LESSON 6 Church Bible Basis: Genesis 15:1 7; 17:15 22; 18:10 15; 21:1 7; Acts 2:1 41 Key Verse: Ephesians 4:15: We will speak the truth in love. So we will grow up in every way to become the body of Christ. Key Question: How will God accomplish his plan? Key Idea: I believe God uses the church to bring about his plan Resource: Believe Storybook Bible, Chapter 6, Church Master Supplies List Believe Storybook Bible PowerPoint slides or printable posters of illustrations Whiteboard and dry-erase marker People with Purpose template Family Page (one per child) Optional Supplies You will need the following supplies based on which option(s) you choose in STEP 3 Explore More: OPTION 1: White paper plates (one per child), hole punch, yarn, tissue paper (red, orange, yellow) cut into squares about 2 x 2, several bowls, glue, Tongues of Fire template OPTION 2: Orange puffy sponge/loofah (or similar to represent a flame), blindfold OPTION 4: Crayons or markers, Let s Color! sheet (one per child) OPTION 6: One puppet
STEP 1 Come Together (10 min) Supplies: Whiteboard and dry-erase marker, People with Purpose template Teacher Prep: Print the People with Purpose template GATHER the children. WRITE the word Purpose at the top in the center of the whiteboard. ASK, What does this say? What does this word mean? (Take responses) SAY, That s right. Purpose is like a reason for doing something. Sometimes you need tools to achieve a purpose. FIREFIGHTER HOLD UP the firefighter picture. ASK, What is a firefighter s purpose? (Take responses) ASK, What tools does a firefighter use to achieve that purpose? (Hoses, water, a fire truck) INVITE a child to stand up and act out how firefighters use their tools. DOCTOR HOLD UP the doctor picture. ASK, What is a doctor s purpose? (Take responses) ASK, What tools does a doctor use to achieve his or her purpose? (Medicine, stethoscopes, needles) INVITE a student to stand up and demonstrate how doctors use their tools. PAINTER HOLD UP the painter picture. ASK, What is a painter s purpose? (Take responses) ASK, What tools does a painter use to achieve his or her purpose? (Paint, paintbrushes, canvases) INVITE a student to stand up and demonstrate how painters use their tools. GOD WRITE the word God on the board. ASK, What is God s purpose? (God s purpose is for us to know and love him) LESSON 6: Church EARLY ELEMENTARY 2
ASK, What tools does God use to achieve his purpose? (The Bible, other Chris tians, our families, the Ten Commandments) SAY, Everything on Earth is God s and is under his control, so he can use any tools he wants to achieve his purpose. But God doesn t send an angel or a burning bush to every person. CONTINUE, He relies on people like you and me to achieve his purpose. He wants us to help others know and love him. The group of people working to achieve God s purpose is called the church. SAY, Today we are going to learn about God s plan for his special group of people we call the church. We re going to learn about how the first church began after Jesus came to earth. KEY VERSE REVIEW this week s Key Verse. You may want to repeat the verse slowly a few times until the children are able to say the verse from memory NOTE: You may also choose to review last week s Key Verse together. Ephesians 4:15 We will speak the truth in love. So we will grow up in every way to become the body of Christ. (hold your hands to your mouth like shouting) (make a heart with your fingers) (crouch on the ground and stand up slowly) (place your arms at your sides) STEP 2 Hear the Story (15 min) Supplies: Believe Storybook Bible, PowerPoint slides or printable posters of illustrations TELL children to listen carefully because they will have some acting to do! READ CHAPTER 6 READ aloud chapter 6, Church, from the Believe Storybook Bible, pausing at each section noted in bold below. SHOW the illustrations included with this curriculum on PowerPoint slides or printable posters. INSTRUCT the children to stand up and do the following actions at each section: LESSON 6: Church EARLY ELEMENTARY 3
The Big Question: When you reach this section, pause and instruct the children to turn to one another and shake hands. SAY, God made a promise, and God always keeps his promises. God Builds a Nation ( I will be their God ): When you reach this section, pause and instruct the children to look up and point to the stars. SAY, God promised to make Abraham the father of a great nation. God Builds a Nation ( Abraham s devotion to God ): When you reach this section, pause and instruct the children to pretend to rock a baby. SAY, God kept his promise to Abraham. The nation of Israel started with one baby boy. The Jump to Jesus: When you reach this section, pause and instruct the children to stretch their arms out wide. SAY, Part of God s plan was to send his Son Jesus to earth to save us from our sins. He died on the cross, but he rose again and returned to heaven. INSTRUCT, Stretch your arms high toward heaven. The Holy Spirit Comes to Establish the Church: When you reach this section, pause and instruct the children to whisper into one another s ear, Praise God. SAY, The Holy Spirit came to the people, and they spread the good news of Jesus from one person to another. The Jesus Answer: When you reach this section, pause and instruct the children to hold their hands in front of them like they are praying. SAY, We can all be part of God s church by believing in Jesus. PRAY, Thank you, God, for welcoming us into your church. We are thankful to be your people. Please use us to help achieve your purpose in the world. Amen. STEP 3 Explore More Choose from these activity options, depending on your available time frame, to help children explore the lesson further. Option 1: Tongues of Fire (20 min) Supplies: White paper plates (one per child), hole punch, yarn, tissue paper (red, orange, yellow) cut into squares about 2 x 2, several bowls, glue, Tongues of Fire template LESSON 6: Church EARLY ELEMENTARY 4
Teacher Prep: Print and photocopy the Tongues of Fire template, and cut out enough Bible verses for each child to have one Bible verse strip. Trim each plate with scissors so the bottom remains rounded and the top resembles peaks of flame. Punch a hole near the top. Cut tissue paper into 2 x 2 squares. Prepare a sample to use as a model. READ aloud Acts 2:2 4 from the Tongues of Fire template. SAY, This was an important event for Chris tians to remember. We re going to create a tongue of fire to remind your family of this great day in the history of the church. GIVE each child a paper plate. Set out bowls of tissue-paper squares for children to share. INSTRUCT the children to write their names on the back of their plate. DEMONSTRATE how to tear tissue paper and glue to the front of the plate to resemble a flame. A neat effect is to outline the bottom in red, then create a layer of orange, and finish the top with yellow. GIVE each child a length of yarn and a copy of the Bible verse. INSTRUCT the children to tie the length of yarn through the hole at the top of the plate and then glue the Bible verse to the back of the plate. Assist children who might need help with tying. READ the verse aloud together when most of the children are finished with their craft project. SAY, When you look at your tongue of fire, it will remind you of how the Holy Spirit is always with you, even though you can t see him. Option 2: Warmer/Colder (15 min) Supplies: Orange puffy sponge/loofah (or similar to represent a flame), blindfold GATHER the children. SAY, In today s story, we learned that the Holy Spirit first appeared to the disciples as a flame that settled over their heads. For our game, this (show sponge) will represent the flame that you ll need to find. CHOOSE one child to be the first seeker. That child can select a hider and two helpers. PLACE the blindfold on the seeker. Have the hider place the sponge somewhere in the room on a surface (not really hidden). Have the helpers direct the seeker to the flame by responding warmer or colder based on the seeker s movements. As the seeker moves closer to the flame, the helpers call out warmer or even hot. LESSON 6: Church EARLY ELEMENTARY 5
PLAY several rounds, with different children trying out different roles. Option 3: One Apiece, No Repeats (10 min) GATHER the children in a large circle. TELL them that the church is an important part of God s plan for his will on earth. SAY, Our church the people, not the building is part of that plan. We re going to play a game to think about all the ways our church fulfills that role. CONTINUE, I ll name a topic and choose someone to begin. You ll say one idea that fits the topic, and we ll take turns around the circle sharing ideas. The rule is one apiece, no repeats, so share one idea that we haven t had before. PLAY until the class runs out of ideas, then start over with another topic, starting at a different spot in the circle. Topics could include: ways your church helps people holidays your church celebrates people who work at your church things people do at church favorite thing about coming to church Option 4: Let s Color! (10 min) Supplies: Crayons or markers, Let s Color! sheet (one per child) Teacher Prep: Print and photocopy the Let s Color! sheet (one per child). GIVE each child a coloring page. PROVIDE a selection of crayons and/or markers for the children to share. DISCUSS this week s Key Idea as the children color. Option 5: Praise and Worship (15 min) I am a C, by Marilynn Ham 1990 by Lillenas Publishing Company CCLI #4298212 Father Abraham, by Yancy, public domain 2007 by Dried Rose Music CCLI #5851012 LESSON 6: Church EARLY ELEMENTARY 6
Option 6: Act It Out (15 min) The Day of Pentecost Act out this short skit, using a puppet to interact with the children. Allow children to give several responses to questions where appropriate. Characters Puppet Children Prop: Puppet Puppet: Hello, boys and girls! I am going to tell you the story of God s early church. Do you know where I learned this story? Children: (possible responses) The Bible, church, Sunday school, Mom and Dad Puppet: Good ideas! I learned the story from the Bible. The Bible tells us that the disciples were gathered together for the Feast of Pentecost. What do you think they ate at this feast? Children: (possible responses) Bread, wine, fruit, etc. Puppet: Ooh! You re making me hungry! Well, at this feast, there was a sudden rush of wind. What do you think this sounded like? Children: (possible responses) Make whooshing sounds, blow. Puppet: It probably sounded just like that! Then there were bright bursts of color. Which colors do you think the disciples saw? Children: (possible responses) Blue, green, yellow, red, purple Puppet: I can just imagine! Then the Holy Spirit came and gave the disciples power to speak in different languages. Which languages do you think they spoke? Children: (possible responses) Chinese, German, Spanish Puppet: Not only could the disciples speak in different languages, but the Holy Spirit also gave them the power to perform miracles. The disciples preached about God and told people to trust Jesus as their Savior. How many people do you think trusted in Jesus that day? Children: (possible responses) One hundred, one thousand Puppet: It was three thousand people! They turned from their sins and were baptized. God s church had started to grow. And it is still growing today. You are part of God s church! And God has plans to use you to help carry out his purposes in the world. LESSON 6: Church EARLY ELEMENTARY 7
STEP 4 Going Home (5 min) Supplies: Family Page (one per child) Teacher Prep: Print and photocopy the Family Page supplied with this lesson (one per child). GIVE each child a copy of this week s Family Page. SAY, Give this page to your family when they pick you up. It will remind you to tell your family about the Holy Spirit and the early church. HAVE children practice telling you about how God uses the church to carry out his plans. REVIEW this week s Key Verse as well as today s story and Key Idea from the Believe Storybook Bible as you wait for the children to get picked up. MAKE sure each child remembers to take home any activity sheets or craft projects and the Family Page. LESSON 6: Church EARLY ELEMENTARY 8
Lesson 6
Lesson 6
Lesson 6
Lesson 6
LESSON 6: Church EARLY ELEMENTARY People with Purpose Template
LESSON 6: Church EARLY ELEMENTARY People with Purpose Template
LESSON 6: Church EARLY ELEMENTARY People with Purpose Template
Suddenly a sound came from heaven. It was like a strong wind blowing. It filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw something that looked like fire in the shape of tongues. The flames separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:2-4) Suddenly a sound came from heaven. It was like a strong wind blowing. It filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw something that looked like fire in the shape of tongues. The flames separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:2-4) Suddenly a sound came from heaven. It was like a strong wind blowing. It filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw something that looked like fire in the shape of tongues. The flames separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:2-4) Suddenly a sound came from heaven. It was like a strong wind blowing. It filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw something that looked like fire in the shape of tongues. The flames separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:2-4) Suddenly a sound came from heaven. It was like a strong wind blowing. It filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw something that looked like fire in the shape of tongues. The flames separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:2-4) Suddenly a sound came from heaven. It was like a strong wind blowing. It filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw something that looked like fire in the shape of tongues. The flames separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:2-4) LESSON 6: Church EARLY ELEMENTARY Tongues of Fire Template
Let s Color! Name: [Coloring page to come] Simple line drawing of the disciples at Pentecost, with the flames of the Holy Spirit. Pick up from Preschool. LESSON 6: Church EARLY ELEMENTARY
FAMILY PAGE Lesson 6: Church Bible Basis: Genesis 15:1 7; 17:15 22; 18:10 15; 21:1 7; Acts 2:1 41 Key Verse: Ephesians 4:15: We will speak the truth in love. So we will grow up in every way to become the body of Christ. Key Question: How will God accomplish his plan? Key Idea: I believe God uses the church to bring about his plan. Resource: Believe Storybook Bible, Chapter 6, Church How to Use This Page This week, your family can either read the story from the Believe Storybook Bible or read the Bible Basis passages from your Bible to help your child remember it. Use the Table Talk questions below to start a discussion around the dinner table, while driving in the car, or just about anywhere. The Living Faith activity is designed to remind your child of the Bible lesson through a drama or other engaging activity. The Extra Mile ideas provide interactive ways for your child to connect with the story. Table Talk 1. What would you like to do for a job when you grow up? What is the purpose of that job? What tools would you use? 2. How do you think God shows us his plans or how we can help achieve them? (He uses the Bible, the church, the people of God) 3. What is your favorite thing about being a part of our church? 4. What do you think are the most important things for people to know about Jesus? Living Faith Option 1 Make a simple treasure hunt for your child. Write out clues to hide around the house, leading to a final small prize. Tell your child that following God s plan will lead to treasures in heaven. We won t always see the whole plan but will have to trust and obey as God leads us forward. LESSON 6: Church EARLY ELEMENTARY
Option 2 Have your child draw a picture of what they think Pentecost looked like, complete with flames on the disciples heads. Glue pieces of tissue paper to the paper to represent the flames. If you really want to get creative, arrange tissue paper and tape it to a plain headband, and let your child wear this tongues of fire. Extra Mile Does your family know anyone who speaks another language? Just like the disciples were able to communicate the gospel in various languages, you and your child can help spread God s love by learning another language. Use Internet tools or a library book to learn and practice phrases like Hello and God loves you in another language. Share them with your friends. Serve your family a tongues of flame dessert. Your child will enjoy helping you prepare this treat that will remind everyone of the gift of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the early church. Slice pound cake and lay flat on plates. Have your child help spread whipped cream on each slice. Slice strawberries vertically to create flame shapes. Have your child prop up a few slices in the whipped cream, with the narrow end sticking up like a flame. Learn the history of your family s church. Many churches have yearbooks or histories that include photos. As a family, look through these to learn the age of your church, how it began, and how it has grown or changed. Talk about what you are doing as part of the church body to help carry out God s plan. There are many employees and volunteers who help your church to carry out God s plans. Work with your child to create a few simple homemade thank-you notes for some of these people who probably don t hear Thank you often enough. Your child can decorate the cards and dictate words for you to include in a message of thanks. LESSON 6: Church EARLY ELEMENTARY