WE CAN SHARE AT CHURCH

by Kimber Bailey Scott

Exodus 35:4-29; 39:42-43

SING: 

 I’m Big Enough to Share (tune: row, row, row your boat)

I will share at church. I will share at church.

I am big enough to share. I will share at church.

RHYME: 

 Sharing

This is my book; I’ll open it wide, To show you the pictures that are inside.

This is my ball, so big and round. We can toss it in the air or roll it on the ground.

This is my umbrella; it can keep us both dry When raindrops fall from the cloudy sky. – Adapted

(Do motions the words suggest.)

PRAY: 

We’ve been singing and rhyming about sharing with our friends. Our Bible verses tells us “Be…kind”. Say this rhyme: When I pray, I fold my hands (fold hands) and close my eyes; (close eyes) I talk to God, and He hears me. – Jean Katt Thank You, God, that we are growing big enough to share. In Jesus’ name, amen.

LESSON:

I have something to share with you. Give each child a play necklace (lei, Mardi Gras, etc.). Give 2 to one child and ask them to share one with you. Thank You, Zach, for sharing! I am happy that you shared with me! Let’s listen to a story from the Bible about a time when people brought pretty things to share at God’s house.

God told a man named Moses, “Tell my people to build a big tent-church. It will be called a tabernacle.” Can you say that with me? Tab-er-nacle. Good! God said, “After the people build the tent-church, (tabernacle) they can go there to sing and pray to me.” Drape a blanket or sheet over a table or several charis to build a tabernacle.

Moses told the people that God wanted them to build a beautiful tent-church (tabernacle) where people would come to pray and sing to Him. Moses said, “Everyone who wants to help build this beautiful tabernacle should bring a gift.” So the people brought gold, silver and sparkling jewels display jewelry. They brought earrings and bracelets show more jewelry. Some people brought beautiful cloth scarves. Some people brought oil and spices that smelled good bundles of potpourri or spices. Hand each child a “gift.” Keep one and lead the children to the “tabernacle.” Leave the gifts inside or decorate the tabernacle with them. The people built the beautiful tabernacle with their gifts just as God had told them. The people were happy. They were glad to share.

APPLY:

Pick up a gift that was placed in or on the tabernacle. What do I have? Gift, necklace, cloth, etc. We pretended to take our gifts to help build a tent-church tabernacle for God. Who can point to what the people of God shared?...Point to the place where the people shared their gifts…Show/tell me how sharing made the people feel? Children make happy faces. What can you share at church? Help the children think of books, crayons, blocks, etc. How do you feel when someone shares a book with you?...Yes, happy. And how do you feel when you share something with someone else?...Happy! Sharing makes everyone feel happy.

MEMORY VERSE: 

The Bible says, “Be…kind“ Ephesians 4:32 Can you say those words with me? Say them louder. Say them softer. Give each one a Bible (or share) & ask each to say, “Be…kind“ Ephesians 4:32

BOOKS: 

Read a book to them about sharing and/or manners. Find one of these in a library near you or on the internet. SHARING examples: Colors & Shapes to Share, Fun with Lacey, Sharing time, Share & Take Turns, One for Me One for You, Emily’s Sharing & Caring Book, I am Sharing by Mercer Mayer, etc. MANNERS examples: Manners by Aliki, Manners can be fun by Munro Leaf, The Berenstain Bears forget their Manners, Manners Time by Elizabeth Verdick, This Little Piggy’s book of Manners by Kathryn Madeline Allen, Richard Scarry’s Please and Thank You Book, A Child’s book of Manners by Ruth Shannon Odor, etc.

ACTIVITY:

Seat children in a circle. Hand baby dolls and blankets to two children. Let’s sing a song about baby Jesus! Encourage the kids with babies to rock while a lullaby is sung. Sing these words to the tune of “Are You Sleeping?”

I love Jesus, I love Jesus. He’s God’s Son! He’s God’s Son!

Mary rocked Him gently, Mary rocked Him gently. He’s God’s Son! He’s God’s Son!

When the song is finished encourage children with dolls to share by letting other children rock the babies while the group sings the lullaby again. Repeats as needed. I see Elizabeth sharing her doll with Lori! God is helping her grow big enough to share. When we share with our friends at church we are listening to God’s Word. Remember our memory verse? “Be…kind.”

SING: I Can Share (tune: Deep & Wide)

I can share. (point to self)

You can share. (point to others)

We are growing big enough to share. (Spread arms wide)

I can share. (point to self)

You can share. (point to others)

We are growing big enough to share! (clap hands in rhythm)

Share at home (make house with fingers)

Share with friends. (point to a friend)

We are growing big enough to share (stand up big and tall)

Share at home (make house with fingers)

Share with friends. (point to a friend)

NEED:

Bible

A book on Sharing or Manners

2 Baby dolls or stuffed animals

2 baby blankets or towels

Play necklaces (lei, Mardi Gras, etc.)

Sheet or blanket

Table or chairs

Bring earrings, bracelets, necklaces, etc.

Bring a scarf or two.

Bundles of potpourri or spices

WE CAN SHARE WITH FRIENDS

by Kimber Bailey Scott

1 Samuel 18:1-4

SING:

I’m Big Enough to Share (tune: row, row, row your boat)

I will share with friends. I will share with friends.

I am big enough to share. I will share with friends.

RHYME:

Sharing

This is my book; I’ll open it wide, To show you the pictures that are inside.

This is my ball, so big and round. We can toss it in the air or roll it on the ground.

This is my umbrella; it can keep us both dry When raindrops fall from the cloudy sky. – Adapted

(Do motions the words suggest.)

PRAY: 

We’ve been singing and rhyming about sharing with our friends. Our Bible verses tells us “Be…kind”. Say this rhyme: When I pray, I fold my hands (fold hands) and close my eyes; (close eyes) I talk to God, and He hears me. – Jean Katt Thank You, God, that we are growing big enough to share. In Jesus’ name, amen.

LESSON:

Ask your puppet to come to the worship circle. As you bring him in front of you with one hand, use your other hand to give him the gift wrapped package containing the robe or cloth. I have something I want to share with you. Shall I open it for you? Open the box and place the robe/cloth o the puppet. We are going to learn a Bible story about someone who shared a coat with his friend. Let’s listen! Lay the puppet aside and place your Bible open to 1 Samuel 18 on your lap. Place grocery sack coats on the floor beside you. David and Jonathan were friends. One day Jonathan said, “David, you are my friend and I am your friend. We will always be good friends. I love you and I want to give you some gifts.” So Jonathan took off his robe and pit it on David. Choose a child to stand and place the grocery bag rob on him/her. Jonathan also wanted to give David his belt and his sword. Choose 2 more children to stand and wear the belt and sword bags. David put on the belt. He put on the sword. He said, “Thank you, Jonathan, for these gifts.” “I have one more gift I want to share with you. Please take my bow for shooting arrows.” Jonathan said. Choose a child to stand and wear the bow and arrow bag. David was happy. He told Jonathan, “Thank you for sharing with me.” Jonathan was happy too. He was glad to share with his friend David.

APPLY:

Who is wearing something Jonathan shared?...I see Kara wearing a robe. Liam is wearing a bow and arrow. Continue with other gifts. How did David feel when his friend Jonathan shared these gifts with him?...Yes, David felt happy! And how did Jonathan feel when he shared with his friend David?...He felt happy too!

MEMORY VERSE: 

The Bible says, “Be…kind“ Ephesians 4:32 Can you say those words with me? Say them louder. Say them softer. Give each one a Bible (or share) & ask each to say, “Be…kind“ Ephesians 4:32

BOOKS: 

Read a book to them about sharing. Find one of these in a library near you or on the internet. Examples: Colors & Shapes to Share, Fun with Lacey, Sharing time, Share & Take Turns, One for Me One for You, Emily’s Sharing & Caring Book, I am Sharing by Mercer Mayer, etc.

SNACK:

Explain to the kids that they will be going on a picnic. Gather supplies into the basket or bag and pretend to hike to a certain area of the room or outside if weather permits. Arrange the blanket or tablecloth on the floor. Hand out items, giving one child the plates, one the cups and so forth. When we have a picnic we can share with our friends. Marci has just plates. She can’t have a picnic that way. Marci is going to share her plates with everyone. Continue in this way until each child has shared something. Explain that you will share juice/water with them. Thank you, Jocelyn, for sharing paper plates with your friends. Jaden is big enough to share crackers with her friends. Before eating pray, Thank You, God, for helping these children grow big enough to share with their friends. In Jesus’ name, amen.

GAME:

Gather children in a circle. Begin by tapping the balloon to a child on the other side of the circle. Say, I am big enough to share with Julian. As each child passes the balloon, encourage him to say or say for him, I am big enough to share with _____! Then have the other children name those who are big enough to share.

OPTION: you may prefer to have them seated on the floor in a circle and roll a ball back and forth. You will need to say the words each time a child rolls the ball. Some children may roll the ball to you rather than to another child.

NEED:

Puppet

A small gift box with cloth or a doll’s robe inside

Prepare 4 grocery bag coats (decorate 1 like a coat, on another draw a sword, on the next draw a belt and on the last draw a bow and arrow.)

A book on Sharing

Tablecloth or blanket

Paper plates

Paper cups

Napkins

Picnic basket or grocery bag

Graham crackers

Juice or water

Balloons or ball

WE CAN SHARE AT HOME

by Kimber Bailey Scott

2 Kings 4:8-11

SING:

I’m Big Enough to Share (tune: row, row, row your boat)

I will share at home. I will share at home.

I am big enough to share. I will share at home

RHYME:

Sharing

This is my book; I’ll open it wide, To show you the pictures that are inside.

This is my ball, so big and round. We can toss it in the air or roll it on the ground.

This is my umbrella; it can keep us both dry When raindrops fall from the cloudy sky. – Adapted

(Do motions the words suggest.)

LESSON: 

Bring a doll and blanket and invite the children in a circle on the floor. Talk to the doll: Would you like to listen to a Bible story with us? Help the doll make it’s bed. What do you think this doll wants to do with her bed? (take a nap, sleep, etc.) We’ll let her lie on her bed while we listen to a Bible story about someone else who had a bed. Put the doll & it’s bed aside and open your Bible to 2 Kings 4:8-11.

This is Elisha. Display clothespin. Can you say his name with me? E-lye-shuh. Good! Elisha was one of God’s helpers. Pass out the clothespins. Let’s help Elisha walk to the town of Shunem. Demonstrate Elisha “walking” on the floor; encourage them to do the same. Elisha walked to tell people what God wanted them to do. When Elisha got to a town called Shunem, a woman asked Elisha to come to her house. “Please come have dinner with my husband and me,” she said. So Elisha went home with the woman. Help Elisha “walk” to the woman’s house.

After that first visit, every time Elisha came to Shunem he stopped to eat with the kind woman and her husband. One day the kind woman said to her husband, “I want to share with God’s helper Elisha. Let’s build a room in our house where he can stay when he visits us.” So the kind woman and her husband built a room just for Elisha. He could sleep in this room when he visited his friends. Elisha was happy that the kind woman and her husband shared with him. Put Elisha to “sleep” on the floor; then collect all clothespins.

APPLY: 

Bring the “sleeping” doll back into the circle. It’s time to wake up! Did you have a good nap? Have the dolls head nod yes. Do you like your bed? Nods yes. Display your clothespin. Who can point to the person who had a new bed in our Bible story? Who can show me how Elisha felt when the kind woman and her husband shared with him? Encourage the children to make happy faces. Is there anyone here who is growing big enough to share? Encourage children to point to themselves or to others.

MEMORY VERSE: 

The Bible says, “Be…kind“ Ephesians 4:32 Can you say those words with me? Say them louder. Say them softer. Give each one a Bible (or share) & ask each to say, “Be…kind“ Ephesians 4:32

BOOKS: 

Read a book to them about sharing. Find one of these in a library near you or on the internet. Examples: Colors & Shapes to Share, Fun with Lacey, Sharing time, Share & Take Turns, One for Me One for You, Emily’s Sharing & Caring Book, I am Sharing by Mercer Mayer, etc.

ART/CRAFT: 

Let them draw faces on their clothespin and wrap a piece of cloth around it. Tie a piece of yarn around the cloth to secure it.

PLAY DOUGH: 

Give each child a portion of play dough. I’m sharing my play dough with you! Distribute rolling pins or dowls and cookie cutters. There should NOT be enough for each child to have one. As children works with their play dough, perhaps making food of some kind, direct their thinking to sharing. When you have finished with the rolling pin, Philip, please share it with Jill…Kenzie is big enough to share this cookie cutter with you, Caleb. Thank You, god for helping these children grow big enough to share…When we share we are doing what our Bible verse says, “Be…kind.” Sharing makes us feel happy too! You can share like this at home with your brother, David. You are big enough.

GAME: 

Gather children in a circle. Assist one child at a time to dip the wand in the bubble solution and blow. Ask each child to pass the wand to the child seated/standing beside him. When you give the wand to someone you are sharing. I see someone big enough to share! Point to a child who is passing the wand. Yes, it is Tristan. He is sharing with Mary. Can you see someone who is big enough to share? You can share like this at home too.

NEED:

Doll

Blanket

Bible

Non spring clothespins for each

A book on Sharing

Play dough

Roll pins or dowls

Cookie cutters

Bubble solution with wand

JESUS OBEYS HIS PARENTS

by Kimber Bailey Scott

Luke 2:40-52

RHYME: Jesus Grew and Grew by Barbara Ebert

Little baby Jesus (cradle a pretend baby)

Grew and grew and grew (put your hand higher and higher)

He learned to walk and talk and pray (put your hands together to pray)

Just like me and you (point to yourself then to them)

Jesus helped His mother.

He helped her every day

He always helped her gladly

That’s the grown up way.

Jesus loved Joseph.

He wanted to obey.

He did what Joseph told Him.

That’s the grown up way.

LESSON: 

Have a selection of things 12 year old boys might like such as video games and action figures. Allow each child to choose one thing. Do you see the outline on the wall? That is ________’s outline (a 12 year old boy at church that the children will know). ______ is 12 years old. Let’s add the big boy Jesus face. Do so. Jesus was once the same age as Eric. Jesus did not collect action figures or video games because there were no movies or computers then. Jesus helped Joseph build things out of wood, so perhaps He collected things He made. Please hold your action figures and video games quietly while you listen to the Bible story. Pick up your Bible, open it and put it in your lap.

We read in the Bible that when Jesus was 12, He got to make a special trip with Mary and Joseph. He got to go to Jerusalem for a special celebration. This was a time when people would pray and thank God all day long.

Now Jerusalem was a very special city. God’s beautiful temple was there. The temple was something like a big church building. When the celebration was finished, Mary and Joseph started to go back home. They had come with a big group of people. They were going back with the same people. We do not know what happened. Maybe Jesus went back for just one more look at the temple. Maybe He just stated talking to one of the teachers and lost track of time. The Bible tells us only that when the group Mary and Joseph were with stopped to camp for the night, Jesus was not with them.

Mary and Joseph hurried back to Jerusalem. They must have been very worried! Can you guess where they found Jesus? They found Him in God’s temple (church). Jesus was surprised that they had looked anywhere else.

It must have been hard for Jesus to leave God’s beautiful temple, but Jesus did not argue. Jesus did not beg to stay a little while longer. Jesus went back home with Mary and Joseph. He knew God would want Him to obey Mary and Joseph.

APPLY: 

What does it mean to obey?...Yes, it means to do what you have been told to do. Tell the children you are going to play a game about obeying. Choose a compliant child to play first. Patrick, please give me your action figure. When the child obeys, thank him and return the figure. Repeat with each child. Ask, Are you getting big enough to obey? Yes, you are! Who are you to obey? Let the children list people. If they do not respond readily, suggest people. Should you obey your mommies? Yes! Should you obey your daddies? Of course! You please God when you obey your parents.

MEMORY VERSE: 

The Bible tells us that, “Jesus…pleased God“ Luke 2:52. Can you say those words with me? Say them louder. Say them softer. Give each one a Bible (or share) & ask each to say, “Jesus…pleased God“ Luke 2:52.

ART/CRAFT: 

Tell the children they can finger paint with shaving cream if they obey the rules. Give the rules one at a time and let each child comply before giving the next rule. 1. Roll or push up your sleeves. 2. Put on a paint shirt. 3. Stand without touching your neighbor. 4. No splashing! You have grown up enough to follow rules. You are getting bigger. You can do many things you couldn’t do when you were smaller. Jesus grew up that way too. He grew big enough to help and big enough to obey His parents. Have them finger paint on the tables. Wash the table and their hands afterwards.

GAME: 

Post a sign reading “JERUSALEM” at a distance from the group. Tell the children that to get to Jerusalem they must follow directions. Say something like, Take 5 little tiny steps toward the story rug. Continue giving directions until the group reaches Jerusalem. When Jesus grew to be a big boy, He went on a long trip to Jerusalem. He was big enough to go with His mother and Joseph. He was big enough to follow directions. You are growing the way Jesus grew. I’m glad you are growing big enough to follow directions.

NEED:

Selection of things 12 year old boys might like such as video games and action figures

Bible

Non-menthol shaving cream

Old adult tshirts or paint shirts/aprons

Bucket of water

Paper towels

A sign reading “JERUSALEM”

WE ARE GROWING

Genesis 37:2, 3, 14

GREET each child with an animal puppet of your choosing. “My, you are growing tall, _____! You might need a new coat like Joseph’s since you’re growing so big. Your hand is bigger than my paw.”

SING: 

We are Growing Big Enough (tune: Oh, Be Careful”)

We are growing big enough to help. (I will help!)

We are growing big enough to help. (I will help!)

We are growing big enough. We are growing big enough.

We are growing big enough to help. (I will help!)

PRAY: 

 Now we are ready to pray, “Thank You, God, for helping us to grow big enough to help. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

LESSON: 

Have the same puppet working hard to put his toys into a box. You sure are working hard! Puppet nods his head and continues working. Last year you were not able to pick up that big toy or reach over the side of the box. Have him stretch up tall to show how much he has grown. You remind me of someone in the Bible who was growing up and could help his family more and more. Boys and girls, I want you to help me. This is a story from God’s Word. Every time you hear me say, “Sheep” I want you to “Baa-a-a” two times. Let’s practice. Joseph’s father had many sheep. (Baa-a-a Baa-a-a) Joseph’s brothers took care of the sheep. (Baa-a-a Baa-a-a) You are good “Baa-a-a-ers”! Now be good listeners to our story from God’s Word.

Open your Bible to Genesis 37 and put it in your lap. Joseph was a little boy whose father loved him very much. Show Joseph’s head. Joseph probably liked to go outside and watch his brothers take care of the sheep. Wait for children to baa-a-a.

When Joseph was older, his father gave him a beautiful coat with many colors. Unfold to show the middle section. Joseph was big enough now to help his brothers watch the sheep. (Baa-a-a Baa-a-a) He probably wore his new coat when he went out to watch the sheep. (Baa-a-a Baa-a-a)

Joseph continued to growing and helping his father. By the time Joseph was a young man, he had grown tall and could help even more. Unfold last section. His father said, “Joseph, you are big enough to help in a special way. Your brothers have been gone a long time trying to find green grass for our sheep. (Baa-a-a Baa-a-a) I want you to go and see if your brothers and the sheep (Baa-a-a Baa-a-a) are all right. Then come back and tell me.”

God had helped Joseph grow big enough to help. I think the sheep (Baa-a-a Baa-a-a) grew big and healthy on the green grass too!

APPLY: 

Have the children squat as you show Joseph’s head. Could baby Joseph go away from home to find his brothers? (No) Now have children kneel as you show the middle of the picture. Could little boy Joseph go away from home to find his brothers? (No) Could the big boy Joseph go away from home to find his brothers? (Yes) Children stand as you show the open picture.

Use a tape measure to measure a doll. I want to measure someone who is wearing something red. As you name each new color, measure each child. As you measure each child, help him or her mention a way he or she has helped you or ask them to help you do something. You are growing to be helpers just like Joseph did.

MEMORY VERSE: 

The Bible says, “I will…help“ 2 Samuel 10:11. Can you say those words with me? Say them louder. Say them softer. Give each one a Bible (or share) & ask each to say, “I will…help“ 2 Samuel 10:11.

ART/CRAFT: 

1. Cut up the center of each sack and across the bottom to the middle. Cut a neck hole in the bottom and arm holes in the sides to make a sack coat. As children color their “Coat of many colors” say, our Bible story is about a boy named Joseph who grew big enough to help. His father gave him a pretty coat with lots of colors in it. Maybe it looked something like this. Hold up a completed coat. God is helping you grow. When you were babies, you wore baby clothes. You couldn’t do anything for yourselves. Now you wear bigger clothes. You are big enough to be helpers. Let’s thank God for helping you grow big enough to help.

2. Have a large piece of paper per child. Write the name of the child at the top. Trace their hands and feet onto the paper. Then weigh them & write that down as well as their height and the date. Also the memory verse.

Example: LILLY

(hands)

(feet)

Weight: 32 lb

Height: 36 inches

October 19, 2010

“I will…help“ 2 Samuel 10:11

SNACK: 

Help children use the orange juice squeezer. Make sure each child has a turn at this. Pour juice into cups and have a taste. Orange juice is good for our bodies. It helps us grow. Can you name other foods God gives us to help us grow? Joseph grew up and helped his father. You are getting big enough to help too. If you have time after this, allow the children to pretend to “keep house.” Talk about ways to help and point out helpful actions you see.

NEED:

Animal puppet of your choosing 

Toys

Box

Bible

Picture of Joseph

Doll

Tape Measure

Crayons

Paper grocery sacks for each child

Scissors

Completed paper sack “coat of many colors”

Large piece of paper per child

Markers

Oranges

Small cups

Hand juicer

Jesus is a Helper

Jesus is a Helper

by Kimber Bailey Scott

Luke 2:40, 52

SING:

You’re Happy and your know it clap your hands

Jesus loves me

A Helper I will Be

Tune: farmer in the dell

A helper I will be. A helper I will be

There’s work to do, there’s work to do

In my family

I love to help my mom; I love to help my dad.

I love to help; it makes God glad.

A helper I will be

RHYME:

Jesus Grew and Grew

by Barbara Ebert

Little baby Jesus (cradle a pretend baby)

Grew and grew and grew

(put your hand higher and higher)

He learned to walk and talk and pray

(put your hands together to pray)

Just like me and you

(point to yourself then to them)

Jesus helped His mother.

He helped her every day

He always helped her gladly

That’s the grown up way.

Jesus loved Joseph.

He wanted to obey.

He did what Joseph told Him.

That’s the grown up way.

LESSON:

Pull out a measuring tape from your magic bag and measure each child. Record each child’s height on a paper doll and let the child hold their paper doll as you tell the Bible story. Children come in many different sizes. Jesus was once a small baby. But did He stay a baby? No! Let’s see what the Bible tells us about Jesus growing up. Pull your Bible out of the magic bag and place it in your lap.

When we read the Bible, it does not tell us a lot about the time Jesus was your age. The Bible does tell us that Jesus grew from a baby to a man, so at one point He must have been just this size. Pat a child on his/her head. He may have been tall for His age. He may have been short for His age. Indicate size with your hands. The Bible just says that He grew.

He must have eaten the good food His mother cooked for Him. The Bible says that Jesus became strong. A child’s body does not become strong if that child doesn’t eat good food or just sits around. Jesus probably ran and climbed and played stickball with His friends.

Jesus also probably helped Mary around the house. And perhaps He helped Joseph in the carpentry shop as well. Jesus was filled with wisdom. He must have listened carefully when He was being taught God’s words. The Bible tells us that Jesus grew in favor with God and men. That means that God was pleased with Jesus, and people (even grown-ups) liked Him. I think He must have been a kind and polite little boy.

APPLY:

Let’s make your paper dolls become puppets. Let them answer my questions.

What are some ways Jesus might have helped Mary around the house?

What are some ways He might have helped Joseph?

You might need to give them time and clues.

Are you growing the way Jesus did? Yes! Are you getting big enough to help? Yes! What are some ways you can help at home? How can you help out in the yard? You make God happy when you help others. Talk about helping grandparents and teachers. Then repeat the rhyme:

Jesus Grew and Grew by Barbara Ebert

Little baby Jesus (cradle a pretend baby)

Grew and grew and grew

(put your hand higher and higher)

He learned to walk and talk and pray

(put your hands together to pray)

Just like me and you

(point to yourself then to them)

Jesus helped His mother.

He helped her every day

He always helped her gladly

That’s the grown up way.

Jesus loved Joseph.

He wanted to obey.

He did what Joseph told Him.

That’s the grown up way.

MEMORY VERSE:

The Bible tells us that “we are helpers”. The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 1:24, “We…are helpers. “ Can you say those words with me? Say them louder. Say them softer. Give each one a Bible (or share) & ask each to say, We…are helpers.

SNACK:

Cut the vegetables and fruits into manageable sizes. Show the children how to use plastic knives to cut up the fruits and veges into bite size pieces. You may need to hold the hands of the younger children as they cut. Emphasize that they are using plastic knives and must always have an adult to help them and never use a sharp knife. It may be easier for them to use a brush to wash the fruits and veges. These frits and vegetables look good! They are good for you too! I’m glad God has given us good food to help us grow. Jesus probably ate some of these same fruits and vegetables when He was growing up. You are growing up just like Jesus did. Let’s thank God for the yummy food He gives us. Pray. Then eat.

ART/CRAFT:

Before class ask a mom of a small baby to provide you with a painted handprint of her baby. In class have fabric paint in a shallow pan with a sponge in it. The children will compare the size of their hands to the baby’s print. Then let each child press her hand on the sponge and make a handprint on her fabric square to make a dust cloth. When your hand was as little as the baby’s, you could not help. You couldn’t even feed yourself. But you are growing. You are big enough to help. You are big enough to do lots of things. Jesus grew the way you are growing. He grew from a baby to a little boy and then to a big boy then to a man. Show them with an unpainted cloth how they will use it to help mom dust around the house.

NEED:

Magic bag

Measuring tape

Paper doll for each child

Pen or marker

Bible

Handprint of baby

12” squares of soft cloth (baby fleece?) for each child

Fabric paint

Shallow pan

Large sponge

Wet wipes

Soft fruit and veges

Buckets

Vegetable brushes

Water

Paper towels

Plates

Plastic knives

Timothy is a helper

by Kimber Bailey Scott

2 Timothy 1:5; 3:15

SING:

It’s Time to Worship

(tune: It’s time to brush your teeth)

It’s time to stop our playing

and put our toys away.

It’s time for us to worship God

at Bible school today.

It’s time to sit together.

It’s time to sing and pray.

It’s time for us to worship God

At Bible school today.

I Love Jesus

(tune: Jesus loves me)

I love Jesus I can say

I will love Him every day!

While I work and while I play

I will love Him every day!

(use help in place of love)

I will use my helping hand

I will use my helping hand

Pick up toys and share with friends

I will be Jesus helper friend.

I will use my helping eyes

I will see my helping eyes.

Look for things to do to help

I will be Jesus helper friend

Listening Rhyme

First our feet go tap tap tap (tap feet on floor)

Then our hands go clap clap clap (clap hands)

We look with both our eyes (make glasses by circling fingers around eyes)

We hear with both our ears (cup hands behind ears)

And then our hands fall in our laps (fold hands in lap)

• Dorothy Fay Richards

I Want to Help

I want to help in every way! (hold arms open wide)

With ears and eyes and mouth (point to each)

With feet (bend down and touch feet)

And hands (clap hands)

And all I am (hold arms open wide)

I want to help today (nod head up and down)

-Dorothy Fay Richards

LESSON:

Plant your Bible somewhere before class. Ask a child to go and get it for you. ____, can you bring me my Bible? Thank you,___, for bringing my Bible to me. You are a good helper! Today our story is about a young boy who was a helper in his home. You can be a helper right now by listening to the story and watching very carefully so you will know what actions to do with me. Place the Bible on your lap.

The Bible tells us about a boy named Timothy. When Timothy was a small boy, maybe about your age, he probably liked to help his mother and grandmother. Perhaps sometimes Timothy would help his mother sweep the floor. (let the children stand up and pretend to sweep the floor)

Timothy liked to hear his grandmother read the big Bible scroll. She might have said, “Timothy, please bring me the Bible scroll so I can read you a Bible story.” Timothy, probably hurried to get the scroll. Then his grandmother would read the Bible scroll to him as he sat very quietly and listened. (hold hands together as a book and pretend to read)

Sometimes Timothy’s mother needed sticks to build her fire so she could cook. Perhaps she would say, “Timothy, please bring me some sticks for a fire. Thank you, Timothy, for being such a good helper!” Let children pretend to pick up stick and bring them back to you.

Timothy was a good helper. He was always ready to do what his mother and grandmother needed him to do. He liked being a helper!

APPLY:

Bring out your magic bag with helping supplies. Let one child at a time reach into the bag and pull out an item. Tell me what you pulled out. How could you help with a _____? Who will you help with a ____? Use the items more than once and let each child have a turn. When you help your parents you are helping the way Timothy probably helped his mother and grandmother. All of you are big enough to be helpers. And Jesus is happy when we help others!

MEMORY VERSE:

The Bible tells us that “we are helpers”. The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 1:24, “We…are helpers. “ Can you say those words with me? Say them louder. Say them softer. Give each one a Bible (or share) & ask each to say, We…are helpers.

GAME:

Have the children stand in a circle. Using the tune to “row row row your boat” sing these words:

Timothy helped at home. Timothy helped at home.

He was growing up so bid. Timothy helped at home.

Let the children think of ways Timothy might have helped and act these out as you all sing the first line. Example: Timothy swept the floor; picked up toys; made his bed, etc.

Then sing these words. Let children suggest ways they can help and then pretend to do them. Even add their names in.

I can help at home, I can help at home.

I am growing up fast. I can help at home.

Andrew , Andrew helps at home. Andrew helps at home.

Andrew is growing up to tall. Andrew can help at home.

You thought of lots of good ways to help! You are big enough to do these things.

SNACK:

Show the children how to frost their cookies with the jumbo craft sticks. Then let them decorate the cookies with sprinkles and other decorations. Make sure you know about any allergies your kids may have before you start this project! As the children work, suggest ways to help as well as point out those who are helping. Be specific so children will know what they did to help. ____, please pass the raisins to _____. You are a good helper. ____, you can help ____ by handing him this napkin. ____, have you ever helped to bake cookies at home? What do you do to help? Jesus wants us to help others.

NEED:
Bible

Magic bag or large garbage bag

Helping supplies (dust cloth, small broom,

plate, plastic glass, paper towel, bucket, etc.)

Sugar cookies

Frosting

Sprinkles

Raisins

Chocolate chips

Jumbo craft stick