Beginner Teacher. Decision Divide Prayer Pond Fellowship Forest Glorify Geyser Witness Waterfall Introduction...

Transcription

1 Beginner Teacher Introduction... 5 Lesson 1 Decision Divide... 9 Lesson 2 Prayer Pond Lesson 3 Fellowship Forest Lesson 4 Glorify Geyser Lesson 5 Witness Waterfall... 27

2 Series Aim: The student will learn that following Jesus leads to the good life... the genuine Christian life! Setting: Camp Courageous Motto: Equipping for Life Park Ranger: Ranger Wrightway His Helper: Junior Ranger Randy Director: Park/Camp Ranger Teacher: Trail Guide Student: Camper Guide: Scout Music Director: Campfire Songs Leader Assembly: Camp Assembly Snacks: Trail Treats Music: Campfire Songs Crafts: Craft Cabin Games: Recreation Range Ranger Wrightway instructs the junior rangers during the week to understand God s plan of salvation, learn how to pray, to appreciate their church, to value true worship and to share their faith in Christ. He will lead them to five beautiful locations surrounding Camp Courageous: Decision Divide, Prayer Pond, Fellowship Forest, Glorify Geyser and Witness Waterfall. 2 Beginner Teacher for Grades 1 and 2

3 Lesson 1 where you receive the Savior Lesson 2 where you talk to the Savior Lesson 3 where you meet other followers of the Savior Lesson 4 where you worship the Savior Lesson 5 where you tell others about the Savior Bible Account: Meeting the Savior Luke 19:1-10 Additional Scriptures: Ephesians 2:8, 9; Acts 4:12 Lesson Text: John 14:6, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. Aim: By the end of this lesson the student will know that Christ offers Bible Account: Praying like Jesus Matthew 26:36-56 Additional Scriptures: Matthew 6:9-15; 14:23;Luke 6:12; 9:28; 11:1-10; 1 Timothy 2:8; Revelation 5:8; 8:3, 4 Lesson Text: Matthew 6:6, But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in Bible Account: Growing as Christians Acts 2:41-47 Additional Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 5:4; Hebrews 10:24, 25 Lesson Text: Matthew 18:20, For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. Bible Account: Learning To Praise John 9:13-38 Additional Scriptures: Psalms 19:1-3; 150; Acts 3:1-11 Lesson Text: Matthew 4:10, Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. Bible Account: Sharing with Others John 4:5-42 Additional Scriptures: Matthew 4:19; 28:18-20; Mark 16:15; Acts 1:8; 8:25-40 Lesson Text: John 17:18, As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. Aim: By the end of this lesson the student will see the importance of salvation for him and that Christ must be received to become his Savior. Memory Verse: John 1:12, But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name. Lesson Purpose: Students will understand God s plan of salvation. secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. Aim: By the end of this lesson the student will find a time and place for private prayer. Memory Verse: 1 Thessalonians 5:17, Pray without ceasing. Lesson Purpose: Students will learn how to pray. Aim: By the end of this lesson the student will realize the value of fellowship in a New Testament church. Memory Verse: 1 John 1:7, But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. Lesson Purpose: Students will appreciate their church. Aim: By the end of this lesson the student will understand the importance of truly worshiping God. Memory Verse: John 4:24, God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. Lesson Purpose: Students will value true worship. leading others to know Christ Jesus as their personal Savior. Memory Verse: Mark 5:19, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee. Lesson Purpose: Students will share their faith in Christ. 3

4 Beginner Teacher Written by Rhonda Blackerby Rhonda was saved at the age of six and baptized into Sweet Home MBC in Prattsville, AR. She has been married to Pastor Doney Blackerby for thirtysix years serving the Lord together in three churches, currently with Center MBC, Rison, AR. The Blackerbys have three children and six grandchildren, all active in their churches. She began working in VBS at age fourteen leading music for younger children and has worked in all phases of VBS since that time, including VBS director and as a presenter at VBS workshops. She has been a writer of the Bogard Press VBS for nine years. Rhonda is active in all phases of church ministry including choir, mid-week Discovery Bible Clubs director and teacher. She is active in the Ladies Auxiliary of her church and has served as an officer for Arkansas State and National Women s Auxiliaries. She is a part-time receptionist and lives to spend time with her family. I am thankful to be a part of the Cross Canyon Trail VBS team. It is a blessing to realize your own spiritual helplessness and learn to rely on the Lord to meet all your needs. When you ask, He blesses your efforts. My confidence is in the Lord who is all-sufficient. One of my favorite songs is, Tis So Sweet To Trust in Jesus. The chorus in the song is, Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him, How I ve proved Him o er and o er! I can testify over and over that Jesus has been faithful to me. doney@tds.net Our team EDITOR IN CHIEF: Kyle Elkins Kyle.Elkins@bogardstore.org BUSINESS MANAGER: Wayne Sewell Wayne.Sewell@bogardstore.org CHILDREN S EDITOR: Libby Gill ILLUSTRATOR: Connie Spears GRAPHIC ARTISTS: Shawn Blase, Jeff Allen Greg Hilterbrand LAYOUT DESIGNERS: Cindy Butler, Ashley Elkins Tammie Sutton CONTENT EDITORS: Terry McKellar, Carolyn Burks Deby Turrentine, Joni Curtis PRINT PRODUCTION: Charles Easley Copyright 2015 Bogard Press 4605 N. State Line Ave. Texarkana, TX

5 We all long for a good adventure. This year s Vacation Bible School, Camp Courageous, will take the beginner campers to Decision Divide, Prayer Pond, Fellowship Forest, Glorify Geyser and Witness Waterfall. At Decision Divide campers will learn that the decision to accept Christ as personal Savior is the most important adventure in life. At each campsite the campers will learn life lessons from the Bible to help them grow and become fruitful Christians. The series aim focuses on following Jesus. Following Jesus leads to the good life the genuine Christian life. Campers will see the value of private, daily prayer. They will also see the importance of fellowshipping with other believers in their church, truly worshiping God and leading others to Jesus. The curriculum may be used in both the traditional and rotational format. For more information on choosing a format for your class, check with your VBS director and review your options in the Director s Plan Book. As you get ready to take on the task of teaching, one of the most crucial aspects of preparation is prayer. Spend time alone in prayer on your knees before God. Prayer is simply having a conversation with God. Prayer will make a difference in the outcome of Vacation Bible School. God wants us to talk to Him. He wants us to faithfully believe He will answer. Ask God to give you the words to say in the lesson. Pray before each lesson, for each child in your class, for each child s family, for all the other children attending, for workers and for teachers that through Vacation Bible School many lives will be changed eternally. Ask God to help you love each child unconditionally and to be patient with each child. Another crucial aspect of preparation is to study. Carefully study each lesson in advance. Read over the Bible Background and the additional Scriptures to make sure you have a good understanding of the lesson and the background information so that you can tell the account without the aid of the Beginner Teacher. Go through the Bible account several times before class and plan the best way to use any visuals or other interactive learning activity. When teaching this age-group, speak slowly and use words they can understand. Make your voice lively, not monotone. If at any time their focus turns away from the Bible account, ask a question to draw their attention back to the lesson. Praise the camper who gives the correct answer. Students learn in different ways: some by hearing, some by seeing and some by doing. Try to use a little of all when presenting the lesson or activity. Preview all the activities you plan to use for each class session. Confirm that you have all the materials needed for each lesson and the activities. Organize the materials in a way that will be easily accessible to you, making the transition smooth from one activity to another. Bible Background A general background of the Bible account is included with each lesson in addition to the Scriptures of the lesson text for your own personal study. Attention Getter Each lesson has an activity intended to get the campers excited and focused on the concepts they will learn from the Bible account. Bible Account In addition to the Bible Background, you will find interactive ways to present the lesson to the young campers. Lesson Purpose The activities included in this part of the lesson will help the teacher to conclude instruction time and reinforce the lesson aim. The campers need to know how to apply the Bible truths in their lives. Memory Verse Activity Memorization of Scripture is of great value especially when it is done at an early age. These active exchanges are intended to make memorization fun and successful. Beginner Activity Pages The Beginner Teacher will help you guide campers as they read and complete the written exercises found in the Beginner Activity Pages. You will find answers to each of the word puzzles and conversation starters to help get campers involved with lesson discussion. Each day campers will add stickers to the inside cover for attendance and Memory Verse and add stickers to each lesson of the activity pages. Introduction 5

6 Theme Ideas Bulletin Board The new campers at Camp Courageous will need a map to guide them, to equip them for the adventures of life. A hiker going on a hike in the woods or a traveler on a road trip would take a map to guide their journey. The Bible is a map for our lives. We need to use it daily for direction in our lives. Use old road maps, maps of theme parks or national parks as a background. The artwork shown on the illustration is available with the Beginner Visuals. Cut out the lettering and pictures and attach to your bulletin board, door or wall space. Make a small cut in the pages of the Bible and slip the theme bookmark through it. The kids will love to watch you pull out the hidden bookmark and then share the theme verse together. Ranger Wrightway instructs the junior rangers during the week to understand God s plan of salvation, learn how to pray, to appreciate their church, to value true worship and to share their faith in Christ. He will lead them to five beautiful locations surrounding Camp Courageous: Decision Divide, Prayer Pond, Fellowship Forest, Glorify Geyser and Witness Waterfall. Attend planning meetings and check with your VBS Director to see how the theme will be used during your Bible school. Some terms and characters you will need to be familiar with are listed on page 2. Some suggestions for classroom set-up and theme decorations include: hiking gear, backpacks, water bottles, maps, binoculars, flashlights, fishing gear, butterfly net, a tire swing, sleeping bag, rope, first aid kit, small canoe or paddle boat, lanterns, and so forth. You might consider having a scavenger hunt, scrapbooking crafts, a bonfire, or rope braiding. Junior rangers can be rewarded for completion of class activities by presenting them with patches, pins or buttons to wear. Because space is limited in most classrooms, consider making a half size tent with three poles, small rope and a quilt or blanket. Discuss with your VBS director the possibility of setting up a tent or camper on the church property that would be large enough to accommodate your class. The lesson could be presented inside the camping site or it can be used as a rotational place for other parts of the curriculum. 6 Beginner Teacher for Grades 1 and 2

7 Camp Courageous 2015 VBS Catalog Check with your VBS director about which materials will be made available for your classroom. Many decorating packages are available that will be great teaching posters for the Bible accounts and also to help carry out the theme. There are many great items that can be ordered for the campers that will make special memories from Camp Courageous. The ABC s of Salvation Leading a child to Christ is a great blessing. Some boys and girls in your classroom may already be saved while others have not yet reached a full understanding of what salvation is and how they are to respond to the Lord. Your responsibility is to present the facts and let the Lord do the rest. Share your own testimony of salvation with the campers. Share the ABC s of salvation. Share Jesus every day. a Admit to God that you are a sinner and need him. For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. ROMANS 3:23 b Believe that Jesus died for your sins and rose again from the dead. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved. ACTS 16:31 c Call upon Jesus to save you. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. ROMANS 10:13 Introduction 7

8 Bible Account: Meeting the Savior Luke 19:1-10 Additional Scriptures: Ephesians 2:8, 9; Acts 4:12 Lesson Text: John 14:6, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. Aim: By the end of this lesson the student will know that Christ offers salvation for him and that Christ must be received to become his Savior. Memory Verse: John 1:12, But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name. Lesson Purpose: Students will understand God s plan of salvation. BIBLE BACKGROUND Meeting the Savior Luke 19:1-10 The story of Zacchaeus is in stark contrast to the story of Jesus and the rich young ruler (Luke 18:18-30) who would not trust Christ and give what he had. Though the rich young ruler said he wanted to follow Jesus, he was not willing to sacrifice to do so. On the other hand, Zacchaeus was saved and willingly gave half his wealth to feed the poor. After he trusted Jesus, all the possessions of Zacchaeus were not nearly as important as they were before. His love and affection were changed by his faith in Christ. In Luke 18:31-34, Jesus tells the disciples about His upcoming death and resurrection in Jerusalem, then enters into the ancient city of Jericho. On the outskirts of this city sat a blind man begging. As Jesus and the crowd came near, the blind man began crying out, Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me (Luke 18:38). Though the crowds rebuked him, he kept crying out for help. Jesus stopped, commanded him to be brought near and asked what he needed. Jesus healed the blind man and saved him. Then in our lesson text (Luke 19:1-10), as Jesus passed through Jericho, another person caught His attention. This man s name was Zacchaeus. Zacchaeus is the Greek form of the Hebrew name Zacchai, which means pure or righteous one. His name represents what he became after trusting Jesus. Remember that this occurred as Jesus was on His way to the cross. This event with Zacchaeus happened not more than a day or two before His triumphal entry into Jerusalem (Luke 19:28-48), therefore, just four or five days before the Crucifixion. Zacchaeus had a profitable tax collection business. Luke notes that he was chief among the publicans or tax collectors. The Romans, who ruled Israel at the time of Christ, had a unique system for collecting taxes from the Jews. The Romans sold the right to collect taxes to the highest bidders. These men, chief tax collectors, then hired others called publicans who did the actual work. Their profit was determined by how much the people could be overcharged. The Roman army used force in the collection of taxes if the people did not render them voluntarily. So, it was a very profitable but corrupt system for the collectors. Because of the unfairness and cruelty often used in collecting taxes, the people hated the tax collectors. Another cause of Lesson 1 - Decision Divide 9

9 hatred was that publicans, who forcefully collected taxes, were not foreigners, but they were fellow Jews. And some of them, such as Zacchaeus, made themselves rich off the labor and income of others. Jericho was a border town between Judah and Perea. Zacchaeus probably made his wealth by charging duty on goods carried across borders at the crossing of the major highways in Jericho. All produce and even firewood was taxed. So, as Zacchaeus, a man of small stature but high notoriety, tried to pass through the crowd, it is reasonable that the crowd recognized him and refused to let him through. Because of his occupation, Zacchaeus was one of many people, considered outcasts, sinners and nobodies, who came to Jesus and was saved. At the same time the self-righteous religious leaders of Jesus day rejected Him. The Lord specifically chose to eat with Zacchaeus and open Himself to ridicule and criticism because people like Zacchaeus were the ones He came to save, For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost (Luke 19:10). Zacchaeus had a tremendous longing and desire to see Jesus. He sought to see Jesus who he was. Literally, he kept seeking to see Jesus. This deep desire led him to do two things dignified Jewish men of the East in his day did not do; he ran scurrying ahead of the crowd and climbed up into a tree. The type of tree he climbed, a sycamore, commonly grows to a height of thirty or forty feet. Interestingly enough the real issue was not that Zacchaeus wanted to see Jesus, but that Jesus wanted to see Zacchaeus. As Jesus came by the tree where he was, Jesus looked up and saw him. Though no one had introduced them, Jesus called him by name: Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house (Luke 19:5). Not only did Jesus know Zacchaeus name, He also knew all about him. Zacchaeus had been seeking Jesus, but now Jesus found him. Though Jesus came to His own and was rejected by them, some did believe in Him: But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name (John 1:12). Salvation came to Zacchaeus and his house because he believed in Jesus. Luke 19:6 reveals that Zacchaeus hurriedly descended from the tree and received Jesus joyfully. Joyfully is often used in connection with the attitude of joy that comes when people are saved (Luke 15:5, 9, 32). Jesus said, This day is salvation come to this house (Luke 19:9). That was His way of announcing that Zacchaeus had been saved. Evidence that salvation had come to Zacchaeus was seen in what he was willing to do. The Scriptures point out that he was willing to give half his goods to the poor and to restore anything wrongfully taken by giving four times as much. The converted tax collector s sudden generosity was not the basis of his salvation, but it was the chief outward indicator that he truly had been saved. God longs for those who trust Him and are saved to give evidence in their lives. There should be fruit or works that accompany salvation in the life of every believer (Ephesians 2:8-10; Titus 3:5, 8). For Zacchaeus, his right relationship with God effected a change in his lifestyle. That is how it should be with every born-again child of God! When Jesus said, Forasmuch as he also is a son of Abraham, He indicated that Zacchaeus, like Abraham (Genesis 15:6; Romans 4:12), had believed on the Lord in faith. And just like Abraham, Zacchaeus faith was counted to him as righteousness. Seek to make the following applications to your students: just as Zacchaeus was saved and be changed by the person of Jesus, so you can be saved as you trust Him and be changed as you serve Him. The depth of your commitment to Christ is revealed by what you are willing to sacrifice to serve Him. How deeply are you committed to the Lord? What are you willing to surrender to follow and serve Him? Using Zacchaeus attitude as a measuring stick, does your love for Jesus and others motivate you to give deeply? 10 Beginner Teacher for Grades 1 and 2

10 ATTENTION GETTER Inside Out Game In each laundry basket place a pair of boots, a pair of gloves, a shirt and a hat. Divide the campers into two teams. If there is an odd number of campers in your class, have a camper volunteer to help you monitor the two teams. Have the teams line up on one side of the room. Put the laundry baskets with the clothes on the other side of the room. When given the Go signal, have one camper from each team race to his team s laundry basket and put on all the articles of clothing. The teacher or monitor will then decide whether the camper has put on all the clothing items properly. With the monitor s okay, the camper will take off the clothes, put them back into the laundry basket then race back to his team. The next person in line will then race to the laundry basket to do the same thing. The first team to successfully put on and take off all the clothes will win. Tell the campers that the way we look on the outside is not nearly as important as the way we are on the inside. We are all ugly with sin, but through the blood of Jesus Christ, we can all be changed. Today s account is about a man who was ugly on the inside, but after just a little while with Jesus he was changed forever. 2 pairs of large boots 2 large shirts 2 hats 2 pairs of gloves 2 laundry baskets BIBLE ACCOUNT Decisions, Decisions! Before class, make several handheld signs as shown in the illustration. Cut circles of red and green (about 5" or 6" in diameter). On the red circles write bad. On the green circles write good. Attach a craft stick that will be the handle for the small sign. You may choose to make one of each color for each student, or you may prefer to disperse each color at random among your class. Every day we all have decisions to make. We choose what to wear, eat and where to go. Discuss specific decisions campers make each day. As you teach the Bible account of Zacchaeus, you will see he had many decisions to make the day he met Jesus. Listed below are points in the Bible account where the teacher can pause and ask students if the decision was a good decision or bad. The campers will hold up the handheld signs that indicate whether the decision is a good one (green) or bad one (red). Practice with a couple of examples: coming to VBS was a good decision (green); listening to the lesson instructions is a good decision (green). Distracting someone in class by talking too much would be a bad decision (red). 1. Zacchaeus overcharged people for their taxes, cheating them for his profit. Children should hold up the red circle to indicate this bad decision. 2. Zacchaeus decided to go and see Jesus. (green) 3. Many people of the town would not move or help Zacchaeus to see above the crowd. (red) 4. Zacchaeus climbed a sycamore tree. (green) 5. Zacchaeus listened to Jesus. (green) Refer students attention to Lesson 1 Bible Account Poster. 6. Zacchaeus obeyed Jesus and came down from the tree. (green) 7. Zacchaeus was sorry for his sins. Jesus forgave Zacchaeus and he was saved! (green) 8. Zacchaeus promised to give back the money he had taken and would give back to the poor people four times as much. (green) 9. Many bystanders criticized Jesus for going to Zacchaeus house. (red) Lesson 1 - Decision Divide Lesson 1 Bible Account Poster (Beginner Visuals) Red and green construction paper Craft sticks Glue or stapler Marker Scissors 11

11 10. Many people who heard Jesus teach did not believe He was God s Son. (red) We, like Zacchaeus, need to make some good decisions about Jesus. By being at VBS we are like Zacchaeus, looking for Jesus. We should try as hard as Zacchaeus to hear what the Bible says because it is God s book to us. Encourage campers to listen then obey like Zacchaeus did. Lesson 1 Title Poster (Beginner Visuals) 2" 4" 8' board Several books LESSON PURPOSE Crossing Over Before the children arrive, have a balance beam set up using a 2" by 4" by 8' board. Stack several books under both ends of the board and about every couple of feet to ensure stability and safety. Put enough books under the beam to allow the beam to be about 6" off the floor. Encourage the campers to cross the beam. While they are crossing, emphasize the importance of crossing the beam one at a time. Tell them that just as they make their decisions on an individual basis, so each person must come to faith in Christ Jesus individually. Display the Lesson 1 Title Poster. Salvation is a personal decision and the most important decision a person can make. At this age, there may be a few campers who are saved in your class. If so, ask them whether they would like to share with the class what happened the day they accepted Christ as their Savior. Be sure not to push them to share or embarrass them. When they are finished, share with the campers your testimony. Copies of Lesson 1 Cross Puzzle (Beginner Visuals Instructions) Scissors Colored paper Glue Crayons or markers Beginner Activity Pages Pencils, crayons or markers MEMORY VERSE ACTIVITY Check Your Map Help the campers find today s Memory Verse in their Bibles. Read through the verse together as a class. Have the campers color the puzzle, cut out the puzzle, then reassemble and glue on a colored sheet of paper. When they are finished, give them an opportunity to say the verse aloud by memory. Beginner ACTIVITY PAGES Page 1: Beginners will enjoy reviewing the lesson with the rebus. Encourage the campers to take their activity pages home. A camper may choose to have an adult read the text while he follows along and adds his part to the account by calling out what each picture in the rebus represents. Page 2: The campers will put the Bible accounts in sequential order by drawing a line to the event that happened first, second, third and fourth. Page 3: Students should follow the instructions and write the Memory Verse on the lines provided. Allow students who finish to recite the verse for the class. 12 Beginner Teacher for Grades 1 and 2

12 Page 4: Ranger Wrightway knows he is responsible for the well-being and care of all the campers at Camp Courageous. The most important thing we must understand about the Bible is found with the answers to the crossword puzzle. Answers for campers: 1. Jesus 2. died 3. cross 4. grave 5. sinner 6. Christ 7. pray 8. ask 9. believe Answer: What does God offer us? Salvation CRAFT Time The Camp Courageous Craft Book has some great ideas that are age appropriate and great ways to remember the lessons at Decision Divide. Game Time The Camp Courageous Game Book includes games and activities that are specifically chosen for beginner students. Lesson 1 - Decision Divide 13