Unit: God Helps People

Session Titles: Joseph Interpreted Dreams

Life Point: People can trust God even when things are bad
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: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5
Bible Passage: Genesis 40-41:36

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

Craft: The Baker
Make a baker out of a paper bag to remind the children of the story this week. This craft would be better for younger kids but is a little involved so more like 2^nd and 3^rd grade.
http://www.sundayschoolcrafts.net/josephs-butler-and-baker-dreams-craft.php

Craft: Bubble Wrap Sheep
This is a cute craft to make a sheep to go with the memory verse. You could make the sheep like the website says and then either write the memory verse on the back or maybe put a magnet on the back.

http://www.craftymorning.com/bubble-wrap-sheep-craft-kids/

Game: Out of the Pit (Jail)
The instructions are on the JPG below. I would suggest if you have a bigger class have two of this game going at the same time. Also be very careful with how high the pit/jail gets.

Source: The Humongous book of games for Children’s Ministry

Unit: God Helps People
Session Titles: Joseph’s Early Life

Life Point: People can know that God has a plan for their lives
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: “I know the plans I have for you… to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11
Bible Passage: Genesis 37

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

Craft: Joseph and His Coat
Create Joseph’s coat to make the verse, Genesis 37:3

http://www.dltk-bible.com/crafts/mpaperjoseph.htm

Game: Color Elimination
As the children arrive in class write down on small pieces of paper different things they are wearing and what color they are. For example, you can write white socks, blue pants, red dress, orange hair clip, red flowers on shirt, pink shirt with blue stripes, brown shoes, etc.  You can also use the color of their hair and eyes. Put all the pieces of paper in a bag.  Have all the children stand up. Give each child a turn to pick a piece of paper from the bag and then read what it says.  If a child is wearing something that is picked from the bag, he or she has to sit down. Keep playing until only one child is standing up.

http://www.daniellesplace.com/html/rrpreschoolsamplejoseph.html

Illustration: Box
God Has a Plan for You

Items Needed: An empty box
Scripture: “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11
Application:
Let me show you all what I have today. What is it? It’s an empty box!

What can you do with an empty box? Well, since it’s career night, lets give this box a job. We can stand it up on it’s side and pretend that it is a refrigerator! But wait……if we really use it for that, then all the food we put in will begin to spoil and stink up the place. OK, we can lay it flat, climb in it and use it for a car! But wait….I’m too big to fit in the box. I’d crush it! Besides, it has no wheels……we wouldn’t get very far. I know! I’ll use it for a hat! But wait…..the box is too big for my head, and it really isn’t very stylish. Hmmm…..maybe this box just doesn’t have a job, or purpose.

But this box has to have a purpose it was made for something! It is best used when it is used as it was designed! You can put things in the box and store things in it! That is what this box was made for! It is only really of value to me if I can use it for what I designed it for!

This box is a lot like you and me, kids. God says in Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” God has a plan for our lives. He has a job just for us! We might try to live our lives the way we want to, but we will only really be of great value to anyone when we are doing what God has planned for us. He has a very important plan for each of us, and God wants us to find it and fulfill it–all with His help, of course! When we discover what God’s plans are for us, we find great joy in being what God made us to be. As a matter of fact, we’ll find a lot of satisfaction in doing things we never dreamed of.

http://www.elephantgrace.com/2012/03/04/bible-based-activity-god-has-a-plan/

Craft: God’s Plan Box
Kids will create a memory box to help them remember God’s plan for them.
Scripture: Psalm 33:11
You’ll Need: One box per child, wrapping paper, decorating supplies, and a Bible

Have kids cover their boxes with wrapping paper and decorate them with stickers, markers, or other supplies. Make sure kids leave their boxes so they can be opened. Encourage kids to use their boxes to store things that remind them of how God used challenging times to do great things in their lives. For example, they could put in a ribbon from a sports competition to remind them of the good that came from practicing hard.

After the boxes are made, read aloud the Scripture.

Ask:
• What does this Scripture say about God’s plans for you?
• What are the amazing things God has already done for you?

http://childrensministry.com/articles/gods-plan-box

Unit: Jesus Was Born

Session Titles: Jesus was Born

Life Point: God provided the way for people to become Christians because He loves them

Unit Bible Verse: “The virgin will conceive, have a son, and name him Immanuel.” Isaiah 7:14

Weekly Bible Verses: “To all who did receive him, he gave them the right to be children of God, to those who believe in his name.” John 1:12

Bible Passage: Luke 2:1-20

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

Craft: Paper Bag Manger

The website gives the instructions for this cute craft.

http://www.icanteachmychild.com/2012/12/paper-bag-manger-craft/

Craft: Jesus in a Manger Fingerprint Craft

The website gives a good description as well as picture for how to do this craft.

http://www.sassydealz.com/2013/12/baby-jesus-in-manger-fingerprint-craft.html?m=1

Craft: A present for Jesus

Instructions for a cute craft on what you would give baby Jesus on his birthday. This would be great for younger kids. 

http://applesandabcs.blogspot.com/2012/12/a-present-for-jesus-craftivity.html

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. 

http://www.flandersfamily.info/web/2012/12/12/put-the-baby-in-the-manger/

Craft: Nativity Sun Catcher

This craft maybe better for 2^nd and older. It is a little complicated and would need some prep work behind it but is very cool and something they can hang in their house for years to come.

http://www.notimeforflashcards.com/2013/12/nativity-craft-for-kids.html

Craft: Shepherd Ornament

Ornament made out of a toilet paper roll to make a shepherd. If you don’t want to get toliet paper rolls you could roll paper into a tube as well. Simple cute craft

http://flamecreativekids.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/messy-christmas-shepherd-craft.html

Unit: Jesus was Born

Session Titles: Angels Spoke to Mary and Joseph AND Mary Visited Elizabeth

Life Point: Angels told that Jesus would be born; God sent Jesus to Earth in Human form

Unit Bible Verse: “The virgin will conceive, have a son, and name him Immanuel.” Isaiah 7:14

Weekly Bible Verses: “For nothing will be impossible with God.” Luke 1:37; “The virgin will conceive, have a son, and name him Immanuel.” Isaiah 7:14

Bible Passage: Luke 1:26-38; Matthew 1:18-24; Luke 39-56

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

Craft: Angel Ornament

This is actually in the 3^rd and 4^th grade material but here it is for other classes as well.

http://craftyjournal.com/easy-paperclip-angel-ornament/

Craft: Paper (Coffee Filter Angel)

Ornament made from a coffee filter, we may have some filters if you request from Tricia. You can replace the foam ball with a wood ball. All the instructions are on the website below.

http://www.thepinjunkie.com/2013/11/angel-ornament.html

Craft: Doily Angel

This could be an ornament or just a standing decoration for a table.

 http://www.funezcrafts.com/Easy-Angel-Crafts-Doily-Paper-Angel.html

Snack/Craft: Hersey Kisses Angel

This is a cute snack/craft for kids to make for themselves or to give to others.

http://www.freefunchristmas.com/handmade-christmas-gifts/hersheys-kisses-angels-craft-2/

Craft: Handprint Angel

This would be so cute for the younger kids to do. 

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/a0/8e/6a/a08e6a6b955d888ccb9e729f8626e4e8.jpg

Craft: Keeping Mum (2^nd-5^th)

In English the phrase ‘keeping mum’ means to not say, to keep the secret. In this game you need to try to describe a bible character without mentioning their name (make it harder – you can’t refer directly to them either) Eg Peter – those people who hung out with Jesus all the time, a crow making 3 lots of noise, Prisoners released by an Angel…

http://www.jesus-without-language.net/elizabeth-mary-luke-1-play/

Craft: Praise Shakers

Children will make shakers so they can praise the Lord with joyful noise. You can make the shakers with cups or plates and then put beans inside. Sing Joy to World or other Christmas carols while they make music with their shakers.

Children’s Christmas Prayer

Give children a copy of this prayer or have them make cards with it.

Gentle Jesus born this day

In a manger filled with hay.

We your Christmas children be-

Help us now your love to see.

Gentle Jesus, come today

Be our shepherd, Lord we pray.

Gentle Jesus, come this hour

Fill us with your love and power.

You fell asleep in Mary’s arm

God kept you safe from all alarm.

Gentle Jesus, come today

Be our Shepherd now we pray. 

http://childrensministry.com/articles/childrens-christmas-prayer

Craft: Praise Parade Acrostic

The children will complete an acrostic on the word PARADE with a word representing something that we should praise God for. (For example: P=parents; A=adults; R=rain; A=animals; D=doctors; E=electricity.

http://www.sermons4kids.com/praise_parade_group_activities.htm

Craft: Christmas Praise Poster

Make Posters that have phrase that praise Jesus during this season. 

Examples are:

Jesus is the Reason for the Season!

Joy to World! The Lord Has Come!

A Savior is Born!

Oh Come Let us Adore Him!

Happy Birthday Jesus!

Glory to God in the Highest!

http://happyhomefairy.com/2011/12/06/a-christmas-praise-poster/

Unit: Jesus Was Born

Session Titles: Prophets Told About Jesus

Life Point: God planned for Jesus from the beginning of time
Unit Bible Verse: “The virgin will conceive, have a son, and name him Immanuel.” Isaiah 7:14
Weekly Bible Verses: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John 1:1
Bible Passage: Isaiah 7:14;9:6;11:1-5; Micah 5:2

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

Craft: Isaiah 9:6 Ornament

Students will make an ornament to remind them of the prophecy Isaiah had about Jesus’ birth. All the instructions are on the website

http://blog.jennimullinix.com/christmas-crafts-for-toddlers-preschoolers/

Craft: Names of Jesus Advent Chain

Children will make an advent chain that will help them remember the names of Jesus and remind 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 need to do with older students since there is a lot of writing involved. 

http://www.survivingourblessings.com/2012/12/names-of-jesus-advent-chain.html

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.

http://www.biblewise.com/images/kids_korner/fun_games/2010/dec/whats_his_name.pdf

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 something very beautiful out of our lives.

http://children.cccm.com/OTTeacherGuidePDF/CUROT172.pdf

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, light weight 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.

http://children.cccm.com/OTTeacherGuidePDF/CUROT172.pdf

Unit: Worship God at Church

Session Titles: The People Sang

Life Point: People can worship God through singing to Him

Unit Bible Verse: “Come let us worship and bow down; Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.” Psalm 95:6

Weekly Bible Verses: “I will rejoice and boast about you; I will sing about your name Most High.” Psalm 9:2

Bible Passage: Ezra 2:1, 68-70, 3:1-13

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

Craft: Maracas
Instruments that can be used to praise God

 http://www.whatsupfagans.com/2013/12/m-is-for-music-preschool-lesson-plan/#_a5y_p=1325148

Craft: Rebuilding the Temple Puzzle
By putting together this temple puzzle, each child can rebuild the temple like Joash. Below are links to instructions and a temple coloring sheet that will need to be cut into puzzle pieces prior to the activity. 

http://www.growingkidsministry.com/ages-and-stages/day-8-rebuilding-the-temple-31-days-of-bible-crafts/

https://craftingthewordofgod.files.wordpress.com/2014/05/solomons-temple-coloring-page.jpg

Craft: “Jesus, You Make My Heart Sing”
This paper craft will remind the kids that they can worship God through singing. Below is a link to instructions and a copy of the hymn “Holy, holy, holy.” 

http://www.daniellesplace.com/html/bible-themes-praise-singing.html

http://www.hymnary.org/page/fetch/HFLC1974/7/low/1

THIS WEEK: JUST LIKE BARNABAS: BELIEVING

“Only Luke is with me. Bring John Mark with you, for he is useful to me in the ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:11

“The righteous chose their friends carefully.” Proverbs 12:26

Upcoming Events/News:

Barnabas Curriculum
Attached you will find this week’s lesson as well as the prints outs it mentions. In your classroom, you will each have a copy of the Braille Activity. Thank you for being flexible as we emphasize this vision series with our church. This is the last lesson in this series. On November 25th we will return to the last lesson in your FALL 2018 Curriculum. Then we will begin the WINTER curriculum in December. Please let the children’s ministry staff know if you have any questions about this.

Journey to Bethlehem
Wednesday, December 12 | 6:00P | Begins at Entrance H
A walk-through Christmas event celebrating the birth of our Savior! RSVP online by December 10 to select a specific time for your family. All ages are welcome. Plan for a minimum of 30 minutes for the complete experience.

Holiday Absences
The holiday season is quickly approaching please let your wing coordinator know if you are going to be out so that they can plan for substitutes for your class. Especially if you are going to be out on November 25th (the Sunday after Thanksgiving). We will not have LIFEgroups December 23 and 30.

THIS WEEK: JUST LIKE BARNABAS: DEFENDING

“Barnabas wanted to take along John Mark” Acts 15:37

“I am sure of this, that he who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6

Upcoming Events/News:

Barnabas Curriculum
Attached you will find this week’s lesson as well as the prints outs it mentions. In your classroom, you will each have a copy of the Telling Others Activity, Code Activity, and Tell the Story Activity. Thank you for being flexible as we emphasize this vision series with our church. We are working hard to get these lessons to you all as soon as we receive them. We are hoping to have the last one soon so you can start planning. Please reach out to anyone on the Children’s team if you have any questions regarding this series!

Journey to Bethlehem
Wednesday, December 12 | 6:00P | Begins at Entrance H
A walk-through Christmas event celebrating the birth of our Savior! RSVP online by December 10 to select a specific time for your family. All ages are welcome. Plan for a minimum of 30 minutes for the complete experience.

Holiday Absences
The holiday season is quickly approaching please let your wing coordinator know if you are going to be out so that they can plan for substitutes for your class. We will not have LIFEgroups December 23 and 30.

THIS WEEK: JUST LIKE BARNABAS: EVANGELISTIC

“Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 28:19

Upcoming Events/News:

Barnabas Curriculum
Attached you will find this week’s lesson as well as the prints outs it mentions. In your classroom, you will each have a copy of the cross word puzzle, missionary story, and a take-home page. Thank you for being flexible as we emphasize this vision series with our church. We are working hard to get these lessons to you all as soon as we receive them. We are hoping to have the last two soon so you can start planning. Please reach out to anyone on the Children’s team if you have any questions regarding this series!

1031
October 31 is quickly approaching! Click here for unique ways to reach out to your community!

Holiday Absences
The holiday season is quickly approaching please let your wing coordinator know if you are going to be out so that they can plan for substitutes for your class. We will not have LIFEgroups December 23 and 30.

Session Title: Just Like Barnabas – Encourages

Life Point: God uses the encouragement of other believers to strengthen a believer’s ministry and fortify his or her faith.
Weekly Bible Verses: “And let us watch out for one another to provoke love and good works.” Hebrews 10:24
Bible Passage: Acts 4:36; Hebrews 10:23-25

Craft: Kindness Cootie Catcher
Easy little craft for kids to do while they are coming in. Directions are on the website link below
Click here for more information.

Craft: High Five Stick
Have kids trace their hands and decorate them with markers, crayons, stickers, etc. Glue to a paint stick (you will need to go pick some up) and then attach “Encourage One Another” 1 Thessalonians 5:11 to the stick.
Click here for more information.