Small Church November 17, 2024

Read Jeremiah 43 (not so awesome, don’t worry if you struggle a bit)

Watch the video below.

1. What were the people trying to avoid? Why?
2. Have you ever been in a situation in which you want to avoid something, but come to a realization that it is what God has for you?
3. What does it mean that God is present with us even in the things we most want to avoid?
4. Read Psalm 139. What are the promises, the assurances?

This fall CapKids will be learning all about the Psalms in a series called “Make a Joyful Noise”. Click here to download the guide for this week or scroll down.

This week we are looking at a song that’s all about being known by God. It’s a strange concept to be known by someone that we cannot see. Sometimes, it’s a comfort to know that we are loved by a mysterious person; sometimes it’s frustrating. How does it feel for you? (Allow kids the chance to respond)

Read Psalm 139.

You have searched me and know me God.
You know my thoughts. You are familiar with me and all my ways.
You know everything, about all my days.
You are all around me, before and behind me.
You are so wonderful God!

Where can I go to hide from you?
If I go to the heavens, you are there.
If I go to the depths, you are there
If I fly on wings to the dawn ,
If I settle in the ocean, you are there!
If I am afraid of the dark, your light guides me.
The darkness is not too dark for you.

You created me to be me, You wove me together within my mother.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

Your works are wonderful I know that!
Before I was born, you know me.
Search me God, know my heart.
Know my worries.
See if any of my ways cause you sorrow,
lead me on the way that is everlasting.

God, you know me so well.
You always know what I’m thinking
and feeling. You know what I am
going to say before I say it!
Even in the night, you can see me
you know my secrets,
you know my fears,
I praise you for making me
Who I am.

1. Who knows you the best? And why do you think this is?
2. How does it feel to be known? How does it feel to have someone know all the good and difficult things about you?
3. The Psalm says God knows us better than anyone else. He knows our thoughts, our heart longings, he knows when we mess up, our fears, and our secrets.
   1. And knowing all those things, how does God feel about us?
   2. What does it feel like to know God loves us no matter what, just as we are?
   3. What is one way you could remember this? (example: Daily reminder, prayer, saying you tell yourself, family moto….)

Snowflake Craft:
Create paper snowflakes as a family/Small Church. No snowflake is ever the same and this can be a fun reminder that we are each uniquely and wonderfully made.

Identity Art Project:
As we reflect on Psalm 139 it is clear we are known in an intimate way by our creator, and that we each have uniqueness that bears the image of God. We thought this would give us a great opportunity as a Small Church/family to identify and celebrate the uniqueness and image bearing we notice in each other. I would recommend both kids and adults participating in this activity.

Before Sunday:

1. Have each person in the small church take a photo of just themselves (from their waist up) and send it to the leader to print it as a high-contrast black-and-white photo.
2. Ask each member of your small church to write one attribute that embodies Christ’s character for each person in the small church (including the children), and how they embody it. Example: “You model patience through your calming presence in the midst of the daily chaos of our household”
   ***Invite kids to write these encouragements too! Maybe simplify it by asking them to tell you something they like or appreciate about that person. They might only have the capacity or ideas to do a few, so just take whatever they are willing to share or offer.

If you have a printer at home, you can type them and then print each encouragement. They won’t need the name written on it, but make sure you remember which belongs to which person. If you don’t have a printer at home you could ask your leader to help or even write them out.

On Sunday:

Give each person a piece of cardstock paper. Using crayons, pastels, and/or watercolours, create a colourful abstract painting. Do this when everyone first arrives, so they have some time to dry. After eating and adult discussion, gather everyone together. One at a time give the person their picture to glue on to their art and then provide them with the prepared encouragements, sharing them out loud to the group. They can receive it and then glue it onto their art in whatever way they like. If any children feel uncomfortable being the center of
attention, you could make some smaller groups, then have people rotate to the different groups so there are less eyes on one person.

Here is an example of what the final project could look like: