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.
November Playlist
Connect
Shannon Fossett, Director of Children’s Ministries
11/1/26
Introduction
Have you ever played the game Connect Four? It’s a fun game where you try to get four of your same color chips in a row, column or diagonal before your opponent. The idea is your chips are connected to form a line. There are lots of things we can connect to in our world. You can connect with nature by spending time outside, going for a walk, listening to the birds, etc. You can connect with your family by sharing a meal together, playing a game together or having a discussion. You can connect with your friends by talking on the phone, playing together, sharing a snack together. You can also connect with God. Some ideas are praying, reading the Bible, and being in church. I love that I get to connect with you all at Sunday School and at church or family events! Have fun exploring the theme below.
Listen
This song has some fun dance moves!
“True Friend”
This song has great lyrics and a fun beat! Together is a great way to connect!
“Together”
Read
Open the Bible and read:
1 Corinthians 12:21
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Hebrews 10:24-25
John 13:34
Psalm 63:1
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.
I Promise I’ll Find You by Patricia Ward
We Are All Connected by Gabi Garcia
The Invisible String by Patrice Karst
Do
Question Jar: You can connect with your family by creating a question jar. Write open-ended prompts on small slips of paper and put them in a jar. Take turns drawing and answering questions like “What made you smile this week?” or “What is a skill you want to learn?”
Would You Rather: This is a fun game to play and help you get to know and connect with others. Ask silly or thought-provoking either/or questions (e.g., “Would you rather live underwater or in outer space?”)
Connect the Dots: Here’s a connect the dots page you can print and try!
Connect the Dots
Puzzle Prayer: Use this template or create your own to make a puzzle. Cut apart the pieces and have each person in your family decorate a piece with their name. Make a piece for God and other family members or friends until the puzzle is full. Cut the pieces apart and as you build the puzzle each night, you can pray for those people and talk about the ways you are all connected.
Puzzle Prayer
Pray
Dear God,
As I close my eyes tonight, I want to thank You for staying connected to me all day long. Thank You for the family and friends You gave me to connect with today.
Please unplug my mind from all the busy thoughts and plug my heart into Your peaceful rest. Help me wake up ready to share Your kindness and connect with others tomorrow.
Amen.
October Playlist
Teach
Shannon Fossett, Director of Children’s Ministries
10/1/26
Introduction
When I think of teachers, some of my favorites come to mind . . . Ms. Lauer, my 3rd grade teacher, had the warmest smile and the best hugs, my 5th grade teacher had a pottery wheel in our classroom, and we would make pottery for desk decorations. My favorite teachers made learning fun, and that was my motivation for becoming a teacher. Guess who else was a wonderful teacher. Jesus!! He taught people about God’s love, how to care for others, how to forgive, and how to live with kindness and compassion. And the amazing thing is, Jesus doesn’t just want us to listen and learn—he invites us to share what we learn with others! We can all be teachers. We can teach by the things we say, the way we treat people, and the kindness we show. Maybe you can teach someone a new game, help a friend learn something, or show someone what it means to love like Jesus. As you explore this playlist, think about what Jesus is teaching you—and how you can be a teacher of God’s love, too!
Listen
This song is easy enough to learn, and it’s sung by a children’s choir.
“I am a Child of God”
“Teach Me Your Ways, Oh Lord”
Read
Open the Bible and read:
Psalm 25:4
Psalm 32:8
Deuteronomy 6:6-7
Matthew 28:19-20
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.
When the Wind Stops by Charlotee Zolotow
A Letter to My Teacher by Deborah Hopkinson and Nancy Carpenter
Ms. Spritzer’s Garden by Edith Pattou
Watch
I love Kid President. Here’s his pep talk for teachers and students. What are you teaching the world?
Jesus taught using parables . . . what are those anyway?
Here is the Parable of the Vineyard Workers. We will hear this parable in worship this month.
Do
Telephone Game: Jesus teaches; we listen. So, try out this game of telephone and see how difficult it is to listen carefully. Play a game of telephone using Bible verses. Suggested verses listed below.
– John 3:16
– John 14:16
– Matthew 6:33
– Matthew 19:14
– Matthew 5:16
– Matthew 7:12
– Luke 10:27
After the game, talk about how just like the Bible, the original source is always the best one to listen to and learn from.
Play “Professor for a Minute”
Pick a Topic: The child picks a very easy topic they already know well (like how to tie a shoe, draw a cat, or fold a paper airplane).
Set the Timer: Set a timer for two or three minutes.
Teach the Student: The child explains and demonstrates the skill step-by-step to their “student” (a parent, friend, or sibling).
The Test: The student tries to do the task using only the child’s instructions.
Switch Roles: Swap places so the student becomes the teacher for a new skill.
Jesus Teaches Coloring Sheet:
Coloring Sheet
Pray
God, please bless my school and my church. Thank You for all the teachers who work so hard to help us learn. Thank You for the friends at both. Thank You for providing places where we can learn more about the world You created and how it works. Help us to be good teachers to others, but also good learners!
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
September Playlist
Compassion
Shannon Fossett, Director of Children’s Ministries
9/1/26
Introduction
Compassion is seeing a need, feeling care in your heart, and taking action to help. There are lots of examples in the Bible of Jesus showing compassion. He noticed people, listened to them, welcomed them, and showed them love. You can be compassionate by noticing when someone is hurting, lonely, worried, or in need—and caring enough to do something about it. In this month’s playlist, we’ll discover ways we can “love like Jesus” by being kind, helping others, including those who may feel left out, and showing that we care. God’s love is for everyone, and He invites us to share that love wherever we go! Have fun exploring below.
Listen
This song teaches about compassion and has a catchy beat!
This kids choir does a beautiful job singing about Jesus’ compassion.
Read
Open the Bible and read:
Colossians 3:12
Ephesians 4:32
1 Peter 3:8
Romans 12:15
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 Am Love: A Story of Compassion by Peter Reynolds
Thank You, Omu by Oge Mara
*Parents, to help connect this story to our Compassion Playlist use this link.
The Coat by Severine Vidal
*Parents, to help connect this story to our Compassion Playlist use this link.
Watch
Douglas is back teaching us about compassion.
Here is a guided meditation to help us be compassionate. Find a quiet spot and try it out.
Do
Here’s a link to two crafts/activities you can try at home.
Blooming with Compassion Flower and a Kindness Kit
Gather the whole family and try out this fun game! We can be compassionate and kind to others!
Game
The Children’s Museum of Sonoma County has a great list of compassion ideas for kids ages pre-school through middle school . . . use the link below and let me know which one you try!
The Children’s Museum of Sonoma County
Pray
Dear God, please give me eyes to see when someone is hurting. Give me ears to listen, and a kind heart that wants to help. Help me to love others the way you love me. Amen.
