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“Becoming a Torchbearer”
Northbrae Church School Curriculum
Note to Teachers
This curriculum is (1) focused on story, (2) bible-based, and (3)
inclusive of world religions. It follows as a base-outline the sequence
of stories in the “Children’s Bible,” a DK (Dorling Kindersley)
publication. Our approach is to share these as stories for their value
as stories, and not as literal history. Our aim is to increase (1) the
biblical literacy of our congregation, (2) an awareness of world religions as
they relate to biblical stories, and (3) the ideas and values espoused by the
religions of the world, including Christianity.
Dianne McNenny and
Susan Brahan, who have taught Church School in the
past, are willing resources. Carolyn West and
Ron Sebring will suggest, from time to time, other stories from world
religions that are thematically consistent. We
will also suggest special dates in other religions that can be the basis for
lesson development. We may also explore poetry, music, etc. that could
go with various Sundays. While this format offers a measure of
continuity, each teacher is free to do their own planning explore other
resources, for example, “Life and Bible Times” which takes a biblical story
and relates it to current situations.
Half of the year
will be devoted to stories from the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) and half of
the year will be devoted to stories from the New Testament.
·
The first column
shows each Sunday and anything that is especially happening on that Sunday
(Forth of July, Thanksgiving, etc.)
·
The second column
suggests an overall theme for each Sunday. Please do NOT feel bound to
this. Read the story in the
Children’s Bible, and perhaps in
the scripture, and see if this theme resonates with you. Every
theme is an “itch” or a “scratch.” Each theme implies a
counterpoint. “Respect” invites a consideration of disrespect.
“Kind Speech” invites a consideration of harsh words. Considering both
may help brainstorm an approach and materials.
·
The next six
columns show the date and story for each Sunday. The middle pair is for
2008. Next to the last pair is for 2009. The
last pair, 2010. By changing the dates in the date-columns, this
curriculum will be recyclable.
·
Notice that the
more basic and familiar stories reoccur every year on a given Sunday.
On other given Sundays, the story may vary year after year, but generally
will follow the same character. When teaching, for continuity, feel
free to introduce or review the stories for the following or previous years,
to round out the character. This will foreshadow and reinforce
learning.
Carolyn West and
Ron Sebring will be assessing and expanding this curriculum. Dianne,
Susan … Please feel free to share with us any feedback you have.
Prayerfully, over time, our children and youth will have a familiarity with
Bible stories and world religions, an appreciation for the values espoused by
world religions, and a capacity for critical-thinking regarding their
beliefs. Thank you for your participation, energy, and creativity with
this program.
SUMMER THROUGH THANKSGIVING
|
Season
of Spiritual Growth
(Becoming a
Torchbearer)
Season
of Pentecost or Kingdomtide
The season of Pentecost runs
through the summer and into the fall, allowing plenty of time for slow,
steady growth. During this time, we review the stories of the Hebrew
Bible (Old Testament) and universal themes that explore the range of
virtues and vices of religious people the world over.
|
|
Becoming a Torchbearer #1
(Color
Red)
Pentecost
(Birthday of the Church)
|
Theme:
Goodness
(Goodness
of Creation, Goodness in all People)
|
June 12, 2011
|
Biblical
Story:
Creation
Story
Gen
1:1-2:4a
Children’s Bible:
p. 18
Possible Theme:
GOODNESS IN CREATION
|
May 27, 2012
|
Biblical
Story:
Creation
Story
Gen
1:1-2:4a
Children’s Bible:
p. 18
Possible Theme:
GOODNESS IN OUR CREATIVITY
|
May 19, 2013
|
Biblical
Story:
Creation
Story
Gen
1:1-2:4a
Children’s Bible:
p. 18
Possible Theme:
PEOPLE IN GOD’S LIKENESS
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Becoming a Torchbearer #2
(Color
Green)
|
Theme:
SELFISHNESS
(Overcoming
Me Centeredness)
|
Not Observed This
Year
|
Biblical
Story:
Adam
& Eve
Gen
2:4a-3
Children’s Bible:
p. 20
Possible Theme:
SELFISHNESS, ME-CENTEREDNESS
|
Not Observed This
Year
|
Biblical
Story:
Adam
& Eve
Gen
2:4a-3
Children’s Bible:
p. 20
Possible Theme:
SELFISHNESS, ME-CENTEREDNESS
|
Not Observed this
Year
|
Biblical
Story:
Adam
& Eve
Gen
2:4a-3
Children’s Bible:
p. 20
Possible Theme:
SELFISHNESS, ME-CENTEREDNESS
|
|
Becoming a Torchbearer #3
(May
21-May 28)
(Color
Green)
|
Theme:
CARING
FOR OTHERS
|
Not Observed this
Year
|
Biblical
Story:
Cain
and Abel
Gen
4
Children’s Bible:
p. 22
Possible Theme:
CARING FOR OTHERS
|
Not
Observed this Year
|
Biblical
Story:
Cain
and Abel
Gen
4
Children’s Bible:
p. 22
Possible Theme:
CARING FOR OTHERS
|
May 26, 2013
|
Biblical
Story:
Cain
and Abel
Gen
4
Children’s Bible:
p. 22
Possible Theme:
CARING FOR OTHERS
|
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Becoming a Torchbearer #4
(May
29-June 4)
(Color
Green)
|
Theme:
GUIDANCE
|
Not
observed this year
|
Biblical
Story:
Noah
Gen
6-7
Children’s Bible:
p. 24
Possible Theme:
GOD’S GUIDANCE
|
June 3, 2012
|
Biblical
Story:
Noah
Gen
7-9
Children’s Bible:
p. 26
Possible Theme:
GOD’S CARE
|
June 2, 2013
|
Biblical
Story:
Noah
Gen
6-9
Children’s Bible:
p. 24-27
Possible Theme:
GOD’S PROMISE
|
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Becoming a Torchbearer #5 (June 5-11)
(Color
Green)
|
Theme:
KIND
SPEECH
|
Not
observed this year
|
Biblical
Story:
Tower
of Babel
Gen
11
Children’s Bible:
p. 28
Possible Theme:
HARMFUL WORDS
|
June 10, 2012
|
Biblical
Story:
Tower
of Babel
Gen
11
Children’s Bible:
p. 28
Possible Theme:
HARMFUL WORDS
|
June 9, 2013
|
Biblical
Story:
Tower
of Babel
Gen
11
Children’s Bible:
p. 28
Possible Theme:
HARMFUL WORDS
|
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Becoming a Torchbearer #6
(June
12-18)
(Color
Green)
|
Theme:
FAITH
(Trust
in God, Confidence in Life)
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June 19, 2011
|
Biblical
Story:
Abraham’s
Journey
Gen
11-13,15
Children’s Bible:
p. 32
Possible Theme:
JOURNEY OF FAITH
|
June 17,
2012
|
Biblical
Story:
Abraham,
Sarah
and Hagar
Gen
16-18
Children’s Bible:
p. 34
Possible Theme:
THE DIFFICULTY OF TRUSTING
|
June 16,
2013
|
Biblical
Story:
Abraham,
Sodom
& Gomorrah
Gen
18-19
Children’s Bible:
p. 37
Possible Theme:
FAITH LEADING TO RESCUE
|
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Becoming a Torchbearer #7
(June
19-25)
(Color
Green)
|
Theme:
KIND
DEEDS
|
Not Observed this
Year
|
Biblical
Story:
Isaac
and Rebecca
Gen
24
Children’s Bible:
p. 44
Possible Theme:
KINDNESS
|
June 24,
2012
|
Biblical
Story:
Isaac
and Rebecca
Gen
24
Children’s Bible:
p. 44
Possible Theme:
KINDNESS
|
June 23, 2013
|
Biblical
Story:
Isaac
and Rebecca
Gen
24
Children’s Bible:
p. 44
Possible Theme:
KINDNESS
|
|
Becoming a Torchbearer #8
(June
26-July 2)
(Color
Green)
|
Theme:
PERSISTENCE
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June 26, 2011
|
Biblical
Story:
Jacob
and
Esau
Gen
25, 27
Children’s Bible:
p. 46
Possible Theme:
PERSISTENCE
|
July 1, 2012
|
Biblical
Story:
Jacob’s
Ladder
Gen
28
Children’s Bible:
p. 49
Possible Theme:
PERSISTENCE
|
June 30, 2013
|
Biblical
Story:
Jacob
Wrestles Angel
Gen
32-33
Children’s Bible:
p. 54
Possible Theme:
PERSISTENCE
|
|
Becoming a Torchbearer #9
(July
3-9)
(Color
Green)
(4th of July, Independence Day)
|
Theme:
FORGIVENESS
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July 3, 2011
|
Biblical
Story:
Joseph’s
Dream
Gen
37
Children’s Bible:
p. 56
Possible Theme:
JOSEPH FORGIVES AMIDST ABUSE
|
July 8, 2012
|
Biblical
Story:
Joseph’s
Trials in Egypt
Gen
39-41
Children’s Bible:
p. 58-63
Possible Theme:
JOSEPH FORGIVES AMIDST TRAILS
|
July 7, 2013
|
Biblical
Story:
Joseph
Forgives
His
Brothers
Gen
42
Children’s Bible:
p. 64
Possible Theme:
JOSEPH ALWAYS FORGIVES
|
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Becoming a Torchbearer #10
(July
10-16)
(Color
Green)
|
Theme:
SENSE
OF HOLINESS
(Sense
of sacredness, Awe, Sense of a Creating Force in Universe)
|
July 10,
2011
|
Biblical
Story:
Moses
in the Basket
Ex
1-2
Children’s Bible:
p. 68
Possible Theme:
GOD’S CARE
|
July 15,
2012
|
Biblical
Story:
Moses
at the Burning Bush
Ex
2-4
Children’s Bible:
p. 70
Possible Theme:
GOD’S NAME
|
July 14,
2013
|
Biblical
Story:
Moses
and Pharaoh
Ex
4-12
Children’s Bible:
p. 72-77
Possible Theme:
SACRED VS. SECULAR
|
|
Becoming a Torchbearer #11
(July
17-23)
(Color
Green)
|
Theme:
SENSE
OF RIGHT AND WRONG
|
July 17, 2011
|
Biblical
Story:
Moses:
Red Sea & Wilderness
Ex
13-17
Children’s Bible:
p. 78-81
Possible Theme:
NEED FOR A CODE
|
July 22, 2012
|
Biblical
Story:
Moses:
The Ten Commandments
Ex
19-20
Children’s Bible:
p. 82
Possible Theme:
MORALITY, ETHICS
|
July 21,
2013
|
Biblical
Story:
Moses:
The Ten Commandments
Ex
19-20
Children’s Bible:
p. 82
Possible Theme:
MORALITY, ETHICS
|
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Becoming a Torchbearer #12
(July
24-30)
(Color
Green)
|
Theme:
PROMISES
(Covenants)
(Being
true to our promises to God and each other)
|
July 24,
2011
|
Biblical
Story:
Moses
and the Golden Calf
Ex
32
Children’s Bible:
p. 84
Possible Theme:
IDOLATRY
|
July 29,
t012
|
Biblical
Story:
Balaam’s
Donkey
Num
22-24
Children’s Bible:
p. 86
Possible Theme:
DEFIANCE
|
July 28,
2013
|
Biblical
Story:
Moses,
the Ark and Tabernacle
Ex
25-31
Children’s Bible:
p. 16-17
Possible Theme:
COVENANT
|
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Becoming a Torchbearer #13
(July
31-Aug 6)
(Color
Green)
|
Theme:
PRUDENCE
(Cleverness,
Carefully considering consequences)
|
July 31, 2011
|
Biblical
Story:
Joshua
and Rahab
Joshua
2
Children’s Bible:
p. 93
Possible Theme:
FORESIGHT
|
Aug 5, 2012
|
Biblical
Story:
Joshua
and Jericho
Joshua
3-6
Children’s Bible:
p. 94
Possible Theme:
STRATEGY
|
Aug 4, 2013
|
Biblical
Story:
Joshua
and the City of Ai
Joshua
7-8
---
Possible Theme:
ADMITTING ONE’S MISTAKES
|
|
Becoming a Torchbearer #14
(Aug
7-13)
(Color
Green)
|
Theme:
FRIENDSHIP
|
Aug 7,
2011
|
Biblical
Story:
Gideon
Judges
6-7
Children’s Bible:
p. 96
Possible Theme:
GIDEON PICKS 300 SPECIAL FRIENDS
|
Aug 12, 2012
|
Biblical
Story:
Ruth
and Naomi
Ruth
1-4
Children’s Bible:
p. 106
Possible Theme:
FRIENDSHIP IS LOYALTY
|
Aug 11, 2013
|
Biblical
Story:
Sampson
and Delilah
Judges
16
Children’s Bible:
p. 102
Possible Theme:
SAMPSON PICKS A WRONG FRIEND
|
|
Becoming a Torchbearer #15
(Aug
14-20)
(Color
Green)
|
Theme:
DREAMS
and VISIONS
(Sense
of a Calling)
|
Aug 14, 2011
|
Biblical
Story:
Samuel’s
Call
1
Sam 1-3
Children’s Bible:
p. 108
Possible Theme:
DREAMS, VISIONS, AND A CALLING
|
Aug 19, 2012
|
Biblical
Story:
Samuel’s
Call
1
Sam 1-3
Children’s Bible:
p. 108
Possible Theme:
DREAMS, VISIONS, AND A CALLING
|
Aug 18, 2013
|
Biblical
Story:
Samuel’s
Call
1
Sam 1-3
Children’s Bible:
p. 108
Possible Theme:
DREAMS, VISIONS, AND A CALLING
|
|
Becoming a Torchbearer #16
(Aug
21-27)
(Color
Green)
|
Theme:
RESPONSIBILITY
|
Aug 14, 2011
|
Biblical
Story:
The Ark
Captured
1
Sam 4-6
Children’s Bible:
p. 110
Possible Theme:
Center of Worship
|
Aug 26, 2012
|
Biblical
Story:
Saul,
First King of Israel
1
Sam 8-10
Children’s Bible:
p.
Possible Theme:
Anointing with Oil
|
Aug 25, 2013
|
Biblical
Story:
Saul’s
Downfall
1
Sam 11,13
Children’s Bible:
p. 114
Possible Theme:
Disobedience
|
|
Becoming a Torchbearer #17
(Aug
28-Sept 3)
(Color
Green)
|
Theme:
HUMILITY
|
Aug 21, 2011
|
Biblical
Story:
David,
Second King of Israel
1
Sam 16
Children’s Bible:
p. 116
Possible Theme:
Small can be Chosen
|
Sept 2, 2012
|
Biblical
Story:
David
and Goliath
1
Sam 17
Children’s Bible:
p. 118
Possible Theme:
Small can overcome Strength
|
Sept 1, 2013
|
Biblical
Story:
David
Battles Saul
1
Sam 18-19
Children’s Bible:
p. 120
Possible Theme:
Yielding (Turning other Cheek)
|
|
Becoming a Torchbearer #18
(Sept
4-10)
(Color
Green)
|
Theme:
HANDLING
CONFLICT
|
Aug 28, 2011
|
Biblical
Story:
David,
the Outlaw
1
Sam 20,24
Children’s Bible:
p. 122
Possible Theme:
Showing Mercy
|
Sept 9, 2012
|
Biblical
Story:
David
and Abigail
1
Sam 25
Children’s Bible:
p. 124
Possible Theme:
Showing Restraint
|
Sept 8, 2013
|
Biblical
Story:
David
and Michal
2
Sam 5-6
Children’s Bible:
p. 128
Possible Theme:
Celebration
|
|
Becoming a Torchbearer #19
(Sept
11-17)
(Color
Green)
|
Theme:
NOT
JUDGING OTHERS
|
Sept 4, 2011
|
Biblical
Story:
David
and Bathsheba
2
Sam 11-12
Children’s Bible:
p. 130
Possible Theme:
Our faults prevent us Judging others
|
Sept 16, 2012
|
Biblical
Story:
David
and Bathsheba
2
Sam 11-12
Children’s Bible:
p. 130
Possible Theme:
Our faults prevent us Judging others
|
Sept 15, 2013
|
Biblical
Story:
David
and Bathsheba
2
Sam 11-12
Children’s Bible:
p. 130
Possible Theme:
Our faults prevent us Judging others
|
|
Becoming a Torchbearer #20
(Sept
18-24)
(Color
Green)
|
Theme:
MUSIC
AND POETRY
(Celebrating
thought in vehicles other than “intellectualism”)
|
Sept 18, 2011
|
Biblical
Story:
Psalms
1
Ps.
1
Children’s Bible:
p. 176
Possible Theme:
Tree: Image of goodness
|
Sept 23, 2012
|
Biblical
Story:
Psalms
8
Ps
8
Children’s Bible:
p. 196
Possible Theme:
Stars: Image of Self Worth
|
Sept 22, 2013
|
Biblical
Story:
Psalms
23
Ps
23
Children’s Bible:
p. 176
Possible Theme:
Shepherd: Image of God’s Love
|
|
Becoming a Torchbearer #21
(Sept
25-Oct 1)
(Color
Green)
|
Theme:
SACRED
SPACE
|
Sept 25, 2011
|
Biblical
Story:
Solomon’s
Temple
1
Kings 5-8
Children’s Bible:
p. 136
Possible Theme:
Sacred Space
|
Sept 30, 2012
|
Biblical
Story:
Queen
of Sheba
1
Kings 10
Children’s Bible:
p. 138
Possible Theme:
Learning from Other’s Sacred Space
|
Sept 29, 2013
|
Biblical
Story:
Solomon’s
Temple
1
Kings 5-8
Children’s Bible:
p. 136
Possible Theme:
Symbols of Faith
|
|
Becoming a Torchbearer #22
(Oct
2-8)
(Color
Green)
|
Theme:
OPENNESS
|
Oct 2, 2011
|
Biblical
Story:
Elijah,
Taken up in Chariot
2
Kings 2
Children’s Bible:
p. 146 (p. 140-145)
Possible Theme:
Letting Go to God
|
Oct 7, 2012
|
Biblical
Story:
Elisha,
Woman of Shunem
2
Kings 4
Children’s Bible:
p. 147
Possible Theme:
Openness
|
Oct 6, 2013
|
Biblical
Story:
Elisha
and Naaman
2
Kings 5
Children’s Bible:
p. 150
Possible Theme:
Surrender
|
|
Becoming a Torchbearer #23
(Oct
9-15)
(Color
Green)
|
Theme:
WISDOM
|
Oct 9, 2011
|
Biblical
Story:
Proverbs
Proverbs
10-29
Pick out two or three verses, maybe check book of quotes, come up with our own.
Possible Theme:
Getting a sense of Wise Sayings
|
Oct 14, 2012
|
Biblical
Story:
Proverbs
Proverbs
10-29
Pick out two or three verses, maybe check book of quotes, come up with our own.
Possible Theme:
Getting a sense of Wise Sayings
|
Oct 13, 2013
|
Biblical
Story:
Proverbs
Proverbs
10-29
Pick out two or three verses, maybe check book of quotes, come up with our own.
Possible Theme:
Getting a sense of Wise Sayings
|
|
Becoming a Torchbearer #24
(Oct
16-22)
(Color
Green)
|
Theme:
JUSTICE
(Fairness)
|
Oct 16, 2011
|
Biblical
Story:
Isaiah
Seeks Vision
Isaiah
6, 35,40
Children’s Bible:
p. 154
Possible Theme:
expecting people to be fair
|
Oct 21, 2012
|
Biblical
Story:
Jeremiah
and Potter’s Wheel
Jeremiah
1,18,19,24
Children’s Bible:
p. 258
Possible Theme:
God Shapes and Re-shapes Us
|
Oct 20, 2013
|
Biblical
Story:
Jeremiah
and Israel’s Captivity
Jer 38,39, 2 Kings 25
Children’s Bible:
p. 160
Possible Theme:
Call for Justice
|
|
Becoming a Torchbearer #25
(Oct
23-29)
(Color
Green)
|
Theme:
COURAGE
|
Oct 23, 2011
|
Biblical
Story:
Daniel
and Nebuchadnezzar
Daniel
1-3
Children’s Bible:
p. 162
Possible Theme:
Courage
vs. Pride
|
Oct 28, 2012
|
Biblical
Story:
Daniel
and Belshazzar
Daniel
5
Children’s Bible:
p. 165
Possible Theme:
Reading “Handwriting”
|
Oct 27, 2013
|
Biblical
Story:
Daniel,
Lion’s Den
Daniel
8
Children’s Bible:
p. 166
Possible Theme:
Courage against great Odds
|
|
Becoming a Torchbearer #26 (Oct 30-Nov 5)
(Color
Green)
(All Saint’s Sunday)
|
Theme:
SEIZING
OPPORTUNITY
(Torchbearers
or Saints are chose by circumstances for their time)
|
Oct 30, 2011
|
Biblical
Story:
Esther
becomes Queen
Esther
1-9
Children’s Bible:
p. 168
Possible Theme:
Seizing Opportunity
|
Nov 4, 2012
|
Biblical
Story:
Esther
saves her People
Esther
1-9
Children’s Bible:
p. 170
Possible Theme:
Opportunity to Claim Justice
|
Nov 3, 2013
|
Biblical
Story:
Esther
confronts Haman
Esther
1-9
Children’s Bible:
p. 170
Possible Theme:
Standing for What is Right
|
|
Becoming a Torchbearer #27
(Nov
6-12)
(Color
Green)
|
Theme:
REBUILDING
|
Nov 6, 2011
|
Biblical
Story:
Ezra
and Nehemiah
Ezra
1, Neh 1,2,4,6,8
Children’s Bible:
p. 172
Possible Theme:
Rebuilding after things are torn up
|
Nov 11, 2012
|
Biblical
Story:
Ezra
and Nehemiah
Ezra
1, Neh 1,2,4,6,8
Children’s Bible:
p. 172
Possible Theme:
Fixing Wall in front of Your House
|
Nov 10, 2013
|
Biblical
Story:
Ezra
and Nehemiah
Ezra
1, Neh 1,2,4,6,8
Children’s Bible:
p. 172
Possible Theme:
New Life, New way of Living
|
|
Becoming a Torchbearer #28
(Nov
13-19)
(Color
Green)
|
Theme:
COMPLAINING
|
Nov 13, 2011
|
Biblical
Story:
Jonah
Jonah
1-4
Children’s Bible:
p. 175
Possible Theme:
Jonah Resists God’s Call
|
Nov 18, 2012
|
Biblical
Story:
Jonah
Jonah
1-4
Children’s Bible:
p. 175
Possible Theme:
Jonah Fusses at Nineveh
|
Nov 17, 2013
|
Biblical
Story:
Jonah
Jonah
1-4
Children’s Bible:
p. 175
Possible Theme:
Jonah Complains under the Shade
|
|
Becoming a Torchbearer #29
(Nov
20-26)
(Color
Green)
(Thanksgiving Sunday)
|
Theme:
THANKSGIVING
|
Nov 20, 2011
|
Biblical
Story:
Mary
and Martha
Luke
10:41-42
Children’s Bible:
p. 236
Possible Theme:
Letting Go to What is Important
|
Nov 25, 2012
|
Biblical
Story:
Grateful
Leper
Luke
17:11-19
Sunday After Thanksgiving
---
Possible Theme:
Still Feeling
Gratitude
|
Nov 24, 2013
|
Biblical
Story:
David
Playing Harp
Psalm
23, 100
Children’s Bible:
p. 176
Possible Theme:
Feeling Secure
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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CHRISTMAS
THROUGH EASTER
|
Church
School Curriculum Story and Theme Outline
|
|
Liturgical
Season
|
Overall
Theme / Value
|
Date
|
Year
A
|
Date
|
Year
B
|
Date
|
Year
C
|
|
|
|
Season
of Anticipation
Advent
The mood of Advent is
like anticipating a special guest. We clean our home, set things in
order, put up decorations. On the evening before the guest arrives,
we relax and look forward to the morning.
|
|
ADVENT 1
(Color:
purple)
See a vision of a world peace with justice
|
Theme:
HOPE
(Work
on Christmas Pageant)
|
Nov 28, 2010
|
Biblical
Story:
Son for
Zechariah
Luke
1
Children’s Bible:
p. 184
Possible Theme:
Hope for our dreams
|
Nov 27, 2011
|
Biblical
Story:
Angel
Appears to Mary
Luke
1
Children’s Bible:
p. 186
Possible Theme:
WILLINGNESS TO PLAY A PART
|
Dec 2, 2012
|
Biblical
Story:
Birth
of John
Luke
1
Children’s Bible:
p. 188
Possible Theme:
HOPE FOR THE WHOLE NATION
|
|
ADVENT 2
(Color:
purple)
Get ready for it, be prepared for it
|
Theme:
PEACE
(Work
on Christmas Pageant)
|
Dec 5, 2010
|
Biblical
Story:
The
Wise Men
Matthew
2
Children’s Bible:
p. 196
Possible Theme:
Wise men’s gifts for peace
|
Dec 4, 2011
|
Biblical
Story:
Shepherds’
Visit
Luke
2
Children’s Bible:
p. 192
Possible Theme:
aNGEL’S SONG of peace
|
Dec 9, 2012
|
Biblical
Story:
Birth
of Jesus
Matt
1, Luke 2
Children’s Bible:
p. 190
Possible Theme:
peace FOR THE WORLD
|
|
ADVENT 3
(Color:
pink)
Quietly explore what makes us joyful
|
Theme:
JOY
(Work
on Christmas Pageant)
|
Dec 12, 2010
|
Biblical
Story:
Joy in
Temple
Luke
2
Children’s Bible:
p. 194
Possible Theme:
Anna’s joy
|
Dec 11, 2011
|
Biblical
Story:
Birth
of Jesus
Matt
1, Luke 2
Children’s Bible:
p. 190
Possible Theme:
joy FOR THE WORLD
|
Dec 16, 2012
|
Biblical
Story:
Joy in
Temple
Luke
2
Children’s Bible:
p. 194
Possible Theme:
Simeon’s joy
|
|
ADVENT 4
(Color:
purple)
It manifests when people Love
|
Theme:
LOVE
(Empathy)
(Work
on Christmas Pageant)
|
Dec19, 2010
|
Biblical
Story:
Birth
of Jesus
Matt
1, Luke 2
Children’s Bible:
p. 190
Possible Theme:
Love FOR THE WORLD
|
Dec 18, 2011
|
Biblical
Story:
Flight
into Egypt
Matthew
2
Children’s Bible:
p. 198
Possible Theme:
protecting love
|
Dec 23, 2012
|
Biblical
Story:
Jesus
in Temple
Luke
2
Children’s Bible:
p. 200
Possible Theme:
growing in love
|
|
|
|
Season
of Celebration
Christmas
(Emanuel = God with us)
The mood of Christmas
is like the arrival of our special guest. Having cleaned up our homes
through Advent, we welcome them. As we visit with them, we soak up
their wisdom, inspiration, promise.
|
|
1st
SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS
(Color:
White)
Celebrating the dawning of “Light”
|
Theme:
LIGHT
(A
sense of Divine Presence = insight, inspiration, a sense of awe,
enlightenment)
|
Dec 26, 2010
|
Biblical
Story:
Birth
of Jesus
Matt
1, Luke 2
Children’s Bible:
p. 190
Possible Theme:
emanuel = god’s light is with us
|
Jan 1, 2011
|
Biblical
Story:
Birth
of Jesus
Matt
1, Luke 2
Children’s Bible:
p. 190
Possible Theme:
emanuel = god’s light is with us
|
Dec 30, 2012
|
Biblical
Story:
Birth
of Jesus
Matt
1, Luke 2
Children’s Bible:
p. 190
Possible Theme:
emanuel = god’s light is with us
|
|
2nd
SUNDAY AFTER
CHRISTMAS
(Color:
White)
John 1:1-5,14 … “The Word became flesh”
|
Theme:
INCARNATION
---
EMANUEL
(Spirit
of Divinity lives within us)
|
Jan 2, 2011
|
Biblical
Story:
Review
NT Background
John
1:1-5,14
Children’s Bible:
p. 180-183
Possible Theme:
divinity emerges in particular
places & people
|
Not Observe this
Year
|
Biblical
Story:
Review
NT Background
John
1:1-5,14
Children’s Bible:
p. 180-183
Possible Theme:
divinity emerges in particular
places & people
|
Not Observed this
Year
|
Biblical
Story:
Review
NT Background
John
1:1-5,14
Children’s Bible:
p. 180-183
Possible Theme:
divinity emerges in particular
places & people
|
|
|
|
|
Season
of Inspiration
Epiphany
(“A-Ha” experiences)
The mood of Epiphany
is as if our special guest departs, and we realize that the spirit of our
guest remains with us. We discover, in our daily lives, how “real”
are the wisdom, presence, and teachings of our guest.
|
|
epiphany
(Always
on Jan 6)
“The Coming of the Wise Men”
---
(Color
Green)
|
Theme:
INCLUSIVENESS
(Wisdom,
from another religion and culture, recognized the universal significance of
Jesus)
|
Epiphany not on
Sunday this Year
|
Biblical
Story:
The
Wise Men
Matthew
2
Children’s Bible:
p. 196
Possible Theme:
(inclusiveness)
|
Epiphany
not on Sunday this Year
|
Biblical
Story:
The
Wise Men
Matthew
2
Children’s Bible:
p. 196
Possible Theme:
(inclusiveness)
|
Jan 6, 2013
|
Biblical
Story:
The
Wise Men
Matthew
2
Children’s Bible:
p. 196
Possible Theme:
(inclusiveness)
|
|
|
1ST AFTER Epiphany
(Jan
7-13)
(Color
Green)
|
Theme:
NEW
STARTS
(Every
moment is a beginning, “rebirth”)
|
Jan 9, 2011
|
Biblical
Story:
Jesus
Baptized
Mt
3, Mk 1, Lk 3
Children’s Bible:
p. 202
Possible Theme:
BEGINNING OF MINISTRY
|
Jan 8, 2012
|
Biblical
Story:
Jesus
in Temple
Luke
2
Children’s Bible:
p. 200
Possible Theme:
Child learning for life
|
Jan 13, 2013
|
Biblical
Story:
Jesus
Baptized
Mt
3, Mk 1, Lk 3
Children’s Bible:
p. 202
Possible Theme:
BEGINNING OF MINISTRY
|
|
2ND AFTER Epiphany
(Jan
14-21)
(Color
Green)
|
Theme:
TRIALS
OF LIFE
(Difficult
times can be times of learning, testing, training)
|
Jan 16, 2011
|
Biblical
Story:
Jesus
in Wilderness
Mt
4, Mk 1, Lk 4
Children’s Bible:
p. 204
Possible Theme:
selfishness source of temptations
|
Jan 15, 2012
|
Biblical
Story:
Jesus
in Wilderness
Mt
4, Mk 1, Lk 4
Children’s Bible:
p. 204
Possible Theme:
jesus found inner strength
|
Jan 20, 2013
|
Biblical
Story:
Jesus
in Wilderness
Mt
4, Mk 1, Lk 4
Children’s Bible:
p. 204
Possible Theme:
Angels cared for Jesus
|
|
3RD AFTER Epiphany
(Jan
22-28)
(Color
Green)
|
Theme:
CHOOSING
OUR FRIENDS
(Picking
the people we want to be around)
|
Jan 23, 2011
|
Biblical
Story:
Jesus
calls Disciples
Mt
4,9,10, Lk 5,6
Children’s Bible:
p. 210
Possible Theme:
People from whom we learn
|
Jan 22, 2012
|
Biblical
Story:
Marriage
Feast, Cana of Galilee
John
2
Children’s Bible:
p. 212
Possible Theme:
People with whom we have fun
|
Jan 27, 2013
|
Biblical
Story:
Jesus
calls Disciples
Mt
4,9,10, Lk 5,6
Children’s Bible:
p. 210
Possible Theme:
People we may learn from us
|
|
4TH AFTER Epiphany
When observed
(---)
(Color
Green)
|
Theme:
CONTENTMENT
(Contentment,
equanimity, evenness, a key manifestation of spirituality, reveals itself
in relaxed play)
|
Jan 30, 2011
|
Biblical
Story:
Paul
Content in Prison
Philippians
4:11-13
Children’s Bible:
Choice
---
Paul, in prison writes a “thank you”
letter RE being content
|
Jan 29, 2012
|
Biblical
Story:
The
Wedding Feast
John
2:1-11
Children’s Bible:
Choice
---
:
This is a party, people are having fun
|
Mar 3, 2013
|
Biblical
Story:
Jesus
and the Children
Mt
18-19, Lk 9,18
Children’s Bible:
p. 246
:
Children were playing and having fun
|
|
|
5TH AFTER Epiphany
When observed
(---)
(Color
Green)
|
Theme:
HUMILITY
(Humility
is overcoming arrogance before God)
|
Feb 6, 2011
|
Biblical
Story:
Pharisee
and Tax Collector
Luke
18
Children’s Bible:
p. 245
Possible Theme:
What is humility
|
Feb 5, 2012
|
Biblical
Story:
Pharisee
and Tax Collector
Luke
18
Children’s Bible:
p. 245
Possible Theme:
What is humility
|
Not Observed this
Year
|
Biblical
Story:
Lazarus
and the Rich Man
Luke
16
Children’s Bible:
p. 244
Possible Theme:
a picture of arrogance
|
|
|
6TH AFTER Epiphany
When
observed
(---)
(Color
Green)
|
Theme:
FAIRNESS
(Justice
comes from an inward sense of fundamental fairness)
|
Feb 13, 2011
|
Biblical
Story:
Workers
in the Vineyard
Mt
20
Children’s Bible:
p. 250
Possible Theme:
What is Fairness
|
Feb 12, 2012
|
Biblical
Story:
Workers
in the Vineyard
Mt
20
Children’s Bible:
p. 250
Possible Theme:
What is Fairness
|
Not Observed
this Year
|
Biblical
Story:
Workers
in the Vineyard
Mt
20
Children’s Bible:
p. 250
Possible Theme:
What is Fairness
|
|
|
7TH AFTER Epiphany
When
observed
(---)
(Color
Green)
|
Theme:
GRACE
(Grace
is God’s unconditional positive regard for you and me, no matter what)
|
Feb 20, 2011
|
Biblical
Story:
Self
Worth, Self Esteem via being accepted by the Universe
Ephesians
2:8-9
Children’s Bible:
Choice
---
|
Not
Observed this Year
|
Biblical
Story:
Self
Worth, Self Esteem via being accepted by the Universe
Ephesians
2:8-9
Children’s Bible:
---
:
Grace = i’m ok, you’re ok
|
Not
Observed this Year
|
Biblical
Story:
Self
Worth, Self Esteem via being accepted by the Universe
Ephesians
2:8-9
Children’s Bible:
---
:
Grace = i’m ok, you’re ok
|
|
|
8TH AFTER Epiphany
When observed
(---)
(Color
Green)
|
Theme:
RECONCILIATION
(Building
Bridges)
|
Feb 27, 2011
|
Biblical
Story:
Reconciliation
= healing broken relationships, self and others
2
Corinthians 5:18-19
Children’s Bible:
---
Possible Theme:
How do we heal broken relationships
|
Not
Observed this Year
|
Biblical
Story:
Reconciliation
= healing broken relationships, self and others
2
Corinthians 5:18-19
Children’s Bible:
---
Possible Theme:
How do we heal broken relationships
|
Not
Observed this Year
|
Biblical
Story:
Reconciliation
= healing broken relationships, self and others
2
Corinthians 5:18-19
Children’s Bible:
---
Possible Theme:
How do we heal broken relationships
|
|
|
9TH AFTER Epiphany
When observed
(---)
(Color
Green)
|
Theme:
WORSHIP
Worship
is serving that in which we find value)
|
Not
Observed this Year
|
Biblical
Story:
“Worth-ship”
What is of Worth (most important) in Life?
John
4:24
Children’s Bible:
---
Possible Theme:
Finding value, noticing worth
|
Not Observed
this Year
|
Biblical
Story:
“Worth-ship”
What is of Worth (most important) in Life?
John
4:24
Children’s Bible:
---
Possible Theme:
Finding value, noticing worth
|
Not
Observed this Year
|
Biblical
Story:
“Worth-ship”
What is of Worth (most important) in Life?
John
4:24
Children’s Bible:
---
Possible Theme:
Finding value, noticing worth
|
|
lAST OF Epiphany
Transfiguration Sunday
---
(Color
Green)
|
Theme:
CHANGE
(Change
makes possible anything new)
|
Mar 6, 2011
|
Biblical
Story:
The
Transfiguration
Mt
16-17, Lk 9
Children’s Bible:
p. 234
Possible Theme:
How do people change
|
Feb 19, 2012
|
Biblical
Story:
The
Transfiguration
Mt
16-17, Lk 9
Children’s Bible:
p. 234
Possible Theme:
when do we need to change
|
Feb 10, 2013
|
Biblical
Story:
The
Transfiguration
Mt
16-17, Lk 9
Children’s Bible:
p. 234
Possible Theme:
why change
|
|
|
|
Season
of Reflection
LENT (purifying
our hearts)
The mood of Lent is
like that of Advent. We prepare the inside of our homes for a return
visit of our special guest. This time, our guest will bring us a
precious gift, a pearl beyond any price. It’s “deep cleaning” time.
|
|
lent #1
---
(Color
Purple)
|
Theme:
COMPASSION
(Do no
harm)
|
Mar 13, 2011
|
Biblical
Story:
The
Good Samaritan
Luke
10
Children’s Bible:
p. 232
Possible Theme:
helping a stranger
|
Feb 26, 2012
|
Biblical
Story:
The
Good Samaritan
Luke
10
Children’s Bible:
p. 232
Possible Theme:
crossing racial barriers
|
Feb 17, 2013
|
Biblical
Story:
The
Good Samaritan
Luke
10
Children’s Bible:
p. 232
Possible Theme:
giving a little extra
|
|
lent #2
---
(Color
Purple)
|
Theme:
INTEGRITY
(Do not
deceive)
|
Mar 20, 2011
|
Biblical
Story:
Jesus
in Garden
Mt
26, Mk 14, Lk 22
Children’s Bible:
p. 266
Possible Theme:
being true to oneself
|
Mar 4, 2012
|
Biblical
Story:
Jesus
in Garden
Mt
26, Mk 14, Lk 22
Children’s Bible:
p. 266
Possible Theme:
Praying for one’s needs
|
Feb 24, 2013
|
Biblical
Story:
Jesus
in Garden
Mt
26, Mk 14, Lk 22
Children’s Bible:
p. 266
Possible Theme:
letting go to god
|
|
lent #3
---
(Color
Purple)
|
Theme:
HONESTY
(Do not
steal)
|
Mar 27, 2011
|
Biblical
Story:
Jesus
throws Moneychangers out of Temple
Mt
21, Lk 19-20
Children’s Bible:
p. 258
Possible Theme:
human need for honesty
|
Mar 11, 2012
|
Biblical
Story:
Jesus
throws Moneychangers out of Temple
Mt
21, Lk 19-20
Children’s Bible:
p. 258
Possible Theme:
Jesus stands up for honesty
|
Mar 3, 2013
|
Biblical
Story:
Jesus
throws Moneychangers out of Temple
Mt
21, Lk 19-20
Children’s Bible:
p. 258
Possible Theme:
worship needs honesty
|
|
lent #4
---
(Color
Purple)
|
Theme:
HONOR
(Do not
dishonor another person)
|
April 3, 2011
|
Biblical
Story:
Judas
Betrays Jesus
Mt
26, Mk 14, Lk 22
Children’s Bible:
p. 266
Possible Theme:
Avoid hurting others
|
Mar 18, 2012
|
Biblical
Story:
Peter
Denies Jesus
Mt
26, Mk 14, Lk 22
Children’s Bible:
p. 268
Possible Theme:
avoid saying bad things about others
|
Mar 10, 2013
|
Biblical
Story:
Jesus
before Sanhedrin
Mt
26-27, Lk 22-23
Children’s Bible:
p. 270
Possible Theme:
claiming self-esteem, dignity
|
|
lent #5
---
(Color
Purple)
|
Theme:
ACCEPTANCE
(Do not
covet/envy)
|
April 10, 2011
|
Biblical
Story:
Last
Supper
Mt
26, Mk 14, Lk 22
Children’s Bible:
p. 264
Possible Theme:
Communion means no jealousy
|
Mar 25, 2012
|
Biblical
Story:
Last
Supper
Mt
26, Mk 14, Lk 22
Children’s Bible:
p. 264
Possible Theme:
communion is wishing good for others
|
Mar 17, 2013
|
Biblical
Story:
Last
Supper
Mt
26, Mk 14, Lk 22
Children’s Bible:
p. 264
Possible Theme:
Communion means all are equal
|
|
Sunday Before Easter
---
(Color
Purple)
(Passion or Palm Sunday)
|
Theme:
ROOTS
AND WINGS
(Honoring
ancestors and future possibilities)
|
April 17, 2011
|
Biblical
Story:
Jesus
Enters Jerusalem
Mt
21, Mk 11, Lk 19
Children’s Bible:
p. 256
Possible Theme:
hope for better world
|
April 1,
2012
|
Biblical
Story:
Jesus
Enters Jerusalem
Mt
21, Mk 11, Lk 19
Children’s Bible:
p. 256
Possible Theme:
honoring parents
|
Mar 24, 2013
|
Biblical
Story:
Jesus
Enters Jerusalem
Mt
21, Mk 11, Lk 19
Children’s Bible:
p. 256
Possible Theme:
From the past to a promise
|
|
|
|
Season
of Resurrection
EASTER
(Renewal, Rebirth)
The mood of Easter is
as if our special guest has returned and will stay with us for a
while. Our guest shares with us the precious, intangible pearl (How
to draw close to Divinity).
|
|
EASTER SUNDAY
(First
Sunday after the first full moon after the Spring Equinox)
Beginning the Easter Season
---
(Color
White)
|
Theme:
SENSING
HOLINESS
(“Hallowed
be thy name” – “Name” in Hebrew refers to “Power”)
|
April 24, 2011March
23, 2008
|
Biblical
Story:
The
Resurrection
Mt
28, Mk 16, Lk 24
Children’s Bible:
p. 276
Possible Theme:
power of god to renew, recreate life
|
April 8,
201212, 2009
|
Biblical
Story:
The
Resurrection
Mt
28, Mk 16, Lk 24
Children’s Bible:
p. 276
Possible Theme:
power of god to renew, recreate life
|
Mar 31, 2013April
4, 2010
|
Biblical
Story:
Road to
Emmaus
Lk 24, Jn 20
Children’s Bible:
p. 278
Possible Theme:
noticing newness, things blooming,
new starts
|
|
2nd Sunday of Easter
---
(Color
White)
|
Theme:
WELCOMING
GOD’S HOLY REALM
(“Thy
kingdom come”)
|
May 1, 2011March
30, 2008
|
Biblical
Story:
Feeding
the Five Thousand
Mt
14, Mk 6, Lk 9
Children’s Bible:
p. 228
Possible Theme:
unexpected prosperity
|
April 15, 201219,
2009
|
Biblical
Story:
The Sower
Mt
13, Mk 4, Lk 8
Children’s Bible:
p. 224
Possible Theme:
scattering possibilities
|
April 7, 201311,
2010
|
Biblical
Story:
Mary
and Martha
Lk 10, Jn 11
Children’s Bible:
p. 236
Possible Theme:
being “Mary” in a “Martha” world
|
|
3rd Sunday of Easter
---
(Color
White)
|
Theme:
YIELDING
(“Thy
will be done)
|
May 8, 2011April
6, 2008
|
Biblical
Story:
Jesus
Walks on Water
Mt
14, Mk 6, Jn 6
Children’s Bible:
p. 230
Possible Theme:
Trusting Life to hold us up
|
April 22, 201226,
2009
|
Biblical
Story:
Jesus
Calms the Strom
Mt
8, Mk 4, Lk 8xx
Children’s Bible:
p. 220
Possible Theme:
Relaxing and waiting from storm to
calm
|
April 14, 201318,
2010
|
Biblical
Story:
Jesus
Praying in the Garden
Mt
26, Mk 14, Lk 22
Children’s Bible:
p. 266
Possible Theme:
Jesus says, “not my will, but thine
be done”
|
|
4th Sunday of easter
---
(Color
White)
|
Theme:
DAILY
SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINE
(“Give
us this day our daily bread”)
|
May 15, 2011April
13, 2008
|
Biblical
Story:
Jesus
Raises Lazarus
Lk 10, Jn 11
Children’s Bible:
p. 236
Possible Theme:
Getting out of that “crawling into a
cave” feeling
|
April 29, 2012May
3, 2009
|
Biblical
Story:
Zacchaeus Dines with Jesus
Lk 19
Children’s Bible:
p. 248
Possible Theme:
being fed in spite of who we are
|
April 21, 201325,
2010
|
Biblical
Story:
Jesus
Heals the Paralytic
Mt
8-9, Lk 5
Children’s Bible:
p. 216
Possible Theme:
awaiting god’s healing touch
|
|
5th Sunday of easter
---
(Color
White)
|
Theme:
OVERCOMING
GUILT
(“Forgive
us our debts”—our sense of forgiveness)
|
May 22, 2011April
20, 2008
|
Biblical
Story:
The
Prodigal Son
Lk 15
Children’s Bible:
p. 240
Possible Theme:
father welcomed the prodigal son
|
May 6, 201210,
2009
|
Biblical
Story:
The
Prodigal Son
Lk 15
Children’s Bible:
p. 240
Possible Theme:
father welcomed the prodigal son
|
April 28, 2013May
2, 2010
|
Biblical
Story:
The
Lost Sheep
Mt
18, Lk 15
Children’s Bible:
p. 238
Possible Theme:
God cares
|
|
6th sunday of easter
---
(Color
White)
|
Theme:
OVERCOMING
RESENTMENT
(“As
we forgive our debtors”—forgiving our past)
|
May 29, 2011April
27, 2008
|
Biblical
Story:
The
Prodigal Son
Lk 15
Children’s Bible:
p. 240
Possible Theme:
older brother felt resentful
|
May 13, 201217,
2009
|
Biblical
Story:
The
Prodigal Son
Lk 15
Children’s Bible:
p. 240
Possible Theme:
older brother felt resentful
|
May 5, 20139,
2010
|
Biblical
Story:
The
Unmerciful Servant
Mt
18
Children’s Bible:
p. 242
Possible Theme:
fate of the unmerciful
|
|
7 th
sunday of easter
---
(Color
White)
|
Theme:
THE
GUIDANCE OF INSPIRATION
(“Lead
us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil”)
|
June 5, 2011May
4, 2008
|
Biblical
Story:
Wise
and Foolish Maidens
Mt
25
Children’s Bible:
p. 252
Possible Theme:
Being awake
|
May 20, 201224,
2009
|
Biblical
Story:
The
Ascension
Lk 24, Jn 21
Children’s Bible:
p. 280
Possible Theme:
Raising above the fray
|
May 12, 201316,
2010
|
Biblical
Story:
Tongues
of Fire
Acts
1-2
Children’s Bible:
p. 284
Possible Theme:
Enthusiasm, what can we get excited
about?
|
|