Happy Harbor

Today, Tilly teaches the friends all about someone named Joseph! Joseph had some crazy dreams and a big family. Check out the whole story in this episode! 

And for more great stories, don't forget to look for Stories of the Bible from Saddleback Kids!

“And we know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28, NLT)

Genesis 37 

The same question gets asked in a variety of forms: Where is God when it hurts? Why do bad things happen to good people? How can a good and loving God allow suffering?

Joseph could have asked these same questions; maybe he did. Mistreated and abused by his brothers, and eventually sold into slavery by them, Joseph could have easily chosen to believe that this was all evidence that God didn’t love him or wasn’t “on his side.” Isn’t that the same place our minds are often tempted to go when we face difficulties or troubles? “God must not care about me. If He did, these things wouldn’t be happening to me.” This seems to be especially true if our troubles come about because of other people’s meanness or sin, while we were simply trying to live our lives following God.

Joseph was living a life of obedience even as a young boy. He wasn’t perfect, as evidenced by his somewhat boastful interactions with his brothers, where he relayed his dreams of ruling over them. But he definitely didn’t deserve to be thrown in a pit and then sold as a slave by his own family members! Can you imagine how he must have felt when his brothers ripped off his colorful robe? This robe represented the special bond he had with his father and his brothers, in their jealousy, destroyed it.

Have you ever seen something you treasured be ripped apart before your eyes? Maybe it was a tangible object like Joseph’s robe, or maybe it was a long-treasured dream that you saw crumble. In those moments, it’s easy to ask, “Where are you, God? Don’t you see me?”

One thing we can learn from Joseph’s life is that God never leaves us. Even when we can’t see Him or feel Him, He is there and He is working on our behalf. Joseph must have wondered what God was up to as he was being led off to Egypt as a slave, but he didn’t waiver in his trust and obedience to God.

Questions to think about:

1. How does it feel to be mistreated when you have done nothing wrong?
2. What do you learn from Joseph’s life that can help you respond to people who mistreat you or are jealous of you?
3. Do you ever struggle with envy like Joseph’s brothers did? If so, what are some healthy ways you can deal with it?

The new Saddleback Kids Worship album, Side By Side, is a collection of ten songs that declare our identity in  Jesus’ resurrection power, the goodness of God, His promises, and so much more. The prayer from  our team is that these songs are planted in the hearts of kids now so they can speak to them throughout their lives. We pray that these songs would be the soundtrack to the everyday lives of families, provide words and music for kids to worship with at church, and fill homes with children singing out to God. We hope that this album will be a reminder that the presence of God is available not just to adults, but to every child for the Kingdom of God belongs to them!

Stream Side by Side and the whole album wherever you listen to music!

When there is a big scary storm going on, what do you do to stay brave? Do you find your parents and hide under them? Maybe you even like storms? Arlo and the gang learned about a storm that was especially scary for some fishermen, but Jesus took a nap right in the middle of it!

Jesus Calms the Storm

“When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Silence! Be still!’ Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm.” (Mark 4:39)

Mark 4:35-41

Jesus told us in scripture that we will face many trials in this life (John 16:33). This is a fact of life – not an “if,” but a “when.” Maybe you have not experienced trials yet or maybe you have been through more than your fair share of struggle. Whatever the case may be, God can handle it.

Jesus demonstrates His power to the disciples by effortlessly calming a raging storm after suggesting He and the disciples cross the lake in a boat. Soon after setting off on their journey, a storm, described as “fierce,” comes upon them. The boat began to fill with water and, understandably so, the disciples began to panic. They looked around for Jesus, but could not find Him. Eventually, they found Him sleeping peacefully in the back of the boat. He was unfazed by the storm because He was not afraid. The disciples began yelling, “Don’t you care that we are going to drown?” Jesus woke up and using only His voice, instructed the waves and wind to be still. Immediately, the storm subsided.

Once the storm had ended, Jesus turned to His disciples and asked, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” In the midst of a raging storm, Jesus felt peace because He knew He was stronger than the storm. He would not let it bring down the ship. Yet, the disciples let fear consume them when they faced the storm, not believing that Jesus could save them.

When trials or “storms” enter our lives, it is easy to let our fear lead us. Let this miracle be a testament to the power of Christ in our lives. By calming the dangerous storm, He showed us that He can calm any type of storm we are facing. When something scary happens, we do not have to be afraid because Jesus has proved that He is more powerful than anything we will face, including nature.

Questions to think about:

1. What storm are you facing?
2. What stands in the way of you handing over your fear to Christ?
3. Is there a time in your life when Jesus has calmed a storm you faced? Trust that He can do it again.

The friends at Happy Harbor learn about someone who was good friends with God. His name was Daniel! His story is in God's special book, the Bible. Let's check out his story!

Arlo, Tilly, and Kelby meet another new friend. And this one has a pretty amazing story! Find out all about David and Goliath.

David And Goliath

Hey parents! Use these questions as a guide to talk over this week’s lesson, David and Goliath, with your child after they’ve watched the video service!

1. What was your favorite part of the video we just watched?
2. Was David afraid of Goliath? Why did he feel this way?
   David wasn’t afraid of Goliath because he knew God was bigger and stronger. He was confident in God!
3. Why was David confident in God?
   David remembered the times that God had taken care of him before – like when he rescued David from lions and bears. He knew that God was bigger and stronger than all things – even Goliath. David didn’t need to be afraid because he knew that God would still do great things.
4. What are some great things God has done?
   Spend some time thinking with your child about the good things God has done in the Bible and some good things God has done for you and your family!
5. Pray with your child. You might say something like this:
   Dear God, thank you for the great things you have done for me. Help me to remember those great things, and to always know that you will do great things again because you are a good God, and you love me. I love you! Amen.

Parent Devotional - Big and Strong Week 3

Hey parents! We have something just for you to enjoy this week’s Bible story for yourself. Read over this devotion sometime this week as a way for you to reflect on the Bible story your child saw from Church at Home. We love you!

Download

Early Childhood Craft – David Story Stones

Your child will create their own pouch filled with stones like the pouch David used to hold his stones. Each stone will represent a part of the Bible story and remind them they can be confident like David.

Download

Early Childhood Coloring Page and Activity Sheet

Each week we have a new coloring page and activity sheet for your child to remember the Bible story for the week and learn more about our Big Idea.

Download

Navigating Parenthood - Big and Strong Week 3

Hey parents! Saddleback Parents has great training, tips, and tools to help you win. Check out this blog post all about building our kids’ confidence – not only in themselves but as children of God, too.

Download

Zacchaeus was not popular. A lot of people thought he was a liar and a cheater. Who knows why people thought that, except for the fact that he WAS a liar and a cheater. But then one day Jesus invited himself over for dinner. Find out what happened next!

JOSEPH

Hey parents! Use these questions as a guide to talk over this week’s lesson , Joseph, with your child after they’ve watched the video service!

1. Who was today’s Bible story about?
   Joseph. God made Joseph for a special job. And God made you, too!
2. What special thing did Joseph’s dad give him? A colorful coat! What kinds of colors did you see?
3. Joseph’s brothers were jealous of Joseph and his coat. They were mad and wanted Joseph to go away. Can you show me a mad face?
4. Who did Joseph forgive at the end of the Bible story?
   His brothers. He was happy to see them.
5. You can show someone you forgive them by giving them a hug or high five. Can you show me how you give a hug or high five?
6. Just like God made Joseph, he made you, too! Take some time to pray with your toddler. Encourage them to sit with you and fold their hands, saying something like:
   God, you made Joseph and you made us, too. Thank you for making us! Thank you for loving us. Thank you for wanting to be our friend! We love you! Amen.

Parent Encouragement - Joseph

Hey Parents! Here's something for you to be encouraged by this week and get ideas from to make the Joseph lesson part of your everyday conversation with your toddler at home!
Download

Toddler Coloring Page - Joseph

As your child colors this coloring page, they will be reminded that God made Joseph and God made them, too! There are additional coloring pages with familiar faces from today’s lesson, too.
Download

Toddler Craft – Joseph’s Colorful Coat

This week, your child will create their own colorful coat picture like the one they saw in the Bible story. This will help remind them of Joseph. Just like God made Joseph, God made your child, too.
Download

Toddler Activity – Colorful Coat Sort

Help your toddler remember the story of Joseph and practice their colors with this sorting activity made up of colorful coats!
Download 

Navigating Parenthood - My Friend Jesus Week 2

Hey parents! Saddleback Parents has great training, tips, and tools to help you win. Check out this Two-Minute Tip all about the importance of strengthening your own walk with God. When you make time to sit with Jesus first, it becomes easier to lead your child in their faith.

Download

“And we know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28, NLT)

Genesis 37 

The same question gets asked in a variety of forms: Where is God when it hurts? Why do bad things happen to good people? How can a good and loving God allow suffering?

Joseph could have asked these same questions; maybe he did. Mistreated and abused by his brothers, and eventually sold into slavery by them, Joseph could have easily chosen to believe that this was all evidence that God didn’t love him or wasn’t “on his side.” Isn’t that the same place our minds are often tempted to go when we face difficulties or troubles? “God must not care about me. If He did, these things wouldn’t be happening to me.” This seems to be especially true if our troubles come about because of other people’s meanness or sin, while we were simply trying to live our lives following God.

Joseph was living a life of obedience even as a young boy. He wasn’t perfect, as evidenced by his somewhat boastful interactions with his brothers, where he relayed his dreams of ruling over them. But he definitely didn’t deserve to be thrown in a pit and then sold as a slave by his own family members! Can you imagine how he must have felt when his brothers ripped off his colorful robe? This robe represented the special bond he had with his father and his brothers, in their jealousy, destroyed it.

Have you ever seen something you treasured be ripped apart before your eyes? Maybe it was a tangible object like Joseph’s robe, or maybe it was a long-treasured dream that you saw crumble. In those moments, it’s easy to ask, “Where are you, God? Don’t you see me?”

One thing we can learn from Joseph’s life is that God never leaves us. Even when we can’t see Him or feel Him, He is there and He is working on our behalf. Joseph must have wondered what God was up to as he was being led off to Egypt as a slave, but he didn’t waiver in his trust and obedience to God.

Questions to think about:

1. How does it feel to be mistreated when you have done nothing wrong?
2. What do you learn from Joseph’s life that can help you respond to people who mistreat you or are jealous of you?
3. Do you ever struggle with envy like Joseph’s brothers did? If so, what are some healthy ways you can deal with it?

Have you ever wondered who made everything? God did! That's why God loves you so much, because He made you! Let's hear about from our friends.

thing just for you to enjoy this Bible story for yourself. We encourage you to read over this devotional sometime this week as a way to reflect on the Bible story your child saw from Church at Home. We love you!

Download

Elementary Activity Sheets

Each week we have a variety of activity pages to help your child remember the week’s lesson. They include new coloring pages and activity sheets to enjoy!

Download

Navigating Parenthood

Hey parents! Saddleback Parents has great training, tips, and tools to help you win. Check out this Two-Minute Tip, The Universal Talk, all about communicating your child’s value as someone created by God.

Download

Lyrics for 2nd Timothy 3:16

All Scripture 
is inspired by God
And is useful
To teach us what is true

All Scripture 
is inspired by God
And is useful
To teach us what is true
2nd Timothy 
3 16

2nd Timothy 
3 16

All Scripture 
is inspired by God
And is useful
To teach us what is true

All Scripture 
is inspired by God
And is useful
To teach us what is true
2nd Timothy 
3 16

2nd Timothy 
3 16

Happy Easter everyone!