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MemoryVersePsalm119:105Yourwordisalamptomyfeetandalightformypath.
Thisseriesof10sessionsisaimedathelpingchildrentounderstandmoreaboutTheBible.ItwillbeginwithanoverviewofhowtheBibleisdividedintosectionsandalittlebitofthehistory.Itwillfinishwithareviewandquiz.The8weeksinbetweenwillbespenthelpingchildrentoexploreeachofthesections:whatthebookshaveincommon,whyyoumightwanttolookthere,whotheywerewrittenby,howlongagotheywerewrittenetc
Thesesessionsare‘handson’sothatchildrenareusingBiblestofindtherightchapterandverse.TheGoodNewsorNIRVBiblesaregoodforthis.ChildrencouldbeencouragedtobringtheirownBibleaswell.
ThememoryverseshouldberecalledeachweekemphasisingtheimportanceofreadingtheBible:thatGodrevealshimselftousthroughtheBible,thatitprovidesuswithguidanceandthatitgivesusanswerstomanyoflife’sbigquestions.
Eachsessionhasastoryfocuswhichwillmakeiteasiertoplanforyoungerchildren.Thesessionplannercanchangethisiftheywish.Theolderchildrenshouldbeabletospendmoretimediscussing,finding,sortingandrecallingwhiletheneedforastorytofocusoncanbeimportantfortheyoungerchildren.
Atthebeginningorendofasessionyoucouldaskthechildrentorecallprevioussessionsorthebookscoveredsofar.Ifthegroupnatureandcharactersallowforit,youcouldchallengesometomemorise,makeitcompetitive,seehowfararoundthecircletheycangetlistingBiblebooksetc.Thiswillhelpthechildrentounderstandtheflowofsessions(andmayhelpifyouarewaitingforparents).
Thesearesomegeneralactivitiesthatcouldbemadeinweek1andusedinthefollowingweeksasextragameswhenneeded.TheycouldalsobeusedfortheReviewinweek10.• OrderingCardswithBiblenames• JengaBlockswithbooksoftheBiblewritten/sellotapedonthem• PaperplatesteppingstoneswithbooksoftheBiblewrittenonthem(colouredcodedaccordingtotheirsections)• PegswithbooksoftheBibletohangonawashingline
ACKids Teaching Materials Theme: The Books of the Bible
Overview
1
The Bible
Battlinggiants,fishingformen–theBibleisabookpackedwithexcitingstoriesandadventures.But:Whowroteit?Isittrue?Whyisitimportant?Howdoyoureadit?TheBibleislikeatreasurehunt.Wecanuseittosearchforcluestoanswerquestionsaboutlife.AswereadtheBible,Godshowshimselftousandwedevelopafriendshipwiththeawesomecreatoroftheuniverse.
2
Books of Moses
GodcreatedtheworldwithaplanforustolivewithHim.WhenMosesledGod’speopleoutofEgypttheywereanewnationthatneededdirectionandrules.Thesebooksshowthebeginningsoftheworldandourearlyhistory.Itwasimportantthatpeoplewererecordedandruleswrittenfororderandsafety.
3
Books of History
AsthetribeofIsraelgrewinnumberstheyneededstrongleaders.GodraisedupJudgestoleadthepeople.AstimewentonthepeoplewantedaKingtoleadthemsothattheycouldbelikethenationsaroundthem.WeseethatIsraelrepeatedlydriftedawayfromGodandthenreturnedtoHim.WealsoseethattheAlmightyGodisslowtoangerandrichinlove!
4
Poetry &
Wisdom
GodcreatedusinHisimageandwhenweworshiphimwithsingingorpoetrywefeelpeaceandjoy.Whenwehavefeelingsoffear,worryorangerwecanexpressthesetoGod;HewantsustodrawclosetoHimthroughdifficulties.Thesebooksexpressthoughtsandfeelings.Theyalsogiveuswisesayingsaboutlife,friends,money,marriage,work,prettymucheverything!
5
Prophets
GodusedmenandwomentobringimportantmessagestoHispeople.TheywouldencouragepeoplewhowerefollowingGodandremindthemofHispromises.TheprophetswouldalsowarnpeopleaboutGod’sjudgementforwrongactions.Themajorprophetswerenotmoreimportantthantheminorprophets,theyaresimplylongerbooks!
6
Gospels
Thesebookswerewrittenby4peopleshortlyafterJesushadreturnedtoheaven.TheytellsomeoftheamazingmiraclesthatHedid,thestoriesthatHetold,howheledaperfectlifeandrosefromthedead.ButmostimportantlytheyshowusthatJesusistheSonofGodandthatthroughafriendshipwithHimwedon’thavetoshareAdam’spunishmentanylonger.Wearefree–nolongerseparatedfromtheawesomecreatoroftheuniverse!
7
Church History
Witharushofwindthroughtheroom,theHolySpiritthatJesushadpromisedcametothedisciples.ThefriendsofJesusweregivenpowerandcouragetospreadthegoodnewsthroughJerusalem,thenJudeaandthentheentireworld.Thechurchhadbegunandtheword‘Christian’begantobeused.Thisbooktellstheamazingeventsthattookplacefortheearlychurch!
8
Letters
TheHolySpiritgavethefollowersofJesusboldness.Christianityspreadatsuchanincredibleratethatchurcheswerebeingsetupinhousesfarandwide.LetterswerewrittenandpassedaroundtopeopleandchurchestomakesurethatnewfollowersunderstoodfullywhatJesushaddoneandhowtheirlivesshouldchange.Paulwrotemostofthelettersbutthereareotherauthorstoo.
9
Prophecy
GodplannedforustolivewithHimandinthisbookweseehowallthingswillworktogether.Weseethatnomatterhowbadtheworldmayseem,intheendJesuswins!GodwillcreateanewheavenandanewearthandHeinvitesusalltojoinhim.ThisbookiswrittenbythediscipleJohnafterhereceivedavision–somepartsareconfusingandevenscarybutGodwillbevictorious!
10
Bible
Review
WehaveseenhowGodcreatedtheworldwithaplaninmind.Hebroughthispeopletogetherandguidedtheminthewaytolive.Whenthetimewasright,Jesuscametoearth,madetheultimatesacrifice,rosefromthegraveandwillreturnagain!Godinspiredmenandwomenoverhundredsofyearstokeeprecords.ThesehavebeenputtogetherinTheBible.Thisamazingbookisforustoread,explore,learnandlive.Howexciting!!!
Week 1
The Bible [66 books]
OldTestament:39booksBooksofMoses,History,Poetry&Wisdom,TheProphetsNewTestament:27booksGospels,ChurchHistory,Letters,ProphecyThereisagapofabout450yearsbetweentheOTandNT.
Introduction
Battlinggiants,survivingafieryfurnace,fishingformen–theBibleisabookpackedwithexcitingstoriesandadventures.But:Whowroteit?Isittrue?Whyisitimportant?Howdoyoureadit?TheBibleislikeatreasurehunt.Wecanuseittosearchforcluestoanswerquestionsaboutlife.AswereadtheBible,Godshowshimselftousandwedevelopafriendshipwiththeawesomecreatoroftheuniverse.
BookScavenger WritethebooksoftheBibleonpaperplates–OTandNTindifferentcolours.Askthechildrentocollecttheplatesandputtheminseparategroups.HaveanOTandNTteam.Giveeachteamadditionalheadings:Gospels,Prophecy...andseeiftheycanseparatethemout.Oncethebooksareincorrectgroupingstheycandecorate.Ifsectionsaredecoratedinasimilarwayitwillmakefuturegroupingseasier.
Post-itPost Haveanareaoftheroomforchildrentoputpost-itnoteswithquestionsonabouttheBible,Christianity,Church,Godetc.Explainthatoverthenextfewweekswewilltrytoanswerasmanyoftheseaspossible.
Story Focus
Psalm 119: 105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.
Pickandchoosefromtheseactivitiesorfeelfreetofindothers.Notallactivitieswillbesuitableforallagegroups.Somearemoresuitedforusewiththewholegroupandsomearebetterforsmallgroups.Discussion
2 Timothy 3:16-17 1. Where does all Scripture come from? (From God.) 2. What is Scripture good for? (Teaching, rebuking, correcting, training and equipping.)
2 Peter 1:20-21 1. Does Scripture come from the will of man? (No, from the Will of God.) 2. Who "inspired" or "carried" men to write the Bible? (The Holy Spirit.)
Psalm 12:6 1. Does the Bible contain any mistakes? (No, it is flawless.) 2. What does "pure" gold or silver mean? (Without any impurities.)
Psalm 119:160 1. How can you respond to someone who says the Bible isn't true? (All of God's words are true, so the Bible is also true because it is the Word of God.) 2. Does God ever need to come up with new rules or laws? (No, His laws are eternal.)
1 Corinthians 2:14 1. Why is it difficult for some people to understand the Bible? (Because they do not have the Holy Spirit to guide them.) 2. How does God reveal the Bible to us? (By the Holy Spirit.)
JellyTelly Sing-alongBibleepisodeSUTimeline IntroducetheTimeline-talkaboutBC&AD.Askthechildrentoputthepanelsinorder,
identify/findaspectspeople,talkaboutparticularpictures.Bible GiveBiblesouttothechildren.Findthecontentspage,lookatabook,achapter,averse.
TalkaboutconventionandhowtoreaditegGenesis1:1-3CraftActivity
Aquickgooglesearchfor:‘BooksoftheBible’or‘Psalm119:105’SundaySchoolActivityorCraftorWordsearchorColouringpagewillgiveavarietyofadditionalideasyoumaywishtouse.
What’s the
memory verse?
Psalm119:105Yourwordisalamptomyfeetandalightformypath.
Week 2
Books of Moses [5 books]
Genesis,Exodus,Leviticus,Numbers,DeuteronomyThesebooksarealsoknownasthePentateuch.Mosesistheauthoraround1500BC.
Introduction
GodcreatedtheworldwithaplanforustolivewithHim.WhenMosesledGod’speopleoutofEgypttheywereanewnationthatneededdirectionandrules.Thesebooksshowthebeginningsoftheworldandourearlyhistory.Itwasimportantthatpeoplewererecordedandruleswrittenfororderandsafety.
ThePentateuch • Usethe5paperplatesteppingstonestogetfromonepointtoanother.Eachplatehasthenameofabookandtheymustbeputinthecorrectorderbeforecrossing.
• Usethepaperplatesandasksomeonetoputtheminthecorrectorder.Ifappropriateyoucouldtimethemorhave2setsandmakeitcompetitive.
Story Focus
Creation Genesis Ch 1
Pickandchoosefromtheseactivitiesorfeelfreetofindothers.Notallactivitieswillbesuitableforallagegroups.Somearemoresuitedforusewiththewholegroupandsomearebetterforsmallgroups.Discussion
Thisisagreatopportunitytohelpchildrenunderstandthe‘argument’forGodandcreationratherthanotherpopulartheories.Herearesomeideastoprovokeconversation.• Humanshaveaconscience,anunderstandingofright/wrongandafeelingofloveand
compassionforothers.WearemadeinHisimage.• Scientiststellusthattheuniverseisnever-ending.Thisisdifficulttoimaginebutwe
acceptit.Godisalsobeyondourunderstanding.• Regularlyweseethataccidentsproducechaos.Ourworldandnatureiscreatedwith
suchintricatedetailandorder.• Ourplanetistheonlyonethatisnottoohotandnottoocoldforhumans.Itisthe
perfectdistancefromtheSun:wehaveatemprangefromthepolarcapstotheequator.Itistiltedataperfectangle:theseasonsgivenaturearhythm;enoughsuntobloominthesummer.Itisgood!
• Whenweseethemagnificenceandbeautyofcreation,itreflectsGod’sglory.• Recentlyonthenews,scientistsaidthatperhapstheuniversedidnotstartwithaBig
Bang.Thisisonlyatheoryandmanyscientistsdonotbelieveit.• Scientistsrecentlylandedonacomet.Theyhadthoughtthatwaterappearedonearthas
aresultofbeinghitbyacomet.Whentheyexaminedthecomettheyrealisedtheywerewrong.Nowtheyaretryingtofindanotherexplanationforhowwatergotontheearth.Scientistscanbewrong!
Bible GiveBiblesouttothechildrenandhelpthemfindGenesisChapter1.Readthoughthestoryofcreation.Pausetoaskchildreniftheycanrememberwhathappensnextorforthemtosaythenextwordorphrase.
Whatcomesnext?
ThePentateuchcontainsmanywell-knownstoriesbutdoweknowwhatordertheycomein?Creation,TowerofBabel,Noah’sArk,AbrahamandIsaac,Josephandhiscoat,MosesintheBasket,The10commandments.Puttheseoncardandaskchildrentosortthem–theyareinthecorrectorderabove!
SUTimeLine UsePage1todiscusswhatthedifferentimagesshow(youngerchildren)JellyTelly SingthroughtheBible:Pentateuch[episode8]4sides Havetheroomsetupwithalabeloneachwall:sun,moon,stars,planets.Leadersaysaword
andchildrenmovetotheappropriatepartoftheroom.AlphabetGame Writedownthelettersofthealphabetonapieceofpaper.Askthechildrentothinkof
somethingthatGodcreatedforeachone.ForayoungergroupyoucouldwriteoutthealphabetandaskthemtosimplysaythingsthatGodcreatedforeachletter.
Anagrams Prepareforthisactivitybywritingthefollowinganagramsofplanetandmoonnamesonpaper:Arunts(Saturn6);Rams(Mars4);Oi(Io5);Ruptije(Jupiter5);Creymur(Mercury1);Otlup(Pluto9);Nomo(Moon3);Terah(Earth3);Tupneen(Neptune8);Aroupe(Europa5);
Sevun(Venus2);Narusu(Uranus7).(Theanswerandorderfromthesunareinbrackets.)GivethechildrentimetododecodeasmanyaspossibleandtalkabouthowfarGod’screationgoes.
CraftActivity
What’s the memory verse?
Psalm119:105Yourwordisalamptomyfeetandalightformypath.
Aquickgooglesearchfor:CreationSundaySchoolActivityorCraftorWordsearchorColouringpagewillgiveavarietyofideasyoumaywishtouse.E.g.
Week 3
History Books
[12 books]
Joshua,Judges,Ruth,1Samuel,2Samuel,1Kings,2Kings,1Chronicles,2Chronicles,Ezra,Nehemiah,EstherWrittenbyvariousauthorscoveringapproximately1400BC–400BC
Introduction
AsthetribeofIsraelgrewinnumberstheyneededstrongleaders.GodraisedupJudgestoleadthepeople.AstimewentonthepeoplewantedaKingtoleadthemsothattheycouldbelikethenationsaroundthem.SaulbecamethefirstKingofIsrael.Thesefascinatingbooksrecordtheeventsthattookplace.WeseethatIsraelrepeatedlydriftedawayfromGodandthenreturnedtoHim.WealsoseethattheAlmightyGodisslowtoangerandrichinlove!
JengaGiants
• UsetheJengablockstostackthebooksinthecorrectorder.• Ifappropriateyoucouldtimethemorhave2setsandmakeitcompetitive.
Story Focus
David is chosen as King 1 Samuel ch16
Pickandchoosefromtheseactivitiesorfeelfreetofindothers.Notallactivitieswillbesuitableforallagegroups.Somearemoresuitedforusewiththewholegroupandsomearebetterforsmallgroups.Discussion
• Davidwasthe2ndking(Saul’ssuccessor).Whatmakesagoodleader?• WhatotherBiblestoriesdoweknowaboutDavid?• WhatskillsdidDavidlearnasachildthatwouldhelphimasanadult/king?• Whatskillsandtalentsdowehave?RememberthatweshouldthankGodforour
strengthsandaskHimtousethem.Bible GiveBiblesouttothechildrenandhelpthemfind1SamuelCh16.Readthroughverses1-12
talkingaboutittogether.Focusonv7–whatdoesthismean?Who’sWho Havepicturesof:Joshua,Ruth,Samuel,Ezra,Nehemiah,Esther.Writeacoupleoffactsabout
eachoneandseeifthechildrencanmatchthemcorrectly.Alsotalkaboutthewords:Judges,Chronicles,Kingstohelpthemunderstandwhythebookshavetheirtitles.
JellyTelly SingthroughTheBibleepisodeSUTimeline Layoutthetimelinepanels–canthechildrenfindtherelevanttwo?Whatarethemain
storiesbeingillustrated?Lookatthecharactersalongthebottom.Askthechildren(perhapsinpairs/smallgroups)totalkaboutthestoriesthattheyrecognise.Alternativelyyoucouldasktheolderchildrentowriteasentencesummaryforeachcharacter(thereferencesaregiven).
CraftActivity
Aquickgooglesearchfor:DavidchosenasKingActivityorCraftorWordsearchorColouringpagewillgiveavarietyofideasyoumaywishtouse.
What’s the memory verse?
Psalm119:105Yourwordisalamptomyfeetandalightformypath.
Week 4
Poetry & Wisdom [5 books]
Job,Psalms,Proverbs,Ecclesiastes,SongofSolomonWrittenbyvariousauthorscoveringapproximately1400BC–400BC
Introduction
GodcreatedusinHisimageandwhenweworshiphimwithsingingorpoetrywefeelpeaceandjoy.Whenwehaveotherfeelingsoffear,worryorangerwecanstillexpressthistoGod–HewantsustodrawclosetoHimthroughdifficulties.Thesebooksexpressthoughtsandfeelingsforeverysituation.Theyalsogiveuswisesayingsaboutlife,friends,money,marriage,work,prettymucheverything!
PaperPlates • Usepaperplatesteppingstonestogetfromonepointtoanother.Eachplatehasthenameofabookandtheymustbeputinthecorrectorderbeforecrossing.
• Usethepaperplatesandasksomeonetoputtheminthecorrectorder.Ifappropriateyoucouldtimethemorhave2setsandmakeitcompetitive.
Story Focus
I am wonderfully made! Psalm 139: 1-16 or 13-16
Pickandchoosefromtheseactivitiesorfeelfreetofindothers.Notallactivitieswillbesuitableforallagegroups.Somearemoresuitedforusewiththewholegroupandsomearebetterforsmallgroups.ProverbSearch
Writeoutsomerelevantorfavouriteproverbsonpiecesofpaperandplacethemaroundtheroom.Whenthechildrenhavecollectedthemtheycould:readthemout,decoratethem,getinto2sor3sanddoa‘freezeframe’or‘minisketch’fortheverse.
Bible GiveBiblesouttothechildrenandhelpthemfindPsalms.ShowthemthatiftheyopenaBibleinthemiddle,itwillprobablybeonPsalms.Askthemquestionssuchas:howmanyPsalmsarethere;howlongisPsalm119.
Discussion Putthefollowingreferencesonpost-itnotes.AskthemhowthewriterwasfeelingindifferentPsalms:Ps8v1,Ps9v1,Ps10v1,Ps19v1,Ps40v1-2,Ps139v13-16
AWiseSurprise ProverbsisfullofbluntadvicethatchildrenmaybesurprisedtoseeintheBible.Writesomeversesonpiecesofpaperwithakeywordorphrasemissing.Placethepaperinahatandpassitaround(possiblytomusic).Whenthepaperispulledoutthechildrencanguessandtalkaboutwhatitshouldsay.EgProv10:4Being*willmakeyoupoor,but**willmakeyourich.Prov17:22Being*keepsyouhealthy.
JellyTelly SingthroughTheBibleepisodeInstruments Haveamusicsession!GingerbreadMe
HavetheoutlineofagingerbreadmanonasheetofA4paper.Giveoneouttoeachchild.Askthemtolabelitwithsomeoftheirdetails:name,birthday,age,haircolour,primaryschooletc.TalkabouthowGodknowseverythingaboutthemandlovesthem.
Acrostic UsethelettersinthewordPSALMStowriteanacrostic.ItcouldbetodescribeGod,howthechildrenfeelaboutsomethingorasaprayer.
CraftActivity
Aquickgooglesearchfor:Psalm139ActivityorCraftorWordsearchorColouringpagewillgiveavarietyofideasyoumaywishtouse.
What’s the memory verse?
Psalm119:105Yourwordisalamptomyfeetandalightformypath.
Week 5
Prophets
[17 books]
MajorProphets:Isaiah,Jeremiah,Lamentations,Ezekial,DanielMinorProphets:Hosea,Joel,Amos,Obadiah,Jonah,Micah,Nahum,Habakkuk,Zephaniah,Haggai,Zechariah,MalachiWrittenbyvariousauthorscoveringapproximately1400BC–400BC
Introduction
GodusedmenandwomentobringimportantmessagestoHispeople.TheywouldencouragepeoplewhowerefollowingGodandremindthemofHispromises.TheprophetswouldalsowarnpeopleaboutGod’sjudgementforwrongactions.Themajorprophetswerenotmoreimportantthantheminorprophets,theyaresimplylongerbooks.
JengaGiants
• UsetheJengablockstostackthebooksinthecorrectorder.• Ifappropriateyoucouldtimethemorhave2setsandmakeitcompetitive.
Story Focus
Hate what is evil. Love what is good. Amos Ch5
Pickandchoosefromtheseactivitiesorfeelfreetofindothers.Notallactivitieswillbesuitableforallagegroups.Somearemoresuitedforusewiththewholegroupandsomearebetterforsmallgroups.Discussion
• Howdowegetmessagestoourfriends?Whatdidourparentsdowhentheywerelittle?Whataboutourgrandparents?Whatotherunusualwaysofdeliveringmessageshavetherebeen?Egpigeon!
• DoyouthinkthatGodeverwantstospeaktojustyou?Howdoyouknowwhatheissaying?WeneedtoprayandtalkwithGod,readtheBibleandaskquestionstootherChristians.Godwilluseourquiettime,readingtimeandconversationstospeaktous.
Bible GiveBiblesouttothechildrenandhelpthemtofindthecontentspageandthenthebookofAmos.ManywillneverhaveheardofAmosbuthehadanimportantjob.GodsawrichpeopleinIsraelbeingunfairandunkindtopoorpeople.Godwantedthemtoknowthattheirsinswouldbepunishedbutthattherewasawayout!LookupCh5v14tofindoutwhattheyhadtodo.
JellyTelly Sing-alongBibleepisodeSkittles Splitthechildreninto2teams.Askthemtodrawafaceandwritethenamesoftheprophets
onto12paper/foamcups.Give6toeachteamandaskthemtoarrangetheminatriangle(leavingenoughspaceinbetween).Giveeachteamasmallballtoknocktheskittlesdown.Astheskittlesgetknockeddown,recallthenamessothattheybecomefamiliar.
SUtimeline Canthechildrenfindtherelevant2panels?Whatisthedifferencebetweenthe‘punishes’and‘restores’panel.ExplainthatGodisslowtoangerandrichinlove.GodusedprophetstowarnHispeoplethattheirwrongactionswouldleadtopunishment.GodalsogavethempromisesofgoodnessiftheyturnedfromtheirwaysandfollowedHimagain.Whatdoyouthinktheydid?Theyreturnedforawhile.
Anagrams Take10oftheProphetsandmuddleuptheletters.GiveoutBiblesandaskthechildrentofindthecontentspage.Usingthecontentslist,cantheyworkouttheanagrams?Cantheymakeupanagramsforthoseremaining?
CraftActivity
Aquickgooglesearchfor:LoveWhatisGoodSundaySchoolActivityorCraftorWordsearchorColouringpagewillgiveavarietyofideasyoumaywishtouse.
What’s the memory verse?
Psalm119:105Yourwordisalamptomyfeetandalightformypath.
Week 6
Gospels [4 books]
Matthew,Mark,Luke,John
Introduction
Jesuslefthisplaceinheaventocometoearthasababy.Hehadbrothersandsisters,regularlywenttothetempleandlearnthowtobeacarpenter.ButJesusknewhewasonamissionthatwouldbeimpossibleforanyoneelsetoachieve.Thesebookswerewrittenby4peopleshortlyafterJesushadreturnedtoheaven.TheytellsomeoftheamazingmiraclesthatHedid,thestoriesthatHetold,howheledaperfectlifeandrosefromthedead.ButmostimportantlytheyshowusthatJesusistheSonofGodandthatthroughafriendshipwithHimwedon’thavetoshareAdam’spunishmentanylonger.Wearefree–nolongerseparatedfromtheawesomecreatoroftheuniverse!
Didyoujustseethat?
• Beforethesession,askanadulttowalkintoSundaySchoolandinterruptyoubytouchingyourshoulderwhilstyou’retalkingtothegroup.Theyshouldspendlessthanaminutesayingsomethingobviousbutnotrepeatinganythingeg“HasanyoneseenmyBible?It’sgotaspottycover.IlastsawitwhenIwaseatingmyshreddiesthismorningbutI’msureIbroughtitwithme.Nevermind,I’msureitwillturnup.”
• Askthechildrenhowmuchtheycanrecallaboutwhatjusthappened:Howdidhegetyourattention,whattopwashewearing,whatshoes,whatwashelookingforetcAlternativelyyoucouldask2childrentogooutoftheroomandinvitetheminseparatelytoanswerthequestions.Everyonesawtheeventbutdifferentfeatureswillstandout.
• ExplainthattheGospelsarewrittenbyeyewitnessesaboutthelifeofJesusonearth.Theywouldhaveseenmuchofitandresearchedotherparts.Thewriterswerealsowritingtodifferentgroupsofpeoplesodifferenteventsmayhavefeltmoreimportantandbeenemphasised.
Story Focus
The Life of Jesus from the Gospels
Pickandchoosefromtheseactivitiesorfeelfreetofindothers.Notallactivitieswillbesuitableforallagegroups.Somearemoresuitedforusewiththewholegroupandsomearebetterforsmallgroups.Bible GiveBiblesouttothechildrenandsplittheminto3groups.AskthemtofindMatt8:14-15,
Luke1:29-31andJohn4:38-38.ThisisthetimewhenJesushealedSimonPeter’smother-in-law.Discussthesimilaritiesanddifferencesbetweentheverses(youcouldaskagrouptoactitoutasitisread).Talkabouthowthewriterswrotewhattheysaw/researchedbutalsowrotetodifferentaudiences.
HiddenTreasure
Thisconceptworkswellwithasequenceofboxes,bags,containershiddenwithineachotherlikeRussiandolls.Ideallythesmallestwillbeasmalltreasurechestwithlittlegems.EachcontainershouldhavethenameofasectionoftheBibleonit.HavealargecardboardboxwithBiblewrittenonthefront.Explainthatitcanlookbig/boring/intimidatingbutit’sworthopening.FirstwefindthebooksofMoses,tellingusaboutthebeginningoftime.NextwefindtheHistorybookswithhistoricalfactsfromthousandsofyearsago.Afterthiswefindbookswithpoetryandwisdomrelatingtoeverykindofemotionandcircumstance.ThencomethePropheticbooksrecordingGod’swordsthroughman.Andnowweareatthepointwherewefindoutwhatit’sallbeenfor…therealtreasureoftheBibleisfoundintheGospelswherewediscoverJesus!
Whatcomesnext?
Findimagesofwell-knowneventsfromJesus’timeonearthe.g.birth,temple,baptism,temptation,waterintowine,feedingthe5000,lastsupper,death,andascension.Askthechildrentoputtheminorder.
SUtimeline Askthechildrentofindtheappropriatepanels.Gatherroundthe4panelsandaskthemtolookatthepictures(big&small).Ask:whichistheirfavouriteandtalkaboutwhy;howtheywouldhavefeltmeetingJesus;whattheythinkJesuswaslike;whydidJesusdie....Afterthediscussion,usepost-itnotesandaskthemwhatquestionstheywouldliketoaskJesus.Jotthemdownandusethematalaterpointfordiscussions.
GospelHighlights
Rolloutalongsectionofliningpaper.AskthechildrenforwellknownstoriesfromthelifeofJesus.Encouragethemtothinkofparablesandmiraclesaswellasthoseabove.Writedowntheirsuggestionsclearly,makingfulluseofthepaper.Askthechildrentodrawpicturesalongsidetheevents.Ifitissuitableitcouldbeusedasadisplay!
JellyTelly Sing-alongBibleepisodeCraftActivity
Aquickgooglesearchfor:LifeofJesus,Gospels,MiraclesofJesusorsimilarwillgiveavarietyofideasorcolouringpagesthatyoumaywishtouse.
What’s the memory verse?
Psalm119:105Yourwordisalamptomyfeetandalightformypath.
Week 7
Church History [1 book]
ActsWrittenbyLukeasasequeltoLuke’sgospel.HewasadoctorandwroteitaroundAD60.
Introduction
Witharushofwindthroughtheroom,theHolySpiritthatJesushadpromisedcametothedisciples.ThefriendsofJesusweregivenpowerandcouragetospreadthegoodnewsthroughJerusalem,thenJudeaandthentheentireworld.Thechurchhadbegunandtheword‘Christian’begantobeused.Thisbooktellstheamazingeventsthattookplacefortheearlychurch!
StorysoFar Putthebookplatesintotheirsectionsaroundtheroom.Askthechildrentochooseasectionoftheroomandhelptoarrangetheplatesinthecorrectorder.YoucouldplaceaBibleintheProphetssection(andothers)sothatsomeonemightworkouttousethecontentspage.
Story Focus
Peter and Cornelius Acts Ch10
Pickandchoosefromtheseactivitiesorfeelfreetofindothers.Notallactivitieswillbesuitableforallagegroups.Somearemoresuitedforusewiththewholegroupandsomearebetterforsmallgroups.Discussion
BrieflyreviewthehistoryofGod’speople:WhowerethefirstpeopleGodwasfriendswith?Whatwentwrong?CanyounameoneoftheearliestleadersofGod’speople?(probablyAbrahamorMoses)CanyounameoneofthekingsofGod’speople?(probablySaulorDavid)WhatareGod’speopleknownas?(probablyJewsorIsraelites)ExplainthatIsraelisstillacountrytodayandpeoplewhofollowthereligionJudaismtodayarestillcalledJews.Wearen’tJews(probably)butarestillknownasGod’speople.IttooksomeofthedisciplesawhiletounderstandthatGodwantedGentiles(non-Jewish)tobehispeopletoo.AfterPetermetCorneliusheunderstoodthatGod’splanandthegoodnewsofJesusisforeveryone.
Bible GiveBiblesouttothechildrenandhelpthemtofindActs1.Readthefirst3verses.Putsomesimplequestionsinahat:Whoistheauthor?Whatotherbookisverse1referringto?Whoistheauthortalkingto?HowlongwasitbeforeJesuswenttoheaven?WhatdidJesusshowthedisciples?WhatdoyouthinkJesustalkedtohisdisciplesabout?Passthehataroundandthosethatwouldliketoselectaquestioncanreaditoutforanyonetoanswer.
Globetrotting Bringinaglobeorworldmap.FindJerusalemasthestartingplaceoftheGospel.TalkaboutkeynamesandplacesaboutwhereChristianityspreadto.FindthecountriesintheworldwhereChristianityisthemainreligionandtalkaboutcountrieswhereitisstilldifficulttobeaChristian.
JellyTelly Sing-alongBibleepisodePass-it-on Haveabowlofgrapesandaskagroupofchildrentositinacircle.Askthemtotakeagrape
andpassthebowlon.Wheneveryonehashadagrapeexplainthattheyenjoyedagrapebecausesomeonesharedthebowlwiththem.Inturntheypassedthebowlonandotherscouldenjoythegrapes.Inthesameway,weknowaboutthegoodnewsofJesusbecausesomeonebroughtustochurch/ourparentstoldusetc.Jesuswantsustopassthegoodnewson–howcanwedothat?
CraftActivity
Aquickgooglesearchfor:PeterandCorneliusSundaySchoolActivityorCraftorWordsearchorColouringpagewillgiveavarietyofideasyoumaywishtouse.
What’s the memory verse?
Psalm119:105Yourwordisalamptomyfeetandalightformypath.
Week 8
Letters
[21]
Paul’sletterstochurches:Romans,1Corinthians,2Corinthians,Galatians,Ephesians,Philippians,Colossians,1Thessalonians,2Thessalonians,Paul’sletterstopeople:1Timothy,2Timothy,Titus,PhilemonGeneralletters:Hebrews,James,1Peter,2Peter,1John,2John,3John,Jude
Introduction
TheHolySpiritgavethefollowersofJesusboldnessandopportunitiestospreadthenewsaboutJesus.Christianityspreadatsuchanincredibleratethatchurcheswerebeingsetupinhousesfarandwide.LetterswerewrittenandpassedaroundtopeopleandchurchestomakesurethatnewfollowersunderstoodfullywhatJesushaddoneandhowtheirlivesshouldchange.Paulwrotemostofthelettersbutthereareotherauthorstoo.Theseletterscontaingreatpracticaladviceanddetailedtheology.
JengaGiants
• UsetheJengablockstostackthebooksinthecorrectorder.ThisshouldbehigherthanthetowerofProphets!
• Ifappropriateyoucouldtimethemorhave2setsandmakeitcompetitive.
Story Focus
Nothing can separate us from God’s Love Romans Ch8
Pickandchoosefromtheseactivitiesorfeelfreetofindothers.Notallactivitieswillbesuitableforallagegroups.Somearemoresuitedforusewiththewholegroupandsomearebetterforsmallgroups.Bible GiveBiblesouttothechildreninpairs(olderandyounger).GiveeachpairaBibleverse
fromaletterandaskthemtofindit.Whentheyhavefoundthemtheycanreadthemout.Itdoesn’tmatterifyouonlyuseafewversesasthiswilltakethepressureoffofsomepairsEgRomans8:28,Romans8:38-39,2Tim3:14-15,2Tim3:16-17,
JellyTelly Sing-alongBibleepisodeAnagrams Take10oftheLettersandmuddleuptheletters.GiveoutBiblesandaskthechildrento
findthecontentspage.Usingthecontentslist,cantheyworkouttheanagrams?Cantheymakeupanagramsforthoseremaining?
What’smissing OnA4sheetswriteoutsomewellknowversesandtheirreference.Stickthebitsofpaperaroundtheroom.AskthechildrentotakeaBibleandworktogetheraroundtheroomtofindoutwhattheverseshouldreallysay.Challengeanyfastfinisherstomemoriseoneortochoosetheirfavouriteandexplainthinkaboutwhy.Whyisitgoodtomemoriseverses?
Whispers Startwithasimplephrase:Ilikeicecreambutnotdonuts.Asthechildrenpassitaroundthecircleitmaychange.Nowpassawrittennoteandaskeveryonetoreaditintheirheads:MyteddyiscalledBob.Talkaboutwhichisthemostreliablemethodformakingsurethateveryoneknowstheinformation.ExplainthatthisisagoodreasonwhyPaul(andothers)wroteletterstonewchurches.
CraftActivity
What’s the memory verse?
Psalm119:105Yourwordisalamptomyfeetandalightformypath.
Aquickgooglesearchfor:Romans8ActivityorCraftorWordsearchorColouringpagewillgiveavarietyofideasyoumaywishtouse.
Week 9
Prophecy [1 book]
RevelationsWrittenbythediscipleJohnaroundAD90
Introduction
GodplannedforustolivewithHimandinthisbookweseehowallthingswillworktogether.Weseethatnomatterhowbadtheworldmayseem,intheendJesuswins!GodwillcreateanewheavenandanewearthandHeinvitesusalltojoinhim.ThisbookiswrittenbythediscipleJohnafterhereceivedavision–somepartsareconfusingandevenscarybutGod’senemySatanwillbedestroyedonceandforallandGodwillbevictorious!
TheGardenofEden
AskthechildrentorecallinformationabouttheGardenthatGodcreatedatthebeginningoftime:Whatwasitcalled?Whatwasitlike?Whatbookcanwereadaboutitin?Whatwerethe2specialtreesgrowingintheGarden?[trytogetboth:KnowledgeofGood&EvilandLife]WhatchangedintheworldwhenAdamandEvesinned?[weeds,death,pain,illness,...]ThissessionweseehowGodwillmakeallthingsnewagain!
Story Focus
A New Heaven, New Earth, New Jerusalem Revelation Ch21
Pickandchoosefromtheseactivitiesorfeelfreetofindothers.Notallactivitieswillbesuitableforallagegroups.Somearemoresuitedforusewiththewholegroupandsomearebetterforsmallgroups.Bible&Discussion
GiveBiblesouttothechildrenandhelpthemfindRevelations.JohnisspeakingaboutthevisionthathehasbeengivenfromGod.• Findandreadch21v3-4.WhatthingswillbegoneintheNewHeavenandEarth?Talkabout
whatthingscausepainandsadness.Godwillwipeeverytearaway!• ThechaptertellsusabouttheNewJerusalemanddescribeswhatthecitywallswilllooklike.
Whatarecitywallsusuallymadeoutof?Findandreadch21v18-21.Therearesomedifficultwordsherenamingallofthejewels.Ifpossibleusepicturesofpreciousstones.
• Findch22v1-3Whattreeisgrowing?WherehaveweheardabouttheTreeofLifebefore?ThisisGod’splanforus!!!
Picturethis! ThecitywalloftheNewJerusalemisadornedwithmanypreciousstones.Giveeachchildabricksizesheetofpaperorcard.Usingglitterandsparklesaskthechildrentodecoratethemostamazingstone.Askthechildrentobringtheirbrickstogetherandcreatea‘wall’.HowamazingHeavenwillbe!
TheDoor Askahelperbeforehandtointerruptthegroupbyknockingatthedoortocomein.Ifithasaclearwindowthismayhelpthechildrenunderstandabitmorewhat’sgoingon.Gesturetothemtocomein.Thehelpercangesturethatthereisaproblemwiththehandle/theirhandsarefulletc.Askthechildrenwhattodotohelp.Hopefullysomeonewillvolunteertoopenthedoor!InRevelationsCh3,JesussaidHeisstandingatthedoorandknockingbutwehavetoopenthedoorandinvitehimtocomein.ExplainthatJesuswaitstobeinvitedin,Hewon’tpushhiswayin!ManypeopledecidenottoopenthedoorandtheywillmissoutonthefuturethatHeplannedforusfromthebeginningoftime!Thismaybeanappropriatetimetogivechildrentheopportunitytorespondorofferanappropriatebooklet(perhapsDougHorley’s)forthechildrentotakeawayattheend.
SUTimeline Findthefinalpanel.TalkabouttheimagesandhowthebookofRevelationwaswritten.InthisbookweseeseveraltimesthatJesuswantsustojoinHimoneday.
JellyTelly Sing-alongBibleepisodeCraftActivity
Aquickgooglesearchfor:NewJerusalemActivityorCraftorWordsearchorColouringpagewillgiveavarietyofideasyoumaywishtouse.
What’s the
memory verse?
Psalm119:105Yourwordisalamptomyfeetandalightformypath.
Week 10
The Bible Review
OldTestament:39booksBooksofMoses,History,Poetry&Wisdom,TheProphetsNewTestament:27booksGospels,ChurchHistory,Letters,ProphecyThereisagapofabout450yearsbetweentheOTandNT.
Introduction
WehaveseenhowGodcreatedtheworldwithaplaninmind.Hebroughthispeopletogetherandguidedtheminthewaytolive.Whenthetimewasright,Jesuscametoearthandmadetheultimatesacrifice;hegaveHislifetoundoAdam’smistake(themistakeanyoneofuswouldhavemadetoo!).Jesusrosefromthegraveandwillreturnoneday!GodwantsustojoinHimsomuchthatHeinspiredmenandwomenoverhundredsofyearstokeeprecords.ThesehavebeenputtogetherinTheBible.Thisamazingbookisforustoread,explore,learnandlive.Howexciting!!!
PaperPlates • Usepaperplatesteppingstonestogetfromonepointtoanother.Eachplatehasthenameofabookandtheymustbeputinthecorrectorderbeforecrossing.
• Usethepaperplatesandasksomeonetoputtheminthecorrectorder.Ifappropriateyoucouldtimethemorhave2setsandmakeitcompetitive.
Story Focus
Hiding God’s Word Psalm 119:11 You may not feel that a story is necessary as this is a review week.
Ifpossibleusethesessiontobringeverythingthechildrenhavelearnttogether.Thechildrencouldbesplitintoteams.Activitiescouldbedone:oneatatimewithteamscompeting;setupas‘stations’thatteamsrotatearound;asafreechoicesochildrenspendaslongastheywantateachonebeforemovingon.Bible&Discussion
GiveBiblesouttothechildrentoshare.• AskthechildrenhowtofindthebookofPsalms(opentothemiddleoftheBible).Whatcan
theyrememberaboutthebookofPsalms?• Whathasthememoryversebeen?Whatisthereference?[Ps119:105]Cantheyfindit?What
doesitmean?• InthesamePsalm,findv11.Whatdoesthismean?Whatshouldwedo?
BibleSort Label8areasoftheroomwiththesectionsoftheBible.Leavethepaperplatesinthecentreoftheroomandaskthechildrentoworktogethertopickaplateandtakeittotherightareaoftheroom.Oncetheyhaveallbeenplacedsomewhereaskthechildrentoseparate,gotosectionsoftheroomandplacetheplatesinthecorrectorder.Carefulplacingofthechildren(andhelpers)shouldmeanthatrogueplatesarespottedandre-delivered.Cantheyorderall66?!Thiswouldbeanamazingachievement!
4sides Setup4areasoftheroomegProphets,Gospels,Poetry&Wisdom,BooksofMoses.Calloutbooksandtheyshouldruntotheappropriatepartoftheroom.
TheBible Givethechildrenasheetofpaperwithapictureofabookwithopenpages.Askthemtowritedowneither:somethingthattheyhavelearntoverthelastfewweeks;aversethattheytriedtomemorise;theirfavouritestory/partoftheBible.
NerftheName Choose5ofthecupswithbooknamesonthemandhaveasetofrelatedquestions.Thechildwhoanswersthequestioncorrectlycanattempttoknockthecupdownwithanerfgun.EgWhatisthe1stbookintheBible?WhichbookisaGospel?Whichbookgivesusgoodadvice?WhatbookcomesafterMatthew?
JellyTelly Sing-alongBibleepisodeOldorNew Holduparandomselectionof10bookcardsandaskthechildrentocalloutwhethertheyarein
theOldorNewTestament.JengaDominoRun
Askthechildrentomakeadominorunusingthe66jengapiecesinthecorrectorder.YoucanleaveaBiblenearbyforhelp!Aftertheyhavesetitupandyouhavecheckedittheycansetitoff.Theymaywanttouseotheritemsassteps.Theycouldalsomakeitmoreinterestingbyaddingaping-pongballtotheendwiththeaimtomakeitmove.
BibleQuiz AquickgooglesearchcangiveplentyofBibleQuizquestions.Asheetofquestionscouldbefoundorputtogether.
Acrostic UsingTHEBIBLE,askthechildrentowriteanacrostic.Theycouldworkinagrouptoproducethemorindividually.
Post-ittoaPastor
IfthechildrenhaveusedPost-itnotesinprevioussessionstowritedownquestions,nowmightbethetimetoreviewsomeoftheanswers.Youmaybeabletopre-warnachurchleaderwhocouldcomeinandanswersomeofthequestions.Youcoulduseasand-timersothattheyhavetostoptalkingbythetimethesandrunsout!Thiscouldalsoworkwellwithasmallergroupofolderchildren.
ThePrize! YoumaywanttorecognisethatthechildrenhavecompletedtheseriesonTheBibleandgivethemacertificate/badge/minitimeline.Alternatively,theycoulddecorateacrowntorepresentthevictor’scrown.
What’s the memory verse?
Psalm119:105Yourwordisalamptomyfeetandalightformypath.