Jesse Trees & Advent

Hi Everyone,

Sorry I've been away so long.  We are nearly at Christmas, I bet  you're all excited.  One thing that a lot of us do in the weeks before Christmas is have an Advent calendar ... usually containing chocolate.

Well this year I'd like you to try something different ... a Jesse Tree.  So what is a Jesse Tree?  

The Jesse Tree is named from Isaiah 11:1: “A shoot will spring forth from the stump of Jesse, and a branch out of his roots.” It is a vehicle to tell the Story of God in the Old Testament, and to connect the Advent Season with the faithfulness of God across 4,000 years of history. The Branch is a biblical sign of newness out of discouragement, which became a way to talk about the expected messiah (for example, Jer 23:5). It is therefore an appropriate symbol of Jesus the Christ, who is the revelation of the grace and faithfulness of God.

Each day you read a passage from the Bible. Then you make or find a suitable item to represent that reading and hang it on the branch. The branch itself is the symbol for the first day's reading.

If you go to The Jesse Tree website you will find a pdf with more information, including daily readings and printable decorations to use if you don't want to make any.

Over on my Facebook page I'll share with you each day the reading and a picture of the decoration I've made. I'd love to see your pictures too and how you are getting on with the readings.

Let Your Little Light Shine

I hope you all enjoyed making those candles in our last lesson, don't forget to send me the pictures of them :)

Have you been learning your Memory Verse?

How do you think you can Shine like Jesus?  When we have Jesus in our lives we don't need to worry about what the mean kids say about us, we don't need to worry about fitting in our new school or club.  Why?  Because God is in on your side and in your life.  Unfortunately that doesn't mean people won't be unkind or hurt us but it does mean that it will all be worth even though it might not seem like it now.  And don't forget to talk to mum or dad if you are having any of these problems x

Here's a little game for you to play with your mum or dad, brother or sister or friend.  Click here for the instructions.

Let me know how you get on with this and if you enjoy it xx

Light of the World

Welcome to Octobers lesson on lighting up the world.  This month we'll look at John 8 v 12.  We'll be thinking about how Halloween doesn't have to be scary when we have Jesus in our lives.

Included for this week is a worksheet and craft where you make this candle.  

Don't forget all these activities are designed for adults and children to do together.

I hope you enjoy it and please do let me know how you get on.

You can view the lesson here or message me with your email for the downloadable PDF.

So What Do We Do??????

Mining God's Word is providing parents, carers, teachers, etc with crafts, games and lessons to use with children up to age 12 years so that they can learn about God.  Each month new ideas will be posted here and on our Facebook page which are free to print, share and use.  Lessons are emailed monthly as there is a charge of €15 for the year for these.

Next week will start the ideas but if you are looking for something or have a special service coming up and are trying to find something suitable let me know what it is and age group and I'll see what I can come with for you.

I look forward to speaking with you all as the time goes on and seeing pictures of what you are using the ideas for.