Thoughtful Thursdays

This is the day to think about others and be grateful for the things we have. This is a time to:

  • Skype or call loved ones you can’t visit now.

  • Draw a picture or write a letter to grandparents, first responders, etc.

  • Talk about ways we can help take care of others. For our preschool children, during this time, that would be (1) washing our hands, (2) covering our coughs and sneezes, (3) not playing on playgrounds or in large groups, (4) chores around the house, (5) artwork or cookies for neighbors, and leaving deliveries on doorsteps!

  • During this time, many families are not only missing school, but are also missing church. Reverend Janet has put together the following resources for children below. Also, here is a link to her telling the story of St. Patrick.

A Note from Reverend Janet:

Dear parents,

It looks like we may all be at home for a while, so I thought I'd share some ideas for feeding your child's spiritual life when you can't come to the church building. 

First of all, understand that whatever you are doing is enough. If you can give your child love and reassurance in this stressful time, that is more important than any number of Bible worksheets or prayers. The suggestions below are just that, suggestions. 

Bible.  If you have a children's Bible, make it part of your bedtime stories. If you are using a regular Bible, the gospel of Luke contains lots of the stories and parables the children have heard in Godly Play or nursery school chapel and is pretty accessible for all ages.

Three of my favorite children's Bibles are

The Children of God Storybook Bible by Desmond Tutu 

Growing in God's Love: A Story Bible by Elizabeth Caldwell

The Beginner's Bible: Timeless Children's Stories published by Zondervan.

 All three are available on Amazon.

Pray. Grace before meals and prayers before bed can be wonderful, comforting ways of reminding children that God is with us. But prayer can also be a drawing, a dance, or a walk around the neighborhood, noticing the signs of spring and asking God to take care of your neighbors. 

One of my favorite bedtime prayers is by Margaret Wise Brown (author of Goodnight Moon)

Dear Father, hear and bless thy beasts and singing birds.

And guard with tenderness small things that have no words.

Ritual. In both Sunday school and nursery school chapel, we have a candle-lighting ritual to begin and end our sacred time together. Consider lighting a candle before meals with these words: "We light this candle to remind us that God is with us and Jesus is the light of the world." When it is time to extinguish the candle, enjoy watching the smoke waft into the air as a reminder that God goes with us everywhere we go.

Worship. National UMC is broadcasting worship services, including children's messages, at www.nationalchurch.org/live. 

Some online resources for you:

One of my favorite United Methodist children's ministers is Rev. Christine Hides. She is putting together a daily resource that includes prompts for play, action, and faith. She includes a suggested picture book each day; if you have that book at home, great, but don't worry if you don't. Her suggestions work without the books.

https://beacon.by/christinevhidescom/faith-at-home

We're doing a lot of coloring these days! Here are two sources for coloring pages drawn from the Bible:

https://ministry-to-children.com/bible-coloring-pages/

www.illustratedministry.com/flattenthecurve

Illustrated Ministry's coloring pages are perfect for all ages. I like to use them for scripture meditation sometimes. 

Stay healthy, wash your hands, and know that God loves you!

Blessings,

Rev. Janet