If we have to correct somebody, let’s do it in a gentle way, just as we hear how our Lord did in the story today!

Has anybody ever corrected you when you did the wrong thing? Maybe your parents or your teacher corrected you when you treated somebody the wrong way, or when you did your schoolwork wrong, or even when you had bad manners at a meal! Sometimes, you
might feel like you’re always getting corrected!

In the Gospel reading, we hear about the woman who met Jesus, as she went to get water at the well. She talked with Him. He knew about her, and He knew she had done some wrong things. He knew she didn’t understand the truth about God. So, in a gentle way, Jesus corrected her. He set her on the right way. But how did the woman act? Was she angry with Jesus for correcting her?

Did she tell Him she was still going to do things her way? No! She took Jesus’s correction, and she listened to Him. She began to change her life, and she began to change what she knew about God. She knew that Jesus wanted to help her, so she was thankful for the correction!

Let’s listen to this great example today! When our parents or our priest or our teachers correct us, let’s be ready for it. Let’s listen and  remember they are trying to help us. And if we have to correct somebody, let’s do it in a gentle way, just as we hear how our Lord did in the story today!

DOWNLOAD AND PRINT THIS WEEK’S COPY OF THE CHILDREN’S WORD 

HOW MANY APOSTLES? SAINTS ANDRONIKOS AND JUNIA

Do you know how many apostles there were? Well, that’s a trick question! Remember, Jesus had 12 disciples at first, the apostles. But the word “apostle” means “sent out.” These faithful people were “sent out” to tell the world about Jesus Christ, and about all He did for us.
Besides those 12, the Bible also talks about 70 more apostles, who were sent out to tell the good news. Today, we celebrate the nameday of two of those 70 apostles—Saints Andronikos and Junia. Learn more of their story.

We remember these two saints today, Sun. May 17th (May 30, 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.

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


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Presvytera Alexandra Houck

Presvytera Alexandra Houck created The Children's Word bulletin so children will know they are not only welcome in church, but even more, an essential part of the Church family. She hopes the weekly bulletin will be just one more way we can make kids feel at home in church. Presvytera Alexandra is a graduate of Duke University and Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology. Her husband, Fr. Jason Houck, is a priest at St. Mary's Greek Orthodox Church in Minneapolis, MN. Presvytera Alexandra and Fr. Jason have five small children: Lydia, Paul, Silas, Philip, and Sarah. Presvytera Alexandra grew up attending Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Asheville, North Carolina with her nine siblings.

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