W-3 2-3 - Dayspring Community Church
AUGUST
W-3 2
PRELUDE
Chief Executive Officer Reggie Joiner Creative Team Kristen Ivy Mike Clear Molly Boylan Elloa Davis Elizabeth Hansen Jessica McKee Brandon O’Dell Greg Payne Phil Pierce Dan Scott Jon Williams Contributing Writers Jodi Blackwell Stuart Chapman Kristi Hecht Sam Johnson Cara Martens Kelly Nishi
SOCIAL
15 MINUTES
Editors Molly Boylan Elloa Davis Dana Wilkerson Illustrations & Graphic Design Brian Bascle Mike Davis Joe Goode Technical & Web Support Hadley Brandt Orange Specialists Amy Grisham Joy Bowen Abbey Carr Amy Fenton Leslie Galema Misty Phillips Stephanie Porter Courtney Templeton
STORY
WORSHIP
Statement of Faith ABOUT GOD God is the one and only true God, yet He exists in three persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. God is the Creator, so everything belongs to Him and is under His control. God is holy, so He is righteous, majestic, and loving. God is all knowing and purposeful, so He’s at work to bring about His will. No person, thing, or idea compares to God. ABOUT THE SCRIPTURES God reveals Himself to us through the Bible, and it is 100% accurate, reliable, and authoritative. ABOUT PEOPLE People are made in God’s image and for His pleasure. But everybody falls short of God’s intention, or ideal, for people. In other words, everyone has sinned. As a result, we are all separated from Him, even though He wants an intimate relationship with each of us. ABOUT SALVATION That’s why Jesus—God’s Son—came and lived on this earth, died, and rose again. God offers His free gift of salvation to all who believe in Jesus and accept Him as Savior—the only way to be forgiven and reconciled to God. Anyone who accepts this gift is adopted as a son or daughter into God’s family and will live with Him forever in heaven.
0
1
6
GROUPS
25 MINUTES
GRADES
2-3 HOME
User Agreement Orange gladly grants permission to churches, schools, and other licensees to tailor 252 Basics® materials to fit their unique leadership requirements, locale and format preferences, and physical environment needs. However, if you wish to edit the content substantively, including Bible stories, learning activities, scripts, and any other content in which biblical principles and concepts are presented, you are obligated to do so within the doctrinal guidelines we’ve expressed in our Statement of Faith. These resources are intended to be downloaded and printed for use by the subscribing entity only and may not be electronically transferred to or duplicated by other non-subscribing entities. Any unauthorized reproduction of this material or incorporation into a new work is a direct violation of US copyright laws. ©2016 The reThink Group. All rights reserved. 252 Basics® and the 252 Basics® logo are trademarks of Orange and the reThink Group. Scripture marked “NIrV” is taken from the NEW INTERNATIONAL READER’S VERSION®. Copyright © 1996, 1998, 2014 Biblica. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of Biblica. Scripture marked “NIV” is taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
AUGUST
W-3 2
PRELUDE
SOCIAL
15 MINUTES
STORY
BOTTOM LINE
2-3
GROUPS
25 MINUTES
HOME
SOCIAL: Providing time for fun interaction Ideas for Early Arrivers Monster Mash
25
STORY: Communicating God’s truth in engaging ways Opener Worship Bible Story Prayer Closer
MINUTES
MINUTES
10 MINUTES
“Trust in your leaders. Put yourselves under their authority. Do this, because they keep watch over you.” Hebrews 13:17a, NIrV
6
15
I should trust and obey even if I don’t know how it will all work out.
MEMORY VERSE
1
PRELUDE: Setting the tone for the experience For Leaders Only Create the Environment
BIBLE STORY
Following Instructions Abraham Follows God Genesis 12:1-5, Genesis 13:2-18, Genesis 15:1-6
WORSHIP
0
GRADES
25 MINUTES
LIFE APP
WORSHIP: Inviting people to respond to God “Sing and Shout” from Walk This Way “I Will Follow” from Zapped GROUPS: Creating a safe place to connect Blindfolded! Crazy Dot-to-Dot Puzzle Me, Puzzle You Prayer HOME: Prompting action beyond the experience GodTime Parent Cue
Obedience—trusting those who lead you by doing what you’re asked to do.
BASIC TRUTH
I can trust God no matter what.
©2016 The reThink Group. All rights reserved. • www.ThinkOrange.com If you change the content of this document, please add to the copyright: Adapted by (your name/organization name/date).
PAG E 2
AUGUST
W-3 2
PRELUDE
SOCIAL
STORY
15 MINUTES
WORSHIP
0
1
6
GRADES
2-3
GROUPS
25 MINUTES
HOME
GETTING READY
BIBLE STORY
SOCIAL: PROVIDING TIME FOR FUN INTERACTION Following Instructions Abraham Follows God Genesis 12:1-5, Genesis 13:2-18, Genesis 15:1-6
BOTTOM LINE I should trust and obey even if I don’t know how it will all work out.
MEMORY VERSE
(Choose one or both of these activities.) Early Arriver • An offering container Monster Mash • Paper; 1 sheet for each kid • Markers
GROUPS: CREATING A SAFE PLACE TO CONNECT (Choose as many of these activities as you like.) * If you don’t have time to do all these activities, be sure to do activity #1.
“Trust in your leaders. Put yourselves under their authority. Do this, because they keep watch over you.” Hebrews 13:17a, NIrV
LIFE APP
Obedience—trusting those who lead you by doing what you’re asked to do.
BASIC TRUTH
I can trust God no matter what.
* • • •
1. Blindfolded! (application activity / review the Bible story) Print the “Story Stars” Activity page on cardstock and cut apart Blindfolds (such as bandanas); 1 for each kid Safe items to use for an obstacle course, such as chairs, tables, paper plates, safety cones, other Small Group Leaders, etc.
2. Crazy Dot-to-Dot (application activity) • Print the “Star-to-Dot” Activity Page; 1 for each kid • Pencils • Bible; place a mark at Genesis 12 3. Puzzle Me, Puzzle You (memory verse activity) • Blindfolds • Print the “Puzzle Me, Puzzle You” Activity Page on cardstock and cut apart; 1 for every 2 kids; place each puzzle in a baggie or paperclip the pieces together to keep the sets separated Prayer Optional: • A 16-20 oz. clean water bottle or a clear glass jar with lid • 70% or 91% isopropyl alcohol (50% doesn’t work!)
©2016 The reThink Group. All rights reserved. • www.ThinkOrange.com If you change the content of this document, please add to the copyright: Adapted by (your name/organization name/date).
PAG E 3
AUGUST
W-3 2
PRELUDE
SOCIAL
15 MINUTES
STORY
WORSHIP
0
1
6
GROUPS
25 MINUTES
GRADES
2-3 HOME
•S alt water; mix ¼ cup salt with 1 cup boiling water; stir to dissolve as much salt as possible; let cool completely (this may take an hour or so); pour the cooled liquid into a separate container, letting any undissolved salt remain in the original container • Add 1 cup isopropyl alcohol to your salt water • Pony beads; about a half cup • Funnel (optional) Additional Resources: • Make copies on cardstock of this week’s GodTime and Parent Cue cards. • Tell parents about our additional family resources: Studio252.tv, CUE Box, and the Parent Cue app. To find out more about these great resources, go to http://www.Studio252.tv/leaders.
©2016 The reThink Group. All rights reserved. • www.ThinkOrange.com If you change the content of this document, please add to the copyright: Adapted by (your name/organization name/date).
PAG E 4
AUGUST
W-3 2
PRELUDE
SOCIAL
15 MINUTES
STORY
WORSHIP
0
1
6
GROUPS
GRADES
2-3 HOME
SOCIAL: PROVIDING TIME FOR FUN INTERACTION Welcome kids and spend time engaging in conversation and catching up. Get ready to experience today’s story. Before kids arrive, pray for each regular attendee by name. Pray for those who might visit your group for the first time. Pray for the kids who are faced with trusting parents or other adults in times of uncertainty. Pray that these kids’ faith would be strengthened through trusting and obeying when they don’t know the end of the story.
1. EARLY ARRIVER IDEA What You Need: Offering container What You Do: • Invite kids to place their offerings in the container. • Ask kids to tell if they ever read a book or watched a movie where the ending surprised them. What book/movie was it? What did they expect the ending to be? What was the ending instead?
2. MONSTER MASH What You Need: Paper; 1 sheet for each kid, markers What You Do: • Give each child a piece of paper. Set the markers where kids can reach them. • Lead kids to follow the directions below (no peeking at others’ papers!). The instructions allow for some creativity. Kids’ drawings will look vaguely like a silly monster, but it’s okay if they end up with something that looks completely random. o Draw a large circle. o Draw a square in the center of the circle. o At the bottom of the circle, draw five lines that each start at the edge of the circle and go out. The lines can be straight, wavy, zigzag … any way you choose. (You might need to repeat this instruction.) o At the top edge of the large circle, draw two lines that both start at the edge of the circle and go up. o Draw a circle at the top of each of the lines you just drew. o On the right side of the large circle, draw a line that touches the edge of the circle and goes out. At the outer end of the line, draw a small circle. o On the left side of the large circle, draw a line that touches the edge of the circle and goes out. At the outer end of the line, draw a small circle. o Below the square, draw two circles between the square and the edge of the large circle. The circles should be side by side, with one on the left and one on the right. o Above the square, draw a long rectangle between the square and the edge of the large circle. o Divide the rectangle with a sideways line. The line can be straight, wavy, zigzag … any way you choose. o Draw a star, a triangle, a circle, or a rectangle inside each of the small circles. o Turn your paper so that the five lines are at the top. • Kids can color their creations if time remains.
©2016 The reThink Group. All rights reserved. • www.ThinkOrange.com If you change the content of this document, please add to the copyright: Adapted by (your name/organization name/date).
PAG E 5
AUGUST
W-3 2
PRELUDE
SOCIAL
15 MINUTES
STORY
WORSHIP
0
1
6
GROUPS
GRADES
2-3 HOME
What You Say: “Wow! Those are fun! You did a great job following directions, even though you didn’t know how your drawings would turn out. In our Bible story today, [Transition] we’ll hear about someone who followed God’s directions even though he didn’t know how things would turn out. Let’s go to Large Group to learn more.” Lead your group to the Large Group area.
©2016 The reThink Group. All rights reserved. • www.ThinkOrange.com If you change the content of this document, please add to the copyright: Adapted by (your name/organization name/date).
PAG E 6
AUGUST
W-3 2
PRELUDE
SOCIAL
STORY
WORSHIP
0
1
6
GROUPS
25 MINUTES
GRADES
2-3 HOME
GROUPS: CREATING A SAFE PLACE TO CONNECT Create a safe place to connect and learn how the Bible story applies to real life experiences, through interactive activities and discussion questions.
* 1. BLINDFOLDED! (application activity / review the Bible story) WHAT YOU NEED: Bible, “Story Stars” Activity Page, a blindfold for each child, objects to create an obstacle course WHAT YOU DO: • Tell kids that you are going to lead them through an obstacle course to collect a series of stars. The catch: They will each be blindfolded! • Guide kids to line up at one end of your area. Help each kid put on a blindfold. Check to ensure that peeking is impossible! • When the kids are blindfolded, quickly set up an obstacle course. Make the course as challenging, yet safe, as possible! • Place the “Story Stars” at different locations along the course—on the floor, on a chair, taped to a wall, in the middle of a table, etc. • Guide kids to place their hands on the shoulders of the kids in front of them, with the first child in line placing her hands on YOUR shoulders. • Carefully lead kids through the course. Use the path you take as well as verbal cues to keep kids from bumping into obstacles. • When you reach a star, stop the “train.” Coach a child on how to retrieve the star. (Be sure to have different kids pick up each star.) • When you reach the end of the course, invite kids to remove their blindfolds. Review your course and celebrate your victory! • Have the kids give you the stars they retrieved. • Lead the group to put the stars in order, and then use the conversation below to “bring it home.” • Adaptation: Make a set of the “Story Stars” for each group. (Copy these on a different color of paper for each group.) Provide equipment for one obstacle course. If your kids travel to Large Group, you could set up the course while they are there, and then run the obstacle course as soon as everyone returns. Be sure to blindfold kids before placing the Story Stars around the course. Assign each leader a star color to collect. After the kids run the obstacle course, move the course equipment aside and instruct groups to gather together in each of their own spots around the room to discuss the game. WHAT YOU SAY: Star #1: “Have any of you ever had to move or leave your school, your family, or your friends? (Be sensitive to difficult situations the kids may have encountered.) Do you think moving would be a hard thing for Abram to do? Why or why not?” Star #2: “What was God’s promise to Abram? (Invite a child to open the Bible where marked and read Genesis 12:2-3) Did Abram know all the details of God’s promise? Did he know HOW he would become a great nation or be a blessing to all people on earth? Star #3: “If you were Abram, would there be questions that you would want to ask God? What would they be?
©2016 The reThink Group. All rights reserved. • www.ThinkOrange.com If you change the content of this document, please add to the copyright: Adapted by (your name/organization name/date).
PAG E 7
AUGUST
W-3 2
PRELUDE
SOCIAL
STORY
WORSHIP
0
1
6
GROUPS
25 MINUTES
GRADES
2-3 HOME
(No question for Star #4.) Star #5: “If you were Abram, would you wonder if God could come through on His promise? Why or why not?” Star #6: “What are some promises God has given you?” (He will never leave me; If I believe in Jesus, I’ll have life forever with Him; He will always love me, etc.) [Make It Personal] (Tell a kid-appropriate story about a time when God gave you a promise that seemed impossible. Share how God came through on His promise or how you’re still trusting God for His answer. Tell how your relationship with God has grown as a result.) “Abram trusted and obeyed God even though he didn’t know all the details or how things would work out. Just like Abram, you can’t see the future, and you won’t always know how things will work out. When you were blindfolded you were extra cautious walking and following directions. But, when you put your faith in Jesus, you CAN trust that God is in control and that he will put people in your life that you can trust and follow. So remember: [Bottom Line] I should trust and obey even if I don’t know how it will all work out.”
2. CRAZY DOT-TO-DOT (application activity) WHAT YOU NEED: “Star-to-Dot” Activity Page; 1 for each kid, pencils, Bible WHAT YOU DO: • Give each kid an Activity Page and a pencil. • After you read the directions below, let kids complete the activity. Provide help as needed. • Instructions: Find number 1 and connect the dots in order. Whenever you come to a star (*), stop, pick up your pencil, and begin again at the next number. • As the kids work, periodically ask if they can tell what the picture will be. WHAT YOU SAY: “What was God’s promise to Abram? (Invite a child to open the Bible where marked and read Genesis 12:2-3.) What were some things that could have tempted Abram to question God’s promise? (God didn’t give him any details of how things would work out; God’s promise happened; God promised Abram that he would be a father to many children, but he and his wife were really old.) “Abram trusted and obeyed God even though he didn’t know all the details or how things would work out. He even trusted God when what God promised seemed impossible! “When are times you can trust and obey even if you don’t know how things will work out? (When my parents tell us we need to move; when my parents/teachers/coaches ask me to do something I don’t understand; when God tells me to do something that’s hard to do, like doing the right thing even when others aren’t.) “Just like Abram—and just like in this dot-to-dot—you can’t see the future, and you won’t always know how things will work out. But what you CAN do is show God and the people who lead you that they matter by trusting their decisions and doing what they ask you to do. So remember: [Bottom Line] I should trust and obey even if I don’t know how it will all ©2016 The reThink Group. All rights reserved. • www.ThinkOrange.com If you change the content of this document, please add to the copyright: Adapted by (your name/organization name/date).
PAG E 8
AUGUST
W-3 2
PRELUDE
SOCIAL
STORY
WORSHIP
0
1
6
GROUPS
25 MINUTES
GRADES
2-3 HOME
work out.”
3. PUZZLE ME, PUZZLE YOU (memory verse activity) WHAT YOU NEED: Blindfolds, prepared “Puzzle Me, Puzzle You” Activity Pages; 1 for every 2 kids
WHAT YOU DO: • Guide each child to find a partner. If you have an odd number of kids, either pair yourself with a child or invite a kid to be your helper. • Help kids blindfold one person on each team. • Give each pair a set of puzzle pieces. • Help the “seeing” partner coach the blindfolded partner to assemble the puzzle. The challenge is the sighted partner may not touch the pieces! (And, of course, the blindfolded partner can’t peek!) • When each team completes the puzzle, the blindfolded child removes his blindfold and the kids read the verse together. • If time allows, kids can switch roles, shuffle the pieces, and play again. WHAT YOU SAY: “For those of you who were blindfolded, how did it feel to rely on the instructions of your partner? (Pause for responses.) When you did what your partner told you to do, were you able to complete the puzzle? “For those of you who could see, was it easy or hard to give directions to your partner? What made it hard? What made it easy? (Pause for responses.) “In the end, were you able to put the puzzle together? (Pause.) You know, this activity was a great example of today’s Bottom Line. What’s the Bottom Line for today? [Bottom Line] I should trust and obey even if I don’t know how it will all work out. How was doing this activity like today’s Bottom Line? (When I couldn’t see, I had to trust my partner and do what they said even though I didn’t really know what I was doing.) “This activity was also a great example of our memory verse. How could this activity be an example-in-action of what our memory verse says? (Our leaders have a plan for us, and we don’t always know what that plan is, but when we listen to them, good things can happen. We need to do what our leaders say because they know more than we do.) “Great ideas! So remember: [Bottom Line] I should trust and obey even if I don’t know how it will all work out; and (guide kids to say the verse with you) ‘Trust in your leaders. Put yourselves under their authority. Do this, because they keep watch over you.’” (Hebrews 13:17a, NIrV)
PRAY AND DISMISS WHAT YOU NEED: (All optional) clean, empty container; container of isopropyl alcohol and salt water; pony beads; funnel WHAT YOU DO: (Optional experiment) • Invite volunteer(s) to put the pony beads in the bottle. ©2016 The reThink Group. All rights reserved. • www.ThinkOrange.com If you change the content of this document, please add to the copyright: Adapted by (your name/organization name/date).
PAG E 9
AUGUST
W-3 2
PRELUDE
SOCIAL
STORY
WORSHIP
0
1
6
GROUPS
25 MINUTES
GRADES
2-3 HOME
• • • •
Let another volunteer fill the bottle with the liquid. A funnel will help. Ask kids if we always know God’s plan or how His plan will work out. Shake the bottle and tell kids that sometimes God’s plan seems confusing. Set the bottle down. As the items begin to separate, explain that even though we don’t always know or understand God’s plan or how things will work out, God always has a plan, and since He loves us, His plan is always best and good. • When the items slowly settle with the salt water on bottom, pony beads in the middle, and the alcohol on top, let the kids ooh and aah for a moment, and then explain that God’s plan always comes together. • Shake the bottle again to “replay” the experiment. Note: If you don’t do the above experiment, just have the discussion below. WHAT YOU SAY: “When God told Abram to leave his home and his country, did Abram know where he was going? No, but Abram knew that God is the one and only God, and so he made the choice to trust God no matter what. The Bible tells us that Abram ‘obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.’ (Hebrews 11:8, NIV) “Sometimes God may ask YOU to do things that seem hard or confusing. But can you trust God no matter what? Yes! You can trust that God loves you and He won’t ask you to do anything that’s not His absolute best for you. So remember: [Bottom Line] I should trust and obey even if I don’t know how it will all work out.”
Give each child a GodTime card. Pass out Parent Cue cards as adults arrive to pick up. If you did the bead/bottle experiment, let kids show the adults how the bottle works and tell them how it fits with today’s story and Bottom Line. If you didn’t do the experiment, encourage kids to challenge family members to do a “blindfolded” puzzle later this week.
©2016 The reThink Group. All rights reserved. • www.ThinkOrange.com If you change the content of this document, please add to the copyright: Adapted by (your name/organization name/date).
PAG E 1 0
W-3 2
PRELUDE
Chief Executive Officer Reggie Joiner Creative Team Kristen Ivy Mike Clear Molly Boylan Elloa Davis Elizabeth Hansen Jessica McKee Brandon O’Dell Greg Payne Phil Pierce Dan Scott Jon Williams Contributing Writers Jodi Blackwell Stuart Chapman Kristi Hecht Sam Johnson Cara Martens Kelly Nishi
SOCIAL
15 MINUTES
Editors Molly Boylan Elloa Davis Dana Wilkerson Illustrations & Graphic Design Brian Bascle Mike Davis Joe Goode Technical & Web Support Hadley Brandt Orange Specialists Amy Grisham Joy Bowen Abbey Carr Amy Fenton Leslie Galema Misty Phillips Stephanie Porter Courtney Templeton
STORY
WORSHIP
Statement of Faith ABOUT GOD God is the one and only true God, yet He exists in three persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. God is the Creator, so everything belongs to Him and is under His control. God is holy, so He is righteous, majestic, and loving. God is all knowing and purposeful, so He’s at work to bring about His will. No person, thing, or idea compares to God. ABOUT THE SCRIPTURES God reveals Himself to us through the Bible, and it is 100% accurate, reliable, and authoritative. ABOUT PEOPLE People are made in God’s image and for His pleasure. But everybody falls short of God’s intention, or ideal, for people. In other words, everyone has sinned. As a result, we are all separated from Him, even though He wants an intimate relationship with each of us. ABOUT SALVATION That’s why Jesus—God’s Son—came and lived on this earth, died, and rose again. God offers His free gift of salvation to all who believe in Jesus and accept Him as Savior—the only way to be forgiven and reconciled to God. Anyone who accepts this gift is adopted as a son or daughter into God’s family and will live with Him forever in heaven.
0
1
6
GROUPS
25 MINUTES
GRADES
2-3 HOME
User Agreement Orange gladly grants permission to churches, schools, and other licensees to tailor 252 Basics® materials to fit their unique leadership requirements, locale and format preferences, and physical environment needs. However, if you wish to edit the content substantively, including Bible stories, learning activities, scripts, and any other content in which biblical principles and concepts are presented, you are obligated to do so within the doctrinal guidelines we’ve expressed in our Statement of Faith. These resources are intended to be downloaded and printed for use by the subscribing entity only and may not be electronically transferred to or duplicated by other non-subscribing entities. Any unauthorized reproduction of this material or incorporation into a new work is a direct violation of US copyright laws. ©2016 The reThink Group. All rights reserved. 252 Basics® and the 252 Basics® logo are trademarks of Orange and the reThink Group. Scripture marked “NIrV” is taken from the NEW INTERNATIONAL READER’S VERSION®. Copyright © 1996, 1998, 2014 Biblica. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of Biblica. Scripture marked “NIV” is taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
AUGUST
W-3 2
PRELUDE
SOCIAL
15 MINUTES
STORY
BOTTOM LINE
2-3
GROUPS
25 MINUTES
HOME
SOCIAL: Providing time for fun interaction Ideas for Early Arrivers Monster Mash
25
STORY: Communicating God’s truth in engaging ways Opener Worship Bible Story Prayer Closer
MINUTES
MINUTES
10 MINUTES
“Trust in your leaders. Put yourselves under their authority. Do this, because they keep watch over you.” Hebrews 13:17a, NIrV
6
15
I should trust and obey even if I don’t know how it will all work out.
MEMORY VERSE
1
PRELUDE: Setting the tone for the experience For Leaders Only Create the Environment
BIBLE STORY
Following Instructions Abraham Follows God Genesis 12:1-5, Genesis 13:2-18, Genesis 15:1-6
WORSHIP
0
GRADES
25 MINUTES
LIFE APP
WORSHIP: Inviting people to respond to God “Sing and Shout” from Walk This Way “I Will Follow” from Zapped GROUPS: Creating a safe place to connect Blindfolded! Crazy Dot-to-Dot Puzzle Me, Puzzle You Prayer HOME: Prompting action beyond the experience GodTime Parent Cue
Obedience—trusting those who lead you by doing what you’re asked to do.
BASIC TRUTH
I can trust God no matter what.
©2016 The reThink Group. All rights reserved. • www.ThinkOrange.com If you change the content of this document, please add to the copyright: Adapted by (your name/organization name/date).
PAG E 2
AUGUST
W-3 2
PRELUDE
SOCIAL
STORY
15 MINUTES
WORSHIP
0
1
6
GRADES
2-3
GROUPS
25 MINUTES
HOME
GETTING READY
BIBLE STORY
SOCIAL: PROVIDING TIME FOR FUN INTERACTION Following Instructions Abraham Follows God Genesis 12:1-5, Genesis 13:2-18, Genesis 15:1-6
BOTTOM LINE I should trust and obey even if I don’t know how it will all work out.
MEMORY VERSE
(Choose one or both of these activities.) Early Arriver • An offering container Monster Mash • Paper; 1 sheet for each kid • Markers
GROUPS: CREATING A SAFE PLACE TO CONNECT (Choose as many of these activities as you like.) * If you don’t have time to do all these activities, be sure to do activity #1.
“Trust in your leaders. Put yourselves under their authority. Do this, because they keep watch over you.” Hebrews 13:17a, NIrV
LIFE APP
Obedience—trusting those who lead you by doing what you’re asked to do.
BASIC TRUTH
I can trust God no matter what.
* • • •
1. Blindfolded! (application activity / review the Bible story) Print the “Story Stars” Activity page on cardstock and cut apart Blindfolds (such as bandanas); 1 for each kid Safe items to use for an obstacle course, such as chairs, tables, paper plates, safety cones, other Small Group Leaders, etc.
2. Crazy Dot-to-Dot (application activity) • Print the “Star-to-Dot” Activity Page; 1 for each kid • Pencils • Bible; place a mark at Genesis 12 3. Puzzle Me, Puzzle You (memory verse activity) • Blindfolds • Print the “Puzzle Me, Puzzle You” Activity Page on cardstock and cut apart; 1 for every 2 kids; place each puzzle in a baggie or paperclip the pieces together to keep the sets separated Prayer Optional: • A 16-20 oz. clean water bottle or a clear glass jar with lid • 70% or 91% isopropyl alcohol (50% doesn’t work!)
©2016 The reThink Group. All rights reserved. • www.ThinkOrange.com If you change the content of this document, please add to the copyright: Adapted by (your name/organization name/date).
PAG E 3
AUGUST
W-3 2
PRELUDE
SOCIAL
15 MINUTES
STORY
WORSHIP
0
1
6
GROUPS
25 MINUTES
GRADES
2-3 HOME
•S alt water; mix ¼ cup salt with 1 cup boiling water; stir to dissolve as much salt as possible; let cool completely (this may take an hour or so); pour the cooled liquid into a separate container, letting any undissolved salt remain in the original container • Add 1 cup isopropyl alcohol to your salt water • Pony beads; about a half cup • Funnel (optional) Additional Resources: • Make copies on cardstock of this week’s GodTime and Parent Cue cards. • Tell parents about our additional family resources: Studio252.tv, CUE Box, and the Parent Cue app. To find out more about these great resources, go to http://www.Studio252.tv/leaders.
©2016 The reThink Group. All rights reserved. • www.ThinkOrange.com If you change the content of this document, please add to the copyright: Adapted by (your name/organization name/date).
PAG E 4
AUGUST
W-3 2
PRELUDE
SOCIAL
15 MINUTES
STORY
WORSHIP
0
1
6
GROUPS
GRADES
2-3 HOME
SOCIAL: PROVIDING TIME FOR FUN INTERACTION Welcome kids and spend time engaging in conversation and catching up. Get ready to experience today’s story. Before kids arrive, pray for each regular attendee by name. Pray for those who might visit your group for the first time. Pray for the kids who are faced with trusting parents or other adults in times of uncertainty. Pray that these kids’ faith would be strengthened through trusting and obeying when they don’t know the end of the story.
1. EARLY ARRIVER IDEA What You Need: Offering container What You Do: • Invite kids to place their offerings in the container. • Ask kids to tell if they ever read a book or watched a movie where the ending surprised them. What book/movie was it? What did they expect the ending to be? What was the ending instead?
2. MONSTER MASH What You Need: Paper; 1 sheet for each kid, markers What You Do: • Give each child a piece of paper. Set the markers where kids can reach them. • Lead kids to follow the directions below (no peeking at others’ papers!). The instructions allow for some creativity. Kids’ drawings will look vaguely like a silly monster, but it’s okay if they end up with something that looks completely random. o Draw a large circle. o Draw a square in the center of the circle. o At the bottom of the circle, draw five lines that each start at the edge of the circle and go out. The lines can be straight, wavy, zigzag … any way you choose. (You might need to repeat this instruction.) o At the top edge of the large circle, draw two lines that both start at the edge of the circle and go up. o Draw a circle at the top of each of the lines you just drew. o On the right side of the large circle, draw a line that touches the edge of the circle and goes out. At the outer end of the line, draw a small circle. o On the left side of the large circle, draw a line that touches the edge of the circle and goes out. At the outer end of the line, draw a small circle. o Below the square, draw two circles between the square and the edge of the large circle. The circles should be side by side, with one on the left and one on the right. o Above the square, draw a long rectangle between the square and the edge of the large circle. o Divide the rectangle with a sideways line. The line can be straight, wavy, zigzag … any way you choose. o Draw a star, a triangle, a circle, or a rectangle inside each of the small circles. o Turn your paper so that the five lines are at the top. • Kids can color their creations if time remains.
©2016 The reThink Group. All rights reserved. • www.ThinkOrange.com If you change the content of this document, please add to the copyright: Adapted by (your name/organization name/date).
PAG E 5
AUGUST
W-3 2
PRELUDE
SOCIAL
15 MINUTES
STORY
WORSHIP
0
1
6
GROUPS
GRADES
2-3 HOME
What You Say: “Wow! Those are fun! You did a great job following directions, even though you didn’t know how your drawings would turn out. In our Bible story today, [Transition] we’ll hear about someone who followed God’s directions even though he didn’t know how things would turn out. Let’s go to Large Group to learn more.” Lead your group to the Large Group area.
©2016 The reThink Group. All rights reserved. • www.ThinkOrange.com If you change the content of this document, please add to the copyright: Adapted by (your name/organization name/date).
PAG E 6
AUGUST
W-3 2
PRELUDE
SOCIAL
STORY
WORSHIP
0
1
6
GROUPS
25 MINUTES
GRADES
2-3 HOME
GROUPS: CREATING A SAFE PLACE TO CONNECT Create a safe place to connect and learn how the Bible story applies to real life experiences, through interactive activities and discussion questions.
* 1. BLINDFOLDED! (application activity / review the Bible story) WHAT YOU NEED: Bible, “Story Stars” Activity Page, a blindfold for each child, objects to create an obstacle course WHAT YOU DO: • Tell kids that you are going to lead them through an obstacle course to collect a series of stars. The catch: They will each be blindfolded! • Guide kids to line up at one end of your area. Help each kid put on a blindfold. Check to ensure that peeking is impossible! • When the kids are blindfolded, quickly set up an obstacle course. Make the course as challenging, yet safe, as possible! • Place the “Story Stars” at different locations along the course—on the floor, on a chair, taped to a wall, in the middle of a table, etc. • Guide kids to place their hands on the shoulders of the kids in front of them, with the first child in line placing her hands on YOUR shoulders. • Carefully lead kids through the course. Use the path you take as well as verbal cues to keep kids from bumping into obstacles. • When you reach a star, stop the “train.” Coach a child on how to retrieve the star. (Be sure to have different kids pick up each star.) • When you reach the end of the course, invite kids to remove their blindfolds. Review your course and celebrate your victory! • Have the kids give you the stars they retrieved. • Lead the group to put the stars in order, and then use the conversation below to “bring it home.” • Adaptation: Make a set of the “Story Stars” for each group. (Copy these on a different color of paper for each group.) Provide equipment for one obstacle course. If your kids travel to Large Group, you could set up the course while they are there, and then run the obstacle course as soon as everyone returns. Be sure to blindfold kids before placing the Story Stars around the course. Assign each leader a star color to collect. After the kids run the obstacle course, move the course equipment aside and instruct groups to gather together in each of their own spots around the room to discuss the game. WHAT YOU SAY: Star #1: “Have any of you ever had to move or leave your school, your family, or your friends? (Be sensitive to difficult situations the kids may have encountered.) Do you think moving would be a hard thing for Abram to do? Why or why not?” Star #2: “What was God’s promise to Abram? (Invite a child to open the Bible where marked and read Genesis 12:2-3) Did Abram know all the details of God’s promise? Did he know HOW he would become a great nation or be a blessing to all people on earth? Star #3: “If you were Abram, would there be questions that you would want to ask God? What would they be?
©2016 The reThink Group. All rights reserved. • www.ThinkOrange.com If you change the content of this document, please add to the copyright: Adapted by (your name/organization name/date).
PAG E 7
AUGUST
W-3 2
PRELUDE
SOCIAL
STORY
WORSHIP
0
1
6
GROUPS
25 MINUTES
GRADES
2-3 HOME
(No question for Star #4.) Star #5: “If you were Abram, would you wonder if God could come through on His promise? Why or why not?” Star #6: “What are some promises God has given you?” (He will never leave me; If I believe in Jesus, I’ll have life forever with Him; He will always love me, etc.) [Make It Personal] (Tell a kid-appropriate story about a time when God gave you a promise that seemed impossible. Share how God came through on His promise or how you’re still trusting God for His answer. Tell how your relationship with God has grown as a result.) “Abram trusted and obeyed God even though he didn’t know all the details or how things would work out. Just like Abram, you can’t see the future, and you won’t always know how things will work out. When you were blindfolded you were extra cautious walking and following directions. But, when you put your faith in Jesus, you CAN trust that God is in control and that he will put people in your life that you can trust and follow. So remember: [Bottom Line] I should trust and obey even if I don’t know how it will all work out.”
2. CRAZY DOT-TO-DOT (application activity) WHAT YOU NEED: “Star-to-Dot” Activity Page; 1 for each kid, pencils, Bible WHAT YOU DO: • Give each kid an Activity Page and a pencil. • After you read the directions below, let kids complete the activity. Provide help as needed. • Instructions: Find number 1 and connect the dots in order. Whenever you come to a star (*), stop, pick up your pencil, and begin again at the next number. • As the kids work, periodically ask if they can tell what the picture will be. WHAT YOU SAY: “What was God’s promise to Abram? (Invite a child to open the Bible where marked and read Genesis 12:2-3.) What were some things that could have tempted Abram to question God’s promise? (God didn’t give him any details of how things would work out; God’s promise happened; God promised Abram that he would be a father to many children, but he and his wife were really old.) “Abram trusted and obeyed God even though he didn’t know all the details or how things would work out. He even trusted God when what God promised seemed impossible! “When are times you can trust and obey even if you don’t know how things will work out? (When my parents tell us we need to move; when my parents/teachers/coaches ask me to do something I don’t understand; when God tells me to do something that’s hard to do, like doing the right thing even when others aren’t.) “Just like Abram—and just like in this dot-to-dot—you can’t see the future, and you won’t always know how things will work out. But what you CAN do is show God and the people who lead you that they matter by trusting their decisions and doing what they ask you to do. So remember: [Bottom Line] I should trust and obey even if I don’t know how it will all ©2016 The reThink Group. All rights reserved. • www.ThinkOrange.com If you change the content of this document, please add to the copyright: Adapted by (your name/organization name/date).
PAG E 8
AUGUST
W-3 2
PRELUDE
SOCIAL
STORY
WORSHIP
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1
6
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25 MINUTES
GRADES
2-3 HOME
work out.”
3. PUZZLE ME, PUZZLE YOU (memory verse activity) WHAT YOU NEED: Blindfolds, prepared “Puzzle Me, Puzzle You” Activity Pages; 1 for every 2 kids
WHAT YOU DO: • Guide each child to find a partner. If you have an odd number of kids, either pair yourself with a child or invite a kid to be your helper. • Help kids blindfold one person on each team. • Give each pair a set of puzzle pieces. • Help the “seeing” partner coach the blindfolded partner to assemble the puzzle. The challenge is the sighted partner may not touch the pieces! (And, of course, the blindfolded partner can’t peek!) • When each team completes the puzzle, the blindfolded child removes his blindfold and the kids read the verse together. • If time allows, kids can switch roles, shuffle the pieces, and play again. WHAT YOU SAY: “For those of you who were blindfolded, how did it feel to rely on the instructions of your partner? (Pause for responses.) When you did what your partner told you to do, were you able to complete the puzzle? “For those of you who could see, was it easy or hard to give directions to your partner? What made it hard? What made it easy? (Pause for responses.) “In the end, were you able to put the puzzle together? (Pause.) You know, this activity was a great example of today’s Bottom Line. What’s the Bottom Line for today? [Bottom Line] I should trust and obey even if I don’t know how it will all work out. How was doing this activity like today’s Bottom Line? (When I couldn’t see, I had to trust my partner and do what they said even though I didn’t really know what I was doing.) “This activity was also a great example of our memory verse. How could this activity be an example-in-action of what our memory verse says? (Our leaders have a plan for us, and we don’t always know what that plan is, but when we listen to them, good things can happen. We need to do what our leaders say because they know more than we do.) “Great ideas! So remember: [Bottom Line] I should trust and obey even if I don’t know how it will all work out; and (guide kids to say the verse with you) ‘Trust in your leaders. Put yourselves under their authority. Do this, because they keep watch over you.’” (Hebrews 13:17a, NIrV)
PRAY AND DISMISS WHAT YOU NEED: (All optional) clean, empty container; container of isopropyl alcohol and salt water; pony beads; funnel WHAT YOU DO: (Optional experiment) • Invite volunteer(s) to put the pony beads in the bottle. ©2016 The reThink Group. All rights reserved. • www.ThinkOrange.com If you change the content of this document, please add to the copyright: Adapted by (your name/organization name/date).
PAG E 9
AUGUST
W-3 2
PRELUDE
SOCIAL
STORY
WORSHIP
0
1
6
GROUPS
25 MINUTES
GRADES
2-3 HOME
• • • •
Let another volunteer fill the bottle with the liquid. A funnel will help. Ask kids if we always know God’s plan or how His plan will work out. Shake the bottle and tell kids that sometimes God’s plan seems confusing. Set the bottle down. As the items begin to separate, explain that even though we don’t always know or understand God’s plan or how things will work out, God always has a plan, and since He loves us, His plan is always best and good. • When the items slowly settle with the salt water on bottom, pony beads in the middle, and the alcohol on top, let the kids ooh and aah for a moment, and then explain that God’s plan always comes together. • Shake the bottle again to “replay” the experiment. Note: If you don’t do the above experiment, just have the discussion below. WHAT YOU SAY: “When God told Abram to leave his home and his country, did Abram know where he was going? No, but Abram knew that God is the one and only God, and so he made the choice to trust God no matter what. The Bible tells us that Abram ‘obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.’ (Hebrews 11:8, NIV) “Sometimes God may ask YOU to do things that seem hard or confusing. But can you trust God no matter what? Yes! You can trust that God loves you and He won’t ask you to do anything that’s not His absolute best for you. So remember: [Bottom Line] I should trust and obey even if I don’t know how it will all work out.”
Give each child a GodTime card. Pass out Parent Cue cards as adults arrive to pick up. If you did the bead/bottle experiment, let kids show the adults how the bottle works and tell them how it fits with today’s story and Bottom Line. If you didn’t do the experiment, encourage kids to challenge family members to do a “blindfolded” puzzle later this week.
©2016 The reThink Group. All rights reserved. • www.ThinkOrange.com If you change the content of this document, please add to the copyright: Adapted by (your name/organization name/date).
PAG E 1 0
