E1. Bible Skills Old Testament

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E1. Bible Skills – Old Testament 2 Timothy 3:14-17, Psalm 12:6, Psalm 119:160

Learning Objectives

1. The children will explore the Old Testament of the Bible. 2. The children will develop their Bible skills through games and activities.

Memory Verse: “The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever.”

--Isaiah 40:8 (NLT)

Getting Started Choose One

All Ages Organize the Books of the New Testament

As the children arrive, have them color each section of the Old Testament books of the Bible a different color. You will want to have a sample already completed and posted in your teaching space for the children to be able to look at as a guide. Explain to them as they work that the colors help us to understand a little bit more about how the Bible is organized. "Team Bible Dribble” See: www.kidssundayschool.com → Grade School → Games → “Team Bible Dribble” You will need to print out copies of the Bible bookmarks and the question and answers sheet from the above website. You will also need 2 balls (kick balls or basketballs will work) for this activity, and a white board or easel paper to write on. Children will work together as a team to answer the questions and determine the name of the book of the Bible and then use the balls to dribble to the board and write their answer on it. Please see the above website for detailed instructions. Modify this activity as needed.

Grades K-2

“Put the Books in Order” You will need to print one copy of the completed “books of the Bible” bookcase for each child before class

(see attached). You will also need to print out the first five books of the New Testament and cut them apart (see attached). Each child or pair of children will need their own set. As the children arrive, have them use the completed chart to put their index cards in order (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy). Give them a set amount of time to work on this. When they get them write, have them practice saying the five books in order and see if they can say them from memory.

Grades 3-5

“Fill in the Books” You will need to print one copy of the empty bookcase and one copy of the completed “books of the Bible”

bookcase for each child before class (see attached). As the children arrive, have them use a pencil and the completed chart to fill in the Old Testament portion of the empty chart. Give them a set amount of time to work on this. (Note – it can be finished later.)

http://www.kidssundayschool.com/

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Bible Lesson with Discussion Questions

Message: The Word of God stands forever.

TEACHER NOTE: The following “general background” information regarding the structure of the Bible should be taught with discretion and special consideration should be given to the ages of the children you are teaching.

General Background Information for Teachers The Bible (also known as the “Holy Scripture”) is a collection of writings about God’s activity, promises, and

commandments. The Holy Scripture describes encounters with God. It is not a complete or exhaustive account of all of God’s deeds. God made sure that what is important for the salvation of mankind has been preserved in the Bible. The biblical writings were collected over a span of about 1000 years. God prompted people to author the scriptures and He guided them to write what should be written. Each biblical book is written in a style that reflects their respective author as well as the worldview and experiences of their time. God saw to it that the main contents of the biblical books have remained complete and untouched over the centuries. Holy Scripture is divided into two main parts, namely the Old Testament—which deals with the time before the birth of Christ—and the New Testament, which begins at the time of Christ’s birth. The Old Testament

The first book of the Bible is the book of Genesis and it is in the Old Testament. The Old Testament is broken down more, in a way that is easy to understand. (Have the children repeat after you: “Five, twelve, five, five, twelve…five, twelve, five, five, twelve”)

The Old Testament is divided into 5 parts: 1. 5 books of law – Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Number, and Deuteronomy. They are called the

books of law because they contain the laws of God to His people, the Ten Commandments, etc. They talk about the creation, Noah and the flood, Abraham, Moses and more.

2. 12 books of history - Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 and 2 Samuel, 1 and 2 Kings, 1 and 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther. They tell the History of Israel from the Promised Land to the return to Jerusalem. They cover Joshua, Caleb, the judges like Sampson, Saul, David, etc.

3. 5 books of poetry - Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Solomon. They are written largely in a poetry form.

4. 5 books of Major Prophets - Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel. 5. 12 books of Minor Prophets - Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk,

Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi. The difference between major and minor prophets is mostly the length of the books, with the Major Prophets books being longer than most of the Minor Prophet books of the Bible. Remind them that when they think Old Testament – think “5 – 12 – 5 – 5 – 12”.

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Bible Lesson with Discussion Questions - Continued

Bible Lesson PART 1: Review the following verses, using the discussion questions as a guide. 2 Timothy 3:14-17 (NIRV)

“But I want you to continue to follow what you have learned. Do not give up what you are sure of. You know the people you learned it from. You have known the Holy Scriptures ever since you were a little child. They are able to teach you how to be saved by believing in Christ Jesus.

God has breathed life into all of Scripture. It is useful for teaching us what is true. It is useful for correcting our mistakes. It is useful for making our lives whole again. It is useful for training us to do what is right. By using Scripture, a man of God can be completely prepared to do every good thing.” Psalm 12:6

“The words of the Lord are perfect. They are like silver made pure in a clay furnace. They are like silver made pure seven times over.”

Psalm 119:160

“All your words are true. All your laws are right. They last forever.”

PART 2: Bible Reference Key Instruction See: www.kidssundayschool.com → Grade School → Lessons → “Spiritual Life” – the Bible – “Our Guide” → scroll down to “class exercise” and click on “Bible Keys” This worksheet is a guide for you, the teacher, to teach the children some basic information when it comes to looking up verses in the Bible. It will guide you so that you may teach the children some key skills that they need in order to use their Bibles properly. While discretion according to the ages and skill levels of the children you are teaching is needed, please DO NOT skip this part of the lesson, and use it to further guide the children in navigating the Bible. It is not necessary however to cover everything that is listed on the activity sheet. Discussion Questions:

1. Where does all Scripture come from? (It comes from God.) 2. What is Scripture, or the Bible, good for? (It is good for teaching, for correcting us, for training us, and

equipping us to do good things.) 3. Do you think that God will ever need new laws for us to follow? (No. His laws last forever. So, what we read

about in the Bible will always be a good teaching for us.) 4. Will knowing what is in the Bible help you to do good works? Why or why not? (Discuss together. Answers

will vary.) 5. How can you grow like Jesus did? How do you grow your mind, your body, and your spirit? (Discuss

together. Make a chart on the easel or on your white board. Children could also make a 3-column chart on paper or have it premade to save time. Be specific. For example, praying to God helps one to grow in spirit. Reading the Bible could help one grow in mind and in spirit. Exercise would help one grow in body. Etc.)


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Application to Real Life

Enjoy a healthy snack together. While you do, look up in your Bibles Matthew 7:26 and read it together: “But everyone who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man. He builds his

house on sand.” If possible, bring in a large rock and some sand so the children can see firsthand what the verse means. You will need two (2) pans – one for the rock, and the other for the sand. You will also need 2 cups (plastic or paper will work just fine), and a pitcher of water. In the first pan, place the rock in the center and the cup on top of the rock. In the second pan, place the sand (in a pile) with the second cup on top. Ask the children what they think will happen to the cup when you add water to the pan with a rock in it. Gently pour water into that pan and watch what happens. Do the same thing for the pan with the sand. What do the children think will happen? Gently pour the water and watch the cup fall.

Remind the children of this story of the wise man who built his house on the rock and the foolish man who built his house on the sand and what happened to each of the houses. We want to build our house on the rock. We want to put God’s words into practice in our lives. To do this, we need to read our Bibles and see what God has to tell us. We want to learn from Him. (Remind the children of the message and the memory verse.)

Memory Work Fun

1. Name the two main parts of the Bible and tell what the difference is. (Old Testament – before Jesus, New Testament – Jesus & After Jesus)

2. Where is the book of Genesis located? In the Old or New Testament? Practice finding it together. Where is the book of Matthew located? In the Old or New Testament? Practice finding it together.

3. Recite the memory verse. 4. Lead the class in a short prayer thanking God for giving us such a special gift so that we can learn about Him,

His promises and how He wants us to live.

Activity Ideas Choose One TEACHER INSTRUCTIONS:

Choose from any of the following games or activities. You will want to plan for more than one just in case you need it. For selecting activities to reinforce this lesson, focus on the skill levels (not necessarily the ages) of your children and work on further developing their Bible skills.

These activity choices also provide an opportunity for all ages to work together. Consider pairing up the children where appropriate, older or those children who have acquired stronger Bible skills with younger less skilled children. If you have more boys in your class, consider choosing an activity that is more active and/or competitive in nature.

Enjoy the activities that you choose and remember that you can participate and learn too!

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Activity Ideas - Continued Choose One

All Ages

"Five Steps to Knowing God’s Word” See: www.kidssundayschool.com → Grade School → Crafts → “Five Steps to Knowing God’s Word” You will need construction paper or card stock, pencils, and glue sticks for this activity. You will also need to print out the Bible reference sheet (see attached) and cut them out for the children to glue on the back of their “bookmarks”. When the children are finished, review the five steps and the bible verses that go with each step. Please see the above website for further detailed instructions. Partner older children or volunteers with younger children if they need help tracing and writing.

Make a “Bible Template”: Make a sample of this template before class, so that children can see the finished product. Please see the

last page of this lesson for the actual templates. You will need to print one template for each child. You will also need 2 pieces of paper for each child’s book, along with scissors, glue sticks and markers.

Help the children to fold their paper (stacked together) to make a book. They will need to write “Bible” on the front of their book. Then ask them to cut out the cards for the Old Testament. The children should open their paper book and glue the Old Testament card on the first set of pages that are open, using both sides.

“Bible Walk”: The purpose of this activity is to help the children learn the books of the Bible in order, in a very active way.

Depending on the ages and skills of the children you are teaching, consider starting with 5 or 10 books of either the Old Testament, and increase the number as needed to challenge different students. If the number you chose is too much or too hard, decrease the number so as not to frustrate the child. Remember to celebrate the small successes of each child’s learning. The goal is to help the children to be able to recite whatever number of books of the Bible in order and from memory. This will help them know in time where to find that book more quickly during Sunday school and Bible study time. It is recommended that you keep this game to be played numerous times throughout the year. It can also be used as a reference tool when learning various Bible stories, allowing the children to actively find where a book of the Bible is located that contains the story you are learning about that day.

For this activity, you will need to print and cut out either the Old Testament cards or the New Testament cards from the “Bible Walk” Template at the end of this lesson. You will also need to print and cut out the star template. If you are choosing to focus on the books of the Old Testament, you will need to trace and cut out 36 stars. The New Testament books will require 21 stars. (Teacher Note: Star templates can also be found inexpensively at teacher stores, dollar stores, etc.) Glue one Old Testament card in the middle of each star. (You can also choose to just write the name of a book of the Bible on each star. Also, number the stars in order on the back, so you can easily put them back in order in case they get mixed up.) If you printed and cut out the New Testament cards, trace and cut out 27 stars, and follow the same procedures using the New Testament books.

Create a winding path with the stars in order on the floor. Make sure there is a space large enough for the child to step between each star. The children should step just in front of the star so they can see it. One child can go at a time, while the other children can say the book of the Bible with the child who is taking the “Bible Walk”. Celebrate the successes of each child’s learning. Encourage partners (if you chose to partner up your children) to help one another.


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Activity Ideas - Continued Choose One “Bible Detective” See: www.kidssundayschool.com → Grade School → Activities → “Bible Detective” This activity will require some preparation work but will last for many months as your children investigate the Bible every week. You will need to print out “Bible Detective” cards and the “Bible Bucks” onto card stock. You may want to consider laminating the Bible Bucks so that they will last. There will be two sides to the Bible bucks to make it more fun and enticing for children. Each week the children will receive one Bible Detective card with the current week’s question. They will get to work on the questions at home and when they return a Bible Detective card with the correct answer, they receive one Bible Buck. After the children have accumulated at least 4-5 Bible bucks, you can allow opportunities (even at the end of the session) to cash in their bucks for treats or small prizes. Make it a fun learning experience. Please see the above website for detailed instructions and for printing templates.

Grades K-2 “I’m Going on a Trip” Game

Have the children form a circle (either by standing or with their chairs). The first child begins by holding a ball or another object and says, “I’m going on a trip and I’m going to take Genesis. “The child then passes the ball to the next child. The second child continues, “I’m going on a trip and I’m going to take Genesis and Exodus.” Continue the game through all the books of the Bible of the desired Testament or set a goal and try to meat it. Have fun!

Grades 3-5

Look it Up! Write the following statements on individual cards (or make up your own). Mix the cards and place them in

a small bag. Allow each child to select a card and use his Bible to complete the assignment. Add additional statements as needed:

o How many chapters are in Luke? o Locate Mark 10:14 and read it. o Which book is in the middle of the Bible? o Find the book of Acts. o Find the first book in the New Testament and read the first verse. o Look up 1 John 4:7. o Find and read the last verse of the last book of the New Testament. o Locate each of the books of Law. o How many chapters are in the book of Revelation?

“Verse Connection” See: www.kidssundayschool.com → Grade School → Activities → “Verse Connection”

You will need to print or make copies of the handout for each child. Children will look at various Bible verses and decide which verse is best suited for each situation that is presented. Please see the above website for detailed instructions and discussion questions.



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Activity Ideas - Continued Choose One “’Selling’ the Importance of God’s Word” See: www.kidssundayschool.com → Grade School → Activities → “Selling God’s Word” You will need an adult volunteer to assist each group and monitor the time allotted as needed. Use the above website as a guide and modify the parameters, as necessary. Children may present their commercials to the class instead of recording them as it is suggested. Allow time for the discussion questions at the end of the activity.

Journal Optional Grades K-2 Draw a picture of your favorite Bible that happened before Jesus was born. Why is it your favorite? Grades 3-5 (Choose One) Do you think it is important to spend time reading your Bible? Why or why not? What is one thing you would like to learn more about? Write about it. What is your favorite story from the Bible that happened before Jesus was born? Why is it your favorite? Write about it.

Homework Ideas

- Read at home with a grownup the lesson titled: “Moses Review” (Exodus 1:1-14; 2:1-4:17; 7-11; 12:3, 5-7, 11-13, 29-33; 12:31-13:18; 14-15:1).

- Learn the memory verse: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart…In all your ways obey him. Then he will make your paths smooth and straight.” --Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIRV)

- Work on memorizing commandment #_____. - Color the “Moses Review” coloring sheet as your parents read you the Sunday School Lesson. Return your

coloring page for a sticker. - What is your favorite story about Moses so far? Why? Be ready to share in class.

Other Resources For additional resources on teaching Bible skills through activities and games, see www.christianbook.com for either of the following books:

1. The Big Book of Bible Skills 2. The Big Book of Bible Games ISBN: 0-8307-2346-3 ISBN: 0=8307-1821-4 Publisher: Gospel Light Publisher: Gospel Light


http://www.christianbook.com/

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Getting Started Activity – Grades K-2

Genesis Exodus

Leviticus Numbers

Deuteronomy

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Activities – “Five Steps to Knowing God’s Word”

Romans 10:17 (Hear) “So faith comes from hearing the message. And the message that is heard is the message about Christ.”

Revelation 1:3a (Read) “Blessed is the one who reads out loud the words of this prophecy.”

Acts 17:11 (Study) “They studied the Scriptures carefully every day. They wanted to see if what Paul said was true.”

Psalm 119:11,13 (Memorize) “I have hidden your word in my heart so that I won’t sin against you. With my lips I talk about all the decisions you have made.”

Psalm 119:15 (Meditate) “I spend time thinking about your rules. I consider how you want me to live.”

Romans 10:17 (Hear) “So faith comes from hearing the message. And the message that is heard is the message about Christ.”

Revelation 1:3a (Read) “Blessed is the one who reads out loud the words of this prophecy.”

Acts 17:11 (Study) “They studied the Scriptures carefully every day. They wanted to see if what Paul said was true.”

Psalm 119:11,13 (Memorize) “I have hidden your word in my heart so that I won’t sin against you. With my lips I talk about all the decisions you have made.”

Psalm 119:15 (Meditate) “I spend time thinking about your rules. I consider how you want me to live.”

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Coloring Page

Name: ______________________

Moses Review

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart…In all your ways obey him.

Then he will make your paths smooth and straight.” --Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIRV)

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Take Home Page: E1. Bible Skills – Old Testament Today I learned…

Today your child learned that the Word of God stands forever. Children explored the Old Testament of the Bible and talked about how important it is for us to read it and learn from it. Help me learn my memory verse…

“The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever.” --Isaiah 40:8 (NLT)

Ask me…

1. Where does all scripture come from? 2. Does the Bible have any mistakes in it? 3. How can the Bible help us to grow to be more like Jesus?

Live Your Faith…

Play a game of “charades” together, in which you take turns acting out your favorite Bible stories from the Old Testament. After the correct story is guessed, let the person who chose it explain why it is their favorite and what they learned from that story.

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E2. Moses Review Exodus 1:1-14; 2:1-10

Exodus 2:11-4:17 Exodus 7-11; 12:3, 5-7, 11-13, 29-33

Exodus 12:31-13:18; 14-15:1

Learning Objectives

1. The children will review the stories of Moses, including his birth and childhood, the burning bush, the ten plagues, and crossing the Red Sea.

2. The children will recognize and identify ways that God protected both Moses and the Israelites.

Memory Verse: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart…In all your ways obey him. Then he will make your paths smooth and straight.”

--Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIRV)


All Ages Remembering Moses Use the pictures from the coloring page to help the children recall the stories as you lead the following discussion and review the lessons they (hopefully) learned about Moses last Spring.

1. Before allowing the children to enter the class area, ask them to remove their shoes. Have the children carry their shoes and put them either under their chair or leave them outside the class area. When the children sit down, ask the children if anyone remembers what “taking off your shoes” has to do with Moses. Review the story of the burning bush.

2. Gather items that can be used for protection (gloves, eye goggles, helmet, knee pads, floatation tube from a lifeguard, etc.) and pictures of people whose job it is to protect (police, firemen, etc.). Have all the items on the table before class begins. Once the children have settled, ask them what the items have in common. (All of these things and these people protect us!) Ask the children how God protected Moses when he was young. (Review the story of when Moses was born.)

3. You will also need one hard-boiled egg, on uncooked egg, and a table or hard surface. Make sure you mark your eggs “a” and “b” or whatever you choose to help you know which one is which. Try to crack each egg over a bowl. Help the children realize that one is hard-boiled, and one is raw. Which one represents the Pharaoh’s heart? Why?

4. End with a discussion about miracles. Ask the children: - What is a miracle? - What miracle happened to Moses and the Israelites as they were trying to escape Egypt?

Review the story of the crossing of the red sea.

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Message: God always provides! Moses is Born

After Joseph was reunited with his brothers, his entire family came to Egypt to live. Those that came were Jacob’s sons, (Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, Benjamin, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, and Asher) plus their families. There were 70 people altogether. They lived in Egypt and their children had children, and much time passed, and this family from the country of Israel, called the “Israelites” had great numbers in Egypt. In time, a new King came to power in Egypt. He didn’t know anything about Joseph or God or the Israelites. He just saw a large group of people. “Look,” he said. “The Israelites are far too many for us. We must deal with them carefully. If we don't, they will increase their numbers even more. Then if war breaks out, they'll join our enemies. They'll fight against us and leave the country." So the Egyptians made life hard for the people of Israel. They became slaves and were forced to build cities and to work harder and harder. But the more the Egyptians would punish the people of Israel, and the harder they made them work, the more the Israelite’s numbers grew. Their family got bigger and bigger! And so the Egyptians became more and more afraid of the Israelites. So they made the Israelites work even harder. Then the King of Egypt (or the Pharaoh) made a law that said that only the girl babies could live, and that any boy babies born would have to die. The King did not want the people of Israel to keep growing in number and in strength. There was a man from the family of Levi. He married a woman and she later gave birth to a baby boy. The mother saw how beautiful the baby was, and so she hid him for three months. But after that, she wasn't able to hide her baby any longer. So she got a basket that was made out of the stems of tall grass, or reeds. She coated it with tar so that it would float. Then she placed the baby boy in the basket. She put the basket in the tall grass that grew along the edge of the Nile River. The baby’s older sister wanted to see what would happen to him, so she watched over him.

The daughter of the King of Egypt (who was called the Pharaoh) went down to the Nile River to take a bath. Her servant girls were walking beside here along the banks of the river. She saw the basket in the tall grass and she sent her maiden to go and get it. When the Pharaoh’s daughter opened the basket, she saw the baby boy. He was crying and she felt sorry for him. "This is one of the Hebrew babies," she said. Then the baby’s sister spoke to the Pharaoh’s daughter. She asked, "Do you want me to go and get one of the Hebrew women? She could take care of the baby for you." "Yes, please," she answered. So the girl went and got the baby's mother. The King’s daughter asked the woman to: "Take this baby and nurse him for me. I will pay you." So the woman took the baby and nursed him. When the child grew older, she took him to King's daughter. She adopted the baby as her own son. She named him Moses because she had pulled him out of the water. After a long time, the King of Egypt died. The people of Israel groaned because they were forced to work very hard. They cried for help. God heard their cries. He also remembered the agreement or promise He had made with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The Burning Bush

Moses grew up in the house of the Pharaoh (or the King of Egypt), but he knew he was not an Egyptian. Moses was an Israelite. One day when he was all grown up, he saw an Israelite being hurt by an Egyptian. Moses took the life of the Egyptian, and then ran away from Egypt because he was ashamed of what he did, and he was also afraid for his own life. The King had also heard about what Moses had done and in turn tried to take Moses’ life. So Moses ran away from the King and went to live in the land of Median.

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Bible Lesson with Discussion Questions - continued

There was a priest in Midian who had seven daughters. His name was Jethro. Moses saw the daughters trying to get water for their father’s sheep one day, but some shepherds came and chased the girls away. Moses defended the girls, and was able to get water for their sheep. When the girls came home early, their father asked why. They told their father what happened, and that Egyptian had defended them. Jethro told the girls to find Moses and invite him to eat with them. Moses agreed to stay with Jethro. He married one of the daughters, Zipporah, and together they had a baby boy, named Gershom.

In the meantime, the King of Egypt died. The people of Israel (the Israelites) had to work very hard and they cried to God for help. God remembered the promise He made to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and He was very concerned over the Israelites. One day, Moses was taking care of Jethro’s sheep. Moses led the sheep to the west side of the desert, and to Mount Horeb, the mountain of God. There the angel of the Lord appeared to Moses in flames of fire that was coming out of a bush. Moses saw the bush was on fire, but it was not burning up. So Moses wanted to take a closer look at this strange thing. The Lord saw Moses was coming to look at the bush, so God called to him from the bush, “Moses, Moses!” Then God said to him, “Don’t come any closer. Take off your shoes (sandals) because you are standing on holy ground. I am the God of your father. I am the God of Abraham. I am the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.” Moses covered his face because he was afraid to look at God. God said: “I have seen the troubles my people have suffered in Egypt and I have heard their cries. I have come down to save them from the Egyptians. I will bring them out of that land and lead them to a land with lots of room and where much food grows. I am sending you to the King of Egypt. Go and bring my people, the Israelites, out of Egypt.”

But Moses spoke to God, “I am not a great man! Why should I be the one to go the King and lead the Israelites out of Egypt?” But God told Moses that He would be with him. God said, “I will be with you. This will be the proof that I am sending you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will serve God on this mountain.”

Moses said to God, "Suppose I go to the people of Israel. Suppose I say to them, 'The God of your fathers has sent me to you.' Suppose they ask me, 'What is his name?' Then what should I tell them?" God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM. Here is what you must say to the Israelites. Tell them, 'I AM has sent me to you. Tell them the Lord God of your fathers, of Abraham, Isaac and the God of Jacob has sent me to you.’ My name will forever be “The Lord”. Remember me by that name for all time to come.”

Then God told Moses to go and gather the older leaders and tell them the God has appeared to you and has sent you to lead the Israelites out of Egypt and into the land of Canaan, where there is much food.

God told Moses that He knew that the King of Egypt would not let the people go, and that only a mighty hand could make him do that. God promised to make all kinds of miracles happen, and then the King (or Pharaoh) would let the people go.

God told Moses: "I will cause the Egyptians to treat you in a kind way. Then when you leave, you will not go out with your hands empty. Every woman should ask her neighbor and any woman living in her house for articles made out of silver and gold. Ask them for clothes too. Put them on your children. In that way, you will take the wealth of Egypt along with you."

Then Moses answered God, "What if the elders of Israel won't believe me? What if they won't listen to me? Suppose they say, 'The Lord didn't appear to you.' Then what should I do?" The Lord said to him, "What do you have in your hand?"

"A wooden staff (or rod or walking stick)," he said. The Lord said, "Throw it on the ground." So Moses threw it on the ground. It turned into a snake. He ran away from it. Then the Lord said to Moses, "Reach your hand out.

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Take the snake by the tail." So he reached out and grabbed hold of the snake. It turned back into a wooden staff in his hand. The Lord said, "When they see this miraculous sign, they will believe that I appeared to you. I am the God of their fathers. I am the God of Abraham. I am the God of Isaac. And I am the God of Jacob."

Then the Lord said, "Put your hand inside your coat." So Moses put his hand inside his coat. When he took it out, it was as white as snow. It was covered with a skin disease. "Now put it back into your coat," the Lord said. So Moses put his hand back into his coat. When he took it out, the skin was healthy again. His hand was like the rest of his skin. Then the Lord said, "Suppose they do not believe you or pay attention to the first miracle. Then maybe they will believe the second one.

"But suppose they do not believe either miracle. Suppose they will not listen to you. Then get some water from the Nile River. Pour it on the dry ground. The water you take from the river will turn to blood on the ground."

Moses spoke to the Lord. He said, "Lord, I've never been a good speaker. And I haven't gotten any better since you spoke to me. I don't speak very well at all."

The Lord said to him, "Who makes a man able to talk? Who makes him unable to hear or speak? Who makes him able to see? Who makes him blind? It is I, the Lord. Now go. I will help you speak. I will teach you what to say." But Moses said, "Lord, please send someone else to do it."

Then the Lord's anger burned against Moses. He said, "What about your brother, Aaron the Levite? I know he can speak well. He is already on his way to meet you. He will be glad to see you. 15 Speak to him. Put your words in his mouth. Tell him what to say. I will help both of you speak. I will teach you what to do. He will speak to the people for you. He will be like your mouth. And you will be like God to him. "But take this wooden staff in your hand. You will be able to do miraculous signs with it."

The Ten Plagues (Summarized): God sent Moses and his brother Aaron to go and see the Pharaoh of Egypt. Moses went to the Pharaoh and told him to let God’s people go. (The Israelites wanted to leave Egypt and go into the desert to worship God.) Moses even threw down his staff like God had showed him, and it turned into a snake. But Pharaoh said, “No!”. So God told Moses that since the pharaoh was so stubborn, He would send a plague, or very bad thing, onto Egypt until the Pharaoh agreed to let God’s people go. He sent 10 plagues in all. He turned the Nile River into blood. He made frogs appear everywhere, even in their houses. He made flies swarm everywhere. He made a disease come on the farm animals (horses, camels, cows, etc.) and they all died. He made a hail storm come down and destroy anything in its path including animals, crops and people. He made insects called locusts come, and they ate all the plants in Egypt. He made the sun go away and darkness covered Egypt for three whole days, except for the place where the Israelites dwelled. And the tenth plague was to have the firstborn child in each family die. (The Israelites were to paint their doors red, and if they did this, their children would live.) In the final plague, even the Pharaoh’s firstborn son was killed. He finally said “Go! Leave my people and go and worship your Lord!” So all the Israelites packed up their things and their families and left Egypt. The Israelites saw God’s great power, and they feared the Lord and put their trust in His servant, Moses. Crossing the Red Sea The Red Sea

After the Passover, Pharaoh found Moses and Aaron in the night and said, “Get out of here! You and the Israelites, leave my people! Go. Worship the Lord, just as you have asked. Go. Take your flocks and herds, just as you have said. And also bless me." Even the Egyptian people wanted the Israelites to leave, because they were afraid they would die too.

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So the Israelites, led by Moses, went into the desert. There were about 600,000 men walking, not including the women and children. Some that were not Israelites also went with them. They had to bake bread without yeast, because they left Egypt so quickly that they no time to get the food ready for the trip. The Israelites had been in Egypt for 430 years and now they were leaving. God led the people through the desert towards the Red Sea.

They were guided by a pillar of cloud by day, and a pillar of fire at night. They traveled day and night. Then God told the Israelites to camp for one night. God knew that to the Egyptians, it would look like the Israelites were lost and trapped by the desert. But God told Moses to journey on a certain path, in order to show the people of Egypt that He is the Lord.

Pharaoh saw that the Israelites were wandering, and thought, “What have we done? We have let these people get away! We lost our slaves!” He sent his army of 600 chariots to go and get the Israelites back.

When the Israelites saw the Egyptian army, they said to Moses, “Why did you bring us to the desert to die? It is better to be Egyptians than to die in the desert.” Moses answered the people. He said, "Don't be afraid. Stand still and see the Lord save you today. You will never see those Egyptians again after today. You will need to remain calm. The Lord will fight for you."

Then the Lord told Moses to command the people of Israel to start moving. God told Moses to hold out his staff (or walking stick) and hold it out over the Red Sea. The water would part and the Israelites could make it safely across on dry land. God said, “I will make the hearts of the Egyptians stubborn. They will go in after the Israelites. I will defeat the Pharaoh, his whole army, his chariots and his horsemen. The Egyptians will know that I am the Lord." The Israelites crossed the Red Sea through the night. The pillar of cloud and fire now followed behind the Israelites and in front of the Egyptians, making it hard to see for the people of Egypt. It made it dark for them, but gave light to the Israelites.

Then the Lord looked down from the cloud and the Egyptians saw the Lord was with the Israelites. They began to panic and wanted to get away from them because they knew the Lord was with the Israelites, and fighting against them. But the Lord made it hard for them to drive their chariots. Then the Lord told Moses to hold his hand over the sea. And at dawn, the water became deep again. The Egyptians tried to get away, but the Lord swept them away into the sea. So that day, the Lord saved the Israelites from the Egyptians. When the people of Israel saw the great power that the Lord had used against the Egyptians, they feared the Lord. And they trusted the Lord and His servant Moses. Then Moses and the Israelites sang a song to praise God. Discussion Questions:

1. How does God protect you in your life? (Discuss together and make a list. Then be sure to make the connection to “thanking God” for all He does to protect us each day, how we do that, etc.)

2. What places are holy in our church? (Take a “field trip” and go check them out together.) 3. Who should we listen to and obey? (Discuss with the children…parents, teachers, etc.) Do you always listen

the first time? (Discuss together.) 4. Should we listen to God the first time? (Absolutely.) 5. How could the story have ended differently if the Pharaoh had decided to listen the first time to what God

wanted? (Discuss together.) 6. If you were an Israelite and were crossing the Red Sea, and you turned around and saw the Egyptian army

coming after you, how do you think you would have felt? (Discuss together. Reflect on how it might have been difficult to trust in God.)

7. Who do you trust? (Discuss together. Make a list together. Once the list is made, have the children identify who the most important person on the list is to trust – GOD. Circle it. Remind the children if you “trust in God with all your heart” then “God will provide” what you need.)

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Use the “Discussion Questions” in the “Activities” section on the previous page to guide an “application to real life” discussion. Pray before class that the Holy Spirit guides your discussion according to the children that you have in your class and what is needed. Enjoy a fun snack as you continue the conversation. Review the memory verse and message statement.

Memory Work Fun

1. Recite the memory verse. 2. Practice finding Exodus in the Bible. How fast can you find it? 3. Can you recite the third commandment? Remember the sabbath day to keep it holy. 4. Lead the class in a short prayer, thanking God for protecting you.

Activity Ideas Choose One

All Ages Old Time Telephone Game: See: www.kidssundayschool.com → grade school → lessons → “Life of Moses – God Speaks with Moses” Have the children either sit in a circle or line up, and play the old telephone game to show how important it is to listen carefully to the Word of God. You can use the phrases that are provided or make up your own. Please see the above website for detailed instructions. Retell the 10 plagues (with props) Bring in items or pictures to represent each of the 10 plagues. Some examples could be:

-red food coloring in water for blood -plastic frogs (found at most dollar stores) -little balled up paper for lice and flies -plastic farm animals for livestock -white craft balls for hail or balled up white paper

OR Make a poster together. Divide it into 10 sections for the ten plagues. Gather clip art or pictures ahead of time to place on the poster. See if the children can put them in the correct order before using glue to attach them to the poster. SEE ATTACHED for clip art. Red Sea Challenge

You will need to have about 20-30 blue balloons, blown up prior to class. Place the balloons in the middle of the floor. Divide your children up into two teams. Each team should stand at opposite ends of the room. Remind your children that God separated the water so that there was a wall of water on both sides and dry land on which the Israelites could walk. Tell them that they are going to "separate" the water and see who can make the biggest wall of "water". Demonstrate how to pick up a balloon, rub it on yourself or the carpet and then get it to stick to the wall using static electricity.

On the word go each child should grab a balloon from the pile on the floor, rub the balloon on his or her clothes or hair and try to stick it to the wall on his team's side of the room. If a child gets it to stick on the wall, he can then go and get another balloon. After a certain amount of time call out, "Stop!" Count the number of balloons stuck to each wall. The team with the most wins. (This game can be played with as little as 2 people, so recruit extra volunteers as needed.)


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Journal Optional Grades K-2 Draw a picture of your favorite story about Moses. Why is it your favorite? Grades 3-5 Why do think that God chose Moses to lead his people? Write about it.

Homework Ideas

- Read at home with a grown up the story about Manna and Quail (Numbers 11:1-10, 18-20, 31-34). - Learn the memory verse: “In everything give thanks….”

--1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NKJV) - Work on memorizing commandment #_____. - Color the “Manna and Quail” coloring sheet as your parents read you the Sunday School Lesson. Return

your coloring page for a sticker. - Look up in your dictionary the word “complain” and write down the definition. Bring it with you to class

next week.

Other Resources www.daniellesplace.com → Resource Room → Search any of the following: “baby Moses”, “burning bush”, “plagues”, “Moses” http://children.cccm.com/curriculum/ → Old Testament → Lessons 35, 36, 37 or 40 “Support Curriculum”

http://www.daniellesplace.com/

http://children.cccm.com/curriculum/

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“The Ten Plagues” Clip Art

#1 Water to Blood #2 - Frogs

(Color the water red)

#3 – Lice #4 - Flies

#5 – Livestock Died

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#6 – Boils #7 – Hail Storm

#8 – Locusts #9 - Darkness

#10 - Passover

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Coloring Page

Name: ______________________

Manna and Quail

“In everything give thanks….”

-1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NKJV)

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Take Home Page: E2. Moses Review Today I learned…

Today your child learned that God always provides. The children reviewed the stories of Moses, including his birth and childhood, the burning bush, the ten plagues, and crossing the Red Sea. The children also talked about ways that God protected both Moses and the Israelites. Help me learn my memory verse…

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart…In all your ways obey him. Then he will make your paths smooth and straight.” --Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIRV)

Ask me…

1. Tell me some of the things that you remember that happened to Moses. 2. If you were an Israelite crossing in the middle of the Red Sea on dry ground, how would you feel? Why? 3. Do you believe that God wants to protect and provide for you too? Why or why not?

Live Your Faith… Go on a nature walk together and make a point to notice and name all the things that God created. Remind your child just how amazing and wonderful God is that He made so many beautiful things for us to enjoy. He also made each one of us. Remind your child of how much God loves us and wants to protect us and provide for us. Say a prayer together and thank God especially for all the times He has taken care of you.

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E3. Manna and Quail Numbers 11:1-10, 18-20, 31-34

Learning Objectives

1. The children will explore the story of the manna and quail that was provided for the Israelites in the desert. 2. The children will verbalize the importance of thanking our Heavenly Father for everything that He gives us.

Memory Verse: “In everything give thanks….” --1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NKJV)


All Ages

“Chicken” Discussion Ask the children how many of them like chicken? Have them raise your hands. Then talk about all the ways

that they like to eat their chicken: chicken nuggets, barbecued chicken, chicken soup, fried chicken, chicken sandwiches, chicken and biscuits, etc. Tell the children that chicken is pretty good, but what if you had to eat it every day, for breakfast, lunch, and dinner? Do you think you would get tired of it? (Discuss together.)

Our story today is about some people who had to eat the same thing every day for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Let’s find out what happened. Puppet Show Activity See: www.daniellesplace.com → search “Manna Again!” → “Manna Again! Bible Lesson” → Scroll to “Intro #1” Please see the above website for the puppet show script.


Message: Be happy with what you have.

The Lord Sends Meat for the People

The Israelites complained to the Lord about their troubles. When He heard them, He became angry. Fire from the Lord burned among the people. It burned the edge of the camp. So the people cried out to Moses. He prayed to the Lord, and the fire stopped burning.

Then some of the people wanted better food. Soon all the Israelites began complaining. They said, "We wish we had meat to eat. We remember the fish we ate in Egypt. It didn't cost us anything.

We also remember the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions and garlic. But now we've lost all interest in eating. We never see anything but this manna!" (Note: Manna was a form of bread.)

The manna was like small white seeds. The people went around gathering it. Then they would ground it in a small mill they held in their hands. Or they crushed it in a stone bowl. They cooked it in a pot or they made cakes out of it. It tasted like something made with olive oil. When the dew came down on the camp at night, the manna also came down.

Moses heard people from every family crying. They were sobbing at the entrances to their tents. The Lord became very angry. So Moses became upset. He asked the Lord, "Why have You brought this trouble on me? Why aren't You pleased with me? Why have You loaded me down with the troubles of all of these people?


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"Am I like a mother to them? Are they my children? Why do You tell me to carry them in my arms? Do I have to carry them the way a nurse carries a baby? Do I have to carry them to the land You promised? You took an oath and promised the land to their people of long ago. Where can I get meat for all of these people? They keep crying out to me. They say, 'Give us meat to eat!' I can't carry all of these people by myself. The load is too heavy for me. Is this how You are going to treat me? I cannot take it anymore. Don't let me live if I have to see myself destroyed anyway."

The Lord said to Moses, "Bring me 70 of Israel's elders. Bring men that you know are leaders and officials among the people. Have them come to the Tent of Meeting. I want them to stand there with you. I will come down and speak with you there. I will take some of my Spirit that is in you and I will put the Spirit in them. They will help you carry the people's load. Then you will not have to carry it alone.

"Tell the people, 'Make yourselves holy. Tomorrow you will eat meat. The Lord heard you when you cried out. You said, "We wish we had meat to eat. We were better off in Egypt.” 'Now the Lord will give you meat. And you will eat it. You will not eat it for just one or two days. You will not eat it for just five, ten or 20 days. Instead, you will eat it for a whole month. You will eat it until it comes out of your nose. You will eat it until you hate it.

"'The Lord is among you. But you have turned your back on Him. You have cried out while He was listening. You have said, "Why did we ever leave Egypt?" ' "

Then the Lord sent out a wind. It drove quail in from the Red Sea. It brought them down all around the camp. They were about three feet above the ground. They could be seen in every direction as far as a person could walk in a day.

The people went out all day and gathered quail. They gathered them all night and all the next day. No one gathered less than 60 bushels. Then they spread the quail out all around the camp. But while the meat was still in their mouths, the Lord acted. Before the people could swallow it, the Lord became angry. He gave the people a terrible sickness that caused many of the Israelites to die. It became the place where they buried those who wanted other food.

Discussion Questions:

1. What did God give to the Israelites to eat every evening at dusk? (Manna.) 2. What happened after the people had been eating the manna for a while? (They started to complain that

they wanted meat to eat.) 3. How did that make God feel? (God became angry!) Did anyone else get angry? (Moses did too.) How

would you feel? (Discuss.) 4. What did God then provide for the Israelites to eat? (Quail...LOTS of quail.) 5. What happened while the Israelites were eating that quail? (God became angry and he caused them to get

sick while the food was still in their mouths.) 6. Why do you think that God became so angry with the Israelites? (Discuss together.) 7. Have you ever complained about the food on your plate or about a gift someone gave you that you didn’t

really want? (Discuss this together. Remind the children that God wants them to be “happy with what you have” and always remember to “In everything give thanks….”)

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Application to Real Life Look up together in the Bible: James 1:2-4 and read what it says. (See below for additional translations to help the children better understand this passage.) NIRV translation: “My brothers and sisters, you will face all kinds of trouble. When you do, think of it as pure joy. Your faith will be put to the test. You know that when that happens it will produce in you the strength to continue. The strength to keep going must be allowed to finish its work. Then you will be all you should be. You will have everything you need.” ICB translation: “My brothers, you will have many kinds of troubles. But when these things happen, you should be very happy. You know that these things are testing your faith. And this will give you patience. Let your patience show itself perfectly in what you do. Then you will be perfect and complete. You will have everything you need.” According to these verses in the Bible, no one has a perfect life. Things will come up or happen to us. Sometimes these things will happen at school, or at home too. But instead of complaining about the challenges we might be facing; God wants us to have a happy heart. Whatever it is that God permits to happen in our lives will give us patience and strength to go forward. We need to trust in God and know that He will help us through all of our experiences. These experiences help us to become the person that our Heavenly Father wants us to be, and therefore will help our souls to be ready for Him when He sends His son again. This week, challenge the children to thank God every day for all that He does for them. Remind the children to “Be happy with what you have” (Message) and “In everything give thanks…” to God (Memory Verse).

Memory Work Fun 5 minutes

1. Recite the memory verse. 2. Practice finding the memory verse and/or Bible text in their Bible! 3. Pick a fruit of the spirit – ask the children to explain what it means and give an example. 4. Play a game to review a Commandment (toss the bean bag/stuffed animal, the person who catches it says

the next word…try to go faster and faster). 5. Allow a volunteer (child) to lead the class in an opening/closing prayer.

Activity Ideas All Ages Make a Thankful Quail See: www.daniellesplace.com → search “Manna Again!” → “Manna Again! Bible Lesson” → Scroll to “Crafts #1”

You will need: two paper plates per bird, black and brown construction paper, hot melt glue gun or stapler, brown, tan, blue, and white paint, and googly eyes. Please refer to the above website for detailed instructions.


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Activity Ideas - continued Make a Thankful Chain

You can have the children work on this project all week. Cut out strips of different colors of construction paper. If it is near a holiday, use colors appropriate for that holiday. (You could start working on this as a Thanksgiving Day project for your congregation. If so, use fall colors for your paper.) On each link write something that you are thankful for. Ask your children how long they think the chain will be by the end of the week? (Again – this could continue for weeks before Thanksgiving. Challenge your children to keep thinking of something new to be thankful for every day. They could make a list each week of 7 things, one for every day, and when they come to Church each week take a few moments to add to their chain.)

“Picking Up Manna” Game See: www.daniellesplace.com → search “Manna Again!” → “Manna Again! Bible Lesson” → Scroll to “Activities #3”

You will need a large bowl, a large spoon, cotton balls, and a blindfold for this activity. Please see the above website for detailed instructions.

Grades K-2 Bible Verse Review Game See: www.daniellesplace.com → search “Manna Again!” → “Manna Again! Bible Lesson” → Scroll to “Activities #2”

You will need to print out the quail patterns and make copies before class. Please see the above website for the quail patterns and detailed instructions.

Note: These patterns can also be used as a craft. The children can use the quail at home to review their Memory verse. Or you can put them in the "thankful quail" so that it looks like she is holding them.

Grades 3-5

“Dig-in to the Bible” Activity See: www.kidssundayschool.com → Grade School → Lessons → “Life of Moses – Wandering in the Desert”

Look up the following verses together in class. You could work together or have some friendly competition as to who can find the verse first (either students play against each other or they can all work together to beat the teacher).

Exodus 15:24, Numbers 14:2, John 6:43, 1 Corinthians 10:10, Philippians 2:14, James 5:9 and 1 Peter 4:9. (Note: You do not have to look them all up. These are just examples of appropriate verses about “grumbling”.) As you look up each one, then read it out loud and talk about what it means together. Remember to celebrate your successes of finding the Bible verses!




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Journal Optional Grades K-2 What are you most thankful for? Draw pictures of the things you are most thankful for.

Grades 3-5

Have you ever given someone a gift and they didn’t say “thank you?” How did that make you feel? If it hasn’t happened to you, imagine it did. How do you think you would feel about that person? Write about it. What are you most thankful for? Today? This week? This month? This year? Write about what you are feeling thankful for in your heart.

Homework Ideas

- Read at home with a grown up the story about The Ten Commandments/The Golden Calf (Exodus 19:17-20:20; 24:12; 31:18 through Exodus 32; 34:1-4).

- Learn the memory verse: “Your word is like a lamp that shows me the way.” --Psalms 119:105 (NIRV)

- Work on memorizing commandment #_____. - Color the “Ten Commandments/The Golden Calf” coloring sheet as your parents read you the Sunday

School Lesson. Return your coloring page for a sticker. - If you had the chance to be the teacher for a day, what rules would you make? Or would there be any rules

at all? Make a list and bring them to class to share.

Other Resources www.daniellesplace.com → Resource Room → Search “manna and quail” → “Manna Again! Bible Lesson” http://children.cccm.com/curriculum/ → OT Support Curriculum → Page 5 → “The Lord Sends Quail”



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Coloring Page

Name: ______________________

The Ten Commandments/The Golden Calf

“Your word is like a lamp that shows me the way.”

-Psalms 119:105 (NIRV)

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Take Home Page: E3. Manna and Quail Today I learned…

Today your child learned that God wants us to be happy with what we have! The children explored the story of the manna and quail that was provided for the Israelites in the desert. They also talked about the importance of thanking God for everything that He gives us. Help me learn my memory verse…

“In everything give thanks….” --1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NKJV)

Ask me… 1. What did God do for the Israelites in today’s lesson? 2. How did the people react to what God had given them? 3. What do you think a “thankful heart” looks like? How would you know if someone had one?

Live Your Faith…

Gather around the table with a large piece of paper or (if possible) a large piece of poster board. On the middle of your “paper”, write “attitude of gratitude” in big letters. Talk with your child about what it means to be grateful. Take turns as a family, writing (or drawing) things that you are grateful for. Encourage your child to add to the list each day this week as he/she passes by the list. Pray together that God would help your family to have more grateful hearts each day.

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E4. The Ten Commandments/The Golden Calf Exodus 19:17-20:20; 24:12; 31:18 through Exodus 32; 34:1-4

Learning Objectives

1. The children will explain the story of how God gave Moses the Ten Commandments.

2. The children will discuss how God expects us to follow His rules.

Memory Verse: “Your word is like a lamp that shows me the way.” --Psalms 119:105 (NIRV)


All Ages Play a Game without Rules

Start by playing a game with the students that they are familiar with. It could be Connect Four, Checkers, Uno, tic-tac-toe, but something with RULES. As you play against a student, start to not play by the rules…maybe you take an extra move in checkers or put two pieces in at a time in Connect Four. Do this a few times, until the students begin to notice and question “Hey, that’s not fair!” Talk about why it is not fair when you play a game without rules. Ask the students why we have rules? (To keep us safe, to guide us to make good choices, to keep things fair, etc.) Tell the children that “God gave us rules in life, too, called The Ten Commandments. We will learn how that happened in today’s story.” Making a Golden Calf

Use yellow playdough or yellow modeling clay to have each student build their own Golden Calf to go along with the story. When Moses returns, have the students smash the Golden Calf models to coincide with the story.

Grades 3-5 Follow the Directions Quiz Adapted from: www.kidssundayschool.com → Grade School → Activities → “Follow the Directions”

You will need to print out one sheet for each child. Make sure the child can read, or partner him/her with someone who can read. Following the rules is so important. It keeps us safe and can make things easier for us. This activity will help the children to see how much following the rules can help us out. Please see the above website for detailed instructions.

Ten Commandments Quiz See: www.kidssundayschool.com → Grade School → Activities → “Ten Commandments Quiz”

Before class you will need to print out a copy of the handout for each child. You will also want to access the answer key, please see the above website for both sheets.

Tell the children that every time we read the Bible, we get instructions through God on how to behave correctly in our lives. We should never take God's commandments lightly. Therefore, it is important to know what they are. Have the children follow the instructions at the top of the page. After everyone has had a chance to write their answers down, go over the paper together. This activity can also be done as a “whole class”. The children will still each need a paper of their own to follow along. Continue with the lesson.



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Message: God expects us to follow His commandments.

Moses was still leading the people in the desert. One day, Moses led the people out of the camp to meet with God. They stood at the foot of the mountain. Smoke covered Mount Sinai, because the Lord came down on it in fire. The smoke rose up from it like smoke from a furnace. The whole mountain trembled and shook. The sound of the trumpet got louder and louder. Then Moses spoke. And the voice of God answered him.

The Lord came down to the top of Mount Sinai. He told Moses to come to the top of the mountain. So Moses went up. The Lord told Moses to be sure that none of the other people came up on the mountain, or something terrible would happen. God Gives His People the Ten Commandments God gave Moses the 10 Commandments to give to the people. God said,

1. I am the Lord your God. You shall have no other Gods before me. 2. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes

His name in vain. 3. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. 4. Honor your father and your mother that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is

giving you. 5. You shall not murder. 6. You shall not commit adultery. 7. You shall not steal. 8. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. 9. You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. 10. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his

donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor’s. Then the people heard the thunder and the trumpet. They saw the lightning on the mountain and smoke rising

from the mountain. They shook with fear and stood far away from the mountain. Then they said to Moses, “Speak to us yourself. Then we will listen. But don’t let God speak to us, or we will die.”

Then Moses said to the people, “Don’t be afraid. God has come to test you. He wants you to respect Him so you will not sin.”

Exodus 24:12 Later, the Lord said to Moses, “Come up the mountain to me. Wait there, and I will give you two stone tablets. On these are the teachings and the commandments. I have written these to teach the people.” So the Lord finished speaking to Moses on Mount Sinai. Then the Lord gave him the two stone tablets with the agreement written on them. The finger of God wrote the commands on the stones. Israel Worships a Golden Calf

The people saw that Moses took a long time to come down from the mountain. He was gone for 40 days and 40 nights. So they gathered around Aaron. They said to him, "Moses led us out of Egypt. But we don’t know what has happened to him. So make us a god that will lead us."

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Aaron answered them, "Take the gold earrings off your wives, your sons and your daughters. Bring the earrings to me." So all of the people took off their earrings and they brought them to Aaron. He took what they gave him and made it into a metal statue of a calf. Then the people said, "Israel, here is your god who brought you up out of Egypt."

When Aaron saw it, he built an altar in front of the calf. He said, "Tomorrow will be a feast day in the Lord's honor." So the next day the people got up early. They sacrificed burnt offerings and brought friendship offerings. They sat down to eat and drink. Then they got up to dance wildly in front of their god.

The Lord spoke to Moses. He said, "Go down. Your people you brought up out of Egypt have become very sinful. They have quickly turned away from what I commanded them. They have made themselves a statue of a god that looks like a calf and offered sacrifices to it. The people said, ‘Israel, these are your gods who brought you out of Egypt.’” The Lord said to Moses: “I have seen those people. I know that they are very stubborn people. So now do not stop me. I am so angry with them that I am going to destroy them. Then I will make you and your descendants a great nation."

But Moses asked the Lord his God to show favor to the people. "Lord," he said, "don’t let your anger destroy your people. You used your great power and mighty hand to bring them out of Egypt. Don’t let your anger destroy your people. Remember your servants Abraham, Isaac and Israel. You made a promise. You took an oath in your name. You said, 'I will make your children after you as many as the stars in the sky. I will give them all of this land I promised them. It will belong to them forever.' "

Then the Lord took pity on his people and changed His mind. He didn't destroy them as He had said He would. Moses turned and went down the mountain. He had the two tablets of the covenant in his hands. Words were written on both sides of the tablets, front and back. The words had been written by God.

As Moses approached the camp, he saw the calf. He also saw the people dancing. Moses became very angry and he threw down the stone tablets that he was carrying. They broke into pieces at the foot of the mountain. He took the calf the people had made. He melted it in the fire. Then he ground the gold into powder and scattered it into the water. And he made the people of Israel drink the water.

He said to Aaron, "What did these people do to you? How did they make you lead them into such terrible sin?" Aaron told Moses the story of how they had created the Golden Calf.

The next day Moses went up to the mountain to pray for the people and to plead for the Israelites. The Lord caused terrible things to happen to the people because of what they did with the calf Aaron had made.

Exodus 34:1-4 The Lord said to Moses, “Cut two more stone tablets like the first two. I will write the same words on them that were on the first two stones which you broke. Be ready tomorrow morning. Then come up on Mount Sinai. Stand before me there on the top of the mountain. No one may come with you. No one should even be seen any place on the mountain. Not even the sheep or cattle may eat grass near that mountain.” So Moses cut two stone tablets like the first ones. Then early the next morning he went up Mount Sinai. He did this just as the Lord had commanded him. Moses carried the two stone tablets with him.

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Bible Lesson with Discussion Questions - continued Discussion Questions:

1. Where did Moses go to receive the 10 Commandments? (Up to the top of Mount Sanai.)

2. Who wrote the 10 Commandments? (God wrote them on the tablets for Moses.)

3. What did the people do while Moses was gone? (They grew tired of waiting and made a Golden Calf to worship instead.)

4. What was God’s reaction to the Golden Calf? (God was very angry and wanted to destroy the Israelites, but Moses intervened to save them.)

5. Why do you think God gave us these 10 Commandments? (Discuss together.)

6. Why do you think “You shall have no other Gods before me” is the first commandment? (God wants us to put Him above all things...before our toys, before TV, even before our friends. Discuss together.)


Bring in several large “weeds” and a plant that is not a weed. Start by showing the children only the weeds first. Ask them what they are, how do they grow, what can you do with them, etc. (You have to pull them and get rid of them, or they’ll keep coming back.) Now show the students the plant. Tell them that it is not a weed, and we want this to grow. Tell them their heart is like this plant. We want it to grow strong, healthy and green for the Lord! But sometimes, there are weeds. What do you think those are? (sins, mistakes we make, etc.) But here’s the great news – Jesus can forgive us, and he can take the mistakes and “weeds” away. But we have to keep at it. You know, when I weed my garden, I have to keep at it – I don’t just weed once, but all the time. We all make mistakes, but we can keep coming back to Jesus for a good weeding of our hearts. The Israelites made a big mistake with The Golden Calf, but God forgave them. And we need to keep trying to follow those commandments and do the right thing!

Look up in the Bible together: Deuteronomy 5:32, 33. “So be careful to do what the Lord your God has commanded you. Don't turn away from his commands to the right or the left. Live exactly as the Lord your God has commanded you to live. Then you will enjoy life in the land you will soon own. Things will go well with you there. You will live there for a long time.”

God gave us the Ten Commandments to help us understand how we should act towards Him and one another. Breaking some of these commandments is punishable by law, but some are not, such as misusing the name of the Lord. You will not go to jail for that. Nevertheless, God expects us to follow His commandments (message statement). And He expects us to follow all of them as long as we live.

Memory Work Fun


2. Where is the book of Psalms located? In the Old or New Testament? Practice finding it together. 3. Review the odd commandments that the children know so far. 4. Recite the memory verse. 5. Lead the class in a short prayer about our Love for God and thanking Him for loving us so much to give us

the Ten Commandments to show us the way in our life.

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All Ages Group Work: Bible Scavenger Hunt

You will need to print one worksheet per 2–3 children. Place a bookmark in each Bible at Exodus 20 before class begins. Divide the class into groups of 2–3. (Partner an older child with a younger child.) Give each group a Bible and a worksheet. Instruct the children to find the answers to the questions in the book of Exodus. When all the groups have completed the worksheet, go over the answers together. What do they mean? Go over the meaning of the 10 commandments in a more kid friendly language. Give everyday examples for each one that the kids will understand. For example, for number one, ask the children whether they should do their homework for Sunday school or watch a favorite TV program. The following wording is a suggestion you may use to help the children better understand the Ten Commandments:

“The Ten Commandments for Kids” 1. Love God more than you love anything else. Don’t make anything in your life more important

than God. 2. Always say God’s name with love and respect. 3. Honor the Lord by resting on Sunday. 4. Love and respect your mom and dad. 5. Never hurt anyone. 6. Always be faithful to your husband and wife. 7. Don’t take anything that isn’t yours. 8. Always tell the truth. 9. Be happy with what you have. 10. Don’t wish to have other people’s things.

(Note: A great idea for your class area is to put one commandment on a separate piece of paper or construction paper. Then put the version from the above list on a separate piece of paper. You can decorate your class area with all the commandments and their meanings. This will also encourage the children to read and learn them even when you are not helping them.)

I am the Lord your God,

You shall have no other

Gods before me.

Love God more than you

love anything else.

Don’t make anything in your

life more important than God.

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Activity Ideas - continued Choose One Commandment Review

Use this activity as an opportunity to review the 10 Commandments, assessing what commandments the students still need to work on. Consider something like “Memory Verse Basketball”, which can be used with reciting a bible verse, but also with reciting a commandment. You will need a small basketball hoop – you can find inexpensive ones that fit over doors and a small Nerf ball to shoot with. Divide into teams and each time a student says a commandment correctly, they get to shoot a basket. Modify this activity as necessary. Make Your Own Tablets

Use cardboard or another “hard” paper material to cut out stone tablets – one set for each child. Then you will need to print out the 10 commandments ahead of time, one set for each child. Have the children cut the commandments into strips of paper (one commandment on each strip). Then have the children place the commandments in the correct order onto their tablets. Be sure to check that the order is correct before they glue them onto the tablets. (Note: If you have a poster with the commandments posted in your class area, the children can check for themselves first to make sure the commandments are in the correct order.)

Grades K-2 Game: Remember the Commandment

You will need to print out the card sets and cut them out before class. (See the pages at the end of the lesson). Divide the children into groups of 2–3. Have each group lay their cards so that the text is not visible. One at a time, the children choose a card and read the commandment aloud. After turning over the second card, they should also read that card aloud. If the cards match, the child can keep the cards. If not, they should place the cards back in the pile. This continues until all the cards are matched.

Grades 3-5

Puzzle: Find the Match

You will need to make copies of the worksheet for each child (see the page at the end of this lesson). Tell the children that they are to match the commandment on the left with a reworded statement with a similar meaning on the right. When they identify a match, they should draw a line between each statement. If time allows, you could give the children an opportunity to discuss and share their answers. “Missing Commandment” Activity See: www.kidssundayschool.com → Grade School → Games → “The Missing Commandment”

You will need to cut the activity sheet into strips, one copy for each student. You will also need construction paper, scissors and glue sticks for this activity. The children will be putting the commandment strips in order and trying to discover which one is missing, as they glue them to the construction paper. Please see the above website for detailed instructions. Be sure to write the Memory Verse and/or Message on the paper too.


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Journal Optional Grades K-2 What commandment is hard for you to follow? Why? Grades 3-5 Choose one of the 10 Commandments. Write it down in your journal. Then write about what that commandment means to you. Write down the fourth commandment in your journal. How do you honor your mother and father? What does that mean? Write as many ways as you can think of to bring honor to your parents. Write about it. Describe what the world would be like with no laws.

Homework Ideas

- Read at home with a grown up: Clouds and Fire (Numbers 9:15-23). - Learn the memory verse: “Follow what you heard from me…” --2 Timothy 1:13 (NIRV) - Work on memorizing commandment #_____. - Color the Clouds and Fire coloring sheet as your parents read you the Sunday School Lesson. Return your

coloring page for a sticker. - Make a list of all the people or things that you follow. (A picture collage would work too.) Bring it to class to

share.

Other Resources www.daniellesplace.com → Resource Room → Search “Commandments” http://children.cccm.com/curriculum/ → OT Support Curriculum → Page 5 → “The Ten Commandments” or “The Golden Calf”



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Game: Remember the Commandment

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Coloring Page

Name: ______________________

Cloud and Fire

“Follow what you heard from me…”

-2 Timothy 1:13 (NIRV)

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Take Home Page: E4. The Ten Commandments/The Golden Calf Today I learned…

Today your child learned that God wants us to follow His commandments! The children explored the story of how God gave Moses the Ten Commandments for the Israelites. They also talked about how God also expects us to follow rules. Help me learn my memory verse…

“Your word is like a lamp that shows me the way.” --Psalms 119:105 (NIRV) Ask me…

1. Where did the ten commandments come from? 2. Why are the commandments important for us? 3. What do you think is the most important commandment? Why?

Live Your Faith…

Play a game together, preferably one that your child knows the rules to. Today, however, play without any rules. See how long you can last before stopping and talking about why it is important to have “rules” when you play the game. Remind your child that God also has rules or “commandments” that He wants us to follow each day of our lives. When we follow them, we have order and peace in our lives, but when we choose not to follow them, we often have complete chaos. Each day this week before bedtime, talk about a different commandment together and what it means for each of you.

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E5. Cloud and Fire Numbers 9:15-23

Learning Objectives

1. The children will examine the story of the Clouds and the Fire that guided the Israelites in the desert. 2. The children will explore why it is pleasing to God when we follow Jesus’ example.

Memory Verse: “Follow what you heard from me…” --2 Timothy 1:13 (NIRV)


All Ages “Follow a Path to Jesus” Activity

You will need footprints cut out in different colored construction paper or card stock. Before class you will need to set up paths of the different colors of footprints in the floor in your Sunday school area. Use the different colors to make different paths. All the paths should end up at a picture of Jesus. Tape the footprints to the floor so that the words don’t show. As the children arrive, let them follow the paths. When they arrive at the final destination, talk about how important it is to follow a path that leads us to Jesus. Tell the children that today we will be learning about how the Israelites had to follow God’s commands in a very unique way.

Grades K-2

“Balance Beam” Fun Create your own “balance beam” with a 2x4 piece of wood on the floor, or a rope (laid on the floor). Ask the children if they are very good at doing the balance beam. Let them have a try at it. Tell the children when we “Follow the Footsteps of Jesus” we are following the “narrow path” that He sets out for us. In today’s story, the Israelites had a very clear message from God that told them what to do and when. Let’s see what happened.


Message: Follow the footsteps of Jesus.

Teacher Note: Share the homework. Who/what do the children follow? Discuss together before going on to the lesson.

On the day the holy tent (or tabernacle, in NKJV) was set up, the cloud covered it. (It was the tent where the tablets of the covenant were kept). From evening until morning, the cloud that was above the tent looked like fire. That's what continued to happen. The cloud covered the tent. Even at night the cloud looked like fire.

When the cloud lifted from its place above the tent, the people of Israel moved. Wherever the cloud stopped, the people of Israel camped. When the Lord gave the command, the people of Israel moved. And when He gave the command, they camped. As long as the cloud stayed above the holy tent, they remained at their camp.

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Sometimes the cloud remained above the tent for a long time. Then the people of Israel obeyed the Lord's order. They did not move. Sometimes the cloud was above the tent for only a few days. When the Lord would give the command, they would camp. Then when He would give the command, they would move.

Sometimes the cloud stayed only from evening until morning. When it lifted in the morning, they would move. It didn't matter whether it was day or night. When the cloud lifted, the people would move. It didn't matter whether the cloud stayed above the holy tent for two days or a month or a year. The people of Israel would remain at their camp. They would not move. But when the cloud lifted, they would start out.

When the Lord gave the command, they camped. And when He gave the command, they started out. They obeyed the Lord's order. They obeyed Him, just as He had commanded them through Moses. Discussion Questions:

1. What did the Israelites follow each day or night? (The cloud. It looked like a cloud during the day and then it looked like fire at night.)

2. Who was really guiding the Israelites? (God was leading the people.) 3. Did the Israelites always obey God this time? (Yes. They followed his command by following the cloud.) 4. Who are we supposed to “obey”? (Discuss together and make a list...parents, God, teachers, etc.) 5. Why do you think it is important to obey your parents? (Refer the children to the 4th commandment: Honor

your father and your mother…. Help them understand the blessing that comes from following God’s command to obey your parents.)

6. Why do you think it is important to obey God’s commands and follow Jesus’ teachings? (Discuss together. Remind the children of the great reward that will come one day for doing so.)

7. What do you think it means to “Follow the Footsteps of Jesus.” (Discuss together.)

Application to Real Life There are many times when we are asked to follow. (Allow the children to give examples when they have to

“follow” someone or something during their day.) We may be asked to follow what others are doing or to follow certain instructions that are given, and it may be to follow Jesus. Ask the children if they are willing to give up everything to follow Jesus? We are not asked to leave our families or to give up all of our toys, but we are asked to follow Jesus and His teachings with our whole heart! But our heart can hold us back. It can hold on to a bad attitude like selfishness or greed or pride or jealousy. We have a choice to make. We can choose to hold on to these things, or we can choose to fill our heart with the love of Jesus and follow Him. God tells us in our memory verse today to “Follow what you heard from Me….” (2 Timothy 1:13). By doing this, we will “Follow the Footsteps of Jesus” (message) and do our very best to make good choices each day. God expects us to follow Him, and when we choose to follow Jesus, we are able to please God with our choices.

Memory Work Fun

1. Recite the memory verse. 2. Practice finding the memory verse and/or Bible text in their Bible! 3. Play a game to review a Commandment (toss the bean bag/stuffed animal, the person who catches it says

the next word…try to go faster and faster). 4. Allow a volunteer (child) to lead the class in an opening/closing prayer.

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All Ages

“The Narrow Road” Activity See: www.kidssundayschool.com → Grade School → Games → “The Narrow Road”

You will need cupcakes, trinkets, candy, paper plates, plastic forks, paper cups, napkins, index cards, 2 large shoe boxes with lids (one plain and the other decorated), masking tape, and guiding stones for this activity. Please see the above website for detailed instructions. You will be comparing the “wide” road with “narrow” road.

The children will understand that when we “Follow the Footsteps of Jesus” we are following Him on this narrow road. This is where we want to be. We can do this by reading about the Lord Jesus and His life experiences and examples and following His teachings. Even though sometimes the road may seem difficult, the blessings will be great in the end.

Grades K-2 Follow the Cloud Map

You will need a few blue or black stamp pads, pencils with erasers and paper for this craft activity. Allow the children to make several thumbprints onto the paper to represent clouds. Then, have them stamp dotted lines between the clouds by using pencil erasers to stamp on the stamp pad and then onto the paper. Make an imaginary path the people followed while following the cloud. If you would like, you could also allow the children to decorate the picture with markers so that it would look like a desert scene. Create a sample for the children to see, either before class or before this activity. Write the memory verse on the bottom of their “map”. Grades 3-5 “Follow Jesus” Activity See: www.kidssundayschool.com → Grade School → Activities → “Follow Jesus”

Give each child a piece of paper (light colored construction paper will also work) and a pencil or marker. The children will first fold the paper into thirds, then unfold it, then on each section write one of the following statements:

I will follow Jesus at School by I will follow Jesus at Home by I will follow Jesus at Church by

(You could also have this done for them, or have the statements above printed and cut into strips so the children can glue them onto their folded paper.) The children will then look up verses in their Bibles and comment about each. Please see the above website for detailed instructions. “Follow on Faith” Activity See: www.kidssundayschool.com → Grade School → Activities → “Follow on Faith” You will need to print or make copies of the activity sheet before class, one for each child. Divide the class into teams of two or three. Each team can work on all three Bible stories, or if time is short, each team can work on one specific story. After the worksheet is completed, have the groups share their answers and discuss what it means to follow God on faith. Please see the above website for detailed instructions. After completing the activity, review the message and memory verse about “following” with the children.




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Journal Optional Grades K-2 What do you think it means to follow Jesus? Draw a picture. Grades 3-5 Why do you think that you should choose to follow Jesus in your life? Be specific. Write about it. Pretend you are trying to persuade someone else (maybe a friend) to follow Jesus. What would you tell him/her? Write about it.

Homework Ideas

- Read at home with a grownup: The Twelve Spies (Numbers 13:1-14:9). - Be able to recite the memory verse: “My help comes from the Lord...” --Psalm 121:2 (NIRV) - Work on commandment #_____ to memorize. - Color the “Twelve Spies” coloring sheet as your parents read you the Sunday School Lesson. Return your

coloring page for a sticker. - What are you most afraid of or what is your biggest fear? Write about it or draw a picture of it. Bring it to

class to share.

Other Resources http://children.cccm.com/curriculum/ → OT Support Curriculum → Page 5 → “The Cloud and the Fire”


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Coloring Page

Name: ______________________

The Twelve Spies

“My help comes from the Lord….”

-Psalm 121:2 (NIRV)

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Take Home Page: E5. Cloud and Fire Today I learned…

Today your child learned that God wants us to follow the footsteps of Jesus. The children explored the story of how the clouds and fire guided the Israelites through the desert. They also talked about why it is pleasing to God when we follow Jesus’ example. Help me learn my memory verse…

“Follow what you heard from me…” --2 Timothy 1:13 (NIRV)

Ask me… 1. What happened in the desert with the Israelites in today’s lesson? 2. How did the clouds and fire guide the Israelites? Who was actually guiding them? 3. What do you think it means to follow Jesus?

Live Your Faith…

Play a game together of either follow the leader or Simon says. After you play a few rounds, talk about the importance of listening to and following the footsteps of Jesus. Remind your child that Jesus wants us to follow Him with our whole heart, not letting anyone or anything get in the way of following Him. Pray this week that your eyes would be opened to anything that is preventing you to follow Jesus with your whole heart.

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E6. The Twelve Spies Numbers 13:1-14:9

Learning Objectives

1. The children will explore the story of the 12 spies that were sent by Moses into the land of Canaan. 2. The children will examine how God can give us the strength to handle our fears and problems.

Memory Verse: “My help comes from the Lord….” --Psalm 121:2 (NIRV)


All Ages What’s in Common? As the children arrive, have pictures of or objects that represent:

1. A Fireman 2. A Policeman 3. A Doctor Ask the children to identify these three types of people. Then ask them what they have in common? (You

may have to give clues...lead them to “they all help to protect us.”) Ask: “How do each of these people help protect us?” (From fire, from the “bad guys”, from getting sick.) Then ask the children how they would feel if we didn’t have people to protect us. (Discuss together.)

In today’s story, the Israelites were frightened, but they always had someone to protect them. Do you know who that was? (God!) Continue with the lesson. Spy Discussion

Ask the children the following: “Whenever you think of the word “spy” what do you think of?” Make a list of their responses on the white board or easel. Then tell the children that in our lesson today, they are going to learn about twelve spies who secretly went into the land of Canaan to see what it was like. They will find out what happens as they go into the land and spot big, frightening giants. Continue with the lesson.

Grades K-2 “Don’t Worry, God Reigns” Coloring Sheet See: www.kidssundayschool.com → Preschool → Coloring Pages → “Don’t Worry, God Reigns” You will need to print one coloring sheet for each child.

Grades 3-5 Grumbling – Bible Hunt

As each child arrives, give him or her one of the verses below about grumbling. Have him or her look it up in his or her Bible, read it several times, and be prepared to share with the class what the verse means.

Exodus 15:24, Numbers 14:2, John 6:43, 1 Corinthians 10:10, Philippians 2:14, James 5:9 or 1 Peter 4:9. Talk about how “grumbling” relates to the Israelites in the desert. Continue with the lesson.


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Message: Trust in Him.

Teacher Note: Allow the children to share their homework. Talk about their greatest fears. Be ready to share your greatest fear with them first. Sometimes that helps to break the ice. Then continue with the story. Some Men Check Out the Land of Canaan

The Lord spoke to Moses. He said, "Send some men to check out the land of Canaan. I am giving it to the people of Israel. Send one leader from each of Israel's tribes."

So Moses sent them out from the Desert of Paran. He sent them as the Lord had commanded. All of them were leaders of the people of Israel. Here are their names:

Shammua from the tribe of Reuben. Shaphat from the tribe of Simeon.

Caleb from the tribe of Judah. Igal from the tribe of Issachar.

Hoshea from the tribe of Ephraim. Palti from the tribe of Benjamin. Gaddiel from the tribe of Zebulun. Gaddi from the tribe of Manasseh. Ammiel from the tribe of Dan. Sethur from the tribe of Asher. Nahbi from the tribe of Naphtali.

Geuel from the tribe of Gad. Those are the men Moses sent to check out (or spy on) the land. He gave Hoshea a new name. He named him Joshua instead.

Moses sent them to spy on the land of Canaan. He told them to go up through southern Canaan and then into the mountains. See what the land is like. See whether the people who live there are strong or weak. See whether they are few or many. What kind of land do they live in? Is it good or bad? What kind of towns do they live in? Do the towns have high walls around them or not? How is the soil? Is it rich land or poor land? Are there trees on it or not? Do your best to bring back some of the fruit of the land." (It was the season for the first ripe grapes.)

So the twelve men went up and checked out the land. The men came to the Valley of Eshcol. There they cut off a branch that had a single bunch of grapes on it. Two of them carried it on a pole between them. They carried some pomegranates and figs along with it. At the end of 40 days, the men returned from checking out the land. The Men Report on What They Found

The men came back to Moses, Aaron and the whole community of Israelites and reported to them. They showed them the fruit of the land. They gave Moses their report. They said, "We went into the land you sent us to. It really does have plenty of milk and honey! Here's some fruit from the land.

"But the people who live there are strong. Their cities have high walls around them and are very large.” Then Caleb interrupted the men who were speaking to Moses. He said, "We should go up and take the land. We can certainly do it."

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But the men who had gone up with him spoke. They said, "We can't attack those people. They are stronger than we are." The men spread a bad report about the land among the people of Israel. They said, "All of the people we saw there are very big and tall. (They were like giants!) We felt like grasshoppers. And we looked like grasshoppers to them.” Numbers 14 ~ The People Refuse to Obey the Lord

That night all of the people in the camp began crying very loudly. The people of Israel complained against Moses and Aaron. The people said to them, "We wish we had died in Egypt or even in this desert. Why is the Lord bringing us to this land? We are all going to die because of our enemies. Wouldn’t it be better for us to go back to Egypt?"

Then they said to one another, "We should choose another leader and go back to Egypt." Then Moses and Aaron fell and bowed with their faces to the ground. They did it in front of all of the Israelites that were gathered there.

Joshua and Caleb were two of the men who had explored the land of Canaan. They spoke to the people of Israel. They said, “The land there is very good. If the Lord is pleased with us, He'll lead us into that land. It's a land that has plenty of milk and honey. He'll give it to us. "But don't refuse to obey Him. And don't be afraid of the people of the land. The Lord is with us. So don't be afraid of them."

Note: As a result of the Israelites not having trust in God – they had to wander in the desert for 40 more years! Discussion Questions:

1. How many men were sent to explore the Promised Land? (12.) 2. What types of things did Moses ask the 12 men to look for? (What kind of land it was, what kind of

towns were there, what kind of food grew there, etc.) 3. How long were the 12 spies gone? (40 days.) 4. Did the men bring anything back with them? (Yes.) What? (Grapes, figs and pomegranates.) 5. What kind of people did the 12 spies say lived in the land of Canaan? (Very large people or giants.) 6. Did the people have trust in God that He would help them to get the land of Canaan? (No.) 7. What happened to the people because they didn’t believe in God? (They had to wander in the desert

for 40 more years!) 8. What (if anything) do you think the Israelites should have done differently? (Answers will vary…discuss

together.) 9. Do you trust God all the time with all of your fears and problems? (Discuss together.) Why or why not? 10. How can we ask God to help us with our “giant” fears and problems? (Talk to Him. Pray to Him. Trust

Him. Discuss together.)

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Application to Real Life Sometimes we all feel like grasshoppers in a world of giants, just like the spies that were sent to check out

the land of Canaan in today’s story. Ask the children if they can think of a time when they were scared or felt like they couldn’t do something. Ask them if they ever said: “I can’t do it.” OR “It’s too hard!” Maybe it was when they were learning to read, or learning to ride a bike, or learning to put their head under the water, or going to school for the first time. Maybe it was when they had to meet someone new, or make new friends in a new class or at a new school, or being nice to their brother or sister, or remembering to pick up their toys, or obeying their parents, etc. Ask them if they gave up or if they kept on trying. Talk about how they were able to accomplish their “giant”. God does not want us to give up just because something seems to be too hard. He is always with us and He will help us. He can give us strength to face our fears and our giants. The Israelites in the story forgot all about all the time God had helped them in the past. (Review with the children a bit some of the recent lessons where God helped the Israelites, even when they complained all the time!) Every time they had to face a new challenge or problem, they got scared and they forgot to trust God. We always want to trust Him, because remember: “My help comes from the Lord.” (Practice the memory verse together.)

Memory Work Fun

1. Recite the memory verse. Then explain what it means in your own words. 2. Retell the story of Baby Moses. 3. What is the name of the Holy Sacrament we participate in during every divine service? 4. What is the name of your minister? 5. Ask a volunteer to say a short closing prayer, thanking God for being with us.


All Ages

Play Grasshopper Tiddlywinks See: www.daniellesplace.com → search “grasshopper” → “Grasshoppers and Giants – Joshua”

You will need to print out two copies of the grasshopper game cards for each game. (One game for every 8 children.) Please see the above website for game setup instructions. You will be asking the children questions from the story. If they get the question right, they get to try to get their "grasshopper" onto the board. If the "grasshopper" lands on one of the grasshopper circles they get that many points. (Show the children how to press down on the edge of one disc using the edge of another disc so that it jumps up and away from them like a grasshopper.) (If you don't have tiddlywinks, you can use little pompom balls and just have the children toss them.)

Note: This activity would work especially well with larger class sizes but can be adapted for smaller ones as well. Modify as needed.


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Activity Ideas - continued Choose One

Grades K-2

“Giants in the Land” Activity See: www.kidssundayschool.com → Preschool → Activities → “Giants in the Land” Before class, you will need to print one copy of the activity sheet. You will be telling them a story. Please see the above website for detailed and guided instructions. Finish up by telling the children that we can find all of these things, and much more, in our Bibles. Ask the children if any of these items seem familiar to them. Tell the children that all of these things belong together in today’s story, as Moses had sent 12 men to check out the land God had promised Israel. These spies saw many things, some of which were giants, huge grapes and a land flowing with milk and honey.

Grasshopper Craft You will need egg cartons for this activity. Cut the bottom of an egg carton so that you have 3 cups connected in a row (the head, abdomen, and thorax). Cut out a pair of wings and 6 legs from green construction paper. Turn the three attached egg cups upside down and paint green. Add wiggly eyes, the wings, the legs, and a pair of pipe cleaner legs. Remember to talk about the story as you work.

Grades 3-5

Desert Venture Game See: www.kidssundayschool.com → Grade School → Lessons → Old Testament → The Life of Moses → Wandering in the Desert → Scroll down to “Class Exercise – Desert Venture” In order to play this game you will need to use the true or false questions provided. This is a great game for a review.

Have the children line up along one wall of the room and use masking tape to mark a line about 8 feet in front of them. Tell the kids you will ask a question that the answer is either true or false. If they believe it is true, they raise their right hand. If they believe it is false, they keep their hands down. Everyone who guesses correctly takes one baby-step towards the line (one foot directly in front of the other). Everyone who guesses wrong takes one baby-step backwards, (unless already at the wall).

Play continues until all the questions are gone or until all the children make it to the line. You can let the children who reach the line start over at the wall if they want to continue to play.

Journal Optional

Grades K-2 How do you think God feels when we grumble and complain (like the Israelites did)? Draw a picture.

Grades 3-5

Think about today’s story. What would you tell someone who felt as if they were in a hopeless situation and had nowhere to turn? How would you persuade them to turn to God? Write about it. Do you believe God can help you handle any fear or problem? Why or why not? Write about it.



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Homework Ideas

- Read at home with a grownup: Moses Disobeys God (Numbers 20:1-13). - Be able to recite the memory verse: “Blessed is the man who always has respect for the Lord.”

--Proverbs 28:14 (NIRV) - Work on commandment #_____ to memorize. - Color the “Moses Disobeys God” coloring sheet as your parents read you the Sunday School Lesson. Return

your coloring page for a sticker. - When was the last time you received a reward for doing something good? Draw a picture or write about it.

Bring it class to share.

Other Resources http://children.cccm.com/curriculum/ → OT Support Curriculum → Page 5 → “The Twelve Spies”


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Coloring Page

Name: ______________________

Moses Disobeys God

“Blessed is the man who always has respect for the Lord.”

-Proverbs 28:14 (NIRV)

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Take Home Page: E6. The Twelve Spies Today I learned…

Today your child learned that God wants us to learn to trust in Him. The children explored the story of the 12 spies that were sent by Moses into the land of Canaan. They also talked about how God can give us the strength to handle our fears and problems. Help me learn my memory verse…

“My help comes from the Lord….” --Psalm 121:2 (NIRV) Ask me…

1. What were the spies looking for in today’s lesson? What did they find? 2. What happened to the people because of they didn’t trust God? 3. Do you trust God with all of your problems or fears? Why or why not?

Live Your Faith…

Crawl under your kitchen or dining room table together and talk about things that you are afraid of. Share with your child that some people are afraid of thunderstorms and they hide under the table or under a blanket until the lightning and thunder finally stops. Remind your child that our help comes from the Lord, and that we can go to Him anytime of the day or of the night for strength and help. He wants to hear from us when we are afraid. Pray together and ask God to help you to remember to trust Him with all of your fears and challenges.

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E7. Moses Disobeys God Numbers 20:1-13

Learning Objectives

1. The children will explore the story of Moses and the water in the rock. 2. The children will explain the consequences given to Moses and Aaron for choosing not to obey God’s

commands. 3. The children will recognize that there are consequences for our actions when we choose not to follow

God’s commandments.

Memory Verse: “Blessed is the man who always has respect for the Lord.” --Proverbs 28:14 (NIRV)


All Ages No More Static – Object Talk See: www.kidssundayschool.com → Grade School → Object Talks → “No More Static” (for a general idea) You will need a radio with a tuning knob (electric or battery operated) for this activity. This activity will help the children recognize that there many things (and voices) around us that do not teach us or help us learn to become more like Jesus. We control what we allow to ourselves to hear, and what we want our ears to “tune in” to. Moses had to decide in today’s lesson if he was going to listen to the voice of God and follow His commands or not. Continue with the lesson.

Grades 3-5 “If I Was In Charge” Exercise See: www.kidssundayschool.com → Grade School → Activities → “If I was in Charge” You will need to make copies of the activity page for each child before class. Give one to each child and have them take a few minutes to fill out their sheet. In the first column have them list all the rules that would change if they were in charge instead of their parents. After the children have completed the first section, have them list some of the possible consequences of eliminating these rules in the second column. If necessary, give them several other examples:

1. No bedtime. Would be sleepy the next day, may fall asleep in school.

2. Allowed junk food only. Unhealthy diet, would become sick and overweight.

3. No Homework. Could flunk classes and be kept behind a grade.

4. No chores. House would be really messy...possible disease.

Please see the above website for further instructions. Allow the children to share and read their lists. Take some time to discuss the results. (NOTE: Always be sensitive to your children, including what “other examples” you might suggest in this exercise.) Talk with the children. It’s fun sometimes to make the rules or to do what we want. But sometimes there are serious consequences if we choose not to do what we are told. Moses had to deal with some serious consequences in today’s story because he went against what God had told him to do. Let’s find out what happened.



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Bible Lesson with Discussion Questions:

Message: Faithfully follow the Lord’s commands.

The Lord Gives Israel Water Out of the Rock

In the first month the people of Israel arrived at the Desert of Zin. They didn't have any water. So they gathered together to go against Moses and Aaron. They argued with Moses. They said, “Why did you bring the Lord's people into this desert? We and our animals will die here. Why did you bring us up out of Egypt? Why did you bring us to this terrible place? It doesn't have any grain or figs. It doesn't have any grapes or pomegranates. There isn't even any water for us to drink!"

So Moses and Aaron left the people. They went to the entrance of the Meeting Tent. There they fell and bowed with their faces to the ground. Then the glory of the Lord appeared to them. The Lord spoke to Moses. He said, "Get your wooden staff. You and your brother Aaron gather the people together. Then speak to that rock while everyone is watching. Then water will pour out of it. Give that water to the people and the animals."

So Moses took the wooden staff from the tent. He and Aaron gathered the people together in front of the rock. Moses said to them, "Listen, to me you complainers! Do we have to bring water out of this rock for you?"

Then Moses raised his arm. He hit the rock twice with his staff. Water poured out. And the people and their livestock drank it.

But then the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron. He said, "You did not trust in Me enough to honor Me. You did not honor Me as the holy God in front of the people of Israel. So you will not bring the Israelites into the land I am giving them."

Those were the waters of Meribah. That's where the people of Israel argued with the Lord. And that's where He showed them He is holy. Teacher Note: Share with the children that after everything that Moses and Aaron went through with the Israelites, they were not permitted to enter the “promised land” – Joshua and Caleb had to lead the people there instead. Discussion Questions: 1. What caused the Israelites to complain this time? (There was no water to drink, and they were thirsty.) 2. Who did Moses and Aaron turn to for help and where? (They went to the “meeting tent” and bowed down to

God for help.) 3. What did God tell Moses to do? (He told Moses to get His wooden staff and to speak to the rock when everyone

was watching. God told Moses that then the water would come out of the rock and the people and animals will be able to have some.)

4. Did Moses obey God’s command? What did he do exactly? (No, Moses did not obey God. Instead, Moses raised his arm and hit the rock 2 times with his wooden staff.)

5. Did the water pour out of the rock anyway? (Yes, it did.) 6. Was there a consequence for Moses’ actions? (Yes. Moses and Aaron were not permitted to go into the land

that was promised to the Israelites.) WHY? (Because they did not trust the Lord enough to bring honor to Him in front of the Israelites.)

7. Have you ever received a consequence for your behavior or actions? (Discuss together….at school or at home. Allow the children to share specific examples or be ready to share a few of your own.)

8. What will be the consequence if we choose not to follow God’s commandments? (Discuss together...Just like Moses and Aaron were not permitted to enter the promised land; God may not permit us to go with His Son when God sends Him to collect His bride.)

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Application to Real Life All Ages

Ask the children why they think that Moses struck the rock? Could it have been because of his own pride? Discuss together. This is an example of when God chose to give Moses a delayed consequence for his disobedience. Moses was in the desert with the Israelites for 40 years, and then we was not even allowed to take them into the Promised Land. God today is still the same “just” God as He was then. He still punishes sin and rewards obedience. Look up together in your Bibles: Hebrews 4:13. “Nothing God created is hidden from Him. His eyes see everything. He will hold us accountable for everything we do.” Ask the children what they think this verse means. After talking about it for a few moments, tell the children that this means we will receive consequences for the bad choices we make and rewards for the good choices we make. If we make good choices, then by God’s grace hopefully we will go with His Son one day when He comes for His bride. But if we make poor choices over and over again, there will be consequences for those behaviors and actions. It may seem like you don’t get to make a lot of choices because you are still young, but really there are many choices you get to make every day. You may not get to decide what time you go to bed, or if you go to school, or what you will be eating for dinner, but there are lots of other important choices you make. YOU decide by your actions, thoughts, and attitude whether or not you will follow God and Jesus’ teachings. YOU decide if you will be happy or sad today. YOU can decide if you will forgive your friends or stay mad at them. YOU decide whether or not you will obey. YOU can decide if you will be good or bad today. ALL of these choices are very important, and they are made by YOU! God wants us to make good choices. It makes Him so happy when He can reward us for our good choices, rather than give consequences for the “not so good” choices. Remind the children of the Memory Verse for today: “Blessed is the man who always has respect for the Lord.” If we follow what this verse tells us to do, we will also “Faithfully Follow the Lord’s Commands” and one day be rewarded by God for doing so.

Memory Work Fun


the next word…try to go faster and faster). 4. Allow a volunteer (child) to lead the class in an opening/closing prayer. 5. Ask a child to retell one of the stories from a previous lesson in their own words.

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All Ages “Path to Great Treasure” Game See: www.kidssundayschool.com → Grade School → Games → “Path to Great Treasure” You will need 6 index cards and some sort of treat for each child. This is a game for the class to play together. The object is for the children to follow clues and instructions that will lead them to a surprise treat at the end of the game. Please see the above website for further detailed instructions. Allow the children to work in pairs, grouping older and younger children together. Give all of the children a treat for their treasure and then sit down to wrap up this exercise. Remind the children that by following the clues and instructions given in this game they were able get a great reward. Ask them if they know that following God’s instructions also leads to great rewards? It’s true. God’s Word, the Bible is full of instructions. Some tell us how we should treat others. Some are about how to worship Him. Some point out things that are bad and sinful and that we should never do. Also, the Bible gives us instructions on how to let Jesus live in our hearts. When we obey these instructions, and do what God says, we are rewarded with not only with many blessings and joy, but also with eternal life with Jesus. We want to “Faithfully Follow the Lord’s Commands” (message). Self-Control Wheel – Craft Activity See: www.kidssundayschool.com → Grade School → Crafts → “Self-Control Wheel” You will need one copy of the craft sheet for each child, along with scissors, brass brads and stickers (option) for this activity. Please see the above website for detailed instructions. This is a fun activity to help children find verses from the Bible that will help them when they feel tempted so they can still make a good choice. Make sure you continue the conversation while the children work and follow the suggested discussion on the above website. Then review the message statement and memory verse.

Grades 3-5 Bible Study Time

Ask the children if anyone has ever received consequences (good or bad) for something that had done? Discuss how the consequences came about and if they feel the consequences were fair. Write the following statements on the board. Have the children look up the corresponding verses and discuss the statements together.

God is Just (1 John 1: 9) God sets the standard for right and wrong (Psalm 33: 4) God judges all behavior fairly (Psalm 9: 7,8) God punishes sin (Romans 6: 23) God rewards obedience (1 John 3: 24) God punishes or rewards as quickly or slowly as He wants to (2 Peter 3: 8,9)

You could have a little friendly competition to see who can find the verses the quickest. Remind the children that just as there are consequences for our actions and behavior, there are rewards too for our good choices and good behaviors. If we “Faithfully Follow the Lord’s Commands” we will receive a great reward one day. We can do this very easily if we always have respect for the Lord. Remember: “Blessed is the man who always has respect for the Lord.” (Proverbs 28:14 NIRV).



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Journal Optional Grades K-2 Draw a picture of a time that you made a poor choice. How did you make it right again? Write about it. Grades 3-5 Think about all of God’s commandments. How would your life be different if God was not just and fair? Write about it. Everyone makes mistakes and once in a while makes a choice that “isn’t so good.” What could you do when this happens to make things right with God? Write about it.

Homework Ideas

- Read at home with a grownup the lesson about Thanksgiving (Matthew 6:25-34; 1 Timothy 6:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:18).

- Learn the memory verse: “Give thanks no matter what happens.” --1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIRV) - Work on memorizing commandment #_____. - Color the Thanksgiving coloring sheet as your parents read you the Sunday School Lesson. Return your

coloring page for a sticker.

- What are you thankful for? Make a list or draw a collage of all the things you are thankful to God for in your heart. Try to think of 20 things, and not just all big things either.

Other Resources http://children.cccm.com/curriculum/ → OT Support Curriculum → Page 6 → “Moses Disobeys God”


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Coloring Page

Name: ______________________

Thanksgiving

“Give thanks no matter what happens.”

--1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIRV)

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Take Home Page: E7. Moses Disobeys God

Today I learned…

Today your child learned that God’s wants us to faithfully follow His commands! The children explored the story of Moses and the water in the rock. They also talked about the consequences that were given to Moses and Aaron for choosing not to obey God’s commands, and what consequences we face when we also choose not to follow God’s commandments. Help me learn my memory verse…

“Blessed is the man who always has respect for the Lord.” --Proverbs 28:14 (NIRV) Ask me…

1. Why were the Israelites complaining and what did Moses do about it? 2. Did Moses follow God’s commands? How do you think God felt about Moses’ choice? 3. Why do you think God wants us to follow His commandments, no matter what?

Live Your Faith…

Make a simple treat with your child, but the first time you attempt making it, make it incorrectly. (i.e., use salt instead of sugar.) Let your child taste the result and see what reaction you get. Then try to make the treat again, this time following a written down “recipe”. As you work, talk about how important it is to follow the recipe so that the end result is what it should be. God also wants us to be obedient to Him and His commandments. Talk about what “obedient” means. Pray together and ask God to help you have a desire in your hearts to be obedient to Him no matter what.

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E8. Thanksgiving Matthew 6:25-34, 1 Timothy 6:17, and 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Learning Objectives

1. The children will explore things that God has done for them in their lives. 2. The children will recognize the importance of thanking our Heavenly Father no matter what happens.

Memory Verse: “Give thanks no matter what happens.” --1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIRV)


All Ages A Thankful Celebration See: www.kidssundayschool.com → Grade school → Activities → “A Thankful Celebration” This activity will allow the children to participate in a group celebration. You will need to print the activity handout before class. You will also need scissors, pencils, streamers, tape, balloons, cookies or small cupcakes, napkins or small plates, and any additional party decorations for this activity. The children will be able to recognize that choosing thankfulness helps to increase our love for God and others. Please see the above website for detailed instructions and the application discussion.

Grades K-2 “Be Grateful for what God gives you” Object Talk See: www.kidssundayschool.com → Preschool → Object Talks → “Be Grateful for What God Gives You”

You will need to have the following for this activity: a box, a bag, and little objects (house, toy car, bed, food, clothes, CD, cross, little people for parents, siblings, grandparents, friends, etc.). Please see the above website for detailed instructions. This activity will lead the children in an exercise about being thankful to God each day. Continue with the lesson.

Grades 3-5

“Do Not Worry” Puzzle: See: www.kidssundayschool.com → grade school → puzzles → “Do not worry”

Word Search is based on Matthew 6:25-34. You will need to print one copy of the worksheet for each child. “Be Grateful” Object Talk: See: www.kidssundayschool.com → grade school → object talks → “Be Grateful”

You will need a pair of socks and a toy for this object talk. Please see the above website for detailed instructions and guidance for the discussion.





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Message: In all things give thanks!

Introduction: (Tell the children the following.) “I want you to pretend that you were living in the United States about 350 years ago. You may have been living with a group of people known as the Pilgrims. It is getting cold outside. Your family is worried because winter is coming, and food during the winter is hard to find. Your mom cannot just go to the grocery store. And you cannot just open the refrigerator door, because, well, there are no refrigerators. They have not been invented yet.

But you and your family have faith in God. That night, you decide to open your Bible to see what God says about how He will help you during this difficult time.” Read Matthew 6:25-34 ~ Do Not Worry

"I tell you, do not worry. Don't worry about your life and what you will eat or drink. And don't worry about what you will wear. Isn't there more to life than eating? Aren't there more important things than clothes?

"Look at the birds of the air. They don't plant or gather crops. They don't put away crops in storerooms. But your Father who is in heaven feeds them. Aren't you worth much more than they are?

"Can you add even one hour to your life by worrying? And why do you worry about clothes? See how the wildflowers grow. They don't work or make clothing. But here is what I tell you. Not even Solomon in all of his glory was dressed like one of those flowers.

"If that is how God dresses the wild grass, won't He dress you even better? After all, the grass is here only today. Tomorrow it is thrown into the fire. Your faith is so small!

"So don't worry. Don't say, 'What will we eat?' Or, 'What will we drink?' Or, 'What will we wear?' People who are ungodly run after all of those things. Your Father who is in heaven knows that you need them.

"But put God's kingdom first. Do what He wants you to do. Then all of those things will also be given to you. "So don't worry about tomorrow. Tomorrow will worry about itself.”

1. What things does the Bible tell us not to worry about? (Having something to eat, drink, clothes to wear, etc.) 2. What does Jesus say that we should worry about? (Putting God’s kingdom first. This means that the most

important thing in our life includes trying to become more like Jesus, loving our neighbor, and reading and following God’s Word.)

3. How can we be sure God will provide what we need to live? (Because we are valuable to Him, and He says He will take care of us. We need to have faith in our prayers and in His word.)

Read 1 Timothy 6:17 (NIRV) “Command the people who are rich in this world not to be proud. Tell them not to put their hope in riches. Wealth is so uncertain. Command those who are rich to put their hope in God. He richly provides us with everything to enjoy.”

1. What is wrong with putting your hope in wealth or money? (It is uncertain, or temporary. Only God can give us everything we need.

2. Is there anything wrong with having wealth or money? (There is nothing wrong with having wealth or money. It is only NOT good if it becomes more important to us than our relationship with God, and therefore it becomes an idol in our lives.)

3. Why do you think God wants to give us the things we need? (Answers will vary…Discuss together.)

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Bible Lesson with Discussion Questions – Continued Read 1 Thessalonians 5: 18 (NIRV) “Give thanks no matter what happens. God wants you to thank Him because you believe in Christ Jesus.”

1. What kinds of things can you be thankful for? (Discuss – allow the children to either make their own list or make one together. Encourage the children to also focus on non-material things on their list too, such as health, family, etc.)

2. What kind of circumstances may make it difficult to be thankful? (Think about the Pilgrims, and all they had to endure, for example.)

3. If you didn’t have enough food to eat or clean clothes to wear or a new backpack for school or shoes that didn’t have holes in them, do you think you would still be thankful in your heart for what you had? Why or why not? (Discuss this together. Help the children understand that there are a lot of children in our cities and in the world that are just like what was described, and yet many of them are still thankful and have joy.)

4. What does this verse tell us about when we should be thankful? (We should always be thankful to God, in any circumstance or situation because it is God's will for us.)

5. Is it easy to be thankful to God when things are going well for us? What about when things are hard and not going so well? (Discuss together. Help the children understand that we are thankful to God for everything, even difficulties, because they help us to grow and become more like Jesus.)

6. What could YOU do to help those children who do not have enough food or clothes or shoes? (Discuss together. If possible, make a list on your white board/easel so that the children can see how they can make a difference, including praying for those children and that God would show them how they can help in their community.)


All Ages Show the children the picture of the pilgrims (see attached at the end of the lesson) and discuss together what happened to them after you read the following:

A long time ago the pilgrims set aside a day to remember what God had done for them, and to thank Him. When one reads about the pilgrims it does not seem like they had much to be thankful for that first year. More than half of them died of starvation before the first spring. They had to leave their friends and family, everything they knew, and most of the things they owned behind to travel to a place that they did not know much about.

But the pilgrims trusted God and thanked Him for the things He had done for them and did not focus on the bad things. The pilgrim's thanked God for making it possible for them to come to the new world where they could worship him freely. They thanked God for providing an Indian named Squanto who could speak English to teach them how to plant their crops and how to cook them. Squanto showed them how to find food in the forest, and how to catch fish in their new land.

The Pilgrims thanked God for keeping them alive during the long, cold winter, and providing for all their needs. They thanked God for helping them to find their new home and protecting them from the Indians who did not like them. But most of all they were thankful that they could worship God the way they wanted to.

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Application to Real Life – Continued (Continue with the discussion) The pilgrims must have been so thankful that God kept them fed and warm in the cold winters a very long time ago. They had lots of things going on that could have made them be angry with God. It was so cold outside. Maybe they did not have enough food. But they were still thankful and took time to “give thanks” to God no matter what was happening around them. God today is still the same God. He wants us to be happy and He gives us many things to enjoy each day. There are 4 ways we can show God whether or not we are truly thankful for what He has provided for us:

1. How we look (on our faces). 2. The way we act. 3. What we say to others. 4. The way we feel in our hearts.

Talk with the children about both scenarios – being thankful AND not being thankful. Talk about and practice the “how we look” and “what we say to others” for each scenario. Talk about “how we act” in both scenarios. (When we are thankful, are we kind and helpful and giving to others?) Who can see how we feel in our hearts? (Discuss together). Review the memory verse and message statement together.

Memory Work Fun

1. Recite the memory verse. Then explain what it means in your own words. 2. Practice finding the memory verse in the Bible. (Old or New Testament?) 3. Ask a volunteer to lead the class in a short prayer of thanksgiving. Remember to thank God for all He WILL

do for you too!


All Ages Bible Turkey Hunt See: www.kidssundayschool.com → Grade School → Games → “Bible Turkey Hunt” You will need large envelopes, glue sticks and Bibles for this activity. You will also need to print and cut out the turkey puzzle pieces onto card stock before class. Be sure to make a sample of a completed turkey as well. Please see the above website for detailed instructions. Pair older children with younger children and encourage them to help each other and work together.

To begin this game, give each child an envelope with one of the puzzle pieces inside. The children will open their envelopes and look up the verse on the back of the puzzle piece inside. As the children read their verse and have a short discussion, the piece will be glued into place. Have a large sheet of paper or poster board 11" x 14" to paste the pieces to complete a finished turkey to look like the picture above. Extra pieces if needed can be glued on as well to complete the picture.


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Activity Ideas Choose One Sticky Note Thankfulness See: www.kidssundayschool.com → Grade School → Activities → “Sticky Note Thankfulness” During this activity, the children will identify times when it is easy or hard to show thankfulness. You will need a white board or easel, markers, and sticky notes for this activity. Please see the above website for detailed instructions and the application discussion.

“Be Thankful” Craft See: www.kidssundayschool.com → Grade School → Crafts → “Be Thankful” You will need: light green cardstock, tempera paint (assorted colors, paper plates, sponges (see link above for sponge shapes), word pages (see link above), smocks or old shorts, crayons/colored markers, glue sticks, and

scissors (optional) for this activity. Before class, print enough Word Pages with the phrase "Don't worry, be thankful," and the Bible verse so each child will have one copy of each. Cut sponges into petal shapes, and a circle for the center of the flower. Prepare a place for painting, using drop cloths, towels for cleanup, etc. Please see the above website for detailed instructions. Remember to keep the conversation going during the craft time. You can refer to Matthew 6:25-34 from today’s lesson. God takes care of us in such wonderful ways. We sometimes forget about all the beauty and majesty that He has prepared for us. Take time to see all that God has given us for our enjoyment. We have a God who cares for the little things. We need to remember that He cares about us and that He will take care of our every need.

Grades K-2

Thankful Treasures See: www.kidssundayschool.com → Grade School → Activities → “Thankful Treasures” The children will find treat bags and practice showing thankfulness. You will need items to make the treat bags (small toys, candy, games, etc.) and you should prepare and hide them throughout the room before class. Please see the above website for detailed instructions and the application discussion.

Thankful Wheels For each child, you will need a sturdy orange or yellow paper plate, and a fine-tipped permanent marker.

Draw six pie-piece sections on the plate using a fine-tipped permanent marker. Write one thing to be thankful for in each pie section, such as church, Jesus, family, friends, food, and the Bible. Below the words, draw simple (or paste) illustrations depicting each word. Talk with the children about being thankful for everything on the wheel, and then take turns closing your eyes and pointing to a section on the wheel. Say something you are grateful for that relates to the corresponding item. (See attached for sample pictures.) Adapted from: www.childrensministry.com

Make Mini Pumpkin Pies For a tasty way to celebrate Thanksgiving this year, have your students make mini-pumpkin pies. Allow each

child to make two pies: one for them to eat, and one for them to “cheerfully” give to someone else in the congregation. You will need premade custard crusts (available in grocery stores), spoons, bowls, and the following ingredients for each "pie."

2 tablespoons canned pumpkin pie mix 2 tablespoons marshmallow crème 1 tablespoon whipped cream

Help the children to mix their ingredients in a small bowl and then spoon the mixture into a custard crust. Allow the pies to sit for 15 minutes. (You may need extra hands for this activity – so find those awesome volunteers!)




http://www.childrensministry.com/

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Activity Ideas - Continued Choose One Grades 3-5 Give Praise Where Praise Is Due See: www.kidssundayschool.com → Grade School → Activities → Give Praise Where Praise Is Due You will need a whiteboard or easel and the appropriate markers for this discussion activity. The children will explore giving God praise and thanks in ALL things. Please see the above website for detailed instructions. I Can Show Thankfulness See: www.kidssundayschool.com → Grade School → Activities → “I can show thankfulness” This activity will help the children identify thankfulness in their lives. You will need to print out and copy the activity pages and provide pencils for the activity. Please see the above website for detailed instructions and the application discussion. Thankfulness Pictionary See: www.kidssundayschool.com → Grade School → Activities → “Thankfulness Pictionary” The children will guess the pictures being drawn and discover different ways to show thankfulness. You will need to print the handout from the above website before class. You will also need a white board or easel and markers for this activity. Please see the above website for detailed instructions and the application discussions. “Thanksgiving Basket” Craft See: www.kidssundayschool.com → grade school → crafts → “Thanksgiving Basket” You will need: one paper plate for each child, colored construction paper (8X11), basket instructions (see website above), stapler, scotch tape, and food pictures (see website above or cut out your own from magazines). Before class gather all the supplies needed so each child can make their own basket and print out several copies of the instructions. Next, print out one copy for each child of the food pictures. Using medium card stock will work well. Please see the above website for detailed instructions. Remember to keep the conversation going, use the activity discussion suggestions as a guide. God’s Many Blessings See: www.kidssundayschool.com → grade school → object talks → “God’s Many Blessings” For this activity, you will need a water glass (about 2 1/2” in diameter), a pitcher of water, a spoon, some cheerios ®, and 10 to 20 marbles or large coins for blessings. You will need to practice this a few times before the class. Please see the above website for detailed instruction and guidance for the discussion.






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Journal Optional Grades K-2 Who is the one person that you are most thankful for in your life? Draw a picture and write about why you are thankful for them. Grades 3-5 (Choose One) Write a thank you letter to God. Tell Him about all the things that you are thankful for in your heart. Write about it. Do you think it is important to have a thankful heart? Why or why not? Write about it. Who is the one person you are most thankful for in your life? Write about why you are thankful for them.

Homework Ideas

- Read at home with a grown up the lesson titled: “Balaam and the Donkey” (Numbers 22:21-35). - Learn the memory verse for next week: “The Lord will guide you always.” --Isaiah 58:11 - Work on memorizing commandment #_____. - Complete the Balaam and the Donkey coloring sheet and return it to class for a sticker. - Look up the word “guide” in the dictionary and write down the definition. Who do you think should guide

us? Make a list. Bring it to class to share.

Other Resources www.daniellesplace.com → Login to the Resource Room → Search “Thanksgiving” and click on “Pilgrims” www.kidssundayschool.com → Topical Index → “T” → “Thanksgiving



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Grades K-2 Activity: Thankful Wheels

Church Jesus Friends (boy)

Friends (girl) Family Food

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Coloring Page

Name: ______________________

Balaam and the Donkey

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart…”

--Proverbs 3:5 (NIRV)

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Take Home Page: E8. Thanksgiving Today I learned…

Today your child learned that we should in all things give thanks to God. The children explored things that God has done for them in their own lives. They also talked about the importance of thanking our Heavenly Father no matter what happens. Help me learn my memory verse…

“Give thanks no matter what happens” --1 Thessalonians 5:18 Ask me…

1. What things does the Bible tell us to not worry about? 2. Why do you think God wants to give us the things that we need? 3. When is it hard to be thankful?

Live Your Faith…

When our hearts are thankful, we thank God for all He provides for us. We can also make a habit of thanking others for their help, for food they give us, or even for their kindness. As a family, encourage and challenge each other this week to not only have a thankful heart, but to verbally thank others for everything possible this week. Each day take a few minutes to share who you thanked and why.

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E9. Balaam and the Donkey Numbers 22:21-35

Learning Objectives

1. The children will be able to retell the story of Balaam and the donkey. 2. The children will explain why it is important to allow God to guide us by following His instructions and

obeying His commandments. Memory Verse: “The Lord will guide you always.” --Isaiah 58:11


All Ages “Protection” Activity

Bring several things to display on the table in your class area. For example, a Band-Aid, an umbrella, a hat, a bottle of sunscreen, a vitamin, a flashlight, a toothbrush, a plastic sandwich bag, etc. Ask the children to tell you what all the things have in common.

Explain to the children that all of these items protect something. Discuss how each item might protect something. Explain that God always protects His children as Balaam finds out in today’s lesson. (Continue with the lesson.)

Grades K-2 “Find the Donkey” (This activity would be most appropriate for younger children.) See: www.kidssundayschool.com → preschool → lessons → “Special People of the Bible – Balaam and His Donkey” → look under “as kids arrive” activity.

You will hide donkey cutouts (one for each child) in various places around the room that can easily be found by your age group. As the children arrive, have them search for one donkey, then take it to the table and color the donkey as they like. (See attached for the Donkey cut-out.) Please see the website above for further instructions. “Protection” Activity

Bring several things to display on the table in your class area. For example, a Band-Aid, an umbrella, a hat, a bottle of sunscreen, a vitamin, a flashlight, a toothbrush, a plastic sandwich bag, etc. Ask the children to tell you what all the things have in common.

Explain to the children that all of these items protect something. Discuss how each item might protect something. Explain that God always protects His children as Balaam finds out in today’s lesson. (Continue with the lesson.)


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Message: Let God guide you.

Balaam got up one morning. He put a saddle on his donkey. Then he went with the Moabite leaders. But

God became very angry because Balaam went. So the angel of the Lord stood in the road to stop him. Balaam was riding on his donkey. His two servants were with him. The donkey saw the angel of the Lord standing in the road. The angel was holding a sword. So the donkey left the road and went into a field. Balaam hit the donkey to force it to get back on the road.

Then the angel of the Lord stood on a narrow path between two vineyards. There were walls on both sides. Again, the donkey saw the angel of the Lord. So the donkey walked close to the wall. It crushed Balaam's foot against the wall and so Balaam hit the donkey again.

Then the angel of the Lord moved on ahead again. He stood in a narrow place. There was no room to turn, either right or left. The donkey saw the angel of the Lord. So it lay down under Balaam. That made him angry and he hit the donkey with his walking stick.

Then the Lord opened the donkey's mouth and made him talk. It said to Balaam, "What have I done to you? Why did you hit me those three times?"

Balaam answered the donkey. He said, "You have made me look foolish and that made me very angry.” The donkey said to Balaam, "I'm your very own donkey. I'm the one you have always ridden. Haven't you

been riding me to this very day? Have I ever made you look foolish before?" "No," Balaam said.

Then the Lord opened Balaam's eyes. He saw the angel of the Lord standing in the road. He saw that the angel was holding a sword. The angel was ready for battle. So Balaam bowed down. He fell with his face to the ground.

The angel of the Lord spoke to him. He asked him, "Why have you hit your donkey three times? I have come here to stop you. What you are doing is wrong. The donkey saw me. It turned away from me three times. Suppose it had not turned away. Then you would certainly have died. But the donkey would have lived."

Balaam spoke to the angel of the Lord. He said, "I have sinned. I didn't realize you were standing in the road to stop me. If I am wrong, I will go back.”

The angel of the Lord spoke to Balaam. He said, "Go with these men from Balak. But say only what I tell you to say." So Balaam listened and went with Balak’s leaders. Discussion Questions:

1. Did God want Balaam to go to Moab? (No.) Did Balaam obey God? (No.) 2. What did the donkey see on the road to Moab? (An angel of the Lord who was holding a sword.) 3. How did Balaam treat his donkey? (He treated it badly, hitting his donkey with a stick 3 times.) 4. Why do you think Balaam wasn’t able to see the angel of the Lord at first? (Discuss together. Although God

tried to guide Balaam to do the right thing, Balaam did not listen. Instead, he chose to disobey God.) 5. Should we ever do anything the Lord doesn’t want us to do? Why or Why not? (Discuss together.)

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“Following God’s Instructions” See: www.kidssundayschool.com → Preschool → Activities → “Following God’s Instructions”

You will need five boxes of different sizes. Use a marker to boldly number the boxes one through five. The largest box should be number one, the next biggest box should be marked number two and so on until the smallest box is marked with the number 5. Please see the above website for detailed instruction and a guide to the discussion. When you have completed the activity, bring the children back and talk about how there are many instances in the Bible when God gave His people instructions in order to guide them on how to live or where to go.

All of God's people need to follow His instructions and obey His commandments. God shows us how to live, what to do and what things to stay away from so that we can have a better life, a life that will please Him. We can find the directions on how we should live in the Bible. We can also learn how to follow God in Sunday school and in the Divine Services. Our lives will be much better if we remember to follow God every day. We have to make a choice. Choose to “let God guide you.” (Refer to the message statement.)

Memory Work Fun


2. Where is the book of Numbers located? In the Old or New Testament? Practice finding it together. 3. Recite the memory verse. 4. Lead the class in a short prayer thanking God for always being there to guide us.


All Ages Funny Face Activity See: www.kidssundayschool.com → Grade School → Activities → “Funny Face” You will need to give each child a pencil and 2 sheets of paper for this activity. Instruct the children to pick up their pencils, and using their fingertips on their other hand, hold the edge of the first sheet of paper. Tell them to close their eyes and not to peek. If they peek, it will ruin the fun of the activity. Keeping their eyes closed; instruct them to draw a picture of themselves or a family member. Remind them not to peek. (This will be a silly drawing to help the children learn an important principle, so let them have fun with this project.) They will then have the opportunity to draw the same person on another sheet of paper with their eyes open. Please see the above website for detailed instructions and a guide to further discussion questions.

Tell the children that going through life without God, is like trying to draw a picture with our eyes closed. It may seem like more fun to lead our own life and leave God out of the picture, but the longer we leave God out of our lives the more confusing and messed up they may become. When we ask God into our lives and spend time reading the Bible and praying to Him each day, our lives become clearer and more meaningful. God always has a better plan for our lives because He sees the big picture. And because He can see the bigger picture, we want to look to Him for guidance in our lives.



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Activity Ideas - continued Choose One

Grades K-2

“Shield” Craft/Activity Make a small shield by cutting a shield shape out of cardboard (poster board will work great. Let the

children cover their shields with aluminum foil. Use string or ribbon or a strip of poster board/cardboard to make a handle. Use a permanent marker to write on the shield: “The Lord will always protect us.” Remember to keep the conversation going. Discuss together what this phrase does.

Robot Walk See: www.kidssunday\school.com → Preschool → Activities → “Robot Walk”

The children will need to be divided into pairs. One child will be the robot, and the other will stand behind and be the commander of the robot. Instead of speaking however, the commander will tell the robot which way to go by touch. The robot must pay close attention to know what to do. Please see the above website for detailed instructions and a guide to the discussion in this activity.

Tell the children that we may not be able to hear God's actual voice, but He can still be our guide. When we choose to follow him, He will guide us by touching our hearts.

Telephone Draw See: www.kidssundayschool.com → Preschool → Lessons → “Special People of the Bible – Balaam and His Donkey” → look under “Alternate Fun Time”

This is similar to game "Telephone" but instead of words, using pictures. You will need pencil and paper. The teacher starts by drawing a simple picture, for example a house, car, or dog, and shows it to the first child. The first child opens his or her eyes and draws the same picture. Then he or she shows their picture to the next child in turn, who repeats the drawing, and so on until the last child draws a picture. Compare the first and last pictures to see how much they have changed. Use this activity to explain to the children that God doesn't always use words to tell us what to do, but if we pay attention, we will know he is there to guide us through life.

Grades 3-5

“Guide Me” Activity See: www.kidssundayschool.com → Grade School → Activities → “Guide me”

Before class you will need to print out enough activity drawing sheets for half the class. (See website above.) Make two rows of chairs with the backs of one row touching the backs of the other row. The children will pair up and sit opposite their partners, one being the Instruction Givers and the other to be the artists. Give the instruction givers a copy of the activity drawing and inform them not to show the drawing to any of the artists. Then give the artists a blank sheet of paper and a marker. A clipboard or cardboard drawing surface may be helpful (a book would work as well).

The instruction givers can give only verbal instructions, but the artist may ask any questions they want in order to understand the instructions given. The object of this activity is for the artists to draw the exact same object as the one appearing on the activity drawing sheet without directly knowing what that object is. Please see the above website for detailed instructions and further questions for discussion.

Talk with the children about how in the story God was trying to quietly guide Balaam, but he didn’t listen. It’s hard to listen closely if we are too busy. We sometimes can get so busy and caught up in our lives that we forget to stop, pray to God, and listen closely for Him to guide us. Remind the children that they can pray and ask God to help them have a quiet heart so they can be guided by God in their lives each day.

http://www.kidssunday/school.com



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Journal Optional Grades K-2 Draw a picture showing how you can ask God for help or guidance. Write down one thing you need his help with. Grades 3-5 (Choose One) Is there anything you are facing in your life (now or in the future) that you need God’s guidance in order to help you know what to do? Write about it. Who other than God do you turn to for guidance in your life? Why do you turn to them? Write about it.

Homework Ideas

- Read at home with a grownup the story about the Joshua, Rahab and the Spies (Joshua 2 - all). - Learn the memory verse: “Put your love into action.” --1 John 3:18 - Work on memorizing commandment #_____. - Color the “Joshua, Rahab and the Spies” coloring sheet as your parents read you the Sunday School Lesson.

Return your coloring page for a sticker. - Spend this week looking for opportunities to help your family at home. Make a list of all the ways you were

able to help them. Bring it to class to share.

Other Resources www.daniellesplace.com → Resource Room → Search “Balaam” → “Balaam and His Talking Donkey” www.kidssundayschool.com → Grade school → Lessons → Old Testament: “Lessons on Obedience” – 6. Don’t Reject God’s Call (Balaam) http://children.cccm.com/curriculum/ → OT Support Curriculum → Page 6 → “Balaam”




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Coloring Page

Name: ______________________

Joshua, Rahab and the Spies

"I will make your children like the dust of the earth…”

--Genesis 13:16 (NIRV)

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Take Home Page: E9. Balaam and the Donkey Today I learned…

Today your child learned that we should let God guide us. The children explored the story of Balaam and the donkey. They also talked about the importance of allowing God to guide us by following His instructions and obeying His commandments. Help me learn my memory verse…

“The Lord will guide you always.” --Isaiah 58:11 Ask me…

1. What happened to Balaam in today’s lesson? 2. Why didn’t Balaam listen? 3. Do you think it’s important to let God guide us each day? Why or why not?

Live Your Faith…

Give your child 3 things to do and ask him/her to do those things “just as you asked”. See how well he does with following your instructions. Let your child have a turn giving you 3 things to do and see how well you can follow their instructions. Then talk about how God gives us a lot of instruction through the scriptures we read in our Bible, and in Sunday School and the Divine Services. Remind your child that when we follow God’s “instructions” we will have a life that is blessed by God. Pray together and ask God to give you courage to follow Him completely each day.

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E10. Joshua, Rahab and the Spies Joshua 2

Learning Objectives

1. The children will be able to retell the story of Joshua, Rahab and the spies. 2. The children will explore how God always knows and sees what lives in our hearts.

Memory Verse: “Put your love into action.” --1 John 3:18


All Ages

“How Far?” Activity Bring a telescope, magnifying glass, binoculars or other “sight enhancers” to class for the children to look through. Put a very small note or picture on the wall and let the kids read it or look at it from the opposite wall. Allow each child to take a turn. After everyone is finished use this activity for further discussion. Ask the children how far they think that God can see? How well can He see? What does He need in order to see into our hearts? Then explain that today we will learn about how God can look into everyone’s heart and see things that other people cannot see.

Grades K-2 Coloring Page See: www.kidssundayschool.com → Preschool → coloring pages → “Rahab helps the Spies” You will need to print out one copy of the above coloring sheet for each child. Please see the above website. After the children are finished coloring, ask them to tell you about the picture. Continue with the story.


Message: God looks at the heart.

Before beginning this lesson, review some of the things that happened to Moses and the Israelites as they wandered through the desert of Egypt. Review the 10 plagues too and how the God was with the Israelites and helped them in all things. Background Information for the Teacher: In today’s lesson – the children will need to understand that Rahab had done some things in her life that were not pleasing to God. But God could see her heart was good, and she proved it by helping the spies that Joshua had sent.


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Bible Lesson with Discussion Questions - continued Joshua 2 ~ Rahab Helps the Spies

Joshua sent two spies out to go and check out the land of Jericho. So they went to Jericho. They stayed at the house of a woman named Rahab. Someone told the king of Jericho that some men from Israel had come there that night to spy out the land. So the king of Jericho sent a message to Rahab. It said, "Bring out the men who came into your house. They've come to spy on our land."

But the woman had hidden the two men. She said, "It's true that the men came here. But I didn't know where they had come from. They left at sunset, when it was time to close the city gate. I don't know which way they went. Go after them quickly. You might catch up with them." But in fact Rahab had taken them up on the roof. There she had hidden them under some flax she had piled up. The king's men left to hunt down the spies. They took the road that leads to where the Jordan River can be crossed. As soon as they had gone out of the city, the gate was shut.

Rahab went up on the roof before the spies settled down for the night. She said to them, "I know that the Lord has given this land to you. We are very much afraid of you. Everyone who lives in this country is weak with fear because of you. We've heard how the Lord dried up the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt. When we heard about it, our hearts melted away in fear. Because of you, we aren't brave anymore. The Lord your God is the God who rules over heaven above and earth below. Now then, please take an oath. Promise me in the name of the Lord that you will be kind to my family. I've been kind to you. Promise me that you will spare the lives of my father and mother. Spare my brothers and sisters. Also spare everyone in their families. Promise that you won't harm any of us."

So the men made a promise to her. "We'll give up our lives to save yours," they said. "But don't tell anyone what we're doing. Then we'll be kind and faithful to you when the Lord gives us the land."

The house Rahab lived in was part of the city wall. So she let the spies down by a rope through the window. She had said to them, "Go up into the hills. The men who are chasing you won't be able to find you. Hide yourselves there for three days until they return. Then you can go on your way."

The men said to her, "You made us take an oath and make a promise. But we won't keep it unless you do what we say. When we enter the land, you must tie this bright red rope in the window. Tie it in the window you let us down through. Bring your father and mother into your house. Also bring your brothers and everyone else in your family into your house. None of you must go out into the street. If you do, anything that happens to you will be your own fault. Don't hold us accountable. But if anyone hurts someone who is inside the house with you, it will be our fault. And you can hold us accountable. Don't tell anyone what we're doing. If you do, we won't have to keep the promise you asked us to make."

"I agree," Rahab replied. "I'll do as you say." So she sent them away, and they left. Then she tied the bright red rope in the window. When the spies left, they went up into the hills. They stayed there for three days. By that time the men who were chasing them had searched all along the road. They couldn't find them. So they returned.

Then the two spies started back. They went down out of the hills. They went across the Jordan River. They came back to Joshua and they told him everything that had happened to them. They said, "We're sure the Lord has given the whole land over to us. All of the people there are weak with fear because of us."

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Bible Lesson with Discussion Questions - continued Discussion Questions:

1. How many men did Joshua send to spy out the Promised Land? (Two.) 2. What was the name of the woman who helped Joshua's men? (Rahab.) 3. Why did Rahab help Joshua's men? (Rahab knew that God was helping the Israelites and that He was

going to give them the land. She put her love for God into action.) 4. How did Rahab help the spies? (She hid the spies from the King's men and also helped them to escape.) 5. Where did Rahab hide the spies? (On the roof, under stalks of flax.) 6. What did Rahab ask in return for helping the spies escape? (Protection for herself and for her family.) 7. What did Rahab hang from the window to let God's people know which house was hers? (A red thread

or cord.)

8. Do you think that Rahab had a good heart? Why or Why not? (Discuss together.)

Application to Real Life Bring in a large stuffed animal (or other large object) to class. Next, cover (or blindfold) your eyes and ask

the children to hide the object. You will need at least one other adult to assist the children with this. The children will quickly discover that it is very difficult to hide a large object in a sparsely furnished area. When you are finished with the activity, explain that it is just as difficult to hide something in our hearts from God. He can always look into our hearts and He knows our innermost thoughts and feelings. God especially can see the good that lives in someone’s heart, even when others cannot. God always looks at the heart. (Refer to the message statement.)

Memory Work Fun


2. Where is the book of Joshua located? In the Old or New Testament? Practice finding it together. (Added challenge: find the memory verse together.)

3. Review the first commandment: I am the Lord your God. You shall have NO other gods before Me. 4. Recite the memory verse.


Grades K-2

“Rahab and the Spies” Craft See: www.kidssundayschool.com → Preschool → crafts → “Rahab and the Spies”

Before class, you will need to print a set of templates on medium card stock for each child. Cut out each circle on the outer black line. Next cut out the space indicated by dashed gray lines on template one. Place template one over template two and use the nail to punch a hole through the center of both templates. Please see the above website for further detailed instructions.

As the children work on their craft talk about the bible story found in Joshua 2:1-24. Keep the conversation going.


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Activity Ideas – continued Choose One “Rahab Helps the Spies” Review Sheet See: www.kidssundayschool.com → Preschool → Activities → “Rahab helps the Spies”

Make one copy for each student. Have the children put the bible story back in the right order. Use this activity to check for understanding. Then allow the children to color the sheet while you enjoy a snack together. Please see the above website for the worksheet.

Grades 3-5 What Does He See? Fold a red (or pink or purple) sheet of construction paper in half and cut out a heart shape leaving part of the fold connected for a “hinge.” Open the heart and have the children write down what they would like for God to see when He looks into their heart. Use this activity as a way to explore what kinds of things should be in our hearts. If you need to give further guidance and direction for such qualities, have the children check out Galatians 5:22-23 (The fruit of the Spirit).

Journal Optional

Grades K-2 Draw a large heart on your paper. Then draw pictures (or write) what things you think you should have inside your heart.

Grades 3-5 If God could look into your heart today, what do you think he would see? Write about it. When was the last time you helped someone in need? How did it make you feel? Write about it.

Homework Ideas

- Read at home with a grownup the story about the Crossing the Jordan River (Joshua 3 to 4). - Learn the memory verse: “…the hand of the Lord…is mighty.” --Joshua 4:24 (NIRV) - Work on memorizing commandment #_____. - Color the “Crossing the Jordan River” coloring sheet as your parents read you the Sunday School Lesson.

Return your coloring page for a sticker. - Ask at home to see some old picture albums. Maybe you have a favorite one, or one from when you were

very young. Take 5-10 minutes to look at the album with one of your parents if possible. If you like, bring it to class to share. (Make sure you have permission from your parents first.)

Other Resources www.kidssundayschool.com → Grade school → Lessons → Old Testament: “Joshua” – 2. Rahab helps the Spies http://children.cccm.com/curriculum/ → OT Support Curriculum → Page 6 → “Rahab and the Spies”




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Coloring Page

Name: ______________________

Crossing the Jordan River

“...God works for the good of those who love Him.”

-- Romans 8:28 (NIRV)

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Take Home Page: E10. Joshua, Rahab and the Spies Today I learned…

Today your child learned that God always looks at the heart. The children explored the story of Joshua, Rahab and the spies. They also talked about how God always knows and sees what lives in our hearts. Help me learn my memory verse…

“Put your love into action.” --1 John 3:18 Ask me…

1. How did Rahab help the spies in today’s lesson? 2. Would you have chosen to help the spies? Why or why not? 3. Do you think Rahab had a good heart? Why or why not?

Live Your Faith…

Play a game of hide and seek. After a few rounds, meet at the table for a yummy snack and talk about how easy/hard it was to hide from each other. Remind your child that we can never hide from God, because He sees us all the time. He also sees everything that is in our hearts. Pray together that God would help you to have a heart that loves God more than anything or anyone else.

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E11. Crossing the Jordan River Joshua 3 to 4

Learning Objectives

1. The children will be able to retell the story of the Israelites crossing the Jordan River. 2. The children will recognize that God protects and provides for those who obey His commandments. 3. The children will explore and recognize times when God has taken care of them.

Memory Verse: “…the hand of the Lord…is mighty.” --Joshua 4:24 (NIRV)


All Ages “Water Pouring” Activity

You will need to bring in a pitcher of water, a large bowl and a large towel. Show the children how you will pour the water into the bowl. (Only pour a trickle of water into the bowl.) Then ask for volunteers to come try to stop the small trickle of water coming out of the pitcher as you are pouring it into the bowl. The children can try all kinds of ways of doing it, but it won’t be able to be done. Explain to the children that they could not stop even a trickle, but God stopped the whole Jordan River and held it back! It is pretty amazing what God is willing to do for His people.

Tell the children: In our lesson today, Joshua is still a new leader over Israel and God is going to do something great in his life and the lives of His people. He is going to show how great He is by causing a river to stop flowing and causing the ground to dry up! But it would require faith (trusting in Him) to do it. Have you ever taken some time to look at old picture albums? (Allow the children to share theirs if they brought them in, or you bring in an old album to share.) Picture albums bring back a lot of memories. God will also have Joshua and the people do something very important that will forever be a reminder to the people and their children of God’s greatness. Just like when we look at a picture album the people could look back and remember God’s greatness in their lives.


Message: God takes care of those who are obedient.

Israel Goes Across the Jordan River

Early one morning Joshua and all of the people of Israel started out from Shittim. They went down to the Jordan River. They camped there before they went across it. After three days the officers went all through the camp. They told the people: "Watch for the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God. The priests, who are Levites, will be carrying it. When you see it, you must move out from where you are and follow it. Then you will know which way to go. You have never gone this way before. But don't go near the ark. Stay about 1,000 yards away from it." Joshua spoke to the people. He said, "Set yourselves apart to the Lord. Tomorrow he'll do amazing things among you."

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Joshua told the priests, "Go and get the Ark of the Covenant. Walk ahead of the people." So they went and got it. Then they walked on ahead of them. The Lord said to Joshua, "Today I will begin to honor you in the eyes of all of the people of Israel. Then they will know that I am with you, just as I was with Moses. Speak to the priests who carry the Ark of the Covenant. Tell them, 'When you reach the edge of the Jordan River, go into the water and stand there.' "

Joshua spoke to the people of Israel. He said, "Come here. Listen to what the Lord your God is saying. You will soon know that the living God is among you. You can be sure that he'll drive out the people who are now living in the land. He'll do it to make room for you. He'll drive out the Canaanites, Hittites, Hivites, Perizzites, Girgashites, Amorites and Jebusites. "The ark will go into the Jordan River ahead of you. It's the ark of the covenant of the Lord of the whole earth. Choose 12 men from the tribes of Israel, one from each tribe. The priests will carry the ark of the Lord. As soon as the priests step into the Jordan River, it will stop flowing. The water that's coming down the river will pile up in one place. That is how you will know that the living God is among you."

So the people took their tents down. They prepared to go across the Jordan River. The priests who were carrying the Ark of the Covenant went ahead of them. The water of the Jordan River was going over its banks. It always does that at the time the crops are being gathered. The priests came to the river. Their feet touched the water's edge. Right away the water that was coming down the river stopped flowing. It piled up far away at a town called Adam near Zarethan. The water that was flowing down to the Dead Sea was completely cut off. So the people went across the Jordan River opposite Jericho.

The priests carried the ark of the covenant of the Lord. They stood firm on dry ground in the middle of the river. They stayed there until the whole nation of Israel had gone across on dry ground. Joshua 4

After the whole nation had gone across the Jordan River, the Lord spoke to Joshua. He said, Choose 12 men from among the people, one from each tribe. Tell them to get 12 stones from the middle of the river. They must pick them up from right where the priests stood. They must carry the stones over with all of you. And they must put them down at the place where you will stay tonight."

So Joshua called together the 12 men he had appointed from among the people of Israel. There was one man from each tribe. He said to them, "Go back to the middle of the Jordan River. Go to where the ark of the Lord your God is. Each one of you must pick up a stone. You must carry it on your shoulder. There will be as many stones as there are tribes in Israel. The stones will serve as a reminder to you. In days to come, your children will ask you, 'What do these stones mean?' Tell them that the Lord cut off the flow of water in the Jordan River. Tell them its water stopped flowing when the ark of the covenant of the Lord went across. The stones will always remind the Israelites of what happened there."

So the people of Israel did as Joshua commanded them. They took 12 stones from the middle of the Jordan River, one stone for each of the tribes of Israel. It was just as the Lord had told Joshua. The people carried the stones with them to their camp. There they put them down. Joshua piled up the 12 stones that had been in the middle of the river. They had been right where the priests who carried the Ark of the Covenant had stood. And they are still there to this very day. The priests who carried the ark remained standing in the middle of the Jordan River. They stayed there until the people had done everything the Lord had commanded Joshua. It was just as Moses had directed Joshua. All of the people went across quickly. As soon as they did, the ark of the Lord and the priests also went across to the other side. The people were watching them.

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That day the Lord honored Joshua in the eyes of all of the people of Israel. They had respect for Joshua as long as he lived. They respected him just as much as they had respected Moses. Then the Lord spoke to Joshua. He said, "Command the priests to come up out of the Jordan River. They are carrying the ark where the tablets of the covenant are kept."

So Joshua gave a command to the priests. He said, "Come up out of the Jordan River." Then the priests came up out of the river. They were carrying the ark of the covenant of the Lord. As soon as they stepped out on dry ground, the water of the Jordan began to flow again. It went over its banks, just as it had done before. On the tenth day of the first month the people went up out of the Jordan River. They camped at Gilgal on the eastern border of Jericho. Joshua set up the 12 stones at Gilgal. They were the ones the people had taken out of the Jordan. Then he spoke to the people of Israel. He said, "In days to come, your children after you will ask their parents, 'What do these stones mean?' Their parents must tell them, 'Israel went across the Jordan River on dry ground.' The Lord your God dried up the Jordan for you until you had gone across it. He did to the Jordan River the same thing he had done to the Red Sea. He dried up the Red Sea ahead of us until we had gone across it. He did it so that all of the nations on earth would know that he is powerful. He did it so that you would always have respect for the Lord your God."

Discussion Questions:

1. What was the name of the river in today’s story? (The Jordan River.) 2. What was the big problem in the story? (The Israelites needed to get to the other side of the river.) 3. If you were there, how would you think you could get across the Jordan River? (Discuss together – make

a list of all their ideas on the easel.) 4. What did Joshua tell the people to do? Be specific. (Follow those that were carrying the Ark of the

Covenant, etc. Discuss the detailed instructions from the lesson that Joshua gave to the people.) 5. Were the people obedient in the story? (YES! Discuss what obedience means.) 6. Who wants us to be obedient? (Discuss – our parents, our teachers, etc. and most importantly, GOD

does!) 7. How can we be obedient to God? (Take answers and discuss...we want to follow God’s commandments

and strive to be like the Lord Jesus.)

Application to Real Life Enjoy a snack as you read the story and discuss together: The Mural Story See: www.kidssundayschool.com → Grade School → Stories → “The Mural” Please visit the above website for a hard copy of the story to read to your class. After reading this story, discuss the importance of following the rules God gives us in His Word, and how this compares to everyday life. Remind the children that God rewards those who are obedient to Him and who faithfully follow Him AND His commandments. Discuss together. (Remind the children what the commandments tell us.)


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Memory Work Fun


the next word…try to go faster and faster). 4. Lead the class in a short prayer about our Love for God and thanking Him for taking care of us, even when

things seem impossible.


All Ages Follow the Directions See: www.kidssundayschool.com → Grade School → Activities → “Follow the Directions” You will need one copy of the activity page for each child and crayons or markers for each child in the following colors: red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple for this activity. Please see the above website for detailed instructions. This activity will test the children’s abilities to follow directions. After you have completed the activity, remind the children God wants us to follow his directions and commandments, even when it is hard. Review the memory verse and message statement.

Grades K-2 Following God’s Instructions See: www.kidssundayschool.com → Preschool → Activities → “Following God’s Instructions” You will need a copy of the instruction sheet, five boxes (of different sizes) and a marker for this activity. Use the marker to boldly number the boxes in order of size from one through five, with the largest box being numbered “1” and the smallest box being marked as “5”. Please see the above website for detailed instructions. This activity will drive home the message that we need to follow God’s instructions and obey His commands. Follow the discussion guide and review the memory verse and message statement when you have completed the activity. Always Follow God See: www.kidssundayschool.com → Preschool → Games → Always Follow God You don’t need any materials for this game activity. The children will all stand up and you will explain that God wants us to follow Him wherever we go and with whatever we do. You will call out a color. The children must quickly find an object in the room with that color, go to it, and place their hand on it. Please see the above website for specific instructions and modifications. Review the memory verse and message statement.

Grades 3-5 Following on Faith See: www.kidssundayschool.com → Grade School → Activities → “Following on Faith” This is a Bible “research” activity that will help to teach the children how we can faithfully follow God even through difficult times. You will need an activity sheet for each child and pencils for this activity. Please see the above website for detailed instructions. Be sure to end with the discussion questions that are provided.





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Journal Optional Grades K-2 Draw a picture of what you think faith looks like. Grades 3-5 How big is your faith in God? We know that Jesus was born and died on the cross. But do you believe with your whole heart that Jesus is going to return to the earth again on the day of the Lord? Why do you believe it? Write about it. Why do you think it is important to be obedient to your parents? Write about it.

Homework Ideas

- Read at home with a grownup the lesson Christmas (Luke 2:1-20). - Learn the memory verse: “For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior,

who is Christ the Lord.” --Luke 2:11 (NKJV) - Work on memorizing commandment #_____. - Complete the Christmas coloring and activity sheet as your parents read you the Sunday School Lesson.

Return your coloring page for a sticker. - What is the best gift you ever received? Be ready to share in class.

Other Resources http://children.cccm.com/curriculum/ → OT Support Curriculum → Page 6 → “Crossing the Jordan River”


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Coloring Page

Name: ____________________________

Christmas

“For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior,

who is Christ the Lord.” --Luke 2:11 (NKJV)

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Take Home Page: E11. Crossing the Jordan River Today I learned…

Today your child learned that God takes care of those who are obedient. The children explored the story of the Israelites crossing the Jordan River. They also talked about hos God protects and provides for those who choose to obey His commandments. Help me learn my memory verse…

“…the hand of the Lord…is mighty.” --Joshua 4:24 (NIRV)

Ask me… 1. What happened at the Jordan River in today’s lesson? 2. If you were there, would you have been afraid to cross the river? Why or why not? 3. Why do you think it can be difficult sometimes to be obedient to God?

Live Your Faith… Play a game of “red light, green light” outside. Play a few rounds, taking turns who gets to call out the commands. Then enjoy a treat together and talk about how we don’t follow the commands properly during the game, we have to go back to the start. God also wants us to follow His commandments exactly as they are. Pray together and ask God to help you to have a heart that wants to follow God and His commandments each day.

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E12. Christmas Luke 2:1-20, Matthew 2:1-12

Learning Objectives

1. The children will be able to retell the events surrounding the birth of Jesus. 2. The children will recognize that Jesus is the Son of God and that He was sent to be our Savior. 3. The children will be able to verbalize that we are waiting for Jesus to return.

Memory Verse: “For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior,

who is Christ the Lord.” -- Luke 2:11 (NKJV)


All Ages Census Card Activity Adapted from www.kidssundayschool.com As the children arrive, give them an index card that is prepared as seen below. Have the children complete the card. When everyone is finished, use the whiteboard or easel to tally the different categories (age, boy, girl, state they were born in). The children can also keep a tally on the back of their index card. Explain to them that this activity is like a census that would occur today in our country. A census occurs every 10 years in the United States to help the government keep track of all kinds of things about the people who live here. In today’s lesson, there also was a census happening in Israel that caused Mary and Joseph to have to travel back to their hometown to be counted properly. Continue with the lesson.

Name: _________________________ Boy: _______________ Girl: _______________ State you were born in: ________________________ Birthday: _____________________________ Current Age: ___________________


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Getting Started - Continued Choose One Object Talk – “How does it belong?”

For this getting started activity, you will need to bring in various items or pictures that have to do with the lesson and show them one by one to the children. Have the students tell you the relevance of the item to the lesson. Items could include, plastic or stuffed animals, a picture of a donkey, paper wrapped with ribbon as scroll (to represent the law), plastic hotels from a Monopoly game, a ring (Mary’s engagement), a pacifier, a small blanket, a small bale of hay, etc. If the children do not know what the object has to do with the story, set the object aside and see if they figure it out as you continue with the lesson.

Grades K-2 “Caesar Says” Game See: http://children.cccm.com/curriculum/ → “NT Teacher Guide” → Page 1 → “Birth of Jesus” → Page 2

This game is just like “Simon says”. Have all the children in class stand up facing you. Explain that every time you say, “Caesar Says” they need to copy an action demonstrated for them by you. If you do not say "Caesar Says" and they still do your command, then they must sit down until the game is over. Make the actions you model for the children as silly as possible; it will be a reference point for the lesson.

When you are finished, sit the children down and remind them of the silly things they had to do to stay in the game, all because “Caesar Says.” Explain to them that during the time of Caesar Augustus, people had to do what “Caesar Says” just to stay alive. Caesar was master of the world, and it was in those days that Jesus was born. It was one of the darkest hours our world has ever known. No one could choose or decide things for themselves; no one could disagree with Caesar. He said that everyone had to be enrolled and counted in order to be taxed; and everyone had to obey. It was not enough to write a letter to be counted. Each person had to go to the place of his or her family origin.

Grades 3-5 Christmas Scramble See: www.kidssundayschool.com → Grade School → Activities → Christmas Scramble You will need to print one copy of the puzzle page for each student and provide pencils for this activity. Children will race to create as many words as possible using the letters in “Merry Christmas.” You may want to set a timer for 5 minutes to help. Please see the above website for detailed instructions.


Message: We are waiting for Jesus to return.

Luke 2:1-20 1 In those days, Caesar Augustus made a law. It required that a list be made of everyone in the whole

Roman world. 2 It was the first time a list was made of the people while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 All went to their own towns to be listed.



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Bible Lesson with Discussion Questions - Continued 4 So Joseph went also. He went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea. That is where Bethlehem,

the town of David, was. Joseph went there because he belonged to the family line of David. 5 He went there with Mary to be listed. Mary was engaged to him. She was expecting a baby.

6 While Joseph and Mary were there, the time came for the child to be born. 7 She gave birth to her first baby. It was a boy. She wrapped him in large strips of cloth. Then she placed him in a manger. There was no room for them in the inn. Angels Appear to the Shepherds

8 There were shepherds living out in the fields nearby. It was night, and they were looking after their sheep. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them. And the glory of the Lord shone around them. They were terrified.

10 But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy. It is for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord. 12 Here is how you will know I am telling you the truth. You will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth and lying in a manger."

13 Suddenly a large group of angels from heaven also appeared. They were praising God. They said, 14 "May glory be given to God in the highest heaven! And may peace be given to those he is pleased with on earth!"

15 The angels left and went into heaven. Then the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem. Let's see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."

16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph and the baby. The baby was lying in the manger. 17 After the shepherds had seen him, they told everyone. They reported what the angel had said about this child. 18 All who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary kept all these things like a secret treasure in her heart. She thought about them over and over. 20 The shepherds returned. They gave glory and praise to God. Everything they had seen and heard was just as they had been told. Matthew 2 ~ The Wise Men Visit Jesus

Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea. This happened while Herod was king of Judea. After Jesus' birth, Wise Men from the east came to Jerusalem. They asked, "Where is the child who has been born to be king of the Jews? When we were in the east, we saw his star. Now we have come to worship him."

When King Herod heard about it, he was very upset. Everyone in Jerusalem was troubled too. So Herod called together all the chief priests of the people. He also called the teachers of the law. He asked them where the Christ was going to be born. "In Bethlehem in Judea," they replied. "This is what the prophet has written. He said, 'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are certainly not the least important among the towns of Judah. A ruler will come out of you. He will be the shepherd of my people Israel.' "

Then Herod called for the Wise Men secretly. He found out from them exactly when the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem. He said, "Go! Make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, bring me a report. Then I can go and worship him too."

After the Wise Men had listened to the king, they went on their way. The star they had seen when they were in the east went ahead of them. It finally stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were filled with joy. The Wise Men went to the house. There they saw the child with his mother Mary. They bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures. They gave him gold, incense and myrrh. But God warned them in a dream not to go back to Herod. So they returned to their country on a different road.

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Bible Lesson with Discussion Questions - Continued Discussion Questions:

1. Why did Joseph and Mary go from their home in Nazareth and walk all the way to Bethlehem? (Because Caesar Augustus issued a law for everyone to go to their hometown for a census.)

2. Why was Jesus born in a stable and then placed in a manger? See verse 7. (Because there was no more room at any of the Inns.)

3. What is a manger? (A feeding trough for animals - or have someone look up manger in a Bible dictionary.) 4. How do you think Joseph and Mary felt about spending the night where they kept animals? (Discuss

together. Perhaps they felt disappointed, but maybe thankful they had someplace to stay.) 5. Jesus the Savior of the whole world was not born in a beautiful palace like other kings. Why do you think

that was? (Discuss together.) 6. What did the shepherds do after they saw Jesus for themselves? (They spread the word about Jesus and

glorified God.) 7. Wise men came from the east looking for Jesus. What did they follow to find him? (A Star.) 8. What did the visitors bring with them? (Treasures or gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.) 9. What did they want to do when they found Jesus? (To worship Him and bring Him gifts. 10. How would you have worshipped the Baby Jesus if you had been there when He was born? (Discuss.

Answers will vary.) 11. The prophets told about Jesus coming a long time ago, long before Jesus was born. What are we waiting for

today? (Jesus to come again for us.) 12. What do you think you would do or want to say to Jesus when He comes again? (Discuss together.)


All Ages

Enjoy a healthy snack together as you discuss the homework. What was the greatest gift each child ever received? Allow them to share. Then talk about the gifts and talents that each child was born with. Go around the room and identify one gift each child has. (Be prepared and think about what you might say before class.) Then ask the children to think about how they can use that gift that God gave them to give back to Him by serving Him? Try to think outside the box. How can they use that gift in the congregation AND outside of the congregation, and bring praise to God? Remind the children that we want to use our gifts to serve God and show the love of Jesus to others in our lives EVERY DAY until Jesus comes again. That is what God wants us to do. Review the message statement together.

Memory Work Fun

1. Recite the memory verse. 2. Practice finding the memory verse and/or Bible text in their Bible! 3. Play a game to review a commandment – pass/toss a bean bag or stuffed animal – whoever gets it says the

next word. 4. Lead the class in a short prayer, thanking God for giving us the wonderful gift of His Son.

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All Ages Christmas Scavenger Hunt See: www.kidssundayschool.com → Grade School → Activities → Christmas Scavenger Hunt You will need the star pages, card stock paper, scissors, tape, and a special gift (a small snack or simple toy) for this activity. Children will answer the clues and follow the stars to a special gift. You will need to print the star pages on card stock paper, cut them out, and hide them before class. Review the memory verse and message statement when you have completed the hunt. A Jesus Baby Book

Did your mom or dad keep a baby book for you? You can make a baby book for Jesus. The children will draw pictures of things they have learned about Jesus from today’s lesson. Use Bible verses that tell about each picture. (Just put the verses at the bottom, not all the words. Let the picture be the words.) After the pictures are completed, stack the papers together and punch two holes on one end. (You may want to use heavy card stock or a similar material for the front and back covers of the baby book.) Thread a long piece of yarn through the holes and tie it to hold the papers together.

Sample Verses the children could illustrate: 1. “The angel greeted her…” --Luke 1:28 (Draw a picture of young Mary with the angel Gabriel) 2. “He went there with Mary to be listed…” --Luke 2:5 (Draw a picture of Mary riding on the donkey with

Joseph on their way to Bethlehem to be counted.) 3. “You will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth and lying in a manger.” --Luke 2:12 4. “Suddenly, a large group of angels from heaven also appeared.” --Luke 2:13 (Draw the angels) 5. “So, they (the shepherds) hurried off and found Mary and Joseph and the baby.” --Luke 2:16 (Draw the

shepherds with some animals) 6. “After Jesus’ birth, Wise Men from the east came to Jerusalem.” --Matthew 2:1 7. “The Wise Men went to the house. There they saw the child and His mother Mary.” --Matthew 2:11

Happy Birthday Cards You will need construction paper or cardstock, crayons or markers, and any other materials to help the children be creative with their cards. Talk with the children about the significance of birthdays, celebrating the fact that either a birthday boy or girl is here with us and how thankful we are for their presence in our lives. Make a list together of reasons the children are thankful that Jesus is in their lives. Encourage them to use this list to help them write their birthday cards to Jesus.

Grades K-2 Manger Mobile

Using coat hangers, string, and construction paper, make a mobile of the key events in the story of Jesus’ birth. Write or draw the events on the paper. Then cut them out and use string to hang them from the coat hanger. Be creative and have fun! Remember to keep the conversation going.


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Activity Ideas - Continued Choose One

Grades K-2 - continued Pass the Ornament Game

You will need an ornament (not glass) or a small object that the children can easily pass to each other and music (preferably Christmas) to play in the background. Tell the children to sit in a circle on the floor. Give one of them the small object. Explain that while the music is playing, they are to pass the object around the circle. When the music stops, the person with the object in their hands should tell one small part of the Bible story. Each time the music stops, the person with the object must tell the next part of the Bible story.

Grades 3-5 Giving and Receiving See: www.kidssundayschool.com → Grade School → Activities → Giving and Receiving You will need treats or a small prize for each child, paper bags or envelopes, a bandage strip, two pennies, one raising, a small piece of cloth, a used pencil and one nail for this activity. Each of the items will need to be placed in a small brown bag or envelope before class. Please see the above website for detailed instructions. The children will help the children learn that it is important to give generously AND receive gifts with thanksgiving in their hearts. Modify the activity as needed for your children. “How do YOU Worship?”

Talk with the children about the word “WORSHIP”. Write it on your easel or white board. Ask the children to tell you what they think it means. As they do, write down their responses all around the word “worship” that is on your easel. Then share with them the following (write down the definition in a different color on your easel):

What is Worship? – an expression of awe, it is what you do each day to honor God for who He is, what He does, etc.

Is there a “right” way to worship? NO! There are lots of ways to worship God, and we may all choose to do it differently. It is not just music or singing either.

Use the story to show different ways to worship God. List on your easel or white board the following four names. Look up in your Bibles (either as a group or have the verses written on index cards and let the children find different verses on their own) each of the verses to see how each of these people chose to worship the Lord Jesus.

Mary – Luke 1:46-55 (singing) and Luke 2:19 (in her thoughts) Angels – Luke 2:13-14 (singing praises) Shepherds – Luke 2:17 (shared the news with others) Wise Men – Matthew 2:11 (bowed and worshipped, brought GIFTS to share)

Remind the children that there are many ways to worship God, to honor Him each day. God wants us to make the time each day to worship Him. (Review the message statement and or memory verse.) Drama Time – “The Birth of a Savior”

Have the children do a skit acting out today’s story and the key points of it. You will need some simple props to make things more fun and interesting (robes, scarves, baby doll, shoebox for manger). See the attached script at the end of this lesson.


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Journal Optional Grades K-2 If you could give Jesus a gift, what would it be? Write about it and/or draw a picture of your gift. Grades 3-5 (Choose One) If you could give a gift to Jesus, what would it be? Why? Be specific in your answer and write about it. Why do you think Jesus is referred to as the greatest gift? Write about it. Think about your own gifts and talents. How can you use your gifts to give back and serve God? Write about it.

Other Resources http://children.cccm.com/curriculum/ → New Testament Curriculum → Lesson 205, 207, 208, 210 → Support Curriculum www.daniellesplace.com → Login to the Resource Room → Search “Christmas” www.kidssundayschool.com → “Topical Index” → “C” → Scroll down to click on “Christmas”




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Drama Time Activity: The Birth of a Savior Narrator: Caesar Augustus issued a law. Everyone in the country was to return to the place where their family

had originally come from to record and register their names. Mary and Joseph travelled to Bethlehem.

Mary: (Very pregnant, tired, and looking weary.) Joseph, I am so tired from our travels, I need to find a

place where we can rest for the night. Joseph: Maybe one of these places will have a room for us. Narrator: Joseph went to inn after inn. All of them turned him away. They simply did not have room. Joseph: There is no room anywhere for us, Mary. We will have to find somewhere else to go for the night. Mary: We better find something quickly; I think the baby is coming! Narrator: Mary and Joseph found a stable where they rested for the night. Mary gave birth to Jesus. She

wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him a manger. Meanwhile, that same night in the fields near Bethlehem, some shepherds were guarding their sheep. Suddenly, a light appeared, and it became bright as day.

Shepherd 1: What was that? (The other 2 shepherds shrug their shoulders.) Narrator: The shepherds became afraid when an angel appeared to them. Angel 1: Do not be afraid. Today in Bethlehem a Savior has been born. You will find the infant wrapped in

swaddling clothes laying in a manger. Angel 2: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men! Shepherd 2: We better go to see what this is about. Shepherd 3: Yes, let us go find the Savior! Narrator: The shepherds followed the star and found everything just as the angel described it to them.

Afterwards, they told everyone about their experiences.

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Music Option

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Take Home Page: E12. Christmas Today I learned…

Today your child learned that we should we are waiting for Jesus to return to us again. The children explored the story of Jesus’ birth. They also were reminded that Jesus is the Son of God and was sent to be our Savior. Help me learn my memory verse…

“For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” --Luke 2:11

Ask me…

1. Tell me what happened when Jesus was born. 2. How would you have worshiped Jesus if you were there when He was born? 3. What do you think you would want to say to Jesus when He comes again?

Live Your Faith…

When Jesus was born, God used the light of a very bright star to show others the way to find the baby Jesus. Our actions, the things we do and say, and how we treat others all can shine a light and draw others to the love of Jesus too. How can you share the love of Jesus with others this Christmas season? What can your family do? Maybe you can help a family or child in need or do something kind for your neighbors. Decide together on one way your family can be a light and share Jesus’ love in the next few weeks. Pray that you would also be able to share the story of Jesus with others too.

E1. Bible Skills Old Testament

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Transcript of E1. Bible Skills Old Testament