I have had to make a very difficult decision this season. I have decided not to have a Christmas Program for our children this year. I can’t tell you how difficult of a choice that it was for me to make. I even had a new play written and ready to go. I was so excited to put it together and have the kids put it on. It took prayer and talking it through with my husband
The musical term “dissonance” means, “a tension or clash resulting from the combination of two disharmonious or unsuitable elements1.” Basically, when two notes are too close together it results in an uncomfortable, colliding sound. A way to think about it is like hearing a fork scrape across a plate or fingers running down a chalk board; the instant shudder you receive is the result of dissonance. However, a normal, harmonious sound – such as birds chirping or
Sin can be a tricky concept for kids to truly understand or wrap their heads around, and sometimes we take forgiveness for granted. But when it comes time to let things go and get along with others, sometimes we are reluctant. This lesson highlights the importance of relying on God to cover our lives with grace, and also emphasizes the need for us to work together and persist in corporate worship. Students will see and discuss examples
This is lesson 11 of 33 in a series of lessons called “Praise God Through the Psalms.” Lesson focus: Through the book of Psalms and the worship of the people of Israel, we get a glimpse into the character of God and how we should rightly respond to Him in worship. In Psalm 16 we are reminded of the truth that God is a refuge for His people and that ultimately He protects His people from sin
This is lesson 10 of 33 in a series of lessons called “Praise God Through the Psalms.” Lesson focus: Through the book of Psalms and the worship of the people of Israel, we get a glimpse into the character of God and how we should rightly respond to Him in worship. In Psalm 15 we are reminded of the holiness of God and the truth that man is separated from God because of sin. In this lesson,
Why do we decorate Christmas trees to celebrate Jesus’ birth? And where did they come from and what do they represent? In “Christmas Trees and Jesus,” children will learn the history of the Christmas tree and why we use them as part of our Christmas celebrations. Because Christmas is all about Jesus, decorating a tree presents the opportunity to extend God’s love and message of salvation to others. TARGET AGES: 10-14 OBJECTIVE: To teach the children about
I realize I may be “preaching to the choir” here but I had to share this list. After twenty years in kids’ ministry, I’m still in shock and awe at how much people really don’t know about what we kids min folks actually do. So for fun, I put together this snapshot of 9 things that might surprise you (or someone you know) about children’s ministry If you know someone who is considering working in children’s ministry
This third and final lesson on biblical thankfulness, “Thankful for Service,” will help kids understand that we should be thankful to God for the service opportunities he gives us. While thankfulness and service don’t seem to be discussed together very often, it’s important for kids to make the connection between the heart’s motives (thankfulness) and our actions (service). True servants are thankful, so by discussing Jesus’ washing of his disciples’ feet the kids will learn how humility, thankfulness, and service
Is it enough to only express thankfulness to God? Why and how should we take the time to say, “thank you” to others? In part 2 of “Biblical Thankfulness,” children will learn that real thankfulness to God will lead to thankfulness for others. Our words and actions must work together if we are serious about being thankful. You can preview lesson 1 or lesson 3. If you’re in a hurry, simply use the link button below to download all 3 lessons in
Use this free study in your Sunday School or Kids Church for 3 weeks leading up to Thanksgiving. It’s the perfect way to make November all about showing gratitude to God. The download below includes all three lessons, but don’t forget browse our free Thanksgiving crafts to supplement this material. Where does true thankfulness come from? Can we be thankful even when we face trials? “Thankful to God (Biblical Thankfulness – Lesson 1)” is the first of
Anyone who has heard remotely of Chariots of Fire knows the basic story of Eric Liddell and his bold pursuit of God’s glory on and off the cinder track. But his story goes much deeper than an Olympic medal. Liddell was not only an athlete but a dedicated missionary who was willing to go to any length to serve the Lord. Lesson focus: Eric Liddell was a giant of faith because he refused to back down in
This free Bible lesson is based on Mark 12:38-44 when a poor women puts two coins in the treasury which was all she had. It is designed for children’s church or Sunday School. Please modify as best fits your ministry.If your church follows the Revised Common Lectionary, this teaching plan would correspond to Year B – 24th Sunday after Pentecost, Gospel Reading – Mark 12:38-44. Opening Activity – Two Coins – Calculating Tithes Supplies –coins or pretend money, offering basket
Why don’t we conduct our church services in Latin and pretend to buy our way into Heaven and pray to saints and call ourselves Catholic? As Protestants of any denomination (or even as Catholics!), we owe a lot to Martin Luther and his daring acts of reform. We often do not take the time to study much of our founding fathers (and mothers) of faith, but examining church history can educate, encourage, and inspire our efforts as
When Jesus was resurrected he proved to the world that he lived a perfect life as a servant by dying on the cross for our sins. In this final part of the “Servanthood for Kids Series,” kids will become intimately aware of the assurance we have in salvation and in God’s promises for the future. In addition, they will be encouraged and gain confidence in their ability to serve because we have a risen Savior! TARGET AGES: 9 – 13
Our young students are likely not quite concerned just now with existential purpose, but there are still important lessons to be learned from discussing the wisdom of Ecclesiastes. Kids often have a hard time grasping broad meaning to things outside of immediate concerns. In these activities, they will be exposed to the importance of putting God first in all things. Lesson focus: The most important thing we can do in life is work hard to serve and
Lesson Title: Bonfire Preschool Lesson Ideas (Luke 5:1-11) Bible Reference: Luke 5:1-11 Target Age Group: Preschool Learning Context: Sunday School Target Time Frame: 1 hour Gospel Connection: As the weather gets colder it’s time to enjoy bonfires. This lesson brings the bonfire to your classroom. You will imagine that you are sitting around a campfire on the beach when Jesus called Simon Peter, James, and John to be disciples. As you sit around a pretend fire, your
This is lesson 9 of 33 in a series of lessons called “Praise God Through the Psalms.” Lesson focus: Through the book of Psalms and the worship of the people of Israel, we get a glimpse into the character of God and how we should rightly respond to Him in worship. In Psalm 9 we are reminded of the justice of God. Through this study, children will have a chance to see the right/ deserved punishment for
Lesson Title: Filling Up With Goodness (Colossians 3:16) Bible Reference: Colossians 3:16 Target Age Group: Elementary Learning Context: Sunday School Target Time Frame: 1 hour Gospel Connection: In Colossians 3 Paul writes to the church and encourages them to live together in peace. One way to make sure that you are at peace with the people around you is by filling yourself with good things, such as God’s word. Through this lesson children will learn that in
Using candy corn as an illustration is a great way to helps kids understand the Trinity. In Part 2 of “Candy Corn and the Trinity,” kids will learn the distinct roles of God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit. TARGET AGES: 10-14 OBJECTIVE: To understand the Trinity, as compared to a piece of candy corn, has three distinct components (God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit) with unique roles. MAIN IDEA: A piece
Most kids I know love candy corn, so using it to explain a complex topic such as the Trinity is a fun way to help them remember biblical truths. In Part 1 of “Candy Corn and the Trinity,” kids will learn what the Trinity is and how scripture proves it’s existence. Furthermore, kids will be able to identify the three unique persons as God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit. TARGET AGES: 10-14 OBJECTIVE: To understand
This lesson teaches children that they should be on Jesus’ team. The world can offer a lot of good things, but only Jesus can offer eternal life. Lesson Title: Being on God’s Team Bible Reference: John 16:33 Target Age Group: Preschool Learning Context: Sunday School Target Time Frame: 1 hour Learning Aim: I want to be on Jesus’ team. Tell The Bible Story Before the Activity: You need a football. Optional: Football jersey or attire. During the
This is lesson 8 of 33 in a series of lessons called “Praise God Through the Psalms.” Lesson focus: Through the book of Psalms and the worship of the people of Israel, we get a glimpse into the character of God and how we should rightly respond to Him in worship. In Psalm 8 we are reminded that God is the Creator of the universe and His majestic rule over all. As we study this Psalm, kids
This free Bible lesson is based on Mark 10:46-52 when Jesus first began to heal the sick. It is designed for children’s church or Sunday School. Please modify as best fits your ministry. If your church follows the Revised Common Lectionary, this teaching plan would correspond to Year B – 22nd Sunday after Pentecost, Gospel Reading – Mark 10:46-52. Opening Activity – Let Me See Again – Now You See… Now You Don’t Supplies – slips of paper,
Jesus fulfilled his earthly life of service by dying on the cross. In part 2 of “Jesus Served Through His Crucifixion” (Lesson 9 of the Servanthood Series), children will learn how Jesus’ arrest, appearance before officials, and mockery from others didn’t stop his service. Through his example we see that trials and obstacles can be endured when we are committed to obedient service to God. TARGET AGES: 9 – 13 Older Elementary. You may need to simplify
