Family Activities
Got a Wedding Coming Up
Jesus' First Miracle
Jesus performed many miracles, but do you know which one was his first, according to the Gospel of John? It took place at a celebration like one your family might be attending this spring: a wedding
Needed
Bible or text on last page. Optional: photos of a family wedding.
Activity Plan
1. Say this prayer together to begin:
Dear Lord, keep our eyes, ears, and hearts open as we read and learn from your Word. Amen.
2. Open your Bible to John 2:1-11, or use the text below and have two people read the story aloud, alternating verses. Beginning readers may enjoy reading in unison with an adult.
3. After reading the story, spend a moment recalling weddings your family has attended. What do you enjoy most about weddings?
Option: Show photos of a family wedding and tell a few stories
about that day.
4. Work together to retell the story of the Wedding Feast at Cana in your own words.
(Here’s an example: Just like today, weddings back in Jesus' day
were a time to celebrate. Following most weddings there was a
party with food and drinks. At a wedding party at Cana, Mary
overheard those in charge of the food and drink say they were
almost out of wine, which was the most popular drink at the party.
When she heard this, she wanted to help, and knew just what to do:
ask Jesus. But when she first asked Jesus to help, he told her, “No.”
She probably responded with "the look." The look told Jesus, "Yes,
you can." Then Mary told the servants to do whatever Jesus said to
do. Jesus changed six jars of water into delicious wine that
everyone loved. This was his first miracle! The disciples, who were
at the wedding, too, and had seen what happened, were amazed.
They began to believe that Jesus truly is the Son of God!)
5. Discuss the story, using the following questions:
• Why do you think Jesus performed this miracle?
• Does your parent have a special “look” that he or she gives you to
let you know you need to do something? When have you received
this "look?" Do you think that Mary and Jesus had a special way of
communicating, just like you may have with a parent? Why or why
not?
• Jesus' mother knew he was God’s Son and that he would do great
things—and Jesus was inspired by his mother's faith. Can you think
of a time when your parents demonstrated that they had great faith
and confidence in you? What difference did this make?
• What tells you that Jesus listened to his mother, Mary? Even though
he was God, he honored his mother and listened to her request.
When is a time you honored and listened to your mother or father?
The Wedding at Cana
John 2:1-11
1 On the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there.
2 Jesus also was invited to the wedding with his disciples.
3 When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.”
4 And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.”
5 His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”
6 Now there were six stone water jars there for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons.
7 Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” And they filled them up to the brim.
8 And he said to them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the feast.” So they took it.
9 When the master of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom
10 and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and when people have drunk freely, then the poor wine. But you have kept the good wine until now.”
11 This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him.
Jesus performed many miracles, but do you know which one was his first, according to the Gospel of John? It took place at a celebration like one your family might be attending this spring: a wedding
Needed
Bible or text on last page. Optional: photos of a family wedding.
Activity Plan
1. Say this prayer together to begin:
Dear Lord, keep our eyes, ears, and hearts open as we read and learn from your Word. Amen.
2. Open your Bible to John 2:1-11, or use the text below and have two people read the story aloud, alternating verses. Beginning readers may enjoy reading in unison with an adult.
3. After reading the story, spend a moment recalling weddings your family has attended. What do you enjoy most about weddings?
Option: Show photos of a family wedding and tell a few stories
about that day.
4. Work together to retell the story of the Wedding Feast at Cana in your own words.
(Here’s an example: Just like today, weddings back in Jesus' day
were a time to celebrate. Following most weddings there was a
party with food and drinks. At a wedding party at Cana, Mary
overheard those in charge of the food and drink say they were
almost out of wine, which was the most popular drink at the party.
When she heard this, she wanted to help, and knew just what to do:
ask Jesus. But when she first asked Jesus to help, he told her, “No.”
She probably responded with "the look." The look told Jesus, "Yes,
you can." Then Mary told the servants to do whatever Jesus said to
do. Jesus changed six jars of water into delicious wine that
everyone loved. This was his first miracle! The disciples, who were
at the wedding, too, and had seen what happened, were amazed.
They began to believe that Jesus truly is the Son of God!)
5. Discuss the story, using the following questions:
• Why do you think Jesus performed this miracle?
• Does your parent have a special “look” that he or she gives you to
let you know you need to do something? When have you received
this "look?" Do you think that Mary and Jesus had a special way of
communicating, just like you may have with a parent? Why or why
not?
• Jesus' mother knew he was God’s Son and that he would do great
things—and Jesus was inspired by his mother's faith. Can you think
of a time when your parents demonstrated that they had great faith
and confidence in you? What difference did this make?
• What tells you that Jesus listened to his mother, Mary? Even though
he was God, he honored his mother and listened to her request.
When is a time you honored and listened to your mother or father?
The Wedding at Cana
John 2:1-11
1 On the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there.
2 Jesus also was invited to the wedding with his disciples.
3 When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.”
4 And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.”
5 His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”
6 Now there were six stone water jars there for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons.
7 Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” And they filled them up to the brim.
8 And he said to them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the feast.” So they took it.
9 When the master of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom
10 and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and when people have drunk freely, then the poor wine. But you have kept the good wine until now.”
11 This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him.
Spring 2013
Earth Day or May Day
Celebrate Earth Day on April 22 or May Day on May 1 by planting flowers in pots to give to those who are sick or homebound. Show people you care by bringing flowers that they can watch grow and bloom.
Celebrate Earth Day on April 22 or May Day on May 1 by planting flowers in pots to give to those who are sick or homebound. Show people you care by bringing flowers that they can watch grow and bloom.
Needed
Bible, small geraniums or begonias from a local nursery, one terracotta pot for each flowering plant, potting soil, trowels, names of people to receive plants
Prepare in Advance
• Mark your Bible at Psalm 104:24, Matthew 6:28-29, and Isaiah 45:18.
• Purchase geraniums or begonias from a local nursery. Look for smaller plants that come in packs of four or six.
• Purchase one terracotta pot for each plant.
• Make a list of people you know who are sick or homebound, perhaps a family member, neighbor, or member of your church.
Activity Plan
1. Say this prayer aloud to begin.
God, thank you for creating our beautiful earth and everything in it. Help us to take good care of the earth and one another on Earth Day (May Day) and every day. Amen.
2. Open your Bible and have different family members read aloud the following passages, or use the text below:
Psalm 104:24
O Lord, how manifold are your works!
In wisdom have you made them all;
the earth is full of your creatures.
Matthew 6:28-29
And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
Isaiah 45:18
For thus says the Lord, who created the heavens (he is God!),
who formed the earth and made it
(he established it; he did not create it empty, he formed it to be inhabited!):
“I am the Lord, and there is no other."
3. Mention that April 22 is Earth Day and/or that May 1 is May Day, both days when people do things to be kind to God’s creation. Talk about ways that your family might take care of God’s creation in your neighborhood and community.
4. Explain that one way to celebrate Earth Day and/or May Day is to help a person who is sick or homebound enjoy the beauty of God’s creation. You can do this by giving a flowering plant to them. Together, list individuals to whom you would like to give flowers, adding to the list of names prepared in advance.
Consider:
• Someone who is sick.
• Someone who is homebound or lives in a nursing home.
• An elderly or disabled person in your family.
• A neighbor.
Choose one individual for each plant you have purchased.
5. Plant one flower in each terracotta pot. Be gentle with the roots of the flowers when you remove them from the plastic pots. Give each plant a drink of water, but do not overwater. If the plants came from the nursery with care instructions on plastic stakes, include those in each pot.
6. Contact each person to whom you wish to give a flower and set up a time to deliver it. As a family, visit briefly with each person as you deliver the flower. Tell them how you wanted to bring a part of God’s creation to them to enjoy.
Bible, small geraniums or begonias from a local nursery, one terracotta pot for each flowering plant, potting soil, trowels, names of people to receive plants
Prepare in Advance
• Mark your Bible at Psalm 104:24, Matthew 6:28-29, and Isaiah 45:18.
• Purchase geraniums or begonias from a local nursery. Look for smaller plants that come in packs of four or six.
• Purchase one terracotta pot for each plant.
• Make a list of people you know who are sick or homebound, perhaps a family member, neighbor, or member of your church.
Activity Plan
1. Say this prayer aloud to begin.
God, thank you for creating our beautiful earth and everything in it. Help us to take good care of the earth and one another on Earth Day (May Day) and every day. Amen.
2. Open your Bible and have different family members read aloud the following passages, or use the text below:
Psalm 104:24
O Lord, how manifold are your works!
In wisdom have you made them all;
the earth is full of your creatures.
Matthew 6:28-29
And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
Isaiah 45:18
For thus says the Lord, who created the heavens (he is God!),
who formed the earth and made it
(he established it; he did not create it empty, he formed it to be inhabited!):
“I am the Lord, and there is no other."
3. Mention that April 22 is Earth Day and/or that May 1 is May Day, both days when people do things to be kind to God’s creation. Talk about ways that your family might take care of God’s creation in your neighborhood and community.
4. Explain that one way to celebrate Earth Day and/or May Day is to help a person who is sick or homebound enjoy the beauty of God’s creation. You can do this by giving a flowering plant to them. Together, list individuals to whom you would like to give flowers, adding to the list of names prepared in advance.
Consider:
• Someone who is sick.
• Someone who is homebound or lives in a nursing home.
• An elderly or disabled person in your family.
• A neighbor.
Choose one individual for each plant you have purchased.
5. Plant one flower in each terracotta pot. Be gentle with the roots of the flowers when you remove them from the plastic pots. Give each plant a drink of water, but do not overwater. If the plants came from the nursery with care instructions on plastic stakes, include those in each pot.
6. Contact each person to whom you wish to give a flower and set up a time to deliver it. As a family, visit briefly with each person as you deliver the flower. Tell them how you wanted to bring a part of God’s creation to them to enjoy.
EASTER 2013
Resurrection Eggs
You can buy these online for $14 or make them for $1 or less. This is a great activity for the whole family.
First, number your 12 plastic eggs with permanent marker. Then fill with a message and Bible passage cite written on a slip of paper and the item listed for each egg and hide. Let children find and go over the story of Jesus and His resurrection with the entire family.
Egg Number 1
Message: Jesus road into Jerusalem on a donkey. the people waved palm branches.
Passage: Matthew 21:1-11
Item: A small plastic leaf or a piece of a palm branch or a blade of grass.
Egg Number 2
Message: Mary poured expensive perfume on Jesus' feet.
Passage: John 12:2-8
Item: Cotton ball with perfume on it.
Egg Number 3
Message: Jesus ate the Last Supper with His disciples.
Passage: Matthew 26:17-19
Item: A small piece of cracker to represent the passover bread.
Egg Number 4
Message: Judas betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver.
Passage: Matthew 27:3
Item: Three dimes
Egg Number 5
Message: Jesus carried His cross.
Passage: John 19:17
Item: A toothpick that is cut and glued in the form of a cross (or twist a pipecleaner).
Egg Number 6
Message: Soldiers placed a crown of thorns on Jesus' head.
Passage: John 19:2
Item: A small thorny branch or a single large thorn.
Egg Number 7
Message: Soldiers parted Jesus' garments and cast lots for His coat.
Passage: John 19?23
Item: Miniature dice
Egg Number 8
Message: Jesus was nailed to a cross and pierced in His side.
Passage: John 19:18, 37 and John 20:25-29.
Item: A nail or push pin.
Egg Number 9
Message: They gave Jesus vinegar mixed with gall on a sponge to drink.
Passage: Matthew 27:34.
Item: A Q-tip or small sponge.
Egg Number 10
Message: The women prepared spices to prepare Jesus for burial.
Passage: John 19:40
Item: A few whole cloves or other whole spices.
Egg Number 11
Message: The stone covering Jesus' tomb was rolled away.
Passage: John 20:1
Item: A small rock
Egg Number 12
Message: The tomb is empty. He has risen!
Passage: Luke 24:6
Item: Nothing
If you do any of these activities as a family, please tell the editor how it went, make suggestions on how to improve or suggestions on other times of the year you might like to have a family activity to do that involves faith. Click HERE to comment.
You can buy these online for $14 or make them for $1 or less. This is a great activity for the whole family.
First, number your 12 plastic eggs with permanent marker. Then fill with a message and Bible passage cite written on a slip of paper and the item listed for each egg and hide. Let children find and go over the story of Jesus and His resurrection with the entire family.
Egg Number 1
Message: Jesus road into Jerusalem on a donkey. the people waved palm branches.
Passage: Matthew 21:1-11
Item: A small plastic leaf or a piece of a palm branch or a blade of grass.
Egg Number 2
Message: Mary poured expensive perfume on Jesus' feet.
Passage: John 12:2-8
Item: Cotton ball with perfume on it.
Egg Number 3
Message: Jesus ate the Last Supper with His disciples.
Passage: Matthew 26:17-19
Item: A small piece of cracker to represent the passover bread.
Egg Number 4
Message: Judas betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver.
Passage: Matthew 27:3
Item: Three dimes
Egg Number 5
Message: Jesus carried His cross.
Passage: John 19:17
Item: A toothpick that is cut and glued in the form of a cross (or twist a pipecleaner).
Egg Number 6
Message: Soldiers placed a crown of thorns on Jesus' head.
Passage: John 19:2
Item: A small thorny branch or a single large thorn.
Egg Number 7
Message: Soldiers parted Jesus' garments and cast lots for His coat.
Passage: John 19?23
Item: Miniature dice
Egg Number 8
Message: Jesus was nailed to a cross and pierced in His side.
Passage: John 19:18, 37 and John 20:25-29.
Item: A nail or push pin.
Egg Number 9
Message: They gave Jesus vinegar mixed with gall on a sponge to drink.
Passage: Matthew 27:34.
Item: A Q-tip or small sponge.
Egg Number 10
Message: The women prepared spices to prepare Jesus for burial.
Passage: John 19:40
Item: A few whole cloves or other whole spices.
Egg Number 11
Message: The stone covering Jesus' tomb was rolled away.
Passage: John 20:1
Item: A small rock
Egg Number 12
Message: The tomb is empty. He has risen!
Passage: Luke 24:6
Item: Nothing
If you do any of these activities as a family, please tell the editor how it went, make suggestions on how to improve or suggestions on other times of the year you might like to have a family activity to do that involves faith. Click HERE to comment.
