Signing This Quarter s Bible Verses

Transcription

1 Signing This Quarter s Bible Verses Your children will enjoy signing each month s Bible verse in American Sign Language. to teach the signs by watching the signing Teacher Tip on each month s Live B.I.G. DVD. December s Bible Verse He will be born in Bethlehem. Matthew 2:5, Contemporary English Version He Born Point up with your right index finger. Touch your stomach with your right hand. Then place the back of your right hand into your left palm. Bethlehem Make the letter B by holding your right hand open and facing away from you. Fold your thumb against your palm. Circle the B, and then touch the fingers of both hands together twice to form the roofs of houses. January s Bible Verse The child Jesus grew. He became strong and wise, and God blessed him. Luke 2:40, CEV Jesus Grew Strong Wise God Blessed Him Touch the middle finger of your right hand to the palm of your left hand. Then reverse the motion, touching the middle finger of your left hand to your right palm. Move your right hand up beside you as if measuring heights. Make a fist with your right hand (an S shape.) Then use the right fist to outline the muscle on your left arm. Bend your right index finger. Move the bent finger up and down in front of your forehead. Use your right hand to outline the shape of a shepherd s staff in front of your forehead. Make a fist with each hand, thumbs out and facing you. Place both thumbs near your mouth, then bring your hands forward and down, opening your hands as your palms come down. Point up with your right index finger. February s Bible Verse Teach me your way, O LORD. Psalm 27:11 Teach me Way Lord Hold your hands in front of each side of your forehead. Bring the fingers and thumb of each hand together as you move your hands toward yourself. The motion indicates taking something from the mind of another and bringing it to yourself. Touch your thumb and little finger together while holding the three middle fingers straight up to make the letter W with each hand. Then move your hands forward, showing the path. Make the letter L by holding the index finger and thumb of your right hand extended while curling your other three fingers down. Hold the L at your left shoulder. Then move the L across your body to the right side of your waist.

2 Ages 5 6 Written by Tabitha Echols in consultation with Vicki Holdman, Mia Tallant, and Lori Trupp Table of Contents 2 Beginning to Live B.I.G. 2 Basic Live B.I.G. Resources Music 4 What s Up in Bethlehem? 5 Jesus Grew 6 All Who Have Ears December The Story of Bethlehem 7 December Overview 8 Lesson 1 December 4, 2011 The Prophecies 18 Lesson 2 December 11, 2011 Journey to Bethlehem 28 Lesson 3 December 18, 2011 Jesus Birth 38 Lesson 4 December 25, 2011 The Shepherds January Stories About Jesus 47 January Overview 48 Lesson 5 January 1, 2012 The Wise Men 58 Lesson 6 January 8, 2012 Jesus in the Temple at Twelve 68 Lesson 7 January 15, 2012 Jesus Baptism 78 Lesson 8 January 22, 2012 Jesus Begins His Ministry 88 Lesson 9 January 29, 2012 Jesus Heals Peter s Mother-in-Law February Stories Jesus Told 97 February Overview 98 Lesson 10 February 5, 2012 The Talents 108 Lesson 11 February 12, 2012 The Good Samaritan 118 Lesson 12 February 19, 2012 Lost and Found 128 Lesson 13 February 26, 2012 The Rich Fool Supplemental Pages 138 Reproducible Pages 143 Living B.I.G. at Home How are we doing? Send us your comments on the User Response Form at Winter Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 1

3 Beginning to Live B.i.G. Believe in God, believe also in me. (John 14:1) Welcome to Live B.I.G., a Sunday school adventure where children hear, see, and live their belief in God. What Is Live B.i.G.? It s children coming to know the love of God through Jesus. It s music, art, theater, dance, laughter, sign language, discussion, imagination, education, entertainment, sight, sound, cool graphics, hands-on activities, stickers, games, crafts, snacks, Bible stories, worship, prayer, and so much more. It s helping your students grow as children of God by taking what they learn from Sunday school into their everyday lives. Quarterly Kit Three B.i.G. Truths Every Live B.I.G. lesson is based on three big truths: God is a great big God. God loves us with a great big love. We are part of God s great big world. As you teach, remember: these truths are not just for the children, they are true for you too! Our great big God created you and loves you. Live B.I.G. is an opportunity for you to grow in your faith and to live out your own belief in God. Basic Live B.i.G. Resources The Quarterly Kit contains three DVD s one for each month this quarter and a Music CD. Each DVD has a different segment (Backyard Time, Travel Time, or Picture Time) and Teacher Tips, as well as Praise Time, a monthly music video. It also contains the Leader Guide, one Kids Book, and classroom decorations, including two attendance posters. Leader s Guide The Leader s Guide contains thirteen lessons for three months of Sunday school classes. Each lesson is self-contained, creative, and includes ways to interact with the DVD segments. The Leader s Guide also includes copies of the Praise Time music, reproducible pages, monthly Living B.I.G. at Home letters, and a User Response Form. Monthly Theme Pages Live B.I.G. is organized into monthly themes. At the beginning of each month s lessons, you will find a monthly overview page. This outline includes the Bible verse, the B.I.G. Idea, and the B.I.G. Theme for the month, as well as the Bible stories for each Sunday in the month. The monthly overview also lists the DVD segments, music suggestions, and suggestions for planning ahead. 2 Abingdon Press.

4 The Lesson Plan Each week s lesson plan contains activities to introduce your children to the Bible story, activities to immerse your children in the Bible story, and activities designed to connect your children s lives to the Bible story. Each lesson includes reproducible activity pages. The weekly lesson plan also includes a Bible background page for the teacher, an activity/supply list, and a DVD summary. Live B.i.G. Statements Every activity in the weekly lesson plan includes a focus Live B.I.G. statement. Live B.I.G. statements are intended to guide your conversation with the children. Look for ways to informally connect these Live B.I.G. truths to what the children are doing. Throughout the Leader s Guide, you will see the Live B.I.G. dove bringing words of advice related to a particular activity. Paying attention to these side notes will help in your planning and will ensure greater classroom success. Kids Book You will need a Kids Book for each child in your class. The Kids Book contains a detachable page of activities or crafts for each Sunday, a weekly take-home storybook that contains the Bible story and activities to do at home, and a page of stickers. Bongo the Bible Bird Puppet Students will be thrilled when Bongo the Bible Bird Puppet, featured on the Backyard Time DVD, comes to their very own classroom. Use Bongo to welcome your students, help tell the Bible story, sing with the Praise Time DVD, and encourage your students to learn the monthly Bible verse. Winter Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 3

5 What s Up in Bethlehem? Gospel N.C. E D/E A/E All E Beth le hem, Beth le hem. D/E A/E E D/E A/E What s up in Beth le hem? Beth le hem, Beth le hem. Ev ery bod y sing! E D/E A/E E Beth le hem, Beth le hem. Go ing down to Beth le hem. Beth le hem, Beth le hem. Second time to Coda D/E A/E E G Solo A/G Am/G Hail the new born King! 1. Have you heard there s some thing go ing down? G G A/G Big, big news for such a lit tle town. A child is born in Am/G G such a spe cial way. And mir a cles don t hap pen ev e ry day. F C/E Beth le hem s the place to be. It ful fills the proph e cy. So WORDS: Dennis Scott MUSIC: Dennis Scott 2008 Act IV Music Am G/B C C dim Am/D D.S. al Coda Bm11 let s re joice and let s sing. Hail the new born King! CODA G Solo A/G Am/G 2. A thou sand stars shin ing o ver head, G G A/G lis tening to what the an gels said. Trav eling on, the Am/G G shep herds and their sheep, to the place where the ba by lay a sleep. F C/E Beth le hem s the place to be. It ful fills the proph e cy. So Am G/B C C dim Am/D Bm11 N.C. let s re joice and let s sing. Hail the new born King! All E D/E A/E E Beth le hem, Beth le hem. What s up in Beth le hem? Beth le hem, Beth le hem. D/E A/E E D/E A/E Ev ery bod y sing. Beth le hem, Beth le hem. Go ing down to Beth le hem. E 1 D/E A/E E 2 D/E A/E E Beth le hem, Beth le hem. Hail the new born King! Hail the new born King! 4 Abingdon Press.

6 Jesus Grew G D G/B C G/D D G When Solo C G C G 1. Je 2. Je sus sus was a ba kept on grow by ing, the be wise men came com ing strong to see, and wise. the Then C G A pre cious grow ing Sav went down to the Jor ior dan who would set the where he peo ple was bap free. tized. D C G A On ly twelve years la dove came down from heav ter en. his Then C G C par he ents were a mazed. heard a voice speak, He was speak ing This is my in the Tem son whom I G A D All G D ple love. and teach ing a bout faith. With him I am well pleased. Je sus grew, grew, G/B C G/D D G D grew, grew, grew in the fa vor of God. Je sus WORDS: Steve Siler MUSIC: Steve Siler 2008 Silerland Music (ASCAP)/Admin. by The Copyright Co., Nashville, TN G D G/B C G/D D grew, grew, grew, grew, grew in the fa vor of God. 1 G 2 G Solo E B You are grow ing, too, in F B E B each and ev ery way. Fol low Je sus ex am ple cause All G/A A C/D N.C. ev ery sin gle day, Je sus grew, grew, grew, grew, grew in the fa vor of God. Je sus grew, grew, grew, grew, grew in the fa vor of God. Je sus G D G/B C G/D D G D grew, grew, grew, grew, grew in the fa vor of God. Je sus G D G/B C G/D D G grew grew grew grew, grew in the fa vor of God. Winter Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 5

7 All Who Have Ears E m Fm B m E m Fm B m Solo B m B m Je sus told us par a bles to teach us what to do. The B m B m Bi ble s full of sto ries with his wis dom and his truth. All (sung) E m Fm B E m Fm All who have ears let them hear. All who have ears let them hear. B m Solo B B m So lend your ears and lis ten in be cause it s time you heard. B m B m There s an aw ful lot to learn. Take it from a bird! All (sung) E m Fm B m E m Fm All who have ears let them hear. All who have ears let them hear. B m B m B m There was a good Sa mar i tan who helped an in jured man. WORDS: Steve Siler MUSIC: Steve Siler 2008 Silerland Music (ASCAP)/Admin. by The Copyright Co., Nashville, TN B m B m When you see some one in need, All E m help them if you can! Fm B m E m Fm All who have ears let them hear. All who have ears let them hear. B m Solo E m B m E m B m Je sus talked a bout com pas sion. He taught us not to judge. He E m B m G 7 F told us not to wor ry and not to live for stuff. Je sus E m B m E m B m told us to be giv ing, and to pray, God s king dom come; to E B m C7 F N.C. ask and seek and knock, but most of all to love. Solo B m B m Once a wo man lost a coin, she found it, then re joiced. When B m B m some one turns back to God, an gels jump for joy! All E m Fm B m E m Fm All who have ears let them hear. All who have ears let them hear. B m E m Fm B m E m Fm B m All who have ears let them hear! All who have ears let them hear! 6 Abingdon Press.

8 December Overview December s B.i.G. Idea We believe that the story of Jesus birth in Bethlehem shows us that Jesus is the promised Messiah. December s B.i.G. Theme The Story of Bethlehem December s Bible Verse He will be born in Bethlehem. Matthew 2:5, CEV Objectives Children will hear the Bible story about Micah and his message. Children will prepare for Christmas by discovering the Bethlehem of Micah s prophecy. Children will hear the Bible story about Mary and Joseph s trip to Bethlehem. Children will prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus. December s Lesson December 4: The Prophecies, Micah 5:2-5a December 11: Journey to Bethlehem, Luke 2:1-5 December 18: Jesus Birth, Luke 2:6-7 December 25: The Shepherds, Luke 2:8-20 Children will hear the Bible story about Jesus birth. Children will realize that Jesus is God s gift to people everywhere. Children will hear the Bible story about the shepherds who were the first to hear the good news about Jesus birth. Children will hear the angels message and know that they can tell others about Jesus. December s DVD December Overview Bible Verse in American Sign Language: Matthew 2:5a (see Leader inside front cover) Teaching Your Children: Using Snacks as a Learning Tool Demonstration: Build a Tent (December 11) Picture Time: The Christmas Pageant by Christy Colby Heno (December 18) Travel Time: Hip Hop Church in Florida (December 25) December s Praise Time Song What s Up in Bethlehem? (DVD, CD, Leader page 4). Music Suggestions Play songs from the CD as children arrive. Encourage the children to move, celebrate, and praise as they hear What s Up in Bethlehem? (DVD, CD, Leader page 4). Sing the Live B.I.G. theme song (CD) as part of each week s closing worship. Plan Ahead If you began using an Advent wreath on November 27, be sure it is ready to use through the rest of Advent. Gather supplies you will need to create a miniature Bethlehem in your classroom for the month. See page 138 for suggestions. Download and print a DVD-Time Wheel from to use each week. Draw a map of your classroom Bethlehem to use with the Bible story on December 11. Make a sample Star of David ornament on December 11. Collect a variety of Nativity sets for the children to examine on December 18. Have a modern-day birth certificate for the children to see on December 18. Provide Bible-times costumes and animal costumes for acting out the Bible story on December 18. Collect wool mittens. Consider asking your congregation to donate mittens that can be given to a shelter for people who are homeless on December 25. Collect Christmas cards with pictures of Mary, Joseph, shepherds, angels, the innkeeper, and Bethlehem on December 25. Include cards with pictures of wise men to use the next week. Winter Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 7

9 Lesson 1 December 4, 2011 December s B.i.G. Idea We believe that the story of Jesus birth in Bethlehem shows us that Jesus is the promised Messiah. December s Bible Verse He will be born in Bethlehem. Matthew 2:5, CEV December s B.i.G. Theme The Story of Bethlehem Lesson 1 The Prophecies Today s Bible Story Micah 5:2-5a Three B.i.G. (Believe in God) Truths God is a great big God. God loves us with a great big love. We are part of God s great big world. Objectives Children will hear the Bible story about Micah and his message. Children will prepare for Christmas by discovering the Bethlehem of Micah s prophecy. As the familiar song says, It s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. By now stores are filled with Christmas decorations, lists have been made, many Christmas trees are up, and stockings have been hung. Over the next few weeks churches will host Christmas pageants, kitchens will smell of cookies, and school children will count down the days until Christmas break. There is no doubt about it, the message is loud and clear Christmas is coming! A similar message rings out from the Book of Micah. Micah, a prophet of God in the eighth century BC, was a contemporary of the prophet Isaiah. Some biblical scholars even believe that the two may have known one another. Micah, like other prophets of the time, prophesied that Israel and Judah would be destroyed because of the sins of the people and their rulers. However, Micah s prophecy did not leave the people hopeless. Micah continued with a message of hope and restoration for all of Israel. Micah foretold that a ruler for Israel would come from the city of Bethlehem. According to Micah s prophecy, this ruler would have origins from ancient times. This ruler would be like a shepherd tending his flocks. The greatness of this ruler would reach to the ends of the earth. This ruler would bring peace to God s people. Through the prophet Micah, God sent a message Christmas is coming! Today, children will hear the story of Micah and his message. Children will prepare for Christmas by discovering Micah s prophecy of the coming ruler who would bring peace to the world. This coming ruler would be born in the town of Bethlehem. This news must have seemed odd to those who first heard it. After all, Bethlehem was a small town, an uneventful kind of place. People farmed, tended sheep, and sold goods in the city market. Why would the Messiah be born in a place like Bethlehem? As you prepare to teach this lesson, reflect on God s plan that began long ago in the town of Bethlehem. Remember the events that surrounded Christ s birth. Think about the characters from innkeepers to angels. Consider the priceless gift of a savior born in a lowly stable. And remember to get ready, for as the prophet foretold Christmas is coming! 8 Abingdon Press.

10 Activity Invite them in... (15 minutes) TimeSaver EcoFriendly Set It Up! Welcome! Experience Bethlehem A New Bible Verse What Did People Wear in Bethlehem? Bethlehem Pottery... Into the Bible (30 minutes) Backyard Time Micah Has a Message Hear the Bible Story Praise Time... Into Life (15 minutes) Pass the Message House of Bread (With Butter!) Bethlehem Advent Ornament Closing Advent Worship TimeSaver TimeSaver Activities that require little or no planning and only basic supplies. EcoFriendly EcoFriendly Activities that encourage responsible earth stewardship by providing options to use recycled or repurposed materials. DVD Summary: Backyard Time It is time to decorate the Backyard for Christmas. Bongo is all about presents, but his grandparrot, Papo, tells him he must be patient. Mr. Z introduces this month s Bible verse: He will be born in Bethlehem. Then Papo reminds Bongo that God made a special promise--a promise to send his Son, but the people had to be patient and wait. Papo, Mr. Z, and Ms. Lucy remember when Bongo was born. Your children will begin to see that Christmas is about much more than presents. December 4, 2011 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 9

11 Lesson 1 December 4, 2011 The B.i.G. Idea We believe that the story of Jesus birth in Bethlehem shows us that Jesus is the promised Messiah. Set It Up! Choose one or more activities to introduce your children to the Bible story. Invite them in... Supplies: Leader page 138, supplies for the options you choose, guest townspeople Do Use Building Bethlehem (Leader page138) to create a setting that will connect the children with the Bethlehem of Jesus birth. Consider inviting guest townspeople dressed in appropriate costumes to help children explore the different items in the room. Live B.i.G. Experiencing and reenacting Bible stories helps children learn about the world into which Jesus was born. Welcome! Supplies: Stickers, Attendance Chart, Leader inside front cover, DVD, DVD player, television, marker, tape Write the name of each child on the Attendance Chart. Hang the chart at a height that will allow the children to add Stickers easily. Pray for each child in your class. Pray for any new children who may join. Pray for God s direction as you prepare to teach. Do Say: Welcome to Bethlehem! Give each child a Bethlehem Sticker to place on the Attendance Chart. Say: (child s name), I am glad you are here. Our new Bible verse this month says, He will be born in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:5, CEV). Teach the children to sign the Bible verse in American Sign Language (Leader inside front cover, DVD). Live B.i.G. The prophet Micah prophesied that our savior, Jesus, would be born in the city of Bethlehem. Experience Bethlehem Do Invite the children to walk around the room and explore Bethlehem. As the children explore, ask questions based on the classroom scene you have created. 10 Abingdon Press.

12 Ask: What kinds of things do you notice in our little town of Bethlehem? What kinds of trees do you see growing in Bethlehem? What kinds of food can you find? What types of instruments can you play in Bethlehem? Live B.i.G. We can know more about Jesus by learning about the places he lived. A New Bible Verse Supplies: Leader page 16, pencils, crayons or markers Photocopy a Bible Verse Trace (Leader page 16) for each child. Do Give each child a Bible Verse Trace (Leader page 16). Invite children to trace the Bible verse and then color the picture of Bethlehem. Say the Bible verse, and invite the children to repeat it after you. Live B.i.G. Jesus was born in Bethlehem. What Did People Wear in Bethlehem? Supplies: Building Bethlehem (Leader page 138), Bible-times clothing, full-length mirror Do Invite the children to dress up in the different types of clothing. Ask: What different types of clothing do you see? How are these clothes different from the clothes that we wear today? Christmas play costumes should be perfect for the dress-up corner. Live B.i.G. People in ancient Bethlehem dressed differently from the way we dress today. It is fun to dress up and learn about different places and times. Bethlehem Pottery Supplies: self-hardening clay, paper bowls, water, art smocks, a variety of clay objects Do Show the children examples of items that are made from clay. Say: In Bethlehem people created many items out of clay. Invite the children to leave their Place small bowls of water on a table. creations to dry. They can paint them another week. Give each child a small block of clay. Invite the children to mold the clay into whatever shape they wish. Show the children how to use the water to soften and shape the clay. Live B.i.G. People in ancient Bethlehem used clay to make bowls and other items. December 4, 2011 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 11

13 Lesson 1 December 4, 2011 The B.i.G. Idea We believe that the story of Jesus birth in Bethlehem shows us that Jesus is the promised Messiah. Choose one or more activities to immerse your children in the Bible story. Backyard Time Supplies: DVD, DVD player, television, optional: DVD-Time Wheel (website)... Into the Bible Do Turn the arrow on the DVD-Time Wheel to Backyard Time. Say: Bongo came into the world as a baby bird. Let s see how Mr. Z, Ms. Lucy, and Papo felt as they waited for Bongo to hatch from his egg. Play Backyard Time (DVD). Say: God sent his Son Jesus to the world as a baby boy. When we celebrate Christmas, we celebrate Jesus birthday. During Advent we are waiting for Jesus to be born. Jesus was born in Bethlehem. Live B.i.G. God sent Jesus to earth as a tiny baby. Each of us started life as a baby. Micah Has a Message Supplies: Leader page 17, small paper plates, craft sticks, gluesticks, clear tape, scissors Do Give each child a copy of Micah Has a Message (Leader page 17). Invite the children to cut out each circle. Have the children glue the picture of Micah to one side of a paper plate and the picture of Jesus to the other side of the paper plate. Tape a craft stick to one side of the paper plate to create a handle. Live B.i.G. Micah had a message for God s people. Part of Micah s message was that Jesus was going to be born in Bethlehem. Hear the Bible Story Supplies: Bible, Micah Has a Message puppets (above) Do Open your Bible to Micah 5:2-5a. Say: Today s Bible story comes from the Book of Micah in the Old Testament. Micah was a prophet. A prophet is a person who delivers messages from God. Say: God said to Micah, I have a message for the people. Micah had a lot of things to say to the people. 12 Abingdon Press.

14 Say: When I hold up my Micah puppet, you hold up your puppet and say, Micah said. Say: When I turn my puppet to the other side, you turn your puppet to the other side and say, Jesus! Have the children practice saying Micah said and Jesus while turning their puppets. Hold up your Micah puppet and say with the children: Micah said Say: Something special is going to happen in a small town called Bethlehem. Someone very important is going to be born in Bethlehem. That person is Turn the puppet to show the picture of Jesus. Say with the children: Jesus! Turn the puppet to show the picture of Micah again. Say with the children: Micah said Say: Someone is coming to Bethlehem someone who will care for people like a shepherd cares for sheep. That someone is Turn the puppet to show the picture of Jesus. Say with the children: Jesus! Turn the puppet to show the picture of Micah. Say with the children: Micah said Say: Someone is coming to Bethlehem. Someone who will be great to the ends of the earth. That someone is Turn the puppet to show the picture of Jesus. Say with the children: Jesus! Turn the puppet to show the picture of Micah. Say with the children: Micah said Say: Someone is coming to Bethlehem. Someone who will bring peace to all of God s people. That someone is Turn the puppet to show the picture of Jesus. Say with the children: Jesus! Live B.i.G. Micah had a message for God s people. Micah said that Jesus would be born in Bethlehem. Praise Time Supplies: DVD, DVD player, television Do Say: Today, we are going to learn a new song. Our song is called What s Up in Bethlehem? As you listen to the song, look at the big picture of Bethlehem in the background. Play the song, What s Up in Bethlehem? (DVD). Encourage children to listen and then to sing along as they become familiar with the words. Ask: Did Bethlehem look like you expected it to? What were some of the many different kinds of pictures you saw of Jesus? Say: Jesus was born in Bethlehem. Jesus grew to become a man who loves us and who teaches us how God wants us to live. Live B.i.G. Jesus was born in Bethlehem. Where were you born? December 4, 2011 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 13

15 Lesson 1 December 4, 2011 The B.i.G. Idea We believe that the story of Jesus birth in Bethlehem shows us that Jesus is the promised Messiah. Choose one or more activities to connect your children s lives to the Bible story. Pass the Message Supplies: long sheet of paper, marker Make a banner that says God Loves You.... Into Life Do Invite the children to sit in a circle. Say: I have a special message for each of you. I am going to pass the special message around the circle. Pass the banner to the right and whisper to the person, God loves you. Invite each person to pass the message to the right. When the message has gone around the circle, help the children remember the message. Say: Yes, one message that God has for all of us is that God loves us. God sends us that message through the Bible. Ask: What message did Micah have to help us know how much God loves us? (Jesus will be born in Bethlehem.) Live B.i.G. God sent a message of love to us by sending Jesus. House of Bread (With Butter!) Supplies: heavy whipping cream, measuring cup, salt and shaker, bread, clean baby food jars (one for each child), clean craft sticks, juice or water, cups Do Have the children wash their hands. Say: Micah said that Jesus would be born in the town of Bethlehem. The name Bethlehem means house of bread. Ask: How many people like to eat bread? What do you like to eat on bread? Say: Some people like to put butter on bread. Ask: Do you know where butter comes from? Pour 1 /8 cup of heavy whipping cream into each of the empty baby food jars. Place the tops on the jars. Give each child a jar of the cream. Invite students to shake the jars until the liquid separates and a solid butter forms. Drain the liquid from each jar. Invite each child to add a little salt to their butter with a salt shaker Abingdon Press.

16 Give each child a piece of bread and a clean craft stick. Invite the children to use the craft sticks to spread the butter on a piece of bread. Let the children eat the bread and drink juice or water. Live B.i.G. Thank you, God, for sending Jesus to be born in Bethlehem, the house of bread. Bethlehem Advent Ornament Supplies: Kids Book, gluesticks, long craft sticks, yarn Punch out a Bethlehem Advent ornament (Kids Book) for each child. Do Give each child a Bethlehem Advent ornament (Kids Book). Show the children how to fold the Bethlehem pictures and glue the sides together. Invite the children to glue a craft stick to each side of the top of the picture. Invite children to glue a craft stick to each side of the bottom of the picture. Help each child add a hanger by tying a piece of yarn through the hole at the top. Live B.i.G. Our Bethlehem ornament will remind us that Jesus was born in Bethlehem. Closing Advent Worship Supplies: Kids Book, Stickers, Leader page 143, Advent wreath used last week, purple and pink construction paper, black marker, tape, safety matches or candle lighter Write HOPE on purple construction paper and JOY on pink construction paper. Detach a bookmark for each child (Kids Book). Photocopy December Living B.I.G. at Home (Leader page 143) for each child. Do Say: Today is the second Sunday in Advent. Say: The prophet Micah gave the people HOPE when he told them that Jesus would be born in Bethlehem. Place the HOPE sign on a wall or bulletin board, and let one children help you light one of the candles on your Advent wreath. Say: Micah also had a message of JOY. He knew Jesus would bring JOY to the world. Place the JOY sign near the HOPE sign, and then let another child help you light a second candle on your Advent wreath. Ask: Can you think of something that brings you joy? As each child names something that brings joy, give that child a Bethlehem worship badge (Stickers), a bookmark (Kids Book), and a copy of December Living B.I.G. at Home (Leader page 143). Say: One thing that brings me joy is seeing each one of you! Pray, thanking God for the joy that Jesus brings to our lives. Live B.i.G. Thank you, God, for the joy that a relationship with Jesus Christ brings. December 4, 2011 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 15

17 Lesson 1 Bible Verse Trace Trace the letters to form December s Bible verse. Color the picture of Bethlehem. 16 Abingdon Press.

18 Lesson 1 Micah Has a Message Cut out each picture. Glue one picture to each side of a small paper plate. Add a craft stick to make a handle. December 4, 2011 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 17

19 Lesson 2 December 11, 2011 December s B.i.G. Idea We believe that the story of Jesus birth in Bethlehem shows us that Jesus is the promised Messiah. December s Bible Verse He will be born in Bethlehem. Matthew 2:5, CEV December s B.i.G. Theme The Story of Bethlehem Lesson 2 Journey to Bethlehem Today s Bible Story Luke 2:1-5 Three B.i.G. (Believe in God) Truths God is a great big God. God loves us with a great big love. We are part of God s great big world. Objectives Children will hear the Bible story about Mary and Joseph s trip to Bethlehem. Children will prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Are we there yet? Have you ever heard those four familiar words uttered from the backseat of the family car? Maybe you can remember a time when you yourself have asked the popular question. Or perhaps you have heard it as you traveled to a long-awaited vacation destination. Imagine finally reaching your destination only to find that there is no place for you to stay? Although they were not traveling to Bethlehem for a vacation, that was the story of Mary and Joseph. When the Emperor Augustus ordered a census of the entire Roman world, Joseph was required to return to the town of his ancestry. Because Joseph was from the line of King David, he would travel to the City of David, the town of Bethlehem. The journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem was a walking distance of about eighty miles a little more than a week s journey. Can you imagine what a journey like that must have been like for Mary in her ninth month of pregnancy? And what about Joseph? Have you ever wondered if he was nervous as he traveled along the road? Imagine what it was like for them when the journey was complete and they found themselves on the verge of parenthood without a place to stay. Why had the angel not warned them about this part of the plan? Do you think that if the people in Bethlehem had known the significance of the baby that would soon be born in their small village, someone would perhaps have found room for just one more family. What about us today? Even though we know the significance of Jesus to the Christmas story, do we sometimes find it hard to make room for Jesus among our holiday preparations and festivities? Often, like the people who had gathered in Bethlehem for the census, we may become so busy that we fail to make room for Jesus. As you prepare to teach this week s lesson, consider ways to help the children realize the importance of Jesus in their Christmas celebrations. By helping them experience each part of the Christmas story, we can help build their excitement about more than just giving and receiving gifts. Perhaps we can kindle excitement about Jesus birth. Today, the children will embark on a journey with Mary and Joseph. They will prepare for the birth of Jesus. They will realize that someone special is coming to Bethlehem! 18 Abingdon Press.

20 Activity Invite them in... (15 minutes) TimeSaver EcoFriendly Welcome and Sign In! Let s Take a Head Count What Is Population? Postcards From Into the Bible (30 minutes) Hear the Bible Story Backyard Time Praise Time Donkey Tracks Knock, Knock...No Room!... Into Life (15 minutes) City of David Advent Ornament Experiencing Bethlehem Tastes of the Town Journey to Bethlehem Relay Closing Advent Worship TimeSaver TimeSaver Activities that require little or no planning and only basic supplies. EcoFriendly EcoFriendly Activities that encourage responsible earth stewardship by providing options to use recycled or repurposed materials. DVD Summary: Backyard Time Your kids will discover how Bongo got his name when his grandparrot, Papo, recalls the day that Bongo was born. After saying the Bible verse together: He will be born in Bethlehem Matthew 2:5 (CEV), Mr. Z answers the children s questions about Bethlehem and Nazareth and tells the Bible story about Mary and Joseph making their trip to Bethlehem, where Jesus would soon be born. When Jesus was born, the promise to send a Son was fulfilled. December 11, 2011 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 19

21 Lesson 2 December 11, 2011 The B.i.G. Idea We believe that the story of Jesus birth in Bethlehem shows us that Jesus is the promised Messiah. Choose one or more activities to introduce your children to the Bible story. Welcome and Sign In! Invite them in... Supplies: Stickers, Attendance Chart, sign-in sheet, pencils, posterboard, marker Make a sign-in sheet for a classroom census. Place the sign-in sheet somewhere near the classroom entrance. Write Welcome to Bethlehem on a piece of posterboard. Under those words, write Population:. Pray for each child in the class. Pray for any new children who may join. Pray for God s direction as you prepare to teach. Do Say: (Child s name), welcome to Bethlehem! I am glad you are here. Our Bible verse says, He will be born in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:5, CEV). Say: Mary and Joseph went to Bethlehem for a census. A census means that all the people from a certain area sign in and are counted. Today we are counting everyone who comes to our Bethlehem. Please sign your name here. As the children sign in, give each one a Mary and Joseph Sticker to place on the Attendance Chart. Say: Let s remember and sign our Bible verse, He will be born in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:5, CEV). Help the children sign the verse (Leader inside front cover, DVD). Live B.i.G. Mary and Joseph traveled to Bethlehem for a census. Let s Take a Head Count Supplies: Leader page 26, pencils or crayons Photocopy Let s Take a Head Count (Leader page 26) for each child. Do Give each child a copy of Let s Take a Head Count (Leader page 26). Help the children count the people and pets in the room for the census. Ask: How many people did you count in our classroom? How many girls did you count? boys? teachers? pets? Live B.i.G. A classroom census helps us learn about the census in Bethlehem. 20 Abingdon Press.

22 What Is Population? Supplies: CD or Christmas music CD, CD player, atlas of the United States, masking tape Use masking tape to make three large shapes (circle, square, and triangle) on the floor. Do Say: Every town, every state, and every country has a population. Population is the number of people who live in a specific area. Show children the atlas. Say: This book has a map of each state in the United States. Find the map of the state where you live. Help children find the population of your state by locating the population figure on the map. Ask: Can you think of another state? Find the population of any state the children might call out. Say: In today s Bible story, we will hear about people who traveled to Bethlehem for a population count. Say: Let s pretend to take a journey to Bethlehem. Let s walk around the shapes on the floor while I play some Christmas music. Say: When the music stops, stand inside one of the shapes. Play the music and let the children walk between the shapes. Then stop the music and invite each child to stand in the shape of his or her choice. Ask: What is the population of the circle? the square? the triangle? Play the game several times, each time calculating the new populations of each shape. Live B.i.G. A population is the number of people who are living in a certain area. During the census, people were counted to discover the population of Bethlehem. Postcards From Supplies: index cards, crayons, various postcards Do Say: Today we are going to hear a story about Mary and Joseph. Mary and Joseph traveled to Bethlehem. Ask: Can you remember any places where you and your family have traveled? Ask: How did you get there? Give each child an index card. Invite each child to make a postcard by drawing a picture of a place where he or she has traveled. Invite the children to show their postcards to the class. As the children show their postcards, ask questions about the journey. How did they get there? How long was the journey? Live B.i.G. Talking about our own journeys helps us to connect with and relate to the journey of Mary and Joseph. December 11, 2011 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 21

23 Lesson 2 December 11, 2011 The B.i.G. Idea We believe that the story of Jesus birth in Bethlehem shows us that Jesus is the promised Messiah. Choose one or more activities to immerse your children in the Bible story. Hear the Bible Story Supplies: Bible, DVD, DVD player, television, Welcome to Bethlehem sign and sign-in sheet (page 20), marker, optional: map of your classroom Bethlehem,... Into the Bible Draw a map of your classroom Bethlehem. Build a simple tent ( December 11 Demonstration, DVD). Do Invite the children to the storytelling area by calling the names from the classroom sign-in sheet. Open your Bible to Luke 2:1-5. Say: Our Bible story comes from the Book of Luke in the New Testament. Ask: How many people did we count in our classroom today? Write the Population number on the Welcome to Bethlehem sign. Tell the story, Journey to Bethlehem, encouraging the children to respond to the I wonder and What do you think questions. Journey to Bethlehem Long ago, a ruler named Augustus said that every man must travel to his hometown to be counted. Some people may have needed a map. (Show the map of your classroom Bethlehem.) Joseph s family was from Bethlehem, called the City of David because King David, who was one of Joseph s ancestors, had been born there. Mary was going to have a baby. I wonder what Mary and Joseph may have packed for their journey? It took about a week to walk to Bethlehem. Mary may have ridden a donkey. What do you think it was like to ride on a donkey? Mary and Joseph may have gotten hungry as they traveled. What do you think they may have had for a snack? The road to Bethlehem was a bumpy one. There were hills to climb and valleys to cross. Mary and Joseph may have taken a simple tent to sleep under. (Let the children sit under the simple tent you have made.) When Joseph and Mary arrived in Bethlehem, all the inns were full. Finally, they stayed in a stable where animals were resting. What do you think it was like to sleep in a stable full of animals? Mary and Joseph were glad to get some rest. It had been a long and difficult journey, and they knew that soon their baby would be born. Live B.i.G. Mary and Joseph traveled to Bethlehem for the census. As they traveled, they also prepared for the birth of a baby. 22 Abingdon Press.

24 Backyard Time Supplies: DVD, DVD player, television, optional: DVD-Time Wheel (website) Do Turn the arrow on the DVD-Time Wheel to Backyard Time. Say: Last week Mr. Z, Ms. Lucy, and Papo were anxiously waiting for Bongo to hatch from his egg. Let s see what happens this week! Play Backyard Time (DVD). Ask: Where was Bongo born? Do you think he was cute? Do you know what you looked like when you were a baby? Do you know where you were born? Say: Mr. Z, Ms. Lucy, and Papo had to wait for Bongo to be born. Right now we are waiting to celebrate the day Jesus was born. Live B.i.G. On Christmas we remember the story of Jesus birth in Bethlehem. Praise Time Supplies: DVD, DVD player, television, optional: DVD-Time Wheel (website) Do Turn the arrow on the DVD-Time Wheel to Praise Time. Play the song What s Up in Bethlehem? (DVD). Let the children move to the music. Ask: Where was Jesus born? Live B.i.G. Mary and Joseph went to Bethlehem, Joseph s hometown, to be counted. Jesus was born in Bethlehem. Donkey Tracks Supplies: Leader page 27, paint, shallow tray, cotton swabs, hand washing supplies Do Give each student a Donkey Tracks maze (Leader page 27). Say: Mary may have ridden on a donkey on the journey to Bethlehem. Show children how to dip the end of a cotton swab into paint and to stamp it onto the maze to make donkey tracks to follow the maze. Live B.i.G. Mary probably rode a donkey on her journey to Bethlehem. Knock, Knock No Room! Do Say: When Mary and Joseph arrived in Bethlehem, they looked for a place to stay. They knocked on the doors of the inns, but all the inns were full. Choose a child to act out either Mary or Joseph by going around the circle and lightly tapping each person saying, Knock, Knock (instead of Duck, Duck ) and finally No room (instead of Goose. ) Let several children act out going from door to door. Live B.i.G. When Mary and Joseph found no room, Mary and Joseph stayed in a stable. December 11, 2011 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 23

25 Lesson 2 December 11, 2011 The B.i.G. Idea We believe that the story of Jesus birth in Bethlehem shows us that Jesus is the promised Messiah. Choose one or more activities to connect your children s lives to the Bible story. City of David Advent Ornament Supplies: Kids Book, craft sticks, glitter glue, gluesticks, yarn Punch out Star of David ornament triangles (Kids Book) for each child. Create a sample ornament for the children to see.... Into Life Do Say: During Advent we prepare for Christmas. Let s make another ornament that will remind us of our Bible story. Say: Mary and Joseph traveled to Bethlehem. Bethlehem is called the City of David because King David was born there. Show the children the sample ornament. Say: This is called a Star of David. King David loved God very much. Joseph and Jesus were descendants of King David. Give each child a set of Star of David ornament triangles (Kids Book) and six craft sticks. Help the children glue the craft sticks to the triangles. Then help them glue the triangles together to form a Star of David. Tie a yarn loop through the hole at the top of each ornament for a hanger. Live B.i.G. Mary and Joseph traveled to Bethlehem, the City of David. King David was an ancestor of Joseph and of Jesus. Experiencing Bethlehem Tastes of the Town Supplies: a basket filled with figs (or fig cookies), cheese, olives, grapes, a flat bread such as pita bread, and apples; a pitcher of grape juice; napkins; cups Do Say: When Mary and Joseph arrived in Bethlehem, there were probably people selling food. Some of the foods people may have eaten in Bethlehem are here on our table. Allow children to see, smell, and taste the foods. Live B.i.G. People around the world eat different kinds of food. Mary and Joseph may have eaten food such as our snack in Bethlehem. 24 Abingdon Press.

26 Journey to Bethlehem Relay Supplies: two paper bags; laundry basket filled with such things as baby items, food, small blankets, items of clothing, a water bottle, sports equipment, DVDs or CDs, a telephone Do Divide the children into two groups. Give each group a paper bag. Say: Mary and Joseph probably packed supplies before going on their journey to Bethlehem. Let s pretend to be Mary and Joseph as they pack for their journey. There are many supplies in the basket. Remember to choose only things that Mary and Joseph may need on their journey. Explain the relay to the children: each person will run to the basket, choose an item, place the item in the bag, then run back and give the bag to the next person in line. Start the relay by saying, On your mark. Get set. Go! Continue until each child has had an opportunity to place an item in the bag. Ask each team to empty its bag, and explain why they chose each item. Live B.i.G. Mary and Joseph knew what they would need on their journey to Bethlehem. They were prepared for the birth of their son, Jesus. Closing Advent Worship Supplies: Kids Book, Stickers, Leader inside front cover, DVD, DVD player, television, Advent wreath used last week, pink construction paper, black marker, tape, safety matches or candle lighter Write the word LOVE on a piece of pink construction paper. Detach a bookmark for each child (Kids Book). Do Say: Today is the third Sunday in Advent. Ask three children to help you light three of the candles on your Advent wreath. Say: This week our Advent word is LOVE. Place the word LOVE on the wall or bulletin board with the words HOPE and JOY. Say: During the Advent and Christmas seasons, we remember God s love. We also spend time with people we love and people who love us. Ask: Can you name someone who you love? (Encourage responses.) Ask: Now, can you think of someone who loves you? (Encourage responses.) As each child responds, give that child a Mary and Joseph worship badge (Stickers) and a bookmark (Kids Book). Say: There are many people who love us. God loves us too. God sent Jesus to be born in Bethlehem to show us that God loves us. Let s remember and sign our Bible verse, He will be born in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:5, CEV). Remind the children how to sign the verse (Leader inside front cover, DVD). Pray, giving thanks for God s love for each one of us. Live B.i.G. Thank you, God, for loving us. Thank you for sending Jesus. December 11, 2011 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 25

27 Lesson 2 Let s Take a Head Count Count the people in your classroom today. Write the correct numbers in the blanks provided. 26 Abingdon Press.

28 Lesson 2 Donkey Tracks Complete the maze by making donkey tracks on the path to Bethlehem. December 11, 2011 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 27

29 Lesson 3 December December s B.i.G. Idea We believe that the story of Jesus birth in Bethlehem shows us that Jesus is the promised Messiah. December s Bible Verse He will be born in Bethlehem. Matthew 2:5, CEV December s B.i.G. Theme The Story of Bethlehem Lesson 3 Jesus Birth Today s Bible Story Luke 2:6-7 Three B.i.G. (Believe in God) Truths God is a great big God. God loves us with a great big love. We are part of God s great big world. Objectives Children will hear the Bible story about Jesus birth. Children will realize that Jesus is God s gift to people everywhere. The birth of a baby is quite an event. Today, babies births are perhaps more elaborate than ever. There are baby showers, gift registries, and birth announcements. There are countless doctor appointments, medical tests, and ultrasounds. And wow, do those babies need a lot of stuff. There are diaper bags for long trips and diaper bags for short trips. There are baby beds, bassinets, and travel cribs for the variety of places that the new baby may need to take a nap. Just visit any baby supplies store and you can get lost in the aisles of baby products. Mary would not have known what to do with most of the items that modern mothers feel they must have for their babies. She did not own a baby monitor or a stroller. She did not have a car seat or a high chair. Mary did not even have a rocking chair. She gave birth without a doctor or a hospital. Instead, she had a stable where animals lived. She did not choose from a variety of cute little outfits. She wrapped her baby in long cloths. She did not lay her baby in a crib. Instead, she placed him in a manger, a trough intended for food for the animals in the stable. Mary did not write her thoughts down in a baby book, but just like modern mothers, she treasured every moment, every sound, every smell, and every feeling in her heart. Her heart must have felt so full full of all the same dreams, hopes, and love that modern mothers have, but also full of questions and full of wonder about her baby s birth and the future for which he had been born. Today, as we quickly approach Christmas Day, you and the children in your class have the opportunity to experience the sounds, smells, and wonder of Christmas that Mary felt. As the children arrive, they will be filled with the normal childhood excitement about the coming of Christmas. It is important that you welcome their excitement and show your own. Listen as they talk about presents and parties and Christmas trees. Build on that anticipation as you tell the story about Jesus birth in Bethlehem. Help the children to include in their Christmas hopefulness a joy that goes beyond the enjoyment of gifts and candy canes and beautiful decorations. Help them to feel the excitement and wonder of celebrating the birth of Jesus, a baby sent by God to bring us joy and hope. 28 Abingdon Press.

30 Activity Invite them in... (15 minutes) TimeSaver EcoFriendly Welcome! Experiencing Bethlehem Animals in Town Nativity Discovery Table Taking Care of Baby Bethlehem Birth Certificate... Into the Bible (30 minutes) Picture Time Hear the Bible Story Room for One More Praise Time... Into Life (15 minutes) Baby Jesus Advent Ornament Sticker Nativity Happy Birthday Cupcakes Class Christmas Caroling Closing Advent Worship TimeSaver TimeSaver Activities that require little or no planning and only basic supplies. EcoFriendly EcoFriendly Activities that encourage responsible earth stewardship by providing options to use recycled or repurposed materials. DVD Summary: Picture Time Mr. Z, Ms.Lucy, and Bongo are setting up their manger scene. After remembering the Bible verse, your preschoolers will love this week s Picture Time, as it tells the story The Christmas Pageant, written by Christy Colby Heno. In this tale of a Christmas pageant that goes horribly wrong, all is well until one of the kids in the play throws up. Then chaos takes over. It is a humorous story, told in rhyming fashion, that will remind your children that God loves them, no matter what. December 18, 2011 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 29

31 Lesson 3 December The B.i.G. Idea We believe that the story of Jesus birth in Bethlehem shows us that Jesus is the promised Messiah. Welcome! Choose one or more activities to introduce your children to the Bible story. Invite them in... Supplies: Stickers, Attendance Chart, Leader inside front cover, DVD, DVD player, television, manger (a small box with hay or strips of brown paper will work), baby doll Place a manger and a baby doll wrapped in cloths somewhere in your classroom away from the Attendance Chart. Pray for each child in the class. Pray for God s direction as you teach. Do Say: Welcome back to Bethlehem! Give each child a baby Jesus Sticker for the Attendance Chart. Say: (Child s name), I am glad you are here. Do you remember our Bible verse? Our Bible verse says, He will be born in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:5 CEV). Remind the children how to sign the Bible verse in American Sign Language (Leader inside front cover, DVD). Say: What is new in our classroom this week? Go, see what is in the manger. Live B.i.G. Mary wrapped the baby Jesus in cloths and laid him in a manger. Experiencing Bethlehem Animals in Town Supplies: large construction paper in brown, black, and white; tape; gluesticks; pictures of donkeys, cows, sheep, and goats; markers; scissors Cut a variety of animal ear shapes from colored construction paper. Do Say: Today we are going to learn about the animals that lived in Bethlehem. Show pictures of animals that may have been in the stable. Invite each child to choose a set of animal ears. Cut two strips of construction paper (the same color as the ears he or she has chosen) for each child. Tape the pieces together to form a headband. Invite each child to glue the animal ears to a headband to wear. Live B.i.G. Many animals find shelter in stables. Jesus was born in a stable. 30 Abingdon Press.

32 Nativity Discovery Table Supplies: several different Nativity sets Do Invite children to view each Nativity set. Ask: What is different about each Nativity set? What things are the same? Ask: Who has a Nativity set at home? Have you seen any in our church? Where? Live B.i.G. People collect and display Nativity sets to remember the birth of Jesus. Taking Care of Baby Supplies: baby dolls, baby clothes, baby bottles, diapers, blankets, toy strollers, toy crib, strips of cloth or strips of gauze Do Invite the children to play with the baby items and to practice taking care of a baby. Say: The Bible tells us that after baby Jesus was born, his mother wrapped him in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger. The cloths made baby Jesus feel warm and safe just like a blanket can make you feel warm and safe. Invite the children to wrap the dolls in strips of cloth. Ask: What things do babies need? How do you hold a baby? What do babies eat? Live B.i.G. When Jesus was born, his mother wrapped him in cloths and laid him in a manger. Bethlehem Birth Certificate Supplies: Leader page 36, washable stamp pads, hand wipes, pencil, a modern-day birth certificate Photocopy Bethlehem Birth Certificate (Leader page 36) for each child. Do Say: When babies are born, they often receive a birth certificate. Many times, a baby s footprint is placed on the certificate. If possible, show the children an example of a modern-day birth certificate. Give each child a Bethlehem Birth Certificate (Leader page 36). Invite the children to trace the name, Jesus, on the certificate. Show children how to make a fist. Show children how to press the side of one fist on an ink pad and then on the right side of the birth certificate. Help the children use the ink pad and their fingers to add five fingerprints above the fist print to make it into a footprint with toes. Say: When we make fist stamps, they look a little like baby footprints. Say: Today we are celebrating the birth of baby Jesus. Live B.i.G. Jesus did not have a birth certificate. We remember Jesus birth by reading about it in the Bible. December 18, 2011 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 31

33 Lesson 3 December The B.i.G. Idea We believe that the story of Jesus birth in Bethlehem shows us that Jesus is the promised Messiah. Picture Time Choose one or more activities to immerse your children in the Bible story. Supplies: DVD, DVD player, television, DVD-Time Wheel (website)... Into the Bible Do Turn the arrow on the DVD-Time Wheel to Picture Time. Say: Today we are going to hear a story about some children who were in a Christmas pageant. They had some problems while they were acting out the story of Jesus birth. Play Picture Time (DVD). Ask: What happened in the children s Christmas pageant? Ask: Do you think we could have our own Christmas pageant? Live B.i.G. Many churches have Christmas pageants. By acting out the Christmas story, we help others learn about the birth of Jesus. Hear the Bible Story Supplies: Bible, Bible-times costumes, animal headbands made earlier (page 30), manger, baby doll Do Assign each child a part and provide a costume. You will need these three characters: Mary, Joseph, and the innkeeper. The rest of the children can be animals. Open your Bible to Luke 2:6-7. Say: Today s Bible story comes from the Bible Book of Luke. Luke is a book in the New Testament. Tell the story Mary and Joseph Arrive in Bethlehem. Mary and Joseph Arrive in Bethlehem When Mary and Joseph arrived in Bethlehem, they needed a place to stay. (Invite Mary and Joseph to stand up.) Mary and Joseph went to an inn. An inn is like a hotel. Do you have a room? they asked the innkeeper. No, said the innkeeper. This inn is full. (Invite the innkeeper to stand up and shake his head no. ) Mary and Joseph had no place to stay, and Mary was about to have a baby! Mary and Joseph looked all around. (Have Mary and Joseph look around.) The only place they could find was a stable where animals were living. There were donkeys in the stable. (Invite the donkey(s) to stand and say, Hee haw. ) 32 Abingdon Press.

34 There were cows in the stable. (Invite the cow(s) to stand and say, Moo. ) There were sheep in the stable. (Invite the sheep to stand and say, Baa. ) And guess what else? There was a baby in the stable! (Give the baby doll to Mary.) Mary did not have a bed in the stable. So, she wrapped the baby in warm cloths and laid him in a manger filled with hay. A manger is a feedbox for animals. (Invite Mary to wrap the baby in a blanket and lay him in the manger.) Mary named the baby Jesus. On Christmas we remember and celebrate Jesus birthday. Say: You did a great job acting out the Bible story. If the children wish, read the story again, allowing the children to switch parts. Live B.i.G. Mary gave birth to her first son, Jesus. She wrapped him in cloths and laid him in a manger. Room for One More Supplies: Welcome to Bethlehem sign used last week (page 20) Do Say: Last week we counted the number of people in Bethlehem. Today, we have another person who has been added. Ask: Who is new in our Bethlehem this week? Say: Let s add baby Jesus to our population number. Ask: Last week there were people. If we add one more, how many will there be? Mark through the number from last week. Write the new number for this week. Live B.i.G. Thank you, God, for sending Jesus to be born in Bethlehem. Praise Time Supplies: DVD, DVD player, television, DVD-Time Wheel (website) Do Turn the arrow on the DVD-Time Wheel to Praise Time. Ask: Do you remember where Jesus was born? Ask: Do you remember seeing pictures of Bethlehem in our Praise Time DVD? What did Bethlehem look like? Play the song, What's Up in Bethlehem? (DVD). Let the children move with the music. Live B.i.G. Jesus was born in Bethlehem. December 18, 2011 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 33

35 Lesson 3 December The B.i.G. Idea We believe that the story of Jesus birth in Bethlehem shows us that Jesus is the promised Messiah. Choose one or more activities to connect your children s lives to the Bible story. Baby Jesus Advent Ornament Supplies: Leader page 37, cardstock, paper punch, yarn, crayons, raffia, scissors, gluesticks Photocopy Baby Jesus Advent Ornament (Leader page 37) for each child. Cut a cardstock oval, about by-5, for each child. Punch a hole and attach a yarn hanger at the top of each oval.... Into Life Do Give each child a copy of Baby Jesus Advent Ornament (Leader page 37). Invite the children to color and cut out the manger and baby Jesus pictures. Show the children how to glue a small amount of raffia onto the manger to simulate hay. Invite the children to glue the picture of baby Jesus onto the raffia hay. Help each child glue the manger and baby Jesus to a cardstock oval. Say: Take your manger home to hang on your Christmas tree. Live B.i.G. Mary placed the baby Jesus in a manger filled with hay. Sticker Nativity Supplies: Kids Book, Stickers, construction paper, gluesticks, glitter glue Punch out a Bethlehem stable (Kids Book) for each child. Do Give each child a Bethlehem stable (Kids Book). Say: Many stables in Jesus day were actually built inside a cave to protect the animals the lived there. Let the children glue the stable to a piece of construction paper. Give each child a set of Nativity stickers (Stickers). Invite the students to use the stickers to create Nativity scenes. The children can use glitter glue to make stars above the stable. Live B.i.G. Jesus was born in a stable in Bethlehem. 34 Abingdon Press.

36 Happy Birthday Cupcakes Supplies: cupcakes, frosting, candy sprinkles, plastic spoons, juice or water, cups Do Invite the children to wash their hands. Invite each child to frost a cupcake and decorate it with candy sprinkles. Ask: Whose birthday are we celebrating today? (Jesus birthday) Invite the children to join in singing Happy Birthday to Jesus. Pray, thanking God for your food. Enjoy the birthday cupcakes. Live B.i.G. When we celebrate Christmas, we are celebrating Jesus birthday. Class Christmas Caroling Supplies: small Christmas gifts such as candy canes Remember to check for allergies before serving any snack. Do Say: Today we are celebrating Jesus birth. It is fun to celebrate with others. Say: Sometimes, during Christmas, people go Christmas caroling. They sing Christmas songs to others as a way of saying, Merry Christmas! Visit another class to sing What s Up in Bethlehem? or another Christmas song. When the song is completed, say Merry Christmas! Take along small Christmas gifts (such as candy canes) to share. Live B.i.G. The story of Jesus birth is something we want to share with others! Closing Advent Worship Supplies: Kids Book, Stickers, Advent wreath used earlier, safety matches or a candle lighter, purple construction paper, black marker, tape Write the word PEACE on a piece of purple construction paper. Detach a bookmark for each child (Kids Book). Do Say: This is the last Sunday in Advent. Ask four children to help you light the four candles on your Advent wreath. Say: This week our Advent word is PEACE. Place the PEACE sign with the other Advent words (HOPE, JOY, and LOVE). Turn off the lights in the room, but be sure there is enough light for children to see. Say: Let s pretend to be in the stable with baby Jesus while he is sleeping. Let s be very quiet and calm. Whisper: It is very peaceful, isn t it? Jesus came to fill us with peace. Say: Let s sing Happy Birthday to baby Jesus in a quiet, peaceful voice. As the children sing, quietly give each one a Happy Birthday, Jesus! worship badge (Stickers) and a bookmark (Kids Book) to take home. Live B.i.G. Peace on earth to everyone who pleases God (Luke 2:14, CEV). December 18, 2011 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 35

37 Lesson 3 Bethlehem Birth Certificate Trace the name Jesus on the line. Make a fist print on the right side of the birth certificate. Add fingerprint toes to make the fist print into a footprint. 36 Abingdon Press.

38 Lesson 3 Baby Jesus Advent Ornament Color the pictures. Cut out the pictures of baby Jesus and the manger. Glue raffia (hay) onto the manger. Glue the picture of baby Jesus in the manger. Glue the manger scene onto a piece of cardstock with a yarn hanger at the top to make an ornament. December 18, 2011 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 37

39 Lesson 4 December December s B.i.G. Idea We believe that the story of Jesus birth in Bethlehem shows us that Jesus is the promised Messiah. December s Bible Verse He will be born in Bethlehem. Matthew 2:5, CEV December s B.i.G. Theme The Story of Bethlehem Lesson 4 The Shepherds Today s Bible Story Luke 2:8-20 Three B.i.G. (Believe in God) Truths God is a great big God. God loves us with a great big love. We are part of God s great big world. Objectives Children will hear the Bible story about the shepherds who were the first to hear the good news about Jesus birth. Children will hear the angels message and know that they can tell others about Jesus. We Christians talk a lot about shepherds. We talk about Moses, who while shepherding his father-in-law s sheep, encountered God in a burning bush. We teach about young David, the shepherd boy who would become the great king of Israel. We teach the powerful and comforting words of Psalm 23, The Lord is my shepherd. We teach that Jesus, the Good Shepherd, guides us and cares for us. We make sheep crafts and shepherd staffs, and we use lots of cotton balls! We sure do teach a lot about shepherds and their sheep. God must have a lot for us to learn from shepherds and sheep. Today the children will learn that the first people to visit the baby Jesus were shepherds. Why would God choose shepherds to welcome Jesus into the world? Shepherds were certainly not prominent members of society. The job of taking care of the sheep usually fell on the youngest or on the oldest members of a family. Sometimes the task fell to hired hands, and sometimes even to servants or slaves. The shepherds in this Bible story were likely those who tended the flocks that provided offerings for the Temple in Jerusalem, for these flocks were kept in pastures Bethlehem. Shepherds were an important, but largely invisible, part of the society. On the night of Jesus birth, though, shepherds took center stage. They were alerted by an angel that the Messiah had been born. Then, in awe, they watched as the sky filled with angels. They listened to the angel chorus singing praise to God for the glorious event that had come to pass. They must have thought, Why us? The visit of the shepherds to the manger was one of the first of many signs that the Messiah would not be a rich ruler. He would not travel in caravans or fine chariots. He would travel from place to place with no permanent home of his own. His job would be that of a shepherd. He would tend to the needs of the people, and he would seek out those who were lost. As you prepare to teach this week, consider the job of a shepherd. How can you be a shepherd for the children in your class? Through prayer, patience, and lots of love, you can help lead the children into a relationship with Jesus. And what can you and the children learn from the sheep? Like sheep, we can follow a shepherd who will care for us. We can follow the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ. 38 Abingdon Press.

40 Activity Invite them in... (15 minutes) TimeSaver EcoFriendly Welcome! Experiencing Bethlehem Weaving and Wool Dress-Up Corner Shepherds and Angels A Shepherd s Job Mitten Match Manger Snacks... Into the Bible (30 minutes) Travel Time Hear the Bible Story What Is Missing? Praise Time A Multitude of Heavenly Hosts... Into Life (15 minutes) Christmas Card Nativity What Do You Treasure? Advent Word Search Closing Advent Worship TimeSaver TimeSaver Activities that require little or no planning and only basic supplies. EcoFriendly EcoFriendly Activities that encourage responsible earth stewardship by providing options to use recycled or repurposed materials. DVD Summary: Travel Time Ms. Lucy, Mr. Z, and Bongo are writing thank-you cards for their Christmas gifts. Then Travel Time takes your preschoolers to a church with a different approach to worship. It is a hiphop church that is adding a beat to its music. As your kids watch the group put together a special Christmas remix, complete with beatboxing and a DJ, they will see that God gives each of us different talents, and all of them can be used to worship God. December 25, 2011 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 39

41 Lesson 4 December The B.i.G. Idea We believe that the story of Jesus birth in Bethlehem shows us that Jesus is the promised Messiah. Welcome! Choose one or more activities to introduce your children to the Bible story. Invite them in... Supplies: Stickers, Attendance Chart, Leader inside front cover, DVD, DVD player, television Do Say: Welcome back to Bethlehem! Give each child a shepherd Sticker for the Attendance Chart. Say: (Child s name), I am glad you are here. Today we will hear about shepherds who came to see baby Jesus in Bethlehem. Ask: Do you remember our Bible verse? Our Bible verse says, He will be born in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:5, CEV). Remind the children how to sign the Bible verse in American Sign Language (Leader inside front cover, DVD). Live B.i.G. Shepherds visited the baby Jesus in the stable in Bethlehem. Experiencing Bethlehem Weaving and Wool Supplies: Kids Book, thick pieces of yarn in several colors, scissors Punch out a weaving loom (Kids Book) for each child. Cut thick, colored yarn into eight-inch strips. Do Give each child a weaving loom (Kids Book). Say: In Bethlehem people used the wool from sheep to make yarn. They used yarn to make rugs and clothes and decorations for their homes. Show children how to weave pieces of yarn through the loom. Connect all the weavings to make a tapestry to hang in the classroom. Live B.i.G. In Bethlehem, people made cloth from wool, which comes from sheep. Dress-Up Corner Shepherds and Angels Supplies: shepherd costumes, angel costumes, shepherd staffs, full-length mirror Do Invite children to dress up as angels and shepherds. Say: Our Bible story is about shepherds who were watching their sheep when an angel told them that baby Jesus had been born. Live B.i.G. An angel told the shepherds that Jesus had been born in Bethlehem Abingdon Press.

42 A Shepherd s Job Supplies: cotton balls, spoons, paper cups Do Say: Today we are going to learn about shepherds, who were the first people to visit baby Jesus. A shepherd s job is to care for his sheep. Spread cotton balls throughout the room. Say: It looks like some of the sheep here in Bethlehem have wandered around. Let s see how quickly we can get the sheep back into their area. Give each child a spoon and a paper cup. Encourage the children to scoop up the cotton ball sheep with the spoons and place them in the cups. Say: Shepherds need to know how many sheep are in their flocks. Invite the children to count the number of cotton ball sheep in their cups. Live B.i.G. A shepherd s job is to take care of the sheep and make sure they are safe. Mitten Match Supplies: laundry basket, wool mittens Collect a large quantity of wool mittens. Consider asking your church congregation to donate mittens. Later, donate the mittens to a homeless shelter. Do Fill a laundry basket with mittens. Say: Shepherds take care of sheep. A shepherd also collects wool from sheep. Wool is used to make many things. These mittens are made from sheep s wool. Invite the children to play a game of Mitten Match. Say: There are many mittens in this basket. Let s work together to see how fast we can match the mittens to make pairs. Live B.i.G. Mittens keep our hands warm in the winter. Mittens are made from wool. Wool comes from sheep. Manger Snacks Supplies: pudding cups, shredded wheat cereal, plastic spoons, water or juice, cups Do Give each child a pudding cup. Let the children crumble shredded wheat on top to make hay. Say: A manger is filled with hay for animals to Remember to check for allergies before serving any snack. eat. The angel told the shepherds that they would find the baby Jesus lying in a manger. Enjoy a manger snack. Live B.i.G. Thank you, God, for the food we eat. Thank you for sending Jesus. December 25, 2011 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 41

43 Lesson 4 December The B.i.G. Idea We believe that the story of Jesus birth in Bethlehem shows us that Jesus is the promised Messiah. Travel Time Choose one or more activities to immerse your children in the Bible story. Supplies: DVD, DVD player, television, DVD-Time Wheel (website)... Into the Bible Do Turn the arrow on the DVD-Time Wheel to Travel Time. Say: Today we are going to visit a church that worships with a special kind of music. Are you ready? Play Travel Time (DVD). Ask: Have you ever been to a church like this hip-hop church? Would you like to be in a choir like the one there? What did you like most about this church? Live B.i.G. We can celebrate Jesus birth with many kinds of music. Hear the Bible Story Supplies: Bible Do Open your Bible to Luke 2:8-20. Say: Today s Bible story comes from the Book of Luke in the New Testament. Let's hear the story about the shepherds. The Shepherds On the night that Jesus was born, there were shepherds in the fields taking care of their sheep. Suddenly, an angel appeared. The shepherds were afraid. They had never seen an angel before. The angel said, Do not be afraid. I have good news for you. Tonight, in Bethlehem, a special baby has been born. Then the whole sky was filled with more angels than the shepherds could count. They were singing Glory to God in the highest heaven. When the angels left, the shepherds said, Let s go to Bethlehem. The shepherds ran as fast as they could. When they arrived, they found Mary and Joseph and the baby Jesus, just like the angel had said. When the shepherds returned home, they told everyone about the angels and baby Jesus. Everyone who heard their story was amazed! Mary remembered all that had happened the trip to Bethlehem, staying in a stable, baby Jesus being born, angels filling the sky and singing praises to God, and shepherds coming to visit the baby Jesus. Live B.i.G. The shepherds told the good news from the angels to others. 42 Abingdon Press.

44 What Is Missing? Supplies: Nativity set (excluding the wise men) Do Have children gather in a circle. Set up a Nativity scene in the middle of the circle. (Do not include the wise men.) Say: Close your eyes. Remove one piece of the Nativity scene. Ask the children to open their eyes and name which piece is missing. Talk about the piece and its significance to the Christmas story. Continue until each piece has been discussed. Live B.i.G. Jesus is the most important part of Christmas. Praise Time Supplies: DVD, DVD player, television, DVD-Time Wheel (website) Do Turn the arrow on the DVD-Time Wheel to Praise Time. Say: In today s Bible story the sky was filled with angels. The angels sang praises to God to celebrate Jesus birth. Let s sing our praises to God like the angels. Play What s Up in Bethlehem? (DVD). Encourage children to celebrate and praise God with the music. Live B.i.G. The angels sang praises to God when they told the shepherds about Jesus. A Multitude of Heavenly Hosts Supplies: Leader page 46, new sponges, black marker, paint, paper plates, mural paper, Christmas music CD, CD player, scissors Photocopy A Multitude of Heavenly Hosts (Leader page 46). Cut out the angel and star patterns, and trace each pattern onto a new sponge. Cut out the sponge shapes. Pour paint onto several paper plates. Do Place a large sheet of mural paper on a wall or table. Say: The shepherds saw a multitude of angels singing and praising God. The word multitude means a great amount. It means the shepherds saw lots and lots of angels. Play Christmas music. Invite each child to select a sponge stamp, dip the sponge into paint, and stamp it onto the mural paper to create a scene of the heavenly host. Live B.i.G. A multitude of angels sang praises to God. Save page 46 to use again in Lesson 11. December 25, 2011 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 43

45 Lesson 4 December The B.i.G. Idea We believe that the story of Jesus birth in Bethlehem shows us that Jesus is the promised Messiah. Choose one or more activities to connect your children s lives to the Bible story. Christmas Card Nativity Supplies: Christmas cards featuring Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, shepherds, angels, and Bethlehem; scissors Cut the front cover off the Christmas cards. While you are looking, collect pictures of the wise men to use next week.... Into Life Do Arrange the Christmas card fronts on a table. Say: Let s see if we can remember the characters in the Christmas story. Invite each child to find and cut out a set of Christmas story characters. Help the children use the pictures to create their own Nativity pictures. Say: All our pictures are different. No one knows exactly what Mary or Joseph or the shepherds or angels looked like. It is fun to imagine the different ways they may have looked. Live B.i.G. We can celebrate Christmas by remembering all the events that took place when Jesus was born. What Do You Treasure? Supplies: Leader page 139, paper, markers, scissors, crayons, gluesticks, basket Photocopy What Did Mary Treasure? (Leader page139) for each child. On separate strips of paper write I saw, I heard, I felt, I smelled, and I tasted. Place the strips in a small basket. Do Give each child What Did Mary Treasure? (Leader page 139). Invite children to color and cut out the heart and the pictures. Have the children glue each picture onto the heart. Ask: What things did Mary remember? Say: Let s remember some things about Christmas. When I pass the basket, please draw a piece of paper. Say: Complete your sentence based on a recent Christmas experience. For example: I saw presents under the tree, or I smelled the Christmas cookies in the oven. 44 Abingdon Press.

46 Say: The Bible tells us that Mary remembered everything in her heart. We can remember the story of Jesus birth too. Live B.i.G. Mary remembered all the wonderful events that surrounded the birth of Jesus. Christmas memories are wonderful. We can share Christmas memories with our families and friends. Advent Word Search Supplies: Leader page 140, pencils Photocopy an Advent Word Search (Leader page 140) for each child. Do Give each child an Advent Word Search (Leader page 140). Say: During Advent we have learned about the words HOPE, JOY, LOVE, and PEACE. We can find all of those words hidden on our paper. When you find an Advent word, circle it. Help the children find and circle the words on the page. Live B.i.G. During Advent we experience hope, joy, love, and peace. Advent helps us prepare to celebrate Christmas. Closing Advent Worship Supplies: Kids Book, Advent wreath, white pillar candle, safety matches or candle lighter, white construction paper, marker Place a large pillar candle in the middle of the Advent wreath. Write the word JESUS on a piece of white construction paper. Punch out a bookmark for each child (Kids Book). Do Say: Advent is over. Today we are celebrating Jesus birthday. Say: Let one child help you light the white candle in the middle of the Advent wreath. Place the JESUS sign above the Advent words HOPE, JOY, LOVE, and PEACE. Point to each word and read it aloud. Say: Jesus brings us hope. Jesus brings us joy. Jesus brings us love. And Jesus brings us peace. God sent Jesus as a gift to all of us. Jesus is a gift of hope, joy, love, and peace. Give each child a Good News worship badge and a bookmark (Kids Book) to take home. Pray, giving thanks for God s love for each one of us. Live B.i.G. Thank you, God, for your son, Jesus. Thank you for giving us hope, joy, love, and peace. December 25, 2011 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 45

47 Lesson 4 A Multitude of Heavenly Hosts Cut out each pattern. Trace each pattern onto a sponge. Cut the patterns from the sponges to create sponge stamps. 46 Abingdon Press.

48 January Overview January s B.i.G. Idea We believe that the stories about Jesus help us understand that Jesus is the Son of God. January s B.i.G. Theme Stories About Jesus January s Bible Verse The child Jesus grew. He became strong and wise, and God blessed him. Luke 2:40, CEV Objectives Children will hear the Bible story about the wise men who came from the East to worship Jesus. Children will learn ways that they can give gifts to Jesus and to others. Children will hear the Bible story about Jesus in the Temple at twelve years old. Children will learn that, like Jesus, they are growing strong and wise. Children will hear the Bible story about Jesus baptism. January s DVD January Overview Bible Verse in American Sign Language: Luke 2:40 (CEV) (see Leader inside front cover) Teaching Your Children: Learning to Use the Bible Demonstration: Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh (January 1) Travel Time: Zach Hunter and Loose Change to Loosen Chains (January 8) Picture Time: What Will You Be When You Grow Up? (January 22) January s Praise Time Song Jesus Grew (DVD, CD, Leader page 5) Music Suggestions Play songs from the CD as children arrive. Let the children imitate the motions of growing as they sing Jesus Grew (DVD, CD, Leader page 5) Sing the Live B.I.G. theme song (CD) as part of each week s closing worship. January s Lessons January 1 The Wise Men, Matthew 2:1-12 January 8 Jesus in the Temple at Twelve, Luke 2:41-52 January 15 Jesus Baptism, Mark 1:4-11 January 22 Jesus Begins His Ministry, Luke 4:14-30 January 29 Jesus Heals Peter s Mother-in-Law Matthew 8:14-17; Mark 1:29-34; Luke 4:38-41 Children will discover that God loved Jesus and was pleased with him. Children will hear the Bible story about Jesus reading from Isaiah in the synagogue. Children will identify ways they can work with Jesus. Children will hear a Bible story about Jesus showing God s love and care through healing. Children will identify ways they can show God s love and care for others today. Plan Ahead Collect illustrated children s Bibles and storybooks for a reading center that the children can use all month. Collect pictures of the wise men from Christmas cards or old Sunday school curriculum. Provide empty water bottles, new wooden spoons, and brightly colored socks for Bottle Wise Men on January 1. Gather child-appropriate magazines with pictures of babies and children of various ages for January 8. Purchase some paint-with-water books for January 15. Gather story props: sandpaper blocks, sandals, water bottles, and craft feathers for January 15. Invite visitors to talk about their occupations on January 22. Provide large dowels to make scrolls on January 22. Invite a doctor or nurse to visit the class with a stethoscope and a child s blood pressure cuff on January 29. Provide unopened tissue boxes to make gifts for people who are sick on January 29. December 25, 2011 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 47

49 Lesson 5 January 1, 2012 January s B.i.G. Idea We believe that the stories about Jesus help us understand that Jesus is the Son of God. January s Bible Verse The child Jesus grew. He became strong and wise, and God blessed him. Luke 2:40, CEV January s B.i.G. Theme Stories About Jesus Lesson 5 The Wise Men Today s Bible Story Matthew 2:1-12 Three B.i.G. (Believe in God) Truths God is a great big God. God loves us with a great big love. We are part of God s great big world. Objectives Children will hear the Bible story about the wise men who came from the East to worship Jesus. Children will learn ways that they can give gifts to Jesus and to others. This month we will look at four stories about Jesus that take us from Jesus birth to the announcement of his ministry. Today, we start with a story from Jesus toddler days. The wise men have been the subject of books, paintings, movies, and legends. We often see them portrayed in a group of three, although no one really knows how many there may have been. They are often depicted in flowing garments, wearing crowns, and riding camels. Sometimes they are pictured with a caravan of servants; other times they come alone bearing only the gifts they were to present to the baby. So, who were these wise men? And when and where did they meet Jesus? Although no one is certain who the wise men were, we do know that they studied the stars. When a new star appeared in the sky, they recognized it as a sign of the birth of royalty. The wise men set out to find the new king. Often the wise men are pictured at the manger alongside the shepherds, but their long journey would make their arrival much later perhaps up to two years later. When they finally arrived, Jesus was no longer in a stable in Bethlehem, but he was in a house. The wise men must have been certain that this young child, Jesus, was someone of great importance, for they brought expensive and precious gifts. Their gifts set a precedent that is still followed today with our tradition of Christmas gift giving. The wise men s gifts came some time after the first Christmas. Likewise, some of the greatest gifts we can give or receive come after our Christmas trees are packed away. The greatest Christmas gifts are the ones, like those brought by the wise men, that are given to Jesus. With the arrival of the wise men, celebrated on January 6, the gift-giving season has just started! As we remember and reflect on the precious gift of Jesus, we can ponder our own gifts. The wise men brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. What gifts do we bring? Like adults, children can bring gifts to Jesus. They can worship. They can serve. They can have a relationship with Jesus. As you prepare for this week s lesson think about ways that you can help the children discover the gifts they can give to Jesus through their worship and their service. 48 Abingdon Press.

50 Activity Invite them in... (15 minutes) TimeSaver EcoFriendly Welcome! The Story of Me Read About It! (Books About Jesus) Spice Jars Studying Stars...Into the Bible (30 minutes) Backyard Time Hear the Bible Story Praise Time Bottle Wise Men...Into Life (15 minutes) Follow That Star Handprint Star What Can I Give to Jesus? Giving to Others A Service Learning Project Closing Worship TimeSaver TimeSaver Activities that require little or no planning and only basic supplies. EcoFriendly EcoFriendly Activities that encourage responsible earth stewardship by providing options to use recycled or repurposed materials. DVD Summary: Backyard Time While cleaning up after the Christmas celebrations, Ms. Lucy finds a present that was left under the tree. It is a Bible from Papo to Bongo. Mr. Z introduces this month s Bible verse: The child Jesus grew. He became strong and wise, and God blessed him (Luke 2:40, CEV). Mr. Z remembers this week s Bible story about the wise men who visited Jesus and brought him gifts. Then Bongo reads the story from his new Bible. January 1, 2012 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 49

51 Lesson 5 January 1, 2012 The B.i.G. Idea We believe that the stories about Jesus help us understand that Jesus is the Son of God. Welcome! Choose one or more activities to introduce your children to the Bible story. Invite them in... Supplies: Stickers, Attendance Chart, Leader inside front cover, DVD, DVD player, television Pray for each child in the class. Pray for any new children who may join. Pray for God s direction as you prepare to teach. Do Give each child a wise man Sticker to place on the Attendance Chart. Say: (Child s name), I am glad you are here. Say: Our Bible verse says, The child Jesus grew. He became strong and wise, and God blessed him (Luke 2:40, CEV). Teach the children to sign the Bible verse in American Sign Language (Leader inside front cover, DVD). Live B.i.G. Children grow and become strong and wise. Thank you, God, for children. The Story of Me Supplies: Leader page 56, pencils, scissors, stapler, masking tape Photocopy The Story of Me (Leader page 56) for each child. Do Give each child a copy of The Story of Me (Leader page 56). Invite the children to draw a picture in each square. Help children cut out the squares and staple them together to form a book. For safety, place a piece of masking tape over the ends of each staple. Invite the children to gather in a circle and take turns showing their books. Live B.i.G. The Bible tells us the story of Jesus. Jesus was a child just like you! Read About It! (Books About Jesus) Supplies: children s storybooks about Jesus, illustrated Bibles for children, rugs, optional:basket, beanbag chairs 50 Abingdon Press.

52 Place books about Jesus on a low table or in a basket. Add small rugs or beanbag chairs to make the space extra inviting! Do Say: This month we will hear several stories about Jesus. Ask: Do you see pictures in these books that remind you of a story about Jesus that you already know? Live B.i.G. We can read books to learn more about Jesus. Reading is a way we can grow wise. Spice Jars Supplies: Leader page 57; cardstock; spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, cumin, allspice; gluesticks Photocopy a Spice Jar (Leader page 57) on cardstock for each child. Place a variety of spices on a low table. Keep the reading center for the entire month of January. Check for nut or other food allergies before using this activity. Do Invite the children to smell each spice. Ask: Which spices smell good? Which spice s smell do you not like? Give each child a spice jar (Leader page 57) and a gluestick. Invite the children to place small amounts of glue on the spice jar picture and sprinkle a small amount of each spice onto one of the glue spots. Write the name of each spice below its place on the jar. Live B.i.G. When Jesus was a small child, wise men brought gifts of wonderful-smelling spices. Studying Stars Supplies: construction paper stars, play dough, star-shaped cookie cutters, small rolling pins, telescope, tape Tape small construction paper stars to the ceiling or high on a wall. Do Invite the children to use star-shaped cookie cutters to make play dough star shapes. Say: There are millions of stars in the sky. In today s Bible story, wise men followed a star to find Jesus. Today we call people who study stars and planets astronomers. Astronomers use telescopes to get a closer look at stars. Invite each child to look through a telescope at the stars on the ceiling or wall. Live B.i.G. When the wise men came to find baby Jesus, they followed a star in the sky. January 1, 2012 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 51

53 Lesson 5 January 1, 2012 The B.i.G. Idea We believe that the stories about Jesus help us understand that Jesus is the Son of God. Choose one or more activities to immerse your children in the Bible story. Backyard Time Supplies: DVD, DVD player, television, DVD-Time Wheel (website), small wrapped gift for each child... Into the Bible Wrap a small gift (box of crayons, notebook, candy) for each child. Do Turn the arrow on the DVD-Time Wheel (website) to Backyard Time. Play Backyard Time (DVD). Ask: Today, Bongo received one last Christmas gift. What did Bongo receive? Say: I have one last Christmas gift to give to you too. Give each child a small gift (crayons, notebook, or candy treat). Say: Even though Christmas is over, we can still celebrate Jesus birth. We can still give gifts to others and to Jesus. In today s Bible story, Jesus received some special gifts, long after his birthday. Live B.i.G. Even though Christmas is over, we can still give gifts to one another and to Jesus. Hear the Bible Story Supplies: Bible, DVD, DVD player, television, posterboard, scissors Cut out a large star from posterboard. Place the star in an area other than the area normally used to tell the Bible story. Do Say: Somewhere in our room, there is a big star. When you find it, walk to it and sit down near it. Open your Bible to Matthew 2:1-12. Say: Today s Bible story comes from the Bible Book of Matthew. Matthew is a book in the New Testament. Say: After Jesus was born, he grew, just like other babies. And, he did not stay in the stable anymore! When Jesus was about two years old, some special people came to visit him and his family in the house where they were living. Tell the story about the wise men. 52 Abingdon Press.

54 The wise men were smart. They studied many things, such as the stars. One day, they saw a new, bright star in the sky. This star is a sign, they said to one another. A king has been born. The wise men went to King Herod. They told the king about the star they had seen. The king told the wise men to go and find where this new king had been born. The wise men followed the star. They traveled for a long time. The star led The Wise Men Show the January 1 Demonstration about gold, frankincense, and myrrh (DVD) so that the children can see what gold, frankincense, and myrrh look like. Live B.i.G. The wise men knew that Jesus was important. They brought gifts to honor him. Praise Time Supplies: DVD, DVD player, television, DVD-Time Wheel (website) Do Turn the arrow on the DVD-Time Wheel (website) to Praise Time. Play the song, Jesus Grew. Encourage the children to imitate the movements to indicate the act of growing. If the children want to add their own motions for growing, encourage their creativity. Live B.i.G. The baby Jesus grew to be a young boy and finally a grown man. We were all born as babies, and we grow too. We can grow in the favor of God, just as Jesus grew. Bottle Wise Men Supplies: pictures of wise men (Christmas cards or old curriculum), empty water bottles, new wooden spoons, fine-point markers, brightly colored socks, craft supplies Do Show the children pictures of the wise men. Give each child an empty water bottle and a wooden spoon. Have each child draw a wise man face on the spoon. Have the children place their spoons in the bottles. Help each child put a sock over the bottle. Invite children to decorate the wise men creatively. Live B.i.G. The wise men brought gifts to Jesus. the wise men to the house where Mary and Joseph and little Jesus lived. When the wise men came to Jesus house, they opened their treasure boxes and gave gifts to Jesus. They gave gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These were special gifts. They were expensive spices and oils that smelled wonderful. After seeing Jesus, the wise men returned to their homes. Jesus stayed with Mary and Joseph. Jesus grew and grew. January 1, 2012 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 53

55 Lesson 5 January 1, 2012 The B.i.G. Idea We believe that the stories about Jesus help us understand that Jesus is the Son of God. Choose one or more activities to connect your children s lives to the Bible story. Follow That Star Supplies: Kids Book page A, Stickers, paper towel rolls, paper punch, curling ribbon Punch out a star (Kids Book page A) for each child. Punch five holes around one end of a paper towel roll for each child.... Into Life Do Say: The sky is filled with many bright stars. Give each child a paper towel roll and star Stickers to decorate it. Say: The wise men noticed a star that shone brighter than all the others. Give each child a star (Kids Book page A) to glue to the top of the roll. Help the children tie pieces of curling ribbon through the holes in the roll. Say: The wise men followed the star to the place where Jesus lived. Invite the children to play a game of Follow the Leader. Invite them to take turns being the leader, holding the stars high. Say: The wise men followed a star to find Jesus. Jesus is our leader, and we can follow him. We can learn about Jesus and follow his teachings. Live B.i.G. The wise men followed a star to find Jesus. Handprint Star Supplies: mural paper, yellow paint, paper plates, smocks, marker Draw a large star pattern on a piece of mural paper. Spread yellow paint on paper plates. Do Place the mural paper with the star on a table. Invite each child to place one hand into the paint. Show each child where to make his or her handprint. Continue making handprints until the star is completed. Live B.i.G. God created each star to be different. God created each person to be unique. Thank you, God, for making us special and unique. 54 Abingdon Press.

56 What Can I Give to Jesus? Supplies: Kids Book, cardstock, scissors, tape, magnetic tape, crayons or markers, gluesticks, optional: instant-developing camera Take each child s picture or contact parents for pictures of the children. Punch out a What Can I Give to Jesus? picture frame (Kids Book) for each child. Cut out pieces of cardstock the same size as the picture frames. Do Ask: What gifts can we give to Jesus? (coming to church, sharing, helping others) Invite each child to decorate a frame to show the gifts he or she can give to Jesus. Invite the children to glue their frames to pre-cut pieces of cardstock. Then help each child tape his or her own picture in the center of the frame. Add a piece of magnetic tape to the back of each frame. Say: This picture will remind us that we all have gifts we can give to Jesus. Live B.i.G. Praying, coming to church, sharing, and helping others are all gifts for Jesus. Giving to Others A Service Learning Project a letter for parents explaining the service project. Do Say: Jesus grew and learned. During the winter months, many children run out of school supplies. Let s collect notebooks, glue, pencils, crayons, and markers. Collect items throughout January. Then donate the items to a local school or agency. Live B.i.G. When we give gifts to help others, we are serving Jesus. Closing Worship Supplies: Kids Book, Stickers, Leader page 144, yellow construction paper, scissors, service project letter, tape Cut several stars, at least one per child, from yellow construction paper. Detach a bookmark for each child (Kids Book). Do Say: Join me for our closing worship. Let s find the big star and gather there. Ask: Just like the wise men, we can give gifts to Jesus. What gifts can we give? Write each response on a star. Let each child tape at least one star around the large star. Give each child a Led by a Star worship badge (Stickers), a service project letter, a copy of January Living B.I.G. at Home (Leader page 144), and a bookmark (Kids Book) to take home. Pray, giving thanks for all God s wonderful gifts especially the gift of Jesus. Live B.i.G. Thank you, God, for wonderful gifts, especially the gift of your son, Jesus. January 1, 2012 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 55

57 Lesson 5 The Story of Me Draw and color a picture in each square. Cut out each page. Staple the pages together to make a storybook. 56 Abingdon Press.

58 Lesson 5 Spice Jar Add spots of glue on the spice jar. Sprinkle a different spice on each spot of glue. Smell the fragrances from the spices. January 1, 2012 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 57

59 Lesson 6 January 8, 2012 January s B.i.G. Idea We believe that the stories about Jesus help us understand that Jesus is the Son of God. January s Bible Verse The child Jesus grew. He became strong and wise, and God blessed him. Luke 2:40, CEV January s B.i.G. Theme Stories About Jesus Lesson 6 Jesus in the Temple at Twelve Today s Bible Story Luke 2:41-52 Three B.i.G. (Believe in God) Truths God is a great big God. God loves us with a great big love. We are part of God s great big world. Objectives Children will hear the Bible story about Jesus in the Temple at twelve years old. Children will learn that, like Jesus, they are growing strong and wise. From the visit of the wise men when Jesus was a toddler until the time he was a grown man, the Bible tells us little about Jesus life. In fact, except for one story about a trip to Jerusalem with his family when he was twelve years old, the Bible is silent. For the most part, we are left to wonder what Jesus was like during the days of his childhood and youth. What games did Jesus play? What was his favorite story? What was he like as a teenager? What we learn from the one story about the trip to celebrate Passover in Jerusalem is important. As Jesus family traveled home with their friends and relatives, his parents suddenly realized that he was not among their group. Frantically, they returned to the city to search for Jesus. Finally they found him in the Temple sitting among the teachers, asking and answering questions. Imagine the emotions Mary and Joseph must have felt when they saw Jesus in the Temple? They must have felt anger, elation, relief, joy, and confusion. And what about the Temple leaders? The Bible tells us that they were amazed at both Jesus questions and his answers. Surely few adults, let alone children, had such an understanding of the Scriptures. For Jesus, though, his purpose was clear: Did you not know that I must be in my Father s house? he asked. Jesus returned home with his parents and was obedient to them from that time forth. That is all we know of the specific events of Jesus childhood. However, we know from this story that as the boy Jesus continued to grow into a man, he grew in wisdom, in stature, and in favor with both God and his fellow humans. How do we, as a church, help children to grow as Jesus grew, to become men and women like Jesus? One thing we can do is to keep them involved in the church. Jesus wanted to be in God s house. It was not a chore or burden to go to church. As teachers, we have a responsibility to make church a place of joy where children feel welcomed, safe, and included. We are playing an integral part in the spiritual development of children, and we have a responsibility to support their families as they strive to foster their children s spirituality. We can offer that support by praying for each child and each family. And have fun! If you are smiling, laughing, and enjoying your time at church, the chances are the children will be too! Helping children grow as Jesus grew is the opportunity of a lifetime. Enjoy it! 58 Abingdon Press.

60 Activity Invite them in... (15 minutes) TimeSaver EcoFriendly Welcome! Just Like Jesus Growing in Stature Let s Play School Learning at Home... Into the Bible (30 minutes) Hear the Bible Story Jesus in the Temple Praise Time Travel Time... Into Life (15 minutes) Growing in Wisdom Playing a Game With Jesus Strong or Wise? Learning from Parents Wooden Pencil Holders Closing Worship TimeSaver TimeSaver Activities that require little or no planning and only basic supplies. EcoFriendly EcoFriendly Activities that encourage responsible earth stewardship by providing options to use recycled or repurposed materials. DVD Summary: Travel Time Travel Time introduces a teenager who is determined to end slavery worldwide. When he was just twelve years old, Zach Hunter started a program called Loose Change to Loosen Chains. Now as an older teenage, Zach is a popular speaker who remains committed to ending slavery and drawing people closer to God. Your children will learn that they are not too young to make a difference. January 8, 2012 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 59

61 Lesson 6 January 8, 2012 The B.i.G. Idea We believe that the stories about Jesus help us understand that Jesus is the Son of God. Welcome! Choose one or more activities to introduce your children to the Bible story. Invite them in... Supplies: Stickers; Attendance Chart; Leader inside front cover; DVD; DVD player; television; paper, pen, pencil, or computer for typing; gluesticks; magazines with pictures of children of all ages; scissors Pray for each child in the class. Pray for any new children who may join. Pray for God s direction as you prepare to teach. Write or type the Bible verse The child Jesus grew. He became strong and wise, and God blessed him (Luke 2:40, CEV) on a piece of paper. Make a copy of the Bible verse page for each child. Do As the children arrive, give each one a Sticker of twelve-year old Jesus to place on the Attendance Chart. Say: (Child s name), I am glad you are here. Give each child a Bible verse paper. Read the Bible verse aloud. Say: Our Bible verse reminds us that just like all babies, baby Jesus grew. Invite the children to find magazine pictures of children of various ages. Have the children cut out the pictures and glue them to their papers. Point out different pictures and stages of growth. Say: Today you have come to church to learn and grow like Jesus did. Remind the children how to sign the Bible verse in American Sign Language (Leader inside front cover, DVD). Live B.i.G. Thank you, God, for children who grow and become strong and wise. Just Like Jesus Supplies: Leader page 66, crayons Photocopy Just Like Jesus! (Leader page 66) for each child. Do Give each child a Just Like Jesus! page (Leader page 66). Invite the children to draw pictures of themselves in the box labeled Me. Say: Jesus grew just like you. Draw a line from the picture of you to the things that you do. Draw a line from the picture of Jesus to the things that he may have done as a child. 60 Abingdon Press.

62 Say: Even though there are differences between Jesus life and yours, there are many things that are the same. You come to church, play games, and learn new things. When Jesus was a boy, he did those things too. Live B.i.G. Jesus was a child, just like you. As you grow, you can become more like Jesus. Growing in Stature Supplies: pencil, mural paper, measuring tape, crayons, tape Line a wall with a long piece of mural paper. Do Have each child stand in front of the mural paper. Mark his or her height. Allow each child to use a measuring tape to measure his or her height in inches. Write the name and height of each child above the height mark. Invite each child to draw a self-portrait at the correct height on the mural paper. Above the pictures, write: Jesus Grew We Are Growing Too! Live B.i.G. Jesus grew; we are growing too! Let s Play School Supplies: chalkboards or markerboards, chalk or dry-erase markers, eraser Do Say: As we grow, we learn more and more new things. Some of you go to school and learn things from your teachers. Some of you will go to school when you are older. Say: When Jesus was young, he learned to read and write. He also learned at the Temple, just like we learn at church. In our Bible story today, Jesus is in the Temple learning from some of the teachers. Invite the children to write or draw on the chalkboard or markerboard. Live B.i.G. There are many things to learn. When we come to church we learn about God. Learning at Home Supplies: wooden blocks Do Say: Jesus learned things from his family. One thing Jesus learned was how to be a carpenter. Jesus father, Joseph, was a carpenter. A carpenter builds things out of wood. Let s pretend to be carpenters. What can we build from these blocks of wood? Invite children to use the blocks to build. Ask: What types of things have you learned from your mother or father? grandmother or grandfather? brothers or sisters? Live B.i.G. Family members are teachers! They teach us new things everyday. January 8, 2012 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 61

63 Lesson 6 January 8, 2012 The B.i.G. Idea We believe that the stories about Jesus help us understand that Jesus is the Son of God. Choose one or more activities to immerse your children in the Bible story. Hear the Bible Story Supplies: Kids Book page B, tape... Into the Bible Tape pictures of twelve-year-old Jesus (Kids Book page B) at kids eye level around the classroom. Have one picture for each child. Do Say: It is time to hear today s Bible story. Look around as if you have lost something. Say: Something is missing. Has anyone seen my picture of Jesus? I cannot find it anywhere! If you see a picture of Jesus, please bring it to the circle. Wait until each child has found a picture of Jesus and returned it to the circle. Say: Now that we have found our pictures of Jesus, we can hear the story. Open your Bible to Luke 2: Say: Today s Bible story comes from the Bible Book of Luke. Luke is a book in the New Testament. Tell the story, Jesus in the Temple at Twelve. Jesus in the Temple at Twelve Our Bible verse tells us that Jesus grew. In today s Bible story Jesus is not a little baby anymore. He is not a little child either. Jesus is twelve years old. Jesus family took a trip to a town called Jerusalem to celebrate a holiday called Passover. When the holiday was over, Jesus family began the long walk home. On the way home, Mary and Joseph suddenly realized that Jesus was not with the group they were traveling with. They looked and looked, but they could not find him anywhere. They went back to Jerusalem and searched until they found Jesus! Jesus was in the Temple with the teachers. He was listening and asking and answering questions. The teachers were amazed at what Jesus knew! Why didn t you stay with us? Mary and Joseph asked. We have been looking for you everywhere! Jesus answered, I thought you knew where I would be. I was in my Father s house. Jesus loved to be in the Temple. The Temple was God house. Jesus was sorry that he made his parents worry. He obeyed his parents and returned home with them. Live B.i.G. As Jesus grew, he learned in the Temple. Jesus obeyed his parents. 62 Abingdon Press.

64 Jesus in the Temple Supplies: Kids Book, 6-inch construction paper squares, gluesticks Punch out a Temple and a Jesus picture for each child (Kids Book). Do Ask: Mary and Joseph looked for Jesus. Where did Mary and Joseph find Jesus? Give each child a Temple and a Jesus picture (Kids Book). Invite each child to glue the picture of Jesus onto a construction paper square. Show the children how to open the Temple doors. With the doors open, let the children glue the pictures of Jesus onto the backs of the Temples so that Jesus is sitting inside the open doors. Live B.i.G. Jesus learned about God at the Temple. We come to church to learn about God. Praise Time Supplies: DVD, DVD player, television, DVD-Time Wheel (website), wooden blocks, sandpaper, gluesticks or tape Cover one side of several wooden blocks with sandpaper. Save the sandpaper blocks to use next week. Do Turn the arrow on the DVD-Time Wheel to Praise Time. Give each child two sandpaper blocks. Say: When Jesus was growing up, he worked with Joseph, who was a carpenter. Carpenters build things out of wood. One tool used by carpenters today is sandpaper. When you rub sandpaper on sandpaper it makes a sound. Show the children how to rub the blocks together to create a sound. Say: Let s play our sandpaper instruments while we listen to our song, Jesus Grew. Play Jesus Grew (DVD). Live B.i.G. Jesus worked with his family while he grew bigger and stronger and wiser. Travel Time Supplies: DVD, DVD player, television, DVD-Time Wheel (website) Do Turn the arrow on the DVD-Time Wheel to Travel Time. Today we are going to hear about a boy named Zach Hunter. Say: Zach Hunter was only twelve years old when he started collecting change to raise money to help people. That is the same age Jesus was when he went to the Temple in today s Bible story. Play Travel Time (DVD). Live B.i.G. We are never too young to serve God. January 8, 2012 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 63

65 Lesson 6 January 8, 2012 The B.i.G. Idea We believe that the stories about Jesus help us understand that Jesus is the Son of God. Choose one or more activities to connect your children s lives to the Bible story. Growing in Wisdom Supplies: Leader page 67, pencils Photocopy Growing in Wisdom (Leader page 67) for each child.... Into Life Do Say: One of the first things we learn in school is how to write our names. When Jesus was a young boy, he also learned to write his name. Give each child a Growing in Wisdom (Leader page 67) page. Invite each child to write his or her name on the blank provided. (For children who need help, write the name on a separate paper, so the child may copy it.) Say: Jesus did not write the way we do. He may have learned to write in Hebrew. Does anyone know how to write in a different language? Invite the children to trace the Hebrew letters to form the name Jesus. Invite children to try to write Jesus name themselves on the third line. Live B.i.G. When we learn to read and write, we can read about Jesus. Playing a Game With Jesus Supplies: masking tape, small pebbles or rocks Create a Hop Scotch form with masking tape on the floor. Do Say: When Jesus was a young boy, he enjoyed playing games with his friends, just like us! Jesus and his friends may have played games with pebbles. Teach the children to use the small pebbles to play Hop Scotch. Invite the children to create a new game with the pebbles. Live B.i.G. Jesus grew strong. Exercise helps our bodies grow strong. Strong or Wise? Do Say: Our Bible verse says that as Jesus grew, he became strong and wise. We can make our bodies strong too. We can also make our minds wise. 64 Abingdon Press.

66 Say: Listen carefully to these activities. If the activity will help make us strong and healthy, make muscle arms and say: Strong! If the activity will make our minds smart and wise, point to your head and say: Wise! eating an apple listening to our parents riding a bike playing soccer Live B.i.G. We can participate in activities that help us become strong and wise. Learning From Parents Wooden Pencil Holders Supplies: craft sticks, glue gun and gluesticks, paper towel rolls, poster paper, scissors Cut a paper towel roll into two pieces, one half roll for each child. Cut a four-inch circle from poster paper for each child. Use a glue gun to attach the end of each paper roll to a poster paper circle. Do Say: Jesus father Joseph was a carpenter. A carpenter builds things from wood. Jesus learned to build things by watching and helping Joseph. Help the children glue craft sticks vertically around the roll to make a pencil holder. Say: We can keep pencils in these holders. You can use them as you learn to write. Live B.i.G. We can learn from the gifts and talents of others. Closing Worship Supplies: Kids Book, Stickers reading a book going to school coming to church swimming Detach a bookmark for each child (Kids Book). Do Say: When I say strong, show your strong muscles like this (make muscle arms). When I say wise, point to your smart heads like this (point to your head). When I say God blessed him, raise both hands to God (raise both hands to God). Jesus grew and grew. He became strong and wise, and God blessed him. Jesus learned in the Temple. He became strong and wise, and God blessed him. Jesus learned to read and write. He became strong and wise, and God blessed him. Jesus obeyed his mother and father. He became strong and wise, and God blessed him. Give each child a Jesus Grew worship badge (Stickers) and a bookmark (Kids Book) to take home. As you place the worship badge on each child say: (Child s name) is growing wise and strong. God Bless (child s name). Remind the children to bring school supplies next week for their service project (page 55). Live B.i.G. Thank you, God, for blessing us with growing bodies and minds. drinking water playing on the playground going to the doctor for a checkup January 8, 2012 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 65

67 Lesson 6 Just Like Jesus! Draw a picture of yourself in the box labeled Me. Draw a line from the picture of you to the pictures of things you might do. Draw a line from the picture of Jesus to the things he may have done as a child. 66 Abingdon Press.

68 Lesson 6 Growing in Wisdom Write your name on the blank provided. Trace Jesus name in Hebrew. Then, try writing Jesus name on your own. January 8, 2012 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 67

69 Lesson 7 January 15, 2012 January s B.i.G. Idea We believe that the stories about Jesus help us understand that Jesus is the Son of God. January s Bible Verse The child Jesus grew. He became strong and wise, and God blessed him. Luke 2:40, CEO January s B.i.G. Theme Stories About Jesus Lesson 7 Jesus Baptism Today s Bible Story Mark 1:4-11 Three B.i.G. (Believe in God) Truths God is a great big God. God loves us with a great big love. We are part of God s great big world. Objectives Children will hear the Bible story about Jesus baptism. Children will discover that God loved Jesus and was pleased with him. Over and over again, throughout his life, Jesus set examples for others to follow. Through today s Bible story, the children will discover that Jesus set the example of baptism. Though he himself did not need repentance or forgiveness, he chose to be baptized. Through his baptism, Jesus set an example of humility and obedience, and he identified himself with God s love and purpose for the world. Jesus was baptized by John (John the Baptist as he is commonly known). John was the son of Mary s relative Elizabeth and her husband Zechariah. The Bible first speaks of John before his birth. While Elizabeth was pregnant with John, Mary paid her a visit. When Mary told Elizabeth of her own pregnancy, the child in Elizabeth s womb leaped, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:39-45). It seems that from the very beginning, John knew and welcomed Jesus. John was a bit of a character. He lived in the wilderness, wore clothes made of camel s hair and a leather belt (the clothes of a prophet), and ate wild honey and locusts. He had come out of the wilderness to preach a message of repentance throughout the area and to proclaim that the Messiah was coming. In today s Bible story, John is baptizing people in the Jordan River. John described the one who was to come as one more powerful than I. When John saw Jesus walking toward him, he knew that the Messiah had arrived. At first, John was reluctant to baptize Jesus. After all, Jesus was God s Son. Why should Jesus, who had no need for repentance, be baptized at all? But John must have understood that Jesus knew what he was doing. Jesus was obedient to God s commands, and he set an example for all to follow. After Jesus was baptized, the Spirit of God descended on him like a dove, and God said, You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased (Mark 1:11). Today, the children will hear the story of Jesus baptism. They will discover that God loved Jesus and was pleased with him. Help the children to understand that baptism both Jesus baptism and our own is a symbol that reminds us that we belong to God s family and that God loves us. Encourage children to follow the examples set by Jesus so that they too can act in ways that are pleasing to God. 68 Abingdon Press.

70 Activity TimeSaver EcoFriendly Invite them in... (15 minutes) Welcome! Memory Match Fun With Water Think About the Dove... Into the Bible (30 minutes) Hear the Bible Story Remembering the Story in Order Backyard Time Praise Time... Into Life (15 minutes) What Is Baptism? Paper Bag Dove Tie My Shoes Closing Worship TimeSaver TimeSaver Activities that require little or no planning and only basic supplies. EcoFriendly EcoFriendly Activities that encourage responsible earth stewardship by providing options to use recycled or repurposed materials. DVD Summary: Backyard Time Bongo reads from his Bible. The kids remember the Bible verse. Then Mr. Z, Ms. Lucy, Bongo, and the Backyard kids act out the story of Jesus being baptized by John the Baptist. As the kids have fun using blue cloth and an origami dove to reenact the baptism story, your kids will have fun watching them. And your kids will understand that just as God was pleased with Jesus, God is pleased with us when we do what God calls us to do. January 15, 2012 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 69

71 Lesson 7 January 15, 2012 The B.i.G. Idea We believe that the stories about Jesus help us understand that Jesus is the Son of God. Welcome! Choose one or more activities to introduce your children to the Bible story. Invite them in... Supplies: Stickers; Attendance Chart; Leader inside front cover; DVD; DVD player; television Pray for each child in the class. Pray for any new children who may join. Pray for God s direction as you prepare to teach. Do Give each child a dove Sticker to place on the Attendance Chart. Say: (Child s name), I am glad you are here. Say: Our Bible verse says, The child Jesus grew. He became strong and wise, and God blessed him (Luke 2:40, CEV). Teach the children to sign the Bible verse in American Sign Language (Leader inside front cover, DVD). Live B.i.G. Children grow and become strong and wise. Thank you, God, for children. Memory Match Supplies: Leader page 76, cardstock, scissors Make four copies of the Memory Match cards (Leader page 76) on cardstock. Cut the pictures of Jesus at various points in his life apart. Do Lay all the pictures face down on a table or on the floor. Invite the children to take turns turning over two cards at a time to try to make a match. Each time a match is made, discuss the picture on the match. Ask: What story about Jesus does this picture remind you of? The children may keep any matches that they make as the game continues. When all the cards have been matched, return the pictures to the table and let the children play again. Say: In these pictures, we can see the events that took place as Jesus grew. Live B.i.G. The child Jesus grew and became strong and wise. God blessed him. 70 Abingdon Press.

72 Fun With Water Supplies: For Watercolor Painting: watercolor paints, mural paper, paint brushes For Water Table Fun: water table or plastic storage tubs, water, small plastic cups For Painting With Water: paint-with-water books, paper cups, paintbrushes Choose one or more activities for the children to do to have fun with water. Gather the supplies and set up an area of the room for each activity you choose. Do For Watercolor Painting Place several watercolor paint sets on a table. Spread out a piece of white mural paper. Say: These watercolors remind me of today s Bible story about Jesus being baptized. Let the children use the paints to create a watercolor picture to recall Jesus baptism. For Water Table Fun Invite the children to play with the water toys. Say: Water is a symbol of baptism. It is fun to play in water and remember Jesus baptism. For Painting With Water Invite the children to choose a picture. Then tear the page from the book. Give each student a cup of water and a paintbrush to use to paint their pictures. Say: When Jesus was baptized, God was pleased with the man Jesus had grown to be. Live B.i.G. Water is a symbol of baptism. Jesus was baptized in the Jordan River. Think About the Dove Supplies: craft feathers, paper, paint, paper plates, chenille craft stem pieces Place feathers and several paper plates of paint on a table. Bend three chenille stem pieces together to make a bird s foot for each child. Do Ask: There is a bird in today s Bible story. Can anyone guess what kind of bird it is? (Hint: Look at today s Sticker on the Attendance Chart.) Say: Yes, it is a dove! Let s paint a picture of the Bible story using feathers. Feathers can remind us that when Jesus was baptized, God s Spirit filled the sky like a dove. Give each child a chenille stem dove foot. Give each child a piece of paper, and invite them to paint. Invite the children to dip the dove feet into the paint and then make dove tracks on their papers. Live B.i.G. In the story of Jesus baptism, God s Spirit descends like a dove. January 15, 2012 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 71

73 Lesson 7 January 15, 2012 The B.i.G. Idea We believe that the stories about Jesus help us understand that Jesus is the Son of God. Choose one or more activities to immerse your children in the Bible story. Hear the Bible Story Supplies: Bible, story props: sandals, water bottles, water, craft feathers, sandpaper blocks made last week (page 63)... Into the Bible Fill several water bottles half full with water.. Do Open your Bible to Mark 1:4-11. Say: Today s Bible story comes from the Bible Book of Mark in the New Testament. Give each child a story prop (two if there are few children). Say: I need your help to tell today s Bible story. When you hear me say the name John, rub the sandpaper blocks together to make a scratchy sound. When I say the name Jesus, tap the sandals on the ground. When I say the word water, shake the water bottles. When you hear the word dove, wave the feathers like a flying dove. Tell the story, Jesus Baptism. Jesus Baptism Let s hear a Bible story about Jesus, his cousin John, and a dove. John lived in the wilderness. He wore scratchy clothes made of camel s hair. John preached to the people. He knew that Jesus was coming. John wanted the people to get ready for Jesus. One day, John was baptizing people in the water of the Jordan River. John baptized them in water as a sign that they wanted to become followers of God. Many people were coming to the water. Suddenly, John looked up. He saw Jesus walking toward the water. Jesus was coming to be baptized. I cannot baptize you, John said. You should baptize me. But Jesus said that it was right for John to baptize him. Jesus wanted others to see that baptism was what God wanted them to do. Jesus walked into the water. John baptized Jesus. When Jesus came out of the water, the Spirit of God descended on Jesus like a dove. God said, You are my Son. I love you. I am pleased with you. Live B.i.G. When Jesus was baptized, God was pleased with him. 72 Abingdon Press.

74 Remember the Story in Order Supplies: Leader page 77, scissors, gluesticks Photocopy Story Sequence (Leader page 77) for each child. Do Give each child a copy of Story Sequence (Leader page 77). Invite the children to cut out the pictures at the bottom of the page. Say: Let s see if we can remember which part of today s Bible story happened first. Invite the children to place the pictures in the order in which they happened. Invite the children to glue the pictures in the appropriate spaces. Live B.i.G. When Jesus was baptized, he set an example for others to follow. When we are baptized, we show that we are part of God s family. Backyard Time Supplies: DVD, DVD player, television, DVD-Time Wheel (website), blue cloths, a paper or stuffed dove Do Turn the arrow on the DVD-Time Wheel to Backyard Time. Say: Today we heard the story about Jesus baptism. Let s listen to find out how the Backyard kids tell the story. Play Backyard Time (DVD). Say: Let s act out the story about Jesus baptism like the Backyard kids did. Give the children the props they will need and help them act out the story. Live B.i.G. God was pleased with Jesus as he grew from childhood to being a man. We can live so that God will be pleased with us too. Praise Time Supplies: DVD, DVD player, television, DVD-Time Wheel (website) Do Turn the arrow on the DVD-Time Wheel to Praise Time. Say: Today we have been hearing about the time when Jesus was baptized by John. Let s hear our song again. Remember that it is called Jesus Grew. Listen carefully for the second stanza, which tells the story about Jesus baptism. Play Jesus Grew (DVD). Encourage the children to grow with the music. Sing along with the second stanza so that the children will hear the story of Jesus baptism again. Live B.i.G. Jesus grew from a baby to a young boy to a man. When he was a grown man, Jesus was baptized, and God said, You are my Son. I am pleased with you. January 15, 2012 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 73

75 Lesson 7 January 15, 2012 The B.i.G. Idea We believe that the stories about Jesus help us understand that Jesus is the Son of God. Choose one or more activities to connect your children s lives to the Bible story. What Is Baptism? Supplies: small hand towels, bottles of fabric paint, paper plates Invite a pastor to visit to talk about baptism. Pour the paint into paper plates. Fold each towel as if it were hanging from a towel bar.... Into Life Do Encourage the children to ask questions as they hear about baptism. Give each child a hand towel. Say: These towels can remind us of the water used in baptism. Invite each child to dip a hand into the paint and make a handprint on a towel. Lay the towels aside to dry. Say: People are still baptized today, just like Jesus was baptized by John. Say: When someone in our church is baptized, we will give him or her a towel as a reminder of his or her baptism. Live B.i.G. When we remember baptism, we remember that God loves us. Paper Bag Dove Supplies: Kids Book, white lunch bags, white construction paper, gluesticks, pencils, scissors Punch out dove puppet pieces (Kids Book) for each child. Do Trace each child s hands onto white construction paper. Help the children cut out each handprint. Glue each child s handprints to the sides of a paper bag to create wings. Show the children how to glue the dove s head to the bottom flap of the lunch bag. Invite the children to glue the dove s feet to bottom of the puppet. Say: The Bible tells us that God s Spirit came down like a dove. Invite the children to fly their doves around the classroom. Live B.i.G. When Jesus was baptized, God s Spirit descended upon him like a dove. 74 Abingdon Press.

76 Tie My Shoes Supplies: cardstock, pencil, licorice laces, paper punch Trace the sole of a child s shoe to make a cardstock pattern for each child. Punch holes around the pattern for laces. Do Give each child a shoe pattern. Say: When John saw Jesus, he knew that Jesus was God s Son. He said, I cannot baptize you. I am not even worthy to untie your shoes. But Jesus said that it was good and right for John to baptize him. Help the children use licorice laces to lace and tie their sandals. Invite children to take their sandals home and enjoy eating their laces for a snack. Live B.i.G. John felt unworthy, but Jesus invited him to be his follower and friend. Closing Worship Supplies: Kids Book, Stickers, Dove chocolates, small resealable plastic bags, marker Fill a small resealable bag with Dove chocolate candies for each child. On the outside of each bag write: Lovie Dovies. Detach a bookmark for each child (Kids Book). Do Say: In today s Bible story we learned that God was pleased with Jesus. When we do good, God is pleased with us too! Let s think of things that please God. Invite each child to name something that pleases God. Say: We also learned that when Jesus was baptized, God said that he loved Jesus. God loves each one of us too. Give each child a small bag of Lovie Dovies. Say: Today I am giving you a bag of Lovie Dovies. Invite each child to remove one chocolate from the bag and unwrap it. Ask: What picture do you see on the piece of chocolate? Say: When you eat a piece of chocolate, look at the dove. Remember the story of Jesus baptism. Remember that just like Jesus, God loves you. Give each child a Jesus Was Baptized worship badge (Stickers) and a bookmark (Kids Book) to take home. Remind the children to bring school supplies next week for their service project (page 55). Live B.i.G. Thank you, God, for baptism. Thank you for loving us. January 15, 2012 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 75

77 Lesson 7 Memory Match Make four copies of the pictures of events that took place as Jesus grew. Lay all the pictures face down on a table or on the floor. Take turns turning over two cards at a time to try to make a match. 76 Abingdon Press.

78 Lesson 7 Story Sequence Cut out each picture. Arrange the pictures in the order in which they happened. Glue the pictures in order in the boxes below. January 15, 2012 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 77

79 Lesson 8 January 22, 2012 January s B.i.G. Idea We believe that the stories about Jesus help us understand that Jesus is the Son of God. January s Bible Verse The child Jesus grew. He became strong and wise, and God blessed him. Luke 2:40, CEV January s B.i.G. Theme Stories About Jesus Lesson 8 Jesus Begins His Ministry Today s Bible Story Luke 4:14-30 Three B.i.G. (Believe in God) Truths God is a great big God. God loves us with a great big love. We are part of God s great big world. Objectives Children will hear the Bible story about Jesus reading from Isaiah in the synagogue. Children will identify ways they can work with Jesus. When asked What do you want to be when you grow up? children reply with a wide array of answers a doctor, a teacher, a zookeeper, a dump truck driver, a police officer, president, a cowboy, a nurse. Many children want a career that follows the same path as their parents. Some emulate characters from television shows, movies, or books. One thing is sure; they all have dreams and are filled with big hopes for a bright future. Today s Bible story comes from the Book of Luke. After Jesus was baptized and had conquered his temptations to seek worldly power, he was ready to begin the ministry for which God had sent him. Word about Jesus and his teachings began to spread as Jesus taught in the synagogues surrounding Galilee. One Sabbath, Jesus was in the synagogue in his hometown of Nazareth. As he stood before the people, he was given the scroll of Isaiah to read from. Jesus turned to read what has often been described as something of a job description for Jesus ministry (see Isaiah 61). After reading from the scroll, Jesus sat to teach. He began by saying that the prophet s words had been fulfilled that day in his reading. He proclaimed that he was the one who had come to bring good news to the poor, release to captives, sight to the blind, and freedom to the oppressed. The people were astonished and angered by his words. After all, Jesus was the son of Joseph, a local carpenter. How could he be the one to fulfill the words of an ancient prophet? But Jesus knew what job he had to do. He knew that the job would not be easy, but he had accepted God s purpose for him and was committed to the ministry ahead of him, including all that would come to him as a result. Children will understand the idea that Jesus had a job to do. They will also understand what it means to be called to work with Jesus to accomplish God s work. They are ready to hear that regardless of one s occupation, age, or social standing, we can serve God in everything we do. Sadly, Jesus was rejected by the very people who surrounded him in his youth. As teachers today, though, we can be encouragers for the children we teach. We can help them follow their dreams and find the paths to which God calls them. As their futures unfold, the church can support them so that whatever path they choose, they will serve God. 78 Abingdon Press.

80 Activity Invite them in... (15 minutes) TimeSaver EcoFriendly Welcome! Classroom Jobs When I Grow Up... Occupations in Our Church Whose Tools? Occupation Stations... Into the Bible (30 minutes) Picture Time Isaiah s Scroll Hear the Bible Story Praise Time... Into Life (15 minutes) Scroll Snacks Jesus Scroll/My Bible Good News Stand Up and Read Closing Worship Working With Jesus TimeSaver TimeSaver Activities that require little or no planning and only basic supplies. EcoFriendly EcoFriendly Activities that encourage responsible earth stewardship by providing options to use recycled or repurposed materials. DVD Summary: Picture Time Bongo decides he wants to be a firefighter when he grows up, so Ms. Lucy is helping him practice. The group remembers the Bible verse. Then as your children watch Picture Time, they will think about what they want to be when they grow up. The DVD helps them understand that Jesus was a child once, just as they are children now, and Jesus did many special jobs when he grew up. They can do special jobs too. January 22, 2012 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 79

81 Lesson 8 January 22, 2012 The B.i.G. Idea We believe that the stories about Jesus help us understand that Jesus is the Son of God. Welcome! Choose one or more activities to introduce your children to the Bible story. Invite them in... Supplies: Stickers; Attendance Chart; Leader inside front cover; DVD; DVD player; television Pray for each child in the class. Pray for any new children who may join. Pray for God s direction as you prepare to teach. Do Give each child a scroll Sticker to place on the Attendance Chart. Say: (Child s name), I am glad you are here. Ask: Do you remember our Bible verse? It says: The child Jesus grew. He became strong and wise, and God blessed him (Luke 2:40, CEV). Help the children remember how to sign the Bible verse in American Sign Language (Leader inside front cover, DVD). Live B.i.G. Thank you, God, for children who grow and become strong and wise. Classroom Jobs Supplies: construction paper, posterboard, marker List jobs that might be done in your classroom: Artist: Pass out craft supplies. Chef/Waiter: Pass out items for snacks. Music Director: Pass out instruments. Teacher: Pass out worksheets. Housekeeper: Make sure the room is tidy. Do Read the description of each job on the list, and assign each child a job. Make sure to keep up with each job responsibility as the day progresses. Live B.i.G. Children can help in their classrooms at church. When I Grow Up Supplies: Leader page 86, crayons, pencils Make a copy of When I Grow Up (Leader page 86) for each child. 80 Abingdon Press.

82 Do Give each child a copy of When I Grow Up (Leader page 86). Ask: What do you want to be when you grow up? Invite each child to decorate the picture to represent the chosen job. Invite children to show their drawings and tell about their career choices. Say: In today s Bible story we are going to learn about the job Jesus did when he grew up. Live B.i.G. You can grow up to do a special job that will serve God. Occupations in Our Church Invite several people to visit your classroom to talk about their occupations. If applicable, have each person dress in the uniform or clothing he or she would wear to work. Do Say: Let s listen as our friends talk about the jobs they do. Allow time for your visitors to speak. Say: In today s Bible story we will hear about the jobs that Jesus did. Live B.i.G. Every job is important. In every job, we can serve God, as Jesus did. Whose Tools? Supplies/: Collect a variety of tools associated with specific jobs: spoon (chef/cook), fire hat (firefighter), stethoscope (doctor/nurse), basketball (pro player), envelope (mail carrier), paintbrush (artist), nails (carpenter), camera (photographer), microphone (singer), book (teacher). Do As you hold up each object, invite the children to guess which job requires each tool. Say: Today we are going to learn about some tools that we can use to work with Jesus. Live B.i.G. When Jesus grew up he learned how to do the job God called him to do. Occupation Stations Supplies/: Set up a variety of job centers around the room. Be a florist: Provide silk flowers, florist foam, and baskets, bowls, or vases for flower arranging. Plan to display the arrangements somewhere else in the church. Be a mail carrier: Provide stationery, envelopes, pencils, and stickers for writing letters, using the stickers as stamps. Be a grocery clerk: Provide a toy cash register, empty food boxes, and paper grocery bags for taking turns operating the cash register and bagging groceries. Do Invite the children to visit the occupation stations to experience each job. Live B.i.G. God gives people wonderful gifts and talents to use to do their jobs. January 22, 2012 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 81

83 Lesson 8 January 22, 2012 The B.i.G. Idea We believe that the stories about Jesus help us understand that Jesus is the Son of God. Picture Time Choose one or more activities to immerse your children in the Bible story. Supplies: DVD, DVD player, television, DVD-Time Wheel (website)... Into the Bible Do Turn the arrow on the DVD-Time Wheel to Picture Time. Ask: Do you know what you want to be when you grow up? Say: Today Bongo has an idea about what he might like to be when he grows up. Let s find out what he is thinking. Play Picture Time (DVD). Ask: Today we have seen pictures of many different kinds of jobs. Did you see any jobs that you might like to do someday? Say: Jesus is God s Son. Jesus had a special job to do, just like you. Live B.i.G. God had a special job for his Son, Jesus. When you grow up, you will find a special job that God has for you. Isaiah s Scroll Supplies: Kids Book, large dowels, tape Punch out Isaiah scroll pieces (Kids Book) for each child. Do Say: As Jesus grew, he went to church, just like you. The place Jesus went was called a synagogue. At the synagogue Jesus learned about God and read verses from a scroll. A scroll was Jesus Bible. Give each child three scroll pieces (Kids Book). Help the children tape the pages together in order from right to left. Tape each end piece to a large dowel. Help the children roll their scrolls from the left end to the right end. Live B.i.G. In the synagogue Jesus read from the scroll of Isaiah. The Lord s Spirit has come to me, because he has chosen me to tell the good news to the poor. 82 Abingdon Press.

84 Hear the Bible Story Supplies: Isaiah scrolls the children made (page 82) Do Say: Let s use our scrolls as we hear today s Bible story. Open your Bible to Luke 4: Say: Today s Bible story comes from the Bible Book of Luke in the New Testament. Say: Jesus grew to be a grown man. It was time to begin his job. Jesus stood up in the synagogue. He opened the scroll of the prophet Isaiah. Invite the children to unroll their scrolls so that the words appear right to left as you read. Say: Jesus read. The prophet Isaiah said, The Lord s Spirit has come to me, because he has chosen me to tell good news to the poor. Say: That is my job, thought Jesus. That is what God sent me to do. Invite the children to unroll their scrolls to show the middle piece. Say: Jesus read again. The Lord has sent me to announce freedom for prisoners, to give sight to the blind. Say: That is my job, thought Jesus. That is what God sent me to do. Invite the children to unroll their scrolls to show the end piece (on the left). Say: Jesus read again. To free anyone who suffers, and to say, This is the year that the Lord has chosen. Say: That is my job, thought Jesus. That is what God sent me to do. Say: Then Jesus rolled up the scroll. Invite the children to roll up their scrolls. Say: Jesus said to the people, These words were written about me. This is my job. Say: The people were confused. How can this be? they asked. Jesus is Joseph s son. It is his job to be a carpenter. But Jesus knew what job he had to do. Jesus was God s Son, and God had shown him. Jesus went to work! Live B.i.G. Jesus came to fulfill the words of Isaiah s prophecy. Praise Time Supplies: DVD, DVD player, television, DVD-Time Wheel (website) Do Turn the arrow on the DVD-Time Wheel to Praise Time. Ask: This month we have been talking about some of the things that happened to Jesus as he grew up. What stories do you remember? (in the Temple at twelve, baptism, reading from the scroll in the synagogue) Say: You are growing too, just like Jesus grew. As we sing our song today, let s think about ways we are growing and following Jesus example. Play the song, Jesus Grew (DVD). Encourage the children to imitate the movements that indicate the act of growing. If the children want to add their own motions for growing, encourage their creativity. Live B.i.G. Jesus grew to be a young boy and finally a grown man. We grow too. January 22, 2012 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 83

85 Lesson 8 January 22, 2012 The B.i.G. Idea We believe that stories of faithful kings help us to be faithful leaders for God. Choose one or more activities to connect your children s lives to the Bible story. Scroll Snacks Supplies: large pretzel sticks, roll-up fruit snacks, juice or water, cups Do Show children how to make a scroll by rolling a fruit snack between two pretzel sticks. Enjoy the snacks with juice or water. Live B.i.G. When Jesus went to the synagogue, he read Scripture from a scroll. Jesus Scroll/My Bible Supplies: many Bibles old and new, children s Bibles, large and small Bibles... Into Life Do Say: Jesus read the Book of Isaiah from a scroll. We read the Book of Isaiah in our Bible. (Show the children the Book of Isaiah in a Bible.) Invite the children to examine the Bibles. Say: Bibles come in many shapes and sizes, but the message inside is the same. The Bible is divided into two parts. The first part is called the Old Testament. Jesus read stories from the Old Testament. Say: The second part of the Bible is called the New Testament. The New Testament has many stories about Jesus. Live B.i.G. Jesus read from a scroll. We read about God and Jesus in our Bible. Good News Supplies: Stickers, school supplies the children have been collecting for their service project, construction paper, crayons or markers Do Say: Part of Jesus job was to help the poor. This month our class has been collecting school supplies to help children who cannot afford them. Invite the children to sort and box the supplies that have been collected. Say: Another part of Jesus job was to help those who were sick. We can help people who are sick by cheering them up with a get-well card. Give each child a piece of construction paper and a Get Well Sticker. Invite the children to decorate the card. Say: When our church staff visits someone who is sick, they can take one of our cards. Live B.i.G. When we help people who are in need, we are working with Jesus. 84 Abingdon Press.

86 Stand Up and Read Supplies: Kids Book page C, envelopes Punch out a set of the Bible verse cards (Kids Book page C) for each child. Place each child s cards in an envelope to take home. one set of cards to use with the group. Do Give each child one word card from the Bible verse (Kids Book page C). Give some children more than one word if you have a small group. Ask: Who has this word? (Hold up a sample card.) Call out each word in order. Have the children stand and form a line as the words are called. Read the verse. Have each child read his or her word and move to new spots if necessary. Read the Bible verse again and again, going faster each time. Live B.i.G. Jesus learned Bible verses in the synagogue. We learn Bible verses at church. Closing Worship Working With Jesus Supplies: Bible, Kids Book, Leader page 87, Stickers, scissors Detach a bookmark for each child (Kids Book). Cut apart the church, hands, and heart pictures (Leader page 87). Do Say: When (child s name) grows up, she (or he) is going to be a! After each child completes the sentence, give him or her a Working With Jesus worship badge (Stickers). Say: No matter what job we do, there are tools to help us work with Jesus. Ask: (Hold up a Bible.) What is this? Say: When we work with Jesus, reading our Bible helps us know how to live. Ask: (Hold up the picture of a church (Leader page 87). What tool is this? Say: When we work with Jesus, the church is a place we go to worship God together. Ask: (Hold up the picture of hands (Leader page 87). What tool is this? When we work with Jesus, we can use our hands to help others. Say: (Fold your hands in prayer.) We can also use our hands to pray. Talking to God helps us prepare to do God s work. Ask: (Hold up the picture of a heart (Leader page 87). What tool is this? Say: We can love God and others with our hearts. Part of working with Jesus means loving, helping, and caring for others. Give each child a bookmark (Kids Book) to take home. Live B.i.G. Thank you, Jesus, for giving us the tools we need to do your work. January 22, 2012 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 85

87 Lesson 8 When I Grow Up Decorate the figure to show what job you want to do when you grow up. When I grow up, I want to be a. 86 Abingdon Press.

88 Lesson 8 Tools for Working With Jesus January 22, 2012 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 87

89 Lesson 9 January 29, 2012 January s B.i.G. Idea We believe that the stories about Jesus help us understand that Jesus is the Son of God. January s Bible Verse The child Jesus grew. He became strong and wise, and God blessed him. Luke 2:40, CEV January s B.i.G. Theme Stories About Jesus Lesson 9 Jesus Heals Peter s Mother-in-Law Today s Bible Story Matthew 8:14-17; Mark 1:29-34; Luke 4:38-41 Three B.i.G. (Believe In God) Truths God is a great big God. God loves us with a great big love. We are part of God s great big world. Objectives Children will hear a Bible story about Jesus showing God s love and care through healing. Children will identify ways they can show God s love and care for others today. After his baptism by John and his testing in the wilderness, Jesus established a headquarters for his ministry at Capernaum on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee. Jesus may have stayed at Peter and Andrew s house while he taught there. Jesus began by preaching and healing in the synagogue. Then he returned to Peter and Andrew s home, where Peter s mother-in-law was ill with a burning fever. Although there were specific methods of dealing with such a fever according to Jewish law (involving incantations and an iron knife tied to a thorn bush), Jesus healed Peter s mother-in-law with a simple handclasp and a word of power. When Jesus took her hand, she felt well enough to get up and serve a meal. It is significant that Peter s mother-in-law began serving as soon as she was healed. We may see her act as simply fulfilling the stereotypical woman s role, or we may realize that she used her recovered health in renewed service. Word of this healing spread rapidly. Many people were gathered at the door of the house at sundown, the end of the sabbath, including those with physical and mental illnesses. Jesus had compassion and healed them. When a family member or someone close to us recovers from a sickness or surgery, we feel relieved. Hearing a doctor say everything went well or we expect a full recovery brings joy and reassurance to our hearts. Sometimes even the doctors are amazed when their patients undergo miraculous healing. How does God show love and care to you? If you have experienced health concerns or are now experiencing health issues, how have you seen or do you see God s grace? What people or resources has God used to bring you comfort and encouragement? Although we often think of the physical aspect when we speak of healing, healing involves the total person mind, body, and spirit. Whether you ever thought about it or not, as a teacher of children God has equipped you to bring healing. As you share the love and care of Jesus with these young people, you are an instrument that brings emotional, spiritual, mental, and even physical healing. Offer thanks to God for being Jehovah-Rophi, the God who heals. 88 Abingdon Press.

90 Activity TimeSaver EcoFriendly Invite them in... (15 minutes) Welcome! Get Well Maze What Makes You Feel Better? Invite a Guest Dramatic Play Backyard Time... Into the Bible (30 minutes) Hear the Bible Story Praise Time Make Fruit Kabobs... Into Life (15 minutes) Thinking of You Cards Decorated Tissue Boxes Heartbeats and Temperature Closing Worship TimeSaver TimeSaver Activities that require little or no planning and only basic supplies. EcoFriendly EcoFriendly Activities that encourage responsible earth stewardship by providing options to use recycled or repurposed materials. DVD Summary: Backyard Time Today Mr. Z dons a doctor s coat and stethoscope to tell the story of how Jesus showed God s love and care by healing Peter s sick mother-inlaw. Mr. Z then asks the children to think of ways they can demonstrate God s love, and they respond with several good ideas. Mr. Z wraps up the episode by stressing the importance of spending time with family, friends, and neighbors as a means of exemplifying God s love. He encourages your kids to think of ways they can show love and care for others. January 29, 2012 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 89

91 Lesson 9 January 29, 2012 The B.i.G. Idea We believe that the stories about Jesus help us understand that Jesus is the Son of God. Welcome! Choose one or more activities to introduce your children to the Bible story. Invite them in... Supplies: Stickers; Attendance Chart; Leader inside front cover; DVD; DVD player; television Pray for each child in the class. Pray for God s direction as you teach. Do Give each child an adhesive bandage sticker (Stickers) to place on the Attendance Chart. Say: (Child s name), I am glad you are here. Ask: Do you remember our Bible verse? It says: The child Jesus grew. He became strong and wise, and God blessed him (Luke 2:40, CEV). Help the children remember how to sign the Bible verse in American Sign Language (Leader inside front cover, DVD). Say: Today will hear a Bible story about Jesus as an adult. We will hear about a time when Jesus healed someone who was sick. Live B.i.G. Jesus cared about people who were sick and sometimes healed them. Get Well Maze Supplies: Leader page 96, markers or crayons Photocopy the Get Well Maze (Leader page 96) for each child. Do Give each child a copy of the Get Well Maze. Ask: Can you follow the maze and find the things that help people feel better when they are sick? Live B.i.G. Jesus showed love by making people well. We can help care for others too. What Makes You Feel Better? Supplies: markers or crayons, drawing paper Ask: How does your family make you feel better when you are sick? Do they sit beside you as you sleep? Do they take you to the doctor? Do they prepare special things for you to eat or drink? 90 Abingdon Press.

92 Ask: Why do these things make you feel better? Ask: How do you help when someone else in your family is sick? Invite the children to draw pictures of ways their family members help one another when someone is sick. Say: Helping sick people feel better is a loving thing to do. Live B.i.G. Jesus helped people who were sick. We can help people who are sick feel better. Invite a Guest Invite a doctor, nurse, or other health professional to visit your class. Ask that he or she bring a stethoscope and a child s blood pressure cuff. Do Let the children try listening through the stethoscope. Show the children how to find pulse points in their arms, hands, legs, and neck. Let the children wear the blood pressure cuff to find out how it feels when it is inflated. Say: Your pulse and blood pressure tell the doctor how your heart is working. Invite the children to ask the guest questions. Live B.i.G. Thank you, God, for doctors and nurses who help us when we are sick and help us to stay well. Dramatic Play Supplies: toy doctor s kit or a simple box filled with adhesive bandages, rolled bandages, a sling, cotton balls, and cotton swabs; dolls or stuffed animals Do Invite the children to play with the doctor s kit and the dolls or stuffed animals. Say: Jesus was a friend to people who were sick. We can learn to help people who are sick or hurt to feel better too. Live B.i.G. Jesus cared about people who were sick. We can follow Jesus example by helping people who are sick feel better. Backyard Time Supplies: DVD, DVD player, television Do Say: People who are sick often need a quiet place to rest. Let s tiptoe quietly over to our DVD area. Show Backyard Time (DVD). What are some ways you can show God s love and care by helping others? Let s get ready to hear the Bible story about Jesus healing Peter s mater-in-law. Do you remember who Peter was? (one of Jesus disciples) Live B.i.G. Jesus loves to make people feel better. January 29, 2012 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 91

93 Lesson 9 January 29, 2012 The B.i.G. Idea We believe that the stories about Jesus help us understand that Jesus is the Son of God. Choose one or more activities to immerse your children in the Bible story. Hear the Bible Story Supplies: Bible... Into the Bible Do Make sure the children are seated in a circle. Say: One of the most wonderful things Jesus did was make people well. He cured them of diseases that doctors in that day could not heal. Today we are going to hear a story about Jesus making someone well. This story is found in the Bible, in the Gospel of Mark. Show the children the Bible, and open it to Mark 1. Hold the Bible so the children can see the page. Show them the title Mark, and the large 1 that indicates chapter one. Say: I will need your help in telling this story! Whenever I do a motion, I will pass it to the person next to me. Then the person will pass it to the next person, and the motion will go around the circle. (Demonstrate by passing a praying hands motion around the circle.) Jesus Heals Peter s Mother-in-Law One day, Jesus went to the synagogue, the special place to worship God. (Make praying hands; pass the motion around the circle.) When Jesus left the synagogue, he went with his friends, James and John, to Peter and Andrew s house. When they got there, they learned some sad news. (Pass a sad expression around the circle.) Peter s mother-in-law was sick with a fever. (Touch your hand to your forehead; pass the motion around the circle.) Jesus knew what to do. Jesus took her by the hand and helped her up, and she was well again! (Pass a smile around the circle.) Then Peter s mother-in-law prepared a yummy meal for everyone. (Rub tummy; pass it around the circle.) Jesus thanked Peter s mother-in-law for the wonderful food. (Shake hands with the person beside you.) After sunset, many people came to Peter s door. They brought all the people who were sick. (Pass a sad expression around the circle.) And Jesus healed them all! (Smile and raise hands in praise.) Ask: Have you ever had a fever? How did that make you feel? What did you do to make the fever go down? 92 Abingdon Press.

94 Ask: What caused Peter s mother-in-law s fever to go away? How do you think Peter s mother-in-law felt about being healed? What did Peter s mother-in-law do as soon as her fever went down? Why did she do that? Say: When Jesus helps us, we want to show our gratitude by helping and caring for others too. Live B.i.G. Jesus, the Messiah, cares for us and has the power to heal. Praise Time Supplies: DVD, DVD player, television, DVD-Time Wheel (website) Do Turn the arrow on the DVD-Time Wheel to Praise Time. Ask: This month we have been talking about some of the things that happened to Jesus as he grew up. What stories do you remember? (in the Temple at twelve, baptism, reading from the scroll in the synagogue) Today we have heard a story about Jesus showing God s love by healing Peter s mother-in-law. Say: You are growing too, just like Jesus grew. As we sing our song today, let s think about ways we can show God s love by caring for other people. Play the song, Jesus Grew (DVD). Encourage the children to imitate the movements that indicate the act of growing. Live B.i.G. Jesus grew to be a young boy and finally a grown man. We grow too. Make Fruit Kabobs Supplies: bananas, apples, strawberries, grapes, Monterey jack cheese, bamboo skewers, napkins, cups, juice - Wash the fruit. Cut bananas, apples, and cheese into oneinch chunks. Be sure to check for food allergies before preparing and serving this snack. Do Say: Jesus helped Peter s mother-in-law by healing her. After Jesus healed her, she immediately got out of bed and made some food for Jesus and his friends. Let s make a healthy snack that we can serve to each other. Have the children wash their hands. Show the children how to carefully push the fruit and cheese onto the bamboo skewers, one piece at a time. Serve with fruit juice. Pray: Thank you, Jesus, for this food. Amen. If possible, arrange to have the group serve this snack to another class. Live B.i.G. When we realize what wonderful things God has done for us, we can say Thank you, God by helping others in return. January 29, 2012 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 93

95 Lesson 9 January 29, 2012 The B.i.G. Idea We believe that the stories about Jesus help us understand that Jesus is the Son of God. Choose one or more activities to connect your children s lives to the Bible story. Thinking of You Cards Supplies: Kids Book, pieces of bandages, cotton balls, adhesive bandages, gluesticks Do Give each child a Thinking of You card (Kids Book). Invite the children to decorate the card with the first-aid items you have provided. Help the children write a simple message, such as God loves you, on the card. Send these cards to people in your congregation who are sick, or give them to your pastor to deliver when he or she is visiting.... Into Life Live B.i.G. Jesus cared about people who were sick. One way we can care for others is by sending them cards to make them feel better. Decorated Tissue Boxes Supplies: unopened tissue boxes (plain boxes, if possible), small pieces of tissue paper, gluesticks, old paintbrushes, paint shirts, protective covering for tables Put protective coverings on the tables. Do Have the children tear colored tissue paper into small pieces, no smaller than one-inch square. Give each child a tissue box. Make sure the boxes are sealed. Show the children how to paint the box with a gluestick. Then let them press the tissue paper pieces onto the glue. When the box is completely covered with tissue paper, have the children paint another layer of glue over the box. Dry completely. Say: We will give these decorated boxes to people who are sick or unable to leave home. Live B.i.G. Jesus cared about people who were sick. We follow Jesus example by helping people who are sick. 94 Abingdon Press. ilivebig.com

96 Heartbeats and Temperature Supplies: two small plastic funnels; 18 inches of clear plastic tubing; plastic tape; various types of fever thermometers, including digital thermometers, forehead thermometer strips, and pacifier thermometers; an outdoor thermometer Do Show the children various types of thermometers, but do not have the children put the thermometers in their mouths. Discuss how an outdoor thermometer works. If possible, take the thermometer outside and measure the temperature. Discuss how a doctor or nurse measures a person s temperature. Let the children take turns putting a temperature strip on their foreheads. Invite the children to help you make a stethoscope. Slip the tubing over the ends of the funnels and tape it in place. Say: Let s listen to our heartbeats. Shall we listen to our own tummies too? Ask: Where else can you hear your heart beat besides over your heart? Live B.i.G. When Peter s mother-in-law had a fever, Jesus helped her to get better. Jesus cares when we do not feel well. Thank you, God, for creating our bodies with heartbeat and temperatures. Closing Worship Supplies: Stickers, Kids Book - Detach a bookmark (Kids Book) for each child. Do Invite the children to lie down on the rug. Say: In today s Bible story, Peter s mother-in-law was sick in bed with a fever. Close your eyes, and imagine that you are sick. Imagine that your forehead feels very, very hot. Say: Then Jesus came up and took Peter s mother-in-law by the hand. Go to one child, take his or her hand, and help him or her to stand. Say: When Jesus touched her, her fever went away, and she was ready to help others! Have the child who is now standing go to another child and help that child up. Each child, in turn, helps another child to his or her feet. When everyone is standing, put a Jesus Heals worship badge (Stickers) on each child. Invite everyone to join hands. Pray: Thank you, Jesus, for taking care of us when we are not feeling well. Thank you for being such a good friend. Help us to love and serve others, just like you. Amen. Give each child a bookmark (Kids Book) to take home. Live B.i.G. Jesus showed love to others. We can help care for others too. January 29, 2012 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 95

97 Lesson 9 Get-Well Maze 96 Abingdon Press.

98 February Overview February s B.i.G. Idea We believe that the stories Jesus told help us to know how to live. February s B.i.G. Theme Stories Jesus Told February s Bible Verse Teach me your way, O LORD. Psalm 27:11 Objectives Children will learn that Jesus told many stories. Children will hear Jesus parable of the talents. Children will consider ways God can use the gifts God has given to them. Children will hear Jesus parable about the good Samaritan. Children will learn ways that they can show their love for others and for God. February s Lessons February 5 The Talents, Matthew 25:14-29 February 12 The Good Samaritan, Luke 10:25-37 February 19 Lost and Found, Luke 15:8-10 February 26 The Rich Fool, Luke 12:13-21 Children will hear the Bible story about a woman who searched for a lost coin. Children will realize that we are all important to God. Children will hear the Bible story about the rich fool. Children will discover that it is important for us to share our possessions with others. February s DVD February Overview Bible Verse in American Sign Language: Psalm 27:11 (see Leader inside front cover) Teaching Your Children: Involving Children in Mission Projects Demonstration: Paper Bag Book (February 19) Picture Time: The Cool Cat (February 12) Travel Time: International Storytelling Center in Jonesboro, Tennessee (February 26) February s Praise Time Song All Who Have Ears (DVD, CD, Leader page 6) Music Suggestions Play songs from the CD as children arrive. Encourage the children to sing along and do the motions with All Who Have Ears (DVD, CD, Leader page 6). Sing the Live B.I.G. theme song (CD) as part of each week s closing worship. Plan Ahead Plan a Listening Center that has Bible storybooks for preschoolers on CD on February 5. Invite a talented cook to prepare a snack or to help the children prepare a snack on February 5. Fill shallow containers with sand and provide plastic shovels on February 5. Provide candy conversation hearts for Heart Graphing, on February 12. Provide a beach ball for a game on February 12. Gather four wooden spoons for classroom puppets and four plastic spoons for each child to make puppets to take home on February 12. Gather washcloths; small packages of adhesive bandages; travel-size shampoo, deodorant, toothbrush, and toothpaste; and resealable plastic bags to make health kits on February 12. Invite a guest storyteller to dress in costume, including a coin headband with nine coins, to tell the story of The Lost Coin on February 19. a paper bag book for each child on February 19. Collect empty potato chip cans or oatmeal boxes for Silo Banks on February 26. January 29, 2012 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 97

99 Lesson 10 February 5, 2012 January s B.i.G. Idea We believe that stories Jesus told help us know how to live. January s Bible Verse Teach me your way, O LORD! Psalm 27:11 January s B.i.G. Theme Stories Jesus Told Lesson 10 The Talents Today s Bible Story Matthew 25:14-29 Three B.i.G. (Believe in God) Truths God is a great big God. God loves us with a great big love. We are part of God s great big world. Objectives Children will learn that Jesus told many stories. Children will hear Jesus parable of the talents. Children will consider ways God can use the gifts God has given to them. Some people are natural storytellers. They capture our attention from the first spoken word and hold it tightly until the end. Some storytellers can transport us to different times and places and bring imaginary characters to life in front of our eyes. Jesus was such a storyteller. His parables help people understand and relate to the life lessons he teaches. We should embrace the same storytelling principles that Jesus used in our Sunday school classrooms. The storytelling techniques we use can help children learn the lessons Jesus came to teach us. Enjoy your role of storyteller. Have fun. Give yourself permission to be a little silly as you engage the children in stories. As you and the children explore four of Jesus parables during the next four weeks, you will also explore some creative ways to tell stories. In the parable of the talents, Jesus tells the story of a wealthy man who entrusted his servants with varying amounts of talents (in biblical times, an amount of money). When the man returned from a long journey, he found that two of the servants had invested their talents and gained a profit. The other servant, fearing his master s rebuke if he lost it, had hidden his talent and gained nothing from it. The man was angry, for he had expected his servants to do something with what they were given. The servant who had hidden the talent had wasted an opportunity to add to the master s wealth. So the man took away the talent that had been hidden and gave it to another servant. Like the servants in Jesus parable, we have an abundance of talents from God. For some people, the talents are monetary wealth, similar to the talents given in the parable. These people are expected to use their wealth wisely and to give joyfully. Not all people are given money, but God has given at least one gift to each person, and God expects us to use whatever gift we are given to multiply God s love and God s kingdom to the whole world. When we fail to use the talents God has given us, we are like the man who buried his talent in the ground. Help the children to consider what gifts they can use to serve God. Encourage them to ask: What gifts has God given to me? What talents do I have? How do I use those gifts and talents to serve God? Ask yourself the same questions. And thank you for using your gifts and talents to teach children the stories of Jesus. 98 Abingdon Press.

100 Activity TimeSaver EcoFriendly Invite them in... (15 minutes) Welcome! Listen and Learn Listen Up! Book-Making Table Storytelling Bag... Into the Bible (30 minutes) Hear the Bible Story Backyard Time Talent Train... Into Life (15 minutes) A Talented Cook Do Not Bury Your Talents I Am Full of Talent Praise Time A Talent for Music Closing Worship TimeSaver TimeSaver Activities that require little or no planning and only basic supplies. EcoFriendly EcoFriendly Activities that encourage responsible earth stewardship by providing options to use recycled or repurposed materials. DVD Summary: Backyard Time Everyone in the Backyard is showing a special talent. Mr. Z has taken photographs. Ms. Lucy has made stained-glass art. Bongo is dancing. Mr. Z introduces this month s Bible verse, Teach me your way, O LORD. Then next-door neighbor Justin arrives with tickets for his neighbors to attend his jazz performance in town. Your children are invited to participate in a rhythm that reminds them that we are sharing what we do best. Your children will see that God has given everyone something that he or she does best. February 5, 2012 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 99

101 Lesson 10 February 5, 2012 The B.i.G. Idea We believe that stories Jesus told help us know how to live. Welcome! Choose one or more activities to introduce your children to the Bible story. Invite them in... Supplies: Stickers; Attendance Chart; Leader inside front cover; DVD; DVD player; television Do Give each child a Sticker with Jesus and a child to place on the Attendance Chart. Say: (Child s name), I am glad you are here. Say: We have a new Bible verse today. Our Bible verse says, Teach me your way, O Lord. (Psalm 27:11). Teach the children to sign the Bible verse in American Sign Language (Leader inside front cover, DVD). Say: Today we will hear one of the stories Jesus told to help us to learn God s way. Live B.I.G. Children come to church to hear the stories Jesus told and to learn how God wants them to live. Listen and Learn Supplies: Leader page 106, crayons Do Say: Our Bible verse says, Teach me your way, O Lord. That means we can learn from Jesus. One way is by listening to stories Jesus told. Say: Let s listen to some words, and then do what the words tell us to do. Give each child a copy of Listen and Learn (Leader page 106). Say: Color the first book red. Wait for children to complete the task. Say: Make polka dots on the second book. Wait for the children to complete the task. Continue with the following directions, each time allowing ample time for each child to complete the task: Make stripes on the third book. Draw a picture of a house on the fourth book. Draw a yellow circle on the next book. Draw a picture of yourself on the last book. Say: You are good listeners! When we listen to the stories Jesus told we can learn how God wants us to live. Live B.I.G. Good listening skills will help us learn from Jesus words and stories. 100 Abingdon Press.

102 Listen Up! Supplies: Bible storybooks for preschoolers on CD, headphones, CD player Create a Listening Center where the children can listen to audio books of stories Jesus told. Include several CD players with headphones. Do Say: Jesus told stories that helped people learn about God. People loved to listen to Jesus stories. Invite children to listen to the audio books in the Listening Center. Live B.I.G. There are many ways to listen to and experience a good story. Book-Making Table Supplies/ For each child, fold three pieces of blank copy paper together to make six onesided pages. Staple the pages together with a construction paper cover to make blank books. Place the books on a table with a variety of pencils, crayons, and stickers. Do Say: Jesus told wonderful stories. We like to listen to stories and to read stories in books. Say: Can you say our Bible verse with me? Teach me your way, O LORD. Ask: Do you remember something you have learned from the stories Jesus told? Invite the children to create their own books using the supplies on the table. Encourage them to write or draw about something they have learned from hearing Jesus stories (Jesus loves us; Jesus wants us to help others; Jesus is like a shepherd). Help the children write words, or act as a scribe for children who may want to write several sentences on their pages. Invite the children to illustrate their stories with crayons or stickers. Live B.I.G. The Bible is filled with books. Some books have stories that Jesus told. Storytelling Bag Supplies: pillowcase, fabric markers Do Invite the children to use fabric markers, or any other décor to decorate a pillowcase to make a storytelling bag. Use the bag to store props from each week s Bible story. Each week, place a storytelling prop in the bag and secure the bag with a brightly colored ribbon. Invite the children to tell stories using the props in the bag. Live B.I.G. When children use storytelling props to interact with a story, they are able to better understand and remember it. February 5, 2012 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 101

103 Lesson 10 February 5, 2012 The B.i.G. Idea We believe that stories Jesus told help us know how to live. Choose one or more activities to immerse your children in the Bible story. Hear the Bible Story Supplies: Bible, Kids Book page C, felt board (see Leader page 142), felt, scissors, gluesticks, storytelling bag made earlier (page 101), envelopes... Into the Bible Punch out the storytelling figures (Kids Book page C). Keep one set to use with the class. Place a set of figures in an envelope for each child to take home. Glue each storytelling figure that you will use with the class to a piece of felt, and place the figures in the storytelling bag. Do Open your Bible. Say: Today s Bible story is in the Book of Matthew in the New Testament. Say: Jesus taught about how we should live. One day Jesus told this story: The Talents One day a rich man prepared to go on a trip. (Place the man on the felt board.) Before the man left, he asked three of his servants to take care of his talents while he was gone. Talents was a word used to describe money in those days. The man gave the first servant five talents. (Place the first servant and five talents five money bags on the board.) The man gave his second servant two talents. (Place the second servant, holding two money bags, on the board.) The man gave his third servant one talent. (Place the third servant, holding one money bag, on the board.) Then the rich man left for his trip. (Remove the rich man from the board.) The servant with five talents used his talents wisely and made five more talents. The servant with two talents also used the talents wisely. He made two more talents. The other servant was scared he might lose his talent, so he buried it in the ground. Then the rich man came home. (Place the picture of the man back on the board). Look, the first servant said. You gave me five talents and I made five more. (Add five more money bags beside the servant who already has five talents.) Good job, said the rich man. Look. said the second servant. You gave me two talents. I made two more! (Place two more money bags next to the servant who already has two talents.) Abingdon Press.

104 Good job, said the man. The other servant said, I was scared I might lose the money, so I buried it in the ground. The rich man was angry. I gave you a talent to use, he said, but you did nothing with it! The man took the talent away from the servant and gave it to the servant with five talents. (Move the talent from the first servant and place it with the servant who has five talents.) Say: Jesus told this story to teach the people an important lesson. When God gives us things, we should use them to serve God. Sometimes, we can use money to serve God by helping those in need or to help our church. Other times God gives us another kind of talent. God gives us talents that are things we are good at doing. Live B.I.G. Jesus told a story to teach us to use the gifts God gives us in helpful ways. Backyard Time Supplies: DVD, DVD player, television, DVD-Time Wheel (website) Do Turn the arrow on the DVD-Time Wheel to Backyard Time. Say: Let s learn to look for talents in today s Backyard Time. Play Backyard Time (DVD). Ask: Mr. Z, Ms. Lucy, Bongo, and Justin each have special talents. What is the thing that each of them can do best? Ask: We all have talents. What are your talents? Play the portion of Backyard Time with the we re sharing what we do best rhythm again. This time, encourage the children to join in with the rhythm. Say: We all have things that we do best. We can use those talents to serve God. Live B.I.G. Kids have all kinds of talents. Our talents are gifts from God. Talent Train Do Say: When we use the talents and gifts God has given, people will see the good things that we do, and they will want to join us! When we use our talents to help others, more and more people will know about God s love. Say: Let s make a talent train. When I use my one talent to help others, I will have two. Invite one person to join the train by holding your waist. Say: Now we have two. Let s make three. Move the train and invite another person to join the train. Each time a person is added to the Talent Train, invite that person to call out the number on the train. Say: We started with one and now we have. When we use our talents to serve God, God strengthens our talents and gives us more. When we use our talents more and more people become followers of Jesus. Live B.I.G. God wants us to use our talents to multiply the number of Jesus followers. February 5, 2012 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 103

105 Lesson 10 February 5, 2012 The B.i.G. Idea We believe that stories Jesus told help us know how to live. Choose one or more activities to connect your children s lives to the Bible story. A Talented Cook Supplies: snack or snack ingredients, juice or water, cups, plates, napkins Invite a talented cook to prepare a special snack for the class. Be sure to tell the guest about any allergies the children have. Do Ask: Do you know someone who has a talent for cooking? Say: (Today s guest) has a talent for cooking. He (or she) has used that talent to serve God by preparing a snack for us. Live B.I.G. We can all use our talents to serve God. Do Not Bury Your Talents... Into Life Supplies: Leader page 107, scissors, cardstock, shallow container filled with sand, plastic shovels, Photocopy the talent cards (Leader page 107) on cardstock. Cut the cards apart, and bury them in the sand. Do Say: Jesus story teaches us that if we do not use our talents, it is like we have buried our talents in the ground. Let s find some talents in the sand. One at a time, invite each child to dig up one of the talent cards. Read the talent named on each card aloud. Ask: How can someone use this talent to serve God? If a child finds a blank card, let the children name a talent for that card. Live B.I.G. God wants us to use the talents we are given. I Am Full of Talent Supplies: Kids Book, yarn, pencils, gluesticks, cardstock Punch out the I Am Full of Talent money bag and coins (Kids Book) for each child and attach the money bag to cardstock Abingdon Press.

106 Do Say: In Bible times, people kept money, called talents, in money bags. Give each child an I Am Full of Talent money bag and coins (Kids Book). Invite the children to lace around the money bag. Say: Today when we talk about talents, we mean skills God has given us to do work well. Let s write the names of talents God has given us on the coins. Let the children glue each coin onto the money bag. Live B.I.G. We can use both money and talents to serve God. Praise Time A Talent for Music Supplies: DVD, DVD player, television Do Say: Many people are talented musicians. Some people have a talent for singing, while others have a talent for playing an instrument. Say: Today, we are going to learn a new song. Our song is called, All Who Have Ears. The song reminds us that we can learn from the stories that Jesus told. Play All Who Have Ears (DVD). Encourage the children to sing along. Live B.I.G. When we use our ears to hear the stories Jesus told, we learn important lessons. Closing Worship Supplies: Kids Book, Stickers, Leader page 144 A piece of tape around the end of the yarn makes lacing easier! You may want to invite a church musician to visit and use his or her talent to serve God by singing with the children. Punch out a bookmark for each child (Kids Book). Photocopy February Living B.i.G. at Home (Leader page 144) for each child. Do Say: Listen as I remember today s Bible story. Please help me if I make a mistake. Tell the story. Allow the children to correct the words in parentheses. Say: A rich man went on a journey. He called his (eight) servants. He gave each servant (a piece of fruit). Two of the servants used their talents to make more talents. The other servant put his talent in (his pocket). When the rich man returned, he was proud of two of the servants, but he was angry with the servant who buried his talent. The rich man took the talent from that servant and (put it in his hat). Say: Thank you for helping me remember the story. You remembered it better than I did! Say: Today s Bible story teaches us to use the gifts that God gives to us. Give each child a Jesus Teaches With Stories worship badge (Stickers), a bookmark (Kids Book), and a copy of February Living B.i.G. at Home (Leader page 144) to take home. Live B.I.G.Thank you, God, for many different talents. Help us to use our talents to serve you. February 5, 2012 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 105

107 Lesson 10 Listen and Learn Listen and follow the directions Abingdon Press.

108 Lesson 10 Do Not Bury Your Talents Cooking Singing Helping Others Sports Writing Reading Being a Good Friend B ei n g F un n y Drawing teaching February 5, 2012 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 107

109 Lesson 11 February 12, 2012 January s B.i.G. Idea We believe that stories Jesus told help us know how to live. January s Bible Verse Teach me your way, O LORD! Psalm 27:11 January s B.i.G. Theme Stories Jesus Told Today s Bible Story Luke 10:25-37 Three B.i.G. (Believe in God) Truths God is a great big God. God loves us with a great big love. We are part of God s great big world. Objectives Children will hear Jesus parable about the good Samaritan. Children will learn ways that they can show their love for others and for God. Religious and political leaders were constantly trying to trick Jesus. What must I do to inherit eternal life? a lawyer asked. Jesus responded, What is written in the law? The lawyer answered, Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself (Luke 10:27). But then the lawyer wanted to know Who is my neighbor? Jesus responded by telling a parable with an interesting cast of characters: Jew: a descendant of the southern kingdom of Judah who lived by the Jewish law; Priest: served in the Temple, offering prayers and sacrifices on behalf of the people; Levite: responsible for taking care of the Temple; only Levites could become priests, but not all Levites were priests; Samaritan: a descendant from the northern kingdom of Israel. Lesson 11 The Good Samaritan Photocopy the valentine (Leader page 141) and mail one to each child in your class. There was a long history of hatred between the Jews and the Samaritans. Both claimed to be true descendants of the nation of Israel. The Jews, however, believed the Samaritans were not pure from a religious viewpoint and regarded the Samaritans as untouchable. Imagine how difficult it must have been for the Jewish crowd to hear Jesus parable. It asked Jews to accept their enemy, a Samaritan, as the hero of the story. In contrast, their own religious leaders were cast as those who looked the other way. They showed the hypocrisy of the Temple authorities, even when their own fellow Jew was the one in need. Which one was the real neighbor to the man who had fallen into the hands of robbers? Both Jesus and those who heard his story knew that it was the one who did the loving thing, regardless of who the person was in need. The children, being literal thinkers at this age, will probably hear the word neighbor as a description of someone who lives near them. Remind the children that Jesus was not talking about just those literal neighbors. Jesus says that all people are part of the family of God, and all are the neighbors we must love. Jesus reminds us that when we love others, we are willing to reach out a helping hand. We say kind words. We are willing to share. We pray for one another. We are examples of God s love for everyone. As the children hear this parable, remind them that as followers of Jesus, it is our job to show Jesus love to others through our own love and care. 108 Abingdon Press.

110 Activity TimeSaver EcoFriendly Invite them in... (15 minutes) Welcome! Messages of Love Montage Heart Potato (Hot Potato) Heart Graphing I Love Into the Bible (30 minutes) Hear the Bible Story Picture Time Praise Time... Into Life (15 minutes) Heart Wreaths Be a Good Neighbor Be a Good Neighbor Health Kits Looking for Good Samaritans Closing Worship TimeSaver TimeSaver Activities that require little or no planning and only basic supplies. EcoFriendly EcoFriendly Activities that encourage responsible earth stewardship by providing options to use recycled or repurposed materials. DVD Summary: Picture Time Mr. Z has had a wreck on his skateboard, and he is grateful for friends who help him feel better. He helps the children say the Bible verse. Then Bongo introduces Picture Time, which is based on a story that Jesus told to teach us that helping others is a good thing to do. In this version of the parable of the good Samaritan, the victim is a cat named Charlie, and the good Samaritan is a bulldog named Bubba. February 12, 2012 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 109

111 Lesson 11 February 12, 2012 The B.i.G. Idea We believe that stories Jesus told help us know how to live. Welcome! Choose one or more activities to introduce your children to the Bible story. Invite them in... Supplies: Stickers; Attendance Chart; Leader inside front cover; DVD; DVD player; television, construction paper, scissors, markers, paper bag or basket Cut out a heart shape from construction paper for each child. Do Give each child a heart Sticker to place on the Attendance Chart. Say: (Child s name), I am glad you are here. Our Bible verse says, Teach me your way, O LORD (Psalm 27:11). Remind the children how to sign the Bible verse in American Sign Language (Leader inside front cover, DVD). Say: Let s each make a heart to remind us that Jesus loves us. Help the children write their names on paper hearts and then place them all in a bag or basket. Live B.i.G. Jesus loves children. Messages of Love Montage Supplies: children s valentines, construction paper, gluesticks Do Place a variety of children s valentines on a table. Have each child choose cards to glue to a piece of construction paper. Write on each montage: Love your neighbor as yourself. Live B.i.G. Jesus taught that we should love one another all year long! Heart Potato (Hot Potato) Supplies: construction paper, scissors, Hershey s Hugs candies, CD, CD player Cut out a large heart from construction paper. Look for Christian valentines at a Christian bookstore. 110 Abingdon Press.

112 Do Invite the children to sit in a circle. Give one child the large construction paper heart. Say: When you hear the music, begin to pass the heart around the circle. When the music stops, the person holding the heart will get a hug. Start and then stop the music. Give the person caught holding the heart a candy Hug. If you have a large number of children, invite that child to start a new circle of children who have received Hugs. Continue playing until each person has received a Hug. Live B.i.G. We can pass God s love to others. Heart Graphing Supplies: Leader page 116, candy conversation hearts, paper plates, crayons Photocopy Heart Graphing (Leader page 116) for each child. Purchase a small box of conversation heart candies for each child. Do Give each child a box of candy conversation hearts and a Heart Graphing page (Leader page 116). Invite the children to empty their candies onto a paper plate and then sort them by color. Help children complete the graph by coloring the correct number of blocks for each color of candy. Say: These hearts remind me of today s Bible story, a story Jesus told about love. Live B.i.G. Jesus said, You shall love the Lord your God with all of your heart. I Love Supplies: beach ball Do Say: We are going to play a game called I Love. When you catch the beach ball, say I love, and then name something that you love. Demonstrate by giving a simple example, such as I love pizza or I love dogs. Give everyone a chance to play. Say: Now let s play again. This time, when you catch the ball, name a person you love. Say: I will go first. I love (name a person). Say: Let s play one more time. This time, name someone who loves you. Say: I will go first again. (Name a person) loves me. Say: Jesus taught us to love God and others. Jesus also taught us that God loves us all. Live B.i.G. We can love and serve God. God loves each and every one of us! February 12, 2012 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 111

113 Lesson 11 February 12, 2012 The B.i.G. Idea We believe that stories Jesus told help us know how to live. Choose one or more activities to immerse your children in the Bible story. Hear the Bible Story Supplies: Stickers; four wooden spoons; decorative fabric; storytelling bag made last week (page 101). For each child: four plastic spoons, resealable plastic bag, photocopy of The Good Samaritan below... Into the Bible Place a Sticker face on each wooden spoon. Add fabric or other decorations to create spoon puppets. Put the puppets (and the supplies for take-home puppets) into the storytelling bag. Do Say: One day a man asked Jesus about God s commandments. Jesus helped him to remember that the most important commandment says, Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all of your soul, and with all your strength, and all of your mind; and love your neighbor as yourself. The man asked, Who is my neighbor? Use the wooden spoon puppets from the storytelling bag to tell this story: The Good Samaritan One day a man was walking to the town of Jericho along a dangerous road. (Pass the traveler puppet around the circle.) Suddenly, robbers jumped out. They hurt the man, took his money, and left him on the side of the road. (Lay the traveler puppet on the floor.) Soon, a priest walked by. (Pass the priest puppet around the circle.) The priest did not want to touch the man. Instead, he crossed to the other side of the road and kept walking. (Pass the puppet to the opposite side of the circle.) Soon another man who worked in the Temple walked by. (Pass the Levite puppet around the circle.) When he saw the hurt man, he also walked to the other side of the road, not stopping to help. (Pass the Levite to the other side of the circle.) Next a Samaritan came by. Samaritan means that he lived in Samaria. (Pass the Samaritan puppet around the circle.) The Samaritan put bandages on the man s wounds and then put the man on his donkey. Don t worry, he said, I will get you help. The Samaritan took the man to an inn. (Pass both the traveler and the good Samaritan around the circle together.) The Samaritan gave the innkeeper money to care for the hurt man until he was better. Jesus asked, Which person was a good neighbor to the man who was hurt? The man answered, The one who helped. Jesus said, Go and do the same! 112 Abingdon Press.

114 Say: Jesus wanted the man to know that God wants us to show God s love to everyone. When we show God s love to others, we are like the good Samaritan in the story. Now, give each child four plastic spoons and a set of good Samaritan Stickers to make their own puppets. Help the children place a different character Sticker on each spoon. Have each child place the spoon puppets in a resealable bag. Encourage the children to take their puppets home and use them to tell the Bible story about the good Samaritan to their families. Live B.i.G. Jesus teaches that being a good neighbor means helping anyone who needs help. We can tell Jesus stories to others. Picture Time Supplies: DVD, DVD player, television, DVD-Time Wheel (website) Do Turn the arrow on the DVD-Time Wheel to Picture Time. Say: Today we are going to hear and see another story that is like Jesus story of the good Samaritan. See if you know which character is like the good Samaritan in Jesus story. Play Picture Time (DVD). The Cool Cat is available as a book. Ask: Which character was like the good Order a copy for each of your children Samaritan? from Cokesbury.com or by calling Ask: Do you know a story about a Cokesbury at ISBN: person who helped someone else like the good Samaritan or Bubba did? Encourage the children to tell their own stories. Expect some made-up stories! Live B.i.G.. Jesus story helps us remember that is it important to help others. Praise Time Supplies: DVD, DVD player, television Do Say: Last week we learned a new song called All Who Have Ears. One of the stories in the song is the Bible story about the good Samaritan. Let s listen for what this song says about that story. Play All Who Have Ears (DVD). Encourage the children to sing along with the words all who have ears, let them hear. Say: Did you hear the part about the story of the good Samaritan? The song reminds us that we can learn from the stories that Jesus told when we listen with our ears. We will hear some of the other stories named in the song in the next couple of weeks! Live B.I.G. When we use our ears to hear the stories Jesus told, we learn important lessons. February 12, 2012 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 113

115 Lesson 11 February 12, 2012 The B.i.G. Idea We believe that stories Jesus told help us know how to live. Choose one or more activities to connect your children s lives to the Bible story. Heart Wreaths Supplies: Kids Book, paper plates, gluesticks, scissors, ribbon Punch out a set of hearts (Kids Book) for each child. Cut the center out of a paper plate to make a wreath for each child. Do Say: The Good Samaritan is a story about loving God and loving others. Give each child a set of hearts. Then read the words on the hearts aloud. Say: These hearts remind us of ways that we can love one another. Invite the children to glue the hearts around the paper plate wreaths. Tie a piece of ribbon to the top of each wreath for a hanger.... Into Life Live B.i.G. There are many ways we can show our love for God and for others. Be a Good Neighbor Supplies: hearts with children s names completed during Welcome! (page 110) Do Say: As I pass this bag of hearts around the circle, choose a heart. Say: Let's read the names on these hearts and think of nice things to say about each person. Help the children read the names on the hearts and think of nice things to say. Say: It feels good when we hear people say nice things about us. When we say nice things about and to others, we are showing God s love. Live B.i.G. Saying kind words is one way to show God s love to others. Be a Good Neighbor Health Kits Supplies: washcloths; small packages of adhesive bandages; soap; travel-size shampoo, deodorant, toothbrush, and toothpaste; resealable plastic bags Do Say: Many people in our world are hurt and suffering. The items in these kits (show a sample health kit) will help, just as the medicine and bandages helped the traveler in today s Bible story. Give each child a resealable plastic bag to fill with the supplies. 114 Abingdon Press.

116 Donate the bags to a homeless shelter or other service agency in your community. Say: Loving one another means helping one another. We are like the good Samaritan when we help those who are suffering. Visit your denomination s website to find out about projects like this that help others all around the world. Live B.i.G. Jesus teaches that being a good neighbor means helping anyone who needs help. Looking for Good Samaritans Supplies: Leader page 117, crayons Photocopy Looking for Good Samaritans (Leader page 117) for each child. Do Say: In Jesus story, the Samaritan was a good neighbor. Sometimes when people do good for others today, they are called good Samaritans. Give each child a Looking for Good Samaritans page (Leader page 117). Talk with the children about why each picture is or is not a picture of a good Samaritan. Say: When we are kind to others, we are good Samaritans. Live B.i.G. When we are kind and help others, we are like the Samaritan in Jesus story. Closing Worship Supplies: Kids Book, Stickers, construction paper, markers Punch out a bookmark for each child (Kids Book). Write the letters L O V E on sheets of paper, enough for each child to have a letter. Do Say: Today we learned that Jesus told a story about loving God and others. Give each child a letter to hold up each time you spell the word love. Say: L O V E. Love God with all your heart. L O V E. Love God with all your soul. L O V E. Love God with all your strength. L O V E. Love God with all your mind. L O V E. Love your neighbor as yourself. Say: In today s Bible story the Samaritan showed love to his neighbor. He helped the traveler when he was hurt. We can love others too. Give each child a Love Your Neighbor worship badge (Stickers) and a bookmark (Kids Book). Pray, thanking God for the stories of Jesus. Live B.i.G. Thank you, Jesus, for stories that help us to love one another. February 12, 2012 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 115

117 Lesson 11 Heart Graphing Complete the graph by coloring the correct number of blocks for each color of candy Green White Yellow Orange Pink Purple 116 Abingdon Press.

118 Lesson 11 Looking for Good Samaritans Circle the pictures that show people being good Samaritans. abcdefg February 12, 2012 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 117

119 Lesson 12 February 19, 2012 January s B.i.G. Idea We believe that stories Jesus told help us know how to live. January s Bible Verse Teach me your way, O LORD! Psalm 27:11 January s B.i.G. Theme Stories Jesus Told Lesson 12 Lost and Found Today s Bible Story Luke 15:8-10 Three B.i.G. (Believe in God) Truths God is a great big God. God loves us with a great big love. We are part of God s great big world. Objectives Children will hear the Bible story about a woman who searched for a lost coin. Children will realize that we are all important to God. As word spread about Jesus, tax collectors and sinners came to listen to him. The Pharisees and the Temple leaders were disturbed. They rebuked Jesus for eating and socializing with sinners. In response to their grumbles, Jesus told three parables. The first was about a shepherd who left a flock of ninety nine sheep to go and look for one sheep that was lost. The second was about a woman who lost one of ten coins. When one of the coins was lost, she lit a lamp and searched until she found it. Finally, Jesus told a story about a son who was lost to a world of sin and a father who welcomed him home with open, loving arms. All three parables explain Jesus situation. He had come to find those who were lost and to welcome them home to a relationship with God. Today the children will hear the second of Jesus three parables the parable of the lost coin. The coin was a silver drachma and was worth more than a full day s wages. Perhaps the woman s desperate search was for a coin that would determine whether her family had food to eat. Or perhaps the coin had another value. In biblical days, married women often wore a headdress made of ten silver coins. These coins were saved by young girls or their mothers for years in order that they would have this headdress that was important to them in much the same way as a wedding ring is important in our day. To lose one of the coins would be traumatic. The people who heard Jesus parable would have understood why the woman searched diligently for the one lost coin, no matter what its value. They would have understood why she called her friends together to celebrate when her one lost coin was found. Jesus told the crowd that, like the celebrations in each of the parables about things that were lost and then found, there is celebration in heaven for each person who repents of sins. Can you imagine that? For each of the millions of people in our world, there is cause for great celebration in heaven over each and every person who makes a choice to follow Jesus. There is not one of us who is insignificant in God s eyes. As the children hear this parable, remind them that God loves all of us. God knows each of our names. God understands our feelings and wants to be our guide. Not one of us is more important than the others. God loves us all the same. Like the woman who searched diligently for her coin, God is always seeking and searching to bring each of us into a closer relationship. 118 Abingdon Press.

120 Activity Invite them in... (15 minutes) TimeSaver EcoFriendly Welcome! Coin Rubbings Hot and Cold Counting Coins Coin Headbands Find the Coins... Into the Bible (30 minutes) Backyard Time Hear the Bible Story Praise Time... Into Life (15 minutes) Paper Bag Book Rejoicing Angels Storytellers Welcome A Hidden Snack Closing Worship TimeSaver TimeSaver Activities that require little or no planning and only basic supplies. EcoFriendly EcoFriendly Activities that encourage responsible earth stewardship by providing options to use recycled or repurposed materials. DVD Summary: Backyard Time Bongo is missing! The Backyard crew is worried, so they are looking everywhere for him. Finally, he is found, and the crew is so happy that they celebrate. It reminds Mr. Z of the Bible story Jesus told about a woman who lost a valuable coin. She searched and searched until she found it, and then she celebrated too. Your children will remember how much God loves them. February 19, 2012 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 119

121 Lesson 12 February 19, 2012 The B.i.G. Idea We believe that stories Jesus told help us know how to live. Welcome! Choose one or more activities to introduce your children to the Bible story. Invite them in... Supplies: Stickers; Attendance Chart; Leader inside front cover; DVD; DVD player; television Do Give each child a coin Sticker to place on the Attendance Chart. Say: Our Bible verse says, Teach me your way, O LORD (Psalm 27:11). Remind the children how to sign the Bible verse in American Sign Language (Leader inside front cover, DVD). Live B.i.G. We can learn God s way by hearing stories Jesus told. Coin Rubbings Supplies: coins, paper, tape, crayons with papers removed or colored pencils Place a coin under a piece of paper on the table for each child. Do Say: Today s Bible story is about a woman who had ten coins. When she lost one of the coins, she searched and searched until she found it. Say: Let s make ten coin rubbings on our papers. Show the children how to rub the side of a crayon on the paper over the coin. Live B.i.G. Jesus told a story about a lost thing that was important. Hot and Cold Supplies: a coin Hide a coin somewhere in the room. Do Let the children search for the coin. Say You are getting hot! when they are near the coin or You are getting cold when they walk away from the coin. Play the game several times, allowing several children to find the coin. Live B.i.G. The woman in Jesus parable searched for the coin that was lost. 120 Abingdon Press.

122 Counting Coins Supplies: paper cups, bowl of pennies, markers Label ten cups with the numbers 1 through 10. Do Place a bowl of pennies on a table. Have the children arrange the paper cups in order from 1 to 10. Invite the children to place the correct number of coins in each cup. Live B.i.G.The woman in Jesus story had ten coins, but she lost one of them. Coin Headbands Supplies: Leader page 126, large construction paper, tape, gluesticks, silver glitter glue, scissors Photocopy Coin Headband (Leader page 126) for each child. Cut two-inch-wide strips from large sheets of construction paper. Tape strips together as necessary to make a headband for each child. Do Say: In today s Bible story we will hear about a woman who had ten special coins. Say: In Bible times, people often wore special coins on necklaces, bracelets, or headbands. Let s make our own headbands with coins. Give each child a copy of Coin Headbands (Leader page 126). Invite the children to decorate each of the ten coins with glitter glue. Then help the children cut out the coins and glue the coins to their headbands. Live B.i.G. In Bible times, women often wore special coins on a headband. Find the Coins Supplies: Leader page 127, crayons Photocopy a Find the Coins page (Leader page 127) for each child. Do Give each child a Find the Coins page (Leader page 127). Invite the children to find and circle the ten hidden coins in the picture. Say: In today s Bible story, a woman lost a special coin. When she found it, she invited her friends to celebrate with her. Live B.i.G. The woman who found the lost coin reminds us that God is happy when we decide to follow Jesus. February 19, 2012 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 121

123 Lesson 12 February 19, 2012 The B.i.G. Idea We believe that stories Jesus told help us know how to live. Choose one or more activities to immerse your children in the Bible story. Backyard Time Supplies: DVD, DVD player, television, DVD-Time Wheel (website)... Into the Bible Do Turn the arrow on the DVD-Time Wheel to Backyard Time. Play Backyard Time (DVD). Say: Today someone was missing from the backyard. Who was missing? Ask: How did Mr. Z, Ms. Lucy, and the Backyard kids feel when they found Bongo and knew that he was safe? What did they do? Live B.i.G. God is happy when we are safe because we are following Jesus. Hear the Bible Story Supplies: Bible, guest storyteller, Bible-times costume, the storytelling bag (page 101), a coin headband with ten coins Invite a guest storyteller to dress in costume to tell the story of The Lost Coin. Give the storyteller the script to practice telling the story. Place a coin headband with ten coins in the storytelling bag. Do Open your Bible. Say: Today s Bible story comes from the Book of Luke in the New Testament. Say: Jesus told the story of a woman who lost one of her coins. Even though she still had nine coins, she searched until she found the lost coin. Have the storyteller put on the coins headband from the storytelling bag and then tell this story: The Lost Coin Let me tell you about my coins. I have ten of them. Each one of them is special. One day, I noticed that one of my coins was missing. I counted the coins, but there were only nine. I love my coins, each and every one. So do you know what I did? I lit a lamp that shone so bright. I looked for that coin all through the night! But that coin was nowhere to be found. 122 Abingdon Press.

124 I used my broom to sweep and sweep. I searched under the beds, but I could not sleep. I swept the porch, the roof, the ground, but my coin was still nowhere to be found. I stood up really tall, and I looked all around. Then I scrunched down low, and I looked on the ground. It should be easy to see; coins are pretty much round. But, believe it or not, my coin was still nowhere to be found. I looked again to the left and again to the right. I searched for that coin with all of my might. Finally I found it! It was lying right here! I jumped up and down and began to cheer! I opened the door and called to my friends, I m having a party; come on in! All my friends came, and we danced all around, For my coin that was lost had now been found. Say: Jesus told this story to remind us that even though there are millions of people in the world, every single one is important to God. When someone decides to follow Jesus, God celebrates, and the angels in heaven celebrate too! Live B.i.G. We are all important to God. Praise Time Supplies: DVD, DVD player, television Do Ask: Do you remember our song called All Who Have Ears? Say: Last week we listened for the story of the good Samaritan. Today let s listen for the story of the woman who lost one of her coins. Play All Who Have Ears (DVD). Encourage the children to sing along with the words all who have ears, let them hear. Ask: We can learn from the stories that Jesus told when we listen with our ears. What do we learn from the story of the woman who searched for her lost coin? Say: Let s make up our own song to tell the story of the woman who lost a coin. Invite children to make up new verses as they sing to the tune of Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush. This is the way we light the lamp, light the lamp, light the lamp (pretend to light a lamp). This is the way we light the lamp. We re looking for a coin. This is the way we sweep the floor (pretend to sweep the floor). This is the way we find the coin (pretend to pick up a coin). This is the way we call our friends (cup hands around your mouth). We ve found the missing coin! Live B.I.G. When we use our ears to hear the stories Jesus told, we learn important lessons. February 19, 2012 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 123

125 Lesson 12 February 19, 2012 The B.i.G. Idea We believe that stories Jesus told help us know how to live. Choose one or more activities to connect your children s lives to the Bible story. Paper Bag Book Supplies: Kids Book, DVD, DVD player, television, paper lunch bags, stapler, gluesticks, masking tape Watch the February 19 Demonstration (DVD). Punch out the paper bag book puppet pieces (Kids Book) and the storybook pages (Kids Book inside front cover) for each child. For each child, fold the open end of a bag under the flap, and then unfold it. Open each bag, and staple the story pages to the front in order, with the top edge of the story at the fold. The Lost Coin A woman had ten coins, but she lost one of them. She searched and searched to find the coin that was lost. Cover the sharp edges of each staple with a piece of masking tape.... Into Life Do Give each child a paper bag with the storybook pages attached. Give each child a puppet face and arms (Kids Book). Invite each child to glue a face to the flap on the paper bag and the puppet arms to the sides of the paper bag. Show the children how to tell the story, turning the pages by opening the puppet s mouth and lifting each page. When each page is turned, help the children lift the puppet s head and place the page under the flap. Read the storybook together using the puppets. Live B.i.G. We can use puppets to tell the story of the lost coin to others. Rejoicing Angels Supplies: Leader page 46, party blowers, crayons, scissors, construction paper Photocopy an angel (Leader page 46) on construction paper for each child. Use scissors to cut a small x in the center of the angel. Do Give each child an angel shape. Invite each child to draw a face and add any wanted decorations. Help the children push a party blower through the cut on the angel. 124 Abingdon Press.

126 Say: Sometimes, people celebrate at parties with party blowers. In today s Bible story we learned that when someone follows Jesus, the angels in heaven celebrate. Invite the children to blow the party blowers to create rejoicing angels. Live B.i.G. The angels rejoice when someone decides to follow Jesus. Storytellers Welcome Supplies: Pin the Tail on the Donkey, a piñata, or other party games Do Invite an older class to come and tell a parable. They may use puppets, props, and costumes, or they may choose to simply act out the story. Then invite the younger children to select a story buddy from the older children and tell the story of The Lost Coin with their paper bag puppets. Invite the storytellers to celebrate by playing party games and/or eating a snack. Live B.i.G. Children can tell one another the stories Jesus told. A Hidden Snack Supplies: small chocolate candies, pretzels, juice or water, paper cups cups of pretzels. Inside each cup, add ten small chocolate candies. Remember to consider any allergies the children may have. Do Say: There are ten special treats in each cup. Let s see if we can find all ten treats. Give each child a snack cup, and enjoy eating the pretzels and candies together. Live B.i.G. Thank you, God, for the food that we eat. Closing Worship Supplies: Stickers, Kids Book, coins Punch out a bookmark for each child (Kids Book). Do Say: In today s Bible story the woman looked for her lost coin. Every coin was important to her. In the same way, every single one of you is important to God. Pass a coin around the circle. As each child holds the coin, say: (Child s name) is important to God. Say: God loves all of us and wants each and every one of us to follow Jesus. Give each child an I Am Important to God worship badge (Stickers) and a bookmark (Kids Book). Live B.i.G. Thank you, God, for believing that each one of us is important and for loving us! February 19, 2012 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 125

127 Lesson 12 Coin Headband Color and cut out each coin. Add silver glitter glue. Glue the coins to a headband. CAESAR AVGVSTVS 126 Abingdon Press.

128 Lesson 12 Find the Coins Find and circle the ten hidden coins in the picture. February 19, 2012 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 127

129 Lesson 13 February 26, 2012 January s B.i.G. Idea We believe that stories Jesus told help us know how to live. January s Bible Verse Teach me your way, O LORD! Psalm 27:11 January s B.i.G. Theme Stories Jesus Told Lesson 13 The Rich Fool Today s Bible Story Luke 12:13-21 Three B.i.G. (Believe in God) Truths God is a great big God. God loves us with a great big love. We are part of God s great big world. Objectives Children will hear the Bible story about the rich fool. Children will discover that it is important for us to share our possessions with others. John Wesley said that we should earn as much as we can and that we should give as much as we can. The character in Jesus parable of the rich fool followed only the first part of that advice. He earned as much as he could, but he gave nothing away. When someone said to Jesus Teacher, tell my brother to share the family inheritance with me, Jesus immediately warned the man against greed. One s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions, Jesus said. Then Jesus told a parable about a rich man who had such an abundance of crops that he decided he must tear down his existing barns and replace them with bigger barns. The rich man bragged about having enough goods to sustain himself for many years, and he decided to relax, eat, drink and be merry. But that night, the man died. Jesus reminded the crowd that the earthly riches we greedily store up have no lasting value. Real value comes with the treasures that a relationship with God and love for one another bring. Living with an abundance of stuff is not the same as living an abundant life. Like adults, children can get caught up in stuff. They may constantly want the newest toy, game, or food. They may desire to have everything their friends have or whatever is the latest thing they have seen in a television commercial. God wants us to have the things we need, but to truly live abundantly comes through sharing God s blessings and God s love with others. As the children hear this parable, remind them that although it is perfectly okay to have material possessions, but when we are blessed by God, we must share our blessings with others. No one is special because of the clothes, toys, or other possessions he or she has. What makes us special is that we are God s unique creations. God loves each of us, not because of what we have, but because of who we are. Teacher Tip One way that we can set an example of sharing out of our abundance is to share church resources with neighboring churches. Some churches have an abundance of resources such as books, puppets, videos, props, written resources, or music. Other churches may be in need of even these basic supplies for their children s ministry. By sharing resources with other churches, we are rich toward God. 128 Abingdon Press.

130 Activity TimeSaver EcoFriendly Invite them in... (15 minutes) Welcome! Musical Chair Sharing I Have Lots Of... Make It Overflow What Do I Want?/What Do I Need?... Into the Bible (30 minutes) Backyard Time Hear the Bible Story Praise Time Abundance of Snack... Into Life (15 minutes) Wise or Foolish? Silo Banks What Makes You Special? Closing Worship TimeSaver TimeSaver Activities that require little or no planning and only basic supplies. EcoFriendly EcoFriendly Activities that encourage responsible earth stewardship by providing options to use recycled or repurposed materials. DVD Summary: Travel Time What is more important, stuff or people? Bongo and Mr. Z realize that their friendship is much more important than stuff. Then Travel Time takes your children on a trip to Jonesboro, Tennessee, the storytelling capital of the United States. There they meet a master storyteller, who tells a memory he has of his uncle who loved his car, but loved his family more. The experience relates to this week s Bible story that Jesus told about a rich man who had lots of stuff that he thought would make him safe and happy. February 26, 2012 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 129