?
• Read the quote by Dr. King in the photo above. How does this connect to what Jesus taught?

Let's pray together.

• Start with a few deep breaths. Fill your belly with air, and then let it out. Imagine all of the meanness coming out of you. As you breathe in again, imagine God's love is filling you up. 
• Dear God, just as Jesus did, help us to love and forgive others who hurt us. Take away the mean words in our mouths and in our hearts.  Bless the people I don't like (can name them here). Help us to share your love with everyone. Amen. 

Tell a New Kind of Story
Write and/or draw a story or comic strip based on Jesus' teaching. Start with someone hurting another person (someone budges in front of you in line, calls you a mean name, etc.). What happens next? What would Jesus do?  (Another option: Talk together as a family about common scenarios you may encounter and how you might respond). 

Body Memory Verse
​Spend some time learning Matthew 5:43-44 (regular Bible or SPARK). It's important to know verses well, so that when you are in a tough situation you can remember what Jesus said! Moving your body can help you learn. You can either write out the verse several times, or do some actions. Make up your own actions or try the following (using the SPARK verse):

Everyone says (put your hands to your ears, like you're listening closely)
"Love your friends (cross your hands over your chest, like a hug for a friend)
and hate your enemies." (fling your arms wide, like you're pushing people away)
I say (lift your hands high in the air, to welcome words coming from Jesus!)
love your enemies (cross your hands over your chest again. Love an enemy like a friend!)
and pray for people who are mean to you. (put your hands together like you're praying)

Happy Easter! Last week we heard the story of Jesus' friends finding the empty tomb. Jesus is alive! Have you ever wondered what happened afterward?

Today we hear a story about two men walking to a town called Emmaus three days after Jesus died. They are joined by a mysterious stranger... read the story to find out what happens next! The story can be found in Luke 24:13-35 or in SPARK on p. 488.  Then talk about these questions:

• How do you think the disciples felt on the road to Emmaus?
• How do you think they felt when they realized Jesus had been with them?
• I wonder, has Jesus ever been with me and I didn't know it?
• What rituals or practices help you experience Jesus?

Prayer of the Day (Be The Story Curriculum)
Jesus, you walk beside us every day, but we can’t see you. Sometimes you are with us through a mom or dad, grandparent, teacher, of friend. We know that you love us. Amen.

This is it -- the most challenging and celebratory week of the church year. We follow Jesus into the final days of his life on earth. We bear witness to the depth of grief and the joy of new life. Where does this story find you this year?

Holy Week Nature Walk
Take advantage of the warmer weather! Go outside and go for a walk. Use all your senses to find the items listed on this handout. Once you get home, look up the verses that go with each thing you found! 

Make Your Own Palm
Get a piece of green construction paper (or a white paper you can color green!). Fold it in half. Starting at the folded edge, cut out a half football shape. When you open it up, it will look like a palm! Cut fringes into the edge. Then you can act out the story! Wave your palm during Palm Sunday Worship.

• Before they eat, Jesus washes the disciples' dirty feet! Imagine Jesus doing this for you. How would you respond? 
• Why do you think Jesus wants us to love and serve one another?
• Jesus says that he is in the bread and the wine we eat and drink in communion, and that our sins are forgiven. What do you think about that? How does forgiveness feel?

​Foot-washing
Act out this part of the story by washing your family members' feet. Kind of weird, right? Back then, this was the servant's job! Even though Jesus was their teacher, he was making himself a servant by washing his disciples' feet! As you practice foot washing, think of other ways you can serve members of your family today. Jesus says that the greatest among us are the servants! 

On Good Friday, we remember with heavy hearts the trials Jesus endured at the end of his life. You can read this story in Luke 23:32-47 or in SPARK on page 476. Depending on the age of your children, you may choose to omit parts of the story. Use this document to help you navigate this difficult conversation.

• What is something tough or sad going on in your life right now? Jesus understands. Jesus also had to face tough and sad things in his life.  Pray together to ask God for help with what you're facing. 
• Has anyone ever been mean to you? Talk about how you felt. What did you do next?

• As Holy Week comes to an end, reflect on Jesus' journey and what you learned. What is the most important thing you learned this Holy Week?

Share the Good News
JESUS IS RISEN! God wins over death! Share the good news with someone you know, whether your family, friends, or church community, by making an Easter card for them.  Share about God's love, your favorite part of the story, or a bit about your favorite family tradition. Then mail or deliver your card! 

Easter Activities
A craft, a coloring sheet, mazes, a crossword puzzle, and a word find-- all fun things to remind you that JESUS IS RISEN! Click here to download and print. 

Musical Chairs
​Place chairs in a circle, with one fewer than the number of people playing. Turn on music (potentially the song above), and walk around the chairs. When the music stops, everyone has to find a place to sit! Whoever doesn't get a spot is out. Remove a chair and continue until there is a winner!

• What was it like to be out? What was it like to be the winner?
• What does it mean to leave someone out?
• Have you ever been the one excluded?
• How does Jesus want us to treat each other? Who was Jesus especially good at including?​

Today’s story is not an easy one! Jesus reminds us that its important to help people. He tells a story about a rich man who refused to help a poor man, named Lazarus. Both men die, and the rich man finds himself far from God. He then asks Lazarus to help him! Jesus shows that no one is better than anyone else; we all need help sometimes.

Sometimes we are in a position to help someone else. Sometimes we are the ones who need help. Just as we would appreciate it if someone reached out to help us, we need to reach out to help others. This is how community works! We are all members of God’s family and we all take care of each other. 

Read today’s story in Luke 16:19-32 or in your SPARK Bible on p. 386. Talk about it using these prompts:

• I wonder how Lazarus felt when no one helped him
• I wonder why the rich man didn’t want to help
• I wonder if I ever feel better than someone else
• I wonder if other people ever feel better than me
• I wonder what Jesus wants me to learn from this story

Living the Story
With your family, act out the story. Take turns being the rich man and the poor man, Lazarus. How does acting it out change how you understand the story? Let this story affect your actions in the future: today, try to ask three people “How can I help?”

Blessing Bags
​​It is important that we be mindful of other people, especially those whom we easily forget! Think about people who don’t have a place to live. You might see them on street corners asking for help, or they may seek help at a local shelter. We can help them by donating items to shelters, or handing them out directly. To assemble your own “blessing bags” to keep in your cars, buy small personal hygiene items, non-perishable snacks, gift cards, etc. that can fit in a gallon zip-lock bag (see here for more info). Keep it in your car for an opportunity to hand it out! You can also check in at a local shelter to figure out what donations would be helpful. Click here to visit the website for Hope4Youth in Anoka! 

Morning Stretch Prayer
(See images below for help!)

Good morning, God!
(Start with hands over your heart in prayer, then reach up to the sky)
Help me to serve you today.
(Fold forward and touch your toes)
Whether I feel as strong as a mountain
(walk hands forward to downward dog)
Or as small as a seed
(sit back into child’s pose)
Help me to keep my eyes on You.
(Laying flat on your belly, push your arms up and your head back: cobra pose)
You make me strong.
(back up to downward dog, then to standing)
Help me to love others
(right arm overhead, bend to the left)
As I love myself
(left arm overhead, bend to the right)
Because you so love the whole world
(arms spread open wide).
Amen. (Hands return to prayer over your heart).