Read together:  “Zechariah (pages 208-211 in the Spark Story Bible). You might read Luke 1:68-79 in your Bible or at biblegateway.com.

Family conversation cues (younger children)

Zechariah’s baby boy named John grew up to do a very special job for God.  John told people to bet ready because Jesus was coming.  What special jobs do you think God wants you to do?

Family conversation cues (older children)

When John grew up, he prepared people for the coming of Jesus.  Have you ever thought about what God wants you to do in your life?

Family Blessing

God had a special purpose for John.  God created you for a special reason, too.

[Family member’s name], you are a special creation of God.  You are a blessing. 

Read together:  “Mary Visits Elizabeth” (pages 202-208 in the Spark Story Bible). You might also read Luke 1:39-58 in your Bible or at biblegateway.com.

Family conversation cues (younger children)

Mary was filled with joy because God had blessed her.  Talk about a time you had more joy than you could hold.  What filled you with joy?  How did you share your joy with others?

Family conversation cues (older children)

Mary joyfully praised God with her words (breath) and her heart (life).  When was the last time your soul was filled with joy?  What are some things you do so that you can feel God filling your heart with joy?  How can you use your joy to praise God?

Family Blessing

God fills us with joy that overflows so that others can see God in us. [Family member’s name], let your joy overflow so that others can feel God’s presence.  You are a blessing. 

Read together:  “Ten Men Healed” (pages 390-393 in the Spark Story Bible).  You might also read Luke 17:11-19 in your Bible or at biblegateway.com. 

Family conversation cues (younger children)

What do you think made the one leper turn around and go back to thank Jesus? 

What are some things you can do to show you are grateful to God for his big love? 

Family conversation cues (older children)

Why do you think the other nine didn’t return to praise Jesus for their healing?  What do you think the grateful leper did after he left Jesus?  What do gratitude and faith lead you to do?

Family Blessing

Grateful is bigger than “thank you.”  Grateful is being thankful with your whole heart and mind.

[Family member’s name], be grateful for God’s grace with your heart, mind, soul, and strength.  You are a blessing. 

Read together:  “The Widow’s Offering” (pages 342-345 in the Spark Story Bible).  You might also read Mark 12:38-44 in your Bible or at biblegateway.com. 

Family conversation cues (younger children)

How could the widow’s two small coins be more than all the shiny coins the rich man gave?  The widow trusted God to take care of her.  Tell about a time when you trusted God and God took care of you.

Family conversation cues (older children)

The widow gave everything she had.  Have you ever given everything you had? 

What happened?  Do gifts to the church always have to be money?  What other gifts can people give?  What gifts can you give?

Family Blessing

Giving to the church shows our love for God.  In faith, we can give extravagantly!

[Family member’s name], Jesus loves you and wants you to love him back.  You are

a blessing. 

Read together:  “Lazarus” (pages 440-443 in the Spark Story Bible).  You might also read John 11:1-45 in your Bible or at biblegateway.com.  (For this story, you might try the Good News translation if you are reading it with children.)

Family conversation cues (younger children)

What would you have said to Jesus after you saw that Lazarus was alive?  What are some ways you know that Jesus is your good friend?

Family conversation cues (older children)

At the beginning of the story, do you think Mary and Martha understood who Jesus was?  Why do you think Jesus cried even though he had the power to bring Lazarus back to life?  

Family Blessing

Jesus said we are his friends.  He loves us just as he did Mary, Martha, and Lazarus.

[Family member’s name], Jesus is your good friend and he cares about you.  You are a blessing. 

Read together:  “Naomi and Ruth” and “Ruth and Boaz” (pages 110-117 in the Spark Story Bible).  You might also read Ruth 1:1-2:17 in your Bible or at biblegateway.com.

Family conversation cues (younger children)

How was Ruth a good friend to Naomi?  What does a friend do or say?  What do you do or say to be a friend?  How was Boaz a friend to Naomi and Ruth?  In this story, what does God teach us about caring for others?

Family conversation cues (older children)

Why do you think Ruth decided to follow Naomi?  In what ways was Ruth faithful to God?  Where are the places you see God at work in this story?  What is important for you to remember about this story?  What will you do to show love and kindness?

Family Blessing

God loves you and wants you to show love and kindness to other people. 

[Family member’s name], God richly blesses your life.  You are a blessing. 

Read together:  “Jacob Wrestles” (pages 46-47 in the Spark Story Bible).

You might also read Genesis 32:22-31 in your Bible or at biblegateway.com.

Family conversation cues (younger children)

Jacob asked God to bless him.  What would you ask God for at the end of the wrestling match?  What are some times when God has blessed you?

Family conversation cues (older children)

How did God get Jacob’s attention? What are some ways that God gets your attention?  God gave Jacob another name.  What are some other names that might describe your relationship with God?

Family Blessing

Even when we struggle with faith and have questions or doubts, God still blesses us. 

[Family member’s name], God holds on to you, both night and day.  You are a blessing. 

Read together:  “Adam and Eve” (pages 8-13 in the Spark Story Bible).

You might also read Genesis 2:4-25 in your Bible or at biblegateway.com.

Family conversation cues (younger children)

What are some things you have seen (or would expect to see) in a beautiful garden? 

Tell about a time when you helped take care of God’s creation.  What is something your family might do to show love for the world God created?

Family conversation cues (older children)

What does it mean to take care of something?  What do you think it means to take care of God’s creation?  What are you already doing to care for creation?  What ideas do you have for working with other people to take care of God’s world?

Family Blessing

Thank God for creating this world and inviting us to help him care for it. 

[Family member’s name], you are part of God’s creation, a beloved child of God.  You are a blessing to the world. 

Read together:  “Rebekah and Isaac” (pages 38-41 in the Spark Story Bible). 

You might also read Genesis 24 in your Bible or at biblegateway.com.

Family conversation cues (younger children)

What did Rebekah do to make Abraham’s servant feel welcome?  What are some things you do at home and at school to be friendly and help others feel welcome? 

Family conversation cues (older children)

Why do you think Rebekah offered to give water to the camels?  When have you jumped in to help someone in need?  Why did you decide to help? 

Family Blessing

If we look, we will find many opportunities to help others. 

[Family member’s name], when you serve others, you are serving God.  You are a blessing. 

Read together:  “Jesus Blesses the Children” (pages 328-333 in the Spark Story Bible). 

You might also read Mark 10:13-16 in your Bible or at biblegateway.com.

Family conversation cues (younger children)

What does it mean to bless someone?  What did Jesus do to show the children how much he loved them?  Talk about some blessings Jesus has given you.

Family conversation cues (older children)

What are some ways Jesus blesses you and your family?  What do you do with your blessings?  Jesus said, “Let the children come.”  How do we go to Jesus today?

Family Blessing

“The Father has loved us so much that we are called children of God.” (1 John 3:1)

[Family member’s name], you are a child of God.  Jesus loves you and holds you close.  You are a blessing. 

 Read together:  “Mary and Martha” (pages 366-371 in the Spark Story Bible). 

You might also read Luke 10:38-42 in your Bible or at biblegateway.com.

Family conversation cues (younger children)

When Jesus came to visit, Martha was very busy cooking and cleaning.  How does your family get ready for visitors?  Mary chose to sit and listen to Jesus.  How can you spend time with Jesus?    

Family conversation cues (older children)

When are you busy and working hard, like Martha was?  What do you think Jesus wanted Martha to learn?  What do you do to sit and listen to Jesus?  How do you make good decisions about how you use your time?   

Family Blessing

Martha and Mary welcomed Jesus into their home. The most important thing for us is to welcome Jesus into our lives.

[Family member’s name], choose to spend time with God.  You are a blessing. 

Read together:  “Who Is the Greatest” (pages 324-325  in the Spark Story Bible). 

You might also read Mark 9:33-37 in your Bible or at biblegateway.com

Family conversation cues (younger children)

Have you ever heard someone argue about whose turn it is or who’s first?  Jesus said if you want to be the greatest, look for ways to be kind and helpful.  What are some ways you are kind to others?  How do you help others?

Family conversation cues (older children)

What do you think makes someone great?  Why do you think the disciples were arguing about who was the greatest?  What does it mean to serve others?

Family Blessing

Do your best to serve others.  Be encouraging, kind, friendly, and helpful.

[Family member’s name], God loves you so that you can love others.  You are a blessing. 

Read together:  “Abram’s Call” (pages 26-29 in the Spark Story Bible). 

You might also read Genesis 12:1-9 in your Bible or at biblegateway.com

Family conversation cues (younger children)

Have you ever been to a new place?  Who went with you?  What was it like when you go to that new place?  How do you know God is with you as you all along the way?

Family conversation cues (older children)

Suppose God asked your family to leave your home and move somewhere else but didn’t tell you the destination?  What would be hard about that?  What might help you obey and trust God?

Family Blessing

God will guide every step you take, even when you’re not sure where you are going.

[Family member’s name], when you obey and trust God, he can use you to bless the people around you.  You are a blessing. 

Read together:  “Pharaoh’s Dreams” (pages 54-59 in the Spark Story Bible). 

You might also read Genesis 39:20 to 41:57 in your Bible or at biblegateway.com

Family conversation cues (younger children)

How do you feel when you’re having a bad day?  How do you think Joseph felt when bad things happened to him?  On bad days, how do you know God loves you?

Family conversation cues (older children)

When bad things happen, have you ever wondered if God has forgotten you?  How did Joseph know God was with him, even in prison?  How does God show you that he is with you when you’re having a really bad day?  What helps you stay close to God?

Family Blessing

When we trust God, he can use our hard times for something good.

[Family member’s name], trust in the Lord with all your heart.  You are a blessing. 

Read together:  “Four Friends” (pages 348-353 in the Spark Story Bible). 

You might also read Mark 2:1-12 in your Bible or at biblegateway.com.

Family conversation cues (younger children)

Why do you think the friends in the story would work that hard to get their friend to Jesus?  How do you work hard to help your friends and family?

Family conversation cues (older children)

What are some things this story helps us learn about Jesus?  Why do you think the people were so amazed by Jesus’s miracles?  The four men brought their friend to meet Jesus.  Who brought you to meet Jesus?  How did they bring you to meet him?

Family Blessing

The four friends went out of their way to help their friend who couldn’t walk.  We can go out of our way to help our friends and family.

[Family member’s name], be a faithful friend to everyone you meet.  You are a blessing. 

Read together:  “Elijah and the Widow” (pages 140-143 in the Spark Story Bible). 

You might also read 1 Kings 17:8-16 in your Bible or at biblegateway.com.

Family conversation cues (younger children)

What are some things Elijah did to help the widow know about God?  What do you suppose the woman learned?  What are some things you have learned about God?

Family conversation cues (older children)

What does it mean to trust God?  How did Elijah show that he trusted God?  IN what ways does this story of Elijah remind you of your relationship with God?

Family Blessing

God cares for each of us and we can trust him to provide what we need.  What we say and do shows others that God cares about them.

[Family member’s name], God loves you and keeps you every day.  You are a blessing. 

Read together:  “Paul and Silas” (pages 535-539 in the Spark Story Bible). 

You might also read Acts 16:16-40 in your Bible or at biblegateway.com.

Family conversation cues (younger children)

Why do you think Paul and Silas were praying and singing in jail?  What are some places you pray?  When do you like to sing?  How do you feel when you pray or sing?

Family conversation cues (older children)

Why do you think Paul and Silas didn’t run away after the earthquake?  The jailer heard about Jesus and believed.  What do you believe about Jesus? 

Family Blessing

God is always there, even when things are hard or scary.  Praying and singing can help us remember to look for God wherever we are.  

[Family member’s name], keep praying and singing.  You are a blessing. 

Read together:  “Praise God” (pages 158-159 in the Spark Story Bible).  Be sure to

read Psalm 8 in your Bible or at biblegateway.com.

Family conversation cues (younger children)

What are some wonderful things God has created?   Why do you think people are so important to God?  How has God shown you that you are important to him?

Family conversation cues (older children)

What do you think David might have been feeling when he wrote this Psalm?  What amazes you about God?  What are some ways you praise God?  How has God shown you that you are important to him?

Family Blessing

When we see a huge night sky full of stars, we may be overwhelmed by all God has done, by how powerful God is.  Remember, God cares very much for you. 

[Family member’s name], God surrounds you with his love and power.  You are a blessing.  

Read together:  “Solomon Builds the Temple” (pages 136-139 in the Spark Story Bible).  You might also read I Kings 6 in your Bible or at biblegateway.com.

Family conversation cues (younger children)

The Israelites worked hard to build the temple.  What does it feel like to work hard and do your best?  Do you have a special place where you can pray and sing and feel close to God? 

Family conversation cues (older children)

Why do you think Solomon used the best materials and the best workers for the temple?  How do you feel when you know you’ve done your best?  What does it mean to do your best for God? 

Family Blessing

God has important work for each of us.  One way we show our love for God is by doing our very best.

[Family member’s name], may you always be faithful to the Lord our God.  

Read together:  “The Battle of Jericho” (pages 102-105 in the Spark Story Bible).  You might also read Joshua 6:1-20 in your Bible or at biblegateway.com. 

Family conversation cues (younger children)

What do you think the Israelites shouted before the walls tumbled?  Do you think the walls would have fallen if the people had not followed God’s instructions?  God loves us and is always looking out for us, so his way is always the best.

Family conversation cues (older children)

How do you think the Israelites felt when Joshua told them to walk around the walls of Jericho and then shout?  Have you ever been asked to do something that seemed silly or pointless but turned out to be a good thing to do?  Following God’s directions is always the best way.  What are some things that help you follow God’s plan?

Family Blessing

God gives us the courage and strength to follow his directions.

[Family member’s name], the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

Read together:  “A Storm” (pages 286-289 in the Spark Story Bible).  Be sure to read Mark 4:35-41 and Psalm 121:8 in your Bible or at biblegateway.com. 

Family conversation cues (younger children)

If you were in the boat with the disciples, how would you feel during the storm?  How would your face look?  What would you be doing?  How would you feel when Jesus told the wind and the waves to be still?  How would your face look then?

Family conversation cues (older children)

In a storm, what are some ways you calm your fear?  Why do you think Jesus asked the disciples, “Why are you afraid?”  How do you remember God is always with you, even when your life feels stormy?

Family Blessing

We can live with love and courage because God is always with us.

[Family member’s name], The Lord protects you now and always, wherever you go.  (Psalm 121:8)

Read together:  “A Message from God” (pages 100-101 in the Spark Story Bible).  

Be sure to read Deuteronomy 6:1-9 in your Bible or at biblegateway.com. 

Family conversation cues (younger children)

God told the people to love him and to teach their children about him.  What does your family do to teach each other about God?  What are some things in your house that remind you of God?  How can you remember to love God with all your heart?

Family conversation cues (older children)

God told the people to keep his message in their hearts and in their minds.  What does it mean to keep something in your heart?  What are some ways to keep God’s message in your mind?  When and where can you talk about God?

Family Blessing

(From Deuteronomy 6:5 and Luke 10:27)

[Family member’s name], love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.    

Read together:  “Lydia” (pages 532-535 in the Spark Story Bible).  You might read Acts 16:1-15 in your Bible or at biblegateway.com. 

Family conversation cues (younger children)

Lydia was a joyful new Christian.  What do you do to show the joy Jesus gives you?  Lydia was generous, sharing what she had.  What are some things you can share?

Family conversation cues (older children)

At first, Lydia believed in God but not in Jesus.  How is this different?  Why do you think Lydia believed the message about Jesus?  What do you think Paul told Lydia about Jesus?  What is important for you to say about Jesus?

Family Blessing

Lydia’s story reminds us to worship God, love Jesus, keep learning, and share the Good News. 

[Family member’s name], God calls you to him and wants you to tell others about Jesus.  You are a blessing.

Read together:  “Saul to Paul” (pages 514-519 in the Spark Story Bible).  You might read Acts 9:1-20 in your Bible or at biblegateway.com.

Family conversation cues (younger children)

How did Jesus get Saul’s attention?  How did Saul’s friends help him?  How do you help your friends?  What important thing does this story help you know about Jesus?

Family conversation cues (older children)

Saul didn’t like Christians.  Why would Jesus want Saul as a disciple?  In what way was Ananias a hero in this story?  What important things does this story tell you about Jesus?

Family Blessing

When you forget to listen to Jesus or don’t want to listen, he reaches out and gets your attention.  Jesus changes you to be the kind of disciple he needs you to be.

[Family member’s name], Jesus is changing you so that you can be a blessing to others.

Read together:  “David and Goliath” (pages 130-135 in the Spark Story Bible).  You might read 1 Samuel 17:4-11, 32-50 in your Bible or at biblegateway.com.

Family conversation cues (younger children)

David had learned how to take care of the sheep and how to pray.  What are some things to have learned how to do?  When he had to do a hard thing, David trusted God.  When are some times that God protects you and gives you courage? 

Family conversation cues (older children)

David used the skills he had learned as a shepherd to defeat Goliath.  What are some skills you have that God can use?  What helps you remember to trust God to protect you and give you courage?

Family Blessing

There’s no one exactly like you!  God uses your skills to accomplish important jobs.

[Family member’s name], trust God to give you the courage to do hard things.  You are a blessing.

Read together:  “Naaman Is Healed” (pages 148-151 in the Spark Story Bible).  You might read 2 Kings 5:1-19 in your Bible or at biblegateway.com.

Family conversation cues (younger children)

In the story, who helped Naaman follow God’s directions?  Name some of the people who help you follow God’s directions.  What do those people do to help you follow God’s directions?

Family conversation cues (older children)

God’s plan for healing Naaman was not what Naaman expected.  Talk about a time that God surprised you.  Who encourages you to continue listening to and following God?  What do you do to encourage others to trust God?

Family Blessing

We help each other obey God, even when God’s plan is not what we expect.

[Family member’s name], God cares for you and has a special plan for you.  You are

a blessing.

Read together:  “David Is Chosen” (pages 126-129 in the Spark Story Bible).  You might read 1 Samuel 16:1-13 in your Bible or at biblegateway.com.

Family conversation cues (younger children)

David helped his family by taking care of the sheep.  What are some jobs you do to help your family?  What do you think made David a good choice to be the next king?

Family conversation cues (older children)

What do you think it means that God looks at a person’s heart?  David didn’t look like a king yet.  What made him a good choice?

Family Blessing

What matters most to God is not how we look.  What matters most is if we are kind, helpful, and ready to follow God’s directions.

[Family member’s name], God has chosen you to be his faithful servant.  You are a blessing.

Read together:  “Creation” (pages 2-7 in the Spark Story Bible).  You might read Genesis 1:1 - 2:4 in your Bible or at biblegateway.com.

Family conversation cues (younger children)

Go outside or look out the window.  What are some things you notice about God’s creation?  What are some things you do care for God’s world?

Family conversation cues (older children)

How did God make each step of creation happen?  What are some things this story tells you about who God is and what God does?  How might you use your creative skills to make God’s world a better place?

Family Blessing

God looked over all that he had made and saw that it was very good. 

[Family member’s name], You are a special creation of God.  You are a blessing.

 Read together:  “The Holy Spirit” (pages 502-503 in the Spark Story Bible).  You might read Acts 2:1-21, 36-42 in your Bible or at biblegateway.com.

Family conversation cues (younger children)

The disciples heard a sound like a strong wind.  It was God’s Spirit coming to them.  What have you seen the wind do?  What have you seen God do?

Family conversation cues (older children)

The story describes the beginning of the Christian church.  What does it mean to be part of a church family?  Why do you think God’s Spirit appeared as wind in the story? 

Family Blessing

The disciples carried God’s power within them.  Guess what?  We do, too!   [Family member’s name], God’s power is in you so that you can share God’s love and joy.  You are a blessing.

Read together:  “The Ten Commandments” (pages 94-99 in the Spark Story Bible).  You might read Exodus 20:1-17 in your Bible or at biblegateway.com.

Family conversation cues (younger children)

What kinds of rules do you have at your house?  Who makes most of those rules?  Some rules are hard to keep.  What happens when you break a rule?  God loves you always, even when you break a rule.

Family conversation cues (older children)

What are some rules at home and school?  Why do you think parents and teachers make rules?  Why do you think God made rules for the Israelites? 

Family Blessing

The 10 Commandments have two kinds of rules:  Love God.  Love other people.  God loves us and wants us to love him and to be kind and loving to other people.

[Family member’s name], Follow God’s rules:  Love God and love others.  You are a blessing.

Read together:  “Walking on Water” (pages 294-297 in the Spark Story Bible).  You might read Matthew 14::22-33 in your Bible or at biblegateway.com.

Family conversation cues (younger children)

When Peter began to sink, what did Jesus do?  Jesus loves you and will always be with you, even when you forget to focus on him.  What helps you stay focused on Jesus?

Family conversation cues (older children)

When did Peter begin to sink?  What makes you sink?  What do you do to exercise and strengthen your faith?  What is going on in your life right now that you need to have faith about?

Family Blessing

Peter needed to trust Jesus and not be afraid of what was going on around him.  That is called faith, when we know that Jesus is always with us

[Family member’s name], Jesus is always with you.  Stay focused on Jesus.  

Read together:  “Philip and the Ethiopian” (pages 510-513 in the Spark Story Bible).  You might read Acts 8:26-40 in your Bible or at biblegateway.com.

Family conversation cues (younger children)

Philip followed God’s instructions.  When is it easy to follow instructions?  When is it hard?  How do we know what God’s instructions to us are?

Family conversation cues (older children)

Because Philip followed God’s instructions, the man from Ethiopia learned about Jesus.  What would you say if someone asked you to explain who Jesus is?  How do you know what God’s instructions to you are?

Family Blessing

When we follow God’s instructions, we are blessed and other people are blessed. 

[Family member’s name], you can follow God’s instructions to share the love of Jesus.  You are a blessing.  

Read together:  “The Good Shepherd” (pages 436-439 in the Spark Story Bible).  You might read John 10:11-18 in your Bible or at biblegateway.com. 

Family conversation cues (younger children)

Jesus takes care of us like a shepherd takes care of sheep.  What are some things a good shepherd does?  What are some ways you know that Jesus loves you?

Family conversation cues (older children)

Jesus said he is the good shepherd.  What does a good shepherd do?  How are people like sheep?  How do you feel about Jesus being your shepherd?  What has Jesus done for you?

Family Blessing

Jesus is the good shepherd and we are the sheep.  Jesus watches over us every day.

[Family member’s name], Jesus knows you and loves you.  You are a blessing.  

Read together:  “The Great Commission” (pages 496-497 in the Spark Story Bible).  You might read Matthew 28:16-20 in your Bible or at biblegateway.com. 

Family conversation cues (younger children)

Jesus said to go everywhere and teach people about him.  What stories about Jesus do you remember?  Who might need to hear you tell a story about Jesus?

Family conversation cues (older children)

In Matthew 28:20, Jesus instructed us to teach others to “obey everything I have commanded you.”  What are some things Jesus commands or teaches us?  What are you telling and showing others about Jesus?  

Family Blessing

Jesus said to go and teach everyone about him.  What you say and what you do teaches others about Jesus, love, and forgiveness.

[Family member’s name], Jesus promised to be with you always.  You are a blessing.  

Read together:  “The Empty Tomb” (pages 482-487 in the Spark Story Bible).  You might read Matthew 28:1-10 and Mark 16:1-8) in your Bible or at biblegateway.com. 

Family conversation cues (younger children)

Close your eyes.  Can you feel God’s love all around you?  Can you feel the light of God’s love shining on you?  Nothing can kill God’s love and light—they will be with you forever!   

Family conversation cues (older children)

People thought that Jesus was dead and God’s love and light were gone.  Then, God did something surprising—he raised Jesus from the dead and proved that nothing can stop him from loving you.  Talk about a time that God surprised you with his love.

Family Blessing

Nothing will ever stop God from loving you.  This is the promise and truth of Easter!

[Family member’s name], You are beloved by God…all the time!.  You are a blessing.  

Read together:  “Palm Sunday” (pages 454-459 in the Spark Story Bible).  You might read Mark 11:1-11 and Luke 19:28-40 in your Bible or at biblegateway.com. 

Family conversation cues (younger children)

What does a celebration look like and sound like?  Does it have music, decorations, special food?  The story of Palm Sunday tells us about a celebration of Jesus in Bible times.  What are some things your family can do to have a Jesus celebration?  

Family conversation cues (older children)

The week before Jesus died started with lots of excitement because Jesus was coming to town.  What are some of the things you think we should do if we found out Jesus was coming to our church?  What are some reasons we would celebrate Jesus?

Family Blessing

We celebrate the great power and love of Jesus.

[Family member’s name], Jesus loves you.  Share his love with others.  You are a blessing.  

Read together:  “Zacchaeus” (pages 400-405 in the Spark Story Bible).  

You might read Luke 19:1-10 in your Bible or at biblegateway.com. 

Family conversation cues (younger children)

Jesus was kind to Zacchaeus even though he knew Zacchaeus had done bad things. Jesus wants us to be kind, too. Do you know someone who needs your kindness and love?  How can you show kindness to that person this week?

Family conversation cues (older children)

In the Bible, Jesus tells us over and over again that it is important to forgive people when they do things that hurt us. Tell about a time you forgave someone. Did you feel better after?  How does it feel to be angry?  Forgiving others helps us get rid of that angry feeling. Does someone need your forgiveness this week?

Family Blessing

When we believe in Jesus, we can become a new, better person like Zacchaeus did.

[Family member’s name], Jesus forgives you and loves you.  You are a blessing.  

Read together:  “The Lost Sheep and Lost Coin” (pages 374-377) in the Spark Story Bible).  You might read Luke 15:1-10 in your Bible or at biblegateway.com.

Family conversation cues (younger children)

Have you ever lost anything?  How did that feel?  What did you do?  Did you find the thing you lost?  How did you feel when you found it?

Family conversation cues (older children)

What are some things that can get lost?  What do you do to find them?  How do you feel when you find them?  Jesus used these stories to tell us something very important about God.  What do you think Jesus wants you to know?

Family Blessing

The sheep was precious to the shepherd and the coin was precious to the woman.  Each of us is precious to God. [Family member’s name], Jesus loves you and keeps you.  You are a blessing.  

Read together:  “A Blind Man Healed” (pages 432-435) in the Spark Story Bible. You might read John 9:1-41 in your Bible or at biblegateway.com.

Family conversation cues (younger children)

Jesus healed a man who was blind.  What is a hard thing in your life that God could help you with?  Do you want to take a moment now to ask God for help?

Family conversation cues (older children)

This is another story of God showing his power through Jesus.  What would you say if Jesus asked if you believed in him?  Why would you say that?

Family Blessing

We all have problems in our lives.  Jesus said he was the light of the world and he helps us with our problems. [Family member’s name], because you believe in Jesus, you can share his light with others.  You are a blessing.  

Read together:  “Jesus Feeds 5,000” (pages 426-431) in the Spark Story Bible.

You might read John 6:1-14 in your Bible or at biblegateway.com.

Family conversation cues (younger children)

Jesus used this miracle to show us that God can use anyone to do special things.  How can God use you to help others?

Family conversation cues (older children)

In this story, Jesus used a boy’s lunch to perform a miracle that helped thousands of people.  How might God use you to help others?

Family Blessing

Jesus said, “I am the Bread of Life.”  That means just as we need food to eat, we need Jesus in our lives. 

[Family member’s name], God can use you to help other people.  You are a blessing.  

Read together:  “The Wedding at Cana” (pages 410-415) in the Spark Story Bible. You might read John 2:1-11 in your Bible or at biblegateway.com.

Family conversation cues (younger children)

Jesus did things on earth that helped people to see the power of God.  What is one time when you saw the power of God?

Family conversation cues (older children)

Have you heard of any other miracles that Jesus did?  Or do you remember any from the Bible?  When have you seen the power of God?

Family Blessing

We know that Jesus really did miracles because many people saw Him perform miracles. Some of his followers wrote it down so that everyone would know about it.  [Family member’s name], you are a special creation of God.  You are a blessing.  

Read together:  “The Beatitudes” (pages 264-267) in the Spark Story Bible. You might read Matthew 5:1-12 in your Bible or at biblegateway.com.

Family conversation cues (younger children)

Jesus said we can choose to be happy even when our life seems sad and difficult, because God has blessed us.  What are some ways God has blessed you? 

Family conversation cues (older children)

Happiness does not depend on what happens to us.  We find happiness because God brings us joy as we live with Him.  How can you be a blessing to others?

Family Blessing

God wants us to know joy even when things are not going the way we want.  God wants us to take care of others, make good decisions, and help people get along peacefully with one another. [Family member’s name], God has blessed you.  You are a blessing.  

Read together:  “The Sower” (pages 292-293) in the Spark Story Bible. You might read Matthew 13: 1-9, 18-23 in your Bible or at biblegateway.com.

Family conversation cues (younger children)

God wants us to grow and grow, like the seeds that fell on good soil.  How do you know you are growing?  What do you think it means to grow in God’s love?

Family conversation cues (older children)

Think about the things seeds need in order to grow.  What do you need so that you can grow?  What can you do to be like the sower and plant the seeds of God’s love in others?

Family Blessing

God wants us to blossom and grow in His love and share His love with others.

[Family member’s name], you are a beautiful creation of God.  You are a blessing.  

Read together:  “The Boy at the Temple” (pages 230-233 in the Spark Story Bible). You might read Luke 2:41-52 in your Bible or at biblegateway.com.

Family conversation cues (younger children)

Young Jesus wanted everyone to know about God’s love.  What are some thing you know about God’s love?

Family conversation cues (older children)

The Bible is the living word of God.  It speaks to us all in different ways.  What is God telling you through this story?  What are some ways you can show God’s love

to your family, friends, and teachers?

Family Blessing

Children learn from adults and adults learn from children.  Together, we learn more.

[Family member’s name], you can help others learn about God’s love.  You are a blessing.  

Read together:  “The Disciples” (pages 258-263 in the Spark Story Bible).

You might read Matthew 4:12-23, 9:9-13, 10:1-4; Mark 1:14-20; Luke 5:1-11, 8:13 in your Bible or at biblegateway.com. 

Family conversation cues (younger children):

Have you played follow the leader?  The follower tries to do everything the leader does.  When you follow Jesus, you try to do what Jesus did.  What are some things Jesus did?  What are some things you might do to show that you follow Jesus?

Family conversation cues (older children):

Jesus gave the disciples the new job of following him and “fishing for people.”.  Jesus gives us that job, too.  What does it mean to fish for people?  How do we do that?

Family Blessing:

Following Jesus is a job you can do right now.  You can keep that job your whole life.   

[Family member’s name], you are a follower of Jesus.  You are a blessing.  

Read together:  “God Calls Samuel” (pages 122-124 in the Spark Story Bible).

You might read 1 Samuel 3:1-11 in your Bible or at biblegateway.com. 

Family conversation cues (younger children):

When you pray and when you read the Bible, you can say the same thing Samuel said: “I’m here. I’m listening.”  What can you do to be a good listener?  

Family conversation cues (older children):

Eli helped Samuel know that it was God speaking to him.  What are some ways God speaks to you?  How can you be sure you are listening when God speaks?  What are some things that help can you become a better listener?

Family Blessing:

When we pray, we talk with God and God talks with us.  God listens to us and we listen to God.  Pray together that you will be ready to listen.

[Family member’s name], God knows you and loves you.  You are a blessing.  

Read together:  “Jesus’ Baptism” (pages 242-245 in the Spark Story Bible).

You might read Matthew 3:13-17 and Mark 1:4-11 in your Bible or biblegateway.com. 

Family conversation cues (younger children):

God was pleased with Jesus. How does it feel when people you love are pleased with you?  How does it feel to know that God loves you and is very pleased with you?

Family conversation cues (older children):

John the Baptist wanted people to clean out their hearts and make room for Jesus so that Jesus’s love could live insider their hearts.  How can you make room for Jesus to live in your heart?

Family Blessing:

God welcomes, forgives, and renews us.  God calls us by name. 

[Family member’s name], you are a special child of God.  You are a blessing.