Children's Message

INTRODUCTION

As we transition from summer to fall, we are called back together to work out how we will live in community as a witness to our faith. As a refresher, we ask you to consider these “Lessons in Leadership” as a way of shaping the body we seek to be. This is not a how-to with specifics for each communal situation, but an attitude check, a value inventory to ask who we will be together as we build up the church. We invite you to join us for “Lessons in Leadership.”

LESSONS IN LEADERSHIP

Following God’s Way Together

Threaded Image: The Path
Repeated Phrase: “We are learning to walk in God’s way—together.”

Big Idea:
God teaches us how to lead by helping, listening, forgiving, and loving—especially when it’s hard. We learn how to follow God’s way together.

Each week of this series begins with this opening dialogue. This will invite the children (and all listening) into the storytelling approach to each message.

OPENING (Gathering)

(Lay out the path before speaking. Pause between sentences.)

Leader:
Friends, come close.
Today, we are going to hear a story from the Bible.
This is part of God’s big story.

Following God is like walking on a path.
We do not run.
We do not jump ahead.
We walk, one step at a time.

And we never walk alone.

Let’s say this together:

All:
“We are learning to walk in God’s way—together.”

Each week, this series will build on the theming of walking a path. Use the materials in this VISUAL PATH KIT LIST.

Reusable for the Whole Series

CORE MATERIALS (One-Time Prep)

1. The Path Base

Neutral fabric strip (felt, burlap, or green cloth)
OR a long strip of butcher paper taped to the floor.

2. Footprint Steps (4 total)

Cardstock or felt footprints.
Large, readable words printed on each:
- HELP
- WELCOME
- MAKE PEACE
- FORGIVE

3. Symbols for Each Step (Optional but Powerful)

HELP - Open hand cutout.
WELCOME - Heart or open door.
MAKE PEACE - Two hands together or bandaged heart.
FORGIVE - Heart with a small bandage.

4. Storage

Zip folder or envelope labeled “Path Steps.”

Keep the order consistent week to week.

WEEK 3 – CONFLICT

September 6, 2026

God Helps Us Make Peace

Scriptures:

Exodus 12:1–14, New International Reader's Version

The First Passover Sacrifice

12 The Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron in Egypt. ² He said, “From now on, this month will be your first month. Each of your years will begin with it. ³Speak to the whole community of Israel. Tell them that on the tenth day of this month each man must get a lamb from his flock. A lamb should be chosen for each family and home. ⁴Suppose there are not enough people in your family to eat a whole lamb. Then you must share some of it with your nearest neighbor. You must add up the total number of people there are. You must decide how much lamb is needed for each person.⁵ The animals you choose must be males that are a year old. They must not have any flaws. You may choose either sheep or goats. ⁶Take care of them until the 14th day of the month. Then the whole community of Israel must kill them when the sun goes down. ⁷Take some of the blood. Put it on the sides and tops of the doorframes of the houses where you eat the lambs. ⁸ That same night eat the meat cooked over a fire. Also eat bitter plants. And eat bread made without yeast. ⁹ Do not eat the meat when it is raw. Don’t boil it in water. Instead, cook it over a fire. Cook the head, legs and inside parts. ¹⁰ Do not leave any of it until morning. If some is left over until morning, burn it up. ¹¹ Eat the meat while your coat is tucked into your belt. Put your sandals on your feet. Take your walking stick in your hand. Eat the food quickly. It is the Lord’s Passover.

¹² “That same night I will pass through Egypt. I will strike down all those born first among the people and animals. And I will judge all the gods of Egypt. I am the Lord. ¹³ The blood on your houses will be a sign for you. When I see the blood, I will pass over you. No deadly plague will touch you when I strike Egypt.

¹⁴ “Always remember this day. You and your children after you must celebrate this day as a feast to honor the Lord. You must do this for all time to come. It is a law that will last forever.

Matthew 18:15–20, New International Reader's Version

When Someone Sins Against You

¹⁵ “If your brother or sister sins against you, go to them. Tell them what they did wrong. Keep it between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them back. ¹⁶ But what if they won’t listen to you? Then take one or two others with you. Scripture says, ‘Every matter must be proved by the words of two or three witnesses.’ (Deuteronomy 19:15) ¹⁷But what if they also refuse to listen to the witnesses? Then tell it to the church. And what if they refuse to listen even to the church? Then don’t treat them as a brother or sister. Treat them as you would treat an ungodly person or a tax collector.

¹⁸ “What I’m about to tell you is true. What you lock on earth will be locked in heaven. What you unlock on earth will be unlocked in heaven.

¹⁹“Again, here is what I tell you. Suppose two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for. My Father in heaven will do it for you. ²⁰ Where two or three people gather in my name, I am there with them.”

OPENING (Gathering)

(Lay out the path before speaking. Pause between sentences.)

Friends, come close.
Today, we are going to hear a story from the Bible.
This is part of God’s big story.

Following God is like walking on a path.
We do not run.
We do not jump ahead.
We walk, one step at a time.

And we never walk alone.

Let’s say this together:

All:
“We are learning to walk in God’s way—together.”

(Place the MAKE PEACE footprint.)

Story:

God’s people were ready to leave a hard place.
They packed quickly.
They were nervous and unsure.

Big changes were coming.

Later, Jesus talked to his friends about what to do when people hurt one another.
He did not say, “Ignore it.”
He did not say, “Fight back.”

Jesus said to talk.
To listen.
To keep trying to make things right.

Jesus promised that when people try to make peace together,
God is with them.

God stays close when things feel messy.

This step says MAKE PEACE.

Let’s say it together:

All:
“MAKE PEACE.”

Wonder Together (Ask these questions and let children sit in silence as they consider their responses.)

I wonder why disagreements happen.
I wonder what helps people make peace.
I wonder if peace takes practice.
I wonder how God helps when we are upset.

(Silence.)

Body Prayer:
Place one hand on your heart.

All:
“God helps us make peace.”

Between the Sundays

Family Conversation Starters and Activities

Lessons in Leadership: Walking God’s Way—Together

These simple questions and activities help families talk, play, and pray together during the week. They connect with the children’s message from Sunday and invite faith into everyday moments, at meals, in the car, before bed, or while playing.

Each week focuses on one step on the path as we learn how to lead in God’s way—together.

Week 3 — CONFLICT

Step on the Path: MAKE PEACE
Big Idea: God helps us make peace when things are hard.

Conversation Starters

What does it mean to make peace?
What do you do when you feel upset? Share a time that happened to you this week. What did you do?
Is it easy or hard to say you are sorry?
How does talking and listening help? Allow each family member the opportunity to both listen and talk.