Created In Love
August 23 begins our final week of VBS. We hope you are enjoying the activities.
A special thank you to Mrs. Evans, Mrs. Tierney, and Pastor Tara for contributing to the ideas and videos for this ministry. Thank you also to Mr. and Mrs. Savidge for applying for the Thrivent Action grant and putting together all the supply kits.
Week Five: The Story of Pentecost
DEVOTIONS AND MUSIC
Prayers for you to try:
Lord Jesus, we gather in your name. Guide the work of our hands and our hearts as we learn and play together. We are your people, and we ask that you help us to see how you are at work in us through the power of the Holy Spirit to share the love of God with the world. In your name we pray. Amen
Dear God, thank you for sending the Holy Spirit to be with us.
Thank you for bringing us together as your church.
Thank you for all the people in the world who are part of the church.
Help us to use our words and our actions to share the Good News of your love for all people. In Jesus name, Amen
Lord Jesus, we gather in your name. Guide the work of our hands and our hearts as we learn and play together. We are your people, and we ask that you help us to see how you are at work in us through the power of the Holy Spirit to share the love of God with the world. In your name we pray. Amen
Dear God, thank you for sending the Holy Spirit to be with us.
Thank you for bringing us together as your church.
Thank you for all the people in the world who are part of the church.
Help us to use our words and our actions to share the Good News of your love for all people. In Jesus name, Amen
Music: Doxology
Music: Faith
You will find all the songs for VBS by scrolling down to the posts for each week.
STORY TIME
Theme: We are the church! That means that Jesus has brought us together as members of God’s family. This is something that God has done for us and it is a blessing. The Holy Spirit called us here to be together. But the church is so much more than just us. God’s children gather all over the world. We are connected by the Holy Spirit and by our faith in Jesus Christ. God brings us together with our different interests, our different talents, our different experiences and even our different languages because God knows it’s a big job to share the love of Jesus and we need each other. God’s creation and God’s love is big enough to include everyone!
Story Time Option: A Conversation about the story
Read the story hear or listen to the Pentecost Sunday Children’ s sermon that we have posted as the story video for this week
The Story of Pentecost – The Birthday of the Church
On the day of Pentecost in the city of Jerusalem, the apostles were all together in one room. Suddenly a sound like a great rushing wind came from heaven and filled the whole house. Tongues of fire appeared and rested on each person. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit gave each of them the ability to speak in other languages.
There were faithful people of God from every nation living in the city. When they heard the sound they gathered around. They were confused because each person heard the apostles speaking in their languages! They were amazed and asked, “How can this be that they are telling us about God’s great deeds of power in all these languages? What does this mean?” But some people were unimpressed and said, “They must have had too much wine to drink.” When the apostle Peter heard this he told the crowds that they had not had too much to drink! He told them that God promised that this would happen through the prophet Joel. Through the prophet Joel, God promised that the Holy Spirit would come. When that happened men and women of all ages would speak God’s message, there would be great signs and everyone who called on the name of the Lord will be saved.
Then Peter went on the share with them about the wonderful things Jesus had done and how God had raised him from the dead. He shared with them that Jesus was the promised savior, the Son of God.
The people listened to Peter and had faith in Jesus. Many people were baptized and received the gift of the Holy Spirit. They were inspired by the Holy Spirit to work together as God’s people. They shared what they had with each other, so no one was in need. They ate meals together and they prayed together. They also spent time together learning and sharing about Jesus. God called more and more people into this new community, the church.
Tell me about a time when you had really good news to share...
What are some of the ways we can share good news? (for example, sending a voice message or posting a picture of them on Facebook or Instragram?)
What do you think it was like on that first Pentecost Day to hear the rushing wind and then everyone speaking in different languages?
When we have good news to share how do we share that good news in a big way? God brings lots of different people together – what can we do to help people feel welcome and loved?
Theme: We are the church! That means that Jesus has brought us together as members of God’s family. This is something that God has done for us and it is a blessing. The Holy Spirit called us here to be together. But the church is so much more than just us. God’s children gather all over the world. We are connected by the Holy Spirit and by our faith in Jesus Christ. God brings us together with our different interests, our different talents, our different experiences and even our different languages because God knows it’s a big job to share the love of Jesus and we need each other. God’s creation and God’s love is big enough to include everyone!
Story Time Option: A Conversation about the story
Read the story hear or listen to the Pentecost Sunday Children’ s sermon that we have posted as the story video for this week
The Story of Pentecost – The Birthday of the Church
On the day of Pentecost in the city of Jerusalem, the apostles were all together in one room. Suddenly a sound like a great rushing wind came from heaven and filled the whole house. Tongues of fire appeared and rested on each person. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit gave each of them the ability to speak in other languages.
There were faithful people of God from every nation living in the city. When they heard the sound they gathered around. They were confused because each person heard the apostles speaking in their languages! They were amazed and asked, “How can this be that they are telling us about God’s great deeds of power in all these languages? What does this mean?” But some people were unimpressed and said, “They must have had too much wine to drink.” When the apostle Peter heard this he told the crowds that they had not had too much to drink! He told them that God promised that this would happen through the prophet Joel. Through the prophet Joel, God promised that the Holy Spirit would come. When that happened men and women of all ages would speak God’s message, there would be great signs and everyone who called on the name of the Lord will be saved.
Then Peter went on the share with them about the wonderful things Jesus had done and how God had raised him from the dead. He shared with them that Jesus was the promised savior, the Son of God.
The people listened to Peter and had faith in Jesus. Many people were baptized and received the gift of the Holy Spirit. They were inspired by the Holy Spirit to work together as God’s people. They shared what they had with each other, so no one was in need. They ate meals together and they prayed together. They also spent time together learning and sharing about Jesus. God called more and more people into this new community, the church.
Tell me about a time when you had really good news to share...
What are some of the ways we can share good news? (for example, sending a voice message or posting a picture of them on Facebook or Instragram?)
What do you think it was like on that first Pentecost Day to hear the rushing wind and then everyone speaking in different languages?
When we have good news to share how do we share that good news in a big way? God brings lots of different people together – what can we do to help people feel welcome and loved?
Our story video for this week is the Children's Message from Pentecost Sunday. We can celebrate the birthday of the church every day as Jesus renews us each morning.
EXPLORING Exploring Option 1: “Here is the Church” Finger play
Do this a few times until the children learn the rhyme:
Here is the church, (fold your hands with your fingers inside, thumbs should point straight up on the outside)
Here is the steeple. (bring up your index fingers and touch your fingertips to make a steeple)
Open the doors (pull your thumbs apart)
To share God’s love with all people (wiggle your other fingers)
Connecting to the Bible Story –
The Holy Spirit gave Jesus’ friends, the apostles the power to speak in many languages. They opened the doors to the house and went out to share the good news of Jesus’ love with everyone they met. People were amazed! The Holy Spirit welcomed people from every land and language to be part of God’s family and to share in God’s love.
We come to our church building or gather in our homes to learn about Jesus and then we get to go out the doors to share Jesus’ love with others. We are God’s church in the church building, in our homes and everywhere we go.
Exploring Option 2: “Jesus Loves Me” in Sign Language
Explain to the children that you will be learning a new language – sign language!
“Jesus Loves Me” is a familiar children’s song that shares the good news. We are used to using our voices to share good news, but some people need to use sign language to communicate.
The apostles spoke in different languages so that everyone could hear the good news.
Do any of you know a language other than English?
Did you know that we don’t have to use our voices to speak? We can use sign language!
Explain how to sign, “Jesus loves you” and ask the children to try:
Jesus – Touch your right middle finger to the palm of your left hand then your left middle finger to the palm of your right hand.
Loves – Cross your forearms over your heart
You – Point at the person with your index finger
Connecting to the Bible Story –
There are many ways we can share the good news. When we make an effort to get to know people we can communicate with them better. You never know when the Holy Spirit will help you learn new ways to communicate with others.
Check out this video to learn the whole song in Sign Language:
Exploring Option 3: “Charades”
Supplies: 3x5 cards or scrap paper, Marker
Create a card for each of these:
Singing a song
Cooking a meal
Reading a book
Praying prayers
Helping someone
Explain that we are going to share a message but we cannot use words. Share the basic rules to play a simple game of charades. The children can choose to ask a partner to help them act out what is on their card. Pass out the cards so only the recipient can see it. Take turns acting out what it says on the card.
What does it feel like when you are trying to communicate and someone doesn’t “get it?”
What does it feel like when you can’t figure out what someone is saying to you? Sometimes our actions speak louder than our words, how can you show God’s love with your actions?
Connecting with the Bible Story –
In our game we had to struggle a bit to communicate. We knew what we had to say but everyone else had to figure it out. The Holy Spirit made it possible for everyone to hear the Good News in our story. The story helps us to see how important it is to God that everyone in the world gets to share in the Good News of God’s love in Jesus. The Holy Spirit will inspire us, too to share the Good News of God’s love. We just might be surprised at how creative God can be! The Holy Spirit also inspired the early church to live in a way that demonstrated God’s love. They used their loving actions and care for each other to be God’s love in the world.
Exploring: Option 4: Sing a Song
There are several Pentecost hymns that are easy to teach kids. Try a simple Taizé chant for Pentecost, like “Veni Sancte Spiritus.” The kids will like learning the Latin words. After singing in Latin, sing the English translation: “Holy Spirit, come to us.” Repeat the chant several times, and kids will learn it quickly.
Check out this video of people from around the world singing this song:
Supplies: 3x5 cards or scrap paper, Marker
Create a card for each of these:
Singing a song
Cooking a meal
Reading a book
Praying prayers
Helping someone
Explain that we are going to share a message but we cannot use words. Share the basic rules to play a simple game of charades. The children can choose to ask a partner to help them act out what is on their card. Pass out the cards so only the recipient can see it. Take turns acting out what it says on the card.
What does it feel like when you are trying to communicate and someone doesn’t “get it?”
What does it feel like when you can’t figure out what someone is saying to you? Sometimes our actions speak louder than our words, how can you show God’s love with your actions?
Connecting with the Bible Story –
In our game we had to struggle a bit to communicate. We knew what we had to say but everyone else had to figure it out. The Holy Spirit made it possible for everyone to hear the Good News in our story. The story helps us to see how important it is to God that everyone in the world gets to share in the Good News of God’s love in Jesus. The Holy Spirit will inspire us, too to share the Good News of God’s love. We just might be surprised at how creative God can be! The Holy Spirit also inspired the early church to live in a way that demonstrated God’s love. They used their loving actions and care for each other to be God’s love in the world.
Exploring: Option 4: Sing a Song
There are several Pentecost hymns that are easy to teach kids. Try a simple Taizé chant for Pentecost, like “Veni Sancte Spiritus.” The kids will like learning the Latin words. After singing in Latin, sing the English translation: “Holy Spirit, come to us.” Repeat the chant several times, and kids will learn it quickly.
Check out this video of people from around the world singing this song:
GAMES
Games Option 1: “Building the Church”
Supplies: Small wooden building blocks of different sizes and shapes
Give each child a handful of blocks. Instruct them that they are going to build a church building. The challenge is they can only each place one block at a time in turn. They can look at each others’ blocks, they can make suggestions to each other or decide on their own which of their blocks to use on each turn. They can not trade blocks.
The goal is to build a structure that stands up using everyone’s blocks.
Connecting to the Bible Story –
Once the people heard the Good News they started to work together as a community. The Holy Spirit inspired them to care for one another, to share what they had and to work together. We gather in our church building but there is much
more to a church than the building. It is the people who make it a church. We are church when we gather together here and we are church when we go out into the world around us. Everyone is of equal importance to God. We each have gifts to share. The Holy Spirit uses each of us in a unique way in the church so we can share the Good News of God’s love.
Games Option 2: “Will You Follow Me?”
Ask the children to do what you do when they hear you say, “Will You Follow Me?”
The object of the game is to follow the leader as a group. Unlike “Simon Says,” no one is out if they make a mistake.
Start with simple motions like marching in place, patting yourself on the head, and waving your arms in the air. You may add giving someone a hug or shaking hands. If you can move through the hallway without disturbing the other groups too much, try walking or marching down the hall.
Give everyone a chance to b the leader.
Connecting to the Bible Story –
Jesus came to show us that God loves us. Now we get to share that love with each other and the whole world. As members of the church we are followers of Jesus. Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would always be there to lead us. So when Jesus said to love God with all our heart and to love our neighbors as ourselves - just like he did - he knew we could do it because the Holy Spirit is with us.
Games: Option 3: “I Spy”
Supplies: none
The church is usually covered in red on Pentecost Sunday. Play I Spy, using the words “I spy, with my little eye, something red!” in your house.
Connecting to the Story -
Talk about what we can spy (colors) and what we can’t spy (Holy Spirit). Even though we can’t see the Holy Spirit, God made sure that we can spy evidence of the Holy Spirit. Encourage kids to notice the wind when they are outside this week.
CRAFTS
Crafts Option 1: “Wind Twirlers”
Supplies: Paper plates (thin, cheap ones work best), Scissors, Markers, Hole punch, String, Optional: Christian Symbols stickers
Starting on the outside edge of the plate, draw a spiraling line in toward the center that is as wide as the rim around the plate.
Invite the children to decorate their plates to look like fire, flames, or wind. Add stickers if you have them.
Cut along the line to create a continuous spiral and stretch it out a bit.
Hole punch at the top (smallest point on the spiral) and add a loop of string to hang it up to catch the wind
Connecting to the Bible Story –
When the Holy Spirit came to the apostles they heard a rushing wind. The Holy Spirit empowered them to speak. We breathe air in and out all the time. We feel the wind blow on a windy day. It reminds us of how close God is to us. When the wind moves our twirling plates it is a reminder that the Holy Spirit moves us to action as the church all the time. We have each other and the presence of God. We are never alone.
Crafts: Option 2: “Tongues of Fire Headbands”
Supplies: Strip of paper for each child about 2 inches wide and long enough to go around your head.
Cut yellow, red and orange paper into 4 inch, 3 inch and 2 inch flame shapes (like an upside down tear drop)
Glue sticks, Stapler or strong tape, Red, orange and yellow crayons
Ahead of time write, “We are the Church” on the strip of paper. Avoid the center where they will glue their flames.
Pass out a strip of paper and flames to each person.
Invite them to color the headband and the flames with the red, orange and yellow crayons.
Glue the largest flame to the center of the headband, then glue the medium and smaller flames on top to make the fire.
Fit the headband to each child’s head and connect the ends with stapler or tape
Once they have their headbands finished invite them to wear their creations while acting out a bit of the story:
Have everyone sit around a table or a circle on the floor. Designate separate table or floor space for another gathering place.
Ask them to be as quiet as they can. Tell them that when they hear you say, ”Share the Good News!” they are to get up and go to the other table or space on the floor. When they get there they are to say, “Jesus loves Everyone!” as loud as they can.
Connecting to Bible Story –
The apostles were gathered together when the Holy Spirit blew through the house like a mighty wind. When the flames touched them the Holy Spirit gave them the ability to share the good news in many languages.
The Holy Spirit is with us and we get to share the good news, too. We gather together as the church to worship, to hear God’s word, to share in communion and then we get to be the church wherever we go.
Crafts: Option 3: Spirited Paper Planes
Supplies: Sheets of paper, Markers, Instructions on how to fold a paper airplane
Before they fold their airplanes, invite them to write a Good News message on the side of the paper that will be “inside” their plane, such as “Jesus Loves You,” “God is Love,” “The Holy Spirit Inspires Us,” or something along those lines
Encourage them to decorate it on the theme of the lesson – flames, wind, languages, Good News
Once everyone is finished with their plane go to a place where they can safely fly their creations.
Connecting with the Bible Story –
God had an important message to send to the world, Jesus Christ has died for us and has given us the gift of eternal life! The Holy Spirit empowered the apostles to share that message in many languages. The Holy Spirit empowers us to share that message in special ways today. When we watch our airplane shaped messages lifted in the air, we can think of how the Holy Spirit lifts us up and sends us on our way. The Holy Spirit is the wind beneath our wings (as the song goes).
Here is a video on how to make a simple paper airplane:
Games Option 1: “Building the Church”
Supplies: Small wooden building blocks of different sizes and shapes
Give each child a handful of blocks. Instruct them that they are going to build a church building. The challenge is they can only each place one block at a time in turn. They can look at each others’ blocks, they can make suggestions to each other or decide on their own which of their blocks to use on each turn. They can not trade blocks.
The goal is to build a structure that stands up using everyone’s blocks.
Connecting to the Bible Story –
Once the people heard the Good News they started to work together as a community. The Holy Spirit inspired them to care for one another, to share what they had and to work together. We gather in our church building but there is much
more to a church than the building. It is the people who make it a church. We are church when we gather together here and we are church when we go out into the world around us. Everyone is of equal importance to God. We each have gifts to share. The Holy Spirit uses each of us in a unique way in the church so we can share the Good News of God’s love.
Games Option 2: “Will You Follow Me?”
Ask the children to do what you do when they hear you say, “Will You Follow Me?”
The object of the game is to follow the leader as a group. Unlike “Simon Says,” no one is out if they make a mistake.
Start with simple motions like marching in place, patting yourself on the head, and waving your arms in the air. You may add giving someone a hug or shaking hands. If you can move through the hallway without disturbing the other groups too much, try walking or marching down the hall.
Give everyone a chance to b the leader.
Connecting to the Bible Story –
Jesus came to show us that God loves us. Now we get to share that love with each other and the whole world. As members of the church we are followers of Jesus. Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would always be there to lead us. So when Jesus said to love God with all our heart and to love our neighbors as ourselves - just like he did - he knew we could do it because the Holy Spirit is with us.
Games: Option 3: “I Spy”
Supplies: none
The church is usually covered in red on Pentecost Sunday. Play I Spy, using the words “I spy, with my little eye, something red!” in your house.
Connecting to the Story -
Talk about what we can spy (colors) and what we can’t spy (Holy Spirit). Even though we can’t see the Holy Spirit, God made sure that we can spy evidence of the Holy Spirit. Encourage kids to notice the wind when they are outside this week.
CRAFTS
Crafts Option 1: “Wind Twirlers”
Supplies: Paper plates (thin, cheap ones work best), Scissors, Markers, Hole punch, String, Optional: Christian Symbols stickers
Starting on the outside edge of the plate, draw a spiraling line in toward the center that is as wide as the rim around the plate.
Invite the children to decorate their plates to look like fire, flames, or wind. Add stickers if you have them.
Cut along the line to create a continuous spiral and stretch it out a bit.
Hole punch at the top (smallest point on the spiral) and add a loop of string to hang it up to catch the wind
Connecting to the Bible Story –
When the Holy Spirit came to the apostles they heard a rushing wind. The Holy Spirit empowered them to speak. We breathe air in and out all the time. We feel the wind blow on a windy day. It reminds us of how close God is to us. When the wind moves our twirling plates it is a reminder that the Holy Spirit moves us to action as the church all the time. We have each other and the presence of God. We are never alone.
Crafts: Option 2: “Tongues of Fire Headbands”
Supplies: Strip of paper for each child about 2 inches wide and long enough to go around your head.
Cut yellow, red and orange paper into 4 inch, 3 inch and 2 inch flame shapes (like an upside down tear drop)
Glue sticks, Stapler or strong tape, Red, orange and yellow crayons
Ahead of time write, “We are the Church” on the strip of paper. Avoid the center where they will glue their flames.
Pass out a strip of paper and flames to each person.
Invite them to color the headband and the flames with the red, orange and yellow crayons.
Glue the largest flame to the center of the headband, then glue the medium and smaller flames on top to make the fire.
Fit the headband to each child’s head and connect the ends with stapler or tape
Once they have their headbands finished invite them to wear their creations while acting out a bit of the story:
Have everyone sit around a table or a circle on the floor. Designate separate table or floor space for another gathering place.
Ask them to be as quiet as they can. Tell them that when they hear you say, ”Share the Good News!” they are to get up and go to the other table or space on the floor. When they get there they are to say, “Jesus loves Everyone!” as loud as they can.
Connecting to Bible Story –
The apostles were gathered together when the Holy Spirit blew through the house like a mighty wind. When the flames touched them the Holy Spirit gave them the ability to share the good news in many languages.
The Holy Spirit is with us and we get to share the good news, too. We gather together as the church to worship, to hear God’s word, to share in communion and then we get to be the church wherever we go.
Crafts: Option 3: Spirited Paper Planes
Supplies: Sheets of paper, Markers, Instructions on how to fold a paper airplane
Before they fold their airplanes, invite them to write a Good News message on the side of the paper that will be “inside” their plane, such as “Jesus Loves You,” “God is Love,” “The Holy Spirit Inspires Us,” or something along those lines
Encourage them to decorate it on the theme of the lesson – flames, wind, languages, Good News
Once everyone is finished with their plane go to a place where they can safely fly their creations.
Connecting with the Bible Story –
God had an important message to send to the world, Jesus Christ has died for us and has given us the gift of eternal life! The Holy Spirit empowered the apostles to share that message in many languages. The Holy Spirit empowers us to share that message in special ways today. When we watch our airplane shaped messages lifted in the air, we can think of how the Holy Spirit lifts us up and sends us on our way. The Holy Spirit is the wind beneath our wings (as the song goes).
Here is a video on how to make a simple paper airplane:
BRINGING IT ALL TOGETHER
Supplies: A ball of yarn or string, Large beach ball or balloon
Stand in a circle as a group facing each other with a little space between each person
Remind them that God brought people together to be the church from all nations on Pentecost. The Holy Spirit blew like a great wind and made this possible. God brings us together as sisters and brothers in Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit. We have a common faith in Jesus Christ that connects us. We share in the love of God in which we were each created. We are going to wrap things up today with a little string!
Toss the ball of yarn to someone across the circle, they are to catch the ball and then throw it to someone else. Be sure everyone is connected by the string. You can keep going as long as you like. Encourage them to toss the ball of string gently so each person can catch it.
If they miss and have to let go to get the ball, have the child next to them hold their part of the string. The goal is to create a web of string that connects the group.
Challenge them to move as a group from one end of the room to the other without letting go of the string. If you want a challenge, place a large balloon or beach ball on the string and try to move back without letting the ball drop.
What happened in our activity?
In what ways did you work together to make this work?
The Holy Spirit connects us in faith and in love. We are formed into a community called the church. The blessing is that we can depend on God and on each other to do the work of sharing the love of God. In our story the new community ate together – we call this fellowship ministry, they broke bread and prayed together - we call that worship, they shared the good news together – we call that sharing our faith (evangelism), they shared what they had and cared for each other – we call that service ministry, and they learned about the Good News from the apostles – we call that teaching the faith (faith formation).
Stay in the connected circle for a prayer:
Heavenly Father, you have blessed us with your Holy Spirit just as you promised. Thank you that you have gathered us together as your church, your family in Christ. You connect us in love and by the power of the Holy Spirit. Help each of us to see how our unique gifts can help in serving you and those around us. Bless our church family here at St. Paul’s so we can faithfully share the Good News of your love for the whole world. In Jesus name, Amen
Supplies: A ball of yarn or string, Large beach ball or balloon
Stand in a circle as a group facing each other with a little space between each person
Remind them that God brought people together to be the church from all nations on Pentecost. The Holy Spirit blew like a great wind and made this possible. God brings us together as sisters and brothers in Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit. We have a common faith in Jesus Christ that connects us. We share in the love of God in which we were each created. We are going to wrap things up today with a little string!
Toss the ball of yarn to someone across the circle, they are to catch the ball and then throw it to someone else. Be sure everyone is connected by the string. You can keep going as long as you like. Encourage them to toss the ball of string gently so each person can catch it.
If they miss and have to let go to get the ball, have the child next to them hold their part of the string. The goal is to create a web of string that connects the group.
Challenge them to move as a group from one end of the room to the other without letting go of the string. If you want a challenge, place a large balloon or beach ball on the string and try to move back without letting the ball drop.
What happened in our activity?
In what ways did you work together to make this work?
The Holy Spirit connects us in faith and in love. We are formed into a community called the church. The blessing is that we can depend on God and on each other to do the work of sharing the love of God. In our story the new community ate together – we call this fellowship ministry, they broke bread and prayed together - we call that worship, they shared the good news together – we call that sharing our faith (evangelism), they shared what they had and cared for each other – we call that service ministry, and they learned about the Good News from the apostles – we call that teaching the faith (faith formation).
Stay in the connected circle for a prayer:
Heavenly Father, you have blessed us with your Holy Spirit just as you promised. Thank you that you have gathered us together as your church, your family in Christ. You connect us in love and by the power of the Holy Spirit. Help each of us to see how our unique gifts can help in serving you and those around us. Bless our church family here at St. Paul’s so we can faithfully share the Good News of your love for the whole world. In Jesus name, Amen
Week Four: The Christmas Story
DEVOTIONS AND MUSIC
Option One: Prayer Chain
Using the prayer chain from Crafts Option Two, have the children hold them for prayer time and name each person as you pray...
Lord God, we thank you for the gift of family and the love we share. Thank you for sending your Son, Jesus so we would know how much you love us. Thank you for being with us all the time. Be close to our families and keep us strong. We pray for....names on the chain....In Jesus name, Amen
Option Two: Prayer with a Christmas Hymn or Song
Choose a favorite Christmas Hymn such as Silent Night or O Come All Ye Faithful
Sing the song together and then offer a prayer based on the words of the hymn.
Using the prayer chain from Crafts Option Two, have the children hold them for prayer time and name each person as you pray...
Lord God, we thank you for the gift of family and the love we share. Thank you for sending your Son, Jesus so we would know how much you love us. Thank you for being with us all the time. Be close to our families and keep us strong. We pray for....names on the chain....In Jesus name, Amen
Option Two: Prayer with a Christmas Hymn or Song
Choose a favorite Christmas Hymn such as Silent Night or O Come All Ye Faithful
Sing the song together and then offer a prayer based on the words of the hymn.
Music: Light of the World
Music: It is Well With My Soul
STORY VIDEO
STORY TIME
Option One: Watch the Story Video and have a conversation about the story
This week we are going to celebrate Christmas! Jesus was born into a family on the first Christmas. Mary, his mother wrapped him in a snug blanket. Joseph welcomed Jesus as his adopted Son and kept Jesus safe. We call Jesus “Emmanuel” which means “God is with us.” When we celebrate Jesus’ birthday on Christmas we remember that God is with us all the time. To keep that in mind we are going to celebrate Christmas in the summer! It must have been an amazing experience for Mary and Joseph to have the Son of God as part of their family. Jesus promised to be with us always and we are always loved by God.
What happens in the story?
Do you have any questions about the story?
What are your favorite memories of celebrating Christmas as a family?
If your child has been in a Christmas Pageant or Play – talk about their experience or share about your own experience.
Story time Option Two: Read or tell the Bible Story
The story of the Nativity is found in Luke chapters 1 and 2. Or use this paraphrase:
"The Christmas Story"
Before the first Christmas, God sent the angel Gabriel to the town of Nazareth to a virgin named Mary. Mary was engaged to a man named Joseph whose ancestor was King David. Gabriel said to Mary, “You are blessed! God is with you.” Mary was confused and wondered what Gabriel meant. Gabriel told Mary, “Don’t be afraid! God will bless you with a son. His name will be Jesus.” Mary asked Gabriel, “How can this happen?” Gabriel said, “By the power of the Holy Spirit. He told Mary, “Your child will be called the holy Son of God.” Then Gabriel told Mary that her relative Elizabeth was also going to have a son even though no one thought this could be possible. Nothing is impossible for God! Mary said, “Here I am, Lord. I will serve God in this way.”
Soon after that, Mary traveled to visit Elizabeth. Elizabeth felt her baby leap with joy as soon as Mary arrived. The Holy Spirit inspired Elizabeth to say, “God has blessed you Mary because you believed that God will keep God’s promise.”
Mary said, “I praise God with all my heart. I rejoice in God, my savior. God has done great things for me and for all God’s children.”
Just before Jesus was born, the Emperor ordered that everyone must go to their hometown and have their names written in the record books. Because Bethlehem was King David’s hometown a very long time ago and Joseph was from King David’s family, he had to travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem to register. Joseph and Mary went on the long trip to Bethlehem together because they were engaged to be married. While Mary and Joseph were in Bethlehem, Jesus was born. Mary wrapped baby Jesus in bands of cloth and laid him in a manger filled with hay, because there was no room for them in the inn.
The night Jesus was born there were shepherds watching their sheep in the fields near Bethlehem. Suddenly an angel from God appeared to them, and the light of God’s glory filled the night sky. The shepherds were afraid. The Angel said, “Don’t be afraid! I have good news that will bring everyone joy. Today in King David’s city a Savior was born. He is Christ, the Lord! You will find him wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger filled with hay. Suddenly the sky was filled with angels, who sang, “Glory to God in heaven! Peace on earth!” After the angels returned to heaven, the shepherds said, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see what God has done.” They left for Bethlehem right away and found Mary, Joseph and the baby just like the angels had said. The shepherds told Mary and Joseph what the angels said about Jesus. Everyone listened and was amazed. Mary treasured in her heart everything they said. The shepherds went back to the fields, praising God for what they had seen and heard.
Option Two: Watching the Movie “The Star”
Supplies: The Star (movie 2017) Available on select video buying platforms starting at 2.99 to rent or to buy.
Have a video night in your own home. This cartoon recreation of the Christmas story, told from the point of view of a talking donkey, Bo retells the story and struggles of traveling to Bethlehem. His hilarious animal friends go on the adventure of their dreams to see Mary and Joseph on their way to Bethlehem.
Connecting to the Story-
Mary and Joseph went through a lot of challenges too. Christmas reminds us that sometimes following God will be difficult, but we can trust that God loves us and cares for us and is always with us. Jesus’ birth reminds us of that some gifts can’t be wrapped in foil paper and sealed with a bow. As we go around, name one gift—a special person, a kind word, a blessing from God—that you’re thankful for in this Virtual Vacation Bible School season.
EXPLORING
Exploring Option One: Nativity Sets
Supplies:
Printable Nativity Scene (See link below) – glue to construction paper to make them more sturdy and attach to craft sticks OR a nativity set (preferably one that is sturdy enough for the children to use) with Mary, Joseph, donkey, baby Jesus, angels, shepherds and sheep, a manger
www.craftaholicsanonymous.net/nativity-finger-puppets-free-christmas- printable
Connecting to the Bible Story -
Using the nativity set ask the children to tell you the story in their own words. Give them a little help with hints if needed.
After they have set up the manger scene have a conversation:
There were a lot of surprises in the Christmas story! Tell me about a surprise you have had – or have you ever surprised someone? What happened when there was a surprise?
God did some really amazing and surprising things in Mary and Joseph’s family – a new baby, visits from Angels, and shepherds who came to tell them amazing things about baby Jesus. Mary treasured all these things in her heart. That means she wanted to always remember the amazing things that happened when Jesus was born.
God does amazing things in our families all the time; maybe not as exciting as seeing angels or bright light in the sky, but God is still at work in our lives.
Exploring Option Two: “A Live Nativity”
Supplies:
A baby doll wrapped in a blanket, robes, blankets, towels, pieces of cloth or items of clothing that can be adapted to become costumes for a Nativity Scene, Camera
As a family create a Living Nativity by each taking a part in the story and creating costumes.
Connecting to the Bible Story –
Everyone in the Christmas story was an ordinary person. They were doing what they did every day when God did something amazing by sending baby Jesus into their lives. We dressed up as the people in the story to be reminded that this story is about us as well. We are ordinary people and Jesus is with us each and every day. Jesus came into Mary and Joseph’s family and amazing things happened. People saw that God is with us and it brought them joy. Jesus is part of our families, too. When we love and support each other, we share the joy of God’s love in our family.
Exploring Option Three: “Lego Nativity”
Supplies:
A variety of Legos that includes lots of people (keep it simple)
Invite the children to use the Legos to create a Nativity Scene based on the story they just heard. They can build a stable, a manger, and even the fields outside Bethlehem. Have them talk out their plan before they start so they can work together. You may need to be creative depending on what Legos you have available. The goal is for them to communicate what they hear in the story through their Lego structure. I
It does not have to look like a traditional Nativity scene.
If they want to include the 3 Kings that’s okay. Help them to know that the Kings come later and we hear that part of the story in the Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 2.
Connecting to the Bible Story –
Ask the children to tell you about their structure.
Traditionally St. Francis gets the credit for coming up with the idea to make a Nativity Scene. Over time it has grown into what we have in church and in our homes. The Nativity Scene helps us to remember and to tell the story of Jesus’ birth.
For conversation talk about your family’s Nativity Scene traditions or how might you begin a tradition?
Exploring Option Four: “Celebrations”
Supplies: photos of your family’s births
Ask your family about the celebrations leading up to your birth (or birth of older siblings). Was there a baby shower? A gender reveal party? Did you come on time or early? Was there any special memorable events of the day? Look at photos of your birth. Who came to celebrate you?
Connecting to the story -
The heavens and earth were and still do celebrate the birth of Jesus.
How do you think Jesus' family, friends, or even the animals might have celebrated at his birth? (danced, made noises, etc.) One way we celebrate is by wearing special things like birthday crowns or jewelry on our birthday.
GAMES
Games Option One: “Traveling to Bethlehem”
Supplies: A piece of paper for each child, Crayons or washable markers, Chairs, Basket to hold the paper
In a safe area for movement, place the chairs so the children can walk around them like an obstacle course.
Joseph and Mary had to travel to Bethlehem to register for the Emperor. That means they had to “sign in” when they got there so the Emperor knew how many people were in his kingdom. It was a long, dangerous trip but they did it together and God went with them.
Ask the children to write their names (with help if needed) on their paper and fold the paper so the name cannot be seen.
Tell the children that the starting line is Nazareth and they have to travel to Bethlehem to put their names in the basket on the other side of the space without bumping into any of the chairs. Tell them it is not a race so it doesn’t matter who arrives in Bethlehem first. The most important thing is to get there safely to put your names in the basket.
After everyone has arrived safely have each person pull a name from the basket but do not look at the name. Try to guess whose name each person has then see who guessed correctly. Now invite each person to say something kind about the person they chose. Being safe isn’t just about our physical safety. Being kind to one another keeps our hearts safe.
Connecting to the Bible Story -
A blessing of having family is that we can help each other be safe, take care of each other and have amazing experiences together. This is a way that we share the love of God with each other. God is with us all the time helping us to keep each other safe. God helps us to take care of each other. When Mary and Joseph arrived in Bethlehem there was no room in the inn but they found a safe place for baby Jesus. It wasn’t fancy but he was safe. God blesses us with family members who are responsible for keeping us safe.
Games Option Two: Traveling Ping Pong ball
Supplies: A paper towel or toilet paper tube cut in half lengthwise (to make a channel) for each person, Ping Pong ball or other small ball or marble that will roll within the paper towel tube channel, Basket or bucket, space where you can spread out
Give each child a paper towel tube
The goal of the activity is to pass the ping pong ball from one tube to another across the room without dropping it or having it roll backwards. Once the ball is in your tube you must stand still until you can roll it to someone else to keep it moving.
Start the ball in one child’s tube and tell them to work together to roll it through their tubes and get it to the basket. Each person can move to keep taking turns moving the ball to the basket.
What happened in our game?
What did you have to do to be successful?
Connecting to the Bible Story –
After the Shepherds visited Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus they went on their way sharing the story. God sent a savior, Jesus who was born in Bethlehem. It was an important message. We have the story today because it was passed on from generation to generation. We can think of the ping pong ball as the story of Jesus’ birth. We kept it going just like the Shepherds and everyone after them kept the story going with God’s help.
Jesus’ mother Mary treasured her memory of what happened in her heart. Memories of our family’s stories are important to us. When God blesses our families in a special way it is important to keep that memory alive in our family. We can share the good news of the first Christmas and the good news of how God is with our families even today.
Games Option Three: Bible Trivia Game (adapted from Spark Sunday School)
Supplies: Answers and Questions
In this game, kids will be read an answer and will have to come up with the question. Prepare the answers on cards or use the handouts, with the questions on the back or bottom or have a caller. You can set it up with the points or play your own way. You could have kids ring in with different bells or noisemakers. There are 3 categories: People, Places, Angels.
People:
Q1: Answer: She said, “Here I am, I the servant of Lord.”
Q2: Answer: Angels appeared to this group of people to tell them of Jesus’ birth. Q3: Answer: He was engaged to Mary.
Q4: Answer: She was Mary’s relative who was also pregnant.
Q5: Answer: He ordered the census in Israel.
Places:
Q1: Answer: Jesus was placed in one of these after he was born. Q2: Answer: There was no room for Mary and Joseph here.
Q3: Answer: The shepherds were her with their sheep.
Q4: Answer: Joseph and Mary originally lived in this city.
Q5: Answer: Bethlehem is known as this.
Angels:
Q1: Answer: God sent this angel to tell Mary she was pregnant.
Q2: Answer: The angels used this comforting phrase with both Mary and the shepherds.
Q3: Answer: The number of angels that first appeared to the shepherds.
Q4: Answer: The multitude of angels sang/said this to the shepherds.
Q5: Answer: The angel said Mary’s son would be called this.
Questions:
People Q1: Who is Mary? Luke 1:38
People Q2: Who are the shepherds? Luke 2:9,13
People Q3: Who is Joseph? Luke 1:27 & 2:5
People Q4: Who is Elizabeth? Luke 1:36
People Q5: Who is Emperor Augustus? Luke 2:1
Places Q1: What is a manger? Luke 2:7
Places Q2: What is the inn? Luke 2:7
Places Q3: What are the fields? Luke 2:8
Places Q4: What is Nazareth? Luke 2:4
Places Q5: What is the “city of David”? Luke 2:4
Angels Q1: Who is Gabriel? Luke 1:26
Angels Q2: What is “Don’t be afraid”? Luke 1:30 and Luke 2:10
Angels Q3: What is one? Luke 2:9
Angels Q4: What is “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those who he favors!”? Luke 2:14
Angels Q5: What is “Son of God”? Luke 1:35
Connecting to the Bible Story-
Kids will recall certain details from the story in a backwards way.
CRAFTS
Crafts Option One: “Names of Jesus”
Supplies: Handout of ornaments, crayons or markers
If you did not get the handout in the mail, here is a link so you can print one from the site:
images.app.goo.gl/H49fKbHZxm8XGZZH9
Think of all the nicknames you have. How many can you think of? Now think of all the names we call Jesus. How many can you think of?
Use the handouts and color each ornament. Display them – on the original papers or cut out and hang as a border around a room in your house. You can also save and use as a countdown to Christmas. If you don’t have the handouts, here are 25 names of Jesus: Jesus, Shiloh, Ancient of Days, Friend, Savior, Friend, The Word, Servant, King, Rose of Sharon, Lily of the Valley, The Christ, Immanuel, Holy One, Light of the World, Day Spring, Star, Good Shephard, Lamb of God, Unspeakable Gift, First Born of Every Creature, Wonderful Counselor, The Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, Alpha & Omega.
Connecting to the Bible Story –
God loves each of us and calls us by name. Each of the names for Jesus helps us to better understand who he is.
Crafts Option Two: “Prayer Chains”
Supplies: Strips of construction paper, Tape or a stapler, Markers
Ask the children to write the names of their family members on the strips of paper, one name per strip of paper. On one strip write “God”
Attach the paper strips together in a paper chain using either the tape (younger children) or stapler (older children) including a link for God.
Set these aside for prayer time
Connecting to the Bible Story –
If we made a prayer chain for baby Jesus we would have a link for Mary, one for Joseph and one for God. We are connected by love in our families like links in a chain. The most important link is God. You may use these chains at home when you pray. Say a prayer for each person in the chain. You can add more chains if you think of more family members to add.
BRING IT ALL TOGETHER
We are used to hearing the Christmas story at Christmas time. We heard the Christmas story in the middle of summer to remind us that God is with us and that God loves us. Mary and Joseph were people just like us. God did something amazing in their family by sending baby Jesus into their lives. As Jesus grew up, he continued to show us God’s amazing love. We get to share that love in our families and with people we meet.
When we hear the story of the first Christmas we hear that baby Jesus was part of a family with Mary and Joseph. Mary and Joseph took care of baby Jesus. The love they shared with Jesus reflected the love God shares with us. Jesus is the Son of God, which means God came to be with us. God was with Mary and Joseph. God was with the Shepherds and everyone who came to see Jesus in Bethlehem. The good news is that God is still with us in our families and in the whole world. When we love and care for each other we share that love.
Option One: Watch the Story Video and have a conversation about the story
This week we are going to celebrate Christmas! Jesus was born into a family on the first Christmas. Mary, his mother wrapped him in a snug blanket. Joseph welcomed Jesus as his adopted Son and kept Jesus safe. We call Jesus “Emmanuel” which means “God is with us.” When we celebrate Jesus’ birthday on Christmas we remember that God is with us all the time. To keep that in mind we are going to celebrate Christmas in the summer! It must have been an amazing experience for Mary and Joseph to have the Son of God as part of their family. Jesus promised to be with us always and we are always loved by God.
What happens in the story?
Do you have any questions about the story?
What are your favorite memories of celebrating Christmas as a family?
If your child has been in a Christmas Pageant or Play – talk about their experience or share about your own experience.
Story time Option Two: Read or tell the Bible Story
The story of the Nativity is found in Luke chapters 1 and 2. Or use this paraphrase:
"The Christmas Story"
Before the first Christmas, God sent the angel Gabriel to the town of Nazareth to a virgin named Mary. Mary was engaged to a man named Joseph whose ancestor was King David. Gabriel said to Mary, “You are blessed! God is with you.” Mary was confused and wondered what Gabriel meant. Gabriel told Mary, “Don’t be afraid! God will bless you with a son. His name will be Jesus.” Mary asked Gabriel, “How can this happen?” Gabriel said, “By the power of the Holy Spirit. He told Mary, “Your child will be called the holy Son of God.” Then Gabriel told Mary that her relative Elizabeth was also going to have a son even though no one thought this could be possible. Nothing is impossible for God! Mary said, “Here I am, Lord. I will serve God in this way.”
Soon after that, Mary traveled to visit Elizabeth. Elizabeth felt her baby leap with joy as soon as Mary arrived. The Holy Spirit inspired Elizabeth to say, “God has blessed you Mary because you believed that God will keep God’s promise.”
Mary said, “I praise God with all my heart. I rejoice in God, my savior. God has done great things for me and for all God’s children.”
Just before Jesus was born, the Emperor ordered that everyone must go to their hometown and have their names written in the record books. Because Bethlehem was King David’s hometown a very long time ago and Joseph was from King David’s family, he had to travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem to register. Joseph and Mary went on the long trip to Bethlehem together because they were engaged to be married. While Mary and Joseph were in Bethlehem, Jesus was born. Mary wrapped baby Jesus in bands of cloth and laid him in a manger filled with hay, because there was no room for them in the inn.
The night Jesus was born there were shepherds watching their sheep in the fields near Bethlehem. Suddenly an angel from God appeared to them, and the light of God’s glory filled the night sky. The shepherds were afraid. The Angel said, “Don’t be afraid! I have good news that will bring everyone joy. Today in King David’s city a Savior was born. He is Christ, the Lord! You will find him wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger filled with hay. Suddenly the sky was filled with angels, who sang, “Glory to God in heaven! Peace on earth!” After the angels returned to heaven, the shepherds said, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see what God has done.” They left for Bethlehem right away and found Mary, Joseph and the baby just like the angels had said. The shepherds told Mary and Joseph what the angels said about Jesus. Everyone listened and was amazed. Mary treasured in her heart everything they said. The shepherds went back to the fields, praising God for what they had seen and heard.
Option Two: Watching the Movie “The Star”
Supplies: The Star (movie 2017) Available on select video buying platforms starting at 2.99 to rent or to buy.
Have a video night in your own home. This cartoon recreation of the Christmas story, told from the point of view of a talking donkey, Bo retells the story and struggles of traveling to Bethlehem. His hilarious animal friends go on the adventure of their dreams to see Mary and Joseph on their way to Bethlehem.
Connecting to the Story-
Mary and Joseph went through a lot of challenges too. Christmas reminds us that sometimes following God will be difficult, but we can trust that God loves us and cares for us and is always with us. Jesus’ birth reminds us of that some gifts can’t be wrapped in foil paper and sealed with a bow. As we go around, name one gift—a special person, a kind word, a blessing from God—that you’re thankful for in this Virtual Vacation Bible School season.
EXPLORING
Exploring Option One: Nativity Sets
Supplies:
Printable Nativity Scene (See link below) – glue to construction paper to make them more sturdy and attach to craft sticks OR a nativity set (preferably one that is sturdy enough for the children to use) with Mary, Joseph, donkey, baby Jesus, angels, shepherds and sheep, a manger
www.craftaholicsanonymous.net/nativity-finger-puppets-free-christmas- printable
Connecting to the Bible Story -
Using the nativity set ask the children to tell you the story in their own words. Give them a little help with hints if needed.
After they have set up the manger scene have a conversation:
There were a lot of surprises in the Christmas story! Tell me about a surprise you have had – or have you ever surprised someone? What happened when there was a surprise?
God did some really amazing and surprising things in Mary and Joseph’s family – a new baby, visits from Angels, and shepherds who came to tell them amazing things about baby Jesus. Mary treasured all these things in her heart. That means she wanted to always remember the amazing things that happened when Jesus was born.
God does amazing things in our families all the time; maybe not as exciting as seeing angels or bright light in the sky, but God is still at work in our lives.
Exploring Option Two: “A Live Nativity”
Supplies:
A baby doll wrapped in a blanket, robes, blankets, towels, pieces of cloth or items of clothing that can be adapted to become costumes for a Nativity Scene, Camera
As a family create a Living Nativity by each taking a part in the story and creating costumes.
Connecting to the Bible Story –
Everyone in the Christmas story was an ordinary person. They were doing what they did every day when God did something amazing by sending baby Jesus into their lives. We dressed up as the people in the story to be reminded that this story is about us as well. We are ordinary people and Jesus is with us each and every day. Jesus came into Mary and Joseph’s family and amazing things happened. People saw that God is with us and it brought them joy. Jesus is part of our families, too. When we love and support each other, we share the joy of God’s love in our family.
Exploring Option Three: “Lego Nativity”
Supplies:
A variety of Legos that includes lots of people (keep it simple)
Invite the children to use the Legos to create a Nativity Scene based on the story they just heard. They can build a stable, a manger, and even the fields outside Bethlehem. Have them talk out their plan before they start so they can work together. You may need to be creative depending on what Legos you have available. The goal is for them to communicate what they hear in the story through their Lego structure. I
It does not have to look like a traditional Nativity scene.
If they want to include the 3 Kings that’s okay. Help them to know that the Kings come later and we hear that part of the story in the Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 2.
Connecting to the Bible Story –
Ask the children to tell you about their structure.
Traditionally St. Francis gets the credit for coming up with the idea to make a Nativity Scene. Over time it has grown into what we have in church and in our homes. The Nativity Scene helps us to remember and to tell the story of Jesus’ birth.
For conversation talk about your family’s Nativity Scene traditions or how might you begin a tradition?
Exploring Option Four: “Celebrations”
Supplies: photos of your family’s births
Ask your family about the celebrations leading up to your birth (or birth of older siblings). Was there a baby shower? A gender reveal party? Did you come on time or early? Was there any special memorable events of the day? Look at photos of your birth. Who came to celebrate you?
Connecting to the story -
The heavens and earth were and still do celebrate the birth of Jesus.
How do you think Jesus' family, friends, or even the animals might have celebrated at his birth? (danced, made noises, etc.) One way we celebrate is by wearing special things like birthday crowns or jewelry on our birthday.
GAMES
Games Option One: “Traveling to Bethlehem”
Supplies: A piece of paper for each child, Crayons or washable markers, Chairs, Basket to hold the paper
In a safe area for movement, place the chairs so the children can walk around them like an obstacle course.
Joseph and Mary had to travel to Bethlehem to register for the Emperor. That means they had to “sign in” when they got there so the Emperor knew how many people were in his kingdom. It was a long, dangerous trip but they did it together and God went with them.
Ask the children to write their names (with help if needed) on their paper and fold the paper so the name cannot be seen.
Tell the children that the starting line is Nazareth and they have to travel to Bethlehem to put their names in the basket on the other side of the space without bumping into any of the chairs. Tell them it is not a race so it doesn’t matter who arrives in Bethlehem first. The most important thing is to get there safely to put your names in the basket.
After everyone has arrived safely have each person pull a name from the basket but do not look at the name. Try to guess whose name each person has then see who guessed correctly. Now invite each person to say something kind about the person they chose. Being safe isn’t just about our physical safety. Being kind to one another keeps our hearts safe.
Connecting to the Bible Story -
A blessing of having family is that we can help each other be safe, take care of each other and have amazing experiences together. This is a way that we share the love of God with each other. God is with us all the time helping us to keep each other safe. God helps us to take care of each other. When Mary and Joseph arrived in Bethlehem there was no room in the inn but they found a safe place for baby Jesus. It wasn’t fancy but he was safe. God blesses us with family members who are responsible for keeping us safe.
Games Option Two: Traveling Ping Pong ball
Supplies: A paper towel or toilet paper tube cut in half lengthwise (to make a channel) for each person, Ping Pong ball or other small ball or marble that will roll within the paper towel tube channel, Basket or bucket, space where you can spread out
Give each child a paper towel tube
The goal of the activity is to pass the ping pong ball from one tube to another across the room without dropping it or having it roll backwards. Once the ball is in your tube you must stand still until you can roll it to someone else to keep it moving.
Start the ball in one child’s tube and tell them to work together to roll it through their tubes and get it to the basket. Each person can move to keep taking turns moving the ball to the basket.
What happened in our game?
What did you have to do to be successful?
Connecting to the Bible Story –
After the Shepherds visited Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus they went on their way sharing the story. God sent a savior, Jesus who was born in Bethlehem. It was an important message. We have the story today because it was passed on from generation to generation. We can think of the ping pong ball as the story of Jesus’ birth. We kept it going just like the Shepherds and everyone after them kept the story going with God’s help.
Jesus’ mother Mary treasured her memory of what happened in her heart. Memories of our family’s stories are important to us. When God blesses our families in a special way it is important to keep that memory alive in our family. We can share the good news of the first Christmas and the good news of how God is with our families even today.
Games Option Three: Bible Trivia Game (adapted from Spark Sunday School)
Supplies: Answers and Questions
In this game, kids will be read an answer and will have to come up with the question. Prepare the answers on cards or use the handouts, with the questions on the back or bottom or have a caller. You can set it up with the points or play your own way. You could have kids ring in with different bells or noisemakers. There are 3 categories: People, Places, Angels.
People:
Q1: Answer: She said, “Here I am, I the servant of Lord.”
Q2: Answer: Angels appeared to this group of people to tell them of Jesus’ birth. Q3: Answer: He was engaged to Mary.
Q4: Answer: She was Mary’s relative who was also pregnant.
Q5: Answer: He ordered the census in Israel.
Places:
Q1: Answer: Jesus was placed in one of these after he was born. Q2: Answer: There was no room for Mary and Joseph here.
Q3: Answer: The shepherds were her with their sheep.
Q4: Answer: Joseph and Mary originally lived in this city.
Q5: Answer: Bethlehem is known as this.
Angels:
Q1: Answer: God sent this angel to tell Mary she was pregnant.
Q2: Answer: The angels used this comforting phrase with both Mary and the shepherds.
Q3: Answer: The number of angels that first appeared to the shepherds.
Q4: Answer: The multitude of angels sang/said this to the shepherds.
Q5: Answer: The angel said Mary’s son would be called this.
Questions:
People Q1: Who is Mary? Luke 1:38
People Q2: Who are the shepherds? Luke 2:9,13
People Q3: Who is Joseph? Luke 1:27 & 2:5
People Q4: Who is Elizabeth? Luke 1:36
People Q5: Who is Emperor Augustus? Luke 2:1
Places Q1: What is a manger? Luke 2:7
Places Q2: What is the inn? Luke 2:7
Places Q3: What are the fields? Luke 2:8
Places Q4: What is Nazareth? Luke 2:4
Places Q5: What is the “city of David”? Luke 2:4
Angels Q1: Who is Gabriel? Luke 1:26
Angels Q2: What is “Don’t be afraid”? Luke 1:30 and Luke 2:10
Angels Q3: What is one? Luke 2:9
Angels Q4: What is “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those who he favors!”? Luke 2:14
Angels Q5: What is “Son of God”? Luke 1:35
Connecting to the Bible Story-
Kids will recall certain details from the story in a backwards way.
CRAFTS
Crafts Option One: “Names of Jesus”
Supplies: Handout of ornaments, crayons or markers
If you did not get the handout in the mail, here is a link so you can print one from the site:
images.app.goo.gl/H49fKbHZxm8XGZZH9
Think of all the nicknames you have. How many can you think of? Now think of all the names we call Jesus. How many can you think of?
Use the handouts and color each ornament. Display them – on the original papers or cut out and hang as a border around a room in your house. You can also save and use as a countdown to Christmas. If you don’t have the handouts, here are 25 names of Jesus: Jesus, Shiloh, Ancient of Days, Friend, Savior, Friend, The Word, Servant, King, Rose of Sharon, Lily of the Valley, The Christ, Immanuel, Holy One, Light of the World, Day Spring, Star, Good Shephard, Lamb of God, Unspeakable Gift, First Born of Every Creature, Wonderful Counselor, The Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, Alpha & Omega.
Connecting to the Bible Story –
God loves each of us and calls us by name. Each of the names for Jesus helps us to better understand who he is.
Crafts Option Two: “Prayer Chains”
Supplies: Strips of construction paper, Tape or a stapler, Markers
Ask the children to write the names of their family members on the strips of paper, one name per strip of paper. On one strip write “God”
Attach the paper strips together in a paper chain using either the tape (younger children) or stapler (older children) including a link for God.
Set these aside for prayer time
Connecting to the Bible Story –
If we made a prayer chain for baby Jesus we would have a link for Mary, one for Joseph and one for God. We are connected by love in our families like links in a chain. The most important link is God. You may use these chains at home when you pray. Say a prayer for each person in the chain. You can add more chains if you think of more family members to add.
BRING IT ALL TOGETHER
We are used to hearing the Christmas story at Christmas time. We heard the Christmas story in the middle of summer to remind us that God is with us and that God loves us. Mary and Joseph were people just like us. God did something amazing in their family by sending baby Jesus into their lives. As Jesus grew up, he continued to show us God’s amazing love. We get to share that love in our families and with people we meet.
When we hear the story of the first Christmas we hear that baby Jesus was part of a family with Mary and Joseph. Mary and Joseph took care of baby Jesus. The love they shared with Jesus reflected the love God shares with us. Jesus is the Son of God, which means God came to be with us. God was with Mary and Joseph. God was with the Shepherds and everyone who came to see Jesus in Bethlehem. The good news is that God is still with us in our families and in the whole world. When we love and care for each other we share that love.
Pastor Tara shared a Created in Love Craft with Us!
See the video at the link and the instructions are posted below.
See the video at the link and the instructions are posted below.
Here are the instructions: How to make a Fridge Wreath... How to make “Created in Love” fridge wreath.
Collect supplies: printer paper, marker, scissors, glue stick. Choose a bible verse that helps you focus on the fact that you are created in love. I choose Genesis 1:27 and 31. Trace hand outline twice on one piece of printer paper. Add 3 pieces of printer paper under template. Cut out hand outlines. Grab a plate to trace 2 - 6 inch circles one paper and cut out circles. With marker, draw land mass outlines to cut out and glue on your full circle. Once earth is glued together, glue hands all the way around the earth. I added the words “created in love” to my hands and globe. On one hand , I wrote the Bible verse. When done - place on your fridge. Fill in empty spaces of the hands with encouraging quotes and/or pictures of good things about you and the world. If you try this project, please share your Fridge Wreath. Hope you have fun!
Collect supplies: printer paper, marker, scissors, glue stick. Choose a bible verse that helps you focus on the fact that you are created in love. I choose Genesis 1:27 and 31. Trace hand outline twice on one piece of printer paper. Add 3 pieces of printer paper under template. Cut out hand outlines. Grab a plate to trace 2 - 6 inch circles one paper and cut out circles. With marker, draw land mass outlines to cut out and glue on your full circle. Once earth is glued together, glue hands all the way around the earth. I added the words “created in love” to my hands and globe. On one hand , I wrote the Bible verse. When done - place on your fridge. Fill in empty spaces of the hands with encouraging quotes and/or pictures of good things about you and the world. If you try this project, please share your Fridge Wreath. Hope you have fun!
Week Three: God's Love Within Our Family
DEVOTIONS AND MUSIC
Option One: Using one of your craft projects that has the names of your family members offer this prayer:
Heavenly Father, you blessed Ruth and Naomi with the gift of family. You have blessed us with the same gift. We thank you for each person in our families. Thank you for the love and support we receive from our families. Help us to be a blessing to our families as you have blessed us through them. We pray in the name of your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen
Option Two: “Bubble Prayers”
Supplies: Bubble solution and stick to blow bubbles
Name people in your family that they would like to pray for.
Call out the people’s names each time you blow bubbles.
Lift your prayers to God as the bubbles float up into the air.
When the bubbles pop it’s our way of saying “Amen!” in this prayer. You may even want to shout “Amen!” when you see a bubble pop.
Option One: Using one of your craft projects that has the names of your family members offer this prayer:
Heavenly Father, you blessed Ruth and Naomi with the gift of family. You have blessed us with the same gift. We thank you for each person in our families. Thank you for the love and support we receive from our families. Help us to be a blessing to our families as you have blessed us through them. We pray in the name of your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen
Option Two: “Bubble Prayers”
Supplies: Bubble solution and stick to blow bubbles
Name people in your family that they would like to pray for.
Call out the people’s names each time you blow bubbles.
Lift your prayers to God as the bubbles float up into the air.
When the bubbles pop it’s our way of saying “Amen!” in this prayer. You may even want to shout “Amen!” when you see a bubble pop.
Music: Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee
More Music:
The Story for Week Three: Ruth and Naomi
STORY TIME
The story of Ruth and Naomi is about standing by our family members especially when life is sad or difficult. We share the love of God with each other when we support each other in our families.
Ruth
A very long time ago there was a famine in the land around Bethlehem. Life was difficult because there was not enough food. A woman named Naomi, her husband Elimelech and their two sons moved from their home in Bethlehem to the country of Moab. They hoped that life would be better there for their family. While they were in Moab Naomi’s sons got married. Their wives names were Orpah and Ruth. Life became very difficult and sad for their family. Naomi’s husband and both of her sons died. Naomi heard that the famine had ended so she decided to go back to Bethlehem where she had family and friends. She told Orpah and Ruth to stay with their family and friends in Moab. Orpah went back to her parents. Ruth stayed with her mother-in-law Naomi. Naomi insisted that Ruth return to her family but Ruth said, “Don’t make me leave you. Where you will go, I will go. Where you will stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God will be my God. I make this promise to you and to God.” Naomi saw how determined Ruth was to stay with her so they traveled as a family to Bethlehem. While they were in Bethlehem Ruth gleaned barley in the fields so she and Naomi had food to eat. Naomi’s family and friends noticed what a blessing Ruth was to her mother-in-law. Eventually Ruth married a man named Boaz . They had a son and named him Obed. Naomi, Ruth and Boaz were grateful to God for bringing them together and for blessing their family.
Story Time Option One: Have a Conversation About the Story.
Who were the people you heard about in the story?
How did Ruth and Naomi become part of the same family?
What did Ruth say to Naomi when Naomi told her she should stay in Moab?
What kinds of things do you do to help in your family?
All of the people in our families are connected in a special way. Some people are born into families. Some people are adopted into families. Some people join a family by getting married. And some people become part of the family because they have a special relationship with us or with someone in the family. Even when things change, the most important connection we have is love and love comes from God.
God loves us and promises to be with us always. We get to share that blessing when we are there for each other. We can do things together. We can encourage each other with kind words. We don’t even have to be in the same place, we can still let our family members know we love and support them.
Story Time Option Two: Put on a Skit
Supplies: The skit script that was mailed out to registered participants, or you may choose to create your own skit.
(If you did not receive a mailing with handouts please contact Deacon Nancy at [email protected] so we can mail one to you.)
Choose who will play the parts listed in the script.
Put on your skit. You may even choose to record your performance.
EXPLORING
Exploring Option One: “Making a Family Tree”
Supplies: Draw a tree with branches but no leaves on a piece of poster board or chart paper (you can use a regular piece of paper), 2x4 inch paper strips or paper leaves (smaller pieces if you’re not using poster board), a paper heart and a marker, or use the Family Tree posted below.
Introduce the tree as a “family tree.” Write the word “ME” on the trunk of the tree. All of the people in our families are connected in a special way. Some people are born into families. Some people are adopted into families. Some people join a family by getting married. And some people become part of the family because they have a special relationship with us or with someone in the family. Even when things change, the most important connection we have is love and love comes from God.
We are going to celebrate our family by making a family tree. The trunk is you. The branches connect all the people in your family to you. The leaves will be all the members of the family.
List the people in your family and add their leaves to the tree. As you name the people talk about the many relationships such as Aunt, Uncle, Grandma, Great- grandpa, cousin, friend, step-dad, mother-in-law, partner, etc.
Connecting to the Bible Story -
Ruth became Naomi’s daughter-in-law when she married Naomi’s son. When Naomi and Ruth were sad that their husbands had died, Naomi told Ruth to stay with her parents in Moab. But Ruth loved Naomi and chose to go with Naomi. Ruth and Naomi took care of each other. God worked through the love Ruth and Naomi had for each other and blessed their family. Ruth still loved her family in Moab. Sometimes family members move away, but they are still family. It is love that connects us. The blessing of family is that we can love each other and we can be there for each other no matter what. God blesses us with the love that connects us to our family.
Tape or draw a heart on the trunk of the tree and draw a cross in the center of the heart.
We have posted a tree here that you can print out to use that helps to show how a daughter-in-law and mother-in-law are related. Not all families look the same. You may draw in more boxes to represent all the people and relationships within your family.
The story of Ruth and Naomi is about standing by our family members especially when life is sad or difficult. We share the love of God with each other when we support each other in our families.
Ruth
A very long time ago there was a famine in the land around Bethlehem. Life was difficult because there was not enough food. A woman named Naomi, her husband Elimelech and their two sons moved from their home in Bethlehem to the country of Moab. They hoped that life would be better there for their family. While they were in Moab Naomi’s sons got married. Their wives names were Orpah and Ruth. Life became very difficult and sad for their family. Naomi’s husband and both of her sons died. Naomi heard that the famine had ended so she decided to go back to Bethlehem where she had family and friends. She told Orpah and Ruth to stay with their family and friends in Moab. Orpah went back to her parents. Ruth stayed with her mother-in-law Naomi. Naomi insisted that Ruth return to her family but Ruth said, “Don’t make me leave you. Where you will go, I will go. Where you will stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God will be my God. I make this promise to you and to God.” Naomi saw how determined Ruth was to stay with her so they traveled as a family to Bethlehem. While they were in Bethlehem Ruth gleaned barley in the fields so she and Naomi had food to eat. Naomi’s family and friends noticed what a blessing Ruth was to her mother-in-law. Eventually Ruth married a man named Boaz . They had a son and named him Obed. Naomi, Ruth and Boaz were grateful to God for bringing them together and for blessing their family.
Story Time Option One: Have a Conversation About the Story.
Who were the people you heard about in the story?
How did Ruth and Naomi become part of the same family?
What did Ruth say to Naomi when Naomi told her she should stay in Moab?
What kinds of things do you do to help in your family?
All of the people in our families are connected in a special way. Some people are born into families. Some people are adopted into families. Some people join a family by getting married. And some people become part of the family because they have a special relationship with us or with someone in the family. Even when things change, the most important connection we have is love and love comes from God.
God loves us and promises to be with us always. We get to share that blessing when we are there for each other. We can do things together. We can encourage each other with kind words. We don’t even have to be in the same place, we can still let our family members know we love and support them.
Story Time Option Two: Put on a Skit
Supplies: The skit script that was mailed out to registered participants, or you may choose to create your own skit.
(If you did not receive a mailing with handouts please contact Deacon Nancy at [email protected] so we can mail one to you.)
Choose who will play the parts listed in the script.
Put on your skit. You may even choose to record your performance.
EXPLORING
Exploring Option One: “Making a Family Tree”
Supplies: Draw a tree with branches but no leaves on a piece of poster board or chart paper (you can use a regular piece of paper), 2x4 inch paper strips or paper leaves (smaller pieces if you’re not using poster board), a paper heart and a marker, or use the Family Tree posted below.
Introduce the tree as a “family tree.” Write the word “ME” on the trunk of the tree. All of the people in our families are connected in a special way. Some people are born into families. Some people are adopted into families. Some people join a family by getting married. And some people become part of the family because they have a special relationship with us or with someone in the family. Even when things change, the most important connection we have is love and love comes from God.
We are going to celebrate our family by making a family tree. The trunk is you. The branches connect all the people in your family to you. The leaves will be all the members of the family.
List the people in your family and add their leaves to the tree. As you name the people talk about the many relationships such as Aunt, Uncle, Grandma, Great- grandpa, cousin, friend, step-dad, mother-in-law, partner, etc.
Connecting to the Bible Story -
Ruth became Naomi’s daughter-in-law when she married Naomi’s son. When Naomi and Ruth were sad that their husbands had died, Naomi told Ruth to stay with her parents in Moab. But Ruth loved Naomi and chose to go with Naomi. Ruth and Naomi took care of each other. God worked through the love Ruth and Naomi had for each other and blessed their family. Ruth still loved her family in Moab. Sometimes family members move away, but they are still family. It is love that connects us. The blessing of family is that we can love each other and we can be there for each other no matter what. God blesses us with the love that connects us to our family.
Tape or draw a heart on the trunk of the tree and draw a cross in the center of the heart.
We have posted a tree here that you can print out to use that helps to show how a daughter-in-law and mother-in-law are related. Not all families look the same. You may draw in more boxes to represent all the people and relationships within your family.
family_tree.pdf | |
File Size: | 137 kb |
File Type: |
Exploring Option Two: “Family Super Heroes”
Supplies: Pictures of superheroes in movies or comics
Invite everyone to identify the super heroes in the pictures and talk about their super powers.
What makes them powerful? How do they use this power help others?
Connecting to the Bible Story –
God gives each of us gifts and abilities that we use all the time. We honor God and each other when we use these “powers” to care for each other. God gave Ruth the gift of faithfulness. She was faithful to Naomi in a powerful way!
There are people in our family who use their gifts and talents to help other people.
Who in your family has a talent or ability from God that they use in a powerful way?
Share about ways your family members are supportive. (hints: helped you accomplish a goal, provided supplies or equipment for an activity, helped when you were sick?)
Exploring Option Three: Bible Verse Fill-in
Supplies: Handout or copy the verse and word bank words.
Ruth stayed when Naomi tried sending her away. Ruth loved Naomi and was determined to stay close. Can you complete her plea from Ruth 1:16 below? Use the word bank to fill in each blank.
Word Bank Words: Where, people, leave, Ruth, turn, following, your, lodge,
But _______ said, “Do not press me to _______ you or to _______ back from _______ you! _______ you go, I will go; Where you _______, I will lodge; Your _______ shall be my people,
And _______ God my God.”
Exploring Option Four: Ruth Trivia Quiz Handout
Supplies: Handout with the Trivia Quiz and answer sheet
(If you did not receive a mailing with handouts please contact Deacon Nancy at [email protected]
so we can mail one to you.)
Take the quiz as a family for fun.
Connecting to the Bible Story –
Use the answer sheet as a guide to talk about the story.
GAMES
Games Option One: Helping Each Other Game
Supplies: Paper napkins or tissues and Music
In an area safe to move around in, gather about an arm length apart.
Give each person a napkin or tissue. Ask them to place it on their head.
Move around carefully while the music is playing.
The goal is to keep the tissue on your head. If it falls off you have to freeze.
You can move around again when someone else helps you by picking up your tissue and giving it back to you.
The object of the game is to make sure to keep as many people as possible moving around to the music.
After playing for a while, have a conversation:
What happened in our game?
Who helped you? Did you have to ask for help?
Who helped you without being asked?
What would have happened if we didn’t help each other?
Connecting to the Bible Story -
In our game we kept everyone moving by helping one another. In our Bible story Ruth helped Naomi first by traveling with her on the long, dangerous trip back to Bethlehem. Then Ruth helped by going into the Barley fields to get them food. Naomi helped Ruth by welcoming her into her family in Bethlehem and by encouraging her. We share the blessing and love of God when we are there for each other within our families.
How have people in your family helped you? How do you help people in your family?
Games Option Two: Hula Hoop Loop
Supplies: A large hula hoop
Invite everyone to stand closely in a circle.
Place a hula hoop on one person’s arm and then have everyone hold hands.
The object of the game is to work together to get the hula hoop around the circle and back to the original person without letting go hands. You may change your grip but not let go.
What happened in our game?
What made it hard?
What did you have to do to get the hoop around the circle?
Connecting to the Bible Story –
Ruth chose to stay with Naomi and go to Bethlehem. They did not let go of each other, which meant they could help each other along the way. They had a goal in mind – to get back to Bethlehem and make a new life for themselves as a family.
In our game, we had to hold on to each other’s hands in order to get the hoop all the way around the circle. We had to work together and listen to each other’s ideas in order to make it work.
Standing alongside each other means that we listen to and honor each other. This is especially important when someone is upset or when someone’s feelings are hurt.
CRAFTS
Crafts Option One: “Family Doodle Picture” (Featured in the Story Video)
Supplies: A sheet of drawing paper for each child, crayons or washable markers
Draw a doodle line on the paper by just running a dark color crayon all around the paper so it crosses over itself.
Once you have doodle line drawn, write the names of family members in the spaces the line created.
Color in (or around) the spaces to decorate the picture with a different color for each person and share that each person is created in love and is unique.
Connecting to the Bible Story -
Ruth and Naomi traveled a long way together. As their paths crossed they formed a family. Our families keep growing each time our paths cross with a new family member. Our lives become more wonderful when loving people are added to our family. Just like the lines are all connected, our families are connected by our love for each other and God’s love for us.
Sometimes we don’t always get along with each other.
How can forgiveness be a part of sharing God’s love within our families?
Crafts Option Two: “Family Prayer Flags”
Supplies: At least 6 Strips of fabric (about 12 inches long and about 2 inches wide) in a variety of colors for each child, String for each child (about 36 inches long), Scissors to cut the string, Markers
Place the fabric strips in the center of the table.
Invite each child to cut a piece of string (or have the string already cut for them) Ask them to think of the people in their family and have them write each name on a separate piece of fabric.
Have the children tie each piece of fabric along their string like little flags
These can be used in your prayer time for devotions.
Connecting to the Bible Story –
Do you remember the names of the people in our Bible story? (Naomi, Elimelech, Orpah, Ruth, Boaz, and Obed)
If Obed made one of these prayer flags he could include all these names and lots more. One of the connections we can have as a family is to remember each other in prayer. It is a blessing from God to pray for one another. Boaz and Naomi each asked God to bless Ruth as she had been a blessing to Naomi.
How are the people in your family a blessing to you?
How might you be a blessing to them?
Sometimes you may get mad or upset with a family member. What can you do to heal the relationship?
Crafts Option Three: “Tissue Paper Family Prayer Collage”
Supplies: A variety of light colored tissue paper in small pieces (scraps work really well)
White construction paper or card stock, Glue, Black or dark blue Crayons (markers will smear), Small paint brushes
Begin by writing the names of people in your family in dark crayon all over a piece of white construction paper.
Next select a variety of tissue paper pieces.
Paint glue over the names on the paper and layer the tissue paper over the names. The crayon should show through the tissue paper. Avoid really thick pieces of tissue paper.
You can overlap or connect the colors as you cover the names. Remember that this is a work of art so be as creative as you like.
Connecting to the Bible Story –
Our families are each uniquely different but we have God’s love for us in common. When we pray for each other we are covered in God’s love for us just like the colorful paper has covered the names of our family members.
As you finish the project say something special about each of the family members on their work of art.
You may choose to use these works of art in your prayer time as you lift family members in prayer.
Bringing it All Together
Retell the story of Ruth as you remember it. You can help each other with hints about what happened in the story if needed.
Ruth was a blessing to Naomi because she stood by Naomi even when times got tough. We are blessed in our own families when we share God’s love by supporting each other when things are going well and when things are not going so well. God stands with us and with our families always – no matter where we are.
Share about what you learned this week. In what new ways might you support each other in your family?
Talking About Social Justice with Our Children:
The Story of Ruth and Naomi is a good starting place to teach our children about being am ALLY to those who are suffering from oppression and injustice. Being an ALLY means that you stand along side a person as someone who listens to and honors their story. It also means that you speak up when you see someone being treated unjustly, not to speak for them but to amplify their voice when you have the power to do so.
Jesus On the Go!
Take a picture of your "Jesus on the Go" with your family.
Supplies: Pictures of superheroes in movies or comics
Invite everyone to identify the super heroes in the pictures and talk about their super powers.
What makes them powerful? How do they use this power help others?
Connecting to the Bible Story –
God gives each of us gifts and abilities that we use all the time. We honor God and each other when we use these “powers” to care for each other. God gave Ruth the gift of faithfulness. She was faithful to Naomi in a powerful way!
There are people in our family who use their gifts and talents to help other people.
Who in your family has a talent or ability from God that they use in a powerful way?
Share about ways your family members are supportive. (hints: helped you accomplish a goal, provided supplies or equipment for an activity, helped when you were sick?)
Exploring Option Three: Bible Verse Fill-in
Supplies: Handout or copy the verse and word bank words.
Ruth stayed when Naomi tried sending her away. Ruth loved Naomi and was determined to stay close. Can you complete her plea from Ruth 1:16 below? Use the word bank to fill in each blank.
Word Bank Words: Where, people, leave, Ruth, turn, following, your, lodge,
But _______ said, “Do not press me to _______ you or to _______ back from _______ you! _______ you go, I will go; Where you _______, I will lodge; Your _______ shall be my people,
And _______ God my God.”
Exploring Option Four: Ruth Trivia Quiz Handout
Supplies: Handout with the Trivia Quiz and answer sheet
(If you did not receive a mailing with handouts please contact Deacon Nancy at [email protected]
so we can mail one to you.)
Take the quiz as a family for fun.
Connecting to the Bible Story –
Use the answer sheet as a guide to talk about the story.
GAMES
Games Option One: Helping Each Other Game
Supplies: Paper napkins or tissues and Music
In an area safe to move around in, gather about an arm length apart.
Give each person a napkin or tissue. Ask them to place it on their head.
Move around carefully while the music is playing.
The goal is to keep the tissue on your head. If it falls off you have to freeze.
You can move around again when someone else helps you by picking up your tissue and giving it back to you.
The object of the game is to make sure to keep as many people as possible moving around to the music.
After playing for a while, have a conversation:
What happened in our game?
Who helped you? Did you have to ask for help?
Who helped you without being asked?
What would have happened if we didn’t help each other?
Connecting to the Bible Story -
In our game we kept everyone moving by helping one another. In our Bible story Ruth helped Naomi first by traveling with her on the long, dangerous trip back to Bethlehem. Then Ruth helped by going into the Barley fields to get them food. Naomi helped Ruth by welcoming her into her family in Bethlehem and by encouraging her. We share the blessing and love of God when we are there for each other within our families.
How have people in your family helped you? How do you help people in your family?
Games Option Two: Hula Hoop Loop
Supplies: A large hula hoop
Invite everyone to stand closely in a circle.
Place a hula hoop on one person’s arm and then have everyone hold hands.
The object of the game is to work together to get the hula hoop around the circle and back to the original person without letting go hands. You may change your grip but not let go.
What happened in our game?
What made it hard?
What did you have to do to get the hoop around the circle?
Connecting to the Bible Story –
Ruth chose to stay with Naomi and go to Bethlehem. They did not let go of each other, which meant they could help each other along the way. They had a goal in mind – to get back to Bethlehem and make a new life for themselves as a family.
In our game, we had to hold on to each other’s hands in order to get the hoop all the way around the circle. We had to work together and listen to each other’s ideas in order to make it work.
Standing alongside each other means that we listen to and honor each other. This is especially important when someone is upset or when someone’s feelings are hurt.
CRAFTS
Crafts Option One: “Family Doodle Picture” (Featured in the Story Video)
Supplies: A sheet of drawing paper for each child, crayons or washable markers
Draw a doodle line on the paper by just running a dark color crayon all around the paper so it crosses over itself.
Once you have doodle line drawn, write the names of family members in the spaces the line created.
Color in (or around) the spaces to decorate the picture with a different color for each person and share that each person is created in love and is unique.
Connecting to the Bible Story -
Ruth and Naomi traveled a long way together. As their paths crossed they formed a family. Our families keep growing each time our paths cross with a new family member. Our lives become more wonderful when loving people are added to our family. Just like the lines are all connected, our families are connected by our love for each other and God’s love for us.
Sometimes we don’t always get along with each other.
How can forgiveness be a part of sharing God’s love within our families?
Crafts Option Two: “Family Prayer Flags”
Supplies: At least 6 Strips of fabric (about 12 inches long and about 2 inches wide) in a variety of colors for each child, String for each child (about 36 inches long), Scissors to cut the string, Markers
Place the fabric strips in the center of the table.
Invite each child to cut a piece of string (or have the string already cut for them) Ask them to think of the people in their family and have them write each name on a separate piece of fabric.
Have the children tie each piece of fabric along their string like little flags
These can be used in your prayer time for devotions.
Connecting to the Bible Story –
Do you remember the names of the people in our Bible story? (Naomi, Elimelech, Orpah, Ruth, Boaz, and Obed)
If Obed made one of these prayer flags he could include all these names and lots more. One of the connections we can have as a family is to remember each other in prayer. It is a blessing from God to pray for one another. Boaz and Naomi each asked God to bless Ruth as she had been a blessing to Naomi.
How are the people in your family a blessing to you?
How might you be a blessing to them?
Sometimes you may get mad or upset with a family member. What can you do to heal the relationship?
Crafts Option Three: “Tissue Paper Family Prayer Collage”
Supplies: A variety of light colored tissue paper in small pieces (scraps work really well)
White construction paper or card stock, Glue, Black or dark blue Crayons (markers will smear), Small paint brushes
Begin by writing the names of people in your family in dark crayon all over a piece of white construction paper.
Next select a variety of tissue paper pieces.
Paint glue over the names on the paper and layer the tissue paper over the names. The crayon should show through the tissue paper. Avoid really thick pieces of tissue paper.
You can overlap or connect the colors as you cover the names. Remember that this is a work of art so be as creative as you like.
Connecting to the Bible Story –
Our families are each uniquely different but we have God’s love for us in common. When we pray for each other we are covered in God’s love for us just like the colorful paper has covered the names of our family members.
As you finish the project say something special about each of the family members on their work of art.
You may choose to use these works of art in your prayer time as you lift family members in prayer.
Bringing it All Together
Retell the story of Ruth as you remember it. You can help each other with hints about what happened in the story if needed.
Ruth was a blessing to Naomi because she stood by Naomi even when times got tough. We are blessed in our own families when we share God’s love by supporting each other when things are going well and when things are not going so well. God stands with us and with our families always – no matter where we are.
Share about what you learned this week. In what new ways might you support each other in your family?
Talking About Social Justice with Our Children:
The Story of Ruth and Naomi is a good starting place to teach our children about being am ALLY to those who are suffering from oppression and injustice. Being an ALLY means that you stand along side a person as someone who listens to and honors their story. It also means that you speak up when you see someone being treated unjustly, not to speak for them but to amplify their voice when you have the power to do so.
Jesus On the Go!
Take a picture of your "Jesus on the Go" with your family.
Week Two: Loving Our Neighbors
DEVOTIONS AND MUSIC
Praying Option One:
Heavenly Father, we thank you for this day. Thank you for our family.
Thank you for our neighbors.
In Jesus’ name, Amen
Praying Option Two: Praying for Others
Supplies: Paper hearts, markers, a basket (you may choose to use the hearts from the Games activity if your family has them)
Write the names of people you love and people you have noticed in your community on the hearts.
Begin the prayer:
Lord Jesus, you taught us that we should love God with all of our heart, and all of our soul, and all of our strength, and all of our mind and to love our neighbors as ourselves. Sometimes this is hard to do, but we trust that you will always be with us to help us. We ask that you will bless the people we have remembered on our hearts. Take turns and quietly place the hearts in the basket. You may choose to say the name out loud or silently. Help us to be kind and compassionate and help us to share your love. Thank you for loving us and especially for the gift of friends. In your name we pray. Amen
Praying Option One:
Heavenly Father, we thank you for this day. Thank you for our family.
Thank you for our neighbors.
In Jesus’ name, Amen
Praying Option Two: Praying for Others
Supplies: Paper hearts, markers, a basket (you may choose to use the hearts from the Games activity if your family has them)
Write the names of people you love and people you have noticed in your community on the hearts.
Begin the prayer:
Lord Jesus, you taught us that we should love God with all of our heart, and all of our soul, and all of our strength, and all of our mind and to love our neighbors as ourselves. Sometimes this is hard to do, but we trust that you will always be with us to help us. We ask that you will bless the people we have remembered on our hearts. Take turns and quietly place the hearts in the basket. You may choose to say the name out loud or silently. Help us to be kind and compassionate and help us to share your love. Thank you for loving us and especially for the gift of friends. In your name we pray. Amen
Music: LOVE ROUND
You will find a couple new songs for this week. We will keep all the songs posted within each week's lesson so you can scroll down to find a song if you would like to sing and dance to it again.
You will find a couple new songs for this week. We will keep all the songs posted within each week's lesson so you can scroll down to find a song if you would like to sing and dance to it again.
More Music: This Little Light of Mine
The Story for Week Two: The Good Samaritan
Story Time
Theme: This week we will hear a story told by Jesus about how we can care for our friends and neighbors. We are always stronger when we work together than when we try to go it alone. Our friends and neighbors are a blessing to us and we can be a blessing in their lives, too. In the small catechism Luther reminds us that in following the fifth commandment “You shall not murder,” it is our responsibility to help and support each other and that we should not do anything to harm each other.
Story Time Option One: Interacting with the Story
Find the Good Samaritan Story in your children’s Bible or use the version below.
As the children listen to the story, invite them to interact with what they hear:
We’re going to use our imagination to interact with the Good Samaritan story. Make the noises you think you might hear. Let’s pretend we are the people in the story walking on a dangerous road . . . walking quickly . . . walking slowly . . . stopping . . . kneeling down . . . helping . . . lifting a person onto a donkey...helping someone into the inn... Are there other parts of the story you can act out with sounds?
“The Good Samaritan” (From Luke 10:25-37)
One day when a lawyer asked Jesus, “How do I inherit eternal life?” Jesus asked the lawyer what he heard in God’s word. The lawyer said, “To love God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength and all your mind; and to love your neighbor as yourself.” Jesus told the man he was right and that is the way he should live his life. The lawyer asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”
Jesus told him this story, “A man was walking along the road when robbers attacked him and left him hurt on the side of the road. A priest happened to come by but he walked away from the man on the other side of the road. Then a lawyer came by and he walked away from the man on the other side of the road, too. A person from Samaria, called a Samaritan came down the road. He saw the man laying there on the road and had compassion for him. The Samaritan gave him first aid then put him on his donkey. The Samaritan took him to an inn where he could get better. The Samaritan asked the innkeeper to take care of the man. He promised that he would pay the innkeeper whatever was needed when he came back.
After Jesus told the story, he asked the lawyer, “Who was a neighbor to the injured man?” The priest, the lawyer or the Samaritan?” The man replied, “The one who showed him compassion and helped him.” Jesus told the lawyer to, “Go and do the same.”
Story Time Option Two: Have a Conversation about the Story
What happened in the story?
What did the Samaritan do to help the injured man?
Did the Samaritan ask someone to help, too – who did he ask?
How do you think the injured man felt when the two people walked away from him? How do you think he felt when the Samaritan stopped to help him?
Who has helped you when you’ve gotten hurt?
Have you ever helped someone who was hurt?
For Older Children:
What might keep someone from helping someone else?
When might it seem harder to help someone than other times?
If a friend wants you to ignore someone or not be someone’s friend – what can you say or do about it?
Exploring
Exploring Option One: Ripping Paper
In the story the Samaritan and a the Inn Keeper helped the injured man. When we work together we can share even more of God’s love and compassion. “A three strand cord is not easily broken” Ecclesiastes 4:12b
Supplies:
A single sheet of scrap paper for each person, a pile or two of 10 sheets of scrap paper
Ask: How hard would it be to rip a piece of paper? Give them a chance to share what they think. Challenge the children to rip their pieces of paper
Now show them the pile of 10 pieces of paper.
Ask: How hard would it be the rip this pile of paper? Give them a chance to share what they think. Challenge them to take turns trying to rip the paper. (You may want to have a couple sets incase they succeed)
Ask: What happened this time? How was it different?
Additional Challenge for Older Children - Provide smaller sheets of paper that are harder to grasp which makes ripping the paper harder.
Connecting to the Bible Story –
In the book of Ecclesiastes we hear that “A three stand cord is not easily broken.” This means that we are stronger together than we are alone. We could say, “A pile of ten pieces of paper is not easily ripped!”
When we share God’s love with our friends and neighbors and when they share God’s love with us, we are stronger. Friends and neighbors are a gift from God. Jesus teaches us to be helpful and kind. We can do even more to share God’s love when we work together.
Let’s think about the story of the Good Samaritan. When the Samaritan helped the injured man, who did he ask to help him? The innkeeper.
The injured man got even more help when the Samaritan and the innkeeper worked together.
What do you do to be helpful for your friends? How has a friend helped you? What might we do to help a neighbor who we do not know very well but who is hurting or needs help?
If you used the smaller pieces of paper – being smaller does not always mean you are weaker, just like the smaller sheets of paper were harder to rip than the larger ones.
Exploring Option Two: What would you do?
(Adapted from Spark Sunday School "The Good Samaritan"
Supplies: ball and examples of situations
Situations: The new girl in school cries at lunch because she has no friends to sit with. • You are in a hurry, but as you walk down the street, you see an elderly woman fall down and drop a bag of groceries. • Your family is getting ready to go to church and your little brother needs help, but you would rather play your new video game. •
Your teacher at school asks someone to stay in at recess and help clean up, but you and your friends have been looking forward to recess all day.
Today, we learned about the Good Samaritan who helped someone. He helped someone who wasn't even a friend or neighbor! We can help others, too! That's what Jesus taught us to do. Let's play a game of "Comfort Catch" to help us remember this story. I will give you a real-life example of something that might happen to another person. Then I'll throw the ball. If you catch the ball, I want you to tell me how you would give that person help or share with us what Jesus might do if he were there. Then, throw to someone else to come up with another solution.
Connection to the Bible Story -
Jesus taught us that when we love God, we love everyone. Let's make sure to love and help others when we know they need us most.
Exploring Option Three: Photo Freeze Frame or Movie
Supplies: camera and props
Create a picture of each scene from the story. Use props from around your house. Take a picture of each scene. Share your collection of pictures. Or Create a movie of this story (with or without dialogue). Record and share.
GAMES
Games Option One: Spreading the Love
Supplies: paper hearts, markers, a basket or bowl
Ask the children to name people they know. Write a name on each heart. (Older children can write the names). Ask them about people they see when you are out and about but you don’t know their names, like the cashier at the store or the person in the drive through, etc. Make some hearts for them as well.
Older children may be able to add the names of people they know who have been picked on in school or left out.
Pick one person to hide the hearts around the house or room while everyone else covers their eyes.
Once the hearts are hidden, turn on some music (we have posted several music videos for the week in the music post).
When the music starts everyone uncovers their eyes and searches for the hearts. When the music ends, bring all the hearts back and put them in the basket. Read the names that are on the hearts using this sentence “God loves ___NAME___.”
Connecting to the Bible Story –
The Good Samaritan noticed that the man on the road needed help. He showed love by helping him. We wrote the names of people we know really well and some we don’t know really well on our hearts. God loves each person.
What ways can we show love to the people on the hearts?
Who else might we add?
Suggestion: Talk about groups like boy scouts and girls scouts or even their school classes that they may have been part of when helping someone. Remind them about some of the things the church does collectively to help our neighbors nearby and far away.
Jesus on the Go: Take your "Jesus on the Go" with you to search for the hearts.
**SAVE YOUR HEARTS FOR THE PRAYER TIME
Games Option Two: Group Juggling
Supplies: ball (or crumpled paper), one per person
Form a circle of family members. Kids try juggling as a group and learn how important it is to include every neighbor. To help us remember this lesson, we are going to try something really exciting—group juggling! To make this work, you'll have to pay close attention to the directions and always follow the same pattern.
1. Have kids stand in a circle, then establish a pattern for your tossing routine. The first kid tosses the ball to a second kid (not their direct neighbor) and will always toss to that kid. That kid tosses the ball to another kid, and always follows the same pattern. This continues with the next kid, etc. The last kid will toss the ball back to the first kid in the pattern. To make sure the cycle includes everyone, try recording your pattern on the board before the juggling begins. Be sure you follow this pattern the whole time! Don't forget who tosses to you and who you toss to.
2. Practice your pattern a number of times using one ball. Encourage kids to catch and toss the ball quickly but gently.
3. After the pattern is understood, add an additional ball—always starting with the same first kid. See how many balls you are able to add to the pattern. As you can see, it is important that everyone in our group is included. If we didn't include everyone, we wouldn't be able to do group juggling and the balls would drop to the floor!
Connection to the Bible Story -
Group juggling is tough, but we can do it! I hope you'll remember that you can always love and include every neighbor in all you do. Jesus taught us that he loves us no matter who we are or where we live. Everyone is included in God's love!
Games Option Three: Who Am I? (adapted from Spark Rotation “The Good Samaritan”)
Supplies: List of people or things from this story: Jesus • The lawyer who asked Jesus a question • The man on the way to Jericho • The robbers • The priest • The lawyer who passed by • The Samaritan • The innkeeper • The donkey
Small pieces of paper or 3x5 cards, tape
Write a person/item on each paper or card
In this game, you will have a card taped on your back or a card on your headband that you cannot see. Try to guess the person on you, given clues from your family.
Taking turns, you can only ask questions that can be answered yes or no. When you have guessed your identity it is the next person’s turn. Or you can take turns asking questions until everyone has guessed their identity.
When you find out who you are, put your card on the front of your shirt.
Connection to the Bible Story –
Talk about what happened in the game. Was it challenging to guess who you were? Without talking, try to line up in the order that the people appeared in the story. Let the kids decide whether everyone is in the right order.
You had to choose the questions to ask when you tried to find out who you were. You also had to make choices about where to stand in line.
In the story, what choices did the people make?
Which of those choices was helpful? Which of the choices were not?
If the person's choice was not helpful, what would have been a more helpful choice?
God chooses to love us all the time. We can choose to help our neighbors and when we do, we are sharing God’s love.
CRAFTS
Crafts Option One: “Three strand Cord Necklaces” (Younger Children)
Supplies: Braided yarn, fruit loops cereal or tri-color rigatoni pasta (uncooked), tape
Braid three strands yarn in a length to make a necklace ahead of time, one for each child. Use three different colors if possible. Put a piece of tape on each end that will serve as a “needle.”
Provide the pasta or cereal and invite the children to create a necklace by threading the pasta/cereal.
Connecting to the Bible Story –
The string for our necklaces is made of three pieces of yarn braided together. It reminds us that when we work together and support each other we are stronger. The pasta/cereal is also made in different colors. This reminds us that what we each bring something special to the group and what we create together is very beautiful.
Crafts Option Two: “Three strand Cord Braided Friendship Bracelets” (Older Children)
Supplies: 3 Yarn pieces about 30” long in three colors for each person, Tape, Scissors
1. Put the 3 strands of yarn together in one bundle and fold in half
2. Knot the strands together about 1⁄2 inch below the fold to create a loop If time is limited this may be done ahead of time
3. Tape the looped end to the table
4. There will be 6 strands – two of each color. Use the same color strands as one strand so you have 3 double strands.
5. Braid the strands
6. Knot the end when they get the desired length. Trim extra yarn to leave about 1 inch so the knot doesn’t come undone.
7. To attach the bracelet pull the knot through the loop. You may choose to double the final knot to make it bigger to stay in the loop.
8. Another option is to simply tie the ends together to form a bracelet.
Connecting to the Bible Story –
The bracelet reminds us of the strength of a three-strand cord. Ask the children to think of two friends who are important to them. Think of the three cords as being themselves with the two friends.
Sometimes we have to go out of our way to be there for others. Sometimes our friends go the extra mile for us. When we love our neighbors as ourselves we are stronger. This love begins with God.
The bracelet can also remind us of the Trinity – Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Crafts Option Three: “Friendship Bracelets” (More complicated)
Supplies: Crochet thread or yarn (two 30 inch pieces per child), Tape, Scissors
Connecting to the Bible Story –
The bracelet reminds us of the strength of a three-strand cord. Ask the children to think of two friends who are important to them. Think of the three cords as being themselves with the two friends. Sometimes we have to go out of our way to be there for others. Sometimes our friends go the extra mile for us. When we love our neighbors as ourselves we are stronger. This love begins with God.
The bracelet can also remind us of the Trinity – Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Crafts Option Four - Sand Diorama
Supplies: Sand box and people or stick figures
Draw a road in the sand. Have family members use clothespins and markers to create the characters in the story. Add chenille stems for arms. Don’t forget the donkey! Have fun recreating the story.
Connection to the Bible Story –
Next time you see someone who needs help, remember this story Jesus told about loving the person right in front of you. Brainstorm together some ways you can help people outside of your family. Think of some very simple and doable things and then try to do one thing.
Bringing it All Together
God calls us to love God with all our heart, all our soul, all our strength and all our mind and to love our neighbor as ourselves. In the story of the Good Samaritan, Jesus taught us that to love as God loves mean we show compassion. We learned today that we are to help our friends and neighbors.
This week we heard a story told by Jesus about how we can care for our friends and neighbors. We are always stronger when we work together than when we try to go it alone. Our friends and neighbors are a blessing to us and we can be a blessing in their lives, too. In the small catechism Luther reminds us that in following the fifth commandment “You shall not murder,” it is our responsibility to help and support each other and that we should not do anything to harm each other.
For Caring Conversation: Parents can share about a time when he/she helped worked together with others to help someone, Then invite the children to share about a time when they helped others.
What are ways you can (or have) worked together to help someone?
Theme: This week we will hear a story told by Jesus about how we can care for our friends and neighbors. We are always stronger when we work together than when we try to go it alone. Our friends and neighbors are a blessing to us and we can be a blessing in their lives, too. In the small catechism Luther reminds us that in following the fifth commandment “You shall not murder,” it is our responsibility to help and support each other and that we should not do anything to harm each other.
Story Time Option One: Interacting with the Story
Find the Good Samaritan Story in your children’s Bible or use the version below.
As the children listen to the story, invite them to interact with what they hear:
We’re going to use our imagination to interact with the Good Samaritan story. Make the noises you think you might hear. Let’s pretend we are the people in the story walking on a dangerous road . . . walking quickly . . . walking slowly . . . stopping . . . kneeling down . . . helping . . . lifting a person onto a donkey...helping someone into the inn... Are there other parts of the story you can act out with sounds?
“The Good Samaritan” (From Luke 10:25-37)
One day when a lawyer asked Jesus, “How do I inherit eternal life?” Jesus asked the lawyer what he heard in God’s word. The lawyer said, “To love God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength and all your mind; and to love your neighbor as yourself.” Jesus told the man he was right and that is the way he should live his life. The lawyer asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”
Jesus told him this story, “A man was walking along the road when robbers attacked him and left him hurt on the side of the road. A priest happened to come by but he walked away from the man on the other side of the road. Then a lawyer came by and he walked away from the man on the other side of the road, too. A person from Samaria, called a Samaritan came down the road. He saw the man laying there on the road and had compassion for him. The Samaritan gave him first aid then put him on his donkey. The Samaritan took him to an inn where he could get better. The Samaritan asked the innkeeper to take care of the man. He promised that he would pay the innkeeper whatever was needed when he came back.
After Jesus told the story, he asked the lawyer, “Who was a neighbor to the injured man?” The priest, the lawyer or the Samaritan?” The man replied, “The one who showed him compassion and helped him.” Jesus told the lawyer to, “Go and do the same.”
Story Time Option Two: Have a Conversation about the Story
What happened in the story?
What did the Samaritan do to help the injured man?
Did the Samaritan ask someone to help, too – who did he ask?
How do you think the injured man felt when the two people walked away from him? How do you think he felt when the Samaritan stopped to help him?
Who has helped you when you’ve gotten hurt?
Have you ever helped someone who was hurt?
For Older Children:
What might keep someone from helping someone else?
When might it seem harder to help someone than other times?
If a friend wants you to ignore someone or not be someone’s friend – what can you say or do about it?
Exploring
Exploring Option One: Ripping Paper
In the story the Samaritan and a the Inn Keeper helped the injured man. When we work together we can share even more of God’s love and compassion. “A three strand cord is not easily broken” Ecclesiastes 4:12b
Supplies:
A single sheet of scrap paper for each person, a pile or two of 10 sheets of scrap paper
Ask: How hard would it be to rip a piece of paper? Give them a chance to share what they think. Challenge the children to rip their pieces of paper
Now show them the pile of 10 pieces of paper.
Ask: How hard would it be the rip this pile of paper? Give them a chance to share what they think. Challenge them to take turns trying to rip the paper. (You may want to have a couple sets incase they succeed)
Ask: What happened this time? How was it different?
Additional Challenge for Older Children - Provide smaller sheets of paper that are harder to grasp which makes ripping the paper harder.
Connecting to the Bible Story –
In the book of Ecclesiastes we hear that “A three stand cord is not easily broken.” This means that we are stronger together than we are alone. We could say, “A pile of ten pieces of paper is not easily ripped!”
When we share God’s love with our friends and neighbors and when they share God’s love with us, we are stronger. Friends and neighbors are a gift from God. Jesus teaches us to be helpful and kind. We can do even more to share God’s love when we work together.
Let’s think about the story of the Good Samaritan. When the Samaritan helped the injured man, who did he ask to help him? The innkeeper.
The injured man got even more help when the Samaritan and the innkeeper worked together.
What do you do to be helpful for your friends? How has a friend helped you? What might we do to help a neighbor who we do not know very well but who is hurting or needs help?
If you used the smaller pieces of paper – being smaller does not always mean you are weaker, just like the smaller sheets of paper were harder to rip than the larger ones.
Exploring Option Two: What would you do?
(Adapted from Spark Sunday School "The Good Samaritan"
Supplies: ball and examples of situations
Situations: The new girl in school cries at lunch because she has no friends to sit with. • You are in a hurry, but as you walk down the street, you see an elderly woman fall down and drop a bag of groceries. • Your family is getting ready to go to church and your little brother needs help, but you would rather play your new video game. •
Your teacher at school asks someone to stay in at recess and help clean up, but you and your friends have been looking forward to recess all day.
Today, we learned about the Good Samaritan who helped someone. He helped someone who wasn't even a friend or neighbor! We can help others, too! That's what Jesus taught us to do. Let's play a game of "Comfort Catch" to help us remember this story. I will give you a real-life example of something that might happen to another person. Then I'll throw the ball. If you catch the ball, I want you to tell me how you would give that person help or share with us what Jesus might do if he were there. Then, throw to someone else to come up with another solution.
Connection to the Bible Story -
Jesus taught us that when we love God, we love everyone. Let's make sure to love and help others when we know they need us most.
Exploring Option Three: Photo Freeze Frame or Movie
Supplies: camera and props
Create a picture of each scene from the story. Use props from around your house. Take a picture of each scene. Share your collection of pictures. Or Create a movie of this story (with or without dialogue). Record and share.
GAMES
Games Option One: Spreading the Love
Supplies: paper hearts, markers, a basket or bowl
Ask the children to name people they know. Write a name on each heart. (Older children can write the names). Ask them about people they see when you are out and about but you don’t know their names, like the cashier at the store or the person in the drive through, etc. Make some hearts for them as well.
Older children may be able to add the names of people they know who have been picked on in school or left out.
Pick one person to hide the hearts around the house or room while everyone else covers their eyes.
Once the hearts are hidden, turn on some music (we have posted several music videos for the week in the music post).
When the music starts everyone uncovers their eyes and searches for the hearts. When the music ends, bring all the hearts back and put them in the basket. Read the names that are on the hearts using this sentence “God loves ___NAME___.”
Connecting to the Bible Story –
The Good Samaritan noticed that the man on the road needed help. He showed love by helping him. We wrote the names of people we know really well and some we don’t know really well on our hearts. God loves each person.
What ways can we show love to the people on the hearts?
Who else might we add?
Suggestion: Talk about groups like boy scouts and girls scouts or even their school classes that they may have been part of when helping someone. Remind them about some of the things the church does collectively to help our neighbors nearby and far away.
Jesus on the Go: Take your "Jesus on the Go" with you to search for the hearts.
**SAVE YOUR HEARTS FOR THE PRAYER TIME
Games Option Two: Group Juggling
Supplies: ball (or crumpled paper), one per person
Form a circle of family members. Kids try juggling as a group and learn how important it is to include every neighbor. To help us remember this lesson, we are going to try something really exciting—group juggling! To make this work, you'll have to pay close attention to the directions and always follow the same pattern.
1. Have kids stand in a circle, then establish a pattern for your tossing routine. The first kid tosses the ball to a second kid (not their direct neighbor) and will always toss to that kid. That kid tosses the ball to another kid, and always follows the same pattern. This continues with the next kid, etc. The last kid will toss the ball back to the first kid in the pattern. To make sure the cycle includes everyone, try recording your pattern on the board before the juggling begins. Be sure you follow this pattern the whole time! Don't forget who tosses to you and who you toss to.
2. Practice your pattern a number of times using one ball. Encourage kids to catch and toss the ball quickly but gently.
3. After the pattern is understood, add an additional ball—always starting with the same first kid. See how many balls you are able to add to the pattern. As you can see, it is important that everyone in our group is included. If we didn't include everyone, we wouldn't be able to do group juggling and the balls would drop to the floor!
Connection to the Bible Story -
Group juggling is tough, but we can do it! I hope you'll remember that you can always love and include every neighbor in all you do. Jesus taught us that he loves us no matter who we are or where we live. Everyone is included in God's love!
Games Option Three: Who Am I? (adapted from Spark Rotation “The Good Samaritan”)
Supplies: List of people or things from this story: Jesus • The lawyer who asked Jesus a question • The man on the way to Jericho • The robbers • The priest • The lawyer who passed by • The Samaritan • The innkeeper • The donkey
Small pieces of paper or 3x5 cards, tape
Write a person/item on each paper or card
In this game, you will have a card taped on your back or a card on your headband that you cannot see. Try to guess the person on you, given clues from your family.
Taking turns, you can only ask questions that can be answered yes or no. When you have guessed your identity it is the next person’s turn. Or you can take turns asking questions until everyone has guessed their identity.
When you find out who you are, put your card on the front of your shirt.
Connection to the Bible Story –
Talk about what happened in the game. Was it challenging to guess who you were? Without talking, try to line up in the order that the people appeared in the story. Let the kids decide whether everyone is in the right order.
You had to choose the questions to ask when you tried to find out who you were. You also had to make choices about where to stand in line.
In the story, what choices did the people make?
Which of those choices was helpful? Which of the choices were not?
If the person's choice was not helpful, what would have been a more helpful choice?
God chooses to love us all the time. We can choose to help our neighbors and when we do, we are sharing God’s love.
CRAFTS
Crafts Option One: “Three strand Cord Necklaces” (Younger Children)
Supplies: Braided yarn, fruit loops cereal or tri-color rigatoni pasta (uncooked), tape
Braid three strands yarn in a length to make a necklace ahead of time, one for each child. Use three different colors if possible. Put a piece of tape on each end that will serve as a “needle.”
Provide the pasta or cereal and invite the children to create a necklace by threading the pasta/cereal.
Connecting to the Bible Story –
The string for our necklaces is made of three pieces of yarn braided together. It reminds us that when we work together and support each other we are stronger. The pasta/cereal is also made in different colors. This reminds us that what we each bring something special to the group and what we create together is very beautiful.
Crafts Option Two: “Three strand Cord Braided Friendship Bracelets” (Older Children)
Supplies: 3 Yarn pieces about 30” long in three colors for each person, Tape, Scissors
1. Put the 3 strands of yarn together in one bundle and fold in half
2. Knot the strands together about 1⁄2 inch below the fold to create a loop If time is limited this may be done ahead of time
3. Tape the looped end to the table
4. There will be 6 strands – two of each color. Use the same color strands as one strand so you have 3 double strands.
5. Braid the strands
6. Knot the end when they get the desired length. Trim extra yarn to leave about 1 inch so the knot doesn’t come undone.
7. To attach the bracelet pull the knot through the loop. You may choose to double the final knot to make it bigger to stay in the loop.
8. Another option is to simply tie the ends together to form a bracelet.
Connecting to the Bible Story –
The bracelet reminds us of the strength of a three-strand cord. Ask the children to think of two friends who are important to them. Think of the three cords as being themselves with the two friends.
Sometimes we have to go out of our way to be there for others. Sometimes our friends go the extra mile for us. When we love our neighbors as ourselves we are stronger. This love begins with God.
The bracelet can also remind us of the Trinity – Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Crafts Option Three: “Friendship Bracelets” (More complicated)
Supplies: Crochet thread or yarn (two 30 inch pieces per child), Tape, Scissors
- Cut two 30 inch strands of yarn
- Fold in half and knot about 1⁄2 inch below the fold to create a loop
- You will have 4 strands to work with
- Place 2 strands straight down the center and pull each of the other two
strands to the side and tape the loop to the table - Bring the left strand across the center strands leaving a space (like a backwards P)
- Bring the right strand below the left strand where it crosses the center, behind the center strands and pull it through the space made by the left strand and tighten
- Bring the right strand across the center strands leaving a space (like a P)
- Bring the left strand below the right strand where it crosses the center, behind the center strands and pull it through the space made by the right strand and tighten
- Repeat steps 6 and 7 until you get the desired length but be sure to leave enough yarn to tie a knot at the end.
- Tie a bead to the end which will go through the loop to form the bracelet or make the knot large enough to hold the bracelet closed when pulled through the loop.
- Trim any extra yarn
Connecting to the Bible Story –
The bracelet reminds us of the strength of a three-strand cord. Ask the children to think of two friends who are important to them. Think of the three cords as being themselves with the two friends. Sometimes we have to go out of our way to be there for others. Sometimes our friends go the extra mile for us. When we love our neighbors as ourselves we are stronger. This love begins with God.
The bracelet can also remind us of the Trinity – Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Crafts Option Four - Sand Diorama
Supplies: Sand box and people or stick figures
Draw a road in the sand. Have family members use clothespins and markers to create the characters in the story. Add chenille stems for arms. Don’t forget the donkey! Have fun recreating the story.
Connection to the Bible Story –
Next time you see someone who needs help, remember this story Jesus told about loving the person right in front of you. Brainstorm together some ways you can help people outside of your family. Think of some very simple and doable things and then try to do one thing.
Bringing it All Together
God calls us to love God with all our heart, all our soul, all our strength and all our mind and to love our neighbor as ourselves. In the story of the Good Samaritan, Jesus taught us that to love as God loves mean we show compassion. We learned today that we are to help our friends and neighbors.
This week we heard a story told by Jesus about how we can care for our friends and neighbors. We are always stronger when we work together than when we try to go it alone. Our friends and neighbors are a blessing to us and we can be a blessing in their lives, too. In the small catechism Luther reminds us that in following the fifth commandment “You shall not murder,” it is our responsibility to help and support each other and that we should not do anything to harm each other.
For Caring Conversation: Parents can share about a time when he/she helped worked together with others to help someone, Then invite the children to share about a time when they helped others.
What are ways you can (or have) worked together to help someone?
Week One: Created by God
DEVOTIONS AND MUSIC
1. Thank You Prayer:
Lord God, thank you for today.
Thank you for your love.
Be with us as we learn about your wonderful creation.
In Jesus' name. Amen
2. Thank You Echo Prayer:
Encourage the children to echo each line of the prayer as you pray
For the light that shines so bright.
And for the sky and clouds so white
For the land and for the seas
And for the plants and seeds and trees
For the stars and moon at night
And for the sun that gives us light
For the fish and flying birds
And for the blessing of God’s word
For the creatures, every kind
And in your image, humankind
For your love both night and day
A prayer of thanks to God we pray
3. Make a list of things/creatures/people in creation that the children are thankful for.
Ask them to silently pray with you as you lead:
Dear God, thank you for creating everything around us and making it very good. We especially thank you for...read the list...Help us to care for creation and each other. In Jesus Name, Amen.
1. Thank You Prayer:
Lord God, thank you for today.
Thank you for your love.
Be with us as we learn about your wonderful creation.
In Jesus' name. Amen
2. Thank You Echo Prayer:
Encourage the children to echo each line of the prayer as you pray
For the light that shines so bright.
And for the sky and clouds so white
For the land and for the seas
And for the plants and seeds and trees
For the stars and moon at night
And for the sun that gives us light
For the fish and flying birds
And for the blessing of God’s word
For the creatures, every kind
And in your image, humankind
For your love both night and day
A prayer of thanks to God we pray
3. Make a list of things/creatures/people in creation that the children are thankful for.
Ask them to silently pray with you as you lead:
Dear God, thank you for creating everything around us and making it very good. We especially thank you for...read the list...Help us to care for creation and each other. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Music: He's Got the Whole World in His Hands
This Week's Story: Creation
Story Time Activities: After you watch the story video as told by Mrs. Tierney, you can try some of these activities:
Story Time
Story Time Activity Option 1: Finding Words
Supplies: Bible with verses numbers, paper and list of words: a. Dust b. Nostrils c. Breath of life d. Garden in Eden e. River f. Till g. Knowledge of good and evil h. Helper j. Name k. Rib l. Woman
Find these words in Genesis Chapter 2, verses 4-25. and what verse they appear.
Story Time Activity Option 2: Creation Matching Memory Game
Supplies: Make a picture or write words to represent each day of creation and a number card.
Play a creation matching memory game. Remind them what each picture represents. Day and night (Day 1), sky (Day 2), land, water, and plants (Day 3), sun and moon (Day 4), fish and birds (Day 5), animals and people (Day 6), God rested (Day 7). Your job is to match the picture of creation with the day it was created. For example—on Day 1, God created day and night, so you will need to find the card with the picture of day and night and the card with Day 1 on it. When you find a match, say, “On Day ___, God created ___.” Take the pair you matched and keep it for yourself.
Story Time
Story Time Activity Option 1: Finding Words
Supplies: Bible with verses numbers, paper and list of words: a. Dust b. Nostrils c. Breath of life d. Garden in Eden e. River f. Till g. Knowledge of good and evil h. Helper j. Name k. Rib l. Woman
Find these words in Genesis Chapter 2, verses 4-25. and what verse they appear.
Story Time Activity Option 2: Creation Matching Memory Game
Supplies: Make a picture or write words to represent each day of creation and a number card.
Play a creation matching memory game. Remind them what each picture represents. Day and night (Day 1), sky (Day 2), land, water, and plants (Day 3), sun and moon (Day 4), fish and birds (Day 5), animals and people (Day 6), God rested (Day 7). Your job is to match the picture of creation with the day it was created. For example—on Day 1, God created day and night, so you will need to find the card with the picture of day and night and the card with Day 1 on it. When you find a match, say, “On Day ___, God created ___.” Take the pair you matched and keep it for yourself.
Some more activities to try this week:
EXPLORING
Exploring Activity Option 1: “What’s in the Bag?” Activity (Younger Children)
Supplies:
Items found outside in nature and a few other items - Twig, flower, rock, soil, pinecone, feather, piece of fur, piece of lambs wool, small bottle of water, a small flashlight, a small inflated balloon (you may find some other items in nature to use) Paper lunch bags or something to hide items in/under (one for each item)
1. Place an item in each bag.
2. Gather with the bags in the center of the floor or table.
3. Ask each person to choose a bag. Explain that there is an item they might find outside in nature or something you may find in the house in each bag.
4. Invite them to reach inside the bag. No peeking!
5. Ask them about what they feel and what they think it is.
6. After they each have a chance to describe their mystery item, invite them to take it from their bag to see if they guessed what it was.
You may try more than one bag depending on how many bags/people you have.
Connecting to the Bible Story –
In our Bible story about creation we learned that God created everything, which part of our story does your item remind you of? (Light, water, dry land, birds, animals, sky or air)
Exploring Activity Option 2: “What do you see?” (Older Children)
Supplies: Pictures of creation scenes, you might include photos of family trips to outdoor locations. Or using a digital device take some pictures of nature while on a family walk or hike. Use these photos for your conversation.
Spread creation photographs on the table and invite each person to each select a photo that they like. Once each person has a photo give them a chance to share what they see in the photo and why they like that photo.
Connecting to the Bible Story –
Look at the photos as you read the Creation story one more time. Then ask these questions and give each person a chance to share their thoughts.
What did you hear in the story that goes with your photo? How does your photo remind you of God, the Creator?
Exploring Activity Option 3: “What can you find?”
Supplies: List of Scavenger Hunt items (printed or written on a piece of paper): God’s creation column: Something pointy, colorful, hard, soft, growing; Our creation column: Something shiny, recyclable, littered, paper, reusable
We all know that God’s creation has a lot of different things in it. We’re going to go on a scavenger hunt to look for some of the different things God created, but we are also going to look for examples of how we use God’s creation. We are God’s stewards, just like Adam and Eve. We are supposed to take care of the world, but often we do things we shouldn’t—like littering and leaving the lights on at home. These things waste the resources of God’s creation.
Connecting to the Bible Story -
After the activity, look at all the evidence of God and humans we found today. Was it harder to find evidence of God’s creation or human creation? Allow time for kids to respond. We need to remember that it is our job to care for God’s creation. Often that means making sure there isn’t evidence of our own creation in the world— like litter. What are other ways we can help the earth? (Pick up trash, recycle, compost, turn off lights and water, etc.)
GAMES
Games Activity Option 1: Charades
Supplies: slips of paper with creation topics to act out
Play creation charades. Write the name of something God created on a slip of paper. Mix the papers in a bowl. Each person picks a slip of paper and acts out the creation. Family members guess the item and name two ways to care for it.
Connecting to the Bible story-
Visit National Park websites to view images of God’s incredibly varied and beautiful creation. Which parks have scenery and animals that surprise you? Which parks would you like to visit or learn more about? Look at the stars at night. God created the stars and is always with us, even in the darkness. Listen and observe the wind. When you hear the wind blow, think of is as God’s creative Spirit blowing through your corner of the world.
Games Activity Option 2: Balloon Game (Younger Children)
Supplies: Inflated balloons – one per person
Clear a space on the floor or outside where you can move around safely Gather around in a circle or across from each other.
The goal of the game is to work together to keep the balloons from hitting the ground. Young children typically do not have a good awareness of space so sitting on the floor and reaching up for the balloons may be an option. Your family may also choose to stand up for this activity.
Pretend that the balloons are pieces of trash falling to the ground. Our job is to keep God’s creation clean by keeping the balloons off the ground as best we can. Work together to keep the balloons off the ground.
Begin by tossing one balloon in the air then try adding more. Repeat the game each time the balloons fall the ground.
Connecting to the Bible Story –
Gather up the balloons and have a conversation. We are part of God’s creation and we are responsible for taking care of it. When we work together it’s fun and we get more work done. Besides cleaning up our trash, what can we do to help take care of creation?
If they need some idea starters, talk about not being wasteful, sharing with others, recycling, planting new trees and flowers, etc.
Invite them to talk about what you can do at home or in your community to care for creation.
Games Activity Option 3: Clean up Relay (Older Children)
Supplies: Balls of crumpled newspaper or scrap paper, Small empty cereal or food boxes, Paper or plastic cups
1. Litter the floor with the items (reserve some items)
2. Set a timer for 10 seconds
3. On “go” see how much you can clean up in 10 seconds. The goal is to clean up all the trash
Repeat a few times increasing the amount of litter on the ground if they get it all the first time
What happened in the game?
How do you feel when you see trash around outside?
How do think God feels when we make a mess outside and don’t clean it up?
Additional Challenge -
Set the timer for 20 seconds and repeat the challenge but this time after they start, throw some additional “trash” onto the floor for them to pick up.
What did you think when we threw more trash on the floor while you were trying to pick it all up?
Connecting to the Bible Story –
We are part of God’s creation and we are responsible for taking care of it.
Besides cleaning up our trash, what can we do to help take care of creation?
Talk about what you can do at home or in your community to care for creation.
CRAFTS
Crafts Activity Option 1: Creation Drawings (Younger Children)
Supplies:
Drawing paper with the words “Dear God, Thank You for Creation” on the bottom of the page, Crayons, Color Pencils or Washable markers
Draw a picture of something in creation
Alternate option – Create a Creation Collage
Provide pictures from magazines or other sources, glue sticks and a piece of construction paper for each person with the words “Dear God, Thank You for Creation.” on the bottom of the page. Glue the pictures on the paper to create a collage of things they see in God’s creation. Or go 3D and glue items from nature on cardboard.
Crafts Activity Option 2: Nature Rubbings (Older Children)
Supplies:
Drawing paper, Leaves, flower pedals, twigs with pine needles Crayons with no paper
Choose some items and place them under the paper as flatly as possible Rub the crayon over the paper until the shape and texture of the items appear.
Write on the top of the paper “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth”
Connecting to the Bible Story –
God gave us the gift of creativity. Our craft creations celebrate God’s creation and our creativity!
BRINGING IT ALL TOGETHER
At the end of the week have a conversation about your VBS activities. Look at their creations. Talk about what they enjoyed about the activities.
We are created in God’s image, which means God loves us and we are important to God. Each person, no matter who they are or where they come from is valuable to God. When we respect each other, love each other and care for each other we are caring for creation, too.
We get to work together to care for creation. When we care for creation we show God respect. When we care for creation we show God that we are grateful. When we care for creation we honor each other and God’s work.
JESUS ON THE GO
We are including our Sunday School “Jesus on the Go” activity.
Choose one of the activities and take a photo with your “Jesus on the Go!”
Share it in the Jesus on the Go photo album on the main King of Kings Facebook and on the VBS Facebook page.
EXPLORING
Exploring Activity Option 1: “What’s in the Bag?” Activity (Younger Children)
Supplies:
Items found outside in nature and a few other items - Twig, flower, rock, soil, pinecone, feather, piece of fur, piece of lambs wool, small bottle of water, a small flashlight, a small inflated balloon (you may find some other items in nature to use) Paper lunch bags or something to hide items in/under (one for each item)
1. Place an item in each bag.
2. Gather with the bags in the center of the floor or table.
3. Ask each person to choose a bag. Explain that there is an item they might find outside in nature or something you may find in the house in each bag.
4. Invite them to reach inside the bag. No peeking!
5. Ask them about what they feel and what they think it is.
6. After they each have a chance to describe their mystery item, invite them to take it from their bag to see if they guessed what it was.
You may try more than one bag depending on how many bags/people you have.
Connecting to the Bible Story –
In our Bible story about creation we learned that God created everything, which part of our story does your item remind you of? (Light, water, dry land, birds, animals, sky or air)
Exploring Activity Option 2: “What do you see?” (Older Children)
Supplies: Pictures of creation scenes, you might include photos of family trips to outdoor locations. Or using a digital device take some pictures of nature while on a family walk or hike. Use these photos for your conversation.
Spread creation photographs on the table and invite each person to each select a photo that they like. Once each person has a photo give them a chance to share what they see in the photo and why they like that photo.
Connecting to the Bible Story –
Look at the photos as you read the Creation story one more time. Then ask these questions and give each person a chance to share their thoughts.
What did you hear in the story that goes with your photo? How does your photo remind you of God, the Creator?
Exploring Activity Option 3: “What can you find?”
Supplies: List of Scavenger Hunt items (printed or written on a piece of paper): God’s creation column: Something pointy, colorful, hard, soft, growing; Our creation column: Something shiny, recyclable, littered, paper, reusable
We all know that God’s creation has a lot of different things in it. We’re going to go on a scavenger hunt to look for some of the different things God created, but we are also going to look for examples of how we use God’s creation. We are God’s stewards, just like Adam and Eve. We are supposed to take care of the world, but often we do things we shouldn’t—like littering and leaving the lights on at home. These things waste the resources of God’s creation.
Connecting to the Bible Story -
After the activity, look at all the evidence of God and humans we found today. Was it harder to find evidence of God’s creation or human creation? Allow time for kids to respond. We need to remember that it is our job to care for God’s creation. Often that means making sure there isn’t evidence of our own creation in the world— like litter. What are other ways we can help the earth? (Pick up trash, recycle, compost, turn off lights and water, etc.)
GAMES
Games Activity Option 1: Charades
Supplies: slips of paper with creation topics to act out
Play creation charades. Write the name of something God created on a slip of paper. Mix the papers in a bowl. Each person picks a slip of paper and acts out the creation. Family members guess the item and name two ways to care for it.
Connecting to the Bible story-
Visit National Park websites to view images of God’s incredibly varied and beautiful creation. Which parks have scenery and animals that surprise you? Which parks would you like to visit or learn more about? Look at the stars at night. God created the stars and is always with us, even in the darkness. Listen and observe the wind. When you hear the wind blow, think of is as God’s creative Spirit blowing through your corner of the world.
Games Activity Option 2: Balloon Game (Younger Children)
Supplies: Inflated balloons – one per person
Clear a space on the floor or outside where you can move around safely Gather around in a circle or across from each other.
The goal of the game is to work together to keep the balloons from hitting the ground. Young children typically do not have a good awareness of space so sitting on the floor and reaching up for the balloons may be an option. Your family may also choose to stand up for this activity.
Pretend that the balloons are pieces of trash falling to the ground. Our job is to keep God’s creation clean by keeping the balloons off the ground as best we can. Work together to keep the balloons off the ground.
Begin by tossing one balloon in the air then try adding more. Repeat the game each time the balloons fall the ground.
Connecting to the Bible Story –
Gather up the balloons and have a conversation. We are part of God’s creation and we are responsible for taking care of it. When we work together it’s fun and we get more work done. Besides cleaning up our trash, what can we do to help take care of creation?
If they need some idea starters, talk about not being wasteful, sharing with others, recycling, planting new trees and flowers, etc.
Invite them to talk about what you can do at home or in your community to care for creation.
Games Activity Option 3: Clean up Relay (Older Children)
Supplies: Balls of crumpled newspaper or scrap paper, Small empty cereal or food boxes, Paper or plastic cups
1. Litter the floor with the items (reserve some items)
2. Set a timer for 10 seconds
3. On “go” see how much you can clean up in 10 seconds. The goal is to clean up all the trash
Repeat a few times increasing the amount of litter on the ground if they get it all the first time
What happened in the game?
How do you feel when you see trash around outside?
How do think God feels when we make a mess outside and don’t clean it up?
Additional Challenge -
Set the timer for 20 seconds and repeat the challenge but this time after they start, throw some additional “trash” onto the floor for them to pick up.
What did you think when we threw more trash on the floor while you were trying to pick it all up?
Connecting to the Bible Story –
We are part of God’s creation and we are responsible for taking care of it.
Besides cleaning up our trash, what can we do to help take care of creation?
Talk about what you can do at home or in your community to care for creation.
CRAFTS
Crafts Activity Option 1: Creation Drawings (Younger Children)
Supplies:
Drawing paper with the words “Dear God, Thank You for Creation” on the bottom of the page, Crayons, Color Pencils or Washable markers
Draw a picture of something in creation
Alternate option – Create a Creation Collage
Provide pictures from magazines or other sources, glue sticks and a piece of construction paper for each person with the words “Dear God, Thank You for Creation.” on the bottom of the page. Glue the pictures on the paper to create a collage of things they see in God’s creation. Or go 3D and glue items from nature on cardboard.
Crafts Activity Option 2: Nature Rubbings (Older Children)
Supplies:
Drawing paper, Leaves, flower pedals, twigs with pine needles Crayons with no paper
Choose some items and place them under the paper as flatly as possible Rub the crayon over the paper until the shape and texture of the items appear.
Write on the top of the paper “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth”
Connecting to the Bible Story –
God gave us the gift of creativity. Our craft creations celebrate God’s creation and our creativity!
BRINGING IT ALL TOGETHER
At the end of the week have a conversation about your VBS activities. Look at their creations. Talk about what they enjoyed about the activities.
We are created in God’s image, which means God loves us and we are important to God. Each person, no matter who they are or where they come from is valuable to God. When we respect each other, love each other and care for each other we are caring for creation, too.
We get to work together to care for creation. When we care for creation we show God respect. When we care for creation we show God that we are grateful. When we care for creation we honor each other and God’s work.
JESUS ON THE GO
We are including our Sunday School “Jesus on the Go” activity.
Choose one of the activities and take a photo with your “Jesus on the Go!”
Share it in the Jesus on the Go photo album on the main King of Kings Facebook and on the VBS Facebook page.