New This Fall! Compassion Camp
Compassion Camp is a camp-style experience where kids will explore what it means to have compassion for others, ourselves, and the world.
- Kicking off Sunday, September 12th
- Sunday Mornings at 9 & 11am
- On The Knox Playground & Lawn
- Pre-school – 4th grade are invited to attend
- Kids attend 9am or 11am worship with their family, then head to Compassion Camp before the sermon
- Come as you are and whenever you can!
Join Us on Kickoff Sunday, September 12th
- Special Guest, Magician Brett Sears at 9 & 11am
- 10am Brunch on the Lawn.
- All are welcome!
Compassion Camp Includes:
- Gathering & Music
Introducing the theme and learning original music written for each theme. - Bible Stories
A child-friendly paraphrase of the Bible story, accessible for all ages with imagining and wondering questions to connect more deeply with the story. - Create & Play
A fun mix of crafts and games to practice our compassion skills and have fun together. - Movement
Physical engagement to connect our minds, bodies, & spirits with God. We will focus on our breathing alongside some basic yoga poses connecting the main themes of Compassion Camp with our lives. - Compassion in Action
Activities that help kids think creatively about sharing compassion and love. These simple, small, tangible acts help us express God's deep compassion for each other, ourselves, and the world.
Monthly Bible Themes
SEPTEMBER
Luke 15:11-3 - At the Table: Compassion helps us see and welcome.
To see and welcome is how we accept one another. When we gather together at the table, we accept each other in the same way God accepts us. Children will practice recognizing and sharing in the feelings of others as well as connecting with their own bodies/emotions. Through the parable of the father and the two brothers in Luke 15:11-32, children will witness how compassion empowers us to release any anger and judgment we may hold toward others, ourselves, and the world for not being what we wanted or needed. Children will learn how compassion inspires seeing, forgiveness, and welcoming.
OCTOBER
Mark 2:1-12 - To the Neighbor: Compassion helps us be brave.
To be brave is letting God help us see and reach out to our neighbors. When we reach out to our neighbors, we experience the miracle of God’s power to restore and make our community whole. Through the gospel story of friends bringing their friend on a mat to Jesus, the children will witness how compassion often requires risk. Children will learn the ways compassion calls for focus - we keep our eyes on Jesus, even as others might misunderstand or judge our actions.
Mark 12:28-31 - For Myself: Compassion helps us love ourselves.
It means showing gentleness and kindness to ourselves in heart, soul, mind, and strength. When we pay attention to and honor our own selves, we experience how God sees and loves us. Through Jesus’ teaching of an ancient Hebrew commandment, the children will experience self-love as an essential form of compassion. Children will practice affirming themselves through word and body, seeing how doing so connects them to God’s Spirit within.
NOVEMBER
Ruth 1:1-22 - Along the Way: Compassion helps us be present with each other.
When we follåow God’s Spirit - which is always on the move - and are open to the people we encounter along the way, they can experience God’s Spirit through our care. Through the testimony of Ruth, Orpah, and Naomi, children will witness how compassion involves deep trust, an open mind, and a soft heart. Children will learn that being present with each other asks us to let go of our expectations, be flexible, and trust the Spirit, as we seek to lead compassionate lives.
Leviticus 25 - With the World: Compassion gives us a fresh start.
By creating fresh starts, we work with God to care for all and participate in the holy work of renewal so all may joyfully gather at the table together, receiving God’s abundance. Through hearing God’s instruction in Leviticus 25, the children will learn the meaning and history of “Jubilee.” Children will see how rest/sabbath, fresh starts, and taking care of one another are all important forms of compassion and justice.
