faith@home
Week 33
"Saved by Faith"
It is important for all of us to make sure that our actions match our behaviors. In our lesson today, we hear about Paul confronting Peter when Peter was acting inconsistently, meaning talking one way and acting another.
Click here for this week's lesson and activities.
Week 32
"The First Church Council"
Do you ever argue with friends or family about silly things? Did you know that even grown-up do that too? And even people in the Bible? The apostle Paul wanted to invite everyone to join him and follow Jesus. He reminded people that Jesus came to save everyone, not just Jewish people. Everyone agreed that when we trust in Jesus, we are part of God’s family!
Click here for this week's lesson and activities.
Week 31
"Philip Baptizes an Ethiopian"
"Do you understand?"
Do you ever ask for help when you don't understand? Maybe with school or sports or a book you are reading? This week's story is about a man who didn't understand what he was reading in the Bible. The Holy Spirit led Philip to go find the Ethiopian to tell the story of Jesus and help him understand.
Watch these two videos that tell this amazing story.
Click here for the complete lesson and activities.
from "Stories of the Bible"
"Philip and the Ethiopian"
Week 30
"Being a Good Listener"
In our story, the church is growing and changing, and new people are becoming involved. Those new people are bringing in new ideas. We need to remember to be good listeners and be willing to hear new ideas. Keep spreading God's message of love and acceptance for all people! God is present in the midst of disagreement, fear and danger.
CLICK HERE for this week's lesson and activities.
Week 29
"Jesus, Risen and Revealed"
Jesus, risen and revealed
The faith@home lesson this week tells the story of The Road to Emmaus. After it was discovered that Jesus’ tomb was empty, Jesus appeared to two men walking to Emmaus. They told him the story of Jesus and his death and disappearance from the tomb, and then Jesus revealed himself to them! They were so surprised! Watch these two videos to learn more about the story!
Click here for the complete lesson and activities.
the road to emmaus
god's story: after the tomb
Week 28
"Holy Week"
Section Title
During the time of Passover, Jesus arrives in Jerusalem with his disciples. Do you remember what happens next? What do the people wave as he enters town on a donkey?
In your faith@home packets, you’ll find activities to decorate a stone and fold a green paper into a cross. Both stones and green paper were included with your packets!!
Watch these two videos to learn more about Palm Sunday and why it’s important in Jesus’s story. This is an important week – we call it "Holy Week." Stay tuned to the Family page on Facebook for Holy Week activities all week long!
Click here for the complete lesson and activities.
For a laugh, click here for a Lego version of the Palm Sunday story.
PALM SUNDAY
THE STORY OF EASTER
Week 27
"Zacchaeus"
Back in Jesus’ time, there was a tax collector named Zacchaeus whom no one liked. But when he made a desperate effort to see Jesus, Jesus surprised the man by visiting his house and promising his salvation. Even though Zacchaeus was hated by the others in his town, Jesus wanted to have a meal with him and restore him to his community. Jesus wants us to join him and invite all people to the table.
CLICK HERE for this week's lesson materials.
Week 26
"The Rich Man and Lazarus"
In today's faith@home story about the rich man and Lazarus, we'll learn about being fair and being just. God's kingdom is for ALL people. As people of faith, we are called to pray for, serve, and work for justice on behalf of those who have less or are discriminated against.
After you listen to Kari read the story, here's a cartoon video of this story you can also watch: "Lazarus and the Rich Man"
CLICK HERE for this week's lesson and activities.
And here's a link to the "Father Abraham" song that Kristin recorded, if you want to check it out: https://youtu.be/4v_1hePe5TM
Week 25
"The Lost Is Found"
Two Stories about LOST THINGS
Jesus tells two stories or parables in today's lesson: the story of a lost sheep and the story of a lost coin. In each story, something is lost that makes a whole seem incomplete. In each story, there is great rejoicing and celebrating when the lost has been found. Sometimes we can even feel lost and not know what to do. Today’s parables teach us that God is overjoyed when those who feel lost are found. Returning to God is what makes the lost, found!
CLICK HERE for this week's lesson materials.
"THE LOST SHEEP"
"THE LOST COIN"
Week 24
"Jesus Teaches Repentance"
The parable
of the Fig Tree
In this week's lesson, Jesus tells the story of the fig tree, and it presents a bit of a puzzle. What should we do if the tree doesn't produce any fruit? Jesus thinks we shouldn't give up on the fig tree—and he doesn't want to give up on you either, even when you make mistakes! When you repent, Jesus forgives.
CLICK HERE for this week's lesson materials.
Let's talk about repentance
the UNFRUITFUL FIG TREE
Week 23
"The Samaritan, Martha and Mary"
TWO STORIES!
This week’s Faith@home lesson looks at two stories! One is the story of the The Good Samaritan, which we learned about during VBS two summers ago when we focused on Who is my Neighbor? The other story is about Mary and Martha, who disagree about the best way to serve Jesus. We will learn that Jesus wants us to follow his example of loving God and our neighbors.
CLICK HERE to download the complete lesson, with activities.
"The Good Samaritan"
"Mary and Martha"
Week 22
"The Transfiguration"
February 14, 2021
In this week's faith@home lesson. Jesus took Peter, James, and John up the mountain to pray. While he was praying, his clothes became dazzling white, and Moses and Elijah were with him! God spoke, saying, “This is my Son, my Chosen, listen to him!”
CLICK HERE to download the complete lesson, with activities.
After watching today's video and reading the story, be sure to watch the fun video from Kids On the Move on "The Transfiguration of Jesus" Bible story. It explains Transfiguration really well.
Week 21
"Healing the Sick, Raising the Dead"
February 7, 2021
Jesus brings life to outsiders, just as he brings life to us all. In this week's lesson Jesus heals a commander's slave and raises to life the only son of a widow. He takes time to be with those that others ignore or exclude. His ministry is for everyone; for those who were on the edges of society, and for each of us as well. Jesus cares for people who are hurting and has great power -- even over death!
CLICK HERE to open the complete PDF lesson, with activities.
You can also watch this cartoon video about Jesus raising the widow's son from the dead: https://youtu.be/bTpeOcQtXtc
Week 20
"The Lord of the Sabbath"
January 31, 2021
This week we are learning about Jesus being the Lord of the Sabbath.
The Sabbath is about doing good not doing evil. Jesus is in charge of the Sabbath!
Watch this fun video and try some of the activities in your faith@home binder!
CLICK HERE to open the complete PDF lesson, with activities.
Week 19
"Jesus Fishes for People"
January 24, 2021
When Jesus meets some fishermen,
he tells them to put down their nets.
They can't believe their full nets!
Then they recognize Jesus as the Lord.
They decide to follow him and become his disciples.
You'll also enjoy this Saddleback kids' cartoon video!
Click here to open the complete complete PDF lesson, with activities.
For more fun, here's a coloring page about Jesus and the fishermen.
Week 18
"Jesus Brings Good News"
January 17, 2021
Watch this great video about the time Jesus returned to Nazareth
and not everyone wanted to hear what he had to say.
The video has kid actors and will help your kids understand the story!
After you watch, try some of the great activities from the PDF lesson,
like adding a new verse to "Jesus Loves Me" and
drawing a picture of where you feel at home.
Click here to open the complete complete PDF lesson, with activities.
Week 17
"Jesus & John the Baptist"
January 10, 2021
This week, Kari reads the story about the man named John
who baptized Jesus.
After you've finished listening to the story,
watch one or both of these animated fun videos!
"The Baptism of Jesus": https://youtu.be/_VMNO2MAmwA
"John the Baptist": https://youtu.be/7NMHOLPWeTM
Then click here to open "John the Baptist" lesson PDF for some fun activities!
Week 16
"The Boy Jesus in the Temple"
January 3, 2021
This week's story about Jesus as a young boy
starts out with a mystery.
Where is he?
Mary and Joseph realize he's gone missing!
Today's lesson helps us find Jesus wherever we go.
Click here to open "The Jesus in the Temple" lesson PDF.
For more explanation of the story,
your kids will enjoy this animated video of "Jesus in the Temple."
WEEK 15
"Mary and Elizabeth"
December 20, 2020
This week, we learn about Mary and Elizabeth.
God told Mary that she would have a baby boy and name him Jesus,
and that he would be the son of God.
Mary went to her relative Elizabeth,
who knew Mary had been chosen for something great.
By sending Jesus, God brings hope and reveals the depths of God's love.
God does the impossible through ordinary people like Mary.
Click here to open the Mary and Elizabeth PDF lesson.
WEEK 14
"Isaiah's Prophecy of Hope"
December 13, 2020
Isaiah announces that God has good news.
God will bring justice and peace because God cares for all people.
We look forward in hope for God's coming kingdom,
and we are called to bring healing and hope until the day it comes.
Click here to open the "Isaiah's Prophecy of Hope" PDF lesson.
WEEK 13
"Joel's Prophecy of Hope"
December 6, 2020
This week we learn the story of the prophet Joel.
Joel preaches about God's patient, loving, and faithful nature.
God patiently and lovingly calls us to repent.
Click here to open the "Joel's Prophecy of Hope" PDF lesson.
WEEK 12
"Hope in the Lion's Den"
November 29, 2020
Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend!
Today we are going to learn about a message of hope,
specifically about Daniel and the Lions' Den.
There is a ton of fun projects and activities for you to do along with this story, so have fun with it!
Click here to open the "Hope in the Lions' Den" PDF lesson.
WEEK 11
"The New Covenant"
November 22, 2020
This week's lesson is about Jeremiah.
God told Jeremiah to write a message on a scroll for God's people,
but the king didn't listen and burned the scroll.
God told Jeremiah to rewrite the message on a new scroll
to give God's people another chance.
No matter what we do, God promises a new relationship with us.
Watch this video about Jeremiah and Baruch.
Then make your own scroll with directions in your faith@home binder.
Have fun filling in the "Best, Worst and the Unexpected" sheet with your family.
Click here to open "The New Covenant" PDF lesson.
WEEK 10
"Isaiah's Vision in the Temple"
November 15, 2020
Isaiah went to a temple and called to do God's work.
He was worried that he wasn't good enough to serve God.
God showed Isaiah that God calls imperfect people to do God's work.
This week's teacher is Pastor Patrick Fish.
Click here to open the "Isaiah's Vision in the Temple" lesson.
WEEK 9
"Jonah and the Big Fish"
November 8, 2020
This week we learn the story of Jonah.
God told Jonah to go to the city of Nineveh,
but Jonah disobeyed and sailed away instead.
God caused a storm, and Jonah learned to listen to God.
When God speaks to us, we need to listen.
This week's teacher is Kari Reiseck.
There is no PDF lesson this week, but you can click here to open this week's craft.
In addition, you can click here to open a fun extra coloring page.
WEEK 8
"The Widow of Zarephath"
November 1, 2020
This week, we learn about the prophet Elijah.
Elijah meets a widow and tells her that she and her son will never run out of food.
God often provides for us in ways we do not expect,
and God can speak to anyone and through anyone, no matter who they are.
This week's teacher is Miss Anna.
This week, in addition to the video above, we encourage you and your kids to watch this extra video
that will help little kids (and big kids, too) understand this week's more complicated lesson.
Click here to open "The Widow of Zarephath" lesson.
WEEK 7
"God's Promise to David"
October 25, 2020
David makes a promise to God that isn't in God's plan.
God promised that David's family
would be on the throne of Israel forever.
We can never out-give God.
This week's teacher is Kari Reiseck.
Click here to open the "God's Promise to David" lesson.
WEEK 6
"Hannah Promises Samuel to God"
October 18, 2020
This week, we learn the story of Hannah.
Hannah had no children and was looked down on by everyone.
She prayed to God for a son and promised to raise him to serve God,
and God answered her prayer gave her a son.
God hears our prayers and rewards our faith.
Watch the Stick Figure Scripture's video about "The Story of Hannah" (either here or on our YouTube playlist).
Then try some of the fun activities in your faith@home binder with your family!
Click here to open the "Hannah Promises Samuel to God" lesson.
WEEK 5
"The Golden Calf"
October 11, 2020
God keeps his promises and welcomes us back even when we turn away.
The Israelites worshipped a calf statue instead of God,
but God forgave them and welcomed them back to God.
This week's teacher is Kari Reiseck.
Click here to open "The Golden Calf" lesson.
WEEK 4
"The Promises of Passover"
October 4, 2020
Exodus 12:1-13, 13:1-8
Passover is a celebration that God designed
to remind the Jewish people of how God saved them from Egypt.
God saves us and gives us ways to remember and celebrate being saved.
This week's teacher is Tracy Anderson.
This week, in addition to the video above, we encourage you and your kids to watch this extra video
that will help little kids (and big kids, too) understand this week's more complicated lesson.
Click here to open "The Promise of Passover" lesson.
WEEK 3
"Joseph and His Brothers"
September 27, 2020
Genesis 37
This week we learn about Joseph.
Joseph's brothers hurt him, but he forgave them.
God can take the bad things humans do and use them for good.
Watch the Saddleback Kids' video about "Joseph and His Coat" (either here or on our YouTube playlist).
Then try some of the fun activities in your faith@home binder with your family!
There's wax paper included in your binder to make the Many-Colored Dream Wheel.
Post pictures of your finished project on the St. Mark's Family Group on Facebook.
Click here to open the "Joseph and His Brothers" lesson.
WEEK 2
"God's Promise to Abram"
September 20, 2020
Genesis 15:1-6
This week, we will learn a lesson about how
God cares for us as communities, families, and individuals.
We will learn how God followed through on a promise to Abram.
This week's teacher is Sarah Anderson.
Click here to open the "God's Promise to Abram" lesson.
WEEK 1
"Creation and Fall"
September 13, 2020
Genesis 2:4b-7, 15-17; 3:1-8
This week we'll learn about God's creation
and what humans did with what God gave them.
We'll plant some bean seeds together and learn that God loves us
even when we make wrong choices.
This week's teacher is Kari Reiseck.
Click here to open the "Creation and Fall" lesson.
