Church Family Moment for Sunday, January 11, 2026

By Director of Spiritual Formation Rebecca Guzman

1. Story and Scripture Connection: Always
   Today we are thinking about baptism and why it matters. Megan Argabrite at Storypath suggests that a helpful story is Always by Alison McGhee and Pascal Lemaitre. You can watch the read aloud here. In the story, a small dog protects the castle at all costs. When asked why, the answer is simple: “Because you live here.” This connects to Isaiah 42, where God promises a servant who will bring justice with gentleness, and to Matthew 3, where Jesus is baptized and named beloved. Jesus enters the water to show love, commitment, and care for the world God loves.
2. Activity: Baptism of Jesus Spinner
   At home, make a Baptism of Jesus Spinner from Flame Creative Kids Ministry. You print the paper, cut it out, and tape it over a straw or pencil. As you spin it, retell the story of Jesus baptism and remember the words God speaks over him.
3. Activity: Self Portrait
   Create a self portrait using whatever art supplies or household items you have at home. At the bottom of the picture, write the words, “God is proud of me.”
4. Wonder Questions
   1. I wonder what it felt like for Jesus to hear God call him beloved.
   2. I wonder how baptism reminds us that we belong to God.
   3. I wonder how knowing you are beloved might change the way you treat others.
   4. I wonder who needs to know they are loved “always” this week.