In Unit 3 participants will learn how the Hebrew nation came together under the leadership of its judges and kings. They will read that the Hebrews built a great temple to gather for worship.
		Our Land and God's Kingdom Prior to presenting each chapter, refer to the TAKE HOME FAMILY TIME pages in your child's book, or print out these pages from TAKE HOME FAMILY TIME. Learning Focus This chapter will help the children • learn the story of Samuel and Saul. • understand that just as God chose the Israelites and gave them the promised land, God promises them a share in the kingdom. • learn about the special mission entrusted to the Church as the beginning of God's kingdom. Background The Israelites first lived in twelve different tribes that were governed by judges. Eventually, the Israelites formed one country under one king. In presenting the story of the prophet Samuel and of Saul, the first Israelite king, this chapter presents an important lesson about leadership. Samuel knew his power came from serving God and doing God's will. Saul knew that, as king, he had to make decisions based on what God wanted. When Saul failed to obey the Lord, he could not effectively lead the people. Our Call to Serve Just as God personally called Samuel to service, God calls each member of today's Church to join in the work of the Church. We do this work through a ministry–a way of serving and caring for others in Christ's name. Indeed, each person in the Church has a mission, a calling from God. Regardless of whether we belong to the clergy, a religious order, or the laity, we all proclaim God's holy name and help bring about God's kingdom. We are all servants of God.
		The Ark and the Temple Prior to presenting each chapter, refer to the TAKE HOME FAMILY TIME pages in your child's book, or print out these pages from TAKE HOME FAMILY TIME. Learning Focus This chapter will help the children • learn about the importance of the ark of the covenant and the Temple to the Hebrews. • identify the relationship between Catholic rituals for worship and the rituals of the people of God in the Old Testament. • understand the special mission of men who receive the sacrament of Holy Orders. Background Catholic worship is replete with symbols and ritual actions. Some of our sacraments and sacramentals developed out of Jewish customs that the first Christians adapted. Some of these ancient Jewish symbols and actions are discussed in this chapter. The holiest symbol for the Israelites was the ark of the covenant. This portable gold and wood box contained the Ten Commandments, a golden vase, manna, and the rod of Aaron–symbols of God's will, providence, and power. God's presence surrounded the ark and led the Israelites on their journey through the desert to the promised land. Eventually, the ark was housed in the Temple of Solomon. Sacraments and Sacramentals Like the Israelites, we gather in a holy place to worship God. We go to church to be surrounded by God's presence and to be filled with it. The Israelites had ritual washings before sacred events. We use water to bless ourselves and to initiate new members into the Church. The Israelites laid on hands to bless people or to anoint. That action is an integral part of many of our sacraments. With this chapter, the young people will come to appreciate the richness of our religious tradition and how our ritual signs and symbols connect us to the People of God in the Old Testament.
		David's Sin and the Story of the Fall Prior to presenting each chapter, refer to the TAKE HOME FAMILY TIME pages in your child's book, or print out these pages from TAKE HOME FAMILY TIME. Learning Focus This chapter will help the children • learn the stories of David and of Adam and Eve. • recognize that we, like David, can be forgiven for our sins. • understand the ways that God helps us make good moral decisions. Background God made us free to make our own decisions regarding right and wrong. Free will is a gift, but it is also an awesome responsibility. Sometimes our decisions have far-reaching consequences–for us and for others. This chapter deals with the consequences of sinful choices. The story of Adam and Eve helps explain why humans do not always choose what is best. The story of King David helps explain how sins affect the community. A Reason for Hope No matter what mistakes we make, there is always hope. God's love is always with us, even when we sin; God is always willing to forgive us and welcome us back. When we repent, God frees us from our sins and gives us grace so we can truly be free. God also guides us through our conscience, the teachings of the Church, the Scriptures, the Holy Spirit, and the advice of others.
		Psalms of Praise and Works of Wonder Prior to presenting each chapter, refer to the TAKE HOME FAMILY TIME pages in your child's book, or print out these pages from TAKE HOME FAMILY TIME. Learning Focus This chapter will help the children • learn about the Book of Psalms. • identify the responsorial psalm as part of the liturgy. • recognize the value of praying the psalms. Background Music has always been an important part of human communication. Music adds meaning and emotion to our words. Melodies help our words convey sadness, loneliness, and hurt, as well as joy, consolation, and hope. Saint Augustine once said, "People who sing pray twice." Music says what is in our souls, beyond what spoken words can express. The Book of Psalms is both a source of music and a source of prayer. Psalms are an important part of the Church's liturgy, with a rich Old Testament history. They are found in the Mass, the sacraments, and the Divine Office. Praise, Thanksgiving, and Sorrow Through psalms, both sung and spoken, we praise God's goodness and bless God's name. We express our adoration as creatures before our amazing creator. We thank God for protecting us from evil, for helping us make good choices, and for always being faithful to us. Through psalms we also admit our failings and express sorrow for our sins. We also ask for aid when troubles beset us. No matter what we want to say to God, there is always a psalm to help us say it.