WELCOME TO WEEK 1

This week we are learning about how God can make things grow. God helps us grow tall and He can also help us grow in our love for him. Let's look at ways plants grow and practice growing ourselves this week too!

Matthew 13:1-23; James 1:22

BIBLE STORY

Look at these pictures of seeds. See if you can identify the name of each seed. Each seed has different needs and is planted in order to grow. Think about what seeds need to grow (Soil, water, space, nutrients). What are some things you need to grow with Jesus?

Materials: attached pictures of seeds

Read or listen to the Bible verse for this week: Matthew 13:1-23

When Jesus spoke to the crowd, how did he teach them lessons? (Through parables)

In this parable, what does Jesus say the farmer is doing? (planting his seed in the field)

Describe the 4 places the seeds fell. (on the paths, on shallow rocks, among other plants or weeds, on good soil.)

Jesus explains the parable to the disciples. What did he say each soil represented?

What was different in how the seeds grew in the good soil compared to the other places it was planted? (the good soil gave the seeds what it needed to grow, nutrients from the soil, sun, and space. In the other places the seeds were choked out by other things).

BIBLE STORY ACTIVITY

In the parable Jesus used an ordinary task to teach the audience something new and spiritual about their relationship with God. He used the story of a farmer because the people he spoke to understood farming. Farming was all around them and some of them were farmers. The seeds in the story actually represented God’s Word and how we are to plant it in our hearts. The soil in the story represented our hearts and if they readily accepted God’s word initially, rejected it, or planted it deep within our hearts. Think of something that is relevant today to represent God’s word and our hearts. Retell the story by teaching the same lesson but using new examples . 

Activity

Play a game of Pictionary. Each member goes to a large whiteboard or drawing sheet of paper and draws a picture of a food item or use these cards. Divide other people into teams or everyone else guesses what is being drawn.

Materials: large sheet of drawing paper, markers, Pictionary guessing cards (optional)

Alternative:

Activity sheet of the 4 different types of soil. Cut and paste the soils Jesus described under the correct picture.

Materials: picture cards, scissors, glue

Create:

Create your own experiment, testing three different ways to grow a plant. Get three plastic cups label each cup with one of these titles: shallow, good soil, rocks.

Place potting soil in the cups labeled shallow and good soil. In the cup labeled shallow place the seed on the surface of the dirt not digging far down. In the cup labeled good soil, dig to the middle of the soil and place the seed in and cover with a good amount of soil. In the cup labeled rocks, fill the cup with rocks.

Next poor some soil into the cup to fill the gaps with soil. Drop your seed into the soil. Be sure to water your seeds and place them in the sun. You can record the changes in a notebook or just observe which seed grows and changes.

Materials: 3 plastic cups, marker, potting soil, 3 planting seeds, rocks

ARTS & CAFTS

CRAFT 1

Cut and paste the following flower together putting it in the correct place. Color and glue them onto a pot that you draw on the paper. 

Materials: printed cut and paste flower

CRAFT 2

Coloring Page

Materials: Printed coloring page

Craft 3

Coloring Page

Materials: printed coloring sheet

FOLLOW-UP

Play a simple game of Simon Says. Give several examples of things for the student to do things such as jump, do jumping jacks, pat head, etc., being sure to say, “Simon Says” before each action you want them to actually do. In this game of Simon Says you had to do whatever Simon told you to do. God also wants us to do what He asks of us, but He is not trying to trick us like the game of Simon Says. Instead, He says He will help us. He gives us His Word, the Bible, not only to read but to also DO. 

Read or listen to James 1:22

In God’s word, Jesus gives instructions on things that we are to do. Using a piece of construction paper or regular paper, draw a line down half the paper. Print the attached sheet and paste the things Jesus has said on one side of the paper and the other quotes on the other side.

Look at all of the things Jesus said and put a star by the one you may need to practice doing more this week.

Materials: sheet of construction paper, pencil/pen, printed sheet of things Jesus said

Practical Application at Home

God’s word is meant to be planted in our hearts so that we can produce good fruit. Reading God’s word is the first step to planting God’s word but we must also DO God’s word. Read the following scriptures and give examples of ways you can live out that verse this week.

Colossians 3:20………………….(Obey your parents)

Romans 12:14 …………………….(Bless those who persecute you)

1 Thessalonians 5:18 …………………(in everything give thanks)

Proverbs 16:24………………………Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul)

Psalm 82:3……………………(Defend the poor and fatherless, do justice to afflicted and needy)

Additional Resources

Outings to Reinforce Lesson

Participation in a food pantry or serving food

WELCOME TO WEEK 2

We are all a part of something that is great! In this big world, are we too small for God to see and care for? This week we will see how God can take something small and make it a part of something really big!

Matthew 13:31-32; Philippians 2:10-11

BIBLE STORY

The pictures on the attached form were taken up close and only show one part. Looking at just one part of the picture, try to determine the picture big picture. Was it easy or hard to figure out each picture from just looking at one small section? When you can see the large picture the smaller section makes more sense. We are also a part of a larger picture.

Materials: attached pictures

Let’s read the Bible story for the week Matthew 13:31-32

Jesus tells a parable about what type of seed? (Mustard)

Is a mustard seed big or small? (small)

What did Jesus say the Mustard seed was like? (The kingdom of Heaven)

What does a mustard seed grow into? (A very large Mustard Tree)

Why do you think Jesus told this story of a small seed? (To show that God can use something very small and turn it into something very big)



BIBLE STORY ACTIVITY

Showing kindness to others shows them God’s love. Jesus said we are to show love to our neighbors. Our neighbors are not only the people who live next door but the people God brings us into contact with. Young people you come into contact with like new classmates, someone who may not get picked to be on a team, a new kid at church or the new teammate are all neighbors God has placed in front of you to love.

Activity

Fill a cup with water and place several drops of dark food coloring, such as red or blue, in the cup until water is a deep color. Place a leaf with a stem in the cup. Observe what happens to the leaf over the next few days. Notice how the food coloring starts small and spreads. God’s kingdom is like this, it starts small but grows until it spreads all over.

Materials: see through plastic or glass cup, food coloring

Alternative:

Watch this video on a book a book about the Mustard Seed. Video about mustard seed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=97kkhUTvCGY Say The mustard seed started small and grew into a very large tree with large branches. God said the Kingdom of God is like the mustard seed in that it starts small, like you or me, but as we tell others about Jesus’ love it grows larger and greater just like the mustard tree!

Materials: video link

Create:

Create a sequence of a mustard seed’s growth. Make a small booklet or use a large sheet of construction paper to sequence a mustard seed’s growth. Draw a picture of the stages as a seed, seedling, small/large bush, and its growth through becoming a large tree. Make 4-5 stages.

Materials: large sheet of construction paper, crayons/markers

ARTS & CAFTS

CRAFT 1

Make a large Mustard tree using this template as a base. Use green felt to cut out large leaves for the tree. Use white or colorful felt to cut small birds to glue onto the branches of the tree. If you do not have felt use white paper and color it accordingly, or colored construction paper. See here for example.

Materials: Mustard seed template, green felt, white felt, white paper (Optional alternative)

CRAFT 2

Use the Mustard see template tree to color and add cut-out leaves to. On each leaf write the name of someone you can share Jesus with to grow the kingdom of God.

Materials: mustard tree template, cut-out leaves

Craft 3

Coloring page

Materials: Coloring page

FOLLOW-UP

Jesus used the parable of the mustard seed to show that something that is small is a part of something big. We are small but we are also a part of something big God’s people come from all over the world and even speak different languages. Together we make something great, a people of God.

Read Philippians 2:10-11

No matter what language you speak or where you live God calls us to be a part of His kingdom.

We are a small part of a larger community. Create a picture to show you are part of something big! Create the following cut-outs: a picture of yourself, an outline of your city, the outline of your state, the outline of your country, the outline of the world. Make each outline a little larger than the next. Take the outline of the world and glue your country on top, then glue your state, city, and yourself last.

Materials: picture or yourself (or drawing), outline of your city, outline of your state, outline of your country, outline of the world

Practical Application at Home

Have you ever felt like something you did was too small for God to care about or see?

Think about the lesson today. God chose to illustrate his story using a mustard seed and not an apple or peach pit. 

Is there anything too small for God to notice? He used the smallest seed as an example of something He can use for something great. 

Have you ever thought that something you did for your family, church or school was not important because it was small? 

Do you think God can use even the small things we do for something bigger? Our small acts, when added to other believers acts, can add to something big.

In each category think of something that you can do for others around you that may seem small but could be meaningful to them..

-neighbors -parents -siblings -classmates

Additional Resources

Outings to Reinforce Lesson

Participation in a food pantry or serving food

WELCOME TO WEEK 3

Have you ever lost something that is important to you? Have you ever been lost? This week we will see what God says about his children who may be lost. Spoiler Alert!! He will never stop loving you!

Luke 15:4-32; Psalm 23

BIBLE STORY

Play the game ‘hot and cold’. While child is not looking hide an object or stuffed animal. When they open their eyes they can search for the item as you tell them if they are hot, as they get closer to finding the object, or cold as they move farther from where the object is located. 

Was it easy or hard to find the object? Did you want to give up or did you believe you would be able to find it eventually. This week we are talking about something that is lost being found. Jesus told 3 parables that illustrated God’s love for us. Notice what is the same in all 3 stories.

Materials: stuffed animal or toy

Read or listen to Luke 15:4-32

How many sheep did the shepherd have? (100)

How many sheep were lost?  (1 sheep)

What did he do when he found his lost sheep? (he called his friends and neighbors to rejoice with him)

How many silver coins did the woman have? (10 silver coins)

How many did she lose? (1 silver coin)

Where did she search to find it? (all over the house)

What did she do when she found it? (calls her friends and neighbors to rejoice with her)

How many sons did the man have? (2 sons)

What did the younger son do? (took his share of the money and lived far from his father)

What did the father do when his son returned? (had a celebration and a feast)

In each story something was lost. In each story the person looked high and low until they found what they were looking for. God’s love wants to find us and He never stops searching for us! When we are found, God rejoices over his treasure that is no longer lost.

BIBLE STORY ACTIVITY

Activity

Print the attached sheet and cut into strips of paper. Fill a container, large cup or bowl, with rice, or beans and place the strips of paper into the bowl and mix them in. Child will feel around the bowl until they find a strip of paper to pull out and read. Each slip describes something the prodigal did that hurt his relationships. After they read the paper they tell if God still loved him. The answer is, “YES.”

Materials: printed prodigal son sins, scissors, dry rice/beans, container/bowl

Alternative:

Create a large poster that says “God Never gives up on the lost”. Tape several large sheets of paper together or use a long banner sized paper. Decorate the banner by drawing pictures representing each parable that talks about the lost. To make a 3D banner use cotton balls to make the sheep. Decorate the cotton ball with a black marker for eyes and ears. Place coins of different sizes under the paper and shade over top to make a coin rubbing. Draw pigs and the pigpen or use cut-out pieces of construction paper to recreate the story of the parable. Be creative and use different mediums to create a unique banner.

Materials: large banner paper or large papers taped together, craft items (Cotton balls, yarn, construction paper etc), crayons, scissors, glue

Create:

Using popsicle sticks have child build their own pigpen or sheep pen. They will design and build their pen with the popsicle sticks and create a gate if possible. After they are finished discuss how Jesus loves us and wants what is best for us. He will always search for us and He will never stop loving us no matter how far we go from him or what we might do.

Materials: popsicle sticks or craft sticks, glue

ARTS & CAFTS

CRAFT 1

On a sheet of construction paper, lightly outline a circle in pencil. Have child dip their finger in paint and  stamp several times within the circle. While paint is drying, cut out 2 rectangle pieces, an oval and long oval ears on black construction paper. Glue pieces of black paper onto the finger-paints to make a sheep. See here for an example.

Materials: white washable paint, construction paper, black construction paper, art supplies: glue, pencil, scissors

CRAFT 2

Coloring Page

Materials: Coloring sheet printout, Crayons or Markers

FOLLOW-UP

Jesus told the parable of the lost sheep to show how he will always search for us. The parables he used reflected the people he was speaking with. They understood how valuable the silver coin was in order to eat and take care of their weekly needs. They also understood the job of a shepherd to his sheep. They knew that sheep are helpless without someone to guide them. They also understood how heartbroken the father may have been for his son to take his money and then leave home. King David was also a shepherd and he wrote about God being His shepherd. 

Read Psalm 23. 

The Bible describes Jesus as the Good Shepherd. He takes care of his sheep. We may not fully understand the role of a shepherd but we can understand Jesus to be another characteristic. For example, he is our father, a friend, a comforter, a redeemer, a savior, and a brother. Choose one of those descriptions of Jesus to create a new poem like Psalm 23. Fill in the missing blanks based on the description you chose. Read your new poem to someone. 

Materials: printed Psalm 23 fill in the blank poem

Practical Application at Home

It’s easy to see God’s love in the big things that happen in our life, This week look for ways God shows you He loves you every day. Fill in this chart each day by drawing a picture or writing how you saw God’s love for you that day. For example when we do something wrong and we are forgiven by our parents we feel God’s love through our parents. We we ask God’s forgiveness and we feel peace or calmness, we are feeling God’s love through his forgiveness. When a sibling or friend shows kindness or offers help when we are feeling sad, that’s God’s love! Look for other ways this week of God’s love to you!

Materials: finding God’s love chart

Additional Resources

Outings to Reinforce Lesson

Participation in a food pantry or serving food

WELCOME TO WEEK 4

Would you ever bury your most treasured possession? That seems silly, but this week we will look at the treasures God has given us and how we can use them and not bury them. We will see how God can use us to do great things!

Matthew 25:14-40 ; Ephesians 2:10

BIBLE STORY

Wrap a few items with wrapping paper that can be used to serve others (plastic cup, individually wrapped snack, marker, baseball, etc.) After gift has been opened discuss how each item can be used to serve others. These items may not seem like treasures, but when used to serve others they are actually very special. We all have talents or special skills God has given us that may seem ordinary but when used for God they are treasures! The parable Jesus shared describes three workers who were given the same responsibility but let’s see if they all used their “talents” the same way.

Read or listen to the scripture Matthew 25:14-40

What did the first two workers do with the money from their master? (They invested the money and made twice as much money as what they were given)

What did the last worker do with the money? (He buried the money)

Why was burying the money wrong? (He didn’t work or do anything with the money)

How did the master feel about each of the workers? (He was happy with the first 2 workers but upset with the last worker)

What do you think you would have done with the money if you were the worker?

What words would you use to describe the third worker?

Materials: wrapping paper, several items to wrap (plastic cup, individually wrapped snack, marker, baseball, etc)

BIBLE STORY ACTIVITY

Activity

Make a side silhouette. Using a partner, shine a light on the side of your face to make a shadow appear on the nearby wall. Place a sheet of paper on the shadow and have your partner trace your silhouette onto the paper. Shade in your silhouette with dark crayon or color pencil. Help your partner do the same. The silhouettes are different just like your talents and personalities are different. On a separate sheet of paper write about the talents God has blessed you with, how you can use them, and in what ways will it bless other people.

Materials: paper, pencil, black crayon/colored pencil, flashlight or other source of light

Alternate

Cut out the attached strips of paper that have possible talents written on each one, or come up with your own talents. Fold the strips of paper and put them all in the bowl. Each person takes a turn pulling a talent out of the bowl and reading them and doing the action that they read. They can determine if the item they choose is one of their talents after they try the activity.

Materials: Printed talent strips

Create:

Create a name silhouette. On a sheet of construction paper, fold it in half lengthwise and draw a light pencil line 1 inch above the fold. Write your name large on half with the pencil line. While keeping the paper folded half, cut around the outline of your name, do not cut on the fold. Open the name silhouette and on the blank side draw a picture of a unique way God is calling to serve others at home, your church or in your community.

Materials: construction paper, pencil, scissors, coloring pencils/crayons

ARTS & CAFTS

CRAFT 1

Complete the attached Coin Pouch by cutting out the coins that describe your talents and glueing them onto the pouch. Use the blank coins to add talents that are not written on the coins. Color the pouch. Discuss how you could use those talents to help others.

Materials: printed coin pouch craft, pencil, scissors, glue

CRAFT 2

coloring page

Materials: Crayons or coloring utensil, Printer, Scissors, Glue a piece of paper

FOLLOW-UP

Using a large construction paper and magazines make a collage of the things you believe God has gifted you. Place pictures of things that represent your gifts on the large paper.

God has given each one of us gifts to be used for Him. He has created us to do great things.  Read or listen to Ephesians 2:10. This verse says that we are God’s handiwork. Another word used in a different translation is Masterpiece. He did not make us by accident nor did he throw us together. He created us with a purpose, with precision, and with beauty. He created us to do good works. We each have a talent that we can use for him. Have you ever wondered if you were good at anything? Or ever not liked something about yourself? The good news is God made you exactly the way He wanted you to be. The talents He gave you are for you to use and share!

Materials: large construction paper, magazines for cutting, scissors

Practical Application at Home

Think about what you want to be when you grow up? Does that job include your talents from God? How can you use it to help others know God? We can share God’s love through big and small acts. If you have the talent of friendliness, you can greet people who are new to your class and make them feel welcome. That may seem like a small thing but to the person who is anxious about being new it can bring comfort and relief. If you have the talent of being a leader, you can help lead people to do the right thing when they may be tempted to do wrong. Having the talent of leadership is a big responsibility and can help guide others toward God. If you have the talent of cheerfulness, you have the ability to make someone feel better when they may be feeling down or discouraged. 

Materials: printed talents chart

Additional Resources

Outings to Reinforce Lesson

Participation in a food pantry or serving food

WELCOME TO WEEK 5

This week we are learning that Jesus loves us so much that he forgives us when we do wrong. This week we will see how much we are forgiven and can grow in our love for God.

Luke 7:40-50; Romans 3:23; Hebrews 10:17

BIBLE STORY

Show your child several bills like water or electricity. When we use electricity or water we owe the company money for their service. Until we pay the bill we are in debt for that service. What if one month they told us we did not need to pay but they forgave us that debt? If it was a small amount we would be grateful. What if the amount was really big and would have taken us months to pay but they forgave us the debt. How would we feel? We would be extremely happy. Today we will read a parable that Jesus told about two people whose debts were forgiven. 

Read or listen to Luke 7:40-50

How much money did the first debtor owe? (500 denarii)

How much money did the second debtor owe? (50 denarii)

Who was forgiven their debt? (both men)

Who would love the moneylender more?( the debtor who was forgiven more)

What was Jesus teaching Simon? (That when you have been forgiven a lot you will love more, and when you have been forgiven little you love little)

Materials: several utility bills

BIBLE STORY ACTIVITY

Activity

How easy is it for you to forgive? Read the following scenario cards and tell if it would be easy or hard to forgive. What would you do to show them they are forgiven?

Materials: Scenario cards

Alternate

Watch this video about forgiveness.

Materials: video

Create:

Use a small white canvas and masking tape, write the words “I am forgiven” anywhere on the canvas. Alternative: use a white paper and a white crayon coloring thick letters. Paint the rest of the canvas, or white sheet of paper, any way you like with any color. Once paint has dried remove the masking tape.

Materials: Small white canvas, Paint, Masking tape Alternate Option: white crayon, white paper

ARTS & CAFTS

CRAFT 1

Create a colorful perfume bottle. Cut out the perfume bottle and glue on colorful tissue paper. See this example.

Materials: Construction printed perfume bottle, colorful tissue paper pencil, scissors, glue

CRAFT 2

coloring page

Materials: Crayons or coloring utensil, Printer, Scissors, Glue a piece of paper

FOLLOW-UP

Like the sinful woman, we have much to be thankful for as well. Whether we choose to see our sins as big or small, they are all sins in God’s eyes. He has forgiven us and paid the price for our sins. The sinful woman walked into a room full of important people and knelt before Jesus to wash his feet with expensive perfume. 

How can we show God that we love him because He first loves us? 

What acts can we show to Him that we are not embarrassed at how big our love is for him because His love for us is greater?

How can I show that forgiveness to others around me?

Practical Application at Home

Read Romans 3:23. It is sad to think that we have all sinned and fallen short of what God wants for us, but God has provided a way for forgiveness. He has sent his son to die for our sins so that we can be forgiven. Even more than forgiving us, God says in Hebrews 10:17 that he will remember our sins and lawless acts no more. Isn’t that good news? No matter what I’ve done, God will forgive me and then not even remember them later! No matter how good we are, we have all sinned and need forgiveness. Take a few minutes to think of some sins you need forgiven. Maybe you have not been kind to your siblings or friends, maybe you have told lies to your parents to keep from getting in trouble, maybe you stole something from a friend or store, maybe you have been disrespectful to your parents, or maybe you have cheated at school or in a game. Ask God to forgive you of your sins.

On a small chalkboard or on the sidewalk outside write down the things you need forgiven. God says he will forgive you and he also says he will remember them no more. Using water or a water hose, wash the chalkboard or sidewalk. Not only has God forgiven you, but He he will not remember the things you did any longer.

Materials: Sidewalk chalk, Chalkboard (optional)

Additional Resources

Outings to Reinforce Lesson

Participation in a food pantry or serving food

WELCOME TO WEEK 1

This week we are learning about how God can make things grow. God helps us grow tall and He can also help us grow in our love for him. Let's look at ways plants grow and practice growing this week too!

BIBLE STORY

Let’s pretend we are flowers. When flowers first start out they are a seed, so curl up into a ball and get really low to the ground. Then the stem begins to grow up (tell children to stand up a little). The stem continues to grow tall and grow leaves (children move up more and extend arms like a leaves). The plant is then nice and tall and sometimes begins to flower (have children stand up straight and tall). 

God made plants to grow but they need several things to grow, such as sun, water, and soil. God also wants us to grow in our love for him. What things do we need so we grow in our love for God?

Let’s read or listen to the Bible story for this week. Matthew 13:1-23

When Jesus spoke to the crowd, how did he teach them lessons? (Through parables)

In this parable, what does Jesus say the farmer is doing? (planting his seed in the field)

Describe the 4 places the seeds fell. (on the paths, on shallow rocks, among other plants or weeds, on good soil.)

Which was the best place for the seeds to fall? (in the good soil)

What was different with how the seeds grew in the good soil and the other places it was planted? (The good soil gave the seeds what it needed to grow, nutrients from the soil, sun, and space. In the other places the seeds were choked out by other things).

There are things that keep us from growing just like the seeds couldn’t fully grow in the rocks, thorns, or on the path. We too want to have fertile soil, willing hearts, to grow in our love for God. 



BIBLE STORY ACTIVITY

Do this Fingerplay:

This is my garden (Extend palm of hand facing up)

I’ll rake it with care, (Rake palm with 3 fingers of the other hand)

Here are some flower seeds, (Plant pretend seeds on palm)

I’ll plant there.

The sun will shine, (Make a circle with other hand)

And the rain will fall, (Fingers flutter down)

and my garden will blossom, 

and grow straight and tall (Cup hands together and raise fingers upward and spread them out as they grow)

In the parable Jesus told of the farmer and the seeds, Jesus used something that they understood, like farming to teach them something new. The seeds in the story were like God’s word. The soil in the story was our hearts. Jesus was describing the way some people’s hearts accepted God’s word and some people didn’t. 

Activity

Using a clear plastic cup (or another plastic container) plant a seed in planting soil. With your child show them how to place soil in the cup and place the seed deep into the dirt. Water the cup and set it in the sun. Throughout the week check back on the seed and watch for any signs of growth below or above the soil.

Materials: car plastic cup or container, planting seed, planting soil

Alternative:

If you have the following seeds available show them to your child. (sunflower, pumpkin, bell pepper, cucumber, peach, apple, orange, squash/gourd) Discuss where seeds come from and take them out of the fruit or vegetable together if you have them on hand. As you explore the seeds discuss its color, shape, size, how many are in the fruit or vegetable and how to use seeds to make more of its kind. Once you are finished use these picture cards to match the seeds to its fruit.

Materials: variety of seeds (sunflower, pumpkin, bell pepper, cucumber, peach, apple, orange, avocado), printed seed matching picture cards

Create:

Activity sheet review matching of soils

Materials: printed parable soils activity sheet

ARTS & CAFTS

CRAFT 1

Cut and paste the following flower together putting it in the correct place. Color and glue them onto a pot that you draw on the paper.

Materials: printed cut and paste flower

CRAFT 2

Coloring Page

Materials: Printed coloring page

CRAFT 3

Materials: printed coloring page

Practical Application at Home

Seeds that are planted in good soil have deep roots and also grow to produce fruits. When we have good heart soil, God’s word is planted in our hearts, it grows and we produce good fruits. Think of some ways we can produce good fruit.

Reading God’s word is the first step to planting God’s word but we must also DO God’s word. Here are a few things you can do at home this week to show that God’s word is living in you.

Obey your mother and father

Be a blessing to others around you

Be thankful for the things you are given

Use kind language

Share with someone in need

Additional Resources

Outings to Reinforce Lesson

Participation in a food pantry or serving food

WELCOME TO WEEK 2

This week we are learning that God can take something small, like a mustard seed, and make it into something great, like a Mustard tree! We may be small but we are a part of God’s great Kingdom!

BIBLE STORY

Get a small glass of water and food coloring to complete this demonstration. This glass of water is clear but I have food coloring to change the color of this water to____ (say whatever color you have). Add just a few drops of the food coloring and give it time to settle through the water. Notice how I only used a few drops of food coloring and yet it changed the entire glass of water to this color. Today we will read a parable that Jesus shared on how something small can make a big impact.

Materials: glass of water, food coloring

Read or listen to the Bible story for the week Matthew 13:31-32

Jesus is telling a parable about what type of seed? (Mustard)

Is a mustard seed big or small? (Small)

What did Jesus say the Mustard seed was like? (The kingdom of Heaven)

What does a mustard seed grow into? (A very large Mustard Tree)

Why do you think Jesus told this story of a small seed? (To show that God can use something very small and turn it into something very big)

BIBLE STORY ACTIVITY

God can use something small and turn it into something large for his kingdom. We sometimes think that we are too small to do anything big for God or His kingdom, but Jesus’ parable shows we can start with something small and He can turn it to something great! When we share God’s love with others and they love him too, God’s kingdom becomes greater as more and more people are added. Choose to complete one or more of the following activities.

Activity

1. Using Large plastic Lego blocks and a dry erase marker, or removable labels, have your child place one block on the floor that has their name on it. Have them describe if this “tower” is large or small right now. Take another block and write someone else’s name on the block that your child suggest of someone they love and want to see in Heaven. Add that block to the tower. Continue to do this until your tower is a reasonable height. Say, Our tower started as just one block which didn’t seem like a great tower, but what started small grew into a large tower because of the people you named. God’s Kingdom is like that, it grows bigger because we tell others about Jesus and they love him too!

Materials: large plastic lego blocks, dry erase marker (or removable labels)

Alternative:

Watch this video on a book about the Mustard Seed: Mustard Seed Video

Say, The mustard seed started small and grew into a very large tree with large branches. God said the Kingdom of God is like the mustard seed in that it starts small, like you or me, but as we tell others about Jesus’ love it grows larger and greater just like the mustard tree!

Materials: mustard seed video

CREATE:

Using green play dough have children make small and large trees. They can explore using play dough and manipulating it to form a large trunk, branches and leaves. Discuss parts of a tree as the child tries to make them.

Materials: green play dough

ARTS & CAFTS

CRAFT 1

Make a large Oak Tree using this template as a base. Use green felt to cut out large leaves for the tree. Use white or colorful felt to cut small birds to glue onto the branches of the tree. If you do not have felt use white paper and color it accordingly, or colored construction paper. See here for example.

Materials: oak tree template, green felt, white felt Alternative: white paper

CRAFT 2

Use the Mustard Seed template tree to color and add cut-out leaves to. On each leaf write the name of someone you can share Jesus with to grow the kingdom of God.

Materials: coloring page printout, crayons

CRaft 3

Coloring page.

Materials: Printed coloring page, Crayons

FOLLOW-UP

Look at a plant from inside your house or one growing outside. Observe the plant with your child and discuss. Here are a few questions you could ask.

Name parts of this plant.

What are some parts of the plant you can not see?

What type of soil do you need to produce a good plant?

How tall is this plant?

What are some small things you have to do for this plant everyday for it to continue to grow? (make sure it has enough water, sunlight, food, and space)

How is this plant growing like you are growing each day? (Each day it grows a little even though you may not be able to see it)

How is this plant like the Kingdom of God? (it started out small as a seed and has grown much greater, just like God’s Kingdom grows with each person I share God’s love.)

Practical Application at Home

Look at this picture of a mustard seed and mustard tree. Let’s think of some things that we consider small tasks that can have a great reward.

Carrying a neighbors trash cans up their driveway……….. shows your neighbor you love them

Eating lunch with a new kid in class……………… shows someone they are accepted.

Obeying your parents and teachers………….Shows them you follow God’s commands

Helping a younger sibling with a small task…………………..show them kindness

Think of a few more things you can do that have a big impact on the people around you.

Additional Resources

Outings to Reinforce Lesson

Participation in a food pantry or serving food

WELCOME TO WEEK 3

Have you ever lost a toy? Have you ever been lost? This week we will see what God says about his children who may be lost. He will never stop loving you!

BIBLE STORY

When your child is not looking, hide several stuffed animals around the room. We have lost our animals! They are very dear to us! We must look for them. Let’s see how many animals you can find. Let’s go search for them. Once all the animals are found, count them and say “Rejoice with me! I have found my animals!”

Today our story is actually three stories that Jesus told. There is something that is the same in all three stories, see if you can figure it out.

Materials: Stuffed animals

Read or listen to the scripture Luke 15:4-32

How many sheep did the shepherd have? (100)

How many sheep were lost?  (1 sheep)

What did he do when he found his lost sheep? (he called his friends and neighbors to rejoice with him)

How many silver coins did the woman have? (10 silver coins)

How many did she lose? (1 silver coin)

Where did she search to find it? (all over the house)

What did she do when she found it? (calls her friends and neighbors to rejoice with her)

How many sons did the man have? (2 sons)

What did the younger son do? (took his share of the money and lived far from his father)

What did the father do when his son returned? (had a celebration and a feast)

BIBLE STORY ACTIVITY

Jesus used these three parables to describe how his love is not like our love and he will always love us. He will always search for us and wants us to be found. When we are found he will rejoice and be glad. We are that important to God! He cares about each one of us no matter what we have done, how small we are or how far away we go. God will never stop loving you!

Do one or more of the following activities.

Activity:

Pretend to be a shepherd. Blow up several balloons and use a ‘shepherds rod’ made from a stick, small pole, or broom stick. Place balloons around the room and have child herd them into a designated area. Count the balloons collected and tell them they are missing one. Have one balloon hidden away and have them look for it. 

Materials: several inflated balloons, a “shepherd’s rod” (Stick or dowel)

Alternative:

Create a large poster that says “God NEVER gives up on the lost”. Tape several large sheets of paper together or use a long banner sized paper. Decorate the banner by drawing pictures representing each parable that talks about the lost. To make a 3D banner use cotton balls to make the sheep. Decorate the cotton ball with a black marker for eyes and ears. Place coins of different sizes under the paper and shade over top to make a coin rubbing. Draw pigs and the pigpen or use cut-out pieces of construction paper to recreate the story of the parable. Be creative and use different mediums to create a unique banner.

Materials: large banner paper (or large papers taped together), craft items (cotton balls, yarn, construction paper, etc), crayons, scissors, glue

Create:

Build a pigpen using large bricks, blocks or legos. Using small toy people, stuffed animals, and toy plastic animals you own, recreate the scene of the prodigal son working with the animals and then returning home. Have your child retell the story as they play.

Materials: large bricks/blocks/legos, small toy/stuffed animal, small toy people

ARTS & CAFTS

CRAFT 1

Make a fingerprint Sheep. On a sheet of construction paper lightly outline a circle in pencil. Have child dip their finger in paint and  stamp several times within the circle. While paint is drying, cut out two rectangle pieces, an oval, and long oval ears on black construction paper. Glue pieces of black paper onto the finger-paints to make a sheep. See here for an example.

Materials: white washable paint, construction paper, black construction paper, art supplies: glue, pencil, scissors

CRAFT 2

Coloring Page

Materials: Coloring sheet printout, Crayons or Markers

FOLLOW-UP

Are you lost right now? No, we are together! Can someone be lost from God? Sometimes when we are not kind to others, or say unkind words, or don’t obey our parents, we are living outside of the way God wants us to live. We are lost from the direction God wants us to go. When we behave in a way other than how God asks us to behave, God does not stop loving us. He continues to love us and search for us. When we return to God he rejoices and celebrates! He will never stop loving us no matter what we do or how far we go! That is Amazing news!

What are some ways we can search for God?

How can we follow God’s directions?

How can we treat others to show we love God?

Practical Application at Home

It’s easy to see God’s love in the big things that happen in our life. This week look for ways God shows you He loves you every day. Fill in this chart each day by drawing a picture or writing how you saw God’s love for you that day. For example, when we do something wrong and we are forgiven by our parents, we feel God’s love through our parents’ forgiveness. When we ask God’s forgiveness and we feel peace or calmness, we are feeling God’s love through his forgiveness. When a sibling or friend shows kindness or offers help when we are feeling sad, that’s God’s love! Look for other ways this week of God’s love toward you!

Additional Resources

Outings to Reinforce Lesson

Participation in a food pantry or serving food

WELCOME TO WEEK 4

What are you good at? This week we are looking at how God has given us talents that we can then use to do Great Things! Let’s find out how we can use our talents and not waste them.

BIBLE STORY

Find a treasured toy or stuffed animal your child likes, or a treasure they know you like. Say, I really like this treasure! Its so important to me, but I like it so much I think I am going to hide and bury it so no one will find it! Go and bury or pretend to bury your treasure in the backyard or in the back of a cabinet. Say, Do you think this is a good idea? Do you think my treasure will be safe here? No one will be able to get to it, but neither will I. Do you still think this is the best use of my treasure? Today we are reading a parable Jesus told about what we should do with the treasures he blesses us with.

Materials: stuffed toy or personal item you like

Read or listen to the scripture Matthew 25:14-40

What did the first two workers do with the money from their master? (They invested the money and made twice as much money as what they were given)

What did the last worker do with the money? (He buried the money)

Why was burying the money wrong? (He didn’t work or do anything with the money)

How did the master feel about each of the workers? (He was happy with the first two workers but upset with the last worker)

Have you ever buried something that was important to you? 

Materials: Computer to play video, Bible or online bible

BIBLE STORY ACTIVITY

Activity

Talent show. Each person in the room should think of a talent they have, big or small. Give each person time to then share a special talent they have with the group. If you are not sure what your talent is, try a few things to find out what your talent might be.

Materials: your talents

Alternative:

Hide coins around the room or outdoor play area. Give child a bucket or small basket to collect the lost coins. After all the hidden coins are collected say,  It’s fun to look for hidden money, but Jesus told the story to show we are not to hide the talents He gives us. He has made each one of us unique so we should use those talents to serve a friend or others who may need help.

Materials: Coins (real or pretend), small toy bucket or basket

Create:

Leave a variety of crafting items in a large container or organized on a table for child to work. Task them with creating something unique from their own imagination. There is no wrong craft or project. Their craft should look unique, just like them. God created you to make and do great things. Each one of us is different so our project will be as well.

Materials: variety of crafting items: paper, scissors, glue, construction paper different sizes, glitter, crayons, stickers, etc

ARTS & CAFTS

CRAFT 1

Complete the attached Coin Pouch by cutting out the coins that describe your talents and glueing them onto the pouch. Use the blank coins to add talents that are not written on the coins. Color the pouch. Discuss how you could use those talents to help others.

Materials: printed coin pouch craft

CRAFT 2

Coloring page.

FOLLOW-UP

Do you like finding treasures?

Treasures are not fun if they stay hidden.

What does God want us to do with the talents he has given us?

How can you use your talents to help others?

What does God call us?

Deuteronomy 7:6 God calls us his treasure, we are special to him. He also gives us special talents to use to help others. He thinks we are special and wants us to show others they are special too!

This week find 3 ways to use your talents to help your friends at school, church, and your family at home. When you use the talents God has given you, you are not hiding them but using them for the people around you!

Practical Application at Home

Cut out the attached strips of paper that have possible talents written on each one or come up with your own talents. Fold the strips of paper and put them all in the bowl. Each person takes a turn pulling a talent out of the bowl and reading them and doing the action that they read. They can determine if that is their talent of not after they tried to complete the talent.

Materials: printed talent strips, bowl

Additional Resources

Outings to Reinforce Lesson

Participation in a food pantry or serving food

WELCOME TO WEEK 5

This week we are learning that Jesus loves us so much that he forgives us when we do wrong. This week we will see how much we are forgiven and can grow in our love for God.

BIBLE STORY

Hide paper money around the room for the kids to find. Have them bring their money and place them into two or more piles making one pile larger than the others. Give one pile to each child. Tell them you will let them borrow this money. Show the happy face you would have if you received the small pile of money. Now, show the happy face you would have if you had the big pile of money? Today we will listen to a parable Jesus shared about giving money and not asking for it back. When we have been given a lot we are even more happy than if we are given a little. God’s love is like this. The more He has forgiven us the more love we want to show Him and others.  

Materials: paper money (real or play money)

Read or listen to the scripture Luke 7:40-50

How much money did the first debtor owe? (500 denarii)

How much money did the second debtor owe? (50 denarii)

Who was forgiven their debt? (Both men)

Who would love the moneylender more? (The debtor who was forgiven more)

What was Jesus teaching Simon? (That when you have been forgiven a lot you will love more, and when you have been forgiven little you love little)

Materials: Computer to play video, Bible or online Bible

BIBLE STORY ACTIVITY

Activity

Set up a play store or shopping area. Use play money and toy items such as food, stuffed animals and toys as part of the store. As you play store with your child talk about how items cost money and you have to pay for them. Discuss how the man who owed a lot of money didn’t have to pay it back just like the man who owed a little. They were happy they didn’t have to pay it back. God forgives us too!

Materials: play/toy items to create a shopping or play store (play money, food, animals, other toys)

Alternative:

Make playdough. Use this recipe to make homemade play dough. Add essential oils like lavender, lemon, or orange to give it a good scent. While playing with play dough discuss how the perfume used on Jesus’ feet smelled wonderful and was expensive. The sinful woman wanted to show Jesus how much she loved him and treasured him no matter the cost.

Materials: ingredients to make play dough (flour, salt, cream of tartar, vegetable oil, water), Food coloring (optional), essential oils or other good smelling oils 

Create:

Make a celebration greeting card that says “I am Forgiven” decorate the card with confetti and other forms celebration decorations. Talk about how Jesus has forgiven us and that is something to celebrate. Let this card be a reminder that we are forgiven when we do wrong things. God forgives us for the big and little things that we do, and that’s something to celebrate!

Materials: Construction paper, Coloring markers/crayons

ARTS & CAFTS

CRAFT 1

Create a colorful perfume bottle. Cut out perfume bottle and glue on colorful tissue paper. See this example.

Materials: printed perfume bottle, colored tissue paper

CRAFT 2

Coloring page.

FOLLOW-UP

Were both the debtors forgiven in the story?

Who had more love?

How should we treat others knowing that we are also forgiven for the big mistakes we’ve made?

What are some ways you can show forgiveness to others?

Practical Application at Home

Think of the following scenarios. How could you forgive someone for doing these things to you. What would you do or say to show them they are forgiven?

—Someone doesn’t share the ball at recess.

—A friend decides not to be your friend at school.

—Your friend throws the ball and hits you in the face on accident.

—A new kid at school calls you a mean name.

—Your friend lies about eating your candy.

—A classmate steals your pencil from your desk.

Additional Resources

Outings to Reinforce Lesson

Participation in a food pantry or serving food

WELCOME TO WEEK 1

Welcome to week 1! This week we will learn to trust God just as Jesus did. 

Matthew 26:36-46; Psalm 28:7 Isaiah 53:5

BIBLE STORY

We are going to play a game that will require you to trust me. Blindfold your child and tell them you will feed them several items. Tell them the items you will feed them right before you put it in their mouth (apple sauce, yogurt, crackers, etc). Ask Did you trust that I would feed you what I said I was going to feed you? Did you have to trust or have faith that I would never try to hurt or mislead you?  This week we are learning that Jesus trusted God, and God wants us to trust him too. 

Materials: Various food items on hand (i.e applesauce, yogurt, crackers ect), blindfold

Read or listen to the Bible verse for this week: Matthew 26:36-46

Where did Jesus take the disciples to pray? (The Garden of Gethsemane)

What did he ask the disciples to do while he prayed? (Pray for him)

What did the disciples do? (They fell asleep)

What did Jesus pray to God for? (For this cup of death to pass over him)

How do you know Jesus trusted God? (He said He would do God’s will not his own)

Although Jesus knew this difficult death was going to happen He also knew that God was in control. He knew God had a plan and Jesus trusted God’s plan to be what was best.

BIBLE STORY ACTIVITY

God is trustworthy. He is our provider and our creator. The plans he has for us are far better than the plans we can make for ourselves. When you are the creator of something you know how it works and what its purpose is better than anyone else, because you are the one who created it. Make up a game to play with your family. Explain the rules and instructions to your family. Then play the game together. Now think about how the game went. Did people have questions? Who had the answers? You did! You knew how you wanted the game to be played and how to win because you were it’s creator. God is our creator. Who else can know what’s best for us besides the One who designed us and knows our beginning and end. We can trust his plan.

Activity

Look up the following scriptures about trusting God. Match them with their verse. 

Materials: pencil, printed trust paper

Alternative:

Pretend you are one of the disciples that went to the Garden of Gethsemane with Jesus. Have another person pretend they are a reporter wanting to find out more about what happened in the night Jesus was arrested. Have the interviewer ask the disciple questions about that night. Have each character dress up and use props to reenact the scene. If more characters are needed for additional children pretend some children are other disciples, a soldier that arrested Jesus, or Judas. Give children time to prepare their skit, props and questions for the interview. Record the skit and allow children time to watch it.

Materials: Clothes to create costumes, pen/pencil, paper

Create:

Jesus was in the Garden of Gethsemane to pray. We often spend time in a garden or park to enjoy the nature God gives us. Design your own garden, whether its a garden for your backyard or a garden for a large park. Use graph paper if available to draw where you would place trees and flowers, park benches, walkways, walking trails etc. Use a key to show what each picture represents. Alternative option: use cut-out pictures of flowers and trees from magazines to create a picture garden. Here are a few links for examples: example 1, Example 2, Example 3

Materials: Graph paper (optional), pencil, straight edge, example pictures

ARTS & CAFTS

CRAFT 1

Draw or paint a picture of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane with his heart overflowing with sorrow. 

CRAFT 2

Coloring Page

Materials: Printed coloring page

FOLLOW-UP

Jesus went to pray at the Garden of Gethsemane. The Blue Letter Bible shows Gethsemane to mean “an oil press”. Watch this video on how they press olives to make olive oil. Here is an Additional video of making olive oil. Just as the olives are pressed to produce olive oil, Jesus felt pressed while he prayed at the Garden of Gethsemane. Read Isaiah 53:5, it says that Jesus was crushed for our iniquities. Although Jesus was feeling pressed, He trusted that God was going to make something beautiful from it. He prayed 3 times for God to take this from him but each time he said “Yet not as I will, but as you will”. 

What caused him to be able to go through such pain and suffering for us? He loved us and He trusted God. Psalm 28:7 says ‘the Lord is our strength and shield, my heart trusts in him and he helps me’. Jesus knew that God would be his strength and He trusted God’s plan. Can you trust God’s plan for your life? Can you let him be your strength and your shield? Will you allow him to protect and guide you even when the way seems hard or even impossible?

Practical Application at Home

Sometimes God asks us to do hard things and trust that He is in control and wants what is best for us. What are some hard things God might be asking of you? Designate 2 areas in your room one for being hard and one for being easy. Listen to each of these statements. If you think it is something easy God is asking of you, move to the designated area for “easy”. If you think it is something hard God is asking of you, move to the designated “hard” area. 

Sharing your toys with your siblings

Enjoy time with your family

Love your mom and dad

Tell the truth, always

Keep your room clean

Be nice to a kid others are mean to

Eat all your vegetables

Obey your mom and dad

Work hard in school

Obey your teachers

Read your bible

Pray 

Give your offering

Share your last _____ with someone

Additional Resources

Outings to Reinforce Lesson

Go to a park and spend time in worship and prayer. Ask God to show you ways to trust him and listen to his voice.

WELCOME TO WEEK 2

Welcome to week 2! Jesus loves each one of us so much. He was willing to suffer and die so that He can spend eternity with each one of us. No one loves us more! This week let’s remember Jesus died for our sins.

Matthew 28:1-10; John 3:16-17

BIBLE STORY

We are sometimes asked to make sacrifices for the good of our family or classmates. Play this quick “Would you rather” game of sacrifices.

Would you rather: give up watching your favorite TV show so grandma can watch her gameshow. OR Not play video games for a week while guests are in town?

Would you rather: Give your last favorite snack to your sibling OR sit in an old dirty dinning room chair?

Would you rather: Eat Peanut Butter sandwiches all week because your mom can’t get to the store OR Wear the same socks 3 days in a row because the washing machine is broken.

Would you rather: Skip a meal so you can share it with someone in need OR not get a new backpack this year so you can donate that money to someone in need?

Would you rather: Not get your favorite cereal at the store to save money OR Sleep in the same bed with your brother while visiting your cousins.

In John 1:29, John the Baptist saw Jesus walking towards him and said, “Look, the lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Jesus was the sacrificial lamb for our sins. Before he died, God’s people had to make sacrificial offerings for the forgiveness of their sins. When Jesus died and was resurrected, He changed everything! Jesus was not only the sacrificial lamb but he also conquered death! 

Let’s read the Bible story for the week Matthew 28:1-10

What happened when there was an earthquake? (The angel of the Lord came down from heaven)

What did the angel say to the women at the tomb? (Do not be afraid, Jesus is not here, he has risen)

What did the women do? (They ran filled with joy to tell the disciples)

Who did they meet? (Jesus)

What did Jesus tell the women? (To tell his brothers to meet him in Galilee)



BIBLE STORY ACTIVITY

Jesus was sacrificed for our sins and then rose from the dead so that we can have eternal life with him. He beat death! That is good news! Great news! We don’t have to fear death or the future because Jesus is the ruler of heaven and earth.

Activity

Listen to this story The Berenstain Bears Easter.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YP4rMIVHVhk

Alternative:

Jesus conquered death! He died for our sins and then beat death. Winning is great, but Jesus won the most important battle of all. Play this game of memory and see if you can “win”. Match the correct verse with its corresponding scripture. You can use a bible if you need a reference.

Materials: printed memory game, bible

Create:

Create your own word search using resurrection words. Share the puzzle with a family member for them to solve.

Materials: printed word search template

ARTS & CAFTS

CRAFT 1

 using play dough create the tomb and stone where Jesus was resurrected.

Materials: play dough

CRAFT 2

coloring sheet

Materials: printed coloring page

Craft 3

Coloring page

Materials: Coloring page

FOLLOW-UP

Read or listen to John 3:16-17. God loves us so much He sent Jesus to die in our place, so we can be saved. God wants to be in relationship with us! We have all made mistakes or sinned. 

On several small sheets of paper write down a few sins you’ve committed today, this week or this month. Think about the verse today. God did not send his son into the world to condemn it but to save it! God wants to save you from your sins. You are saved. God has delivered you! Now, tear those papers filled with your sins up and say “God has conquered death, I am delivered!”

Materials: sheet of paper, pencil, bible verse

Practical Application at Home

God wants to be in relationship with us. God sent Jesus to bridge the gap so that we can live in relationship with Him. What does that look like every day? What can we do to be in relationship with God. 

Think of 3 Characters in the Bible who walked with God. What Characteristics describe them or their walk with God? Use these verses as a little cheat-sheet if you get stuck.

Genesis 5:24

Genesis 6:9

Genesis 48:15

Name 3 people from the Bible that talked with God or had a close relationship with him. They didn’t have to be perfect. What characteristics would you use to describe their relationship with God?

People in the Bible who were in relationship with God or even walked with Him, have similar characteristics. They all —talked with God  —listened to God. —Heeded God’s words. —went where God sent them  -trusted God  -shared their faith with others and many more things. Trace your footprint on a sheet of paper and cut it out. On the footprint, write things you can do this week to “walk with God”. Place this list on the mirror in your room, bathroom or on your nightstand, to remember your plan for this week. 

We don’t have to search for God, He is right there, but we can call on Him and ask Him to draw near to us this week. God Loves us so much He sent His son to die for us, when we begin to understand how much God loves us, it makes us want to love Him more. “We Love because He first loved us” 1 John 4:19

Additional Resources

Outings to Reinforce Lesson

Go to a park and spend time in worship and prayer. Ask God to show you ways to trust him and listen to his voice.

WELCOME TO WEEK 3

Welome to week 3! Do you ever have questions or doubts? Maybe you question what you will have for dinner, or if your friends will still be your friends. Or maybe you doubt if Jesus will do the things He said he would do. This week we will read about how Jesus helps us with our doubts.

John 20:19-20, 24-29; 2 Corinthians 5:7; Hebrews 11:1

BIBLE STORY

Sometimes we need to see something for ourselves to believe and sometimes we need to believe even when we can’t see it. Listen to the following statements and decide if you think it is true or false. 

The sky is blue

There is wind on Earth

We breath oxygen

Grass grows

Living things need food

Gravity keeps grounded

Rainbows are made by reflecting light

Earth’s core (center) is hot

Some of the things listed you have experienced or seen for yourself so you know they are true. Some of the things listed you have not seen but need faith to believe that it is true. Today we will read a story about Thomas who didn’t believe right away that Jesus had risen.

Read or listen to John 20:19-20, 24-29 

Where were the disciples? (locked in a room)

How did Jesus get to the disciples? (He stood and appeared among them)

What did Jesus give the disciples? (the Holy Spirit)

Which disciple was not there? (Thomas)

What Thomas say he needed to believe Jesus was alive? (See the nail marks, put his finger where the nails were and put his hand into his side)

When Jesus came to see the disciples a week later, what did he tell Thomas? ( put your finger here, see my hands, touch my side. Stop doubting and believe.

Jesus helped Thomas believe. Jesus knew exactly what Thomas needed to believe. He loves us so much and wants us to believe. Jesus will meet each of us in a special way so that we can believe in him.

BIBLE STORY ACTIVITY

At first glance it may seem as though Thomas was weak because he doubted what his friends told him. Another way to see this story is that Thomas knew this life changing information was too important to pretend that he believed even though he really didn’t. Sometimes we go along with what others say so that we don’t look as though we don’t have faith or trust Jesus. Thomas was honest about his doubts. Even greater, Jesus met Thomas at his point of doubt and gave him what he needed to believe. Jesus helped Thomas believe. We don’t have to fear our doubts but instead continue to search and ask Jesus to help us overcome our doubts and find his truth.

Activity

Play this game of trivia. Read each card and decide if you believe it or doubt it.

Materials:trivia game printed or read

Alternative:

Complete this crossword puzzle

Materials: Printed crossword puzzle

Create:

Create an obstacle course in your space. Use chairs, blankets, small table, pool noodles or things you have on hand. Blindfold the person going through the course. The other person then gives oral directions to get them through the course. Did you make it through the course without tripping or falling over anything? Was it easy or hard to listen and have faith in the person directing you through the course? Did you trust they were leading you the right way? What senses did you have to use to get through the course?

Materials: Objects to create an obstacle course

ARTS & CAFTS

CRAFT 1

On a sheet of construction paper, lightly outline a circle in pencil. Have child dip their finger in paint and  stamp several times within the circle. While paint is drying, cut out 2 rectangle pieces, an oval and long oval ears on black construction paper. Glue pieces of black paper onto the finger-paints to make a sheep. See here for an example.

Materials: white washable paint, construction paper, black construction paper, art supplies: glue, pencil, scissors

CRAFT 2

Coloring Page

Materials: Coloring sheet printout, Crayons or Markers

FOLLOW-UP

Let’s have a taste test. I am going to blindfold you and tell you what I will feed you. Tell me if you believe that’s what I’m going to give you or if you doubt it. Then I am going to put the food in your mouth (or hand them the food item). After you taste it, tell me if what I said was true. (Provide a range of foods, even foods they wouldn’t think you would feed them, but is safe). Did you have faith that I was going to feed you what I said? Was it easy to eat the food without seeing it first?

Read 2 Corinthians 5:7  it says we live by faith not by sight. What does that mean? Should we believe everything we hear and take it blindly. Thomas did not blindly follow after the disciples but instead allowed his doubt to lead him to questions and find answers. When Jesus presented the answer to his question, he chose to believe it! When he believed, he then shared his faith and belief with many others. 

Hebrews 11:1 says “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for  and the assurance of what we do not see.”

Jesus assured Thomas He was alive so that Thomas could believe. Jesus helps us believe even today through his Word the bible, trusted people who share their faith, and God’s own creation can speak about God’s character.

Make a list of the people you know that you can ask questions and talk to, who will direct you to the Bible for the answers.

Materials: food for taste testing (things they wouldn’t expect), paper, pencil

Practical Application at Home

What questions do you have for God today? What things do you doubt or are unsure of. Questions are not a sign of weak faith but of a faith that is searching for God. Wanting to know more and believe for yourself shows you want to have a relationship with God. God is big enough to handle your questions, just keep talking to Him!

On the journal sheet, write the date on your entry and write a letter, or prayer, to God. Tell Him what you believe right now, and ask questions you may have. This week, as you read your bible, sing songs, listen to praise music, talk with your parents, teachers and church leaders, see if God reveals his answers to you. Continue to seek God and praise Him for the answers you receive. You can easily turn this page into a journal by printing more pages or using a blank notebook and glueing this to the first page as a starter. Journaling prayers is a great way of communicating with Jesus. It’s also a great way to look back and see how God has answered your prayers.

Materials: printed journal sheet, pencil

Additional Resources

Outings to Reinforce Lesson

Go to a park and spend time in worship and prayer. Ask God to show you ways to trust him and listen to his voice.

WELCOME TO WEEK 4

Have you ever lost something and been really sad about it? We all have lost something dear to us at some point. The disciples lost Jesus and they were sad, but they soon realized that Jesus was with them and would NEVER leave them. Jesus says the same thing to us to day. He is here, and will never leave us! 

Luke 24:13-35; Psalm 139:7-10

BIBLE STORY

Blow up two balloons and place a piece of transparent tape on one of them. Say, I have this balloon and a needle, if I poked a hole in the balloon with this needle what would happen? It would pop. The balloon is thin and has no protection against the sharp needle. Use the needle to pop the balloon. Now hold up the second balloon. Keeping a good grasp on the needle, firmly push the needle through the tape. Then smoothly remove the needle. Ask, why didn’t the ballon pop? This time I had a piece of tape there to protect it and help it stay strong. Jesus helps us. Jesus is alive and he promised to always be with us and help us. Today we will continue our story from last week. Jesus died on the cross but he rose again. The women found his tomb was empty and the angels told them he had risen and to the disciples. Jesus appeared to the disciples but he appeared to others as well. Listen or read the story and see how these men had a hard time seeing how they were talking to.

Read or listen to the scripture  Luke 24:13-35

What were the 2 men doing while walking down the road? (Talking about all the events that had just happened, Jesus’ death and resurrection)

Who started walking next to them? (Jesus)

Did they recognize Jesus and know it was him? (No, they were kept from recognizing him)

What did Jesus talk to them about? (he explained all the scriptures that spoke about his death and resurrection.)

When did the men recognize it was Jesus? (After Jesus prayed and blessed the food)

Materials: balloons, tape, needle

BIBLE STORY ACTIVITY

Activity

Make a hidden message. Take a white sheet of paper and use a white crayon to write a hidden message on your paper. On your first sheet write the message “Jesus is always with you” using the white crayon. Then use water colors to paint over the entire sheet of paper to reveal the message. Make other hidden messages to pass to your siblings or friends for them to read. 

Materials: White construction paper, white crayon, water colors, paintbrush

Alternate

Complete this word search

Materials: Printed word search

Create:

Make promise clouds. Cut the large white sheets of construction paper into large cloud shapes. On each cut out write  “I am with our always”. Staple the two cloud cut-outs together leaving a small opening to insert stuffing. Using cotton balls, pull them apart slightly and glue them to the outside of the cloud. Then take crumpled newspaper or tissue paper to stuff inside of the stapled cloud. Staple the rest of the cloud together and attach string or yarn to the top to hang from the ceiling or a door handle. 

Materials: 2 pieces of white construction paper, markers, glue, cotton balls, tissue or newspaper, stapler, yarn/string

ARTS & CAFTS

CRAFT 1

Follow this link to print and color the craft.

Materials: printed coloring sheet, crayons

CRAFT 2

coloring page

Materials: printed coloring sheet, crayons

FOLLOW-UP

Have you ever played hide or seek? I’m sure you have. What was your best hiding place? Did anyone find you there? Let’s play a hiding game. Have child leave the room while you find and object already in the room to hide. When they return have them look for the item. Was it easy or hard to find the object? Sometimes we lose things and can’t find them but God’s word says that he never loses us or can’t find us. Read Psalm 139:7-10. There is no place we can go that God is not here. That should bring us comfort. He is everywhere and is there to help and protect us no matter where we are. It says ‘Your right hand will hold me fast”. God’s hand is always near and knows no limits. God does not need to search all over for us, He is with us everywhere we go. He will never lose you.

Materials: an object to hide

Practical Application at Home

Think about some times when you’ve needed Jesus to be there with you. There are many things we can do to feel God with us and feel his comfort over us. Here are a list of things you could do, and tell a time when these things might be helpful.  The first one is done for you.

Sing a song about Jesus’ love …………… If you feel all alone in bed

Say a prayer……………..

Read a bible story ……………..

Say a prayer for someone else………………

Write a note of encouragement………………

Look at the nature God created……………………..

Call on Jesus’ name for help……………

Help someone else in need………………..

Quote a memory verse…………………..

Additional Resources

Outings to Reinforce Lesson

Go to a park and spend time in worship and prayer. Ask God to show you ways to trust him and listen to his voice.

WELCOME TO WEEK 1

Welcome to week 1! This week we will learn to trust God just as Jesus did.

BIBLE STORY

Take a large cup or glass and begin to fill it with water. Ask your child How full do you think we can make this cup? Allow them to help you continue to fill the cup to the brim and even to the point of overflowing. Use a dropper or a small spoon to slowly add the last few drops of water until the water overflows over the top some. Say What happened? (the cup overflowed). Why did the cup overflow? (It was full of water) In our story today Jesus has come to a difficult part of his life. He was sad because he knew what was about to happen and his heart was full of sadness, or overflowed with sorrow. 

Let’s read or listen to the Bible story for this week Matthew 26:36-46 

Where did Jesus take the disciples to pray? (The Garden of Gethsemane)

What did he ask the disciples to do while he prayed? (Pray for him)

What did the disciples do? (They fell asleep)

What did Jesus pray to God for? (For this cup of death to pass over him)

How do you know Jesus trusted God? (He said He would do God’s will not his own) 

Although Jesus knew this difficult death was going to happen He also knew that God was in control. He knew God had a plan and Jesus trusted God’s plan to be what was best.

Materials: Large cup or glass, Water, Water basin or pan to catch water, Spoon or dropper



BIBLE STORY ACTIVITY

I’m going to pass you this ball. Do you trust that I will throw the ball to you? Now, throw the ball to me! Do you trust me that I will catch it? When you trust someone you are having faith that they will do what they say. You believe that what they say is true. You also believe that they want what is good for you even if you can’t see it right away. In our story this week we see that Jesus trusted God’s plan even when it was hard. We can also trust God’s plan for us, even though we can’t see the end.

Activity

What did Jesus mean when he said Your will be done not mine? God’s will is what He knows is best for your life even if it doesn’t feel good right away. Our will is whatever we think is best for us. Look at the scenario cards and match the following cards of your will and God’s will. Decide who’s will is being done and sort them under the category.

Materials: Scenario cards God’s Will

Alternative:

Listen to this story about trust. ‘It will be OK’ by Lisa TerKeurst  

Materials: Listen to attached story book

Create:

Complete this activity sheet

Materials: printed activity sheet

ARTS & CAFTS

CRAFT 1

Draw or paint a picture of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane with his heart overflowing with sorrow.

Materials: Paint, crayons, other coloring utensils, paper,

CRAFT 2

Coloring page

Materials: Printed coloring page

FOLLOW-UP

Jesus trusted God even when it was hard and He can help us trust God too! God asks us to trust him but He also asks us to trust our parents who take care of us.

What are some things we can trust our parents for? (food, shelter, love)

How can we show others we are trustworthy? (telling the truth, being fair)

Is there a time to not trust someone? (yes, someone who could cause us harm)

Do you trust that God wants what is best for you?

How do you know you can trust God? (He is our creator and sent Jesus to die for us because He loves us so much and wants to be with us in heaven)

Practical Application at Home

Sometimes God asks us to do hard things and trust that He is in control and wants what is best for us. What are some hard things God might be asking of you? Designate 2 areas in your room one for being hard and one for being easy. Listen to each of these statements. If you think it is something easy God is asking of you, move to the designated area for “easy”. If you think it is something hard God is asking of you, move to the designated “hard” area. 

Sharing your toys with your siblings

Enjoy time with your family

Love your mom and dad

Tell the truth, always

Keep your room clean

Be nice to a kid others are mean to

Eat all your vegetables

Obey your mom and dad

Work hard in school

Obey your teachers

Read your bible

Pray 

Give your offering

Share your last _____ with someone

Additional Resources

Outings to Reinforce Lesson

Go to a park and spend time in worship and prayer. Ask God to show you ways to trust him and listen to his voice.

WELCOME TO WEEK 2

Welcome to week 2! Jesus loves each one of us so much. He was willing to suffer and die so that He can spend eternity with each one of us. No one loves us more! This week let’s remember Jesus died for our sins.

BIBLE STORY

Show me what your face would look like if you were afraid? What would your face look like if you had peace (were not afraid)? I’m going to say a few things, you show me if you would be afraid or at peace by make a scared or peaceful face. Ready?

• A thunderstorm.     -a day at the beach    -a puppy   -a tiger.    -the dark    -a deep pool    -a sleepover   -Cliff diving   -riding your bike   -listening to mom tell a story     -snakes   -spider on your arm

In the Bible story today two women are afraid of what they see but they are told not to be afraid but should be filled with joy. 

Materials: glass of water, food coloring

Read or listen to the Bible story for the week: Matthew 28:1-10

What happened when there was an earthquake? (The angel of the Lord came down from heaven)

What did the angel say to the women at the tomb? (Do not be afraid, Jesus is not here, he has risen)

What did the women do? (They ran filled with joy to tell the disciples)

Who did they meet? (Jesus)

What did Jesus tell the women? (To tell his brothers to meet him in Galilee)

Jesus had risen from the dead! That is Great news! The women did not need to be afraid but instead rejoiced over such great news. Jesus had won over death.

BIBLE STORY ACTIVITY

Jesus died and then rose from the dead. That is Great news! Jesus conquered death. Jesus won! This means that we can live in heaven with him when He returns to take us home. The angels told the women that they did not need to be afraid because Jesus was alive. We can also rejoice because Jesus is alive!

Activity

Jesus is alive! Play this game of ‘Resurrection’ memory. Think about the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection and retell the story as you play.

Materials: printed Resurrected memory game

Alternative:

Learning about Jesus’ death and resurrection is something we do every year around this time, but we can learn and remember that Jesus died for us all year! This story shares the most important reason for this season, Jesus! Listen to this story “The Berenstain Bears Easter”.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YP4rMIVHVhk

Materials: Berenstain Bears video

CREATE:

Draw a picture of what you think Heaven will be like. What do you think your favorite thing to do there will be?

Materials: paper, crayons,

ARTS & CAFTS

CRAFT 1

Using play dough, create the tomb and stone where Jesus was resurrected. Shape the play dough into a domed cave and place a circle stone in front of it.

Materials: play dough

CRAFT 2

Coloring Page

Materials: coloring page printout, crayons

CRaft 3

Coloring page.

Materials: Printed coloring page, Crayons

FOLLOW-UP

Jesus died for our sins so we can live again with Him in Heaven. Jesus wants to be with us. He is preparing a place for us in heaven to be with him. Read  John 14:1-3

Where did Jesus go? (to heaven)

What is Jesus doing in Heaven? (preparing a place for us)

How will we get there? (He will come back and get us to take us there)

That is great news! Jesus died and rose again so we can one day live in heaven with Him. Jesus loves us so much and wants to be in relationship with him. He wants us to live with him forever.

Practical Application at Home

If we believe in Jesus and love Him he says we will live in heaven with him one day. Does that mean we don’t have to do anything here while we wait? Of course not! While we wait for Jesus to return we should be busy telling others how much Jesus loves them too, so they can be in heaven with Him as well. Here are some things you can do this week to share this Good news with others.

-Make a card that says “Jesus saves”. Send your card in the mail to someone you know that may need to hear those words.

-Make a bouquet of flowers and give to a neighbor or leave it on their front porch with a note that says “Jesus is preparing heaven for you!”

-Find medium sized rock/stones that you can paint and decorate. Write notes on each stone like “Jesus Loves you”, “you are not alone”, “God is in control”, etc.

-On your next family walk, place the stones along the path or sidewalk for others to read and be encouraged.

Additional Resources

Outings to Reinforce Lesson

Go to a park and spend time in worship and prayer. Ask God to show you ways to trust him and listen to his voice.

WELCOME TO WEEK 3

Welome to week 3! Do you ever have questions or doubts? Maybe you question what you will have for dinner, or if your friends will still be your friends. Or maybe you doubt if Jesus will do the things He said he would do. This week we will read about how Jesus helps us with our doubts.

BIBLE STORY

Sometimes things are hard to believe until we can see, touch, hear, or even smell it! I’m going to make this sandwich bag explode, do you believe I can do it? Do the following activity in your kitchen or utility sink to contain any mess. Fill a quarter of a sandwich ziplock bag with vinegar. Zip the bag half way. Then pour about 1/2C of baking soda into the small opening of the bag. Then quickly zip the bag completely closed and wait for the baking soda and vinegar to mix and then explode.  Wow! Did you see the bag explode? That was unbelieveable, but now that you’ve seen it with your own eye you can easily believe it! Today we are continuing our story from last week. Last week the women at the tomb saw that Jesus rose from the dead and was now alive. Jesus will now appear to the disciples but not everyone is there. Let’s read or listen to our story. (If you don’t have the materials for the science experiment above you can watch this video on other experiments. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2L0ZHxcoWhM )

Materials: Baking soda, vinegar, sandwich bag

Read or listen to the scripture John 20:19-20, 24-29 

Where were the disciples? (locked in a room)

How did Jesus get to the disciples? (He stood and appeared among them)

What did Jesus give the disciples? (the Holy Spirit)

Which disciple was not there? (Thomas)

What did Thomas say he needed to believe Jesus was alive? (See the nail marks, put his finger where the nails were and put his hand into his side)

When Jesus came to see the disciples a week later, what did he tell Thomas? ( put your finger here, see my hands, touch my side. Stop doubting and believe.

Jesus helped Thomas believe. Jesus knew exactly what Thomas needed to believe. He loves us so much and wants us to believe. Jesus will meet each of us in a special way so that we can believe in him. 

BIBLE STORY ACTIVITY

God gave us 5 senses to help us understand the world around us. He gave us the sense of touch, smell, sight, sound, and taste. Thomas used sight and touch to believe that Jesus was alive. Use each one of your senses to strengthen your faith today.

Do one or more of the following activities.

Activity:

Using brown paper bags or another bag your child can not see through and fill it with objects for them to touch. Use a variety of textures, hard, soft, furry, squishy, rough, smooth etc. I have several objects in each of these bags. I want you to feel each object and guess what you think it is. Describe what you feel. (help them use the texture vocabulary)

Materials: brown paper bag, variety of items of different textures

Alternative:

Look around you and discover God has given things all around you to help strengthen your faith. Do the following activities for each of your senses.

Sight: read a scripture Sound: Listen to this song of faith  Smell: find a flower or any scent that you enjoy. Taste: honey. The bible says honey is healthful to the soul. Touch: give your parent or sibling a hug and tell them you love them

Materials: things in your environment

Create:

Complete this cut and paste activity. Match the correct sense that is used for picture.

Materials: printed cut and paste activity

ARTS & CAFTS

CRAFT 1

Hand cut-out with heart in the middle. On the hand write “Jesus Helps me Believe

Materials: paper, handprint, crayons or paint

CRAFT 2

Coloring Page

Materials: Coloring sheet printout, Crayons or Markers

FOLLOW-UP

Jesus helped Thomas believe by showing Thomas the scars on his hands and on his side. Jesus helps us believe too! We often may have questions about Jesus and He wants to help us find the answers. 

When we have questions about God, how can we find answers? (looking in the bible, asking a parent, teacher, or pastor to help us)

Is it okay to have questions? (Yes, it means we are wanting to believe for ourselves)

Will all of our questions always be answered? (maybe not always on this side of heaven)

Practical Application at Home

This week let’s use our senses to learn more about God and believe in Him. We can use our 5 senses to grow closer to God by seeing and smelling his creations, hearing his word or songs, using our hands to help those around us, and even smell and taste the wonderful foods He has given us. Throughout the rest of this week show how you used your senses to believe in God. Complete the following chart by cutting and glueing the sense you used and then writing or drawing a picture of what God showed you.

Additional Resources

Outings to Reinforce Lesson

Go to a park and spend time in worship and prayer. Ask God to show you ways to trust him and listen to his voice.

WELCOME TO WEEK 4

Have you ever lost something and been really sad about it? We all have lost something dear to us at some point. The disciples lost Jesus and they were sad, but they soon realized that Jesus was with them and would NEVER leave them. Jesus says the same thing to us to day. He is here, and will never leave us!

BIBLE STORY

Sometimes it’s hard to tell what we are looking at because we can’t see the full picture. Show the following pictures, but only show the first page. Using the first page, say, look at the pictures on this page. Can you tell me, what are each of these pictures? (If they need a little help getting started give them a clue that they are animals) After they have guessed say, was it a little hard to tell what each of the pictures were when you could only see a tiny portion? Some were harder than others. Today we will continue our story from this week. Jesus died on the cross but he rose again. The women found his tomb empty and the angels told them he had risen and to go tell the disciples. Jesus appeared to the disciples but he appeared to others as well. Listen or read the story and see how these men had a hard time seeing who they were talking to.

Materials: pictures of animals

Read or listen to the scripture Luke 24:13-35

What were the 2 men doing while walking down the road? (Talking about all the events that had just happened, Jesus’ death and resurrection)

Who started walking next to them? (Jesus)

Did they recognize Jesus and know it was him? (No, they were kept from recognizing him)

What did Jesus talk to them about? (he explained all the scriptures that spoke about his death and resurrection.)

When did the men recognize it was Jesus? (After Jesus prayed and blessed the food)

Materials: Computer to play video, Bible or online bible

BIBLE STORY ACTIVITY

Activity

Play a scavenger hunt using photos you take around the house. Take photos of several things around your house like a toy or other small items. Only take a picture of a small portion of the object without showing where you found it. You child will then find the objects by either taking a photo of the object or collecting the objects to bring to you. Switch places and have them photograph items for you to find. 

Materials: Phone or device to take pictures, small objects to photograph around your house

Alternative:

Take a walk as a family. While on your walk talk about the stories of Jesus.  Tell about how you have seen Jesus work in your life. Tell of a miracle Jesus has performed for you, big or small. Share stories of how you experienced God’s love and felt your heart changed and moved as you learned more about his love for you, just as the men experienced their hearts moved as Jesus spoke with them. Let your child share a story as well.

Create:

The men who were traveling from Jerusalem probably used a walking stick along their journey. Find a sturdy walking stick and then decorate it with stickers, glitter glue, or whatever craft items you have at home. Take your stick on your next family walk.

Materials: Walking stick you find outside, variety of crafting items: paper, scissors, glue, glitter, crayons, stickers, etc

ARTS & CAFTS

CRAFT 1

 Follow this link to print and color the craft.

Materials: printed coloring sheet, crayons, craft stick, glue

CRAFT 2

Coloring page.

FOLLOW-UP

Why do you think Jesus came back to visit with his friends? (To help them understand more about God’s good plan)

Even though the 2 men didn’t recognize Jesus right away, how did they describe their hearts as they talked with Jesus? (they were burning within them)

Have you ever been so excited about something that you could feel your excitement on the insides? Maybe your stomach tingled, or your feet wanted to jump?

Have you ever maybe lost your parent or didn’t see them for awhile? How did you feel when you saw them again?

When Jesus appeared to the men, they were maybe confused by all the things that had happened with Jesus just days before, Jesus wanted them to know that He would always be there for them. Jesus will always be there for you too! He is there for you when you are scared, hurt, angry, disappointed or confused. Jesus wants to help us understand God’s good plan and how much he loves us. 

Practical Application at Home

Think about the times when you’ve needed Jesus to be there with you. There are many things we can do to feel God with us and feel his comfort over us. Here are a list of things you could do. Tell a time when these things might be helpful.  The first one is done for you.

Sing a song about Jesus’ love …………… If you feel all alone in bed

Say a prayer……………..

Read a bible story ……………..

Say a prayer for someone else………………

Write a note of encouragement………………

Look at the nature God created……………………..

Call on Jesus’ name for help……………

Help someone else in need………………..

Quote a memory verse…………………..

Additional Resources

Outings to Reinforce Lesson

Go to a park and spend time in worship and prayer. Ask God to show you ways to trust him and listen to his voice.

WELCOME TO WEEK 1

We are on a mission! Jesus gave the disciples a mission to GO! He is sending us on a mission as well. This week we will find out our mission. I hope you choose to accept!

Matthew 28:16-20, Romans 10:14-15

BIBLE STORY

You and your child stand in front of each other. Have a third person stand between you and your child. Tell your child you want them to follow the moves that you make. As you make different moves, the person between you must make moves that are different from yours. Afterwards ask, was it hard to follow two peoples moves? To be a disciple of Jesus means to follow Him. When we act and speak as he did, we are being his disciples. Just as in the game, we can’t follow 2 people at the same time, if we choose to follow Jesus, He is the only one we should follow.

Read or listen to the Bible verse for this week: Matthew 28:16-20

How many disciples went to Galilee? (11 disciples)

Did all the disciples see and worship Jesus? (some still doubted)

Jesus said that he had all authority in heaven and on earth. 

What did Jesus tell the disciples to go and do? (make disciples of all nations and baptize them, and teach them to obey his commands)

Jesus said the disciples should baptize in whose name? (in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit) 

How long did Jesus say he would be with them? (to the very end of the age)

BIBLE STORY ACTIVITY

Action words tell us to do something. In the Bible text for today Jesus tells us to do 3 things. Look back at the text Matthew 28:16-20 and find what they are. (Go, teach, baptize). God has called all of us on this mission. To Go, teach, and baptize! We can do this within our own communities by helping those in need, give a helping hand, or give offerings that help people close by and far away. Our mission is to continue to be the hands and feet of Jesus, by seeing a need and doing our best to fill it.

Activity

Play this game of memory. Match Jesus’ directions to the disciples with its antonym (opposite). For example: Jesus said go preach, the opposite is be silent.

Materials: printed memory game

Alternative:

Play this GO! mission game. Use the question cards and game board to tell what you would do to be a disciple and then move around the board. First person to the end wins!

Materials: printed GO! mission game, game markers

Create:

Jesus told the disciples to preach to other nations. Let’s put ourselves in the disciples shoes today. Look at a map. Draw the outline of your state and the surrounding states. With a star, mark where you live. Decide where you will go in your neighboring state or states, and map your route with a red pen. On your map add any topography such as mountains, hills, rivers, lakes, or canyons. Be sure to plan your route around them. Add a few places to stop, share the gospel and also rest by marking it with a large X. Add a map key to reference your drawings and stopping places. Think about how long you think it would take to journey there and what types of transportation you would use. For a bonus activity: write a short story about your journey and the stops you made along the way. Tell about how you shared the gospel with the people you met along the way.

Materials: drawing paper, picture of a map, pencil, red pen

ARTS & CAFTS

CRAFT 1

Create a GO book. Color and cut out the word Go and glue to the first page of your booklet. On the following pages write the plan of salvation and a picture to match. Staple the pages together or hole punch and tie with ribbon. Color and decorate the book. 

Materials: printed Go! Mission booklet, crayons or other coloring pencils

CRAFT 2

Coloring Page

Materials: Printed coloring page

FOLLOW-UP

I’m going to say a word and I want you to say a descriptive word you think of when you hear this word. For example if I say “ice” you might say “Cold”. There is no one right answer.

Water (wet)

Pillow (soft)

Rock (hard)

Feather (light)

Dad (strong)

Light (bright)

Mom (wonderful)

Crayons (colorful)

Feet (dirty, stinky etc)

Read or listen to Romans 10:14-15

In this bible verse it says that spreading God’s word to new believers starts with someone being sent and preaching God’s word to others. It says the feet that are sent are beautiful. Is that the word you would use to describe feet? It’s definitely not a word I tend to think of when describing feet. But God says the feet that move to share the good news of Jesus to others have beautiful feet. Sharing the good news with others is beautiful and it allows others to have a beautiful relationship with Jesus as well.

Practical Application at Home

How can we use our feet for Jesus? Sometimes we think we are too small for God to use us, to share His good news, but that is not true. God can use each one of us in different ways. Our size does not keep God from making our feet beautiful when we were willing to go and share his good news. We may not travel as far as the 11 disciples but we can still travel. 

Travel across the cafeteria to sit with someone who doesn’t have a friend.

Travel across the field to help a teammate or opponent off the ground.

Travel to a kid who lives in your neighborhood to invite them to church

Travel to a classmate’s birthday party who may not have many friends who will attend.

Travel to the mailbox with a letter to a shut in neighbor or church member to tell them you are praying for them.

There are lots of ways God can use our feet in the places we currently live to bring others the Good News!

Additional Resources

Outings to Reinforce Lesson

Go to a park and spend time in worship and prayer. Ask God to show you ways to trust him and listen to his voice.

WELCOME TO WEEK 2

Do you want to have power? Holy Power? God sent the Holy Spirit to be a helper for us. We can know that Jesus never left us to figure everything out for ourselves but sent us help. The Holy Spirit!

Acts 2:1-12; John 14:25-26

BIBLE STORY

Today I have a few activities I want you to try and do.

-Hold 10 lime, lemons or oranges in your hands. -Jump rope for 3 minutes

-Hold 3 books on your head and take 5 steps -Do 20 jumping jacks

Did you do all those things easily? Did you need help doing any of them. Let’s try them again and this time I will be your helper. Do the activities again assisting them or having another child assist them. Was that easier? Did you need a helper. When these tasks were hard it was nice to have a helper. There are other things in our lives that are hard too. Telling our parents the truth when it seems easier to lie so we won’t get in trouble. Or, being kind to our siblings and friends even when they are not being kind to us. The good news is we also have a helper. Let’s read or listen to the story this week. 

Let’s read the Bible story for the week Acts 2:1-12

What were the people gathered in the room celebrating (Pentecost)

What type of noise did they hear? (A strong wind blow through the room)

What did they see on top of each persons head (A fiery flame)

As they were filled with the Holy Spirit what were each of them able to do? (speak in other languages)

What language did the people hear the gospel in? (Each in their own language)



BIBLE STORY ACTIVITY

Jesus told the disciples when he left he would send them a helper in the place of himself. The Holy Spirit was that helper, to give them courage and the ability to continue to share the gospel with other people. We still have the Holy Spirit today as our helper as well. 

Activity

Set a jar in the middle of a baking pan and pour 1 Tablespoon of baking soda into the jar. Measure 1 Cup of vinegar and add a few drops of food coloring to the cup. Now, pour the vinegar into the jar and watch what happens. When the vinegar and baking soda mixed, they form a gas of carbon dioxide. The gas caused the liquid to push up and over the top of the bottle so that it overflowed. The bible talks about how God’s love can overflow. God loves us and wants us to show His love to others. God sent the Holy Spirit to help us show love to others  so they too can become a part of God’s family.

Materials: jar or medium cup, baking soda, 1 C vinegar, food coloring, baking sheet

Alternative:

The bible describes the holy spirit as a comforter, and intercessor and a helper. Play this game of memory that describes some of the other attributes of the Holy Spirit.

Materials: printed memory game,

Create:

After the disciples were given the Holy Spirit, the first church family grew bigger and bigger. The People of God’s church loved one another and continued to spread the message of God’s love. The early Christians and disciples used their hands to help others and show them love. You can create a hand garland to display God’s family. On a large sheet of construction paper trace your left and then right hand, overlapping the thumbs. Cut out the hands being sure to keep the thumbs connected, and write your name on one hand and someone else’s name that you know on the other. Write names of friends, family members, church members, missionaries etc. Continue to make more cut-out hands adding other names and then taping the hands together to make a hand garland you can hang in your room.

Materials: large construction paper, scissors, pencil/pen, string, yarn or ribbon

ARTS & CAFTS

CRAFT 1

 Ring of fire hat made from sentence strips.

Materials: sentence strip or strip of construction paper, red, black, orange and yellow construction paper

CRAFT 2

Make a windsock. Watch this video for how to make one.

Materials: printed coloring page

Craft 3

Coloring page

Materials: Coloring page

FOLLOW-UP

Read John 14:25-26

Jesus told the disciples that everything He had taught them, the Holy Spirit would be there to remind them and to also teach them all things. The Holy Spirit is given to us in the same way. The Holy Spirit will teach us all things and help remind us of things we have already learned. The holy Spirit is a powerful friend and helper. Before we become Christians we have to rely on our own strength and power. But when we become Christians God gives us the gift of the Holy Spirit and we have his power because it lives within us. We don’t have to be afraid!

What are some things you are afraid of?

How can knowing we have the Holy Spirit help calm our fears?

How can we use the power of the Holy Spirit to share God’s good news with others?
How can memorizing scripture help me during sad or lonely times? (The Holy Spirit can bring those scriptures back to our minds to comfort us)

Practical Application at Home

Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to help us in lots of ways. Listen to these scenarios. Tell how you think the Holy Spirit can help us. (There is not just one right answer)

We are afraid to share Jesus with a new friend (The holy spirit gives us words to say, or the courage to say it)

We think about stealing or cheating in class. (The Holy Spirit reminds us of what is right and wrong)

We hear the Bible read to us but we don’t understand what it is saying (The Holy Spirit can reveal the bible’s truth to us)

We are sad or feeling lonely because we lost someone we love. (The Holy Spirit can be our comforter and give us peace) 

We are feeling discouraged or forget who God says we are. (The Holy Spirit brings memory verses about God’s Love and promises back to our minds)

Additional Resources

Outings to Reinforce Lesson

Go to a park and spend time in worship and prayer. Ask God to show you ways to trust him and listen to his voice.

WELCOME TO WEEK 3

Welcome to week 3! We all want protection. We all need protection! God gives us a special way to protect ourselves, not of our own power, but God’s! Who can stand against that!

Ephesians 6:10-18; 2 Corinthians 10:3-4

BIBLE STORY

Let’s play a game of speed! I’m going to say the name of an animal, you see how fast you can tell me the covering they use to protect themselves. Ready, go! 

Dolphin (blubber)

Penguin (Waterfproof feathers)

Polar bear (Thick white fur)

Turtle (hard shell)

Porcupine (quills)

Snails (shell)

Fish (scales)

God gave all of these animals the ability to protect themselves against predators and also from their environment. God has given us a means of protection as well. Sometimes there are things in life that are scary or uncertain and they can make us afraid. God has given us a way to have peace, protection, and faith! 

Read or listen to Ephesians 6:10-18

Why do we need the armor of God? (To withstand the devils schemes)

What are the 5 pieces of armor? (Breastplate of righteousness, belt of truth, shoes of peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and sword of the spirit)

When should we pray? (in all occasions with all kinds of prayers and request)

Who is our fight against? (Not flesh and blood but powers of the dark world and evil forces)

How can we be strong? (In the Lord and his mighty power)

BIBLE STORY ACTIVITY

God gave us his armor that provides a way of protection, provides strength when we are weak, provides security of salvation, and provides His word as a guide of how to live our life. We can use it each day and watch God provide for all our needs.

Activity

Put two oranges in a large bowl submersed in water. (or large lemon or limes). These oranges are covered in an armor to protect them. Look, they are floating or standing firm in the water! Peel off a small piece of “armor” (skin) of one orange. Oh no, this orange forgot to put on his belt of truth. Now when someone says something ugly about him that is untrue, he might believe it is true! If he believes this lie he might not be able to stand firm in this water. Place the orange back into the water and see that it sinks a little. Continue on this way, tearing off a piece at a time and giving instances of how the armor of God is taken away and not providing protection. Shield of faith: When doubts about if Jesus loves him come up He may question if he is worthy of Jesus love. Shoes of peace: When uncertain times come he may become anxious about the future and what will happen to him. Sword of the spirit: When he needs to share his faith to a friend he may not know he has the power through the spirit to share the good news.

Materials: 2 oranges (or lemons), large container to submerse oranges in, water

Alternative:

Read these scenario cards and decide what armor of God is needed in each situation.

Materials: Scenario cards

Create:

Having the belt of truth means we are girded (ready or geared up) in God’s word, the source of what is right and wrong. We can live our lives based on what we know to be true about who God says He is and who He says we are. Complete this chart to determine what the Bible (the sword) says is true about God and what He says is true about you.

Materials: printed activity sheet, bible, pencil

ARTS & CAFTS

CRAFT 1

Make an armor of God replica using cardboard box. Attach strings so that your child can wear it if desired.

Materials: cardboard, string, or small rope, art supplies: glue, pencil, scissors

CRAFT 2

Coloring Page

Materials: Coloring sheet printout, Crayons or Markers

FOLLOW-UP

1 Corinthians 10:3-4 says that we do not battle with weapons the world uses but that we have divine power. We are not to wage war as the world does, but our weapons are God’s divine power. 

Read Isaiah 59:17, it describes God pouring out his wrath on his enemies. He put on Righteousness as his breastplate, and the helmet of salvation on his head. The same armor God used in the Old testament is described in the new testament in Ephesians as armor we can use as well. God’s armor has been given to us to help us be brave, stand up for what is right, and for our protection against the unseen enemy. 

Practical Application at Home

The world we live in can sometimes be a scary place. We don’t always know what the future holds. The armor of God helps us know that God has provided everything we need to stand firm and continue to believe and trust in Jesus. 

Think about each piece of the armor of God. First, read both statements for each piece of armor. Next, decide which statement is true. Then, tell an example of how you can use that armor this week and wear it every day.

The Shield of Faith:

Living out God’s truth and applying what we believe into our lives even when we can’t see how it will all work. OR Deciding what to do based on how you feel and what you can see is best for your life.

(This week I can trust God is in control by listening to his voice and following what He asks me to do this week even if I don’t understand why, like helping a neighbor or friend in need)

The Breastplate of Righteousness:

Doing what everyone else is doing because it is easier and it makes you happy. OR Right living and conducting ourselves in a way that is pleasing to God.

(This week I will try to live right by being kind to my family, thinking of others, and being truthful)

The Belt of Truth:

Beliefs that match what we feel is right or what people around us say is right and wrong. OR God’s standard of what is right, His character, and how we are to live our lives.

(This week I will make decisions based on God’s truth by seeking answers in the Bible and deciding if what I hear or see is aligned with God’s character; )

Shoes of Peace:

Inner stability (security) from our relationship with Jesus that doesn’t change based on our changing situations. OR A feeling that comes and goes based on how good or bad life is in that moment or day, feeling unsure.

(This week I will remember I can not always change my situations but I can know God is in control by praying and telling him my fears and asking for comfort)

Helmet of Salvation:

Eternal security in Christ and the gift God gives us, our eternal blessing. OR not knowing what your future holds and what God plans for you

(This week I will remember I am saved by Jesus blood and I have nothing to fear so I will share this good news with others)

Sword of the Spirit:

Reading God’s words, enjoying what is read but not using them once we are finished reading. OR Using God’s words as a guide for living, it is alive and active in our lives.

(This week I will read God’s word, ask God to show me how to use it, and then repeat it to myself throughout my day)

Additional Resources

Outings to Reinforce Lesson

Go to a park and spend time in worship and prayer. Ask God to show you ways to trust him and listen to his voice.

WELCOME TO WEEK 4

Have you ever lost something and been really sad about it? We all have lost something dear to us at some point. The disciples lost Jesus and they were sad, but they soon realized that Jesus was with them and would NEVER leave them. Jesus says the same thing to us to day. He is here, and will never leave us! 

Philippians 4:4-9; 11-13

BIBLE STORY

If you were going on a trip, what would you take? Write down a list of things you think you would have to take with you. Let’s play this game “I’m going on a trip”. I’m going to tell you three things that I am taking and you tell me where I am going. 

— towel, sunscreen, umbrella (the beach)

—boots, scarf, mask (skiing)

—sleeping bag, marshmallows, tent (camping)

—shield, sword, belt (going to share the gospel)

—bible, joy, a friend (church)

This month we are learning to GO where God sends us, to live for Jesus and spread the good news of His love. God gives us His armor to provide for our needs and protect us. He also protects our hearts and our minds by giving us peace and joy. Today we will read about Paul and what he said during a very difficult time in his life.

Read or listen to the scripture  Philippians 4:4-9

Instead of being anxious what should we do? (Bring our prayers and concerns to God)

When we bring our requests to God, what will be given to us? (The peace of God)

What will that peace do for us? (guard our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus)

What types of things should we think on? (things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy)

What should we do with the things we have learned from Jesus? (Put it into practice)

BIBLE STORY ACTIVITY

Paul wrote about having the peace of God while in prison. He wrote about God’s peace and being content not while he was at home enjoying his family and friends, but while in prison for preaching the gospel of Jesus. In life there will be times of difficulty and times of ease, but we can have the peace of God, that transcends understanding, during those difficult times.

Activity

Our verse today says “Let your gentleness be evident to all”. Today make “Thinking of You” cards to mail to friends and family. People enjoy getting letters and cards in the mail just to say you are thinking of them. If you have extra pictures at home, add a picture of you or your family. Add a note telling them Jesus loves them, cares for them and wants them to have his peace. Or write out your scripture reading for today in the card them to read “Philippians 4:4-9” and add a drawn picture. 

Materials: Mateirals to make a greeting card: white yardstick (or other construction paper, white computer paper), crayons, markers, scissors, glue, family pictures (optional), mailing envelope, stamp, names and addresses of friends/family

Alternate

Listen to the scenarios. Cut and glue the faces to popsicle sticks then use them to answer the scenarios of if they would be happy, sad or angry.

Materials: Printed scenario cards

Create:

Create a word search puzzle using the words from todays scripture Philippians 4:4-9

Materials: word search template

ARTS & CAFTS

CRAFT 1

Coloring page

Materials: printed coloring sheet, crayons

FOLLOW-UP

Read the second part of today’s scripture, Philippians 4:11-13. Paul said he knew what it meant to have plenty and to have little. He knew what it felt like to have plenty of food and to be hungry but in all of it he learned to be content. Being content means to be satisfied with what we have whether it is a lot or a little. Paul said he learned the way to be content is to understand that he could do all things through Christ who gives him strength. 

What are some things you are content with?

Do you look to friends and wish you had something they have?

Have you ever had a friend say they wish they had something you have?

How can we learn to be content with the things we have?

What are some things you can do to show that you are content?

In what ways does Jesus give you strength?

Practical Application at Home

It is easy to be content when life is good and things are plentiful but what happens when times are difficult? Remembering the blessings we have been given and how God provides for our needs is an important way to be content. Watch this read-aloud story about the Berenstain Bears and how they learned to count their blessings and therefore be more content with what they had.

Berenstain bears Counting blessings: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=133eyjutQXo

Make a list of your blessings today. Think of all the things God has blessed you with big and small. Think about the things you have that may not cost any money at all. After you write your very long list, say a prayer of thanksgiving to God. Thank Him for providing the things you don’t have to think about and for the treasures He has given you. Keep your list as a reminder that God provides, remembers your needs, and wants to protect your heart and mind. Enjoy your week in God’s peace and joy, then share it with someone who needs it too!

Additional Resources

Outings to Reinforce Lesson

Go to a park and spend time in worship and prayer. Ask God to show you ways to trust him and listen to his voice.

WELCOME TO WEEK 5

This month we learned that God tells us to go make disciples but He did not leave us alone to do it. God sent a helper, the Holy Spirit, to help us and give us courage. God also calls us to be helpers which we can do through prayers. God wants to answer our prayers, we just need to keep our eyes open and see what God will do.

Acts 12:1-17; James 5:16; John 14:13-14; Matthew 21:22

BIBLE STORY

When we are in need or have a difficult task we can often ask others for help. Sometimes our friends need an extra hand and we can help them. There are lots of people who are in need and we can help them. Think of how you could help someone in each of these situations:

-Mom has a trunk full of groceries.

-Dads flowered are full of weeds.

-Mom is working and trying to finish cooking dinner.

-A friend can’t find their pencil in class.

-your brother wants to watch TV but it’s not showing a picture.

-Your younger sister can’t reach the cups in the cabinet.

-Dad wants to water the lawn but the sprinkler system is broken

-A friend doesn’t have any shoes without holes.

-The kitchen sink is clogged.

-A friend is sick in the hospital and not doing well.

-An elderly neighbor lady often sits on her front porch alone

Some of these situations you could easily help but were some of them a little difficult to know what to do? Maybe your solution was to find and expert or someone else who could help you! God gave us prayer as a way to ask Him for help. We can ask for big things and we can also ask for small things. We can ask for ourselves and we can ask for help for others. God’s answer may be ‘yes’, ‘no’ or ‘later’, but we can trust that God hears our prayers and wants what is best for us. Today our story talks about friends who earnestly prayed for Peter and God’s answer to those prayers.

Read or listen to the scripture Acts 12:1-17

Who was King and wanted to kill Peter? (King Herod)

What was Peter in prison for? (Preaching about Jesus)

Who came to see Peter in prison? (An angel)

What did the angel do? (told Peter to get up and get dressed and walked out of the prison with Peter)

At first, what did Peter think was happening. (He was having a vision)

Where did Peter go? (To Mary’s house)

What were the people at Mary’s house doing? (praying for Peter)

BIBLE STORY ACTIVITY

We can pray to God when we need help and just as Peter and his friends prayed for help from God. When we pray it is important to watch and see how God will answer our prayers. God will always answer our prayers, even if it’s not in the way we expect. We should never give up praying and looking to see what God will do!

Activity

(Cover an area with newspaper or do this activity outside to avoid a mess.) On a paper plate squeeze glue and create a design with thick lines that intersect. While glue is wet, pour salt over the glue to cover it completely. Shake the plate so the salt is redistributed onto the rest of the glue. Dab a paintbrush into water, making sure there is plenty of water on the brush. Then dip the brush into the watercolor paint and place it on one of the lines so the salt absorbs the paint water into the salt. Watch how the water moves along the salt trail. After that color stops spreading, rinse the brush and repeat using another color. Ask What did you expect would happen. What did happen? Just like we watched to see what would happen to the colors, we must keep watch to see how God will answer prayers.

Materials: glue, paintbrush, water colors, paper plate, salt, container of water

Alternate

Sometimes when a friend needs help we are unable to help them because the job needs and expert. The job may be too hard for you and them so you need someone who is a trained expert. Look at attached scenarios and decide what expert is needed.

Materials: Scenario cards

Create:

Make a prayer banner. Take a large sheet of contraction paper and create a banner by cutting the paper in the shape of a banner. Examples: a large triangle, an oval, a wavy rectangle, a parallelogram, or a rectangle with a triangle cut out of the bottom)Write a list of prayer request for yourself, family, friends and your community. Leave space on the other half of the paper to write any answers to prayers you were able to see. 

Materials: Construction paper, scissors, pencil/pen

ARTS & CAFTS

CRAFT 1

Fold a piece of construction paper in half. Draw your child’s hand on the front of the construction paper along the fold. Cut out the hand leaving the fold uncut. You should have 2 hands folded together. Have your child decorate and color the hands. On the inside of the hands write names of people they can pray for.

Materials: Construction paper, crayons, markers, scissors, pencil

CRAFT 2

Visit this website and scroll towards the bottom to find a coloring page and download the coloring pages to print.  https://www.biblefunforkids.com/2015/01/peter-freed-from-prison.html

Materials: printed coloring sheet, crayons

Craft 3

Printed coloring sheet.

FOLLOW-UP

We can pray for ourselves but it is also important to pray for others as well. When Peter’s friends prayed for him they were not sure that God would answer their prayer. In fact when Peter knocked on the door they didn’t even open it at first, not expecting him to show up. God’s answers to prayers sometimes come right away in the way we wanted. But sometimes the answer is no and sometimes the answer is later.

What are some things you are praying for right now?

Do you pray for other people or for the things you want.

Should our prayers include other people as well?

When God answers “no” or “later”, does that change the way you see Him?

How can you learn to accept answers other than “yes”?

Practical Application at Home

Let’s look up a few verses in the Bible about prayers. Read  James 5:16; The prayers of the righteous person are powerful and effective. Read John 14:13-14 which says if we ask for something in Jesus name He will do it. Matthew 21:22 says that if we just believe we can receive whatever we ask in prayer. 

This week as you pray think about these things as you pray. You can use the printout to fill in the information to remind yourself as you pray this week.

Things I’m thankful for…

Prayers for others….

Prayers for myself…

Today’s bible verse…

Additional Resources

Outings to Reinforce Lesson

Go to a park and spend time in worship and prayer. Ask God to show you ways to trust him and listen to his voice.

WELCOME TO WEEK 1

Welcome to week 1! We are on a mission this week to find our mission! Jesus gave the disciples a mission to GO! This week we will find out if Jesus gives us a mission too!

BIBLE STORY

Have you ever been on a trip? Where did you go? How did you prepare for your trip. Let’s pretend Jesus is sending us on a trip today. First, where do you think he would send us? What items do you think we should pack? Who should we invite on the trip with us? How do you think we will get there? There are lots of ways to travel. Print out the following cards and play a game of memory matching the different ways to GO!

Materials: Printed Transportation Memory cards

Today our story talks about how Jesus told the Disciples to GO! Where did Jesus send them? 

Let’s read or listen to the Bible story for this week Matthew 28:16-20 

How many disciples went to Galilee? (11 disciples)

Did all the disciples see and worship Jesus? (some still doubted)

Jesus said that he had all authority in heaven and on earth. 

What did Jesus tell the disciples to go and do? (make disciples of all nations and baptize them, and teach them to obey his commands)

Jesus said the disciples should baptize in whose name? (in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit)

How long did Jesus say he would be with them? (to the very end of the age)



BIBLE STORY ACTIVITY

Jesus gave the disciples a mission to preach the gospel to every nation and to baptize them. He wanted the disciples to make more disciples by sharing the good news that Jesus had risen from the dead and was alive. Their sins could be forgiven. That’s good news! We are disciples when we decide to follow Jesus and tell others about His love.

Activity

Go! On a treasure hunt. Use the clues on the page to find these items around your house. When you find them cross them off your list, or put a sticker on the square. The first person to fill in a row going down or across on their card wins!

Materials: Printed Bingo treasure hunt card

Alternative:

Go! Complete these activity cards. Cut the cards and place them in a small bowl or container, pull out a card and do the action that is written there. If you don’t have the materials to complete the activity do your best to substitute or pull a new card. Do several at a time or spread out the activity by doing 1 action card each week.  

Materials: printed and cut activity cards, bowl or container to hold them

Create:

Play this GO! mission game. Use the question cards and game board to tell what you would do to be a disciple and then move around the board. First person to the end wins! 

Materials: printed activity sheet

ARTS & CAFTS

CRAFT 1

Create a GO book. Color and cut out the word Go and glue to the first page of your booklet. On the following pages write the plan of salvation and a picture to match. Staple the pages together or hole punch and tie with ribbon. Color and decorate the book. 

Materials: Printed booklet, crayons, pencil

CRAFT 2

Coloring page

Materials: Printed coloring page, crayons

FOLLOW-UP

Jesus sends his disciples to far places around the world but he also sends us to be disciples to people who live nearby. Look at a map or a globe. On the map find the following places:

The street where you live

Your city

Your state

Your country

On your street, how could you show Jesus’ love? (Being kind to neighbors)

In your city, how could you show others Jesus loves them? (Volunteering at church, food bank, donating items)

How can you be Jesus’ disciple in your state? (Donating needed items to a nearby shelter, helping clean up a state park)

How can you be Jesus’ disciple in your country, or in another country? (Sending offering through missions, writing to a penpal in another country through your sabbath school class or parent, your family sponsoring a needy child or family in another country)

Practical Application at Home

Sometimes we think we are too small to be disciples or to do something big for Jesus. Although God is capable of doing all things without our help, He blesses us with the chance to be his disciples and share the good news. When we share about Jesus’ love we are blessed as well! In the Bible God has used small people to do mighty things. Look at the list of people from the Bible and match it with the facts about them. 

David Mother of Jesus, young teenage girl, taught Jesus as a boy.

Mary Was a young king at 7 yrs old, raised money to repair temple

Samuel Listened to God’s voice, iced at the temple at a young age

Josiah killed Goliath as a young boy, killed a lion and a bear,

anointed king

Additional Resources

Outings to Reinforce Lesson

Go to a park and spend time in worship and prayer. Ask God to show you ways to trust him and listen to his voice.

WELCOME TO WEEK 2

Its week 2! Even though Jesus went back to heaven He said he would not leave us alone. He sent the Holy Spirit! Jesus knew we would need someone to help us. We are not alone!

BIBLE STORY

When Jesus went back to heaven he told the disciples He would not leave them alone but would send them a helper. What does it mean to be a helper? Do you help at home? Let’s practice being happy helpers for mom or dad right now! Here are a few things you can do as a helper (do all or pick a few): - - -arrange the pillows on the couch

- -fold any loose blankets laying around and put them away

-- - find all the toys in the living room and put them away

- -dump a box of blocks on the floor and practice putting them away

-- -Put all your reading books in a nice pile or back on the shelf

- -make your bed

Its fun to be a happy helper! Helpers make others’ jobs easier, right? Today we will read about the helper Jesus sent after he went back to heaven.

Read or listen to the Bible story for the week: Acts 2:1-12 Acts 2: 42-47

What were the people gathered in the room celebrating? (Pentecost)

What type of noise did they hear? (A strong wind blow through the room)

What did they see on top of each persons head (A fiery flame)

As they were filled with the Holy Spirit what were each of them able to do? (speak in other languages)

What did the believers do together (They helped the needy and met in the temple courts)

BIBLE STORY ACTIVITY

Jesus wanted to send the Holy Spirit after He left so that the disciples could have a way to talk with God. They didn't know how the Holy Spirit would come but they believed and trusted that Jesus would do what He said. The Holy Spirit helps us even today! Through the Holy Spirit we can know what God wants us to do, have comfort when we are sad, and receive courage to face difficult things. 

Activity

The holy sprit came into the room as the sound of a violent wind and rested on their heads like fire. Let’s make our own wind. (Do all or as many as possible) 

Hold a plastic bag open outside and see which way the bag moves

Use a book or magazine and push it through the air. Do you feel the air move?

Put your fingers near your nose and breathe out your nose, do you feel that wind?

Blow up a balloon and the let the air out quickly against your face or hand.

Make a fan or use a fan to feel the wind blow against you.

Did you feel the difference in the types of wind? Some wind blew fast and it was strong. Some wind blew slowly and it felt light. What type of wind did the Holy Spirit come as? A loud sound. Did any of the wind you made today have a sound? Can you think of a type of wind that might have a sound? (Tornado, large fan)

Materials: plastic bag, book or magazine, balloon, fan

Alternative:

Think of ways you can be a happy helper at home or with your family. Complete this Happy Helper weekly chart. Put a sticker on each time you do one of the listed activities.

Materials: Printed happy helper chart

Independent:

Listen to this story "I Face the Wind“ by Vicki Cobb. Feel free to try some of the experiments described in the book.

Materials: device to watch the read aloud book

ARTS & CAFTS

CRAFT 1

Ring of fire hat made from sentence strips

Materials: sentence strip (or strip of paper, red, black, orange and yellow construction paper, scissors, glue

CRAFT 2

Make a windsock. Watch this video for ideas of how to make one.

Materials: cardstock or construction paper, stamps, crayons, glue, string or ribbon, hole punch

CRaft 3

Coloring page.

Materials: Printed coloring page, Crayons

FOLLOW-UP

The disciples were waiting in a room because it was the start of Pentecost. After the Holy Spirit came to them there was a change in them that amazed others around them.

After the Holy Sprit came to the disciples why were others were amazed at them? (They performed many signs and wonders)

What did they do with all their property and possessions? (They sold it and gave the money to the needy)

Where did they meet every day? (in the temple courts)

Every day more and more people were being saved. 

There was clearly something different about the disciples and it was the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit was working in them to bring God’s message to those who did not know it. They were even able to speak and share the Good news with people who did not speak their same language. The Holy Spirit came as a helper to them and He is still with us as we share God’s Good news to people around us too!

Practical Application at Home

Jesus sends the Holy Spirit to help us for lots of reasons. Listen to these scenarios. Tell how you think the Holy Spirit can help us. (There is not just one right answer)

We are afraid to share Jesus with a new friend (The holy spirit gives us words to say, or the courage to say it)

We think about stealing or cheating in class. (The Holy Spirit reminds us of what is right and wrong)

We hear the Bible read to us but we don’t understand what it is saying (The Holy Spirit can reveal the bible’s truth to us)

We are sad or feeling lonely because we lost someone we love. (The Holy Spirit can be our comforter and give us peace) 

We are feeling discouraged or forget who God says we are. (The Holy Spirit brings our memory verses about God’s Love and promises back to our minds)

Additional Resources

Outings to Reinforce Lesson

Go to a park and spend time in worship and prayer. Ask God to show you ways to trust him and listen to his voice.

WELCOME TO WEEK 3

Welome to week 3! God gave us parents to help protect us and keep us safe. God also gave us His armor to protect us as well. We can’t buy this armor at the store but God provides it even though we can’t see it. Let’s find out how to use God’s power.

BIBLE STORY

Using these picture cards, have your child sort the pictures into different groups. Provide help as needed but there is not just one correct answer. Possible groups include: food, shelter, clothes, friends, family. Look at the different groups we were able to sort our picture cards into. What do all of these things have in common? God provides all of these things for us. He provides us with food to eat, and a place to live and clothes to protect ourselves. He even provides us with family and friends to have relationships with. God provides for all of our needs. Today we will read about how God wants to provide armor for us so we are strong and can face challenges that will come. 

Materials: printed picture cards

Read or listen to the scripture Ephesians 6:10-18 

Why do we need the armor of God? (To withstand the devils schemes)

What are the 5 pieces of armor? (Breastplate of righteousness, belt of truth, shoes of peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and sword of the spirit)

When should we pray? (in all occasions with all kinds of prayers and request)

How can we be strong? (In the Lord and his mighty power)

BIBLE STORY ACTIVITY

Do one or more of the following activities.

Activity:

Put two oranges in a large bowl submersed in water. (or large lemon or limes). These oranges are covered in an armor to protect them. Look, they are floating or standing firm in the water! Peel off a small piece of “armor” (skin) of one orange. Oh no, this orange forgot to put on his belt of truth. Now when someone says something ugly about him that is untrue, he might believe it is true! If he believes this lie he might not be able to stand firm in this water.Place the orange back into the water and see that it sinks a little. Continue on this way, tearing off a piece at a time and giving instances of how the armor of God is taken away and not providing protection. Shield of faith: When doubts about if Jesus loves him come up He may question if he is worthy of Jesus love. Shoes of peace: When uncertain times come he may become anxious about the future and what will happen to him. Sword of the spirit: When he needs to share his faith to a friend he may not know he has the power through the spirit to share the good news. Look at what happened to the orange when he did not have on his armor to protect him! He could not stand firm and instead sunk to in the bowl of water. We should wear our full armor of God every day so that we can stand firm in his word.

Materials: 2 oranges (or lemons), large container to submerse oranges in, water

Alternative:

Activity sheet- match the armor with its attributes

Materials: things in your environment

Create:

Decorate the cut-out person with the armor of God. Add all the parts of the armor of God including shield, breastplate, helmet, sword, shoes, and belt.

Materials: printed cut-out person, crayons, pencils

ARTS & CAFTS

CRAFT 1

Make an armor of God replica using cardboard box. Attach strings so that your child can wear it if desired.

Materials: cardboard, art, string or yarn, supplies: crayons, glue, scissor, markers,

CRAFT 2

Coloring Page

Materials: Coloring sheet printout, Crayons or Markers

FOLLOW-UP

Why do we need the armor of God?

Can we use one part of our armor without the others?

How does God protect us with this armor?

How do I know who will win If I can’t see who I am battling?

God wants to provide for all our needs even our protection. He wants to equip us with everything we need to share his good news with others and not be afraid. How can you use your armor of God today?

Practical Application at Home

We must put on the full armor of God every day. It should be how we choose to live life for God. This week practice doing each one of these activities as a way to suit up each morning. If you have a different activity for each piece of armor you can do your idea instead. Print the picture of the armor of God and post it in your room or beside your bed as a reminder to put on each piece. Remember, God does not require us to be perfect but to accept Jesus’ gift in place of perfection, because only He is perfect. But we can show God we love Him by living a life that is pleasing to Him. Give it a try this week!

The Shield of Faith: Trust God’s plan for your life this week by obeying what your parents ask you to do whether big or small. God has given them the job of guiding you to make good choices.

The Breastplate of righteousness: Do the right things this week like doing your chores on time, showing kindness to your brother or sister, and obeying your parents.

The belt of truth: Say this statement of truth “I am God’s handiwork (best creation). He created me to do good works. He has prepared a plan for me”

Shoes of Peace: when you are feeling unsure about what is going on or things are not going the way you want, pray and ask for God to give you peace. Then list 5 things you are thankful God has given to you.

Helmet of Salvation: When the future seems scary, thank God for the salvation He has already given you. Remember, you have already been delivered!

Sword of the Spirit: Read a verse for today or your memory verse for the week, say it several times throughout the day. Don’t stop there, see how you can use it throughout the day. If your memory verse is “Be kind one to another” look for 5 ways you can be intentionally kind to the people you know.

Additional Resources

Outings to Reinforce Lesson

Go to a park and spend time in worship and prayer. Ask God to show you ways to trust him and listen to his voice.

WELCOME TO WEEK 4

What makes you happy? What brings you Joy? The peace and Joy Jesus gives we can have all the time, even if everything around us is out of control. This week let’s look at what brings real peace and joy.

BIBLE STORY

Blow up a balloon and draw a smiley face on the balloon. Let’s play a game! I have a balloon with a smiley face to show joy! Let’s try to keep the balloon in the air. Each time you hit the balloon back into the air, say something that brings you joy or makes you happy. Let's see how many things we can rejoice over! 

Just as in this game we thought of things that make us happy, God wants us to keep a happy mind and heart. God wants us to have peace and bring our worries and concerns to him. 

Materials: balloon, marker

Read or listen to the scripture Philippians 4:4-9,13 

Instead of being anxious what should we do? (Bring our prayers and concerns to God)

When we bring our requests to God, what will be given to us? (The peace of God)

What will that peace do for us? (guard our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus)

What types of things should we think on? (things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy)

What should we do with the things we have learned from Jesus? (Put it into practice)

BIBLE STORY ACTIVITY

Paul was a man who helped God tell others about Jesus. When Paul was put into jail for preaching, it didn’t stop him from singing happy songs to Jesus. He shows us that we can have joy and peace even when things are going really bad. Paul trusted that God would take care of him so he remained happy.

Activity

Make a happiness chainlink using any color construction paper. On each strip write or draw a picture of things that make you happy. Staple the ends together wrapping it through each ring first to connect them.

Materials: Strips of construction paper, pencil/pen, stapler

Alternative:

Listen to the scenarios. Cut and glue the faces to popsicle sticks then use them to answer the scenarios of if they would be happy, sad or angry.

Materials: printed scenario cards, popsicle sticks, glue, scissors

Create:

Listen to the children’s book about Catching Joy

Materials: device to listen and watch the book “Catching Joy”

ARTS & CAFTS

CRAFT 1

Coloring Page.

Materials: printed coloring sheet, crayons

FOLLOW-UP

It’s easy to be happy when everything is going our way. When we are at a park or doing exactly what we want to do we have joy. Jesus wants to protect our hearts and take care of us all the time, even when life is hard.

When we are having a hard time how can we tell God? (praying to God and tell him)

How can we show God that we trust him? (by continuing to obey)

Tell about something you have worried about?

Let’s pray about that worry and give it to God.

Can you sing right now to show God that we trust He will protect our heart?

Practical Application at Home

This week let’s practice singing praises to God and praying even when things don’t go the way we think they should or we have a bad day. Try to do these things this week to show God that you trust him to protect you heart and mind from worry.

Sing your favorite praise or Sabbath school song

Say a prayer telling God you worry and asking Him to give you peace

Draw a picture of what you see and how you feel

Remember a time when you were sad before and how God was with you 

Focus on someone else and do something kind for them

Help mom or dad around the house and be a blessing to them

Write down the changes you see in your family, the situation or the blessing you received from trusting God.

Additional Resources

Outings to Reinforce Lesson

Go to a park and spend time in worship and prayer. Ask God to show you ways to trust him and listen to his voice.

WELCOME TO WEEK 5

We have learned this week that God has sent us to make disciples but He did not leave us alone to do it. God sent a helper, the Holy Spirit to help us and give us courage. God also calls us to be helpers and we can help others through our prayers. God wants to answer and he wants to show us an answer. We just need to keep our eyes open and watch and see what God will do.

BIBLE STORY

I need you to do a few things for me today. Give a list of chores that would be hard for them to do alone. Once they try and need help say “That looks too big for you, I can help you”. And then help them complete the task. (here are a few examples)

—-Move a large basket to a new place

—-Fold a large blanket

—-Move a large chair

—-Reach something high in the refrigerator

Did you need help doing some of those activities? Sometimes there are things that are too big for us and we need to ask someone for help. We need to call for help. Show a cell phone of telephone and say Who can we call and ask for help using this phone? (Let them give an extensive list). You are right! We can use this phone to ask lots of people for help or just talk to them. How do we talk to God? Yes! Prayer. When we pray we talk to God.
Today our story tells us about a time Peter really needed help and it was too big a job for him to do alone. He had lots of help.

Materials: pictures of animals

Let’s read or listen to the Bible story for this week Acts 12:1-17

Who was King and wanted to kill Peter? (King Herod)

What was Peter in prison for? (Preaching about Jesus)

Who came to see Peter in prison? (An angel)

What did the angel do? (told Peter to get up and get dressed and walked out of the prison with Peter)

At first, what did Peter think was happening. (He was having a vision)

Where did Peter go? (To Mary’s house)

What were the people at Mary’s house doing? (praying for Peter)

BIBLE STORY ACTIVITY

We can pray to God when we need help and just as Peter and his friends prayed for help from God. When we pray it is important to watch and see how God will answer our prayers. God will always answer our prayers, even if it’s not in the way we expect. We should never give up praying and looking to see what God will do!

Activity

(Cover an area with or do this activity outside to avoid a mess.) On a paper plate squeeze glue and create a design with thick lines that intersect. While glue is wet, pour salt over the glue to cover it completely. Shake the plate so the salt is redistributed onto the rest of the glue. Dab a paintbrush into water, making sure there is plenty of water on the brush. Then dip the brush into the watercolor paint and place it on one of the lines so the salt absorbs the paint water into the salt. Watch how the water moves along the salt trail. After that color stops spreading, rinse the brush and repeat using another color. Ask What did you expect would happen. What did happen? Just like we watched to see what would happen to the colors, we must keep watch to see how God will answer prayers. Materials: Phone or device to take pictures, small objects to photograph around your house.

Materials: glue, paintbrush, water colors, paper plate, salt, container of water

Alternative:

There are lots of people in our community who can help us. Complete the community helpers activity sheet.

Materials: printed activity sheet

Create:

We can pray wherever we go. At home, school, church, the car or while we are playing. Using Lego blocks or any building blocks build places your family visits and can pray there.

Materials: Lego or other building bricks

ARTS & CAFTS

CRAFT 1

 Fold a piece of construction paper in half. Draw your child’s hand on the front of the construction paper along the fold. Cut out the hand leaving the fold uncut. You should have 2 hands folded together. Have your child decorate and color the hands. On the inside of the hands write names of people they can pray for.

Materials: Construction paper, crayons, markers, scissors, pencil

CRAFT 2

Visit this website and scroll towards the bottom to find a coloring page and download the coloring pages to print. 

Materials: Printed coloring sheet

Craft 3

Coloring page

FOLLOW-UP

What are some things kids your age often talk to God about?

Why does God sometimes answer no or later?

Has God answered any prayers for your family?

What is something you like to talk to God about?

Practical Application at Home

Our prayers are powerful and God wants to hear from us. We may not always get the answer we want but we should look for how God has answered our prayers. On strips of paper, write a list of things you can pray for. Here are a few categories to think about.

Think about…

-people at church, your family or friends who may have requested prayer. 

-The country you live in and if you can pray for leaders and people in your community. 

-Your church leaders and teachers to be lead by God

-People who are less fortunate than you in your community or around the world

-Someone who is sick and needs healing

If you can, mention people by name as you write it on your strip of paper. Place the strips of paper in a small bowl or container and keep it near a place your family has worship. Each evening before prayer pull out a strip of paper and pray specifically for that person or group of people. Remember to keep watching to find out how God will answer your prayers.

Additional Resources

Outings to Reinforce Lesson

Go to a park and spend time in worship and prayer. Ask God to show you ways to trust him and listen to his voice.

WELCOME TO WEEK 1

This week we are looking at how we can spend our time. We don’t have to only spend time with God once a week when we go to church — we can spend time with God everywhere!

Exodus 35:4-35; James 4:8a 

BIBLE STORY

Designate 2 corners of the room as a complain corner and a non-complaining corner. I’m going to read some scenarios to you. If you think you would complain move to the complain corner. If you don’t think you would complain, move to the non-complain corner. Read scenarios to see if they would complain.

Read or listen to the Bible verse for this week: Exodus 35:4-35

What things could the Israelites willingly give for the temple? (gold, silver, bronze; blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen; goat hair; ram skins dyed red and leather; acacia wood; olive oil; spices, and onyx stones and other gems 

What was to be on the tabernacle table? (bread of Presence)

Who was to wear the garments? (Aaron the priests and his sons when they served as priests)

Were the Israelites required to bring something to the Tabernacle? (Their hearts were moved as to what and how much they should give as a willing offering)

How were the skilled workers able to make artistic designs and teach others to do the same? (They were filled with the Spirit of God, with wisdom and knowledge and understanding.)

BIBLE STORY ACTIVITY

God wants to spend time with us. He used the tabernacle as a temporary dwelling place so He could commune with His people. When Jesus came, He dwelt among us and then sent the Holy Spirit to remain with us after He returned to heaven. God is with us now and He does not need to have one particular place to meet with us. We can spend time with Him at any time and any place.

Activity

God gave specific directions on how to build the Tabernacle. Use a partner to practice following directions. Use the Shapes printout, or cut out various shapes on construction paper, including a large circle to be a face. Partners sit back to back. One person gives the instructions while building the face or scene at the same time. At the end of instructions, compare pictures and see if they both match. Were you able to follow the instructions? Were you able to give good instructions? Swap places giving or following instructions.

Materials: printed shapes page or shapes cut-out from construction paper

Alternative:

We can spend time with God at any time of any day. Use this clock to write down ideas of things you can do to spend time with God throughout the day. Find a special place that you can spend with God, like a small tent in your room, a chair by your window, or sitting in your bed. Keep this clock near your special place to remember ways to spend time with God.

Materials: printed clock with schedule

Create:

Draw a tabernacle replica. On graph paper or plain white sheet of paper, draw the outline of the tabernacle, draw the parts of the tabernacle and pieces that were inside such as the ark and candlesticks. 

Materials: plain white sheet of paper or graph paper, pencil

ARTS & CAFTS

CRAFT 1

Create an Ark using the following template. Color the template yellow. Put together the large box, fold along the black lines and then glue them. Then glue the long pieces onto the sides of the box. Next put together the lid and then glue to the large box.

Materials: printed template of Ark

CRAFT 2

Coloring Page

Materials: Printed coloring page

FOLLOW-UP

Read or listen to James 4:8a 

How did the Israelites get close to God? (Built the tabernacle)

Do we need to do the same things today to get close to God?

What are some things you do to become closer to God?

Where do you go to spend time with God?

In what ways does God come close to you?

Practical Application at Home

The Israelites gave an offering to God to fill the Tabernacle. It was a willing offering, no one was required to give anything. Each person gave according to how they were impressed to give. No matter our age, we all have something to give to God as well. We all have an offering we can bring, not only our money but our talents and time. In giving of ourselves we can grow closer to God. When we give the little that we have God can bless our offering and multiply it.

-This week think of some ways you can bring an offering to God using your talents or time. Here are a few examples:

-Record a video worshiping God by singing or playing an instrument, then send the video to someone who may be shut-in or sick.

-Send a note or card to a friend or church member to say hello or you are thinking of them.

-Give an extra offering to church

-Give money to a relief or missionary project you’ve read about.

-Make something to send to a nursing home or someone you know, such as a blanket, a pillow, or a picture.

Additional Resources

Outings to Reinforce Lesson

Go to a park and spend time in worship and prayer. Ask God to show you ways to trust him and listen to his voice.

WELCOME TO WEEK 2

Sometimes we have problems and we don’t see how we will ever find the solution. Maybe our grades are low and we can’t seem to improve them. Or maybe a friendship has gone bad and you don’t know how to move forward. This week we will see that we can trust God, even when we don’t see a solution. 

Numbers 13:2-14:9; Matthew 6:25-34 

BIBLE STORY

Let’s do the following trust activity. You or your partner will draw a picture on a sheet of paper, it can be a simple picture to start with. Once one person has drawn their picture, you will have your partner create a twin picture by giving them directions on how to draw your picture without showing it to them. For example, if you drew a smiley face tell your partner to draw a large circle, then draw 2 smaller circles inside the large circles toward the top of the circle. Continue describing how to make your picture and then compare your pictures. How did the picture turn out. Were your pictures exactly the same? 

This week we are learning about how some of the Israelites saw the promised land but didn’t see how God was going to give it to them. They focused on all the problems and forgot to trust God.

Let’s read the Bible story for the week Numbers 13:2-14:9

Who did Moses send to explore the land of Canaan? (12 men including Caleb and Joshua)

What was their report when they came back? (The land was filled with milk and honey, and the people were large in size)

What did the 12 men bring back from exploring the land? (First harvest of grapes, pomegranates and figs)

Who thought they should still go into the land and take what God had promised them? (Joshua and Caleb)

What did the Israelites think they should do? (Find a new leader and return to Egypt)

What did Joshua tell the Israelites? (that if the lord was pleased with them, he would lead them into the land… do not rebel against the lord and do not be afraid of the people there)



BIBLE STORY ACTIVITY

The 12 men that were sent in to spy on the Promised land came back with different perspectives. All the men returned saying the land was good and had great produce. 10 of the men said that the people were too big to conquer and that they should not try or they would be defeated. Caleb and Joshua saw the same things but from their faith perspective God was on their side, He would deliver them, and give them the Promised land.

Activity

Listen to this story, “The True story of the 3 Little Pigs” that gives a new perspective on a familiar story of the 3 Little Pigs. Think about how the original story is told. Seeing a story from another perspective can change the entire story and how we look at the same events.

Materials: Story The true story of the 3 little Pigs

Alternative:

Look up the following scriptures that speak of trusting God and match them to their verse.

Materials: printed activity sheet matching scriptures

Create:

We all have times when we worry and times when we trust. We often base if we can trust God on if He has delivered us from a similar situation in the past. Complete the following activity sheet creating different perspective glasses. On the pair of glasses labeled worry, write a list of things you tend to worry about. On the other pair of glasses labeled Trust, list the things you trust God for. Color and decorate your glasses.

Materials: printed perspective glasses, scissors, pencil, crayons

ARTS & CAFTS

CRAFT 1

Create a cluster of grapes. Use purple paper and cut out circles. Use green paper to cut out green leaves. Attach the  cluster of grapes to the leaves. Alternate option: use white sheet of paper and color the grapes and leaves.

Materials: sentence strip or strip of construction paper, red, black, orange and yellow construction paper

CRAFT 2

Coloring page

Materials: printed coloring page

FOLLOW-UP

The Israelites were focused on what they could not do and how much smaller they were from the Caananites. Their perspective was one of worry but Caleb and Joshua saw the same situation and saw it through the perspective of trust. What does the Bible say about worry? 

Read Matthew 6:25-34

Should we worry about our life?

What does God provide for us? 

How can we know that God will provide for our food and clothing?

Does worrying add anything to our life?

Instead of worrying, what should we seek?

What should we do when other around us worry?

How can you handle worry when it seems like the world around you is in chaos?

Practical Application at Home

Sometimes, just like the Israelites, we focus on the things that are going wrong or that we can not control, when we need to remember that we can always trust God. Even when we don’t see a way to solve our problem we can trust that God is in control, we can trust Him! Think about the following scenarios and how you can trust God in that situation.

-Your family doesn’t have a lot of food left or money to buy more. You can trust God to…

-You lied to your parents but want to confess your wrong. You can trust God to…

-Your school tuition is due but money is tight. You can trust God to…

-Your moms car just broke down and you are stranded. You can trust God to…

-Your friend at school is having a hard time and needs a word of encouragement. You can trust God to…

-You are not doing well in school but have decided to do your best each day. You can trust God to…

-You have a family member who is sick and you are praying for them. You can trust God to…

Additional Resources

Outings to Reinforce Lesson

Go to a park and spend time in worship and prayer. Ask God to show you ways to trust him and listen to his voice.

WELCOME TO WEEK 3

Are you a risk taker? Did you ever think you could be a risk taker for God? This week we will read a story about a woman who took a risk because she believed in God and wanted to follow him. Would you take a risk for God? This week, let’s find out what that means.

Joshua 2:1-15; Philippians 4:10-13

BIBLE STORY

Print these scenario cards and signs. Designate 4 corners of the room for each sign. As I read each scenario decide which corner of the room best describes the amount of risk you would want to take for that scenario. 1. I am cautious, I would not take the risk. 2: I am calculated, I might take the risk after I think about it. 3. I am spontaneous, I would probably take the risks. 4: I am risky, I would love to take the risk.

Materials: printed scenario cards

In our story today a woman names Rahab does something very brave to help a few men of God. God gives her strength to do something risky for Him.

Let’s read or listen to our story in Joshua 2:1-15

Why did Joshua send out the 2 spies? (To survey the land especially Jericho) 

Whose home did the spies stay in? (Rahab)

Why did the king tell Rahab to bring out the spies (He heard they had come to spy on the land)

What did Rahab tell the king? (that the men had left and the soldiers should chase after them)

What did Rahab hear and believe about the Israelites? (That their God was powerful and they had come to take Jericho just as they had taken previous cities because their God was with them)

What did she ask of the spies? (For them to show her kindness and protect her and her family from death.)

BIBLE STORY ACTIVITY

What does it mean to take a risk? What makes a risk scary? The unknown of what will happen if you take the risk is often what makes taking a risk hard. Most risks are not worth taking and usually bring harm, but what about the risks we take for God? In our story Rahab took a risk of being killed by hiding the spies from the king, but she recognized that God was more powerful than the king. She knew her life was worth risking in order for it to be saved by the God of heaven. We’ve learned this month that we can trust God, so taking a risk for Him is worth it!

Activity

In the Bible there are many people who took risks for God even when they didn’t know what the outcome would be. Look at the list of stories, read their scripture verses to refresh your memory of the story, and then write down the risk the person took in the story. Did they take the risk for themselves or for God? On the last column put a check mark to determine if it was a risk they took for God, or an X to indicate the risk was for themselves.

Materials: Printed Biblical Risk Takers

Alternative:

Activity sheet

Materials: Scenario cards

Create:

Create an obstacle course that has different challenges and small risks. Blindfold your partner and guide them through the obstacle course by giving instructions as they go. Going through an obstacle course requires them to take a risk and trust you to guide them safely to the end. Switch places so that your partner creates an obstacle course while you are lead blindly through it to the end.

Materials: objects around your house to create an indoor or outdoor obstacle course

ARTS & CAFTS

CRAFT 1

Create the scene of Jericho and Rahab’s house. Cut out different shapes from construction paper in various colors, sizes and shapes. Use the shapes to create a house and then decorate the rest of the picture. Add a red piece of yarn or string to show the rope Rahab left outside her window.

Materials: large sheet of paper, red string, or small rope, art supplies: glue, pencil, scissors

CRAFT 2

Coloring Page

Materials: Coloring sheet printout, Crayons or Markers

FOLLOW-UP

Read Philippians 4:10-13

Paul was writing this letter to say that He knew how to be content with what he had but also that He received his strength from God. He trusted God to provide all that He needed and help him when he was going though hard times. 

What are some things you are facing that are hard?

What are some things other people are facing that is hard?

Can you trust God to be with you and help you?

Should we be content when we see someone treating someone else wrong?

How can we use God’s strength to help us stand up for what is right?

Why is it important for us to take risks for God?

Would God have us to ignore the problems around us or help others?

When do you think it is okay to take a risk for God?

What is one risk you can take for God?

Practical Application at Home

Being risk takers for God can mean that when we see people being mistreated or injustice around us, we stand up for what is right. We can take the risk of being different by standing up for what is right and doing what God has called us to do, Love one another. We don’t have to look far to find injustice. There are people, animals, or human rights being compromised or mistreated. With a parent, find an age appropriate news article about a social injustice that requires a plan of action from your community. Discuss ways your family can be involved and be a part of positive change in your community or in the lives of others. Alternatively, here is a list of social issues, think of ways you can help and be a part of positive change.

-school bullying

-cyber bullying

-local child hunger

-child abuse

-pollution

-world hunger

-animal cruelty

Additional Resources