Basics – Page 15 – Family Faith Companion

A milestone!

Posted on May 22, 2013May 17, 2015 by Carol Hulbert

Kindergarteners with their new Bibles/devotional books

These kids (and a few that were missing) passed a milestone on Sunday. Since many are starting to become readers, they received a gift from FUMC. Ahead of time they chose a Bible storybook, or a book of devotions. They also previewed (via a tour!) what Cool Disciples would be like when they become 1st graders. Here are a few notable differences about being “upstairs” kids:

They will be rotating!
(This is, after all, called the Workshop Rotation Model™, which you can learn more about here.) While in Kindergarten, the workshops came to the kids. As 1st graders they’ll be visiting the workshops – physically moving – to a different workshop each week.
How do we figure out where they go?
Check out the Children’s Ministries page in the bulletin. Or ahead of time at home (or from your smartphone on your way to church – not the driver of course!) you can check out the schedule post.
After the children’s moment in church, there is a large mob of kids – how does my 1st grader survive?
We’ve got a system. First graders are big kids, but the older kids can look bigger! To help out with this, the 1st graders gather in the hallway outside of the Sanctuary. This allows all of the older kids to ~~run excitedly~~ walk ahead to their workshops. A volunteer Shepherd greets the 1st graders outside of the Sanctuary. (Look for the person holding the orange 1st grade banner.) After the older kids have disbursed, the first grade goes as a group to their workshop.
On the first few weeks next fall, you may want to help your child find the banner and say goodbye in the hall; then once they are familiar with the process, you can let them leave the Sanctuary by themselves.
Do I need to sign them in and out?
Nope. 1st and 2nd graders will wait after class with an adult in their workshop, for pick-up by a parental unit. (3rd grade and up are dismissed to meet their families.) When you pick up your child do at least make eye contact with your child’s Shepherd!
What is a Shepherd (and how else can I get involved in this great program?
Glad you asked! Shepherds rotate with a class. They get to know the kids and help out as directed by the Workshop Leader (by taking attendance, forming groups of kids for a game, or assigning roles to puppeteers). Ideally Shepherds would serve twice a month from Sept. through May. There are many other ways to get involved. Email Beth Pascoe to ask more questions!

Oh, there is one more change… something that you as parents/caregivers have complete control of… (perhaps you’ve already implemented this?)

Continue the faith dialogue at home.

Journey with us; your family’s faith companion.

Photo credits:
Photos are from my archives.

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Joseph in Egypt: A Reading Plan

Posted on May 8, 2013June 27, 2013 by Carol Hulbert

To print out this discussion guide from a Google Doc, click here.

Our current Rotation covers part two of the Old Testament story of Joseph and his brothers. We covered part one – the “colorful” coat portion of the story – in January and February. A review of part one (with a printable discussion) is here.

Part two concludes the cliffhanger that part one left off at – what happens to Joseph in Egypt?!? Because our story winds its way through several chapters in Genesis (39:1-5, 39:20-45:28, 46:1-7, 50:15-21) here is part one of a reading plan that breaks it down into manageable chunks so that you can all read the story over several days/weeks. Just read a passage and then discuss the associated question(s)/do the activities. Make it a habit to get out a Bible at the family dinner table. (Or wherever your family is gathered together.)

* A review question

Read in Genesis	Discuss…
37:3-4 *	Who was “Israel?” (Hint: It’s a name God gave someone; if stumped check out Genesis 32:28)
37:23-24 *	How does this special robe end up getting Joseph into a heap of trouble? Have you ever gotten into trouble because of jealousy? (Adults: ‘fess up time)
37:25-28 *	The next thing Joseph knows, he’s headed for Egypt (and I suppose he’s not riding a camel). When has a sudden turn of events surprised you? How do you suppose Joseph is feeling? What do you imagine his prayers to God sound like?
39:1	Where would you put Joseph’s trust-in-God-level at this point in the story? (not so much, a little bit, still strong?) Do you suppose it’s a good idea to prepare for the next rough situation, by strengthening your trust in God? Brainstorm some ideas for building trust. Create a list for the ‘fridge.
39:2-5	What do you suppose Potiphar saw that made him conclude: “the Lord is with Joseph”? What would it look like if someone noticed that God was with you?
39:20	Joseph was accused of doing something that he didn’t do. Where would you put Joseph’s “trust-in-God-level” at this point in the story? Tell about a time when you were at that place on the “trust-in-God-meter.”
39:20c-23	How do you suppose Joseph is feeling now? What does it feel like to know that God is with you? Bonus question for 3rd grade & up: what does the little “c” mean in “39:20c”?
40:1-8	How did Joseph come to interpret the dreams of the kings workers? (Hint: verse 7). What does this tell you about being sensitive to the needs of those around you? Speculate about where it might lead you if you notice someone’s needs today?
40:9-23 For < 3rd grade stop at verse 15	Do you suppose God speaks to us through dreams?  What strange dreams have you had? Why do you suppose the cupbearer forgot about Joseph? Where would you put Joseph’s “trust-in-God-level” at this point in the story?
41:1-16	Two years have passed! Do you suppose Joseph wondered where God was?  What do you suppose Pharaoh’s dreams mean? Why do you suppose none of Pharaoh’s “magicians” could tell him the meaning of his dreams? How would you describe Joseph’s relationship with God? (pay close attention to verse 16) When have you given God the credit for working in your life?
41:17-32	What is a famine? How would you describe your relationship with God – as going through a feast or a famine? If you could see into the future, what would you do?
41:33-44	What do you suppose Joseph is feeling now? How has Joseph changed since the beginning of our story in chapter 37? (Remember, he was bragging about his dreams.) How have you changed as you’ve “grown up”?
41:53-57	How can years of “abundance” help you prepare for years of “famine?”
	Read (and print) the next page of questions here.

Photo credits:
Click here for info on banner photo (not visible in readers or email).
Joseph is sold by his brothers, from Christians Unite: Christian Clip Art

Ripples of Hope: Fill My Net

Posted on April 18, 2013April 9, 2016 by Carol Hulbert

I hope it doesn’t rain today.

I hope I got a good grade.

I hope she’ll be my friend.

Hope is a word which gets a lot of use in everyday life. We sure could use a dose of hope these days!

Hope is also talked about in the Bible. You can find lists of verses about hope. One of my favorites is:

There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off. Proverbs 23:18

This weekend is Youth-led worship at FUMC. We will not be holding any workshops on Saturday at Green Wood or downtown on Sunday for grades 1st – 6th, so plan on attending this service!

Youth Worship 2013 banner logo

How about a little preparation? Around the family dinner table? (Or wherever your family is gathered together.)

The focus by the Youth will be hope. This even ties to our current Rotation on Peter’s story! Peter was likely down in the dumps about what he’d done to Jesus. Deciding not to just sit around and mope, Peter chose to go fishing.

a speech bubble Ask your kids: When Peter went fishing, what do you suppose he was hoping for?

A diversion: Something to take his mind off of what he’d done?
A net full of fish?
Jesus’ forgiveness?
Your ideas?

a speech bubble When was the last time you hoped for something?
Did you have to wait for what you were hoping for?

Perhaps Peter chose to go fishing because he was consumed by thinking about what he’d done to Jesus. His mind was probably racing in overtime. He couldn’t stand to be still!

a speech bubble How is waiting for what is hoped for, hard?
What do you do while you are waiting for hope?

a speech bubble Once Peter had spent time in the boat, quietly fishing, that is when Jesus called. Ask: The next time you are waiting for something, what do you think of the idea of turning to God for some quiet time?
What are ways you could have quiet time with God?

Jesus did offer Peter forgiveness. And because of that, we have hope! Jesus forgives us as well. And Jesus’ forgiveness empower us! We can have hope!

The Youth will be using this prayer in worship, adapted from the book Pray Like Hell. This will be presented in a very cool ripple effect that the youth created!

Bless to me this day the power of God to do good work.
Bless to me the power of Christ to love well.
Bless to me the power of the Holy Spirit to strengthen me for what lies ahead.
Bless to me the power of the Holy Trinity to give me hope.

I hope you’ll attend one of these worship services!

Photo credits:
Ripples of Hope logo design by Deb Wood. Used with permission.
Photos of the youth from last years youth-led worship service used with permission.

Tying the story of Joseph to the story of Easter

Posted on February 27, 2013April 10, 2020 by Carol Hulbert

We are nearing the completion of our Rotation on Joseph’s Coat. But, you might ask, what happens to Joseph?? (The last bit of our story had Jacob in tears and Joseph packing off to Egypt after his brothers sold him to a band of passing traders.)

Joseph's brothers sell him to passing traders on their way to Egypt

Yeah, that’s where we left off in the story. So what happens to Joseph?

The Lord was with Joseph. He gave him great success.
Genesis 39:2a

Ah! But even that is not the end of the story! The story continues with a “part two” (which we will come back to, after an Easter Rotation). In part two—the story of Joseph in Egypt—we’ll see Joseph faced with even more chances to ask:

Where are you, God?!?

We will see that God has a plan. God’s great plan is all about love! And that conveniently leads us to Easter. (Which is God’s ultimate love story.)

Watch this short (3 minute) video (appropriate for even young children) which tells the story of Joseph and his coat and nicely ties to the Easter story!

(There is one small mistake in this video. Can you catch it? (See the answer below.)

The answer: What was the blooper in the video? Joseph was sold for 20 pieces of silver, however the reader made a mistake: Judas was paid 30 pieces of silver.

Rotation Photos – share with your kids

Posted on February 20, 2013February 20, 2013 by Carol Hulbert

Here are some photos from our current Rotation at FUMC in Ann Arbor, MI. (We are studying Joseph’s Coat.) Consider gathering the family around the computer and sharing the pictures and talking about some of the questions that are posed.

Last Sunday the 5th and 6th graders were in the Drama Workshop. They had a chance to review the story (which they knew quite well, seeing as this was week number five for this story). They quickly moved on to practicing a skit telling the story of Joseph’s Coat.

Joseph tells his brothers about his dream.

Time Out. Talk about… a speech bubble
Ask your kids what Joseph’s dreams were about.
What did Joseph’s brothers think of the dreams?

Then the audience arrived for the real show! The preschool kids (who have also been learning in their own workshops about Joseph and his brothers) came upstairs on a field trip. They look pretty enthralled!

This show was complete with a spitting camel who arrived on the scene with some traveling traders. And this camel (seen below) really was playing the part! Watch out audience!

Time Out. Talk about… a speech bubble
In what scene in the story did the camel appear? (hint: camels were used on long journeys) How do you suppose Joseph felt at this point in the story? Do you suppose he wondered where God was?

The crew took a bow when it was over. And then they introduced themselves and proudly pointed out their little brothers and sisters in the audience!


The crew is introduced	2nd graders man the puppets!

Meanwhile, in the Puppet Workshop, the 2nd graders were busy enacting the story using puppets. There was a small class this week – only five, and all boys! But they still were able to put on a show. Here they are (on the right) with their puppets. Second grade boys sure have lots of energy! It’s a good thing our puppets are made to last. I’m not sure which they had the most fun at — putting on the puppet show or watching themselves on the TV afterwards? (We had taped the production. Hmm. I’ll have to see about posting that!)

Down in the kitchen, the 1st graders had a crushing experience! They each had one tasty-looking Oreo™ cookie and then the workshop leader smashed it! How did they feel about having crushed cookies? This was a good question that actually tied nicely into our story.
Time Out. Talk about… a speech bubble
What “crushing” experience did Joseph have?
Have there been times when you have felt “crushed” or disappointed, or let down?
What can you do when you feel that way?
Do you suppose learning our key Bible verse might help? (Romans 8:28a)

So, what to do with smooshed cookies? Let’s make the best of our crushing experience and turn it into something good to eat – “dirt pudding”! (Sorry, I didn’t make it to the kitchen on Sunday so these pictures are from the 5th & 6th grade visit to the Cooking Workshop.)

Time Out. Talk about… a speech bubble
What did Joseph do with the crushing experience of being sold in Egypt?
Do you suppose that Joseph remembered that God would always be with him?
What evidence do we have that God was with Joseph? (hint: read Genesis 39:1-5)

These last two pictures are silly…


Some shaking action was needed (and a quick set of rabbit ears)	Can’t have “dirt pudding” without gummy worms!

Which workshop will your child be visiting this weekend? Find out here.

Photo credits:
Click here for info on banner photo (not visible in readers or email).
Other photos from my archives.

Where is God when we need him?

Posted on January 30, 2013January 30, 2013 by Carol Hulbert

In preparing for our Rotation on Joseph’s Coat, I had an “ah-ha” moment. (It is times like this when I like to describe our Cool Disciples program as “adult education disguised as a children’s program.”) I was reading Genesis 37 and I was struck by the realization that in the entire chapter, God is never mentioned! That made me wonder:

Where is God in the story of Joseph and his coat?

That’s when I realized that this was the perfect chance to present this concept:

Recognize that in our lives God’s activity may be hidden.

Sometimes we wonder: where is God? And we want our kids to know that it is perfectly ok to have times in their lives when they may wail: Where are you God?!?

Surely Joseph had these thoughts as he watching his brothers trade him for pieces of silver. (Let alone during the long trip to Egypt!)

Surely Jacob wondered, where is God, when his sons presented him with Joseph’s bloody coat.

Surely you’ve wondered: Where is God? (I can think of dry times when I have!)

How about some discussion at the family dinner table? (Or wherever your family is gathered together.)

Share times when God has seemed far away in your life.
Allow others to share.
What brought you back to the reality of God as always being there with you?
What are ways that would help you remember that God is always with you?

God’s activity may be hidden to us. It may seem like God is ignoring us!

Rest assured that God is with you in all situations.

Sometimes God’s work takes place mysteriously out of sight. Joseph didn’t give up hope. It took time, but eventually Joseph was able to discover that God used each step of his life, the good and the bad, to complete a plan for Joseph’s life. Take a look at Genesis 50:20, as Joseph later (many years later!) said to his brothers:

You tried to harm me, but God made it turn out for the best.

We may not always see it, but God is always there!

Photo credits:
Click here for info on banner photo (not visible in readers or email).
Joseph is sold by Károly Ferenczy, a painting in the Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

Joseph’s Razzmatazz Robe – a Family Reading Plan

Posted on January 10, 2013September 27, 2019 by Carol Hulbert

If you’d like to print out the following discussion guide, click here.

Our current Rotation covers the Old Testament story of Joseph and his brothers. It’s the story with the fancy coat.

It is a familiar story of family struggles: favoritism, bragging, sibling rivalry, and brothers gone bad. We’ll only catch a glimpse of it but it is also the story of God having a greater plan. Things can look pretty bad, but God is never far away. Recalling Joseph’s story can help us get through our own difficult times.

Read the scripture together as a family (it’s in Genesis 37:1-36 and 39:1-5.)

Use the following to read a passage and then discuss the question(s)/do the activities. Do this over the course of several days!

* = a review question!

Read in Genesis	Discussion question
37:1-2a *	Where have we heard of Jacob? (We studied about him and his brother Esau in Oct. & Nov. 2012.) Can you draw out the family tree? Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and… Bonus question for 3rd grade & up: what does the little “a” mean in “37:1-2a”?
37:1-2b	How would you like to have a brother who told bad stories about you? Has anyone ever told a bad story about you? Was the story true??
37:3-4 *	How many children did Jacob have? (Ans: Here + one daughter.) What other reason might there be as to why Joseph was Jacob’s favorite child? (Hint and Hint)
37:3-4 *	What kind of upbringing did Jacob have that sort of explains his picking of favorites? (Hint) Ask your child(ren) which traits of your family, they might like to pass on to their children.
37:3-4	Have a family-draw: Grab some paper and markers or crayons. Have everyone create their own rendition of what Joseph’s coat looked like. While drawing, talk about jealousy. Does everyone know what the word means? Tell me about a time when you felt jealous. What did you do with your jealous feelings? Be sure to spend time explaining your drawings.
37:5-11	Describe a strange dream that you’ve had. Do you suppose that Joseph could have told his dreams in a way that didn’t sound like bragging? Try re-writing Joseph’s story of his dreams in a friendlier way.
37:1-11 *	Where have we “seen” God in this story so far? Even though God isn’t specifically mentioned in chapter 37, think back to the stories of Jacob and Esau. What happened that makes you certain that Jacob shared his “God-stories” with his sons? (Hint)
37:12-17	Jacob seemed unaware of his sons thoughts about Joseph. What could Jacob have done about the brewing troubles? How do you solve issues in your family?
37:18-22	Have you ever had to talk a group out of a bad idea? Did Reuben’s strategy to save Joseph work? (Hint) Reuben was the oldest. Do you suppose that is why he offered this alternative idea? Adults: if you had siblings did being oldest mean anything special?
37:23-28	Have you ever heard the expression “it’s the pits?” How does that expression apply to this story? (Hint) Have you ever felt like you were stuck in a pit? Why? What (or perhaps who) helped you out of that pit?
37:29-35	Do you know why people in Bible times tore their clothes? It was a sign of mourning. (As well as putting on “sackcloth” and ashes.) What are signs in our culture that someone is sad? When the brothers saw how upset Jacob was, how do you suppose they kept their secret? Adults: share a time when you were growing up & pulled a fast-one.
37:36 & 39:1-5	What do you suppose Joseph’s prayers sounded like when he was in the pit? When he was being taken to Egypt? When he found God was with him in Egypt? How have your prayers sounded recently?

What have you learned together as a family?

Photo credits…
Jacob gives Joseph the coat, an image in the public domain courtesy of OldBookArt.com.

When life seems scary…

Posted on December 19, 2012November 27, 2013 by Carol Hulbert

Sometimes life is scary and confusing and what are we to do?

We know that the shepherds were afraid.

Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified . . .
Luke 2:9

What did the shepherds do to feel braver?

They acted on their faith.

They went looking for Jesus. (Luke 2:15d)
They told the story. (Luke 2:17)

Do the same among your family.

Look for God. (See here for help in tying this quest to Christmas.)
Tell the faith stories!

For help in how to talk to your children about the tragedy in Newtown, CT, Mr. Rogers says it best: Look for the helpers.

Photo credits:
Click here for info on banner photo (not visible in readers or email).
The Angelic Announcement to the Shepherds a painting by Gaddi Taddeo, in the public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.