Thursday, October 27, 2011

Moses Parts the Sea



This Sunday in Church School, we are continuing our exciting saga of Moses with the Israelites' daring escape from Eygpt through the Red Sea.  The theme was to trust God, even though your life might take you to some pretty scary places. 

Discussion:
- Talk with your children about ways we can practice trusting God: Prayer and reading the Bible are good places to start.
- Talk with your children about the importance of asking God for help when things get scary or hard. 
- Some people find that repeating a favorite hymn, prayer, or Bible verse helps them remember to trust God in times of fear.  Talk about your favorite Bible songs and how you can sing them in your head in certain situations.

Snack Idea: Parting the Sea Jello
Materials:
- blue jello
- teddy grahams, gummy bears, or something else to represent people.
- goldfish

Simple Version:
Make a "crossing the sea" snack for your kids using a plate or tray divided into three parts.  In the middle section, put gummy bears, teddy grahams, or another snack representing the Israelites.  On each side of the Israelites, put your blue jello.  You could put goldfish on top of the jello if you are feeling ambitious.

Story-Telling Version:
Make the blue jello and cut it into squares.  Tell the story of Moses and the Israelites (the teddy grahams) running away from Pharoah and the Egyptians (other teddy grahams).  You could read it out of a children's Bible and have your children act out the story as you go along using their teddy grahams. 

Once the Israelites reach the sea (jello with goldfish on top), cut the jello in half for them to walk through on dry land.  Then cover the Egyptian teddy grahams with the jello once they try to cross!

Crafts:
We are doing similar crafts in Church School, but not all ages are participating in each.  3/4s - 2nd are making bean tambourines and 3rd - 5th are making the sea bags.  Choose whatever you think your child(ren) will like best.

Tambourine
(just like Miriam used to celebrate the Israelites' freedom)

Materials:
- 1 paper plate
- Hole punch
- String
- Small bells

Decorate the paper plate using markers, paint, crayons, stickers, etc.  Punch holes around the edge of the plate.  Tie bells to holes with string.  Voila!  A tambourine.

Sea Bag

Mix 1/4 cup cornstarch, 1/4 cup cooking oil, and blue food coloring in a small plastic ziploc.  Knead until mixed.  Get as much air out of the bag as possible.  Drag your finger through the middle to "part" the sea.

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