New Life Children and Parents - We continue to walk along new paths we never really anticipated.  Our lives are disrupted and we have new unexpected challenges everyday.  We also know that this is what love looks like right now.  We give up physical connection to keep others safe from harm.  We become teachers to our children because we know their regular teachers want to be with them, but for the safety of everyone, they can’t be.  We nap more, we argue a bit and we get tired.  We have good days and we have hard days, because we love our neighbors as ourselves.  Our pews are empty, because the church has been deployed into the world to do God’s work.  Jesus told us it wouldn’t be easy, but he also showed us how critical the sacrifice was and what love truly looks like.  So as we walk in Jesus’ footsteps into the coming Holy week let us walk together in love.
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For the week of March 30- April 5th here some things for you...
Lectionary reading: Genesis 6:9-22
God gave Noah a big job to do.  And even though others doubted him, Noah followed God’s instructions.
Sing!
Veggie Tales Noah's Ark (full movie 55 minutes)
A variety of Noah Themed crafts
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Go on a Scavenger Hunt
As you walk around your neighborhood look for things that Noah might have brought onto the ark. Â He brought in animals two by two. Â But there were people and everyone needed to be fed and what about light at night? Â Take pictures of what you find and share them with others. Â
Palm Sunday is on the way (Sunday April 5, 2020)
Palm Sunday was the day when Jesus came into Jerusalem.  There was a wonderful parade and all the people shouted ‘Hosanna’.  Many people laid palms on the road as Jesus rode by on a donkey.  On palm Sunday we normally have our own parade at church and everyone has a palm branch to wave.  This year we won’t get to have our parade together, but you can still have your very own parade.  Below are three ways to make a palm branch of your own.  Have your parents help you.  On palm Sunday you and your family can have your very own palm Sunday parade around your neighborhood waving your palm branch.  Make sure you stay safe.  Maybe you can let your neighbors know and they can watch you from their steps.  Make sure to take pictures and videos to share!  Soon we will be back together and we will have a grand parade and a big party to celebrate!
Palm Sunday Crafts!
Parade music
Staying Healthy
BE AWARE OF YOUR CHILDREN’S MENTAL HEALTH
Most children will manage well with the support of parents and other family members, even if showing signs of some anxiety or concerns, such as difficulty sleeping or concentrating. Some children, however, may have risk factors for more intense reactions, including severe anxiety, depression, and suicidal behaviors. Risk factors can include a pre-existing mental health problem, prior traumatic experiences or abuse, family instability, or the loss of a loved one. Parents and caregivers should contact a professional if children exhibit significant changes in behavior or any of the following symptoms for more than 2 weeks.
Preschoolers—thumb sucking, bedwetting, clinging to parents, sleep disturbances, loss of appetite, fear of the dark, regression in behavior, and withdrawal.
Elementary school children—irritability, aggressiveness, clinginess, nightmares, school avoidance, poor concentration, and withdrawal from activities and friends.
Adolescents—sleeping and eating disturbances, agitation, increase in conflicts, physical complaints, delinquent behavior, and poor concentration.
From the National Association of School Psychologists
Some additional resources
Goosechase (9-12) is an online scavenger hunt recommendhttps://www.goosechase.com/ed from Hong Kong Academy, a school that is just now transitioning back to classroom work.
An online collaborative puzzle game is Edpuzzle (6-8).
GoNoodle (K-8) offers educational physical and mental health practices
For now my dear families Peace be with you all.
Patty Gould
Faith Formation Chair - New Life Presbyterian Church
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