NCCP KidsX Holiday Leader Guide Elem

LEADER GUIDE

ELEMENTARY • HOLIDAY YEAR 1

ELEMENTARY HOLIDAY YEAR 1

LEADER GUIDE

Loveland, Colorado group.com/SimplyLoved

Leader Guide Elementary—Holiday Year 1 Copyright © 2020 Group Publishing, Inc./0000 0001 0362 4853 Visit our website: group.com/SimplyLoved

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without prior written permission from the publisher, except where noted in the text and in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews. For information, visit group.com/permissions.

This creative team is simply honored to create Simply Loved for you: Laura Baldwin-Stout, Mollie Bickert, Adam Bohlmeyer, Jody Brolsma, Jessica Goldsmith, Becky Helzer, Jennifer Hooks, Charity Kauffman, Mikal Keefer, Jan Kershner, Steve Kyle, Peggy Naylor, Joani Schultz, Rodney Stewart, Jeff Storm, and Andrea Zimmerman.

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, a Division of Tyndale House Ministries, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

ISBN 978-1-4707-6252-0 Printed in the United States of America.

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 25 24 23 22 21 20

Contents Welcome to Simply Loved! ............................................................... 4 How It Works ................................................................................... 5 Our Strategic Approach .................................................................. 7 Helping Elementary Kids Become Rooted in Faith...................... 8 Supply Closet Inventory...................................................................9 Take-It-Home Flyer Tips..................................................................10 Christmas Lesson 1: An Angel Appears to Joseph...............................................11 Lesson 2: Magi Search for the Messiah .............................................21 Palm Sunday Lesson 3: Jesus Rides Into Jerusalem on a Donkey ........................31 Easter Lesson 4: Jesus Dies and Comes Back to Life ..................................41 Bonus Holiday Cards Christmas and Easter ..............................................................................52

Contents

3

Welcome to Simply Lo�ed!

Welcome to Simply Loved Sunday school—where you and your team simply experience God’s love and share it with kids.

“Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other.

No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression in us.”

(1 John 4:11-12)

With Simply Loved, you, your helpers (we call them Crew Guides), and your kids explore a foundational, Jesus-centered journey through God’s story of Love. We believe that faith isn’t a subject to be mastered; it’s a relationship to grow! So every single component of Simply Loved sets the stage for you to more intentionally grow friendship with Jesus and each other. Keep reading to find out what that’ll look like in your classroom.

Join our Simply Loved Facebook community to learn from children’s ministry leaders just like you! facebook.com/groups/simplylovedteacherslounge

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Welcome to Simply Loved!

How It Works Simple Volunteer Roles

You’ll need the following volunteers: Leader: (That’s you!) The one person in each teaching space who has looked over the lesson and will direct all activities. The glance-able, structured lessons in this guide allow leaders to spend more time interacting with kids and less time glued to scripts.

Unit 1 | Week 1 In the Beginning

es

Genesis 1:1-25

Crew Guide: A helper who simply shows up and participates with kids. Crew Guides don’t need to be Bible experts—simply people who love Jesus and kids!

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A Simple, Flexible Lesson!

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m clock? The aroma of the tone for what’s to come.

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“And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is.”

Simple Prep for Leaders

r “origins.” This first book Unit 1 | Week 1 (Ephesians 3:18) for us. Consider how we Go� Crea�es of God’s creation. Gravity t�e Wo�l� e atmosphere keeps us alive. e cuddle of a puppy, God’s unending love—love that Prayer Set beginning. up one—or both—of these intro activities to start your time together. Each activity connects kids to the ive us a new Bible Point and to each other. Cut apart the Option and place one by eachfiactivity you choose. Crew God, yourCards, awesome name lls the Guides will follow the directions and build friendships with kids as they make discoveries together! earth. It’s amazing to think that you, the ntary kids? Well, creation Creator, care for me. Thank you. And hnology, and mathematics thanks for caring for the kids I’ll lead Help kids discover that God today. May they see your love in our to do, but to meet our needs world and in my life. Amen.

In the Beginning

Genesis 1:1-25

Open�n� Op�ions

The word genesis means “beginning” or “origins.” This first book of the Bible begins God’s story of love for us. Consider how we benefit from each microscopic detail of God’s creation. Gravity keeps us on the ground. Oxygen in the atmosphere keeps us alive.

From the nutrients in vegetables to the cuddle of a puppy, God’s creation gives us life and shows us his unending love—love that ultimately sent Jesus to our world to give us a new beginning.

How does God’s creation affect elementary kids? Well, creation is filled with science, engineering, technology, and mathematics (STEM)—topics kids explore in school. Help kids discover that God created it all—not just for something to do, but to meet our needs and show us his goodness and love.

Prepare your heart and pray for the kids before each lesson. Plus, check off supplies as you gather them!

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Purpose

How’d your day begin? A buzzing alarm clock? The aroma of freshly brewed coffee? Beginnings set the tone for what’s to come.

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God always loves us…and gives us all we need to live.

.

“And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is.”

Bible Point

(Ephesians 3:18)

Prayer

God, your awesome name fills the earth. It’s amazing to think that you, the Creator, care for me. Thank you. And thanks for caring for the kids I’ll lead today. May they see your love in our world and in my life. Amen.

Prep

Opening Options

Sing & Play

Option Cards*

countdown video*

Lego Worlds: Legos

Simply Video DVD*

Paper Creations: art supplies such as construction paper, stickers, crayons, scissors, glue sticks

Savanna Bible Memory Buddy poster*

media player

Bible (bookmark Ephesians 3:18)

Bible Discovery & Friendship Finale

“God Creates the World” Bible Story poster*

Savanna Bible Memory Buddy stickers* (1 per child)

Take-It-Home Flyers* (Unit 1, Week 1) (1 per child)

Bible (bookmark Genesis 1:1-5, 9-10, 11-12, 25)

paper

pencils or pens

Apply-It Options

Explore More: Bibles, clear plastic cups, water, shaving cream, blue food coloring

Game: paper slips, pens, two containers

* in your Simply Loved Kit 11

Bible Discovery & Friendship Finale

Play

tdown video*

Opening Options

Explore More: Bibles, clear plastic cups, water, shaving cream, blue food coloring

Set up one—or both—of these intro activities to start your time together. Each activity connects kids to the Bible Point and to each other. Cut apart the Option Cards, and place one by each activity you choose. Crew Guides will follow the directions and build friendships with kids as they make discoveries together!

ly Video DVD*

nna Bible Memory dy poster*

a player

Savanna Bible Memory Buddy stickers* (1 per child)

Take-It-Home Flyers*

Le�o Wo�l�s (Unit 1, Week 1) • Legos

Pa�e� Crea�ions

(1 per child)

Supplies

Supplies

Le�o(bookmark Wo�l�s Bible Genesis 1:1-5, 9-10, What would your perfect Lego world 11-12, 25) be like?

Build a Lego “world.”

Supplies • Legos

Choose from two opening activities—both introduce the day’s Bible Point. Each unit creatively uses the same supplies all four weeks. That means you’ll need to gather Opening Options supplies only once a month! If you’d like, set up these Opening Options as activity stations in your room. Simply cut apart the cards you’ll find in each lesson and place one at each station to guide activity and conversation. Or, do one or both activities with all kids together. You choose!

Game: paper slips, pens, two containers

• construction paper, stickers, crayons, scissors,

Pa�e� Crea�ions glue sticks

Open�n�

Build a Lego “world.”

What would your perfect Lego world be like?

Supplies

Create something to give to someone you love.

• construction paper, stickers, crayons, scissors, glue sticks Create something to give to someone you love.

What’s the coolest thingWhat’s someone has the coolest thing someone has made for you? Tell why.

In our Bible story, we’ll discover how God made made for you? Tell why.

God always loves us. God made our beautiful our amazing world. God always loves us. We can world so we can see his love all around us.

God’s love in the world around us.

In our Bible story, we’llseediscover howaGod made great time for Opening Options. Choose one—or both—to introduce paper Now’s our amazing world. God alwaystoday’s loves us.

Wediscoveries. can God always loves us. God made our beautiful Bible see God’s love in the world around us. world so we can see his love all around us.

12

pencils or pens Copyright © Group Publishing, Inc. | group.com

Copyright © Group Publishing, Inc. | group.com

countdown video

Copyright © Group Publishing, Inc. | group.com

Copyright © Group Publishing, Inc. | group.com Help kids transition, clean up the activities, and sit with Connect Crews. A Connect Crew is a small group of kids with one Crew Guide.

12

Open�n�

Sing & Play

11

Now’s a great time for Opening Options. Choose one—or both—to introduce today’s Bible discoveries.

Si�g & Pl�y

• Bible

Help kids transition, clean up the activities, and sit with Connect Crews. A Connect Crew is a small group of kids with one Crew Guide.

• media player

Si�g & Pl�y

Supplies • Bible

Hey, friends! It’s time to get moving and have a little fun. Let’s start with a song!

• media player Hey, friends! It’s time to get moving and have a little fun. Let’s start with a song!

“Let’s Get a Little Crazy” music video

“Let’s Get a Little Crazy” music video

We’re going to have a blast discovering that God always loves us. That’s our Bible Point today, so every time you hear someone say, “God always loves us,” I want you to respond in a special way. Do what I do! ● Open hands on either side of your face and say, “Wow, God!”

• Simply Video DVD “Let’s Get a Little Crazy” music video “One Thing Remains” music video “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands” music video

● Repeat several times.

We’re going to have a blast discovering that God always loves us. That’s our Memory Buddy God always loves us. (Wow, God!) Let’s celebrate God’s love with another song. video (Week 1) • Savanna Bible Bible Point today, so every time you hear someone say, “God always loves us,” Memory Buddy poster I want you to respond in a special way. Do what I do!

Savanna Bible

Repetition cements learning, so be sure to say today’s Bible Point A LOT. Have fun with it! Kids will love listening for it and responding with “Wow, God!”

● Open hands on either side ofRemains” yourmusic face “One Thing videoand say, “Wow, God!” ● Repeat several times.

Wow, G

o

God always loves us. (Wow, God!) Let’s celebrate God’s love with another song.

Repetition cements learning, so be sure to say today’s Bible Point A LOT. Have fun with it! Kids will love listening for it and responding with “Wow, God!”

• Simply Video DVD

“Let’s Get a Little Crazy” music video “One Thing Remains” music video

“He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands” music video Savanna Bible Memory Buddy video (Week 1) • Savanna Bible Memory Buddy poster

13

Circle Up & Connect

Supplies • Bible • “God Creates the World” Bible Story poster

d!

“One Thing Remains” music video

Bible Discovery

Wow, G

Bible Discovery

Let’s circle up and spend a little time simply getting to know each other in smaller groups called Connect Crews.

o

• paper

● Divide kids into Connect Crews with one helper—or Crew Guide—per group.

• pencils or pens

● Invite kids to sit in knee-to-knee circles with their Connect Crews. ● Have kids give their Crew Guides and each other fist bumps.

● Have kids take turns saying their names and answering the following question. Crew Guides go first.

Experience the Bible Story

We call helpers Crew Guides. If you lead a small class, you can be the Crew Guide. Simply circle up with the kids. If you have helpers, form smaller groups so each child can be known— and so kids can befriend your helpers, too!

Circle Up & Connect

Which would you rather have for a pet, a lion cub or a parakeet? Why?

Gather kids to sing and discover the Bible Point. Plus, a Bible Memory Buddy connects the Bible verse to kids’ everyday lives.

Supplies

countdown video

d!

(bookmark sians 3:18)

Apply-It Options

“God CreatesOp�ions the Open�n� World” Bible Story poster*

Bible Discovery We’ve given you lots of options, but don’t skip this part! It’s the “meat” of the lesson where kids experience God’s greatest gift in an interactive, hands-on way. There’s no time to be bored as kids and Connect Crews follow the Leader through a memorable Bible experience. You’ll read directly from the Bible throughout the Bible Discovery, so be sure to mark your place ahead of time and choose a kid-friendly translation to read from.

Let’s circle up and spend a little time simply getting to know each other in In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth—including lions and smaller groups called Connect Crews. parakeets. They’re both pretty cool. We can read about them and other things Let’s explore a story from the Bible. But instead of just listening to a story, you’ll actually help me tell it and play an important part!

God made in the first book of the Bible—Genesis! The word genesis means “beginning.” Genesis is the beginning of God’s story of love for us.

● Divide kids into Connect Crews with one helper—or Crew Guide—per group.

The world began because God made it. Let’s take an imaginary field trip and explore the world God made. I’ll be our tour guide! First let’s imagine we’re going outside. Don’t forget your jackets! Have everyone pretend to put on and zip up jackets. Let’s read what God made first.

● Invite kids to sit in knee-to-knee circles with their Connect Crews.

Read aloud Genesis 1:1-5.

● Have kids give their Crew Guides and each other fist bumps.

God began by separating light from dark. Then God spoke and made sky. First stop on our imaginary field trip? The sky! Let’s pretend we’re soaring through the sky! Have everyone hold out their arms like wings and veer from side to side.

Call out puffy cloud formations you “see” along the way.

Whew! That was quite the flight. I’m out of breath! Let’s take a few deep breaths and take in some oxygen.

Have everyone take several deep, dramatic breaths.

● Have kids take turns saying their names and answering the following question. Crew Guides go first.

Which would you rather have for a pet, a lion cub or a parakeet? Why?

As your tour guide, I have some fun facts to share with you. Did you know that air is a mixture of a lot of nitrogen, some oxygen, and a little bit of other gases? God gives us just the right amount of oxygen we need to live. That’s because God always loves us. (Wow, God!) Time for a new imaginary destination. We’re off to the beach! Don’t forget sunscreen. Have everyone pretend to lather up. Let’s imagine we’re sitting on the beach and listening to the ocean waves. Ah!

Experience the Bible Story

Let’s explore a story from the Bible. But instead of just listening to a story, 15 you’ll actually help me tell it and play an important part!

Supplies • Bible

• “God Creates the World” Bible Story poster • paper

• pencils or pens 13

We call helpers Crew Guides. If you lead a small class, you can be the Crew Guide. Simply circle up with the kids. If you have helpers, form smaller groups so each child can be known— and so kids can befriend your helpers, too!

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth—including lions and parakeets. They’re both pretty cool. We can read about them and other things God made in the first book of the Bible—Genesis! The word genesis means “beginning.” Genesis is the beginning of God’s story of love for us.

The world began because God made it. Let’s take an imaginary field trip and explore the world God made. I’ll be our tour guide! First let’s imagine we’re going outside. Don’t forget your jackets! Have everyone pretend to put on and zip up jackets. Let’s read what God made first.

Read aloud Genesis 1:1-5.

God began by separating light from dark. Then God spoke and made sky. First stop on our imaginary field trip? The sky! Let’s pretend we’re soaring through the sky! Have everyone hold out their arms like wings and veer from side to side.

Call out puffy cloud formations you “see” along the way.

Whew! That was quite the flight. I’m out of breath! Let’s take a few deep breaths and take in some oxygen.

Have everyone take several deep, dramatic breaths.

As your tour guide, I have some fun facts to share with you. Did you know that air is a mixture of a lot of nitrogen, some oxygen, and a little bit of other gases? God gives us just the right amount of oxygen we need to live. That’s because God always loves us. (Wow, God!)

How It Works

5

Apply-It Options

Ap�ly-It Op�ions Choose one—or both—of these activities to support kids’ learning after Bible Discovery.

Ap�ly-It Op�ions Ex�lore Mo�e

Ga�e

Supplies: Bibles, clear plastic cups, water, shaving cream, blue food coloring, wet wipes

Supplies: paper slips, pencils or pens, two containers

Distribute Bibles, and help kids find and read Genesis 1:6-8 together.

God separated land and sky. He created our atmosphere and weather. Let’s create sky cups!

● Have each child write on a slip of paper something God made. ● Fold papers, and divide them equally between two containers. ● Form two teams, and give each team a container of “creations.”

Fill a cup ¾ full of water. both containers on one side of the Choose one—or both—of●●these activities to support● Place kids’ learning after Bible Discovery. playing space.

Each team gathers in a line at Add shaving cream “clouds” to the top of the the opposite side.

water to create “sky.”

● Drop a few drops of blue food coloring “rain” on top of the shaving cream, and watch it fall into the water.

Ex�lore Mo�e

● Choose two children—one from each team—to run, choose a “creation,” then run back to their teams and silently act out their words.

Ga�e

Would you rather have a rainy day or a sunny day? Tell why.

● Those children high-five the team members who guess correctly. Then the next child on each team runs and chooses another paper.

Sometimes we refer to hard times in life as “dark” or “stormy” times.

● Have kids act out all the “creations” and then celebrate with high-fives.

Tell about a “stormy” time in your life.

Supplies: Bibles, clear plastic cups, water, shaving Did God’s love make a difference? Why or why not? cream, blue food coloring, wet wipes

Consider your time frame, and take your pick: a game or an activity that lets kids practice Bible skills! Each option applies the Bible Point to everyday kid life.

Supplies: paper slips, pencils or pens, two containers

What was it like guessing the creations?

How is that like or unlike seeing God’s love

for us in his creation? ● Have each child write on a slip of paper Whether it rains or shines, God always loves us. always loves us. The more we watch for and something God made.

Distribute Bibles, and help kids find and read God pay attention to glimpses of God in his creation, the better we’ll understand who he is and how much he loves us!

Genesis 1:6-8 together. ● Fold papers, and divide them equally between two containers.

God separated land and sky. He created our ● Form two teams, and give each team a atmosphere and weather. Let’s create sky cups! container of “creations.” ● Fill a cup ¾ full of water. ● Place both containers on one side of the playing space. Each team gathers in a line at ● Add shaving cream “clouds” to the top of the the opposite side. water to create “sky.” ● Choose two children—one from each team—to ● Drop a few drops of food coloring “rain” 18 blue Elementary | Quarter 1 | Unit 1 | Week 1 run, choose a “creation,” then run back to their on top of the shaving cream, and watch it fall teams and silently act out their words. into the water. ● Those children high-five the team members Would you rather have a rainy day or a who guess correctly. Then the next child on sunny day? Tell why. each team runs and chooses another paper.

Friendship Finale

● Have kids act out all the “creations” and then celebrate with high-fives.

What was it like guessing the creations?

• Take-It-Home Flyers (Unit 1, Week 1) (1 per child)

● Ask a willing child to help you demonstrate the following actions.

Take-It-Home Flyer

● While holding the Buddy Memory Buddy sticker, Crew Guides stretch arms up like tall trees. Kids pretend their arms are a giraffe’s neck as they reach up to receive the sticker. ● As they give each child a Bible Memory Buddy sticker, Crew Guides say, “[Child’s name], God always loves you.” ● Crew Guides give thumbs-up when everyone has received a sticker.

God Creates the World Genesis 1:1-25

“And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is.”

(Ephesians 3:18)

God always loves us… and gives us all we need to live.

It’s an amazing world you live in, and nobody knows that better than Jesus.

Why? Because from the very beginning of the beginning, he helped create it.

He knows what you need to feel safe and loved in this life. Those moments you feel warm and wrapped up in a hug? That’s him letting you know you’re loved!

And those moments your stomach does flip-flops, or you’re lonely or afraid about what’s coming next? He’s with you then, too.

He’s next to you, slipping his hand into yours. And there’s nothing the two of you can’t tackle together.

Jesus is your friend, and he’s with you through thick and thin. No matter what you’re going through, he gives you what you most need to live: the gift of himself.

Tell about a time Jesus helped you when your stomach was doing flip-flops.

Try This @ Home

Jesus will give you what you need this week. During your spelling test, at your practice, and when you’re feeling stuck, he’s with you!

So when you need something, ask him! Simply say, “Jesus, here’s how I’m feeling and what I need...” and then go from there. He’s listening!

may you have

. g, Inc Publishin

power to God always loves us.theThe more we watch for and understand, as pay attention to glimpses of God in his creation, all God’s people should, how who he is and how the better we’ll understand wide, how long, much he loves us! how high, and

Invite kids to sit in knee-to-knee circles with their Connect Crews.

Talk Starter

Saying each child’s name in a loving way helps kids simply experience God’s love through you!

Wrap up your lesson with a gospel-centered Jesus connection, and equip kids to continue faith conversations at home! Plus, affirm kids by name as you give each child a Bible Memory Buddy sticker at the end of each lesson.

How is that like or unlike seeing God’s love for us in his creation?

“And

Whether it rains or shines, God always loves us.

Our Bible Memory Buddy Savanna helps us remember God always loves us. (Wow, God!) You’ll each receive a Savanna sticker to help you remember God’s love throughout your week. Crew Guides will give each child a sticker like this:

020 G roup

I’m so glad our Creator made our world and gives us what we need to live! Our God always loves us. (Wow, God!) Have one side of the room say the Bible Point and the other echo. Repeat several times.

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(Ephesians 3:18)

• Savanna Bible Memory Buddy stickers (1 per child)

Fr�e�dsh�p Fi�a�e

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why not?

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Supplies

“And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is.”

Invite kids to sit in knee-to-knee circles with their Connect Crews.

how deep his love is.”

(Ephesians 3:18)

Spelling Test

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Sometimes we refer to hard times in life as “dark”

or “stormy” times.

Fr�e�dsh�p about a “stormy” time in your life.

Fi�a�e Tell Did God’s love make a difference? Why or

Supplies

• Savanna Bible Memory Buddy stickers (1 per child)

• Take-It-Home Flyers (Unit 1, Week 1) (1 per child)

Explore More @ Home Yes, Jesus was there at Creation!

See John 1:10.

The Bible says, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”

Want to hear something cool? Jesus was there, too! God later showed his love for us by sending Jesus to our world to rescue us from sin and be our friend.

Copyright © Group Publishing, Inc. Permission to photocopy this page granted for local church use. | group.com

I’m so glad our Creator made our world and gives us what we need to live! Our God always loves us. (Wow, God!) Have one side of the room say the Bible Point and the ● Read the first section of the Unit 1, Week 1 Take-It-Home Flyer. other echo. Repeat several times. ● Now I’ll give you one of these flyers to help you talk about Jesus’ love in Elementary, Quarter 1, Unit 1, Week 1

I’d like to read you something about our friend Jesus. As you listen, give yourself a little space so no one is right beside you. Pause as kids move. Now lie back, close your eyes, and imagine you’re looking up at a night sky filled with stars. Pause. Keep quietly stargazing as I read about Jesus.

your Connect Crews and at home, too.

● Distribute Take-It-Home Flyers to Crew Guides. Have them share about their own friendship with Jesus as they answer the “Talk Starter” question and then invite kids to share. ● Kids share prayer requests—things they’d like to tell Jesus—in their Connect Crews. ● Connect Crews pray together. ● Crew Guides distribute Take-It-Home Flyers and follow the directions to help kids fold the papers to “fly” home.

Our Bible Memory Buddy Savanna helps us remember God always loves us. (Wow, God!) You’ll each receive a Savanna sticker to help you remember God’s love throughout your week. Crew Guides will give each child a sticker like this: 19

● Ask a willing child to help you demonstrate the following actions. ● While holding the Buddy Memory Buddy sticker, Crew Guides stretch arms up like tall trees. Kids pretend their arms are a giraffe’s neck as they reach up to receive the sticker.

18

As they each Elementary | Quarter 1 ● | Unit 1 | give Week 1 child a Bible Memory Buddy sticker, Crew Guides say, “[Child’s name], God always loves you.” ● Crew Guides give thumbs-up when everyone has received a sticker.

Take-It-Home Flyer God Creates the World

Genesis 1:1-25

“And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is.”

(Ephesians 3:18)

God always loves us… and gives us all we need to live.

It’s an amazing world you live in, and nobody knows that better than Jesus.

Why? Because from the very beginning of the beginning, he helped create it.

He knows what you need to feel safe and loved in this life. Those moments you feel warm and wrapped up in a hug? That’s him letting you know you’re loved!

And those moments your stomach does flip-flops, or you’re lonely or afraid about what’s coming next? He’s with you then, too.

He’s next to you, slipping his hand into yours. And there’s nothing the two of you can’t tackle together.

Jesus is your friend, and he’s with you through thick and thin. No matter what you’re going through, he gives you what you most need to live: the gift of himself.

Talk Starter

Saying each child’s name in a loving way helps kids simply experience God’s love through you!

A Simple, Flexible Format!

The Bible says, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”

Want to hear something cool? Jesus was there, too! God later showed his love for us by sending Jesus to our world to rescue us from sin and be our friend.

Tell about a time Jesus helped you when your stomach was doing flip-flops.

Try This @ Home Jesus will give you what you need this week. During your spelling test, at your practice, and when you’re feeling stuck, he’s with you!

So when you need something, ask him! Simply say, “Jesus, here’s how I’m feeling and what I need...” and then go from there. He’s listening!

Spelling Test

Explore More @ Home Yes, Jesus was there at Creation!

See John 1:10.

Copyright © Group Publishing, Inc. Permission to photocopy this page granted for local church use. | group.com

Elementary, Quarter 1, Unit 1, Week 1

Age-Graded Classrooms

I’d like to read you something about our friend Jesus. As you listen, give yourself a little space so no one is right beside you. Pause as kids move. Now lie back, close your eyes, and imagine you’re looking up at a night sky filled with stars. Pause. Keep quietly stargazing as I read about Jesus.

It’s simple! You’ll need one prepared leader and at least one helper (we call helpers Crew Guides) for each teaching space. We recommend having a media player handy in each space for music and each week’s Bible Memory Buddy video. ● Read the first section of the Unit 1, Week 1 Take-It-Home Flyer.

● Now I’ll give you one of these flyers to help you talk about Jesus’ love in your Connect Crews and at home, too.

● Distribute Take-It-Home Flyers to Crew Guides. Have them share about their own friendship with Jesus as they answer the “Talk Starter” question and then invite kids to share. ● Kids share prayer requests—things they’d like to tell Jesus—in their Connect Crews. ● Connect Crews pray together.

● Crew Guides distribute Take-It-Home Flyers and follow the directions to help kids fold the papers to “fly” home.

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Age-Graded Classrooms With a Multi-Age Opening It’s simple! Lead the Sing & Play section with all ages together. Set up a media player in your gathering area so that when you’re all together, you can sing along with music videos, introduce the Bible Point, and meet the Bible Memory Buddy! Then, disperse to age-graded classrooms for Bible Discovery, Apply-It Options, and the Friendship Finale. You’ll need one prepared leader and at least one helper (we call helpers Crew Guides) for each teaching space.

One (big or small) Room With Multi-Age Kids It’s simple! You’ll need one prepared leader plus at least one helper (we call helpers Crew Guides).

Ideally, you’ll have one Crew Guide for every five to eight kids, but it can work with your church’s volunteer-to-children ratios. We recommend having a media player handy for music and each week’s Bible Memory Buddy video.

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How It Works

Our Strategic Approach

There are “whys” behind every lesson component, and we want to share them with you! Here are the guiding principles behind the creation of Simply Loved Sunday school curriculum.

You may have heard…

But we’ve found…

That’s why…

“It’s hard to recruit volunteers.”

When volunteers need less prep time, have fun, and feel like they’re making a difference, they’ll make serving a priority.

Simply Loved volunteer roles are important, but easy!

“Kids need to be entertained.”

Kids need to be noticed and loved.

Simply Loved lessons are designed to help you listen to kids and get to know them.

“You need a lot of supplies.”

You need only a few supplies used in creative ways.

Simply Loved incorporates minimal supplies each unit but uses them in innovative ways to introduce and apply the day’s lesson.

“We need helpers— any warm body will do.”

Helpers don’t just assist. Even though they don’t need to prep, they serve an important relational purpose and make a big difference in kids’ lives.

Simply Loved helpers have a name and an elevated role: they’re “Crew Guides”! They participate along with the kids, play a meaningful role in lessons, and make a difference by building friendships with kids.

“Kids are rarely able to remember Scripture.”

Creating a visual and emotional connection to Scripture dramatically helps kids remember and understand why the Bible matters in their everyday lives.

Simply Loved incorporates kid-friendly videos featuring Bible Memory Buddies (animals God created) to help them understand Bible truths and trigger Scripture memory. And Bible Memory Buddies help discoveries stick! (wink, wink)

“Teachers are Bible experts.”

Teachers are channels of friendship who help children understand and experience Jesus’ love.

Simply Loved uses human relationships to communicate God’s love in a tangible way. Built-in conversation starters help teachers share their personal stories and their own friendship with Jesus.

“Covering a lot of information is intimidating.”

Reaching children is simple when you focus on one Bible Point.

Simply Loved repeats key Bible Points in different ways so truths sink deep. And it combines the repetition of a Bible Point with an auditory and physical response that will stick with kids long after your lesson ends.

“Success requires getting through the whole lesson.”

You’ll clearly communicate the key Bible Point no matter how far you get.

With Simply Loved, a palette of Bible-Point-supporting options gives you the freedom to choose what works for your kids and your time frame. So no matter how much of the lesson you complete, the Truth from God’s Word shines through.

“Kids’ll get bored if you repeat something they’ve heard before.”

Kids appreciate routine and repetition when it’s done in a fun way.

Simply Loved’s scope and sequence intentionally repeats the Bible verse and Point for four weeks. This strategically cements Bible learning no matter how often kids attend.

Our Strategic Approach

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Helping Elementary Kids Become Rooted in Faith As their Leader, you get to show elementary-age children what loving Jesus looks like! And Simply Loved will help. Simply Loved incorporates the following Age-Level Teaching Tips to create a rich environment where elementary kids grow a lasting friendship with Jesus.

Go Deeper As kids get older, we may be tempted to throw more Bible stories and Bible information at them. But elementary kids don’t need more things to learn; they need to dig deeper into the truths they’ve been introduced to. That’s why Simply Loved explores one Bible Point for four weeks and why open-ended questions meet kids right where they are—no matter their grade or prior knowledge of the Bible.

Make It Fun You know, we often differentiate between “fun” and the “meat” of our lessons. We think that if we incorporate a game or free play, then we’re making time for fun. But with Simply Loved, Bible discoveries are as fun as game time, and prayers are as fun as videos!

Keep It Simple Kids benefit from messages that are short, sweet, and relevant to their everyday lives. That’s why Simply Loved Bible lessons center around one short, simple, memorable Bible Point. Repetition cements learning, so repeating Bible truths helps kids remember them when they need it the most.

Build Friendships Friendship matters to elementary kids. So Simply Loved builds friendships by allowing time for kids to talk and get to know each other. Plus, Simply Loved encourages you to break up into smaller groups called Connect Crews. That way each child is seen and known, and when a question is asked, everyone has a chance to talk and share.

Be Authentic In order to build real friendships with kids, you need to let them see leaders as real people. That’s why, when asking a question, Simply Loved encourages Leaders and Crew Guides to share from their own lives first and model the answer. When you go first, you’re honestly telling kids about your own struggles and experiences—and even hard-to-reach kids will follow your lead.

Connect to Emotion God has wired us with emotions, and the Bible is filled with stories of real people who experienced fear, sadness, joy, doubt, fatigue, and confusion. That’s why Simply Loved identifies and evokes key emotions each week. Connecting to emotion cements learning and helps elementary kids know that Jesus understands their feelings and is with them, no matter what.

Point Out Kids’ Purpose Kids don’t need to wait until they’re grown up to fulfill God’s purpose for their lives; they can do it right now! That’s why Simply Loved intentionally incorporates time each week for Leaders to affirm and encourage kids as they grow closer to Jesus.

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Helping Elementary Kids Become Rooted in Faith

Supply Closet In�entory

how God “For this is s He ga�e hi : ld or w e loved th Son.” ly on nd a one

Elementary—Holiday Year 1 Have these items handy for some hands-on fun!

balloons

Music Video DVD*

streamers

Buddy Video DVD*

tinsel garland

Bible Story posters*

beach balls (optional)

Bible Memory Buddy poster*

Easter candy

Bible Memory Buddy stickers*

Take-It-Home Flyers*

media player

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Odds & Ends

wrapping paper

container

Art Supplies

smartphones or flashlights

markers

tape

wrapped gift with treats inside for everyone

chenille wires

2 large envelopes

pony beads

paper cups

child-safe scissors

palm branches (optional)

pencils and pens

paper

index cards

permanent markers (optional)

* in your Simply Loved Kit

Supply Closet Inventory

9

Take-It-Home Flyer Tips

Follow these steps to get Take-It Home Flyers off the ground effectively so they’ll cruise on a direct flight home.

1. Follow your Simply Loved Leader Guide. The end of each elementary lesson is strategically written to incorporate these flyers.

2. Read the first page to your whole group of kids first. This is meant to be a quiet prayer time that intentionally connects kids to their friend Jesus.

3. Next, ask the “Talk Starter” question aloud, and give time for kids to discuss and pray in Connect Crews.

4. THEN, and only then, distribute Take-It-Home Flyers to kids. If you choose to forgo this strategic order, prepare to have papers whizzing by your head before you’re ready for them.

5. Be sure to point out the challenge on the top of the folding instructions page. That’ll really motivate kids to make sure this page gets home.

6. Be sure to give each helper a copy, too—not to fold for themselves, but so kids can reference the instructions once folding begins.

Prepare for takeoff!

Help your ministry to families really take off with these specially crafted Take-It-Home Flyers.

After reading each Jesus-centered flyer and talking with their Connect Crews, kids will follow the directions and fold these flyers into 3-D masterpieces!

Once home, they’ll transport meaningful opportunities for Jesus-centered family fun.

Cool questions help family members tell stories about their own friendship with Jesus!

Kids and families will love these practical ways to live out faith at home.

After kids make Bible discoveries at church, families can explore more about each lesson’s Bible content at home.

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Christmas | Week 1

An Angel Appears to Joseph

We Celebrate Jesus

(Matthew 1:18-24)

“For this is how God loved the world: He ga�e his one and only Son.”

Bible Point

We celebrate Jesus…because we trust him.

John 3:16

Purpose

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Hmm. What’s on kids’ minds? What may keep them up at night this Christmas season? You may not know, but Jesus does. He’s Immanuel, God with us. Use this lesson to comfort kids with Jesus’ presence, reminding them—and yourself—that you can trust God with your worries and fears.

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Wouldn’t it be interesting to know Joseph’s thoughts as he fell asleep that night? After hearing about Mary’s pregnancy, deciding to divorce her quietly, and processing lost hopes and unfulfilled plans, Joseph’s brain may have been on overdrive. But when sleep came, so did a message from God: “Marry Mary. Name the baby Jesus. Trust.”

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You turn off the light, pull up the covers, and settle in for a “long winter’s nap.” Not a creature is stirring—except for your racing thoughts. You think about that not-so-great news about a family member. You ponder the headlines. You mentally assess what you need to do tomorrow. Sleep is elusive.

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Prayer

Dear Jesus, you are our Lord, Immanuel. Thanks for being with me as I teach kids today. I celebrate you!

In your name, amen.

Prep

Opening Options

Sing & Play

Option Cards*

countdown video*

Throw and Tell: balloons, streamers, markers, tape

Music Video DVD*

Buddy Video DVD*

Olivia Bible Memory Buddy poster*

media player

Bible (bookmark John 3:16)

Twisty Tree Ornaments: chenille wires, pony beads, scissors

Bible Discovery & Friendship Finale

“An Angel Appears to Joseph” Bible Story poster*

Olivia Bible Memory Buddy stickers* (1 per child)

Take-It-Home Flyers* (Christmas, Week 1) (1 per child)

Bible (bookmark Matthew 1:20-21, 22-23, 24)

pieces of wrapping paper, each about 4x4 inches

pens

Apply-It Options

Explore More: Bibles, pieces of tinsel garland

Game: tinsel garland, small pieces of paper, pen, container

* in your Simply Loved Kit 11

Opening Options

Set up one—or both—of these intro activities to start your time together. Each activity connects kids to the Bible Point and to each other. Cut apart these Option Cards, and place one by each activity you choose. Crew Guides will follow the directions and build friendships with kids as they make discoveries together!

Throw and Tell

Twisty Tree Ornaments

Supplies

Supplies

• balloons, streamers, markers, tape

• chenille wires, pony beads, scissors

● Write the following categories on small pieces of streamer: favorite Christmas song, favorite Christmas movie, favorite kind of Christmas cookie, favorite Christmas tree ornament, favorite Christmas decoration at home, and favorite candy cane flavor. ● Tape streamers to an inflated balloon. ● Toss the balloon five times in a group.

Whoever catches it on the fifth toss answers the question closest to his or her right thumb.

Make ornaments for your Christmas tree.

W hat’s the coolest Christmas ornament you’ve ever seen?

Some people put an angel at the top of their Christmas tree. In the Bible, an angel told a man named Joseph some surprising news—Jesus would be born! At Christmas, we celebrate Jesus!

● Repeat.

Thanks for sharing your favorite things about Christmas. All these fun Christmas favorites help us celebrate Jesus!

Copyright © Group Publishing, Inc. | group.com/SimplyLoved

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Copyright © Group Publishing, Inc. | group.com/SimplyLoved

Opening Now’s a great time for Opening Options. Choose one—or both—to introduce today’s Bible discoveries.

countdown video (1 minute) Help kids transition, clean up the activities, and sit with Connect Crews. A Connect Crew is a small group of kids with one Crew Guide.

Sing & Play Merry Christmas! It’s the most wonderful time of the year because we get to celebrate Jesus. Let’s start with a song.

“Joy to the World!” music video

Bible Point Today’s Bible Point is we celebrate Jesus. Every time you hear the words “We celebrate Jesus,” you’ll respond in a certain way. Do what I do! ● Make fists, then pop hands open like fireworks and say, “Hooray, Jesus!” ● Repeat several times.

Supplies • Bible • media player • Music Video DVD “Joy to the World!” music video “What Child Is This?” music video • Buddy Video DVD Olivia Bible Memory Buddy video (Week 1) • Olivia Bible Memory Buddy poster

Repetition cements learning, so be sure to say today’s Bible Point A LOT. Have fun with it! Kids will love listening for it and responding with “Hooray, Jesus!”

All around the world, people celebrate Jesus’ birth. Let’s celebrate all around our room and do the Christmas wave! ● Lead “the wave” across your room. ● Start at one side, and when you point to kids sitting in that section, they’ll stand up, throw their hands up in the air, and shout “Celebrate!”

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s! ray, Jesu

● Do this a few times, encouraging kids to add more energy and enthusiasm each time.

We celebrate a lot of things: when our favorite team wins, when people get married, and when babies are born. Today we’ll celebrate the birth of a very special baby—Jesus!

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Bible Memory Buddy & Verse But first, let’s meet our Bible Memory Buddy. Whoo could it be? Why, it’s Olivia the barn owl! Show the Bible Memory Buddy poster. How much do you already know about owls? Let’s find out with a This-or-That Challenge! You’ll hear two fun facts about barn owls. It’s up to you to decide which is true—this fact or that!

Olivia

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son.”

About how many months old is a barn owl when it takes its first flight?

(John 3:16)

Copyright © 2020 Group Publishing, Inc., Loveland, CO • group.com • Printed in the United States of America • 1210000315953

● Have everyone spread their arms out like wings and then clap once to vote for this (one month) or clap twice to vote for that (two months).

● Make a drumroll sound by patting your thighs or the floor. ● Dramatically give the answer: Baby barn owls start to fly when they are about two months old. Let’s find out more about Olivia. ● Watch the Bible Memory Buddy video.

Olivia Bible Memory Buddy video (Week 1) Show the Bible. The Bible is God’s true story of love! From the end of the Old Testament to when the New Testament of the Bible begins, 400 years passed. And then, when the time was just right, God did something incredible. Our Bible Memory Verse tells what God did. It’s John 3:16. Let’s say the verse together. I’ll say a line, and then you repeat after me.

“For this is how God loved the world: (make a heart shape with hands) He gave his one and only Son.” (extend arm and hold up pointer finger) (John 3:16) Christmas is about celebrating God’s greatest gift—Jesus! We celebrate Jesus.

(Hooray, Jesus!) Let’s sing about this special child.

“What Child Is This?” music video

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Elementary | Holiday Year 1 | Christmas Week 1

Bible Discovery Circle Up & Connect

Let’s circle up and spend a little time simply getting to know each other in smaller groups called Connect Crews.

Supplies • Bible • “An Angel Appears to Joseph” Bible Story poster

● Have kids form Connect Crews with one helper—or Crew Guide—per group.

• pieces of wrapping paper, each about 4x4 inches

● Invite kids to sit in knee-to-knee circles with their Connect Crews.

• pens

● Have kids give their Crew Guides and each other a fist bump with fireworks. ● Ask kids to take turns saying their names and answering this question.

Crew Guides go first.

Describe your perfect dream. What would happen? When would you wake up?

Experience the Bible Story Our Bible story comes from the book of Matthew, chapter one. Instead of just listening to the story, you’ll all play a part in it. First, we need an angel. Crew Guides, choose one person in your Connect Crew to be an angel. You have five seconds. Go! Do a countdown from five.

We call helpers Crew Guides. If you lead a small class, you can be the Crew Guide. Simply circle up with the kids. If you have helpers, form smaller groups so each child can be known— and so kids can befriend your helpers, too!

Now, Angels, spread your wings and “fly” around your Connect Crew circles.

As they “fly,” glance at the bookmarked passage in the Bible, then call out for the Angels to freeze.

Actually, the Bible doesn’t say anything about the angel having wings. Or a halo. It doesn’t even say if the angel was a male or female. Hmm. So, Angels, walk back to your spot in the circle in a normal kind of way. Pause while Angels return to their seats.

Everyone else, you’re Joseph. You’ve had a hard day. Show me how tired you are. Pause.

Josephs, it’s time to get ready for bed. First, pretend to eat a snack. Pause.

Yum. Thirsty? Pretend to drink a glass of milk. Pause. Falling asleep with stinky breath is the worst. Be sure to brush your teeth, Josephs! Pause.

Josephs, close your eyes and try to fall asleep. I’ll be quiet. Pause for about 10 seconds. Are you asleep yet? Invite responses from Josephs. No? It’s hard to sleep when you’ve got a lot on your mind. Let’s try again. I’ll stop talking and let you get some rest. Pause for about 10 more seconds, then whisper, Josephs must be sleeping; I hear snoring. Have kids snore.

Finally, Joseph fell asleep. Sleep may not have come easily because he had a lot on his mind. You see, Joseph was engaged to be married, but he was thinking of calling it all off. He had found out that Mary, his fiancée, was going to have a baby. And he knew that he wasn’t the father.

15

Go ahead and open your eyes and talk about something with your Crews. ● Have Crews sit in knee-to-knee circles.

Tell about a time you had a lot on your mind. What were you worried about?

● Give Crews several minutes to talk.

Sounds like you know what it’s like to have a lot on your mind. When we finally fall asleep, sleep sometimes helps our worries. So, Josephs, close your eyes again and pretend to sleep. Pause.

Joseph drifted off to sleep, and he had a dream. Listen as I read about it.

Read aloud Matthew 1:20-21.

Angels, walk around your Crew circles again. This time, give each Joseph a little shake on the shoulder and say, “Don’t be afraid!” Josephs, open your eyes when you get the message. Pause as Angels deliver their messages.

Joseph didn’t have to worry because God wasn’t going to stay far away from this prickly situation. Instead, God was going to come near. In fact, he would come to earth as a baby. He’d be with Joseph, so close that Joseph could hold his hand and tickle his toes. Imagine that! Have kids look at their fingers. God with fingers. Whoa.

The angel had told Joseph to name the baby Jesus. The angel also talked about another name for Jesus. Let’s read and find out what it is.

Read aloud Matthew 1:22-23.

The name Immanuel means “God is with us.” God would send his Son, Jesus, to earth. Jesus is fully God—with Creator power and love—and also fully human—with toes and fingers. He’d need people to take care of him. Jesus needed a mom, a dad, and a family. That’s where Joseph came in.

Joseph woke up. The angel was gone. Angels, walk to the back of the room.

Pause and watch. Eh, that’s not so fun. Go ahead…fly! Pause while Angels “fly” to the back of your room.

Josephs, hurry! Stand up like you just got out of bed. Have Josephs stand up and stretch. What would Joseph do? Would he believe and obey the angel?

Have Angels wave and smile. Or would Joseph take off and run? Let’s read and find out.

Read aloud Matthew 1:24.

Joseph chose to trust what he didn’t fully understand. Joseph married Mary. Soon they’d travel to the town of Bethlehem, and that’s where Jesus was born.

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Elementary | Holiday Year 1 | Christmas Week 1

Show the Bible Story poster. Jesus had a family—and Joseph accepted his part in God’s plan to show the world his love through Jesus. Have Josephs say “Hooray, Jesus!” and make fist fireworks several times.

Applaud all the actors, and have Connect Crews sit in knee-to-knee circles again.

Let’s talk more in our Crews. ● Think back to what you shared before—about that time you were worried. Whether you realized it or not, Immanuel was with you.

How does it help you to know that you are never alone—that

Jesus is with you? Share from your own life first, then invite Crew Guides to start conversations in their Crews.

● Give Connect Crews several minutes to discuss.

An Angel Appears 1 2 to Joseph M

The Heart of the Matter

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Holiday Year 1, Christmas Week 1 Illustrated by Dana Regan. Copyright © 2020 Group Publishing, Inc., Loveland, CO • group.com Printed in the United States of America • 1210000315977

Give each Connect Crew pieces of wrapping paper and pens.

Think of a fear or a worry that you have right now. Then grab a piece of wrapping paper and scrunch it into a worry wad to represent that worry.

Pause as kids make worry wads. Now hold the worry wad in your hand as I pray.

Dear Jesus, thank you for being Immanuel—God with us. When we are lonely, or worried, or scared, you’re with us. We don’t have to face life alone, because we have you. In your name, amen.

Now fold your hands together with the worry wad inside. Imagine that Jesus is holding your hand and carrying your worry with you. Pause. Pray and talk with Jesus now. You could tell him that you trust him with your worry and you love him. Pause for 10-20 seconds.

Okay, everyone, smooth out the worry wad and write “God is with us” on the paper. Crew Guides, be ready to help with spelling, if needed. Give Crews time to write.

Friends, God is with you, and he’s with people you love, and he’s with people all around the world. ● Who do you know who needs a reminder that God is with them? Write that person’s name on your paper. Don’t forget to write your name, too, because God is with you! Give Crews time to write.

God’s presence is a gift! Take this paper with you to remind you that Jesus is with you and the people you love.

Now’s a great time for Apply-It Options. Choose one—or both—of the following reinforcement activities to support today’s Bible discoveries before the Friendship Finale.

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Apply-It Options Choose one—or both—of these activities to support kids’ learning after Bible Discovery.

Explore More

Game

Supplies

Supplies

• Bibles, pieces of tinsel garland

• tinsel garland, small pieces of paper, pen, container

The book of Matthew starts with the Christmas story; now let’s see how Matthew ends.

Play Charades with tinsel!

Distribute Bibles, and help kids find and read Matthew 28:20 together.

Jesus was saying goodbye, but he still wanted his friends to trust him.

How do friendships change when people don’t see each other a lot?

Jesus didn’t say, “You’re on your own!” Instead he said, “I am with you.” Friendship with Jesus would still be good, but it’d be different. Sometimes it can feel like Jesus isn’t with us anymore because we can’t see him. But there are lots of real things we can’t see. I’ll show you, and this tinsel will help. Do what I do. ● Distribute a piece of tinsel to each person. ● We can’t see oxygen, but it’s with us. Take a deep breath and hold it while you wrap tinsel around a finger as fast as you can. ● We can’t see carbon dioxide, but it’s with us.

We’re constantly blowing it into the air. Blow the tinsel into the air. ● We can’t see gravity, but it’s with us, too.

Throw tinsel up, and watch it float down.

We can’t see Jesus, but he’s here. He’s Immanuel, God with us. Let’s celebrate Jesus. (Hooray, Jesus!)

Throw tinsel in the air like confetti.

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Write Christmas-themed objects on separate pieces of paper and place them in a container. Ideas include: Christmas tree, present, star, angel, snowflake, candy cane, bow, stocking. ● Give each Crew some tinsel. ● One member of each Crew huddles with the Leader around the container while the Leader selects a piece of paper and quietly reads it to kids. ● Kids rush back and shape the tinsel into that object while Crew members guess the object. ● The first Crew to guess correctly gets a point. ● Crews send new members to the Leader for another word. ● Continue playing as time allows or until you run out of words.

What was it like to guess what your team

members were trying to tell you with tinsel?

We used tinsel to communicate. In our Bible story, an angel communicated God’s plan. Joseph got the message and became Jesus’ dad—kind of like his earthly stepdad, actually! It wasn’t what Joseph expected, and he may not have seen the big picture right away, but he trusted God and was there to celebrate Jesus’ birth! We celebrate Jesus today, too! (Hooray, Jesus!)

John 3:16

• Olivia Bible Memory Buddy stickers (1 per child) • Take-It-Home Flyers (Christmas, Week 1) (1 per child)

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Have kids sit in knee-to-knee circles with their Connect Crews.

“For this is how God loved the world: He ga�e his one and only Son.”

Copyright ©

Friendship Finale

Supplies

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We celebrate Jesus. (Hooray, Jesus!) ,I Olivia the barn owl’s face is shaped nc .0 01 US like a heart. She reminds us that God A0 420 loved the world so much he sent Jesus.

You’ll each receive an Olivia sticker to remind you that Jesus is with you throughout your week. You can wear it now or keep it for later. Crew Guides will give each person a sticker like this. hi lis ub

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● Demonstrate the following actions with a Connect Crew. ● Have kids hold their hands in the shape of an owl-face heart. As Crew Guides hand each child a sticker, kids separate their hands and grab the sticker so it’s in the middle of the “heart.” ● As they give each child a Bible Memory Buddy sticker in the same way, Crew Guides say, “[Child’s name], celebrate your friend, Jesus.” ● Crew Guides give thumbs-up when everyone has received a sticker.

Take-It-Home Flyer An Angel Appears to Joseph

Christmas

(Matthew 1:18-24)

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son.” (John 3:16)

We celebrate Jesus… because we trust him.

What’s your favorite way to celebrate your birthday?

Maybe it’s taking blindfolded swings at a piñata. Cutting bigger-than-big slices of cake.

Pulling ribbons off gifts, singing songs, playing games, laughing with family and friends.

Or maybe you celebrate by giving everyone else a gift.

Wait…what? You’re supposed to get presents on your birthday, not give them. Isn’t that how it works?

That’s not how Jesus did it.

Jesus came to earth to give us a gift: forgiveness for our sins. Because of him, we can become forever friends with God. Both now, and forever in heaven someday.

So celebrate Jesus! He’s the best gift-giver ever!

Saying each child’s name in a loving way helps kids simply experience God’s love through you!

Christmas is Jesus’ birthday. But we aren’t just celebrating his birth. We celebrate his willingness to come to earth and die on the cross to forgive our sin. And we celebrate that he beat death and gives us forever friendship and life with him. We celebrate Jesus. (Hooray, Jesus!)

arter Talk St

Tell about a great gift you were given.

What was it, and who gave it to you? Why did you like the gift so much?

Try This @ Home Get everyone who lives with you together and sing “Happy Birthday” to Jesus.

Explore More @ Home

We’re not the only ones to celebrate Jesus! See Romans 11:36; Luke 19:37-40; and Luke 2:13-14.

Copyright © Group Publishing, Inc. Permission to photocopy this page granted for local church use. | group.com/SimplyLoved

Elementary, Holiday Year 1, Christmas Week 1

I’d like to read you something about our friend Jesus. As you listen, close your eyes and imagine you’re holding a big, beautifully wrapped present. Pause. Can you picture it? Now listen as I read. ● Read the first section of the Christmas, Week 1 Take-It-Home Flyer. ● Now I’ll give you one of these flyers to help you talk about Jesus’ love in your Connect Crews and at home, too. Think of this as a practice time for talking about Jesus with your family at home. ● Distribute Take-It-Home Flyers to Crew Guides, and have them share about their own friendship with Jesus as they discuss the “Talk Starter” question and then invite kids to share. ● Kids share prayer requests and pray together in Connect Crews. ● Crew Guides distribute Take-It-Home Flyers and follow the directions to help kids fold the paper to “fly” home.

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Elementary | Holiday Year 1 | Christmas Week 1

Christmas | Week 2

Magi Search for the Messiah

We Celebrate Jesus

(Matthew 2:1-12)

“For this is how God loved the world: He ga�e his one and only Son.”

Bible Point

John 3:16

We celebrate Jesus…because he’s the King of kings.

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If you were to poll the kids in your class about their perception of kings, what would they say? Perhaps they’d mention biblical kings like David or Solomon. Maybe they’d talk about kings in movies or ones they’d heard about in history class.

Copyright ©

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Monarchs aren’t exactly a part of kids’ everyday lives—especially kids who’ve grown up in a democracy. So what does it really mean that Jesus is the King of kings? Why does it matter?

Kids may not serve a king, but they are used to having people in charge. They’ve heard “Because I said so.” Some kids may even long for someone to look up to and who will take care of them.

Through this lesson, you’ll point kids to Jesus. He’s in charge of everything, yet he chose to come to earth as a baby and make a way to be our friend. Now that’s a king worth serving!

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Prayer

God, thank you for sharing your Son, Jesus, with us. Please help me lead kids to celebrate Jesus every day. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Prep

Opening Options

Sing & Play

Option Cards*

countdown video*

Balloon Unwrap: balloons, streamers, tape

Music Video DVD*

Buddy Video DVD*

Olivia Bible Memory Buddy poster*

media player

Bible (bookmark John 3:16)

Fit for a King: chenille wires, pony beads, scissors

Bible Discovery & Friendship Finale

“Magi Search for the Messiah” Bible Story poster

Olivia Bible Memory Buddy stickers* (1 per child)

Bible (bookmark Matthew 2:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 9-11, 12)

Take-It-Home Flyers* (Christmas, Week 2) (1 per child)

smartphones or flashlights (1 per Crew)

wrapped gift with treats inside for everyone

Apply-It Options

Explore More: Bibles, paper, markers

Game: balloons

* in your Simply Loved Kit 21

Opening Options

Set up one—or both—of these intro activities to start your time together. Each activity connects kids to the Bible Point and to each other. Cut apart these Option Cards, and place one by each of the activities you choose.

Crew Guides will follow the directions and build friendships with kids as they make discoveries together!

Balloon Unwrap

Fit for a King

Supplies

Supplies

• balloons, streamers, tape

• chenille wires, pony beads, scissors

Completely wrap an inflated balloon with several layers of streamers, taping streamers to the balloon as necessary. Then everyone wraps tape around the fingers on both hands as if wearing mittens!

Create a chenille wire wristband to give to a friend or family member.

Next, play an unwrapping game. Each person has 10 seconds to unwrap as much of the balloon as possible before giving it to the next person to try.

The person who removes the last streamer from the balloon wins. ell about a gift you couldn’t wait to T unwrap.

T ell us about the person you’ll give your wristband to.

T ell about a special gift someone has given you.

God gave all people an amazing gift—Jesus!

Christmas is all about celebrating Jesus and sharing his love with others.

It’s fun to give gifts at Christmas. In our Bible story, we’ll discover the gifts that special visitors brought as a way to celebrate Jesus.

Copyright © Group Publishing, Inc. | group.com/SimplyLoved

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Copyright © Group Publishing, Inc. | group.com/SimplyLoved

Opening Now’s a great time for Opening Options. Choose one—or both—to introduce today’s Bible discoveries.

countdown video (1 minute) Help kids transition, clean up the activities, and sit with Connect Crews. A Connect Crew is a small group of kids with one Crew Guide.

Sing & Play Hello, friends. It’s Christmastime! Hmm. What’s so special about this baby we’re celebrating? Let’s sing a song and find out!

“What Child Is This?” music video

Bible Point Jesus is Christ the king. Shepherds and angels celebrated, and we can, too. If you’re ready to hear our Bible Point today, pat your lap like a drumroll. Pause for a reaction. Okay! Our Bible Point today is we celebrate Jesus! So every time you hear someone say, “We celebrate Jesus,” I want you to respond in a certain way. Do what I do!

Supplies • Bible • media player • Music Video DVD “What Child Is This?” music video “Joy to the World!” music video • Buddy Video DVD Olivia Bible Memory Buddy video (Week 2) • Olivia Bible Memory Buddy poster

● Make fists, then pop hands open like fireworks and say, “Hooray, Jesus!” ● Repeat several times.

Repetition cements learning, so be sure to say today’s Bible Point A LOT. Have fun with it! Kids will love listening for it and responding with “Hooray, Jesus!”

We celebrate Jesus. (Hooray, Jesus!) Jesus came to show God’s love to all people: rich or poor, young or old. Jesus is a gift for everyone!

H oo

s! ray, Jesu

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Bible Memory Buddy & Verse Let’s check in with our Bible Memory Buddy. It’s Olivia the barn owl! Show the Bible Memory Buddy poster. Owls are very interesting and unique creatures. Let’s see what you know—or don’t know—about these beautiful birds with a This-or-That Challenge! You’ll hear two fun facts about barn owls. It’s up to you to decide which is true—this fact or that!

Olivia

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son.”

Does a barn owl screech (imitate a screech) or hoot

(John 3:16)

(imitate a hoot)?

Copyright © 2020 Group Publishing, Inc., Loveland, CO • group.com • Printed in the United States of America • 1210000315953

● Have everyone screeeech to vote for this (screech) or hooooot to vote for that (hoot). ● Make a drumroll sound by patting your thighs or the floor.

● Dramatically give the answer: Barn owls screech—they don’t hoot. ● If you’re ready to watch our Bible Memory Buddy video, bob your head like an owl! ● Watch today’s Bible Memory Buddy video about Olivia.

Olivia Bible Memory Buddy video (Week 2) Show the Bible. The Bible is God’s true story of love, written for us! The Bible has two main sections: the Old Testament, which promises Jesus, and the New Testament, which tells about after Jesus came. Our Bible Memory Verse is John 3:16. Let’s say the verse together. I’ll say a line, and then you repeat after me.

“For this is how God loved the world: (make a heart shape with hands) He gave his one and only Son.” (extend arm and hold up pointer finger) (John 3:16) Our bobbing and screeching frind Olivia the barn owl is a great reminder that we celebrate Jesus. (Hooray, Jesus!) Jesus is King over everything, and yet he wants to be our friend. Let’s sing another song to celebrate we’re friends with the King!

“Joy to the World!” music video

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Elementary | Holiday Year 1 | Christmas Week 2

Bible Discovery Circle Up & Connect

Let’s circle up and spend a little time simply getting to know each other in smaller groups called Connect Crews. ● Arrange kids into Connect Crews, with one helper—or Crew Guide—per group. ● Invite kids to sit in knee-to-knee circles with their Connect Crews. ● Have kids give their Crew Guides an elbow bump. ● Ask kids to take turns saying their names and answering this question.

Crew Guides go first.

If you could travel somewhere far away, where would you go? Why?

Experience the Bible Story

Supplies • Bible • “Magi Search for the Messiah” Bible Story poster • smartphones or flashlights (1 per Crew) • wrapped gift with treats inside for everyone   Allergy alert! Check for food allergies or limitations before serving.

Beforehand, wrap a box in decorative paper.

Look what I have! Hold up the wrapped gift for kids to see. Give it a little shake and invite everyone to guess what’s inside. Guess what? This present is for all of you! Pause for delighted responses. But we must wait to open it. Place the gift out of the way but where kids can still see it.

Now it’s time to journey into a story from the Bible. But I’ll need your help, okay?

Today we’ll discover when Jesus—God’s Son—was born on earth. Just imagine the King of the universe, born in a very humble place. Hundreds of years before Jesus was born, the prophet Isaiah had a vision. He told people that the Messiah, or Rescuer, would be born in the small town of Bethlehem.

People waited for hundreds of years. Let’s talk in our Crews again.

We call helpers Crew Guides. If you lead a small class, you can be the Crew Guide. Simply circle up with the kids. If you have helpers, form smaller groups so each child can be known— and so kids can befriend your helpers, too!

Tell about a time you had to wait for something. Encourage Crew Guides to go first.

● Have Crew Guides give thumbs-up when everyone has shared.

Imagine waiting for so many years that your grandparents and their grandparents and even their grandparents had also been waiting. That’s a loooong time. But then (pause dramatically) something happened.

Read aloud Matthew 2:1-2.

These wise men had traveled from far, far away. They remembered what Isaiah had said hundreds of years ago and finally saw a sign that Jesus would be born. ● Ensure each Crew has a flashlight. ● Turn off the lights, and have Crew Guides shine smartphone lights or flashlights on the ceiling.

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The sign was a star. Look up! The wise men followed the star, knowing it would eventually lead them to baby Jesus, the new King of the Jews. Let’s follow the star. ● Have Crews link hands or arms and follow the path of the star as their Crew Guide shines it on the ceiling. ● Randomly have Crews stop to rest, pretend to eat, toss an imaginary football, or do other things kids might do at a rest stop when on a long journey. ● Have Crew Guides use the lights to guide their Crews back to their seats.

Whew! What a journey! The wise men traveled far to find Jesus, and without a car or an airplane. But it was worth it—they wanted to celebrate the newborn king. We celebrate Jesus. (Hooray, Jesus!) These wise men were pretty important and respected people.

But there was one king who wasn’t very happy about Jesus’ birth: King Herod.

He was a mean king, a jealous king, and he didn’t like the idea of his people getting all excited about another king. Show me your meanest, most jealous faces. Pause to make a face along with the kids. Let’s read what King Herod did.

Read aloud Matthew 2:3-4.

Herod really wanted to find Jesus. So he called together a group of smart people to help him figure out where Jesus was. These smart people told King Herod what Isaiah had said a long, long time ago.

Read aloud Matthew 2:5-6.

Let’s say this part together. And, just for fun, use your best old-man-Isaiah voices. Have children repeat with you. “In Bethlehem in Judea, for this is what the prophet wrote.” Nice!

But that’s a little like saying “in that town over there.” Point far away. Invite kids to point in different directions and say, “Over there!” The instructions weren’t very specific.

King Herod wasn’t happy. Make your grumpy Herod faces again. Pause. He wanted to know exactly where he could find the baby, so he told the wise men to meet with him. He wanted to get information from them about Jesus. Let’s practice trying to get information from your Crew Guides.

Crew Guides, think of your favorite food, but don’t reveal it. Crews, go around the circle asking one question at a time of your Crew Guide to see if together you can figure out the favorite food. Allow a couple of minutes. Have Crews raise their hands if they’re successful.

What was it like to try to find out your Crew Guide’s favorite food? Invite answers from the whole group.

Invite several responses from the whole group.

Repeat back what you hear kids say to make sure you understand and everyone else can hear, too.

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Elementary | Holiday Year 1 | Christmas Week 2

Finding out information isn’t always easy. But Herod was a powerful king, and the wise men knew they had to take him seriously. So the wise men talked with Herod.

King Herod told them to search carefully for the baby King. He told them that when they found the baby, they should come back and tell him where he was.

He said he wanted to worship the baby, too. Who believes Herod really wants to worship the new King? When I count to three, show a thumbs-up for yes or a thumbs-down for no. One, two, three! Pause. After talking to Herod, the wise men were on their way again. Let’s follow a star again. ● This time, shine one light on the ceiling, and lead everyone to another part of your room. ● Have every sit together in the new area. ● Let’s read what the wise men found in Bethlehem.

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2:

Read aloud Matthew 2:9-11.

The wise men were filled with joy. Just think; people had been waiting for hundreds of years for the Rescuer to be born. And here he was! So they gave him gifts—gold, frankincense, and myrrh. ● Show the Bible Story poster. ● Point out baby Jesus, the wise men, and the gifts.

Important people like the wise men were so excited to find Jesus. What does that tell you about Jesus? Invite responses from the whole group.

Let’s talk in our Connect Crews again.

Holiday Year 1, Christmas Week 2 Illustrated by David Harrington. Copyright © 2020 Group Publishing, Inc., Loveland, CO • group.com Printed in the United States of America • 1210000315977

● Have Crews sit in knee-to-knee circles.

When have you been filled with joy like the wise men? ● Crew Guides give thumbs-up when everyone has shared.

There’s reason for joy! Jesus, the King of the universe, came to earth to be our friend. He’s more powerful than Herod or any other king or leader in our world. And he loves you. Wow! When they left, the wise men had an important choice to make. Would they go back and tell King Herod where Jesus was? Or would they quietly return to their homeland and avoid Herod altogether?

Let’s find out what they chose.

Read aloud Matthew 2:12.

The wise men wisely chose to leave without stopping at Herod’s palace. God had warned them in a dream not to return to Herod.

Just like the wise men who traveled from far away bringing gifts, we celebrate Jesus. (Hooray, Jesus!) Jesus is the King of all kings—far greater than Herod or any other leader who’s ever lived.

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Today we give gifts to one another at Christmas as we celebrate Jesus.

(Hooray, Jesus!)

The Heart of the Matter In our Bible story, the wise men traveled a long distance to bring special gifts to baby Jesus. People were very excited about Jesus’ birth.

How do you decide what gifts to give people you love? Invite responses from the whole group.

We might think about what the person likes or needs. God knew exactly what we needed when he gave us the amazing gift of Jesus. We celebrate Jesus!

(Hooray, Jesus!)

And I think I know what you all will like. So, drumroll please! Have everyone make a drumroll sound by patting their thighs or the floor. As they do, hold the wrapped present again.

Let’s unwrap this gift! Ask a willing child whose birthday is closest to today to unwrap the gift and show everyone what’s inside. Then distribute the treats, and enjoy them together!

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Elementary | Holiday Year 1 | Christmas Week 2

Apply-It Options Choose one—or both—of these activities to support kids’ learning after Bible Discovery.

Explore More

Game

Supplies

Supplies

• Bibles, paper, markers

• balloons

When Jesus was born, the wise men traveled from far away to see him and deliver gifts. They knew Jesus’ birth was something special. Let’s read again about their time with Jesus.

Distribute Bibles, and help kids find and read Matthew 2:9-11 together.

Give everyone a piece of paper and markers, and have each person draw a line down the center of the paper to create two sides.

The wise men brought gifts to Jesus. We can, too!

What are three things you’re good at? List them on one side of the paper.

● Have kids stand in a circle. ● Explain that one person will hold the balloon and pretend it’s a gift. That person can tell one thing that brings them joy, then pass the balloon in a creative way (like bouncing, bopping, or blowing it) to the next person in the circle. ● Once everyone has shared, say the Bible Point together. Then play again as time allows.

Passing the balloon in a creative way was fun and made us laugh. Jesus brings us joy that’s greater than any other gift we’ll ever experience! That’s why we celebrate Jesus. (Hooray, Jesus!)

Those things are gifts God has given you. You can use these gifts to serve the King of kings—Jesus— and show him that you love him, too.

How can you give those gifts, or things

you’re good at, to Jesus this week? Write or draw your ideas beside each gift.

● Give time to think and create, then encourage everyone to share their list with a partner.

We may not have gold or myrrh to give, but we can give Jesus gifts from our hearts. It’s a great way that we can celebrate Jesus. (Hooray, Jesus!)

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Supplies

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• Take-It-Home Flyers (Christmas, Week 2) (1 per child)

Friendship Finale

John 3:16

Copyright ©

• Olivia Bible Memory Buddy stickers (1 per child)

“For this is how God loved the world: He ga�e his one and only Son.”

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Invite kids to sit in knee-to-knee circles with their Connect Crews.

Jesus’ birth is the greatest celebration on earth! We celebrate Jesus! (Hooray, Jesus!) Jesus shows us how much God loves us. His death on the cross took care of our sin problem. And since he came back to life, we can have new, forever life with him—both now and in heaven someday. Now that’s something to celebrate! ● Have Crews make their firework “Hooray, Jesus!” hands around their circles, then end with one big “Hooray, Jesus!”

Take-It-Home Flyer Magi Search for the Messiah

Christmas

(Matthew 2:1-12)

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son.” (John 3:16)

We celebrate Jesus… because he’s the King of kings.

Quick: Who’s the most important person you’ve met?

Maybe it’s your school principal. Or the mayor. Or a sports star or president or prime minister. Or maybe it’s a parent who’s at the top of your “most important people I’ve met” list.

But how about Jesus?

When you ask him to be your Rescuer and friend, the two of you officially meet.

He’s not just someone you met once—he’s with you all the time!

Jesus created the universe. He spun stars out across space and breathed life into everything that walks, runs, swims, and slithers. He’s not just a king—he’s the King of kings!

And the King knows and loves you! Wow.

arter Talk St

Try This @ Home

Who’s someone important you’ve met? What made the person important?

How does that person’s importance compare with how important Jesus is?

Have everyone in your family name the most important thing in your home, explaining why it’s so important. Then together, thank Jesus for being in your home with you, too.

● Demonstrate the following actions with a Connect Crew. ● Each Crew sits in a circle. Kids take turns stepping into the center of the circle to receive a sticker. Crew Guides will cup the sticker in their closed hands and then open their hands to reveal the sticker like a surprise. ● As they give each child a Bible Memory Buddy sticker in the same way, Crew Guides say, “[Child’s name], celebrate Jesus!”

Saying each child’s name in a loving way helps kids simply experience Jesus’ love through you!

Explore More @ Home

How important is Jesus? Take a look!

See John 1:1-5.

Copyright © Group Publishing, Inc. Permission to photocopy this page granted for local church use. | group.com/SimplyLoved

We celebrate Jesus! (Hooray, Jesus!) He is the King of kings! And Olivia the barn owl can remind us of why we celebrate Jesus. See? Her face looks like a heart.

You’ll each receive an Olivia sticker to help you remember to celebrate Jesus’ love throughout your week. You can wear it now or maybe give it to someone you love! Crew Guides will give each person a sticker like this.

Elementary, Holiday Year 1, Christmas Week 2

Close your eyes and think about a gift you were hoping to receive. One that you’ve already opened and love! Pause. Hold out your hands like you’re holding that gift. Now listen while I read something about our friend Jesus. As you listen, keep pretending to hold that gift. ● Read the first section of the Christmas, Week 2 Take-It-Home Flyer. ● Now I’ll give you one of these flyers to help you talk about Jesus’ love in your Connect Crews and at home, too. ● Distribute Take-It-Home Flyers to Crew Guides, and have them share about their own friendship with Jesus as they discuss the “Talk Starter” question. ● Kids share prayer requests and pray together in Connect Crews. ● Crew Guides distribute Take-It-Home Flyers and follow the directions to help kids fold the paper to “fly” home.

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Elementary | Holiday Year 1 | Christmas Week 2

Palm Sunday

Jesus Rides Into Jerusalem on a Donkey

We Celebrate Jesus

(Matthew 21:1-11)

“For this is how God loved the world: He ga�e his one and only Son.” John 3:16

Copyright ©

Bible Point

We celebrate Jesus…because he’s our Rescuer.

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Kids in your class most likely have a favorite hero—someone they know a lot about and wish they were more like. Today, tell them about Jesus— the real, ultimate, eternal hero. Their friendship with this hero really will change their lives!

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We can read Jesus’ backstory in the beginning of Matthew. An angel told Joseph to name the baby Jesus “for he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). On that first Palm Sunday, people finally recognized this Rescuer, even if they didn’t fully understand his mission.

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Every hero has a backstory. Some of those stories include spider bites, kryptonite, and sacrifice. Whether it’s a comic book character, a superstar athlete, or a role model, there’s usually a pivotal moment in that person’s plot line that sets the tone for who they’ll become and what they’ll do.

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Prayer

Dear God, thank you for sending Jesus to be our Rescuer.

You saw me—and the kids I lead—stuck in our sin, and you gave your Son to save us. Thank you. We celebrate your love today. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Prep

Opening Options

Sing & Play

Option Cards*

countdown video*

Palm Streamers: streamers, markers, tape

Music Video DVD*

Buddy Video DVD*

Olivia Bible Memory Buddy poster*

media player

Bible (bookmark John 3:16)

Twist-a-Flower: chenille wires, craft beads, scissors

Bible Discovery & Friendship Finale

Apply-It Options

“Jesus Rides Into Jerusalem on a Donkey” Bible Story poster*

Explore More: Bibles, index cards (1 per child), pencils (1 per child)

Olivia Bible Memory Buddy stickers* (1 per child)

Take-It-Home Flyers* (Palm Sunday) (1 per child)

Game: inflated balloons or beach balls, permanent markers (optional), streamers (optional), classroom objects (optional)

Bible (bookmark Matthew 21:2-3, 8-9, 10-11)

palm streamers (from Opening Options) or palm branches

* in your Simply Loved Kit 31

Opening Options

Set up one—or both—of these intro activities to start your time together. Each activity connects kids to the Bible Point and to each other. Cut apart these Option Cards, and place one by each activity you choose. Crew Guides will follow the directions and build friendships with kids as they make discoveries together!

Palm Streamers

Twist-a-Flower

Supplies

Supplies

• streamers, markers, tape

• chenille wires, craft beads, scissors

Line up the streamers, then tape the tops together to make palm branches. Use markers to decorate.

Make a flower for someone you love.

Here’s a fun fact. There were a lot of date palm trees where Jesus lived. They were a symbol for Israel and were even printed on coins. When people saw them, they thought of their nation.

When Jesus rode into Jerusalem, waving palm branches was like saying, “Help us! Be our king!”

Today we’ll hear about how people celebrated Jesus on Palm Sunday, and we’ll celebrate Jesus, too!

T ell about a time you or someone you know planted flowers. What was it like to watch them grow?

People wait all winter for flowers to bloom. In the Bible, God’s people were waiting a long time for a Rescuer to brighten their lives and give them strength and hope. That rescuer is Jesus!

We celebrate Jesus and his love for us.

I f you could choose a symbol for your family or friends, what would it be?

Copyright © Group Publishing, Inc. | group.com/SimplyLoved

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Copyright © Group Publishing, Inc. | group.com/SimplyLoved

Opening Now’s a great time for Opening Options. Choose one—or both—to introduce today’s Bible discoveries.

countdown video (1 minute) Help kids transition, clean up the activities, and sit with Connect Crews. A Connect Crew is a small group of kids with one Crew Guide.

Sing & Play Welcome, friends. Are you ready for some Palm Sunday fun? Let’s start by celebrating Jesus’ amazing power!

“Power in the Blood” music video

Bible Point Let’s check out today’s Bible Point. It’s we celebrate Jesus. Every time you hear someone say the words “We celebrate Jesus,” you’ll respond in a certain way— like this! ● Make fists, then pop hands open like fireworks and say, “Hooray, Jesus!”

Supplies • Bible • media player • Music Video DVD “Power in the Blood” music video “Happy Day” music video • Buddy Video DVD Olivia Bible Memory Buddy video (Week 3) • Olivia Bible Memory Buddy poster

● Repeat several times.

Repetition cements learning, so be sure to say today’s Bible Point A LOT. Have fun with it! Kids will love listening for it and responding with “Hooray, Jesus!”

We celebrate Jesus for a lot of reasons. Drumroll, please! Have kids make a drumroll sound by patting their thighs or the floor, then motion for them to stop.

I present to you the top five reasons to celebrate Jesus. I’ll need your help to count them down. Are you ready? ● Everyone holds up five fingers and shouts “Five!” His power is amazing! He can do anything.

H oo

s! ray, Jesu

● Everyone holds up four fingers and shouts “Four!” He’s the best teacher ever. He’s patient and helps us understand what God is like. ● Everyone holds up three fingers and shouts “Three!” He’s forgiving. Even when we mess us, he still wants to be our friend.

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● Everyone holds up two fingers and shouts “Two!” He’s always with us. No matter where we go or what we do, Jesus will never leave us. And… ● Everyone holds up one finger and shouts “One!” Jesus is our rescuer! His death on the cross made a way for us to be his friend forever. ● We celebrate Jesus! (Hooray, Jesus!)

Bible Memory Buddy & Verse And whoo is our Bible Memory Buddy? It’s Olivia the barn owl.

Show the Bible Memory Buddy poster. How much do you know about barn owls like Olivia? Let’s find out with a This-or-That Challenge! You’ll hear two fun facts about barn owls. It’s up to you to decide which is true—this fact or that!

Olivia

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son.”

The barn owl’s heart-shaped face isn’t just cool looking;

(John 3:16)

Copyright © 2020 Group Publishing, Inc., Loveland, CO • group.com • Printed in the United States of America • 1210000315953

God made it that shape for a reason. Does the heart shape direct sound to the owl’s ears? Or does it act as camouflage while the owl hunts?

● Have everyone cup their ears to vote for this (direct sound to ears) or cover their faces to vote for that (camouflage). ● Make a drumroll sound by patting your thighs or the floor. ● Dramatically give the answer: The heart shape directs sound to a barn owl’s ears. Let’s find out more! ● Watch the Bible Memory Buddy video.

Olivia Bible Memory Buddy video (Week 3) Show the Bible. The Bible is God’s true story of love! Our verse comes from the part of the Bible called the Gospels. The verse was written by one of Jesus’ friends who spent a lot of time with him when he was here on earth. Let’s say the verse together. It’s John 3:16. I’ll say a line, and then you repeat it after me.

“For this is how God loved the world: (make a heart shape with hands) He gave his one and only Son.” (extend arm and hold up pointer finger) (John 3:16) Jesus is God’s Son who shows us how much God loves us. We celebrate Jesus.

(Hooray, Jesus!) Let’s sing another song.

“Happy Day” music video

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Elementary | Holiday Year 1 | Palm Sunday

Bible Discovery Circle Up & Connect

Today we’ll hear about when Jesus rode on a donkey. What other animals would be fun to ride on? Let’s circle up and spend a little time simply getting to know each other in smaller groups called Connect Crews. ● Have kids form Connect Crews with one helper—or Crew Guide—per group. ● Invite kids to sit in knee-to-knee circles with their Connect Crews.

Supplies • Bible • “Jesus Rides Into Jerusalem on a Donkey” Bible Story poster • palm streamers (from Opening Options) or palm branches

● Have kids give their Crew Guides an elbow bump. ● Ask kids to take turns saying their names and answering this question.

Crew Guides go first.

Would you rather take a ride on a cheetah or an elephant? Tell why.

Experience the Bible Story Our Bible story today comes from another book in the Gospels—Matthew. The book of Matthew tells God’s people the good news: Jesus is the Messiah, or Rescuer, we’ve been waiting for!

We call helpers Crew Guides. If you lead a small class, you can be the Crew Guide. Simply circle up with the kids. If you have helpers, form smaller groups so each child can be known— and so kids can befriend your helpers, too!

Instead of simply reading this Bible story, you’re all invited to play an important part. Watch and follow along throughout the story.

Jesus and his friends were heading to Jerusalem. Actually, a lot of God’s people were. It was almost Passover, which was a national holiday for the Jewish people. To celebrate, they’d go to the Temple in Jerusalem and remember how God had rescued their ancestors from Egypt.

Show the Bible Story poster. Yup! There they go toward Jerusalem! Let’s join them. Imagine we’re on a road trip, heading to Jerusalem. We’re going to walk around our room. Be sure to stay with your Crews so no one gets lost or heads in the wrong direction. Slowly lead everyone in a walk around the perimeter of your room while you continue talking.

Jesus and his friends probably walked and talked and maybe even told some jokes to pass the time. Speaking of jokes, how can you tell that elephants like to travel?

Pause for responses. They always pack their trunks! Laugh (or groan) together. One more: What happens when you wear a watch on an airplane? Pause for responses. Time flies!

Okay, Jesus and his friends were almost to Jerusalem when they passed through the town of Bethphage. Let’s take a little break. Pause while everyone sits. You thought my jokes were random? Well, Jesus had an out-of-the-blue assignment for two of his friends. Let’s read about it in the Bible.

es Jesus Rid m Into Jerusale on a Donkey -11 Matthew 21:1

Holiday Year 1, Palm Sunday Illustrated by David Harrington. Copyright © 2020 Group Publishing, Inc., Loveland, CO • group.com Printed in the United States of America • 1210000315977

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Read aloud Matthew 21:2-3.

Huh? Jesus’ friends may have wondered what he was up to. Have everyone scratch their heads like they’re trying to figure something out. Was he tired of walking? Oh! Maybe he was fulfilling that prophecy about a king riding into Jerusalem! Have everyone sit up straight with excitement.

Let’s talk in our Connect Crews. ● Have Crews sit in knee-to-knee circles.

Tell about a time someone asked you to do something that didn’t make any sense to you but you did it anyway. Tell a quick story from your own life, then invite Crews to discuss.

● Give Crews several minutes to talk.

You go first! Kids might not have a quick answer to this question. Sharing your own story will give them an example and a little extra time to think.

Jesus’ friends may not have understood what he was up to, but they obeyed.

They brought Jesus the donkey (have everyone bray like donkeys) and the colt.

A colt is a young donkey that’s not yet 4 years old. Have everyone bray like baby donkeys.

They put their coats on the colt, then Jesus was ready to ride. The other people traveling to Jerusalem must have noticed Jesus. Let’s read what they did.

Read aloud Matthew 21:8-9.

Imagine there’s a road right down the center of our room. Let’s gather on either side as we celebrate Jesus. (Hooray, Jesus!) Distribute palm streamers made in Opening Options or palm branches, and have everyone line up on either side of the “road.”

Okay, Jerusalem is that way (point to one end of your road), and Jesus is coming from this direction (point to the other end of your road). Hmm. It’s hard to imagine all this. ● Choose a Crew Guide to be Jesus, and have him or her slowly gallop down the road. ● Have everyone else wave palm streamers (or branches) and shout “Hosanna!” and “Praise God!” ● Once “Jesus” has passed by, have everyone sit by the sides of the road.

Aha! That’s why we call today Palm Sunday. People waved palm branches.

And they spread their coats on the road ahead of Jesus to make a sort of “red carpet” for Jesus. Have everyone give their palm streamers (or branches) one last wave and shout “Hosanna!” before laying them in the road.

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Elementary | Holiday Year 1 | Palm Sunday

The word hosanna means “save us now.” God’s people were excited. They made such a ruckus that others in Jerusalem wondered what was going on.

Let’s read more.

Read aloud Matthew 21:10-11.

Who was this guy on a donkey? It was Jesus. The hero, coming to save the day.

They must have thought Jesus was finally going to Jerusalem to save them.

And he was! But not in the way they thought.

You know, every hero has a backstory—a defining moment that would lead to their super status. Jesus does, too. Let’s rewind to the beginning of the book of Matthew. Have everyone pretend to run backward in place. An angel had told Jesus’ earthly stepdad, Joseph, what to name this baby sent from God. The angel had said to name him Jesus because he will save his people (pause) from sin.

Not from Herod, who was the king at the time. And not from Rome, the empire that controlled God’s people back then. We celebrate Jesus today (Hooray, Jesus!) because Jesus is God’s Son who saves us from sin. That’s totally true, but what does it mean for us, really? Let’s play a little game and find out.

The Heart of the Matter Play Donkey Freeze Tag, but make sure everyone gets frozen and stays frozen.

Here’s how. ● Tell kids they are colts. They must crawl on all fours around the room and bray like donkeys. ● Kids try to avoid being tagged by Crew Guides, but Crew Guides may walk or jog as usual. ● If kids are tagged, they must freeze in place. ● Inevitably, all kids will quickly be frozen in place.

Well, it looks like you colts are all stuck. What ideas do you have for getting unstuck? Invite several responses from the whole group.

In our Bible story, God’s people felt pretty stuck, too. They didn’t have their own country; they were under Roman rule. They couldn’t make their own laws or have their own leader, and they had to do whatever the Romans said.

Life wasn’t great. Invite everyone to bray like sad donkeys.

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Then they heard of Jesus. When he rode on a colt into Jerusalem—something a king would do—they cried, “Save us now!” Go ahead and shout that out. Pause while kids repeat.

Jesus wouldn’t save them from being stuck under Rome’s rule. But he would save us all from sin and what it does to us. Sin makes us choose our way instead of God’s way. It causes us to hurt ourselves and others. Left on our own, we’re stuck in sin. Pause for a few seconds.

If you have a large group, ask a Crew Guide or two to help you “free” kids.

But there’s good news: We aren’t alone. Jesus frees us from sin. That’s why we celebrate Jesus. (Hooray, Jesus!) And I’ll free you from your frozenness. When I touch your shoulder, you’re free to move again! After you’re free, crawl back to sit with your Connect Crew again. Walk around the room, and touch kids on the shoulder.

You were stuck and needed a rescuer. We humans get stuck in sin, and Jesus frees us! Let’s talk more in our Connect Crews.

How does friendship with Jesus help and free you? ● Share your own response first. You could talk about knowing that Jesus loves you even when you mess up, or how he’s always with you and that gives you courage and hope. Then invite Crew Guides to share first in their Crews. ● Give Connect Crews several minutes to discuss.

Jesus saves us from sin and gives us freedom to live as his friend forever.

While we’re here on earth, we’ll still struggle with sin—that’s for sure. But someday God will make all things new and get rid of sin once and for all. Until then, Jesus is with us. He’s there to help us make good choices and to rescue and forgive us when we get stuck in sin. That’s reason to celebrate! We celebrate Jesus. (Hooray, Jesus!)

Now’s a great time for Apply-it Options. Choose one—or both—of the following reinforcement activities to support today’s Bible discoveries before the Friendship Finale.

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Elementary | Holiday Year 1 | Palm Sunday

Apply-It Options Choose one—or both—of these activities to support kids’ learning after Bible Discovery.

Explore More

Game

Supplies

Supplies

• Bibles, index cards (1 per child), pencils (1 per child)

• inflated balloons or beach balls, permanent markers (optional), palm streamers (optional), classroom objects (optional)

Let’s read and compare two Bible passages.

Distribute Bibles, and help kids find and read Matthew 21:9 and Psalm 118:25-26 together.

Imagine these balloons are donkeys! ● Give each Crew a balloon.

What do you notice that’s similar? What’s

● Optional: Have Crews draw a donkey face on the balloon and attach a streamer tail.

Beginning in the Old Testament, God’s people often sang songs while they traveled to Jerusalem. A lot of those songs are written in the book of Psalms. Psalm 118 is one of them! People traveled to Jerusalem to celebrate Passover and remember when God rescued his people from Egypt. They sang it again when Jesus was traveling to Jerusalem for Passover. It’s like people recognized that he was the promised Rescuer. They thought he’d save them from Rome, but instead he’d do something much bigger. He’d save them from sin.

● Have Crews line up at one side of your space.

different?

What songs do you like to sing or listen to when you travel? Make a list of your favorite songs. Be sure to add a few that help you celebrate Jesus! ● Give kids time to each make a list of songs they like. ● Have kids compare their lists with a friend’s. ● The lists may even inspire an impromptu singalong!

● On “go,” Crew members take turns “riding” with the balloon “donkey” between their knees to the other side of the room and back. ● Once back, Crew members pass the donkey to the next person, who then takes it for a ride. ● Encourage Crews to cheer and wave their palm streamers as their friends race their “donkeys” (optional). ● If you’d like, add classroom objects as obstacles.

How did you feel as your friends watched and cheered for you?

How might Jesus have felt as people watched and cheered for him?

We celebrate Jesus. (Hooray, Jesus!) He’s so worthy of praise. He loves us, he’s King of the universe, and he forgives our sin. Jesus is amazing!

Take your card home, and tuck it into your Bible or another book that travels with you. When you see it, remember to celebrate Jesus. (Hooray, Jesus!)

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Supplies

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Have kids sit in knee-to-knee circles with their Connect Crews.

John 3:16

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• Take-It-Home Flyers (Palm Sunday) (1 per child)

Friendship Finale

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• Olivia Bible Memory Buddy stickers (1 per child)

“For this is how God loved the world: He ga�e his one and only Son.”

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Olivia, our Bible Memory Buddy, can help us remember that we celebrate Jesus. (Hooray, Jesus!) You’ll each receive an Olivia sticker to help you remember to celebrate Jesus throughout your week. You can wear it now or take it home with you. ● Demonstrate the following actions with a Connect Crew. ● Have kids take turns galloping toward their Crew Guide while the Crew Guide waves a sticker like a palm branch. ● As they give each child a Bible Memory Buddy sticker in the same way, Crew Guides say, “Jesus loves and saves you, [child’s name], so celebrate Jesus!”

Take-It-Home Flyer

● Crew Guides give thumbs-up when everyone has received a sticker.

Jesus Rides Into Jerusalem on a Donkey (Matthew 21:1-11)

Palm Sunday

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son.” (John 3:16)

We celebrate Jesus… because he’s our Rescuer.

Saying each child’s name in a loving way helps kids simply experience the love of Jesus through you!

Superheroes come in all shapes and sizes, but they have one thing in common.

No, it’s not superpowers (Batman doesn’t have any, remember?) or flowing capes. It’s not being rich or having a hidden lair or wearing a mask. It’s that superheroes rescue people, usually just before something awful happens.

And that’s great, but those rescued people usually need to be rescued again when something else goes wrong.

There’s only one Rescuer whose rescue lasts forever, and that’s Jesus.

He came to rescue us—to rescue you—from sin. He came to make a way you can be friends with God. Starting right now, and forever in heaven someday.

That’s the sort of rescuer Jesus is—when he rescues you, you stay rescued!

arter Talk St

Try This @ Home

Who’s your favorite superhero? What is it about that hero that makes him or her your favorite?

Together with your family, launch a rescue mission at home. Maybe it’s saving a wilting houseplant or straightening every photo on the wall so your home doesn’t look like a funhouse hallway.

Decide together and then— go do a rescue!

● Read the first section of the Palm Sunday Take-It-Home Flyer.

Explore More @ Home

Jesus is the best rescuer ever! See Psalm 36:9-10 and Romans 7:24-25.

Copyright © Group Publishing, Inc. Permission to photocopy this page granted for local church use. | group.com/SimplyLoved

Jesus’ name means “the Lord saves.” I wonder, what do you need from Jesus today? How can he save or help you with what you’re going through? Listen while I read something about our friend Jesus. As you listen, close your eyes and pretend to hold a phone in your hands like you’re about to text Jesus to ask for help. Pause.

Elementary, Holiday Year 1, Palm Sunday

● Now I’ll give you one of these flyers to help you talk about Jesus’ love in your Connect Crews and at home, too. ● Distribute Take-It-Home Flyers to Crew Guides, and have them share about their own friendship with Jesus as they discuss the “Talk Starter” question with their Crews. ● Kids share prayer requests—things they’d like to tell Jesus—in their Connect Crews. ● Connect Crews pray together. ● Crew Guides distribute Take-It-Home Flyers and follow the directions to help kids fold the paper to “fly” home.

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Elementary | Holiday Year 1 | Palm Sunday

Easter

Jesus Dies and Comes Back to Life

We Celebrate Jesus

(Mark 15:16–16:8)

“For this is how God loved the world: He ga�e his one and only Son.” John 3:16

Bible Point

We celebrate Jesus…because he’s our forever friend.

Copyright ©

Let this lesson comfort you with the fact that Jesus is a friend forever! He’s with you every day, knows all your successes and failures, and still loves you enough to give his life for you. Now that’s a reason to celebrate!

Prayer

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Friendship is important to elementary kids. Kids hope for a buddy to play with at recess or an invitation to a friend’s house. It’s hard for kids when they feel like they don’t have a real friend. As you share the Easter story with kids today, tell them the good news: Jesus wants to be their forever friend.

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The definition of friendship seems to be changing today. We have social media “friends,” with whom we share snippets of daily life (filtered or unfiltered). Perhaps you have colleagues you lunch with or neighbors you wave to in passing. But with busy schedules, it can be challenging to develop and maintain deep, long-lasting friendships.

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Purpose

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Jesus, thank you for inviting me into a friendship with you—one that will grow into eternity! Use my words to help kids understand the depth of your love for them and what it means daily to live in friendship with you. In your name, amen.

Prep

Opening Options

Sing & Play

Bible Discovery & Friendship Finale

“Jesus Dies and Comes Back to Life” Bible Story poster*

Olivia Bible Memory Buddy stickers* (1 per child)

Option Cards*

countdown video*

Balloon Bop: balloons

Music Video DVD*

Chenille Wire Butterflies: chenille wires, pony beads, child-safe scissors

Buddy Video DVD*

Olivia Bible Memory Buddy poster*

media player

Bible (bookmark John 3:16)

Take-It-Home Flyers* (Easter) (1 per child)

Bible (bookmark Mark 15:16-20, 24-31, 46; 16:1-4, 5-6)

6-inch streamers (1 per person)

3-foot streamers (1 per person)

2 large envelopes

Easter candy

Apply-It Options

Explore More: Bibles, paper cups (1 per child), child-safe scissors, balloons (1 per child), streamers

Game: streamer pieces, balloons

* in your Simply Loved Kit 41

Opening Options

Set up one—or both—of these intro activities to start your time together. Each activity connects kids to the Bible Point and to each other. Cut apart these Option Cards, and place one by each activity you choose. Crew Guides will follow the directions and build friendships with kids as they make discoveries together!

Balloon Bop

Chenille Wire Butterflies

Supplies

Supplies

• balloons

• chenille wires, pony beads, scissors

Blow up three balloons and tie them off. See if you can keep all of your balloons in the air as you walk across the room.

Make a butterfly from chenille wires.

What was challenging about keeping the balloons up?

Maybe you got tired, or a balloon got away from you. You couldn’t keep them up forever! Today we’ll see how nothing could keep Jesus down— not even death. That’s a reason we celebrate Jesus!

Copyright © Group Publishing, Inc. | group.com/SimplyLoved

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What do you know about butterflies?

Butterflies start out as caterpillars. They wrap up in cocoons, and when they come out, they’re completely changed. Today we’ll see how Jesus got wrapped up and came out completely changed, too. We celebrate Jesus.

Copyright © Group Publishing, Inc. | group.com/SimplyLoved

Opening Now’s a great time for Opening Options. Choose one—or both—to introduce today’s Bible discoveries.

countdown video (1 minute) Help kids transition, clean up the activities, and sit with Connect Crews. A Connect Crew is a small group of kids with one Crew Guide.

Sing & Play Hello, friends! Welcome! It’s such a happy day because you’re here! Let’s start off with some high-energy celebration as a way to celebrate Jesus!

“Happy Day” music video

Bible Point I can’t wait to discover more about how we celebrate Jesus. That’s our Bible Point today, so every time you hear someone say the words “We celebrate Jesus,” I want you to respond in a certain way. Do what I do! ● Make fists, then pop hands open like fireworks and say, “Hooray, Jesus!”

Supplies • Bible • media player • Music Video DVD “Happy Day” music video “Power in the Blood” music video • Buddy Video DVD Olivia Bible Memory Buddy video (Week 4) • Olivia Bible Memory Buddy poster

● Repeat several times.

Repetition cements learning, so be sure to say today’s Bible Point A LOT. Have fun with it! Kids will love listening for it and responding with “Hooray, Jesus!”

We celebrate Jesus (Hooray, Jesus!) because he made a way for all people to be his friends forever!

H oo

s! ray, Jesu

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Bible Memory Buddy & Verse Let’s check in with our Bible Memory Buddy. It’s Olivia the barn owl. How much do you know about owls? Let’s find out with a This-or-That Challenge! You’ll hear two fun facts about owls. It’s up to you to decide which is true—this fact or that!

Olivia

You can find barn owls in almost every part of the world

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son.”

except which continent? Is it Asia or Antarctica?

● Have everyone flap their arms like wings to vote for this (Asia) or hoot like an owl vote for that (Antarctica).

(John 3:16)

Copyright © 2020 Group Publishing, Inc., Loveland, CO • group.com • Printed in the United States of America • 1210000315953

● Make a drumroll sound by patting your thighs or the floor.

● Dramatically give the answer: Barn owls do not live on the continent of Antarctica. But God’s love is everywhere and on every continent! ● Watch the Bible Memory Buddy video to find out more.

Olivia Bible Memory Buddy video (Week 4) Show the Bible. The Bible is God’s true story of love! It’s one big book that’s filled with a bunch of little books. Our Bible Memory Verse is John 3:16.

Let’s say the verse together. I’ll say a line, and then you repeat after me.

“For this is how God loved the world: (make a heart shape with hands) He gave his one and only Son.” (extend arm and hold up pointer finger) (John 3:16) God’s Word is filled with so many reasons that we celebrate Jesus. (Hooray, Jesus!) Jesus is God’s amazing gift of love. Because of Jesus’ power, we can be friends with him forever. Let’s sing and celebrate!

“Power in the Blood” music video

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Elementary | Holiday Year 1 | Easter

Bible Discovery Circle Up & Connect

Let’s circle up and spend a little time simply getting to know each other in smaller groups called Connect Crews. ● Arrange kids into Connect Crews with one helper—or Crew Guide—per group. ● Invite kids to sit in knee-to-knee circles with their Connect Crews.

Supplies • Bible • “Jesus Dies and Comes Back to Life” Bible Story poster • 6-inch streamers (1 per person) • 3-foot streamers (1 per person)

● Have kids give their Crew Guides and each other sky high-fives, with arms extended as high as they can go.

• 2 large envelopes

● Have kids take turns saying their names and answering this question. Crew Guides go first.

A llergy alert! Check for food allergies or limitations before serving.

Describe your perfect day; one you wish would never end.

• Easter candy 

It’s a celebration—and this lesson uses a lot of streamers! Have a couple of extra rolls nearby so you can tear off extra pieces when needed.

The Heart of the Matter Hand each person a 6-inch length of crepe paper streamer. If you have a large class, you may want to give each person a 3-inch streamer instead, so kids can’t make a path across the room.

Let’s imagine these streamers are good things—things that bring you joy, like that day you just described. Invite kids to call out other things that bring them joy, such as family members, sports, or video games.

We call helpers Crew Guides. If you lead a small class, you can be the Crew Guide. Simply circle up with the kids. If you have helpers, form smaller groups so each child can be known— and so kids can befriend your helpers, too!

Let’s see how far that happiness can take us. Can our streamers make a path that stretches from wall to wall across our room? If you can make a path, you’ll get a special Easter prize—candy!

Have everyone lay their streamers end to end to see how far the path goes across the room. Keep it up throughout the lesson.

What happened? Invite a few responses from the whole group.

Welcome a few responses. Be sure to summarize what kids say so everyone can hear.

It looks like the good stuff came up short. That reminds me of the saying, “All good things must come to an end.” Let’s circle up and talk about this in our Connect Crews.

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● Have Crews sit in knee-to-knee circles.

Do you think that saying is true or false? Why do you think that?

Tell about something good that came to an end for you. How did you

feel? Share your own experience first, such as a dream family vacation or a job you loved but had to leave. Then let kids share.

● Give Crews several minutes to discuss.

In this life, everything ends. Life has a beginning, and it also has an end. But Jesus came to change all that. That’s why we celebrate Jesus. (Hooray, Jesus!) His love and power conquered death and changed things forever!

Let’s see what happened. But first, we all need another streamer.

Experience the Bible Story Hand each person a 3-foot streamer and keep one for yourself. Gather everyone at one end of the room.

When do you usually see streamers like this?

Since we’re talking about celebrating Jesus, let’s use streamers to tell this amazing story of celebration, sorrow, and surprise! First, you need to know that when Jesus lived on earth, he did a lot of things worth celebrating.

Jesus healed sick people! Lead kids in jumping up and down, waving streamers, and cheering.

Jesus fed huge crowds! Lead kids in rubbing their “full” bellies, waving streamers, and cheering.

Jesus showed love to people who seemed unlovable! Lead kids in high-fiving their friends, waving streamers, and cheering.

But not everyone celebrated Jesus. Set down your streamers to show how much those people were not fans of Jesus. Pause. Some religious leaders thought he was a liar, so they made a plan to get him arrested.

And soldiers didn’t just arrest Jesus; they were mean and teased him. As you listen to what happened, tear a small piece from your streamer every time you hear about the soldiers hurting Jesus.

Read aloud Mark 15:16-20.

Pause while kids tear off parts of their streamers and set the small pieces in front of them.

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Elementary | Holiday Year 1 | Easter

Then the soldiers made Jesus carry a heavy wooden cross—the same cross they would soon nail his body to. Jesus was so tired and the cross was so heavy that someone had to help Jesus.

Find someone nearby and use both of your streamers to make a cross shape.

Hold that cross together as you walk across the room. If there is an uneven number of kids, use your own streamer to make a cross with a child. Gather kids, and have them sit down.

But Jesus’ sad day didn’t end there. Each time you hear of Jesus being hurt, tear another piece from your streamer.

Read aloud Mark 15:24-31, pausing so kids can tear off pieces of their streamers. Ask kids to hold up whatever is left of their streamers.

There wasn’t much left of Jesus. He took one last breath, and then he died.

Tear your streamer in half and set it in front of you. Pause.

Jesus’ friends thought it was over. Their precious, amazing friend—so full of life and power—had died. Life seemed a mess, a lot like our scraps of paper all over the floor. It was over.

One of Jesus’ friends collected Jesus’ body and prepared it to be buried.

Choose a child to represent Joseph of Arimathea. Joseph, you’ll collect all the paper scraps and put them in this unsealed envelope. Give Joseph one envelope, and keep the other one out of sight. Everyone else, strike a pose to show how Jesus’ friends must have felt after he died. Pause while everyone else strikes a sad pose. Keep doing that while I read about Joseph.

Read aloud Mark 15:46.

Show the Bible Story poster. Joseph, please seal the envelope to show how Joseph rolled the stone in front of the tomb. Direct “Joseph” to set the “tomb” envelope at the front of the room.

For three long days, Jesus’ friends lived in shock.

They’d scattered in fear—maybe the soldiers would come for them next! Have kids move apart from each other and sit down.

s an d Jesus Die ck Comes Ba to Lif– e6:8 6 1 Mark 15:1

Those days probably felt dark, endless, and hopeless. Close your eyes to experience how dark and lonely life felt for them. While kids have their eyes closed, seal and swap out the empty envelope with the one Joseph sealed. Set the full envelope out of sight.

Holiday Year 1, Easter Illustrated by David Harrington. Copyright © 2020 Group Publishing, Inc., Loveland, CO • group.com Printed in the United States of America • 1210000315977

Read aloud Mark 16:1-4.

Let kids open their eyes, and choose a child who’s wearing white to represent the angel.

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This is a great time to share your church’s traditions relating to kids making a faith commitment.

Read aloud Mark 16:5-6.

Angel, go ahead and open up that envelope. Pause while the child opens the envelope and shows everyone it’s empty!

We celebrate Jesus (Hooray, Jesus!) because he was stronger than death. Jesus didn’t come back to life just to show God’s power over death; Jesus’ death had a purpose. He took the punishment for the wrong things we’ve done! Because of Jesus, we can be forever friends with God. Now that’s reason to celebrate!

Have kids talk in their Crews. Crew Guides can go first.

Imagine you’re one of Jesus’ friends. What words describe how you feel watching those things happen to Jesus?

Jesus loved you so much that he allowed himself to be tortured, bullied, and killed just so he could spend forever as your friend.

Say a word that describes how that makes you feel.

Point to the short path of streamers made earlier.

In life, good things come to an end. But we celebrate Jesus (Hooray, Jesus!) because his love and friendship never end! They extend past this life and into a life in heaven forever!

Now that’s something to celebrate. Happy Easter, friends! Distribute candy for kids to enjoy.

Now’s a great time for Apply-It Options. Choose one—or both—of the following reinforcement activities to support today’s Bible discoveries before the Friendship Finale.

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Elementary | Holiday Year 1 | Easter

Apply-It Options Choose one—or both—of these activities to support kids’ learning after Bible Discovery.

Explore More

Game

Supplies

Supplies

• Bibles, paper cups (1 per child), child-safe scissors, balloons (1 per child), streamers

• streamer pieces, balloons

Let’s read something Jesus once told his friend Martha.

Distribute Bibles, and help kids find and read John 11:25-26 together.

Jesus beat death. When we believe in him, we’ll be friends with him forever. Now that’s something to celebrate!

What do you do to celebrate your birthday? a favorite sports team? a holiday?

How can you show that you celebrate Jesus?

Sometimes celebrations are big, noisy, surprising things. Let’s make a craft that’ll help us make a big, noisy, excited celebration of Jesus’ love, power, and friendship! ● Cut the bottom off a cup. ● Tie off an uninflated balloon, then cut off the rounded end and discard it. ● Turn the cup upside down, and stretch the open end of the balloon over the bottom of the cup. ● Place torn-up streamer pieces (like confetti) into the cup so they go down into the balloon.

● Form a circle, and hand each person an uninflated balloon. ● Wad a streamer piece into a “ball” and hand it to the person who most recently celebrated a birthday. ● Show the birthday friend how to blow up a balloon and then use the air in the balloon to move the paper ball across the circle. Have the other kids blow up their balloons, too. ● Challenge kids to keep the ball constantly moving across the circle, using just the air from their balloons. After a couple of minutes, call time.

Keep your circle to no more than 10 people so they will have an easier time moving the paper ball across the circle.

How do you feel after playing this game for just a few minutes? Why?

Blowing up a balloon over and over again gets tiring! You couldn’t do that forever, could you?

Today we heard that Jesus is so powerful, even death couldn’t stop him. We celebrate Jesus (Hooray, Jesus!) because our friendship with him can go on and on and on forever. Jesus will never get tired of being your friend!

● Pull on the knotted end of the balloon, then let it go to launch up the confetti in celebration!

We celebrate Jesus! (Hooray, Jesus!) His love and power are bigger than anything we can imagine!

His friendship with us can go on forever. That’s worth a big, noisy—even messy—celebration!

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Supplies

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Have kids sit in knee-to-knee circles with their Connect Crews.

John 3:16

u Gro 2020

• Take-It-Home Flyers (Easter) (1 per child)

Friendship Finale

Copyright ©

• Olivia Bible Memory Buddy stickers (1 per child)

“For this is how God loved the world: He ga�e his one and only Son.”

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Olivia, our Bible Memory Buddy, can help us remember to celebrate Jesus.

(Hooray, Jesus!) You’ll each receive an Olivia sticker to help you remember that you can have a forever friendship with Jesus. You can wear it now or take it home to give to someone. Crew Guides will give each person a sticker like this. ● Ask a willing child to help you demonstrate the following actions. ● Have the person take one of the streamers from the “Heart of the Matter” experience. Set the sticker in the middle of the streamer, and have the recipient wrap the sticker in the streamer like a little gift. ● As the person is wrapping the Bible Memory Buddy sticker, say “[Name], celebrate Jesus, your forever friend.”

Take-It-Home Flyer Jesus Dies and Comes Back to Life

Easter

(Mark 15:16–16:8)

● Crew Guides give thumbs-up when everyone has received a sticker.

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son.” (John 3:16)

Saying each child’s name in a loving way helps kids simply experience Jesus’ love through you!

We celebrate Jesus… because he’s our forever friend.

It’s sad but true: Friends come and go.

Even your best friend may move away. Or start going to a different school. Or maybe your friend on the soccer team decides to play baseball instead so you never see one another.

And sometimes friends just change their minds about staying friends. They have a fight, or get bored with each other, or no longer share the same interests.

When you lose a friend for any reason, it’s easy to wonder if any friendship can really last.

Nothing could stop Jesus’ love for you—not even death! Jesus and his love for you is one good thing that never comes to an end. We celebrate Jesus (Hooray, Jesus!) and can keep celebrating our friendship with him forever! That’s a gift.

Good news: You’ve got a friendship that not only lasts, it lasts forever!

Jesus is a forever friend. He loves you today and will love you tomorrow and the day after that and the day after that…you get the idea.

There’s nothing you can say or do that changes how Jesus feels about you. He’s always ready to listen to you. To hang out with you. To help you live in a way that pleases God. The only question is this: Do you want to be Jesus’ friend? Let him know you do!

arter Talk St

Try This @ Home

Who’s a friend you’ve liked having in your life? What has made that person a good friend?

Some things don’t last forever! With a parent, look at the packaged foods in your refrigerator or pantry and check expiration dates. Are all the packages still safe? If not, they’re not your friends!

Explore More @ Home

Jesus is your friend forever! See 1 John 3:1; 4:16; and Psalm 86:15.

Copyright © Group Publishing, Inc. Permission to photocopy this page granted for local church use. | group.com/SimplyLoved

Elementary, Holiday Year 1, Easter

I’d like to read you something about our friend Jesus. As you listen, turn away from your Crew members. Pause as kids move. Now imagine Jesus is behind you. Pause. Close your eyes and listen as I read about Jesus. When I’ve finished, turn around to join your Crew members to show that Jesus loves everyone. ● Read the first section of the Easter Take-It-Home Flyer. ● Now I’ll give you one of these flyers to help you talk about Jesus’ love in your Connect Crews and at home, too. Think of this as a practice time for talking about Jesus with your family at home. ● Distribute Take-It-Home Flyers to Crew Guides, and have them share about their own friendship with Jesus as they discuss the “Talk Starter” question together and then invite kids to share. ● Kids share prayer requests and pray together in Connect Crews. ● Crew Guides distribute Take-It-Home Flyers and follow the directions to help kids fold the paper to “fly” home.

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Elementary | Holiday Year 1 | Easter

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BONUS HOLIDAY CARDS! Hmm. What do you do with blank pages at the back of a leader guide?

Aha! Something that’ll creatively help you share God’s love with others.

Simply tear out (or print out), sign, and give these holiday cards away. Feel free to make copies and spread lots of love and cheer over the holidays this year.

Enjoy!

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Elementary | Holiday Year 1 | Bonus Holiday Cards

You’re simply loved.

Merry Christmas.

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son.” John 3:16

You’re simply loved.

Happy Easter.

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son.” John 3:16

Keep your Sundays simple—and your kids delighted—with Simply Loved.

This Elementary Leader Guide provides a step-by-step, simple-to-follow plan for Simply Loved Holiday Year 1 lessons. Featuring memorable, hands-on, friendship-focused activities, each lesson easily adapts to your unique Sunday school format while guiding kids on a foundational, Jesus-centered journey through God’s story of love.

Holiday Bible Discoveries: Unit/Week

Unit Theme

Lesson Theme An Angel Appears to Joseph (Matthew 1:18-24)

Christmas Week 1

Focus: We celebrate Jesus…because we trust him.

Christmas Week 2 We celebrate Jesus.

Magi Search for the Messiah (Matthew 2:1-12) Focus: We celebrate Jesus…because he’s the King of kings.

Palm Sunday

Jesus Rides Into Jerusalem on a Donkey (Matthew 21:1-11) Focus: We celebrate Jesus…because he’s our Rescuer.

Easter

Jesus Dies and Comes Back to Life (Mark 15:16–16:8) We celebrate Jesus…because he’s our forever friend.

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