GOOD NEWS! PowerXpress! Bible Experience Stations

Transcription

1 GOOD NEWS! BIBLE VERSE For nothing will be impossible with God. (Luke 1:37) My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior. (Luke 1:46-47) She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus. (Matthew 1:21) BIBLE STORY REFERENCE Matthew 1:18-24; Luke 1:2-56; Luke 2:1-7 PowerXpress! Bible Experience Stations Written by: Dutch Handlang and Larry Beman Creative Consultants: Barbara Bruce, Mark Burrows, Yvette Marie Roselieb, Carol Szabo, Sally Wizik Wills, and James Wrede Editor: Larry Beman Development Editor: Daphna Flegal Production Editor: Karen F. Williams Designer: Paige Easter 2002 Abingdon Press. All rights reserved. With the exception of music, Abingdon Press hereby grants permission to local churches to reproduce the materials contained in this publication for purposes of Christian education provided the following copyright notice appears on the photocopies: Permission granted to photocopy for local church use Abingdon Press. This material may not be reproduced and distributed to other churches. Unless otherwise noted, Scripture quotations are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America and are used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked (CEV) are from the Contemporary English Version Copyright 1991, 1992, 1995 by American Bible Society. Used by permission. Scripture quotations marked (GNT) are from the Good News Translation in Today s English Version Second Edition 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by permission MANUFACTURED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Permission granted to photocopy for local church use Abingdon Press.

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Main Idea Objectives Bible Story Bible Background for Leaders Shepherd Tips Check Your Facts Staff Meeting Reflection Week Gathering Time Stations at a Glance Resources Art Station Computer Station Creative Cookery Station Game Station Music Movement Station Science Station Storytelling Station Video Station Permission granted to photocopy for local church use Abingdon Press. PowerXpress! Bible Experience Stations

3 GOOD NEWS! BIBLE VERSE For nothing will be impossible with God. (Luke 1:37) My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior. (Luke 1:47) She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus. (Matthew 1:21) BIBLE STORY REFERENCE Matthew 1:18-24; Luke 1:2-56; Luke 2:1-7 MAIN IDEA The first people to hear the good news of Jesus each had a special role to play in introducing that news to the world. Each of us is called to share the Good News of God s Son, Jesus. OBJECTIVES Children will develop the necessary Bible skills to locate the birth stories in the books of Matthew and Luke; learn that ordinary people were chosen by God to play a role in Jesus coming; discover ways to share the good news with others through word and deed; learn the difference between Matthew s and Luke s accounts of Jesus birth; explore ways we can share good news today. 3 Permission granted to photocopy for local church use Abingdon Press.

4 Photocopy these sections for ALL your volunteers: Main Idea; Objectives (page 3) Bible Story; Bible Background for Leaders (pages 4 5) Shepherd Tips; About the Children (pages 5 6) Check Your Facts (page 6) BIBLE STORY Summary: Luke 1:8-24 (The angel appears to Zechariah) Luke 1:26-38 (Mary hears the good news) Matthew 1:18-24 (Joseph hears the news) Luke 1:39-56 (Mary visits Elizabeth) From Luke An angel appeared to a priest named Zechariah telling him that he and his wife Elizabeth would have a child (John the Baptist) who would prepare people for the Messiah. Zechariah had trouble believing this because Elizabeth too old to bear children was barren. The angel struck Zechariah mute for not believing him. Six months later, an angel appeared to Mary and told her that she a virgin would become pregnant and give birth to the Messiah. Mary s first reaction, like so many before her, was disbelief. The angel assured her that the prophecy was accurate. Then Mary submitted to the angel in faith saying, I am the Lord s servant. After learning she was pregnant, Mary traveled to visit her cousin Elizabeth. When Mary entered Elizabeth s house, Elizabeth felt the baby in her womb leap for joy. Mary s response, according to Luke, was to sing a song of praise. It is now called The Magnificat. A few months later, Elizabeth gave birth. Zechariah, using hand motions, told people the child s name was John. At that moment, he was able to speak again. From Matthew Joseph learned Mary was pregnant and, like a man who felt betrayed, decided to break off their engagement. Several options were available to him but, being a just man, he simply decided to divorce her quietly. One night an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream telling him to go ahead with their engagement and marriage. Indeed, the child to be born was the Savior. 4 Permission granted to photocopy for local church use Abingdon Press. PowerXpress! Bible Experience Stations

5 BIBLE BACKGROUND FOR LEADERS The stories of God s messenger delivering the good news of Jesus expected birth represent an important link to Old Testament prophecies of a Messiah from the line of David. Why is the fulfillment of prophecy important today? Because it speaks to God s steadfast nature, reminding us that God keeps promises. These stories announce to us that God intervenes in surprising ways. The angel s greeting, Don t be afraid, told Mary and Joseph, as it tells us, that God can be trusted to act in love toward God s people. We often assume that the all the elements of the Christmas story Mary visiting Elizabeth, traveling to Bethlehem, no room in the inn, the manger, shepherds, wise men, Herod, the flight to Egypt and the family settling in Nazareth appear in one continuous narrative in the Bible. But that is not so. All those elements are a compilation of Matthew and Luke s accounts of the birth of Jesus. Mark and John don t even mention Jesus birth. Mark begins with John the Baptist as an adult, and John begins with In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God (John 1:1). Different denominations, and even different churches within denominations, differ as to their comfort with and approach to discussing differences among the Gospels. If you are unsure how to discuss any part of the curriculum with the children, consult your Christian education director or pastor for recommendations. This curriculum uses several Scriptures from Matthew and Luke. The same Scriptures are not used in every workshop. Some workshops focus on Zechariah and Elizabeth, some on Mary, and others on Joseph. Leaders will need to tell each story in context. For instance, if the workshop focuses on Zechariah and Elizabeth, the leader will need to remind the children that their baby, John the Baptist, was Jesus relative and that John grew up to be the man who helped people prepare to hear Jesus teachings. SHEPHERD TIPS (Photocopy this page for each shepherd.) Pray each week for the children under your care. Model the behavior you want from the children. Assist the station leader as needed. Make sure the children use the tools and equipment in a safe manner. 5 Permission granted to photocopy for local church use Abingdon Press.

6 About the Children Since parts of the birth story deal with conception, children may ask questions about the reproductive process or childbirth itself. Many older children will be informed about the human reproductive process and will ask questions regarding the unspoken references to human sexuality in these scriptures. They may ask specific questions about the Virgin Birth, Mary s virginity, or Zechariah and Elizabeth s conception. Consult your Christian education director or pastor if you are uncertain how to approach these issues. Be as honest as possible with the children, remembering that it is always O.K. to say I don t know. Greet the Children Help with name tags. Thank the children for remembering to bring their offerings. Have the children place their offerings in the offering basket. Take attendance. Note any children who are absent. Make plans to send absent children a note or card. Record names, addresses, and phone numbers for any children who are attending for the first time. Read the Talk Tips in each of the station plans and support the station leader in helping the children explore the story. CHECK YOUR FACTS In Luke, Mary and Joseph were originally from Nazareth. In Matthew, they moved to Nazareth after fleeing to Egypt. In Matthew, an angel appeared to Joseph, but not to Mary. In Luke, an angel appeared to Mary but not to Joseph. In Luke there is no flight to Egypt. In Matthew there are Wise Men, but not shepherds. In Luke there are shepherds, but no wise men. Matthew traces Jesus genealogy back to Abraham. Luke traces Jesus genealogy back to Adam. The Magnificat, in Luke 1, echoes Hannah s song in 1 Samuel 2. Mary was a very young woman, perhaps as young as 12 or 13. Joseph was probably much older than she. 6 Permission granted to photocopy for local church use Abingdon Press. PowerXpress! Bible Experience Stations

7 Staff Meeting 1. Learning Preferences Photocopy the Most Favored Ways of Learning worksheet (page 9) and The Seven Intelligences (page 10) for each participant. Distribute the Most Favored Ways of Learning worksheet, and ask group members to fill it out. When they finish, ask them to compare their responses with a partner. Say: Educators have known for years that different people learn differently. More recently, a researcher named Howard Gardner developed a theory of multiple intelligences, where he said people learn by using a combination of seven primary intelligences. Resources pages 9 10 optional: 7 Ways of Teaching the Bible to Adults by Barbara Bruce He later speculated there might be an eighth and ninth intelligence, but maintained that these seven are the core. Distribute The Seven Intelligences and review the worksheet. Ask: What do you believe are your primary learning preferences? Explain that people tend to teach through their own preferences. It is important to include several intelligences in our teaching. In fact, PowerXpress! is designed specifically to include all seven intelligences through the course of the unit. Note: The activities below will help leaders use and reflect on multiple intelligences. Use one or both activities as time permits. 2. Time Limits Divide into two groups: Assign one group Matthew 1:18 2:23. Assign the other group Luke 1:5 2:40. Ask each group to create a time line on long sheets of butcher paper that describes the significant events in their assigned Scripture. They may use words, pictures, or other symbols in creating their time line. Gather together for a time of reporting. Talk about the differences in the two time lines. Ask: What did you discover? How will you use these discoveries in teaching this unit? Were you more involved and interested in some parts of this activity than in others? What intelligences did you use? What other intelligences could be used? Resources Bibles Supplies butcher paper colored markers masking tape 7 Permission granted to photocopy for local church use Abingdon Press.

8 Resources Bibles Supplies paper/pencils newsprint/marker 3. Interpreting the Scripture Prepare Create and display the following three signs: Create a three-minute skit that tells one part of the story of Jesus birth. Create a silent, two-minute interpretive movement depicting how Mary and Joseph felt after receiving their good news. Work alone to draw a picture expressing an idea or emotion you have about the birth announcement in either Matthew or Luke. Allow people to self-select one of the activities. Give each group 10 minutes to prepare. Ask the groups to present their creations. Ask: How did your learning preferences help you decide which activity to choose? Were you uncomfortable with any of the activities? How might you help children explore intelligences that are not their preferences? 8 Permission granted to photocopy for local church use Abingdon Press. PowerXpress! Bible Experience Stations

9 Most Favored Ways of Learning Please check your most favored ways of learning. Listening Talking with friends Writing something out Creating a logical plan Creating a map for learning Writing a song Creating a rhythm Writing it down Reading Studying alone Studying to music Drawing a picture Singing while I work Pacing while thinking Telling it in my own words Creating a sequence of events Seeing a video Manipulating objects Seeing pictures Teaching something to someone Doodling Experiencing it Asking what if? questions Touching objects Journaling my thoughts Learning the statistical reasoning What patterns do you notice? What gaps do you notice? This is the first step in discovering your most preferred ways of knowing. From 7 Ways of Teaching the Bible to Adults. Copyright 2000 by Abingdon Press. Permission is granted to photocopy this page. 9 Permission granted to photocopy for local church use Abingdon Press.

10 The Seven Intelligences 1. Verbal The most widely used intelligence. Relates to the use of verbal and written words 2. Logical Related to cognitive skills. Includes such things as problem solving, sequencing, and using mathematical functions 3. Visual Seeing either through vision or the mind s eye. 4. Physical Learning through physical movement. Using the senses. 5. Musical Learning through music and rhythms. 6. Social Using interpersonal skills to engage learning. Uses our abilities to interact with others as a tool for learning. 7. Independent Learning from within. Uses our powers of introspection, reflection, and working alone. 10 Permission granted to photocopy for local church use Abingdon Press. PowerXpress! Bible Experience Stations

11 Reflection Week The reflection week can focus on any of several options based on discoveries made in the stations during the course of this unit. Option 1: Worship The children can create and lead an Advent/Christmas worship service for the congregation. Music, Scripture, and stories used in this unit can be developed into a worship service appropriate for your congregation and its traditions. Option 2: Open House Set up the stations you chose to use. The children will lead their parents from station to station, showing what they did each week. One activity per station can be prepared for the parents to explore with their children. Option 3: Baby Shower Use the Baby Shower activities in the Creative Cookery Station as a base for a churchwide Baby Shower For Jesus. Option 4: Good News Cards Good News cards from the Art Station or Computer Station can be delivered by families or smaller groups to retirement homes or hospitals. 11 Permission granted to photocopy for local church use Abingdon Press.

12 GATHERING TIME optional but highly recommended Resources Good News! CD Good News! lyrics and sheet music Go Tell It on the Mountain lyrics and sheet music Supplies Bible times costumes If you use a gathering time each week, plan a way for the children to find their shepherds and form groups as they arrive. Shepherds can hold signs that are marked with grade levels, groups, or colors. They might also sit under the same kinds of signs or gather in different areas of the room. When the children arrive, the shepherds should greet them, ask them about their week, and otherwise visit with them. Shepherds should remind the children to stay with the group. SETTING THE STAGE Create a setting that looks like a Bible times kitchen: table, chairs, pitcher, bowl, a hearth with a pot as if something is cooking. Ask two volunteers to dress up and play the roles of Zechariah and Elizabeth each week. EACH WEEK Sing with the children Good News and Go Tell It on the Mountain from the CD. 12 Permission granted to photocopy for local church use Abingdon Press. PowerXpress! Bible Experience Stations

13 Gathering Activities Week 1 Zechariah and Elizabeth enter: Zechariah is frantically trying to talk, but words won t come out. He grows more and more frustrated at being unable to talk. Elizabeth finally tells him to hush. Elizabeth: (to the children) You ll have to excuse him. He made the mistake of not believing an angel, and the angel zapped him so he can t talk for a while. What he is trying to tell you is that we are going to have a baby! We are older than most people are when they have babies. We thought we couldn t have kids. But here we are, about to have a baby. That s real good news! We are going to spend the next several weeks learning about the good news of Jesus. In Jesus, God came into the world to be with us. God is with us right now, right here. That is real good news! Sing: Sing together Good News ( CD). Week 2 Zechariah and Elizabeth come out again. Just like last week, Zechariah is frantically trying to talk but no words come out. Elizabeth: (to Zechariah) Don t worry, Zechariah. I ll tell them about Mary. Elizabeth: (to the children) I told you last week about the angel telling Zechariah that he and I were going to have a baby. As it turns out a relative of mine is going to have a baby too, and she came to visit me. Her name is Mary. When Mary came into my house, the strangest thing happened. My baby leaped with joy. I could just feel it jumping around inside me. I think my baby knew that Mary s baby is very special: Her baby is Jesus. In Jesus, God is coming into the world in a new way. My baby, John, will help everyone get ready for Jesus. My, that s good news! Zechariah and I want to leap with joy! (Zechariah jumps up and down.) Sing: Sing together Good News ( CD). Week 3 Zechariah and Elizabeth come out again. Zechariah steps in front of Elizabeth and motions to the children. Elizabeth: O.K., O.K. I ll tell them. Zechariah wanted me to tell you about the beautiful song Mary sang when she came to visit. She sang: My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. Sing: Sing together Good News ( CD). 13 Permission granted to photocopy for local church use Abingdon Press.

14 Week 4 Zechariah and Elizabeth come out again. Elizabeth: Zechariah wants to talk to you. Well, he can t really talk. The angel took care of that for a while. But I can tell what he is trying to say so I m going to translate. (Zechariah will mumble, as if his mouth has been sealed, then Elizabeth will translate. ) Zechariah: MMM MMMM Elizabeth: He wants to tell you about Joseph. Zechariah: MMMM Elizabeth: Joseph and Mary were engaged to be married, but then Joseph found out Mary was going to have a baby. Zechariah: MMMMM Elizabeth: Joseph did not know what to do. Then he decided that he would not marry her. Zechariah: MMMM (gets really excited, jumps around.) Elizabeth: Then an angel came to Joseph in a dream. Zechariah is jumping around because he is afraid of angels since that one zapped him. Zechariah: MMMMM Elizabeth: The angel told Joseph that Mary s baby was from God, and that Joseph was to go ahead and marry her. (whispering) Joseph did not argue with the angel. Sing: Sing together Good News ( CD). Week 5 Zechariah and Elizabeth come out again. Elizabeth: Zechariah wanted me to tell you Zechariah: Hey, I can speak for myself now. After our baby John was born, God made it so I can speak again. I just wanted to tell you what happened in Bethlehem. Joseph and Mary had to make the long trip from Nazareth to Bethlehem because of th census. Once they were in Bethlehem they couldn t find anyplace to stay. Then the innkeeper suggested the stable. The stable was the place where the animals stayed, but Joseph and Mary would be inside where it was warm. It was in that stable that Mary s baby was born! Sing: Sing together Go, Tell It on the Mountain ( CD). Week 6 Zechariah and Elizabeth come out again. Elizabeth: Now Zechariah and I weren t there, but I heard it was a very big deal when Mary s baby, Jesus, was born. I heard different kinds of people came to see him. Some were shepherds. They told Mary that an angel had told them to come and see the baby. They were so excited, they told everyone they met that God s son was born. Zechariah: That s the way it is with good news. Everybody wants to know about it. Sing: Sing together Go, Tell It on the Mountain ( CD). 14 Permission granted to photocopy for local church use Abingdon Press. PowerXpress! Bible Experience Stations

15 Week 7 Elizabeth and Zechariah come in. Elizabeth: All these stories about babies Zechariah: and angels Elizabeth: sound pretty fantastic. And they are fantastic! It is fantastic that God loves all of us so much that God came into the world as Jesus. Zechariah: When you hear these stories remember that nothing will be impossible for God. Sing: Sing together Go, Tell It on the Mountain ( CD). Week 8 Elizabeth and Zechariah come in. Elizabeth: For nothing, Zechariah: nothing Elizabeth: absolutely nothing Zechariah: will be impossible, Elizabeth: nothing, Zechariah: nothing, Elizabeth: nothing Zechariah: will be impossible, Elizabeth: with God, Zechariah: with God. Elizabeth: For nothing will be impossible with God. Zechariah: Nothing? Elizabeth: nothing! Zechariah: For nothing will be impossible with God. Together: And that s good news! Sing: Sing together Go, Tell It on the Mountain ( CD). Litany adapted from An Impossible Litany by Jim Ritchie. EXPLORING FAITH: Preteen Student Winter Cokesbury 15 Permission granted to photocopy for local church use Abingdon Press.

16 STATIONS AT A GLANCE Stations Focus Preferences Activities Art Children will learn the Bible story through art experiences. Station Focus: The first people to hear the good news of Jesus each had a special role to play in introducing that news to the world. Each of us is called to share the Good News of God s Son, Jesus. Learning preference: Visual Verbal Physical Independent Raphael Style Pictures Dreams of Good News Good News Cards (Mission Project) Good News Mural Computer Children will learn the Bible story through computer experiences. Station Focus: The first people to hear the good news of Jesus each had a special role to play in introducing that news to the world. Each of us is called to share the Good News of God s Son, Jesus. Learning preference: Verbal Visual Independent Social Make Christmas Cards Play & Learn Children s Bible Cal and Marty The Life of Christ Good News Paper Cooking Children will learn the Bible story through experiences with food preparation. Station Focus: The first people to hear the good news of Jesus each had a special role to play in introducing that news to the world. Each of us is called to share the Good News of God s Son, Jesus. Learning preference: Visual Logical Social Physical Party Fun (Mission Project) Angel Sugar Cookies Good News Fortunes Game Children will play a series of learning games. Music Children will learn the Bible story through musical experiences. Science Children will learn the Bible story through science experiences. Storytelling Children will retell the Bible story. Video Children will hear and see the Bible story. Station Focus: The first people to hear the good news of Jesus each had a special role to play in introducing that news to the world. Each of us is called to share the Good News of God s Son, Jesus. Station Focus: The first people to hear the good news of Jesus each had a special role to play in introducing that news to the world. Each of us is called to share the Good News of God s Son, Jesus. Station Focus: The first people to hear the good news of Jesus each had a special role to play in introducing that news to the world. Each of us is called to share the Good News of God s Son, Jesus. Station Focus: The first people to hear the good news of Jesus each had a special role to play in introducing that news to the world. Each of us is called to share the Good News of God s Son, Jesus. Station Focus: The first people to hear the good news of Jesus each had a special role to play in introducing that news to the world. Each of us is called to share the Good News of God s Son, Jesus. Learning preference: Physical Social Logical Learning preference: Musical Physical Social Logical Learning preference: Logical Visual Verbal Social Learning preference: Visual Verbal Independent Social Logical Learning preference: Visual Social Verbal Angel Relay Whose News Messenger Mania Put It Together That s Impossible Waiting Time Live Sculpture Cure for Meanness Sign the Message Carol Off Rhythm Game Jump Angel Band Magnify the Lord Mood Music Message Flags Morse Code Messages Telegram Time Body Language Fingerspelling The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey Barbara s Busy Day The Innkeeper Good News Stories Good News Moves Interpretive Drama The Storykeepers The City That Forgot Christmas The King Is Born Select Your Own Video 16 Permission granted to photocopy for local church use Abingdon Press. PowerXpress! Bible Experience Stations

17 Resources Plan Ahead Supplies Bibles copies of Raphael paintings copies of Salvador Dalí paintings posterboard markers/ tempera paint balloons pictures of Mary and baby Jesus plain paper large sheets of white paper jars scissors crayons and pencils wide soft paintbrush colored markers, crayons or colored pencils glue and glue sticks old catalogues and magazines box 8½ by 11 card stock newspapers newsprint labels old Christmas cards with pictures of Mary and the Baby Jesus posterboard large sheets of black or brown paper Bibles The Play & Learn Children s Bible CD-ROM The Life of Christ CD-ROM Cal and Marty s Scripture Memory Game CD-ROM a greeting card program word processing software posterboard markers paper computer pencils printer Bibles The Family Story Bible by Ralph Milton posterboard markers balloons paper pencils/pens recipe ingredients birthday party/baby shower decorations plastic tablecloths place mats paper plates paper cups plastic silverware wrapping paper tape and scissors waxed paper rolling pin cookie sheets oven hot pads spatulas cooking rack round cookie cutters small slips of paper Bibles posterboard markers 4 or 5 sets of simple angel wings and/or halos 4 or 5 paper scrolls photos self-adhesive note pads markers or pencils paper tape old Christmas cards envelopes scissors masking tape pictures colored tooth picks foam packing peanuts two classroom spaces curtain or partition Bibles CD lyrics and sheet music classical music CD s CD player posterboard markers balloons costumes red and yellow fabric or construction paper scissors glue glass bottles spoon pencils paper Bibles posterboard markers newsprint pencils paper balloons Bibles storybook about Jesus birth The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey by Susan Wojciechowski posterboard markers balloons boxes Christmas gift-wrap gifts different-size boxes tape scissors It Looks a Lot Like Christmas by Peg Augustine Sink or Swim & Starlight Escape: Episodes 5 6 (The Storykeepers Collection) Three Christmas Classics The King Is Born pillows popcorn in small bags for each child DVD player television or video projector Permission granted to photocopy for local church use Abingdon Press. paper crayons, markers, or colored pencils modeling compound optional: VCR 17

18 RESOURCES These resources may be ordered through Cokesbury ( ) and other Christian bookstores or online through (unless noted otherwise). Storytelling Resources The Family Story Bible by Ralph Milton. $ The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey with CD (audio) by Susan Wojciechowski. $ It Looks a Lot Like Christmas by Peg Augustine. Spanish text by Emmanuel Vargas Álvarez. $3.00. Music Resources music (Compact disc, , $10.50.) sheet music lyric transparencies Computer Resources The Play & Learn Children s Bible CD-ROM. $ Order from X The Life of Christ 4.0 CD-ROM. $ X Cal & Marty s Scripture Memory Game CD-ROM. $ word-processing software (available at computer stores) Video Resources Three Christmas Classics DVD. $ The King Is Born DVD. $ (available at Sink or Swim & Starlight Escape: Episodes 5 6 (The Storykeepers Collection) DVD. Check your church or local public library. Resources are constantly changing and going out of print. Websites are also constantly changing. Although all websites we suggest were checked at the time this unit was developed, we urge you to check the sites to verify that they are still live and that they are still appropriate for children before doing the corresponding activities. Go to for any updated information and alternative activities. Prices are subject to change without notice. greeting card program (available at computer stores) 18 Permission granted to photocopy for local church use Abingdon Press. PowerXpress! Bible Experience Stations