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Winter 2016–17

Leader’s Guide Ages 3–4 RELIGION/Christian Education/Children & Youth $11.99 US

ISBN-13: 978-1-6308-87407 www.deepbluekids.com

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Scope   Sequence

Help young children dive deep into God’s story!

Fall 2016 – Summer 2017

deepbluekids.com

Winter 2016–17

Spring 2017

Summer 2017

UNIT 1: Joseph’s Journey

UNIT 1: The Stories of Christmas

UNIT 1: Jesus Shows Love

UNIT 1: Courageous Bible People

September 4 Joseph and His Brothers

December 4 Mary’s Story

March 5 To Ten Lepers

June 4 Courageous Disciples

September 11 Joseph in Egypt

December 11 Joseph’s Story

March 12 To Zacchaeus

June 11 Courageous Queen

September 18 Joseph Saves the Day

December 18 Jesus’ Story

March 19 At the Last Supper

June 18 Courageous Friends

September 25 Joseph and His Brothers Reunited

December 25 Shepherds’ Story

March 26 In the Garden

June 25 Courageous Daniel

UNIT 2: Freedom

UNIT 2: Jesus, God’s Son

UNIT 2: Hosanna!

UNIT 2: Speakers for God

October 2 The Baby in the Basket

January 1 Search for the King

April 2 Cock-a-doodle-doo!

July 2 Elijah and the Ravens

October 9 The Burning Bush

January 8 Talk With the Teachers

April 9 Hosanna!

July 9 Elijah and the Prophets

October 16 Moses and Pharaoh

January 15 Come to the River

April 16 Alleluia!

July 16 Jonah and the Fish

October 23 Crossing the Sea

January 22 Change the Water

April 23 Come to Breakfast!

July 23 Elisha and the Widow’s Jars

October 30 Songs of Joy

January 29 Born Anew

April 30 Feed My Sheep!

July 30 Elisha and the Servant Girl

UNIT 3: God Provides

UNIT 3: The Parables

UNIT 3: Peter Rocks!

UNIT 3: God Chooses Joshua

November 6 In the Wilderness

February 5 The Sower

May 7 Peter and John

August 6 God Chooses Joshua

November 13 Ten Commandments

February 12 The Good Samaritan

May 14 Peter and Tabitha

August 13 Spies in Canaan

November 20 A House for God

February 19 The Stories of the Lost

May 21 Peter and Cornelius

August 20 Crossing the Jordan

November 27 The Peaceable Kingdom

February 26 The Forgiving Father

May 28 Peter in Prison

August 27 Jericho

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Children love the Deep Blue curriculum characters that are featured in the stories and will look forward to learning prayers and fun songs set to familiar tunes with their Deep Blue friends. Abingdon Press. 9781501815010. Hardcover. $21.99; Cokesbury Price $14.73 Prices subject to change.

DeepBlueCV3_Storybk052716

Fall 2016

Some of your church’s very youngest children can understand the Bible with the help of the Deep Blue Bible Storybook. Written in language children ages 3 to 6 can understand, it includes 146 stories that will help your children learn the books of the Bible and practice beginning Bible skills.

800-672-1789 | Cokesbury.com Call your local Community Resource Consultant

If you have questions or comments, call toll free: 800-672-1789. Or e-mail [email protected].

Vol. 2 • No. 2 • WINTER 2016–17 Editorial / Design Team Daphna Flegal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Editor Julie P. Glass. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Production Editor Jim Carlton. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Designer Administrative Team Neil M. Alexander ������������������������������������������������������� Publisher Marjorie M. Pon���������������������������������� Associate Publisher and  Editor of Church School Publications Mary M. Johannes�����������������������������������������������Design Manager Brittany Sky�����������������������������������������������������������������Senior Editor,  Children’s Resources Deep Blue: Preschool, Leader’s Guide: An official resource for The United Methodist Church approved by Dicipleship Ministries (General Board of Discipleship) and published quarterly by Cokesbury, a division of The United Methodist Publishing House, 2222 Rosa L. Parks Blvd., PO Box 280988, Nashville, TN 37228-0988. Price $11.99. Copyright

© 2016 Cokesbury. All rights reserved. Send address changes to Deep Blue: Preschool, Leader’s Guide, Subscription Services, 2222 Rosa L. Parks Blvd., PO Box 280988, Nashville, TN 37228-0988 or call 800-672-1789. Printed in the United States of America. To order copies of this publication, call toll free: 800-672-1789. You may fax your order to 800-445-8189. Telecommunication Device for the Deaf/Telex Telephone: 800-2274091. Or order online at cokesbury.com. Use your Cokesbury account, American Express, Visa, Discover, or MasterCard.

Scripture quotations, unless noted otherwise, are from the Common English Bible. Copyright © 2011 by the Common English Bible. All rights reserved. Used by permission. (www.CommonEnglishBible.com)

16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 — 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 PACP10001300-01

For information concerning permission to reproduce any material in this publication, write to Rights and Permissions, The United Methodist Publishing House, 2222 Rosa L. Parks Blvd., PO Box 280988, Nashville, TN 37228-0988. You may fax your request to 615-749-6128. Or e-mail permissions@ umpublishing.org.

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Contents Written by Daphna Flegal

2 Using These Resources 4 What Preschool Children Need 5 Welcome to Deep Blue 6 Supplies

UNIT 1: The Stories of Christmas 7 13 19 25

December 4 1. Mary’s Story December 11 2. Joseph’s Story December 18 3. Jesus’ Story December 25 4. Shepherds’ Story

UNIT 2: Jesus, God’s Son 31 37 43 49 55

January 1 5. Search for the King January 8 6. Talk With the Teachers January 15 7. Come to the River January 22 8. Change the Water January 29 9. Born Anew

UNIT 3: The Parables 61 67 73 79

February 5 10. The Sower February 12 11. The Good Samaritan February 19 12. The Stories of the Lost February 26 13. The Forgiving Father

Supplemental Pages 85 86 87 91 94 95

Mission Project Mission Envelope Song Lyrics Bible Verse Sign Language Advent Wreath Coloring Pages

Winter 2016–17

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Check out deepbluekids.com to connect with other leaders, download additional content for the quarter, and read weekly articles.

Download the new Deep Blue App today! It’s free!

Cover design by Phillip Francis. Deep Blue Kids cover illustrations (and Kids throughout) by Tim Moen (Character Design), Jesse Griffin (3D Artist), Julio Medina (3D Artist), Eric M. Mikula (Facial Rigging), and Christopher Slavik (Layout Artist). Art & Photos—pp. 1, 12, 18, 24, 30, 60, 66, 72, 85, 94, 95, 96: Shutterstock®; pp. 42, 78, 84: Mandy France; pp. 91, 92, 93: Diana Magnuson.

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Using These Resources Here’s how it works

Leader’s Guide Each session plan is divided into four sections.

1. Jump In Here you’ll find arrival activities that engage the children as soon as they enter the room and help them think about what they’ll be learning.

2. Dive Deeper In this section, you’ll find group activities for seeing, hearing, understanding, and experiencing the Bible story.

3. Grow Stronger These activities encourage the children to relate the Bible story to their own lives. You’ll also find opportunities in this section for the children to serve others in their own church and community, and to participate in mission projects around the world.

4. Worship In the Worship section, your children will sing, sign, pray, and praise God.

Bible Stories & Stickers Thirteen leaflets, one for each session. These leaflets include an interactive Bible story, fun puzzles, and helps for parents.

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Kids Stuff Thirteen activities, one for each session. These are simple cut-and-paste types of activities that relate to the Bible message.

Class Stuff This class resource includes the Attendance Chart, colorful pictures, posters, games, and storytelling figures for the winter quarter. Each item is designed to enhance the class experience with the Bible story. Also included in Class Stuff is the Music CD-ROM for the quarter.

Deep Blue Adventures App Children have fun while learning! The app includes a parental dashboard feature and minigames including Scripture Scramble, Trivia, Breakout, and Rocket Glider. In addition, they will find videos and customizable avatars.

deepbluekids.com Find teacher helps, parent helps, training videos, extra coloring sheets, and more—all free at our website!

QR Codes To use the Deep Blue QR codes featured on the first page of each session, you must download a QR Code Reader. There are many free applications available for download in your device’s application app.

Preschool Leader’s Guide

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CD-ROM Vocal and instrumental recordings of the songs for each unit, PowerPoint® and PDF presentations of the song lyrics, and PDF printable sheet music with lyrics. The songs marked with an * are not featured in the DVD’s music videos. 1. Let’s Go Deep Blue Remix (theme song) 4. Down to the River 2. The Songs of the Season

5. Speak to My Heart

3. Let Them Shine*

6. When Will We Learn to Love?*

DVD The DVD contains • thirteen episodes that tell the Bible story in 3-D and 2-D animation • monthly Bible verse videos that help the children learn the Bible verses • four music videos with brand-new music written by award-winning musician Dennis Scott • a unit Bible quiz to review each quarter’s Bible stories with the children

Deep Blue Kids Bible Kids will dive deep into God’s Word with the CEB Deep Blue Kids Bible. This engaging, interactive Bible offers four-color icons and illustrations throughout with a wealth of notes, devotionals, Bible trivia, and other interactive elements to capture inquisitive young minds. Plus, the CEB Deep Blue Kids Bible will encourage a thirst for God’s timeless message as young readers join three lifelike kids in discovering the Bible and what it means to their lives.

Deep Blue Bible Storybook The children in your life are sure to love the new Deep Blue Bible Storybook. It tells 146 Bible stories in a way young children understand. It has fun, bright illustrations sure to captivate! The Bible Storybook is organized in a way that helps children begin to learn the books of the Bible and practice beginning Bible skills. Plus, there are tips for adults, wonder questions for kids to help your child experience the story, and prayers and songs to deepen the faith of your young child.

Deep Blue Preschool resources are available in Braille on request. Contact: Braille Ministry

NOTE: Websites are constantly changing. Although the websites recommended in this resource were checked at the time this unit was developed, we recommend that you double-check all sites to verify that they are still live and that they are still suitable for children before doing the activity.

c/o Donna Veigel 10810 N. 91st Avenue #96 Peoria, AZ 85345 (623-979-7552)

Winter 2016–17

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What Preschool Children Need For developing faith foundations, children need

For knowing the Bible and our faith traditions, children need

For relating to God and the church, children need

For relating faith to daily living, children need

• t o be with adults whose Christian attitudes and behaviors the children can imitate.

• t o handle the Bible and see others read from it.

• to learn simple prayers.

• to hear stories about service to others and to observe leaders, parents, and older children in service to others.

• t o have their feelings and actions accepted, and to be forgiven when they do not meet adult expectations. • t o develop and express their own identity as individuals and in relation to others. • t o be guided in playing cooperatively with other children. • t o practice decisionmaking through optional activities.

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• t o sing and say Bible verses, especially from Psalms and the Gospels. • t o recognize the Lord’s Prayer, the Golden Rule, and other affirmations of our faith. • t o hear stories of Bible people who lived as God wanted them to live. • t o participate in Communion with parents or other caregivers. • t o hear short stories about the church today and in the past.

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• to be encouraged to give their own offerings to God and to the church. • to develop a sense of belonging at church and being a child of God. • to have accepting adults who are willing to hear their many questions about God, life, death, and crises. • to experience awe and wonder through nature, life cycles, and corporate worship, even though they may not be able to talk about the meanings of their experiences.

• to participate in service by making things for others and by sharing money and food. • to hear leaders, parents, or guardians pray about people and situations beyond themselves. • to use Sunday school take-home items as reminders of what they learned in Sunday school. • to practice caring for and appreciating God’s world.

Preschool Leader’s Guide

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Where Kids Dive Deep Into the Bible e p th s of who I a m I rejoice in Go d m y s I n t h e d L u ke 1:47

av i o r.

Welcome to Deep Blue W

e’re glad you’re here to dive deep with us into God’s Word. We’ll have adventures, hear exciting Bible stories, and learn how to live as disciples of Jesus. The Bible is more than just a big book. It’s a gift to us. The Bible is meant to be opened, explored, and enjoyed. With Deep Blue, we’ll open our Bibles and learn more about God, Jesus, faith, and how it all fits together into life today. My name is Kat . I LOVE Meet the Deep Blue Crew! adventure, and I’ll bet you do too! We’re going to have so much fun in The Deep Blue Kids—Asia, Edgar, Deep Blue. There’s so much to discover Kat, and Caleb—will lead the children and explore about the Bible and what through the Bible using animated the Bible has to say to us today. The videos that tell the story. The student most fun part is that we’ll be resources and the Deep Blue Kids doing it together! Bible are colorful and engaging, encouraging the children to “dive deeper” into the Bible and explore their faith in fun and age-appropriate ways. Hi! My name is Asia, and I love to talk. Well, not just talk. Communicate. Report on what I see. Friends think I might make it on TV one day, but for now, I’m just happy to document all the great discoveries we will make in Deep Blue. Hello. I’m pleased to meet you. My name is Edgar, and I’m always trying to figure things out. Some people say I’m too curious, but I just need to understand things. One of my favorite things to do is figure out how to get somewhere and then investigate everything I find in that new place. Join me and the rest of the Deep Blue Crew on our Deep 
Blue adventures.

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I’m Caleb . I’m a little shy when I first meet people I don’t know, but I’m sure I’ll like you. I really care about animals, and I usually carry my pet turtle, Speedy, in my coat pocket. I just moved to town to live in the lighthouse with my mother and stepfather, and I’m excited to join the Deep Blue Crew! In Deep Blue, children will make Bible stories, Bible people, and Bible passages a part of their lives. The children will come to know the Bible as THEIR book and find ways to let the Bible speak to them today. Deep Blue is a comprehensive Bible study for children, incorporating the pillar stories of the Old and New Testaments. Deep Blue incorporates Bible stories, science activities, arts and crafts, animated video storytelling, and active games into a livedfaith experience that will help children discover what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ today!

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Supplies N

o matter how large your Sunday school class may be, there are some basic supplies you will need to have available almost every Sunday. The ideal situation is to collect the basic supplies you think you will need and keep them accessible every Sunday. Whether you collect supplies in advance or one session at a time, choose the activities you will use, and provide what will be needed for those activities.

The Basics

• basket • box of tissues • projector or television • card stock • CD player • chenille stems (variety of colors) • colored copy paper • colored tissue paper • computer & printer • construction paper • cotton balls • cotton swabs

• crayons • crepe paper streamers • DVD player • glue, gluesticks • hand-washing supplies • index cards • lunch-sized paper bags • markers (watercolor and permanent) • mural paper • napkins • newsprint • offering basket

• paintbrushes • paper clips • paper or plastic table coverings • paper bowls • paper cups • paper plates (variety of sizes and weights) • paper punch • paper towels • pencils • plastic drinking straws • plastic containers for paint and/or water

• posterboard • recycled newspaper • resealable plastic bags • ribbon (variety of widths) • scissors • smocks • stapler, staples • tape (clear, masking) • washable paint • watercolor paints • wet wipes • wooden craft sticks • yarn

Beyond the Basics

Once you have chosen the activities in each session that you intend to do, check the specific supplies for each activity. If something is slightly out of the ordinary (for example, paper towel tubes), make a wish list of the supplies you will need. Members of your church will be happy to know how they can support the children in the church. Publish the list in the church newsletter or bulletin.

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If you have a place to store supplies, encourage the congregation to bring supplies, such as old magazines, paper towel tubes, paper grocery bags, yogurt cups, envelopes, or fabric scraps. If you do not have a place to store things, make a new list each week of the things you will need for the next two or three weeks.

Preschool Leader’s Guide

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SESSION 1

Mary’s Story

December 4

Bible Verse

Luke 1:26-38, 46-47

A child is born to us. (Isaiah 9:6)

Did You Know?

T

he story that unfolds in the New Testament with Jesus begins with a visit by the angel Gabriel to an innocent young girl in a country town. Mary seems like an unlikely person to begin the story, and yet the fact that the story unfolds in this way shows us that God loves us and that Jesus was born for all people regardless of who they are, how old they are, or where they live.

Bible Story Anchor Point We celebrate the birth of Jesus.

Your Lesson □ Welcome □ Puzzle Center

In Mary’s time, betrothal was a two-part action. In the first part, the woman legally became the property of the man. She could even be called his wife. The second part of betrothal took place about one year later when there was actually a wedding ceremony, and the wife went to live with her husband. Mary was in the first part of betrothal to Joseph. Mary was probably young, perhaps fourteen years old. Luke paints Mary as a model believer of God. Mary took God at God’s Word and accepted her fate after the angel told her the future events that were to take place. Mary said, “I am the Lord’s servant. Let it be with me just as you have said” (Luke 1:38). We understand that God must have found great favor in this woman if God chose her to become the mother of the Son of God. Mary did not seek to bear God’s Son, yet this was God’s plan. God brought Mary into divine service.

□ Advent Science Center

We are to understand from this scene that Jesus is the fulfillment of the long-awaited Messiah of the Jewish people. Jesus is from the Davidic line. The Bible verse that explains this miraculous story and gives us a clue as to the future of this child is summed up in “Nothing is impossible for God” (Luke 1:37).

□ Say the Bible Verse

Watch the Bible stories come to life!

Scan this QR code to see Deep Blue Kids DVD and CD selections. Or just visit www.deepbluekids.com to discover more.

□ Advent Wreath Center □ Time for the Bible Story □ See the Bible Story □ Hear the Bible Story □ Interact With the Bible Story □ Move It! □ Kids Stuff □ Stories of Christmas □ Gathering Time □ Praising Time

Requires preparation.

Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.

Winter 2016–17 • Session 1

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Jump In!

The following activities may be done in learning centers as the children arrive or may be done with the entire group.

Welcom e Supplies: Class Stuff—pp. 16–17, 31; CD-ROM; Stickers; CD player; tape; offering basket Display the Attendance Chart (Class Stuff—pp. 16–17, 31) at eye level. • Play “The Songs of the Season” (CD-ROM) as you welcome each child. • Show the children where to place their offerings on the worship table. • Help each child put the Mary attendance Sticker on the Attendance Chart.

SAY: It’s Advent. Advent is the time when we get ready to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Our sticker today is Mary. Mary is an important part of our Bible story.

Puzzle Center Supplies: Bible Stories & Stickers—Session 1, p. 4; Stickers

• Encourage the children to complete “A Is for Angel” (Session 1, p. 4; Stickers).

SAY: An angel is also an important part of our Bible story.

advent S cience center Supplies: red and blue food coloring, baking soda, spoon, tablespoon, vinegar, glass, measuring cup, large bowl or pan • Place the glass inside the bowl or pan. • Drop several drops of red food coloring into the glass.

ASK: What color is this? (red) SAY: It’s Advent and that means Christmas is coming. We often see a lot of red things at Christmastime. Now let’s change this red to purple. • Add several drops of blue food coloring to the glass. Stir the two colors together. Keep adding drops of blue and red until you get an obvious purple color.

SAY: Like red, purple is a special color. It is the color for Advent. Advent is the time when the church gets ready to celebrate the birth of Jesus. • Add 2–3 tablespoons of baking soda on top of the food coloring in the glass. • Pour 1/4 to 1/2 cup of vinegar into a measuring cup. • Choose a child to pour the vinegar into the glass. • Watch the color erupt! • Repeat the activity as the children show interest. Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.

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Preschool Leader’s Guide • December 4

A dv e n t wr e ath center Supplies: Leader’s Guide—p. 94, greenery, four purple candles, candleholders Photocopy “Advent Wreath” (p. 94). • Use the directions on p. 94 to make a classroom Advent wreath. Let the children help you put the wreath together.

SAY: It’s Advent. Advent is the time when we get ready to celebrate the birth of Jesus. This is an Advent wreath. Look at the leaves that make up the circle. That’s called a wreath. • Place the wreath in your story area.

ASK: How many candles do you see? (four) SAY: Purple is the special color for Advent; that’s why all the candles are purple.

Dive Deeper t i me f o r t h e bibl e story Supplies: CD-ROM, CD player, Advent wreath made previously, yellow tissue paper, tape, scissors Cut two small squares from yellow tissue paper. Twist each square to make flames. • Have the children stand in a circle in your story area. Say the action rhyme, “Advent, Advent” (printed in the column on the right), and encourage the children to do the motions with you. • Have the group sit in a circle.

SAY: Advent is a special time of year in the church. It’s the time when we get ready to celebrate the birthday of Jesus. During Advent, we light candles on an Advent wreath to help us count the Sundays before Christmas Day. Today we light two candles. • Play the song, “Let Them Shine” (CD-ROM), as you give two children the yellow tissue paper flames. Help the children tape the flames to the top of two candles.

s e e t h e Bi ble sto ry Supplies: DVD, DVD player, television

• Play the theme song, “Let’s Go Deep Blue Remix.” • Watch the Deep Blue Bible Adventure for Session 1 with the children. • Play the song, “The Songs of the Season.” Encourage the children to dance around the room as the music plays.

Advent, Advent Advent, Advent is here today. (Cup hands around mouth.) Let’s get ready! (Tap knees twice.) Let’s get ready! (Shake hands above head twice.) It’s a time to sing and pray. (Fold hands in prayer.) Let’s get ready! (Tap knees twice.) Let’s get ready! (Shake hands above head twice.) Jesus’ birthday will soon be here. (Rock baby.) Let’s get ready! (Tap knees twice.) Let’s get ready! (Shake hands above head twice.) Advent tells us that Christmas is near. (Turn around.) Let’s get ready! (Tap knees twice.) Let’s get ready! (Shake hands above head twice.)

H e ar t h e B i ble Sto ry Supplies: Deep Blue Bible Storybook—pp. 298–301

• Tell the children the story, “Gabriel’s Message” (pp. 298–301). Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.

Winter 2016–17 • Session 1

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Ask a young woman in your church to tell the story as Mary. Provide a Bible-times costume.

interact with the Bibl e Story Supplies: Bible; Bible Stories & Stickers—Session 1, pp. 2–3; Class Stuff—p. 5

 Punch out the Caleb figure (Class Stuff—p. 5).

ASK: Do you like stories? What’s your favorite story? SAY: Today we’re going to hear a story from the Bible. It’s a story about Mary, a young woman in Bible times. Her story is in the Gospel of Luke. • Hold the Bible open to the Gospel of Luke. • Read “Mary’s Story” (Bible Stories & Stickers—Session 1, pp. 2–3) to the children. Have the children do the motions. • Hold up the Caleb figure.

SAY: Hi! I’m Caleb. I’m so glad to be your friend. Don’t you just love hearing stories? I do! And I loved hearing today’s story about Mary. ASK: Who was Mary’s surprise visitor? (an angel) What did the angel tell Mary? (that she would have a baby) How do you think that made Mary feel? SAY: That’s what I think too. Now it’s time to say the Bible verse. Have fun!

say the bible vers e Supplies: Class Stuff—p. 2, Stickers, Leader’s Guide—p. 91

• Hold up the Bible Verse Poster (Class Stuff—p. 2). • Say the Bible verse for the children: “A child is born to us” (Isaiah 9:6). • Give each child the Bible verse Sticker, and have the children repeat the Bible verse. • Teach the children the signs from American Sign Language for the Bible verse (Leader’s Guide—p. 91).

m ove it! Supplies: Class Stuff—p. 11, tape, scissors

 Cut out “Nativity Cube” (p. 11). Fold and tape the cube together. • Have the children sit on the floor in a circle. • Give the cube to one child in the circle. • Have the child roll the cube in the center of the circle. • Encourage the child to name the character on the cube that is facing up (Mary, angel, Joseph, baby Jesus, shepherd, sheep). • Read the text underneath the character to the children, and have the children do the suggested motion. • Have the children sit back down. • Give the cube to another child and continue the game.

Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.

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Deep Blue

Preschool Leader’s Guide • December 4

Grow Stronger k i ds stu f f Supplies: Kids Stuff—p. 3, crayons or markers, gluesticks, construction paper  Punch out the four pieces for “Shape Angel” (p. 3) for each child. • Help each child follow the directions to make a Shape Angel.

ASK: Who visited Mary to tell her that she would have a baby? (an angel) Who can you tell that it’s time to celebrate the birthday of baby Jesus?

sto r i e s o f c h rist m as Supplies: Leader’s Guide—p. 12, crayons or markers Photocopy “Stories of Christmas” (p. 12) for each child.

ASK: Who was our Bible story about today? (Mary and the angel) • Give each child a copy of the “Stories of Christmas” page. Let the children decorate the picture with crayons or markers. • Write each child’s name on the page. Collect the pages so that each child may make a storybook at the end of the month.

Worship Gat h e r i n g T i me Supplies: Class Stuff—pp. 8, 13 & 20; tape Post “Nativity Story Mural” (pp. 13 & 20) on a wall or bulletin board. Locate the mural pieces of the angel and Mary (p. 8). • Gather the children around the Nativity Story Mural. • Invite a child to tape the angel to the Nativity Story Mural. Then invite another child to tape Mary to the Nativity Story Mural.

PRAY: Thank you, God, for the Bible story about Mary and the angel. Amen.

Pra i s i n g T i m e Supplies: Bible Stories & Stickers—Session 1, and Songs and Poems • Invite the children to stand up in a circle and hold hands. Sing the song, “This Is the Way We Pray Together” to the tune of “This Is the Way.” (The words are on the right.) • Go around this prayer circle and pray for each child by name.

PRAY: Dear God, be with (child’s name) this week. Help (him or her) remember that we are celebrating the birth of your Son, Jesus, during this special Advent season. Amen. • Send Bible Stories & Stickers—Session 1, and Bible Stories & Stickers—Songs and Poems home with each child.

This Is the Way We Pray Together (Tune: This Is the Way) This is the way we pray together, pray together, |pray together. This is the way we pray together on this Sunday morning.

Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.

Winter 2016–17 • Session 1

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Stories of Christmas

An angel came to Mary with good news to share.

Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.

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Deep Blue

Preschool Leader’s Guide • December 4

SESSION 2

Joseph’s Story

December 11 Bible Story Matthew 1:18-24

Bible Verse A child is born to us. (Isaiah 9:6)

Did You Know?

O

f the four Gospels, only Matthew and Luke provide us with information about the birth of Jesus, and their accounts differ. Both Matthew and Luke tell of an angel delivering the news that Jesus is to be born. In each case, the angel says the baby who will be born is to be named Jesus. However, as we heard last week, Luke tells us of the angel’s visit to Mary. In Matthew, the story of the angel’s visit concerns Joseph.

Anchor Point We celebrate the birth of Jesus.

Your Lesson □ Welcome □ Puzzle Center

In the Bible, God often uses dreams to send messages. This is the first of three visits an angel makes to Joseph in a dream. In addition to the announcement of Jesus’ upcoming birth, Joseph also receives angelic instruction concerning taking Mary and Jesus to Egypt to escape Herod and returning to Israel after Herod dies.

□ Advent Sensory Center

Overall, the Bible mentions little about Joseph. We are told Joseph is a righteous man, and this statement is supported by his actions. Upon learning Mary is pregnant before they were married, Joseph makes plans to divorce her quietly. In those days, once a couple was engaged, they were considered to be married. If Joseph had died during that time, Mary would have been considered a widow. For Mary to have become pregnant before they had marital relations would have been considered adultery. Mosaic law required capital punishment under such cases. Even before the angel appeared to him, Joseph had already decided not to follow the law and have Mary stoned to death. After the angel’s visit, Joseph took Mary as his wife.

□ See the Bible Story

Some people are hesitant to call Joseph the father of Jesus, since Jesus is God’s Son. However, legally, Jesus was Joseph’s adopted son. The Bible refers to Jesus as the son of Joseph from Nazareth and as the carpenter’s son. It’s through Joseph that Jesus’ lineage is traced back to King David.

□ Stories of Christmas

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Scan this QR code to download the Deep Blue Kids App. Or visit www.deepbluekids.com.

□ Time for the Bible Story □ Hear the Bible Story □ Interact With the Bible Story □ Say the Bible Verse □ Move It! □ Kids Stuff □ Gathering Time □ Praising Time

Requires preparation.

Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.

Winter 2016–17 • Session 2

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Jump In! The following activities may be done in learning centers as the children arrive or may be done with the entire group.

Welcom e Supplies: Class Stuff—pp. 16–17, 31; CD-ROM; Stickers; CD player; tape; offering basket Display the Attendance Chart (Class Stuff—pp. 16–17, 31) at eye level. • Play “The Songs of the Season” (CD-ROM) as you welcome each child. • Show the children where to place their offerings on the worship table. • Help each child put the Joseph attendance Sticker on the Attendance Chart.

SAY: It’s Advent. Advent is the time when we get ready to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Our sticker today is Joseph. Joseph is an important part of our Bible story.

Puzzle Center Supplies: Bible Stories & Stickers—Session 2, p. 4; crayons • Encourage the children to complete “Joseph and the Angel” (Session 2, p. 4).

SAY: Joseph and an angel are an important part of our Bible story.

•TIP •

You can obtain sawdust from lumber stores.

advent S ensory center Supplies: sawdust, flour, water, mixing bowl, measuring cup, or play dough and Christmas cookie cutters; plastic table covering; table Cover the table with a plastic tablecloth. • If you choose to make sawdust dough, let the children take turns pouring 2 cups sawdust and 1 cup water into a mixing bowl. • Mix the ingredients together by hand. Add small amounts of water if the mixture is too thick or crumbly. Add small amounts of flour if the mixture is too sticky. • Give each child a small portion of the dough. Show the children how to knead the dough. Encourage the children to make anything they wish. If desired, set the children’s creations aside to dry.

SAY: We’ve made a special kind of play dough. How is this play dough different from the play dough we usually have? Does it feel rough or smooth? SAY: This play dough contains sawdust. Sawdust is something we find in a builder’s or carpenter’s shop. Today our story is about a carpenter whose name was Joseph. • If you choose to use purchased play dough, let the children enjoy using Christmas cookie cutters (candles, Nativity, star, wreath, hearts) with the dough. Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.

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Deep Blue

Preschool Leader’s Guide • December 11

SAY: It’s Advent. Advent is the time when we get ready to celebrate Jesus’ birth.

Dive Deeper ti me f or t h e bibl e story Supplies: CD-ROM, Leader—p. 94 or Advent wreath made last week (p. 9), yellow tissue paper, CD player, tape, scissors Cut a small square from yellow tissue paper. Twist the square to make a flame. • Have the children stand in a circle in your story area. Say the action rhyme, “Advent, Advent” (printed in the column on the right), and encourage the children to do the motions with you. • Have the group sit in a circle. • Show the children the Advent wreath made last week.

SAY: Advent is a special time of year in the church. It’s when we get ready to celebrate the birthday of Jesus. During Advent, we light candles on an Advent wreath to help us count the Sundays before Christmas Day. Today we light three candles. • Play the song, “Let Them Shine” (CD-ROM), as you choose a child to tape a tissue paper flame on the top of the third purple candle on the Advent wreath. • Save the Advent wreath to use again next week.

s e e t h e B i ble story Supplies: DVD, DVD player, television • Play the theme song, “Let’s Go Deep Blue Remix.” • Watch the Deep Blue Bible Adventure for Session 2 with the children. • Play the song, “The Songs of the Season.” Encourage the children to dance around the room as the music plays. • Watch the Scripture for Unit 1 with the children. • Encourage the children to repeat the Scripture with the video.

H e ar t h e Bi ble Story Supplies: Deep Blue Bible Storybook—pp. 216–217

Advent, Advent Advent, Advent is here today. (Cup hands around mouth.) Let’s get ready! (Tap knees twice.) Let’s get ready! (Shake hands above head twice.) It’s a time to sing and pray. (Fold hands in prayer.) Let’s get ready! (Tap knees twice.) Let’s get ready! (Shake hands above head twice.) Jesus’ birthday will soon be here. (Rock baby.) Let’s get ready! (Tap knees twice.) Let’s get ready! (Shake hands above head twice.) Advent tells us that Christmas is near. (Turn around.) Let’s get ready! (Tap knees twice.) Let’s get ready! (Shake hands above head twice.)

• Tell the children the story, “Joseph’s Story” (pp. 216–217).

i nte ract w i t h t he B ibl e Story Supplies: Bible; Bible Stories & Stickers—Session 2, pp. 2–3; Class Stuff—p. 5; scissors; Bible-times headdress • Plan to use the Caleb figure (Class Stuff—p. 5) from Session 1.

ASK: Do you ever have dreams? What do you dream about? • Hold the Bible open to the Book of Matthew. Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.

Winter 2016–17 • Session 2

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•TIP •

Ask a man in your church to visit your classroom as Joseph and tell today’s story. Have the man dress in a Bibletimes costume.

SAY: Today we’re going to hear a story from the Bible about a dream. It’s a story about Joseph, a carpenter in Bible times. His story is in the Gospel of Matthew. • Cover your head with the headdress. Read “Joseph’s Story” (Bible Stories & Stickers—Session 2, pp. 2–3) to the children. Have the children do the motions. • Hold up the Caleb figure. SAY: Hi! Do you remember my name? I’m Caleb. Don’t you just love hearing stories? I do! And I loved hearing today’s story about Joseph.

ASK: Who came to Joseph in a dream? (an angel) What did the angel tell Joseph? (that Mary would have a baby) How do you think that made Joseph feel? SAY: That’s what I think too. Now it’s time to say the Bible verse. Have fun!

say t he bible vers e Supplies: Class Stuff—p. 2, Leader’s Guide—p. 91 • Hold up the Bible Verse Poster (Class Stuff—p. 2). • Say the Bible verse for the children: “A child is born to us” (Isaiah 9:6). • Have the children repeat the Bible verse. • Teach the children the signs from American Sign Language for the Bible verse (Leader’s Guide—p. 91).

m ove it ! Supplies: Class Stuff—p. 11, tape, scissors Cut out the “Nativity Cube” (Class Stuff—p. 11). Fold and tape the cube together, if you did not already do this last week. • Have the children sit on the floor in a circle. • Give the cube to one child in the circle. Have the child roll the cube in the center of the circle. • Encourage the child to name the character on the cube that is facing up (Mary, angel, Joseph, baby Jesus, shepherd, sheep). • Read the text underneath the character to the children, and have the children do the suggested motion. • Have the children sit back down. • Give the cube to another child and continue the game.

Grow Stronger kids st uf f Supplies: Kids Stuff—p. 5, crayons or markers, gluesticks, lollipops or cheese sticks and permanent marker Punch out the pieces for “Angel Lollipop Puppet” (p. 5) for each child. Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.

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Deep Blue

Preschool Leader’s Guide • December 11

• Help each child follow the directions to make a Lollipop Angel. • You may use cheese sticks instead of lollipops. If you do this, widen the holes on the angel. Thread a wrapped cheese stick through the holes. Use a permanent marker to draw a face on the cheese stick wrapping near the angel’s head.

ASK: Who visited Joseph in his dreams to tell him that Mary would have a baby? (an angel) Who can you tell that it’s time to celebrate the birthday of baby Jesus? SAY: Give your Lollipop Angel to a friend or family member and tell Joseph’s story.

stor i e s o f c hrist m as Supplies: Leader’s Guide—p. 18, crayons or markers Photocopy “Stories of Christmas” (p. 18) for each child. ASK: Who was our Bible story about today? (Joseph and the angel) • Give each child a copy of the “Stories of Christmas” page. Let the children decorate the picture with crayons or markers. • Write each child’s name on the page. Collect the pages so that each child may make a storybook at the end of the month.

Worship Gath e r i n g T i m e Supplies: Class Stuff—pp. 8, 13 & 20; tape Post “Nativity Story Mural” (pp. 13 & 20) on a wall or bulletin board. Locate the mural piece of Joseph (p. 8). • Gather the children around the Nativity Story Mural. • Invite a child to tape Joseph to the Nativity Story Mural.

PRAY: Thank you, God, for the Bible story about Joseph and the angel. Amen.

Pra i s i n g T i m e Supplies: Bible Stories & Stickers—Session 2, Stickers • Invite the children to stand in a circle and hold hands. Sing the song, “This Is the Way We Pray Together,” to the tune of “This Is the Way.” (The words are on the right.) • Go around this prayer circle and pray for each child by name.

PRAY: Dear God, be with (child’s name) this week. Help (him or her) remember that we are celebrating the birth of your Son, Jesus, during this special Advent season. Amen.

This Is the Way We Pray Together (Tune: This Is the Way) This is the way we pray together, pray together, pray together. This is the way we pray together on this Sunday morning.

• Send Bible Stories & Stickers—Session 2 home with each child. • Give each child a Deep Blue Adventure App Sticker to wear home.

Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.

Winter 2016–17 • Session 2

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Stories of Christmas

Can you see Joseph, he’s standing right there? He married Mary and showed that he cared. Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.

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Deep Blue

Preschool Leader’s Guide • December 11

SESSION 3

Jesus’ Story

December 18

Bible Verse

Luke 2:1-7

A child is born to us. (Isaiah 9:6)

Did You Know?

T

oday is the final Sunday of Advent. The time for once again celebrating Jesus’ birth is almost here. The last two weeks we have heard the stories of Mary and Joseph. Today we will hear the story of the one whom we celebrate—Jesus.

“In those days Caesar Augustus declared that everyone throughout the empire should be enrolled in the tax lists.” These words begin the second chapter of Luke. At the time of Jesus’ birth, Caesar Augustus was the most powerful person in the world, a world dominated by the Roman Empire. Therefore, when Emperor Augustus decided that everyone needed to travel to their hometowns to be registered, that was what happened. It didn’t matter if this required a journey of over sixty miles at a time long before this was a one-hour trip in an automobile. And it didn’t matter if the woman to whom you were engaged was about to have a baby. Emperor Augustus has decreed the entire empire will be registered so they could be made to pay taxes. Joseph and Mary journeyed to Bethlehem. Although images of this journey often picture Mary riding on a donkey, the Bible doesn’t tell us whether they had a donkey or whether the entire journey was made on foot. Either way, it was surely a long and weary journey, with Mary nearing the end of her pregnancy. We know what happened next. When they reached Bethlehem, it was time for Mary’s child to be born. However, many other people were in Bethlehem to be registered and, as a result, there was no room for Mary and Joseph at the inn. And so, Mary’s baby, Jesus, also known as Emmanuel, God with us, was laid in a manger on a bed of hay. God’s Son began life humbly, in stark contrast to the power of Emperor Augustus. It’s highly unlikely Caesar was even aware of the birth of another baby in his empire.

Test your Bible knowledge using the Bible Trivia Challenge!

Bible Story Anchor Point We celebrate the birth of Jesus.

Your Lesson □ Welcome □ Puzzle Center □ Advent Science Center □ Swaddling Center □ Time for the Bible Story □ See the Bible Story □ Hear the Bible Story □ Interact With the Bible Story □ Say the Bible Verse □ Move It! □ Kids Stuff □ Stories of Christmas □ Gathering Time □ Praising Time

Requires preparation. Scan this QR code to see Deep Blue Kids DVD and CD selections. Or just visit www.deepbluekids.com to discover more.

Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.

Winter 2016–17 • Session 3

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Jump In! The following activities may be done in learning centers as the children arrive or may be done with the entire group.

Welcome Supplies: Class Stuff—pp. 16–17, 31; CD-ROM; Stickers; CD player; tape; offering basket Display the Attendance Chart (Class Stuff—pp. 16–17, 31) at eye level. • Play “The Songs of the Season” (CD-ROM) as you welcome each child. • Show the children where to place their offerings on the worship table. • Help each child put the baby Jesus attendance Sticker on the Attendance Chart.

SAY: It’s Advent. Advent is the time when we get ready to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Our sticker today is baby Jesus. Today our story is about Jesus’ birth.

Puzzle Center Supplies: Bible Stories & Stickers—Session 3, p. 4; crayons • Encourage the children to complete “Baby Jesus” (Session 3, p. 4).

advent S Cience center Supplies: salt, olive oil, paper towels, hand-washing supplies

SAY: It’s Advent. Advent is the time when we get ready to celebrate Jesus’ birth. Today our Bible story is about what happened when Jesus was born. • Show the children the salt and olive oil.

SAY: When baby Jesus was born, Mary would have rubbed his body with salt and olive oil. People in Bible times thought this made the baby’s skin feel better. Let’s find out what that feels like on our skin. • Pour a small amount of olive oil in the palm of each child’s hand. • Sprinkle salt over the olive oil. • Have the children rub their hands together.

ASK: How does the salt and oil make your hands feel? • Have the children wash their hands.

Swaddling Center Supplies: doll blankets or baby blankets, dolls

SAY: Advent is the time when we get ready to celebrate Jesus’ birth, and today our Bible story is about what happened when Jesus was born. • Show the children the blankets and dolls. Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.

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Deep Blue

Preschool Leader’s Guide • December 18

SAY: After Jesus was born, Mary would have wrapped him in cloth, just like we wrap babies in blankets. This was called swaddling. Wrapping the baby in a blanket made the baby feel safe and warm. • Show the children how to swaddle a baby.

1. Place the doll on the baby blanket, with the head in one corner of the blanket.



2. Fold the bottom corner of the blanket up and over the baby’s body.



3. Wrap one side corner and then the other side corner around the body of the baby. Tuck the corners of the blanket in place.

• Let the children take turns swaddling the dolls.

Dive Deeper t i me f or t h e bibl e story Supplies: CD-ROM, Leader—p. 94 or Advent wreath made in Session 1, yellow tissue paper, CD player, tape, scissors Cut a small square from yellow tissue paper. Twist the square to make a flame. • Have the children stand in a circle in your story area. Say the action rhyme, “Advent, Advent (printed in the column on the right), and encourage the children to do the motions with you. • Have the group sit in a circle. • Show the children the Advent wreath made in Session 1.

SAY: Advent is a special time of year in the church. It’s when we get ready to celebrate the birthday of Jesus. During Advent, we light candles on an Advent wreath to help us count the Sundays before Christmas Day. Today we light four candles. • Play the song, “Let Them Shine” (CD-ROM), as you choose a child to tape the tissue paper flame on the top of the fourth purple candle on the Advent wreath. • Save the Advent wreath to use again next week.

s e e t h e Bi ble story Supplies: DVD, DVD player, television • Play the theme song, “Let’s Go Deep Blue Remix.”

Advent, Advent Advent, Advent is here today. (Cup hands around mouth.) Let’s get ready! (Tap knees twice.) Let’s get ready! (Shake hands above head twice.) It’s a time to sing and pray. (Fold hands in prayer.) Let’s get ready! (Tap knees twice.) Let’s get ready! (Shake hands above head twice.) Jesus’ birthday will soon be here. (Rock baby.) Let’s get ready! (Tap knees twice.) Let’s get ready! (Shake hands above head twice.) Advent tells us that Christmas is near. (Turn around.) Let’s get ready! (Tap knees twice.) Let’s get ready! (Shake hands above head twice.)

• Watch the Deep Blue Bible Adventure for Session 3 with the children. • Play the song, “The Songs of the Season.” Encourage the children to dance around the room as the music plays. • Watch the Scripture for Unit 1 with the children. • Encourage the children to repeat the Scripture with the video.

Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.

Winter 2016–17 • Session 3

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Hear the B ible Story Supplies: Deep Blue Bible Storybook—pp. 304–307 • Tell the children the story, “Jesus Is Born” (pp. 304–307).

interact with the Bibl e Story Supplies: Bible; Bible Stories & Stickers—Session 3, pp. 2–3; Class Stuff—p. 5; scissors; Bible-times headdress

•TIP •

Ask a young woman in your church to tell the story as Mary. Provide a Bible-times costume.

• Plan to use the Caleb figure (Class Stuff—p. 5) from Session 1.

ASK: Have you ever seen a newborn baby? How do you feel when you see babies? • Hold the Bible open to the Book of Luke.

SAY: Today our Bible story is about a newborn baby. It’s a story about Jesus. His story is in the Gospel of Luke. • Cover your head with the headdress. Read “Jesus’ Story” (Bible Stories & Stickers— Session 3, pp. 2–3) to the children. Have the children do the motions. • Hold up the Caleb figure.

SAY: Hi! It’s me, Caleb. Don’t you just love hearing stories? I do! And I loved hearing today’s story about Jesus. ASK: How do you think Mary and Joseph felt when baby Jesus was born? Were you surprised that baby Jesus was born in a place for animals? SAY: That’s what I think too. Now it’s time to say the Bible verse. Have fun!

say the bible vers e Supplies: Class Stuff—p. 2, Leader’s Guide—p. 91 • Hold up the Bible Verse Poster (Class Stuff—p. 2). Say the Bible verse for the children: “A child is born to us” (Isaiah 9:6). Have the children repeat the Bible verse. • Teach the children the signs from American Sign Language for the Bible verse (Leader’s Guide—p. 91).

move it! Supplies: Class Stuff—p. 11, tape, scissors Cut out and assemble the “Nativity Cube” (Class Stuff—p. 11), if not done already. • Have the children sit on the floor in a circle. Give the cube to one child in the circle. Have the child roll the cube in the center of the circle. • Encourage the child to name the character on the cube that is facing up (Mary, angel, Joseph, baby Jesus, shepherd, sheep). • Read the text underneath the character and have them do the suggested motion. • Have the children sit back down. Give the cube to another child and continue the game. Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.

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Deep Blue

Preschool Leader’s Guide • December 18

Grow Stronger k i ds stu f f Supplies: Kids Stuff—p. 7, construction paper, gluesticks, craft sticks (four per child) Punch out the pieces for “Manger Scene” (p. 7) for each child. • Help each child follow the directions to make a manger scene.

ASK: Where did Mary and Joseph have to go to be counted for the tax lists? (Bethlehem) What happened while they were in Bethlehem? (Baby Jesus was born.) Who can you tell that it’s time to celebrate the birthday of baby Jesus? Give your manger scene to a friend or family member, and tell that person the story of what happened when baby Jesus was born.

stor i e s o f c h ristmas Supplies: Leader’s Guide—p. 24, crayons or markers Photocopy “Stories of Christmas” (p. 24) for each child.

ASK: Who was our Bible story about today? (baby Jesus) • Give each child a copy of the “Stories of Christmas” page. Let the children decorate the picture with crayons or markers. • Write each child’s name on the page. Collect the pages so that each child may make a storybook at the end of the month.

Worship Gath e r i n g T i me Supplies: Class Stuff—pp. 8, 13 & 20; tape Post “Nativity Story Mural” (pp. 13 & 20) on a wall or bulletin board. Locate the mural piece of baby Jesus (p. 8). • Gather the children around the Nativity Story Mural. Invite a child to tape baby Jesus to the Nativity Story Mural.

PRAY: Thank you, God, for the Bible story about baby Jesus. Amen.

Pra i s i n g T i m e Supplies: Bible Stories & Stickers—Session 3 • Invite the children to stand in a circle and hold hands. Sing the song, “This Is the Way We Pray Together” to the tune of “This Is the Way.” (The words are on the right.)Go around this prayer circle and pray for each child by name.

This Is the Way We Pray Together (Tune: This Is the Way) This is the way we pray together, pray together, pray together. This is the way we pray together on this Sunday morning.

PRAY: Dear God, be with (child’s name) this week. Help (child) remember that we are celebrating the birth of your Son, Jesus, during this special Advent season. Amen. • Send Bible Stories & Stickers—Session 3 home with each child. Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.

Winter 2016–17 • Session 3

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Stories of Christmas

Point to the baby, asleep on the hay. He was born in a stable, where animals stay. Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.

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Deep Blue

Preschool Leader’s Guide • December 18

SESSION 4

Shepherds’ Story

December 25

Bible Verse

Luke 2:8-20

A child is born to us. (Isaiah 9:6)

Anchor Point We celebrate the birth of Jesus.

Did You Know?

A

lthough we hear the story every year, the message of the Christmas story remains inspiring and empowering. God did not choose to make a flashy and attentiongathering entrance. Instead, God chose to reveal God’s presence with us through the birth of a baby born in humble circumstances. By coming to earth in this way, God identified with the poor, the homeless, and the powerless.

It is fitting, then, that the first people to hear the announcement of Jesus’ birth were the shepherds. In Jesus’ time, shepherds were on the fringes of society. They lived a difficult life, spending much of their time outside watching over the herd to protect it from wild animals and robbers. God’s choice of the shepherds as the first recipients of the wonderful news of the birth of God’s Son sends a clear message that this good news is for everyone. In contrast to Jesus’ humble beginning is the announcement of his birth. First one angel and then a multitude of angels appeared to the shepherds to announce the birth of this special child. It was an announcement fit for a king, an announcement signifying the joy surrounding Jesus’ birth. When your children gather this week, they may have already celebrated Christmas with their families or they may be eager to get home and celebrate. For children, the celebration of Christmas is often equated with the presents they receive. Help them to focus on the joy of Christmas and the experience of celebrating. Be sensitive to those children in your class for whom Christmas may be a sad or difficult time, for whatever reason. Emphasize to your children that the good news of Jesus’ birth is for everyone. And even now, many years after Jesus’ birth, this is a cause for celebration.

Help your crew memorize Scripture with us! Visit www.deepbluekids.com and discover the memorization tools available on the Deep Blue Kids Adventure DVD series.

Bible Story

de is QR co Scan th lue B p e e D to see D D and C Kids DV s. n o ti c le se

Your Lesson □ Welcome □ Puzzle Center □ Christmas Sensory Center □ Time for the Bible Story □ See the Bible Story □ Hear the Bible Story □ Interact With the Bible Story □ Say the Bible Verse □ Move It! □ Kids Stuff □ Stories of Christmas □ Gathering Time □ Praising Time

Requires preparation.

Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.

Winter 2016–17 • Session 4

deepbluekids.com

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Jump In! The following activities may be done in learning centers as the children arrive or may be done with the entire group.

Welcom e Supplies: Class Stuff—pp. 16–17, 31; CD-ROM; Stickers; CD player; tape; offering basket Display the Attendance Chart (Class Stuff—pp. 16–17, 31) at eye level. • Play “The Songs of the Season” (CD-ROM) as you welcome each child. • Show the children where to place their offerings on the worship table. • Help each child put the shepherd attendance Sticker on the Attendance Chart.

SAY: It’s Christmas Day! It’s time to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Our sticker today is a shepherd. We’ll find out more about the shepherds when we hear our Bible story.

Puzzle Center Supplies: Bible Stories & Stickers—Session 4, p. 4; crayons • Encourage the children to “Help the Shepherds Find Jesus” (Session 4, p. 4).

SAY: In our Bible story today, some shepherds hurry to Bethlehem to see baby Jesus.

Christ m as Sensory center Supplies: sheeps’ wool or wool clothing or yarn, baby blanket, piece of wood, straw

SAY: It’s Christmas Day! It’s time to celebrate Jesus’ birth. Let’s touch and feel things that are part of today’s Bible story. • Let the children touch the wool.

SAY: When baby Jesus was born, there were shepherds in the fields watching over their sheep. Sheep have wool. Their wool is used to make things like warm clothing and yarn. ASK: How does the wool feel? • Let the children touch the blanket.

SAY: After Jesus was born, Mary wrapped Jesus in soft cloths. SAY: The cloth made Jesus feel safe and warm. • Let the children touch the wood.

SAY: Joseph was there when baby Jesus was born. Joseph was a carpenter. He made things out of wood. • Let the children feel the straw. Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.

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Deep Blue

Preschool Leader’s Guide • December 25

SAY: Mary and Joseph laid baby Jesus in a manger that was filled with straw. A manger is a feed box for animals. ASK: How would you feel if you had to sleep in a box full of hay?

Dive Deeper ti me f o r t h e bibl e story Supplies: CD-ROM, Leader—p. 94 or Advent wreath made in Session 1, yellow tissue paper, white candle and holder, CD player, tape, scissors Cut a small square from yellow tissue paper. Twist the square to make a flame. • Have the children stand in a circle in your story area. Say the action rhyme, “Christmas Day” (printed in the column on the right), and encourage the children to do the motions with you. • Have the group sit in a circle. • Show the children the Advent wreath made in Session 1.

SAY: Advent is over. Now it’s Christmas Day. It’s time to celebrate the birthday of Jesus. During Advent, we light candles on an Advent wreath to help us count the Sundays before Christmas Day. • Add the white candle to the center of the wreath.

SAY: Today we light the Christ candle. It reminds us that it’s Christmas Day. • Play the song, “Let Them Shine” (CD-ROM), as you choose a choose a child to tape the last tissue paper flame on top of the white candle.

s e e t h e B i ble story Supplies: DVD, DVD player, television • Play the theme song, “Let’s Go Deep Blue Remix.” • Watch the Deep Blue Bible Adventure for Session 4 with the children. • Play the song, “The Songs of the Season.” Encourage the children to dance around the room as the music plays.

H e ar t h e Bi ble Sto ry Supplies: Deep Blue Bible Storybook—pp. 308–309 • Tell the children the story, “Joyous News” (pp. 308–309).

i nte ract w i t h t he B ibl e Story Supplies: Bible; Bible Stories & Stickers—Session 4, pp. 2–3; Class Stuff—p. 5; scissors; Bible-times headdress • Plan to use the Caleb figure (Class Stuff—p. 5) from Session 1.

Christmas Day Hurray, hurray! (Cup hands around mouth.) It’s Christmas Day! (Make a C with your right hand. Move the C in an arc in front of your body. This is American Sign Language for the word Christmas.) Let’s get ready! (Tap knees twice.) Let’s get ready! (Shake hands above head twice.) It’s a time to sing and pray. (Fold hands in prayer.) Let’s get ready! (Tap knees twice.) Let’s get ready! (Shake hands above head twice.) Come and see God’s only Son. (Rock baby.) Let’s get ready! (Tap knees twice.) Let’s get ready! (Shake hands above head twice.) He’ll show God’s love to everyone. (Place your hand over your heart.)

•TIP •

Watch the Scripture for Unit 1 with the children. Watch the Trivia video for Unit 1, and encourage the children to answer the questions.

ASK: Have you ever seen a sheep? Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.

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• Hold the Bible open to the Book of Luke.

SAY: Today our Bible story is about some shepherds. Shepherds are people who take care of sheep. The shepherds’ story is in the Gospel of Luke.

•TIP •

Ask a man in your church to visit your classroom as a shepherd and tell today’s story. Have the man dress in a Bibletimes costume.

• Cover your head with the headdress. Read “Shepherds’ Story” (Bible Stories & Stickers—Session 4, pp. 2–3) to the children. Have the children do the motions. • Hold up the Caleb figure.

SAY: Hi! It’s me, Caleb. Don’t you just love hearing stories? I do! And I loved hearing today’s story about the shepherds going to see Jesus. ASK: How do you think the shepherds felt when they saw the angels? How do you think the shepherds felt when they saw baby Jesus? SAY: That’s what I think too. Now it’s time to say the Bible verse. Have fun!

say t he bible vers e

•TIP •

Teach the children the signs from American Sign Language for the Bible verse (Leader’s Guide—p. 91).

Supplies: Class Stuff—p. 2, Leader’s Guide—p. 91 • Hold up the Bible Verse Poster (Class Stuff—p. 2). • Say the Bible verse for the children: “A child is born to us” (Isaiah 9:6). • Have the children repeat the Bible verse.

m ove it ! Supplies: Class Stuff—p. 11, tape, scissors Cut out and assemble “Nativity Cube” (Class Stuff—p. 11), if not already done. • Have the children sit on the floor in a circle. • Give the cube to one child in the circle. Have the child roll the cube in the center of the circle. • Encourage the child to name the character on the cube that is facing up (Mary, angel, Joseph, baby Jesus, shepherd, sheep). • Read the text underneath the character to the children and have the children do the suggested motion. • Have the children sit back down. • Give the cube to another child and continue the game.

Grow Stronger kids st uf f Supplies: Kids Stuff—p. 9, construction paper, gluesticks, small white pompons or star stickers Punch out the three pieces for “Story Globe” (p. 9) for each child. • Help each child follow the directions to make a Story Globe. Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.

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Preschool Leader’s Guide • December 25

ASK: Who did the shepherds tell about baby Jesus? (everyone they met) Who can you tell that it’s time to celebrate the birthday of baby Jesus? SAY: Give your Story Globe to a friend or family member, and tell that person the story of what happened when baby Jesus was born.

stor i e s o f c hrist m as Supplies: Leader’s Guide—p. 30, crayons or markers, construction paper, pages collected from Sessions 1–3, stapler & staples Photocopy “Stories of Christmas” (p. 30) for each child.

ASK: Who was our Bible story about today? (baby Jesus and the shepherds) • Give each child a copy of the “Stories of Christmas” page. Let the children decorate the picture with crayons or markers. • Give each child a piece of construction paper. Let the children decorate the construction paper with crayons or markers to make a cover for their “Stories of Christmas.” • While the children are working on their covers, give each child the pages you collected from the last three weeks. Stack the pages together in story order. • Place each child’s cover on top of his or her stack. Staple the pages together along the side. • Read the storybook to the children.

Worship Gath e r i n g T i m e Supplies: Class Stuff—pp. 8, 13 & 20; tape Post “Nativity Story Mural” (pp. 13 & 20) on a wall or bulletin board. Locate the mural piece of the shepherd (p. 8). • Gather the children around the Nativity Story Mural. Invite a child to tape the shepherd to the Nativity Story Mural.

PRAY: Thank you, God, for the Bible story of baby Jesus. Amen.

Pra i s i n g T i m e Supplies: Bible Stories & Stickers—Session 4 • Invite the children to stand in a circle and hold hands. Sing the song, “This Is the Way We Pray Together,” to the tune of “This Is the Way.” (The words are on the right.) • Go around this prayer circle and pray for each child by name.

PRAY: Dear God, be with (child’s name) this week. Help (child’s name) remember that we are celebrating the birth of your Son, Jesus, on this special day. Amen. • Send Bible Stories & Stickers—Session 4 home with each child.

This Is the Way We Pray Together (Tune: This Is the Way) This is the way we pray together, pray together, pray together. This is the way we pray together on this Sunday morning.

Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.

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Stories of Christmas

Now find two shepherds and one little sheep. They’re going to see Jesus, in a manger, asleep. Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.

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Preschool Leader’s Guide • December 25

SESSION 5

Search for the King

January 1

Bible Verse

Matthew 2:1-12

God so loved the world that he gave his only Son. (John 3:16)

Bible Story Anchor Point Jesus is God’s Son.

Did You Know?

T

oday’s story conveys the message that God sent Jesus for everyone. The magi were Gentiles, traveling from the east. They were non-Jews who came searching for Jesus. The magi, or wise men, had not been waiting for the birth of the Messiah for hundreds of years as the Jews had. Rather, they came because they were astrologers who had seen a new star. They believed the appearance of a new star meant a king had been born, and they were curious. They were searching for this new king. The magi’s search for the new king led them to the current leader, King Herod. From King Herod’s chief priests and scribes, they learn of Micah’s prophecy that a new leader will be born in Bethlehem. They also receive a request from King Herod to report back to him when they find the one they are looking for. The magi continue on their journey, following the star that leads them to Bethlehem. Matthew tells us when the star stopped, the magi were “filled with joy.” The magi acted on their feelings of joy by worshipping Jesus and offering him gifts. Then they chose to ignore King Herod’s request to report back to him and, instead, returned home by a different route. Spend some time reflecting on the magi. God chose to send Jesus for everyone, even those who have not been waiting for his arrival and aren’t fully aware of whom they are seeking. Like the magi, we receive the news of Jesus’ birth with joy and honor him with gifts. Help your children to understand that although we cannot bring gifts to Jesus in person as the magi did, we can still honor Jesus with our gifts. Today your class will begin a month-long service project collecting money for Every Girl Counts. Giving to others is perhaps the best gift we can give to Jesus.

Sign the monthly Bible verses with the Deep Blue Crew!

Your Lesson □ Welcome □ Puzzle Center □ Star Play Center □ Time for the Bible Story □ See the Bible Story □ Hear the Bible Story □ Interact With the Bible Story □ Say the Bible Verse □ Pin the Star Over the House □ Kids Stuff □ Star Cards □ Mission Moment □ Gathering Time □ Praising Time

Requires preparation. Scan this QR code to see Deep Blue Kids DVD and CD selections. Or just visit www.deepbluekids.com to discover more.

Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.

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Jump In! The following activities may be done in learning centers as the children arrive or may be done with the entire group.

Welcom e Supplies: Class Stuff—pp. 16–17, 31; CD-ROM; Stickers; CD player; tape; offering basket Display the Attendance Chart (Class Stuff—pp. 16–17, 31) at eye level. • Play “The Songs of the Season” (CD-ROM) as you welcome each child. • Show the children where to place their offerings on the worship table. • Help each child put the star attendance Sticker on the Attendance Chart.

SAY: A star is very important in today’s Bible story.

Puzzle Center Supplies: Bible Stories & Stickers—Session 5, p. 4; crayons • Encourage the children to complete “Match the Stars” (Session 5, p. 4).

SAY: In our Bible story today, a star leads some wise men to Jesus.

•TIP •

Use play dough and star-shaped cookie cutters for manipulative play, if you choose not to make the Star Slime.

Star Play center Supplies: liquid starch, clear glue, water, star confetti, bowl, mixing spoon, measuring cups, table covering, table Cover the table with paper or plastic.

SAY: Today a star is very important to our Bible story. Let’s make Star Slime. • Choose a child to pour 1/2 cup of water into the mixing bowl. Choose another child to pour 1/2 cup of clear glue into the bowl. • Let the children take turns mixing the glue and water together. • Slowly add 1/2 cup of liquid starch to the mixture. • Let the children take turns mixing in the starch. Pour out any excess water. • Add in star confetti, and mix some more. • Give each child a portion of the Star Slime to manipulate.

Dive Deeper tim e f o r the bibl e story • Have the children line up behind you.

SAY: Let’s pretend that we are shining stars. Hold up your hands and wiggle your fingers as you follow me around the room. Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.

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Preschool Leader’s Guide • January 1

• Sing the song, “Twinkling Star,” to the tune of “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.” (The song is printed in the column on the right.) Lead the children to your story area. • Have the group to sit down in your story area.

s e e t h e Bi ble sto ry Supplies: DVD, DVD player, television • Play the theme song, “Let’s Go Deep Blue Remix.” • Watch the Deep Blue Bible Adventure for Session 5 with the children. • Play the song, “The Songs of the Season.” Encourage the children to dance around the room as the music plays.

H e ar t h e B i ble Sto ry Supplies: Deep Blue Bible Storybook—pp. 218–220 • Tell the children the story, “Follow the Star” (pp. 218–220).

i nt e ract w i t h the B ibl e Sto ry Supplies: Bible; Bible Stories & Stickers—Session 5, pp. 2–3; Class Stuff—p. 5 • Plan to use the Caleb figure (Class Stuff—p. 5) from Session 1.

ASK: Have you ever seen a really bright star? • Hold the Bible open to the Book of Matthew.

SAY: Today our Bible story is about some wise men who saw a really bright star. The wise men’s story is in the Gospel of Matthew.

Twinkling Star (Tune: Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star) I’m a twinkling, twinkling star, brightly shining from afar. Follow me to Mary’s boy; he will fill your heart with joy. I’m a twinkling, twinkling star, brightly shining from afar.

• Read “Search for the King” (Bible Stories & Stickers—Session 5, pp. 2–3) to the children. Have the children do the motions. • Hold up the Caleb figure.

SAY: Hi! It’s me, Caleb. Don’t you just love hearing stories? I do! And I loved hearing today’s story about the wise men following the star to see Jesus. ASK: How do you think the wise men felt when they saw the star? How do you think the wise men felt when they saw Jesus? SAY: That’s what I think too. Now it’s time to say the Bible verse. Have fun!

say t h e b i ble verse Supplies: Class Stuff—p. 3, Stickers, Leader’s Guide—p. 92 • Hold up the Bible Verse Poster (Class Stuff—p. 3). • Say the Bible verse: “God so loved the world that he gave his only Son” (John 3:16). • Give each child the Bible verse Sticker, and have the children repeat the Bible verse. • Teach the children the signs from American Sign Language for the Bible verse (Leader’s Guide—p. 92). Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.

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Pin the Star Ov er the House Supplies: Class Stuff—p. 22, scissors, tape Cut out the “Pin the Star Over the House” game (p. 22) by removing the page, cutting the strip of stars out, and cutting out each star square. Mount the house picture on a wall or door at the children’s eye level. Place a circle of tape on the back of each star. • Choose a child to begin the game. Give the first child a star. Have the child close his or her eyes and try to tape the star over the house. • Give each child a turn.

Grow Stronger kids st uf f

•TIP •

Save the star punched out of the middle of the circle to use with “Star Cards” (below).

Supplies: Kids Stuff—p. 11, construction paper or tissue paper in a variety of colors, gluesticks, wax paper, scissors Punch out the two pieces on “Stained Glass Star” (p. 11) for each child. • Cut different colors of tissue paper or construction paper into small pieces. • Cut wax paper or construction paper into 7-inch circles. • Help each child follow the directions to make a Stained Glass Star.

ASK: Who saw the star? (the wise men) What did they do when they saw the star? (They followed it to find Jesus.) What did the wise men do to show how important Jesus was to them? (bowed down and gave him gifts) SAY: We can’t show that Jesus is important by giving gifts to him. But when we help others, act in kind ways, and show love, we are showing Jesus that he is important. SAY: Give your stained glass star to a friend or family member, and tell that person the story of what happened when the wise men saw the bright star.

Star Cards Supplies: Leader’s Guide—p. 36, Kids Stuff—p. 11, small star stickers, watercolor paint, brushes, water, plastic containers, salt, table covering, table, smocks Photocopy “Star Card” (Leader’s Guide—p. 36) for each child. • Plan to use the large star punched out of the “Stained Glass Star” (Kids Stuff—p. 11). • Cover the table with paper or plastic. • Pour a small amount of water in plastic containers to use for watercolor paints. • Give each child a copy of “Star Card.” • Show the children how to fold the card in half so that the writing is on the inside of the card. • Have them glue the large star (from Kids Stuff—p. 11) on the inside of the cards. • Give each child several star stickers. Let the children place the star stickers however they wish on the blank cover of the cards. Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.

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Preschool Leader’s Guide • January 1

• Show the children how to dip their brushes in water, over the watercolor paint, and onto the cover of their cards. Encourage the children to paint over the star stickers. • Sprinkle salt over each child’s wet watercolor paint. The salt crystals will begin creating a dappled pattern. • Let the paintings dry. Then brush off the salt into the trash. You may choose to leave on the star stickers or remove them.

•TIP •

Collect the cards to send to members in your church who have limited ability to leave home.

SAY: Give your star card to a friend or family member, and tell that person the story of what happened when the wise men saw the bright star.

Mi ss i o n m o ment Supplies: Class Stuff—p. 9, Leader’s Guide—pp. 85–86, crayons or markers, tape Photocopy “Mission Project” (Leader’s Guide—p. 85) for each child. • Photocopy and cut out “Mission Envelope” (Leader’s Guide—p. 86) for each child. • Show the children the Mission Poster (Class Stuff—p. 9). • Have the children decorate the front of the envelopes with crayons or markers. • Show the children how to assemble the envelopes by taping the sides and bottom.

SAY: Our mission project is Every Girl Counts. Every Girl Counts helps girls in Nairobi, Kenya, a country in Africa. It’s hard for some families to send both their sons and daughters to school. So usually, boys get to go to school and girls do not. Every Girl Counts helps send girls to school. This month we’re going to collect money to send to Every Girl Counts.

Worship Gat h e r i n g T i me Supplies: Class Stuff—pp. 14 & 19, 28; tape Post “Bible Story Mural” (pp. 14 & 19) on a wall or bulletin board. Locate the mural piece of the star (p. 28). • Gather the children around the Bible Story Mural. Invite a child to tape the star to the Bible Story Mural.

PRAY: Thank you, God, for Jesus. Amen.

Pra i s i n g T i m e Supplies: Bible Stories & Stickers—Session 5, Mission Letter and Envelope made previously • Invite the children to stand in a circle and hold hands. Sing the song, “This Is the Way We Pray Together,” to the tune of “This Is the Way.” (The words are on the right.) • Go around this prayer circle and pray for each child by name.

PRAY: Dear God, be with (child’s name) this week. Help (child’s name) to remember the story of the wise men searching for Jesus. Amen.

This Is the Way We Pray Together (Tune: This Is the Way) This is the way we pray together, pray together, pray together. This is the way we pray together on this Sunday morning.

•TIP •

Send Bible Stories & Stickers—Session 5, and the Mission Letter and Envelope home with each child.

Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.

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John 3:16, adapted

Wise men followed the star to Jesus.

God so loved the world that he sent Jesus.

Star Card

Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.

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Preschool Leader’s Guide • January 1

SESSION 6

Talk With the Teachers

January 8

Bible Verse

Luke 2:39-52

God so loved the world that he gave his only Son. (John 3:16)

Did You Know?

L

uke is the only Gospel to give us a story from Jesus’ boyhood. Though we may wish for more stories of Jesus’ childhood, at least the presence of this story in the Bible assures us Jesus grew up, just as we do.

Luke tells us the story of Jesus’ visit to the Temple with his parents when he was twelve years old. The distance from Nazareth, where Joseph and Mary were living, to Jerusalem is a little over sixty miles. To us, that distance almost sounds negligible. We would travel such a distance in about an hour. For Joseph and Mary and Jesus traveling on foot in the midst of many others making this annual pilgrimage, the journey would have taken four or five days. At first, we may find it difficult to understand how Joseph and Mary didn’t realize Jesus was left behind in Jerusalem. By Jewish custom, at the age of thirteen a male child becomes a man. Therefore, at the age of twelve, although Jesus was still a child, he was close to being regarded as a man. Remember also that Joseph and Mary and their family were not the only ones making this journey. They were traveling with many others who were making this pilgrimage. The Bible tells us Jesus’ parents assumed he was with their relatives and friends. When Joseph and Mary returned to Jerusalem, they found Jesus at the Temple. Even as a child of twelve, Jesus was a participant in the teaching occurring at the Temple. Encourage the children you teach to remember that no matter what age they are, they are important in the church family. They can listen and ask questions, and they can also teach and be an example for others.

Check out all of the free resources for teachers!

Bible Story Anchor Point Jesus is God’s Son.

Your Lesson □ Welcome □ Kids Stuff Center □ Puzzle Center □ Temple Center □ Time for the Bible Story □ See the Bible Story □ Hear the Bible Story □ Interact With the Bible Story □ Say the Bible Verse □ Retell the Story □ Where Is Jesus? □ Find Jesus □ Mission Moment □ Gathering Time □ Praising Time

Free Stuff for Teachers

Requires preparation. Scan this QR code—go directly to the Free Stuff for Teachers page. Or visit www.deepbluekids.com.

Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.

Winter 2016–17 • Session 6

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Jump In! The following activities may be done in learning centers as the children arrive or may be done with the entire group.

Welcom e Supplies: Class Stuff—pp. 16–17, 31; CD-ROM; Stickers; CD player; tape; offering basket Display the Attendance Chart (Class Stuff—pp. 16–17, 31) at eye level. • Play “Down to the River” (CD-ROM) as you welcome each child. • Show the children where to place their offerings on the worship table. • Help each child put the child Jesus attendance Sticker on the Attendance Chart.

SAY: Jesus grew from a baby to a boy. Jesus grew, just as you grow.

kids st uf f center Supplies: Kids Stuff—p. 13, crayons or markers Punch out “Jesus Grows” (p. 13) for each child. • Help each child follow the directions to make Jesus grow.

SAY: Jesus grew from a baby to a boy. Jesus grew, just as you grow. • Show the children how to make their Jesus figures grow. Answers to “What’s Different?” (Session 6, p. 4): 1) Dove in sky 2) Money bag in man’s hands 3) Color of Jesus’ robe

•TIP •

To make this activity more fun, use a large appliance box for the temple. Use a box cutter (adult use only) to cut out windows and doors.

Puzzle Center Supplies: Bible Stories & Stickers—Session 6, p. 4; crayons • Encourage the children to complete “What’s Different?” (Session 6, p. 4).

SAY: In our Bible story today, Jesus takes a trip with his parents.

Tem pl e Center Supplies: crayons or markers, large box, plain wrapping or mural paper, tape Cover a box with plain paper. Set the box upside down in your work area.

SAY: In our Bible story today, Jesus takes a trip with his parents. They are going with friends and family to the Temple. The Temple is a place to worship God, like our church. Let’s make a temple. • Let the children work together to decorate the box. Affirm the children’s work. The box will represent the temple, no matter how the children decorate it. • Place the box in your story area.

Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.

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Preschool Leader’s Guide • January 8

Dive Deeper ti me f o r t h e bibl e story Supplies: temple box made previously • Have the children line up behind you.

SAY: Let’s pretend that we are traveling with Jesus and Mary and Joseph to the Temple. Follow me as I lead the way. • Sing the song, “On the Way to the Temple,” to the tune of “This is the Way.” (The song is printed in the column on the right.) Do the motions as you lead the children around the room. End the parade at the temple box. Have the group sit down.

s e e t h e B i ble story Supplies: DVD, DVD player, television • Play the theme song, “Let’s Go Deep Blue Remix.” • Watch the Deep Blue Bible Adventure for Session 6 with the children.

On the Way to the Temple (Tune: This Is the Way) This is the way we step, step, step, step, step, step, step, step, step*. This is the way we step, step, step on the way to the temple. * Change the motion: march, hop, jump.

• Play the song, “Down to the River.” Encourage the children to dance around the room as the music plays.

H e ar t h e Bi ble Sto ry Supplies: Deep Blue Bible Storybook—pp. 313–316 • Tell the children the story, “Talk With the Teachers” (pp. 313–316).

i nte ract w i t h t he B ibl e Story Supplies: Bible; Bible Stories & Stickers—Session 6, pp. 2–3; Class Stuff—p. 5 • Plan to use the Caleb figure (Class Stuff—p. 5) from Session 1.

ASK: Have you ever gone on a trip with your parents? Where did you go? What did you do? • Hold the Bible open to the Book of Luke.

SAY: Today our Bible story is about something that happened when Jesus was a boy. The Bible story is in the Gospel of Luke. • Read “Talk With the Teachers” (Bible Stories & Stickers—Session 6, pp. 2–3) to the children. Have the children do the motions. • Hold up the Caleb figure.

SAY: Hi! It’s me, Caleb. Don’t you just love hearing stories? I do! And I loved hearing today’s story about Jesus going to the Temple with Mary and Joseph. ASK: How do you think Mary and Joseph felt when they realized Jesus was not with them on the way home? How do you think they felt when they found Jesus? SAY: That’s what I think too. Now it’s time to say the Bible verse. Have fun! Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.

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say t he bible vers e Supplies: Class Stuff—p. 3, Leader’s Guide—p. 92 • Hold up the Bible Verse Poster (Class Stuff—p. 3). • Say the Bible verse: “God so loved the world that he gave his only Son” (John 3:16). • Have the children repeat the Bible verse. • Teach the children the signs from American Sign Language for the Bible verse (Leader’s Guide—p. 92).

ret ell t he story Supplies: Leader’s Guide—p. 42; Bible Stories & Stickers—Session 6, p. 2; scissors; crayons or markers Photocopy and cut out the road and the two rectangles—one of Jesus, and one of Mary and Joseph (Leader’s Guide—p. 42)—for each child. • Let the children decorate the pieces with crayons or markers.

SAY: Today our Bible story is about a trip Jesus took with Mary and Joseph. Where did Jesus, Mary, and Joseph go? (to the Temple)

Where Is Jesus? (Tune: Are You Sleeping?) Where is Mary? Where is Joseph? Here we are! Here we are! (Move the Mary and Joseph figure to the front.) We’re looking for young Jesus, we’re looking for young Jesus everywhere, everywhere. Where is Jesus? Where is Jesus? Here I am! Here I am! (Move the Jesus figure to the front.) I’m sitting in the Temple. I’m sitting in the Temple. It’s God’s house. It’s God’s house.

• Show the children how to fold the rectangles in half to make the figures of Jesus, and Mary and Joseph stand. • Have the children place their roads on the table or on the floor in front of them. • Have the children place the figures at the beginning of the road. • Retell the children the story, “Talk With The Teachers” (Bible Stories & Stickers— Session 6, p. 2). • Encourage the children to move their figures along the road as you tell the story.

Where is jesus? Supplies: stand-up figures from “Retell the Story” (above) • Have each child hold the figure of Jesus in one hand, and the figure of Mary and Joseph in the other hand. • Have the children place the figures behind their backs. • Sing the song, “Where Is Jesus?” to the tune of “Are You Sleeping?” The song is printed in the column on the left. • Have the children bring each figure around to the front as indicated in the song.

f ind j esus Supplies: stand-up figure of Jesus from “Retell the Story” or one of the Jesus Grows figures (see p. 38) • Choose one child to be IT. Have IT hide her or his eyes. • Hide one of the figures of Jesus in the room. • Have IT look around the room to find the figure of Jesus. • As IT moves away from the figure, have the other children shout, “Cold!” Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.

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Preschool Leader’s Guide • January 8

• As IT moves closer to the figure, have the other children shout, “Hot!” • When IT finds the figure, have everyone repeat the Bible verse together. • Choose another child to be IT, and continue the game.

Grow Stronger Mi ss i o n m o ment Supplies: Class Stuff—p. 9, Leader’s Guide—p. 85, map of the world or world globe, yarn Photocopy “Mission Project” (Leader’s Guide—p. 85) for each child. • Show the children the Mission Poster (Class Stuff—p. 9).

•TIP •

Prepare an envelope (Leader’s Guide— p. 86) for any child who did not attend last week.

• Show the children the map of the world or a world globe. • Place the yarn near the place you live and then stretch the yarn to the continent of Africa and then to the country of Kenya.

ASK: Do you go to preschool or daycare? What do you like best about your school? SAY: Our mission project is Every Girl Counts. Every Girl Counts helps girls in Nairobi, Kenya, a country in Africa. It’s hard for some families to send both their sons and daughters to school. So usually, boys get to go to school and girls do not. Every Girl Counts helps send girls to school. This month we’re going to collect money to send to Every Girl Counts.

Worship Gath e r i n g T i m e Supplies: Class Stuff—pp. 14 & 19, 28; tape Post “Bible Story Mural” (pp. 14 & 19) on a wall or bulletin board. Locate the mural piece of Jesus as a boy (p. 28). • Gather the children around the Bible Story Mural. • Invite a child to tape the boy Jesus to the Bible Story Mural.

PRAY: Thank you, God, for Jesus. Amen.

Pra i s i n g T i m e Supplies: Bible Stories & Stickers—Session 6, Mission Letter • Invite the children to stand in a circle and hold hands. Sing the song, “This Is the Way We Pray Together,” to the tune of “This Is the Way.” (The words are on the right.) • Go around this prayer circle and pray for each child by name.

This Is the Way We Pray Together (Tune: This Is the Way) This is the way we pray together, pray together, pray together. This is the way we pray together on this Sunday morning.

PRAY: Dear God, be with (child’s name) this week. Help (child’s name) to remember that Jesus grew just as (she or he) grows. Amen. • Send Bible Stories & Stickers—Session 6 and the Mission Letter home with each child. Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.

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On the Road

Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.

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Deep Blue

Preschool Leader’s Guide • January 8

SESSION 7

Come to the River

January 15

Bible Verse

Matthew 3:13-17

God so loved the world that he gave his only Son. (John 3:16)

Did You Know?

I

n those days John the Baptist appeared in the desert of Judea announcing, ‘Change your hearts and lives! Here comes the kingdom of heaven!’” (Matthew 3:1) Matthew makes it sound like John came out of nowhere. We know, however, from the account in Luke’s Gospel that John was the child born to Zechariah and Elizabeth in their old age. Even before his birth, Zechariah and Elizabeth are told John will be filled with the Holy Spirit, and he will turn many people to God. Luke also tells us Elizabeth was a relative of Mary’s, making John the Baptist and Jesus related. Whether John and Jesus knew each other as children, the Bible doesn’t tell us. After Elizabeth gave birth to her son and she and Zechariah named him John, their neighbors wondered, “What then will this child be?”

Bible Story Anchor Point Jesus is God’s Son.

Your Lesson □ Welcome □ Puzzle Center □ Water Play Center □ Time for the Bible Story □ See the Bible Story

What became of this child, John, was that he grew up and went to live in the wilderness wearing camels’ hair, eating locusts and wild honey, baptizing people in the River Jordan, and exhorting people to acknowledge their sin and accept God’s forgiveness. John encouraged people to be baptized as a way of preparing for one who would come and bring the Holy Spirit to God’s people.

□ Hear the Bible Story

And then one day, as John is going about the business of baptizing people, Jesus comes from Nazareth to be baptized by John. As Jesus was coming out of the water, the heavens opened, the Spirit descended on him like a dove, and a voice from heaven claimed Jesus as God’s Son.

□ Kids Stuff Center

Jesus’ baptism marked the beginning of his ministry. God claimed Jesus as God’s Son, and then Jesus began preaching and teaching people how God wanted them to live.

Use these tools to spread the word about your ministry!

□ Interact With the Bible Story □ Say the Bible Verse □ Hop to the River □ Happiness Jar □ Mission Moment □ Gathering Time □ Praising Time

Free Images & Logo

Scan this QR code—go directly to the Free Logos and Images page. Or visit www.deepbluekids.com to discover all the tools you can use to promote your ministry.

Requires preparation.

Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.

Winter 2016–17 • Session 7

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•TIP •

As you teach today’s lesson, be sensitive to those children who have not been baptized. Reassure the children it is not baptism that makes one a child of God. Each of us is already claimed by God as God’s child. Baptism is a symbol that we acknowledge God’s claim on us.

Jump In! The following activities may be done in learning centers as the children arrive or may be done with the entire group.

Welcom e Supplies: Class Stuff—pp. 16–17, 31; CD-ROM; Stickers; CD player; tape; offering basket Display the Attendance Chart (Class Stuff—pp. 16–17, 31) at eye level. • Play “Down to the River” (CD-ROM) as you welcome each child. • Show the children where to place their offerings on the worship table. • Help each child put the dove attendance Sticker on the Attendance Chart.

SAY: Jesus grew from a baby to a boy to a man. In our Bible story today, Jesus the man sees a dove flying down to him.

Puzzle Center Supplies: Bible Stories & Stickers—Session 7, p. 4 • Encourage the children to “Find the Dove” (Session 7, p. 4).

SAY: In our Bible story today, Jesus sees a dove flying down to him.

Wat er Play Center Supplies: plastic tub; water; plastic measuring cups, a sieve, and a plastic colander; plastic tablecloth; towels; table Cover the table with a plastic tablecloth. • Partially fill a plastic tub with water. Add cups, a sieve, and a colander to the tub.

SAY: In our Bible story today, a man named John baptized people in the water of a river. We’ll find out who comes to John to be baptized when we hear our Bible story. • Let the children enjoy dipping and pouring water. • Have towels available to dry hands and arms.

Dive Deeper t im e f o r t he bible story Supplies: CD-ROM, CD player • Play “Down to the River” (CD-ROM).

SAY: Let’s pretend we are going down to the river with Jesus and John. • Have the children line up behind you. Lead the children in moving around the room as the music plays. Vary your motions as you move: flap your arms, march, tiptoe, clap your hands, and so forth. End in your story area. Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.

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Deep Blue

Preschool Leader’s Guide • January 15

s e e t h e B ibl e story Supplies: DVD, DVD player, television • Play the theme song, “Let’s Go Deep Blue Remix.” • Watch the Deep Blue Bible Adventure for Session 7 with the children. • Play the song, “Down to the River.” Encourage the children to dance around the room as the music plays.

H e ar t h e Bible Sto ry Supplies: Deep Blue Bible Storybook—pp. 221–222 • Tell the children the story, “Come to the River” (pp. 221–222).

i nte ract wit h t he B ibl e Story Supplies: Bible; Bible Stories & Stickers—Session 7, pp. 2–3; Class Stuff—p. 5; blue scarfs or blue ribbons, or blue crepe paper streamers; scissors Cut blue ribbons or crepe paper into 12-inch lengths. You will need at least one length for each child. Or plan to use scarfs. • Plan to use the Caleb figure (Class Stuff—p. 5) from Session 1.

ASK: Have you ever seen a river? Where did you see it? What did you do at the river? • Hold the Bible open to the Book of Matthew.

SAY: Today our Bible story is about something that happened when Jesus went down to a river. The Bible story is in the Gospel of Matthew. • Give each child a ribbon, streamer, or scarf. Show the children how to hold their ribbons, streamers, or scarfs low to the ground and swirl them.

SAY: Your ribbons (streamers or scarfs) remind me of water swirling in a river. • Read “Come to the River” (Bible Stories & Stickers—Session 7, pp. 2–3) to the children. Have the children swirl their ribbons, streamers, or scarfs each time you say the word river. • Hold up the Caleb figure.

SAY: Hi! It’s me, Caleb. Don’t you just love hearing stories? I do! And I loved hearing today’s story about Jesus going to the river to be baptized by John. ASK: How do you think John felt when Jesus asked John to baptize him? How do you think Jesus felt when he saw the dove and heard God’s voice? SAY: That’s what I think too. Now it’s time to say the Bible verse. Have fun!

say t h e bible verse Supplies: Class Stuff—p. 3, Leader’s Guide—p. 92 • Hold up the Bible Verse Poster (Class Stuff—p. 3). Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.

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• Say the Bible verse: “God so loved the world that he gave his only Son” (John 3:16). • Have the children repeat the Bible verse. • Teach the children the signs from American Sign Language for the Bible verse (Leader’s Guide—p. 92).

Grow Stronger kids st uf f center Supplies: Kids Stuff—p. 15; fine-tip marker or pen; watercolor paints, water in plastic cups, and brushes OR cotton balls and glue; yarn; scissors Punch out “Baptism Dove” (p. 15) for each child. • Help each child follow the directions to make a dove. • Read each child’s name and the statement on the circle.

Ho p To t he River Supplies: ribbons, streamers, or scarfs used earlier (p. 45) • Pile the ribbons, streamers, or scarfs you used during “Interact With the Bible Story” on one side of the room. • Have the children line up on the opposite side of the room.

SAY: Let’s pretend that our ribbons (streamers or scarfs) are a river. • Call one or two children at a time, and have them move to the river.

SAY: (Child’s name), God finds happiness in you, so hop to the river. • Have the children named hop to the pile of ribbons, streamers, or scarfs, and then hop back. • Continue until you have named each child. You may want to vary how the children move: jump, march, tiptoe, take giant steps, walk backward, and so forth.

Happiness Jar Supplies: Leader’s Guide—p. 48; Stickers; plastic jars, other plastic containers, or resealable plastic bags Photocopy and cut apart the seven “Happiness Jar” strips (p. 48) for each child. • Give each child a plastic jar, other kind of plastic container, or resealable plastic bag.

SAY: When Jesus was baptized, he saw a dove flying down from the sky and heard God’s voice say, “This is my Son whom I dearly love; I find happiness in you.” ASK: How do you think Jesus felt when he heard God’s voice? SAY: It makes us feel good when people say nice things to us. Let’s make a Happiness Jar that will help everyone in our families feel good.

Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.

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Deep Blue

Preschool Leader’s Guide • January 15

• Give each child the Happiness Jar Sticker and the four sun Stickers. Have each child place the Stickers on the outside of the jar or bag. • Give each child a set of the Happiness Jar strips. Let the child place the strips inside the jar or bag. • Read some of the strips to the children.

SAY: Take your Happiness Jar home. Each person can draw out a strip of paper to read. What’s on the paper will help that person feel happy.

Missi o n m o ment Supplies: Class Stuff—p. 9, Leader’s Guide—p. 85, blocks Photocopy “Mission Project” (Leader’s Guide—p. 85) for each child. • Show the children the Mission Poster (Class Stuff—p. 9).

SAY: Our mission project is Every Girl Counts. Every Girl Counts helps girls in Nairobi, Kenya, a country in Africa. It’s hard for some families to send both their sons and daughters to school. So usually, boys get to go to school and girls do not. Every Girl Counts helps send girls to school. This month we’re going to collect money to send to Every Girl Counts. Let’s pretend to build a school right now. • Encourage the children to build a school with the blocks.

Worship Gath e ri n g Ti m e Supplies: Class Stuff—pp. 14 & 19, 28; tape Post “Bible Story Mural” (pp. 14 & 19) on a wall or bulletin board. Locate the mural piece of the dove (p. 28). • Gather the children around the Bible Story Mural. • Invite a child to tape the dove to the Bible Story Mural.

PRAY: Thank you, God, for Jesus. Amen.

Praisi n g Ti m e Supplies: Bible Stories & Stickers—Session 7, Mission Letter • Invite the children to stand in a circle and hold hands. Sing the song, “This Is the Way We Pray Together,” to the tune of “This Is the Way.” (The words are on the right.) • Go around this prayer circle and pray for each child by name.

PRAY: Dear God, be with (child’s name) this week. Help (child’s name) to remember that God finds happiness in (him or her). Amen.

This Is the Way We Pray Together (Tune: This Is the Way) This is the way we pray together, pray together, pray together. This is the way we pray together on this Sunday morning.

• Send Bible Stories & Stickers—Session 7 and the Mission Letter home with each child. • Explain the Happiness Jar to the parents or caregivers. Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.

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Happiness Jar

God loves you. God finds happiness in you. God so loved the world that he gave his only Son. (John 3:16) You make me smile. I like being with you. I’m glad you’re part of our family. I love you. Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.

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Deep Blue

Preschool Leader’s Guide • January 15

SESSION 8

Change the Water

January 22

Bible Verse

John 2:1-12

God so loved the world that he gave his only Son. (John 3:16)

Did You Know?

I

t’ll take a miracle.” “It’s a miracle!” How many times have you heard or said one of these phrases? We tend to toss around the word miracle and use it to refer to any act or occurrence that is amazing or unexpected. While miracles are often amazing and unexpected, there is one other important component of a true miracle. A miracle is something only God can do. Thus, the miracles Jesus performed during his ministry were signs of God’s power.

The miracle of turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana is considered Jesus’ first miracle. This act was the inaugural event of Jesus’ ministry. It is the first of seven “miracles” or “signs” or “miraculous signs” reported in chapters 2 through 11, depending on the biblical translation you are reading. The performance of miracles—things only God can do—is proof given by the writer of John that Jesus is indeed God’s Son. The water jars used in this miracle are identified as those used for the Jewish cleansing ritual. According to the Mosaic laws, if people touched something unclean prior to eating, then any food they ate would be unclean. These water jars held the water used for washing prior to meals. These jars were not your typical water pitcher that a waiter might use in a restaurant today. Each one of these jars held 20 or 30 gallons of water. There were six jars, meaning that Jesus’ miracle involved turning 120 to 180 gallons of water into good, rich wine. That is an abundance of wine! Jesus’ first miracle is a miracle of abundance and extravagance, a symbol of God’s abundant and extravagant love.

Try out the new augmentedreality zipper pulls!

Bible Story Anchor Point Jesus is God’s Son.

Your Lesson □ Welcome □ Puzzle Center □ Water Play Center □ Dress-up Center □ Time for the Bible Story □ See the Bible Story □ Hear the Bible Story □ Interact With the Bible Story □ Say the Bible Verse □ Kids Stuff Center □ Fill the Water Jar □ Decorate the Bible Verse □ Mission Moment □ Gathering Time □ Praising Time

Scan this QR code to download the Deep Blue Kids App. Or visit www.deepbluekids.com.

Requires preparation.

Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.

Winter 2016–17 • Session 8

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Jump In! The following activities may be done in learning centers as the children arrive or may be done with the entire group.

Welcom e Supplies: Class Stuff—pp. 16–17, 31; CD-ROM; Stickers; CD player; tape; offering basket Display the Attendance Chart (Class Stuff—pp. 16–17, 31) at eye level. • Play “Down to the River” (CD-ROM) as you welcome each child. • Show the children where to place their offerings on the worship table. • Help each child put the water jar attendance Sticker on the Attendance Chart.

SAY: This is a picture of a big water jar. The water jar is important to our Bible story.

Puzzle Center Supplies: Bible Stories & Stickers—Session 8, p. 4; crayons • Encourage the children to complete “Count the Jars” (Session 8, p. 4).

SAY: Water jars are an important part of today’s Bible story.

•TIP •

Have towels available to dry hands and arms.

Wat er Play Center Supplies: plastic tub, water, plastic tablecloth, towels, bar of soap, table Cover the table with a plastic tablecloth. • Partially fill a plastic tub with water.

SAY: In our Bible story today, Jesus goes to a wedding party. Before anyone at the wedding could eat, they had to wash their hands. The water was kept in very large jars. Let’s wash our hands. • Let the children enjoy washing their hands with the soap and water.

dr ess-up Center Supplies: Bible-times costumes or other dress-up clothes • Show the children the costumes or dress-up clothes.

SAY: In our Bible story today, Jesus goes to a wedding party. ASK: Have you ever been to a wedding? Have you ever seen a wedding on TV or in a book? What kind of clothes do people wear to weddings? SAY: People usually dress up in their best clothes for weddings. Let’s pretend we’re going to a wedding. You may dress up in any of these costumes. • Encourage the children to dress up. Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.

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Deep Blue

Preschool Leader’s Guide • January 22

Dive Deeper ti me f o r t h e bible story Supplies: CD-ROM, CD player

SAY: When there was a wedding in Bible times, the bride and groom would parade down the streets of their town to the wedding party. Let’s pretend we’re going to the wedding, and parade down the street with the bride and groom. • Play “Down to the River” (CD-ROM). • Have the children line up behind you. Lead the children in a parade around your room as the music plays. End in your story area.

s e e t h e B ibl e story Supplies: DVD, DVD player, television • Play the theme song, “Let’s Go Deep Blue Remix.” • Watch the Deep Blue Bible Adventure for Session 8 with the children. • Play the song, “Down to the River.” Encourage the children to dance around the room as the music plays.

H e ar t h e Bible Sto ry Supplies: Deep Blue Bible Storybook—pp. 396–399 • Tell the children the story, “Change the Water” (pp. 396–399).

i nte ract wit h t he B ibl e Story Supplies: Bible; Bible Stories & Stickers—Session 8, pp. 2–3; Class Stuff—p. 5 • Plan to use the Caleb figure (Class Stuff—p. 5) from Session 1.

ASK: Do you know what the word miracle means? • Hold the Bible open to the Book of John.

SAY: Today our Bible story is about a miracle. The Bible story is in the Gospel of John. • Teach the children the refrain printed in bold in the Bible story. • Read “Change the Water” (Bible Stories & Stickers—Session 8, pp. 2–3) to the children. Have the children repeat the refrain with you. • Hold up the Caleb figure.

SAY: Hi! It’s me, Caleb. Wasn’t that a great story? Now do you know what a miracle is? A miracle is something only God can do. When Jesus did miracles, he showed everyone God’s power. ASK: How do you think Jesus’ friends felt when Jesus changed the water into wine? SAY: That’s what I think too. Now it’s time to say the Bible verse. Have fun! Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.

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say t he bible vers e Supplies: Class Stuff—p. 3, Leader’s Guide—p. 92 • Hold up the Bible Verse Poster (Class Stuff—p. 3). • Say the Bible verse: “God so loved the world that he gave his only Son” (John 3:16). • Have the children repeat the Bible verse. • Teach the children the signs from American Sign Language for the Bible verse (Leader’s Guide—p. 92).

kids st uf f center Supplies: Kids Stuff—p. 17, purple crayons or markers, construction paper, glue Punch out “Water to Wine” (p. 17) for each child.

•TIP •

Have towels available to dry hands and arms.

• Help each child follow the directions to complete the picture puzzle.

Fill t he Water Jar Supplies: two plastic tubs or buckets, water, plastic cup, towels • Place two plastic tubs or buckets side by side on one side of the room. Partially fill one tub with water, and leave the second tub empty. Place a plastic cup by the tubs. • Have the children line up on the opposite side of the room.

SAY: In our Bible story today, Jesus told the servants to fill the large jars with water. Let’s play a game to fill our water tubs. • Choose a child to begin. Have the child hop to the plastic tubs, take the plastic cup and dip it into the tub with water, and then pour the cup of water into the empty tub. Then have the child run back to the starting point. • Continue until each child has a turn.

SAY: Jesus changed the water into wine. It was a miracle. We can’t change our water into wine because a miracle is something only God can do.

Deco rat e t h e Bible Vers e Supplies: Leader’s Guide—p. 54, Stickers, crayons Photocopy and cut apart “Bible Verse” (p. 54) for each child. • Give each child a copy of the verse. Let the children decorate the pages with crayons. • Say the verse together with the children.

SAY: Today our Bible story was about Jesus changing water into wine. It was a miracle. The water Jesus changed into wine was in large water jars. Let’s add water jars to our Bible verse pages. • Give each child the six water jar Stickers. Have the child place the Stickers on the Bible verse page.

SAY: When Jesus changed water into wine, he showed God’s power. Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.

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Deep Blue

Preschool Leader’s Guide • January 22

Grow Stronger Missi o n m o ment Supplies: Class Stuff—p. 9, Leader’s Guide—p. 85, bananas, knife (adult use only), plates, napkins Photocopy “Mission Project” (Leader’s Guide—p. 85) for each child. • Show the children the Mission Poster (Class Stuff—p. 9).

SAY: Our mission project is Every Girl Counts. Every Girl Counts helps girls in Nairobi, Kenya, a country in Africa. It’s hard for some families to send both their sons and daughters to school. So usually, boys get to go to school and girls do not. Every Girl Counts helps send girls to school. This month we’re going to collect money to send to Every Girl Counts. • Show the children the bananas. SAY: Bananas are a fruit that grow in Kenya. The girls that are part of Every Girl Counts probably eat bananas just like we do. • Peel and slice the bananas, and offer the slices to the children as a snack. • Say a thank-you prayer.

Worship Gath e ri n g Ti m e Supplies: Class Stuff—pp. 14 & 19, 28; tape Post “Bible Story Mural” (pp. 14 & 19) on a wall or bulletin board. Locate the mural piece of the water jar (p. 28). • Gather the children around the Bible Story Mural. • Invite a child to tape the water jar to the Bible Story Mural.

PRAY: Thank you, God, for Jesus. Amen.

Praisi n g Ti m e Supplies: Bible Stories & Stickers—Session 8, Mission Letter • Invite the children to stand in a circle and hold hands. Sing the song, “This Is the Way We Pray Together,” to the tune of “This Is the Way.” (The words are on the right.) • Go around this prayer circle and pray for each child by name.

PRAY: Dear God, be with (child’s name) this week. Help (child’s name) to remember the wonderful stories about Jesus. Amen. • Send Bible Stories & Stickers—Session 8 and the Mission Letter home with each child.

This Is the Way We Pray Together (Tune: This Is the Way) This is the way we pray together, pray together, pray together. This is the way we pray together on this Sunday morning.

Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.

Winter 2016–17 • Session 8

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John 3:16

that he gave his only Son.

God so loved the world

Bible Verse

Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.

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Deep Blue

Preschool Leader’s Guide • January 22

SESSION 9 January 29

Born Anew

Bible Story

Bible Verse God so loved the world that he gave his only Son. (John 3:16)

John 3:1-21

Anchor Point Jesus is God’s Son.

Did You Know?

G

od loves the world. Jesus is God’s Son, God’s gift to the world. Anyone who believes in Jesus will not really die. Whether or not to accept God’s gift of Jesus is a choice that each one of us must make. These statements are essential elements of the Gospel message, summed up in John 3:16, our Bible verse for this month, a verse Martin Luther called “the gospel in miniature.”

To set this verse in context, the third chapter of John begins with Jesus being visited by a Pharisee named Nicodemus. The Pharisees were a group of Jewish leaders who taught and interpreted the law of Moses and encouraged Jews to follow the law closely. The Pharisees often challenged Jesus’ actions and teachings as not consistent with their interpretation of the law. Apparently, afraid of being seen with Jesus, Nicodemus met with him in the middle of the night. Jesus told Nicodemus it was not possible to see the kingdom of God without being born from above. Nicodemus is confused by Jesus’ words, asks for a clarification, and receives a lengthy answer. In the middle of Jesus’ answer, we find the familiar words in verse 16. God’s act of sending Jesus into the world confronts each one of us with a decision. The gift of Jesus is given out of love to all people. It is our choice whether or not to accept the gift. Those who receive the gift of Jesus will receive eternal life.

Your Lesson □ Welcome □ Puzzle Center □ Play Dough Center □ Kids Stuff Center □ Time for the Bible Story □ See the Bible Story □ Hear the Bible Story □ Interact With the Bible Story □ Say the Bible Verse □ Musical Verse Game

Children may interpret the promise of eternal life as a promise they will live forever. Help the children understand that eternal life does not refer to never-ending human existence. Someday our lives as we know them on earth will end, but for those who believe in Jesus, that will not be the end. We don’t know exactly what that life will be like. But we know that the one who promised it has already risen from the dead.

□ Cover the World With Love

Help your kids learn more using the Parent Connection!

□ Praising Time

□ Mission Moment □ Gathering Time

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Requires preparation.

Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.

Winter 2016–17 • Session 9

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Jump In! The following activities may be done in learning centers as the children arrive or may be done with the entire group.

Welcom e Supplies: Class Stuff—pp. 16–17, 31; CD-ROM; Stickers; CD player; tape; offering basket Display the Attendance Chart (Class Stuff—pp. 16–17, 31) at eye level. • Play “Down to the River” (CD-ROM) as you welcome each child. • Show the children where to place their offerings on the worship table. • Help each child put the earth attendance Sticker on the Attendance Chart.

ASK: What is on the picture of the earth? (a heart) SAY: Today our Bible story helps us remember that God loves the world.

Puzzle Center Supplies: Bible Stories & Stickers—Session 9, p. 4; Stickers • Encourage the children to complete “God Loves” (Session 9, p. 4; Stickers).

SAY: Our Bible verse says, “God so loved the world that he gave his only Son” (John 3:16). ASK: Who is God’s only Son? (Jesus)

•TIP •

Save the play dough and heart-shaped cookie cutters to use again in Session 11.

Play Dough Center Supplies: play dough, heart-shaped cookie cutters • Let the children enjoy using heart-shaped cookie cutters with the play dough.

ASK: What do hearts make you think of? (love) SAY: Our Bible verse says, “God so loved the world that he gave his only Son” (John 3:16). You’ll hear this verse in our Bible story today. • Encourage the children to say the verse with you.

kids st uf f center Supplies: Kids Stuff—p. 19, crayons or markers, construction paper, glue, tape, scissors Punch out the two pieces of “Earth Crown” (p. 19) for each child. • Cut construction paper in half lengthwise. Tape two strips together to make one long strip for each child. • Help each child follow the directions to make the Earth Crown. Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.

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Deep Blue

Preschool Leader’s Guide • January 29

Dive Deeper ti me f o r t h e bibl e story Supplies: Earth Crowns made previously • Encourage the children to wear their crowns. • Have the children line up behind you. • Sing the song, “John 3:16,” to the tune of “The Farmer in the Dell” as you lead the children around the room. The song is printed in the column on the right. • End the parade in your story area.

s e e t h e B i ble story Supplies: DVD, DVD player, television • Play the theme song, “Let’s Go Deep Blue Remix.” • Watch the Deep Blue Bible Adventure for Session 9 with the children.

John 3:16 (Tune: The Farmer in the Dell) For God so loved the world, for God so loved the world, God gave to us God’s only Son. For God so loved the world.

• Play the song, “Down to the River.” Encourage the children to dance around the room as the music plays.

H e ar t h e Bi ble Sto ry Supplies: Deep Blue Bible Storybook—pp. 400–403 • Tell the children the story, “Born Anew” (pp. 400–403).

i nte ract w i t h t he B ibl e Story Supplies: Bible; Bible Stories & Stickers—Session 9, pp. 2–3; Class Stuff—p. 5 • Plan to use the Caleb figure (Class Stuff—p. 5) from Session 1.

ASK: Have you ever gone to visit someone in the middle of the night? Do you think that would be fun? scary?

•TIP •

Watch the Scripture video for Unit 2 with the children. Watch the Trivia video for Unit 2, and encourage the children to answer the questions.

• Hold the Bible open to the Book of John.

SAY: Today our Bible story is about a man named Nicodemus. He went to visit Jesus in the middle of the night. The Bible story is in the Gospel of John. The story also includes our Bible verse. • Say the Bible verse with the children. • Read “Born Anew” (Bible Stories & Stickers—Session 9, pp. 2–3) to the children. Have the children repeat the Bible verse with you. • Hold up the Caleb figure.

SAY: Hi! It’s me, Caleb. You did a great job saying today’s Bible verse. ASK: How do you think Nicodemus felt when he went to see Jesus in the middle of the night? How do you think he felt we he heard Jesus say God loved the world? SAY: That’s what I think too. Now it’s time to say the Bible verse. Have fun! Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.

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say t he bible vers e Supplies: Class Stuff—p. 3, Leader’s Guide—p. 92 • Hold up the Bible Verse Poster (Class Stuff—p. 3). • Say the Bible verse: “God so loved the world that he gave his only Son” (John 3:16). • Have the children repeat the Bible verse. • Teach the children the signs from American Sign Language for the Bible verse (Leader’s Guide—p. 92).

Musical Verse Game John 3:16 (Tune: The Farmer in the Dell) For God so loved the world, for God so loved the world, God gave to us God’s only Son. For God so loved the world.

Supplies: heart cutout or ball • Have the children sit on the floor in a circle. • Give one child in the circle the ball. • Sing the song, “John 3:16,” to the tune of “The Farmer in the Dell.” (The song is printed in the column on the left. • Have the children pass the ball around the circle as you sing. • Stop singing. • Have whoever is holding the ball stand up and say the Bible verse. • Continue the game until you have caught all the children with the ball.

Grow Stronger cover t he World with love Supplies: Stickers, Leader’s Guide—p. 60, tape Photocopy one copy of “God Loves the World” (p. 60). Tape the picture to a wall or door at the children’s eye level. • Choose one child to begin the game. • Give the child a heart Sticker. (There are four larger heart Stickers for each child. Save two of these heart stickers to use during Mission Moment below.) • Have the child close her or his eyes and stick the heart somewhere on the picture. • Continue until every child has an opportunity to play the game two times.

SAY: We heard a very important Bible verse today. The verse says “God so loved the world that he gave his only Son” (John 3:16). ASK: Who is God’s only Son? (Jesus)

Missio n m oment Supplies: Class Stuff—p. 9, Stickers, Leader’s Guide—p. 60, crayons or markers Photocopy “God Loves the World” (p. 60) for each child. • Show the children the Mission Poster (Class Stuff—p. 9). Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.

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SAY: Our mission project is Every Girl Counts. Every Girl Counts helps girls in Nairobi, Kenya, a country in Africa. It’s hard for some families to send both their sons and daughters to school. So usually, boys get to go to school and girls do not. Every Girl Counts helps send girls to school. This month we’ve collected money to send to Every Girl Counts. • Show the children the money you’ve collected. SAY: We’ll send our money to our mission project. When we send the money, we’re showing love to the world. Another way we can show love to the world is to pray. Today we’ll make prayer maps that you can take home. • Give each child a copy of the “God Loves the World” picture. Let the children decorate the picture with crayons or markers.

Donate online at http:// www.everygirlcounts. com/ by clicking the “Send a Girl to School” link in the center of the webpage. You can also send a check to the following address: Every Girl Counts Inc. 2101 Summer Hill Circle Franklin, TN 37064

• Give each child a heart Sticker. Help each child place one heart Sticker near the place the child lives (or simply on the country where the child lives). Help each child place the second heart Sticker on Africa.

SAY: The prayer maps can help you remember to pray with the girls in Nairobi, Kenya. Let’s say a prayer now. PRAY: Dear God, thank you for your love for girls and boys around the world. Amen.

Worship Gath e r i n g T i m e Supplies: Class Stuff—pp. 14 & 19, 28; tape Post “Bible Story Mural” (pp. 14 & 19) on a wall or bulletin board. Locate the mural piece of the world (p. 28). • Gather the children around the Bible Story Mural. • Invite a child to tape the world to the Bible Story Mural.

PRAY: Thank you, God, for Jesus. Amen.

Pra i s i n g T i m e Supplies: Bible Stories & Stickers—Session 9 • Invite the children to stand in a circle and hold hands. Sing the song, “This Is the Way We Pray Together,” to the tune of “This Is the Way.” (The words are on the right.)

This Is the Way We Pray Together (Tune: This Is the Way) This is the way we pray together, pray together, pray together. This is the way we pray together on this Sunday morning.

• Go around this prayer circle and pray for each child by name.

PRAY: Dear God, be with (child’s name) this week. Help (child’s name) to remember that you love the whole world. Amen. • Send Bible Stories & Stickers—Session 9 home with each child.

Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.

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God Loves the World

Europe North America (USA)

Africa

South America

Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.

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Preschool Leader’s Guide • January 29

SESSION 10

The Sower

February 5

Bible Verse

Luke 8:4-15

Everyone who has ears should pay attention. (Luke 8:8)

Did You Know?

J

esus often used parables to teach people. Parables are short stories used to teach a lesson. This month we’ll look at some of the many parables Jesus told. All of the parables we look at this month show us how God wants us to live.

We begin the month with the parable of the sower and the seeds. Unlike some of his parables, after telling this one, Jesus goes on to explain its meaning to his disciples. In this explanation, we’re cautioned about being like the seed that falls on the path, hearing God’s Word but then letting the evil one steal it away. Nor are we to be like the seed falling among the rocks, joyfully embracing God’s Word but then becoming distracted by other things and falling away. And then there is the seed that falls among the thorns. We’re not to worry so much about the concerns of this world that we forget God’s Word. How then are we to live? We’re to be like the seeds planted in good soil, hearing God’s Word and following it. When we put God’s Word into action, we will bear fruit. Or, as we read in James 1:22, “You must be doers of the word and not only hearers who mislead themselves.” As you teach the parables this month, be aware that younger children may hear the stories, but may not make the connection to their meaning. That’s okay. The disciples didn’t always understand the parables either, as seen in this week’s story when they ask Jesus to explain the parable of the sower and the seeds. Hearing the stories is the first step. They’ll be able to understand that Jesus told these stories to help us understand how to live.

Sing along with the music videos on the Deep Blue Adventure DVD!

Bible Story Anchor Point Parables teach us about God’s love.

Your Lesson □ Welcome □ Puzzle Center □ Science Center □ Seed Center □ Time for the Bible Story □ See the Bible Story □ Hear the Bible Story □ Interact With the Bible Story □ Say the Bible Verse □ Good Soil Game □ Kids Stuff Center □ Parable Review □ Gathering Time □ Praising Time

Requires preparation. Scan this QR code to see Deep Blue Kids DVD and CD selections. Or just visit www.deepbluekids.com to discover more.

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Jump In! The following activities may be done in learning centers as the children arrive or may be done with the entire group.

Welcom e Supplies: Class Stuff—pp. 16–17, 31; CD-ROM; Stickers; CD player; tape; offering basket Display the Attendance Chart (Class Stuff—pp. 16–17, 31) at eye level. • Play “Speak to My Heart” (CD-ROM) as you welcome each child. • Show the children where to place their offerings on the worship table. • Help each child put the sower attendance Sticker on the Attendance Chart.

SAY: This is a picture of a sower. A sower is a farmer who plants seed. Today our Bible story is a story Jesus told about a sower.

Puzzle Center Supplies: Bible Stories & Stickers—Session 10, p. 4 • Encourage the children to follow the directions on “Sowing Seeds” (Session 10, p. 4).

SAY: Sowing seeds is another way of saying planting seeds. Today our Bible story is a story Jesus told about a sower planting seeds.

S cience Center Supplies: baking soda, water, vinegar, clear glass, sunflower seeds, measuring cups and spoons • Pour 1/2 cup water into a clear glass. • Stir in 1 teaspoon of baking soda. • Let the children take turns dropping in sunflower seeds. • Add 1 tablespoon vinegar. • Watch the seeds jump!

SAY: Today our Bible story is a story Jesus told about seeds.

S eed Cent er Supplies: Leader’s Guide—p. 66, scissors, tape, crayons or markers, sunflower seeds, various other kinds of seeds (birdseed, avocado pit, peach pit, apple seeds, and so forth) Photocopy and cut out “Seed Packets” (p. 66). You’ll need one packet for each child. • Give each child a copy of the seed packet. Let the children decorate the seed packets with crayons or markers. • Show the children how to fold their seed packets in half so that the decorated side becomes the front of the packet. Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.

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• Help each child tape three sides of the packet together, leaving the top open. • Give each child a few sunflower seeds. Have the child place the seeds inside the packet. Tape the top closed.

SAY: You now have a packet of sunflower seeds.

•TIP •

Save the seeds to use for “Good Soil Game” (p. 64).

ASK: When you plant sunflower seeds, what will grow? (sunflowers) SAY: Let’s look at some other seeds. • Show the children the other seeds you have provided. Let the children guess what will grow from each seed.

SAY: Today our Bible story is a story Jesus told about planting seeds.

Dive Deeper ti me f o r t h e bibl e story • Have the children line up behind you. • Sing the song, “Jesus Told a Story,” to the tune of “She’ll Be Coming ‘round the Mountain” as you lead the children around the room. The song is printed in the column on the right. • End the parade in your story area.

s e e t h e B i ble story Supplies: DVD, DVD player, television • Play the theme song, “Let’s Go Deep Blue Remix.” • Watch the Deep Blue Bible Adventure for Session 10 with the children. • Play the song, “Speak to My Heart.” Encourage the children to dance around the room as the music plays.

H e ar t h e Bi ble Sto ry Supplies: Deep Blue Bible Storybook—pp. 336–339 • Tell the children the story, “The Sower” (pp. 336–339).

Jesus Told a Story (Tune: She’ll Be Coming ‘round the Mountain) Oh, oh, Jesus told a story about seeds. Oh, oh, Jesus told a story about seeds. Oh, the seeds started growing, and God’s Word started showing. Oh, oh, Jesus told a story about seeds.

i nte ract w i t h t he B ibl e Story Supplies: Bible; Bible Stories & Stickers—Session 10, pp. 2–3; Class Stuff—p. 5 • Plan to use the Caleb figure (Class Stuff—p. 5) from Session 1.

ASK: Do you have ears? What do our ears help us do? • Hold the Bible open to the Book of Luke.

SAY: Today our Bible story is a story Jesus told to help people understand about God. The Bible story is in the Gospel of Luke. When Jesus told the story, he said Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.

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everyone who had ears should pay attention. That’s our Bible verse. Say it with me now: “Everyone who has ears should pay attention” (Luke 8:8). • Read “The Sower” (Bible Stories & Stickers—Session 10, pp. 2–3) to the children. Have the children repeat the Bible verse with you. • Hold up the Caleb figure.

SAY: Hi! It’s me, Caleb. Did you pay attention to the Bible verse? I think you did! You did a great job saying it. ASK: What kind of seed grew best? (the seed on good soil) How do you think the sower felt when the seeds he planted grew? SAY: That’s what I think too. Now it’s time to say the Bible verse. Have fun!

say t he bible vers e Supplies: Class Stuff—p. 10, Stickers, Leader’s Guide—p. 93 • Hold up the Bible Verse Poster (Class Stuff—p. 10). • Say the Bible verse: “Everyone who has ears should pay attention” (Luke 8:8). • Give each child the Bible verse Sticker, and have the children repeat the Bible verse. • Teach the children the signs from American Sign Language for the Bible verse (Leader’s Guide—p. 93).

Goo d S o il Game Supplies: Class Stuff—p. 30, seed packets made earlier (p. 63), masking tape, scissors Cut out the four cards for “The Soil Game” (p. 30). • Place the cards in a line on the floor. • Place a piece of masking tape on the floor in front of the cards as a starting line. • Have the children line up behind the starting line. • Give each child a seed packet. • Have the first child in line toss her or his packet onto one of the cards. • If the child’s packet lands on Thorns, Rocky Soil, or The Path, say: “Uh-oh, Jesus said that seeds that fall on that kind of soil don’t grow very well.” • If the child’s packet lands on Good Soil, say: “Yay! Seeds that fall on good soil will grow into healthy plants.”

Grow Stronger kids st uf f center Supplies: Kids Stuff—p. 21, clear plastic cups, glue, potting soil, grass seed or birdseed, water Punch out the four “Happy Hairy” (p. 21) pieces for each child. • Help each child follow the directions to make “Happy Hairy.” Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.

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SAY: Take your Happy Hairy plants home and place them in a sunny spot. Water them when the soil becomes dry. Watch what happens. Your Happy Hairy will grow hair! Happy Hairy can help you remember that Jesus told a story about seeds.

Parabl e Re v i ew Supplies: Class Stuff—p. 23, scissors, table  Cut apart the eight “Parable Review Cards” (p. 23) • Mix up the cards and place them face-down on the table. • Choose a child to begin the game. Have the child turn over two of the cards. If the cards match, leave the cards turned over. If the cards don’t match, turn them facedown again. • Continue the game with each child.

SAY: Jesus told stories to help people understand about God. These pictures will help us remember the stories. ASK: Which picture do you think will help us remember today’s story? (the sower or farmer scattering seeds) • Find the picture of a sower or farmer planting seeds.

SAY: Our Bible story today is a story Jesus told about planting seeds.

Worship Gath e r i n g T i m e Supplies: Class Stuff—pp. 14 & 19, 28; tape Post “Bible Story Mural” (pp. 14 & 19) on a wall or bulletin board. Locate the mural piece of the sower scattering seeds (p. 28). • Gather the children around the Bible Story Mural. • Invite a child to tape the sower scattering seeds to the Bible Story Mural.

PRAY: Thank you, God, for stories Jesus told. Amen.

Pra i s i n g T i m e Supplies: Bible Stories & Stickers—Session 10 • Invite the children to stand in a circle and hold hands. Sing the song, “This Is the Way We Pray Together,” to the tune of “This Is the Way.” (The words are on the right.) • Go around this prayer circle and pray for each child by name.

PRAY: Dear God, be with (child’s name) this week. Help (child’s name) to pay attention to the stories Jesus told. Amen. • Send Bible Stories & Stickers—Session 10 home with each child.

This Is the Way We Pray Together (Tune: This Is the Way) This is the way we pray together, pray together, pray together. This is the way we pray together on this Sunday morning.

Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.

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Seed Packets (Cut on solid lines; fold on dotted line.)

Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.

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Preschool Leader’s Guide • February 5

SESSION 11

The Good Samaritan

February 12

Bible Verse

Luke 10:25-37

Everyone who has ears should pay attention. (Luke 8:8)

Did You Know?

T

he parable of the good Samaritan is told in the context of an interaction between Jesus and a lawyer. The lawyer wanted to test Jesus, and so he asked him a question: “Teacher, what must I do to gain eternal life?” Rather than answering the question directly, Jesus employs an effective teaching strategy. He answers the question with a question. “What do you think?” Jesus asks. In answering, the legal expert quotes part of the Shema, the commandment found in Deuteronomy 6:5 which was repeated by Jews twice a day: “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind.” He goes on to add, “And love your neighbor as yourself,” an instruction found in Leviticus 19:18.

Bible Story Anchor Point Parables teach us about God’s love.

Your Lesson □ Welcome □ Puzzle Center □ Science Center □ Time for the Bible Story □ See the Bible Story

Jesus is satisfied with the lawyer’s answer to his own question, but not willing to leave well enough alone, the lawyer asks another question: “And who is my neighbor?” In Jesus’ time (not unlike today), there were societal conventions regarding how different groups were to treat each other. There were rules to follow about how Jews should treat Gentiles or Samaritans, how men should treat women, and so forth. In asking the question, “Who is my neighbor?” the lawyer was asking for Jesus’ interpretation of these rules of societal behavior. Jesus tells a story in answer to the question.

□ Hear the Bible Story

As you teach your children the lesson of the good Samaritan, be aware of the issue of safety. Children today are taught a necessary caution of strangers. While encouraging the children to be good neighbors and help those who are in need, at the same time remind them to be safe. For children, this often means requesting adult assistance.

□ Play Dough Center

Continue today’s lesson with your family!

□ Interact With the Bible Story □ Say the Bible Verse □ Bible Verse Game □ Kids Stuff Center □ Parable Review □ Gathering Time □ Praising Time

Free Stuff for Parents

Scan this QR code— go directly to the Free Stuff for Parents page. Or visit www.deepbluekids.com.

Requires preparation.

Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.

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Jump In! The following activities may be done in learning centers as the children arrive or may be done with the entire group.

Welcom e Supplies: Class Stuff—pp. 16–17, 31; CD-ROM; Stickers; CD player; tape; offering basket Display the Attendance Chart (Class Stuff—pp. 16–17, 31) at eye level. • Play “Speak to My Heart” (CD-ROM) as you welcome each child. • Show the children where to place their offerings on the worship table. • Help each child put the good-Samaritan-helping-the-injured-man attendance Sticker on the Attendance Chart.

ASK: What do you see in this picture? (one man helping another man) SAY: Today our Bible story is a story Jesus told about a man who helped another man who was hurt. The man who helped is called the good Samaritan.

Puzzle Center Supplies: Bible Stories & Stickers—Session 11, p. 4; crayons • Encourage the children to complete “How Can I Help?” (Session 11, p. 4).

SAY: Today our Bible story is a story Jesus told about a man who helped another man who was hurt. The man who helped is called the good Samaritan.

S cience Center Supplies: Leader’s Guide—p. 72, hand-washing supplies, adhesive bandages, red crayons, tissues Photocopy the hand picture (p. 72) for each child. • Give each child a copy of the hand picture.

ASK: What do you do when you get a cut on your hand or finger? SAY: Let’s pretend that this is a picture of a friend’s hand. Our friend just cut a finger. • Show the children how to use a red crayon to make a red mark on a finger.

SAY: Our friend just came to us for help. What should we do? SAY: The first thing we should do is wash our own hands. • Have the children use the hand-washing supplies to wash their hands.

SAY: Then we should apply pressure to our friend’s finger to help stop the bleeding. Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.

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• Have the children hold a tissue over the red mark.

SAY: When the bleeding stops, we should use clear water to wash the cut. • Have the children pretend to pour water over the red mark.

SAY: Then we should apply some medicine and an adhesive bandage. • Give each child a bandage. Let each child stick the bandage over the red mark.

SAY: Today our Bible story is a story Jesus told about a man who helped another man who was hurt.

Dive Deeper t i me f o r t h e bibl e story • Have the children line up behind you. • Sing the song, “Jesus Told a Story,” to the tune of “She’ll Be Coming ‘round the Mountain” as you lead the children around the room. The song is printed in the column on the right. • End the parade in your story area.

s e e t h e Bi ble sto ry Supplies: DVD, DVD player, television • Play the theme song, “Let’s Go Deep Blue Remix.” • Watch the Deep Blue Bible Adventure for Session 11 with the children.

Jesus Told a Story (Tune: She’ll Be Coming ‘round the Mountain) Oh, oh, Jesus told a story about love. Oh, oh, Jesus told a story about love. Give your friend a helping hand; love God all you can. Oh, oh, Jesus told a story about love.

• Play the song, “Speak to My Heart.” Encourage the children to dance around the room as the music plays.

H e ar t h e B i ble Sto ry Supplies: Deep Blue Bible Storybook—pp. 340–346 • Tell the children the story, “The Good Samaritan” (pp. 340–346).

i nt e ract w i t h the B ibl e Sto ry Supplies: Bible; Bible Stories & Stickers—Session 11, pp. 2–3; Class Stuff—p. 5 • Plan to use the Caleb figure (Class Stuff—p. 5) from Session 1.

ASK: Who helps you when you are hurt? • Hold the Bible open to the Book of Luke.

SAY: Today our Bible story is a story Jesus told to help people understand about helping others. The Bible story is in the Gospel of Luke. • Read “The Good Samaritan” (Bible Stories & Stickers—Session 11, pp. 2–3) to the children. Have the children do the suggested motions with you. • Hold up the Caleb figure. Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.

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SAY: Hi! It’s me, Caleb. Wasn’t that a great story? ASK: Who do you think was the good neighbor in Jesus’ story? (the Samaritan) What are some things we can do to help others? SAY: That’s what I think too. Now it’s time to say the Bible verse. Have fun!

say the bible vers e Supplies: Class Stuff—p. 10, Leader’s Guide—p. 93 • Hold up the Bible Verse Poster (Class Stuff—p. 10). • Say the Bible verse: “Everyone who has ears should pay attention” (Luke 8:8). • Have the children repeat the Bible verse. • Teach the children the signs from American Sign Language for the Bible verse (Leader’s Guide—p. 93).

B ibl e Verse Game • Have the children stand in an open area of the room.

SAY: Follow me and do what I do. Touch your nose. Touch your toes. Touch your ears. • Have the children touch their noses, toes, and ears. After touching their ears, have the children repeat the Bible verse with you: “Everyone who has ears should pay attention” (Luke 8:8). • Continue playing the movement game, telling the children what part of their bodies to touch (knees, elbows, head, cheeks, hips, hands, and so forth). After every two touches, tell the children to touch their ears and repeat the Bible verse.

Grow Stronger kids st uf f center

•TIP •

If some children finish their valentines before others, let them move to the Play Dough Center.

Supplies: Kids Stuff—p. 23, adhesive bandages (at least three per child) Punch out the “Valentine” card (p. 23) for each child. • Help each child follow the directions to make a Valentine’s card.

SAY: It will soon be Valentine’s Day. It’s a good time to help others and remind them of God’s love. The bandages on your valentines can help you remember the story Jesus told about a man who helped another man who was hurt.

Play Dough Center Supplies: play dough, heart-shaped cookie cutters • Let the children enjoy using heart-shaped cookie cutters with the play dough.

ASK: What do hearts make you think of? (love)

Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.

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SAY: It will soon be Valentine’s Day. It’s a good time to help others and remind them of God’s love.

Parabl e Re v i ew Supplies: Class Stuff—p. 23, scissors, table Cut apart the eight “Parable Review Cards” (p. 23), if not already done last week. • Mix up the cards and place them face-down on the table. • Choose a child to begin the game. Have the child turn over two of the cards. If the cards match, leave the cards turned over. If the cards don’t match, turn them facedown again. • Continue the game with each child.

SAY: Jesus told stories to help people understand about God. These pictures will help us remember the stories. ASK: Which picture do you think will help us remember today’s story? (the man helping another man who was hurt) • Find the picture of the good Samaritan.

ASK: Which picture do you think will help us remember the story of the sower or farmer? (the sower or farmer sowing seeds) • Find the picture of the sower sowing seeds.

Worship Gat h e r i n g T i me Supplies: Class Stuff—pp. 14 & 19, 28; tape Post “Bible Story Mural” (pp. 14 & 19) on a wall or bulletin board. Locate the mural piece of the Samaritan helping the injured man (p. 28). • Gather the children around the Bible Story Mural. • Invite a child to tape the Samaritan and injured man to the Bible Story Mural.

PRAY: Thank you, God, for stories Jesus told. Amen.

Pra i s i n g T i m e Supplies: Bible Stories & Stickers—Session 11 • Invite the children to stand in a circle and hold hands. Sing the song, “This Is the Way We Pray Together” to the tune of “This Is the Way.” (The words are on the right.) • Go around this prayer circle and pray for each child by name.

PRAY: Dear God, be with (child’s name) this week. Help (child’s name) to pay attention to the stories Jesus told. Amen.

This Is the Way We Pray Together (Tune: This Is the Way) This is the way we pray together, pray together, pray together. This is the way we pray together on this Sunday morning.

• Send Bible Stories & Stickers—Session 11 home with each child. Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.

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How to Take Care of a Cut

Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.

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Preschool Leader’s Guide • February 12

SESSION 12

The Stories of the Lost

February 19

Bible Verse

Luke 15:3-10

Everyone who has ears should pay attention. (Luke 8:8)

Bible Story Anchor Point Parables teach us about God’s love.

Did You Know?

T

oday’s Bible story contains two of three parables Jesus told with a common theme— the joy of finding what was lost. Jesus told these parables to teach the lesson that each one of us is valuable to God.

In the story of the lost sheep, Jesus tells of a shepherd who leaves his flock to search for the one who is lost. Even though the shepherd still had ninety-nine sheep, he didn’t just accept that he had lost one. In the story of the lost coin, the coins mentioned are Greek drachma. One drachma would have been worth about a day’s wage. While this is a significant amount of money, it is not a very large sum of money. The point of the story would have been lost if a great sum of money were involved. After all, who wouldn’t search for a lost fortune? Rather, the woman has lost a single coin, a loss that some people would just accept. The woman, however, searches her entire house, cleaning every corner, until the coin is discovered. The stories don’t end with the recovery of the lost items, however. The rest of the story is celebration and rejoicing. The shepherd rejoices over his previously lost sheep. The woman calls her friends and invites them to celebrate with her because she has found what she thought was lost. With the addition of this scene, Jesus poses a question for us—will we join in the celebration? Every child will be able to relate to the experience of losing something. Each one of us has experienced that sinking feeling when we discover that something is not right, something is missing. Help your children identify with the feelings of the woman in the story. Then help them understand they are important to God.

Check out free samples of Deep Blue!

Your Lesson □ Welcome □ Puzzle Center □ Sensory Center □ Time for the Bible Story □ See the Bible Story □ Hear the Bible Story □ Interact With the Bible Story □ Say the Bible Verse □ The Lost Sheep Game □ Kids Stuff Center □ Find the Lost Coin □ Parable Review □ Gathering Time □ Praising Time

Sample Curriculum

Scan this QR code— go directly to the Sample Curriculum page. Or visit www.deepbluekids.com.

Requires preparation.

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Jump In! The following activities may be done in learning centers as the children arrive or may be done with the entire group.

Welcom e Supplies: Class Stuff—pp. 16–17, 31; CD-ROM; Stickers; CD player; tape; offering basket Display the Attendance Chart (Class Stuff—pp. 16–17, 31) at eye level. • Play “Speak to My Heart” (CD-ROM) as you welcome each child. • Show the children where to place their offerings on the worship table. • Help each child put the sheep attendance Sticker on the Attendance Chart.

ASK: What do you see in this picture? (a sheep) SAY: Today our Bible story is a story Jesus told about a shepherd. A shepherd is someone who takes care of sheep.

Puzzle Center Supplies: Bible Stories & Stickers—Session 12, p. 4; crayons (especially white, and black or brown) • Encourage the children to complete “The Lost Sheep” (Session 12, p. 4).

SAY: Today our Bible story is two stories Jesus told. One is about a shepherd who lost a sheep, and one is about a woman who lost a coin.

S ensory Cen ter Supplies: large plastic coins, plastic tub or box lid, raffia or sand Fill a plastic tub or box lid with raffia or sand. • Hide the coins in the raffia or sand.

ASK: Have you ever lost anything? How did you feel when you lost it? Did you look for what you lost? How did you feel when you found it? SAY: Today our Bible story is two stories Jesus told. One is about a shepherd who lost a sheep, and one is about a woman who lost a coin. There are coins hidden in this tub (or box). See how many coins you can find. • Encourage the children to find the coins.

Dive Deeper tim e f o r the bibl e story • Have the children line up behind you. Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.

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• Sing the song, “Jesus Told a Story,” to the tune of “She’ll Be Coming ‘round the Mountain” as you lead the children around the room. The song is printed in the column on the right. • End the parade in your story area.

s e e t h e Bi ble sto ry Supplies: DVD, DVD player, television • Play the theme song, “Let’s Go Deep Blue Remix.” • Watch the Deep Blue Bible Adventure for Session 12 with the children. • Play the song, “Speak to My Heart.” Encourage the children to dance around the room as the music plays.

H e ar t h e B i ble Sto ry Supplies: Deep Blue Bible Storybook—pp. 352–355 • Tell the children the story, “The Stories of the Lost” (pp. 352–355).

i nt e ract w i t h the B ibl e Sto ry Supplies: Bible; Bible Stories & Stickers—Session 12, pp. 2–3; Class Stuff—p. 5 • Plan to use the Caleb figure (Class Stuff—p. 5) from Session 1.

Jesus Told a Story (Tune: She’ll Be Coming ‘round the Mountain) Oh, oh, Jesus told a story ‘bout a sheep. Oh, oh, Jesus told a story ‘bout a sheep. When this sheep lost its way, the shepherd searched and searched all day. Oh, oh, Jesus told a story ‘bout a sheep.

ASK: Have you ever been lost? How did it feel to be lost? How did it feel to be found? Have you ever lost something? Did you look for it? • Hold the Bible open to the Book of Luke.

SAY: Today our Bible story is two stories Jesus told to help people know how important each person is to God. The Bible story is in the Gospel of Luke. • Read “The Stories of the Lost” (Bible Stories & Stickers—Session 12, pp. 2–3) to the children. Have the children count with you. • Hold up the Caleb figure.

SAY: Hi! It’s me, Caleb. Those were good stories. ASK: How do you think the shepherd felt when he lost his sheep? When he found it? How do you think the woman felt when she lost the coin? When she found it? SAY: That’s what I think too. Now it’s time to say the Bible verse. Have fun!

say t h e b i ble verse Supplies: Class Stuff—p. 10, Leader’s Guide—p. 93 • Hold up the Bible Verse Poster (Class Stuff—p. 10). Say the Bible verse: “Everyone who has ears should pay attention” (Luke 8:8). • Have the children repeat the Bible verse. Teach the children the signs from American Sign Language for the Bible verse (Leader’s Guide—p. 93). Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.

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•TIP •

Let the children take turns playing the game.

T he Lost S heep Game Supplies: Class Stuff—p. 25, eight paper clips, stick-on magnetic strip Punch out the eight sheep and the shepherd’s crook (p. 25). Clip a paper clip to each sheep. Place the sheep on the table or on the floor. Stick a magnetic strip on the back of the shepherd’s crook. • Choose one child to begin the game. Give the child the shepherd’s crook. • Show the child how to use the crook to “hook” a sheep—the paper clips will stick to the magnet.

SAY: In our Bible story, a shepherd lost a sheep. The shepherd looked and looked until he found the lost sheep. He was very happy when he found the sheep.

Kids Stuf f Center Supplies: Kids Stuff—pp. 25 & 27 Punch out the “Find the Sheep” pages (pp. 25 & 27) for each child. Make sure to carefully punch open the four windows on p. 25 for each child to open and close. • Help each child follow the directions to create “Find the Sheep.”

Find the Lo st coin Supplies: Leader’s Guide—p. 78, Stickers, crayons or markers Photocopy “The Lost Coin” (p. 78) for each child. • Encourage the children to color the picture with crayons or markers. • While the children are coloring, hide the coin Stickers (with the backs still on them) around the room.

SAY: In our Bible story, a woman had ten coins. Let’s count the coins. • Have the children count the coins. (nine)

SAY: Oh, no! There are only nine coins. There should be ten. Everyone look around the room and find one coin. • Have each child find one coin Sticker and bring it back to the work area. • Help the child peel off the back and place the Sticker on the woman’s headband.

SAY: Now let’s count the coins. • Have the children count the coins. There should be ten.

SAY: Hurray! We found the lost coin!

Grow Stronger Parabl e R eview Supplies: Class Stuff—p. 23, scissors, table Cut apart the eight “Parable Review Cards” (p. 23), if not already done. Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.

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• Mix up the cards and place them face-down on the table. • Choose a child to begin the game. Have the child turn over two of the cards. If the cards match, leave the cards turned over. If the cards don’t match, turn them facedown again. • Continue the game with each child.

SAY: Jesus told stories to help people understand about God. These pictures will help us remember the stories. ASK: Which picture do you think will help us remember today’s story? (the shepherd looking for the lost sheep) • Find the picture of the shepherd.

ASK: Which picture do you think will help us remember the story of the sower or farmer? (the sower or farmer sowing seeds) • Find the picture of the sower sowing seeds.

ASK: Which picture do you think will help us remember the story of the good Samaritan? (the good Samaritan helping the injured man) • Find the picture of the Samaritan helping the injured man.

Worship Gat h e r i n g T i me Supplies: Class Stuff—pp. 14 & 19, 28; tape Post “Bible Story Mural” (pp. 14 & 19) on a wall or bulletin board. Locate the mural piece of the sheep (p. 28). • Gather the children around the Bible Story Mural. • Invite a child to tape the sheep to the Bible Story Mural.

PRAY: Thank you, God, for stories Jesus told. Amen.

Pra i s i n g T i m e Supplies: Bible Stories & Stickers—Session 12 • Invite the children to stand in a circle and hold hands. Sing the song, “This Is the Way We Pray Together,” to the tune of “This Is the Way.” (The words are on the right.) • Go around this prayer circle and pray for each child by name.

PRAY: Dear God, be with (child’s name) this week. Help (child’s name) to pay attention to the stories Jesus told. Amen. • Send Bible Stories & Stickers—Session 12 home with each child.

This Is the Way We Pray Together (Tune: This Is the Way) This is the way we pray together, pray together, pray together. This is the way we pray together on this Sunday morning.

Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.

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The Lost Coin

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Preschool Leader’s Guide • February 19

SESSION 13

The Forgiving Father Bible Verse Everyone who has ears should pay attention. (Luke 8:8)

February 26 Bible Story Luke 15:11-32

Anchor Point

Did You Know?

T

oday’s Bible story is another familiar parable. This parable is the third lost-andfound parable Jesus told, though it’s told in much more detail than the parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin we heard last week. Jesus told the parable of the forgiving father, which you may know as the prodigal son. By referring to the story as the forgiving father, the emphasis is placed on the amazing and unexpected love of the father in the story.

The parable of the forgiving father is really about all three of the characters in the story—the younger son, the father, and the older brother. At some point in our lives, each of us has probably felt like each one of these three family members. Most of us can relate to the father, as we have had the experience of continuing to love someone even though he or she has made a mistake. And then there’s the older brother. Oh, how we can relate to him! At one time or another, we have each felt that life is unfair. And, of course, we must remember the younger son. We have each made mistakes and been in a situation where we needed to ask for forgiveness. Hopefully, we have each also experienced the relief of being forgiven and loved no matter what. Jesus used the parable of the forgiving father to teach people that every person is important to God. Also, it is never too late to change our hearts and lives. The younger son in this parable lost everything before he decided to make a change. Only then did the young man decide to change his ways. Even though it took a long time for the son to change, when he decided to go home, the father welcomed him and celebrated his return. No matter how many mistakes we make or how long it takes us to decide to change, God celebrates when we decide to live our lives the way God wants us to live.

Play these games to learn more about the Bible! Scan this QR code to download the Deep Blue Kids App.

Parables teach us about God’s love.

Your Lesson □ Welcome □ Puppet Center □ Time for the Bible Story □ See the Bible Story □ Hear the Bible Story □ Interact With the Bible Story □ Say the Bible Verse □ Puzzle Center □ Parable Review □ Kids Stuff Center □ Have a “Welcome Home” Party □ Gathering Time □ Praising Time

Requires preparation.

Or visit www.deepbluekids.com to discover more resources. Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.

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Jump In! The following activities may be done in learning centers as the children arrive or may be done with the entire group.

Welcom e Supplies: Class Stuff—pp. 16–17, 31; CD-ROM; Stickers; CD player; tape; offering basket Display the Attendance Chart (Class Stuff—pp. 16–17, 31) at eye level. • Play “Speak to My Heart” (CD-ROM) as you welcome each child. • Show the children where to place their offerings on the worship table. • Help each child put the father-and-son attendance Sticker on the Attendance Chart.

ASK: What’s happening in this picture? (a father is hugging a son) SAY: Today our Bible story is a story Jesus told about a father and his two sons. The story helps us understand that God loves us no matter what.

Puppet Center Supplies: Leader’s Guide—p. 84, scissors, crayons or markers, tape Photocopy and cut out the “Father and Son” puppets (p. 84) for each child. • Encourage the children to decorate the two puppets with crayons or markers. • Help the children fold the puppets in half on the dotted lines. • Tape the sides of each puppet, leaving the bottom open. • Show the children how to place four fingers into the bottom of each puppet in order to hold the puppets up.

Jesus Told a Story (Tune: She’ll Be Coming ‘round the Mountain) Oh, oh, Jesus told a story about love. Oh, oh, Jesus told a story about love. Like the father and his son, God loves us, each and every one. Oh, oh, Jesus told a story about love.

SAY: Today our Bible story is a story Jesus told about a father and two sons. We’ve made puppets of the father and the younger son. We’ll use our puppets when we hear the Bible story.

Dive Deeper tim e f o r the bibl e story Supplies: father and son puppets made previously • Have the children hold their puppets and line up behind you. • Sing the song, “Jesus Told a Story,” to the tune of “She’ll Be Coming ‘round the Mountain” as you lead the children around the room. The song is printed in the column on the left. • End the parade in your story area. • Have the children place their puppets under their chairs or on the floor behind them. Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.

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Preschool Leader’s Guide • February 26

s e e t h e Bi ble sto ry Supplies: DVD, DVD player, television • Play the theme song, “Let’s Go Deep Blue Remix.” • Watch the Deep Blue Bible Adventure for Session 13 with the children. • Play the song, “Speak to My Heart.” Encourage the children to dance around the room as the music plays.

H e ar t h e B i ble Sto ry

•TIP •

Watch the Scripture video for Unit 3 with the children. Watch the Trivia video for Unit 3, and encourage the children to answer the questions.

Supplies: Deep Blue Bible Storybook—pp. 356–361 • Tell the children the story, “The Forgiving Father” (pp. 356–361).

i nt e ract w i t h the B ibl e Sto ry Supplies: Bible; Bible Stories & Stickers—Session 12, pp. 2–3; Class Stuff—p. 5; father and son puppets made earlier • Plan to use the Caleb figure (Class Stuff—p. 5) from Session 1.

ASK: Have you ever made a mistake? How did you feel? • Hold the Bible open to the Book of Luke.

SAY: Today our Bible story is a story Jesus told about a father and two sons. The younger son made a mistake, but the father forgave him and still loved him. The Bible story is in the Gospel of Luke. • Help the children put the father and son puppets on their hands.

SAY: Use your puppets as I tell today’s Bible story. Hold up the father puppet when I say father. Hold up the younger son puppet when I say younger son. • Read “The Forgiving Father” (Bible Stories & Stickers—Session 13, pp. 2–3) to the children. Have the children hold up their puppets as directed. • Have the children continue holding their puppets. Sing the song, “Father and Son,” to the tune of “Where Is Thumbkin?” The words are printed in the column on the right. • Hold up the Caleb figure.

SAY: Hi! It’s me, Caleb. I really liked today’s story. ASK: How do you think the father felt when the younger son left home? How do you think the younger son felt when his father welcomed him back home? SAY: That’s what I think too. Now it’s time to say the Bible verse. Have fun!

say t h e b i ble verse

Father and Son (Tune: Where Is Thumbkin?) (Start with both puppets behind your back.) Here’s the father. Here’s the father. (Bring the father puppet in front of your body.) Here’s the son. Here’s the son. (Bring the son puppet in front of your body.) The father runs to greet him, the father runs to greet him, (Touch the two puppets together.) glad he’s home, glad he’s home.

Supplies: Class Stuff—p. 10, Leader’s Guide—p. 93 • Hold up the Bible Verse Poster (Class Stuff—p. 10). Say the Bible verse: “Everyone who has ears should pay attention” (Luke 8:8). Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.

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• Have the children repeat the Bible verse. Teach the children the signs from American Sign Language for the Bible verse (Leader’s Guide—p. 93).

Puzzle Center Supplies: Bible Stories & Stickers—Session 13, p. 4; crayons • Encourage the children to complete “Story Sequencing” (Session 13, p. 4).

Grow Stronger Parabl e R eview Supplies: Class Stuff—p. 23, scissors, table Cut apart the eight “Parable Review Cards” (p. 23), if not done already. • Mix up the cards and place them face-down on the table. • Choose a child to begin the game. Have the child turn over two of the cards. If the cards match, leave the cards turned over. If the cards don’t match, turn them facedown again. • Continue the game with each child.

SAY: Jesus told stories to help people understand about God. These pictures will help us remember the stories. ASK: Which picture do you think will help us remember today’s story? (the father and son) • Find the picture of the father and son.

ASK: Which picture do you think will help us remember the story of the lost sheep? (the shepherd looking for the lost sheep) • Find the picture of the shepherd.

ASK: Which picture do you think will help us remember the story of the good Samaritan? (the Samaritan helping the injured man) • Find the picture of the Samaritan.

ASK: Which picture do you think will help us remember the story of the sower or farmer? (the sower or farmer sowing seeds) • Find the picture of the sower.

Kids Stuf f Center Supplies: Kids Stuff—p. 29, colored pencils or fine-tip markers, colorful circle stickers Punch out the “Thank God” card (p. 29) for each child. • Help each child follow the directions to make the card.

Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.

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ASK: What did the father do when his son came home? (hugged him, planned a big party) SAY: Let’s have a party. We can use the cards you made as table decorations.

Have a “ We lc om e Hom e” Party Supplies: “Thank God” cards made previously, tablecloth, table, paper plates, napkins, cups, party food (cupcakes, cookies, party mix), water or juice, hand-washing supplies

SAY: In our Bible story, the father was so happy that the younger son came back home that he planned a party. Let’s have a “Welcome Home” party. • Encourage the children to help you decorate the room for a party. Add a colorful tablecloth, and set up plates, napkins, and cups. Provide party food and drink. • Have the children wash their hands.

SAY: Jesus told the story to help people understand that God loves us all the time, even when we make mistakes or bad choices. • Read the words on the “Thank God” cards to the children. • Enjoy the party.

Worship Gat h e r i n g T i me Supplies: Class Stuff—pp. 14 & 19, 28; tape Post “Bible Story Mural” (pp. 14 & 19) on a wall or bulletin board. Locate the mural piece of the father and son (p. 28). • Gather the children around the Bible Story Mural. • Invite a child to tape the father and son to the Bible Story Mural.

PRAY: Thank you, God, for stories Jesus told. Amen.

Pra i s i n g T i m e Supplies: Bible Stories & Stickers—Session 13 • Invite the children to stand in a circle and hold hands. Sing the song, “This Is the Way We Pray Together” to the tune of “This Is the Way.” (The words are on the right.) • Go around this prayer circle and pray for each child by name.

PRAY: Dear God, be with (child’s name) this week. Help (child’s name) to pay attention to the stories Jesus told. Amen.

This Is the Way We Pray Together (Tune: This Is the Way) This is the way we pray together, pray together, pray together. This is the way we pray together on this Sunday morning.

• Send Bible Stories & Stickers—Session 13 home with each child.

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Father and Son

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Preschool Leader’s Guide • February 26

Mission Project

Dear Guardians, This quarter we will be financially supporting Every Girl Counts and their new school, Bright Hope Education Center, a Christian secondary school that serves impoverished youth from the Kibera slum of Nairobi. Every Girl Counts seeks to transform the lives of impoverished girls and women around the world with the gospel of Christ, while finding solutions to end poverty through educational and economic opportunities. Join the movement to educate, empower, and sustain impoverished women and girls through Bright Hope Education Center and other Every Girl Counts projects. Every Girl Counts and Swahiba Youth Networks have purchased a one-quarter acre piece of property located approximately four miles outside the slum. The quiet, pastoral setting offers an ideal place for kids to focus on their studies. Bright Hope will educate 120 kids annually, prepare them for university, and help break the cycle of generational poverty. Learn more at: http://www.everygirlcounts.com/. You’ll find pictures and videos of this great organization in action there. You child’s class will collect an offering for this service organization. You may send the offering with your child to class, or donate online at http://www.everygirlcounts.com/ by clicking the “Send a Girl to School” link in the center of the webpage.

Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.

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7/13/16 2:14 PM

Mission Envelope

TOP FLAP

BOTTOM FLAP

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Let’s Go Deep Blue Remix Theme Song

Let’s go Deep Blue. Let’s go Deep Blue. Let’s go Deep Blue. Whoo! Let’s go down where the water’s fine. The Deep Blue crew are friends of mine. The Bible’s like an ocean; there’s so much to explore. Dive in with devotion. You’re gonna want more, more, more. We’re gonna go Blue, Deep Blue. Everybody grab a paddle. Gonna go Blue, Deep Blue. Shake it, rock and roll, and rattle. We’re gonna go Blue, Deep Blue. See everything there is to see. Start row, row, rowing. Got to get it going. Deep Blue. Deep Blue. Splish, splish, splash by the sunny shore. Down, down, down to the ocean floor. The Bible’s like an ocean with treasure deep inside. Time for an adventure. Come on, let’s ride (ride), ride (ride), ride (ride), ride (ride), ride.

We’re gonna go Blue, Deep Blue. Everybody grab a paddle. We’re gonna go Blue, Deep Blue. Shake it, rock and roll, and rattle. We’re gonna go Blue, Deep Blue. See everything there is to see. Start row, row, rowing. Got to get it going. Deep Blue. Deep Blue. Let’s go (Let’s go) Deep Blue. (Deep Blue.) Let’s go (Let’s go) Deep Blue. (Deep Blue.) Let’s go (Let’s go) Deep Blue. (Deep Blue.) Let’s go, go, go. Whoo! We’re gonna go Blue, Deep Blue. Everybody grab a paddle. Gonna go Blue, Deep Blue. Shake it, rock and roll, and rattle. We’re gonna go Blue, Deep Blue. See everything there is to see. Start row, row, rowing. Got to get it going. Deep Blue. (Keep on rolling.) Deep Blue. (Keep on rolling.) Deep Blue. (You got to get it going.) Deep Blue.

WORDS: Dennis Scott © 2016 Act IV Music

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The Songs of the Season December Song—Unit 1

The songs of the season are music to my ears. Christmas is the reason for the songs we love to hear, the songs we love to hear. Like silent night, holy night, all is calm, all is bright. Sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace. The songs of the season are music to my ears. Christmas is the reason for the songs we love to hear, the songs we love to hear. Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, the little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head. The stars in the sky look down where he lay, the little Lord Jesus, asleep on the hay.

O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant, O come ye, O come ye, to Bethlehem. O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord. And the songs of the season are music to my ears. Christmas is the reason for the songs we love to hear, the songs we love to hear. Joy to the world. Hark! the herald angels sing. The first Noel. O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree.

The songs of the season are music to my ears. Christmas is the reason for the songs we love to hear, the songs we love to hear.

O holy night. Go, tell it on the mountain. Songs of the season.



WORDS: Dennis Scott



© 2016 Act IV Music

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Down to the River January Song—Unit 2

Let’s go down to the river, down to the river where the going is good. Let’s go down to the river, down to where Jesus stood. Come, let’s go down to the river, down to the river where the going is good. Let’s go down to the river, down to where Jesus stood. (Come on!)

God gave God’s only Son down by the river, by the riverside. New life for everyone down by the river, by the riverside. John told us what to do down by the river, by the riverside. John said, “Be born anew,” down by the riverside. Are you ready? (Oh, yeah!)

God’s Son, the only one, down by the river, by the riverside. God’s Son had just begun down by the river, by the riverside. God’s Son, in who we believe, down by the river, by the riverside. God’s Son, and God was pleased down by the riverside. (Oh, yeah!) Let’s go down to the river, down to the river where the going is good. Let’s go down to the river, down to where Jesus stood. Come, let’s go down to the river, down to the river where the going is good. Let’s go down to the river, down to where Jesus stood.

Let’s go down to the river, down to the river where the going is good. Let’s go down to the river, down to where Jesus stood. Come, let’s go down to the river, down to the river where the going is good. Let’s go down to the river, down to where Jesus stood, down to where Jesus stood, where Jesus stood. Let’s go!



WORDS: Dennis Scott



© 2016 Act IV Music

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Speak to My Heart February Song—Unit 3

Speak to my heart, and I will listen. Speak to my heart; I’ll hear what you say. Speak to my heart; I want to listen. Tell me the stories; show me the way.

Speak to my heart, and I will listen. Speak to my heart; I’ll hear what you say. Speak to my heart; I want to listen. Tell me the stories; show me the way.

Speak to my heart, and I will listen. Speak to my heart; I’ll hear what you say. Speak to my heart; I want to listen. Tell me your stories; show me the way.

Speak to my heart, and I will listen. Speak to my heart; I’ll hear what you say. (Hear what you say.) Speak to my heart; I want to listen. Tell me your stories; show me the way.

A parable is powerful if you have ears, ears that will hear. A parable is powerful— the meaning of the words you’ve heard are clear.

Speak to my heart. Speak to my heart. Speak to my heart. Speak to my heart. Speak to my heart.

Speak to my heart, and I will listen. Speak to my heart; I’ll hear what you say. Speak to my heart; I want to listen. Tell me the stories; show me the way. Speak to my heart, and I will listen. Speak to my heart; I’ll hear what you say. Speak to my heart; I want to listen. Tell me your stories; show me the way. A parable is powerful if you have eyes, eyes that can see. A parable is powerful— and Jesus showed the way for you and me.



WORDS: Dennis Scott



© 2016 Act IV Music

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Isaiah 9:6 A child is born to us.

Child (baby) Place your arms like you are holding a baby. Rock.

Born (birth) Put the back of the right hand in the palm of the left hand. Move both hands forward and up.

Us Touch your right shoulder with your first two fingers. Circle your fingers out and then touch the fingers to your left shoulder.

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John 3:16 God so loved the world that he gave his only Son.

God

Loved

World

Point the index finger of your right hand, with the other fingers curled down. Bring the hand down and open the palm.

Cross your fists at your wrists and press over your heart.

Hold out your first three fingers on each hand. Circle your hands around each other in one complete circle. End with one hand on top of the other.

Gave

Only

Son

Touch the thumb and fingertips together on each hand. Turn hands palms up and flatten hands as you move hands forward.

Extend the index finger of your right hand with palm facing out. Twist the hand to the left so that the palm faces the body.

Bring your thumb and extended fingers of your right hand to the right side of your forehead as if you are grasping an imaginary hat brim. Then rock the arms together in the sign for baby.

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Luke 8:8 Everyone who has ears should pay attention.

Everyone

Ears

Start with your fist at shoulder height. Bring your fist around in front of your body while opening up your fist and pointing your index finger.

Point at your ear with your index finger.

Pay Attention Place hands with palms facing each side of your head. Move your palms forward.

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Winter 2016–17

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Advent Wreath

1. Place four purple candles in candleholders or plan to use pillar candles. 2. Make a circle out of greenery. You can use garland or loose branches. 3. Place the candles among the greenery at 12 o’clock, 3 o’clock, 6 o’clock, and 9 o’clock. 4. You will add a white candle, the Christ candle, to the center of the wreath on Christmas Day. Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.

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“Come to the Water” Coloring Page

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Winter 2016–17

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“The Forgiving Father” Coloring Page

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Scope   Sequence

Help young children dive deep into God’s story!

Fall 2016 – Summer 2017

deepbluekids.com

Winter 2016–17

Spring 2017

Summer 2017

UNIT 1: Joseph’s Journey

UNIT 1: The Stories of Christmas

UNIT 1: Jesus Shows Love

UNIT 1: Courageous Bible People

September 4 Joseph and His Brothers

December 4 Mary’s Story

March 5 To Ten Lepers

June 4 Courageous Disciples

September 11 Joseph in Egypt

December 11 Joseph’s Story

March 12 To Zacchaeus

June 11 Courageous Queen

September 18 Joseph Saves the Day

December 18 Jesus’ Story

March 19 At the Last Supper

June 18 Courageous Friends

September 25 Joseph and His Brothers Reunited

December 25 Shepherds’ Story

March 26 In the Garden

June 25 Courageous Daniel

UNIT 2: Freedom

UNIT 2: Jesus, God’s Son

UNIT 2: Hosanna!

UNIT 2: Speakers for God

October 2 The Baby in the Basket

January 1 Search for the King

April 2 Cock-a-doodle-doo!

July 2 Elijah and the Ravens

October 9 The Burning Bush

January 8 Talk With the Teachers

April 9 Hosanna!

July 9 Elijah and the Prophets

October 16 Moses and Pharaoh

January 15 Come to the River

April 16 Alleluia!

July 16 Jonah and the Fish

October 23 Crossing the Sea

January 22 Change the Water

April 23 Come to Breakfast!

July 23 Elisha and the Widow’s Jars

October 30 Songs of Joy

January 29 Born Anew

April 30 Feed My Sheep!

July 30 Elisha and the Servant Girl

UNIT 3: God Provides

UNIT 3: The Parables

UNIT 3: Peter Rocks!

UNIT 3: God Chooses Joshua

November 6 In the Wilderness

February 5 The Sower

May 7 Peter and John

August 6 God Chooses Joshua

November 13 Ten Commandments

February 12 The Good Samaritan

May 14 Peter and Tabitha

August 13 Spies in Canaan

November 20 A House for God

February 19 The Stories of the Lost

May 21 Peter and Cornelius

August 20 Crossing the Jordan

November 27 The Peaceable Kingdom

February 26 The Forgiving Father

May 28 Peter in Prison

August 27 Jericho

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Children love the Deep Blue curriculum characters that are featured in the stories and will look forward to learning prayers and fun songs set to familiar tunes with their Deep Blue friends. Abingdon Press. 9781501815010. Hardcover. $21.99; Cokesbury Price $14.73 Prices subject to change.

DeepBlueCV3_Storybk052716

Fall 2016

Some of your church’s very youngest children can understand the Bible with the help of the Deep Blue Bible Storybook. Written in language children ages 3 to 6 can understand, it includes 146 stories that will help your children learn the books of the Bible and practice beginning Bible skills.

800-672-1789 | Cokesbury.com Call your local Community Resource Consultant

If you have questions or comments, call toll free: 800-672-1789. Or e-mail [email protected].

Vol. 2 • No. 2 • WINTER 2016–17 Editorial / Design Team Daphna Flegal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Editor Julie P. Glass. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Production Editor Jim Carlton. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Designer Administrative Team Neil M. Alexander ������������������������������������������������������� Publisher Marjorie M. Pon���������������������������������� Associate Publisher and  Editor of Church School Publications Mary M. Johannes�����������������������������������������������Design Manager Brittany Sky�����������������������������������������������������������������Senior Editor,  Children’s Resources Deep Blue: Preschool, Leader’s Guide: An official resource for The United Methodist Church approved by Dicipleship Ministries (General Board of Discipleship) and published quarterly by Cokesbury, a division of The United Methodist Publishing House, 2222 Rosa L. Parks Blvd., PO Box 280988, Nashville, TN 37228-0988. Price $11.99. Copyright

© 2016 Cokesbury. All rights reserved. Send address changes to Deep Blue: Preschool, Leader’s Guide, Subscription Services, 2222 Rosa L. Parks Blvd., PO Box 280988, Nashville, TN 37228-0988 or call 800-672-1789. Printed in the United States of America. To order copies of this publication, call toll free: 800-672-1789. You may fax your order to 800-445-8189. Telecommunication Device for the Deaf/Telex Telephone: 800-2274091. Or order online at cokesbury.com. Use your Cokesbury account, American Express, Visa, Discover, or MasterCard.

Scripture quotations, unless noted otherwise, are from the Common English Bible. Copyright © 2011 by the Common English Bible. All rights reserved. Used by permission. (www.CommonEnglishBible.com)

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For information concerning permission to reproduce any material in this publication, write to Rights and Permissions, The United Methodist Publishing House, 2222 Rosa L. Parks Blvd., PO Box 280988, Nashville, TN 37228-0988. You may fax your request to 615-749-6128. Or e-mail permissions@ umpublishing.org.

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Winter 2016–17

Leader’s Guide Ages 3–4 RELIGION/Christian Education/Children & Youth $11.99 US

ISBN-13: 978-1-6308-87407 www.deepbluekids.com

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