elementary
NOVEMBER 2023
Gratitude sometimes feels like a lost art. Yet gratitude is an idea close to God’s heart. Think about all of the Bible stories where people gave thanks to God. The Israelites celebrated God with feasts and festivals. The writers of the Psalms wrote songs of praise to thank God for being faithful. Throughout this month, we hope kids will learn to be grateful for everything God has done: for the world God made, for the promises God has kept, and for the new life God offers the world through Jesus. When we remember all of these things, we can always be thankful.
GRATITUDE is letting others know you see how they’ve helped you.
1st – 3rd grade
November 5th
We start off this series with something Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians 5:18: “Give thanks no matter what happens. God wants you to thank him because you believe in Christ Jesus.” It’s pretty clear. Giving thanks is something God wants us to do. No matter what happens, we can be thankful for Jesus and God’s gift of salvation.
Bottom Line: You always have something to be grateful for.
First, watch this week’s video! Then use the November 5th Parent Guide to help your family learn about gratitude.
November 12th
In week 2, we head to 2 Samuel 6:12b-22a where we find King David in a powerful moment in Israel’s history. David had the privilege of bringing the ark of the covenant back to Jerusalem. He was so overwhelmed with gratitude and excitement that he danced and celebrated. David was willing to make himself look foolish to worship God for being faithful to the Israelites.
Bottom Line: Celebrate what God has done.
Missed us in KidsQuest this week? First, watch the November 12th video! Then Download the November 12th Parent Guide to help your family learn about gratitude.
November 19th
In week three, we head to Luke 17:11-19 and discover a significant moment when 10 men with a serious skin condition asked Jesus to heal them. As their skin cleared up, the men were so thrilled about the miracle that most of them ran off and never returned to thank Jesus. Only one man, a Samaritan, turned around and showed his gratitude. Jesus made a point to commend this man’s faith.
Bottom Line: Take time to say thank you.
After watching this week’s video, Download the November 19th Parent Guide to help your family continue learning about gratitude.
November 26th
We finish up the month in 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 and Exodus 12. In 1 Corinthians 11, Paul talks about taking time to celebrate Communion, or the Lord’s Supper. When we eat the bread and drink the cup, we celebrate how Jesus lived, died, and rose again to make us right with God. As we think about what Paul wrote, we’ll also take time to remember that this celebration is rooted in the Passover celebration, where God’s people remembered how God rescued them from being enslaved in Egypt.
Bottom Line: Make a habit of being grateful.
Missed us in KidsQuest this week? Watch the November 26th video and Download the Week 4 Parent Guide to finish up our month on gratitude.
4th – 5th Grade
November 5th
Key Question: What are you grateful for?
We kick off this month of gratitude by helping kids to refocus on their own life and discover reasons they can be thankful. We can get so busy with life that we often don’t take the time to pause and notice what God has done for us. We pray that kids will consider why they can always be thankful. We start off this series with something Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians 5:18: “Give thanks no matter what happens. God wants you to thank him because you believe in Christ Jesus.”
Watch Now
First, watch this week’s video! Then, use the November 5th Parent Guide to help your family learn about gratitude.
November 12th
Key Question: How can you show God you’re grateful?
Saying thank you doesn’t have to feel like a chore. Preteens have great imaginations that can run wild as they discover all sorts of fun ways they can show gratitude to God (and others). In week 2, we head to 2 Samuel 6:12b-22a where we find King David in a powerful moment in Israel’s history.
Watch Now
Missed us in KidsQuest? First, watch this week’s video! Then Download the November 12th Parent Guide to help your family learn about gratitude.
November 19th
Key Question: What helps you remember to be grateful?
It’s important for us to identify the reasons behind what we do. We hope to help our preteens think about the reasons why gratitude is important. As they discover these reasons, we pray they develop a strategy for remembering to say thank you when people help them. In week three, we head to Luke 17:11-19 and discover a significant moment when 10 men with a serious skin condition asked Jesus to heal them.
Watch Now
As a family, watch this week’s video then Download the November 19th Parent Guide to learn more about gratitude.
November 26th
Key Question: What are some good habits you have?
As kids get older, they can establish routines and habits that help them remember certain things: brushing their teeth, eating healthy food, and yes, even saying thank you. Throughout this lesson, we hope that kids discover ways that will help them remember to show gratitude for Jesus and the gift of salvation. We finish up the month in 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 and Exodus 12.
Watch Now
Missed church this week? Watch the November 26th video together, Download November Week 4 Parent Guide and finish learning about gratitude.