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 4 – GRACE

September 13, 2026

God’s Love Keeps Going

Scriptures:

Exodus 14:19–31, New International Reader's Version

¹⁹ The angel of God had been traveling in front of Israel’s army. Now he moved back and went behind them. The pillar of cloud also moved away from in front of them. Now it stood behind them. ²⁰ It came between the armies of Egypt and Israel. All through the night the cloud brought darkness to one side and light to the other. Neither army went near the other all night long.

²¹ Then Moses reached out his hand over the Red Sea. All that night the Lord pushed the sea back with a strong east wind. He turned the sea into dry land. The waters were divided. ²² The people of Israel went through the sea on dry ground. There was a wall of water on their right side and on their left.

²³ The Egyptians chased them. All Pharaoh’s horses and chariots and horsemen followed them into the sea. ²⁴ Near the end of the night the Lord looked down from the pillar of fire and cloud. He saw the Egyptian army and threw it into a panic. ²⁵ He jammed the wheels of their chariots. That made the chariots hard to drive. The Egyptians said, “Let’s get away from the Israelites! The Lord is fighting for Israel against Egypt.”

²⁶ Then the Lord spoke to Moses. He said, “Reach out your hand over the sea. The waters will flow back over the Egyptians and their chariots and horsemen.” ²⁷So Moses reached out his hand over the sea. At sunrise the sea went back to its place. The Egyptians tried to run away from the sea. But the Lord swept them into it. ²⁸ The water flowed back and covered the chariots and horsemen. It covered the entire army of Pharaoh that had followed the people of Israel into the sea. Not one of the Egyptians was left.

²⁹ But the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground. There was a wall of water on their right side and on their left. ³⁰ That day the Lord saved Israel from the power of Egypt. The Israelites saw the Egyptians lying dead on the shore. ³¹The Israelites saw the amazing power the Lord showed against the Egyptians. So the Israelites had great respect for the Lord and put their trust in him. They also put their trust in his servant Moses.

Matthew 18:21–35, New International Reader's Version

The Servant Who Had No Mercy

²¹ Peter came to Jesus. He asked, “Lord, how many times should I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?”

²² Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but 77 times.

²³ “The kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to collect all the money his servants owed him. ²⁴ As the king began to do it, a man who owed him 10,000 bags of gold was brought to him. ²⁵ The man was not able to pay. So his master gave an order. The man, his wife, his children, and all he owned had to be sold to pay back what he owed.

²⁶ “Then the servant fell on his knees in front of him. ‘Give me time,’ he begged. ‘I’ll pay everything back.’ ²⁷ His master felt sorry for him. He forgave him what he owed and let him go.

²⁸ “But then that servant went out and found one of the other servants who owed him 100 silver coins. He grabbed him and began to choke him. ‘Pay back what you owe me!’ he said.

²⁹ “The other servant fell on his knees. ‘Give me time,’ he begged him. ‘I’ll pay it back.’

³⁰ “But the first servant refused. Instead, he went and had the man thrown into prison. The man would be held there until he could pay back what he owed. ³¹ The other servants saw what had happened and were very angry. They went and told their master everything that had happened.

³² “Then the master called the first servant in. ‘You evil servant,’ he said. ‘I forgave all that you owed me because you begged me to. 33 Shouldn’t you have had mercy on the other servant just as I had mercy on you?’ 34 In anger his master handed him over to the jailers. He would be punished until he paid back everything he owed.

³⁵ “This is how my Father in heaven will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”

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 FORGIVE footprint.)

Story:

God’s people stood at the edge of the sea.
Behind them was danger.
In front of them was deep water.

They were afraid.

But God made a way where there was no way.
The water opened.
The people walked through safely.

Later, Peter asked Jesus,
“How many times should I forgive?”

Jesus answered,
“Again and again.”

Jesus told a story about forgiveness that never runs out.
God’s grace is bigger than our mistakes.
God’s love keeps going.

This step says FORGIVE.

Let’s say it together:

All:
“FORGIVE.”

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

I wonder how the people felt walking through the sea.
I wonder why forgiveness can be hard.
I wonder what grace feels like.
I wonder if God ever stops loving us.

(Pause.)

Body Prayer:
Take one slow breath.

All:
“God’s love keeps going.”

CLOSING BLESSING (Final Week)

(Gesture to the full path.)

Look at the path we walked together.

HELP.
WELCOME.
MAKE PEACE.
FORGIVE.

This is what leadership looks like in God’s way.

May God guide your steps.
May your hands help.
May your hearts stay open.
May your words bring peace.
May your love keep going.

All:
“We will walk in God’s way—together.” Amen.

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 4 – GRACE

Step on the Path: FORGIVE
Big Idea: God’s love keeps going.

Conversation Starters

What does forgiveness mean?
When is it hard to forgive?
How does it feel when someone forgives you? Did this happen to you this week? If so, share the story with your family.
Do you think God ever stops loving us?

Family Activities v

1. Crossing Over
Make a simple “path” on the floor with pillows or tape.
Walk across together and say:
“God makes a way.”
Talk about how God helps us start again.

2. Forgiveness Jar
Write or draw things that feel hard on slips of paper.
Place the slips of paper in a jar and pray together, asking God to help you let go.

3. Grace Words
Practice saying:

“I forgive you.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Let’s try again.”
Remind children: “God’s grace never runs out.”

Family Prayer for the Whole Series

(Pray at the end of any week.)

Dear God,
Thank you for walking with us.
Help us help others.
Help us welcome everyone.
Help us make peace.
Help us forgive.
Teach us to walk in your way—together.
Amen.