Do you pray to God sometimes, all by yourself? Before Christ was arrested and sent to the Cross, He prayed by Himself too. In to-
day’s Gospel reading, we hear how He prayed to His Father for His disciples. Remember, the disciples were Jesus’s great helpers. Now that Jesus was going to leave, He needed His disciples to keep working.
These disciples were going to tell people all about God. They would tell all about what they had learned from Jesus when He was still
with them. But that was a hard thing! They could get bored. They could get lazy. They could get tired. They could get scared. But Christ prayed for them. “Holy Father, keep them in Your name.” Keep them strong in the faith, Christ meant. Keep them focused on God.
View & Print this Week’s Children’s Word HERE.
SAINT KEVIN: A SAINT AND MONK FROM IRELAND
Where do saints come from? You’ve heard of saints like St. Demetrios and St. Nektarios. Those ones lived in Greece. But saints come from all
over the world, because God has good followers all over the world. In Ireland we have St. Patrick, St. Bridget, and St. Kevin (and lots more, too!).
On Wednesday, we remember Saint Kevin of Ireland. Saint Kevin was born 500 years after Christ was born—on the beautiful, green island of Ireland. He became a monk and a priest. He lived as a hermit, living all by himself in the wilderness—with only the wild animals for neighbors. He did this so he could spend most of his time praying to God. He wanted to stay as a hermit, but the Church needed Saint Kevin, so he left this life behind.
We remember Saint Kevin on Wed., June 3rd (June 16th, 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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