Unit: God’s Amazing Power

Session Title: Samuel’s Birth and Calling

Life Point: God wants people to pray to Him daily.

Unit Verse: “His divine power has given us everything required for life and godliness.” 2 Peter 1:3a

Weekly Bible Verse: “I call on You, God, because You will answer me.” Psalm 17:6a

Bible Passage: 1 Samuel 1:1-4:1

Extras from LifeWay (GREAT Ideas Here): http://blog.lifeway.com/biblestudiesforlife/leaderextras/by-age-group/

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Craft: God Calls Samuel
This craft is a matchbox bed that will help children remember to talk to God each night before they go to bed.
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Craft: Listening Ears
Help children create “listening ears.”
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Craft: Samuel listens to God
Children can make a pipe cleaner Samuel while they listen to the story.
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Game: Guess What You Hear?
In this game students will guess what is making the sound they hear. The game will reinforce the idea that God hears when we pray to him. Instructions are on the website below.
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Game: Telephone
Have the children sit in a circle or around the table. Start with one child and whisper one of the phrases shown below into his or her ear. Have that child whisper the same phrase into the ear of the child to his or her left, and continue around the circle until the last child is told the phrase. Then have the last child say what he or she heard out loud to see how close it was to the original phrase.

Phrases:
God will always hear our prayers.
It makes Jesus very happy when we pray.
If we ask anything in Jesus’ name, He will listen.
We can pray anytime morning, noon, or not.

Compare this game to how when we pray, God hears exactly what we mean to say, even when we don’t say it exactly the way we want.
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Unit: God’s Amazing Power

Session Title: Ruth, Boaz and Obed

Life Point: God has a plan for families.

Unit Verse: “His divine power has given us everything required for life and godliness.” 2 Peter 1:3a

Weekly Bible Verse: “Show family affection to one another with brotherly love.” Romans 12:10a

Bible Passage: Ruth 1:1-22; 2:1-23; 4:13-17

Extras from LifeWay (GREAT Ideas Here): Click here

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Craft: Story of Ruth in a Bottle
The instructions for this craft are on the below website. You can follow this or adapt it to what works best for your class. I do know the bottles she uses are going to be tricky to find so you may want to think of a different container.
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Object Lesson: Sucker or Candy Lesson
Have different flavors of suckers or candy and have the children pick their favorite. Use this to talk about how we may like something better than others and we may choose it first. This also may be what we do with people when have people we love more than others and choose them to do things with us but Jesus has told us to love everyone equally. Then you can give them the candy and suckers. (Note: Her way of explaining is good so I suggest reading the explanation on the website below.)
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Craft: Ruth Family Braid (3rd-5th)
The instructions are very well written on the website below and pictures have been posted as well. They do a good job of suggesting how to explain to your children that they are knit together with their family to work as one. What could be cool is to have them write their last name on the braid after you are done with it. Then they can keep it somewhere special in their room to remind them to work together with their family.
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Activity: Making Plans
This activity helps children think about the plans they already know about such as for the month or over the summer and then look at the plans they don’t know about such as what they will be doing in high school or as an adult. I would say this is geared more for the older children but you could do it with the younger children as well. The attached PDF does a great job of laying the activity out.
Source: Making Scripture Memory Fun
Making Plans PDF

Game: God’s Loving Plans
In this game children will follow the leaders’ plans and find missing envelopes. It is a lot like a scavenger hunt and could be a lot of fun for the students. If you have a smaller class you could hide some of the envelopes in other places in children’s ministry but I would try to keep the majority of it in your room. The attached PDF will give you all the details of the game and how to set it up.
Source: The Humongous Book of Games for Children’s Ministry
gods-loving-plans-pdf

Unit: God’s Amazing Power

Session Title: Samson

Life Point: God can use people, even when they make mistakes.

Unit Verse: “His divine power has given us everything required for life and godliness.” 2 Peter 1:3a

Weekly Bible Verse: “His divine power has given us everything required for life and godliness.” 2 Peter 1:3a

Bible Passage: Judges 13-16

Extras from LifeWay (GREAT Ideas Here): Click here

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Craft: Samson’s Hair
A fun hat to make with the story of Samson. Instructions on the below website.
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Craft: Giant Paper Chain
You could use this to tell the Bible story but I would not suggest each child making one. Instructions are on the website.
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Activity: Strength’s List
• Split the class into 2 groups.
• Give each group a piece of paper and marker.

“In our Bible Story today, we talked about Samson. What was special about Samson? (allow for responses) Right, Samson was very strong. God gave Samson physical strength. Samson didn’t always use it for God and in the way God wanted him to. But, in the end, Samson leaned on God’s strength. God has given us all strengths. Strengths are things that we are good at. Some people are good at drawing, singing, speaking, etc. Every gift comes from God and should be used for God.

In your groups, make a list of things that the people of your group are good at. Then, write how those strengths can be used for God. When time is up, you’re going to share your lists with the rest of the class.”

Let the children make and share their lists.
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Game: Weight Lifting
Children can be divided into teams for weight lifting. The teacher can have various objects for each team to come up to the line and LIFT the weight (box, toy, rock, ball, shoes, bar bells, food box, etc). Go from lighter objects to heavier.
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Unit: God’s Amazing Power

Session Title: Joshua and Jericho

Life Point: People should obey, respect, and honor God because He loves them.

Unit Verse: “His divine power has given us everything required for life and godliness.” 2 Peter 1:3a

Weekly Bible Verse: “Obey the Lord your God and follow His commands.” Deuteronomy 27:10a

Bible Passage: Joshua 6:1-21

Extras from LifeWay (GREAT Ideas Here): Click here

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Craft: Paper Towel Trumpet
A cute craft to make a paper towel trumpet. You can use these to act out the story and march around your room.
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Craft: Walls of Jericho Catapult
Kids will love making this craft but I would do it towards the end of class so they are not playing with it the whole time.
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Snack: Walls of Jericho
You can build the walls of Jericho like you do a graham cracker gingerbread house. You will need graham crackers and frosting to build the walls. You could make the wall more secure by building around a rice cake. You can use gummy bears or teddy grahams as the “people” walking around the walls. Have the kids blow their “trumpets” (using Bugles). If you do this activity, please make an allergy alert sign.
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Activity: Marshmallow/Jelly Bean Structure
Divide your class into teams and have a competition to see who can build the tallest structure out of marshmallows or jelly beans and toothpicks. We have some marshmallows in the Children’s Area if you decide to do this activity, just let Brad, Tricia, Megan or Jamie know and we’ll be happy to get them for you!
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Unit: Jesus Was Born

Session Title: Jesus Was Born

Life Point: God sent Jesus to the Earth to be the Savior.

Unit Verse: “A child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on His shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

Weekly Bible Verse: “Today a Savior, who is the Messiah the Lord, was born for you in the city of David.” Luke 2:11

Bible Passage: Luke 2:1-20

Extras from LifeWay (GREAT Ideas Here): Click here

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Craft: Paper Bag Manger
The website gives the instructions for this cute craft.
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Craft: Jesus in a Manger Fingerprint Craft
The website gives a good description as well as picture for how to do this craft.
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Craft: A present for Jesus
Instructions for a cute craft on what you could give baby Jesus on his birthday. This would be great for younger kids.
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Game: Put the Baby in the Manger
A lot like pin the tail on the donkey. The website has all the printouts you need for this fun game that your kids will love to play.
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Craft: Nativity Sun Catcher
This craft maybe better for 2nd grade and older. It is a little complicated and would need some prep work but is very cool and something they can hang in their house for years to come.
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Craft: Shepherd Ornament
Ornament made out of a toilet paper roll to make a shepherd. If you don’t want to get toilet paper rolls you could roll paper into a tube as well. Simple cute craft.
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Unit: Jesus Was Born

Session Title: Name Him Jesus

Life Point: Jesus is God’s plan for people’s salvation.

Unit Verse: “A child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on His shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

Weekly Bible Verse: “She will give birth to a son, and you are to name Him Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21

Bible Passages: Luke 1:26-56; Matthew 1:18-24

Extras from LifeWay (GREAT Ideas Here): Click here

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Craft: Angel Ornament
This is actually in the 3rd and 4th grade curriculum but here it is for other classes as well.
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Craft: Coffee Filter Angel
Ornament made from a coffee filter, we have some filters in the Children’s or Preschool Re-source Rooms. You can replace the foam ball with a wood ball. All the instructions are on the website below.
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Craft: Doily Angel
This could be an ornament or just a standing decoration for a table.
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Snack/Craft: Hersey Kisses Angel
This is a cute snack/craft for kids to make for themselves or to give to others.
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Unit: Jesus Was Born

Session Title: Prophets Told About Jesus

Life Point: God promised to send a Savior, Jesus.

Unit Verse: “A child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on His shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

Weekly Bible Verse: “A child will be born for is, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on His shoulders. He will be named Wonder Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

Bible Passage: Isaiah 7:14; 9:6; 11:1-5; Micah 5:2

Extras from LifeWay (GREAT Ideas Here): Click here

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Craft: Isaiah 9:6 Ornament
Children will make an ornament to remind them of the prophecy Isaiah had about Jesus’ birth. All the instructions are on the website.
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Craft: Names of Jesus Advent Chain
Children will make an advent chain that will help them remember the names of Jesus and re-mind them of the reason for the season. All the instructions are on the website below. This is a craft that would require a lot of prep or you need to do with older students since there is a lot of writing involved.
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Beginning or Ending Activity: What is His Name?
Students will complete the worksheet by looking up the verses to find the names of Jesus. You could also do this as an activity with the whole class to look up the verses.
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Game: Blind Artist
Ask your class to form pairs. You will need one blindfold for each pair of children, a marker, and one sheet of butcher paper for each pair large enough for both children to draw on together. Ask the partners to choose which person will be the blindfolded person. Next, give each child a marker and ask the partners to stand or sit next to each other. Tell them, “When I say, ‘go’ you will have three minutes to draw your best picture of baby Jesus in the manger.” Say, “go” and allow for 3 minutes.

At the end of three minutes, say, “Stop.” Have the blindfolded children take off their blindfolds to see their pictures. The pictures drawn by those children without the blindfold should be noticeably better.

The nation of Israel was in a state of great darkness. But Isaiah gave them a message of great hope–the Messiah, Jesus, would come. He would take them out of darkness and show them light. Before we came to know Jesus, we were in spiritual darkness. Like our pictures we drew while blindfolded, our lives would be a disaster apart from Jesus’ glorious light. When we receive the light of the Gospel of Jesus, the blindfold is removed; and the Lord can make some-thing very beautiful out of our lives.
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Craft: What’s In A Name Banner?
For this craft, you will need a straw for each child, string (approximately 12”) for each child, scissors, lightweight tissue or paper, glitter and glue. Cut a 1/2” slit on each side of the straw. Tie knots on each end of the string. Slide the knotted ends of the string into the slits in the straw, one on each end to hold the banner up. Cut the paper to the width of the straw and leave it about 12” long or longer. Fold and glue the top edge of the paper over the straw.

Ask the children to choose their favorite name from the list of names for Jesus in Isaiah 9:6 and write the name on the banner along with the scripture reference, Isaiah 9:6. Decorate with the tissue, glitter, or perhaps sequins, stickers, or other decorative things to make their banner look unique.
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Unit: Following Directions

Session Title: God Gave Ten Commandments

Life Point: People honor God by obeying His commands.

Unit Verse: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5

Weekly Bible Verse: “We will do and obey everything that the Lord has commanded.” Exodus 24:7

Bible Passage: Exodus 20; 31:18

Extras from LifeWay (GREAT Ideas Here): Click here

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Craft: Ten Commandment Sticks
The website below gives great directions for this craft. I would do this with 2nd grade and older. I believe we have lots and lots of crafts sticks if you are interested in doing this craft, so that should not be a problem.
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Game: Ten Commandments Bowling
This is a lot like the plague bowling idea I gave you all a couple weeks ago. This one you make the pins but the below link explains how to do. I think it would be fun for the children to play.
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Craft: Ten Commandments Lap Book
This would be great for the lower grades. We do have file folders in the resource room if you are interested in this craft. This will require some preparation on the front end.
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Song/Video: Ten Commandment Boogie
This video is a really cute song and dance for the Ten Commandments. I know we sometimes have issues with the internet in the classrooms so come talk to Jamie on Sunday morning and she can help you with this. This is geared more towards grades 1-3.
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Game: Ten Commandment Matching
The site below has the cards you can print out and either have each kid make a set or make a couple sets for them to play with in class. If they make their own set they can color them as well.
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Game: 10 Commandment Toss
All I have as a resource for this is the picture below. Basically it is cups with the numbers 1-10 in them and the children would throw a ping pong ball and try to get it in the cup. When they do they have to tell you the commandment that goes with that number.
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Unit: Following Directions

Session Title: The Israelites Crossed the Red Sea

Life Point: People can trust in God’s power in all circumstances.

Unit Verse: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5

Weekly Bible Verse: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own under-standing.” Proverbs 3:5

Bible Passage: Exodus 13:17-15:21

Extras from LifeWay (GREAT Ideas Here): Click here

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Craft: Red Sea Construction Paper Parting
This is a simple craft that you could do to show the Red Sea parting. The picture and website will show how children could use Lego men to cross the Red Sea on their paper.
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Craft: Red Sea Folder
No instructions for this craft but looking at it I think you can see how it is done. Very similar to the craft above but a little bit more complicated so I would do this with the older kids.
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Snack: Part the Red Sea Cupcakes
This is a cute snack you could make for your kids. It is a cupcake then has icing (blue would be best) on both sides with a strip left plain the in middle. Then they took a gingerbread sprinkle and placed it in the center towards the back to look like Moses was about to cross. Remember to post an allergy alert.
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Object Lesson: Water Pepper Trick
The video on the website shows how this is done. You need a bowl of water and then a good amount of black pepper in the bowl on top of the water. You stick your finger in just plain and show the kids it does nothing. Then you put a little drop of dish soap on the tip of your finger and put it in and all the pepper will split. I would try this at home just to make sure it works be-fore you do it with the children.
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Game: Red Sea Walk
Place a long line of chairs in 2 rows for the children to run through with the back of the chairs faced inside the area children will walk or run through. Children will line up and each child will put on a colored cloth on the head and take a “walking stick” and run through the “RED SEA” and then will bring the cloth and stick to the next child in the line and children will continue to RUN thru the “RED SEA” until everyone has had an opportunity to “walk” through.
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Unit: Following Directions

Session Title: Joseph Forgave His Brothers

Life Point: God wants people to forgive one another like He has forgiven them.

Unit Verse: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5

Weekly Bible Verse: “Accepting one another and forgiving one another, if anyone has a com-plaint against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you must also forgive.” Colossians 3:13

Bible Passage: Genesis 42-46

Extras from LifeWay (GREAT Ideas Here): Click here

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Object: Heavy Box
When you think of a soul, it brings to mind images of light and uplifting thoughts. Over time, misdeeds and sins weigh down the soul and make it heavy. You can teach your youngster about the importance of forgiveness by demonstrating the heavy soul and how much easier it is to carry around when it forgives and is forgiven. Start with an empty shoe box and get your kiddo to hold the box. Ask her how it feels: “Is it light or heavy?” and “Would it be hard to carry this empty box around?” Of course it would be easy. Next, add two or three rocks to the box and hand it over to your youngster again. Ask the same questions. This time, there’s a little bit of weight in the box, but not enough to make it an impossible task. Continue on until the box is just too much to carry easily. Now you can explain the similarities between a heavy soul and the heavy box. Forgiveness is important because it keeps the soul uplifted and prevents it from being weighted down.
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Craft: Forgiveness Gift
Forgiveness isn’t something that can be taken; you may not be able to see it or touch it, but it’s a gift that you can give to someone and a wonderful gift to receive, too. Help your kiddo turn an ordinary gift box into the prettiest gift box he or she has ever seen. Wrap the lid and box separately in decorative wrapping paper, and then pull out the craft supplies and let your little artist take over. They can adorn the box with bows, ribbons, glitter and anything else they can find. When the gift box is complete, help the child think of something that has upset him or her recently and help them to forgive. Write the words “I forgive” and then the scenario on a piece of paper and place it in the gift box. The child can give the box to someone or place it in a special area in the home. They can always come back to the box every once in a while and add more forgiveness notes to the box.
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Craft: Grain-ola
You will just have to go off the picture for how this is made but it looks like granola and then M&Ms put in a bag with a tag on it that says “Grain-ola” and then the weekly verse on the back of the tag.
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Game: Try Try Again
A game that talks about forgiveness and how it is not as easy as anticipated.
Source: The Humongous Book of Games for Children’s Ministry