As young children begin wondering about God, they inevitably ask some variation of this question: “Where does God live?”  And, as adults, we often say something like this: “God is everywhere, all the time.”  While most children accept this answer, they don’t necessarily know what it means.  Noticing God’s presence in and around us is key to our faith, but it is also something that takes time to develop.  In this lesson, your children will explore the ways God is at work around us. Begin the time with your children with a scavenger hunt.  Make a list of things that they can find around the house.  The list should include items that are easy to identify such a blue vase as well as things that require them to do a bit of thinking like an object that reminds you of your grandparents.  When they have collected all of the items, sit down and discuss each one.  Ask them why they picked each object.  Encourage them to notice that some were very obvious and specific while others were not … [Read more...]

  Welcome  Invite various persons to bring a designated item and use this liturgy to begin your time of learning together.  One:    Come, let us gather around and see how the Spirit will nurture our faith today. All:      Who is with us? One:    Christ, the light of the world. (Place a candle on a table in your gathering place and light it.) All:      Who is with us? One:   The Love of God, who came to meet us in the world. (Place a cross on a table in your gathering place.) All:      Who is with us? One:    The Wisdom of God, who speaks through the Scriptures. (Place an open Bible on a table in your gathering place.) All:      Who is with us? One:    The Grace of God, who proclaims we are children of God. (Place a symbol of baptism – a bowl of water, a seashell – on a table in your gathering space.) All:      Who is with us? One:    Our risen Lord, who meets us at the table. (Place a symbol of communion – a plate and cup, a loaf of bread, grapes – on a … [Read more...]

Across the nation, COVID-19 cases are dropping and more and more people are being vaccinated.  There’s a sense of hope and the feeling that we may actually see the end of the pandemic.  It seems as if anxiety should be at an all-time low.  However, we’re also finding that reentering spaces we haven’t been in for many months isn’t as easy as it seems.  We’re awkwardly attempting to be together as we were pre-pandemic while also recognizing that the virus has not been eradicated.  Many of our children still aren’t eligible for vaccination.  High-risk individuals are still part of our beloved communities.  How can we feel at ease when risk still exists? This week’s lectionary reading from the Gospel of Mark offers us guidance.  As Jesus’ disciples worry about a windstorm, he reminds them to still themselves and be at peace.  His words speak to us today.  In this lesson, your children will hear Jesus’ calming words and will explore the ways that he continues to love and care for us, … [Read more...]

You are welcome to use this liturgy in your online worship services and distribute it to your congregation. It is free for worship use.  Please credit Barbara Chaapel and the Presbyterian Outlook. Download the PDF of the full order worship: Liturgy_06-20-21 … [Read more...]