Family Time with God

How to use this section:The verses are divided into three parts: Preschoolers memorize the words in bold. Elementary kids memorize the words in bold and italics. Teens and parents learn the complete verse.

What Is Awana?

Awana® is a nondenominational youth ministry committed to reaching boys and girls with the gospel of Christ and training them to serve him. Mom and Dad, you can find an Awana program in your area. Over 11,000 churches run clubs in all 50 states. Visit www.awana.org/about.asp to learn more about Awana and to find a club. Come and see what Awana has to offer your child and family.

November

Giving Thanks

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Week 1: Giving Thanks for God
Psalm 136:1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. his love endures forever.

1

Read Psalm 136:1-3. Start memorizing Psalm 136:1.

2

Find a nature center in your area. Teach your kids about the native wildlife as they enjoy seeing and feeling the objects on display.

3

What traditions does your family have during the holiday season?

4

Read Psalm 136 responsively: You read the first line of each verse and your kids respond with "for his love endures forever."

5

Have your kids help rake leaves—and don't forget to jump in a few piles.

Week 2: Giving Thanks for our Salvation
Colossians 1:13-14 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

6

Review Psalm 136:1.

7

Read Colossians 1:9-14. Start memorizing Colossians 1:13-14.

8

What is your family thankful for? Have each child make a list.

9

Invite a foreign student, visiting missionary, or people who live away from their families to a meal with your family.

10

Using construction paper, trace and cut out each child's handprint. Decorate to make a turkey.

11

Have your child write one item from his thankful list on each "turkey" and hang them up.

12

Read more about the importance of hospitality in Romans 12:9-13.

Week 3: Giving Thanks for Others
Philippians 1:3-4 I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy.

13

Review Colossians 1:13-14.

14

Read Philippians 1:3-6. Start memorizing Philippians 1:3-4.

15

Plan a harvest party for Saturday. Have your kids invite their friends.

16

Play a board game or watch a movie together.

17

Have your child send a note to her grandparents that shares how she is thankful to God for them.

18

Have your kids help clean and decorate for the harvest party.

19

At your harvest party, put out gourds for kids to paint. Bring in straw bales and play "Musical Bales."

Week 4: Giving Thanks All the Time
Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

20

Review Philippians 1:3-4.

21

Read Philippians 4:4-9. Start memorizing Philippians 4:4.

22

What does it mean to rejoice? Ask each child to show you how he rejoices.

23

Make cone-ucopia table decorations for Thanksgiving dinner.

24

Enjoy a homemade meal and give thanks for all the things your family has been given.

25

Give thanks for leftovers.

26

Have a backyard bird party. Tie popcorn balls or birdseed balls high in a tree.

Week 5: Giving Thanks for Everything that Happens
Ephesians 5:20 …Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.