First, I'm sorry for the missing post last Thursday. My family was just a tad snow-bound and lacking power, so emailing did not happen. Hopefully more snow won't clobber us this spring! It has, however, been rather unique to drive past snow berms this past week while the thermometer in my car read 70 degrees F. :) God sure created a unique world that we live in, that snow and heat can co-exist (though not for long!) What are your favorite snow-bound activities to do? My son Drexel likes to eat the snow (I think he thinks it is like ice cream) and will eat whatever snow is in front of him, even if it is on the floor. He was, however, very happy to be able to play outside again once the snow was gone. I wonder what Jesus did to play when he was a child during his life here on this Earth?
Station Spotlight - God's Canvas (Art)
It takes a variety of people and talents to do God’s work. The early church chose seven wise and good helpers to assist the apostles and take care of those in need. Today, each of us plays an important role in serving others and helping with the work of God’s church.
Alexander Calder (1898 – 1976) is remembered as one of the most prolific and innovative American artists of the 20th century. Calder’s parents were both artists, and they encouraged their children’s artistic interests. Even though he had been interested in art from an early age, Calder was educated as an engineer and had a variety of jobs. While he was a fireman on a ship, he had an experience that changed his career and his life. While his ship was off the coast of Guatemala, Calder saw a beautiful sunset on one horizon and an equally beautiful full moon on the other horizon. Within a few months of this experience, Calder became an artist. Calder was best known as a sculptor, but he worked in new ways. He made giant sculptures to be displayed outdoors. He also liked to bend and twist wire to “draw” figures in space.
The kids during art this unit are making mobiles in Calder’s tradition, hanging seven bits of art that contain ideas for service to others, in the spirit of the seven helpers appointed to oversee the charity functions of the early church. Balance is part of any mobile. Can you talk with your child about where balance is found in their life? How can they balance helping others with other things they need to do?
Business-y Items
- The current unit in Sunday school is a week shorter than the previous units. Thus, we will be ending the Sunday School year on May 19th....Sundae Sunday! There will be a celebration of Sunday School and the wonderful time spent with the children in the past year. Please make sure your child will be there on that Sunday in particular (I love seeing them every Sunday) as I have a special gift for all of the kids...and Sunday School leaders!!
- VBS: You are going to keep getting emails from me about VBS (last full week of July). Soon you will receive the registration form...so excited for the summer! We still need hands to help, so if you are interested in helping, please let me know ASAP! :)
Verses to Ponder
"During this time, as the disciples were increasing in numbers by leaps and bounds, hard feelings developed among the Greek-speaking believers—“Hellenists”—toward the Hebrew-speaking believers because their widows were being discriminated against in the daily food lines. So the Twelve called a meeting of the disciples. They said, “It wouldn’t be right for us to abandon our responsibilities for preaching and teaching the Word of God to help with the care of the poor. So, friends, choose seven men from among you whom everyone trusts, men full of the Holy Spirit and good sense, and we’ll assign them this task. Meanwhile, we’ll stick to our assigned tasks of prayer and speaking God’s Word.”
The congregation thought this was a great idea. They went ahead and chose—
Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit,
Philip,
Procorus,
Nicanor,
Timon,
Parmenas,
Nicolas, a convert from Antioch.
Then they presented them to the apostles. Praying, the apostles laid on hands and commissioned them for their task.
The Word of God prospered. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased dramatically..." Acts 6:1-7 (The Message translation)
Did you know...
Stephen, the man noted as "a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit", was the first documented martyr of the Christian faith. Paul/Saul, who we studied earlier this year, was present at his martyrdom, which consisted of stoning.
May you refuse auto-pilot Christianity and experience the blessing of serving others, just as God serves us.
Love love love!!
