Our world is full of rules. Most rules are good ones and help us stay safe, and allow us to live and work together. But sometimes it can feel like there are too many rules to follow. Can you think of a rule that is really important? Can you think of a rule you’d like to change?
God’s Rules
God gave us a set of rules that we call the 10 Commandments. They’re often written using lots of fancy, old-fashioned words like “thou” and “shalt” that are difficult to understand. So here is a version that uses language that’s more like how we talk today.
1. Thank God For Each New Day… remember how lucky we are to live in this beautiful world.
2. Love & Trust in God…we don’t need statues or pictures of God to know that God is there – do we?
3. Use God’s Name With Respect…in other words, we shouldn’t use it to swear!
4. Keep God’s Day Special…basically, take a rest from your work if you can and spend the day with your church congregation and your family.
5. Respect those who love and care for you…like your parents, grandparents or caregivers.
6. Don’t Cause Harm to Anyone Or Anything… we need to be gentle and take care of each other!
7. Keep Your Promises..that’s hard sometimes, but we need to really try!
8. Don’t Take something that Belongs To Someone Else… that’s the “Thou Shalt not Steal” one and is pretty simple to understand.
9. Tell The Truth …… this a really important one for us to remember.
10. Be Thankful for what you have, not Jealous or Envious of what Others have…. makes sense right?
More of God’s Rules
Can you think of some other rules that God would want us to follow? Maybe some that Jesus taught us like – “Love One Another”? How many additional rules can you and your family come up with?
Rules at Home
How many different rules do you have in your house? Are there a rules about bedtime, or helping with chores? Are there some rules that you would like to change? If so, why do you want to change them? Can you think of a different one instead?
Rules at School
There are lots of rules that we use every day like crossing the street at a crosswalk, or stopping at a stop sign. Right now, there are lots of new rules in place to keep us all safe and healthy. What are some of the new rules that we’ve had to learn? How about not getting too close to people, washing our hands more often, wearing masks…what else can you think of?
New Rules
There are lots of rules that we use every day like crossing the street at a crosswalk, or stopping at a stop sign. Right now, there are lots of new rules in place to keep us all safe and healthy. What are some of the new rules that we’ve had to learn? How about not getting too close to people, washing our hands more often, wearing masks…what else can you think of?
Bookmarks – “God’s Top 10”
Below is a page of 10 Commandment Bookmarks that you can print out. Give one to everyone in your family to help them remember God’s Rules for us.
Video Story Time
The first story this week is called “I am Human, A Book of Empathy” by Susan Verde.
HAPPY FATHER DAY!
June 21st is Father’s Day so Happy Father’s Day to all of the Dads, Grandpa’s and those who “Father” us in our lives! Here are some ways we can celebrate…
Make a special Lunch or Dinner for your dad. Does he have a favourite food? Maybe you can make something special for him. There’s a recipe for Strawberry Shortcake below if you need a yummy dessert!
Make a Father’s Day Card and thank your dad for all of the things he does for you.
Spend some extra time with your dad. Go for a walk or do something special together…maybe do one of his favourite things.
Can you help your dad with some projects around the house?
Strawberry Shortcake Recipe (one of my dad’s favourites!)
You can use a store bought sponge cake if you like but here’s a recipe if you want to try your own. You can also use whipped cream in can that’s ready to use if that’s easier! And the strawberries are great with or without vanilla!
Cake
1 cup (250 ml) unbleached all-purpose flour1 teaspoon (5 ml) baking powder1/4 teaspoon (1 ml) salt3 eggs, separated1 pinch cream of tartar
1 1/4 cups (310 ml) sugar1/2 cup (125 ml) unsalted butter, softened1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract1/2 cup (125 ml) milk
With the rack in the middle position, preheat the oven to 180 °C (350 °F). Butter a 20-cm (8-inch) springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper. Set aside.In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In another bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Gradually add 125 ml (1/2 cup) of the sugar, beating until stiff peaks form. Set aside. In a third bowl, beat the remaining sugar, the butter, egg yolks, and vanilla with an electric mixer. At low speed, add the dry ingredients alternately with the milk.
Stir a quarter of the meringue into the batter to lighten it. With a spatula, gently fold in the remaining meringue. Pour into the prepared pan. Bake for about 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the centre of the cake comes out clean. Let completely cool on a wire rack.
Vanilla Strawberries
1 vanilla bean or 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) vanilla extract1 1/2 cups (375 ml) sliced fresh strawberries1 tablespoon (15 ml) sugar
Split the vanilla bean in half lengthwise. With the tip of a knife, remove the seeds from the vanilla pod.
In a bowl, combine the strawberries, sugar, vanilla seeds, and pod. Allow to macerate for about 15 minutes. Drain. Remove the pod. Set aside.
Whipped Cream
1 1/2 cups (375 ml) 35% cream3 tablespoons (45 ml) sugar
1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extractFresh strawberries, whole or cut into wedges for garnish
In a bowl, whip the cream, sugar, and vanilla with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
To Assemble
Cut the cake in half horizontally to make two slices. Spread 250 ml (1 cup) of the whipped cream on the cut side of each slice. Scatter the drained vanilla strawberries on the whipped cream of a slice of cake. Cover with the other slice of cake, whipped cream side down. Garnish the top of the cake with the remaining whipped cream. Garnish with fresh strawberries.