Children's & Youth Program Resources
Abundance means “a very large amount” - that there is plenty of something to go around. When we think that there isn’t enough of something, we might try to keep it all to ourselves, and not want to share, because we are afraid of running out. God wants us to have faith that there is enough for everyone - that we can be generous and share what we have with those who have less. What ways can you think of to be generous?
The beautiful song “Thankful” helps us reflect on God’s never-ending gifts.
Thankful by Shauna Belt Edwards
Children's & Youth Program Resources
​Our theme for November 12 is “Wholehearted”. When you do something in a wholehearted way, you jump in with both feet and give it everything you’ve got. Maybe you’re trying out for the school play and you’re putting all your free time into learning the lines for your audition. Or maybe you are really interested in cooking, and you love to read cookbooks, and watch cooking shows, and go grocery shopping, and try new recipes. Or you might be passionate about the environment, and do all you can to reduce, reuse, and recycle, and go to beach or stream clean-up days. Whatever our interests, behind everything is our wholehearted commitment to following God’s way and trusting that God will always be with us. Enjoy our song “I Will Trust You”.
I Will Trust You by Lifetree Kids
Children's & Youth Program Resources
Our theme for November 5 is “Learning Leaders”. Leaders are very important in our world, our country, our communities, and our church. A good leader creates a loving community of equals who work together. Our song this week is “By Our Love”. You may know this song as “We Are One in the Spirit” or “They’ll Know We Are Christians”. We are one in the Spirit, whether we lead or follow, when we act with love in our hearts.
By Our Love by Peter Scholtes, performed by For King And Country
Children's & Youth Program Resources
On Sunday October 29 we’ll celebrate Halloween and decorate for Foothills Treats the Neighborhood! Shake your bones and dance along to “The Skeleton Shake”.
Children's & Youth Program Resources
Our theme for October 22 is Hearts in Holy Rhythm. We’ll talk about friendships and connections with people and with God. Our song “Everybody’s Got a Heartbeat” celebrates something we have in common with everybody in the world - a heartbeat!
Children's & Youth Program Resources
Our theme for October 15 is Engaging Emotions. One of the things we’ll talk about is how being afraid can keep us from doing the right thing. Our song today is “Fear, Get Out of Here” which reminds us that through everything, the little fears and the big ones, God is always with us, and can help us be strong.
Children's & Youth Program Resources
​On Sunday October 8 our theme will be Covenant & Community. A covenant is an agreement or promise to do something. The Ten Commandments are the “ten best ways for living” that God wants everyone to promise to follow. These rules show us how to be good family members and community members, by treating everyone with respect and love. Here’s a song to help you learn The Ten Commandments and remember them all through your life.
Children's & Youth Program Resources
Our theme for October 1 is Questions & Quarrels. It is good to ask questions. Questions help us learn. There are so many ways to ask a question! Let’s play with the question “Why did you do that?”. First try to say it as if you were angry or frustrated, like somebody did something you think they shouldn’t have. Next, try saying it as if you are really curious and interested in the reason the person did what they did. How do you feel when you ask the question in different ways? How might the person you are asking feel? We can ask questions about things that happen in our lives, things we see online, books we read, and stories and lessons we hear in church. Our song this week is “Colors” which talks about some of the many different ways that we can feel. Whether you ask a question while you are feeling “orange - loud and messy” or “red - hopping mad” or “purple - bright and happy” or any other way, God loves you and your questions!
Colors, by Kira Willey
Children's & Youth Program Resources
September 24 is River Sunday and our song is “Peace Like a River”. Get the wiggles out and jazz up your spirit with this super-happy song with movement! Let God’s peace, love, and joy move through your life like a flowing river.
Peace Like a River traditional, performed by CJ and Friends
Children's & Youth Program Resources
September 17 is Wilderness/Outback Sunday. Our songs are “Through the Wilderness” and “God Will Guide Us”. What are some ways that these songs are similar? How are they different? One thing you may notice is that one of the songs refers to God with masculine pronouns (he/his). You can sing it that way, or you may prefer to substitute she/her, or you might rather not use a pronoun at all and just say “God”. Whether in the wilderness of a forest, dessert, or just an unfamiliar situation in your daily life, no matter what words you choose to describe God, God will be with you and guide you.
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Through the Wilderness by Zak Yokingco, Veia Lim-Viñas, & Vernon Lim
God Will Guide Us by Jay Stocker
Children's & Youth Program Resources
Sept. 10, 2023
Our theme for September 10 is Land Sunday. When you think about our planet, what comes to your mind? Is it the beautiful sights of mountains, forests, and oceans? Or is it the feeling of your bare feet in the grass, or in the sand at the beach? Or smelling the wonderful fragrance of flowers? “Song of the Earth” is about using another of our senses - hearing - to appreciate and enjoy our world and our connection to it. When you’re outside this week, stop and listen to the song that the Earth is singing, and thank God for our precious home.
Children's Program Resources
Sept. 3, 2023
September 3 is “Forest Sunday”. Our song “Beautiful” is all about the beauty and wonder of God’s creation. At every moment, wherever you are, there is something nearby that is beautiful in its own way – a gift from God to be appreciated and praised. We thank God for our family and friends and for people we have yet to meet. We thank God for our bodies that we can dance and sing with. We thank God for our diverse planet and the wonders of nature; for forests and oceans, for deserts and jungles, for flowers and trees, for insects, animals and birds. Wonderful and good!
Beautiful by Orange Kids Music
Children's Program Resources
Aug. 27, 2023
Our theme for Sunday August 27 is “Act” and our song is “God of Justice, Love and Mercy”. You may remember this tune as “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing” from our hymnal.
Here are some new words to sing along with and think about. This recording was made by Intervarsity, a community of college students and faculty “who love the word of God and live it out.” How do you do that in your life?
God of Justice, Love and Mercy by Edwin M. Willmington, performed by the Urbana Worship Team on Intervarsity Live! Worship
Children's Program Resources
Aug. 20, 2023
In Children’s & Youth Program on August 20 we’ll be talking about how forgiving others helps our families and communities. When we remember that God forgives us when we make mistakes, it can be easier to forgive others. Enjoy the song “All Of the Ways” about how God loves and forgives us, no matter what mistakes we make.
All of the Ways by Journey Kids
Children's Program Resources
Aug. 13, 2023
In our lesson on Sunday we will hear stories about people going through hard times. We all go through hard things. Sometimes they are little things, and sometimes they are big things. Sometimes we may feel like people don’t understand or appreciate us. Remember that God is always on your side, and God will help you make it through everything that comes your way.
God Is For Me by Lifetree Kids
Children's Program Resources
Aug. 6, 2023
Imagine a cooling rain shower and enjoy this video full of umbrellas, puddles, clouds, and rainbows, and the reassurance that God is always with us, wherever we go, and whatever we do.
God is With Me by Lil’ K from Orange Kids Music
Children's Program Resources
July 30, 2023
The prayer for our lesson on July 30 is “God, teach us about your love and honor. May we treasure these things from generation to generation. Help us to keep our promises to you and each other.” Promises are important. We make promises to our family members, our friends, ourselves, and to God. When we keep our promises, people know they can trust and count on us, and that’s a good feeling. God makes promises too: God promises to always love us, no matter what. And like today’s song says, we can trust that God’s promise is true.
Promises by Cross
Children's Program Resources
July 23, 2023
For July 23, the curriculum theme is “Blessed”. The introduction begins: “God is with us, even when we do not understand how or why.” Our song “Follow You” will get you up and moving and thinking about God’s mystery and direction for our lives.
Follow You by Orange Kids Music
Children's Program Resources
July 16, 2023
The theme for July 16 is Struggle. We’ll hear stories about siblings who seem to care more about getting ahead themselves than helping each other. Sometimes we forget to follow God’s way of treating others with love and kindness. Even when we make mistakes in how we act with people, God loves and forgives us. We can learn and move on to do better next time. Our song for this week is “Made By You”. It reminds us that we are made by God to help each other and be a light to the world. How will you help others this week?
Made by You by Orange Kids Music
Children's Program Resources
July 9, 2023
On July 9 our theme is Choose. As we grow up, we make more and more choices for ourselves every day: what clothes to wear, what to eat, what to do, and when to do it. We also make choices about how we interact with others. Every day we have so many opportunities to choose God’s ways of love, kindness, and grace. This week’s song “What I Choose” reminds us that when we choose to follow God, we can depend on God to guide us in the right direction.
What I Choose by Orange Kids Music
Children's Program Resources
July 2, 2023
The Children’s & Youth Program theme for July 2 is Welcoming Community. We know that God welcomes and loves us – each and every person – just as we are. God wants us to share that welcome and love with others. Today’s song says, “What you give is more than enough, so I’ll give a little kindness, give a little love away.” How can you share kindness and love with others today?
Give A Little Kindness by Orange Kids Music
Children's Program Resources
June 25, 2023
Every single person has challenges, difficulties and fears. And every single day, each of us has help in meeting those situations – the loving and supportive presence of God. Knowing that God is with us gives us strength and courage to face whatever comes our way, and to do what we need to do.
You Give Me Courage, by Orange Kids Music
Children's Program Resources
June 18, 2023
On June 18, our Children’s & Youth Program curriculum theme will be “Responding in Community”. There are lots of ways that we can help our communities. You can help in your classroom at school. You can help with things around the house. You can help at church by being friendly and welcoming to guests. Foothills helps the wider community by donating food and money to people in need. Today’s song “Making Waves” is about sharing God’s love with others and making positive changes in the world. Anyone can do it!
Makin’ Waves by Orange Kids Music
Children's Program Resources
June 11, 2023
The Children’s & Youth Program theme for Sunday June 11 is Community of Grace. The introduction to the lesson says “God’s powerful, restoring and grace-filled love provides a fresh start.” It talks about hope for what the future can bring. Today’s song “Love Train” is a powerhouse of hope, joy, and love. This video features students and artists from 14 sites in the Turnaround Arts program, a national program of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts that currently works in more than 60 schools across the country. The video was produced by Playing for Change, a movement created to inspire and connect the world through music, born from the shared belief that music has the power to break down boundaries and overcome distances between people. In the video you can see all sorts of kids and artists singing and dancing together, inviting everyone all over the world to join hands and start a love train.
Love Train by Kenneth Gamble & Leon Huff (YouTube video).
Enjoy this video from the music and dance TV show Soul Train. Click SHOW MORE below the video to see the lyrics.
Here’s the official video from the O’Jays.
Finally, mellow out with this version: Love Train recorded by Keb’ Mo’ in 2001.
Children's Program Resources
June 4, 2023
The Children’s & Youth Program theme for June 4 will be Community of Creation; our scripture will be Genesis 1:1-2:4a. The book of Genesis tells the story of how for six days, God made all the different parts of creation, then God looked around at everything and saw that it was good, and then God rested. Enjoy a musical retelling of the creation story with our song “All Good”.
All Good by Orange Kids Music
Children's Program Resources
May 28, 2023
May 28 is Pentecost Sunday. According to the Acts of the Apostles, on the Day of Pentecost, followers of Jesus received the gift of the Holy Spirit: with a rush of wind, dancing flames, and surprising languages, the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples. This gift gave them the power to share the good news of God’s love made real in Jesus. On Pentecost, the sanctuary decorations are red to symbolize the flames. The Holy Spirit is inside us and all around us every day and gives us strength and inspiration to love, and hope, and do good things. Sing about it with “Holy Spirit Rock”!
Holy Spirit Rock by Michael Mangan
Children's Program Resources
May 21, 2023
David’s message for Sunday May 21 will be “Everyone Belongs”. Here’s a song by the very same name! We all have different gifts, different needs, different abilities, different likes and dislikes, and we are all beloved by God! We can share God’s love with those we meet and help them know that they belong and are valued.
Everyone Belongs by Meaghan Smith
Children's Program Resources
May 14, 2023
May 14 is Mother’s Day. It takes a lot to raise a child and teach them all they need to know. We learn from many people in our lives. We also learn by following the teachings of Jesus about God’s way. Here’s a song sharing great advice on how to live. It’s based on the Bible verse Galatians 5:22-23: “…the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”
Fruit of the Spirit performed by Go Fish
Music by Jamison J. Statema & Darren Rust, Lyrics by Jamison J. Statema
(YouTube video with lyrics)
Children's Program Resources
May 7, 2023
On May 1 our new Senior Minister David Green joins us at Foothills, and on Sunday May 7 he will preach his first sermon in our sanctuary. He wants you to call him “David”. We are so excited to welcome David to our church family. Here’s a song written by our former pastor Rev. Jim Manley, that reminds us that each and every one of us is an important part of God’s family.
Part of the Family by James K. Manley, performed by Musicians of Golden Ears United Church
Children's Program Resources
April 30, 2023
The theme for Children’s & Youth Program on April 30 is “Sensing Awe”. In our song “Each Blade of Grass” we pay attention to big and little things, realizing that they are each awesome parts of God’s creation. The beautiful images and haunting sound create a mystical feel – perfect for helping us look at the world around us with awe.
Each Blade of Grass Words: Keri Wehlander ©2005 Music: Anonymous 1799 arranged by Bryn Nixon ©2021
Children's Program Resources
April 23, 2023
April 23 is the third Sunday in the Season of Easter, and our Children’s & Youth Program theme is “Eyes of the Heart”. “Opening the eyes of the heart” is an imaginative way to describe looking at things with love and thinking about things with love – which is what God wants us to do. When the eyes of your heart are open, you can discover new things, even about people you already know well.
Open the Eyes of My Heart by Paul Baloche, performed by Great Worship Songs Praise Band
Children's Program Resources
April 16, 2023
This song is #206 in our hymnal. Sydney Carter wrote this song in 1963, adapting the tune from the Shaker song “Simple Gifts”. He says, “I see Christ as the incarnation of the piper who is calling us. He dances that shape and pattern which is at the heart of our reality. By Christ I mean not only Jesus; in other times and places, other planets, there may be other Lords of the Dance. But Jesus is the one I know of first and best. I sing of the dancing pattern in the life and words of Jesus.”
This song tells the Easter story, starting in verse 3!
I Danced in the Morning (Lord of the Dance) by Sydney Carter
(YouTube video with lyrics)
Children's Program Resources
April 9, 2023
Celebrate the miracle and promise of Easter with these energizing songs.
This is the Day Fijian folk tune, arranged by Leslie Norman Garrett, performed by Maranatha! Vocal Band
On That First Easter by God’s Kids Worship Band
Children's Program Resources
April 2, 2023
April 2 is Palm Sunday – the day that Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey colt to the cheers of the crowd. We can sing praises to Jesus and God with this lilting song with a Scottish twist.
Attend in person on 4/2 and you can join the palm processional to start the service! 10 AM at 461 Orange Avenue, Los Altos, CA
Come Christians Join to Sing (Palm Sunday Song) performed by Fischy Music
Children's Program Resources
March 26, 2023
On March 26, our last Sunday in Nature Month, we’ll be making sunprints! It’s amazing to see the art that we can create with materials from nature and sun power!
Our scripture theme for this Sunday is “Out of the Depths”. Sometimes we feel low, sunk, overwhelmed, sad, discouraged… and the more we think about it, the worse we feel. Remember that God is with you all the time and will help you, whatever you are going through in your life. Sharing your troubles and questions with God can lift your spirits, help you feel better, and renew your hope.
Bonus song for working on sunprints:
Here Comes the Sun, by George Harrison
Here Comes the Sun, performed by the Beatles (1969)
Here Comes the Sun, performed by The Petersens (2022)
The Power by Orange Kids Music
Children's Program Resources
The Tree of Life by Shawna Edwards
Children's Program Resources
March 12, 2023
Here’s another song about the beauty and wonder of God’s creation. At every moment, wherever you are, there is something nearby that is beautiful in its own way – a gift from God to be appreciated and praised. We thank God for our family and friends and for people we have yet to meet. We thank God for our bodies that we can dance and sing with. We thank God for our diverse planet and the wonders of nature; for forests and oceans, for deserts and jungles, for flowers and trees, for insects, animals and birds. Wonderful and good!
Plus a bonus song to listen to while drawing birds:
Three Little Birds by Bob Marley
Beautiful by Orange Kids Music
Children's Program Resources
March 5, 2023
Our theme for March 5 is “Into the Wilderness”. As we journey through Lent we are thinking about Jesus’ time in the wilderness, and our own journeys through life. Today we have two songs on this theme: “Through the Wilderness” and “God Will Guide Us”. What are some ways that these songs are similar? How are they different? One thing you may notice is that one of the songs refers to God with masculine pronouns (he/his). You can sing it that way, or you may prefer to substitute she/her, or you might rather not use a pronoun at all and just say “God”. No matter what words you choose to describe God, God will be with you and guide you.
Through the Wilderness by Zak Yokingco, Veia Lim-Viñas, & Vernon Lim, vocals by Vanya Castor
God Will Guide Us by Jay Stocker
Children's Program Resources
Feb. 26, 2023
The Children’s & Youth Program theme for Sunday February 26 is “Through the Night”. Sometimes night feels friendly and relaxing. Sometimes we might feel nervous about being in the dark, or about sounds we hear. Sometimes it’s easy to count our blessings at the end of the day. Sometimes all we can think about are things that we wish were different. Whatever is going on, you can share it with God. Nighttime can be a special time for sharing your hopes, dreams, questions, and prayers with God. This week we sing about God’s angels keeping guard over us all day and all night – what a peaceful and comforting thought.
Angels Watchin’ Over Me African American Sacred Folk Song, performed by Dan & Claudia Zanes
Children's Program Resources
Feb. 19, 2023
February 19 is Transfiguration Sunday. It’s a very important part of Jesus’ life story. One day Jesus took three of his friends up a high mountain. All at once he was transformed – transfigured – into brilliantly shining light. His friends were stunned to see him that way. Another surprise came when Moses and Elijah suddenly appeared out of nowhere and began talking with Jesus. And the friends were even more astonished when God spoke to them all, saying “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” Our song today is called “Listen to Jesus”. This song is easy to learn and can help you remember some of the things Jesus tells us to do: open your heart, live in God’s love, and love and forgive.
Listen to Jesus, by Bernadette Farrell
Children's Program Resources
Feb. 12, 2023
On February 12, the Children’s & Youth Program will have a Valentine’s Party! Valentines mean love and friendship, so our song this week is “Surrounded by Love”. This beautiful song reminds us that God’s love surrounds us every day, wherever we are, and whatever we are doing. We share God’s love with others when we are kind and thoughtful and do what is right. Each day, try to find a moment to be grateful for God’s love, and think of a way you can share it with others. Like by giving a Valentine!
Surrounded by Love by Mark Patterson
(YouTube video with sheet music)
Children's Program Resources
Feb. 5, 2023
The Children’s & Youth Program theme for Sunday February 5 is “Greatness of Heart”. God wants us to be peaceful, loving, and giving, and to work for justice in the world. When we share our gifts, talents, and interests, our light shines in the world and makes it a better and more interesting place. As you listen to or sing “They’ll Know We Are Christians” think about the many ways in which we walk together, work together, lift each other up, and live with greatness of heart.
They’ll Know We Are Christians by Peter Scholtes, performed by Carolyn Arends
By Our Love (alternate title) by Peter Scholtes, performed by For King And Country
Children's Program Resources
Jan. 29, 2023
The scripture for Sunday, January 29 is Matthew 4:1-11. (You probably remember that this means: the book of Matthew, chapter 4, verses 1 through 11.) In this reading, Jesus shares this important teaching, “One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” Worldly goods are not enough – we also need faith in God, and to follow God’s ways, to make our lives complete. Our song today is “Seek Ye First”. Listen for this Bible verse in the song!
In this version of the song, you’ll hear “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness.” If you prefer, you can sing “…and God’s righteousness” instead.
Seek Ye First by Karen Lafferty, performed by Joy and Ruth Everingham
Children's Program Resources
Jan. 22, 2023
Enjoy this uplifting song about answering God’s call by sharing your gifts with the world. The gifts you share and the love you give are a light to the world. As you listen or sing, think about what you enjoy doing and how you can shine your light to make a difference in the world.
This week we are sharing “What a Wonderful World”, written by Bob Thiele (as “George Douglas”) and George David Weiss. It’s a beautiful song about the gifts of God’s creation.
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First listen to this version performed by the Ndlovu Youth Choir, a South African musical group founded in 2009. What a Wonderful World – Ndlovu Youth Choir (YouTube video with lyrics)
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The second version is performed by Louis Armstrong, a very famous and influential jazz trumpeter and singer. In 1967 he was the first person to record this song – it became one of his most popular songs. This version is from 1970 and includes a very meaningful and important introduction, inspired by feedback Mr. Armstrong received from young people who heard the song. You can read the text of the intro by clicking SHOW MORE below the video. What a Wonderful World with Introduction – Louis Armstrong (YouTube video)
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The third version is also sung by Louis Armstrong (without the spoken introduction this time) and includes a great stop-motion animation. What a Wonderful World with animation (YouTube video)
Each day this week, take time to pause and think to yourself, “What a wonderful world,” thank God for God’s many blessings, and think about what you can do to make the world an even better place.
Go Make a Difference by Steve Angrisano and Tom Tomaszek (YouTube video with lyrics)
What a Wonderful World – Ndlovu Youth Choir (YouTube video with lyrics)
Children's Program Resources
Jan. 15, 2023
On Monday January 16 we celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Ducksters.com writes, “Martin Luther King, Jr. was a civil rights activist in the 1950s and 1960s. He led non-violent protests to fight for the rights of all people including African Americans. He hoped that America and the world could form a society where race would not impact a person’s civil rights. He is considered one of the great orators of modern times, and his speeches still inspire many to this day.” Today’s song, “Beautiful Light” talks about how each of us is a beautiful light in the world by being ourselves and sharing our talents, resources, and love. The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was certainly a beautiful light, sharing his vision of a more just and peaceful world and taking action to work toward that goal. While most of us will not have a holiday created in our honor, we can all do God’s work in the world by letting our beautiful light shine and standing up for what we believe in.
Beautiful Light by Laurie Berkner (YouTube video)
Click SHOW MORE below the video to see the lyrics.
Children's Program Resources
Jan. 8, 2023
January 8 will be the first Sunday in the next church season, which is called “the Season after the Epiphany”. Collins Dictionary says an epiphany is “a moment of sudden insight or understanding”. Sometimes an epiphany is not so sudden – sometimes it takes a while, or even a very long time, for us to understand things. And our understanding can grow throughout our whole lives. Listen to “Open The Eyes of My Heart” (and sing and dance along if you like!). “Opening the eyes of our heart” is an imaginative way to describe looking at things with love and thinking about things with love – which is what God wants us to do.
Open the Eyes of My Heart by Paul Baloche
(YouTube video with lyrics performed by CJ and Friends, music by Local Sound featuring Paul Baloche)
Children's Program Resources
Jan. 1, 2023
On Sunday January 1, our service will be called “New Beginnings: Hopes & Aspirations for 2023.” For the contemporary reading, Pastor Jean has selected the poem “The Work of Christmas” by Howard Thurman. These words are the basis for the lyrics to the song “I Am the Light of the World”. Listen, sing along, and think about what you can do to share your light in the world, and then make a plan to do it! Happy new year!
I Am the Light of the World by Jim Strathdee, performed by Musicians of Golden Ears United Church