The Truth About You…Creation

Creatures of the Sea & Air

“Don’t shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ—that’s where the action is. See things from his perspective.”

Colossians 3:2 (the message)

What a fantastic time we had at the KV service! It was such a joy to share what we do every week in Kidventure with everyone last Sunday. Many thanks to all the kids and leaders who made it happen.

On Sunday we spoke about Jesus’ baptism and how the Holy Spirit came down from heaven in the form of a dove and  God spoke to everyone saying, “This is my son whom I love and in whom I am well pleased.” We also talked about John the Baptist. Take a look at this video to remind you who John the Baptist is.

God’s Story: John the Baptist

Remember those locusts? Have you ever eaten anything that’s even slightly gross like locusts dipped in honey? I’ve eaten some stuff that I’ve thought was yucky, but never bugs. It might seem weird to us but in some cultures it’s completely normal to eat certain bugs. They wouldn’t think it was weird at all.

Do you think there are things that you consider normal that other people think could be weird or unusual? Does that mean that these things aren’t good?Read Colossians 3:2. In the NIV it says not to focus on “earthly things.” Eating bugs is an “earthly thing.” Does eating bugs or not eating bugs make you a good person or a bad person? No! It doesn’t really make a difference, does it?

What does the verse in Colossians say we should focus on? What does make a difference in our lives? Jesus! When we start to see things from his perspective we start to see ourselves and others differently- how Jesus sees us. And here’s the thing… Jesus thinks you’re amazing. Even with all the weird things we do. Even with the mistakes we make. Jesus loves us. He died so that we wouldn’t have to focus on all the wrong things we’ve done, instead we can focus on all the right things Jesus has done. And then he’ll help us be more like him.

This week, look for things that point to God in your life. Maybe it’s a song, or a book. Maybe it’s a person. Keep a lookout! And don’t forget, God might be using you to point someone to him, too! So look for ways to show love and kindness this week : )

The Truth About You…Creation

Sun, Moon & Stars

“God determines the number of the stars
and calls them each by name.”

Psalm 147:4

This week in Kidventure we talked about how God created the sun, moon, and stars. We talked about how amazing God is to have created such a big universe and how we enjoy star gazing and moon gazing.

We also heard the story of Abraham and Sarah and how God made them a promise. Do you remember what that promise was? If you need a refresher, watch this video:

God’s Story: Abraham

God’s plan from the beginning of creation was to send Jesus as the rescuer. The good news is that because Jesus came and died so that we could be close to God, we are now part of Abraham’s family, too! Isn’t that cool?

Just like Psalm 174:4 says, God counts all the stars and knows them each by name, God knows you, too, right down to each hair on your head. You are so special to him, he wants to know you and love you well.

Spend some time this week star gazing. As you look at the stars remember how big God is and how little you are. Isn’t it amazing that such a big God cares so much about us?

The Truth About You…Creation

Land and Plants

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

John 15:5

This week in Kidventure we talked about how God created land and plants. Even though God hadn’t created people or animals yet God had set a plan in motion and he knew that we’d all need food to live.

Read Genesis 1:9-13. Why do you think the Bible mentions that all the plants and fruit and trees had seeds in them? Could we grow more plants and fruit and trees without seeds? No! But guess what? God can! Isn’t that amazing? All he had to do was speak and it appeared. God is so powerful.

We also talked about how Jesus described himself in John 15:5 as a vine and we are branches of that vine. What does the verse say about staying connected to Jesus? What are some ways that you can stay connected to Jesus?

God has such a great plan for us. He created food for us because he wanted to nourish us so we would stay healthy and strong. He sent Jesus to us so that we’d have a way to stay connected with him so our hearts would stay healthy and strong. You can think of it as food for our soul!

Do something this week that will help other people be nourished. Maybe you can take food to drop off at a food bank. That will nourish their bodies. Maybe you could remember to pray for someone every day this week. That will nourish their soul. No matter what you decide to do, know that when we help nourish others God feeds us, too. God wants you to stay connected to him, you’re one of his favourite people!

Another way you can stay connected to God is by practicing your memory verse! Our memory verse for this series is Nehemiah 9:6

“You alone are the Lord. You made the skies and the heavens and all the stars. You made the earth and the seas and everything in them. You made them all, and the angels of heaven worship you.”

And for the younger kids:

“God made the stars, He made the trees, He made the animals, and God made me. From everything big to everything small, We thank you God, you made it all!”

And here is the video of the actions we recorded! Stay posted for the younger group’s action next week.

The Truth About You…Creation

Water Above and Water Below

“The disciples were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”

Mark 4:41

This week in Kidventure we talked about how on day two of creation God separated the waters below from the waters above. We talked a bit about the plan God has in place to store water and send it on rivers and in clouds when the earth and people need it. Then we talked about Jesus calming a wild storm. Read Mark 4:35-41 for the whole story.

What do you think it was like for the disciples to be in a boat while a storm was raging over the water and the waves were splashing over the boat? Why do you think Jesus was calm while it was storming? (more than calm! what was Jesus doing?) How did Jesus calm the disciples fears?

Now, with your mom and dad’s help, get a few balloons, a marker, and a safety pin. Blow up the balloons and tie them tight.

Do you ever feel afraid? Do you have any fears? Write them, or have your parents write them, on the balloon with the marker.

Then hold up the safety pin. The safety pin is like Jesus and the balloon is like our fears. What do you think would happen if the fears got close to Jesus? Try it and see what happens.

Jesus has the power to destroy our fears just like the pin can pop the balloons. Do you think it would matter if the balloon was bigger or smaller? Are there any fears that are too big for Jesus?  Jesus’ power and love are not limited by the size of our fears. He created us and everything else in the universe. Whenever you start to feel afraid of something remember Jesus calming the storm, and remember the balloons popping. There is nothing too great or too small for him to handle.

Here’s a song to help you remember why you shouldn’t be afraid.

I’m Not Afraid (Stop-motion)

The Truth About You…Creation

Light and Darkness

“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

John 8:12

We’ve started a new year in Kidventure and what better place to start than at the beginning of everything! Our first series is about the creation of the world and our universe. Let’s take a look at how God spoke and created everything we can see, feel, hear, taste, and smell.

The first thing God created was… light! Read Genesis 1:3-5. It actually says God separated the light from the darkness. I found a cool picture that represents that. Maybe this is what it looked like to separate light from dark. What do you think it looked like?

The amazing thing is no one but God knows what it looked like because he was the only one who was there!

Why do you think the first thing God did was create day and night?Have you ever tried to do anything in the dark? What about when the power goes out? We all run for flashlights and candles pretty fast, don’t we? It’s hard to do anything when it’s dark, we bump into things and trip and fall.

God made physical light for our eyes to see by, but he also knew we’d need another kind of light. A light for our hearts to see by. Read John 8:12. What other kind of light do we need to help us live? What would it be like for our hearts to live in darkness?

What an amazing God we have. Not only does he take care of the things our bodies need, he takes care of things our hearts need, too.

The days are getting shorter and shorter now. Sometime this week when it gets dark, but before you go to bed, have your family sit around your table and turn off the lights. Have your mom or dad help you light a candle. As you light the candle remember that God gave us light to help our eyes see and God gave us Jesus to help our hearts see.

Our memory verse for this series is Nehemiah 9:6
“You alone are the Lord. You made the skies and the heavens and all the stars. You made the earth and the seas and everything in them. You made them all, and the angels of heaven worship you.”

And for the younger kids:                                                                               “God made the stars, He made the trees,                                                       He made the animals, and God made me.                                                 From everything big to everything small,                                                     We thank you God, you made it all!”

And check out this new song we learned in Kidventure today. Keep practicing it at home and remember that God knows and loves all of His creation, and that includes you!

God, tell me a story about…a king

Jesus

“They will wage war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will triumph over them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings – and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.”

Revelation 17:14

It seems fitting to end our year of stories with Jesus, because after all, we’ve been hearing whispers of him throughout the year.

1 – What is a king? Do we have a king? England has a queen, do you know her name?

Jesus is a king, but he does not look like a king. He does not have gold and jewels, he does not ride on a beautiful white horse, he does not live in a castle or wear a crown.

2 – What do you know about Jesus?

Read Matthew 1: 18-23

Read Luke 2: 4-20

Read Matthew 21: 4-7

3 – What does it mean to be King of Kings?

Read Ephesians 1: 19-23

4 – How did Jesus show us that no one can defeat him, that he will always win?

Read Matthew 28: 5-7

5 – Kings get to make new laws, or rules. Has Jesus made any rules?

Read Matthew 22: 37-40

6 – Have you asked Jesus to be your king? If so, are you following his rules?

 

This week’s challenge

This week’s challenge is really a challenge for the Summer. Make yourself a checklist of things to do every day this Summer. The checklist might look like this…

– enjoy something God created

– talk to God

– read my bible

– do something nice for someone