ELEMENTARY KIDS & FAMILIES date:
This resource is designed to allow your family to have time in God’s Word BEFORE your children attend church. Because God’s plan is for parents to be the primary spiritual nurturers of their children’s faith, we want YOU to be the one to introduce this part of The Big God Story to them. For additional support in spiritual parenting and to learn more about creating transforming environments in your home, be sure to pick up HomeFront: A Spiritual Parenting Resource from your church, or download it at HomeFrontMag.com. You can also access the HomeFront app on your iPhone, iPad, or Android device.
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Younger Kids
Did You Know?
Your younger child may have a critical or negative attitude. Although this may frustrate you at times, it’s important for you to remain calm and patient with him. Remind your child of the many blessings given to him by God.
• The Israelites celebrated seven annual festivals: Passover, Feast of Unleavened Bread, Festival of First Fruits, Feast of Harvest, Feast of Trumpets, Day of Atonement, and the Feast of Tabernacles (or Booths).
Older Kids
• During the festivals, the Israelites ate, danced, sang, played instruments, prayed, and offered sacrifices to God.
Your child may experience worry and anxiety as she thinks about moving toward middle school. Be intentional about planning family time together to help your child feel more secure as she prepares for the many changes ahead.
• First fruits represent the joyous occasion of the first grain harvest of the spring.
REMEMBER & CELEBRATE
• In the New Testament, Jesus resurrected as the “first fruits” offering on Sunday, the day after the Passover Sabbath.
Teachable Moments
Festival of First Fruits: Celebrating God as Trustworthy
After reading Psalm 85:7–12, discuss the following together: • What does this passage tell us about God?
n Just for Fu tional act of service or
This week, give your children an addi n your kids finish this task, household chore to complete. Whe ey—over and above any give them a small amount of mon give them. Discuss the normal allowance you might ordinarily , and encourage them importance of giving their best to God ey to Him as an act to consider giving a portion of the monind your children that Rem . –12 85:7 lm Psa d Rea hip. of wors . Pray with them and thank everything we have comes from God ys providing for our needs. alwa for and hy God for being trustwort
Blessing
• What is your favorite thing about God?
• How can we remember and celebrate the things God has done for us?
For more information about blessing your child see the Blessing section in HomeFront: A Spiritual Parenting Resource.
A blessing to pray over your child: (Child’s name), God loves you very much. May you know His voice and obey Him. © 2014 David C Cook. TruResources are developed in partnership with ROCKHARBOR Church and a national network of family and children’s ministry leaders. All rights reserved.