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Last Sunday, the younger Faith Formation students explored The Holy Bible and the Books that Comprise It, deepening their understanding of the Bible as one sacred book made up of many books, all revealing the history of the Kingdom of God. The lesson began with a discussion about how the Bible is a “love letter” from God, containing His covenant in two great phases: the Old and New Testaments. The children were introduced to the Bible as a collection of various types of writings—history, prophecy, wisdom, and the life of Jesus—through hands-on exploration of a divided Bible cabinet. They sorted and identified miniature model books from the Old and New Testaments, reinforcing that the Gospels are central to the Christian faith as they reveal the life and teachings of Jesus. The session wrapped up with a fun craft, decorating wooden bookmarks with dried flowers to remind us of the beauty of Scripture. It was a wonderful way to help the children feel more connected to the Bible and excited to explore it at home.
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Last week, the Faith Formation students explored the theme "We Belong" in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The lesson focused on unity, diversity, and how each of us is uniquely created by God for a special purpose. The session began with a prayer of thanksgiving, celebrating the uniqueness of each child and the unity of God's family. The students reflected on 1 Corinthians 12:12-20, discussing how the many parts of the Body of Christ work together in harmony. They also learned about Martin Luther King Jr.'s life and mission, emphasizing his message of love, equality, and belonging. The students engaged with these ideas by reading When God Made You and sharing what makes them unique and how they can show love to others. Finally, the class worked on a collaborative paper quilt project, where each child decorated a square to represent themselves. The completed quilt symbolizes how their individual gifts and differences come together to create a beautiful, unified community, mirroring God's big plan for all of us. Last week, the younger Faith Formation students discussed the Baptism of Jesus by John in the Jordan River and heard how the heavens opened, the Holy Spirit descended like a dove, and God’s voice proclaimed Jesus as His beloved Son. Afterwards, they reflected on how the sacrament of baptism in our church marks us as beloved children of God. They explored the symbols of baptism through hands-on activities, practicing pouring water with a seashell and learning about the oils used in the sacrament. The highlight of the lesson was the trip to the baptistery where Mother Cameron pointed out the beautiful wood carvings and gleaming copper interior and discussed how the story of Jesus’ baptism relates to the sacrament of baptism they had received or may one day receive. The morning concluded with an art activity in which students decorated paper doves symbolizing the Holy Spirit, reminders of the Spirit's presence in baptism and in their lives. The older students worked in the kitchen helping Miss Adele prepare chicken noodle soup and prepare dry soup mixes for the annual Soup Group fundraising event in February. It was a perfect activity for a cold, January morning. Thank you for leading this activity, Miss Adele! Last week, the Faith Formation students celebrated the continuation of the Christmas season and learned about the Visitation of the Magi and the meaning of the Feast of the Epiphany. The lesson began in the classroom with a discussion about how Jesus was revealed as God’s Son to people everywhere, around the world. Using a globe, the children traced the Magi's long journey from the East to Bethlehem and reflected on the significance of the gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The children were invited to wonder about what they might bring as gifts to Jesus and why the Magi brought such meaningful offerings. The children also created star-shaped scratch-off art, decorating their stars and writing ways they can follow Jesus in the new year, such as showing kindness or helping others. Their stars will be displayed in the classroom as a reminder of their commitment to follow the light of Christ. The highlight of the lesson was a walk around the church along with an adaptation of the Montessori Silence Game as "The Magi's Journey." Each child was called by name (e.g., Magi Henry, Magi Ayla) using a chime and walked silently from the stained glass window of the Nativity to the westward window featuring Jesus and the Magi. At the westward window, they paused for a brief reflection before sitting in the pews for a moment of silence. This activity nurtured a sense of awe, wonder, and homage toward Jesus, mirroring the Magi's journey and devotion. The emphasis on silence was especially meaningful following the busy holiday season. The stillness provided the children with an opportunity to slow down, reflect, and be present with God. Silence is a powerful tool for children, fostering inner peace, focus, and a deeper connection to their faith. The quiet moment in the sanctuary allowed the children to experience the beauty of stillness, mirroring the reverence and quiet anticipation of the Magi as they followed the star to Jesus. Click here to to learn more about how silence helps children grow. |
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