Unit: God Helps People
Session Titles: Joseph Worked for Pharaoh
Life Point: People honor God when they use their abilities to bring honor to Him
Unit Bible Verse: “I know the plans I have for you… to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11
Weekly Bible Verses: “Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as something done for the Lord and not for people.” Colossians 3:23
Bible Passage: Genesis 41:37-57
Extras from LifeWay (GREAT Ideas Here): http://blog.lifeway.com/bibles-tudiesforlife/leaderextras/by-age-group/
Quiz: Spiritual Gifts Assessment (4th and 5th Grade)
Below is a quiz to help kids think about their spiritual gifts. I would only do this with older children because it is kind of confusing.
Click here for more information.
Object Lesson: Colored Candies
**You will want to adapt this object lesson below to what you can bring in but it is a layout of how to do it**
Got a handful of colorful candy or maybe a few boxes left over from a recent holiday? Perhaps leftovers aren’t the best choice but you can find different colored candies at the dollar store or your favorite department store for a couple of dollars. Dump those candy pieces into clear bowls and use them for the Lord! Kids love sweet candy; this treat appeals to the eye and the taste buds. For some contrast, select two types of candies, one that is just one color and one candy that has different colors.
Here’s the verse I used for this object lesson: “We have different gifts, ac-cording to the grace given to each of us.” (Romans 12:6 NIV)
Hold the bowls, one at a time, shaking them so kids can hear the candies shifting around. “Who loves candy?” (Let kids answer.) You could ask ques-tions like, “What’s your favorite kinds of candy?”
“You know, candies come in different colors. Some brands like Hershey’s Kisses are all the same color. When you get a bag of Kisses, they are usually all dark chocolate or milk chocolate or white chocolate. Let’s unwrap a few to test our theory.” Unwrap a few candies.
“It’s hard to find a bag of kisses that contain a bunch of different flavors. That’s kind of a shame because I get bored eating the same flavor over and over again. Don’t you?” (Invite answers from kids.)
“Look at this bowl of candy. It’s called Runts. All the candies have a differ-ent fruit shape and flavor. You never get bored eating these candies because they have different flavors. Have you ever had a Runts candy?” (Let kids an-swer.)
“You know, Christians are a lot like these colorful candies. Each one of us has a different spiritual gifting. Let’s read the scripture together.” (Read the scripture.)
“Wow! So some of us have a special gift for different things. The Holy Spirit loves to give sweet gifts. Some people sing, some preach, some dance and some prophesy. How boring God’s kingdom would be if everyone did the same thing.”
You can share the candy with the kids or send some home in little goodie bags. (Especially if the candy is chocolate!) Have fun with this colorful candy object lesson.
Game: Encouragement Game
• Have the children sit in a circle on the floor.
• Use an object to designate which kid has a turn to speak – like a ball.
• Model the game by sitting in the circle with the children.
• Have them complete this sentence and then pass the object to the child they were talking about — “You are really good at
________________ and I can imagine God using your to _____________.“
• The child who receives the object will go next. Instruct them to not re-peat until everyone has had a turn.
• It creates a little surprise to see who they are talking about. You may need to redirect the comments if they become redundant or negative.
• Example: “You are really good with babies and I can imagine God us-ing you to be a good Mom.” Then hand the object to Sara.
• Example: “You are really good at talking and I can imagine God using you to be a teacher.
Activity: Toss the Talents
1. DRAW
Give kids each paper and markers. Say: God has given each of you unique gifts and talents. Maybe you’re really good at drawing, or sing-ing, or running. Draw a picture of yourself doing something you’re talented at.
2. TOSS IT
Allow time for kids to draw. Then gather kids around the trash can. Say: When I call on you, crumple up your picture and toss it into the trash can. Allow time.
3. USE IT
After kids have tossed their pictures, pull the papers out and display the pictures.
4. DISCUSS
• What were you thinking when I made you crumple up your picture and throw it away?
• What might God think if we throw away our talents?
• What are someways you can use your talents for God?