New Growth Press, Greensboro, NC 27404Copyright © 2018 by Bible Study Media Inc.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publisher, except as provided by USA copyright law.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Reader’s Version®, NIrV® Copyright © 1995, 1996, 1998, 2014 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIrV” and “New International Reader’s Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™
Scripture quotations marked ESV are taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version.® Copyright © 2000; 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture quotations marked NASB are taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1960, 1962,1963,1968,1971,1972,1973,1975,1977,1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.
Revised Common Lectionary, Copyright © 1992 Consultation on Common Texts. Used by permission.
Cover Design: Faceout Books, faceoutstudio.comInterior Design, Illustration, and Typesetting: Scot McDonald
ISBN 978-1-945270-98-7
LOWER ELEMENTARY SUNDAY SCHOOL
CONTENTS
Welcome to Hearts Alive / 4
Week 1: Living in Wisdom:Song of the Beloved / 9
Week 2: Living in Wisdom:Justice and Mercy / 23
Week 3 : Living in Wisdom:Wisdom’s Invitation / 36
Week 4 : Living in Wisdom:The Wise Wife / 45
Week 5 Esther’s Bravery / 54
Week 6 Job’s Sorrowful Test / 65
Week 7 Job’s Lament / 77
Week 8 Job’s Conversation with God / 91
Week 9 Job’s Restoration / 103
Week 10: Restoration:Ruth and Naomi / 115
Week 11: Restoration: Ruth and Boaz, and Baby Obed / 125
Week 12: Restoration: Hannah’s Prayer / 136
Week 13: Restoration: David’s Final Prayer / 146
HEARTS ALIVE
The Rev. Charlie Holt, Director; Ginny Mooney, General Editor; Joni Tapp, Project ManagerWriters: Sara Buffington, Christopher Caudle, Caryn Rivadeneira, David Sanford, Marci Strickland; Editors: Pam Lagomarsino, Ginny Mooney, Karalee Reinke, Joni Tapp; Bible Backgrounds: Nancy Beise, Ellen Ceely, Mark Filiatreau, David Sanford, Jill Turner
WELCOME TO
HEARTS ALIVE
In the line of Christian formation resources for children,
the Hearts Alive curriculum is something brand-new!
We have listened to the desire of churches to have a
fully integrated weekly worship experience in which
children and adults are engaged in exploring the same
scriptural texts. Each lesson in both the Sunday school
and Children’s church curricula is built on one or more
readings taken from the Revised Common Lectionary
(RCL), a three-year cycle of Bible readings used by
churches across denominations and around the world
to guide weekly worship. By aligning the lessons of
Hearts Alive to these common readings, families are able
to have cross-generational discussions related to the
worship service message, Sunday school, and Children’s
church teachings.
While Hearts Alive is a natural fit for churches in
the liturgical tradition that incorporate regular use
of the RCL, its appeal is much broader. Hearts Alive
is evangelical in its interpretation of Scripture and
contemporary in its teaching style and life application.
By using a sequential approach to Scripture teaching,
Hearts Alive seeks to help churches train up young
disciples in the whole Word of God, emphasizing a high
view of scriptural authority and a gospel focus. The
weekly age-specific lessons support and even elevate
liturgical traditions as well as important observances in
the church calendar while using clear and contemporary
teaching techniques to present the Word of God in
ways that will produce lifelong followers of Christ.
Hearts Alive is flexible enough to fit any congregation,
no matter how large or small, of any Christian
denomination.
4
HEARTS ALIVE IS:
Gospel-centered, emphasizing the story of salvation through Jesus Christ in every lesson.
Scriptural, teaching the full scope of the Bible over a 3-year span following the RCL.
User-friendly, making it easy for teachers and Christian educators to implement.
Fun and engaging for children, offering age-appropriate storytelling, crafts, and activities.
Family-oriented, providing a Take-Home page so parents and children can apply the lesson with activities throughout the week.
Varied, offering both small- and large-group moments so children stay interested and engaged.
Cost-effective for both small and large churches, available for quarterly purchase with price adjustments for volume.
Downloadable, in a format that is easy to share with a whole team of leaders and volunteers.
HEARTS ALIVE
What Each Lesson ProvidesEach weekly Hearts Alive lesson provides two hours of material for children ranging from Pre-K/
Kindergarten through Grade 6. The curriculum is divided into two categories: Sunday school and
Children’s church. These two distinct curricula offer different themes for each week’s lesson so that
children participating in both programs have fresh, engaging material in each class.
Sunday School Curriculum:The Hearts Alive Sunday school curriculum is designed to be used during the Sunday school or
Bible study hour of a church’s weekly worship time. It is divided into three separate age groups and
perfect for use in classroom-sized group settings. The age divisions are: Pre-K/Kindergarten, Lower
Elementary (grades 1–3), and Upper Elementary (grades 4–6).
Children’s Church Curriculum: The Hearts Alive Children’s church curriculum offers a weekly church experience tailored just for
young followers of Jesus. It is intended for a larger, age-inclusive setting for children from pre-K
through grade 5 (ages 4 through 11) designed to help them learn the basics of an adult worship
service, including Welcome, Worship, Scripture Reading, Lesson, Creed, Prayer, and Offering. The
larger group setting encourages children of varying ages to worship together, mirroring the
generational integration of the church. At the close of each lesson, an age-specific breakout time
ensures that every child, from the youngest to the oldest, can take part in a follow-up game,
craft, or activity that will help them apply the week’s lesson to their own lives. Many churches
hold Children’s church during the first part of the adult worship service. After Children’s church
concludes, there is time to welcome the children into the adult service for the final portion, often
the celebration of Communion/the Eucharist.
How To Use The Hearts Alive CurriculumHearts Alive follows the 3-year cycle of the RCL. Because liturgical dates vary from year to year,
specific dates are not assigned to the lessons. Instead, lessons are numbered and an accompanying
online chart identifies which lesson falls on which calendar date for that specific year. In the
heading of each lesson, you will find the Lectionary Year, Season, and Week number, plus the
associated liturgical day (if applicable) and lectionary reading. This information can help you design
your entire congregation’s weekly worship experience around shared themes all year, providing a
fresh unity to your congregation’s spiritual focus and growth.
The first page of each Sunday school and Children’s church lesson includes Lesson Title, Key
Scripture, Big Idea, Memory Verse, and Lesson Overview. The Big Idea summarizes in one or two
sentences the main point you want the children to learn from that day’s lesson. The Lesson Overview
provides a more in-depth explanation of the key points of the lesson.
Lower Elementary | Introduction 5
HEARTS ALIVE Lower Elementary | Introduction 6
Next, there is a Lesson Outline chart to help you stay organized. It tells you what happens when.
On this chart, you’ll find each lesson component along with a time estimate for how long it will
take, a list of the supplies you will need, and a list of the things you’ll need to prepare before class
for that activity.
A unique Bible Background study is provided for each lesson to help you prepare your heart and
mind as a leader or volunteer before class. It aims to provide a thorough understanding of the
biblical setting of the day’s passage along with any helpful information to help you field questions
the children may have about the lesson. (Detailed explanations of each lesson component follow
below.)
Anything that needs to be printed and possibly copied for each lesson (the “printables”) are
included in the download of each lesson. They are designed to be effective using simple black and
white printing on standard-sized paper.
Finally, each lesson has a Take-Home page designed to be copied and sent home with the child.
The resource is directed either toward parents (Sunday school) or children (Children’s church). Either
way, parents are encouraged to use the resource to talk with their child about the week’s lesson. The
page also suggests ways to apply scriptural lessons all week through family discussions and activities.
The Sunday School CurriculumThe Sunday school curriculum is divided by age group into: Pre-K/Kindergarten, Lower Elementary
(grades 1–3), and Upper Elementary (grades 4–6). The lessons are designed for use in small group
settings of approximately 10–12 children. If you expect more than 18 children in a room, we
recommend dividing into smaller groups so all children feel engaged in the activities. If your group is
smaller than 9 or 10, the games and activities can be adapted for fewer children.
Each weekly Sunday school lesson contains the following sequential Lesson Elements:
Welcome Activity – An attention grabber designed for the beginning
of class as you wait for latecomers to arrive.
Lesson Introduction – A group activity to start the children thinking
about the Big Idea and its application.
Scripture Story – An engaging way to tell the story of the Key
Scripture passage. It may include visual aids, drama, costumes, simple
experiments, or props.
Story Discussion – Discussion questions varied according to age group.
We provide suggested answers for some of the trickier questions to
aid you in your discussion with the children.
HEARTS ALIVE
Variable Elements – The below elements are variable to keep each
week’s approach fresh.
• Memory Verse Activity• Snack – If there is a common allergen in the recommended
snack (gluten, nuts, etc.), we will point that out and
recommend an alternative for sensitive children.
• Craft – Step-by-step directions and illustrations are provided
at the end of each lesson.
• Music – You may choose to find your own recordings or sing
the songs with instrument accompaniment or without musical
background.
• Game• Other Lesson Application Activities
Closing Activity – A simple and quick activity that allows you to bring
the lesson to a close. Hand out the “Live It All Week” Take-Home page
during this part of the lesson, and make sure children take home any
crafts or activity pages.
A Special Note to LeadersCongratulations on your role in helping to shape young hearts and minds in the Christian faith.
Sunday school is a time-honored tradition of inviting the youngest of Christ’s family to get to
know their Savior, their church family, and their place in the Kingdom of God through weekly
teaching and hands-on participation. We have specifically designed the Hearts Alive curriculum to
be everything you need to confidently lead an engaging time of worship, learning, and fun in the
service of Christian formation. Here are a few specifics about the curriculum to help you in your
role:
• Hearts Alive uses the New International Reader’s Version (NIrV) of The Holy Scriptures,
believing it is the easiest translation for children to read and understand while remaining
faithful to the original text. If you choose, you may use a different version in your lessons.
• We have included a unique Bible Background section specifically to help you get familiar with
the background of the week’s passage of Scripture. It provides the setting of the passage in
the overall story of the Bible, the connection to the life and work of Jesus Christ, and how the
passage speaks to the church today. We recommend taking some time to read, pray through,
and digest this information to help you be prepared for questions and good discussion.
Lower Elementary | Introduction 7
HEARTS ALIVE
• Much of the Lesson Content is bolded and prefaced by words like “Say:” or “Continue:” These
sections are designed for you, the leader, to speak aloud. However, we suggest that you use
the words as a guide rather than reading directly from the page. The most effective way to
communicate with children is by making eye contact. Try reading the lesson several times to
get a good idea of what you want to say and the main points of the Bible teaching. You may
want to highlight the sections you want to be sure to mention specifically. Other parts you can
put into your own words. Have the lesson handy to refer to on paper or electronic device as
you go.
• Feel free to adapt the curriculum to meet the needs of your class. If a different approach to
the lesson works better, go for it! For example, you may choose to swap out drama for a visual
aid in the lesson or vice versa. Use what is written as a guide to present the beauty and power
of God’s Word to your group of children in the most effective way possible.
Jesus said to “let the children come to me.” What greater calling can there be than helping to lead
precious young souls to the heart of God and the joy, peace, and power of living the Christian faith?
We pray that you will find the Hearts Alive curriculum an exciting and effective way to bring the
wonderful message of salvation to the children of your congregation and community even as your
entire church body unites in the weekly exploration of God’s Word as one.
Lower Elementary | Introduction 8
HEARTS ALIVE
Living in Wisdom:
SOng Of the BelOvedSong of Songs 2:8–13
Big Idea: God gives us wisdom. He tells us of
Jesus’s love, care, and concern for the church.
MemOry Verse: “Lead a life of love, just as Christ did.
He loved us. He gave himself up for us. He was a sweet-smelling offering and
sacrifice to God.” Ephesians 5:2
LOWER ELEMENTARY SUNDAY SCHOOLYear B | Fall | Week 1Proper 17, Lectionary 22
LessOn OverviewIn today’s lesson, the children will learn about King Solomon. They will discuss the many relationships and examples of love in everyday life. They will also hear how Christ loved the church and calls us to love others as ourselves.
9Lower Elementary | Sunday School | Year B | Fall | Week 1
HEARTS ALIVE
10Lower Elementary | Sunday School | Year B | Fall | Week 1
Week 1 Lesson Plan Activity and Supplies To Prepare
Welcome Activity
(10 minutes)
The Real SolomonPrintables: Solomon Stories
• Optional: Story props (i.e., crowns, robes, ragged shirt, toy sword, etc.)
Make one copy of the Solomon Stories printable script. Cut the sections apart and distribute among the three volunteer actors.
Lesson Introduction
(5 minutes)
Love Is . . . Printables: Coloring Box Sheet (one for each child)
• Pencils
Make enough copies of the Coloring Box Sheet printable for each child.
Scripture Story(10 minutes)
Walking in Wisdom: Song of the Beloved• Bible
Discussion(5 minutes)
Memory Verse Activity (5 minutes)
Love Works TogetherPrintables: Memory Verse (one for every two children)
• Rubber balls (one for every two children)
Make one copy of the Memory Verse printable for every two children.
Snack(10 minutes)
The Wedding Feast• Danish wedding cookies (Look for the Keebler brand.)
Craft (10 minutes)
Wisdom Story Stones• Smooth, clean stones (one for each child)• Washable paints• Paint brushes• Paper• Cups for water• Wipes for quick clean-up• Bibles (several)
Closing (5 minutes)
The Wisdom of the ScripturesPrintables: Take-home page (one for each child)
Make enough copies of the Take-home page for each child.
1
2
3
4
6
5
7
8
HEARTS ALIVE
Bible BackgrOund fOr Leader
11Lower Elementary | Sunday School | Year B | Fall | Week 1
The Song of Solomon is well known as a romantic poem that gives the reader a glimpse into the hearts of two lovers. We see a king in love with a
young woman; he is enamored with her beauty, and she is struck by his strength and stature. In today’s passage, early in the poem, the lover approaches the beloved, “leaping across the mountains” to get to her (Song of Songs 2:8); she hears him coming even though she does not yet see him. It is a lovely account of human love, of which readers can generally relate. As part of the inspired Word of God, this love poem is also revered for its spiritual metaphor—that of Christ and his Bride, the church. Viewed this way, Solomon’s Song of Songs illustrates many spiritual truths about the love between God and his people.
Old Testament. In the poetry of the Song of Songs, the Holy Spirit weaves a picture of the love of God for his people, of Christ for his church. The Old Testament believers heard echoes of the Lover (Christ) coming, but they remained separated by their sin; they heard his call and promise of springtime joy, yet he was hidden. The Beloved hears him, she eagerly awaits him, and she knows that he is pursuing and wooing her. (Living in wisdom is living in response to God’s love for us.) She knows that he is calling her to follow and that the morning of his call is a morning of promise, as illustrated by a change of season—winter to spring—and all the new life offered in that change. Just like the Beloved in the Song of Songs, the Old Testament saints longed for and listened for the voice
of their Messiah. Throughout the history of God’s people, one can see both their longing and his calling. They looked for him and knew that they were his chosen ones.
Jesus. Jesus is the Lover and we are the Beloved. He is calling us into relationship and into a season of promise and life with him. His call, “Come with me” (Song of Songs 2:10), demonstrates that he desires to be in relationship with us. His words “my beautiful one” (v. 10) express love, value, and worth to each soul who longs to be in relationship with him. Just as Jesus said that his sheep know his voice (John 10:3), so the Beloved in the Song hears the voice of the Lover and knows him. The promise of spring and the passing of winter is the same promise Jesus extends in the gospel—by coming with him, our dark souls flourish into new life.
The Church and the World. Just as the Old Testament saints heard the Lover’s voice from behind the wall, we the church still have a separation in our relationship with Jesus—the separation of our earthly flesh. They heard his voice through the prophets and priests, and we through his Word and Spirit; they looked forward to his coming as Messiah, we to his coming as King. The church, as the Beloved of Christ, is wise to respond to the Lover’s call, following his voice now and preparing to soon be united with him for eternity.
HEARTS ALIVE
12Lower Elementary | Sunday School | Year B | Fall | Week 1
1 WelcOme ActivityThe Real Solomon
Recruit three volunteers to be actors. Explain that they will dress up and act
like Solomon. They should do their very best to convince the class of their new
“identity.” However, only one of them is acting as the true Solomon. Allow several
minutes for them to prepare and practice. Offer assistance as needed. Then say:
Good morning, and welcome to the game show: Who Are YOU? Today we have a guest named Solomon. Actually, we have three guests named Solomon! However, only one of our guests is the real Solomon of the Bible. You must listen to each Solomon’s story and then decide which one is telling the truth, naming that guest the REAL Solomon. Are you ready? (Allow time
for any questions.) Have the first Solomon come to the front and read their story to
the class. Allow the second and third volunteers to follow. Once all three volunteers
have read their stories to the class, say: Now it’s time to pick one Solomon as the real Solomon. Does anyone have any idea who the real Solomon is? (Allow the children time to discuss and decide who they think is the real Solomon.)
Ask the class for their final decision. If they are correct, congratulate them and ask
how they came to that conclusion. If they are incorrect, congratulate the Solomon
that convinced the class. If no one knows the answer, encourage them to continue
listening throughout the lesson. Ask the volunteers to bow, receive applause, and
return to their seats. Say: Today we are going to talk about King Solomon. Solomon’s request for wisdom gave him insight into many life experiences.
2 LessOn IntrOductiOnLove Is...
Distribute the printable and pencils. Say: Let’s play the “first thing that comes to your mind” game. I’m going to say a word and you draw the first picture you see in your mind. Let’s practice. If I say school, what picture comes to your mind? (Allow the children to respond.) So, if you thought books, you would draw a book in the space labeled number one. If you thought friend, you would draw a friend in the space. Any questions? Keep the pictures simple, as we will draw several of them. Let’s give it a try. Ask:
X What’s the first thing that comes to mind when I say the word animal? Draw a picture in box number 1.
X What’s the first thing that comes to mind when I say the word love? Draw a picture in box number 2.
To prepare: Make one copy of the Solomon Stories printable script. Cut the sections apart and distribute among the three volunteer actors.
To prepare: Make enough copies of the Coloring Box Sheet printable for each child.
HEARTS ALIVE
13Lower Elementary | Sunday School | Year B | Fall | Week 1
X What’s the first thing that comes to mind when I say the word wisdom? Draw a picture in box number 3.
X What’s the first thing that comes to mind when I say the word Jesus? Draw a picture in box number 4.
Briefly discuss the pictures they have drawn. Say: In today’s lesson, we get to hear some of King Solomon’s reflections. God has given us Solomon’s words of wisdom in the Bible to help us better understand how to live in God’s world.
3 Scripture StOryWalking in Wisdom: Song of the Beloved
Say: King Solomon was young. He began his reign following his father, David, who was Israel’s most famous king. David left the kingdom to Solomon. God had solemnly promised King David that his descendants would always rule on the throne. Solomon began his reign by asking God for wisdom: the ability to live well in the world, to understand situations, and to recognize the difference between right and wrong. God was pleased by Solomon’s prayer and made him very wise. Solomon became famous for his insight and understanding. In fact, his wisdom was even written down in books, which are now a part of our Bibles! Display the Bible. They are described as the wisdom books. They share Solomon’s thoughts on life, love, suffering, frustration, and wisdom.
Open the Bible to the Song of Songs and display the title page. Say: Today, we join Solomon as he reflects on God’s gift of love to our families. Solomon describes a scene and shares the words of two people who are happy being together.
Open your Bible and read Song of Songs 2:8–13:
Listen! I hear my love! Look! Here he comes! He’s leaping across the mountains. He’s coming over the hills. The one who loves me is like an antelope or a young deer. Look! There he stands behind our wall. He’s gazing through the window. He’s peering through the screen.
He said to me, “Rise up, my love. Come with me, my beautiful one. Look! The winter is past. The rains are over and gone. Flowers are appearing on the earth. The season for singing has come. The cooing of doves is heard in our land. The fig trees are producing their early fruit. The
HEARTS ALIVE
14Lower Elementary | Sunday School | Year B | Fall | Week 1
flowers on the vines are giving off their sweet smell. Rise up and come, my love. Come with me, my beautiful one.”
Say: Solomon describes a woman who is happy because the man she loves is nearby. He calls to her, inviting her to marry him. They are both very happy! The verses describe a nearly perfect day—with birds singing, flowers blooming, and fruit growing on trees. It’s nice to be close to the people we love. When do you like to be close to the people you love? (Allow
the children to respond.)
The Bible shows many examples of love between people: between husbands and wives, parents and children, friends, or between kind strangers who help each other in need.
The best example we have of love in the Bible is God’s love for the world in Jesus Christ. Jesus shows us God’s strong and powerful love.
Jesus loves his church like a husband loves his wife. Jesus loves his children like a father loves his children. Jesus loves his disciples like a faithful brother loves his siblings. Jesus loves his companions like heroic friends love one another. Jesus loves the nations like a good king loves his people. Jesus’s love is greater than any other examples of love we see.
Jesus’s love is greater because he loved us first, even while we were enemies against him. His love is greater because he sacrificed his life for us. Jesus’s love is perfect even on an imperfect day. Jesus loves us perfectly and forgives us of all of our sin. Solomon’s writings point us to this kind of love—they paint a picture of God’s boundless love to his people. The apostle Paul also said that the love shared between a husband and a wife points to the love of Jesus for the church.
4 StOry DiscussiOn X Who was Solomon and why is he well-known in the Bible? (He was the son
of David, the king. He was a very wise king.)
X What imagery does Solomon use to describe love? (He describes the love
between a man and a woman.)
X How is the love that Jesus has for the church greater than the love that we have for each other? (Jesus’s love is greater because he loved us first, even
while we were enemies of his.)
HEARTS ALIVE
15Lower Elementary | Sunday School | Year B | Fall | Week 1
X Why do you think God gives us examples of how to love others? (God
shows us how to love others like Jesus loves. God says that the greatest two
commandments are to love God and to love others. We can love others out of
thankfulness for God’s great love for us.)
5 MemOry Verse ActivityLove Works Together“Lead a life of love, just as Christ did. He loved us. He gave himself up for us. He was a sweet-smelling offering and sacrifice to God.” Ephesians 5:2
Divide the children into pairs. Distribute a rubber ball and memory verse to
each pair. Say: In relationships, whether husbands and wives, parents and children, or brothers and sisters, all the people must work together to make the relationship work. For this memory verse challenge, you will work together to recite the memory verse. First, read the verse aloud and work together to memorize it. When you feel confident, take turns tossing the ball back and forth to each other, as you speak the words. For example, I will say the first word and toss the ball to my partner, and then they will say the next word and toss the ball back to me. Make sense? Let’s do it!
If time allows, you can time each team to see who is the fastest. At the end of the
challenge, congratulate everyone and say: God gives us wisdom to know how to work together. Jesus shows us, by his example, how to love and care for each other as he loves and cares for the church.
6 SnackThe Wedding Feast
Ask the children if any of them have attended a wedding. Ask what they
remember about it. (Allow time for them to answer.) Say: A wedding is a special time. In Solomon’s writings today, we heard how the man and woman couldn’t wait to see each other. In the New Testament, Jesus is described as loving the church this way. The Bible says that Jesus loves the church as a husband loves his wife. Sometimes we see people who do not love each other well. This is one of the hard things about living in a sinful world. But we can always to look to Jesus and follow his example. He loved the church so much that he left heaven to rescue it. He is the Savior who loves us perfectly, even though we do not yet love him perfectly. One of the best parts of a wedding is the feast at the end. The couple shares their first
To prepare: Make one copy of the Memory Verse printable for every two children.
HEARTS ALIVE
16Lower Elementary | Sunday School | Year B | Fall | Week 1
married meal with all their loved ones. Distribute the wedding cookies. When Jesus comes back, the Scriptures say that there will be a wedding feast. Jesus will share a meal with his beloved and all of heaven. Let’s imagine what that might be like with a little wedding treat. Enjoy the cookies and allow
the children time to imagine what the wedding feast may be like.
7 Craft
Wisdom Story StonesDistribute the stones and set out the supplies. Say: Today’s Scripture describes
some beautiful things happening in nature. Re-read the Scripture passage and
ask the children to name the specific nature references. Let’s pick one of these beautiful creations to paint on our stone. Pick something that will remind you of how Jesus loves you and cares for you. If you pick a flower, consider how Jesus was a sweet-smelling sacrifice to God. If you pick a mountain, remember that Jesus is our strength and our rock. (Allow the children time
to think about what they would like to paint.) Set several Bibles on the table. Tell
the children that they are welcome to re-read the verses. After several minutes,
invite the children to share their paintings and then say: Jesus loves the church very much. He cares for us daily and is waiting for the day when we can all be with him. Let your stone remind you that Jesus’s love for you is strong, beautiful, and will last forever.
8 ClOsing
The Wisdom of the ScripturesSay: Today we heard about many types of love mentioned in the
Scriptures. When we need help or answers to questions, we can go to the Bible to find answers. God has given us wisdom through the Scriptures and we can learn from them. Let’s finish our time with a prayer. (Allow
any children who are interested, the opportunity to pray.) When everyone has
finished, say: Heavenly Father, we are so thankful for your Scriptures and the wisdom they bring us. Help us to follow the example of Jesus as we love the people around us every day. Help us on the school bus, in line at the water fountain, on the playground, and at home with our brothers and sisters, to love others just like you love us. Give us wisdom and help us to follow your path in all our ways. We love you. Amen.
Children line up to meet their parents. As the children leave, hand out their take-
home pages and remind them to bring home their crafts.
To prepare: Make enough copies of the Take-home page for each child.
HEARTS ALIVE
17Solomon Stories Lower Elementary | Sunday School | Year B | Fall | Week 1
SOLO
MON
1
My
fath
er w
as a
fish
erm
an. H
e lo
ved
me
very
muc
h, b
ut h
e w
as
unab
le t
o pr
ovid
e fo
r m
e.
I bec
ame
a be
ggar
and
sat
on t
he s
tree
t, h
opin
g
that
som
eone
wou
ld g
ive
me
food
for
the
day
or
shel
ter
for
the
nigh
t. I
am t
hank
ful f
or w
hat
I
am g
iven
.
My
nam
e is
Sol
omon
.
SOLO
MON
3
My
fath
er w
ho w
as
king
, sta
rted
out
as
a
shep
herd
. God
mad
e
him
the
gre
ates
t ki
ng o
f
Isra
el. N
ow I
am t
o fo
llow
in h
is f
oots
teps
. I w
ill
begi
n m
y re
ign
by a
skin
g
God
for
wis
dom
. I c
ould
ask
for
anyt
hing
, but
a
good
rul
er n
eeds
wis
dom
in o
rder
to
gove
rn h
is
peop
le w
ell.
I pra
y th
at
God
hea
rs m
y re
ques
t.
My
nam
e is
Sol
omon
.
SOLO
MON
2
I am
the
Kin
g of
Isra
el.
I wor
ked
very
har
d
to b
ecom
e th
e ki
ng.
I tra
ined
in t
he a
rmy
and
beca
me
a gr
eat
com
man
der.
I won
oth
er
sold
iers
to
my
caus
e
and
conv
ince
d th
em
that
I w
ould
be
a gr
eat
lead
er. W
e fo
ught
a lo
ng
war
aga
inst
the
kin
g.
We
alm
ost
lost
, but
we
neve
r ga
ve u
p. In
the
end,
the
vic
tory
was
ours
.
My
nam
e is
Sol
omon
.
HEARTS ALIVE
18Introduction Lower Elementary | Sunday School | Year B | Fall | Week 1
1 2
43
HEARTS ALIVE
19Memory Verse Lower Elementary | Sunday School | Year B | Fall | Week 1
“Lead a life of love, just as Christ did. He loved us. He gave himself up for us. He was a sweet-smelling offering and sacrifice to
God.” Ephesians 5:2
“Lead a life of love, just as Christ did. He loved us. He gave himself up for us. He was a sweet-smelling offering and sacrifice to
God.” Ephesians 5:2
HEARTS ALIVE
HEARTS ALIVE
20Lower Elementary | Sunday School | Year B | Fall | Week 1
Walking in Wisdom: Song of the Beloved
} Scripture: Song of Songs 2:8–13
} Big Idea: God gives us wisdom. He tells us of Jesus’s love, care, and concern for the Church.
} Memory Verse: “Lead a life of love, just as Christ did. He loved us. He gave himself up for us. He was a sweet-smelling offering and sacrifice to God.” Ephesians 5:2
Table Talk
WEEK 1
Live It All WeeKLower Elementary Take Home Paper for Families
What Your Child Learned Today Your child learned that God’s Word provides us with daily wisdom. We discussed how Jesus’s love is an example that we can follow to love others better. We were reminded that Christ’s love for us is strong, durable, and everlasting.
Try This Think of someone who displays love to your family. Discuss with your child how their kindness has blessed your family. Together, come up with some ways that you can show this person that your family loves them, too. It might be something as simple as sending a card or delivering flowers. It might be preparing them a meal and inviting them over for a family night of board games or a movie. This week, take a moment to remember acts of love given to your family and take the opportunity to share love with others.
Something Else to DoWhen you visit the grocery store, take a minute to look at the wedding cakes and discuss the meaning of a wedding. What kind of cake does your child like best? As you finish the conversation, remind your child that Jesus loves the church very much, just like a husband loves a wife. Jesus is longing for the day when we will all be together and have a great wedding feast.
X In 1 Corinthians 13, the Scriptures define love. At a family meal this week, read the passage and discuss the words your child may not understand, like boast or patient. Discuss what love is and how we can share love with others.