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Lessons for Children

Children’s Lessons WholenessthroughChrist:BalanceandConnection page 2

Lessons for Children Ages 6–11 Wholeness through Christ: BALANCE AND CONNECTION

copyright 2011 Community of Christ Independence, Missouri, USA

Being whole through Jesus brings balance and connection within ourselves, in our relationships with one another, and with God.

BlessingsofCommunity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3This lesson explores the Enduring Principle “blessings of community” through story and activities to encourage each child to apply that understanding to their life and say, “I belong!”

UnityinDiversity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7This lesson explores the Enduring Principle “unity in diversity” through story and activities to encourage each child to apply that understanding to their life and say “We’re All Different Together!”

GraceandGenerosity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11This lesson explores the Enduring Principle “grace and generosity” through story and activities to encourage each child to apply that understanding to their life and say, “Because God gives, I can give!”

WorthofAllPersons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15This lesson explores the Enduring Principle “worth of all persons” through story and activities to encourage each child to apply that understanding to their life and say “I Stand for You!”

AllAreCalled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19This lesson explores wholeness and connection through the Enduring Principle “all are called” through story and activities that encourage each child to apply that understanding to their life and say “I Am Called!”

Contents


Blessings of Community

Focus

Objectives

MaterialsWe want to stay in balance with and stay connected to Jesus and to one another. The good news of Jesus brings us together to build a place of love, joy, hope, and peace where we can each say with assurance, “I belong!”

FocusScriptures:Acts2:1–11,41–47; Pentecost shows how disciples following Jesus Christ create a blessed community

DoctrineandCovenants162:6c“Be gentle and gracious with one another.”

The learner will…

• Engage in the story of Pentecost from Acts 2.

• Engage in stories of communities where people are welcomed and share in Jesus’ love, and in which community members share what is special about them.

• Actively participate in team-building activities.

• Begin creating a mobile that will be added to throughout this series of lessons.

• Learn a hymn about the strength and giftedness of children to share in a worship setting.

• Bible (NRSV) such as the Lectionary Story Bible, Year A by Ralph Milton

• Doctrine and Covenants, including Section 162

• Long rope or ribbon that can be formed into a large circle for every child to hold onto

• Washable markers or crayons

• Old umbrella or metal clothes hanger to use as a mobile, one for class and one per child

• Small paper plates (dessert size), one per child

• String or yarn to create a mobile for each child

• Fan, paper streamers of red, yellow, orange (representing tongues of fire)

• Map of state, region, city where children are from, map tacks or push pins

• Black washable paint, and card stock to make fingerprints of each child’s thumb

Resources

• Lectionary Story Bible, Year A by Ralph Milton, illustrated by Margaret Kyle (Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada: Wood Lake Publishing, 2007. ISBN 9781551455471).

• The Garden of Happiness by Erika Tamar, illustrated by Barbara Lambase (Harcourt Children’s Books, 1996. ISBN 9780152305826). A multicultural picture book tells about New York City neighbors who clear a garbage-filled lot to create a garden growing with vegetables that remind the tenants of the many countries where they grew up.

Visit your local library to check out these books before class. The Lectionary Story Bible is available from Herald House at www.heraldhouse.org or from Wood Lake Publishing at www.spiritseasons.com.


Play three games to get children acquainted with one another and the theme.

NameGameThis is a rhyming chant to sharpen listening skills and learn the names of fellow students.

1. Begin with: “Names are short. Names are long. Say your name, and clap along.”

2. (Example: “Tif-fa-ny, Tif-fa-ny,” 3 claps by the whole group.) Have each student say their name—first (given) name only or first and family name—to a rhythm they create. Have older children help younger children, if needed.

3. After each one claps out their name, have the whole class clap out that child’s name. Do each one.

Discuss: What’s unique or special about your name? Are you named for someone in your family or do you have a unique name? What does your name mean to you?

ShapeGame1. Show pictures of common shapes: circle,

square, triangle, oval, and diamond.

2. Have children form a circle around the rope and grab on with one hand (smaller kids can use both hands).

3. Using blindfolds or asking kids to close their eyes, name a shape and have them form that shape without talking or looking.

4. On your cue, ask them to open their eyes (remove blindfold) and see their creation.

5. Follow up with these questions: What shape did you create? Was it the shape you were supposed to make? What would make this job easier? Why do you need to see what you or the others around you are doing?

6. Allow time to act out more shapes both blindfolded and with their eyes open.

7. End with a successful shape!

Discuss: Today we’re talking about belonging to a blessed community. It’s hard to make a blessed community if we don’t have a good example, or we can’t see what we’re doing! Today we’ll learn how Jesus’ teachings helped people to make just such a community.

BeinginBalanceCan you keep your balance? Have everyone stand up and follow your directions. After each direction, they can return to their normal position:

1. Stick one leg out sideways, parallel to the floor. Try to balance.

2. Spin in a circle three times. Stop. Try to balance.

3. Kneel on your hands and knees. Lift one arm. Try to balance.

4. Lift the opposite leg. Try to balance.

5. Discuss: Is it difficult to stay balanced? Sometimes you can do it, but not for long.

6. Now do the same actions again, only have each child first choose a partner. The two together will be better able to keep their balance!

Other ways of being balanced are in our actions, such as being happy all the time, or sad all the time. Have the children show being happy/being sad. Angry/at peace. Listening/speaking. Being active/being still. We can stay in balance when our communities are in balance, when we’re in good, healthy relationships with one another. We need to care for each other as Jesus cared for others. Doing what Jesus did keeps us in balance!

Activates background knowledge, prepares and motivates for lesson.


CommunityatPentecostWith the help of a “special effects crew,” share the story of Pentecost from Acts 2:1–11, 41–47 from a children’s Bible storybook. If using the Lectionary Story Bible, Year A by Ralph Milton, the story is on pages 116–117. Emphasize that Jesus was gone, and his disciples and followers felt “lost.” The Jews were scattered in many countries, all around Jerusalem. They were from different cultures; they spoke different languages. Yet they all came to Jerusalem to celebrate Passover.

While reading about the Holy Spirit coming like a wind and tongues of flames, have your “crew” turn on a large fan where red, orange and gold “tongues of flame” paper streamers are tied or taped. The crew can throw confetti or glitter in front of the fan to blow over the kids.

When the disciples met to celebrate the Jewish festival of Passover, never in their wildest dreams did they think the Holy Spirit, which Jesus had promised, would come like it did. It allowed them to hear languages they didn’t know so everyone could learn about Jesus. Think what an awesome event this became as people excitedly shared the wonderful news of Jesus! They were welcomed and they found a community where they belonged! About 3,000 were baptized that day. The story of Pentecost shows the power of the Holy Spirit to create a blessed community.

In Community of Christ, we believe that some things will last a long time. They are called Enduring Principles. One of them is called “blessings of community,” (write words on poster to display. Add the scripture “Be gentle and gracious with one another.” —Doctrine and Covenants 162:6c.)

Discuss:1. What were the blessings of the community at Pentecost?

2. How did the Holy Spirit bring everyone together into one community?

3. The disciples could communicate in ways that everyone could understand. Show others in your classroom how you could say “God loves you” without using words.

4. If this was one of Jesus’ first communities of people who were different from one another (they spoke different languages and were from different cultures) how did they stay in balance? (The apostles welcomed them and shared Jesus’ message; they all believed in Jesus’ words; they shared all things in common).

5. When we get together, how are we like the people at Pentecost? (We come here from different places. Others help us to feel welcome and to understand Jesus’ message.)

AnotherBlessedCommunityRead another story about community: The Garden of Happiness by Erika Tamar, illustrated by Barbara Lambase. Afterward, discuss:

• What were the blessings of the community in this book?

• What are the blessings in YOUR community?

• Has anything like this happened in your community? Tell about it.

• Talk about the balance between the empty lot and the created garden. Compare the balance of the people from different cultures and the balance of the garden vegetables. What did each neighbor plant in the garden? Why was it good that not all people were from New York? Mexico? Bangladesh? Alabama? What would be planted in the garden if they were? Why did these neighbors all feel they belonged? Why was this neighborhood a blessed community?

(If possible, consider planting a garden together).

Invites exploration and interaction.


Strong,GentleChildrenLearn the hymn “Strong, Gentle Children” by Daniel Charles Damon (below). Ask children what they think of the words and tune. Find an opportunity for children to share it in a worship service.

Strong,GentleChildrenBy Daniel Charles Damon, 1955–Tune: TwilightWords © 1993 Hope Publishing CompanyUsed by permission

1. Strong, gentle children, God made you beautiful, gave you the wisdom and power you need; speak in the stillness all you are looking for; live out your calling to love and to lead.

2. Strong, hurting children, angry and terrified, open the secrets your life has concealed; though you are wounded, know you are not to blame; cry out your story till truth is revealed.

3. Strong, knowing children, utter your cry aloud, honor the wisdom God gave you at birth; speak to your elders till they have heard your voice; sing out your vision of healing on Earth.

Takes the learners from hearing to doing.

BalancewithJesusMobileWhere did we—in this class—come from? Using a map of your region, help children pinpoint or tag the cities, neighborhoods, or states where they are from. Attach their name to the place with a push pin or tack.

What are the communities we belong to? Give each child a paper plate with four concentric rings drawn on it in which they’ll draw the communities they belong to. In the inside circle, have them write “I Belong.” In the next ring, have them write or draw sketches of their family community. In the next circle, their church community. In the outside ring, have them draw sketches of other “communities” they belong to—a sports team, Scouting, 4H, or other club, sewing group, neighborhood, school, etc. Invite children to share what communities they belong to and what they enjoy about or what the blessings are of each.

Give each child a metal clothes hanger to become a mobile (reshape the hanger). Punch a hole in the top of their paper plates and hang with yarn from a clothes hanger. Tag each mobile with the child’s name, but keep the mobiles until the end of all classes. The children will add a piece to it during each lesson.

Explores how the lesson might be lived out.

Prayer of blessing, praise, thanksgiving, and hope.

Offer a prayer about belonging to a blessed community—a blessing because they came together from different places, but are learning together about Jesus’ love. Ask children if they would like to offer a prayer.

For the next class:Before class ends, make a fingerprint of each child’s thumb or index finger using washable black paint. Write their name on the back of each one. After class, display these fingerprints without the child’s name. If possible, enlarge these fingerprints on a copier for use in the next class.

This hymn is available at www.hymnary.org/hymn/WAR2003/629. The music notation is visible by clicking on the “View hymnal page scan.” Downloading and printing this hymn requires a CCLI or OneLicense license.


Unity in Diversity

Focus MaterialsWe all have differences, but God created us so all of us have a place in our blessed community. We should celebrate our differences and work together toward common goals, so we can each say with assurance, “We’re All Different Together!”

FocusScriptures:1Corinthians12:4–13 adapted for children. “All gifts are given by the Holy Spirit. All parts of the body work together and none is greater than the other.”

DoctrineandCovenants164:5, in which Jesus Christ showed us how to create a new community of caring for others, working out problems, being connected even though we’re different, and sharing love. These communities are signs of living as God wishes.



• Enlarged copies of children’s fingerprints (from previous class)

• Digital or tape recorder

• A body created of tag board or poster board. Create separate pieces for the hands, arms, torso, head, legs, and feet that can be attached with brass fasteners. The torso should have a heart, lungs, and stomach drawn on it. The head should have ears, mouth, eyes, and nose drawn on it.

• Brass fasteners and strings or yarn (to connect body and hang like a mobile)

• 2 in/5 cm wide strips of paper cut into three lengths: 14 in/35 cm long, 16 in/40 cm long, 18 in/46 cm long

• 3 in/7.5 cm heart for the center

• Markers, stapler or tape

• String or yarn to hang mobilesObjectivesThe learner will...

• Discover likenesses and differences with members of the class.

• Engage in the story of Pentecost from Acts 2.

• Share reasons why parts of the body are important and how the body is like a community where everyone is important.

• Celebrate their own uniqueness through their thumbprint and voice.

• Create a mobile with God as the focal point.

Resources

• Lectionary Story Bible, Year A by Ralph Milton, illustrated by Margaret Kyle (Wood Lake Publishing, 2007. ISBN 9781551455471).

• See page 10 for more resource possibilities.



SamebutDifferent?Display the enlarged photos of the students’ fingerprints around the room. Ask them to look closely at each one. Can they identify their own? Their friends’? Can they see what is unique about each one? Are there parts that look similar to others? Why did God create each one of us to be so unique? What other things do we have that are the same, yet different? (For example, all of us have hair, but different colors, textures, and styles. All of us have voices, but sound different.)

Discuss what diversity is (our differences). Discuss what unity means (being brought together; combining all parts into one). Our fingerprints show our diversity, how we are each different. But all of us have fingerprints, and that they are similar shows how we are unified. So our theme today is “We’re All Different Together.” It’s the best way to create community.

Another example is our voices. Record the students’ voices, each saying the same phrase “Unity in diversity!” Play the recording, with all guessing who is speaking the phrase each time. Discuss: How can you tell who is speaking? What is unique about his or her voice?



UnityinDiversityatPentecostReview yesterday’s scripture story of Pentecost. Ask children what happened, what did the disciples do, what helped them (Holy Spirit), why was it a blessed community?

Today’s story is about a letter the apostle Paul sent to the Corinthians about how to live God’s way. He used the example of the body as a community in balance. If using the Lectionary Story Bible, Year A by Ralph Milton, the story is on pages 118–119.

Read today’s scriptures:

1 Corinthians 12:4–13 adapted “All gifts are given by the same Spirit, but given individually to each one. All parts of the body work together and none are greater than the other.”

Doctrine and Covenants 164:5 in which Jesus Christ showed us how to create a new community of caring for others, working out problems, being connected even though we’re different, and sharing love. These communities are signs of living as God wishes.

Discuss: How do these two scriptures and today’s story help us understand how to create a community? Why do the body parts have to work together?

How are the different parts of the body like different people in God’s church? What does each do? What if you were a hand, head, heart, eyes, legs, feet, arms, heart, or stomach? What body part do you most relate to? What is your best skill? Listening? Talking? Running? Smiling?



BodyofChrist1. Divide kids into groups and assign them each

group to the body puzzle pieces: 2 legs, 2 arms, 2 hands, 2 feet, 1 torso (with heart, lungs, and stomach drawn on it,) 1 head with 2 eyes, 1 mouth, 2 ears, 1 nose)

2. Each group should brainstorm what their given body part does. Write words or draw pictures on the body part to show what that body part does. Think about what God wanted this part of the body to do.

3. When all groups are finished, bring them to your gathering spot and create your whole body. Connect the body with brass fasteners. Hang like a mobile. Discuss what each part does and how they affect the other parts. Ask: What did God want this part of the body to do? Can it do the job on its own? What other parts are needed for your part to work?

HeartMobileGive students the supplies to make individual mobiles: a heart cutout, three different colored strips of paper, and markers or crayons.

1. Write GOD in the center of the heart.

2. On the strip closest to God, write a gift you have that is unique and special.

3. On the next strip, write a tradition that your family celebrates (such as, saying nightly prayers, decorating Christmas cookies, lighting an Advent candle, hiding Easter eggs).

4. On the strip farthest from the heart, write one thing you need help to do better. For example, taking care of your body, treating others with respect, listening, and praying more.

5. When all three strips are done, bend them into the shape of a heart and tape or staple at the top and bottom.

Discuss: How will things change if God is in the center? Does God help to balance our gifts and our struggles? Does God show us the blessings that come from being unique? God knows your name and every hair on your head; God loves us and created us to be unique and diverse (different). When those differences come together in unity, we can create a strong body, and a blessed community.

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Body Song

Text: UnknownMusic: Unknown

9.9.13.5.Refrain.BODY SONG

Sing“TheBodySong”




BalancewithJesusMobileGive each child a small paper plate on which is written this lesson’s theme “We’re All Different Together.” Invite children to draw a quick sketch of what their own unique gift or skill is. Punch a hole in the top and hang with yarn from a clothes hanger. Keep the mobile in the classroom until the last class.

SimonSaysPlay “Simon Says” with the body parts discussed in today’s lesson. Give clues about how God wants us to respond with those parts, such as: I made a card for a neighbor; I use scissors and glue. Simon Says to shake the body part I used. “I heard someone crying at church,” Simon Says. “What body part would I use to help?”

Strong,GentleChildrenPractice the hymn “Strong, Gentle Children” (Worship and Rejoice 629) by Daniel Charles Damon to share in a worship service.

Have a child read the following prayer:

Dear Lord, you have given each one of us eyes to see others in need, ears to hear laughter, hands to help, feet to move all around, but most importantly a heart to love one another. Help us love others as you have loved us. Amen.

Invite others to pray for all people who create us to be one body in Jesus Christ.

Visit your local library to check out these books before class.

• Owen and Mzee: The True Story of a Remarkable Friendship by Isabella Hutkoff with photographs by Peter Greste (Scholastic, 2006. ISBN 9780439829731). The true story of an orphaned baby hippo and an elderly tortoise that adopted each other and enjoyed swimming, eating, and napping together.

• Is There Really a Human Race? by Jamie Lee Curtis, illustrated by Laura Cornell (HarperCollins Publishers, 2006. ISBN 9780060753467). When a young boy worries about winning the race, a wise mother advises that it’s all about relishing the journey and making the world a better place by loving others, one step at a time.

• The song “[All God’s Creatures Have a] Place in the Choir” can be found at: http://martindardis.com/id125.html

• The Lectionary Story Bible is available from Herald House at www.heraldhouse.org or from Wood Lake Publishing at www.spiritseasons.com.

More Resource Possibilities


Grace and Generosity

Focus Materials

Resources

ObjectivesGod’s grace is always larger, broader, deeper, and greater than we can understand. We can respond to God’s grace by receiving thankfully and giving generously. Because God gives, I can give!

FocusScriptures:John4:1–29Jesus asked a Samaritan woman at the well to get him water, going outside social convention. He ministered to her, but also asked her to share with him.

DoctrineandCovenants163:9(adapted for children) “As you grow as my disciple, you see how generous God has been if you share with a full heart. Don’t give because you are commanded to. Give generously what you are able to give, out of your true capacity. Joy and peace will come to you as your heart grows generously without expecting anything in return. How else would you expect God to be, who gives forever for all creation?”

The learner will …

• Learn about the Enduring Principle “grace and generosity” by comparing God’s grace to our own generosity.

• Review the scripture story of Pentecost to understand that people in that community shared all they had with one another.

• Read the scripture story of the Samaritan woman at the well to see that Jesus gave to the woman, but also asked that she share with him.

• Read storybooks about examples of generous givers.

• Respond to God’s grace by receiving thankfully and giving generously.

• Create a bead counter representing Christ-like traits; one to keep, one to share.




• String or yarn for each child’s mobile

• Pony beads of five colors: enough beads for each child to have two beads of each color

• Two strings/yarn/cord/thin ribbons per child: 24 in/60 cm

• Large sheets of paper or poster board

• Magazines

• Scissors

• Glue sticks or liquid glue

• One ball for every two children



• Possible storybooks about giving: The Giving Tree written and illustrated by Shel Silverstein (HarperCollins Publishers, 1964). Various editions are available. Too Many Pumpkins by Linda White, illustrated by Megan Lloyd (Live Oak Media, 2004. ISBN 9781591128311).



God’sGrace,OurGenerosityHang two sheets of paper or poster board on either side of a wall. Label one: God’s Grace. Label the other: Our Generosity.

Give magazines and glue sticks to groups of children and ask them to find things that God provides for us through God’s grace and the things that we might generously share with others. Then compare as a group. Discuss: The posters probably won’t be balanced because we can never give as much as God gives. But we can balance it better by doing good things for others, such as inviting others to meals, sharing our toys.

GraceandGenerosityinCommunityReview the story of Pentecost (Acts 2) told on Day 1 of class. Then share this part of the story from Acts 2:44–46: “All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts.” (NRSV)

Discuss: About 3,000 people were baptized during this time. Because they had received the grace and love of God, and had heard the stories of Jesus, they responded with generosity. They shared all that they had with one another other. Even when they were home again, they “ate their food with glad and generous hearts.”

Today we’re learning about the Community of Christ Enduring Principle “grace and generosity.” The church believes that God has given us everything we need. We call that “God’s grace.” We can never give as much back, but we can give generously when we give to others as much as we can.

Read together the story of the Samaritan woman at the well from the Lectionary Story Bible, Year A by Ralph Milton (pages 84–85) or from John 4:1–29. Afterward, discuss:

• What did Jesus ask the Samaritan woman to give him?

• What did Jesus offer to give the Samaritan woman?

• Why is it good to ask others to share their gifts like Jesus did?

• What did Jesus’ gift “living water” mean?

• What can each of us give to Jesus (others)?

Read Doctrine and Covenants 163:9 (adapted for children).

“As you grow as my disciple, you see how generous God has been if you share with a full heart, not because you are commanded to. Give generously what you can give, out of your true capacity. Joy and peace will come to you as your heart grows generously without expecting anything in return. How else would you expect God to be, who gives forever for all creation?”

• Does the scripture command us to give a certain amount? What does it say instead?

• What does it mean to give “according to your true capacity”? How do you know what your true capacity is?

• What do we mean by today’s theme, “God Gives; I Give!”?

Read any of the possible storybooks listed in resources. Discuss after:

• What did the main character give? • Did they want anything in return? Why did they

give?• How did they make others feel?




BeadCounterUsing a large sheet of paper or poster board, brainstorm with students and write five characteristics of Jesus they name.

Then have students choose a color to represent each characteristic, that is “loving” could be a red bead. Give each child five (5) different colored beads.

Red = lovingYellow = mutual respect Green = differencesPurple = receiving and sharingBlue = faithfulness

Give each child the five beads and a string approximately 24 in/60 cm long. Guide them through these directions (see illustration). Older students may be able to help the younger ones.

A key chain or backpack pull can be added to the end of the bead counter to make it easy to take with them as a reminder of how to balance our life to be more Christ-like.

Give children enough beads and string to create a second bead counter to give away.

1. Locate the center of your ribbon and fold in half.

2. Tie an overhand knot about 1 in/2.5 cm below the center

3. Tape the loop to the table. Bring the two ends toward you.

4. Position the first bead with the holes sideways.

5. Feed the ribbon ends through the hole, crossing the ribbons inside the bead.

6. Pull ends tight.

7. Repeat the process for the next four beads.

8. Leave a space of about 3–5 in /7.5–13 cm and tie another knot

9. To use the bead counter, slide beads along ribbon one at a time.




BalanceTogetherForm children into teams of two. Have each team sit back to back. Have them link elbows and place a ball (any type and size) between their backs. Now have them stand. Can they do this task alone? What qualities (mutual respect, faithfulness, love for one another) on our bead counters will help them do the job together? Remind children they have been given these gifts from God and in all things have the ability to use them!

BalancewithJesusMobileGive each child a small paper plate on which is written this lesson’s theme “God Gives; I Give!” Invite children to draw a quick sketch of something they can share with others. Punch a hole in the top and hang with yarn from their mobile. Keep the mobile until the last class.


Gather the children into a circle for prayer. Offer the following prayer; then ask children to fill in your blank statement with one word. “Thank you for giving us all that we need. We want to share ourselves generously with others around us. I want to generously share ________. Help me to be more like you! Amen.”

Planning Notes


Worth of All Persons

Focus MaterialsObjectivesWe should celebrate our differences and what makes us special. We should also celebrate that in others, and stand up for those who are not loved as God loves them. “I Stand for You!”

FocusScriptures:Acts10:34, adapted for children: Peter taught, “God does not have favorites; anyone who does what is right is loved by God.”

DoctrineandCovenants164:6a, adapted for children: “Jesus is concerned about our relationships and our behaviors that hold up the worth and gifts of everyone and that protect the most vulnerable. If we follow Jesus, we will have love, respect, and fairness in our relationships, and be responsible for others…”

The learner will…

• Discover that differences among members of the class don’t make anyone unworthy.

• Discover that God loves all people equally, and that Jesus Christ is our example of how to treat others.

• Explore how to be responsible for others, having love, respect and fairness in our relationships.

• Learn what the rights of every child are throughout the world (based on the United Nations Declaration of Children’s Rights) and what they can do to stand up for those who don’t receive their rights.

• Explore a story about bullies and discuss what can be done to stand up to and care for bullies.

• Create a “Class Kid” mobile to illustrate the differences and likenesses of members of the class.

Resources Visit your local library to check out these books before class. The Lectionary Story Bible is available from Herald House at www.heraldhouse.org or from Wood Lake Publishing at www.spiritseasons.com.


• I Can be Anything by Jerry Spinelli, illustrated by Jimmy Liao (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2010). ISBN 9780316162265). This storybook affirms that children cannot only be whatever they can be as a grown-up, but can make a difference by being anything they want—sharing their gifts—now!




• String or yarn to create a mobile for each child

• Pipe cleaners

• Poster board or flip chart

• Cards and envelopes (a few for each child to create stationery)

• Small piece of heavy cardboard (one per child)

• Ink pads (different colors)

• Liquid glue, mirror in box, magnets, dowels

• Two buzzers or two hand-held flags for child rights game

• Rights of the Child poster (www.CofChrist.org/child_youth/rightsofchild.asp)

• Index cards




WhoWeAreGather children in a circle. Call out characteristics that all children have in common. Allow each child to take a turn leading the group with their own idea.

• Stand up if you have a first (given) and last (family) name.

• Laugh if something made you happy today.

• Sit down if you are growing.

• Wiggle your fingers if you_______ (have siblings, live in a house, help your mom, like camping, etc.)

• Stand on one foot if you___________ (have a specific color of hair, are wearing shorts, have a favorite color of _____, etc.)

Discuss what was discovered about your group. There should be many ways in which your group is alike. Use words like, “Look how many of us are wearing green today.”

Do the activity again choosing things that will separate the children as unique and different from each other. Allow each child to take a turn leading the group with their own idea.

• Clap twice if you have green eyes.

• Turn around if you are wearing sandals.

• Touch your knees if you have a birthday in _______.

• Jump up and down if your favorite subject is math.

Discuss: We are all different in some ways from the rest, but does that make us less worthy? Less important? Why or why not? Why do we decide, sometimes, that someone is not as important, is less worthy, than we are?

ChildrenHaveRights!Do you know that children have rights? What do you think your rights as children are? As children call out answers, list these on poster board or a flip chart. Then share with them their rights according to the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of the Child (use the downloadable poster at the church website to read the children their rights). The apostle Peter, whom we’ve read about in the story of Pentecost, (Acts 2), told the people what Jesus and God were like. Peter taught, “God does not have favorites; anyone who does what is right is loved by God.” (Acts 10:34 adapted)

In our classes, we’ve studied Enduring Principles of Community of Christ. Today the principle we’re learning is called “worth of all persons.” We believe that everyone is worthy and loved by God. Read the scripture from Doctrine and Covenants 164:6a (adapted for children): “Jesus is concerned about behaviors and relationships that uphold the worth and giftedness of all people and that protect the most vulnerable. If we follow Jesus, we will have love, respect, and fairness in our relationships, and be responsible for others…”


Before class print these sentences on index cards (one per card):

• Two brothers live in a car.

• A girl who is eight never goes to school.

• A boy doesn’t have lunch money.

• A first grader doesn’t have a winter coat.

• A girl is sick, but can’t go to the doctor.

• A child in another country has no clean water to drink.

• A child in another country has to work instead of going to school.

AllAboutBulliesDo you know some bullies in your school, neighborhood, even church? Bullies think some kids are less important than them, so they pick on them, and maybe even hurt them. That is like considering others to be less worthy, less valuable. What can you do about bullies?

How can you show Jesus’ love and caring to both the person being bullied and the bully? Jesus wants us to stand up to bullies, but also be their friend. Read aloud Doctrine and Covenants 164:6a.

ChildRightsGameWhat can we do to help ensure that children are upheld and protected; that they receive their rights? Divide class into two teams; each team sits in a circle around a buzzer or has a small flag to wave. Choose a team leader for each team. Using the Child Rights cards prepared before class, read the top card. Each team brainstorms in their team; when they have an answer for the problem presented on the card, they hit the buzzer or wave their flag to show they’re ready. Read the statement again and hear their answer. Discuss their ideas. Change team leaders and keep playing until each team has answered several card challenges and everyone has had a chance to be team leader.

For more activities about children’s rights, go to the Rights of the Child coloring and activity pages at www.CofChrist.org/child_youth/rightsofchild.asp.

Discuss how all of us can help defend the rights of children by being like Jesus: being a friend, and standing up to those who try to take our rights away. Bullies try to take our rights away.


OurClassKidMobileCreate a “Class Kid” mobile. First, invite the children to tell you unique characteristics, gifts, or skills they have that may be different from one another. Write these on a flip chart or poster board. Then have them tell you what characteristics they ALL have in common (they all may be wearing white socks, are under four feet tall, and own a soccer ball, for instance). Then have an artist draw one “class kid” who represents everything that is similar, and as many differences as are possible. For instance, a difference might be that the “Class Kid’s” hair is made up of ALL colors: is red, blonde, brown, and black, straight and curly. Their skin might be freckled AND brown and white. Kids will enjoy watching the differences and likenesses develop. Then cut apart the picture (hands, head, hat, feet, etc.) and assemble it as a mobile.

Discuss: What’s great about what we have in common? What’s great about how we are different?

NameStationeryTake a pipe cleaner and bend it into the shape of the child’s name. Put glue on the side that is correct when you are looking at it, and glue to cardboard. The image on the cardboard should be backwards. Then let dry. This becomes the stamp that children use with the inkpads to create their unique stationery for letters, memories, and thoughts. Supply cards and envelopes for writing letters to friends and family.



YouareGod’sChild!Using a plain box that can be opened, place a mirror face up in the box with fancy paper, ribbon, or fabric surrounding it. Tell children they are to look at the most wonderful thing God created and not say anything because it is a gift just for them and it is different for every person. When the child opens the box they should see themselves in the box without risk of anyone else seeing what is in the box. Make sure the mirror is secured in the box with glue. Hold the box in your hands and announce, “You are all a child of God!” (adapted from Galatians 3:26).

BalancewithJesusMobileGive each child a small paper plate on which is written this lesson’s theme “I Stand for You!” Invite children to draw a quick sketch of someone they will stand up for, or something they can do to ensure the worth of persons. Punch a hole in the top and hang with yarn from their “Balance with Jesus Mobile.” Keep the mobile in the classroom until the last class.

SingaSongSing: “I Am Special” to the tune of “Frère Jacques”

I am special. (point to self)You are special. (point to someone)So is he. So is she.Same and different we can be.Get along so happily. (smile)With our friends. With our friends. (shake a hand)




All Are Called

Focus MaterialsObjectivesGod graciously gives us gifts and talents and calls us to use them to work with God to follow Jesus and create a blessed community. In these blessed communities of support, we can truly explore our gifts and enthusiastically respond “I Am Called!”

FocusScriptures:Ephesians4:1–3(adapted for children): “Lead a life worthy of Jesus’ calling: be humble and gentle, patient, and make every effort to live in the peace of Jesus.”

“All are called according to the gifts God gave them, so all may work together for God.” (DoctrineandCovenants119:8b adapted) and “…the gifts of all are necessary so that God’s purposes can be accomplished.” (DoctrineandCovenants161:4b adapted)

The learner will …

• Affirm the gifts of their classmates while taking part in a game.

• Share the story of Pentecost in Acts 2 with the class.

• Hear a story of a child who shared his gifts to bring balance and connection to his community and draw a picture of their own community and what gifts they can share in it.

• Work as a team to perform a task (carrying a ball on a group of strings and untangling themselves as a group).

• Complete a mobile called “Balance with Jesus.”

• Affirm each other’s worth and giftedness by writing an affirming message for their mobile.

• Share a beautiful hymn in a worship service.

• Bible (NRSV) such as the Lectionary Story Bible, Year A, by Ralph Milton


• Small paper plates, one for each child (dessert size)

• One paper plate for each child with a drawing of Jesus on it (see sample)

• Washable markers or crayons

• Yarn or string to hang two items onto children’s mobiles

• Chimes/bell/music to be used for gathering

• Tennis ball, canning jar lid (screw type)

• 3-foot (1 meter) lengths of yarn, one for each child

• Cone or pop bottle

• Poster paper

Resources Visit your local library to check out these books before class. The Lectionary Story Bibleis available from Herald House at www.heraldhouse.org or from Wood Lake Publishing at www.spiritseasons.com.


• Eddie’s Kingdom, written and illustrated by D.B. Johnson (Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, 2005. ISBN 9780618562992). The people in Eddie’s apartment building always fight together, until Eddie draws a picture of them in a way that breaks down the barriers and helps the tenants see themselves in a new way.



RedRoverPlay a game of “Red Rover,” dividing the class into two teams facing each other. One team calls out “Red Rover, Red Rover, send (name) right over.” Play this way for a while, and then have kids use a description rather than a name to call kids over. For instance, “Red Rover, Red Rover, send the girl who’s good at jump rope right over.” Continue this way, challenging children to think of positive qualities (gifts and skills) the other team members have. Afterward, discuss: What does it mean when we say you are “called” by Jesus or God to do something? What do you do when your mother or father calls you? When a friend calls you? When Jesus calls you, he is asking you to share your gifts or talents with others. Will you tell us about a time when you shared a gift or talent you had?

CommunityatPentecostRemind children of the story of Pentecost shared in the first class. Ask children to tell YOU the story today. They should include that the people were in Jerusalem with Peter and the other disciples, they heard the story of Jesus in their own languages, and they experienced the Holy Spirit through flames of fire. Three thousand people were baptized that day, and they shared all that they had with each other.

Ask what happened then. Read the story from the Lectionary Story Bible, Year A on page 117 starting with “The disciples were happy. They now knew what God wanted them to do…” The disciples went to share the good news of Jesus with others. The people who were changed went back to their homes and continued to live, as Jesus wanted.

Read Ephesians 4:1–6. “Lead a life worthy of Jesus’ calling: be humble and gentle, patient, and make every effort to live in the peace of Jesus.” This is how Jesus would like us to live. The best way we can do this is to share what is special about ourselves with others, and to be


WhereDoYouLive?Give out paper and markers or crayons. Tell children to do as Eddie did. Draw your home, your neighborhood or your building. Draw the people who live there. How do you fit in? Write an idea or two suggesting what the people can do to help others who live there.

willing to help others as Jesus did. This is the Enduring Principle of “all are called.” Community of Christ believes that we are all called to follow Jesus and to be the best we can be, sharing ourselves, and helping others. Read Doctrine and Covenants 119:8b and 161:4b (the adapted versions on the previous page).

Ask children to look at the cover of the book, Eddie’s Kingdom. Discuss: What do they notice about the cover, and the main character Eddie? Do you know anyone who lives in an apartment, or do you live in an apartment? What are apartment buildings like; who lives in them, where are they found? Families who live in apartment buildings each have their own space, but they share common spaces and must work together to take care of the building. How should they treat one another? Now read Eddie’s Kingdom by D.B. Johnson. Discuss: What are Eddie’s gifts?—the ability to make everyone smile and get along, drawing, organizing a party, care about each person in the building, peacefulness. What do you like about this story? What does it make you want to do?



TennisBallLiftTeam-BuildingGame

Directions: Before class, tie strings to the canning jar lid. Tie one string for each child in class. Knot each string around the edge of the canning jar lid so it looks like a spider with many legs.

Gather children in a circle. Place the tennis ball on the top of the jar lid which is resting on a cone or pop bottle. (Jar lid should be flat side up for older children and ridge side up for younger children.)

Give each child a string that is connected to the jar lid. Discuss how God is our center and we are connected to God, but God also connects us to others around us.

On your direction, have children lift the tennis ball. If the ball drops, they cannot pick it up with their hands. They should use teamwork and positive words to encourage others to complete the task. Ask them to move around the space with the ball lifted in the air.

Discuss: What would happen if someone let go of his or her string? If someone gave it a tug what would the rest of you feel? How does this relate to us at school, church, at home? If God is in our center, what do we do if we feel a tug, or someone lets go?

BalancewithJesusMobileHave each child finish their mobile that combined the themes of each day’s class and their commitment and ideas they developed each day: the mobile piece from blessings of community, unity in diversity, grace and generosity, worth of all persons, and all are called.

Give each child a picture of Jesus (see illustration) to color and add as the centerpiece of the mobile. This mobile represents how children will stay balanced and connected to Jesus, their communities and each other. Today they may take their mobile home.

Used with permission from Creative Clips: Clip Art and Awards for the Christian Classroom, art by Jeff Carnehl (Concordia Publishing House, 1999. ISBN 9780570053835).



BalanceandConnectionPlay a balancing game called “Knots” following these directions:

1. Everyone should stand in a circle, holding hands.

2. Drop your hands. Reach in with your right hand and grasp the right hand of someone across the circle.

3. Then, grasp the hand of someone’s left hand (a different person). This will tangle up the group into a seemingly impossible knot!

4. To get undone, give one another directions to crawl over, under, around, and through one another to untangle, without letting go of your hands!

When children are “unknotted” and back in a circle, sit down and discuss that even though we were in a knot, and were often unbalanced, we stayed connected and could help one another. This is what living in a blessed community where everyone is unique and worthy, shares generously, and responds to their calling is like.

AllAreCalledSince this is the last lesson, each child should know his or her classmates. This activity can be used to bless each person.

Tape a small paper plate to each child’s back, with the child’s name in the center. Give each child a marker and the following instructions.

Each of you has a blank paper plate right now.You have been with these friends and you have seen them do some wonderful things. Maybe they made you smile, or helped you with a project. It is now your calling to bless them by writing a message to them, or drawing a picture of how they made you feel. Be positive and caring.Write one thing on each person’s plate like “I like your smile; I like your laugh,” “I enjoyed your story today,” or draw a picture of what you like about them, on their paper plate.

When the chimes, bell, or music begins, come back to the gathering spot and you can remove your plate carefully from your back and read or look at what others have seen in you. Attach it to your “Balance with Jesus Mobile” underneath the picture of Jesus. Also add a quick sketch of what “all are called” means to them. Punch a hole in the tops of these and hang with yarn.

Strong,GentleChildrenShare the hymn “Strong, Gentle Children” (Worship and Rejoice 629) by Daniel Charles Damon in a worship service.


Say a prayer, or ask children to pray, thanking God for the uniqueness of each person in the room and for allowing us to see positive things in others.

SingaSong:MakeNewFriends

Make new friends,But keep the old,One is silver and the other gold.

A circle is round,It has no end,That’s how long I want to be your friend.

lessons for children - community of christ · remind the tenants of the many countries where they...

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