Shepherding the Children of Vineyard Central: February Summary
During the Epiphany season, the children are focusing on worshipping the Christ child of many names. They are memorizing Isaiah 9:6, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
When the 5-7 year olds talked about the name of Elohim, Three in One, they thought about the Trinity as an egg – 3 separate parts (shell, yolk, white), each ‘egg’, yet each necessary to the egg as a whole. They also braided twine to remind them of the three parts of God. The children talked about the name of Jehovah Shalom, the God of Peace,. The 5-7 year olds made collages of peaceful places. The 8-11 year olds read the story of the woman caught in adultery (John 8:2-11) and wrote sings on paper, only to cover it with a heart or cross and then tear it up and throw it away as a reminder of God’s love and forgiveness covering all our sins and bringing peace. In addition, the toddlers heard the story of Jesus healing the man at the Pool of Bethesda and mad woven mats. They also talked about Daniel and lion’s den and courage and trusting God. They made lion paper plate masks. The 5-7 year olds also had each of their names written in Hebrew by Steve who showed them what all of these names of God looked like written in Hebrew.
During the season of Lent, they will be learning of the prophets who prepared a way of repentance, namely Elijah, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Amos. They will be memorizing Psalm 32.5, “Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgression to the Lord” and you forgave the guilt of my sin.”
When I was with the children this month wondering about the Trinity, we spoke about the mysteries of God and named some of the many things about God we cannot understand or comprehend. Though perhaps I am the “teacher” in this scenario, my age, study, or lesson preparation, still leave me right with the children – wondering about the mystery of God and struggling to grasp the notion of Elohim, Three in One. This in mind, the children are not approached as needing to be taught and instructed, but rather, co-journeyers, co-worshipers, and co-wonderers before the throne of God. And so, I am grateful and praise God for their companionship on this journey.
~ Laura
Aliza Bruner (0-4 Year Old Children)
Laura Menze (5-7 Year Old Children)
Jill Stoxen (8-10 Year Old Children)