July 12th Family Tools

PreSchool

God Cares for a Widow

1 Kings 17:7-16

BIG IDEA:  God is with us and takes care of us.

GET TALKING: 

• What happened to the stream God sent Elijah to? (It dried up. No more water.)
• Where did God send Elijah next? (To a nearby town.)
• What was he to do there? (Ask a woman for a drink, and bread.) 
• What was the woman's answer? (She gave him a drink, but said she only had enough flour and oil for one last loaf for her and her son.)
• What did Elijah say God would do for her? (He said she wouldn't run out of flour or oil until the Lord sent rain again.)

ACTION PLAN: Name a time God has been with you and cared for you.

PRAYER:  Thank God for always being with you and give examples.

JULY MEMORY VERSE: 

"God has been good to me." Genesis 33:11

Elementary

Unteachable Samson

Judges 13--15

BIG IDEA:  It is wise to learn from other's mistakes and choose to follow God's way.

GET TALKING: 

• What were some of the rules God gave Samson's parents about what he should not do? (Cannot cut his hair.  Cannot touch anything dead.  Cannot eat or drink anything from grapes.)
• What unwise choices did Samson make? (Touched the dead body of a lion. Married a Philistine (the enemy!)
• How can learning about other people's mistakes help us out? (Examples: Help us know what not to do. We can see their consequences, and be encouraged to make good choices.)

CONNECTING TO JESUS: God chose Samson to help Israel get rid of the Philistines. Samson knew what God wanted him to do, but Samson wanted to do things his OWN way! That didn't stop God, though, He was still able to use Samson's wrong choices to help Israel. Now, Jesus ALWAYS obeyed what God wanted him to do. And because he did something no one else could do, He freed us from sin so we don't have to go our own way, but we can join God's family!

ACTION PLAN: Identify ways to know and follow God's plan for us. (Examples: We can know by... reading the Bible, praying to God, listening to people who know and love God. We can follow by... looking for ways to do what is right, doing the things you know will help you follow God.)

JULY MEMORY VERSE:

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9

 

July 5th Family Tools

Preschool

Birds Feed Elijah

1 Kings 17:1-6

BIG IDEA:   God loves and cares for us!

GET TALKING: 

• What message did God give Elijah? (That it wouldn't rain for a long time.  Told him to go hide by a little stream.)
• How did God love and care for Elijah? (God supplied his needs. He gave him water to drink. And had birds bring him bread and meat to eat.)
• God was good to Elijah.  And He is good to us!  What are some ways God has taken care of you? (Ex. warm home, food in our fridge, moms/dad/grandparents to take care of us.)

ACTION PLAN:  Name a way God loves and cares for you.

PRAYER:  Thank God for loving and caring for us all the time.

JULY MEMORY VERSE:

"God has been good to me." Genesis 33:11

 

Elementary

Beating All Odds

Judges 7:1-23

BIG IDEA:  It is wise to obey God by doing what He asks of me.

GET TALKING: 

• What did God tell Gideon about the number of soldiers in his army? (There were too many.)
• Gideon started with 32,000 soldiers, how many did he end up with? (300)
• How did he narrow it down?  (First he asked if anyone was afraid, and let them go home.  Then he took them to a stream for a drink of water, and he kept only those that cupped the water and brought it up to their face.)
• Why did God want Gideon to have a smaller army? (So people would know that God won the battle, not the soldiers. So they couldn't take credit for winning.)
• What happened during the battle? (Gideon and his army split into 3 groups of 100, carrying trumpets, jars and torches.  They surprised the enemy. The Midianites were confused and fought each other. God won the battle!)

CONNECTING TO JESUS:  God's battle plan to defeat the Midianites might have seemed silly, but Gideon had made up his mind to obey God, no matter what.  And because he trusted and obeyed, God showed His great power to everyone around!  Jesus also made the choice to trust and obey His Father's plan, even though it meant death.  And because He did, God showed the whole world that He has power to raise the dead and make anyone who believes in Jesus a member of His family. God's plans are always best, even when they are difficult. He promises to be with us and take care of us the whole way!

ACTION PLAN:  Talk about reasons why obeying God is the wisest choice.

JULY MEMORY VERSE:

 "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."  1 John 1:9

June 28th Family Tools

PreSchool

Joseph Forgives

Genesis 42:1-8; 43:16; 45:1-28; 46:5-7

BIG IDEA:  God wants us to show love to others.

GET TALKING: 

• Why did Joseph's brothers come to Egypt? (Their dad sent them to buy grain.)
• How do you think Joseph felt when he saw his brothers again? (Maybe sad, angry, excited)
• Did his brothers recognize him? (No)
• How did Joseph show his brothers love? (He forgave them for selling his as a slave. He invited them to come live with him in Egypt.)

ACTION PLAN: Think of people and ways that you can show them love this week.

PRAYER:  Ask God to help you see people who need love and find ways to show it to them.

JUNE MEMORY VERSE:

"The Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

Elementary

Gideon's Test

Judges 6:1-22, 36-40

BIG IDEA: It is wise to trust God's big plans for me.

GET TALKING: 

• What was Gideon doing when the angel of the Lord came to him? (Hiding from the Midianites in a winepress.)
• What did the angel tell Gideon? (Called him a mighty warrior. Told him God wanted him to defeat the Midianites. God would be with him.)
• What did Gideon ask God to do? Why? (He asked God to prove this was right by putting a sheepskin out, and making it wet and the ground dry. Then the next night the opposite, make the sheepskin dry and the ground wet. Gideon asked this because he wasn't ready to trust God yet.)
• What did God do? (He answered Gideon's prayers to help Gideon trust God's plans for him.)

CONNECTING TO JESUS:  God chose Gideon to do something that seemed scary to him.  But Gideon trusted the Lord with all his heart.  So he did what God told him to do, and God caused him to win the battle and free the Israelites.  Jesus also fully trusted and obeyed God.  Jesus had the biggest, most outrageous act of love to do... to take the punishment of all our sins! When he died and came back to life, He won the ultimate battle so that we could be free from sin and join God's family forever!

ACTION PLAN:  Talk about what trusting God looks like and sounds like.  (What are things people can say to show they trust in God?  What are some actions that show someone trusts in God?)

JUNE MEMORY VERSES:

"Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves.  Do what it says." James 1:22

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6  

June 21st Family Tools

PreSchool

Joseph Shares Food

Genesis 41

BIG IDEA:  God wants us to share.

GET TALKING: 

• When the King had a bad dream, who was able to help? (The King's servant remembered how Joseph helped with his dream in prison, and told the King about Joseph.  God helped Joseph tell the King the meaning of his dream.)
• What was in the King's dream? (7 fat cows, 7 skinny cows)
• Joseph said there would be 7 years of good crops, and then 7 years with no crops.  The King put him in charge of making sure everyone would have food. What did Joseph tell his helpers to save?  And where did they put it?  (Save all the extra grain.  Put it in barns.)
• What did Joseph do when the people had no food to eat? (He sold them grain.)

ACTION PLAN:  Name something you can share this week.

PRAYER:  Ask God to help us share with people wherever we go.

JUNE MEMORY VERSE:

"The Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

Elementary

Choosing Wisely

Luke 10:38-42

BIG IDEA: It is wise to choose to make God number one in my life!

GET TALKING: 

• What did Mary do that made Martha upset? (Mary chose to listen to Jesus and enjoy His company instead of help with all the work.)
• Why was Jesus pleased with what Mary chose to do? (Mary put Jesus first.)
• What are some ways you can show that God is #1 in your life this week? (Read the Bible. Memorize a Bible verse. Tell others what I know about Jesus. Sing a song telling God that I love Him.)

CONNECTING TO JESUS: Both Martha and Mary loved Jesus.  Martha was busy doing all these things FOR Jesus, that she neglected to BE with Jesus.  Mary had all those busy jobs to do, too, but she chose to sit at Jesus' feet.  How we spend our time shows what matters most to us.  When we put God first, it shows in what we do.  It is wise to spend time with Him -- it is too important to be missed.

ACTION PLAN:  Choose a way to spend time with God each day!

June Memory Verses: 

"Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves.  Do what it says." James 1:22

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6  

June 14th Family Tools

Preschool

Joseph in Prison

Genesis 39:1-40:23

BIG IDEA: God can help us make good choices.

GET TALKING: 

• Joseph was sold to a man named Potiphar.  How did Joseph do working for Potiphar? (He worked very hard. Potiphar made Joseph the most important slave, in charge of all his helpers and money.)
• What happened when Potiphar's wife told lies about Joseph? (Potiphar believed his wife and put Joseph in jail.)
• Even in jail, God was still with Joseph and taking care of him.  What happened while he was in jail? (He did such a good job working there, he was put in charge of all the prisoners.  He helped tell a sad man what his dream meant.)
• Even though Joseph was treated poorly (by brothers, Potiphar's wife), did he make poor choices or good choices?  (Good choices.)

ACTION PLAN: Identify a good choice you can make today.

PRAYER: Ask God to help you make good choices this week.

MEMORY VERSE: "The Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

Elementary

Trusting God's Word

Matthew 4:1-11

BIG IDEA: It is wise to trust God's Word to guide me when trouble comes.

GET TALKING: 

• Why did Jesus go into the desert alone? (To spend some quiet time with God and pray.)
• What did Satan try to make Jesus do? (Tried to trick Jesus into disobeying God and worshipping  Satan instead.
• How did he try and trick Jesus? (Tried to get Him to turn stones into bread.  To jump off a mountain.  And tried offering Him all the kingdoms on Earth.)
• Did Jesus get tricked?  What did He say to Satan? (No. He repeated God's Word.)

CONNECTING TO JESUS:  When Satan tempted Jesus in the desert, Jesus gave answers that came straight from Moses' words, which are included in our Bible.  Jesus showed us that obeying God starts with knowing God's Word.  When we store God's Word in our hearts, by reading and memorizing it, we can trust what God says to guide us when trouble comes!

ACTION PLAN: Discuss difficult situations you may face and how trusting God's Word can help.

June Memory Verses: 

"Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves.  Do what it says." James 1:22

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6 

Family Tools - June 7th

Preschool

Lesson 1 - Joseph & His Brothers

Genesis 37

BIG IDEA: God promises to be with us wherever we go.

GET TALKING: 

• Jacob had 12 sons, but who was his favorite? (Joseph)
• What made Joseph's brothers so angry with him? (Their Dad gave Joseph a beautiful coat to Joseph and not them.  Joseph told his brothers about a couple of dreams he had where they bowed to him.)
• What happened to Joseph when he went to check on his brothers? (They wanted to hurt him. They threw him in a deep well.  They sold him as a slave to some traders.)
• How do you think Joseph felt? (Ex. sad, angry, hurt, alone, etc.)
• ACTION PLAN: Name a place God has been with you this week.

PRAYER: Thank him for being with you everywhere you go.

MEMORY VERSE: "The Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

---

Elementary

Mirroring God's Word

James 1:19-25

BIG IDEA: It's wise to read God's Word and live it, and not forget it.

GET TALKING: 

• What did we say wisdom means? (Knowing the right things to do, and then doing it.)
• What were the 2 steps that James gave us to be wise? (1. Listen to God's Word, 2. Do what it tells us.)
• We talked about mirrors. Forgetting what we look like in a mirror is like forgetting what? (God's Word. Forgetting what God wants us to do. If we read God's Word but don't do what it says, it's like seeing our dirty faces in a mirror but forgetting and not washing.)
• What does James 1:22 tell us NOT to do? (Trick/deceive ourselves.) What are we supposed to do instead? (Obey God's Word. Put His Word into action.)
• What were 3 examples James gave us on how we can be wise and DO what God says? (Be quick to listen. Be slow to talk back. Be slow to get angry.)

CONNECTING TO JESUS: James challenges us to not only read God's Word, but to also put it into action.  When we go beyond just learning what God says, and actually DO what God says, we begin to understand it much more.  And obedience also shows other people that we belong to God's family and have a true relationship with Jesus, also known as the Living Word of God!

ACTION PLAN: Identify ways to put God's Word into action.

June Memory Verses: 

"Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves.  Do what it says." James 1:22

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6

May 31st Family Tools

PreSchool

Safe in a Shipwreck

Acts 27

BIG IDEA: To see others in need and show God's love to them.

GET TALKING:

• What happened while Paul was on the boat? (A big storm. They people were afraid.)
• Paul knew they were afraid, how did he help them? (He told them not to be afraid. Told them God loved them and promised to take care of them. That no one would get hurt.)
• What happened to the boat? And the people on the boat? (It wrecked and broke apart. The people swam to shore, or floated on pieces of the boat to shore. Everyone was safe!)

ACTION PLAN: Identify ways that you can show God's love to your friends.

PRAYER: Ask God to help you care for others and show them God's love.

MAY MEMORY VERSE:

"Jesus said, 'Go and tell the good news.'"  Mark 16:15

---

Elementary

Safe in a Shipwreck

Acts 27

BIG IDEA:  We can say and do things that will encourage others.

GET TALKING: 

• The storm was fierce and the passengers were all cold, hungry and scared.  How did Paul encourage them? (He told them an angel appeared to him and promised they would all be safe.  God would save them.  The ship would break, but no lives would be lost.)
• What are some difficult situations kids your age might experience? (Examples: Getting a bad grade at school. Mean kids picking on others. Moving to a new school. Parents are upset about something.)
• What are some ways we can be encouraged by God? (Pray to God, or ask someone to pray for you. Read some of your favorite Bible verses. Listen or sing praise songs. Remember some times that God has helped you in the past.)

CONNECTING TO JESUS:  Paul understood that having power over nature was not a problem for Jesus.  He had the power to stop a storm (Mark 4:35-39) or simply walk through it (Mark 6:45-50).  Because Paul trusted Jesus, he had confidence -- even in a frightening situation.  We can have confidence, too.  We may not know how things will turn out, but we can be confident that Jesus is with us! We can share that confidence with others and it can encourage them to trust Jesus along with us!

ACTION PLAN: Discuss ways to encourage others to trust God.

May Memory Verses:

"I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes." Romans 1:16

"Be very careful, then, how you live -- not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity." Ephesians 5:15-16

May 24th Family Tools

PreSchool

A Boy Helps Paul

Acts 23:12-35

BIG IDEA: We don't have to be grown-ups to help others in important ways.

GET TALKING:

• Paul ended up in jail for telling others about Jesus. What did some angry men plan to do? (Kill Paul.)
• Who was the young boy that helped Paul? (His nephew.)
• How did Paul's nephew help to keep him safe? (Paul's nephew told Paul. Was brave and told the commander the men's plan to kill Paul.)
• What did the commander do to help Paul? (He called for many soldiers and they left the city at night, with Paul hidden among all the soldiers. Took him to the governor's palace.)

ACTION PLAN: Identify ways to help and do good things for others.

PRAYER: Ask God to help you see ways that you can help others.

MAY MEMORY VERSE:

"Jesus said, 'Go and tell the good news.'"  Mark 16:15

---

Elementary

Plot Against Paul

Acts 23:11-35

BIG IDEA: The actions I choose can help others learn about God.

GET TALKING:

• Why did some people want to kill Paul? (The religious leaders in Jerusalem disagreed with things Paul said. They didn't believe Jesus was the Messiah.)
• How did Paul's nephew help? (He overheard the men's plan to kill Paul.  He went to tell Paul in the barracks where he was held.  He obeyed Paul and told the Commander.)
• What happened because of his actions? (Paul's life was saved. He was taken to Rome and was able to share the good news of Jesus to the people there.)

CONNECTING TO JESUS: Jesus said that His good news would spread all over the world, and not even the evil plan of 40 men, could stop God's plan! God's plans are always bigger!  Paul's nephew was brave and God used him to help save Paul's life.  The nephews actions helped get Paul to Rome, which allowed Paul to tell people there about Jesus, too. His actions helped others learn about God.  We might not have to make decisions on how to save someone's life, but the way we act every day can help the people around us to learn more about God.  And when we trust and obey, that can help others trust and obey, too.

ACTION PLAN: Identify ways that my obeying God helps others learn about Him.

May Memory Verses:

"I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes." Romans 1:16

 "Be very careful, then, how you live -- not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity." Ephesians 5:15-16

May 17th Family Tools

PreSchool

Paul Obeys God

Acts 21:17--22:30

BIG IDEA: We are obeying God when we tell others about Jesus.

GET TALKING:

• Where did Paul go to tell others about Jesus? (The Temple.)
• What happened to Paul? (Some men got angry. They dragged him out of the Temple. Soldiers put him in chains.)
• How did Paul obey God? (He continued telling people about Jesus, even when they were angry.)

ACTION PLAN:  Identify times that we can tell others about Jesus.

PRAYER:  Ask God for help to tell our friends about Jesus, even when it's difficult.

MAY MEMORY VERSE:

"Jesus said, 'Go and tell the good news.'"  Mark 16:15

---

Elementary

Paul Preaches in Jerusalem

Acts 21:8--22:29

BIG IDEA: I can tell others what I believe about Jesus.

GET TALKING:

What happened when Paul went to Temple in Jerusalem? (People started accusing him of turning people against the Jews and their laws.  People tried to kill him. Roman soldiers came and broke up the fight and arrested Paul.)

Paul asked the Commander if he could talk to the crowd, what did he tell them about how he learned about Jesus? (He shared his testimony of how he used to arrest and hurt people who believed in Jesus, then Jesus spoke to him on the way to Damascus and he, too, believed Jesus and now travels around telling others about Jesus!)

What do you know about Jesus that you could tell others? (He loves us and takes care of us. He is powerful.  He listens to our prayers. He died for our sins and rose again!)

CONNECTING TO JESUS:  Paul had been warned that he would be arrested if he went to Jerusalem, and his friends begged him to not to go, but Paul explained he was ready to be in chains, and even DIE for the sake of Jesus.  He was ready to trusty and obey, no matter what.  It doesn't matter how much or how little you know about Him, if you believe Jesus is God's son, you are a part of His family. And you can tell others why you chose to follow Jesus and He will give you the courage to do so.

ACTION PLAN: List some of the awesome things you believe to be true about God.  Discuss ways you could share these things with others and pray for God to give you courage.

May Memory Verses:

"I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes." Romans 1:16

"Be very careful, then, how you live -- not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity." Ephesians 5:15-16

May 10th Family Tools

PreSchool

Singing in Jail

Acts 16:16-34

BIG IDEA: There are many ways to tell others about Jesus.

GET TALKING: 

• Not everyone was happy that Paul and his friends were in Phillipi. What happened to Paul and Silas? (Men told lies about them. They were put in jail.)
• Being in jail didn't stop them from sharing the good news. What are some ways they told others about Jesus? (By talking, praying and singing songs.)
• How did the jailer feel after the earthquake? (He was afraid all the prisoners would escape. He was afraid he would be in trouble.)
• What happened after the jailer realized all the prisoners were still there? (He asked Paul and Silas how to be saved. He listened and believed the good news about Jesus.)

ACTION PLAN: Identify ways to tell others about Jesus.

PRAYER: Thank God for always being with us.

MAY MEMORY VERSE:

Jesus said, 'Go and tell the good news.  Mark 16:15

---

Elementary

Praise in Prison

Acts 16:16-40

BIG IDEA: Jesus is with us, so we can be fearless about the future.

GET TALKING:

• Why were Paul & Silas put in jail?  (They healed a slave girl from a demon living inside her and the owners were mad because she made them money.  They took them to the authorities and said they were disrupting the city.)
• What were some ways that Paul & Silas showed they trusted God? (They sang and prayed to God, even when they were in jail.  They didn't escape when the earthquake opened the jail doors. They showed love by stopping the jailer from killing himself when he thought all the prisoners escaped.)
• What are some difficult situations that people might face? (Examples: Moving to a new neighborhood, having a big test at school, having someone at school being mean to you.)
• What can you do to remember that Jesus is with you in situations like this? (Pray. Read your Bible. Sing songs about Jesus. Talk with a parent or a teacher.)

CONNECTING TO JESUS:  The jailer heard Paul and Silas singing and praising God even while they were in prison.  Then he saw how they stayed after the earthquake, even when they could have escaped, and stopped him from hurting himself when he was afraid they ran away.  Paul and Silas did more than just TELL people about Jesus, they showed their faith by their actions.  Their actions that night in jail showed their faith and trust in God, and the jailer wanted to know how he could be saved, too.  God is always good, and we can trust Him in every situation, even the scary ones.  

ACTION PLAN: Talk about the goodness of God and some of His promises, that might help us to be brave in scary situations.  Pray for help to trust Jesus and have hope in every situation.

May Memory Verses:

"I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes." Romans 1:16

"Be very careful, then, how you live -- not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity." Ephesians 5:15-16

May 3rd Family Tools

PreSchool

Paul Tells About Jesus

Acts 16:9-15

BIG IDEA: We can tell others the good news about Jesus.

GET TALKING:

• How did Paul decide to go to Phillipi? (A dream.)
• Who did Paul find along the river in Phillip? (A group of women who loved God. Lydia.)
• He shared the good news about Jesus with the women. What are some things you think he told them? (Jesus is God's son. Jesus is alive. Jesus loves us. Jesus cares for us.)
• Lydia believed all the good news about Jesus, what happened next? (She was baptized. Everyone in her house believed and was baptized. She invited Paul and his friends to stay at her house.)

ACTION PLAN: Identify places you like to go.  Who can you tell there about Jesus?

PRAYER:  Thank God for the good news that Jesus loves us and help us to share it with others.

MAY MEMORY VERSE:

Jesus said, 'Go and tell the good news.  Mark 16:15

---

Elementary

Directions for Paul

Acts 16:6-15

BIG IDEA:  God gives me courage to tell others about Jesus.

GET TALKING:

• Paul and his friends originally planned to go to Asia, but they ended up going to Macedonia.  Why? (The Holy Spirit stopped them.  Paul had a vision of a man asking them to come to Macedonia.)
• What did Lydia do when she heard the good news?  (She believed and became a christian, as well as her whole household.  She was baptized.  She invited Paul and his friends to stay at her house.)
• When are times kids your age can tell others about Jesus? (Examples: When a friend ask why you go to church. When a friend asks about your Bible. When a friend is sad. When you learn something new about Jesus. When a friend asks why you pray before eating.)

CONNECTING TO JESUS:  Paul obeyed God by telling others about Jesus. He shared the good news of Jesus' death and resurrection with Lydia and thankfully she chose to believe, along with her whole household.  But it wasn't because Paul was a great speaker, or because was really popular... it was because he obeyed God to tell people the good news, and the Holy Spirit did the rest.  God changes peoples' hearts.  Not us.  God doesn't call us to be successful, He calls us to be faithful and obedient.

ACTION PLAN: Plan ways to tell others about Jesus, and ask God for courage to be His messenger.

May Memory Verses:

"I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes." Romans 1:16

"Be very careful, then, how you live -- not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity." Ephesians 5:15-16

April 26th Family Tools

PreSchool

The Poor Woman's Gift

Mark 12:41-44

BIG IDEA:  We can show love to God.

GET TALKING:

• How did the poor woman show that she loved God?  (She gave her money to God.)
• What was the difference between the rich people's offering and the poor woman's offering? (The rich people gave lots of money, but still had money left over. The poor woman gave all she had.)
• What are some ways that we can show love to God? (Pray. Sing. Be kind to others. Go to church. Give Him an offering/tithe.)

ACTION PLAN:  Name some ways that you can show God love this week.

PRAYER:  Thank God for His love, and tell Him you love Him, too.

APRIL MEMORY VERSE:  

How good it is to sing praises to our God. Psalm 147:1

---

Elementary

Miracle at Lystra

Acts 14:6-20

BIG IDEA: God is powerful, and I can trust Him to use His power to care for me.

GET  TALKING: 

• When Paul and Barnabas got to Lystra, they started telling people about Jesus.  What happened after the people saw Paul heal the crippled man?  (They thought they were gods. They wanted to sacrifice animals and worship them.)
• How did Paul and Barnabas respond to the people?  (They tore their clothes to show them they were sad that they thought they were gods. They tried explaining they were just human, and told them about God.
• What did Paul tell them about God? (That He is the one true God. He is alive and powerful.)
• How did God's power take care of Paul when the angry people tried to stone him? (God saved him from death.)

CONNECTING TO JESUS: When Paul healed the crippled man in Lystra, the people thought he and Barnabas were gods.  But Paul and Barnabas knew they were there to tell the people about Jesus, not to get praise for themselves.  So they quickly stopped the people and tried to explain the truth about Jesus to them.  We have the same job that Paul and Barnabas had -- telling people about Jesus. We can follow their example and make sure that others know we are living for Jesus.  Sometimes this can be a difficult job, but God is bigger and more powerful than any fear or struggle we might have.  Just as God's power saved Paul from being stoned to death, His power is also available to us to help us through any situation.

ACTION PLAN: Discuss some things that God has done, that only He can do? (e.g. create the world, raise Jesus from the dead, etc.)  Talk about ways God uses His power today to care for us.

APRIL MEMORY VERSES:

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:32

April 19th Family Tools

PreSchool 

Jesus is Alive

Matthew 28:16-20; Luke 24:36-53; Acts 1:1-9

BIG IDEA: Jesus promised to care for His friends.

GET TALKING

• How did Jesus surprise His friends? (He showed up in the room where they were all talking.)
• What did Jesus tell His friends to do? (God tell everyone about me.)
• What did Jesus promise them? (That He would always be with them, even when they couldn't see Him.)
• How did Jesus return to Heaven? (He went up into the sky. God covered Him with a cloud.)
• What did Jesus' friends do after Jesus left them? (They went to the Temple to praise God.)
• ACTION PLAN: Identify ways Jesus cares for you.

PRAYER: Thank God for the good news that Jesus is alive and cares for us.

APRIL MEMORY VERSE:  

How good it is to sing praises to our God. Psalm 147:1

---

Elementary

Paul Meets Jesus

Acts 8:1-3; 9:1-22

BIG IDEA: When I acknowledge who Jesus is, He helps me live in a new way.

GET TALKING: 

• How did Saul act before he experienced Jesus' power on the road to Damascus? (He didn't believe Jesus was the Messiah.  He wanted to arrest, hurt and keep Christians quiet. He approved of the people killing Stephen.)
• What happened after he met Jesus on the road to Damascus? (He couldn't see for 3 days. He finally believed in Jesus and started telling people about Jesus!)
• What job did God give Ananias to do?  How do you think he felt about that?  (God told him to go to Saul and pray for him.  He might have been afraid that Saul might hurt him. Maybe confused.)
• When we choose to believe in God, He helps us live in a new way.  What are some changes God might make in a person's life?  (Help us to be kind. Help us to forgive. Help us to make good decisions and do what is right.  Help us not to be afraid because He is with us.)
• CONNECTING TO JESUS:  Saul was committed to hurting people that followed Jesus, but he could not stop God's love and plan for his life.  God wanted him to share the good news about Jesus to others. When Jesus spoke to Saul on the road to Damascus, He stopped Saul in his tracks and turned his life around.  He was now an instrument to share the gospel, not stop it!  This is an example of how the power of Christ can change anyone, even the meanest of people! God can change us, too, and help us to live right and in a way that makes God happy!

ACTION PLAN: Describe changes that God makes in the lives of people who believe in Him.  Talk about some that we might need to work on in our own lives and ask God to help strengthen us in those areas.

APRIL MEMORY VERSES:

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:32

April 12th Family Tools

PreSchool

The Road to Emmaus

Luke 24:13-35

BIG IDEA: We can be excited that God is with us wherever we go!

GET TALKING:

• Why were Jesus' friends sad? (Because Jesus had died.)
• Who came up and started walking with them along the road? (Jesus)
• Did they recognize Him at first? (No)  When did they finally recognize Him? (After He prayed and gave them bread.)
• What happened after they realized it was Jesus? (Jesus disappeared. They rushed back to tell their friends in Jerusalem.)

ACTION PLAN: Talk about all the places we go and how Jesus is always with us.

PRAYER: Thank God that Jesus is always with us.

APRIL MEMORY VERSE:  

How good it is to sing praises to our God. Psalm 147:1

---

Elementary

Breakfast on the Beach 

John 21:1-19 

BIG IDEA: Jesus forgives me and helps me forgive others.

GET TALKING:

• What happened when the disciples fished all night? (They didn't catch anything.)
• What did Jesus tell the disciples to do?  What happened? (He told them to throw their nets on the right side of the boat. They caught a lot of fish, 153 total!)
• How did Jesus show Peter forgiveness? (Jesus asked him if he loved him 3 times, to make up for the 3 times Peter denied him.)
• How are some ways we can show forgiveness to others? (Pray for them. Say you forgive the person. Show kindness to the person.)

CONNECTING TO JESUS: Peter was sad after he realized that he had denied Jesus 3 times.  But Jesus showed Peter forgiveness by giving him the chance to right the wrong he had done.  In fact, Jesus gave him 3 chances, one for each time he denied Him. Jesus is a great example when it comes to forgiveness. Once He forgives, He wipes the slate clean and remembers our sins no more.  Forgiving people can be difficult sometimes, but we can always call on Jesus and ask Him to help us forgive others.

ACTION PLAN: Talk about times we need forgiveness and ask God to help us forgive others. 

APRIL MEMORY VERSES:

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:32

April 5 Family Tools

Preschool

The Empty Tomb

 Matthew 28:1-10; Luke 22:2; 23:33-24:9; John 19:38-42

BIG IDEA: We are happy that Jesus is alive!

GET TALKING:

• Last week we talked about how many people celebrated Jesus coming to town, but other people weren't so excited.  They didn't like Jesus at all.  What did they do to Jesus? (They hung him on the cross.)
• After Jesus died, where did they put His body? (In the tomb. A cave with a big stone rolled in front of it.)
• His friends were very sad.  A couple of women went to the tomb and found quite the surprise!  What did they find? (Jesus' body was gone!  Two angels were there and told them Jesus was alive!)
• What did the women do when they heard the good news? (They ran to tell Jesus' friends that He was alive!)

ACTION PLAN: When we have good news, we want to share it with everyone! Name a friend that you want to tell the good news that Jesus is alive.

PRAYER: Thank God that Jesus is ALIVE and ask Him to help us share the good news with others.

APRIL MEMORY VERSE:  

"How good it is to sing praises to our God." Psalm 147:1

---

Elementary

Jesus Is Risen

John 17-20

BIG IDEA: God loves me and made a way for me to be part of His family.

GET TALKING:

• What happened after Jesus had gone away to pray? (His disciples fell asleep. He was arrested, beaten and died on the cross.)
• What happened 3 days after Jesus died? (The stone was rolled away. He rose from the dead. He appeared to his friends.)
• Why did Thomas doubt that Jesus is alive? (Thomas had not seen Him yet.)  How did Thomas end up believing? (Jesus appeared to him and allowed him to touch his hands and side.)

CONNECTING TO JESUS: When Jesus died and rose again, everything happened just as God had said it would.  The Old Testament tells many details about Jesus, written long before Jesus was even born. God wants to show us that Jesus is the MOST IMPORTANT part of God's plan.  He is the only way to know God the Father.  He died and rose again so that we can be part of God's family!

ACTION PLAN: Tell what you know to be true about Jesus. Talk about how it may be easy or difficult to believe in someone we cannot see.

APRIL MEMORY VERSES:

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:32

March 29th Family Tools

PreSchool

Jesus Enters Jerusalem

Matthew 21:1-11,15-16; Mark 11:1-10

BIG IDEA: There are many ways to praise Jesus.

GET TALKING:

• What did Jesus ask 2 of his helpers to do? (Go into the town ahead and get a donkey to bring back to Jesus.)
• The people were excited that Jesus was coming.  What did they do to show Jesus that they were happy to see Him?  (They laid palm branches and their coats on the road. They shouted "Hosanna")
• What does Hosanna mean? (Save us now. A shout of praise.)

ACTION PLAN: The word "praise" means to thank someone or to tell how great and good someone is.  Identify different ways to praise Jesus this week.

PRAYER: Thank God for Jesus and all He has done for us!

MEMORY VERSE:  "How good it is to sing praises to our God." Psalm 147:1

---

Elementary

People Praise Jesus

John 12: 9-19

BIG IDEA:  Jesus is so great that I can't help but praise Him!

GET TALKING:

• What did the people do to praise Jesus when He entered Jerusalem? (Waved branches. Sang "Hosanna".  Laid their cloaks on the ground before Jesus.)
• Some people had hoped Jesus would fight the Romans. What did Jesus come to do? (Bring peace. Die on the cross to take the punishment for our sins. Make it possible to join God's family. Make a bigger kingdom than Israel.)
• Why didn't the religious leaders like Jesus? (They were worried about how popular Jesus was becoming. They didn't want the Romans to take away their jobs.)

CONNECTING TO JESUS:  Jesus is the King of Kings!  But He didn't become King by fighting, He did it by dying!  He died to take the punishment of our sins and then rose to life again!  Now, instead of fighting bad people, King Jesus invites ALL of us to be forgiven and join His family forever!

ACTION PLAN:  Choose a way to show thanks to Jesus and do it.

MEMORY VERSE: "THE LORD IS MY STRENGTH AND MY SHIELD; MY HEART TRUSTS IN HIM, AND I AM HELPED.  MY HEART LEAPS FOR JOY AND I WILL GIVE THANKS TO HIM IN SONG." PSALM 28:7

March 22nd Family Tools

PreSchool

Lesson 4 - A Rich Man's Question

Matthew 19:16-26; Mark 10:17-27; Luke 18:18-27

BIG IDEA: We can show God's love by sharing.

GET TALKING: 

• The man that came up to Jesus had a LOT of what? (Money)
• The rich, young man wanted to know how to live forever. Jesus told him to obey God's rules (commandments) and what else? (Sell everything you have and share it with the poor. And then follow me.)
• How did the rich, young man respond? (He was sad. He walked away.)
• Would it be easy or difficult for you to give away ALL your toys and share with other kids that may not have any toys? 

ACTION PLAN: Identify ways to share with someone this week.

PRAYER: Ask God to help you show love to others by sharing.

MEMORY VERSE:  "Give thanks to the Lord. His love is forever." 1 Chronicles 16:34

---

Elementary

Lesson 2 - The Master Serves

John 13: 1-17  

BIG IDEA: Part of following Jesus is loving and serving others.

GET TALKING:

• How did Jesus show His friends that He loved them? (Served their need. Washed their feet.)
• Why didn't Peter want Jesus to wash his feet? (Peter didn't want Jesus to do the work of a lowly servant.)
• What was Jesus trying to teach His disciples by washing their feet? (The importance of serving others. That no one is "too good" to serve others.)

CONNECTING TO JESUS: Jesus was King of Kings, yet He wasn't like most Kings who sought power and riches.  He came to serve, to the point of laying down His life for us.  Mark 10:45 says, "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many." Jesus set the example and wants us to follow His lead.

ACTION PLAN: Describe situations in which we can show Jesus' love by serving others.

MARCH MEMORY VERSES: 

"THE LORD IS MY STRENGTH AND MY SHIELD; MY HEART TRUSTS IN HIM, AND I AM HELPED.  MY HEART LEAPS FOR JOY AND I WILL GIVE THANKS TO HIM IN SONG." PSALM 28:7

March 15th Family Tools

Family tools are a great way to bring this weeks Barefoot Kids lesson home.

---

PreSchool

One Man Thanks Jesus

Luke 17:11-19

BIG IDEA: Remember to always thank God for the good things He provides.

GET TALKING:

• What was wrong with the men in this story? (They had leprousy; sores all over their bodies. They were outcast from their family and friends.)
• Who did they go looking for? Why?  (Jesus. They hoped He could heal them.)
• What did Jesus tell them to do? (He told them to go show themselves to the Temple leaders/priests.)
• How many men did Jesus heal? (10)  How many came back to thank Jesus? (1, the Samaritan)

ACTION PLAN: Identify things we can thank God for.

MEMORY VERSE:  "Give thanks to the Lord. His love is forever." 1 Chronicles 16:34

---

Elementary

Paul Helps Onesimus // Philemon

BIG IDEA: Because we believe in Jesus, let's love and obey God with our actions.

GET TALKING:

• Why might Philemon have wanted to get back at Onesimus? (Onesimus stole from him.  He ran away.)
• What did Paul do for Onesimus? (Taught him about Jesus. Wrote a letter to Philemon. Offered to pay back Onesimus's debt.)
• We are a part of God's team and people will learn what God is like by watching us and seeing how we treat people -- even people that are unkind to us.  What could others learn about God and His love by watching you?

CONNECTING TO JESUS:  The story of Paul, Onesimus and Philemon is a great illustration of God's love shown through kind, practical help.  Just as Paul intervened and offered to pay Onesimus's debt to his master, Jesus paid the price for our sins.  And this allows us as "runaways" to return and be fully restored to our Father, debt-free!

ACTION PLAN: Plan actions I can do this week that show love and obedience to God. 

March Memory Verses: 

"The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped.  My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song." Psalm 28:7

"Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." Philippians 2:4

March 8th Family Tools

Family tools are a great way to bring this weeks Barefoot Kids lesson home.

---

PreSchool

Four Friends Help // Mark 2:1-12

BIG IDEA: God wants us to be kind and be a good friend.

GET TALKING:

• What was wrong with the man in our story? (He was lame. He couldn't walk.)
• How did the man's friends show him kindness? (They carried him to see Jesus. They dug a hole in the roof and lowered him down to see Jesus.)
• How did Jesus show the lame man kindness? (Forgave his sins. Healed him and told him to stand up, take his mat and walk.)
• Who are some people that YOU can show kindness to this week? Who can you be a friend to this week?

ACTION PLAN: Identify ways friends are kind to each other.

PRAYER: Thank God for our friends and ask God to help us be kind to others.

MEMORY VERSE:  "Give thanks to the Lord. His love is forever." 1 Chronicles 16:34

---

Elementary

Paul Arrives in Rome // Acts 28

BIG IDEA:  God can use me to invite others to be a part of His family

GET TALKING:

• After the shipwreck, how did God display His power and help Paul tell others about Jesus? (God protected Paul from the snake bite.  Answered Paul's prayer to heal Publius's father.  Helped Paul explain God's word boldly.  In Rome, was able to stay in a house, instead of prison cell.)
• What are ways you could help your friends learn about Jesus?  (Tell them Jesus loves them.  Invite them to church. Give them a Bible.) 

CONNECTING TO JESUS:  Paul knew God was sending him to Rome, but found himself stuck on the island of Malta.  God put Paul in a great situation where he could teach Gentiles about Jesus!  Even on an unexpected detour, Paul was still able to do just what Jesus wanted him to do -- teach non-Jews the good news of what Jesus has done for them.

ACTION PLAN:  Identify people to pray for and things to say to help others learn about God this week.

March Memory Verses: 

"The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped.  My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song." Psalm 28:7

"Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." Philippians 2:4

March 1st Family Tools

Family tools are a great way to bring this weeks Barefoot Kids lesson home. 

---

Preschool

Sick Boy Is Made Well // John 4:46-53

BIG IDEA: God shows us love in many ways!

GET TALKING:

• Who loves you?  
• How do they show you love?
• In the story, a father did everything he could for his sick little boy, but nothing worked.  What did he end up doing to help his son? (He walked to another town to find Jesus.)
• What did Jesus do to show God's love to the sick boy? (He healed the boy.)
• Did Jesus have to go to the boy's house to heal him? (No. He just spoke the words, "your son will live". The father believed, and his son was healed.)
• What are some ways that God shows YOU love?

ACTION PLAN: Identify different ways that God loves us.

PRAYER:  Thank God for His love.

MEMORY VERSE:  "Give thanks to the Lord. His love is forever." 1 Chronicles 16:34

 

---

Elementary

Lazarus Lives // John 11:1-45

BIG IDEA: Jesus came to bring us eternal life.

GET TALKING:

• What did Jesus mean when He said he was going to Bethany to "wake up" Lazarus. (Raise him from the dead.)
• Why do you think Jesus prayed aloud? (He wanted the people to know God was going to do this miracle. Jesus wanted people to know God had sent Him.)
• What did Jesus do to make it possible for us to have eternal life? (Died on the cross for our sins and then rose from the dead!) 
• How can we have eternal life? (Trusting in Jesus, becoming a part of His family.)

CONNECTING TO JESUS:  Jesus waited to go to Bethany so His disciples could see His power over death.  He was going to die on the cross soon and He knew they would be afraid and confused.  He told them He was going to rise again, and He wanted them to believe and trust in Him even during His death on the cross and His resurrection.  He desires the same for us today,   especially through difficult times, to trust in Him and His power to work all things together for good. God's plan is bigger and better than we could ever imagine!

ACTION PLAN: Discuss what eternal life means.

March Memory Verses: 

"The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped.  My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song." Psalm 28:7

"Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." Philippians 2:4