Did You Ever Hide Because You Are Afraid?

Jesus gives us His peace!

Did you ever hide because you were afraid of something? Maybe you were hiding from a thunderstorm, or even a tornado! Or maybe you were hiding from your parents because you were in trouble!

Today we celebrate the Sunday after Pascha, and that is Saint Thomas Sunday. The Gospel tells us that, after the Resurrection, the disciples were hiding, too. Jesus’s followers were hiding in a special upstairs room, with the doors shut. They were afraid
because Jesus wasn’t with them, and they didn’t know what would happen next. They were afraid!

The doors were shut, but Jesus came and stood with them anyway. “Peace be with you,” He said to them. The disciples were afraid, but Jesus came and gave them peace. A week later, the disciples were together again. The doors were shut again because they were afraid again. And Jesus came to them again. Again, Jesus came and said, “Peace be with you.” The disciples were afraid, but Jesus calmed them again with His peace.

When we are afraid about something, we should always know that Jesus will give us peace. You can ask Him to be with you, and you can ask Him to give you His peace!

DOWNLOAD THIS WEEK’S PRINTABLE VERSION HERE.

SAINT KERKYRA: LEARNING THE GOOD NEWS

Do you remember who taught you about Jesus Christ? Who taught you how to be a Christian? For most of us, it was our parents, and they started teaching you when you were very, very small!

But this week, we celebrate a saint who did not learn to be a Christian from her parents. In fact, Saint Kerkyra had a father who was
furious that she was a Christian!

We remember St. Kerkyra on Wednesday, April 29th (May 12, OC).

Welcome to “The Children’s Word,” a weekly ministry of the Orthodox Christian Network. Each week, Presvytera Alexandra Houck writes this little newsletter for young parishioners! You will find age-appropriate articles, stories, and activities in every edition. The newsletter is provided in PDF format so that you can easily download and print it, and share it with your parish, church school, home school, family, and friends.

Each issue includes a message on the Sunday Gospel lesson and on one of the saints for the week. You’ll also find a coloring page and other activities. It is designed for a 8.5 x 14 page, so it can be printed and folded.

During this Time of Uncertainty for Kids

• Create a safe place for conversation. Create a spot for your kids to talk about what makes them scared. Many times just speaking it out dispels the fear.
• Be honest. You yourself experience fear.  Sometimes kids are reluctant to admit what makes them feel scared. There’s nothing that breaks down walls better than humility. There’s comfort in knowing other people, especially their mom or dad, also experience fear.
• Teach Them. Prayer is the go-to when they are feeling fearful.  Nothing brings a sense of peace and calm like talking to Jesus. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. — Philippians 4:6
• Printable Materials. Supplemental Children’s activity books and drawings. OCN also brings you a weekly Children’s Word. It is a weekly ministry of the Orthodox Christian Network. Each week, Presvytera Alexandra Houck writes this newsletter for young parishioners! You will find age-appropriate articles, stories, and activities in every edition. The newsletter is provided in PDF format so that you can easily download and print, and share it with your parish, church school, homeschool, family, and friends. Each issue includes a message on the Sunday Gospel lesson and one of the saints for the week. You will also find a coloring page and other activities. It is designed for an 8.5 x 14 page, so that it can be printed and folded.
• Read Scriptures Together.  One of the most significant ways to have peace of mind in today’s rapidly changing situation is to read Holy Scriptures. The Scriptures have remained the same for 2000 years. Share that fact with your children. There is not much else that has not changed that has done more good for people on earth than His Word! So read on with confidence and conviction that God is with you and your family. God’s word is truth, and the truth is that God does not want us to carry fear in our hearts. He is longing for us to bring those fears to Him.  Jesus Walks on the Water (Mt 14:22-34)/27.  But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”  Do not carry fear in your heart Romans 8:15.  Psalms. When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. — Psalm 56:3.  I sought the Lord, and He answered me and delivered me from all my fears. — Psalm 34:4. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.  Isaiah 41:10 

If you know of more Children’s Resources please be sure to email: info@myocn.net