date: Bible Passage: 2 Samuel 6; Psalm 132 (King David Brings the Ark to Jerusalem) REMEMBER VERSE Cheer each other up with the hope you have. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIrV) God Blesses His People with His Presence SERVICE SCHEDULE Explore:: Welcome & Engage 10 15 minutes Discover & Respond:: Large Group 30 40 minutes Respond & Bless:: Small Group 20 35 minutes ENVIRONMENT: FAITH COMMUNITY God designed us to live in community and to experience Him in ways that can only happen in proximity to one another. The faith community serves to create an environment to equip and disciple parents, to celebrate God s faithfulness, and to bring a richness of worship through tradition and rituals, which offer children an identity. Our love for each other reflects the love we have received from God.. TruResources are developed in partnership with ROCKHARBOR Church and a national network of family and children s ministry leaders. All rights reserved.
Inspire Some of the most vivid worship experiences happen within the context of community. When I was in college, each Sunday night students gathered for a worship service called Vespers. The student recreation lounge was transformed into a space dedicated to prayer and worship. The lights were dimmed and a student-led band facilitated a time of corporate prayer and praise. As we lifted our voices, people responded to God s presence with various postures of worship. Some sat quietly on the floor writing in journals, while others danced, stood with their hands in the air, or prayed together in small groups. It was amazing. God s people cared for one another in the midst of a worship experience. A tradition closed each Sunday evening service. Everyone stood with linked arms and sang this song of benediction: To God be the glory Now and forever Now and forever Amen. I pray tonight As we learn from one another May we glorify Him And if the Lord should bring us back together Would we be in His arms until then. These services made a deep impression on me. It was as if, for one hour a week, God gave us the chance to experience what it might be like in heaven one day. God drew near. We knew and felt His presence. When the lights came on, we walked around hugging and greeting one another. You could see the smiles on people s faces and feel the joy radiating from the worshippers. This faith community taught me that God wants His people to gather in His name, often. And when we do, He is faithful to bless us with His presence. Asriel Medina TruWonder Team 2
Equip After the Lord went before David and the army of Israel to defeat the Philistines, David gathered his men to bring the ark to Jerusalem. Built by Moses with God s instructions, the ark was a physical reminder of God s power and presence. During a dramatic battle against the Philistines, the ark was captured and taken into Philistine territory (1 Samuel 4). Devastated, the Israelites mourned because the glory has departed from Israel (v. 22). Afterward, the Lord s hand was heavy on the Philistines (5:6). As long as their enemy had possession of the ark, God plagued them with disease and death. After seven months, the terrified Philistines returned the ark to the Israelites at Kiriath Jearim, where it stayed for about 20 years (7:2). While priests at Kiriath Jearim were consecrated to guard the ark (v. 1), God chose another city to be its resting place. In Psalm 132:13 14, God s will for the ark is clearly expressed: For the Lord has chosen Zion, he has desired it for his dwelling: This is my resting place for ever and ever; here I will sit enthroned, for I have desired it. Further Resources Remember Verse Motions Inspired by American Sign Language; demonstrated at www.signingsavvy.com and http://www.commtechlab.msu.edu/sites /aslweb/browser.htm God chose Zion, another name for Jerusalem, as the place where the ark would dwell. David, God s chosen and anointed king, wanted to worship God in the right way and in the right place. He vowed to bring the ark to Jerusalem (Psalm 132: 2 5). In a spirit of festivity, David gathered the people to celebrate and rejoice as the ark entered the city. Finally, the glory of Israel returned! 3
Support While God often blesses us with His presence in our private prayers and Bible study, God did not mean for us to live this life alone. From the very beginning, God intended for humans to live and work together. As Christians, we experience God s presence in a unique way when we come together to remember and celebrate God s faithful deeds. You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand (Psalm 16:11). In front of God, we all become equal in our joy and awe of His glory and wonders. When the ark returned to Jerusalem, King David and slave girls alike danced and sang with all their might before the Lord. We need to be ready to cast aside our pride in the moment we feel prompted to respond in God s presence. There are so many ways to celebrate Him with our response. This week take some time to seek out others in your faith community. Invite a friend over for dinner, make a coffee date, or give someone a call. Ask them what God is doing in their lives, and share what God is doing in yours. Pray for one another. Ask God to increase His presence in your lives. Rejoice in the way God blesses His people with His presence. 4
Lesson Overview Experience Time Summary Supplies/Prepare (Master Supply List under Resource Tab) Explore:: Welcome & Engage 10 15 min. Exploration stations create space intended to transition children to lead them from the external world into an environment where they can commune with God, just as they are with all that they are. Focus Station: Instruments of Worship (per table) dried rice and/or dried beans plastic eggshells or plastic bottles (1 per child) paper plates (2 per child) cardboard tubes (1 per child; purchasing suggestion: see p. 7) glue, tape, and stapler markers, crayons, or colored pencils Explore bin basket (Optional) Station 2: More Musical Fun! (per table) various musical instruments (suggestions: bells, sticks, tambourines, drums, cymbals, kazoos, etc.) lively children s music (suggestion: TruWonder Bonus Song Here We Go, The People s Album, Vol. 3) Explore bin Discover:: Large Group 20 25 min. Facilitate interactive games, songs, and storytelling, allowing children to participate in discovering God s Word. Chloe (puppet or person) Chloe s Rules videos or scripts (see Resource Tab) preschool program theme song 2 worship songs (suggestion: Jesus by My Side, TruWorship Songs from the Playhouse and I Can Hear You, TruWorship Your Love) optional: countdown video Mail Time intro clip and image (see Resource Tab) Remember Verse image and cards (see Resource Folder) Mail Time envelope art printed and attached to a large envelope (see Resource Tab) Bibles (your personal and large children s) mailbox Wardrobe of Wonder intro clip and image (see Resource Tab) Wardrobe of Wonder Wardrobe of Wonder sound effect (see Resource Tab) optional: silly hats for prop/hat box 2 small stools or chairs What sit: Trumpet (see image and sound effect in Resource Folder) (Continued) 5
Lesson Overview Experience Time Summary Supplies/Prepare (Master Supply List under Resource Tab) Discover:: Large Group (Continued) The Big God Story intro clip and image (see Resource Tab) Premium, Unlimited, and Combo users: Storytelling Video (optional; see Extras Tab) image: Ark of the Covenant (see Resource Folder) prop box containing king s costume: robe, crown, sash Respond:: Large Group 10 15 min. Create space for children to respond to the Holy Spirit in worship and community. title image (see Resource Tab) or worshipful video loop basket of instruments made during Explore ribbons, streamers, or flags optional: bin of children s musical instruments from Explore Station 2 worship song (suggestion: Dance, TruWorship Songs from the Playhouse or This Is the Day, TruWorship Your Love) Respond:: Small Group 15 30 min. Further process the story through discussion and interaction with others, and respond to God in worship through creative expression. Connect: Free to Dance (per small group) optional: large, heavy jackets, smocks, bathrobes, or other layered clothing items traffic cones (or colorful pylon cones; 1 per team) upbeat music (suggestion: I Trust You, TruWorship Your Love) optional: masking tape Create: A Psalm of Worship (per table/small group) Bible (NIrV is a good children s version.) paper instrumental music instruments from Explore Create bin Wonder Questions Bless:: Small Group 5 min. Bless the children that they may experience God fully and be a blessing to others. Blessing/Remember Verse HomeFront Weekly 6
Small Group Explore:: 10 15 min. SECTION Host/Small Group Leaders Exploration stations create space intended for wonder to pique children s curiosity and allow them to engage in hands-on experiences as they begin their time in worship. Focus Station I was able to use childproof pill bottles donated by a local pharmacy. The kids filled them with rice and beans and they were unable to open them! The Beacon We used plastic Easter eggs to make our shakers and taped them shut. The kids loved it. Good Shepherd Church Invite children to participate at the Focus Station (or optional stations, if available). Explore the materials with the children and engage them in open-ended questions about their observations. This will encourage them to explore and form questions on their own throughout the lesson. Station 1: Instruments of Worship As David returned the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem after its long absence, he praised God by dancing and playing trumpets. SUPPLIES (per table) dried rice and/or dried beans plastic eggshells or plastic bottles (1 per child) paper plates (2 per child) cardboard tubes (1 per child; purchasing suggestion: www.discountschoolsupply.com) glue, tape, and stapler markers, crayons, or colored pencils Explore bin basket Note: Please check with parents for any potential allergies. The children will be choosing one instrument to make. You won t need exactly one item per child, but need to have enough of a selection on hand to cover all children in attendance. PREPARE AHEAD Gather materials for children to make their own maraca (eggshells or bottles), tambourine (paper plate), or trumpet (cardboard tube). Make a sample of each type of instrument to have on display. Place the materials in the Explore bin and set aside. SET UP Place materials for making each instrument at the tables. ENGAGE Welcome the children to the Explore Station. Explain to the children that they ll be making their very own musical instrument. Allow each child to choose which instrument they want to make: maraca, tambourine, or trumpet. Show the children how to assemble their instruments, referring to the samples you made ahead of time. Be ready to assist any children who ask for help, especially with stapling. Maracas: Fill plastic eggshells or plastic bottles with dried rice or dried beans. Tape eggshells closed. Glue lids on bottles. 7
Tambourines: Place dried rice or beans on a paper plate. Staple a second plate on top of the first. Trumpets: No assembly required. Demonstrate how the tube will project your voice. As children are decorating the outside of their instruments, ask: What is your favorite instrument? What instrument do you play? Do you like to dance to music? What songs can you sing? Encourage the children to test their instruments together. Which instrument do you think is the loudest? Which is the quietest? When the instruments are finished, collect them in a basket to carry to large group Respond. (Optional) Station 2: More Musical Fun! In this part of The Big God Story, the people celebrated the return of the ark of the covenant with praises to God. King David led the celebrating with dancing and singing and the people joined in with instruments of praise. The whole faith community united in demonstrating their excitement! Straight Talk Separating from Mom and Dad can be tough for a little one. To help lessen the stress a child may feel, invite parents to stay long enough to lead their child into worship at a station. Small Group Leaders will also be involved, engaging in the activity alongside the child and parent. As parents say good-bye, acknowledge their departure while remaining focused on the activity with the child for the smoothest transition possible. SUPPLIES (per table) various musical instruments (suggestions: bells, sticks, tambourines, drums, cymbals, kazoos, etc.) lively children s music (suggestion: TruWonder Bonus Song Here We Go, The People s Album, Vol. 3; available on the Extras Tab for Premium, Unlimited, and Combo users; or itunes) Explore bin SET UP Place a bin of musical instruments on the table and cue music. ENGAGE Welcome children to the Explore Station. Encourage kids to play the instruments when they hear the recorded music begin. After you ve finished, ask: Which instrument did you enjoy playing the most? Why was this your favorite? Let s switch instruments and play the song again! 8
Discover:: 20 25 min. Host/Worship Leader/Storyteller Children move into a large group setting and participate in discovering God s Word through storytelling, worship, and interactive experiences. Large Group SECTION The following instructions have been condensed, but if you d like more information about any of the components of the large group program, please see Putting It Together under the Resource Tab. Ponder Point Chloe s Rules Host/Worship Leader God Blesses His People with His Presence Begin large group by using Chloe (a puppet or person) to review the rules of your program. It s a great time to remind children how we can all be part of a loving community through the words we speak, sitting with our small group, and sharing. Add a theme song to your program for a fun way to help give identity to your large group program. Also choose two upbeat worship songs from a worship album that fits. The supplies you ll want to gather for this section are the Chloe s Rules videos or scripts (see Resource Tab), Chloe (a puppet or person), your preschool program theme song, worship music (suggestions: Jesus by My Side, TruWorship Songs from the Playhouse and I Can Hear You, TruWorship Your Love; available on the Extras Tab for Premium, Unlimited, and Combo users; or itunes), and a countdown video (optional). Mail Time Host/Worship Leader Remember Verse Definition hope: trusting or believing in a perfect and good God Have children retrieve mail (the current Remember Verse from the Bible) from their mailbox. Review the meaning of the verse and any unfamiliar words with the children as they prepare to memorize it. Supplies to gather include the Mail Time intro clip and image, Remember Verse image (for projection and Mail Time envelope), Remember Verse cards (print and distribute along with HomeFront Weekly), Mail Time envelope art printed and attached to a large envelope, a Bible, a large children s Bible, and a mailbox. REMEMBER VERSE Cheer each other up with the hope you have. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIrV) 9
Remember Verse Motions Cheer each other up: Wave arms above head, then jump in the air on the word up. with the hope you have: Extend arms out in front of body. Draw them together and cover heart on the word have. Wardrobe of Wonder Storyteller/Host/Worship Leader Hide the What sit connected to The Big God Story in the wardrobe. Together as a community, the children will discover the identity of this object as they begin to ask questions from their observations and experiences. You ll need to have ready a Wardrobe of Wonder, Wardrobe of Wonder intro clip, image, and sound effect (see Resource Tab), silly hats for the prop/hat box (optional), and two small stools or chairs. For this What sit you ll need a trumpet (see optional image to show or print in the Resource Folder). What sit: Trumpet In ancient times, there were no microphones or speakers, but trumpets could be heard for miles and miles. This instrument was used as a signal to the people that something important was about to happen an attack on the city, a party, the birth of a new king, or a call to worship. ASK What did you find in the Wardrobe of Wonder today? Children will answer. Where do we usually see trumpets? Interact with children and their answers. Demonstrate how a trumpet is played. Trumpets can be very loud. You can hear the sound of a trumpet blast from very far away. How do you think the What sit might fit into the part of The Big God Story we ll hear today? Children answer. It s time to find out because 10
Prayer of Release A Prayer of Release is a prayer asking God to remove any distractions that would get in the way of hearing from and responding to Him. As we pray, we dedicate this time to the Lord and quiet ourselves, so that we might hear specifically from Him. In this way, we are consciously laying aside our worries, successes, and requests for the moment. We ask to be filled with knowledge and understanding from Him, giving God His rightful role as teacher. Then as we move into Respond, we can better create space to interact with His Holy Spirit. The image of the ark and the costume ideas helped us creatively teach The Big God Story. Note Mt. Paran North Church of God A storytelling video is available for this lesson. Premium, Unlimited, and Combo users may access this resource on the My Lessons page under Extras > Storytelling Videos. The Big God Story 2 Samuel 6; Psalm 132 Storyteller SUPPLIES The Big God Story intro clip and image (see Resource Tab) Premium, Unlimited, and Combo users: Storytelling Video (optional; see Extras Tab) Bible (adult or children s to use during teaching) What sit: Trumpet (see image and sound effect in Resource Folder) image: Ark of the Covenant (see Resource Folder) prop box containing king s costume: robe, crown, sash Hello, friends! It s so good to be together today! Each time we come together, we learn, share, and worship God. Being here with you is my favorite part of the day. Do you know why? (Allow children to answer.) Because you re part of my faith community. That means we re all part of God s family. As God s family we care for each other and worship God together! Today we re going to discover more about God and His love for His people as a faith community. Before we jump into The Big God Story, let s pray together and ask God to teach us. (Lead children in a Prayer of Release.) The last time in The Big God Story, God made David the king of His people. What was David s job before he became king? (Children answer.) He was a shepherd, that s right. What does a shepherd do? (Children answer.) Great remembering. They take care of their sheep. God chose David to shepherd His people as king. God used David to show the people that God was their Shepherd and King. In this part, King David and the Israelites were fighting the Philistine army. They had been fighting for a long time. Remember when David fought the giant Goliath? (Children respond.) Goliath was part of the Philistine army. Even though David defeated the giant, the Philistines continued to fight against God s people. The Philistines didn t love God and wanted the Israelites to go away. But God promised to be with Israel and protect them. And guess what! God did! The Philistines lost the fight and had to leave the Israelites alone. They had to stop bullying them. Before the fighting ended, the Philistines stole something very special from the Israelites. They stole the ark of the covenant. (Tech: Cue image Ark of the Covenant.) An ark is a special box made out of wood. It can be a huge wooden box, like the one Noah and the animals were in that served as a boat, or a smaller box like this one. The ark of the covenant was very special. It was the place where God s Spirit chose to meet with His people. God gave the Israelites the ark so they would always remember that He was with them. 11
The Big God Story is written for a 3 1/2- to 6-year-old audience. It can be told in its entirety for an older audience, but may need to be shortened if your group is on the younger side. I made my own flannel graph pieces to highlight different aspects of this part of The Big God Story, including a crown, a gift box, an ark of the covenant, a bully pushing a kid, and so on. What a revelation the leaders got when they learned the reason why David took his robe off: it was too heavy. We also gave the kids a chance to make their own musical instruments and pretend to play them. They had a lot of fun putting themselves in David s shoes. 1st Baptist Church of Hemet International Church of Las Vegas God blessed His people with His presence. What does the word presence mean? (Allow children to answer.) Does it mean that God blessed people and gave them lots of presents, like at Christmas or on our birthday? No this is a different kind of presence. When we say that God was present with His people, it means that He was with them. The people knew how good it was to have God with them. When the Israelites realized the Philistines took their ark, they were very, very sad. But God is good. He made sure the Philistines returned the ark to the people of Israel. At first, the ark was in a small town just outside of Jerusalem. After the battle, King David went to the small town. He promised God to bring the ark back to Jerusalem. David loved God and wanted to obey Him and keep his promise. David gathered his soldiers and brought the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem. When the ark came to Jerusalem, the people were so happy. Why? (Encourage kids to answer.) Yes. God blesses His people by being with them. The ark not only helped them remember God was with them, it was also the place where the priest would get instructions from God on how to live and what to do. The people began to celebrate God with all their strength. The people sang songs together, danced, and played instruments. One of the instruments they played was a trumpet. (Tech: Cue Wardrobe of Wonder sound effect.) Just like we saw in the Wardrobe of Wonder! The trumpets were really loud, and everyone who heard them knew God was blessing the Israelites by being with them. (Tech: Cue trumpet sound effect.) Wow! Imagine what it must have been like! It might have even been like a giant parade! King David led the people in worship to God. (Invite child to help. While talking, dress volunteer in king s costume.) David loved God so much and was so happy, he started to dance. (Encourage volunteer and all children to dance.) The robes the king wore were long and very heavy. It was really hard to dance in them. David took off the heavy robes so he was free to dance with all his might. (Have child take off heavy robe and dance freely. Thank child for help and direct to seat.) Why did David dance? Right! He was dancing because God was blessing His people by being with them. When the dancing and singing ended, David and the people put the ark in a special tent. David prayed to God and blessed the Israelites in God s name. Then David and the Israelites ate cakes made of dates and loaves of bread. Wait a minute. We do something like that at birthday parties, don t we? When you celebrate someone on their birthday, you sing a song and you eat what? (Children answer.) Cake! That s right! Well, that s how God s people celebrated and worshipped God. They danced, sang, and ate cake in His honor! Not everybody liked that David was dancing before the Lord. One person even told him that he looked silly and foolish! Wow! How do you think David felt when he heard that? (Children answer.) I think I might have been embarrassed. But you know what? David didn t care. He said, I don t care that I look silly in your eyes. I wasn t 12
The kids really got the idea that it s better to have Jesus than the ark. Before I even had the chance to point that out, two different kids were all over it! Mountainbrook Community Church dancing for you, but for God! I won t stop dancing because I m celebrating before the Lord! David knew that God loves it when His people dance and sing for Him. The king couldn t contain his love for God. He had to sing; he had to dance. God was with His people! Friends, God blesses us by being with us today. Do we need the ark of the covenant anymore? (Allow children to answer.) No. Because of Jesus, when we love God and trust in Him, He is always with us. He fills us with His love and we always get to be with Him. When we come to church or get together with other people who love and trust in Him, God is there with us. He blesses us by being with us. No matter where we go, God s presence is always with us. 13
Respond:: 10 15 min. Worship Leader Children have the opportunity to respond to God and to what they have heard and experienced through His Word. Special attention should be given to create space for the Holy Spirit to minister to each child. The kids really enjoyed dancing and playing instruments. It was a fun way to connect to The Big God Story and David. Mt. Paran North Church of God Kids loved Respond since they were free to dance (only had a couple not participate). Good Shepherd Church So great to watch them dance and play their instruments to worship songs! The Beacon Large Group SECTION The worship response time in large group varies from week to week. Some weeks the children will respond in worship through music, while other weeks are designed for more specific interactive expressions of response. This time is intended for children to freely express their worship as God s Spirit leads them. SUPPLIES title image (see Resource Tab) or worshipful video loop basket of instruments made during Explore ribbons, streamers, or flags optional: bin of children s musical instruments from Explore Station 2 worship song (suggestions: Dance, TruWorship Songs from the Playhouse or This Is the Day, TruWorship Your Love; available on the Extras Tab for Premium, Unlimited, and Combo users; or itunes) Worship-through-Response God is with you and blesses you with His presence. No one can ever take God away from you. Because of Jesus, God is with us always and forever! How does your heart want to respond to Him? It makes me want to (give a personal example: shout, sing, dance)! Like King David, we don t have to worry about how we sound when we sing and shout, or how we look when we dance. We can trust and know that God loves it when we celebrate Him together. So let s do it! Let s worship Him together. Let s have a dance party praising God and thanking Him for always being with us! Invite the children to play their instruments, wave streamers, and dance during the worship song (suggestions: Dance or This Is the Day). To streamline large group dismissal, try dismissing one age group at a time. Give the children and leaders cheerful reminders of exit doors as they re preparing to leave. This could be a fun time to bring Chloe back to help with moving into small groups. Use her to remind little ones to stay with their Small Group Leaders, wait patiently for their friends as they walk out together, etc. 14
Respond:: 15 30 min. Small Group Leaders Children have an opportunity to reflect (within the faith community) on what they have heard, and to respond to God individually or corporately. This time is focused on the wonder of God and the foundational Truth of His Word. Small Group SECTION Your small group time is designed to encourage conversations between you and your children about what God is doing in them. Some children will be more responsive when they re engaged in something artistic. Others will be more open once their bodies get moving. Choose from the options given here or use your own ideas. The Wonder Questions may be used to start conversations during any of these activities or in a quieter, more contemplative time. Connect: Free to Dance (Optional Game: 5 10 min.) After a time of responding to God on a personal level, increase the energy by allowing time and space for children and leaders to connect with each other in a lively largemotor-skills activity. Fun challenges foster unique opportunities for conversation and help to develop your faith community. SUPPLIES (per small group) optional: large, heavy jackets, smocks, bathrobes, or other layered clothing items traffic cones (or colorful pylon cones; 1 per team) upbeat music (suggestion: I Trust You, TruWorship Your Love; available on the Extras Tab for Premium, Unlimited, and Combo users; or itunes) optional: masking tape PREPARE AHEAD Gather materials. SET UP Divide children into two teams. Each team should have a layered clothing item. Set up cones at one end of the room. ENGAGE What did King David do when the ark of the covenant was brought to Jerusalem? He took off his kingly robes and danced just like everyone else. Today we re going to play a game and dance like King David. Divide kids into teams of equal numbers. We re going to have a relay race. Each of you will dance across the room, around the cone, and back to your team to tag the next person in line. I ll demonstrate a couple of dances you can try as you move across the room, but feel free to make up your own style. Demonstrate different dance moves, like the Robot or Egyptian Walk. To make things more challenging, before you head out you ll have to put on a heavy clothing item. Dance across the room. When you reach the cone, you can take it off to lighten your moves like King David did as you dance back to your team. Then hand the item to the next person in line to put on before they start out. Encourage Small Group Leaders, or team members, to help each other put on the kingly robes. 15
I loved this Create! Our kids said some of the most wonderful things to God. It was very moving to go back and read out loud what they had said from their hearts. Mt. Paran North Church of God The writing of their own psalm was sweet, very basic. They drew pictures underneath. Revolution Church I had them complete the sentence, God is and we made a poster. The Beacon Game variation: You may choose to do this relay without using dress-up clothes. Simply modify the relay by using masking tape to create two starting lines at opposite sides of the room. Then divide children into two groups. Half of team A and half of team B will line up at the starting line on the left side of the room, and the other half of team A and team B will line up at the starting line on the other side of the room. When the music starts, the first people on teams A and B on the left side of the room will begin to dance their way across the room to the first people in line at the other side of the room. Once they arrive, they ll go to the back of the line and the first person in line will dance back across the room. When they reach the starting line, they ll tag the next person in line. Continue this cycle until all the children have had a chance to play. Consider adding a freeze component to the game. If the music stops, everyone will have to freeze until the music begins again. Create: A Psalm of Worship Create is more than just a time to make a craft. It s a hands-on opportunity for children to give artistic expression to what God is doing within them. What is created can then become a physical reminder of time spent responding to God. SUPPLIES (per table/small group) Bible (NIrV is a good children s version.) paper instrumental music instruments from Explore Create bin SET UP Place materials in a Create bin. ENGAGE In the middle of the Bible is the longest book, Psalms. The book of Psalms is made up of prayers and songs that worship God. Psalm 132 was written about the part of The Big God Story we heard today. Let s read it together. Have each group read Psalm 132 together as a faith community, and then celebrate with the kids by telling them: God blesses us with His presence by being with us! God loves it when we sing new songs or dance new dances for Him. Today we re going to write our own psalm celebrating that God is with us. Help the kids write their own psalm to God. Can you share with me any phrases you think of that praise God or celebrate who He is? I ll write them down. When your psalm is complete, begin to play the instrumental music and read it to the children. Now I m going to read the psalm line by line. After each line, I ll pause and you can add to the psalm by dancing your dance moves, doing hand motions, or playing your instruments. 16
Small Group Enhancements Premium, Unlimited, and Combo users can find a quarterly TruWonder Timeline and images of people corresponding to each week s lesson on the My Lessons page under Extras > Small Group Enhancements. As you place the weekly people squares on the timeline, invite children to help you storytell. The provided questions will prompt further conversation about what children have been experiencing. They ll enjoy watching as the timeline fills week to week and their knowledge of The Big God Story grows. Wonder Questions Discuss the following questions with the children. Wonder Questions are meant to prompt further conversation about what children have been experiencing. They also invite children to ponder this truth and dwell with the wonder of God. Be sure to pause long enough after each question to allow the children time to wonder. Encourage them to share their unique perspectives with the group. In this part of The Big God Story, we heard how the ark of the covenant was the place where God s Spirit chose to meet with His people. At one point, the ark was taken from God s people and they were very sad. When the ark was returned to Jerusalem, King David and all the people couldn t contain their love for God. They had to sing and dance. God was with His people! I wonder How did the Israelites feel when the ark came to Jerusalem? I wonder Why did King David dance? I wonder How does God bless me by being with me? 17
Bless:: 5 min. Small Group Leaders A blessing can be a prayer of commission, a portion of Scripture, or words of encouragement and guidance. A blessing can be offered in order to ask God s Spirit to overflow from the child s life in such a way that blesses others, while it can also be prayed over a child for the purpose of declaring God s protection, joy, or wisdom. The Power of Blessing Use this time to allow both volunteer leaders and parents to participate in blessing each child before they conclude their time together. Invite parents into the time of blessing at the end of the service, and encourage them to continue to bless their children throughout the week. Small Group SECTION Today, send your little ones out with a blessing by praying Scripture over them. The time of blessing is an opportunity for children to practice another physical posture of worship. Have children place their hands out in front of themselves, palms up as if cupping them together to hold water. This is a posture that demonstrates our expectancy in receiving what God has for each of us. Read the Remember Verse over the children and then close your time with a prayer of blessing. (You may choose to read through the Scripture more than once as God s Spirit leads you.) Children, God blesses you by being with you. He loves it when you dance and sing for Him. May you worship God with all your heart, mind, and strength, with other people who love and trust in Him. (reference Psalm 132:7 9) Cheer each other up with the hope you have. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIrV) 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 home setting aside a sacred space for family in the midst of their active, everyday lives! 18