"A Very Good Song" from "The Book of Belonging"

Growing with God

Rev. Madeline greets the children and discusses a story Jesus told from a boat about seeds scattered in different places, noting that some grow quickly and wither, some do not grow, and some become healthy plants. She explains that this kind of story is a parable, which Max describes as a very special story Jesus likes to tell using imaginative and sometimes confusing images to help people wonder about God. The group talks about why Jesus uses seeds and plants, mentioning that plants are needed to stay alive and that seeds, like people, can grow with God. Rev. Madeline connects plant growth to needing time, sun, water, and nurturing, and invites the children to listen during the communion prayer for references to God’s creation before they sing.00:00 Morning Greeting00:05 Recalling the Story01:23 What Is a Parable02:10 Seeds and Growing03:49 What Helps Us Grow04:38 Communion Listening Challenge04:56 Ready to Sing

Letting Jesus Lift Our Burdens: Worry, Anger, and Sadness

Deacon Pete greets the children and explains that in the gospel reading Jesus teaches everyone carries burdens that slow them down. Using props, he shows three common burdens: a heavy “book of worry” about things like homework, family, or getting to school; a heavy glass container representing anger at what someone said or did; and a “rock of sadness” that hurts the heart. He contrasts these with a light, empty bag to illustrate how Jesus wants people to live without carrying these weights, feeling free and light. 00:00 Welcome and Check In00:11 Jesus and Our Burdens00:55 The Weight of Worry01:44 Carrying Anger02:32 The Rock of Sadness03:02 Living Light With Jesus03:57 Closing Song

Father’s Day Children’s Sermon: God Knows and Loves You

On Father’s Day, Mother Paige talks with the children about celebrating their dads with presents, cards, love, and hugs, including a funny story about waking Dad up like a rooster. She connects the day to summer Bible readings in which Jesus teaches what God is like, focusing on the image that God has counted the hairs on our heads. The conversation highlights that dads don’t know every detail like that, but God knows everything about each person and loves them, even before they understand themselves. She encourages the children to remember this when they feel misunderstood or confused, trusting that God’s knowledge and love can bring peace and strength, and then invites everyone to stand and sing about peace like a river.00:00 Father's Day Greetings00:21 Rooster Wake Up00:46 Summer Bible Stories01:21 Counted Hairs Lesson02:14 God Knows You03:35 Peace Like a River

Exploring Faith: God's Love in Difficult Times

Mother Paige greets the children and, instead of focusing on the long gospel passage, teaches them a key line from Romans by having them repeat: “Suffering produces endurance, endurance produces character, character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us,” because God’s love has been poured into their hearts through the Holy Spirit. She explains this can be misunderstood as God causing suffering to give hope, but says life can be hard and God does not inflict pain; rather, God is with us to redeem and transform difficult times. She connects this to the cross, noting that Jesus suffered yet overcame death and gives new life and grace. She has the children repeat the phrase again, encourages them to remember and practice it. 00:00 Welcome and Setup 00:08 Romans Phrase Call and Response 01:17 What It Really Means 02:00 The Cross and Redemption 02:08 Repeat the Mantra Together 02:45 Hold Onto Hope 02:59 Song

Building a House Where Love Can Dwell

Rev. Madeline leads a children’s sermon based on the song lyric “Let us build a house where love can dwell,” asking kids why it talks about building a house and what that house might include. Children suggest a church or community space where people can pray, be with God, and become friends, mentioning crosses, baptismal font, and being nice. They brainstorm many practical and welcoming elements—food (hot dog stand, donuts, coffee/tea), tables, plates, seats, couches, beds, lights, windows, books and Bibles, toys and crayons, musical instruments and music, flowers, pets, Band-Aids, hugs, and families—along with imaginative ideas like a fire pit, golden pit, an ark, and animals. She emphasizes that every time they come to church, they are working on building this loving community, and that they need everyone.00:00 Welcome and Song Theme00:03 Why Build a House00:58 What the House Needs01:42 Rapid Fire Ideas03:08 Keep Building Together03:33 Comfort and Care Items04:22 Everyone Belongs04:34 Closing Affirmations