Elementary Sunday School Newsletter

Dear Parents,
Throughout this unit, our children will be hearing stories about Jesus' healings from Mark 2:1-12,
Mark 5: 21-43, and John 9:1-41.  This letter is to offer thoughts and suggestions for how you might continue the discussion at home.

Children are naturally curious about anyone who is "different" in some way.  They want to know what happened to the person
who is blind or deaf or walks with a limp.  It is important for us to be positive about their curiosity and not be embarrassed by
it.  Often, young children are for simple, direct answers.   A question like, "Why is that man in a wheelchair?" might be satisfied with, "Because his legs don't work.  He can't walk."

We can let our children know that everyone is loved by God - no matter what.  God loves us in all our shapes, sizes, and conditions.  Being ill or differently abled does not mean a person has done something wrong or that they are a bad person.  Suffering is not "God's will."

Many people who are ill or differently abled don't mind children's questions.  What they do mind is having people avoid them, stare at them,
look down on them, feel sorry for them, tease them, or think they are not good for anything.  These are feelings that no one likes.  We can tell
(and more importantly show) children that everyone wants to be treated with kindness and respect.

We can be honest about our own questions and confusion.  Sometimes when we pray for healing, it happens.  Sometimes it does not.  Sometimes healing happens in ways that we do not recognize.

When Jesus healed people, he was healing more than the disease.  Those who had been shunned were restored to community.  This is a powerful message for us today.  What can we do to include all people?  How can we bring about this kind of healing?  We wish you God's blessings as your family seeks ways to answer these questions.

Please call me if you have any questions or concerns. 

Laura Mael

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