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| Week/Date | Title | Scripture Text | Bible Story | Faith Focus |
| 1. Aug. 31 | The call of Samuel | 1 Samuel 1–3 | God hears Hannah’s prayers for a child and Samuel is born. Samuel is raised in the temple by the priest, Eli. One night, God calls Samuel to be a prophet. | Younger: God calls us to a life of service. Older: God calls us to service. |
| 2. Sept. 7 | King Saul | 1 Samuel 8:1–10:1 | The people of Israel demand a king so that they may be like the people of other nations. Saul is chosen by God and anointed by Samuel as king. | God lets us make mistakes. |
| 3. Sept. 14 | King David | 1 Samuel 16–17 | Samuel anoints David as the next king. Saul is tormented by an evil spirit; David plays music to soothe him. Then David defeats Goliath with only a slingshot. | Younger: God knows us. Older: God sees our inner heart. |
| 4. Sept. 21 | David and Jonathan | 1 Samuel 18–20 | Saul is jealous of David’s success and plans to kill him. Saul’s son, Jonathan, loves David and tells him of Saul’s plan to kill him. Jonathan helps David escape. | Doing what is right takes courage. |
| 5. Sept. 28 | David and Bathsheba | 2 Samuel 11:1–12:15 |
David commits adultery with Bathsheba, who is married to Uriah. David makes sure Uriah dies in a battle. Nathan confronts David with his sins and David confesses. | Younger: God wants us to be fair. Older: No one escapes from God’s justice. |
| 6. Oct. 5 | Solomon’s wisdom | 1 Kings 3:3–28 | In a dream, King Solomon asks God for wisdom. He later judges a case of two women claiming the same baby. Israel sees the wisdom of Solomon’s judgment. | We can ask God for wisdom. |
| 7. Oct. 12 | There is only one God | 1 Kings 18:17–40 | Elijah challenges the prophets of Baal to a contest on Mount Carmel. God responds to Elijah’s offering with fire. The people repent and return to God. | Younger: We pray to God. Older: We serve only God. |
| 8. Oct. 19 | The prophet Amos | Amos 5:14–24 | Amos predicts a coming day of destruction for the northern kingdom because of social injustice and religious arrogance. He urges people to seek God and do justice. | The real praise for God is justice. |
| 9. Oct. 26 | A coming king | Isaiah 7, 9, 11 | Isaiah offers words of warning and hope to Judah. Like a sprout from a dead stump, a king will arise, bringing justice and righteousness to all creation. | Younger: We hope for a time of peace. Older: We hope for a new heaven and a new earth. |
| 10. Nov. 2 | The prophet Micah | Micah 6:1–8 | Micah speaks against evil in Israel and Judah. The people are not to respond to God with sacrifices but are to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God. | Younger: Love kindness. Older: Do justice, love kindness, walk humbly. |
| 11. Nov. 9 | The unfruitful vineyard | Isaiah 5:1–7 | Isaiah sings a poem in which Israel and Judah are seen as God’s vineyard. Instead of responding to God’s care with good fruit, they have produced wild grapes. | Younger: God cares for us. Older: God wants us to grow and produce good fruits. |
| 12. Nov. 16 | Disobedience has consequences | 2 Kings 17:1–18:12 | Hezekiah, king of Judah, removes idol worship and trusts in God. Hoshea, king of Israel, does not follow God. Assyria defeats Israel and deports its people. | Younger: God wants us to obey. Older: Disobeying God has consequences. |
| 13. Nov. 23 | King Josiah | 2 Kings 22:1–23:30
| In Judah a book of the law is discovered. King Josiah realizes that he and the people have not been faithful to God. He leads the people in following God’s ways. | God forgives us when we repent and change our ways. |
| Week/Date | Title | Scripture Text | Bible Story | Faith Focus |
| 1. Nov. 30 First Sunday of Advent |
The sign of Immanuel | Isaiah 7:10–17 | Isaiah speaks about the sign of Immanuel. A young woman who is with child will have a son. She will name him Immanuel, and he will refuse evil and choose good. | God is with us. |
| 2. Dec. 7 Second Sunday of Advent |
John the Baptist | Mark 1:1–8 | John the Baptist proclaims the good news in the wilderness, urging people to repent and prepare for the One coming after him who will baptize with the Holy Spirit. | Prepare for the One who comes. |
| 3. Dec. 14 Third Sunday of Advent |
An angel visits Mary | Luke 1:26–56 | The angel Gabriel visits Mary and says she is to give birth to a son and name him Jesus. This baby will be the Son of God. Mary visits Elizabeth and praises God. | God’s promise is for all people. |
| 4. Dec. 21 Fourth Sunday of Advent |
Jesus is born | Luke 2:1–20 | Jesus is born in a Bethlehem stable while Joseph and Mary are there registering in a census. An angel tells nearby shepherds of the birth and they come to see Jesus. | We rejoice in Jesus’ birth. |
| 5. Dec. 28 | Jesus starts his ministry | Mark 1:9–15 | Jesus is baptized by John the Baptist and is tempted in the wilderness by Satan. Jesus then goes to Galilee after John’s arrest, proclaiming the good news of God. | The Spirit leads us. |
| 6. Jan. 4 Epiphany Sunday |
Jesus calls disciples | Mark 1:16–20 | Jesus walks along the Sea of Galilee and calls Simon and Andrew, James and John to follow him and fish for people. They drop their fishing nets and follow him. | Jesus calls us to fish for people. |
| 7. Jan. 11 | Jesus heals | Mark 1:21–45 | Jesus teaches with authority and people are amazed, wondering about the source of his power. He casts out an unclean spirit and heals many. Word of Jesus’ power spreads. | Younger: Jesus wants us to be well. Older:Jesus’ healing acts point to God. |
| 8. Jan. 18 | Faith and forgiveness | Mark 2:1–12 | Jesus teaches in a house filled with people as four friends lower a paralyzed man through the roof. Jesus heals the man and everyone is amazed. | Younger: We help others get to Jesus. Older: We have faith that God forgives and heals. |
| 9. Jan. 25 | Jesus calls Levi | Mark 2:13–17 | Jesus calls Levi, a tax collector, to follow him. The religious authorities wonder why Jesus eats with sinners; Jesus says he has come to call not the righteous but sinners. | Jesus calls sinners as well as saints. |
| 10. Feb. 1 | Parables of the kingdom | Mark 4:1–25 | Jesus tells two parables of the kingdom. In one, he compares the faithful to seeds planted on good ground. In the other, Jesus speaks of not hiding faith under a bushel. | We share the good news in what we do and say. |
| 11. Feb. 8 | Jesus’ healing touch | Mark 5:21–43 | As Jesus is on his way to Jairus’ house, a woman touches his cloak and is healed. Jesus says that her faith has healed her. Jesus restores Jairus’ daughter to life. | Touching Jesus changes us. |
| 12. Feb. 15 | Food for everyone | Mark 6:30–44 | Jesus teaches a large crowd. The disciples want to send the people away because there is no food for them. Jesus uses five loaves and two fish to feed thousands. | God provides food for our souls and bodies. |
| 13. Feb. 22 Feb. 25: Ash Wednesday |
Jesus walks on water |
Mark 6:45–52 | The disciples cross the sea in the midst of a storm. Jesus walks toward them on the water and they are afraid, thinking that he is a ghost. Jesus calms their fears. | God can calm our fears. |
| Week/Date | Title | Scripture Text | Bible Story | Faith Focus |
| 1. March 1 First Sunday in Lent |
Many kinds of blindness |
Mark 8:22–9:1 | Jesus cures a blind man at Bethsaida. Peter names Jesus as the Messiah. Jesus talks of his coming death and resurrection. He says that his followers must take up the cross. | Jesus opens our eyes. |
| 2. March 8 Second Sunday in Lent |
Jesus loves children | Mark 10:13–16 | People bring children to Jesus for his blessing. The disciples dismiss them but Jesus welcomes them and says that all must receive the kingdom of God as children. | Jesus welcomes and blesses children. |
| 3. March 15 Third Sunday in Lent |
Jesus shows power | Mark 11:12–21 | Jesus is hungry but the fig tree has no fruit. He curses it; the tree later withers. Jesus enters the temple and drives out merchants and buyers to keep the place sacred. | There is power in faith. |
| 4. March 22 Fourth Sunday in Lent |
Offering ourselves | Mark 12:28–44 | A scribe asks Jesus about the greatest commandment. Jesus says it is to love God and neighbor. He affirms the offering of the poor widow, who gives everything she has. | How do we give our all to God? |
| 5. March 29 Fifth Sunday in Lent |
The Lord’s Supper | Mark 14:12–50 | Jesus shares a Passover meal with his disciples. He offers them bread and cup as symbols of his body and blood. Jesus prays alone before being betrayed and arrested. | It takes courage to follow God. |
| 6. April 5 Palm Sunday |
Jesus’ trial and death | Mark 15:1–39 | Jesus appears before the court. Pilate hands Jesus over to be crucified despite his own reservations. As Jesus breathes his last, the temple’s curtain is torn in two. | God is with us even when we feel alone. |
| 7. April 12 Easter Sunday |
He is risen! | Mark 15:40–16:8 | Joseph of Arimathea places Jesus’ body in a tomb and rolls a stone in front. When the sabbath is over, three women come bringing spices but Jesus is not there: he is risen! | Jesus is alive. Believe it! |
| 8. April 19 | The ascension of Jesus | Mark 16:9–20 | Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene and two other disciples before commissioning the 11 disciples to take his message into the world. Jesus is then taken into heaven. | We are sent out to proclaim the good news. |
| 9. April 26 | Paul’s journey to Jerusalem | Acts 21:1–22:5 | Paul journeys to many places, staying with believers along the way. He returns to Jerusalem and is beaten and arrested. He shares his faith journey with the crowd. | Younger: God calls us on a journey. Older: Our faith journey takes us to difficult places. |
| 10. May 3 | Paul before Felix | Acts 24 | Paul is brought before Governor Felix for stirring up trouble. Paul states his innocence and then shares his beliefs. Felix keeps Paul in prison but speaks with him often. | We speak up for God to our leaders. |
| 11. May 10 | Paul before Festus and Agrippa | Acts 25–26 | Jewish leaders want Paul brought to Jerusalem so they can have him killed. King Agrippa says Paul could be freed if he had not already appealed to the emperor. | We share our faith stories as a witness to God. |
| 12. May 17 | Setting sail | Acts 27 | Paul and other prisoners board a ship bound for Rome but a violent storm overtakes them. An angel assures Paul that everyone will survive. All make it safely to an island. | Younger: God is with us. Older: With God, we help each other through the storms of life. |
| 13. May 24 | Paul’s journey ends in Rome | Acts 28 | The people of Malta are kind to Paul and the other survivors. Paul heals many people. After three months, they set sail again. In Rome, Paul preaches boldly for two years. | Younger: We share Jesus’ love with everyone. Older: We proclaim Jesus’ teachings, expecting both acceptance and rejection. |
| Week/Date | Title | Scripture Text | Bible Story | Faith Focus |
| 1. May 31 Pentecost |
One body, many gifts | Romans 12:1–8 | Paul calls on the Romans to understand themselves as one body with many members. Each member receives spiritual gifts for the good of the whole. | We worship God with body, mind, and spiritual gifts. |
| 2. June 7 | The gift of grace | Romans 3:9–31 | Paul says that everyone sins but that all can receive God’s gift of grace, which Paul sees as a gift offered through the death of Christ Jesus. | Everyone sins, but we are made whole through Jesus. |
| 3. June 14 | Wisdom and foolishness | 1 Corinthians 1:18–2:10 |
Paul writes that the world misunderstands God’s wisdom. During his life, Jesus was God’s wisdom on earth. Now, humans must trust in the wisdom of the Spirit. | We are surprised by God’s wisdom. |
| 4. June 21 | The gift of love | 1 Corinthians 13 | The Corinthian church is having a disagreement and Paul calls upon them to love each other. Paul writes that love is patient, kind, and never ends. | Love is faith and hope in action. |
| 5. June 28 | Freedom in Christ | Galatians 5:1–6, 13–26 | Paul writes that Christ came to set humanity free to live in right relationships, guided by the fruit of the Spirit, which includes love, joy, peace, and patience. | When the Spirit leads, our actions show it. |
| 6. July 5 | Unity in the body of Christ | Ephesians 4:1–24 | Paul begs the Ephesians to live as one body, unified by the Spirit. He wants them to put away their old lives and clothe themselves with the likeness of God. | We use our gifts to build up the body of Christ. |
| 7. July 12 | Pressing on toward the goal | Philippians 3:12–4:9 |
Paul encourages the Philippians to pay attention to their actions, as they are an example to others, and to keep their attention fixed on God. | Stand firmly and joyfully in faith. |
| 8. July 19 | Loving one another | Colossians 3:12–17 | Paul calls on the Colossians to clothe themselves with compassion and caring, to forgive each other, to love each other, and to let Christ guide their words and deeds. | We are called to be one body clothed in love. |
| 9. July 26 | Standing firm in faith | 2 Thessalonians 2:13–3:5 | Paul asks the Thessalonians to stand firm to the Christian traditions they have received, and to have their hearts comforted and strengthened by God. | We find comfort and strength in God. |
| 10. Aug. 2 | Personal faithfulness | 2 Timothy 1:1–14 | Paul encourages Timothy not to be ashamed about the testimony of the Lord but to hold fast to Paul’s teaching and to live his life guided by the Holy Spirit. | Faith is passed on through generations. |
| 11. Aug. 9 | The cloud of witnesses | Hebrews 11:1–12:2 | Paul outlines the faithfulness of past generations, including Abraham, Moses, Rahab, and Samuel. These stories encourage believers in their lives of faith. | We are encouraged by the faithful living of Bible heroes. |
| 12. Aug. 16 | Faith and works | James 2:8–26 | James writes that faith without works is dead. True faith must be lived out and active. Just as a body without a spirit is dead, so too is faith without works. | Faith requires action. |
| 13. Aug. 23 | God’s own people | 1 Peter 2:9–17 | Peter writes that God has called and people must respond by living as servants of God who honor everyone, love the family of believers, and fear God. | As God’s people, we live differently in the world. |
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