tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9942635538672653452024-03-13T12:53:13.578-07:00Sunday School NotebookHelping others pass along our Christian heritageWendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03592558441738508163noreply@blogger.comBlogger8125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-994263553867265345.post-8647675483895405582012-12-16T15:00:00.000-08:002013-01-10T11:35:39.921-08:00Light of the World: A Nativity Pageant illuminating the Advent Wreath<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
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<strong>Editor's Note:</strong> "Light of the World: A Nativity Pageant illuminating the Advent Wreath" is an original work written and copyrighted in 2012 by this author for her Sunday School program. Please feel free to use the script for performance purposes. Just do not publish it without written permission!</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong>Greetings from the Sunday School director:</strong></span><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"></span></strong><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Christmas is coming! In Sunday School, we’re
preparing our hearts the coming of God’s Son – as a baby who came to grow,
teach and save; and as a king who came to rule and reign. God called his Son,
Jesus, to bring light into the world, to shine in the darkness, to open our
hearts, and teach us heaven’s ways. We call the four weeks before Christmas,
“Advent” which means “coming.” Christ is coming – as The Light of the World.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Our Sunday Schoolers have prepared a special
program for you, but we’ll need your help singing! Please take out the insert
from your bulletin to follow along.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Let’s start now by singing verse #1 of Christ Be Our Light.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">(Narrator enters as <strong>congregation sings</strong>:)</span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">#1 Longing for light, we wait in darkness.
Longing for truth, we turn to you. Make us your own, your holy people, light
for the world to see.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Christ, be our light! Shine in our hearts, shine
through the darkness. Christ, be our light! Shine in your church gathered
today.</span></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Narrator</span></b><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">:
Darkness is the absence of light. Thousands of years ago, God’s people lived in
darkness. They waited and prayed for a Savior to come and rescue them. We
remember those dark times each year during Advent. We also remember God’s
promise to send a Light into the World. To prepare our hearts for the coming of
God’s Son, we use an Advent wreath. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The circle shape has no beginning or end. It
symbolizes God’s unending love. The <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">ever</b>green
branches remind us of the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">ever</b>lasting
life Jesus won for us by his death and resurrection. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The candles remind us of the coming light. Each
week, as one more candle is lit, the wreath’s brightness grows. When all four
candles glow, Christmas is very near. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Please join in singing verse 2 of “Christ be Our
Light” as we wait for Jesus in The Light of Hope. (Turn on the Hope Light. Prophet processes as <strong>congregation sings</strong>:)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">#2 Longing for peace, our world is troubled.
Longing for hope, many despair. Your word alone has power to save us. Make us
your living word.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Christ, be our light! Shine in our hearts, shine
through the darkness. Christ, be our light! Shine in your church gathered
today.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Narrator:
</span></b><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The
Light of Hope<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Isaiah</span></b><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">:
I am the prophet, Isaiah. God sent me to bring this message of hope to the
people. “Look! A virgin will give birth to a son. She will call him Immanuel, which
means ‘God is with us.’ Then, the people who walk in darkness will see a great
light – a light that will shine for all.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Please join in singing vs.#3 of Christ Be Our
Light as we wait for Jesus and light the candle of love. (Turn on the Love
Light as </span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus process/arrive as <strong>congregation sings</strong>:)</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">#3 Many the gifts, many the people, many the
hearts that yearn to be loved. Let us be servants to one another, signs of your
kingdom come.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Christ, be our light! Shine in our hearts, shine
through the darkness. Christ, be our light! Shine in your church gathered
today.</span></div>
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Narrator:
</span></b><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The
Light of Love </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 84.5pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Mary:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">
I am Mary – the Lord’s servant. His Angel Gabriel came to me with news that I
would bear God’s Son. At first I was afraid, but then the angel assured me of
God’s mighty and loving plan. I said: “Let everything that you’ve said about me
come true.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 84.5pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Joseph:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">
I am Joseph. I too came to trust in God’s mighty and loving plan. God’s angel came
to me with saying: “Don’t be afraid. Take Mary as your wife. The child within
her comes from the Lord. You are to name him “Jesus” which means “The Lord saves,”
for he will save his people from their sins.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I took Mary as my wife and together we
traveled to Bethlehem. There she gave birth and laid the babe in a manger
because there was no room for us at the inn.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 84.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Please join us in
singing “Away in a Manger” as we sing of God’s love and light the Candle of
Joy. (Turn on the Joy Light as </span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Angels and
Shepherds process and <strong>congregations sings</strong>:)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Away in a manger, no crib for his bed, the
little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head; the stars in the sky looked down
where he lay, the Little Lord Jesus, asleep on the hay.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes, but
little Lord Jesus, no crying he makes. I love you Lord Jesus, look down from
the sky and stay by my cradle till morning is high.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask you to stay, close
by me forever and love me, I pray. Bless all the dear children in your tender
care and fit us for heaven to live with you there.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Narrator:
</span></b><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The
Light of Joy<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 84.5pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Shepherd
1: </span></b><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I
remember that night<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>my<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>shepherd friends and I were watching
over our flocks in the fields outside the city. A bright light filled the sky.
Angels appeared before us. We were terrified! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The angels said:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 84.5pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Angel
1:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">
Don’t be afraid! I bring Good News of great JOY for all people! This night in
Bethlehem a Savior is born. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 84.5pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Angel
2:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">
He is the Messiah, the Lord. You will find him lying in a manger.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Angel
3:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">
Glory to God!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Angel
4:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">
Glory to God!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong>Angel 5: </strong></span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Glory to God in the hight Heaven!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
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<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Angel 6:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> And peace to all on earth!</span></div>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 84.5pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Shepherd
2:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">
Let’s go to Bethlehem!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 84.5pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Shepherd
3:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">
Let’s see this wonderful thing the Lord has done.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 84.5pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Narrator:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">
Please join us by joyfully singing “Angels, from the Realms of Glory” as we light
the candle of peace. (Turn on the Peace Light as </span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Wisemen and Star process
on verse #3 and <strong>congregation sings</strong>:)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 84.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Angels from the realms of glory, wing your
flight o’er all the earth; once you told creation’s story, now proclaim
Messiah’s birth; Come and worship, come and worship, worship Christ, the
newborn King.</span></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Shepherds, in the fields abiding watching o’er
your flocks by night, God with us is now residing, yonder shines the infant
light. Come and worship, come and worship, worship Christ, the newborn king.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Wisemen, leave your contemplations, brighter
visions beam afar; seek the great desire of nations, you have seen his natal
star. Come and worship, come and worship, worship Christ, the newborn king.</span><br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Narrator:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">
The Light of Peace<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Wiseman
#1:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">
We are wise men from the East. When we saw his star rise, we followed it to
Bethlehem. There, we found the child with his mother. We were filled with joy!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Wiseman
#2:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">
We bowed down offering him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh – Gifts for a king.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Wiseman
#3:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">
For God’s Son is born unto us. His royal titles will be Wonderful Counselor,
Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His kingdom will never end. His
light will shine forever. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Narrator:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">
Please join us in singing “This Little Light of Mine” as we welcome the Light
of Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">(The Grown Jesus enters carrying the Christ candle as the <strong>congregation sings</strong>:)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it
shine. This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine. This little light of
mine, I’m gonna let it shine. Let it shine. Let it shine. Let it shine. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Everywhere I go, I’m gonna let it shine.
Everywhere I go, I’m gonna let it shine. Everywhere I go, I’m gonna let it
shine. Let it shine. Let it shine. Let it shine.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jesus gave me the light. I’m gonna let it shine.
Jesus gave me the light. I’m gonna let it shine. Jesus gave me the light. I’m
gonna let it shine. Let it shine. Let it shine. Let it shine.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">***Pause for a group photo***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 84.5pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Narrator:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">
Jesus is the Light of Hope, Love, Joy and Peace. He is the Light of the World.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son so that everyone who
believes in him might not die but have eternal life.” The wait is over. Open
your heart. Receive him, so you too may shine, reflecting The Light of the
World. Please join us in our ending song “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” as the
cast offers gifts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 84.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(The cast administers candy canes to the
congregation and recesses while the <strong>congregation sings</strong>:)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the
newborn king. Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled.”
Joyful all you nations rise; join the triumph of the skies; with angelic hosts
proclaim, “Christ is born in Bethlehem!” Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory
to the newborn king!” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Christ, by highest heav’n adored, Christ, the
everlasting Lord, late in time behold him come, offspring of the virgin’s womb.
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see! Hail, the incarnate deity! Pleased as man with
us to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel! Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the
newborn king!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Hail the heav’n-born Prince of Peace! Hail the
Sun of righteous! Light and life to all he brings, ris’n with healing in his
wings. Mild he lay his glory by, born that we no more may die, born to raise
each child of earth, born to give us second birth. Hark! The herald angels
sing, “Glory to the newborn king!”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03592558441738508163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-994263553867265345.post-25792841840611109452012-11-25T10:22:00.000-08:002013-01-10T10:31:49.406-08:00Advent Wreath Devotional<div style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri"; font-size: 12pt;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ-S-gKHt3b_5Y-QO7LLry0uOtHSfWcNgpjEBYKUNdS0sIfgrti-nG_lOr4e6U3dbuZ9mcX9lFBWPaIylbOrbnh7k_TVKIulsGN_6yztlsbisvWJsz_6JwF7KUOcqv086GAHAmVuifDAE/s1600/DSC03579ax+eml.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ-S-gKHt3b_5Y-QO7LLry0uOtHSfWcNgpjEBYKUNdS0sIfgrti-nG_lOr4e6U3dbuZ9mcX9lFBWPaIylbOrbnh7k_TVKIulsGN_6yztlsbisvWJsz_6JwF7KUOcqv086GAHAmVuifDAE/s1600/DSC03579ax+eml.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ-S-gKHt3b_5Y-QO7LLry0uOtHSfWcNgpjEBYKUNdS0sIfgrti-nG_lOr4e6U3dbuZ9mcX9lFBWPaIylbOrbnh7k_TVKIulsGN_6yztlsbisvWJsz_6JwF7KUOcqv086GAHAmVuifDAE/s320/DSC03579ax+eml.jpg" width="226" /></a>Christmas is coming. To mark the four Sundays before the celebration of Jesus' birth, we use an Advent wreath. Its circle shape has no beginning or end and reminds us of God's unending love. Its evergreen branches symbolize everlasting life. Four candles mark the four Sundays preceding Christmas.
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In our Sunday School class this year, each family made an Advent wreath from a birch-slice base drilled with four holes to secure four candles: The Candles of Hope, Love, Joy and Peace. <br />
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Spruce sprigs, pinecones and berries completed the decorative centerpiece. Each family received a simple devotional to take along home with the wreath and use each week to prepare their hearts for the coming of God's Son. May this project bless you too.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><strong>The First Sunday in Advent, December 2<sup>nd</sup>:</strong> The Candle of
Hope</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">One person lights one purple candle. Another person
says: On this First Sunday of Advent, we light The Candle of Hope. God promised
to send a Savior into the world. The people hoped he would be a king, someone to
save them from their enemies. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Someone asks: What do you hope for this Christmas
season? </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Listen to each one’s answer. Then, all join in prayer:
Come Lord Jesus, fill us with hope.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><strong>The Second Sunday in Advent, December 9<sup>th</sup>:</strong> The Candle of
Love</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">One person lights the first and second purple candles.
Another person says: On this Second Sunday of Advent, we light The Candles of
Hope and Love. The Bible tells us “For God so loved the world that He sent his
one and only Son, so that whoever believes in him shall not die but have eternal
life.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 0in 423.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Someone asks: How can you show your love to someone this
Christmas season?</span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Listen to each one’s answer. Then all pray: Come Lord
Jesus, fill us with hope and love.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><strong>The Third Sunday in Advent, December 16<sup>th</sup>:</strong> The Candle of
Joy</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">One person lights the two purple and one pink candles.
Another person says: On this Third Sunday of Advent, we light The Candles of
Hope, Love and Joy. On that first Christmas night two thousand years ago, angels
appeared to shepherds in the field saying, “Don’t be afraid, I bring you Good
News of great joy that will be for all people. Today in the town of David, a
Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Another person asks: How can you bring someone joy this
Christmas season?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Listen to each one’s reply. Then, all pray: Come Lord
Jesus, fill us with hope, love and joy.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><strong>The Fourth Sunday in Advent, December 23<sup>rd</sup>:</strong> The Candle of
Peace</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">One person lights all four candles. Another person says:
On this Fourth Sunday of Advent, we light The Candles of Hope, Love, Joy and
Peace. Jesus is the Prince of Peace. During his ministry on earth, Jesus taught
his followers to pray: “Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our
sins as we forgive those who sin against us.” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Another person asks: How can you be a
peacemaker?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Listen to each one’s reply. Then, all pray: Come Lord
Jesus, fill us with hope, love, joy and peace.</span></span></div>
</div>
Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03592558441738508163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-994263553867265345.post-67408253864305685502012-01-16T09:49:00.000-08:002012-01-16T09:49:29.647-08:00Christmas Kitchen Angel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsyxdQQO3BhO_N09UFS5mpwkuIB2jyguqcliga92N1uPuJrkfrb3IkFd0MuQZbnF9IN8yGutdgwJ168k-n2zwTWNGPr6PGaVnrRCml9z6serfEl6Ar26SFSisGCLaNAPl1-9ce-NAroRo/s1600/DSC00872aEml.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsyxdQQO3BhO_N09UFS5mpwkuIB2jyguqcliga92N1uPuJrkfrb3IkFd0MuQZbnF9IN8yGutdgwJ168k-n2zwTWNGPr6PGaVnrRCml9z6serfEl6Ar26SFSisGCLaNAPl1-9ce-NAroRo/s320/DSC00872aEml.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em></em></strong> <strong><em>"The heart that gives, gathers."</em></strong></div><br />
I learned this lesson at an early age. I still love giving gifts - especially useful ones. <br />
<br />
During a pre-Christmas shopping trip, I was drawn to a textile angel made from a kitchen hand towel, washcloth and potholder. Inspiration struck. I envisioned a Nativity-themed Kitchen Angel for my Sunday School teachers and helpers. First, I sewed my own wares from monks cloth and Christmas calico.<br />
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As I pressed the creases and tied the towel, washcloth and potholder together with satin ribbon, a poetic verse came to mind. Using a length of pastel cardstock decorated with a Nativity sticker, I penned the verse onto a bookmarker as a blessing for each gift recipient. The result inspired me to mass-produce Christmas Kitchen Angels for family, friends and neighbors using kitchen sets purchased at an area dollar store. The gifts' success inspires me to share the idea here in the Sunday School Notebook. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>May this kitchen angel bless you and yours too!</em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnpqTQTHsYGkrLNW2h3P0nM1KjbCnqqZq1DG4TYdzf7GX9TANQfpMNz0BMAGVd95E_7st6EGvqZoIK50H6t6FsWfqzgO3UUDmKR_vLcnOTT3Z8vYHonqJPkOyVFfBXHeZfRbZcNYYBz8w/s1600/DSC00860aEml.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnpqTQTHsYGkrLNW2h3P0nM1KjbCnqqZq1DG4TYdzf7GX9TANQfpMNz0BMAGVd95E_7st6EGvqZoIK50H6t6FsWfqzgO3UUDmKR_vLcnOTT3Z8vYHonqJPkOyVFfBXHeZfRbZcNYYBz8w/s200/DSC00860aEml.jpg" width="146" /></a></div> <img border="0" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio0rj8Ju7-uqRusRr6k0Bo4y_7-2-2nzKC_AjsuQoqUQlXw5E09EaBdofqyMpeQhMDJziod38S9zCAT8o4nVT_4hpPvQVoBsVnUEZOPiSPmvn2-kvuVsR7wu7AJqpnphjhQpWBzIGD4cs/s200/DSC00873aEml.jpg" width="200" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqjBWn6yYXCt_bg3Dd-WQe-Tl5NCEDhB-nNmI5-C1_I2F-BhbTsFEX90Itg03L5tii3ticwYKZuR6gJxSNgYvw4hs-6CMxhLGD4CnAudn_kcGQGXwDJ_ia3fcvmu_ebkiA2-oSh0NRQG4/s1600/DSC00866Eml.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqjBWn6yYXCt_bg3Dd-WQe-Tl5NCEDhB-nNmI5-C1_I2F-BhbTsFEX90Itg03L5tii3ticwYKZuR6gJxSNgYvw4hs-6CMxhLGD4CnAudn_kcGQGXwDJ_ia3fcvmu_ebkiA2-oSh0NRQG4/s200/DSC00866Eml.jpg" width="200" /></a>Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03592558441738508163noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-994263553867265345.post-79937950838832526812011-04-01T19:33:00.000-07:002011-04-01T19:50:21.329-07:00"I AM" Program<b>Editor's Note</b>: <i>The disciple John wrote many Bible verses telling how Jesus described himself. To teach our Sunday School children these lessons, I prepared this script for their performance at last Sunday's worship service during the Children's Sermon. Our congregation was blessed by their ministry. May the text bless you too.<br />
</i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdP6aUEnNUAMopQdbPsLaHznyQ7s2JHYbGdwLDUn7QIpeopPyR-b-g6uMX0ot_C0jlOtg0WoRYEntfBmxGujZJ-Fbq9pNWhU4mcMeT7VWIG48LyXLs4u-XqsxGVhlWFNcGUKKHveg9Rcs/s1600/grapes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdP6aUEnNUAMopQdbPsLaHznyQ7s2JHYbGdwLDUn7QIpeopPyR-b-g6uMX0ot_C0jlOtg0WoRYEntfBmxGujZJ-Fbq9pNWhU4mcMeT7VWIG48LyXLs4u-XqsxGVhlWFNcGUKKHveg9Rcs/s320/grapes.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<b>Jesus Declares, "I AM"<br />
</b><br />
Prepared by Wendy<br />
Copyright March 2011<br />
(Please feel free to use this. Just don't publish it.)<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Sunday School teacher's introduction:</b> In Sunday School, we are learning about Jesus’ life and teachings as written in the four gospels of the Bible’s New Testament. Currently, we are working on the gospel of John. In this book, John shows us how Jesus is “the Word” sent from heaven by God the Father. Today we have prepared a demonstration of the special lessons Jesus used to teach his followers about who he is. These lessons are known as the “I AM” statements. We’ll need your help! Please have ready your song sheet - “This Little Light of Mine” - and the candle you received. Be ready to help sing. <br />
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<i> The Light shines in the darkness. And the darkness has not overcome it.<br />
</i><br />
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<b><br />
Narrator:</b> In the beginning was the Word. And the Word was with God. And the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him. Without him, not one thing was made. In him was life. The life was the light of men. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We have seen his glory, glory as the only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth.<br />
<br />
From his fullness, we have received grace. The law was given through Moses. Grace and truth was given through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God; only through he, who is at the Father’s side, has God been made known. He made himself known by the Father’s works through him and in the words used to describe him. (pause)<br />
<br />
Jesus said:<br />
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<b>Actor #1: </b> “I AM the bread of life. (Hold up a loaf of bread) Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” <br />
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<b>Narrator:</b> Jesus also declared:<br />
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<b>Actor #2:</b> “I AM the light of the world. (Hold up a flashlight) Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (Turn on the light)<br />
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<b>Narrator:</b> Later Jesus said, <br />
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<b>Actor #3:</b> “I tell you the truth, I AM the gate for the sheep." (Hold up a gate prop) If anyone enters by me, he will be saved. He will go, in and out, and find pasture.”<br />
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<b>Narrator:</b> Jesus continued:<br />
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<b>Actor#4:</b> "I AM the good shepherd. (Hold up a shepherd crook and sheep.) The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. I know my sheep and my sheep know me."<br />
<br />
<b>Narrator:</b> Another time, Jesus said:<br />
<br />
<b>Actor#5:</b> “I AM the resurrection and the life. (Hold up the cross) Whoever believes in me will live, even though he dies." <br />
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<b>Narrator:</b> Jesus also said,<br />
<br />
<b> Actor#6:</b> “I AM the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. I AM the vine; you are the branches. (Lift the vine) If you remain in me, and I in you, you will bear much fruit; (Lift a grape bundle) Apart from me, you can do nothing."<br />
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<b>Narrator:</b> Later in Revelations, Jesus said,<br />
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<b>Actor #7:</b> "I AM the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, (Hold up the letters A and Z) the beginning and the ending."<br />
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<b>Narrator:</b> Finally Jesus said:<br />
<br />
<b>Actor# 8:</b> "I AM the root and the offspring of David, and the bright morning star." (Lift the Christmas star)<br />
<br />
<b>Narrator:</b> Just as the bright morning star shines, so too do we shine when we open our hearts to Jesus and let his light shine through us. Please join us in singing “This Little Light of Mine” and have your candle ready to receive the Light!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEuMJPGBUSNVgPcNOPUMkE-wAM1iWO4zomlvOw_CUZnhvCB02Ol8SVOWUEsVk-1xYjg4YWlJL4LuNaMRJL1tqdoxOkJy7k_HahFlQS-glt-IOa-aTkuiqLIgnG8dbkCp9F_pL98HLc6wo/s1600/DSC04661a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEuMJPGBUSNVgPcNOPUMkE-wAM1iWO4zomlvOw_CUZnhvCB02Ol8SVOWUEsVk-1xYjg4YWlJL4LuNaMRJL1tqdoxOkJy7k_HahFlQS-glt-IOa-aTkuiqLIgnG8dbkCp9F_pL98HLc6wo/s400/DSC04661a.jpg" /></a></div><br />
(Two Sunday Schoolers take their Christmas candles, light them from the altar candles and pass on the light to the other cast members while singing verse one. On verse two, the cast goes into the congregation and offers to light their candles as the light is passed on and the whole church sings verses three and four and Sunday Schoolers return to the front for the finish.)<br />
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<br />
<br />
<b>This Little Light of Mine<br />
</b><br />
<br />
This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.<br />
This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.<br />
This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.<br />
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguEe1Q46nTs6FIIO61zfwuKITlOh-Z6i0bwVCI1Gu2DlXDdAri5Z5aR2LBDlJLBl26bMrW7qrevNLkzJPidADeojePTm9woDVjTk3w5TLvhhxOp03291wm6Zxl_2dy_1fGAVw7BeQEmOE/s1600/DSC04663crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="247" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguEe1Q46nTs6FIIO61zfwuKITlOh-Z6i0bwVCI1Gu2DlXDdAri5Z5aR2LBDlJLBl26bMrW7qrevNLkzJPidADeojePTm9woDVjTk3w5TLvhhxOp03291wm6Zxl_2dy_1fGAVw7BeQEmOE/s320/DSC04663crop.jpg" /></a></div>Let it shine till Jesus comes. I’m gonna pass it on.<br />
Let it shine till Jesus comes. I’m gonna pass it on.<br />
Let it shine till Jesus comes. I’m gonna pass it on.<br />
Pass it on, pass it on, pass it on.<br />
<br />
Hide it under a bush; Oh NO! I’m gonna let it shine.<br />
Hide it under a bush; Oh NO! I’m gonna let it shine.<br />
Hide it under a bush; Oh NO! I’m gonna let it shine.<br />
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.<br />
<br />
All around the world, I’m gonna let it shine.<br />
All around the world, I’m gonna let it shine.<br />
All around the world, I’m gonna let it shine.<br />
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.<br />
<br />
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<b>Narrator:</b> May Jesus’ light continue to shine through you, even as you extinguish your candles! Amen.Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03592558441738508163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-994263553867265345.post-59691684771059654732010-01-06T11:24:00.001-08:002010-01-06T11:44:53.125-08:00Helping HandsEver stumped for a simple, inspirational gift for someone?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy3WkP1XBfnJp0lk1mhQAkeIyzwiXr8XwXCOCjyDw6DD9T1PCx3U7vnYnDa3NnwUgjot4C7dauvkH0C2BZlOUDg992mhUTOG9_PlsSunI3A3RuQJ5DMDxOJa2sMEOBibUZ9zEDzUq58rM/s1600-h/120303a.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy3WkP1XBfnJp0lk1mhQAkeIyzwiXr8XwXCOCjyDw6DD9T1PCx3U7vnYnDa3NnwUgjot4C7dauvkH0C2BZlOUDg992mhUTOG9_PlsSunI3A3RuQJ5DMDxOJa2sMEOBibUZ9zEDzUq58rM/s320/120303a.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423710601737478642" /></a>Take a dishtowel. <br />Place your (or your child's) hand on a corner. <br />With a pencil, trace around it. <br />Thread a needle with two strands of embroidery thread and stitch in place.<br /> <br />Not handy with a needle?<br /> <br />Try a ball-tipped fabric paint to make the "handprint."<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvhrRrBAQhf_z3WZktLLUsNmh6AGW_xQVCHfkkQfe1YGOKl2ALGGrrV2hENqaYo3gR6-WRSNJ2pFPBye4SGNjGgJGD8FOqRMrOH0nVIrtjMFrPBFTBSNO5ewrQkWroIYT4AiciD2-l_fw/s1600-h/115330a.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 247px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvhrRrBAQhf_z3WZktLLUsNmh6AGW_xQVCHfkkQfe1YGOKl2ALGGrrV2hENqaYo3gR6-WRSNJ2pFPBye4SGNjGgJGD8FOqRMrOH0nVIrtjMFrPBFTBSNO5ewrQkWroIYT4AiciD2-l_fw/s320/115330a.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423710498885413602" /></a><br /><br />On a little card, <br />write: <br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />"May my hands <br />bless yours <br />as we work <br />together."<span style="font-weight:bold;"></span></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Happy New Year 2010!Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03592558441738508163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-994263553867265345.post-19498863119390689902009-09-30T10:29:00.000-07:002009-10-06T10:49:59.738-07:00Books of the Old TestamentToday I scored in my Sunday School research. I've had the sheet music for the Books of the Old Testament for months. But through YouTube, this young mom made the song come alive! Learning the song for our Sunday School program should now be a breeze.<br /><br />Come. Sing Along:<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/BF7YPy4-OTY&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/BF7YPy4-OTY&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />Ge-ne-sis, Ex-o-dus, Lev-i-ti-cus. <br />Num-bers, Due-ter-on-o-my.<br />Josh-ua, Jud-ges, Ru-u-uth<br />1st and 2nd / Sam-uel.<br /><br />1st Kings, 2nd Kings<br />1st and 2nd Chron-i-cles<br />Ez-ra, Ne-he-mi-i-ah.<br /><br />Es-ther, Job, Psalm, Pro-o-verbs<br />Ec-cles-i-as-tes, Song of So-lo-mon.<br /><br />I-sa-iah, Jer-e-mi-ah, La-men-ta-tions, E-zek-iel<br />Da-niel, Ho-se-a, Joel, A-mos, O-bad-i-ah.<br /><br />Jo-nah, Mi-cah, Na-a-hum<br />Hab-ak-kuk, Ze-phan-i-i-ah.<br /><br />Hag-ga-i, Zech-ar-i-ah<br />and the last book /<br />Ma-la-chi.Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03592558441738508163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-994263553867265345.post-23434923922254131432008-05-06T13:29:00.000-07:002009-10-06T10:57:46.155-07:00Faith Bracelet<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjny6A6dNt7zeqyaARxzioN4DrzTW52osJixb28xtWxAtnqdUbd-cvCDbXP5vRaAOk7dDE8LVV1p-vfFIu5La8TloYWuFS-Hunqq_Hx8HdWQKTxpOpkOtDEf8VJ65pz8tdBKkQjPp4laaQ/s1600-h/DSC00063.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjny6A6dNt7zeqyaARxzioN4DrzTW52osJixb28xtWxAtnqdUbd-cvCDbXP5vRaAOk7dDE8LVV1p-vfFIu5La8TloYWuFS-Hunqq_Hx8HdWQKTxpOpkOtDEf8VJ65pz8tdBKkQjPp4laaQ/s320/DSC00063.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5197487945979848914" /></a>At this Sunday School year's end, we made Faith Bracelets. The hope is that each person will wear the circle-shaped bracelet as a reminder of God's Unending Love. The colorful beads represent points in our Faith Journey.<br /><br />To make a Faith Bracelet, measure and cut a 12-inch (30.5 cm) length of 1/8-inch (3.2 mm) suede lacing. String on nine pony beads as follows to represent:<br /><br />Black – Our sin<br />Red – Christ's blood<br />Blue – Baptism<br />White – Forgiveness<br />Yellow – God's Light<br />Green – New Life<br />Orange – The Spirit's Wisdom<br />Purple – Crown of eternal life<br />Pink – Prayer.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYbmWADTmTjn0KbvLI2-9iQaWTGopcnQ5WxY3jQaJGZCgNFxHEwVp83kFZ9NZK3At-QunjNCdBkyF3kBFnGVzrYRr93BYHdx46vsw5hI6lnclLAZ9IFfW4VwGZ90AaeTGcNqly1wShpPY/s1600-h/DSC00068.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYbmWADTmTjn0KbvLI2-9iQaWTGopcnQ5WxY3jQaJGZCgNFxHEwVp83kFZ9NZK3At-QunjNCdBkyF3kBFnGVzrYRr93BYHdx46vsw5hI6lnclLAZ9IFfW4VwGZ90AaeTGcNqly1wShpPY/s320/DSC00068.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5197488199382919394" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Fold one end over a length of lacing and tie a – secure but loose – knot.<br /><br />Repeat with the other end.<br /><br />Slide the lacing through the knots so that the two knots come together <br /><br />and allow for a hand to slip through the bracelet. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsCRbV5Xvubs7QMroKVN7-m7nWr9IT1R9dJqlkjhMi2jKrWhYkAMbsXs2BUq1tSFk1E9Kcb5c-661hXAm3ZYEJDFRf5hADdnUIaoR-FRuJI8UM2OYWjjQNcX23tgNLU20qJjljdU_MRTE/s1600-h/DSC00056.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsCRbV5Xvubs7QMroKVN7-m7nWr9IT1R9dJqlkjhMi2jKrWhYkAMbsXs2BUq1tSFk1E9Kcb5c-661hXAm3ZYEJDFRf5hADdnUIaoR-FRuJI8UM2OYWjjQNcX23tgNLU20qJjljdU_MRTE/s320/DSC00056.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5197488835038079218" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Gently pull on one of the two inner lacings. <br /><br /><br />Slide the knots toward the beads to tighten <br /><br /><br />the bracelet so it won't slip off.<br /><br />Wear yours and see if anyone asks what the colors mean.<br /><br />Then, share the Good News!Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03592558441738508163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-994263553867265345.post-56357072179005807712008-04-28T18:13:00.000-07:002009-10-06T11:14:12.331-07:00Pentecost Pageant<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRPEryFTEZpgVlfmpAJ4ECJP9Ge9b1f7PA8un9WFLr5ntQRSq86BrnF_omEbctNK9zVLHq78k_jHc3-j8UWmxHSP6tfYya6rSjiOejfKSHTCCSuAyNArMk5FuUTU7V-6cJj7aUAWVJI9E/s1600-h/DSC00033.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRPEryFTEZpgVlfmpAJ4ECJP9Ge9b1f7PA8un9WFLr5ntQRSq86BrnF_omEbctNK9zVLHq78k_jHc3-j8UWmxHSP6tfYya6rSjiOejfKSHTCCSuAyNArMk5FuUTU7V-6cJj7aUAWVJI9E/s320/DSC00033.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5197523263495923986" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Many people write Christmas Pageant scripts. Few write ones for Pentecost. That's why I enlisted my husband to help write this play. Perhaps it could help bring the Holy Spirit's message to your congregation too!<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">VOICE OF THE SPIRIT</span><br /><br />A Pentecost Pageant<br />Written by Dan and Wendy<br /><br />Copyright April 2008 <br />(Feel free to print and use this. Just don't publish it.)<br /><br /><br />(Instrumental: The Fruit of the Spirit. By Ralph P. Merrifield.<br /><a href="http://newhopemusic.com/songs.a-g/fruit.htm">Fruit of the Spirit song</a><br />John, Jesus, Paul and Peter enter and stand on the top step in front of the altar. Music stops.) <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">SCENE I – John's Message</span><br /><br />JOHN - I am John – the disciple Jesus loved. I have recorded stories of his life so that you may believe Jesus is God's Son, the Messiah. By believing in Jesus, you will have eternal life.<br /><br /> You see, Jesus came from heaven to earth as a baby. He grew up to teach God's ways. He was rejected and killed on a cross. He died to pay the price for you and me – for our sins. Three days later, God – our Father in Heaven – raised Jesus to life anew.<br /><br /> He appeared to us disciples many times and spoke about the kingdom of God. Jesus said:<br /><br /><br />JESUS - Remember. I have told you about this before. John the Baptist baptized with water. In just a few days, you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit. When the Holy Spirit has come upon you, you will receive power. Then you will tell people about me everywhere – to the ends of the earth. I must return to my Father in Heaven, so the Spirit will come. If I do not go, the Spirit will not come.<br /><br /><br />JOHN - Jesus was raised up into the heavens. A few weeks later, the day of Pentecost came. We disciples were meeting together when suddenly there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm. Flames of fire appeared and settled upon each one of us. Everyone was filled with the Holy Spirit.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Scene 2 – The Holy Spirit Enters</span><br /><br />(Pianist plays "Are You Sleeping Brother John" tune while children sing "WIND AND FIRE Song (see words below) and enter from various corners in small groups:<br />WIND - children in white lift and carry blue crepe paper streamers on a stick;<br />TONGUES of FIRE - 9 children in bright solid colors lift and carry foam-paper fireballs with Bible verse messages on the back;<br />DESCENDING DOVE (on a pole) is carried by a child dressed in white.)<br /><br /><br /><br />EVERYONE (sings to tune of "Are you Sleeping Brother John") –<br /><br />Tongues of fire. Tongues of fire.<br />Mighty wind. Mighty Wind.<br />The Holy Spirit's coming. The Holy Spirit's coming.<br />Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord.<br /><br />(Repeat as many times as it takes for the groups to come in front of the altar: Wind on the lowest step, tongues of fire on middle step, dove on top step amidst Jesus and the disciples.)<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Scene 3 – Paul's Message</span><br /><br />PAUL - I am Paul. Once I was against the followers of Jesus. I worked to put them in jail. But on the road to Damascus, I was blinded. A voice from heaven called out:<br /><br /><br />JESUS – 'Why do you persecute me?'<br /><br /><br />PAUL – It was Jesus who spoke. Later one of Jesus' followers prayed over me and I received my sight again. Now I work for the Lord, Jesus Christ, to lead others to believe in Him and the power of His Spirit.<br /><br /> We plant in the springtime and harvest in the fall. Whatever we sow, that is what we will reap. When the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us:<br /><br />(Children dressed in bright bold colors step forward with their Tongues of Fire and read/recite:)<br /><br />TONGUE #1 – LOVE. Jesus said, "My command is this: Love one another as I have loved you." John 15:12<br /><br />TONGUE #2 – JOY. The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. Psalm 126:3<br /><br />TONGUE #3 – PEACE. My peace I give to you… Do not let your hearts be troubled and not be afraid. John 14:27<br /><br />TONGUE #4 – PATIENCE. Be completely humble and gentle. Be patient, bearing with one another in love. Ephesians 4:2<br /><br />TONGUE #5 – KINDNESS. Always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else. 1 Thessalonians 5:15<br /><br />TONGUE #6 – GOODNESS. Live a life of steady goodness so that only good deeds will pour forth. James 3:13<br /><br />TONGUE #7 – FAITHNESS. He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much. Luke 16:10<br /><br />TONGUE #8 – GENTLENESS. A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1<br /><br />TONGUE # 9 – SELF-CONTROL. Knowing God leads to self-control. Self-control leads to patient endurance, and patient endurance leads to godliness. 2 Peter 1:6<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Scene 4 – Fruit of the Spirit Song</span><br /><br />(Pianst plays an intro and then pageant participants sing first two bars four times while the church choir sings the whole song once through. This will give the song a "round sound" and make it easy for even the youngest children to sing.)<br /><a href="http://newhopemusic.com/songs.a-g/fruit.htm">Fruit of the Spirit song</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPz-_ey-Q93nGfDPYl7lzYSAwG81JAqLxWlzcIte9iVmJvcKIc9h7YdDj-ZAPY_UkAj3IPsiSmeWPp7sxjuUcvvA5PzU4GbNSho9h31hCYqT6-fEeW83U2QiEbvGn9rkXs0hVxID5kFyY/s1600-h/DSC00055.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPz-_ey-Q93nGfDPYl7lzYSAwG81JAqLxWlzcIte9iVmJvcKIc9h7YdDj-ZAPY_UkAj3IPsiSmeWPp7sxjuUcvvA5PzU4GbNSho9h31hCYqT6-fEeW83U2QiEbvGn9rkXs0hVxID5kFyY/s320/DSC00055.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5197502347005192450" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Scene 5 – Peter's Message</span><br /><br />PETER - I am Peter – the disciple that Jesus commanded to care for his flock. On that Pentecost day when the Holy Spirit came upon us, many people visiting from foreign lands heard us speak about Jesus in their own languages. When the people heard about Jesus, 3,000 believed and were baptized. And the people sang and praised God.<br /><br /><br />(CHOIR sings the "Fruit of the Spirit" song while the children recess.)<br /><br /><br /> ###Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03592558441738508163noreply@blogger.com0