What’s a Playlist?
May Playlist
Love
Shannon Fossett, Director of Children’s Ministries
5/1/21
God’s Love
The Bible tells us that love is from God and that God is love. The Bible is God’s love letter to us. It teaches us what love looks like, sounds like, acts like. The neat thing about God’s love is that it is not a feeling to God, God can’t fall out of love with us. God loves us even when we’re not loveable, in times when we’re grumpy or when we make mistakes. God loves all of us no matter what. That is some BIG love! Have fun exploring that love in this month’s Playlist!
Read
Open the Bible and read:
1 John 3:1a
John 3:16
Lamentations 3:22-23
Psalm 136:26
If you have the following stories 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’d Know You Anywhere My Love by Nancy Tillman
Parents, here are some notes on how to connect this book to love:
Love is Forever by Casey Rislov
Parents, here are some notes on how to connect this book to love:
Listen
You’ll LOVE this song about God’s love!
This short song is based on 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. You’ll be singing along after the first verse!
This is a great song that reminds us to love one another!
Watch
This video shows how we can love others and serve God in our everyday lives.
This is a whole Sunday school lesson in one video. There is music, a Bible story, movement, real life situations and more…all about love!
Do
This is a unique word search using 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. Read the verse and find the words in the heart-shaped word search.
Here is a coloring page for all ages!
Feeling creative? This link has lots of craft ideas based on love.
Pray
You can talk to God anytime of day, but here is a prayer you can use before bed if you like!
“Hi, it’s me, just come to pray
And thank you for a fun-filled day!
You’ve been with me, so I know you’ve seen
All the great exciting things.
But also when I’m sad or cross
I know you love me, no matter what!
So help me rest and go to sleep
And feel the peace of your love for me.”
April Playlist
Peace
Shannon Fossett, Director of Children’s Ministries
4/1/21
Introduction
Peace is that calm and happy feeling you have when you know you are safe. Jesus is called the Prince of Peace, and he wants to give us His peace when we feel worried or afraid. God’s dream is for World Peace! Jesus taught us to love God and love our neighbors. We can be peacemakers. Just like the song says, “Let there be peace on Earth and let if begin with me.” There is much to explore below, have fun on your faith adventure!
Pray
Dear God, please help us to be peacemakers by letting Your love flow through us so we can be our best selves! Help us to feel loved, safe and peaceful in our hearts so that we can share that peace with others and make the world a better place. Amen.
Watch
This cartoon helps us understand peace and how we can work for peace.
Here is a science experiment video showing how the peace we find through God keeps us strong during hard times. ***Make sure to ask mom or dad before trying it at home!
Do
Here is a fun coloring page you can print out and color.
Have you ever meditated before? It is a great way to find peace. Here is a variety of meditations for kids and several of them are about Peace. Set aside some quiet time and try one out!
Here is a book about Peace you can print out and fold. Then you can read it to someone in your family.
Feeling creative? Here is a fun art project creating peace signs.
Read
Open the Bible and read:
John 14:27
Philippians 4:7
Romans 15:13
If you have the following stories 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.
Let There Be Peace On Earth by Jill Jackson & Sy Miller:
Parents, here are some notes on how to connect this book to peace:
Wangari’s Trees of Peace by Jeanette Winter:
Parents, here are some notes on how to connect this book to peace:
The Peace Book by Todd Parr:
Parents, here are some notes on how to connect this book to peace:
Listen
This song might be familiar so this time around you can learn some fun motions!
Here is a beautiful version of “Let There be Peace on Earth” sung by a virtual children’s choir.
Wonder
Pick a quote, wonder about it. What does it mean to you? Draw a picture or share with a family member what it means to you.
God’s will is that a peaceful, ideal world- a world where all people live as one great family under God- be completed.”
-Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon
“The foundation for peace begins in our own hearts when we share both sorrow and joy with God. From there, we can expand the base of freedom and happiness in the world.”
-Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon
“Peace begins with a smile”
-Mother Theresa
March Playlist
Cross
Shannon Fossett, Director of Children’s Ministries
3/1/21
Wonder
This month’s playlist theme is the Cross. What does the symbol of the cross mean to you?
Easter reminds us that Jesus died on the cross, but then rose again, as he promised, bringing joy and hope to everyone. The Cross can remind us of hope, forgiveness, sacrifice, and love. We see a lot of crosses at church, but since we are at home…I’m wondering where you might see crosses at home? They might be in everyday things that you didn’t even notice…a pattern on the wall, where two lines meet in the sidewalk, your tile floor, your backyard or even in your room. So, take some time and head out on a cross hunt. Take a picture of the crosses you find and share them with your family. I’d love to see them too! You can email them to me! smfossett@desertcross.org
Here are some examples:
Read
Open the Bible and read the following passages:
Luke 9:23
Colossians 2:14
1 Peter 2:24-25
1 Corinthians 1:17-18
If you have the following stories 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.
Horton Hears a Who by Dr. Seuss:
Parents, here are some notes on how to connect this book to the Cross:
The First Easter by Lois Rock:
Parents, here are some notes on how to connect this book to the Cross:
The Tale of Three Trees by Angela Elwell Hunt:
Parents, here are some notes on how to connect this book to the Cross:
Do
Here are several art activities for making a cross. Even our littlest friends can try some of these and the older kids can get creative.
The link below has lots of great activities, but there are few that we are going to focus on.
● The cross word maze is for Good Friday, which is April 2nd. It is a fun activity to get ready for this upcoming event! Scroll down to page 11 for the maze.
● There is a fun Easter Cross you can do to get ready for Easter. It makes a great centerpiece! Scroll down to pages 13 and 14 for the activity and printable.
Here is a site with several free printable Stations of the Cross activities. I like the mini book that you can make using a paper bag! Check it out!
In the mood to color? Here is a link with all different kinds of crosses you can print and color! Get creative! Send me a picture when you are done!
Watch
Watch this great video where a cross puzzle is used to help us think about how happy and sad together can make joy.
This is a quick video showing us how to make the sign of the cross.
This VBS-like song has the words and motions for a beautiful song about the cross.
This upbeat song called “The Cross of Christ” is one you’ll be clapping and moving to.
February Playlist
Mercy
Shannon Fossett, Director of Children’s Ministries
2/1/21
God’s Mercy
For Advent your family may have done the #AdventWord Devotionals. Here is the one on the word Mercy: “…God’s mercy is boundless, amazingly so, reaching out, beyond anything that we can imagine, to embrace and to forgive. And as we experience it, fresh and full every day, our hearts expand in response to the miraculous gift that changes everything.
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness! (Lam 3:22-23)”
-Melody Knowles
Read
Open the Bible and read
Micah 6:8 & 7:18
Ephesians 2:4-5
1 Timothy 1:15-16
Parents, here is a great resource that offers some discussion questions on the above verses.
If you have the following stories 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.
No David by David Shannon
Parents, here are some notes on how to connect this book to Mercy:
The Lion and the Bird by Marianne Dubuc
Parents, here are some notes about how to connect this book to Mercy:
Connecting The Lion and the Bird to Mercy
Tawny Scrawny Lion by Kathryn Jackson:
Parents here are some notes on how to connect this book to Mercy:
Connecting Tawny Scrawny Lion to Mercy
Listen
“Mercy is Falling” is a song with fun movements that are easy to learn.
“The Lord is Merciful and Compassionate” is a beautiful song you could listen to over and over again.
Watch
What is Mercy? Here is a video that provides an explanation.
Douglas the puppet is back in this video. He is talking about Mercy and fairness with the verse Micah 6:8.
Do
Hands of Mercy Activity: Try this activity where you will come up with works of mercy using your hands.
Micah 6:8 Art Project: With this printable, parents can even help even the littlest ones in your house complete the project. Each sibling can take a part, or you can create an individual project for each child. Once complete, this would be great to frame and hang in your house!
Family Project: Gather the family and give this a try. Can you match the actions to the acts of Mercy? Plus, it might give your family great ideas of things you can do to show acts of mercy.
Rich in Mercy Craft: When you get to the instructions you can click on the orange link to see the art example. Have fun creating!
Serve
This is a fun service project for the whole family. Just gather a few simple things to create a “mercy pack” to hand out to people in need.
January Playlist
Baptism
Shannon Fossett, Director of Children’s Ministries
1/1/21
Pastor Andrea on Baptism
Martin Luther adored the sacrament of baptism because with water and the word God comes to us bringing new life and salvation – it is God’s gift, God for us, God with us! Baptism is not a once and done event, it’s a way of life. In baptism we are made new – every day is a new day and we are washed clean, forgiven, sealed by the Holy Spirit – that means God with us by water and the word!
“No matter what is happening around you or to you, you are sealed with the Holy Spirit and marked with the cross of Christ . . . Forever.” No matter what is changing in the world, no matter what is changing in our lives, one thing will never change. We are the beloved of God. Members of God’s family.
Just as doves are symbols of peace and the presence of the Holy Spirit, may we be like doves. May we take the peace of Christ we receive here with us, as we are sent out into our daily lives. May we fly out from here like doves to be symbols of peace to our neighbors who desperately need it.
Listen
This song “I’ve Got Peace Like a River” is a toe-tapper, hand-clapper that you will be singing all day long!
This song “I am a Child of God” has some easy moves you can do with your whole family!
This song “Deep Water” is a VBS-like song with a great beat and fun lyrics!
Read
Open the Bible and read
Ephesians 4.5
Matthew 3:13-17
Galatians 3:26-27
If you have the following stories 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.
Today is Baptism Day by Anna V. Ostenso Moore
Water Come Down by Walter Wangerin Jr.
Watch
The Baptism of Jesus
Water is an important part of baptism. Here is a science video about water! You might learn something new!
Do
Listen to this song as a family.
For most of us, our parents had us baptized when we were babies. Here are some interview questions you can ask your family about your baptism. You can even get out your baptismal candle or maybe look at pictures from your special day.
Here is a fun cooking activity for making Seashell Rice Krispie Treats to celebrate baptism.
Here is a fun craft that celebrates baptism.
For my younger friends here is a playdough mat with baptism symbols.
Here are some activities on Jesus’ baptism: A dove craft, a coloring sheet and more!
Wonder
Several of you have helped with baptisms at our church. We hold up the baptism canvases and recite the promises for the family. Re-read the promises here.
Then you can do the wonder questions below with your family.
- What happens when you are baptized?
- Why do you think that water is used in baptism?
- What do the promises mean to you?
- What do you think it means to be a beloved child of God?
- Why do you think that babies are baptized in the church?
Then here are some more wonder questions you can do as a family. It is called a baptism meditation.
December Playlist
Joy
Shannon Fossett, Director of Children’s Ministries
12/1/20
Pastor Andrea on Joy
“True joy, found in Jesus, the child of Bethlehem, is amazing. And Joy changes everything! Joy is…indescribable. It is something that is beyond words or explanation or reason. The joy we have in Christ Jesus is truly beyond description. It is deep in our hearts. But our joy is also…invincible. Our joy in Christ cannot be subdued or overcome. No matter what we face in life, our joy cannot be taken away. Our joy is also overflowing. We are so filled with joy because of Christ’s joy. His joy runs over the brims of our lives into the lives of others.”
Watch
Watch this video on Joy in every season. Have you ever felt like little yellow? What helped you to find joy? Have you been like little green? How do you help others find joy?
This video is about choosing JOY! There are times we feel sad, frustrated, or worried. It’s ok to feel these things, but we can choose joy!
Let’s take a closer look at the one of the fruits of the spirit: JOY!
Read
Open your Bible and read:
Romans 15:13
John 16:24
Psalm 126:3
If you have the following stories 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.
Olympig by Victoria Jamieson
Parents click the link below for a description of how to connect this story to Joy.
Penguin’s Christmas Wish by Salina Yoon
Parents click the link below for a description of how to connect this story to Joy.
Listen
Most of us are familiar with this song, but here are some fun movements to go with this fun tune!
You’ll love this variation of the song “Joy to the World”
Do
Here is a coloring page you can color and hang to remind you to choose Joy!
Print, cut out and color this Advent ornament. You can give it as a gift or hang it on your own tree!
Can you complete this maze?
Advent calendar: Hopefully you picked up your Advent bag from DCLC. If not, here is the Advent calendar. You can print it out. It’s filled with easy activities for your family to find even more JOY during Christmas.
Pray
God, thank you for the best Christmas present we could ever receive: the joy that comes from knowing Jesus. Help us express that joy with our bodies, with our faces, and with our generosity towards others. Bless our efforts to be a light in the world, extending your grace and love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
November Playlist
Hope
Shannon Fossett, Director of Children’s Ministries
11/1/20
Pastor Andrea on Hope
Waiting and hope go together, and it’s hard to wait. And a lot of time we confuse hope with wishes. We have lots of wishes: I wish that I would have a job. I wish that the weather would be better. I wish that the pain would go away.
We are full of wishes, and we try to control the future by making our wishes come true. But Nouwen says that Jesus wants us to be filled with hope not wishes. Hope is different. Hope is trusting God’s promises in Jesus. We must let go of our wishes and start hoping. Hope is about trusting so deeply that our waiting is open to all possibilities . . . without our control. Hope asks us to let God define our life, trusting that God molds us according to God’s love and not according to our fear.
Read
Open your Bible and read Romans 15:4
Open your Bible and read Job 11:18
Open your Bible and read Isaiah 40:31
If you have the following stories 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.
Where the Sunrise Begins by Douglas Wood
Parents, click the link below for a description of how to connect this story to Hope.
Connecting Where the Sunrise Begins to Hope
The Most Magnificent Things by Ashley Spires
Parents, click the link below for a description of how to connect this story to Hope.
Connecting The Most Magnificent Thing to Hope
Circle of Hope by Karen Lynn Williams
Parents, click the link below for a description of how to connect this story to Hope.
Connecting Circles of Hope to Hope
Listen
Listen to this song “My Hope is in the Lord”–you might remember it from Cave Quest VBS! It’s a great toe-tapper, hand clapper!
Here is a fun song that might make you giggle as you sing it!
Families, this is one you can listen to together. It is a pastor describing hope. After you watch it, your family can discuss what hope means to you. What are some examples?
Participate/Do
Here is a lesson you can do on your own or with your family. Are you familiar with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech? You’ll be looking at this, reviewing a Bible verse, then drawing what your hopes and dreams are for a better future.
There are seven great activities based on HOPE in this packet. You can do a few or all 7! It goes perfect with what we are all currently experiencing with the pandemic. I especially love the Prayer Tree and the Thankful Hearts activities! Share with us what your favorite ones were in the comment section below.
Pray
Click on the link below for a devotional you can follow this month to explore the theme of hope. These make good dinner discussions. You can follow the schedule or spread it out over the whole month.
October Playlist
Amazing Grace
Shannon Fossett, Director of Children’s Ministries
10/1/20
Introduction
Hello families! October’s theme is “Amazing Grace.” Have fun exploring at your own pace and in whatever order you choose! I would love to hear how things are going or see what you create. Feel free to email me your thoughts and/or pictures!
Pastor Andrea on Grace
Grace is the cornerstone and foundation of our faith. Everything flows from grace. Martin Luther, our founding father of the Lutheran faith, discovered grace by reading the New Testament. We think of ourselves as “saved by grace through faith.” Grace at its most simple form is God’s unconditional love for us in Jesus Christ. Grace is undeserved, unmerited love and forgiveness. It is love for the sake of love.
Read
Open your Bible and read Ephesians 2:8
Open your Bible and read Romans 8:39
Open your Bible and read John 3:16
If you have the following stories 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 Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend by Dan Santat
Parents, click the link below for a description of how to connect this story to Grace.
Grace in The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend
The Magic Gourd by Baba Wagué Diakité
Parents, click the link below for a description of how to connect this story to Grace.
Listen
Listen to this song by Bethel Music kids. It has some fun dance moves that some of you will enjoy trying or make up your own!
This song has the words so you can learn it and sing along! It’s called “Grace Like a Wave” by Worship House Kids.
This is a fun song based on Ephesians 2:8. It includes the words, so you can learn it. It’s so catchy you’ll be singing it all day! La-de-da!
Watch
Click the link below to watch a video on God’s Love. Grace is God’s unconditional love…so let’s look at some of the ways God loves us unconditionally! This video describes some of the verses you might have read above and MORE! Parents, the link also includes some great questions that you can discuss after watching the video.
Watch the following video of Ms. Shannon reading the book God’s Dream.
Participate/Do
Here is a link to a Grace coloring page you can print out and color.
Try this True Love Bible Search and Sort activity. Grace is God’s unconditional love, so let’s look at what the Bible says about Love!
We did this science experiment in a “Shenanigans with Ms. Shannon” meeting. It is really cool, and this one is related to grace! Watch this video first then you can try it out using a Ziploc baggie and some sharp pencils and water!
Pray
Here are some prayer ideas based on Ephesians 2:8. These are great for the whole family! They are button prayers, so round up some buttons from your craft bins or print out some and try out these ideas.
Parent Resources
Parents, here is an article on explaining God’s grace to children.
Explaining God’s Grace to Children
This article describes simple everyday things you’re probably already doing that teach our children grace.
September Playlist
Justice
Shannon Fossett, Director of Children’s Ministries
9/1/20
Introduction
Hello families! Welcome to the Faith Formation Playlist for children/families! During this time of physical/social distancing, we find it necessary to stay home, and we’re missing the day to day, normal weekly interactions with family and friends in school, at church, and in our communities. Although we can’t gather together physically, we still have an opportunity to deepen our faith. Each month we will have a theme that you can explore at your own pace. Your family can choose to do one a week, several in a day or spread them out. I’d love to hear how things are going or see your projects. Feel free to email me your thoughts and/or pictures!
Pastor Andrea on Justice
To try to live as Jesus lived, reaching out to those different from us, including all people to love, serve, and care for as well as giving our time and resources and engaging against unfair practices in our society.
Read
Open your Bible and Read Micah 6:8 (Love mercy, do justice, walk humbly…)
Open your Bible and Read Matthew 22:34-40 (Love God, love your neighbor…)
If you have the following stories at home or can get them from the library, then please read them. If not, you can read/listen to them here by clicking the links below.
The Tawny Scrawny Lion by Kathryn Jackson
*Parent’s here is a great guide on how to connect The Tawny Scrawny Lion to Justice.
Justice in The Tawny Scrawny Lion
Who is my Neighbor? by Amy-Jill Levine & Sandy Eisenberg Sasso
*Parents, there is some good discussion that can happen after reading this book. Take the opportunity to explore it with your kids! What questions do they have? What feelings came up as you read this? Have they seen this in real life? Have they experienced this? What can they do to be a good neighbor?
Watch
Watch this video on God’s greatest commandment: love one another. In this video kids share their opinions about this verse. Talk with your family about what you think about this commandment.
Listen
Listen to this song about the verse Micah 6:8. The words are there to help you learn it!
Listen to this song. It’s similar to VBS. The actions are easy to learn. Try it out!
Participate/Do
Let’s make a Neighbor Chain. Click on the link to print the template. You can cut and decorate it.
Click on the link to print and then color the Micah coloring pages.
Here are two fun activities to explore Matthew 22 with your whole family. Click the link below for the directions for the “All About Love” activities.
Here is a great service project that the whole family can complete this month. There are lots of ways you can help your neighbor and show love in your community. Click on the link to print out the activity. You can draw a picture or write your name in the box when you complete it. How many can you complete this month?
Wonder
You can wonder on your own or as a family. These can be good dinner time discussions too!
What does it mean to “treat others the way you want to be treated”? Is this hard to do?
Who has shown you God’s love lately?
How have you shown love to others lately?
Have you seen someone being treated unfairly? What can you do about it?
What is one thing you want to do this month that will make a difference by shining your light and sharing God’s love?
Parent Resources
Check out the Kindness Declaration from Mister Rogers. Post it in your home for all to see!
Desert Cross Faith Formation 
