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Scope and Sequence Fall 2016 – Summer 2017 Fall 2016
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 Shepherd’s 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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Contents Written by LeeDell B. Stickler 2 4 5 6
Using These Resources What Children Need to Know Welcome to Deep Blue Kids Supplies
UNIT 1: Stories of Christmas 7
December 4 1. Mary’s Story 13 December 11 2. Joseph’s Story 19 December 18 3. Jesus’ Story 25 December 25 4. Shepherds’ Story
91 Craft Activity: Growing in Wisdom and Stature (Session 6) 92 Craft Activity: A GoodNeighbor Valentine Kit (Session 11) 93 Exploration Station: Divide the Inheritance (Session 13) 94 Answers to Bible Stories & Stickers Activities
UNIT 2: Jesus, God’s Son
31 January 1 5. Search for the King 37 January 8 6. Talk With the Teachers 43 January 15 7. Come to the River 49 January 22 8. Change the Water 55 January 29 9. Born Anew
Check out deepbluekids.com to connect with other leaders, download additional content for the quarter, and read weekly articles.
UNIT 3: The Parables
61 February 5 10. The Sower 67 February 12 11. The Good Samaritan 73 February 19 12. The Stories of the Lost 79 February 26 13. The Forgiving Father
Download the new Deep Blue app today! It’s free!
Supplemental Pages 85 86 87 88 89 90
Making an Advent Wreath Symbols of Christmas Unit 1 Bible Verse Sign Language Unit 2 Bible Verse Sign Language Unit 3 Bible Verse Sign Language Optional Active Learning Game: Follow That Star! (Session 5)
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To use the Deep Blue QR codes, you must download a QR Reader. There are many free applications available for download in your devices’ application app. Cover Credits: cover design by Phillip Francis. Photo Credits: pp. 65, 71, 77, 86, Shutterstock. Art Credits: pp. 7, 13, 19, 25, 31, 37, 43, 49, 55, 61, 67, 73, 79, Four Story Creative; pp. 11-12, 17-18, 23-24, 30, 36, 41-42, 47-48, 53-54, 59-60, 66, 72, 78, 83-84, 90, 93, Brenda Gilliam; pp. 87-89, Diana Magnuson/The Neis Group. .
DeepBlueKids.com
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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 These arrival activities help the children think about what they will learn. These activities also can be groupbuilding activities to encourage relationship building.
2. Dive Deeper This section contains the group activities for 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 also will 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.
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4. Worship In the Worship section the children will sing, sign, and praise God.
Bible Stories & Stickers This resource contains 13 leaflets, one for each session. These leaflets include an interactive Bible story, fun puzzles, activities that connect the children with the rest of the Bible, and a chance for the children to share their own thoughts about characters from the Bible story.
Kids Stuff This resource also contains 13 activities, one for each session. These simple cut-and-paste types of activities will relate to the Bible message.
Class Stuff This class resource includes the attendance chart, colorful pictures, posters, maps, games, and bulletinboard ideas for the quarter. These items are designed to enhance the class experience with the stories. Also included in Class Stuff is the CD-ROM for the quarter.
Middle Elementary Leader’s Guide
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CD-ROM This resource includes vocal and instrumental recordings of the songs for each unit, a PowerPoint© presentation of the song lyrics, and printed sheet music with lyrics. The songs marked with an * are not featured in the DVD’s music videos. 1. Theme Song: Let’s Go Deep Blue
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: • 13 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; • 4 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.
CEB 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 Kids Middle Elementary resources are available in Braille on request. Contact: Braille Ministry c/o Donna Veigel 10810 N. 91st Avenue #96 Peoria, AZ 85345 (623-979-7552)
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What Children Need to Know Ages 7, 8 For Developing Faith Foundations, Children Need:
For Knowing the Bible & Our Faith Traditions, Children Need:
For Relating to God & the Church, Children Need:
• to plan and carry out both group and individual activities.
• to say the Lord’s Prayer with others.
• to participate in corporate worship.
• to hear a simple explanation of the sacraments.
• to establish a personal prayer life, praying on their own at home.
• to read simple verses from the Bible.
• to be with adults who are open to children’s questions about God, even if adults say they don’t know the answers.
• to be guided in dealing with classroom situations in ways that reflect Christian values. • to be given responsibility in helping to care for the classroom and the class environment. • to hear stories about and have experiences with persons who are different from them. • to investigate, experiment, and explore. • to develop critical thinking skills.
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• to hear more detailed stories from the Bible. • to know the names of the books of the Bible used most frequently in their class, and how to locate them in the Bible. • to hear stories of people who have helped the church come to us. • to use their Bibles at home as well as at church.
• to have the understanding of adults who know that children experience more of God than they can express verbally.
For Relating Faith to Daily Living, Children Need:
• to be encouraged to consider the rights of other children and family members. • to participate in service projects appropriate to their age levels and abilities. • to relate the joys and concerns of daily living to Bible teachings. • to empathize with others and try to address their needs. • to be reminded that God expects us to love everyone, including our enemies. • to learn key Bible verses to think about during the week.
Middle Elementary Leader’s Guide
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Where Kids Dive Deep Into the Bible In the
d e p th s of who I am I rej oice in God my sa vi or. L uke 1:47
Welcome to Deep Blue
investigate everything I find in that new place. Join me and the rest of the Deep Blue Crew on our Deep Blue e’re glad you’re here to dive deep with us into God’s Word. We’ll have adventures, hear exciting Bible stories, Kids adventures. My name is Kat . I love 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 adventure, and I’ll bet you do opened, explored, and enjoyed. With Deep Blue, we’ll open too! We’re going to have so much our Bibles and learn more about fun in Deep Blue Kids. There’s so God, Jesus, faith, and how it all fits much to discover and explore about together into life today. the Bible and what the Bible has to say to us today. The most fun part is that Meet the Deep Blue Crew! we’ll be doing it together!
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The Deep Blue Kids—Asia, Edgar, Kat, and Caleb—will lead the children through the Bible using animated videos that tell the story. The student resources and the Deep Blue Kids 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 Kids. 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; I just need to understand things. One of my favorite things to do is figure out how to get somewhere, then Winter 2016-17
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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 lived-faith experience that will help children discover what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ today! DeepBlueKids.com
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Supplies
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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
• scissors • markers • crayons, colored pencils • pencils, pens • markers • construction paper • drawing paper • tissue paper • craft glue, glue sticks
• stapler, staples • rulers • paper punches • clear tape • masking tape • rubber bands • paper clips • string, yarn • craft sticks
• modeling clay • hymnal • small basket • mural paper • paper towels, cleaning supplies • index cards • scarves, streamers • paper cups, plates
• plastic table covers • Bibles • simple Bible costumes • CD player • television
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 wishlist in the church newsletter or bulletin. 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 location to store supplies, make a new list each week of the things you will need for the next two or three weeks.
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Middle Elementary Leader’s Guide
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SESSION 1
Mary’s Story Bible Verse
December 4 Bible Story Luke 1:26-38, 46-47
A child is born to us. Isaiah 9:6
Anchor Point
Did You Know?
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e begin with Mary’s story. Mary is the one God chose to be the mother of God’s Son, Jesus. She was an ordinary Jewish girl living in the village of Nazareth when the angel Gabriel came to her. There was nothing special about her. She was young and still living at home with her parents, waiting for the time when she would marry Joseph, the village carpenter. Their marriage had been arranged years earlier. But today’s announcement from Gabriel created some new challenges. Jewish girls in Bible times knew from the Hebrew Scriptures about the promise of the Messiah. Even so, it must have been shocking when the angel messenger announced to Mary that she had been chosen to be the mother of this Messiah. While Mary surely had doubts, the angel quickly reassured her. Mary knew that God’s gift would cause more than just a few obstacles in life. One of these was What will I tell Joseph? This is the second Sunday in Advent. We light the second candle—the candle of Love. Jesus was God’s greatest gift of love to the whole world. The stories of the Nativity are among the Bible stories most familiar to children. They may ask questions that you feel unable to answer. Don’t feel that you have to explain the mystery of God’s acts in the world. It is good to ask the children what they think. Remember: Each time the children hear these stories, they will bring new insights to it, born of their own growing life experiences. For more Bible background information, go to deepbluekids.com.
Help your kids learn more using the Parent Connection!
We celebrate the birth of Jesus.
My Plan q Kids Stuff qB ible Story Fun q Exploration Station q Bible Story Time qE xperience the Story q My Thoughts q Connect q Optional Active Learning Game: Christmas Symbols Scramble q Today’s Word: Angel q Craft Activity: “Symbols of Christmas” Coasters q Worship
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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.
• T IP • “The Songs of the Season” is also available on the DVD with words and actions.
WELCOM E Supplies: Class Stuff—pp. 2 & 31, Stickers, CD-ROM, DVD (optional), CD player, DVD player (optional), offering basket, tape, television (optional) Place Attendance Chart where easily accessible to children. Secure offering basket. • Play “The Songs of the Season” and “Let Them Shine” as the children arrive. • Greet children. Show them where to place their offerings. Distribute attendance stickers.
• T IP • As the children work, talk with them about how the angel is a symbol of Christmas (p. 90).
KIDS ST UF F Supplies: Kids Stuff—p. 3, glitter glue (optional), glue sticks, paper punches, ribbon or yarn, scissors Cut ribbon or yarn in 8'' lengths, one for each child. • Distribute A Christmas Angel Ornament. Let children make angel ornaments.
B IB LE STORY FUN Supplies: Bible Stories & Stickers—Session 1, p. 1; Stickers
• T IP • Talk about what a typical house in Bible times might have looked like. Compare the difference between houses in their own neighborhoods and Mary’s house.
• T IP • Suggested items: gingerbread cookie, vanilla sugar cookie, balsam or spruce branch, cloves, cinnamon, orange slices
• Distribute this week’s story leaflet. Instruct children to complete the picture.
EX PLOR AT ION STATION Supplies: small containers, a variety of items that have a distinct smell (See suggested list.) Place selected items in small, sealed containers. Unseal when ready to share. • Seat children in a circle. Pass containers around the circle. Invite children to “sniff.”
ASK: What does the fragrance of these items remind you of? (Christmas) SAY: The nose can distinguish over one trillion smells. Aromas enter the nose and move to the nerve endings. These nerve endings send messages to the brain. The brain decides what fragrance is being smelled and if it is good or bad. That part of the brain is connected to the area of the brain where emotions live. That is why certain fragrances make us happy, content, or scared. The Christmas season has a very special set of fragrances.
Dive Deeper B IB LE STO RY TIME Supplies: DVD, DVD player, television Place the DVD in the player and cue Session 1.
Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.
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• Guide children to sit where they can easily see the television. Play the DVD.
ASK: Who was Mary? (a young girl from the village of Nazareth) Was she particularly special? (no) What exciting thing happened to her on this day? (An angel appeared to her.) What was the angel’s message? (Mary would be the mother of God’s Son.)
E X PE RI E N C E T H E STO RY Supplies: Deep Blue Kids Bibles, Bible Stories & Stickers—p. 2, chenille stems, jingle bells, scissors Cut chenille stems in 4'' lengths and thread two or three bells on each. Make one for each child.
SAY: Mary’s story is found in the Book of Luke in the New Testament. Every time you hear the word “angel” or the angel speaks, ring the jingle bells. • Distribute Bibles. Invite children to find the story. • Assign parts and present the drama.
• T IP • Encourage children to look up in their Bibles the story of Mary.
MY T H O U G H T S Supplies: Deep Blue Kids Bibles, Bible Stories & Stickers—p. 3 [top], pencils
SAY: Close your eyes. Pretend you are Mary. Think about the task you’ve been given. ASK: Was Mary’s news a big deal? Why or why not? How did Mary react? (She was willing to do what God wanted her to do. She knew that God would be with her.)
C O NN E CT Supplies: Deep Blue Kids Bibles, Bible Stories & Stickers—p. 3 [bottom], pencils
SAY: Mary wasn’t the only one who was expecting a baby— another gift from God. • Let children locate in their Bibles the story of Elizabeth and Zechariah (Luke 1:5-25). Lead them to answer the questions. Ask how this story is like the story of Mary.
• T IP • For an additional activity, use Optional Active Learning Game: Christmas Symbols Scramble (p. 12).
Grow Stronger TO DAY ’S WO RD: ANGEL Supplies: Deep Blue Kids Bibles, Bible Stories & Stickers—p. 4, crayons or markers, pencils
SAY: Angels are God’s heavenly messengers. The angel in today’s story was named Gabriel. He had a special message from God to Mary. • Invite children to look at the artists’ versions of what they think an angel looked like. Let them talk about what they think an angel might look like and sketch it.
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• T IP • Discuss the fact that in the Bible, when angels spoke to humans, they almost always greeted the human with, “Don’t be afraid.”
CR AF T ACT IVITY: “SYMBOLS OF CHRISTMAS” COASTERS Supplies: Leader’s Guide—p. 11, colored art foam, old CDs, craft glue, fine-point markers, acrylic poster paint (various colors), paper plates (small), pencils, scissors, empty thread spools or plastic bottle caps, plastic spoons, plastic tablecloth Photocopy page 11. Prepare the stamps as shown. • Follow the directions to make sets of Christmas symbol coasters.
Worship GAT HER , S ING , AND SIGN
• T IP • Play Unit 1 Scripture video on the DVD. This is a detailed demonstration of the American Sign Language and a fun way to learn the Bible verse.
Supplies: Deep Blue Kids Bibles; Bible Stories & Stickers—Songbooks; Leader’s Guide—p. 87; Class Stuff—pp. 3 & 30, 5, 16-17; CD-ROM; DVD (optional); CD player; DVD player (optional); tape; television (optional) ssemble the Nativity Diorama, but do not add figures yet. Display Unit 1 Bible A Verse Poster. • Play “The Songs of the Season” to signal children to clean their work spaces and move to the worship area. • Distribute songbooks. Call for children to locate the words to the song. • Play the song one time and let children follow along. Then sing the song together. • Demonstrate the American Sign Language for Unit 1 Bible verse (p. 87) or use Unit 1 Scripture video. Say and sign the verse together.
SAY: This Nativity display will help us tell the stories of Christmas. Each week we will add figures to our diorama as we tell their stories.
PR AIS E AND REFLECT Supplies: Deep Blue Kids Bibles, Songbooks, CD-ROM, Advent Wreath (p. 85), CD player, butane stick lighter (if using real candles) • Gather children around the Advent Wreath.
SAY: The Advent Wreath is a special symbol of Christmas. Each week we light a candle to remind us of the stories of Christmas. Last week we lit the candle of Hope. God’s people were hoping for a Messiah. We know that Jesus is this Promised One. Today we light the candle of Love. Jesus was God’s gift of Love to the whole world. (Light the candle or add the flame to the poster.) • Call for children to locate in the songbooks “Let Them Shine.” Sing the song, then set aside songbooks to collect later. • Invite children to name people or situations they‘d like to pray for in the closing prayer. Lift up those concerns at the end of the prayer.
PRAY: God, we thank you for the stories of Christmas—the stories of the birth of your Son Jesus. Help us remember the stories and share them with others. Amen.
Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.
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December 4
Craft Activity: Symbols of Christmas Coasters Supplies: colored art foam, old CDs, craft glue, fine-point markers, acrylic poster paint (various colors), paper plates (small), pencils, scissors, empty thread spools or plastic bottle caps, plastic spoons, plastic tablecloth hotocopy this page. Cut out patterns and trace onto art foam. Cut out art-foam shapes. Glue each pattern to a P water bottle cap or empty spool. (These become the stamps.) Spoon a small amount of each paint color onto paper plates and spread with a plastic spoon. Cover the work surface with a tablecloth. 1. Direct children to trace six circles onto art foam, using a CD as a pattern, then cut them out. Encourage them to use a variety of colors since these will be the coasters. 2. Press each symbol design into the paint, then onto one of the art-foam circles. Set aside to dry. 3. Repeat on each foam circle.
Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.
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Optional Active Learning Game: Christmas Symbols Scramble Supplies: cube pattern, glue stick, marbles (2), stamp pattern, scissors P hotocopy the Christmas symbols (p. 11), one symbol for each child. Photocopy twice the symbol cube on this page. Cut on solid lines, fold on dashed. Glue to seal. Hint: Place a marble inside each cube to help it roll. This game is best played when you have six or more children. How to Play: 1. Give each child a symbol card. 2. Select one child to be IT. IT will not have a card. 3. Lead children to sit in a circle in chairs or on the floor. 4. IT will toss the two cubes. Identify the two tossed symbols. 5. The children holding the two cube symbols will exchange seats. 6. IT will try to get one of the empty seats. The child without a chair becomes IT. If the tossed symbols are the same and only one child has that symbol, that child immediately becomes IT.
Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.
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SESSION 2
Joseph’s Story Bible Verse A child is born to us. Isaiah 9:6
December 11 Bible Story Matthew 1:18-24
Anchor Point
Did You Know?
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n the Old Testament of the Bible, God promised King David that his descendants would sit on the throne of Israel forever. But the country that David ruled did not stay independent for very long. Powerful enemies turned Israel into a battleground as they marched back and forth for centuries. But the people remembered: A king would come from the line of King David. This king would restore Israel to its former greatness. Joseph’s story links the Old Testament and the New Testament as Joseph was from the line of King David. When Joseph heard Mary’s news about the coming child, he was not excited. In fact, his first instinct was to divorce Mary before the wedding took place. (Betrothals were as legally binding as marriage.) Even though he could have had her stoned for adultery, he chose the higher ground—that is, until an angel came to him in a dream and explained what this was all about. Joseph would be the earthly father of God’s Son Jesus. A word of caution: If you read this story directly from the Bible, you will come across the word virgin. A virgin in Bible times was an unmarried woman. Many children at this age will not know what this word means in today’s culture (or if they do, will have additional questions). If they ask, respond as basically as you feel comfortable. Help children to see that God works in wonderful and unexpected ways, turning what might have been a disaster into something wonderful. For more Bible background information, go to deepbluekids.com.
We celebrate the birth of Jesus.
My Plan q Kids Stuff qB ible Story Fun q Exploration Station q Bible Story Time qE xperience the Story q My Thoughts q Connect q Optional Active Learning Game: To the Left, to the Right q Today’s Word: Trust qCraft Activity: Make a Christmas Card to Share q Worship
Try the new augmentedreality zipper pulls! Scan this QR code to download the Deep Blue Kids App. Or visit deepbluekids.com
Requires preparation.
Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.
Winter 2016-17
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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.
• T IP • “The Songs of the Season” is also available on the DVD with words and actions.
• T IP • Playing the unit songs will help children become familiar with the music.
WELCOM E Supplies: Class Stuff—pp. 2 & 31, Stickers, CD-ROM, DVD (optional), CD player, DVD player (optional), offering basket, tape, television (optional) Continue to display Attendance Chart. Set out offering basket. • Play “The Songs of the Season” and “Let Them Shine” as the children arrive. This will help them become familiar with the songs. • Greet children. Show them where to place their offerings. Distribute attendance stickers.
KIDS ST UF F Supplies: Kids Stuff—pp. 5 & 7, glitter glue (optional), glue sticks, paper punches, ribbon or yarn, scissors Cut ribbon or yarn in 8'' lengths, one per child. • Distribute O Christmas Tree! Guide children in assembling the ornament.
SAY: Today’s ornament is one of our favorite symbols—the Christmas tree.
• T IP • Locate the information about the Christmas tree as a symbol for Advent (p. 86). Share with children.
B IB LE STORY FUN Supplies: Bible Stories & Stickers—Session 2, p. 1; pencils • Distribute this week’s story leaflet. Encourage children to see how many of Joseph’s mallets they can find in the illustration.
EX PLOR AT ION STATION Supplies: sandpaper, variety of tools, wood pieces Display the tools. Invite children to handle them and use on wood pieces.
• T IP • Suggested tools might be: screwdriver, T-square, hammer, nails. Include wood pieces. (Go to your local home improvement store.) With adult supervision, let children experience the tools.
SAY: Carpentry in Bible times was very crude. There were no fancy tools of today, such as electric saws, drills, or nail guns. Everything was done by hand. Imagine building a table or chair from scratch.
Dive Deeper B IB LE STO RY TIME Supplies: DVD, DVD player, television Place the DVD in the player and cue Session 2. • Guide children to sit where they can easily see the television. Play the DVD. Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.
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December 11
ASK: Who was Joseph? (a carpenter in Nazareth) How did he react when he heard Mary’s news? (He planned to quietly break off the engagement.) What changed his mind? (An angel appeared to Joseph in a dream.)
E X PE RI E N C E T H E STO RY Supplies: Deep Blue Kids Bibles, Bible Stories & Stickers—p. 2, jingle bells used last week
SAY: The story of Joseph and his dream is found in the Book of Matthew. Let’s tell the story of Joseph and how his life was changed forever, too. • Distribute Bibles. Invite children to find the story of Joseph. • Distribute jingle bells.
• T IP • The Bible story’s Scripture reference is in the Bible Stories & Stickers, page 1.
• Assign parts and present the story. Every time the angel speaks or the word angel is used, direct children to ring the jingle bells.
ASK: How did Joseph’s plans change after his dream?
MY T H O U G H T S Supplies: Deep Blue Kids Bibles, Bible Stories & Stickers—p. 3 [top], pencils
ASK: Why do you think Joseph considered ending his engagement to Mary? How did God change his mind? Have you ever had your plans changed at the last moment? • Lead children to find in Matthew 1:18-24 where the angel called Joseph by a special name. Allow time for them to answer the question.
C O NN E CT
• T IP • For an additional activity, use Optional Active Learning Game: To the Left, to the Right (p. 17), if the children need to “get the wiggles out.”
Supplies: Deep Blue Kids Bibles, Bible Stories & Stickers—p. 3 [bottom], pencils • Call for children to look up the verses listed. Talk with them about King David—who he was and what God had promised the people. Let them answer the questions.
Grow Stronger TO DAY ’S WO RD: T R UST Supplies: Deep Blue Kids Bibles, Bible Stories & Stickers—p. 4
SAY: Trust may seem to be an odd word to focus on in today’s lesson. But it is the one word that God’s people had to rely on. • Read this unit’s Bible verse. Point out that the Scripture’s writer, the prophet Isaiah, lived many, many, many years before Jesus was born. But his message was: Have Hope and Trust God.
ASK: What did Joseph do that showed he trusted God and God’s plan for his life?
Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.
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Session 2
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CR AF T ACT IVITY: MAKE A CHRISTMAS CARD TO SHARE Supplies: Leader’s Guide—pp. 17-18, glue sticks, construction paper, scrapbooking paper (green), scissors Photocopy pages 17-18 and cut off game directions on page 17. Each child needs one set of directions and one tree pattern. • Distribute directions and let children create a Christmas card to share with persons in their church who are homebound or reside in a local nursing home.
SAY: Christmas trees and many ornaments remind us of the stories of Christmas.
• T IP • Read together the words of a new song before singing it.
Worship GAT HER , S ING , AND SIGN Supplies: Deep Blue Kids Bibles; Bible Stories & Stickers—Songbooks; Leader’s Guide—p. 87; Class Stuff—pp. 3 & 30, 5, 16-17; CD-ROM; DVD (optional); CD player; DVD player (optional); tape; television (optional) ontinue to display the Nativity Diorama. Set aside the Mary with baby Jesus and C Joseph figures (A, B). Continue to display Unit 1 Bible Verse Poster.
• T IP • Play Unit 1 Scripture video on the DVD. This is a detailed demonstration of the American Sign Language and a fun way to learn the Bible verse.
• Play “The Songs of the Season” to signal children to clean their work spaces and move to the worship area. • Distribute songbooks. Call for children to locate the words to the song. • Play the song and let children follow along. Then sing the song together. • Review the American Sign Language for Unit 1 Bible verse (p. 87) or use Unit 1 Scripture video. Say and sign the verse together.
SAY: Today we add two figures to our display. (Invite two children to place the Mary with baby Jesus and Joseph figures in their designated spots.)
PR AIS E AND REFLECT Supplies: Deep Blue Kids Bibles, Songbooks, CD-ROM, Advent Wreath (p. 85), CD player, butane stick lighter (if using real candles) • Gather children around the Advent Wreath.
SAY: The Advent Wreath is a special symbol of Christmas. Each week we light a candle to remind us of the stories of Christmas. We have lighted the candles of Hope and Love. Today we light the candle of Joy. Jesus’ birth brought great Joy into the world. (Light the candle or add the flame to the poster.) • Call for children to find in the songbooks “Let Them Shine.” Sing the song, then set aside songbooks to collect later. • Invite children to name people or situations they‘d like to pray for in the closing prayer. Lift up those concerns at the end of the prayer.
PRAY: God, we thank you for the stories of Christmas—the stories of the birth of your Son Jesus. Help us remember the stories and share them with others. Amen. Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.
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Deep Blue
Middle Elementary Leader’s Guide
•
December 11
Craft Activity: Make a Christmas Card to Share (Part 1) Supplies: glue sticks, construction paper, scrapbooking paper (green), scissors 1. Cut out the Christmas-tree pattern. 2. Trace the Christmas tree two times on two different papers. You will need four tree shapes. 3. Fold in half a piece of construction paper, forming a card. 4. Fold each Christmas tree in half from tip to base. Align the edges so that they will match up when you join the trees together. 5. Join two trees together as shown. 6. Spread the two free edges. Put glue on both sides and attach to the construction paper card as shown. 7. Write Merry Christmas on the front of the card. Write a message on the inside.
Optional Active Learning Game: To the Left, to the Right Supplies: bell or whistle, unbreakable Christmas ornaments
Direct children to put their chairs in a circle.
1. Give each child a plastic Christmas ornament. 2. Direct children to pass the ornaments to the right. 3. Ring a bell or blow a whistle, then the children will change directions and pass the ornaments to the left. 4. Change directions frequently so that children must pay attention. 5. Discuss how Joseph’s and Mary’s lives changed and changed very quickly. It would be difficult to keep up. Who knew what was going to happen next?
Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.
Winter 2016-17
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Session 2
deepbluekids.com
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Craft Activity: Make a Christmas Card to Share (Part 2)
Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.
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Deep Blue
Middle Elementary Leader’s Guide
•
December 11
SESSION 3
Jesus’ Story Bible Verse A child is born to us. Isaiah 9:6
December 18 Bible Story Luke 2:1-7
Anchor Point
Did You Know?
C
aesar Augustus, whose kingdom extended over all the Mediterranean and parts of what we know today as Great Britain, called for a census. The Romans needed tax money for their many building projects and to fund their army. All citizens had to return to their hometowns to register. Joseph, a descendant of King David, made the trip to Bethlehem, the city of his lineage. Mary went with him. When they arrived in the town, they discovered that every place where they might have stayed had already been taken. Being of the peasant class, the young couple had few choices and accepted an innkeeper’s kind offer of stable space at his inn. (Think of it as the animal garage.) It was probably unclean, poorly managed, and lacking in privacy. However, it was here in this stable, among the other travelers’ animals, that Jesus, the Son of God, was born. Children may think of the stable as a warm and cozy place. At least, that’s what all the Nativity sets seem to show. But a stable was dirty, cold, drafty, and not a very private place to give birth to a baby. How ironic that the Son of God was born in such a place! The children have heard this story over and over again. But they never seem to tire of hearing about the baby who slept in an animal’s feed trough, whose parents had to take shelter in a stable and sleep on straw because there was nowhere else for them to go. Tell the story with awe and wonder, because that’s the kind of story it is. For more Bible background information, go to deepbluekids.com.
We celebrate the birth of Jesus.
My Plan q Kids Stuff qB ible Story Fun q Exploration Station q Bible Story Time qE xperience the Story q My Thoughts q Connect q Optional Active Learning Game: Assemble the Nativity q Today’s Word: Nativity qCraft Activity: Make a Pop-up Nativity q Worship
Play these games to learn more about the Bible!
Requires preparation. Scan this QR code to download the Deep Blue Kids App. Or visit deepbluekids.com to discover more resources. Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.
Winter 2016-17
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Session 3
deepbluekids.com
19
Jump In! The following activities may be done in learning centers as the children arrive or may be done with the entire group.
• T IP • “The Songs of the Season” is also available on the DVD with words and actions.
WELCOM E Supplies: Class Stuff—pp. 2 & 31, Stickers, CD-ROM, DVD (optional), CD player, DVD player (optional), offering basket, tape, television (optional) Continue to display Attendance Chart. Set out offering basket.
• T IP •
• Play “The Songs of the Season” and “Let Them Shine” as the children arrive. This will help them become familiar with the songs.
Playing the unit songs will help children become familiar with the music.
• Greet children. Show them where to place their offerings. Distribute attendance stickers.
KIDS ST UF F Supplies: Kids Stuff—p. 9, glue sticks, scissors Photocopy in color the prayer strips (p. 10), one page for each child. • Distribute A Nativity Prayer Box. Let children assemble the box and place the prayer strips inside.
B IB LE STORY FUN Supplies: Bible Stories & Stickers—Session 3, p. 1; pencils • Distribute this week’s story leaflet. Instruct children to follow the dot-to-dot to create a picture of where Jesus was born.
EX PLOR AT ION STATION
• T IP • Suggested items: feather, faux fur, straw, dirt, piece of wood, stone, wheat kernels
Supplies: lunch-size paper bags, variety of items that might be found in a stable (See list of suggested items.) Place each item you chose in separate paper bags.
ASK: Have you ever been in a stable or barn? What was it like? • Instruct children to close their eyes and imagine a stable or barn. Then let them reach into each bag and feel the item(s) inside. Encourage them to tell how each item might be found in a stable.
Dive Deeper B IB LE STO RY TIME Supplies: DVD, DVD player, television Place the DVD in the player and cue Session 3. • Guide children to sit where they can easily see the television. Play the DVD. Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.
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Deep Blue
Middle Elementary Leader’s Guide
• December 18
ASK: Why were Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem? (Caesar Augustus ordered each citizen to return to their hometowns to be registered.) What did they discover when they arrived? (There was no place to stay.) Where did they end up staying? (in a stable where travelers kept their animals) What happened while they were there? (Mary gave birth to baby Jesus.) What was baby Jesus’ first cradle? (an animal feed trough)
E X PE RI E N C E T H E STO RY Supplies: Deep Blue Kids Bibles, Bible Stories & Stickers—p. 2
SAY: The story of Jesus’ birth is found in the Book of Luke. Let’s tell the story and pretend we are Mary and Joseph.
• T IP • The Bible story’s Scripture reference is in the Bible Stories & Stickers, page 1.
• Distribute Bibles. Invite children to find the story of Jesus’ birth. • Assign parts and present the story.
ASK: How do you think Mary and Joseph felt when they discovered there was no room for them anywhere?
MY T H O U G H T S Supplies: Deep Blue Kids Bibles, Bible Stories & Stickers—p. 3 [top], pencils
ASK: Do you think a stable would be a good place to give birth to a baby? Why or why not? Why do you think God chose this particular place?
• T IP • For an additional activity, use Optional Active Learning Game: Assemble the Nativity (p. 23).
• For fun: Let children determine which two items pictured would not be found in a stable.
C O NN E CT Supplies: Deep Blue Kids Bibles, Bible Stories & Stickers—p. 3 [bottom], pencils
SAY: In Bible times, there were no hotels or motels for travelers to stay in. That’s probably why people did not travel very much. Most homes in cities had “guest rooms” on the roofs of the houses where families were offered hospitality. • Call for children to look up the Scripture and learn what other event happened in a Jerusalem guest room.
Grow Stronger TO DAY ’S WO RD: NAT IVIT Y Supplies: Deep Blue Kids Bibles, Bible Stories & Stickers—p. 4, pencils
ASK: Who has a Nativity set at home that is used during Christmas? What are some of the figures that are included? (Draw attention to the Class Stuff Nativity display.)
• T IP • Share with children how the first Nativity displays began (p. 86).
• T IP • Note that all Nativity sets have figures that represent Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus. Some Nativities include other figures, such as the shepherds, the wise men, and village people.
• Point out the various Nativity displays in the activity.
ASK: What are some of the differences? What item is the same in each one? Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.
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Session 3
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CR AF T ACT IVITY: MAKE A P OP - UP NATIVITY Supplies: Leader’s Guide—pp. 23-24, construction paper, crayons or markers, glue sticks, scissors Photocopy the Pop-up Nativity display and assembly instructions for each child. • Distribute Pop-up Nativity and let children to follow directions to create display.
• T IP • Read together the words of a new song before singing it.
SAY: The Nativity is one of four special symbols of Christmas.
Worship GAT HER , S ING , AND SIGN Supplies: Deep Blue Kids Bibles; Bible Stories & Stickers—Songbooks; Leader’s Guide—p. 87; Class Stuff—pp. 3 & 30, 5, 16-17; CD-ROM; DVD (optional); CD player; DVD player (optional); tape; television (optional)
• T IP • Play Unit 1 Scripture video on the DVD. This is a detailed demonstration of the American Sign Language and a fun way to learn the Bible verse.
ontinue to display Nativity Diorama. Set aside the stone manger figure (D). C Continue to display Unit 1 Bible Verse Poster. • Play “The Songs of the Season” to signal children to clean their work spaces and move to the worship area. • Distribute songbooks. Call for children to locate the words to the song. • Play the song one time and let children follow along. Then sing the song together. • Review the American Sign Language for Unit 1 Bible verse (p. 87) or use Unit 1 Scripture video. Say and sign the verse together.
SAY: Today we add the figure of the first bed of baby Jesus. (Invite a child to place the manger in its designated spot.)
PR AIS E AND REFLECT Supplies: Deep Blue Kids Bibles, Songbooks, CD-ROM, Advent Wreath, CD player, butane stick lighter (if using real candles) • Gather children around the Advent Wreath.
SAY: The Advent Wreath is a special symbol of Christmas. Each week we light a candle to remind us of the stories of Christmas. We have lighted the candles of Hope, Love, and Joy. Today we light the candle of Peace. One of the names that Jesus is known by is the Prince of Peace. (Light candle or add the flame to the poster.) • Call for children to find in the songbooks “Let Them Shine.” Sing the song, then set aside songbooks to collect later. • Form a prayer circle around the Advent Wreath. • Invite children to name people or situations they‘d like to pray for in the closing prayer. Lift up those concerns at the end of the prayer.
PRAY: God, we thank you for the stories of Christmas—the stories of the birth of your Son Jesus. Help us remember the stories and share them with others. Amen. Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.
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Deep Blue
Middle Elementary Leader’s Guide
• December 18
Craft Activity: Make a Pop-Up Nativity (Part 1) Supplies: crayons or markers, glue sticks, construction paper, scissors Photocopy page 24, one for each child. 1. Cut out the pop-up card insert (p. 24). Decorate. 2. Fold a piece of construction paper in half, forming a 6''-by-4½'' card. 3. Follow the directions to insert the Nativity scene into the card and glue. 4. Share the card with a friend or someone who may be unable to attend church.
Optional Active Learning Game: Assemble the Nativity Supplies: a non-breakable Nativity set Prior to Class: Hide around the room the Nativity figures. Make some of the pieces easy to find, others more difficult. How to Play: 1. Place the Nativity base on a table. 2. At a signal, direct children to look around the room for the various pieces. 3. Compete to see how quickly all pieces of the Nativity can be found and put into place.
Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.
Winter 2016-17
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Session 3
deepbluekids.com
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Craft Activity: Make a Pop-Up Nativity (Part 2)
Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.
24
Deep Blue
Middle Elementary Leader’s Guide
•
December 18
SESSION 4
Shepherds’ Story Bible Verse A child is born to us. Isaiah 9:6
December 25 Bible Story Luke 2:8-20
Anchor Point
Did You Know?
H
ow ironic it was that the first people to hear the good news of Jesus’ birth were the shepherds in the hills outside of Bethlehem. They had just settled the sheep—and themselves—for the night, expecting it to be a night just like any other. But it was far from it. On this night God chose to proclaim to them the birth of the promised Messiah. The shepherds were probably just as shocked as anyone else that they were the first to hear the angels’ message. Certainly they wondered why the promised Messiah would be found in a stable in Bethlehem. But the announcement had come by angel. Not one of the shepherds hung back that night. They had to see for themselves. Shepherds were simple, hard-working people. But Jewish religious leaders looked down on them. Their occupation made it nearly impossible for them to observe the details of Jewish ceremonial law. So they were considered “unclean.” This did not seem to make any difference. After all, Jesus, throughout his lifetime, compared himself to these shepherds, taking care of his flock, laying down his life for them. Jesus aimed most of his ministry to people such as these shepherds—the poor and the outcast. Today is Christmas day. If you have a Sunday school session today, keep it simple. Provide one small part of the child’s day that will be calm and quiet. This is a day to celebrate the unexpected: the King who came into the world as a tiny baby, born in a stable, and placed in an animal feed trough. For more Bible background information, go to deepbluekids.com.
We celebrate the birth of Jesus.
My Plan q Kids Stuff qB ible Story Fun q Exploration Station q Bible Story Time q Experience the Story q My Thoughts q Connect q Optional Active Learning Game: Sheep and Shepherds q Today’s Word: Messiah qC raft Activity: Make a Shepherd’s Staff q Worship
The Deep Blue Crew is waiting to hang out with you! Scan this QR code to download the Deep Blue Kids App. Or visit deepbluekids.com.
Requires preparation.
Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.
Winter 2016-17
•
Session 4
deepbluekids.com
25
Jump In! The following activities may be done in learning centers as the children arrive or may be done with the entire group.
• T IP • “The Songs of the Season” is also available on the DVD with words and actions.
WELCOM E Supplies: Class Stuff—pp. 2 & 31, Stickers, CD-ROM, DVD (optional), CD player, DVD player (optional), offering basket, tape, television (optional) Continue to display Attendance Chart. Set out offering basket.
• T IP • Playing the unit songs will help children become familiar with the music.
• T IP • Music can be a calming influence on days like today.
• Play “The Songs of the Season” and “Let Them Shine” as the children arrive. • Greet children. Show them where to place their offerings. Distribute attendance stickers.
KIDS ST UF F Supplies: Kids Stuff—p. 11, glue sticks, ribbon or yarn, scissors, tape Cut ribbon in 8'' lengths. • Distribute The Shepherd’s Story. Lead children to assemble the ornament that tells the shepherd’s story. Describe each illustration.
B IB LE STORY FUN Supplies: Bible Stories & Stickers—Session 4, p. 1; pencils • Distribute this week’s story leaflet. Let children help the shepherds find their way to the Bethlehem stable.
EX PLOR AT ION STATION Supplies: Leader’s Guide—p. 29, blindfold, bowls (small), pitcher, water
ASK: Why are shepherds important to the people of Bible times? SAY: Sheep were important to Bible-times people. Wool from sheep was used to make clothing; their meat was used for food. But sheep absolutely had to have a shepherd; sheep are not very smart. Let’s experience what it might have been like to be a sheep in Bible times and why shepherds were important. • Choose one or more of the sheep experiences (p. 29).
Dive Deeper B IB LE STO RY TIME Supplies: DVD, DVD player, television Place the DVD in the player and cue Session 4. • Guide children to sit where they can easily see the television. Play the DVD. Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.
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Deep Blue
Middle Elementary Leader’s Guide
• December 25
ASK: Where were the shepherds when they heard the good news of Jesus’ birth? (in the fields with their sheep) Why were they there? (They were watching over the sheep.) Who brought the good news? (angels) Where did the angels say that the new Messiah could be found? (in a stable in Bethlehem) What did the shepherds do? (They left their sheep and went to find the child.)
E X PE RI E N C E T H E STO RY Supplies: Deep Blue Kids Bibles, Bible Stories & Stickers—p. 2, jingle bells used last week
SAY: The story of the shepherds’ visit is found in the Book of Luke. Let’s tell the story and pretend we are those shepherds. Ring your bells every time an angel speaks or the word angel is used. • Distribute Bibles. Invite children to find the shepherds’ story. • Assign parts and present the story.
• T IP • The Bible story’s Scripture reference is in the Bible Stories & Stickers, page 1.
ASK: What was the first thing the angels said to the shepherds? (“Don’t be afraid.”) What good news did the angels bring? (The promised Messiah had been born.)
MY T H O U G H T S Supplies: Deep Blue Kids Bibles, Bible Stories & Stickers—p. 3 [top], pencils
SAY: Imagine that you are one of those shepherds in the field. Imagine the dark, quiet night. Imagine the sound of sheep softly bleating. Imagine a cool wind. Then imagine the brightest light you have ever seen filling the sky.
• T IP • For an additional activity, use Optional Active Learning Game: Sheep and Shepherds (p. 30).
• Let children find in their Bibles what the angels said and where the Messiah could be found.
C O NN E CT Supplies: Deep Blue Kids Bibles, Bible Stories & Stickers—p. 3 [bottom], pencils
SAY: People in Bible times knew that God had promised a Messiah who would come to make their world a better place. They had been waiting for years and years. I wonder if they ever gave up hope. • Direct children to look up the Scripture in their Bibles, then answer the question.
Grow Stronger TO DAY ’S WO RD: M ES S IAH Supplies: Deep Blue Kids Bibles, Bible Stories & Stickers—p. 4
SAY: In today’s story one of the things the angels said was that on this very night “your Savior” had been born. This “Savior” or “Messiah” would make everything right. All the things that God had promised would come about. God sent Jesus into the world. Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.
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Session 4
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• T IP • Locate information about the Candy Cane as a symbol for Christmas (p. 86). Share this with the children.
CR AF T ACT IVITY: MAKE A SHEP HERD’S STAFF Supplies: Leader’s Guide—p. 30, plastic beads (red, white), jingle bells (2 per child), chenille stems (white), ribbon (¼’’, red) Photocopy page 30 and cut off bottom. Cut ribbon and chenille stems in 8'' lengths. • Distribute page 30 to the children and let them follow directions to create a shepherd’s staff.
SAY: The candy cane is a special Christmas symbol. It looks like the shepherd’s staff.
• T IP • Read together the words of a new song before singing it.
Worship GAT HER , S ING , AND SIGN Supplies: Deep Blue Kids Bibles; Bible Stories & Stickers—Songbooks; Leader’s Guide—p. 87; Class Stuff—pp. 3 & 30, 5, 16-17; CD-ROM; DVD (optional); CD player; DVD player (optional); tape; television (optional) ontinue to display Nativity Diorama. Set aside the shepherds and sheep figures C (C, E). Continue to display Unit 1 Bible Verse Poster.
• T IP • Play Unit 1 Scripture video on the DVD. This is a detailed demonstration of the American Sign Language and a fun way to learn the Bible verse.
• Play “The Songs of the Season” to signal children to clean their work spaces and move to the worship area. • Distribute songbooks. Call for children to locate the words to the song. • Play the song and let children follow along. Then sing the song together. • Review the American Sign Language for Unit 1 Bible verse (p. 87) or use Unit 1 Scripture video. Say and sign the verse together. SAY: Today we add the shepherds and sheep figures. (Invite two children to place them.)
PR AIS E AND REFLECT Supplies: Deep Blue Kids Bibles, Songbooks, CD-ROM, Advent Wreath, CD player, butane stick lighter (if using real candles) • Gather children around the Advent Wreath.
SAY: The Advent Wreath is a special symbol of Christmas. Each week we light a candle to remind us of the stories of Christmas. We have lighted all the purple candles—Hope, Love, Joy, and Peace. Today we celebrate the birth of Jesus. We light the center candle, the Christ candle. (Light the candle or add the flame to the poster.) • Call for children to find in the songbooks “Let Them Shine.” Sing the song, then set aside songbooks to collect later. • Form a prayer circle around the Advent Wreath. • Invite children to name people or situations they‘d like to pray for in the closing prayer. Lift up those concerns at the end of the prayer.
PRAY: God, we thank you for the stories of Christmas—the stories of the birth of your Son Jesus. Help us remember the stories and share them with others. Amen. Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.
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Deep Blue
Middle Elementary Leader’s Guide
• December 25
Exploration Station: Being a Sheep Supplies: bowls (one large, several small), pitcher, towel (optional), water Use one or more of these activities to help children understand why a flock of sheep need a shepherd. A. Sheep will only drink from still water, not running streams. 1. Hold a pitcher of water over a large bowl and pour water into the bowl. Invite one child to try to drink from the flowing water. (Tip: Wrap the child in a towel to prevent any water getting on her or his clothing.) 2. Pour a small amount of water in bowls. Place bowls on the floor and invite the children to drink from them. 3. Talk about in which situation it was easier to drink. Ask why sheep might be afraid of fast-moving water. B. If a sheep falls on its back, it cannot get up by itself. 1. Instruct children to sit on the floor with legs pulled up next to their bodies. They should wrap their arms around their knees. 2. Gently push each child over onto her or his side. 3. Let children try to right themselves without unwrapping their arms around their legs. 4. If a sheep falls on its back, the only way it could get up would be if the shepherd righted it. C. Sheep follow blindly. If the leader sheep runs off a cliff, all the other sheep will follow. That’s why sheep need a shepherd to lead them. 1. Tell children to close their eyes. 2. Prior to the session, select one child to be the shepherd. Now the shepherd will say: “Come, sheep. Follow.” 3. The sheep will listen closely and try to find the shepherd and follow him. (Be sure there are no obstacles that might endanger the children during this activity.) 4. Because the terrain in Bible lands is rocky and dangerous, it was important that sheep had a reliable guide to move from the sheepfold to the field and back again. D. S heep had many enemies in the wilderness, including lions, wolves, and bears. They had no way to protect themselves. They had to depend on the shepherd to do this for them. 1. Instruct children to move to their hands and knees. They will act as sheep and move as a group. 2. Select one child to be a lion. The lion will stand and can move about freely. 3. The lion will try to tag a sheep. When a sheep is tagged, he or she will leave the group. 4. The shepherd used his rod and his sling to kill those animals who would make dinner of his sheep.
Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.
Winter 2016-17
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Session 4
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Craft Activity: Make a Shepherd’s Staff Supplies: plastic beads (red, white), jingle bells (2 per child), chenille stems (white), ribbon (¼’’, red) Photocopy instructions, cutting off the game directions. Cut ribbon and chenille stems in 8'' lengths. 1. Attach a jingle bell to one end of the chenille stem as shown. 2. Thread red and white beads onto the stem, alternating the colors. 3. When beads fill the stem to about 1'' from the end, attach another jingle bell and secure. 4. Bend the stem in the form of a candy cane or shepherd’s crook. 5. Attach a ribbon for hanging.
Optional Active Learning Game: Sheep and Shepherds 1. Form two teams. 2. Arrange teams in the center of the room, in two lines facing each other. Designate one team as shepherds and the other team as sheep. The nearest wall behind each team is their safe wall. 3. As Leader, call “sheep” and all sheep will run to tag shepherds. Then they will run to their safe wall. If a shepherd is tagged, he or she becomes a member of the sheep team and remains at the safe wall. 4. When you call “shepherds,” the shepherds will chase sheep to their safe wall. Sheep that are caught become members of Shepherds Team and remain at the safe wall. 5. The game continues until all have become sheep or shepherds.
Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.
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Deep Blue
Middle Elementary Leader’s Guide
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December 25
SESSION 5
Search for the King Bible Verse God so loved the world that he gave his only Son. John 3:16
January 1 Bible Story Matthew 2:1-12
Anchor Point
Did You Know?
W
ho were these men who sought to find the child born “king of the Jews”? What sent them on the journey? How long did it take? Why did they bring such unusual gifts?
First, the wise men were not Jewish. This was important to the readers of the Book of Matthew. It pointed out that Jesus was not sent exclusively for Jewish people, but for everyone. Second, the men were Persian astrologers who studied the skies. (Persia is now the country of Iran.) The appearance of a new celestial event signified the birth of a person who was destined to be of great influence in the world. These men were determined to be a part of this event. Third, the fact that these men brought extravagant gifts showed that they were ready to offer their allegiance to this newborn king. This story had great significance to God’s people. It showed that Jesus came for all people, including the sinner and the saint, the well-dressed and the not-so-well-dressed. Jesus offered God’s love to all people of all times. People only have to open their hearts. (Story Note: From the appearance of the star, it probably took the wise men about two years to find Jesus. By this time the family was no longer staying in a stable, but were probably living in the city. Jesus would have been a toddler, rather than an infant.) For more Bible background information, go to deepbluekids.com.
Jesus is God’s Son.
My Plan q Kids Stuff qB ible Story Fun q Exploration Station q Bible Story Time q Experience the Story q My Thoughts q Connect q Optional Active Learning Game: Follow That Star! q Today’s Word: Gentile qCraft Activity: A Gift of Scent q Worship
Watch the Bible stories come to life!
Scan this QR code to see Deep Blue Kids DVD and CD selections. Or just visit deepbluekids.com to discover more.
Requires preparation.
Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.
Winter 2016-17
•
Session 5
deepbluekids.com
31
Jump In! The following activities may be done in learning centers as the children arrive or may be done with the entire group.
• T IP • Playing the unit songs will help children become familiar with the music.
WELCOM E Supplies: Class Stuff—pp. 2 & 31, Stickers, CD-ROM, DVD (optional), CD player, DVD player (optional), mission offering container, offering basket, tape, television (optional) Continue to display Attendance Chart. Set out offering basket and mission container. • Play “When Will We Learn to Love?” and “Down to the River” as the children arrive. • Greet children. Show them where to place their offerings. Distribute attendance stickers.
KIDS ST UF F Supplies: Kids Stuff—p. 13, craft glue, wooden craft sticks, flashlights (optional), scissors, tape, toothpicks (or sharpened pencils) • Distribute Let the Stars Shine. Let children assemble the craft as directed. Then hold them up to the light to see the constellations. • Discuss how the wise men must have felt when they saw that special star.
B IB LE STORY FUN Supplies: Bible Stories & Stickers—Session 5, p. 1; pencils • Distribute this week’s story leaflet. Instruct children to use the star code to discover what gifts the wise men brought to the child Jesus.
• T IP • If your class is large, make two sets of stars. Photocopy each set on a different color of paper. Arrange children into teams and assign each team a color.
EX PLOR AT ION STATION Supplies: Leader’s Guide—p. 35, scissors Photocopy the stars. Cut them apart and hide around the room.
SAY: In today’s Bible story some men went on a long journey. The only way they knew where to go was by following a special star. Today stars are hidden around the room. Find a star and bring it back to the table. Then arrange the stars to discover what these men were looking for. (the newborn King of the Jews)
Dive Deeper B IB LE STO RY TIME Supplies: DVD, DVD player, television Place the DVD in the player and cue Session 5. • Guide children to sit where they can easily see the television. Play the DVD.
ASK: Who were these wise men? (men who studied the stars) What did they see that started them on their journey? (a new star in the sky) What did this new star tell Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.
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January 1
them? (that a new king had been born) Where did they stop for directions? (at King Herod’s palace in Jerusalem) What did the king tell them? (The child could be found in Bethlehem. When they found the child, they should report back to him.) Why did the wise men go home by a different route? (They didn’t trust King Herod.)
E X PE RI E N C E T H E STO RY Supplies: Deep Blue Kids Bibles, Bible Stories & Stickers—p. 2
SAY: The story of the wise men is found in the Book of Matthew. Let’s tell the story and pretend we are those men who saw that special star so long ago. • Distribute Bibles. Invite children to find the story of the wise men. • Assign parts and present the story.
MY T H O U G H T S
• T IP • The Bible story’s Scripture reference is in the Bible Stories & Stickers, page 1.
Supplies: Deep Blue Kids Bibles, Class Stuff—p. 25, Bible Stories & Stickers—p. 3 [top], crayons or markers, pencils, world map (optional) • Set out the puzzle pieces. Invite children to assemble the wise men picture. Talk about the setting, their travels, and how long it must have taken them. If you have a world map, locate on the map Iran and Israel.
ASK: Would you have reported back to King Herod? Why or why not? • Let children draw the star that led the wise men to Bethlehem.
C O NN E CT
• T IP • For an additional activity, use Optional Active Learning Game: Follow That Star! (pp. 36, 90).
Supplies: Deep Blue Kids Bibles, Bible Stories & Stickers—p. 3 [bottom], pencils • Call for the children to look up the Scripture listed. Let a volunteer read it aloud, then let them answer the questions.
SAY: When King Herod consulted his advisors, this is probably the Scripture from the prophet Micah that they were talking about.
Grow Stronger TO DAY ’S WO RD: GENT ILE Supplies: Deep Blue Kids Bibles, Bible Stories & Stickers—p. 4
SAY: The wise men came from a land far, far away. They were not Jewish and would have been called Gentiles. We are Gentiles. We are not Jewish. Jewish people did not associate with Gentiles. It was forbidden. But the story of the wise men showed God’s people that Jesus didn’t come only for the Jewish people, but for all people everywhere in the world.
• T IP • During January we will focus on the mission project: Every Girl Counts. If you choose to participate in this project, display the mission poster (Class Stuff—p. 24) and talk with the children about how being in mission shows God’s love to others.
ASK: How have you reached out to other people during this past week? What are some ways you can show love to all of God’s people in the coming week? Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.
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Session 5
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CR AF T ACT IVITY: A GIFT OF SCENT
• T IP • Prepare orange peels prior to the session.
Supplies: Leader’s Guide—p. 36, Stickers, bowls (small), fabric, ingredients for the potpourri*, paper plates (about 9''), pencils, pinking shears, scissors, plastic spoon, yarn hotocopy page 36, one per child. Dry orange peel by setting it out for a few days or P microwave it about 45 seconds. Cut fabric in 8'' squares. Cut yarn in 8'' lengths. Pour potpourri into small bowls. • Distribute directions. Guide children in making the potpourri bags. Add the Sticker.
SAY: Two of the gifts the wise men brought to the child Jesus were frankincense and myrrh. Both of these smelled wonderful. Let’s create a potpourri that we can take home and make our own homes smell good.
• T IP • Read together the words of a new song before singing it.
Worship GAT HER , S ING , AND SIGN Supplies: Deep Blue Kids Bibles, Bible Stories & Stickers—Songbooks, Leader’s Guide—p. 88, Class Stuff—pp. 14 & 19, CD-ROM, DVD (optional), CD player, DVD player (optional), tape; television (optional) Display Unit 2 Bible Verse Poster. • Play “Down to the River” to signal children to clean their work spaces and move to the worship area. • Distribute songbooks. Call for children to locate the words to the song.
• T IP • Play Unit 2 Scripture video on the DVD. This is a detailed demonstration of the American Sign Language and a fun way to learn the Bible verse.
• Play the song, letting children follow along. Then sing the song together. • Teach the American Sign Language for Unit 2 Bible verse (p. 88) or use Unit 2 Scripture video. Say and sign the verse together. SAY: Today we began the unit Jesus, God’s Son. We will hear about how Jesus lived and how he taught others about God and God’s love. Today we learned that Jesus was God’s gift to all people. We are called to show love to those we might not think about loving.
PR AIS E AND REFLECT Supplies: Deep Blue Kids Bibles, Songbooks, CD-ROM, CD player • Call for children to find in the songbooks “When Will We Learn to Love?” • Play the song one time. Let children follow along with the words. • Instruct children to listen in the song for the word “love.” Each time they hear it, they are to make on their chests the sign of the heart. • Call for them to close their eyes and think about ways they can show love to all of God’s people in the coming week. Set aside songbooks to collect later. • Invite children to name people or situations they‘d like to pray for in the closing prayer. Lift up those concerns at the end of the prayer.
PRAY: Dear God, we thank you for Jesus, your Son. As we hear stories about him, we will learn how you want us to show love to all of your people. Amen. Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.
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January 1
Exploration Station: The Star Led the Way
the
newborn
King
of
the
Jews
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Winter 2016-17 • Session 5
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Craft Activity: A Gift of Scent Supplies: bowls (small), fabric, ingredients for the potpourri*, paper plates (about 9''), pencils, pinking shears, scissors, plastic spoons, yarn hotocopy page 36, one per child. Dry orange peel by setting it out P for a few days or microwave it about 45 seconds. Cut fabric in 8'' squares. Cut yarn in 8'' lengths. Pour potpourri ingredients in bowls. 1. Direct children to trace the paper plate onto the fabric and cut out using the pinking shears. (Pinking shears prevent fabric from raveling.) 2. Let children choose a small amount of each of the ingredients for the potpourri and place in the center of the fabric circle. 3. Gather the circle around the ingredients and tie with yarn. 4. Attach sticker to the yarn as shown. *Suggested ingredients: dried orange or lemon peel, cinnamon sticks in 1'' pieces, cloves, dried herbs (rosemary, thyme, or bay leaves)
Optional Active Learning Game: Follow That Star Supplies: Leader’s Guide—pp. 36 & 90, clothesline cord (optional), glue sticks, large paper clips (2), paper punches, string (not yarn)
Photocopy the wise men and the star on page 90. Assemble the two figures as shown. Punch a hole at each X. Attach a partially opened paper clip as shown. Cut a piece of string (not yarn) or clothesline about 20 feet long. Tie the ends together.
How to Play: 1. Let children form a circle, holding onto the string with both hands. Arrange children evenly around the string. 2. Place star and three wise men on the string as shown. 3. Select one child in the circle to be the beginning and the end. 4. The children will move the star and the wise men from the beginning all the way around the circle. Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.
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Deep Blue
Middle Elementary Leader’s Guide
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January 1
SESSION 6
Talk With the Teachers Bible Verse God so loved the world that he gave his only Son. John 3:16
January 8 Bible Story Luke 2:39-52
Anchor Point
Did You Know?
A
Jesus is God’s Son.
fter the wise men’s visit, Joseph, Mary, and the child Jesus left Israel and fled to Egypt. They took seriously the warning from God. They stayed in Egypt until King Herod had died, then returned home to Nazareth. Joseph resumed his carpenter job; life returned to normal. The synagogue became the center of their religious life. When Jesus was five, he attended religious training along with other Nazareth boys. How excited he must have been when his family celebrated the Festival of the Passover in Jerusalem. It was a rare opportunity for Jesus to talk with the teachers at the center of the Jewish faith.
My Plan
In today’s Bible story, Jesus was 12 years old—now old enough to join the men at the Temple. No longer was he forbidden to enter the inner court, where lively theological debate frequently took place. While Jesus was in discussion with a group of teachers, he lost all track of time. Mary and Joseph had begun the trip home without him.
q Experience the Story
Boys and girls at this age want to “know.” Every skill they learn opens new doors. It is normal at this age for children to ask questions about their faith. Just as the Temple provided Jesus an opportunity to ask questions, the church provides a place for boys and girls to seek to know about God, Jesus, the Bible, and what it means to be a follower of Jesus. For more Bible background information, go to deepbluekids.com.
q Kids Stuff qB ible Story Fun q Exploration Station q Bible Story Time q My Thoughts q Connect q Optional Active Learning Game: What Did Jesus See? q Today’s Word: Rabbi q Craft Activity: Growing in Wisdom and Stature q Worship
Sing along with the music videos on the Deep Blue Adventures DVD!
Scan this QR code to see Deep Blue Kids DVD and CD selections. Or just visit deepbluekids.com to discover more.
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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.
• T IP • Playing the unit songs will help children become familiar with the music.
WELCOM E Supplies: Class Stuff—pp. 2 & 31, Stickers, CD-ROM, DVD (optional), CD player, DVD player (optional), mission offering container, offering basket, tape, television (optional) Continue to display Attendance Chart. Set out offering basket and mission container. • Play “When Will We Learn to Love?” and “Down to the River” as the children arrive. • Greet children. Show them where to place their offerings. Distribute attendance stickers.
KIDS ST UF F
• T IP • If you are participating in the mission project— Every Girl Counts— set out the offering container near the offering basket.
Supplies: Kids Stuff—p. 15, crayons or markers, pencils, scissors • Distribute “I Am Growing” Book. Invite children to add their personal information.
B IB LE STORY FUN Supplies: Bible Stories & Stickers—Session 6, p. 1; pencils • Distribute this week’s story leaflet. Let children use the Hebrew letter code to discover one of the teachings Jesus would have learned at school.
EX PLOR AT ION STATION Supplies: Class Stuff—p. 9, Leader’s Guide—p. 41, pencils, rulers, bathroom scale, scissors, tape, tape measures, string or yarn
• T IP • Enlist another adult to help measure the childrens’ heights. Also, discourage children from weighing or measuring waistlines. This might embarrass some children.
Cut out and assemble Growth Chart: Growing in Wisdom and Stature. Place it on the wall so that children can measure themselves with it. Photocopy page 41. • Distribute Important Statistics and let children work in pairs to fill in the information. When they finish, direct them to return to the group. • Demonstrate how to use string and a ruler in place of a tape measure.
SAY: Measuring ourselves is fun. We can look back from week to week to see how we grow—just as Jesus did.
Dive Deeper B IB LE STO RY TIME Supplies: DVD, DVD player, television Place the DVD in the player and cue Session 6. • Guide children to sit where they can easily see the television. Play the DVD.
Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.
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Deep Blue
Middle Elementary Leader’s Guide
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January 8
ASK: In today’s Bible story, where were Mary, Joseph, and Jesus going? (to the Temple in Jerusalem) What was the special occasion? (Passover) What about this trip was special to Jesus? (He was now old enough to go into the inner courts with the men.) What happened while he was in the courtyard talking with the teachers? (He lost track of time and his parents started for home without him.)
E X PE RI E N C E T H E STO RY Supplies: Deep Blue Kids Bibles, Bible Stories & Stickers—p. 2
SAY: The story of Jesus and the teachers is found in the Book of Luke. Let’s assume the roles of the characters and act out the story. • Distribute Bibles. Invite children to find the story of Jesus’ temple experience. • Assign parts and present the story. Read the role of Bible Storyteller.
MY T H O U G H T S Supplies: Deep Blue Kids Bibles, Bible Stories & Stickers—p. 3 [top]
• T IP • The Bible story’s Scripture reference is in the Bible Stories & Stickers, page 1.
• Talk about how school was different for boys and girls in Bible times.
SAY: The teachers were amazed at how much Jesus knew and how wise his words were. I wonder if he had “inside knowledge.”
C O NN E CT Supplies: Deep Blue Kids Bibles, Bible Stories & Stickers—p. 3 [bottom], pencils
SAY: Jesus became a teacher when he grew up. He didn’t have a school building, but his students traveled around with him, learning from him. They were called “disciples.” • Call for children to look up the Scripture listed and discover the names of Jesus’ first 12 students.
ASK: Would you have liked to have followed Jesus and learned from him?
Grow Stronger TO DAY ’S WO RD: R AB B I Supplies: Deep Blue Kids Bibles, Bible Stories & Stickers—p. 4
SAY: Boys and girls were trained in different ways. They learned the skills they needed to live in the culture of that time.
• T IP • For an additional activity, use Optional Active Learning Game: What Did Jesus See? (p. 42).
• T IP • If you are participating in the mission project: Every Girl Counts— display the mission poster (Class Stuff— p. 24). Talk with children about the ways this project shows love.
ASK: Would you have liked to have lived in Bible times? (Invite children to share.) • Let children discuss the skills pictured and how they are different from the skills boys learned.
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Session 6
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CR AF T ACT IVITY: GROWING IN WISDOM AND STATURE Supplies: Leader’s Guide—p. 91, art foam shapes (optional), craft glue (optional), markers, pencils, scissors Photocopy the frame pattern, one for each child.
• T IP • Read together the words of a new song before singing it.
• Instruct children to cut out the frames. Trace onto art foam, then cut out. Decorate.
SAY: Pictures are a good way to watch ourselves and our friends grow and change each year. Jesus was a boy, and he grew and grew just as we do.
Worship GAT HER , S ING , AND SIGN
• T IP • Play Unit 2 Scripture video on the DVD. This is a detailed demonstration of the American Sign Language and a fun way to learn the Bible verse.
Supplies: Deep Blue Kids Bibles, Bible Stories & Stickers—Songbooks, Leader’s Guide—p. 88, Class Stuff—pp. 14 & 19, CD-ROM, DVD (optional), CD player, DVD player (optional), tape; television (optional) Continue to display Unit 2 Bible Verse Poster. • Play “Down to the River” to signal children to clean their work spaces and move to the worship area. • Distribute songbooks. Call for children to locate the words to the song. • Play the song, letting the children follow along. Then sing the song together. • Teach the American Sign Language for Unit 2 Bible verse (p. 88) or use Unit 2 Scripture video. Say and sign the verse together.
SAY: Today’s Bible story told us about a time when Jesus was 12. It’s hard to imagine Jesus as a young boy. But he was. And he grew and learned just as we grow and learn. When we come to Sunday school and church, it is like going to the Temple. Teachers help us to know more about God and what God calls us to do.
PR AIS E AND REFLECT Supplies: Deep Blue Kids Bibles, Songbooks, CD-ROM, CD player • Direct children to find in the songbooks “When Will We Learn to Love?” • Play the song one time. Let children follow along with the words. • Instruct children to listen in the song for the word “love.” Each time they hear it, they are to make on their chests the sign of the heart. • Invite children to close their eyes and think about ways they can show love to all of God’s people in the coming week. Set aside songbooks to collect later. • Invite children to name people or situations they‘d like to pray for in the closing prayer. Lift up those concerns at the end of the prayer.
PRAY: Dear God, we thank you for Jesus, your Son. As we hear stories about him, we will learn how he grew and learned, and how we can grow and learn, too. Amen.
Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.
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Deep Blue
Middle Elementary Leader’s Guide
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January 8
Exploration Station: Important Statistics My name is ____________________________________________________________________________________.
My head weighs _______________________________ pounds.
I am _______________________________ inches tall.
My foot is _______________________________ inches long.
From the tip of my finger on my left hand to the tip of my finger on the right hand is _______________________________ inches.
My foot weighs _______________________________ pounds.
My head is _______________________________ inches around.
From the tip of my pinkie finger to the tip of my thumb is _______________________________ inches.
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Winter 2016-17 • Session 6
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Craft Activity: Growing in Wisdom and Stature Supplies: Leader’s Guide—p. 91, art foam shapes (optional), craft glue (optional), markers, pencils, scissors Photocopy the frame pattern for each child. 1. Direct children to cut out the frame pattern and trace it onto the art foam. 2. Cut it out and decorate.
Optional Active Learning Game: What Did Jesus See? Supplies: bag or basket, scissors Photocopy the pictures below. Cut them apart and put them in a bag or basket. How to Play: 1. Direct children to stand at one end of the room. Designate “Jerusalem” at the other end of the room. 2. Draw a picture from the bag. If the item is something Jesus might have seen, the children are to run to Jerusalem. 3. If it is not something Jesus would have seen, they will remain where they are.
Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.
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Deep Blue
Middle Elementary Leader’s Guide
•
January 8
SESSION 7
Come to the River Bible Verse God so loved the world that he gave his only Son. John 3:16
January 15 Bible Story Matthew 3:13-17
Anchor Point
Did You Know?
Jesus is God’s Son.
J
ohn the Baptist was Jesus’ cousin. He lived and preached in the wilderness near the Jordan River, announcing that the kingdom of heaven was at hand. He was an eccentric, wore clothing of camel hair, and ate honey and locusts. John’s message was that people had fallen away from God. He spoke particularly to religious leaders, who should have been the most faithful. John invited people to change their hearts and lives, and to begin new lives. John’s message made the leaders paranoid. They worried that people would turn away from them and toward John. These men would send delegations to question John. But John assured them that he was not the Messiah, but that the Messiah was coming. John was preparing the people for this event. When Jesus presented himself for baptism, John knew his mission had been fulfilled. The voice from heaven and the dove of the Holy Spirit confirmed his belief. Jesus’ baptism was also the time when Jesus himself received the deep conviction that God had a special job for him to do. Baptism is a sacrament in the church through which we acknowledge God’s love at work in our lives. Various denominations participate in baptism in different ways. In whatever way your church observes baptism, be sure children are familiar with it. Remember, baptism is not something we do, but an acknowledgement of something God has already done. For more Bible background information, go to deepbluekids.com.
My Plan q Kids Stuff qB ible Story Fun q Exploration Station q Bible Story Time q Experience the Story q My Thoughts q Connect q Optional Active Learning Game: Come to the River q Today’s Word: Baptism qCraft Activity: A Descending Dove q Worship
Help your crew memorize Scripture with us! Visit deepbluekids.com and discover the memorization tools available on the Deep Blue Kids Adventure DVD series.
de is QR co ids Scan th eK lu B eep s. to see D election s D C d DVD an
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Winter 2016-17
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Session 7
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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.
• T IP • Playing the unit songs will help children become familiar with the music.
WELCOM E Supplies: Class Stuff—pp. 2 & 31, Stickers, CD-ROM, DVD (optional), CD player, DVD player (optional), mission offering container, offering basket, tape, television (optional) Continue to display Attendance Chart. Set out offering basket and mission container. • Play “When Will We Learn to Love?” and “Down to the River” as the children arrive. • Greet children. Show them where to place their offerings. Distribute attendance stickers.
KIDS ST UF F
• T IP • If you are participating in the mission project— Every Girl Counts— set out the offering container near the offering basket.
Supplies: Kids Stuff—p. 17, glue sticks, scissors Photocopy in color page 18, one for each child. • Distribute A Flying Dove. Direct children to follow the directions to create the dove.
SAY: In our Bible story, a dove makes a special appearance.
B IB LE STORY FUN Supplies: Bible Stories & Stickers—Session 7, p. 1; crayons or markers • Distribute this week’s story leaflet. Instruct children to color the designated spaces to discover a hidden phrase.
EX PLOR AT ION STATION Supplies: Leader’s Guide—p. 47 [top], plastic cup, plastic dishpan, several pennies, towels, variety of containers including clear plastic glass, pitcher, water • Place the containers on a towel to catch any spill-overs. SAY: Water is an amazing thing. We drink it. We cook with it. We bathe in it. We swim in it.
ASK: But have you ever really looked at water? • Follow the directions and invite the children to make their guesses.
Dive Deeper B IB LE STO RY TIME Supplies: DVD, DVD player, television Place the DVD in the player and cue Session 7.
Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.
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Deep Blue
Middle Elementary Leader’s Guide
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January 15
• Guide children to sit where they can easily see the television. Play the DVD.
ASK: Who was John the Baptist? (Jesus’ cousin) What was he doing? (preparing the people for the coming Messiah) Who came to the river to be baptized? (Jesus) How did John react? (He felt that Jesus should be baptizing him instead.) What happened when Jesus was baptized? (Everyone heard a voice from heaven. The Holy Spirit in the form of a dove came down to Jesus.)
E X PE RI E N C E T H E STO RY Supplies: Deep Blue Kids Bibles, Bible Stories & Stickers—p. 2
SAY: The story of Jesus’ baptism is found in the Book of Matthew. (Call for children to find Matthew in their Bibles.) Let’s imagine sitting at the feet of a Bible storyteller.
• T IP • The Bible story’s Scripture reference is in the Bible Stories & Stickers, page 1.
• Distribute Bibles. Invite children to find the story of Jesus’ baptism. • Assign parts and present the story.
MY T H O U G H T S Supplies: Deep Blue Kids Bibles, Bible Stories & Stickers—p. 3 [top] • Invite children to share all the ways water was used today (including flushing toilets). Talk about why water is important.
ASK: How did John feel that day? How do you think the people who were there felt?
• T IP • If the children need to get up and move about, use the Optional Active Learning Game: Come to the River (p. 47).
C O NN E CT Supplies: Deep Blue Kids Bibles, Bible Stories & Stickers—p. 3 [bottom], pencils • Call for children to look up the Scripture listed, then answer the questions.
SAY: The dove is one of the special symbols in our church. It reminds us of the time when the Holy Spirit came to Jesus.
Grow Stronger TO DAY ’S WO RD: B APT IS M
• T IP • Talk with children about how your church baptizes people.
Supplies: Deep Blue Kids Bibles, Bible Stories & Stickers—p. 4
ASK: Have you ever seen someone be baptized in our church? How does it happen? Did you know that there are several different ways to baptize someone, but all of them use water in some way? Why do you think water is used? (Invite children to share their thoughts.)
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Session 7
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CR AF T ACT IVITY: A DESCENDING DOVE
• T IP • Read together the words of a new song before singing it.
Supplies: Leader’s Guide—p. 48, card stock (white), craft glue, hot glue gun (optional, ADULTS only), pencils, penny, scissors, string (not yarn), tape (optional), metal washer (optional) Photocopy the descending dove pattern and directions for each child. • Distribute the picture and directions. Let children create a descending dove that will remind them of Jesus’ baptism. • Instruct children to follow the directions to create a descending dove.
SAY: The dove is a special symbol for Christians. It reminds us of Jesus’ baptism and how Jesus is God’s Son.
• T IP • Play Unit 2 Scripture video on the DVD. This is a detailed demonstration of the American Sign Language and a fun way to learn the Bible verse.
Worship GAT HER , S ING , AND SIGN Supplies: Deep Blue Kids Bibles; Bible Stories & Stickers—Songbooks; Leader’s Guide—p. 88; Class Stuff—pp. 14 & 19; CD-ROM; DVD (optional); CD player; DVD player (optional); tape; television (optional) Continue to display Unit 2 Bible Verse Poster. • Play “Down to the River” to signal children to clean their work spaces and move to the worship area.
• T IP • Use the Bible verse poster as a guide as children say and sign the verse.
• Distribute songbooks. Call for children locate the song, then sing it together. • Teach the American Sign Language for Unit 2 Bible verse (p. 88) or use Unit 2 Scripture video. Say and sign the verse together.
SAY: Today we heard the story about a special event in Jesus’ life. He went to John the Baptist and asked that John baptize him. At this moment, the people heard the voice of God, claiming Jesus as God’s Son. We belong to God. Just like Jesus, we are called to change our hearts and lives, and to be faithful followers.
PR AIS E AND REFLECT Supplies: Deep Blue Kids Bibles, Songbooks, CD-ROM, CD player • Direct children to find in the songbooks “When Will We Learn to Love?” • Play the song one time. Let children follow along with the words. • Instruct children to listen in the song for the word “love.” Each time they hear it, they are to make on their chests the sign of the heart. • Call for them to close their eyes and imagine what it would have been like to be at the Jordan River that day. Set aside songbooks to collect later. • Invite children to name people or situations they‘d like to pray for in the closing prayer. Lift up those concerns at the end of the prayer.
PRAY: Dear God, we thank you for Jesus, your Son. As we hear stories about him, we will learn how you want us to change our hearts and lives, and follow him. Amen. Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.
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Deep Blue
Middle Elementary Leader’s Guide
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January 15
Exploration Station: Will It Spill? Supplies: variety of containers (including clear plastic glass), plastic cup, plastic dishpan, several pennies, pitcher, towels, water 1. C over work space with a large towel. 2. F ill the cup with water, to the point of overflowing. 3. ASK: What will happen if I put a penny in this full glass of water? (Invite children to speculate.) 4. Gently add one penny to the full glass. 5. A SK: How many more pennies do you think we can add?
TIP: Add pennies gently. If they are forcefully dropped in, the water’s “skin” will be broken and the water will spill over.
Optional Active Learning Game: Come to the River Supplies: plastic tablecloth (blue) 1. Place tablecloth on the floor in the center of the room (the “river”). 2. Instruct children to form a circle around the “river.” 3. Invite them to carefully step in the river by using various characteristics: if wearing certain clothing (tennis shoes, socks, and so forth).
if wearing a certain color.
if have a certain hair color or eye color.
4. After stating each characteristic, SAY: Come to the river. 5. When you have a group of children in the river, SAY: Change your hearts and lives! 6. A t that point, everyone will scramble back to the circle. The last person to leave the river should have to do something silly, like sing “Mary Had a Little Lamb,” or hop on one foot around the circle.
Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.
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Craft Activity: A Descending Dove Supplies: card stock (white), craft glue, hot glue gun (optional, ADULTS only), pencils, penny, scissors, string (not yarn), tape (optional), metal washer (optional) P hotocopy descending dove pattern for each child. 1. Direct children to cut out the dove pattern. 2. Trace the dove on a piece of card stock and cut out. 3. Glue or tape a penny (or washer) behind the head of the dove for weight. 4. Punch two holes in the dove’s body as shown. 5. Thread string through the holes as shown. 6. Pull dove at the top of the string and hold the string tightly. Tip: If the dove is reluctant to “descend,” gently shake the string.
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Middle Elementary Leader’s Guide
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January 15
SESSION 8
Change the Water Bible Verse God so loved the world that he gave his only Son. John 3:16
January 22 Bible Story John 2:1-12
Anchor Point
Did You Know?
C
Jesus is God’s Son.
ana was located in Galilee, not too far from the village of Nazareth. Mary, Jesus, and some of Jesus’ followers were invited to a wedding feast there. A wedding feast in Bible times sometimes lasted for several days. Hospitality was taken very seriously by the host family. To run out of food or drink at such a celebration was a social disgrace to the family.
My Plan
When Mary (Jesus’s mother) discovered the family was running low on wine, she approached Jesus, hoping he would volunteer to step in and save the day. Jesus’ response was ambiguous. He was not yet ready to reveal himself as God’s Son. To act on his mother’s request would certainly draw attention to himself and what he could do.
q Exploration Station
Nonetheless, Jesus performed the miracle. When the servants did as Jesus told them, they also discovered that the wine that Jesus made from the water in the hand-washing jars, was no longer water, but the finest of wines. John’s Gospel puts the world on notice. It had begun.
q My Thoughts
Teaching the fact that Jesus’ first miracle involved turning water into wine is a little awkward when working with children. Focus on the fact that Jesus’ action truly revealed who Jesus was. Until this time, Jesus had told people that he was the “one,” without witnesses as to what he could do that set him apart. This was a miracle, performed through the power of God. Only God can perform miracles.
q Kids Stuff qB ible Story Fun q Bible Story Time q Experience the Story q Connect q Optional Active Learning Game: Fill the Water Jar q Today’s Word: Miracle q Craft Activity: Decorate a Water Jar q Worship
For more Bible background information, go to deepbluekids.com.
Test your Bible knowledge using the Bible Trivia Challenge!
Scan this QR code to see Deep Blue Kids DVD and CD selections. Or just visit deepbluekids.com to discover more.
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Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.
Winter 2016-17
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Session 8
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49
Jump In!
The following activities may be done in learning centers as the children arrive or may be done with the entire group.
• T IP • Playing the unit songs will help children become familiar with the music.
• T IP • If you are participating in the mission project— Every Girl Counts— set out the offering container near the offering basket.
WELCOM E Supplies: Class Stuff—pp. 2 & 31, Stickers, CD-ROM, DVD (optional), CD player, DVD player (optional), mission offering container, offering basket, tape, television (optional) Continue to display Attendance Chart. Set out offering basket and mission container. • Play “When Will We Learn to Love?” and “Down to the River” as the children arrive. • Greet children. Show them where to place their offerings. Distribute attendance stickers.
KIDS ST UF F Supplies: Kids Stuff—p. 19, craft knives (ADULTS only), glue sticks, scissors • Distribute A Miracle Happened at Cana. Let children assemble jars and sliding strips.
SAY: In today’s Bible story, the water was changed into something else. ASK: What could that have been?
B IB LE STORY FUN Supplies: Bible Stories & Stickers—Session 8, p. 1; pencils • Distribute this week’s story leaflet. Instruct children to find all the things that are “wrong” in the picture.
EX PLOR AT ION STATION
• T IP • This experiment is simple and requires minimal supplies. Let each child or pair of children have their own “experiment.” Use different colors for the water.
Supplies: Leader’s Guide—p. 53, shallow bowls, food coloring, recycled newspaper or plastic tablecloth, paper towels (white), plastic spoons, scissors, water Cut paper towels in 1'' strips.
ASK: What do you know about water? (Invite children to share.) Can water move uphill? (The children will probably say no.) Would you like to give it a try? • Set up the experiment so that each child can participate.
Dive Deeper B IB LE STO RY TIME Supplies: DVD, DVD player, television Place the DVD in the player and cue Session 8.
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Deep Blue
Middle Elementary Leader’s Guide
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January 22
• Guide children to sit where they can easily see the television. Play the DVD.
ASK: What special event did Jesus and his mother attend? (a wedding) What happened at the wedding? (The host ran out of wine for the guests.) What did Mary tell Jesus to do? (Help the family so that they would not be embarrassed.) What did Jesus do? (He turned jars full of water into jars of wine.)
E X PE RI E N C E T H E STO RY Supplies: Deep Blue Kids Bibles, Bible Stories & Stickers—p. 2, pencils
SAY: This story is found in the Book of John. In his lifetime, Jesus performed many miracles, but this miracle was the very first one.
• T IP • The Bible story’s Scripture reference is in the Bible Stories & Stickers, page 1.
• Distribute Bibles. Invite children to find the story of the wedding. • Assign parts and present the story.
MY T H O U G H T S Supplies: Deep Blue Kids Bibles, Bible Stories & Stickers—p. 3 [top] • Talk about the difference between a “magic trick” and a miracle.
ASK: How was this a miracle? Where did Jesus get the power to do such a thing?
C O NN E CT Supplies: Deep Blue Kids Bibles, Bible Stories & Stickers—p. 3 [bottom], pencils
• T IP • Use Optional Active Learning Game: Fill the Water Jar (p. 53), if the children need to move around.
SAY: In Jesus’ lifetime, he performed many miracles through the power of God. People heard about what he could do and followed him around, wanting to see such wonderful things. • Call for children to look up the verses listed, which are some of Jesus’ miracles. Let them match the verses with the miracles.
Grow Stronger TO DAY ’S WO RD: M IR ACLE Supplies: Deep Blue Kids Bibles, Bible Stories & Stickers—p. 4, pencils
SAY: A miracle is not a magic trick. A miracle is something that cannot be explained by any natural law or scientific fact. A miracle is something that can only be done by God. Jesus was able to perform miracles through the power of God in him.
• T IP • If you are using the mission project Every Girl Counts, remind children that next week is the last Sunday to collect money.
• Let children look up the Scripture and answer the question.
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Session 8
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CR AF T ACT IVITY: DECORATE A WATER JAR
• T IP • Read together the words of a new song before singing it.
Supplies: Leader’s Guide—p. 54, colored art tissue (the bleeding kind), card stock (white), fine-point permanent markers, recycled newspaper or plastic tablecloth, paintbrushes, paper towels, scissors, water Photocopy water jar pattern and directions for each child. Cut art tissue in 1'' strips. Cover work surface with newspaper. • Distribute water jar pattern and directions to each child. • Instruct children to follow the directions to decorate the water jar.
SAY: This water jar will remind us of Jesus’ very first miracle.
• T IP • Play Unit 2 Scripture video on the DVD. This is a detailed demonstration of the American Sign Language and a fun way to learn the Bible verse.
Worship GAT HER , S ING , AND SIGN Supplies: Deep Blue Kids Bibles; Bible Stories & Stickers—Songbooks; Leader’s Guide—p. 88; Class Stuff—pp. 14 & 19; CD-ROM; DVD (optional); CD player; DVD player (optional); tape; television (optional) Continue to display Unit 2 Bible Verse Poster. • Play “Down to the River” to signal children to clean their work spaces and move to the worship area. • Distribute songbooks. Call for children to locate the words to the song, then sing the song together. • Teach the American Sign Language for Unit 2 Bible verse (p. 88) or use Unit 2 Scripture video. Say and sign the verse together.
SAY: Today we heard the story about Jesus’ first miracle. We know from Bible stories that while Jesus performed many miracles, this was his very first. He was able to do this because his power came directly from God. Jesus is the Son of God.
PR AIS E AND REFLECT Supplies: Deep Blue Kids Bibles, Songbooks, CD-ROM, CD player • Direct children to find in the songbooks “When Will We Learn to Love?” • Play the song one time. Let children follow along with the words. • Instruct children to listen in the song for the word “love.” Each time they hear it, they are to make on their chests the sign of the heart. • Call for them to close their eyes and imagine what it would have been like to have been at the Jordan River that day. Set aside songbooks to collect later. • Invite children to name people or situations they‘d like to pray for in the closing prayer. Lift up those concerns at the end of the prayer.
PRAY: Dear God, we thank you for Jesus, your Son. As we hear stories about him, we will learn that Jesus is truly the Son of God. Amen. Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.
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Middle Elementary Leader’s Guide
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January 22
Exploration Station: Water Runs Up Hill Supplies: shallow bowls, food coloring, recycled newspaper or plastic tablecloth, paper towels (white), plastic spoons, scissors, water Cut paper towels in 1'' strips. 1. Pour a small amount of water into each bowl. 2. Put a few drops of food coloring in the water. Stir until it is mixed up. The stronger the color, the easier it is to see the project. 3. Give each child a paper-towel strip. 4. Dip one end of the strip into the colored water and watch what happens.
SAY: Water can do amazing things. In today’s story, water—with a little help from Jesus—became something completely miraculous.
Optional Active Learning Game: Fill the Water Jar Supplies: large bowl, blue aquarium gravel, similarly-sized jar for each team, plastic spoons Setting Up the Game: 1. Place aquarium gravel in bowl. (Aquarium gravel is less messy than water.) Place bowl between the teams. 2. P lace a jar for each team on the opposite side of the room. The jars should be similar in size. 3. Arrange children into teams. 4. Give each team a plastic spoon. How to Play: 1. Instruct teams to line up single file, one behind the other. 2. At a signal, the first child for each team will scoop a spoonful of gravel and take it to the jar across the room. (If any gravel is spilled, the player must stop and pick it up.) 3. After a certain time limit, the team with the greatest amount of gravel wins the game.
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Craft Activity: Decorate the Water Jar Supplies: colored art tissue (the bleeding kind), card stock (white), fine-point permanent markers, paintbrushes, paper towels, scissors, water C ut art tissue into 1” strips. Cover work surface with newspaper. Photocopy pattern and directions for each child. 1. Direct children to cut out the pattern, then trace onto card stock. Cut out. 2. Write “Jesus is the Son of God” on the front of the water 5. P eel away the strips. See the beautiful design you jar using the permanent markers. have created. 3. Dip paintbrushes in water and lightly “paint” the jar. 4. Place tissue strips over the jar. Overlap colors. Gently pat down with a paper towel.
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Deep Blue
Middle Elementary Leader’s Guide
•
January 22
SESSION 9
Born Anew Bible Verse God so loved the world that he gave his only Son. John 3:16
January 29 Bible Story John 3:1-21
Anchor Point
Did You Know?
Jesus is God’s Son.
O
ur Bible story for today contains one of the most quoted and most revered Bible verses in the Christian faith. This verse comes from a conversation that Jesus had with a Pharisee and prominent Jewish community member named Nicodemus. Nicodemus had heard Jesus speak and was attracted to his message. But because of his position, he couldn’t afford to be seen in public talking with Jesus. So the meeting between the two took place at night. Nicodemus wanted to be convinced, but he was not sure. Jesus explained that God had sent him into the world so that all believers would be made right with God. This would be accomplished by Jesus’ life, death, and Resurrection. Through these acts, people would be born “anew.” Jesus explained to Nicodemus that God did not send him into the world to condemn people and to judge them, but to teach them. When we take up the mantle of discipleship, God’s purpose is fulfilled. We will live with God forever. This concept that might be difficult for children to truly understand. Children may not be able to conceive of “eternal” life as opposed to human life. Focus on Jesus as the wonderful gift from God. Whenever we accept this gift, then we accept being with God forever. For more Bible background information, go to deepbluekids.com.
My Plan q Kids Stuff q Bible Story Fun q Exploration Station q Bible Story Time q Experience the Story q My Thoughts q Connect q Optional Active Learning Game: Life of Jesus Sequence Cards qT oday’s Word: Pharisee qCraft Activity: “Jesus, God’s Son” Book q Worship
Sign the monthly Bible verses with the Deep Blue Crew!
Scan this QR code to see Deep Blue Kids DVD and CD selections. Or just visit deepbluekids.com to discover more.
Requires preparation.
Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.
Winter 2016-17
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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.
• T IP • Playing the unit songs will help children become familiar with the music.
WELCOM E Supplies: Class Stuff—pp. 2 & 31, Stickers, CD-ROM, DVD (optional), CD player, DVD player (optional), mission offering container, offering basket, tape, television (optional) Continue to display Attendance Chart. Set out offering basket and mission container.
• T IP • If you are participating in the mission project— Every Girl Counts— set out the offering container near the offering basket.
• Play “When Will We Learn to Love?” and “Down to the River” as the children arrive. • Greet children. Show them where to place their offerings. Distribute attendance stickers.
KIDS ST UF F Supplies: Kids Stuff—p. 21, 3-D fabric paints (or crayons/markers), glue sticks, recycled newspapers, scissors Photocopy the earth circle (p. 21), one per child. • Distribute God Loves the World. • Cover work surface with newspaper. Let children decorate the earth.
B IB LE STORY FUN Supplies: Bible Stories & Stickers—Session 9, p. 1; pencils • Distribute this week’s story leaflet. Instruct children to find and circle those items that change from picture A to picture B.
EX PLOR AT ION STATION Supplies: Leader’s Guide—p. 59, shoe box for each item, variety of items to use
SAY: Think about the word “new.” The dictionary says that the word means something that has recently come into existence—not known before.
• T IP • Suggested items: chenille stems, beads, masking tape, art foam scraps, wooden craft sticks, craft glue, construction paper, paper clips, card stock or posterboard pieces
ASK: What does the word mean to you? • Arrange children into teams of two or three. Give each team a box of items from which they are to create something “new.” Let them share their creations.
Dive Deeper B IB LE STO RY TIME Supplies: DVD, DVD player, television Place the DVD in the player and cue Session 9.
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Deep Blue
Middle Elementary Leader’s Guide
•
January 29
• Guide children to sit where they can easily see the television. Play the DVD.
ASK: Who was Nicodemus? (He was a Pharisee and a member of the council.) Why did he seek out Jesus at night? (He was afraid someone would see him.) What did Jesus explain to him? (that he was the light that God sent into the world) What happens if someone believes that Jesus is God’s Son? (That person will have eternal life.)
E X PE RI E N C E T H E STO RY Supplies: Deep Blue Kids Bibles, Bible Stories & Stickers—p. 2
SAY: The story of Jesus and Nicodemus is found in the Book of John. Let’s imagine that we are eavesdropping on Jesus and Nicodemus that night.
• T IP • The Bible story’s Scripture reference is in the Bible Stories & Stickers, page 1.
• Distribute Bibles. Invite children to find the story of Nicodemus. • Assign parts and present the story.
MY T H O U G H T S Supplies: Deep Blue Kids Bibles, Bible Stories & Stickers—p. 3 [top], pencils
SAY: Nicodemus was afraid to meet with Jesus during the day when someone could have seen him. He was afraid of what his friends would think. But he had questions to ask. ASK: If you had a chance to ask Jesus a question, what would it be? • Lead children to write in the conversation bubbles their questions to Jesus.
• T IP • Use Optional Active Learning Game: “Life of Jesus” Sequence Cards (p. 59). Adjust game to fit the number of children participating.
C O NN E CT Supplies: Deep Blue Kids Bibles, Bible Stories & Stickers—p. 3 [bottom] • Call for children to look up the verses listed. Talk about the things that Jesus did that upset the Pharisees.
Grow Stronger TO DAY ’S WO RD: PHAR IS EE Supplies: Deep Blue Kids Bibles, Bible Stories & Stickers—p. 4
SAY: The Pharisees were held in high esteem in the community. In fact, they thought that they were better than everyone else. • Call for children to read the printed laws. Talk about how “silly” some of them may seem to us.
ASK: Would you be able to keep these laws? (Invite children to share.)
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Session 9
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CR AF T ACT IVITY: “JESUS, GOD’S SON” BOOK Supplies: Leader’s Guide—pp. 59-60, crayons or markers, scissors, tape
• T IP • Read together the words of a new song before singing it.
Photocopy accordion book (p. 60) for each child. • Let children cut out the book and assemble as shown. • Recall the stories pictured and how they show us that Jesus is God’s Son.
Worship GAT HER , S ING , AND SIGN
• T IP • Play Unit 2 Scripture video on the DVD. This is a detailed demonstration of the American Sign Language and a fun way to learn the Bible verse.
Supplies: Deep Blue Kids Bibles; Bible Stories & Stickers—Songbooks; Leader’s Guide—p. 88; Class Stuff—pp. 14 & 19; CD-ROM; DVD (optional); CD player; DVD player (optional); tape; television (optional) Continue to display Unit 2 Bible Verse Poster. • Play “Down to the River” to signal children to clean their work spaces and move to the worship area. • Distribute songbooks. Call for children to locate the song, then sing it together. • Teach the American Sign Language for Unit 2 Bible verse (p. 88) or use Unit 2 Scripture video. Say and sign the verse together.
SAY: In today’s story we see how some of the Pharisees were beginning to listen to what Jesus had to say. Some were worried. Some wanted to know more. Nicodemus knew that because of all that Jesus had done, that he was truly God’s Son. But not everyone was on board. Later we will hear how some of these men decided to get rid of Jesus because he was causing people to listen to him and not them.
• T IP • Arrange to send the mission offering to: Every Girl Counts 2101 Summer Hill Circle Franklin, TN 37064
PR AIS E AND REFLECT Supplies: Deep Blue Kids Bibles, Songbooks, CD-ROM, CD player • Direct children to find in the songbooks “When Will We Learn to Love?” • Play the song one time. Let children follow along with the words. • Instruct children to listen in the song for the word “love.” Each time they hear it, they are to make on their chests the sign of the heart. • If you participated in the mission project, dedicate that offering today during this closing worship time. Set aside songbooks to collect later. • Invite children to name people or situations they‘d like to pray for in the closing prayer. Lift up those concerns at the end of the prayer.
PRAY: Dear God, we thank you for Jesus, your Son. We believe. Help us to be faithful followers. Amen.
Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.
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Deep Blue
Middle Elementary Leader’s Guide
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January 29
Optional Active Learning Game: “Life of Jesus” Sequence Cards Supplies: Class Stuff—p. 28 1. Punch out the “Life of Jesus” Sequence Cards. 2. Give each child a card. 3. At a signal, let children put themselves in order. Tip: If there are more than six children participating, do this activity several times, letting each team of six put themselves in order. If there are fewer than six children, spread cards on the table and let children work together to put them in order.
Craft Activity: “Jesus, God’s Son” Book Supplies: crayons or markers, scissors, tape
Photocopy page 60, one for each child.
1. Cut out the folding “Jesus, God’s Son” book. Cut on solid lines; fold on dashed lines. 2. Attach the two strips together as shown. 3. Color the pictures. 4. Fold accordion-style. Tell the story of how we know that Jesus is God’s Son.
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Craft Activity: “Jesus, God’s Son” Book
Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.
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Deep Blue
Middle Elementary Leader’s Guide
•
January 29
SESSION 10
The Sower Bible Verse Everyone who has ears should pay attention. Luke 8:8
February 5 Bible Story Luke 8:4-15
Anchor Point
Did You Know?
T
oday is the beginning of a unit on the parables. A parable is a brief story that illustrates a single idea. The word “parable” comes from a verb that means “to be similar.” Jesus used parables to teach important lessons about God and God’s kingdom. In Galilee, agriculture was a major business. It would have been a common sight to see a sower throwing his seeds in the field. After plowing the soil, a farmer would scatter fistfuls of seed with sweeping arm motions. Then he would plow a second time to cover the seed with dirt. It was inevitable that some of the seed would fall beyond the boundaries of the field onto not so suitable areas. In today’s parable, the seeds fell on a well-worn path, a patch of thorns and weeds, and rocky ground—none conducive to germinating seeds. Jesus compared these with people who heard the good news and did not act on it. The seed that fell on fertile ground far exceeded what would have been expected. Jesus put great value on those people who heard the Word of God and chose to obey it. Middle elementary boys and girls are concrete thinkers. It may be hard for them to think of themselves as “good soil” when it comes to hearing and living out God’s Word. Think of your teaching plan as a way to “plant” seeds of faith into each child. Help them to know that by loving and obeying God’s Word, then God’s Word is growing in them and that they are the good soil that God wants them to be. For more Bible background information, go to deepbluekids.com.
Parables teach us about God’s love.
My Plan q Kids Stuff qB ible Story Fun q Exploration Station q Bible Story Time qE xperience the Story q My Thoughts q Connect q Optional Active Learning Game: Seed and Soil q Today’s Word: Parable qC raft Activity: A Good Place to Grow q Worship
Continue today’s lesson with your family! Free Stuff for Parents
Requires preparation. Scan this QR code—go directly to the Free Stuff for Parents page. Or visit deepbluekids.com. Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.
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Session 10
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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.
• T IP • Playing the unit songs will help children become familiar with the music.
WELCOM E Supplies: Class Stuff—pp. 2 & 31, Stickers, CD-ROM, DVD (optional), CD player, DVD player (optional), offering basket, tape, television (optional) Continue to display Attendance Chart. Set out offering basket. • Play “Speak to My Heart” and “When Will We Learn to Love?” as the children arrive. • Greet children. Show them where to place their offerings. Distribute attendance stickers.
KIDS ST UF F Supplies: Kids Stuff—p. 23, flower seeds, glue sticks, scissors, tape (optional) • Distribute A Seed Packet to Share. Let children assemble and add flower seeds prior to sealing it.
SAY: Our Bible story tells about seeds, and what it takes for them to grow.
B IB LE STORY FUN Supplies: Bible Stories & Stickers—Session 10, p. 1; pencils • Distribute this week’s story leaflet. Instruct children to match the seeds and the plants that will grow from it.
• T IP • Save the seeds to send home with the children to put in their flower pots.
EX PLOR AT ION STATION Supplies: Leader’s Guide—p. 65 [top],CD-ROM, DVD (optional), CD player, DVD player (optional), bag or basket, scissors
SAY: When God created the earth, God planned for the earth to recreate itself. God gave plants the ability to set seeds so that more plants can grow. Let’s imagine that the seeds on the table are unusual seeds. Draw what you believe will grow from it. • Let children draw what they believe will grow from the seeds. Share drawings.
Dive Deeper B IB LE STO RY TIME Supplies: DVD, DVD player, television Place the DVD in the player and cue Session 10.
Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.
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Deep Blue
Middle Elementary Leader’s Guide
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February 5
• Guide children to sit where they can easily see the television. Play the DVD.
ASK: What was the sower doing in today’s story? (planting seeds) What happened to the seeds that fell on the path? (The birds ate them.) What happened to the seeds that fell among the thorns? (They were choked out.) What happened to the seeds that fell among the rocks? (At first they grew, then they died because there was not enough soil.) What happened to the seeds that fell on good soil? (They grew.) What lesson does this story teach the people? (about those who hear God’s Word)
E X PE RI E N C E T H E STO RY Supplies: Deep Blue Kids Bibles, Bible Stories & Stickers—p. 2, pencils
SAY: The parable of the sower is found in the Book of Luke. Let’s pretend that we are the seeds that are being scattered. • Distribute Bibles. Invite children to find the story of the sower.
• T IP • If you have the space and a couple of artificial ficus trees, set up a storytelling tree of your own. Let children gather there to hear the story.
• T IP • The Bible story’s Scripture reference is in the Bible Stories & Stickers, page 1.
• Assign parts and present the story.
ASK: Which seed would you rather be?
MY T H O U G H T S Supplies: Bible Stories & Stickers—p. 3 [top], pencils
ASK: What are some of the things a seed needs to grow? (Let children mark those things pictured.) What happens if a seed doesn’t get this kind of nourishment? (It won’t grow.) How are we like seeds that hear God’s Word? What makes God’s Word grow in us?
• T IP • This is an abstract concept for concrete thinkers. Don’t be concerned that they don’t quite “get it.”
• T IP •
C O NN E CT Supplies: Deep Blue Kids Bibles, Bible Stories & Stickers—p. 3 [bottom], pencils • Call for children to look up the verses listed and draw a line from the matching Scripture to the picture. Identify the different plants that the Scripture refers to.
If the children need to get up and move, play Optional Active Learning Game: Seed and Soil (p. 65).
Grow Stronger TO DAY ’S WO RD: PAR AB LE Supplies: Deep Blue Kids Bibles, Bible Stories & Stickers—p. 4, pencils
SAY: Jesus used parables to teach lessons. He tried to use familiar activities with which the people could identify. Bible-times people would have seen farmers in the field sowing seed. They knew what kind of soil created good growth in seeds. • Invite children to respond to the questions in this section.
Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.
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Session 10
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CR AF T ACT IVITY: A GOOD P LACE TO GROW
• T IP • Read together the words of a new song before singing it.
• T IP • Play Unit 3 Scripture video on the DVD. This is a detailed demonstration of the American Sign Language and a fun way to learn the Bible verse.
Supplies: Leader’s Guide—p. 66, clean-up supplies, plastic flower pots (4''), recycled newspaper or plastic tablecloth, paintbrushes, shallow paper plates, acrylic poster paint (variety of colors), containers of water Photocopy directions for each child. Pour a small amount of paint onto each paper plate, a different color for each plate. • Distribute page 66 photocopies. Let children decorate their flower pots.
SAY: You can plant seeds in your flower pot, give the seeds all the things they need to grow, then watch what happens.
Worship GAT HER , S ING , AND SIGN Supplies: Deep Blue Kids Bibles; Bible Stories & Stickers—Songbooks; Leader’s Guide—p. 89; Class Stuff—pp. 8, 12 & 21; CD-ROM; DVD (optional); CD player; DVD player (optional); envelope; tape; television (optional) Display Unit 3 Bible Verse Poster. Punch out (or cut out) the parable pictures. • Play “Speak to My Heart” to signal children to clean their work spaces and move to the worship area. • Distribute songbooks. Call for children to locate the song. • Play the song, letting children follow along. Then sing the song together. • Teach the American Sign Language for Unit 3 Bible verse (p. 89) or use Unit 3 Scripture video. Say and sign the verse together.
SAY: Jesus told stories to help people understand what God wanted them to do and be. Today’s parable told people that when they heard and followed God’s Word, their faith would grow and grow. • Spread out all figures. Let children find the four from today’s parable (Figures 1-4) and add them to the poster. Store the remaining pictures in the envelope.
PR AIS E AND REFLECT Supplies: Deep Blue Kids Bible, Songbooks, CD-ROM, CD player • Direct children to find in the songbooks “When Will We Learn to Love?” • Play the song one time. Let children follow along with the words. • Sing the song, then set aside songbooks to collect later. • Form a circle and lead children to link arms. As the song plays, direct them to step to the right, then to the left; step to the front, then to the back. Repeat. • Invite children to name people or situations they‘d like to pray for in the closing prayer. Lift up those concerns at the end of the prayer.
PRAY: Dear God, we thank you for Jesus and the stories he told. Help us to listen and pay attention to the stories, then put his message into action in our lives. Amen. Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.
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Optional Active Learning Game: Seed and Soil Supplies: Leader’s Guide—p. 65 [top], CD-ROM, DVD (optional), CD player, DVD player (optional), bag or basket, scissors Photocopy this page. Cut apart the pictures. 1. Place the pictures in a bag. (If the class is large, make an additional set.) 2. Each child will draw out a picture. 3. E xplain to children that a seed needs good soil in order to grow. When the music stops, each seed will try to find good soil. 4. Play “Speak to My Heart” and let the children move around the room. 5. Stop the music, then children are to scurry to find a partner. 6. Repeat as often as the children enjoy playing.
Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.
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Craft Activity: A Good Place to Grow Supplies: plastic flower pots (4''), recycled newspaper or plastic tablecloth, paintbrushes, shallow paper plates, acrylic poster paint (variety of colors), containers of water Using the paint and your fingers, create designs on your flower pot. Choose one of these pictured or create your own.
Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.
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SESSION 11
The Good Samaritan Bible Verse Everyone who has ears should pay attention. Luke 8:8
February 12 Bible Story Luke 10:25-37
Anchor Point
Did You Know?
T
oday’s Bible story is a parable with a surprise twist. The hero of the story was a Samaritan, a social outcast of whom no one expected anything good. While Samaritans worshiped the same God as the Jewish people, some of their religious traditions made them unacceptable to their more devout Jewish neighbors. Righteous Jews who heard this story asked: How could a Samaritan do anything worthwhile?
Parables teach us about God’s love.
My Plan q Kids Stuff q Bible Story Fun
In today’s parable, the priest and the Levite had legitimate reasons for not helping their neighbor. In the Jewish law, anyone who touched a dead body was unclean for seven days. For them, the ritual to become clean again was inconvenient, as that both had “duties” to perform at the Temple. In addition, the Levite might have thought that this was a set up for a robbery. Levites tended to be of the wealthy class.
q Exploration Station
The Samaritan was not bound by the same strict religious laws as the priest and the Levite. He was free to help the injured man. In this story, Jesus pointed out that sometimes in the pursuit of righteousness, compassion was left behind.
q Connect
Children today live in a diverse world. There are persons of different cultural, religious, and community backgrounds. These are their “neighbors.” Neighbors don’t always have to live nearby. Neighbors are all those people who need our help. This is a good time to explore with the children the question: Who is my neighbor? For more Bible background information, go to deepbluekids.com.
Check all of the free resources for teachers!
q Bible Story Time q Experience the Story q My Thoughts q Optional Active Learning Game: Fill the First-Aid Kit q Today’s Word: Neighbor q Craft Activity: A Good-Neighbor Valentine Kit q Worship
Free Stuff for Teachers
Requires preparation. Scan this QR code—go directly to the Free Stuff for Teachers page. Or visit deepbluekids.com.
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Session 11
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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.
• T IP • Playing the unit songs will help children become familiar with the music.
WELCOM E Supplies: Class Stuff—pp. 2 & 31, Stickers, CD-ROM, DVD (optional), CD player, DVD player (optional), offering basket, tape, television (optional) Continue to display Attendance Chart. Set out offering basket. • Play “Speak to My Heart” and “When Will We Learn to Love?” as the children arrive. • Greet children. Show them where to place their offerings. Distribute attendance stickers.
KIDS ST UF F Supplies: Kids Stuff—p. 25, wooden, spring-loaded clothespins; craft glue; glue sticks (optional); magnetic strip tape; scissors Cut magnetic strip tape in 3½'' lengths, two for each child. • Distribute Love Your Neighbor. Let children make one to keep and one to share.
SAY: Our Bible story today gives us a whole new vision of who is our “neighbor.”
B IB LE STORY FUN
• T IP • Locate as many of the herbs and fruits as you can. Most can be found in the spice section at most grocery stores.
Supplies: Bible Stories & Stickers—Session 11, p. 1; pencils • Distribute this week’s story leaflet. Instruct children to follow the line from each child to a box below. Write the letters in the box to discover today’s message.
EX PLOR AT ION STATION Supplies: Leader’s Guide—p. 71 [top], variety of fruits and herbs, paper plates • Set out the various fruits, vegetables, and herbs you gathered. Ask children to determine which would be used for specific ailments.
SAY: In Bible times, treating people who were sick or injured was much different than it is today.
Dive Deeper B IB LE STO RY TIME Supplies: DVD, DVD player, television Place the DVD in the player and cue Session 11.
Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.
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February 12
• Guide children to sit where they can easily see the television. Play the DVD.
ASK: Where was the traveler going? (to Jericho) What happened to him? (He was beaten, robbed, and left for dead.) Who came along the road? (a priest and a Levite) Did they stop to help him? (no) Who did help him? (a Samaritan man) Why was this story surprising to those who heard it? (They did not think much of Samaritans.)
E X PE RI E N C E T H E STO RY Supplies: Deep Blue Kids Bibles, Bible Stories & Stickers—p. 2
SAY: The story of the Good Samaritan came as an answer to a question. The man knew that the Law told him to love God. But Jesus added something to it.
• T IP • The Bible story’s Scripture reference is in the Bible Stories & Stickers, page 1.
• Distribute Bibles. Invite children to find the story of the Good Samaritan. • Assign parts and present the story.
ASK: What did Jesus add to the Law? (“Love your neighbor as yourself.”)
MY T H O U G H T S Supplies: Deep Blue Kids Bibles, Bible Stories & Stickers—p. 3 [top]
ASK: How do you think the injured man felt when the priest and the Levite passed by? How do you think he felt when the Samaritan stopped to help him? • Invite children to think about times when they have either ignored someone who needed help or were ignored when they needed help.
• T IP • Use Optional Active Learning Game: Fill the First-Aid Kit (p. 71), if the children need to move around.
• Lead children in reading the various excuses that are often given.
C O NN E CT Supplies: Deep Blue Kids Bibles, Bible Stories & Stickers—p. 3 [bottom], pencils • Call for children to use the Table of Contents in their Bibles to fill in the letters on the Books of Law.
SAY: The Law was very important to God’s people. They wanted to follow it to the letter. But Jesus’ teachings helped them see the Law in a different way.
Grow Stronger TO DAY ’S WO RD: NEIGHB O R Supplies: Deep Blue Kids Bibles, Bible Stories & Stickers—p. 4
SAY: There are many different kinds of neighbors. Neighbors live close to us. Neighbors also can live far away. • Talk with the boys and girls about what it means to be a “good neighbor.”
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CR AF T ACT IVITY: A GOOD- NEIGHBOR VALENTINE KIT
• T IP • Read together the words of a new song before singing it.
Supplies: Leader’s Guide—pp. 72 & 92, Stickers, glue sticks, scissors Photocopy A Good-Neighbor Valentine Kit and cards, one for each child. • Distribute kit and cards. Let children add the heart stickers prior to assembly. • Assemble as shown. Add the cards to the kit and share the kit with a “neighbor.”
SAY: Jesus teaches us that we are to love God and to love our neighbors. Share with a neighbor this Good-Neighbor Valentine Kit. Each card in the kit promises something you will do for that person.
• T IP • Play Unit 3 Scripture video on the DVD. This is a detailed demonstration of the American Sign Language and a fun way to learn the Bible verse.
Worship GAT HER , S ING , AND SIGN Supplies: Deep Blue Kids Bibles; Bible Stories & Stickers—Songbooks; Leader’s Guide—p. 89; Class Stuff—pp. 8, 12 & 21; CD-ROM; DVD (optional); CD player; DVD player (optional); envelope of Storytelling Figures; tape; television (optional) Continue to display Unit 3 Bible Verse Poster. Set aside envelope of parable figures. • Play “Speak to My Heart” to signal children to clean their work spaces and move to the worship area. • Distribute songbooks. Call for children to locate the words to the song. • Play the song one time, letting children follow along. Then sing the song together. • Teach the American Sign Language for Unit 3 Bible verse (p. 89) or use Unit 3 Scripture video. Say and sign the verse together. SAY: Jesus told stories to help people understand what God wanted them to do and be. Today’s parable told the people that they were to love God and also love their neighbors. • Spread out the remaining pictures. Let children find the four pictures from today’s parable (Figures 4-8) and add them to the poster.
PR AIS E AND REFLECT Supplies: Deep Blue Kids Bible, Songbooks, CD-ROM, CD player • Direct children to find in the songbooks “When Will We Learn to Love?” • Play the song one time. Let children follow along with the words. • Sing the song, then set aside songbooks to collect later. • Form a circle. Let children link arms. As the song plays, lead them to step to the right, then step to the left; step to the front, step to the back. Repeat. • I nvite children to name people or situations they‘d like to pray for in the closing prayer. Lift up those concerns at the end of the prayer.
PRAY: Dear God, we thank you for Jesus and the stories he told. Help us to listen and pay attention to the stories, then put his message into action in our lives. Amen. Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.
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February 12
Exploration Station: Get Well Quick Supplies: paper plates, variety of fruits and herbs Choose as many of these items as you can locate. Place each item on a separate plate. Ask children the questions and let them try to guess which items might have been used in the time of Jesus. Suggested Items: aloe, blackberries, cabbage, fennel, garlic, mint, olive oil, parsley, pomegranate, tarragon Questions: Which of these items would you use if you ... 1. ... had a burn on your hand? (aloe) 2. ... had problems with your eyes? (fennel) 3. ... had a toothache? (tarragon) 4. ... had been bitten by a snake? (blackberries) 5. ... had a headache? (cabbage) 6. ... had sores in your mouth? (pomegranate) 7. ... had the flu? (garlic) 8. ... had a scrape or a wound? (olive oil) 9. ... had indigestion? (mint) 10. ...had bad breath? (parsley)
Optional Active Learning Game: Fill the First-Aid Kit Supplies: a standard first-aid kit for each team of children, with equal number of items Setting Up the Game: 1. Remove the items from each kit. Place the items in two locations on a table. 2. Arrange children into two teams. Tip: Avoid any sharp-pointed items that might be in the kit, such as scissors. How to Play: 1. Each team will take turns for each player to run to the First Aid Table and grab one of the items, then run back to the team and put it in the kit. 2. Then the next player will do the same. 3. The first team with all their items in the kit wins the game. For a Challenge: Each player will be injured and have to hop on one foot to the table and back.
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Craft Activity: A Good-Neighbor Valentine Kit Supplies: Leader’s Guide—p. 92, Stickers, glue stick, scissors 1. Cut out the Good-Neighbor Valentine Kit and the cards to go into the kit (p. 92). 2. Decorate the box with the heart stickers (Stickers). 3. Assemble the kit as shown. Place the cards into the kit. 4. Share your Good-Neighbor Valentine Kit with someone who needs a friend.
Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.
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SESSION 12
The Stories of the Lost Bible Verse
February 19 Bible Story Luke 15:3-10
Everyone who has ears should pay attention. Luke 8:8
Anchor Point
Did You Know?
I
n today’s Bible story, Jesus talked about something that was “lost.” Three stories have the same theme: something is lost, then it is found, everyone celebrates. These stories were told to a group of Pharisees (religious leaders) who could not understand why Jesus spent so much time with the “wrong” sort of people. A truly righteous person of that time would never lower himself or herself to associate with the likes of those with whom Jesus chose to spend time. But Jesus’ stories point out to this group of “holier than thou” men that heaven “rejoiced” when these lost ones were returned to the fold. Most children can relate to the story of the lost sheep. At one time or another they have probably found themselves “lost.” It’s a scary feeling, one they would just as soon not repeat. What a relief to be welcomed back into the loving arms of a parent, teacher, or caretaker after such a harrowing experience. This same feeling was not “lost” on those members of the crowd who might have felt that they were too “lost” to be redeemable. Why try when one is that far gone? No one is perfect, particularly those people who think they are. How profoundly reassuring that God rejoices when even one person turns back to God after wandering off the path! Continually remind children that they are loved and that they are very important to God. Rejoice in the children just as God rejoices in them. For more Bible background information, go to deepbluekids.com.
Parables teach us about God’s love.
My Plan q Kids Stuff q Bible Story Fun q Exploration Station q Bible Story Time q Experience the Story q My Thoughts q Connect q Optional Active Learning Game: Where Is the Coin? q Today’s Word: Lost qC raft Activity: Make a Sheep Bracelet q Worship
Check free samples of Deep Blue! Sample Curriculum
Scan this QR code—go directly to the Sample Curriculum page. Or visit deepbluekids.com.
Requires preparation.
Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.
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Session 12
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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.
• T IP • Playing the unit songs will help children become familiar with the music.
WELCOM E Supplies: Class Stuff—pp. 2 & 31, Stickers, CD-ROM, DVD (optional), CD player, DVD player (optional), offering basket, tape, television (optional) Continue to display Attendance Chart. Set out offering basket. • Play “Speak to My Heart” and “When Will We Learn to Love?” as the children arrive.
• T IP • How to play the game: Invite a friend to play. One player closes her or his eyes while the other player places the sheep card in one of the pockets. Be sure the sheep is totally hidden in the pocket. Then the friend has three tries to find the Lost Sheep.
• Greet children. Show them where to place their offerings. Distribute attendance stickers.
KIDS ST UF F Supplies: Kids Stuff—p. 27, crayons or markers, file folders, glue sticks, scissors • Distribute The Lost Sheep Game. Let children assemble as shown.
SAY: Our Bible story today is all about things that are lost. Let’s see if you can find the lost sheep.
B IB LE STORY FUN Supplies: Bible Stories & Stickers—Session 12, p. 1; Stickers • Distribute this week’s story leaflet. Instruct children to use their stickers to complete each picture.
EX PLOR AT ION STATION Supplies: Leader’s Guide—p. 77 [top]
SAY: Today’s Bible story is about things that are “lost.” One of the things that is lost is a sheep. Sheep are not easy to take care of and easily could have gotten lost. I will read some statements. If you think this is true, stand up.
Dive Deeper B IB LE STO RY TIME Supplies: DVD, DVD player, television Place the DVD in the player and cue Session 12.
Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.
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February 19
• Guide children to sit where they can easily see the television. Play the DVD.
ASK: What were the two things that were lost in today’s story? (a sheep and a coin) What did the shepherd do? (He left the other sheep and went in search of the lost sheep.) What did the woman do? (She searched until she found the coin.) What did both do when they found their lost items? (They celebrated.)
E X PE RI E N C E T H E STO RY Supplies: Deep Blue Kids Bibles, Bible Stories & Stickers—p. 2, pencils
SAY: The stories of the lost sheep and lost coin are found in the Book of Luke. Let’s tell the story and pretend we are that shepherd and that woman.
• T IP • The Bible story’s Scripture reference is in the Bible Stories & Stickers, page 1.
• Distribute Bibles. Invite children to find the story of lost items. • Assign parts and present the story.
MY T H O U G H T S Supplies: Deep Blue Kids Bibles, Bible Stories & Stickers—p. 3 [top] • Invite children to consider the questions. Lead discussion.
C O NN E CT Supplies: Deep Blue Kids Bibles, Bible Stories & Stickers—p. 3 [bottom], pencils
SAY: When Jesus told stories, he used things that were familiar to the people who heard his stories. Bible-times people knew about shepherds.
• T IP • If the children need to change activities and move around, use Optional Active Learning Game: Where Is the Coin? (p. 77).
• Call for the children to look up the verse listed and answer the question.
ASK: How is Jesus like a good shepherd?
Grow Stronger TO DAY ’S WO RD: LOST Supplies: Deep Blue Kids Bibles, Bible Stories & Stickers—p. 4, Stickers, pencils
SAY: Neither the sheep nor the coin “chose” to be lost. The shepherd and the woman went in search of what was missing. ASK: Have you ever “lost” anything? Have you ever been lost? What did you do to make this right? Are there persons who are missing from our group? How can we help them know they are missed and that we want them to return? • Invite children to use their Stickers to complete the picture. Point out that when a piece is missing, the whole picture is not right.
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CR AF T ACT IVITY: MAKE A SHEEP BRACELET
• T IP • Read together the words of a new song before singing it.
Supplies: Leader’s Guide—p. 78, cotton balls, craft glue, scissors, tape, wiggle eyes Photocopy the sheep bracelet for each child. • Distribute the photocopies. Instruct children to follow the directions to create a sheep bracelet.
SAY: When we wear this bracelet we will remember the story of the lost sheep and lost coin. We will remember that we are special to God.
Worship • T IP • Play Unit 3 Scripture video on the DVD. This is a detailed demonstration of the American Sign Language and a fun way to learn the Bible verse.
GAT HER , S ING , AND SIGN Supplies: Deep Blue Kids Bibles; Bible Stories & Stickers—Songbooks; Leader’s Guide—p. 89; Class Stuff—pp. 8, 12 & 21; CD-ROM; DVD (optional); CD player; DVD player (optional); envelope of Storytelling Figures; tape; television (optional) ontinue to display Unit 3 Bible Verse Poster. Obtain the envelope of C Storytelling Figures. • Play “Speak to My Heart” to signal children to clean their work spaces and move to the worship area. • Distribute songbooks. Call for children to locate the words to the song. • Play the song, letting children follow along. Then sing the song together. • Teach the American Sign Language for Unit 3 Bible verse (p. 89) or use Unit 3 Scripture video. Say and sign the verse together.
SAY: Jesus told stories to help people understand what God wanted them to do and be. Today’s parable told the people that God rejoices when a person is brought back into the community of faith. • Spread out all the figures. Let children find the four figures from today’s parable (Figures 9-12) and add them to the poster.
PR AIS E AND REFLECT Supplies: Deep Blue Kids Bibles, Songbooks, CD-ROM, CD player • Direct children to find in the songbooks “When Will We Learn to Love?” • Play the song one time. Let children follow along with the words. • Sing the song, then set aside songbooks to collect later. • Form a circle. Guide children to link arms. As the song plays, let them step to the right, then step to the left; step to the front, step to the back. Repeat. • I nvite children to name people or situations they‘d like to pray for in the closing prayer. Lift up those concerns at the end of the prayer.
PRAY: Dear God, we thank you for Jesus and the stories he told. Help us to listen and pay attention to the stories, then put his message into action in our lives. Amen. Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.
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February 19
Exploration Station: Facts About Sheep 1. A male sheep is called a ram; the female sheep is called a ewe. (True) 2. Baby sheep are called kids. (False. They are called lambs.) 3. The average sheep lives to be about 20 years of age. (False. The average sheep lives to be about 7 years of age.) 4. Sheep are not very bright. (True) 5. Sheep are not as skittish as goats. (False. Sheep are more skittish than goats.) 6. Sheep gave Bible-times people food and wool for clothing and leather. (True) 7. Various sheep produce differing types of wool. (True) 8. Shearing a sheep is very painful for the sheep. (False. It’s like getting a haircut.) 9. The wool of a sheep is fire resistant. (True) 10. Sheep have many natural enemies—coyotes, bears, wolves, lions. (True) 11. A lamb knows its mother by the sound she makes. (True) 12. A group of sheep is called a “flock.” (True) 13. Sheep will follow behind their shepherd. (True) 14. Sheep have two toes on each leg. (True)
Optional Active Learning Game: Where Is the Coin? Supplies: a quarter or a half dollar How to Play: 1. Lead children to stand in a circle, shoulder to shoulder, with their hands behind their backs. 2. Select one child to be IT. 3. IT will stand in the center of the circle. 4. Place the coin in the hands of one child. 5. Pretend to give it to several children so that IT doesn’t know where the coin starts. 6. At a signal, children will pass the coin behind their backs. Those who do not have the coin can pretend to be passing it in order to confuse IT. 7. When IT signals “stop,” all movement ceases. 8. IT has three tries to guess who has the coin. 9. If IT guesses correctly, the child holding the coin becomes the next IT. Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.
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Craft Activity: Make a Sheep Bracelet Supplies: cotton balls, craft glue, scissors, tape, wiggle eyes 1. Cut out the wristband and sheep’s head. 2. Add wiggle eyes to the sheep’s head. 3. Add cotton balls to the head as shown. 4. Glue head to the wristband as shown. 5. Adjust band so that you can slip the bracelet on and off.
Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.
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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
he story of the forgiving father (more traditionally known as the Prodigal son) is among the stories of those things that are lost, then found. The family’s youngest son demanded that his father give him his rightful inheritance while the father was still living. The son left, squandered the inheritance shamelessly, then wanted to come home. He offered to return as a servant rather than a member of the family. He knew he did not deserve his father’s forgiveness. But the father welcomed his son with open arms. That is not the end of the story. The father threw a great party for younger son and gave him extravagant gifts. Older brother was a little put out with the whole thing. After all, he didn’t go anywhere. He didn’t waste his father’s money. He didn’t come home in disgrace. No party was thrown for him. The two brothers represent two kinds of people— those who are always faithful and never go astray, and the ones who stray but realize their mistake and return to being faithful. The father reassured the older son that he was always loved and honored, but the rejoicing was for the younger son who turned back. Children don’t always do what is right. When they choose wrongly, they discover that they often must pay the “consequences.” This is part of growing up. As leaders, we hope we can spare them from truly bad consequences that follow bad choices. But one thing we can impress upon them: God doesn’t keep score. God will welcome them back. For more Bible background information, go to deepbluekids.com.
Parables teach us about God’s love.
My Plan q Kids Stuff qB ible Story Fun q Exploration Station q Bible Story Time q Experience the Story q My Thoughts q Connect q Optional Active Learning Game: BibleVerse Balloon Bounce q Today’s Word: Family q Craft Activity: “Welcome Home” Blessing Cards q Worship
Use these tools to spread the word about your ministry! Free Images & Logo
Scan this QR code—go directly to the Free Logos and Images page. Or visit deepbluekids.com to discover all of 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.
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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.
• T IP • Today is the last Sunday in this quarter. Talk with the children about their favorite stories from the unit.
WELCOM E Supplies: Class Stuff—pp. 2 & 31, Stickers, CD-ROM, DVD (optional), CD player, DVD player (optional), offering basket, tape, television (optional) Continue to display Attendance Chart. Set out offering basket. • Play “Speak to My Heart” and “When Will We Learn to Love?” as the children arrive.
• T IP • Playing the unit songs will help children become familiar with the music.
• Greet children. Show them where to place their offerings. Distribute attendance stickers.
KIDS ST UF F Supplies: Kids Stuff—p. 29, construction paper (blue), craft glue, wooden craft sticks, glue sticks (optional), pencils, sandpaper (variety of grades), scissors Photocopy page 30, one for each child. Photocopy page 29 three times to obtain the three sandpaper cutting guides. Cut out one set of guides for each child. • Distribute A Boy in a Pig Pen. Let children assemble as shown and add figures.
• T IP • Sandpaper is also a good way to sharpen your scissors. If time is an issue, cut the sandpaper background prior to class.
SAY: Pigs in Bible times were thought to be “unclean” animals. No one would have thought that our main character in today’s story would end up in a pig pen!
B IB LE STORY FUN Supplies: Bible Stories & Stickers—Session 13, p. 1; crayons or markers • Distribute this week’s story leaflet. Let children draw family portraits in the space.
EX PLOR AT ION STATION Supplies: Leader’s Guide—p. 93, buttons, glue sticks, paper plates (small), rocks (small) or flat-bottomed glass marbles, scissors Photocopy page 93. Cut out pictures and glue to paper plates. Each team needs a set.
SAY: The story begins with a son demanding his father give his inheritance. You have an estate to divide between three people—the younger son, the older son, and the father.
• T IP • If there are “extra” items, ask the children whom they believe should get the “extra.”
• Let children work together to divide the items.
Dive Deeper B IB LE STO RY TIME Supplies: DVD, DVD player, television Place the DVD in the player and cue Session 13. Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.
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February 26
• Guide children to sit where they can easily see the television. Play the DVD.
ASK: What did the younger son ask of his father? (that he give him his share of his father’s inheritance) What did he do with the money? (He squandered it or spent it all.) Where did he end up? (working for a farmer, feeding the pigs) What did he decide to do? (to go back home and be a servant in his father’s household) What did the father do? (He welcomed him home and gave him extravagant gifts.)
E X PE RI E N C E T H E STO RY Supplies: Deep Blue Kids Bibles, Bible Stories & Stickers—p. 2
SAY: The story of the Forgiving Father is found in the Book of Luke. Let’s read the parts and act the story. • Distribute Bibles. Invite children to find the story of the father and son. • Assign parts and present the story.
• T IP • The Bible story’s Scripture reference is in the Bible Stories & Stickers, page 1.
MY T H O U G H T S Supplies: Deep Blue Kids Bibles, Bible Stories & Stickers—p. 3 [top], pencils • Call for children to choose which character in the story they would most likely be. Invite them to explain why.
C O NN E CT Supplies: Deep Blue Kids Bibles, Bible Stories & Stickers—p. 3 [bottom], pencils
SAY: Taking care of pigs was a terrible job. No Jewish person would be caught dead doing this—unless they absolutely had to. Let’s find out why.
• T IP • Use Optional Active Learning Game: BibleVerse Balloon Bounce (p. 83), if children need to move around.
• Call for children to look up the verse listed and discuss why pigs were repulsive.
Grow Stronger TO DAY ’S WO RD: FAM ILY Supplies: Deep Blue Kids Bibles, Bible Stories & Stickers—p. 4, pencils
SAY: There are many different kinds of family. There is your family that lives in your house. There is your church family. There is your school family. ASK: What does it mean to be a family? (Invite children to share.) • Look up the Bible verse and read it aloud. Talk about how we all belong to God’s family.
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• T IP • Read together the words of a new song before singing it.
CR AF T ACT IVITY: “WELCOME HOME” BLESSING CARDS Supplies: Leader’s Guide—pp. 83-84, craft knife (ADULTS only), crayons or markers, scissors, tape Photocopy pages 83-84, one for each child. Cut off the activity on page 83, top. • Distribute the photocopies. • Instruct children to color, cut out, and fold the cards as shown.
SAY: These cards will remind us that we belong to God’s family and are always welcome, no matter what we’ve done.
Worship GAT HER , S ING , AND SIGN
• T IP • Play Unit 3 Scripture video on the DVD. This is a detailed demonstration of the American Sign Language and a fun way to learn the Bible verse.
Supplies: Deep Blue Kids Bibles; Bible Stories & Stickers—Songbooks; Leader’s Guide—p. 89; Class Stuff—pp. 8, 12 & 21; CD-ROM; DVD (optional); CD player; DVD player (optional); envelope of Storytelling Figures; tape; television (optional) ontinue to display Unit 3 Bible Verse Poster. Set aside the envelope of C Storytelling Figures. • Play “Speak to My Heart” to signal children to clean their work spaces and move to the worship area. • Distribute songbooks. Locate the words to the song. • Play the song, letting children follow along. Then sing the song together. • Teach the American Sign Language for Unit 3 Bible verse (p. 89) or use Unit 3 Scripture video. Say and sign the verse together.
• T IP • Use Unit 3 Trivia Game on the DVD. This is a fun way to recall the stories from this unit.
• T IP • Just for Fun: If you have time, re-measure the children’s height using the Growth Chart: Growing in Wisdom and Stature (Class Stuff —p. 9)..
SAY: Jesus told stories to help people understand what God wanted them to do and be. Today’s parable told the people that when they heard and followed God’s Word, their faith would grow and grow. • Let the children add to the poster the final four figures (Figures 13-16).
PR AIS E AND REFLECT Supplies: Deep Blue Kids Bibles, Songbooks, CD-ROM, CD player • Direct children to find in the songbooks “When Will We Learn to Love?” • Play the song one time. Let children follow along with the words. • Sing the song, then set aside songbooks to collect later. • Form a circle. Guide children to link arms. As the song plays, let them step to the right, then step to the left; step to the front, then step to the back. Repeat. Let children sing the song as they dance. • I nvite children to name people or situations they‘d like to pray for in the closing prayer. Lift up those concerns at the end of the prayer. PRAY: Dear God, we thank you for Jesus and the stories he told. Help us to listen and pay attention to the stories, then put his message into action in our lives. Amen. Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.
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Optional Active Learning Game: Bible-Verse Balloon Bounce Supplies: CD-ROM, CD player, balloons (at least 8), permanent felt-tip marker Setting Up the Game: 1. Blow up the balloons. Be sure to have at least eight balloons. If the class is large, make two sets of balloons. 2. Write one word of the Bible verse and the Scripture reference (p. 79) on each balloon. 3. Blow them up and tie the nozzle. How to Play: 1. Provide an open space with no dangerous obstacles. 2 . Play music and let boys and girls bounce balloons in the air. Encourage children to try to keep the balloons from hitting the floor. 3. When the music stops, each child is to grab a balloon and race to put themselves in order of the Bible verse.
Craft Activity: “Welcome Home” Blessing Cards Supplies: Leader’s Guide—pp. 83-84, craft knife (ADULTS only), crayons or markers, scissors, tape 1. Decorate the card. 2. Cut out on the solid lines. Let an adult help you cut out the upper part of the door. 3. Fold on the dashed lines as shown. 4. Tape base to form standing tent. Take these blessing cards home to place on the family table. We all have families—our home family, our school family, our church family, and most importantly, God’s family.
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Making an Advent Wreath There are many different ways to make an Advent Wreath. If your church does not allow real candles to be used in the Sunday-school area, use battery-operated LED tealights. 1. Begin with a foam floral wreath. Cover it with greenery. You can use real or artificial greenery. 2. Set four purple candles around the wreath as shown. 3. Set a larger white candle in the center of the wreath. This is the Christ candle. It will be lit on Christmas Day. 4. Each Sunday until Christmas Day, light one purple candle. Each candle has a special meaning. Invite two children each week to read the Scripture references as you light the candle. First Candle (Hope)—Read Isaiah 9:2; Isaiah 40:3. Second Candle (Love)—Read Luke 1:31; Luke 1:37. Third Candle (Joy)—Read Luke 1:41; Luke 1:46-47. Fourth Candle (Peace)—Read Luke 2:13-14; Isaiah 9:6. Christ Candle—Read Matthew 1:23; Luke 2:10-11. Sing “Let Them Shine” as you light the candles each week. This song is also included on the Winter CD-ROM.
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Symbols of Christmas Angel
Nativity Displays
During Christmas we see angels everywhere. Some people place angel ornaments at the top of their Christmas trees rather than stars. The angel became a symbol of Christmas because in the stories of Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds, angels announced the birth of Jesus.
The first-ever Nativity scene recorded in history was created by St. Francis of Assisi. St. Francis was concerned that the meaning of Christmas was becoming lost as most people were more focused with the ritual of gift giving. They were losing the true message of Christmas. Determined to remind people what Christmas is really about, he set about creating the world’s first known Nativity scene to help tell people The Nativity Story. It was created in a cave and involved real people and animals, making it a living Nativity scene. While living Nativity scenes still exist today, much more popular are those versions that require no real people or animals.
Christmas Tree The Christmas tree was introduced in the 1600s in Germany. Eventually other countries followed this tradition. Families coming to America brought this tradition with them.
Star The Christmas star has been a very special part of the Christmas celebration. The stars that appear in the sky today are the same ones that were there 2,000 years ago. What was that special star that appeared in the sky when Jesus was born? Was it a super nova? Was it a comet? Was it an alignment of Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn? We don’t know. But we do know that the star was a guide for the wise men so they could find the newborn king.
Candy Cane Turn the candy cane one way and it looks like a shepherd’s crook. The shepherds were the first to hear about the birth of Jesus. Turn the candy cane upside down and it looks like a “J” for Jesus. The traditional candy cane has red and white stripes. Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.
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Unit 1 Bible Verse Sign Language A child is born to us. Isaiah 9:6
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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Unit 2 Bible Verse Sign Language God so loved the world that he gave his only Son. John 3:16
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 palm 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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Unit 3 Bible Verse Sign Language Everyone who has ears should pay attention. Luke 8:8
Everyone
Ears
Start with your fist at shoulder height. Bring your fist and 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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Optional Active Learning Game: Follow That Star! (Session 5)
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Craft Activity: Growing in Wisdom and Stature (Session 6)
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Craft Activity: A Good-Neighbor Valentine Kit (Session 11)
I am a good listener. Call on me.
If you are feeling all alone, call on me.
If a job is too big for you, I can help.
If you need a friend, I’ll be there.
If you need a smile, I can help.
I’ll have your back, no matter what.
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Exploration Station: Divide the Inheritance (Session 13)
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Answers to Bible Stories & Stickers Activities Session 1, page 3: CONNECT—1. b., 2. d.
Session 8, page 3: CONNECT—1. a., 2. c., 3. f., 4. b., 5. e., 6. d.
Session 2, page 1: 10 mallets
Session 8, page 4: TODAY’S WORD—The greatest miracle of all: Jesus was raised from the dead.
Session 2, page 3: MY THOUGHTS—b. son of David CONNECT—1. a., 2. b., 3. a. Session 3, page 3: CON NECT—Peter and John prepared the Passover meal. Session 4, page 3: MY THOUGHTS—1. b., 2. a. CON NECT—Animals would get along with each other. Session 5, page 1: Code: Gold, Frankincense, Myrrh Session 5, page 3: CON NECT—1. The advisors had read from the writings of the prophets. 2. Bethlehem Session 6, page 1: Code: Love God with Your Whole Heart
Session 10, page 1: Top row, plant 1 (flower): seed box 3 Top row, plant 2 (sunflower): seed box 5 Top row, plant 3 (palm): seed box 2 Bottom row, plant 1 (dandelion): seed box 4 Bottom row, plant 2 (apple tree): seed box 6 Bottom row, plant 3 (wheat): seed box 1 Session 10, page 3: CONNECT—Matthew 13:24-30, seeds and weeds Session 12, page 3: CONNECT—”The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” Session 13, page 3: CONNECT—Pigs were considered unclean. Session 13, page 4: TODAY’S WORD—We belong to God’s family.
Session 6, page 3: CON NECT—Names that do not belong: Samuel, Mary, Shawn, Barak Session 7, page 1: My Son Session 7, page 3: CONNECT—The dove stands for the Holy Spirit. Session 8, page 1: Objects that do not belong: dolphin, sledder, igloo, jack-o-lantern, Christmas tree, tiger, submarine, girl with snowball, penguin, bushes
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Session 3, Page 1 Session 9, Page 1
Session 4, Page 1
Session 1, Page 1
Answers
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Session 12, Page 1
Session 12, Page 4
Session 11, Page 1
Session 10, Page 1
Answers
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Help young children dive deep into God’s story!
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
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 LeeDell B. Stickler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Writer LeeDell B. Stickler & L. Jones Armstrong . . . . . . Editors Rhonda P. Delph . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Production Editor Charles Long . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Designer ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM Neil M. Alexander . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Publisher Marjorie M. Pon . . . . . . Associate Publisher and Editor of Church School Publications (CSP) Mary M. Johannes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Design Manager Brittany Sky. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Senior Editor, Children’s Resources Deep Blue Kids: Middle Elementary, Leader’s Guide: An official resource for The United Methodist Church approved by Discipleship 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.
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All rights reserved. Send address changes to Deep Blue Kids: Middle Elementary, Leader’s Guide, Subscription Services, 2222 Rosa L. Parks Blvd., PO Box 280988, Nashville, TN 37228-0988 or call 800672-1789. Printed in the United States of America. To order copies of this publication, call toll free: 800-672-1789 800-672-1789. You may fax your order to 800-445-8189. Telecommunication Device for the Deaf/Telex Telephone: cokesbury.com 800-227-4091. 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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