Expanding the Impact of Your Gifts of Encouragement

© 2016 CTA, Inc. www.CTAinc.com

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EXPLORING GOD’S WORD

Kids Event Outline

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly. Colossians 3:16

This event outline provides ideas for an hour-long program focused on exploring the stories and messages of God’s love and salvation in the Bible. It’s perfect for special Sunday school days, such as a 5th Sunday event, and it will also work as a summer Sunday school class for children. You might even adapt it for VBS! The ideas include a Bible story presentation, a craft idea, games, and a snack suggestion that includes an activity.

We’ve planned your event for you! May God bless you as you show the children in your care his love in a brand-new way.

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PreparationThink about creative ways to transform your learning space into something that will remind the children of outer space. Check pinterest.com for ideas by keying “outer space decorations for classrooms” into the search engine. Here are a few additional ideas:

• Use the free patterns found at www.CTAinc.com. Your creations can be made simply from construction paper and aluminum foil. Or you can get more elaborate, using colored foam core, metallic poster board, and appliance boxes. To fi nd the patterns, click on Resource & Idea Center and then on Themes, Themes for Children, and fi nally, Exploring God’s Word.

• Make “planets” to hang from the ceiling by infl ating balloons to appropriate sizes. Then use glue and yarn to create the colors you want to make. Tie on an additional length of yarn as a hanger.

• Spread a drab tarp on the fl oor as the surface of the moon. Scatter “moon rocks” around the area (wadded up foil balls and, perhaps, larger papier-mâché boulders.

• If possible, turn out the ceiling lights and light the area using a number of borrowed “up lights” to give the room an unfamiliar, moonscape feeling. (Check with gardeners and indoor plant growers in your church.) Be sure to surround the lights with “rocks” or some other barriers so the children won’t stumble over them.

• Consider wearing a white lab coat and introducing yourself as a scientist from NASA. Add horn rim glasses and an electronic pad and stylus (or clipboard and pen) to complete the “professorial” look. Also, have a fl ashlight with a strong beam available.

P L U T O

M E R C U R Y

V E N U S

E A R T H

M A R S

J U P I T E R

S A T U R NU R A N U S

N E P T U N E

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Devotion / Bible Story

Ready . . .This activity will introduce the Bible memory verse and help establish the exploring theme. Ahead of time, print each word of the Bible verse on a separate piece of paper. Depending upon the skill level of the children, you may also want to number the clues to make unscrambling the words and reassembling the Bible verse a little easier. Before the children arrive, hide the prepared paper clues all around your learning area.

Consider printing the “clues” on bright construction paper or poster board, each cut into the shape of a rocket ship. (Use one of the free rocket patterns from www.CTAinc.com. Click on Resource & Idea Center and then on Themes, Themes for Children, and fi nally, Exploring God’s Word.) The bright color and unique shape will help even the youngest children participate in fi nding them.

As everyone arrives, tell the children that today they are going to be explorers—explorers on the moon! They will make their fi rst discoveries right now. Explain that you have hidden ten clues around the room and ask that they try to discover these. Show a sample rocket ship so they know what to look for. Explain that the group will use these clues later to discover something more valuable than real moon rocks!

NOTE: If you have more than ten children, you may want to make several sets of Bible verse clues—each set from a different, specifi c color. Encourage the teams to “discover” only their own rockets and to leave those of other colors for the other teams to fi nd. Set search parameters appropriate for your setting. For example:

• You must search in this room.

• You don’t need to open cupboards or drawers as you search for clues.

• Bring each clue to me as you locate it.

If students need help, shine a fl ashlight beam on the spot near where the diffi cult clues are hidden. When all of the clues have been found, help students arrange the words in the correct order to form the Bible memory verse. Read the verse together, in unison. Use the beam from the fl ashlight to guide the reading:

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly. Colossians 3:16

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Say, We will do that today! We will explore the word of Christ, making many wonderful We will do that today! We will explore the word of Christ, making many wonderful discoveries. Who’s ready? Let’s go!discoveries. Who’s ready? Let’s go!

Set . . .Invite the children to stand with you and march toward the Bible Research Area.As you move, sing this song together.

Tune: “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star”

Twinkle, twinkle little star.Twinkle, twinkle little star.Our God made you. There you are!Our God made you. There you are!Up, above the world so high,Up, above the world so high,Like a diamond in the sky! Like a diamond in the sky! Twinkle, twinkle little star.Twinkle, twinkle little star.Our God made you. There you are!Our God made you. There you are!

God’s Word shines much brighter still.God’s Word shines much brighter still.Can we learn it? Yes, we will.Can we learn it? Yes, we will.It shines in our hearts, so bright,It shines in our hearts, so bright,Guiding us each day and night.Guiding us each day and night.God’s Word shines much brighter still.God’s Word shines much brighter still.Can we learn it? Yes, we will.Can we learn it? Yes, we will.

Go . . .Before class, place several Books of the Bible bookmarks (Item #BBK9BK or checkwww.CTAinc.com for additional versions, including Spanish) throughout your Bible,using them as page markers at Genesis 1; Genesis 6; Exodus 20; 1 Samuel 17;2 Kings 22; Luke 2; Luke 17; and John 20. You may also want to duplicate the Bible story summaries (below) and place them in your Bible at the appropriate places. The summaries will guide you as you tell the story. They will also help you know when to cue the group for their response.

(Hold the Bible as you address the class.) The Bible is a very special, wonderful book. The Bible is a very special, wonderful book. Inside the Bible are God’s words—his message to us. God wants everyone to explore Inside the Bible are God’s words—his message to us. God wants everyone to explore the truths and discover his love inside it.the truths and discover his love inside it.

(Open your Bible at the fi rst bookmark. Comment on the bookmark, noting aspects of it that are appropriate, given the background the children have. Keep this brief, in any case. Then set it aside and open the Bible on your lap.)

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The Bible is God’s book. Everything in the Bible is true, not pretend or make-believe. The Bible is God’s book. Everything in the Bible is true, not pretend or make-believe. God does not lie to us. Today, we will explore just a few parts of the Bible to discover God does not lie to us. Today, we will explore just a few parts of the Bible to discover what we can learn about our God and Savior. what we can learn about our God and Savior.

Let’s start at the beginning. You can help me with this. When I point to you, you can Let’s start at the beginning. You can help me with this. When I point to you, you can say, “God was there!” Let’s practice. say, “God was there!” Let’s practice. (Point to children once or twice to cue them to practice their response. If some of the children can read, you might want to print it on the chalkboard or on poster paper as a visual reminder.)

In the beginning In the beginning (God was there). Only God was there—nothing else. God made the . Only God was there—nothing else. God made the world and everything in it. How did he do it? He just spoke, and each plant and animal world and everything in it. How did he do it? He just spoke, and each plant and animal came to be. All the stars and planets came to be. Everything there is came to be.came to be. All the stars and planets came to be. Everything there is came to be.

Then God made the fi rst man out of clay and called him Adam. He made a wife for Then God made the fi rst man out of clay and called him Adam. He made a wife for Adam and named her Eve. God worked for six days to make the world. On the seventh Adam and named her Eve. God worked for six days to make the world. On the seventh day, God rested. He was pleased with his creation. day, God rested. He was pleased with his creation.

God’s fi rst family was not alone. God’s fi rst family was not alone. (God was there.) Yes, God was there. The garden in Yes, God was there. The garden in which they lived was beautiful, and the fi rst family was very, very happy. But then one which they lived was beautiful, and the fi rst family was very, very happy. But then one day, Adam and Eve disobeyed God. Their sin made them frightened, ashamed, and day, Adam and Eve disobeyed God. Their sin made them frightened, ashamed, and lonely. God came to rescue them. He forgave their sin. He promised to send a Savior lonely. God came to rescue them. He forgave their sin. He promised to send a Savior one day.one day.

(Turn to the second bookmark.) Sadly, the people God made began to sin more and Sadly, the people God made began to sin more and more. Soon the whole world was full of sin. God saw all this sin and hurt. more. Soon the whole world was full of sin. God saw all this sin and hurt. (God was there.) God decided to save the family of the one man who still loved the Lord. That God decided to save the family of the one man who still loved the Lord. That man was Noah. God told Noah to build a big boat called an ark. Then God helped Noah man was Noah. God told Noah to build a big boat called an ark. Then God helped Noah fi ll the ark with two of each kind of animal. When the fl ood came, Noah and his family fi ll the ark with two of each kind of animal. When the fl ood came, Noah and his family and the animals got into the ark. They were saved because and the animals got into the ark. They were saved because (God was there).

(Turn to the third bookmark.) Many years later, God’s people were slaves in Egypt. God Many years later, God’s people were slaves in Egypt. God chose Moses to lead his people out of slavery to freedom. Moses also wrote the fi rst fi ve chose Moses to lead his people out of slavery to freedom. Moses also wrote the fi rst fi ve books of the Bible so you and I could learn of God’s love for us. God told Moses what to books of the Bible so you and I could learn of God’s love for us. God told Moses what to write so we would know that write so we would know that (God was there).

(Turn to the fourth bookmark.) Another part of God’s book tells about a giant named nother part of God’s book tells about a giant named Goliath. Goliath stood nine feet tall! He and his army wanted to make God’s people Goliath. Goliath stood nine feet tall! He and his army wanted to make God’s people slaves again. But a young boy named David knew that slaves again. But a young boy named David knew that (God was there). God helped . God helped David kill the giant and keep his people free. All of God’s people were so happy to knowDavid kill the giant and keep his people free. All of God’s people were so happy to know (God was there).

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(Open your Bible to the next bookmark.) More years went by and people once again More years went by and people once again forgot about God. They forgot about God’s book, too, but even so forgot about God. They forgot about God’s book, too, but even so (God was there). . God helped Josiah, an eight year-old king, fi nd God’s lost book. Josiah read God’s book God helped Josiah, an eight year-old king, fi nd God’s lost book. Josiah read God’s book to the people and they knew, once again, that to the people and they knew, once again, that (God was there).

(Open your Bible to the next bookmark.) (God was there) at the time the Savior came. at the time the Savior came. That Savior was named Jesus. Jesus was born as a little baby. He grew up, just like you That Savior was named Jesus. Jesus was born as a little baby. He grew up, just like you are growing. Jesus told the people more and more about God’s love. He helped them are growing. Jesus told the people more and more about God’s love. He helped them see that they needed God to forgive their sins—the wrong, mean, hurtful things they did. see that they needed God to forgive their sins—the wrong, mean, hurtful things they did. Jesus helped people everywhere he went. Jesus helped people everywhere he went.

(Open to the next bookmark.) One time, Jesus healed ten men who were very sick with One time, Jesus healed ten men who were very sick with leprosy. One of the healed men came back to thank Jesus because he knew leprosy. One of the healed men came back to thank Jesus because he knew (God was there).

(Open your Bible to the fi nal bookmark.) It was time for Jesus to save the world from sin. It was time for Jesus to save the world from sin. Jesus was nailed to a cross to be punished for our sins, but even then Jesus was nailed to a cross to be punished for our sins, but even then (God was there). . Wicked people made fun of the dying Jesus, but Wicked people made fun of the dying Jesus, but (God was there). When Jesus died, . When Jesus died, his friends cried and cried. They thought Jesus was gone forever, but his friends cried and cried. They thought Jesus was gone forever, but (God was there). . Jesus didn’t stay in his grave.Jesus didn’t stay in his grave. (God was there!) God raised him to life! Now Jesus lives God raised him to life! Now Jesus lives forever and ever! forever and ever!

All through the Bible—God’s special book for us—All through the Bible—God’s special book for us—(God was there). When people were . When people were hurt or lonely, hurt or lonely, (God was there). When people sinned or forgot about God, . When people sinned or forgot about God, (God was there). God was always there, loving his people no matter what! . God was always there, loving his people no matter what!

God loves us, too. God is here with us, too. Because Jesus lived, died, and rose again God loves us, too. God is here with us, too. Because Jesus lived, died, and rose again for us, we share the treasure of God’s love. God forgives us. We can live with Jesus for us, we share the treasure of God’s love. God forgives us. We can live with Jesus every day right now by faith. We can explore his goodness more and more, discovering every day right now by faith. We can explore his goodness more and more, discovering more about it. And we can share that love with others, which is always an adventure! more about it. And we can share that love with others, which is always an adventure! Someday soon, everyone who believes in Jesus will live with him in heaven. Then we Someday soon, everyone who believes in Jesus will live with him in heaven. Then we will always, always be with Jesus. What a great and wonderful adventure we get to live!will always, always be with Jesus. What a great and wonderful adventure we get to live!

Give each child one of the Books of the Bible bookmarks, as that is age appropriate.

Pray . . .Dear Lord God, thank you for your love and forgiveness! Thank you that you invite us to Dear Lord God, thank you for your love and forgiveness! Thank you that you invite us to explore these things, learning more about them from the Bible. Help us show your love explore these things, learning more about them from the Bible. Help us show your love to others every day. Help us talk about that love with others, too. In Jesus’ name I pray. to others every day. Help us talk about that love with others, too. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.Amen.

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Exploring God’s Word ActivityWhat you’ll need

• Copies of the Exploring God’s Word downloadable rhyme activity from www.CTAinc.com, one per student

• Colored pencils or watercolor markers

What you’ll do

Follow the directions on the sheet, helping the children fi nish each rhyme on the page.

As time and the abilities of the children will allow, fi nd and read the passages referenced on the page near each couplet. If the children can’t read, review the stories briefl y and talk about them together. Hint: Use a children’s Bible to read a verse or two from each of the longer passages.

Then read the directions found under “Believe and Tell the Story of Our Savior’s Glory!” Invite the children to draw pictures of family members and friends with whom they can share the story of Jesus’ love for us. Encourage them to do so.

Snack

Astronaut Pudding

What you’ll need:

• Ziplock sandwich bags, one per child

• Measuring spoons

• Several 1/2 C measuring cups

• Instant pudding mix

• Water

• Powdered milk

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What you’ll do:

1. Measure one Tablespoon plus two teaspoons of dry pudding into each child’s sandwich bag.

2. Add the same amount of powdered milk to each bag.

3. Help the children measure out a scant 1/2 cup water and carefully add it to the bag.

4. Seal each bag tightly.

5. Have the children knead and squeeze their bags until the ingredients are completely mixed and the pudding is fi rming up.

6. To eat the pudding, pretend you are an astronaut! Cut off one corner of the bag and squeeze the pudding into your mouth, just like an astronaut would.

As students enjoy this simple snack, review the many ways God demonstrated his love in Bible times. Then ask, How does God show his love to us today? As you keep on How does God show his love to us today? As you keep on exploring the Bible and learning things about God, what else would you like to discover?exploring the Bible and learning things about God, what else would you like to discover?

Games and Activities

Across the Solar SystemForm small groups of three or four children each; include both younger and older students in each group. Give each group two pieces of sturdy paper approximately one foot square. (Flattened large, paper grocery bags would work well.)

Explain that students must cross from one side of the solar system (room or play area) to the other and back, relay style. The catch? Children may step only on “planets” (circular paper pieces you have taped to the fl oor) or on their pieces of sturdy paper (paper bags). If someone steps on the bare fl oor instead, they must ask the leader for a do-over. Then they can try again.

Give teams time to talk about their strategies. Or guide them to discover that in order to follow the directions, each person must stand on a “planet” and place the paper within stepping distance. Then they will step on the paper and place the second paper within a reasonable stepping distance, aiming for the next “planet,” on their way across the room. The children should continue until they are safely across the “solar system.”

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ApplicationApplication

What made this race kind of hard? Yes, if we’re not careful, it’s easy to break the rules. What made this race kind of hard? Yes, if we’re not careful, it’s easy to break the rules. Some of us stepped on the ground instead of on the “planets” or our papers. Then we Some of us stepped on the ground instead of on the “planets” or our papers. Then we got to ask for a “do-over” so we could keep on going.got to ask for a “do-over” so we could keep on going.

It’s hard to obey God’s rules, too. In fact, none of us does it perfectly. We often act in It’s hard to obey God’s rules, too. In fact, none of us does it perfectly. We often act in selfi sh ways. We hurt other people by our words and in other ways, too. We fail. We sin. selfi sh ways. We hurt other people by our words and in other ways, too. We fail. We sin.

When that happens, the Bible tells us the Good News that God keeps on loving us. He When that happens, the Bible tells us the Good News that God keeps on loving us. He forgives our sins because Jesus died on the cross for us. Then, God gives us a “do-forgives our sins because Jesus died on the cross for us. Then, God gives us a “do-over”— whenever we need one. Isn’t it good to know that God will never stop loving us? over”— whenever we need one. Isn’t it good to know that God will never stop loving us? How wonderful it is that we can keep on exploring the love God has for us in Jesus! How wonderful it is that we can keep on exploring the love God has for us in Jesus!

Teach It—Learn It!Form groups of no more than three or four children each. Give each participant one of the Exploring God’s Word Flying Discs (Item #EGW6FD). Have the children take turns throwing and catching them.

When they catch a disc, they are to tell something they know about the Bible person whose name is closest to their thumb.

Encourage older and more knowledgeable children to help younger ones.

ApplicationApplication

The Bible says, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God, and keep it” (Luke The Bible says, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God, and keep it” (Luke 11:28). It is important to learn God’s Word—to keep this treasure in our hearts. Then 11:28). It is important to learn God’s Word—to keep this treasure in our hearts. Then when trouble comes, we will remember God’s promises. God’s Word will guide us when when trouble comes, we will remember God’s promises. God’s Word will guide us when we make decisions, and it will encourage us always to live for Christ. When we know we make decisions, and it will encourage us always to live for Christ. When we know God’s Word—really know it and treasure it in our hearts—we can share it with other God’s Word—really know it and treasure it in our hearts—we can share it with other people. We can tell our families, friends, and neighbors about God’s love so they will people. We can tell our families, friends, and neighbors about God’s love so they will treasure it, too!treasure it, too!

Colder/Hotter Seek and FindAs the activity time begins, show students one of the “moon rocks” you have made from crumpled aluminum foil. Explain that one child will hide the “moon rock” and another child will try to fi nd it. The rest of the group will help. Have the seeker turn toward the wall (or leave the room for a moment with an adult helper) while the “rock” is hidden. The rest of the group will watch.

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Then have the seeker turn around (return to the group) and try to fi nd the hidden “moon rock.” As the seeker moves closer to it, the group will say “warmer”; as the seeker moves farther away from it, they will say “colder.” When the seeker fi nds the “moon rock,” he or she gets to hide it for the next round.

Play the game several times, each time with a different hider and seeker.

ApplicationApplication

Is someone you know sad or lonely? Does that person need a friend? Does that person Is someone you know sad or lonely? Does that person need a friend? Does that person need to know Jesus’ love? You can help your friend get closer and closer to Jesus. You need to know Jesus’ love? You can help your friend get closer and closer to Jesus. You don’t need to say “warmer” or “colder.” Instead, you can tell your friend about God’s don’t need to say “warmer” or “colder.” Instead, you can tell your friend about God’s love. You can share what you know from God’s Word. And these books can help you!love. You can share what you know from God’s Word. And these books can help you!

Show students the Exploring God’s Word Gospel Fun Books (for ages 3–6) and the Exploring God’s Word Activity Books (for ages 7–11). Open to a few of the activities that accent God’s love and care for us. Then tell the children they can each have two (or three) books—one for themselves and others to share with others.

Wrapping It UpBefore the children leave, gather them around you one last time, and say the Bible memory verse together:

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly. Colossians 3:16

Tell them, God’s Word guides us when we’re lost. It comforts us when we’re scared. It God’s Word guides us when we’re lost. It comforts us when we’re scared. It reminds us that Jesus died for us, and because of that, God forgives each and every reminds us that Jesus died for us, and because of that, God forgives each and every one of our sins.one of our sins.

No matter how much we learn about our powerful, loving God, there is always more to No matter how much we learn about our powerful, loving God, there is always more to explore, more to learn. explore, more to learn.

What’s more, we can share what we know with our What’s more, we can share what we know with our friends and family members and especially friends and family members and especially with people who don’t know Jesus’ love and with people who don’t know Jesus’ love and forgiveness. Do you know why? Because forgiveness. Do you know why? Because God’s love never, ever runs out! God’s love God’s love never, ever runs out! God’s love doesn’t have a bottom or a top or sides—doesn’t have a bottom or a top or sides—it’s never-ending! Even outer space ends it’s never-ending! Even outer space ends somewhere. But God’s love never, ever, somewhere. But God’s love never, ever, ever ends!ever ends!

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© 2016 CTA, Inc. Permission to make photocopies or reproduce by any other mechanical or electronic means is granted only to the original purchaser and is intended for use within a church or other Christian organization.

Scripture quotations are taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

#EGW6DCE

(Make sure each child has two or more Exploring God’s Word Gospel Fun books or Exploring God’s Word Activity Books to take home.)

A love that big means we have a lot more exploring to do! Take these books home. Use A love that big means we have a lot more exploring to do! Take these books home. Use them to help you do that. them to help you do that.

Also, use the extras to help you share God’s unending love with someone else. And Also, use the extras to help you share God’s unending love with someone else. And don’t forget to don’t forget to thank God for his precious love in his Son, Jesus! God for his precious love in his Son, Jesus!