Children’s Worship 03.21.21

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

Listen Up!

Based on: Matthew 21:33-45

 

EQUIP:  

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

When I think about Jesus’ parables, I like to remember the story of the prodigal son or the good Samaritan. I don’t think I would ever have selected the parable of the tenants—the Bible story for this lesson—as a favorite! After all, this story includes beatings, stonings and killings! To be honest, in most of my readings of the story, I’ve skipped over its true significance.

 

But I’ve discovered new meaning to this parable that includes the description of Jesus  as the capstone! I recently observed several kids trying to position large blocks into a beautiful arch held in place by a perfectly positioned block (the capstone). The arch fell to the ground time after time, until the block that was the capstone was put in just the right spot. Now when I read this parable, I see with fresh eyes how Jesus was put into our world at just the right time to fulfill God’s plan to make salvation possible for me and for you.

 

Jesus told the parable of the tenants to vividly summarize God’s patience in dealing with His rebellious people. Prophet after prophet was sent by God to deliver the message of hope and redemption. The ultimate messenger was Jesus,  God’s own Son—sent to both Jews and Gentiles. Jesus is the capstone of our faith. The whole Bible tells that salvation depends on Him.

 

Sheryl Haystead   Senior Managing Editor

 

Activity One:  Read the intro. Watch the video.

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

Worship: Singing 

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

Activity Four:  Bless your children 

 

Activity 1:  STORY

 

Introduction:To read the children:

 

It was the final week of Jesus’ life on Earth, and He was in Jerusalem, teaching and healing people. Many of the people LOVED Jesus; but the Pharisees, the religious leaders, HATED Him! Why do you think the leaders didn’t like Jesus? Jesus’ popularity was making these leaders VERY nervous! 

 

While the religious leaders grumbled about Jesus among themselves, Jesus said, “Listen to this parable.” This is the story He told.

 

Watch the video:

 

 

Activity 2:  DISCUSSION

 

What do you think the leaders did after hearing Jesus’ story? They were not sad. They didn’t say Jesus was right. No, they wanted to arrest Jesus right then! Jesus had told them the truth—but it only made them MORE angry!

  • What did you learn about Jesus from this story? (He is God’s Son. God sent Him.)
  • Why do you think the religious leaders didn’t accept Jesus? (They wanted people to follow them and not Jesus.)
  • Why do you think Jesus told this story? (So that people would know that God sent Jesus and would not reject Him.)
  • How do people today show that they reject Jesus? (They don’t pray to Him. They don’t learn about Him.)

Parents: On a piece of paper, draw a line to make a timeline. Draw a circle to represent the creation of the world at the left end of the timeline, and draw a cross in the middle of the timeline to represent the time when Jesus lived on Earth. 

 

Who told God’s messages before Jesus? Write names of prophets (Elijah, Daniel, Jeremiah, etc.) on the timeline between the circle and the cross. Draw a stick figure near the right end of the timeline to represent people alive today. 

 

Today we can choose whether or not we will accept Jesus and believe that He is the only way to be saved.

  • Who has helped you learn what is true about Jesus? (Parents, Teachers, Pastor.)
  • What are some things you do to show that you believe Jesus is the only way to be saved? (Try to learn more about Him. Pray to Him. Ask His help to obey.)
  • When you think of God’s plan for salvation through Jesus, what can you thank Him for?

Encourage children to pray for these things with their own words. Then, transition into a time of prayer for personal requests.

 

Worship Songs:

 

Activity 3: RESPONSE ACTIVITY #1 

 

Our art projects can help us and others think about Jesus. We can remember that believing in Him is the only way to be saved.

 

Supplies

  • Pencils
  • 12×18-inch (30.5×45.5-cm) construction paper
  • 12-inch (30.5-cm) lengths of crepe-paper streamers in a variety of colors or even ribbon or cording might work
  • Scissors
  • Glue
  • Markers

Students use a pencil to lightly print “JESUS” on their papers, making large letters. Then  students choose crepe-paper streamers, twist the streamers and glue twisted streamers to cover the letters. (Some letters may need more than one streamer.) Children may draw decorations on their papers with markers.

Response Activity #2  Print and Color

Activity 4: CLOSING BLESSING

 

This week, let’s see if we can remember to thank God every day for sending Jesus!

 

(______________),  May you always remember that God sent His Son, Jesus, to save us from our sins. Jesus is the only way to get to heaven.

 

/by

Children’s Worship 03.14.21

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 Is Worthy Of Worship

Based on: John 9:1-41

 

EQUIP:  

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

 

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.   Psalm 100:1-2

Activity One:  Read the intro. Watch the video.

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

Worship: Singing 

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

Activity Four:  Bless your children 

 

Activity 1:  STORY

 

Introduction:To read the children:

 

The book of John tells us about when Jesus was on earth and shows us that Jesus is God’s Son.   There was a man who was blind when he was born. For all his life he was blind and couldn’t see a thing. But something happened that made him “see” that God is worthy of worship. Let’s find out what a man in the Bible did when Jesus helped him to see.

 

Watch the video:

 

Activity 2:  DISCUSSION

  • How did Jesus heal the man who was blind? (Jesus spat on the ground and made mud, which He put on the man’s eyes. Then Jesus had the man go wash in the Pool of Siloam.)
  • What did the Pharisees think about Jesus healing the man? (They were mad because He healed on the Sabbath, the Jewish day of rest.)
  • When the man found Jesus and heard who He was, what did he do? (He worshiped Jesus.)

God is worthy of worship! He is good and deserving of respect, praise, and attention.   Have your child/children complete these statements to have them think of reasons they should worship God.  Write their answers on a whiteboard or piece of paper.

“God can _____.” 

“God is _____.”

“God always _____.” 

“God gives ______.” 

Or they can finish the statement, “God is good and deserving of respect, praise, and attention because…”

Use this prayer time to worship God using the statements they created.

Then, transition into a time of prayer for personal requests.

 

Worship Songs:

 

 

Activity 3: RESPONSE ACTIVITY #1 Worship Mobile

 

God is worthy of worship. Worship means we give honor to God. We thank and praise God for who He is and what He does for us. There are lots of ways to worship God. Let’s make worship mobiles that you can use to remember to  worship God in different ways throughout the week.

     

Supplies

Printed page   Bonus Lesson 14 Worship Mobile – Elementary Spring 2020

Markers

Scissors

Tape

18 inch length of  yarn for each child

 

Distribute supplies. Let the children color the shapes. They can write in the blank shape a way they like to worship God. Then show them how to tape the shapes along a length of yarn to create a mobile.

    

RESPONSE ACTIVITY #2   Print and Color

Activity 4: CLOSING BLESSING

 

Lead in a guided prayer: 

 

God, we worship You because You are _________. Going around the circle, let the children finish the sentence. Thank You, God for sending Your Son, Jesus, to help us see Your power. In Jesus’ name, amen.

 

/by

Children’s Worship 03.07.21

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

 

Talent Uncovered

Based on: Matthew 25:14-29, Colossians 3:23

EQUIP:  

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

 

I remember hearing today’s story as a kid. The teacher wanted us to think about how we could use our own talents to serve God. But I knew I didn’t have any talent worth showing to anyone— nothing for a talent show, no sports skills, nothing that would cause anyone to say, “You are so talented!” I was simply ordinary. It took a while before I could figure out that serving God doesn’t require special abilities. What He really wants is for His children to use to the best of their ability what He has given to them.

 

Not needing to be “talented” is comforting! Colossians 3:23 asks us to focus on the process of living for God, not the end result, or the product. Whatever we do, let’s work at it with all our hearts, all our energy and all our love, because we are working for the God who loves us more than we can imagine.

 

Jesus told the parable of the talents to teach the value of service. Jesus told all who follow Him to be prepared for His return by serving Him. Throughout the book of Matthew, we see Jesus as the King who we can serve. Living for Jesus demands our very best. It’s the kind of service we give to the King who came to Earth to love us and make our salvation possible: King Jesus!

 

Debbie Barber

Senior Editor

 

Activity One:  Read the intro. Watch the video.

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

Worship: Singing 

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

Activity Four:  Bless your children 

 

Activity 1:  STORY

Introduction:To read the children:

 

Jesus had told His friends that He was going away someday. He wanted them to know what to do while He was gone. This is a story Jesus told to help His friends know what He wanted them to do.

 

Watch the video:

 

Activity 2:  DISCUSSION

  • What did the first two servants do with the money they were given?
  • Why was the master angry with the servant he’d given one talent? (The servant did nothing to earn more money for the master.)
  • What do you think Jesus wanted people to learn from this story? (To use the talents and abilities God gives us. To be trustworthy and dependable. To always do our best.)

Each one of us is unique. There is no one else on Earth exactly like you. And no one else has the combination of talents and abilities God has given you. No one else can sing quite like you. No one else can play soccer exactly the way you do. You might already know the talents God has given you, or you might be just starting to discover them. But you can know for certain that God has made you in a wonderful way!

 

Read aloud Colossians 3:23. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,

 

How does this verse tell you to work or use your abilities? (Work at it with all my heart. Do my work for the Lord.)  Whatever you do, you can do it for God. Construction workers can do their best work for God. Teachers and bus drivers can, too! Kids and grown-ups can serve God in everything they do! The next time you are sitting in class at school or doing your chores at home or playing basketball, remember that God has made you to do everything to the best of your abilities.

 

When we are working for the Lord, we try to do our best to love Him by serving others. God has given each of us some unique abilities. We can use the talents that God has given us to help others. Helping others is a way to show God that we love Him. Be ready to find ways that you can help serve someone this week.

 

When have you used a talent or ability to serve God?  Let’s pray and ask God to help us find a way to serve someone this week.

 

Encourage children to pray for these things with their own words. Then, transition into a time of prayer for personal requests.

 

Worship Songs:

 

 

Activity 3: RESPONSE ACTIVITY #1 Chromatography Science Experiment

 

This looks like a fun science experiment to help children see that God has given each of us many hidden “talents” to share with others. This website does not emphasize that aspect of our lesson so you will have to relate it to the story and the theme of this lesson with an introduction.

 

You will need washable markers

Coffee filters

Shallow glasses of water

Paper plates or paper towels

Popsicle sticks or plastic straws (optional)

Tape

Coffee Filter Science | Easy Science Experiment for Toddlers

Introduction: 
God made each of us special and different with unique talents and abilities. God wants us to use these talents and abilities to serve Him while He is away from us in heaven.  Let’s try a little experiment to see what happens when we use our talents and abilities to serve God. Sometimes we don’t see anything happen right away but after a while we may notice how beautiful those things can become.      

     

RESPONSE ACTIVITY #2   Print and Color

Activity 4: CLOSING BLESSING

 

Let’s all show God that we love Him with all our heart by doing our best in everything we do this week and finding some way to use an ability or talent to serve God. 

 

(______________),  May you always remember how special you are to God and serve Him with your whole heart!

 

/by

Children’s Worship 02.28.21

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

If you would like to do a daily lent reading plan as a family, the Jesus Storybook Bible has a great free printable one (that includes a fun paper chain) to use to count down!

DOWNLOAD HERE

 

It’s Not Fair!

Based on: Matthew 20:1-16, Romans 8:39

 

Activity One:  Read the intro. Watch the video.

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

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.) 

 

“That’s not FAIR!” I know it’s a wail I’ve heard (and made)! Everyone today, from kids to adults, seems to have the idea that some fairness exists out there that we’re missing out on; and if life were only fair, we would receive great benefits. But as a sinner who deserves eternal death and separation from God, I find great relief in knowing that I DON’T get what I deserve!

 

The Bible makes it clear that eternal life is a gift that results from God’s love and mercy. It’s a freebie that we don’t deserve! And there is no way we can ever work hard enough to earn it. God says that when Jesus died, He closed up the “works” place. There isn’t any more for us to do than to receive, rejoice and rest in the reality that Jesus paid it all— and nothing can separate us from such amazing love!

 

In the parable of the workers in the vineyard, Jesus ended the story in a way that must have surprised His listeners. The parable, along with many other teachings of Jesus, makes the point that God’s love and salvation are not based on our efforts. Through His teaching and in His life, death and resurrection, Jesus demonstrated that God’s love is given according to His amazing generosity, not according to anything that we could ever do.

 

Mary Davis

Senior Editor

 

Activity 1:  STORY

Introduction:To read the children:

 

In today’s Bible story, some workers felt that they were treated VERY unfairly. Here’s what happened. Peter, the disciple who’d asked Jesus about forgiveness in last week’s story, wasn’t finished asking questions. So a while later, Peter asked Jesus a second question. He wanted to know how he and the disciples would be rewarded because they had left everything behind and followed Him (see Matthew 19:27).

 

Jesus answered Peter by telling him a story.  Let’s watch this video to see how Jesus answered Peter’s question.

 

Watch the video:

Activity 2:  DISCUSSION

Jesus finished His story by saying, “So the last will be first, and the first will be last.” Jesus’ disciples might have wondered what this parable meant. But we know there was something VERY important Jesus was trying to teach. The owner of the vineyard is like God. The workers who started early in the day are like God’s people who have been following Him for a long time. God is glad to love them and gives them salvation. The workers who started at the end of the day are like people who haven’t been following God for very long. But God is glad to love them and give them salvation, too!

 

In the story Jesus told, the owner of the vineyard was generous and paid each of his workers the same—no matter how long or short a time they had worked. God is like this generous owner! Jesus lived, died and came back to life so that we could be forgiven for our sin and receive God’s amazing love. There isn’t anything we can do to earn it! It’s God’s free gift.

  • How much did the owner of the vineyard pay each worker? (One denarius or silver coin. Why did some workers think they should have received more money? (They worked for a longer time than the others.)
  • How is God like the owner?
  • How would you describe God’s love for us?
  • What will you do because of God’s love for you?

 

Invite the children to pray thanking God for His generous love to them and asking God to help them show HIs generous love to others through them. 

 

Encourage children to pray for these things with their own words. Then, transition into a time of prayer for personal requests.

 

Worship Songs:

 

 

Activity 3: RESPONSE ACTIVITY #1 

Three ways to make a grape bunch. You could write on the paper:  “God loves us a bunch,” or “We all share in God’s love,” or something like that. Pick one with the supplies you may have on hand. (Remember red and blue paint make purple.)

 

It doesn’t matter who we are, where we are or what we do! God promises to love us generously. No one is good enough to earn God’s love. He loves us all the same.

RESPONSE ACTIVITY #2   Print and Color

Activity 4: CLOSING BLESSING

 

God’s love for us is really amazing! No matter what happens in our lives, and no matter what we do, God will never stop loving us. Read Romans 8:39: neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.       

 

(______________),  May you always remember how much God loves you.

 

/by

Children’s Worship 02.21.21

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

If you would like to do a daily lent reading plan as a family, the Jesus Storybook Bible has a great free printable one (that includes a fun paper chain) to use to count down! 

DOWNLOAD HERE

Who, Me? Forgive?

Based on: Matthew 18:21-35  Luke 6:37

 

Activity One:  Read the intro. Watch the video.

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

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.) 

 

I confess. I don’t watch much TV. But what I’ve noticed from the snippets of reality TV shows I’ve seen (besides being so downright strange) is that the highest ratings seem to go to shows with the most vicious judges! In REAL reality, because of the good news that Jesus died and rose so that we can be forgiven, we are freed from cowering in fear before either human judges or God’s eternal judgment!

 

In our world today, the easiest attitude to take is one of judgment or even revenge. When judging others is so ingrained in us, how can we become better forgivers? Simply by remembering the grace and forgiveness God gave to us in Jesus. He has forgiven all of my sin—and I keep discovering new things I need forgiveness for! Because I’m so immensely forgiven, I can honor my forgiver best by forgiving others in the same way He forgave me.

 

In the story Jesus told about the forgiving king, there is an unmistakable parallel to Jesus Himself. King Jesus showed us what true love and forgiveness are by His death on the cross. Jesus paid the full price for our sin so that He could offer complete forgiveness to all who join His kingdom. Jesus is the true forgiving King.

 

Mary Davis

Senior Editor

 

Activity 1:  STORY

Introduction:To read the children:

Peter wanted to know when he could STOP forgiving someone. He was willing to forgive, but he thought there should be a limit! As I read Matthew 18:22  listen to hear Jesus’ answer.  “Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” What do you think Jesus meant? When Jesus said to forgive 77 times He meant that we should forgive over and over again, not that we could forgive 77 times and then stop forgiving!

 

Jesus went on to tell a story to help Peter understand just how important forgiveness is. Let’s watch the story and see how God wants us to treat others when they do something wrong to us.

 

Watch the video:

 

 

Activity 2:  DISCUSSION

 

In the story of the forgiving king, we see how important forgiveness is. This story reminds us that Jesus, the King sent to Earth, is the One who makes our forgiveness possible. Jesus showed that He can truly forgive us and make us part of God’s family. Jesus is the true forgiving King.

  • What important question did Peter ask Jesus? What was Jesus’ answer?
  • What did the king do when his servant couldn’t pay what he owed? What did the servant do to the person who owed him money?
  • Why do you think God wants us to forgive other people? (Because He has forgiven us. Because He loves other people.)
  • When might it be difficult to forgive someone else? (When they hurt our feelings. When we don’t want to forgive them. When they have hurt us too many times.)
  • What can you do the next time you find it difficult to forgive someone? (Ask for God’s help. Remember how many times God has forgiven me.)

 

Invite children to use the word “forgive” in prayer sentences that tell times they need God’s help in forgiving others.  Encourage kids not to say names of people they need to forgive but to say “a friend who copied me” or “a friend who was mean to me.”

 

Encourage children to pray for these things with their own words. Then, transition into a time of prayer for personal requests.

 

Worship Songs:

 

 

 

 

Activity 3: RESPONSE ACTIVITY

#1 Print and color activity page.

God wants us to treat others in the same wonderful, forgiving way He treats us. God’s forgiveness is the reason Jesus wanted Peter to discover that he should keep forgiving others!

 

I haven’t added up how many times God has forgiven me, but I know it’s a lot! God doesn’t keep track of how many times He forgives us. Read Luke 6:37 aloud. “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” 

 

Keep on forgiving others—God NEVER stops forgiving you!

 

Activity 4: CLOSING BLESSING

 

I’m so glad that God has chosen to forgive you and me. Remember to be quick to forgive others because God never stops forgiving us when we do wrong.

 

(______________),  May you always remember how much God has forgiven you so you, in 

 

turn, will be willing to forgive others as much.

 

/by

Children’s Worship 02.14.21

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

 

Walking on Water

Based on: Matthew 14:22-36; 16:13-16

Isaiah 41:13

Activity One:  Read the intro. Watch the video.

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

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.) 

 

As I read the story of Peter walking on the water, I keep thinking of a friend who refuses to put his trust in Jesus. We’ve been through all the debates about who Jesus is and why we need to follow Him. This friend has witnessed answered prayers and has seen ways God has worked in other people’s lives.

 

Peter and the other disciples had seen much more evidence of who Jesus was: They had seen sick people made well, demons cast out, lives changed. Yet calling Jesus their Savior and Lord didn’t come easy for them either. When Peter declared that Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of God, Jesus told him that he understood that because God had revealed it to him.

So I continue to pray for my friend, and I encourage you to pray for your students and the other people around you, that they may come to know Jesus as their Savior and Lord.

 

Jesus showed His power by walking on the water; and He told His disciples, “It is I. Don’t be afraid.” Jesus used the name by which God was known and worshiped in Israel. God’s name expressed His dependable and faithful character. By using this name, Jesus was telling His disciples who He really was—God Himself! They could trust Him in every situation, and we can, too!

 

Activity 1:  STORY

Introduction:To read the children:

 

One day, Jesus fed thousands of people from a little boy’s lunch. It was amazing and busy! Then it was time for some peace and quiet. Jesus’ disciples climbed aboard their boat and set out for the other side of the lake. Jesus sent the crowd away and then went up on a mountain side by Himself to pray.

 

While the disciples were sailing across the lake, the wind came up. The water in the lake went from making little waves that slapped against the side of the boat to making BIG waves that kept them from getting anywhere at all!

 

As the wind rose and the waves got even bigger, the disciples had to pull down the sails and row hard to keep from tipping over and to stay headed in the right direction. As the waves crashed into the boat, they tried to bail out the water. How do you think the disciples felt?

 

Watch the video:

 

 

Activity 2:  DISCUSSION

 

Peter discovered that Jesus was powerful enough to walk on water and that Jesus loved him enough to protect him when he was afraid. We all feel afraid sometimes, too. But in every situation, we can trust Jesus to protect us.

 

Sometimes our lives are stormy—sometimes we have troubles or difficult problems. During these life storms, choose to trust Jesus. He is always ready to help you, just like He protected Peter. We can believe God’s promise in Isaiah 41:13 when we are afraid. 

 

Read the verse aloud:  For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. 

 

Jesus showed His power by walking on the water. When Jesus told His friends, “It is I. Don’t be afraid,” Jesus was telling them who He really was—God Himself! They could trust Him in every situation, and we can, too!

  • Why do you think Peter had the courage to step out of the boat and walk to Jesus?
  • What words would you use to describe Peter at the beginning of the story? At the end?
  • What amazing truth about Jesus did Peter discover?  (Jesus is the Savior, the Son of the living God. He could trust Jesus to help him in every situation.)
  • Let’s think about some time in our lives when we need to trust Jesus.  How can you show you trust Jesus to help you? Can we pray about that now?

Encourage children to pray for these things with their own words. Then, transition into a time of prayer for personal requests.

 

Worship Songs:

 

 

 

Activity 3: RESPONSE ACTIVITY #1 

Here’s a link to a Peter walks on water craft. I liked this one because it can be manipulated by the children. 

You will need to print off the sea background and the figures.  (Cardstock preferred).

Sea-Background-Printable

Boat-Jesus-and-Peter-x-2-min

1 and ½ popsicle sticks

Tape

Scissors

Cardboard or a cutting mat

Craft knife

Markers

 

Print and color the pages.  Cut out the boat, Jesus and Peter. Cut slits where directions indicate in the boat and on the sea. Attach sticks to figures. Insert into slots and retell the story using figures, 

 

You can add a message on the page. Eg.  “ I can trust Jesus anytime!” Or Isaiah 41:13:  For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. 

Response Activity #2      Print and Color

Activity 4: CLOSING BLESSING

 

We can trust Jesus’ love and help because we know that He really is the one and only God! As we finish up this lesson, you can pray and ask Jesus to help you with any tough situations you face this week.

 

(______________),  I know that you can trust Jesus to love and help you in every situation!

 

/by

Children’s Worship 02.07.21

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

 

Which Soil Are You

Based on: Matthew 13:1-23

Galatians 5:22-23

 

Activity One:  Read the intro. Watch the video.

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

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.) 

 

My fig tree grew beautiful leaves and put out fig buds this year. But not a single ripe fig came off that tree! It reminded me (uncomfortably) of myself: It’s easy to hang out with Christians and look like I’m about to make some fruit, but never produce any fruit! My purpose as a follower of God, however,  is not just to look good or appear to have potential. My purpose is to grow good fruit!

 

I’m so glad that MY part is to keep on living and growing, rooted in God. I can’t control what goes on around me, but I can stay rooted in God’s Word. I can look for what Jesus has planned for me, obey Him and then trust Him for the rest! HE nourishes me and tends me. If I am rooted, He will grow fruit—even in me!

 

Jesus told the story about the sower to describe what the results of the presence of the gospel of Christ in the world will be until the time of His return. Different people will respond to the gospel in very different ways. While there will be hard hearts, there will also be a fruitful harvest. Jesus, God’s Son, has given us everything we need to live and grow good fruit.

 

Mary Davis

Senior Editor (this curriculum) 

 

Activity 1:  STORY

 

Introduction:To read the children: 

 

  • What kind of fruit is your favorite?
  • The Bible says that we can grow good fruit in our lives. That doesn’t mean we are going to grow real roots or fruit. The good fruit the Bible talks about are the things we do when we pay attention to God’s Word.
  • Today we are going to talk about growing good fruit.

 

Whenever people heard that Jesus was coming, they crowded around to see Him and to listen to what He had to say! One day, there were so many people around Him on the shore of a lake that Jesus got onto a boat to teach. He told a special story, we call a parable, about a farmer, also called the sower, who was planting seeds. Let’s hear that story, too!

 

Watch the video:

 

Activity 2:  DISCUSSION

 

At the end of the story about the sower, Jesus told about the different ways people are like the different soils and how they treat God’s Word. We can choose if we will be like hard, rocky, weedy or good soil. One day, Jesus will come back to be our King. Until then, He wants us to obey His Word and follow Him. As God’s Son, Jesus gives us everything we need to grow good fruit in our lives.

 

  • What is a parable? (A story that Jesus told.)
  • What were the four kinds of soil told in the parable of the sower? (Hard, rocky ground, weedy and good.)
  • What does it mean if someone is like hard or rocky soil? (They aren’t really listening to what the Bible says.)
  • What does being like good soil mean? (Being ready to hear and read the Bible. Looking for ways to do what the Bible says.)

 

When we listen and obey God’s Word, we are like the good soil. We are ready to grow good fruit. Growing good fruit means we show that we love God and others. When we let God’s Word take root in our lives, we will produce good fruit!

 

How has someone you know shown a fruit of the Spirit described in Galatians 5:22-23?

 

22 But the fruitu of the Spirit is love,v joy, peace,w patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control.x 

How have you shown a fruit of the Spirit to someone?  Let’s pray and ask God to help us show the fruit of the Spirit in our lives.

 

Encourage children to pray for these things with their own words. Then, transition into a time of prayer for personal requests.

 

Worship Songs:

 

 

 

 

Activity 3: RESPONSE ACTIVITY #1 

 

Sowing Seeds Bible Game

 

In this Parable of the Sower Bible Game, children sow seeds and get points for the seeds that land on good soil. This is a great reinforcing activity for The Parable of the Sower Bible Lesson.

You Will Need

  • Sowing Seeds Game Board (See Download Below).
  • You will need about 40 seeds (dried beans work well)
  • Cup
  • Blindfold

Instructions

Place the game board on a table. The first player places the seeds in his cup. Put the blindfold on them. Spin them around a couple of times then stop them in front of the board. Position their hand that is holding the cup over the game board. The player then scatters his seeds by turning over the cup and letting the seeds fall on the board. The player gets one point for every seed that lands on good soil. Each player takes a turn. The player with the most points wins.

Download Game Board. CGC_Farmer_and_Seeds_Template

from https://christiangamesandcrafts.com

 

Response Activity #2     

Print and Color

Activity 4: CLOSING BLESSING

 

God’s Word helps us in so many ways! Every day we can be ready to read it, think about it and do what it says. That’s how we let it take root in our lives and how we grow good fruit!

 

(______________), May you always let the Word of God grow in you and produce good fruit in 

 

your life, now when you are young, and later when you are older.,

 

/by

Children’s Worship 01.31.21

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

Why Worry

Based on: Matthew 6:25-34

 

Activity One:  Read the intro. Watch the video.

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

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.) 

 

Imagine asking a young child to give up a fistful of candy recently grabbed from a candy dish and now being held in a tight little fist. You can take it, but first you are going to have to pry those little fingers apart! Sometimes that is exactly the way I take my concerns to God. I hold on tightly, focusing on the problem and on my own wants and needs, forgetting about the loving God I am talking to!

 

First Peter 5:7 says to “cast all your anxiety on him.” You can’t cast away anything with a closed fist! My father used to tell me to give things to God, not with a tight fist or even a cupped hand, but palms down, fingers spread apart. Tell God about something that worries you. Then physically turn your palms down and spread your fingers apart as a reminder that you really are giving your worries to God. There’s no reason to hold on and keep worrying. He loves you, and you can trust Him!

 

When Jesus preached the Sermon on the Mount, He described God’s kingdom, not as someone who had studied it in books, but as the King Himself. But Jesus was a King like no other! He declared that He hadn’t come to take over the world’s governments. He had come to lay claim to and to fill our hearts and minds—to change us from the inside out. That is the change that provides us with true peace when we are tempted to worry.

 

Debbie Barber

Senior Editor  (this curriculum)

 

Activity 1:  STORY

 

Introduction:To read the children: 

 

Two thousand years ago in the land of Israel, there was no Internet or television. But still, news about Jesus spread far and wide. Even though there were no cars or trains, people traveled from far away just to see Jesus. People had heard that Jesus said and did amazing things, and they wanted to see for themselves what was happening!

 

As people gathered together, some people munched on food they’d brought along. Other people probably wished they had brought something to eat. Some people who  were there were sick. They wanted Jesus to make them well. Some people may not have had enough money to buy clothes and food. Nearly everyone had something to worry about.

 

Jesus walked partway up a hillside where everyone could see Him. The crowd became quiet, ready to listen to what Jesus had to say. Let’s listen too.

 

Watch the video:

 

Activity 2:  DISCUSSION

 

Jesus wanted the people to know that there really isn’t any point in worrying about the things they needed or even about what would happen in the future. God can do anything! He wants us to trust Him every day for every need, just like He wanted the people on the hill to trust Him!

  • What did Jesus use as examples of God’s care? (God feeds the birds and clothes the flowers.)

 

  • What did Jesus tell the people not to worry about? (What they would wear. What they would eat and drink. 

 

  • What did He tell them to do instead of worry? (Remember God’s love and care. Love and follow Him.)

 

Everyone worries at times. Sometimes I worry, too. But I know that God cares about me. God cares about you, too. You can trust Him to listen to your prayers and to be with you and help you, no matter what you worry about.

1 Peter 5:7 (NLT)  says, Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.

Read this verse aloud and toss a crumpled-up paper into a trash can. 

Giving all our worries to God is like throwing our worries away. We do that by praying to God and remembering how much He loves us. You can trust God to always help you. He really does care about every situation in your life!

 

Encourage children to pray for these things with their own words. Then, transition into a time of prayer for personal requests.

 

Worship Songs:

 

 

Activity 3: RESPONSE ACTIVITIES

#1  Cupcake Liner Flower Craft (see picture below).

 

We don’t have to worry…when we do worry, we can pray and talk to God about it. We can remember that God loves us and promises to take care of us. He takes care of ALL things, and we can be sure if He takes care of even the smallest tiniest things, that He will certainly take care of us.

 

What you need:

  • cupcake liners (different colors and sizes work best)
  • large craft stick
  • Sharpie marker
  • green cardstock paper
  • green paint
  • child’s photo
  • Glue
  • Scissors

Directions:

Start by painting or coloring the craft stick green. 

With a Sharpie marker write “God cares for me”or something like “Do not worry” on the flower stick.

Spread out and press down the cupcake liners to straighten them up a little.

Apply glue on the middle of the larger cupcake liner.

Stick the smaller one on top of the larger one.

Glue the photo inside the smaller one.

Apply glue on one end of the craft stick.

Attach the cupcake liners on the craft stick.

Cut a leaf shape out of green cardstock.

Stick the leaf on the craft stick.

#2      Print and Color

Activity 4: CLOSING BLESSING 

 

Jesus came to Earth and taught as God’s Son and as the King who will one day rule the world. But Jesus did not come to take over the governments of the world. He came to be the King, or ruler, of our lives. When we follow Him, He gives us peace when we are worried. He gives us everything we need! 

 

(______________), May you always know the peace Jesus gives when we give all of our worries and cares to Him!

 

/by

Children’s Worship 01.24.21

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

 

House on the Rock

Based on: Matthew 7:24-29

 

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.) 

 

Ever done one of those “easy and inexpensive” building or remodeling projects? Cautioned by the awful experiences of many of my friends, I was sure a simple bathroom remodel would go off without a hitch—but I hadn’t fully appreciated the value of the foundation! And after Handyman Number One had come and gone, the licensed contractor pointed out that the foundation for the shower pan hadn’t been done correctly. The shower would have looked great for a while—and then it would have crumbled into a moldy mess beneath the daily pounding of water drops!

 

We don’t want our spiritual lives to be like that, looking great on the surface but without the right foundation. That’s why Jesus reminds us that when we value God’s Word, read it, live it out and then grow from each experience, we build a strong foundation for our lives. No storm, disaster or even shower can erode that sort of foundation!

 

This lesson is all about the Word. The Bible tells us that Jesus is the eternal Word, who came to Earth as the expression of God the Father (see John 1:1-4). Our salvation is built on the foundation of Jesus’ birth, life, death and resurrection. We can stand firm on this foundation. But God gives us more! His Word, the Bible, is the foundation on which we build strong lives.

 

Mary Davis

Senior Editor (this curriculum)

 

Activity 1:  STORY

 

Introduction: An activity.

You will need a fluffy towel and some building type blocks.

 

Have child(ren) stack blocks to build towers, first on a folded up fluffy towel and then on the table. Students compare the sturdiness of their towers.

 

  • Why do you think the tower on the table was stronger?
  • What happens to a building when it is built on something that is not solid? Why?
  • Today we are going to talk about the most important part of any building!

 

To read the children: 

 

As Jesus traveled from town to town and talked to crowds of people, He taught the people many things about God. He talked about being kind and showing mercy to other people. He talked about praying to God. He talked about forgiving others. There was a LOT for the people to learn!

 

But there was something MORE Jesus wanted the people to understand! As you listen to the story Jesus told, see if you can figure out what else Jesus wanted the people to know. In the story that Jesus told, there were two men who decided to build new houses for their families.

 

Watch the video:

 

 

Activity 2:  DISCUSSION

 

  • What did the builders do that was the same? Different?


  • In this story, what did the builders represent?  (People.) The houses? (Our lives.) The rainstorm? (Hard times.) The rock? (The Bible.)


  • What did Jesus want people to learn from this story? (How important it is to obey what the Bible says.)

 

Let’s talk about what it means to live with the Bible as the foundation for our lives. One thing the Bible tells us is to do good things for others.  (See Galatians 6:10. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do goodt to all people, especially to those who belong to the familyu of believers.) What are some specific ways to obey this verse? Children tell things they can do (be patient with others, help a parent with chores, look for ways to help someone who is having a bad day, etc.). As time permits, repeat with other commands in the Bible (tell the truth, live in peace, etc.)

 

Encourage children to pray for these things with their own words. Then, transition into a time of prayer for personal requests.

 

Worship Songs:

 

 

 

 

Activity 3: RESPONSE ACTIVITY #1 

Make a Bible Bookmark

 

We are wise when we do what God’s Word says. Put your bookmark in your Bible and use it to mark the verses you read during the week. You can remember that each time you obey God’s Word, you are building a strong foundation for your life that will help you when troubles come.

 

Supplies

  • Bibles
  • Scissors
  • Glue Sticks
  • 10-inch (25.5-cm) lengths of narrow ribbon
  • Markers

     

Give each child a Bookmark Shapes Pattern. Each child chooses a shape to use for his or her bookmark and cuts out the two matching shapes. Child glues shapes back-to-back, sandwiching one or two ribbon lengths between the shapes. Child adds his or her name and decorates shapes as desired.

Response Activity #2     

Print and Color (right click and save image)

Activity 4: CLOSING BLESSING 

 

Jesus’ story about the wise and foolish builders reminds us of what God has given us to help us build strong lives. The Bible says that when God sent Jesus, God was showing us in real life His words to us. Our salvation is built on Jesus and what He did for us. But God gives us the Bible, too, which helps us know how to build strong lives.

 

(______________), May you grow in your foundation on God’s Word, the Bible. May your life 

 

house be built on Jesus and God’s Word.

 

/by

Children’s Worship 01.17.21

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

 

Desert Temptation

Based on: Matthew 4:1-11

 

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.) 

 

Have you ever felt that the best way to deal with temptation is to give in to it? That’s the easy way out! But Jesus was tempted and never sinned. Instead, He relied on God’s Word and obeyed in everything He did. I am not so good at resisting temptation. But I know that filling my mind with God’s Word makes obeying God much easier to do. It’s not because I’ll have a better understanding of the rules. It is simply because God’s Word allows me to fix my mind on Jesus, the author and perfector of my faith (see Hebrews 12:2).

 

Long ago, Helen Lemmel wrote a hymn that is still worth singing: “Turn your eyes upon Jesus; Look full in His wonderful face; And the things of earth will grow strangely dim; In the light of His glory and grace.” When you feel tempted, stop and consider Jesus and His Word. He will make all the difference!

Debbie Barber

Senior Editor (this curriculum)

 

Activity 1:  STORY

 

Introduction to read to the children: 

 

After Jesus was baptized, He went away by Himself to the desert. You see, it was nearly time for Jesus to begin teaching about God and His kingdom—VERY important work! The desert was a quiet place where Jesus could talk with God, His Father, and get ready.

 

Watch the video:

 

 

Activity 2:  DISCUSSION

  • What is one of the ways Satan tempted Jesus?  (Asked Him to turn stones into bread. Told Him to jump off the Temple to show that God protected Him. Offered to give Him all the kingdoms in the world.)


  • What helped Jesus to not give in to temptation? (He spent time praying to God. He knew what God’s Word says.)


  • What do you learn about Jesus from this story?

 

Sometimes we think that because Jesus is God’s Son, it was easy for Him to always do right and honor God. But Jesus was tempted just as we are! Being tempted to sin and sinning are two very different things! Even though Satan tempted Jesus in many different ways, Jesus relied on God’s Word every time. And Jesus wants us to follow His example!

 

Jesus obeyed God, His Father, and NEVER sinned. Because He never sinned, He was the only One who could take the punishment for our sins so that we could join God’s family. He loved you and me that much! 

 

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

 

What will you do the next time you feel tempted to sin? (Read the Bible. Remember verses about obeying God.) God promises to help us when we pray. He will help us to show our love for Him by obeying His Word. Let’s pray and ask God to help us obey Him by doing the things He wants us to do. 

 

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

 

Worship Songs:

 

 

 

Activity 3: RESPONSE

#1  

 

God’s Word tells us many good things to do. But sometimes, we are tempted to do wrong things instead of what is right. When we are tempted, God promises to help us. God gave us the Bible as one great way to help us remember what is right.

 

Supplies

  • 5×8-inch(12.5×20.5-cm) index cards
  • Markers
  • Scissors
  • Glue Sticks

Give each student a large index card. Each student chooses one phrase from Verse Sheet to cut out and glue to the bottom of his or her index card. Student draws a picture of him or herself obeying the instruction on their card and adds his or her name to the card. Students decorate their cards as desired. Then students tape cards together to make an accordion-fold class book. Read through the book together, showing each student’s picture.

#2      Print and Color:

Activity 4: CLOSING BLESSING 

 

(Name) ____________________ May you know you can rely on God’s Word to tell you the best way to live. And when you are tempted, may you rely on God’s promise to help you do what is right and follow Jesus’ example. He will help you because He loves you!

 

Try substituting the word “us” for the word “you” to include yourself in the blessing as well.

 

/by