What’s a Playlist?
A Playlist is a set of activities exploring a topic. The activities might include reading an article or scripture, listening to a podcast or sermon, watching a video or movie clip. Each month we’ll post three Playlists designed for Children, Youth, and Adults. All of us will explore the same topic, but the Playlists will be designed for each age group. You can work your way through the Playlists at your own pace throughout the month.
Remember you can always share your thoughts in the comment section at the bottom of this page.
Epiphany Playlist
Shine
Shannon Fossett, Director of Children’s Ministries
1/1/26
Introduction
Epiphany is the time we remember how God’s light was shown to the world through Jesus. Just like the bright star that led the Wise Men, God’s light still shines today, and it shines through you! This playlist is all about letting God’s light sparkle through you. The activities and songs are a reminder that you are loved, special, and created to shine bright wherever you go—at home, at school, and with your friends. Jesus tells us, “Let your light shine before others.” That means when you choose kindness, joy, and love, you help light up the world around you. So sing along, dance a little, and remember: your light matters, and it was made to shine!
Listen
This has a great message!
“Shine Like the Light”
This is one of my favorites!
“This Little Light of Mine”
Read
Open the Bible and read:
Psalm 31:16
Isaiah 60:1
Numbers 6: 24-26
Matthew 5: 15-16
John 1:5
If you have the following books at home or can get them from the library, then you can read them. If not, you can read/listen to them using the links below.
This Little Light of Mine by Darcy Pattison
Sun Bread by Elisa Kleven
Watch
This video has some cool facts about the sun and moon and how we can shine God’s light.
This video talks all about Light and where it comes from. Did you know these facts?
Do
Here are some Shine science experiments you can try with some simple items you probably have at home.
This link has a fun craft idea of creating a sun. The light rays are made from cut post it notes where you can write ideas of how you can share your light with others. Scroll further down and there is a light switch project too.
Design your own lantern project. If you have some adults that can help you and a few supplies, this lantern project looks really cool! Send me a picture if you try this one!
Pray
Dear God,
You are the best light in the world, and you put a little light in me too!
When I’m happy, help me shine.
When I see someone sad, help me shine my kindness.
When I feel scared, help me remember your light is always with me.
Help me shine like a star in the dark so everyone can see your love.
Amen.
December Playlist
Journey
Shannon Fossett, Director of Children’s Ministries
12/1/25
Introduction
Have you gone on a journey before? Maybe you traveled by car, plane, or even by train to get to somewhere far away? Have you ever asked, “Are we there yet?” When you are going on a long trip, are there things you like to bring? Now imagine if you had to walk to your destination instead! In the Bible, Joseph and Mary were going to the town of Bethlehem. It was a long trip, and they didn’t have cars, buses, or airplanes. They had to walk, and Mary rode on a donkey because she was going to have a baby very soon. They probably got tired, hungry, and needed lots of rest. But they kept going because they knew they had to reach Bethlehem. When they finally reached Bethlehem, the town was very crowded! So many people traveled there that every place to stay was full. Mary and Joseph couldn’t find a room anywhere, but one kind person said they could stay in a stable – a place where animals slept. It wasn’t fancy, but it was warm and safe. Right there in the quiet stable, baby Jesus was born. Mary wrapped Him in soft cloths and laid Him in a manger—a wooden food box for animals. Even though the place was simple, it was filled with love, and it became one of the most special nights ever. One that we celebrate every year. Have fun exploring the theme “Journey” below as we journey through Advent together.
Listen
Get ready to stomp and clap along.
“God’s With Us On The Journey”
This song is about the star leading the Wise Men on their journey to Jesus. “Shine Shine Star”
Here is a fun song about the Journey to Bethlehem.
“Step by Step with God”
Read
Open the Bible and read:
Psalm 121:7-8
Proverbs 3:5-6
Exodus 40:36
Luke 2:4-7
If you have the following books at home or can get them from the library, then you can read them. If not, you can read/listen to them using the links below.
The Journey: This is the story of a refugee family who goes on a journey to find safety.
On The Road To Bethlehem: Follow Mary and Joseph on their Journey.
Watch
Journey to Bethlehem
The Story of Christmas
Do
Jesus in the Manger Craft: You can use this free printable to make Jesus in the manger.
Advent Calendar: Pick up an Advent Calendar from Desert Cross. They are available at both sites. Then color, cut out and add the nativity pieces to the scene as we Journey to the Manger.
Christmas Countdown: You can print off this Christmas Countdown as you journey to the manger.
Passport: Join us at Sunday School (Dec 7 and 14) and worship (Nov 30, Dec 7, Dec 14 and 21) to get stamps in your passport book as Desert Cross takes a Journey to the Manger.
Pray
Dear God, thank you for Jesus, who made a special journey to us. Help us to be like Mary and Joseph, who traveled to Bethlehem to get ready for him. As we get ready for Christmas, help us to walk in your love and joy. Make our hearts ready to receive Jesus. Come, Lord Jesus!
Amen
November Playlist
Promise
Shannon Fossett, Director of Children’s Ministries
11/1/25
Introduction
People make promises every day. Sometimes we give something to another person as a sign of our promise, sometimes we sign our name to seal our promise, other times we just give our word to another person that we will do something, or maybe hook pinkies for a ‘pinky promise’. Have you ever mailed a letter to someone? We put a stamp in the corner . . . it represents the Post Office’s promise to deliver it to the person to whom the envelope is addressed. It doesn’t matter if it is cloudy or sunny, raining or snowing, hot or cold, the mail gets delivered. That is the promise that this stamp represents. You are too young to have a credit card, but one day you probably will. Most adults have a credit card which they use to buy things. When you buy something using your credit card, you have to sign a ticket. When you sign the ticket, you promise that you will pay for the items you purchased using the credit card. Your signature is your promise. People make promises every day. Do they always keep their promises? Unfortunately, some people don’t. God makes promises too. The Bible is full of God’s promises. Does God always keep his promises? Yes, he does! One of my favorite verses in the Bible is one that says, “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ (2 Cor. 1:20). Thank you, God, for keeping your promises. Have fun exploring below!
Listen
This song has a great beat and a good message.
“God’s Promises”
I know you can learn the moves to this one!
“Promise”
Read
Open the Bible and read:
2 Corinthians 1:20
Matthew 7:7
1 John 5:14
Jeremiah 29:11
Hebrews 13:5
If you have the following books at home or can get them from the library, then you can read them. If not, you can read/listen to them using the links below.
I Promise I’ll Find You by Heather Patricia Ward
The Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown
Watch
God’s Promise for Abraham
God’s Rainbow Promises
Do
You can create your own God’s Promises Rainbow at home.
Here is a craft you can do at home after reading or watching God’s Promise to Abraham.
Here is a game you can put together ahead of time and try out with your family.
Pray
Dear God, thank you for all your promises, like being with me always and loving me even when I make mistakes. Thank you for your faithful protection, and I know you will always help me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
October Playlist
Gratitude
Shannon Fossett, Director of Children’s Ministries
10/1/25
Introduction
I love this quote from Winnie the Pooh book: “Piglet noticed that even though he had a very small heart, it could hold a rather large amount of Gratitude.” Gratitude is noticing the good things in your life and saying thank you for them. And no matter your size or your age, we can all show gratitude. Gratitude is when your heart says thank you. When we say thank you to someone, it makes them feel good. But gratitude also makes our hearts feel full and happy too. The Bible tells us to ‘give thanks in all things’ (1 Thessalonians 5:18). That means God wants us to notice His blessings, big and small, and remember they’re gifts. Have fun exploring the theme of Gratitude below and know that I am grateful for each of you!
Listen
Do you remember this song from Roar VBS?
“Thankful”
This a slow but powerful song.
“Gratitude”
Read
Open the Bible and read:
Psalm 9:1
1 Thessalonians 5:16–18
Ephesians 5:20
Psalm 107:1
If you have the following books at home or can get them from the library, then you can read them. If not, you can read/listen to them using the links below.
Grateful: A Song of Giving Thanks by John Bucchino
The Thankful Book by Todd Parr
Grow Grateful by Sage Foster-Lasser and Jon Lasser
Watch
Thankful: This is a fun paper animation of a great song about gratitude!
Do
This site has 10 great ways to have fun exploring Gratitude, including an ABC game, gratitude yoga, a gratitude walk and more! Let me know which ones you try with your family!
Try this Gratitude dice game with your family.
How about a game of Gratitude Bingo . . . this one will take you longer, but you could work on it for the month of October or include November with Thanksgiving as well!
Feeling crafty? You can make a Gratitude tree using this free template.
Pray
Thank you for the food we eat. Thank you for the world so sweet. Thank you for the birds that sing. Thank you, God, for everything!
September Playlist
Neighbor
Shannon Fossett, Director of Children’s Ministries
9/1/25
Introduction
“Won’t you be my neighbor?” Have you heard this song by Mr. Rogers before? I remember it from my childhood. Neighbors are people who are close to us. Do you know the people who live in your neighborhood? Maybe next door to you or across the street? I love my neighbors. When I run out of eggs or sugar, I can call one up and borrow from them! We also like to chat in the driveway when the evenings are cooler or share baked goods or recipes. They also take care of our cats when we are out of town. But neighbors aren’t just the people who live on your street. Your neighbors can be friends or people who are close to your heart. People in your community, at church, at school, or at the store that you see often can be neighbors. When I think of neighbors, I think of people helping each other, saying friendly hellos, sharing, listening. They are there when you need them. This month’s playlist is “Neighbor.” Have fun exploring below and let me know if you do something kind for a neighbor this month!
Listen
You will like the motions and the lyrics of this slow song.
“Love My Neighbor”
I always love a good Veggie Tales song.
“Love Your Neighbor”
Have you ever heard Mr. Roger’s song?
“Won’t You Be My Neighbor”
Read
Open the Bible and read:
Matthew 22:37-40
Luke 10:33
Matthew 5:43-48
Proverbs 3:28
If you have the following books at home or can get them from the library, then you can read them. If not, you can read/listen to them using the links below.
Who is My Neighbor? by Amy-Jill Levine & Sandy Eisenberg Sasso
*Parents, here are some notes on how to connect this book with the “Neighbor” theme:
Neighbor theme in Who is My Neighbor
The Big Orange Splot by Daniel Manus Pinkwater
*Parents, here are some notes on how to connect this book with the “Neighbor” theme:
Neighbor theme in The Big Orange Splot
Watch
Elmo and Ernie are talking about How to be a Good Neighbor.
Here’s a clip from Veggie Tales that talks about Loving your Neighbor.
Here is a read-aloud of the story All Are Neighbors.
Do
This site has a fun heart accordion craft you can do as well as coloring pages you can download and color.
Accordion Craft and Coloring Pages
Here is a heart craft you can create as you talk about friends and neighbors.
Friends and Neighbors Bible Craft
Do kind acts for your neighbors. Here is a list from Scholastic to get you started. Your family might brainstorm others as well. Let me know in the comments below what you enjoyed doing for your neighbors.
Pray
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the people who live nearby and the opportunity to know them. Help me to remember that they are greatly loved by you. Please show me ways to be a blessing to them through greetings, being considerate, and deeds of kindness. Amen.
(Prayer from My Wonder Studio)
Epiphany Playlist
Shine
Shannon Fossett, Director of Children’s Ministries
1/1/26
Introduction
Epiphany is the time we remember how God’s light was shown to the world through Jesus. Just like the bright star that led the Wise Men, God’s light still shines today, and it shines through you! This playlist is all about letting God’s light sparkle through you. The activities and songs are a reminder that you are loved, special, and created to shine bright wherever you go—at home, at school, and with your friends. Jesus tells us, “Let your light shine before others.” That means when you choose kindness, joy, and love, you help light up the world around you. So sing along, dance a little, and remember: your light matters, and it was made to shine!
Listen
This has a great message!
“Shine Like the Light”
This is one of my favorites!
“This Little Light of Mine”
Read
Open the Bible and read:
Psalm 31:16
Isaiah 60:1
Numbers 6: 24-26
Matthew 5: 15-16
John 1:5
If you have the following books at home or can get them from the library, then you can read them. If not, you can read/listen to them using the links below.
This Little Light of Mine by Darcy Pattison
Sun Bread by Elisa Kleven
Watch
This video has some cool facts about the sun and moon and how we can shine God’s light.
This video talks all about Light and where it comes from. Did you know these facts?
Do
Here are some Shine science experiments you can try with some simple items you probably have at home.
This link has a fun craft idea of creating a sun. The light rays are made from cut post it notes where you can write ideas of how you can share your light with others. Scroll further down and there is a light switch project too.
Design your own lantern project. If you have some adults that can help you and a few supplies, this lantern project looks really cool! Send me a picture if you try this one!
Pray
Dear God,
You are the best light in the world, and you put a little light in me too!
When I’m happy, help me shine.
When I see someone sad, help me shine my kindness.
When I feel scared, help me remember your light is always with me.
Help me shine like a star in the dark so everyone can see your love.
Amen.
Desert Cross Faith Formation 