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. March s Bible Verse The LORD All-Powerful is with us. (Psalm 46:7a, Contemporary English Version) Lord Powerful With Us 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. Form the letter P with your index finger extended and your third finger down with your thumb tucked slightly behind the end of your third finger. Place the letter P at your left shoulder. Then move your hand in an arc to indicate the size of your biceps muscle. Fold in the four fingers on each hand, with thumbs remaining up. Have the two hands come together, showing that they are with each other. Hold up the first two fingers of the right hand. Bring the fingers across your chest to touch your left shoulder. April s Bible Verse It is true! The Lord has risen. Luke 24:34 (New International Version) True Lord Risen Touch your right index finger to your mouth with your palm facing to the left. Then move your finger slightly up and forward. 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 letter L across your body to the right side of your waist. Hold your left hand palm up. Start with your right hand under your left hand, with your index finger and third finger extended while your thumb and other two fingers are curled under. Move your right hand in a circle from under the left palm on top of the left palm with the two extended fingers standing on the palm. May s Bible Verse See, everything has become new! (2 Corinthians 5:17b) See Make a letter V with the first two fingers on both hands. Place the Vs near your eyes. Move the Vs toward the front and away from your face to the right. Everything Make a letter A with both hands by making closed fists with the thumbs up. Make several strokes on the back of the left thumb with the right thumb. Then with palms facing up; bounce your hands to each side to indicate things. New Hold your left hand open, palm facing up. Brush the back of your right hand across your left palm from right to left, moving the fingers of your right hand upward as you move.

2 Ages 5 6 Written by Tabitha Echols Consultation Team: Cathy Hoop, Kimberly Siefert, Karen Siefert Table of Contents 2 Beginning to Live B.I.G. 2 Basic Live B.I.G. Resources Music 4 I Believe in an Always God 5 What a Wonderful Day! 6 Shakin It Up March God Is Always With Us 7 March Overview 8 Lesson 1 March 6, 2011 Abraham and Sarah 18 Lesson 2 March 13, 2011 Jacob s Ladder 28 Lesson 3 March 20, 2011 Joseph Goes to Egypt 38 Lesson 4 March 27, 2011 Psalm 23 April The Tomb Is Empty 47 April Overview 48 Lesson 5 April 3, 2011 Cleansing the Temple 58 Lesson 6 April 10, 2011 Washing Feet 68 Lesson 7 April 17, 2011 Palm Sunday and Holy Week 78 Lesson 8 April 24, 2011 Easter May It s Time for a Change 97 May Overview 88 Lesson 9 May 1, 2011 Woman at the Well 98 Lesson 10 May 8, 2011 Zacchaeus 108 Lesson 11 May 15, 2011 Paul 118 Lesson 12 May 22, 2011 Lydia 128 Lesson 13 May 29, 2011 Peter and Cornelius 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 Spring 2011 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. Ideas for using Bongo are included on the Live B.I.G. website: Spring 2011 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 3

5 I Believe in an Always God F Dm B Csus C F B 1. I be lieve 2. I be lieve in an in an al ways al ways God. God. God God is is al all ways a F B F/A Through the ups, Through the hurts, through the downs, through the hopes, Gm C F God God's can great hear my love is ev al ery prayer. ways found. I I be lieve be lieve in in WORDS: Mark Burrows MUSIC: Mark Burrows 2006 Abingdon Press, admin. by The Copyright Co. there. round. an an (F) B F al ways al ways God. God. God God is is ev in er near. my heart. B F/A Gm Through the day, In my song, through in the night, my soul, God God can is sooth my such a ev spe C F Dm ery cial fear. part. I be lieve in an al ways God. B Csus C F I be lieve in an Last time Dm B Csus C F al ways God. 4 Abingdon Press.

6 What a Wonderful Day! D A D When The Je wo sus men rose found that an Eas emp ter ty morn tomb, the an G D Bm A sun an was gel shin stand ing ing bright. by. The The love an of gel God shared was the 2nd time D G A7 D.S. al Fine strong e nough to o ver come the dark est night. hap py news. Let Hal le lu jahs fill the sky. WORDS: Mark Burrows MUSIC: Mark Burrows 2006 Abingdon Press, admin. by The Copyright Co. D G What a won der ful day! D Fine G D What a won der ful day! What a day! What a (D) A D G won der ful day! God's love will al ways find a way to D F 7/A Bm Em/G A+ A7 chase those storm clouds far a way. What a day! What a won der ful day! Spring 2011 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 5

7 Shakin It Up! Up Tempo Gospel Rock F B F B F B F C Refrain F B F B F B Shak in' it up. Shake it up! Shake it up! Shak in' it up. Shake (B ) C F B F B F it, shake it, shake it! Shak in' it up. Shake it up! Shake it up! Last time to CODA F B C7 B / F F E 1. Je sus was a mov Shak in' it up. Shake it, shake it, shake it! 2. Je sus taught a whole WORDS: Mark Burrows MUSIC: Mark Burrows 2006 Abingdon Press, admin. by The Copyright Co. (E ) B / F He He (Gm) F E F/ A er and a shak new way of think ing. er. Man Crowds y would peo ple gath er E F taught said that we all that we all should love our neigh bor. should feed the hun gry, CODA C F would have to change. the poor and meek. Up! Gm thought just that to B That and C he was strange. hear him speak. F meant that cer tain we should Gm things serve 6 Abingdon Press.

8 March Overview March s B.i.G. Idea We believe God promises to be with us always. March s B.i.G. Theme God Is Always With Us March s Bible Verse The LORD All-Powerful is with us (Psalm 46:7a, CEV) Objectives Children will hear the Bible story about God s promise to be with Abraham and Sarah. Children will discover ways that God is also with us. Children will hear the Bible story about God s promise to Jacob. Children will discover ways God is with us no matter where we are or what we are doing. March s DVD March Overview Bible Verse in American Sign Language: Psalm 46:7a, CEV (also see Leader inside front cover) Teaching Your Children: Drama Demonstration: Jacob s Ladder and Angels (March 13) Picture Time: Jacob s Dream (March 13) Travel Time: Three Creeks Farm, Charlotte, Tennessee (March 27) March s Praise Time Song I Believe in an Always God (DVD, CD, Leader page 4) Music Suggestions Play songs from the CD as children arrive. Let the children sign the words of I Believe in an Always God as they sing along. (DVD) Have a guitarist play the song as the children sing. (March 6) Let the children play music to accompany the reading of psalms such as Psalms 23, 66, 67, 81, 100, and 118. Sing the Live B.I.G. theme song (CD) as part of each week s closing worship. March s Lessons March 6: Abraham and Sarah, Genesis 12:1-9; 15:1-6 March 13: Jacob s Ladder, Genesis 28:10-22 March 20: Joseph Goes to Egypt, Genesis 37; 42; 45 March 27: Psalm 23, Psalm 23 Children will hear the Bible story about God s promise to Joseph. Children will discover that even when we do not do as we should, God continues to be with us. Children will hear Psalm 23. Children will discover ways God cares for us like a shepherd cares for sheep and remember that we can trust God to be with us and love us forever. Plan Ahead Practice signing the words of I Believe in an Always God. (for Praise Time each week) Practice signing Psalm 46:7a (DVD; Leader inside front cover). Plan for a small campsite in the room. Supply a tent, some wood, and other camping supplies for March 6. Invite a guitarist to visit your class for Praise Time on March 6. Make a sample Jacob s ladder for What a Dream! on March 13. (DVD demonstration) Make a paper bag coat for each child. Cut an opening in the front of the bag. Cut armholes on the sides. Cut an opening in the bottom, to fit around a child's shoulders for Colorful Coats on March 20. Collect books from your church or public library about families for a Book Nook and with pictures of Egypt for What About Egypt? on March 20. Ask church members to donate adult-sized T-shirts to become paint smocks on March 27. Spring 2011 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 7

9 Lesson 1 March 6, 2011 March s B.i.G. Idea We believe that God promises to be with us always. March s Bible Verse The LORD All-Powerful is with us. Psalm 46:7a, CEV March s B.i.G. Theme God Is Always With Us Lesson 1 Abraham and Sarah Today s Bible Story Genesis 12:1-9; 15:1-6 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 God s promise to be with Abraham and Sarah. Children will discover ways that God is also with us. After the Flood, Noah s family and their descendants began to establish nations. One of Noah s descendants through Noah s son Shem was Abram. One day God called Abram and told him to leave his country and travel with his wife Sarai to a new land, a land God promised to Abram, Sarai, and their descendants. God promised that Abram s descendants would outnumber the stars. God promised to make of Abram s descendants a great nation, and that from them kings would be born. As a sign of this covenant, God changed Abram s name to Abraham and Sarai s name to Sarah. Abraham s household traveled as nomads, living in tents, moving from place to place, and believing God s promise. The Bible tells of numerous places where Abraham and his household set up camp and places where they built altars to worship God. After Abraham and Sarah were established in the new land, God was ready to fulfill the rest of the promise. However, since Sarah was well beyond childbearing years, she and Abraham were not sure that the promise of descendants was possible. So, Sarah encouraged Abraham to have a son with Sarah s young maid Hagar. The son was named Ishmael. Then the time came for God s promise to Abraham and Sarah to be fulfilled, and their son Isaac was born. Abraham s descendants through Isaac became the Israelites. Centuries later, Ishmael s descendants established the Muslim faith. Today, Muslim, Jewish, and Christian people trace the foundations of their faiths to Abraham and his family. Over the next few weeks, you and your children will see God s promise to Abraham unfold as you hear the stories of some of his first descendants through Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph. As with Abraham and Isaac, God promised to be with Jacob and Joseph and to bless their descendants. This month s Bible verse, The LORD All- Powerful is with us, comes from Psalm 46. Read the psalm that promises that God will be with us always, despite our circumstances. Read that God is great and powerful, and that God keeps the covenant with us, the people of God. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1). God will never abandon us. 8 Abingdon Press.

10 Activity Invite them in... (15 minutes) TimeSaver EcoFriendly Welcome! Pitch a Tent Scripture Trace Where Are We Going? Stargazing... Into the Bible (30 minutes) Hear the Bible Story Backyard Time Praise Time Pack a Suitcase... Into Life (15 minutes) Superstar Children Count God s Blessings I Spy a Blessing Snack Sack 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 Ms. Lucy is going on a mission trip, and she s a little nervous about it. But Mr. Z reminds her that God is with her wherever she goes. Mr. Z remembers the Bible story about Abraham and Sarah, who had to travel to a place they had never been before. God was with them too, just as God is with your preschoolers. Mr. Z reveals this month s Bible verse: The LORD All-Powerful is with us (Psalm 46:7a, CEV). A game of How Did They Get There? helps the children learn how people in Bible times may have traveled. As Ms. Lucy leaves, the kids remind her that the Lord All-Powerful will be with her. March 6, 2011 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 9

11 Lesson 1 March 6, 2011 The B.i.G. Idea We believe that God promises to be with us always. 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 Welcome the children as they arrive. Give each child a star Sticker to place on the Attendance Chart. Say: (Child's name), I am glad you are here. Today we learn a new Bible verse. Our new Bible verse says, The LORD All-Powerful is with us (Psalm 46:7a, CEV). Teach the children how to sign the Bible verse (DVD; Leader inside front cover). Say: Today we are going to learn about a man named Abraham and his wife Sarah. God promised to be with them and their family. Live B.i.G. The Lord All-Powerful is always with us. Pitch a Tent Supplies: small tent, firewood Set up a small campsite in the room. Include a tent and wood or a pretend campfire. Add your own camping ideas. Do Say: Today we are going camping! Encourage the children to play around the campsite. Say: It is fun to play in a tent and pretend to camp out. Say: In today's Bible story we are going to learn about some people who lived in a tent all the time. They traveled to many places and set up camp in each place they went. Live B.i.G. Abraham and Sarah lived in a tent. Tents were used as shelter, storage areas, and animal habitats. 10 Abingdon Press.

12 Scripture Trace Supplies: Leader page 16, pencil or crayons Photocopy Bible Verse Trace (Leader page 16) for each child. Do Say: Our Bible verse says, The LORD All-Powerful is with us. Give each child a Bible Verse Trace (Leader page 16) page. Encourage the children to trace around the letters to form the Bible verse. Say: Our Bible verse reminds us that God is always with us! Live B.i.G. The Lord All-Powerful is always with us. Where Are We Going? Do Say: We are going to play a game about traveling. I will think of some place for you to go in the room, but I won t tell you where. Instead, I will give you hints until you get there. Start one or two children on a journey. Give them hints such as: Go right! Go left! You are getting warmer (or colder), or Go around the table! When the children get to the place you had in mind, give a big cheer and let them know they have arrived. Live B.i.G. God will be with us and lead us wherever we go.. Stargazing Play this game with only a few children at a time. Supplies: Leader page 17, Stickers, yellow construction paper, empty paper towel rolls, crayons or markers, scissors, tape Photocopy a large star pattern (Leader page 17) onto yellow construction paper. (The smaller stars will be used with Count God s Blessings on page 14.) Cut out several large stars. Hang or tape the stars around the room or on the ceiling. Do Give each child a paper towel roll to decorate with star stickers (Stickers). Say: Telescopes are sometimes used to help people look at stars. Invite the children to lie on the floor and use their telescopes to find the stars you have displayed on the walls or hung from the ceiling. Invite the children to count the stars. How many can they find? Say: In today's Bible story God made a special promise to Abraham. Let's find out what God s promise had to do with stars. Live B.i.G. God said to Abraham, Look toward heaven and count the stars, if you are able to count them. Then God said to him, So shall your descendants be. March 6, 2011 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 11

13 Lesson 1 March 6, 2011 The B.i.G. Idea We believe that God promises to be with us always. Choose one or more activities to immerse your children in the Bible story. Hear the Bible Story Supplies: Bible, telescopes made for Stargazing (page 11)... Into the Bible Do Say: Let s gather around the campsite to hear today s Bible story. Bring your telescopes. Say: Our story today comes from the Book of Genesis. Look! It is right at the beginning of the Bible. Abraham and Sarah One day God spoke to a man named Abraham and said, I want you to move to a new land that I will give you. Abraham told his wife, Sarah. They packed their tents and all their belongings. Then they and their servants and animals set out. They did not know where they were going. God said, Do not worry. I will tell you when you get there. They traveled through many places until they finally got to the land that God showed them. God made a promise to Abraham. The promise was called a covenant. God Live B.i.G. God made a covenant with Abraham. God promised to bless Abraham and his family for all generations. Backyard Time Supplies: DVD, DVD player, television, DVD-Time Wheel (Kids' Book inside front cover) DO Turn the arrow on the DVD-Time Wheel to Backyard Time. Play Backyard Time (DVD). Say: Mr. Z and Ms. Lucy showed us different ways that people travel. Ask: Have you ever gone on a trip? Where did you go? Oops! On the DVD Mr. Z traces Abraham and Sarah s journey from Egypt to Ur rather than from Ur to Egypt. If the children notice, tell them that even adults who edit their Sunday school lessons make mistakes. But God is with them and loves them always anyway! Live B.i.G. Wherever we travel, we know that God is with us. promised to be with Abraham always. God promised to bless Abraham. Look at the stars, God said. The people in your family will be more than the number of stars in the sky. (Invite the children to use their telescopes to look at the stars in the room.) Say: A family with as many members as the stars in the sky that is a big family, isn't it? God kept the promise to Abraham. Abraham's family grew through many generations. God was always with Abraham and his family. Abraham loved God and served God all of his life. 12 Abingdon Press.

14 Praise Time Supplies: DVD, Leader page 4, DVD player, television, DVD-Time Wheel (Kids Book inside front cover), campfire made earlier, optional: a guitar player Practice singing and signing the words of I Believe in an Always God. Invite a guitar player to come to the class and play along with the DVD. Do Turn the arrow on the DVD-Time Wheel to Praise Time. Say: People sing songs around a campsite. Let s sing around our pretend campfire. Play the song I Believe in an Always God, accompanied by the visiting guitarist. Encourage the children to listen, sing along, and sign the word God each time they hear the word in the song. The sign for God is made by moving your hand up and then around and down in front of your face. It is like you are drawing a shepherd s crook. Live B.i.G. I believe in an always God. God is always there. Pack a Suitcase Supplies: Leader page 138, tape, glue, crayons or markers, several 2-inch paper square for each child Photocopy Suitcase to Pack (Leader page 138) for each child. Do Give each child a copy of Suitcase to Pack (Leader page 138). Invite the children to fold their papers in half with the picture of the suitcase on the outside. Show the children how to glue the sides of the suitcase so that items will not fall out. Say: In today's story, Abraham and Sarah went on a long journey. I wonder what they took with them. Invite the children to think of things Abraham and Sarah might have taken. If they suggest modern things, help them understand that Abraham and Sarah did not have those items. Invite the children to fill their suitcases by drawing items that they would take on a journey on small squares of paper. Encourage the children to show the contents of their suitcase to the rest of the class. Say: You all packed many different things, but one thing is the same. No matter where we go or what we take, we all know that God will always be with us. Live B.i.G. Sometimes people move from one place to another. When we move or travel we know that God will stay with us. March 6, 2011 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 13

15 Lesson 1 March 6, 2011 The B.i.G. Idea We believe that God promises to be with us always. Choose one or more activities to connect your children s lives to the Bible story. Superstar Children Supplies: Kids Book, crayons, pencils, glue, magnet tape, a photo of each child Punch out a Superstar (Kids Book) for each child. Ask parents to provide a photo of each child, or arrange for someone to take and print pictures early in the class time. Do Help the children fill in the blanks on the star. Glue each child s picture inside his or her star. Place a piece of magnet tape on the back of the star. Say: God promised to bless Abraham s name and make it great. God has blessed each one of you. God thinks you are great!... Into Life Live B.i.G. God promised to bless Abraham s name and make it great. God will bless your name and make it great. Count God s Blessings Supplies: Leader page 17, bowl, scissors, large stars displayed for Stargazing (page 11) Make several copies of the smaller stars from Star Patterns (Leader page 17). Cut out several small stars, about two for each child in the class. If you did not do the Stargazing activity (page 11), prepare and display the large stars used in that activity. Do Say: God blessed Abraham in many ways. God blesses us too. Let s see how many blessings we can count. Invite the children to name ways that God has blessed them. Offer a few examples to get started. Each time a blessing is named, place a small star in a bowl. Count the stars in the bowl. Say: Wow! We have a lot of blessings. God loves us and blesses us. Live B.i.G. God loves us with a great big love Abingdon Press.

16 I Spy a Blessing Supplies: telescopes made for Stargazing (page 11) Do Say: Let s use our telescopes to play a game. I will look at someone through my telescope and say, I spy one of God s blessings. I will tell you one color on the blessing. Then you will guess which blessing I see. Then someone else gets a turn. Look through your telescope at a child. Say: I spy one of God s blessings in (red). When the children guess who the blessing is, let another child have a turn. Live B.i.G. God is always with us. Snack Sack Supplies: raisins, lunch-size paper bags, napkins Place raisins and napkins in each bag. Do Say: When Abraham and Sarah moved to a new land, they had to pack food to eat along the way. They probably dried grapes to take on their trip. Each of you may take a snack sack and move to another part of the room. When you get to your new spot, sit down and eat your snack of dried grapes (raisins). Remind the children to say a thank-you prayer. Live B.i.G. God was with Abraham and Sarah as they traveled. God is always with us. Closing Worship Supplies: Stickers, Kids Book Detach a Bible bookmark (Kids Book) for each child. Do Say: Everyone please join me for our closing worship. Give each child a star worship badge (Stickers). As you give out the badges, say: (Child s name), you are one of God s blessings to me. Give each child a Bible bookmark (Kids Book) to take home. Pray: Thank you, God, for all the blessings you give to us. (Mention specific blessings the children may have identified earlier in the lesson.) Live B.i.G. God wants to bless each and every one of us. March 6, 2011 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 15

17 Lesson 1 Bible Verse Trace Trace around the letters of the Bible verse. Color in the letters. Read the verse. 16 Abingdon Press.

18 Lesson 1 Stargazing (page 11): Trace the larger star onto yellow construction paper. Make several stars to tape the the walls or hang from the ceiling. Star Patterns Count God s Blessings (page 14): Cut out the smaller stars for counting blessings. March 6, 2011 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 17

19 Lesson 2 March 13, 2011 March s B.i.G. Idea We believe that God promises to be with us always. March s Bible Verse The LORD All-Powerful is with us. Psalm 46:7a, CEV March s B.i.G. Theme God Is Always With Us Lesson 2 Jacob s Ladder Today s Bible Story Genesis 28:10-22 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 God s promise to Jacob. Children will discover ways God is with us no matter where we are or what we are doing. Jacob was Isaac s son and the grandson of Abraham and Sarah. When it was time for Jacob to marry, his father sent him to the house of Laban in Haran so that he could marry one of Laban's daughters. When Jacob stopped for the night, he selected a stone to use for a pillow. As Jacob slept, he dreamed that there was a ladder set on top of the earth. The ladder reached up into heaven. Jacob saw angels going up and down the ladder. Jacob dreamed that God was standing next to him. God spoke to Jacob saying, The land on which you lie I will give to you and to your offspring; and your offspring shall be like the dust of the earth, and you shall spread abroad to the west and to the east and to the north and to the south; and all the families of the earth shall be blessed in you and in your offspring (Genesis 28:13-14). God promised to be with Jacob wherever he went. When Jacob awoke, he poured oil on the stone and set it up for a pillar. Jacob called the place Bethel, marking it as the house of God. Then Jacob promised to give back to God one-tenth of all that God would give to him. Giving a tithe or ten percent to God has become a principle of our Christian faith. Giving back to God is an act of worship. Jacob understood that every blessing came from God and that a return of one-tenth was an act of thankfulness and a symbol of a covenant. Jacob was the father of twelve sons (as well as a daughter) and from them came the twelve tribes of Israel. God s promise to Jacob was a continuation of the covenant God had made with Jacob s grandfather, Abraham. We can see God's promise to Abraham come to life when we hear the story of Jacob and his family. The children may not understand words like covenant or tithe, but children are well aware of the word promise! They know that promises are important and are meant to be kept. God has promised to be with us always. Children can understand that as God keeps the promise to be with us, we can honor that promise by giving back to God. Like Jacob we can tithe our money, our talents, and our time. May this time that you are giving to God through your teaching bless you richly. 18 Abingdon Press.

20 Activity TimeSaver EcoFriendly Invite them in... (15 minutes) Welcome! Which Way Do We Go? Stone Pillows Handprint Angels Climb a Ladder... Into the Bible (30 minutes) Hear the Bible Story Picture Time What a Dream! Praise Time... Into Life (15 minutes) Counting to Ten Giving One-Tenth This Place Is Awesome! 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 is working on a ladder, which reminds him about the story of Jacob s ladder. After Mr. Z. and Bongo review the Bible verse: The LORD All-Powerful is with us (Psalm 46:7a, CEV), Mr. introduces Picture Time, which includes the Bible story about Jacob's ladder. When the images fade away, the sound of children's laughter can be heard. As your preschoolers watch children just like them taking part in their daily activities, they are reminded that just as God promised to be with Jacob, God promises to be with them too. March 13, 2011 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 19

21 Lesson 2 March 13, 2011 The B.i.G. Idea We believe that God promises to be with us always. 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 Welcome the children as they arrive. Give each child a ladder Sticker to place on the Attendance Chart. Say: (Child s name), I am glad you are here. Do you remember our Bible verse? It says, The LORD All-Powerful is with us (Psalm 46:7a, CEV). Teach the children how to sign the Bible verse (DVD; Leader inside front cover). Say: Today we are going to learn about the ladder on your Sticker. The ladder is part of a Bible story about a man named Jacob. Live B.i.G. The Lord All-Powerful is always with us. Which Way Do We Go? Supplies: Leader page 26, paper plates, construction paper, metal brads, compass, crayons, scissors, glue Photocopy Which Way Do We Go? (Leader page 26) for each child. Do Show the children a real compass. Give each child a copy of Which Way Do We Go? (Leader page 26). Say: Let s make our own compass. Explain to the children what the direction symbols mean. Let the children color and cut out the direction symbols and the arrow. Now, give each child a paper plate. Show the children how to glue the direction symbols onto their plates in the appropriate ways to create a compass. Attach the arrow to the center of the paper plate with a metal brad. Use the compass to walk in different directions. Invite the children to turn the arrows on their own compasses and follow. Live B.i.G. God is with us in every direction that we go. 20 Abingdon Press.

22 Stone Pillows Supplies: white paper lunch bags, tissue paper, glue, crayons Do Say: Today our Bible story will tells us about a stone that was used as a pillow. Say: How would it feel to use a stone for a pillow? Give each child a lunch bag to color to look like a stone. Have the children fill their bags with tissue paper. Help each child glue the open end of the bag together. Invite the children to take a quick nap using their stone pillows. Say: Let s keep our stone pillows to use when we hear the Bible today. Live B.i.G. Jacob used a stone as a pillow. God was with Jacob everywhere he went. Handprint Angels Supplies: white or blue tempera paint, tempera paint in flesh tones, paper plates, construction paper, markers, water, paper towels Cover the bottoms of three paper plates with tempera paint one with white, one with blue, and one with a flesh tone. Do Give each child a piece of construction paper. Help each child place one hand into the blue or white paint. Press the child s hand on the construction paper to make a handprint. This will become the body of the angel. Make two more handprints, to form wings. Be sure that the handprint wings are turned the right direction! Have the children clean their hands. Cover only the palm of each child's hand with paint that matches his or her skin tone. Place the palm print above the angel's body to make a face. Let the paint dry. Invite the children to use a marker to add eyes, noses, and mouths to their angels. Live B.i.G. Jacob dreamed of angels climbing up and down a ladder to heaven. Climb a Ladder Supplies: masking tape Use masking tape on the floor to create a ladder that leads to the storytelling area. Do Invite the children to take turns jumping, skipping, walking, crawling, playing Hopscotch up the ladder lines. Invite the children to climb to the storytelling area and sit down. Live B.i.G. Jacob had a dream about a ladder that reached to heaven. March 13, 2011 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 21

23 Lesson 2 March 13, 2011 The B.i.G. Idea We believe that God promises to be with us always Choose one or more activities to immerse your children in the Bible story. Hear the Bible Story Supplies: Bible, stone pillows made earlier (page 21)... Into the Bible Do Ask: Have you ever had a dream? Invite the children to tell about dreams they may remember. Open your Bible to the Book of Genesis. Say: Last week we heard a story about Abraham and Sarah. God promised them that they would have a large family. Say: Our Bible story today is about Abraham and Sarah s grandson. His name was Jacob. Say: Jacob s story also comes from the Book of Genesis. It is a story about a dream Jacob had. Invite the children to lie down and use their stone pillows. Say: Pretend to dream as you hear the Bible story. Jacob s Dream Abraham and Sarah had a grandson named Jacob. One day when Jacob was a grown man, he traveled a long way to his uncle's house. When nighttime came, Jacob stopped to sleep. He found a stone to use as a pillow. When Jacob fell asleep, he had a dream. He saw a ladder leading from earth into heaven. There were angels on the ladder, climbing up and down. Then Jacob dreamed that he saw God. God promised Jacob that his family would be large and would spread out to the north, south, east, and west. God promised to be with Jacob wherever he went. When Jacob woke up, he said, This is an awesome place! Jacob set the stone he had slept on in a special place. The stone would remind him and others of God's promise to be with Jacob always. Jacob promised to serve God. He promised that he would give back to God one-tenth of everything that God would give to him. Invite the children to wake up and pile their stone pillows in a spot in the room where the pile can stay for a few weeks. Say: Jacob set up his stone pillow as a reminder of his dream and as a reminder that God was with him wherever he went. Our pile of stone pillows will help us remember that God is always with us. Live B.i.G. God promised to be with Jacob and to bless his family. 22 Abingdon Press.

24 Picture Time Supplies: DVD, DVD player, television, DVD-Time Wheel (Kids Book inside front cover) Do Turn the arrow on the DVD-Time Wheel to Picture Time. Say: It is Picture Time. Which direction do we need to go to get to Picture Time? (Identify whether you will go north, south, east, or west in the room, and lead the children to the DVD area.) Play Picture Time (DVD). Ask: What did you see the children doing? Can you remember a time when you knew that God was with you? Live B.i.G. Wherever we go, we know that God is with us. What a Dream! Supplies: Kids Book, DVD, DVD player, television, string, stapler and staples, scissors, yellow cupcake wrappers, foil cupcake wrappers, glue Punch out a ladder and three angel faces (Kids Book) for each child. Watch the March 13 Demonstration (DVD) and make a sample Jacob s ladder. Do Give each child a ladder and three angel faces (Kids Book). Help the children create three angels for each ladder. Help each child tie string through the holes in their ladders. Have the children glue the angels to the string. Show the children how to pull on the string on the back of the ladder to make the angels go up and down. Say: Your ladder will remind you of Jacob's dream. God promised always to be with Jacob. God promises to be with you always too. Live B.i.G. In Joseph's dream, he saw angels moving up and down a ladder. The ladder reached up into heaven. Praise Time Supplies: DVD, Leader page 4, DVD player, television, DVD-Time Wheel (Kids Book inside front cover) Do Turn the arrow on the DVD-Time Wheel to Praise Time. Play the song, I Believe in an Always God (DVD). Encourage the children to listen, sing along, and sign the word God. (Move your hand up, around, and then down in front of your face like drawing a shepherd s crook.) Live B.i.G. God promised to be with Jacob. God promises always to be with us too. March 13, 2011 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 23

25 Lesson 2 March 13, 2011 The B.i.G. Idea We believe that God promises to be with us always Choose one or more activities to connect your children s lives to the Bible story. Counting to Ten Supplies: paper cups; lots of miscellaneous small objects such as beads, buttons, or coins Do Place the items you have collected in a large bowl or other container. Invite children to count out groups of ten into separate paper cups. Say: Show me one-tenth of the items in your cup. Help the children see that one item from each ten is one-tenth of the items. Ask: What has God given us of which we can give one-tenth back? Live B.i.G. Giving to God is a way of thanking God for all of our blessings. Giving One-Tenth... Into Life Supplies: Leader page 27, pencils or crayons Photocopy What Is One-Tenth? (Leader page 27) for each child. Do Give each child a copy of What Is One-Tenth? (Leader-page 27). Help the children count the number of apples they see pictured, including the one in the circle. Then have them count the number of apples that are circled. (one) Say: If you have ten apples (point to the apples on the worksheet), how many would be one-tenth? (Point to the circled apple.) Ask: How many kittens do you count? Ask: How many kittens make one-tenth of the kittens? Have the children circle one of the kittens (one-tenth). Ask: How many crayons do you count? Have the children circle one of the crayons (one-tenth). Ask: How many crayons make one-tenth of the crayons? Ask: How many socks do you count? Ask: How many of the socks would one-tenth of the socks? Help the children figure out that if they circle one sock in each group of ten socks (two socks), they will have circled one-tenth of the socks. Let the children color the items that are circled. Say: Now you have colored one-tenth of the items in the pictures. Live B.i.G. Giving one-tenth of our blessings to God is called a tithe. 24 Abingdon Press.

26 This Place Is Awesome! Supplies: posterboard or mural paper, markers or crayons Write the word AWESOME on a piece of posterboard or mural paper. Make it look colorful, fun, and cheerful! Do Say: When Jacob woke up, he said, This place is awesome! Ask: Why did Jacob think the place was awesome? Invite the children to name awesome places they have been. Show the children the sign that says, AWESOME. Say: I wrote the word awesome on this paper because I think this place is pretty awesome. It is awesome because God is here with us; and it is awesome because you are here. Invite the children to draw pictures of ways their church is an awesome place. They may draw on the posterboard around the word AWESOME. Live B.i.G. Any place where God is, is an awesome place! Closing Worship Supplies: Stickers, Kids Book Detach a Bible bookmark (Kids Book) for each child. Do Say: Everyone, please join me for our closing circle to worship God with a litany. After each action, I want you to respond with the words: God is with me. Say: If I go to the north... (Invite the children to take a few steps to the north.) Response: God is with me. If I go to the south... (Invite the children to take a few steps to the south.) Response: God is with me. If I go to the east... (Invite the children to take a few steps to the east.) Response: God is with me. If I go to the west... (Invite the children to take a few steps to the west.) Response: God is with me. Say: Let's try it a little faster. Repeat the actions several times, each time going faster than the time before. Give each child a God Is With Me worship badge (Stickers). Pray: Thank you, God, for promising to be with us always. Give each child a Bible bookmark (Kids Book) to take home. Say: Remember that God promised to be with us always. God keeps promises! Live B.i.G. To the north, south, east, and west the Lord All-Powerful is always with us. March 13, 2011 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 25

27 Lesson 2 Which Way Do We Go? 26 Abingdon Press.

28 Lesson 2 What Is One-Tenth? Circle one-tenth of the items in each group. Color the circled items, which represent one-tenth of all the items on the page. blue blue blue blue blue blue blue blue blue blue March 13, 2011 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 27

29 Lesson 3 March 20, 2011 March s B.i.G. Idea We believe that God promises to be with us always. March s Bible Verse The LORD All-Powerful is with us. Psalm 46:7a, CEV March s B.i.G. Theme God Is Always With Us Lesson 3 Joseph Goes to Egypt Today s Bible Story Genesis 37, 42, 45 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 God s promise to Joseph. Children will discover that even when we do not do as we should, God continues to be with us. Jacob had two wives, two concubines, twelve sons, and a daughter. Only two of Jacob s sons were born to his wife Rachel, whom Jacob loved very much. Her first son, Joseph, was born to her after many years of being barren. Jacob loved Joseph more than any of his other sons and gave Joseph a long robe with sleeves. This angered Joseph s brothers. But it was not just jealousy that made Joseph s brothers angry. Joseph was a braggart. He flaunted the coat. Joseph also told his brothers about dreams in which he saw his brothers bowing down before him. In another, he saw the sun, moon, and stars bowing before him. Joseph may have been his father s favorite, but he did not sit so well with his brothers. One day Jacob sent Joseph to check on his brothers who were herding sheep nearby. When his brothers saw him coming, they considered killing him. Instead, they threw him into a pit and then sat down to eat lunch. While they were eating, they decided to sell Joseph to some Ishmaelite traders. But before they could carry out their plan, a group of Midianites found Joseph and sold him for twenty pieces of silver. Joseph s brothers dipped Joseph s coat in goat s blood, and took it home to their father. Jacob thought that his beloved son had been killed by a wild animal, and he mourned deeply for him. Meanwhile, Joseph, who ended up in Egypt, realized that he had gone from a life as a favorite son to the life of a slave. Today s lesson is full of the good, the bad, and the just plain ugly! We will talk about a bragging brother, jealousy, meanness, anger, sadness, and forgiveness. These are events and emotions that many families experience. It is important that children understand that we all, from time to time, do things that are wrong. We also have experienced wrong that has been done to us. It is important for children to understand that despite what we may experience in life, we can be sure that God will never leave us. We can also count on God s forgiveness. God never left Joseph. He went from being a slave to becoming a respected advisor and leader in Egypt. Many years later, Joseph once again met his brothers, this time in Egypt where they had come for grain during a famine. Joseph had forgiven them. He sent for his father, Jacob, and the whole family moved to Egypt to be with Joseph. 28 Abingdon Press.

30 Activity TimeSaver EcoFriendly Invite them in... (15 minutes) Welcome! Family Scrapbook Book Nook Colorful Coats Pattern Match... Into the Bible (30 minutes) Hear the Bible Story Backyard Time Praise Time... Into Life (15 minutes) Loving My Family What About Egypt? Don t Hurt My Feelings Colorful Snacks 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 It s Wheels Day in the Backyard, and the kids are showing off their tricked-out wheels. But Hank makes everyone unhappy when he proclaims that his car is the best of all. Mr. Z remembers the Bible story about Joseph, who made his brothers unhappy by showing off in front of them. As Mr. Z helps Hank understand that his friends are more important than his truck, he reminds your kids that God is always with them, even when they do things they should not do. The Bible verse reminds everyone that The LORD All- Powerful is with us always! March 20, 2011 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 29

31 Lesson 3 March 20, 2011 The B.i.G. Idea We believe that God promises to be with us always. 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 Welcome the children as they arrive. Give each child a colorful coat Sticker to place on the Attendance Chart. Say: (Child's name), I am glad you are here. Do you remember our Bible verse? It says, The LORD All-Powerful is with us (Psalm 46:7a, CEV). Teach the children how to sign the Bible verse (DVD; Leader inside front cover). Say: Today we are going to hear a story about what happened when a young man named Joseph got a special coat as a gift. Joseph had lots of adventures, but he knew that God was always with him. Say: Do you remember our Bible verse? It reminds us that God is with us too. Let s say it together again: The LORD All-Powerful is with us (Psalm 46:7a, CEV). Live B.i.G. The Lord All-Powerful is always with us. Family Scrapbook Supplies: Leader pages 36 and 37, paper punch, yarn, scissors Photocopy Family Scrapbook (Leader pages 36 and 37) for each child. Do Give each child a copy of Family Scrapbook (Leader-pages 36 and 37). Help the children complete each page by filling in information about his or her family. Then help the children cut out the four sections of the scrapbook. Help the children stack the pages in order. Then punch two holes on the left side of the pages for each child. Help each child tie the pages together with yarn to make a book. Live B.i.G. God created families. God wants us to love our families. 30 Abingdon Press.

32 Book Nook Supplies: books about families, such as You Wouldn't Love Me If You Knew by Jeannie St. John Taylor; I Love You the Purplest by Barbara Joosse; You re All My Favorites and Guess How Much I Love You by Sam Mc Bratney and Anita Jeram; books from the Berenstain Bear collection by Stan and Jan Berenstain; or others Place the books on a low shelf or table Do Invite the children to read or look at the storybooks. Live B.i.G. Thank you, God, for creating our families. Colorful Coats Supplies: scissors; large paper bag; a variety of art materials such as markers, crayons, glitter, glue, stamps, markers, scraps of fabric Make a paper bag coat for each child. Cut an opening in the front of the bag. Cut armholes on the sides. Cut an opening in the bottom to fit around a child's shoulders. Do Ask If you could make any kind of coat, what would it look like? Give each child a paper bag coat. Invite the children to use a variety of art supplies to decorate the coat. Invite the children to wear their coats. Live B.i.G. Jacob gave his son Joseph a wonderful coat. God loves us and gives us many wonderful gifts and talents. Pattern Match Supplies: index cards, fabric pieces, glue Collect a variety of fabric pieces. Cover one side of two index cards with each fabric pattern. Do Use the fabric pattern cards to play a memory game. Show children how to lay the cards out, fabric side down. Invite a child to select two cards. If the cards do not match, they should be returned to their respective spots. If a match is made, the child may keep the match and take a second turn. Continue until all matches are made. Live B.i.G. We use our memories to remember stories from the Bible. March 20, 2011 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 31

33 Lesson 3 March 20, 2011 The B.i.G. Idea We believe that God promises to be with us always. Choose one or more activities to immerse your children in the Bible story. Hear the Bible Story Supplies: Kids Book, Leader page 139, gluesticks, envelopes recycled from junk mail... Into the Bible Photocopy a Joseph s coat pattern (Leader page 139) for each child. Punch out a set of Joseph s coat pieces (Kids Book) for each child. Put each set in an envelope recycled from junk mail. Do Call the children together around a table in the storytelling area. Say: Let s hear a Bible story that will help us know why we are talking about colors and patterns and coats. Open your Bible to the Book of Genesis. Say: Our story today comes from the Book of Genesis. Give each child a Joseph s coat pattern (Leader page 139) and an envelope with coat pieces (Kids Book). Say: Let s use the colors of the coat to tell the Bible story. Joseph Goes to Egypt Jacob had many sons. One son was named Joseph. Jacob loved him very much. One day, Jacob gave Joseph a beautiful coat with wonderful long sleeves and a beautiful pattern. Joseph was happy. Sometimes the color red reminds people of love. Can you find the red piece? (Have the children glue the red coat piece to the lower left side of the Joseph s coat pattern.) Joseph had never had such a wonderful gift! He smiled a big happy smile. Yellow is a happy color. It reminds us of sunshine and flowers and smiles. (Have the children glue the yellow coat piece to the left sleeve of the Joseph s coat pattern.) Joseph had eleven brothers. None of them had as special coat like Joseph s coat. Look at my coat, Joseph bragged. That made his brothers angry and jealous of Joseph They did not like the way Joseph was acting. Sometimes green is a color used to show jealousy. (Have the children glue the green coat piece to the neckline of the Joseph s coat pattern.) Joseph s brothers became angry. Then Joseph s brothers did a terrible thing. They took Joseph s coat and threw Joseph into a deep hole. Then Joseph was sold to some people traveling to Egypt. Joseph s brothers told their father Jacob that Joseph had died. Joseph s father was sad when he heard that Joseph was gone. 32 Abingdon Press.

34 Sometimes when people are sad, we say that they are blue. (Have the children glue the blue coat piece to the right sleeve of the Joseph s coat pattern.) When Joseph arrived in Egypt, he was scared. What would happen in Egypt? He missed his family. But Joseph knew that God was with him in Egypt. Eventually Joseph became an important leader in Egypt. The color purple is sometimes used to show that someone is an important leader. (Have the children glue the purple coat piece to the right side bottom of the Joseph s coat pattern.) Joseph helped the people in Egypt prepare for a famine. He told them to store food so that they would have plenty to eat when the famine came. On day s Joseph s brothers came to Egypt looking for food. They did not recognize Joseph, but Joseph knew them. When they returned with Jacob, Joseph told them, I am Joseph. Joseph had forgiven his brothers! The family was together again full of joy and love. God was with them. Sometimes when something wonderful happens, we say that we are tickled pink I think Joseph and his family were tickled pink to see one another again. (Have the children glue the pink coat piece to the bottom of the Joseph s coat pattern.) Live B.i.G. God was with Joseph and his family. God is with us. Backyard Time Supplies: DVD, DVD player, television, DVD-Time Wheel (Leader inside front cover) Do Turn the arrow on the DVD-Time Wheel to Backyard Time. Watch Backyard Time (DVD) with the children. Ask: What was the problem with the children today? How did they handle the problem? Say: Sometimes we do things that are wrong. When we do, it is good to say that we are sorry. We know that no matter what we do, God loves us. God is always with us. Live B.i.G. Even if we do something wrong, God is with us. Praise Time Supplies: DVD, Leader page 4, DVD player, television, DVD-Time Wheel (Leader inside front cover) Do Turn the arrow on the DVD-Time Wheel to Praise Time. Do Play the song, I Believe in an Always God (DVD). Encourage the children to listen, sing along, and sign the words Always God. Live B.i.G. God always loved Joseph and his brothers, even when they did things that were wrong. God is always with us. March 20, 2011 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 33

35 Lesson 3 March 20, 2011 The B.i.G. Idea We believe that God promises to be with us always. Choose one or more activities to connect your children s lives to the Bible story. Loving My Family Supplies: soft, small ball Do Invite the children to gather in a circle. Say: I am going to roll a ball to someone in our circle. When you catch it, tell something kind that you can do for your family. How can you show love to your family? Give an example of how you show love in your family. Then roll the ball to a child. Continue by allowing the child with the ball to name how he or she shows love. Then roll the ball to someone else. Continue until everyone has had a turn.... Into Life Live B.i.G. God gave us families. It is good to show love to our families. What About Egypt? Supplies: books with pictures about Egypt Do Say: Joseph had to go to Egypt. Do you remember someone else you have heard about who was in Egypt? (In November they learned about Moses escaping from Egypt with the Israelites.) Let the children tell you anything they remember from the story about Moses. Show some pictures of Egypt. Encourage the children to talk about what they see. Live B.i.G. While in Egypt, Joseph became an important leader. He helped the king and the country. God was with Joseph in Egypt. Don t Hurt My Feelings Supplies: construction paper, adhesive bandages, pencil or crayons Do Ask: How did Joseph hurt his brothers feelings? Ask: How did the brothers hurt Joseph s feelings? Say: Sometimes people do things that hurt other people s feelings. Sometimes people say things that hurt other people s feelings. Ask: Can you think of a time when someone hurt your feelings? 34 Abingdon Press.

36 Invite the children to talk about things that hurt their feelings. Ask: What are some ways we can help others when their feelings are hurt? Give each child a piece of paper and several adhesive bandages Invite the children to place the bandages on their papers. Next to each bandage, help the children write a way he or she can help someone whose feelings have been hurt. Live B.i.G. It is important to say we are sorry and to help others who are hurting. God is always with us when we are hurting and sad. Colorful Snacks Supplies: cereal with different colors, for example Froot Loops ; bowls; milk, juice, or water Do Say: Today we learned that Joseph had a wonderful coat. Many people think his coat had lots of wonderful colors. Let's see how many different colors we can find in our snack today. Give each child a small bowl of cereal (without milk) and something to drink. Invite the children to count and name the colors they find. Enjoy the snack together. Live B.i.G. Thank you, God, for colors. Closing Worship Supplies: Stickers, Kids Book Detach a Bible bookmark (Kids Book) for each child. Do Give each child a God Helps Us worship badge (Stickers). Say: God is always with us to help us. Say that with me. Say together: God is always with us to help us. Say: When we are sad,... Say together: God is always with us to help us. Say: When we do wrong, Say together: God is always with us to help us. Say: When someone hurts our feelings, Say together: God is always with us to help us. Say: When we are happy, Say together: God is always with us to help us. Pray: Thank you, God, for always being with us. Give each child a bookmark (Kids Book) to take home. Live B.i.G. God is with us everyday. March 20, 2011 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 35

37 Lesson 3 Family Scrapbook Complete each part of the page by drawing pictures to illustrate your family and its activities. Cut out each section, and bind them together to make a book. 36 Abingdon Press.

38 Lesson 3 Family Scrapbook March 20, 2011 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 37

39 Lesson 4 March 27, 2011 March s B.i.G. Idea We believe that God promises to be with us always. March s Bible Verse The LORD All-Powerful is with us. Psalm 46:7a, CEV March s B.i.G. Theme God Is Always With Us Lesson 4 Psalm 23 Today s Bible Story Psalm 23 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 Psalm 23. Children will discover ways God cares for us like a shepherd cares for sheep and remember that we can trust God to be with us and love us forever. The Book of Psalms is an ancient hymnal that sings praises to God, beautifully illustrates the wonders of God's creation and marvelous acts, and reveals the personal prayers of the Bibletimes people who wrote them. The psalms were written over a thousand years of Hebrew history. Much of the work has been attributed to David. Scholars think David may have authored about half of the 150 psalms in the Bible. But not all of the psalms were written by him. The authorship of many psalms is still unknown. The psalms were written to be used as both responsive choruses in worship and as personal songs to God. Many of the Psalms were as familiar to the Hebrew people as our modern-day hymns are familiar in our own congregations. Though the book was compiled thousands of years ago, the words still speak to us today. The words of the psalms still fill our churches, our hymnals, and modern praise and worship choruses. Praise choruses such as I Could Sing of Your Love Forever (Psalm 118) get their words straight from the Psalms. The Twenty-third Psalm is perhaps the most familiar psalm in the Bible. Its words echo throughout churches and synagogues alike. The psalm is read or recited in times of grief and in times of joy. Perhaps the psalm is so beloved because of the imagery it offers: the metaphor of God as our shepherd. Shepherd and sheep in a pasture seem peaceful. Sheep are solely dependent on a shepherd to meet their every need. We, like sheep, are dependent on God. Help the children understand just how important a shepherd is to the sheep. Likewise, help them to understand that God cares for them and wants the very best for them. This psalm also provides a picture of comfort. It promises that during life's dark moments, and even in the face of death, God will be with us. And it offers a picture of eternal life with God. Though we leave our earthly lives and our earthly homes, we will dwell in God's house forever. Today, children will hear Psalm 23 from the Contemporary English Version of the Bible. Its words differ from the traditional King James Version or the Revised Standard Version that you may know by heart. The different words, though, may help five- and six-year-olds better grasp the psalm's meaning. Once the children understand what the psalm means, you may want to read your favorite version to them as well. 38 Abingdon Press.

40 Activity Invite them in... (15 minutes) TimeSaver EcoFriendly Welcome! Herding Sheep My Sheep How Many Is Twenty-Three? a Tablecloth Gather the Sheep... Into the Bible (30 minutes) Hear the Bible Story Travel Time Praise Time Psalm 23 Banner... Into Life (15 minutes) You Lead Me in Fields of Green Grass You Lead Me to Peaceful Water You Treat Me to a Feast My Cup Overflows Set to 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: Travel Time Mr. Z explains that a shepherd takes care of sheep. Travel Time takes your preschoolers to a sheep farm in Charlotte, Tennessee. The owners, Beth and Steve, show your kids what it is like to be responsible for a herd of sheep. Every day, Beth and Steve have to feed and water the sheep and keep them somewhere safe. When extra care is needed, they also have to shear the sheep. Seeing shepherds at work will help your preschoolers understand better what it means when we say that God takes care of us like a shepherd takes care of sheep. March 27, 2011 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 39

41 Lesson 4 March 27, 2011 The B.i.G. Idea We believe that God promises to be with us always. 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 Welcome the children as they arrive. Give each child a sheep Sticker to place on the Attendance Chart. Say: (Child s name), I am glad you are here. Do you remember our Bible verse? It says, The LORD All-Powerful is with us (Psalm 46:7a, CEV). Teach the children how to sign the Bible verse (DVD; Leader inside front cover). Say: Today our Bible story is about how much God loves and cares for us. Live B.i.G. The Lord All-Powerful is always with us. Herding Sheep Supplies: cotton balls, spoons, four large bowls Do Divide the children into two teams. Have each team form a line. Give each team a large bowl of cotton balls and a spoon. Place an empty bowl for each team on the opposite end of the room. Have the children take turns scooping out a cotton ball with a spoon and walking briskly to drop the cotton ball into a bowl at the opposite side of the room. Continue until all the cotton balls have been herded. Live B.i.G. Shepherds herd their sheep and move them from place to place. My Sheep Supplies: paper plates, black construction paper, cotton balls, glue, scissors Do Have each child cover a paper plate by gluing on cotton balls. Invite the children to cut out and add feet, eyes, noses, and mouths from black construction paper. Live B.i.G. God cares for us like a shepherd cares for sheep. Abingdon Press.

42 How Many Is Twenty-Three? Supplies: Leader page 46, crayons, adult-size T-shirts or paint smocks Photocopy How Many Is Twenty-Three? (Leader page 46) for each child. Do Say: Today we are going to be learning about a psalm from the Bible. A psalm is a poem or song. Psalms are praises to God. In the Bible there is a book called the Book of Psalms. There are 150 psalms in the book. Wow! That's a lot. Say: Today we are going to read Psalm number twenty-three. Give each child a copy of How Many Is Twenty-Three? (Leader page 46). Say: There are 150 sheep on this page. Can you count out twenty-three of them? Say: You may count twenty-three sheep in order from the top, or you may count any twenty-three sheep you like. Invite the children to color twenty-three of the sheep using any colors they wish. Live B.i.G. The psalm about sheep and their shepherd is Psalm 23. a Tablecloth Supplies: plain tablecloth, fabric paint, paint and paintbrushes or decorative stamps, smocks or paint shirts Do Say: Many people use a tablecloth when they set a table for a special meal. Today we are going to hear a Bible story that tells about God setting a table for people. Say: Let s decorate a tablecloth that can be used on the altar table in our sanctuary during a worship service. Invite the children to decorate a tablecloth using either fabric paint, paint and paintbrushes, or decorative stamps. Or they could decorate with handprints. Live B.i.G. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies (Psalm 23). Gather the Sheep Do Pretend to be a shepherd. Go around the room gathering your sheep and herding them to the storytelling area. Say: When a shepherd gathers the sheep, the sheep know that the shepherd cares about them and wants to keep them safe. Say: Today we will hear a psalm from the Bible that tells us how God is like a shepherd. Live B.i.G. God is like a shepherd to us. Ask church members to donate old adult-sized T-shirts. These work as perfect paint smocks for messy fun! Arrange for the children s tablecloth to be used for a Holy Communion worship service. March 27, 2011 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 41

43 Lesson 4 March 27, 2011 The B.i.G. Idea We believe that God promises to be with us always. Choose one or more activities to immerse your children in the Bible story. Hear the Bible Story Supplies: Bible, Kids Book, construction paper, scissors, gluesticks... Into the Bible Photocopy Psalm 23 (Kids Book). If possible, enlarge it. Cut out each verse and glue it onto a separate piece of construction paper. (Caution: Do not cut out the original copy. It will be used later to make a banner.) Do Say: Right in the middle of our Bible is a book called Psalms. Demonstrate by opening your Bible to the Book of Psalms. Show the children where it says Psalm 1. Invite the children to count through the Psalms until they get to 23. Hold the Bible so all can see, and point to the title of each psalm as you count. Say: We are going to read Psalm 23. A psalm is a poem. Who knows what a poem is? Give an example of a simple poem, such as a nursery rhyme. Say: When you sing a song, the words you sing are a poem. The Bible has lots of poems. People read these poems and sometimes they sing the poems. These poems are called psalms. Let's say that word together. (Say psalms. ) Say: Each Psalm has a number. Today we have been doing activities that will help us to learn about Psalm number twenty-three. The Twenty-third Psalm is about how much God loves us, and it reminds us that God is always with us. Help me read this psalm. Give individual children a numbered verse. Invite the child with verse one to stand and hold the verse for all to see. Say: Verse one says: You, LORD, are my shepherd. I will never be in need. Invite the child with verse two to hold it up. Read the verse. Say: The shepherd takes care of the sheep by providing them with good food and water to drink. God wants us to have good things too. Invite the child with verse three to hold it up. Read the verse. Say: God gives us strength. God helps when we feel sad. God helps us do what is right. Invite the child with verse four to hold it up. Read the verse. Say: Sometimes we get scared. Sometimes bad things happen, but God never leaves us. God is always right beside us. God gives us peace when things get scary. 42 Abingdon Press.

44 Invite the child with verse five to hold it up. Read the verse. Say: God blesses us and blesses us and blesses us again. God wants to pour blessings on us like a pitcher pours out water. Invite the child with verse six to hold it up. Read the verse. Say: God gives us good and wonderful things. The best thing is knowing that God is always with us. We will be with God forever. Live B.i.G. Shepherds take care of their sheep and love them. God is like a shepherd to us. Travel Time Supplies: DVD, DVD player, television, DVD-Time Wheel (Kids Book inside front cover) Do Turn the arrow on the DVD-Time Wheel to Travel Time. Say: We have been talking about ways that God is like a shepherd and ways we are like God's sheep. Today we are going to travel to a sheep farm to watch just what a shepherd does to take care of sheep. Play Travel Time (DVD). Ask: What did you learn about shepherds and sheep? Live B.i.G. Wherever we travel, we know that God is with us. Praise Time Supplies: DVD, DVD player, television, DVD-Time Wheel (Kids Book inside front cover) Do Turn the arrow on the DVD-Time Wheel to Praise Time. Play the song, I Believe in an Always God (DVD). Encourage the children to listen, sing along, and sign the words always God. Live B.i.G. God is like a shepherd to us. God promises to be with us always. Psalm 23 Banner Supplies: Kids Book, crayons, paper punch, pieces of felt (about 9-by-10), quarter-inch dowel rods, yarn, ruler, glue Punch out Psalm 23 (Kids Book) for each child. Cut dowel rods into 10-inch pieces. Cut one rod for each child. Felt squares can be purchased at any craft store. Do Give each child a copy of Psalm 23 (Kids Book). Invite the children to color the border around the psalm. Invite each child to glue the psalm to a piece of felt. Help each child wrap the top of the felt around a dowel rod and glue it down. Tie the end of a piece of yarn to each side of the dowel rod to create a hanger. Live B.i.G. Psalm 23 tells us that God is like a shepherd. God takes care of us. March 27, 2011 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 43

45 Lesson 4 March 27, 2011 The B.i.G. Idea We believe that God promises to be with us always. Choose one or more activities to connect your children s lives to the Bible story. You Lead Me in Fields of Green Grass Supplies: paper cups, organic/natural potting soil, grass seed, spoon, spray bottle, water Do Give each child a paper cup to fill with soil. Invite the children to sprinkle the soil with grass seed. Have the children add a little more soil to each cup. Invite each child to spray the soil with water. Keep the plantings in the classroom and watch them grow, or allow the children to take their plantings home. Ask: Why is green grass so important to sheep?... Into Life Live B.i.G. Green pastures provide food and soft places for sheep to sleep and play. God has blessed us with food and homes. You Lead Me to Peaceful Water Supplies: empty 2-liter bottle, water Do Fill a 2-liter bottle about 2 /3 full with water. Tighten the cap. Invite a child to shake the bottle and then hold it still as the water calms. Invite the children to take turns shaking the water. Say: Calm waters provide sheep with a safe and peaceful place to drink. Live B.i.G. God can calm the rough times in our lives. You Treat Me to a Feast Supplies: paper plates, napkins, plastic spoons and forks, paper cups, tablecloth, cut fruit, juice or water Avoid grapes. Grapes can be a choking hazard for young children. Do Invite the children to prepare a table setting. Place a variety of cut fruit in the center of the table. Enjoy a snack together. Live B.i.G. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. 44 Abingdon Press.

46 My Cup Overflows Supplies: pitcher of water, large drinking cup, large bowl or pan Do Place a cup in a bowl or pan. Say: God has given us many blessings. Invite the children to name ways God has blessed them. Each time a blessing is mentioned, pour a small amount of water into the cup. Say: God fills our lives with blessings, just like I am filling this cup with water. Fill the cup until it overflows, then continue pouring water into the cup. Say: Psalm Twenty-three tells us that God wants to bless us until we are overflowing with blessings. Live B.i.G. God wants you to overflow with blessings! Set to Music Supplies: Bible, rhythm instruments Choose a couple of psalms (or parts of psalms) to read as the children make accompanying music. (Consider Psalms 23, 66, 67, 81, 100, and 118.) Do Say: Today we read a wonderful poem from the Bible. The Bible is full of many poems. The one we read today is Psalm 23. Explain that some of the Psalms were written to be read or sung to music. Invite the children to provide background music with instruments. Say: Listen to my voice. If it sounds soft, play the music softly. If it is loud, play loudly. If it sounds happy and full of joy, play your instruments joyfully. Invite the children to play music as you read Psalm 23. Live B.i.G. Many of the songs we sing in church today contain words from the Book of Psalms. Closing Worship Supplies: Stickers, Kids Book Detach a Bible bookmark (Kids Book) for each child. Do Gather the children in a circle for the closing worship. Place a The LORD Is My Shepherd worship badge (Stickers) on each child as you say The Lord is (child's name) shepherd. Pray: Thank you, God, for being our shepherd. Thank you for always taking care of us and for promising to be with us always. Give each child a bookmark (Kids Book) to take home. Live B.i.G. The Lord is our shepherd. March 27, 2011 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 45

47 Lesson 4 How Many Is Twenty-Three? There are 150 sheep on this page. Count and color 23 of them. 46 Abingdon Press.

48 April Overview April s B.i.G. Idea We believe that the Resurrection lets us know that Jesus is always with us. April s B.i.G. Theme The Tomb Is Empty April s Bible Verse It is true! The Lord has risen. Luke 24:34, NIV Objectives Children will hear the Bible story about the day Jesus cleansed the Temple. Children will recognize that one purpose of the church is to worship God. Children will hear the Bible story about Jesus washing the disciples' feet. Children will discover ways they can show love to others. April s DVD March Overview Bible Verse in American Sign Language: Luke 24:34, NIV (see Leader inside front cover) Teaching Your Children: Learning Styles Demonstration: Stick Donkey (April 17) Travel Time: Foot Care Ministry at Centenary United Methodist Church in Richmond, Virginia (April 10) Picture Time: One Morning in Joseph s Garden (April 24) April s Praise Time Song What a Wonderful Day! (DVD, CD, Leader page 5) Music Suggestions Play songs from the CD as the children arrive. Provide streamers, ribbons, or scarves for the children to wave as they move and sing What a Wonderful Day! (DVD). On Palm Sunday, April 17, provide palm branches and let the children parade around the room as they sing. Sing the Live B.I.G. theme song (CD) as part of each week s closing worship. April s Lessons April 3 Cleansing the Temple, John 2:13-22 April 10: Washing Feet, John 13:1-20 April 17: Palm Sunday, Matthew 21:1-11 April 24: Easter, Luke 24:1-12 Children will hear the Bible story about Jesus riding a donkey into Jerusalem, cheered on by a crowd. Children will discover ways we welcome Jesus into our lives. Children will hear the Bible story about the Resurrection. Children will recognize that at Easter, the church celebrates Jesus resurrection and the new life God offers us through Jesus. Plan Ahead Practice signing Luke 24:34. See the DVD and Leader inside front cover. Gather extra church directories for Who Is in Our Church? on April 3. Make plans to clean or organize an area of the church. Gather cleaning supplies and recruit additional adult help for Taking Care of God s Church on April 3. Purchase soap crayons for Soapy Fun on April 10. Provide bubble mix for Bubble Corner on April 10. Collect a basket of mismatched socks for Sock Match on April 10. Collect shoeboxes or similar small boxes We Love a Parade floats on April 17. Practice making a stick donkey for April 17. See the demonstration on the DVD. Provide chenille stems, coffee filters, watercolor paints, paintbrushes, water, and ribbon for Lovely Lilies on April 24. Gather a supply of plastic Easter eggs to use on April 24. March 27, 2011 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 47

49 Lesson 5 April 3, 2011 April s B.i.G. Idea We believe that the Resurrection lets us know that Jesus is always with us. April s Bible Verse It is true! The Lord has risen. Luke 24:34, NIV April s B.i.G. Theme The Tomb Is Empty Lesson 5 Cleansing the Temple Today s Bible Story John 2:13-22 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 day Jesus cleansed the Temple. Children will recognize that one purpose of the church is to worship God. Jesus and his disciples had come to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. Upon entering the Temple, Jesus found people selling cattle, sheep, and doves while money changers did a brisk business. The scene presents a picture of a busy marketplace rather than a holy place of worship. Jesus was so appalled at what he saw that he made a whip from cords and began to drive out the merchants. The Scriptures tell us that he emptied the money bags and overturned the tables. You can imagine the scattering of coins and animals! This passage is not the only one in which we find Jesus in the Temple. The Gospel of Luke tells the familiar story of the boy Jesus in the Temple (Luke 2:41-50). In that story, twelveyear-old Jesus became separated from his parents. When Mary and Joseph found him, Jesus was in the Temple, sitting among the teachers, listening and asking questions. When his parents asked him what he was doing, he responded by saying, Did you not know that I must be in my Father s house? (verse 49). In today s Scripture, John tells of the adult Jesus who, as Passover approached, entered the Temple and found that his Father's house had been turned into a bustling business. The people needed animals to make the ritual sacrifices to God. Merchants gladly stocked their stalls with sacrificial animals conveniently located right at the Temple. Holidays such as Passover provided great opportunities to make money. The people in the midst of the busyness and crowds and celebrations had forgotten what the celebrations were about. They had lost their focus. In our days ahead, and as we prepare to celebrate Easter, take time to focus on the purpose of God s house, not for the building itself, but for the worship and ministry of the church. We are people who worship God and serve others, helping the needy and reaching out to the world with the gospel of Jesus Christ. And so we teach our children. It is the job of the church to create in its children a knowledge of the Scriptures, a heart for helping others, and a love for Jesus Christ. 48 Abingdon Press.

50 Activity Invite them in... (15 minutes) TimeSaver EcoFriendly Welcome! What Does Not Belong? Where Does This Belong? What Things Are in Our Church? The People Are the Church... Into the Bible (30 minutes) Backyard Time Hear the Bible Story Where Have We Been? Who Belongs in the Church? Bible Verse in the Church... Into Life (15 minutes) Who Is in Our Church? Why Do We Come to Church? Taking Care of God s Church What Do We Do in Church? Praise Time 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 introduces the Bible verse: It is true! The Lord has risen (Luke 24:34, NIV). He tells the children that this week s Bible story is about a time when Jesus cleared the sellers out of the Temple because what they were doing there did not belong. Bongo suggests a game of What Does Not Belong? which will help your preschoolers understand that some things belong at church and some things do not. Mr. Z and Ms. Lucy show the children some items that do belong in church. Then Mr. Z reminds everyone that that the most important thing that belongs in church is you. April 3, 2011 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 49

51 Lesson 5 April 3, 2011 The B.i.G. Idea We believe that the Resurrection lets us know that Jesus is always with us. 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 Write each child s name on the Attendance Chart. Hang the chart at a height that the children can reach easily to add the attendance Stickers. Pray for each child in the class. Pray for God s direction as you teach. Do Welcome the children as they arrive. Give each child a Temple Sticker to place on the Attendance Chart. Say: Our Sticker shows a picture of the Temple, the special place Jesus went to worship God. Ask: What do we call the special place that we go to worship God. (My church) Who belongs in church? (I do; everyone does) Say: You belong in church. I am glad you are here today. Say: We have a new Bible verse this month. Our Bible verse says, It is true! The Lord is risen (Luke 24:34, NIV). Because Jesus is alive we know that Jesus is always with us. Teach the children how to sign the Bible verse (DVD; Leader inside front cover). Live B.i.G. Bible verses help us know that Jesus is always with us. What Does Not Belong? Supplies: Leader page 56, laundry basket, various out of place items, pencils Place items around the room that are obviously out of place. For instance, add a banana to the crayon box, or put a basketball in a chair. Make a copy of What Does Not Belong? (Leader page 56) for each child. Do Say: Today we are going to learn a story about something that did not belong in the Temple. Can you find anything that does not belong around our room? Look for things that do not belong where they are and place them in the basket. 50 Abingdon Press.

52 When the children have finished finding the out-of-place items in the room, give each one a pencil and a copy of What Does Not Belong? (Leader page 56). Work with the children as they circle the pictures that do not belong in each line. (Note that the third line of objects may have two correct answers.) Live B.i.G. We belong in the church. Where Does This Belong? Supplies: mitten, hat, glasses, sock, bracelet, ring, shoe, other similar articles Do Invite the children to gather in a circle. Give each child an object you have brought, such as those from the list above. Invite each child to hold up his or her item for all to view. Invite the other children to call out where the item belongs. (Example: a mitten belongs on a hand.) Live B.i.G. We learn what belongs in our lives and what does not belong. What Things Are in Our Church? Arrange for the children to take a tour around the church sanctuary and facilities. Do Take the children on a walk around the church. Encourage the children s comments on what they find in the church. Explain why each thing belongs in the church. Explain the purpose and function of items that may be unfamiliar. If the children find something that does not belong where it is found, help the children decide where it should be (in a closet, in the trash, in the children s nursery). Live B.i.G. The church is filled with many things that help us learn about God and help us worship God. The People Are the Church Supplies: construction paper, glue, old magazines, scissors for each child Do Give each child a piece of construction paper and a pair of scissors. Say: Today we have learned that the most important things that belong in God s church are people. God s church is a place for all people. Invite the children to cut out pictures of people from magazines. Invite each child to glue the pictures onto his or her piece of construction paper. Live B.i.G. God s church is a place for all people to come and worship God. April 3, 2011 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 51

53 Lesson 5 April 3, 2011 The B.i.G. Idea We believe that the Resurrection lets us know that Jesus is always with us. Choose one or more activities to immerse your children in the Bible story. Backyard Time Supplies: DVD, DVD player, television, DVD-Time Wheel (Kids Book inside front cover)... Into the Bible Do Turn the arrow on the DVD-Time Wheel to Backyard Time. Say: It is time for Backyard Time for everyone here who belongs in the church. Let s march to our DVD area. If a child is new or unsure if she or he belongs, take the child s hand. Say: (Child s name), you belong in the church. Come march with me. Play Backyard Time (DVD). Say: Today Mr. Z found some things that did not belong. We are going to hear about a day when Jesus found some things that did not belong. Live B.i.G. Our Sunday school rooms and equipment help us learn about God. Hear the Bible Story Supplies: Bible Do Open your Bible to the Book of John. Say: Our Bible story about Jesus comes from the Book of John. Cleansing the Temple One day Jesus and his disciples traveled to the Temple in Jerusalem. The Temple was like our church. It was a place where people went to learn about God and to worship God. When Jesus arrived at the Temple, he did not see people worshipping God. He did not see people learning about God or reading the Scriptures. Jesus saw people selling and buying things. The people had turned the Temple into a marketplace. When Jesus saw this he was upset. Jesus dumped out the money that the sellers had collected. He turned over the tables and made the sellers leave the Temple. Jesus loved the Temple. He knew that the Temple belonged to God. Jesus said that the Temple was a place for prayer and worship. Say: When we come to church we want to show how much we love God. We can do this by worshipping God, praying, singing, learning about Jesus, and working together to help others. God s church is a wonderful place. Live B.i.G. God s church is a place to worship and learn about God. 52 Abingdon Press.

54 Where Have We Been? Supplies: large paper for mural, crayons, markers, wall gum or tape Place a large piece of mural paper on a wall where children can easily reach it. Draw a road or path lengthwise down the center of the paper. Do Say: We are going to create a map of the places we are learning about this month. Ask: Where did Jesus go in today's story? Say: Let's draw a picture of today's story on our map. Invite the children to draw a picture of Jesus at the Temple on the mural paper. Live B.i.G. It is important to learn and remember the stories of Jesus. Who Belongs in the Church? Supplies: Kids Book, construction paper or cardstock, scissors, crayons or markers, glue Punch out Who Belongs in the Church? (Kids Book) for each child. Do Show the children how to separate the doors on the church and fold them open. Invite the children to glue the picture onto a piece of cardstock or construction paper, leaving the doors open. Invite the children to draw pictures of themselves inside the church doors. Say: Jesus found things that did not belong in the church. One thing that does belong in the church, though, is you. Each one of you belongs here in God s church. People are the most important things in the church. Live B.i.G. Children belong in God s church. Children are an important part of the church Bible Verse in the Church Supplies: Kids Book page C, crayons, gluesticks, scissors Punch out the Bible Verse in the Church (Kid s Book page C) for each child. Do Give each child a Bible Verse in the Church page (Kids Book page C). Help the children find and read the words of the Scripture passage. Have the children put the words in the appropriate spaces at the bottom of the church picture. When the words are in order, let children glue the words in place. Say: One thing that always belongs in the church is a Bible. The Bible is God s Word. Today s Bible verse says, It is true! The Lord has risen. Encourage the children to take the page home and place it somewhere they will see it each day. Encourage the children to practice saying the Bible verse at home. Live B.i.G. The Word of God, the Bible, belongs in the church. April 3, 2011 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 53

55 Lesson 5 April 3, 2011 The B.i.G. Idea We believe that the Resurrection lets us know that Jesus is always with us. Choose one or more activities to connect your children s lives to the Bible story. Who Is in Our Church? Supplies: extra church directories, scissors, gluesticks, construction paper Do Invite the children to look through church directories and cut out one or two pictures of people they recognize. Invite the children to glue the pictures to construction paper. Encourage the children to draw pictures of themselves, especially if they are not in the pictures they chose. Say: These are some of the people who belong in our church. Display the pictures around the room. Live B.i.G. People belong in the church. Why Do We Come to Church?... Into Life Supplies: poster paper, marker Do Say: Jesus went to the Temple to worship God and to learn about God. Why do we come to church? Encourage the children to share reasons that they come to church. When an answer is given, write the answer on the poster paper. Explain that one of the reasons we come to church is that it is fun to be with others as we learn about Jesus. Live B.i.G. There are many reasons for us to come to God s church. Taking Care of God s Church Supplies: dust cloths, furniture spray, dusters Make plans to take care of God s church by cleaning an area of the church. The children can wipe down pews, altars, and Communion rails. Or they could clean the tables and shelves in your Sunday school room. Do Say: Jesus loves the church. Jesus wants people to take care of the church and treat it with respect. Invite the children to help clean up or reorganize an area of the church. Live B.i.G. Taking care of God s church is an act of worship. 54 Abingdon Press.

56 What Do We Do in Church? Supplies: Leader page 57, scissors Photocopy and cut apart the What Do We Do in Church? cards (Leader page 57). If a worship service is in Do Place the cards (Leader page 57) face up progress, let the children tiptoe on the table or floor. into the back of the sanctuary Ask: What are some of the things Christians and stand for five minutes or so. do in church each week? (read the cards). Mix up the cards and place them face down on the table or floor. Let the children play a matching game. Have them take turns turning over two cards. If the two cards match, the player can keep the cards. If the cards do not match, the player must turn the cards over again, and the next child takes a turn. Live B.i.G. We come to church to sing, pray, praise God, and learn more about Jesus. Praise Time Supplies: DVD; DVD player; television; DVD-Time Wheel (Kids Book inside front cover); streamers, ribbons, or scarves Do Turn the arrow on the DVD-Time Wheel to Praise Time. Say: Our new song is called What a Wonderful Day! In a few weeks we will celebrate Easter, the most wonderful day of the year. Play What a Wonderful Day! (DVD). Encourage the children to sing along and wave their streamers as they sing. Live B.i.G. Music belongs in God's church. We can sing to worship God. Closing Worship Supplies: Leader 143, Stickers, Kids Book Detach a Bible bookmark (Kids Book) for each child. Photocopy April Living B.I.G at Home for each child. Do Say: Today we learned that people belong in the church. Say: When I say a name, all of you say, (Child s name) belongs in the church. Smile at a child and say the child's name. Cue all the children to respond with (Child s name) belongs in the church. Place an I Belong in God s Church worship badge (Stickers) on each child in turn. Pray: Thank you, God, for our church and each person who belongs here. Give each child a Bible bookmark (Kids' Book) and a copy of April Living B.I.G at Home to take home. Live B.i.G. All of us belong in the church. April 3, 2011 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 55

57 Lesson 5 What Does Not Belong? Circle the item in each row that does not belong. 56 Abingdon Press.

58 Lesson 5 What Do We Do in Church? Give Preach Pray Sing Greet Read Give Preach Pray Sing Greet Read April 3, 2011 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 57

59 Lesson 6 April 10, 2011 April s B.i.G. Idea We believe that the Resurrection lets us know that Jesus is always with us. April s Bible Verse It is true! The Lord has risen. Luke 24:34, NIV April s B.i.G. Theme The Tomb Is Empty Lesson 6 Washing Feet Today s Bible Story John 13:1-20 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 Jesus washing the disciples' feet. Children will discover ways they can show love to others. As Jesus and his disciples gathered to celebrate Passover, Jesus knew that the time of his death was near. After their Passover supper, Jesus got up from the table, tied a towel around his waist, and filled a basin with water. What he did next astonished his followers. Jesus proceeded to wash the feet of each disciple and then wipe them dry with his towel. Can you imagine the thoughts of the disciples? Jesus, the Son of God, the Messiah, the healer of the blind, the one who had raised the dead to life, was washing his disciples feet! Foot washing was a common custom of the time. The streets of ancient Israel were dusty. People wore sandals and dust covered their feet. When guests entered a house, a servant usually washed their feet for them. It was an act of hospitality and service. But it was not something a king would do. Washing his disciples feet is just another indicator of Jesus ordinary life. He was born in a lowly stable where his parents cradled him in a hay-filled manger. Shepherds celebrated his birth. As he grew, he learned the carpentry trade. His followers were fishermen and tax collectors. He had no formal home, no palace or courtyards. Jesus did not come for glory or riches. He came to show his disciples and the whole world how much God loves them. God sent Jesus the divine Son to be the most humble of servants. He came to wash the feet of the unworthy. Jesus actions showed over and over again: This is how much I love you. Jesus set an example for all to follow, and he set the standard high. To be like Jesus, we must humble ourselves. We must serve others. We must show others the love of our great God by reaching out and becoming servants. Jesus said, For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you (John 13:15). Teaching children in the church is a great act of service. As you teach, follow the example set by our Lord. Teach with the attitude and heart of a servant. Teach so that every child will know the amazing, boundless love of God. 58 Abingdon Press.

60 Activity Invite them in... (15 minutes) TimeSaver EcoFriendly Welcome! Wipe Your Feet! Soapy Fun Bubble Corner Feet People Artist Feet... Into the Bible (30 minutes) Hear the Bible Story Travel Time Praise Time Where Have We Been?... Into Life (15 minutes) Sock Match Picture That Hand Towel How Many Feet? 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 Mr. Z begins by washing Ms. Lucy s feet, just as Jesus did for his disciples. After saying the Bible verse together, the children are introduced to Travel Time. This week the children travel to a church in Virginia that washes feet every Friday. The people whose feet are cared for there gain more than clean feet and fresh socks. They experience the love of Jesus in a personal, meaningful way. Your preschoolers will see that we can show Jesus' love in many ways. April 10, 2011 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 59

61 Lesson 6 April 10, 2011 The B.i.G. Idea We believe that the Resurrection lets us know that Jesus is always with us. 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 Welcome the children as they arrive. Give each child a bowl and pitcher Sticker to place on the Attendance Chart. Ask: What do you think is in this pitcher? Say: I think there is water in this pitcher. Our Bible story today is about Jesus. He shared a special meal with his friends. After the meal Jesus used water to wash his friends feet. I wonder why he wanted to wash their feet? Ask: Who washes your feet? Say: Our Bible verse is also about Jesus. It says, It is true! The Lord is risen (Luke 24:34, NIV). Because Jesus lives, we know that Jesus is always with us. Teach the children how to sign the Bible verse (DVD; Leader inside front cover). Live B.i.G. Jesus washed his friends feet to show love to them. We know that Jesus loves us and is always with us. Wipe Your Feet! Supplies: doormat or large towel Do Say: Before we start today's activities, everyone needs to wipe his or her feet. Invite the children to wipe their feet on a doormat or towel. Encourage them to get their shoes really clean. Say: In today s Bible story we are going to learn how some people in Jesus day got really clean feet! Live B.i.G. Bible times people and people today often wipe their feet before they enter a house. 60 Abingdon Press.

62 Soapy Fun Supplies: soap crayons Do Invite the children to use soap crayons to decorate the tops of the tables. The children can wipe their drawings clean with a wet paper towel or wash cloth. Soap crayons can be purchased in the toy or art supply section of most major discount stores. Live B.i.G. We use soap to clean things, including our hands and feet. Bubble Corner Supplies: bubble mix, bubbles wands, cookie cutters, pie pans or shallow containers Do Let the children use the various bubble wands or cookie cutters to make bubbles. Say: Bubbles are made from soap. What is soap? Why do we use it? Live B.i.G. We use soap to clean things and to have fun with bubbles. Feet People Supplies: Leader page 66, construction paper, pencil, glue, crayons or markers, scissors Photocopy Feet People (Leader page 66) for each child. Do Give each child a copy of Feet People (Leader page 66). Invite the children to cut out the footprint shape. Have the children glue the footprint onto a piece of construction paper. Invite the children to decorate the footprint by drawing arms, eyes, a nose, and other features. Say: I wonder what feet have to do with today's Bible story. What do you think? Say: Let s use our feet to go to the storytelling area. As you go, try moving your feet in different ways. (baby steps, giant steps, or twisty steps). Live B.i.G. Thank you, God, for feet. Feet help us walk and run. Artist Feet Supplies: mural paper, finger paint, plastic tubs with water, towels Do Roll out a large piece of mural paper. Invite the children to remove their shoes and finger paint with their feet. Have the children clean the paint off their feet with water and then dry them. Hang the finished mural for all to see. Live B.i.G. Thank you, God, for feet that help us walk, run, dance and even paint. April 10, 2011 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 61

63 Lesson 6 April 10, 2011 The B.i.G. Idea We believe that the Resurrection lets us know that Jesus is always with us. Choose one or more activities to immerse your children in the Bible story. Hear the Bible Story Supplies: Bible, basin or bowl, pitcher of water, paper towels... Into the Bible Do Say: Today we have been talking about feet. Let's look at our feet. What do you see? I see a lot of shoes. Invite the children to take off their If you will ask the children to take off their shoes, tell the shoes if they want to. parents ahead of time so Say: You know, in Jesus time people that children will not be did not wear shoes like the ones embarrassed by holey socks. you wear. Most people wore sandals. The roads were just dirt. When people traveled on the dusty roads, their feet got dusty. So when people visited in another home, usually a servant met them at the door to wash their feet. Open your Bible to the Book of John. Say: Our Bible story about Jesus comes from the Book of John. Let s find out what it has to do with feet. Jesus Washes His Friends Feet One day Jesus and his disciples went to a house to celebrate a holiday called Passover. When they got there, there was no servant to wash their feet. After dinner, Jesus got up from the table and did something that surprised his disciples. Jesus poured water into a bowl. (Fill the bowl with water.) He tied a towel around his waist. (Pick up a paper towel.) Then Jesus began to wash the disciples feet. When he got to Peter, Jesus began to wash Peter s feet. (Walk over to a child, dip the paper towel in the water, and wash his or her hands.) Some children may not want their hands washed. If not, simply move to the next person. Say: Can you think of ways that we can serve others? What are you doing? Peter said. You are Jesus. You are not a servant. You shouldn't wash my feet! (Continue to wash the children s hands.) Jesus washed the disciples' feet to show them that he had come to serve and to help others. He told the disciples that they should serve others too. Jesus loved his disciples very much. Jesus loves us too. Live B.i.G. The Bible tells stories about many ways Jesus served others. 62 Abingdon Press.

64 Travel Time Supplies: Leader page 140, DVD, DVD player, television, DVD-Time Wheel (Kids Book inside front cover), a new pair of socks Do Turn the arrow on the DVD-Time Wheel to Travel Time. Play Travel Time (DVD). Send a note to parents (page 140) to explain the sock collection. Talk about how the people in the video were serving others, just as Jesus served the disciples. Explain that Jesus, through his example, taught us to serve others. Say: Let s begin collecting socks to send to the church in the video. Show a new pair of socks. Say: You will get a note to take to your parents so that they can help you collect socks. When you have collected the socks, send them to: Bless My Sole, Centenary United Methodist Church, 411 E. Grace St., Richmond, VA Live B.i.G. Jesus said, For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you (John 13:15). Praise Time Supplies: DVD; Leader page 5; DVD player; television; DVD-Time Wheel (Kids Book inside front cover); streamers, ribbons, or scarves Do Turn the arrow on the DVD-Time Wheel to Praise Time. Play the song What a Wonderful Day! Invite the children to sing along and wave their streamers as they sing. Say: When Jesus washed his disciples feet, he was doing a wonderful thing. Live B.i.G. It is good to sing about the wonderful acts of God. When Jesus washed his disciples' feet, he was doing a wonderful thing. Where Have We Been? Supplies: classroom mural map begun last week (page 53), crayons or markers Do Encourage the children to recall events from last week's story about Jesus going to the Temple in Jerusalem. Ask: Where did Jesus travel last week? What did he do there? Ask: What did Jesus do this week? Invite the children to draw scenes on the mural map from this week s story about Jesus washing the disciples feet. Ask: What was Jesus teaching the disciples when he washed their feet? (Jesus came to serve people, and he wants his followers to love and serve others too.) Live B.i.G. It is important to learn and remember the stories of Jesus. April 10, 2011 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 63

65 Lesson 6 April 10, 2011 The B.i.G. Idea We believe that the Resurrection lets us know that Jesus is always with us. Choose one or more activities to connect your children s lives to the Bible story. Sock Match Supplies: clothesline, clothespins, socks, laundry basket, two chairs Hang a clothesline between two chairs. Fill a laundry basket with mismatched socks.... Into Life Do Say: In Bible times people wore sandals and their feet got dusty. When people got to a house, they liked to have their feet washed. If Jesus were to wash our feet today, we would have to take off our shoes and socks. Pretend that Jesus washed our feet. And then pretend that he washed our socks. Say: Here are some clean socks. Find the ones that match and hang them beside each other on the clothesline. Invite the children to find matches in the basket of socks. Encourage the children to hang the matched socks on the clothesline. Live B.i.G. We wear socks to keep our feet warm and dry. Socks help keep our feet clean too!. Picture That Supplies: Kids Book, large-size construction paper, gluesticks Punch out the storytelling figures (Kids Book) for each child. Do Give each child a set of figures (Kids Book) and a large piece of construction paper. Invite the children to glue the house scene near the top of the paper. This will be the background of the picture. Invite the children to glue the other figures on the paper to tell the story about Jesus washing Peter s feet. Let them glue the figures to tell the story any way they wish. Live B.i.G. Jesus washed the disciples feet. Thank you, Jesus, for teaching us how to serve others. 64 Abingdon Press.

66 Hand Towel Supplies: plain white hand towels or dish towels, fabric paint or markers, stamps Do Give each child a hand towel. Say: After Jesus washed his disciples feet, he dried their feet with his towel. Let the children decorate a hand towel with fabric paint, fabric markers, or stamps. Say: These towels will remind us of today's Bible story. Remember that Jesus wants us to serve others, just like he served his disciples. Invite the children to take their towels home and to tell their families the story of Jesus washing his disciples feet. Live B.i.G. After Jesus washed the disciples feet, he dried them with his towel. How Many Feet? Supplies: Leader page 67, pencils or crayons Photocopy How Many Feet? (Leader page 67) for each child. Do Give each child a copy of How Many Feet? (Leader page 67). Invite the children to complete the page by counting the disciples feet. Live B.i.G. Jesus had twelve disciples. He washed the feet of all of them. Closing Worship Supplies: Leader page 140, Stickers, Kids Book, optional: The Foot Book by Dr. Seuss Detach a Bible bookmark (Kids Book) for each child. Instead of sending the towels home, take the children to a homeless shelter or a shelter for women and children. Let the children give the towels to the people there. If you have a copy of The Foot Book by Dr. Seuss, read it to the children. Do Gather the children for the Closing Worship. Say: Step into the circle with your left foot. Ask: How can your feet help you serve others? (Encourage answers.) Say: Bring your right foot into the circle. Ask: How else can your feet help you serve others? (Encourage answers.) Say: With both feet take one jump back. Ask: How else can your feet help you serve others? (Encourage answers.) Put a Serving God; Serving Others worship badge (Stickers) on each child. Pray: Thank you, Jesus, for teaching us how to be servants. Give each child a Bible bookmark (Kids Book) and a note to parents about the sock collection (Leader 140) to take home. Live B.i.G. Jesus came to serve all kinds of feet attached to all kinds of people. April 10, 2011 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 65

67 Lesson 6 Feet People Glue the footprint to a sheet of construction paper. Draw arms, eyes, nose, mouth, and other features to create a foot-person. 66 Abingdon Press.

68 How Many Feet? Lesson 6 Count the number of feet Jesus washed. Philip James Andrew John Peter Thaddeus Simon Thomas Judas Matthew Bartholomew James the brother of John April 10, 2011 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 67

69 Lesson 7 April 17, 2011 April s B.i.G. Idea We believe that the Resurrection lets us know that Jesus is always with us. April s Bible Verse It is true! The Lord has risen. Luke 24:34, NIV April s B.i.G. Theme The Tomb Is Empty Lesson 7 Palm Sunday and Holy Week Today s Bible Story Matthew 21:1-11 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 riding a donkey into Jerusalem, cheered on by a crowd. Children will discover ways we welcome Jesus into our lives. It was Passover time. Jews gathered in Jerusalem to celebrate how God had delivered them from oppression in Egypt. Even as they remembered this ancient event of God s deliverance, they felt the oppression of the foreign rule of Rome. Roman soldiers filled the streets. Tax collectors demanded money. The people, as in the days of Moses, longed to be delivered. They hoped that the longawaited Messiah would free them forever. Jesus and his disciples were entering Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover together. It may have seemed like an ordinary holiday to the disciples, but Jesus knew that the days ahead would be difficult. As they neared the city, Jesus sent two of his disciples ahead of him to a village. He told them that they would find a donkey and its colt. Jesus told the disciples to untie the donkey and her colt and to bring them to him. The disciples did as Jesus told them. They laid their cloaks on them for Jesus to ride. As Jesus rode into the city, people crowded around to see him. As was the custom when welcoming dignitaries and famous people, they laid their cloaks on the ground before him. They tore branches from the palm trees and laid them in Jesus path. The people shouted, Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! The word Hosanna was a shout of acclamation and adoration. It also was a plea: Save us! The people were crying out to their Savior. They were welcoming their king. But usually royalty rode on prancing horses and arrived with an impressive entourage. This procession was only a humble servant riding on a common donkey. This king, this Messiah, would not storm the city and destroy the Roman oppression. He would do something much greater. This Messiah would save the people. He would die; he would rise again; and he would forever end the oppression of sin and death. This deliverer would change the world. Just as the people welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem with jubilation, let us welcome him into our hearts and homes with joy and excitement. May the joy of the Messiah fill our hearts and our eyes, so that children may see the excitement that comes from serving Jesus. Carry that excitement into your classroom each and every week. 68 Abingdon Press.

70 Activity Invite them in... (15 minutes) TimeSaver EcoFriendly Welcome! Waving Palm Branches Roll Out the Red Carpet We Love a Parade Riding on a Donkey... Into the Bible (30 minutes) Backyard Time Hear the Bible Story Where Have We Been? Praise Time The King Is Coming... Into Life (15 minutes) Donkey Feed If a Donkey Could Talk Give Me an H Welcoming Signs 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 Ms. Lucy is teaching the Backyard Time kids a Palm Sunday dance when Mr. Z interrupts to tell them someone special is coming to visit. The kids are expecting a celebrity, so they are disappointed when the visitor comes without any fanfare or celebration. It reminds Mr. Z of Palm Sunday, when everyone expected Jesus to come into town like a superstar. But Jesus did the unexpected. He came to tell everyone about God s love, not to make himself look important. The children remember the Bible verse that reminds them that Jesus has risen. April 17, 2011 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 69

71 Lesson 7 April 17, 2011 The B.i.G. Idea We believe that the Resurrection lets us know that Jesus is always with us. 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 Welcome the children as they arrive. Thank any children who brought socks for the sock collection. Give each child a palm branch Sticker to place on the Attendance Chart. Say: (Child s name), I am glad you are here. Do you remember the Bible verse this month? Our verse says, It is true! The Lord has risen (Luke 24:34, NIV). Because Jesus lives, we know that Jesus is always with us. Teach the children how to sign the Bible verse (DVD; Leader inside front cover). Live B.i.G. Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord. When we come to Sunday school, we come in the name of God. Waving Palm Branches Supplies: palm branches (Kids' Book page A), green construction paper, tape Punch out a palm branch (Kids' Book page A) for each child. Do Give each child a palm branch and green construction paper. Show the children how to fold the paper the long way several times to make a branch handle. Help the children tape their handles to the ends of their palm branches. Say: We will hear a Bible story about people cheering for Jesus. They waved palm branches and shouted, Hosanna! Invite the children to stand, wave their palm branches, and shout Hosanna! Live B.i.G. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road (Matthew 21:8). 70 Abingdon Press.

72 Roll Out the Red Carpet Supplies: a roll of red wrapping paper, tape Do Say: Sometimes when an important guest arrives, people say Let s roll out the red carpet! It is a way to honor a special guest. Today we are going to hear a story about a special guest who came to the city of Jerusalem. Say: Let's roll out the red carpet to get ready for today's Bible story. Invite the children to roll out the red wrapping paper to form a path around the room. Have the paper path lead to the storytelling area. Place tape in various spots to hold the paper to the floor. Let the children take turns gently walking a few steps on the red carpet. Live B.i.G. We can welcome Jesus into our homes and into our hearts. We Love a Parade Supplies: Stickers, shoe boxes (or similar small boxes), markers, construction paper, colorful tissue paper, glue Do Give each child a box to decorate with markers, tissue paper, Stickers, and other art supplies to make a parade float. Create a parade path around the room (or use the red carpet if you rolled it out ). Invite the children to walk around the path with the floats. Say: It is fun to watch a parade. Today our Bible story is about a special parade that took place a long time ago. But it did not have any floats. Live B.i.G. When Jesus came into Jerusalem, it was like a parade. Riding on a Donkey Supplies: Leader page 76, DVD, DVD player, television, brown paper lunch sacks, newspaper, black yarn, black construction paper, scissors, gluesticks, yardsticks, markers Review the April 17 Demonstration (DVD) to be ready to help the children make stick donkeys. Make several copies of the pattern for donkey ears (Leader page 76). Do Give each child a brown paper lunch sack to stuff with newspaper. Give the children a yardstick to place into the sack. Help the children tie yarn around the paper sack to hold the stick in place. Give the children the ears pattern (Leader page 76), and help them make donkey ears to glue on. Let the children draw eyes and use construction paper to make bridles. Have the children ride their stick donkeys down the red carpet to the DVD area. Live B.i.G. Jesus entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey. April 17, 2011 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 71

73 Lesson 7 April 17, 2011 The B.i.G. Idea We believe that the Resurrection lets us know that Jesus is always with us. Choose one or more activities to immerse your children in the Bible story. Backyard Time Supplies: DVD, DVD player, television, DVD-Time Wheel (Kids Book inside front cover)... Into the Bible DO Turn the arrow on the DVD-Time Wheel to Backyard Time. Play Backyard Time (DVD). Say: Today, a special guest was coming to the backyard. In today s Bible story a special guest came to the city of Jerusalem. Today we will find out who the special guest was and what happened when he arrived. Live B.i.G. Jesus came into the city of Jerusalem with his disciples. Hear the Bible Story Supplies: Bible Do Open your Bible to the Book of Matthew. Say: Our story about Jesus comes from the Book of Matthew. Say: Jesus and his disciples were going to a city called Jerusalem. Palm Sunday It was a very special time of year. There were many people in the city of Jerusalem to celebrate Passover. Before entering the city, Jesus sent two of his disciples to a nearby village. He told the disciples that they would find a donkey and her colt. Jesus told the disciples to untie the donkey and colt and bring them to him. The disciples found the donkey, just like Jesus had told them. Jesus got on the donkey and headed down the road to Jerusalem. When he reached the city, a large crowd began following him. The people were excited to see Jesus! Jesus had taught the people many things. He had healed many sick people and performed many miracles. The people were glad to see Jesus. Many people took off their coats and laid them on the road for Jesus' donkey to walk on. Other people gathered palm branches from the trees to lay on the road. Some people waved the branches in the air. The people shouted Hosanna! Hosanna! It was a wonderful parade. There was singing and clapping. Lots of people welcomed Jesus to Jerusalem. It was a welcome fit for a king. Live B.i.G. Many people cheered when Jesus rode into Jerusalem. They believed he was the Messiah. 72 Abingdon Press.

74 Where Have We Been? Supplies: classroom mural map (page 53), crayons or markers Do Invite the children to talk about the items on the map, recalling events from last week s story about Jesus washing his disciples feet. Ask: Where did Jesus travel last week? What did he do there? Ask: What did Jesus do this week? Invite the children to draw scenes from this week s story on the mural map. Tell the children that Jesus went to the city of Jerusalem. Write the word Jerusalem over today s pictures. Live B.i.G. It is important to learn and remember the stories of Jesus. Praise Time Supplies: DVD, DVD player, television, DVD-Time Wheel (Kids Book inside front cover), palm branches Do Turn the arrow on the DVD-Time Wheel to Praise Time. Play the song What a Wonderful Day! Invite the children to sing along. Encourage the children to wave palm branches during the song. Live B.i.G. It was a wonderful day when Jesus came to Jerusalem. The King Is Coming Supplies: Leader page 77, construction paper, scissors, gluesticks, crayons, colorful sequins or confetti Photocopy The King Is Coming (Leader page 77) for each child. Do Give each child a copy of The King Is Coming (Leader page 77). Invite the children to decorate the crown with crayons, paper, or sequins. Encourage the children to cut out their crowns. Cut a strip of construction paper to make a headband for each child. Help each child glue a construction paper headband to his or her crown. Invite the children to wear their crowns. Say: When Jesus came into the city, the people shouted Hosanna! They welcomed Jesus as a king. Jesus is our king. Live B.i.G. Look, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey (Matthew 21:5). April 17, 2011 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 73

75 Lesson 7 April 17, 2011 The B.i.G. Idea We believe that the Resurrection lets us know that Jesus is always with us. Choose one or more activities to connect your children s lives to the Bible story. Donkey Feed Supplies: frosted shredded wheat; oatmeal cookies; milk, juice, or water Do Say: Jesus rode into the city on a donkey. What do you think donkeys eat? Explain that donkeys eat grass or hay (shredded wheat). Donkeys would also enjoy a special treat of oats (oatmeal cookies). Share the snack together. Ask: If you were a donkey, which snack would you like best? Live B.i.G. Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. If a Donkey Could Talk Check for food allergies before serving snacks.... Into Life Supplies: stick donkeys (page 71), newsprint, marker Do Say: Jesus rode into the city on the back of a donkey. If donkeys could talk, what do you think the donkey might have said to Jesus? Invite each child to hold his or her donkey and tell what he or she thinks the donkey might have said to Jesus. Write the children s responses on newsprint. Live B.i.G. Jesus chose to ride into the city on a donkey. Give Me an H Supplies: Kids Book, crayons, drinking straws, glue, construction paper, scissors, tape Punch out a Hosanna pendant (Kids Book) for each child. For each child, cut out a construction paper triangle pennant slightly bigger than the triangle pennant from the Kids Book. Do Give each child a Hosanna pennant (Kids Book). Invite each child to color the word Hosanna. Say: In today's Bible story the people shouted the word Hosanna. The word Hosanna is a special word that means save us. Many people knew that Jesus was God s Son. 74 Abingdon Press.

76 Help the children glue their pennants onto the larger construction paper pennants. Help each child tape a drinking straw to the back of his or her pennant to make a handle. Invite the children to wave their pennants and shout, Hosanna! Live B.i.G. The people shouted Hosanna! when Jesus rode into Jerusalem. Welcoming Signs Supplies: newsprint, marker, paper, crayons or markers Do Say: The people in Jerusalem gave Jesus a big welcome. We cannot watch Jesus ride into town on a donkey, but we can do things to show Jesus that he is welcome in our lives. Jesus came to help people. I think Jesus liked animals and the world that God created. So if we are helpful to others, if we care about animals and the environment, that will make Jesus happy. Ask: What other ways you can show Jesus that he is welcome in your life? Write the children s ideas on newsprint. Spend just a few minutes on this. Then invite each child to draw pictures of something he or she can do. Live B.i.G. When we do things for others, we are welcoming Jesus into our lives. Closing Worship Supplies: Kids Book, Stickers, Hosanna pennants from earlier (page 74) Punch out a Bible bookmark (Kids Book) for each child. Do As the children gather, give each one a Hosanna worship badge (Stickers). Say: Today, to celebrate the day Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey, let's use our pennants to give Jesus a big cheer. I will say a line of our cheer, and you can answer by spelling the word hosanna. Say: Let's practice spelling it together. Practice yelling out together, H-O-S-A-N-N-A. Encourage the children to wave their pennants as they cheer. Say: I see Jesus. He is coming this way! H-O-S-A-N-N-A Say: He is riding on a donkey to Jerusalem today! H-O-S-A-N-N-A Say: People are waving palms, and I can hear them say... H-O-S-A-N-N-A Say: Welcome, Jesus. We hope you will stay! H-O-S-A-N-N-A Pray: Thank you, Jesus, for showing us God s love. Give each child a Bible bookmark (Kids Book) to take home. Live B.i.G. Thank you, Jesus, being our king. April 17, 2011 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 75

77 Lesson 7 Riding on a Donkey Cut out the donkey ear pattern. Use the pattern and construction paper to make two ears for your stick donkey. 76 Abingdon Press.

78 Lesson 7 The King Is Coming Color and cut out the crown. Glue the crown to a construction paper strip to make a headband. April 17, 2011 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 77

79 Lesson 8 April 24, 2011 April s B.i.G. Idea We believe that the Resurrection lets us know that Jesus is always with us. April s Bible Verse It is true! The Lord has risen. Luke 24:34, NIV April s B.i.G. Theme The Tomb Is Empty Lesson 8 Easter Today s Bible Story Luke 24:1-12 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 Resurrection. Children will recognize that at Easter the church celebrates Jesus' resurrection and the new life God offers us through Jesus. Happy Easter! Our Lord has risen! It was a long week. Jesus and his disciples had come to Jerusalem to celebrate Passover. Their arrival was marked with a celebration. People waved palm branches and shouted Hosanna! Though they did not realize it at the time, the disciples experienced the last supper they would eat together with Jesus. Then Judas betrayed Jesus. Guards arrested Jesus. Roman soldiers crucified him. Friends laid him in a tomb. It was a long week. When Sunday finally came, how exhausted everyone must have been. Nevertheless, early in the morning some of the women who were followers of Jesus went to the tomb to anoint his body with spices they had prepared. When they arrived at the tomb, they saw that the stone that had sealed the tomb had been rolled away, and the tomb was empty. Suddenly two angels in shining garments greeted the women. They asked, Why do you look for the living among the dead? They told the women that Jesus had risen from the dead. The women, astonished at what they had heard, ran quickly to tell the other disciples. Can you imagine? The women instantly experienced a total shift in emotions. They must have felt overwhelmed with sorrow as they traveled to the tomb. They had waited until the sabbath was over to prepare Jesus body with spices, as was their custom. It was a sorrowful task. Then, in a moment, their lives were changed. Their Lord was alive! The story of Easter changed the world. It is the basis of our beliefs as Christians. It is the cornerstone of God s perfect plan. Of all the lessons that are taught to children, there is none as important as this one. The story of Easter, like the story of Christmas, can be overshadowed by festivities and activities. Although these other things are wonderful in their own ways, it is imperative that the true meaning of Easter never be overlooked. Children should know that the Jesus we serve is alive! He died to show his love, and he lives to give us life. 78 Abingdon Press.

80 Activity TimeSaver EcoFriendly Invite them in... (15 minutes) Welcome! Lovely Lilies Easter Butterfly Suncatcher Easter Chicks... Into the Bible (30 minutes) Picture Time Hear the Bible Story Where Have We Been? Praise Time Remembering the Cross... Into Life (15 minutes) Easter Greetings Hunt for Easter Treasures Scripture Egg Match 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 remembers the story about Jesus being buried in a garden and reminds the children of the Bible verse. Then he introduces Picture Time. The Easter story comes to life One Morning in Joseph s Garden by Barbara Younger and Lisa Flinn. The book begins with nature waking up on Easter morning. Something is very different this morning, and even the trees and the wildlife seem to know it. Then Mary arrives at the tomb and finds that Jesus is gone. Soon the world would know that Jesus had risen from the dead, and the world would never be the same again. April 24, 2011 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 79

81 Lesson 8 April 24, 2011 The B.i.G. Idea We believe that the Resurrection lets us know that Jesus is always with us. 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 Welcome the children as they arrive. Thank any children who brought socks for the sock collection. Give each child a butterfly Sticker to place on the Attendance Chart. Say: Happy Easter! I am glad you are here. Today is the best day to say our Bible verse. Say it with me: It is true! The Lord has risen (Luke 24:34, NIV). Say: Today is one of the best days of the whole year. Today we celebrate the fact that Jesus is alive! Teach the children how to sign the Bible verse (DVD; Leader inside front cover). Live B.i.G. Today is Easter Day a time to remember and celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. It s a wonderful day! Lovely Lilies Supplies: chenille stems, coffee filters, watercolor paints, paintbrushes, water, ribbon Do Give each child several coffee filters. Invite the children to use watercolors to paint the coffee filters. Help the children form flowers by twisting one end of a chenille stem around the middle of each coffee filter. Help each child tie a ribbon around his or her flowers to form a bouquet. Live B.i.G. The beauty of a lily reminds us of God s miracles. Easter is a celebration of Jesus' resurrection and new life. Because Jesus is alive, we know that he is always with us. 80 Abingdon Press.

82 Easter Butterfly Suncatcher Supplies: Kids Book, clear adhesive paper, several colors of tissue paper, pieces of yarn Punch out a butterfly suncatcher pattern (Kids Book) for each child. Be sure to punch out the designs in the middle of the butterfly. Do Say: Today we are celebrating Easter. A butterfly is one of the symbols of Easter. When a butterfly leaves its cocoon, it is a new creation, a new life! Give each child a butterfly suncatcher pattern (Kids Book). Show the children how to place the butterfly onto a piece of clear adhesive paper. Invite the children to tear small pieces of tissue paper. Show the children how to stick the tissue paper onto the adhesive paper through the punchouts in the butterfly. Help each child cover the top of butterfly with another piece of adhesive paper. Attach a small piece of yarn through the hole on the top of the suncatcher. Live B.i.G. Jesus offers us all new life in his love. Easter Chicks Supplies: washable yellow paint, fine-tip markers, paper plates, wet wipes, construction paper Pour yellow paint onto several paper plates. Do Give each child a piece of construction paper. Invite each child to dip a finger into the yellow paint and make fingerprints on the construction paper. Allow the prints to dry. Show the children how to use markers to add feet, eyes, and a beak to each fingerprint to create baby chicks. Say: Baby chicks are a symbol of Easter. A baby chick starts its life in an egg. When the chick comes out of the egg, a new life is born! When Jesus left the tomb, new life was born. Let s pretend to be little chicks as we walk to our storytelling area. Live B.i.G. Because of Jesus, we all can have new life. April 24, 2011 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 81

83 Lesson 8 April 24, 2011 The B.i.G. Idea We believe that the Resurrection lets us know that Jesus is always with us. Picture Time Choose one or more activities to immerse your children in the Bible story. Supplies: DVD, DVD player, television, DVD-Time Wheel (Kids Book inside front cover)... Into the Bible Do Turn the arrow on the DVD-Time Wheel to Picture Time. Play Picture Time (DVD). Ask: What are some things that you saw during Picture Time? Say: Each picture showed a new life. It is wonderful to see new life! Live B.i.G. Today we celebrate the new life we have because of Jesus. Hear the Bible Story Supplies: Bible Do Open your Bible to the Book of Luke. Say: Our story about Jesus comes from the Book of Luke. Say: Last week we learned that Jesus went to Jerusalem. When Jesus was in Jerusalem many people were excited to see him. But some were not. Listen to the story. Easter Jesus taught the people and healed the sick. Many people said that Jesus was the Son of God. This made some of the leaders in the city angry. Then something terrible happened. They arrested Jesus and killed him. Jesus disciples were sad. They placed Jesus body in a tomb. It was like a large cave. Then they rolled a huge stone in front of the tomb. Three days after Jesus died, some women who were followers of Jesus went to the tomb. When they got there, they saw that something strange had happened. The stone that had covered the tomb had been rolled away Suddenly, the women saw two angels standing by the tomb. The angels said, Jesus is not here. Jesus is alive! The women could not believe what they had heard. Jesus was alive! The women ran back to tell Jesus disciples. One of the disciples, Peter, ran to the tomb. When he got there, he saw that it was true. Jesus was not there. Jesus was alive! Live B.i.G. When Jesus followers discovered that the tomb was empty, they were excited because the empty tomb meant that Jesus was alive. 82 Abingdon Press.

84 Where Have We Been? Supplies: classroom mural map (page 53), crayons or markers Do Invite the children to talk about the items on the map, recalling events from last week's story about Jesus arrival in Jerusalem, a day we celebrate as Palm Sunday. Ask: Where did Jesus travel last week? What did he do there? Ask: What did Jesus do this week? Invite the children to draw scenes from this week's story onto the mural map. Comment that Jesus died on the cross and was laid in a tomb. Say: When the women visited the tomb, Jesus was not there. He had risen. He was alive! Live B.i.G. It is important to learn and remember the stories of Jesus. Praise Time Supplies: DVD, DVD player, television, DVD-Time Wheel (Kids Book inside front cover), palm branches Do Turn the arrow on the DVD-Time Wheel to Praise Time. Play the song, What a Wonderful Day! (DVD). Invite the children to sing along, waving their palm branches as they sing. Say: Today is a wonderful day. Today we celebrate Jesus. Jesus has risen! Live B.i.G. Easter is a wonderful day. On Easter we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. Remembering the Cross Supplies: cross, glue, markers, construction paper, craft foam, heart stickers Cut out a craft foam cross for each child. Cut out a variety of small hearts from craft foam. Do Show the children a cross or a picture of a cross. Ask: What is this I am holding? Ask: Where have you seen a cross? Ask: Why do we have crosses in our church? Say: Jesus died on a cross. The good news is that Jesus came back to life! When we see a cross it reminds us that Jesus is alive. Give each child a foam cross. Invite each child to glue hearts to his or her foam cross. Live B.i.G. Jesus died on a cross to show his great love for us. Crosses remind us that Jesus loves us very much. Crosses also remind us that Jesus is alive. April 24, 2011 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 83

85 Lesson 8 April 24, 2011 The B.i.G. Idea We believe that the Resurrection lets us know that Jesus is always with us. Choose one or more activities to connect your children s lives to the Bible story. Easter Greetings Supplies: Leader page 144, Stickers, construction paper or cardstock, markers or crayons, glue, scissors Make photocopies of Happy Easter (Leader page 144).... Into Life Do Say: Did you hear the good news? Jesus has risen! Jesus is alive! Let's tell the good news to others. Give each child a piece of construction paper or cardstock. Show the children how to fold the construction paper or cardstock in half to make a card. Invite the children to recreate the scene of the first Easter on the front cover of the card. They can draw and/or use Stickers that show the scene. Give each child a copy of the Happy Easter message (Leader page 144). Invite the children to color in the message and glue it inside the card. Say: We can tell others about Jesus. You can give this Easter card to someone. The card says, It is true! The Lord has risen. Happy Easter!" Live B.i.G. We can tell others the good news about Jesus. Jesus is alive! Hunt for Easter Treasures Supplies: Leader page 86, Easter baskets or lunch-size paper bags, plastic eggs, construction paper, glue, crayons or markers, scissors Photocopy several copies of Hunt for Easter Treasures (Leader page 86) enough eggs for every child to find at least one. Cut out the symbols on the Hunt for Easter Treasures page. Place each symbol inside a plastic Easter egg> Hide the eggs around the room. Do Give each child a basket or paper lunch bag. Invite the children to find the hidden eggs. Have the children gather in a circle with the eggs. Invite the children to open the eggs and remove the treasures. Talk about what each treasure symbolizes. 84 Abingdon Press.

86 Give each child a piece of construction paper. Invite the children to glue their pictures onto the construction paper to make an Easter Treasures montage. Live B.i.G. We can treasure the Easter story in our hearts and know that Jesus is alive! Scripture Egg Match Supplies: plastic eggs, black permanent marker Separate the two halves of each of several plastic eggs. Be sure to have at least one egg for each child who will be in the class. On one half of each egg write: It is true! On the other half of each egg write: The Lord has risen. Do Help the children remember the Bible verse: It is true! The Lord has risen. Scatter the broken eggs on a table or around the room. Invite each child to find a match that completes the Scripture. Live B.i.G. Our Bible verse tells us, It is true! The Lord has risen. Closing Worship Supplies: Stickers, Kids Book Do Say: Please join me in our worship circle. Give each child a Jesus Is Alive! worship badge (Stickers). Say: Tell a friend, Jesus is alive! Invite each child to turn to the person on her or his left and right and say, Jesus is alive! Say: Let's shout it to the world, Jesus is alive! Invite the children to shout together, Jesus is alive! Say: Let's know it in our hearts, Jesus is alive! Invite the children to place their hands over their hearts and whisper, Jesus is alive! Pray: Thank you, God, for Jesus. Thank you, God, that in Jesus we all can have new life! Give each child a Bible bookmark (Kids Book) to take home. Live B.i.G. Let's take the good news of Jesus everywhere we go! April 24, 2011 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 85

87 Hunt for Easter Treasures Lesson 8 Cut out the Easter symbols. Place each symbol in a plastic Easter egg. Use the eggs for an Easter egg hunt. As each egg is opened, talk about the symbol inside. Hosanna Hosanna 86 Abingdon Press.

88 May Overview May s B.i.G. Idea We believe that God s presence in our lives can completely change us. May s B.i.G. Theme It s Time for a Change. May s Bible Verse See, everything has become new! (2 Corinthians 5:17b) Objectives Children will hear the Bible story about Jesus meeting a Samaritan woman at a well Children will understand that Jesus shows love to all people, including those that were different from us. Children will understand that we can show God s love to others. Children will hear the Bible story about Zacchaeus meeting Jesus and being changed by Jesus. Children will discover ways that things and people can change. Children will hear the Bible story about Paul s life being changed when he met Jesus. May s DVD May Overview Bible Verse in American Sign Language: 2 Corinthians 5:17b (see Leader inside front cover) Teaching Your Children: Using Bible Resources Travel Time: Sheltered Reality (May 1) Picture Time: Changes God Makes (May 15) Travel Time: Clothing Collection (May 22) Travel Time: Pastor Diane and her Seeing Eye dog Grant (May 29) May s Praise Time Song Shakin It Up (DVD, CD, Leader page 6) Music Suggestions Play songs from the CD as the children arrive. Plan a time for them to sing and review songs the children remember from other units. Sing the Live B.I.G. theme song (CD) as part of each week s closing worship. May s Lessons May 1: Woman at the Well, John 4:1-42 May 8: Zacchaeus, Luke 19:1-10 May 15: Paul, Acts 9:1-19 May 22: Lydia, Acts 16:11-15 May 29: Peter and Cornelius, Acts 10:1-48 Children will recognize that when God is present in our lives, everything about us can change for the better. Children will hear the Bible story about Lydia, who believed in Jesus and then used her skills and resources to help spread the gospel. Children will hear the Bible story about Peter and Cornelius. Children will recognize that Jesus love is for everyone. Children will know God wants us to tell others about Jesus. Children will discover ways they can use their skills and resources to help spread the good news. Plan Ahead Collect empty water or soda bottles with caps to make shakers for Praise Time each week. Collect magazines for Who Does Jesus Love? on May 1 and Friends Can Be Different on May 29. Locate a portable water fountain for Water Fountain on May 1. Look for a picture of a sycamore-fig tree at your public library or on the Internet for May 8. Practice making a handprint tree for May 8. Order a Butterfly Garden kit for May 8 Provide magnetic letters and metal baking sheets for May 15. Collect a basket of purple clothing or purple fabric for Hanging Out to Dry? on May 22. Invite a pastor, or other leader, to talk about baptism on May 22. Provide small plastic coffee can lids for Medallion Promise on May 29. April 24, 2011 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 87

89 Lesson 9 May 1, 2011 May s B.i.G. Idea We believe that God s presence in our lives can completely change us. May s Bible Verse See, everything has become new! 2 Corinthians 5:17b May s B.i.G. Theme It s Time for a Change Lesson 9 Woman at the Well Today s Bible Story John 4:1-42 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 meeting a Samaritan woman at a well. Children will understand that Jesus shows love to all people, including those that were different from us. Children will understand that we can show God s love to others. Jesus was on traveling from Judea to Galilee when he went through the Samaritan city of Sychar. About noon he stopped at an ancient well to rest from his journey. It was the hottest part of the day, and there was no one else at the well. The women of the city came early in the morning and again in the evening to draw water for their families needs, and they were now gone. Then a woman arrived at the well. Jesus knew that she had come during the heat of the day to avoid the other women who would have not approved of her. She was an outcast because she did not meet society s expectations. When Jesus spoke to the Samaritan woman, he was going against accepted customs of the day. Although they shared a common heritage, Samaritans and Jews differed greatly on religious traditions and went out of their way to avoid one another. It was considered defilement for a Jew to enter a Samaritan s home, to drink from the same cup, or even to speak to a Samaritan. It was also contrary to customary social practices for Jesus to speak to such a woman in public. But Jesus was more concerned about people than about customs. Jesus asked the woman for a drink of water. But Jesus was the one who actually provided water for the woman. He offered her the gift of living water that gives eternal life. At first, the woman did not fully understand what Jesus was saying, but when Jesus told her what he knew of her background, she began to realize that something was different about him. Finally, when the woman hesitantly referred to the promised Messiah, Jesus confirmed that he was the chosen one. In spite of the choices the Samaritan woman had made in the past, Jesus was able to change her life by telling her how living water could quench her thirst. Jesus actions brought radical change to the religious practices of the day. He showed that God sent Jesus as Savior for all people. Jesus message is an important one. God s love is for everyone, even if they are different from us, and we can show that love to others. 88 Abingdon Press.

90 Activity TimeSaver EcoFriendly Invite them in... (15 minutes) Welcome! Down in the Well Who Does Jesus Love? Color by Numbers Water Fountain... Into the Bible (30 minutes) Hear the Bible Story Drops of Living Water Praise Time... Into Life (15 minutes) Travel Time Kindness Bottle Wrappers L-O-V-E Toss 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 This week the children are introduced to a group of young people who have overcome hardships and struggles in their lives. Together they perform as a drum line and share their stories as a part of Sheltered Reality. The ministry provides a way for those who participate to help themselves and heal others by playing the drums. Your children will see that music can help them express their feelings whether they are feeling happy, mad, or somewhere in between. They will hear Sheltered Reality s message of belief and hope. May 1, 2011 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 89

91 Lesson 9 May 1, 2011 The B.i.G. Idea We believe that God s presence in our lives can completely change us. 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 Welcome the children as they arrive. Give each one a well Sticker to place on the Attendance Chart. Say: (Child s Name), I am glad you are here. Our Bible Story today is about Jesus and a woman he met met at a well. Everything became new for her when she met Jesus! Say: Today we have a new Bible verse: See, everything has become new! (2 Corinthians 5:17b). Remind the children how to sign the Bible verse (DVD; Leader inside front cover). Live B.i.G. Jesus helps everyone have new life! Down in the Well Supplies: blocks, painters tape, small bucket, one yard of clothes line, optional: a large pan of water Make a 24-inch diameter tape circle on the floor. Tie a bucket to a length of cloths line If you wish, build the well around a large pan of water. Let the children draw water from the well. Do Show the children how to build a well using the blocks around the circle on the floor. Show the children how to lower the bucket down into the well. Say: In Bible times, people came to a well to get water. They lowered a bucket to pull water up from under ground. Today, we will hear a Bible story about Jesus and a woman he met one day when he stopped at a well to rest while he was traveling. Live B.i.G. A Samaritan woman met Jesus when she came to draw water from a well. 90 Abingdon Press.

92 Who Does Jesus Love? Supplies: old magazines, posterboard, gluestick, small lunch sack, scissors Cut out twelve to fifteen different faces of people from old magazines. It is important for them to be young and old, male and female, and a variety of ethnic backgrounds. Write Jesus Loves... on the top of a piece of posterboard. Do Say: In our Bible story today, we will learn about a woman who was different from the others in her town. While getting water from a well one day, she met Jesus, who reminded her that God loved her even though she was different. Say: I need your help. I have some pictures in this sack. Will you help me decide who Jesus loves? We will glue the pictures of the people Jesus loves onto the poster. My poster says Jesus loves Say: Pull each picture out of the bag one at a time. Ask: Does Jesus love this person? (Yes) Continue until all the faces are on the poster. Say: Let s add one more word! (Write Everyone. ) Our poster now says Jesus Loves Everyone. Live B.i.G. When we are kind to others, we show Jesus love. Color by Numbers Supplies: Leader page 96, crayons Photocopy Color by Numbers (Leader page 96) for each child. Do Invite the children to use the instructions on the picture to choose colors for the picture. Say: Using a variety of colors makes a picture interesting and beautiful. The many kinds of people in our world make the world beautiful too. Live B.i.G. God loves everyone, even those who need to make changes to live as God wants them to live. Water Fountain Supplies: portable water fountain, electrical plug Plug in a portable water fountain so that it is running when the children come in. Do Say: Today we will hear a Bible story about a woman who met Jesus at a well. Say: In Bible times people had to go to the wells to get water two or more times a day. Ask: How hard do you think it would be to get water from the well? Say: Let us listen to the sounds this water fountain makes as we work today. Live B.i.G. A Samaritan woman met Jesus met at a well. May 1, 2011 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 91

93 Lesson 9 May 1, 2011 The B.i.G. Idea We believe that God s presence in our lives can completely change us. Choose one or more activities to immerse your children in the Bible story. Hear the Bible Story Supplies: Kid s Book, yarn, construction paper, gluesticks... Into the Bible Punch out the storytelling figures and the Bible verse card (Kid s Book) for each child. Do Open your Bible to the Book of John. Say: Today s Bible Story comes from the Gospel of John. John is in the New Testament Give each child a set of storytelling figures (Kid s Book), a piece of yarn, and a piece of construction paper. Help the children tie the yarn through the hole in the water bucket. Say: As you listen to the Bible story about Jesus and the woman he met at the well, place your storytelling figures on your piece of construction paper to tell the story. Move the figures around on the paper as you need to as you hear more and more of the story. Jesus and the Woman at the Well In Bible Times, people went to wells near the road to get water once in the morning and a second time in the evening. (Encourage the children to place the well on their papers.) They used a bucket on a long rope to bring the water up from underground. (Have the children place the bucket by the well.) One day Jesus was traveling from Judea through Samaria on his way back home to Galilee. He was tired and thirsty, so he stopped by a well to rest. (Have the children add Jesus to their papers.) Around noon time, a Samaritan woman came to draw water. (Encourage the children to add the Samaritan woman.) Jesus asked the woman to draw some water from the well so he could have a drink. The woman was surprised that Jesus was talking with her, because Jews and Samaritans were not friendly to each other. But she put down her water jar and spoke to Jesus. (Have the children add the water jar.) The woman asked, Why are you talking to me? You are a Jew, and I am a Samaritan woman. Jesus was kind to the woman and explained that he could offer the Samaritan woman living water. Living water is not water that you drink. Jesus meant that he could help the woman know how to live for God. The Samaritan woman was excited. Soon she realized that Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of God. She went back to her village and told everyone what had happened at the well. Many other people came to the well to learn from Jesus too. 92 Abingdon Press.

94 Invite children to finish their pictures by gluing all the pieces to the construction paper to illustrate the story. Show them how to hang the bucket from the well. Invite children to glue the Bible verse card to the picture. Say: Let s read the Bible verse together. Live B.i.G. Jesus was kind to the Samaritan woman. We can show love to others who are different from us. Drops of Living Water Supplies:: blue balloons, sand, funnels, permanent marker, small bucket Use a funnel to fill blue balloons with sand. Tie the end of each balloon. (Be sure there is a balloon for each child.) Write one of these phrases on each balloon: Love Others Share With Others Use Kind Words Read the Bible Come to Church Help Others Smile Tell Others About Jesus Forgive Others Be a Good Friend Do Place the balloons on the floor. Say: In today s Bible story, Jesus asked the Samaritan woman for a drink of water from the well. A well is a deep hole that fills with water. People use a bucket or a large jar attached to a rope to pull water from the well. Say: We have some pretend drops of water on our floor. (Point out the balloons.) Say: Jesus told the woman that he had living water. Jesus was not talking about the kind of water that you drink. What Jesus meant was that Jesus could help the woman know how to live the way that God had planned. Say: Let s see if we can learn about living water. Invite each child to take a turn scooping up a water drop balloon into a bucket. When a water drop is retrieved, read the words on the drop together. Talk about how each phrase is an example of how to live for God. Live B.i.G. The teachings of Jesus help us know how we should live. Praise Time Supplies: Stickers, DVD, DVD player, television, DVD-Time Wheel (Kids Book inside front cover), 12- or 16-ounce empty water or soda bottles, small pebbles Do Turn the arrow on the DVD-Time Wheel to Praise Time. Give each child an empty water or soda bottle. Have each child add a handful of small pebbles to each bottle and replace the cap. Let them add Stickers to decorate the bottles. Play the song, Shakin It Up (DVD). Invite the children to sing along, move with the music, and shake their shakers. Live B.i.G. Using instruments is a great way to sing praises to God. May 1, 2011 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 93

95 Lesson 9 May 1, 2011 The B.i.G. Idea We believe that God s presence in our lives can completely change us. Choose one or more activities to connect your children s lives to the Bible story. Travel Time Supplies: DVD, DVD player, television, DVD-Time Wheel (Kids Book inside front cover) Do Turn the arrow on the DVD-Time Wheel to Picture Time. Say: Today Travel Time is about a group of young people who have overcome hardships and struggles in their lives. Let s see how they have found a way to help themselves and others by expressing their feelings by playing drums. Play Travel Time (DVD). Ask: Do you play any kind of musical instrument? Would you like to play drums like these kids? How does listening to music make you feel?... Into Life Live B.i.G. Music can help us express our feelings. Kindness Bottle Wrappers Supplies: Leader page 97, unopened bottles of water, tape Photocopy a Kindness Bottle Wrapper (Leader page 97) for each child. Provide at least one unopened bottle of water for each child. Do Ask: What are some ways we can show our kindness to those who are different from us? (Let the children answer.) Say: Today we are going to make kindness bottles of water and give them to others to show our kindness and God s love for them. Allow the children to color the bottle wrappers (Leader page 97). Encourage them to make the word Kindness especially colorful. Show the children how to attach a wrapper around each bottle of water. Tear off several pieces of tape and hold them so that each child can easily take one and tape the wrapper around the battle. Invite each child to give his or her bottle to someone in your church to show kindness. Or, you may want to collect the bottles to take to a prison or rehabilitation center. Live B.i.G.We can show God s love to others. 94 Abingdon Press.

96 L-O-V-E Toss Supplies: four small balls, marker, cardboard box, brown paper, tape Write one letter of the word L-O-V-E on each of four balls. Use tape to mark a line on the floor where the children will stand. Wrap the box with brown paper to make a well. Put the well several feet from the tape line. Do Invite the children to stand on the line you have marked on the floor. Give the first child in line the ball with the letter L on it. Have him or her toss the ball into the well, while the other children shout out L! Give the second child in line the ball with the letter O on it. Have him or her toss the ball into the well, while the other children shout out O! Give the third child in line the ball with the letter V on it. Have him or her toss the ball into the well, while the other children shout out V! Give the fourth child in line the ball with the letter E on it. Have him or her toss the ball into the well, while the other children shout out E! Ask: What does it spell? LOVE! Say: Jesus met a woman at the well and showed her that God s love is for everyone. We can show God s love by being kind and loving to others. Say: Let us play again so everyone can have a chance to toss the ball into the well. Live B.i.G. We can share God s L-O-V-E with others. Closing Worship Supplies: Stickers, Kids Book, Leader page 144, story pictures made earlier (page 92) Do Hold up one of the story pictures the children made earlier. Say: Who can remember something that happened at the well in our Bible story today? Remember, the story was about Jesus showing love to a Samaritan woman even though she was different from him. Ask: How were they different? (Jesus was a Jew; the woman was a Samaritan.) Ask: What did Jesus ask the woman for? (a drink of water) Ask: Why was the Samaritan woman surprised that Jesus was talking with her? (Jews and Samaritans were not friendly with each other.) Ask: What kind of water did Jesus offer the woman? (living water) Ask: What is living water? (a gift to help her live like God wants her to live) Ask: Do you think it is it okay for us to be friends with someone who is different from us? Place a Jesus Offers Living Water worship badge (Stickers) on each child. Say: This well can help you remember to be kind to everyone. Pray: Dear God, Please help us to show kindness to others this week. Amen. Give each child a storybook (Kids Book) and a copy of May Living B.I.G at Home (Leader page 144) to take home. Live B.i.G. Because of God s love we can be kind to those who are different from us. May 1, 2011 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 95

97 Lesson 9 Color by Numbers 96 Abingdon Press.

98 Lesson 9 Kindness Bottle Wrapper May 1, 2011 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 97

99 Lesson 10 May 8, 2011 May s B.i.G. Idea We believe that God s presence in our lives can completely change us. May s Bible Verse See, everything has become new! 2 Corinthians 5:17b May s B.i.G. Theme It s Time for a Change Lesson 10 Zacchaeus Today s Bible Story Luke 19:1-10 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 Zacchaeus meeting Jesus and being changed by Jesus. Children will discover ways that things and people can change. Jesus can make big changes in our lives. The story about Zacchaeus is certainly a familiar and important story that illustrates that when people come face to face with Jesus, a change is inevitable! Jericho was a prosperus city, a good location for a chief tax collector like Zacchaeus. Tax collectors, who collected taxes for the Roman government, were free to collect whatever extra taxes they could for themselves. It is not surprising that the Bible tells us that Zacchaeus was a rich man. Despite his wealth, position, and possessions, though, it is quite probable that Zacchaeus lacked friends. As a tax collector, Zacchaeus would have been shunned by the Jewish community because tax collectors often cheated people and were viewed as traitors to their own people. One day when Jesus came to Jericho, a large crowd gathered to see and hear him. Zacchaeus was curious, and he wanted to see Jesus. Surely he had heard about this popular teacher. Since Zacchaeus was a short man, he was unable to see Jesus over the large crowd. So Zacchaeus climbed the branches of a sycamore-fig tree to see Jesus passing by. Zacchaeus had not anticipated, though, what would happen next. When Jesus passed by, he looked up into the tree where Zacchaeus thought he would be out of the way, and said, Zacchaeus, come down. I must stay at your house today. Zacchaecus was surprised and the people in the crowd were confused by Jesus words. Why would Jesus want to go to the house of a person like Zacchaeus? Surely there were righteous people among the crowd who would have gladly offered Jesus a place at their tables. But Jesus reminded the people that he was not there for the righteous. He was there to make a change. When Jesus called to Zacchaeus, the tax collector s life was changed. Zacchaeus hurried down from the tree and welcomed Jesus. Immediately, he made plans to right the wrongs he had done and to lead a different kind of life. The thought of change can be scary; some changes are uncomfortable or even wrenching. But often change is good, especially if it is Jesus who is changing our lives. Zacchaeus was certainly changed. How can we be like Zacchaeus? What changes can we make in our own lives? What changes will help us impact our families and communities in big ways? How can we help children understand how meeting Jesus can make a good change in their lives? 98 Abingdon Press.

100 Activity Invite them in... (15 minutes) TimeSaver EcoFriendly Welcome! All Mixed Up B.I.G. Changes Play Dough Table Remember the Bible Verse... Into the Bible (30 minutes) Backyard Time Zacchaeus Climbs a Tree Hear the Bible Story Praise Time What Is a Sycamore-Fig?... Into Life (15 minutes) Handprint Trees It s Time for a Change Four Times More Snack Watch Me Change 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 Mr. Z shows everyone how, just by waving his hand, he can make Ms. Lucy s facial expression change. Her face changes from sad to happy to silly, and back to happy again. Then Mr. Z helps your kids say this month s Bible verse: See, everything has become new! (2 Corinthians 5:17b) Mr. Z plays a game where he changes three things about his own appearance and lets your kids guess the changes. Then Bongo gets in on the act and has the children guess three changes he has made. It all reminds Mr. Z of the Bible story about Zacchaeus, who changed when he met Jesus. May 8, 2011 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 99

101 Lesson 10 May 8, 2011 The B.i.G. Idea We believe that God s presence in our lives can completely change us. Choose one or more activities to introduce your children to the Bible story. Welcome! 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. Make several obvious changes to the classroom. Move tables or toys. Change a bulletin board, or move pictures around in the room. Do Welcome the children as they arrive. Give each one a tree Sticker to place on the Attendance Chart. Say: (Child s Name), I am glad you are here. Our Bible story is about a man named Zacchaeus, who climbed into a tree to see Jesus. Ask: Have you ever climbed into a tree? Say: Because he met Jesus, Zacchaeus made big changes in his life. He learned something new and became a better person. Say: Our Bible verse today says, See, everything has become new! (2 Corinthians 5:17b) Remind the children how to sign the Bible verse (DVD; Leader inside front cover). Ask: What is new in our classroom? Do you see any changes? Let the children enjoy discovering what has become new in the room. Live B.i.G. Change can help us feel refreshed and renewed. All Mixed Up Supplies: red, blue, yellow, and white paint; craft sticks; paintbrushes; poster paper; paper cups; spoons Do Group the children in pairs. Give each pair several paper cups and spoons. Invite the pairs to mix the various colors of paint to form new colors. Challenge the children to see how many color changes they can create. Encourage the children to use their new colors to create pictures. Talk about the new colors that were used in each picture. Say: We changed four colors into many different colors. Live B.i.G. Change can be good. 100 Abingdon Press.

102 B.i.G. Changes Supplies: Leader page 106; pens, pencils, or crayons Photocopy B.I.G. Changes (Leader page 106) for each child. Do Give each child a copy of B.I.G. Changes (Leader page 130) and a pen, pencil, or crayon. Help the children connect each item on the left to the way it changes on the right. Say: Many things change. People can change too. When we believe in Jesus, he changes our lives and makes them better! Live B.i.G. Butterflies, frogs, seeds, and people all change. Play Dough Table Supplies: various colors of play dough, cookie cutters Do Hold up a ball of play dough. Say: This play dough does not look like much of anything. But I bet that if you worked with it you could change it to make it look like just about anything. Give each child a ball of play dough. Invite the children to make various shapes and creations with the play dough. Invite each child to show what he or she has made. Say: It can be fun to see things change and to make changes. Say: Our Bible story today will show us how a man named Zacchaeus changed when he met Jesus. Live B.i.G. Following Jesus can shape us into the people that God wants us to be. Remember the Bible Verse Supplies: Leader page 141, scissors Cut out the separate words of the Bible verse (Leader page 141). Keep the strip with the whole verse intact. Do Say: One thing that changes in our classroom is our Bible verse. Our Bible verse for this month is, See, everything has become new! Place the words from the Bible verse on a table or on the floor. Show the children the paper strip with the complete Bible verse. Invite the children to put the words together to form the 2 Corinthians 5:17b. Live B.i.G. See, everything has become new! May 8, 2011 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 101

103 Lesson 10 May 8, 2011 The B.i.G. Idea We believe that God s presence in our lives can completely change us. Choose one or more activities to immerse your children in the Bible story. Backyard Time Supplies: DVD, DVD player, television, DVD-Time Wheel (Kids Book inside front cover)... Into the Bible Do Turn the arrow on the DVD-Time Wheel to Backyard Time. Play Backyard Time (DVD). Ask: Was it fun to see the ways Mr. Z, Ms. Lucy, and Bongo changed? Ask: Mr. Z remembered our Bible story about Zacchaeus. Let s get ready to hear the Bible story. Live B.i.G. When God changes us, we are able to work for God. Zacchaeus Climbs a Tree Supplies: Kids Book, yarn, scissors, tape, crayons Detach a tree and a Zacchaeus puppet (Kids Book) for each child. Do Give each child a tree and a Zacchaeus puppet (Kids Book). Tell the children that the puppet s name is Zacchaeus. Thread a piece of yarn through the hole in the bottom of the tree, then through Zacchaeus, and then through the hole in the top of the tree. Tape the ends on the yarn together on the back of the tree. Show the children how to move Zacchaeus up and down the yarn so that he can climb up and down the tree. Say: Do you wonder what Zacchaeus is doing in the tree? Who is Zacchaeus anyway? Listen to the Bible story to find out. Live B.i.G. Zacchaeus climbed into a tree so that he could see Jesus. Hear the Bible Story Supplies: Bible, Kids Book Do Say: Our story about Jesus comes from the Book of Luke. Open your Bible to the Book of Luke. Say: Let s listen to this story about a man named Zacchaeus, whose life was changed when he met Jesus Abingdon Press.

104 Zacchaeus Meets Jesus One day, Jesus came to Jericho. Many people gathered to see Jesus. Soon the crowd was very large. There was a man in the crowd named Zacchaeus. Zacchaeus was a rich man. He collected taxes from people for the Roman government. Sometimes Zacchaeus cheated and took too much money from the people. Zacchaeus wanted to see Jesus, but the crowd was too big, and Zacchaeus was too short to see around them. Zacchaeus had an idea. He climbed up in a sycamore-fig tree. (Invite each child to move the Zacchaeus puppet up the tree.) When Jesus passed by and saw Zacchaeus, he said, Zacchaeus, hurry and come down. I am going to visit your house today. Live B.i.G. Jesus helps us to make good changes in our lives. Praise Time Supplies: DVD, DVD player, television, DVD-Time Wheel (Kids Book inside front cover), rhythm instruments or the water bottle shakers for last week (page 93) Do Turn the arrow on the DVD-Time Wheel to Praise Time. Play the song, Shakin It Up (DVD). Invite the children to sing along, move with the music, and shake their shakers. Live B.i.G. Using instruments is a great way to sing praises to God. What Is a Sycamore-Fig? Supplies: figs, fig bars, napkins, picture of a sycamore-fig tree Zacchaeus hurried down from the tree. (Invite children to move their Zacchaeus puppets down to the base of the tree.) The people in the crowd could not believe that Jesus would want to go to Zacchaeus house. Zacchaeus treated people badly. Why did Jesus want to go there? Jesus knew that Zacchaeus was about to change. From now on I will do good things, Zacchaeus said. When Zacchaeus met Jesus, Zacchaeus life was changed. Jesus helped Zacchaeus know how to live the way God wanted him to live. Zacchaeus was careful not to take too much money from people. Zacchaeus gave half of all he owned to help others, and he returned to the people more money than he had taken from them Find a picture of the sycamore-fig in a book or on the Internet. If children are allergic to nuts, they may also be allergic to figs. Check for any nut allergies before serving figs. Do Say: Zacchaeus climbed up into a sycamore-fig tree. Show a picture of a sycamore-fig tree. Some people ate figs from the tree. Show a fig. Allow children to touch and smell the fig. Invite the children to taste a bite of the fig bar. Live B.i.G. Figs and fig trees are mentioned several times in the Bible. May 8, 2011 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 103

105 Lesson 10 May 8, 2011 The B.i.G. Idea We believe that God s presence in our lives can completely change us. Choose one or more activities to connect your children s lives to the Bible story. Handprint Trees Supplies: large sheets of brown construction paper and white construction paper, green paint, new sponges, pencils, scissors, glue Cut a sponge into two-inch squares enough for each child to have one.... Into Life Do Trace the open hand, with fingers spread wide, and forearm of each child onto brown construction paper. Help each child cut out his or her arm-and-handprint pattern. Have each child glue his or her arm-and-handprint pattern onto a piece of white construction paper. This will form the trunk and branches of a tree. Give each child a piece of sponge. Invite the children to make leaves by sponging green paint on their trees. Ask: Who climbed up in a tree? Why did he do that? Live B.i.G. Zacchaeus could not see Jesus so he climbed a tree. It s Time for a Change Supplies: Leader page 107, crayons, scissors, tape Photocopy It s Time for a Change (Leader page 107) for each child. Do Give each child a copy of It s Time for a Change (Leader page 107). Invite the children to color and cut out their watches. Invite the children to wear the watches. Secure the band of the watch with a piece of tape. Say: When Zacchaeus met Jesus, he knew that it was time for a change. Jesus helped Zacchaeus learn to follow God and to give to others. These watches will remind us that Jesus brings good changes to our lives. Live B.i.G. Jesus changes people s lives and makes them better Abingdon Press.

106 Four Times More Snack Supplies: full plate of miniature snack cookies or other tiny snack, juice or water, cups Do Give each child one miniature snack. Say: Before Zacchaeus met Jesus, Zacchaeus was selfish. He did not share. He cheated people so that he could have more money. Show the full plate of snacks to the children. Say: Zacchaeus kept all his belongings to himself. Say: When Zacchaeus met Jesus, his life was changed. He gave away half of everything he owned. He gave back four times more than he had taken from all those he had cheated. Give each child four more snacks. Live B.i.G. After Zacchaeus met Jesus, Zacchaeus life was changed. Watch Me Change Supplies: a Butterfly Garden Order a Butterfly Garden kit from insectlore.com or from another website. Do Butterfly Garden kits come with live caterpillars, food, and a large butterfly garden in which to watch a butterfly grow. Over the course of about four weeks, the caterpillars will form chrysalises and then transform into butterflies. This experience allows children to observe for themselves this magnificent metamorphosis. Live B.i.G. We can see change in God s creation. God created things to change and grow. Closing Worship Supplies: Stickers, Kids Book Do Say: When Jesus saw Zacchaeus in the tree, he said, Zacchaeus, you come down. Say: Listen for me to call you down for our worship circle. Call out to each person, (Child's Name), you come down. Have the children who have joined the circle help as you call the other names. As each child joins the circle, place on him or her a Jesus Changes Me worship badge (Stickers). Say: When Jesus called Zacchaeus down from the tree, Zacchaeus knew that Jesus loved him. Zacchaeus also knew that it was time for him to change. Jesus helps us to make good changes in our lives. Pray: Thank you, God, for sending Jesus who helps us make good changes. Give each child a Bible bookmark (Kids Book) to take home. Live B.i.G. Jesus wants us to live as God wants us to. May 8, 2011 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 105

107 Lesson 10 B.i.G Changes Draw a line from each picture on the left to the way it changes on the right. 106 Abingdon Press.

108 Lesson 10 It s Time for a Change Color the watch. Then cut it out and wear it. Use tape to secure the band. May 8, 2011 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 107

109 Lesson 11 May 15, 2011 May s B.i.G. Idea We believe that God s presence in our lives can completely change us. May s Bible Verse See, everything has become new! 2 Corinthians 5:17b May s B.i.G. Theme It s Time for a Change Lesson 11 Paul Today s Bible Story Acts 9:1-19 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 Paul s life being changed when he met Jesus. Children will recognize that when God is present in our lives, everything about us can change for the better. The early church, like Jesus, was persecuted. Religious leaders feared the growing number of Christians and sought to end their meetings and teachings. One of the most famous of the persecutors was a man named Saul, from the city of Tarsus. Saul was the son of a Roman citizen. He was raised in a devout Jewish home where he probably learned his trade as a tentmaker. When Saul was of age, he went to Jerusalem to study under the great rabbis of the time. He was well educated in the Scriptures and became, as his father had been, an influential Pharisee. While in Jerusalem, Saul became a leader in the movement to persecute and imprison followers of the Way the name by which Christians were known at that time. Saul went from house to house dragging church members from their homes and having them sent to prison (Acts 8:3). Saul went to the high priest and obtained permission to travel to the city of Damascus to search out and imprison followers of the Way in that city. While on the road he was confronted by a great flash of light. A voice spoke from the light and said, Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? When Saul asked, Who are you, Lord? the voice responded, I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. Jesus told Saul to get up and go into the city. Because Saul had been blinded by the light, his companions led him into Damascus. In the city, the Lord came in a vision to a man named Ananias. Jesus told him to go to the house where Saul was and lay his hands on Saul. Ananias obeyed. He went to Saul, laid his hands on him, and Saul could see! In a flash of blinding light, Saul had been changed. He had encountered Jesus first on the road to Damascus and then in the words of Ananias and he was never the same. Saul, who soon began using his Roman name Paul, became one of the most influential and important figures in the development of the church and the spread of Christianity across the world. Paul used the changes in his life to help make positive changes in the lives of others. He was a leader, an encourager, and an accountability partner. Yes, Jesus changes people s lives. 108 Abingdon Press.

110 Activity TimeSaver EcoFriendly Invite them in... (15 minutes) Welcome! Two Names Name That Change What Is Opposite? Watch the Change... Into the Bible (30 minutes) Hear the Bible Story A Flash of Light Praise Time Stationery Station... Into Life (15 minutes) Picture Time Story Slide Show Who Is Getting Hungry? 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, Ms. Lucy, and Bongo remind the children that they are learning about many kinds of changes this month. The Bible verse, See, everything has become new! is then brought to life through the brilliant images in Picture Time. Your children can watch a caterpillar turn into a butterfly and see a baby bird break free from its egg. They will see a seed grow into a flower and watch the seasons change. All this will help your children understand that God has a plan for everything in this world, and that God is always in control. May 15, 2011 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 109

111 Lesson 11 May 15, 2011 The B.i.G. Idea We believe that God s presence in our lives can completely change us. 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 Welcome the children as they arrive. Give each one a Paul Sticker to place on the Attendance Chart. Say: (Child s Name), I am glad you are here. Our Bible story is about a man named Paul. Paul met Jesus and made a big change in his life. Paul s change was so big it was like he became a whole new person. Say: Our Bible verse says, See, everything has become new! (2 Corinthians 5:17b) Remind the children how to sign the Bible verse (DVD; Leader inside front cover). Live B.i.G. When Paul met Jesus, he made a big change. Two Names Supplies: self-adhesive nametags, marker, magnetic letters, metal baking sheet Do Say: In today's Bible story we will hear about a man who had two names. If you would like, you may choose a new name for yourself, just for our time together. Let each child choose a new name. Write each name on a nametag and give it to the appropriate child. Invite the children to spell out their names (their own names or the new names they selected) using magnetic letters on a metal baking sheet. Then, invite the children to replace the first letter of each name with a different letter. Read the new names. Say: The man in our Bible story today had two names. His names were Saul and Paul. Saul and Paul sound alike. Only the first letter is different. Saul begins with S and Paul begins with P. Live B.i.G. Names are important. Several Bible stories are about people with more than one name. 110 Abingdon Press.

112 Name That Change Supplies: an assortment of five to seven simple items, tray, small cloth Display an assortment of items on a tray. Cover the items with a cloth. Do Show the tray with the items you have collected to the children. Say: Look closely at these items, and remember what you see. Have the children close their eyes. Remove one object. Say: Open your eyes. What has changed? Put the item back and play again. Remember that you can add items as well as removing them. Live B.i.G. Lots of things change. Today's Bible story is about a man who changed. What Is Opposite? Supplies: Leader page 142, crayons, scissors, glue Photocopy What Is Opposite? (Leader-page 142) for each child. Do Give each child a copy of What Is Opposite? (Leader-page 142). Invite the children to cut out the five pictures at the bottom of the page. Help the children glue each picture next to the picture that is the opposite match. Say: Today we are going to hear about a man who became an opposite. When he met Jesus, his life completely changed. It was the opposite of what it used to be. Live B.i.G. Saul, who put Christians in prison, was the opposite of Paul, who taught people about Jesus. Watch the Change Supplies: instant developing camera, construction paper Do Take each child's picture with an instant developing camera. Give the undeveloped picture to the child. Say: Watch how the picture changes. What do you see happening? Invite the children to mount their pictures on pieces of construction paper and display them on a bulletin board. Live B.i.G. While traveling to Damascus, Saul's life was in completely changed. May 15, 2011 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 111

113 Lesson 11 May 15, 2011 The B.i.G. Idea We believe that God s presence in our lives can completely change us. Choose one or more activities to immerse your children in the Bible story. Hear the Bible Story Supplies: Bible, paper plates, crayons or markers, craft sticks, glue, markers... Into the Bible Do Open your Bible to the Book of Acts. Say: Our Bible story comes from the Book of Acts. Say: Today's Bible story is about a man named Saul, who was also called Paul. Let listen to his story. A Man With Two Names Saul was not a nice person. As a matter of fact, Saul was just downright mean! Saul hated followers of Jesus. He wanted people to stop teaching about Jesus. Saul said that teaching about Jesus was against the law. Saul traveled from town to town to arrest Christians. If he found people who followed Jesus, Saul sent them to jail. Saul had a sad heart. (Have each child draw the sad face of Saul on a paper plate.} One day Saul was traveling to a town called Damascus. He was looking for Christians so that he could put them in jail. Suddenly, as Saul was walking down the road, there was a great flash of light. It was so bright that the people on the road had to cover their eyes. Then, a loud voice came from the light. The voice said, Saul, Saul, why are you hurting me? Saul answered, Who are you? The voice said, I am Jesus. I am the one whose followers you are hurting. I want you to get up and go into the city. You will be told what to do. When Saul got up, he discovered that he had been blinded by the light. So some of the men who were with him led him to the town. In Damascus there was a follower of Jesus named Ananias. Jesus told Ananias to go to the house where Saul was and lay his hands on Saul's eyes. When Ananias touched Saul, Saul could see again. Now Saul knew that Jesus was alive! He also knew that Jesus was the Son of God. Saul was a changed man. Saul wanted to tell everyone he knew about Jesus. He was sorry for the bad things he had done. He started doing wonderful things for Jesus. Soon people began to call Saul by his Roman name Paul. Paul traveled to many places telling people about how much Jesus loved them. Paul started new churches in the places he traveled. Paul became a great follower of Jesus. (Have each child draw the happy face of Paul on the other side of the paper plate.) Help each child glue a craft stick to the paper plate to make a holder. Invite the children to hold up their sad Saul faces. 112 Abingdon Press.

114 Say: Saul was sad and angry. But when Saul met Jesus, his life was changed. Say: Then Saul became known as Paul. Let's see Paul. Invite the children to hold up their Paul faces. Say: That's much better. Paul became a great follower of Jesus. He told many others about Jesus. Live B.i.G. When we encounter Jesus, big changes happen! A Flash of Light Supplies: Leader pages 116 and 117, flashlight, tape, small basket, scissors Make several copies of A Flash of Light (Leader pages 116 and 117). Cut out the pictures of Saul and Paul. Tape the pictures of Saul (Leader page 116) around the room. Place the pictures of Paul (Leader page 117) in a small basket. Do Dim the lights in the classroom. Invite the children to take turns holding the flashlight. Ask the child holding the flashlight to find a picture of Saul and shine the light on the picture. Then invite the children to say together: Saul, Saul, it's time for a change. Remove that picture and replace it with a picture of Paul. Continue taking turns finding the pictures and shining the flashlight until all the Saul pictures have been changed to Paul pictures. Live B.i.G. When Saul met Jesus, Saul s life was changed. Praise Time Supplies: DVD, DVD player, television, DVD-Time Wheel (Kids Book inside front cover), rhythm instruments or the water bottle shakers used earlier (page 93) Do Turn the arrow on the DVD-Time Wheel to Praise Time. Play the song, Shakin It Up (DVD). Invite the children to sing along, move with the music, and shake their shakers. Live B.i.G. Using instruments is a great way to sing praises to God. Stationery Station Supplies: stationery cards and paper, envelopes, pencils or crayons Do Say: Paul wrote many letters to tell people about Jesus. Invite the children to write letters or draw pictures that tell something about Jesus. Live B.i.G. Paul's letters in the Bible help us know how to live as Christians. May 15, 2011 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 113

115 Lesson 11 May 15, 2011 The B.i.G. Idea We believe that God s presence in our lives can completely change us. Choose one or more activities to connect your children s lives to the Bible story. Picture Time Supplies: DVD, DVD player, television, DVD-Time Wheel (Kids Book inside front cover) Do Turn the arrow on the DVD-Time Wheel to Picture Time. Ask: Do you remember our Bible verse? Help the children say the Bible verse together: See, everything has become new! (2 Corinthians 5:17b) Play Picture Time (DVD). Ask: What changes did you see? What change do you think was the most amazing? Ask: Have you ever seen a person change? How did you know he or she had changed?... Into Life Live B.i.G. When God changes us, we are able to work for God. Story Slide Show Supplies: Kids Book, pencils Punch out a story slide show and viewer (Kids Book) for each child. Do Invite the children to draw a picture to go with each block on both the front and back of the story slide show (Kids Book). Give each child a viewer (Kids Book). Show the children how to insert the slide page into the viewer. Then show the children how to move the slide page slowly from right to left to see the story. Be sure that they know how to turn the story slide over to view the three slides on the back. Live B.i.G. In Saul s story, we can see big changes take place. 114 Abingdon Press.

116 Who Is Getting Hungry? Supplies: snack crackers or cookies, juice Do Say: When Saul was blinded, he did not eat or drink for three days. When he got his sight back, he was hungry! He ate and got his strength back. Soon he was telling people about Jesus love. Serve a snack. Say: Like Paul, we have a job to do. We can tell others about God's love. Live B.i.G. After getting his sight back, Saul ate and his strength was renewed. Closing Worship Supplies: Stickers, Kids Book Do Say: Please join me for our worship circle. Have the group stand in a circle. Give each child a Jesus Makes Big Changes worship badge (Stickers). Say: Let s remember today's Bible story. Say: When Saul met Jesus, Saul s life was changed. He was turned around. Lead the children in turning around. Say: And upside down. Lead children in touching the ground. Say: He was happy. Point to a smile on your face. Say: No longer was he sad. Point to the frown on your face. Say: Jesus gave Paul a new life and made him glad. Point to a smile on your face. When Paul met Jesus, Paul s life was changed. Say: He was turned around. Lead children in turning around. Say: And upside down. Lead children in touching the ground. Pray: Thank you, God, for making big changes in our lives. Give each child a Bible bookmark (Kids Book) to take home. Live B.i.G. Jesus turns lives around and leads people in the right directions. May 15, 2011 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 115

117 Lesson 11 A Flash of Light (Saul) 116 Abingdon Press.

118 Lesson 11 A Flash of Light (Paul) May 15, 2011 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 117

119 Lesson 12 May 22, 2011 May s B.i.G. Idea We believe that God s presence in our lives can completely change us. May s Bible Verse See, everything has become new! 2 Corinthians 5:17b May s B.i.G. Theme It s Time for a Change Lesson 12 Lydia Today s Bible Story Acts 16:11-15 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 Lydia, who believed in Jesus and then used her skills and resources to help spread the gospel. Children will discover ways they can use their skills and resources to help spread the good news. Paul, Timothy, and Silas were traveling together and proclaiming the good news about Jesus Christ. One night Paul had a vision in which a man pleaded for him to come to Macedonia. Paul and his companions left immediately to go to the Roman colony of Philippi, in Macedonia. On the sabbath, they went to a river bank where they were told some people met for prayer. They taught the group of women who came to pray, telling them stories about Jesus. They told them the good news that Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of God. One of the women there was Lydia, from the city of Thyatira. She was a business woman, and likely wealthy since she was a dealer in purple cloth. Only the rich could afford the cloth as it was very expensive to make. The dye to color the cloth came from mollusk or shellfish, and it took thousands of such creatures to collect just a small amount of purple pigment. No wonder purple was worn only by the wealthy, and even then, usually only on small portions of their garments. The Lord opened Lydia s heart to listen eagerly to Paul s message, and she believed all Paul was saying. As a result of the teaching of Paul and his friends, Lydia and all her household were baptized. Then Lydia invited Paul and his companions to come to stay at her house while they were in town. She persisted in her invitation until they finally agreed. It is probable that Lydia used her resources to further spread the gospel as she insisted on caring for the needs of these missionaries, providing them food and a place to stay. The first church of Philippi probably had its early meetings in Lydia s home. When Lydia heard the story of Jesus, her life was changed. And, like Paul, she used the change to make bigger changes in the world around her. She used her gift of hospitality along with her other resources to help spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. 118 Abingdon Press.

120 Activity Invite them in... (15 minutes) TimeSaver EcoFriendly Welcome! Hanging Out to Dry Purple Collage Easy Purple Play Dough Is That Purple? Painting With Purple... Into the Bible (30 minutes) Hear the Bible Story Travel Time Praise Time Lydis Is Baptized... Into Life (15 minutes) Pastor Appreciation Lydia s Looms A Piece of Purple Bread 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 Wanda Bethea works with the youth in her church to collect clothes to help people in need through inner-city mission projects in Los Angeles. As they work together Wanda helps the youth understand that there are many ways to serve God and others. As your children hear the story of these kids, they will recognize that each person can find a way to serve others by using his or her own skills. May 22, 2011 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 119

121 Lesson 12 May 22, 2011 The B.i.G. Idea We believe that God s presence in our lives can completely change us. 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 Welcome the children as they arrive. Give each one a purple cloth Sticker to place on the Attendance Chart. Say: (Child s Name), I am glad you are here. Today our BIble story is about a woman named Lydia who sold purple cloth. One day she met Paul, who taught her about Jesus. After she learned about Jesus she was changed and became a follower of Jesus. We are learning about Jesus too. Say: Our Bible verse says, See, everything has become new! (2 Corinthians 5:17b) Remind the children how to sign the Bible verse (DVD; Leader inside front cover). Live B.i.G. Learning about Jesus changes us. Hanging Out to Dry Supplies: pieces of purple fabric or purple clothing, section of clothesline Attach a piece of clothesline between two chairs. Fill a laundry basket with pieces of purple clothing or purple fabric. Do Invite the children to hang the purple clothing and fabric on the clothesline. Say: In today s Bible story we are going to learn about a woman who made purple cloth. The dye she used to make the cloth came from the shells of small sea creatures. After dying the cloth purple, Lydia hung it out to dry. Live B.i.G. Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth, became a follower of Jesus. 120 Abingdon Press.

122 Purple Collage Supplies: Stickers; white construction paper; scissors; glue; various purple art supplies such as construction paper, yarn pieces, glitter glue, sequins, paint, tissue paper Do Give each child a piece of white construction paper. Invite the children to use the various purple art supplies to make a purple collage. Live B.i.G. Lydia was a dealer in purple cloth. Easy Purple Play Dough Supplies: flour, salt, pitcher of water, bowls, measuring cup, spoon, food coloring Do Mix one cup of salt with one cup of flour. Add a few drops of red and blue food coloring (to make purple) to a pitcher of water. Add the water to the dry ingredients until a desired consistency is achieved. Invite the children to play with the dough. Live B.i.G. Lydia dyed cloth by soaking it in colored water. Is That Purple? Supplies: Leader page 126, purple crayons Do Invite the children to color the items on the page that could be purple. Accept any suggestions the children make. Listen to their explanations. Say: God created many things that are purple. Live B.i.G. Thank you, God, for purple. Lydia was a dealer of purple cloth. Painting With Purple Supplies: purple paint, white mural paper, paintbrushes, sponge pieces (for sponge painting), objects for stamping (paper towel rolls, bottle caps, new tooth brushes) Set up a painting area with various painting or stamping objects and purple paint. Do Allow the children to use the various objects to create a purple mural. Live B.i.G. We can learn about Bible stories by using our creativity and imagination. May 22, 2011 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 121

123 Lesson 12 May 22, 2011 The B.i.G. Idea We believe that God s presence in our lives can completely change us. Choose one or more activities to immerse your children in the Bible story. Hear the Bible Story Supplies: Bible, purple fabric, pinking shears... Into the Bible Do Say: Look at this beautiful purple cloth. Drape the cloth over your shoulders. Say: Today we have been doing a lot of things with purple. Purple is a beautiful color. Our Bible story today is about a woman named Lydia. Lydia s story is in the Book of Acts. Open your Bible to the Book of Acts. Tell the story, Lydia Learns About Jesus. Lydia Learns About Jesus Lydia made and sold purple cloth. Lydia had to make the cloth by dying it, or changing the color from a neutral color to purple. People dyed cloth by soaking it in big pots of hot, colored water. The purple for Lydia s cloth came from the shells of tiny sea creatures. One day, Lydia sat with some other women by the side of the river. The women were praying and learning about God. They saw some men coming toward them. One of the men was Paul. Paul was traveling around, telling people about Jesus. Paul told Lydia and the others about Jesus. Lydia was happy to hear the stories about Jesus. Lydia wanted to become a follower of Jesus. After hearing Paul tell about Jesus, Lydia and everyone in her house were baptized. Then, she invited Paul and his friends to come and stay at her house. Since many of the earliest churches met in homes, Lydia may have started a church in her house. People came to Lydia's house to pray and learn about Jesus and spend time together. When Lydia heard about Jesus, her life was changed. She began living for Jesus and telling others about the wonderful things that he does in people s lives. Lydia became a leader and a helper in her church. Take off your purple stole. Use pinking shears (or other scissors) to cut the cloth into equal pieces. Give each child a piece of purple cloth to have as a reminder of Lydia. Live B.i.G. Lydia became a follower of Jesus. She helped others know about Jesus too. 122 Abingdon Press.

124 Travel Time Supplies: DVD, DVD player, television, DVD-Time Wheel (Kids' Book inside front cover) Do Turn the arrow on the DVD-Time Wheel to Travel Time. Play Travel Time (DVD). Ask: Have you ever collected clothes to help people who cannot afford the clothes they need? Say: Wanda Bethea and the kids she worked with found that there are many ways to serve God and others using whatever skills they had. Ask: Do think Lydia may have served God by using her skills for working with cloth to help others? Live B.i.G. Anyone can be a helper in God's church. Praise Time Supplies: DVD, DVD player, television, DVD-Time Wheel (Kids' Book inside front cover), rhythm instruments or the water bottle shakers used earlier (page 93) Do Turn the arrow on the DVD-Time Wheel to Praise Time. Play the song, Shakin It Up (DVD). Invite the children to sing along, move with the music, and shake their shakers. Live B.i.G. Using instruments is a great way to sing praises to God. Lydia Is Baptized Supplies: Leader page 127, crayons Photocopy Lydia Is Baptized (Leader page 127) for each child. Invite a pastor, or other leader, to visit and talk about baptism. Do Say: After Lydia heard about Jesus, she was baptized. Have the pastor, or other guest, talk with the children about baptism. Be sure that the children understand that baptism is a Christian symbol of welcoming someone into the family of God. Lydia and her household wanted to be baptized to show that they had decided to follow Jesus. Say: Water is always a symbol used for baptism. Talk about the ways people can be baptized. Have you guest tell the children about the meaning and practice of baptism in their own church. Give each child a Lydia Is Baptized maze (Leader page 127). Invite the children to follow the events of the story to complete the maze. Live B.i.G. Lydia heard the story of Jesus and was baptized. Lydia invited Paul and the others to visit at her house. May 22, 2011 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 123

125 Lesson 12 May 22, 2011 The B.i.G. Idea We believe that God s presence in our lives can completely change us. Choose one or more activities to connect your children s lives to the Bible story. Pastor Appreciation Supplies: Stickers, paper, envelopes, crayons or markers... Into Life Do Say: Lydia was a leader and helper in the church. Wanda Bethea, the woman in our Travel Time today, was also a leader and a helper in the church. Ask: Who are some of the leaders and helpers in our church? Discuss the leaders in your church. What jobs do they do? Identify the pastor(s) and other professional ministers in your church. Say: There are many leaders in our church to help people make good changes in their lives. Say: Help each child write a thank-you note to one of the leaders of the church. If you have children who cannot write, the note can be a drawing with a big Thank You Sticker. Say: Remember, you can be a helper in your church too. Live B.i.G. God can use everyone to be helpers and workers in the church. Lydia s Looms Supplies: Kids' Book, purple construction paper, scissors Punch out a Lydia s loom (Kids' Book) for each child. Cut out ten one-inch strips of purple construction paper for each child. Do Say: Lydia made purple cloth. Cloth is made by weaving pieces of yarn tightly together. Lets s practice weaving. Give each child a loom (Kids' Book). Show the children how to weave the paper strips in and out of the loom. Say: Purple cloth was very expensive. Lydia probably used her income from her purple cloth business to help spread the good news about Jesus. Live B.i.G. Lydia used her skills to help tell others about Jesus. We can tell others about Jesus too. 124 Abingdon Press.

126 A Piece of Purple Bread Supplies: bread, grape jelly, grape-flavored drink mix, spoons, pitcher, water Do Give each child a piece of bread. Say: Lydia used special dyes to turn white fabric purple. Let's see if we can turn our snack purple. Fill a pitcher with water. Add grape-flavored drink mix to turn the water purple. Invite the children to spread grape jelly onto their bread to turn the bread purple. Enjoy the jelly sandwiches and grape-flavored drink. Live B.i.G. Thank you, God, for our food. Thank you for changes that you make in our lives. Closing Worship Supplies: Stickers, Kids Book Detach a Bible bookmark (Kids Book) for each child. Do Say: Please join me for our worship circle. Say: When Paul told Lydia about Jesus, she became a follower of Jesus. Like all followers of Jesus, Lydia wanted to tell others what she had learned about Jesus. Ask: What things so you think Lydia told others about Jesus? Help the children name things they remember about Jesus. Jesus is God s Son. We celebrate Jesus birthday at Christmas. Jesus loves me and you and everyone. Jesus is my friend. Jesus is alive! Say: Remember that we can tell others about Jesus. Help each child think of someone he or she can tell about Jesus this week a parent, a teacher, a friend. Give each child an I Can Be a Leader worship badge (Stickers). Pray: Thank you, God, for loving us and for helping us to learn about Jesus. Help us to remember to tell others what we have learned about Jesus. Give each child a Bible bookmark (Kids Book) to take home. Live B.i.G. We can tell others know about Jesus. May Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 125

127 Lesson 12 What Is Purple? Color the items purple that could be purple. 126 Abingdon Press.

128 Lesson 12 Lydia Is Baptized Go with Lydia on her journey. Follow the Bible story through the maze to go from the river bank to Lydia s house. Lydia and the women prayed by the river. Paul came and taught the women. Lydia was baptized. Lydia invited Paul and his friends to stay at her house. May 22, 2011 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 127

129 Lesson 13 May 29, 2011 May s B.i.G. Idea We believe that God s presence in our lives can completely change us. May s Bible Verse See, everything has become new! 2 Corinthians 5:17b May s B.i.G. Theme It s Time for a Change Lesson 13 Peter and Cornelius Today s Bible Story Acts 10:1-48 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 Peter and Cornelius. Children will recognize that Jesus love is for everyone. Children will know God wants us to tell others about Jesus. Cornelius and Peter were very different. Cornelius was a wealthy, Roman army officer. He was a Gentile who prayed to God every day and gave generously to help the Jews. Peter was a Jewish fisherman who shared God s message of the good news about Jesus with others. God s plan was for these two very different men to work together. First, though, each of them had much to learn. The plan began with two visions. First, God sent an angel to tell Cornelius to invite Simon Peter to his house to hear a message from God. Even though Peter was a stranger, Cornelius was a faithful man, and he did as the angel told him. He sent three men to Joppa to find Peter. Meanwhile, in Joppa, Peter too had a vision. Peter saw a sheet of unclean animals lowered before him, and he heard God s voice instructing him to eat these animals. Peter resisted because of his understanding of Jewish law, but finally the voice in Peter s vision spoke to Peter: When God says something is clean, do not call it unclean. Peter finally understood that God s message was that Jesus came for all, and all are welcome in the kingdom of God! Jewish law prohibited Jews to associate with or to visit non-jews (Acts 10:28). But Peter s vision had prepared him to respond positively when Cornelius men came to the door. Peter went with the men and entered Cornelius house! This was a turning point. Peter told Cornelius about Jesus, the Messiah. Then Cornelius and all of his household were baptized. Now I am certain that God treats all people alike, Peter said. God is pleased with everyone who worships him and does right, no matter what nation they come from (Acts 10:34-35, CEV). Now these two men, one a Gentile and the other a Jew, could learn from each other and work together to spread the good news about Jesus to others. The news of Peter meeting with Cornelius spread fast. In Acts 11, we hear of the criticism Peter faced as word spread about Cornelius. But as Peter retold the story, the believers in Judea are convinced as well. This means God has given Gentiles the opportunity to repent and live too! they said. (Acts 11:18) Jesus came for all! 128 Abingdon Press.

130 Activity TimeSaver EcoFriendly Invite them in... (15 minutes) Welcome! Friends Can Be Different Houses With Flat Roofs God s Love Is For Everyone Banner Travel Time... Into the Bible (30 minutes) Hear the Bible Story From Joppa to Caesarea Work With Me! Praise Time... Into Life (15 minutes) Medallion Promise Our Differences B.I.G. Changes Quilt 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 This week s Travel Time pays a visit to a working dog and the woman whose life he makes easier. Grant is a helper dog that is a lifesaver for his visually-impaired owner Diane. Your preschoolers will see Diane and Grant interacting with kids as they walk across the street to visit a nursing home and decorate cookies with the patients. Pastor Diane reminds the children that showing hospitality to others is one of the ways we show our faith. Diane reminds the kids that God needs all kinds of people working together in ministry. Your kids will begin to understand that God needs them too. May 29, 2011 Ages 5 6 Abingdon Press. 129