We’re heading into part two of our Children’s Catechism curriculum. It’s been interesting hearing the reaction of parents and congregation members when we talk about our curriculum. Most people relate “catechism” to the Catholic church, but as I mentioned in this post — it was actually Protestant long before it was Catholic. Interestingly, I ran into a blog post just this week that encouraged the use of catechism and creeds with our children because it roots them to centuries of Christian faith. These clearly stated and defined Christian doctrines help communicate the message that the Christian faith is much bigger than just one person and helps connect kids to the church at large. Check out the full article, entitled 10 Surprising Reasons Kids Leave the Church here.
Now, onto this week’s lesson!
Last week, we established that there is only one True God. This week, we talk more about this God. Here’s the Q&A for this week:
- Question #7: In how many persons does this one True God exist?
- Answer: In three persons.
- Question #8: Who are these three persons?
- Answer: The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit
Supporting Scripture for this set of Q&A include:
- Matthew 3:16-17
- John 5:23
- John 10:30
- John 14:9-10
- John 15:26
- John 16:13-15
- 2 John 9
- Revelation 1:4-5
- Matthew 28:19
- 2 Cor 13:14
- 1 Peter 1:2
- Jude 20-21
For our lesson, the curriculum recommends using the story of Jesus walking on the water to show that Jesus is God (Matthew 14:22-33). We’ll start with some crafts and activities related to that story and then give some activities related to the concept of the Trinity.
Jesus Walks on the Water
To begin, here’s a youtube video about the account:
Sea in a Bottle
Check out this full lesson from Mission Arlington which includes kids walking on a tarp to recreate the lesson, making a “sea in a bottle” craft and some fun suggestions for snack time! Photo Credit: She Knows Blog
Review Sheet
Grab this easy review sheet from Bible Fun for Kids. Click through for more great ideas and some good picture to use during lesson time.
Coloring Pages
As you can imagine, there are plenty of coloring pages to go along with this well-loved story. Grab one at Sermon for Kids.
Walk on A Water Blob
This is a super fun idea if it was a little warmer out. Apparently, we’re getting snow in Erie tomorrow. Ugh. Check out the tutorial at I Can Teach My Child.
Who is that? What is that?
Have the children make binoculars to “look out onto the water” during the story time. Idea from Ministry to Children preschool lesson.
Keep Your Eyes on Jesus
Make some pipe cleaner glasses to remind kids to keep their eyes on Jesus. Idea from ABC Jesus Love Me Homeschool Curriculum (great resource!)
Sliding Jesus
Check out this great craft from my friend Jesus’ blog, Crafting the Word of God.
The Trinity
Here’s a few crafts to help you talk about the three persons of God.
Make a braided bracelet (or necklace). Idea from Everyday Life. Photo Credit: Flickr
Talk about water in three parts with the kids. Have the different forms on hand if possible for extra impact.
Shamrock Trinity from Bible Story Printables.
Of course, this guy over at Reclaiming the Mind doesn’t think you should use ANY of these examples. Check out his article to find out why.
That’s It for Now!
