Respond:: 5 minutes. Connect:: minutes

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1 date: LESSON OVERVIEW Elijah on the Mountain 1 Kings 19:9 18 Explore:: min. Discover:: min. Respond:: 5 minutes Bless:: 5 minutes Connect:: minutes Ponder Point: God Is with Me Elijah went and hid in a cave on a mountain. God told Elijah to go out and stand on the mountain, because He was going to pass by. First, a great wind came. Then an earthquake and a fire followed the wind. Elijah waited. Then when he heard a gentle whisper, Elijah went out to meet with the Lord.. TruResources are developed in partnership with ROCKHARBOR Church and a national network of family and children s ministry leaders.

2 Inspire The year was Elvis Presley topped the music charts while The Ten Commandments hit the theaters. And in the garage of a typical Chicago family were a young boy and his father, building a boat. This was the second boat the two had worked on together, and as it began to take form, the boy watched and learned. His father was a meticulous craftsman some would say a perfectionist. There was a purpose behind everything. When the boat reached completion, the boy could not wait to build one of his own. Someday. NOTES: Forty-five years later in a home in Southern California, the boy himself now a father began to put the dream of his youth into plans for a classic wood ski boat. The design was beautiful and meticulous. His craftsmanship was seemingly flawless. This boat was one of a kind. She was built using deep African mahogany. Her direct-drive engine rested in the center of the boat, which made it seem as if she lifted off the water as soon as the driver began to accelerate. The leather interior and sports-car-like dash panel perfectly accented the era this boat was designed to represent. For seven years I watched my father build this boat. As I watched, I learned. There was purpose behind every curve in the wood. In every detail, I saw a part of my dad and how the events of the past had shaped who he had become. His approach to life is similar to his approach to this boat. He is purposeful with the things that matter most in his life. When I look at this boat, I don t just see an incredible work of art; I see a representation of my dad s story. Understanding some of the truest things about him has directly impacted my relationship with him. My perspective is no longer one of a child, but one of an adult. Knowing his story has brought our relationship into real time, with deeper understanding and appreciation. I am reminded of my relationship with the Lord. When I understand the truth of who He is, I am able to know Him personally. I am able to trust the character of who He is and disregard anything that is contrary to His Word. My relationship with Jesus is running in real time, and He is with me. Cristi Thomas TruBlessings Team 2

3 Equip To get an accurate picture of Elijah in 1 Kings 19, we must first understand the people of Israel. God s people had once again turned their hearts from Him. Israel was under the rule of King Ahab who had followed in the footsteps of his father before him. Both kings did evil in the sight of the Lord. However, none provoked the anger of God more than King Ahab (1 Kings 16:33). NOTES: The Lord sent His prophet Elijah to give a message to the king. His message was clear: Not one drop of rain or moisture would fall on the land until He sent word ending the drought. After Elijah delivered the message to the king, the Lord sent Elijah into hiding to protect him from what was to come. It is in this time that the Lord provided for Elijah by directing the ravens to bring him bread and meat. After three years, God revealed His plan to end the drought. Once again, the Lord sent Elijah to King Ahab. He challenged the king on behalf of the Lord God. Ahab was to gather the people of Israel, the 450 prophets of Baal, and 400 prophets of Asherah (a Canaanite goddess) who associated with Queen Jezebel, and meet him on Mount Carmel. After many failed attempts of the pagan prophets to summon their gods, Elijah called the people to come near as he repaired the altar of the Lord. An offering was prepared for the Lord and placed in pieces on the altar. Elijah prayed, asking God to show the people that He was, in fact, the Lord Almighty. Scripture tells us that immediately God responded to Elijah s prayer. The fire of the Lord fell down, consuming not only the sacrifice, but the wood, the stones, the soil, and licking up every drop of water around the altar. When the people saw this, they fell on their faces professing that the Lord was God (1 Kings 18:16 39). Elijah seized the prophets of Baal and executed them. He then went to the top of Mount Carmel and bowed down, waiting on the Lord. In this time, God sent rain upon the land. After hearing all that had happened, Jezebel made an oath to have Elijah killed. Elijah fled for his life. After traveling far south to Beersheba, Elijah went a day s journey farther, into the desert, where he rested under a juniper tree. Elijah was tired and famished, and asked God to take his life. While Elijah slept, God sent an angel to care for him. After his time of rest, Elijah journeyed to Mount Horeb, or the mountain of God (also referred to as Mount Sinai, where Moses met with God and was given the Law for the people). On the mountain of God, Elijah heard a gentle whisper and went out to meet with the Lord. Here God helped Elijah to know Him and trust Him to be his safe place. 3

4 Support How do you define safety? Where do you feel protected and free from any risk or danger? Where do you seek refuge and covering in times of distress? What gives you confidence when you face opposition? What is your covering that will allow you to stand in strength? We see from Elijah s example that he considered the Lord God his refuge and protection. Because of his confidence in the protection of the Lord, he was able to boldly stand against the prophets of Baal. God provided a safe place for Elijah to face his fears. As he met with God and learned to know Him in a new and deeper way, Elijah was prepared to step out in faith again. God is trustworthy. He is strong. As we see His interactions with Elijah, we see God s heart. We know the truth of God. When we look at Jesus, we see God. He constantly reveals Himself to us so we may know Him for He is always present. God can handle anything you bring to Him. He will be your shelter, and He will cover you in His love. Lean into Him, and He will bring you strength and rest. God can be your safe place, and He will show His great love for you for our God is with you. Further Resources The Word in Life Study Bible (NKJV). Thomas Nelson Publishing, Matthew Henry s Commentary on 1 Kings 18 and 19. 4

5 NOTES: Lesson Overview Experience Time Summary Supplies/Prepare Explore:: Small Group min. Exploration stations create space for children to engage in hands-on activities as they begin their time of worship. Option 1: Making Mountains plastic tray brown clay/play dough Option 2: Bear Mix-up small bowl Mini Teddy Bear Characters (available at colored paper: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple plastic spoon Transition Song: The Cleanup Song from Tru Blessings Worship Discover:: Large Group min. Facilitate interactive games, songs, and storytelling, allowing children to participate in discovering God s Word. Welcome Bible Opening Theme Song Hamilton puppet Hamilton s house small blanket for Hamilton The Big God Story small blanket for Hamilton Respond:: Large Group 5 min. Create space for children to celebrate God together in worship through music. Song of Celebration Suggestion: I Trust You from TruWorship Your Love Bless:: Small Group 5 min. Bless the children that they may experience God fully. Bible (for the blessing) snack 5

6 NOTES: Lesson Overview Experience Time Summary Supplies/Prepare Connect:: Small Group min. Games, songs, manipulatives, sensory and art activities are used to help children reinforce what they experienced in large group. Option 1: God Is My Safe Place table covering heavy white card stock white crayon watercolor paint paintbrushes, 1 per child small bowls or cups water Option 2: Animal Bounce music MP3 or CD player parachute 2 or 3 stuffed animals Option 3: Where s the Bear? 3 containers with lids Mini Teddy Bear Character from Explore Option 2 Hamilton s Box of Fun God Is with Me coloring page (see Resource Folder) large floor puzzle 5 to 6 piece puzzles play dough large wooden lacing beads small parachute and foam balls The Cleanup Song from TruBlessings Worship 6

7 EXPLORE DISCOVER RESPOND BLESS CONNECT Explore:: Small Group SECTION min. Host and Small Group Leaders Exploration stations create space for children to engage in hands-on activities as they begin their time of worship. NOTES: Option 1: Making Mountains 2 s Supplies plastic tray brown clay/play dough Set up Put the play dough on the tray. Place the tray on the table. Engage Invite one child at a time to join you at the table. Today in The Big God Story we are going to hear about a man named Elijah who hid in a cave on a mountain. Have you ever seen a mountain? Some mountains are big and some are small. Today we are going to make a mountain out of the brown clay. Let s see how big we can make our mountain. Option 2: Bear Mix-up 3 s Supplies small bowl Mini Teddy Bear Characters (available at colored paper: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple plastic spoon Set up Mix up the bears in a small bowl. Lay out each piece of colored paper on the table. Set the plastic spoon next to the bowl. 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 transition song, cue them to choose a Story Spot, place it in the large group 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 at a time to the tray. When some people get scared at night, they like to keep their teddy bears with them while they sleep. Do you like to sleep with anything during the night? I have some small teddy bears in this bowl. Can you use the spoon and scoop out a colored bear and put him on the matching piece of colored paper? Continue to let the child spoon out the bears until they are all matched with the right colored pieces of paper. Children move into a large group setting and participate in discovering God s Word through storytelling, worship, and interactive experiences. Transition Song. Suggestion: The Cleanup Song from Tru Blessings Worship 7

8 EXPLORE DISCOVER RESPOND BLESS CONNECT 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. Welcome Large Group SECTION Supplies Bible TruBlessings Opening Theme Song Hamilton puppet Hamilton s house small blanket for Hamilton Hi, kids! Welcome! I am so excited to be here with you today. Let s all celebrate God by singing and dancing together! (Play the Opening Theme Song from TruBlessings worship and lead kids in dance and celebration.) 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 interaction will help kids to see the puppeteer and puppet as separate characters. Ponder Point: God Is with Me Wow! That was great! Now, everyone, take a seat it s time to hear part of The Big God Story! Hey, boys and girls, do you know who loves The Big God Story? That s right! Hamilton the Hedgehog! Shall 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 kids to call for Hamilton.) Hmm Maybe he s taking a nap. Let s try again. Hamilton, where are you? (Have a volunteer available to be Hamilton the Hedgehog and walk the puppet out of his house holding a small blanket. It s okay if the children see the volunteer with the puppet on her hand.) Hi, Hamilton! I m so glad you are here with me today. I am going to need your help telling this part of The Big God Story. Friends, it looks like Hamilton brought something with him today. Hamilton, is that your blanket? (Hamilton nods up and down.) Boys and girls, do you like to sleep with a special blanket? What does your blanket look like? (Kids will respond; interact with their responses.) What does it feel like? (Children will answer.) I wonder if Hamilton s special blanket will help us with this part of 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 to get to know God! We read the Bible to learn about God and about His Son, Jesus! Before we dig, dig, dig into God s Word, let s all stand up and sing our Bible Song together. 8

9 EXPLORE DISCOVER RESPOND BLESS CONNECT The Big God Story is written for a two- to threeyear-old audience and can be told in its entirety for an older audience, but may need to be shortened 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. NOTES: 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 children return to their Story Spots. Hamilton can model this for 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 Elijah on the Mountain 1 Kings 19:9 18 SUPPLIES small blanket for Hamilton 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.) The last time we were together we heard how God sent birds to feed Elijah. God took care of Elijah, and Elijah loved God a lot. Today we are going to hear the next part of The Big God Story. Let s turn on our listening ears. Here we go. One night Elijah was sleeping in a cave. Can you pretend like you are sleeping? Let me hear you snore really loud. Great job! Then God spoke to Elijah. Now let s all wake up. God asked Elijah, What are you doing here? Where was Elijah? (Allow the children to respond.) In a cave, that s right. Elijah had a lot to tell God. God listened to everything Elijah had to say. Then God told him to stand on the mountain. Let s pretend to walk up a mountain. Can you make the sound you make when you walk? (Show the children how to pat their legs to make a walking sound.) Wow, good walking. Let s put our hands in our laps. Elijah stood on the mountain and waited for God. Then a big, strong wind came. Can you help me make the sound of the wind? One, two, three, blow. (Make a blowing sound with the children.) The wind was so strong, it broke the rocks. But God was not in the wind. So Elijah waited. Then a big earthquake came. An earthquake is when the ground shakes back and forth. Let s all stand up and pretend there is an earthquake. (Encourage the children to stand up and shake with you.) That was a lot of shaking! Now let s all sit down. Was God in the earthquake? No, God was not in the earthquake either. So Elijah waited. After the earthquake, a fire came. Yikes! Is fire hot or cold? Yes, fire is very hot. 9

10 EXPLORE DISCOVER RESPOND BLESS CONNECT NOTES: Can you say hot, hot, hot with me and fan your face with your hands? (Show the children how to fan their faces and say hot, hot, hot. ) Was God in the fire? (Children will answer.) No, God was not in the fire. Then Elijah heard a whisper. (Lower your voice into a whisper.) Can you let me hear your best whisper voice? Let s all say whisper, whisper, whisper in our best whisper voice. (Kids will respond.) Good job. When Elijah heard the whisper, he covered his face and went out to meet with the Lord. God didn t call to Elijah in the big wind, the earthquake or the fire. God called to Elijah in a soft whisper. God took care of Elijah. He sent food when Elijah was hungry. God kept Elijah safe up on the mountain. Do you think the strong wind, the big earthquake, and the hot fire were scary? Yes, but Elijah wasn t afraid. He knew God was with Him. He knew that God would take care of him. God was with Elijah all day and all night. Do you ever feel afraid? (Allow the children to respond.) I do too. Hamilton brought a special blanket that helps him when he feels afraid. Guess what friends you don t need a blanket when you are scared because God is always with you. God is with us when we are happy and when we are sad. God is with us when we are brave and when we are scared. God is always with us, and we can trust in Him. 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. 10

11 EXPLORE DISCOVER RESPOND BLESS CONNECT Respond:: 5 min. Worship Leader Children have the opportunity to respond to God as they celebrate Him within the faith community. Large Group SECTION Song of Celebration Friends, we just learned that God is with us all of the time. If we get scared or lonely we can remember that God is right there with us. We are going to sing a song about God watching over us. We are going to jump and spin and sing. Lead kids in a celebratory worship song. Suggested song: I Trust You from TruWorship Your Love. Bless:: 5 min. Small Group Leaders This time is set aside for leaders to spend a few moments blessing the children in their small groups. NOTES: Small Group SECTION 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 a child for the purpose of declaring God s protection, joy, or wisdom. Gather the children around you to bless them. Pray this prayer of blessing over them: Children, God is your safe place. He is with you all day and night. Open a Bible and read Psalm 46:1 (MSG): God is a safe place to hide, ready to help when we need him. Snack: If you would like to tie the snack with the lesson, you can give the children red gelatin to represent the fire. The children can shake the gelatin and pretend it is an earthquake. As the kids eat, sit down with them and engage them in conversation. Make sure to consider any food allergies or check with parents ahead of time. 11

12 EXPLORE DISCOVER RESPOND BLESS CONNECT Connect:: min. Small Group Leaders Games, songs, manipulatives, sensory and art activities are used to help children reinforce what they experience in large group. NOTES: Option 1: God Is My Safe Place SUPPLIES table covering heavy white card stock white crayon watercolor paint paintbrushes, 1 per child small bowls or cups water PREPARE Write God Is My Safe Place with the white crayon on a piece of card stock for each child. SET UP Cover the table with the table covering. Place a piece of card stock at each child s seat. Put the watercolor paint in the middle of the table. Give each child a paintbrush. Fill the small bowls or cups with water and set them near the paint. ENGAGE God is with us all of the time. He is with us when we are playing, and He is with us when we are sleeping. Is God with you when you are happy? Sad? Scared? Yes. God is always with you. You each have a piece of white paper in front of you. It has something very special written on it, but you can t see it. You need to paint the whole piece of paper, and then we can read the special message. After the children are done painting and the words appear, read the special message to each child. Option 2: Animal Bounce SUPPLIES music MP3 or CD player parachute 2 or 3 stuffed animals Small Group SECTION PREPARE Get an MP3 or a CD player and select some upbeat music to play as background while the children shake the parachute. SET UP Place the MP3 or CD player in an area that is big enough for the children to use the parachute. Lay the parachute on the floor and place the stuffed animals on top. 12

13 E X P LO R E D I S C OVE R R E S P O N D B LE S S C ONNECT N OT E S : ENGAGE Invite children to join you. Today in The Big God Story we learned how God kept Elijah safe and that God can keep us safe too! Sometimes we like to sleep with our favorite blanket or stuffed animal at night to help us feel safe. Today we are going to make some of our stuffed animal friends bounce up and down with the music. Can you all stand up and hold on tight to the parachute? When the music starts, let s bounce the parachute up and down, but when the music stops, let s hold the parachute really still. Option 3: Where s the Bear? SUPPLIES 3 containers with lids Mini Teddy Bear Character from Explore Option 2 SET UP Place a bear in one of the containers and put the lid on it. Make sure the children cannot see inside of the container. Place the lids on the two empty containers as well. ENGAGE Encourage the children to join you on the floor. Place the three containers in front of you. Boys and girls, I can t find one of my very special bears. He keeps hiding inside one of these containers. Who was hiding inside a mountain in The Big God Story today? That s right Elijah was. I am going to choose one child to come up and guess which container the bear is in. Continue to choose children to come up and guess which container the bear is in. After he guesses, let the child take the lid off of the container and look inside. If he finds the bear, have him show all of his friends. If the child does not find it, put the lid back on and call another child up. When the bear is found, mix up the containers in front of you and start the game over so each child gets a turn. Ongoing Connect Option Hamilton s Box of Fun 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? 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. 13

14 EXPLORE DISCOVER RESPOND BLESS CONNECT Mixing It Up Each quarter the suggested supplies for Hamilton s Box will be refreshed. Be sure to check the Resource Folder each week for the most recent coloring page. When it s time to put the toys away, cue the kids with a Cleanup Song. (Choose a fun song that your children will recognize as the Cleanup Song each week, possibly with a circus theme or other recognizable sound that is different from other music.) Hamilton s Box of Fun This is a fun resource to encourage the kids to interact with each other by sharing toys and using their imagination with different objects. This activity can be utilized at the beginning or end of the service, if time permits. SUPPLIES God Is with Me coloring page (see Resource Folder) large floor puzzle 5 to 6 piece puzzles play dough large wooden lacing beads small parachute and foam balls The Cleanup Song from TruBlessings Worship 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. 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. TruBlessings will spend two weeks on the same part of The Big God Story and Ponder Point, and each Weekly covers four weeks worth of lessons. It is designed to trifold with an editable field that allows you to fill in the dates for the weeks that will be covered. HomeFront Monthly: Every four weeks we highlight one of the 10 environments. For each new environment, parents should receive HomeFront Monthly. This resource gives families ideas for how to create fun, spiritually forming times in their homes setting aside a sacred space for family in the midst of their active, everyday lives! 14