Welcome to our MBI Children and Family Ministry Newsletter! We seek to support Children and Family Ministry by providing free or inexpensive resources that inspire and educate faith in Jesus.
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Bible Lessons
November is a month where we are reminded to pause and give thanks to God for who He is and what He has done. It is important for children to understand the value of practicing gratitude and how it benefits us spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically. There are many stories in Scripture that teach about thankfulness. Access some of them here.
When things in the world are changing by the day and we find that we are facing many unknowns, it can be easy for us to lose sightof the many ways God has truly blessed us. Parents have the unique opportunity and calling to teach their children how to give thanks in every circumstance. Find out more on this subject from Billy Graham here.
Puritans for Children
Thanksgiving is a holiday traditionally celebrated in America on the 4th Thursday of November. Watch videos on the history of Thanksgiving here. and here. to teach your children about the history of this American Holiday. Learn more about the Native American, Squanto, who answered God’s call and helped establish the first Thanksgiving in this. article. Additionally, learn about Thanksgiving celebrations in other countries here.
The Pilgrims who came to America, also known as Puritans, were people of devoted prayer during times of struggle. Read and reflect on this Puritan prayer of praise and thanksgiving with your family to foster a season of thanksgiving here. If you want to read more Puritan Prayers you can purchase Arthur Bennett’s book The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions here.
Growing in Gratitude
According to Cary Bates from Focus on the Family, “When children are very young, it’s easy to remind them to say, ‘Thank you,’ but as kids grow, so does their need to say more than a quick thanks. Their challenge is to develop a thankful heart.” Read her article offering 11 intentional ideas to help your children grow in the area of gratitude here.
Gratitude: The Brain’s Amazing Fertilizer
1 Thessalonians 5:18 teaches us that it is God’s will for us to “give thanks in all circumstances,” but are you aware of all the emotional and physical health benefits that gratefulness brings for you and your children? Learn about these benefits here.
Giving Back
Serve Your Community
We express thankfulness not only by saying “Thank you,” but also through our actions. The Salvation Army offers many opportunities for families to serve together while staying safe. Find a Salvation Army location near your community here.
Serve Across the World
Through Compassion International, your family can sponsor a child in another country—allowing that child to attend school, learn about Jesus at a local Compassion Center, receive medical check-ups, and more. Your family will enjoy writing letters to your child and getting to know them throughout the years. Learn more here.
Arts and Crafts
This cardboard thankful turkey craft is fun and simple to create. Even preschoolers and kindergartners can make it with their parents’ help. It can be a cute room decoration for the Thanksgiving season and a sweet reminder to your family to be thankful. Access this craft here.
Thanksgiving Crafts from Preschool to High School
No matter what age we are, we can always grow more in thankfulness. These are fifteen ageappropriate thanksgiving crafts you can do with your children whether they are entering into preschool or their senior year of high school. Access these crafts here.
