© Copyright, 1975, International Publication Services, FMB/IMB, of SBC

C46-11

Teacher's Lessons

UNIT 1: FRIENDS AT CHURCH

Aim for Unit: To guide each child in working and sharing with friends at church.

A child's friend is one who loves him. A child's friend is one who works and plays with him.

The aim of this unit is for the children, pastor and teacher to become each other's friend. They become friends when they work, play and share together.

Lesson 1 Jesus and the Teachers

Lesson 2 Paul and His Friend, Timothy

Lesson 3 Paul and Lydia

Lesson 4 Samuel Helps in the Church

UNIT 2: GOD CARES FOR US

Aim for Unit: To guide each child in understanding that God cares for him.

All people need to know that someone cares. Many young children do not know that God cares for them at all times and at all places.

The Bible verses, Bible stories and songs in these lessons will help the children understand that God cares for them.

Lesson 5 Jesus Teaches About God's Care

Lesson 6 Jacob's Journey

Lesson 7 The Big Storm

Lesson 8 When Captain Naaman was Sick

UNIT 3: GOD PLANS FOR CHILDREN TO GROW

Aim for Unit: To guide each child in understanding that God planned for him to grow.

Growth is a part of God's plan. Children's bodies grow. Their minds learn new ideas. They learn to play with other children. They learn about God. A teacher can guide them to grow in all ways.

A teacher can help children to work, play and share together as they grow bigger.

Lesson 9 Good Food for Daniel

Lesson 10 How the Wall was Built

Lesson 11 A Boy's Lunch

Lesson 12 David and the Crippled Man

Lesson 13 The Good Samaritan

Lesson 1

JESUS AND THE TEACHERS

PREPARING THE LESSON AT HOME:

Lesson Emphasis: The teacher is the friend of each child.

Bible Verse to Learn: " 'Let us go into the house of the Lord'." (Psalm 122: 1).

Songs: "My Best Friend is Jesus" "I like to Go to Church"

Picture to Use: Number I

Bible Lesson For The Teacher To Study At Home: Luke 2:40-52.

Jesus was taken to the temple in Jerusalem when he was twelve years old. He met the teachers in the temple and talked with them. The teachers were interested in Jesus. Remember that you want to teach the children in your class that you, their teacher, are their friend.

Jesus grew up in a Jewish home. He was taught the Bible. He learned songs and prayers. When he was six years old, he went to school at the synagogue. Also, he went to the synagogue in his village to worship. He went with Mary and Joseph each week. When he was twelve they traveled to Jerusalem to worship. They went on the Day of the Passover. This was a special day for the Jews. It was a day to remember how God had saved the people in Egypt. Read the story in Exodus 12.

TEACHING THE LESSON:

1. WELCOME: Greet each child as he comes into class.

2. Sing: "My Best Friend is Jesus"

3. Offering: Ask the children to come and put their offerings in the basket.

4. Prayer: Thank God for the gifts the children gave.

5. Records: Write each child's name in an exercise book. Make a tick if he attends. Count the children.

6. Say, "I have a friend. Would you like to know her name? My friend is

(call the name of a child in the class.) Would you come and sit by me, __________? Do you have a friend? What is his name? , do you have a friend? What is his name? All of us have a special friend. Do you know his name? We sang about him.... Jesus. Let us stand and sing."

7. Sing: "My Best Friend is Jesus"

8. Bible Verse: Say, "When Jesus was a boy he went to church. He learned a Bible verse from Psalms:

'Let us go into the house of the Lord' (Psalms 122:1). Listen as I read it from the Bible. Say it after me."

9. Open Your Bible to Luke 2:40 and tell the story:

JESUS AND THE TEACHERS

Jesus liked to go to church. He went with Mary and Joseph every week. He had many friends at church.

One morning he woke up early. It was still dark. But he heard noises in the kitchen. He asked, "Mama, what are you doings?" Mary said, "Jesus, have you forgotten? Today is an important day. We are going to Jerusalem.

Jesus was very happy. He helped to prepare for the trip. They put fruit and bread in baskets. Then they put the loads on the donkey. Soon, they began their trip.

Other friends travelled with them. Many people went to Jerusalem. Mary walked with the women and small children. Jesus and his friends were very happy. They sang songs; they played games; they ran and talked. Joseph and the other fathers walked behind all the families. At night all the people stopped and rested.

The next day, one small boy said, "I see the Temple." It was a tall white building. The top was above all the other buildings. Jesus and his friends were filled with wonder.

Jesus and his family climbed the steps into the temple. They heard the choir singing. They heard the teachers reading the Bible. Jesus stopped and listened to them. He asked questions. The teachers talked with Jesus. They were amazed at Jesus' knowledge. They said, "How does this young boy know so much about God's Word?" Jesus sat and listened to the teachers. He did not know it was time to go home. He did not see Joseph and Mary leave the temple.

When they came looking for him, Jesus was still listening to the teachers. Joseph said, "Come, Jesus, we must go home." So, Jesus left the teachers and went home with Mary and Joseph. He had new friends in the temple. The teachers were Jesus' friends.

10. Sing: "I Like to Go to Church." Say, "I think Jesus might have sung this song."

11. Picture: Show the children picture #1. Ask the children, "Whom do you see in this picture? What is the teacher doing? Do you think the teacher loves the children? The teacher is their friend. Let us thank God for friends."

12. Pray, then give each child a take home picture.

Lesson 2

PAUL AND HIS FRIEND TIMOTHY

PREPARING THE LESSON AT HOME:

Lesson Emphasis: The pastor is a friend of the children.

Bible Verse to Learn: "A friend loves at all times" (Proverbs 17:17).

Songs: "My Best Friend is Jesus" "I Like to Go to Church"

Picture to Use: Number 2.

Bible Lesson For The Teacher To Study At Home: Acts 16:1-3.

Paul was a very active preacher. He was a friend of the young man, Timothy. He helped Timothy. This is an example of friendship which began in the church.

Paul traveled to many towns. He preached in many villages. He went to the town where Timothy and his family lived. Timothy was just a small boy. He and his family heard Paul preach.

Timothy's mother was Eunice, and Lois was his grandmother. They were both Christians. His father, a Gentile, was not. So, Timothy's mother taught him. He trusted Jesus as his Saviour.

A few years later when Paul returned to Listra, he saw Timothy. Timothy had been faithful in his work for Christ. Paul asked Timothy to go with him on his preaching trip. 'Timothy learned many things from Paul. Timothy respected and loved Paul.

The pastor of your church should be a friend to the children. They respect and love him.

TEACHING THE LESSON

1. Say, "I am happy to see my friends today. I am happy to be at church. Are you happy, too? Let us sing a happy song."

2. Sing: "I Like to Go to Church"

3. Ask one child to hold the offering basket. Have the children put their offerings in the basket. Ask the child to thank God for the offerings.

4. Call each child's name and make a tick for those attending. Count the children.

5. Say, "Who is the pastor of our church? Yes, _________ is our pastor. He likes to hear you

sing. Would you like to sing a song for him today? Let us sing now, and later we will invite him to come and hear us.

6. Sing: "My Best Friend is Jesus".

7. Say, "I like to come to church. Do you like to come? What do we do at church? Yes, we sing, we pray, we read our Bible, we listen to the pastor. He is our friend. There is a verse which tells what a friend does. "A friend loves at all times" (Proverbs 17:17). Ask the children to say the verse together.

8. Say, "In the Bible we read about a certain preacher who had a special friend." Open your Bible to Acts 16:1-3 and tell the story.

PAUL AND HIS FRIEND TIMOTHY

Paul was a preacher. He traveled to many towns. Every Sunday he went to church; he liked to preach.

One day he arrived in the town where Timothy lived. Timothy was a young boy. He liked to go to church. He liked to listen to the preacher. He liked to listen to preacher Paul. Paul told him many things about Jesus.

Timothy's mother invited Paul to their home. She prepared food for him. Paul and Timothy talked and became friends. Timothy asked Paul questions about his work.

Paul talked with Timothy's mother and his grandmother. Paul told them about his friend, Jesus. Soon Paul traveled to another town to preach. He told Timothy that he would return.

When Paul came back, he went to Timothy's house. Timothy was very happy to see his friend. Paul told about his journey to other towns. They talked about their friend, Jesus.

Paul asked, "Would you like to be my helper?" "Yes," Timothy answered, I would like to tell people about Jesus." Timothy and Paul traveled to many towns. They told many people about Jesus. They told mamas and fathers about Jesus. They told young people about Jesus. They told boys and girls about Jesus.

Timothy was happy that Paul was his friend. He was happy that Paul had told him about Jesus. Paul was a preacher and Timothy was a young boy. Paul loved Timothy; he taught him about Jesus. They were good friends.

9. Say, "Today our pastor is coming to visit with us. Who would like to go tell him we are ready for his visit now?" Send one of the children to call the pastor, While you wait, remind the children to be respectful and loving to each other and to the pastor during the visit.

10. When the pastor comes in, say: "Pastor, our children want to sing for you. We want you to know that we are your friends and we are glad you are our friend. Do any of you children want to say anything to our pastor?"

11. Sing "My Best Friend is Jesus" for the pastor.

12. Show picture #2 to the children. Discuss it.

13. Thank God for your pastor and his visit.

Lesson 3

PAUL AND LYDIA

PREPARING THE LESSON AT HOME:

Lesson Emphasis: The children meet friends at church.

Bible Verse to Learn: " 'You are my friends'" (John 15:14).

Songs: "I Like to Go to Church" "My Best Friend is Jesus" "Friends"

Picture to Use: Number 3

Bible Lesson For The Teacher To Study At Home: Acts 16:13-15

Paul traveled to many towns. He preached in the synagogues in these towns. He met many friends in the churches. The lesson today teaches about a special friend of Paul's.

Paul was travelling with his friends, Luke, Silas and Timothy. Read Acts 16:8-12. The Holy Spirit spoke to Paul. He led them to go to Macedonia. Holed them to the city of Philippi. Paul went there to tell the Jews about Jesus.

There were not many Jews in that city so there was not a synagogue. People met near the river to worship. Paul and his friends walked there and met the people.

The Bible tells us that some women were near the river. One of the women was called Lydia. She was a woman of business. She sold cloth. Before coming to Philippi, she had lived in another city. There she had learned to worship God. In Philippi she met with other believers to worship.

Paul preached about Jesus. Lydia listened. She trusted Jesus as her Saviour and her family trusted Jesus, too.

Lydia welcomed Paul and his friends to stay in her home while they were in Philippi.

Help the children to understand that they have friends at church.

TEACHING THE LESSON:

1. Welcome the children as they arrive. Say, "Welcome my friend, ________ or, ________ is my friend. I am glad you are here." Call the children by name as often as you can.

2. As the children bring their offerings to put in the basket sing: "I Like to Go to Church"

3. Call each child's name and make a tick. Count the children.

4. Before you go to church, put pieces of paper in your Bible to mark these verses: Proverbs 17:17, John 15:14, 2 Corinthians 1:24, Ephesians 4:32. The papers should be placed so the children can see them.

5. Ask one child to come and choose a marker. Say, "I have placed a marker in the Bible to show a verse which tells about friends. I will read the verse _________ has chosen." Read the verse. Ask three other children, one at a time, to come and choose a marker. Read each verse. Then say, "Let's sing a song about friends."

6. Sing: "Friends"

7. Say, "Long ago there were some friends who didn't have a church in which to sing and worship. These friends worshipped near the river. Today we are going outside to worship just as these friends did." (Lead the children in a line, one by one, outside. Sit on the grass.)

8. Open Your Bible To Acts 16:13-15 and tell the story.

PAUL AND LYDIA

Lydia and her friends wanted to go to church. Since there was no building, they walked to the river. They sat in the shade near the river. They sang; they prayed; they worshipped God.

One day the women met to worship. They praised God and sang hymns.

That day four men came to the river. They, too, came to worship. "My name is Paul," one said. "These men are my friends: Luke, Silas and Timothy. We have travelled a long way. We have come to tell you about Jesus, the Son of God."

Lydia said, "We are happy you have come. We have been asking God to send a preacher. My name is Lydia. These are my friends."

The women listened as Paul preached. He told them about Jesus. He said that Jesus was the friend of everyone. The women were so happy to learn more about Jesus. Lydia accepted Jesus as her Lord.

9. Say, "Who can tell me the name of one of Paul's friends? Lydia, Luke, Timothy and Silas were his friends. Who was a friend of Lydia? Yes, Paul was and also the women, but we did not know their names.

10. Picture: Show picture #3. Ask, "Who is this man? (Paul) What is he telling the women? (That Jesus is their friend) He is also our friend. Let us thank God for all our friends." Ask, "Is church the only place we can be with Jesus?" (No, he goes with us everywhere.)

11. Prayer: Thank God for friends. ("Thank you, God, for our friends.")

12. Sing: "My Best Friend is Jesus"

Lesson 4

SAMUEL HELPS IN THE CHURCH

PREPARING THE LESSON AT HOME:

Lesson Emphasis: Each child can help friends in the church.

Bible Verse to Learn: "Work with your hands" (I Thessalonians 4:11).

Songs: "Friends" "A Helper I will Be"

Picture to Use: #4

Bible Lesson For The Teacher To Study At Home: I Samuel 1-3.

Samuel was a small boy who helped in the temple. The children in your class will learn that Samuel helped Preacher Eli. Eli was a friend to the young boy. Children can help do many things in the church.

Hannah was the wife of Elkana. She had no children. She was very sad; their home was not happy. It was important that every woman have a child.

It was the custom for families to go to Shiloh once each year to worship. This was the place of the big temple.

When Hannah went to the temple to pray, she made a vow to God. If God would send her a son, she would give him back to God. God answered her prayer. She had a son. He was named Samuel. When Samuel was old enough to be left alone, his mother took him to the temple. He lived with the preacher, Eli. Eli gave Samuel work to do. He opened the doors each morning. He polished the lampstands. He swept the floor. He did his work well. As he grew older, he was given more work (responsibilities) to do.

Samuel became a leader of his people. But first, he had to hear God's voice himself. (Read I Samuel 3.) He had to have a personal experience with God before he was ready to do the work God had for him to do.

TEACHING THE LESSON:

1. Welcome each child as he arrives.

2. Sing: "Friends"

3. Offering: While the children sing, lead them to put their offerings in the basket. Thank God for the offerings.

4. Call each child's name and put a tick in the book. Recognize those who have attended every Sunday this month. Count the children.

5. Game: Have the children stand in twos, facing each other. As you say, "My friend and I hold hands and swing our arms together," they will hold hands and swing arms. Then say, "My friend and I hop together. My friend and I clap hands together. My friend and I walk together." The children will do the actions. "It is good to have a friend. I can work with my friend, too. There is a story in the Bible about a boy who helped his friend."

6. Open Your Bible To I Samuel I and tell the story:

SAMUEL HELPS IN THE CHURCH

Samuel woke early. He dressed quickly and ate his breakfast. This was an important day. He was going to church. He was very happy. Hannah, his mother, called, "Are you ready, Samuel?"

"Yes, I am ready," he answered. "Can we go now?"

They walked for a long time. Samuel was very tired. Finally, they arrived at the church. They went inside. It was very pretty and very big. Samuel was amazed.

He saw Eli, the pastor. Eli was an old man with a kind face. Hannah said, "Pastor Eli, this is my son, Samuel. He helps me at home. He wants to help in the church now.

Eli took Samuel's hand and greeted him. He said, "I am happy you have come, Samuel. You will help me do many things."

Samuel asked, "What can I do?"

Eli looked around. He said, "I need someone to clean the benches. The lamps must be cleaned. You can put oil in them. You can open the big doors every morning."

Samuel said, "I will do all these things. I will be a good helper. You are my friend, and I want to work with you.,, And truly, Samuel was a good helper. 7. Say, "What did Samuel do to help Eli? I know a Bible verse that tells us to be helpers."

8. Bible Verse: "Work with your hands" (I Thessalonians 4:11). Ask the children to say the verse with you.

9. Pray. Thank God for the church, for the pastor and for other leaders.

10. Sing: "A Helper I will be"

11. Show picture #4. Ask, "What are the children doing?"

12. Act out something the children can do to help in the church. Let them guess what you are doing: (dusting benches, sweeping floor, putting books on the benches, etc.)

13. Sing: "I Like to Go to Church"

Lesson 5

JESUS TEACHES ABOUT, GOD'S CARE

PREPARING THE LESSON AT HOME:

Lesson Emphasis: God. takes care of us.

Bible Verse to Learn: "God ... cares about you" (I Peter 5:6,7).

Songs: "Jesus Loves me, "I Like to Go to Church" "God Takes Care of Me"

Picture to Use: Number 5

Bible Lesson For The Teacher To Study At Home: Matthew 6:25-34.

Each child needs someone to care for him. Parents provide food and shelter.

Older children help to take care of little children. This lesson teaches that God takes care of them, too. In Matthew 6:25-34 Jesus teaches that God cares for the birds and flowers. He cares even more for the people he created.

Jesus does not say that we should not work. He teaches that we should not worry. If God feeds the birds, he will so provide food for us. If he clothes the flowers, he will provide shelter for us.

Jesus tells us to put God first. He loves us; he cares for us; he provides for us.

TEACHING THE LESSON:

1. Welcome the children. Arrive early before they do.

2. Sing: "I Like to Go to Church"

3. Ask one child to hold the basket. The children can walk past and put in their offerings.

4. Thank God for the blessings he gives us. ("Thank you, God, for all that you give to us.")

5. Call each child's name and put a tick for those present. Count the children.

6. Say, Show the children a flower and a bird's nest. Talk about the flower. Ask, "What color is it? Does it smell good? Is it pretty? What does it need to grow?" (Sun and rain.) Show a bird's nest. Ask, "Who built it? What did they use?" Talk about the way God cares for birds. Then say, "God also cares for people. He cares for children. We are more important than flowers or birds. God loves each of us."

7. Sing: "God Takes Care of Me"

8. Pray, "Thank you, God, for taking care of us."

9. Open Your Bible To Matthew 6 and tell the story:

JESUS TEACHES ABOUT GOD'S CARE

Jesus sat on a large rock on the mountain. Many people sat near him. Others stood nearby. The people came to hear Jesus teach about God. Mothers and fathers came to hear him. Boys - and girls also came. Many had traveled a long way to hear Jesus.

Jesus said, "God loves you. God sent me to tell you that he loves you. He will take car; of you. He wants you to be happy.

Jesus talked to the mothers and fathers. He said, "Do not worry about food or water; do not worry about clothes."

"God helps you to have food. He sends rain and sunshine. God cares for all people."

Jesus looked at the sky. He saw birds flying. The people looked at the sky and saw the birds. Jesus said, "Listen to the birds. They are singing. They have nests; they can find food. God takes care of them; but you are more important to God than the birds. God takes care of you also."

Jesus looked at the mountain. He saw many flowers. There were red flowers, yellow flowers and white flowers. He said, "The flowers are very pretty. God made them. He takes care of them. God loves you more than flowers. He will take care of you."

Jesus looked at the people. He said, "God understands you need food. He will help you to grow food. He knows you need clothes. He will take care of you. "trust God to help you in everything."

The people were happy. The children were happy. They knew that God loved them. They knew that God would take care of them. Jesus told them this was true. 10. Sing: "Jesus Loves Me."

11. Ask the children to say the Bible verse together: "God ... Cares about you." (I Peter 5:6,7)

12. Take the children on a walk. Notice how God cares for all things. Birds have nests. Ants have a place to live. Cows have grass to eat. Plants are growing. When you return, ask, "How does God care for you?" (God gave us mothers, fathers, houses, food.)

13. Sing: "God takes Care of Me"

14. Show picture #5 of Jesus talking to people. Ask, "What is Jesus teaching?"

15. Pray, thanking God, for his care.

Lesson 6

JACOB'S JOURNEY

PREPARING THE LESSON AT HOME:

Lesson Emphasis: God cares for us at night.

Bible Verse to Learn: "You will not fear ... the night!' (Psalms 91:5).

Songs: "Jesus Loves Me" "God Takes Care of Me, I Know" "I Like to Go to Church" "God is Very Near"

Picture to Use: Number 6

Bible Lesson For The Teacher To Study At Home: Genesis 28

Children need to know that God is near at night. Some children are afraid of darkness. The story of Jacob can teach the children that God is always near.

Jacob had stolen from his brother. He ran away because he was afraid. He travelled toward Haran. Jacob became very tired. When the sun was set he lay down on the ground. He had a stone for a pillow. As he slept, Jacob had a dream. God spoke to him. God said, "This land is yours. I will give it to you and your children."

God promised to bless Jacob. He said, "I will protect you. I will help you."

Although Jacob had sinned, God was still watching over him. Jacob named the place "Bethel" which means "House of God".

TEACHING THE LESSON:

1. Welcome the children. Greet each one by name.

2. Sing: "I Like to Go to Church"

3. Ask the children to come and put their offerings in the basket. Sing an offering song.

4. Call each child's name and mark in the record book. Count the children.

5. Game. Choose one child to represent the sun. He will stand in front and hold his arms over his head. Other children will pretend to be playing or working. Let them choose: playing ball, sweeping, cooking, working in the garden. Soon the sun sets. The child puts down his arms. The other children lie down as if going to sleep. Choose one child to be the moon. He stands in front with his arms over his head. Then the sun stands again. The children awake. Repeat two or three times. Choose different children to be the sun and moon.

6. Bible Verse: Open your Bible and read, "God ... makes darkness and it is night" (Psalms 104:1, 20).

7. Ask the children, "What do you do at night? Why do you think God made the night-time? Yes, we need sleep and rest. Do you listen to night-time noises? What do you hear? Let's sing a song about God."

8. Sing: "God is Very Near"

9. Open Your Bible To Genesis 28 and tell the story:

JACOB'S JOURNEY

"Jacob, Jacob", Isaac called his son. "I want you to go on a trip. I want you to visit your relative, Laban."

Laban lived in another village. The trip would take many days.

Jacob prepared to go. He put on his shoes. His mother cooked food for him. When he was ready, his father prayed that God would protect him.

Jacob began his trip. At first he walked quickly. The sun became very hot. Soon he was tired. He rested for a time. He are some bread. Again Jacob began walking. The sun was setting. It was soon dark. He saw the first star, then another and another. It was very dark.

"I will sleep here," Jacob said to himself. He saw a good place to sleep.

He slept on the grass. He used a stone as a pillow.

As he lay, he looked at the heavens. He saw the stars and the moon. He heard noises of the night-time. He was soon asleep.

When he was asleep, he had a dream. In the dream, God spoke to him. God said, "Jacob, I am here with you. I will protect you. I will always be with you."

Jacob awoke. He looked around. But no one was there. He saw only the stars and the moon. He did not hear anyone.

"God is with me in this place," he said. "He will be with me wherever I go. I am not afraid. God cares for me."

10. Sing: "God Takes Care of Me, I Know"

11. Pray, thanking God for taking care of each child.

12. Show picture #6. Ask the children; "Who is this man? What is he doing? What does he see? What does he hear?"

13. Bible Verse: "You will not fear ... the night" (Psalms 91:5). Explain that God made night for us to sleep and rest. He does not want us to be afraid. He will care for us. Ask the children to say the verse. Ask, "What can you do when you are afraid at night?" Discuss.

14. Sing: "Jesus Loves Me"

15. Thank God for night and for his care during the night.

Lesson 7

THE BIG STORM

PREPARING THE LESSON AT HOME:

Lesson Emphasis: God cares for us during storms.

Bible Verse to Learn: "Thou art near, 0 Lord" (Psalms 119:151).

Songs: "God is Very Near" "God Takes Care of Me, I Know" "Jesus Loves Me"

Picture to Use: Number 7

Bible Lesson For The Teacher To Study At Home: Mark 4:35-41.

Children are sometimes afraid of lightening and thunder. They are

frightened by the noise of very hard rain. They need help in overcoming these fears. The story of Jesus calming the storm in Mark 4:35-41 can help children understand that God is near at all times.

Storms are frequent on the Sea of Galilee. The men who were with Jesus were fishermen. They knew about boats and storms. But this was a very bad storm. They were afraid.

Jesus performed a miracle. He stopped the storm. He had power over the wind and rain. The men with Jesus should not have been afraid. They should have trusted him to care for them. They trusted some, because they asked him for help. But their faith was little; they were afraid.

TEACHING THE LESSON:

1. Call each child by name as he comes to the class.

2. Sing: "Jesus Loves Me"

3. Choose one child to hold the basket as others come and give their offerings. Help him to say, "Thank you God for this offering."

4. Put a tick by the name of each one who is present. Count the children.

5. Have the children sit in a circle. Whisper to the child seated next to you: "Jesus loves you." Tell that child to whisper the message to the child next to him and so on until every child has heard the message and told it to the next one. The last child tells the group what he has heard.

6. Sing: "Jesus Loves Me"

7. Tell the children that God has made many things. Ask the children to name some of them. Let them name as many as they can .... flowers, grass, people, trees, animals, etc. Suggest "sun". Perhaps one will say "rain". Ask, "Do you like the rain? God shows his love by sending the rain." Explain that sometimes when the rain falls, the wind blows, lightening flashes and thunder roars. But God does not want us to be afraid. He stays near us.

8. Tell the children that there is a Bible verse that says, "Thou art near, 0 Lord" (Psalms 119:151). Say the verse with the children.

9. Sing: "God is Very Near"

10. Say, "There was a time when Jesus was with some fishermen. There was a big storm. Listen to the story about Jesus and his friends."

11. Open your Bible to Mark 4 and tell the story:

THE BIG STORM

Jesus was very tired. He wanted to rest. He had been teaching all day. He was near the Sea of Galilee. "Let us go to the other side." he said. He and his disciples go into a boat. Jesus sat in the back. Soon he was asleep.

A cold wind began to blow. The stars and moon could not be seen. It was very dark.

The wind was very strong. The ship was rolling (tossing) about in the lake.

The friends of Jesus tried to row to the shore. The wind was too strong. The men were afraid. The storm was very bad.

Water came into the boat. The men knew that soon the boat would be filled with water. "What is Jesus doing?" they asked. Jesus was asleep. The wind had not awakened him.

"Jesus, Jesus", they called. "The boat is filling with water. Can you help us?"

Jesus woke up. He saw the water in the boat. He heard the wind. He felt the cold rain on his face. He raised his hand and said, "Be quiet." Immediately the wind stopped blowing. The moon and stars could be seen. The clouds were gone. It was a still, quiet night.

Jesus' friends were not afraid. They were amazed. They recognized that Jesus was the Son of God.

12. Show the children the picture of Jesus and the disciples in the boat. Talk about the picture. Perhaps the children live near a lake. Talk with them about how God cares for us at all times.

13. Sing: "God Takes Care of me, I Know"

14. Pray, thanking God for taking care of us.

Lesson 8

WHEN CAPTAIN NAAMAN WAS SICK

PREPARING THE LESSON AT HOME:

Lesson Emphasis: God cares for us when we are sick.

Bible Verse to Learn: "The Lord is good" (Psalms 34:8).

Songs: "Jesus Helped the Sick" "God Takes Care of Me, I Know" "I Like to Go to Church"

Picture to Use: Number 8

Bible Lesson For The Teacher To Study At Home: 2 Kings 5:1-19.

God loves everyone. He cares for the health of people. When we are sick, God helps us to be well. He wants us to be strong.

In 2 Kings 5:1-19 we read that Naaman was a captain in the army of the King of Syria. He had helped to make raids against Israel. He was a very good soldier. Then, he became sick with leprosy.

Leprosy was a bad disease. In Syria lepers were not forced to live away from people. However, Naaman was very sick. Read more about leprosy in Leviticus 13.

Naaman had a slave girl from Israel. Her parents had taught her about God. She knew of Elisha, a prophet of God. She believed Elisha could heal Naaman. She told Naaman about the prophet. It was God who healed Naaman. God used the slave girl and Elisha to help him. These days God uses doctors and nurses to help people. It is still God who heals.

TEACHING THE LESSON:

1 . Welcome the children as they come.

2. Sing: "Jesus Helps the Sick"

3. Pray: Thank God for helping those who are sick.

4. Ask one child to hold the offering basket. The others can come and give their offerings while singing: "I Like to Go to Church."

5. Call each name and mark the book for those present. 6. Talk with the children about times when they were sick. Ask, "Who helped you? Did you go to a clinic. Have you been in hospital? Did you take medicine?" Give time for the children to answer each question.

Let the children act out helping. One child can be the sick one, lying on a mat. Let others "help" by bringing water, medicine, etc.

7. Open your Bible to 2 Kings 5:1-19 and tell the story:

WHEN CAPTAIN NAAMAN WAS SICK

Captain Naaman was the leader of a big army. He had much power, but he was a sick man. He had sores on his arms and on his legs. He had sores all over his body.

Naaman had a slave girl in his house. She helped his wife with the work. The slave girl knew that Naaman was sick.

Naaman's wife said, "My husband is very sick. The doctors can not help him."

"God can help him," the slave girl said. "If Naaman could go to the prophet Elisha, he would help him. Elisha lives in Samaria. He would ask God to heal Naaman,"

Naaman's wife went quickly to her husband. She told him what the slave girl had said. Naaman answered, "I will go to Samaria. I will see Elisha. Perhaps he will be able to help me."

Naaman's helpers brought his horse. He quickly began his trip to Samaria.

Elisha heard that Naaman was coming to Samaria. He knew that Naaman was a sick man. Elisha sent his servant to tell Naaman what to do.

"Tell Naaman to go to the Jordan River. Tell him to bathe in the river seven times. And God will make him well," Elisha said.

The servant went to Naaman. He told him what Elisha said. 'No," Naaman said, "I will not bathe in that river. I will return home."

Naaman and his helpers started to return home. They came to the Jordan River. One of the helpers said to Naaman, "The prophet Elisha has told you an easy thing to do. Bathe in the river seven times. That is not hard."

So, Naaman went into the river. He bathed one time, two times, three, four, five, six. Then he bathed a seventh time. The sores were all gone. His skin was smooth. God had healed Naaman. The slave girl helped her master by telling him about the prophet.

8. Game: Let the children pretend to be Naaman. They pretend to go into the river and dip seven times. Count as the children squat seven times. Play this game several times.

9. Let a child open the Bible to a marker placed at Psalms 34:8. Read the verse: "The Lord is good." Say the verse together.

10. Sing: "God Takes Care of Me, I Know"

11. Show picture #8 and talk about what Naaman is doing. Ask the children if it was easy for Naaman to obey Elisha. Ask, "Who makes us well? Is it the medicine, the sisters, the doctors?" Help the children to see that God makes us well.

12. Pray, thanking God for taking care of us when we are sick.

Lesson 9

GOOD FOOD FOR DANIEL

PREPARING THE LESSON AT HOME:

Lesson Emphasis: God Wants Children to grow Bible Verse to Learn "And the child grew" (Luke 2:40).

Song: "I Can Grow"

Picture to Use: Number 9 Bible Lesson For The Teacher To Study At Home: Daniel 1.

Daniel is a short book of only twelve chapters. This story of Daniel is used to encourage children to eat proper food.

Daniel and his friends were captured and taken to a strange land. There are two important things that we learn about Daniel and his friends. First, they had been taught well at home. Second, they had courage to do what was right.

Daniel had been taught by his parents to worship God. He had been taught that certain foods were not to be eaten. (Read Leviticus 11.) To eat these foods would be to disobey God.

Daniel and his friends decided not to eat the rich food and wines from the king's table. They asked to have vegetables and water for ten days. They had good health. The king saw that Daniel and his friends looked better than the, other boys. So, they served the king and were given the most important work to do.

TEACHING THE LESSON:

1. Welcome the children as they arrive.

2. Offering: As the children put their money in the basket, say, "As we grow bigger, we learn to help others. Our offerings will be used by the church to help other people."

3. Call each name and put a tick by those present.

4. Tell the children, "God has given us our bodies. We run and play. We can hear and talk. We can sing. Let us sing a new song."

Tell the children to stand in a circle. Put one arm in front. Sing, "Put your hand in, put your hand out." (Child puts hand outside the circle or at his back.) "Put your hand in and shake it all about." (Child puts hand in front and shakes it.) Continue with "Put your foot in, put your foot out, put your foot in and shake it all about." Next sing, "Put your body in." (Child takes a step in, then out.)

After playing the game, tell the children to sit down and be very quiet.

5. Pray, "Thank you, God, for our bodies. Thank you for legs and feet to run and play. Thank you for hands to use. Thank you, God."

6. Say, "The Bible tells us that Jesus grew as a little boy. Luke 2:40 says, 'And the child grew.' He ate good food and became big and strong. Let us say that verse."

7. Open your Bible to Daniel I and tell the story:

GOOD FOOD FOR DANIEL

The King of Babylon wanted special helpers. He wanted strong helpers. He wanted wise helpers. One day the king called his servant. He said, "Choose the best boys in the country. Bring them to live in my house. I want my helpers to be big and strong. Feed them well, and give them drinks."

One youth, named Daniel, was chosen to serve the king. His three friends were also chosen. They lived in the house of the king.

At mealtime the servant. brought food to the boys. Daniel looked at the food he was given. He looked at the drink. Daniel said to the servant, "We cannot eat this food. This food and drink are not good for use. Please let us eat vegetables. Can we have water rather than wine?"

The servant was angry. "The king told me to give you good food and drink. You must eat this or the king will be angry."

Daniel said, "Let us eat vegetables and water for ten days. You will see that we are stronger than the other boys."

Every day Daniel and his friends ate vegetables. Everyday they drank water. Ten days passed.

Daniel and his friends stood before the king's servant. The servant said, "You and your friends are very healthy. You are stronger than the other boys. You skin is smooth. Vegetables and water make boys grow. You will be good helpers for the king."

8. Talk with the children about how Daniel took care of his body. What food did he eat? Vegetables, fruit, milk, peanuts, beans, etc.

9. Describe a food and let the children guess what it is. You might describe milk like this: "I am thinking of something you drink. You need to drink it every day. It helps you have strong bones and teeth. It is white. What is it?"

10. Sing: "I Can Grow"

11. Pray, "Thank you, God, for our bodies."

Lesson 10

HOW THE WALL WAS BUILT

PREPARING THE LESSON AT HOME:

Lesson Emphasis: As children grow, they can help others.

Bible Verse to Learn: "Work with your hands" (I Thessalonians 4:11).

Songs: "A Helper I Will Be" "The Happy Way"

Picture to Use: #10

Bible Lesson For The Teacher To Study At Home: Nehemiah 1:1-6:16

Nehemiah was a relative of captives who were brought to Babylon when Jerusalem was destroyed more than 100 years earlier. Persia ruled Babylon.

Nehemiah was a servant of the king. It was his duty to fill the king's wine cup and give it to him. This was an important job.

Men from Judah visited Nehemiah. They told him that the city walls had been broken down. The gates had been burned. Nehemiah asked permission to return to Jerusalem and help rebuild the walls. The king agreed, and Nehemiah went to Jerusalem. Enemies heard about the work. They planned to attack the Jews. They did not want the walls to be rebuilt. When Nehemiah heard of their plan, he gave weapons to the workers. Some workers guarded while others worked. They continued to build the walls. The work was finished in 52 days.

The truth in this lesson which children can understand is that God plans for people to work together.

TEACHING THE LESSON:

1. Welcome the children as they arrive.

2. Sing: "The Happy Way"

3. As the children put their offerings in the basket you might say, "I'm glad you brought your offering today. Your money helps buy things for us to use at Church."

4. Pray: "Thank you, God, for these gifts."

5. Call each name from the book and mark those present.

6. Try to lift a heavy table or bench by putting your hands under the edge. (You cannot do it.) Ask a child to come and help. Both of you place your hands under the side and lift.

Continue asking children to come and help until you are able to lift it. Say, "By working together we are able to do this. One could not do it alone."

7. Sing: "A Helper I Will Be"

8. Ask, "Do you know a Bible verse about working? I Thessalonians 4:11 says, 'Work with your hands'. What kind of work can we do? The Bible tells us about some mothers, fathers and children who worked together."

9. Open your Bible to Nehemiah and tell the story:

HOW THE WALL WAS BUILT

One day a friend came to see Nehemiah. "Do you remember the walls that surround Jerusalem? Do you remember the big gates that kept our enemies outside?" he asked.

"Yes, I remember." Nehemiah said.

"Now the gates are burned and the wall has been broken down," the friend said. "Enemies come into the city every day."

Nehemiah was sad. He asked God for help. One day Nehemiah was with the king. "Why are you sad, Nehemiah? What is troubling you?" the king asked.

"The walls of Jerusalem are broken, also the gates," Nehemiah told the king. "It is not good for this to happen."

"What do you want to do?" the king asked.

"I want to build again the walls and gates. I need money to buy rock and materials," Nehemiah said.

"I will give you money but you will not be able to build it yourself," the king said.

"I will find people to help me," said Nehemiah.

Nehemiah hurried to Jerusalem. He asked, "Who will help me to build the walls and repair the gates?"

"I will help," one man answered.

Another said, "I will help, too. I can work."

Soon many people began to build the walls. Sometimes the men became very tired. They wanted to leave the work. But Nehemiah encouraged them to go on with the work. "We cannot finish the work if some leave," Nehemiah said. "We must all work even if we are tired."

The people worked ten days. They worked twenty days and even fifty days. Finally after fifty-two days the work was finished.

They looked at the walls and gates. They were very happy. They had worked very hard. Nehemiah said, "Thank you all. We have built the wall and the gates because everyone worked together."

10. Sing: "A Helper I Will Be"

11. Show picture# 10 and ask questions about the story.

12. Pray: "Thank you, God, for work we can do together."

Lesson 11

A BOYS LUNCH

PREPARING THE LESSON AT HOME:

Lesson Emphasis: All children can share.

Bible Verse to Learn: "Love one another" (I John 4:7).

Songs: "The Happy Way" "A Helper I Will Be" "Help Me to Be Kind"

Picture to Use: Number 11

Bible Lesson For The Teacher To Study At Home: Matthew 14:15-2 1; John 6: 1-13.

This is a familiar story. The little boy had some food. He had five pieces of barley bread and two small fish. Barley bread was the cheapest bread. The food was enough for one child.

Jesus took this food and fed many people. Matthew says that 5000 men besides women and children were fed. This was a miracle.

Miracles had a purpose other than meeting the needs of the people. They were signs to teach the people who Jesus was.

The little boy was willing to share his food. Jesus used it to teach the people.

Children learn to share by seeing others share. The children in your class will also learn to share by sharing.

TEACHING THE LESSON:

1. Always arrive early so that you can greet every child.

2. Sing: "The Happy Way"

3. Call each name and put a tick by the name of those attending.

4. Prayer: "Thank you, God, for food to eat. Thank you for giving us the things we need."

5. Say, "Our lesson today is about a little boy who helped Jesus."

Open your Bible to Matthew 14 and tell the story: A BOY'S LUNCH One day a little boy was walking on the road. He had a basket in his hand. His food was in the basket.

The boy saw a crowd of people, He saw fathers and mothers. He saw boys and girls, also. They were all listening to Jesus. Jesus was teaching them about God's love.

The boy saw Jesus sitting on a rock. He sat down and listened to Jesus. He soon felt hungry. He remembered the food in his basket. He took out the food.

Then, he heard Jesus talking to his helper, Philip. "The people are hungry," Jesus said. "We can not send them home without food. We must feed them."

Philip said, "There are many people here. We cannot buy food enough for everyone."

The boy thought about the food he had. It was only enough for one person. But he could share it with Jesus. He ran to Andrew, one of the helpers. He said, "I will share my food. I have bread and fish."

Andrew laughed a little. He saw that the bread and fish were enough for only one small boy. But he took the food to Jesus. He said, "Jesus, this boy has some food. He has bread and fish. But this is not enough for all these people."

Jesus told him, "Tell the people to sit down." He took the bread and fish. He prayed, "Thank you, God, for this bread and fish."

Jesus divided the food. He told his helpers to give everyone some food.

Everyone ate as much as he wanted. Finally the helpers gathered up the food that was left.

'Me boy ran home. He was very happy. He had shared his food with Jesus. Jesus had fed many people with it.

6. Now break into small pieces the bread you have brought, and share with each child. Let one child thank God before eating.

7. Sing: "Help Me to Be Kind"

8. Choose a child to open the Bible to I John 4:7. (Mark it early with a piece of paper). Read the words. Let each child say the verse to another child.

9. Say, "Another way we can share is by bringing our offerings." Thank God for the offering. Let one child hold the basket while others put in their gifts.

10. Sing: "A Helper I Will Be"

11. Show the picture of the boy with his lunch (#11). Ask, "Do you think Jesus would have been pleased if the boy had kept his food? What did the boy have in his basket? Were the people happy? Why did the boy share his food? (He loved Jesus.) "What are some things we can share today?"

12. Prayer: "Thank you, God, for friends. Thank you for food. Thank you for loving me."

Lesson 12

DAVID AND THE CRIPPLED MAN

PREPARING THE LESSON AT HOME:

Lesson Emphasis: Children can be kind to others.

Bible Verse to Learn: "Be kind to one another" (Ephesians 4:32).

Songs: "Help Me to Be Kind" "The Happy Way"

Bible Lesson For The Teacher To Study At Home: 2 Samuel 9.

In this story the children will recognize that David was kind to Mephibosheth. The purpose of this lesson is to teach the children to be kind to others.

When David and Jonathan were young, they were friends. King Saul was Jonathan's father. The king was jealous of David; he tried to kill David. Jonathan and David promised to be friends always. David promised to be Jonathan's friend and a friend of his children, also.

Later King Saul and Jonathan were killed in a war. David was very sad. When he became king, he remembered his promise to Jonathan.

David knew that Jonathan had a son. His name was Mephibosheth. He was lame in both feet. He could not walk.

David sent for Mephibosheth to come to the palace. David was very kind to him. He gave him all the lands of his grandfather, Saul. He invited Mephibosheth to eat at his table for the rest of his life.

TEACHING THE LESSON:

1. Welcome the children. Call them by name and talk to them.

2. Sing: "The Happy Way"

3. Pray: "Thank you, God, for friends. Thank you for the church and for all your blessings to us."

4. Offering: Sing "The Happy Way" as children bring their offerings.

5. Call the name of each child and mark those present.

6. Tell the children that the Bible verse for today says, "Be kind to one another." Explain that you are going to act out a kind deed. Act as if you are hoeing a field. Ask, "What am I doing?" Then let others act out kind deeds: Carrying water, washing dishes, sweeping the floor, etc. These actions are kind because they help other people.

7. Say, "Our story is about King David. It tells us what David did that was kind." Open your Bible to 2 Samuel and tell the story:

DAVID AND THE CRIPPLED MAN

King David was sitting in his big house. He remembered when he was a youth. He had a friend whose name was Jonathan. They hunted together. They sang together. They were friends.

King David called his servants. He asked, "Where are the family of Jonathan? Can you help me find them?"

One servant said, "Jonathan had one son. He was hurt when he was a little boy. Now he is lame. His name is Mephibosheth."

"Where does he live?" David asked.

"He doesn't have a house of his own He lives with a friend," the servant said.

"Bring Mephibosheth to me. I want to help him," David replied.

The servant went to Mephibosheth and his family. He brought them to see the king. David saw that Mephibosheth was lame in both feet.

"Don't be afraid," David said. "Your father and I were friends. He helped me many times. I want to be your friend. I want to be kind to you."

When Mephibosheth heard David, he was no longer afraid.

David said, "Come and live with me. Bring your family with you. You can eat with me every day."

"Thank you, King David. I am happy that you are my friend. I am happy that you are kind."

8. Sing: "Help Me to Be Kind"

9. Prayer: "Thank you, Jesus, for being my friend. Thank you for my teacher who is kind to me."

10. Show the picture of David and Mephibosheth. (#12). Ask, "Who was David?" (The King of Israel.) "Who was Mephibosheth? (Son of Jonathan.) "How did David help him?" Let the children name ways David helped the crippled man. Yes, David was kind to Mephibosheth. Can you name some ways we can be kind to other people? Help the children name things they can do to help others. Say, "Let us do a kind deed for someone. What will you do today? Remember that our mothers and fathers need our help every day."

11. Sing: "Help Me to Be Kind"

12. Ask a child to pray, asking God to help us be kind.

Lesson 13

THE GOOD SAMARITAN

PREPARING THE LESSON AT HOME:

Lesson Emphasis: Children can help others.

Bible Verse to Learn: "Everyone helps his neighbor" (Isaiah 41:6).

Songs: "The Happy Way" "A Helper I Will Be"

Bible Lesson For The Teacher To Study At Home: Luke 10:30-37.

The truth that should be stressed is that the Samaritan was one who helped others.

A certain man, who was a Jew, was travelling from Jerusalem to Jericho.

This was a dangerous road. Robbers often hid in the caves and rocks near the road. The man was attacked by robbers. They beat him and took his clothes. He lay beside the road almost dead.

Three men passed the accident. The first was a priest. His work was to serve God. He looked at the man and hurried past.

The next man who came by was a Levite. He was a leader in the church. But he was afraid to stop. He did not help the hurt man.

The third man was from Samaria. The Jews did not like the Samaritans. Yet this man helped the wounded Jew.

Jesus used this story to teach a lawyer that he was to be a good neighbor to others. Jesus commanded the lawyer to go and be kind as the Samaritan had been to the beaten man.

TEACHING THE LESSON:

1. Welcome the children as they come and let them help you prepare the room.

2. Sing: "A Helper I Will Be"

3. Prayer: "Thank you, God, for our church. Thank you for the sun (or rain). Help us to learn more about you."

4. As the children give their offerings, say, "We can help our church when we give our offerings. We can buy Sunday School books, benches and hymn books."

5. Call each name and make a tick for those present. Recognize those who have attended every Sunday for three months.

6. Sing, "This is the way I sweep the floor, sweep the floor, sweep the floor. This is the way I sweep the floor every Sunday morning. "Do the action as you sing. Other verses" "This is the way I dust the chair; I wash my face and I walk to church." (Use any tune you want.)

7. Ask, "Did someone help you this morning? Who made tea for you? Who walked with you to church?" Help the children to understand that others helped them,

8. Our lesson today is about a helper. Open your Bible to Luke 10 and tell the story:

THE GOOD SAMARITAN

One day a man was travelling from Jerusalem to Jericho. He had walked a long way. Soon it would be dark, so he walked faster. He knew that the road was not safe. He had been told that robbers were often hiding in the rocks. As he hurried along, some men jumped from behind a large rock. They beat the traveler. They took his money and clothes. They left him on the road.

He was wounded and almost dead. He heard someone walking. He thought, "Someone is coming. This man will help me." But the man did not stop. He walked quickly past. He was a priest. He had work to do in Jericho.

After some time the wounded man heard someone else coming. He said to himself, "Someone is coming. He will surely help me." But this man did not stop. He was afraid he would be robbed. He walked on the other side of the road.

It was dark. The wounded man heard, "Klip, klop, klip, klop." It sounded like a donkey. "Maybe someone will help me," he thought.

The wounded man heard a voice, "I will help you." The stranger stopped. He put medicine on the wounds of the hurt man. He tied up the cuts.

Then the man from Samaria put the wounded man on his donkey. They went to a hotel. There they rested and ate some food.

The next morning, the man from Samaria had to continue his trip. He gave the hotel keeper orders. He told him to care for the wounded man until he was well. He left money to pay for the help.

9. Tell the children, "The Bible says, 'Everyone helps his neighbor.' That is what God wants us to do. Let us all say the verse."

10. Sing: "A Helper I Will Be"

11. Ask, "How many of you did a kind deed during this week?" Let the children tell what they did. Encourage them to help people next week.

12. Pray: Thank God for letting us help one another.

13. Sing: "The Happy Way"