It’s the Sunday after Easter in a few days. The tradition at my current congregation combines Salsa Sunday with 3rd Grade Bibles. To the outside eye, this may seem like an odd combination to have Salsa music lead worship as we celebrate the third graders receiving their Bibles.
(Photo Credit: the visual faith project)
The two things mix modern “liturgical” music with a traditional Bible milestone. But it works! The Bible story is full of life and flair just like Salsa worship music. No, there is not liturgical “salsa” dance but just like God’s story the explosion of music does start some toe tapping.
What do we learn in our 3rd Grade Bible “Salsa” milestone? After looking at what the Old Testament is (books of the Bible before Jesus was born) and the New Testament (books of the Bible after Jesus was born), parents and kids SALSA.
We use the word “SALSA” to unpack who God is and what God promises. After a quick tutorial on how to look up a book, chapter and verse, here is how we SALSA:
S is for Start. Ask: How does it all begin? Read: Genesis 1:1-2. In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters. Point: It’s the very beginning of God’s story! What we learn is that from the start, God is there.
A is for Accountability. Ask: Who can we count on? Read Psalm 46:1. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Point: What we learn is that God will always be with us.
L is for Love. Ask: Who is God? Who loves us? Read 1 John 4:7-8. Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love. Point: What we learn is that God loves us.
S is for Son. Ask: Who is the Bible about? Read John 3:16. For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. Point: What we learn is that the Bible is about God’s son, Jesus, who comes to save us.
A is for All. Ask: If God loves us, who should we love? Read Luke 10:27. He answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself. Point: What we learn is that we are called to love God and love others. This includes ALL people.
As our time together ends, we go over any last-minute questions and details as we have a mid-morning snack. Chips and salsa, of course! But the learning doesn’t stop after the Salsa milestone and service.
In fact, we move from Salsa to brownies. I send home a pre-packaged brownie mix and worksheet. By looking up a verse from the worksheet, parents and children complete the brownie mix recipe. It’s a win!
For a copy of the Bible Brownie Scavenger Hunt, Click Here.
StoryBoard 