MEMORY VERSE/SCRIPTURE
“God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son.” John 3:16, GNT
SAY THIS
How do we know God loves us? God gave us Jesus.
ACTIVITY
What You Need:
Wrapping paper, clear tape, safety scissors, gift bows, and small boxes
What You Do/Say:
Lay out wrapping paper and supplies.
Say, “Today we have all these boxes and wrapping paper. Will you help me wrap them? (Help your child cut or tear the paper and wrap the boxes.)
“Our Bible story was about three wise men who brought gifts to Jesus. The wise men celebrated Jesus and worshipped Him. Jesus is very special because Jesus is God’s Son. God loves us so much that God gave us Jesus to be our friend forever!
“Let’s put these presents somewhere so we can see them and remember that God loves us. (Place gifts in a spot to help remind family and friends that God gave us Jesus.) How do we know God loves us? God gave us Jesus!”
CRAFT/ACTIVITY
Christmas Story Train: Color the pictures and then put the parts of the train in order of the story of Christmas. Retell the story and practice our memory verse!
Gift Finders: Look around for gifts in the different places. Color or circle the gifts!
PRAYER
“Dear God, thank You for the true story of Christmas. Help us celebrate Jesus like the wise men did. We don’t have to wait for Christmas to celebrate that You love us and gave us Jesus. We can do that every day! We love You, God. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.”
Happy New Year!
MEMORY VERSE/SCRIPTURE
“God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son.” John 3:16, GNT
SAY THIS
How do we know God loves us? God gave us Jesus.
ACTIVITY
What You Need:
Plastic toy sheep or white cotton balls, baby doll, blanket, and basket
What You Do/Say:
Wrap the doll and place it in a basket on one side of your room. Scatter the sheep all over the floor on the opposite side of the room.
Say, “God sent angels to tell the shepherds that Jesus had been born. When the shepherds heard that Jesus had been born, they ran to see Him! Let’s play a game! When I say, ‘Jesus is born,’ I want you to run to the baby in that basket. Okay, little shepherd, get ready to run! JESUS IS BORN! Look! It’s Baby Jesus, just like the angels said! Yay! God gave us Jesus! (Clap and cheer.) Let’s go back to our sheep and do that again!”
CRAFT/ACTIVITY
Story Train: Make train tracks and stick each story train picture craft stick in a pot of Play-Doh so it will stand on the floor (like a road sign). Add the story train pictures to the side of the train tracks, in order as they happened in the story. Drive the train around the track and stop at the story pictures so you can review parts of the Bible story. Make train sounds as you go. Talk about how the shepherds ran to see the good news that God gave us Jesus!
Which One Is It?: Point out the train cars on their paper and invite them to dot marker over the correct picture after the following questions: Where did the angel appear? What happened in the stable? Where did the shepherds run to find Baby Jesus? Review the Bible story and remind the children that God gave us Jesus because He loves us!
PRAYER
“Dear God, thank You for loving us so much that You gave us Jesus. Help us go and tell everyone the good news about Jesus like the shepherds did. We love You, God. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
MEMORY VERSE/SCRIPTURE
“God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son.” John 3:16, GNT
SAY THIS
How do we know God loves us? God gave us Jesus.
ACTIVITY
What You Need:
Container of pom-poms or cotton balls
What You Do/Say:
Say, “Come get some pom-poms! We’re going to say a Bible story rhyme together, and when I say the word “everyone,” we’ll toss our pom-poms in the air. Wait for me to tell you when to toss them, okay? Now say what I say! “Hello, Mary! Don’t be afraid! (Pause for child to repeat.) God has a message for you today. (Pause for child to repeat.) You’re going to have a baby, God’s only Son. (Pause for child to repeat.) To show that God loves EVERYONE! (Pause for child to repeat and cue child to toss pom-poms when they say, “Everyone.”) “Yay! (Clap.) God loves everyone! And how do we know God loves us? God gave us Jesus! Let’s pick up our pom-poms and do that again.”
CRAFT/ACTIVITY
Jesus is the Gift: Color the pictures and cut it out on the dotted lines. Wrap it around and tape/glue together to make a present!
PRAYER
“Dear God, thank You that we can read the true story of Christmas in the Bible. Thank You for loving us so much that You gave us Your Son, Jesus. We love You, God. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.”
MEMORY VERSE/SCRIPTURE
“Always give thanks to God.” Ephesians 5:20, NIrV
SAY THIS
Who can you thank for everything? I can thank God for everything.
ACTIVITY
What You Need:
Painter’s tape
What You Do/Say:
Tape two parallel lines on the floor about three-feet apart and six-feet long to create a pathway.
Say, “Let’s say our memory verse together and do the motions. ‘Always (draw large circles with index finger) give thanks (move flat hand forward from lips) to God,’ (hold open palm with thumb to forehead and pull down) Ephesians 5:20. (Open hands like a book.) Great job! In our Bible story, we learned how David danced and sang as a way to say thank you to God! I want you to dance all the way down this path as we say our memory verse together. [Child’s name], show me your dance down the path as we say the memory verse. ‘Always give thanks to God,’ Ephesians 5:20. Great dancing! Wow! Those were some pretty awesome dance moves! David showed God that he was thankful by dancing and singing, and we can too! There are lots of ways we can say ‘Thank You, God,’ anytime and anywhere.”
CRAFT/ACTIVITY
Anytime, Anywhere Die: Color the pictures and cut them out on the dotted line. Glue on the sides of a block/cube and roll. Talk about what you’re grateful for for each routine/item.
Thankful Game Cards: Color the pictures and cut them out on the dotted line. Flip them over and take turns talking about what you’re thankful for!
PRAYER
“God, we love You! We want to say thank you all the time, everywhere, for everything! Thanks for loving us and giving us so many good things. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen
MEMORY VERSE/SCRIPTURE
“Always give thanks to God.” Ephesians 5:20, NIrV
SAY THIS
Who can you thank for everything? I can thank God for everything.
ACTIVITY
What You Need:
Aluminum foil and several food items with distinct shapes like a can of soup, a banana, an apple, a small box of pasta, etc.
What You Do/Say:
Wrap each food item in a separate piece of aluminum foil and place it on the table. Say, “Inside each of these pieces of foil is a food item. I’ll pick one for you to guess what you think is inside. (Pick a food item.) Can you guess what this is? (Pause.) Let’s see if you guessed the food. (Unwrap the item to reveal the food.) It’s a [food’s name]. Did you guess it? What do you think this food is? (Repeat with each of the wrapped foods.) That was super fun! You did a great job of figuring out each of these food items. God gave the Israelites food to eat, and God gives us food to eat too! I’m so thankful for everything God gives us!”
CRAFT/ACTIVITY
See the Story: Color the picture to talk about the Bible story. Make sure you use colors for day and night!
PRAYER
“Dear God, thank You for giving the Israelites the food they needed. Thank You for the food You give us. We are so thankful! We love You. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.”
MEMORY VERSE/SCRIPTURE
“Always give thanks to God.” Ephesians 5:20, NIrV
SAY THIS
Who can you thank for everything? I can thank God for everything.
ACTIVITY
What You Need:
Paper and crayons
What You Do/Say:
Say, “God gives us friends, and we can thank God for our friends! Good friends say encouraging things to each other! I thought we could practice that. I want you to think of someone that is your friend. First, say their name and something encouraging or kind about that friend. I’ll start. (Say a friend’s name and something you appreciate about that friend.) Now you pick a friend and say something encouraging about them. (Pause.) What a kind thing to say! Okay, let’s think of another friend and say something kind or encouraging about them. (Pause.) You said so many kind and encouraging things! Now let’s write those down on some cards so we can give them to our friends and encourage them the next time we see them! Just like David and Jonathan, we can be good friends who encourage each other! And we can thank God for our friends! We can thank God for everything.”
CRAFT/ACTIVITY
Share and Care Friends: Color the picture. Cut on the dashed lines and fold the flaps over to cover the pictures. Stamp a heart on each of the flaps!
PRAYER
“Dear God, thank You for the true story of David and Jonathan, two good, good friends! Thank You for all the amazing things You give us, including good friends! We know that we can thank you for everything. We love You, God. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.”
MEMORY VERSE/SCRIPTURE
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid . . . for the Lord your God goes with you.”Deuteronomy 31:6, NIV
SAY THIS
Who can help you be brave? God can help me be brave.
ACTIVITY
What You Need:
Three paper bags or socks and markers
What You Do/Say:
Help your kid make three puppets by adding faces and hair to your bags (or socks). When you are finished say, “You have a puppet for the king, a puppet for Queen Esther, and one for Haman. Color each puppet piece. (Pause.) Now you can play with your puppets as I lead you through this story song to the tune of ‘Wheels on the Bus.’
“There once was a queen named Esther, Esther, Esther. There once was a queen named Esther.
God helped her be brave.
“Haman wanted to hurt her family, her family, her family. Haman wanted to hurt her family.
God helped her be brave.
“Esther prayed to God and asked the king for help, asked the king for help, asked the king for help. Esther prayed to God and asked the king for help. What will the king do?
“The King helped Esther’s family, Esther’s family, Esther’s family! The King helped Esther’s family! God helped Esther be brave. “
God can help me be brave too! Be brave too! Be brave too! God can help me be brave too.
Hooray! I can be brave!”
When you are finished say, “Esther was brave and helped her family. God can help you be brave and help others, too! Who can help you be brave? God can help me be brave! Yay, God!”
CRAFT/ACTIVITY
Esther’s Story: Put your finger on the first picture. This is the king and Haman. Haman tricked the king into making a rule that would hurt all of Queen Esther’s family. This made Queen Esther very sad. Now put your finger on the picture of Queen Esther with a sad face. Cut out the picture of sad Queen Esther and glue it on the picture of the king and Haman. Good job. What happened next? Put your finger on the second picture. This is Queen Esther’s family praying. When Queen Esther heard what Haman had done, she knew she had to be brave and help her family. Queen Esther asked her family to pray with her for three days. Now put your finger on the picture of Queen Esther praying. Cut out the picture of Queen Esther praying and glue it on the picture of her family praying. What happened next? “Put your finger on the third picture. It’s the king. After Queen Esther and her family prayed, Queen Esther was brave and invited the king and Haman to a special dinner. Now put your finger on the picture of Queen Esther with her hand reaching out. Cut out that picture and glue it on the picture of the king. What happened next? Put your finger on the last picture. It’s the king and Haman eating dinner. Queen Esther had a special dinner prepared for the king and Haman. While they were eating, Queen Esther was brave and asked the king to help save her family from Haman. The king did what Queen Esther asked and helped her family. This made Queen Esther very happy! Now put your finger on the picture of happy Queen Esther. Cut out the picture of
happy Queen Esther and glue it on the picture of the king and Haman eating. Your pictures of Queen Esther’s story look wonderful! They can remind you that God can help you be brave and help others like He did for Queen Esther. Now you can color the pictures on your page.
PRAYER
“Dear God, You made Esther brave. Help us to be brave like Esther too. We love You. Amen!”
MEMORY VERSE/SCRIPTURE
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid . . . for the Lord your God goes with you.” Deuteronomy 31:6, NIV
SAY THIS
Who can help you be brave? God can help me be brave.
ACTIVITY
What You Need:
Five sheets of colored paper in a variety of colors (or white paper you’ve marked in five different colors) and painter’s tape
What You Do/Say:
Tape the papers to the floor. Invite your child to play a game with you. Say, “Let’s say our memory verse together. ‘Be strong and courageous. (Hold fists in front of body.) Do not be afraid . . . (cross and uncross hands) for the Lord your God (flat hand with thumb to forehead, pull down) goes with you,’ (march in place) Deuteronomy 31:6. (Open hands like a book.) “Do you see the colored paper on the floor? Let’s fly like Super Kids to any color of paper and stop. We’ll say the memory verse in parts. Then we can fly to another color of paper and say the next part. Are you ready? Let’s put out our arms like Super Kids.” (Demonstrate, then guide your kid in moving from color to color, saying the verse with the motions.) “‘Be strong and courageous.’ (Fly, then stop.) ‘Do not be afraid.’ (Fly, then stop.) ‘For the Lord
your God (fly, then stop), goes with you.’ (Fly, then stop.) Deuteronomy 31:6. (Fly, then stop.) (Repeat as desired.)
“Great job! We can be strong and courageous! We don’t have to be afraid because God goes with us. God helped Daniel be brave, and God will help us too! Who can help you be brave? God can help me be brave!”
CRAFT/ACTIVITY
- Story Game Cards: Color the pictures and use them to retell the Bible story!
- Super Kids Roll and Color: Roll a die and color the part of the Super Kids flag with the corresponding color.
PRAYER
“Dear God, thank You for making us strong and courageous. You make us brave, just like Daniel was brave. We love You, Amen!”
MEMORY VERSE/SCRIPTURE
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid . . . for the Lord your God goes with you.” Deuteronomy 31:6, NIV
SAY THIS
Who can help you be brave? God can help me be brave.
ACTIVITY
What You Need:
Towel and five cotton balls (or crumbled paper)
What You Do/Say:
Lay the towel flat on the floor. Scatter the cotton balls in the room. Say, “Today, we learned about when David battled Goliath! What did David collect to use in his sling? (Pause.) Rocks! David collected five rocks.
“Look around the room. Do you see all the cotton balls? Let’s pretend those cotton balls are rocks. When I say, ‘Go,’ I want you to run and pick up five rocks and put them on the towel. Ready? Go! (Pause while your child gathers five “rocks.”) Great job! Pick up the towel and
shake. (Pick up one end of the towel while your child picks up the other end.) Let’s launch these rocks! (Pause.) Wow! Let’s collect five more rocks and do it again! (Repeat as desired.) Launching the rocks was so much fun!”
When you are finished say, “David knew that God was always with him, and that helped him be brave. David didn’t need armor, just five smooth rocks and his sling. One rock was all it took to knock Goliath down. God helped David be brave, and God can help us be brave too. Who can help you be brave? God can help me be brave!”
CRAFT/ACTIVITY
- Brave Book: Color the pictures and talk about the Bible story of David being brave!
- Goliath: Use cardstock if possible. Color Goliath and cut on the dotted line. Fold the bottom so he stands up. Roll a ball to knock down Goliath. Talk about the Bible story!
PRAYER
“Dear God, You made David so brave! He was able to beat Goliath with just a rock and a sling. You can make us brave too. Thank You! We love You. Amen.”
MEMORY VERSE/SCRIPTURE
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid . . . for the Lord your God goes with you.” Deuteronomy 31:6, NIV
SAY THIS
Who knows what’s best for you? God knows what’s best for me
ACTIVITY
What You Need:
Blocks, Little People® or toy figures (one girl, two boys), a piece of red yarn or strip of red paper, scissors, and tape
What You Do/Say:
Say, “We’re going to use all these things to talk about today’s Bible story. Our Bible story was about a woman named Rahab. (Hold up the girl figure.) Rahab lived in a city called ‘Jericho.’ Will you help me make a big circle with these blocks? (Help as needed.) This circle can be the city of Jericho. And we can put Rahab right here. (Place Rahab on top of the block circle.) “One day, two men . . . (hold up the two boy figures and slowly move them up to Rahab) snuck into Jericho like spies to see what the city was like. When Rahab learned that the men were part of God’s army, she told them she had heard of the powerful things God had done. Rahab wanted
to help them.
“Knowing how powerful God is helped Rahab be brave. Rahab quickly hid the two men in her home to keep them safe. Will you help hide them? (Pause.) Then Rahab helped the men get safely out of Jericho. (Walk the spies away from the wall.) Before the men left Jericho, they told Rahab to tie a red rope at her window. (Tape the red yarn to the block where Rahab is standing.) They said they would make sure everyone in Rahab’s house was safe when God’s army came
back. And they did!”
“Knowing that God is powerful helped Rahab be brave. When you remember that God is powerful, God can help you be brave too. Who can help you be brave? God can help me be brave!”
CRAFT/ACTIVITY
- Rope Maze: Use a red crayon, marker, or colored pencil! Draw a path for the spies between Rahab’s window out to safety!
PRAYER
“Dear God, thank You so much for helping us learn about Rahab. You made her so brave! You make us brave too. We love You. Amen!”
MEMORY VERSE/SCRIPTURE
“God…knows everything.” 1 John 3:20, NIV
SAY THIS
Who knows what’s best for you? God knows what’s best for me
ACTIVITY
What You Need:
Toy figures that can get wet and a tub of water (or access to a sink)
What You Do/Say:
Fill up the tub of water enough for the toy figure to be submerged. Say, “I have a toy person for you to use as we talk about our Bible story. Today, we heard about a man named Naaman who was a very sick man. He had boo-boos on his skin. God said, ‘Dip in water seven times.’ Dip your person in the water as we count. One, two, three, four, five, six, seven. Then Naaman was better again! Good job!” (Repeat as time and interest allow.) “Naaman trusted that God knew what was best for him, and his booboos went away! We can trust that God knows what’s best for us, too. Who knows what’s best for you? God knows what’s best for me!”
CRAFT/ACTIVITY
- Following Directions: Cut out the picture cards on the dotted lines. Shuffle them and take turns following the directions on the card!
- Seven Beads: Cut out the seven beads. Practice saying the memory verse with hand motions 7 times as you string each bead onto a string. Make a necklace!
PRAYER
“God, we can trust You when we’re happy. We can trust You when we’re sad. We can even trust You when we are confused! You knew what was best for Naaman, and You know what’s best for us too. We love You! Amen.”
MEMORY VERSE/SCRIPTURE
“God…knows everything.” 1 John 3:20, NIV
SAY THIS
Who knows what’s best for you? God knows what’s best for me
ACTIVITY
What You Need:
Large blanket and plush friend or toy
What You Do/Say:
Bring the blanket into an open area and lay it flat on the floor. Say, “I have an idea! Let’s make this blanket be a big storm like the one in our story. Hold on to
the edge and shake the blanket up and down. Go! (Shake the blanket up and down.) The storm in our Bible story came when Jonah was on a boat. God had asked Jonah to go to Nineveh, but Jonah did not go to Nineveh. Instead, he got on a boat. Then God sent a big storm. Let’s put this plush friend on the blanket, and we can pretend it’s Jonah in the big storm. (Put plush friend on the blanket.) Let’s shake the blanket like the big storm! Shake! Shake! Shake! (Shake the blanket
up and down.) And, stop! Wow, that was a big storm! (Continue as long as there is interest.) “Wow! You were great at shaking that blanket to make the big storm. What animal saved Jonah in the water? (Pause.) Yes, that’s right. God sent a big fish to save Jonah. Jonah sat in that fish for three days. Then what did the fish do? (Pause.) The big fish spit Jonah out! Wow! Then, did Jonah go to Nineveh like God had told him? (Pause.) Yes, he did. Jonah went to Nineveh because he realized that God knew what was best for him. God knows what’s best for you, and God knows what’s best for me. Who knows what’s best for you? God knows what’s best for
me!”
CRAFT/ACTIVITY
- Jonah’s Journey: Color the pictures and then cut around the dotted lines on both sheets. Use a brad to secure the top set of pictures to the wheel base with Jonah. Turn the wheel and talk about Jonah’s story!
PRAYER
“God, You knew what was best for Jonah. You know what is best for me too. You know what is best for our friends, for our family, for everyone! Thank You for knowing what’s best for everyone! Amen.”
MEMORY VERSE/SCRIPTURE
“God…knows everything.” 1 John 3:20, NIV
SAY THIS
Who knows what’s best for you? God knows what’s best for me
ACTIVITY
What You Need:
Blue scarves or streamers (or color strips of paper with a blue crayon)
What You Do/Say:
Say, “Watch me. (Wave the scarves or streamers around.) What do these scarves look like to you? They remind me of water—the way it moves back and forth. Now, I want you to hold the scarves out in front of you like this. (Demonstrate, then give scarves to your child.) Wiggle them around. Great! Right now, the water is together or closed. But what if we did this? (Stretch arms out wide to your side.) The waters opened, didn’t they? When I say, ‘Close,’ bring them together. When I say, ‘Open,’ pull them apart. Ready? And open! (Pause.) Wiggle them around. And close! (Pause.) Wiggle them again. Great job! (Repeat as desired.) That was a lot of fun, pretending to move the water around.”
“Today, we heard a story about how Moses helped God’s people and how they got through the water. We can trust what God says because he knows what’s best for us. Who knows what’s best for you? God knows what’s best for you!”
CRAFT/ACTIVITY
- The Sea Separated: Color both pictures. Cut on the dotted lines and place on opposite sides of a paper. Put a brad in each X in the corner. In the middle, place Moses and the people of Egypt. Part the water and retell the Bible story!
PRAYER
“God, we can always trust You. We can do what You say because we know You love us. You know what is best for us. We love You! Amen.”
MEMORY VERSE/SCRIPTURE
“God…knows everything.” 1 John 3:20, NIV
SAY THIS
Who knows what’s best for you? God knows what’s best for me.
ACTIVITY
What You Need:
Paper, brown marker or crayon, paintbrush, and washable paint in green and at least one other color
What You Do/Say:
Draw a tree trunk on the paper using the brown marker or crayon.
Say, “This tree trunk needs some branches. Let’s paint your hand with green paint and press it on your paper to make the top of the tree. (Paint child’s hand, press on their paper, then clean hand.) Your treetop has branches! Now, let’s add some flowers to each branch. Press your fingertip in the paint and make several dots on the tree. (Pause.) Nice! (Clean fingers.) Look at the beautiful tree you made!
“Today in our Bible story, we learned that God told Adam and Eve to take care of the big, beautiful garden God had made. The Garden was full of trees with yummy food to eat. God told Adam and Eve they could eat from ANY tree but one. One day, a snake told Eve to eat the fruit that God said not to eat and she ate the fruit. Then Eve asked Adam to eat the fruit and Adam ate the fruit too! Oh, no! They made the wrong choice, and they had to leave the garden. But even though they had to leave the garden, God still loved them and gave them what they needed. Adam and Eve learned that they should have done what God said because God knows what’s best for them. Who knows what’s best for you? God knows what’s best for me.”
CRAFT/ACTIVITY
- Thumbs Up: Color the pictures and retell the Bible story. Give a thumbs up for positive parts and thumbs down for poor decisions!
- Apple Tree: Color the tree and then the apples. Glue apples on the tree and then count them!
PRAYER
“God, You loved Adam and Eve so much. You told them not to eat the fruit, but they ate the fruit anyway. Even though they made a wrong choice, You still loved them. Help us to remember that You know what’s best. We should obey You because You know what’s best. Amen!”
MEMORY VERSE/SCRIPTURE
“God saw everything he had made. And it was very good.” Genesis 1:31, NIrV
SAY THIS
Who made everything? God made everything!
ACTIVITY
What You Need:
What You Need: Shallow plastic or aluminum pan, plate, plastic animals, dish soap, milk, blue and green food coloring, and paper towels.
What You Do/Say:
Pour enough milk to cover the bottom of the shallow pan. Squirt some dish soap onto the plateand set beside the pan. Set the plastic animals nearby.
Invite your kid to do a science experiment with you. Say, “Today we learned how God made land animals and people! We’re going to do a science experiment with some of our toy animals. “In our pan is just regular milk, but I’ll add some blue and green food coloring to it. (Add a few drops of both blue and green food coloring to the pan of milk.)
“Now, choose an animal and press its feet into the dish soap. Make sure the animals get soap on every single hoof or paw or foot! (Guide your child to choose an animal and press its feet into the dish soap.)
“Okay, here’s the fun part. Carefully place your animal feet right into the milk and watch what happens. Are you ready? One, two, three, go! (The green and blue food coloring should swirl around in response to the dish soap.)
“Wow! That was amazing! Did you see the colors swirl all around? Our pan of milk looks like our beautiful planet, Earth! God made everything. Only a super creative and powerful God could do that. God made everything. Who made everything? God made everything!”
CRAFT/ACTIVITY
- Review Pictures: Color in pictures for Days 1-7. Lay out the circles and hop along
them to talk about what God did on each day. An alternative would be to lay out the. Circles and then toss a button/coin/small object to see where it lands- talk about what God did on that day!
PRAYER
“God! You are amazing! You are big! You are powerful! You created everything— even the animals and the people we love. We love You! Thank You for making everything! Amen.”
MEMORY VERSE/SCRIPTURE
“God saw everything he had made. And it was very good.” Genesis 1:31, NIrV
SAY THIS
Who made everything? God made everything!
ACTIVITY
What You Need:
What You Need: Paper, scissors, and painter’s tape
What You Do/Say:
Cut out seven to ten star shapes. Find a wall in your home where your child can safely jump up and tape the stars on.
Place a loop of painter’s tape on the back of each star. Place the stars on the floor next to the wall, tape side up. Invite your child to play a game. Say, “Today we learned that God made the stars in the sky! We’re going to celebrate what God made by seeing how high on this wall we can put the stars. Pick up the star, then jump as high as the sky and stick it to the wall!” Encourage your child and cheer them on as they stick each star to the wall. When they are finished, “star gaze” by laying down and counting the stars together.
When you are finished say, “God made the whole world and everything in it. Today, we learned that on day four, God made something bright and beautiful. God said, ‘Let there be lights in the sky!’ God made the sun for the daytime, then God made the moon and stars for the nighttime. God looked at the sun and moon and stars and saw that it was GOOD. God made everything! Who made everything? God made everything.”
CRAFT/ACTIVITY
- Flowers: Color the flowers and then cut them out. Make accordion folds on the lines and thread a straw through the holes. Glue the flower to the leaves and practice your memory verse!
PRAYER
“Dear God, thank You for making the sun, the moon, and the stars. They are so beautiful! You are amazing. You made EVERYTHING! Amen.”
MEMORY VERSE/SCRIPTURE
“God saw everything he had made. And it was very good.” Genesis 1:31, NIrV
SAY THIS
Who made everything? God made everything!
ACTIVITY
What You Need:
Music and music player
What You Do/Say:
Find a space in your home with room to move around and invite your child to play a game with you.
Say, “In our story today, we learned that in the beginning, the world was dark. (Turn off the room light.) But then, God created light! (Turn on the room light.)
“I’m going to play some music for us to dance to! But we can only dance when the lights are turned on. When the lights are turned off, we have to freeze right where we are!”
“Ready? (Play music.) And dance! (Turn lights off.) Freeze! (Turn lights on.) Dance!” (Repeat as desired.)
When you are finished say, “On day one, God created light! Which is so cool! Then on day two, God made something else! God made a place for the deep, cool water below and created the wide, blue sky above the whole world! God made EVERYTHING! Who made everything? God made everything.”
CRAFT/ACTIVITY
- Coloring Sheets: Color the pages and talk about God’s creations of light, dark, sky, and water!
PRAYER
Dear God, You are so powerful and amazing. You made EVERYTHING! Thank You. Amen.”
MEMORY VERSE/SCRIPTURE
“Walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us.” Ephesians 5:2, NIV
SAY THIS
Who wants to be your friend forever? Jesus wants to be my friend forever.
ACTIVITY
What You Need:
A bedsheet or towel, party streamers, and colorful pom-poms (You can also use anything similar you have on hand, like strips of tissue paper.)
What You Do/Say:
Lay the sheet on the floor and place the pom-poms and streamers on top of it.
Invite your child to play a game. Say, “Let’s play with the parachute today to celebrate!” Ask your child to stand on either side of the sheet with you and pick it up. Say, “On the count of three, we’ll pick it up and bounce it easy. One, two, three! Look at the streamers and pom-poms bounce. Let’s shake the parachute a little faster. (Pause.) Wow! Faster! How high can we make the streamers and pom-poms go? Keep shaking it! Wow, they went really high. It looked like a big party!”
Repeat as desired.
When you are finished say, “Today, we heard how Jesus is in heaven, getting it ready for us. And in heaven, there is no sickness or boo-boos and there is no sadness. It will be like a party that never ends! I’m so glad that Jesus wants to be our friend forever and wants everyone to know that He wants to be their friend forever, too. Who wants to be your friend forever? Jesus wants to be my friend forever.”
CRAFT/ACTIVITY
- Party Banner: Color and decorate the party banner. String it together and practice the memory verse!
PRAYER
“Dear God, thank You for the story of friends sharing food. Help me to be a good friend by sharing. Thank You that You want to be our friend forever! Amen.”
MEMORY VERSE/SCRIPTURE
“Walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us.” Ephesians 5:2, NIV
SAY THIS
Who wants to be your friend forever? Jesus wants to be my friend forever.
ACTIVITY
What You Need:
A basket, toy food, and a plush friend
What You Do/Say:
Spread the food around on the floor. Have the basket and plush friend nearby. Invite your child to play a game.
Say, “I have a picnic basket. What do you put in a picnic basket? (Pause.) Food, that’s right! Pick one piece of food and add it to the basket.”
Have your child pack the basket until it is full. Then, sit down with them to see what they packed inside!
Say, “Sit with me, and let’s look at all the food we packed.”
Open the basket and pull one piece of food out. Then, hold up the plush friend. Say, “What food would you like to share with your plush friend?”
Allow your child to choose different food items to “share” with their plush friend. Say, “You are so good at sharing your food! In today’s Bible story, we learned that the Church is a group of people who choose to follow Jesus. And the people of the first Church shared their food with others because they wanted to love like Jesus. They wanted to be friends with each other because they were friends with Jesus. Who wants to be your friend forever? Jesus wants to be my friend forever!”
CRAFT/ACTIVITY
- Bingo Card: Use the calling board and a bingo sheet to play bingo. Talk about the elements of the story!
- Build a Sandwich: Cut out the pieces and build a sandwich. Follow the steps to make different sandwiches!
- The Church: Cut along the dotted lines. Glue the pieces inside the heart. Talk about how to love like Jesus!
PRAYER
“Dear God, thank You for the story of friends sharing food. Help me to be a good friend by sharing. Thank You that You want to be our friend forever! Amen.”
MEMORY VERSE/SCRIPTURE
“Walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us.” Ephesians 5:2, NIV
SAY THIS
Who wants to be your friend forever? Jesus wants to be my friend forever.
ACTIVITY
What You Need:
Three sheets of paper, a writing utensil, and tape
What You Do/Say:
Draw a picture of a boat, waves in the water, and an island, each on a separate sheet of paper. Tape the pictures to the floor
Invite your child to play a game. Say, “There are three different pictures on the floor (or walls). A boat, waves in the water, and an island. Listen for the one I call out and hop on it! When I ask, ‘Who wants to be your friend forever?’ I want you to answer, ‘Jesus wants to be my friend forever!’”
When your child is ready, say, “Ready, set, hop to the boat! (Pause.) Who wants to be your friend forever? Jesus wants to be my friend forever.
Ready, set, and hop to the water. (Continue to call out all three and repeat as desired.) Great job of hopping to the boat, the island, and the water! Let’s hop together to the island.”
Sit with your child. Say, “When Paul was on a boat during the storm, he encouraged the people on the boat to not be afraid. When their boat hit land, they weren’t where they were supposed to be. Paul chose to love like Jesus and helped the people who were sick. He prayed for them and told them that Jesus wants to be their friend forever. He went here, there, and everywhere to tell people that Jesus wants to be their friend forever.
Who wants to be your friend forever? Jesus wants to be my friend forever.”
CRAFT/ACTIVITY
- Story Textures: Color the picture with different materials: crayons, markers, colored pencils, paint, chalk, oil pastels-whatever you like! Talk about the different textures as you share the Bible story!
PRAYER
“Dear God, thank You for the story of Paul. Paul loved people like Jesus. He was nice to them and wanted to be their friend. Thank You that Jesus wants to be our friend forever! Amen!”
MEMORY VERSE/SCRIPTURE
“Walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us.” Ephesians 5:2, NIV
SAY THIS
Who wants to be your friend forever? Jesus wants to be my friend forever.
ACTIVITY
What You Need:
No supplies needed
What You Do/Say:
Invite your child to play a game. Start by reviewing the motions to the memory verse. Say, “Come stand with me. Let’s say the verse and do the motions together. ‘Walk (walk in place) in the way of love (cross arms over chest), just as Christ (point up) loved us (point to self),’ Ephesians 5:2. (Open hands like a book. Repeat the verse.) Great job!” Now, teach them to sing the memory verse to the tune of “Mary Had a Little Lamb.” Continue to do the motions, singing the song at different volumes. Say, “Now let’s sing the verse like this. (to the tune of “Mary Had a Little Lamb”) “Walk in the way of love, Way of love, way of love. Walk in the way of love. Just as Christ loved us. “Now, let’s sing it in a whisper voice. (Repeat as desired in different volumes.) Great job!” When you are finished say, “We can follow Jesus and walk in love as we love others. I’m SO glad that Jesus loves you and me and wants to be our friend forever. Who wants to be your friend forever? Jesus wants to be my friend forever.”
CRAFT/ACTIVITY
- Scavenger Hunt: Look around for these things in your house. Be sure to follow
directions! - Story Sentences: Read the sentence and draw a picture below to match. Use this to tell the Bible story about Paul and Silas!
PRAYER
Dear God, thank You that Jesus is a good friend to follow. We can follow Him always because Jesus wants to be our friend forever. Amen!”
MEMORY VERSE/SCRIPTURE
“Walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us.” Ephesians 5:2, NIV
SAY THIS
Who wants to be your friend forever? Jesus wants to be my friend forever.
ACTIVITY
What You Need:
A sheet of paper, a writing utensil, and sticky notes
What You Do/Say:
Before the activity, write down the names of family and friends on a sheet of paper. Make sure to include your name and your child’s name! Cover each name with a sticky note. Invite your child to play a game. Say, “Jesus wants to be your friend forever. He wants to be everyone’s friend forever! Can you remove the sticky note to see who Jesus wants to be friends with forever?”
Ask your child to remove one sticky note at a time to reveal a new name. Say the name out loud, and then say, “Jesus wants to be friends forever with [name].” Continue removing sticky notes one at a time until you’ve said all the names. If desired, cover the names with the sticky notes and then repeat.
When you are finished, say, “Jesus is God’s gift to ALL of us! And Jesus will always love you, no matter what, because Jesus wants to be your friend forever. Who wants to be your friend forever? Jesus wants to be my friend forever!”
CRAFT/ACTIVITY
- Jesus Puppet: Color Jesus and cut on the dotted line. Fold the bottom tabs so that your Jesus puppet can stand!
PRAYER
“Dear God, thank You for the gift of Jesus! Jesus’ friendship is a gift to us, too, because Jesus wants to be our friend forever. Thank you, God! Amen.”
MEMORY VERSE/SCRIPTURE
“Jesus said, ‘Come follow me.’” Matthew 4:19, NCV
SAY THIS
Who wants to be your friend forever? Jesus wants to be my friend forever.
ACTIVITY
What You Need:
Table, bed sheet, and plush animals
What You Do/Say:
Line up the plush animals along a wall. Invite your kid to play a game with you.
Say, “Come help me make Cornelius’ house!” (Drape the sheet over a table so that it hangs over the edges.) Thank you for helping me. Now we can go inside. In our Bible story today, Peter told Cornelius the good news that Jesus wanted to be his friend forever. Cornelius wasn’t Peter’s family. Cornelius wasn’t even Peter’s friend. But Peter wanted to love everyone the way Jesus loves everyone, so he told EVERYONE about Jesus! When Cornelius heard the good news about Jesus, Cornelius got so excited that he got his family and his friends to hear about Jesus, too! “Go pick one toy friend and bring it back to Cornelius’ house.” (Lead your child to pick a plush friend and crawl back into Cornelius’ house.) Now, let’s tell our friend the good news about Jesus! Say, ‘Jesus wants to be your friend forever.’”
Encourage your child to tell their plush friend that Jesus wants to be their friend forever. When they are finished, have them crawl back out and choose another plush friend to bring inside Cornelius’ house. Continue until all the plush animals are inside!
Say, “Jesus loves everyone, and Jesus wants to be everyone’s friend forever. That means Jesus wants to be your friend forever, too! Who wants to be your friend forever? Jesus wants to be my friend forever.”
CRAFT/ACTIVITY
- Car Puzzles: Color the vehicles and cut out on the dotted line. Match the puzzle
pieces together. - Spiral Whirligig: Color/decorate the whirligig and then cut on the dotted line. Tie a string in the center hole and attach to a stick. Talk about how the whirligig changes as it moves.
PRAYER
“Dear God, thank You for the good news that Jesus wants to be my friend forever. Help us to tell all our friends the good news. We love You. Amen!”
Happy Father’s Day!
MEMORY VERSE/SCRIPTURE
“Jesus said, ‘Come follow me.’” Matthew 4:19, NCV
SAY THIS
Who wants to be your friend forever? Jesus wants to be my friend forever.
ACTIVITY
What You Need:
Paper, washable markers, and fun stickers
What You Do/Say:
Draw the outline of a gingerbread person on a piece of paper. (It’s okay if it isn’t perfect!) Say, “Look at this paper. What do you see? (Pause.) That’s right. It’s the outline of a person! “Today in our Bible story, we heard how Ananias helped Paul. We have lots of people in our lives who help us. Can you name some of the people who help you? I’ll write your answers on the page. As I write, you can color the person or add fun stickers.”
Encourage your child to name people who help them. If they get stumped, give them hints! (Think: firefighters, police officers, teachers, counselors, small group leaders, mommies, daddies, garbage collectors, etc.)
Say, “Wow! Look at all the people who help us. Jesus sent Ananias to help Paul, and Jesus gives us people to help us. Yay, Jesus! We can follow Jesus here, there, and everywhere because Jesus wants to be my friend forever. Who wants to be your friend forever? Jesus wants to be my friend forever.”
CRAFT/ACTIVITY
- Memory Verse Road: Cut along the dotted lines and tape the road together in order. Practice saying the memory verse as you drive a car along!
- Story Scene: Color the picture and talk about each part of the Bible story!
PRAYER
“Dear God, thank You so much for giving us people to help us. You help us, too, because you want to be our friend forever. We love You! Amen.”
MEMORY VERSE/SCRIPTURE
“Jesus said, ‘Come follow me.’” Matthew 4:19, NCV
SAY THIS
Who wants to be your friend forever? Jesus wants to be my friend forever.
ACTIVITY
What You Need:
What You Need: Community helper dress-up clothes such as firefighter, police officer, mail carrier costumes, doctor coats, and any other dress-up clothing you may have around the house to look like a community helper
What You Do/Say:
Red paper, green paper (or skip the supplies and simply say, “red light” and “green” light) What You Do: Say, “Let’s play a game called Red Light, Green Light. I want you to stand here. When I hold up the green paper, you are going to dance, be silly, spin around, whatever you want to do! But when I hold up the red paper, you have to freeze right where you are. Ready?”
Alternate holding up the green paper and the red paper. During the greenlight segments say, “Wow! Those are some great dance moves! You are really fast! You are so silly! Great job moving!” Repeat as desired.
Say, “Ready, set, move to follow Jesus here, there, and everywhere because Jesus wants to be our friend forever! In our Bible story today, Paul was not a friend of Jesus or anyone who was a friend of Jesus. But Paul met Jesus, and Paul’s life changed forever! Now Paul knew that Jesus is alive. And WE know that Jesus is alive, too, and that Jesus wants to be our friend forever. Who wants to be your friend forever? Jesus wants to be my friend forever!”
CRAFT/ACTIVITY
- Road Shapes: Drive a toy car around the different road shapes!
- Painted Footprint: Paint your foot and then make a footprint in the middle of the page. Practice your memory verse!
PRAYER
“Dear God, You wanted to be Paul’s friend forever. Thank You that You want to be our friend forever too! We want to follow You here, there, and everywhere. We love You! Amen.”
MEMORY VERSE/SCRIPTURE
“We have the Lord our God to help us” 2 Chronicles 32:8, NLT
SAY THIS
Who made you to help others? God made me to help others.
ACTIVITY
What You Need:
What You Need: Community helper dress-up clothes such as firefighter, police officer, mail carrier costumes, doctor coats, and any other dress-up clothing you may have around the house to look like a community helper
What You Do/Say:
What You Do: Place all the dress-up supplies in the activity area, and invite your child to play dress-up. Say, “God has given us many people in our community to help us! We have doctors, firefighters, mail carriers and so many more! You may pick which helper you would like to dress up as! Great job! You look awesome! “Let’s say our memory verse together! ‘We have (bent hands to chest) the Lord our God (point up) to help us (thumbs up on palm),’ 2 Chronicles 32:8. (Open hands like a book.) Way to go! Let’s do that again. (Repeat once more.) “God helps us
every day. And God made all of us to help each other!”
CRAFT/ACTIVITY
- Helper Checklist: Try to help in each of the places listed. Once you do, check the place off the list!
- Helper Cards: Talk about the Bible stories and how they showed a helping spirit!
PRAYER
“Dear God, thank you for giving us people to help us. Please help us look for ways to help others. We love you and want to be good helpers. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
MEMORY VERSE/SCRIPTURE
“We have the Lord our God to help us” 2 Chronicles 32:8, NLT
SAY THIS
Who made you to help others? God made me to help others.
ACTIVITY
What You Need:
Large paper, washable markers, and painter’s tape
What You Do/Say:
“In our Bible story, Tabitha and Timothy helped others. There are SO many ways we can help. Let’s trace our handprints on the page! (Trace your child’s hand on the paper.)
“[Child’s name], tell me one way you can help someone this week and I’ll write it on your handprint. . . Great idea! (Write down their response.)
“Can you trace my hand? Then, I will write down one way that I can help someone this week. (Encourage your child as they trace your hand on the paper, then write a way you can help someone.)
“Okay, it’s your turn again. (Repeat as long as time and interest allow.) “Wow! Look at all these ways to help! I’m going to hang our handprints on the wall so we can
remember that God made us to help others this week.”
CRAFT/ACTIVITY
- Cut a Heart: Fold the paper in half and then cut on the dotted line to cut out a heart. Color and decorate the heart!
- Make a Coat: Decorate the coat and then cut it out!
PRAYER
“Dear God, thank you for making us to help. Thank you for giving us people that help us every day. Please help us remember to be helpers this week. We love you. Amen.”
MEMORY VERSE/SCRIPTURE
“We have the Lord our God to help us” 2 Chronicles 32:8, NLT
SAY THIS
Who made you to help others? God made me to help others.
ACTIVITY
What You Need:
Large blanket, a table or 4 chairs, and a baby doll or plush friend
What You Do/Say:
Place the blanket over the table or drape the blanket over chairs to create a tunnel. Invite your child to look at the tunnel you made.
Say, “We heard a Bible story about four friends who carried their friend all the way to Jesus, even though it was hard, because they wanted to help him. God made those friends to help and God made you and me to help too.”
“Let’s help this friend! (Hold up the doll or plush friend.) We need to help our friend go through the tunnel. It might be hard, but I know you are such a great helper that you can do it! Carry the friend while you crawl through the tunnel. (Encourage your child as they carry the plush friend through the tunnel.) Great job! You were such an amazing helper! Just like the four friends in our story, God made us to help others too.”
CRAFT/ACTIVITY
- Four Friends Maze: Help the four friends help their friend get to the finish line to see Jesus by drawing a line through the maze!
- Community Helper Tools: Color the items and cut on the dotted lines. Flip the cards over and take turns talking about what each tool is used for and who uses it.
PRAYER
“Dear God, thank you for loving us and for making us to help others. Please help us to be good friends this week and help others. We love you. Amen.”
HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!
MEMORY VERSE/SCRIPTURE
“We have the Lord our God to help us” 2 Chronicles 32:8, NLT
SAY THIS
Who made you to help others? God made me to help others.
ACTIVITY
What You Need:
Shoebox or plastic tub, painter’s tape, toy donkey or horse, toy people figures, and a small adhesive bandage
What You Do/Say:
Gather the items and invite your child to reenact the Bible story with you.
Say, “In the Bible, Jesus told a story about a man who needed help. One day, a man was walking down a road. Let’s make a road with this tape. (Make a road on the floor with painter’s tape.) While the man was walking down the road…(Make a toy walk down the tape line.)…someone hurt him and took all of his money. Oh no! (Lay the hurt man down on the road.) The hurt man had so many boo-boos. He needed help!”
“Later, someone came walking by. Did that person help the hurt man? (Make another toy walk by the hurt man.) No, that person didn’t help. Then another person came walking by. Did that person help the hurt man? (Make another toy walk by the hurt man.) No, that person didn’t help either.”
“Then another person came walking by. This person is a Samaritan. His family is not friends with the hurt man’s family, but did he still help the hurt man? (Make another toy walk on the road and stop to help the hurt man.) Yes! The Samaritan stopped and helped the hurt man! He put bandages on the hurt man’s boo-boos. (Put a bandage on the hurt toy.) Then the Samaritan put the hurt man on his donkey and took him somewhere where he could rest and get better. He even paid for it! (Put the hurt toy on the donkey/horse and walk it and the helper toy down the road back into the box.)
“Yay! The Samaritan helped the hurt man! God made the Samaritan to help others, and God made you to help others, too.”
CRAFT/ACTIVITY
- Bandage: Draw Band-aids on the person to help heal him/her!
- Helpers: Color the community helpers and cut on the dotted lines. Mix up the
pieces and then put them back together. Talk about what each community helper
does! - Community Helper Trucks: Color the trucks and talk about what each one does!
PRAYER
“Dear God, thank you for giving me people to help me. Thank you for making me to help others. I love you. Amen.”
MEMORY VERSE/SCRIPTURE
“I am alive for ever and ever!” Revelation 1:18, NIV
SAY THIS
Who is alive? Jesus is alive
ACTIVITY
What You Need:
Toy food or real food, a picnic basket, and a blanket
What You Do/Say:
Gather the picnic basket and blanket. Say, “Let’s have a little picnic together. I have the picnic basket and blanket. Can you help me find food for our picnic?” (Guide your child to find toy or real food and put it in the basket for your mini picnic.)
Say, “Let’s pick a spot to have our picnic. (Choose a spot outside or inside and spread out the blanket.) Let’s have a seat so we can share and have a picnic with each other!” (Pull out each item, one at a time, and thank them for sharing.)
Say, “In today’s Bible story, more people believed that Jesus is alive and they became the very first church! The church is not a building. It’s the people! People like you and me. And Jesus wants the people who are the church to, “Love!” The first church loved each other and shared everything they had with each other, including their food! Just like we are doing now. We can all be the church and love because Jesus is alive!
CRAFT/ACTIVITY
- Picnic Foods: Color the foods and cut out on the dotted lines. Flip over the cards
in a stack and take turns picking them up and labeling the foods. Talk about why
you like/don’t like them! - Watercolor Heart: Use watercolor paint to paint the heart. Practice your memory
verse along the way- it’s the last week!
PRAYER
“Dear God, thank You for all of the people who follow Jesus and make up the Church. Please help the Church love one another the way Jesus loves us. We love You, God. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
MEMORY VERSE/SCRIPTURE
“I am alive for ever and ever!” Revelation 1:18, NIV
SAY THIS
Who is alive? Jesus is alive
ACTIVITY
What You Need:
Two sheets of paper, markers or crayons, and tape
What You Do/Say:
Invite your child to make a special megaphone with you.Say, “In our Bible story today, Jesus gave His friends a very important job. Jesus told them to GO and TELL everyone, everywhere the good news that Jesus is alive and wants to be their friend forever. When we are Jesus’ friend forever, we have that same important job. So today, we’ll make megaphones that will help us GO and TELL the good news about Jesus!” Have your child color their paper, then help them roll it up into the shape of a megaphone and secure it with tape. Don’t forget to make your megaphone too!
Say, “Let’s first decorate our paper by coloring it. You can choose any colors you’d like! Now, pick a piece of paper and roll it like this. (Demonstrate.) Now let’s tape it so it will stay rolled up. Awesome! Let’s march around the room with the megaphones. Follow me and shout in your megaphone ‘One . . . two . . . three, Jesus is alive!’ (Repeat.) Yay! Let’s keep marching! (Repeat as desired.)
When you’re finished say, “When we GO and TELL people the good news that Jesus is alive and wants to be their friend forever, it makes them have a happy face! Let’s say it together, one more time, into your megaphone, one . . . two . . . three, Jesus is alive!”
CRAFT/ACTIVITY
- Go: Color the pictures and cut on the dotted lines. Shuffle up the cards and turn them over in a stack. Take turns picking a card and acting out the actions- be sure to say GO!
PRAYER
Dear Jesus, You want us to GO and TELL the good news about Jesus too. Help us remember to be like Your friends and tell everyone that You are alive! Amen.”
MEMORY VERSE/SCRIPTURE
“I am alive for ever and ever!” Revelation 1:18, NIV
SAY THIS
Who is alive? Jesus is alive
ACTIVITY
What You Need:
Play-Doh® or similar
What You Do/Say:
Invite your child to “make” breakfast out of Play-Doh® with you and spend time “making” some of your favorite breakfast foods together. While you are playing, say, “Think about what you like to eat for breakfast. You could make bacon and eggs, a bowl of cereal, or anything you like! Let’s get cooking! (Pause.) Wow! Your breakfast looks super yummy! Now let’s pretend to eat our breakfast. (Pause.) You are a super-good cook! You did a great job!” “In our Bible story today, we heard about Jesus cooking and eating breakfast with His friends, the disciples, at the beach. Jesus came back just like He said He would! Jesus wanted to show His friends that He is alive and would be their friend forever and ever. Who is alive? Jesus is alive!”
CRAFT/ACTIVITY
- Story Fish: Color the pictures and then cut out on the dotted lines. Go “fishing” and tell the Bible story!
- Jesus is Alive: Color the picture and talk about the Bible story!
PRAYER
“Dear Jesus, You always do what You say You are going to do. You went away and came back just like you said you would.three days later and had breakfast on the beach! You are alive! Amen.”
MEMORY VERSE/SCRIPTURE
“I am alive for ever and ever!” Revelation 1:18, NIV
SAY THIS
Who is alive? Jesus is alive
ACTIVITY
What You Need:
No supplies needed
What You Do/Say:
Call out a movement and do it three times as you count to three out loud and with your fingers. Then count to three and say, “Jesus is alive!” Say, “Are you ready to move? Let’s go! Jump three times. One. (Jump.) Two. (Jump.) Three. (Jump.) One, (one finger up), two (two fingers up), three (three fingers up), Jesus is alive! “Clap three times. One. (Clap.) Two. (Clap.) Three. (Clap.) One, (one finger up), two (two
fingers up), three (three fingers up), Jesus is alive! Repeat as desired with different movements, such as stomping and giving high-fives. When you are finished say, “In our Bible story, we heard that Jesus is alive! Jesus went away and came back one, (one finger up), two (two fingers up), three (three fingers up) days later. He went away and came back, just like He said He would. Count with me. One, (one finger up), two (two fingers up), three (three fingers up), Jesus is alive! Let’s do that again. One, (one finger up), two (two fingers up), three (three fingers up), Jesus is alive! Great job! Who is alive? Jesus is alive!”
CRAFT/ACTIVITY
- Flip Book: Color the pictures telling the story of Easter. Cut along the dotted lines and fold down. Reveal the pictures as you tell the story of how Jesus is alive!
- Twist the Tomb: Color both the top and bottom pictures. Cut along the dotted lines, including in the middle of the tomb. Use a brad to attach the two together, with page 1 on top. Turn the tomb to reveal that Jesus was not inside- He is alive!
PRAYER
“Dear Jesus, You went away and came back three days later. You went away and came back just like You said You would. You are alive! Amen.”
Happy Easter!
MEMORY VERSE/SCRIPTURE
““I am alive for ever and ever!” Revelation 1:18, NIV
SAY THIS
Who is alive? Jesus is alive
ACTIVITY
What You Need:
Green crepe paper streamers, tissue paper, fabric, or construction paper; and scissors
What You Do/Say:
Cut a piece of green streamer, tissue paper, fabric, or paper for you and for your child to wave in the air like a palm branch.
Say, “Today, the Bible story was about Jesus! Jesus is special because Jesus is God’s Son. In our story, people waved palm branches in the air and cheered for Jesus because Jesus is SO special!
Let’s cheer for Jesus like they did in the Bible story.
“We can pretend this is a green palm branch! (Give your child the green streamer.) Follow me, and let’s cheer for Jesus! (Lead your child around the room waving their branches.) “Hosanna! Hosanna! Yay, Jesus! Say that with me as you wave your palm branch. Hosanna! Hosanna! Yay, Jesus!” (Continue walking and cheering as long as time and interest allow.) When you are finished say, “We cheer for Jesus because Jesus is alive AND Jesus wants to be our friend forever. Yay, Jesus is alive! Who is alive? Jesus is alive!”
CRAFT/ACTIVITY
- Leaf Lacing Cards: Print on cardstock, if available. Cut around the dotted lines and punch holes at the indicated places. Tape a string on one side. Lace it in and out of the holes.
- Palm Sunday Pop-up: Color the picture and cut along the dotted lines. Color one of the pictures of Jesus on the donkey and cut around the dotted line. Glue it on the indicated spot and then fold the flap down so it will be a pop-up.
PRAYER
“Dear God, thank You for sending us Jesus. Jesus is special because He is Your Son. We praise You for Jesus!”
MEMORY VERSE/SCRIPTURE
“A friend loves at all times.” Proverbs 17:17, NIrV
SAY THIS
Who can love like Jesus? I can love like Jesus.
ACTIVITY
What You Need:
Preschool instrument or musical toy
What You Do/Say:
Invite your child to play! Say, “We’re going to make some music today. When I wave my hands over my head like this (demonstrate), you can play. But when I put my hands down to my sides like this (demonstrate), I want you to stop playing and put your instrument down to your sides.
Let’s practice.”
Practice this a few times.
Say, “Let’s play and march around the room. Follow me! (March while waving hands.) Play your instruments. (Put your arms by your sides.) My hands are by my side. What should you do? (Pause.) Great! (Start marching again while waving hands.) Follow me. (Repeat as desired.) That
was SO fun!”
“In our Bible story today, we heard the first disciples who followed Jesus. They were different people from different places, with different jobs, and different families, but Jesus chose them all to follow Him. Because Jesus loves everyone! And we can love everyone, everywhere, too, with Jesus’ help. Jesus wants us to love everyone, everywhere! Tell me, who can love like Jesus?”
CRAFT/ACTIVITY
- I Can Love Like Jesus: Draw a picture showing love like Jesus!
PRAYER
“Jesus, we love following You. You love everyone and want everyone to follow You. Help us to follow You by loving everyone. Amen!”
MEMORY VERSE/SCRIPTURE
“A friend loves at all times.” Proverbs 17:17, NIrV
SAY THIS
Who can love like Jesus? I can love like Jesus.
ACTIVITY
What You Need:
Goldfish crackers, Cheerios, and a plate
What You Do/Say:
Pour some fish crackers and cereal onto a plate.
Say, “In the cups in front of you, we have some Goldfish to represent the fish and some Cheerios to represent the bread. Don’t eat anything yet! First, we’re going to make some patterns with our fish and bread.”
In the center of the table, create the following pattern: bread, bread, fish, fish, bread, bread, fish, fish, etc. Call out each item as you point to it.
Encourage your child to create the same pattern on their plate. Celebrate as they finish. Repeat with two or three more patterns.
After the activity, talk about how you can love like Jesus when you help people.
Say, “In our Bible story, Jesus helped a LOT of people that day by feeding them. Jesus loves everyone! There are so many ways you can help others. And when you help someone, you love like Jesus! Tell me, who can love like Jesus? I can love like Jesus.”
CRAFT/ACTIVITY
- Memory Verse Activity: Cut out the bottom images and then paste them in the correct spaces of the memory verse!
- Confetti Snow Globe: Cut out small pieces of paper in different colors or use multiple colors of crayons/markers/colored pencils to put confetti in the snow globe. If you’re feeling adventurous, use glitter!
PRAYER
“Jesus, thank You for always helping us. We want to be like You and help others too. We love You! Amen.”
MEMORY VERSE/SCRIPTURE
“A friend loves at all times.” Proverbs 17:17, NIrV
SAY THIS
Who can love like Jesus? I can love like Jesus.
ACTIVITY
What You Need:
Bubble solution and wand
What You Do/Say:
Say, “I have some bubbles for us to play with today. Let’s see if you can be gentle and catch them on your hand.”
Put a little bubble solution on your child’s hands so their hands are slightly wet. Blow bubbles with your child and have them gently try to catch the bubbles without popping them.
Say, “Remember, we’re trying to be gentle with the bubbles so we can catch them without popping them. Here they come. (Blow bubbles.) Gently hold your hand out and let the bubble land on it. (Pause.) Look at how gentle you are! Let’s keep playing. (Repeat as desired. If the solution on their hands dries, put some more bubble solution on them.) This time, when you catch a bubble, walk around with it on your hand. Let’s see how long you can hold them until they pop. (Pause.) I love how gentle you are. Nice job!”
Say, “The woman in our story was sick, and she heard that Jesus could make sick people better. So she went to see Him and touched His clothes. And just like that, she was all better! Jesus asked who had touched His clothes. When the woman told Jesus it was her, Jesus was gentle and used kind words. We can use kind words and be gentle with our friends and love like Jesus. Who can love like Jesus? I can love like Jesus.”
CRAFT/ACTIVITY
• Speech Bubble Words: Write kind words in the speech bubble!
PRAYER
Jesus, thank You for being gentle. You love us with your kind words, just like You loved the woman in our story today. Help us to be gentle like You. Amen!”
MEMORY VERSE/SCRIPTURE
“A friend loves at all times.” Proverbs 17:17, NIrV
SAY THIS
Who can love like Jesus? I can love like Jesus.
ACTIVITY
What You Need:
Large sheet of paper, washable markers or crayons, and painter’s tape
What You Do/Say:
Write, “I CAN LOVE LIKE JESUS” across the top of the paper.
Say, “In our story today, Jesus loved His friends by washing their feet. Do you see these words at the top of the paper? They say, ‘I CAN LOVE LIKE JESUS.’ How can YOU and I love like Jesus? Let’s think of some ways we can love like Jesus and then draw them on our paper.”
Give an example of how you can love like Jesus. For example, we can give a hug, we can help, and we can let someone else go first. Draw a picture of it on the paper. Encourage your child to name a way they can love like Jesus and draw a picture of it on the paper as well. Use additional pieces of paper if needed.
Say, “Look at our paper. I love your examples of ways to love like Jesus! When I ask, ‘Who can love like Jesus?’, you say, I can love like Jesus. Who can love like Jesus? I can love like Jesus.” Hang the paper somewhere in your home.
CRAFT/ACTIVITY
• Ways to Love: Color the pages, cut on the dotted line, and staple together to make a book. Talk about showing ways to love!
• Love like Jesus: Color and cut on the dotted line, then shuffle the pieces. Put them back together and glue on another sheet of paper to form the puzzle!
PRAYER
Dear God, thank You for sending us Jesus. Jesus shows us how to love others. Help us to love like Jesus. Amen!”
MEMORY VERSE/SCRIPTURE
“How wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.” Ephesians 3:18
SAY THIS
Who loves you? Jesus loves me.
ACTIVITY
What You Need:
Towel, paper, scissors, and marker
What You Do/Say:
Cut small hearts out of paper, one each for you and your child. Write your names on the hearts. Say, “Bend down and grab the towel in front of you with both hands. (Pause.) Great job! Now let’s wave it gently by moving our arms up and down. (Demonstrate.) And now, let’s add some hearts. (Add heart cutouts.) These hearts have our names on them. Do you know why? Because Jesus loves us! Let’s shake the towel and make them bounce. (Pause.) Awesome!” (Repeat as desired.) “Jesus loves YOU no matter what, too. There is absolutely nothing you could ever do to make Jesus stop loving you. Jesus loves you, and He wants to be your friend forever. Who loves you? Jesus loves me.”
CRAFT/ACTIVITY
• Thankful: Name things you’re thankful for and color in/use a sticker to fill in the
circles!
• Heart Garland: Write/draw things you love and are thankful for in the hearts. Cut
them out on the dotted line and string together. Make as many as you like!
• Good Choice/Bad Choice: Discuss how these pictures show good choices and not so good choices!
PRAYER
“Dear God, thank You so much for Jesus! He is the best friend ever. Thank You for loving us, no
matter what. We love You. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.”
MEMORY VERSE/SCRIPTURE
“How wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.” Ephesians 3:18
SAY THIS
Who loves you? Jesus loves me.
ACTIVITY
What You Need:
No supplies needed
What You Do/Say:
Say, “Today, we’re going to play a game of ‘Centurion Says.’ I will be the centurion, and when I say, ‘Centurion says, touch your toes,’ you will touch your toes. Listen for ‘Centurion says.’ What if I just said, ‘Touch your toes?’ That’s right! You will stay still.
“Let’s do a practice round. Remember to listen for ‘Centurion says.’ Okay! Centurion says, ‘Clap your hands.’ (Pause.) Yay!
“Okay, listen closely. Touch your toes. (Pause.) Nice! Centurion says ‘Hop up and down.’ (Pause.) Centurion says, ‘Freeze.’ (Pause.) Centurion says, ‘Give a friend a high five.’ (Pause.) Sit down. (Pause.) Did I say, ‘Centurion says’? (Pause.) Okay, here we go. Centurion says, ‘Rub your belly.’ (Pause.) Centurion says, ‘Turn around.’ Good job!”
Repeat as long as interest allows.
Say, “Today in our Bible story, we heard about a centurion. A centurion is someone who leads a lot of soldiers. He was powerful and important, but he knew that Jesus was even more important. And he needed Jesus’ help. Jesus loved the centurion and wanted to help him. Jesus loves you and wants to help you, too! That’s right! Jesus loves you! And He wants to be your friend forever. Who loves you? Jesus loves me.”
CRAFT/ACTIVITY
• Measuring Tape Memory Verse: Color the measuring tape. Cut apart the measuring tape strips and glue/tape them in order. Practice your memory verse!
• Which Way: Start at the beginning of the maze and find your way to the end ot find Jesus!
PRAYER
“Heavenly Father, thank You for Jesus. He helped the centurion and his servant, and He will help us, too, because He loves us. We love You, God. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.”
MEMORY VERSE/SCRIPTURE
“How wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.” Ephesians 3:18
SAY THIS
Who loves you? Jesus loves me.
ACTIVITY
What You Need:
Painter’s tape and paper
What You Do/Say:
Tape a horizontal line (at least 48 inches long) and an overlapping vertical line of the same length on the wall at a height reachable by your child standing on their toes.
Cut out two hearts from paper and tape a heart at the top and bottom of the vertical line. Review the memory verse using the motions below.
Say, “Let’s say our memory verse with some fun motions. Do what I do!”
“‘How wide (stretch hands along the horizontal tape line) and long (stretch hands along the vertical tape line) and high (jump and tap the heart at the top) and deep (crouch low and tap the heart at the bottom) is the love (hug yourself) of Christ,’ (point up) Ephesians 3:18. (Open hands like a book.)”
Repeat the activity as interest allows.
Say, “Jesus’ love for us is wide and long and high and deep! Jesus is the best friend ever. Tell me, who loves you? Jesus loves me.”
CRAFT/ACTIVITY
Box of Candy Hearts: Color the candy hearts. Write your own sayings on the second page of candy hearts!
PRAYER
“Dear God, you are awesome! Thanks for sending Jesus to show us how much you love us! We are so happy to know that Jesus’s love for us is wide, long, high, and deep! Jesus is the BEST friend ever. It’s in Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.”
MEMORY VERSE/SCRIPTURE
“How wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.” Ephesians 3:18
SAY THIS
Who loves you? Jesus loves me.
ACTIVITY
What You Need:
Masking or painter’s tape; Optional piece of paper
What You Do/Say:
Use masking or painter’s tape to create a large heart shape on the floor. (Or cut out a heart from paper and tape the heart to the floor.)
Say, “Let’s play a game. I see a heart on the floor. (Point.) I’ll call out a movement for us to do. Then I’ll say, ‘Jesus loves you,’ and we will run into the heart.”
“Are you ready? Pat your head (pat your head) . . . JESUS LOVES YOU! Run into the heart. (Run to the heart.) You did it! Let’s do it again. (Take several steps away from the heart.) Jump up and down (jump up and down) . . . JESUS LOVES YOU! (Run to the heart.) Yay!”
(Continue with the following movements: touch toes, twist, star jump, stomp, crab walk, and bear crawl.)
Say, “Today in our Bible story, we heard how the disciples tried to send the children away, but Jesus told them to let the children come to Him. Jesus loves you and wants to be your friend forever. Jesus loves you! Who loves you? Jesus loves me!”
CRAFT/ACTIVITY
- Heart: Draw a picture of yourself inside the heart!
- Jesus: Color Jesus. Use a popsicle stick or straw and glue it to back of Jesus. Have him do acts of love!
PRAYER
““Dear God, thank You for Jesus! Jesus told the disciples to let the children come near Him because He loved them. And we know that Jesus loves us, too! Thank You for sending Jesus to be our friend forever. It’s in His name we pray, Amen.”
MEMORY VERSE/SCRIPTURE
“Everyone who heard him was amazed.” Luke 2:47, NIV
SAY THIS
Who is amazing? Jesus is amazing.
What You Do/Say:
Play a preschool-friendly sound (music or sound effects). Say, “When you hear a [sound’s name], I want you to move to where you think the sound is coming from. Ready to play? (Pause.) Great, let’s get started.” During the Activity: (Walk to an area in the room and play the sound.) Can you find the sound? (Pause.) Great job! You found it! (Walk to another area in the room and play the sound.) Can you find the sound this time? (Pause.) Great job! You did it! Where is the sound coming from
now? (Play the sound again if needed.) After the activity, say, “In our Bible story, we learned about the man who had been born blind. That means he couldn’t see for his whole life. When your eyes don’t work, you use your other senses more like hearing, touch, and smell. In our activity, you used your ears to find the sound,
and you did an amazing job! Jesus is amazing because He made the man see! Jesus did something ONLY He could do. Jesus is amazing. Who is amazing? Jesus is amazing.”
CRAFT/ACTIVITY
• Kindness Glasses: Color the glasses and decorate as you like. Cut on the dotted lines and assemble the glasses with tape. Practice your memory verse and you flip the glasses to open and “see”!
PRAYER
“God, thank You for sending Jesus because You love us. Jesus was kind to everyone, and He helped them. That’s amazing! We are SO glad that Jesus wants to be our friend forever. We love You, God. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.”
MEMORY VERSE/SCRIPTURE
“Everyone who heard him was amazed.” Luke 2:47, NIV
SAY THIS
Who is amazing? Jesus is amazing.
ACTIVITY
What You Need:
Clear, plastic cup; water; ice cubes; string; salt; and scissors
What You Do/Say:
Cut the string to about 12-inches. Fill the cup about ¾ full of water. Right before the activity, add four to six ice cubes to the cup. (Here are some pictures to help you visualize what you are doing: https://pin.it/2tVKN03) Say, “We are going to fish for ice. Lay your string on the ice. Count to ten with me. (Count.) Pick your string up. Did you catch anything? (Listen.) No, let’s try it again. I’ll add a little salt over the string. (Sprinkle a shake or two over the string.) Let’s count again. (Count to ten.) Lift your string. (Pause.) Did you catch anything this time?” (Listen.) NOTE: Too much salt will make the ice melt too fast and the string won’t stick. Wait too long, and the string will fall off again. If you don’t wait long enough, the ice cube will fall off when you pick it up. Have fun and experiment! Repeat as many times as desired. After the activity, say, “In our story, Jesus went fishing with Peter and they caught so many fish that they filled two boats! Jesus did something AMAZING that only He could do! Jesus is amazing. Who is amazing? Jesus is amazing!”
CRAFT/ACTIVITY
• Underwater Discovery: Color the picture and talk about the sea animals you see!
• Peter’s Net: Color the picture and talk about the Bible story!
PRAYER
“God, thank You for sending Jesus, Your only Son! Peter caught so many fish that they filled two boats. Only Jesus could do that because Jesus is amazing. Thank You for Jesus, our friend forever. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.”
MEMORY VERSE/SCRIPTURE
“Everyone who heard him was amazed.” Luke 2:47, NIV
SAY THIS
Who is amazing? Jesus is amazing.
ACTIVITY
What You Need:
No supplies needed
What You Do/Say:
Ask your child to dance while you count to twelve. When you reach twelve, have your child freeze. Repeat as many times as desired.
Say, “Use your listening ears! I will count to twelve while you dance. When your listening ears hear me get to twelve, I want you to FREEZE! Are you ready to dance and listen? Let’s go! One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve! Freeze! (Pause.) Awesome! Let’s do it again! (Repeat as many times as desired.) That was so much fun. You have some awesome dance moves!”
After the activity, talk about how you danced to the number twelve. Jesus was only twelve years old when Mary and Joseph found Him talking about God to grown-ups.
Say, “In our Bible story today, Jesus was talking about God to grown-ups when He was only twelve years old, and they were amazed at what He knew! Jesus was so wise and knew so much about God. Jesus is God’s Son, and Jesus is AMAZING! Tell me, who is amazing? Jesus is amazing!”
CRAFT/ACTIVITY
• Jesus is Amazing: Make an amazing painting and talk about how Jesus is amazing!
PRAYER
“Dear God, thank You so much for sending Jesus! He is AMAZING because He is Your only Son and He wants to be our friend forever. We love You, Amen.”
