Respond:: 5 minutes. Connect:: minutes

Transcription

1 date: LESSON OVERVIEW The Very First People Genesis 1:26 31; 2:4 25 Explore:: min. Discover:: min. Respond:: 5 minutes Bless:: 5 minutes Connect:: minutes Ponder Point: God Made People On the sixth day God made people. God did not use His words to make a man; He used his breath to give him life. God named this man Adam. The Lord saw that it was not good for man to be alone. So while Adam slept, God took one of Adam s rib bones and made Eve. She was Adam s helper. They lived in a beautiful garden where they would walk and talk with God. God made them to love Him and each other.. TruResources are developed in partnership with ROCKHARBOR Church and a national network of family and children s ministry leaders.

2 Inspire My first week of college, I went online and began to check my . There it was an from home. This mail was not just from one friend. Instead, it had been written by four of my closest friends. The subject line plainly stated: You re a terrible friend. As I began to read, outlined in front of me were all the ways this group of friends felt I had fallen short over the past six years. As I sat there letting it all soak in, I was hurt and broken inside. I had been trashed by four of the closest people in my life. As the evening went on, I wasn t my talkative self, and it showed. My two new roommates began to ask if everything was all right. I told them that everything was fine, and I continued studying. Again they asked, and I responded with the usual, I m fine. This time they took more initiative. Walking over to my desk, they sat down. What followed was the most amazing thing a total stranger has ever said to me. Kit, they said, we love you, and we care about what s going on in your life. Let us know what s going on. I remember thinking, Who makes such statements to someone they hardly know? This conversation was the start of relationships that have drastically transformed my life. In that one moment, those two men served me by pushing through my defenses to ask me what needed to be done. They broke through the barrier I tried to create in order to hide my true self, and allowed me to feel known and loved. Almost a decade later, I still meet weekly with these men. Through them, I have learned about God s unconditional love, the way He views us, and what it means to be a man. It s through relationships like these that we re often transformed to look more and more like Christ. We have been designed to enter into relationship with God and others. We have been designed to be a part of God s story. Kit Rae TruBlessings Team 2

3 Equip Throughout the Old Testament, there are many names used for God. Genesis chapter one is the account of creation from the beginning of the universe to mankind being formed in God s image. God is described in chapter one as Elohim, powerful, or as some scholars assert it to be, the plural of the word translated to mean majesty. Elohim powerful and majestic created the universe and our earth from nothing only through His infinite power. Genesis chapter two is a retelling of the creation of man and woman, as well as their relationships with one another, the earth, and the Lord Himself. Here, God is referred to as Yahweh, the great I AM, who breathed into Adam s nostrils and formed him from the dust, like a potter forms a pot from clay. The use of the name Elohim for God establishes a positional relationship with all of His creation; in proximity to mankind, God still maintains power and position. Added to this is the dimension of personality in relationship to humans by being referred to as Yahweh. From the very beginning of creation, God was weaving together a story that is all about relationship. God created man and woman in His image mankind would uniquely bear the likeness of God, the Creator. He established the authority we would have over the earth and all other created things upon the earth, in the skies, and in the waters. They (male and female) were to rule over all earthly created things. After God created man and woman, He blessed them. They were to have children and fill the earth. They were to maintain order to keep creation under control. Bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh mankind was created in the likeness of God and one from another. We were united from the onset, designed to care for one another as we would care for our own flesh. When asked what was the most important commandment, Jesus said, The most important one is this: Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these (Mark 12:29 31). We were created to be in relationship with God and others. 3

4 Support God has created us to be in relationship with Him and others. Oftentimes, we don t realize the significance of the relationships we have with others until we take time to look back and reflect. This week, pause in your regular schedule to reflect. You may want to find a quiet place and journal about a specific instance where being in relationship with God or another person had a significant impact on your life. What were the circumstances of your story? How did you feel? What were you in need of or unsure of? What were you celebrating or mourning? Further Resources com/names_of_g-d/elohim/ elohim.html After you write your story, consider sharing it with another person or persons. Maybe you regularly gather with friends or family to share life or a meal. In that time, storytell about God s faithfulness to provide relationships for us and how He changes us through them. Begin by telling (or reading) your own story and then encourage others to join in. Share the ways you ve experienced God together. As you interact with the children in your ministry this weekend, remember that the story of God is the story of relationship. The relationships you re creating with each of them are a vital part of the story God created you to live in. 4

5 Lesson Overview Experience Time Summary Supplies/Prepare Explore min. Exploration stations create space for children to engage in hands-on activities as they begin their time of worship. Option 1: Paper Dolls 2 s paper doll pattern (see tru.davidccook.com) card stock or tagboard pen scissors colored and patterned paper Option 2: I Can Draw Myself 3 s My Face template (see tru.davidccook.com) mirror, one with a stand is ideal white paper, 1 piece per child crayons Discover min. Facilitate interactive games, songs, and storytelling, allowing children to participate in discovering God s Word. Respond 5 min. Create space for children to celebrate God together in worship through music. Bless 5 min. Bless the children that they may experience God fully. Transition Song The Cleanup Song (see tru.davidccook.com) Welcome Bible TruBlessings Theme Song (see tru.davidccook. com) Hamilton puppet Hamilton s house The Big God Story bowl dirt Song of Celebration Suggestion: The Butterfly Song from My Best Friend by Little Praise Party (available on itunes) Bible (for the blessing) snack worship song: He Knows Me (TruWonder EP; available on itunes or at Amazon.com) 5

6 Lesson Overview Experience Time Summary Supplies/Prepare Connect min. Games, songs, manipulatives, sensory and art activities are used to help children reinforce what they experienced in DISCOVER. Option 1: Adam and Eve Puppets 2 s Adam and Eve pattern (see tru.davidccook.com) white card stock, 1 piece per child scissors crayons craft sticks, 2 per child tape Option 2: I m in Pieces 3 s large piece of butcher paper pen scissors markers Option 3: Hokey Pokey 2 s 3 s none Hamilton s Box of Fun coloring page (see tru.davidccook.com) box or basket to hold objects Waffle blocks: available at www. discountschoolsupply.com small felt boards with felt pieces instruments linking sets: available at www. discountschoolsupply.com or www. lakeshorelearning.com sensory balls: available at www. discountschoolsupply.com The Cleanup Song (see tru.davidccook.com) 6

7 Explore:: min. This time is designed for all the children to explore activities set up around a table. There should be enough activities set up to involve all the children. Exploration stations create space for children to engage in hands-on activities as they begin their time of worship. You can decide how many different EXPLORE options you want to have each week depending on your number of children. Some of the options can have more than one child engaging in the activity. The children can rotate around the activities during the EXPLORE time. For additional EXPLORE ideas see the TruBlessings Putting It Together document at tru.davidccook.com. Option 1: Paper Dolls 2 s Supplies paper doll pattern (see tru.davidccook.com) card stock or tagboard pen scissors colored and patterned paper PREPARE Copy the doll pattern onto the card stock. Print the clothes from the paper doll pattern onto the colored or patterned paper. You can make one copy and trace the pattern on other paper, and then cut it out. Cut out the doll and clothes. Set up Place the doll and clothes on the table. Story Spots Story Spot refers to an item used to mark the place where each child sits. Consider using carpet squares, small circle-shaped rugs, or large sturdy place mats. When children hear The Cleanup Song, cue them to choose a Story Spot, place it in the gathering space, and sit down. At the close of your time together in The Big God Story, encourage children to return their Story Spots to their original location. Engage Invite one child to join you at the table. In The Big God Story, we hear how God made people. He made a man and a woman. I have a paper doll here with different kinds of clothes. Can you dress the doll? As the child is picking out clothes, talk to her about the colors and patterns. 7

8 Option 2: I Can Draw Myself 3 s Supplies My Face template (see tru.davidccook.com) mirror, one with a stand is ideal white paper, 1 piece per child crayons Set up Print copies of the My Face template onto white paper, one for each child. Set the crayons and mirror on a table. Engage Invite one child at a time to the table. God made all the people in the world. He made you, and He made me. Look at yourself in the mirror. What color are your eyes? What color is your hair? Give the child a copy of the My Face template. Pick out some crayons and color this face to make it look like you. Assist the child in coloring his portrait. Children move into a time where they can participate in discovering God s Word through storytelling, worship, and interactive experiences. Transition Song: The Cleanup Song 8

9 Discover:: min. Children participate in discovering God s Word through storytelling, worship, and interactive experiences. AS YOU BEGIN STORYTELLING As you begin the storytelling section of DISCOVER, have a volunteer available to be Hamilton the Hedgehog using the puppet you provide. Or you may choose to act as the storyteller and the puppeteer. Encourage Hamilton to come out of his house. Consider having a facade that is part of your stage/teaching area. This facade can act as a puppet stage to conceal puppeteers. However, if this is not an option, if children see the volunteer with the puppet on his/her hand, encourage the volunteer to interact with Hamilton and the children. Their participation will help kids to see the puppeteer and puppet as separate characters. Welcome Supplies Bible The TruBlessings Theme Song (see tru.davidccook.com) Hamilton puppet Hamilton s house Hi, friends! Welcome! I am so excited to be here with you today. Let s all celebrate God by singing and dancing together! (Play the TruBlessings Theme Song and lead kids in dance and celebration.) Ponder Point: God Made People Wow! That was great! Now, everyone, take a seat it s time to hear part of The Big God Story! Do you know who else wants to hear part of The Big God Story? That s right! Hamilton the Hedgehog! Should we call him and ask him join us? (Children will answer.) On the count of three, let s call him together. Are you ready? One, two, three. Hamilton, where are you? (Encourage the kids to call for Hamilton. Have a volunteer available to be Hamilton the Hedgehog and bring Hamilton out of his house as soon as the children call. It s okay if the children see the volunteer with the puppet on her hand.) Hi, Hamilton, you sure popped out of your house quickly today! (Hamilton nods up and down.) You must be super excited to hear what s going to happen in The Big God Story! Are you ready to hear this part of The Big God Story? (Hamilton nods excitedly.) Me too! But before we get started, do you know where we can find The Big God Story? (Have Hamilton nod his head and gesture to the Bible.) That s right the Bible. God gave us the Bible so we can learn about Him. It s full of things that help us get to know God. We read the Bible to learn about God and about His Son, Jesus. And I know that you love to dig, dig, dig into God s Word to find out what He has to say to us. Isn t that right, Hamilton? (Have Hamilton nod his head.) Let s all stand up and sing our Bible Song together. 9

10 The Big God Story is written for a two- to threeyear-old audience. You can tell it in its entirety for an older audience but may need to shorten it if the class is on the younger side. Prayer of Release A Prayer of Release is a prayer asking God to remove any distractions that would get in the way of hearing from and responding to Him. As we pray, we dedicate this time to the Lord and ask to be filled with knowledge and understanding from Him, giving God His rightful role as teacher. We can begin to model this posture of prayer with the children in our care. To lead two- to three-yearold children, pray a simple prayer thanking God for His presence and asking Him to teach you as you gather together. For example: Thank You, God, for being with us. We ask that You would teach us today. Bible Song (sung to the tune of Mary Had a Little Lamb ) Now it s time to hear God s Word Hear God s Word Hear God s Word Now it s time to hear God s Word So let s look in the Bible As the song ends, have the children return to their Story Spots. Hamilton can model this for the children by sitting quietly as he listens to The Big God Story. The volunteer can return him to his house with his little face peeking out, or she may choose to sit quietly with him throughout the storytelling section. The Big God Story The Very First People Genesis 1:26 31; 2:4 25 SUPPLIES bowl dirt PREPARE Place the dirt in the bowl. SET UP Place the bowl of dirt near the Storyteller. Okay friends, before we get started, let s all pray together and ask God to teach us. (Lead the kids in a Prayer of Release as you prepare to hear God s Word.) Friends, who made the sun and moon and all of the stars? God did! Who made the water and land? God did! Who made all of the fish in the ocean and all of the animals? God did! And who made you and me? God did! Yes, God made people too. He didn t use His words to make people; He used His breath. Can you hold up your hand in front of your mouth and breathe on it? (Demonstrate for the children how to do this.) That s what God did. First, He took a handful of dirt (show the children the dirt), and He then molded it together and formed a man. But God wasn t finished. He breathed into what He made, and the man came to life. Isn t that amazing! Only God can give life! God named the first man Adam. Each of you has a special name that your mommy and daddy gave you. What is your name? (Go around the room and have the children say their names. If you have a large group, have the children all say their name at the same time.) Those are great names! Well, God didn t want Adam to be all alone he needed a helper. 10

11 Guess what God did next! God made Adam go to sleep. Then He took a rib bone from Adam and made a woman. Her name was Eve. God looked at Adam and Eve and said they were very good. Friends, where did Adam and Eve live? They lived in a beautiful garden. God walked and talked with Adam and Eve in the garden He had made. Sometimes they could hear God s footsteps. What do you think God s footsteps sounded like? I wonder if it sounded like this? (Pat your hands on your legs to mimic the sound of walking.) Let s all do this together. We can pretend to make the sound of someone walking. That may have been what Adam and Eve heard when God was coming to spend time with them. Adam and Eve are part of The Big God Story, just like you and me. God made people to love Him and one another. Whom do you love? (Encourage the kids to share. Possible answers: Mommy, Daddy, grandparents.) Oh, those are very special people. I love my family and my friends, and I love God too! (Respond and interact with children if they respond.) I am so glad that God made you and me. Have the children say good-bye to Hamilton as he goes back into his house. Thank him for coming and being a part of The Big God Story. 11

12 Respond:: 5 min. Song of Celebration Children have the opportunity to respond to God as they celebrate Him within the faith community. God made people. He made you and He made me! Today, we are going to stop and sing to God and thank Him for making such wonderful things Lead kids in a celebratory worship song. Suggested song: The Butterfly Song from My Best Friend by Little Praise Party. (Available on itunes) Bless:: 5 min. This time is set aside for leaders to spend a few moments blessing the children. Consider playing the song, He Knows Me from TruWonder EP during snack time and the blessing. A blessing can be a prayer of commission, a portion of Scripture, or words of encouragement and guidance. We can offer a blessing in order to ask God s Spirit to overflow from the child s life in such a way that blesses others, while we can also pray a blessing over a child for the purpose of declaring God s protection, joy, or wisdom. Children, remember that God made each of us because He loves us so much. Open a Bible and read Psalm 139:14a I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Snack: If you want to tie the snack into the lesson, you can give the children chocolate pudding with crushed chocolate cookies on top to look like dirt. It will be a little messy, but with some wet wipes it s an easy cleanup. As the kids eat, sit down with them and engage them in conversation. Be sure to consider any food allergies or check with parents ahead of time. 12

13 Connect:: min. Games, songs, manipulatives, sensory and art activities are used to help children reinforce what they experience in DISCOVER. Option 1: Adam and Eve Puppets SUPPLIES Adam and Eve pattern (see tru.davidccook.com) white card stock, 1 piece per child scissors crayons craft sticks, 2 per child tape PREPARE Print the pattern onto the card stock. Cut out one Adam and one Eve for each child. SET UP Place one Adam and one Eve at each child s seat. Give each child two craft sticks. Place the crayons in the middle of the table. 2 s ENGAGE Invite the children to join you at the table. God made the first man. What was his name? That s right Adam. Then He made the first woman. What was her name? Yes, it was Eve. We are going to color each of them, and then put them on two sticks. You can take them home and tell your family about The Big God Story and how God made the first two people. When the children are done coloring, you can tape Adam and Eve to the craft sticks. Option 2: I m in Pieces SUPPLIES large piece of butcher paper pen scissors markers 3 s PREPARE Trace the outline of a child before the activity. Cut the outline into a couple of pieces to make a puzzle. You can make it simple by cutting the arms and legs off. SET UP Lay the paper on the floor and place the markers next to it. 13

14 The kids really enjoyed the Hokey Pokey. They asked to do it a second time! Christ Church Anglican Me at Two and Three: Two- and three-year-old children are in constant motion! Give them plenty of opportunities throughout each lesson to wiggle, whether it s a planned activity or a quick chance to stand, stretch, and jump. ENGAGE Invite the children to join you around the paper. God made Adam and Eve and you and me. We have a person puzzle. We need to put it together. But first we need to color it. Let s get into a couple of groups and color the person. Then we can all put the pieces together. Assist the children in coloring the person. Once it s done, gather everyone and all the pieces together and help them put the puzzle together Option 3: Hokey Pokey ENGAGE Invite the children to join you in an open area. Today, we re going to play the Hokey Pokey. Have the children get in a circle. God made each of us very special. He gave us different body parts that do very different things. We re going to sing and dance to a song where we get to shake and spin. Are you ready? Sing: You put your leg in; you put your leg out; you put your leg in and you shake it all about. You do the hokey pokey and you turn yourself around. That s what it s all about! Sing about different body parts to shake: arm, foot, head, hand. Ongoing Connect Option Hamilton s Box of Fun 2 s 3 s SUPPLIES coloring page (see tru.davidccook.com) box or basket to hold objects Waffle blocks: available at small felt boards with felt pieces instruments linking sets: available at or www. lakeshorelearning.com sensory balls: available at The Cleanup Song (see tru.davidccook.com) SET UP Put a variety of fun objects/toys in the box. Hide the box or basket somewhere in the room. Clean the objects each week after use. Hamilton s box of fun is a recurring activity you can use each week. Refer to the options provided to help you create your own box of fun. Each quarter, you will find a refreshed list of suggested supplies for Hamilton s Box. Be sure to check tru.davidccook. com every week for the most recent coloring page. ENGAGE Invite the kids to your circle time area and sing together: Hamilton s Box (sung to the tune of Oh Where, Oh Where Has My Little Dog Gone? ) Where, oh where is Hamilton s Box? Oh where, oh where can it be? It s full of fun toys that we sure like a lot Oh where, oh where can it be? 14

15 Pick one or two kids to help find the box or basket. Once it s found, you can place it in the middle of your circle time area and invite the kids to come and explore what is inside. Ask: Come on over, everyone! What fun things can we explore today? Let s take turns playing with things and even play together. When it s time to put the toys away, cue the kids with The Cleanup Song. 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. 15