The Burning Bush

Marc Chagall's interpretation of Moses at the burning bush

This week in Church School, we are learning about how God called Moses from the burning bush.  We'll be talking about how God has a special plan for each of us, and that God has provided us with the gifts and talents to serve him.  Moses had it easy--most of us regular folks don't receieve messages from God in thr form of flaming shrubbery.  We have to listen more closely.  In Sunday School we talked about how God communicates with us through the Bible, church, music, or "a still, small voice."  God has already provided us with the gifts; our job is to listen.

To Discuss:
- Do you feel that you have ever received a message from God?  If so, talk to your child about it.
- If you have thought about what your own "calling" is, talk with your child about it. 
- How can God speak to us? 
- Where are special places that you talk to God?
- Where are special places where you feel close to God?

To Do:
This week at home, talk about and act on ways that your child's (or family's) special talents can be used to serve God.  Some ideas to get you going...

- Does you child love to draw or create art?  Set a time to create together.  Give your work to the deacons so that it can be given to the homebound.  Or, bring it by a local hospital or nursing home.  Talk about how art can brighten someone's day.

- Does your child love animals?  Shop for goods for Pets Alive Westchester or another animal shelter.  Deliver them in person and talk about how you used your child's special love of animals to help these cats and dogs.

- Does your child like to cook or bake?  Bake a batch of cookies together to share with a neighbor, teacher, or someone special.

- Does your child like school?  Shop for school supplies for underprivileged children together. 

Any further ideas?  Add them in the comments below!



This Sunday: Baby Moses

This Sunday we are learning all about the story of baby Moses.  I want to share an activity that I would have loved to do in Church School if we had the time: a cooking activity!  In this activity, you make an edible version of Moses in his basket.  After making this treat, your child will remember the story of baby Moses forever!

Edible Baby Moses Baskets

Supplies: chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, Chow Mein noodles, muffin cups, spoons, a cookie sheet, large bowl, small microwave safe bowl, sugar cookie dough, hot pads, spatula, cooling racks, fruit roll ups (one per child), table knives, wax paper, flour, toothpicks


Make the baby shape
• Give each child a roll of cookie dough – size of ½ a ping pong ball.
• Have the kids form a ‘baby’ by molding the cookie dough with their hands.
• Remember, the baby should be small enough to fit in the basket. As it bakes, the size will probably double. (Arm & legs may burn, so you may not want to have these)
• Bake according to directions – watch closely as these shapes are very tiny and will get done faster.
• Take out of oven and cool.

Make the basket

Place the following in a large microwave safe bowl:
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup butterscotch chips
• Microwave for 30 seconds – stir
• Microwave for an additional minute – stir
• If needed, microwave for an additional 30 seconds – stir (repeat if needed)

• Pour the chocolate mixture over a half of a 12 oz package of Chow Mein noodles – use a large bowl, as it easily spills over the edge. Stir to coat the noodles

• Place a spoonful of noodles in a muffin cup and shape into a basket. May use the back of a spoon or your fingers to shape the inside of the basket.

• Place muffin cup on a cookie sheet and place in the freezer for 5 minutes so the chocolate will set.

Make Moses' blanket
• Give each child one fruit rollup. They will cut a shape for a blanket or clothing and place around the baby.


Once you have your baby, your blanket, and your basket, put everything together and enjoy!

Below please find some additional baby Moses coloring pages:

Fall Festival Sunday

A few highlights from Fall Festival Sunday:

Sunday, 9/18: Introducing the Bible

This Sunday, we'll be introducing the Bible before we move on to Moses next Sunday.  Our theme for this Sunday comes from Psalm 119:105

 "God's word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."

Children will learn about the Bible, the difference between the Old and New Testaments, how we use the Bible, and how such an ancient text applies to our modern world.  Most importantly, we hope they take away that the Bible serves as a guide for life and tells the story of how much God loves us.

Activities for the home:

- If you have a favorite Bible verse or story, read it with your child.

- Do you have a family Bible?  Or a Bible you received at your baptism or confirmation?  Show it to your child and talk about the history behind it.

- If your child has a children's Bible, select a story or two to read.

- Sing the "B-I-B-L-E" song!  Totally dorky sing-along youtube video to help you here.

- Create an "Important Numbers" list together as a family.  Think of times when you might turn to the Bible for any reason.  For example: When your feel sad, When you feel scared, When you feel angry, When you feel anxious, When you need reassurance, When you need courage, etc.  For example:

When you feel anxious, dial  ............................  Romans 8: 38-39

Some verses to get you started:

Matthew 7:7

Matthew 11:28

Psalm 23

Psalm 46

Isaiah 43: 1-3

Phillippians 4:13

Do you have more ideas?  Please share in the comments, below!

All-Church Family Fellowship: Blessing of the Animals

Family Fellowship at RPC serves to foster friendship, fellowship, and fun between RPC members.  Don't miss our monthly family-friendly events.  Most are on Sunday nights and include dinner!

In September, our Family Fellowship event is a Blessing of the Animals.  Following in the tradition of St. Francis, we are honoring all of God's creatures.  Here's the info:

Sunday, September 25^th /  2:00pm on the Great Lawn

Bring your furry friend in person or photograph.

Children are welcome to bring their favorite stuffed animals.

September 11th Memorial Sunday

On Sunday, September 11th, Rye PC will be holding a special service of memorial and remembrance.  There will be limited Sunday School for 3/4s through 5th grade.  Middle Schoolers are encouraged to stay in the service.

Elementary school children will be in larger groups divided by age.  Since we are studying Moses this fall, Moses movies will be on the agenda.

3/4s and Kindergarten will meet in the Kindergarten classroom

1st and 2nd Grade will meet in the Library

3rd - 5th Grade will meet in the Westminster Room



A few chaperones are needed to supervise the movies.  Anyone who would like to volunteer should contact Emily Foon: efoon@ryepc.com.  Thank you!