Lesson 1: An Angel Visits Mary December 7, 2014 Advent 2 (Blue) Luke 1:26 38 Key Point: In the womb of Mary, Jesus, the Son of God, became human so that we sinful people might become adopted children of God and heirs of heaven. Law/Gospel: I am sinful from the time of my conception and, thus, spiritually dead. God s Son, Jesus, was born sinless in order to take my sin upon Himself and to redeem me. Engage Bible Challenge Question: What is an angel? Angels are spiritual beings made by God that often serve Him as messengers. To show quickness, angels are often shown with wings. Sometimes angels take on human form, but people do not become angels when they die. Explore Level 1 (Grades 1-3) Level 2 (Grades 4-6) Adult Bible Study [Type text]
Express Options (Choose 2 or more!) Approximate Time(s): Slot 1: Slot 2: Slot 3*: Slot 4*: Slot 5*: Slot 6*: Music: Church Year Review Song; Jesus! Name of Wondrous Love; Galatians 4:4 5 Skit: An Angel Visits Mary Craft: Anticipation Gift Tag Food Activity: Angels All around Us Group Activity: Secret Messages Leader(s): Service Project: Helping Young Mothers Leader(s): *If applicable
Lesson 2: An Angel Visits Joseph December 14, 2014 Advent 3 (Blue) Matthew 1:18 25 Key Point: Just as the angel proclaimed to Joseph that Mary would bear an infant who is the Son of God, the Savior, so God proclaims to us in His Word that this same Jesus is our Savior from sin and death. Law/Gospel: Relying on my own eyes and senses, I trust what is false instead of trusting that Christ is God s Son, my Savior. God s Word gives me the truth that Jesus is Immanuel, God with me, my Savior. Engage Bible Challenge Question: What was the name of the man who was engaged to marry Mary? Joseph Explore Level 1 (Grades 1-3) Level 2 (Grades 4-6) Adult Bible Study [Type text]
Express Options (Choose 2 or more!) Approximate Time(s): Slot 1: Slot 2: Slot 3*: Slot 4*: Slot 5*: Slot 6*: Music: Advent Song; Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus; John 1:14 Skit: An Angel Visits Joseph Craft: Angel Clothespin Ornament Food Activity: How Do I Know? Group Activity: Trust in Jesus Leader(s): *If applicable
Lesson 3: The Birth of Jesus December 21, 2014 Advent 4 (Blue) Luke 2:1 20 Key Point: In the nativity, the Son of God became what we are, human, to make us what He is, a child of the heavenly Father. He also revealed where He is to be found: in His Word and Sacraments. Law/Gospel: As a child of Adam, I am born in sin and have lost God's image; I try to turn God into my own image and look for Him in all the wrong places. In Jesus, I am a new creation; Christ is in me, restoring God s image through Word and Sacrament. Engage Bible Challenge Question: Which of these groups visited Jesus the first night he was born, according to Luke 2? 1. Wise Men from the East 2. Shepherds from fields around Bethlehem 3. The innkeeper and his wife 4. All of the above #2, Shepherds. Explore Level 1 (Grades 1-3) Level 2 (Grades 4-6) Adult Bible Study [Type text]
Express Options (Choose 2 or more!) Approximate Time(s): Slot 1: Slot 2: Slot 3*: Slot 4*: Slot 5*: Slot 6*: Music: O Jesus So Sweet, O Jesus So Mild; To Us a Child Is Born; Isaiah 9:6 Skit: The Birth of Jesus Craft: Heart-of-Love Gift Jar Food Activity: God s Love Makes Me Smile Group Activity: Where Is Jesus? Leader(s): *If applicable
Lesson 4: The Presentation of Jesus December 28, 2014 Christmas 1 (White) Luke 2:22 40 Key Point: In the Divine Service, we join with Simeon and Anna, the angels and archangels, and the great cloud of witnesses in heaven and on earth to hail Christ as the fulfiller of the Law--the One who rescued us from the Law, its accusations, and our sins. Law/Gospel: The Law always accuses and condemns me. Jesus fulfilled for me what the Law demanded. Sinless, He became the perfect sacrifice for me and my sin. Engage Bible Challenge Question: To whom did the Holy Spirit reveal that he would see the promised Messiah, the Lord s Christ, before he died? Simeon, a righteous man in Jerusalem Explore Level 1 (Grades 1-3) Level 2 (Grades 4-6) Adult Bible Study [Type text]
Express Options (Choose 2 or more!) Approximate Time(s): Slot 1: Slot 2: Slot 3*: Slot 4*: Slot 5*: Slot 6*: Music: Hush! Not a Peep; In His Temple Now Behold Him; Jesus! Name of Wondrous Love Skit: The Presentation of Jesus Craft: Feathered Dove Ornament Food Activity: The Best Announcement Group Activity: Cascades of Praise Leader(s): *If applicable
Lesson 5: The Boy Jesus in the Temple January 4, 2015 Christmas 2 (White) Luke 2:41 52 Key Point: As a boy, Jesus was found in His Father s house. In God s house, I hear His Word, see that Jesus is my Savior, and receive His gifts of forgiveness and salvation. Law/Gospel: Because of sin, I cannot recognize who Jesus is. Through Baptism and the power of His Word, God makes clear to me that Jesus is His Son and my Savior. Engage Bible Challenge Question: What feast did Jesus attend with His parents in Jerusalem when He was twelve? Passover. Explore Level 1 (Grades 1-3) Level 2 (Grades 4-6) Adult Bible Study [Type text]
Express Options (Choose 2 or more!) Approximate Time(s): Slot 1: Slot 2: Slot 3*: Slot 4*: Slot 5*: Slot 6*: Music: Jesus Is My Lord; Be Imitators; O Jesus So Sweet, O Jesus So Mild Skit: The Boy Jesus in the Temple Craft: Mini Scroll Food Activity: Stained Glass Cookies Group Activity: What s in God s House? Leader(s): Service Project: Housekeeping for God Leader(s): *If applicable
Lesson 6: The Baptism and Temptation of Jesus January 11, 2015 Baptism of Our Lord (White) Mark 1:1 13 Key Point: Jesus takes on our sin at His Baptism and faces our temptations that we, in turn, might be baptized into His goodness, His holiness, and His purity. In exchange for our sewer of sin, He gives us the fountain of life. Law/Gospel: I must confess and repent of my sinful condition because I am a lawbreaker who fears, loves, and trusts things above God. The baptized Jesus took down the devil for me by fearing, loving, and trusting His Father above all things. Engage Bible Challenge Question: True or false? Jesus did not ever give in to temptation. He never sinned. True. See Hebrews 4:15 or 1 Peter 2:21 24. Explore Level 1 (Grades 1-3) Level 2 (Grades 4-6) Adult Bible Study [Type text]
Express Options (Choose 2 or more!) Approximate Time(s): Slot 1: Slot 2: Slot 3*: Slot 4*: Slot 5*: Slot 6*: Music: Big, Bold, Powerful God; All Who Believe and Are Baptized; To Jordan s River Came Our Lord Skit: The Baptism and Temptation of Jesus Craft: Prayer Reminder Food Activity: Tempting Treats Group Activity: From Sinner to Saved Leader(s): *If applicable
Lesson 7: Jesus Calls Philip and Nathanael January 18, 2015 Epiphany 2 (Green) John 1:43 51 Key Point: Jesus called Philip and Nathanael to believe in Him. In Jesus, access to heaven is given to all who believe. Law/Gospel: My sinful nature does not recognize Jesus as the Son of God. I futilely try to manipulate Jesus into being what I want, not what I need. Jesus is the only true God, the Savior who rescues me from sin, death, and the devil. He is the true Jacob s ladder upon whom the angels will come down and escort me to my heavenly home. Engage Bible Challenge Question: Name two of Jesus twelve disciples. Simon Peter, Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus (also called Judas the son of James), Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot. Explore Level 1 (Grades 1-3) Level 2 (Grades 4-6) Adult Bible Study [Type text]
Express Options (Choose 2 or more!) Approximate Time(s): Slot 1: Slot 2: Slot 3*: Slot 4*: Slot 5*: Slot 6*: Music: We Have Seen the Lord; Let Us Ever Walk with Jesus; O Son of God, in Galilee Skit: Jesus Calls Philip and Nathanael Craft: Follow Me Footprints Food Activity: Come and See Group Activity: Gathering Strength Leader(s): *If applicable
Lesson 8: Jesus Calls Matthew January 25, 2015 Epiphany 3 (Green) Mark 2:13 17 Key Point: We sinners rejoice, for we, like Matthew, have been called from our own sin to dine at the table of the friend of sinners, Jesus. Law/Gospel: If I say I have no sin, I deceive myself, and the truth is not in me. Jesus is the friend of sinners, who says to me, Fear not, I am faithful and just to forgive your sins and to cleanse you from all unrighteousness. Engage Bible Challenge Question: What job did Matthew do before Jesus called him to follow Him? (A) farmer (B) shepherd (C) tax collector (C) tax collector Explore Level 1 (Grades 1-3) Level 2 (Grades 4-6) Adult Bible Study [Type text]
Express Options (Choose 2 or more!) Approximate Time(s): Slot 1: Slot 2: Slot 3*: Slot 4*: Slot 5*: Slot 6*: Music: Rise Up; Today Your Mercy Calls Us; 1 John 1:8 9 Skit: Jesus Calls Matthew Craft: Fed-by-Christ Placemat Food Activity: Grape Expectations Group Activity: Calling All Sinners, Follow Me Leader(s): *If applicable
Lesson 9: Jesus and the Little Children February 1, 2015 Epiphany 4 (Green) Mark 10:13 16 Key Point: Jesus came to us, who because of sin are like children--helpless, dependent, and needy--to bestow His love and eternal gifts upon us. Law/Gospel: In my sinful foolishness, I look for the things of this world to satisfy and save me. I prize self-sufficiency, and I believe I can take care of myself. God knows that I am like a helpless child who can do nothing to save myself; in His love, He provides all that I need for this body and life, working salvation for me through His Son. Engage Bible Challenge Question: Finish these words that Jesus said: Let the children... come to Me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God (Mark 10:14). Explore Level 1 (Grades 1-3) Level 2 (Grades 4-6) Adult Bible Study [Type text]
Express Options (Choose 2 or more!) Approximate Time(s): Slot 1: Slot 2: Slot 3*: Slot 4*: Slot 5*: Slot 6*: Music: Jesus Loves Me; Go, My Children, with My Blessing; Mark 10:14 Skit: Jesus and the Little Children Craft: God s Children Nesting Dolls Food Activity: Feed the Baby Group Activity: Who Is Important? Leader(s): *If applicable
Lesson 10: Jesus Heals a Man Who Is Paralyzed February 8, 2015 Epiphany 5 (Green) Mark 2:1 12 Key Point: The miracle of healing the paralyzed man confirmed that Jesus, the Son of Man, has authority on earth to forgive sins and to deliver all believers from death and the power of the devil. Law/Gospel: In my sin, I desire all the wrong things, things that lead to my destruction, and I demand that God give them to me. Christ knows what I need forgiveness, life, and salvation and He bestows it without my having even to ask. Engage Bible Challenge Question: True or false? Large crowds followed Jesus, making it hard sometimes for Him to eat, rest, or spend time with His disciples. True. Explore Level 1 (Grades 1-3) Level 2 (Grades 4-6) Adult Bible Study [Type text]
Express Options (Choose 2 or more!) Approximate Time(s): Slot 1: Slot 2: Slot 3*: Slot 4*: Slot 5*: Slot 6*: Music: Rise Up; Big, Bold, Powerful God; O Son of God, in Galilee Skit: Jesus Heals a Man Who Is Paralyzed Craft: Healing-and-Helper Stretcher Food Activity: Forgiveness Is Sweet! Group Activity: What Do We Need? Leader(s): Service Project: Paramedics Appreciation Leader(s): *If applicable
Lesson 11: The Transfiguration February 15, 2015 Transfiguration (White) Mark 9:2 10 Key Point: The transfiguration of God s Son, Jesus, foreshadows our adoption by grace. United with Him by Baptism, we have been made to share in His death and resurrection and are purified and transformed from sin-filled children of Adam to Christ-filled children of God. Law/Gospel: I am a sin-filled offspring of Adam and bear his sinful image and likeness. The Son of God became a man to make me a child of God. He restores me to the image and likeness of God, filling me with Himself. Engage Bible Challenge Question: Name the three disciples whom Jesus often pulled aside to see or do special things. Peter, James, and John Explore Level 1 (Grades 1-3) Level 2 (Grades 4-6) Adult Bible Study [Type text]
Express Options (Choose 2 or more!) Approximate Time(s): Slot 1: Slot 2: Slot 3*: Slot 4*: Slot 5*: Slot 6*: Music: We Have Seen the Lord; Climb the Mountain; Beautiful Savior Skit: The Transfiguration Craft: Making Us Clean Food Activity: Served with Sprinkles, for You Group Activity: A Glittering Glimpse Leader(s): *If applicable
Lesson 12: Jesus Heals Jairus s Daughter February 22, 2015 Lent 1 (Violet) Mark 5:21 24, 35 43 Key Point: Just as Jesus, by Word and touch, raised the dead girl to life, so by His divine Word, Baptism, and Supper, He kills and buries death and raises us to life eternal. Law/Gospel: I have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; therefore, I deserve death, the required price for sin. Jesus, the God-man, is life. The killer of death and the giver of life, He gives me life eternal through His Word and Sacraments. Engage Bible Challenge Question: True or false? Jesus sometimes healed many people on the same day. True. Explore Level 1 (Grades 1-3) Level 2 (Grades 4-6) Adult Bible Study [Type text]
Express Options (Choose 2 or more!) Approximate Time(s): Slot 1: Slot 2: Slot 3*: Slot 4*: Slot 5*: Slot 6*: Music: Big, Bold, Powerful God; Go, My Children, with My Blessing; Romans 6:23 Skit: Jesus Heals Jairus s Daughter Craft: Alive-in-Christ String Puppet Food Activity: It s Impossible! Group Activity: The Ultimate Cure Leader(s): *If applicable
Lesson 13: Jesus Calms a Storm March 1, 2015 Lent 2 (Violet) Mark 4:35 41 Key Point: Just as Jesus calmed the storm with His Word for the frightened disciples, so He calms and ends the storm of sin and its certain death by taking our sin on Himself and dying in our place so we may live eternally. Law/Gospel: Sin causes me to fear and doubt that God cares for or loves me. My fears suffocate faith and lead me to despair and hopelessness. God s Son, who suffered and died for me, is the proof that God cares for me and will never leave me nor forsake me. Engage Bible Challenge Question: Tell a time when someone told you, Be still! Also listen for those words in today s Bible lesson. Answers vary. Explore Level 1 (Grades 1-3) Level 2 (Grades 4-6) Adult Bible Study [Type text]
Express Options (Choose 2 or more!) Approximate Time(s): Slot 1: Slot 2: Slot 3*: Slot 4*: Slot 5*: Slot 6*: Music: We Are His; Be Still, Oh, Stormy Sea; Our Hero Skit: Jesus Calms a Storm Craft: Waves-and-Cross Play Boat Food Activity: A Stormy Snack Group Activity: Jesus Calms My Storm Leader(s): *If applicable