Sunday Spirit October 21, 2018 God’s Love for Hagar and Ishmael

Read Together Genesis 21:5-21

A Summary……...Abraham has two sons. The mother of Ishmael, his first-born son, is Hagar. The mother of Isaac, his younger son, is Sarah. Sarah feels jealous about her son sharing his father’s love and home. Seeing Isaac and Ishmael together makes her angry. Abraham sends Hagar and Ishmael into the wilderness. Soon the little water they were able to carry with them is gone. Hagar and Ishmael both weep. God’s messenger comes to comfort Hagar. When Hagar looks up, she sees a well, and draws water from it to share with her son. She knows then that God is with them.

Did anything in this story upset you? Have you ever faced a situation, like Hagar, where you were hurt and afraid? How did you find comfort? Do you believe that God’s love could comfort you in situations like these?

Share God’s Love
Think of someone in your life who might feel forgotten, scared, or alone-maybe it’s another kid at school, a family member, or someone you don’t know very well. Perhaps make a card for this person and share it with them this week. Each family member could make a card or one could be made together as a family.

Pray together……
Dear God, thank you for your love that is for everyone and everything, and which breaks down all barriers. Amen.

Sunday Spirit October 14, 2018 God Invites Abram and Sarai

Read Together Genesis 12:1-3; 15:1, 5-6 
A Summary……..God Invites Abram and Sarai to leave everything they know. God promises that through Abram and Sarai’s family, all people on earth will be blessed. God calls Abram outside to look at the stars and imagine his descendants. Abram trusts God’s promises.

Abram and Sarai were very brave to leave everything they knew. Think of times when you had to be brave. What was that like? How did you feel? Often when we are brave we become a blessing for others. An example for others to follow.

Chain of Blessing
What are some ways we can be a blessing toward others? Brainstorm together as a family. Take it a step further and write down your ideas on strips of paper. Roll the pieces of paper and connect them with glue or tape to make a Chain of Blessing.

Pray together…..
Dear God, give us courage to trust you like Abram and Sarai, so we can be a blessing to others. Amen.