Faith Formation at Home: July 2026
A weekly guide for families to explore God's covenant and grace through Faith, Hope, Love, and Peace.
Week 1: Faith (July 5)
- The Story: The Healing of the Paralyzed Man (Mark 2:1-12)
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Teaching Verse: "Faith is the reality of what we hope for, the proof of what we don't see." — Hebrews 11:1 (CEB)
The Story Summary
When Jesus was teaching in a crowded house, four friends brought their paralyzed friend to see Him. Because the crowd was so big, they couldn't get through the door! So, they climbed up, dug a hole in the roof, and lowered their friend down right in front of Jesus. The Bible says Jesus "saw their faith." He healed the man, forgiving his sins and telling him to pick up his mat and walk. Faith isn't just about believing hard enough on our own; sometimes, we carry each other in faith.
Family Discussion Question
When is a time you needed a friend to help "carry" you when things were hard? How can our family show faith for someone else who is struggling right now?
No-Prep At-Home Activity: "Carry the Load"
Have one person sit on a sturdy blanket or a large towel on the floor. Try to have just one person pull them across the room (it's hard!). Then, have the rest of the family grab an edge and lift or pull together. Talk about how much easier the heavy lifting is when we share the load, just like the four friends shared the load of faith.
Week 2: Hope (July 12)
- The Story: Simeon and Anna (Luke 2:25-38)
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Teaching Verse: "I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope." — Psalm 130:5 (NIV)
The Story Summary
Simeon and Anna were two older adults who spent their entire lives waiting in the temple. They were praying and watching, trusting God's promise that God would send a Savior to rescue God's people. Waiting is hard, especially when it takes a whole lifetime! But their hope wasn't passive; they watched actively. When Mary and Joseph brought baby Jesus into the temple, Simeon and Anna knew immediately that God had kept His promise.
Family Discussion Question
What is the difference between "wishing" for something (like a new toy) and "hoping" in God's promises? How can we be active in our waiting, just like Simeon and Anna?
No-Prep At-Home Activity: "The Silent Watcher"
Have everyone sit completely still and close their eyes for 60 seconds. The goal is to listen and actively watch out for every single tiny sound you normally ignore (the hum of the fridge, a bird outside, a car passing). When the minute is up, share what you noticed. Talk about how Simeon and Anna kept their hearts and ears open to God, paying close attention so they wouldn't miss His promises.
Week 3: Love (July 19)
- The Story: The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37)
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Teaching Verse: "We love because he first loved us." — 1 John 4:19 (NRSV)
The Story Summary
Jesus told a story about a man who was hurt on the side of the road. Two people who were expected to be "good" walked right past him. But the person who finally stopped to bandage the man's wounds was a Samaritan—someone who was from a group that everyone expected to be an enemy! Jesus used this story to show that love isn't just about having warm feelings for our friends. True, God-sized love is an action that crosses boundaries and takes care of our neighbors, whoever they are.
Family Discussion Question
Why is it sometimes easier to love people who are just like us? Since God loved us first with a big, boundary-crossing love, who is someone unexpected we could show love to this week?
No-Prep At-Home Activity: "Band-Aid Blessings"
Go grab a box of Band-Aids. Have family members gently place a Band-Aid on the back of someone else's hand, and as they do, say a quick, one-sentence prayer of blessing for that person. (If you don't have Band-Aids, just place your hand gently on their shoulder). Remind the family that God's love heals us, and our love can be a healing action for others.
Week 4: Peace (July 26)
- The Story: Jesus Calms the Storm (Mark 4:35-41)
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Teaching Verse: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." — John 14:27 (NIV)
The Story Summary
Jesus and His disciples were crossing the sea in a small boat when a massive storm blew in. The waves were crashing and the disciples were terrified they were going to sink. But Jesus was asleep on a cushion! They woke Him up in a panic. Jesus stood, spoke to the wind and the waves ("Peace! Be still!"), and the storm stopped completely. Jesus showed them that true peace doesn't mean we will never have storms in our lives; true peace is knowing exactly who is in the boat with us.
Family Discussion Question
What is a "storm" in your life right now that makes you feel worried or anxious? How does remembering that Jesus is "in the boat" with you change how you feel about that worry?
No-Prep At-Home Activity: "Breathe the Storm"
Have the whole family make a "storm" in the room—stomp your feet, rub your hands together quickly, and blow air fast. Let it get loud! Then, have an adult or an older sibling hold up their hand and say firmly: "Peace, be still." Everyone must instantly freeze and take three long, slow, deep breaths together, bringing complete quiet to the room. Discuss how Jesus's presence brings calm to our chaotic moments.
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