ELEMENTARY KIDS & FAMILIES For Sunday, June 26, 2016
This resource is designed to allow your family to have time in God’s Word BEFORE your children attend church. Because God’s plan is for parents to be the primary spiritual nurturers of their children’s faith, we want YOU to be the one to introduce this part of The Big God Story to them. HomeFront: A Spiritual Parenting Resource This monthly magazine gives your family ideas for creating fun, spiritually forming times in your home—setting aside sacred space in the midst of your active, everyday lives. Visit www.HomeFrontMag.com to subscribe to the print edition or to have a digital copy sent directly to your inbox.
THE LORD WHO HEALS Peter and Tabitha Acts 9:36–42 A follower of Jesus named Tabitha served others and making clothes for those around her. God uses Peter to raise Tabitha from the dead and show He is the Lord who heals.
JUST FOR FUN Discuss with your family ways you could serve your neighborhood. Maybe a sick neighbor needs a meal or an elderly friend could use some help with yardwork. After you’ve come up with some suggestions, set a time to take action, and then serve together as a family. Read Acts 9:36–42 to learn more about how one woman served God and what happened to her.
REMEMBER VERSE But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Acts 1:8
Summer Lesson 4
DID YOU KNOW? • Acts 9:36–42 tells the story of Tabitha (also known as Dorcas) being raised from the dead. • Tabitha was a well-respected woman, possibly a widow, who dedicated her time to good works. • In the Bible, the Greek term mathetria, meaning “a female disciple,” refers to Tabitha alone. It’s used nowhere else in the Scriptures. • God honored Tabitha’s servant heart by bringing her back from the dead.
YOUNGER KIDS Younger children tend to lean toward being egocentric. When you see your child display this type of behavior, gently remind her that it pleases God when we think of others first.
OLDER KIDS Your older child may have his own personal crusades or causes that are close to his heart. Encourage him to participate in caring for others in an area of ministry where God has given him a passion.
TEACHABLE MOMENTS After reading the Scripture passage, discuss the following together: • What are some ways you can care for for those around you as Tabitha did? • How did God show Himself as the Lord who heals? • Who in our life right now needs prayer for healing?
BLESSING A blessing can be a spoken prayer of commission, a portion of Scripture, or words of encouragement and guidance over your child. For more information about blessing your child, see the Blessing section in HomeFront: A Spiritual Parenting Resource @ HomeFrontMag.com A blessing to pray over your child: (Child’s name), may God care for your body, heart, and mind in every way. May He show Himself as the Lord who heals to you and those around you.
© 2016 David C Cook. TruResources are developed in partnership with ROCKHARBOR Church and a national network of family and children’s ministry leaders. All rights reserved.