Sunday School
World Communion
Presented with a small globe, the children were asked to find their homes in this big world. This task was impossible because the globe was very small. With the help of a magnifying glass, the children could find Ontario Then one child was asked to spin the globe and pick a country anywhere. China was chosen and examined with the magnifying glass. Pastor Don explained that we were going to take Communion in a few minutes and that there would be people in China taking Communion today as well, as we celebrate World Communion. In this big wide world we have many things in common with people all over the world, even in China, because in every country there are people who worship the same God we do.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for Your goodness, Your protection, and the simple gifts of each new day.
Fill my heart with a spirit of thankfulness.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
Here's a music video for the whole family:
"I Am Thankful"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cx7ZXL01LAw&list=RDcx7ZXL01LAw&start_radio=1
Today, as we recognize Truth and Reconciliation Day,
Rev. Golden shared with the children of all ages
The Dish with One Spoon Agreement:
The Dish with One Spoon is a sacred Indigenous peace agreement and law from the Great Lakes region that binds nations to share and sustainably manage the land's resources.
Meaning and Symbolism
· The Dish: Represents the land and the bounty of Turtle Island (the continent/earth) that feeds all living beings.
· The Spoon: Represents the individuals and nations who live on the land, using its resources in a spirit of mutual cooperation.
· No Knife or Fork: The spoon is dull and has no sharp edges, symbolizing peaceful communication and ensuring there is no threat of harm or bloodshed over resources.
Core Teachings
· Take only what you need: Do not hoard or over-harvest from nature.
· Leave some for the future: Ensure that resources remain intact so future generations and animals can survive.
· Keep the dish clean: Protect the environment, land, and water from waste and pollution.
Here's a music video for the whole family:
"Jesus Loves the Little Children"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGpYmo_ha0M&list=RDQSTB3d1-HZQ&index=3
If you came upon someone who was injured,
would you stop and help?
That was the question for our children this morning.
Rev. Lilian shared the story of The Good Samaritan
You can listen to the story here:
Here's a music video for the whole family:
"Helping Song"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfvpSdRqxHA&list=RDUfvpSdRqxHA&start_radio=1
God Made the Whole World
(Tune: He’s Got the Whole World)
-lyrics by Susan Bedggood, Brigden UC, Brigden, ON
God made the whole world in six days
God made the whole wide world in six days
God made the whole world in six days
Day seven was the day to rest.
God made the dark and the light on day one
God made the day and the night on day one
God made it night, then light on day one
God looked and said that it was good.
God made the heavens over earth on day two
God made the blue sky above on day two
God made the clouds, wind, and rain on day two
God looked and said it was good.
God made the land and the sea on day three
God made plants and trees on day three
God made flowers and weeds on day three
God looked and said it was good.
God made the sun and the moon on day four
God made the stars in the night on day four
God made the sun warm and bright on day four
God looked and said it was good.
God made the fish and the whales on day five
God made the birds flying high on day five
God filled the sea and the sky on day five
God looked and said it was good.
God made all of the animals on day six
God made people in his image on day six
God’s gift of creation to tend with care
God finished and said that it was good.
God made the whole world in six days
God made the whole wide world in six days
God made the whole world in six days
Day seven was the day to rest.
Here's a music video for the whole family:
"He's Got the Whole World in His Hands"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_btuje-3xU&list=RDW_btuje-3xU&start_radio=1
Children and adults alike were asked "What is your favourite season and why?" And then Richard brought out a
beach ball which was tossed around the sanctuary so everyone had a chance to touch it.
Life is like that too. We might get tossed around but many people will touch our lives.
Here's a music video for the whole family:
"He's Got the Whole World in His Hands"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_btuje-3xU&list=RDW_btuje-3xU&start_radio=1
"Little Mole Finds Hope"
This is a great story shared by Chaplain Moira with our children.
Here is a read aloud version:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h34G0Gmwcvo
Here's a music video for the whole family:
"My Hope is in The Lord"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJePCzTaQo4&list=RDtJePCzTaQo4&start_radio=1
Here's a music video for the whole family:
"Use Your Words"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2kAtWAyHXhk&list=RD2kAtWAyHXhk&start_radio=1
"Giraffes Can't Dance"
A great story about showing courage
Here's a music video for the whole family:
"When I Feel Brave"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGwSjQvDXkw&list=RDUGwSjQvDXkw&start_radio=1
Faith was one of our Sunday School children who attended our local Christian Summer Camp. She shared her experiences with our Church Family and taught us one of the many, many songs she learned at camp.
Here's a camp song I bet you know:
"Pharaoh, Pharaoh"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmeguN_5nJU&list=RDZmeguN_5nJU&start_radio=1
Laughter makes you feel better!
Why did Noah never go fishing? Because he only had two worms!
What kind of car does Jesus drive? A Christler!
Who was the smartest man in the Bible? Abraham, because he knew a Lot!
How does Moses make his coffee? Hebrews it!
What is Eve’s favorite food? Ribs!
What is God’s favorite food? Praisens!
How do angels greet each other? Halo, halo, halo!
What is a mathematician’s favorite book of the Bible? Numbers!
Why did the sponge go to church? Because it was hole-y!
What type of phone did Delilah use? A Samson (Samsung)!
What did God do to cure Moses’ headache? He gave him two tablets!
What is the best way to study the Bible? You Luke into it!
A Music Video to sing along:
"If You're Happy and You Know It"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6LoRZsHMSs&list=RDM6LoRZsHMSs&start_radio=1
Everyone Makes a Difference
The Minister invited children and any adults who wanted to participate to come to the front and take one of the eight coloured bells she offered. Each of the bells was a different colour. Then, following a "map" of which bell should ring next, the "ringers" started to play a song.
After a couple of tries we recognized the song as "Jesus Loves Me".
Then, a couple of the bells were put back in the box and the remaining "ringers" played the song again - except this time some of the notes were missing! It didn't sound right.
From this, we learned even if you are one little part, you make a difference.
Everyone makes a difference!
Here's what our group tried to play on their bells:
Christmas in July
Here's a Children's version of the Christmas Story
A Christmas music video you can share with your whole family:
"Away in the Manger"
Chippie the Parakeet
Here is a story from Max Lucado about Chippie the Parakeet:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bouvCKUX7k
We all know people who are a lot like Chippie. We know young people who once had a song in their hearts. But due to circumstances out of their control, they discovered that “life stinks.” As a result, they aren’t singing much anymore. Have you ever felt a little like Chippie? Have you been abused by people you loved? Has your world been turned upside down? Have you lost your desire to sing? As Chippie found out, there are no “quick fixes.” Healing takes time. But there is someone who can give you back your song and restore your joy. His name is Jesus. “Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things” (Psalm 98:1).
A music video you can share with your whole family:
"Sing, Sing a Song"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmRlFZmJDII&list=RDMmRlFZmJDII&start_radio=1
Did you know that being nice, kind, thoughtful, and treating others with love and respect not only makes you a better person, but the people you meet will feel good about themselves too!
Here's a story about how the sun was kind when thhe North Wind was not.
A music video about being kind you can share with your whole family:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwLOSiFpu2U&list=RDRwLOSiFpu2U&start_radio=1
Children were asked "What is Community?" Several answers were offered. The story of The Good Samaritan teaches the importance of being a good neighbour to everyone. How can we be good neighbours and help in our community.
A music video to share with your whole family:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4NWTKZyHt3I&list=RD4NWTKZyHt3I&start_radio=1
Pastor Don asked our children, "What special treasures do you have? Where do you keep them? Did you know that you are a special treasure of God?" Actually, the whole world is God’s Treasure – and you are a part of it. In the Bible, Jesus tells us three stories about how special we are. One of them is about a flock of sheep, one of whom goes missing. The shepherd leaves the 99 sheep to go find the 1 that is missing. You are like that one: God will look for you and keep you safe. When you go off to Sunday School the adults are going to hear the other two stories that Jesus told about being special and God finding them and keeping them safe.
Here's a story shared with our children this morning:
"Rose's Garden"
A music video to share with your whole family:
John Denver's
"Garden Song"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3FkaN0HQgs&list=RDD3FkaN0HQgs&start_radio=1
Do you know what a Guardian Angel is?
Do you think you have a Guardian Angel?
Here's a video that teaches us about our Guardian Angel:
A music video to share with your whole family:
"All Night, All Day"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0fbX0SswTU&list=RDW0fbX0SswTU&start_radio=1
Here is a read-aloud story about how each of us in important to share with your family:
"Just a Worm"
A music video to share with your whole family:
"The Butterfly Song"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tUvgOTsPkzc&list=RDtUvgOTsPkzc&start_radio=1
Today is Mother's Day and Christian Family Sunday. Here is a story about families to share with your family:
"One Family"
a read-aloud story about different families
A music video to share with your whole family:
"We Are a Family"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=foptl0BeXnY&list=RDfoptl0BeXnY&start_radio=1
Eeyore suffers from low self-esteem
Here's a short video of Eeyore:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_bD5SysAMk
We talk about how when we have big feelings that don’t have words, they come out as tears. What are some big feelings that people might have?? What to do when you feel overwhelmed?
When we are sick and have a runny nose, a bad cold or a sinus infection. Sometimes when we are very sick, we go to the doctor and get medicine. Our brains, just like our hearts and our lungs, need to be healthy. Mental health means taking care of our whole body; including our brain. When our brain is healthy, we feel better. Sometimes we cry when we are feeling sad. And when we cry, God is with us. When we are sick and not feeling good, God is with us. We are never alone because God is always with us. God loves us even when we cry and when we feel sick even when we feel happy and healthy.
Prayer
Thank you God for tears that express how we are feeling. Thank you, God, for our brains that help us know your love. Thank you, God, for mental health and for people who help us feel better when we are sick. We love you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen
A music video to share with your whole family:
"I Look in the Mirror"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=doOWgtZnwVo&list=RDdoOWgtZnwVo&start_radio=1
"Find Your People"
Joe brought a bag of items and invited children and adults to each take one but not look at it nor show it to anyone. By just using fingers and hands, we were to try to determine what the item is and find someone who had a similar item. We ended up in three groups (moustache, bat, and tree). By finding someone with a similar item, we could “find our people”. This year’s camp theme at Pearce Williams is “Find Your People”, an opportunity to meet new friends who may be your people.
A music video to share with your whole family:
"It Only Takes a Spark"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3yY3GFlsCo8&list=RD3yY3GFlsCo8&start_radio=1
Celebrating Earth Day
Do you know what Earth Day is all about?
Here's a link to a read-aloud story explaining what Earth Day is and what can you do:
A music video to share with your whole family:
"On This Earth"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbbqFyrbHEA&list=RDNbbqFyrbHEA&start_radio=1
Saying "thank you"
Gratitude makes everyone feel big inside!
When someone holds the door open for you,
do you remember to say thank you?
Here's a short video about what happens when you say "thank you":
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/o-Cn0_lJ1NU
A music video to share with your whole family:
"Thankful"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YeSdQmO51Ps&list=RDYeSdQmO51Ps&start_radio=1
A new sunrise
Rev. Larry took time today with the children to talk about Jesus dying, and being put in a tomb, then, when His friends came to the tomb on Easter morning, found the tomb empty and Jesus missing. They were afraid, until a man they thought was the gardener revealed himself as Jesus, risen from the dead. Jesus encouraged the women to go and tell His disciples that He was alive.
Here is a link to the Easter Story:
A music video to share with your whole family:
"Rise Again"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=692qs3m3bD0&list=RD692qs3m3bD0&start_radio=1
The Purpose of Palms
Rev. Larry took time with the children to explore why we wave palm branches today in our worship. The children were delighted to join the parade as the choir processed to the front of the church while singing "Hosanna".
A music video to share with your whole family:
"The Palm Sunday Song"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RISfny5Po8&list=RD-RISfny5Po8&start_radio=1
“Not My Problem” Story Adapted from a Thai folk tale
Once upon a time, a queen sat on her balcony eating pancakes and syrup with her chief advisor. As they ate, they gazed down at the busy street below. The Queen pointed to something in the distance, and as she did a drop of syrup from her pancake landed on the balcony railing.
"My Queen, you have spilled a drop of syrup. Shall I call a servant to come and clean it up?" But the Queen laughed, "A little drop of syrup is NOT MY PROBLEM. Someone will clean it later."
They went on eating and talking as the drop of syrup warmed in the sun and began to slowly drip down the side of railing until it landed in the street below with a plop! "Your Highness, that drop of syrup has now fallen into the street, where it is attracting flies. Shouldn't we call a servant to come and clean it up?"
But again, the Queen yawned lazily and replied, "A little drop of syrup and a few flies are NOT MY PROBLEM. Someone will deal with it later."
Soon a lizard darted out from underneath the palace wall and began to catch the flies on her tongue. Then a cat sprang from the baker's shop and began to bat the lizard back and forth like a toy. Just then a dog charged out from the butcher's shop and began to bite the cat on the neck. "Your Highness, now the flies have attracted a lizard, which attracted a cat, which is now being attacked by a dog. Shouldn't we call someone to stop the fight?"
But the Queen only stretched, and shook her head at her advisor, "Won't you relax. A silly animal fight is NOT MY PROBLEM. Someone will surely see to it." In fact, the baker did see to it. She saw the dog attacking her cat and ran out with her rolling pin and began to hit the dog. And then the butcher heard his dog howling and ran out with his broom and began to hit the cat. Soon the butcher and baker were hitting each other. Then the neighbouring shopkeepers began to take sides, joining in the fight. Then some soldiers came along, but some knew the butcher and some knew the baker. So, the soldiers, too, took sides and the battle grew. It grew and grew until a great battle waged in the streets. People were throwing rocks through windows and tipping over the vendor carts. Someone picked up a torch from the wall and hurled it through a window. Fire raged, and eventually it spread to the palace.
The next thing they knew, the Queen and her advisor were being escorted down a ladder from the balcony into the street below because the palace itself was in flames. Later that day when the fire had died out, the Queen and her advisor surveyed the ruins of their land. Suddenly the Queen stopped in the street underneath where her balcony had been. She reached down and touched something in a small puddle on the ground. "It's syrup! I guess I should have made it my problem and cleaned up that drop of syrup in the first place. Now, my whole kingdom has been lost because of it.
That was the last day that the Queen ever said: IT’S NOT MY PROBLEM!
What can we learn from this story?
A music video to share with your whole family:
"I Know the Plans I Have For You"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSzDq44ePug&list=RDKSzDq44ePug&start_radio=1
Thinking Day, celebrated by all the levels in the Guiding Movement (Sparks, Embers, Guides, and Pathfinders), marks the birthdays of the founders of the Guiding Movement, Lord and Lady Baden-Powell. This year is the 100th Anniversary of Thinking Day. It's a chance to be curious and creative, to form meaningful connections with our sisters in Guiding and beyond.
This year, for their Thinking Day Activity our Area Pathfinders and Guides got together to create a paper chain of 100 Acts of Kindness they had performed. Out of their kindness they gifted this long chain to share with our Church Family and others who come into our building.
We took turns reading some of the Acts of Kindness included on the chain.
A music video to share with your whole family:
"Kindness"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H98Rfljxmsc&list=RDH98Rfljxmsc&start_radio=1
Can you get water from a rock?
Can you get water from a well?
These were the questions Rev. Larry
had for the children of all ages in worship. Then he hold the story of Moses and his people in the desert and how God helped Moses to get water from a rock.
Here's the story you can listen to:
A music video to share with your whole family:
"God Makes a Way"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIoFeB9WIIU&list=RDAIoFeB9WIIU&start_radio=1
What do you think is above the clouds?
In his story Author Brent McCorkle introduces
"Firebird"
whose Mama taught him to soar above the clouds.
Here is a link to the story so you and your family can read it together:
A music video to share with your whole family:
"Together We Shine"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9NDUJbsvqI&list=RD_9NDUJbsvqI&start_radio=1
Did you know that God knew you before even your parents knew you??
God made you especially to be the person you are - like nobody else!
We heard a story, "When God Made You",
by Matthew Paul Turner.
Here is a link to the story so you and your family can read it together:
A music video to share with your whole family:
"God Made Me"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4eEin85-S4Y&list=RD4eEin85-S4Y&start_radio=1
If you light a candle then put it in a jar
and put a lid on it . . . what happens?
Rev. Larry and Faith experimented with a candle
to see what would happen.
A flame need oxygen to keep burning.
So, too, does your body need oxygen to stay alive.
Jesus can be like oxygen to you.
He can be in your life as long as you let Him.
A music video to share with your whole family:
"This Little Light of Mine"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKkbIZtqhyQ&list=RDcKkbIZtqhyQ&start_radio=1
Speech balloons show up in printed cartoons so we know what the characters are thinking and saying.
Rev. Larry invited children, young and older, to the front to help draw some speech balloons.
If there was a cartoon featuring Jesus and you . . . what would your speech balloon say?
A music video to share with your whole family:
"God's Love"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i4rZcN8dQpE&list=RDi4rZcN8dQpE&start_radio=1
We heard a story about how a lot of trucks got stuck in the snow and how they got rescued. This story was written and illustrated by a member of Marilyn's family.
The children were asked, "Why do you think they didn't just call mom in the first place when they must have know it was the right thing to do.
So, when you need help who do we depend on?
It's God, through and through! He is there for us, always.
A music video to share with your whole family:
"The Beatitudes"
A music video to share with your whole family:
"The More We Get Together"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ho9entMffz0&list=RDho9entMffz0&start_radio=1
Dr. Crick-Butler hid goldfish stickers around the sanctuary before service and asked the children to find them. She asked if the children could find Jesus where the stickers were. Stickers were on the pulpit (where we hear the stories of Jesus), on the Communion Table (where we take part in the Lord’s Supper), on the Christ Candle (lit each week to remind us that Jesus is here), on the Baptismal Font (where we, or our parents, promise to teach us about Jesus), on the piano (which provides music and we sing songs about Jesus), and on a couple of chairs (because we find Jesus in our neighbours and ourselves).
Jesus is always with us; he hears us and helps us.
Jesus invites us to “come and see”!
A music video to share with your whole family:
"Come and See"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6pb_3iEqW_Q&list=RD6pb_3iEqW_Q&start_radio=1
Do you remember if you were baptized?
Did someone put water on your head and say some words?
These questions were asked by Rev. Larry as we talked about the Baptism of Jesus and how the water used in baptism is sacred.
We use water to wash our hands and bodies, clean food before we eat, and to keep our bodies nourished. In Baptism, water is used to wash away any sins we may have.
A music video to share with your whole family:
"When I Am Baptized"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUNV0JKEgFU&list=RDvUNV0JKEgFU&start_radio=1
After presenting our gifts to be blessed, the children listened to the story of the Magi, how they visited the Baby Jesus and brought Him gifts.
Here is a video of the story:
A music video to share with your whole family:
"Follow That Star"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVjURsyqCkE&list=RDLVjURsyqCkE&start_radio=1
