This is Our Story
/For the past few weeks, we’ve been talking about God and people: God’s love for people, God’s gift to people after Jesus went to heaven, and God’s dream for how people treat each other.
Today, we want to explore what it means to be part of the church. Not just one church. Not just Sanctuary Community Church. But the church as a whole group of people from all times and places who know God and are part of God’s story. When we look through the Bible, we can see the story of us–the story of people, the story of God’s love for people.
This is a story about you, me, and all of us. This is our story.
Story: This is Our Story (slideshow)
Wondering Questions:
I wonder how that story makes you feel?
I wonder where you see yourself in this story?
I wonder what questions you have?
Activity: Tell Your Story
It can be helpful to think about your own story and find ways to tell it. You will probably do this many times throughout your life. Who are you? What do you believe about yourself? Today, take some time to think about your story, and remember that you are lovingly created in the image of God. The following activities can help you tell your story with words, pictures, or both.
“This is My Story” Worksheet
My Story in Comic Form
Maybe you would like your story to be told in comic form. In a comic, different squares are used to show different parts of the story. The first square is the first thing that happened, the second square happens next, and so on until the last square. When you think about your life as a story, what are the most important parts to you?
Prayer
God cares about each of our stories, and wants to hear from us and be close to us. The Bible gives us an example of how we can talk to God. Some people call it The Lord’s Prayer. You can read it in Matthew 6:9-13. In a book called The Jesus Storybook Bible, this prayer is written in a way that is simpler and easier to understand. Will you read it out loud with me? Let’s imagine all of us praying this prayer together, and our loving God listening to our words.
Lord’s Prayer from the Jesus Storybook Bible (8.5X11 download)
Note: This version refers to God as “Daddy”, showing that God is like a parent who loves us and takes care of us. There are lots of words we can use for God, and you can choose a word that feels most comfortable to you.
Song
This is a song to help you remember that you are part of God’s story, and God wants to be part of your story too. God has called you by name. Your story matters.
Chorus:
Fear not, for I have redeemed you
I've called you by name, you are mine
Fear not, for I have redeemed you
I've called you by name, you are mine
If you're scared of the dark, I'll be your guiding light
If the flood waters come, they won't wash you aside
If you're caught in a storm, I'm safe place to hide
Don't be afraid, I am with you
(Chorus)
And if you need a friend, oh, I won't let you down
If you feel the earth shaking, I'm your solid ground
If you're feeling alone, and like no one is around
Don't be afraid, I am with you
(Chorus)
Don't you forget that I made you
Don't believe that you're not enough
I'll never leave or forsake you
Try to remember my love
(Chorus)
I have called you by name, you are mine
I have called you by name, you are mine
Amen.