Dec. 24 Listen to the Bible Story

Mike RiessFamily Resources

A nativity story read by Steve Craver.  Video by Rebecca Craver.

November 28 Advent Family Devotions

Mike RiessFamily Resources

IMPORTANT NOTE: Ideas for Advent Wreaths and five options for Advent devotionals are available here.  For Sunday, November 29 Materials needed: small wrapped treat for each participant (example: a piece of candy), a blindfold, hot … Read More

Nov. 29 Christmas Near and Far

Mike RiessFamily Resources

Stories for the family…by the Rev. Nasel Ephraim WEEK 1:  HOPE    (November 29) Hope is a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen. In this time of Advent, we expect and … Read More

Dec. 1 Songs and Activities

Mike RiessFamily Resources

Sing to tune of “London Bridge” God loved us,   (on word God, point up – on “loved us” point to self)and sent His Son,   (on “sent his son” rock hands like rocking a baby)sent His … Read More

Nov. 30 Customs & Traditions: The Moravian Star

Mike RiessFamily Resources

  A Moravian symbol for the season of Advent is the Advent Star.  The star had its beginning in 1821 in a Moravian boarding school for boys in Niesky, Germany and was used as an … Read More

Dec. 2 Storytime Books

Mike RiessFamily Resources

The Sparkle Box   Jill Hardie. Illustrated by Christine Kornacki.  Visit the SparkleBox page for more, and to hear the story! Discuss the different kinds of needs there are in the world. Talking about charities, service organizations … Read More

Dec. 3 Listen to the Bible Story

Mike RiessFamily Resources

Growing up one of my favorite parts of Christmas decorating was setting up our nativity scenes around the house. I always scrutinized the set up, where the camels should be and which side of the … Read More

Dec. 4 Crafts

Mike RiessFamily Resources

  Advent Prayer Bags Materials needed:  prayer sheet, felt or paper star, felt or paper heart, pipe cleaner, baby Jesus stone, tea candle, a bag (an organza drawstring bag if available) Instructions:  Find a smooth … Read More

Dec. 5 Advent Family Devotions

Mike RiessFamily Resources

 2nd Week of Advent – PEACE  Materials needed: a cozy blanket or comforter for each family member  Last week, we learned that Advent is the season when we get our hearts ready to welcome the … Read More

Dec. 6 Christmas Near and Far

Mike RiessFamily Resources

Stories for the family…by the Rev. Nasel Ephraim Week 2:  PEACE   (December 6) PeopleExpectingActingCreatingEnlightening Can you imagine being in the midst of preparing your physical homes, being in the hustle, of preparing for Christmas programs … Read More