Have you ever considered the Christian perspective of America’s first Thanksgiving? Sunday school students were asked to ponder that question this last week. It was not just a feeling of being thankful, but that the pilgrims thanked God, who was the source of their blessings in good times and bad times.
Preschool and Kindergarten classes learned the parable of the vine and the branches and its meaning—when we are connected to God, we are able to live for him and produce good fruits (good works). When asked what were some good fruits they could show--children answered with, “helping mommy make turkey” to “being nice to my sister.” They then placed their inked thumbprint on a twisting vine to illustrate their connection to Jesus.
First through Third graders examined the difference between spiritual blessings and physical blessings. What are some examples of spiritual blessings? Heaven, peace, kindness, patience and Jesus’ presence with us—were a few examples given. The children then made a Thanksgiving devotional activity to share at their own Thanksgiving table. They took home a popcorn kernel to put on a spoon at each family member’s place setting. The child is to share with their family that the popcorn seed is to remind them of one special blessing, just as the pilgrims had done with their harvested corn. As each member thanks God for their blessing, they add their kernel to the “blessing pile” in the center of the Thanksgiving table.
Fourth and Fifth graders learned more about John the Apostle and the blessings of friendship with Jesus. bIn large group, one student dressed up as John the Apostle and if they answered questions correctly, he/she was given the opportunity to shoot “friendship balls” into a basket to win candy for all of the students. Some of the questions were, “How did John the Baptist describe Jesus?" Lamb of God--because he gave his life for us. “How must we act towards others?” Love others as God loved us and sent his Son to be the payment for our sins. They then worked on an origami paper craft that they personalized by adding their own answers to the questions of how they could talk with Jesus or talk about Jesus to become better friends with him.
We count our blessings every Sunday--all 520 of them! May your family have a blessed Thanksgiving!
First through Third graders examined the difference between spiritual blessings and physical blessings. What are some examples of spiritual blessings? Heaven, peace, kindness, patience and Jesus’ presence with us—were a few examples given. The children then made a Thanksgiving devotional activity to share at their own Thanksgiving table. They took home a popcorn kernel to put on a spoon at each family member’s place setting. The child is to share with their family that the popcorn seed is to remind them of one special blessing, just as the pilgrims had done with their harvested corn. As each member thanks God for their blessing, they add their kernel to the “blessing pile” in the center of the Thanksgiving table.
We count our blessings every Sunday--all 520 of them! May your family have a blessed Thanksgiving!
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