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What does Cross Training look like this year?
​Watch this video to find out!
      To support you in teaching your children and your own learning, the Board of Family Life is providing age-appropriate resources from preschool to adult for you to use to help you and your children learn more about what God has done and is doing for you through Jesus. We will be focusing on one Bible account a month that show us how we can have hope in God through whatever may happen in our lives. We will use St. Paul's school theme verse, Psalm 28:9, which reminds us of God's blessing and salvation in our lives and for all eternity.
      Start by watching the video below for the theme story, things to think about, a craft, family challenge activity, field trip, and connections to worship. Then throughout the month, we encourage you to do any/all of these activities together:
  • Read the Bible passage together, sometimes with summary video
  • Memorize the theme verse
  • Connect the monthly theme to a section of Luther's Small Catechism
  • Connect the monthly theme to a part of our worship service liturgy
  • Do a service opportunity together as a family
  • Participate in our monthly challenge for a chance to win a prize
  • Do other theme activities/games
  • Create a craft and/or snack on the monthly theme
  • Check out more resources you can use anywhere

November Bible Account:
Israelites the Wilderness

Cross Training Video: 
0:00 - Introduction
5:39 - Thankfulness Turkey Box
9:06 - Catechism Connection
13:24 - Service Project
15:40 - Family Activity
16:56 - Exodus Craft
17:30 - Worship Connection
19:40 - Prayer
More on the Israelites: 
For Preschool and Elementary: For High School and Adults: 
GOD'S LESSONS FOR US:
God rescued the Israelites from slavery, and led them through the wilderness. They had to fully trust in Him to provide for them with food, water, and guidance. God knows your every need too, and provides for you. He guides you through the uncertainty of this world. Although we may complain about the things we have and forget what God has given, God helps you to rely on Him above everything else. In both physical and spiritual ways God strengthens you for this life. Read the Biblical account in Exodus 14-16.
  • For Preschool, focus on how God gives me what I need from smallest thing to biggest. 
  • For Early Elementary, remind them that God never leaves us. He walks us through the good and bad of our lives. 
  • For Late Elementary, discuss how God sees us through all troubles of our lives.  
  • For Junior High, talk about even when we complain against God, He provides for us even when we don't deserve it. 
  • For High School, relate that God guides us through the chaos of this world.  When we don't see what's ahead, God has a plan for us. 
  • For Parents, like your own children, God's children constantly pushed away from Him. Remember God's patience for you. 
CATECHISM CONNECTION: Lord's Prayer, 4th Petition
James 1:17 tells us that every good gift comes from God. Just as the Israelites received what they needed each day from God, we also receive all the things we need from God our Father. We know He takes care of us, and we will have what we need for this life. 
For Preschool and Elementary, help them see ways that God works through people to provide for them. We get love and care through parents and relatives. We get food and clothing through stores and farmers. Teachers help us learn. God gives us protection through fire fighters, police, and government. 
​For Junior and Senior High:​​For Adults:
  • Read about the 4th Petition from the Large Catechism.  
  • “Earthly goods are given to be used, not to be collected. In the wilderness God gave Israel the manna every day, and they had no need to worry about food and drink. Indeed, if they kept any of the manna over until the next day, it went bad. In the same way, the disciple must receive his portion from God every day. If he stores it up as a permanent possession, he spoils not only the gift, but himself as well, for he sets his heart on accumulated wealth, and makes it a barrier between himself and God. Where our treasure is, there is our trust, our security, our consolation and our God. Hoarding is idolatry.”
    ― Dietrich Bonhoeffer, The Cost of Discipleship
LITURGY/WORSHIP CONNECTION: Prayer
During the Worship Service we take time to pray to God in the Prayers of the Church. In this prayer we ask God for a lot of things, for understanding of His Word, peace where there is violence, healing of the sick, good weather, for those who are in need. But we also thank Him for His many blessings through loved ones, food, shelter, community, and especially Jesus.
  • Find ways that you can pray as a family. Prayers always point us back to God, that we can rely on Him for everything.
    • You can memorize prayers, like the Lord’s Prayer, or Luther’s Morning and Evening Prayer. 
    • Have a prayer journal for all the prayers you have for your family, friends, community, and work. 
  • For Preschool, have specific prayer times at bedtime, mealtime, and others, where they know they are talking to God. 
  • For Elementary, you can use this handout (below) from The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod to help explain Prayer to your children: 
Kids in Divine Service - Prayer
File Size: 168 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
  • For Junior and Senior High, have them be specific about prayer, assigning something for them to say, whether about a sick loved one, a hurting friend, for good government, or other things you talk about often. 
ISRAELITES ACTIVITIES:
Picture
Email your list to Mr. Hayes at jhayes@STPLmunster.com
Find a place as best you can where you can take a long walk outside, away from buildings and traffic. Look for a park (here or here are good places) where you could have a picnic lunch. 
As a family, discuss the Israelites' need for food and shelter wherever they went.
  • How would you feel without a permanent home?
  • How would you feel knowing every day God guided you with a pillar of cloud and gave you the food you needed for the day?
Thankfulness Turkey Box
  • Tissue box.
  • Paper/colored paper
  • Paint
  • Pen/marker
  • Small paintbrush
  • Scissors
Pillar of Fire and Cloud Craft
  • Stuffing 
  • Red paper
  • Marker
  • Scissors 
  • Glue Stick ​
Prayer Board
  • Clothes pins
  • String 
  • Big board or wall space

November Bible Account: Israelites in the Wilderness

Exodus 14-16
Connect with us: 
CROSS TRAINING- Fall 2020
Streaming lessons here;
In-person temporarily suspended
Zoom Adult/High School Cross Training Bible Study
Email Barb Mertens for the link to our Cross Training Bible Study each Sunday morning on Zoom with Mike Hutcheson and other friends!
BIBLE VERSE FOR THE MONTH:
SERVICE OPPORTUNITY:
God provides so much for us, and in many ways He allows us to share with others. This month find a way your family can give food to others. 
You can donate non-perishable food to St. Paul's or other Food Pantries or Kitchens.  
You can make a main dish, side dish, or dessert for another family, whether a neighbor, friend, or relative. Pick a favorite dish of yours and make it together as a family. Make sure to contact the family beforehand to make sure that it is ok, and when and how you can give them the food. Write a little note of encouragement and how you are sharing God’s love with them.

more fun family resources

PRAYER WALK
Click Here and choose route from the Prayer Walk Guide. Keep it open on your phone as you take your walk. Make sure everyone is involved!
BAPTISMAL BIRTHDAYS
Our baptismal birthdays are a time when we remember all the great gifts God has given to us. Find our when your baptismal birthday is. Think of creative ways for you to celebrate your baptismal birthdays! 
PRINTABLES
Wilderness Coloring Pages:​
Israelites Grumbling
File Size: 196 kb
File Type: png
Download File
Manna and Quail
File Size: 65 kb
File Type: jpg
Download File
Take Home VBS Adopted
File Size: 53 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
Take Home VBS Joy In Serving
File Size: 55 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
Prayer Journal Kids
File Size: 1762 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File