This week's bible story is found in the book of Acts, chapter 16, verses 9-15. It is about Paul and Lydia. You might remember hearing about Lydia - she was a seller of purple cloth. Both Paul and Lydia had to be brave. Paul was moving to a new place and had to speak with lots of different people. Lydia listened and opened her heart to God's message, welcomed the visiting preacher and invited Paul and his friends into her home.
She showed hospitality to these strangers - even though it might have been a bit scary.
In our Awesome Time Online story today, Rose meets Mr Wintergarten - and I think in the beginning both of them are just a little bit scared of each other. But, with a little courage (and some fairy cakes!) the barriers are broken and a friendship is forged.
Rose showed courage by going through the rusty gate into the very unwelcoming garden next door. And it took a lot of courage for Mr Wintergarten to open his curtains, his front door and his heart to the neighbourhood kids too.
Sometimes, it's hard for us to show friendship to others, especially when it's people we don't know very well. We might have to cross boundaries that make us feel uncomfortable. God wants us to be brave in loving and welcoming others... this might mean inviting a new student or lonely kid to come and join your game or group, or sit with you and your friends at lunchtime.
Or, it might mean being warm and friendly to the grumpy neighbour, like in the story I read. The flowers and fairy cakes Rose takes to Mr Wintergarten I think are a bit like a 'peace offering'.
Peace is mentioned in the other bible reading this week (John 14:27). Jesus says, "I give you peace." Jesus reminds us that we have each other to help us remember that we are never alone. Even if our friends or family aren't around, Jesus is always with us!
So even when things are hard, when we don't feel especially good or brave - remember that Jesus loves us. Just the way we are.
Jesus's peace and love is with us always and we need to share that awesome love and peace with others.
Bake some fairy cakes, cookies or muffins. Take some to a neighbour or someone you know who might need them. (Remember to wash those hands well, and mask up and social distance when making a doorstep delivery!)
2. Courageous Kindness
Show some kindness to someone at school. Maybe it's someone who is sitting by themselves - invite them to have lunch with you or join in your game.
3. Make a Kind Call
Phone someone just to say 'hi' and ask how their day is going. Listen, and let them know you care about them.
4. Unexpected Kindness
Surprise someone with kindness. Maybe you might leap up after dinner one night and do all the dishes and clearing up, even if it's not your turn!
Let us know if you complete a challenge. We'd love to hear from you!
This week's Awesome Time Online is brought to us by Jillian and Richard.
John 13: 31-35 A New Commandment
In today’s bible reading, Jesus gives his disciples a new rule to live by: “Love one another as I have loved you.” It is the greatest and most important rule (commandment) of all.
You see, back in those days there were a lot of rules. People had rules for what to wear, who to talk to, things they could or could not eat, places to go…rules for everything. The rules were much, much more strict than the rules we have at home or school today.
Have you heard the saying: “Actions speak louder than words”?
Jesus was reminding his disciples that they needed to love one another in the same way that he loved them. And he wants to remind us of the importance of showing love, kindness and consideration towards other people too. By doing that, others will see the love of Jesus in our actions.
Let’s pray
Thank you God for the amazing stories about Jesus,
that help us learn and understand more about his love
Thank you for the love that Jesus brings to us,
We want others to know we are Jesus friends
So help us to share that love with others everyday.
Here is a link to watch Heather and Dave's story from Sunday - about Shrek the Sheep, and The Ragged Sheep.
This week's bible reading is Psalm 23. It compares God to a shepherd, who loves and takes care of his sheep. We can trust God to always be with us, loving us and guiding us on the right path. Even when we go through rough times, we don't have to be afraid, because God is with us, loving us no matter what.
