This group is for grades 4 – 6, or anyone who would like to learn more about how to live the way Jesus taught us.

In times together and times apart, we are in community with the whole people of God.

The Season after the Epiphany offers time to explore a call from our old habits and into a fresh start.

This week, as Jesus lifts up Peter’s mother-in-law to minister to others, we consider our role in proclaiming the gospel, telling the stories that will bring healing, freedom, and wholeness to people around us.

February 7 – Coming through Captivity

Mark 1:29–39 Jesus heals, prays and preaches.

Read Mark 1:29–39 or Listen to the audio story “A Letter to Tabitha” or gather around as someone tells the story “Spreading God’s Love” that is in this week’s children’s activity leaflet.

Jesus did not heal to show off or impress the people. Jesus healed out of love and compassion. He reached out to make people’s lives better. Whether it was the relative of a friend or strangers who asked for help, when someone was in need, Jesus responded. Jesus shows his reliance on God to be filled with compassion. Our prayer lives, too, can equip us for lives of servanthood.

  • Find a “deserted place” in your home where family members can go for quiet and prayer. It doesn’t have to be elaborate; merely a quiet corner set apart as sacred. Place objects such as a chair or large pillow, a table with a cloth, candle, and Bible. Invite family members to add personal sacred items.
  • Talk about individual sources of strength. What or who helps you to feel strong? How do you feel strong as a family? Who are the people in your community who need your presence and your concern? What ways can you help them?

Nikolai sometimes felt uncertain about the right way to act. He seeks the answers to three questions, so he “would always know what to do.”
Watch and listen to Kayla Ancrum read the story “The Three Questions” by Jon. J. Muth.

page1image20032page1image20192

“Remember,” said Leo the turtle, “there is only one important time, and that time is now. The most important one is always the one you are with. And the most important thing is to do good for the one who is standing at your side. This is why we are here.”

Make a hand wreath.

Hands are important images in Mark 1:29–39, where they are used to heal, serve and pray.• Consider these actions as you create a wreath of hand shapes.
• Have each person trace a hand and cut out three copies.
• On each shape, list a way you feel called to help, heal serve, or pray.

• Fix hand shapes from each person in a circular form on poster board to create a visual prayer. (Slightly overlap each hand cut out.)

Print this week’s children’s activity leaflet, which includes the story “Spreading God’s Love,” a song and craft, and an activity.

During the week

As suggested in Mark 1:29–39, a Christian’s life – doing justice, offering hope and healing, and walking with God – requires a balance of work in the world and a connecting with God.

• Ask someone, whose active and visibly lived faith you admire, “What is one thing you find most important to remember to do in your work and in your faith?”

Play the song “Here in this Ordinary Place” throughout the week until everyone is joining in. (Available here for purchase and download.)

Visit Lection ConnectionFebruary 7, for current events that connect with this week’s scriptures.

Prayer for each day

Healing God,
we recognize you as our source of strength.
We want to be active in helping others.
Help us to find ways to serve in the way Jesus did. Amen.