Right away, Jesus made his disciples get into a boat and start back across the lake. But he stayed until he had sent the crowds away. Then he went up on a mountain where he could be alone and pray. Later that evening, he was still there.
By this time the boat was a long way from the shore. It was going against the wind and was being tossed around by the waves. A little while before morning, Jesus came walking on the water toward his disciples. When they saw him, they thought he was a ghost. They were terrified and started screaming.
At once, Jesus said to them, "Don't worry! I am Jesus Don't be afraid." Peter replied, "Lord if it is really you, tell me to come to you on the water."
"Come on!" Jesus said. Peter then got out of the boat and started walking on the water toward him. But when Peter saw how strong the wind was, he was afraid and started sinking, "Save me, Lord!" he shouted. Right away, Jesus reached out his hand. He helped Peter up and said, "You surely don't have much faith. Why do you doubt?"
When Jesus and Peter got into the boat, the wind died down. The men in the boat worshipped Jesus and said, "You really are the Son of God."
Our Memory Verse is:
“Christ gives me the strength to face anything." Philippians 4:13 CEV
Explore how focusing on Jesus can help your life in Apostle's Playhouse
Feel how it might have felt when Peter walked across water in Good News
Can Baked Ice Cream teach you about God's power? Find out in the Bread of Life Café
In Holywood, watch as Jesus walks on water
Learn more about the story and play two exciting games in Antioch Arcade
Make a scratchboard drawing of Peter and Jesus in Creation Station
Family Time and Prayer:
Read: Matthew 14:22-33
Reflection: When Peter focused on Jesus, he could do what Jesus wanted him to do. Because we know that God is with us, we can do what God wants us to do.
Prayer: God, thank you for being powerful and for being with us. Help us to look to you for strength and courage so that we can do what you want us to do.
Offering: Your offering will go to the home church of Endakachew Kidanewold in Ethiopia. That church is doing God's work by sending people all around the region to teach people about Jesus.
Thank-you to our Calming the Storm Workshop Leaders:
Creation Station - Susan Harmon
Holywood – Ginger Espino
Praising Puppets – Kristin McClure
Good News – Melinda Thompson
Antioch Arcade – Lisa Ward
Apostle’s Playhouse - Victoria Vojnovich
Thank you to our Curriculum Design Team: Carole Rhodes, Lee Smith, Sara Ridings, Allison Connors, Angela Farthing, Robin Morris, Amy Woynicz, and Lori Houck.