Children’s Worship 10.25.20 – Gold Avenue Church

Dear Parents,

Thanks for joining us again as we do Children’s Worship from home!

Note: Please let us know about how your family is enjoying Children’s Worship! Take some pictures of your family participating in Children’s Worship or share a story. You can post to the Gold Avenue Church Facebook page or send by email at goldavechurch@gmail.com

God Leads the Way

Based on: Joshua 1; 3—4

OVERVIEW:

Activity One: Read the intro. Watch the video.

Activity Two: Discuss the story using provided questions as prompts.

Worship: Singing

Activity Three: Respond to the story by doing the activity.

Activity Four: Bless your children

EQUIP:

(It’s not an activity, but just a little background on the story for you, the parent, to read.)

God is constantly at work leading His people through others. Joshua 1 opens with God abruptly recognizing Moses’ death and commanding the Israelites to cross the Jordan River. Highlighting the new leader links Joshua to the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Bible, the books of the law). There is no doubt the torch has been passed from Moses to Joshua. Throughout Exodus and Numbers, we see Joshua worked closely with Moses. In Exodus 24:13, he is referred to as Moses’ aide—his right-hand man. Moses continuously made prophetic hints toward Joshua’s future as a leader.

Prior to Numbers 13:16, Joshua was known as Hoshea, which means “salvation.” However, Moses changed his name to Yhowshuwa (Joshua), which means “Yahweh saves” in Hebrew. This is appropriate to the call God placed on the life of Joshua. He was to be a witness to God’s saving power as he led God’s people into the Promised Land, reminding them at all times to trust, obey, and follow the Lord God.

When Moses laid hands on Joshua, the transition of leadership was complete. Joshua became “filled with the spirit of wisdom” (Deuteronomy 34:9), drawing Moses’ life of leadership to a close. Joshua was prepared to follow God’s leading, and in turn model godly living for the nation of Israel.

Activity 1: STORY

Lead children in a Prayer of Release to pause, be still, and ask the Holy Spirit to quiet their hearts and minds.

Introduction to read to the children:

God’s people, the Israelites, were on a great journey. It all started in Egypt. God promised to take His people out of Egypt and to a new home where they’d be free to worship Him. To lead them out of Egypt, God had to help His people in a very special way. Do you remember what that special way was? Now, God is going to help them again in a special way. What do you think God is going to do this time?

Watch the video:

Activity 2: DISCUSSION

Today in The Big God Story we saw how God led His people to the Promised Land. Throughout the journey God was with His people and performed many wonderful miracles. The people piled 12 large stones together as a way to remember God and tell His stories to their children.

I wonder … How would I feel if I saw a river split in half?

I wonder … What would I have said after entering the Promised Land?

I wonder … How does God lead me?

After discussing the Wonder Questions, you’ll have the opportunity to pray with and for each of the children in your group.

I’m so thankful that God leads me. I want to trust in Him and follow Him. It’s such a blessing that we can praise God for who He is and bring our requests to Him in prayer.

Encourage children to respond with their own words if they’d like. Then, transition into a time of prayer for personal requests.

Worship Songs:

Activity 3: RESPONSE ACTIVITY: ROCK THE PAINT AND/OR COLOR PAGE

Needed: small smooth stones or rocks, paint, paintbrushes. markers

You can do this project very simply with what you have on hand or for a more involved and permanent rock here are some suggestions.

How to Paint Rocks to Achieve Success

Pick smooth, flat rocks. You can decorate any rock, but it’s harder to decorate ones with ridges. If you can’t find them in nature, the craft stores sell them as do home improvement centers.

Wash the rocks before decorating them. You want to remove dirt so that it doesn’t mess your design. You can wash several at once with dish soap and leave in a colander to drain and dry.

Seal the rock before painting on it. Use a clear brush on or spray sealer. This helps so that the rocks (which are porous) don’t suck the life out of your markers. Another option: prime with white paint to help the colors that you paint on top appear more vibrant.

Paint your design on top and use several coats . . . let dry between layers. Use an outdoor or multi-surface paint to help them hold up to the elements.

Use small brushes or a stylus to make small details and/or dots.

Use oil based paint pens and Sharpies to write on your rocks. Just make sure to let fully dry before any writing.

Finish off your rocks with a coat (or two or three) of Mod Podge Outdoor. This will help protect your beautiful painted rocks from the elements.

(Say) Joshua used stones from the Jordan River to remind the people what God had done for them and how he led them safely across the Jordan River. God still safely leads us today when we trust in HIm. Let’s paint our stones with colors, words, or pictures that remind us about what God has done for us.

If children cannot think of anything, suggest that they paint the words “God Leads”. Some other things they might want to paint: rainbow, cross, flower, church, river with dry ground, etc..

Activity 4: CLOSING BLESSING

Exodus 15:13 says, “In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling.”

Explain that we can bless each other by speaking the following words:

May you trust that God will lead you and guide you with His unfailing love and amazing strength all of your life.