Jesus used stories to teach life lessons. This month, we explore some of Jesus’s parables, those with a natural theme. We are not necessarily instructed by Jesus, but instead invited to explore life through his eyes and stand with him to understand what the simple stories reveal. Parables to teach life lessons are found in every religion focus on the joy found in life. See Entire Lesson Here
 Don't Hide Your Light Under a Bushel - Luke 11:33 Symbolism of Craft: Represents the light that each of us are. Craft: Light under a bushel (if you have less time, just the tea light in a plastic cup will work as well) Materials: Disposable Punch Cups Plastic Tea Lights (or real tea lights) Assorted colors of tissue paper Glue Paint brush Directions: Cut pastel tissue paper into small shapes. Mix glue 2 parts glue to one part water. Mix in a cup. Paint the outside of the cup, sticking on tissue paper as you go. When dry, put the tea light inside.  The Parable of the Tree and its Fruits - Matthew 8:15-20 Symbolism of Craft: Lets eat Figs! This week we eat some different fruits that children may or may not be familiar with. Craft: Fun Fruits Materials: Share Mediterranean fruits you can find in your local supermarket. Examples: Figs, pomegranates, kumquats, star fruit, passion fruit, guava or dragon fruit. Directions: Cut up and sample. See if the children can name the fruits as each one is offered. |  The Birds of Heaven & the Lilies of the Field - Matthew 6:24-34Symbolism of Craft: Lilies are a symbol from the Parable but also a symbol of renewal. Use a hand print cut out and a pipe cleaners to make beautiful lilies. Craft: Hand Print Lilly Craft Materials: white paper green construction paper pencil scissors green and orange pipe cleaners tape Directions: Fold a piece of green construction paper in half and trace a long leaf shape. Cut out from the fold so you get a double leaf joined in the middle. Trace your hand on white paper and cut out. Take a short length of orange pipe cleaner and twist it to the end of a long green pipe cleaner so the ends stick up like a "V" with droopy ears. This is the flower's center. Wrap the hand print around the top of the green pipe cleaner and tape in place. Poke a hole in the middle of the double laves and thread onto the pipe cleaner stem. Wrap tape around the stem below the leaves to they stay in place.  The Parable of the Sower and the Seeds - Luke 8:4-15 Symbolism of Craft: Make an origami Seed Packet to remind us to protect and cherish our ideas. Craft: Origami Seed Packet Materials: Colorful Paper Seeds (any kind) Markers/stickers to decorate Directions: Cut a 6” x 6” square Fold per the instructions Fill with seeds Decorate See Origami Instructions |
