6th Sunday after Pentecost Year A:  July 20, 2014 First Reading:  Genesis 28:10-19a The Magic Pillow by Demi (Written for ages 5-9) Comment:  When Jacob lays his head on the stone, God comes to him in a dream revealing the future for he and his offspring. Through the dream he...

We have come to the end of our five session series on hymn texts in books for children.  Krista Lovell has done a wonderful job of sharing some great reviews and lesson plans that can form the basis of a summer church school series, or with expansion, even a Vacation Church...

Title: He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands Author: Kadir Nelson Illustrator: Kadir Nelson Publisher: Dial (September 8, 2005) ISBN: 978-0803728509 Audience: Ages 4 and up Summary: The American spiritual “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands” is one of the best known songs of...

5th Sunday after Pentecost Year A:  July 13, 2014 First Reading:  Genesis 25:19-34 The Pain and the Great One by Judy Blume (Written for ages 5-9) Comment:  We encounter a classic case of sibling rivalry with the story of Esau and Jacob. Kids with siblings are likely to be able...

The review for Morning Has Broken was posted on Monday.  Here’s the lesson plan, written by Krista Lovell, that can be used as part of a five session series on Hymns of Praise.    

Title: Morning Has Broken Author: Eleanor Farjeon Illustrator: Tim Ladwig Publisher: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company (September 1996) ISBN: 978-0802851277 Audience: ages 4 and up Summary: A beautifully illustrated rendition of the popular hymn, this book celebrates the beauty...

4th Sunday after Pentecost Year A:  July 6, 2014 First Reading: Zechariah 9:9-12 How Raven Stole the Sun by Maria Williams (Written for ages 5-9) Comment:  In his commentary on this passage, Douglass M. Bailey explores what it means to be a “prisoner of hope.” He quotes Joan...

The third session of Hymns to Sing Praise focuses on the wonderful hymn GOD OF THE SPARROW.  Please remember to credit Krista Lovell for this wonderful curriculum if you use it in your church!