Bible Passage: Genesis 2 3 (The Fall and Restoration) REMEMBER VERSE. from the hand of the foe. Psalm 107:2

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1 date: Bible Passage: Genesis 2 3 (The Fall and Restoration) REMEMBER VERSE Younger: Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story. Psalm 107:2a Older: Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story those he redeemed from the hand of the foe. Psalm 107:2 God Made a Way for Me to Be with Him Forever SERVICE SCHEDULE Explore:: Welcome & Engage minutes Discover & Respond:: Large Group minutes Respond & Bless:: Small Group minutes ENVIRONMENT: STORYTELLING In this lesson we see the environment of STORYTELLING through God s promise to send the Redeemer so we can live in perfect relationship with Him forever David C. Cook. TruResources are developed in partnership with ROCKHARBOR Church and a national network of family and children s ministry leaders. All rights reserved.

2 Inspire As a child I played many games of Hide and Seek. The delightful anticipation of being discovered was almost more than I could bear. Then there were those occasions when I would hide, not because I was playing a game, but because I had done something wrong. I knew there would be consequences for my actions there always were. Once I was concealed and out of sight, I always wondered, How long will it be before I am found? I knew, even as a kid, that I wouldn t be able to hide forever. I didn t want to remain under the bed it was lonely. Finally, my parents entered the room. Knowing full well where I was, they would call out to me one more time, Cristi, where are you? Slowly I would crawl out from under the bed to face what I had only temporarily avoided. Although I no longer hide under the bed, there are still times when I try to hide from God. I know He sees me, even when I m trying to avoid Him. I m also very aware that I can t remain in hiding forever nor do I want to. I hate the distance my sin creates between God and me. It s then I m reminded that He has called us out of the shadows of sin. God provided the way for us to be freed and taken out of hiding: no more shame; no more distance. He defeated sin and death to remove all barriers that would keep us from being with Him. We re able to come to Him without fear. He is the way, the Truth, and the life. Cristi Thomas TruWonder Team 2

3 Equip After God created mankind, He blessed them and gave them rule over all the fish of the sea, birds of the air, and every living creature that moves on the ground. Of the food in the garden God said, You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will certainly die (Genesis 2:16 17). One day the woman entered into a conversation with the Serpent the deceiver. As they spoke, he began to question the validity of God s command and assured the woman that she would not die as soon as she ate the fruit, but she would know good and evil just as the Lord knew good and evil. Eve made the choice to eat the fruit of the tree. Adam followed by taking the fruit she offered. And then they hid; sin had entered humanity. Although Adam and Eve did not die physically, the moment they ate the forbidden fruit they died spiritually. Death was now a part of the human experience. No longer would they live forever, eating from the tree of life. No longer would they be in perfect relationship with God Himself. They were ushered out of the garden to work the land and bear children both with pain. However, God had a plan to restore what had been broken and redeem what had been lost. In the middle of the garden stood choice choice between life and death. God s story with mankind would be forever altered by this choice. Death was chosen, but life would be redeemed. God made a way for us to be with Him forever. Environment: STORYTELLING The power of The Big God Story impacts our lives by giving us an accurate and awe-inspiring perspective into how God has been moving throughout history. It is the story of redemption, salvation, and hope and tells how I have been grafted into it by grace. It further compels us to see how God is using every person s life and is creating a unique story that deserves to be told for God s glory. The 10 environments guide us in creating a climate that puts God on display. Encourage your families to discover more about creating the environment of STORYTELLING in their homes by checking out HomeFront: A Spiritual Parenting Resource and Spiritual Parenting by Michelle Anthony. In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2:9b). 3

4 Support Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. If I say, Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me, even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you. Psalm 139:7 12 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. Psalm 139:15 16 God s story specifically includes you. You are never out of God s sight. He has always known you and loved you. You are never in a place where He cannot reach you. Think of a place in your home or outside where you feel safe and quiet. Go to this place. Take some time to read through these Scriptures again. As you do, pray through them. Where do these words and their meaning direct your thoughts? Is there anything you ve been trying to keep from God? Is there anything you ve been trying to handle on your own before showing it to Him? Spend some time giving these things over to God. As you do, open your hands and place them palms down on your lap. When you re finished, and you re ready to receive from the Lord, turn your hands and place them palms up in front of you, or on your lap. Wait expectantly on the Lord. He will meet you. God has made a way so that you may know Him and be with Him forever. 4

5 Navigating This Lesson These are descriptions of the terms found throughout the lesson. Tip, Note, Suggestion, Helpful Hint, and Developmentally Speaking: Suggestions for programming and classroom management. Optional: Suggestions of ways you can adapt the activities and games to best fit your own church and group of kids. Host: Offers the same spirit of hospitality, generosity, and inclusiveness to the children that the host of a party would offer to the guests in her home or gathering. Small Group Leader: Shepherds the children through questions about the story and biblical truth, engages them in community-building activities, helps them create a remembrance of their experience, and blesses them before they leave. Ideally Small Group Leaders work week after week with the same group of kids, giving them the opportunity to develop lasting relationships with each child. Worship Leader: Facilitates individual and corporate worship by listening to the direction of the Holy Spirit and inviting others into the worship experience. Storyteller: After active involvement with the Scriptures and the lesson, recounts the Bible passage for the kids in an engaging way. He leads out of an overflow of his own life, telling personal stories as prompted and guiding the children into a time of natural worship response. AV Technician: Facilitates the behind-the-scenes aspects of programming, including music, lighting, drama, sound, PowerPoint, etc. The AV Technician makes sure things run smoothly and is willing to help with anything including stepping into any of the other leader roles. 5

6 Lesson Overview Experience Time Summary Supplies/Prepare (Master Supply List at tru.davidccook.com) Explore:: Welcome & Engage Discover:: Large Group min min. Exploration stations create space intended to transition children to lead them from the external world into an environment where they can commune with God, just as they are with all that they are. Facilitate interactive games, songs, and storytelling, allowing children to participate in discovering God s Word. Focus Station: Finding Home (per table) Finding Home Images (see tru.davidccook.com) (Optional) Station 2: Flower Paintings (per table) newspaper or other table covering masking tape flowers (real or artificial; 1 per child) washable tempera paint (2 colors) 2 paper or plastic bowls or paint trays paper (1 sheet per child) marker Explore bin Chloe s Rules videos or scripts (see tru.davidccook.com) preschool program theme song worship music (suggestions: I Can Sing, TruWorship Sincerely Yours and He Knows Me, TruWorship Your Love) optional: countdown video Mail Time intro clip and image (see tru.davidccook.com) Remember Verse image and cards (see tru.davidccook.com) Mail Time envelope art printed and attached to a large envelope (see tru.davidccook.com) Bibles (your personal and large children s) mailbox Wardrobe of Wonder intro clip and image (see tru.davidccook.com) Wardrobe of Wonder Wardrobe of Wonder sound effect (see tru.davidccook.com) optional: silly hats for prop/hat box 2 small stools or chairs What sit: Leaves (see image at tru.davidccook.com) The Big God Story intro clip and image (see tru.davidccook.com) images: #1 Adam and Eve in garden, #2 Adam and Eve in garden, #3 Adam and Eve leave garden, #4 Adam, #5 Eve (see tru.davidccook.com) (Continued) *To make metric conversions, search the Internet for a metric conversion chart or calculator. 6

7 Lesson Overview Experience Time Summary Supplies/Prepare (Master Supply List at tru.davidccook.com) Discover:: Large Group (Continued) option #1 props: 3 large sheets of foam board; fishing wire (and suspended ceiling hooks if you have ceiling tiles and fluorescent lights) or 3 easels (1 for each sheet of foam board); potted silk trees; 4 yards of blue fabric Staging Sketch, for option #1 (see tru.davidccook.com) option #2 props: construction paper, glue, 8 large craft sticks, 6 flower pots, floral foam Respond:: Large Group min. Create space for children to respond to the Holy Spirit in worship and community. title image (see tru.davidccook.com) or worshipful video loop instrumental music celebratory worship songs (suggestions: Thank You and Everybody, Everywhere TruWorship Sincerely Yours) *To make metric conversions, search the Internet for a metric conversion chart or calculator. 7

8 Lesson Overview Experience Time Summary Supplies/Prepare (Master Supply List at tru.davidccook.com) Respond:: Small Group min. Further process the story through discussion and interaction with others, and respond to God in worship through creative expression. Connect: What to Wear? (per small group) various articles of clothing (kids sunglasses, pants, shirts, skirts, flip flops, gloves, mittens, visors, earmuffs, kneepads, scarves, bracelets, rings, etc.) poster board marker scissors clear adhesive paper optional: glue and magazines with pictures of people shopping bag masking tape Create: Painting a Psalm (per table/small group) Bible butcher paper masking tape optional: copy paper (1 sheet per child) crayons tempera paint paintbrushes (1 per child) cups marker paper towels or hand wipes Wonder Questions Wonder Questions Coloring Pages (see tru.davidccook.com) crayons TruWonder Timeline and images: Premium, Unlimited, and Combo users (see tru.davidccook.com) Bless:: Small Group 5 min. Bless the children that they may experience God fully and be a blessing to others. Blessing/Remember Verse HomeFront Weekly HomeFront: A Spiritual Parenting Resource *To make metric conversions, search the Internet for a metric conversion chart or calculator. 8

9 Small Group Explore:: min. SECTION Host/Small Group Leaders Exploration stations create space intended for wonder to pique children s curiosity and allow them to engage in hands-on experiences as they begin their time in worship. Focus Station Invite children, and parents as they re bringing them, to participate at the Focus Station (or optional stations). Explore the materials with the children and engage them in openended questions about their observations. This will encourage them to explore and form questions on their own throughout the lesson. Focus Station 1: Finding Home When God created the world, He designed and provided beautiful places for everyone and everything He created to live. Today children will explore the concept of things that go together as they re encouraged to make observations about the things they see and match the items with their homes. SUPPLIES (per table) Finding Home Images (see tru.davidccook.com) scissors PREPARE AHEAD Print a set of the images from the website. Cut out each image and set aside. If using in multiple services, consider laminating each set. SET UP Scatter the images down the center of the table. ENGAGE Welcome children to the EXPLORE Station. Encourage them to look through all the pictures. Ask them questions about what they re observing in each image (shape, color, texture, etc.). Ask: Friends, can you match the things that go together? Let s help the animals, plants, and people find their homes. Dialogue with children as they match. Ask children about their pairings. Which home looks the most cozy to you? What makes it cozy? What kinds of homes do people have? 9

10 (Optional) Station 2: Flower Paintings SUPPLIES (per table) newspaper or other table covering masking tape flowers (real or artificial; 1 per child) washable tempera paint (2 colors) 2 paper or plastic bowls or paint trays paper (1 sheet per child) marker Explore bin SET UP Cover the tabletop with newspaper and tape the edges to the underside of the table. Pour about an inch of paint into bowls or paint trays and place them in the center of the table. Place the flowers down the center of the table on either side of the paint containers. Set out paper. ENGAGE Allow children to explore the items on the table. If children seem hesitant, make the first move by dipping a flower into some paint and using it to paint your own picture. Engage the children in conversation while they paint. Where have you seen flowers like these before? Why do you think we re painting with flowers instead of brushes? Would you like to try mixing the colors on the paper? What colors do you see? What are you painting? 10

11 Discover:: min. Host/Worship Leader/Storyteller Children move into a large group setting and participate in discovering God s Word through storytelling, worship, and interactive experiences. Helpful Hint Consider printing a copy of the Discover large group section to create a running script for your tech volunteer(s). Highlight all of the tech cues and make notes in the margin that are specific to your program. This will help the tech team follow the flow of the service and locate the cues that are specific to their role in the large group experience. Large Group SECTION For more information about any of the following components of the large group program, please see Putting It Together at tru.davidccook.com. Ponder Point God Made a Way for Me to Be with Him Forever Chloe s Rules Host/Worship Leader Clear guidelines are foundational to respectful and loving relationship. In order for young children to successfully engage, clear expectations and boundaries must be established and shared with them. Each week children will begin their large group DISCOVER time with the rules of your preschool program. CHLOE S RULES is a time for simple reminders about how to be a part of a loving community through the words we speak, sitting with our small group, and sharing during our preschool program. There are three versions of videos featuring Chloe, a friendly and lively puppet, on the website. She welcomes the children, explains what will be happening, and reminds them to have fun! If you already have established rules for your program, you can customize this time to fit your individual expectations for kids and simply use a puppet, or a person, as Chloe for added variety. CHLOE S RULES can be performed using the downloadable scripts found on the website. SUPPLIES CHLOE S RULES videos or scripts (see tru.davidccook.com) preschool program theme song worship music (suggestions: I Can Sing, TruWorship Sincerely Yours and He Knows Me, TruWorship Your Love; for both see tru.davidccook.com for Premium, Unlimited, and Combo users; or itunes) optional: countdown video ENGAGE Welcome children as they re entering the large group meeting area. Direct the children to sit with their leaders in the designated area on the floor. All children and leaders should be seated by the time the countdown video reaches zero. If using a puppet or person in your DISCOVER time, be sure to introduce her to the children the first day she appears. Explain who she is and why she visits. Encourage the leader to interact directly with 11

12 the children and the Host and/or Worship Leader on Chloe s behalf. You may choose to customize appearances with Chloe for your large group. Cue CHLOE S RULES video. Helpful Hint A fun way to cue children that a change is about to happen is to use a signal. Signals create predictability and channel energy as you transition from one experience into the next. Some ideas are: energetic music or audio clip DVD with countdown and music, or a clip from a fun movie. Replace the audio from the movie with energetic music of your choice. verbal rhyme and lights off and on game. For example: flip lights off and say, One, two, three everyone look at me. Turn lights back on and give directions. Remember Verse Definitions Redeemed: bought back. Jesus paid the price of our sin so we can have eternal life. Foe: an enemy. Adding a theme song to your preschool program is a fun way to help give identity to your large group program. The theme song will play as the Worship Leader/Host enters and makes his way up to the front, welcoming and greeting children along the way. This should be a high-energy entrance. Cue preschool program theme song. Also choose and play two upbeat worship songs of your choice from a worship album that complements the theme and focus of the lesson (suggestions: I Can Sing, TruWorship Sincerely Yours and He Knows Me, TruWorship Your Love). Cue MAIL TIME intro clip. Mail Time Host/Worship Leader Each week children will receive mail in the mailbox you ve created. Written on the mail is the month s Remember Verse from the Bible. It s important for children to associate the message written on the mail as words from the Bible, so be sure to have a Bible visible for reference. To create your mailbox, see Putting It Together on the website. SUPPLIES MAIL TIME intro clip and image (see tru.davidccook.com) Remember Verse image (for projection and MAIL TIME envelope; see tru.davidccook.com) Remember Verse cards (print and distribute along with HomeFront Weekly; see tru.davidccook.com) MAIL TIME envelope art (print and attach to a large envelope; see tru.davidccook.com) Bibles (your personal and large children s) mailbox SET UP Invite two children to come up front and help with MAIL TIME as Hider and Seeker. 12

13 Remember Verse Motions Younger: Let the redeemed: Cross index and middle fingers on both hands. Begin with arms and fingers crossed at chest and move outward to uncross them. of the Lord: Using right hand, make an L with index finger and thumb. Begin on left shoulder, crossing over front of body, and end on right hip. tell their story: Both index fingers start at mouth and move outward in a quick movement. Older: Let the redeemed: Cross index and middle fingers on both hands. Begin with arms and fingers crossed at chest and move outward to uncross them. of the Lord: Using right hand, make an L with index finger and thumb. Begin on left shoulder, crossing over front of body, and end on right hip. tell their story: Both index fingers start at mouth and move outward in a quick movement. those he redeemed: Cross index and middle fingers on both hands. Begin with arms and fingers crossed at chest and move outward to uncross them. from the hand: Both hands open in front of body move in opposite directions to form a circle. of the foe: Index fingers of both hands begin together, then pull apart. REMEMBER VERSE This week, the Remember Verse is in the environment of STORYTELLING, which says, God has a big story, and I can be a part of it! Younger: Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story. Psalm 107:2a Older: Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story those he redeemed from the hand of the foe. Psalm 107:2 Choosing visitors is a fun way to welcome them into the faith community. ENGAGE The Hider retrieves the mail from the mailbox and hides it somewhere in the room while the Seeker closes her eyes. Meanwhile, the other children pay close attention to the hiding place. When the Hider is ready and returns to his seat, the Seeker attempts to find the mail using the Hot and Cold game. All the children can help the Seeker find the hidden mail by calling out hot or cold as clues. Once the Seeker finds the mail, the Host invites her to see what s inside and then pulls out the enclosed Remember Verse with the Seeker. Next, the Host should find the Remember Verse in his Bible and read the words aloud. Talk about the meaning of the verse while interacting with the children and other leaders onstage with you. Define any unfamiliar words for the children. Ask for volunteers to help you with the meanings of reedemed and foe. One of the joys of leading preschool is helping children build vocabulary and learn new concepts related to God. Don t feel like you have to use all the definitions every week. Instead, focus on one or two definitions at a time. You may be surprised at how much your children understand by the end of their time with each Remember Verse. The Host should lead the large group in reciting the Remember Verse several times together, using a variety of engaging methods. Using hand motions, using different voices, varying the speed, and integrating characters are all great ways to help commit the Scripture to memory. For longer verses, approach the verse one section at a time, increasing what the children repeat back each week. Make it special by including the Hider and Seeker in this time as helpers for the hand motions to the Remember Verse. Having fun as children attempt to familiarize themselves with the verse will give context 13

14 and make the Scripture more memorable. Treat this as a celebration an exciting time of introducing your children to God s Word. Have the Host close his Bible to go into WARDROBE OF WONDER. Cue WARDROBE OF WONDER intro clip and sound effect (if using). Wardrobe of Wonder Storyteller/Host/Worship Leader The WARDROBE OF WONDER is a fun and interactive entrance point into God s story. Each week a new object called a What sit, which is connected to and sometimes used in THE BIG GOD STORY, is hidden in the wardrobe. The Storyteller, Host, or Worship Leader will select a child volunteer to assist her with retrieving the What sit. Together as a community, the children will discover the identity of this object as they begin to ask questions from their observations and experiences. SUPPLIES What sit: Leaves God had given Adam and Eve everything they needed in the garden. They had freedom to eat whatever they wanted everything but the fruit from one tree. He gave them a choice to be in a relationship with Him. He gave them a choice to obey, but they chose to disobey. Instantly, they were aware of their sin and hid themselves. Adam and Eve hid from one another by using leaves to cover themselves, and they tried to hide from God among the trees. God calls us out of hiding and into relationship with Him. Tip To create your What sit, use the bright, clear image provided on the website. Enlarge the image, mount on card stock, laminate, and place in the wardrobe. For more ideas and specific instructions on the Wardrobe of Wonder, see Putting It Together at tru.davidccook.com. WARDROBE OF WONDER intro clip and image (see tru.davidccook.com) WARDROBE OF WONDER WARDROBE OF WONDER sound effect (see tru.davidccook.com) optional: silly hats for the prop/hat box 2 small stools or chairs What sit: Leaves (use real or artificial leaves; see optional image to show or print at tru.davidccook.com) SET UP Invite a child volunteer up front to help find the What sit. Optional: Along with the child, choose special thinking hats out of the prop or hat box before looking into the wardrobe. 14

15 Helpful Hint Take a couple of minutes to discuss the What sit with the children. Describe it. What colors do you see? What sizes do they come in? Ask questions that lead into The Big God Story. Sample dialogue has been provided for you in bold. ENGAGE After putting on your silly thinking hats, lead all of the children in putting on their imaginary thinking hats and making their special thinking hat sound. Invite your child volunteer to spy on the What sit by peeking into the wardrobe. Each time the wardrobe door opens, cue the WARDROBE OF WONDER sound effect. Have her whisper the identity of the What sit in your ear to ensure she knows what it is. Together, close the wardrobe, then sit at the edge of the stage (or teaching area) on two small stools. Lead the children in a form of the game 20 Questions. Children will guess what the object is by asking yes-or-no questions of your assistant (child). If the questioners or the questionee have trouble, ask some specific questions about color and shape to help guide them. (You may want to limit this time to four or five questions.) Once the children have finished guessing correctly, ask your assistant to retrieve the What sit from the wardrobe and bring it to you. Thank your volunteer and encourage her to sit with her small group. ASK What is this we ve found in the wardrobe today? Children will respond. Where can you find leaves? Children respond. That s true. What can we do with leaves? What do they make you think of? Wait for answers. I wonder where we re going to find leaves in The Big God Story. Are you ready to find out? Children answer. Me too because do you know what time it is? Volunteer or leader puts away the thinking hats and sits down offstage as the Storyteller enters. Cue THE BIG GOD STORY intro clip and image. 15

16 Prayer of Release The Prayer of Release is a time for children and leaders to pause, be still, and ask God to quiet their hearts and minds. As you pray, encourage children to hold their hands out in front of them as if releasing their worries and distractions. This posture also shows they re open to receive what the Holy Spirit might have for them. The Big God Story Genesis 2 3 Storyteller Storytelling Technique: Puppets, Props, and Illustrations SUPPLIES THE BIG GOD STORY intro clip and image (see tru.davidccook.com) Bible (adult or children s to use during teaching) WARDROBE OF WONDER sound effect (see tru.davidccook.com) What sit: Leaves (see image at tru.davidccook.com) images: #1 Adam and Eve in garden, #2 Adam and Eve in garden, #3 Adam and Eve leave garden, #4 Adam, #5 Eve (see tru.davidccook.com) option #1 props: 3 large sheets of foam board; fishing wire (and suspended ceiling hooks if you have ceiling tiles and fluorescent lights) or 3 easels (1 for each sheet of foam board); potted silk trees; 4 yards of blue fabric Staging Sketch, for option #1 (see tru.davidccook.com) option #2 props: construction paper, glue, 8 large craft sticks, 6 flower pots, floral foam PREPARE AHEAD Option #1: Print the full scenery images of Adam and Eve (images 1 3) to the size of your choice and adhere them to large sheets of poster board or foam board. Gather remaining props and set aside. Option #2: Print a copy of Adam and Eve (images 4 5). Cut out both characters and laminate. Use the construction paper to cut out trees, bushes, flowers and any other garden items. Secure each to a large craft stick and set aside. Pack flowerpots with floral foam high enough to support the height and weight of the people and shrubbery puppets you ve created. Gather remaining materials and set aside. Option #3: Use the images provided as slides to be cued in storytelling. SET UP Option #1: Use fishing wire and hooks to hang the large images from the ceiling above your storytelling space. When hanging the boards, stagger them across the stage so that there is ample space for your storyteller to walk. Each board should hang two feet off the ground. (Refer to the Staging Sketch for an example.) You may also place illustrated boards on easels and space them across the stage instead. Place the silk trees around the stage to create a garden-like feel, then use the blue fabric to run through the garden and images to represent the river(s). Option #2: Gather materials and place in the storytelling space. You will add the puppets and fabric as you storytell. 16

17 Note: You may choose to use one of these staging/storytelling options, or a combination of both. ENGAGE Option 1: As the storyteller shares The Big God Story, walk through the garden, stopping at each image at that portion of the narrative. Use voice inflection, volume, and various body postures to bring the storytelling to life at each of the different stations. End the storytelling section by sitting downstage center. Option 2: To create an intimate storytelling experience, gather the children and have them sit as close to the stage as possible. If your group size and physical space will allow, consider sitting in a giant circle. Sit on the floor with the children as you share this portion of The Big God Story. Line up the pots in front of you. As you begin to storytell, add a new puppet to the pots. Make sure the puppets are facing the children and you re moving in a left to right progression from the children s vantage point. Storyteller enters and moves downstage as he welcomes children, then leads them in a Prayer of Release. God is the Creator of all things. He made the world and everyone and everything in it. He made you, and He made me. After God finished creating on the sixth day, He looked and said His creation was very good. Then, God rested. (Have the children place their hands next to their faces, like a pillow, and close their eyes to rest. ) Adam and Eve had a perfect relationship with God while they lived in the garden. The Garden of Eden was a wonderful paradise with everything they would need to live forever and ever. In the middle of four very big rivers, there were beautiful trees and flowers. (Tech: Cue Wardrobe of Wonder sound effect.) Wait! Did you hear that sound? Where was it coming from? (Children answer.) It s the Wardrobe of Wonder. What did we see inside the wardrobe today? Did we see something that had to do with trees and flowers? (Children answer.) Leaves, that s right. And leaves can be found in a garden! Well the best part about life in the garden was that Adam and Eve got to spend lots and lots of time with God. God told Adam and Eve they could eat everything in the garden except the fruit of one tree in the center of the garden. At first, Adam and Eve obeyed. But one day, a very clever snake lied to Eve. What does it mean when someone lies? (Children answer.) Yes, when someone lies, they re saying something that isn t true. So, he lied to Eve and told her what God said about the tree was not true! Does God ever tell us things that aren t true? (Children answer.) No! God is perfect, and He always tells the truth! 17

18 Eve decided to believe the snake and disobey God. She took a bite and then gave it to Adam. He took a bite too. They knew they had made a very big mistake. While God was on a walk in the garden, Adam and Eve heard Him. So they hid behind some trees. Do you ever hide? (Interact with children and their answers.) Maybe you hide when you disobey. Because sometimes when you disobey, you re given a consequence. What does that mean: a consequence? (Allow children to think and answer.) A consequence is something that needs to happen when we make a mistake or disobey, to help us learn. Why do you think Adam and Eve hid? (Interact with children and their answers.) God knew that Adam and Eve were hiding from Him. Where are you? God asked. Adam answered and told Him they were hiding because of what they had done. Even though God already knew, He asked them what had happened. When they told Him they disobeyed Him and ate the fruit from the tree, God told them they had to leave the garden. (Tech: Cue image #3 Adam and Eve leave the garden.) God s love for Adam and Eve never changed, but their disobedience had very big consequences. No longer would they get to live with God in the garden or eat from all of the beautiful trees. No longer would they get to live forever. Now they would have to find a new home and work very hard for the things they needed. They would experience pain, and someday they would die. But God is good, and He never leaves us all alone. God saw and heard what happened in the garden. He had a plan. God made a promise to send a Savior to take away all of our sin so we could be in perfect relationship with Him again. The promised Savior would wipe away the sin of Adam and Eve, my sin, and your sin. Who is The Promise? (Allow children to answer.) Jesus is the promised Savior. God s story is all about His great big love for us, and we get to be a part of telling that story to others! Transition into large group worship response. The Worship Leader comes up front and can use a transitional phrase that ties the point of the story into the song that will follow. 18

19 Large Group Respond:: min. Worship Leader Children have the opportunity to respond to God and to what they have heard and experienced through His Word. Special attention should be given to create space for the Holy Spirit to minister to each child. Be sure to engage in this time of worship with the children. As you participate, you re modeling a heart of worship and praise to God. We seem to always have a great time in large group. Kids were very worshipful. It is a blessing to watch the little ones respond. Mountainbrook Community Church SECTION The worship response time in large group varies from week to week. Some weeks the children will respond in worship through music, while other weeks are designed for more specific interactive expressions of response. This time is intended for children to freely express their worship as God s Spirit leads them. SUPPLIES title image (see tru.davidccook.com) or worshipful video loop instrumental music celebratory worship songs (suggestions: Thank You and Everybody, Everywhere TruWorship Sincerely Yours; see tru.davidccook.com for Premium, Unlimited, and Combo users; or itunes) Worship-through-Response ENGAGE It s amazing that God made everything we see, and He also made us. It s even more amazing that He wants to be in a perfect relationship with us. Even when we make mistakes, or disobey and try to hide, He loves us and wants to be with us! God made a way for us to be with Him forever. Who is the Way? Children answer. Jesus, that s right! Jesus is the Way. The very same God who created the world and walked in the garden with Adam and Eve is also here with us right now. The very same God who was the promised Savior is here with us right now, giving us His great love and attention. He wants to hear from us. Let s worship Him for this by saying who He is. If you feel like you want to, stand or jump up and say something out loud that s true about God (e.g., kind, powerful, creative, Savior, everlasting). It s okay if two people speak at the same time or if you say something that someone has already said. It s also okay to listen to others and celebrate by listening. Model this for the children, and then encourage them to participate. Play quiet, worshipful music in the background. Close the time by singing one or two celebratory worship songs. You re introducing a new type of worship response to this age group. The first time may seem a little awkward and uncomfortable. Allow for the moment to be what it is. The more often you repeat this form of worship, the more comfortable and familiar the children will be and will be more apt to respond freely. As the time begins its natural end, thank the children for worshipping together in this way. To streamline large group dismissal, try dismissing one age group at a time. Give the children and leaders cheerful reminders of exit doors as they re preparing to leave. This could be a fun time to bring Chloe back to help with moving into small groups. Use her to remind little ones to stay with their Small Group Leaders, wait patiently for their friends as they walk out together, etc. 19

20 Respond:: min. Small Group Leaders Children have an opportunity to reflect (within the faith community) on what they have heard, and to respond to God individually or corporately. This time is focused on the wonder of God and the foundational Truth of His Word. Small Group SECTION Your small group time is designed to encourage conversations between you and your children about what God is doing in them. Some children will be more responsive when they re engaged in something artistic. Others will be more open once their bodies get moving. Choose from the options given here or use your own ideas. The WONDER QUESTIONS may be used to start conversations during any of these activities or in a quieter, more contemplative time. Connect: What to Wear? After a time of responding to God on a personal level, increase the energy by allowing time and space for children and leaders to connect with each other in a lively largemotor-skills activity. Fun challenges foster unique opportunities for conversation and help to develop your faith community. In Genesis 3:21, we re told that God made clothes for Adam and Eve before they left the garden. He is so caring and loving. Today children will get to play a game that s all about finding the right thing to wear. SUPPLIES (per small group) various articles of clothing (kids sunglasses, pants, shirts, skirts, flip flops, gloves, mittens, visors, earmuffs, kneepads, scarves, bracelets, rings, etc.) poster board marker scissors clear adhesive paper optional: glue and magazines with pictures of people shopping bag masking tape PREPARE AHEAD Draw the outline of a person on the poster board, being as detailed as possible (suggestions to include: head, neck, upper body, arms, hands and wrists, waist, legs, feet and ankles). You may choose to use pictures from a magazine instead of drawing them yourself. Cut the poster board into cards, being sure to cut to include a body part on each square of poster board. Place the cards and clothing in a shopping bag and label it What to Wear? Sorting and Matching Game. SET UP Use the masking tape to create two lines on opposite sides of the room. Each line should be about five or six feet in length. 20

21 Developmentally Speaking By the age of four, children begin to play cooperatively with others as their social and emotional abilities develop. Their play is often structured and quite organized. The child s imagination begins to interface with his play, which can be seen as he assigns roles to himself and others. Children s senses are sharpened; creativity and language skills are developed as they engage with others in cooperative play. Encourage and affirm children when you observe them sharing ideas and working together. Your words will help facilitate positive cooperative play experiences. ENGAGE Divide the kids in your small group into two teams. Have each team stand on a masking tape line. Place the items in the bag in the middle of the room between the two teams. Scatter the clothes and accessories down the center. Set the cards on the ground facedown. Welcome kids to the game What to Wear? and explain how the game is played. Friends, before Adam and Eve left the garden, God made them clothes to wear. Today we re going to play a game all about choosing the right thing to wear. What do you see in the middle of our room? Allow kids to call out the names of the items in the center of the room. That s right. When I give you the signal, the first person in line is going to run to the middle and draw a card. Then they ll look for an item of clothing, hat, or jewelry that goes with that part of the body. So if I drew a card with a head, what would I look for in our pile? Allow kids to answer. A hat, that s right. Then find the hat and go back to your team. Once the first person has returned to the line, the second person in line will go and do the same. When you hear the signal a second time, you ll stop. Your team will use all the items you gathered to dress someone in your group. Are you ready to play? Let s go! Create: Painting a Psalm CREATE is more than just a time to make a craft. It s a hands-on opportunity for children to give artistic expression to what God is doing within them. What is created can then become a physical reminder of time spent responding to God. In the Bible we find a collection of worshipful poems and songs called Psalms. The writers of this book expressed their worship and praise to God through the words they wrote. Today children will have the opportunity to respond to God through the reading of Scripture and painting. SUPPLIES (per table/small group) Bible butcher paper masking tape optional: copy paper (1 sheet per child) crayons tempera paint paintbrushes (1 per child) cups marker paper towels or hand wipes 21

22 PREPARE AHEAD If using powdered tempera paint, mix with water and place in paint cups. If making the day before services, place mixed paint in a container that can be sealed so paint will not dry out. Read through Psalm 98 to familiarize yourself with the text prior to facilitating this time of response. SET UP Cover the table in butcher paper and tape the sides to the edges of the table. If you re using copy paper, tape a piece of paper at each child s place setting. Set the cups of paint, brushes, and crayons in the center of the table. ENGAGE Sit with your small group at the table. Today we heard a really amazing part of The Big God Story. Ask the children to share their thoughts about the part of The Big God Story they heard. After hearing this, what do you know about God? What is true of Him? What is He like? Allow kids to answer; interact with their responses. In the Bible, there s a book called the Psalms. This book has a lot of different words that were written to bring praise and worship to God for who He is and what He s done. We re going to hear some of the Psalms from the Bible. Then we ll get to paint a picture of praise for God, as our psalm of response to Him. As I read, I want you to listen closely to the words. When you re ready, you can paint whatever the psalm makes you think about God. Maybe you want to paint pictures that match the actual words I m reading, or pictures from The Big God Story we heard today, or just let your brush go with how you feel when you hear this psalm to God. It s up to you. Open your Bible to Psalm 98 and read it all the way through. Then read it again in three sections, pausing between each. First read 98:1 3. Read through it slowly so the kids can hear what is being said. Allow them time to think about what they heard and respond as they paint. Then read Psalm 98:4 6. End with Psalm 98:7 9. Read the passages from Psalms again as the children begin to paint. Consider asking them about their paintings. Take dictation from the kids and write their words next to their work. When the children are finished, hang the mural in your room or save it to display in your CREATE gallery for your next REMEMBER & CELEBRATE weekend. 22

23 Small Group Enhancements Premium, Unlimited, and Combo users can find a quarterly TruWonder Timeline and images of people corresponding to each week s lesson at tru.davidccook.com. As you place the weekly people squares on the timeline, invite children to help you storytell. The provided questions will prompt further conversation about what children have been experiencing. They ll enjoy watching as the timeline fills from week to week and their knowledge of The Big God Story grows. Wonder Questions Discuss the following questions with the children. WONDER QUESTIONS are meant to prompt further conversation about what children have been experiencing. They also invite children to ponder this truth and dwell with the wonder of God. Be sure to pause long enough after each question to allow the children time to wonder. Encourage them to share their unique perspectives with the group. Coloring pages have been provided to engage children while they re processing the questions. SUPPLIES (per table/small group) Wonder Questions Coloring Pages (see tru.davidcook.com) crayons PREPARE AHEAD Print a copy of the coloring page for each child. When God made Adam and Eve, He made a beautiful place for them to live. He would walk with them and talk with them in the garden. And then one day, they made the choice to disobey God s words. Because of this, they had to leave the garden. I wonder Why did Adam and Eve disobey God? I wonder How did God feel when they disobeyed Him? I wonder How did Adam and Eve feel when they left the garden? I wonder What do I want to say to God today? 23

24 Bless:: 5 min. Small Group Leaders A blessing can be a prayer of commission, a portion of Scripture, or words of encouragement and guidance. A blessing can be offered in order to ask God s Spirit to overflow from the child s life in such a way that blesses others, while it can also be prayed over the child for the purpose of declaring God s protection, joy, or wisdom. Small Group SECTION Gather your small group together in a circle. Read this paraphrase of Psalm 95:1 over the children: Let s sing with joy and give a loud shout to God who saves us. Encourage kids to shout, hoot, and holler in praise to God. Show the children how to place their right hand on the shoulder of the person to their right, and their left hand on the shoulder of the person to their left. Close with this blessing: Children, God knows everything about you, and He always loves you. May you know the One who is the way for you to be with God forever. Who is The Way? Kids will answer. Jesus is The Way! Younger: Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story. Psalm 107:2a Older: Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story those he redeemed from the hand of the foe. Psalm 107:2 The Power of Blessing Use this time to allow both volunteer leaders and parents to participate in blessing each child before they conclude their time together. Invite parents into the time of blessing at the end of the service, and encourage them to continue to bless their children throughout the week. HomeFront Weekly: Be sure to send home the HomeFront Weekly for next week s lesson! This preteaching tool for parents encourages families to spend time in God s Word together before children arrive at church. HomeFront: A Spiritual Parenting Resource is a magazine that gives families ideas for creating fun, spiritually forming times in their homes setting aside a sacred space for family in the midst of their active, everyday lives! As the new issue becomes available each month, you may choose to print them for families or encourage them to visit HomeFrontMag.com to subscribe to have the magazine sent directly to their inbox. HomeFront is also available as an app for your iphone, ipad, or Android device. 24