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Keep Psalm and Be Thankful Bible: Keep Psalm and Be Thankful (A psalm of thanksgiving) Psalm 100:1-5 Bottom Line: Celebrate what God has done. Memory Verse: Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18, NIV Life App: Gratitude letting others know you see how they ve helped you. Basic Truth: I can trust God no matter what. Social: Providing Time for Fun Interaction (Small Groups, 15 minutes) Welcome kids and spend time engaging in conversation and catching up. Get ready to experience today s Bible Truth. Before kids arrive, take a few moments to pray for them. Thank God for what He has done already in the lives of your few. Take a few moments to celebrate the relationships God has given your group and thank God for the opportunity to lead them. All Service Times Celebration Days Made to Move: an activity that increases the oxygen in the brain and taps into the energy in the body What You Need: Dowel rods or craft sticks, markers, tape, ribbon, scissors What You Do: Pass out a dowel rod or craft stick and four pieces of ribbon to each child. Pass out the markers for kids to decorate their sticks. Show the children how to tape the ribbon to the tops of their sticks to create a celebration stick they can wave. Talk about special days throughout the year that you celebrate (like Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, etc.). Discuss the questions below as they decorate their sticks. Ask: o What are some special days you celebrate? o What are some things you do on those days to celebrate? Note: If possible, allow the kids to take their celebration sticks into Large Group to wave during worship. Be prepared to collect them after the worship segment so they don t become a distraction during the Bible Truth. What You Say: Your celebration sticks look awesome! We celebrate so many fun things throughout the year, but did you know there is SOMEONE we can celebrate every day? [Transition] Let s head to Large Group and find out who it is. Lead your group to the Large Group area. 2

Keep Psalm and Be Thankful Bible: Keep Psalm and Be Thankful (A psalm of thanksgiving) Psalm 100:1-5 Bottom Line: Celebrate what God has done. Memory Verse: Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18, NIV Life App: Gratitude letting others know you see how they ve helped you. Basic Truth: I can trust God no matter what. Bible: Communicating God s Truth in Engaging Ways (Large Group, 35 minutes) Engage kids hearts through a dynamic and interactive Bible Truth, worship, and prayer experience in a Large Group setting. SFX: Play high-energy music as kids enter. CG: Theme Slide Host is on stage welcoming kids as they enter. HOST: Hey, hey, friends! My name is [Host s name] and I am SO glad that you re hanging out with us today! I want to say WELCOME The Treehouse, the place where we have the most FUN time with the most FUN people! If you like having fun, raise one arm like this! (Raise your right arm.) Then raise your other arm like this! (Raise your left arm.) And give yourself a high-five and say, Let the fun begin! HOST and KIDS: (Give yourself a high-five) Let the fun begin! HOST: Let s celebrate God today by standing up and singing some songs about just how awesome He is! Worship SFX: Happy Day SFX: Unshakable SFX: Your Love Never Fails Host joins the audience as Power Praise enters. Host retakes the stage as the Power Praise team exits. HOST: I love the ways that you worship and praise God! It is always so much fun. And, having fun is the best! Today we start talking about something that I happen to think is super-dee-dooper WHOPPER-level fun. And it all has to do with a big word called gratitude. Can you say that with me? HOST and KIDS: Gratitude. 4

HOST: Gratitude, that s right! Who thinks they know what that word means? Raise your hand. (Look around the room.) You do?! All right, let s find out together! CG: Gratitude Slide Gratitude is letting others know you see how they ve helped you. Why don t we all read that together? HOST AND KIDS: Gratitude is letting others know you see how they ve helped you. HOST: In other words, gratitude means you say or show others that you are thankful. Like when your mom packs your favorite lunch and you give her a hug on your way out the door or when your friend lets you borrow a pencil at school and you give them a fist bump and say thanks, THAT S gratitude. There are like a bajillion different ways to express gratitude! Gratitude IS fun. And you know what else is fun? Celebrations. Celebrating someone is a super easy way to show gratitude. SFX: Upbeat game music Uh-oh! You know what that music means? Iiiiiiiiit s game time! All month long we re playing a game called (snap fingers) OH, SNAP! Can you say that with me? HOST and KIDS: (Snap fingers.) OH, SNAP! HOST: And today s (snap) OH, SNAP challenge is all about celebrations. Here s how it works. A photograph will appear on the screen. However, it won t be the entire photo, just PART of a photo that reveals some sort of party or celebration. If you think you know what is being celebrated in the picture, raise your hand. When I call on you, you can make a guess. Then I ll show you the entire picture and we ll see if you were right. Now, just to make this a little more interesting, we re going to play girls versus boys! If you answer correctly, you earn one point for your team. But if you answer incorrectly, the other team gets the point. Everyone understand? Are you ready to play, OH, SNAP? (Get response.) Awesome! Let s do it! CG: Game Slide 1a Here s image one! Raise your hand if you think you know what it is! Okay! Let s see if you figured it out! CG: Game Slide 1b Call on a child. Awesome! Your team gets the point! [Oh no! Looks like the other team gets the point.] Either way, that looks like a SUPER fun celebration! Who loves a good birthday party?! (Get response.) Yeah me too! Birthdays are a great thing to celebrate! Let s go to the next slide! 5

Continue in this pattern for the rest of the slides while commenting on the type of celebration. Alternate between girls and boys. Keep track of the score. We have a winner! The [boys /girls ] team earned the most points during today s OH SNAP! challenge! That means they can exit to Small Group first! Let s all give a huge round of applause to everyone who played! Cheer and clap. All right, everybody! I told you we d have fun today, and it s not over yet! Some of the best things we can celebrate are all the things our AWESOME God has done for us! I bet [Historyteller s Name] has a great Truth about Gratitude for us today. Come on up here [Historyteller s Name]! Historyteller enters as Host exits. SETTING UP THE BIBLE TRUTH HISTORYTELLER: Hey, everybody! Let s practice some gratitude right now. Everyone look at their neighbor and say, Hey, thanks for being here! HISTORYTELLER and KIDS: Hey, thanks for being here. HISTORYTELLER: See? Gratitude is cool! Do you know what else is cool? Discovering something amazing about God s Word! And wow, we have something AMAZING to discover today! Hold up the Bible. Did you know that there is a whole book of the Bible filled with lyrics to worship songs? It s true! It s called the Book of Psalms. These lyrics, that we call psalms, were written thousands of years ago, but we still use them in many of the songs we sing today! Crazy, right?! The writers of these psalms used their words to express their trust and hope in God. Many of them were songs of praise for all the amazing things that God has done! And the Psalm we get to look at today talks about taking time out to show gratitude to God and celebrate all He s done for us! Let s look at it together. (Open the Bible to Psalm 100 and read.) Shout for joy to the LORD, everyone on earth. Worship the Lord with gladness. Come to him with songs of joy. Know that the Lord is God. He made us, and we belong to him. We are his people. We are the sheep belonging to his flock. Give thanks as you enter the gates of his temple. Give praise as you enter its courtyards. Give thanks to him and praise his name. The Lord is good. His faithful love continues forever. It will last for all time to come (Psalm 100:1-5 NIrV). This psalm was written a really long time ago, but these are things we should remember right now too! Let s dig in and find out how. Walk to the dry erase board, open a dry erase marker, and draw a circle in the middle of the top left section. 6

Raise your hand if you like drawing. (Scan the audience.) That makes... (pretend to count) well, that makes a LOT of us. Which is good, because I have some things I ll be drawing this morning and I ll need you to guess what those things are. Are you ready? (Pause for response.) Okay! Let s do it! GOD GAVE / CREATION Begin filling in details on the earth, with water and land. HISTORYTELLER: The Bible tells us in the book of Genesis you know, the very first book in the Bible that God actually created some pretty cool stuff. One of the things that God created is super, super important for us. It s round. It s got land on it... and water. We live here. It s... Point to the drawing. Hold hand to ear.... the EARTH! That s right! God created the earth. He created the earth the entire universe, actually and everything in it. But God didn t just create the earth so we d have somewhere to live; He also created some pretty cool things on earth for us to enjoy, like flowers. Draw a flower. And He created the sun. Think about how boring the sky would be without the sun in it. And He created the ocean. Who likes swimming? Draw the sun. Draw a wave. And we CAN T forget about all our favorite animals. Draw a puppy face. Would you look at all that cool stuff? God didn t have to create these things. He did it so we could enjoy them. So we could learn more about Him and so we could see His creativity, His sense of humor, and His love for us. But God wasn t done! God created people! He created us too! Draw a stick figure man and woman. Let s look back at the first thing Psalm 100 says: Shout for joy to the Lord, everyone on earth (Psalm 100:1 NIrV). You re on earth, right?! Of course you are. That means the writer of this psalm wants YOU to shout with joy! On the count of three everyone shout, Joy to the Lord. One, two, three! KIDS and HISTORYTELLER: Joy to the Lord! HISTORYTELLER: That s right! But why should we shout and sing joyful things to God? 7

GOD TAKES CARE OF US Move to the second section (Top right) and begin drawing a house. HISTORYTELLER: Well, check out what s written in the psalm: Know that the Lord is God. He made us, and we belong to him. We are his people. We are the sheep belonging to his flock (Psalm 100:3 NIrV). And here s the thing: God didn t just create this big, beautiful world and then disappear. God keeps taking care of us like a shepherd takes care of his sheep. God does this every single moment of every single day in ways we probably don t even realize. He gives us... Point to the house and hold hand to ear, as if listening. Yes! God allows us to have a place to live! That s right. Whether it s an apartment or a house, whether it s big or it s small, God gives us a place where we can stay and be protected from the rain and the snow and the weather and the other things that could harm us. Draw a stick figure family. God also gives us a special group of people to help care for us. This is usually who we live with, who we spend a bunch of time with, and sometimes we fight with them. This is our... Point to the family and hold hand to ear, as if listening. Our family. That s right! Now, every family looks different, but families and friends and teachers and Small Group Leaders are gifts God has given us. Start drawing fruits and veggies like apples, bananas, snow peas, carrots, etc. We have place to stay, people to care for us, and we have something else that God gives us to take care of us. Maybe you have some of this in the morning before you get to school or throughout the day for snack or lunch. God gives us... Point to the fruit and hold hand to ear, as if listening.... food! Yeah, we have fruits and veggies and breads and meats all sorts of delicious food that gives us nourishment so we can do our best in school. Those are just a few of the ways God continues to take care of us. But you know what s awesome? God doesn t just take care of us; God LOVES us. GOD LOVES US HISTORYTELLER: The last bit in Psalm 100 says this: Give thanks as you enter the gates of his temple. Give praise as you enter its courtyards. Give thanks to him and praise his name. The Lord is good. His faithful love continues forever. It will last for all time to come (Psalm 100:4-5 NIrV). 8

This is where things get really cool. God is good and maybe you ve heard people respond to that with all the time. It s totally true. There s never a time when God ISN T good. When the psalm talks about His faithful love lasting forever, it s not just a saying. It s forever. God s love never ends. Move to the third section (Bottom Left) and begin drawing a huge cross and empty tomb. One huge reason for that love continuing forever is Jesus not just Him as a man, but what He did for us on the cross when He died. There is no greater love than to give up your life for your friend, and Jesus did it for everyone. Jesus took it one step beyond what a normal shepherd could do, and He saved His sheep all of US who believe in Him from ever being without Him again. And some of you already know this, but Jesus didn t stay dead. Jesus rose again! This is definitely something that deserves our gratitude! WRAPPING UP THE BIBLE TRUTH Go to the fourth section (Bottom Left) and begin drawing a simple megaphone. HISTORYTELLER: If we were to stop and think about it, we could think of TONS of things that God has done for us. We could think of all the ways He takes care of us and shows His love for us, like a full tummy, a warm bed, a toy to play with, and a hand to hold. God does all of that for us. And we should celebrate it. In fact, that s our Bottom Line for today! CG: Bottom Line Slide [Bottom Line] Celebrate what God has done. Can you say it with me? KIDS and HISTORYTELLER: [Bottom Line] Celebrate what God has done. HISTORYTELLER: One more time! How can we show gratitude? KIDS and HISTORYTELLER: [Bottom Line] Celebrate what God has done. HISTORYTELLER: That s right! (Motion to the four boards.) God loves us, He gives to us, and He takes care of us. We have so much to celebrate! Once again, let s shout for joy to [Bottom Line] celebrate what God has done! On the count of three everyone shout, Joy to the Lord. One, two, three! KIDS and HISTORYTELLER: Joy to the Lord! HISTORYTELLER: Awesome! Let s pray and thank God right now for all He has done! Pray HISTORYTELLER: God, we celebrate YOU! You gave us the earth and everything in it. You give us families, and homes, and friends, and food. You even sent us Your only Son to so we could be in Your family forever. Thank You, God. We love You! We pray this in Jesus name, amen! 9

Now is the time we take the offering. If you have any money to give back to God now s the time to bring that on up to the offering bucket. Historyteller exits as Host enters. Closer HOST: Hey, everyone! We can celebrate all that God has done in more ways than one. We can pray and thank God for the things we have. We can tell others about all the things God has done for us. We can celebrate all God has done when we sing songs about Him. We can also celebrate what God has done by doing things for other people. There are MANY ways to celebrate the MANY things God has done for us. CG: Bottom Line Slide But no matter what that looks like, we need to be sure and [Bottom Line] celebrate what God has done. Turn to your neighbor and say that one more time. HOST and KIDS: [Bottom Line] Celebrate what God has done. HOST: That s right! God deserves all the gratitude we can give Him. I m not just saying that either. No, it actually comes from the Bible. Paul wrote, in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 CG: Memory Verse Slide Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God s will for you in Christ Jesus. Read that with me. CHILDREN AND HOST: Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God s will for you in Christ Jesus. HOST: So there you go. God deserves all the gratitude, all the thanks, and all of the praise we can give Him, all of the time, no matter what is going on around us. It s time for Small Group, where you ll get to learn more about what it means to [Bottom Line] celebrate what God has done! Have fun, and we ll see you next week! Bye, everyone! CG: Small Group Slide Dismiss children to their Small Groups. 10

Keep Psalm and Be Thankful Bible: Keep Psalm and Be Thankful (A psalm of thanksgiving) Psalm 100:1-5 Bottom Line: Celebrate what God has done. Memory Verse: Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18, NIV Life App: Gratitude letting others know you see how they ve helped you. Basic Truth: I can trust God no matter what. Groups: Creating a Safe Place to Connect (10 minutes) Create a safe place to connect and learn how the Bible Truth applies to real life experiences, through interactive activities and discussion questions. 9:00 & 11:30 Praise Him Cards [Talk about God Bible Review Application Activity] Made to Reflect: an activity that creates space for personal understanding and application What You Need: Praise Him Cards Activity Page, scissors, large beach or playground ball, index cards, masking tape What You Do: Cut apart the cards and tape them randomly around the outside of the ball. (Note: If you have more than 10 kids, tape some blank index cards onto the ball as well so each kid will have a card.) Gather all the kids in a circle and ask them to stand up (or get on their knees). Ask the kids to close their eyes, keep them closed, and pass the ball around the circle. During their turn, each child should remove one card and pass the ball to the next person. When the ball has made its way around the circle and everyone has a card, instruct the kids to open their eyes, have a seat, and take a look at their card. Explain that the picture on each card represents something that God has done that we can celebrate. Go around the circle and ask each kid to hold up his card for the rest of the group to see and share what they think that card represents. (NOTE: Below are some possible answers. The kids may give differing answers; just listen and redirect if needed. Some answers may be super creative!) o Cross: God sent Jesus o Hands: God made us o Sunset: God made the sun to keep us warm o Rainbow: God always keeps his promises; He gives us beauty in nature to enjoy o House: God provides what we need o Friends: God gives us good friends o Bible: God has given us His Word o Fruit: God gives us good things to eat o Heart: God loves us; God gives us the ability to love and be loved o Family: God gives us a family to love or people to care for us 11

o Blank: Let the kids name something God has done that they can celebrate (be prepared to help kids with their answers if necessary) What You Say: Wow! Great answers, everyone. What a loving, mighty, creative, and powerful God. He has done so many wonderful things for us and it s important to celebrate all He s done. That s what gratitude is all about letting someone know you see how they ve helped you. We can [Bottom Line] celebrate what God has done by praising and thanking Him for all these things and so much more! [Make It Personal] (Tell the kids about something God has done specifically for you. How did you thank Him?) 10:15 Focused Thanksgiving [Live for God Application Activity] Made to Create: an activity that explores spiritual ideas through the process of drawing, building, and designing What You Need: Camera of Thanks and Picture Strips Activity Pages, markers, and completed sample craft. What You Do: Pass out a Camera of Thanks and Picture Strip to each kid. Point out the three sections of the strip. Instruct the kids to draw three pictures of things that God has made one in each section of the strip. If time allows, let kids color the camera too. As they finish their picture strips, help the kids slide their picture strips through and display each image inside the camera lens. Let the kids pull their picture strips through the camera to see their images. If time allows, let each kid share one of their pictures with the group. What You Say: Your pictures are beautiful! God has made so many amazing things, including you! Look at all the creativity He s put in each of you. He has done so much for us. I want you to take this home and place it next to your bed. Each night before you go to bed, take a look at one of the pictures and thank God for what you ve drawn. That is one big way to help you remember to [Bottom Line] celebrate what God has done this week. All Service Times Pray and Dismiss (10 minutes) [Pray to God Prayer Activity] Made to Reflect: an activity that creates space for personal understanding and application What You Need: Small notebook, pens, index cards What You Do: Give each kid one index card. Ask each kid to draw or write one thing they want to thank God for. (It can be one of the same things they drew on their Camera of Thanks. ) 12

As the kids are working, write one thing you want to thank God for inside the notebook. Collect the cards and ask kids to share about their card and what they drew. As they share, write a few words to remind yourself what kids drawings are about. Make sure you hold onto this notebook or store it somewhere in your group s room, as you will add to it each week this month to create a gratitude journal. What You Say: This month we re going to create a gratitude journal to help us remember and focus on the things we re thankful for. We ll add something different each week as we pray together. Remember, we need to [Bottom Line] celebrate what God has done. One way we can do that is by telling Him that we re thankful. How do we talk to God? (Pause.) That s right! We pray. So let s pray together. Heavenly Father, we love You so much. Thank You for ALL You ve done for us. You made us. You love us. You sent Jesus and gave us Your Word, the Bible. You ve given us family and friends to love. Thank You for all the ways You take care of us. Help us to remember to say thank you this week. We love You. In Jesus name we pray, amen. Give each child a GodTime card. Pass out Parent Cue cards as adults arrive to pick up. 13