WHEREVER POSSIBLE help the children relate the content of their chapter to this family session’s Scripture focus.
getting STARTED IN ADVANCE Briefly review the Chapter 4 content in your children’s Be My Disciples student books. Make note of reflection questions or activities that may need your explanation or support. Check for materials your children may need, such as pens, paper, markers, crayons, a Bible, and so forth. Choose one or more questions or activities that you can explore one-on-one with your child. CHECKING IN... Recall with your children your discussion from the last lesson about the works of God. Then invite them to each share one or two things about God’s creation that they think are most beautiful or awesome. Ask them to share about one or two parts of God’s creation that have become less than beautiful, or marred because of misuse or abuse by humans. After they have offered their examples, give a few of your own. Point out that God created everything to be beautiful, but parts of God’s creation need to be made “new” again, including humans! Ask the children what they think it means to become a “new creation”. Listen to their responses and then, with them helping, give examples of what this means practically—such as forgive each other, be compassionate, think of others’ needs first, and so forth.
BLESS US, LORD • Ask the children to bow their heads, close their eyes for a brief moment, and remember that God is present with them in this time and place. • Begin prayer with the Sign of the Cross. • I nvite a child to read aloud 2 Corinthians 5:17, 18 from the family’s Bible. • In the form of prayers of petition, have family members pray for people and situations they see that need to be made “new” again. End each prayer with “Lord, make us a new creation.” • End with the prayer, followed by the Sign of the Cross.
Holy God, you created this
beautiful world and this beautiful family. Guide us as we discover how to love you in the best way possible by the way we love each other. Help us see your greatness and love in every moment of our day. May we always look to Jesus Christ, your Son, and follow him as true disciples. Through your Son, we have been made new creations to know, love, and serve you every day. Bless our time together today. Amen.
MATERIALS
q Bible q Be My Disciples student books q writing paper, pencils, pens or crayons q index cards and pencils for Faith Vocabulary cards (optional) q materials as needed for the student chapter activities in each book
Before your children begin their exploration of the chapter, have them skim through its pages for a preview. Encourage them to point out any special visuals, features, or activities on the pages. Then, together with your children, preview the resources and additional activities that are available for the chapter on www.BeMyDisciples.com. CHAPTER 4
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