Bible Passage - Clover Sitesstorage.cloversites.com/lacroixumc/documents/TW_3-1... · 2011. 2....

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SERVICE SCHEDULE

Explore::Welcome & Engage

10–15 minutes

Discover & Respond:: Large Group

30–40 minutes

Respond & Bless::Small Group

20–35 minutes

© 2011 David C. Cook. TruResources are developed in partnership with ROCKHARBOR Church and a national network of family and children’s ministry leaders. All rights reserved.

God Wants Me to Talk with Him

Bible Passage: Matthew 6:5–13; Luke 11:1–13(Jesus Teaches Us to Pray)

ENVIRONMENT: RESPONSIBILITY This environment captures the ability to take ownership for one’s life, gifts, and resources before God. A child must be challenged to take responsibility for his or her brothers and sisters in Christ, as well as for those who are spiritually lost. Our hope is that the Holy Spirit will use this environment to allow each child to understand

that God has entrusted His world to us.

REMEMBER VERSE

Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others. 1 Corinthians 10:24

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© 2011 David C. Cook

Inspire

“You are such a catch, I just don’t understand why you aren’t married. Have you prayed about it? Don’t you want children and a family?” Are you kidding me? Did this woman just say what I think she said? Yes, she did. End the conversation as quickly as you can and walk away, I told myself. If she only knew how often I prayed about this very issue. At the time of this conversation (or “drive-by intervention”), I had just stopped praying in this direction because frankly, the silence was deafening.

A few weeks ago, a friend and I were talking about prayer. I was amazed by her unending enthusiasm. As we were talking, she stopped midsentence and said, “I have to tell you this story. I know I am supposed to share this story with you right now.” She proceeded to recount a conversation she had with a little girl she was mentoring. Earlier this summer, the girl shared how her family had been going through a very rough time. Her parents were fighting all the time and she was afraid and didn’t know what to do. My friend told her, “Whenever you are afraid, or your parents are fighting, go into your room and kneel at the foot of your bed. When you do, pray and talk with Jesus. He will meet you there.”

Shortly after their talk, the child came back and reported to my friend that she had done just as she said. Her parents were fighting again, and this time it was really bad. So, she went into her room, knelt down by her bed, and began to talk to Jesus. She said, “Jesus talked to me.” My friend was thrilled, and she smiled as the girl continued, “He told me that my whole family was going to be blessed.” My friend did not know the meaning of these words, but it didn’t matter. The child who met with Jesus knew, and her heart was filled with hope and comfort. Her God had met her in the middle of her circumstance. She may not have been given the answer she was looking for, but she was given exactly what she needed.

“So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened” (Luke 11:9–10). This young child looked beyond her own good and began to pray for the good of others. She prayed expectantly for her family and He answered.

I believe it’s time to start my conversation with God again. This time I will turn my focus from myself and the outcome I desire. Instead I will wait expectantly on the Lord. He has blessed me with talents, resources, and my singleness at this time in my life for a reason. The outcome may not be what I expect, but it will be exactly what I need. “Are You there, God? It’s me, Cristi.”

Cristi ThomasTruWonder Team

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Further Resources

Mike Breen and Walt Kallestad, A Passionate Life. Colorado Springs: David C. Cook, 2008.

Remember Verse MotionsInspired by American Sign Language; demonstrated at signingsavvy.com and http://commtechlab.msu.edu/sites/aslweb/browser .htm.

Equip

Before we can look at the account of the Lord’s Prayer in Matthew chapter 6, we must first look into the preceding chapter. Here we find Jesus teaching His disciples through the Beatitudes. He teaches them by laying out the foundation of the Kingdom of God—contrasting it with the kingdom of this world. Jesus’ statements beginning with, “You have heard it said … ” and ending with, “But I tell you … ” paint the picture of what is required of all who choose to be in God’s kingdom.

“Lord, teach us to pray …” Jesus answered this request by teaching the disciples—and us—how to pray. He begins to frame and model prayer for us by establishing how we’re to approach God the Father: “Our Father in heaven …” The word Jesus uses for Father in Aramaic is the informal word Abba—translated to mean “daddy.” “Hallowed be your name” establishes who God is and retains positional authority of the I AM. “Your kingdom come, your will be done …” When we pray we’re to ask our heavenly Father to usher in His coming kingdom—which Jesus had just outlined for the disciples in the previous chapter with the Beatitudes. When we pray for His coming kingdom, our hearts can begin to desire the things that are important to Him—and get to know the heart of our Daddy. “Give us today our daily bread …” The Father cares for our needs, for He is our provider and will give us what we need in each day. “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” Jesus offers us forgiveness of sins. For much as we have been forgiven, by the same measure we must forgive others who hurt or sin against us—in forgiveness is freedom. “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” As we journey through this world, we’ll be face-to-face with decisions which will affect our lives, and often, the lives of others. We need the guidance and covering of the Lord to go before us. “For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen” (NKJV). Finally, when we conclude our prayers, end with the focus of our worship back to the honor and praise of the Lord God Almighty.

Jesus is the way to the Kingdom of God. His words bring hope. He came to fulfill the law. In light of this truth, as we pray, we can pray expectantly as we ask God to usher the ways of His kingdom into this world and our lives.

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Support

As we pray, we can choose to turn the posture of our hearts toward the things that the Father desires. Jesus modeled for us and told us that we’re to approach the Father with confidence and with the familiarity of our Daddy. What a beautiful gift. He is our heavenly Father. The God of all creation, the Lord Almighty, says that you can call Him Daddy. You have been adopted into His eternal family and are His child. He provides for all of your needs—and hears all of your joys, sorrows, and questions. He not only hears, but He answers.

This week, take some time each day to spend in prayer with your Abba Father, using the format Jesus has given to you within the Lord’s Prayer. As you begin, ask God to align your heart with His. If you enjoy journaling, consider writing your prayer. Place yourself in the surroundings that best help your heart and soul connect with God. After you spend some time talking with God, allow yourself and the Lord some time in silence to listen to what He may be choosing to say to you.

“My heavenly Father, Your name is above all names. There is no other that holds the power and holiness of Your name. May Your plans—Your design for us—be the center of every one of our days. May Your will be done on this earth, just as it is in heaven. Lord, please provide for everything we need for today. Forgive us when we cause harm to others and ourselves. Help us to forgive others who cause us harm. Lead us away from temptation, and protect us from the Evil One. All power, authority, and glory is Yours, now and forever. Amen.”

May the peace of God guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus now and forever (Philippians 4:7, paraphrase).

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© 2011 David C. Cook 5

Lesson OverviewExperience Time Summary Supplies/Prepare

(Master Supply List under Resource Tab)

Explore::Welcome & Engage

10–15 min.

Exploration stations create space intended to transition children—to lead them from the external world into an environment where they can commune with God, just as they are with all that they are.

Focus Station: Can We Talk?(per table)• 2 paper cups• string• 2 paper clips• tape

(Optional) Station 2: Telephone• none

Discover::Large Group

20–25 min.

Facilitate interactive games, songs, and storytelling, allowing children to participate in discovering God’s Word.

• Chloe (puppet or person)• Chloe’s Rules video or script (see Resource Tab)• preschool program theme song• 2 upbeat worship songs (suggestion: “Welcome

to the Playhouse,” TruWorship Songs from the Playhouse)

• optional: countdown video• Mail Time intro clip and slide (see Resource Tab)• Remember Verse slide and cards (see Resource

Folder)• Mail Time envelope art printed and attached to a

large envelope (see Resource Tab)• Bibles (your personal and large children’s)• mailbox• Wardrobe of Wonder intro clip and slide (see

Resource Tab)• Wardrobe of Wonder• Wardrobe of Wonder sound effect (see

Resource Tab)• optional: silly hats for prop/hat box• 2 small stools or chairs• What’sIt: Telephone (see slide in Resource Folder)• The Big God Story intro clip and slide

(see Resource Tab)• sound effect: Ringing Telephone (see Resource

Folder)

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Lesson OverviewExperience Time Summary Supplies/Prepare

(Master Supply List under Resource Tab)

Respond::Large Group

10–15 min.

Create space for children to respond to the Holy Spirit in worship and community.

• title slide (see Resource Tab) or worshipful video loop

• Response Walls, 2 flannel boards, or magnet boards

• colored paper cut into any shape you choose (If you’re using flannel boards, use flannel shapes or attach a small piece of fabric fastener to the back of each shape.)

• instrumental music

Respond:: Small Group

15–30 min.

Further process the story through discussion and interaction with others, and respond to God in worship through creative expression.

Connect: Letters, Letters Everywhere!(per small group) • Letters, Letters Everywhere Game Cards

master (see Resource Folder)• (7) 3” x 5” index cards or card stock• poster board (for the Letter Board)• markers• ruler• painter’s tape or removable glue dots• hint card (for teacher, print from lesson)

Create: Handprint Prayers(per table/small group) • butcher paper (clean edges) or poster board • sponges or paper towels• pie tins (1 per paint color)• washable tempera paint or finger paint

(Optional: Instead of paint, you may use giant washable ink pads.)

• painter’s tape• moist towelettes or wet paper towels (for

messy hands)• marker• instrumental worship CD

Wonder Questions

Bless::Small Group

5 min. Bless the children that they may experience God fully and be a blessing to others.

• Blessing/Remember Verse• HomeFront Weekly

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Explore:: 10–15 min.

Host/Small Group Leaders

EXPLORE | DISCOVER | RESPOND | BLESS

SmallGroupS E C T I O N

Exploration stations create space intended for wonder—to pique children’s curiosity and allow them to engage in hands-on experiences as they begin their time in worship.

Invite children to participate at the Focus Station (or optional stations, if available). Explore the materials with the children and engage them in open-ended questions about their observations. This will encourage them to explore and form questions on their own throughout the lesson.

Station 1: Can We Talk?SUPPLIES (per table)• 2 paper cups• string• 2 paper clips• tape

PREPARECut string to desired length. Use the end of a paper clip to gently push a hole through the bottom of each cup. Then pull the end of the string through the hole from the bottom side of the cup so the string comes out on the inside of the cup. Using the end of the string, tie a knot around the paper clip and tape the paper clip to the inside bottom of the cup above the hole. Pull the string taut.

SET UPPlace string-and-cup telephones on the table.

ENGAGEInvite children to the table. Demonstrate for the children how the telephones work. Remind them to keep the string in a straight line between each person. Encourage them to engage in a conversation with you or another child at their table. Pretend the cups are a telephone and answer the phone as if you’re at home. Have a conversation with your friend. If they need help keeping their conversations going, pose the following questions to the pairs: Tell each other: your names and where you live; the names and types of pets you have; your favorite and least favorite food; your favorite toy; your favorite movie. Where do you want to go on vacation?

Focus

Station

Straight Talk

Separating from Mom and Dad can be tough for a little one. To help lessen the stress a child may feel, invite parents to stay long enough to lead their child into worship at a station. Small Group Leaders will also be involved, engaging in the activity alongside the child and parent. As parents say good-bye, acknowledge their departure while remaining focused on the activity with the child for the smoothest transition possible.

Partner Church Comments

Can We Talk? went really well. The kids had fun playing with the telephones. It was an easy way to show the kids what praying is like … direct communication with God.

—The Rock Church

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(Optional) Station 2: TelephoneSUPPLIES• none

ENGAGEInvite children to join you in a circle on the floor. Explain how the game is played. I’ll start our game. First I’ll think of a message, then I’ll whisper it in my neighbor’s ear. After she hears what I said, she’ll turn and whisper it in her neighbor’s ear. Each person gets a turn to pass the message by whispering in the next person’s ear, until the message goes all the way around the circle. The very last person to hear the message will say it out loud for all of us to hear. What do you think we need to use for this game? Allow kids to answer. Yes, we need to use our listening ears and our whisper voices. Are you ready to play? Kids will answer. Let’s get started!

Repeat the game as time allows.

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Discover:: 20–25 min.Host/Worship Leader/Storyteller

Children move into a large group setting and participate in discovering God’s Word through storytelling, worship, and interactive experiences.


LargeGroup

S E C T I O N

REMEMBER VERSE


The following instructions have been condensed, but if you’d like more information about any of the components of the large group program, please see Putting It Together under the Resource Tab.

Chloe’s RulesHost/Worship Leader

Begin large group by using Chloe (a puppet or person) to review the rules of your program. It’s a great time to remind children how we can all be part of a loving community through the words we speak, sitting with our small group, and sharing. Add a theme song to your program for a fun way to help give identity to your large group program. Also choose two upbeat worship songs from a worship album that fits. The supplies you’ll want to gather for this section are the Chloe’s Rules video or script (see Resource Tab), Chloe (a puppet or person), your preschool program theme song, worship music (suggestion: “Welcome to the Playhouse,” TruWorship Songs from the Playhouse), and a countdown video (optional).

Mail Time Host/Worship Leader

Have children retrieve mail (the current Remember Verse from the Bible) from their mailbox. Review the meaning of the verse and any unfamiliar words with the children as they prepare to memorize it. Supplies to gather include the Mail Time intro clip and slide, Remember Verse slide (for projection and Mail Time envelope), Remember Verse cards (print and distribute along with HomeFront Weekly), Mail Time envelope art printed and attached to a large envelope, a Bible, a large children’s Bible, and a mailbox.

God Wants Me to Talk with Him

Ponder Point

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Wardrobe of Wonder Storyteller/Host/Worship Leader

Hide the What’sIt connected to The Big God Story within the wardrobe. Together as a community, the children will discover the identity of this object as they begin to ask questions from their observations and experiences. You’ll need to have ready a Wardrobe of Wonder, Wardrobe of Wonder intro clip, slide, and sound effect (see Resource Tab), silly hats for the prop/hat box (optional), and two small stools or chairs. For this What’sIt you’ll need a telephone (see optional slide available in Resource Folder).

ASK(Ask your volunteer), what did you find in the Wardrobe of Wonder? A telephone? Why would there be a telephone in the wardrobe? (Allow children to respond.) What do we do with telephones? (Allow children to respond.) Are there any telephones in the Bible? (Allow children to respond.) Then how is this a clue into The Big God Story? I think it’s time that we found out, don’t you? (Allow children to respond.) That means it’s time for …

What’sIt: TelephoneOftentimes our calls go directly to voice mail, where we’re forced to await a return call at some later time. However, with God we have direct access at all times. We’re never put through to voice mail—He always wants to communicate with us. Remember that no matter where we are, what time it is, or what’s happening in the world, God always has time for us and wants to talk with us.

Nobody: Make the shape of the letter “O” with both hands. Wave them away from body.

should seek: Place right hand over eyebrows and look from left to right, as if looking for someone or something.

his own: Point thumbs to chest.

good: Give two thumbs up.

but the good: Repeat two-thumbs-up action.

of others: Use index finger to point to imaginary crowd.

RememberVerse Motions

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The Big God StoryMatthew 6:5–13; Luke 11:1–13Storyteller

SUPPLIES• The Big God Story intro clip and slide (see Resource Tab)• Bible (adult or children’s to use during teaching)• What’sIt: Telephone• sound effect: Ringing Telephone (see Resource Folder)

Hello, friends, it’s good to be here with you today! I’m so excited to get to learn with you from The Big God Story. I know God has some great things for us and I don’t want us to miss anything. So, will you pray with me? Let’s ask God to take away anything that might distract us as He speaks to us and we learn from His Word. (Lead children in a Prayer of Release.)

Today you found something special in the wardrobe, didn’t you? What was it? (As the Storyteller asks the question, Tech: Cue Ringing Telephone sound effect.) Did you hear that? (Children answer.) What’s making that noise? (Look around as you try to find the location of the sound. Children will call out answers and directions for you.) Here it is (hold up phone). What’s this? (Children will answer.) That’s right, it’s a telephone. When do you use a telephone? (Children answer.) When you want to talk with someone. (Use a relevant example from your own life, or use the following “conversation with my dad” as an example; also ask the children who they might want to speak with.) So, if I want to talk to my dad right now, all I have to do is dial his phone number and call him? (Children answer.) Then, when he answers, I would talk and he would listen. And then my dad would talk and I would listen? (Children answer.)

I love talking with my dad. Do you know why? Because he loves me so much, and I know he loves me. Whenever I call him, he wants to know how I’m doing. There’s another reason I like phone calls with my dad. I like to listen to what my dad is saying. Not only because I love him, but my dad is very wise. That means he knows about a lot of things I don’t. He tells me things that help me learn and grow. That is all good stuff! Do you ever talk on the phone with your dad or mom or grandparents? (Children answer.) What do you do when you’re on the phone with them? (Children answer; respond and interact with their answers.) You talk and you listen, don’t you? (Children answer.) Yes! You know what? There’s someone who loves us more than anyone in the whole wide world. He made us and He is always with us. Who am I talking about? (Children answer.) God! That’s right! God tells us in His Word that He wants us to talk to Him. When we pray, we’re talking to and listening to God. You know what else? We can talk with Him anytime, anywhere. We

Prayer of Release

A Prayer of Release is a time for children and leaders to pause, be still, and ask God to quiet their hearts and minds. As you pray, encourage children to hold their hands out in front of them as if releasing their worries and distractions. This posture also shows they’re open to receive what the Holy Spirit might have for them.

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don’t even need a phone because He is always with us. All we have to do is start talking to Him, or praying. God listens and hears everything we say. Then, when He talks to us, we can listen to what He is saying.

There’s a part in The Big God Story where Jesus teaches us about praying. Jesus prayed to His Father in heaven all the time. He prayed and thanked God for the food God gave Him. Sometimes Jesus needed to go to a quiet place to talk with God, so Jesus would go spend time alone talking and listening to God. Jesus talked with God the Father about everything. And He listened to the things God told Him.

One day Jesus was praying, and when He finished, one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray.” You see, because the disciples were with Jesus every day, they saw how many times He prayed, and when He prayed, and why He prayed. Everything Jesus did was what God the Father wanted Him to do. The disciples wanted to be more like Jesus. When the disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray, He did. Jesus said, this is how you should pray: “Father, may Your name be kept holy. May Your kingdom come soon. Give us each day the food we need, and forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. And keep us from wanting to do things that are bad for us and others” (paraphrase of Luke 11:2–4). God is our Father in heaven. When we pray we can talk to God about anything at any time. We can ask Him for the food we need each day, to help us to treat each other kindly, to forgive people when they hurt us, and to say we’re sorry when we hurt others. We can even ask Him to help us make good choices, or to help care for others.

I would like to read the prayer Jesus gave us again. This time, as I’m reading the prayer over you, close your eyes, listen to the words, and think about what they’re saying. Let’s try it together. Everyone quiet your voices and let your whole self be still as you listen to and hear these words. “Father, may Your name be kept holy. May Your kingdom come soon. Give us each day the food we need, and forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. And keep us from wanting to do things that are bad for us and others.” I’m going to read this prayer again, and this time we’re going to say it together. I’m going to say a part of the prayer, and then you can say the same part I said—just like an echo. “Father, may Your name be kept holy (children repeat). May Your kingdom come soon (children repeat). Give us each day the food we need (children repeat), and forgive us our sins (children repeat), as we forgive those who sin against us (children repeat). And keep us from wanting to do things that are bad for us and others (children repeat).” No matter where we are, or what we’re doing, we can always talk with God about anything at any time, because God loves us and … God wants us to talk with Him.


I enjoyed reading the Lord’s Prayer over and over to the kids at the end of the story.

—Mt. Paran North Church of God


I wrote the sections of the Lord’s Prayer on six pieces of construction paper. I had a child come up and hold paper one while I read it aloud, “Our Father who is in heaven …” and explained its meaning. Then I called another child to hold paper two with its part, read and explained it, etc., until I had all six kids up there with the full prayer in front of all the rest of the children. Then we prayed it aloud.

—Olathe Bible Church

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Respond:: 10–15 min.

Children have the opportunity to respond to God and to what they have heard and experienced through His Word. Special attention should be given to create space for the Holy Spirit to minister to each child.

Worship Leader

LargeGroup

S E C T I O N

The worship response time in large group varies from week to week. Some weeks children will respond in worship through music, while other weeks are designed for more specific interactive expressions of response. This time is intended for children to freely express their worship as God’s Spirit leads them.

This week children will have the Lord’s Prayer read over them. They’ll have the opportunity to respond using the Response Walls to pray through the different elements in the prayer, making it a personal prayer from their heart to the Lord. Be sure to place the Response Walls around the perimeter of the room. If you’re using flannel or magnet boards, you can prop them up using a small easel or wall to create ease in setup and teardown.

SUPPLIES• title slide (see Resource Tab) or worshipful video loop• Response Walls, 2 flannel boards, or magnet boards• colored paper cut into any shape you choose (If you’re using flannel boards, use flannel

shapes or attach a small piece of fabric fastener to the back of each shape.)• instrumental music

Worship-through-ResponseWe just heard from The Big God Story how Jesus teaches us to pray. Now we’re going to pray and talk to God just as Jesus taught us in the Bible. When we pray, we can talk to God anywhere, anytime, about anything. He will always listen, and He will always answer us—because God wants us to talk with Him. In just a minute, you’re going to have a chance to talk to God about whatever you want. If you want to pray and ask God to give you the things you need for today, like food, clothes, and a home, or if you want to pray for someone else, you can. You can talk with God about whatever you want—about anything.

Today, we’re going to use our Response Walls as a part of our prayer time. When you’re ready and you want to pray, you can go to the Response Walls, take one of the shapes, and place it on the wall and talk with God. The things you’re talking to God about are just between you and God, and no one else. If you would like to pray sitting where you are right now, or if you want to kneel where you are and talk with God, you can do that, too. How you talk to God, where you talk to God, and what you say to God is up to you.

Cue instrumental music. Dismiss children to Response Walls. Encourage Small Group Leaders to participate in this time with the kids in their small group. As you notice that the activity surrounding the walls begins to fade, gather the children and leaders together. Pray a corporate blessing over the children and leaders. Then dismiss them to small groups.


The response time was very touching. Each child spoke to God as they placed a heart on our magnetic board.

—1st Baptist Church of Hemet

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Respond:: 15–30 min.

Children have an opportunity to reflect (within the faith community) on what they have heard, and to respond to God individually or corporately. This time is focused on the wonder of God and the foundational Truth of His Word.

Small Group Leaders


Your small group time is designed to encourage conversations between you and your children about what God is doing in them. Some children will be more responsive when they’re engaged in something artistic. Others will be more open once their bodies get moving. Choose from the options given here or use your own ideas. The Wonder Questions may be used to start conversations during any of these activities or in a quieter, more contemplative time.

Connect: Letters, Letters Everywhere!(Optional Game: 5–10 min.) After a time of responding to God on a personal level, increase the energy by allowing time and space for children and leaders to connect with each other in a lively large-motor-skills activity. Fun and challenges foster unique opportunities for conversation and growing your faith community.

Children will revisit the game from the previous week in which they embark on a search for letters that are hidden around the room. The Small Group Leader will read each hint to the children. Together, the children will search for the hidden letters or words. Each letter or word will have a corresponding color or shape on the back of the card. After each card containing a letter or word has been found, they’ll come to the Letter Board and place their card on the matching color or shape. After all of the spaces have been filled, the children will get to read the message together with their leader.

Hidden Message: GOD WANTS ME TO TALK WITH HIM

SUPPLIES (per small group)• Letters, Letters Everywhere Game Cards master (see Resource Folder)• (7) 3” x 5” index cards or card stock• poster board (for the Letter Board)• markers• ruler• painter’s tape or removable glue dots• hint card (for teacher, copy and print hint section that follows)

PREPAREPrint game cards (provided in the Resource Folder) onto card stock or use regular paper and then attach them to 3” x 5” index cards. Create the Letter Board using the poster board, markers, and ruler. Draw one rectangular-shaped box for each card used in the game. Within each of the rectangular boxes draw the corresponding shape or color of the card that will match, forming the message. Print a hint card for each person leading the game.

Age Gauge

For five-year-olds and kindergartners, consider making the letter game more challenging. You can create more difficult hints; instead of one word per card, create cards with one letter. You’ll need to adjust the Letter Board according to the number of cards you’re using. Allow the children to read the message once it’s been assembled.

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Box #1: Yellow/Card #1: Side one is yellow. Side two has the word GOD printed on it.Box #2: Blue/Card #2: Side one is blue. Side two has the word WANTS printed on it.Box #3: Red/Card #3: Side one is red. Side two has the word ME printed on it.Box #4: Green/Card #4: Side one is green. Side two has the word TO printed on it.Box #5: Purple/Card #5: Side one is purple. Side two has the word TALK printed on it.Box #6: Orange/Card #6: Side one is orange. Side two has the word WITH printed on it.Box #7: Pink/Card #7: Side one is pink. Side two has the word HIM printed on it.

SET UPHide the cards around the room. Vary the degree of difficulty based upon the age of the children playing. (If you’re attaching the cards to walls or furniture, be sure to use painter’s tape to protect the surface.) Place the Letter Board in a location visible to all the children (suggestions: on an easel, table, or wall).

ENGAGEInvite children to join you in a circle. Explain the object of the game and how it’s played. Begin the game.

Hints:1. What color are lemons, popcorn, and the sun? (Answer: Yellow. Kids will now find the yellow card.) 2. What color is the sky and the ocean? (Answer: Blue. Kids will now find the blue card.)3. You can find this color on an apple, a balloon, and a heart. What color is it? (Answer: Red. Kids will now find the red card.)4. When I look up into a tree I see this color. It also colors the leaves on the flowers and the grass in the park. What color is this? (Answer: Green. Kids will now find the green card.)5. Grape lollipops are this color; sea urchins and flowers are also this color. What color are you looking for? (Answer: Purple. Kids will now find the purple card.)6. This is the same color you can see on pumpkins and fall leaves. Clown fish are also this color. What color is this? (Answer: Orange. Kids will now find the orange card.)7. What is the color of bubble gum, hearts, flowers, and cotton candy? (Answer: Pink. Kids will now find the pink card.)

Once children have found all of the cards and placed them on the Letter Board, read the message together.

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Wonder QuestionsDiscuss the following questions with the children. Wonder Questions are meant to prompt further conversation about what children have been experiencing. They also invite children to ponder this truth and dwell with the wonder of God. Be sure to pause long enough after each question to allow the children time to wonder. Encourage them to share their unique perspectives with the group.

Wonder Questions will be preceding Create this week in order to lead children into a time of creative worship response. After the children have finished time in Wonder Questions, begin to explain/frame Create.

Today in The Big God Story, Jesus teaches us about praying to His Father, God. No matter where we are, or what we’re doing, we can always talk with God. God loves us and He wants us to talk with Him.

I wonder … What do you want to say to God?I wonder … What you think God might want to say to you?I wonder … How do you think God talks to you?

Create: Handprint PrayersCreate is more than just a time to make a craft. It’s a hands-on opportunity for children to give artistic expression to what God is doing within them. What is created can then become a physical reminder of time spent responding to God.

SUPPLIES (per table/small group)• butcher paper (clean edges) or poster board • sponges or paper towels• pie tins (1 per paint color)• washable tempera paint or finger paint

(Optional: Instead of paint, you may use giant washable ink pads [Lakeshore Learning Supplies or Discount School Supplies]. If you use ink pads, you will not need pie tins.)

• painter’s tape• moist towelettes or wet paper towels (for messy hands)• marker• instrumental worship CD

PREPAREGather supplies. Cut paper to size. Turn worship music on lightly in the background. As this time will occur right before parents return to pick up their children, invite them back early today to share in this special time of prayer.

Creative Options

You may choose to have one poster per small group, one per age group per service, or a larger sheet of paper that can be used for one age group the entire weekend. Each service would build upon the last, creating a colorful and beautiful picture of the children’s prayers to God.


We traced and cut out hands, which afforded time to discuss the Wonder Questions, and then prayed as they were taped onto the poster.

—Voyagers Bible Church

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SET UPTape butcher paper or poster board to the wall, easel, or table. If you’re using paint, dilute it with water. Put a sponge or several paper towels soaked in the diluted paint into the pie tin—creating your own stamp pad. You may also choose to have leaders paint the palm of the child’s hand with a paintbrush after they’ve chosen the color they would like to use. If you want to avoid potential messes while children are walking to the wall with painted hands, tape the butcher paper on the tables where the pie tins of paint are stationary. The Handprint Prayers can be relocated to walls for display once they’re completed.

ENGAGENow that we’ve shared with each other the things we want to hear from God, and to tell God, we’re going to have a chance to talk with God and mark our prayers with colorful paint. You can tell God whatever you want, and you can be still and listen to God as you pray. Our table is filled with different colors. When you’re ready, choose your color and lay your hand into the paint with a flat hand—just like a stamp. Then, walk over to the wall (or easel or table) and stamp your hand onto the paper. While your hand is on the paper, tell God what you would like to hear from Him. You can say whatever you want to God. Or if you want, while you’re leaving your colorful handprint, you can be still and listen to God.

When you’re finished, take your hand off the paper and check out the handprint that’s left behind. The next time you come here, you can see your handprint and remember your talk with God. You’ll see your friends’ handprints too. All of your prayers will make a beautiful picture. Every time you see this colorful picture you can remember you can talk with God anytime, anywhere, and about anything. Before we share our handprint prayers, will you pray with me? I’ll ask God to speak to us today. Lead children in prayer, then dismiss them to respond. After they’ve finished, you may write some of the words they used to describe their prayers, and/or what they wanted to hear from God during Wonder Questions on the Handprint Prayers painting.

Groups were really sharing heartfelt prayers with each other as they added their hand to the poster. Kids loved the giant ink pads! I felt it was a good ministry time. I can’t wait to hang up the posters so kids can see and remember their prayer.

—Mt. Paran North Church of God


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Bless:: 5 min.

A blessing can be a prayer of commission, a portion of Scripture, or words of encouragement and guidance. A blessing can be offered in order to ask God’s Spirit to overflow from the child’s life in such a way that blesses others, while it can also be prayed over a child for the purpose of declaring God’s protection, joy, or wisdom.

Small Group Leaders


Today, send your little ones out with a blessing by praying Scripture over them. The time of blessing is an opportunity for children to practice another physical posture of worship. Read the Remember Verse over the children and then close your time with a prayer of blessing. (You may choose to read through the Scripture more than once as God’s Spirit leads you.)

God’s Word tells us that when children were brought to Jesus, He prayed for them. Just like Jesus teaches us how to pray, He also teaches us and shows us how to pray for and bless other people. This is how we end our time together every week—in blessing and prayer. Have children place their hands out in front of themselves, palms up. This is a posture that demonstrates our expectancy in receiving what God has for us. Close your time with a prayer of blessing over the children.


Use this time to allow both volunteer leaders and parents to participate in blessing each child before they conclude their time together. Parents should be invited into the time of blessing at the end of the service and encouraged to continue to bless their children throughout the week.

The Power of Blessing

HomeFront Weekly: Be sure to send home the HomeFront Weekly for next week’s lesson! This preteaching tool for parents encourages families to spend time in God’s Word together before children arrive at church.

HomeFront Monthly: Every four weeks we highlight one of the 10 environments. For each new environment, parents should receive HomeFront Monthly. This resource gives families ideas for how to create fun, spiritually forming times in their home—setting aside a sacred space for family in the midst of their active, everyday lives!

HO

ME

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NV

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NM

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ES

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IBIL

ITY

Illus

trat

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by A

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M O N T H L Y

A FAMILY RESOURCE

FAMILY FOOD TIME p. 4-5

GAME TIME p. 6

GOD’S WORD p.8

CREATE p. 11

BLESSING p. 15

respon-sibility

ENVIRONMENT

“God has

entrusted

me with the

things and

people around

me that He

has created”

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Inspire (for parents) Growing up there was a small piece of paper on our refrigerator that stated in my mom’s handwriting, “Learn from the mistakes of others because you will never live long enough to make them all yourself.” As a child, I never completely understood why that statement would be important enough to hang in a place of prominence in our home. However, as a mother and a grandmother, I completely understand.One of the “mistakes” I made with my children was placing importance on outward appearances. This was especially apparent when preparing for church on Sunday mornings. When my children were young I made sure every bow in my girls’ hair matched their dresses and that my son’s shoes were polished. As they got older and began to dress themselves, their choice of clothes for church became the fuel for many an argument. I now look back on those times and would like to call “redo!” I wish I would have spent less time on their appearances and more time preparing their hearts to worship the King. First Samuel 16:7b tells us, “The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

God takes extra effort to prepare us to meet His Son—not just at church on the weekends, but every day. That small piece of paper now hangs on my refrigerator and is a constant reminder that I will make mistakes—that I will seek to prepare myself for how others might think of me instead of what the King will think of me. However, what a relief it is to know that God sees my heart and takes the time to prepare me to meet His Son. He paid the price for my mistakes and gives me His righteousness so I can be like Him.

by Debbie Guinn

Equip (for parents)Zechariah was one of about 18,000 priests serving Yahweh. Priests served in the temple only twice a year, so it was a rare honor for a priest to serve the Lord by entering the holy place. Those chosen were selected by casting lots—a practice often used to determine God’s will in given situations. The chance to enter the holy place was considered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.Luke, chapter one, says Zechariah offered incense as a sacrifice to the Lord. The practice of offering incense to the Lord was used to symbolize the intercession of prayer. During this time of service, he would have lifted up prayers specifically for Israel. As the incense rose, it represented prayers lifted to God. These were holy moments. As Zechariah lifted his prayers for the nation, the other priests prayed and waited outside. In the time between the Old Testament and the New Testament, there is no record of God speaking to His people (often referred to as the period of silence). Then, “God renewed His activity on behalf of His people in light of promises made long ago” (InterVarsity Press Commentary) when God sent a message through the angel Gabriel for His people to Zechariah. Gabriel declared, “Your prayer has been heard.”

There were two important parts to Gabriel’s message—one for Zechariah and one for the nation. The angel assured Zechariah that he would not only have a son, but that his son would turn the hearts of many Israelites back to the Lord. God chose this holy moment to unveil His plans for Israel and to begin introducing His people to His Son.

Support (for parents & kids)Before this weekend, gather your family and JUST FOR FUN light incense or a scented candle. Then, read together the biblical account of the angel visiting Zechariah in Luke 1:5–14, 18–25. Point your child’s attention to the incense or scented candle and have them smell the beautiful aroma. Share with them that our prayers to God are like a lovely fragrance to Him. Ask them what they think Zechariah’s prayers might have been. Ask them if they know who Zechariah’s son was. Share with them that his son was Jesus’ cousin, John the Baptist. Ask your children what might be some ways they would prepare to meet Jesus back in Bible times. Ask them what might be some ways they could prepare to meet Jesus today. When you’re finished, share with your children that what they just heard is a part of The Big God Story in the Bible, and that they’ll hear it in church. Close your time by praying and thanking God that He cares enough about us to get us ready to meet His Son!

© 2010 David C Cook. TruResources are developed in partnership with ROCKHARBOR Church

and a national network of family and children’s ministry leaders. All rights reserved.

PRESCHOOL &KINDERGARTENKIDS & FAMILIES

Learn from the mistakes of others because you will never live long enough to make them all yourself.

Getting StartedScripture: Luke 1:1–25, 57–80

(Zechariah/Angel/Birth of John)Main Point: God Gets His People Ready to Meet

His Son

This resource is designed to allow your family to have time in God’s Word before your children attend church. Because God’s plan is for parents to be the spiritual nurturers of their children’s faith, we know that as you grow spiritually, your children will grow spiritually as well.

REMEMBER VERSE “Nobody should seek

his own good, but the good of others.” 1 Corinthians 10:24

date


I used the idea of “open hands” to God and had them echo in small phrases the Lord’s Prayer.

—Peninsula Covenant Church

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