The Fish Legend - Weekly Study

Teach children the history of the fish symbol and why it is important to Christians yet today.


You will need;
Bible
Various types of papers, materials
Paint and brushes, markers
*Or opt for suggested field trip

Read Mark 1:17 - "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men."

Ask children what the above fish symbol means. Ask if they know what it represents, when it started and why it's important. Talk to children and pass on the following legend;

The outline of a fish is a symbol for Christ. In Greek fish is said "ichtys". This fish symbol was a secret for Christians during a time when they were being persecuted. So when two strangers would meet, one would draw an arc on a rock or in the sand with his foot. If the second person completed the fish by drawing other half of the fish, then they knew both were Christians. And since they were then in "good company" they could trust one another.

For more in-depth discussion of ICHTYS; Ichtys means fish in Greek. The fish is a symbol used by followers of Christ since the early days of the church as explained above. Ichtys is an acronym for Jesus Christ God's Son Savior. Here's how it breaks down;

Iota (i) is the first letter of Iēsous (Ἰησοῦς), Greek for Jesus.
Chi (kh) is the first letter of Khristos (Χριστóς), Greek for "Christ" or "anointed".
Theta (th) is the first letter of Theou (Θεοῦ), that means "God's", genitive case of Θεóς, Theos, "God".
Upsilon (u) is the first letter of huios (Υἱός), Greek for Son.
Sigma (s) is the first letter of sōtēr (Σωτήρ), Greek for Saviour.
*anagram details sourced from wikipedia.com


After discussing the symbol and it's importance to Christians yesterday and today, complete the craft or field trip by having children practice drawing, painting or marking the fish symbol on different papers, materials and/or sand. Hands AND feet optional!!


*Field Trip Option; If you are near a sandy location, take a field trip and let children mark the symbol in the sand just as the first Christians did. Also have them write ichtys or Jesus in their fish creations. (If there is snow on the ground, go for it!)

*Road Trip Fun; The Jesus Fish Game is similar to the slug bug game (VW Bug punches), as in if you see a Jesus fish on a vehicle, sign or passer-byer, you get to punch (or preferably high-five)another player in the car.

Worry Jar - Weekly Study

Teach children worry is a waste of the beauty in life God has given them. Help them understand they shouldn't keep worry to themselves, but rather give it all to God and he'll carry their burdens.

You will need;

Bible

Worry Container - Jar/ Shoebox/ Juice Pack / Cereal Box / Soup Can

Fabric, ribbons, stickers, markers

Glue

Slips of paper and Pencil

Read;

Matthew 6:25, 27 "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink or about your body, what you will wear... Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?"

-OR-

Philippians 4:6 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God."

-OR-

Ephesians 3:20 "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."

Talk about the verse(s)... not worrying, worry doesn't change things, praying and asking God for help, trusting God, and most importantly praising God!!

Craft;

*Give each child (and yourself) a worry jar or box - we used the 10-pack juice boxes.

*Have everyone decorate their own box as they choose.

*Write one of the above Bible verses on your box.

Cut a small hole/slit in the top of each box.

Have everyone write a "worry/prayer" on a slip of paper and place it in their box.

Remind them once it goes into their jar/box - it is in God's hands and He will take care of it according to His will.

Close your evening in prayer.

God Sticks! - Weekly Study

Teach children who and what we spend around can strengthen or weaken our faith.

ALERT: This study is very MESSY. . . but fun!
*The basis for this study was found on Family Time Training and adjusted to fit our needs.

What You'll Need
Bible & Pen • Aluminum pie pan • Water • Cornstarch

Read & Talk

"Do not be deceived: Evil company corrupts good habits.” I Corinthians 15:33

“Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you." I Corinthians 15:58

Talk about a time when someone talked you into doing something you shouldn't have done because you knew it was wrong. (Perhaps someone asked you to lie?) Have children share a story too - perhaps of something a friend had them do that they knew they should not have. Then also stories of times when someone talked you into doing something that was really good and you felt proud to be part of it. (Perhaps you helped a friend with a difficult task).

Activity (MESSY!!)
On the fingertips of your child's right hand draw five symbols of "helpers" that keep them strong in their faith. (Cross, Bible, Smile for a Friend, Praying Hand, Fish). Explain these are things in life that help strengthen their faith and keep them close to God.

Now fill your pan with 1/4 Cup Water and 3/4 Cup Cornstarch. Mixture should be pretty thick. Have each person reach in a grab a glob squeezing it tightly. Explain as they hold and roll the mixture in their hands keeping it close to their Godly helpers, it (they) remain solid and strong. But as they let go of those helpers the mixture (and they) fall apart and get runny (or make not-so-good choices). Talk about how important it is for us to make sure the helpers closest to us are in line with God's desires.

You are Unique! - Weekly Study

Teach children they are one of a kind created by God and for God's purpose.

What you'll Need to Prepare;

Picture of Each Child

Puzzle Piece

Scissors

I did prep work in advance for this as it took quite a while to cut out my five "puzzles". I printed a picture of each of us on an 8 1/2 x 11" paper. Then took a large puzzle piece and traced the outline of it on the back of each photo. Then just cut the pattern. Mine made 15 piece puzzles and I put them in sandwich baggies until ready to use.


Read Jeremiah 1:5
"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born, i set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."


Talk
How God made each of them, each of us, and He knew us even before Mommy or Daddy did.
How God knows every part of them inside and out and he put them together like no one else on earth.
God created them with a special plan that no one else has.
God loves them because they are His children.

Play
Get out the Puzzles and let them discover how UNIQUE they are!
As they work their puzzles talk about how there is only one way they fit together and no other person's puzzle can fit into theirs. They are UNIQUE and perfect just the way they are, just the way God made them.

A great book to read along with this study is "God Loves You" - see my Book blog from 10/20.

Seasonal Thanks - Weekly Study

Teach children to give thanks to God - every time of year!

You Will Need
Bible
Scissors
Construction Paper
Markers
Stapler or Glue

Read Psalm 100
"Shout for joy to the Lord all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. It is he who make us and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations."

Craft
Cut construction paper into desired shapes. For this week it was autumn's colorful leaves and trees. Talk to children about every big and small thing God has made and how it is right for us to give thanks to him for those things that bring us joy. On each leaf we each selected unique things we are thankful to God for and then wrote those things down.


With all our weekly family studies we make sure to hang our work for at least the next week sometimes more. This not only serves as a reminder for the kids as to what we talked about, but fills our home with fresh and Godly artwork!

Silly or Serious - Weekly Study

Teach children NO MATTER WHAT God loves them just as they are! There is nothing they can DO that will change his love.

You Will Need;

Bible

Scissors

Magazines

Blank Paper

Glue or Glue Stick

Marker

Read

John 3:16

Philippians 1:27

Play

At the top of each child's paper write SILLY or SERIOUS. I added a cross that reads "for God". This could be a sticker or just drawn in marker. Have the children go through magazines cutting out eyes, noses and mouths and gluing them on their paper on the appropriate side; SILLY or SERIOUS. No wrong answers, let them determine which face they believe it is.

Talk with them as they cut and glue about times during their days when they can be silly for God (dancing, singing, worshipping, comedians, playtime) and times to be serious for God (tithing, prayer, Bible reading, helping others).



Remind them however they act SILLY or SERIOUS, as long as it is honoring to God - it is okay! When we smile, God does too. Enjoy!

Words - Weekly Study

This study is fun for early readers/writers as well as the whole family. It's quick and doesn't require a lot of supplies. It's also a great reminder for how positive and encouraging words do so much more than hurtful ones.

You Will Need;

Bible, 5 Pieces of Paper (each with one a large letter on it as follows; W-O-R-D-S), Markers

Talk about a time when someone said something that was not nice and how that made them feel. Have everyone share a story if they can. I've found my kids really respond well when I honestly share a story of my own as well. Read Ephesians 4:29; "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up."

Ask them why God would want us to use nice words instead of mean ones? Ask them each about the "hurtful" story they shared and how it could have been better if the words were "nicer". Then ask everyone to share a story of a time when someone said something kind to them and how that made them feel. Do they see the difference? Talk more about how God wants us to "build others up", give them examples of how to do that.

On your papers have everyone write words that are positive, helpful, kind, encouraging... here are some examples.

W - Way to Go! / Wow / Wonderful

O - Original / Obedient / Overjoyed

R - Righteous / Rejoice / Real

D - Delightful / Darling / Dedicated

S - Super / Sensational / Safe

Then hang your WORDS papers somewhere as a reminder for everyone throughout the week.

Fruit of the Spirit - Weekly Study

Teach your children about the beautiful fruits in their lives - in more ways than one!

This is a simple and tasty study.

You Will Need
Bible
Large Bowl

Small Bowl of Water
Knife

Cutting Board
8 fruits of your child's liking. (I used lemon juice as one fruit.)
8 slips of paper with the following words;
Love / Peace / Faithfulness / Patience / Gentleness / Kindness / Self-Control / Goodness

Read the following verses to your children.

John 15: 1-4 / Galatians 5: 16-17, 22

Talk to your children about Christ being a VINE and them being the FRUIT. Compare it to a plant or a vine thrown into the street - it will not grow. But if a caring gardener (GOD) waters the vine and makes sure the weeds are pulled then the vine grows yummy, sweet, good fruits. Explain how God's spirit is all of these "fruits" mentioned in the verse and He wants those same fruits in our lives too.

Have children each select a word of their choice and a matching fruit of their choice. (IE Goodness = Strawberries, Peace = Grapes, Blueberries = Self-Control) While the kids wash and prepare/cut the fruit, talk to them about what it means or looks like during their days to be "patient", "kind", and to have "self control" and go through each word one by one. Be sure to remind them it is not easy and God does not expect perfection, but it pleases him when we set our hearts in line with His desires.

In the end you will have a beautiful and delicious fruit salad for all to enjoy. Then throughout the days ahead as you eat it ask your children to remind you what each fruit stands for. you'll be pleasantly surprised how much they recall!

Mmmmm Mmmm Good!