Moving to a New Home
Moving is a part of life, whether it's into a new apartment, condo, or house; whether it's to the city, suburbs, or country. Moving into a new home can be exciting for some kids, but for most us it usually takes a bit of time for that place to actually feel like home. If your move will involve leaving friends or schools, then your child will almost certainly be feeling a sense of grief and loss at this transition. It may feel bizarre to have a short worship service for a place, but being able to say goodbye may help with making the transition a little smoother.
Opening Prayer
Holy God, we know our lives are about to change a lot. Our new move will bring new people, new opportunities, and new places. But it also means that we are going to miss a lot of things as well. We'll miss our bedrooms. We'll miss the rooms we've played in. We'll miss the people who live here, both our neighbors and our friends. For all of these things that we're going to miss, we ask that you help us give thanks for them now. Having them in our lives was a gift and it's only right to say thank you for them now. Amen.
Scripture Passage
From the Book of Joshua, as the Hebrew people were about to enter a new land: "I hereby command you: Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9)
Discussion Questions as a Family
Closing Prayer
God of all our days, moving can be really difficult for us: we're really going to miss our old home, and we hope that our new home feels like home quickly. There are things that we're excited about as we make this move, but also things that make us sad. So we pray that you and your spirit would be with us in this new adventure. Help us to keep old friends and make new ones. Help us to enjoy all of the excitement of this new space. And, finally, remind us that no matter where we are, that you are with us always. Amen.
Opening Prayer
Holy God, we know our lives are about to change a lot. Our new move will bring new people, new opportunities, and new places. But it also means that we are going to miss a lot of things as well. We'll miss our bedrooms. We'll miss the rooms we've played in. We'll miss the people who live here, both our neighbors and our friends. For all of these things that we're going to miss, we ask that you help us give thanks for them now. Having them in our lives was a gift and it's only right to say thank you for them now. Amen.
Scripture Passage
From the Book of Joshua, as the Hebrew people were about to enter a new land: "I hereby command you: Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9)
Discussion Questions as a Family
- What are some of your favorite memories from this place? Anything that you'll miss?
- Is there anything you're looking forward to about our new home? Anything that you're nervous about?
- Even though we're saying goodbye to people, we can still stay friends - what are some ways that we can stay in touch with them and be a part of each other's lives?
Closing Prayer
God of all our days, moving can be really difficult for us: we're really going to miss our old home, and we hope that our new home feels like home quickly. There are things that we're excited about as we make this move, but also things that make us sad. So we pray that you and your spirit would be with us in this new adventure. Help us to keep old friends and make new ones. Help us to enjoy all of the excitement of this new space. And, finally, remind us that no matter where we are, that you are with us always. Amen.