Unit: God Helps People

Session Titles: Josiah Read God’s Word
Life Point: People should treat the Bible, God’s Word, with respect
Unit Bible Verse: “Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path.” Psalm 119:105
Weekly Bible Verses: “Every word of God is pure; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.” Proverbs 30:5
Bible Passage: 2 Chronicles 34

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

Craft: Scroll Memory Verses

Just like the bible was written on scrolls back in Josiahs time have students write the memory verse on a scroll. You would need to get tan or brown paper and then maybe tear and wrinkle it some. You can use dowel rods or any other kind of rod to help roll the scroll up. You will also want something to tie the two ends together.

Craft: Bookmark

Make a bookmark to help students mark special places in their bibles. Students could also make a bookmark to give to another person. The students could write the memory verse on their bookmark or other things to help them remember important things about the bible.

Game: Bible Tag

Group kids into 2 teams. Invite the students to play “bible tag” and explain that the game is similar to “freeze tag”. When a player is tagged by someone from the other team, the player must freeze in place. Kids must tag their frozen teammate to free him, he must say “The Bible is God’s Word”. Tell the students that the team with the fewest frozen players when you call time is the winner for that round. You can play many rounds.

Source: Super, Duper Fun and Exciting Absolutely Thought Igniting Bible Activities for Kids

Game: The Book that Couldn’t be Lost

Materials: A bible

One child will be “it” and will cover their eyes. Another child will take the bible and hide it. When the child who is “it” gets closer to the bible the students will clap faster and when they are far away they will clap slower. After playing a couple times talk about how over all the years people have tried to hide the bible or say it is not true but we know that God’s word could never be hidden and it is always true.

Source: 1001 Ways to Introduce Your Child to the Bible

Craft: Psalm 119:105 Flashlight

I do not have instructions for this craft but the photo shows how it is made. You will need toilet paper rolls and then decorate them. Then attach a piece of yellow paper to the end in the triangular shape with the verse written on it.

Unit: God Helps People

Session Titles: Joseph Forgave His Brothers
Life Point: People can choose to forgive others like God has forgiven them.
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: “If you don’t forgive others, your Father will not forgive your offenses.” Matthew 6:15
Bible Passage: Genesis 42-45

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

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.
Click here for more information.

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 she’s 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. She can adorn the box with bows, ribbons, glitter and anything else she can find. When the gift box is complete, help her think of something that has upset her recently and help her forgive. Write the words “I forgive” and then the scenario on a piece of paper and place it in the gift box. She can give the box to someone or place it in a special area in the home. Come back to the activity every once in a while and add more forgiveness notes to the box.
Click here for more information.

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 and M’s put in a bag with a tag on it that says “Grain-ola” and then the weekly verse on the back of the tag.
Click here for more information.

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

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.

Colorful Candy (Romans 12:6) 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.

Kids Encouraging Kids Game

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?

Click here for more information.

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.