Since we have decided to cancel public gathering for worship amidst the current COVID-19 epidemic and are only holding them via live stream, we are also providing weekly family devotional resources.

This can be used with children on Sunday morning, or at some other time during the week.

For the week of April 26 it’s called Encourage.  You can download a pdf version here, or simply read on below. Family Devotional – Encourage – Westminster PC – 2020 04 26 b

Background

This devotional can be used to help you grow as Christians together. Just follow the steps.

This week’s family devotional is all about encouragement. It’s simple, uplifting, and very effective! Doing something to encourage others will be especially meaningful as the Covid-19 epidemic continues and people are experiencing various stresses and strains.

Materials Needed

• A Bible
• Paper, writing utensils, (other materials depending on how creative you want to get)
• An envelope and a stamp (or a computer with the internet)

Activity

Read 1 Thessalonians 5:8-11 together (in a modern translation of the Bible). Note especially verse 11: “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”

Begin with some discussion. Here are some question suggestions to help get you going:

• What does it mean to encourage someone?
• When did you encourage someone? How do you think it made them feel?
• When did someone encourage you? How did it make you feel?
• After reading verses 8-11, why do you think it is especially important for Christians to encourage one another?

Write a letter or card of encouragement and send it to someone in the congregation who might need some encouragement in these difficult times.

If you need names or ideas of someone who might benefit, get in touch with Laura Ruttan, our Sunday School Coordinator, and she will give you some suggestions. (Church Phone: 705-728-0541 / hudswell [at] hotmail [dot] com)

If you have a church directory, addresses can be found there. You can also send your messages electronically. Again, if you don’t have access to this information, be in touch with Laura (contact info listed above).

Spend time praying together specifically for the people you have written to.