Parent Resources
Sunday, March 22: Discussion Questions for 1 Peter 1:3-5–"Hope Secured"
FOR PRESCHOOL CHILDREN:
What kinds of things make you excited?
Things that make us excited are often things we put our hope in. To hope in something means to get really excited about it happening, and to put our happiness in it. Think about how you feel knowing Christmas is coming. Your hope is to get all the exciting presents you asked your parents for! Or knowing the pool is about to open for the summer—so much fun is waiting for you!
What kinds of things make you afraid?
Things that make us afraid are often things we don't know a lot about, like a visit to the doctor—Will I get a shot? Will anything they do hurt?—or a big storm—Will it be loud? Will our house be ok? Will the power go out?
When we feel afraid, it is important to have a way to still feel hope, to know that we don't have to stay afraid, and to know that everything will be OK. The Bible tells us that the best place —the only place!—for us to put our hope is in Jesus.
Think about the songs we sing in catechism:
Who made you? God!
Why did God make you and all things? For His own glory!
Why are you to glorify God? Because He made me and takes care of me!
Never forget that God made you, He loves you, and He takes care of you.
FOR ELEMENTARY AND MIDDLE SCHOOL CHILDREN:
If your child used the sermon listening guide to follow along with the sermon, take a few minutes to talk through his or her notes.
Read 1 Peter 1:3-5 together.
What is Peter's main point in this passage?
What is hope? What does it mean to hope in something? Share examples of things we put our hope in.
To hope in something means to get really excited about it happening, and to put your happiness in it. Think about how you feel knowing Christmas is coming—your hope is to get all the exciting presents you asked your parents for! Or knowing school is about to be out for the summer—no more waking up early, no more homework, lots more pool and beach and friend fun.
What is the difference between hoping in those things (your parents, presents, sports, friends, summertime), and hoping in Jesus?
All of the things we mentioned make us happy, but they are not promised, and they often disappoint us or let us down. Even at Christmas or during the summertime people get sick, storms happen, and plans change. That is why we need to be able to place our hope in something that is secure, something that will never go anywhere.
If your hope is in Jesus and His resurrection, what does that mean for your future? Think about the things Peter mentioned in today's verses. Why is that good news for today, with things happening around us that we can't control and feel scared about?
Peter reminds us that the only thing guaranteed forever is eternity with God for those who believe in Jesus and His resurrection. No sickness and no storm is stronger than God's power and love. As Pastor Matt reminded us in the sermon, heaven is a place where God's love never ends, no matter what happens to us today.
Policies
It is our goal to create a safe and nurturing environment for all of the children in our care. To that end, the Trinity Children’s Ministry employs the following volunteer training and screening procedures:
The minimum age of a childcare volunteer is 14 years old.
A volunteer must either be a member of Trinity or have been regularly attending for a minimum of six months.
All potential volunteers must: 1) fill out the Trinity Children’s Ministry Volunteer Application and have it approved by an elder; 2) read and affirm our Child Protection Policy; and 3) pass a nationwide background check.
In addition to the above screening measures, Sunday School teachers and Children’s Ministry leadership team members must also complete a series of child sexual abuse prevention training videos and pass the accompanying quiz.
Volunteers are re-screened every 24 months.