Seen Around Church for Sunday, August 9, 2026
August 11, 2026
Salvation by Grace
August 17, 2026By Director of Spiritual Formation Rebecca Guzman
- Read The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds. Vashti begins the story believing she cannot make art, but her teacher’s encouragement helps her see herself differently. Ephesians reminds us that new life is God’s work in us, and that we are “created in Christ Jesus for good works.” This connection comes from Rachel Mastin and Noell Rathbun-Cook at StoryPath.
- Repair the cracks and add windows to your house. Go back and erase the cracks you added earlier as a reminder that God’s grace forgives, heals, and helps restore what is broken. Then add some windows. Windows let light into a house! Grace is like light breaking into darkness, reminding us that God loves us freely and gives us new life. As you add the windows, remember that God is building us into a people of welcome, grace, and love.
- Play “Make Your Mark.” Take turns being the leader. The leader makes one simple movement—jump, clap, spin, wave, or make a silly pose—and everyone else copies it. Each new leader gets to add their own “mark.” Afterward, talk about how The Dot begins with one small mark that grows into something more. Ephesians says God has created us for good works. What small thing could you do this week to share God’s love?
- Wonder Together
- What changed when Vashti began to see herself through her teacher’s eyes?
- Ephesians says grace is a gift from God. Why can’t we earn it?
- What is one “good work” God might be inviting you to do this week?
