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Session Titles: The Holy Spirit Helps Us Pray

Life Point: The Holy Spirit helps Christians pray

Unit Bible Verse: “Everything you pray and ask for – believe that you received it and it will be yours.” Mark 11:24

Weekly Bible Verses: “The Spirit also helps us in our weakness, because we do not know what to pray for as we should.” Romans 8:26

Bible Passage: Romans 8:18-30

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

Object Lesson: Holy Spirirt
This blog has a great illustration to help kids understand the Holy Spirit as well as the trinity.
http://tothemoonandbackblog.net/2014/09/h-holy-spirit.html

Craft: Pinwheel
Make a pinwheel and talk about the wind to help the children understand how we cannot see the holy spirit but we know he moves and is among us. The website below goes into more detail about the craft and how to make the pinwheel.
http://ministry-to-children.com/spirit-pinwheel-craft/

Object Lesson: The Holy Spirit Gives Power
Materials:
Glasses of water
Salt
Egg
Spoon

Prepare:
Before class, fill two glasses with water. Mix a few teaspoons of into one of the glasses until the salt dissolves completely.

Before Jesus left earth for heaven, He promised to send the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit filled believers and empowered them.

Let me explain how the Holy Spirit helps us. Place one egg into plain water. If the egg is fresh, it will sink in plain water. Watch the egg sink. Use a spoon to remove the egg from plain water. What do you think will happen when I place the egg in this second glass of water? Place the egg into the salt water. It will float.

Would you like to know how I did that? In this experiment, the first and second glasses look pretty much identical, but there is an important difference. I added salt to the water in the second glass. Salt makes the water dense so the egg floats.

The experiment helps us imagine what it was like for the disciples before and after the Holy Spirit came to them. At first, they had no power to what Jesus commanded them. After the Spirit came the disciples probably looked about same, but they had power they did not have before  – The Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit helps Christians follow Jesus.

Session Titles: Jesus Prayed in the Garden

Life Point: God wants people to pray to Him daily

Unit Bible Verse: “Everything you pray and ask for – believe that you received it and it will be yours.” Mark 11:24

Weekly Bible Verses: “Pray constantly, give thanks in everything; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18

Bible Passage: Luke 22:39-46

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

Craft: Prayer Journal
Make a prayer journal using any of the templates below for the inside pages. You could have them decorate a cover as well and encourage them to use it daily.
https://wellnurturedplantsandpillars.wordpress.com/2014/02/18/teaching-children-about-prayer-with-free-prayer-journal-printable/

https://cherigamble.com/2016/12/31/printable-prayer-journals-for-kids/

https://www.childrens-ministry-deals.com/products/prayer-prompts-for-kids?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Pinterest

Activity: Ask for Help (Younger Kids)
Supplies:
Bibles
Ping Pong Balls (One per child)
Plastic Spoons (one per child)
Clean bucket
Tape

Tape a start line on the floor. Place the bucket across the room.

The majority of the children should stand at the start line. Enlist other children to stand along the race path, at the ready in case a player needs help.

In turn, each child will speed walk to the finish line with the ping pong ball balanced on a spoon. If the ball falls, the player should say: “Help, please!” Any one of the helpers standing along the path should pick up the ball and place it back on the spoon. The walker takes three giant steps backward and then continues toward the finish line. When the player arrives at the finish line he drops the ball in the bucket and returns the spoon to the next player.

When everyone has successfully dropped a ball in the bucket have the children talk about how when we pray for help, God hears our prayers and will help us.

Source: Bible Skills Activities for Kids

Game: Finger Frenzy
This finger play game involves simple math and can be played by two or more players. Pair off players with each person holding one finger out on each hand facing the opponent.

Players move around the room with Player 1 trying to take Player 2. When player 1 taps Player 2’s hand with her finger, Player 2 “adds” an additional finger on that hand. Player 2 then becomes the tagger. When player 2 tags Player 1 with her 2 fingers, Player one will have to “add” two more fingers on her hand so that now she has three. Play continues. When one player has 5 fingers stretched out on one hand, that hand is “out”.

For a fun twist, players can also “divide” an even number of fingers across both hands, so if a player has four fingers on one hand and none on the other, she can split them into two and two. The last player to have a hand still in play wins.

Connecting the Game

This game is fun and challenging. There was simple math but you had to stay focused. Your fingers were doing a lot of work as well. Have you ever been taught how to pray using the finger method? Read and discuss 1 Thessalonians 5:17, then use the finger suggestions below to teach players how to pray.

Thumb – Say a prayer for those closest to you

Pointer – Say a prayer for those who teach you (school, church, dance, sports, etc.)

Middle – Say a prayer for the president and those in authority over you

Ring – Say a prayer for the lost and sick

Pinky – Say a prater for yourself

Source: Bible Games for Kids

Object Lesson: Prayers for Protection
Supplies:
Umbrella
Paper

Select a volunteer and give him or her an umbrella. Give paper to the other kids. Prompt them to make paper wads to toss at the volunteer. Direct the volunteer to use the closed umbrella as protection against the paper wads. Instruct the kids to collect the paper wads and prepare to throw them again. Give the kids the signal to toss their paper wads again but this time the volunteer will open their umbrella to block the paper wads. Guide kids to collect the paper wads and throw them in the trash.

Talk about how God is our protection, like the umbrella was the second time. He hears and answers our prayers. He is ready to help us all we need to do is ask.

Ask: How is God like a shield? When do you need God’s help the most?

Source: Object Lessons for Kids

Mother’s Day: Fingerprint Flower Pots
The instructions are on the site below. This would be an easy craft to do with any age. You will need to buy the flower pots for this.

http://www.momalwaysfindsout.com/thumbprint-art/#_a5y_p=5267104

Session Titles: Jesus Gave Thanks for Food

Life Point: People can thank God for things that He gives them

Unit Bible Verse: “Everything you pray and ask for – believe that you received it and it will be yours.” Mark 11:24

Weekly Bible Verses: “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his faithful love endures forever.” Psalm 107:1

Bible Passage: John 6:1-13

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

Craft: Thankful Sunflower
I did this craft last year and it was a hit!!! Basically what I did was have the petals drawn on pieces of yellow paper, give each child two and have them write things or people they are thankful for. Then they will cut out the petals. They will glue them on to a paper plate. Then you can have circles for the middle and they can glue sunflower seeds down. And then last is the green Popsicle stick for the stem. You will want to do this at the beginning of class so they have time to dry before the end of class.
http://www.parents.com/holiday/thanksgiving/crafts/adorable-thankful-crafts/?page=18

Game: Thankful Scattergories Game (3^rd-5^th)
Play a game of Thankful Scattergories.

Step #1 – Take a sheet of paper, list the alphabet in two rows as seen in the picture to the left of this. Make enough copies for each guest to have one

Step #2 – Ask each student to fill in the sheet using each  letter to describe something they are thankful for.

Step #3 – Go around the room or table and share what each person wrote for each letter. If anyone has the same answer as another person , cross it off, and the person with the highest number of NOT crossed off items WINS .  Add a little more fun with prizes for the winners.  We found this fun game idea  on http://247moms.com/2013/11/thankful-scattergories-game/

Mother’s Day: Love you because flowers
This is a cute craft for kids to do for their mother. The site says to use foam flowers but you could definitely do this craft with construction paper as well and it may be easier because you can use regular markers.
http://www.jadelouisedesigns.com/i-love-you-because-mothers-day-craft/?_nospa=true#

Mother’s Day: I love you with a cherry on top
Cute craft that has the kids think of adjectives to describe their moms. Could be made into a card but the example on the site is more poster like.
http://www.mrsliretteslearningdetectives.com/2012/05/mothers-day-crafts.html

Here is a site to a lot of mother’s day card ideas, which are very cute and easy to do as well.
http://www.craftymorning.com/easy-meaningful-mothers-day-crafts-kids-make/

Mother’s Day: Fingerprint Flower Pots
The instructions are on the site below. This would be an easy craft to do with any age. You will need to buy the flower pots for this.
http://www.momalwaysfindsout.com/thumbprint-art/#_a5y_p=5267104

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Session Titles: Jesus Taught About Prayer

Life Point: Jesus taught people that prayer is important

Unit Bible Verse: “Everything you pray and ask for – believe that you received it and it will be yours.” Mark 11:24

Weekly Bible Verses: “Everything you pray and ask for – believe that you receive it and it will be yours.” Mark 11:24

Bible Passage: Mark 5:1-2; 6:5-13

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

Craft: Lord’s Prayer Bracelet
Students will create a bracelet that will help them to remember the Lord’s Prayer as well as share it with others. The site below will walk you through how to explain the colors and the bracelet to the students
http://kidz.arumc.org/2012/09/21/lordsprayer/

Craft: Praying Hands
This craft has the students trace their hands on the fold of a piece of paper to make them look like praying hands. Then inside they can paste the Lord’s prayer. You can use construction paper or decorative scrapbook paper
http://sowingmustardseeds.blogspot.com/2009/04/holy-thursday-praying-hands.html

Snack: Prayer Pretzels
Make the Praying Pretzels ahead of time or at the beginning of class with the kids.  Or buy some pretzels and explain that pretzels were first made by monks who gave them as rewards to children who had learned their prayers. The special twisted shape looks like the folded arms of a child praying. The word pretzel means reward.
http://www.dltk-bible.com/guides/lords_prayer.htm

Prop Lesson to learn Lord’s Prayer
Using everyday ordinary household items as props can help us in understanding the Lord’s Prayer. You can use any props you like, but suggested examples are listed below. You may find that discussing what props to use before you pray is the most interesting part of the whole exercise!

Our Father in heaven: a picture of a parent and child.
Hallowed be your name: an honors board, a prize-giving program, or a picture of an Oscar or Nobel Peace Prize being presented.
Your kingdom come: a national flag, or a postage stamp.
Your will be done: a recent newspaper, a dog lead, or a map.
On earth as it is in heaven: a picture of earth from space, or a newspaper.
Give us today our daily bread: a loaf or pictures of food, clothing and houses.
Forgive us our debts: a toy gun, or toy handcuffs, or a jail.
As we also have forgiven our debtors: a cross.
And lead us not into temptation: adverts for expensive items.
But deliver us from evil: a bottle labelled ‘poison’ (note: don’t use a real poison bottle!).
For yours is the kingdom: a crown (which could be made of paper).
And the power: foreign money, a toy weapon, or a picture of Parliament.
And the glory: a palm branch, or a picture of fans at a concert or football match.
For ever. Amen: a stopped clock.

You can use this prayer activity in three ways:

• You can project images of the items using an OHP or digital projector as you pray rather than using the real props, making sure you give space for reflection on each image. If each line of the prayer was printed alongside the image, people would know when to say the next line.
• You could distribute the props amongst the people in the room. Discuss together which item belongs to which line of the prayer. Then attempt to put them in order! Pray the prayer slowly while each person holds their item up.
• Gather all the props/items together and place them in the centre of your group. As you pray each line of the prayer, pass the appropriate item around your group, pausing long enough for it to make its journey around everyone. Finally, return the items to the middle of the room. Use the time to reflect on each items and the relevant line of the prayer.

http://www.freshexpressions.org.uk/guide/worship/prayer-children

Game: Prayer Hop
This game is good for learning the Lord’s prayer and the order it goes in.

Source: The Humongous Book of Games for Children’s Ministry

Session Title: Thomas Believed

Life Point: Jesus performed miracles through the power of God.

Unit Verse: “The Son of Man has come to seek and to save the lost. Luke 19:10

Weekly Bible Verse: “This is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and the one you have sent – Jesus Christ. John 17:3

Bible Passage: John 20:19-31

Extras from LifeWay (GREAT Ideas Here): Click here

* * *

Activity: Trust Falls 
Can be done at all ages; but geared more for older kids (grades 4-5). Illustrates the idea of being able to trust someone else.
Click here for more info

Craft: Doubting Thomas/Bible Passage Craft 
A fun craft that really puts together the story and what you will be teaching the kids this week. It would make a good wrap up craft.
Click here for more info

Activity: Seeing and Believing 
This would be better for younger kids. It might be good to have a blanket or something to put in front of the chosen child to make it better.
Click here for more info

Activity: Object Lesson 
Put a small object in a paper bag. Ask one child to look in the paper bag and tell the class what he sees. Ask the class, “Do you believe him?” and let children respond. Secretly put a new item in the bag and ask five children to look inside and tell the class what they see. Ask, “Is it easier to believe five people rather than one when their answers are the same?” Most children will respond yes. Tell them that even though all 10 disciples told Thomas that Jesus arose, he still didn’t believe.
Click here for more info

Session Titles: The Triumphal Entry

Life Point: God sent His only Son, Jesus, because He cares about people

Unit Bible Verse: “The Son of Man has come to seek and to save the lost.” Luke 19:10

Weekly Bible Verses: “Love consists in this: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins.” 1 John 4:10

Bible Passage: Luke 19:28-40; John 12:12-19

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

Craft: Holy Week Box
This is something that would be great for the kids to put together for their families to do during Holy Week. All the instructions and even a devotional guide are on the website below. There is some prep in getting the materials for this so you will want to start this sooner rather than later ; )
http://godventure.co.uk/news/holy-week-boxes/

Craft: Song and Palm Branch Collage
Have students make palm branches out of different colors of green and brown paper. You could bring in scrapbook paper in these colors as well. They then would write out the song that is in the picture and color green and brown behind it to represent the ground of the road.
http://sara-mincy.blogspot.com/2010/03/palm-sunday.html

Craft: “Palm” Branch
Have student trace their hands about 8-10 times on green construction paper and then cut out. They will then glue them to a long thin piece of construction paper representing the branch
http://catholicicing.com/palm-sunday-crafts-and-ideas-for-kids/

Craft: Palm Branch Craft (for older children)
If you watch the video they will teach you had to make a cross from a palm branch. You will have to get palm branches yourself for this because we are not handing out palm branches until the 29^th (which is Palm Sunday)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=qJ2vFOqyzes

Game: Palm Branch Pass
The pdf attached has all the instructions

Source: The Big Book of Bible Crafts #2

Game: Palm Branch Pick Up
The pdf attached has all the instructions

Source: The Big Book of Bible Crafts #2

Craft: Calvary Hill Paper Plate Craft
The website has all the instructions for how to make this great craft to show the crosses on Calvary Hill. (This craft does come from a Catholic website)
http://www.catholicinspired.com/2013/03/calvary-hill-paper-plate-craft.html

Craft: Tie Dye Easter Crosses
A fun and easy craft that kids in any grade will love. I know we have the dot paint in the preschool area if you are looking for it. : )
http://www.momto2poshlildivas.com/2013/03/faux-tie-dye-easter-cross-art-for-kids.html

Craft: Nail Cross (Older Kids)
The site shows a more extensive project but you could simplify it by just making the cross of nails. You of course would want to be very careful with the sharp nails and wire. I think it would be something the older kids would love and help remind them of what Jesus did.
http://thesimplecraftdiaries.blogspot.com/2012/07/cross-of-nails-true-love.html

Craft: Crown of Thorns Bracelet

Materials

• Craft wire
• Scissors
• Brown Cord

Instructions

• Cut three pieces of craft wire to measure about 6-inches long each.
• Hold the three pieces of wire together. Wrap one end of one piece of wire around the other three to hold them together.
• Braid the three strands of wire together loosely until you have reached a spot about two inches from their ends.
• Wrap the end of one piece of wire around the other two to hold the braid together. Cut the ends of the wire off.
• Cut five pieces of brown cord to each measure two inches long. Tie the pieces onto the bracelet evenly spaced around. These will be the thorns of the crown. Use scissors to cut the ends of the knots so the cord looks like thorns.

Tightly wrap brown cord over the ends of the bracelet to cover the ends of the wire. Tie the cord to secure it in place.
http://crafts.lovetoknow.com/religious-easter-crafts-kids

Craft: Easter Story Wreath
The site has all the pieces for printing and instructions to make this wreath. This would be something good to make this week and then can talk about it with their families on Easter the next Sunday.
http://www.weelittlemiracles.com/2012/04/make-easter-story-wreath-free.html

Activity: Easter Story Trivia Game
This pdf has everything you need to play this game. Including the questions and answers. I would play this with older kids as some of the questions are kind of hard but they do give the scripture reference if you wanted the kids to look up the answer in their Bibles as well.
http://www.hiphomeschoolmoms.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/The-Easter-Story-Trivia-Game.pdf

Session Titles: Jesus Washed the Disciples Feet

Life Point: Jesus taught people to serve others

Unit Bible Verse: “The Son of Man has come to seek and to save the lost.” Luke 19:10

Weekly Bible Verses: “Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve others, as good stewards of the varied grace of God.” 1 Peter 4:10

Bible Passage: John 13:1-7, 14-15

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

Craft: Serving Trays
Kids design serving trays as they learn how Jesus showed his disciples how to serve others.

What Kids Will Need: aluminum pans, white paint, paintbrush, tempera paint, paper plates, rubber craft stamps, rickrack, craft glue, marker, snacks.

Preparation: A few days before this activity, paint each aluminum pan white. On the day of the craft, squeeze a little paint onto several paper plates, and place these within children’s reach.

What Kids Will Do: Give each child a white aluminum pan. Write each child’s name on the bottom of his or her pan. Guide children in lightly dipping rubber stamps in paint and then pressing the stamp once or twice on a paper plate to remove excess paint. Let children stamp designs on the white pans. To trim pan edges, children may glue rickrack around the perimeter. As children work, let them brainstorm ideas for using their trays.

While trays dry, ask children to assist you in cleaning up and putting away craft supplies. Open your Bible to John 13:1-17, and tell the story of Jesus washing his disciples’ feet.

Then ask: What does it mean to serve someone? Why do you think Jesus washed the disciples’ feet? What do you think Jesus hoped the disciples would learn about serving?

Say: Jesus washed the disciples’ feet to show them how much he loved them. He wanted his disciples to learn to serve and love others too. Jesus wants us to serve and love people, just like his disciples did. We can show love by serving and helping others.

Let the children serve each other snacks, using the trays they just made.
https://childrensministry.com/jesus-washes-the-disciples-feet/

Craft: Feet Washing Bowl
Use Styrofoam bowls and paint the inside bottom of the bowl with blue tempera paint. Then have the children make footprints with brown paint. Cut them out and add the verse and saying to the feet. Then glue to the edge of the bowl

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/5c/af/f5/5caff50cfaae1283e83dff585a53a6a7.jpg

Session Titles: Woman at the Well
Life Point: God has a plan for every person
Unit Bible Verse: “May the Lord direct your hearts to God’s love.” 2 Thessalonians 3:15
Weekly Bible Verses: “This is good, and it pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved.” 1 Timothy 2:3-4
Bible Passage: John 4:1-30

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

Craft: Cup of Living Water
White Paper
Paper 9-oz. Party Cups
Crayons or Colored Paper
Scissors
Hole Punch
Blue Card Stock
Yarn

What to do:

1. Before class cut water drop shapes from blue card stock so that they fit inside the cup. Make enough water drops so each craft has enough to write one word of the verse on each water drop.
2. Punch holes at the top of each water drop.
3. In class have your children string the water drops in order on the string tying each water drop to the string before they add another water drop.
4. Have your children color the cup and write the Bible verse on one side. Punch a hole in the bottom of the cup and string the yarn through the hole. Tape the string to the bottom of the cup.
   http://www.daniellesplace.com/html/bible_themes_w-z.html

Craft: Woman at the Well Spinning Craft
This craft is going to be better for 2^nd, 3^rd, and 4^th graders because it is semi-complicated. All the instructions as well as the printables are on the website. It is pretty cool but will be time consuming so plan accordingly.
http://www.jesus-without-language.net/woman-well-john-4-make-1/

Game: Running on Thirsty (Could be Messy)
Teach children about the woman at the well from John 4.

For this game, every child will need two cups (one with water, one without) and a drinking straw.

Have kids stand against one wall, and give each child a straw. Place cups with water on the ground near each child while placing empty cups on the floor about 10 feet away. Demonstrate how to hold water in the straw by dipping it in the cup, plugging the top with a finger, and lifting the straw. On “go,” give kids 60 seconds to see how much water they can transfer to their empty cups using only their straws.

When time’s up, read aloud John 4:7-10.

Then say: Talk about a time you were really thirsty and how you quenched your thirst.

Read aloud John 4:11-14. Say: The woman drew water at the well, just like you drew water with your straws. Jesus, though, talked about a different kind of water.

Kids love our Sunday School resources!

Ask:

• What “water” do you think Jesus talked about?
• What kinds of “thirsts” do you think Jesus’ water could quench?

Hold up a cup of water and say: Just like the water the woman got out of the well, the water in this cup will run out but Jesus’ living water never runs out!
http://childrensministry.com/articles/running-on-thirsty/

Craft/Food: Refreshing Treat
Let each child choose a bottle of water or juice and give them a long piece of paper and markers to write and decorate the bottle with JESUS GIVES US LIVING WATER. Tape their piece of decorated paper onto the bottle to remember today’s lesson.
http://www.sermons4kids.com/living_water_group_activities.htm

Illustration: Crackers and Water (Older Kids)
I need four volunteers to come upfront for a cracker eating challenge. If you want to be picked, you have to like crackers.

(Choose four volunteers)

(Optional – During the competition, play a countdown video from freecountdowns.net. Another option is to play upbeat background music.)

(Get out the box of saltine crackers. Have preteens stand near the box. Place four bottles of water near the crackers.)

The four of you are going to race and see who can eat the most saltine crackers in two minutes. Whoever completely swallows the most crackers wins. You might notice the water bottles near the crackers. Well, you can’t have any water. Sorry. The rest of you in the audience, your job is to cheer for all four of them. Make some noise.

Ready, set, go!

After the competition congratulate the winner.

Say – I have a question for all four of you. What does your mouth feel like right now? (Get responses) How thirsty are you? (Get responses) What would you think if I said you couldn’t have any water till after church? (Get responses) Well, that wouldn’t be fair of me, would it? I can see you’re very thirsty, so each of you, go ahead and take a bottle of water to drink. Enjoy! You can go back to your seats now.

[Volunteers return to their seats]

**Please play this game carefully.  I would suggest you have to finish one cracker before you can go to the next one so they do not stuff too many crackers into their mouths and get choked.**