From Tuthill House to Yours – Kids’ CROP Walk
Walking for Hunger and Loving our Neighbors
By, Patty Cole
June 3, 2018
Yesterday was a very different kind of day at church school! Here is some basic info for your family, so that you can carry on the discussion during the week at home.
What did we do in church school on Sunday?
Actually, we did not even go to church school. We had our own mini-CROP Walk, and then played at the playground!
What did we do first?
We all met at the Graczyk’s house first to get our t-shirts and water bottles. We sat in a circle and talked about how the money they raised will help feed the hungry, and that the money could go to someone in the Graczyk’s neighborhood, or as far away as a country on the other side of the world. We discussed how we were having simple, light snacks today and asked the kids if they knew why. They said that if we had a big party after with a lot of pizza or ice cream, that we really could have given that money instead to those who are hungry.
Next, Matti led us in prayer, asking for our safety during the walk, and for those who are hungry.
How was the walk?
We walked for over a mile, all the way to the Atkinson playground! The littlest ones took turns riding in the stroller, and the older kids did a great job leading the way and holding the younger ones’ hands. Everyone watched out for everyone else’s safety. We had fun walking!
Where did the walk end?
We ended at the playground in Atkinson and enjoyed playing together on a beautiful day! There were games of tag, time in the sandbox, and of course, a light snack. At the end, we got to meet Simon and Charlie’s new puppy! It was fun to be all together.
Wait! What is the CROP Walk again? (this is written for little kids to understand!)
The CROP Walk is a way to make money for people who are hungry and thirsty. You ask people you know for money, go for a big walk with church friends, and give the money to those who need it. Our kids raised over $400.00!!
How can we pray about this?
You can make up your own prayers using this to start:
Dear God, Thank you for our beautiful weather on Sunday. Thank you for the Graczyks and for our church school teachers and our parents. They helped us do the CROP Walk and helped us raise money for the hungry. We pray for those who are hungry and thirsty. Please help them to get the help that they need and help them to know that they are loved. We pray that our church will keep finding ways to love our neighbors and help others. Amen
What can we read from the Bible that relates to our day?
About doing God’s work for others:
James 2:14-17 New International Version (NIV)
14 What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? 15 Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
Mark 12:30-31 New International Version (NIV)
30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’[a] 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[b] There is no commandment greater than these.”
About enjoying God’s world:
Psalm 118:24
This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Ecclesiastes 11:9 The Message (MSG)
9 You who are young, make the most of your youth.
Relish your youthful vigor.
Follow the impulses of your heart.
If something looks good to you, pursue it.
But know also that not just anything goes;
You have to answer to God for every last bit of it.
