Children's Ministry Look Book

Children’s Ministry

CURRICULUM LOOK BOOK

YOur Guide to Life-Changing Programs from David c Cook

Ignite your children’s ministry.

Fuel up for your mission with free resources.

The most important work in the world is ministry: helping people of all ages come to know, love, and follow Jesus. And, ministry can be hard work—really hard work. That’s why we’ve created MinistrySpark.com, a go-to place for ideas and inspiration. Get leadership resources sent straight to you for free!

Go grab this new ministry guide, How to Guard Yourself from Ministry Burnout, at MinistrySpark.com/resources today.

Also get access to 100+ articles, 15+ ministry guides, 30+ free lessons, training videos, and new content updated weekly.

Transforming Lives Together

KIDS CONNECT WITH GOD … THE GOSPEL TAKES ROOT … THE BIBLE COMES TO LIFE … … AND THE LESSONS TOUCH HOME.

You don’t want to miss these moments. Or the imprint they can make for a lifetime of faith, starting right now.

So choose trusted Sunday school resources that make it easy for teachers and volunteers to focus on the kids.

6 Questions Every Kidmin Pastor Should Ask When Evaluating Curriculum

As you consider choosing curriculum for your children’s program, these questions can guide you and provide a great framework for your team discussion.

IS IT BASED ON THE BIBLE?

The Bible is the foundation upon which a solid curriculum is built. Especially with the decline in Biblical literacy, it’s more important than ever to impart truths from God’s Word to the next generation.

Is the doctrine and theology sound?

Does it reflect an accurate viewpoint from Scripture?

DOES IT BRING CHILDREN CLOSER TO JESUS?

Life-changing ministry begins with a commitment to one thing—leading people to Jesus. Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6 NIV®).

When we teach Him, we teach everything. We will never be satisfied until we see young hearts and lives committed not only to His teachings but to Him.

Is Bible memory part of the learning experience? 1 2

Does the curriculum help children discover that Jesus loves them?

Does the curriculum offer clear teaching on the life and ministry of Jesus?

DOES IT VALUE RELATIONSHIP?

Spiritual growth happens best within the context of close personal relationships. When trust is established, children can go deeper— they feel safe sharing their thoughts and responses about God and what they are learning.

Does the curriculum help train and develop teachers to lead children in learning?

Does the curriculum provide tips to help leaders connect relationally with kids?

ARE LESSONS TAUGHT AT THE CORRECT AGE LEVEL?

Successful ministries teach children the Bible in ways that are relevant to each age and stage of life. Lessons that are written to the correct age level are easier to teach and are better understood by children.

Does the curriculum offer helpful tools to engage the imagination of children?

Are lessons appropriate for the age level?

Does the curriculum encourage learning at home as a family? 3 4

Transforming Lives Together

YOUR CHOICES FOR PRE-K THROUGH PRETEEN, ALL IN ONE PLACE

Compare leading curriculum resources so you can choose the right options for your church program—whether for traditional classrooms, large groups, or small groups.

DOES IT FOCUS ON TRANSFORMATION?

This is the most important question because the goal of ministry is changed lives. It is as much about the here and now as it is about the future and eternity.

Is there a clear and practical real life application for each lesson?

Does it encourage children to develop a life long faith?

5

HOW MUCH TIME DOES IT TAKE TO PREPARE AND TEACH?

What is a realistic time commitment for your teachers to prepare and teach the lessons? (staff, volunteers, etc.)

What training is needed?

How flexible is the curriculum to fit your needs?

Your answers to these questions will guide you to a wise curriculum choice that equips you and your teachers for life-changing children’s min istr y

6

Encourage

Inspire and Equip Your Teachers for Success

When you choose curriculum, you’re investing in the promise of inspiring and lasting results— first for your teachers, and then for your kids.

Because no two churches are alike, you need options to find the right fit for your program. It just makes sense to look at the David C Cook family of children’s ministry resources.

In every lesson, you’ll find a commitment to Christ-centered teaching—tried, tested, and trustworthy—with features to help your teachers engage today’s generations.

No matter which curriculum you choose, you’ll find…

Rock-solid biblical truth forms the foundation of every lesson, song, video, and resource.

Bible skills and real-life application equip kids at each age level to grow toward a lifetime of faith, starting right now.

Practical tools for teacher success come along with your curriculum, including Bible background, devotions, and tips, plus training and resources online.

Family-friendly resources keep parents connected with their kids in learning about God.

Complete program curriculum offers everything your teachers need for every lesson, with options to spare.

Flexible and easy-to-use features let your teachers pick and choose the mix that engages their kids with different learning styles.

Print and digital formats give your teachers the opportunity to use what works best for them.

Go Ahead, Teach a Sample Lesson!

Let’s face it, with so many curriculum programs to choose from, the decision process can be confusing.

Taking a test drive can help you confirm the right choice. So when you’ve narrowed down your options, it’s time to teach a sample lesson.

At David C Cook, we provide sample lessons in digital download format or, if you prefer, printed samples. Either way, we believe you’ll find our programs to be the best available for any age level.

Throughout this Look Book—starting on the very next page—you’ll find our various curriculum programs outlined with the philosophy, benefits, and features that make each one unique.

Details on how to order or receive samples are called out in each section. Try as many as you like. We know you’ll find just the right course to create a successful Sunday school or anytime program at your church.

PHYSICAL SAMPLES

For each age-level requested, you will receive 1 full teacher guide, 1 full student guide, and additional resources.

Varies by brand

DOWNLOADABLE SAMPLES

In the digital downloadable samples, you will receive a correlated teacher guide lesson with matching student pages, plus take-home and visual aid resource pages. In some courses you may also receive video or music samples.

Varies by brand

WITH DAVID C COOK, YOU GET AN ENTIRE FAMILY OF TRUSTED CURRICULUM FOR ALL AGES OF YOUR CHILDREN’S MINISTRY. AS YOU COMPARE THE OPTIONS BELOW, TURN TO THE PAGES INDICATED TO LEARN MORE.

UNIQUE FEATURES

Connects everyday conversations to biblical wisdom

• Faith lived out in relationship with God

• Interaction with God’s Word

• Application to life today

AGES/GRADES

Nursery/Toddler

Preschool*

Elementary*

Upper El/Preteen

Middle School

High School

FORMAT

Classroom Setting

Large Group / Small Group

AVAILABILITY

Print Editions

Digital Download

Disciplr.com

Introduces Jesus for the next generation

• Understanding Jesus through relationships

• Evangelism focus

• Teacher training

Helps kids of all ages and abilities connect with God

• Connection to God through the Bible

• Special needs inclusion

• Serving focus

Invites kids and families into God’s Big Story

• Empowering parents to nurture kids’ faith

• God’s Word as a chronological story

• Response to the Holy Spirit

Engages preteens in an action-packed adventure of faith

Celebrates the biblical and cultural heritage of African Americans

Build a faith foundation on the authority of Scripture

• Bible study skills and application

• Empowering preteens to own their faith

• Worship and devotional practices

• Highlighting Black history and faith

• Interaction with God’s Word

• Faith lived out in relationship with God

• Discovering God’s Word through study

• Application to life today

• Mission-minded

Bible-in-Life®

Help your kids see God’s truth all around them.

As our best-selling children’s ministry program, Bible-in-Life is perfect for churches of all sizes. Its theologically balanced approach has been trusted for generations.

To help kids seek God in everyday moments, Bible-in-Life uses realworld applications in an easyto-teach format to keep your students engaged with relevant scriptural content.

Bible-in-Life now includes access to Scripture memory videos! Receive ONE FREE SONG per quarter, for each elementary age level.

Additional Scripture memory videos available.

AGES

Toddlers to Preteen

FORMAT

Age graded classroom setting

SCOPE & SEQUENCE

Toddler–Early Elementary: 2 years

Elementary–Upper Elementary: 3 years

MAXIMUM LESSON TIME

60-90 Minutes

Download 4 weeks free and explore every age level at: DavidCCook.org/bible-in-life

WHY YOU’LL LOVE

Bible-in-Life

TOO !

In my experience with teaching Sunday school for the last 18 years, I’ve found Bible-in-Life to be the most well-rounded curriculum available. It gives you more than one option to use, so that you have a choice of which best fits your particular class.

—LOIS CASTILLO, DIRECTOR OF CHILDREN’S MINISTRY, CORNERSTONE CHURCH OF SAN FRANCISCO

Bible-in-Life is by far the most user-friendly curriculum! My teachers find it to be the simplest to follow, and they are extremely pleased.

Our early childhood and elementary classes love Bible-in-Life curriculum. I keep hearing compliments on the Bible content, ease of use, the colorful resources, and the learning responses from the children. In addition, our parents are commenting on and using the take-home resources.

—DALE J., SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER, COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO

—THE REV. DAVID ANDRITCH, CHINESE EVANGELICAL CHURCH, SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA

—MAUREEN, PENNSYLVANIA

We love the way Bible-in-Life challenges kids to see God throughout the week and apply His Word to everyday life!

PRESCHOOL:

1. Getting Ready for the Bible helps children connect their own experience with the Bible story.

2. Bible Story Time shows children what the Bible says.

3. The Bible and Me allows children to explore activity centers that will help them understand that Jesus knows who they are.

4. Going Home with the Bible helps children remember that Jesus knows who they are. They will see how the Bible story works in their own lives.

EARLY ELEMENTARY:

1. Bible Readiness helps children get ready to learn that God wants them to know about Him.

2. Bible Story uses the Bible and Bible Beginnings as kids discover what God’s Word says to them.

3. Bible Activity Choices allows children to review and explore the Bible lesson.

4. Bible Response helps children apply the story they learned in their daily lives.

ELEMENTARY:

1. Bible Readiness connects children’s life experiences with the Bible story of Creation.

2. Bible Study uses the Bible and Bible Discoveries as kids explore God’s Word together.

3. Bible Activity Choices allows children to review and explore the Bible lesson.

4. Bible Response helps children apply the story they learned in their daily lives.

UPPER ELEMENTARY:

1. Connecting with God’s Word helps students relate the Bible study to their own experience.

2. Studying God’s Word uses the Bible and Bible Adventures as kids see God’s truth in His Word.

3. Interacting with God’s Word will allow students to practice the lesson they’ve been studying by exploring God’s creative power.

4. Applying God’s Word helps students take the lesson into their everyday lives

Bible-in-Life lessons are organized in an easy-touse 4-step lesson path.

See what is happening in each step and what supplies are needed.

The single idea taught in the lesson that can always be applied to life.

Kids introduce each of the three quarterly themes through liveaction video.

Then they remind students of that theme at the end of the lesson, including some questions to ponder.

Just for teachers—Added Bible information for context, a devotional to help you spiritually prepare.

Simple activities for kids to do while you greet parents and welcome students.

Insights about kids this age.

Asking questions helps engage kids in conversations.

Students connect their own experiences to the Bible story.

For easy reference, look for these reductions and match up with the resources you need.

Present

Through sharing answers to questions and doing an activity, kids remember the Bible story.

Kids explore the Bible story and Lesson Focus through a variety of activities that engage many learning styles.

Make it your own —Choose one or more activity options that best fit your class.

Throughout the lesson look for the bolded words. They are scripts for you to say or adapt.

Not only do kids learn about the Bible; they grow in their relationship with God. Use this as an opportunity to challenge your kids to see God throughout the week.

A chance for kids to take what they’ve learned out of the classroom and into their lives.

Kaden’s Big Sister

Chloe pushed Kaden on the swing. When he fell, she helped him up. She tied his shoes. When he jumped in a puddle, Chloe cleaned the mud off Kaden’s shoes.

“Why does Chloe have to go with me to the park?” asked Kaden. “Chloe is older. She can watch you,” said Dad. Mom hugged Kaden. “We love you. We want you to be safe,” she said.

Chloe and Kaden walked to the park. Kaden saw a squirrel and ran after it.

At home, Dad asked, “Did you have fun?” “Yes,” Kaden said. “I followed a squirrel. We ran to the park. I played on the rings.

Chloe pushed me on the swings. I jumped in a mud puddle. Chloe helped me all the time. I’m glad she’s my sister.” Chloe was glad Kaden was part of her family, too.

Talk together about how Moses’ family cared for him when he was a baby. How did Kaden’s big sister Chloe care for him at the park? Discuss who is in your family and how you can help the people in your family. Thank God this week for each family member and how your family cares for each other.

Talk Time WHAT

I LEARNED ABOUT GOD: God wants people in families to care for one another.

He climbed a fence to see better. His shirt got caught. “Help! I cannot get down,” he cried.

Chloe helped. Kaden said, “Thanks!” He jumped down and ran ahead.

“See how fast I can run!” he said. Chloe ran with Kaden all the way to the park. Then Kaden started to swing across the rings. “Look at me,” he yelled. “Help! I’m falling.” Kaden shouted. Chloe helped Kaden finish the rings.

Add more flexibility and fun with these resource options.

NEW Lesson Video  V

Based on the monthly themes, new lesson videos (3 per quarter) feature kids living out their faith in daily real-life applications.

Teacher’s Guide  P D

Tips help teachers understand students, with helpful suggestions for enhancing their Sunday school experience. Follows a four-step learning cycle to help teachers reach every child the way God made them.

Creative Teaching Aids  P D M

Essential audio and visual resources to go with the Teacher’s Guide. Enhances lessons with appealing Bible art posters, a quarterly attendance chart, and music featuring three original worship songs (stereo and instrumental) that correlate with each of the three units per quarter. Access to Scripture memory videos.

Student Activity Pages   P D

In-class student books for each lesson, including Bible study pages and activities.

Craft Book  P

In-class student craft books are full of hands-on projects and crafts. These ageappropriate craft projects can be done by the students with little or no help from the teacher.

Take-Home Pages  P D

Teachers can use these in-class/take-home papers to help Bible lessons thrive in students’ hearts and hands.

EVERY MOMENT COUNTS

It is important for children to learn about the love of God from the adults in their lives. At David C Cook, we want to help create precious moments between parent and child by offering storybooks for children of all ages—from stand-alone blessings for a new baby to complete storybook Bibles.

As a ministry leader, you are invited to take a look at some of our resources and encourage the parents and guardians in your church family to make every moment count.

GOD’S STORY FOR ME BIBLE

ISBN: 978-0-8307-7200-1

Price: $16.99

HEARTSHAPER BIBLE STORYBOOK

ISBN: 978-0-7814-1273-5

Price: $16.99

THE PRESCHOOLER’S BIBLE

ISBN: 978-1-4347-0293-7

Price: $16.99

THE KING JESUS STORYBIBLE

ISBN: 978-1-4347-1148-9

Price: $12.99

THE ACTION STORYBOOK BIBLE

BIBLE

ISBN: 978-0-7814-1420-3

Price: $16.99

THE TODDLER’S BIBLE

ISBN: 978-0-7814-0579-9

Price: $16.99

WELL-PLACED WORDS

Write a thank-you note or email. Simple is enough. Af rmation lifts the spirit and encourages volunteers to keep serving. Make a short video with your phone. Send them a quick “Hey, we love you!” You’ll make them smile.

TIME TOGETHER

Take your volunteers out for coffee. Spend some time in 1-on-1 conversation to let them know you care. Do something relaxing or fun with a volunteer. Shoot hoops. Take a walk. Get a manicure.

THOUGHTFUL GIFT

6 Ways to High-Five

It’s all about relationship. Know your volunteers. Af rm their heart for Jesus. Celebrate their in uence in your church. Be speci c and timely in saying thank you. Everyone is sacri cing something to serve—whether that’s time, money, or energy they could be using for something else. Your appreciation makes all the difference in their world.

Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.

—Proverbs 12:25

SILLY IDEAS

Think of gifts that would matter to them. Gifts don’t have to be expensive, just personal. Birthdays or anytime.

Lots of people like to take notes. Give out notebooks with an inscription on the rst page: Take Note—I think you’re awesome!

TIME AWAY

Give ‘em a break! What a way to say thank-you—by giving them time for rest. Take them to a conference or a network meeting you attend. Investing in their gifts will encourage them in their ministry.

GROUP APPRECIATION GOODNESS

Give them something from the kids they serve. Have the kids create a picture or tell personal stories about a volunteer who has helped them. Share the stories through letters or video.

Get your team members together and have them each write a sentence about a volunteer. Gather the sentences and anonymously put them on a paper titled The Things We Admire About You.

Pass out lotion or soap with a reminder: The kids are in GOOD HANDS with you!

Surprise your volunteers with $5 coffee gift cards and say, Thanks a latte! Who doesn’t love s’mores? Pass them out and let them know, We need s’more like you!

Give them a plant (real or fake) and af rm them: Thank you for helping kids grow in God’s love.

handy

are jam-packed with ideas to help your ministry thrive. More than imparting information, we want to see life transformation.

At David C Cook we’re always looking

fresh ways to encourage ministry leaders. That’s why we want to give you a high five with 5 free downloads.

Gospel Light

JESUS FOR THE NEXT GENERATION

DAVIDCCOOK.ORG/GOSPEL-LIGHT

Discover the Gospel Light difference.

Gospel Light Sunday school builds year upon year from birth through preteen with a proven scope and sequence and ageappropriate lessons. Children will journey through the Bible 5 times from preschool to preteen and our teacher training materials will help turn your volunteers into experts.

Known for strong Bible content and easy-to-teach lessons, Gospel Light curriculum also places special emphasis on the evangelism and discipleship of children and preteens during their formative years.

Try Gospel Light in your church!

AGES

Nursery to Preteen

FORMAT

Age graded classroom setting

Elementary large group

SCOPE & SEQUENCE

Nursery, Preschool & Preteen:

2 Years

Elementary: 4 Years

MAXIMUM LESSON TIME

2 hours

Download

WHY YOU’LL LOVE Gospel

Light

TOO !

Gospel Light is simple for my teachers to use. It is also thorough in Bible knowledge for my kids, and it captures their attention. My kids are never bored! My teachers are happy! My Savior is happy!

—SHERRY E.

We just loved the program. I think Baby Beginnings is a great way to bring the Word to toddlers and invite the nursery volunteers and parents into a loving, learning partnership.

—RAYLENE D.

The multiple activities in Gospel Light curriculum allow you to choose what is best to fit into your lesson plan. I could go on for hours about how highly I think of Gospel Light Elementary Curriculum.

—DEIDRE D.

What a great curriculum! The children had fun learning, and teachers had a lot of fun presenting the Bible truths to the children.

—LINDA S.

Preschool,

Pre-K & K lessons are organized in 3 sections:

PLAY TO LEARN equips teachers to guide small groups of children in one or more fun, tactile activities like games, art, dramatic play, and blocks.

LISTEN TO LEARN provides large-group time where one teacher guides children to hear and understand the Bible story and Bible verse. This section includes a Scripture, song, prayer, and puppet time.

TALK TO LEARN helps teachers guide small groups of children to complete their TalkTime activity page and other activities that reinforce the lesson.

Elementary lessons are organized in 3 sections:

GET THINKING is a relaxed time for teachers to welcome kids and use a fun activity to help them think about that day’s Big Idea!

GET GOD’S WORD is the heart and soul of the elementary lesson time! Using the Story Starter, the teacher draws kids in with a fun storytelling idea that builds participation as the story unfolds from God’s Word.

GET TALKING helps kids discuss how they can apply the Bible to their lives. KidTalk™ Cards, Whiteboard Time, energetic games, and cool art activities will keep kids interacting with each other and with God!

Preteen

lessons are organized in 3 sections:

SMALL GROUP DISCOVERY provides 1-2 fun activity options teachers can use to build a mentoring relationship with their students.

LARGE GROUP STUDY gets kids digging deep into God’s Word and involved in the lesson.

SMALL GROUP APPLICATION is a small group discussion time focused on putting the Bible truths learned into everyday practice.

Wonders River

Dear Teacher,

As a kid I used to love playing the game Simon Says. OK, maybe I still love the game! The goal of the leader is to be crafty enough to trick the players into making the wrong move so that they get called out. The goal of the players is to try to pay close attention to the leader and not to make the wrong move.

It is refreshing to know that Jesus, our leader, only wants the best for us. He is not trying to trick us or lead us into making the wrong move. As His followers, our challenge is to continue to grow closer to Him in all areas of our life. It doesn’t matter if we are new Christians or have been serving Christ for many years, we are a work in progress. Matthew 22:37 challenges us to continue learning how to love the Lord with our whole life. My prayer for you this week is that as you continue to draw closer to our leader, Jesus, the kids you teach will also choose to make Jesus the leader in their lives.

Lisa Pham Editor

Big Idea

Following God means loving Him and doing what He wants me to do.

Action Plan

Evaluate the things I do, say and think, and plan ways to show love to God.

Bible Verse

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.”

Matthew 22:37

Action Plan Putting the lesson into practice.

Big Idea The main point of the lesson.

Connecting You to Jesus

Matthew 3 tells of Jesus’ ministry debut. John announced that the King, the One God’s people had been waiting for, was on the way. It was time to prepare for His coming by repenting, or turning from sin and doing what was right. It is the same for us today! When we repent of our sin and begin to do what is right, we welcome Jesus as our King. And continuing to obey Him is the sign of a true follower of Jesus the King.

Lesson Extras!

Lesson Materials

• The basics (see contents)

• Clock

• Get Thinking—index cards

• Story Starter—stuffed animal, honey, crackers, gummy worms, three paper bags

• Story props (see p. 49)

• Materials for Art or Game activity (see pp. 54-55)

1.Challenge your kids to learn the order of the first five books of the New Testament by playing What’s Next?

2.Invite your kids to review the Bible story by completing “Take the Plunge!” puzzle.

3.Show “Lesson 5: Kitchen Time” on Creative Clips DVD. Today we are talking about following something way better than a peanut butter and jelly recipe! We’re talking about following God.

Directing the teacher to Jesus in every lesson.

Get Thinking

(10-15 minutes)

Welcome students and help them begin to think about today’s Big Idea.

My Favorite Thing

On large sheets of paper print “Morning,” “Afternoon” and “Evening.” Tape papers around the room. Give students index cards on which to draw their favorite thing to do during that time of the day. Tape completed index cards on or near the appropriate papers.

Connect:

> When you have free time, what do you like to do?

Big Idea

Following God means loving Him and doing what He wants me to do.

you need

Large sheets of paper, markers, tape, index cards.

> What are some other things that kids your age like to spend their time doing?

> Today we are going to talk about how the things we do, say and think can show our love for God.

Get

God’s

River Wonders

Word

Tell the following story summary in your own words, asking discussion questions as indicated.

Story Starter

Prior to class, place a stuffed animal in a one paper bag, honey and crackers in another and gummy worms in another bag. (Note: Ask about food allergies or restrictions before selecting volunteers.)

(15-25 minutes)

you need

Bible for yourself and each student, Lesson 5 Poster, stuffed animal, honey, crackers, gummy worm, three paper bags, large sheet of paper, markers, clock.

Who is brave enough to put their hand in a bag and tell us what they feel? Volunteer places hand in bag with stuffed animal and tells what he or she feels before removing animal. Who is brave enough to try a Bible-times snack? Volunteer places hand in bag with cracker and honey, pulls out items and eats cracker with honey. Who is brave enough to eat a BUG? Volunteer places hand in bag with gummy worm, pulls out item and eats candy. Our three brave volunteers did great! In today’s story, we are going to talk about a man who wore furry clothes, ate honey AND ate real bugs. His name is in Matthew 3:1. Help students find Matthew 3:1 in their Bibles and locate the name “John the Baptist.”

Storytelling idea

On a large sheet of paper, draw simple pictures as directed as you tell the story.

A Desert Prophet

Long before Jesus was born, God promised His people that someday He would send a Savior to show God’s love and take the punishment for people’s sins.

Many years later, God sent a message about this Savior to a priest, or leader in the Temple, named Zechariah. The angel said that Zechariah would

Students get the opportunity to not only hear the Bible story but become a part of it.

Look for bold text to guide your conversation.

Get students participating in the story.

Spark students interest right from the start.

TIP

Show Lesson 5 Poster and point out the different people who listened to John.

have a son named John who would tell people about the Savior God had promised to send.

Just as the angel had said, Zechariah and his wife, Elizabeth, did have a son. They named him John. When John grew up, he lived in the desert near the Jordan River. What do you think might be hard about living in the desert?

The time came when God let him know it was time to do what he was born to do. That’s when John began to preach in the desert. Draw a desert with a sun in the sky.

Soon, crowds of people were coming out to hear John. And what they saw was UNUSUAL! Draw ears and eyes.

John didn’t dress like other people. He wore camel’s-hair clothing (which to us would be like wearing a burlap sack instead of a T-shirt and jeans). John’s clothes reminded people of the prophets God had sent in Old Testament times. He didn’t EAT like other people, either. He simply ate what was in the desert—locusts (yes, grasshoppers!) and honey. Draw a hairy jacket and bugs.

One Amazing Message

John’s looks were meant to get attention! But it wasn’t so he’d get attention for himself. It was so people would hear and remember his message! John’s message

Teacher tips help volunteers stay on track.

Visual sample of the Bible storytelling option.

Big Idea

Following God means loving Him and doing what He wants me to do.

was for people to stop doing wrong things and to start doing what God wants them to do.

John was telling everyone that God was about to do something BIG. They needed to be ready! People came to him to be baptized in the Jordan River to show that they were repenting, or turning away from their sins. Draw a river. John told them, “I baptize you with water. But One is coming after me who is more powerful than I am. I’m not even worthy to carry His shoes! HE will baptize you with God’s Holy Spirit.” Who do you think John was talking about?

One Perfect Messiah

One day, that very person was in the crowd. It was Jesus! Jesus came to be baptized. John was surprised, because OF COURSE Jesus didn’t need to repent. He never sinned! But Jesus had a reason. Jesus wanted everyone to know that He was fully obeying God, His Father. So John agreed, and he baptized Jesus. Draw a happy face and write “Jesus” underneath.

TIP

Invite a volunteer to show map on page 340 in What the Bible Is All About for Kids. Point out information about the Jordan River.

As Jesus came up out of the water, God’s Spirit came down in the form of a dove! Then a voice said, “This is My Son, whom I love. I am very pleased with Him!” Draw a conversation balloon with the word “Pleased” inside.

Teacher tips also suggest ways to engage kids.

What do you think the people at the river that day said when they saw and heard what happened? How exciting it would have been! God’s voice declared that His promised Son had come!

Wrap-Up

John may have looked different and eaten strange foods, but God used him to be the one to get people ready for Jesus. When we hear stories about Jesus, we can remember that He was glad to follow God and do what God wanted Him to do. We can follow God, too, in the things we do, say and think.

Action Plan

Evaluate the things I do, say and think, and plan ways to show love to God.

Show clock. When we see a clock, we can remember to show God that we love Him all the time. Read aloud Matthew 22:37. This week, let’s try to show God we love Him in everything we do, say and think.

Connecting Kids to Jesus

Jesus is the Savior the people had been waiting for. To prepare for Jesus’ coming, John told the people that they needed to stop doing wrong and start doing what was right. When we believe that Jesus is the Savior, stop doing wrong and start doing what is right, we show that we welcome Jesus as our King.

Every lesson points students to Jesus.

Get Talking

(25-30 minutes)

Distribute Lesson 5 Kid Talk Cards. Invite students to look at the first picture on the card and circle the differences in the second picture on Side 1.

> What was something unusual about John? What did he like to eat?

> What did John want people to know? (Jesus was the One sent by God.)

> Why do you think Jesus wanted to obey God? (He wanted to follow God. He knew God’s ways are the best ways.)

Whiteboard Time

On whiteboard, draw a simple hand shape, thought balloon and mouth shape. (Tip: Trace around your hand.) These three pictures remind us of our actions (hand), our words (mouth) and our thoughts (thought balloon). What are some ways that our actions, words and thoughts can show that we love God when we’re at home? Students tell ideas. Repeat with other locations (school, sports field, playing with friends at a park, etc.).

Students look at Side 2 of Kid Talk Cards and read Bible verse together. Students read the sentences around each picture to find out what the kids are doing.

> When is a good time for you to talk to God? Refer to the clock picture. The clock picture reminds us that we can show love for God at any time. Tell students when you talk to God.

> Why does helping someone show that you love God? (Because I love God, I want to show His love. Helping someone is a way to show I’m thankful for God’s love.)

> What is something you can do this week to show your love for God? (Help my little sister. Talk to Him. Invite a friend to church.)

Side 1 of the KidTalk Cards helps students retell the Bible story.

Side 2 of the KidTalk Cards challenges the student to think of ways to put the lesson into action.

Prayer

Invite volunteers to tell prayer requests as you write them on the whiteboard. Then pray with students about the needs and concerns they mention. The start of the New Year is the perfect time to begin a prayer journal with your group.

Art

you need

Bibles; (downloadable) Do, Say, Think Cards; markers; envelopes; scissors; adhesive magnets.

Give each student one set of Do, Say, Think Cards. Students decorate cards and draw pictures of ways they can show God they love Him this week (help mom carry groceries, say “I love you” to a family member, make a card for someone, etc.). Give students envelopes. Students seal their envelopes and then cut off one of the short ends to make pockets. Students place decorated cards in the pocket. Give each student a magnet with adhesive backing to attach to the back of his or her pocket. Students take pockets home to attach to refrigerator door.

Connect: We can remember to show God we love Him by the things we do, say and think. When you get home, stick your pocket on your refrigerator door. Pull out a card every day to remind you of a way to show love for God.

TIP

First- and second-graders are excited to write things themselves, but they may need help. Other students may still be nervous about their writing skills, so make sure that you allow students to choose to either write or draw.

Creative prayer options.

Students express what they’ve learned through art.

Game

Cut blue, yellow and red paper into strips and hide them around the room. At your signal, students quickly find a color strip and return to the group. Students who found a blue paper tell a way that they can do something to show their love for God. Students with yellow strips tell a way they can say something that shows their love for God. Students with red strips tell how their thoughts can show their love for God. Repeat by inviting students to close their eyes while you hide the strips of paper again.

you need Blue, yellow and red paper; scissors.

Connect: Every day your words, actions and thoughts can show your love for God. While playing this game, you came up with some great ways to follow God this week! I can’t wait to find out next week how you were able to put your ideas into action.

Get Going

Direct students to look again at Side 2 of their Kid Talk Cards. As we listen to this song, think about ways that you can remember to show your love for God in what you do, say and think. Play “J-E-S-U-S” (track 3 on Worship CD), inviting students to listen or sing along. Distribute Lesson 5 Family Fridge Fun papers as students leave.

Students love being active and participating in games to review the lesson.

Auditory students learn best with discussion and music. Play a song relating to the Big Idea before students leave.

Bible Verse

Following God means loving Him and doing what He wants me to do.

Check out Matthew 3:1-17. Who was Jesus following? Who do you want to follow?

Connecting to Jesus

Jesus is the Savior the people had been waiting for. To prepare for Jesus’ coming, John told the people that they needed to stop doing wrong and start doing what was right. When we believe that Jesus is the Savior, stop doing wrong, and start doing what is right, we show that we welcome Jesus as our King.

Just for Fun

Play a quick game of “What Time Is It?” Point to a number on the clock (or call out a number) and invite family members to tell what they usually do at that time of day. (Include times like 3 in the morning, just for fun!) Then ask, “What could you do, say or think to show love for God at 10 in the morning? At 9 at night?” We can follow God and show our love for Him all the time!

Matthew 22:37

Use a pencil to write the words of the Bible verse on a piece of paper. Read the words aloud together, and then erase “the,” “your” and “all” each time it appears. Read the verse again. Then begin to erase more words, repeating the verse each time. Can you say the verse together when all the words are erased?

Get into the Bible

Read Psalm 28:7. Why did David love God? What did he do to show love for God? Tell or sing your favorite song of praise to God!

Read Psalm 119:34. How can you obey God’s commands with all your heart? Think of a time you can obey God and ask for His help.

Read John 14:15,23-24. If we love Jesus, what will we do? What’s a way you can obey God today?

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.”

Add more flexibility and fun with these resource options.

Teacher’s Classroom Kits  P Includes everything you need for 1 teacher and 10 students! Teacher guide, visual resources, student activity pages and take home pages. All in one convenient kit.

Teacher Guides  P D

Easy-to-teach Bible lessons with teacher training tips and more. Elementary guides also include additional content found on the free Digital Lesson Extras Download.

Student Pages  P

Make Bible study fun! Activities are specifically designed for each age level, helping kids dig into the Word and make relevant connections to their lives.

Take-Homes  P

Build the church-home connection with stories and activities that reinforce each week’s lesson.

Visual Resources  P

Full-color posters, games, and fun activities in 11" x 17" or 11" x 22" (varies by age level).

Elementary Music and Video  M V D

Elementary ages will sing and laugh with fresh music and hilarious skits found on the optional CD and DVD add-ons. Videos are produced by the very funny folks at Digital Felt Productions.

Help Your Volunteers Grow

Imagine you’re riding a bicycle, and you’re building up a little speed—maybe huffing and puffing a bit. Then you decide to stop pedaling and just roll along. As you catch your breath, you think to yourself, This is a fun ride!

But by the time you finish that thought, you’re slowing down. You’re still moving along, but you’re already losing momentum. The only way to keep momentum is to keep pedaling.

Now translate this story to your volunteers. Yes, you want them to enjoy the ride. But you also want them to keep pedaling and experiencing momentum. They don’t have to set speed records or pop wheelies, but you want to help them keep moving and growing.

I think of three action words associated with growing volunteers. The first two words— develop and entrust—are things you can do. The third is the result—thrive.

1. Develop volunteers as people. They are more than the spots they fill. Learn about their personal backgrounds, as well as their talents and abilities What makes them smile? When was the last time you prayed for them by name?

We often get seduced into thinking that paperwork, planning, and policies are most important in leadership. Do these items need attention? Of course. But a great leader finds the balance between managing tasks and developing people. Relationships are your number one asset.

2. Entrust volunteers with responsibility. When volunteers take ownership in their roles and responsibilities, they will become more passionate about serving. Remember, passionate doesn’t mean perfect. People can’t strengthen a muscle if they never get to exercise it. At first, the muscle might be weak or uncoordinated, but it will gain strength and ability with every opportunity

To boost your confidence and theirs, help volunteers discover their spiritual gifts. You can refer them to a website like SpiritualGiftsTest.com for a free assessment. Learning how God has uniquely gifted them will foster the use of their gifts and help you delegate more effectively

Ephesians 4 is one of several passages of Scripture that talk about spiritual gifts and their purpose. Entrust your volunteers with the opportunity to put their gifts into practice, and they’ll grow!

3. Thrive in ministry together. When you develop your volunteers and entrust them with responsibility toward a common goal, the whole team thrives. The parts of the body of Christ work together to do more than one part could ever do alone.

Here’s why it is so crucial to develop volunteers: The health of your ministry will never exceed the health of the people who are on your team. Make sure your volunteers are drinking deep from God’s Word and enjoying a vibrant relationship with Jesus so they can help kids and families do the same. The ripple effects of Living Water are what the kingdom of God is all about.

This article is excerpted from our free mini book, Growing Volunteers. Grab yours at MinistrySpark.com/resources

by Byron Ragains

WE SERVE A BIG GOD. Show kids how big!

Keep kids engaged, entertained, and growing in their faith.

The 13 Very series is a must-have as you lead the next generation of God’s kingdom. Each book in this series includes 13 easy-to-lead, undated sessions to help elementary kids discover the faith-building, life-changing truths tucked into God’s Word. So be sure to get them all! 13 WEEKS

OF FUN FOR $12.99

13 VERY AMAZING ANIMALS AND HOW GOD USED THEM

ISBN 978-1-4347-1254-7

13 VERY AWESOME PROMISES AND HOW GOD ALWAYS KEEPS

THEM

ISBN 978-0-7847-3359-2

13 VERY BAD DAYS AND HOW GOD FIXED THEM

ISBN 978-0-7847-2122-3

13 VERY BIG MISTAKES PEOPLE MADE AND WHAT GOD DID ABOUT THEM

ISBN 978-0-8307-7258-2

13 VERY COOL STORIES AND WHY JESUS TOLD THEM

ISBN 978-0-7847-2123-0

13 VERY SURPRISING SAYINGS AND WHY JESUS SAID THEM

ISBN 978-1-4347-1255-4

Attracting Young Families to Your Church

Have you ever sat and thought about what Saturday nights might be like for the young parents in your church? How much effort does it take for a new family with tiny children to make it there on Sunday mornings? Often, to those parents, a good night’s sleep seems like just a distant memory—along with memories of how easy it used to be to hop into the car without the car seat, diaper bag, and toys. To some, the nursery may seem to be a “small” ministry because it is away from the public eye. But it can develop into one of the most vibrant and life-changing ministries of your church!

Here are 4 baby steps to attracting young families:

1.

First Impressions

It has been said that the nursery is “the handshake of the church.” Your helpful attitude and friendliness convey a powerful first impression of what your church culture is like. When a parent brings an infant or toddler to the nursery, your friendly greeting and personal comment to or about the child send the message, “We remember and care about you!”

2.

Environment

In the nursery environment, feeling comfortable is vital to the child and parent. Try thinking like a baby when you look at your nursery room. When a church succeeds at stimulating the child’s five senses, a favorable experience can be created

When your nursery sends the message “Come in! We are prepared, clean, competent, and caring,” you are well on the road to building a strong relationship with families. When that message is reinforced by the quality of care you give to children, families want to return!

3. Relationships

Education expert Henrietta Mears once said, “First I loved my teacher, and then I loved my teacher’s God.” It is in this place of developing a trusting, safe, and loving environment that children begin to love their teacher. And as a child begins to love their teacher, they get to know God working through them. Never forget that your ultimate goal is to see each family develop a growing walk with Jesus Christ. Babies and toddlers are not too young to start learning about God’s love for them. Develop a plan for faith to be nurtured in the nursery.

4. Follow Up

Young parents who are not deeply committed to attending church are often influenced to come back by the caliber of care their baby received and by their child’s positive experience. Even though a family has walked out of the church’s doors on Sunday morning, that doesn’t mean they don’t need your help and support during the week.

Here are some tips on staying connected with families who have young ones:

• Invite them to join a family-friendly small group.

• Send a text or social media message letting them know you are thinking about them.

• Check in with them by sending them a note or otherwise indicating that you remember that they were absent or that their child was ill.

Henrietta Mears said, “We have no idea what impressions are made on little children: beautiful music, lovely colors, stories. We have learned to condition them to love the house of the Lord.”

Family ministry begins when adults in the nursery realize that their role is much greater than just caring for babies—it’s caring for the whole family. Families will be forever influenced by those who choose to support and love them in the exhausting time of life they are in.

By Lisa Pham

Available from David C Cook or wherever curriculum is sold.

HeartShaper®

Help your kids discover God through His Word.

HeartShaper Children’s Curriculum takes kids on a journey like no other through the Bible. By the time kids reach 6th grade, they’ve gone through the Bible 5 times.

HeartShaper even includes Special Needs Friendly activities that will work well with all kids— each approved by special needs experts. This helps ensure all kids can learn about God together

No matter where your students go or what they do, the lessons you’ve taught them in Sunday school will be with them for a lifetime. Come along on the journey—shape hearts and change lives!

AGES Toddlers to Preteen

FORMAT

Age graded classroom setting

SCOPE & SEQUENCE

Toddlers & 2s: 1 Year

Preschool–Preteen: 2 Years

MAXIMUM LESSON TIME

2+ hours

Download 4 weeks free and explore every age level at: DavidCCook.org/heartshaper

WHY YOU’LL LOVE HeartShaper TOO !

HeartShaper is top-notch. The lessons are biblically grounded, activity-oriented, and keep students enthralled from start to finish. The content is easy to navigate for even the novice teacher.

—DARREN SCHALK, COORDINATOR OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION AND CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT, CHURCH OF GOD OF PROPHECY INTERNATIONAL OFFICES

I love the repetition of Bible Time in each Toddlers & 2s unit. The little ones catch onto the songs easily and really enjoy them. The crafts and activities are simple and keep the toddlers’ attention as you take the opportunity to teach them.

I love HeartShaper Early Elementary because it is interesting to the kids. It is easy to teach and it is age appropriate. Many options to choose from.

—PAM FIGUEIREDO, INDEPENDENT BAPTIST, MI

—KATHY

—CELINE BIRD, CHILDREN’S MINISTER, NONDENOMINATIONAL CHURCH, FL

HeartShaper allows the children to become a part of the story… I also love the Heart Tugs take-home.

TRULOCK, PRE-K PASTOR, HILLVUE HEIGHTS CHURCH, KY

Toddlers & 2s lessons are organized in 3 sections:

ACTIVITY TIME introduces new arrivers to the day’s lesson.

BIBLE TIME uses different methods and types of activities for teaching the Bible story and Bible words.

DISCOVERY TIME allows children to continue exploring the Bible theme.

Preschool, Pre-K & K lessons are organized in 3 sections:

GETTING STARTED introduces children to the Bible story or the day’s lesson focus.

BIBLE DISCOVERY allows children to sing and pray to God. They learn a Bible story and a Bible Memory verse.

GROW AND GO helps children understand and apply the Bible lesson to their lives.

Elementary lessons are organized in 4 sections:

FOCUS IN introduces kids to the focus of the lesson.

BIBLE EXPLORATION allows kids to dig into God’s Word.

MAKE IT REAL helps kids discover how the Scripture applies to their lives.

LIVE IT OUT encourages kids to practice the biblical principles they’ve learned.

Children interact with and learn from God’s Word.

Kids discover how the Scripture applies to their lives.

The main thought kids will learn and remember.

Children begin to practice what they’ve learned.

Personally connect with each lesson you prepare.

into

Use visuals that capture students’ attention.

How did God guide His people in the desert?

To learn the answer, start with A. Follow the path. Write every other letter on the lines below.

The Class Field Trip by Kim Seevers

Emily put on her . She got on the school bus. Mother waved good-bye. Emily’s class was going to a history museum.

Emily sat by a on the . Her friend, Carla, sat next to her. Emily could hardly wait to get to the history museum.

“What do you want to see first?” asked Emily.

Suddenly, the made a funny noise: kerplunk

“What was that?” asked Emily.

“I think something is wrong with the ,” answered Carla.

Carla and Emily were scared.

God Cares for His People

Bible story from Exodus 7–13

Emily took Carla’s and said, “Dear God, we need Your help. We thank You for caring about us. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

“Here comes a !” said Carla.

A man came to help. He rolled a big, black over to the .

The man fixed the bus. Then the children went to the museum.

That night, Emily told her mom about the and the . “We were scared, so we decided to pray,” said Emily.

Emily was glad God had taken care of them.

God’s people were slaves in Egypt. They were sad. They prayed to God for help. God sent Moses to help them. Moses asked the king to let God’s people leave Egypt.

The king of Egypt refused to let God’s people leave. God sent plagues on the Egyptian people. He sent frogs and hail and flies. He sent more plagues. After 10 plagues, the king finally let God’s people go.

God helped Moses lead the people. God led the people in the daytime in a pillar of cloud.

At night God led the people in a pillar of fire. When the people were afraid, they could see the cloud or fire in front of them. They would know that God was taking care of them.

Daily Family Devotional Readings

• Sunday Exodus 7:6, 7

• Monday Exodus 7:19-21

• Tuesday Exodus 8:1, 2

• Wednesday Exodus 8:16, 17

• Thursday Exodus 8:21

• Friday Exodus 12:31, 32

1 Peter 5:7

• Saturday

These verses review the Bible story, God Cares for His People.

What does today’s Bible story teach us?

To learn the answer, start with G Follow the path. Write every other letter on the lines below. Stop when you run out of lines.

Family Fun Activities

Family Cre ations

Provide poster board, markers, old magazines, glue sticks, and scissors. Work together to create a poster that shows things God can do. If you can’t find pictures in magazines, take pictures on a digital camera and print them out. A family member might want to flex his muscles and pose for a picture that shows “God can make me strong!” Another person can pose for a picture that shows “God can help me when I am afraid/sick.”

Game Time!

Gather the family for a game of Picture This. Tell family members to think of some things God can do. Provide drawing paper and markers. Have family members take turns drawing things God can do. Ideas include: love everyone, give us food, keep us safe, help us when we are sick, control the weather, hear our prayers, give us families, give us homes. For added fun, divide into teams and see which team can guess the most pictures drawn in a set amount of time.

God can do anything.

him because he cares for you.

Add more flexibility and fun with these resource options.

Teacher’s Convenience Kits  P D

Includes the teacher guide, a resources pack, 1 set of student activity pages, and 1 set of take-homes. Also includes teaching pictures for certain age levels.

Teacher Guides  P D

Bible lessons are easy to prepare and include Quick Steps™ and lots of options.

Student Activity Pages  P

Make Bible study fun! Activities are specifically designed for each age level, helping kids dig into the Word and make relevant connections to their lives.

Take-Homes  P

Fun activities to reinforce the lesson at home.

Resource Packs  P M

Includes interactive visuals and a reproducible music with both audio tracks and printable files (teacher helps, activities, and more)! Music included for early childhood levels.

Teaching Pictures–Available in English and Spanish  P

Help the lessons come alive with these colorful, age-appropriate pictures for preschool through early elementary classrooms. In English and Spanish with activity options.

Engaging Kids with Special Needs

You’ve just learned that a student with special needs will be joining your class. The need could be a learning delay, a language barrier, a physical or developmental disability. You know that you’ll need to modify some of the activities suggested in the lesson materials so this student can be included with the other students. But how do you do that? How can you prepare to engage and include a child with special needs?

First, talk to the child’s parents or caregivers. Find out about the student’s abilities— and some of the challenges. Then look at your classroom and lesson plans through the eyes of the child. How can you make the classroom more special-needs friendly? What can you do to modify an activity so the child will be engaged? Here are some simple suggestions that can make a big difference:

• Survey your classroom. Do you have an area where the child can go to take a break, rest, and reset for another activity, if needed? What kind of lighting is used? Indirect lighting (rather than fluorescent lights) can provide a learning advantage for children who learn differently.

• Have a buddy (a teen or an adult volunteer) ready to help the special-needs child.

• Plan to use visuals that will help tell the story. Use object lessons that make abstract concepts more concrete. When giving instructions, model what you want the child to do.

• Consider the attention span of the students in your class. Break the lesson down into manageable learning segments.

• Think of the child who struggles with transitions. Create a simple picture schedule to show what comes next. As much as possible, keep the weekly classroom routine predictable, even if teachers or helpers change.

• Plan a way you can modify a water activity so the child with a hearing device can be included. Have noise-canceling headphones available for kids who struggle with noise sensitivity.

Whether modeling activities for the child with a hearing impairment or patiently dealing with a defiant attitude, the strategies you use to include the child with special needs will be worth the effort. Your entire class will benefit from the accommodations you make, and every child will be engaged as they learn about God and grow in their relationship with His Son, Jesus

See all the helps available for engaging kids with special needs: teaching tips in HeartShaper teacher guides, and in-depth training with Special Needs Smart Pages.

By Margie Redford

CHALLENGE KIDS TO LIVE OUT THEIR FAITH

These fun teaching tools for elementary kids and preteens will enhance any children’s curriculum.

With the Bible Memory Poster Pack, kids will

• memorize key Bible verses

• be reminded of who God is and what He has done for them

ISBN 978-1-4347-1242-4

With the Bible Tools Poster Pack, kids will

• explore Old and New Testament maps

• discover through Bible time lines that God offers salvation to all people

• learn Bible tips and tools

• be challenged to memorize the names and order of the books of the Bible

ISBN 978-1-4347-1241-7

Decorate your room for only $19.99 each!

FROM CHILDHOOD BELIEFS TO LIFETIME FAITH DAVIDCCOOK.ORG/TRU

Develop lifetime faith for a new generation.

Tru is a spiritually forming, parentempowering curriculum that equips children, leaders, and families to know Jesus and live out a vibrant lifetime faith.

With every Tru lesson children connect to God through the revealing of His character and find their place in The Big God Story! Each lesson creates space for kids to connect with God through the power of the Holy Spirit during a time of worship response. And the HomeFront Weekly encourages families to spend time together in God’s Word and introduces kids to next week’s lesson.

Explore every age level and view our training resources at TruMinistry.com.

AGES

Toddlers to Middle School

FORMAT

Large Group / Small Group and Classroom

Fully Digital Curriculum

SCOPE & SEQUENCE

TruBlessings (3 year olds): 1 year

TruWonder (Pre-K–Kindergarten): 3 years

TruStory (Elementary): 3 years

MAXIMUM LESSON TIME

75–120 Minutes

Download 4 weeks free and explore every age level at: DavidCCook.org/tru

WHY YOU’LL LOVE Tru TOO !

As we use TruStory with our elementary students, they are learning about God’s love and faithfulness as He chose to use people throughout history. They also recognize that He still desires to use them now. As children find their place in The Big God Story, they start to see God at work all around them and they’re excited to share that with others. Our parents are overwhelmed when their children are telling them about Jesus throughout the week.

I love that Tru teaches children from the Bible with a philosophy that the Holy Spirit is the teacher and we are facilitators. I am really excited about introducing our children to Worship Response and how to allow the Holy Spirit to be their teacher.

With TruStory, it is a blessing to our team to know we have the entire year already planned. The spiritual formation focus has been a great way to teach deep spiritual truths but always giving space for our younger Christians to take the time they need in maturing faith. Using TruStory has given me valuable time back so that I can focus more on pastoring my team and families instead of stressing over curriculum.

Our Children’s Ministry team has been very excited to be a part of a new vision and how Tru plays a role in that. Our leaders are really beginning to grasp the idea of The Big God Story and allowing space for kids to respond. This is a corner I’ve been waiting to turn for years!

—JESSE KRETZU, CHILDREN’S PASTOR, SOUTH HILLS CORONA, CALIFORNIA

—NANCY THOMPSON, PINE LAKE COVENANT CHURCH, SAMMAMISH, WASHINGTON

—ASHLEY ORETGA, CENTRAL BAPTIST CHURCH, ROUND ROCK, TEXAS

—LIZ SOHL, SOUTHSIDE ALLIANCE CHURCH, SHEBOYGAN, WISCONSIN

Components of a Tru Lesson: TruBlessings

Connect: Children engage in tactile exploration stations as they begin their time of worship.

Gather: Children learn about God and His Word through fun, interactive storytelling and songs. Respond: Children worship and celebrate God together through music, games, and art activities.

Bless: Children receive a blessing for the purpose of declaring God’s protection, joy, or wisdom.

TruWonder and TruStory Large Group / Small Group

Explore: Children engage in fun, creative activities designed to pique their curiosity about the day’s portion of The Big God Story. Discover: Children participate in discovering God’s Word through Scripture memorization, creative storytelling, and worship as a form of response.

Respond: Children respond to what the Holy Spirit is teaching them as they reflect on the day’s portion of The Big God Story and express their worship to God individually or together.

Bless: Children receive a blessing from their leaders and sometimes one another. A blessing can be a prayer of commission, a portion of Scripture, or words to encourage and guide.

Tru is also available in classroom editions. Visit TruMinistry.com for additional details.

Large Group/Small Group

Spring Lesson 1

Bible Passage: Isaiah 40:3; Matthew 3 (John the Baptist)

God Is Faithful

Remember Verse

Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:16

LESSON OVERVIEW

EXPLORE// 10 minutes

Option 1: What Do We Need? (for younger kids)

SUPPLIES

• What Do We Need? images *

Option 2: What Would You Bring? (for older kids)

SUPPLIES

• What Would You Bring? cards *

• Scissors

• Bowl or hat

DISCOVER// 30 minutes

Traditions and Remember Verse

SUPPLIES

• Remember Verse image *

• Remember Verse animation *

• Mementos for your church Traditions (rocks, marbles, gum balls, etc.)

Connect Activity: Food Challenge

SUPPLIES

• Connect Activity image *

• Connect Question image *

• Paper lunch bags (3)

• Unusual or “gross” foods

(3; examples: baby food peas, sardines, spam, etc.)

• Utensils (as needed for the food)

• Disposable tablecloth or newspapers

• Optional: hand wipes, upbeat music

The Big God Story

SUPPLIES

• Timeline image *

• Timeline animation *

• Images: Wilderness, Locusts *

• Bibles

• Costume for John the Baptist (robe or tunic made from scratchy fabric, messy-hair wig, etc.)

• Green beans or other food to represent locusts (about 1/4 c.)

• Flashlight

Worship as Response

SUPPLIES

• Large cross (3’–6’)

• Quiet worship music (suggestion: “Thank You,” TruWorship Sincerely Yours)

RESPOND// 15 minutes

Reflect: God Is Faithful

Purified

SUPPLIES

• Water (1 gal.)

• Clear drinking glass (16 oz.)

• Small disposable cups (each 2–4 oz., 1 per child)

• Food coloring (any color) or 1 serving

of colorful powdered drink mix

• Bucket (1 gal.)

• Optional: large trash bag or plastic drop cloth, hand towel

BLESS// 5 minutes

SUPPLIES

• Remember Verse cards *

• HomeFront Weekly: Lesson 2 *

• Bible

The Large Group/ Small Group format starts with small group activities, moves to large group for storytelling and worship, then moves back to small group to end the lesson. The Ponder Point is the lesson theme and prompts this question: What does this part of The Big God Story tell us about God?

• Rubber stamp (preferably with a cross, “I belong to God,” or “His” on it)

• Ink pad

• Optional: sticky notes or small squares of paper (1 per child)

Further Resources

To help you plan and lead: Customizable copy of Lesson 1

2016–17 Scope and Sequence

TruStory How It Works document

Small Group Enhancement

HomeFront Weekly: Lesson 1

The weekly for the next lesson— to be sent home for preteaching by parents—is found in BLESS.

L EADER P REP

Each week you’ll find a list of resources along with encouraging articles that help you prepare your heart to present the lesson.

Weekly articles prepare your heart—personal stories from practitioners, additional perspective and context to the Bible passage, and time in God’s Word.

Inspire Shares personal stories from fellow ministry leaders about how God has worked in their lives

In a television series I watched, humanity lived through a yearlong occupation by hostile foreigners. During the occupation, people made difficult choices. Some chose to collaborate with the foreigners in order to obtain and deliver covert information, turning on their own people. Others organized a resistance movement and sacrificed members as suicide bombers. All felt justified, no matter their actions. Later, trials convicting people of treason or murder began. The penalty for these crimes was death. However, just as they began, the president stopped the trials, as it was clear that if every person who had committed a crime was tried, the trials would last for years. After thinking it over, the president stood ready at her microphone to give her decision about who should be tried, in what order, and

when. But when she spoke, she shocked everyone listening. She declared a general pardon. No one would be tried. Everyone would be forgiven.

Hearing this, I burst into tears. I thought of the sin in my life and how I’d been forgiven. I deserve to go to trial before God as a result of my sin, but instead I’ve been offered forgiveness through the sacrifice Jesus made for me—once and for all. The Bible says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). God made the way for us to be forgiven and to receive the gift of eternal life. God promised thousands of years ago to do this, and He did! He is faithful.

Tori Funkhouser ROCKHARBOR Church

Equip Offers perspective and context to the lesson’s Bible passage

Born in the hill country of Judah to Elizabeth, a relative of Mary the mother of Jesus, John the Baptist was the cousin of Jesus. He came preaching in the spirit and power of Elijah (Luke 1:17). In a sense, John the Baptist bridged the gap between the Old Testament and the New Testament.

John’s first testimony to who Jesus was came before his birth. When Mary, who was pregnant with Jesus, came into the room, John leaped in his mother’s womb (Luke 1:41). This foretold what lay ahead for John’s future. His life’s goal and mission would be testifying to who Jesus was.

Taking the Nazarite vow, John was set apart to God. He wouldn’t drink wine or strong drink, cut his hair, or go near a dead body. His unique appearance and dress added to his likeness to Elijah. Jewish tradition holds that after Elijah’s death, his mantle was stored in a small chamber

in the golden altar in the temple. Hundreds of years later, when John was born, this tradition tells that Zechariah, John’s father, took the mantle for his son to wear during his ministry.

John paved the way for Jesus by calling people to repent and be baptized as a symbol of turning away from their sin. Multitudes flocked to the wilderness to hear the message of John. When Jesus, too, came to be baptized, John acknowledged that this was indeed the Messiah Israel had been waiting for. Even in the face of death, John maintained his witness to King Herod. In Luke 7:28, Jesus described John as the greatest man who had ever lived.

The faithfulness of John reflected the faithfulness of our God. John provided a witness to the coming of God’s Son, and John took the responsibility of fulfilling that mission.

Support Provides reflection and assessment through encouragement, prayer, and time in God’s Word

Each of us has a sense of what it means to prepare. Preparation requires planning and considering various possibilities. This week, as you’re preparing to welcome children to learn more about The Big God Story, consider how God has been faithful in your life. Look back at His promises and how He has worked in ways both expected and unexpected. You may want to make a list of each category to help remind you of His faithfulness in the past. Then, look ahead. What is He calling you to do in the future?

In your home? At church? In your community? How can you be a light and a voice that directs people to Jesus? Take time to share what you’re hearing from God with someone you trust. Ask that person to pray for you and encourage you in the days and weeks ahead. First Thessalonians 5:24 says, “The one who calls you is faithful, and He will do it.” Watch together as He works in your life and the lives of those around you to accomplish His plans, in His timing and in His way.

Welcomes children into a fun learning environment where they develop relationships with leaders and each other.

EXPLORE//10 minutes

Children engage in fun, creative activities designed to pique their curiosity about the day’s portion of The Big God Story.

At the beginning of the New Testament we read about a man named John. John, whom God sent to prepare the way for Jesus, ate locusts, wore clothes made from camel hair, and lived in the wilderness. Lead the children through these EXPLORE activities to get them thinking about life in the wilderness.

Option 1: What Do We Need? (for younger kids)

SUPPLIES

• What Do We Need? images (see Resources)

PREPARE AHEAD

Print the images.

RELATE

Today we’re going to hear about a man named John. John did things pretty differently from others. He ate locusts, or bugs kind of like grasshoppers, wore clothes made out of camel’s hair, and lived in the wilderness. But God used him to give a very important message to Israel. Would you ever want to live out in the wilderness? Invite responses. If I spent time in the wilderness, I would really need to bring some supplies! Even though you and I don’t live in the wilderness, we still need to be prepared when

Flexible! Choose from two activities each week that appeal to either younger or older children.

we go places. Let’s see if we can think of some supplies we might need for different kinds of situations.

Encourage the children to sit in a circle on the floor or around a table, and place the images facedown in the middle of the group. Hold up one image at a time, and have the children point out the items they would bring with them if they did the activity shown in the image. Discuss why they would need each item and what issues they might face if they didn’t have that item.

Option 2: What Would You Bring? (for older kids)

SUPPLIES

• What Would You Bring? cards (see Resources)

• Scissors

• Bowl or hat

SET UP

Print the cards, cut them apart, fold them, and place them in the bowl or hat.

RELATE

Today we’re going to hear about a man named John. John did things pretty differently from others. He ate locusts, or bugs kind of like grasshoppers, wore clothes made out of camel’s hair, and lived in the wilderness. But God used him to give a very important message to Israel. Would you ever want to live out in the wilderness? Invite responses. If I spent time in the wilderness, I would really need to bring some supplies! Even though you and I don’t live in the wilderness, we still need to be prepared when

we go places. Let’s see if we can think of some supplies we might need for different kinds of situations.

Encourage the children to sit in a circle on the floor or around a table, and place the bowl in the center. Pull out one card at a time, and read the category aloud. Then have the kids brainstorm what items they would bring with them in order to be prepared for that activity or event. Discuss why they would need each item and what issues they might face if they didn’t have that item.

Spring Lesson 1 – Large Group/Small Group

DISCOVER//30 minutes

Children participate in discovering God’s Word through Bible verse memorization, interactive storytelling techniques, and worship as response.

Traditions and Remember Verse

SUPPLIES

• Remember Verse image (see Resources)

• Remember Verse animation (see Resources)

• Mementos for your church Traditions (rocks, marbles, gum balls, etc.)

RELATE

Give the children mementos (such as rocks, marbles, or blocks) for accomplishments such as memorizing the Remember Verse or bringing their Bibles. Have them put the objects into a clear container or add them to a structure,

Connect

QUESTION

and celebrate when it’s complete.

This week’s Remember Verse focuses on a character trait of God that’s highlighted in today’s portion of The Big God Story.

If you were stranded in the wilderness, what would you look for to eat?

Activity: Food Challenge

SUPPLIES

• Connect Activity image (see Resources)

• Connect Question image (see Resources)

• Paper lunch bags (3)

• Unusual or “gross” foods (3; examples: baby food peas, sardines, spam, etc.)

• Utensils (as needed for the food)

• Disposable tablecloth or newspapers

• Optional: hand wipes, upbeat music

SET UP

Includes open-ended questions as a way to invite children into conversations.

Monthly Remember Verses point to God’s character.

Cover the table with the tablecloth or newspapers. Place one food item in each paper bag, and place the bags on the table along with any necessary utensils. Place a chair behind each bag.

RELATE

Today we’re talking about a man who ate locusts, or grasshopper-like bugs. Sounds pretty gross! Even though this man ate strange foods, God used him to bring a powerful message to Israel.

Have the children select three volunteer leaders to eat

unusual or gross foods. Bring the leaders up to the table, and invite them to pull out the foods in their bags. On your signal, have the leaders start eating while the children cheer them on. Optional: Tech: Cue upbeat music. The leader who finishes first wins the competition.

Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:16

The Big God Story

Bible Passage: Isaiah 40:3; Matthew 3

Storytelling Technique: First-Person Monologue

God Is Faithful

SUPPLIES

• Timeline image (see Resources)

• Timeline animation (see Resources)

• Images: Wilderness, Locusts (see Resources)

• Bibles

Storytelling is the heart of the lesson: God’s story from the Bible tells kids who He is. Includes teaching techniques, questions, and a time for personal sharing.

• Costume for John the Baptist (robe or tunic made from scratchy fabric, messy-hair wig, etc.)

• Green beans or other food to represent locusts (about 1/4 c.)

• Flashlight

PREPARE AHEAD

Words in bold type give a suggested script. Words in regular type give leader directions.

Today’s portion of The Big God Story will be told from the perspective of John the Baptist. Ahead of time, recruit a leader to play this role. Give him the costume supplies, green beans, and flashlight, along with a copy of the script. If possible, set up a time to rehearse before the service.

RELATE

Lead children in a Prayer of Release to pause, be still, and ask the Holy Spirit to quiet their hearts and minds. Storyteller playing John the Baptist comes up to the stage, munching on the green beans. He strolls along, enjoying his snack, and then suddenly realizes he’s not alone. Oh, hello, there! I didn’t see you there. I’m just enjoying a little snack as I go for my walk today. What kinds of things do you like to snack on? Invite responses. Wow, those things all sound really good. But you know what I love to eat? John holds up a few green beans. Locusts! Yes, crispy, crunchy, delicious locusts. They’re bugs that look like grasshoppers. Don’t they sound delicious? John enthusiastically devours a few more “locusts.”

I know, I know—to you that may sound a little weird. But I always did things my own way. I like to wear clothes made out of the hair of camels, and I live way out in the wilderness by myself. But before I go any further, let me introduce myself: I’m John the Baptist. John bows in greeting. God used me for an important job in The Big God Story. He led me to tell people about His faithfulness as I prepared the way for the Messiah, Jesus! Let me tell you about it.

Remember how, a couple of weeks ago, you heard how Israel split into two nations, Israel and Judah? After that, something strange happened: God didn’t speak to His people through prophets or judges for 400 years! It was a dark time for God’s people while they waited for Him to speak again.

But even though it seemed dark, God hadn’t gone anywhere. God still remembered His promise to send the Redeemer. He was waiting for just the right moment in history to bring His promise to bring Jesus to earth.

The prophet Isaiah spoke about how this would happen. What’s a prophet? Pause for responses. That’s right: A prophet shares God’s message with His people. Let’s take a look at one of these messages. Invite children to turn to Isaiah 40:3 in their Bibles. God spoke to the prophet Isaiah, saying, “A voice of one calling: ‘In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall

be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level … And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it together’” (Isaiah 40:3–5).

This message said God’s Son would be revealed so everyone could see Him. It also said someone’s voice would cry out to prepare the way for Jesus. Whose voice do you think this was? Pause for responses. It was my voice! I was the one shouting (John cups his hands around his mouth and shouts), “Prepare the way for the Lord” (v. 3).

Like I told you earlier, I lived in the wilderness (Tech: Cue Wilderness image) and ate honey and locusts. Tech: Cue Locusts image. Maybe I seemed strange to some people, but God used me to deliver a message to His people for the first time in 400 years—a message that brought light to the darkness! Tech: Dim lights. John turns on flashlight and shines it around the room. The Bible says I “came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe” (John 1:7).

What does Jesus’ name mean? Pause for responses. That’s right: “God saves.” Jesus came into the world to save people from their sins and invite them to be a part of The Big God Story. John shines flashlight across the audience. God wanted His light to shine on everyone through His Son, Jesus. So God sent me to help tell people the Messiah had come … and to prepare their hearts to receive Him. Tech: Turn on lights as John turns off the flashlight.

Now, I don’t mean to brag (John straightens his robe), but crowds of people came to hear the message God told me to share. Some people walked at least 20 miles to hear me speak—a long way! And what did I say? You can read it yourself by turning to Matthew 3:2: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” Does anyone know what repent means? Pause for responses. To repent means to turn away from doing wrong and to turn toward Jesus. God said, “To all who … believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12). This means that when we trust and obey Jesus, we become a part of His family!

When a person chose to repent, I used water to give an outward sign of that. This is called baptism. But I wanted the people to know that I wasn’t the Messiah myself—no way! And only the Messiah can save people from their sins. I just baptized people to help them prepare their hearts for Jesus. I said, “After me comes the one more powerful than I … I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the

Worship as Response

Holy Spirit” (Mark 1:7–8)

God promised a long time ago to send the Redeemer, Jesus, to restore mankind’s relationship with God. And even though thousands of years had passed, God kept that promise because He is faithful. God made the way for us to be forgiven of our sins and to be with Him forever. Share a personal story about God’s faithfulness in your life.

This time allows kids to respond to God through worship. Make plans for your worship time, but prepare yourself and your team to hold them loosely if the Holy Spirit leads the group in a different direction.

SUPPLIES

• Large cross (3’–6’)

• Quiet worship music (suggestion: “Thank You,” TruWorship Sincerely Yours)

SET UP

Place the cross at the back of the room.

RELATE

To repent means to turn from wrongdoing and turn to God. It’s a true change of heart—not just a one-time thing. It doesn’t just mean you feel sorry about your sins; it means you’re truly turning away from those things. No matter what we’ve done in the past or will do in the future, God is faithful, and He will never, ever leave us. The Bible says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). You can spend a few

moments talking to God right now. Ask Him to show you anything in your life that you need to repent of. If you ask Him to forgive you, He will. He will never stop loving you. Tech: Cue music. Invite the children to stand and turn toward the cross in the back of the room. Let them know they can go to the cross, kneel before it, and ask God to fill them with His Spirit and purify them from all unrighteousness. Have leaders walk around the room, tap each child on the shoulder, and ask if they can pray for that child.

SMALL GROUP SECTION

RESPOND//15 minutes

Children reflect on what the Holy Spirit is teaching them and respond through creative activities and games.

Reflect: God Is Faithful

Encourage the kids to open their Bibles and read the suggested passages.

QUESTIONS FOR YOUNGER KIDS

• What did John do to prepare people for the Redeemer? Matthew 3:1–2, 6

• What does repent mean?

• How does someone repent? Acts 3:19

• Why do we need Jesus to save us? Romans 3:23

• What happens when we repent? Acts 2:38

QUESTIONS FOR OLDER KIDS

• What did John do to prepare people for the Redeemer? Matthew 3:1–2, 6

• What does repent mean?

• How does someone repent? Acts 3:19

• Why do we need Jesus to save us? Romans 3:23

• What happens when we repent? Acts 2:38

• Can we do or say anything to stop God from being faithful to us? 2 Timothy 2:13

Spring Lesson 1 – Large Group/Small Group

Age-appropriate questions to help children get into God’s Word and reflect on The Big God Story.

Before returning to small group, children worship God and listen for how He is leading them.

Toward the end of storytelling, leaders share how God has worked in their own lives.

Purified

Children will experiment with purifying water to ponder that truth that God is faithful to forgive sins.

SUPPLIES

• Water (1 gal.)

• Clear drinking glass (16 oz.)

• Small disposable cups (each 2–4 oz., 1 per child)

• Food coloring (any color) or 1 serving of colorful powdered drink mix

• Bucket (1 gal.)

• Optional: large trash bag or plastic drop cloth, hand towel

SET UP

Fill the drinking glass and small cups with water.

RELATE

Have the children form a circle, and place the bucket in the center. (Optional: Put the bucket on top of a trash bag or a plastic drop cloth.) Mix three or four drops of food coloring (or the drink mix) into the drinking glass so the water becomes dark. Give each child a small cup of water. When we repent and turn from our sins, God promises to cleanse us and purify us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). When God fills us with His Spirit, He replaces the sinful, dark areas of our lives with His light and righteousness.

Hold the drinking glass full of darkened water over the bucket, and invite kids to take turns pouring their clean

BLESS//5 minutes

water into the darkened water. As the kids pour the water, it will dilute the darkened water and cause it to lighten and overflow into the bucket below. If the water isn’t completely clear by the time all of the children have poured their water into it, pour more water into the darkened glass until the water is clear.

When we trust and obey Jesus, we receive the Holy Spirit, who lives in us and helps us become more and more like Jesus. The Bible says that “he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6). God is faithful to keep working in us every day until Jesus returns.

Children receive a blessing from their leaders and sometimes one another. A blessing may be prayer of commission, a portion of Scripture, or words to encourage and guide.

SUPPLIES

• Remember Verse cards (see Resources)

• HomeFront Weekly: Lesson 2 (see Resources)

• Bible

• Rubber stamp (preferably with a cross, “I belong to God,” or “His” on it)

• Ink pad

• Optional: sticky notes or small squares of paper (1 per child)

RELATE

As you prepare for the blessing, explain to the kids that an ancient seal was kind of like a stamp that people would press into wax to seal letters and packages. Seals were

Open a Bible and read Ephesians 1:13–14:

used as a way of marking an object to show possession, certification, or ownership of something.

And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.

Now stamp each child’s hand, or stamp a square of paper to give to the child as you say, (Child’s name), you belong to God. He will always be faithful to you and take care of you.

Finally, bless the entire group with these words:

May you know that God is faithful. May you know that He always keeps His covenants. Send home Remember Verse cards and the HomeFront Weekly with your kids.

Children receive words of blessing from their leader and are reminded they can, in turn, be a blessing to others.

Your weekly touch-point with parents! Shares this week’s theme and Scripture passage and encourages families to introduce next week’s lesson at home.

Lesson 3.2

Date:

CONNECT AS A FAMILY

Ask your children how they would feel if they didn’t eat for a day. Two days? How about 40 days? Read Matthew 3:13 –17 and 4:1 –11 . Explain that Jesus fasted, which means He turned the time and energy He would have used to prepare and eat food into time to God. People today still fast to spend more time with God. Pray about something you could fas t from this week. It could be food, but it may be television, video games, or something else that uses your time and energy. Ask God to reveal His power to your family through this time of fasting. After reading the Scripture passage, discuss the se quest ions together:

• What happened when Jesus was baptized?

• Why did Jesus go out into the wilderness?

• How did Jesus respond to Satan’s temptations? These questions can easily extend into the rest of the week. Look for opportunities to bring conversatio ns about how God Leads into your everyday life as a family.

REMEMBER VERSE

The Remember Verse focuses on a character trait of God that ’s highlighted in next week ’s portion of The Big God Story. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, s o that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:16

BLESSING

Blessings are often used in the Bible. A blessing can be a prayer of commission, a portion of Scripture, or words to encourage and guide . A blessing to pray over your child: (Child’s name), m ay God fill you with the power of the Holy Spirit. May God’s Spirit lead you each day . For more information about blessing your child, go to truministry.com to the P arenting tab. And f or more creative ideas on spiritually leading your family, visit HomeFrontMag.com.

HomeFront Weekly is designed for you to use during the week with your son or daughter . You’ll find out what they learned today at church, and can help them prepare for next week by exploring the theme (or Ponder Point) and spending time together in God’s W ord

WHAT WE LEARNED THIS WEEK

PONDER POINT: GOD IS FAITHFUL John the Baptist Isaiah 40:3; Matthew 3 God prepares the way for Jesus through John the Baptist.

WHERE WE’RE HEADED N EXT TIME

PONDER POINT: GOD LE ADS

Temptation in the Wilderness Matthew 3:13 –17; 4:1 –11 Jesus faces temptations from Satan while in the wilderness and responds with Scripture. DID YOU KNOW? Share these facts to get the conversation started

• In Jesus’ day, baptism was seen as nothing unusual. According to Jewish tradition, bap tism was one of many ceremonial purification rites.

• Unlike some Christian customs, where individuals may be baptized only once, those in Jewish society might be baptized many times depending on the circumstances.

• John asked his audience to repent, tu rn from their sins, and be baptized. This led the way to a wholly new baptism, one that symbolized being formed into a new creation.

© 201 7 David C Cook. TruResources are developed in partnership with ROCK HARBOR Church and a national network of family and children’s ministry leaders. All rights reserved.

A Digital Curriculum with Delivery Options

As a fully digital curriculum, Tru® delivers lesson content and resource material through its online delivery platforms. Choose between easy to download zipped files or a subscription on Disciplr® .

Included with Tru: Quarterly Leader’s Guide – 13 lessons  D Resource Pak  M V D

•Remember Verse cards

•Storytelling Videos (3 per quarter)

•Storytelling Images

•Discussion Questions

•Remember & Celebrate lessons

• Small Group Enhancements

•HomeFront Weekly for each lesson

• Supplemental Activities: Game templates, Response cutouts, Investigate Questions

Optional Resources

Music Paks  M V

Tru worship music packs include, audio and accompaniment tracks for each song, instrumental and backing tracks, chord charts and lyric sheets for easy arranging, animated lyric videos, and motions videos with lyrics.

The Big God Story Coloring Book  P D

Coloring book with simple line drawings of various characters seen throughout Scripture. Includes 31 coloring pages reflecting passages of Scripture from Genesis through Revelation.

7 Key Principles to Preteen Bible Engagement

Engage them in the Story.

It’s imperative that we help kids see the story in context, or “surround” sound Our brains are organized by stories. Just like a great story, Scripture is written to evoke imagination. Jesus spoke to the imagination with each story he told. These stories create “me too” moments that we are able to relate to and understand. These moments allow us to create space for responding to God’s Word

Empower them to understand it.

Preteens are gaining some independence and beginning to look outside of their parents for identity. Show them how to look to God’s Word. Often times we break things down too much, or we make the Bible into devotional thoughts in an effort to help people understand. But what if instead we taught kids how to study the Bible? What if we asked them key questions while diving into Scripture? What do you see? What does God say? What will you do?

Make it real for them.

Kids need to know that the big God story is THEIR Story. THEY are a part of this grand redemptive plan and THAT’S why it makes a difference in their lives—the history is relevant to their story! Take a minute to picture children at a puppet show where a child is screaming the dragon is slain! THIS is how children should feel as we tell the big God story! Be sure to give the kids an EXPERIENCE of Jesus. Instead of reciting something written long ago in a land far away, give them a memory they can pull up for themselves.

Recognize what’s next.

Preteens become teenagers! Teenagers are looking to discover their uniqueness and find their value. If we can help preteens own their faith, they will move into this next important phase with healthy confidence, habits, and patterns established. It’s important to do this so they will develop friendships and relationships that are worth carrying with them into the next season of life.

Release them to lead and engage with the world.

You’ve done the work and trained up these preteens to discover God’s truth in their lives. Now let them go do it! They are ready and equipped to search and find truth in the Bible. You’ve done well, so take a deep breath—in and out.

Inspire,

Equip, and Support their parents.

Parents are a little scared and often don’t know how to encourage their kids. Be sure to lift them up, just like you’ve done for their kids.

Equip Leaders who love the Bible.

Ask your leaders how they personally engage in Scripture and give them a plan to help them grow in their understanding as well. It’s important that the leaders of these kids are equipped to find answers and to teach kids to do the same

You can do this!

Read the full article at MinistrySpark com/preteen-bible-engagement

by Michele Baird and Courtney Wilson

The Action Bible® Curriculum

DAVIDCCOOK.ORG/THE-ACTION-BIBLE

The Action Bible® Curriculum takes preteens deeper into the heart of God’s Word to discover an active faith they can claim as their own!

The Action Bible invites preteens to take the spiritual leap from Bible information to life transformation.

Videos animate the comic-style graphics of The Action Bible to set weekly themes in motion. With their leader as a coach, preteens discover who God is and who they are in Him. Together they investigate God’s Word, memorize key verses, and connect timeless truth to their life today.

Through daily devotions, preteens learn about God during the week. Parent resources are included that continue to encourage preteens to see God’s Word brought to life.

AGES

Preteen (Grades 4, 5, 6)

FORMAT

Classroom setting

SCOPE & SEQUENCE

2 Years

(Year 2 is available as digital only)

MAXIMUM LESSON TIME

60-90 Minutes

Download 4 weeks free at: DavidCCook.org/the-action-bible

WHY YOU’LL LOVE

Action

Bible TOO !

I really enjoyed how the lessons reflected different characteristics of God. It helped my kids have a better understanding of who God is and what He does for His people.

Both the teachers and the students have given really positive feedback on the curriculum. I wondered a little about how the girls in the group would respond to it, but they have been just as in to it as the boys have.

I think the best parts from a teacher’s point of view were the videos and the abundance of activity options. Even on the weeks when the kids were the most active, as soon as the video started they were fully engaged.

They really liked doing the questions. It gave them a chance to read Scripture and find the answers for themselves.

—JULIE S., SPRING COMMUNITY CHURCH, COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO

—KAREN LEVER, HACKBERRY CREEK CHURCH, IRVING, TEXAS

—BECCA TRIEMSTRA, THE RIVER CHURCH, REDLANDS, CALIFORNIA

—ANDREW MANN, GRAFFITI CHURCH, NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK

The Action Bible

Curriculum

turn:

Join In sets the stage for the lesson by helping preteens feel comfortable and build relationships.

Investigate puts God’s Word in motion as students see the video, explore the Bible, engage with a variety of activities, and learn a memory verse in the translation your church prefers.

Make Connections invites preteens to personalize the connections they’ve made through an activity, a time of reflection, and a time of worship. It can also be a time to ask questions.

Go With God equips leaders to send each preteen into the week with a blessing that shows who God is and what they mean to Him.

uses a 4-step lesson path designed to engage preteens at every

LESSON OVERVIEW

After Deborah, the people again turned to false gods. The Midianites oppressed Israel. The people cried to God for help. Enter Gideon—he didn’t count himself as a mighty man and tested God several times. God showed His might in battle. God gives us strength (His might) in life through Jesus Christ.

REMEMBER IT

Psalm 24:8

GOD IN ACTION STATEMENT

GOD IS MIGHTY IN BATTLE

JOIN IN

Set the stage for the lesson by making preteens feel comfortable and building relationships at the same time.

 About 10 minutes

DON'T BE W-E-A-K

M ATERIALS

( No ma t er ia l s needed

I N VESTIG ATE

This is the main part of the lesson. It’s time to See the Video from The Action Bible®, then explore the Bible—talk together about what the God's Word says, discover who God is, and learn a Remember It verse.

Then preteens Put It in Motion through activities and seeing how these fit into everyday life.

 About 35 minutes

SEE THE VIDEO

“A Judge Who Needs Convincing”

MATERIALS

( "A Judge Who Needs Convincing" media clip

( Media device

EXPLORE THE BIBLE

MATERIALS

VIDEO TITLE

“A Judge Who Needs Convincing”

Use

( Bibles (1 per student)

( The Action Bible study sheets for Lesson 16 (1 per student)

( Pens or pencils

( Whiteboard and markers

( "Bible Dictionary"

( Media device

REMEMBER IT

( Bibles

PUT IT IN

MOTION

Game Option:

Mighty Knockdown

MATERIALS

( 12 20-oz. unopened water bottles

( 12 paper circles (about 3" diameter)

( Pens

( Tennis balls with the word MIGHTY written on them

Science Option:

Just Dew It

MATERIALS

( Two identical glasses

( Room temperature water

( Ice cubes

( Towel

Craft Option:

Ancient Archives

MATERIALS

( "Ancient Archives" PowerPoint slides for Lesson 16

( Media device

( Air-dry clay

( Wax paper

( Pencils

Discussion Option:

God Is Mighty in Battle

MATERIALS

( Bibles

See it at a glance—provides an overview of the lesson, tells what is happening in each

MAKE CONNECTIONS

Preteens personalize the connections they’ve made through an activity, a time of reflection, and a time of worship. It’s also a time to ask questions.

 About 10 minutes

GET IN TOUCH

MATERIALS

( "Weights" PowerPoint slide for Lesson 16

( Media device

( Toothpicks

( Aluminum foil

REFLECT

MATERIALS

( The Action Bible sketch sheets for Lesson 16 (1 per student)

( Pens or pencils

WORSHIP

MATERIALS

( Bible

( Plastic cups

( Dry erase markers

( Pitcher of water

GO WITH GOD

Leaders send each preteen into the week with a blessing that shows who God is and what they mean to Him.

 About 5 minutes

MATERIALS

( “In My Life” take-home sheets for Lesson 16 (1 per student)

( Optional:

Scripture Memory Cards for Lesson 16 (1 per student)

* Check with parents for any food allergies or dietary restrictions preteens may have.

Bible Basis: Judges 6—7; Philippians 4:13

All lessons point to a characteristic of God. 1

whatever

Bible translation you or your church prefer with this curriculum. Optional Scripture Memory Cards are sold separately in the NIV® translation.

section, and what supplies are needed.

DEVOTION FOR LEADERS

GOD IS MIGHTY IN BATTLE

Gideon is a popular story in Sunday school circles. It’s often looked at as a great example of God empowering a small group of men to do an impossible task. But what if we looked at the story as less about Gideon and more about God? What if the attention of the story left the judge who not only needed correcting but needed prodding and poking to get the job done—and ended up focusing on the One who is strong and mighty?

Read Judges 6:11-40. If you look at the story closely, Gideon hesitates. He waffles. He asks for God to confirm what God has already told him to do more than once. Think about how God is showing His might: He appears to Gideon as the angel of the Lord. Then He overcomes the forces of nature, not once, but twice with Gideon’s tests of dew and fleece. But God isn’t done showing He is mighty in battle.

Read Judges 7:1-14. Verse 12 says the Midianites and the Amalekites and all the people of the East filled the valley, below where Gideon and his men were camping, like locusts in abundance. Yet God, in His wisdom and power knew that Gideon’s force was too big. Verse 2 talks about the possibility of Israel boasting about a victory and not giving God the glory. So God instructs Gideon how to whittle his army down to 300 men to face a valley full of soldiers. Gideon trusts God but he’s afraid. God uses His might to strengthen Gideon through a dream. Gideon has so much trust that he worships God and then goes back to put God’s battle plan into action.

Read Judges 7:15-21. Look for the mightiness of God in battle. Gideon and his 300 men fought a valley full of heavily armed soldiers with trumpets, clay jars, and torches. God used an impossible battle strategy and the element of surprise to show His might in battle. As the psalmist says in Psalm 24:8, “Who is this King of glory? The Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord, mighty in battle.” Read Philippians 4:13. A couple definitions of mighty are “having or showing great power or strength” or “great.” You probably aren’t facing a valley full of Midianites and their allies. But you do have battles in your life. Through Christ, God gives you His might and strength to face your battles.

As you prepare today’s lesson, find time to sit and be quiet. Think about your battles. Then spend time thinking and praying about how God is mighty in battle. You can trust in God.

Pray that your preteens and their families keep their focus on God so when they face tough times and big battles, they can get out of the way and let Him do what only He can do!

Before you begin, spend time with God to prepare your heart and mind.

Before preteens arrive, set up your space so it is a warm inviting place. You may want to play music from The Action Bible Remixed album. Choose one of the following activities to engage students as they arrive. Invite them to join the activity after you greet them.

BEFORE THE LESSON OPTIONAL JOIN IN

OPTION 1

Mighty What? MATERIALS ( Whiteboard and markers

Before the lesson, write the words “WHAT IS MIGHTY?” on the board. Underneath, write the word MIGHTY and the definition of the word: “having or showing great power or strength” or “great.”

Set out a few different color markers and invite students to write down things they think are “Mighty.” Challenge them to create a mighty list.

OPTION 2

Mighty Beans MATERIALS ( Dry beans ( Timer ( Craft sticks

Give each preteen a handful of beans and a few craft sticks. Using the timer, give them just one minute to build a tower out of the beans and craft sticks. Each student needs to use as few beans as possible to support the structure while trying to build as high a tower as possible. As they build, challenge them to talk about if the beans really have the best shape, size, and strength to be good building materials.

building relationships at the same time.

Don't Be W-E-A-K

Introduce the activity with something like this: The word mighty means possessing great and impressive power or strength. It can also mean “great.” When we think of things that are mighty, we think of things that are huge or immense and strong. We are going to test our ability to be “mighty” by playing a word game using the word “weak,” which is the opposite of mighty! This will take some mighty brain power!

In this game, we’ll be spelling words letter by letter. If you are the person to finish spelling a word, you get a letter. If you get enough letters to spell W-E-A-K, you are out of the game. To play, the first player selects a letter.

Talk About It

Continue by talking about the game.

' When do you think people feel weak?

' Sometimes we face battles in life. What mighty things are used to fight them?

At every step you are helping preteens feel comfortable and valued.

Then, each student takes a turn selecting subsequent letters. The trick is to add letters that are part of a word but do not complete a word.

Here’s a sample round: The first person starts with the letter “B.” The second player might add “A,” thinking of the word “barbecue.” The next player adds “N” with the word “bank” in mind. Oops! He would receive the W of WEAK because “N” completes the word “ban.”

Play a few rounds of the game as time allows. If a person adds a letter someone doesn’t think is part of a word, the person adding the letter has to tell what word he or she was thinking about. The leader is the referee in all decisions.

Set the stage for the lesson by making preteens feel comfortable and

Simple activities for preteens to do together while you welcome students.

Bridge to INVESTIGATE

Transition to INVESTIGATE with something like this: Today’s INVESTIGATE looks at the story of a man who thought he was too weak to do what God asked him to do. And we’ll discover that, even when things look impossible, God is mighty in battle.

INVESTIGATE

Preteens see the Bible in action, study Scripture (including a memory verse), and then do a variety of activities all while discovering who God is.

This is the main part of the lesson. It’s time to See the Video from The Action Bible, then Explore the Bible—talk together about what God's Word says, discover who God is, and learn a Remember It verse. Then preteens Put It in Motion through activities and seeing how these fit into everyday life.

Prayer

Begin INVESTIGATE with a short prayer, something like this: Flex your muscles. When we see those muscles, we get a good evidence of our strength, how we move, how our bodies work. God’s might is like that—when we

see His strength at work, it helps us understand how He moves, the way He moves. Let’s pray and ask Him to help us see Him at work today.

Dear God, thank You for being with us today. Show us more of who You are today as we discover how You are mighty in battle. Open our ears to hear Your voice and our hearts to understand what Your Word shows us. Amen.

See the Video: “A Judge Who Needs Convincing”

MATERIALS

( “A Judge Who Needs Convincing" media clip

( Media device

Show the “A Judge Who Needs Convincing” media clip to the group. Give preteens time to respond to the video before moving into Investigate God’s Word.

' What did you notice in the video?

Explore the Bible: Judges 6—7; Philippians 4:13

Scenes from The Action Bible come to life! Every lesson features a video (3-8 minutes in length).

Give one copy of the Bible study sheet for each student. There is also an editable document on your DVD, so feel free to shorten, lengthen, or customize to fit the needs of your preteens. If you are running short on time, look for the questions with asterisks in front of them and cover those.

MATERIALS

( Bibles (1 per student)

( The Action Bible study sheets for Lesson 16 (1 per student)

( Pens or pencils

Begin today’s study with something like this: Once again, the people of Israel did what was evil in the sight of God. Many of them started worshiping Baal and erecting Asherah poles. Their great leaders Deborah and Barak had died, and there was no one to take their place.

Project the “Bible Dictionary” PowerPoint. Have a couple of students find the definitions of Asherah and Baal. After talking about the definitions continue with something like this: Because the people had broken their promise to worship only God, they were punished. For seven years the Midianites would come to steal and pillage from the people of Israel.

Invite a volunteer to read Judges 6:2-6.

* 1. What did the Midianites do that made the Hebrew people poor? How did God’s people react? (The Midianites destroyed their crops and took their sheep, cattle, and donkeys. They didn’t spare any living thing. The people of

Students get into God’s Word and learn how to use the Bible —a life-long skill.

( Whiteboard and markers

( "Bible Dictionary"

( Media device

Israel were becoming weak by losing their food and sources of income. They cried out to the Lord for help.) You may want to mention how God sometimes uses difficult circumstances like this to draw His people back to Him.

Project the "Bible Dictionary" PowerPoint. Find and ask a student to read the definition of winepress. Once everyone understands the term, continue the Bible study with something like this: During wheat harvest, Gideon, an Israelite farmer, was secretly using a winepress to beat the grains of wheat out of the stalks. Suddenly the angel of the Lord appeared to him.

Invite preteens to silently read Judges 6:14-16.

* 2. What did the angel say to Gideon in verse 14? (“Go in this might of yours and save Israel from the hand of Midian. Do I not send you?”) Have students talk briefly about why they think Gideon wasn’t mighty. Write “mighty Gideon?” on the board. Give students time to weigh in if they think

Gideon is mighty or not.

3. Why didn’t Gideon think he was qualified to be the one to deliver Israel from the Midianites? (Gideon was a member of the tribe of Manasseh. He felt that his clan, within that tribe, wasn’t strong or powerful. And Gideon thought he was the least important person in his family.).

* 4. Look again at verses 14 and 16. How did the Lord answer Gideon’s excuses? (“Go in this might of yours;” “do not I send you?” “I will be with you.” “You shall strike the Midianites as one man.”) Write these answers under the “mighty Gideon?” heading on the board.

Continue the study with something like this: The angel gave Gideon a sign that Gideon was really speaking to God and had been chosen to lead Israel. Soon the Midianites and others joined forces against Israel. But Gideon still lacked confidence in God’s promises. So he asked God for a sign. Gideon would lay a wool fleece on the ground overnight. If the fleece was wet with dew and the ground around it was dry, Gideon would know that God would save Israel through him. The next morning, Gideon squeezed an entire bowl full of water out of the fleece while the ground was dry. But Gideon still asked God for another sign. This time he asked for the fleece to be dry and the ground around it to be wet. When Gideon saw in the morning that the ground was wet with dew but the fleece was dry, he and his army marched to fight the Midianites. Ask a student to read aloud Judges 7:2-3.

* 5. Why did God say Gideon had too many soldiers? How was Gideon supposed to reduce the number of his men? (God did not want the people of Israel to brag that their own strength had saved them. Gideon was to tell them that if any of them were afraid, they could go home.)

Continue with something like this: But there were still too many men left. God had Gideon take the men down to a nearby stream to get a drink. All the men who knelt

Remember It: Psalm 24:8

MATERIALS

( Bibles

Psalm 24 was written to celebrate ark of the covenant being brought to Jerusalem. The ark was a symbol of God’s presence. God, as the mighty King, had triumphed over His enemies and was coming “home” to Jerusalem. The psalmist proclaims over and over how mighty God is.

Ask students to find and read Psalm 24:8 in their Bibles. Write the verse on the whiteboard to use later in the lesson. Students may also want to write it on their Bible study sheets.

* Why do you think the writer uses some of the words in the verse more than once? (When something is said

down to drink were sent home. Apparently the others stayed on their feet, prepared to face anything while they drank. Gideon only had 300 men to fight a large army.

To give Gideon confidence, God told him to sneak down to the enemy camp at night. Gideon listened to a man telling another about his dream. His friend interpreted the dream to mean that God was going to defeat the Midianites through Gideon. Gideon returned to his camp and divided the 300 men into three companies of 100 each. Each man was given a trumpet and an empty jar with a torch inside of it. Invite preteens to silently read Judges 7:19-20.

* 6. What four things did the men of Israel do? (They blew trumpets, smashed their jars, held their torches, and shouted, “A sword for the Lord and Gideon!”)

Invite a volunteer to read aloud Judges 7:21-23.

* 7. How did God show His might? (He caused the men in the enemy camp first to run in fear and then to fight each other. Those who weren’t killed by a fellow soldier ran away from the camp.) Look together at the list on the board. Talk through how it was God working through Gideon’s weakness that showed God is mighty.

Ask students to silently read Philippians 4:13.

* 8. When he wrote this letter, Paul was in prison in Rome for sharing the good news about Jesus. Paul encourages the church in Philippi to be like Christ. He tells them they can do all things God asks “through him who strengthens” them. How is Jesus mighty to save in our battles? (The “him” in the verse refers to Jesus. Paul knew that Jesus was the source of all the strength he needed to face all his battles. Believers can face personal battles knowing that they have that same source of strength.) You could also have students look at 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 for more on Christ’s strength.

more than once, it’s a way of emphasizing it. The psalmist is emphasizing that the Lord is mighty. He is the King of glory who has conquered His enemies.)

This activity is a way for preteens to begin memorizing Psalm 24:8. Give students a minute to come up with hand symbols or motions for the following words in the verse: King, Lord, strong, mighty, and battle. Then say the verse slowly together, allowing time for preteens to do the actions while saying the words. Repeat the verse a few times, increasing the speed while just doing an action instead of saying the word.

Put It in Motion

Through a variety of options (games, crafts, experiments, and discussions), preteens further investigate the God in Action statement, Remember It verse, and Bible study. Select one (or a few) that best fits your time and the needs of your group.

GAME OPTION: MIGHTY KNOCKDOWN

MATERIALS

( 12 20-fl.oz. unopened water bottles

( 12 paper circles (about 3" diameter)

This “bowling” activity helps students talk about their battles and how God is mighty in fighting those battles. Set up two sets of six bottles on tables in the room, in a triangular pattern like bowling pins.

Introduce the activity with something like this: Gideon had to face the Midianites, which was a battle he could only do because of God’s power and might. We may not have those kinds of battles each day, but we do face battles

' What are some “battles” we face?

Have students write 12 of these battles down on the paper circles and attach the circles to the bottles with tape. Have students roll the ball down the table to knock down the water bottles. The first time students “bowl,” have them focus on the battles written on the water bottles. They

MATERIALS

( Pens

( Tennis balls with the word MIGHTY written on them

should not look at the ball when it is thrown. They should not have too much success.

' Why is it hard to fight a battle when we focus on ourselves or the battles?

Talk about the word MIGHTY written on the balls representing God’s might in battle. Remind them of the Remember It verse where the psalmist proclaims that God is mighty in battle. Challenge them to concentrate on the ball, line it up with the bottles, and focus on when they release the ball as they “bowl” the second time.

' God reminded Gideon and the Israelites that it wasn’t their battle at all. It was His. By focusing on God first, they could fight an impossible battle. How does focusing on God and His might help us face our battles?

SCIENCE OPTION: JUST DEW IT!

This demonstration science activity, that reviews the Bible study, takes some time before results show up. You may want to get it started, do one of the other options, then come back to observe what happened and talk about it.

Introduce the science option with something like this: Gideon tested God using the dew of the morning. But how does dew form? Let’s take a look by doing a science experiment.

Fill one glass with room temperature water. Fill the second glass 2/3 full with ice cubes, then add cold water until the water level is the same as that of the first glass. Wipe the outside of each glass with a towel, to ensure they are both dry. Ask students to give any observations they have of both glasses. Set the glasses in a dry, draft-free place and wait.

This would be a good time to do another activity option.

After 15 minutes, the glass containing room temperature water is likely to be dry on the outside, while the glass with

Choose from a variety of activities that range from games and crafts, to science, service, and Bible study skills.

the ice water will be wet on the outside, with a layer of condensation, also known as dew. Your results could vary depending on the temperatures of both glasses of water and the general humidity.

Continue with something like this: Water vapor condenses into droplets when the temperature drops low enough. The temperature when droplets form is called dew point. Dew forms when the temperature of a surface, like a glass, reaches the dew point. Dew formed on the outside of the glass with ice water because the glass cooled enough to cause the water vapor in the air coming in contact with the glass to condense to a liquid form. The room temperature water did not cool the glass enough to cause the air surrounding it to reach its dew point.

' How did God show His might when Gideon tested Him using the dew and the fleece?

Throughout

the lesson look for the bolded words; they are scripts for you to say or adapt.

CRAFT OPTION: ANCIENT ARCHIVES

MATERIALS ( "Ancient Archives" PowerPoint slide for Lesson 16 ( Media device ( Air dry clay

This option looks at an Ancient Archives PowerPoint slide to connect the Bible study to how God is mighty in battle. Introduce the option by showing a chunk of clay. You could say something like this: Clay has been used for centuries to make pottery. Let’s discover more about pottery jars in Bible times.

Show the "Ancient Archives" slide. While students read the slide, hand out a piece of wax paper and a chunk of clay to each student.

Continue with something like this: In Gideon’s day, the clay pot was used for everything. It carried water, it helped cook a meal, but God found an even more amazing use for it. He used it to help Gideon and the people of Israel learn more about trusting in His might and power, and not in their own.

( Wax paper ( Pencils

Instruct the students to make a pot of their own out of the clay. They could either make a pinch pot or a coil pot. Once the pot is formed, they can use a pencil to write the words “Mighty God” or “God Is Mighty in Battle” on the side. As they work on their pots, talk together about the following:

' Why do you think God had the Israelites break their jars during the battle with the Midianites? (To scare them, to suddenly let the light shine, to confuse everyone, to make a loud noise, etc. In their confusion the Midiantes fought each other while the Israelites stood their ground with their torches.)

' How do you think fighting an army with trumpets and torches inside jars helped the Israelites know that God is mighty in battle?

DISCUSSION OPTION: GOD IS MIGHTY IN BATTLE

MATERIALS ( Bibles

This option gives preteens time to talk about their own battles and think of how they can rely on God who is mighty in battle to help them. You may want to have a volunteer adult with each group. Preteens should know and trust the adults in their groups.

Introduce this option with something like this: You probably don’t have bands of Midianites stealing your family’s food or an army ready to fight you. But everyone has battles in their lives. Let’s spend time talking about battles and how God can help us fight them. The same God who was mighty in battle for

Gideon is mighty in battle for you. Divide students into small groups for your discussion time. You may want to divide students by gender or into groups where they have built trust with each other.

' What are some battles you are facing?

' Gideon learned to trust that God was mighty in battle. How can you build your trust in God?

Bridge to MAKE CONNECTIONS

Transition to MAKE CONNECTIONS with something like this: We discovered in the Bible that Gideon and the Israelites didn’t win the battle because they were better soldiers or had a bigger number. They won because they put their trust in God who is mighty in battle. God is mighty in battle for us too. Let’s take a few minutes to see how that fits into our own lives. Look for “bridge” statements. They help you transition from one part of the lesson to the next.

MAKE CONNECTIONS

Preteens personalize the connections they’ve made through an activity, a time of reflection, and a time of worship. It’s also a time to ask questions.

GET IN TOUCH

MATERIALS

( "Weights" PowerPoint slide for Lesson 16 ( Media device ( Toothpicks ( Aluminum foil

Show the PowerPoint slide and say something like this: Look at these weights. They are obviously heavy, but the bar that holds them is heavy, too. You know that when the bar is lifted it’s going to support the weights.

Give each student a toothpick and some aluminum foil. Take a minute for students to make a mini-weight. Ask them to save some of their foil.

Continue with something like this: Our mini-weights aren’t very strong. So, let’s make our wooden bars represent

REFLECT MATERIALS

Preteens begin to put “it” together here as they realize who God is and what they mean to Him.

something more. Wrap the foil around the center bar of our mini-weights, and they’ll look more like the bar on the real weights. This can be a great reminder that God is mighty in battle. When you face a battle, you can hold on to your mini-weight and pray about the battle, trusting that God is mighty in battle. Allow God to fill you with more of Himself as you are in battle. Encourage students to quietly pray, reflect, and listen to God as they think about their mini-weights.

( The Action Bible sketch sheet for Lesson 16 (1 per student) ( Pens or pencils Introduce this part of the lesson with something like this: The Bible shows us that God is mighty in battle. He led Gideon into a battle with an impossible battle plan only to show how mighty He is. Our Remember It verse, Psalm 24:8, asks the question, “Who is this King of glory?” and answers it, “The Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord, mighty in battle!” As you think about the verse and that God is mighty in battle, write or draw your thoughts as

well as any questions you might have from our lesson. Give students time to write or draw their ideas on their sketch sheets. Open up time to talk about their thoughts and questions. Allow preteens to offer their ideas to each other. Since these are their own ideas, you, as the leader shouldn’t give specific answers. You may want to offer to help search out answers during the week.

WORSHIP

MATERIALS

( Plastic cups

( Dry erase markers

With the group still together, move into Worship with something like this: Take a cup. Pretend that it is a battle you are facing.

Now, instead of focusing on the battle, focus on how our God is mighty in battle. What one thing comes to your mind about God’s might? Write that around the bottom of your cup.

After a couple of minutes, fill each cup with some water.

GO WITH GOD

( PItcher of water

Continue with something like this: Our Remember It verse says that God is mighty. Listen to the verse another time. Read Psalm 24:8 from your Bible. This verse can give us encouragement to face whatever we need to. We tap into God’s might when we trust in Him. Take a drink from your cup. As you do, imagine it’s not just water— it’s a refreshing reminder of God’s might and strength which is available to you because of Jesus. As you drink, thank God for that!

Leaders send each preteen into the week with a blessing—either for each person or for the group. This blessing shows students who God is and what they mean to Him. Leaders also give students the “In My Life” take-home with daily devotions, a reminder of this blessing, and a parent page.

Give students their take-home paper and a Scripture Memory Card for Lesson 16.

Say the following blessing to the group: God’s might is there, even when you can’t see it. He will give you the strength you need to face any battle that comes your way, especially when you give the battle to Him. You can trust God, who is mighty in battle, to help you in whatever you may face today, tomorrow, and always.

L16

What a great reminder for preteens that they are never alone and God loves them no matter what!

Add more flexibility and fun with these resource options.

Lesson Videos  V D

Exclusive videos from The Action Bible that bring the stories to life through animation, sound effects, and a variety of voice actors. Videos range in length from 3 minutes to 10 minutes. One video for every lesson.

Leader’s Guide  P D

Each lesson begins with a teacher prep devotion for leaders and a lesson overview with minimal supplies needed.

Student Book  P D

Make Bible study fun! Activities are specifically designed for each age level, helping kids dig into God’s Word and make relevant connections to their lives.

Scripture Memory Cards  P

Five cards for each week’s memory verse. Available in NIV®, ESV, or CSB for quarters 1-3 and NIV® only for quarter 4.

Digital Resources  D

Action Bible Curriculum Digital Quarterly Kits Includes 2-40 leader’s guides and 5-200 student books.

Year 2 is are available in digital format only.

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The Creative Teaching Aids (CTA kits) are so valuable! The kit makes teaching the lesson a breeze with all the fun games, puzzles, charts, puppets and extra resource material. It is easy to use and a real asset to each lesson.

Since we’ve begun using Echoes literature, its teaching aids and other supplementary materials, our attendance has increased … everyone seems motivated to learn more and more about God’s Word.

—DOLORUS NEVELS, CHRISTIAN EDUCATOR, CHRIST TEMPLE APOSTOLIC CHURCH, OBERLIN, OHIO

—REV. DR. CLARENCE W. DAVIS FORMER PASTOR, FRIENDSHIP BAPTIST CHURCH

—DR. ALLEN MCFARLAND, SR., SENIOR PASTOR, PORTSMOUTH, VIRGINIA

—PASTOR MARVIN MCALLISTER, MULLINS, SOUTH CAROLINA

Preschool, Early Elementary, Elementary, & Upper Elementary lessons are organized in 4 sections:

1. Life Need connect with each other and with God’s Word.

2. Bible Learning study God’s Word together and find key themes and takeaways.

3. Bible Application explore key themes and takeaways through activities and crafts.

4. Life Response respond to God’s Word by applying it to everyday life.

Teaching methods complement life experiences of ethnically diverse students. An educationally excellent mix of teaching tools match developmental abilities and reach every student’s learning style: visual, active, and auditory learning.

lesson

1

BIBLE BASIS

THEME FOR UNIT 19: Jesus Shows His Love UNIT MEMORY VERSE: Luke 1:37

Jesus Wants Us to Trust Him

Jesus encourages Peter to walk on water with Him. Matthew 14:22-33

1 2 3 4

Shows children how to apply the lesson to life.

BIBLE TRUTH

Jesus wants us to trust Him.

LIFE NEED (5 MINUTES)

MEMORY VERSE

Nothing is impossible with God. Luke 1:37

Play a game and discuss experiences with trusting people

BIBLE LEARNING (10–15 MINUTES)

Teach with pictures about Jesus showing Peter to trust Him Review with questions and an activity

Materials: Bible, “Jesus Walks on Water” Teaching Aid 4, annel board, Storytime for Lesson 1

BIBLE APPLICATION (10 MINUTES)

Review the memory verse with actions

Make a Bible story scene

Materials: Early Elementary Make-It/Take-It for Lesson 1

LIFE RESPONSE (10 MINUTES)

Read a story about a child trusting Jesus

Talk about times children can trust Jesus and plan to trust Him this week

Materials: Storytime for Lesson 1 and Storytime Parent Page

See what is happening in each step and what supplies are needed.

LESSON AIM

That your students will learn that they can trust Jesus.

Understanding Your Students

Your children have usually developed trust in caring adults through their years of experiences with the care and nurture of parents and other caring adults. As the children begin socializing on their own and choosing their friends, they gain a sense of what other people are like. They can decide who to trust as a friend. Let them see the love of Jesus in you and your class. The experience you help provide can in uence them to trust Jesus daily.

This symbol means extra preparation or supplies are needed.

Understanding the Bible

The next several lessons explore ways that Jesus showed His love during His ministry. Emphasize the Jesus Peter trusted is the same risen Savior of Easter. After feeding the 5,000, Jesus quickly excused everyone so He could nd seclusion. He did this to spend time alone with God (Matt. 14:23) and because the people were persuaded to force Him into being a messiah of their design. “After the people saw the miraculous sign that Jesus did, they began to say, ‘Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world.’ Jesus, knowing that they intended to come and make him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by himself” (John 6:14-15). Away from distractions, Jesus could seek His Father’s will on the direction of His ministry. Also from His mountain view, Jesus could see the disciples on the water (Mark 6:48). The Sea of Galilee is about six miles wide.

Jesus went out to the disciples “during the fourth watch.” This was the Roman guard shift from 3:00 to 6:00 A M The disciples would have been exhausted because they had been rowing since sundown. When

Classroom Tips

they saw a gure walking on the water, it could have stirred up current superstitions about the deep waters. “When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terri ed. ‘It’s a ghost,’ they said, and cried out in fear” (Matt. 14:26).

“Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus” (v. 29). We shouldn’t think Peter was showing off. He was fully trusting Jesus to give him supernatural power.

“But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” (v. 30). Peter’s faith weakened when he considered the human risk of trusting Jesus.

“Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. ‘You of little faith,’ he said, ‘why did you doubt?’ (v. 31) Jesus reaching out for Peter is more than a rescue by human strength, it is a second display of how He will never abandon us even though we stumble.

Respond to God’s desire that we put our trust in Jesus (Ps. 20:7; John 14:1).

Worship Activities

Use this week’s lesson to help children begin to learn to trust Jesus. The children might think that you are so capable that you don’t need to trust Jesus. The lesson can be for you, too! Let the children see that you also are learning to trust Jesus more and more. Be open to telling in appropriate ways how Jesus has taught you to trust Him. You will model how your children can learn to trust Jesus.

The activity in Step 1 will get your students involved with others in thinking about different people and things they trust. Be certain to t this into your class time to get children ready for the Bible lesson about how Jesus wanted Peter to trust Him. Children may talk about superheroes who rescue people from dangerous situations. They believe these superheroes will save the day! If this conversation comes up, let them know that Jesus is much greater and more powerful than the superheroes. Jesus rescues us from our sinful ways. We can trust Him. He will always be with us.

Teach the song, “Show and Tell,” from the DisKit CD found in the Creative Teaching Aids packet. Collect offerings from children. Lead children in a prayer of thanks or you may choose a child who wants to pray for the offering. Dear God, we will learn that nothing is impossible with You. Help us to trust You and believe that You are always with us. Thank You for showing Your love to us. We love You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Begin each lesson with songs and prayer.

Before Class

Getting Started

“Attendance Chart”

Teaching Aid 1

Greet your students by name as they enter your class. I am so happy to see you today. We will have a great time learning about Jesus today. In advance, remove and display the Spring Attendance Chart from the Teaching Aids packet. Write the dates and children’s names on the chart and provide small stickers for them to place in each square. Children may also color in a square or mark it with an X. Children with offerings may want to give them right away, so provide a simple basket or other container for this.

1Life Need 5 minutes

These activities will prepare your students for the Bible story of Peter walking on water. Sink or Float: This activity will help the children see that not all things oat on water. Put an inch or two of water in a sink or at bottom pan or dish. Provide common items such as a paper clip, pencil, scrap of paper, coin, crayon, cotton ball, and so on, for the children to put into the water. Let them experiment with what things do in water. We will learn about a miracle that happened in water. Word Writing: Today’s lesson theme is about trusting Jesus. Help your students start thinking about the word trust. Print TRUST on the board or piece of paper. Let the children write the word with play dough or blocks on a table, or on the board. We will learn more about what it means to trust.

Objective: By playing a game and talking together, the children will get ready to learn that Jesus wants us to trust Him.

The opening activity suggested below helps your students get involved in the lesson while getting them thinking about what it means to trust someone.

Ask children to get into teams of two or three students each. Then have teams spread out around your room and sit down. We are going to play a quiz game. I will ask some questions, one at a time. Each team must talk together to decide your team’s answer. When your team has an answer, you all stand up. Encourage them to try to be the rst team standing.

Suggested quiz game questions are given below. Possible answers are suggested, but each question could have many reasonable answers. The important part of this activity is getting your students involved with each other in thinking about people and things they depend on. Keep your quiz game moving along at a lively pace. Recognize the rst team that stands up. But be sure to ask the other teams for their answers too. Their ideas are also important to help the children consider the different people and things they trust. Feel free to make up your own questions or adapt these to your students’ situations.

Who do you depend on to get you up for school? (Mom, dad, alarm clock, the sun, my dog, and so on.)

Who do you expect to give you lunch today? (Mom, dad, grandma, people at a restaurant, etc.)

When you have a birthday party, who do you expect will give you nice presents? (Family members, friends, party guests, etc.)

When you don’t feel well who do you depend on to help you get better? (Mom, dad, doctor, teacher, school nurse, etc.)

Good teamwork to get your answers. You depend on many different people and things. To trust means to depend on someone or something. We trust doctors to help us get well. You trust your mom to wake you in time to get ready to go to school. There are many people we trust. Today’s Bible lesson is about trusting. Let’s listen to our Bible story to learn about someone who wants us to trust Him.

Students connect their own experiences to the Bible story, all in the context of AfricanAmerican culture and community.

Bible Learning

10–15 minutes

Objective: Children will learn how Jesus showed that He wanted Peter to trust Him.

In advance, separate the gures from Teaching Aid 4. Attach velcro, found in your Teaching Aid packet, to the back of the gures. Put them in the order you will use them. Have your Bible open to Matthew 14:22-33.

BIBLE STORY

(Place Jesus in the upper right of your annel board. Put the water across the bottom.) Jesus was teaching His disciples and a large crowd of people near the Sea of Galilee. When it was late in the afternoon, Jesus told His disciples to get into a boat and go across the water to the other side. (Place the boat with the disciples on the right end of the water. Add Peter, Figure 5, so he appears to be standing in the boat.) The disciples rowed the boat out over the water. (Move the boat to the middle of the water.) Jesus dismissed the crowd of people so they could go to their homes.

As the sun went down, the disciples rowed across the Sea of Galilee, the people walked home, and Jesus went up on the side of a hill. He walked up there by Himself to pray.

Jesus prayed all night. The disciples were in the boat all night too. They had come up against a storm. (Place the cloud, Figure 4, above the boat.) Even though they rowed very hard, the wind and the waves kept pushing against them. They were a long way from the land out on the water. Jesus knew where His disciples were and the hard time they were having. He would use this time to show them an important lesson.

Very early in the morning before the sun came up Jesus went out to the disciples. Jesus didn’t take a boat, He walked on top of the water! (Move Jesus onto the water at the right side of the boat.) When the disciples looked up and saw Jesus walking on the water, they were terri ed. They thought He was a ghost.

Jesus called out, “Don’t be afraid. It’s Me.”

Peter wanted to be sure. He said, “Lord, if it’s really You, tell me to come to You on the water.”

“Come,” He said. Jesus wanted to be trusted.

(Remove Peter from the boat and place him on the water facing Jesus.) Peter climbed out of the boat trusting Jesus to help him walk on the water. One trusting step after another, Peter walked on the water by God’s power. (Move Peter toward Jesus.) Before Peter got to Jesus, he saw the wind and became afraid. He stopped trusting Jesus to help him walk on the water and began to sink. (Slide Peter partly down behind the water.) Peter cried out, “Lord, save me!”

Jesus could still be trusted even when Peter was sinking. (Move Jesus to Peter. Bring Peter up.) Right away Jesus reached out His hand and caught Peter. Jesus said, “You trusted Me for a while. Why did you stop?”

Jesus helped Peter back to the boat. (Put Jesus and Peter behind the boat so it appears they are standing in the boat. Remove the storm cloud.) The wind and waves stopped. Peter and the other disciples in the boat worshiped Jesus. They were learning to trust Jesus.

BIBLE STORY REVIEW

Distribute Storytime for Lesson 1. Have students complete page 4 and answer the questions.

Storytime, Lesson 1, page 4

“Jesus Walks on Water” Teaching Aid 4

Present the Bible story as a storyteller, using a variety of visual resources. Words

For easy reference, look for these reductions and match them up with the resources you need.

3 Bible Application

10 minutes

Objective: Students will learn that they can trust Jesus.

MEMORY VERSE

Help students nd the memory verse on page 4 of Storytime . Read the verse together: “Nothing is impossible with God” Luke 1:37. Our memory verse is in this poem. Say the following rhyme while you do the motions. Then repeat each line, pausing so that the children can repeat it and imitate your motions.

sea. Punch out the gures of Jesus and Peter. Fold the gure of Jesus back on the center broken line, and back on the broken lines by Jesus’ feet. Tape the tabs together without overlapping them. Encourage the children to get into small groups to present their puppet Bible stories.

Jesus walked on the water. Peter trusted Jesus when he got out of the boat and began to walk on water, but then he became afraid and stopped trusting Jesus and began to sink. Even when Peter was sinking, he still believed Jesus would save him. Jesus did save him. Jesus is the Son of God and has the power to do things that we cannot do.

Let’s say our verse one more time together: “Nothing is impossible with God” Luke 1:37. Collect the Storytime papers and put them away until the end of class.

HANDCRAFT

Puppets are favorites with children. Let your students make their own stage and puppets to use while retelling the Bible story of Peter learning to trust Jesus. Have children color both sides of the page before assembling the project. Show the page as you explain how the children separate the pieces and fold the water to make a stage. Point out the small rectangle shaped hole that they should punch out for Peter to slip down below the water. Punch out the boat with the three disciples and fold back on the broken lines. Tape the ends together, and stand the boat on top of the

Just like Peter, we can trust Jesus, too. Jesus has enough power to help us with any problem. Share this story with someone and tell them that Jesus wants us to trust Him.

Jesus’ miracles showed His great power (Show muscles.)

And they showed us His great love. (Put both hands over heart.)

That’s why we can boldly shout: (Cup hands to mouth as if shouting.) Nothing is impossible with God. (Shake index finger, point upward.)

Make-It/Take-It, Lesson 1

Where the Bible Truth connects with life through a variety of activities which may include a memory verse or a craft. All artwork emphasizes an African-American perspective.

4 Life Response

10 minutes

Objective: Children will talk about times Jesus wants them to trust Him and plan to trust Him at home this week.

Read aloud “The Swimming Lesson” to your students from pages 2 and 3 of Storytime for Lesson 1. Depending on your class, your students may want to read with you. They can read the words represented by the art spots on the rebus as you point to them or you may choose a rst-grader to read the story.

PRESENT-DAY STORY ]

Dr. Chan signed Li up for swimming lessons. Li thought it would be fun to swim across a pool.

Dr. Chan took Li to his rst lesson. Li looked at the pool. It was big! How could he ever swim across it?

He heard a whistle. It was time to swim!

Li was afraid of how big the pool was. He thought of when Jesus walked on the water. If Jesus walked on water, I can trust Jesus to help me swim. Li prayed, “Dear Jesus, I trust You to help me. I know You can do anything.”

Li joined other children in the pool. The teacher showed how to blow bubbles in the water. They played until she blew the whistle.

Li showed his father what he learned. Li knew one day he would swim across the pool.

CLOSING ACTIVITIES

What do you think are some times that Jesus wants you to trust Him? (Some possible responses might be when school or home life is rough, when they’re afraid of the dark, when they have a hard time with friendships, and so on. If appropriate, tell your students that Jesus wants us to trust Him but that

doesn’t mean they shouldn’t ask for help from others who care about them. Jesus gives us families and people to care for us and help us when we need it.)

There are a lot of times that Jesus wants us to trust Him.

When will you trust Jesus during this coming week? (Allow some time for the children to volunteer their plans to apply this lesson. Reinforce their desire to trust Jesus.)

You have good plans for trusting Jesus during the coming week. We can tell Jesus about our desire and our plans to trust Him this coming week. Let’s take time right now to talk with Jesus about our plans to trust Him.

Dear Jesus, we want to trust You more and more each day. You have heard each child say their plans for when they will trust You. Please help them to trust You. In Your name. Amen.

Make sure children have their Make-It/Take-It puppet projects, Storytime for Lesson 1, and the quarterly Storytime Parent Page. Explain to parents that this page provides them with the Bible lessons and memory verses being studied this quarter as well as family activities for the quarter.

Say a personal good-bye to each child. Remember your plan to trust Jesus this week. He is always with you.

Storytime, Lesson 1, pages 2-3

Storytime, Parent Page

Storytime, Lesson 1, page 1

Students practice the Lesson Aim in class, then apply it to their own lives during the week.

The objective highlights the Lesson Aim as students take what they learn and apply it to life.

.

walked on water, I can trust

prayed, “Dear

If

to help me swim.

, I trust You to help me. I know You can do anything.”

The Swimming Lesson

Jesus

whistle

swimming pool

Dr. Chan

Li

joined other children in the

. The teacher showed how to blow bubbles in the water. They played until she blew the

. showed

what he learned. knew one day he would swim across the

Talk About It

How did Li trust Jesus at his swimming lesson? When has our family trusted Jesus? Let’s make a list of things we will trust Jesus for this week. Then we will pray and ask God to help us trust Him.

Bible Truth: Jesus wants us to trust Him.

up for swimming lessons. thought it would be fun to swim across a to his first lesson. . It was big! How could he ever swim across it? He heard a

signed

It Home

took looked at the

. It was time to swim! was afraid of how big the

walked on the water.

was. He thought of when

Add more flexibility and fun with these resource options.

Teacher’s Commentary  P D

Tips help teachers understand students, with helpful suggestions for enhancing their Sunday school experience. Follows a four-step learning cycle to help teachers reach every child the way God made them.

Creative Teaching Aids  P D

Essential audio and visual resources to go with the Teacher’s Commentary. Enhances lessons with appealing Bible art posters, a quarterly attendance chart, and music featuring four original worship songs (stereo and instrumental) that correlate with each of the three units per quarter

Student Activity Pages  P D

In-class student books for each lesson, including Bible study pages and activities.

Craft Book  P

In-class student craft books are full of hands-on projects and crafts. These ageappropriate craft projects can be done by the students with little or no help from the teacher

Take-Home Pages  P D

Teachers can use these in-class/take-home papers to help Bible lessons thrive in students’ hearts and hands.

Superintendent’s Handbook  P D

With this Handbook you and your teachers will be able to better follow God’s calling in your Christian education ministry. This enables you, the Sunday school leader, to guide all your classes toward a common goal, age-appropriate and biblical discipleship.

3 WAYS TO UNCOVER GOD’S TRUTH WITH KIDS

There are so many awesome ways that we can reach into God’s Word to uncover more of his truth Let’s dig into 3 ways we can discover more with our kids.

MEMORIZE GOD’S WORD

Hands down, memorization is one of the best ways to soak up Scripture. Practically every kidmin curriculum provides a memory or “remember it” verse and learning method with each lesson.

For example, the newly updated Bible-in-Life uses hand motions, sing-alongs, and word games to engage kids, from little learners on up—making Scripture memory a priority.

With older kids and adults, consider weekly verses that add up to an entire chapter such as 2 Peter 1 or James 1—over the course of the fall or spring. Note cards are great for writing one verse at a time, and they’re easy to stash in the car or in a backpack for daily review.

Don’t let memorization be intimidating. Make the experience upbeat and encouraging. If there’s competition, keep it friendly

CLICK GOD’S WORD

Kids as young as age 8 spend an average of 5 hours a day consuming online and digital media on computers, tablets, and smartphones. For teens, the time increases to nearly 9 hours

Wouldn’t you like to capture some of those hours in God’s Word? Encourage kids and their parents to take advantage of Bible websites and apps. And if your church has wireless access in a common area or classrooms, use online options as part of group interaction.

You can find Scripture memory and Bible apps by the dozen for kids, teens, and adults. Apps with study helps may cost a few dollars, but most are free.

Choose digital Bible tools as a supplement to the printed Word, not a substitute. Apps are known to increase Bible use, but research confirms that 9 in 10 adults and 7 in 10 teens—even those who seem permanently attached to their smartphones—still reach for the Good Book.

RECORD GOD’S WORD

Speaking of smartphones, why not take advantage of them to make short videos? You don’t have to get complicated. Kids are already comfortable with their young peers on YouTube channels that attract millions of views. You can bring in some teen volunteers if you need extra help.

Kids could take a selfie approach or record each other as they quote a memory verse or talk about what it means to them. Better yet, ask the kids for their recording ideas. They may come up with something you’d never think of. This generation loves to create content, not just consume it. They’ll absorb God’s Word in the process

Memorize, click, and record—3 simple ways that we can uncover God’s truth with kids!

This article is excerpted from our free mini book, 21 Ways to LOVE, LEARN & LIVE God’s Word. Grab yours at MinistrySpark.com/resources

by Michele Baird

“Teens spend nearly nine hours every day consuming media,” Hayley Tsukayama, The Washington Post, November 3, 2015. • “State of the Bible 2017: Top Findings,” April 4, 2017, Barna Group Inc. • “Top 10 Findings on Teens and the Bible,” August 26, 2016, Barna Group Inc.

Shopping Made Simple

Shop for all your ministry resources in 1 place. At DavidCCook.org you can choose from a variety of products and curriculum lines to keep your programming fresh and effective. Sort by product line or various categories to find exactly what you need for all ages— toddlers through adults. Whether shopping for outreach, family, men, or women—we have it all.

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“Our kids can’t wait for Sunday! They drag us out of bed so we can get to church on time!”

ALL SYSTEMS GO

What if your children’s ministry were as exciting as a rocket launch or a trek across the galaxy? What if your children sat on the edge of their seats waiting for the next adventure they can only find at church?

BOLDLY GO will equip your ministry with creative design, powerful teaching, music, and episodic stories which bring the book of Acts to life for children ages 2–11. Messages feature deep truths, strategic repetition, and a solid exposition through the book of Acts. They incorporate memorable object lessons and emphasize big ideas that serve as bold statements for families to declare on a daily basis.

HANDS-ON DYNAMIC VISUAL FUN DIGITAL RELEVANT

FROM PARENTS

“My son acts out the episodes, and he always wants to play the role of “Jack Palmer!”

“When we walk down the hallway, our kids pep up with energy! It feels like we are at Disney World!”

YOU ARE AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE MISSION

Every child needs to know that God did a great job making them. God’s bold love compels us to cross the lines into new atmospheres with a heavenly mission for all people.

WHAT’S ARCADIA?

BOLDLY GO launches children into an intergalactic adventure with lots of laughs and memorable characters. When a comet hit Earth, three celestial mineral elements were revealed to be the hope of the world. Four astronauts journeyed to the planet Arcadia, the source of these minerals.

The Arcadia 1 Team was sent by ISEA to find the three mineral elements, but their mission is not without challenges. Each episode features the Big Idea for the lesson, a storyline with a similar theme represented in Scripture, and endearing characters. And, yes, there’s a space chicken too!

LESSONS BY WEEK

BOLDLY GO teaches the book of Acts and centers around a “Big Idea” each week that children can declare over their lives. Each unit has a special emphasis and ends with a lesson that reviews the content from the previous weeks for added retention, challenging your kids to BOLDLY GO!

Check out both the 22-week and 13-week Scope & Sequence options at DavidCCook.org/boldly-go

FULLY DIGITAL

ISBN: 978-0-8307-7554-5

Price: $99.99

Delivery: PDFs, MP3s, MP4s

WHAT’S INSIDE

When you download BOLDLY GO, you’ll have access to awesome resources for your children’s ministry program! From at-church resources to take-home guides, your kids will learn how to BOLDLY GO for Jesus.

GUIDES

The files you receive for the Parent Guides, Elementary Messages, Elementary Life Group Guide, and Pre-K & K Leader Guide are COMPLETELY CUSTOMIZABLE. Elements include custom games, crafts, life group discussions, and interactive activity sheets. The New Living Translation® is used in the messages and guides.

MESSAGES

The messages in this series engage children with visual arts, objects lessons with props, memorable faith statements.

EXPLORE BUCKS

The Explore Bucks Bank is a tool you may choose to use to encourage kids to dig deeper throughout the week.

MUSIC

Music is a powerful tool that helps set the tone in your ministry. We’ve created a few tracks to help build anticipation and atmosphere for your kids.

VIDEOS

Including a countdown, episodes, message rollins, pre-k & k message videos, and sward drills— these videos will help enhance your BOLDLY GO lessons and are accessible however you need them (via download or streaming)!

ART

Files for set design, posters, slides, and so much more have been created so you can transform your classrooms, gathering areas, and even your hallways.

THE SECRET WORD

The secret word is a fun way to highlight themes in your teaching throughout the service and help kids stay engaged with the message as they listen for the word.

Scripture Press & Accent

A STRONG FOUNDATION FOR A STRONG CHURCH.

Builld a faith foundation on the authority of Scripture.

Designed to help students understand and grow in the knowledge of God’s Word, Scripture Press and Accent believe that building a strong foundation on Scripture leads to dedicated discipleship. Scripture Press offers dual translation NIV®/KJV. Accent curriculum is dedicated to the King James Version.

AGES

2-year-olds to Preteen

FORMAT

Age graded classroom setting

SCOPE & SEQUENCE

2’s & 3’s–Junior: 2 years

MAXIMUM LESSON TIME 90+ minutes

Visit DavidCCook.org/curriculum to explore these programs.

DAVIDCCOOK.ORG/CURRICULUM

Wesley, Reformation Press & The Anglican Edition

DISTINCTIVE FOR WESLEYAN/HOLINESS CHURCHES

David C Cook has additional lines of curriculum available, each tailored to specific denominations Based on the Bible-in-Life curriculum, these lines cover the unique distinctives of the following:

Wesley curriculum is the choice of growing Sunday schools that value the holiness doctrinal distinctives and the mission to evangelize and disciple generations for Christ.

Reformation Press features the comprehensive Scripture teaching with coverage of the essential tenets of the Reformed faith.

The Anglican Edition is designed to help you impart key Anglican themes and heritage to your students.

Visit DavidCCook.org/curriculum to explore these programs.

DAVIDCCOOK.ORG/CURRICULUM

Top 10 Tips for Planning VBS!

While VBS is “only” a weeklong event, the impact of this program reaches far and wide. The coolest part? This reach may ultimately have eternal impact! Here are some quick tips to help you prepare for VBS season.

1. Pray

Make it a priority to establish a prayer base for your VBS. Enlist a team of people who otherwise may not be involved.

2. Plan

Gather a team of people who are willing to walk this journey with you and create a timeline of tasks. Everything from evaluating and ordering materials, recruiting and training, promoting, buying supplies, registration, decorating, etc. should be on this timeline.

3. Explore

After you’ve established your VBS goals, you can begin the process of reviewing program options. Themes are always fun to explore, but as you evaluate, you will want to consider theology and quality as main priorities.

4. Decide

It’s time to choose! This decision isn’t just about what program you buy, but what resources you want to purchase and use as well.

5. Develop Develop what the days will look like and make specific plans for how they flow. Take the time to walk through the week and note important things to remember, especially instructions for your team.

6. Recruit

There are numerous volunteers you will need: decorators, music leaders, sound staff, kitchen staff, group leaders, teachers, security, buddy system teammates, custodial workers, and more. Look to include the youth group for this event. Their high energy will be great for your program.

7. Empower: Training, Vision-casting

One of the most important parts of leading your VBS will be empowering your team to do what they came to do: Serve kids! Enable your volunteers to take ownership of the areas you’ve given them.

Train your team on what’s expected:

-Let them know the role they will play.

-Give them guidelines.

When vision-casting for your team, remember to:

-Align your vision with your church’s.

-Reevaluate along the way.

8. Promote

Get people excited! One fun and easy way to get the word out is to post on social media and encourage your volunteers and church families to share. Also, put a sign in front of your church that announces your summer program to the community.

9 Prepare

As you prepare for VBS, you need to get ready for the unknown that can happen. Some simple things to be prepared with:

-Intake forms.

-Security

-First Aid.

-Special-Needs Friendly Spaces.

10. Pray More

It is so important that with everything we make sure we are serving God in His will!

It’s time. You have prepared, trained, and prayed. You are ready to love on and introduce kids to Jesus, and He is definitely ready to accept them. “Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these’” (Matthew 19:14).

Read the full article at MinistrySpark com/vbs-planning

by Michele Baird and Courtney Weaver

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