Teacher s Guide. Winter Unit - PDF Free Download

Teacher s Guide Winter Unit November 29, 2015 to February 7, 2016

Gregory Rawn Jenna Gospodarek Renae Boehmer Victoria Hoppes Rev. Anna Shirey Anne Tews Schwab Nicholas McDougal Benjamin Borter Living the Word: Teaching Kids God s Story (Narrative Lectionary, Year 2) Text and illustrations copyright 2014-2015 by Spirit and Truth Publishing All rights reserved. No part of this curriculum may be used or reproduced in any other manner whatsoever without written permission. For information, contact Spirit and Truth Publishing at www.spiritandtruthpublishing.com. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Sunday, November 29, 2015 Josiah Finds the Scroll 2 Kings 22:1-10; 23:1-3 2 Kings 23:3 Josiah finds the Word of God and shares it with others. Josiah remembers God's promises (covenant) and leads Israel in reestablishing the covenant with God. We can find God's Word written in scripture and in our hearts through acts of prayer. Old Testament/New Testament: Original and Sequel Prayer After completing this lesson, students will be able to: Recount the story of Josiah's discovery of the scroll by engaging it through action and discussion. Identify the difference between the Old and New Testament by comparing it to a story with two parts. Engage in prayer by participating in the practice of Lectio Divina, or "sacred reading." 2014-2015 Spirit and Truth Publishing - All Rights Reserved 3

Lesson #2-12 (3rd-6th) November 29, 2015 Activities a la Carte Activities Into the Story Finding Hidden Treasures What s in the box? Supplies 10 min. Treasure box (optional) Bible Nuts and Bolts Old Testament/New Testament: Original and Sequel Understanding the Bible as one story. Learning the Story What Does It Say? An action skit showing the discovery of the scroll. 10 min. A Bible Copy of original movie and sequel (optional) 15 min. Copies of Activity Sheet #2-12.A Scroll Bag of money Living the Story Seeking the Word Using sacred reading as a prayer practice. Additional Activities Finding the Light Game highlighting the importance of sharing light with others. 20 min. A Bible Pens Paper 15 min. Flashlight Darkened room (curtains or cardboard to cover windows, if necessary) 2014-2015 Spirit and Truth Publishing - All Rights Reserved 4

Lesson #2-12 (3rd-6th) November 29, 2015 Activities a la Carte Activities Writing Our Scrolls Leaving good news reminder notes for others to find. Student Bible Book: Josiah Finds The Scroll Students continue their own Bible story book! Closing Prayer Supplies 10 min. Copies of Activity Sheet #2-12.B Pieces of ribbon Pens or pencils Scissors 10 min. Each student s binder Copies of Activity Sheet #2-12.C A three-hole punch Pens Markers and/or crayons A sample page (See below) 5 min. 2014-2015 Spirit and Truth Publishing - All Rights Reserved 5

Lesson #2-12 (3rd-6th) November 29, 2015 Background for Teachers Story Connections In our last lesson we read a prophecy from Isaiah in which Israel is depicted as a vineyard that produces bad fruits. Israel struggled with many unfaithful kings. Here, though, we find an exception to that pattern: Josiah, who restored the temple and enacted reforms to bring Israel back into covenant with God. Story Summary: Josiah Finds the Scroll The passage tells us that Josiah was already a faithful king before he found the scroll. In fact, it is because he had ordered that the temple be restored that the scroll was recovered in the first place. Josiah is careful to validate the authenticity of the scroll and then is quick to bring it to the attention of the nation of Israel. He seeks to renew Israel's promise to be faithful to God, also understanding that God will be faithful to God's promise to protect and increase Israel. Bible Nuts and Bolts: Old Testament/ New Testament The two testaments are really parts of the same story. The story begins with God's creation and uplifting of the nation of Israel, with the purpose of making them a blessing to the rest of the world. The story completes itself when that great blessing arrives in the life and ministry of Jesus. Story Themes Any passage of Scripture has innumerable themes and lessons for the student. However, a single lesson cannot cover everything. The following themes are the focus of this lesson. Josiah finds the Word of God and shares it with others. Josiah shows himself not only to be a faithful follower of God but also an able leader of Israel. He recognizes that the gift of enlightenment isn't something he should keep to himself, but should be shared with his people. Josiah remembers God's promises (covenant) and leads Israel in reestablishing the covenant with God. Josiah leads the people through a time of ritual remembrance, reciting to them God's promises and reminding them of their own. The people are moved by this worship experience and recommit themselves to serving God. We can find God's Word written in scripture and in our hearts through prayer. God's Word is communicated through the written scripture but really takes life when we apply it to our hearts. This is what Josiah did when he opened his heart to receive God's Word, and we can do the same. Spiritual Practice: Prayer Prayer is a time of communion with God. One way to engage God in prayer is through Lectio Divina, or "sacred reading." In today's practice we will use a reflective reading of scripture to inspire our prayer. 2014-2015 Spirit and Truth Publishing - All Rights Reserved 6

Lesson #2-12 (3rd-6th) November 29, 2015 Lesson Plan Into the Story (10 minutes) Finding Hidden Treasures What s in the Box? You will need: A Bible Treasure box (optional) During class: 1. Today we are talking about finding hidden treasure. Show them the box if you have it or ask them to imagine a treasure chest. What would you think might be found inside a treasure chest? [Accept all answers.] Those are all really great answers. We might expect to find jewels or money, or maybe expensive antiques or clothes. What we do know is that you put very important and precious things in treasure boxes, don't you? 2. What if I told you that the treasure in this box was a piece of paper? Would you think that was very valuable? [Accept all answers.] We don't really think of paper as being treasure, do we? I mean, we can go to the store and buy a whole package of paper. So what might make a piece of paper valuable? [Accept all answers] Maybe it has an autograph of a famous person, or it's an old historical document which belongs in a museum. 3. In today's lesson we're talking about another piece of paper which was a treasure. This paper was valuable because it was a scroll which had God's promise written on it. When King Josiah found this scroll he knew it was very valuable, because it would remind the people of Israel that God loved them and that they needed to put their trust in God. 2014-2015 Spirit and Truth Publishing - All Rights Reserved 7

Lesson #2-12 (3rd-6th) November 29, 2015 Bible Nuts and Bolts Old Testament/New Testament: Original and Sequel (10 minutes) Understanding the Bible as one story You will need: A Bible Copy of original movie and its sequel (optional) During class: 1. Hold up a Bible. What is this? [A Bible.] Do you know this Bible is divided into two parts? Does anyone know what they're called? [The Old and New Testament, Hebrew and Christian scriptures] 2. Does anyone know what a sequel is? Hold up the two movies, or ask students to come up with examples of sequels. So we know how a sequel works. First you get the original movie, but the story isn't quite over yet. Maybe the story is so big they need more time to tell it. So they make a second movie to finish the story. 3. That's like the Bible. The Old Testament is the first part of the story, where God grows the nation of Israel and chooses it to be a blessing to the rest of the world. The New Testament is the rest of the story, where we see that Jesus comes from that nation. In the New Testament we learn all about Jesus' ministry as well as the beginning of the church. 4. What happens if you only see the sequel in a movie? [Accept all answers.] Sometimes you might get a little lost, right? Because you didn't see the original. That's why we study both the Old and the New Testaments - so we can get a full picture of how God's plan has come to life. Learning the Story (15 minutes) What Does It Say? An action skit showing the discovery of the scroll. You will need: Copies of Activity Sheet #2-12.A Scroll Bag of money 2014-2015 Spirit and Truth Publishing - All Rights Reserved 8

Lesson #2-12 (3rd-6th) November 29, 2015 Before class: 1. Make copies of Activity Sheet #2-12.A so each student can have a copy. During class: 1. Today we're going to act out the story of how Josiah discovered a treasure in the temple. Divide into roles. You will need someone for each of the following parts: 1. Narrator 2. Josiah, the king 3. Hilkiah, the priest 4. Shaphan, the secretary 5. Huldah, the prophetess 6. Carpenters 1 and 2 2. Pass out copies of Activity Sheet #2-12.A. Encourage students to highlight the part or parts they will be saying in the skit. Find an open area for students to act. Plant the scroll somewhere on the staging area where the Carpenters will be working, and give the bag of money to Josiah. 3. Use the following questions to discuss the skit and the story: 1. Who was your favorite character in the story? Why? [Accept all answers.] Each one had a part to play. The Carpenters were serving God through repairing the temple. When they found the scroll, they gave it to the priest, who took it to the king's secretary. Then the king called in the prophetess to find out what it was about. What would have happened if any of them had just tossed the scroll aside and forgotten about it? [Accept all answers.] 4. Our scripture passage tells us that Josiah did just what he said he would do in the play. He gathered the people of Israel around him and read the scroll, reminding them that they needed to worship God. That day they all recommitted themselves to being faithful to God and to setting aside their idols. 2014-2015 Spirit and Truth Publishing - All Rights Reserved 9

Lesson #2-12 (3rd-6th) November 29, 2015 Living the Story (20 minutes) Seeking the Word Using Sacred Reading as a Prayer Practice You will need: A Bible Pens Paper Before class: 1. Choose which scripture passage you wish to use for this exercise. Some suggestions are Deuteronomy 6:4-6 and Psalm 119:33-36. Practice reading your passage a few times, taking time to read it slowly as is necessary for this practice. During class: 1. In our skit we saw that Josiah found a treasure in the temple. What was that treasure? [Scroll with the Word of God on it] The reason that scroll was so valuable is that God was able to use it to speak to Josiah. God can also speak to us through God's word, as we read scripture. 2. Today we're going to try a prayer practice called, which means "sacred reading." Usually we read things quickly, trying to pick up information. But when we do we're listening for a message from God. So we read slowly and carefully, paying attention to any word or phrase which catches our attention. I m going to start by reading the passage through. You're going to listen carefully to see what speaks to you. 3. Read through the passage once, and allow silence to continue for a minute or two. Then read it a second time. After the second time, allow another minute of silence. Then invite the students to share which word or phrase spoke to them. Pass out pens and paper and invite the students to journal about what's going on in their minds. Remind students that they can journal using words or by drawing pictures -, any way which allows them expression of their experience. Encourage them to explore any thoughts or feelings that are coming up. 2014-2015 Spirit and Truth Publishing - All Rights Reserved 10

Lesson #2-12 (3rd-6th) November 29, 2015 4. Now that we've listened to the scripture and contemplated it, let's think about what we want to say to God. Be sure and share what's come up for you in the passage. It might be prayer asking for help or forgiveness, or maybe just a prayer of gratitude. If you want, you might allow students to share their prayers out loud. If you do, though, be sure to let them know that anyone uncomfortable with sharing out loud can pass. 5. Once we've done the reading, the contemplation and the prayer, we're ready to sit in silence, just resting in God's love for us. Let's take some time to be quiet, to breathe in God's presence. After allowing the students to sit for a few minutes, close with an "Amen." Additional Activities Finding the Light (15 minutes) Game highlighting the importance of sharing light with others You will need: Flashlight Window-darkening material (curtain, cardboard, etc.) (optional) Before class: 1. If you don't have an interior room to use, prepare your space by covering windows to make the light dimmer. Also make sure you have fresh batteries in your flashlight. During class: 1. We're going to play a little game called "Finding the Light." We're all going to go into this darkened room and search for a flashlight I've planted somewhere. However - the object of the game isn't just to find the flashlight, but to gather everyone else together when you do, so everyone can get safely out of the room at the same time. 2. Allow the students time to play. You might even allow them to do multiple games if you have time, perhaps allowing them to take turns planting it themselves. 2014-2015 Spirit and Truth Publishing - All Rights Reserved 11

Lesson #2-12 (3rd-6th) November 29, 2015 3. So what did we learn from this game? [Allow all answers. Be prepared to add a few key points.] The flashlight was like the Word of God, helping us find our way when things were dark. When someone found the flashlight, they shared it with everyone else, just like Josiah did. That's our goal as Christians, to walk in God's light and to help others do the same. Writing Our Scrolls (10 minutes) Leaving good news reminder notes for others to find You will need: Copies of Activity Sheet #2-12B Pens or pencils Pieces of ribbon Scissors Before class: 1. Make copies of Activity Sheet #2-12B for each student. During class: 1. Remember in our story, how they found the scroll in the temple and it was a surprise to them? Today we're going to make little "good news" scrolls for our family and friends, so they can find them and be surprised as well. Pass out activity sheets and pens and pencils. 2. Invite the students to think of three people for whom they'd like to create a scroll. Invite to put names at the top of each one with a special message in the middle. Then have them cut out each scroll, making strips they can roll up. Finally give each student a ribbon to tie around the scroll, and discuss where they want to hide the scroll in the next week or so. 2014-2015 Spirit and Truth Publishing - All Rights Reserved 12

Lesson #2-12 (3rd-6th) November 29, 2015 Student Bible Book: Josiah Finds the Scroll (10 minutes) Students continue their own Bible story book! You will need: A three-ring binder for each student (See Note) Copies of Activity Sheet #2-12.C on 8.5 x 11 cardstock paper or plain paper A three-hole punch Pens Markers and/or crayons A sample page (See below) Before class: 1. Create a sample page using the instructions below to demonstrate to students approximately what their page should look like. 2. You may copy the activity sheet onto the cardstock, or just have students write it all themselves. During class: 1. Hand out one piece of cardstock paper and a pen to each student. 2. Show students the sample page you made before class. 3. We re going to add the story of Josiah finding the scroll to our Student Bible book. 4. If you did not copy the activity sheet onto the cardstock, instruct students to write the name of the story on the top of their page (in portrait orientation) and write the passage underneath the title. 5. What are some of the important things we have learned from this story? [Answers will vary, see story themes for suggested answers] 6. On the bottom of your page, please write one or two important things that you have learned from this story. In the middle of the page, draw a picture from the story or illustrate one of your important things you ve learned. 7. When students are finished, have them put their names on the back and collect the pages. Three-hole punch the papers and put them in individual binders for each student to be kept at church until the end of the year. 2014-2015 Spirit and Truth Publishing - All Rights Reserved 13

Lesson #2-12 (3rd-6th) November 29, 2015 Closing Prayer Before ending class, make a point to come together to pray. Use the following or say your own prayer. Allow any students who would like to include a petition to do so at the appropriate time. 2014-2015 Spirit and Truth Publishing - All Rights Reserved 14

Lesson #2-12 (3rd-6th) November 29, 2015 Characters: Josiah, the king Hilkiah, the priest Shaphan, the secretary Huldah, the prophetess Carpenters 1 and 2 What Does It Say? (Action should flow from one side of the staging area to the other to create a sort of relay effect, as each message passes from one person to another) Josiah: (talking to Shaphan) Hey, Shaphan. Have you noticed how run down the temple is? Shaphan: Yes, sir. It really is a shame. It used to be so beautiful. Josiah: What does it say about us as God's people that we don't take care of the temple? I think it's time we did something about it. (Hands bag of money over) Take this money to Hilkiah the priest, and tell him to get the temple looking better. Shaphan: Yes, sir. Right away! (Walks over to Hilkiah) Hey Hilkiah! Hilkiah: Yes, sir! Shaphan: I've got a message from the king. He's tired of seeing the temple looking so shabby. It's time to hire some carpenters and get it fixed up. (Hands money bag to Hilkiah.) Hilkiah: Great idea! I'll get right on that. (Walks over to Carpenters) Hey you two. You busy? Carpenter 1: Not at the moment. Carpenter 2: At your service, sir. How can we help? Hilkiah: The king wants us to fix up the temple, to get it looking nice again. I'm counting on you two to get the job done. Do you think you can manage it? (Hands money bag to them) 15 2014-2015 Spirit and Truth Publishing - All Rights Reserved

Lesson #2-12 (3rd-6th) November 29, 2015 What Does It Say? Page 2 Carpenter 1: Right away, sir. Carpenter 2: You can count on us. (They walk further on, and pretend to start hammering, sawing, etc.) Carpenter 1: I can't wait to see the temple looking beautiful again. Carpenter 2: You and me both. (Sees the scroll) Wait a minute - look at this! Carpenter 1: What is it? Carpenter 2: I don't know but it looks important. Carpenter 1: Here, I'll take it to the priest. (Walks to Hilkiah) Sir, I think we found something and it looks pretty important. What does it say? Hilkiah: (Taking scroll) Hmmm, I'm not sure. But you're right, it does look important. I'm going to take it to Shaphan. (Walking over to Shaphan) Hey, Shaphan, we found something, and it looks important. Shaphan: A scroll? Wow. What does it say? Hilkiah: I don't know, but I think the king needs to check it out. Shaphan: You're right. I'll take it to him right away. (Walks over to the king.) King Josiah? I have something to report on the temple. Josiah: Yes? How are things getting along? Shaphan: Very well, but we found something - a scroll. Josiah: A scroll? Well, what does it say? Shaphan: We don't know, but it looks important. 16 2014-2015 Spirit and Truth Publishing - All Rights Reserved

Lesson #2-12 (3rd-6th) November 29, 2015 What Does It Say? Page 3 Josiah: (Taking scroll) Yes, very important! I know what we need to do. Call in the prophetess, Huldah! Shaphan: (To Hilkiah) Call in Huldah! Hilkiah: (To Carpenters) Call in Huldah! Carpenters: (Together) Huldah? Who's Huldah?! Huldah: (Coming from behind) That's me, boys! Josiah: Huldah, thank goodness you're here. We found this scroll, and we think it's important but we don't know what it says. Huldah: (Examining scroll) Yes, very important indeed. It's a holy text which reminds you that God is with you, but God isn't pleased with some of the choices Israel has made. They worship idols and have forgotten to take care of the people who need help. You need to remind the people, Josiah, to come back to God. Josiah: (Takes scroll back) Wow. Thanks, Huldah. We'll do that right away. Just like we're cleaning up the temple, we'll start cleaning up the entire nation of Israel. (Passes scroll to Shaphan) Shaphan: Great idea, King! (Passes scroll to Hilkiah) Hilkiah: Bravo! (Passes scroll to Carpenters) Carpenters: And "hurray" from us too! 17 2014-2015 Spirit and Truth Publishing - All Rights Reserved

The Story @ Home Narrative Lectionary, Year 2 Story Connections In our last lesson we read a prophecy from Isaiah, in which Israel is depicted as a vineyard that produces bad fruits. Israel struggled with many unfaithful kings. Here, though, we find an exception to that pattern: Josiah, who restored the temple and enacted reforms to bring Israel back into covenant with God. Story Summary: Josiah Finds the Scroll The passage tells us that Josiah was already a faithful king before he found the scroll. In fact, it is because he had ordered that the temple be restored that the scroll was recovered in the first place. Josiah is careful to validate the authenticity of the scroll and then is quick to bring it to the attention of the nation of Israel. He seeks to renew Israel's promise to be faithful to God, also understanding that God will be faithful to God's promise to protect and increase Israel. Bible Nuts and Bolts: Old Testament/ New Testament The two testaments are really parts of the same story. The story begins with God's creation and uplifting of the nation of Israel, with the purpose of making them a blessing to the rest of the world. The story completes itself when that great blessing arrives in the life and ministry of Jesus. Josiah finds the Word of God and shares it with others. Josiah shows himself not only to be a faithful follower of God but also an able leader of Israel. He recognizes that the gift of enlightenment isn't something he should keep to himself, but should be shared with his people. Josiah remembers God's promises (covenant) and leads Israel in reestablishing the covenant with God. Josiah leads the people through a time of ritual remembrance, reciting to them God's promises and reminding them of their own. The people are moved by this worship experience and recommit themselves to serving God. We can find God's Word written in scripture and in our hearts through prayer. God's Word is communicated through the written scripture but really takes life when we apply it to our hearts. This is what Josiah did when he opened his heart to receive God's Word, and we can do the same. Spiritual Practice: Prayer Prayer is a time of communion with God. One way to engage God in prayer is through Lectio Divina, or "sacred reading." In today's practice we will use a reflective reading of scripture to inspire our prayer. Story Themes Any passage of Scripture has innumerable themes and lessons for the student. However, a single lesson cannot cover everything. The following themes are the focus of this lesson. 2014-2015 Spirit and Truth Publishing - All Rights Reserved

LIVING THE WORD Try it @ HOME Last week we looked at the prophecy of the vineyard and God's promise to restore Israel, from Isaiah 5:1-7 and 11:1-5. Next week we read about the problem of suffering in the story of Job (Job 1:6-22, 2:1-13). As you hear and study these stories each week, consider what God has to say to you and your family. Help your children to imagine what it would have been like to be the people contained in the stories. What is God s message to them and to us? Pick a time each day to gather together and read the following excerpts from the Bible. Engage in a few activities that help you better understand God s message of love and hope for you. Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 2 Kings 22:1-10, 23:1-3 Discuss scripture passages that are particularly special to you, or those which have helped you in difficult times in your life. Daniel 1 Daniel 2:22-49 Daniel 3 Daniel 6 Psalm 119:1-8 Job 1:6-22 Prepare a meal of vegetables, like Daniel requested. Talk about what it would be like to eat just vegetables when everyone else is eating bread, dessert, meat, etc. Share some of your dreams together. Playfully talk about what hidden messages God might be sending to you in those dreams. Talk about the bravery of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego - persecuted because of their belief in God. Pray for people all over the world who face persecution and even death because of their religious beliefs. 2014-2015 Spirit and Truth Publishing - All Rights Reserved Act out the scene of Daniel in the lion's den, with someone being Daniel and others lions that can't open their mouths. You might even have Daniel pet the frustrated lions! Talk about laws that make for good life in your community, in your home, in the Bible. Make a list of the laws which help you feel safe, and ones you commit to following. Pray for people in your community who have suffered losses - either in the loss of a job, a house to a disaster, a loved one to death, etc.