Environment: SERVINGIn this lesson we see the environment of SERVING highlighted in the posture Ruth and Boaz took before God, which created a fertile ground for God to use them as a blessing to each other, and, later, to the world.
I began my eighth-grade year at a brand-new school, in a new city, without a friend to my name. It was a horrible feeling not to know anyone, and I dreaded the first day, especially lunchtime, when I would be forced to sit alone for an entire hour.
There was a girl I noticed in a few of my classes that morning, named Lindsay. She was very social and appeared to have a lot of friends at the school. As we were leaving our last class before lunch, she started a conversation with me. “You’re new, right? Where are you from?” she asked. And before I knew it, she’d invited me to sit with her and her group of friends at lunchtime. I was relieved that someone had reached out to me and blessed me in my moment of greatest need.
Lindsay and I became good friends, even through our high school years. It was because of her willingness to step out and welcome me into her community that I was able to transition into a new school during a very awkward time in my life.
God used Lindsay to bless me in many ways. It was through her friendship that I began attending her church and eventually rededicated my life to Christ. I often think back to that moment and how the small act of kindness and obedience of a young girl helped change the entire trajectory of my life. It would have been just as easy for Lindsay to sit with her friends that day and ignore the new girl she’d met in class. But instead, she allowed God to use her life to bless another.
As God’s children, we’ve been blessed. We, in turn, can be a blessing to others. Ruth, a Moabite woman, chose to bless others through her life. Shortly after becoming a widow, Ruth made a pledge to stay with her mother-in-law, Naomi, rather than return to her homeland to find a new husband. In doing this, Ruth agreed to walk away from the gods of her youth to serve Yahweh, the one true God.
During this time and in this culture, women were entirely dependent upon their husbands. The outlook for widows was limited; if a woman’s husband died, she would rely upon her son for support. But neither Ruth nor Naomi had a son. Their only hope was that Ruth would be able to enter into a “levirate marriage,” when a family member would marry the widow of a deceased relative in order to continue the family line. This man is often referred to as a family- or kinsman-redeemer. The role of kinsman-redeemer also allowed for the purchasing back of land and settling of any debt of the deceased. If Ruth could enter into this type of relationship, both she and her mother-in-law would be provided for.
God used Boaz to bless Ruth for her faithfulness. Boaz gave Ruth and Naomi provision and protection. But there is a greater picture of God’s blessing in this part of The Big God Story. The union of Boaz and Ruth is an important one, for God used them to become the great-grandparents of King David and ancestors of the Messiah. Jesus would be the ultimate Redeemer who would bless the entire world.
Further Resources
Young Children and the Arts: Making Creative Connections, a Report of the Task Force on Birth to Age Eight, pp. 6–13. (http://www.aep-arts.org/files/publications/Young%20Children .pdf)
Environnment of SERVING
This posture of the heart asks the question, “What needs to be done?” It allows the Holy Spirit to cultivate a sensitivity to others and focuses on a cause bigger than one individual life. It helps fulfill the mandate that as Christ followers we are to view our lives as living sacrifices that we generously give away!
The 10 environments guide us in creating a climate that puts God on display. Encourage your families to discover more about creating the environment of SERVING in their homes by checking out HomeFront: A Spiritual Parenting Resource and Spiritual Parenting by Michelle Anthony.
God has put people in our lives to bless us along our journey: family, friends, teachers, mentors, and even seemingly random encounters with strangers. God uniquely orchestrates the events in our lives to bless His people.
Take a moment to reflect on your day. Who did God uniquely use in your life to bless you on this day? Now think back to the past week. Which people or faces stand out in your mind as those who played a role in blessing your week? Take your time; it’s often easy to overlook the small roles, and yet they might have greatly blessed you. Now stretch your mind back even further; consider those God has used in the past month to bless your life. Write down the names and faces you remember. Spend some time in thanksgiving to God for providing people in your life to bless your days.
Just as others have blessed us, it’s God’s desire that we would be a blessing. This week, be intentionally aware of the people and the needs around you. What would God have you do? How would He have you play a role in blessing the lives of the people you come in contact with on a daily basis? Look at your day with fresh eyes—eyes focused on blessing others as you have so been blessed.
Welcome and allow children todevelop relationships with theirleaders and one another in afree-flowing setting.
Grains of BlessingOPTION 1:• oats, cornmeal, or rice (uncooked)• dried beans• shoe boxes or plastic bins• disposable cups (1 per child)• optional: plastic tablecloth or trash bag
OPTION 2:• Grain Activity Sheets (see tru.davidccook.com)• markers, crayons, colored pencils, etc.
Transition Song• optional: “The Cleanup Song,” TruBlessings
Worship
Gather:: 20–25 min.
Children will gather to experienceand learn about God throughlively Remember Verse games,interactive storytelling of theday’s portion of The Big GodStory, Wonder Questions, andcommunity and personal prayer.
• Treasure Trunk• Gizmo puppet (see p. 9 for purchasing
suggestion)
Welcome Song• Story Spots• Welcome Song pieces (People Template, see
tru.davidccook.com; for detailed description see Putting It Together document)
Remember Verse• Bible• Remember Verse card (see tru.davidccook.com)• white board or poster board• marker• bed sheet or piece of fabric• tennis ball(s)
The Big God Story• bin of uncooked oats• 5 smooth rocks• permanent marker or paint pen
Wonder Questions• Wonder Question Strips (see tru.davidccook.com)• small bag with drawstring
Prayers & Praises• Prayers & Praises book• 3” x 5” cards• pen or marker
Lesson OverviewExperience Time Summary Supplies/Prepare
Engage:: 15–20 min.
Children will engage with one another in a time designed to encourage various forms of play and exploration.
The Order of the Story• Story Images: #1 Leaving home, #2 Sad day,
#3 Girls and Naomi, #4 Harvest time, #5 Lunch with Boaz, #6 The wedding, #7 Baby Obed, #8 Family tree (1 set per 8 children; see tru.davidccook.com)
• blank sheets of paper
Respond:: 15–20 min.
Children will have the opportunity to process what the Holy Spirit has been teaching them and demonstrate their response to God in a time of hands-on worship.
Blessing Notes• construction paper (light colors)• glue• beans (used in CONNECT, Option 1)• markers• worship song: “Jesus I Will Follow,” TruWorship
Songs from the Playhouse
Bless:: 10 min.
Bless the children that they may experience God fully and be a blessing to others.
• Blessing• HomeFront Weekly• HomeFront: A Spiritual Parenting Resource
Connect activities allow kids to develop relationships with their leaders and one another in a free-flowing setting.
Using simple supplies and conversation starters, this section is all about getting to know one another better.
CONNECT | GATHER | ENGAGE | RESPOND | BLESS
Teaching Tip
Consider having a table set up with crayons and blank cut out people ready for the Welcome Song from the GATHER section. This will help welcome new friends into your time together as a faith community.
Transition Tool
“The Cleanup Song” from TruBlessings Worship may be a helpful tool to cue children it’s time to transition into another activity or portion of the service.
Developmentally Speaking
“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.” —Pablo Picasso
When children engage with creative art projects, they learn to make choices and gain confidence in their own ability to make things happen. In this they are also affirmed in their ability to be artists or creators. Experience with art gives children tools to respond to and engage with their Creator. These tools are not only useful in childhood; they are also valuable in adulthood.
Welcome children as they come into the room and invite them into the activities. Participate in the activities with the children and engage them in conversation, whether it is surrounding the activity or open-ended questions about themselves. This time will encourage kids to relationally engage throughout the lesson.
Grains of BlessingSUPPLIESOPTION 1:• oats, cornmeal, or rice (uncooked)• dried beans• shoe boxes or plastic bins• disposable cups (1 per child)• optional: plastic tablecloth or trash bag
Note: Please check with parents for any potential allergies.
OPTION 2:• Grain Activity Sheets (see tru.davidccook.com)• markers, crayons, colored pencils, etc.
PREPARE AHEADOPTION 1:Fill a box or bin with a mix of oats, cornmeal, rice, or dried beans. Depending on how many kids are in your class, you may want to prepare a couple of bins so all of the children can have access to the activity at the same time.
N O T E S : SET UPOPTION 1:Place the bin(s) in an area where children can easily see and reach into them. You might want to place some paper or a trash bag under the bin(s) to help contain any messes. Each child will also need a cup. The cups should be labeled with each child’s name.
OPTION 2:Print out the Grain Activity Sheets and set out the coloring materials.
RELATEOPTION 1:Welcome the children. Invite them to join you in the activity area. Show them the beans mixed in with the grains. Explain that they have the next few minutes to gather some beans out of the grains. The children should place their beans in their cups, as they’ll be used later in RESPOND. While they’re searching for the beans, ask them about their observations. What do you see in these bins? How would we normally use these items? What can we make out of these? Where do these come from? How do you think farmers get the part we want to eat from the plants in the fields? Allow kids to answer; interact with their responses. Today we’re going to learn about a woman who served God and blessed her family by working hard to gather food that would have looked kind of like this. Be sure to save the beans you’ve gathered, because we’re going to use them later.
As the kids gather the items in the bins, have them turn to one another to talk about how God has blessed them through the gift of food. Prompt them to ask each other: What is your favorite food? What is your least favorite food? Who gives you the food you eat? What is a way you can show thankfulness for the food you eat every day? (Note: These questions will be written on their coloring sheets.)
OPTION 2:For a less supply-heavy option, invite the kids to complete the Grains Activity Sheets found at the website. As they work, ask: What is illustrated in these pictures? What would we normally do with the items pictured? What can we make out of these? Where do these come from? How do you think farmers get the part we want to eat out of the plants in the fields? Allow kids to answer; interact with their responses. Today we’re going to learn about a woman who served God and blessed her family by working hard to gather food that would have looked kind of like this.
While the kids color their grain sheets, have them turn to one another to talk about how God has blessed them through the gift of food. Prompt them to ask each other: What is your favorite food? What is your least favorite food? Who gives you the food you eat? What is a way you can show thankfulness for the food you eat every day? (Note: These questions will be written on their coloring sheets.)
Children will gather to experience and learn about God through lively Remember Verse games, interactive storytelling of the day’s portion of The Big God Story, Wonder Questions, and community and personal prayer.
Story Spots
Story Spot refers to an item used to mark the place where each child sits. Consider using carpet squares, small circle-shaped rugs, large sturdy place mats, or large round dot stickers. When children hear “The Cleanup Song,” or when you’ve finished with the CONNECT activities, cue them to choose a Story Spot, place it in the GATHER time area, and sit down. At the close of your time together in GATHER, encourage children to return their Story Spots to their original location.
CONNECT | GATHER | ENGAGE | RESPOND | BLESS
God Blesses Us through Others
Ponder Point
After the CONNECT activity, have children find their Story Spots to get ready for their time in GATHER. You’ll need the Treasure Trunk throughout this section. For ideas on creating or purchasing your own Treasure Trunk, please see the Putting It Together document at tru.davidccook.com.
The Treasure Trunk should include:
Welcome Song pieces Bible (for adult or children, to use during teaching) Remember Verse The Big God Story teaching aids Wonder Question Strips (see tru.davidccook.com) and bag Prayers & Praises book
Puppets, www.wayfair.com) • Story Spots• Welcome Song pieces (see Putting It Together document)
PREPARE AHEADUse paper or felt to create a large heart and a small cross. Attach the cross to the center of the heart. If you’re making the heart out of paper, consider laminating the finished product to make it more durable. Finally, print the people from the template found at the website. Laminate and cut out the people. Use a marker to write the name of each child on a person. Consider making extra people for new friends and visitors.
SET UPPlace the heart in the center of the circle. Scatter the paper people around the perimeter of the heart. Be sure the children’s names are face up. Begin by placing your person on the heart as a model for the children.
Information for the opening traditions will be included in the first five lessons of each quarter. For reference in later lessons, please refer to the Putting It Together document for TruWonder Sunday School at tru.davidccook.com.
CONNECT | GATHER | ENGAGE | RESPOND | BLESS
N O T E S :
RELATEHello, friends. It’s so good to see you today. What do you see in the center of our circle? Children will respond. That’s right, there are shapes like people, and a great big heart. When you see the shape of a heart, what does it help you remember? Children will answer. Good thinking. The shape of a heart reminds us of love. What do you see in the center of the heart? Allow children to answer. There’s a cross in the center of the heart. Now, when we see a cross, who do we remember? Children will answer. Jesus, that’s right. This heart can help us remember God’s love for us. Each week when we gather together, we get to sing a song to say hello to one another and meet new friends. When we place our name in the heart, we can remember that we get to celebrate God’s love for us each week.
Lead the children through the Welcome Song. When a child’s name is called, they’ll look for their name in the circle. Once they find their name, the child can place it on the heart and return to their seat. Then, begin the song again with the name of a new friend. Repeat until each child has found her name and placed it with her friends’ on the heart in the center of the circle. After each child has participated, end the song with Gizmo. (For example: “Who came to worship today, worship today, worship today? Who came to worship today? Gizmo did.” Welcome Gizmo to the circle, help him find his name, and place it on the heart. The song is sung to the tune of “Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush.”)
Remember VerseEach week children will spend time memorizing a portion of Scripture together. Remember Verses are chosen according to the 10 environments. This week we are highlighting the environment of SERVING that asks the question, “What needs to be done?”
REMEMBER VERSE
Serve one another in love. Galatians 5:13b
SUPPLIES• Bible• Remember Verse card (see tru.davidccook.com)• white board or poster board• marker• bed sheet or piece of fabric• tennis ball(s)
N O T E S : PREPARE AHEADPlace the Remember Verse card in the Bible.
RELATEIt’s so good to see you! Today, we’ll hear how God can bless us through other people. When we serve God we can bless Him and others! Sometimes the people who serve and bless us are close to us, and sometimes they’re people we don’t even know. Some very special people—people who served God—are the people who God used to write a very special book called the Bible. It’s a book all about God and how much He loves us. That sounds like a pretty special book, don’t you think? Do you know where we might find a special book like this? Children will answer. That’s right! I think the Treasure Trunk is the perfect spot to look for it! Gizmo goes into the Treasure Trunk and comes out with the Bible. He hands it to the teacher. Why thank you, Gizmo. You’re so helpful! Gizmo nods and tilts his head from side to side. Friends, what is it that Gizmo and I are holding in our hands? Children will answer. That’s right—it’s the Bible. What is the Bible? Children will answer; interact with their responses. The Bible is the most special book. When we open it, what do we find inside? Children will answer. Good thinking. It’s filled with God’s words to us. God’s words are true and they’re a gift. God’s words teach us about God’s love for us, His Son Jesus, and His Holy Spirit. Today we’re going to take some time to remember one part of the Bible together. Review the Remember Verse motions and the meaning of the verse and any unfamiliar words with the children as they prepare to memorize it.
REmEmBER VERSE mOTIONS:Serve: Hold both hands in front of body, palms facing up. Then alternate hands back and forth.
one another: With both hands in a fist, circle one over the other in a rolling motion to show close proximity to one another.
in love: Cross both arms over chest.
If time allows, lead the kids in a fun game with the Remember Verse. Begin by writing the Remember Verse on a board in your class or on a large piece of paper. Have each of the kids hold on to the edge of a bed sheet or piece of fabric. Then place the tennis ball(s) in the middle of the sheet. Allow the kids to experiment with bouncing the ball(s) up and down on the sheet. Once you’re ready to begin, let them know that their goal is to keep the ball(s) on the sheet. Every time a ball bounces off, you’ll erase or cross out one word from the verse. Then, the kids should say the verse, adding in the now missing word. Continue until all the words are erased and the kids have to say the whole verse from memory. Remember Verse cards are available to print and send home with parents along with the HomeFront Weekly (see tru.davidccook.com).
The Prayer of Release is a time for children and leaders to pause, be still, and ask God to quiet their hearts and minds. As you pray, encourage children to hold their hands out in front of them as if releasing their worries and distractions. This posture also shows they’re open to receive what the Holy Spirit might have for them.
CONNECT | GATHER | ENGAGE | RESPOND | BLESS
N O T E S :
The Big God StoryRuth 1—4
SUPPLIES• Bible (for teacher and/or children to use during teaching)• bin of uncooked oats• 5 smooth rocks• permanent marker or paint pen
Note: Please check with parents for any potential allergies.
PREPARE AHEADCollect five smooth rocks. Write one word of the Remember Verse on each rock with the permanent marker or paint pen. Hide the rocks in the uncooked oats.
After you’re finished with the Remember Verse game, invite the children to take a moment to get their wiggles out and then return to their Story Spot in the GATHER circle time area and have a seat.
RELATEFriends, let’s ask God to speak to us and teach us today. (Lead children in a Prayer of Release.)
I’ve brought a special box with me today. Can you see what’s inside of this box? (Allow kids to respond.) That’s right—these are oats like we use to make oatmeal! Oats are a type of grain. In today’s part of The Big God Story, we’re going to hear a lot about people gathering grain for food. Hidden in the oats are some things that are going to help us remember something very important. Each time we hear about someone blessing or serving another person in The Big God Story, we’re going to go looking for what is hidden in our oats. (Open your Bible as you begin to storytell.)
The last time we were together, we heard how God is the Famous One! Friends, what makes God famous? (Allow kids to answer; interact with their responses.) Good thinking.
Years passed and a famine swept over the Promised Land. What is a famine? (Kids will answer.) A famine is when there’s not enough food to feed the people who live in the land. Because of this famine, many of the families who were living in the Promised Land decided to leave their homes and travel to a place where they would have enough to eat.
Even in a time of grief and personal loss, Ruth made lasting impressions on both her mother-in-law and future husband, Boaz. She chose to follow the God of Israel—the one true God—and also to serve her mother-in-law obediently. God used Ruth to not only bless the members of her family, but also to bless future generations through her obedient acts of service. Ruth is a member of the family tree of the promised Messiah.
There was a woman named Naomi who moved with her husband and two sons to a new land where there was plenty of food. Later, her husband and two sons died. It was a very sad day for Naomi and for her son’s wives. The first daughter-in-law left and returned to her parents’ home. Naomi blessed her as she said good-bye. (Ask first volunteer to search through oats to find a rock. Place it in front of tub for later.)
Naomi tried to convince her second daughter-in-law, Ruth, to return to her parents’ home, saying: “Your sister-in-law is going back … Go back with her.” But Ruth replied, “Don’t try to make me leave you and go back. Where you go I’ll go. Where you stay I’ll stay. Your people will be my people. Your God will be my God” (Ruth 1:15–16, NIrV). Why didn’t Ruth want to go home? (Children answer.) Good thinking. She chose to stay with Naomi to serve her and to serve the one true God. How do you think this made Naomi feel? (Children answer.) How would you feel if someone did this for you? (Kids answer; interact with responses.) Friends, God was blessing Naomi through Ruth. (Second volunteer searches through oats to find a rock.)
Once the famine ended, Naomi and Ruth headed back to Naomi’s home. Ruth and Naomi needed food, so Ruth went to a field to gather the extra grain the farmers had left behind. As Ruth served Naomi, she was serving God. The Lord God was using her to bless Naomi. (Ask third volunteer to search through oats to find a rock.)
Ruth continued to gather grain from a nearby field. The field belonged to a man named Boaz. When he heard how hard Ruth was working to care for her mother-in-law, Boaz said: “Dear woman, listen to me. Don’t pick up grain in any other field. Don’t go anywhere else. Stay here … pick up the grain that is left … “ (Ruth 2:8–9, NIrV). Boaz also told his workers to leave the very best stalks of grain in the field for Ruth. Boaz was showing his love for God by serving others. God was using Boaz to bless Ruth and Naomi. (Ask fourth volunteer to search through oats to find a rock.)
Time passed and Boaz and Ruth got married! When the time came, they had a son named Obed. Obed grew up and had a son named Jesse. When Jesse grew up, he had a son named David who grew up to be the king of Israel! King David’s children had children, and their children had children, until a boy named Joseph and a girl named mary were born from this family line. When Joseph and mary grew up, they got married and became the earthly parents of Jesus! Isn’t that amazing? Jesus came from Ruth and Boaz’s family! (Fifth volunteer searches through oats to find final rock. Arrange rocks in correct word order. Read phrase several times, having children repeat words after you.)
God used Ruth and Boaz to be a blessing to the entire world! Jesus is a part of Ruth and Boaz’s family, and we’ve all been blessed through Jesus. Through Jesus, God made a way for us to be with Him forever and ever. And that’s the biggest blessing of all!
Premium, Unlimited, and Combo users can find a quarterly TruWonder Timeline and images of people corresponding to each week’s lesson at tru.davidccook.com. As you place the weekly people squares on the timeline, invite children to help you storytell. The provided questions will prompt further conversation about what children have been experiencing. They’ll enjoy watching as the timeline fills from week to week and their knowledge of The Big God Story grows.
Small Group Enhancements
Wonder Questions After you’ve finished storytelling, gather children in a circle and discuss the following questions. WONDER QUESTIONS are meant to prompt further conversation about what they’ve been experiencing. They also invite children to ponder this truth and dwell with the wonder of God. Be sure to pause long enough after each question to allow the children time to wonder. Encourage them to share their unique perspectives with the group.
SUPPLIES• Wonder Question Strips (see tru.davidccook.com)• small bag with drawstring
PREPARE AHEADPrint the Wonder Question Strips. Cut them out and place them in the small bag in the Treasure Trunk.
RELATEChoose a volunteer to draw a Wonder Question out of the bag. Read the question to the children and engage them in discussion. Repeat this process with each question.
I wonder … How did Ruth serve Naomi?I wonder … How did Boaz bless Ruth and Naomi?I wonder … Who does God use to bless me? I wonder … How does God want to use me to bless others?
Prayers & Praises SUPPLIES• Prayers & Praises book• 3" x 5" cards• pen or marker
PREPARE AHEADThe Prayers & Praises book can be a simple recipe book with clear plastic sleeves inside. Each sleeve should fit a 3" x 5" card. Cards will be used to write the children’s praises and prayer requests.
RELATEAfter your time discussing the Wonder Questions, you’ll have the opportunity to pray with and for each of the children in your group.
Friends, God blesses us through others. God used Ruth and Boaz to bless their family—and eventually the entire world. God used Ruth and Boaz to bless us through their family when Jesus was born. Jesus is the promised Savior. Through Him, we can know God and worship Him always! We can be with God forever and ever. That is a great blessing!
Who is someone that blesses or takes care of you? Let’s take a minute and tell God “thank You” as we praise Him for giving us these special people. I’ll start our time of praise. “Dear God, thank You for blessing me with (insert person’s name) …” Allow the children time to participate, repeating the phrase after you. Close this time as the Holy Spirit directs you, and then transition into a time of praying for individual requests.
Each time we gather together, not only do we share our praises to God, but we also share how our friends can pray with us. Open up the Treasure Trunk and take out the Prayers & Praises book. Note any praises already mentioned. Ask the children to share updates on the things they asked the class to pray with them about, as well as any new requests. Then lead the children in a time of praying together. Now, we’re going to take some time to pray for one another’s requests. As we pray, turn your hands with your palms facing up, cupping them together as if you’re holding water. Model this posture for the children. When our hands are faced up like this, it helps us to remember that we’re coming to God with our prayers. It’s one way for us to remember that He is the One who answers our prayers and gives us what we need. Lead the children through a time of prayer for one another’s requests.
Children will engage with one another in a time designed to encourage various forms of play including interactive games and activities, engaging projects, experiments, and more.
CONNECT | GATHER | ENGAGE | RESPOND | BLESS
Teaching Tips
The Order of the Story activity provides a great opportunity to introduce older kids to the word “glean.” They’ve been practicing gleaning in several ways already, but probably don’t understand the word or the process. Gleaning is what Ruth did as she gathered the grain left by the reapers. In agriculture the word means “to gather the useful remnants of a crop from the field after harvesting.” As children gather and sort through the useful pieces of paper in this activity, they’re engaging in a sort of gleaning. Gleaning is different from threshing, which is the process in which the grains or seeds are actually separated from the straw.
The Order of the StorySUPPLIES• Story Images: #1 Leaving home, #2 Sad day, #3 Girls and Naomi, #4 Harvest time, #5
Lunch with Boaz, #6 The wedding, #7 Baby Obed, #8 Family tree (1 set per 8 children; see tru.davidccook.com)
• blank sheets of paper
PREPAREThere are eight images to print for this activity. Print one set of images for each group of eight children.
SET UPBeforehand, mix the eight images with eight pieces of blank paper. Fold each of the pieces of paper in half twice (so the kids can’t peek through the opening) and place the papers in a pile. Invite each group of eight children to stand about ten feet away from their pile of papers. NOTE: If you cannot break your kids into even teams of eight, feel free to remove some of the images.
RELATEAfter you’ve finished with Prayers & Praises, invite your children to put away their Story Spots and get ready to play a game. Today in this part of The Big God Story, we learned that God can bless us through others. God blessed Naomi through Ruth, Ruth through Boaz, and the whole world through Boaz and Ruth! Printed on these papers are some images that help tell the part of The Big God Story that we heard today.
Explain that in order to play the game, one child from each group will hop (or gallop, or crawl, or do another predetermined movement) from the start of the line to the pile of papers. She will pick one piece and make her way back to the group without unfolding the paper. The goal is to eventually gather all eight images and then put them in the correct order to retell The Big God Story. The tricky part is that sometimes a team member might grab a blank piece of paper instead of one of the images, making the process take longer. The blank pieces of paper can be tossed aside.
Children will have the opportunity to process what the Holy Spirit has been teaching them and demonstrate their response to God in a time of hands-on worship.
Collaborative and individual worship will grow an appreciation for their faith community.
CONNECT | GATHER | ENGAGE | RESPOND | BLESS
N O T E S :
Blessing NotesSUPPLIES• construction paper (light colors)• glue• beans (used in CONNECT, Option 1)• markers• worship song: “Jesus I Will Follow,” TruWorship Songs from the Playhouse
SET UPEach child will need a piece of construction paper folded in half (as a card) for this activity. They will also need the beans they collected during CONNECT, Option 1.
RELATEAfter you’re finished playing your game, gather the kids together for a time of response. Today in The Big God Story, we saw how God blesses us through others. He also uses us to bless others when we serve and worship Him with our lives. In our time of Prayers & Praises, we remembered people that God has used to bless us and then we said thank You to Him. Now we have a chance to say thank you to the actual people who are blessings in our lives. maybe it’s one of your parents, a grandparent, a sibling, or a friend. Let’s serve God by creating cards for these people to tell them how thankful we are for them!
Explain that the children will have some time to decorate the front of their cards with markers and/or by gluing their beans to the card. You’ll want to make your way around to each child as they are working, and see if you can help them by writing a message on the inside of the card. Encourage them to do as much as they can, e.g., write out “Thank You” or sign their name, but let them know you can help them write a longer message. Turn on some music as the children are working (suggestion: “Jesus I Will Follow,” TruWorship Songs from the Playhouse).
A blessing can be a prayer of commission, a portion of Scripture, or words to encourage and guide. Ask God’s Spirit to overflow from the child’s life in such a way that blesses others, while also praying over a child for the purpose of declaring God’s protection, joy, or wisdom.
Use this time to allow both volunteer leaders and parents to participate in blessing each child before they conclude their time together. Invite parents into the time of blessing at the end of the service, and encourage them to continue to bless their children throughout the week.
The Power of Blessing
CONNECT | GATHER | ENGAGE | RESPOND | BLESS
HomeFront Weekly: Be sure to send home the HomeFront Weekly for next week’s lesson! This preteaching tool for parents encourages families to spend time in God’s Word together before children arrive at church.
HomeFront: A Spiritual Parenting Resource is a magazine that gives families ideas for creating fun, spiritually forming times in their homes—setting aside a sacred space for family in the midst of their active, everyday lives! As the new issue becomes available each month, you may choose to print them for families or encourage them to visit HomeFrontMag.com to subscribe to have the magazine sent directly to their inbox. HomeFront is also available as an app for your iPhone, iPad, or Android device.
Before saying goodbye to your children, you have the privilege of blessing them. This week as a part of the time of blessing, they’ll have the opportunity to bless one another as well. Gather the children together in a circle. Explain to the children they’ll give a blessing to the person on their left. Review right and left directions as needed. Begin this time of blessing by modeling for the children.
“In the same way, let your light shine in front of others. Then they will see the good things you do. And they will praise your Father who is in heaven”
(Matthew 5:16, NIrV).
Then begin to go around the circle, individually praying over each child. Have the children place their hands out in front of themselves, palms up as if cupping them together to hold water. Explain that this is a posture that shows we want to receive what God has for us.
(Child’s name), the Lord loves you and has blessed you. Now you are able to bless others. may you show kindness to those who are hurting and in need. may He use you to share His love with this world.
Optional: Invite the children to “jump into the light” as you bless them. To do this, shine a bright light in a dim room (or a room with the lights off). Describe to the kids how they, as God’s children, are “lights” that shine in the darkness.
