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.