Revised Common Lectionary, Copyright 1992 Consultation on Common Texts. Used by permission.

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2 New Growth Press, Greensboro, NC Copyright 2018 by Bible Study Media Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publisher, except as provided by USA copyright law. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Reader s Version, NIrV Copyright 1995, 1996, 1998, 2014 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. The NIrV and New International Reader s Version are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc. Scripture quotations marked ESV are taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. Copyright 2000; 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Scripture quotations marked NASB are taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE, Copyright 1960, 1962,1963,1968,1971,1972,1973,1975,1977,1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. Revised Common Lectionary, Copyright 1992 Consultation on Common Texts. Used by permission. Cover Design: Faceout Books, faceoutstudio.com Interior Design, Illustration, and Typesetting: Scot McDonald ISBN

3 UPPER ELEMENTARY SUNDAY SCHOOL CONTENTS Welcome to Hearts Alive / 4 Week 1: Living in Wisdom: Song of the Beloved / 9 Week 2: Living in Wisdom: Justice and Mercy / 23 Week 3 : Living in Wisdom: Wisdom s Invitation / 36 Week 4 : Living in Wisdom: The Wise Wife / 47 Week 5 Esther s Bravery / 58 Week 6 Job s Sorrowful Test / 69 Week 8 Job s Conversation with God / 96 Week 9 Job s Restoration / 108 Week 10: Restoration: Ruth and Naomi / 128 Week 11: Restoration: Ruth and Boaz, and Baby Obed / 131 Week 12: Restoration: Hannah s Prayer / 142 Week 13: Restoration: David s Final Prayer / 153 Week 7 Job s Lament / 81 The Rev. Charlie Holt, Director; Ginny Mooney, General Editor; Joni Tapp, Project Manager Writers: Sara Buffington, Christopher Caudle, Caryn Rivadeneira, David Sanford, Marci Strickland; Editors: Pam Lagomarsino, Ginny Mooney, Karalee Reinke, Joni Tapp; Bible Backgrounds: Nancy Beise, Ellen Ceely, Mark Filiatreau, David Sanford, Jill Turner ALIVE

4 WELCOME TO ALIVE In the line of Christian formation resources for children, the Hearts Alive curriculum is something brand-new! We have listened to the desire of churches to have a fully integrated weekly worship experience in which children and adults are engaged in exploring the same scriptural texts. Each lesson in both the Sunday school and Children s church curricula is built on one or more readings taken from the Revised Common Lectionary (RCL), a three-year cycle of Bible readings used by churches across denominations and around the world to guide weekly worship. By aligning the lessons of Hearts Alive to these common readings, families are able to have cross-generational discussions related to the worship service message, Sunday school, and Children s church teachings. While Hearts Alive is a natural fit for churches in the liturgical tradition that incorporate regular use of the RCL, its appeal is much broader. Hearts Alive is evangelical in its interpretation of Scripture and contemporary in its teaching style and life application. By using a sequential approach to Scripture teaching, Hearts Alive seeks to help churches train up young disciples in the whole Word of God, emphasizing a high view of scriptural authority and a gospel focus. The weekly age-specific lessons support and even elevate liturgical traditions as well as important observances in the church calendar while using clear and contemporary teaching techniques to present the Word of God in ways that will produce lifelong followers of Christ. Hearts Alive is flexible enough to fit any congregation, no matter how large or small, of any Christian denomination. ALIVE IS: Gospel-centered, emphasizing the story of salvation through Jesus Christ in every lesson. Scriptural, teaching the full scope of the Bible over a 3-year span following the RCL. User-friendly, making it easy for teachers and Christian educators to implement. Fun and engaging for children, offering age-appropriate storytelling, crafts, and activities. Family-oriented, providing a Take-Home page so parents and children can apply the lesson with activities throughout the week. Varied, offering both smalland large-group moments so children stay interested and engaged. Cost-effective for both small and large churches, available for quarterly purchase with price adjustments for volume. Downloadable, in a format that is easy to share with a whole team of leaders and volunteers. 4

5 What Each Lesson Provides Each weekly Hearts Alive lesson provides two hours of material for children ranging from Pre-K/ Kindergarten through Grade 6. The curriculum is divided into two categories: Sunday school and Children s church. These two distinct curricula offer different themes for each week s lesson so that children participating in both programs have fresh, engaging material in each class. Sunday School Curriculum: The Hearts Alive Sunday school curriculum is designed to be used during the Sunday school or Bible study hour of a church s weekly worship time. It is divided into three separate age groups and perfect for use in classroom-sized group settings. The age divisions are: Pre-K/Kindergarten, Lower Elementary (grades 1 3), and Upper Elementary (grades 4 6). Children s Church Curriculum: The Hearts Alive Children s church curriculum offers a weekly church experience tailored just for young followers of Jesus. It is intended for a larger, age-inclusive setting for children from pre-k through grade 5 (ages 4 through 11) designed to help them learn the basics of an adult worship service, including Welcome, Worship, Scripture Reading, Lesson, Creed, Prayer, and Offering. The larger group setting encourages children of varying ages to worship together, mirroring the generational integration of the church. At the close of each lesson, an age-specific breakout time ensures that every child, from the youngest to the oldest, can take part in a follow-up game, craft, or activity that will help them apply the week s lesson to their own lives. Many churches hold Children s church during the first part of the adult worship service. After Children s church concludes, there is time to welcome the children into the adult service for the final portion, often the celebration of Communion/the Eucharist. How To Use The Hearts Alive Curriculum Hearts Alive follows the 3-year cycle of the RCL. Because liturgical dates vary from year to year, specific dates are not assigned to the lessons. Instead, lessons are numbered and an accompanying online chart identifies which lesson falls on which calendar date for that specific year. In the heading of each lesson, you will find the Lectionary Year, Season, and Week number, plus the associated liturgical day (if applicable) and lectionary reading. This information can help you design your entire congregation s weekly worship experience around shared themes all year, providing a fresh unity to your congregation s spiritual focus and growth. The first page of each Sunday school and Children s church lesson includes Lesson Title, Key Scripture, Big Idea, Memory Verse, and Lesson Overview. The Big Idea summarizes in one or two sentences the main point you want the children to learn from that day s lesson. The Lesson Overview provides a more in-depth explanation of the key points of the lesson. Upper Elementary Introduction 5 ALIVE

6 Next, there is a Lesson Outline chart to help you stay organized. It tells you what happens when. On this chart, you ll find each lesson component along with a time estimate for how long it will take, a list of the supplies you will need, and a list of the things you ll need to prepare before class for that activity. A unique Bible Background study is provided for each lesson to help you prepare your heart and mind as a leader or volunteer before class. It aims to provide a thorough understanding of the biblical setting of the day s passage along with any helpful information to help you field questions the children may have about the lesson. (Detailed explanations of each lesson component follow below.) Anything that needs to be printed and possibly copied for each lesson (the printables ) are included in the download of each lesson. They are designed to be effective using simple black and white printing on standard-sized paper. Finally, each lesson has a Take-Home page designed to be copied and sent home with the child. The resource is directed either toward parents (Sunday school) or children (Children s church). Either way, parents are encouraged to use the resource to talk with their child about the week s lesson. The page also suggests ways to apply scriptural lessons all week through family discussions and activities. The Sunday School Curriculum The Sunday school curriculum is divided by age group into: Pre-K/Kindergarten, Lower Elementary (grades 1 3), and Upper Elementary (grades 4 6). The lessons are designed for use in small group settings of approximately children. If you expect more than 18 children in a room, we recommend dividing into smaller groups so all children feel engaged in the activities. If your group is smaller than 9 or 10, the games and activities can be adapted for fewer children. Each weekly Sunday school lesson contains the following sequential Lesson Elements: Welcome Activity An attention grabber designed for the beginning of class as you wait for latecomers to arrive. Lesson Introduction A group activity to start the children thinking about the Big Idea and its application. Scripture Story An engaging way to tell the story of the Key Scripture passage. It may include visual aids, drama, costumes, simple experiments, or props. Story Discussion Discussion questions varied according to age group. We provide suggested answers for some of the trickier questions to aid you in your discussion with the children. Upper Elementary Introduction ALIVE 6

7 Variable Elements The below elements are variable to keep each week s approach fresh. Memory Verse Activity Snack If there is a common allergen in the recommended snack (gluten, nuts, etc.), we will point that out and recommend an alternative for sensitive children. Craft Step-by-step directions and illustrations are provided at the end of each lesson. Music You may choose to find your own recordings or sing the songs with instrument accompaniment or without musical background. Game Other Lesson Application Activities Closing Activity A simple and quick activity that allows you to bring the lesson to a close. Hand out the Live It All Week Take-Home page during this part of the lesson, and make sure children take home any crafts or activity pages. A Special Note to Leaders Congratulations on your role in helping to shape young hearts and minds in the Christian faith. Sunday school is a time-honored tradition of inviting the youngest of Christ s family to get to know their Savior, their church family, and their place in the Kingdom of God through weekly teaching and hands-on participation. We have specifically designed the Hearts Alive curriculum to be everything you need to confidently lead an engaging time of worship, learning, and fun in the service of Christian formation. Here are a few specifics about the curriculum to help you in your role: Hearts Alive uses the New International Reader s Version (NIrV) of The Holy Scriptures, believing it is the easiest translation for children to read and understand while remaining faithful to the original text. If you choose, you may use a different version in your lessons. We have included a unique Bible Background section specifically to help you get familiar with the background of the week s passage of Scripture. It provides the setting of the passage in the overall story of the Bible, the connection to the life and work of Jesus Christ, and how the passage speaks to the church today. We recommend taking some time to read, pray through, and digest this information to help you be prepared for questions and good discussion. Upper Elementary Introduction 7 ALIVE

8 Much of the Lesson Content is bolded and prefaced by words like Say: or Continue: These sections are designed for you, the leader, to speak aloud. However, we suggest that you use the words as a guide rather than reading directly from the page. The most effective way to communicate with children is by making eye contact. Try reading the lesson several times to get a good idea of what you want to say and the main points of the Bible teaching. You may want to highlight the sections you want to be sure to mention specifically. Other parts you can put into your own words. Have the lesson handy to refer to on paper or electronic device as you go. Feel free to adapt the curriculum to meet the needs of your class. If a different approach to the lesson works better, go for it! For example, you may choose to swap out drama for a visual aid in the lesson or vice versa. Use what is written as a guide to present the beauty and power of God s Word to your group of children in the most effective way possible. Jesus said to let the children come to me. What greater calling can there be than helping to lead precious young souls to the heart of God and the joy, peace, and power of living the Christian faith? We pray that you will find the Hearts Alive curriculum an exciting and effective way to bring the wonderful message of salvation to the children of your congregation and community even as your entire church body unites in the weekly exploration of God s Word as one. Upper Elementary Introduction 8 ALIVE

9 UPPER ELEMENTARY SUNDAY SCHOOL Year B Fall Week 1 Proper 17, Lectionary 22 Living in Wisdom: SOng Of the BelOved Song of Songs 2:8 13 LessOn Overview In today s lesson, the children will learn about King Solomon. They will discuss the many relationships and examples of love in everyday life. They will also hear how Christ loved the church and calls us to love others as ourselves. Big Idea: God gives us wisdom. He tells us of Jesus s love, care, and concern for the church. MemOry Verse: Lead a life of love, just as Christ did. He loved us. He gave himself up for us. He was a sweet-smelling offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:2 Upper Elementary Sunday School Year B Fall Week 1 ALIVE 9

10 Week 1 Lesson Plan Activity and Supplies To Prepare 1 Welcome Activity (5 minutes) Ring Toss Paper towel holder that stands vertically Two colored rings large enough to easily fit on the paper towel holder Masking tape Set the paper towel holder at one end of the classroom. Place a line of masking tape on the floor about ten feet from the paper towel holder. 2 Lesson Introduction (5 minutes) Gee Whiz! A Tower of Wisdom Spray cheese (one can for each team) Soda crackers (one sleeve for each team) Timer Drop cloths (one for each team) Paper towels for cleanup Set up a challenge station for each team, consisting of a drop cloth, cheese, and crackers. 3 Scripture Story (15 minutes) Walking in Wisdom: Song of the Beloved Bibles for the class Set a bookmark in each of the following books of the Bible: Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs. 4 Discussion (5 minutes) 5 Snack (10 minutes) Tower of Wisdom Cheese and cracker towers from the Lesson Introduction Napkins 6 Memory Verse Activity (5 minutes) Love Works Together Printables: Memory Verse (one for every two children) Rubber balls (one for every two children) Make one copy of the Memory Verse printable for every two children. 7 Writing Activity (10 minutes) What Do You See in the Garden? Printables: Garden Frame (one for each child) Pencils Colored pencils/markers Make enough copies of the printable for each child. 8 Closing (5 minutes) Wedding Vows Printables: Wedding Vows (one for each child); Takehome page (one for each child) Pencils Make enough copies of the Wedding Vows printable and the Take-home page for each child. Upper Elementary Sunday School Year B Fall Week 1 ALIVE 10

11 Bible BackgrOund for Leader The Song of Solomon is well known as a romantic poem that gives the reader a glimpse into the hearts of two lovers. We see a king in love with a young woman; he is enamored with her beauty, and she is struck by his strength and stature. In today s passage, early in the poem, the lover approaches the beloved, leaping across the mountains to get to her (Song of Songs 2:8); she hears him coming even though she does not yet see him. It is a lovely account of human love, of which readers can generally relate. As part of the inspired Word of God, this love poem is also revered for its spiritual metaphor that of Christ and his Bride, the church. Viewed this way, Solomon s Song of Songs illustrates many spiritual truths about the love between God and his people. Old Testament. In the poetry of the Song of Songs, the Holy Spirit weaves a picture of the love of God for his people, of Christ for his church. The Old Testament believers heard echoes of the Lover (Christ) coming, but they remained separated by their sin; they heard his call and promise of springtime joy, yet he was hidden. The Beloved hears him, she eagerly awaits him, and she knows that he is pursuing and wooing her. (Living in wisdom is living in response to God s love for us.) She knows that he is calling her to follow and that the morning of his call is a morning of promise, as illustrated by a change of season winter to spring and all the new life offered in that change. Just like the Beloved in the Song of Songs, the Old Testament saints longed for and listened for the voice of their Messiah. Throughout the history of God s people, one can see both their longing and his calling. They looked for him and knew that they were his chosen ones. Jesus. Jesus is the Lover and we are the Beloved. He is calling us into relationship and into a season of promise and life with him. His call, Come with me (Song of Songs 2:10), demonstrates that he desires to be in relationship with us. His words my beautiful one (v. 10) express love, value, and worth to each soul who longs to be in relationship with him. Just as Jesus said that his sheep know his voice (John 10:3), so the Beloved in the Song hears the voice of the Lover and knows him. The promise of spring and the passing of winter is the same promise Jesus extends in the gospel by coming with him, our dark souls flourish into new life. The Church and the World. Just as the Old Testament saints heard the Lover s voice from behind the wall, we the church still have a separation in our relationship with Jesus the separation of our earthly flesh. They heard his voice through the prophets and priests, and we through his Word and Spirit; they looked forward to his coming as Messiah, we to his coming as King. The church, as the Beloved of Christ, is wise to respond to the Lover s call, following his voice now and preparing to soon be united with him for eternity. Upper Elementary Sunday School Year B Fall Week 1 ALIVE 11

12 1 WelcOme Activity To Prepare: Set the paper towel holder at one end of the classroom. Place a line of masking tape on the floor about ten feet from the paper towel holder. Ring Toss Say: Solomon began his reign as a young man and he had much to learn about life and relationships. Sometimes, it s easier to talk about love than to actually practice it. Let s see if we can tell the difference between talking and practicing. Recruit some volunteers to stand at the masking tape line and try to toss the rings onto the paper towel holder. Before tossing the rings have the children first describe what they are going to do. Then have them toss the rings. After their attempts, have the student evaluate whether their words and actions were consistent. Because wisdom is rooted in thoughtful reflection on the observations and experiences of life, it is important to draw the children out on their preparation and experience of their turn to toss. It will make a deeper impact in the coming lesson. Say: Today, we will listen to Solomon s description of a relationship between a man and woman who want to match their actions to their words. Let s see how Solomon describes their meeting. 2 LessOn IntrOductiOn To Prepare: Set up a challenge station for each team, consisting of a drop cloth, cheese, and crackers. Gee Whiz! A Tower of Wisdom Say: Today, we will hear from Solomon, a king who was involved in many types of building projects. Solomon is famous for his wisdom about how to live well in God s world. Divide the class into teams of three or four and set up one station for each team, complete with drop cloth, spray cheese, and crackers. Explain: In our challenge today, each team is going to build a tower using the crackers and the can of spray cheese. The object is to build the tallest tower. You will have five minutes to work. Set the timer. Say: Ready, get set, go! After the time expires, congratulate the teams and compare the results. Set the towers aside for snack time later in the lesson. Ask: How did the project go? What was most difficult? (Allow the children to respond.) Wisdom guides us in how to live well in God s world. In today s lesson, Solomon recounts the courtship and relationship between a man and woman who are in love. Let s see how the realities of love and relationships require wisdom and special insight. Upper Elementary Sunday School Year B Fall Week 1 ALIVE 12

13 3 Scripture StOry To Prepare: Set a bookmark in each of the following books of the Bible: Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs. Walking in Wisdom: Song of the Beloved Distribute Bibles to the class. Open your Bible to 1 Kings 1. Say: The story of Solomon takes up several chapters of the Bible because he was a famous and important king of Israel. When King Solomon began his reign, he was young and inexperienced. He began his rule following his father David, who was Israel s most famous king. God had solemnly promised King David that his descendants would always rule on the throne. Solomon began his reign by asking God for wisdom: the ability to live well in the world, to understand situations, and to recognize the difference between right and wrong. God was pleased by Solomon s prayer and granted him special measures of wisdom. In fact, Solomon became famous for his insight and understanding. Wisdom is a good quality for a ruler since there are many decisions to be made and many complicated situations. Solomon was wise and he shared his wisdom with Israel and with future leaders. In fact, his wisdom was even written down in books, which are now a part of our Bibles! These books of the Bible, described as the wisdom books, collect the reflections of Solomon on issues of life, love, suffering, futility, and wisdom itself. Turn to the books of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs that you marked before class. Solomon made many wise decisions in his life, but he made some tragically poor decisions as well. In the books he inspired, Solomon shares his insights into the challenges and mysteries of life. Today, we join Solomon as he reflects on the gift of love that God gave to the human family. Turn in your Bibles to Song of Songs, chapter 2. Before we read, who can name three things you often see at a wedding? (Allow the children to respond.) Who can name three places besides a wedding where you can witness a celebration or demonstration of love? (Allow the children to respond.) Read or have a student read Song of Songs 2:8 9: Listen! I hear my love! Look! Here he comes! He s leaping across the mountains. He s coming over the hills. The one who loves me is like an antelope or a young deer. Look! There he stands behind our wall. He s gazing through the window. He s peering through the screen. Upper Elementary Sunday School Year B Fall Week 1 ALIVE 13

14 Say: Solomon describes a woman who is thrilled that the man she loves is near. How does she describe him? Read or have a student read Song of Songs 2:10 13: He said to me, Rise up, my love. Come with me, my beautiful one. Look! The winter is past. The rains are over and gone. Flowers are appearing on the earth. The season for singing has come. The cooing of doves is heard in our land. The fig trees are producing their early fruit. The flowers on the vines are giving off their sweet smell. Rise up and come, my love. Come with me, my beautiful one. Say: The man calls to the woman he loves that it is time for their wedding and he is so glad the time has arrived. How does he describe the woman? How does he describe the weather? How would you describe his mood? The verses here describe a nearly perfect day. It s nice to be close to the people we love. Solomon had witnessed and experienced this kind of love between people. His writing is very vivid and enthusiastic. The Bible shows many examples of love between people: between husbands and wives, parents and children, friends, or between kind strangers who help each other in need. The best example of love is God s love for the world in Jesus Christ. Jesus shows us God s strong and powerful love. Have volunteers look up and get ready to read the following passages: Ephesians 5:25 32; Hebrews 2:11, 13; John 15:13 15; Matthew 23:37. After the passage is read, ask the class what the verse tells us about the love of Christ. You may want to list what is discovered on a whiteboard for all to see. As an alternate, break the class up into groups and have each group read a passage and together discover what it teaches about God s love. Then have the groups come back together and report what they discovered. Upper Elementary Sunday School Year B Fall Week 1 ALIVE 14

15 Scripture Ephesians 5:25 32 Husbands, love your wives. Love them just as Christ loved the church. He gave himself up for her. 25 Husbands, love your wives. Love them just as Christ loved the church. He gave himself up for her. 26 He did it to make her holy. He made her clean by washing her with water and the word. 27 He did it to bring her to himself as a brightly shining church. He wants a church that has no stain or wrinkle or any other flaw. He wants a church that is holy and without blame. 28 In the same way, husbands should love their wives. They should love them as they love their own bodies. Any man who loves his wife loves himself. 29 After all, no one ever hated their own body. Instead, they feed and care for their body. And this is what Christ does for the church. 30 We are parts of his body. 31 Scripture says, That s why a man will leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife. The two will become one. 32 That is a deep mystery. But I m talking about Christ and the church. Hebrews 2:11, And Jesus, who makes people holy, and the people he makes holy belong to the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them his brothers and sisters. 13 Again he says, I will put my trust in him. And again he says, Here I am. Here are the children God has given me. John 15: No one has greater love than the one who gives their life for their friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command. 15 I do not call you slaves anymore. Slaves do not know their master s business. Instead, I have called you friends. I have told you everything I learned from my Father. Matthew 23:37 Jerusalem! Jerusalem! You kill the prophets and throw stones in order to kill those who are sent to you. Many times I have wanted to gather your people together. I have wanted to be like a hen who gathers her chicks under her wings. And you would not let me! Jesus s Love Jesus loves his church like a husband loves his wife. Jesus loves his children like a father loves his children and like a faithful brother loves his siblings. Jesus loves his companions like good friends love one another. Jesus loves the nations like a good king loves his people. Upper Elementary Sunday School Year B Fall Week 1 ALIVE 15

16 Summarize by saying: Jesus s love is greater than any other examples of love. Jesus s loved us first, while we were his enemies. Even though we are sinful and imperfect, Jesus loves us perfectly and forgives our sins when we turn to him. Jesus s love is greater because he sacrificed his life for us. Jesus s love is perfect. Solomon s writings point us to this kind of love they paint a picture of God s boundless love to his people. 4 StOry DiscussiOn XX Why do you think Solomon wrote about the relationship between a husband and a wife? (We can learn from Solomon s wisdom about human love and relationships, while also learning about Jesus s love for the church.) XX We described several ways that we see love expressed in the Bible. How does Jesus exemplify these examples? (Answers will vary. Examples might include: Jesus loves his church like a husband loves his wife. Jesus loves his children like a father loves his children, etc.) XX What makes Jesus s love superior to any other love? (Jesus s love is greater because he loved us first, even while we were his enemies. Jesus took our punishment for us because he loved us.) X X How can we share the love of Jesus to others? (Answers will vary.) 5 Snack Tower of Wisdom Distribute the napkins, and cheese and cracker towers from the Lesson Introduction. Say: Before we enjoy our snack, let s ask God for wisdom from above the kind of wisdom that teaches us how to live well in God s world. 6 MemOry Verse Activity To prepare: Make one copy of the Memory Verse printable for every two children. Love Works Together Lead a life of love, just as Christ did. He loved us. He gave himself up for us. He was a sweet-smelling offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:2 Divide the children into pairs. Distribute a rubber ball and memory verse to each pair. Say: In relationships, whether husbands and wives, parents and children, or brothers and sisters, all the people must work together to make Upper Elementary Sunday School Year B Fall Week 1 ALIVE 16

17 the relationship work. For this memory verse challenge, you will work together to recite the memory verse. First, read the verse aloud and work together to memorize it. When you feel confident, take turns tossing the ball back and forth to each other, as you speak the words. For example, I will say the first word and toss the ball to my partner, and then they will say the next word and toss the ball back to me. Make sense? Let s do it! If time allows, you can time each team to see who is the fastest. At the end of the challenge, congratulate everyone and say: God gives us wisdom to know how to work together. Jesus shows us, by his example, how to love and care for each other as he loves and cares for the church. 7 Writing Activity To prepare: Make enough copies of the printable for each child. What Do You See in the Garden? Distribute the printable along with pencils. Reread Song of Songs 2:8 13: Listen! I hear my love! Look! Here he comes! He s leaping across the mountains. He s coming over the hills. The one who loves me is like an antelope or a young deer. Look! There he stands behind our wall. He s gazing through the window. He s peering through the screen. He said to me, Rise up, my love. Come with me, my beautiful one. Look! The winter is past. The rains are over and gone. Flowers are appearing on the earth. The season for singing has come. The cooing of doves is heard in our land. The fig trees are producing their early fruit. The flowers on the vines are giving off their sweet smell. Rise up and come, my love. Come with me, my beautiful one. Say: In these verses, the woman describes the man she loves and tells us what he says to her. What does she compare him to? What does he say to her? What do you notice about the man s language? Distribute the garden frames. The children will brainstorm on the back and write their poem on the front of the sheet. Say: How might we describe Jesus in a way that emphasizes his love, care, and concern for the church for us? I ll help you get started. I ll read you a question. Answer it on the back of your page. Then use your answers to create a short poem (rhyming or not) on the front of the page. Ask: 1. Jesus is comparable to (type of animal) because he (reason). 2. How does Jesus show his love, care, and concern for the church? Upper Elementary Sunday School Year B Fall Week 1 ALIVE 17

18 3. What does Jesus say to the church to his people? 4. How do you feel about Jesus s commitment to you? How do you feel about his strength and trustworthiness? 5. When you consider what Jesus does and says, what do you think? What do you do? Once the children have crafted their poems, invite them to share with the class. 8 ClOsing To prepare: Make enough copies of the printable and the Take-home page for each child. Wedding Vows Distribute the printable and pencils. Read the wedding vows together. Explain that these words are what a husband promises to his wife and what a wife promises to her husband during their wedding ceremony. With pencils in hand, have the children circle the actions of a husband and wife. (Have, hold, love, cherish, and vow.) Have the children underline the situations in which these actions will take place. (From this day forward, better, worse, richer, poorer, sickness, health, death.) After the children have described the promises of love through action in all these circumstances, ask them why it would be important to show love in so many ways and in so many circumstances. Say: The couple in today s Scripture was very excited that spring had arrived and their wedding was near. Solomon knew what we also know: a love that serves will last. Where do you see Christ s love displayed in the world? Thinking back over the lesson, how does Jesus keep his promise to his people and love them as a husband loves a wife? When people stumble in keeping their promises perfectly, Jesus excels in his commitment, strength, and wisdom. We can imitate him best by trusting him. Ask each student to name one relationship where they need more of God s love. Pray for these relationships together. Children line up to meet their parents. As the children leave, hand out their takehome pages and remind them to bring home their work sheets. Upper Elementary Sunday School Year B Fall Week 1 ALIVE 18

19 Lead a life of love, just as Christ did. He loved us. He gave himself up for us. He was a sweet-smelling offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:2 Lead a life of love, just as Christ did. He loved us. He gave himself up for us. He was a sweet-smelling offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:2 Memory Verse Upper Elementary Sunday School Year B Fall Week 1 ALIVE 19

20 Writing Activity Upper Elementary Sunday School Year B Fall Week 1 ALIVE 20

21 Wedding Vows In the Name of God, I, (name), take you, (name), to be my wife/husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until we are parted by death. This is my solemn vow. Closing Upper Elementary Sunday School Year B Fall Week 1 ALIVE 21

22 ALIVE WEEK 1 Live It All WeeK Upper Elementary Take Home Paper for Families What Your Child Learned Today Your child learned that God gave Solomon wisdom to reflect on many aspects of life. Wisdom is the skill to live well in the world and see things from God s perspective. While Solomon reflects on earthly love, Jesus displays greater love a perfect love that transcends all others. His life, death, resurrection, and intercession for us display his love, care, and concern for the church. Try This Let s see what your nose knows. Next time your family is at a department store with scented candles, ask your child to find three candles with scents that remind them of love. Give them a moment to connect the scent of linen, food, or perfume with someone or something they love. Remind them that their memory verse says that Jesus s life was a sweet-smelling offering to God. Table Talk X X First Corinthians 13 defines love. Read the passage together as a family and discuss how you can display these qualities to each other. Together, write out the verses with decorative script and add color and designs. Post the decorated verses in your home to remind one another of the beauty of Jesus s love. Pray and ask God for strength to love others each day. Walking in Wisdom: Song of the Beloved }} Scripture: Song of Songs 2:8 13 }} Big Idea: God gives us wisdom. He tells us of Jesus s love, care, and concern for the Church. }} Memory Verse: Lead a life of love, just as Christ did. He loved us. He gave himself up for us. He was a sweet-smelling offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:2 Something Else to Do Brainstorm with your child a list of five wise people your family knows. Why do you consider them wise? How did they gain wisdom? When have you benefitted from their wise perspective? Solomon shared his wisdom with others through the books he wrote in the Bible. Jesus shares his loving wisdom with us through Scripture and the Holy Spirit. Take some time to thank God for the people who have shared godly wisdom with your family. Consider writing them a card to encourage and thank them for displaying God s wisdom to you. Upper Elementary Sunday School Year B Fall Week 1 ALIVE 22