GrowProclaimServe - Clover Sitesstorage.cloversites.com/unitedmethodistchurchofevergreen...Bolivia,...

GrowProclaimServe.com

C00 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 4-1 7/14/14 9:42 AM

Scope and Sequence 2014-2015Fall 2014Unit 1: In the Beginning1. Creation2. In God’s Image3. Noah4. A Time for Everything

Unit 2: Beginning of God’s People5. Abraham and Sarah6. Isaac Is Born7. Twin Brothers8. Jacob’s Ladder

Unit 3: Hope for God’s People9. Joseph and His Brothers10. Joseph in Egypt11. Joseph Saves the Day12. Reunited (Thanksgiving)13. A Savior Is Coming (Micah)

Winter 2014-2015Unit 1: Hope Is Born1. Mary and Joseph2. Mary and Elizabeth3. The Birth of Jesus4. The Wise Men

Unit 2: Touched By Jesus5. Jairus’s Daughter6. The Woman at the Well7. The Ten Lepers8. Mary and Martha

Unit 3: Miracles 9. The Wedding at Cana10. Jesus Walks on Water11. Feeding 500012. The Man Beside the Pool

Spring 2015Unit 1: Preparing for Easter1. Mary Anoints Jesus2. The Widow’s Offering3. The Last Supper4. The Garden5. Palm Sunday

Unit 2: Easter and Beyond6. Easter7. Thomas8. Breakfast on the Beach9. The Great Commission

Unit 3: In the Spirit10. Gifts of the Spirit11. Fruit of the Spirit12. Seven in the Spirit (Deacons)13. Pentecost14. Philip and the Ethiopian

Summer 2015Unit 1: Caretakers1. Of God’s Creation2. Of Our Resources3. Of Ourselves4. Of Others

Unit 2: Never Too Young5. David, the Musician6. Naaman’s Servant7. Jeremiah8. Timothy

Unit 3: Favorite Bible Passages 9. The Shema10. Psalm 23 11. John 3:1612. The New Commandment13. 1 Corinthians 13

Vol. 3 • No. 2 • WINTER 2014-15

EDITORIAL / DESIGN TEAMKerry Blackwood .................................................... EditorTheresa Kuhr ....................................... Production EditorArvis Guilbault ................................................... Designer

ADMINISTRATIVE TEAMNeil M. Alexander ............................................. PublisherMarjorie M. Pon ................Associate Publisher and Editor of

Church School Publications (CSP) Phillip D. Francis ................Senior Design Manager, CSPLeeDell B. Stickler .... Senior Editor, Children’s Resources

Grow, Proclaim, Serve: Grow Your Faith bY leaPS and boundS, PreSchool, leader’S Guide: An official resource for The United Methodist Church approved by the General Board of Discipleship and published quarterly by Cokesbury, a division of The United Methodist Publishing House, 201 Eighth Avenue, South, P.O. Box 801, Nashville, TN 37202-0801. Price $9.99. Copyright © 2014 Cokesbury. All rights reserved. Send address changes to Grow, Proclaim, Serve: PreSchool, leader’S Guide, Subscription Services, 201 Eighth Avenue, South, P.O. Box 801, Nashville, TN 37202-0801 or call 800-672-1789. Printed in the United States of America.

To order copies of this publication, call toll free: 800-672-1789. You may fax your order to 800-445-8189. Telecommunication Device for the Deaf/Telex Telephone: 800-227-4091. Or order online at cokesbury.com. Use your Cokesbury account, American Express, Visa, Discover, or MasterCard.

If you have questions or comments, call Curric-U-Phone toll free: 800-251-8591. Or e-mail [email protected].

For information concerning permission to reproduce any material in this publication, write to Rights and Permissions, The United Methodist Publishing House, 201 Eighth Avenue, South, P.O. Box 801, Nashville, TN 37202-0801. You may fax your request to 615-749-6128. Or e-mail [email protected].

Scripture quotations, unless noted otherwise, are from the Common English Bible. Copyright © 2011 by the Common English Bible. All rights reserved. Used by permission. (www.CommonEnglishBible.com)

Scripture quotations marked (CEV) are from the Contemporary English Version Copyright © 1991, 1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by permission.

Scripture quotations marked (NRSV) are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23— 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1PACP01383715-01

Cokesbury.com | 800.672.1789Community Resource Consultants

GPS157010001 PA

CP01479744-01

For Christmas: MARY’S SONGSing with Mary and share the story of Jesus’ birth with this story based on the Gospels of Matthew and Luke.

Coming for Easter: THE UNEXPECTED KINGHelp your child experience the wonder that surrounds the resurrection of Jesus.

Share the greatest stories of the Christian faith with all the children in your congregation. Each of these affordable gift books includes a maze, a word � nd,

a coloring page, and a seasonal calendar with stickers.

gifts for Kids!PERFECT SEASONAL

$199Only

each!

GPS157010001ND001.indd 1 7/2/14 2:36 PM

C00 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 2-3 7/14/14 9:42 AM

Contents Written by Kerry H. Blackwood

2 Introduction and GROW RESOURCES

4 Welcome to Leaper’s Pointe

UNIT 1: Hope Is Born 5 Unit 1: Overview and Supplies

7 December 7 1. Mary and Joseph 13 December 14 2. Mary and Elizabeth 19 December 21 3. The Birth of Jesus 25 December 28 4. The Wise Men

31-40 Reproducibles for Unit 1

UNIT 2: Touched By Jesus 41 Unit 2: Overview and Supplies

43 January 4 5. Jairus’s Daughter 49 January 11 6. The Woman at the Well 55 January 18 7. The Ten Lepers 61 January 25 8. Mary and Martha

67-76 Reproducibles for Unit 2

UNIT 3: Miracles 77 Unit 3: Overview and Supplies

79 February 1 9. The Wedding at Cana 85 February 8 10. Jesus Walks on Water 91 February 15 11. Feeding 5,000 97 February 22 12. The Man Beside the Pool

103-112 Reproducibles for Unit 3 113-115 Nativity Wreath and Figures 116 Mission Letter (to send home) 117 Mission Project: Bottle Wrap-Around

118 Comments From Users 119-121 Leaper Puppet Scripts 122-128 Reproducible Song Lyrics

Check out Grow Proclaim Serve.com/leaders to connect with other leaders, download additional content for the quarter, and read weekly articles.

Cover Credits: Logo design by Marc Whitaker, MTWdesign; Background and frogs: Shutterstock®, Julien Tromeur; Cover

design by Mark Foltz and Phillip Francis.

Art Credits: Laura Gibbons-Nikiel/Gwen Walters Artist Rep.: pp. 32-33, 72, 75, 103-104, and 112; Roberta Collier-Morales: p. 39; Nathalie Beauvois/Deborah

Wolfe, Ltd.: pp. 69-70, 74; Jeremy Provost/Gwen Walters Artist Rep.: pp. 68, 106; Robbie Short: pp. 35-36, 38, 40, 113-115; Arvis Guilbault: pp. 31, 34, 37, 67, 71, 73, 76, 105,

107-111; Shutterstock®: p. 116.

Sign Language: Diana Magnuson. Copyright © 2012, 2014 by Abingdon Press. All rights reserved.

Photo Credits: Ron Benedict, UMPH Photographer.

001-004 FM PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 1 7/14/14 9:03 AM

2 GROW • Proclaim • Serve • Preschool Leader’s Guide

IntroductionIn the fall quarter, the boys and girls learned

about Joseph and his family, and how God worked through him to give hope to God’s people. The last Sunday in fall was the beginning of Advent, the time when the church prepares to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

In the first unit, the children will continue with the stories of Advent and Christmas. This unit is called “Hope Is Born.” We begin with the stories of Mary and Joseph, and how God chose them to be the parents of God’s only Son Jesus. From there we hear the stories of Mary and Elizabeth, the birth of the baby Jesus, and the visit from the wise men.

The second unit for the winter quarter is called “Touched by Jesus.” The children will hear stories of men and women who Jesus encountered as he began his ministry. Whoever Jesus touched (either physically, emotionally, or mentally), their lives were changed forever. The children will hear the stories of Jairus and how Jesus brought his daughter back from the dead. They will meet the woman at the well, the ten lepers, and two of Jesus’ closest friends—Mary and Martha.

The third unit, “Miracles,” tells the stories beginning with Jesus’ first miracle at Cana and ending with Jesus’ healing of the man at the pool of Bethsaida. Jesus showed the people the power

of God and how it could be seen at work in the world.

Here at Grow, Proclaim, Serve! we feel it is important for the children not only to know the Bible stories, but also to apply the Bible message to their lives. In the third unit, the boys and girls are invited to be part of a mission to support the Methodist Children’s Home in Bolivia, South America. This orphanage supports over forty children who have lost their parents. How appropriate it is to support this project during the unit that tells the story of how a boy’s lunch fed 5,000 people. The children will come to understand that even their small gifts can be multiplied to do amazing things.

Through this curriculum, we want children to:

grow in their relationship to God and to Jesus Christ; grow in discipleship; grow in their love of the Bible; grow in their relationships to one another; and grow to love their neighbors as themselves.

We want the children in this program to Grow in Faith, Proclaim the Word of God, and Serve God and neighbor.

“Your faithfulness is growing by leaps and bounds, and the love that all of you have for each other is

increasing.” 2 Thessalonians 1:3

The Common English BibleThe CEB is the primary

Scripture resource for GROW, Proclaim, Serve Preschool

resources. Have at least one CEB in the room for the children to handle. We also

recommend having a copy of the New Revised Standard Version and the Contemporary

English Version of the Bible.

Grow, Proclaim, Serve: Preschool resources are available in Braille on request.Contact:

Braille Ministry,

c/o Donna Veigel

10810 N. 91st Avenue #96

Peoria AZ 85345

(623-979-7552)


Quarter 2013 GrowProclaimServe.com 3Winter 2014-15 GrowProclaimServe.com 3

Grow, Proclaim, Serve: Preschool, Bible Story Pak (one per child, one per leader)

The Bible Story Pak involves the children in the Bible story. The Bible story is told in such a way that preschool children can understand. Stickers are included to be used with the Bible Story Pak, attendance chart, and other activities.

Grow, Proclaim, Serve: Preschool Leader’s Guide (one per leader)

The Leader’s Guide contains instructions for each session. Leaders are encouraged to choose activities that best suit their children. At the end of each monthly unit are reproducible sheets that coordinate with the individual sessions.

Grow, Proclaim, Serve: Preschool, Resource Pakand CD-ROM (Enhanced, Quarterly) (one per group)

The Resource Pak contains interactive Bible story murals, Bible verse posters, storytelling fi gures, and games for each session with the children. The Preschool CD-ROM is part of the Resource Pak. It contains songs, specifi cally chosen for that quarter. Also included are the printed music, word sheets for each song, and PowerPoint® word presentations.

Grow, Proclaim, Serve: DVD (Ages 3-6), Quarterly (one per group)

The DVD (Ages 3-6) contains a video session for each week, and shows how the people of Leaper’s Pointe apply the Bible message to their lives. Included are each quarter’s songs put to dance, and each unit’s Bible

verse demonstrated using signs from American Sign Language (ASL).

Grow, Proclaim, Serve: Preschool, Fun Pak (one per child, one per leader)

The Fun Pak is a set of quick-and-easy craft activities that relate to each session. These activities are colorful, creative, and fun. They require few outside supplies and are aimed at the skill level of the preschool child.


4 GROW • Proclaim • Serve • Preschool Leader’s Guide

Welcome to Leaper’s PointeLegend has it that a long time ago, a very thirsty

man was walking along an unfamiliar road. He was in need of water and kept looking for a stream or a pond from which he could drink. From a nearby forest, a frog jumped across the road in front of the man. He knew that where there is a frog, there is bound to be water. Sure enough, the frog led him to a pond of pure clean water, fed from a nearby spring. The man thanked God for the strength and courage that he had been given to continue looking for water. He was so grateful that he decided to live on that very spot near the pond.

And so, Leaper’s Pointe was founded. Today, Leaper’s Pointe is a town in the middle of everywhere. Its citizens have continued to thank God for the many blessings they have, and to appreciate the leaps and bounds that led their founder to water. The town is a colorful, cartoonlike world, rich with tradition as well as humor.

Leaper’s Pointe is a place where people understand that God loves everyone, no matter what mistakes they might have made. All of them make mistakes. The messes they make along the road of life and the lessons that they learn from these mistakes are all part of how they learn that a relationship with God is the most important thing in their lives.

The Bible is the handbook of Leaper’s Pointe. The characters in this zany, colorful town have lots of stories to tell and lots of experiences to share—and they all relate to the Bible in some way. Join the fun in Leaper’s Pointe and see how your faith can grow in leaps and bounds as you become one of the people of Leaper’s Pointe.

The People of Leaper’s PointeLeaper

A descendant of the original inhabitants of Leaper’s Pointe. Leaper is a hip toad with a cool outlook. Better pay attention!

The Mayor

Merrilee McAfee is a second-generation female leader of Leaper’s Pointe. She leads with “hearts and smarts,” and is strong and courageous.

Ernie

As the mayor’s assistant, Ernie is here to learn. Prone to make mistakes here and there, Ernie is eager to be a leader.

Mondo Solo

Owner of the Leaper’s Pointe theatre. A lover of “one-man shows.” Mondo never met an audience he didn’t like. He loves to exaggerate, but has a heart of gold.

Furleen Finnanfeathers

Owner of the pet store, The Leaping Frog—a place for ALL animals. You never know what animal sounds will come out of her pet store!

Rosie

Owner of the Old Stuff shop, a place where you can find, well…old stuff. She is the wise voice of Leaper’s Pointe.

Papa B

Owner of Books and Bites, the Leaper’s Pointe bookstore and café. He is a gentle soul who loves to read. He and Rosie grew up together.

Gabby Gabbler

Gabby is in charge of the Leaper’s Pointe garden. She loves to grow things. She has a very sunny disposition and a green thumb.

Harley and Farley

The twins. Hard to tell apart. These mischievous and competitive brothers like to show up out of nowhere and keep things lively in Leaper’s Pointe.


Winter 2014-15 Unit 1 GrowProclaimServe.com 5

Unit 1Hope Is BornBible Verse

And they will call him Emmanuel. (Matthew 1:23)

Leap of Faith The birth of Jesus shows God’s hope for the world.

In this unitSession 1,December 7Mary and JosephBible story: Luke 1:26-38; Matthew 1:18-25

Session 2, December 14Mary and ElizabethBible story: Luke 1:39-45

Session 3,December 21The Birth of JesusBible story: Luke 2:1-20

Session 4, December 28The Wise MenBible story: Matthew 2:1-12

CD-ROMCome to Us, Emmanuel• Split track recording• Lead sheet• Lyrics• PowerPoint® lyrics

Talkin’ ‘bout Faith (theme song)• Split track recording• Lead sheet• Lyrics• PowerPoint® lyrics

Light a Light• Split track recording• Lead sheet• Lyrics• PowerPoint® lyrics

Leaper’s Pointe (DVD)Session 1:Mary and Joseph

Mondo tells the Bible story about Mary and Joseph in the old 1920’s style of movie making known as a “silent movie.”

Session 2:Mary and Elizabeth

Furleen plays the part of Mary, and Rosie plays the part of Elizabeth in a song-and-dance number for the Leaper’s Pointe Christmas play. Their song and dance will have you jumping for joy!

Session 3:The Birth of Jesus

Mondo introduces simply the best simple Christmas pageant ever. Some of the littlest citizens of Leaper’s Pointe will join the mayor and others in reenacting the story of the night Jesus was born.

Session 4:The Wise Men

It’s opening night of “Wise Men, A Mostly Solo Act.” Mondo will be performing the story of the wise men, with the help of his stagehands, Gabby and Ernie.

Leaper’s Pointe in Concert (DVD)• Come to Us,

Emmanuel• Talkin’ ‘bout Faith

(theme song)

Leaper’s Pointe in Concert (DVD)Come to Us, Come to Us,

Leaper’s Pointe in Concert (DVD)Leaper’s Pointe in Concert (DVD)Leaper’s Pointe in Concert (DVD)Talkin’ ‘bout Faith Talkin’ ‘bout Faith (theme song)

Leaper’s Pointe in Concert (DVD)Leaper’s Pointe in Concert (DVD)Leaper’s Pointe in Concert (DVD)Leaper’s Pointe in Concert (DVD)Talkin’ ‘bout Faith Talkin’ ‘bout Faith (theme song)

Leaper’s Pointe in Concert (DVD)Leaper’s Pointe in Concert (DVD)

(theme song)

005-006 U01 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 5 7/14/14 9:03 AM

6 December GROW • Proclaim • Serve • Preschool Leader’s Guide

Supplies The Basicsmarkers crayonspencilswashable tempera paintspaintbrushespaint smocks scissors (adult, safety, and a sturdy pair)construction paperdrawing paperpaper plates for crafts (6-inch and 9-inch)colored tissue paper crepe paper

mural or butcher paperposterboardcardboardcard stockindex cardspaper punchstapler, staplespaper fasteners (brads)white glue, glue sticksglitter glueglitter (and glue)clear tapemasking tapeplay dough

craft stickstongue depressorsplastic drinking strawscotton balls and swabs resealable sandwich bagslarge box or shallow traystring, yarn, ribbonchenille stems envelopes (standard and business size)paper lunch sacks (brown and white)brown paper grocery bagsnewspapers

table coveringsflannelboard or other flat surface (for displaying storytelling figures)roll of clear, self-adhesive paperold magazinesold curriculumstore-bought stickersrhythm instrumentscups, plates, and napkinspaper towelsplastic spoons and knives

Beyond the BasicsSession 1 gold cord or ribbon,paper punch

small jingle bells (at least 3 per child), Christmas-colored chenille stems

pink, purple, white, and green construction paper

glitter, glue, cotton balls, and a deep box lid

angel food cake, red or green fruit spread, plastic knives or spoons, napkins or wet wiping cloths

purple scarves, crepe paper streamers, or pieces of purple cloth

Session 2 unbreakable nativity set

small scraps of material, small lengths of yarn

raffia and glitter glue



crayons or markers (including gray, brown, and black), and tongue depressors

miniature marshmallows, white glue

blindfold or sunglasses, push pins or tape

green, black, red, blue, and yellow construction paper



resealable sandwich bags

glitter glue, tongue depressors

brown construction paper

scented hand soaps (one for each child), handkerchiefs, ribbon

blindfold or sunglasses, push pins or tape


Teacher TipsReproducibles for Unit 1 begin on page 31.

TIP #1: “Hop on Home” is for parents or guardians to use with their child during the week to reinforce what the child

learned in Sunday school. Make sure that every family is given “Hop on Home” each week.

TIP #2: Remember that the story of the Nativity is brand new to these young children!

005-006 U01 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 6 7/14/14 9:03 AM

Mary and Joseph Bible Verse

And they will call him, Emmanuel. (Matthew 1:23)

Bible Story Luke 1:26-38; Matthew 1:18-25


Before You Begin

In the Bible stories of Mary and Joseph being visited by the angel Gabriel, we see two models of obedience to God. Mary, although startled at fi rst by the

angel’s announcement, accepts the responsibility of becoming the mother of God’s Son. Joseph also accepts the responsibility of becoming the husband of Mary and the earthly father of Jesus. Neither one of these roles is easy. The roles will be fi lled with joy and heartache.

God often does not do things in the way we assume God should. God often chooses people whom we would never think of for a particular job—Moses—for example. In today’s Bible story, God chose a young woman and man who are engaged and living in a small town called Nazareth; and yet, there must have been something that God saw in their character and faith that made God believe that these were the perfect two people to carry out the very important parental roles in Jesus’ life.

The angel appears to both Mary and Joseph privately. The angel does not make a grand appearance and does not come with a multitude of angels, as happens with the announcement of Jesus’ birth to the shepherds. This time, the angel comes quietly. Perhaps God knew that Mary and Joseph would need this to be able to absorb the angel’s news.

We learn from the Gospel reading, that Mary is a model believer. We understand why Mary is perplexed with the news the angel brings her, but we are amazed that she quietly and rather quickly says, “I am the Lord’s servant. Let it be with me just as you have said” (Luke 1:38). Would we respond so quickly and positively if God asked us to perform an unbelievable task?

We learn in verse 35, that Jesus is the Son of God. “The angel replied, ‘The Holy Spirit will come over you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore, the one who is to be born will be holy. He will be called God’s Son.’”

As Christians, let us pray that we can accept the roles God has for us to live each day by walking in faith and trust just as Mary and Joseph did—truly believing that God knows what is best for each one of us!

Winter 2014-15 Session 1 GrowProclaimServe.com 7

Session 1December 7

Requires preparation.

day by walking in faith and trust just as Mary and Joseph did—truly believing day by walking in faith and trust just as Mary and Joseph did—truly believing that God knows what is best for each one of us!that God knows what is best for each one of us!that God knows what is best for each one of us!that God knows what is best for each one of us!day by walking in faith and trust just as Mary and Joseph did—truly believing

Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2014 Cokesbury.

TIPCheck out Grow Proclaim Serve.com/leaders to connect with other leaders, download additional content for the quarter, and read weekly articles.

007-012 S01 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 7 7/14/14 9:04 AM

8 December 7 GROW • Proclaim • Serve • Preschool Leader’s Guide


Grow TogetherThe following activities may be done in interest centers as the children arrive or may be done with the entire group.

WelcomeSupplies: Attendance Stickers and Chart (Resource Pak—pp. 12 & 13, 23), Bible, offering basket, CD player, CD-ROM

• Greet each parent and child. Play music (CD-ROM).

• Show the children where to place their offerings on the worship table.

• Have the Bible open to Luke 1:26-38 on the worship table.

• Give each child the Sticker of the baby Jesus to place on the attendance chart.

Fun Pak CenterSupplies: Fun Pak—1, glue sticks, crayons, paper punch, gold cord or thread, sharp scissors (for leader)

• Punch out the pieces and glue the two matching wings to the back of the angel’s body.

• Show the child how to tape the angel’s head onto the top of the angel’s body. Let the child draw a face on the angel if he or she desires.

• Punch a hole in the top of the angel’s head, and invite the child to string gold cord or thread through the hole to create a hanger for the ornament.

SAY: Mary and Joseph were visited by an angel who told them that they would have a baby named Jesus. Hang your angel on your Christmas tree.

Coloring/Activity Page CenterSupplies: Bible Story Pak—1, crayons or markers

• Activity A: As a group activity, invite the children to complete the children pictured in the Cherub Choir or circle the child as you call out the instructions.

• Activity B: Send the Advent Wreath home with each child. Tell the child that today is the second Sunday in Advent, so he or she can color the flame over two candles today. Each Sunday he or she may color in another flame.

SAY: Christmas is coming, and we get ready by singing in choirs and lighting the Advent Wreath candles.

Jingle Bell CenterSupplies: small jingle bells (each child should have at least three), Christmas-colored chenille stems

• Show the child how to fold his or her chenille stem in half.

• Help the child thread the folded chenille stem through the “hook” at the top of the bell.

“Hop on Home” is for parents or guardians to use with their child during the week to reinforce what their child is learning in Sunday school. Make sure that every family is given “Hop on Home” each week.

007-012 S01 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 8 7/14/14 9:04 AM

Winter 2014-15 Session 1 GrowProclaimServe.com 9Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2014 Cokesbury.

• Help the child twist up the chenille stem to make a handle to hold onto.

SAY: When we ring bells, we remember that Jesus is going to be born, and that is good news that makes us happy.

• Sing this song to the tune of “Are You Sleeping?” and let the children play their bells while they sing the song.

SING: Hear the bells ring. Hear the bells ring. Ding, dong, ding. Ding, dong, ding. Telling us it’s Christmas. Telling us it’s Christmas. Ding, dong, ding. Ding, dong, ding.

Words: Daphna Flegal; © Abingdon Press.

Advent Chains CenterSupplies: Reproducible 1a, pink and purple construction paper, scissors, glue or glue sticks, scissors

Using the link pattern on Reproducible 1a, cut nine purple links and nine pink links.

• Invite the children to work together to form a long Advent Chain by gluing the eighteen links together.

SAY: There are eighteen days between today and Christmas Day. There are eighteen paper chain links. Each week we will count how many days are left until Christmas Day!

Come Together TimeSupplies: none

• Invite the children to line up behind you to go to the Bible Story Circle. As they follow, sing this song to the tune of “Mary Had a Little Lamb”:

SING: Let us go and hear good news, hear good news, hear good news. Let us go and hear good news about baby Jesus.

Proclaim the WordVisit Leaper’s PointeSupplies: DVD player, Grow! DVD (Ages 3-6)

• Play the theme song “Talkin’ ‘bout Faith” on the DVD, and encourage the children to do the motions.

• Show the children the “GROW, Proclaim, Serve” video for today’s session.

SAY: Mondo tells the Bible story about Mary and Joseph in the old 1920’s style of movie making known as a “silent movie.”

007-012 S01 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 9 7/14/14 9:04 AM



Learn the Bible VerseSupplies: Bible Verse Poster (Resource Pak—p. 3), tape, (Optional: Grow! DVD, Ages 3–6)

• Point to the Bible Verse Poster (Resource Pak—p. 3), and SAY the Bible verse two or three times with the children: “And they will call him, Emmanuel” (Matthew 1:23).

• Help the children learn the Bible verse by making the following motions in American Sign Language for the word Emmanuel, which means “God with us.”

1. Point the index finger of your right hand, with the other fingers curled down. Bring the hand down in front of your face as if you are drawing a shepherd’s crook. Open the palm as you bring your hand down. End with your hand flat and your palm facing left.

2. Make fists with both hands, with the thumbs out. Place the fists together, with curled fingers touching.

3. Touch your right shoulder with your first two fingers. Circle your fingers out and then touch your fingers to your left shoulder.

• Play the Bible verse section of the DVD.

Hear the Bible StorySupplies: Bible Story Pak—1

• Pass out Bible Story Pak—1 to each child.

• After reading page 1, ASK: What did the angel tell Mary that she was going to have? (A baby)

• After reading page 2, ASK: Who visited Joseph? (The angel)

• After reading page 3, ASK: What will Mary and Joseph name the baby? (Jesus)

SAY: The best gift at Christmas is God’s gift to all of us of baby Jesus.

Experience the Bible StorySupplies: CD-ROM, CD player or Grow! DVD (Ages 3-6), DVD player

• Let the children run off a little “Christmas energy.” Invite the children to run around a certain area of the room. While they run, SAY the Bible verse: “And they will call him, Emmanuel” (Matthew 1:23).

• Explain to them that every time they hear you say, Emmanuel, they are to tag a child.

• After everyone has played “Bible Verse Tag” four or five times, invite the children to sit down and relax while listening to the song “Come to Us, Emmanuel” on the CD-ROM or the DVD.

GOD

WITH

US

007-012 S01 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 10 7/14/14 9:04 AM


Serve With LoveHandprint AngelsSupplies: white and other colors of construction paper, safety scissors, glue sticks, pink construction paper, crayons or markers

• Invite the child to trace his or her handprint on a piece of white construction paper. One tracing should be with the fi ngers closed, and one tracing should be with the fi ngers spread open.

• Let the child cut out the handprints if he or she is able.

• Cut out a round circle from pink construction paper for the angel’s face.

• Let the child draw a face on the circle.

• Show the child how to glue the handprints onto a piece of construction paper to make a handprint angel. The spread-apart handprint is the angel’s wing, and the fi ngers-closed handprint is the angel’s body. Show the child where to glue the angel’s head.

SAY: Mary and Joseph were visited by an angel who gave them the good news that Jesus would be born.

Make a Flying AngelSupplies: Reproducible 1b, crayons or markers, stapler and staples, yarn (cut into 12-inch lengths), glitter, glue, cotton balls, deep box lid, clear tape

Cut yarn into 12-inch lengths. Photocopy and cut out an angel for each child.

• Let the children color both sides of their angels and add glitter to them if they wish. Pour glitter in a deep box lid. Let the children spread a line of glue on the area of the angel he or she would like to decorate with glitter. Gently place the angel in the box lid. Let the children shake their angels in the glitter.

• Show the child how to tap the angel on the side of the box lid to remove the excess glitter.

• Tape a loop of yarn to the inside of one half of the angel.

• Fold the angel on the dotted line, and staple one-half of the angel closed.

• Let the children stuff their angels with cotton balls.

• Staple the rest of the angel shut.

SAY: An angel told Mary and Joseph that Mary would have a baby.

Angel Food Cake SnacksSupplies: angel food cake cut into bite-size pieces, red or green fruit spread, paper plates, plastic knives and/or spoons, napkins or wet wiping cloths

SAY: Since our Bible story today has an angel in it, we will have angel food cake because all of you are little angels too!

• Have the children wash and dry their hands.

007-012 S01 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 11 7/14/14 9:04 AM



• Invite the children to pass out paper plates, plastic knives, and napkins.

• Serve each child a piece or two of angel food cake on his or her plate. Open the jars of fruit spread, and invite the children to spread it on their chunks of angel food cake.

• Before the children eat, invite them to PRAY: Thank you, God, for baby Jesus who was born on Christmas Day. Help us to love and follow him more each and every single day. Amen.

WorshipNativity WreathSupplies: Nativity Wreath and figures of Mary, Joseph, and the Angel (Leader’s Guide—pp. 113 & 114), loops of masking tape, crayons or markers, plain copy paper or green construction paper, scissors, clear tape

Make copies of the Nativity Wreath (Leader’s Guide—p. 113) and the figures of Mary, Joseph, and the Angel (Leader’s Guide—p. 114) for each child. Fold a sheet of construction paper in half, place the wreath pattern on the fold, cut and fold open the wreath. Or, tape two copies of the wreath pattern together to form a complete wreath, and let the children color the wreath.

SAY: Each week we will add a figure(s) to our Nativity Wreaths to remind us of that day’s Bible story, and to help us get ready for Christmas. Today, we are putting three figures on our wreaths. They are Mary, Joseph, and the Angel.

• Invite the children to color the wreath and the figures of Mary, Joseph, and the Angel. Give each child loops of tape to tape the figures to the Nativity Wreath.

• Put the Nativity Wreaths away or hang them on a wall where they will be safe and the children can add to them each week during Advent.

Sing and PraySupplies: CD-ROM and CD player, or Grow! DVD (Ages 3-6) and DVD player; purple scarves, crepe paper streamers, or pieces of purple cloth

• Play “Come to Us, Emmanuel” on the CD-ROM or DVD. Let the children wave purple scarves, crepe paper streamers, or pieces of cloth in time to the music. Encourage the children to try and sing along with the music.

PRAY: Dear God, help us to do what you want us to do, just like Mary and Joseph did. Amen.

Plan for Next Week Photocopy: Reproducibles 2a, 2b, and 2c for each child.

• Bring a baby doll wrapped in a blanket for “Experience the Bible Story.”

• Provide small scraps of material and small lengths of yarn to use with Reproducible 2b (“Draw Your Friend”). Provide raffia (cut into short pieces) and glitter glue for Reproducible 2c (“Make a Manger Scene”).

• Provide purple scarves, crepe paper streamers, or pieces of cloth for the children to wave during “Sing and Pray.”

007-012 S01 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 12 7/14/14 9:04 AM

Mary and ElizabethBible Verse


Bible Story Luke 1:39-45


Before You Begin

Elizabeth was married to Zechariah, an older priest from the tribe of Aaron. Both Zechariah and Elizabeth had wanted a child for many years, but

Elizabeth had not been able to conceive. Finally, in her old age, Elizabeth became pregnant. We recognize this scenario because we have seen it several times in the Bible such as with Abraham and Sarah. Elizabeth and Zechariah could not be blamed for her barrenness. “Her neighbors and relatives celebrated with her because they had heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy” (Luke 1:58). The news of Elizabeth’s baby was considered joyful.

Last week we learned that Mary accepted that she was going to have a baby given to her by the Holy Spirit. We can only wonder at how her family and the rest of Nazareth reacted to her news. However, we do know that Elizabeth was overjoyed for Mary, because Elizabeth recognized that both their babies were special gifts from God. Elizabeth said to Mary, “God has blessed you above all women, and he has blessed the child you carry. Why do I have this honor, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as I heard your greeting, the baby in my womb jumped for joy. Happy is she who believed that the Lord would fulfi ll the promises he made to her” (Luke 1:42-45). Elizabeth and Mary both recognized that they had been given special roles to play in the birth of the Messiah. Elizabeth’s pregnancy was considered a miracle because she was well past the age of menopause. Mary’s pregnancy was also considered a miracle.

Last week we established the fact that Mary was a faithful follower of God, and this week we establish that another woman, Elizabeth, is also a faithful follower of God. “They were both [Elizabeth and Zechariah] righteous before God, blameless in their observance of the Lord’s commandments and regulations” (Luke 1:6). This shows us that sometimes we are asked by God to do diffi cult things. However, we should follow the examples of Elizabeth and Mary, who even though they were given diffi cult, and even embarrassing tasks, were joyfully obedient to God. The important word here is JOY. Both Mary and Elizabeth were JOYFUL that they could please God.

This Christmas season, be JOYFUL in the room with the children. God chose for his only Son to come into this world as a small child. Thank God that you have been given the opportunity to work with small children.


Session 2December 14


This Christmas season, be JOYFUL in the room with the children. God chose This Christmas season, be JOYFUL in the room with the children. God chose for his only Son to come into this world as a small child. Thank God that you have been given the opportunity to work with small children.have been given the opportunity to work with small children.have been given the opportunity to work with small children.have been given the opportunity to work with small children.have been given the opportunity to work with small children.for his only Son to come into this world as a small child. Thank God that you for his only Son to come into this world as a small child. Thank God that you have been given the opportunity to work with small children.have been given the opportunity to work with small children.for his only Son to come into this world as a small child. Thank God that you for his only Son to come into this world as a small child. Thank God that you have been given the opportunity to work with small children.have been given the opportunity to work with small children.

This Christmas season, be JOYFUL in the room with the children. God chose for his only Son to come into this world as a small child. Thank God that you for his only Son to come into this world as a small child. Thank God that you for his only Son to come into this world as a small child. Thank God that you have been given the opportunity to work with small children.


013-018 S02 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 13 7/14/14 9:05 AM









Fun Pak CenterSupplies: Fun Pak—2, gold cord or thread, glue sticks, clear tape, paper punch, sharp scissors (for leader)

• Punch out the pieces and help the child glue the pieces together to make a Christmas candle. Add gold cord or thread to create a loop for hanging the ornament.

SAY: At Christmas time we see more candles. Candles remind us of Jesus. Sometimes we say that Jesus is “the Light of the World.”


• Activity A: Help the child find the items that would have been with Jesus when he was born a long time ago in a manger.

• Activity B: Send “Hop on Home” with the child. Encourage the parents or guardians to read it, say the prayers with the child, and encourage the child to do the activity.

SAY: Christmas is coming, and one way we get ready is by praying.

Mary’s Trip CenterSupplies: Reproducible 2a, crayons or markers

Make copies of Reproducible 2a.

• Discuss with the child what items Mary might have packed for her trip to see her cousin Elizabeth. Let the child draw a line between the items she would have packed and the figure of Mary.

• Encourage the child to color Mary and the items she would have packed.

SAY: In today’s Bible story, Mary went to visit her cousin, Elizabeth.

TIPRemember that the story of the Nativity is brand new to these young children, so they might not really know what was with Jesus in the stable when he was born.

013-018 S02 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 14 7/14/14 9:05 AM


Nativity Set CenterSupplies: unbreakable nativity set

• Let a child or a small group of children enjoy playing with an unbreakable nativity set. Explain each character’s role in the birth of Jesus.

SAY: We are getting ready to celebrate and remember the birth of Jesus.

Come Together Time• Invite the children to tiptoe quietly to the Bible Story Circle.

• Once the children arrive, SAY: Our Bible story today tells about Mary who went to visit her cousin, Elizabeth. Mary ran (invite the children to run in place) to Elizabeth’s house. Mary knocked on the door. (Invite the children to pretend to knock on a door.) Elizabeth opened the door, and she was happy to see Mary. (Pretend to give Mary a hug.) Then Mary and Elizabeth sat down to visit. (Invite the children to sit down for Bible Story Time.)


• Play the theme song “Talkin’ ‘bout Faith” on the DVD, and encourage the children to do the motions. Show the children the “GROW, Proclaim, Serve” video for today’s session.

SAY: Furleen plays the part of Mary, and Rosie plays the part of Elizabeth in a song-and-dance number for the Leaper’s Pointe Christmas play. Their song and dance will have you jumping for joy!


• Point to the Bible Verse Poster (Resource Pak—p. 3), and SAY the Bible verse with the children: “And they will call him, Emmanuel” (Matthew 1:23).

• Help the children learn the Bible verse by making the following motions in American Sign Language for the word Emmanuel, which means “God with us.”





TIPEven though the children will not be able to comprehend everything about the birth of Jesus, telling the story for the first time helps them begin to make it a starting point on their faith journeys.

GOD

WITH

US

013-018 S02 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 15 7/14/14 9:05 AM




• Pass out Bible Story Pak—2 to each child. This Bible story is told in a rhyme. Have fun reading it. Children enjoy rhyming stories.

• After reading page 1, ASK: Where is Mary going? (To visit her cousin, Elizabeth) Is Elizabeth having a baby, too? (Yes)

• After reading page 2, ASK: Did Elizabeth know that Mary’s baby would be special? (Yes)

• After reading page 3, SAY: End this sentence: “Your baby will be Jesus, God’s only ______(Son.)”

• After reading page 4, ASK: Who will Jesus love? (Everyone) Does Jesus love you? (Yes)


Experience the Bible StorySupplies: baby doll wrapped in a blanket

• Invite the children to tiptoe quietly around the room, then return to the Circle.

SAY: Our Bible story today is about two women who were both expecting babies—Mary and Elizabeth. We tiptoed because we have to be very quiet when babies are sleeping. I have a baby here, and I want you to pass it to one another, and as you hold the baby, say very quietly: Sleep, baby, God loves you.

• Teach the children this piggyback song to the tune of “Rock-a-Bye Baby.”

SING: Sleep, baby Jesus, sleep on the hay. Mary is singing, little lambs play. Joseph is watching, stars shine so bright. So sleep, baby Jesus, sleep through the night. Based on Luke 2:1-8, Words: Daphna Flegal and Linda Ray Miller, © Abingdon Press.

Serve With LoveDraw Your FriendSupplies: Reproducible 2b, crayons or markers, glue, small scraps of material, small lengths of yarn

Make copies of Reproducible 2b.

• Invite the children to make one of the figures on the page look like herself or himself. Then invite the children to make the other figure look like a friend.

• Encourage the children to use the supplies provided to make the figures more personal. Write the names underneath the figures.

SAY: In today’s story, Mary visits her friend, Elizabeth. Who is your friend?

013-018 S02 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 16 7/14/14 9:05 AM


Make a Manger SceneSupplies: Reproducible 2c, construction paper, glue sticks, glue, raffia, glitter glue, and crayons or markers

Make a copy of Reproducible 2c for every child. Cut the raffia into short pieces. Check your supply of glitter glue and white glue.

• Invite the children to glue the manger scene (Reproducible 2c) onto a piece of construction paper.

• Instruct the children to complete their manger scenes in specific ways. The children will have to listen to your directions.

SAY: Color Mary’s robe blue. Color Joseph’s robe brown. Color baby Jesus’ blanket blue. Color the shepherd’s robe brown. Color the roof of the stable yellow or brown.

• Help the children glue pieces of raffia to the stable floor for hay.

• Let the child color the angel using glitter glue.

SAY: You have made a very beautiful picture of when Jesus was born.

Leaping for Joy!Supplies: Bible Story Pak 2

SAY: In the Bible, it tells us that when Elizabeth saw Mary, the baby “leaped for joy.” We are going to leap for joy today. Start at one side of the room, and when I SAY: “Leap for joy,” I want each of you to take ONE BIG LEAP. You want to get to the other side of the room. Let’s start.

SAY: Mary from Nazareth had good news to tell. She ran through the town and passed the well. LEAP FOR JOY!

“I must tell cousin Elizabeth that I am having a baby soon. Elizabeth will be happy for she is having a baby, too!” LEAP FOR JOY!

Mary ran quickly to her cousin Elizabeth’s house. Elizabeth was praying just as quietly as a mouse. LEAP FOR JOY!

Mary cried, “Oh, Elizabeth, my cousin, my friend, a miracle of a baby to me God will send!” LEAP FOR JOY!

Elizabeth smiled and was full of joy. She knew Mary’s son would be a special boy. LEAP FOR JOY!

Elizabeth said to Mary in a very loud voice, “God has give you this little one—he is God’s Choice!” LEAP FOR JOY!

“Your baby will be God’s Holy One. Your baby will be Jesus, God’s only Son.” LEAP FOR JOY!

Mary prayed, “Thank you, God, for the promise of your Son. His name will be Jesus, and he will love everyone!” LEAP FOR JOY!

• Invite the children to sit down and prepare for Worship Time.

TIPHelp the child understand that when she or he uses the glue stick, she or he must spread it completely across the back of the page, and not apply it in just one spot.

013-018 S02 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 17 7/14/14 9:05 AM



WorshipNativity WreathSupplies: Nativity Wreath and figure of Elizabeth (Leader’s Guide—pp. 113-114), crayons or markers, loops of masking tape, scissors

• Pass out the Nativity Wreaths, which the children started last week, and a figure of Elizabeth to each child. If a child was not in attendance last week, give him or her a Nativity Wreath (Leader’s Guide—p. 113).

• Invite the children to color the figure of Elizabeth. Give each child a loop of masking tape to add Elizabeth to his or her Nativity Wreath.

SAY: Each week we add a figure to our Nativity Wreath to remind us of that day’s Bible story, and to help us get ready for Christmas. Today, we are putting Elizabeth on our wreaths. Elizabeth was Mary’s cousin. Elizabeth welcomed Mary and was happy because both of them were going to have special babies from God.

• Put the Nativity Wreaths away or hang them on a wall where they will be safe and the children can add to them each week during Advent.


• Play “Come to Us, Emmanuel” on the CD-ROM or DVD. Let the children wave purple scarves, crepe paper streamers, or pieces of cloth in time to the music. Encourage the children to try and sing along with the music.

PRAY: Dear God, let us be happy and joyful during this celebration of Christmas when we remember your Son’s birth. Amen.

Plan for Next Week Photocopy: Reproducibles 3a and 3b for each child. Purchase miniature

marshmallows to use with Reproducible 3a. Sort out the gray, pink, and yellow crayons and markers to use with 3a.

Locate the star Stickers for both Bible Story Pak 3a and Reproducible 3b.

• Bible Story Pak: Tear out both Bible Story Paks (3a and 3b) for each child. Story Pak 3a is the Bible story, “The Birth of Jesus.” Story Pak 3b is a contemporary story about a family adopting a baby.

• Fun Pak: Sort out the gray, brown, and black crayons and markers. Locate tongue depressors. Make a sample donkey puppet.

• Create a Christmas Tree: Decide which option to use, and cut out the tree sections ahead using different colors of construction paper (see Leader’s Guide—p. 23), or sort out the color of crayons the children will need.

• Bring a blindfold or sunglasses to use with Resource Pak—p. 5.

013-018 S02 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 18 7/14/14 9:05 AM

The Birth of Jesus Bible Verse




Before You Begin

In today’s Bible story, we learn that Mary and Joseph went to Bethlehem to be counted. This was a way for the Roman government to collect taxes from

conquered people. The reason they had to go to Bethlehem was because Joseph was from the lineage of King David (the Shepherd King), and Bethlehem was David’s hometown. The trek from Nazareth to Bethlehem was about ninety miles, and it was not an easy journey. This whole adventure might have been frightening for Mary and Joseph. They could not fi nd a place to stay, Mary ended up giving birth in a stable, and there was not even a decent (or clean) place to lay their baby. Mary and Joseph were homeless, and yet God did not forget them nor forsake them. In fact, God appeared to show favor toward the young, the homeless, and the innocent.

After the birth of Jesus, there were shepherds out in the fi elds. Shepherds were a lowly group of people in Jesus’ day. The shepherds were outcasts of society. It was to these lowly shepherds that God sent angels to proclaim the birth of the Savior. Again, we see God showing favor or love toward the outcasts, the dirty, and the poor.

Luke shows us in this gospel, the lowly circumstances that Jesus was born into. While the people were waiting and hoping for a military leader, they were given a spiritual leader. God gave the people what they really needed. Every earthly ruler has a time when his or her rule eventually comes to an end; but Jesus’ rule never comes to an end.

The children will be excited this Sunday because it is only four days before Christmas. However, try to make this a quiet and holy time in Sunday school. Make sure the children hear and know the story of Jesus’ birth. Although the children might hear this story often in their lives, it is always an important Bible story because it reveals the very humble and human way God came to us on earth.

Before the children leave this Sunday, make sure that you tell them you love them. God showed love to humanity at Christmas; and you can show love to your small group of precious boys and girls.




them. God showed love to humanity at Christmas; and you can show love to them. God showed love to humanity at Christmas; and you can show love to them. God showed love to humanity at Christmas; and you can show love to your small group of precious boys and girls.them. God showed love to humanity at Christmas; and you can show love to


019-024 S03 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 19 7/14/14 9:06 AM









Fun Pak CenterSupplies: Fun Pak—3, glue sticks, crayons or markers (including gray, brown, and black), tongue depressors, glue

• Guide the children through the step-by-step instructions for making a donkey face mask.

• Show the child how to hold her or his donkey and look through the eye holes. Invite the child to practice saying: Hee-haw, hee-haw.

SAY: The donkey carried Mary to Bethlehem. The donkey saw baby Jesus when he was just born.

Coloring/Activity Page CenterSupplies: Bible Story Pak—3a, crayons or markers, Stickers

• Activity A: Invite the child to fi nish coloring the nativity picture. Encourage the child to add the fi ve star Stickers in the sky.

• Activity B: Send “Hop on Home” with the child. Encourage the parents or guardians to read it, and to do the activity with their child.

SAY: Christmas is here. The shepherds went to visit baby Jesus in the manger.

Marshmallow CenterSupplies: Reproducible 3a, crayons or markers, construction paper, miniature marshmallows, white glue and glue sticks

Make copies of Reproducible 3a.

• Give each child a copy of Reproducible 3a. Invite the child to glue the baby Jesus picture onto construction paper. Write the child’s name on the paper.

• Encourage the children to color the face pink, the straw yellow, the manger gray. Show them how to glue miniature marshmallows onto baby Jesus for his blanket.

TIPChildren may do these activities in the room, or you can send the Activity pages home with them.

019-024 S03 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 20 7/14/14 9:06 AM



• Let a child or a small group of children enjoy playing with an unbreakable nativity set. Discuss each character in the nativity set, and explain her or his role in the birth of Jesus.

SAY: We are celebrating the birthday of Jesus.


• Invite the children to the Bible Story Circle. Once the children arrive, invite them to get prepared to travel to Bethlehem for the birth of baby Jesus.

SAY: Let’s travel to Bethlehem. I will be the leader, and you do everything that I do. Let’s climb up a hill using our walking sticks. (Pretend to climb a hill.) Let’s stop and drink water from the stream. (Stop. Pretend to drink water from a stream.) Look! (Point ahead!) There’s a friend. Let’s wave to our friend as we pass by. (Wave) I’m hungry. (Rub stomach.) Let’s stop and eat our food. (Pretend to eat.) Time to walk again. (Walk around the room.) We’re almost there. I can see Bethlehem up ahead. (Point ahead.) Hurray! We’re finally at Bethlehem!




SAY: Mondo introduces simply the best simple Christmas pageant ever. Some of the littlest citizens of Leaper’s Pointe will join the mayor and others in reenacting the story of the night Jesus was born.


• Point to the Bible Verse Poster (Resource Pak—p. 3), and SAY the Bible verse two or three times: “And they will call him, Emmanuel” (Matthew 1:23).

• Help the children learn the Bible verse by making the signs in American Sign Language for “Emmanuel,” which means “God with us.”

TIPEven though the children will not thoroughly be able to comprehend everything about the birth of Jesus, telling the story helps them begin to make it a starting point on their faith journeys.

GOD

WITH

US

019-024 S03 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 21 7/14/14 9:06 AM



Hear the Bible StorySupplies: Bible Story Pak—3a

• Pass out Bible Story Pak—3a to each child. Invite the children to say the three words with you at the beginning of each page.

• After reading page 1, ASK: Where did Mary and Joseph go? (Bethlehem) What was Mary going to have? (A baby)

• After reading page 2, ASK: Where was baby Jesus born? (In a stable)

• After reading page 3, SAY: What did the angels tell the shepherds? (That a baby had been born in Bethlehem)

• After reading page 4, ASK: Where did the shepherds go after the angels left them? (They went to Bethlehem to see the baby Jesus.)


Experience the Bible StorySupples: baby Jesus and manger (Resource Pak—p. 5), blindfold or sunglasses, loops of masking tape

Post the baby Jesus and the manger (Resource Pak—p. 5) on a wall or bulletin board. Put loops of masking tape on the back of the baby Jesus.

• Invite the children to tiptoe quietly around the room, and then return to the Circle.

SAY: Our Bible story today is about the birth of baby Jesus. We tiptoed because we have to be very quiet when babies are sleeping. Here is a picture of baby Jesus. Let’s play “Put Baby Jesus in His Bed.”

• Line up the children facing the empty manger. Put a blindfold or sunglasses on the child, and one by one, let the children try to correctly place baby Jesus in his manger.

• Invite the children to sit back in the circle after the game has been played to sing the following lullaby.

SING: Sleep, baby Jesus, sleep on the hay. Mary is singing, little lambs play. Joseph is watching, stars shine so bright. So sleep, baby Jesus, sleep through the night.

Based on Luke 2:1-8, Words: Daphna Flegal and Linda Ray Miller, © Abingdon Press.

TIPSome young children will be frightened by wearing a blindfold; if so, let them wear sunglasses instead.

019-024 S03 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 22 7/14/14 9:06 AM


Serve With LoveRead “A Baby for Sophia”Supplies: Bible Story Pak 3b, crayons or markers

• Read “A Baby for Sophia” to the children. After reading page 1, ASK: What did Sophia and her parents want? (A baby)

• After reading page 2, ASK: Where did Sophia and her parents go to get Sophia’s new sister? (To a faraway country)

• After reading page 3, ASK: What did Sophia and her parents have to ride on to get her new baby sister? (An airplane) What was the name of Sophia’s new baby sister? (Maya)

• After reading page 4, ASK: What did Maya do when she fi rst met Sophia and her parents? (Cry) Was Maya a special gift from God? (Yes)

SAY: The most special gift people have ever been given is Jesus.

• Let the children decide which suitcase each item belongs in, and then encourage them to draw a line from that item to the pink suitcase for Sophia, or the purple suitcase for Maya. Encourage the children to color the items.

Create a Christmas TreeSupplies: Reproducible 3b; star Sticker; construction paper; glue sticks; scissors (Option 1:) construction paper in these colors: green, black, red, blue, yellow; (Option 2:) green, black, red, blue, and yellow crayons and markers

Using the tree pattern on Reproducible 3b, cut each section of the Christmas tree from a different color of construction paper. Use these colors: green, black, red, blue, and yellow. Cut enough pieces so every child can create his or her own tree. Locate the star Sticker for the top of each child’s Christmas tree.

• Option 1:Invite the children to glue tree sections together onto a sheet of construction paper to create a Christmas tree. Guide them step by step so that the smallest piece is on the top and the largest piece is on the bottom.

• Option 2: Invite the children to color each section of the Christmas tree using a different color crayon or marker. Then help them cut out the trees and glue them in the same order on a sheet of construction paper.

• Encourage the children to put the star Sticker at the top of the tree, and then glue the trunk to the bottom of the tree.

SAY: Many of you have Christmas trees in your homes. The lights on Christmas trees remind us that Jesus is the Light of our lives.

019-024 S03 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 23 7/14/14 9:06 AM



Search for Baby JesusSupplies: baby Jesus (Resource Pak—p. 5), CD-ROM and CD player

Hide the baby Jesus (Resource Pak—p. 5) in the room.

SAY: The shepherds went to Bethlehem to search for Jesus because the angels had told them that he had been born that night in Bethlehem, and he was the most special baby who would ever be born. ASK: Can you go around our room and find baby Jesus?

• When the children have found baby Jesus, invite them to the Bible Story Circle and listen and sing the Christmas songs on the CD-ROM (“Come to Us Emmanuel” and “Light a Light.”)

WorshipNativity WreathSupplies: Nativity Wreath and figures of baby Jesus, the shepherd boy with a lamb (Leader’s Guide—pp. 113, 115); crayons or markers; loops of masking tape; scissors

• Pass out the Nativity Wreaths the children started several weeks ago and the figures of baby Jesus and the shepherd with a lamb (Leader’s Guide—p. 115).

• Invite the children to color the figures of baby Jesus and the shepherd. Give each child two loops of masking tape to add the figures to the Nativity Wreaths.

SAY: Each week we add a figure(s) to our Nativity Wreath to remind us of that day’s Bible story. Today, we are adding the figures of baby Jesus, who was born in Bethlehem, and one of the shepherds who was visited by the angels and told to go see baby Jesus.

• Put the Nativity Wreaths away or hang them on a wall to add to next Sunday.


• Play “Come to Us, Emmanuel” on the CD-ROM or DVD. Let the children wave purple scarves, crepe paper streamers, or pieces of cloth in time to the music.

PRAY: Dear God, let us be happy and joyful during this celebration of Christmas when your Son, Jesus, was born. Amen.

Plan for Next Week Photocopy: Reproducibles 4a, 4b and 4c and cut out the wise men and star

of Bethlehem for each child. Provide glitter glue and tongue depressors to use with the star (4b) and brown construction paper to use with 4c.

Locate the crown Stickers for 4c, the wise men’s face Stickers for Bible Story Pak 4, and the star Stickers for “Make Scented Gifts.”

• Scented Gifts: Provide scented hand soaps and handkerchiefs (one for each child) and pretty ribbon.

019-024 S03 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 24 7/14/14 9:06 AM

The Wise MenBible Verse

And they will call him, Emmanuel. (Matthew 1:23).

Bible Story Matthew 2:1-12


Before You Begin

Today’s Bible story is often told along with the birth of Jesus, but we know from Scripture that the visit of the wise men actually happened sometime

after Jesus was born. The Bible tells us, “They [the wise men] entered the house and saw the child with Mary his mother” (Matthew 2:11). Mary and Joseph had found a home in which to live in Bethlehem. They were no longer in a stable or a cave.

The wise men must have assumed that they would fi nd the “King of the Jews” in Jerusalem, so they went to visit King Herod, who called himself, “The King of the Jews.” The news of another “King of the Jews” must have been terribly threatening to King Herod, who was not known for his mental stability. That is probably why King Herod asked the wise men to return to him and tell him where they found the “King of the Jews.” “He sent them to Bethlehem, saying, ‘Go and search carefully for the child. When you’ve found him, report to me so that I too may go and honor him’ ” (Matthew 2:8). God’s handiwork is apparent in many places in this story because we later learn in the Scripture that, “Because they were warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they went back to their own country by another route” (Matthew 2:12).

The Book of Matthew does not call these men “kings.” The mention of the three gifts—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—has resulted in church tradition setting their number at three, but Matthew does not say how many there actually were.

The wise men or “magi” were astrologers from the royal court of the King of Persia, who might have been a little threatened himself by the arrival of a new “King of the Jews.” However, the wise men visited a small, young family in a presumably humble home. It does not appear that there would have been much to be anxious about for either the King of Persia or King Herod. It appears that this spiritual king—Jesus—came not only for the Jews, but also for the Gentiles. The wise men were Gentiles themselves.

The message of Matthew is that Jesus came for all people. Jesus is the Messiah for all the world and for all time.




for all the world and for all time.for all the world and for all time.for all the world and for all time.for all the world and for all time.for all the world and for all time.


025-030 S04 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 25 7/14/14 9:07 AM







• Have the Bible open to Matthew 2:1-12 on the worship table.

• Give each child the Sticker of the star to place on the attendance chart.

Fun Pak CenterSupplies: Fun Pak—4, crayons or markers (red, blue and yellow)

• Explain the pattern of the stars on the maze to the children. Invite the children to color the stars according to the color sequence.

SAY: The wise men carefully followed the star to Bethlehem. Can you correctly color the stars that lead to Bethlehem?

Coloring/Activity Page CenterSupplies: Bible Story Pak—4, crayons or markers, Stickers, glue sticks, scissors

• Activity A: Cut out the three triangles for the children. Invite the children to color the triangles, and then glue them onto the right-hand side of Activity A. Allow the children to put the Stickers of the wise men’s faces on the top of the triangles.

• Activity B: Send “Hop on Home” with the child. Encourage the parents or guardians to read it, and to do the fingerplay at home with the child.

Wise Men CenterSupplies: Reproducible 4a, crayons or markers, scissors, glue sticks

Make copies of Reproducible 4a. Cut out the group of wise men.

• Give each child a copy of Reproducible 4a. Invite the child to color the front and the back of all three wise men.

• Show the child how to fold the wise men card and stand it up. Invite the children to keep their wise men and play with them during the reading of the Bible story.


025-030 S04 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 26 7/14/14 9:07 AM



• Let a child or several children enjoy playing with the nativity set. Discuss each character in the nativity set, and explain her or his role in the birth of Jesus.

SAY: We are celebrating the birthday of Jesus.

Puzzle CenterSupplies: Wise Men Puzzle (Resource Pak—p. 9), resealable sandwich bag, scissors

Cut apart the wise men puzzle pieces, and store them in a resealable sandwich bag.

• Invite a child to put together the wise men puzzle from the Resource Pak.

Star CenterSupplies: Reproducible 4b, crayons/markers, glitter glue, tongue depressors, glue

Make copies of Reproducible 4b and cut out a star for every child.

• Invite the child to color and/or apply glitter glue to the star.

• Help the child glue the star to a tongue depressor.

Come Together TimeSupplies: stars made in the “Star Center”

• Invite the children to gather in a line, holding their stars up high.

• Lead the children around the room, singing the following song to the tune of “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.”

SING: Twinkle, twinkle, shining star, guiding wise men from afar, To a home so far away, where little Jesus played all day. Twinkle, twinkle, shining star, guiding wise men from afar. Based on Matthew 2:1-12, Words: Sue Downing, ©˙Graded Press.

• Invite the children to sit down when they arrive in the Bible Story Circle.




SAY: It’s opening night of “Wise Men, A Mostly Solo Act.” Mondo will be performing the story of the wise men, with the help of his stagehands Gabby and Ernie.

TIPEven though the children will not thoroughly be able to comprehend everything about the birth of Jesus, telling the story helps them begin to make it a starting point on their faith journeys.

025-030 S04 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 27 7/14/14 9:07 AM




• Point to the Bible Verse Poster (Resource Pak—p. 3), and SAY the Bible verse two or three times: “And they will call him, Emmanuel” (Matthew 1:23).

• Help the children learn the Bible verse by making the following signs in American Sign Language for Emmanuel, which means “God with us.”





Hear the Bible StorySupplies: Bible Story Pak—4, wise men figures (see Reproducible 4a)

• Pass out Bible Story Pak—4 to each child. If the children made the wise men in “Wise Men Center,” invite them to bring them to the Bible Story Circle.

• After reading page 1, ASK: Who were the wise men looking for? (The newborn king of the Jews)

• After reading page 2, ASK: What were the wise men following? (A big star in the sky)

• After reading page 3, SAY: What gifts did the wise men give the child Jesus? (Gold, frankincense, and myrrh)

• After reading page 4, ASK: Did the wise men go back to tell King Herod where the child Jesus was? (No, they went home a different way.)

SAY: The best gift at Christmas is God’s gift to all of us of Jesus.

Experience the Bible StorySupplies: none

• Invite the children to sit down and make motions to the Bible story.

SAY: Look! look! look! (Point up.) The wise men saw a bright star shining in the sky. Children and leader say: Good news!

Clippity, cloppity! Clippity, cloppity! (Pat your legs.) The wise men rode their camels for many, many days. The wise men followed the star to Bethlehem. Children and leader say: Good news!

GOD

WITH

US

025-030 S04 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 28 7/14/14 9:07 AM


Twinkle! Twinkle! Twinkle! (Blink eyes)The star led the wise men to Jesus.Children and leader say: Good news!

Kneel, kneel, kneel. (Bend your knees.)The wise men knelt down and gave Jesus special gifts.Children and leader say: Good news!

Praise! praise! praise! (Clap your hands!)The wise men praised God for Jesus.Children and leader say: Good news!

Serve With LoveMake Handprint Camels Supplies: Reproducible 4c, crown Stickers, scissors, crayons and/or markers, brown construction paper

Make a copy of Reproducible 4c for every child. Cut out the wise men.

• Trace every child’s handprint three times on brown construction paper.

• Encourage the children to color the wise men (Reproducible 4c), and glue them at the top of their handprints. The handprints become the bodies of the camels.

• Give each child the crown Stickers and encourage her or him to put one on each wise man’s head.

SAY: The wise men went to visit Jesus because they knew he was very special.

Make a Scented GiftSupplies: Stickers, scented hand soaps (one for each child), handkerchiefs, ribbon, sharp scissors (for leader only)

SAY: The wise men brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to little Jesus. Frankincense and myrrh smell good. Let’s make gifts that smell good and give them to someone we love or to a person we need to remember.

• Give every child one bar of unwrapped scented soap and one handkerchief. Show the child how to place the bar of soap in the center of the handkerchief and bring the handkerchief up around it.

• Tie a piece of pretty ribbon around the gift.

• Invite the children to place the star Sticker on the bottom of the wrapped soap.

• Remind the children that the wise men followed the star to fi nd little Jesus.

025-030 S04 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 29 7/14/14 9:07 AM



Put Baby Jesus in the MangerSupplies: baby Jesus (Resource Pak—p. 5), blindfold or sunglasses, masking tape

Post baby Jesus’ empty manger on a wall or bulletin board.

• Line up the children in front of baby Jesus’ empty manger. Put the blindfold or the sunglasses on the child at the front of the line.

• Spin the first child in the line around. Give the child baby Jesus and invite her to try to place baby Jesus in the manger.

• Enjoy seeing where each child places baby Jesus.

WorshipNativity WreathSupplies: Nativity Wreath and figures of the wise men and the star of Bethlehem (Leader’s Guide—p. 115), loops of masking tape, crayons or markers, scissors

• Pass out the Nativity Wreaths the children started several weeks ago and the wise men and star of Bethlehem (Leader’s Guide—p. 115) to each child. Invite the children to color the figures of the wise men and the star. Give each child two loops of tape to add the figures to the Nativity Wreaths.

SAY: Each week we add a figure(s) to our Nativity Wreath to remind us of that day’s Bible story. Today, we are adding the wise men and the star of Bethlehem. The wise men followed a large star in the sky to find the child Jesus. They found Jesus in a house in Bethlehem. The wise men knew that Jesus was very special.

• Tell the children that they may take their Nativity Wreaths home today. Encourage them to use it to retell the Christmas story to their families.


• Play “Come to Us, Emmanuel.” Let the children wave purple scarves, crepe paper streamers, or pieces of cloth in time to the music.

PRAY: Dear God, help us to always follow Jesus. Amen.

Plan for Next Week Photocopy: Reproducibles 5a, 5b and 5c, and cut them out. Provide double-

sided tape to use with 5a.

• Display the Bible Verse Poster for Unit 2 (Resource Pak—p. 4).

• Put the Miracle Pocket (Resource Pak—p. 8) together. You’ll use this to review the Bible stories each week in January and February. Punch out the Miracle Pocket Miracle of Jairus’s daughter (Resource Pak—p. 17).

• Provide popsicles, paper towels, and petroleum jelly to use in “Serve With Love.”

025-030 S04 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 30 7/14/14 9:07 AM

Winter 2014-15 GrowProclaimServe.com 31

Reproducible 1a: Advent Chains Center


031-040 R01 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 31 7/14/14 9:22 AM

32 Winter 2014-15 GROW • Proclaim • Serve • Preschool Leader’s Guide

Reproducible 1b: Make a Flying Angel


031-040 R01 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 32 7/14/14 9:22 AM


Reproducible 2a: Mary’s Trip Center


031-040 R01 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 33 7/14/14 9:22 AM


Reproducible 2b: Draw Your Friend Center


031-040 R01 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 34 7/14/14 9:22 AM


Reproducible 2c: Make a Manger Scene


031-040 R01 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 35 7/14/14 9:22 AM


Reproducible 3a: Marshmallow Center


031-040 R01 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 36 7/14/14 9:22 AM


Reproducible 3b: Create a Christmas Tree


031-040 R01 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 37 7/14/14 9:22 AM


Reproducible 4a: Wise Men Center


031-040 R01 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 38 7/14/14 9:22 AM


Reproducible 4b: Star Center


031-040 R01 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 39 7/14/14 9:22 AM


Reproducible 4c: Make Handprint Camels (Stickers)


031-040 R01 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 40 7/14/14 9:22 AM


Unit 2Touched by JesusBible Verse

This is how the love of God is revealed to us: God has sent his only Son into the world so that we can live through him. (1 John 4:9)

Leap of Faith Jesus shows me God’s love.

In this unitSession 5,January 4Jairus’s DaughterBible story: Mark 5:21-24; 35-43

Session 6,January 11The Woman at the WellBible story: John 4:1-42

Session 7,January 18The Ten LepersBible story: Luke 17:11-19

Session 8,January 25Mary and MarthaBible story: Luke 10:38-42

CD-ROMOne Heart at a Time• Split track recording• Lead sheet• Lyrics• PowerPoint® lyrics

Talkin’ ‘bout Faith(theme song)• Split track recording• Lead sheet• Lyrics• PowerPoint® lyrics

Leaper’s Pointe (DVD)Session 5:Jairus’s Daughter

When Ernie needs help, he goes to Furleen, Papa B, and Rosie. Sometimes you just gotta’ know where to go to get help.

Session 6:The Woman at the Well

When Gabby is sick with a cold, Farley takes Gabby’s place helping Papa B at “Books and Bites.” Although Farley has good intentions, he ends up making a mess. Will Papa B forgive Farley?

Session 7:The Ten Lepers

Ernie is going out of his way to help his friends in Leaper’s Pointe. Do you think his friends will remember to say thank you?

Session 8:Mary and Martha

Gabby and the mayor are helping Papa B with story time, but it looks like the mayor is doing all the work while Gabby just sits listening to the story.

Leaper’s Pointe in Concert (DVD)• One Heart at a Time • Talkin’ ‘bout Faith

(theme song)

Leaper’s Pointe in Concert (DVD)Leaper’s Pointe in Concert (DVD)Leaper’s Pointe in Concert (DVD)Leaper’s Pointe in Concert (DVD)One Heart at a TimeOne Heart at a Time • Talkin’ ‘bout FaithTalkin’ ‘bout Faith

(theme song)Talkin’ ‘bout FaithTalkin’ ‘bout Faith

Leaper’s Pointe in Concert (DVD)•

041-042 U02 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 41 7/14/14 9:23 AM

42 January GROW • Proclaim • Serve • Preschool Leader’s Guide





Beyond the BasicsSession 5 double-sided tape robes or Bible story clothing

petroleum jelly

popsicles, paper towels

Session 6 gray markers or crayons

watercolor paints, plastic or vinyl tablecloth, cups or bowls of water (Optional: paint smocks)

yellow drinking straws

Session 6 (continued)two dishpans, vinyl tablecloth, nonbreakable measuring cups or plastic cups, paper towels

pitcher, small paper cups

Session 7 Hershey’s Kisses®, small paper cups, and plastic wrap

several pair of children’s winter gloves

cotton balls and colorful children’s bandages

Session 8 store-bought stickers

pretty ribbon or yarn

two bandanas for each child, colorful duct tape, plenty of newspapers

housekeeping center complete with plastic or wooden bowls, spoons, and aprons

plastic mixing bowls, large plastic or wooden spoons, plastic kitchen gloves

Session 8 (continued)large paper lunch bags or grocery sacks (one per child); cord, ribbon, or yarn (20-inch lengths); scraps of decorative wrapping paper, ribbon, lace and/or other sewing trims

card stock; scissors; paper punch; ribbon or yarn or magnetic tape

slices of bread, several jars of fruit spread, plastic knives


TIP #1: “Hop on Home” is for parents or guardians to read at home and use with their child. Make sure that every family is given “Hop on Home.”

TIP #2: When choosing activities for the children to do, remember the boys! Try to do activities that will appeal to them also.

TIP #3: Young children enjoy music and catch on to songs quickly. Don’t be afraid to sing the songs on the CD-ROM or the songs in the Leader’s Guide.

041-042 U02 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 42 7/14/14 9:23 AM

Jairus’s DaughterBible Verse


Bible Story Mark 5:21-24; 35-43


Before You Begin

In today’s Bible story, we fi nd one Bible story sandwiched between the beginning and ending of another Bible story. We are hearing the Bible story about Jairus’s

daughter, but we cannot help but be affected by the story in between. We know that Jairus was a leader in the synagogue. It would have been unusual for a synagogue leader to have faith in Jesus to heal his daughter. Jairus must have heard about Jesus, or have come to believe in his greatness. Jairus even invited Jesus to his home with the hope that Jesus could heal Jairus’s daughter.

Because Jesus heals both Jairus’s daughter and the woman with the hemorrhage, we see that Jesus had time to be interrupted to take care of another human being. We can ask ourselves if we have the time to take an interruption for another person. The woman with the hemorrhage was probably a poor, lowly status woman; Jairus was an important fi gure. Yet, Jesus regarded them equally. Jesus brought healing in both situations, not showing favoritism to either person. Jesus also shows us that he believed in the worth of women, as the woman was healed, as well as the little girl.

When Jesus says to give the little girl something to eat after she is healed: “Then he told them to give her something to eat” (Mark 5:43), he is showing us that he is concerned with the ordinary things of our lives, such as eating, as well as the major events in our lives, such as death. Jesus is there for us at all times. Jesus shows us in this miracle that death and sickness are not serious barriers for him to overcome.

We learn in Mark’s Gospel that the little girl has died: “Your daughter has died,” (Mark 5:35), so this miracle involved not only curing the sick, but also raising the dead. This miracle shows us that faith in God can work in what might seem hopeless situations. Jesus tried to calm and reassure people in this Bible story, just as Jesus can do in our own lives. Jesus said, “Don’t be afraid; just keep trusting” (Mark 5:36).

An important point to talk about with your children once again is that Jesus loves them. Jesus took time to heal a little girl. Help the children you teach remember that Jesus loves them, and encourage them to repeat after you, “Jesus loves little children, including me!”


Session 5January 4


An important point to talk about with your children once again is that Jesus An important point to talk about with your children once again is that Jesus An important point to talk about with your children once again is that Jesus An important point to talk about with your children once again is that Jesus loves them. Jesus took time to heal a little girl. Help the children you teach loves them. Jesus took time to heal a little girl. Help the children you teach remember that Jesus loves them, and encourage them to remember that Jesus loves them, and encourage them to “Jesus loves little children, including me!”remember that Jesus loves them, and encourage them to remember that Jesus loves them, and encourage them to “Jesus loves little children, including me!”remember that Jesus loves them, and encourage them to remember that Jesus loves them, and encourage them to “Jesus loves little children, including me!”remember that Jesus loves them, and encourage them to remember that Jesus loves them, and encourage them to remember that Jesus loves them, and encourage them to loves them. Jesus took time to heal a little girl. Help the children you teach loves them. Jesus took time to heal a little girl. Help the children you teach

after you, after you,

An important point to talk about with your children once again is that Jesus

remember that Jesus loves them, and encourage them to



043-048 S05 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 43 7/14/14 9:24 AM

44 January 4 GROW • Proclaim • Serve • Preschool Leader’s Guide






• Have the Bible open to Mark 5:21-24 on the worship table.

• Give each child the Sticker of the girl to place on the attendance chart.

Fun Pak CenterSupplies: Fun Pak—5, crayons or markers, glue sticks or clear tape

• Punch out the pieces. Accordion-fold the paper strip along the dotted lines. Fold the card in half. Open the card, and help the child glue (or tape) one end of the paper strip to the area labeled tab, and the other end to the middle of the little girl’s back. This will make her “pop up” when the card is opened.

• Point out Jesus. Tell the child that Jesus healed the little girl, and she got up from her bed mat and ate! Encourage the child to color to the heart on the back of the card any way she wishes.

SAY: Jesus healed Jairus’s daughter. Jesus loves children.


• Activity A: Let the child color the pictures and then talk about what he or she could do to help the person in the picture.

• Activity B: Send “Hop on Home” with the child. Encourage the parents or guardians to read it and to sing the songs with their child.

Bandage CenterSupplies: Reproducible 5a, double-sided tape or loops of masking tape, crayons or markers

Make copies of Reproducible 5a, and cut out the bandages.

• Let the children color the bandages on Reproducible 5a. Read what it says on the bandages to the children: Jesus has the POWER to HEAL!

• Help the children put the bandages on themselves using double-sided tape or loops of masking tape.

SAY: God worked through Jesus to give him the POWER to HEAL a little girl in today’s Bible story.

TIPBoys MIGHT especially enjoy feeling “powerful” from wearing the bandages. Remind them that God has the real power!

043-048 S05 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 44 7/14/14 9:24 AM


Get-well Card CenterSupplies: Reproducible 5b, crayons or markers, Sticker, scissors

Make copies of Reproducible 5b, and locate the “Jesus ❤ You, Get Well Soon” Sticker for each child.

• Let the children enjoy coloring the picture of Jesus with the children. Remind the children that Jesus especially loved children, and in today’s Bible story, he heals a girl.

• Fold the card in half. Have the children put the Sticker (“Jesus ❤ You, Get Well Soon”) on the front of the Get-well Card, and encourage them to draw and color on the cover of the card around the Sticker.

• Sing together “Jesus Loves Me,” which is printed on the inside of the card.


• The following two songs are located in “Hop on Home” (Bible Story Pak 5, Activity B). Teach these simple songs to the children today, so that they can sing the songs at home with their families.

• Sing this song to the tune of “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.”

SING: Jesus, Jesus, hear my prayer. Help me love, and help me share. You are teacher, healer, friend. I know your love never ends. Jesus, Jesus, hear my prayer. I’m so glad that you are there.

• Invite the children to sing the following song to the tune of “Mary Had a Little Lamb.”

SING: Jesus is a friend of mine, friend of mine, friend of mine. Jesus is a friend of mine. He loves me all the time.

• Tell the children to become quiet so they can hear today’s Bible story.




SAY: When Ernie needs help, he goes to Furleen, Papa B, and Rosie. Sometimes you just gotta’ know where to go to get help.

043-048 S05 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 45 7/14/14 9:24 AM




• Point to the Bible Verse Poster (Resource Pak—p. 4), and SAY the Bible verse two or three times: “God has sent his only Son into the world so that we can live through him” (1 John 4:9).

• Help the children learn the Bible verse by making the following signs in American Sign Language.

1. God—Point the index finger of your right hand, with the other fingers curled down. Bring the hand down in front of your face as if you are drawing a shepherd’s crook. Open the palm as you bring your hand down. End with your hand flat and your palm facing left.

2. Son—Bring your thumb and extended fingers of your right hand to the right side of your forehead as if you are grasping an imaginary hat brim. Then rock the arms together in the sign for baby.

3. World—Hold out your first three fingers on each hand. Circle your hands around each other in one circle. End with one hand on top of the other.



• Pass out Bible Story Pak—5 to each child. Read the rhyming Bible story to the children. Point out the individuals in the Bible story such as Jairus, Jesus, and Jairus’s daughter.

• After reading page 1, ASK: Why was Jairus crying? (His daughter was sick.)

• After reading page 3, SAY: Jesus told the people that the girl was not dead, she was just ____________ (what?) (Sleeping)

• After reading page 4, ASK: What did Jesus tell the people to give the girl after he had healed her? (Food)

SAY: Jesus can heal people.

Experience the Bible StorySupplies: robes or Bible story clothing

• Invite four children to play the major roles in this Bible story: Jairus, his wife, Jesus, Jairus’ daughter. Encourage them to put on the clothing, if it is available.

SAY: One day in Jesus’ time, a little girl was sick. (Invite the little girl to lie on the floor with her mother kneeling beside her.) The little girl’s father was an important man named Jairus. (Have Jairus wave at the children.) Jairus was very sad. Jairus’s daughter was very sick. (Have Jairus frown.) Jairus went to Jesus and said, “Please make my daughter well—she is sick—and I’m afraid she is dying.” (Have Jairus walk up to Jesus and put his hand on Jesus’ shoulder.)

GOD

SON

WORLD

043-048 S05 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 46 7/14/14 9:24 AM


Jesus said, “I will go see your daughter.” (Have Jairus and Jesus take a few steps to where the daughter is lying on the floor with her mother kneeling by her side.) Jesus said, “This little girl isn’t dead, she is only sleeping.” (Have Jesus hold the little girl’s hand.) Have Jesus say, “Little girl, get up!” (Have the little girl get up.) Everyone was happy, and they gave the little girl some food to eat.

SAY: This is the story of Jairus’s daughter. She was very sick, maybe even dying; but Jesus healed her. It was a miracle. Thanks be to God.

Serve With LoveMake Finger Puppets Supplies: Reproducible 5c, Bible Story Pak—5, crayons or markers, scissors

Make a copy of Reproducible 5c for every child, and cut out the finger puppets including the holes for the fingers.

• Invite the children to color the finger puppets.

• Help the child put his or her fingers through the holes. The child’s fingers become the puppet’s legs.

• Let the children play with their finger puppets as you retell today’s Bible story.

Work on Healthy HabitsSupplies: petroleum jelly, paper towels, soap and water

Invite a healthcare worker to come to speak to the children about staying healthy. The visitor could be a parish nurse, doctor, or anyone in the healthcare field. Encourage the visitor to talk about things the children can do to stay healthy: washing hands, covering sneezes and coughs, eating properly, exercising, and so on.

• Let the children practice good hand-washing techniques by coating each child’s hand with just a bit of petroleum jelly, and then letting the children wash it off. Explain to the children that washing off the germs on their hands might take longer than they think. Encourage the children to say: Jesus loves me at least five times while they wash their hands to get rid of the petroleum jelly.

SAY: God wants us to take care of our bodies and be healthy.

Have a Feel-good SnackSupplies: popsicles, napkins or paper towels

• Ask one child to pass out napkins or paper towels to every child.


• Give each child one half of a popsicle.

PRAY: Help us, O God, when we are sick. Help us feel better very quick. Let us help others who do not feel well. For we have many stories of Jesus to tell. Amen.

043-048 S05 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 47 7/14/14 9:24 AM



WorshipMiracle PocketSupplies: Miracle Pocket (Resource Pak—pp. 8 & 17)

Put the Miracle Pocket (Resource Pak—p. 8) together. Locate the piece for today’s story (Resource Pak—p. 17).

• Show the children the Miracle Pocket Miracle of Jairus’s daughter.

SAY: Each week we will put a piece in our Miracle Pocket to remind us of the miracle that Jesus performed in that day’s Bible story. Today, we are adding the piece of Jairus’s daughter.

ASK: What happened to the little girl in today’s Bible story? (She got sick.) Who healed the little girl and made her well again? (Jesus)

SAY: When we are sick, we can pray for God to be with us and to help us feel better.

Sing and Pray Supplies: CD-ROM and CD player, or DVD (Grow! Ages 3-6) and DVD player; “One Heart at a Time” (Leader’s Guide—pp. 124-125)

• Invite the children to wiggle to the song “One Heart at a Time.” Encourage them to do the signs in American Sign Language each time they hear the words one heart at a time (see pages 124-125 of this Leader’s Guide).

• After they have sung “One Heart at a Time,” invite the children to kneel down to pray.

SAY: When Jesus prayed for Jairus’s daughter, he and his friends knelt down. We can kneel down when we pray, too. Kneeling means that we are showing God how much we love God.

PRAY: Dear God, thank you for your Son, Jesus, who showed us how much you love every single one of us, including boys and girls. Help us to always follow you and love you with all our hearts. Amen.

Plan for Next Week Photocopy: Reproducible 6a, 6b, and 6c. You’ll need a copy for each child. Locate the heart Stickers to use with Bible Story Pak 6.

• Painting Center: Provide cups or bowls of water and watercolor paints for every child. Provide a plastic or vinyl tablecloth. (Optional: paint smocks.)

• Water Center: Supply two dishpans, a vinyl tablecloth, plastic cups or nonbreakable measuring cups and paper towels. Fill one dishpan with water.

• Supplies: Provide gray crayons, yellow drinking straws, small paper cups, and a pitcher of water. Cut yarn into 16-inch strands to use with 6b.

• Listening Game: Read over the instructions for the “Listening Game.”

043-048 S05 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 48 7/14/14 9:24 AM

The Woman at the WellBible Verse


Bible Story John 4:1-42


Before You Begin

In today’s Bible story, we see Jesus in a conversation with a Samaritan woman. The Jews and the Samaritans were not friendly toward each other. In fact,

there was a lot of hatred between the two societies. The Samaritans lived in the northern part of the kingdom, Israel; and the Jewish people, from whom Jesus was descended, lived in the southern part of the kingdom, Judah. Both groups of people were descended from the same Jewish ancestors, but the Samaritans had intermarried with the Assyrians, plus they had compromised their worship with idols.

Even though Jesus was not wealthy, he was still threatening to the Jewish leaders because he was gaining a following, and this made the Pharisees very nervous. Jesus was kind and actually spoke to the woman at the well. This would have been considered terrible in Jesus’ day because she was a woman and a Samaritan woman at that. This very act would have insulted the Pharisees. Jesus sat down by the well and talked to the Samaritan woman because he was hot and thirsty. Jesus was not angry with the woman for being a Samaritan; however, Jesus did reprove the woman for the lifestyle she was currently living.

The woman at the well shows us a wonderful side of herself, and a side that Christians should try to emulate. The woman humbled herself before Jesus and believed in him. It almost seems that Jesus revealed himself more fully to her than he did to his own disciples. Was this because of her humility, honesty, and her complete belief in Jesus as the Son of God?

Jesus shows us an example of a religious leader who was not only comfortable speaking to large crowds, but who could also relate to an individual one-on-one. As you teach each Sunday, you, too, need to develop these skills. You are required to direct the entire class, but you also have to be able to speak to a small child one-on-one. Ask God to give you the ability to develop both skills. Model Jesus when you speak to children. Love and accept the children like Jesus loved and accepted the Samaritan woman at the well.


Session 6January 11


and accepted the Samaritan woman at the well.and accepted the Samaritan woman at the well.and accepted the Samaritan woman at the well.and accepted the Samaritan woman at the well.


049-054 S06 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 49 7/14/14 9:24 AM







• Have the Bible open to John 4:1-42 on the worship table.

• Give each child the Sticker of the well to place on the attendance chart.

Fun Pak CenterSupplies: Fun Pak—6, crayons or markers, glue sticks or clear tape

• Guide the children through the step-by-step directions for making a simple Bible-times well. Encourage them to color the water drops. Explain that the heart on one of the drops stands for “love.” Encourage them to draw a picture of themselves on the plain water drop.

• Invite the children to put the water drops into their wells.

SAY: Jesus loves you, just like he loved the woman at the well.

Coloring/Activity Page CenterSupplies: Bible Story Pak—6, heart Stickers

• Activity A: Each time you read the name Jesus, let the child put a heart Sticker anywhere on the story/poem page.

• Activity B: Send “Hop on Home” with the child. Encourage the parents or guardians to read it, and practice saying the kind words at home with their child.

Painting CenterSupplies: Reproducible 6a, watercolor paints, plastic or vinyl tablecloth, cups or bowls of water (Optional: paint smocks)

Make a copy of Reproducible 6a for every child. Provide cups or bowls of water and watercolor paints for every child.

• Cover a table with a plastic or vinyl tablecloth where the children will paint.

• Give each child a copy of Reproducible 6a, and encourage her or him to paint the picture of Jesus and the woman at the well.

SAY: Jesus was kind to everyone, even people whom others did not like.

“Hop on Home” is for parents or guardians to read at home and use with their child. Make sure that every family is given “Hop on Home” each week.

049-054 S06 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 50 7/14/14 9:24 AM


Water CenterSupplies: two dishpans, vinyl tablecloth, water, nonbreakable measuring cups or plastic cups, paper towels (Optional: Bible Story Pak—6)

• Place a vinyl tablecloth on a table. Fill one dishpan with water. Provide measuring cups or plastic cups for the children to move water from one pan to the other pan.

SAY: In today’s Bible story, Jesus went to a well where he met a woman whose life he changed. The woman began to believe that Jesus was the Son of God. The woman thought Jesus was like water because she knew that everyone needs water to live, and everyone needs Jesus to have a good life.

Come Together TimeSupplies: small paper cups, pitcher of water

• Invite the children to skip to the Bible Story Circle. Encourage the children to sit down. Once the children are seated, pour each child a cup of water.

• Ask the children to drink the water.

SAY: In today’s Bible story, Jesus meets a woman at the well and asks her for a drink of water. The woman gives Jesus a drink of water, and Jesus gives her something even better than water. He tells her to follow him, and she will finally be happy.

ASK: When you drink this water, will you be thirsty again? (Yes) If you follow Jesus, will you ever be sorry that you did? (No)




SAY: When Gabby is sick with a cold, Farley takes Gabby’s place helping Papa B at “Books and Bites.” Although Farley has good intentions, he ends up making a mess. Will Papa B forgive Farley?




TIPIf the children do not know what “a well” is, show them the picture in today’s Bible Story Pak—6.

049-054 S06 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 51 7/14/14 9:24 AM





3. World—Hold out your first three fingers on each hand. Circle your hands around each other in one complete circle. End with one hand on top of the other.



• Pass out Bible Story Pak—6 to each child. Read the Bible story to the children. Point out the people in the Bible story such as Jesus and the woman at the well.

• After reading page 1, ASK: Where did Jesus sit down? (Next to a well)

• After reading page 2, ASK: To whom did Jesus start speaking? (A woman who came up to the well)

• After reading page 3, SAY: Did Jesus tell the woman that he knew all about her? (Yes) Did Jesus tell the woman that she needed to follow God? (Yes)

• After reading page 4, ASK: Who did the woman run and tell the people about? (Jesus)

SAY: People began to believe that Jesus was the Son of God. Let’s sing a song about Jesus being the Son of God.

SING: (To the tune of “London Bridge:”) Jesus is the Son of God, Son of God, Son of God. Jesus is the Son of God. We love Jesus.

Experience the Bible StorySupplies: none

SAY: Today our Bible story is about a time when Jesus talked to a woman at a well. Jesus told the woman that God loved her. Jesus wants us to know that God loves us.

• Play the game “God Loves You” like you would play “Duck, Duck, Goose.”

• Have the children sit in a circle.

• Choose a child to be “IT.” “IT” walks around the circle lightly touching the children’s heads, saying: Jesus taught, Jesus taught, Jesus taught.

• When “IT” reaches the person she or he wants to be “goose,” “IT” says: God loves you. That child stands up and follows “IT” around the circle.

• “IT” tries to sit in that child’s spot, and the new child becomes the new “IT.”

GOD

SON

WORLD

049-054 S06 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 52 7/23/14 9:31 AM


Serve With LoveSon of God FlagsSupplies: Reproducible 6b, Stickers, glue sticks, crayons or markers, paper punch, yarn, safety scissors, pair of sharp scissors (for leader)

Make a copy of Reproducible 6b for every child, and cut out the flags. Cut yarn into 16-inch strands.

• Invite the children to color both flags. Read the words aloud “Jesus the Son of God.” Give each child the two heart-shaped “Jesus” Stickers to put on the flags.

• Help the children glue the two flags back to back. Then use a paper punch to punch holes where the + marks are indicated on the flag.

• Help the children string yarn through the holes on the flag and tie in place, so they can hold the flag and wave it.

SAY: Many people believed that Jesus was the Son of God after they talked with Jesus.

Make a WellSupplies: Reproducible 6c, crayons or markers, safety scissors, yellow drinking straws, tape

Make a copy of Reproducible 6c for every child. Either cut out the well and the bucket; or if the children are able, let them cut out the items. (But you will need to cut open the slit on every well.)

• Give each child a well and bucket and invite her or him to color them.

• Help each child tape a yellow drinking straw to the back of his or her bucket. (The straw is the “rope.”) Show the children how to slide the bucket up and down through the slit in the well.

SAY: Jesus met a woman at a well. The woman started following Jesus, and believing in Jesus changed her life forever.

Play a Listening GameSupplies: none

SAY: Jesus wanted the woman at the well to LISTEN to God and follow God. LISTEN to these instructions, and see if you can follow them.

SAY: (Child’s name,) touch your nose, touch your elbow, and touch your toes. (Child’s name,) hop on one foot, touch the floor, and turn around. (Child’s name,) jump up once, clap your hands, and blink your eyes. (Child’s name,) wiggle your hips, stomp your foot, and clap your hands. (Child’s name,) touch your toes, wiggle your nose, and rub your stomach. (Child’s name,) pat your head, rub your tummy, and jump up once. (Child’s name,) touch the floor, go touch the door, and say, “More, more, more.” (Child’s name,) stomp your feet, pat your seat, and tap your feet. (Child’s name,) smack your lips, wiggle your hips, and sit down on the floor. (Child’s name,) hop on one foot, hop on the other foot, and sit on the floor.

049-054 S06 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 53 7/14/14 9:24 AM




Put the Miracle Pocket (Resource Pak—p. 8) together if you did not do so last week. Locate the piece for today’s story (Resource Pak—p. 17).

• Show the children the Miracle Pocket Miracle of the woman at the well.

SAY: Each week we will put a piece in our Miracle Pocket to remind us of the miracle that Jesus performed in that day’s Bible story. Today, we are adding the piece of the woman at the well. Jesus knew all about the woman at the well. Jesus knew that she needed to follow God.

Sing and PraySupplies: CD-ROM and CD player, or DVD (Grow! Ages 3-6) and DVD player; “One Heart at a Time” (Leader’s Guide—pp. 124-125)


• After you have sung “One Heart at a Time,” invite the children to form a prayer circle. Go around the circle, and pray for each child individually.

PRAY: (Child’s name,) God knows your name, and God loves you. Amen.

Plan for Next Week Photocopy: Reproducible 7a, 7b, and 7c for each child. Locate the set

of “T” Stickers to use with Reproducible 7a and the Jesus Sticker to use with Reproducible 7b. Cut plenty of 1-inch squares from different colors of construction paper to add to the figure on Reproducible 7c.

• Puzzle: Cut apart the puzzle of Jesus and the ten sick men (Resource Pak— p. 9). Store the puzzle pieces in a resealable sandwich bag.

• Thank-you Gift: Provide Hershey’s Kisses®, small paper cups, and plastic wrap. Locate the “Thank You” Stickers.

• Experience the Bible Story: Provide several pair of children’s winter gloves and items such as a spoon, a crayon, a napkin, and a sheet of paper.

• Supplies: Bring cotton balls. Purchase colorful children’s bandages (optional).

049-054 S06 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 54 7/14/14 9:24 AM

The Ten LepersBible Verse




Before You Begin

We often think of Jesus as always being kind and gentle, but in today’s Bible story of “The Ten Lepers,” we see another side of Jesus. While Jesus was

moved to compassion and healed the ten men with leprosy, he also appeared to have expected a “thank you” from the men. One man, however, did turn around and come back to thank Jesus for his healing. Jesus taught that gratitude is important.

In biblical days, leprosy was a terrible disease. The skin disease ate away at the skin, the limbs, and the body’s organs until a person died. The stench from rotting fl esh was terrible. People with leprosy were confi ned to live in the outskirts of town so that others would not catch the disease or be exposed to it in any way. People with leprosy were reduced to begging for their survival. People with leprosy were exiled from their families and friends. People with leprosy tended to live together or roam together because they needed the support from each other. Since people with leprosy could not go up to a person and talk to him or her, they had to yell to people. This is what happened in today’s Bible story, the men with leprosy could not approach Jesus and talk to him face-to-face, so they yelled and begged him for mercy and for healing.

The local priest not only offi ciated in worship, he was also a health offi cial in the society. If a person believed himself or herself to be healed from a disease, the person had to be declared “clean” by the local priest. It is interesting to note that the men with leprosy considered themselves clean even before they saw the priest. It must have been amazing to see themselves heal as they walked along to see the priest.

However, Jesus wanted them and us to remember to be thankful for not only the healing that we experience in life, but also for the many things that happen to us as we walk along and live our lives.

This Sunday is a good time to talk to young children about thankfulness, and about ways they can express their thankfulness for the big and small things in their lives. Helping young children to become aware of all that they can be thankful for is a big step in their lives.


Session 7January 18


about ways they can express their thankfulness for the big and small things about ways they can express their thankfulness for the big and small things about ways they can express their thankfulness for the big and small things about ways they can express their thankfulness for the big and small things in their lives. Helping young children to become aware of all that they can be in their lives. Helping young children to become aware of all that they can be thankful for is a big step in their lives.thankful for is a big step in their lives.thankful for is a big step in their lives.thankful for is a big step in their lives.thankful for is a big step in their lives.thankful for is a big step in their lives.in their lives. Helping young children to become aware of all that they can be in their lives. Helping young children to become aware of all that they can be about ways they can express their thankfulness for the big and small things

thankful for is a big step in their lives.


055-060 S07 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 55 7/14/14 9:25 AM






• Show the children where to place their offerings on the worship table. Have the Bible open to Luke 17:11-19 on the worship table. Give each child the Sticker of the letter “T” to place on the attendance chart.

Fun Pak CenterSupplies: Fun Pak—7, crayons or markers, glue, cotton balls (Optional: bandages)

• Punch out the figure and bandage. Invite the child to color both sides of the figure. Give the child five cotton balls, and invite him or her to glue them on the sick man. Have the child turn the figure over, and encourage the child to put a bandage on the man who is well, the one who said, “Thank you!”

SAY: In our Bible story today, there were ten sick men. Jesus healed them all. Only one man remembered to tell Jesus, “Thank you!”

Coloring/Activity Page CenterSupplies: Bible Story Pak—7, crayons or markers, Stickers

• Activity A: Let the child color the arm and hand and apply the red dot Stickers.

• Activity B: Send “Hop on Home” with the child to do at home with his family.

Puzzle CenterSupplies: Puzzle (Resource Pak—p. 9), resealable plastic sandwich bag, scissors

Cut apart the puzzle of Jesus and the ten sick men (Resource Pak—p. 9).

• Encourage one or two children to put together the puzzle of Jesus and the ten sick men on page 9 of the Resource Pak.

SAY: In today’s Bible story, ten sick men were healed by Jesus. Only one man remembered to say, “thank you,” to Jesus.

Thankful Calendar CenterSupplies: Reproducible 7a, Stickers, crayons or markers, construction paper, paper punch, glue sticks, yarn, sharp scissors (for leader’s use)

Make a copy of Reproducible 7a for every child. Locate the “T” Stickers.

• Encourage the child to color each day of the calendar a different color. Explain to the child that this is called a “calendar,” and that each block stands for a different day. Point out January 18, and SAY: This is today.

TIPFor added fun, purchase children’s bandages and use those instead of the paper bandage on the Fun Pak page.

055-060 S07 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 56 7/14/14 9:25 AM


SAY: Each of these Stickers is the letter “T.” Thank you begins with a “T.”

SAY: Take home your “Thankful Calendar” and your Stickers, and every day that you say, “thank you” to someone, put a Sticker on your calendar. You could thank your mother, your father, your sister, your brother, your Sunday school teacher, your friend, or someone else. Jesus wants us to say “thank you” to each other.

• Help the child glue the Thankful Calendar onto a piece of construction paper for added sturdiness. Punch two holes at the top and string yarn through so the child can hang up the calendar at home.


• Invite the children to the Bible Storytelling Circle by telling them to hold their ten fi ngers in the air. Teach the children this fi ngerplay using their ten fi ngers:

SAY: One little fi nger was feeling very bad. (Hold up one fi nger.)He invited his friend to help him feel glad. (Hold up two fi ngers.)But his friend was sick, too. (Continue to hold up two fi ngers.)They invited a third friend because they were so sick, they didn’t know what to do. (Hold up three fi ngers.)Three little friends feeling sad and all alone. (Continue to hold up three fi ngers.)A fourth friend came to visit them, and he called their place his home. (Hold up four fi ngers.)Soon there were fi ve little friends who had no place to go. (Hold up fi ve fi ngers.)They invited a sixth friend because he was sick and feeling low. (Hold up six fi ngers.)The friends were sick with a very bad disease. (Continue to hold up six fi ngers.)People were mean to them, and they were often teased. (Continue to hold up six fi ngers.)Soon there were ten sick friends living all together. (Hold up ten fi ngers.)One day, Jesus walked by, and the friends cried out, “Heal us, Savior.” (Continue to hold up ten fi ngers.)Then Jesus healed the ten sick friends, and they went on their way; (Continue to hold up ten fi ngers.)But only ONE turned around and said, “Thank you, Jesus, for healing me today.” (Hold up one fi nger.)




SAY: Ernie is going out of his way to help his friends in Leaper’s Pointe. Do you think his friends will remember to say “thank you”?

055-060 S07 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 57 7/14/14 9:25 AM








3. World—Hold out your first three fingers on each hand. Circle your hands around each other in one complete circle. End with one hand on top of the other.



• Pass out Bible Story Pak—7 to every child. Read the Bible story to the children. Encourage the children to count with you on each page. Point out people in the Bible story such as Jesus and the men with leprosy, especially the man who said, “thank you.”

• Invite the children to count to ten with you.

• After reading page 1, ASK: What was the name of the disease the man had? (Leprosy)

SAY: “Leprosy” with the children.


• After reading page 2, ASK: How many sick men with leprosy were there? (Ten) Did Jesus love the ten sick men with leprosy? (Yes)


• After reading page 3, ASK: What happened as the ten sick men walked to the priests? (They were healed along the way.)

• After reading page 4, ASK: How many men turned around to thank Jesus? (One)

• Count to ten with the children.

SAY: Jesus healed ten sick men, but only one remembered to say, “thank you.” We need to remember to thank people when they help us. Everybody say, “Thank you.” (Thank you)

GOD

SON

WORLD

055-060 S07 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 58 7/14/14 9:25 AM


Experience the Bible StorySupplies: several pair of children’s winter gloves, items such as: a spoon, crayon, napkin, paper

SAY: Today our Bible story is about a time when Jesus healed ten men who had a bad disease called leprosy. Leprosy hurts your skin and your body. When you have leprosy, it is hard to pick up things. I’d like each of you to take turns wearing these gloves and trying to pick up these items.

• Let each child try to pick up the items mentioned, or other items you have on hand. Let the children tell how difficult it was to pick up the items.

Serve With LoveWhere Is Jesus?Supplies: Reproducible 7b, crayons or markers, Stickers

Make a copy of Reproducible 7b for each child.

• Invite the children to color the nine men who were healed from leprosy and the one man who turned back to thank Jesus for healing him.

• Give each child a Sticker of Jesus, and invite the child to put it next to the man who said “thank you” to Jesus for healing him.

SAY: Jesus wanted us to know that it is important to say, “Thank you!”

The Thankful ManSupplies: Reproducible 7c, construction paper, glue or glue sticks, 1- inch squares of different colors of construction paper, crayons or markers

Cut different colors of construction paper into 1-inch squares.

• Have the children glue Reproducible 7c onto construction paper. Invite the children to draw a happy face on the thankful man.

• Encourage the children to glue the construction paper squares on the thankful man’s robe.

SAY: In our Bible story today, there were ten men sick with leprosy. Jesus healed all ten men. Only one man came back to thank Jesus for healing him.

Thank-you GiftSupplies: Hershey’s Kisses®, small paper cups, Sticker, plastic wrap

• Have every child wash his or her hands.

• Give each child a small paper cup and the Thank You Sticker. Encourage the child to put the Thank You Sticker on the cup.

• Give every child several Hershey’s Kisses® to put in his or her cup.

• Cover the child’s cup with plastic wrap so the Hershey’s Kisses® do not fall out.

055-060 S07 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 59 7/14/14 9:25 AM



SAY: Give your cup of “Thank You” Hershey’s Kisses® to someone you would like to thank.

• Pass out a few chocolate kisses for the children to enjoy.

PRAY: Thank you God, for this sweet treat. Thank you, God, for your love so sweet. Thank you, God, for healing friends. We love you, God, Amen.


Locate today’s Miracle Pocket Miracle (Resource Pak—p. 17).

• Show the children the Miracle Pocket Miracle of the man with leprosy who was made well and thanked Jesus.

SAY: Each week we will put a piece in our Miracle Pocket to remind us of the miracle that Jesus performed in that day’s Bible story. Today, we will add the Miracle Pocket piece of the man who remembered to thank Jesus.



• After you have sung “One Heart at a Time,” invite the children to form a prayer circle. Go around the circle, and pray for each child individually.

PRAY: (Child’s name,) God knows your name, and God loves you. Amen.

Plan for Next Week Photocopy: Decide which option to use for copying Reproducible 8a (see

Leader’s Guide—p. 65).

• Fun Pak: Punch out the pieces on both Fun Pak pages 8a and 8b for making eyeglasses. Provide store-bought stickers to decorate the glasses.

• Sisterly Sit-upons: Bring two bandanas for each child, colorful duct tape, and plenty of newspapers to make sit-upons.

• Housekeeping Center: Provide plastic or wooden bowls, spoons, and aprons.

• Experience the Bible Center: Supply plastic mixing bowls, large plastic or wooden spoons, and plastic kitchen gloves to use in a fun “Kitchen Relay.”

• Martha Aprons: Supply large paper lunch bags or paper grocery sacks (one per child); cord, ribbon, or yarn (cut into 20-inch lengths); and scraps of decorative wrapping paper, ribbon, lace and/or other sewing trims. Follow the directions on page 65 of this Leader’s Guide to cut out an apron for each child.

055-060 S07 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 60 7/14/14 9:25 AM

Mary and Martha Bible Verse




Before You Begin

In the Bible story of Mary and Martha, we see two different kinds of women. Martha invited Jesus into her home. Jesus was an old friend. Mary and Martha

were sisters. We surmise from this Bible story, that Martha might have been the older sister because she is the one who welcomed Jesus. Martha goes out of her way to be what she thinks a good hostess ought to be. She is simply living out the traditional expectations of a woman in biblical times (or maybe in any time!) Mary should have been helping Martha, but she was absorbed in the teachings of Jesus. Mary wanted to sit and hear everything Jesus had to say.

Many of us identify with Martha. After all, Martha seems to be the mature, responsible one. We want to defend Martha’s actions. Yet, we do comprehend what Jesus is saying: people become too busy with the things of daily life and forget to keep their eyes focused on Jesus. Mary was focused on Jesus. Mary was focused on the teachings of Jesus and on the love of Jesus. This Bible story reminds us to put our lives in order—to remember to make God Number 1. Even though we can become annoyed by Mary’s lack of interest in helping her sister, Mary CHOSE to keep her eyes and ears focused on Jesus. That is exactly what Jesus calls us to do. As we live our lives, we should not become distracted by the world; we should be focused on Jesus.

The message that Jesus was teaching was one that he repeated often. Jesus tries to tell us over and over again that our fi rst priority in life is to follow him. While Mary was busy pursuing the most important priority in life, Martha was busy pursuing a secondary priority.

Another point to consider about this Bible story is that it is preached to women, which was so rare for Bible times. Yet, it is so timely and important for women and men today.

Spend time this week examining your own life and the time you spend doing things. Are you pursuing Jesus—the most important priority in life? Or, are you being distracted, as Martha was, with so many other things that are not as important in God’s eyes?


Session 8January 25


you being distracted, as Martha was, with so many other things that are not as you being distracted, as Martha was, with so many other things that are not as you being distracted, as Martha was, with so many other things that are not as you being distracted, as Martha was, with so many other things that are not as important in God’s eyes?important in God’s eyes?you being distracted, as Martha was, with so many other things that are not as


061-066 S08 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 61 7/14/14 9:26 AM








• Let the child put the Sticker of the large bowl and spoon on the chart.

Fun Pak CenterSupplies: Fun Pak—8a & 8b, glue sticks, crayons, store-bought stickers, scissors, clear tape

• Punch out the headband strips, the eye piece, and the ears. Have the child color the paper strips and decorate them using store-bought stickers. Attach the eye piece to the paper strips with tape. Let the child attach the ears. Size the paper strips to fi t around the child’s head and tape in place for a snug fi t.

SAY: Our headbands remind us to keep our eyes and ears focused on Jesus!

Coloring/Activity Page CenterSupplies: Bible Story Pak—8, crayons or markers, paper punch, yarn or ribbon

• Activity A: Invite the child to color the bubble letters, “I am listening to Jesus,” and the border. When the child is fi nished, punch two holes at the top of the plaque. String yarn or ribbon through the holes and tie. Encourage the child to hang up the plaque at home to remind herself or himself to listen to Jesus.

• Activity B: Send the plaque home, and remind the child to share the other side, “Hop on Home,” with her or his parents before hanging up the plaque.

SAY: The most important thing we can do is to listen to Jesus.

Sisterly Sit-upon CenterSupplies: two bandanas for each child, colorful duct tape, plenty of newspapers

Tape two bandanas together for each child. (Leave one side open.) Cut a few newspapers sized to fi t between the bandanas. Slide the newspapers into the bandana sit-upon. Tape along the remaining side of the sit-upon.

• Encourage the child to take the sit-upon everywhere she or he goes during this Sunday’s session.

SAY: Mary and Martha were two sisters who were friends with Jesus. Martha was very busy waiting on Jesus, but Mary liked to sit and listen to Jesus. Perhaps Mary had a sit-upon like yours.


061-066 S08 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 62 7/14/14 9:26 AM


Bowls and Spoons CenterSupplies: housekeeping center complete with plastic or wooden bowls, spoons, and aprons (brought from home or from the church’s kitchen)

• Encourage the child to pretend to be Martha and play in the center.

• Tie an apron on the child if she or he wishes to wear one.

SAY: Mary sat and listened to Jesus, and Martha put on her apron and prepared a meal for Jesus.

Come Together TimeSupplies: headbands made from the Fun Pak OR Sisterly Sit-upons

• Invite the children to the Bible Story Circle and have them wear their headbands from the Fun Pak, or have them sit on their Sisterly Sit-upons.

• As the children arrive, tell them that they will hear a story from the Bible about two sisters named Mary and Martha.

• Teach the children this song:

SING: (Sing to the tune of “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star:”) Mary, Mary, where are you? I’ve got so much work to do. Come and help me cook and clean. If you don’t, I’ll think you’re mean. Mary, Mary, where are you? Jesus, tell her what to do!

Martha, Martha, listen well. Hear the things I have to tell. Mary’s doing the right thing, Listening to the news I bring. Martha, Martha, listen well. Hear the things I have to tell. Based on Luke 10:38-42; Words: Daphna Flegal and Linda Ray Miller; © Abingdon Press.

SAY: Jesus wants us to listen to the important things he has to teach us.




SAY: Gabby and the mayor are helping Papa B with story time, but it looks like the mayor is doing all the work while Gabby just sits listening to the story.

061-066 S08 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 63 7/14/14 9:26 AM



Learn the Bible VerseSupplies: Bible Verse Poster (Resource Pak—p. 4)(Optional: Grow! DVD, Ages 3–6)

• Point to the Bible Verse Poster (Resource Pak—p. 4), and SAY the Bible verse two or three times with the children: “God has sent his only Son into the world so that we can live through him” (1 John 4:9).

• Make the following signs in American Sign Language, and invite the children to do the same.



3. World—Hold out your first three fingers on each hand. Circle your hands around each other in a complete circle. End with one hand on top of the other.



• Pass out Bible Story Pak—8 to each child. Invite the children to say the words that are repeated on each page with you.

• After reading page 2, ASK: What did Martha do after Jesus and his friends arrived at her house? (Started making a meal)

• After reading page 3, ASK: What did Mary do while Martha was cooking? (Mary sat and listened to Jesus.) Did this make Martha angry that Mary sat and listened to Jesus? (Yes) What did Martha think Mary should do? (Help her.)

• After reading page 4, ASK: What did Jesus say was the most important thing to do? (Listen to him.)

SAY: It is important to work hard like Martha, but it is more important to spend time listening to Jesus by praying, singing, and hearing Bible stories.

Experience the Bible StorySupplies: Bible Story Pak—8, plastic mixing bowls, large plastic or wooden spoons, plastic kitchen gloves

• Let the children participate in a “Kitchen Relay.” Invite each child to put on kitchen gloves, stir “pretend food” in a plastic mixing bowl five times, and then walk holding the bowl on top of her or his head. Encourage the child to run or walk to the other side of the room, and then walk or run back.

• When the child reaches the side of the room she or he started from, the child gives the gloves, the mixing bowl, and the spoon to the next child in line. That child repeats the process.

• When everyone is finished, invite the children to sit down or lie down.

GOD

SON

WORLD

061-066 S08 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 64 7/14/14 9:26 AM


PRAY: Thank you, God, that we can work hard for you, and that we can sit and relax to learn about you. Amen.

• Read the Bible story again, but this time, read it slowly and quietly.

Serve With LoveMake Martha ApronsSupplies: large paper lunch bags or grocery sacks (one per child); cord, ribbon, or yarn (cut into 20-inch lengths); scraps of decorative wrapping paper, ribbon, lace and/or other sewing trims; crayons and markers; glue sticks and glue; tape; scissors

Use these instructions to make an apron for each child: 1. Cut the bottom off a large paper lunch bag. 2. Cut up the middle of the front of the bag. 3. Open the bag and lay it fl at. 4. Cut the bag as shown to form a T-shape. 5. Tape the cords, yarn, or ribbons to the side tabs for the apron ties (each tie is 20-inches long).

• Let the child decorate the front of the apron any way she or he chooses using crayons or markers, scraps of decorative wrapping paper, ribbon, and/or small pieces of lace or other sewing trims.

• Invite the child to stand, then tie the apron around her or him.

SAY: Mary sat and listened to Jesus, but Martha put on her apron and fi xed a meal for Jesus.

Martha’s Bowl and SpoonSupplies: Reproducible 8a; Bible Story Pak—8; card stock; scissors; crayons or markers; paper punch; ribbon or yarn or magnetic tape; glue sticks

Option A: If you are able to make photocopies onto card stock, make one copy of Reproducible 8a onto plain copy paper. Then use that copy to photocopy Reproducible 8a onto card stock for each child.

Option B: If you cannot photocopy onto card stock, trace the bowl and spoon patterns (Reproducible 8a) onto card stock for each child. Write this Bible verse on the bowl on each child’s copy: “God has sent his only Son into the world so that we can live through him.” (1 John 4:9)

• Invite the children to color their bowls and spoons.

• Write the child’s name on the handle of the spoon, or let the child do so.

• Help the children cut out their bowls and spoons.

• Invite the children to mimic eating out of their bowls with their spoons as you read today’s Bible story again.

• Next, invite the children to glue the spoons to the bowls.

• Punch a hole in the top of the bowl and add a loop of ribbon or yarn so the craft can be hung up. Or, let the child put a piece of magnetic tape on the back of the paper bowl to display it on the family’s refrigerator at home.

SAY: Martha thought it was more important to cook than to listen to Jesus.

061-066 S08 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 65 7/14/14 9:26 AM



Spread the BreadSupplies: slices of bread, several jars of fruit spread, plastic knives, napkins

• Have every child wash and dry her or his hands.

• Invite one child to pass out napkins to be used as place mats.

• Give each child a slice of bread and a plastic knife.

• Place a few jars of fruit spread on the table in front of the children. Show them how to spread the jam on the bread. Let them spread the jam themselves.

PRAY: God is great, God is good. Let us thank God for our food. By God’s hands, we are fed. Let us thank God for our bread. Amen.

WorshipBible Story MuralSupplies: Miracle Pocket (Resource Pak—pp. 8 & 17)

SAY: Each week we will put a piece in our Miracle Pocket of our Bible story.

• Invite a child to put the piece of Mary, Martha, and Jesus in the Miracle Pocket.

SAY: Mary and Martha learned that the MOST important thing they could do was to listen to and learn from Jesus.



PRAY: Dear God, help us remember to keep our eyes and ears on every thing you tell us. Amen.

Plan for Next Week Photocopy: Make copies of Reproducibles 9a and 9b for each child.

• Wedding Dress-up Center: Gather adult or teenage clothing such as: scarves, high heels, men’s hats and ties, men’s shirt’s, and women’s dresses that might be worn to a wedding. Bring an album of wedding pictures.

• Supplies: Bring a packet of purple or red powdered drink mix (do not mix ahead of time), a pitcher, a wooden spoon, and crackers. Provide purple crayons and red construction paper.

• Display the Bible Verse Poster and Mission Poster (Resource Pak—pp. 2, 22). Cut apart the sequence cards of the Wedding at Cana (Resource Pak—p. 15).

061-066 S08 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 66 7/14/14 9:26 AM


Reproducible 5a: Bandage Center


067-076 R02 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 67 7/14/14 9:28 AM



Je

su

s L

ove

s M

e

Jesu

s lo

ves

me!

Thi

s I k

now,

fo

r the

Bib

le t

ells

me

so.

Litt

le o

nes

to h

im b

elon

g;

they

are

wea

k, b

ut h

e is

str

ong.

Yes,

Jes

us lo

ves

me!

Ye

s, J

esus

love

s m

e!

Yes,

Jes

us lo

ves

me!

Th

e B

ible

tel

ls m

e so

.

Reproducible 5b: Get-well Card Center

Wor

ds: A

nn

a B.

War

ner

067-076 R02 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 68 7/14/14 9:28 AM


Reproducible 5c: Make Finger Puppets


Cut

Out

Cut

Out

Cut

Out

Cut

Out

Cut

Out

Cut

Out

067-076 R02 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 69 7/14/14 9:28 AM


Reproducible 6a: Painting Center


067-076 R02 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 70 7/14/14 9:28 AM


Reproducible 6b: Son of God Flags (Stickers)


067-076 R02 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 71 7/14/14 9:28 AM


Reproducible 6c: Make a Well


067-076 R02 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 72 7/14/14 9:28 AM


Reproducible 7a: Thankful Calendar Center (Stickers)


Eac

h d

ay y

our

chil

d re

mem

bers

to

say,

“T

han

k yo

u,”

let

you

r ch

ild

plac

e a

“T”

Stic

ker

on t

he

cale

nda

r fo

r th

at d

ay.

Jesu

s te

ach

es u

s th

at b

ein

g th

ankf

ul i

s ve

ry im

port

ant,

Sund

ayM

onda

yTu

esda

yW

edne

sday

Thu

rsda

yFr

iday

Satu

rday

1819

2021

2223

24

2526

2728

2930

31

067-076 R02 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 73 7/14/14 9:28 AM


Reproducible 7b: Where Is Jesus? (Sticker)


067-076 R02 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 74 7/14/14 9:28 AM


Reproducible 7c: The Thankful Man


067-076 R02 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 75 7/14/14 9:28 AM


Reproducible 8a: Martha’s Bowl and Spoon


into the world so that we can

live through him.(1 John 4:9)

God has sent his only Son

067-076 R02 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 76 7/14/14 9:28 AM


Unit 3MiraclesBible Verse

Jesus replied, “My Father is still working, and I am working too.” (John 5:17)

Leap of Faith Jesus shows me God’s power in the world.

In this unitSession 9, February 1The Wedding at CanaBible story: John 2:1-12

Session 10, February 8Jesus Walks on WaterBible story: Matthew 14:22-33

Session 11,February 15Feeding 5000Bible story: John 6:1-14

Session 12, February 22The Man Beside the PoolBible story: John 5:1-17

CD-ROMGod Is On the Job• Split track recording• Lead sheet• Lyrics• PowerPoint® lyrics

Talkin’ ‘bout Faith (theme song)• Split track recording• Lead sheet• Lyrics• PowerPoint® lyrics

Miracle on the Menu• Split track recording• Lead sheet• Lyrics• PowerPoint® lyrics

Leaper’s Pointe (DVD)Session 9:The Wedding at Cana

Furleen is hosting “Bark for the Park,” a fun way to remind the town council that the town needs a trail where dog owners can walk their dogs. When Harley hands out real dog biscuits for the snacks, the fun really begins!

Session 10:Jesus Walks on Water

It’s time for “Mondo’s Miracle Hour.” Today Mondo is telling the Bible story of Jesus walking on the water.

Session 11:Feeding the 5000

Farley the Fantastic Scientist is doing an experiment called “A Lot from a Little.” Get ready to be amazed!

Session 12:The Man Beside the Pool

The mayor, Harley, and Mondo perform a story about a man who had been sick for years and years. Enjoy watching “Mondo’s Miracle Hour.”

Leaper’s Pointe in Concert (DVD)• God Is On the Job • Talkin’ ‘bout Faith

(theme song)

Leaper’s Pointe in Concert (DVD)Leaper’s Pointe in Concert (DVD)God Is On the Job • Talkin’ ‘bout Faith Talkin’ ‘bout Faith Talkin’ ‘bout Faith

(theme song)(theme song) Talkin’ ‘bout Faith

Leaper’s Pointe in Concert (DVD)

077-078 U03 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 77 7/14/14 9:29 AM

78 February GROW • Proclaim • Serve • Preschool Leader’s Guide





Beyond the BasicsSession 9 red construction paper

adult or teenage clothing: scarves, high heels, men’s hats and ties, men’s shirts, women’s dresses

wide, clear tape (such as for mailing packages), recycled plastic water bottles

purple crayons

wedding photo album

crackers, small paper cups, pitcher of water, packet of red or purple powdered drink mix, napkins, paper towels, wooden spoon

Session 10 blue watercolor paints, small cups, blue crayons or markers, blue crepe paper streamers or ribbons, paint smocks resealable sandwich bags

“Conversation” candy hearts

wide, clear tape (such as for mailing packages), recycled plastic water bottles

snack-size resealable bags, blue toothpaste

Session 11 recycled plastic water bottles

popped popcorn

masking tape or push pins

variety of colors of tissue paper and construction paper, aluminum foil, small paper bowls and white glue

fish-shaped crackers and a picnic tablecloth

Session 12 brads store-bought adhesive bandages

plastic tubs half-filled with water, wooden spoons, plastic tablecloth

unopened travel-size bars of soap (one per child)

tongue depressors, small or circular bandages


TIP #1: The third unit contains Bible stories about Jesus performing miracles. Make sure the children understand that

it was the power of God working through Jesus that made these miracles happen. Help the children relate to and understand

the miracle stories by telling them of a miracle that has happened to you.

077-078 U03 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 78 7/14/14 9:29 AM

The Wedding at CanaBible Verse




Before You Begin

The Bible story of Jesus at the wedding in Cana has so many implications in it that help us understand Jesus’ mission here on earth.

Jesus, his mother, and his disciples of whom some could have been his brothers, had gone to a wedding feast in Cana. The fact that the hosts ran out of wine was very embarrassing. Food and wine should have fl owed freely for days (up to one week). However, at this wedding feast, the wine was gone quickly. Jesus’ mother, Mary, walked up to Jesus and said, “They don’t have any wine” (John 2:3). Mary merely stated the obvious to Jesus. Jesus changed the water into wine. Not only does Jesus change the water into wine, but he changes it into superior wine. When Jesus performs a miracle, as he will in every session this quarter, he gives people the very best. Jesus not only changed water into wine,—it was the best wine! Jesus not only fed fi ve thousand people—there were leftovers! Just as Jesus can change water into the best wine, Jesus can change us into our best selves so that we can honor God.

Another signifi cant point to make from this Bible story is that Jesus performed his fi rst miracle at a wedding, thus showing us that marriage is important—and that Jesus took time out of his busy life to attend a wedding ceremony and even perform a miracle there.

Mary, Jesus’ mother, shows us her total belief in Jesus. Mary knows that Jesus will take care of the problem. Mary said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you” (John 2:5). Jesus only had to speak the words, and the water changed into wine. This shows us how powerful Jesus is. Surely, God was working in and through Jesus.

This fi rst miracle performed by Jesus at the wedding in Cana reassures us that Jesus will take care of our problems. All we need is to have the kind of faith that Mary exhibited, and to tell Jesus what our diffi culty is. Jesus can solve our problems. The fact that this miracle took place at a wedding also tells us that God is concerned about everything in our daily lives—not only the big problems—but the mundane ones such as running out of wine at a very human event.


Session 9February 1


that God is concerned about everything in our daily lives—not only the big that God is concerned about everything in our daily lives—not only the big that God is concerned about everything in our daily lives—not only the big problems—but the mundane ones such as running out of wine at a very human event.

that God is concerned about everything in our daily lives—not only the big



079-084 S09 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 79 7/14/14 9:29 AM

80 February 1 GROW • Proclaim • Serve • Preschool Leader’s Guide







• Give each child the Sticker of the water jar to place on the attendance chart.

Fun Pak CenterSupplies: Fun Pak—9, glue sticks, clear tape, crayons and/or markers, scissors

• Punch out the wreath headstrips and the flowers. Tape the two headstrips together into one long piece. Let the child color the flowers and glue them to the headstrips. Invite the child to wear the wedding wreath after it has been adjusted to fit his or her head.

SAY: Jesus went to a wedding in the village of Cana. The bride and groom probably wore wedding wreaths like these.

Coloring/Activity Page CenterSupplies: Bible Story Pak—9, scissors, red construction paper, glue sticks, crayons or markers

• Activity A: Let the child color the jar any color she or he desires. Cut the flap on the front of the jar on the sides and bottom. Read the statement on the flap. Help the child fill in the missing word (J e s u s). Invite the child to glue the jar onto a piece of red construction paper. At the top of the paper, write: Jesus’ First Miracle.

• Activity B: Send “Hop on Home” with the child. Encourage the parents or guardians to do the suggested activities.

Match the Jars CenterSupplies: Reproducible 9a, crayons or markers

• Encourage the child to draw a line between the matching jars. Then encourage the child to color the matching jars the same color.

SAY: In today’s Bible story, Jesus makes a miracle, and fills six huge water jars with wine right to the brim!

“Hop on Home” is for parents or guardians to use with their child during the week to reinforce what their child is learning in Sunday school. Make sure that every family is given “Hop on Home” each week.

079-084 S09 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 80 7/14/14 9:29 AM


Wedding Dress-up CenterSupplies: adult or teenage clothing: scarves, high heels, men’s hats and ties, men’s shirts, women’s dresses

Bring some men’s and women’s clothing that could be worn to a wedding.

• Invite the children to dress up in clothing that they might wear to a wedding.

SAY: In today’s Bible story, Jesus attended a wedding. What would you wear to a wedding?

Mission MomentSupplies: Mission Poster (Resource Pak—p. 22); scissors; crayons or markers; wide, clear tape; recycled plastic water bottles; Bottle Wrap-Around (Leader’s Guide—p. 117); Mission Letter (Leader’s Guide—p. 116)

Display the Mission Poster (Resource Pak—p. 22). Photocopy the “Mission Letter” and “Bottle Wrap-Around” (Leader’s Guide—pp. 116-117). Each child will need a letter to take home and one bottle wrap. Cut the bottle wrap-arounds apart; there are four per copy.

• Invite the children to the Bible Storytelling Circle by telling them to find a friend and link their arms together to go to the Bible Storytelling Circle. Once the children arrive, invite them to sit down and listen.

SAY: There is a home in the country called Bolivia where children can live if both their father and mother have died, and they have nowhere else to live. During this month of February, you may bring an offering that we will send to that home so that children can live a good life. When the children are in that home, they are read the Bible, they learn how to be kind to one another, they are fed, they are clothed, and they are loved. That is how Jesus wants us to take care of people.

• Give each child a copy of a bottle wrap-around (Leader Guide—p. 117). Invite the child to color a wrap-around. Help the child tape the bottle wrap around a plastic water bottle, creating a new label for the plastic bottle.

SAY: Remember to bring your offering next week to help the children who live at the Methodist Children’s Home in Bolivia.


• Play the song “Talkin’ ‘bout Faith.” Encourage the children to do the motions.


SAY: Furleen is hosting “Bark for the Park,” a fun way to remind the town council that the town needs a trail where dog owners can walk their dogs. When Harley hands out real dog biscuits for snacks, the fun really begins!

TIPYou may give Online, By Phone, or By Mail. For details go to: http://www.umcmission.org/Give-to-Mission/How-to-Give

079-084 S09 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 81 7/23/14 9:32 AM




Put up the new Bible Verse Poster (Resource Pak—p. 2).

• Point to the Bible Verse Poster (Resource Pak—p. 2), and SAY the Bible verse several times: “My Father is still working, and I am working too” (John 5:17).



2. Working—Make a fist with both hands. Tap your right fist to the wrist of the left fist a few times. Both palms are facing down.



• Pass out Bible Story Pak—9 to every child. Read the Bible story to the children. Encourage the children to make the motions on each page with you to participate in the reading of the Bible story.

• After reading page 1, ASK: What did Jesus’ mother say to him? (There is no more wine left to drink.)

• After reading page 2, ASK: What did Jesus tell the men to do? (Fill the water jars with water.)

• After reading page 3, ASK: Jesus made the water turn into what? (Wine)

SAY: God made miracles happen through Jesus. The first miracle was done at a wedding in the town of Cana. We will learn about more miracles in the next few weeks.

Experience the Bible StorySupplies: Wedding at Cana Sequence Cards (Resource Pak—p. 15), scissors

Cut apart the sequence cards of the Wedding at Cana (Resource Pak—p. 15).

• Invite the children to sit in the Bible Story Circle.

• Give one sequence card to three different children.

• Retell today’s Bible story (printed on the next page). As you retell it, invite the child holding the sequence card of the part of the Bible story that you just read to stand up front. Have the three children stand in a line from left to right showing their pictures in the order (sequence) of the Bible story to the other children.

GOD [FATHER]

WORKING

079-084 S09 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 82 7/14/14 9:29 AM


SAY: One day, Jesus, his mother, and his friends went to a wedding in the town of Capernaum. When the guests were eating and drinking, Jesus’ mother said to Jesus, “There is no more wine left to drink.”

• Invite the first child to come up and show the other children his card.

SAY: Mary said to the helpers, “Do whatever Jesus tells you.” Jesus said to the helpers, “Go fill those six big jars with water—all the way to the top! After you have filled them, take some water and give it to the man in charge of the wedding supper.”

• Have the second child hold up the second sequence card.

SAY: The man in charge drank some of the water, but it had turned into wine, and it was very good! The man in charge said to the groom, “Most of the time, the best wine is served at the beginning of the wedding supper, but you have saved the best until last.”

• Have the third child hold up the third sequence card.

SAY: Jesus had turned the water into wine. This is the first miracle Jesus ever performed. This miracle made his friends believe in him even more!

• Let the children take turns telling the Bible story by pointing to the sequence cards.

Serve With LoveColor the JarsSupplies: Reproducible 9b, crayons or markers (including purple)

Make a copy of Reproducible 9b for every child.

• Invite the children to find the six largest jars on this page and to color them purple. Encourage them to color the rest of the jars any color(s) they desire.

SAY: Jesus told the servants to fill six jars with water. Then Jesus turned the water into wine. This was a miracle! A miracle is something that only God can do.

Talk About WeddingsSupplies: wedding photo album (Optional: guest to share a wedding album)

Bring a wedding photo album of your wedding or pictures from somebody else’s wedding.

• Show the class your wedding pictures, or have a guest come and show their wedding pictures.

• Discuss the wedding and the celebration afterward. Was there a meal? Did you have plenty of food and drink, or did you run out? What would you have done if you had run out of something to drink?

• What weddings have the children been involved in or attended?

SAY: Weddings are usually happy. We prepare for a long time for them. Jesus was at a happy celebration.

TIPGuide the children in their responses to the Sequence Cards so that the Bible story can be reinforced or retold again. Save the cards! A second story is shown on the reverse.

079-084 S09 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 83 7/14/14 9:29 AM



A Wedding SupperSupplies: crackers, small paper cups, pitcher of water, a packet of red or purple powdered drink mix, napkins, paper towels, wooden spoon

• Invite the children to wash and dry their hands, and then sit at a table.

• Fill a pitcher full of water. Give each child a paper towel to use for a place mat.

• Invite one child to pass out napkins, and another child to give about four crackers to each child.

SAY: In today’s Bible story, Jesus went to a wedding in the town of Cana. Back then, wine was always served at weddings because it was a drink made from grapes that grew in the area. At the wedding, they ran out of wine. Jesus’ mother said, “Jesus, they have no more wine.” Jesus turned water into wine. (Pour the envelope of red or purple powdered drink mix into the pitcher and stir it.)

• Pour each child a small cup of the drink.

PRAY: Thank you God for Jesus. Thank you, God, for miracles. Thank you, God, for food and drink. Thank you, God, for loving us. Amen.


Locate the Miracle Pocket Miracle for today (Resource Pak—p. 17).

• Show the children the Miracle Pocket Miracle of Jesus and the six water jars.

SAY: Each week we put a piece in our Miracle Pocket to remind us of that day’s Bible story. Today, we will add the Miracle Pocket piece of the six water jars that Jesus turned into six jars of wine.

Sing and PraySupplies: CD-ROM and CD player, or Grow! DVD (Ages 3-6) and DVD player; words and dance for “God Is On the Job” in this Leader’s Guide (pp. 126-127)

• Invite the children to sing and dance to the song, “God Is On the Job.”

• Form a circle. Go around the circle, and pray for each child: PRAY: (Child’s name), God loves you and is making a miracle happen every day. Amen.

Plan for Next Week Photocopy: Reproducibles 10a and 10b. Provide “Conversation” candy

hearts and white glue to use with Reproducible 10a.

• Fun Pak 10a and 10b: Provide blue watercolor paints, blue crayons or markers, blue crepe paper streamers or ribbons, paint smocks, and small cups of water. Cut pink or red yarn into 36-inch strands for the heart necklaces (10b).

• See the Sea: Bring snack-size resealable bags and blue toothpaste. Locate the set of sea creatures Stickers for each child.

• SAVE the Sequence Cards. Use the reverse side (Resource Pak—pp. 15-16).

079-084 S09 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 84 7/14/14 9:29 AM

Jesus Walks on WaterBible Verse


Bible Story Matthew 14:22-33


Before You Begin

The Bible story of Jesus walking on water begins with Jesus praying. John the Baptist had just been killed, and Jesus was troubled by the event. Jesus was

a man of prayer, and he needed time alone and away from everyone to talk with and listen to God.

We learn that the waves and the wind were signifi cant on the Sea of Galilee because the disciples were still trying to cross the sea when they met Jesus walking on the water. It was about dawn. If the disciples usually woke up at 6:00 a.m., this tells us that they must have been exhausted. At fi rst, the disciples thought the fi gure walking on the water toward them was a ghost. Then, they realized it was Jesus. Once the disciples realized it was Jesus, they became calmer because they knew that Jesus could help them in this traumatic situation.

Peter got out of the boat and tried to walk on the water. At fi rst, Peter succeeded, but then he stumbled and fell. Jesus encouraged Peter and the disciples. Jesus said, “Be encouraged! It’s me. Don’t be afraid.” This shows that Jesus encourages us to go to him, imitate his actions, and to not be afraid. Peter began to fall when he doubted Jesus’ power and strength to sustain him in the storm. Some of us have less faith in “walking in faith” than a two-year-old has walking physically! Strong faith grows out of a close relationship with Jesus Christ. Jesus has the power and the authority to settle any crisis in our lives.

This miracle encouraged the disciples to increase their faith. They realized again that Jesus was the Son of God. “Then those in the boat worshipped Jesus and said, ‘You must be God’s Son!’” (Matthew 14:33)

There are three things we can learn from this miraculous Bible story and apply to our lives: 1) Be courageous in any kind of personal storm. 2) Get out of the boat when Jesus calls. 3) Keep our eyes on Jesus.

Today as you teach preschool children, be courageous! Show the children love even if you think it might not be returned. Teach the Bible story with no fear to try new and different things. Keep your eyes focused on Jesus. You are in this place because Jesus has brought you here. Be courageous and share your faith with the children.


Session 10February 8


even if you think it might not be returned. Teach the Bible story with no fear to even if you think it might not be returned. Teach the Bible story with no fear to even if you think it might not be returned. Teach the Bible story with no fear to try new and different things. Keep your eyes focused on Jesus. You are in this place because Jesus has brought you here. Be courageous and share your faith with the children.place because Jesus has brought you here. Be courageous and share your faith place because Jesus has brought you here. Be courageous and share your faith place because Jesus has brought you here. Be courageous and share your faith place because Jesus has brought you here. Be courageous and share your faith place because Jesus has brought you here. Be courageous and share your faith place because Jesus has brought you here. Be courageous and share your faith try new and different things. Keep your eyes focused on Jesus. You are in this try new and different things. Keep your eyes focused on Jesus. You are in this place because Jesus has brought you here. Be courageous and share your faith

even if you think it might not be returned. Teach the Bible story with no fear to

place because Jesus has brought you here. Be courageous and share your faith place because Jesus has brought you here. Be courageous and share your faith


085-090 S10 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 85 7/14/14 9:30 AM






• Show the children where to place their offerings on the worship table. Have the Bible open to Matthew 14:22-33 on the worship table.

• Give each child the Sticker of the biblical boat to place on the chart.

Fun Pak CenterSupplies: Fun Pak—10a, blue and green watercolor paints, crayons, or markers; tape; glue sticks; paper punch; blue crepe paper streamers or ribbons; paint smocks; small cups; Fun Pak—10b, red or pink yarn, paper punch (several), scissors

• Fun Pak—10a: Guide the children through the instructions for making a wind hanging. Encourage them to do as much of the craft as they can themselves.

SAY: Jesus’ friends were out in a boat on a big lake. The wind blew and blew and scared his friends.

• Fun Pak—10b: Punch out the hearts. Use a paper punch to punch a hole in each one. The children will enjoy threading the yarn through the hearts.

SAY: Wear your necklace of hearts and tell people that you love them, or give your heart necklace to someone you love.


• Activity A: Have a Singing Center where you teach the children the song, “Jesus Is the Son of God.” Sing the song to the tune of “Merrily We Roll Along.” Let the child color the picture of Jesus in the boat with his disciples.

• Activity B: Send “Hop on Home” and Activity A home with every child. Encourage the parents or guardians to read the Bible story and invite their children to make the motions, as well as sing the song on Activity A.

Puzzle CenterSupplies: all the puzzles (Resource Pak—p. 9), resealable sandwich bags, scissors

Cut apart the puzzle of Jesus walking on water (Resource Pak—p. 9).

• Invite three different children to put the three different puzzles together.

SAY: We have three different puzzles that show three different Bible stories. Today’s Bible story is about Jesus walking on the water. We have also learned about the wise men who went to fi nd Jesus, and the one man with leprosy who remembered to thank Jesus for healing him.


085-090 S10 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 86 7/14/14 9:30 AM


Love CenterSupplies: Reproducible 10a, “Conversation” candy hearts, construction paper, glue, glue sticks (Optional: crayons)

Make enough copies of Reproducible 10a so that each child has one.

• Have the child glue the page to construction paper for added sturdiness.

• Then help the child glue “Conversation” candy hearts around the heart.

SAY: It is nearing Valentine’s Day. Give your heart to someone you love. The heart says “I love you” on it.

Mission MomentSupplies: Mission Poster (Resource Pak—p. 22); recycled plastic water bottles; Mission Letter and Labels (Leader’s Guide—pp. 116-117); wide, clear tape

• Invite the children to the Bible Storytelling Circle by telling them to find a friend and link their arms together. If you did not give each child a plastic recycled water bottle and label last week, give them bottles and labels today.

SAY: There is a home in a country called Bolivia where children can live if both their father and mother have died, and they have nowhere else to live. During this month of February, you may bring an offering that we will send to that home so that these children can live a good life. When the children are in that home, they are read the Bible, they learn how to be kind to one another, they are fed, they are clothed, and they are loved. That is how Jesus wants us to take care of people. Today we are going to sing a song and play a game to remind us that we should take care of and love other children of God.

• Play a game like “London Bridge,” and invite the children to pass under the “bridge” until they are caught. Change bridge partners after each verse.

SING (to the tune of “London Bridge:”) Come and gather at our home, at our home, at our home. Come and gather at our home, where we LOVE you!

SAY: Remember to bring your offering next week to help the children who live at the Methodist Children’s Home in Bolivia.

• Send a Mission Letter (Leader’s Guide—p. 116) home to each child’s family today if you did not do so last week.




SAY: It’s time for “Mondo’s Miracle Hour.” Today Mondo is telling the story of Jesus walking on the water.


085-090 S10 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 87 7/14/14 9:31 AM










• Pass out Bible Story Pak—10 to every child. Read this rhyming Bible story to the children. Point out the main characters in the artwork and ask the children what is happening on each page.

• After reading page 1, ASK: Where was Jesus in this Bible story? (Up on a mountain praying)

• After reading page 2, ASK: Who did Jesus’ friends see walking on the water? (Jesus—but they thought he was a ghost at first!)

• After reading page 3, ASK: What happened when Peter walked on the water? (Peter started to fall.)

• After reading page 4, ASK: Did Jesus save Peter from falling? (Yes)

SAY: Whenever we are in a scary situation, Jesus will be with us.

Experience the Bible StorySupplies: Jesus Walks on Water Sequence Cards (Resource Pak—p. 16, printed on the reverse side of The Wedding at Cana sequence cards)

• Invite the children to sit in the Bible Story Circle.

• Give one sequence card to three different children.

• Retell today’s Bible story (printed on the next page). As you retell it, invite the child holding the sequence card of the part of the Bible story that you just read to stand up front. Have the three children stand in a line from left to right showing their pictures in the order (sequence) of the Bible story to the other children.

SAY: Jesus told his friends to get into a boat on Lake Galilee. His friends got into the boat, and they sailed away.

GOD [FATHER]

WORKING

085-090 S10 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 88 7/14/14 9:31 AM


SAY: Jesus went up on a mountain to be alone and pray. It was quiet up there, and he stayed and prayed.

The friends were out on Lake Galilee in their boat. The wind grew strong, and they wondered if their boat would float.

• Have the child show Sequence Card #1.

SAY: Before morning, Jesus left the mountain and walked on the water to his friends in their boat. His friends saw Jesus, but they thought he was a ghost!

The friends were scared, and they started to scream! They wondered if they were in a bad dream.

Jesus said to his friends, “Don’t be afraid. I am Jesus.” Peter said, “We should not be afraid—we know he loves us!”

• Have the next child show Sequence Card #2.

SAY: Peter said, “Lord, if it really is you, call me, and I’ll walk to you.” Jesus said, “Come on, Peter, my friend, you can walk on water, too!”

Peter got out and started walking toward Jesus’ call; but the wind and the waves scared him, and he started to fall.

“Jesus, save me,” Peter called. Jesus reached out his hand so Peter wouldn’t fall.

Jesus said, “Peter, you must have faith in the power of God.” Then his friends knew that Jesus REALLY was the Son of God.

• Have the last child holding a card show Sequence Card #3.

Serve With LoveSee the SeaSupplies: snack-size resealable bags, blue toothpaste, Stickers

• Give each child a snack-size resealable bag and a set of Stickers (several fish, a sea horse, a seashell, and a fishing hook) to put on his or resealable bag.

• Squirt blue toothpaste into each snack-size resealable bag. Make sure each bag is closed securely after you add the toothpaste.

• Encourage the child to squish the blue toothpaste in the bag to make it look like the stormy Sea of Galilee.

SAY: In today’s Bible story, Jesus walks on the Sea of Galilee.

Make Jesus WalkSupplies: Reproducible 10b, crayons or markers, tape, 6-inch string for each child

Make a copy of Reproducible 10b for every child. Cut apart the pieces, including the small paper strip. Roll the paper strip into a loop and tape the ends.

• Encourage every child to color the Sea of Galilee scene and Jesus.

• Tape the paper loop to the back of Jesus. Run a 6-inch string through the loop. Then tape the ends of the string to the two small black dots on Sea of Galilee scene. Show the children how to slide Jesus along the string so that he appears to be walking on the Sea of Galilee toward the disciples in the boat.

SAY: Jesus had the power to walk on water to get to his friends.

TIPGuide the children in their responses to the Sequence Cards so that the Bible story can be reinforced or retold again.

085-090 S10 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 89 7/14/14 9:31 AM




• Show the children the Miracle Pocket Miracle of Jesus walking on the water.

SAY: Each week we put a piece in our Miracle Pocket to remind us of that day’s Bible story. Today, we will add the Miracle Pocket piece that shows Jesus having enough power to walk on water to get to his friends. You are one of Jesus’ friends, too, and he loves you and will always be with you.

Sing and PraySupplies: CD-ROM and CD player, or Grow! DVD (Ages 3-6) and DVD player; words and dance for “God Is On the Job” in this Leader’s Guide (pp. 126-127)

• Invite the children to sing and dance to the song, “God Is On the Job.” This song is also found on the DVD.

• And if you know the melody to this old, familiar Sunday school song, teach it to the children.

SING: Oh, how I love Jesus, oh, how I love Jesus, Oh, how I love Jesus, because he first loved me!WORDS: Frederick Whitfield

• Form a prayer circle. Go around the circle, and pray for each child. PRAY: (Child’s name), God loves you and will be with you when you are scared. Amen.

• Encourage the children to jump up and yell: Thank you, God!

Plan for Next Week Photocopy: Reproducibles 11a, 11b, and 11c for each child. Cut plenty

of 1/2-inch squares from tissue paper, construction paper, and aluminum foil for the children to decorate fish (Reproducible 11b). Supply small paper bowls of white glue.

• Punch out the Bible Storytelling Figures (Resource Pak—p. 20).

• Bible Story Pak 11: Locate the fish and bread Stickers to use with the Bible story.

• Picnic With Jesus: Buy fish-shaped crackers, and bring a picnic tablecloth.

• Supplies: Provide a variety of colors of play dough. Check to make sure the play dough is still pliable. Bring popped popcorn for the children to enjoy during the Mission Moment.

085-090 S10 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 90 7/23/14 9:33 AM

Feeding 5000Bible Verse




Before You Begin

For those of us who love the miracle stories of Jesus, this Bible story is one of our favorites. Most of us have a diffi cult time imagining the magnitude

of what God can do. Our human minds think in limited terms. God, however, performs miracles that are beyond our ability to comprehend.

This particular Bible story is found in all four gospels, which is a rarity. Most miracle stories are found in only one or two of the gospels. Perhaps this shows us just how important this Bible story is.

Some biblical scholars believe that this event took place in the countryside—far away from cities where provisions or food could have been bought to feed the hungry crowd. Jesus and his disciples were faced with a dilemma—how could they feed all these people? The disciples could only think as humans think. Philip said, “More than a half year’s salary worth of food wouldn’t be enough for each person to have even a little bit” (John 6:7). Philip could only think in limited human ways to solve the problem of feeding so many people. Perhaps, Andrew had a glimmer of an idea that Jesus could do something miraculous with just a little because he said, “A youth here has fi ve barley loaves and two fi sh. But what good is that for a crowd like this?” (John 6:9) Andrew has an idea that a miracle could happen, but common sense gets the better of him. Jesus shows Andrew that we can take to God what we have (the two fi sh and the fi ve barley loaves), and God can multiply it to give us what we need. However, God not only gave the people all the food they needed, God gave them more than enough. God lavished his miracle of plenty on the people because they believed in God. God can do the same for us. God is able to do a great deal with just a little. We need to believe that God is the power behind everything we need and do.

In this Bible story, we see Jesus as a source of rest, leadership, and nourishment. Jesus knows our physical needs and limitations. Jesus seeks to help us with those limitations so that we can carry on the work of the kingdom. Jesus also shows us what a good leader does. Jesus was concerned about all the people who were coming to hear him, and he wanted to take care of them. Jesus knows our need for nourishment—both physical and spiritual.

Take time this week to feed yourself spiritually. Reread this special Bible story and meditate on it.




shows us what a good leader does. Jesus was concerned about all the people who shows us what a good leader does. Jesus was concerned about all the people who shows us what a good leader does. Jesus was concerned about all the people who were coming to hear him, and he wanted to take care of them. Jesus knows our were coming to hear him, and he wanted to take care of them. Jesus knows our need for nourishment—both physical and spiritual.

Take time this week to feed yourself spiritually. Reread this special Bible story Take time this week to feed yourself spiritually. Reread this special Bible story and meditate on it. and meditate on it.

need for nourishment—both physical and spiritual.need for nourishment—both physical and spiritual.

Take time this week to feed yourself spiritually. Reread this special Bible story Take time this week to feed yourself spiritually. Reread this special Bible story and meditate on it.


Take time this week to feed yourself spiritually. Reread this special Bible story Take time this week to feed yourself spiritually. Reread this special Bible story


Take time this week to feed yourself spiritually. Reread this special Bible story Take time this week to feed yourself spiritually. Reread this special Bible story Take time this week to feed yourself spiritually. Reread this special Bible story

were coming to hear him, and he wanted to take care of them. Jesus knows our were coming to hear him, and he wanted to take care of them. Jesus knows our

Take time this week to feed yourself spiritually. Reread this special Bible story

were coming to hear him, and he wanted to take care of them. Jesus knows our shows us what a good leader does. Jesus was concerned about all the people who were coming to hear him, and he wanted to take care of them. Jesus knows our need for nourishment—both physical and spiritual.


091-096 S11 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 91 7/14/14 9:32 AM








• Give each child the Sticker of the loaf of bread and fish to place on the attendance chart.

Fun Pak CenterSupplies: Fun Pak—11, glue sticks

• Separate the Fun Pak page and the fish and bread. Fold the page to form a booklet. Invite the child to glue the fish and the bread on the appropriate pages of the booklet. Read the story to the child.

SAY: Take this Bible story home, and tell your family about the miracle of Jesus feeding over 5,000 people with only 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish.

Coloring/Activity Page CenterSupplies: Bible Story Pak—11, crayons or markers, Stickers

• Activity A: Send “Hop on Home” and Activity A home with the child. Encourage the parents or guardians to read the Bible story and to invite their child to find the five loaves of bread and two fish hidden in the picture (Activity A).

• Activity B: Encourage the child to place the five bread and two fish Stickers anywhere on the coloring page and then color the picture of the little boy who shared his lunch.

Play Dough CenterSupplies: play dough in a variety of colors

• Give the children different colors of play dough and invite them to make fish, bread, and a basket to carry the fish and bread.

SAY: Jesus made a miracle with two fish and five loaves of bread. We’ll hear about that miracle today!


091-096 S11 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 92 7/14/14 9:32 AM


Basket CenterSupplies: Reproducible 11a, crayons or markers, glue sticks

Make a copy of Reproducible 11a for every child. Cut out the baskets

• Give every child the basket and invite him or her to color his or her basket.

• Help the child apply glue to the corners of the basket and assemble the basket.

• Set the baskets aside. (You will use the baskets to enjoy today’s snack.)

SAY: Sometimes we take baskets on picnics. One time some people came to hear Jesus teach, and they had a picnic while they were with him.

Mission MomentSupplies: Mission Poster (Resource Pak—p. 22), recycled plastic water bottles the children have returned, popped popcorn, offering basket

• Invite the children to the Bible Storytelling Circle by telling them to hop on two feet. Once the children arrive, invite them to sit down and listen.

• Ask if there is anyone who remembered his or her offering for the Children’s Home. Invite the children to place their offerings in the offering basket on the worship table.

SAY: There is a home in a country called Bolivia where children can live if their fathers and mothers have died, and they have nowhere else to live. During February, you may bring an offering that we will send to that home so that these children can live a better life. When the children are in that home, they are read the Bible, they learn how to be kind to one another, they are fed, they are clothed, and they are loved. That is how Jesus wants us to take care of people. Today we are going to eat a few kernels of popcorn after we hop up and say a food that we could share with the children in Bolivia.

• As each child pops up and mentions a food that could be shared, give that child a few kernels of popped popcorn. (Suggestions of food to share might be: popcorn, crackers, cheese, pizza—anything the children mention is all right.)

• Invite the children to “unpop” and become quiet for a prayer.

PRAY: Dear God, thank you for our food and fun. Help us give what we have to those who have none. Amen.




SAY: Farley the Fantastic Scientist is doing an experiment called “A Lot From a Little.” Get ready to be amazed!

TIPShow the children the Mission Poster. Ask them if they can find a picture of today’s Bible story of Jesus blessing the bread and fish. Can they find the 5 loaves of bread and the 2 fish?

091-096 S11 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 93 7/14/14 9:32 AM








• Play the Bible verse section of the DVD


• Pass out Bible Story Pak—11 to every child. Have the children count out loud with you before reading each page. Point out the main characters in the artwork and ask the children what is happening in the pictures.

• After reading page 1, ASK: Who did the crowd of people want to hear teach? (Jesus)

• After reading page 2, ASK: Who gave Jesus FIVE loaves of bread and TWO fish? (A boy in the crowd)

• After reading page 3, ASK: What did Jesus do before he handed the food to everyone? (Jesus blessed the food.)

• After reading page 4, ASK: Was there leftover food? (Yes)

SAY: God made a miracle happen, and there was enough food to feed THOUSANDS of people!

ASK: Who do you think is the Son of God? (Jesus)

Experience the Bible StorySupplies: Bible Storytelling Figures (Resource Pak—p. 20), loops of masking tape or push pins

Punch out the Bible Storytelling Figures (Resource Pak—p. 20).

• As you retell the Bible story to the children, ask one child to put up the Bible storytelling figure just mentioned. The figures can be taped to a wall or pinned to a bulletin board.

SAY: Jesus rode in a boat across Lake Galilee. (Invite a child to put up Jesus.) Jesus got out of the boat and climbed a mountain and sat down with his friends. Soon, a big crowd of people gathered around Jesus. (Invite a child to put up the crowd of people.)

GOD [FATHER]

WORKING

091-096 S11 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 94 7/14/14 9:32 AM


The people wanted to hear Jesus teach. The people wanted to see Jesus make sick people well. The people loved Jesus.

When Jesus saw the large crowd of people, he asked his friends, “WHERE will we get enough food to feed ALL these people?” Andrew, one of Jesus’ friends said, “There is a boy here with TWO fish and FIVE loaves of bread. (Invite a child to put up Andrew and the boy.) The boy gave Jesus his TWO fish and his FIVE loaves of bread. (Put up the boy’s lunch.)

Jesus told his friends to have everyone sit on the ground. (Point to Jesus.) There were at least FIVE thousand people gathered there. (Point to the crowd.)

Jesus took ONE of the boy’s loaves of bread in his hands and thanked God for it. Then Jesus took ONE of the boy’s fish in his hands and thanked God for it. (Point to the boy’s lunch.) Jesus passed the bread and fish around to everyone—all the women, children, and men. (Point to the crowd.)

SAY: The people ate all they wanted. Jesus told his friends to gather the leftovers so that nothing would be wasted. The friends filled up TWELVE extra baskets with food! (Point to the twelve baskets of leftovers.) After the people had seen this miracle, they believed that Jesus was the Son of God.

Serve With LoveJesus FishSupplies: Reproducible 11b, 1/2-inch squares of various colors of tissue paper and construction paper, 1/2-inch squares of aluminum foil, blue crayons, glue, small paper bowls, scissors

Make a copy of Reproducible 11b for every child. Cut around the circle. Pour glue into small paper bowls.

• Give each child a fish in the circle. Ask the children to color the area around the fish blue.

• Invite the children to glue small pieces of aluminum foil, construction paper, or tissue paper to the fish.

SAY: A boy gave Jesus his only two fish, and Jesus made a miracle happen and fed over five thousand people that day. God gives us amazing gifts!

Basket of Fish and BreadSupplies: Reproducible 11c, crayons or markers, safety scissors, glue sticks or tape

Make enough copies of Reproducible 11c so that every child has one. Cut out the pieces.

• Let the children color both sides of their baskets, the fish, and the bread.

• Help each child glue or tape his or her basket together and attach the handle to the basket.

• Let the children enjoy putting their fish and bread into their baskets.

SAY: Jesus made a miracle happen with only five loaves of bread and two fish!

091-096 S11 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 95 7/23/14 9:34 AM



A Picnic With JesusSupplies: baskets made from Reproducible 11a in“Basket Center,” fish-shaped crackers, picnic tablecloth


• Walk the children around the room while SAYING: We’re going on a picnic with Jesus. We’re going to see him heal people. We’re going to learn from him. Where should we sit down and have a picnic?

• Find a place in the room to sit, then put the tablecloth on the floor. Invite the children to sit down.

• Give each child his or her basket (Reproducible 11a) made earlier. Put several fish-shaped crackers in each basket.

• Invite the children to help you say the Blessing. Have the children hold their baskets in both hands and raise them in the air.

PRAY TOGETHER: Thank you, God, for this food. Thank you, God, for your Son. Thank you, God, for miracles. Thank you, God, for loving us. Amen.

• Let the children enjoy talking and eating together.


• Show the children the Miracle Pocket Miracle of the boy who shared his lunch.

SAY: Each week we put a piece in our Miracle Pocket to remind us of that day’s Bible story. Today, we will add the Miracle Pocket piece that shows the little boy who shared his lunch so that Jesus could feed over five thousand people! God fed all the people who wanted to listen to Jesus.

• Remind the children to bring their plastic bottles filled with their offerings to help the boys and girls at the Methodist Children’s Home in Bolivia.

Plan for Next Week Photocopy: Reproducibles 12a, 12b, and 12c for each child. Locate the

“Get Well Soon!” Stickers to use with Reproducible 12b.

• Supplies: Bring brads; store-bought bandages, including circular or small bandages; travel-size bars of soap (one per child); and tongue depressors.

• Experience the Bible Story: Mark a round area with masking tape on one side of the room to represent the Pool of Bethsaida.

• Water Station: Provide plastic tubs half-filled with water, wooden spoons, and a plastic tablecloth.

Sing and PraySupplies: CD-ROM, CD player, words to “Miracle on the Menu” in this Leader’s Guide (p. 128)

• Invite the children to sing and dance to the song, “Miracle on the Menu.”

• And if you know the melody to this old and familiar Sunday school song, SING: Oh, how I love Jesus, oh, how I love Jesus, Oh, how I love Jesus, because he first loved me!

WORDS: Frederick Whitfield

• Form a prayer circle. Move around the circle, and pray for each child: PRAY: (Child’s name), God loves you and gives you more than enough. Thank you, God. Amen.

• Encourage all the children to jump up and yell: Thank you, God!

091-096 S11 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 96 7/23/14 9:34 AM

The Man Beside the PoolBible Verse




Before You Begin

An interesting question that Jesus asked the man beside the pool was, “Do you want to get well?” (John 5:6) This miracle is a little bit different than

the other miracles that Jesus performed. Perhaps the man had actually grown content in his life of sitting by the pool, as diffi cult as that might seem for us to believe. Jesus told the man what he had to do to get better. Jesus said, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk” (John 5:8). Later on, Jesus saw the man in the Temple, and he said, “See! You have been made well” (John 5:14). Perhaps this is the fi rst step in making a miracle happen. We have to want and expect the power of God to make it happen. In other words, we have to believe! We have to have faith! When Jesus healed the man, Jesus spoke to the potential in the man. Jesus invited the man to participate in the miracle when he said, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” Perhaps in our own lives, we need to pick up our mats and walk! We need to participate in the miracle and in the change in our lives. Instead of blaming others and situations for where we are, we need to be a part of the miracle! We can ask Jesus for help, and “pick up our mats and walk!”

This particular miracle is only recorded in the Book of John. The church leaders were not happy with Jesus because he made someone well on the sabbath. The Jews believed that no work should be done at all on the sabbath; yet Jesus defi es that. It appears to us, that Jesus performed miracles when the welfare of a person needed to be helped. Jesus did not shy away from helping a person even on the sabbath.

This sabbath, you will have a room full of young children who are looking to you for leadership, comfort, and love. Provide those for the children just as Jesus provided healing, teaching, comfort, and love for the man who laid beside the pool.





097-102 S12 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 97 7/14/14 9:33 AM








• Give each child the Sticker of the mat to place on the attendance chart.

Fun Pak CenterSupplies: Fun Pak—12, paper punch, brads

• Punch out the man. Tell the child that the man was sick and could not walk. Tell the child that the man sat on a mat every day and hoped that someone would come by and put him in the swirling water.

• Punch a hole in both pieces with a paper punch. Use the green dots as a guide. Help the child insert a brad through the holes. Show the child how the man who was sick can now stand up and walk.

SAY: Jesus healed the man beside the pool so that he could walk.

Coloring/Activity Page CenterSupplies: Bible Story Pak—12, crayons or markers, store-bought adhesive bandages

• Activity A: Encourage the child to color the heart and feet and put bandages on the feet.

• Activity B: Send “Hop on Home” with the child. Encourage the parents or guardians to enjoy the poem (including the motions) with their child.

Water Station CenterSupplies: plastic tubs half-filled with water, wooden spoons, plastic tablecloth

• Put a plastic tablecloth on a table. Place the plastic tubs on the table. Give the child a wooden spoon, and invite her or him to swirl the water in the tub with the wooden spoon and watch it.

SAY: In today’s Bible story, people thought that if they got into the Pool of Bethsaida (beth-SAY uh-duh) when it was swirling, the water would make them well. In today’s Bible story, we will meet a man who wanted to get into the swirling water to be made well.


097-102 S12 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 98 7/14/14 9:33 AM


Jesus Heals Us CenterSupplies: Reproducible 12a, crayons, paper punch, scissors, yarn, masking tape

Make a copy of Reproducible 12a for every child. Cut a piece of yarn approximately 16-inches long for each child. Cut out the two halves of the hearts. Punch holes in the hearts where indicated. Put a piece of tape around one end of the strand of yarn.

• Invite the child to color the two halves of the hearts.

• Place the heart halves on top of one another with the printed sides facing each other. Show the child how to weave the yarn in and out through the holes on the heart halves.

• Pull the extra yarn to the top of the heart so that you can form a loop to hang the heart. Open the heart, and tape the loop on the back of the heart. Tape the other loose end of the yarn in place as well.

• Read the words on the heart to the child.

SAY: Jesus loves us, and Jesus heals us.

Mission MomentSupplies: Mission Poster (Resource Pak—pp. 22), unopened travel-size bars of soap, offering basket

• Invite the children to skip to the Bible Storytelling Circle.

• Ask if there is anyone who remembered his or her offering for the Children’s Home. Collect the offering in the offering basket and invite a child to place the basket on the worship table.

ASK: Have you ever been sick? (Let the children respond.) How did you get better? (Let the children respond.)

SAY: There are many people who help us feel better. There is a home in a country called Bolivia where children can live if their fathers and mothers have died, and they have no place else to go. You have been bringing offerings to send to that home so these children can live a better life. When the children are in that home, they are read the Bible, they learn how to be kind to one another, they are fed, they are clothed, and they are loved. That is how Jesus wants us to take care of people.

SAY: Jesus wants us to take care of sick people just like he did. In today’s Bible story, Jesus healed a man who could not walk. The man was sitting by a pool. Take a bar of soap, and pretend to clean yourself with the soap. Making yourself clean is one way of staying well. Is there anyone you know who is sick? (Invite the children to respond.) Let’s pray:

PRAY: Dear God, thank you for your Son, Jesus. Thank you that we can help other children around the world. Thank you for healing us when we are sick. We pray for _________________ who is sick, and needs your healing and your love. Amen.

TIPSave the unopened travel-size bars of soap to add to the Get-well Cards (Reproducible12b).


097-102 S12 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 99 7/14/14 9:33 AM






SAY: The Mayor, Harley, and Mondo perform a story about a man who had been sick for years and years. Enjoy watching “Mondo’s Miracle Hour.”







Hear the Bible StorySupplies: Bible Story Pak—12, Bible

• Pass out Bible Story Pak—12 to every child. Prepare the children for the reading of today’s Bible story.

SAY: Our story today comes from the Bible. (Show the children a Bible and let them touch it.) The stories in the Bible tell us about God and Jesus. Today’s Bible story is about a time when Jesus healed a man who was sick.

ASK: Have you ever been sick? (Let the children respond.)

SAY: Let’s see how Jesus helps the sick man.

• Invite the children to sit down while you read page 1. Point out objects and people in the artwork.

• After reading page 1, ASK: Who did Jesus see sitting by the pool of water? (A sick man who could not walk.)

• Tell the children to pat their legs while you read the second page.

GOD [FATHER]

WORKING

097-102 S12 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 100 7/14/14 9:33 AM


• After reading page 2, ASK: What did Jesus tell the man to do? (Pick up his mat and walk.)

• Tell the children to stop patting their legs, and shake their fingers, “No,” while you read the third page to them.

• After reading page 3, ASK: Were the church leaders angry that Jesus healed a person on the sabbath day? (Yes)

• Encourage the children to stop moving and listen quietly while you read page 4.

ASK: Did Jesus think it was important to heal people even on the sabbath? (Yes)

SAY: Jesus loves us and wants us to be well every day.

Experience the Bible StorySupplies: masking tape

Mark a round area with masking tape on one side of the room.

• Tell the children to pretend that the area you have taped off is the Pool of Bethsaida (beth-SAY uh-duh) where the man in today’s Bible story lay.

• Line up the children on one side of the room and tell them that they have to get to the Pool of Bethsaida by scooting. They cannot use their legs. They will see how difficult it is to get around without using their legs.

• After the children have arrived at the Pool of Bethsaida, ASK: Is it difficult to get around if you cannot walk? (Let the children respond.)

SAY: Jesus knew how hard life was for the man. Jesus made a miracle happen, and the man was healed!

Serve With LoveGet-well CardsSupplies: Reproducible 12b, unopened travel-size bars of soap, clear tape, markers, “Get Well Soon!” Sticker

Make a copy of Reproducible 12b for every child. Locate the Sticker.

• Give each child a copy of Reproducible 12b, and invite her or him to color it.

• Let the child place the “Get Well Soon!” balloon Sticker on the inside of the card. Then help the child tape a small bar of unopened soap inside the card.

SAY: Give someone who is sick this get-well card. Tell her or him that you hope the good smell from the soap will make her or him feel better!

097-102 S12 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 101 7/14/14 9:33 AM



Sick and Well PuppetSupplies: Reproducible 12c, crayons or markers, tongue depressors (or craft sticks), glue sticks, small or circular bandages (Optional: Bible Story Pak—12)

Make enough copies of Reproducible 12c so that every child has the “sick” and “well” puppet.

• Invite the children to color both faces. Point out to the children that one puppet is happy because he is well, and one puppet is sad because he is sick.

• Give each child a small or circular bandage, and invite her or him to put it on the “sick” puppet.

• Have the children spread glue on the back of both of the faces.

• Help each child place a tongue depressor onto the back of one of the puppet faces, fold over the other face, and rub the two pieces together so they stick.

• Invite the child to hold her or his puppet and turn it to the right side as you briefly retell today’s Bible story.

SAY: Jesus made a miracle happen when he healed a sick man (hold up frowning puppet) and made him well once again (hold up the smiling puppet).

• You can also reread today’s Bible story to the children and let them turn their puppets around according to what is happening in the story.


• Show the children the Miracle Pocket Miracle of Jesus talking to the man beside the pool.

SAY: Each week we have put a piece in our Miracle Pocket to remind us of that day’s Bible story. Today, we will add the last Miracle Pocket piece that shows Jesus talking to the sick man beside the pool. PRAY: Thank you, Jesus, for being with us when we are sick. Thank you for all the miracles you do for us every day. Amen.

Plan for Next WeekSend us your Comments From Users (Leader’s Guide—p. 118). We welcome your feedback on what works (or doesn’t work) for your group of children.

Photocopy Reproducibles 1a, 1b, and 1c. Display the Bible Story Mural and Bible Verse Poster (Resource Pak). Listen to the CD-ROM. View the Grow! DVD.

• I See Easter: Prepare an “I See Easter” booklet for each child. Photocopy Reproducible 1a, cut the jar pictures apart, and put one picture inside a plastic Easter egg for each child. Hide the eggs around your room.

• Supplies: Provide plastic Easter eggs; baby oil and cotton balls; spray bottle filled with water and a little bit of vanilla or a spray bottle of perfume; felt material, sharp scissors or zig-zag scissors, glue, sequins, foam scraps or decorations, business-size envelopes, spray cologne; play dough and glitter.

Sing and PraySupplies: CD-ROM, CD player or DVD player; words to “God Is On the Job” in this Leader’s Guide (pp. 126-127)

• Invite the children to sing and dance to the song, “God Is On the Job.”

• And if you know the melody to this familiar Sunday school song, SING: Oh, how I love Jesus, Oh, how I love Jesus, Oh, how I love Jesus, because he first loved me!

WORDS: Frederick Whitfield

• Form a prayer circle. Ask the children if they know of any sick people for whom they would like to pray.

PRAY: Dear God, be with ___________, and help (her or him) feel better. Amen.

097-102 S12 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 102 7/14/14 9:33 AM


Reproducible 9a: Match the Jars Center


103-112 R03 PS LG DJF2014-15.indd 103 7/14/14 9:37 AM


Reproducible 9b: Color the Jars


103-112 R03 PS LG DJF2014-15.indd 104 7/14/14 9:37 AM


Reproducible 10a: Love Center


103-112 R03 PS LG DJF2014-15.indd 105 7/14/14 9:37 AM


Reproducible 10b: Make Jesus Walk


PAPE

R S

TRIP

103-112 R03 PS LG DJF2014-15.indd 106 7/14/14 9:37 AM


Reproducible 11a: Basket Center


GLUEGLUE

GLUE

GLUE

103-112 R03 PS LG DJF2014-15.indd 107 7/14/14 9:37 AM


Reproducible 11b: Jesus Fish


103-112 R03 PS LG DJF2014-15.indd 108 7/14/14 9:37 AM


Reproducible 11c: Basket Center


GLUEGLUE

GLUEGLUE

103-112 R03 PS LG DJF2014-15.indd 109 7/14/14 9:37 AM


Reproducible 12a: Jesus Heals Us Center


Jesu

slo

ves

us.

Jesu

sh

eals

us.

103-112 R03 PS LG DJF2014-15.indd 110 7/14/14 9:37 AM


Reproducible 12b: Get-well Card (Sticker)


Get

Well

Soon

!

103-112 R03 PS LG DJF2014-15.indd 111 7/14/14 9:37 AM


Reproducible 12c: Sick and Well Puppets


103-112 R03 PS LG DJF2014-15.indd 112 7/14/14 9:37 AM

Winter 2014-15 GrowProclaimServe.com 113Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2014 Cokesbury.Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2014 Cokesbury.

Nativity Wreath

113-128 R04 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 113 7/14/14 9:39 AM



Figures for Nativity Wreath

113-128 R04 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 114 7/14/14 9:39 AM

Winter 2014-15 GrowProclaimServe.com 115Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2014 Cokesbury.

Figures for Nativity Wreath

113-128 R04 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 115 7/14/14 9:39 AM



Mission Letter

Dear Parents and Guardians,

This month your child’s Sunday school class is invited to participate in the mission of raising money for the Global Ministries Methodist Children’s Home. The Methodist Children’s Home provides a permanent home for abandoned and orphaned children in Bolivia. The home provides love and care for forty children, hosts worship for their community, and helps empower women financially and spiritually in the community. You can learn more about the project here: http://www.umcmission.org/Give-to-Mission/Search-for-Projects/Projects/15154A.

Your child will bring home a recycled water bottle that she or he is encouraged to fill up with an offering for the Children’s Home. Please send these bottles back with your child by February 22. We will send the money collected to the Methodist Children’s Home that day.

Thank you!

113-128 R04 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 116 7/14/14 9:39 AM


Mission Project: Bottle Wrap-Around

Tell them to do good, to be rich in the good things they do, to be generous, and to share

with others.(1 Timothy 6:18)







113-128 R04 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 117 7/14/14 9:39 AM



1. Which resources do you use? (check all that apply)• Leader’s Guide• Bible Story Paks• Fun Paks • Resource Pak• Music CD-ROM / Music CD • DVDs• Publicity Items (Banner, Postcard, and so forth)

2. Which quarter did you teach?• Fall • Winter• Spring • Summer

Use the following scale to rate each of the resources: 1 = NEVER 2 = SOMETIMES

3 = MOST OF THE TIME 4 = ALL THE TIME

N/A = NOT APPLICABLE

3. Leader’s Guide

___ Easy to use

___ Used a variety of learning styles

___ Matched my current church situation

___ Bible story was central to the session

4. Bible Story Pak

___ Activities were fun for the kids

___ Art was appealing

___ Appropriate for the skill level of my boys and girls

___ Encouraged growth in Bible skills

5. Fun Paks

___ Creative activities that the children enjoyed

___ Clear and concise directions

___ Related to the faith experience of the session

___ Age-appropriate for the children

6. Resource Pak

___ Visually appealing to the children

___ Games were fun and easy to lead

7. Music CD-ROM / Music CD

___ Children enjoyed singing and moving to the music

___ Music related to the sessions

8. DVDs

___ Children enjoyed Leaper’s Pointe

___ Children enjoyed the music and movement videos

___ The sign language of the Bible verse was helpful

9. What was your favorite activity this quarter?

10. What was your least favorite activity this quarter?

11. Tell us about one faith experience in your group this quarter.

12. Did you find enough material for the time you had available?

Yes No

How much time did you have?

Comment:

13. Did you see spiritual growth in your kids? (in prayer, eagerness

about the Bible, their relationships with one another)

Yes

No

14. Any other comments?

15. How many children did you have in your group? __________

16. How many leaders did you have in your group for each age level

that you taught? _____________________________________

17. What is the approximate membership size of your church?• Under 100 • 100–199 • 200–299• 300–499 • 500–749 • 750–999• 1000+

18. What area is your church located?• Urban • Suburban• Small town • Rural

Name: _________________________________________________

Church Name: __________________________________________

Church Address: _________________________________________

City: __________________________________________________

State: __________________________________________________

ZIP: ___________________________________________________

E-mail Address: _________________________________________

Phone #: _______________________________________________

Please return this form to:

Kerry H. Blackwood

The United Methodist Publishing House

201 8th Avenue, South, P. 0. Box 801

Nashville, TN 37202-0801

If you have additional questions or comments please contact:

Curric-U-Phone: 1-800-251-8591 Mon-Fri 8:00 am-4:00 pm CST,

or [email protected].

Comments From Users (Preschool Age Level)

113-128 R04 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 118 7/14/14 9:39 AM


You can use the following puppet scripts if you use Leaper, the Frog, in your Sunday school:

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2014 LEAPER SAYS: I get so excited when we get little tadpoles swimming around in the pond! Do you know what a tadpole is? (A baby frog) When people have little ones, what are they called? (Babies) Raise your hand if you have a baby at your house. Before a baby is born, parents get ready for their baby. What do parents do? (Set up a crib, get baby clothes, get a car seat) There are many things to do to get ready for a baby. In today’s Bible story, an angel told a man named Joseph and a woman named Mary that they were going to have a very special baby. Do you know what their special baby’s name was? (Jesus) Listen carefully to the baby’s story, because you will hear it again and again, but each time you hear it—it is still VERY special. Let’s sing a song to remind ourselves to get ready for baby Jesus. (Sing this song to the tune of “Are You Sleeping?”)

SING: Let’s get ready, let’s get ready, to hear good news, to hear good news. An angel came to Mary. An angel came to Joseph. Tell good news! Tell good news!

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2014 LEAPER SAYS: I would like all of you to sit still for a minute and think of something good that you can tell the girls and boys. (Invite the children to mention something good in their lives.) In today’s Bible story, Mary went to visit her cousin, Elizabeth, to tell Elizabeth that she was going to have a special baby. What will Mary’s baby’s name be? (Jesus) Elizabeth was going to have a baby, too; and her baby’s name would be John. Let’s pretend that we’re going on a trip to visit our cousins, and we have to bring something. • Play the “Packing Game.” Invite one child to say

her or his name and mention one thing she or he is packing. Have the child next to that child repeat what her or his neighbor said, and then say something new that she or he is packing. Go around the circle and have the children see if

they can remember what their neighbor is packing as well as everyone else in the circle.

LEAPER SAYS: Whew! That was exhausting to pack SO many things. I better lie down and rest now before our big trip. Lie down with me and be very quiet while we listen to the Bible story together.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2014 *NOTE: This Bible story lends itself to letting the children perform the parts of Mary, Joseph, an angel, and two shepherds. The children simply make the motions and move while the story is read.

LEAPER SAYS: Today’s Bible story tells about the birth of Jesus. Stand up and walk in place while I start telling today’s Bible story: Mary and Joseph had to go to Bethlehem. Bethlehem was far away from where Mary and Joseph lived in Nazareth. Mary rode on a donkey. Mary was going to have a baby! As I continue reading, I’d like you to pretend to rock a baby in your arms. When Mary and Joseph arrived in Bethlehem, all the rooms were full. Mary and Joseph found a stable in which to stay. A stable is a place where animals live. Mary had baby Jesus in the stable. Mary wrapped Jesus in baby blankets and laid him in a manger. Mary and Joseph took care of Jesus. They loved Jesus. As I continue telling you the Bible story, flap your arms like the wings of an angel. In the fields around Bethlehem, shepherds were watching their sheep. That night, an angel appeared to the shepherds. The angel said, “Do not be afraid! Today in Bethlehem a baby was born for everyone! The baby is God’s Son. The baby’s name is Jesus! You will find him lying in a manger in a stable.” For the last part of today’s Bible story, I want you to hold your hands up in the air and praise God! Then the angel joined many other angels, and they sang, “Glory to God in heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors.” Then the angels returned to heaven. The shepherds said, “Let us go to Bethlehem and see this special baby!” The shepherds found Mary and Joseph, and baby Jesus just like the angel had told them.

Leaper Puppet Scripts (Sessions 1–3)

113-128 R04 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 119 7/14/14 9:39 AM



SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2014 LEAPER SAYS: Today is the day when we remember the wise men who visited Jesus when he was little in Bethlehem. I’m going to tell you today’s Bible story, and every time I pause or stop, I want you to clap your hands three times. Wise men from afar went looking for a new king. The wise men followed a star. (Clap, clap, clap.) First, the wise men visited King Herod to see if he knew where the new king was. King Herod said, “He’s not here, and I don’t want a new king!” (Clap, clap, clap.) The wise men rode their camels ‘till they came to a little house in Bethlehem. The star hung in the sky over the house. (Clap, clap, clap.) One wise man asked, “Do you think this is where the new king lives—in this little house?” (Clap, clap, clap.) Another wise man answered, “It’s a small house for a king, but this is where the star has led us. Let’s go knock on the door.” (Clap, clap, clap.) A young woman answered the door. Her name was Mary. (Clap, clap, clap.) One of the wise men said, “We have been following a star because we have been looking for a new king, and the star stopped over this house. Is there a new king here?” (Clap, clap, clap.) Mary said, “There’s nobody here but my son and I.” (Clap, clap, clap.) When the wise men saw little Jesus, they knew that he was the new king, and they bowed down and worshipped him and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. (Clap, clap, clap.)

SUNDAY, JANUARY 4, 2015 LEAPER SAYS: Today’s Bible story is about a little girl who is healed by Jesus and who is able to live again. Jesus healed the little girl because he loved her. Jesus loves you, too. Jesus loves children. I’m going to say a sentence, and after I am finished saying it, I want you to JUMP UP and SAY: Jesus loves me! At the end, we’ll sing “Jesus Loves Me.” When I have done something wrong and I feel badly about it, I know that I can ask God for forgiveness, and God will forgive me because… Jesus loves me!

When I am sick, and I feel badly, I can pray to God and ask for healing because I know… Jesus loves me! Let’s sing “Jesus Loves Me.”

SUNDAY, JANUARY 11, 2015 LEAPER SAYS: One day Jesus met a woman at a well. Jesus started talking to her. Jesus told her that he knew all about her, and he knew that she had made some mistakes; but if she followed him and his teachings, her life would change. Let’s play a game called, “Jesus Says.” I will tell you to do something, but you SHOULD NOT do it unless I first say, “Jesus Says.” Let’s begin: Jesus says, “Touch your nose.” Jesus says, “Touch your toes.” Turn around. Jesus says, “Hop up and down.” Jesus says, “Sit down.” Remember boys and girls that when Jesus tells you to do something, and you do it, you will always come out smelling as sweet as a rose!

SUNDAY, JANUARY 18, 2015 LEAPER SAYS: Today’s Bible story is about saying, “Thank you.” Everybody say it all together: Thank you! When somebody helps you, what should you say? (Thank you!) When somebody gives you something to eat, what should you say? (Thank you!) When somebody gives you something to drink, what should you say? (Thank you!) When somebody heals you when you’re sick, what should you say? (Thank you!) Jesus healed ten sick men, but only one of them remembered to say, “Thank you!” Saying “thank you” is VERY important. Thank you, boys and girls for listening to me. Signing off, now, your friendly frog Leaper.


113-128 R04 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 120 7/14/14 9:39 AM


SUNDAY, JANUARY 25, 2015 LEAPER SAYS: Today’s Bible story is about two sisters named Mary and Martha. Do you have a sister? Mary liked to listen to Jesus. Martha liked to work. When Jesus visited the sisters, Mary sat and listened to Jesus, while Martha worked. If you had been there, what would you have done? Would you listen to Jesus like Mary did, or would you work hard like Martha did? I am going to whisper something in your ear, and you whisper it to the person sitting next to you. WHISPER one of these: (God loves you; Jesus loves you; love each other; Jesus is God’s Son)

ASK: What did you learn from Leaper today?

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2015 LEAPER SAYS: In today’s Bible story, Jesus went to a wedding in the town of Cana. At the wedding, they ran out of something to drink. Everyone was upset! Jesus’ mother told Jesus to make something for the people to drink. Jesus did make something for the people to drink. Jesus showed that he cares about our small problems and our BIG problems. If your shoe gets lost, can you ask Jesus to help you find it? If you are scared about going to Sunday school, can you ask Jesus to make you brave? If you run out of a drink at a wedding, can you take the problem to Jesus? Jesus always loves you and cares about your big problems and your little problems.

• Sing “Jesus Loves Me.”

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2015 LEAPER SAYS: Have you ever walked on top of water? Jesus walked on water and so did Peter, his disciple. Peter walked on water because his faith in Jesus was so strong. When Peter started to doubt Jesus’ power, Peter started to sink in the water, but Jesus caught him! Stand up and pretend that we’re going for a walk with Jesus! Pretend we’re out in a boat with the disciples. It’s windy and the waves are rocking our boat back and forth. (Rock back and forth.) All of a sudden, we see something coming toward us! (Put the side of your hand over your eyebrows.) It looks like a ghost, but we see it is Jesus!

Peter says, “I’m going to walk on water toward Jesus!” (Pretend to sway back and forth as if walking on wavy water.) All of a sudden, Peter starts falling. (Pretend to fall.) Peter cries out, “Jesus help me, I’m falling!” Jesus says, “Peter, I’m always here to catch you.” (Stand up again!) Who will always be with you when you feel weak and start to fall? (Jesus) PRAY: Thank you, Jesus, for loving us and being with us when we start to fall. Amen.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2015 LEAPER SAYS: Has anyone ever seen a miracle? One day, Jesus was talking to a lot of people— over 5,000! The people had been listening to Jesus for a long time, and they were getting hungry. Jesus asked his disciples, “What should we do?” Andrew said, “There’s a boy here who has five loaves of bread and two fish, but that’s not enough to feed ALL these people.” Jesus knew what he could do. Jesus lifted one of the boy’s loaves of bread to heaven and said, “Thank you, God, for this bread.” Then Jesus gave everyone bread to eat, and everyone was fed.

• Pass a basket of crackers among the children, and tell them to take one cracker and pass the basket to their neighbor.

LEAPER SAYS: When we trust in Jesus, miracles happen!

PRAY: Dear God, thank you for the miracles you give us every day. Help us to see them and be grateful for them. Amen.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2015 LEAPER SAYS: I know a song we can sing about miracles and Jesus. (Sing this song to the tune of, “If You’re Happy and You Know It.”) SING (happily): Oh, Jesus is God’s Son, clap your hands. (Clap, clap) Oh, Jesus is God’s Son, clap your hands. (Clap, clap) He can do a miracle, ‘cause he’s the Son of God. Oh, Jesus is God’s Son, clap your hands. (Clap, clap)

• Repeat the song and say a prayer with the children.


113-128 R04 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 121 7/14/14 9:39 AM



Come to Us, Emmanuel (Unit 1)

Verse 1In the days to come,

hope is all around us.

We await the One,

feel his love surround us.

A time that brings us happiness;

his story we retell.

Hope is almost here.

Come to us, Emmanuel.

Verse 2In the days to come,

with anticipation

the season has begun—

joy and adoration.

ChorusYou bring us everlasting peace

with songs of Noel.

Hope is almost here.


Doo doo doo doo doo.

Doo doo doo doo doo doo.

You bring us everlasting peace

with songs of Noel.

Hope is born with you.


Doo doo doo doo doo-oo-oo.

(Movement note: Let the children wave purple scarves, crepe paper streamers, or strips of purple cloth.)

WORDS: Dennis ScottMUSIC: Dennis Scott © 2014 Act IV Music

113-128 R04 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 122 7/14/14 9:39 AM


Light a Light (Unit 1)

Verse 1Come along and light a candle.

Pray with me.

Let the Spirit fill you deep inside.

What a special time to be a family, with the gift of Christ who brings us light.

ChorusLight a light for hope.

Light a light for joy!

Light a light for peace on earth for every girl and boy.

Light a light for love, and one more light as well.

And shine it on the one, Emmanuel.

Verse 2Jesus is our gentle teacher, and our friend.

Now the season of his birth has come as we light each candle, and we say, “Amen.”

Think of all the good that he has done.

ChorusSo light a light for hope.

Light a light for joy.

Light a light for peace on earth for every girl and boy.

Light a light for love, and one more light as well.

And shine it on the one, Emmanuel.

Doo doo doo doo doo doo doo doo doo.


113-128 R04 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 123 7/14/14 9:39 AM



One Heart at a Time (Unit 2)

ChorusBa ba da dap. Ba ba da dap.Ba ba da dap. Da dap. Da ap da da da dap.

Verse 1I can feel the love.I can feel the joy.Jesus did it all, one heart at a time.(Sign: one, heart, time)

Verse 2I can feel the hope.I can feel the help.Jesus did it all, one heart at a time.(Sign: one, heart, time)

Verse 3I’ve got a change of heart.I’ve got a brand-new start.Everybody, Jesus changes one heart at a time.(Sign: one, heart, time)

I’ve got a brand-new life.Now I can see the light.Everybody, Jesus changes one heart at a time.(Sign: one, heart, time)

ChorusBa ba da dap. Ba ba da dap.Ba ba da dap. Da dap. Da ap da da da dap.Ba ba da dap. Ba ba da dap.Ba ba da dap. Da dap. Da ap da da da dap.Da ap da da da dap.Ba ba da dap. Ba ba da dap.Ba ba da dap.

Changing one heart at a time. (Sign: one, heart, time)

Verse 4Helping us to grow.Helping us to know.Jesus does it all, one heart at a time.(Sign: one, heart, time)

With a gentle touch,he can do so much.Jesus does it all, one heart at a time.(Sign: one, heart, time)

(continued…)


113-128 R04 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 124 7/14/14 9:39 AM


One Heart at a Time

Verse 5I’ve got a change of heart.I’ve got a brand-new start.Everybody, Jesus changes one heart at a time.(Sign: one, heart, time)

I’ve got a brand-new life.Now I can see the light.Everybody, Jesus changes one heart at a time.(Sign: one, heart, time)

ChorusBa ba da dap. Ba ba da dap.Ba ba da dap. Da dap. Da ap da da da dap.Ba ba da dap. Ba ba da dap.Ba ba da dap.

Changing one heart at a time. (Sign: one, heart, time)

WORDS: Dennis ScottMUSIC: Dennis Scott© 2014 Act IV Music

HEART

HEART —Draw an outline of a heart on the chest using index fi ngers.

TIME

TIME —Tap the back of the left hand with the right index fi nger.

ONE

ONE —Hold up the index fi nger.

113-128 R04 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 125 7/14/14 9:39 AM



God Is on the Job (Unit 3)

Chorus

God is on the job.

God is on the job—

working, twenty-four seven;

(Put one arm on the shoulder of the person in front of you; stomp in place.)

working, never forgetting;

(Keep one arm on the shoulder of the person in front of you; stomp in place.)

working, every hour;

(Turn to go the opposite way. Put one arm on the shoulder of the person in front of you; stomp in place.)

working, filled with the power.


Verse 1

God is watching us,

(Put hand above eyes. Move feet in and out; moving to the side.)

showing us the way,

(Point index finger. Move feet in and out; moving to the opposite side.)

never giving up

(Move hands back and forth over each other.)

every single day.

(Spread hands out.)

Chorus

God is on the job.

God is on the job.

Don’t you know

God is on the job, and God is . . .

Verse 2

Working, miracles daily;

(Put one arm on the shoulder of the person in front of you; stomp in place.)

working, never will fail me;


working, now and forever;

(Turn to go the opposite way; Put one arm on the shoulder of the person in front of you; stomp in place.)

working, making it better.


God is watching us,

(Put hand above eyes. Move feet in and out; moving to the side.)

showing us the way,

(Point index finger. Move feet in and out; moving to the opposite side.)

(continued…)


113-128 R04 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 126 7/14/14 9:39 AM


God Is On the Job


never giving up

(Move hands back and forth over each other.)

every single day.

(Spread hands out.)

Chorus

God is on the job. (God is on the job.)

God is on the job. Don’t you know

God is on the job? (God is on the job.)

God is on the job, and God is…

working, working

(Move like a machine.)

working, working, working


working, working, working


working, working.


God is on the job. (Oh, God.)


God is on the job? (Working hard.)

God is on the job.

God is on the job. (God is always there.)


God is on the job?

(God is on the job.)

God is on the job,

and God is

working,


working,


working.

(Slow machine down to a stop.)

113-128 R04 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 127 7/14/14 9:39 AM




Miracle on the Menu (Unit 3)Verse 1There’s a miracle on the menu.There’s a special that you should try—two little fishes made five thousand dishes.Our master chef is Jesus,and he’s serving food that pleases.It’s an out-of-the-way-type venue.And the critics are saying, “Wow!”Just as sure as brick and mortar.Now it’s time to take your order;there’s a miracle happening now.

Verse 2There’s a miracle on the menu,as amazing as it can be.Jesus was teaching. His words, they were reaching.A boy with hardly anyhad a lunch to feed the many.And a lesson was learned about sharing.There were leftovers left, and how!It was great; it was colossal.Just ask any old apostle.There’s a miracle happening now.

Verse 3When a deed of wonder beckons,you can even order seconds.There’s a miracle happening now.There’s a miracle happening now.There’s a miracle happening now.

113-128 R04 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 128 7/14/14 9:39 AM

Scope and Sequence 2014-2015Fall 2014Unit 1: In the Beginning1. Creation2. In God’s Image3. Noah4. A Time for Everything

Unit 2: Beginning of God’s People5. Abraham and Sarah6. Isaac Is Born7. Twin Brothers8. Jacob’s Ladder

Unit 3: Hope for God’s People9. Joseph and His Brothers10. Joseph in Egypt11. Joseph Saves the Day12. Reunited (Thanksgiving)13. A Savior Is Coming (Micah)

Winter 2014-2015Unit 1: Hope Is Born1. Mary and Joseph2. Mary and Elizabeth3. The Birth of Jesus4. The Wise Men

Unit 2: Touched By Jesus5. Jairus’s Daughter6. The Woman at the Well7. The Ten Lepers8. Mary and Martha

Unit 3: Miracles 9. The Wedding at Cana10. Jesus Walks on Water11. Feeding 500012. The Man Beside the Pool

Spring 2015Unit 1: Preparing for Easter1. Mary Anoints Jesus2. The Widow’s Offering3. The Last Supper4. The Garden5. Palm Sunday

Unit 2: Easter and Beyond6. Easter7. Thomas8. Breakfast on the Beach9. The Great Commission

Unit 3: In the Spirit10. Gifts of the Spirit11. Fruit of the Spirit12. Seven in the Spirit (Deacons)13. Pentecost14. Philip and the Ethiopian

Summer 2015Unit 1: Caretakers1. Of God’s Creation2. Of Our Resources3. Of Ourselves4. Of Others

Unit 2: Never Too Young5. David, the Musician6. Naaman’s Servant7. Jeremiah8. Timothy

Unit 3: Favorite Bible Passages 9. The Shema10. Psalm 23 11. John 3:1612. The New Commandment13. 1 Corinthians 13

Vol. 3 • No. 2 • WINTER 2014-15

EDITORIAL / DESIGN TEAMKerry Blackwood .................................................... EditorTheresa Kuhr ....................................... Production EditorArvis Guilbault ................................................... Designer

ADMINISTRATIVE TEAMNeil M. Alexander ............................................. PublisherMarjorie M. Pon ................Associate Publisher and Editor of

Church School Publications (CSP) Phillip D. Francis ................Senior Design Manager, CSPLeeDell B. Stickler .... Senior Editor, Children’s Resources

Grow, Proclaim, Serve: Grow Your Faith bY leaPS and boundS, PreSchool, leader’S Guide: An official resource for The United Methodist Church approved by the General Board of Discipleship and published quarterly by Cokesbury, a division of The United Methodist Publishing House, 201 Eighth Avenue, South, P.O. Box 801, Nashville, TN 37202-0801. Price $9.99. Copyright © 2014 Cokesbury. All rights reserved. Send address changes to Grow, Proclaim, Serve: PreSchool, leader’S Guide, Subscription Services, 201 Eighth Avenue, South, P.O. Box 801, Nashville, TN 37202-0801 or call 800-672-1789. Printed in the United States of America.

To order copies of this publication, call toll free: 800-672-1789. You may fax your order to 800-445-8189. Telecommunication Device for the Deaf/Telex Telephone: 800-227-4091. Or order online at cokesbury.com. Use your Cokesbury account, American Express, Visa, Discover, or MasterCard.

If you have questions or comments, call Curric-U-Phone toll free: 800-251-8591. Or e-mail [email protected].

For information concerning permission to reproduce any material in this publication, write to Rights and Permissions, The United Methodist Publishing House, 201 Eighth Avenue, South, P.O. Box 801, Nashville, TN 37202-0801. You may fax your request to 615-749-6128. Or e-mail [email protected].

Scripture quotations, unless noted otherwise, are from the Common English Bible. Copyright © 2011 by the Common English Bible. All rights reserved. Used by permission. (www.CommonEnglishBible.com)

Scripture quotations marked (CEV) are from the Contemporary English Version Copyright © 1991, 1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by permission.

Scripture quotations marked (NRSV) are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23— 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1PACP01383715-01

Cokesbury.com | 800.672.1789Community Resource Consultants

GPS157010001 PA

CP01479744-01

For Christmas: MARY’S SONGSing with Mary and share the story of Jesus’ birth with this story based on the Gospels of Matthew and Luke.

Coming for Easter: THE UNEXPECTED KINGHelp your child experience the wonder that surrounds the resurrection of Jesus.

Share the greatest stories of the Christian faith with all the children in your congregation. Each of these affordable gift books includes a maze, a word � nd,

a coloring page, and a seasonal calendar with stickers.

gifts for Kids!PERFECT SEASONAL

$199Only

each!

GPS157010001ND001.indd 1 7/2/14 2:36 PM

C00 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 2-3 7/14/14 9:42 AM

GrowProclaimServe.com

C00 PS LG DJF 2014-15.indd 4-1 7/14/14 9:42 AM

Date post:	14-Sep-2020
Category:	Documents
Upload:	others
View:	0 times
Download:	0 times

GrowProclaimServe - Clover Sitesstorage.cloversites.com/unitedmethodistchurchofevergreen...Bolivia,...

Documents