JOY

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Curriculum Materials for 2nd and 3rd Grades

CREATE THE ENVIRONMENT: LET IT SHINE This Christmas is all about joy! We can’t imagine anything more joyful than a ton of bright, twinkling Christmas lights strewn up, down, and

all

around

your

children’s

environment! Try hanging strands of Christmas lights all along the back of the stage from floor to ceiling to create a festive and dramatic backdrop. Hanging a ton of lights close together will give you the very best effect! Another fun idea is to spell “Let It

BEFORE KIDS LEAVE THE 5TH GRADE, WE WANT THEM TO UNDERSTAND 3 BASIC TRUTHS:

Shine” or “Joy” in Christmas lights. See the Large Group scripts in Week

WISDOM I need to make the wise choice. FAITH I can trust God no matter what. FRIENDSHIP I should treat others the way I want to be treated.

1 for ideas on how to do this.

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STATEMENT OF FAITH

252 GOOD-TO-KNOW TERMS SMALL GROUP LEADER One consistent leader for the same 8-10 children all year

ABOUT

GOD

ABOUT

PEOPLE

God is the one and only true God, yet He

People are made in God’s image and for

exists in three persons: God the Father,

His pleasure. But everybody falls short of

God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

God’s intention, or ideal, for people. In

God is the Creator, so everything belongs

other words, everyone has sinned. As a

to Him and is under His control. God is

result, we are all separated from Him, even

holy, so He is righteous, majestic, and

though He wants an intimate relationship

loving. God is all knowing and purposeful,

with each of us.

so He’s at work to bring about His will. No person, thing, or idea compares to God.

ABOUT

ABOUT

God reveals Himself to us through the

That’s why Jesus—God’s Son—came and

Bible, and it is 100% accurate, reliable, and

lived on this earth, died, and rose again.

authoritative.

God offers His free gift of salvation to all

THE BIBLE

SALVATION

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.

Scripture marked “NIV” is taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 Biblica. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of Biblica. Scripture marked “NIrV” is taken from the Holy Bible, New International Reader’s Version™, Copyright ©1995, 1996, 1998 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved. Scripture taken from THE MESSAGE. Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group.

©2013 The reThink Group, Inc. All rights reserved. www.ThinkOrange.com

• We suggest you start and end in small group so kids connect relationally with one leader and other similar-aged peers. • If you have multiple small groups meeting in one room, try using circle area rugs to give each group their own spot. • Offer as many of the activities as your time, space, and resources allow.

December | Week 4 | 2013 | Small Group 2-3

JOY

Finding a way to be happy, even when things don’t go your way.

FOR LEADERS ONLY GOD VIEW: THE CONNECTION BETWEEN JOY AND GOD’S CHARACTER, AS SHOWN THROUGH GOD’S BIG STORY When God created the world, He

happiness fades and we’re back on the

shepherds out keeping watch over

made it to be a place of peace and

hunt.

their sheep. And the angel proclaims,

contentment. In the Magnificent

“I bring you good news of great joy.

Paradise, God provided fruit trees that

This is where joy is different. Joy will

It is for all the people. Today in the

were pleasing to the eye and good to

thrive in life’s triumphs and endure

town of David a Savior has been born

eat. And He personally walked with

through life’s challenges. Joy is a

to you. He is Christ the Lord.” (Luke

His creation! But when sin entered

deep, sincere way to approach life

2:10-11 NIrV)

the world, so did greed and jealousy.

that allows us to know that the hard

As circumstances changed and life

times will make us stronger and draw

Our Bottom Line is: I can have joy

presented more challenges, people

us closer to God. Having joy may not

because God’s story is for everyone.

found it harder and harder to be

mean always wearing a smile, but joy

When we believe that Jesus is the

happy. However, even now, God wants

lets us reflect God’s love and shine

Promised One sent from God to

us to have joy.

through the dark moments in life.

rescue us from our sins, we become part of God’s story. That story isn’t

Joy is finding a way to be happy

This month, let’s think about how:

something we can keep to ourselves.

even when things don’t go your

(1) Choosing joy is not always easy.

It’s a story we need to share with

way. Joy isn’t dependent on our

(2) The Bible challenges us to respond

everyone.

circumstances, but rather it’s

to life’s challenges with joy.

about being content beyond our

(3) Showing joy in all circumstances

The monthly memory verse is:

circumstances. We can have joy when

proves that God is at work within us.

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” Philippians 4:4 NIV

©2013 The reThink Group, Inc. All rights reserved. www.ThinkOrange.com

we recognize that God’s plan is greater than our own. Our joy is a response to

This week, we’re discovering:

The angels were the first to tell good

our trust in God.

In this week’s Bible story, God

news that brings great joy. But we can

announces to the world that the

follow their example and spread joy

So many of us spend our days chasing

Promised One has arrived (Luke

to others when we tell them about

happiness—looking for that one thing

2:8-20). But He doesn’t tell the

Jesus. We can also be an example to

that will finally make us happy. But

government officials or the religious

the world when we rejoice through any

when life takes a disappointing turn,

leaders. God sends His angels to

circumstances.

3

Curriculum Materials for K-5th Grades

DEC

SMALL GROUP 2-3

WEEK

4

HERE’S A SNEAK PEEK OF WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING IN 2ND AND 3RD GRADE THIS WEEK:

PLUG IN SMALL GROUP ACTIVITIES TO FOCUS THE ENERGY • Ideas for Early Arrivers • Christmas Chant

POWER UP

JOY Finding a way to be happy, even when things don’t go your way.

INTERACTIVE LARGE GROUP EXPERIENCE TO ENGAGE THE HEART • Worship • Opener • Bible story • Prayer and Worship • Closer

CATCH ON SMALL GROUP ACTIVITIES TO MAKE THE CONNECTION (CHOOSE TWO OR MORE OF THESE ACTIVITIES) • Shadow Stories • Joy on Top • Picture This

BIBLE STORY A Star Is Born (Shepherds and angels) • Luke 2:8-20 BOTTOM LINE I can have joy because God’s story is for everyone. MEMORY VERSE “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” Philippians 4:4, NIV BASIC TRUTH:

DISMISSAL

I can trust God no matter what.

• Pray, share and reflect on today’s lesson before

leaving

©2013 The reThink Group, Inc. All rights reserved. www.ThinkOrange.com

4

December | 2013 | SG 23

JOY Finding a way to be happy, even when things don’t go your way.

WEEK

4

PLUG IN 10-15 min

POWER UP

CATCH ON

20-25 min

25-30 min

GETTING READY PLUG IN: FOCUS THE ENERGY (Choose one or both of these activities.) Early Arriver • An offering container Christmas Chant • A Christmas prop for each Small Group, like a jingle bell, stocking hat, antlers, light-up necklace, mini Christmas tree, garland, stocking, gift box, etc.

CATCH ON: MAKE THE CONNECTION (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. Activity #2 is particularly good for children who need to move in order to stay engaged. Shadow Stories (application activity / review the Bible story) • Flashlight • Blank wall or white sheet

©2013 The reThink Group, Inc. All rights reserved. www.ThinkOrange.com

Joy

on Top (application activity / great for active learners) • Print “Joy on Top” (Activity Page) and cut apart • Scissors • Whiteboard or poster board • Whiteboard marker or permanent marker • Masking tape • Blindfolds or scarves • Bibles

Picture This (memory verse activity) • Items from nature, such as sticks, rocks, leaves, etc. • Glue • Poster board Prayer • 2 bowls 5

December | 2013 | SG 23

JOY Finding a way to be happy, even when things don’t go your way.

WEEK

4

PLUG IN 10-15 min



POWER UP

CATCH ON

20-25 min

25-30 min

• Cotton balls • A spoon • Blindfolds or scarves • Pen (optional)

©2013 The reThink Group, Inc. All rights reserved. www.ThinkOrange.com

Additional Resources: • Make copies on cardstock of this week’s GodTime and Parent Cue cards. • Give or 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.

6

December | 2013 | SG 23

JOY Finding a way to be happy, even when things don’t go your way.

WEEK

4

PLUG IN 10-15 min

BIBLE STORY:

A STAR IS BORN Luke 2:8-20 BOTTOM LINE: I can have joy because God’s story is

POWER UP

CATCH ON

20-25 min

25-30 min

PLUG IN: FOCUS THE ENERGY Focus the energy on today’s Bible story in a Small Group setting with an engaging discussion question and an interactive opening activity. Before kids arrive, pray for each regular attendee by name. Pray for those who might visit your group for the first time. Thank God for choosing to tell His good news to shepherds first. Pray that the kids will feel the joy those shepherds felt. Ask God to give them opportunities to tell other people about Jesus.

for everyone. MEMORY VERSE: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” Philippians 4:4, NIV BASIC TRUTH: I can trust God no matter what.

1. EARLY ARRIVER IDEA What You Need: No supplies needed What You Do: Ask kids what songs they like to sing at Christmastime and what gets them really excited about Christmas. What You Say: “What is your favorite Christmas song? What is your favorite thing to do at Christmastime? What do you like to do when you are on Christmas break from school? Today in Large Group, we are going to hear the story some of those songs come from!”

2. CHRISTMAS CHANT What You Need: A Christmas prop Apply go and do

©2013 The reThink Group, Inc. All rights reserved. www.ThinkOrange.com

Impress impress this upon their minds Personalize a personal story from the heart Recycle important things to say over and over Transition making a transition from one leader to another

What You Do: Using your prop for inspiration, guide the group to come up with a short, simple chant. It has to be 30 seconds or less, and the theme is, “I’m so excited about Christmas!” Let all the kids have input and be sure to include ideas from the group in the final arrangement. Practice your chant several times with enthusiasm! What You Say: “You are super excited for Christmas! everyone else in Large Group!”

Let’s go share our spirit with

Lead your group to the Large Group area. 7

December | 2013 | SG 23

JOY Finding a way to be happy, even when things don’t go your way.

WEEK

4

PLUG IN 10-15 min

BIBLE STORY:

A STAR IS BORN Luke 2:8-20 BOTTOM LINE: I can have joy because God’s story is for everyone. MEMORY VERSE: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” Philippians 4:4, NIV BASIC TRUTH: I can trust God no matter what.

POWER UP

CATCH ON

20-25 min

25-30 min

CATCH ON: MAKE THE CONNECTION Make the connection of how today’s Bible story applies to real life experiences through interactive activities and discussion questions.

* 1. SHADOW STORIES (application activity / review the Bible story) What You Need: Flashlight, blank wall or white sheet What You Do: Make the room as dark as possible. Shine a flashlight at a blank wall or sheet. Assign each kid one part from the Bible story: shepherds, angels, Mary, Joseph, Jesus, and the people the shepherds told about Jesus. Read Luke 2:8-20 slowly and have kids act out that part of the story as their characters using shadows. Have kids stand between the light and the wall to use their bodies to create shadows on the wall or use their hands to make shadow puppets. What You Say: “Shadows are one of those things that can seem scary, but they really are totally harmless. Sometimes you might see a shadow on the wall that looks creepy, but then you realize it’s just a tree or a bush or your brother. The shepherds weren’t sure at first if they should be afraid of the angels or not, but it turned out that the angels were not there to hurt them, but actually bringing them good news! The good news they shared with the shepherds is good news for us too, even thousands of years later, and you and I can have joy because God’s story is

Apply go and do

©2013 The reThink Group, Inc. All rights reserved. www.ThinkOrange.com

Impress impress this upon their minds Personalize a personal story from the heart Recycle important things to say over and over Transition making a transition from one leader to another

for everyone. (Tell kids about a time when God did something in your life or that you read about God that was so exciting you had to tell someone right away.) This week, whenever you see a shadow, think of the angels that appeared to the shepherds and the good news they told them and that we still have today. Then tell whoever is with you about Jesus!”

2. JOY ON TOP (application activity / great for active learners) What You Need: “Joy on Top” stars (Activity Page), whiteboard or poster board, marker, masking tape, blindfolds or scarves, Bibles What You Do: Draw an outline of a Christmas tree on a white board or poster board. Give each kid a star. Have them look up the verse on their star. Give kids a loop of tape to 8

December | 2013 | SG 23

JOY Finding a way to be happy, even when things don’t go your way.

WEEK

4

PLUG IN 10-15 min

POWER UP

CATCH ON

20-25 min

25-30 min

put on the back of their stars. One at a time, ask kids to read their verses aloud. After a kid has read the verse, blindfold him, spin him around, and have him try to stick his star on the top of the tree. What You Say: “The Bible is full of verses that talk about joy. These verses were only a few of the ones we could have looked up. Joy is an important part of knowing about God because He wants us to know that I can have joy because God’s story is for everyone. Take home one of these verses with you to remind you of the joy that is in God’s story.”

3. PICTURE THIS (memory verse activity) What You Need: Poster board, glue, items from nature, such as sticks, rocks, leaves, etc. What You Do: Look up the memory verse and read it together with the kids. Have kids work together to use the items from nature and glue to create the word “Rejoice!” on the poster board. What You Say: “You guys were pretty creative with that word picture. The word rejoice means to “feel or show great joy or delight.” We can rejoice, and you and I can have joy because God’s story is for everyone. Look for the word rejoice on Christmas cards and signs this week and think about all the reasons you have to rejoice. Then tell someone one of the reasons you rejoice.”

PRAY AND DISMISS What You Need: 2 bowls, cotton balls, spoon, blindfolds or scarves, pen

©2013 The reThink Group, Inc. All rights reserved. www.ThinkOrange.com

What You Do: Blindfold kids and give them each 30 seconds to try to transfer as many cotton balls from one bowl to the other using only the spoon. When they are done, have kids count how many cotton balls they transferred and then think of that number of specific people they can tell about Jesus. What You Say: “The story of Jesus is good news for everyone. That’s why we should tell as many people as possible about Jesus and the joy He has brought us! I can have joy because God’s story is for everyone. Remember the people you prayed for today and keep praying for them this week.” Give each child a GodTime card. Pass out Parent CUE cards as adults arrive for pick-up. 9