Beginning Our Easter Journey . . .

How do we "honor" someone on his/her birthday? How do we "honor" the American flag? How do we "honor" someone in the military? After talking about these situations, we read in Matthew 21:1-11, how the people "honored" Jesus as He entered Jerusalem on His journey to the cross. Days before Jesus' crucifixion, the people shouted, "Hosanna!," waved palm branches, and threw their cloaks on the road before Him.

On Palm Sunday, it is our tradition to receive and wave palms in remembrance of Jesus triumphant reception into Jerusalem. Today, we learned how to make a folded cross out of a palm frond. Above, you can see a picture of how the finished cross looks. For internet directions, please look here - http://www.kidssundayschool.com/Gradeschool/Crafts/1craft08.php

Thank you, St. Paul Lutheran congregation for our Bibles!

3rd Grade Bible Dedication January 25th . . .

We are learning more about the Bible and are finding some of the names like Deuteronomy, Haggai, Zephaniah, and Lamentations hard to read and pronounce.  The more we use the Bible, the easier it is becoming to find verses.  Most important, we are realizing that God has something to say to us.  After reading the story about David and Goliath, we know that God is with us in tough times and will give us courage to face hard decisions and hard times.  Next week, we will look at the books of the New Testament.  We are excited to take our Bibles home so we read them daily.

I'm looking forward to seeing all of you in the New Year!!

Waiting Expectantly . . .

We have been celebrating advent with the 4th, 5th, and 6th grade classes.  Last week, we made advent wreaths and learned about the significance of the candles.  This week, various advent crafts were offered in the classrooms and students could participate in their activites of choice.  Stars, bells, Christmas trees, candy canes, crosses, glitter, and sequins sparkled in the classrooms and filled each of us with thoughts of the Christmas Day to come.

Next week, we will celebrate Jesus'  birth with a birthday cake lit with candles and a Christmas video.  Be sure to come and be part of this party with your Sunday School friends.

We are letting our lights shine . . .

At first, the thought of making something fun and then giving it away was a hard thought, but as 3rd, 5th, and 6th graders gathered in groups around beads and key rings, the project became fun.  How many beaded keychains could this ambitious group make for the Madison School kids during our Sunday School time?  Questions and comments like, "Can you help me with this?" and "Wow, that looks great!" and "I'm working on my 4th one!" were heard as hands worked and goodwill spread.  The bridge between Madison School and St. Paul Lutheran is being built!

3rd Grade Saints . . .

On Sunday, November 2nd, we celebrated "All Saints Day" and were surprised to discover that each one of us is considered a Saint!  We love God and are followers of Jesus.  If you can say the same thing about yourself, then you are a Saint, too!  Although Saints are not truly angels, we wanted to put on our halos to give you the idea what our day was all about...it is hard to believe that Mrs. Hull talked us into this!!  Hey, maybe, we are Saints!