Jacob & Esau

From now on you will be called…

Posted on November 28, 2012May 14, 2015 by Carol Hulbert

Here’s a fresh take on an answering machine message:

Hello. This is not an answering machine, This is a question machine. And there are really only two questions that matter: who are you and what do you want?

Jacob got to answer those questions during his wrestling match with God.

Picture the scene: Jacob is feeling doomed. Twenty years ago he left his home and his family to escape the anger of his brother Esau. Now God has told him to return home, but Jacob is nervous: Does Esau still want to kill him? Jacob has learned that his brother Esau is coming to meet him with an army of 400 men! That doesn’t sound very peaceful.

Jacob has tried every trick in the book including prayer and an attempt to appease his brother with gifts. (Cattle, and camels, and goats, oh my!) Now he finds himself engaged in a full-throttle wrestling match with God! What next?!

Who are you?

Jacob got his name from the way he was born. As the second-born twin he entered the world holding on to the heel of his brother, so they named him “Heel-catcher.” In those days “Heel-catcher” had other not-so-nice meanings: “trickster,” “swindler,” or “scoundrel.” Hmm, Jacob lived up to his name, I’d say?

Now that God has asked him his name, Jacob has to admit it…

a name tag: hello my name is scoundrel

But God has a new name for “The Grabber!”

Your name is no longer Jacob. From now on it’s Israel (God-Wrestler); you’ve wrestled with God and you’ve come through.
Genesis 36:28 MSG

In giving Jacob a new name it is like God is saying: You may not think that you are “good enough,” but I love you anyway. I’m giving you a second chance. Here is how I mean for you to be.

Hmmm, this means that I could be…

How would you answer the question: What is your name?
What name would you like to live?

Discuss these questions with your family.

Photo credits:
A slightly altered “Hello, my name is…” originally by kirrilyrobert, who licensed this photo on Flickr under a Creative Commons License.

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Thank God! The world is a place where one can encounter God. (If we notice.)

Posted on November 21, 2012May 14, 2015 by Carol Hulbert

In this season of Thanksgiving, what are you thankful for?

My gratitude list includes the usual sorts of thankfuls, such as:

Greg’s pizza-oven-roasted potatoes.
Hearing about Lara’s “Best.Day.Ever.”
A text from Scott: safe arrival.
Lunch with a friend.

…To name just a few.

My list also includes hard things that seem difficult to be thankful for.

Tears at saying goodbye.
Facing change.
Mistakes, and more mistakes.

…Hard eucharisteo.

And then there are entries on my list of things that I should be thankful for every day… but I just forget.

That God has chosen me for my weaknesses. (My weakness amplifes my need for God.)
That God is always present with me! (Whether I sense him or not, he is a constant companion!)

…So easy to forget!

Perhaps we are all like Jacob who experiences God in his life and says,

Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it.
Genesis 28:16

Our Cool Disciples story about Jacob and Esau is such a large story that we’ve broken it into two parts (part one and part two). With such a big story it is easy to loose sight of the main point. We could become embroiled in the details — who are all of the characters, and what happens, and in what order — which is important to know, but is not the most critical. Here is the point which we hope stands out:

God makes his presence known in our lives.

The world is a place where one can encounter God, reaching out to us.
If we take notice.

+++++++

As we head into the crazy-busy days ahead, can we make time to notice God? God seeks an encounter with us; God endeavors to get your attention!

For this I can say:

Thanks God!

Happy Thanksgiving
— Carol

Photo credits:
Photo of the Thanksgiving altar at church is from my archives.

The word is love.

Posted on November 15, 2012September 30, 2015 by Carol Hulbert

Every fall our church has a tradition: the third graders all get their own Bible. The presentation happens in the worship service, during the “Children’s Moment” so that all of the other kids get to see what’s happening.

3rd graders & their parents, in the worship service, in a moment of prayer

3rd graders are excited to receive Bibles

Look at how excited they are!

The new Bibles are wrapped in bright gift paper Bible bookmark made from layers of wrapping – because they are a gift from the church. But that is only the top layer of paper! The first of five layers! After the presentation in church, the children gather together with their parents for a special class about their new Bible. They are told that each layer of paper has a special meaning and to unwrap one layer at a time. In the past some students have saved a piece of each layer and created a bookmark.

So some students unwrap carefully…

And some unwrap with abandon…


I wonder what layer is next?	At last! Finally! The Bible!

In part of this special class, students learn that the Bible is like a library — it has 66 books! That’s a lot of stories. They also learn that the entire message of the Bible can be summarized in one word:

LOVE

God loves you and cares about you. The Bible is God’s love letter to each of you! Take our current Rotation on Jacob and Esau… what is it about?

Even when we screw up, God still loves us anyway!

Time for a class photo…

Class of 2022!

May God’s words of love transform you!

Photo credits:
All images from my archives.

Follow along at home (part 2 of Jacob and Esau)

Posted on November 8, 2012November 7, 2013 by Carol Hulbert

This month our Rotation story is part two of Jacob and Esau. (Last month we covered part one.) A Bible story big enough to be covered over two months calls for your help! It’s too much to cover all of this story in class.

Please read this story a bit each day, using the following family reading plan. As an added bonus there are questions for discussion along with the reading.

Gather together around the family dinner table. (Or wherever your family is gathered together.) If you’d like to print out the part two reading plan/discussion guide, click here. (For part one’s reading plan click here.)

* A review from last month

Read in Genesis	Discussion questions
25:19-23*	How does this message from God become significant later in the story? (Hint: This is a review question! Who ends up with the birthright and the family blessing?)
25:24-34*	How would you describe Jacob? Esau? Their parents, Rebekah and Isaac? Do any of their traits describe you? (Are you an outdoorsy-type, a grabber, an opportunist?)
27:1-17*	Have you ever played a trick on someone? What was the outcome? Draw pictures of what you think Jacob looked like in his “disguise.”
27:18-29*	How would you rate Jacob’s trust in God? Why do you suppose God would want such a person to be responsible for his Covenant? (see Genesis 22:17-18)
27:30-38*	Describe how Esau must have felt? Aren’t you glad that in our day, everyone can be blessed! Practice saying a blessing for each family member. Try: “The Lord bless you and keep you.”
27:41-45, 28:1-5*	Tell about a time when you held a grudge against (or were angry with) someone. Did it ever get resolved?
28:10-16	What promises did God make with Jacob? Has God made any promises to you? (Check out 2 Corinthians 12:9 or Romans 8:28.)
28:10-16	As you re-read this passage think about what you use a stairway for. How can a stairway be seen as a way we can “get to” God? As a way God gets to us?
29:1-14	Do you know the story of how your mom and dad first met? Talk about the last gathering of your relatives. Was there lots of hugs and kissing? Telling stories?
29:15-30	Note: For families with young children, it is suggested that you tell this story to your family rather than read it out of the Bible. (Read it for yourself ahead of time.) First, ask your child(ren) what they know about Jacob’s marriages. Tell the story and then ask: How does the trickster get tricked? How do you suppose Leah and Rachel felt?
31:1-3	Jacob was working for Laban for 20 years. Can you imagine working at the same job for 20 years? What do you suppose God has planned for Jacob?
32:3-8	When have you prepared for something, expecting that the worst could happen? Does Jacob remember that God is with him? The next time this happens, how will knowing that God is with you make it different?
32:22-30	Why do you suppose God wrestled with Jacob? Do you suppose that sometimes the only way to learn something is to struggle with it? What is something that you’ve struggled with lately?
32:22-30	Names had great meaning in Bible times. Why do you suppose God asks Jacob what his name is? What new name does God give Jacob? What new name do you suppose God would give you? Bible-reader? Child who prays daily? One who helps others? Share your desired new name from God by adding a comment below!
33:1-4	Did this meeting turn-out how you expected? Is it easier to offer forgiveness or to be forgiven?

Photo credits:
Click here for info on banner photo (not visible in readers or email).
Jacob & Esau is an image from Sunday Software’s the Awesome Bible Stories CD. Used by permission. (This software is a neat way of expanding Bible learning at home. Discover more titles here.)

Cool Disciples Schedule: November 2012

Posted on October 31, 2012July 26, 2015 by Carol Hulbert

Thanks for visiting! You’ve reached a place to gain insight into how to grow your kids faith (and your own as well). Easily read future posts by subscribing over on the right. Enter your e-mail address to have posts sent directly to your inbox. (There is usually one post a week.) Or click on the orange RSS icon to subscribe in a reader.

On Saturday nights and on Sunday mornings at FUMC our Cool Disciples experience Rotation Model Christian education. (Click on any of those bold words to find out more about our programs.) In November, we are studying part two of the Old Testament saga of Jacob and Esau. Last month, in part one of this story, we learned about mistakes made by Jacob and Esau, including the stolen blessing…

This month we’ll learn that God doesn’t give up on Jacob! What an amazing God who forgives such a scoundrel! God promises Jacob to be with him always. (Just as Jesus promised us.)

Read about what happens in part two of our story in Genesis 28:10-16, 29:15-30, 31:1-3, 32:3-7a, 22-30 , and 33:1-4.

For Saturdays at the Green Wood location, here is the schedule for the coming month:

Date	Workshop	Activity
11/3	Art Workshop	Create mosaics to tell the story of Jacob and Esau.
11/10	Puppet Workshop	Use puppets to tell the story.
11/17	A visit from Pastor Doug!	We’ll play some get-to-know-you games and hear what he thinks about Jacob and Esau.
11/24	Video Workshop	Watch portions of the video The Lion King. Explore how God’s plan of loving grace continues even when we make poor choices.

For Sundays at the downtown location, here is the schedule of workshops:

Date
11/4	Enjoy worship and Communion with your family
	Cooking	Art	Drama	Puppets	Video	Games
	Social Hall	Room 212	Room 215	Room 211	Pine Room	Room 204
11/11	2nd grade	5th & 6th grade	3rd grade	{closed}	4th grade	1st grade
11/18	1st grade	{closed}	2nd grade	4th grade	5th & 6th grade	3rd grade
11/25	3rd grade	4th grade	1st grade	5th & 6th grade	{closed}	2nd grade

What’s happening in each workshop?

In the Art Workshop students will work cooperatively to create duct-tape mosaics illustrating the story of Jacob and Esau. The mosaics will focus on the story sequence.
In the Cooking Workshop students will focus on Jacob’s dream and examine how God is at work in their lives. Make (and eat!) breadstick pretzel ladders.
In the Drama Workshop students will enact the story while it is paraphrased. Then they’ll watch themselves on a video.
In the Games Workshop students will play a Cranium-like game using a game die & a “ladder,” to review events of the story.
In the Puppet Workshop students will use puppetry to retell/interpret the story the story.
In the Video Workshop students will watch portions of the video The Lion King, enjoy popcorn (can’t have a movie without popcorn!) and explore how God’s plan of loving grace continues despite the poor choices we make.

If you are in the area please join us for the fun learning at First United Methodist Church in Ann Arbor, MI

Photo credits:
Jacob tricks his father © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers. Used by permission per a license from the Visual Bible Alive Resource Center.

Yikes. Mistakes! (Yet Grace abounds.)

Posted on October 24, 2012October 24, 2012 by Carol Hulbert

The characters in our current Rotation story on Jacob and Esau, are just like us:

Not perfect.

I am glad that the Bible includes stories of less than stellar personalities and people who flub-up big time. It makes it easier for all of us to relate to them. We can look at these characters and see reflections of ourselves.

And (hopefully) learn something! How about this: Isn’t it great to know that God always loves us, no matter what; even when we screw up!

In spite of our mistakes, God doesn’t turn away.
He continues to seek a presence in our lives.

That’s the point this story makes!
So how do we talk about this with our kids? a speech bubble

Here’s an idea: There are lots of mistakes happening in this story, so use mistakes as a jumping-off point for some discussion at the family dinner table. Or wherever your family is gathered together. (If you’d like to print out this discussion guide, click here.)

Here’s how it could go: Start off by describing a mistake that you made recently.

For me it was a recent spelling mistake that I should have caught, but I hit “Reply” too quickly. Oh, and then there was speaking too quickly, and saying what I shouldn’t have said. Ouch. You get the point.

Now, ask your kids what mistakes they’ve made. (Accept all replies.)

Then ask what mistakes are made in the story of Jacob and Esau?

Pull out a Bible and re-read Genesis 25:29-34. (Or ask older kids- readers, to look for mistakes.) Then, ask some questions…

Do you suppose Esau made a mistake in selling his birthright for a bowl of stew?
What is a birthright?

In Bible times the oldest son received special privileges that were seen as very valuable; this was called a “birthright.” If there were two sons, when it came time to divide up everything, the older son would receive two portions and the second son, one. The oldest would become the “head of household” and the family spiritual leader.

Ask more questions…

Who was born first in our story? (Genesis 25:25, Esau)
But what was it that God had told their mother, Rebekah, about these twins before they were born? (If necessary, read Genesis 25:22-23.)

The younger one will be greater! This is strange because, as the birthright says, usually the firstborn is the greater. But here God is telling Rebekah that her 2nd born son (Jacob) would have the special honor of eventually being head of the family. That’s different!

Do you suppose that Rebekah had told her family this story?

Look for more mistakes in Genesis 27:1-38.

What mistakes have been made?
Jacob and his mom have created a big lie! Why do you suppose they did this?
But didn’t they remember what God had said (in Genesis 25:22-23)?
What do you suppose God thinks of what they’ve done? Does he still like/love Jacob?
What happens next? (If necessary read Genesis 27:41-43 – Jacob runs away from Esau.)
Would you call this a “blessing” for Jacob? (no, he had to leave his family behind!)
But then what happens when Jacob is running away? (If necessary read Genesis 28:10-22 – God shows himself to Jacob and promises to be with him.)
Jacob had made a mess, but God still wanted to work with him! Do you suppose God will do this for us?

God keeps on working in all of our lives despite the messes we cause! God is a loving and forgiving God!

Close with a short prayer. A suggestion: Lord, surely you are in this place; with us always. Help us to be aware of your forgiveness and to remember that you love us. Amen.

Photo credits: Click here for info on banner photo (not visible in readers or email).
Reflection by Margaret W. Carruthers, who licensed this photo on Flickr under a Creative Commons License.

A long story requires a reading plan

Posted on October 10, 2012November 7, 2013 by Carol Hulbert

Our Rotation this month is part one from the Old Testament story of Jacob and Esau. (Next month we’ll be covering part two.) A Bible story big enough to be covered over two months warrants a family reading plan! As an added bonus there are questions for discussion at the family dinner table. (Or wherever your family is gathered together.)

Is this required reading?

Yes! Let’s call it that! Actually, I’d hope that you are always reading together as a family, the Bible story being taught at FUMC. But this is especially necessary for a big story; a long story is hard to cover in the short amount of class time on a Saturday night or a Sunday morning.

Besides, this story is intriguing! It’s got interesting characters, twin brothers in conflict, a hasty swap, scheming, disguises, and trickery. Oh, and it ends (for this month) on a cliffhanger. (What will happen to Jacob??) Consider this an excuse to start a faith dialogue in your family!

(If you’d like to print out this reading plan & discussion guide, click here.)

Read	Discussion questions
Genesis 25:19-23	Can your child draw out a family tree with the characters in our story? What sort of questions would you like to ask God?
Genesis 25:24-26	Do you know what your name means? Read the foot notes in the Bible for the twins names. In Bible times names had great meaning. What do you think of Jacob’s name meaning “deceiver?”
Genesis 25:27-28	Do you suppose that Isaac and Rebekah were wrong to have favorites? What sort of trouble did this lead to?
Genesis 25:29-33	Have you ever been so hungry that you would trade something valuable just to be able to eat? Have you ever taken advantage of a family member who was vulnerable in some way? Is forgiveness necessary?
Genesis 25:34	What were the rights of the firstborn son? (Ans: He would inherit a larger amount of property and would be leader of the family.) Why do you suppose Esau didn’t seem to care about his birthright?
Genesis 27:1-4	We typically equate “blessing” with approval (example: I approve of your choice of a university to attend). In Bible times a blessing was very important and held great promise. How do you suppose it would have felt to have been “blessed” in such a manner?
Genesis 27:5-13	What is Rebekah suggesting? What do you think of Jacob’s response? (Doesn’t protest too hardily!) Why do you suppose this story (about deceit!) is in the Bible?
Genesis 27:14-17	Review what God told Rebekah about her sons – Genesis 25:23. Why do you suppose she felt as though she had to act in order for God’s plan to happen? When have you felt it necessary to be in charge?
Genesis 27:18-24	Do you get the feeling that Isaac knows he’s being tricked? Why do you suppose he plays along?
Genesis 27:25-29	Do you suppose that God approves of these actions? What does this story teach us about the power of words? Whom can you bless with your words?
Genesis 27:30-38	How would you feel if you were Esau? What have you learned from this story?
Genesis 27:41-43 and 28:1-5	Why did Jacob run away? What does this imply about what he has done? Have you ever felt like running away?
Genesis 28:10-15	How do you suppose it felt to use a stone as a pillow? What does the dream mean to you?
Genesis 17:1-8 and 28:12-15	Abram was the grandfather of Jacob. What does it mean that God repeats his promise to Jacob? Review the promises God has made with you! (Ephesians 2:8 & Romans 5:2 are a couple.)
Genesis 28:10-17	As you re-read this passage, consider how amazing it is that, in spite of what Jacob has done, God still offers grace! What does this mean for you?
Genesis 28:18-22	Have you ever been surprised by God’s presence? How have you confirmed a meeting with God?

Photo credits:
Click here for info on banner photo (not visible in readers or email).
Jacob and Esau in the womb, is an image from the Awesome Bible Stories CD, used by permission. (This software is a neat way of expanding Bible learning at home. Discover more titles here.)

Cool Disciples Schedule: October 2012

Posted on September 27, 2012September 14, 2016 by Carol Hulbert

Welcome! This is the spot to find encouragement for growing faith in your family. You can do it! Easily read future posts (usually one a week) by subscribing over on the right. Enter your e-mail address to have posts sent directly to your inbox. Or click on the orange RSS icon to subscribe in a reader. Thanks for visiting.

On Saturday nights and on Sunday mornings at FUMC our “Sunday’s Cool” is a different sort of Christian education. We are a Workshop Rotation Model church. That means kids spend a month learning a particular Bible story, each week encountering a different kid-friendly multimedia workshop. In October we are starting a big story: Jacob and Esau. This is such a long story that we’ll be breaking it into two parts. (Part two will be in November.) Read part one in Genesis 25:19-34, 27:1-37, and 27:41-43.

For Sundays at the downtown location, here is the schedule of workshops for the end of September and for October…

Date	Art	Drama	Puppets	Games	Cooking	Video
	Room 212	Room 215	Room 204	Room 211	Social Hall	Pine Room
9/30	1st grade	5th grade	3rd grade	6th grade	4th grade	2nd grade
10/7	Worship and Communion with your family
10/14	2nd grade	4th grade	1st grade	5th grade	6th grade	3rd grade*
10/21	Attend worship: kids will help us to worship!
10/28	3rd grade	6th grade	2nd grade	4th grade	5th grade	1st grade

* On the 14th the 3rd graders will be having a special class on using their Bibles. Parents/guardians are encouraged to attend.

What’s happening in each workshop?

In the Art Workshop students will work cooperatively to create construction paper mosaics illustrating the story of Jacob and Esau. The mosaics will focus on characters and story sequence.
In the Cooking Workshop students will explore why Esau traded his birthright for a bowl of lentil stew, and in the process create and taste “some of that red stew.”
In the Drama Workshop students will enact the story and learn what happened when one brother tricked the other.
In the Games Workshop students will participate in a game of “Bible Baseball” – with the rules changing as the students play! What’s up with that?!
In the Puppet Workshop a puppet storytelling kit will be created and used to tell the story. Encourage your child to use their kit to tell the story at home.
In the Video Workshop students will watch portions of the video The Lion King, and explore what happens when we do things our way.

For Saturdays at the Green Wood location, here is the schedule for October. (For September 29th refer here.)

Date	Workshop
10/6	Puppets Workshop
10/13	Drama Workshop
10/20	No Workshop. Worship with your family.
10/27	Video Workshop

If you are in the area please join us for the fun learning at First United Methodist Church in Ann Arbor, MI

Photo credit: Click here for info on banner photo (not visible in readers or email).

Jacob got to answer those questions during his wrestling match with God.

How would you answer the question: What is your name? What name would you like to live?

In this season of Thanksgiving, what are you thankful for?

God makes his presence known in our lives.

Thanks God!

LOVE

Even when we screw up, God still loves us anyway!

What’s happening in each workshop?

Not perfect.

In spite of our mistakes, God doesn’t turn away. He continues to seek a presence in our lives.

Is this required reading?

What’s happening in each workshop?

How would you answer the question: What is your name?
What name would you like to live?

In spite of our mistakes, God doesn’t turn away.
He continues to seek a presence in our lives.