What is one thing you are learning about God and the wonder of His big story?
How do you see God’s story as part of your own story?
Family Conversations
Families, use this to prompt conversations at the table, in the car, and anywhere else your family experiences life together.
God was faithful to Jacob because that’s Who God is—He is faithful. When have you experienced God’s faithfulness in a big or a small way?
If you could change your name to anything, what would you change it to?
Names are very important in the story of Jacob. What name or names do you use when you are talking to God? Do you use the same name when you are praying alone as you do when you are praying with others? Why or why not?
What names does God call us? Which one do you like the most?
If you perfectly trusted God’s faithfulness, what might you do? What goal or dream would you go after?
Word of Wonder
Work together this week on memorizing this verse!
Elementary:
Before you created the whole world and the mountains were made, from the beginning to the end you are God.
For this activity, you will need a small bag and fairly good weather. For best results, go over the plan together before you head out the door. Walk around your neighborhood and pray as you go.
Remember Jacob’s journey to Midian, hoping to find refuge in a new place. Speak a blessing over each house you pass, thanking God for His faithfulness to your neighbors and your city. You can use your own words or words like these: God, we thank You for being faithful to bless and protect the people of this household (or neighborhood, or city). May they hear You calling their names. May they know that You are near. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
As you walk, look for smooth rocks and small stones (avoid taking any from a neighbor’s home landscaping!) Find stones that are large enough to fill the palm of your hand. Collect enough to represent the members of your family. Take the rocks home with you as a reminder that God is strong and faithful, like a sturdy rock. As you walk toward your home, remember Jacob’s journey homeward and God’s faithfulness as he made the journey.
Hands On
God Is Faithful Name Activity
Use an app or the internet to find the meaning of each person’s name in your family. If applicable, parents or guardians can share the story of how each child’s name was chosen! Was the child named after anyone? Does the name have special meaning or was it decided upon in a unique way? If a person in your family has a nickname, how did that person get it? Talk about the meaning of each person’s first and middle name. Do you feel the meanings suit each person well?
In this week’s part of God’s big story, we learned about the story of when Jacob was renamed Israel. The name “Israel” means “one who struggled with God.” Why do you think the angel gave Jacob a new name? Allow your kids to respond. The angel said, “Your name is now Israel. You have fought with God and with men and have prevailed.” Jacob understood that God was watching over him. Whether or not your name meaning accurately describes you, you can know that your name as a child of God means you can trust God and His faithfulness!
Wonder @ Home // September 25 - October 1
This Week In God's Big Story
Jacob is left alone with his thoughts and doubts, and God sends an angel who wrestles him and gives him a new name.
Wonder Truth: God Is Faithful
Scripture: Genesis 32-33
Watch God's Big Story @ Home: Early Childhood // Elementary
Worship @ Home: Sing together with our Spotify Playlist!
Wonder About It
Family Conversations
Families, use this to prompt conversations at the table, in the car, and anywhere else your family experiences life together.
Word of Wonder
Work together this week on memorizing this verse!
Elementary:
Before you created the whole world and the mountains were made, from the beginning to the end you are God.
Psalm 90:2 (NIrV)
Early Childhood:
Before You created the whole world, You are God, and You will always be God.
Psalm 90:2
Walk it, Act it, Move it!
Neighborhood Prayer Walk
For this activity, you will need a small bag and fairly good weather. For best results, go over the plan together before you head out the door. Walk around your neighborhood and pray as you go.
Remember Jacob’s journey to Midian, hoping to find refuge in a new place. Speak a blessing over each house you pass, thanking God for His faithfulness to your neighbors and your city. You can use your own words or words like these: God, we thank You for being faithful to bless and protect the people of this household (or neighborhood, or city). May they hear You calling their names. May they know that You are near. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
As you walk, look for smooth rocks and small stones (avoid taking any from a neighbor’s home landscaping!) Find stones that are large enough to fill the palm of your hand. Collect enough to represent the members of your family. Take the rocks home with you as a reminder that God is strong and faithful, like a sturdy rock. As you walk toward your home, remember Jacob’s journey homeward and God’s faithfulness as he made the journey.
Hands On
God Is Faithful Name Activity
Use an app or the internet to find the meaning of each person’s name in your family. If applicable, parents or guardians can share the story of how each child’s name was chosen! Was the child named after anyone? Does the name have special meaning or was it decided upon in a unique way? If a person in your family has a nickname, how did that person get it? Talk about the meaning of each person’s first and middle name. Do you feel the meanings suit each person well?
In this week’s part of God’s big story, we learned about the story of when Jacob was renamed Israel. The name “Israel” means “one who struggled with God.” Why do you think the angel gave Jacob a new name? Allow your kids to respond. The angel said, “Your name is now Israel. You have fought with God and with men and have prevailed.” Jacob understood that God was watching over him. Whether or not your name meaning accurately describes you, you can know that your name as a child of God means you can trust God and His faithfulness!