First Christian Church of Morehead
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Peter's travels

5/8/2022

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Picture
Raising of Tabitha, Guercino, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
READ: When the gift of the Spirit was given to the followers of Jesus, they did amazing things, just as Jesus had done. They came together to share food and resources, to study scripture together, and to pray. Some people were healed by the disciples. They did amazing things in Jerusalem, in Samaria, and in other towns, too.
In the town of Joppa there was a believer named Tabitha who had also received the gift of the Holy Spirit, she did what Jesus would do, but in her own special way. Tabitha helped the widows and the poor. She made clothes for them. Many people loved her.
One day Tabitha got very sick, she was dying. After she died, her friends were sad. The women she had helped took water and cloth and washed her body, and then they placed her upstairs. Other disciples sent for Peter. When he arrived, people whom Tabitha had helped were crying. They told stories about how much she had given to others and showed him the clothes she had made. Peter was moved by this, and he began to pray. He turned to her and said, “Tabitha, get up!” And she opened her eyes. Peter took her hand and helped her up. 

​When everyone saw she was alive, many people believed in Jesus and began to follow the way that was the kingdom of God.  
(Acts 9:36-42)
WONDER: I wonder why Tabitha helped people in need? 
I wonder how the people were feeling when Tabitha was dying?

I wonder how Peter felt when he saw her friends crying?

I wonder what it was like to see that God made Tabitha alive again?

I wonder what the people will do in their own special way to show their love for God?

I wonder what is the most important part of this story?

SAY: In this story we see that the Holy Spirit helped people learn to follow Jesus, by doing things which help others. Tabitha followed Jesus by helping those in need. Peter followed Jesus by teaching and healing others. And when people saw Tabitha and Peter following Jesus, many wanted to follow Jesus, too.
PRAY: Let’s pray. Dear God, thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit. Help us learn to help others, just as Jesus did. Amen.
EXTEND
  • I wonder which part of this story you would like to remember? Using your favorite art materials depict the part of this story which captures your attention.
  • Our congregation helps people who need permanent housing by providing housewarming baskets each month with supplies they might need. There are a few items which still need people to donate. See the list at Signup Genius. Talk with your family about giving to this project or other ways you can help those in need.​
  • Read Saving Strawberry Farm by Deborah Hopkinson and illustrated by Caldecott Honor artist Rachel Isadora. The book tells the story of a community coming together during the Depression to help a neighbor keep their farm. How do communities support people in need?
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The Call of Saul (May 1, 2022)

5/1/2022

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Picture
Conversion on the Way to Damascus, Caravaggio, 1601 Cerasi Chapel, Santa Maria del Popolo, Rome
READ: Once a man named Saul was going from Jerusalem to Damascus to find Christians he could bring back to punish. In those days Christians were known as “Followers of the Way.” On the way to Damascus a dazzling light flashed around Saul, blinding his eyes. As he fell to the ground, he heard a voice say, “Saul, why are you trying to hurt me?” Confused and blinded, Saul asked, “Who are you?” 

The voice responded, “I’m Jesus, the one you’re trying so hard to hurt. Get up and go into the city. Once you’re there, you’ll be told what to do next.”
Saul got up, but still couldn’t see. The people with him took his hand and led him into Damascus. He stayed in a home on Straight Street. He didn’t eat or drink anything.
On the third day a man came to him, Ananias, a Follower of the Way in Damascus. God had sent him to meet Saul. Ananias had come, even though he knew Saul intended to hurt people like him. Ananias said, “Brother Saul, you saw the Lord on the road and that same Lord Jesus came to me too, so that you could see again and receive the Holy Spirit.”
Saul heard him, and it was like fish scales fell from his eyes. He could see, and he understood what Ananias meant. Saul was baptized by Ananias, he ate a meal, and felt restored. Saul was changed. Like Ananias he became a Follower of the Way. To mark this moment, Saul changed his name to Paul. (Acts 9:1-20)


WONDER:
I wonder how it felt when the light was flashing on the road to Damascus?

I wonder how Saul felt when he couldn’t see?
I wonder how Ananias felt when God told him to go find Saul?
I wonder how Saul felt when he had a change of heart?
I wonder what part of this story you like the best?
I wonder what part of this story is the most important?

SAY: In this story Saul has a change of heart and becomes one of the first Followers of the Way to know Jesus in this “new way.” He joins the other disciples who have met Jesus since he was raised. And that is how we meet him today, too. 

PRAY: Let’s pray. Dear God, thank you for loving us just as we are. Help us to be sharers of your love with others. Amen.

EXTEND
  • Look at the painting by Caravaggio on the cover of our bulletin. What part of the story does the painting show? What do you notice? What part of the story would you want to draw? Use your favorite art materials to create a picture from the story.
  • Read Just a Dream by Chris Van Allsburg. Like Paul’s experience on the road to Damascus, Walter is changed by his dream. I wonder what changes Walter’s mind? I wonder if you’ve ever changed your mind about something?
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    Weekly Faith Conversations

    Use these guides as conversation starters with your family.  A short retelling of the scripture passage is offered or you may want to look the story up in your own bible or in a children's bible. The wondering questions are written to open up faith exploration with children and adults. 

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  • Home
  • About Us
    • Who We Are
    • Staff >
      • Pastor >
        • Pastor Nancy's Notes
      • Secretary
    • Labyrinth
    • Gallery
    • FAQ
  • Ministries
    • Small Groups
    • Children & Youth >
      • At Home with Families
    • Music and the Arts
    • Outreach
    • Sermons
    • Our Library
    • Green Chalice >
      • 2021 Art Exhibition >
        • Season of Creation Art Gallery Blog
  • Give
    • Offering / Donation Online
    • Direct Debit Form
    • Other
  • News and Events
    • Calendar
    • Newsletter (The ECHO)
    • Links
  • Contact Us