Living as God's Children
February 23, 2014
Lev. 19:1–2, 9–18 Ps. 119:33–40 1 Cor. 3:10–11, 16–23 Matt. 5:38–48
Seventh Sunday after the Epiphany
Living as God’s Children Goal for the Session
Children will learn from Leviticus 19 how they can show God’s love in their everyday actions.
Q P R E P A R I N G
F O R
T H E
S E S S I O N
Focus on Leviticus 19:1–2, 9–18 WHAT is important to know?
—From “Exegetical Perspective” by Jin Hee Han
The lectionary selection is found in the law section commonly known as the Holiness Code, which focuses on purity and holiness before God (Lev. 17–26). The physical location of the passage illustrates its central place, as well, for it forms the kernel of the book of Leviticus, which in turn is located at the core of the Torah. While the book of Leviticus comes after the book of Exodus and defines what it means to live as those redeemed by God from the bondage of Egypt, Leviticus 19 presents quintessential concerns that are to shape the daily life of the people of God.
WHERE is God in these words?
—From “Theological Perspective” by Sheldon W. Sorge
God’s claim on these people is a done deal; they are already “the elect.” The law is given, not as their gateway to salvation, but as salvation’s way of life. To be sure, the law is beneficial for all humanity; but it is this people’s special vocation to embody this way of life over and against all other peoples, as a public witness to the beauty and blessing of God. The law is God’s “treasure map” to the blessedness for which God has claimed us, and in which the Holy One ever lives.
SO WHAT does this mean for our lives?
—From “Pastoral Perspective” by Lillian Daniel
The reading today has a word for me, and families like mine. It has a word for the church. It is a call to tell the truth and to take money out of the shadows. The rest of this passage is full of business-ethics advice that has stood the test of time. Do not commit fraud, do not lie, do not judge unfairly, and do not slander. Be decent with one another in your financial dealings, and do not forget the poor. Most important, be generous, and love your neighbor as yourself.
NOW WHAT is God’s word calling us to do?
—From “Homiletical Perspective” by Kimberly L. Clayton
In Leviticus (and in Matthew), holiness is not characterized by an ethereal state of being, but by how one acts in everyday places and relationships. We need to be reminded what everyday holiness looks like from a biblical perspective. You are holy when, harvesting your crop, you choose to leave some of the grain you drop and more uncut at the edges of your property, so that Ruth, or someone like her, does not go to bed hungry. Holiness is not always about making grand sacrifices to God or speaking pious prayers. Holiness is not stealing what belongs to someone else or telling a lie, even a lie that seems harmless. Holiness is being a good employer, paying someone on time for work done.
© 2013 Westminster John Knox Press
Winter 2013–2014 Grades (K)1–2
1
Living as God’s Children
FOCUS SCRIPTURE Leviticus 19:1–2, 9–18 YOU WILL NEED R small table or large box R Bible R green cloth R battery-powered candle
Focus on Your Teaching Children in the early elementary grades appreciate rules that are clear, fair, and consistent. When they know what is expected of them, they usually try hard to comply. As you talk about God’s law in the scriptures, emphasize that the Lord gives these “rules” because God loves us and wants our lives to be joyful and productive. Be sure these young learners also know that falling short of these expectations doesn’t mean they are bad, it just means they are human. God continues to love them, to help them make amends, and to give them another chance. You can be a mirror of such love. Merciful God, strengthen my resolve to dwell in your Word and live in your ways. Amen.
R Singing the Feast, vol. 3; CD player R newsprint or marker
Q L E A D I N G
T H E
S E S S I O N
board R marker R Resource Sheet 1 R scissors R Color Pack 22, 23 R sparkly lip balm For Responding R option 1: Color Pack 24, 2 rulers, tape R option 2: Color Pack 25, 26; scissors, construction paper, tape, glue sticks R option 3: Resource Sheet 1, scissors, bowl R option 4: copies of Resource Sheet 2, colored pencils God Is with Me Our God is with me everywhere, All day and night I’m in God’s care. It doesn’t matter where I go, Because God is with me, this I know.
GATHERING Before the children arrive, create a worship center by placing a green cloth on a small table or overturned box. Place the Bible and candle on it. Cut out the strips on Resource Sheet 1 (Loving Actions). If you are using option 1 in Responding, cut out the signs from Color Pack 24 and tape a ruler to each one as a handle. If you are using option 3, cut out the hearts from Color Pack 25. Greet each child by name as he or she arrives. Gather the group around the worship center. Turn on the candle. Sing “God Is with Me” (track 5 on Singing the Feast, vol. 3). Pray aloud, asking learners to repeat each phrase: Dear God, / thank you for being with us today / as we learn and as we play. / Guide us in your way. / In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen. Sit in a circle and invite the children to name some of the rules they have at home and at school. Record them on newsprint or marker board. After several are named, ask: P Why do you have rules at home? At school?
EXPLORING Open the Bible to Leviticus, saying that this book is in the Old Testament, the part of the Bible that tells about God’s people before Jesus was born. Show Color Pack 22 and invite learners to recall what they know about Moses. (God chose him to lead God’s people out of Egypt. Moses was God’s messenger.) Show Color Pack 23, recalling how the people stopped by the Jordan River, where Moses gave them a message from God. Invite learners to imagine they are sitting by the river and listening to Moses.
Repeat two times © 2013 Westminster John Knox Press
Winter 2013–2014 Grades (K)1–2
2
Living as God’s Children Reassure the children that God knows we sometimes forget the rules or disobey. God sent Jesus to promise us God will always love us, no matter what. God promises to forgive us and give us another chance.
Behold, I Am with You Behold, I am with you, (Behold, I am with you) And will keep you wherever you go, (And will keep you wherever you go) And will keep you wherever you go. (And will keep you wherever you go) Behold, I am with you, (Behold, I am with you) And will keep you wherever you go, (And will keep you wherever you go) And will keep you wherever you go. (And will keep you wherever you go)
Read aloud the focus scripture, using the following version: Leviticus 19:1–2, 9–12, 15, 18, CEV 1 The LORD told Moses 2to say to the community of Israel: I am the LORD your God. I am holy, and you must be holy too! 9 When you harvest your grain, always leave some of it standing along the edges of your fields and don’t pick up what falls on the ground. . . . Leave them for the poor and for those foreigners who live among you. I am the LORD your God. 11 Do not steal or tell lies or cheat others. 12 Do not misuse my name by making promises you don’t intend to keep. I am the LORD your God. 15 Be fair . . . 18Stop being angry and don’t try to take revenge. I am the LORD, and I command you to love others as much as you love yourself. Invite the children to ask questions they would have asked Moses that day. Discuss: P What are some things that Moses told God’s people to do? P Which of the instructions Moses gave sound like rules on the list we made in Gathering? P Why do you think God told Moses to give the people these rules? P In what ways might these rules have helped God’s people in Moses’ day? How might these rules help God’s people today? Read again the second sentence of verse 18. Ask:
P What does Moses mean by “love others as much as you love yourself”? (Invite learners to offer examples of what doing this would look like.)
P What do you like best about being in God’s family? How can you show love for God? For others? Play “Behold, I Am with You” (track 24 on Singing the Feast, vol. 3). Invite the children to sing the echoed lines.
RESPONDING Mark the activities you will use: 1. Following Game Playing this game will invite learners to name ways to love God and love other people. Choose one child to be “It” and have him or her stand at one end of the room. Have the rest of the children stand at the other end. “It” holds up the Follow God’s Ways sign and gives one example of a way to show God’s love. The children then start walking across the room until “It” holds up the Stop sign. Choose a new child to be “It” and continue play. When all children have reached one side of the room, have “It” move to the other side and continue play. Challenge learners to choose one of these ways to show God’s love to do this week.
© 2013 Westminster John Knox Press
Winter 2013–2014 Grades (K)1–2
3
Living as God’s Children
2. Showing Love Children will discover many places and ways they can show God’s love. Lay Color Pack 26 on a table. Invite learners to imagine this is their town. Ask them to identify the different places and tell what people do at each one. In turn, have children “walk” their fingers through the town, pick a place to stop, and then tell what they might do or say in that place to express love to their neighbor. Have each child place a heart cut from Color Pack 25 on the map where he or she stopped. Afterward, invite each child to cut a strip of construction paper, glue a heart cut from Color Pack 25 to it, and tape the strip around his or her wrist as a reminder of Moses’ teaching. Option: Have learners print “Love others as much as you love yourself” on the strip before taping it into a wristband. 3. Loving Actions Charades Children can imagine many ways to love others as themselves. Place the strips cut from Resource Sheet 1 (Loving Actions) in a bowl. Form pairs. Have pairs take turns drawing a strip and acting it out while the others guess what the action is. Help with reading as needed. After each action is guessed, invite learners to tell how such an action might demonstrate love for someone else. EASY PREP
4. In the Classroom Identifying loving and unkind actions in a picture will help children grow in their resolve to “love others as much as you love yourself” (Leviticus 19:18, CEV). Distribute copies of Resource Sheet 2 (A Loving Place) and colored pencils. Invite learners to look at the picture and color the children who are acting in loving ways. Ask them to point out children who are not loving others as themselves. Ask: What might these children do differently? Encourage each child to circle an action to do this week.
CLOSING Gather around the worship center and invite the children to tell what they enjoyed learning today. Lay out the strips cut from Resource Sheet 1 (Loving Actions). Invite each child to take home one strip and to try to do that action this week. Go around the circle, making a cross on each child’s hand with the “blessing stick” (sparkly lip balm) or your finger as you say: “(Name), God loves you.”
© 2013 Westminster John Knox Press
Winter 2013–2014 Grades (K)1–2
4
Grades (K)1–2 Resource Sheet 1
February 23, 2014
Loving Actions
Set the table. Feed a pet. Make a sandwich for a friend. Sing to a crying baby. Read to a younger child. Hug a family member who is sad. Rake leaves for a neighbor. Say a prayer for a sick friend. Call a grandparent on the phone. Collect canned goods for the food pantry. Pick up toys in the church nursery. Help tie someone’s shoes. © 2013 Westminster John Knox Press
Winter 2013–2014
5
Grades (K)1–2 Resource Sheet 2
February 23, 2014
A Loving Place Directions: What does it mean to “love others as much as you love yourself” (Leviticus 19:18, CEV)? Color the children who seem to be doing just that!
© 2013 Westminster John Knox Press
Winter 2013–2014
6
Lev. 19:1–2, 9–18 Ps. 119:33–40 1 Cor. 3:10–11, 16–23 Matt. 5:38–48
Seventh Sunday after the Epiphany
Living as God’s Children Goal for the Session
Children will learn from Leviticus 19 how they can show God’s love in their everyday actions.
Q P R E P A R I N G
F O R
T H E
S E S S I O N
Focus on Leviticus 19:1–2, 9–18 WHAT is important to know?
—From “Exegetical Perspective” by Jin Hee Han
The lectionary selection is found in the law section commonly known as the Holiness Code, which focuses on purity and holiness before God (Lev. 17–26). The physical location of the passage illustrates its central place, as well, for it forms the kernel of the book of Leviticus, which in turn is located at the core of the Torah. While the book of Leviticus comes after the book of Exodus and defines what it means to live as those redeemed by God from the bondage of Egypt, Leviticus 19 presents quintessential concerns that are to shape the daily life of the people of God.
WHERE is God in these words?
—From “Theological Perspective” by Sheldon W. Sorge
God’s claim on these people is a done deal; they are already “the elect.” The law is given, not as their gateway to salvation, but as salvation’s way of life. To be sure, the law is beneficial for all humanity; but it is this people’s special vocation to embody this way of life over and against all other peoples, as a public witness to the beauty and blessing of God. The law is God’s “treasure map” to the blessedness for which God has claimed us, and in which the Holy One ever lives.
SO WHAT does this mean for our lives?
—From “Pastoral Perspective” by Lillian Daniel
The reading today has a word for me, and families like mine. It has a word for the church. It is a call to tell the truth and to take money out of the shadows. The rest of this passage is full of business-ethics advice that has stood the test of time. Do not commit fraud, do not lie, do not judge unfairly, and do not slander. Be decent with one another in your financial dealings, and do not forget the poor. Most important, be generous, and love your neighbor as yourself.
NOW WHAT is God’s word calling us to do?
—From “Homiletical Perspective” by Kimberly L. Clayton
In Leviticus (and in Matthew), holiness is not characterized by an ethereal state of being, but by how one acts in everyday places and relationships. We need to be reminded what everyday holiness looks like from a biblical perspective. You are holy when, harvesting your crop, you choose to leave some of the grain you drop and more uncut at the edges of your property, so that Ruth, or someone like her, does not go to bed hungry. Holiness is not always about making grand sacrifices to God or speaking pious prayers. Holiness is not stealing what belongs to someone else or telling a lie, even a lie that seems harmless. Holiness is being a good employer, paying someone on time for work done.
© 2013 Westminster John Knox Press
Winter 2013–2014 Grades (K)1–2
1
Living as God’s Children
FOCUS SCRIPTURE Leviticus 19:1–2, 9–18 YOU WILL NEED R small table or large box R Bible R green cloth R battery-powered candle
Focus on Your Teaching Children in the early elementary grades appreciate rules that are clear, fair, and consistent. When they know what is expected of them, they usually try hard to comply. As you talk about God’s law in the scriptures, emphasize that the Lord gives these “rules” because God loves us and wants our lives to be joyful and productive. Be sure these young learners also know that falling short of these expectations doesn’t mean they are bad, it just means they are human. God continues to love them, to help them make amends, and to give them another chance. You can be a mirror of such love. Merciful God, strengthen my resolve to dwell in your Word and live in your ways. Amen.
R Singing the Feast, vol. 3; CD player R newsprint or marker
Q L E A D I N G
T H E
S E S S I O N
board R marker R Resource Sheet 1 R scissors R Color Pack 22, 23 R sparkly lip balm For Responding R option 1: Color Pack 24, 2 rulers, tape R option 2: Color Pack 25, 26; scissors, construction paper, tape, glue sticks R option 3: Resource Sheet 1, scissors, bowl R option 4: copies of Resource Sheet 2, colored pencils God Is with Me Our God is with me everywhere, All day and night I’m in God’s care. It doesn’t matter where I go, Because God is with me, this I know.
GATHERING Before the children arrive, create a worship center by placing a green cloth on a small table or overturned box. Place the Bible and candle on it. Cut out the strips on Resource Sheet 1 (Loving Actions). If you are using option 1 in Responding, cut out the signs from Color Pack 24 and tape a ruler to each one as a handle. If you are using option 3, cut out the hearts from Color Pack 25. Greet each child by name as he or she arrives. Gather the group around the worship center. Turn on the candle. Sing “God Is with Me” (track 5 on Singing the Feast, vol. 3). Pray aloud, asking learners to repeat each phrase: Dear God, / thank you for being with us today / as we learn and as we play. / Guide us in your way. / In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen. Sit in a circle and invite the children to name some of the rules they have at home and at school. Record them on newsprint or marker board. After several are named, ask: P Why do you have rules at home? At school?
EXPLORING Open the Bible to Leviticus, saying that this book is in the Old Testament, the part of the Bible that tells about God’s people before Jesus was born. Show Color Pack 22 and invite learners to recall what they know about Moses. (God chose him to lead God’s people out of Egypt. Moses was God’s messenger.) Show Color Pack 23, recalling how the people stopped by the Jordan River, where Moses gave them a message from God. Invite learners to imagine they are sitting by the river and listening to Moses.
Repeat two times © 2013 Westminster John Knox Press
Winter 2013–2014 Grades (K)1–2
2
Living as God’s Children Reassure the children that God knows we sometimes forget the rules or disobey. God sent Jesus to promise us God will always love us, no matter what. God promises to forgive us and give us another chance.
Behold, I Am with You Behold, I am with you, (Behold, I am with you) And will keep you wherever you go, (And will keep you wherever you go) And will keep you wherever you go. (And will keep you wherever you go) Behold, I am with you, (Behold, I am with you) And will keep you wherever you go, (And will keep you wherever you go) And will keep you wherever you go. (And will keep you wherever you go)
Read aloud the focus scripture, using the following version: Leviticus 19:1–2, 9–12, 15, 18, CEV 1 The LORD told Moses 2to say to the community of Israel: I am the LORD your God. I am holy, and you must be holy too! 9 When you harvest your grain, always leave some of it standing along the edges of your fields and don’t pick up what falls on the ground. . . . Leave them for the poor and for those foreigners who live among you. I am the LORD your God. 11 Do not steal or tell lies or cheat others. 12 Do not misuse my name by making promises you don’t intend to keep. I am the LORD your God. 15 Be fair . . . 18Stop being angry and don’t try to take revenge. I am the LORD, and I command you to love others as much as you love yourself. Invite the children to ask questions they would have asked Moses that day. Discuss: P What are some things that Moses told God’s people to do? P Which of the instructions Moses gave sound like rules on the list we made in Gathering? P Why do you think God told Moses to give the people these rules? P In what ways might these rules have helped God’s people in Moses’ day? How might these rules help God’s people today? Read again the second sentence of verse 18. Ask:
P What does Moses mean by “love others as much as you love yourself”? (Invite learners to offer examples of what doing this would look like.)
P What do you like best about being in God’s family? How can you show love for God? For others? Play “Behold, I Am with You” (track 24 on Singing the Feast, vol. 3). Invite the children to sing the echoed lines.
RESPONDING Mark the activities you will use: 1. Following Game Playing this game will invite learners to name ways to love God and love other people. Choose one child to be “It” and have him or her stand at one end of the room. Have the rest of the children stand at the other end. “It” holds up the Follow God’s Ways sign and gives one example of a way to show God’s love. The children then start walking across the room until “It” holds up the Stop sign. Choose a new child to be “It” and continue play. When all children have reached one side of the room, have “It” move to the other side and continue play. Challenge learners to choose one of these ways to show God’s love to do this week.
© 2013 Westminster John Knox Press
Winter 2013–2014 Grades (K)1–2
3
Living as God’s Children
2. Showing Love Children will discover many places and ways they can show God’s love. Lay Color Pack 26 on a table. Invite learners to imagine this is their town. Ask them to identify the different places and tell what people do at each one. In turn, have children “walk” their fingers through the town, pick a place to stop, and then tell what they might do or say in that place to express love to their neighbor. Have each child place a heart cut from Color Pack 25 on the map where he or she stopped. Afterward, invite each child to cut a strip of construction paper, glue a heart cut from Color Pack 25 to it, and tape the strip around his or her wrist as a reminder of Moses’ teaching. Option: Have learners print “Love others as much as you love yourself” on the strip before taping it into a wristband. 3. Loving Actions Charades Children can imagine many ways to love others as themselves. Place the strips cut from Resource Sheet 1 (Loving Actions) in a bowl. Form pairs. Have pairs take turns drawing a strip and acting it out while the others guess what the action is. Help with reading as needed. After each action is guessed, invite learners to tell how such an action might demonstrate love for someone else. EASY PREP
4. In the Classroom Identifying loving and unkind actions in a picture will help children grow in their resolve to “love others as much as you love yourself” (Leviticus 19:18, CEV). Distribute copies of Resource Sheet 2 (A Loving Place) and colored pencils. Invite learners to look at the picture and color the children who are acting in loving ways. Ask them to point out children who are not loving others as themselves. Ask: What might these children do differently? Encourage each child to circle an action to do this week.
CLOSING Gather around the worship center and invite the children to tell what they enjoyed learning today. Lay out the strips cut from Resource Sheet 1 (Loving Actions). Invite each child to take home one strip and to try to do that action this week. Go around the circle, making a cross on each child’s hand with the “blessing stick” (sparkly lip balm) or your finger as you say: “(Name), God loves you.”
© 2013 Westminster John Knox Press
Winter 2013–2014 Grades (K)1–2
4
Grades (K)1–2 Resource Sheet 1
February 23, 2014
Loving Actions
Set the table. Feed a pet. Make a sandwich for a friend. Sing to a crying baby. Read to a younger child. Hug a family member who is sad. Rake leaves for a neighbor. Say a prayer for a sick friend. Call a grandparent on the phone. Collect canned goods for the food pantry. Pick up toys in the church nursery. Help tie someone’s shoes. © 2013 Westminster John Knox Press
Winter 2013–2014
5
Grades (K)1–2 Resource Sheet 2
February 23, 2014
A Loving Place Directions: What does it mean to “love others as much as you love yourself” (Leviticus 19:18, CEV)? Color the children who seem to be doing just that!
© 2013 Westminster John Knox Press
Winter 2013–2014
6
