Big Idea: We praise God because we can gather together as His people.

Bible Passage: Psalm 122:1-5 

Parent Prep: This week we begin yet another new routine. While it's exciting that we can begin meeting together again, another new change can bring some anxiety, or even a fresh wave of tiredness for some. After all, many of us have spent the last few months mustering what strength we have to create the current 'new normal'. The return to services means finding the strength to lead our kids and families through yet more change. If this is how you're feeling as a parent, take heart. This week's passage and promise is that in our gathering together, we are strengthened, filled with joy and encouraged for the journey. Think of this week as a sort of 'coming home at last' – a small window into what it will be like when at last, Jesus comes back and we are taken to our true home of rest with Him forever. If making it to join the online streamed service hasn't been a priority for your family and kids during this season, use this week as a 'reset' and return- to remind children why there is so much joy in the obedience of gathering with our family of believers.

Read Psalm 122:1-5 in a children's Bible, or this easy-to-read online version here. When you read this passage, explain to children that when we read and talk about 'The New Jerusalem', for us it is talking about the Church [Galatians 4:26]. 

Talk 

1) These verses talk about how happy it is to 'come home' to joining other believers in God's family to worship Him. The person who wrote this song was excited to be with other people who loved God and to sing to Him together. It is important for God's people to be together and praise Him. In Hebrews 10:25, we read, "We must not quit meeting together, as some are doing. No, we need to keep on encouraging each other."

2) The writer of this song tells us that Jerusalem is a city not scattered, but 'compact together'. This means the houses stuck to each other and helped each other stand, be strong and supported. This is what families and households of churches are like. They strengthen and support one another. They help each other be strong in the Lord.

3) The writer talks about all the families being 'as one'. He says, "The city has been rebuilt as one united city. This is where the tribes come, the tribes who belong to the Lord." So we, too, come as families from all over our city to be together and praise God. We are given instructions for how to live from God's word, and we respond to God speaking to us by praising Him with our thanks and prayers.

Listen

1) What special celebrations do you look forward to? Birthdays? Christmas? How about Sunday mornings? Does it fill you with joy and excitement to be with God's people, praising Him? Why or why not? What would make it feel like 'coming home'? If you could make it full of joy, what would you do as part of our church service gatherings to praise God? 

2) Who are other families in our church family that you look forward to seeing? Who is in your big 'tribe'? Who do you like to spend time with, or help out when they are busy, or check in with? Who checks in on your family? Who else in our church family could you strengthen and support by being close to?

3) What did you write or draw on your service notes this week? Was there anything that God spoke to you? Was there anything that you heard that you want to learn more about? Was there anything you liked or heard that was good? Was there anything that was said that you didn't understand? We gather with our church family to hear God's instructions from His word, so it's good to talk about what we learn together.

Do

Plan a special celebration meal or time this week. Consider inviting another family from church over for dinner, a play, some afternoon tea, or just to hang out. You could use an existing plan you've already made this week as your activity. Consider involving children in plans like what food you will have, how they might like to decorate the house or play area. As you plan together as a family, remind children that in our church family, we stand close and support each other to encourage one another to be closer to Jesus.

God willing, see you all this Sunday!