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| Week/Dates | Title | Scripture Text | Bible Story | Faith Focus |
| 1. Aug. 30 | Jerusalem’s fall | Jeremiah 52 | King Zedekiah of Judah does not follow God's ways. The Babylonian army destroys Jerusalem. Some Israelites are left behind to tend the land but 4,600 are taken into exile. | God's people go through hard times. |
| 2. Sept. 6 | God’s covenant with David | Psalm 89 | The psalm praises God's love and faithfulness, but then mourns the loss of God's favor. The psalmist pleads with God to remember the covenant with David. | We can bring our questions to God. |
| 3. Sept. 13 | God offers refuge and protection | Psalm 91 | Like an eagle's wings protect its young, God's faithfulness is the psalmist's shield. God offers refuge and protection when people call out in times of trouble. | We take refuge in God through prayer. |
| 4. Sept. 20 | A new covenant | Jeremiah 31:31–40 | Jeremiah speaks of a new covenant, which will be written on the people's hearts. All will know God. Jerusalem will be rebuilt and enlarged for the Lord. | Younger: We want to follow God. Older: In the new covenant we will know God in our hearts. |
| 5. Sept. 27 | The valley of dry bones | Ezekiel 37:1–14 | Ezekiel has a vision of a valley filled with dry bones coming to life. This symbolizes the restoration and new life God plans for Israel, even in Israel's darkest hour. | God breathes life into us. |
| 6. Oct. 4 | God’s messenger brings assurance | Isaiah 40 | Isaiah comforts the people with a message of hope. God is coming to gather Israel as a shepherd gathers lambs in his arms. Those who wait for the Lord will not grow weary. | God comforts and strengthens. |
| 7. Oct. 11 Oct. 12: Thanksgiving (Canada) |
Job suffers | Job 1–2 | God allows Satan to test Job. Job remains faithful to God despite losing his wealth and children. Even when he is physically afflicted, he refuses to curse God. | Younger: Good and bad things happen to God’s children. Older: There is no simple explanation for suffering. |
| 8. Oct. 18 | God responds to Job | Job 38–42 | God answers Job in a whirlwind. Job affirms that God can do all things. He asks for forgiveness for his friends. Job's fortunes are restored. | Younger: God listens to us. Older: God’s ways are mysterious. |
| 9. Oct. 25 | Returning to Jerusalem | Ezra 1 | King Cyrus of Persia sends the Israelites back to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple. Cyrus returns to them the temple items carried off by the Babylonians. | Younger: God brings us back. Older: God keeps covenant in unexpected ways. |
| 10. Nov. 1 | Rebuilding the temple | Ezra 4–6 | The rebuilding of the temple is halted but later King Darius decrees that the work may continue. The temple is completed and dedicated to God with joy. | Building together is cause for celebration. |
| 11. Nov. 8 | Reading God’s word together | Nehemiah 8
|
The priest Ezra reads to the people from the book of the law. The people worship God, weeping and rejoicing. The community celebrates the Festival of Booths. | Listening to God’s word changes us. |
| 12. Nov. 15 | Renewing the covenant | Nehemiah 9–10 | The people confess their sins before God. They affirm God as just, faithful, and loving even when they went astray. They renew their covenant with God. | Younger: We say thank you to God. Older: We respond to God’s faithfulness with confession and gratitude. |
| 13. Nov. 22 Nov. 26: Thanksgiving (United States) |
Sing to the Lord | Psalm 98 | The psalmist praises God's steadfast love and faithfulness to all of creation. God has brought victory to the people and is to be praised with lyre, trumpets, and horns. | Younger: All creation sings to God. Older: All creation rejoices in the renewed covenant. |
| Week/Dates | Title | Scripture Text | Bible Story | Faith Focus |
| 1. Nov. 29 First Sunday of Advent |
The coming messenger | Malachi 3:1–4 | Malachi prophesies that the coming messenger of God will purify the priestly line and restore Israel to righteousness in God's sight as in the days of old. | Get ready for God’s messenger. |
| 2. Dec. 6 Second Sunday of Advent |
The Word becomes flesh | John 1:1–18 | Christ is the light of the world. John was sent from God to testify to the light. The law came through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. | We wait for the light of Christ. |
| 3. Dec. 13 Third Sunday of Advent |
Gabriel brings good news | Luke 1:5–66 | The angel Gabriel tells Zechariah of the birth of a son who will prepare the way for Jesus. Gabriel visits Mary and tells her that she will give birth to the Son of God. | Here am I. |
| 4. Dec. 20 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. | Good news! A savior is born. |
| 5. Dec. 27 | Come and see | John 1:19–51 | John the Baptist prepares the way of the Lord. He names Jesus as the Lamb of God. Jesus calls the first disciples to "come and see." They respond in faith. | Jesus calls us to come and see. |
| 6. Jan. 3 | The wedding at Cana | John 2:1–12 | The wine runs out at a wedding. Jesus tells the servants to fill six stone jars with water. After they do, they discover that the water has been turned to wine. | Miracles reveal God’s glory. |
| 7. Jan. 10 | Nicodemus visits Jesus | John 3:1–21 | Nicodemus comes at night to talk to Jesus about what it means to be born of the Spirit. Jesus says those who believe in the Son of Man will have eternal life. | Younger: God gives us new life. Older: Believe and be born again. |
| 8. Jan. 17 | Jesus and the Samaritan woman | John 4:1–42 | Jesus asks a Samaritan woman for a drink and tells her about living water. She calls him a prophet. Because of her, many Samaritans come to Jesus and believe. | We yearn for living water. |
| 9. Jan. 24 | Loaves and fishes and spiritual food | John 6:1–15, 22–40 | Jesus feeds a crowd of 5,000 people using five loaves and two fish. The next day, Jesus calls himself the bread of life; all who believe in him will have eternal life. | God takes our little and makes it more. |
| 10. Jan. 31 | Jesus refuses to cast stones | John 7:53–8:11 | Some religious authorities bring a sinner to Jesus to see if he will enforce the law by calling for her death. Jesus tells those without sin to cast the first stone. | Younger: Stop doing wrong and make a new start. Older:Leave sinful ways and begin anew. |
| 11. Feb. 7 | Jesus heals blindness | John 9 | Jesus heals a man of blindness. The healed man does not back down when challenged by the Pharisees. Jesus criticizes those who claim to see but are really blind. | Jesus can help us see God’s light. |
| 12. Feb. 14 Feb. 17: Ash Wednesday |
The Good Shepherd | John 10:1–21 | Jesus describes a shepherd who cares for sheep. Sheep know their shepherd's voice. Jesus calls himself the good shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep. | We trust Jesus, the good shepherd. |
| 13. Feb. 21 First Sunday in Lent |
The raising of Lazarus | John 11:1–44 | Lazarus of Bethany dies and is entombed. After four days, Jesus arrives and commands Lazarus to come from the tomb. Lazarus walks out alive. | Younger: Believe in Jesus. Older: Believe in Jesus and live. |
| Week/Dates | Title | Scripture Text | Bible Story | Faith Focus |
| 1. Feb. 28
Second Sunday in Lent |
The cost of discipleship | John 15:18–16:11 | Jesus speaks of the cost of discipleship. Those who follow him will be persecuted by the world. Jesus will leave and send the Advocate to help and guide his followers. | Younger: People do not always understand followers of Jesus. Older: Followers of Jesus can expect persecution. |
| 2. March 7 Third Sunday in Lent |
Welcoming Jesus | John 12:1–19 | Mary honors Jesus as she anoints his feet with costly perfume and wipes them with her hair. Later, a great crowd shouts praises to Jesus as he enters Jerusalem. | Younger: We show our love for Jesus. Older: Jesus deserves our devotion. |
| 3. March 14 Fourth Sunday in Lent |
Jesus washes the disciples’ feet | John 13:1–20 | Jesus pours water into a basin and washes the disciples' feet. He asks them to follow his example and wash each other's feet as a sign of their service to each other. | We share Jesus’ love by washing each other’s feet. |
| 4. March 21 Fifth Sunday in Lent |
The arrest of Jesus | John 17:1–18:27 | Jesus prays for himself, for the disciples, and for those who will hear the word and believe. He is betrayed, arrested, and questioned. Peter denies Jesus three times. | Younger: Jesus wants us to be protected. Older: We can face fear as Jesus did. |
| 5. March 28 Palm Sunday |
The crucifixion | John 18:28–19:42 | Jesus is brought before Pilate. Pilate finds no case against Jesus but hands him over to be crucified. After Jesus' death, two men anoint his body with spices and place it in a tomb. | Younger: We remember Jesus' death. Older: We grieve the end of Jesus’ earthly ministry. |
| 6. April 4 Easter |
Jesus is risen! | John 20 | Mary Magdalene and two disciples search the empty tomb. Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene and then to the disciples. Jesus blesses those who believe without seeing. | Believe that Jesus lives. |
| 7. April 11 | Jesus appears to the disciples | John 21 | The disciples fish all night but do not catch anything. Jesus appears; their net fills with fish. They eat together along the seashore. Jesus tells Simon Peter to feed his sheep. | Younger: Jesus cares for us. Older: We care for others as Jesus cares for us. |
| 8. April 18 | God’s presence on earth | John 14:15–31 | Jesus says those who love him will keep his commandments. God will send another Advocate, the Holy Spirit, to teach the people. Jesus leaves the disciples his peace. | Younger: Jesus give peace. Older: The Holy Spirit teaches us in Jesus’ name. |
| 9. April 25 | Jesus is the true vine | John 15:1–11 | Jesus says that he is the true vine, God is the vine-grower, and listeners are the branches who are to bear good fruit. We are to keep his commandments and abide in his love. | Younger: We are rooted in God. Older: We bear fruit because we are rooted in God. |
| 10. May 2 | Loving one another | John 13:31–35; 15:12–17 |
Jesus says he is going away and commands the disciples to love each other as he has loved them. Jesus calls the disciples friends and sends them out to bear everlasting fruit. | As Jesus’ friends, we are to love each other. |
| 11. May 9 | Living in the light | 1 John 2:3–17 | John writes that those who know Christ obey his commandments, especially the command to love each other. Love God, not the things of the world, and do God's will. | All ages, walk in the light of God. |
| 12. May 16 | Abiding in God | 1 John 4:7–21 | God is the source of love. We can love each other because God first loved us. Those who abide in love abide in God. Those who love God love their brothers and sisters also. | God is love. |
| 13. May 23 Pentecost |
New heaven and new earth | Revelation 1:1–2; 21:1–7; 22:8–9 |
John envisions a new heaven and new earth where God dwells among the people, wiping away tears and putting an end to pain and mourning. | Imagine living with God in a world with no sadness. |
| Week/Dates | Title | Scripture Text | Bible Story | Faith Focus |
| 1. May 30 | Balaam, the donkey, and the angel | Numbers 22–24 | King Balak of Moab sends for Balaam to come and curse the Israelites. On the way there, God’s angel blocks the road. Balaam obeys God and blesses the Israelites. | Pay attention to God's voice. |
| 2. June 6 | Deborah the prophet | Judges 4–5 | Deborah is a prophet and a judge in Israel. She tells Barak to gather warriors for a battle. He obeys and they win the battle. Deborah sings praises to God. | God provides leaders. |
| 3. June 13 | Ruth and Naomi | Ruth | After the death of her husband, Ruth stays with her mother-in-law, Naomi. A kinsman named Boaz sees Ruth gleaning in his fields and helps her. Ruth and Boaz marry. | Outsiders can teach us about God's love. |
| 4. June 20 | Elijah | 1 Kings 17 | Elijah predicts a drought and is cared for by a widow. God provides food for them. Her son then dies. Elijah calls on God, who hears Elijah and brings the boy back to life. | God provides for our needs. |
| 5. June 27 | Elisha and the Shunammite woman | 2 Kings 4:8-37 | The prophet Elisha stays with a Shunammite woman who is childless. He prophesies that she shall have a son. She does, but the son later dies. Elisha raises him from the dead. | Younger: We care for each other. Older: God hears our cries in times of trouble. |
| 6. July 4 | Naaman and Elisha | 2 Kings 5:1-19 | Elisha tells Naaman that he must bathe in the Jordan River to be cured of his leprosy. Naaman is angry at first, but then does as Elisha says and is healed. | We humbly accept God's way of caring. |
| 7. July 11 | Jonah: Part 1 | Jonah 1-2 | Jonah boards a ship to escape God's call to prophesy. He is thrown overboard to calm the stormy sea and swallowed by a whale. He prays to God and is saved. | God finds us. |
| 8. July 18 | Jonah: Part 2 | Jonah 3-4 | Jonah preaches in Nineveh. The king leads the people in repentance and God forgives them. Jonah is angry about God's mercy but is reminded of God cares for all people. | God's mercy includes everyone. |
| 9. July 25 | Jeremiah's call | Jeremiah 1:1-10 | Before Jeremiah was born, God had already set him apart to be a prophet. While he is still a boy, God calls him and appoints him to prophecy to nations and kingdoms. | God knows and blesses us. |
| 10. Aug. 1 | Four men in exile | Daniel 1 | Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are Israelites set apart to serve the Babylonian king. They are faithful to God and are rewarded with knowledge and skill. | Dare to be different. |
| 11. Aug. 8 | Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego | Daniel 3 | King Nebuchadnezzar orders people to worship an idol. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refuse and are thrown into a furnace. With God's help, they survive. | Stand firm in faith. |
| 12. Aug. 15 | Daniel | Daniel 6 | Daniel is a respected ruler, making other rulers jealous. They create a law to trap Daniel because of his faith. Daniel enters the lion's den, prays to God, and is saved. | Trust that God is with us. |
| 13. Aug. 22 | Queen Esther | Esther 2-7; 9:24-32 | Esther wins a contest to become queen to King Ahasuerus. One of the king's officials, Haman, seeks to kill the Jews. Esther protects her people from this plot. | Speak up for others. |
| 14. Aug. 29 | Zechariah's vision | Zechariah 8:1-13 | Zechariah reveals God's promises for Jerusalem. The remnant people, young and old, will return to the city. God promises to be with them and says not to be afraid. | We celebrate a dream of peace for all people. |
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