date: Bible Passage: Philippians 3 4 (Letter to the Philippians) REMEMBER VERSE Heal me, O Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise. Jeremiah 17:14 God Offers Contentment Schedule Anticipate 5 10 minutes Celebrate & Respond Large Group 35 55 minutes Respond & Bless Small Group 20 25 minutes Environment: COURSE CORRECTION This environment flows out of Hebrews 12:11 13 and is the direct opposite of punishment. Instead, biblical discipline for a child encompasses a season of pain, the building up in love, and a vision of a corrected path for the individual with the purpose of healing at its core.. TruResources are developed in partnership with ROCKHARBOR Church and a national network of family and children s ministry leaders. All rights reserved.
Inspire NOTES: A few years ago, my dad lost his business, his home, his car, and even a storage unit that contained the few possessions he had left. Basically homeless, he found himself staying on my uncomfortable couch with a small pillow and blanket living on canned food. All he had was a Bible and a devotional book. I wanted to do more for my dad, but I was a full-time student and part-time waitress, barely making ends meet on my own. My dad would have complained in the past about his dire circumstances, but God gave him the strength to be genuinely thankful for what little he had! Having financially little has been a challenge for my dad, but also liberating. His relationship today with God is strong. And thanks to our time together in that small apartment, my dad and I are closer than ever, and it also has prepared me for this season of my own life as a single, unemployed, 25-year-old college graduate. This was the kind of situation I feared the most: having little to no financial security and no idea what tomorrow might bring. I ve struggled with the idea of needing to be accomplished, successful, and perfect in order to be content. I think, Once I have a career and am financially stable, then I will be happy; once I am 30 and married with children, then I will be happy; once my skin clears up and I lose weight, then I will be happy. I tell myself things will be better down the road, but when will I be content with who I am and where I am right now? God challenges me every day to trust in Him. He might not give me everything I want, but He surely gives me everything I need! When I take my life one day at a time and reflect on all the good God brings out of difficult situations, I feel the contentment He promises and His peace that passes understanding. Brittney Massey TruStory Team 2
Equip God offers contentment. One way we see this is through Paul s letter to the Philippians, which glows with joy, love, peace, and strength. When Paul wrote this letter, he was most likely in Rome, during the imprisonment detailed in Acts 28. Though his life lay in the balance as he awaited trial, his words shone with the contentment he had found in Christ. We gather from 2 Corinthians 8:2 that the Christians in the church of Philippi were poor and persecuted. But unlike other early churches, this church wasn t overcome with serious problems of doctrine, heresy, or sin. This church dealt with the problems of everyday life within community and within their own hearts. Paul s letter to the Philippians overflows with expressions of praise, confidence, and most of all, rejoicing. For Paul, joy was not a feeling but an action. It was something that did not come and go with circumstances but came from the influence of the Holy Spirit and true fellowship with one another. By focusing the Philippian church on joy in the Lord, he called them to focus on God instead of their circumstances to actively praise God. Though Paul continually called the Philippians to rejoice, he ended his letter with a statement about contentment, writing, I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation I can do everything through him who gives me strength (Philippians 4:12 13). In Paul s letter to the Philippians, we see that to live contentedly is to have the ability to rejoice every day, to know the peace that passes understanding, and to stay the course on the path toward Jesus, following the lead of the Holy Spirit every day. God offers contentment. Because of this, we can rejoice. 3
Support Philippians 4 offers such a practical expression of how to live a life of contentment. Paul says in 4:4 9: Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable if anything is excellent or praiseworthy think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Basically, Paul says to rejoice, pray, and think about good things. Today, spend time following that pattern. First, rejoice! Make a list of things you re thankful for. Listen to praise songs and rejoice in the Lord. No matter if you are in a time where you are hurting or a time when things are going well, rejoice in the Lord. Praise Him! Second, bring your petitions before God. Literally write them down if you have to. Go before the throne of God, and tell Him what you need because He will listen to you. Third, think about good things. Think about how beautiful the flowers are in your backyard. Think about how much you enjoy listening to music in the car. Praise God for creating each and every good thing, good moment, and good creation in the world. Finally, read through Psalm 23. Let the words of this Scripture encourage your heart. And through this whole exercise, pray God s Holy Spirit will give you the peace and contentment only He offers. TruStory Team TIMELINE ADAM & EVE ABRAHAM MOSES JOSHUA HANNAH SAMUEL KING DAVID KING AHAB ELIJAH KING JOSIAH JEREMIAH SHADRACH/MESHACH/ABEDNEGO DANIEL ESTHER NEHEMIAH ZECHARIAH SIMEON/ANNA JESUS ZACCHAEUS MARY PHILIP CORNELIUS LYDIA APOSTLES 400 YEARS OF WAITING PAUL JAMES JOHN PETER YOU & ME OUR FUTURE WITH JESUS 4
NOTES: Lesson Overview Experience Time Summary Supplies/Prepare (Master Supply List under Resource Tab) Anticipate// Small Group Check-In 5 10 min. Encourages interaction among kids, leaders, and parents; engages the kids in curiosity and anticipation of the lesson; and creates an inviting atmosphere. Letters paper (many different colors and patterns) envelopes rubber stamps and stamp pads pens letter facts and images (see Resource Folder) optional: tape, coins, crayons (with paper removed), leader-monitored candle (or other method to melt crayons), empty glass bottles (with lids or stoppers), tub filled with water Optional: Mail Carrier Chariot Races blanket or poster board items to use in an obstacle course (e.g., painter s tape, boxes, furniture) item to place on top of the chariot (e.g., stuffed animals, letters written in Anticipate) Celebrate// Large Group 20 35 min. Establishes community and tells stories both personal and biblical in a fun and engaging way. Traditions mementos for your church Traditions (rocks, marbles, gum balls, etc.) Remember Verse cards, slide, and animation (see Resource Folder) Connect Activity paper pens or pencils Connect Activity slide (see Resource Folder) The Big God Story Bible Timeline slide and animation (see Resource Folder) butcher paper paper and pen video: time passing (see Resource Folder) image: Paul handcuffed to a guard (see Resource Folder) volunteer to play Paul s guard props: clothes for Paul and the guard to wear, plastic handcuffs or other item that could be used like handcuffs (e.g., rope), basket or box full of things you love (images of your family, special items representing hobbies or interests, etc.) 5
NOTES: Lesson Overview Experience Time Summary Supplies/Prepare (Master Supply List under Resource Tab) Respond// Large Group 15 20 min. Creates space for children to respond to the Holy Spirit in worship and community as a large group. Rejoice, Give Thanks, and Pray upbeat, celebratory worship music (e.g., Jump Up, TruWorship You Are) slow, contemplative worship music (e.g., Come Unto Me, TruWorship You Are) permanent markers sheet of canvas Respond// Small Group 15 20 min. Discusses truth, reflects on the lesson, engages in relationships, and creates a project or a piece of art individually or together. Reflect: God Offers Contentment Bibles questions Engage: The Path of the Holy Spirit Option 1: Soaked with the Holy Spirit Bibles sponges bucket pitcher filled with water permanent markers Option 2: Staying on the Path painter s or masking tape optional: butcher paper Bless// Small Group 5 min. Sends the kids out with a sense of peace and blessing so they can be a blessing to their families and others. Bible (for the blessing) HomeFront Weekly (1 per child; see Resource Folder) 6
SMALL GROUP SECTION Anticipate// 5 10 min. Small Group Leaders An energizing time for parents and kids to start engaging with the material that will be presented in the lesson. It is intentionally designed to spark curiosity and cultivate a sense of awe and wonder about God. Encourage parents to participate in this time with their kids. Partner Church Comments We chose not to melt crayons and instead used stickers to seal the envelopes. Revolution Church Letters SUPPLIES paper (many different colors and patterns) envelopes rubber stamps and stamp pads pens letter facts and images (see Resource Folder) optional: tape, coins, crayons (with paper removed), leader-monitored candle (or other method to melt crayons), empty glass bottles (with lids or stoppers), tub filled with water SET UP Set out the supplies. Keep the crayons and candle for the leader. Print the letter facts and images from the Resource Folder and tape to a wall or arrange on a table. Optional: Fill a tub with water and set out the empty glass bottles. ENGAGE The New Testament includes many letters Paul wrote and sent to the first churches some of which he wrote while in prison. The letters traveled hundreds of miles to reach these churches! They re beautiful letters, and we re blessed today to be able to read them in our Bibles. Encourage the kids to read the letter facts aloud and look at the images of ancient letters. When they re done, show them the supplies and ask them to write or draw real or imaginary letters to friends, family, or even people who might have lived during Paul s time. After they re done with their letters, encourage the kids to put their letters in envelopes and decorate and stamp those envelopes. Optional: Older kids can create wax seals using a melted crayon and a coin (with adult supervision). Or they can roll up their letters, place them in bottles, and float them in the tub of water. Optional: Mail Carrier Chariot Races SUPPLIES blanket or poster board items to use in an obstacle course (e.g., painter s tape, boxes, furniture) item to place on top of the chariot (e.g., stuffed animals, letters written in Anticipate) ENGAGE The Romans used chariot riders to carry mail throughout the Roman Empire. Have kids carry the mail with this classic chariot race game. Set up an obstacle course using tape or by forming a path through furniture. Group kids into teams of three or four. Have each team hold a blanket or sheet of poster board, and set an item on top of it. Then have the teams race through the obstacle course as you time them. 7
LARGE GROUP SECTION Celebrate//20 35 min. Host/Storyteller Kids get to be a part of the faith community of God s family. Welcome and Traditions After everyone is gathered as a large group, open with Traditions. During Traditions, you are helping the kids work toward a common goal and giving them mementos to celebrate things like memorizing the Remember Verse, inviting a friend, or bringing their Bibles. They participate in traditions and share them with newcomers, connect through fun and interaction, and experience The Big God Story through storytelling. Birthdays A Common Tradition Whenever a child in your church has a birthday coming up, ask her to come up front to be sung to and prayed over. Encourage the kids to have fun celebrating the child on her special day by singing loudly and enthusiastically! REMEMBER VERSE This is a good time to introduce kids to the Remember Verse. As they arrive, open a Bible and read it together if time allows. Remember Verse cards, slide, and animation can be found in the Resource Folder. Heal me, O Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise. Jeremiah 17:14 Mementos can be anything, such as rocks, marbles, gum balls, or connecting blocks. Use a clear plastic or glass container to fill so the kids can watch their progress. Or have them contribute to the building of a structure with connecting blocks. If you have multiple services, use separate containers or building stations for each one. Once the kids have been awarded their mementos, direct them to put the mementos into the container or to add them to the building effort. When the common-goal tradition is complete, have a celebration! If there is time, take it a step further and choose one or two child volunteers each week to share praise reports, testimonies, or funny and intriguing events. Sing familiar worship songs with corresponding motions. Encourage kids to think of their own motions to personalize the songs for your church community. Connect Connect is a time to laugh, play, and enjoy each other s company. Engaging questions, energizing games, and creative activities encourage the community to get to know each other. Encourage them to participate in the following activity and connect with someone they might not know yet. (Grab the paper and pens or pencils, and see the Connect Activity slide in the Resource Folder.) Activity You have 60 seconds to write as many things as you can that make you happy. Share your two favorites with a new friend. 8
NOTES: Resource Tip A Storytelling Video is available for this lesson. Premium, Unlimited, and Combo users may access this resource on the My Lessons page > Extras > Storytelling Videos. The Big God Story Storyteller During The Big God Story, take the kids on a journey through how God led Paul to write the letter to the Philippians. Though this part of The Big God Story can be delivered verbatim, read it before the lesson so you can personally interact with the material. Share stories from your life, and speak with your own style by varying your intonation and gestures. Tip Before sharing this account of Paul s letter to the Philippians, point out to your kids that what they are about to hear is true and is recorded in the Bible. Open your Bible to the passage and leave it open and visible throughout The Big God Story. Establish a consistent place to keep this Bible every week. Invite kids to open their Bibles and follow along in Philippians 4:4 19 as you storytell. Encourage adult volunteers to keep an eye out for kids who need help finding the Scripture passage, and allow enough time for each child to locate the passage. You may even want to project the reference on a screen or write it in large print on a poster or whiteboard. Visual Aids You will find JPEGs of various visual aids in the Resource Folder for every lesson of TruStory. Though we often refer to projector screens, do not feel limited by this. Please use these files in whichever format works best for your church, whether you use computer media, an overhead projector, or poster board. God Offers Contentment SUPPLIES Bible Timeline slide and animation (see Resource Folder) butcher paper paper and pen video: time passing (see Resource Folder) image: Paul handcuffed to a guard (see Resource Folder) volunteer to play Paul s guard props: clothes for Paul and the guard to wear, plastic handcuffs or other item that could be used like handcuffs (e.g., rope), basket or box full of things you love (images of your family, special items representing hobbies or interests, etc.) SET UP Today s entire Big God Story will be told from Paul s perspective, so the Storyteller should either prepare to be Paul or ask someone else to play this role. Ask a volunteer to play the part of Paul s guard. Have the guard handcuff Paul to himself. Lay out a long sheet of butcher paper in the storytelling area to act as a path, set the pen and paper near the path, and place the basket or box of items near the end of the path. Cue the video and image. 9
The Big God Story NOTES: Hi, kids! You might remember me from last week. My name s Paul (wave the arm attached to the guard). Last week you saw me write a letter to the church in Galatia. The members of that church were being told they had to follow Jewish Law in order to be a Christian. But that s not true! In Christ we re new creations filled by the Holy Spirit, able to follow His lead every day. Let s think about it this way: The churches in Galatia were walking on a straight path toward Jesus (start walking on the butcher paper path), but they started to get off the path (pretend to wander off the path). So God used me to write a letter to them, to help correct their path and to encourage them that they only need a relationship with Jesus to walk a Christian path. Oh, yeah. You might be wondering why I m handcuffed to this guard. Well, kids, some people aren t happy about God using me to preach the good news, so here I am in jail, handcuffed to a guard until my trial (show image of Paul handcuffed to a guard). That means I can t go visit the churches, especially the one in Philippi. Who remembers hearing a few weeks ago about how the Holy Spirit led me and my friends to the city of Philippi? (Encourage the kids to raise their hands.) Once we got there, the Holy Spirit led me to speak with a woman named Lydia. Then Lydia, her household of women, and some other believers in Jesus formed a church there. Things have been hard for the Philippian church. They ve suffered because of their faith and belief in Jesus. But the Philippian church hasn t been confused by others or wandered from the path toward Jesus. I praise God for the Philippian church, and I love and miss them so very much. You know what? I m going write them a letter right now! (Grab the pen and paper and pretend like you re writing furiously, and play the video of time passing.) All right, I m done! Whew. Thanks for waiting for me to finish that letter, kids. Do you want to hear what it says? (Encourage the kids to answer.) Okay! Well, the first part talks about how much I love them, how thankful I am for them, how much I miss them, and, well, about my situation here in Rome (look over at the guard). I felt God leading me to help the Philippian church understand what it means to be content. Do any of you know what the word content means? (Encourage the kids to answer.) Contentment means being satisfied or happy with what you have. To be content is to be filled with the hope, joy, peace, and love that comes from the Holy Spirit. It means being joyful about life and happy about what you have, because in Christ we have everything! Now that doesn t mean it s always easy to be content. The Holy Spirit helps us to be content when we walk with Him every day. (Pause for a moment, look up, and toss 10
The Big God Story NOTES: your letter into the air.) You know what? Instead of explaining to you what I wrote in the letter, I m going to show you. (Stand on the path and start walking.) Okay, so let s pretend I m the Philippian church, and I m walking on a straight path toward God. As I m walking (walk in place), people come and make fun of me (ask a few child volunteers to silently act like they re yelling at Paul), which makes me tired and sad. I just want to sit down (sit down on the path). This happens sometimes in life, right? Well, as long as we have a relationship with the God of heaven, we have every reason to be happy and content and to rejoice! What are some of the reasons we can rejoice? (Encourage the kids to answer.) Right, all of these are great reasons! So I say, instead of giving up, we should Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! (Philippians 4:4). With the Holy Spirit s help, rejoicing can make our hearts content and keep us walking on the path toward Jesus. (Stand up and continue walking down the path.) Okay, so you re walking on the path again, but then something difficult happens. Let s say you get into an argument with a friend, or you start worrying, which makes you lose sight of the path. What can you do? Well, you can pray! Through prayer with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which [goes beyond] all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (vv. 6 7). (Stop walking, pick up the pen and another piece of paper, and pretend to write prayers. Then put the pen and paper next to the path again.) Sometimes it s hard to rejoice, especially when we don t feel like it. But we can pray, and God will listen to us and fill our hearts with peace so we can rejoice again. (Continue walking in place on the path.) All right, so you re walking again but then you start thinking of sad, hard things again, and you want to give up. But you know what? God is still with you, and you can think about all of the good things He s made and given you things such as (sit down on the path next to the basket or box, pull out the items, and tell the kids what they represent). So, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable if anything is excellent or praiseworthy think about such things And the God of peace will be with you (vv. 8 9). (Stand up and face the kids). You see, kids, I ve spent a lot of time with Jesus, and I ve walked on this path toward Him for a long time. Because I ve walked with Him, God s Holy Spirit has taught me the secret of being content whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in [need] (v. 12). Because He lives inside of me, He helps me rejoice, pray, praise Him, thank Him, and think about good things. Without God s help, I d be pretty upset to be here in jail (look over at the guard and have him shrug his shoulders and say, Hey, I m just the guard ). God gives me the strength to keep walking straight toward Him. 11
NOTES: No matter what happens in your life, I want you to know this: My God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19). When things get hard at school or at home, He will be your reason to rejoice. When something happens that doesn t make sense, He will give you the strength to pray. When you worry, think about the good things He s given you. In your daily life, He will show you that you can do everything through him who gives [you] strength (v. 13). He will give you the strength to keep walking on a straight path toward Him. 12
LARGE GROUP SECTION Respond// 15 20 min. Host/Worship Leader This is a time for kids to worship through silence, prayer, singing, giving, sharing, thanksgiving, and many other ways. Make plans for your worship time but prepare yourself and your team to hold them loosely if the Holy Spirit leads the group in a different direction. Rejoice, Give Thanks, and Pray SUPPLIES upbeat, celebratory worship music (e.g., Jump Up, TruWorship You Are; available on the Extras Tab for Premium, Unlimited, and Combo users; or itunes) slow, contemplative worship music (e.g., Come Unto Me, TruWorship You Are; available on the Extras Tab for Premium, Unlimited, and Combo users; or itunes) permanent markers sheet of canvas SET UP Hang the canvas on a wall. Write What I m Thankful for or Prayers I Want to Give to God at the top. Place the permanent markers nearby, and cue the worship music. ENGAGE In Philippians 4, Paul encouraged the Philippian church to rejoice, pray, and think about the good things God has done and created. Praising God, giving Him our worries through prayer, and thinking about good things are all things we can choose to do. Even so, having the strength to do these things comes from walking with the Holy Spirit every day and asking Him to lead our lives. The Holy Spirit is the One who can show us how to rejoice, how to pray, how to think about good things, how to let go of worry, and how to be content. (Tell a story about a time when God helped you rejoice or be content during a hard time. Or tell the kids about a time when you wish you had relied on God instead of worrying.) Partner Church Comments We used the [butcher paper] path [from The Big God Story] for our canvas, which worked out really well because the kids didn t need to move after the storytelling. Revolution Church Let s think together: What would it be like if you got angry at your brother for something and instead of getting back at him you decided to rejoice and praise God? What would it be like if something hard happened and the first thing you did was give your requests and prayers to God? What would it be like if, when you started to worry, you thought about all of the good things God created? It would probably be pretty great, right? We might even feel pretty content pretty happy with what we have, through Christ. Even so, that can be hard sometimes. Let s take some time to pray that God would give us the strength to rely on Him. (Play a slow worship song and give the kids a chance to respond. After the kids have had a few minutes, move on to the next part of this time by playing an upbeat, joyful song.) Today let s take some time to rejoice in God, give Him thanks, pray to Him, and think about good things. Earlier we made a list of many good things that make us 13
NOTES: happy. (Pull out the list you made during Connect and comment on a few of the items.) Sometimes it s hard to always be thankful for the things God has already given us. So today let s spend some time praising God for these things and praying that He would increase our ability to be content in Him. Point out the canvas on the wall. Encourage the kids to write or draw whatever they want on the canvas. Have leaders nearby to pray with any kids who want to pray with someone. 14
SMALL GROUP SECTION Respond// 15 20 min. Small Group Leaders A time to engage in relationship, reflect on the lesson with spiritual conversation, and/or create a meaningful project or piece of art. NOTES: Reflect: God Offers Contentment Paul encouraged the Philippian church to rejoice, think about good things, pray, and walk daily with Jesus. He encouraged them to do this with the help of His Holy Spirit, who could lead them toward contentment and keep them on the path toward Jesus. (Leaders: Encourage the kids to open their Bibles and read the suggested passages.) Questions for Younger Kids Where was Paul when he wrote the letter to the Philippians? (Philippians 1:7, 12 14) Why did Paul write the letter? (Philippians 1:3 11) What does the word contentment mean? What are some things we can rejoice about? What are some good things God has given us? Do you have any prayer requests? What are they? Optional: Read the verses discussed in The Big God Story section verses talking about rejoicing (Philippians 4:4), offering requests to the Lord (Philippians 4:6 7), and receiving strength through relationship with Jesus (Philippians 4:13). Discuss what these verses say about God. Questions for Older Kids Where was Paul when he wrote the letter to the Philippians? (Philippians 1:7, 12 14) Why did Paul write the letter? (Philippians 1:3 11) What does the word contentment mean? What does being content have to do with being in a relationship with God? (Philippians 4:11) Why do you think Paul encouraged the church to rejoice, pray, and think about good things? How do you think it might change your life if you chose to rejoice, or pray, or dwell on good things when life is hard? (Philippians 4:4 9) How does it make you feel to know that the Holy Spirit will help you to do all of these things? What are some things we can rejoice about? What are some good things God has given us? What are some prayer requests you have? Optional: Lead kids to find the verses discussed in The Big God Story section verses talking about rejoicing (Philippians 4:4), offering requests to the Lord (Philippians 4:6 7), and receiving strength through relationship with Jesus (Philippians 4:13). Discuss what these verses say about God. 15
Resource Tip Finish the Sentence activities are available for this lesson. Premium, Unlimited, and Combo users may access this resource on the My Lessons page > Extras > Small Group Enhancements. NOTES: Engage: The Path of the Holy Spirit SUPPLIES Option 1: Soaked with the Holy Spirit Bibles sponges bucket pitcher filled with water permanent markers Option 2: Staying on the Path painter s or masking tape optional: butcher paper SET UP Option 1: Soaked with the Holy Spirit Set out the supplies. Option 2: Staying on the Path Create a path on the floor of your room, either with tape or long sheets of butcher paper (occasionally folding the paper at angles so the path can turn). ENGAGE Today we heard all about Paul s letter to the Philippians. In this letter God used Paul to tell the Philippians how to keep walking on the path toward God. He told them to rejoice, pray, and think about good things. The cool thing is, though, Paul also told them that God s Holy Spirit would give them the strength to do these things and fill them with peace. God wants to be part of our everyday lives. He wants us to praise Him for the good things He s given us. He wants us to come to Him with our worries. He wants us to rejoice in our relationship with Him. He wants us to be completely soaked with His Holy Spirit, in every single part of our lives. That way we can be content just like Paul was content. With God, we have everything we need. Many parts of God s Word encourage us and help us stay on the right path. A couple of these passages are Psalm 23 and the Lord s Prayer, in Matthew 6:9 13. Let s read these passages together. Read the passage over the kids, or have the older kids read them. 16
Partner Church Comments Loved the Soaked with the Holy Spirit Engage. It was a great illustration for the kids to remember. First Baptist Church, Hemet Option 1: Soaked with the Holy Spirit Show the kids the dry sponges and ask them: What are some things we do every day? Maybe it s playing soccer, hanging out with friends, walking to school, eating dinner, etc. Have the kids write those answers on the sponges. (For younger kids, write their answers on the sponges for them.) Then put the sponges into the bucket. Show the kids the pitcher filled with water, and tell them the water represents the Holy Spirit. Pour the water into the bucket and let it soak into the sponges. Talk about how God wants to be a part of every single thing we do. He wants to be in our lives. He wants us to be soaked with Him until our lives overflow with Him, every day. He wants us to have the peace, joy, love, and contentment that only comes from Him. Note: Consider putting away the sponges right after the object lesson so kids aren t tempted to throw them or create a mess. Save the sponges to be displayed during the next Remember & Celebrate lesson. Option 2: Staying on the Path This game is similar to tag, but the players must stay on the path. To play: Designate one child as the seeker and one child as the chaser. Designate an end zone where the seeker must get to before the chaser tags her. Have the seeker start somewhere along the path and the chaser at the beginning of the path, farthest away from the end zone. Encourage the kids to walk, not run, as they make their way to the end of the path. Optional: Time the kids to see how quickly each one can walk from one end of the path to the other. 17
SMALL GROUP SECTION Bless// 5 min. Small Group Leaders A blessing can be a prayer of commission, a portion of Scripture, or words of encouragement or guidance. A blessing can be offered in order to ask God s Spirit to overflow from the child s life to bless others or prayed over a child for the purpose of declaring God s protection, joy, or wisdom. Leader Tip The blessing can be done in many ways, but the more intentional you are about it, the more powerful it will be. Depending on whether parents are able to join in at this time, you may want them to put their hands on their child s head or kneel and look him in the eye as they bless him. Leaders, be sure to model how you envision the blessing working in your church so your volunteers and parents become comfortable with it. As kids are blessed, tell them they have the opportunity to also be a blessing to others. Encourage them to freely share with others the joy and love they have received from God. Encourage the kids to hold their hands in front of them, palms up. This posture is meant to symbolize a willingness of heart to respond to God s Holy Spirit and receive what God has for them. Invite them to remain in this posture as you bless them. Encourage parents to come early in order to read the blessing over their child. Open a Bible, and read Psalm 103:1 5: Praise the Lord, O my soul praise his holy name. Praise the Lord who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things. May the Holy Spirit give you the strength to rejoice, pray, and think about the good things God has done. May you know the joy, peace, hope, love, and goodness that comes only from knowing and following Jesus. HomeFront Weekly: Be sure to send home the HomeFront Weekly for next week s lesson! This preteaching tool for parents encourages families to spend time in God s Word together before children arrive at church. HomeFront Monthly: Every four weeks we highlight one of the 10 environments. For each new environment, parents should receive HomeFront Monthly. This resource gives families ideas for how to create fun, spiritually forming times in their homes setting aside a sacred space for family in the midst of their active, everyday lives! 18