Welcome to the Faith Formation Resource Page for Children and Families!
The videos, crafts, articles and other resources on this page were created and curated for families with children in PreK-5th grade. Please let us know what you like and what you would like to see more!
Parenting and Grandparenting For Faith
Craft and Story Videos
Summer Craft Project
Even if you aren’t attending WEIRD summer camp, you may want to make the awesome bulletin board that Ms. Carmen created! Watch the demo video here and make your own at home with recycled cardboard, fabric, ribbon, staples and glue.
The Craft Corner with Carmen Talbott – Communities Remember – Craft Video
Based on Joshua 3: 1-17; 4:1-24
July 12, 2020
Moses led the Israelite people on their Journey to the Promised Land, but he died before they got there. After Moses died, the LORD spoke to Joshua. Joshua was a helper to Moses and became the new leader.
(Download the study guide and link to video here)
The Craft Corner with Carmen Talbott – Making Stamps: Faith, Hope, Love – Craft Video
Based on Corinthians 13:13
July 1, 2020
Read the Bible passage in 1 Corinthians 13: 1-13 and count how many Cmes the word Love appears in these 13 verses. Draw a heart for each Cme you see the word love.
(Download the study guide and link to video here)
The Craft Corner with Carmen Talbott – The Golden Rule – Craft Video
Based on Matthew 7:12
June 7, 2020
The book of Matthew tells many stories including stories about Jesus and his whole life. Read all of chapter 7 to really understand the Golden Rule. The Golden Rule is a summary of Jesus teachings. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” means.
(Download the study guide and link to video here)
The Craft Corner with Carmen Talbott – Pentecost: Happy Birthday Church!
Based on Acts 2: 1-41
May 29, 2020
The followers of Jesus, the apostles were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound from heaven like a howling wind filled the house. They saw what looked like a flame or light over each person’s head. They were filled with Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages.
(Download the study guide and link to video here)
The Craft Corner with Carmen Talbott – Paul Escapes Video
and Study Guide
Based on Acts 9: 20-25
May 20, 2020
Saul did not believe in Jesus. One day while traveling he had an extraordinary experience, became blind, and was cared for by a Christ-follower named Ananias. As a result, his heart was changed, his eyes were opened, he was filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to see all people with love and not hate. After this change Saul in often called Paul. He was preaching and teaching about Jesus in the city of Damascus. He became stronger in faith and this confused the Jewish leaders. Some of them wanted to kill him.
(Download the study guide and link to video here)
The Craft Corner with Carmen Talbott – Saul Changes to Paul – Craft Video and Study Guide
Based on Acts 9 – 1-19
May 13, 2020
Saul was a man who did not believe in Jesus and was mean to anyone who did believe. He had been taught that the best way to serve GOD was to obey only a certain set of rules called the Law of Moses. Christians obeyed what Jesus taught, so Saul thought they were a threat. He was determined to get rid of them. The Christians were very scared of Saul. This is his story about how GOD stepped in and changed his life.
(Download the study guide and link to video here)
The Craft Corner with Carmen Talbott – Peter & John Heal a Man and Tell People About Jesus – Craft Video
Based on Acts 3 – 4:1-22
April 29, 2020
Peter and John meet a crippled man at one of gates to Jerusalem. He cannot walk and his friends and family bring him to the gate everyday so he can beg for money. Begging for money is his job. He asks Peter and John for money, but they have no money. Instead, they offer him healing in the name of Jesus. The man is healed and begins to walk and jump around, praising Jesus. Everyone who saw was amazed and Peter began to speak about Jesus and encourage them to change their hearts and lives to follow Jesus.
(Download the study guide and link to video here)
The Craft Corner with Carmen Talbott – Thomas Believes Craft and Video, based on John 20:24-31
April 23, 2020
Thomas did not believe that Jesus had come back from the dead. He had never seen anyone come back from the dead before. He wanted to see for himself. Jesus did appear to Thomas. Thomas saw the marks left by the nails in Jesus’ hands and touched the wounds on Jesus’ side. Seeing and touching Jesus made Thomas a believer.
(Download the study guide and link to video here)
The Craft Corner with Carmen Talbott –The Road to Emmaus Craft and Video, based on Luke 24:13-35
April 7, 2020
After the death and resurrection of Jesus the disciples had many mixed feelings including sadness, confusion, wonder – and a lot of questions. Two disciples walking to the city of Emmaus from Jerusalem were joined by Jesus, but they did not recognize him. They walked and talked all the way to Emmaus, a 7 mile trip from Jerusalem
(Download the study guide and link to video here)
The Craft Corner with Carmen Talbott – The Cross and the Cave: A Holy Week Craft and Video
April 7, 2020
The Cross & Cave Craft for Holy Week helps us remember Jesus, the Son of GOD, who died for us and rose from the grave to give everlasting life to all people everywhere. His Spirit lives with us now and will comfort us as we pray and ask GOD to help us put GOD first in our lives every day.
(Download the study guide and link to video here)
United Methodist ASL: Holy Week – Practice your American Sign Language skills.
The Importance of the Egg – a fun video to watch before coloring eggs.
As you read the story of Mary anointing Jesus in John 12:1-8, use your faith-imagination to wonder what it might be like to host Jesus in your home. Create your own Mary’s Perfume craft with your family.
Deep Blue Connects videos on Amplify – these short, animated videos help families make relevant connections with ancient Bible stories and characters. They supplement Cokesbury Kids Sunday school.
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Articles
As we look ahead to Holy Week and Easter, resurrection hope is not only just ahead, it is with us even now. Sharing sacred stories is one way to share that hope with our children. Read more here.
Use this Self-Care Guide for Families anytime, especially when life seems especially full of stress and uncertainty.
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Find new resources for families talking about race and racism. Once again, I share with you much of what has been shared with me from Deacon Christine V. Hides:
Commit to educating ourselves, listening to people of color, and taking action to resist the evil of racism.
Start here: Children’s Community School.
God’s Dream, a picture book by Desmond Tutu – a South African Anglican cleric and theologian known for his work as an anti-apartheid and human rights activist.
A Kid’s Book About Racism by Jelani Memory, Co-Founder and CEO at A Kids Book About and Co-Founder at Circle and Narrative
Tips for talking to Children About Race and Racism – Erin Winkler, Associate professor of Africology and Urban Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
An article by Wendy Claire Barrie. See this link on her website for her updated resource list. It is excellent.
To continue to the conversation in the months and years ahead:
Raising White Kids: Bringing Up Children in a Racially Unjust America by Jennifer Harvey, a minister and professor of religion at Drake University. This 20-minute video and article offer a glimpse of her book.
Talking About Race and Racism by Ijeoma Oluo, author of the New York Times bestseller, So You Want to Talk About Race. Additional article & Video.
Parent/Adult-led Faith Formation
Are you familiar with commonsense.org? Common Sense is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to helping kids thrive in a rapidly changing world. They rate media that targets children, educate and advocate for kids. You might want to check out Parent Trapped, a new podcast for parents and caregivers living through the coronavirus pandemic.
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Easter Story Cookies – tell the story as you make these treats on Saturday night. Put them in the oven, then discover an Easter morning surprise!
Cokesbury Kids Sunday School lessons – Simple, step-by-step plans help families explore the Bible together. A different Bible story or passage is added every week.
Creating a Life with God – Recognizing that these are challenging days, The Upper Room is offering an online learning experience without charge. It is recommended for adults by The Academy of Spiritual Formation.
How to be Your Best Self in Times of Crisis – a Ted Talk by Harvard Psychologist Susan Davis on “emotional agility.” (approx. 45 minutes).
Something for the Teachers Among Us: Trauma-Informed Distance Learning
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Christian Education for the Family – or just the Kiddos
Virtual Sunday school is presented live on Sundays at 9:30 am CST by Cokesbury Kids. This resource is appropriate for children to watch by themselves or with older family members and friends.
Zoom In! Sunday school for children meets at 1:00 pm on Sundays. This interactive gathering for children is led by professional educators and is appropriate for children to watch alone or with older family members and friends. Before class, be sure to contact jacki@trinitymp.org for a list of supplies that will be used each week.
Deep Blue Sunday school at home – the same lessons and Bible stories we use in online Sunday school! https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1IHTRf3PJ90GuCh9I2I7JLdXdjt-vHEsh
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PrayGround at Home
Alleluia Butterfly Coloring Page – At-home PrayGround activity for Easter Sunday worship.
Service Project – Create “thank-you” and “encouragement” cards for nurses, doctors, and healthcare professionals working in local hospitals. Place your cards in an envelope and drop them through the church mail slot, or email to trinitypreschoolmp@gmail.com. Emailed cards will be printed in color and delivered to hospital personnel.
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Family Faith Formation at Home
March 7:
Pencil, crayons, markers or colored pencils, scissors, glue, Deep Blue Bible, Celebrate Wonder Family Activity Booklet and the following:
- Following Jesus Footsteps
- Jesus Washes Feet Title Page
- Personal Habits – Spiritual Rituals
- Remember the Story: Jesus Washes Feet (John 13:1-17)
- Trace Your Feet
- Teaching Guide: Jesus Washes Feet
February 28:
Pencil, crayons, markers or colored pencils, scissors, glue, Deep Blue Bible, Celebrate Wonder Family Activity Booklet and the following:
- Zacchaeus Title Page
- Leaf Patterns
- Zacchaeus Coloring Sheet
- Fair vs. Unfair Debates
- Zacchaeus Meets Jesus Maze
- Zacchaeus Tree True or False
- Zacchaeus Teaching Guide
February 21
Sunday school at-home teaching guide: Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38-42)
Activity Sheets:
February 14, 2021
Sunday school at-home teaching guide: Jesus Calms the Storm (Mark 4:35-41)
Activity Sheets: More than One Story, Clouds, What Calms Us When We Are Scared?
February 7, 2021
Sunday school at-home teaching guide: The Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:5-15)
Activity Sheets: Lord’s Prayer Fill in the Blanks sheet
Lord’s Prayer Fill in the Words sheet
Bible verse valentine cards
January 31, 2021
Sunday school at-home teaching guide: God’s Kingdom (Luke 13:18-21)
Activity Sheets: Grow God’s Kingdom page
God’s Kingdom Prayer Writing guide
Mustard Seed page
Bible verse valentine cards
“I love you” in American Sign Language
January 10, 2021
Sunday school at-home leader guide: Jesus’ Baptism (Matthew 3:13-17)
Coloring Sheet –- Baptism of the Lord
December 13, 2020
Sunday school at-home leader guide Dec. 13 – Joseph’s Joy
Baby Jesus Diaper Drop-off Family Activity
November 29, 2020: Peaceable Kingdom.
November 22, 2020
Sunday school at-home leader guide Nov. 22: “Jacob’s Ladder” (click here)
Parent letter for Nov. 22 and Nov. 29 (click here)
May you be blessed by this Thanksgiving Photo-Prayer,
November 13, 2020
Click here to download three prayer coloring pages offered by Illustrated Ministry.
Sunday school at-home leader guide Nov. 15: “The Blessing” (Genesis 27:1-45)
November 6, 2020
Last week our family devotion booklet theme was Remember. In worship we remembered a story from Exodus about trusting and waiting for God. This week our theme is Release. Sunday’s Children’s Message will focus on releasing worry. Children and adults often respond to uncertainty with anxiety and worry. We certainly are surrounded by uncertainty!
Let’s talk about it! Let’s pray out loud! Click here to download three prayer coloring pages offered by Illustrated Ministry. Let’s create something beautiful as we talk and pray together.
Sunday school at-home leader guide: “The Birthright” (Genesis 25:29-34)
October 4, 2020
Click here for this week’s Celebrate Wonder leader guide, “Abraham and Sarah” (Genesis 12:1-9).
Tonight, when it’s time for stories and bedtime prayers, try listening to this short audio meditation and wonder together about faith (click here: Examen).
For Parents and Caregivers
Pray As You Go – Can you find 15 minutes today to pause and take a few deep breaths? Click here for a 13-minute audio meditation just for you.
Click here to explore a new faith formation playlist web site called Launch. Find videos, music, articles, and other tools and resources for children, youth, adults and families at home.
Looking for some honest information and conversation about racial justice? Come to an in-person Community Chat at Trinity! We meet every other Thursday at 7pm. The next meeting will be THIS Thursday, October 8 at 7pm in the sanctuary.
August 9, 2020
Dancing for God
2 Samuel 6:1-19
Shout triumphantly to the LORD all the earth. Psalm 100:1
King David was moving The Ark of the Covenant (the sacred chest) holding the 10 Commandments to Jerusalem. On the move a man named Uzzah reached out and grabbed the chest because the oxen pulling the cart stumbled. Uzzah was struck down and died next to the chest. This frightened King David so he left the chest at the house of a man named Obed-deom. The chest stayed there 3 months and the household was blessed. King David was encouraged and so excited about this that he decided to finally move the chest into the city. David was so happy, he planned a parade through the city. Many people joined the celebration by singing, playing instruments and dancing. King David wanted to praise God with his whole self so he danced the whole way. Once they arrived home David blessed the people and gave them bread and cakes. While David was dancing for joy, Michal (Saul’s daughter) saw the parade and thought David dancing was not proper behavior and lost all respect for David. Download the study guide here.
August 2, 2020
A Tent for God
Exodus 25:1-31:15; 35:4-40:38
Shout triumphantly to the LORD all the earth. Psalm 100:1
These chapters from Exodus in the Bible give us a lot of information about how to build a worship area. They include instructions for making a chest to hold the 10 Commandments, a lampstand, a dwelling or tent, an altar, the priests’ clothing, and a washbasin. They also include instructions for behavior to keep the Sabbath. This part of the Bible is very specific about how everything should have been done in the time of Moses. Some things have changed since then. Download study guide here.
July 24, 2020
Acolytes Share the Light of Christ
Who doesn’t like lighting candles? What would a birthday celebration be like without lighting candles on a cake? Lighting a special candle to signify Christ is present with us is a special and sacred part of any Christian gathering. This symbolic act in worship each week reminds us who we are and whose we are – no matter where we are! Learn more about lighting the Christ candle and the role of acolyte while sharing this short Chuck Knows Church video with your children.
July 10, 2020
Looking for God? Go OFF-line and OUTSIDE!
If God is real, where is God? Children (and adults) wonder about this and other spiritual concepts. We can encourage their questions and help them understand God in concrete ways every day. Try using objects, observations, behaviors and questions such as:
“Look at the beautiful ______ (sunset/forest/flowers/etc.) God created these for us to care for and enjoy!”
“Thanks for _____ (sharing your toys, setting the table). That’s the Holy Spirit in your heart shining out.”
“I wonder what Jesus would do in a situation like this…”
Sing along to original songs, read devotions and try out some new ideas that encourage children to look for and discover God in the world around us.
Click here for the Sing! Play! Summer! devotions and activities booklet pdf.
Click here for Sing! Play! Summer! Butterflyfish music mp3 downloads that accompany the Butterflyfish booklet.