ELEMENTARY KIDS & FAMILIES Date:__________________
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.
GOD’S SPIRIT GIVES GIFTS Book of Ephesians: Spiritual Gifts Ephesians 4:1–16 Paul continues his letter to the Ephesians. He reminds the church in Ephesus that God has given each Christian a unique gift. He teaches that though our gifts are different, they are to be used in unity for the building up of the church.
JUST FOR FUN Choose a puzzle to complete with your child this week. As you construct the puzzle, talk about how the different pieces fit together. Explain to your child that, though the pieces are all different, you need all of them to complete the picture. One is not more important than another and without any of them, the puzzle will not be complete. Explain to your child how this relates to the spiritual gifts God gives us. Share that God’s desire is that we work in unity with one another. Read Ephesians 4:1–16.
REMEMBER VERSE My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. John 10:27
Summer Lesson 8
DID YOU KNOW? • Paul wrote the letter of Ephesians to the church in Ephesus. • Many scholars believe that Paul may have been in jail when he wrote this letter. • The message to the Ephesians is about bringing unity to God’s kingdom. • Even if it takes us outside of our comfort zone, we are to use the gifts that God has given us to glorify Him.
YOUNGER KIDS Your child is beginning to make comparisons between herself and others. These comparisons help her determine what her strengths and weaknesses are. This week, discuss with your child what she feels are her strengths. Encourage her to use those strengths for the glory of God.
OLDER KIDS Your child may be concerned about fitting in and may want to be just like his peers. Remind your child that the things that make him unique from his friends are God-given and that He desires for us to use them for His glory.
TEACHABLE MOMENTS After reading the Scripture passage, discuss the following together: • What are your strengths? What kind(s) of gifts has God given to you? • How can you use your gifts to benefit the church? • Share with your children the importance of respecting the spiritual gifts that others have. Encourage them to be in unity with those who may have different strengths than they do.
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’s Spirit give you power to serve others with the gifts He’s given 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.