By Bill Conley
America’s Favorite Children’s Storyteller
Moral
of the Story:
Church is where we grow closer to
God and to one another. It’s a place where love and kindness are taught and
shared. When we worship together, our hearts grow stronger in faith. Children’s
Bible study helps us learn about God’s Word in fun ways. Faith is like a seed
that grows when we water it with learning and love. Being part of God’s family means we are never alone. Every Sunday is a chance
to thank God for His blessings. Going to church fills our hearts with joy,
peace, and purpose.
In the cozy corner of the meadow
stood a little white church with a tall bell tower and a red door that always
seemed to smile. Inside, the air smelled like fresh flowers and love. Every
Sunday morning, the animals of Meadowbrook gathered there to sing, pray, and
learn about God’s Word.
Among them was Molly the Mouse,
a bright-eyed little mouse with soft gray fur and a heart full of questions.
She lived with her family under the roots of an old oak tree near the stream.
One sunny morning, Mama Mouse
called, “Come on, Molly! It’s time for church!”
Molly tilted her head. “Do I have to
go? Can’t I just stay home and play with my shiny marbles?”
Mama smiled kindly. “Church isn’t
just a place to go, it’s where we grow. Today’s lesson in Children’s Bible
Study is about Noah’s Ark!”
Molly’s ears perked up. “Noah’s Ark?
With all the animals?”
Mama nodded. “Every kind—just like
you and your friends.”
Molly thought for a moment.
“Alright, I’ll go. But I’m only going for the snacks!” she giggled.
Soon they arrived at the little
white church. The bell was ringing, and the animals were gathering: Benny
the Bunny, Chloe the Chipmunk, Penny the Parrot, and even Eddie
the Squirrel, who carried his tiny Bible in his paws.
Inside, Pastor Owl greeted everyone
with a warm smile. “Good morning, my friends! God is so happy to see you
today!”
The grown-ups settled into the pews,
and the little ones skipped to their classroom, where Miss Lamb was
waiting with crayons, Bible storybooks, and cheerful songs.
“Good morning, everyone!” said Miss
Lamb with a happy bleat. “Today we’re going to learn about how Noah listened to
God and built an ark to keep the animals safe.”
Molly raised her paw. “Wasn’t Noah
tired of working so long?”
Miss Lamb smiled. “Yes, but he
trusted God. Sometimes when we obey even when we’re tired, we find great
blessings waiting for us.”
The class drew pictures of Noah’s Ark, with two of every animal marching in. Molly drew herself and her friends
walking up the ramp beside the elephants. When they finished, Miss Lamb
gathered them in a circle.
“Do you know why we come to church?”
she asked gently.
“To sing!” shouted Penny the Parrot.
“To pray!” added Eddie the Squirrel.
“To eat cookies!” giggled Benny the
Bunny.
Miss Lamb chuckled. “Yes, all those
things are wonderful! But most of all, we come to church to learn about God’s
love and how we can share that love with others.”
Molly’s heart felt warm inside. She
thought about the times she had helped her brother find his lost acorn or
shared her crumbs with a hungry bird. Maybe that was part of what it meant to
love like God.
After class, the children joined
their families in the big room for singing. Pastor Owl led the hymn in his
deep, wise voice:
“This is the day that the Lord has
made,
Let us rejoice and be glad in it!”
The whole church filled with joyful
sound. Even the walls seemed to hum with happiness.
Then Pastor Owl shared a message
that made everyone listen closely. “When we gather together,” he said, “we
remind each other that we belong to God’s great family. We learn, we share, and
we grow. Just like a tree needs water, our hearts need faith and fellowship to
grow strong.”
As Molly listened, she thought about
the old oak tree where her family lived, its roots deep, its branches wide,
giving shelter to so many. She realized that church was like that tree—rooted
in love, giving strength to all who gathered beneath it.
After the service, everyone gathered
outside for cookies and juice. The children laughed and played while the adults
talked and smiled.
Miss Lamb came over and said,
“Molly, you did such a wonderful job in class today. Did you enjoy Bible
study?”
Molly nodded eagerly. “I did! And I
learned something too.”
“Oh?” asked Miss Lamb.
Molly smiled. “That church isn’t
just about singing or stories or snacks; it’s about growing closer to God and
to each other.”
Miss Lamb beamed. “That’s exactly
right, Molly.”
As they walked home, Molly’s little
heart felt light and happy. The sunlight shimmered through the trees, and the
church bell rang softly behind them.
“Mama,” said Molly, “can we go to
church every Sunday?”
Mama laughed gently. “Of course,
sweetheart. Why?”
“Because,” said Molly, “it makes my
heart feel full, like I have a big family that loves me.”
Mama squeezed her paw. “That’s the
love of God, my dear. And that’s the most beautiful gift of all.”
Poem:
Sunday Morning Joy
The church bells ring, the sun
shines bright,
Our hearts are filled with God’s pure light.
We sing and learn, we laugh and pray,
God walks beside us every day.
In Sunday school, we find our way.
Through old stories and songs, we say.
For faith grows strong where hearts unite,
In God’s great love, our souls take flight.
Questions
for Reflection:
1.
What did Molly the Mouse learn about
why going to church is important?
2.
How did Bible study class help Molly
grow in her faith?
3.
What are some ways you can share
God’s love with others after church?
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