Scope and Sequence

Winter 2015 16 Leader s Guide www.deepbluekids.com LG Submerge DJF15-16 Cover.indd 2-3 6/24/15 10:59 AM

Scope and Sequence 2015 16 Fall 2015 Winter 2015 16 UNIT 1: Dive Deeper Into Genesis Session 1: Caring for Creation (Creation) Session 2: Avoiding Jealousy (Cain and Abel) Session 3: Resolving Conflicts (Abraham and Lot Separate) Session 4: Confronting Rivalries (Jacob and Esau) UNIT 2: Dive Deeper Into Exodus and the Judges Session 5: Using Our Talents (Joseph Interprets Dreams) Session 6: Calling (God Calls Moses) Session 7: Courage (Moses Sends the Spies) Session 8: Trusting God (Deborah, Barak, and Jael) UNIT 3: Dive Deeper Into Samuel and the Kings Session 9: Listening to God (God Speaks to Samuel) Session 10: Following God s Will (Saul Disobeys God) Session 11: Seeking God s Help (Solomon s Wisdom) Session 12: Choosing Our Actions (The Divided Kingdom) Session 13: God s Promise (Jeremiah s Prophecy) UNIT 1: Dive Deeper Into Advent and Christmas Session 1: Faith (Isaiah s Prophecy) Session 2: Waiting (Elizabeth and Zechariah) Session 3: Courage (Mary and Joseph) Session 4: Incarnation (Jesus Is Born) UNIT 2: Dive Deeper Into Christmas and Epiphany Session 5: Worshipping (The Magi) Session 6: God s Grace (The Baptism of Jesus) Session 7: Being Called (Jesus Calls the Twelve) Session 8: How to Treat Others (The Sermon on the Mount) Session 9: Having a Healing Faith (Jesus Heals Many People) UNIT 3: Dive Deeper Into the Life of Jesus Session 10: Sharing (Jesus Feeds 5,000 People) Session 11: Knowing Jesus (The Transfiguration) Session 12: Praising Jesus (The Entry Into Jerusalem) Session 13: Justice (The Cleansing of the Temple) Spring 2016 Summer 2016 UNIT 1: Dive Deeper Into Lent and Easter Session 1: Sharing Communion (The Last Supper) Session 2: Suffering (Jesus Betrayal, Arrest, and Trial) Session 3: Death (Jesus Death) Session 4: Resurrection (Jesus Resurrection) UNIT 2: Dive Deeper Into the Easter Season Session 5: Overcoming Doubt (Thomas and the Disciples) Session 6: Encountering Jesus (The Disciples on the Beach) Session 7: Proclaiming (The Great Commission) Session 8: Waiting (The Ascension) UNIT 3: Dive Deeper Into the Book of Acts Session 9: The Holy Spirit (Pentecost) Session 10: Sharing (Forming Communities) Session 11: Courage (The Martyrdom of Stephen) Session 12: Welcoming All (Peter and Cornelius) Session 13: Working Together (The Jerusalem Council) UNIT 1: Dive Deeper Into Stories of Faithful Women Session 1: Cleverness (Miriam Looks After Moses) Session 2: Friendship (Ruth and Naomi) Session 3: Covenant (Hannah Dedicates Samuel) Session 4: Selflessness (Esther, Mordecai, and Haman) UNIT 2: Dive Deeper Into Signs in John s Gospel Session 5: Hospitality (The Wedding at Cana) Session 6: Faith (Jesus Heals the Royal Official s Son) Session 7: Compassion (Jesus Heals the Man at Bethsaida) Session 8: Authentic Discipleship (Jesus Heals the Man Born Blind) Session 9: Empathy (The Raising of Lazarus) UNIT 3: Dive Deeper Into Advice From Paul Session 10: Faithful Living (Paul on Faithful Living) Session 11: Working Together (Paul on Working Together) Session 12: Christian Love (Paul on Christian Love) Session 13: Avoiding Conflict (Paul on Avoiding Conflict)

Contents Written by Nathan Tenney ii Submerge Components iii Before You Begin iv Faith Development for Students vi viii Student Worship Helps Winter 2015-16 UNIT 1: Dive Deeper Into Advent and Christmas 1 December 6 Session 1: Faith 7 December 13 Session 2: Waiting 13 December 20 Session 3: Courage 19 December 27 Session 4: Incarnation UNIT 2: Dive Deeper Into Christmas and Epiphany 25 January 3 Session 5: Worshipping 31 January 10 Session 6: God s Grace 37 January 17 Session 7: Being Called 43 January 24 Session 8: How to Treat Others 49 January 31 Session 9: Having a Healing Faith UNIT 3: Dive Deeper Into the Life of Jesus 55 February 7 Session 10: Sharing 61 February 14 Session 11: Knowing Jesus 67 February 21 Session 12: Praising Jesus 73 February 28 Session 13: Justice Cover Credits: Cover design by Kellie Green; logo design by Keitha Vincent; background by Shutterstock

Submerge Components Session 11 February 14 Knowing Jesus Bible Verse A voice from the cloud said, This is my Son whom I dearly love. I am very pleased with him. Listen to him! (Matthew 17:5b) Did You Know? T he story of the Transfiguration is in Matthew, Mark, and Luke. In each Gospel, the account is presented in the middle chapters of the book. Jesus invites Peter and the sons of Zebedee, James and John, to accompany him up an unnamed mountain. While Jesus prays, his appearance changes as a dazzling light surrounds him. Moses and Elijah appear and begin conversing with Jesus. A cloud descends on the mountain, and a voice reveals that Jesus is God s Son. There are several things to note about this account. First is the presence of Peter, James, and John, as they are the first disciples called by Jesus. Second is the presence of Moses and Elijah, who stand as archetypes of the Law and the Prophets. This alludes to Jesus ministry as fulfilling these teachings. Third is that the words spoken by God mirror those that are spoken at Jesus baptism. Finally, Jesus transformed appearance foreshadows his resurrection and ascension. The Transfiguration reveals that Jesus is God s beloved Son. Jesus life and ministry allow for an encounter between the divine and the human. Jesus is the bridge that enables us to experience God s presence in our lives. Through Jesus, God is not out there far away, some distant unknowable other. God lives with us, cares for us, heals us, and transforms us. Encourage your students to explore the ways Jesus reveals eals God s love to them and the ways they experience God s presence in their lives. Exploration Points Bible Story The Transfiguration reveals that Jesus is God s Son. Jesus shows us the reality of God s presence with us. Matthew 17:1-13 Compass Point The Transfiguration helps us see Jesus in a new way. Requires preparation. DeepBlueKids.com 61 Winter 2015-16 Session 11 DeepBlueKids.com 61 Leader s Guide A quarterly resource that contains instructions for each session. Leaders are encouraged to choose activities that best suit the needs of their students. Submerge Magazine A quarterly resource that contains articles that connect to the lives of students. Many articles include individual reflection prompts, so each student is encouraged to have her or his own copy. Diver s Log An annual resource that encourages students to engage in creative thought and to write, doodle, or draw prayer concerns. Each student is encouraged to have his or her own copy. ii submerge Leader s Guide

Before You Begin Each session is organized according to the following rhythm: Jump In These are activities that help move your students into your space and introduce the session theme. It is recommended that the Diver s Log be made available to students as they arrive, allowing them to work independently at their own pace. The game is intended to facilitate participation in a fun and active manner. Dive Deeper These are activities centered around the Bible story. Each session includes a short reproducible reading based on the scripture that is intended to reinforce the Bible story. Where appropriate, humor and pop culture references are used. The discussion questions use the Bible story as a jumping-off point to help students think about ways to connect scripture to their everyday lives. Grow Stronger These are activities that further encourage students to make the connection between what they are discussing and their everyday lives. The articles in the Submerge Magazine focus on practical faith application. Whenever possible, service opportunities are written into the session. The creative expression activity invites students to reflect on the session theme through art and discovery. Worship Each session closes with a short devotion. Students are encouraged to be active in leading worship. Reproducible Student Worship Helps are provided on pages viii-x so that students are adequately equipped to lead the devotion. What You Should Know About Games Core supplies are used repeatedly throughout the 2015 16 curriculum year. A fully stocked game closet should include the following: bandanas, beach balls, bins, blindfolds, cones, dryerase board set, foam pool noodles (full and half size; summer), flying discs, Hula Hoops, kitchen brooms, masking tape, plastic cups, plastic pitchers, safety goggles, soccer balls, table tennis balls, tennis balls, yardstick Discussion Questions You may have concerns about your students ability and willingness to reflect on their faith with their peers. The more they practice this spiritual discipline, and the stronger their relationships with one another become throughout your time together, the greater their participation will become. Consider arranging permanent small groups and assigning an adult leader to lead each one so that your students get to know better those with whom they are sharing. Or arrange your time so that students are having these conversations while engaged in another activity, such as the session s creative expression project. Creative Expression All attempts have been made to keep supply costs to a minimum; however, some projects and activities may require the purchase of unique supplies. Winter 2015 16 DeepBlueKids.com iii

Faith Development for Students Your students are constantly connecting with others. Between school, family, friends, sports and other extracurricular activities, they interact with a number of people in their everyday lives. Even during down time, they remain connected through texting, social and gaming networks, and the use of digital devices. The greatest gift you can give your students is the opportunity to grow in their understanding of scripture and their relationship with God. Being familiar with the people and events of the Bible, and connecting these stories to their experiences, can help your students better integrate their faith into their everyday lives. In spite of all these opportunities for social connection and interaction, maintaining and nurturing friendships in adolescence can be challenging. Feeling connected to their peers is a priority for students, especially as they establish their own identities and develop their own interests, independent from their families. Keep this in mind as you journey together with your students. Programs for your students should be as relational as possible. Develop and coordinate opportunities for your students to interact with one another. This will help them develop faithful and faith-filled friendships as they transition into teenagers. This focus on relationships extends beyond your students friendships with one another. While they desire independence, students also seek out attention from others. Most enjoy connecting with adults who can listen, mentor, and guide them as they mature. Get to know your students as you help them get to know one another. Most of all, invite your students to find unique, fun, and new ways to grow in their relationship with God. Introduce your students to various prayer and worship practices, and allow them to discover and nurture their gifts and talents in service to God and the community. This will help strengthen their faith as they enter their teenage years. The chart on the following page shows the central learning concepts that undergird the Submerge program. Each session emphasizes one or more of the objectives presented in each of the four categories. It is our hope that you will find in Submerge a program that allows your students to explore together as they deepen in biblical understanding and faith commitment. iv submerge Leader s Guide

Developing Faith Foundations Engaging Faith Traditions To be guided in developing and practicing critical thinking skills To develop a sense of belonging to the faith community To meaningfully participate in the worship, mission, and life of the congregation To develop faithful friendships with church members of various age levels To be able to affirm one s self as belonging to God To identify gifts, talents, and passions that can be used in service to the faith community To learn the organization and structure of the Bible To know the various types of writings in the Bible To explore the Bible stories in historical context To learn how to use study tools such as a concordance, atlas, and so forth To increase and use vocabulary related to the Christian faith To learn about the history and teaching of the church Relating to God and the Church Relating Faith to Life To be guided in understanding the meaning of church membership To have a sense of belonging to both the local church and the larger faith community To verbalize experiences and questions about God and faith, including doubts To find guidance for disciplines of prayer and Bible reading To see Christian growth as a lifelong process To learn the importance of responsibility in the covenant relationship with God To discover ways that others have lived out their faith in various circumstances To identify and discuss the ways that they can live out their faith in their everyday lives To be guided and assisted in practicing spiritual disciplines To clarify their sense of right and wrong in light of Christian faith To identify and respond to issues of fairness and justice To serve with others in the community and world Winter 2015 16 DeepBlueKids.com v

Session 1 Session 2 On these two pages are checklists of all of the supplies you will need for each session. Some supplies, such as pens, pencils, and colored pencils, are used each session. Many of the game supplies, such as bins, cones, and tennis balls, are used most sessions. Some of the art supplies are used only once or twice a quarter. q pens q pencils q colored pencils q masking tape q plastic cups q table tennis balls q cardstock (various colors) q scissors q glue sticks q pens q pencils q colored pencils q bins q cones q table tennis balls q permanent markers q dry-erase board set q tarp q banner paper q bowls of acrylic paint q tennis balls (new) q paper towels Session 3 Session 4 Session 5 Session 6 q pens q pens q pens q pens q pencils q pencils q pencils q pencils q colored pencils q colored pencils q colored pencils q colored pencils q cones q masking tape q cones q cones q masking tape q yardstick q compact discs (CDs) q bins of water q safety goggles q cones q masking tape q table tennis balls q tennis balls q tennis balls q tennis balls q dry-erase board set q dry-erase board set q permanent markers q dry-erase board set q bowls of water q 5-by-8 index cards q dry-erase board set q cardstock q cardstock q pastel sticks q treats (cookies, etc.) q soft drinks q cups q napkins q bowls of glow-in-thedark acrylic paint q paintbrushes q paper towels q watercolors q paintbrushes q paper towels vi submerge Leader s Guide

Session 7 Session 8 Session 9 Session 10 q pens q pens q pens q pens q pencils q pencils q pencils q pencils q colored pencils q colored pencils q colored pencils q colored pencils q cones q bins q cones q bins q bins q cones q masking tape q cones q table tennis balls q kitchen brooms q double-sided duct tape q adhesive q decorative fishing net q index cards q permanent markers q binder clips q tennis balls q table tennis balls q dry-erase board set q banner paper (optional) q permanent markers (optional) q 5-by-3 wirebound notebooks q large adhesive bandages q boxes and strapping tape (optional) q permanent markers (optional) q fabric q fabric scissors q fabric markers q safety goggles q table tennis balls q boxes q soup pots (optional) q posterboards q permanent markers Session 11 Session 12 Session 13 q pens q pencils q colored pencils q plastic cups q masking tape q tennis balls q flashlights q dry-erase board set q paper q 5-by-8 index cards q permanent markers q pens q pencils q colored pencils q bins q masking tape q clean shirts and coats q broomstick ponies OR new string mops q banner paper q permanent markers q bag q adhesive q pens q pencils q colored pencils q cones q tables q chairs q dry-erase board set q posterboards q duct tape (various colors) Winter 2015 16 DeepBlueKids.com vii

Student Worship Helps Session 1 Session 2 Session 3 SAY: Therefore, the Lord will give you a sign. The young woman is pregnant and is about to give birth to a son, and she will name him Immanuel. (Isaiah 7:14) PRAY: Faithful God, thank you for sending the prophets to prepare us for the arrival of Jesus. Strengthen our faith as we look forward to the celebration of Christmas. Amen. SAY: He will go forth before the Lord, equipped with the spirit and power of Elijah. (Luke 1:17a) PRAY: Patient God, thank you for the many unexpected ways that you are at work in our lives. Help us know that all things happen according to your time. Amen. SAY: Rejoice, favored one! The Lord is with you! (Luke 1:28) PRAY: Loving God, thank you for being present in our lives. Help us face new and unknown situations with courage and faith. We ask this in Jesus name. Amen. Session 4 SAY: Don t be afraid! Look! I bring good news to you wonderful, joyous news for all people. (Luke 2:10) PRAY: Gracious God, thank you for sending Jesus into the world. Help us remember as we celebrate Christmas that Jesus is Emmanuel, God with us. Amen. viii submerge Leader s Guide

Student Worship Helps Session 5 Session 6 Session 7 SAY: Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We ve seen his star in the east, and we ve come to honor him. (Matthew 2:2) PRAY: Amazing God, thank you for guiding us in our friendship with Jesus. May we be filled with worship and praise at all times and in everything that we do. Amen. SAY: A voice from heaven said, This is my Son whom I dearly love; I find happiness in him. (Matthew 3:17) PRAY: Caring God, thank you for claiming us as your own at our baptism. May we remember that your Spirit is with us as we serve others each day. Amen. SAY: Come, follow me, he said, and I ll show you how to fish for people. (Matthew 4:19) PRAY: Life-giving God, thank you for calling each of us into discipleship. May we faithfully share the good news of Jesus with everyone we encounter. Amen. Session 8 Session 9 SAY: Therefore, just as your heavenly Father is complete in showing love to everyone, so also you must be complete. (Matthew 5:48) PRAY: Peace-loving God, thank you for sending Jesus to show us how to live as your people. Help us be peacemakers in our everyday lives. Amen. SAY: Go; it will be done for you just as you have believed. (Matthew 8:13a) PRAY: Healing God, thank you for sending Jesus to bring wholeness to our lives. May we be a source of comfort and care to those around us who are in need. Amen. Winter 2015 16 DeepBlueKids.com ix

Student Worship Helps Session 10 Session 11 Session 12 SAY: Everyone ate until they were full, and they filled twelve baskets with the leftovers. (Matthew 14:20) SAY: A voice from the cloud said, This is my Son whom I dearly love. I am very pleased with him. Listen to him! (Matthew 17:5b) SAY: Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest! (Matthew 21:9) PRAY: God of sharing, thank you for sending Jesus to show us what it means to have compassion. Help us share our resources with people in need. Amen. PRAY: God of light, thank you for revealing yourself to us through Jesus. Thank you for being present in our lives. May we be open to seeing you in new ways. Amen. PRAY: God of movement, thank you for this season of Lent, which helps us reflect on the meaning of Jesus life and death. May we use this time to worship and pray. Amen. Session 13 SAY: It s written, My house will be called a house of prayer. But you ve made it a hideout for crooks. (Matthew 21:13) PRAY: God of justice, thank you for sending Jesus to teach us how to treat others. Help us do what is right at all times and treat others fairly. Amen. x submerge Leader s Guide

Faith Bible Verse Therefore, the Lord will give you a sign. The young woman is pregnant and is about to give birth to a son, and she will name him Immanuel. (Isaiah 7:14) Did You Know? Many prophecies about Jesus are in the Book of Isaiah. This book is quoted more times in the New Testament than any other Old Testament text. Isaiah wrote during the eighth century b.c., at the time of the Divided Kingdom. After Isaiah s death, other prophets wrote in his name, so the book spans hundreds of years of history. The Book of Isaiah is concerned with the relationship between God and God s people. Session 1 December 6 Bible Story Isaiah 6:1-13 and 7:10-17 Compass Point We wait with faith for the arrival of Jesus. Following the death of King Uzziah, Judah faced a time of uncertainty. God instructed Isaiah to remind the people of their relationship with God. Many had failed to listen and instead had turned away from God. Jesus quoted this passage in the Gospels and related the people s rejection of the good news to the rebellious behavior of God s people during the period of the Divided Kingdom. The Book of Isaiah also recounts a prophecy about the arrival of the Messiah, who would be born into the house of David. Both of these prophecies feature prominently in the life of Jesus: the first relates to his ministry and the second to the circumstances of his birth. Invite your students to think about what it must have been like for Isaiah and the prophets to receive direct communication from God, especially about the arrival of the Messiah. Encourage them to think about what God s willingness to speak through the prophets shows us about God s care for us. Exploration Points God speaks through the prophets to prepare us for the arrival of Jesus. Jesus birth is a sign of God s faithfulness and care. Requires preparation. Winter 2015-16 Session 1 DeepBlueKids.com 1

Jump In Choose from the following activities those that best suit your group. Diver s Log, pens, pencils, colored pencils DIVER S LOG Make pens, pencils, and colored pencils available. Give each student their copy of the Diver s Log. If you have new students this quarter, give each one a Diver s Log and ask them to write their name on the back. Encourage them to respond to the prompt on page 28 and to write, doodle, or draw their prayer concerns on page 29. After some amount of time, invite your students to share their responses as they are comfortable. SAY: Our Bible readings are from the Book of Isaiah. Isaiah was a prophet sent by God to help people understand God s message in a new way. ASK: What was it like to describe yourself in a different way? How do you think this compares with having to share God s message in a new way? masking tape, plastic cups, table tennis balls GAME - FACING FORWARD Use masking tape to mark off a line on one side of your space. Divide your students into teams of two. Give one student in each pair a plastic cup and the other a table tennis ball. Instruct those holding the ball to stand along the masking-tape line. Have those holding the cup stand opposite their partner some distance away. Inform your students that the game is a backward shot contest. The player for each pair holding the table tennis ball will face away from their teammate and throw the ball backward over their shoulder. The player for each pair holding the cup must catch the ball in the cup on the fly. They can move around freely in order to attempt a catch. Invite your students to see who can make the most catches in a certain number of throws, or who can catch the longest throw. Have everyone switch roles so that each player has a chance to throw and to catch. SAY: Our game required you to have faith in your teammate s catching skills. In Bible times, prophets needed faith. They wrote about events that would take place in the future. ASK: What are some situations that require you to place your trust in other people? What about those that require you to have faith in God? 2 December 6 submerge Leader s Guide

Dive Deeper READ THE BIBLE Invite your students to look up Isaiah 6:1-13 and 7:10-17 and to take turns reading. Bibles (CEB) READING - BACK TO THE FUTURE Photocopy page 5, one for each student. Assign each of the roles. Invite your students to do the reading together. Leader s Guide ASK: Why do you think the prophets after Isaiah continued to write using Isaiah s name? How would you feel if someone wrote something using your name? DISCUSS IT - FAITH Photocopy page 6, one for each adult discussion leader. Divide your students into groups of four to six. Assign each group an adult discussion leader. Invite your leaders and students to spend time discussing the questions. Leader s Guide TIP: If your group is small, consider discussing the questions as one group. Grow Stronger THE ART OF THE ADVENT PHOTOBOMB Give each student a copy of the Submerge magazine. Invite them to write their name on the back. This will be their magazine to use each week throughout the quarter. Encourage them to read the article on page 3. Submerge magazine, pens ASK: What are some things you can do in your everyday life to prepare for the arrival of Jesus? Why is this important? SOLID FAITH: PRO SOCCER PLAYER CLINT DEMPSEY Invite your students to read the article on pages 4-5. Submerge magazine ASK: What difficulties did Clint Dempsey overcome in his life to get where he is today? How do you think Clint s faith helped him through these situations? Winter 2015-16 Session 1 DeepBlueKids.com 3

cardstock (various colors), scissors, glue sticks CREATIVE EXPRESSION - MESSIAH MOSAIC Gather the necessary supplies. SAY: The prophecies in the Bible are like a mosaic. If you look at only one or two, it is hard to see the larger picture. It is only when you pull back and look at them together that you can see a beautiful mural of God s faithfulness. Make cardstock (various colors), scissors, and glue sticks available. Invite each student to cut from cardstock symbols and words that have meaning for them and to create a mosaic by gluing them onto a cardstock backing. Encourage your group to be creative. After some amount of time, invite your students to share their creations. Leader s Guide Worship Photocopy page viii, one for each worship volunteer. Invite one student to read today s Bible verse. Invite a second student to read the prayer. 4 December 6 submerge Leader s Guide

Reading - Back to the Future READER 1: Let s spend some time talking about Isaiah, the prophet and the book in the Bible. Isaiah the prophet lived in Jerusalem about 2,700 years ago. It was a crazy time to be a prophet. Isaiah stayed busy sharing God s message with the people of Judah. READER 2: Israel had been divided into two kingdoms: Israel in the north and Judah in the south. Judah faced threats from Israel and from other countries. King Uzziah, the longtime ruler of Judah, had just died. People were worried about the future of Jerusalem, the holiest city where God s temple stood. READER 3: Isaiah received a message from God. Isaiah saw a vision of angels praising God. At first Isaiah was scared, because the Bible says that some people who see God die from being so close to God s holiness. One of the angels reassured Isaiah. God asked Isaiah to be God s messenger to the people, and Isaiah said yes. READER 1: God told Isaiah to do something that might seem funny to us. Isaiah was supposed to tell the people to listen but not understand and to pay attention but to ignore. It would be like running into the lunch room at school and yelling, Hey, everyone, ignore what I m saying! If you did this, people would listen. READER 2: Isaiah was told that he must do this for as long as it took, even if most of Jerusalem was destroyed. During Bible times, it often took big events like that to get people to turn back to God. Isaiah was told that no matter what happened, God s community would survive. It was compared to a tree that is cut down and grows back. READER 3: Isaiah heard all this from God. These words definitely applied to what the people in Judah were going through. But it also spoke about the future, such as what happened when Jesus was teaching and preaching. People listened to what Jesus said, but they didn t understand it. READER 1: Jesus even referenced these verses from Isaiah in each of the Gospels. You can look it up yourself (see below). Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John all say that Jesus said that people were ignoring his message like they did to Isaiah. Jesus said that it showed how people had closed their hearts to God. READER 2: Later on, when King Uzziah s grandson was king of Judah, the Israelites attacked Jerusalem. Believing that the Messiah would rescue Jerusalem, the king demanded a sign. Isaiah told the king that the Messiah would come from the house of David and be born to a young mother who would call him Immanuel. READER 3: Isaiah didn t say when this would happen, only that Israel and Judah would be destroyed before the Messiah arrived. Fast forward 700 years. Israel and Judah no longer existed. A young woman named Mary gave birth to Jesus and called him Immanuel, which means God with us. READER 1: Isaiah received many messages from God. Some applied to the times in which he lived; others focused on the future arrival of Jesus; and many could be applied to both situations. READER 2: After Isaiah died, several prophets who communicated with God wrote using Isaiah s name. This was common in Bible times. Each wrote about the people s relationship with God and God s plans for the future. READER 3: The Book of Isaiah is proof of God s faithfulness. It also shows us how going back to read the prophets can help us better understand the events of the New Testament. So go back to the future with Isaiah! (Jesus refers to Isaiah 6:9-10 in Matthew 13:14-15; Mark 4:11-12; Luke 8:10; and John 12:39-40.) Winter 2015-16 Session 1 DeepBlueKids.com 5

Discuss It - Faith SAY: Isaiah was called by God to serve as a prophet during uncertain times. The longtime king of Judah had just died, and people felt uncertain about the future. Isaiah found himself standing before God, afraid to be in God s holy presence. Isaiah was assured by an angel, and then God asked Isaiah to share a special message with the people. ASK: What do you think it would be like to see God face to face? How would you react if God asked you to share a special message with people? Why do you think people were so worried when the king died? What events in your everyday life cause you to feel uncertain? SAY: God told Isaiah that he must preach a message to the people that sounded like the opposite of what a prophet should say. The plan was to get people to take notice and to make them realize that they were ignoring their friendship with God. The Bible never tells us what happened when Isaiah shared this message with the people. ASK: What questions do you think Isaiah had about this strategy of telling people the opposite of what he wanted them to do? Have you ever used a unique strategy or a trick play while playing a game or sport? Who came up with the play? How did things turn out? SAY: Isaiah received messages from God that were related to events going on during his lifetime. Some messages also related to future events, such as the birth of Jesus and what would happen when Jesus went out to share the good news with others. ASK: Do you think Isaiah knew which of the prophecies he received would take place during his lifetime? If you were a prophet, would you want to know which events you d live to see? How does being a prophet responsible for telling others about events that will take place in the future require faith and trust in God? SAY: Today is the second Sunday of the church season of Advent. This is a time when we wait for the arrival of Jesus at Christmas and think about what it means for our lives. We reflect on God s faithfulness in sending Jesus to be with us. Advent also is a time to work on strengthening our faith friendship with God. ASK: What are the ways we work at building our friendship with God at church? What are the ways you do this at home? What are some unique and creative ways you can strengthen your friendship with God by using your gifts and talents? How can you strengthen your faith friendship through helping and serving those in need? 6 December 6 submerge Leader s Guide

Waiting Bible Verse He will go forth before the Lord, equipped with the spirit and power of Elijah. (Luke 1:17a) Did You Know? Zechariah and Elizabeth were advanced in age and had remained childless. Both were descended from the priestly line of Aaron. As such, Zechariah had responsibilities at the temple. While serving his priestly duty on one occasion, Zechariah was visited by the angel Gabriel within the sanctuary. Gabriel told Zechariah that his prayers had been answered: Elizabeth was pregnant with their son, who would help prepare the way for the arrival of the Messiah. Zechariah s son would be named John. Session 2 December 13 Bible Story Luke 1:5-25, 57-80 Compass Point We wait with hope for the arrival of Jesus. Zechariah asked how this was possible, since he and Elizabeth were beyond childbearing age. Gabriel scolded Zechariah for his unbelief. For his questioning, Zechariah was made mute. Just as Gabriel had announced, Elizabeth became pregnant and gave birth to a boy. Over the protest of neighbors, Zechariah and Elizabeth insisted that the baby be named John. Zechariah was then able to speak again and praised God. Zechariah prophesied about John. The story of Elizabeth and Zechariah allows us to witness to God s redemptive action as it comes into being. It reminds us of the many ways God is at work in our own lives. Sometimes this requires waiting, as it did for Zechariah and Elizabeth. Invite your students to think about how they experience God s presence. Help them understand that things unfold according to God s time, and not according to our wants. Remind them that Advent is a season to reflect on this aspect of our faith. Exploration Points John the Baptist prepares the way for the arrival of Jesus. God is at work in amazing ways in our lives. Requires preparation. Winter 2015-16 Session 2 DeepBlueKids.com 7

Jump In Choose from the following activities those that best suit your group. Diver s Log, pens, pencils, colored pencils DIVER S LOG Make pens, pencils, and colored pencils available. Give each student their copy of the Diver s Log. Encourage them to respond to the prompt on page 30 and to write, doodle, or draw their prayer concerns on page 31. After some amount of time, invite your students to share their responses as they are comfortable. SAY: In our Bible reading, Zechariah and Elizabeth receive important news from the angel Gabriel. They have to wait for nine months for the event to take place. ASK: When have you had to wait for something important to take place? In one word, how would you describe your experience of waiting? bins, cones, table tennis balls, permanent markers, dry-erase board set GAME - SHOT CLOCK Place bins against the wall on one side of your space, one bin for each team of four to six students. Place a cone some distance away from each bin. Divide your students into teams of four to six. Assign each team to a cone. Give each team 10 to 12 table tennis balls and a permanent marker. Invite each team to mark their table tennis balls with a unique design. Inform your students that the game is like a basket shooting contest. The object is to throw the table tennis balls into the bins in a 20-second time frame. Players from each team will take turns shooting. The Shooter will have 20 seconds to make as many shot attempts as possible. Each team also will need a Scorekeeper and Retrievers. The Scorekeeper counts the number of baskets. The Retrievers get the balls back to the Shooter. Begin each round by shouting Go! and counting backward from 20 to 0. Have players from each team rotate from Shooter to Scorekeeper to Retrievers. Use a dry-erase board to keep track of how many baskets each team makes during each round. Repeat the game as time and interest allow. SAY: Our game required you to wait patiently for your turn at shooting. ASK: What are some everyday situations that require you to wait? How would you judge your own level of patience in these situations? 8 December 13 submerge Leader s Guide

Dive Deeper READ THE BIBLE Invite your students to look up Luke 1:5-25, 57-80 and to take turns reading. Bibles (CEB) READING - WAIT FOR IT Photocopy page 11, one for each student. Assign each of the roles. Invite your students to do the reading together. Leader s Guide ASK: Why do you think the friends and neighbors thought they had a say in naming the baby? How do you feel when people get involved in your personal business? DISCUSS IT - WAITING Photocopy page 12, one for each adult discussion leader. Divide your students into groups of four to six. Assign each group an adult discussion leader. Invite your leaders and students to spend time discussing the questions. Leader s Guide TIP: If your group is small, consider discussing the questions as one group. Grow Stronger DECEMBER DAYS: A DOZEN WAYS TO SPEND YOUR BREAK Give each student their copy of the Submerge magazine. Invite them to read the article on pages 6-7. Plan dates and times to bring your students together for service and fellowship. Submerge magazine EXPERIENCE IT - GUIDED PRAYER SAY: Christians have been doing guided prayer with the Bible for thousands of years. This helps us think about the meaning of the scripture. Let s try it now. Bibles (CEB) Invite your students to close their eyes and reflect on the meaning of the passage. Read Psalm 27:14 slowly, repeating the verse several times. Allow for several minutes of silence before bringing everyone together. ASK: What was it like to spend time quietly reflecting on the meaning of the Bible verse? What can this passage show us about waiting with hope? Winter 2015-16 Session 2 DeepBlueKids.com 9

tarp, banner paper, bowls, acrylic paint, tennis balls (new), paper towels CREATIVE EXPRESSION - PAINTBALL EXPRESSIONISM Gather the necessary supplies. SAY: God is at work in our lives in ordinary and unexpected ways. Kind of like how we re going to use ordinary stuff in unexpected ways. Place banner paper on top of the tarp. Pour the various colors of acrylic paint into the bowls. Make new tennis balls and paper towels available. Invite your students to use the tennis balls as brushes to create a mural that depicts the ways they experience God s presence. Encourage your group to be creative. After some amount of time, invite your students to share their creations. Leader s Guide Worship Photocopy page viii, one for each worship volunteer. Invite one student to read today s Bible verse. Invite a second student to read the prayer. 10 December 13 submerge Leader s Guide

Reading - Wait for It NARRATOR: One day, Zechariah was serving in the temple. He was a priest, and it was his turn to burn incense at the golden altar. He was alone in the sanctuary, doing his priestly thing, when suddenly GABRIEL: Hey, Zechariah! Greetings in God s holy name! ZECHARIAH: Who are you? How d you get in here? You re not supposed to be in the sanctuary! NARRATOR: The temple was a holy place. Only the priest on duty was supposed to enter the sanctuary. GABRIEL: Relax. Don t be afraid. God sent me to tell you that your prayers have been answered. You soon will be a father. Elizabeth will give birth to a son. He ll be a great prophet, who will show people the way to the Messiah. ZECHARIAH: Really? Elizabeth, pregnant? We ve waited so long for this to happen, and it never has. Now we re both so old. How is this even possible? GABRIEL: Trust me. I m Gabriel, as in God s messenger. God wanted me to deliver this good news directly. ZECHARIAH: But how can I be sure this will happen? It just seems too good to be true. GABRIEL: Seriously? What s it going to take for you to believe me? I m an angel who appeared out of nowhere in the sanctuary. I m telling you, it s gonna happen. But it sounds like you need some time to think about it. ZECHARIAH: What do you mean? GABRIEL: Those are the last words you ll speak until the birth of your son. Use this as prayer time. NARRATOR: Zechariah left the sanctuary unable to talk. The people praying at the temple knew that Zechariah must ve seen a vision. Zechariah returned home. Elizabeth became pregnant, just as Gabriel had said. ELIZABETH: Zechariah, this is surely the work of God. I wish you hadn t questioned Gabriel like you did. I d really like to have a talk. I m getting tired of you writing notes on a tablet. NARRATOR: That last part isn t in the Bible, but we can guess that s how Elizabeth felt. After waiting for many months, Elizabeth gave birth to a baby boy. Friends and relatives asked if the baby would be named after Zechariah. ELIZABETH: No. His name will be John. NARRATOR: The friends and relatives weren t expecting this. They asked Zechariah. He surprised everyone when he wrote on a tablet His name is John. As soon as this happened, the wait was over. Zechariah could talk again. ZECHARIAH: Bless the Lord, the God of Israel! God has come to help and has delivered us all. Bless the Lord our God! NARRATOR: Everyone was filled with awe, and the whole community was talking about what had happened. It seems only fitting to give Zechariah the last word, even though this part isn t in the Bible. ZECHARIAH: Remember, things happen according to God s plans, and not according to ours. And never question an angel. I m just sayin Winter 2015-16 Session 2 DeepBlueKids.com 11

Discuss It - Waiting SAY: Zechariah was serving in the temple when he was visited by the angel Gabriel. In Bible times, all male descendants of Aaron were priests. They took turns serving in the temple for one week at a time, twice a year. Unlike the chief priests and high priest, most priests lived outside of Jerusalem and had everyday jobs. ASK: What do you think it was like to serve as a temple priest? Would you have wanted to be a priest in biblical times? How do you think the role of the priest is like a modern-day pastor? How is it different? Do you think it s significant that Gabriel visited Zechariah in the temple? Why or why not? SAY: Zechariah was told that he and Elizabeth would become parents. Zechariah questioned how this could happen, since he and Elizabeth were so old. Gabriel scolded Zechariah for lacking faith and then took away Zechariah s ability to speak. Gabriel said that this would last until the day the baby was born. ASK: Why do you think Zechariah doubted Gabriel? What kind of proof do you think Zechariah was looking for? If you were in Zechariah s place, would you have questioned Gabriel? If you were Gabriel, how would you have responded to Zechariah s repeated questioning? SAY: After Elizabeth gave birth, family members and friends suggested that the baby be named after Zechariah. Elizabeth insisted on the name John. When asked about the baby s name, Zechariah wrote John on a tablet. Zechariah was then filled with the Holy Spirit so that he was able to praise God. ASK: What do you think it was like for Zechariah to be able to speak again after being silent for so long? What would your first words be if you were unable to talk for many months? Who would you want to speak to first? What are some ways you praise God in your everyday life? SAY: Elizabeth and Zechariah wanted a child, but they didn t think it would happen once they were older. They were surprised to receive the news from Gabriel. This reminds us that things happen according to God s time frame and not according to our own wants. It also reminds us of the unexpected ways that God is at work in our lives. ASK: Have you ever been surprised at the way something turned out in your life? How so? What are the ways you experience God s presence in your daily life? How do you experience God at work in your friendships and relationships with others? 12 December 13 submerge Leader s Guide

Courage Bible Verse Rejoice, favored one! The Lord is with you! (Luke 1:28) Did You Know? Mary and Joseph received the announcement of Jesus birth on separate visits from angelic messengers. The Gospel of Matthew tells of an unnamed angel s visit to Joseph in a dream. The Gospel of Luke recounts Mary receiving the same news from the angel Gabriel. In the face of this news that Mary is pregnant with the Son of God both Joseph and Mary demonstrate a deep faith and a commitment to courageously trusting and serving God. Session 3 December 20 Bible Story Matthew 1:18-25 and Luke 1:26-38, 46-55 Compass Point Our faith gives us courage to trust in God. Joseph was troubled prior to the visit from the angel. Mary was pregnant, causing Joseph to wonder if the engagement should be called off. In Joseph s dream, the angel revealed that Mary had become pregnant by the Holy Spirit and that Joseph should go through with the marriage. Mary received news about her pregnancy from the angel Gabriel, who told her that the child was the Son of God. Mary responded by saying that she was God s servant and by declaring the wonderful ways that God was at work in the world. Both Joseph and Mary demonstrated great courage and trust in response to the news about Mary s pregnancy. They chose to act faithfully in the face of being selected to raise God s Son. Invite your students to think about the situations they encounter that require them to demonstrate courage. Help them consider how acting faithfully sometimes requires us to step outside our comfort zone. Encourage them to explore the ways that they experience God s presence when they face new situations. Exploration Points God is with us when we face unknown situations. We experience God s presence in many ways. Requires preparation. Winter 2015-16 Session 3 DeepBlueKids.com 13

Jump In Choose from the following activities those that best suit your group. Diver s Log, pens, pencils, colored pencils DIVER S LOG Make pens, pencils, and colored pencils available. Give each student their copy of the Diver s Log. Encourage them to respond to the prompt on page 32 and to write, doodle, or draw their prayer concerns on page 33. After some amount of time, invite your students to share their responses as they are comfortable. SAY: Our Bible reading is about the announcement of Jesus birth to Joseph and to Mary. Angels tell both of them that the baby is God s Son. ASK: Is there a difference between how courage is shown on television shows and in movies and how people actually show courage in their everyday lives? cones, masking tape, safety goggles, tennis balls GAME - KICK N CATCH Place cones on one side of your space, one for each pair of students. Make a masking-tape line on the floor some distance away from each cone. Divide your students into teams of two. Assign one player from each pair to stand at a cone, while the other stands on the masking-tape line opposite. Give a tennis ball to each player standing at a cone and safety goggles to each player standing on a masking-tape line. Inform your students that the game is like a football kick and receive contest. The player at the cone will place the tennis ball on the cone like it is a kicking tee and kick the ball toward their teammate standing on the line. The teammate at the line must attempt to catch the ball on the fly (before it bounces) without stepping in front of the line. Movement behind the line is allowed. After ten attempts, the teammates will switch so that every player has a chance to kick and to catch. The pair with the most successful catches between them is the winner. Repeat the game as time and interest allow. SAY: Our game required trust and courage. You had to trust that your teammate would catch the ball. And standing in the way of a ball kicked at you takes courage. ASK: Who are the people who help give you courage when you face a challenge? How do they support you in these situations? 14 December 20 submerge Leader s Guide

Dive Deeper READ THE BIBLE Invite your students to look up Matthew 1:18-25 and Luke 1:26-38, 46-55 and to take turns reading. Bibles (CEB) READING - SEND ME AN ANGEL Photocopy page 17, one for each student. Assign each of the roles. Invite your students to do the reading together. Leader s Guide ASK: How are Joseph and Mary s visitations alike? How are they different? Do you think Joseph and Mary told each other about their encounter with an angel? DISCUSS IT - COURAGE Photocopy page 18, one for each adult discussion leader. Divide your students into groups of four to six. Assign each group an adult discussion leader. Invite your leaders and students to spend time discussing the questions. Leader s Guide TIP: If your group is small, consider discussing the questions as one group. Grow Stronger ARE YOU GAME? Give each student their copy of the Submerge magazine. Invite them to read the article on pages 8-9 and to respond to the prompts. Submerge magazine, pens SAY: Doing the right thing can be uncomfortable, especially when it isn t popular. ASK: Have you ever had to make an unpopular decision in order to do what s right? GROUP TIME - DIFFERENCE MAKERS Invite each student to think about a person who is making a difference in the world today, whether at a local, national, or international level. Encourage the students to use their phone to look up information about the person and to share with the group how the person named is helping others. Use a dry-erase board to list everyone who is named. dry-erase board set Winter 2015-16 Session 3 DeepBlueKids.com 15

5-by-8 index cards, pastel sticks, pencils CREATIVE EXPRESSION - PASTEL PORTRAITS Gather the necessary supplies. Make 5-by-8 index cards, pastel sticks, and pencils available. Invite your students to create portraits that represent themselves or their relationship with God. On the back side of the card, encourage them to write some ways that their faith gives them strength. After some amount of time, invite your students to share their creations. Leader s Guide Worship Photocopy page viii, one for each worship volunteer. Invite one student to read today s Bible verse. Invite a second student to read the prayer. 16 December 20 submerge Leader s Guide