I was delighted that today was the first Sunday for which I would serve as a Shepherd, a helper with the Children’s Ministries. During the church service Peggy Joy called up a few kids to talk about sinking and swimming, demonstrating with props and water, then we heard the story of Jesus walking on water during a storm and how temporarily his disciple, Peter, was able to do so (with Jesus aiding him) until he no longer believed he could do so, and then started sinking.
A short time later it was time for the children to leave for their separate instruction. The children first met with Susan where they were led in songs, followed by a Bible reading.
It was hard for the children to stay still through the reading, several getting out of their seat, though at times all were
Then one child wanted to follow along, followed by all of them wanting to do so, so Susan and Peggy Joy helped them all find the right passage in Bibles, which took a bit of time as they were not all the same edition.
Then it was time to go to another room to have Amy teach the children about the eye. This was tied into the story of how Jesus healed a blind man, along with details of how glasses were not available in Biblical times.
The children were instructed that we would cover one of their eyes. Amy, Peggy Joy, and I went around to help them put a patch on around one eye.
Although the children were free to pick either eye to be blindfolded, the left eye was the more popular one to be chosen. The eye chosen would not make a difference to the experimental outcome.
As the children had been told we’d be looking at both eyes after the covered one remained covered for a few minutes, they enjoyed looking at mirrors in the meantime.
It was great seeing this activity capture their attention, even when they were just waiting for the next part.
After enough time had passed, they were allowed to uncover the covered eye to see if indeed the pupils were two different sizes.
They were then given sunglasses with Vaseline smeared over them to simulate having a vision impairment. They were tasked to do things including writing and drawing.
Another task included putting paper clips together.
The final task was to pour water into a cup. If I had been a little quicker with this photo, you would have seen the water overflowing, instead I was able to capture all the extra water that was overpoured.
I love the expression on this girl’s face as she watches and waits for her sister to overfill the cup, though she stopped in time.
Afterwards, I told Peggy Joy how much fun I had helping out. I think having these studies during church are great, both in terms of time management and active learning. I eagerly await my next time being a Shepherd.
~ Danielle
Over 40 First Time Mom 