Church Friends
TM
Grades 1-2
A Letter to Teachers Back to Church Sunday will soon arrive! Your church is probably very excited about the opportunity of having new families visiting and worshipping at this special service. It is a great privilege to welcome each and every new family that attends, and share God’s loves with them! In the same way, you have the privilege of sharing God’s love with the children that come into your class. That’s where the Back To Church Sunday children’s curriculum will be so helpful. These fresh, new lessons are customized for this special service to teach children about the Church and present the Good News! Each Bible lesson targets a friendship theme and every child will have an opportunity to learn how to become a friend of Jesus!
The Back to Church children’s curriculum covers five different age levels (preschool through grade 6). The lessons are:
Preschool New Friends
Grades 3-4 Devoted Friends
(Acts 9:19-28) ages 3-5
(Acts 2) ages 8-10
Big Idea: God encourages Christians to seek opportunities to make new friends. Sku # BK1548263
Kindergarten Helpful Friends (Acts 9:36-42) ages 5-6 Big Idea: Church people use their talents to serve God and help others. Sku # BK1548363
Big Idea: The Holy Spirit unites all Christians in one heart and purpose.
Sku # BK1547963
Grades 5-6 Trustworthy Friends (Titus 2) ages 10-13 Big Idea: God empowers believers to selflessly serve His people. Sku # BK1548063
Grades 1-2 Church Friends (1 Corinthians 12) ages 6-8 Big Idea: God’s people worship Him today through local churches around the world. Sku # BK1548463
This lesson packet provides everything you will need to teach a strategic Bible lesson to 12 children. The Teacher Guide clearly identifies what the children will learn in that lesson, gives tips on how to be a successful teacher, provides access to free downloads that enhance the lesson, and identifies the supplies that will be needed. On Back to Church Sunday, quite a few children may visit your class. Remember to be warm and friendly, to let them know your church values them, and that this is a great place for them to learn about God and His love. Have a wonderful Back to Church Sunday!
To order more Back to Church Sunday children’s curriculum please call 1-800-991-6011 or visit www.BacktoChurch.com
Church Friends Jesus is the leader of the Church—and He is always with His people. Write the hidden letters in the boxes below where you find them.
Jesus is the
I’m glad Jesus is in charge!
of the Church.
©2012, DiscipleLand. All rights reserved. Illegal to reproduce.
1
1 Corinthians 12:12-31
The Church Is One Body
x
Complete these sentences by crossing out the incorrect word.
The Church is one body / building (12:12).
People / God decides what each body part should do (12:18).
The Church is made up of few / many parts (12:14).
Some / all Church members care for each other (12:25-26).
The Church body includes all people who follow Buddha / Jesus Christ / Mohammed (12:27). I love being part of the Church!
God’s people worship Him today through local churches around the world. Tell why everyone in the Church serves and cares for one another.
2
g e
Church Friends Jesus is the leader of the Church—and He is always with His people. Write the hidden letters in the boxes below where you find them.
Jesus is the
I’m glad Jesus is in charge!
of the Church.
©2012, DiscipleLand. All rights reserved. Illegal to reproduce.
1
1 Corinthians 12:12-31
The Church Is One Body
x
Complete these sentences by crossing out the incorrect word.
The Church is one body / building (12:12).
People / God decides what each body part should do (12:18).
The Church is made up of few / many parts (12:14).
Some / all Church members care for each other (12:25-26).
The Church body includes all people who follow Buddha / Jesus Christ / Mohammed (12:27). I love being part of the Church!
God’s people worship Him today through local churches around the world. Tell why everyone in the Church serves and cares for one another.
2
g e
Church Friends Jesus is the leader of the Church—and He is always with His people. Write the hidden letters in the boxes below where you find them.
Jesus is the
I’m glad Jesus is in charge!
of the Church.
©2012, DiscipleLand. All rights reserved. Illegal to reproduce.
1
1 Corinthians 12:12-31
The Church Is One Body
x
Complete these sentences by crossing out the incorrect word.
The Church is one body / building (12:12).
People / God decides what each body part should do (12:18).
The Church is made up of few / many parts (12:14).
Some / all Church members care for each other (12:25-26).
The Church body includes all people who follow Buddha / Jesus Christ / Mohammed (12:27). I love being part of the Church!
God’s people worship Him today through local churches around the world. Tell why everyone in the Church serves and cares for one another.
2
g e
Church Friends Jesus is the leader of the Church—and He is always with His people. Write the hidden letters in the boxes below where you find them.
Jesus is the
I’m glad Jesus is in charge!
of the Church.
©2012, DiscipleLand. All rights reserved. Illegal to reproduce.
1
1 Corinthians 12:12-31
The Church Is One Body
x
Complete these sentences by crossing out the incorrect word.
The Church is one body / building (12:12).
People / God decides what each body part should do (12:18).
The Church is made up of few / many parts (12:14).
Some / all Church members care for each other (12:25-26).
The Church body includes all people who follow Buddha / Jesus Christ / Mohammed (12:27). I love being part of the Church!
God’s people worship Him today through local churches around the world. Tell why everyone in the Church serves and cares for one another.
2
g e
Church Friends Jesus is the leader of the Church—and He is always with His people. Write the hidden letters in the boxes below where you find them.
Jesus is the
I’m glad Jesus is in charge!
of the Church.
©2012, DiscipleLand. All rights reserved. Illegal to reproduce.
1
1 Corinthians 12:12-31
The Church Is One Body
x
Complete these sentences by crossing out the incorrect word.
The Church is one body / building (12:12).
People / God decides what each body part should do (12:18).
The Church is made up of few / many parts (12:14).
Some / all Church members care for each other (12:25-26).
The Church body includes all people who follow Buddha / Jesus Christ / Mohammed (12:27). I love being part of the Church!
God’s people worship Him today through local churches around the world. Tell why everyone in the Church serves and cares for one another.
2
g e
Church Friends Jesus is the leader of the Church—and He is always with His people. Write the hidden letters in the boxes below where you find them.
Jesus is the
I’m glad Jesus is in charge!
of the Church.
©2012, DiscipleLand. All rights reserved. Illegal to reproduce.
1
1 Corinthians 12:12-31
The Church Is One Body
x
Complete these sentences by crossing out the incorrect word.
The Church is one body / building (12:12).
People / God decides what each body part should do (12:18).
The Church is made up of few / many parts (12:14).
Some / all Church members care for each other (12:25-26).
The Church body includes all people who follow Buddha / Jesus Christ / Mohammed (12:27). I love being part of the Church!
God’s people worship Him today through local churches around the world. Tell why everyone in the Church serves and cares for one another.
2
g e
Church Friends Big Idea God’s people worship Him today through local churches around the world. Bible Passage The Church is like a body with Jesus as the Head—1 Corinthians 12:12-31 Lesson Summary
In a well-loved passage in Corinthians, Paul elegantly points out the unity believers should experience as the body of Christ. Paul goes on to say that this unity is only made whole in honoring the diversity that comprises it (one body, many parts). The Church is a place where all believers belong and serve important functions in God’s plan. Your children will see that every believer, including themselves, is equally important to the Church. They will discover that the Church is more than just the place where they worship. The local church is like a body with lots of different parts (people) with many different skills. The Church covers the entire globe, and Jesus Christ is its Head.
Bible Background
Paul wrote 1 Corinthians to point out and resolve issues in the local church in Corinth. Because of its location, the city was a major trade center with travelers from many places and faiths. The Church, composed mostly of Gentiles, struggled to stay on track and true to the Gospel, constantly being drawn back to the ways of the world. Church members debated the importance of different spiritual gifts. Some were jealous of the more “spectacular” gifts and felt they
DISCIPLE TARGETS Knowledge (truths)
had nothing significant to contribute. Others felt superior and wanted places of preeminence. Paul needed to set them straight about God’s Church, and he wrote a compelling piece about unity through diversity.
Teacher Devotional
Reflect on where God has placed you in His church body and the role He has given you as a teacher. The commitment to your church family and the extraordinary privilege of worshiping God together week by week is not something to take for granted. As you show your children how much you appreciate and value the people you worship with, they’ll see how important church is for them, too. Ask God to strengthen your commitment to and love for your church family. Lord Jesus, I’m grateful to be part of Your Church. You’re our honored Head and I give You praise and glory. Remind me of the privilege of being a part of this body as I instruct the children in the principles of church life. Give me gentle, clear words to encourage each child about his or her importance to the Church. Strengthen the bonds of friendship between them. Thank You for growing the children into caring members of Your body. Amen.
In this lesson, your children will...
Character (emotions)
is the Head of the Church. K • Jesus (Colossians 1:18) in the church belong to N • People Christ’s body. (1 Corinthians 12:12) are diverse but share O • Christians many similar beliefs and experi(1 Corinthians 12:13-14) W • ences. Each believer in the Church is equally important to God. (1 Corinthians 12:25)
F E E L
• Glad that Jesus is in charge of the Church.
• Pleased to belong to a local church body and family.
Conduct (actions) Jesus for being the Head D • Praise of the Church. talents and gifts they O • Identify can offer to the Church.
• Excited to meet new people and friends who serve the church.
• Honored to be an important part of the Church.
©2012, DiscipleLand. All rights reserved. It is illegal to reproduce this material.
• Look forward to weekly church services and activities.
• Tell why church members
like to serve and care for one another. 1
Make
Disciples
Interest
Teacher—Decide where to place these elements into this lesson.
Teacher—Choose one activity that will involve students and grab their attention.
Opening Prayer
In the Beginning (10 minutes)
Thank God for your local church and church staff. Thank Him for the whole Church and for allowing the kids to be a part of it. Praise Jesus for being the Head of the Church, for leading every person who is part of His body.
This game introduces facts about how your church began. Supplies: facts about your church’s origin and history, pictures (from an album, old directory, newspaper, website, etc.) of your church from its early days
Good News for Kids!
Make a game to help kids discover your church’s history. Before class, use information about the church’s roots and its worship style to make up some simple statements that are all true. Throw in a couple of false ones, such as “Our church started in the time of the Egyptians” or “We speak and sing in the Zimbabwean language during our worship service.” Gather the children in the center of the room. Designate one wall TRUE and an opposite wall FALSE. Tell the kids that you’re going to tell them some facts about your church. If they think a statement is true, they run/hop/ skip/walk backwards/etc. to the TRUE wall. If false, they go to the FALSE wall. Play for a few minutes. Then gather the children to look at pictures of the church in its early days. Include current pictures of your church and its members. If possible, include pictures of church members the kids might recognize—pictures that show them quite a bit younger!
At an appropriate time during the lesson, give your children an opportunity to respond personally to the Good News. For a clear and simple way to present the Gospel, refer to the free download Good News for Kids (available at DiscipleLand.com/BTCS).
KeyVerse
Topic: Church Worship Reference: 1 Corinthians 12:27 Memorization Activity: Before class, draw a simple church on poster board and write the words of the verse across the poster. Cut the poster up into several puzzle pieces. Read the verse from your favorite Bible translation and explain any difficult words or phrases. Bring out a generic doll body and let kids guess how it represents the verse. Distribute the puzzle pieces and have students assemble the puzzle. If you have a larger class, make two puzzles and have two teams compete to complete their puzzle first. The first team to finish should stand up and say the verse together.
Bonus Resources
Access free downloads for this lesson at DiscipleLand.com/BTCS. • Contemporary Dee Cy Paul Chip (discipleship) story • Puppet script and lesson “bookends” • More activity ideas and templates • Good News for Kids salvation outline
Student Page—1
Help your concrete thinkers understand what it means that Jesus is the “Head” of the Church. Complete this page at the beginning of class or after a Spark Interest activity. 2
Spark
OR All in the Head (10 minutes)
This group craft teaches that Jesus is the Head of the Church. Supplies: length of butcher paper, pencils or markers
Have a teenager or adult (yourself, if necessary) lie down on the butcher paper while children trace around his or her body. Once the tracing is complete, let children improve the outline with a black marker. Have them write on all parts of the body the different jobs, roles, and positions in the church, from choir member, usher, and Sunday school teacher, to worshipers, pastors, and groundskeeper. They can write the names or draw pictures of the people or jobs on any parts of the body except the head. Explain that the head is already taken by someone else. After they’ve completed all their drawings and words on the body, ask if they know who is the head of the church. After they each have a chance to respond, tell them Jesus is the Head. The Bible explains that He is the one in charge of the Church—meaning all the churches that believe in Him all over the world! Have one or two volunteers write “Jesus” on the head portion. Mount the art on the wall.
Explore
Scripture Teacher—Teach the Bible lesson. Include exercises from the Student Pages.
1 Corinthians 12:12-31
Open your Bible to 1 Corinthians 12:12-31. After dying on the cross and coming back to life, Jesus commanded His disciples to tell everyone about Him. They preached to many people and started the first church in Jerusalem. God also chose Paul to tell others about Jesus. Paul started churches all over—many people became believers in Jesus. Paul wrote many letters to encourage and help those churches. God put it in Paul’s heart to make sure the churches understood what God wanted them to be and do. Jesus’ followers in a city named Corinth were having a tough time because they lived among very bad people, they were confused about how to be a church. Some Christians thought they were more important than others. Other Christians were afraid they weren’t important at all—that maybe they shouldn’t even be part of the church! Paul wrote letters to help them out. One letter contains an important message to us today, too. Let’s look at it together. Read aloud each passage from your Bible or from a Children’s Bible. 1 Corinthians 12:12-13 Paul uses a “picture-withwords” to help everyone understand what God wants to say. The picture is the human body. He knows that everyone can understand that a body has many parts. Let’s name some parts of the body. Encourage responses. God wants us to know that the Church is all part of one body. Also, it doesn’t matter who you were before—once you become a Christian, you belong—you are part of the whole Church. 1 Corinthians 12:14-20 Paul talks about some of the different body parts. He wants people to know that everyone in the church is important—even you! Some people thought they were not important because they weren’t leaders, or they couldn’t heal people, or they didn’t know how to teach. But God puts every person in the Church just where He wants him or her to be. Everyone has a talent or gift that he or she can give to the Church. Even children like you belong to the Church, and you are very important! Help children see what they bring to the Church—innocence, simple faith, laughter, help, love, and so on.
1 Corinthians 12:21-24 God also warns people who think their gifts and talents are more important than other people’s. How many of you can walk on your hands? Encourage responses. Feet are just as important to the body as hands and ears and eyes. All people are equally important in the Church. Can you think of some jobs in a Church that some people might think are not that important? Encourage responses. What do you think would happen if no one did those jobs? 1 Corinthians 12:25-26 These verses explain how people should treat each other. Because we are all important to God, we should be sad when people are hurting. Because we are all part of the Church, we should be happy when great things happen to people. We should treat everyone in the Church like close friends. Show the picture from the inside back cover of an early church worshiping. 1 Corinthians 12:27 Just as the Church is all part of one body, Jesus is part of the Church, too! He is connected to the Church as a head is connected to the body. What happens to a body that does not have a head? Encourage responses. That’s right, it dies! We have to make sure that Jesus is the Head of our Church. We let Him lead us and guide us and be in charge of everything we do. What Paul wrote in this letter is about the whole Church—every Christian in the whole world! There are millions of believers around the world—way too many for us all to meet together, so we meet in local churches to worship God. But we are all important to each other, whether we live in America or Mexico or Papua New Guinea or China—whether we meet in a huge building or a wooden shack or someone’s living room. The Church is like one big body with many parts. We can enjoy worshiping Jesus, the Head of the Church, knowing that we are an important part of something great and wonderful that God is doing!
Student Page—2
Read the Bible verses so kids can finish the sentences. Complete the HeartBeat, expanding the idea that the Church includes all believers in the world.
3
OR
Inspire
Action
Discovery Walk (15+ minutes)
Teacher—Choose one activity that will encourage learners to apply the Bible truth to their lives.
Talents and Gifts (15 minutes) This drawing and discussion activity encourages students to think of ways they are important to their church. Supplies: paper, markers or crayons Before class, determine a pattern you can make out of whole or half-sheets of paper that would resemble a person or church when taped to a wall. Distribute those sheets among your children during class. Spend a few minutes talking about the different talents and gifts that they have. Make a point to show kids that even things like a cheerful attitude or a willingness to help others is something that they can give to help their church. Have students write and draw on the sheets of paper, showing how they might use their talents and gifts to serve others in the church. Collect the drawings and tape them to your wall or board, slowly forming the person or church pattern you determined earlier. When everyone is finished, pray a short prayer, asking God to bless the their talents and gifts to the glory of His Church.
This exploration activity helps children become more aware of their church and how everyone plays a part in it. Before class day, make arrangements for the class to walk through different areas of the church. Decide on a “travel plan” ahead of time so you can prepare kids for the experience and help them use appropriate behavior as needed. If possible, visit the sanctuary, the platform, or preaching area, rooms where supplies like choir robes, music materials, communion supplies, etc. are stored, the church office, prayer room, library, etc. Name each room/area as you pass through. When you return to the classroom, explain what happens in the different areas. Let children ask questions. Talk about who directs certain church ministries, such as pastors, elders or lay leaders, and above all those, Jesus, the Head of the Church.
Closing Prayer
Begin by thanking God for building His church, Jesus’ body. Praise Him for making us all part of one body of believers. Then start the prayer circle by praying: I honor You, Jesus, for being the Head of the Church. Squeeze a child’s hand and allow kids to repeat. After all the children have had a chance to pray, conclude with “amen.”
OR Meet the Body (10 minutes)
This special guest allows children to put a face and name to those serving in the church.
Invite one or more active members of your local church to visit and explain how they serve the body of Christ (usher, church greeter, kitchen helper, groundskeeper, secretary or bookkeeper). Let each guest briefly explain to the children that this service is a way to show love and honor to Jesus. Discuss how the gifts that person uses in his or her role is just as important as other roles in the church (pastor, worship leader, etc.).
SUPPLIES General Supplies
Bibles, Student Pages Pencils, markers, crayons Paper, notecards, scissors, tape, glue
Make Disciples
Generic doll body
DISCIPLESHIP TIP Review your word choices as you prepare to teach. Are you using any Christian “lingo” or concepts that are common to you, but may be confusing or just plain foreign to the children? As you explain concepts like worship to your class, be aware of terms or phrases that kids might misunderstand. Avoid them, or at least define them. Encourage your class to ask questions if they don’t understand something you’ve said. 4
Spark Interest
•IN THE BEGINNING: facts/photos about your church •ALL IN THE HEAD: butcher paper
Explore Scripture
Teaching Picture (inside back cover)—Church worship
Inspire Action
•TALENTS AND GIFTS: no additional supplies •MEET THE BODY: none •DISCOVERY WALK: none
Church Friends Jesus is the leader of the Church—and He is always with His people. Write the hidden letters in the boxes below where you find them.
Jesus is the
I’m glad Jesus is in charge!
of the Church.
©2012, DiscipleLand. All rights reserved. Illegal to reproduce.
1
1 Corinthians 12:12-31
The Church Is One Body
x
Complete these sentences by crossing out the incorrect word.
The Church is one body / building (12:12).
People / God decides what each body part should do (12:18).
The Church is made up of few / many parts (12:14).
Some / all Church members care for each other (12:25-26).
The Church body includes all people who follow Buddha / Jesus Christ / Mohammed (12:27). I love being part of the Church!
God’s people worship Him today through local churches around the world. Tell why everyone in the Church serves and cares for one another.
2
g e
Church Friends Jesus is the leader of the Church—and He is always with His people. Write the hidden letters in the boxes below where you find them.
Jesus is the
I’m glad Jesus is in charge!
of the Church.
©2012, DiscipleLand. All rights reserved. Illegal to reproduce.
1
1 Corinthians 12:12-31
The Church Is One Body
x
Complete these sentences by crossing out the incorrect word.
The Church is one body / building (12:12).
People / God decides what each body part should do (12:18).
The Church is made up of few / many parts (12:14).
Some / all Church members care for each other (12:25-26).
The Church body includes all people who follow Buddha / Jesus Christ / Mohammed (12:27). I love being part of the Church!
God’s people worship Him today through local churches around the world. Tell why everyone in the Church serves and cares for one another.
2
g e
Church Friends Jesus is the leader of the Church—and He is always with His people. Write the hidden letters in the boxes below where you find them.
Jesus is the
I’m glad Jesus is in charge!
of the Church.
©2012, DiscipleLand. All rights reserved. Illegal to reproduce.
1
1 Corinthians 12:12-31
The Church Is One Body
x
Complete these sentences by crossing out the incorrect word.
The Church is one body / building (12:12).
People / God decides what each body part should do (12:18).
The Church is made up of few / many parts (12:14).
Some / all Church members care for each other (12:25-26).
The Church body includes all people who follow Buddha / Jesus Christ / Mohammed (12:27). I love being part of the Church!
God’s people worship Him today through local churches around the world. Tell why everyone in the Church serves and cares for one another.
2
g e
Church Friends Jesus is the leader of the Church—and He is always with His people. Write the hidden letters in the boxes below where you find them.
Jesus is the
I’m glad Jesus is in charge!
of the Church.
©2012, DiscipleLand. All rights reserved. Illegal to reproduce.
1
1 Corinthians 12:12-31
The Church Is One Body
x
Complete these sentences by crossing out the incorrect word.
The Church is one body / building (12:12).
People / God decides what each body part should do (12:18).
The Church is made up of few / many parts (12:14).
Some / all Church members care for each other (12:25-26).
The Church body includes all people who follow Buddha / Jesus Christ / Mohammed (12:27). I love being part of the Church!
God’s people worship Him today through local churches around the world. Tell why everyone in the Church serves and cares for one another.
2
g e
Church Friends Jesus is the leader of the Church—and He is always with His people. Write the hidden letters in the boxes below where you find them.
Jesus is the
I’m glad Jesus is in charge!
of the Church.
©2012, DiscipleLand. All rights reserved. Illegal to reproduce.
1
1 Corinthians 12:12-31
The Church Is One Body
x
Complete these sentences by crossing out the incorrect word.
The Church is one body / building (12:12).
People / God decides what each body part should do (12:18).
The Church is made up of few / many parts (12:14).
Some / all Church members care for each other (12:25-26).
The Church body includes all people who follow Buddha / Jesus Christ / Mohammed (12:27). I love being part of the Church!
God’s people worship Him today through local churches around the world. Tell why everyone in the Church serves and cares for one another.
2
g e
Church Friends Jesus is the leader of the Church—and He is always with His people. Write the hidden letters in the boxes below where you find them.
Jesus is the
I’m glad Jesus is in charge!
of the Church.
©2012, DiscipleLand. All rights reserved. Illegal to reproduce.
1
1 Corinthians 12:12-31
The Church Is One Body
x
Complete these sentences by crossing out the incorrect word.
The Church is one body / building (12:12).
People / God decides what each body part should do (12:18).
The Church is made up of few / many parts (12:14).
Some / all Church members care for each other (12:25-26).
The Church body includes all people who follow Buddha / Jesus Christ / Mohammed (12:27). I love being part of the Church!
God’s people worship Him today through local churches around the world. Tell why everyone in the Church serves and cares for one another.
2
1 Corinthians 12:27
Early Christians Worship God Together
©2012, DiscipleLand • DiscipleLand.com • All rights reserved.
g e
If you liked this Back to Church Sunday lesson, check out these additional resources from DiscipleLand. DiscipleLand’s exclusive Children’s Discipleship System™ is a blueprint to disciple kids. From nursery to elementary, this comprehensive plan ensures that children achieve balanced growth in Bible knowledge, Christ-like character, and faithful conduct—everything kids need to live as devoted followers of Jesus.
Nursery Begin Trusting the Lord
Preschool Discover God’s Greatness and Plan
Kindergarten Imitate Champions of the Faith
Elementary Choose from three proven product lines! Core Bible
Establish a Solid Foundation
Hilkiah the Priest Finds God’s Word 2 Chronicles 34
Experience Victorious Living
Grades 1-2- Church Friends-BK1548463
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God Rules Heaven and Earth
Adventure
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